A/N: Here is my newest chapter. Hope you all enjoy it. It's shorter than normal but I REAAAALLY had to strech it to make it this long. It contains one of the turning points of this story (guess what?XD).

A/N: I have a problem. Long have I thought of a plot twist to come (shocking happenings) and in the next chapter it should happen. I... just dont know if I want to do it. It will have a lot effect into the plot, the way next chapter goes. Goosh! Guess it will be my headache. Thank you.

Enjoy and remember to review!

Chapter 10: Kings blood colours the Fox

The next day, Naruto and Sai walked up from the dojo. He was stretching and grinning happily. "Damn, it hurts. Did you have to be so rough?"

"If you had moved in time my attack would have missed completely." Sai answered with a hint of smug in his voice. "Even after all this time, you're still slow and transparent as always."

Naruto watched into his eyes. "You should practice that with someone else." He grinned. "You know that you can't mess with my head."

"That's not true." Sai answered. "If I haven't yet succeeded, that doesn't mean it's impossible. It just means I haven't yet succeeded."

"What we do now?"

"I have a meeting with Danzo-sama and other Roots." Sai answered. "Will Taichou-san be joining us?"

Naruto snorted. "I think I pass. I haven't yet even understood what that title means. All I have done is written my name in few documents and now all Roots call me 'Taichou'. And most of the adults too." Even though adults were only joking, what kids didn't understand. Sai and Naruto parted ways.

Naruto thought that it would be perfect chance to enjoy some tea. So he walked to roof and to patio. He had already dressed in dark blue hakama (A/N: think some samurai mixed with Hyuuga dressed casually), those were his 'casual' clothes. He had three set of ninja clothes for missions, three 'casual' hakama and kimono sets and a t-shirt which was getting too small and exercise pants which were almost completely wore out. He wore his hair on a bun tiding it up with his hair pin with Uzumaki symbol. Inside his robes his carried a paper bag full of lollipops.

He arrived to the roof and entered to Tantas garden. Among other feminine arts like playing shamisen, tea ceremonies he had also taken liking in gardening. It was surprisingly relaxing when you dig your hands in warm soil. He was actually jealous of Tenzos Mokutons skills. When he was younger and was just learning about special abilities such as bloodline limits he had asked if how such skills were attainable. It had been long discussion how some people were born with some special abilities (or forced through medical hell to gain that ability) and others just didn't. Then it took another long discussion to explain why he couldn't go through 'medical hell' to gain mokuton or other.

He found Tanta boiling some tea. Her mental distress was showing sings outward. Her appearance was perfect as always but some little things were wrong. Stray hair pointing outwards. Big bags under her eyes. Knots keeping her kimono in order were wrong. Something that only a person who was trained for perfection in appearance would notice. Yet her actions were strong and firm as always.

"Hello Naruto-kun." She greeted. Her manners were normal and her voice strong. To others she appeared be coping with her divorce strongly but to Naruto, living polygraph knew there was something bothering her. Of course he didn't realize it was depression but thought it was a headache. So he was polite and didn't mention faults.

"Hello Tanta-san." Naruto sat down to patio. She served tea.

"How are you doing? How is life treating you?" She asked after a while.

"Fine." Naruto answered. "Im having fun with Sai and others. How are you doing? Others seem very worried of you."

"Really? Well, tell them that there is no reason to be worried of me. Im doing just fine. Thank you." Tanta smiled.

"Why are you lying again?" Naruto asked curiosly.

Tanta smiled. "You should remember that when a person is lying, he always has a reason."

"A reason?"

"Yes. And maybe it's not always best to reveal that you have noticed it." Tanta smirked slightly. "Let liar himself to reveal why he is lying." She winked.

Naruto was confused but decided to agree and nodded.

"Did you know that Tenten had got into first place with her science project?"

"Really?" Naruto asked.

"… you have no idea what it means, do you?"

"No." He shook his head.

"It's homework from school. You pick a subject of your liking and then create something similar. Like a trap which launches after certain time." Tanta explained. "And teacher grades them. Simple."

"And your daughter… got best grade?" Naruto asked.

"Yes. It's a contest of sort. Best work is rewarded." She took a sip. "Tenten-chans project was self-made kunai set. Her teacher was amazed. Even best student of her class couldn't match for that."

"Self-made kunai set?"

