AN: The thought of Tsunade involving Sasuke into something very important never struck me until the last chapter. She is aware that Danzou can be considered a foe (in the manga Jirayai warns her of this) but I'm not following the manga too strictly. Guys I'm so sleep deprived I actually was all snappy to my whole family today. I should sleep more often *grabs a pillow* I promised a chapter 1-2 weeks but I had finals, had to get my cosplay things ready and convention activities ready too. I'm so excited for the Sasuke Arc coming up in the manga :D

Chapter 10:

Lies and Truth

The trip to the Uchiha Territory was taken in slow fragments with no hurry to arrive. Naruto used his traveling time to rehearse or at least come up with ideas of what he was going to say and act. He knew it was futile because he was unpredictable in the end by changing his plans according to the rhythm of Sasuke's words. Naruto saw his only option was to be himself and pretend nothing had changed between him and Sasuke. The blonde reached the infamous part of Konoha where the Uchiha clan lay isolated from the rest of the village. The mere thought provided a sense of nostalgia and old scars that his childhood left imprinted in his mind. The Uchihas had been feared too just like him. A weak smile twitched upon his face as he walked down the aisles of empty homes until reaching the largest one in the district.

An ANBU stood stiff until he saw Naruto and nodded. He knew Naruto was a friend of Sasuke's and Tsunade permitted Naruto entrance on his free days. He was hoping she hadn't declared his entrance blocked yet since the day she nominated him for Rokudaime. Naruto entered the home and removed his shoes as a custom and headed to search for Sasuke. It didn't take long for Sasuke had favorite spots in the house to isolate himself to. Naruto heard the creak of ancient wood under his feet as he stopped outside Sasuke's room. His palms were sweating of nervousness and heart pounding against chest.

He was afraid Sasuke was upset about last time. No, he, himself, was brooding over the fact Sasuke shared no romantic feelings. But it was ok right? If he chose to be the Rokudaime he'd have to hide his relationship anyway. It was better like this: one-sided love. Naruto knew though this wasn't what he wanted, it was his best choice. What if they got too involved? The village would definitely separate both males from their paths intertwining. Naruto pressed his hand to the sliding door and sighed. Nothing was easy.

"How long are you going to be waiting out there Usuratonkachi?" came the familiar cool voice. Naruto nearly had a heart attack at hearing Sasuke's voice from inside. There was no going back now. Naruto slid the door open regaining his composure quickly enough to replace it with a foolish grin. Sasuke was backed into a corner wearing a male kimono abandoning those horrid Orochimaru styled clothes. "Been a while."

"Yeah. Sakura-chan wouldn't keep badgering me about visiting. I was nearby and a visit sounded exciting," Naruto said staying a considerate distance from the raven. He hadn't seen Sasuke in days and now his heart was going out of control just by observing Sasuke relaxing in loose clothing.

"Enthusiasm is absent I see. If you are here because Sakura forced you to then you may leave," Sasuke said returning to his priority in relaxing. Naruto shuffled uncomfortably. It wasn't that he wasn't glad to visit Sasuke but when tons of bricks are weighed against your chest then breathing isn't possible. Rokudaime….Elders of Konoha…Sasuke…Akatsuki…Sakura-chan…everything was piling up. 'Something happened,' Sasuke thought. 'Of course he will act like a fool to mask it up.' Sure enough, Naruto mustered a lopsided grin.

"You get mad if I come in here with a ruckus. I want to start on good terms today," Naruto finally said taking a seat on next to Sasuke but kept his distance well away.

"That hasn't stopped you in the past Usuratonkachi," Sasuke said glancing upwards. Naruto folded his arms defensively.

"And I won't leave," Naruto added stubbornly.

"Whatever, do as you like," Sasuke replied indifferently. Their small talk hushed up settling a shift in moods. Naruto focused on the window across from him where the blinds were drawn to block out any access of sunlight. He had a strong temptation to open them but he knew Sasuke would chastise him for it. Naruto instead hugged his knees his mind wondering whether to make small talk or not. He decided this silence was unsettling and he stared straight ahead.

"Hey Sasuke," Naruto began with uncertainty.

"Hn."

"How are you feeling?" Naruto asked unsure of what to really say. Part of him wanted to know what Sasuke almost said that day Sakura barged in but the other half wanted to stay oblivious. He focused on Sasuke's health because he knew the raven would never truly bring up the subject or want discuss it either.

