Welcome back Everyone. As usual I like to begin by saying that I don't own Naruto.

Thank for reviewing my last chapter: Hotstreak's crossover stories, GravenImage, Kushina's Truth of Hell, Pharix, maxslayer10, weaponx178, ninjablade45, darkwaffle, theloverofanime, bikiluf and * Hiraishin 4.

Responses:

Hotstreak: YOU WANT MORE!! *Pounding my fist on a table* THEN DAMMIT YOU WILL GET MORE!! THIS IS SPARTA!!!

GravenImage: Yea. Naruto's life is not an easy one. Especially in my hands. Lol

Kushina: I'm glad i can help brighten your day little lady. ;) You brightened mine with your review. ^.^

Pharix: Sorry. i don't speak french......jk.

Maxslayer10: Well, that would be a possibility. In my tale Sakura did offer to go with him last time as well.

Weaponx178: Another NaruTsu fan huh? Not exactly my cup of tea personally. Well one of the things I wanted to do was give a little wink wink to many of the possible relationships that are discussed in forums. Even if it's one I don't particularly care for. I'm glad you like the Naruto Tsunade conversation.

NinjaBlade45: Thanks and I will.....like now.

Darkwaffle: Thanks. That's an interesting way to go. I could just picture everyone forming a crowd and carrying Danzo to the gate and throwing him out. Lol

theloverofanime: You know, funny thing is one of the possible titles for this chapter was "Rebellion" before I decided on this. I'm glad you like the refence I made to the Canon Manga. Look for more of those as I go along.

Bikiluf: Thanks for the catch. I actually knew this. (No really I did. STOP ROLLING YOUR EYES!) But I just didn't realize my mistake when i wrote this. I'll be mindfull next time.

*Hiraishin 4: Hiraishin reviewed a chapter from Book One and was pretty harsh on my use of (or lack there of) Naruto's and Sasuke's Powers when they fought eachother. i just hope he's read to this point and by now understands why I did what I did.

Ok, now for chapter eleven of my tale. Please know I purchased a new car last week that runs on reviews. Do you have any to spare? :)

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Ten: The Fourth Hokage's Legacy

Konoha – Home of Tsunade

"What the hell are you talking about Danzo," Sakura screamed as she rose to her feet. Hearing Danzo's words had left the entire room in a state of shock. Danzo had entered the living room and stood rigidly as he stared at her.

"Watch your tone when addressing me woman," he responded, "I won't excuse such outbursts no matter how emotional you may get."

"Forgive me Lord Hokage," Shikamaru said, "but we are all somewhat shocked by this. I mean why would you want to banish Naruto now, especially during such times? I would think his help would be more necessary than ever."

Danzo chuckled lightly at Shikamaru's words. This boy is not to be underestimated, he thought to himself. He has become as adept at maneuvering through political wars as deftly as actual ones. "Help," Danzo replied questioningly, "Is that what you think he will give us? Uzumaki has caused more trouble than he has saved us from. He is a danger to us all; you should be thanking me for doing what you all know is necessary for the protection of this village."

Sakura walked angrily over to Danzo as she exclaimed, "Protection of the village!? Naruto has done nothing but put Konoha before himself! He has saved the lives of every person in this room not to mention you. You're just too caught up in your lust for power to see that!?"

"Sakura," Ino yelled as she tried to pull Sakura away. It was one thing to argue with the Hokage but Sakura was coming dangerously close to crossing a line from which there was no return.

"Be careful girl," Danzo said as he sneered at her, "I would choose my next words carefully if I were you."

"Ok then," Sakura sneered back, "How's this for careful? You made an official decree and signed an official contract stating that not only was Naruto welcomed back but you would never again banish him."

Danzo opened his hand in front of Fuu who immediately placed a scroll in his hand. Danzo opened it and held the document up inches from Sakura's face. "This decree specifically states that I would never banish Naruto based upon the successful completion of his mission," Danzo said. "Now tell me, was his mission successful?"

Sakura stared at the document dumfounded and silent; something Danzo immediately noticed and took smug satisfaction in. Pushing the scroll roughly into Sakura's chest Danzo walked passed her and addressed the room, while often looking directly at Naruto. "Not only did Uzumaki fail in his mission but it was his direct actions that caused this war. Every death in this war as a result is on his head."

Danzo then turned to look at Sakura who was facing him. "I had strongly considered sending you with him," Danzo said, "But during this time your medical expertise is just not something we can part with."

"Lord Hokage," Hinata said as she rose to her feet, "as the eldest daughter of the Hyuga families' main branch I happen to know for a fact that you are not able to banish any citizen without first the authorization of the elders, including my father. I also know that you have not spoken to him about this."

