Chapter 10
"Talking"
'Thinking / Flashbacks'
"Demon or Black Zetsu Talking / Jutsu usage"
'Demon or Black Zetsu Thinking / Mentioning of a Jutsu'
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto except for the OC characters I create. If one hasn't seen Naruto: Shippūden, one really has to think, 'How the fuck did Sarutobi Hiruzen become Hokage?' I mean seriously, in his fight against Orochimaru, he only used some fire jutsu, a jutsu to use fucking roof tiles as shuriken, the summoning technique, and the Reaper Death Seal, which he only learned to re-seal the Kyūbi should the need ever arise. I MEAN SERIOUSLY ROOFTILE SHURIKEN?!
Author note: I wanted to try something for this chapter. This chapter the translations for Japanese terms will be written in brackets behind the term. For example: "Raikiri" ("Lightning Cutter"). The only terms not featured like this will be Mangekyō Sharingan abilities since their translations are a bit too long for brackets behind the jutsu. They will remain at the bottom of the story due to their length. Please tell me, if you prefer this or the mile-long translation list at the bottom, which is quite uncomfortable to scroll up and down. If this variant is better, I'll update the other chapters to have the same translation system as this one has. I await your reviews concerning this topic and hope you all enjoy the newest installment of my fanfiction.
Also on another note, I have added the namesakes for the Mangekyō Sharingan abilities of Naruto on my profile. So if one wants to read about the Shinto god, whose names were used by me, check out my profile.
Two months later, Naruto's room
Over the last two months, quite a bit happened. First and foremost both Sasuke and Aiko entered the shinobi academy and have both risen to the top of the class, being both the rookie of the year and the kunoichi of the year, due to their beforehand received training by their siblings. Their class was filled with the heirs of almost all the clans of Konoha, except for the Kurama Clan and the Sarutobi Clan, as well as the Senju Clan but that clan only had one member left. Even though these clan heirs and heiresses did also receive training before enrolling in the shinobi academy, they were not nearly as good as Aiko and Sasuke. While Aiko was one of the most popular and talented girls in the class, Sasuke learned of the curse of the Uchiha even stronger than their 'Nikushimi no Noroi' ('Curse of Hatred'), the curse of the fangirls! He had hordes of fangirls sometimes chasing him down to just rip apart his shirt and roll around in the scraps. Talk about weird. The self-proclaimed presidents of the Sasuke fan club were the former friends, Yamanaka Ino, heiress of the Yamanaka Clan, and Haruno Sakura, daughter of two civilian shinobis. Due to being children most of the former good friends of Aiko, forgot about not only persons outside their clan, but also forgot what happened outside their individual clan compounds, pre-dating their sixth life year. Next, on the list, Itachi did not only become 13 but also became captain of his ANBU unit, breaking the record for youngest ANBU captain in history by four months. This title was previously held by Hatake Kakashi. Naruto and Kimiko weren't idle either. When frustration with trying to develop a way to implement nature transformation hit it's maximum, Naruto opted to train in raiton manipulation, trying to add it to his offensive arsenal. Meanwhile, Kimiko was honing her capabilities with her Mokuton Kekkei Genkai, being helped by Zetsu in that regard since not only did he also possess the Mokuton but also had it longer than Kimiko, thus making him more experienced in its use. Even more, experienced than the ANBU her father provided for her to train her in the Mokuton. Lastly, Aiko's 'condition' was revealed to the civilian population while also stating that her seal was the strongest seal in existence for jinchūriki, meaning that the Kyūbi could under no circumstance break out or do anything. That statement alone from their greatest hero lifted a huge weight of their heart and they didn't treat Aiko any worse than before, although most were wary around her. Yet, Minato did point out that the children were to be kept in the dark as they didn't need to know of that yet.
Currently, Naruto sat at his working desk, working on solutions for adding nature transformations for the 'Rasengan' ('Spiraling Sphere'). This problem seemed to be a persistent one but he was confident to find a solution with Kimiko. He had been doing that a lot lately but not enough to neglect his own training or his time with his sisters.
Currently writing down another theory of a solution, he heard the disgusting sound of something organic slowly being ripped apart. Looking to his right, he saw Zetsu phasing out of the ground, "Naruto-sama, we have news concerning the Uchiha Clan!", announced White Zetsu without wasting time.
"Really? Then please elaborate.", ordered Naruto.
"Yes, Naruto-sama. It seems that Danzō planted the seeds of doubt and rebellion in the minds of the ninja of the Uchiha Clan. The clan seems to be split into a small splinter group, consisting of not more than fifteen people, loyal to the Hokage while there is another group, the majority of the clan, loyal to the head of the clan, Uchiha Fugaku which is planning a coup d'etat. That all is without taking civilians into consideration since they are not involved with shinobi matters.", informed Black Zetsu.
"Who knows of this?", asked Naruto with wide eyes. Who would've thought that the Clan of his best friend and one of the founders of the village would resort to planning a coup d'etat?
"Every ninja of the Uchiha Clan is aware of the planned coup d'etat but not everyone is supporting it. We already reported to Hokage-sama and he told us to assure you that both your sensei and teammate are still loyal to the Hokage and the village and not their husband/father. Apparently, they don't approve of Fugaku's ideals of a village run by Uchiha only. Hokage-sama has stated that he wants to open negotiation with the Uchiha Clan to prevent the coup d'etat. But if that won't work he will be forced to eradicate the entirety of the rebelling Uchiha. Lastly, your father asked us to ask you to keep this quiet. Also, after we're done here I will report the same to Kimiko-sama", stated White Zetsu unusually serious.
"Thank you for informing you, you're dismissed Zetsu.", said Naruto and turned back to his desk as Zetsu phased back into the ground. Naruto sat there for what felt like hours, thinking about what Zetsu reported to him and advised a plan to kill two birds with one stone, 'Hmm, but for that, I need to recall our spy...', thought Naruto to himself scheming.
Suddenly his door opened, shocking him out of his thoughts. He turned to his door and saw Aiko standing there, blushing a bit out of embarrassment, "Is something wrong, imōto-chan?", asked Naruto with a questioning look.
Aiko looked away a bit and mumbled something quietly while poking her fingers together a bit. "I've never seen you that timid, imōto-chan. But please could you repeat that? I couldn't quite hear that.", first teased and then asked Naruto.
Aiko now looked a bit embarrassed, blushing even more and again said something this time loud enough to hear but still incomprehensible. "Imōto-chan, please. No need to be so shy. It's quite unbecoming of such a young woman.", said Naruto with a smile.
Aiko visibly relaxed a bit and Naruto could now hear her whispering voice, "Can you help me a bit with my shuriken training? I can't seem to get it right..."
"Oh, so that's what this is about... no problem, imōto-chan just let me put away my stuff, you can wait on the training ground for me. Next time you need help, there really is no need to be so shy. I will always help you because you're the most precious thing to me in my entire life!", stated Naruto passionately as he watched Aiko work up a blush that rivaled Kushina's and Kimiko's hair color. But still, she was smiling widely, happy for the fact that she got such a considerate elder brother. Nodding wildly she stormed out of his room to get her shuriken and wait for him outside.
Naruto let out a small chuckle as he rearranged his notes on how to complete the 'Rasengan' ('Spiraling Sphere') except for the theory that had the highest chance of success in his mind. He put them away neatly and stood up to meet his sister outside and left the room. On his desk the only note not put away had a crude drawing of his theory as well as some text, 'Perhaps it is possible to use clones to divide the work between yourself and the clone...'