"I catch a measly fever and it's the end of the world for you," Sasuke answered. Naruto grumbled at how the man took limited care in his own health. Thanks to the demon fox resting inside him like a leech, Naruto rarely experienced sickness. Aside from the health issue, Sasuke was struggling for his brother's death and anyone could see that. "Well enough to care for myself." Both them were strained from avoiding their heated discussion from the previous encounter. Naruto had so much to say but there was the piece of him who wanted to keep his problems bottled up. He couldn't admit Tsunade's offer and he wasn't entirely convinced how to warn Sasuke of the Elders. What would Sasuke say? Something like: "That has no affect on me."

"I see…" Naruto thought of Rikaku, Sasuke had mentioned something about avenging or had that been because of anger in killing Itachi? "The plan also became too easy. I had several chances to extinguish your life without raising any attention but I realized how quick the task would be. Instead I want to see you suffering the worst pain imaginable. You're one of the last people I must eliminate to complete my vow as an avenger then it's Sakura, and so on until I crush the damn Elders of Konoha who sat behind the scenes pulling the strings…"

"Sasuke…"

"What?"

"What did you mean by revenge on Konoha and the Elders?" Naruto drew circles with his fingers on the patches of wood. Sasuke turned to the blonde formulating a tight fist. Another horrible quality of Naruto, Sasuke always found irritating was the boy never forgot anything. "Why did you change your mind?"

"What's with this Usuratonkachi? The past is the past there's no need to roam around it," Sasuke said with no note of any kind of emotion. He'd been so furious at Rikaku he sought out his own methods without thinking of the consequences. Now the dobe was trying to blow his cover away. He now held a position for the Fifth to investigate those damned old Elders and Danzou. Tsunade didn't want Naruto to know and Sasuke didn't either for it might complicate his true mission. Naruto apparently wasn't going to be satisfied with a stupid statement.

First the blonde hesitated to go on but gained confidence. "Baa-chan said the Elders might use you. They sometime come here often without Granny knowing don't they?" Sasuke could feel the intense stare coming from behind. Oh Naruto was talking about a completely different idea other than the true history of Konoha. Sasuke doubted from the start the pesky Hokage would ever inform Naruto of the real side of Konoha. He could definitely use Naruto if the blonde was as protective over him as he is now. Sasuke had no intention admitting Tsunade personally came here.

"If I say 'yes' what will you do? Itachi is gone what more do I have to live for? Revenge is something I said to accept his death. Living here is temporary so they may do as they like with me," Sasuke said wrapping the lie quite nicely. It was necessary to elaborate to fool Naruto further. Naruto gritted his teeth annoyed that Sasuke didn't care about anything anymore. All the bastard wanted was his own death to join Itachi?! He got up towering over the Uchiha in anger.

"Then I have a reason to stay here and keep them away from you! Why…why don't you care about your life? Was it all just to kill Itachi? You said you would stay in Konoha if I promised you that new 'bond'," Naruto said losing himself to his crazed emotions. "I don't want you to die." The tan hands were trembling as he fell next to floor and touched the pale face. Sasuke sat still without demonstrating signs of ever hearing Naruto in the first place. He let his draping black bangs cover his face.

"You know nothing Naruto. I never promised I'd stay forever. As for our bond you don't like it in the first place so you can forget about it," Sasuke said pushing Naruto's hand off of him. The boy didn't give up though he wrapped his arms around Sasuke.

"What don't I understand?! If you don't tell me, I don't know what you mean Sasuke. If you leave me I'll just go find you and bring you back again! I don't want to forget our bonds even if they seem obscene."

"Usuratonkachi let go."

"No. Last time I asked what I mean to you and you said nothing. But I care. So tell me what I am to you Sasuke." Sasuke wanted to release himself from Naruto but something kept him from leaving. It was a foolish question that he needn't answer for the sake of the blonde but he was wracking his brain for a reason. More surprising was the dramatic reactions Naruto was showing and why he had been so distant until now.

Sasuke leaned in closer for his mouth to brush against Naruto's left ear. "You pay attention to the need of others and not your own. Yet you selfishly have ignored mine for the sake of your happiness. Ah what's that look for? There is no need to regret what you so desire so what is it you want from me Naruto?" The boy shuddered as warm breath tickled his ear and Sasuke's voice echoed in his ear.

'Everything...'

