I've been busy. So much has happened. We all know that. Hope everyone's okay now.

...

Before everything... I would like to advertise my third fic entitled Fourth World; Third Chance at Life

Here's Chapter 9...

Chapter Nine: A Possible Recruit, Or Two

Konohagakure

Konoha was in an uproar. A known bloodline thief have escaped prison. The clan heads had been demanding the Hokage for a meeting. They were, of course, wary of being attacked by Danzo's Organization and have their bloodlines stolen.

Hiruzen was having more problems though. Due to the incident last night, they weren't able to read a message sent to them by Kiri stating of their arrival. So he was surprised when his ANBU alerted him of their arrival.

Hokage's Office

"Forgive me for not being able to receive you properly. The village has been in an uproar since last night and I'm still looking into things." Bowed Hiruzen.

"I understand, Hokage-sama." Nodded Mei.

"Now, let us get straight to things, if you don't mind. What business do you have with Konoha?"

"I'm sure you've heard of the ongoing problem with Kiri. If not, then you would have heard about it sooner if I haven't told you."

"You seek Konoha's aid then. I assume you're the leader of the opposition. Would you require supplies, fighters, or both?"

"I only require fighters. We have enough supplies."

"I see. When do you think the big confrontation will happen?"

"In about eight months. If we get enough people fast, then it will be in six months."

"I see. That's enough answer then."

Mei raised an eyebrow.

"You see, Konoha's been having difficulties, aside from the recent Uchiha Massacre. Quite a number of my nin have gone missing. It began almost two years ago. Last night, our main suspect of these disappearances have escaped prison." Hiruzen decided he'll put the blame on Danzo and didn't mind if it went public knowledge. It would be the best, actually. After all, it wouldn't do well if the other villages found out that Konoha's own Jinchuriki have been killing people from its own village. Besides, the Sandaime was still feeling guilty towards the young orphan. So he really couldn't find himself to blame him.

"I see. So, could I expect reinforcements from the Leaf?"

"The answer is a maybe. If we'll be able to produce many new nin then it won't be a problem. I shall send you a message if we could spare some people over to help. If you don't hear from us in six months, then I ask for your pardon."

"I understand, Hokage-sama. Both of our village are facing difficult times."

"Indeed." Hiruzen nodded sadly.

"I shall be going then. We still have to look for more possible help." Mei said as she stood up.

As Mei left the room, the Kiri Jounin ghost also left to report about the meeting.

Later, at Naruto's Hotel

"I see. That's good then. My soul gems should be able to absorb jounin ranked souls by that time, and also discreetly. I still have to work on the light the crystal produces whenever a soul is trapped."

"Would you like me to follow Mei and her group, Naruto-sama?" Asked the ghost.

"That would be best." Nodded Naruto.

"Mother, what should I do?"

"You better ask Mito's ghost. She knows Kirigakure more than I do."

"Right. Kagutsuchi! To me!"

There was a ripple on the ground where a claymore rose. Naruto picked the sword up and channeled his Dark Chakra, concentrated on shadow travelling. He still needed three jumps before he was able to reach Whirlpool. His dark chakra pool still has to grow.

Uzushiogakure Ruins

"Welcome back. The Original is underground. The seals to block off chakra from being sensed outside have been prepared." Greeted the last Uzukage. "Mito-sama and the other Uzukages are also there."

Later, when the merging was done, Naruto could be found at the office of the Uzukage. He was talking with all the past leaders of Whirlpool.

"Welcome back. How do you feel?"

"Stronger. And after some short meditation, I can tell that my chakra increased by thirty percent. Kurama's also increased by ten percent. How is that possible?"

The Uzukages only smiled, before Naruto smiled as well and nodded. "Of course, Fuinjutsu."

"Now, Young Prince, you wish to ask about Kiri?"

"Yes. Wait, Prince?"

"Yes." Replied Mito. "You're the first Uzumaki survivor who returned and stayed here for more than three months despite the ruins. There are others who have forgotten about their homeland, while the remaining ones do not know about their heritage. But enough of that. We'll talk about that once you enact your plan on the Uzumaki. For now we discuss battle plans against Kiri."

Naruto nodded and straightened himself on his seat. "Right."

"You've taken lessons on the Five Strongest Villages. And you know why Kiri has the smallest force of the five. But the academy didn't tell you. Here's why… Their graduation is different from the other five. They pit all their academy graduates against each other to the death until one is left standing or until the given time is completed."

"That explains it… Huh, it's kind of ironic, I was planning of killing everyone I can on both sides…"

"Do tell."

"I need you first to analyze this seal." Said Naruto as he took out a scroll. "It's the one that gives full control over his ROOT. It basically prevents them from spilling what they know. The old ghost told me the seals shall remain on their tongues for a whole year after his death, allowing them time to erase everything of his and his ROOT's existence."

The Uzukages leaned forward as they glanced at the seal. "I must admit myself this is some good seal work. The array is intricate."

"Give us five days to study this. A whole week maximum. Leave a hundred clones for us to possess and experiment with this seal. What modifications would you like us to add?"

