Invictus
By: fruor

Summary: Five years ago, Uzumaki Naruto disappeared. The only witness: Uchiha Sasuke. While people fail and stray, Uzumaki Naruto always remained unconquerable. SasuNaru.

Rating: T

Genre: Romance/Angst

Pairings: SasuNaru, KakaIru

Disclaimer: Grab a random online dictionary or encyclopedia. Search for "Fanfiction". Enough said.

Note: The moment of truth has come! Slap me if I'm lame XDXDXD

IX. Followed By Shadows

"We have tolerated Uzumaki Naruto for too long already. If you're letting your personal relationship with such a shinobi get the better of you, then I believe it is time for us to choose a new Hokage."

Tsunade glared at the members of the council. "No, I believe I am being fair. A shinobi will not be marked as a missing nin until a week's time has passed and we receive no contact whatsoever from the said shinobi. And if you are looking for my successor, then I believe he is the one you're trying to throw away."

"If it was any other shinobi, we would've extended the days if needed but this is Uzumaki Naruto we're talking about. He is a jinchuuriki, Tsunade. He cannot be left to roam free. Heaven knows what will happen to us if we let him!" Koharu spoke. She had been in the council ever since Sarutobi was still in power. She did not have enough power to overcome the Sandaime but she was sure she could persuade the Godaime.

Beside the old lady sat Homura. He was whole-heartedly agreeing with Koharu's statement. "Yes, we need to mark him as soon as possible. Tonight is the Kyuubi Festival. Who knows what how much it would affect the seal!"

But the Godaime had a will of steel. She will not let old geezers defeat her over something she knows is unfair. "The seal…is intact. The Kyuubi is nothing to worry about! And I'm not even asking you to extend the time limit!" she pounded a fist on the tea table, "All I'm asking is that you grant him the same treatment as you would any other shinobi."

Koharu looked at Homura then faced the Godaime, "If after seven days Uzumaki Naruto has not made contact or returned, then you will allow us to list him as an S-class missing nin."

Tsunade paused, "It is fair judgment."

"Then our discussion is over." The council members stood up, exiting the meeting room with their own set of ANBU guards.

"Damnit, Naruto. You better come back before your time is over." The Hokage massaged her temple with her right hand. She hadn't expected Naruto to disappear once again. It was Sasuke who informed her of the blonde's status. It was Hoshi who stopped the search parties Tsunade had almost dispatched. The two had come into her office just as she was on her way to summoning the blonde.

Tsunade wanted to grab someone's head and smash it on something solid when she learned of the disappearance. She had kept it a secret but the council's ANBU had found out and at the blink of an eye, they were on her case, demanding proper judgment.

She looked to her right and saw Hoshi perched at the edge of the seat. It wasn't a surprise to see the girl there. After all, she's…all-seeing…in a way.

"Came to see the council?"

Hoshi cocked her head to a side, blinking. She smiled then nodded. "Hoshi will make sure they don't try anything against Naruto-sama."

Tsunade smiled back. Hoshi was useful when it comes to watching out for people who go against Naruto. Her loyalty to the blonde surpassed that of any human…but then, she isn't human in the first place. And that was what gave her the ability to watch the council without getting caught.

So far, Hoshi had passed everything she learned to the Hokage. But Tsunade knew that such services will last only until Naruto's return. She had no power over the little girl. Her commands are never followed.

"Naruto-sama will be back by tomorrow's time."

Tsunade sighed in relief. Hoshi was definitely useful.

- - -

The streets were full of people partying and enjoying the festival. The children were wearing plastic masks similar to those of the ANBU as they ran from stall to stall, trying their luck out in the games. At the center of the town stood a small stage where shinobi reenacted the infamous battle between the Yondaime and the Kyuubi.

Away from the main streets and the ruckus it held, the cluster of buildings were dead. The owners and residents of the buildings had all decided to take a day off for the festival. All except one.

The lights from one of the apartments was like a lantern to those who were lost. It stood up like white house cat hiding in a group of black husky puppies. There was supposed to be a party in that unit but the celebrant had decided to disappear for the occasion…which led to the disappearance of the guests as well. They had either gone to the festival or exchanged guard duties with other shinobi.

A sigh escaped from Sakura's lips. Another from Ino. And yet another from Tenten.

"So much for all the preparations we made for Naruto's party." Tenten sighed…once again. "He's not even here to enjoy it. Tell me, Sakura. Does he always disappear like this?"

Ino nodded, "Yeah. I understand why he disappeared when Sasuke-kun was still with Orochimaru. He went to get back Sasuke-kun but with that over and done with, why leave?"