"You, just you Sasuke," Naruto said before seperating himself from Sasuke. He laughed nervously shaking away the intiment moment between them. "Sounds weird doesn't? Forget I said it." Naruto slowly rose up ready to leave knowing Sasuke had no interest in him. Sasuke grabebd him by the collar pressing his chin on Naruto's shoulder.

"Usuratonkachi when you say something, don't take it back," Sasuke said against the nape of his neck. Naruto did not struggle against the immediate dominance Sasuke had. No he had nothing to complain about. They both wanted to seek an answer for themselves and wanted to forget the plans of Konoha, that one might leave the other, and everything that seemed to interrupt the happiness in their lives.

The death of Itachi, killing Orochimaru, meeting Madara, forming Team Hawk, tricking his ex-comrades, hurting Naruto, and all else that never went right in Sasuke's life slipped from his mind as he busied himself with Naruto's body.

Becoming the Rokudaime, Sasuke, the Elders, Sakura-chan, Kakashi-sensei, Ero-Sennin, Baa-chan, and his training were pushed to the farthest corners of his mind as Sasuke sucked at his neck. He wanted to be lost in this world where the two of them only existed to sustain each other's life. It didn't matter if Sasuke had no love for him because having Sasuke back was all he needed to keep him in high spirits. Yes, this was love.

'One day you'll hate me for I know betrayal hurts. Until then, our old lives can be salvaged by what you are saying Naruto. Our new "bond" will lead us both into chaos. I will go into hell, you to your death, but in the end we can never return to the days of Team 7 or when innocence was a precious gift. Those days are over just as these will soon come to an end…'

Naruto ran his fingers through the silky raven hair as Sasuke pulled his slim thighs closer to him. Naruto exposed more of his neck for Sasuke to pleasure. Sasuke teased his collarbone with cool fingers and lifted up Naruto's t-shirt (he had the day off today) and ran down his hands all over the tan chest. Naruto pressed his lips on Sasuke's own neck and received a smirk. He wasn't going to allow Naruto to gain any form of dominance and pushed the blonde on to the wooden floor on top of his futon. Naruto tried sitting up trying to save a bit of dignity he still had but Sasuke pressed him back down by forcing an entrance in the plump lips. Naruto moaned as his mouth was engulfed by the warmth of Sasuke's peppermint flavored mouth.

They broke apart in need of oxygen exchanging a limited amount of words. There was no conversation needed for what they both wanted. Sasuke moved to play with Naruto's pink anticipating nipples that turned hard just at the use of his tongue. Naruto kept his hand laced in Sasuke's hair while panting. "You're still so sensitive," Sasuke said rubbing a nipple with his finger. Naruto threw him a sharp glare.

"Shut up," Naruto muttered. As Sasuke licked in a trail down Naruto's abdomen, his hands traveled down further to lower his partner's pants and slip his hand into a much more sensitive area. Naruto jumped in surprise a groan escaping from his mouth. "S-Sasuke," he hissed.

"I won't mind if the guards hear you but I'm sure you'd hate to be questioned by Sakura," Sasuke said taking a hold of Naruto's soft erection. Naruto tensed at the reminder but he wasn't going to ask Sasuke to stop. He nodded then gasped as Sasuke began to move his hand up and down in a continuous motion. Naruto forgot how to breathe as he was lost in ecstasy. Sasuke skillfully banished all the remaining clothing from Naruto exposing the blonde fully with nowhere to hide. "Ngn." Naruto was attempting to keep his noise at a low level but his attempts were growing futile. His body jolted at each touch.

Naruto gasped with wide eyes when he felt a moistened warm mouth taking in his erection. "S-Sasuke! D-Don't…" He placed a hand on the silky black hair as the raven sent waves of pleasure all over his body. The obscene yet arousing sounds of dripping and squelching were driving him insane. If Sasuke kept at the pace he was going, he'd definitely come to his climax.

"Ngn." Naruto moaned as he felt the speed increasing then gradually coming to a halt. He recovered the breath he lost and saw Sasuke coating his own fingers with saliva. Sasuke grabbed a leg with one hand to spread Naruto's legs apart. Naruto subconsciously closed them back together remembering the rough night Sasuke had given him. Sasuke was impatient and if he had to force Naruto again he would. Sasuke forced the legs apart then inserted a finger inside of Naruto's unsuspecting hole. "Uah! You fucking bastard stop!" Naruto trashed his legs but to no avail.

"I thought you wanted me. Shall I stop and leave you to fix your problem alone?" Sasuke asked emphasizing the last word. Naruto turned his head wanting to avoid those eyes. He wanted Sasuke but he was scared. Would Sasuke leave him?