Next day, Hokage office
Having discussed the plan he had in mind with Kimiko and getting her approval of the plan, Naruto and Kimiko went to the Hokage office to discuss the same plan with their father, of course, without all the ANBU present, "Tou-sama, can we enter?", asked Naruto behind the door. Hearing an 'enter' from inside, he opened the door to let himself and Kimiko enter the office.
"Can we talk without the ANBU present, Tou-sama?", asked Naruto curtly.
Minato first just rose an eyebrow in question but soon enough motioned for his ANBU to leave the office. Naruto looked at his sister, receiving a nod in understanding. She held her right hand in a half Ram seal and sensed around the office to search for potential ROOT agents. Finding none she shook her head, quietly telling Naruto that everything was safe, "Tou-chan, can we discuss what to do if negotiations with the Uchiha Clan's rebelling party fails? For that instance, I have devised a plan killing two birds with the same stone.", stated Naruto.
Minato was both surprised and grimly saddened. The first due to his son's and daughter's forethinking but also saddened due to the possibility of ordering the eradication of most of a clan. Minato nodded in acceptance, "Let's hear that plan of yours, Naruto-kun."
"Here is what we'll do in that instance. It will rid us of both the rebelling Uchiha as well as a traitor in Konohagakure we all know too well...", said Naruto seriously.
"Danzō, right?", asked Minato making Naruto and Kimiko nod.
"Well then, I'm interested in hearing that plan of yours.", said Minato truly wanting to get rid of the old fossil known as Danzō.
"Well, for the plan to work both, me and Nee-chan, need to help in the eradication. I know that Itachi already volunteered to execute the rebelling Uchiha and that he would be branded a missing-nin for that. My solution would let Itachi stay in Konoha, and get rid of both the rebellion and Danzō. It would play out as follows...", began Naruto and explained his and Kimiko's plan to Minato. Minato nodded every few sentences to show that he understood their reasoning.
"It seems like a good plan but do you truly need to participate yourself? I mean it is your choice, but Kushina will kill both me and you both. Me for allowing you to participate and you two for even thinking of putting yourself in such dangers...", said Minato fearfully sending a shiver down Naruto's a Kimiko's spine. Quickly suppressing their shivering, Kimiko answered, "Yes, we're sure. Without us there it wouldn't work as they listen only to me and Nii-san. Thus we need to be present."
Minato sighed and nodded gravely. I mean who wouldn't be sad, possibly ordering their own children to slaughter someone else's family, which was also a friend's family. "Very well, I shall allow you to participate and enact your plan. But the moment you require help, you'll run, okay? Also, I will inform Itachi of that plan of yours.", added Minato sternly. He smiled slightly when he saw his children nod.
"We also have a last peaceful solution should the negotiations fail. It includes Shisui and his Mangekyō Sharingan. It includes casting a genjutsu similar to yours, Naruto-kun, to control Fugaku and then blow off the rebellion.", said Minato getting four wide eyes back. They both have interacted with Shisui in the past when they trained together with Itachi in the Uchiha Clan's training grounds. He was a kind young man only a few years older than them. He had short, unkempt, spiky dark hair, black eyes, and a broad nose. He was also known as 'Shunshin no Shisui' ('Shisui of the Body Flicker'), due to his mastery over the 'Shunshin no Jutsu' ('Body Flicker Technique'). He was a very good friend of Itachi and a very talented shinobi and ANBU.
"I see, thank you, Tou-chan. Zetsu.", ordered Naruto.
Zetsu formed out of the ground, "Yes, Naruto-sama?"
"Prepare everything for the plan of ours. Recall the ROOT agent that Nii-san is controlling and tell him to meet us as quick as possible!", ordered Kimiko, receiving a nod and small bow from Zetsu.
"As you wish, Kimiko-sama.", answered White Zetsu while they were already sinking back into the ground.
"We'll take our leave then Tou-chan. We promised imōto-chan to help her with her shurikenjutsu... again.", informed Naruto as he made a small formal bow, imitated by Kimiko before both left the office.
Several hours after sunset, clearing in Konoha's forest
Currently, Naruto and Kimiko were both patiently standing in the clearing, waiting for their spy to arrive. Kimiko was sensing all around them to prevent any witnesses or spies from getting any information they shouldn't get. Zetsu was also around, sensing around him as well as placing 'Kisei Bunshin' ('Parasite Clone') to provide extra security, even though they were weak.
Both Kimiko and Zetsu sensed two persons approaching their location quickly. They quickly recognized one of the chakra signatures as their ROOT spy. The other however was... familiar to Kimiko and unfamiliar to Zetsu. Both nodded at Naruto, signaling him that their contact was about to arrive but warned him of the other person, "Nii-san someone is accompanying our contact. Do you know why?"
"No... I do not know of anyone who should be with him right now... stay on guard Nee-chan.", said Naruto as he hid a drawn kunai in his long sleeve. Zetsu meanwhile readied his clones to infect the targets with his spores, should it be necessary, and completely immobilize them. Kimiko simply moved her right hand closer to her sheathed katana on her lower back.
Waiting for another minute two figures landed softly in front of Naruto and Kimiko. The first one was their ROOT agent. The other one was supporting himself on the ROOT agents shoulder. He had problems standing without stumbling and bled from various places all over his body, the most prominent being his right eye socket which was missing an eyeball. They soon recognized him as Uchiha Shisui, the person responsible for the last peaceful solution of the Uchiha coup d'etat. Their eyes went wide when Shisui just flashed them a small smile, despite the intense pain he was feeling, "Who would've thought that... cough... I would be saved by a ROOT agent...", said Shisui as he soon after blood leaked from his mouth.
'Damn, his lung must be damaged... who could've done this...?', thought Naruto as the ROOT agent laid down Shisui in a stable position and knelt before Naruto and Kimiko. Naruto quickly resealed his kunai and knelt down beside Shisui with Kimiko.
"Shisui what happened?", asked Kimiko she held her green glowing hands over his chest. Every jōnin had to know basic iryō ninjutsu. But even with her basic diagnosis jutsu, she could see that his chance of survival was about one to ten-thousand.
"Danzō... he asked me... cough... meet him in one of the ROOT bases... He said that... cough... he should have my power... and he ripped out my right eye... He sent his goons after me to kill... me and take my left eye as well... cough... damn, he messed me up good...", said Shisui with a strained voice and between a few coughing fits. The medical chakra running through his body at that moment was easing his pain a little. Still, he wouldn't see the next day, "Guys?"
"What Shisui?", asked Naruto as he inwardly cursed Danzō's power hungriness.
"Do you think you could get Itachi? I need to... cough... speak with him before I die...", said Shisui.
Naruto nodded and looked to his right, "Zetsu! Split apart and White Zetsu get Itachi here. Black Zetsu attach yourself to Shisui and prolong his life as long as possible so he can have his talk with Itachi!", ordered Naruto.
"Hai Naruto-sama/As you wish, Naruto-sama", said both halves of Zetsu simultaneously as they split themselves apart, regenerated missing limbs from their separation and went to do their respective tasks. White Zetsu phased into the ground and Black Zetsu approached Shisui. Shisui currently was disgusted and intrigued at the same time. He never saw a being like this Zetsu character and he seemed to have interesting abilities. On the other hand, he just ripped himself in two and the creepy black half is approaching him. Guess, he can't have everything pleasant in this world.
Black Zetsu changed his form to a liquid kind of form and occupied the right half of his body, the half with the missing eye, and helped him move. Shisui was shocked when he could feel life force returning to his body, although not enough to keep him alive in the long run, it was enough to keep him alive for now, "Thank you, Zetsu-san.", thanked Shisui politely as Black Zetsu just looked at him, "No need to thank me. Naruto-sama's order was clear."