Sakura shrugged, "I don't know. I'm just happy that Tsunade-sama and Sasuke-kun are calm about it. If not, then it would mean that Naruto's in deep trouble. But…" she ran a finger across the streamers. With a groan, she grabbed the decorations and threw them onto the floor, "Why did he have to vanish now? Sometimes I think it's my fault he went away."

"Don't say that, Sakura!" Ino said as she helped Tenten pick up the decorations, "Why would it be your fault?"

"Maybe it was because I tried to throw him out of the village by protesting about Hoshi." Sakura shook her head, "I should've put more faith in Naruto, ne? He's never let us down. Well, except for his party." She snorted.

Tenten placed the décor on the table, standing them upright. "It's strange, don't you think? Naruto disappeared and no one's looking for him. I'm sure Sasuke would've gone after him no matter what but he seemed…"

"Bland?" Ino suggested.

"Yes, something like that. Almost as if he couldn't go after Naruto."

Sakura stared blankly at the two. "It's her. It must be because of her. There's nobody else. She's stopping Sasuke like she's stopping Tsunade-sama."

Ino groaned, "What do you have against Hoshi, Sakura? Yes, I know she's not human and all that suspicious stuff but for crying out loud! You don't have to blame everything to her! You're acting like an obsessed stalker! Over a ten-year-old at that!" She threw her arms in the air, flailing them in an attempt to look intimidating.

"She's not human but do you know what she is?"

Tenten narrowed her eyes in confusion, "What do you mean? Did you find out what she is? I've seen you spend your time at the library ever since Tsunade-sama forced you to take a leave. You found something?"

"Oh, she's horrible." Sakura put her palm on her face, shaking her head in horror. Her voice was watery and full of fear. Ino and Tenten sat around her as she slid down to the stool behind her. "I never thought I'd regret to find out but the whole thing just makes me fear ever finding out what happened to Naruto during those five years!"

"Sakura, maybe it's not that bad. You know you're always too paranoid when it comes to Naruto and Sasuke." Ino chuckled nervously. She looked at Tenten, willing her to agree.

The medic nin sighed. "Shikamaru gave me the clues. I looked it up in the library. I even sneaked into the forbidden sections because the librarian wouldn't let me near them, telling me that Tsunade-sama banned me." She lifted her shaking hands to lips, "She's a killer, Ino, Tenten. She's the one that takes away the life of those shinobi I couldn't save in the hospital."

Ino and Tenten looked at each other worriedly. Maybe it was just the stress taking Sakura's nerves that's why she was acting like that.

"Sakura, maybe you should rest." Tenten squeezed her shoulders, "You've been through too much."

But Sakura wasn't about to give up, "We need to make Tsunade-sama, Sasuke-kun…everyone…to stay away from her! Especially Naruto!" She gripped Tenten's clothes, turning fearful eyes at her, "I've tried to see it some other way but it all end up with the same thing! She's…she's…that girl…."

Ino gave the medic nin a hug, "Sakura, you're tired. Do rest."

"She's a god of death…a shinigami."

"Are you…are you sure? Isn't that impossible…? Shinigami can't be seen by any human beings because seeing one means death. And none of us have died during all the times we've seen her." Ino questioned. She couldn't see how a little girl like Hoshi could be something that was used by adults to scare children away.

Sakura shook her head, "I don't know why we're still alive but I'm sure she's a shinigami. Maybe she's letting us live because of Naruto or maybe because she's just waiting for her chance." She sighed, "I hope she hasn't done anything dreadful to Naruto. I just can't see why Naruto would have something like her with him."

"You know what, Sakura. You should let that fear go." Tenten smiled, putting her hands on the medic nin's shoulders, "You worry too much. Just let go. Put your faith in Naruto. Just believe in his loyalty to Konoha and to his friends. He never let you down before so why should he do so now?"

The medic nin smiled, "You're right. I should place my trust in him. He'll never hurt us."

- - -

Sasuke stared at his ceiling, listening to the crickets outside. It was midnight and he had been lying on his bed for two hours. The festival held none of his interest. There were people and noise and excessive lights. Most of all, they were celebrating something he believed should be treated with solemnity and caution.

He hadn't left the Uchiha compound the whole day, choosing isolation rather than being hounded by questions or socializing. The words Hoshi gave him were still on his mind. It was like an echo that never ended, an echo that made him ask so much, never receiving answers. It was torture.

He wondered if this was what Naruto felt when no one would answer him.