"That's not what I meant Teme. I-I want you to think I mean something to you and not a bitch for you to fuck," Naruto said through gritted teeth for Sasuke hadn't stopped the movement of the finger intruding inside his anus. Sasuke cupped his chin with a free hand.

"What do you want me to call us? Boyfriends? Lovers? Whichever you choose, it is trivial to me. If I wanted a sex toy there are plenty of women out there for me to select from," Sasuke answered inserting two more fingers roughly inside. Naruto gasped as Sasuke successfully hit his special area in expertise. Electrical impulses were dulling his brain to surrender to pleasure. His heart was aching hearing the answer Sasuke had to offer. "Besides women aren't my cup of tea."

"Ah…" The blonde was on the tip of his climax and semen was oozing out from his tip. Sasuke of course wasn't going to allow for him to come so early. He removed the fingers earning a relieved expression. Sasuke slid open the opening in the groin area of his hakama. There was no need for him to dispose of his apparel. He felt Naruto tense under him and shudder. Guilt revived in his conscious but he skillfully avoided the emotion as he spread Naruto's legs and pressed his own erection on the entrance of Naruto's anticipating hole.

"Sasuke…wai-" In one swift thrust, Sasuke shoved his whole length inside Naruto who wasn't at all expecting such an action. "Ahh!" Pain shot up his spine and his vision clouded. This time he had free hands to wrap around Sasuke in resilience. "It hurts you bastard!" Naruto said preventing Sasuke from moving by wrapping his legs on Sasuke's waist and locking them in place. To say in the least the raven was not pleased.

"Deal with it. Damn you're still very tight," Sasuke said huskily ignoring the pleas of waiting until the blonde adjusted to the huge member inside him. Sasuke moved at a steady pace against Naruto's will. Naruto dug nails into Sasuke's back earning him a threatening expression but he was oblivious to it.

It was rough without any warming caresses or words of reassurance. Naruto set that thought aside focusing on the growing pleasure in the pit of his stomach. He hated being dominated but if he was to get this close to Sasuke, he didn't pay too much attention. Sasuke quickened his rhythm pushing himself even farther inside Naruto. Soon Naruto was covered in beads of sweat and he could hear the squelching noises produced when Sasuke dug further inside his wet hole. "Hah..Ah. Sasuke!"

'We can't call this "friends"'.

Sasuke's head came beside his ear and he could make out the panting from him too. "Faster," Naruto said incoherently. A sly smirk formed on the pale face as he complied and sent Naruto into a further bliss. "Ngn." Naruto now gripped the bed sheets firmly with both hands as their bodies moved at a fast paced rhythm.

"I didn't think you'd enjoy this so much," Sasuke jeered. He pulled the blonde into a new position as he sat up and Naruto was sitting on his lap. "Finish yourself off." The cool words stung but Naruto's body begged for release. He rested his chin on Sasuke's shoulder and pressed his body against his then began to move.

"Ah. Sasuke." At this angle Sasuke's member slipped inside more sending waves of pleasure to course through his body. He was so close to his climax and he pounded harder as his arms wrapped around Sasuke. A hand pumped his cock only to intensify his ecstasy. "Sasuke!" Finally Naruto couldn't hold back anymore and closed his eyes tightly as he released on Sasuke's hand and stomach."Naruto." It was a cool and melodious voice that made his eyes widened. Warm liquid belonging to Sasuke filled him inside and Naruto shivered. They stayed in that position for a while until Naruto pushed Sasuke down to collapse next him recollecting his breath.

'He said my name…'

"Sasuke?" Naruto was the first to break the silence settling between. He had to take this chance or he won't be at ease. Over head rain started pouring down and the thunder had muffled Naruto's voice.

"Hn."

"I call us 'lovers'. Wait let me finish. Baa-chan is going to train me next week and then on because she nominated me for Rokudaime. She pressed condition too meaning I can't come here often. Whatever the Elders or Danzou say about Itachi or the Uchiha clan, don't pay them any heed. I don't know what it means to lose a whole clan that was like family since I never had one to begin with until I met you, Ero-Sennin, Kakashi-sensei, and Sakura-chan. I don't you to leave again," Naruto said rustling under the covers.