"Naruto-kun, Kimiko-chan? Could we please move to the Naka river? It would be easier to fool the Uchiha Clan there.", stated Shisui not coughing any more thanks to Black Zetsu.
"Sure, Shisui.", stated Kimiko sadly but trying her best to not show it. The prospect of losing a friend was not really known to her yet but she was now experiencing exactly that.
"Don't be sad, Kimiko-chan, Naruto-kun. I've done everything I could to aid Konoha. It was my dream to see Konoha in peace, and I will not be able to see my dream come to fruition. But I believe, no rather, I know that you three: you, Naruto and Itachi, you all will secure the peace in Konoha. Please, promise me this.", said Shisui with a sad smile.
Naruto and Kimiko held their head down as a few tears slipped from their eyes, but they still nodded, "I promise you, Shisui...", said both Naruto and Kimiko at the same time.
"Thank you...", muttered Shisui as they let him support himself on Naruto's shoulder and they jumped towards the Naka River.
Half an hour later, Naka River
"Naruto, Kimiko. What's wrong? Why did you send Zetsu to get me?", asked Itachi confused. He had just finished training his brother a little in shurikenjutsu and beginning preparations for Sasuke taking the Uchiha Clan's initiation rite. He noted that Naruto and Kimiko both looked down and just pointed him towards the cliff of the Naka River.
Yet before he could even start to look at the pointed direction, he heard a certain voice, "I won't have long anymore... Itachi." Itachi's eyes widened as he looked at the figure at the cliff. There stood Shisui... well, one half of him was at least visible. The other half was occupied by Black Zetsu, keeping Shisui alive. Even so, Itachi could clearly see the wounds, that covered Shisui's body.
"S-Shisui...", stammered Itachi out. He took a few steps forward until he was stopped by a hand-gesture from Shisui, "Please... Itachi, let me speak. I don't have much time anyway."
"Itachi, the coup d'etat cannot be stopped anymore. Danzō has taken my right eye. He has 'convinced' Fugaku to place the date of the coup on the day after tomorrow. There is no other way but to judge the rebellious Uchiha as traitors of Konoha! Danzō will use the confusion during the coup to usurp the Hokage position. If that happens, Konoha as we know it... will be history! He places his own power above the welfare of the village.", stated Shisui sadly.
Itachi was thinking about what his best friend in the Uchiha Clan just told him. Meanwhile, Naruto turned to the mind-controlled ROOT agent, "Initiate Step 2 of Plan Deceive the Hawk." Shisui rose an eyebrow, not having heard of that plan. He was further confused when the ROOT agent bowed deeply, accepted a summoned document from Naruto, and answered with, "Understood, Naruto-sama." With that said the ROOT agent disappeared.
"What did you order that ROOT agent to do? And more importantly, why does he even listen to your commands? Not even my 'Kotoamatsukami' could turn a ROOT agent against his loyalties to Danzō.", questioned Shisui confused.
"Well, Shisui to answer your first question...", started Naruto as his Sharingan activated, "You're not the only one...", his Sharingan slowly transformed into his unique Mangekyō pattern, "with the Mangekyō Sharingan, nor the ability to forcefully take control of one's mind!", stated Naruto as his Mangekyō Sharingan glowed a little in the darkness.
Itachi and Shisui widened their eyes as they knew the requisite of awakening the Mangekyō and could not believe that Naruto could do something like that. Itachi took a slow step backwards, "N-Naruto you haven't..."
But before he could finish his sentence, Naruto interrupted him, "Don't worry, I haven't killed any friends nor have I watched someone close to me die. I awakened my Mangekyō Sharingan, two months prior to this meeting, when imōto-chan was endangered by this exact ROOT agent, I already feared that I've broken my and Nee-chan's promise, that we swore on the day Aiko was born... the day the Kyūbi attacked the village. The emotional stress and fear were large enough for me to awaken my choku-tomoe Mangekyō Sharingan. Now to answer your question as to how I'm able to control this ROOT agent. Well, it is the ability of my right Mangekyō Sharingan. I override my target's consciousness by inserting my unnaturally strong yin chakra into their mind and take control of their mental energies through that. It is a genjutsu of the highest level perhaps even bordering your 'Kotoamatsukami', although it has a rather big disadvantage. Well, the genjutsu isn't really subtle as the afflicted turn into mindless drones unless told otherwise.", explained Naruto.
"Now your next question was, 'What is Plan Deceive the Hawk?'. Well, that plan was devised by both me and Nee-chan to counteract, should Danzō take initiative to manipulate the Uchiha Clan into rebelling. Its first step involves spreading certain rumors inside the ROOT bases. That step was initiated the moment I received the news of Danzō's involvement in the Uchiha Clan's coup d'etat.", began Naruto before he was interrupted by Shisui as he narrowed his eye, "What rumors?"
"The rumors involve my ability to completely erase a person's consciousness with my Sharingan. Without proof, Danzō would at first dismiss it due to his pragmatism. But we did accomplish our intended goal, we piqued his interest. And received news, that Danzō ordered some of his minions, one of them our agent, to investigate this probability.", stated Naruto seriously.
If Shisui wasn't dying, he would be furious, "Naruto do you even know what you've done to yourself?"
"Yes, I know exactly what dangers I put on myself. Now to continue, with the explanation of my plan. I have now given my ROOT agent proof that I indeed possess such an ability. This will cause Danzō to try and obtain my eyes as well. I'll lead him and his forces through the outskirts of the village until we arrive at the borders to the Uchiha Clan's compound. When we arrive there we will stumble upon the rebelling Uchiha without a doubt. I will then have my ROOT agent start to attack the Uchiha's. With them thinking that the ROOT forces have betrayed them, they will eradicate each other. Tou-sama will have placed ANBU, one of them being you Itachi, that were informed of our plan to stop the fighting and restrain the ROOT forces as at the same time the ROOT bases of Danzō are being raided by ANBU forces and he'll be put in ANBU custody, awaiting his inevitable death sentence, Sharingan sealed and such. With that, the blame for slaughtering half the Uchiha Clan will be put onto Danzō and his ROOT forces and he will be silenced before he can tell anyone the truth.", finished Naruto. He then noticed that Shisui's blood streamed even stronger from his mouth now.
"Shisui...", began Naruto as Shisui understood what he wanted, "Itachi before I die... I want to give you two presents. The first is... my only remaining eye. Take good care of it and remember... the consequences of casting 'Kotoamatsukami'.", Itachi nodded sadly but already returned to his stoic ANBU mask and took the eye Shisui was holding for him in his own palm.
"Zetsu-san, you can detach... yourself from me now.", said Shisui quietly so only Black Zetsu could hear him. Zetsu slowly detached himself from Shisui and sank into the ground to reunite with his white counterpart. "And... my last gift to you...", began Shisui as he slowly walked backwards, "is the...", Itachi's eyes widened as he saw Shisui nearing the cliff. He shot forward as fast as possible but it was too late as Shisui already stepped over the cliff, "Mangekyō Sharingan... if you're a good friend you'll let me do this.", were Shisui's last words before plummeting down to his wet death. Itachi stood where he just missed Shisui's hand by milliseconds. He straightened up and a single tear of blood leaked from his left eye. Opening his eyes, his Sharingan evolved into his unique Mangekyō pattern; a three-bladed shuriken.
He turned around to see Kimiko sniffling lightly and Naruto only silently letting loose some tears. He wiped them away and looked at Itachi, "You know what will happen tomorrow, right?"