With a sigh, Sasuke threw his covers off him and stood up. He grabbed a jacket from his closet and went out of his house. A walk might do him good…despite that it was midnight.

"It's already tomorrow, Naruto. Where are you?" He whispered to the moon. Hoshi had visited him early in the morning, telling him about Naruto's day of return. He'd never say it but having that girl appear without warning into his house was a big blow to his ego. He just blames it on the lack of human abilities.

His footsteps led him to the lake where the crescent moon was reflected perfect on the waters, like a humongous mirror in the midst of the clearing. A smile chanced to play on his lips. This was the place where he and Naruto had first sparred ever since he returned. Made a fool out of the whole thing too.

A soft wave rippled the reflection of the moon on the surface. Sasuke's trained eyes quickly scanned for the cause. At the middle of the lake, he saw a shadow snake on the surface. He moved forward to see the image better. The cool waters of the lake licked at his toes as he used his chakra to walk on the surface.

The strand of black pushed away the waters as it grew in both size and number. The water around it boiled, creating a light mist around them.

Sasuke went closer, squinting his eyes for a better view.

The shadows lashed out like numerous fox tails. They wrapped around one another, squeezing until it was condensed enough to a small figure. Then it stopped moving. At the base, there was a constant ripple forming and disappearing as it grew large enough to touch Sasuke's feet.

In a second's flash, the tails retreated to the shoulder of the figure. The shadows clung to the figure in desperation, tugging at the wrists, neck and clothes as though it was trying to drag its prisoner to where they came from.

In horror, Sasuke watched. It was similar to the time when he Naruto had first disappeared in front of him. Unconsciously, his sharingan activated as though to hide whatever emotion was pouring through his eyes as of the moment.

A painful gasp reached Sasuke's ears. He stared at the figure: black shinobi sandals, black cargo pants, an orange tank top, tanned skin…that unmistakable blonde hair, bright blue eyes and whisker marks.

Sasuke caught his breath. It was Naruto.

The shadows whipped and lashed on the tanned skin before disappearing across Naruto's shoulders, solidifying to those oh-so-familiar features of that infamous ten-year-old little girl.

The wheels of his sharingan spun crazily. He gritted his teeth. Those shadows were from that girl…those shadows that took Naruto away…that left that ear-piercing and horrifying scream that Sasuke could never stop hearing.

"Thanks, Hoshi, for looking after things while I'm gone. Sorry for asking such things from you." Naruto chuckled. When he received no response from girl perched on his shoulder, he grew worried. He looked up at Hoshi and saw that cold look in her eyes.

"Human." Hoshi hissed.

Naruto jerked his head to the front. He swallowed nervously. "Sa-Sasuke."

Nails dug into pale flesh as Sasuke clenched his fists in anger. "You…you…that little girl…fuck…those shadows…." He sipped air through his teeth, "You took…you took…YOU TOOK HIM AWAY!" A humongous amount of chakra was released from his feet, giving him the speed and power he needed. He lunged towards Naruto, sharingan focused on Hoshi alone.

The little girl raised a hand towards the Uchiha.

Sasuke felt a tug at his wait, shoulders and neck. He saw Hoshi's image get smaller and smaller. Something was throwing him back.

"SASUKE!" Naruto pushed Hoshi off his shoulders. He pushed himself forward, grabbing Sasuke's wrist and pulling him with all his might. The sudden impact of the Uchiha's body slamming onto his caused his chakra control to falter, making the two of them fall under the lake's surface.

Sasuke kicked his legs but found them entangled with the blonde. In frustration, he grabbed Naruto's head, putting his arms under the blonde's armpits in a rough hug. He swam to the edge of the lake, carrying Naruto with him.

"Baka! If you can't save yourself, don't try saving other people!" Sasuke coughed.

Naruto glared at him but said nothing in return.

"My house. Now."

- - -

"You're not welcome in this house." Sasuke glared at Hoshi.

"But you're a shinobi, human. Hoshi is always welcome."

Sasuke glared.

Hoshi glared in return.

"Okay, stop it you two." Naruto came into living room, drying his hair with a towel. He was wearing Sasuke's clothes. Well, the ones that Sasuke rarely used. "Hoshi, be nice to Sasuke. And Sasuke? What's the deal now? Aren't you supposed to be happy that I'm back already?"

"How can I not be mad at her!" Sasuke pointed at the girl, "I saw the shadows, Naruto. SHE'S THE DAMN FUCKING REASON YOU DISAPPEARED AND YOU EXPECT ME TO BE CALM ABOUT IT!"

