Ch. 9 return of the Team
A/N I don't own Naruto or Bleach. Masashi Kishimoto owns Naruto. Tite Kubo owns Bleach.
"I'm Yami"
"No, I'm Kami"
"But I'm Rairiki"
"Shut up I'm Juubi"
"And I'm Kyuubi"
Jutsu
|Konoha's Front Gates|
Izumo and Kotetsu were relaxing on guard duty, when they heard, "You guys still sleeping on the job?" Izumo and Kotetsu looked up to see Naruto wearing ANBU style pants and sandals along with a red kimono top and a black happi with the symbol of the 1st response team on the back of it. On his sash, he carried a katana in a wooden sheath, unlike the others. However, the most noticeable difference was the scar ran underneath his left eye in a "u" shaped fashion, which had an eye band coving it. Behind him stood Tenten, Choji, Shino, Natsmui, Ino, Neji, Hinata, and Lee. All of them had some kind of sword on them. Choji carried a naginta on his back, but the rest carried a katana on a sash tied around their waist.
"Oh, so you're back?" asked Izumo. "Well, it's been a lonely two and a half years without you. Hokage-sama wants to see you in his office ASAP."
"Got it," said Naruto. The team started walking towards the Hokage's Tower. As they walked people pointed and said, "Look there's the first response team."
"I heard that they were on a training trip."
"Look, it's composed of mainly clan heirs. Even the Yondaime's children are on the team." The team ignored all the comments coming their way as they walked to the Hokage Tower. As they were walking they encountered a familiar face, Kiba.
"So you guys finally decide to show up?" asked Kiba. "Well it's a good thing, after all if you been out there any longer, Hokage-sama would have had no choice but to send me out to look for you. You guys are useless after all." Naruto just sighed and walked around Kiba, past him. The others did the same as well. "Hey!" shouted Kiba, turning around. "Are you guys even listening to me?" Try as he did, Kiba couldn't get a single reaction out of the team. Frustrated with his lack of results, Kiba left and went to go train. Soon, Naruto and co had reached the Hokage's Tower. Naruto entered with his team and walked up to the Hokage's office. Naruto knocked on the door as he entered.
"Hello, Hokage-sama," said Naruto.
"Naruto!" exclaimed Minato. "When did you get back?"
"Just now. My team is ready for any mission. We are ready for whatever mission out there save for some S-rank missions and SS-rank missions. Those are the only ones that we might fail."
"That is good. And your missions prove that you indeed speak the truth. But I wish to know where you believe your team is on average," said Minato.
"Well," said Naruto, "Our weakest member overall would be Hinata, but she makes up for that by being one of our best trackers and is able to use many moves from the Gentle Fist style, and has even created her own moves. She also is almost a master at water style." At this compliment, Hinata's face turned red from embarrassment. "Next we have Shikamaru. As with Hinata, he's pretty much mastered the shadow element and can use wind chakra pretty efficiently. He has also perfected his on the battle thinking, which is thinking of strategies while on the run, and not standing in one place. Shino has mastered the use of his kikaichu and had even built a hive. He has also gotten to an intermediate level of fire style. The only one better at it is Natsmui and I. Tenten is a master with a blade and has become an intermediate level user of water and a master of wind. Neji has mastered the Gentle Fist style as well and mastered earth jutsu and like Hinata has incorporated that into his Gentle Fist. Ino has created a new style of jutsu called flower justu using different parts of flowers for jutsu and has also mastered water jutsu. Lee has also mastered his Iron Fist Style. He can now open the gates up to the seventh gate, although he can only keep it open for about 45 seconds. Natsmui has made great progress. She can fully utilize the Kyuubi's chakra and has mastered all three of her chakra natures, Fire, Wind, and water."
"Fully mastered?" interrupted Minato.
"Yes, fully mastered. Other than that, we have all become very proficient in using the special abilities of our swords. All of them have unlocked their first stage, shikai, and Natsmui, Tenten, and Choji have unlocked the second stage, Bankai."
"And what of you?" asked Minato.