Itachi solemnly nodded. He knew they would have to begin the killing of half his clan tomorrow or they would start a civil war inside Konoha with the possible outcome of another great shinobi war. "We'll leave then. Inform the not rebelling clan members to stay away from the compound tomorrow night. See you tomorrow, Itachi.", said Naruto as he put his arm around Kimiko's shoulder to calm her down. Her sniffling stopped and he heard slight snores. Looking down at his slightly younger sister he smiled. Such moments were things he protected with his life. Picking her up bridal style, he nodded to Zetsu to inform his father of what happened here today and to declare Shisui a hero of Konohagakure after the rebellious party of the Uchiha Clan was judged. One last glance at the still mourning Itachi, accompanied by a nod at Itachi, and he jumped home.
Itachi just looked at the place where Shisui stood just moments ago. He knew why Shisui resorted to suicide rather than trying to survive. He obviously didn't want Danzō to have another shot at stealing his Mangekyō and he couldn't prevent the Uchiha coup with his genjutsu anymore. It would be too suspicious with only one eye remaining. Remembering that he still had Shisui's eye, he summoned a crow and implanted the eye inside its left eye socket. Knowing he couldn't use the eye to awaken the fabled Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, that only Uchiha Madara had awakened beforehand. No, for that one needed the eyes of someone as close as siblings, to successfully develop these blessed eyes. Continuing to stay at the same spot for another fifteen minutes, Itachi left the cliff. But not before building a little memorial site for his best friend in the Uchiha Clan and his it under a genjutsu that would release itself after the Uchiha massacre. On the slip of paper that was fastened there, one could read, 'Here died Uchiha Shisui. Hero of Konohagakure and a good friend. May his soul rest in peace.'
Next day, Namikaze compound
It was a sunny day this morning, the birds were chirping happily, civilians were setting up shop for the day and Kushina was furiously cooking breakfast for her family. So it was only a matter of time until the rays of the sun hit Naruto directly into his eyes and blinded him as he slowly opened his eyes. Squinting them together quickly, he re-opened them once again, this time more slowly, to give his eyes more time to adjust to the brightness. He sat up in his bed and stretched. His face was a funny mix of a happy and a sad look. On one hand, it was a beautiful day outside and he could thoroughly enjoy it with some training. On the other hand, however, he would first risk his life in a plan to bring Danzō to justice, and then immediately afterwards witness the eradication of half a clan. Talk about a beautiful day.
Sighing to himself, he stood up, stretched, and went to take a shower, to calm him down. After finishing his shower, he changed into his shinobi attire and went downstairs. At the table sat Minato reading a newspaper and eating a toast. Right next to him sat Kushina talking with Aiko about her studies in the shinobi academy, and lastly there sat none other than Jiraiya of the Sannin, subtly trying to sneak a peek at Kushina. Unfortunately, for him, however, Kushina noticed it out of the angle of her eye and instantly punched him in the face sending him out the open window. Kushina was shouting after the poor pervert while Minato sweatdropped and laughed nervously, and Aiko was admiring her mother with sparkling eyes. That was the scene Naruto and Kimiko, who came down just behind him, entered to.
Kushina seemed to notice them first, "Oh... good morning Kimiko-chan, Naruto-kun. Slept well?", inquired Kushina. She had seen them return yesterday night, both having cried quite a lot apparently, due to the dried tear streams running down their eyes. Naruto and Kimiko smiled slightly, not wanting them to know about Shisui's death just yet, and sat down at their places at the table.
"Onii-chan, Onee-chan, do you think you can help me with my studies today?", asked Aiko happily.
Naruto smiled at her but shook his head, "Not today, imōto-chan. We have a... mission later today.", stated Naruto with a slightly forced smile to throw Aiko of the track that something rather unpleasant would happen today.
Aiko looked down at that, trying her best to deliver a pleading look together with her puppy eyes, "Okay..."
Naruto sighed as Kimiko chuckled, "Well... I suppose I could teach you how to create 'Kage Bunshin' ('Shadow Clone') tomorrow. With your chakra reserves surpassing even Nee-chan's and Kaa-chan's, I have no doubt you could create hundreds, perhaps even thousands without being winded. That said your normal clone would be even worse than mine, Nee-chan's, and Kaa-chan's.", said Naruto chuckling a bit, and trying to cheer his little sister up. It worked like a charm as Aiko was immediately happy, though somewhat irked that she wouldn't be able to master an E-ranked jutsu but still hugged her brother's sitting form, "Thank you, Onii-chan!"
He ruffled her hair, effectively messing up her hair, "No problem, imōto-chan. Everything for you." That was also the moment Jiraiya re-entered the house as he was proudly beaten up randomly by some women recognizing him from the hot springs, "So much for a pleasant morning..."
"Oh, if you wouldn't do such perverted things here and try to corrupt Naruto-kun with your stupid books.", huffed Kushina as she comically looked the other way.
Jiraiya sat down again, this time not looking at Kushina in any perverted way. He already got beat up this morning, no need to add another beating on top that also has the risk of him being impaled by two chakra chains, a wooden stake and being forced into a Sharingan induced torturing genjutsu. He at least knew that his student Minato wouldn't actually harm him... permanently.
They continued to eat breakfast in silence for a few more minutes until Zetsu formed out of the ground, "Naruto-sama! We have good news. Remember our talk the other day?", announced White Zetsu happily. Naruto put his hand to his chin and put up a thinking pose until he remembered,
Flashback, a few weeks earlier
"Zetsu...", began Naruto as the two-colored humanoid phased out of his floor, "you know I remember something. When I tried to sign the summoning contract of my father, the Toads, together with my sister, she could easily sign the contract. Meanwhile, I was rejected by the contract.", stated Naruto with a questioning look.
"What kind of rejection, Naruto-sama?", asked Black Zetsu.
"The kanji of my name just disappeared the moment I finished them. Do you know why that is?", inquired Naruto.
"Yes, I believe I know why. But just to be sure... did the last name spell for you 'Ōtsutsuki Stupid Little Brother'?", asked White Zetsu. When Naruto nodded, Black Zetsu continued in White Zetsu's stead, "The reason for that is, that Indra-sama didn't want his 'elite clan' to be defiled by slimy toads. Also, he really hated his brother after he was denied what he believed was his birthright. Thus he snuck to the scroll in the night once and keyed his chakra into the scroll so that nobody with either his chakra or his descendants could sign the contract. He did the same for the summoning contract which was supposed to be passed down the Uchiha Clan, where he keyed his chakra and DNA in such a way that no Senju could ever sig the contract without being immediately rejected. He truly was a genius in every aspect.", stated Black Zetsu with no little amount of pride in his monotonous voice.
"I see... where is the contract currently?", questioned Naruto. If he can't sign the contract of his father then he would just sign a contract that nobody else, except an Uchiha, could sign.
"The contract was lost in history and we didn't keep track as we were waiting for the transmigrants of Indra-sama and Ashura-sama. But I could send some clones to search for it. Would that be alright?", said White Zetsu as he looked at Naruto's contemplating face.
"Yes, please search for the contract. But do not tell me what summon it is... I wanna be surprised, alright?", asked Naruto with a small smirk.
"As you wish, Naruto-sama.", said Black Zetsu and the dual-colored being returned to the ground.
Flashback end
"Of course, I remember.", said Naruto with a small smirk, inwardly excited as to what summons would be included in this summoning contract.