"Nor do I have to," Danzo said, "During times of war The Hokage has the authority to make sole executive decisions for the good of Konoha. And this is for the good of Konoha."

"How can you say that," TenTen said, "We're in the middle of a war with two countries, not to mention the threat of Akatsuki. How could banishing one of our strongest shinobi be for our benefit?"

"If we rid ourselves of Uzumaki," Danzo said, "Then perhaps I can then go to Kumo and Suna and negotiate with them. Perhaps I could convince them that Uzumaki acted on his own accord and without our authorization. Perhaps I can get them to end this war. Think of how many lives we could spare."

"So we would spare lives by sacrificing Naruto's," Konohamaru asked. "I would rather die than have anything to do with such a dishonorable plan."

"Then let us all not forget what happened this morning," Danzo said. Uzumaki's little fireworks display could have killed many people. At this point were lucky no one died. But there were many injuries to the medical staff. Something we can't afford." Looking at Naruto Danzo then said, "This clearly shows that Uzumaki has yet to be able to control that beast. I'm beginning to doubt he ever will."

As Danzo stared into Naruto's blue eyes he couldn't help but be compelled to stare deeper and deeper still into them. And it was there, deep in Naruto's gaze that for that moment Danzo swore he could see something, something primal, something terrifying. Suddenly Danzo swore he could feel a light, cool breeze brush across the back of his neck that caused his hair to stand on end. Danzo then quickly turned his gaze from Naruto and looked behind him to see that the door behind him was closed. Whatever breeze he felt did not come from there and this knowledge made his skin crawl. Quickly, Danzo regained his composure.

"This isn't right," Sakura said solemnly, "You can't do this!" Sakura then looked to Tsunade who had remained seated in her chair with her eyes closed with an emotionless look on her face. "Lady Tsunade," Sakura said, "Isn't there anything you can do?" To her surprise Tsunade, opened her eyes with the same blank face, got to her feet and silently left the room. "Lady Tsunade," Sakura screamed after her. But still Tsunade did not answer as she disappeared down the hall.

What is she doing, Sakura thought. Why isn't she doing anything? Is she just going to let Danzo get away with this?! Sakura then looked to Naruto who had sat silently as everyone pleaded his case. "Aren't you going to say anything in your own defense Naruto?" It was then Naruto looked at Sakura with a solemn expression she had seen before. It was during the last time this happened, three years ago; when Naruto willingly accepted his banishment. He had said to her that despite everything, Danzo was right. "Oh Naruto," Sakura whispered to herself, "don't tell me you think he's right. Not again."

Meanwhile

Tsunade moved into her bedroom and locked the door behind her and slowly made her way to the closet with a reverence that surprised even her. As she came to the closet Tsunade knelt down and opened it and slowly moved her things aside until a medium sized iron box came into view. The box didn't seem to have the look of importance as it was non-descript, flat with no markings with a plane simple lock.

Tsunade pulled it out and reverently wiped away some of the dust that had accumulated on it. Looking at it, Tsunade couldn't help but recall how it came into her possession.

Konoha – Office of the Hokage – Seven Years Ago

Tsunade sat at her desk and stared at the metal box Jiraiya had just sat down. "And just what is this," she asked as she looked up at him.

"This box was given to me by Uzumaki Kushina, shortly before her death," Jiraiya said with a serious look on his face.

Tsunade stared slack jawed for a moment at the box. Never taking her eyes of it she rose from her seat and walked around to the front of her desk. She then picked it up and examined it for a moment before placing it back down and looking at Jiraiya again. "Naruto's mother gave you this? What's in it?"

Jiraiya shrugged and said, "I don't know. I never opened it. All I know is that Kushina received this from Minato just before he died and that she handed it down to me and now I give it to you."

Tsunade then looked sharply at Jiraiya who instantly realized what she was thinking. Smiling and waving his hands he said, "No, no it's not like that at all. I'm not planning on dying any time soon. It's just, with Akatsuki now moving about and me about to take the kid for his training, I figure its best to leave this with you where I know it'll be safe."

"Ah yes," Tsunade said, "You'll be leaving today." Tsunade then looked at Jiraiya sadly. "Leave it to you to always find a reason to leave."

Jiraiya looked at Tsunade and with an almost equal sadness in his voice said, "Or maybe I never had a good enough reason to stay."

Tsunade blushed and looked away. She then turned back after a moment and asked, "So what am I supposed to do with this thing?"