"Both stages unlocked before I left Konoha. I just fully mastered the techniques and learned a new style of techniques called Kido, which I had begun learning before the Chūnin Exams."
"Hm," pondered Minato. "Well, based on your assessment of each member I would say that they are all at Jounin battle, correct?" Naruto nodded. "Then you are all hereby promoted to Jounin. Now you are dismissed. Report back here tomorrow for missions."
"Yes sir," said all the newly instated Jounin before disappearing. Natsmui and Naruto jumped through the rooftops of Konoha, before landing on the ground before the Hokage Manor.
"Home sweet home," said Natsmui as she went inside. Naruto, however, stayed outside waiting for the familiar chakra that was on its way home. Soon Haku landed in the clearing and was surprised to see her little brother waiting for her.
"Hello, Haku-nee," said Naruto as he hugged her.
"Otouto," said Haku, "It's good to have you back. Next time you go on a training trip, please tell me. I was worried sick until tou-san told me where you had gone."
"I'm sorry Haku-nee, but you had already left for a mission, and I forgot to leave you a letter. I won't do it again."
"Now," said Haku, "I believe it's time for me to test how much you've improved. Can you fight right now?"
"You better believe I can," replied Naruto as he put down his travelling bag.
"Good, then let's go to the training field." Naruto and Haku went to the training field. Haku drew Zabuza's Decapitating Carving Knife from the seal on her back. Naruto drew his sword from its wooden sheath.
"I'm ready, Haku-nee," said Naruto, putting his sword in his left hand.
"Then, we begin," said Haku as she charged at Naruto, jumping in the air and bringing down the Decapitating Carving Knife. Naruto blocked the attack with his sword.
"Sorry nee-chan, but it's not going to be that easy. Naruto pushed the blade off and got through Haku's guard and yelled, "Hakka Soudou Shō (A)!" Naruto placed his palm on Haku's stomach and pushed chakra through it, sending Haku flying backwards. Naruto sheathed his sword and got into the fighting position that he had learned while away from an ancient tome, the Xinyi Liuhe.
"Impressive," said Haku, putting away her sword, "But let's see if it's good enough. Ice Style: Ice Breath!" Haku took a breath of oxygen, before expelling it in the form of wind that froze anything it touched.
"Fire Style: Flame Brilliance!" Naruto brought his hands together and formed flames around them before launching the flames at the icy wind, stopping it. "Lightning Style: Lightning Armor!" Naruto was surrounded in lightning as he used its enhanced speed to get in close to Haku. Haku, however, yelled, "Water Style: Outpour Flood!" Water gushed out of her mouth like water rushing out of a damn and slammed Naruto into a tree.
"Wind Style: Wind Slash!" yelled Naruto as he was being pushed against the tree by the water, slashing his hands, sending blades of wind at Haku. The blades cut her skin, and stopped the jutsu, allowing Naruto to regain his footing. "Lightning Style: Plasma Beam!" shouted Naruto, forming a ball of plasma in his hand, before it fired a beam at Haku.
"Water Style: Water Encampment Wall," countered Haku. However, right after she ended the jutsu, Naruto was once again right in front of her.
"Shin'irikugō Taihōtenshi Tsūhaiken (B)," said Naruto, punching Haku in the chest, and sending her flying, coughing up blood. Haku stood up, coughing up blood.
"You've grown strong, Naruto, but if that's all you have, you'll never surpass Minato."
"I will!" ground out Naruto. He then put his hands together and started chanting. "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado 63: Raikōhō (C)!" An orb of lightning appeared in Naruto's palm and Naruto thrust it out at Haku. Haku jumped over it, but Naruto, using his index and middle finger, made the lightning go after Haku, hitting her in the back, sending her into the ground.
"Ice Style: Ice Garden!" yelled Haku, creating a garden of ice roses that slammed into Naruto.
"Damn, I need to get rid of this ice," muttered Naruto. "I guess I have to use the sake." Naruto reached into the folds of his kimono top and grabbed some sake and a sake dish. "Haku-nee, here's another jutsu that I have developed. Watch and learn. Fire Style: Sake Breath." Naruto breathed wind and fire chakra into the sake, creating blue fire that not only melted the ice, but also burnt Haku. When the flames died down, Haku saw Naruto drinking the sake, and putting the materials back into the folds of his kimono top.