With that said, Zetsu produced a scroll from the ground. It looked decorated wildly, with depictions of fangs, claws, and fur, as well as, menacing looking eyes. He laid the summoning contract on the table for everyone to see, the kanji stating which summoning animal was contained inside not visible, facing the table. Minato and Jiraiya rose only rose an eyebrow, Kushina furrowed her brows, Aiko looked at the scroll as if it was some kind of new toy and Kimiko remembered Naruto telling her about him sending Zetsu clones to search for a summoning contract, "So that's it, huh?", asked Kimiko as she sipped at her tea.
Kushina's little bit of patience ran out, "Naruto-kun what is this scroll, and why did Zetsu deliver it directly to you?"
"Well, Kaa-chan this scroll is special, as it is a summoning contract. A special one at that. Only those with the chakra or DNA of Ōtsutsuki Indra can sign it successfully.", stated Naruto as he pulled the large scroll closer to himself. Jiraiya's and Minato's eyes widened. They wouldn't have thought that Naruto would go out of his way to actually let Zetsu search for a summoning contract.
"Wait... does that mean, Zetsu stole it from the Uchiha Clan?!", screamed Kushina.
"No. The summoning contract was collecting dust in the personal library of some noble of Ya no Kuni. From what I've heard he placed it there after trying and failing to successfully summon wolves to serve him as loyal lapdogs.", reassured Black Zetsu.
"No worries, Kaa-chan. Although you're right, it should've been in the hands of the Uchiha Clan, it was lost in history, shortly after the death of Indra. Thus the only person having signed the contract is Indra himself.", stated Naruto as he finally rolled the scroll around revealing the kanji for 'Wolf', "Wolves... I see. From what I've heard from your stories Zetsu, they perfectly fit Indra..."
Opening the summoning contract, Naruto proved that only Indra actually signed the contract. Although some other names were inside their names could actually be purged by just a small chakra pulse, as their names were so hollow they were almost invisible. And Naruto did just that. He purged the useless names from the scroll with a small chakra pulse, now only leaving Indra's name and a whole lot of empty spaces. Kimiko looked at the name written there and laughed, "What's so funny, Kimiko-chan?", inquired Minato. As far as he remembered only Kimiko and Naruto could decipher those weird kanjis.
"It seems Ashura left a little note in the contract, just like Indra did in Ashura's contract.", said Kimiko, failing to silence her laughs. Naruto smiled, "So what did Ashura write?"
"He wrote 'Ōtsutsuki My elder brother has a foot fetish' 'ttebayo.", at this point, Kimiko couldn't stop herself from laughing. Of only Indra could've read this... Naruto also chuckled with his sister. Meanwhile, Kushina and Minato were blushing up a storm, Jiraiya was scribbling in his notebook, and Aiko was just plain confused.
"Kaa-chan? What is a foot fetish?", asked Aiko so innocently she only would have to suck on her thumb and one could think she was just a baby. Kushina snapped out and blurted out, "Y-You don't need to know about that just yet... your brother will tell you when you're older."
At this Naruto stopped his chuckling and looked at this mother with a betrayed look. She just pushed the responsibility of having 'The Talk' with Aiko onto him. Couldn't she see how embarrassing it would be? He could still remember when his father gave him 'The Talk'. They couldn't look at each other for the whole evening that day. This, however, caused Kimiko to laugh even harder and even Jiraiya started to chuckle as Kushina giggled at her sons unfortune.
Sighing to himself he bit open his left thumb and wrote his name inside, right next to Indra's. He then quickly bloodied his other fingertips and created an imprint of his fingers beneath his name. As the blood dried up, the blood turned into black ink, "Finished. Now let's see my new summons, wanna watch?", asked Naruto everyone present. There was actually no need to ask as they all wanted to see the summoned wolves of the Wolf contract.
They all went outside together after Naruto told Zetsu to put the summoning contract itself into the secret safe in their library. Once outside on the training part of the backyard, Naruto bit his left thumb and performed the necessary hand seals, Boar → Dog → Bird → Monkey → Ram, and calmly said, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu" ("Summoning Technique").
Three poofs of smoke as big as Naruto popped up around him. As the smoke vanished, Naruto was surrounded by three wolves. They all had blood red eyes with a small black pupil in the middle. Their fur was something special as well. The first wolf's fur color was the purest form of white one could ever see without blinding themselves, the second one's fur color was a dull grey, while the last one's fur color was pitch black. So black in fact that it seemed to just absorb light around him. Still one could easily distinguish his facial features even in this shade of black. They were intimidatingly circling him, baring their teeth, trying to intimidate Naruto.
'Hmm... it seems they're trying to intimidate me. Most likely to keep unworthy people from possessing the ability to summon them... ingenious. So what would wolves look for? Dominance? Perhaps... Camaraderie? Hmm... no, more likely than not loyalty to the pack... then the last thing I can think of... Power.', thought Naruto and steeled his slightly fearing nerves, to make as much an intimidating figure as he could to match the wolves' own intimidating aura, slowly also leaking his chakra and killing intent focussed on the three wolves.
Kushina was about to step in when Naruto just calmly rose his one hand, "There is no need for that, Kaa-chan. Wolves are from nature animals that respect power, for the most powerful and experienced of their pack, becomes the alpha. And I'm sure they can feel my radiating chakra, am I wrong?", stated Naruto perfectly calm.
The wolves stopped circling him and did a kind of grin, "I like this one, brothers!", stated one of the wolves, the white-furred one, with a voice that resembled a whelp rather than a grown wolf of his size, "He certainly understands that we only respect power. And I can clearly feel his power radiating from him. He doesn't even fear us a little bit."
The next wolf, the one with grey fur, spoke up with a voice matching his body size, "Yes, I can clearly see pure confidence in his eyes, as well as, determination unlike those other whelps, who attempted to be accepted by our clan. He doesn't give off any form or sign of arrogance, not in the slightest.", informed the second wolf his brothers.
Finally, the last one, the one with black fur, spoke up with a booming voice, "Very well, brothers. We accept you as our summoner. May we know your name before we state our own?", asked the wolf surprisingly polite.
"My name is Namikaze Naruto and I signed your contract just a few minutes prior to our meeting. It's a pleasure to meet you.", said Naruto. Although he was polite, he didn't show any sign of weakness until this judging glint disappeared in the wolves' eyes.
The wolves' grin only grew as they saw him understand their underlying test, "I'm impressed, Naruto-sama. You're the first one since Indra-sama to stay before the Wolf Clan so fearlessly... well, that's at least what the boss told us. My name is Ōkashi, Naruto-sama.", said the white-furred wolf.
The judging glint in their eyes vanished and they visibly relaxed, not ready to pounce at him any second anymore. The grey-furred one spoke next, "My name is Ōkasuke, Naruto-sama."
Finally, the black furred one spoke, "And my name is Ōkaruko, Naruto-sama. Together we're normally called 'Jigoku Kyōdai' ('Hell's Brothers'). The name of our boss summon is Ōkamaru and I would be respectful towards him. He was once Indra-sama's familiar, just as we are now yours. All three of us are well versed with katon jutsu and we dare say that we have the highest fire affinity in the clan right now, except for Ōkamaru-sama. Due to us being wolves, we are very good trackers and hunters. But we have to say our farewells for now. We have to announce to the clan that they may be summoned now and that they are to respect you. We hope you'll meet Ōkamaru-sama next time. Until then, Naruto-sama."
With that said they all disappeared in a poof of smoke. "Well, that worked better than I expected, Naruto-kun.", said Minato approaching his son.