"Right now, the seal simply prevents them from talking. I want the seal tweaked and linked only to me, making those who have the seal completely subservient to me."

"Very well. I assume you're applying these to Danzo's ROOT?"

"Correct. I'm sending them to fight to Kiri for me. So once we're done binding ROOT to me, I'll need your help with my Soul Gems. Right now they can only hold genin level souls and are also too flashy. Before I send ROOT to Kiri, I want the Soul Gems to be able to trap souls up to Low Kage level, and without any light or noise during the sealing process."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Good. I shall return in a week."

Naruto then walked out of the office and went to an open clearing. After creating a hundred reinforced clones, he Shadow Travelled back to his hotel in Konoha.

Konohagakure

Namikaze Home

After dropping some things to his hotel, he went to his parents' home and kneeled on the shrine, praying to his mother.

A few moments later the air grew cold, signifying the Shinigami's appearance.

"What is it, my son?"

"Mother, I would like to ask for your permission to use the Edo Tensei. I shall be using it only once to Danzo. I'll be needing him for the ROOT's transfer of allegiance to me. Also, I would like to speak with Tobirama Senju's ghost, I'll need him to teach me the jutsu."

"Very well. Just one time. You will have to rely on your Kuraigan after this."

"I understand, Mother. Thank you."

When his mother left, Naruto stood up and channeled his dark chakra.

"Speak to me, Tobirama Senju, Nidaime Kage of Konoha."

One Week Later

Uzushiogakure Ruins

"It is done. You just need to key in your chakra to make the seal responsive only to you." Mito said as she handed over a scroll.

Naruto nodded and focused on his three chakra for extra protection and pushed it to the seal.

"There. Now we can make copies and apply it to your servants."

"Thank you, Uzukages."

"You're welcome, young one. The Uzukages shall begin working on the Soul Gems next. I'll be helping you apply the seals to ROOT."

Naruto then bowed to the ghosts before taking out a scroll, releasing a Kiri ANBU corpse, and crouched.

"Edo Tensei"

After changing form, the reanimated corpse blinked a few times before he focused on his surroundings.

"Seal"

Danzo then kneeled in front of Naruto, his head bowed submissively.

"I want you to return to your ROOT Base. Recall all of them and apply this seal on their foreheads. After that, order them to merge with the Hokage's ANBU until I give them new orders."

"Understood. Is there anything else?"

"Yes." Naruto replied and then slapped his now called Loyalty Seal to Danzo's forehead. It should be his backup just in case Danzo breaks from the initial control seal of the Edo Tensei. After all, only the dead were bound to obey him, not counting the living. "Now go."

One Month Later

Konohagakure

Hokage's Office

"It is official, Hokage-sama. Danzo-sama is dead. We now answer to you. That was his order to us should he die." Said a lone ROOT agent.

"I see. However, I must say I find it hard to believe you're completely answering to me now." Frowned Sarutobi. "After all, your organization was the one responsible for Danzo's escape. Explain before I had you and the rest of your group executed."

"There seems to be a misunderstanding Hokage-sama. The ones who escaped Danzo-sama from prison were not ROOT members. Our group have come to the conclusion that they were framing us."

The Hokage wasn't convinced. He glared at the kneeling figure before he puffed more smoke on his pipe. "I'm curious then… How were you able to tell and are certain that Danzo is dead?"

For a moment, the Sandaime and the hidden ANBU in the room stiffened as the ROOT agent raised his head and put out his tongue for the Hokage to see. They relaxed when nothing happened.

"As you can see, the seal that binds us ROOT members to him are now gone, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen nodded and finally relaxed. He knew about the fail-safe Danzo made. His former teammate was very paranoid.

"Very well. I am now integrating ROOT into the ANBU Corps under a new division. You shall be the Captain."

"Understood Hokage-sama. What would our first orders be?"

"I want your division to prepare for war. I'm sure you've heard of the civil war in Kiri. You will be assisting Mei Terumi's side. You'll go there in four months."

"Understood. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. Tell me, what is your name?"

"My last mission name was Sai, Hokage-sama."

"Very well, Sai, inform your division of your new orders."

"Hai."

Later

Naruto's Hotel

"Good news Naruto-sama." Said an ANBU ghost.

"What is it?"

"ROOT has been integrated to ANBU under a new division."

"I've been expecting that. What's the good news?"

"The Hokage is sending them to Kiri in four months."

"I see. So he doesn't trust them at all. Good for him. He's sending them to war; if they die, he won't have to worry about ROOT anymore. He also gets an alliance with Kiri shall Mei Terumi's side wins. A double win for him. Unfortunately for the Hokage, I have other plans."

Four Months Later

Konohagakure

The Leaf have started to recover after the Uchiha Massacre. There was a fresh batch of recruits ranging from chunin to ANBU. The graduation was also due, giving the village more genins. Overall, there was about three hundred.

"Not bad at all." Thought Hiruzen.

Uzushiogakure Ruins

"Is everyone here?" Asked Naruto as he looked at the black dressed shinobi in front of him.