"Naruto-kun, let's finish this with one final attack. Your strongest, against mine," said Haku, with determination as she started weaving hand seals.
"Fine, let's do this," said Naruto as he too began forming hand seals.
"Ice Style: Icicle Dragon!"
"Storm Style: Laser Dragon!" The two dragons, one made of ice, the other of pure energy formed. Both fighters pointed with their palms at the intended target. Both dragons flew towards the target, ending up in a headlock. "Storm Style: Laser Circus!" yelled Naruto. Haku's eyes widened as multiple beams hit her in the chest sending her flying into a tree. As Haku's concentration decreased, the Laser Dragon bowled through the ice dragon and was about to hit Haku when it vanished.
"Good enough?" asked Naruto from above Haku.
"Indeed," said Haku as she took Naruto's hand. "You have improved. I am proud of you."
"Thank you, Nee-san," said Naruto. Suddenly Naruto heard clapping from the side of the training field. Naruto looked over to see Kushina, Natsmui, and Minato clapping.
"That was an impressive battle," said Minato.
"Indeed," said Kushina, "But how were you able to do the storm element?" Naruto sighed.
"Yare, yare. I guess it is time to reveal the secrets, which I have kept from all of you for so long. Can we go inside to discuss this?" asked Naruto. "And can I assume that this will never reach anyone else's ears or be written on paper?"
"Of course. But first, Haku, I want you to go to the hospital. Can you make it there on your own?"
"Of course I can. But Naruto-kun, I'll be expecting a explanation later, understood?"
"Yes, Haku-nee," replied Naruto. The family of four went into the house as Haku took to the trees to get to the hospital. As they entered the house, Naruto picked up his bag. Once all of them were inside, Minato started making hand seals before the walls of the house glowed blue.
"Alright," said Minato, "Now you can talk without fear of being overheard. So let's hear what is going on? What have you been keeping from us?"
"Well," said Naruto, "You remember how one day I came downstairs with a katana in my possession?"
"Of course," said Minato. "How could I forget that?"
"Well that was a gift from one of my adoptive mothers, Yami," said Naruto, pausing to wait for his family's reaction.
"One of your foster mothers is Yami, a goddess?" asked Kushina, incredulous.
"Well, yes. The other one was Kami," replied Naruto.
"The two major goddesses are your foster mothers?" asked Minato.
"Well, yes," said Naruto.
"And is the sword that she gave you the one on your belt?" asked Minato.
"No. The one that I have on my belt is a gift from Kami. This blade," said Naruto as he drew the sword from its sheath, "Can cut through anything. It can even cut through the flesh of a tailed beast and can absorb chakra from those that it cuts and chakra enhanced blades."
"That is one powerful blade," commented Kushina.
"Yes, now stop interrupting. The blade from Yami is like Natsmui's Tachikaze. Yami just awakened mine much earlier than everyone else. That was Yami's gift to me. The Zanpakutō and the Kido, which are demon spells that I alone can use, as well as some other techniques, like Shunpo, Sonido, Hierro, Cero and its different forms, and Bala. The ones that I have not achieved of those are Hierro, Sonido, and Shunpo. The others I have achieved. Kami has given me godly power over lightning, water, and wind. I could literally create storms if I had enough control over my power. Right now, the best I can do when I use my power is to use the Storm and Ice element. I also use the lightning to help me in my burst when I use the Burst Stream. However, Kami-kaa-san said that once I gain mastery over it, I could use this power to change the landscape with a swipe of my hand." Once Naruto finished his explanation he looked at his family to see them dumbfounded.
"So that's how you were able to master Burst Stream so easily. Kami helped you with it," realized Natsmui, while Naruto nodded his confirmation of that conclusion.
"Naruto," said Kushina, processing this information slowly, "Is that all the information about yourself that you have withheld?"
"Uh, I guess this would be the best time to say that I am a jinchūriki, right?" asked Naruto, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"You're like me?" asked Natsmui.