"I must admit they had me intimidated for a bit at the beginning. Only after finding out their purpose of intimidation was I able to steel my nerves.", admitted Naruto only now a small drop of sweat forging its way down the side of his face.
"Onii-chan that was cool! How you stood up to those doggies and then made them respect you!", ranted Aiko excitedly. She was still new to the prospect of summoning creatures and she had only seen toads yet. Wolves and other summons were still foreign to her.
"Wolves, Aiko-chan, wolves.", corrected Kushina her youngest. But at the same time, she couldn't help but be proud of her son. Standing up to not only one wolf his size but three at the same time all leaking killing intent.
"It's the same, Kaa-chan!", protested Aiko.
"Imōto-chan.", hearing her 'name', Aiko turned to the origin of the voice, her sister, "There is a difference between dogs and wolves. Although dogs originated from wolves, they have developed into different directions. While dogs were continuously domesticated, wolves were only once domesticated for the purpose of creating loyal followers for hunting and tracking. Wolves are far more wild and ferocious in their hunting strategies most of the time hounding their prey for up to sixty miles in one go. Meanwhile, dogs are trained to quickly and efficiently hunt their prey with as few damage as possible. Do you understand?", first explained and then asked Kimiko her little sister.
Meanwhile, Aiko had adopted a cute imitation of Naruto's thinking pose of scratching her chin. Suddenly, nodding once then a few more times she innocently asked, "I think I understand. So wolvies are wild pre-doggies?"
Everyone face-faulted, except for Naruto who had taken a sudden interest in the possibility of creating a strong collaboration jutsu with Kimiko and Itachi, 'It may be worth a shot. If the idea works we could develop quite the formidable jutsu affecting large groups of enemies at once...', thought Naruto to himself, filing away the idea for after the Uchiha Clan massacre.
Recovering from the shock first, Kimiko replied her little sister, "Yes... wolvies are pre-doggies..."
She wanted to continue explaining the difference between wolves and dogs to her little sister but was interrupted by Naruto, "Nee-chan. We must prepare. We have a mission today after all..."
Kimiko's eyes widened shortly before returning to their previous form, although she still had a somewhat sullen look, "Yeah, I remember. See ya later, Kaa-chan, Tou-chan.", Kimiko bid her farewell as did Naruto, although he added a little bow towards his parents ruffled their sister's hair a little and gave a respectful nod towards Jiraiya who was still awkwardly standing her, making sure to keep his distance to Kushina.
Several hours of planning later, clearing in the forest surrounding Konoha
"Naruto-sama. The ROOT agent just informed us that Danzō is about to give the order of obtaining your Mangekyō Sharingan.", informed White Zetsu as he phased out of the ground next to both Naruto and Kimiko who were going over their plan for the third time now."
"I see... thank you, Zetsu. You're dismissed but keep a few 'Kisei Bunshin' ('Parasite Clone') around me so you can immobilize the ROOT agents should the need arise and they actually get quite close to stealing my Sharingan.", ordered Naruto.
"As you wish, Naruto-sama", replied Black Zetsu and they vanished once again.
"I guess it's time, Nee-chan.", said Naruto calmly but there was a general sad aura around them.
"Please be careful, Nii-san. You know how much we would miss you, should you... you know...", said Kimiko not being able to finish that sentence nor being able to hold back the few tears that escaped her eyes.
Naruto, seeing his twin sister's distress, pulled her into a hug, "Don't worry. We're twins. I'm just as durable as you. We're both Uzumaki as well, after all.", said Naruto trying to calm his sister. It worked too as he could now only hear silent sniffles before she wiped away the tears and smiled at him, "I know, Nii-san! You're my brother! It would be impossible if you were not as durable as I am.", with that said she flashed him a big wide smile, Naruto returning the smile just as wide, and left.
Taking a calming breath, he could sense the ROOT agents approaching even with his poor sensory ability, which was centuries behind Zetsu's and Kimiko's.
Standing in the middle of the clearing, he closed his eyes, "So... Danzō sent his lapdogs to deal with me, huh?", asked Naruto the emptiness of the clearing.
Just as he finished the sentence, forty ROOT agents, one of them being his spy, appeared out of the treeline, "For the good of Konoha your eyes will be in the safe-keeping of Danzō-sama!", declared the only ROOT agent with a differently colored coat, making him the captain of the forty-man strong squad.
Naruto huffed in response, "Safe-keeping, yeah what else. Definitely, not just furthering his own power to usurp the Hokage position."
If they were shocked, that Naruto knew of that, none of the ROOT agents showed an outward reaction to his statement, "Well, you have just become an even greater threat to Danzō-sama's plans."
Just when these words left the captain's mouths, another forty ROOT agents appeared, 'So... they had reinforcements just in case... and I've just doubled my number of opponents... Well done Naruto... truly well done.', self-scolded Naruto himself in his thoughts although on the outside he showed no reaction.
The ROOT agents all drew their tantōs and pointed them directly at him, "Surrender and we promise you a quick end."
Naruto slightly chuckled, "I was just about to tell you the same."
"Your arrogance shall be your downfall, Namikaze Naruto.", replied the captain of the ROOT squad.
"You misunderstand one thing. It's not arrogance... but complete confidence in the superiority of my skills and visual prowess!", replied Naruto half-shouting his response, activating his Sharingan and holding up half a Ram seal. The ROOT agents eyes widened behind their masks as the ground beneath them revealed hundreds of exploding tags all around Naruto's position. Hearing the sizzling of the activated exploding tags, the ROOT agents jumped away to avoid the explosions. Four of the ROOT agents weren't so lucky however and were engulfed in the explosions. After the dust settled the four burnt bodies of the ROOT agents were barely recognizable. They quickly dismissed their comrades' deaths as necessary casualties.
"ROOT is such a disgusting organization. Not even feeling a little at seeing your comrades deaths. You're truly not human anymore.", said Naruto truly disgusted at their dismissal of their friends' deaths.
"They did what was expected of them; sacrificing their lives for the purpose of furthering Danzō-sama's plans.", replied the captain once again.
Naruto now scowled at them, "Your Danzō shall never have Konoha in his grasp!", with that said Naruto formed hand seals, Snake → Ram → Monkey → Boar → Horse → Tiger, and shouted, "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu" ("Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique").
He took a deep breath and blew out a huge fireball at the ROOT agents. They retaliated by five of them forming hand seals at the same time, Tiger → Snake → Rat → Snake → Tiger, and shouted back, "Suiton: Suijinheki" ("Water Release: Water Formation Wall").
The fire and water collided, blanketing the whole clearing in a huge cloud of steam. As the steam was clearing, the ROOT spy, who was also a sensor, reported to his superior that Naruto was fleeing. Giving out orders to chase him, the ROOT agents all nodded and followed after their target. Just as the captain was about to leave as well, he was stopped by one of the ROOT agents, who for some reason stood behind, "Why aren't you chasing after the target, soldier?", scolded the captain.
As he looked in the eye sockets of the mask, he could see the red eyes of the Sharingan opening. The captain's eyes widened shortly before he wanted to jump away but he was caught by wooden tendrils, "Thank you, Nee-chan. You can go home now, I'll handle the rest.", said Naruto as he pulled off the mask on his face. Kimiko upper body phased out of the tree to his left and she nodded and phased back into the tree thinking, 'I must thank Zetsu for teaching me this technique. It's soooo useful and cool!'