"Yes. My hu-ex-husband is a blacksmith. We both specialized in kenjutsu so we thought we were a perfect couple." She snorted. "Like there is one." She glanced to Naruto. "Naruto… you should thank gods for taking away your emotions. Those just make you weak. Never make unnecessary relationships. When they break, you will only get hurt." Her voice was bitter and eyes ready to fill from tears.

Naruto didn't understand half of what she had said but nodded like always in that kind of situation.

"Sorry." She whispered suddenly. "I… just don't get enough sleep lately."

Hana rushed to a scene. "Good I found you! We have a situation!"

"What is it?" Both Tanta and Naruto stood up.

"Number of missing-nins has ambushed our team not too far from here." Red haired woman said. "We must gather a team. Tanta-san, you're in. Naruto-kun, Sai will be coming too but we cannot let you go out of the village just yet. We need you to do the patrolling with the rest who remain here. Can you do that?"

Naruto nodded.

"We also need Itachi-kun but we cannot contact him. Go and find him. Think it as a final exam. If you can find Itachi-kun and get back without being noticed, we reduce your escort and your responsibilities will rise. Okay?" Hana gulped silently. She what was coming.

"Leave it to me! Dattebayo!" Naruto smirked widely.

Both adults blinked. "Dattebayo?" They repeated. "What you mean? Of course we believe you."

"I read this comic where a hero of the story constantly said: dattebayo in the end of his sentence." Naruto explained smiling sheepishly while scratching back of his head. "He dressed in orange jump suit and was pretending being a samurai. It's called 'Saruto'". Do you like it?"

Hana lowered herself to his level. "If you promise never to use that sentence ever again, I will bring ramen when I get back."

"Really?" Narutos eyes sparkled.

"But now is not the time. There's a team and we need to get ready. Naruto-kun, but on your gear and get Itachi-kun back and tell him to meet us at the west gate. Give him supplies for a week long trip. We don't know how long it will take."

Naruto nodded and run away.

Quickly putting his suit on, he rushed out of the main gate and started to head towards the Uchiha district. He deduced that it would be his best shot finding him. Fox arrived at the Uchiha districts gate. Because Uchiha was the strongest and the oldest clan in the village, even ANBU weren't allowed to enter without and a direct order or if it was an emergency, without showing their IDs at the Uchiha districts gate. So he jumped to small side street and unsealed his cape.

In his cape, Fox walked to the gate. Guards seized him like always. "What're you doing here, kiddo? This is Uchiha district?" Friendly Uchiha asked happily. "Are you lost?" Then Fox turned his head up so his mask was visible. "Y-you're that Fox?" Man was startled and backed away a step. He tried to recover quickly. "Purpose of visit?"

Fox raised his hands and quickly hand signed his purpose. He used Konohas common hand talk which was much more commonly known than the ANBU hand sings. He signed: "Uchiha Itachi is needed. Let me through!"

"ID?" Chunin guard asked grimly.

Fox sighed inwardly. He was an ANBU and he was asked ID? Old man was going to hear of this! Of course for ANBU there was a password to use. "Black tomoe in your eyes makes you strong." He singed and scowled behind his mask. Who ever made this week's password was a clear suck-up!

Uchiha chunin nodded and stand aside. Fox run through his hands on his sides.

He ignored half curious half angry looks he received from dozens of Uchihas and headed towards Itachis home.

When he arrived there was very strange scene opening before his eyes. He jumped behind the corner and from there to roof and concealed his presence. Just to be sure he reached for his weapons. Uchiha Itachi was talking about something to three other Uchihas who were lying on the ground. His ears couldn't make everything of it. He heard only glimpses of the conversation like 'The clan, the clan', 'lie beaten here' 'Shisui was told', 'you thinking' and 'It it foolish to fear'. (A/N: for complete sentences, go to .com/Naruto/222/01) To Fox it didn't make any sense. But if those three decided to pick a fight with Itachi, he would back him up.

New figure entered the scene. Man who Fox recognized being Itachis father demanded him to stop. He entered the conversation. Then something completely unexpected happened. Itachi drew a kunai out of his pocket and threw it directly at Uchiha crest in the wall. Kunai punctured deep creating a hole. Next thing Fox heard clearly: 'Of my capacity… I've lost my hope for this pathetic clan.' Fox didn't understand at all. It was all so confusing. His head started to hurt. Why is it always like this? When he finds something what he can't understand, his head starts to hurt. He blinked trying to ignore the pain.