"You're like Natsmui?" asked Kushina at the same time as Natsmui.
"Yes. I hold the Juubi within me."
"That's impossible," breathed Kushina. "The Juubi was the predecessor of the nine tailed beasts that we know today. The Rikudo Sennin was the one who had the Juubi sealed into him before he split it into the nine tailed beasts. It was said that it was a being of mass destruction. So how do you possess it?"
"Juubi told me that he sealed himself into me. Apparently, he learned that if he fought Yami, he would become corrupted and turn into the being of mass destruction. Therefore, he decided to use his powers to rip a wormhole and travel to an alternate timeline. However, this drained him of all his powers and he only reawakened when I was eight."
"So, basically you have a beast with unlimited knowledge at your disposal who has been guiding you since you were eight?" asked Minato.
"Uh huh," said Naruto confirming it.
"Now, is there anything else?" asked Minato.
"Nope, so I'm going to go get some rest. I'll come down for dinner." Naruto went up to his room and packed away all of the things that he did not consider essential for the trip. He then lay down on his bed. As he fell asleep he felt himself being pulled into his mindscape.
|Naruto's Mindscape|
Naruto wake up to see Kami and Yami looking at him as he sat up. Kami was wearing a Konoha-style Jounin uniform, while Yami opted to go with a red kimono with white sakura blossoms on it.
"Is something wrong, Kaa-san?" asked Naruto, tilting his head in confusion.
"We're just worried about you," said Kami.
"Hm. Why?" asked Naruto. "If you're talking about me forgetting about you now that I have my biological family, then forget about that. I'll never forget about. Alright?"
"No, that is not what we are talking about," said Kami.
"We are talking about the Akatsuki."
"Why? Are they on the move?" asked Naruto.
"They are more than on the move. They are now actively hunting the other jinchūriki."
"Already?" asked Naruto. "Is it Itachi and Kisame again?"
"No. It's not just them. All the Akatsuki members are on the move right now. It won't be long before they get Gaara and then come after your sister."
"Gaara? Is she okay?" asked Naruto.
"For now. But there's no telling how long until they make a move. Juubi is looking into why they are trying to take the tailed beasts," said Yami. "Now, I believe someone is about to come into your room. Remember to do your best."
"Of course, Kami-kaa-san, Yami-kaa-san," said Naruto as he disappeared from his mindscape.
|Real World|
Naruto woke up to see Haku entering his room. He sat up as Haku pulled up a chair.
"Hello, Haku-nee, I suppose you're here for the explanation, correct?"
"No need," said Haku. "I got the explanation. I was wondering why you kept it a secret. I understand why you kept it from the rest of the family, but why didn't you share it with me. You could've trusted me with the secret."
"I didn't tell it to you not because I didn't want to tell you, but because Kami told me that it was best if most didn't know until I had gained a decent control over my powers. I wasn't able to do the Storm or Ice element until about a year ago. And even know my control over it is still a little shaky."
"I understand," said Haku, "But if you ever need to talk to someone about anything, I am always willing to listen to you. Remember that."
"Of course, Haku-nee. And thank you for your support," said Naruto as he hugged Naruto before going downstairs for dinner.
|Next Day|
Naruto walked into the Hokage's office the next day after being called there. He was surprised to see Temari there as well.
"Temari? What are you doing here?" asked Naruto.
"I," said Temari, "Am the coordinator for the Chūnin Exams. But I was about to leave when I got called by the Hokage."
"Ah. So Hokage-sama, what did you need me for?" asked Naruto.
"Just yesterday, Jiraiya informed me that the Kazekage has been kidnapped by the Akatsuki and that Kankuro went after them. I want you to take a healer and two others as well as Temari and rescue the Kazekage. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama, it will be done," said Naruto. Naruto turned to Temari and said, "Meet me at the village gates in five minutes." Naruto then jumped out of the window and onto the Hokage monument. He reached the secret trapdoor that lead to the HQ. When he got there, he saw the people that he planned to take on the mission.
"Natsmui, Shino, Ino, you three are coming with Temari and I to Suna to rescue the Kazekage. We will also be in need of your medical skills, Ino."