"Lovers…Hn. It's not my intention to involve myself in more politics this village provides. As for the Elders and Danzou I can manage them somehow. Congratulations reaching the Hokage dream though can you surpass the village's disapproval? Stop concerning yourself over my problems before you screw this one up too. I won't leave since you are keeping your end of the bargain," Sasuke answered indifferently. Naruto expected such a vague answer. This was really one-sided. It was ok though because Sasuke was back. But could he endure just serving as quick fuck? Naruto set aside those negative thoughts growing closer to Sasuke. Not when those lips made everything seem perfect. Naruto had gotten past the denial and now he just wanted to dip into this intense wave of happiness.

"Hey."

"Huh?" Naruto was slipping into unconsciousness only hanging onto reality. He was worn out from their activities and from anxiety. The pattering of rain and thunder outside were lulling him to sleep.

"I never regretted making you mine Usuratonkachi. Be satisfied I'm even here," Sasuke said. His eyes snapped open staring up into those onyx eyes replaying the words in his mind. Was that a confession? Naruto wished he could have stayed awake longer to confirm such statement but his eyes grew heavy and soon he was asleep with a smile on his face.

Sasuke lay examining the peaceful tan face. Naruto had changed plenty over the course of three years but then again so had he. Yet Naruto was still the same old same old. Always smiling and laughing even in troubled times. That was all about to change. Sasuke was just playing along with this 'bond' to gain more trust from the future Hokage and it was coming along quite nicely. But Uchiha Sasuke never suspected Uzumaki Naruto to make yet another impact on his malevolent plans. As the warmth engulfed his dreams, Sasuke slept in peace without a single nightmare of Itachi or his sins. Tonight he allowed the rain to wash away memories and once more joined Naruto in a 'bond' he meant to break again. But Uchiha Sasuke wasn't aware Naruto was the remedy to all his problems.

'Usuratonkachi I was considering allowing you to live but now that you reach the title of Hokage, I simply can't overlook this. Lovers mean two individuals who share emotions of so-called love. I don't love you.'

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Outside a fierce wind bellowed making the trees dance wildly and people grow restless at the ominous weather. It was merely twilight but the scenery proved the opposite. Grey clouds were forming threatening Konoha with rain and possibly a heavy thunderstorm. Tsunade tapped a finger against the window pane observing Konoha from her office. She was exhausted but as Hokage her duties came first before relaxation. Even if she were to decide to take a few hours to sleep, she wouldn't be able to find a peaceful paradise. Tsunade recalled her deal with Uchiha Sasuke wondering if she had made the correct decision. This was her chance to gather more information of Sasuke. A knock at the door brought her back to earth.

"Come in," She answered. Creaking open, a tired hermit came in. Jirayai was followed by Kakashi and then Sai. The three were an odd assortment to picture together. Tsunade turned to them as they shuffled in the room before Kakashi and Sai respectfully bowed. Jirayai saw no use of formalities since he practically grew up with Tsunade. Behind the mask Kakashi wore a serious expression and Jirayai crossed his arms. "As you all know, I have requested a secret mission for the three of you. Your presence assures you have accepted my proposition," Tsunade began and once again sat in her chair.

"Tsunade you are playing a dangerous game here. Regarding if ROOT is operating under our noses is a heavy accusation. We can't entirely trust this kid," Jirayai said offering whatever advice he could. Sai expressed no reaction to the old man's statement. Tsunade glanced at Sai from the corner of her eye.

"He quit ROOT several months back. Sai is now officially part of my own personal ANBU. He has provided me with useful information of ROOT that has led more suspicion that Danzou might be involved with Akatsuki. Which is also why I have you three to come here," Tsunade explained.

"Hokage-sama I have returned from Rikaku and it is as Sasuke said. There are faint traces of other powerful chakra in that village. A survivor was found merely because he had gone to visit a relative in another village but before he left, he mentioned seeing men dressed in black clothes with red cloud insignias," Kakashi said filling in Jirayai of his findings. Tsunade assigned Kakashi to inspect Rikaku for suspicious activity.

Tsunade brought her hands to the desk concentrating on this bit of information. A survivor merely alive because he visited a neighborhood village supplied them with an account that Akatsuki was only miles away from Konoha. Naruto was in danger if this was the case. Was Sasuke agreeing to help her because he knew this too? Did Sasuke know that Naruto was a Jinchuuriki? Tsunade pondered on hundreds of questions that needed answering. "What of the survivor?" Tsunade asked curious to who this man was. Kakashi gazed downward.