While he was regaining his concentration, Uchihas had started to move. They formed to single line in front of Itachi demanding their clan head to allow them to arrest him.

"Stop, aniki!" Sasuke Uchihas voice screams over the thick silence. Then suddenly Itachi knelt. What was up with that but it seemed calming others down. He remembered something of etiquette classes that bowing was a sing of respect and trust or something like that.

While Itachi lied there on his kneels his father spoke up. "Come out already! I know you're there, ANBU!"

Fox narrowed his eyes but decided it was better to comply for now. He jumped to street startling the three Uchihas and Sasuke who was standing in a hallway. Itachi hadn't yet raised his eyes from the ground. "Can you tell me, why there is an ANBU lurking around my house, Fox-taichou?" Fugaku Uchiha was sure to put certain disgust to his voice that showed what he thought of the Fox. He only raised his hands and singed. "Situation. Meeting place: West Gate. Time: immediate." He threw a sealing scroll to Itachi. He stood up silently. Fugaku was watching directly into Foxs eyehole who ignored him completely.

"Thank you, Fox-san. I'll be ready in two minutes." He said solemnly.

Fox nodded and turned away. But before he was completely turned, he saw Itachi using his Sharingan while glaring at his younger brother. Or was it a Sharingan at all? It seemed so different. Instead of three different tomoe, he had one big black mark to cover them all. He shrugged it of in his mind and headed back to base.

On his way he had an idea. It was practically breaking of rules but Fox felt like he could try it. He walked to a side street and watched around carefully. When no one was around he removed his cape and mask. Few minutes later, Naruto Uzumaki walked on main streets of Konoha dressed in his casual clothing, reddish brown hair and clan markings to cover his cheeks. Hana had thought him how to change himself if needed. So there he walked. For the first time in years, Naruto walked down the street alone. 'If anyone asks, I was paroling undercover.' He thought to himself.

It felt so frightening at first. To move along the crowds. People watching him curiosly. Children passing by. Before he knew it he was sucking a lollipop. There was even some group of kids who asked him to join in a game ninja. He passed by shaking his head politely. He was looking through shops to spend some time but never let down his guard. After all, he was 'patrolling'. There was a chance something might happen, and if it would turn out he was able to prevent that, he would have to do some serious explaining. Aunt Hana would definitely lecture him for good if she would ever found out that he was walking around the village alone.

He had found his way into a book store. It seemed that Icha Icha serious had gotten a new volume. Long line of men was standing behind the register holding that specific book. Among these men, there was a familiar 'face'.

"Naruto! Is that you? It's been a while." Kakashi greeted him smiling his one-eye-smile. "Or should I say, Naruto-taichou?" He whispered obviously grinning under his mask. "You beat even my own record coming a captain."

"Thank you." Naruto smiled. "Is that the new Icha Icha?"

"Oh why, yes it is!" Kakashi giggled pervertedally "You liked the first book of this serious, didn't you?"

"Yes. It's my favourite book. I just don't understand why Aunt Hana won't let me read sequels."

"You will understand when you're little older." Kakashi assured him. "How are the guys? Anything special?"

"Nothing really. Hakena and Shiyaku argue almost all the time, Chadao annoys Aunt Hana, Tenzo is played by everyone." Naruto answered.

"So everything is like before." Kakashi said quietly. "Sometimes I wonder if I should come back to the force. There I could didn't need to worry of my reputation." He sighed and silence fell between them.

Then Naruto remembered. "What were you doing in the Forest of Death with that civilian woman few months ago?"

Kakashi froze to his place. "W-what? I-I don't know what your talking about. Oh! Look at the time! Gotta go! See ya, Naruto!" He rushed out of the book shop.

Naruto shrugged by himself and wandered around the bookstore.

"Oh yeah!" Some kid screamed exited. "New chapter of Saruto Manga is out already! Im so buying this!"

"Are you sure you should waste your money on that?" A girl's voice asked. "It's only a stupid comic."

"What? Are you serious!?" Boy screamed back. "I have you known that comic and manga are two different things! And that Saruto isn't some stupid at all. It's the best manga ever!"

"What ever."

Naruto looked to his side where a group of kids were arguing about comics and mangas. There was a boy who seemed half sleep with a boy who was eating chips in a bookstore. Then there was a blond girl who was arguing with a boy with Inuzuka clan markings. He quickly remembered them being in the group of kids in Hokage Tower not too long ago.