"Understood. How long do we have to prepare?"
"Two minutes," said Naruto, before grabbing a prepared scroll for A-rank missions, and going home to grab his gauntlet and the sword he received from Kami. Naruto then shunsined to the gate. When he got there, he saw Natsmui, Ino, Temari, and Shino waiting.
"Alright, let's go." The four took to the trees, jumping from branch to branch, at their top speed. For three days without rest they travelled until they made it to Suna. Once they got there, Temari was immediately told by a DUST ninja, which was Suna's version of Konoha's ANBU, that Kankuro was in the hospital. All four of them rushed to the hospital. There the medics told Temari that Kankuro was going to die if they couldn't remove the poison.
"Step aside," said Ino, "I'll get rid of the poison." When the ninja guards tried to stop her, Temari waved them off.
"She's been sent to help. Besides if we can't do it, then at least let her try. Besides, do you not recognize her? She's Ino, one of the ninjas that stayed with us for at least two or three months."
"Yes Temari," said the ninja. Meanwhile, Ino worked her magic, using a jutsu that she had developed to look inside Kankuro's body, and found the poison. Carefully, she made her hand intangible and scooped out the poison, by making the poison intangible as well, before making her hand tangible after the poison was out, dropping it into a vial that she produced from her person.
"Thank you," said one of the ninja.
"We're not in the clear yet. There are still traces of the poison in his blood stream. Is there any herbs here that I can use?" asked Ino.
"Of course," said one of the ninja as he lead her away. About a minute after Ino had left, Kankuro awoke. When he saw Naruto conversing with Shino, he started coughing. Naruto turned to see Kankuro awake.
"Hello, Kankuro, I see that you're awake. YOU should get some rest."
"I will," coughed Kankuro, "But there is something you should know. The people who kidnapped Gaara were Sasori of the Red Sand and Deidra the Mad Bomber."
"I see," said Naruto, pondering what this meant.
"And I have a piece of clothing from Sasori," said Kankuro as he pointed to where Crow was lying. Naruto grabbed the piece of cloth.
"Thank you, Kankuro. Now get some rest." Kankuro complied and closed his eyes. Naruto went outside before using the summoning jutsu. A puff of smoke appeared before a scouting monkey appeared. "Hey Enishi, how are you?"
"Good, do you have any chips?"
"Not today. I was wondering if you could help me with something?"
"Of course, as long as it involves scouting," said the monkey. Naruto handed the piece of cloth to the monkey. "Can you trace this smell and find the location of its wearer?"
"Of course," replied Enishi, "You can count on me." The monkey took off out of the village, intent on finding the source. Naruto also wrote in a scroll, which would immediately reverse summon itself to the Hokage's office.
'Hokage-sama, I need you to send over Tenten, Lee, and Neji.' After finishing writing the note, Naruto place it on the ground and channeled chakra into it, desummoning it. Naruto then went inside to find that Ino had already concocted an antidote and had injected it into Kankuro.
"Alright," said Ino, "Kankuro will be fine now. There were only enough for me to make three other antidotes. So whoever faces Sasori will have to be very careful."
"Indeed. We will head out in two days. Neji will be able to locate us through the radio wave seal that we all have. We all need to rest up before we head out."
|Two Days later|
Two days past and the entire team was finally ready to head out and rescue Gaara. They were all well rested and Naruto had received word that Neji and his team were now in Wind Country. "Now let's go." As they were walking out, a voice cried out, "Not so fast." Naruto turned to see Lady Chiyo land on the ground behind them.
"Lady Chiyo, is there something wrong?"
"Yes. I am coming with you, and nothing you say will persuade me otherwise."
"Very well," said Naruto as the five took off. For a whole day, they travelled; following the trail that Naruto's summon had lay. As they approached their destination, Naruto and his team ran into a very frightening enemy, Itachi Uchiha.
"Uchiha," growled Naruto.
"Hello, Naruto-kun. You wouldn't mind if I took your sister, would you?" asked Itachi.