"Unfortunately he was found dead just last night. A few medical ninjas investigated the corpse and came back with insufficient data to point fingers that Akatsuki is keeping their witness quiet. I feel there is a storm coming our way Hokage-sama," Kakashi replied his blank expression changing into a serious and concerned face. Tsunade's sharp gaze intensified growing frustrated and worried. She had to protect her village and she had to consider many factors before reaching a decision.

"Naruto will never agree for another in-house suspension. We can rest assure he won't leave Konoha because Sasuke is here but Akatsuki will come here instead. We must make preparations for any sudden attacks. Our priority is to keep Naruto away from their clutches. Who knows how many Jinchuuriki are left before they reach Naruto," Jirayai said stroking his chin.

"Hmm this truly is a difficult position. If we are weakened other countries will take advantage and also strike a war with us. I have sent a warning to the Sand Village and they have agreed to send in aid if Konoha is under attack as their's was when Akatsuki kidnapped Gaara. Other nations are having their own issues to concern themselves with us," Tsunade said hearing the hard crash of rain outside colliding against the windows. "Now we reach the briefing of the mission I have proposed."

"Naruto and Sasuke," Kakashi said calmly.

"Yes. I nominated Naruto for Rokudaime but he must undergo special training. Sasuke is a key to his determination and interference to his success. I am not entirely confident Sasuke is truly on our side therefore I have assigned him a mission where he can be watched by two ANBU while also obtaining information from Danzou. I've been debating this idea for some time but I need as much information as I can get," Tsunade explained. The three of them had received limited details of what the mission actually entitled them to do.

"Sai and Kakashi will keep an eye on Sasuke. This is an S rank mission and a long term mission. I trust both of you will carry out your duty with diligence. Jirayai as for you…"

Jirayai smiled and chuckled. "I'm going to Amagakure. There are interesting rumors circulating that area regarding Akatsuki activity. Hey what's that face for? I'm not going to be gone forever," Jirayai said his positive behavior reassuring the three of them.

"What about Sakura?" Kakashi asked.

"She will be under my training and of course she agreed to all of this. Sakura is worried about Naruto and Sasuke. I think for now we should allow the three to recap on old times before next week," Tsunade answered. Kakashi nodded in agreement as neither Jirayai nor Sai made any notion of this statement. "Seems the storm will get worse…go home and rest up because next week will be hours of monitoring a persistent brat," Tsunade concluded as she stood up. Kakashi and Sai bowed taking their leave knowing well enough the two old friends had much to discuss with their presence resulting in a hindrance.

Tsunade gazed out the window as Jirayai strode closer in a casual manner. He knew the woman from childhood well enough to note the anxiety written on her face. "I said don't worry about me. Be more concerned about Naruto than me," Jirayai said breaking the silence between them. Tsunade gave him a helpless expression than rubbed her hands.

"You're right. I should stop thinking you are a child instead of a full grown man. Honestly Jirayai, things in Amagakure are bad. How can I not be worried sending you by yourself? If Akatsuki realizes you are there they will not hesitate to murder you. I've already lost my brother and dear one if you leave me too then I'm not sure I can handle it. Naruto cannot be left without a tutor," Tsunade said losing herself to pure emotions. Jirayai gave a long stare before smiling weakly.

"Naruto will become greater than the Fourth. I have taught him all I know. The rest is up to him. I'll come back like always and then you'll regret not having sent me somewhere more dangerous," Jirayai replied chuckling at the last sentence. Tsunade's smile was lopsided. "But if I were to die, would you cry for me as you did for your lover?" The note in Jirayai's tone caught her off guard. For moments she felt her heart lift as in hopes Jirayai meant more than friendship. No, that could never happen, she thought sadly.

Tsunade smirked. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

Jirayai scratched his head. "I'm off then. Whatever happens never lose hope. Out of everyone I think Naruto knows that best," the Sage said smiling.

"Be careful."

Tsunade watched hopelessly as the man she grew up with walked off into the infinite darkness. Her kindling heart was pounding against her chest pleading for her to stop Jirayai from going. There was a sudden panic but she quieted her quivering emotions by silently praying for his safe return. Only no one suspected the danger creeping closer each day. Nobody was aware how their lives were soon going to fall into chaos.

'I'm sorry for worrying you Tsunade but this is something I must do. I haven't accomplished a single thing worth praising.'

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AN: For those who are reading the manga, you can guess where this is leading. I hate doing it too and about the Pein arc…it will be a bit altered because I started this story before I read the arc. Oh the dark love between those two. I'm so evil…