"Just hide it away where no one can find it," Jiraiya said. "Oh before I forget, take this as well." Jiraiya dug into his poket and produced a small silver key attached to a silver necklace. "This is the key that opens this box." Jiraiya then walked close to Tsunade, stopping when he came less than a foot between them. Jiraiya's closeness caused Tsunade to blush even more and she backed up and ended up sitting on her desk a little.

"Since you decided to give Naruto your necklace," he said, "I figured I'd replace it with another." Jiraiya then put the necklace over her head and draped gently over her neck. Looking into her eyes Jiraiya played with the key in his fingers and whispered, "Keep this safe for me." For what seemed like a long time they merely stared at each other until Tsunade, still blushing, pushed him back and walked back behind her desk.

Clearing her throat she said, "Ok, I'll hold on to it for you as just a favor to you. But if you think I'm going to continuously wear some old key around my neck you better think again."

Jiraiya laughed his usual boisterous laugh then said, "Typical Tsunade! Defensive to a fault! You know I wouldn't have it any other way!" Jiraiya then waived and turned to leave. "Well, I'm off Tsuande. See you in two and a half years."

"Jiraiya," Tsuande called causing Jiraiya to turn. He noted that she still had a sad look on her face that caused his smile to fade slightly. "Akatsuki may not come after Naruto for two and a half years but….that's no guarantee. Just…..be careful."

Jiraiya closed his eyes and looked down all the while smiling. "Don't worry Tsunade," he said as he looked her again, "I'll bring the boy back in one piece." Jiraiya then turned and opened the door. "Oh," he said, "One last thing. Just in case something should ever happen to me. So you know I was given clear instructions from Kushina. She said give this Naruto when the time comes."

Tsunade looked confused. She then said, "Give this to Naruto when the time comes? When the hell is that supposed to be?"

"You know," Jiraiya said, "I asked Kushina the same thing when she gave these instructions to me. In fact she asked the same thing to Minato when he gave them to her. Her answer to me was the same answer he gave her and the only answer I can give to you. And that answer is…..you'll know." Jiraiya then left and closed the door behind him.

Konoha – Now – Home of Tsunade

Tsunade reached behind her neck and removed the necklace. For a moment she stared at the key as she realized that despite her declaration to Jiraiya she had never once removed the necklace in the past seven years. Taking it off now she felt somewhat naked without it just like she felt when she had given her necklace to Naruto.

Tsunade then put the key in the lock and turned it and slowly opened the box. Tsunade let out a small gasp as she saw the contents and for a moment marveled at Minato's clairvoyance. It was if all that had happened in Naruto's life had been known to Minato before hand.

Tsunade quickly removed the key and placed the necklace back around her neck and quickly picked up the box and got to her feet. She quickly spun on her heels and left the room.

As she arrived back in the living room, Danzo was still there as Sakura and the others continued to argue their points. As she entered the room everyone looked at her. "Lady Tsunade," Sakura said, "where did you go?"

"To get something that belongs to Naruto," Tsunade said. Looking at Danzo, Tsunade then said, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ruin you plans Danzo. You will not be able to banish Naruto this day or any other."

Danzo's expression grew dark and regarded her suspiciously. "I'm sorry Tsunade but my decision is final and cannot be challenged."

"Ah," she said, "But it can be over-ruled. You forget Danzo that even you lack the power to banish decedents of a ruling family even during war time without the full consent of every elder."

Danzo immediately realized what she was alluding to and grew ridged with tension. "You wouldn't dare Tsunade," he said. "If you do what I think you're about to do you would be to go against the will of the Third."

Sakura and the others looked at Tsunade with confusion. Looking at Naruto who merely sat still staring at Tsunade, Sakura then asked Tsunade, "What are you talking about? What rule about the descendents of the ruling family?"

"It's a law that prohibits the Hokage from banishing or executing anyone from a ruling family, like the Hyuga or Sarutobi, without the full agreement of all the village elders," Hinata said.

"Exactly," Tsunade said, "It is a law that even you must abide by Danzo, even during times of war." Tsunade then looked at Naruto and said, "Uzumaki Naruto rise." Hearing these words Naruto rose to his feet. "As the son of Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage, I give you this, and my word that so long as I live Danzo will never receive my agreement to banish you."

For what seemed like an eternity the room remained deathly quiet. Naruto took the box from Tsunade and stared at everyone who all stood staring at him in awe. Now fuming at Tsunade's act and realizing he been beaten Danzo turned on his heels. "Tsunade," he said, "Don't for a second think this is over. You have gone against the will of the Third without the agreement of the elders. There will be consequences for such an act."