"Like hell I'll let you take her. Lady Chiyo, please step back." Chiyo nodded and took a step back. "Take Formation Kōgeki (D)!" Naruto stepped in the front taking the basic stance of his Taijutsu style, Xinyi Liuhe. Natsmui took the stance of her Taijutsu style as well, the Fox Cry, which the Kyuubi taught her. Ino and Shino both took their family Taijutsu styles. Naruto and Natsmui were standing right next to each other, ready to rush in. Shino and Ino were right behind them, ready to serve as backup.
"Hmph. You will not stop me," said Itachi, "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Itachi took in a big breath of oxygen, before expelling it in the form of a huge fireball.
"Water Style: Great Water ball Jutsu!" shouted Naruto, shooting a giant ball of water, turning the fireball into steam.
"Flower Style: Growing Vines!" yelled Ino as she threw seeds at Itachi as the steam disappeared. The seeds disappeared into the ground before erupting out of the ground trying to catch Itachi, who just dodged and jumped off of the vines.
"Scatter!" yelled Naruto. The team jumped in different directions, and just in time too. As soon as they moved, shruiken landed where they had been standing. "Natsmui, create an opening for me. I'm going to end this with one shot!" Natsmui nodded and engaged in a Taijutsu fight with Itachi. As soon as he knocked Natsmui away, Naruto appeared in front of him, already in his guard, and put his chest on Itachi's chest and yelled, "Ryukei Qigong Tashinkō!" A beam of light shot through Itachi's chest, causing him to cough up massive amounts of blood. Naruto jumped back, before Itachi fell down, letting out even more blood, before he finally stopped moving.
"Ino, check him out," said Naruto as he and Ino approached the downed Akatsuki member. But when they reached the crater, it wasn't Itachi they saw but some obscure person. But when Chiyo saw the body she gasped. "Chiyo, do you recognize this person?"
"Yes. This is Yūra. He is an advisor to the Kazekage and on the council. He is definitely no traitor," said Chiyo.
"I'll take your word for it," said Naruto. "Still, he was probably used as a sacrifice for this double jutsu. This means that they know that we're on our way." Suddenly, the earpiece in Naruto's ear buzzed. "Yes, this is Naruto." Neji's voice came out.
"Naruto, we just faced a clone of Kisame, but some person appeared after we killed Kisame."
"We know. Same thing happened with Itachi. Let's meet up at the base. You can tell where it is from where we are, right?"
"Yes, I can. I can see where you are as well. You're on a direct path while we are on a diagonal."
"Good. We'll see you there." Naruto and co headed out, and finally reached a boulder, which had an iron enforcement seal on paper on it. While Naruto was trying to figure out the easiest way to destroy the boulder, Neji, Tenten, and Lee landed.
"Hello, Neji," said Naruto without even looking. "Hm, looks like the only way to around this seal is with another seal. Tenten, could I have a long sheet of paper?" Tenten nodded and gave him a piece of paper, which he stuck onto the paper with the Iron Enforcement Seal on it, before taking out a brush. He then started writing the kanji for the sand particle seal (砂粒子) on it. This seal was meant to transform materials into sand, no matter what the material was. After writing it, Naruto stored his brush and ink back in his ninja pouch, before pulsing his chakra. "SEAL ACTIVATE!" yelled Naruto. The seal that Naruto had drawn glowed red, overriding the other seal, and breaking the rock into sand particles. The eight ninja walked into the cave. Physically, there were four people there. Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Sasori, and Deidra were standing waiting for them. Gaara lay on the ground, with no pulse. Naruto searched out for any activity in Gaara and found none.
"So," said Naruto, "You killed him. Shino, you and Chiyo take Sasori. Tenten, you and Ino take Deidra and don't hold back. Lee, you, Natsmui, and Neji take Kisame. Lee, as I said with Ino and Tenten, no holding back. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," said Lee in a serious tone.
"And Natsmui, I give you permission to use Kyuubi's chakra, but only up to the third tail."
"Got it," replied Natsmui.