The ROOT captain was struggling to free himself from the wooden ties, "There is no need to struggle. Danzō shall die today... and you will help me!", declared Naruto as his eyes transformed into his snowflake-patterned Mangekyō. He looked the ROOT captain directly into his eyes as his right eye's veins became more and more visible and a single drop of blood rolled down the corner of his right eyes, "Omoikane". The ROOT captain struggled for control over his body for a few more seconds before his body slumped over. He looked up again and asked, "What is your command, Naruto-sama?"
Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a scroll, "My original is currently moving towards the Uchiha Clan compound. Once there you will order your squad to kill all the gathered Uchiha. All innocents have already been evacuated and have been told to stay away from the compound until it is finished, as such you will kill all of them except Uchiha Fugaku. If someone questions your authority, show them this scrolls. It is a forged document, resembling a ROOT agents mission scroll with Danzō's signature. Understood?", questioned Naruto. Seeing the nod from his mind slave, he cut off the wooden tendrils holding the ROOT captain. As soon as he was free he bowed to Naruto's clone and followed after his ROOT comrades. Having done its job, the clone dispelled itself, transmitting its memories to the original.
With the original
Naruto was currently running around the border of Konoha trying his best to get to the Uchiha Clan compound. As he got his clones memories, he smirked but his smirk quickly disappeared as three kunai with exploding tags attached appeared next to him, forcing him to jump to his side into a clearing. Now being surrounded from all sides by ROOT agents, Naruto needed an escape plan, 'I'm only five minutes away from the Uchiha Clan compound... I need something to hold them off of me for long enough to dart past them towards the compound...'
As if it had a mind of its own his left eye transformed into the Mangekyō and the veins in the eye became visible as well as the single drop of blood that rolled down his face. Hearing a single word coursing through his mind, he decided to give it a shot, "Akkorokamui".
Suddenly, out of the ground sprouted hundreds of tethers or tendrils in a grotesque mix of green and black, binding their specific ROOT agent at the place they were standing at, causing them to cry out in pain. Covering his left eye from the strain, he saw the effects of his apparent left eye Mangekyō ability. The places where those tendrils had contact to skin, they left nasty acid burns and severe cell dying causing those places to slowly turn black. Taking his chance, he darted past them and dispelled the jutsu after a few seconds to get a headstart. Just as quickly as they appeared, the tendrils disappeared, unbinding their targets and leaving small holes in the ground. The ROOT agents dropped to the ground due to pain. Some even died due to mental pain overload. Quickly regaining the ability to effectively move their bodies they chased after Naruto.
After a few more minutes of chasing, they finally arrived at the Uchiha Clan compound. Stopping in the middle of the main street of the Uchiha Clan, Naruto turned around to meet the ROOT agent squad, now numbering seventy men. "Impressive. You were able to make us chase you all the way here. But this is the end.", said one of the lower level ROOT agents.
Naruto slowly turned around and saw the approaching force of Uchiha, chasing Kimiko to his spot. In the shadows, the Hokage's ANBU were surrounding both ROOT agents and rebellious Uchiha. As she met up with her brother now surrounded by both ROOT and Uchiha, she frowned when she saw the trail of blood on the left side of his face, originating from his eye, "I thought we agreed that you wouldn't use that?"
"I'm sorry but there was no other choice. But on the other hand, I discovered what my left eye can do. But I suppose we should keep such banter for later.", finished Naruto as he held up his right hand in a half Ram seal and pulsed chakra through his right eye. Just as the pulse of chakra ended the ROOT captain took out a scroll and turned to the remaining ROOT forces and spoke in a voice only loud enough that the ROOT agents could hear it, "We have orders from Danzō-sama, to kill all the Uchiha in the compound! Make sure to not damage their eyes, Danzō-sama wants them unharmed.", declared the captain.
"Are you certain captain? I thought Danzō-sama wanted to use the Uchiha for his ascend to the position of Hokage.", asked one ROOT agent. This, however, only served him a hard glare by his captain who now spoke in a dangerous voice, "Is this insubordination, soldier?"
The ROOT agent gulped but shook his head, "I'm sorry, captain!"
The captain huffed and turned towards the Uchiha, dismissing the now missing Naruto and Kimiko, who have been phased into the ground. The Uchiha were busy searching around for the children, knowing that the ROOT agents were on their side, but they all were confused as the captain rose his right hand. Just as they were about to question the gesture, the captain flicked his hand downwards, causing all the ROOT agents to engage the surprised Uchiha.
The surprise effect wore off quite quickly as Uchiha started to drop like flies and they retaliated with force, causing a bloody battle. The battle was fierce and long but soon enough, only a few Uchiha and ROOT agents remained, one of them being Uchiha Fugaku and the ROOT captain. Just as they were about to start another battle, they were interrupted by the Hokage's ANBU dropping down between them, killing the remaining ROOT agents including the ROOT captain, and the remaining Uchihas except for Uchiha Fugaku who was staring intently at the ANBU with the weasel mask right in front of him. After a few more seconds of glaring, Fugaku's gaze softened, slightly, "So you chose the other side... Itachi."
When his name was said, Itachi removed his mask, showing his stoic face, "Yes, Tou-san."
Fugaku dropped his kunai and turned around, kneeling down with his back to Itachi, "Before you do what you believe is right, promise me this.", said Fugaku calmly.
Itachi, whose hands holding the tantō were now trembling as tears flowed down his face, his activated Sharingan making sure he will never forget this moment, nodded, "Promise me that you'll take care of Sasuke and Mikoto. You're the man of the house now after all. You truly are a kind child, Itachi. Don't feel bad for me, however. I betrayed the village and listened to a madman's promises of power, now see where that has lead me to. Most of our clan is dead and the rest will be looked down upon from suspicion that our clan would try something like this again. But as I said, do not pity or feel bad for me, for my pain will be over in an instance, where you still have your whole life before you. I truly believe that you and your friends will bring about a great change in the shinobi world, even if it is as small as training those who will succeed you in your quest for peace.", told Fugaku his eldest son calmly, who was in turn only crying harder after every sentence. During this Naruto and Kimiko resurfaced behind Itachi and both placed their hands on his shoulder. He turned his head slightly, to see the comforting smiles of his best friends. Itachi's crying got less and less by the second as he positioned his tantō right on the spot on the back where the heart was. After a few more seconds of silent crying, Itachi plunged his tantō into his father's own heart, killing him in the process.
Fugaku's corpse fell forward with a small smile adorning his face. Itachi's crying soon after stopped. He completely turned around to face Naruto and Kimiko, who had a sad look on their face but did their best to comfort their best friend. Itachi smiled at them shortly, before re-attaching his ANBU mask and ordering his squad to clean up the mess, but to treat the dead with respect. Seeing it as their cue to leave, Naruto and Kimiko left to inform the now surviving part of the Uchiha Clan that they may return to their compound tomorrow. They wished Itachi good night, well as good as a night can be after killing your own father, and left without another word.
Deep beneath Konoha, same time
What was once a sterile, clean secret base now looked more like a battlefield. Corpses were strewn across the large open training area of the base. Only two persons were alive anymore. One being the ANBU captain, Hatake Kakashi, also known as 'Sharingan no Kakashi' ('Kakashi of the Sharingan') or 'Kopī Ninja no Kakashi' ('Copy Ninja Kakashi') or right now with his ANBU codename Dog. The other was the decrepit old man, Shimura Danzō, known as the 'Shinobi no Yami' ('The Darkness of Shinobi') for his underhanded ways of securing 'peace' within the village of Konohagakure.