"Okay then! Let's ask her then." The blond girl said angrily and suddenly appeared next to Naruto. "Hey there. What're you doing?"

Naruto taken by off guard turned smiling. "Hello. How can I help you?" The group of kids was standing behind him suddenly startled.

"You're a guy?" They screamed.

"What you mean? Of course Im a boy." Naruto asked confused and turned around his body. "Is there something wrong?" He asked watching at the group.

Blond girl was getting red of embarrassment. "If you're a boy then why you keep your hair in a bun like a girl? And why you keep addressing yourself like a girl? (A/N: to those who don't yet know, in Japanese language, there is two ways of speaking. Manly and feminine. For example men address themselves normally as 'ore' and women 'watashi'. Naruto uses feminine way of speaking for obvious reasons which is also more civilized manner of speaking. It's KIND of like addressing himself 'I' and then 'me'. Not the same of course) And you dress like a girl! Who are you anyway?"

Naruto watched confused (A/N: closed eyes, head little titled to a side and lips curled little downwards. "When asking ones name you should introduce yourself first."

Girl blushed more deeply for being so rude but before she could say anything, guy with an upwards ponytail stepped between them. "Sorry for the troublesome girl, Im Shikamaru. These are Chouji and Kiba and this is Ino."

"Hey/Yo." Boys greeted.

"Hello."

"But she is right." Kiba said suddenly. "From behind you really looked like a girl."

Naruto was bit confused.

"Kiba, don't be rude." Chouji scowled his friend. "Ino-chan just wanted to ask what you thought of 'Saruto' manga and is it better than 'Hana Yori Dango'?"

Naruto thought for a minute. "I think 'Saruto' is more humorous but 'Hana Yori Dango' is more… beautiful story. I really like how two characters end up together so… illogical way." He answered and turned back watching through books. "Or… is there something else you need?"

Kids watched each other before turning away. Frankly, they were freaked by his polite smile and way of speech. They returned back to manga section expect for one. Ino was little interested by his explanation.

"Where are you from?" She asked. "I haven't seen you around before."

"Im from outside of the village." Naruto answered the practiced speech. "My aunt has some business so I decided to take this chance and visit here."

"Is this your first time in our village?"

"No. I've been here before. My Aunt has frequent business here." Naruto flipped through a book of gardening. 'Tanta-san might like this…'

"I see… what are those things on your cheeks? Are they clan markings?"

"Yes." He smiled.

Ino nodded while checking him out. "That's a nice hair pin."

"Thank you." He thanked. "It belonged to my mother."

"Belonged?"

"She is dead." Naruto said without a shred of emotion in his voice.

Ino was curious. And when she was curious, nothing could stop her. She wanted to know more. Everything. From his birthday to blood type and favourite sweet. But she never had a chance to ask anymore questions.

"Naruto-kun! What are you doing here?" A man rushed into the scene. "You know you should not leave the hotel without an escort!" Chadao panted. "Your aunt would skin me if she would have known." He added with low voice. "Why are you here, anyway?"

"I was looking a gift for Tanta-san." He explained and held out the gardening book. "I thought that she could use something to cheer him up."

Chadao sighed. "You and your whims." Then he smiled. "Okay then. Let's go pay that at the register and get out of here."

Naruto nodded and turned around. "Good bye, Ino-san." He said politely.

"Isn't that Chad?" Ino heard one of the men in the line asking after two were gone. "Isn't he a captain in the ANBU? Why is he with that kid?"

"I don't know." Other man shrugged. "Do you think it was a mission? He had his armour on under his clothes."

First guy whistled lowly. "Kid has an ANBU captain as an escort. Must be some important kid."

Inos eyes went wide when she heard this. Next day she would tell everything to Sakura and to others. Boy must be some kind of prince! Yes that is! That explained why she hadn't heard of him before. And his dressing style and his well manners. And boy had an ANBU escorting him! An ANBU! Boy must AT LEAST a prince. She would need to ask more from her parents about those clan markings.

--

Naruto and Chadao were walking down the street, towards the base.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous this is? Do you understand what kind of trouble you will be if Hana-chan finds out?"

"But it was Aunt Hana who told me to do this." Naruto explained. "She after all told me to use this opportunity as a 'final exam'. What kind of exam this would be if I didn't do it alone?"

"But she hardly meant you to start wandering around the town in civilian clothing and flirt with girls of your age."

"What's a flirt?" Naruto asked.

"Huoooh!" Chadao screamed.