"Then, let's go. Konoha's First Response Team, going forth!" All the members of the team charged at their respective targets. Itachi dodged Naruto and jumped out of the cave, with Naruto following. Kisame also lead his pursue outside the cave in the opposite direction of Itachi, on the ground. Meanwhile, Deidra took to the air, dodging any attack sent by Tenten or Ino. Shino and Chiyo stayed in the cave to face Sasori.
"So," said Naruto, "I will get to face the real Itachi now."
"Indeed, Naruto-kun."
"Do you have any new information for me?" asked Naruto, walking up to Itachi, pouring a dish of sake for the both of them.
"Yes," said Itachi, a smirk spreading across his face. "Pain, leader of Akatsuki, is finally moving out into the open. I found out that his real name is Nagato and was apparently a student of Jiraiya. Ask Jiraiya about him. He also has the rinnegan, the dojutsu of the Rikudo Sennin."
"I see. And who is the real mastermind behind this?" asked Naruto.
"You caught onto that, did you?" asked Itachi.
"Well, it's pretty obvious. When we last talked, you told me that pain is the one who brought Akatsuki together, not that he was the leader. Therefore, I can assume that it was someone else who is the mastermind."
"You truly are a genius, Naruto. But you're right; it's not Pain who is the mastermind. It's a masked man who calls himself Tobi. But Naruto, when I got a closer look at him with my Sharingan, I saw a Sharingan in his eyes. Either he's a rogue Uchiha, or he's someone much more dangerous."
"Who?" asked Naruto, intrigued.
"Well, as you know Madara Uchiha had the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. Well, among the Uchiha, this made us believe that he was an immortal. So, it could be him. If it's not him, then I have no idea, because all rogue Uchiha, I killed when I was still an ANBU, and I killed all other Uchiha the night I was ordered to quell the upcoming Coup d'état."
"I know. So now we have a mystery Uchiha among the Akatsuki, possibly stronger than you," said Naruto.
"Yes. Do you still have his eye?" Naruto smiled and lifted up the eye band, showing the red eye of a Sharingan, but more specifically, the last eye of Shunsui, before he covered it again.
"Well," said Itachi, "I hope that this plan is successful. Hokage-sama is playing a dangerous game here."
"We are shinobi. We have to play a dangerous game if we ever want to survive in this world. It's the way of life that we live," replied Naruto. "Now I believe that we should at least spar to convince others that we didn't just attack."
"Fine. Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu," said Itachi from where they were sitting sending Naruto flying into a tree, with third degree burns.
"Hey! I didn't mean just now! And you didn't have to be so rough!"
"You're a shinobi, you should be able to detect these things, even if you are among friends," said Itachi as he sipped his sake.
"So mean," said Naruto, picking up his sake dish. "Fire Style: Sake Breath." Fires engulfed Itachi, who emerged with his own burns. "There, now we're even."
"Indeed. I believe it is time that I got going."
"Yeah, yeah," said Naruto, taking the sake dish from Itachi, and putting them back in the folds of his kimono top. Naruto left and went to meet with the others who had gotten Gaara back.
"So you all survived your encounters?" asked Naruto as he dropped down.
"Of course," said Natsmui, before seeing Naruto's condition. "What happened to you?"
"Amaterasu. I managed to put it out. But it left some pretty bad burns," lied Naruto.
"Oh. Well, Gaara is dead and we have no way to bring him back," said Natsmui before Deidra, who was a few yards away yelled, "Clay Bomb Jutsu!" before growing in size. Everyone backed away.
"He's going to blow!" yelled Natsmui.
"Katsu!" yelled Deidra, an explosion heading towards the Konoha Shinobi and Suna Kunoichi.
"Space-Time Barrier!" yelled Naruto, seals expanding into the air, absorbing the blast; Naruto directed his hand into the air, the explosion appearing high enough in the air that it doesn't affect them. "There," said Naruto, "Now we don't have to worry about that. Though I suspect that wasn't the real Deidra, but merely a clone made of exploding clay.
"Whoa. I didn't know you could do that," said Ino.
"Yeah, well, that was the first time I did it. It had a 50-50 chance of working," said Naruto.
"Wait," said Ino, "are you saying you bet our lives on the off chance that it worked?"