Naruto stopped his hands. He dropped the towel onto the couch, combing his hair with his fingers. With a stern frown on his face, he answered, "She's not the reason I disappeared, Sasuke. If that's the issue, then you should thank her instead. The only reason I could get back here is because of her."

"Then what? What made you disappear?"

The blonde stiffed. He turned away from Sasuke. "Can't you ask something else?"

In anger, Sasuke grabbed the blonde's wrist, forcing him to look his way. He failed to notice that blush across that tanned face. "I've waited long enough to get some answers, Naruto. Almost six fucking years!"

"It's Konoha." Hoshi interrupted, "Naruto-sama wouldn't have disappeared if it weren't for Konoha. That's why I can't understand why he's still trying so hard to protect a village that doesn't want him!" It was the first time she had shown an emotion that deviated from calm.

Naruto bit his lip, shaking his head in denial. "No, don't say that…. It's supposed to be a good thing, right?" he forced a smile, "If I hadn't disappeared, you wouldn't have found me, ne? So you should be thankful…that's right…very thankful."

Sasuke's grip on Naruto loosened. He focused his eyes on Hoshi and asked, "Konoha? What does Konoha have to do with it? A jutsu?"

"Human will is a very powerful force. If united, it could cause boundaries to break."

The brunette squeezed Naruto's wrist. "Then…Konoha…threw you away…." He turned to the blonde, trying find hatred in those blue eyes. But all he found was solid determination…the same determination he sees every time Naruto was trying so hard to protect something. "Why won't you say it?"

"Because I didn't want to blame them. I didn't want to blame anybody." Naruto forced a laugh.

It was painful to see the blonde try to retain his happy façade. With a sigh, Sasuke released his grip on Naruto and fell to the couch.

"I owe you a lot…of things, Sasuke."

Hoshi looked at Naruto in disbelief. She opened her mouth to intervene but a tanned hand stopped her.

The blonde beside Sasuke, leaning on his shoulder, "Sasuke…how much do you know about youkai…and shinigami?"

"Shinigami are youkai as well."

"I beg to differ. Shinigami and youkai are separate beings. Youkai reside in the Demon Realm. Shinigami come from the Underworld, the land of souls." Hoshi snapped, "You humans are always like this…calling everything and everyone you fear a demon."

Sasuke glared at the girl. He just had enough of her incessant degrading of the human species…specifically the Uchiha clan. "What does this have to do with Konoha, anyway?"

Naruto chuckled, nervously moving a hand through his hair. "The Demon Realm is a harsh place. Rules are never to be broken or there will be dire consequences. But…it's a beautiful place as well. It's kinda like the Human Realm…only with youkai instead of ningen."

Sasuke turned the blonde beside him. He narrowed his eyes in question. The way he heard Naruto say those words…it was as if he was speaking from experience, as though he himself had lived in the Demon Realm. Eyes grew wide in realization and the little color left in the Uchiha's face vanished.

"Five years in the Demon Realm could do a lot about a person."

Koharu and Homura are the real council in the manga. Yep, the old lady and the equally old man with equally irritating looks. I know they're old but I'm retaining them because if I put a new council, then there would be little political conflict because they wouldn't dare disobey the Hokage.

Be happy, my dear readers. I wanted to end the chapter when Sasuke spotted Naruto (and vice versa) in the lake. It just felt like the right thing to do but I promised to reveal where Naruto came from in this chapter. Uhmm, enjoy?

But anyway, I finally said it! Without the necessary explanations, yes, but that'll be seen in the next chapter! Now, if it sucks, please don't hold out on me! Bash as much as you wish to! XD

What the hell happened and I suddenly got so many reviews? Let's hope it happens again!

Thanks to: FireTemptress, Dark Hurricane, ebonyS2, meinien, TheDragonOfDarkness001, lunabasketcase, tishu, Uzumaki Ryooki, Raskanii, anonymous, Icy Sapphire15, BleedingxEternally, Ky0Kichi, DarkvsLight, SelenaWheeler, Toma Kaze, Katio, HikaruNoJingoku, Rikouchan, keele

If you can spare some time, go visit www. deviantart. com/deviation/27545726/. It's kinda like the er...poster? Of the fanfic XD Actually, I just wanted to draw an angsting Naruto XD

All things in life
That you cannot gain
Without first losing,
And feeling pain
— This is the first stanza of a poem I made with the drawing in the link above. It kinda explains one of the rules Hoshi follows. Basically, it's fair exchange — kinda like equivalent trade (Full Metal Alchemist) except that it isn't necessarily 'equivalent' XD It's for lunabasketcase :3