"Yes, Naruto-sama. All seventy of us are present." Replied Sai.

"Good. Here are your Soul Gems." Naruto said as he distributed scrolls. "Each one of you has fifty. So I'll expect three thousand five hundred filled soul gems when you return. You are to trap every soul you can. If an allied Kiri nin has taken a fatal hit, trap their souls quickly before they fade."

"Now, we all know you're only fodder to the Sandaime. Which is why I'm protecting you with my dark chakra, so you wouldn't die easily. It will be able to withstand up to twenty fatal hits. So try not to die, or I shall punish you. I want those Kiri souls."

"You are too kind, Naruto-sama. We shall do as you wish." Replied the seventy.

Later

Konohagakure

Academy

Naruto silently opened the door and went inside. Iruka was so focused on his speech he didn't notice the late comer.

"… a celebration for our increased military strength. Also, there will be a recognition program to all exemplary students on all levels. Not only are the graduating class celebrating. So inform your parents so they could come."

As Naruto plopped to his usual seat at the back, he heard Sasuke hiss at him.

"Where were you?"

"Business meeting."

"You're lucky he's just about to start the roll call." The Uchiha replied as Iruka called Aburame Shino.

After the attendance taking, the class was interrupted when a newly hired instructor asked for Iruka's help as he was having trouble with his own class.

As the two teachers left the room, low chattering from the students began. One boy held up his nose and boisterously proclaimed, "I feel sorry…"

The whole class went silent as they listened. "… For those who cannot enjoy the celebration because they are now orphans. How sad their parents won't be able to join them on stage."

All eyes were on the two people at the back. They looked at Sasuke in pity or in apprehension, waiting to see his reaction. Only two in the class were focused on Naruto. They were both Hyuuga.

Sasuke merely shrugged at his classmates and went on doodling his notebook. Naruto meanwhile was staring at the boy.

"What was his name again? Koto? Hmm, how sad indeed." Naruto felt Hinata and Neji's eyes on him and so he decided to keep a neutral face. "I wonder if these two would figure when I kill the little shit's parents."

Kurama, who had been listening on his thoughts, howled in laughter.

"Or maybe I should leave it to the Kurama Family. Hmm, yes, the kid's parents are merely civilians, after all."

The class was brought from their musing when Iruka re-entered the classroom and began with the lesson.

Later, after classes

Naruto's Hotel

"I want you to grant a child's wish." Said Naruto.

"And that is?" Asked Gai, one of the Captains of the Family.

"Kid wants to become an orphan." Said Naruto as he handed out two folders.

"Ah."

"I heard him one time brag he was beating his parents' employee, 'slave', he called him. The male Hyuuga in our class doesn't like the kid much, I'm sure. While I'm merely concerned for the wellbeing of the merchants' workers. I'm just being a good guy, you know?"

"Indeed. Hmm, merchants, eh? This may require People not from Konoha."

"Eh, I don't mind. It's only Monday. Dig up some dirt on their business. I want them dead by Thursday night. Their bodies will have to be found Friday early morning."

"Understood."

Friday Morning

Koto Residence

Ron Koto was a happy kid. Today was recognition day. While he wasn't top of the class, he wasn't at the bottom either. So he was proud of himself.

He happily ate breakfast that was served to him by his 'slave'. He later realized he was eating alone. But he didn't mind. His parents were probably still at work. They'll be at home in an hour. They'll still have time to catch up since the ceremony will begin at eleven.

Ron went to school humming to himself. As he passed by the market, he didn't notice the sympathetic looks some of the merchants were giving him. There was a bit of a commotion where people huddled together surrounding a particular stand. But Ron ignored them. "Probably a limited or for sale item." He thought.

Academy

The class were all listening to Iruka as he was giving the students instructions for the program. There was a knock and then an ANBU entered. The masked nin looked at Ron Koto's direction.

"Is there a problem, sir?" Ron asked.

"I believe it would be best if I spoke to you privately."

"Alright."

The two then left the room and went to the next one.

Ino, one of the gossipers in the class, trained her ears and listened in. The class didn't have to wonder for long when they heard their classmates' cries. "No! That can't be! I'm not going to the orphanage!"

Iruka widened his eyes when he realized what the news about was. Some of his students were a bit confused at first but understood when Ino began telling them that Mr. and Mrs. Koto's dead bodies had been found on the market.

"They say his parents have stolen from a gang from outside the village and tried to sell it here." Said Ino.

The class was horrified, feeling sorry for their classmate.

At the back, Sasuke hissed at Naruto. "You didn't have to do that, you know."

"I didn't do it for you."

Only two other people were paying attention at the back. Hinata looked at Naruto and saw him smirking. She simply thought that Naruto was feeling vindictive because of what Ron said on Monday.

Neji, however, saw Naruto smirk at him. He understood. He smirked back.

Chapter Nine End

Author's Notes:

1. Thank you all for patiently waiting.

2. Once again, I would like to advertise my third fic, entitled "Fourth World; Third Chance at Life"

3. Please read and review.