As Danzo reached the door he stopped and turned again. "One other thing," he said, "Haruno Sakura, you've been activated for a mission."

Sakura stared at Danzo as he continued. "We've received word that one of our Shinobi out near our borders was severely wounded and is unable to be moved from his location. Unfortunately that shinobi has valuable information for the war effort and needs to be rescued. I'll be sending you along with two ANBU first thing in the morning." Danzo then left not waiting for her answer.

Once Danzo was gone everyone again looked to Naruto who merely sat in his seat staring at the package in front of him. Naruto then opened the box slightly, just enough for him to see its contents. After a moment he removed a small scroll from the box and closed the box again and locked it.

Then, much to Tsunade's surprise, he handed it back to her and said, "Thanks Granny but I'm not ready to take the rest of this yet. It's…..too soon. I'll just make due with this for now."

"But," Tsuande said, "I don't understand. This was your fathers and by right of birth the entire contents of this box is yours. Why would you not want this?"

Naruto smiled warmly, "But I do want it and I will take it shortly. But the time isn't right. But thanks Granny, for everything."

"Naruto," Sakura said as she stared in disbelief, "Is……is what Lady Tsunade said true? Are you really the son of The Fourth?"

"Yes," Iruka said. "It was the Fourth who decided, in his wisdom, that Naruto would be the host for the Kyubi. But it was the Third who felt it was important to protect Naruto from those who would want to exploit him. If word got out that Naruto was Minato's son, other countries and terrorists alike would target him in an effort to gain the strength of Namikaze through Naruto's bloodlines. Not to mention the fact he had the Kyubi within him. So the Third made us all swear to silence. Only a select few knew the truth and we were all told to not tell Naruto until his twenty first birthday."

"But you already knew didn't you Naruto," Shikamaru asked. "I could tell from your expression when Tsunade gave this to you. When did you find out about your father?"

"Nothing ever gets past you does it Shikamaru," Naruto said with a smile on his face. "It was three years ago, during my fight with Pain. Specifically when I lost control of the Kyubi, my father came to me in a vision and helped me regain control."

"Your father came to you," TenTen asked, "But, the Fourth Hokage has been dead for nearly twenty years. How is that even possible?"

"It's the seal he placed on Naruto," Tsunade said, "None of us really know too much about this technique or how it works. But it seems Minato may have placed a piece of his own consciousness within the seal should it begin to break, like a fail safe."

Shikamaru took a deep breath and then smiled, "Damn dude, I thought there was something special about you but I didn't know you were freaking royalty. I guess we should call you Namikaze Naruto now huh?"

"If you don't mind," Naruto said, "I'd prefer you hold off on doing that for a while too. The time isn't right for that yet either."

"You know Naruto," Shikamaru said, "If I didn't know you any better I'd say you have some sort of plan."

Naruto simply smiled a big, bright smile. "C'mon Shikamaru, you know me, I don't plan things. I just go with the flow."

Otogakure – Later that night

Lee swiftly pulled the dead body of the shinobi into the bushes. He along with Neji and Kiba had returned to the outskirts of the town as one of the fake citizens who was in actuality a shinobi on patrol, came by. In one swift motion Lee had leapt out of the bushes and stabbed him in the back, killing him, while placing a hand over his mouth to silence the scream. He then quickly pulled the body back into the bushes to conceal it.

With that done Neji signaled to Lee and Kiba to follow him. Silently they followed, keeping to the shadows until they arrived at one of the buildings. Neji quickly surveyed the area one last time just to be sure before entering the room with the others in tow. Once inside, Neji quickly moved through the empty space to the far left side where he bent down and examined the floor boards.

"Ah," he said, "Hear we go." Neji then found a lever embedded within the floor boards and pulled it. Suddenly the floorboards nearby slid away revealing stairs descending into a small tunnel. "Alright guys," he said. "Lets go." And with that, the group descended into darkness.

Meanwhile – Konoha – Later that Night

"You plan to stay here all night Sakura," Tsunade said as she entered the living room. Sakura was sitting there apparently lost in her thoughts and hadn't noticed her enter. "You've had a long day. You should head home and rest. Hell even Naruto has gone to sleep and you have a mission in the morning."

Sakura smiled, "I know but I just wanted to stay a little longer. I know Naruto and I want to stay around in case he tries to sneak out and go to Suna."

Tsunade smiled and sat on the couch next to Sakura. "Yep," she said, "That sounds like something he'd do. But he promised you not to and Danzo has placed some of his men to watch him, even though he thinks I don't know that. So you don't need to play security guard. Naruto is fine thanks to you. Now you need to see about yourself. Go home Sakura and stop by in the morning."