"Yep," said Naruto, not caring that Ino was getting mad.
"You bloody bastard! We could've died," said Ino.
"And then you would be here to complain. Yet you are, so be happy," said Naruto. "Now what are we going to do about Gaara?" Ino moved away from her. Chiyo closed here eyes before speaking.
"I will revive him," said Chiyo.
"Lady Chiyo, are you sure?" asked Naruto. "I thought you didn't believe in the next generation."
"I've changed my mind. The next generation has shown promise. You will lead this world to a better future, I am sure of it."
"If that is your choice," said Naruto, "Then I won't argue against it."
"Thank you, but I will need your chakra. I don't have enough chakra from killing Sasori. I will need your help."
"Very well."
"Ninja Art: Reanimation Jutsu," whispered Chiyo as a blue glow covered her hands and placed it on Gaara's heart. Naruto put his hands on Chiyo's and channeled mass amounts of chakra through it.
"Take as much chakra as you need," said Naruto, smiling. After about a minute, Chiyo collapsed into Ino's waiting arms, while Gaara's heart restarted. Naruto picked up Gaara, and they made the trek back to Suna. As they were approaching Suna, Gaara awoke.
"Na-ru-t-o?" asked Gaara, as she saw Naruto's face, and the black happi of Naruto flying in the wind.
"Hey sleepy head. We're almost back to Suna, so get on your feet. Can't have the Kazekage looking weak, now can we?"
"Of course not," said Gaara, as she got onto his feet. "But how-" asked Gaara before she saw Lady Chiyo. "Oh. We'll have to hold a ceremony in her honor."
"And as much as I would love to stay, I have to get back to Konoha," said Naruto, as he slipped a piece of paper into Gaara's hand. "New info," whispered Naruto. "Akatsuki is on the move. This is the info supplied by Itachi. I'll have to ask about the leader from Jiraiya. Apparently, Jiraiya trained the supposed leader of Akatsuki."
"Understood. Contact me when you have the info."
"Got it," said Naruto.
"Gaara!" yelled Temari when she saw Gaara walking back. All of Suna rushed forwards to see their Kazekage back on his feet.
"Peace," said Gaara. "While I am alive, another died so that I could live. Let us have a moment for Lady Chiyo, before we begin preparations for her funeral. And I must thank Konoha for saving my hide. Thank you," said Gaara as she bowed low.
"It was a pleasure, Kazekage-sama," said Naruto. "Now we must be off. We offer our condolences. We of Konoha know what it feels like to lose an elder. Although we may not have been that old when the Sandaime died, his death was felt by all of Konoha. Now, we bid our goodbyes." The Konoha shinobi left, with Ino giving Lady Chiyo's body to her brother, Lord Ebizo.
|Three Days Later|
After arriving in Konoha, Naruto dismissed his team while he went to give his report to his father. When Naruto entered the office, he found Koharu and Homura in the office.
"What are you two doing here?" asked Naruto.
"We are the advisors. We are entitled to hear what you have to say," replied Koharu.
"Very well," conceded Naruto. And so Naruto told them about their mission. From encountering the fake Kisame and Itachi, to breaking the Iron Enforcement seal, to his "battle" with the real Itachi, to the revival of Gaara.
"That is very good," said Minato. "Now, I have something to discuss with Naruto in private. Koharu, Homura, if you would." Both advisors left the room. "So, Naruto, what did Itachi have to say?" And so Naruto told him.
"Hokage-sama, can you bring Jiraiya here soon? I need to speak with him about one of his students that he taught before you," said Naruto.
"He taught students before me?" asked Minato, surprised.
"Yes. And one of them is the "leader" of Akatsuki. I need to speak with him soon."
"I'll see what I can do," replied Minato. Naruto nodded his thanks before leaving. As he walked Naruto thought, 'This is going to get ugly.'
A/N
Yay, Itachi isn't a traitor! Next Time: Answers from Jiraiya. Emissary to Suna
(A) Eight Trigrams Double Pulsating Palms
(B) Heart and Mind, Six Harmonies; Trampling Horse Fist
(C) Thunder Roar Spear
(D) Attack