"Anyway, let's go eat some ramen." Naruto smirked. "Im hungry and you have a chance to treat me few bowls."

"What? When did I promise anything like that?"

"You didn't." His smirked got a 'foxy' aura. "But if you don't I will tell Aunt Hana who stole all her, Hakenas and several other female ANBUs panties half a year ago."

"You're as guilty as I am!" Man screamed and his skin paled.

Naruto got his most innocent impression he could think of. "'Like the time when Chadao-san asked me to bring all your panties from you drawer?'" Naruto smirked.

"You really are one devilish, manipulative kid. Did you know that?"

"I learnt from the best." Naruto laughed while they walked over to Ichirakus ramen.

Week went by and both incidents remained secrets. Mission to save some allies was success and most of the comrades were saved. Tanta thanked Naruto from his gift. Aunt Hana asked suspiciously where he had gotten it. Itachi had remained in solitude for most of the time. Then one night, Fox and Hyena were jumping across the rooftops scanning the village. Tanta, who they were covering up, was in hospital. She had little accident during the mission. Nothing serious but Hana had ordered her a full two weeks of recovery. From both physical and mental problems.

Night was quiet. Some drunks stumbling down at the street. Some kid running around in the dark. Couple teenagers making out on a roof. Nothing special. Expect…

"Hyena." Fox stopped on top of a lamppost. "Isn't it quiet?"

Hyena scanned around. "Yes."

"Do you think… something is missing?" Fox asked.

"Police." Hyena answered. "We haven't seen a single patrol at the west side of the village all night."

"West side is under Uchiha patrols." Fox confirmed. He remembered what Itachi had said him a week ago. "There's something going on at the Uchiha district. Let's go."

They rushed towards the Uchiha district. It was silent. Too silent. Here were no kids playing ninja in the dark. No teenagers making out. Not even single drunkards were visible. No lights in the windows. Then Hyena tapped his shoulder. In middle of the street.

"Bodies." Hyena whispered. They drew their weapons and walked closer to them. "Dead."

They walked around the corner where they stumbled to frightening sight. The whole street was full of bodies lying in pools of blood.

Both they were stunned. Who could have done this?

Fox pulled out a torch and broke its seal. They felt a flare of chakra. All chunin or higher ninjas would arrive soon. "Let's split up. Search survivors. Beware."

Hyena nodded and jumped inside a building kunai ready.

Fox was running at the main street when he heard a voice. It was that kid who had been running in the dark few moments ago. He was yelling to someone. Fox saw how the culprit took out the boy. He had turned his back towards Fox. He pulled out his weapons. He would need to approach carefully. The culprit was obviously strong and might have accomplishes with himself. He prepared to jump in.

Then the culprit turned around.

Fox let go of his gusaris. They dropped to ground making awful noise. "I-itachi-kun?" He whispered.

Itachi Uchiha was standing in front of him. Holding a kunai in his hand Sharingan activated. That strange Sharingan what he had seen earlier. "W-what is going on? Why are you here? Why did you attack that boy? What is going!?" Fox screamed from behind his mask.

"Im sorry you had to see this." Was all Itachi said and charged ahead and stabbed into Fox's chest. Mask fell of. Naruto was frightened. No, he was terrified. What was going on? He wanted a lollipop now! He needed a lollipop. He was so confused that he didn't even see his own hand swinging a kunai across Itachis chest. Blood landed to his face. Everything became red. Then it started to dark. Then he lost it.

"Fox! Fox! Are you alright?" He blinked his eyes. He had his mask on. Robin was watching down to him. "Are you alright?" She repeated the question.

"Where are we?"

"At the Uchiha district." Robin answered. "We answered to back-up call. We arrived and found what had happened and we became across to you. Who did this?"

Fox glanced around. He could feel dozens chakra signatures around him running around wildly. Both ANBU and jonin. "Fox."

"Itachi… Itachi Uchiha attacked me." Naruto whispered tears appearing behind his mask. "Why…"

Hana put him to sleep. She stood up and nodded to Hyena who was guarding him. "Take him back to the base."

Akahana answered to other ANBUs who wanted a confirmation. "Put a call on… Uchiha Itachi!"

Chapter END

C'mon people! Vote for me! I have a vote going on at the forums! Will Sai enter the academy? Votes are now 2-2. Unless one side gets ten (10) votes, it will be nullified and I will flip a coin of the decision. So you better vote if you want to story go to another way!