Knowing that Tsunade was right, Sakura got up and bowed. "Thank you for everything Lady Tsunade," she said. "I'll be back tomorrow morning."

Tsunade stood at the doorway as she watched Sakura disappear into the night. Once she was gone Tsunade stepped outside and walked around the outside of her home until she got to the back. She arrived just in time to see Naruto sneaking out of his window with his gear. "Aren't you a little old to be sneaking out of windows," she asked.

"Ahh," Naruto screamed as he leapt back. It was obvious that she had taken him off guard. Laughing nervously he said, "Granny Tsunade, what are doing out here at this hour?! I was just going to take a walk!"

"With all of your gear," she asked. She noticed that he was nervously looking around when she said, "Don't worry Naruto, I already sent Sakura home. I didn't want her to be around for this."

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was to deal with a furious Sakura. "Wait a sec," he said, "you knew?"

Smiling she said, "Of course. I think I'd know you by now. Anyway, you should get going, you have a long trip."

Confused, Naruto asked, "Not that I'm ungrateful Granny but aren't you going to stop me. I mean I thought you agreed with Sakura-chan."

"Naruto," Tsunade, "One thing I've learned about men is that trying to keep them from their chosen path is like trying to run through a wall. Nothing good can come from it. If this is what you think you have to do then I'll support you in it. But, for my sake, for Sakura and your friends remember that your safety is as important to us as ours is to you."

Naruto strapped his scroll to his back and smiled. "Thank you Granny," he said. "Please apologize to Sakura- chan for me."

"I'll try," she said grimly, "But you should know that when you come back Sakura will hurt you……badly."

Naruto then began to walk away and as he did Tsunade couldn't help but recall the last day Jiraiya left and she felt a cold shiver down her spine. "Naruto," she said, causing him to turn to her, "fight to live."

Several minutes later

Naruto leapt from a tree to the ground a few yards from Konoha's main gate Taking care of the guards Danzo had placed to watch him had been child's play and he had already made it outside. Breathing deeply he began to walk towards his destination.

After about thirty minutes Naruto made it to a clearing and stopped. With his arms folded and not really looking at anything in particular he asked, "So how long you plan on following me?"

Suddenly, from the shadow of a nearby tree, Shikamaru appeared, rising from within the shadow itself. "That's pretty impressive," he said, "No one has ever been able to detect me when I use my Shadow meld Jutsu."

With a stern look on his face Naruto responded, "That's a nice jutsu you have there. One day you'll have to tell me where you learned that. So…..how long where you going to follow me?"

"Pretty much until you got to Sunagakure," Shikamaru said which shocked Naruto a little. "C'mon Naruto, you don't think I really believed you earlier did you?"

Naruto simply stared at Shikamaru with the same serious look. "Go home Shikamaru," Naruto said. "I'll be going alone."

"I'm sorry Naruto," Shikamru said with a broad smile, "But I've made up my mind. I'm either going with you or I'll follow you. You really can't stop me."

Naruto walked up to Shikamaru and got in his face. "Oh I think I can stop you. Now go home Shikamaru." He then turned and began to walk away.

Shikamaru then turned around and began to walk away. He then said over his shoulder, "Ok fine. I'll just head on home and wake Sakura-chan up and tell her that you decided to go to Suna despite promising he wouldn't. Then Sakura, Hinata, Choji, myself and all the rest can get together and begin Mission: 'Help Sakura find Naruto and Beat the shit out of him for Lying."

Naruto stopped in his tracks and winced. Turning sharply on his heels Naruto had a wide smile on his face. "You know," he said, "maybe I should let you come with me. I could really use the company."

Shikamaru turned and walked towards Naruto and laughed, "Yeah somehow I knew you'd see things my way."

As he passed by, Naruto's face again became serious. "Shikamaru," he said, "What about you're duties in Konoha. You're a chief tactical advisor. Danzo—"

"Danzo won't miss me," Shikamaru said. "Lately he hasn't been listening to a single thing I've been saying. His decisions lately just don't make sense to me. I figure he won't need me anyway. I can do more good with you. Besides, I happen to have a…..good relationship with someone inside Suna that could help."

Naruto seemed surprised. "All right then," he said, "maybe this is for the best after all." Smiling at Shikamaru, Naruto then said, "You know Shikamaru, sometime soon you're going to regret coming with me.

Shikamaru smiled and put his arm around Naruto's shoulder and said, "Yeah, I pretty much know that."

End of Chapter Ten

Next Time: The Mystery of the False Village