Both were panting rather heavily. Kakashi's left eye, which housed the Sharingan of his former best friend Uchiha Obito, was closed for chakra preservation. Danzō, on the other hand, could keep the Sharingan of Uchiha Shisui in his right eye open although, he couldn't really use it anymore due to him being forced to use most of his chakra to keep the cells of Senju Hashirama in his right arm from breaking free and consuming him. Speaking of his right arm, at the start of the fight when he revealed his right arm, three Sharingan which he used for the Uchiha Clan's secret kinjutsu, the 'Izanagi'. Danzō already used all three Sharingan in his arm for 'Izanagi', causing them all to be closed. By sacrificing a Sharingan eye, the jutsu caster could place a genjutsu on oneself to avoid serious damage and even death. Although as stated the use of the jutsu causes the Sharingan it was used on to lose all its visual prowess and vision in general, basically the eye was dead after using 'Izanagi'. It is also said that the jutsu was derived from a jutsu of the 'Rikudō Sennin' ('Sage of Six Paths').
"Tell me, Kakashi. Who was the spy in ROOT?", asked Danzō.
"If I would know, I definitely wouldn't tell you, you monster.", retorted Kakashi trying to catch his breath.
"I did what was necessary for Konoha to remain at the top, even if it meant high treason. Every single one of my actions was made with the reason of Konoha dominating the other shinobi villages.", stated Danzō in a patriotic tone.
"You think you can justify, all those horrid actions of yours with the reason of 'protecting Konoha'? If so then you're more naive than you thought.", replied Kakashi, "and it's time for you to end, Danzō!"
With that said Kakashi gathered all his remaining chakra and formed three hand seals, Ox → Rabbit → Monkey, after forming the hand seals, large amounts of lightning-natured chakra gathered in his right hand, completely engulfing his right forearm in the electric chakra before shouting out, "Raikiri" ("Lightning Cutter").
As Kakashi was charging his jutsu, Danzō wasn't idle. He pulled out a kunai as breathed wind-natured chakra onto it as he thought, 'Fūton: Shinkūjin' ('Wind Release: Vacuum Blade'). The kunai was then engulfed in a wind aura, making it resemble a makeshift scimitar. Both Kakashi and Danzō looked at each other, lightning facing wind. As if they heard a starting bell they charged at each other. Kakashi opened his left eye to prevent the tunnel vision effect of his jutsu and noticed that Danzō was struggling to keep his right eye open, most likely due to chakra exhaustion. Just as they were about five yards apart from each other, they stood still as if paralyzed. They stood still without anything happening for a few more seconds until a white glob appeared on their bodies. Both looked alarmed at this glob as it grew larger and larger, effectively covering most of their bodies. They struggled to free themselves, as a face with green hair, a green eye and a creepy grin formed out of both globs.
"Kakashi-san, Naruto-sama told us to help you should you be about to lose or be in a tough spot.", said the White Zetsu on Kakashi's body. Meanwhile, the White Zetsu on Danzō's body just grinned creepily and siphoned Danzō of all his chakra, transferring it to Kakashi.
'What?! My chakra reserves... are replenishing? B-but how? Could it be this weird white thing? It did call Naruto, 'Naruto-sama'... well, if it is helping me here I guess I can let it help me right now.', thought Kakashi, sighing inwardly, yet as he saw Danzō's form he saw the workings of its jutsu, 'So it steals chakra off one body and uses it to restore the chakra of another. Clever.'
Danzō strained himself to look up, "What are you and who sent you? Or more importantly how?"
"My, my so many questions, Danzō. You may call me White Zetsu. For who sent me... well it's the same person who placed a spy in your little ROOT organization!", declared White Zetsu, causing Danzō's eyes to widen, 'Yes, he may tell me the name of the one responsible for this mess.', thought Danzō.
"Naruto-sama made sure you won't try anything funny, concerning the Uchiha Clan or his little sister, Aiko-sama.", said White Zetsu, his creepy grin somehow growing further and further. Danzō meanwhile was in shock, 'It was the damn Yondaime's brat? I should've known with such a visual jutsu!'
"Now as to how I am here right now... I placed my spores using the 'Hōshi no Jutsu' ('Spore Technique') on your body the day your ROOT attacked Aiko-sama.", stated White Zetsu.
'Damn, I have not enough chakra for another Izanagi anymore... will I truly die here today...? Hiruzen what did I do wrong?', thought Danzō as he could feel his control over Hashirama's cells weakening.
"Thank you White Zetsu-san. I have gotten enough chakra now, you have my thanks.", said Kakashi as he pulled his forehead protector down and gave White Zetsu an eye smile, "No thanks needed, Kakashi-san. I only acted after Naruto-sama's orders."
Suddenly Danzō let out a blood gurgling scream. They looked at him and saw the huge tree coming out of his right side. He would've disconnected himself from the tree already, but due to White Zetsu still restraining him, he was unable to and was ultimately devoured by the tree, killing him in the process.
Kakashi, who was still panting and exhausted although his chakra was replenished, fell forward from his exhaustion, unconscious, only to be caught by White Zetsu who now brought him to the hospital before telling the Hokage what happened down here, "Tell Naruto-sama that we succeeded down here.", said White Zetsu to one of his clones as he vanished into the ground.
Next day, Council chambers
"... and that concludes the events of yesterday. Any questions?", asked Minato the council consisting of only the shinobi side as the civilian side had no place in this discussion. Minato stayed up the whole night, to clean up both the Uchiha compound and the ROOT base, beneath Konoha. It was a tedious process but they made it just in time for the remaining Uchiha to return to their homes.
Seeing no raised hands, Minato sighed tiredly, "I see. Thank you all for coming. You're all dismissed."
With that said everyone stood up and left, caught in their own little conversations, except for the former Ino-Shika-Cho trio, where Yamanaka Inoichi, head of the Yamanaka Clan, and Akimichi Chōza, head of the Akimichi Clan, were trying to wake up their longtime friend Nara Shikaku, head of the Nara Clan. That proved to be futile, causing Minato to chuckle. Minato then called out, "Shikaku if you don't move now, Yoshino will be quite angry that you're late for lunch."
The moment Yoshino's name was only stated, Shikaku already stood at the doorstep, gesturing his friends to move, "Come, Yoshino is so troublesome when she's angry... which is all the time."
Chōza and Inoichi only laughed at Shikaku's antics, although Shikaku himself was fearing for his life right now, while Minato had an amused expression on his tired face, 'I guess it's time for me to head home as well...', thought Minato to himself and disappeared in a yellow flash.
Arriving home, he saw his two eldest children, teaching his youngest child the 'Kage Bunshin no Jutsu' ('Shadow Clone Technique'), just as promised the day before. He smiled at the serenity of the moment, 'Yes... yesterday's sacrifice was worth the trouble and heartbreak. We secured peace for the coming generation inside the village...'
He went outside to meet with his children and perhaps help them a little before going to sleep, to let his tired body and mind rest.
Author note: I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, although I feel like the ending could've been better. But I wasn't able to develop a good ending to this mini-arc. Still, I hope you liked it and that you'll keep tuned for the next installment of my fanfiction. But concerning the next installment, it will take a while before the next chapter will be released, due to me flying to Japan next week for over two weeks, in which I'll be unable to write. That being said I'll see you next time.
"Kotoamatsukami" = "Collective name of the first gods to come into existence" or "Distinguished Heavenly Gods"
"Omoikane" = "Shinto god of wisdom and intelligence (the name means "serving one's thoughts")"
"Akkorokamui" = "minor Shinto god depicted as a gargantuan octopus"
"Izanagi" = "Izanagi" (pretty self-explanatory, it's Izanagi in the English dub as well... but if someone wants trivia on Izanagi, here: Izanagi is the father of Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Tsukuyomi)