Author's Note: Hello again everyone. We just wanted to thank all 400! of you that are currently following this story. This is our first dive into creative writing, so having so many of you supporting us is incredible!
We also wanted to thank you for the ideas and reviews you've been giving. There's still some time, so if there are any other ideas you guys have on what you want to see in the story, let us know so we can try to incorporate it in now, and not trying at the last minute. We can't promise to use all of them, but your suggestions are going to be taking place in Shippuden, so don't be disappointed or surprised if we don't see it for a bit, we're not quite there yet, but it is coming up. Well, with that here is the next chapter.
Chapter 11
"Which one of you is Danzo?"
He looked at the three elders, but he already knew which one he was looking for. There was utter calmness and composure on his face, not even fazed by his arrival. His Haki ran over the old man, sensing his strength. He used to be a powerful shinobi, but age had gotten to him, not even mention that he was now a cripple. Why an old man like this thought he could be Hokage, he would never… what the hell?
He continued to analyze Danzo, making sure his face never changed as he did. There was something wrong with this guy, more specifically his arm. It was like it wasn't even there. No, that's not it. It was like the arm wasn't his. There was more, even the eye behind those bandages had that exact same feeling. Just what had this Danzo been up?
One of the elders spoke up, the other older man.
"What is the meaning of this!?"
He glanced over at the council member, chuckling. He was about to reply when the door slammed open, Tsunade and Shizune stepping inside.
"Naruto! What do you think you're doing?!", Tsunade screamed.
He was laughing now, placing his hands in his pockets.
"Heh heh heh! Me? I'm just here to say hello to a respectable member of the council."
He looked over at Danzo, leaning in close to look him in his only visible eye.
"I'm a huge fan of yours. Heh heh heh!"
Doffy jumped off the table, walking over to Tsunade.
"Now that I'm done with that, you can continue your little play date. Send the bill for the window to Jiraiya."
He walked past her, entering the hallway and making his way out of the Hokage Tower. While he would have loved to continue having his fun, he wanted to get back to everyone else. He headed home, thinking about what to do about Danzo. He was a powerful man if only politically. Still, he obviously had connections, and could make an obstacle for him later down the line. He would give the Leaf the chance to take care of him properly, but if he continued to be an issue, Doffy would take care of it himself.
While he wanted him dead for killing the old man, he had bigger things to worry about right now than simply revenge. That fight with Kisame and Itachi had been rather eye opening. He wasn't too upset that he wasn't strong enough to fight them on an even playing field, there was only so strong a 12 year old body could get after all.
Even so, Doffy had found that he was running out of tricks to use. His strings were not the same ones he had in his previous life. They weren't as durable, not as powerful, and were made of chakra. Still, that meant something else, that unlike his Devil Fruit's strings, he could improve them, make them stronger than they were before. But he needed more than that, he needed to focus on the skills his new life offered him, ninjutsu. Already, with just the Rasengan he was able to create another powerful technique. He needed more things like that, and Vergo would as well. They can't rely on pure strength alone, his fight with Shukaku had taught him that.
Usually this wasn't something that he had to worry about. His Haki would make it so his attacks were always able to his opponents, but what if he were to run into something like Shukaku again, something who's physical form was immune to physical attacks, he wasn't sure what he could do. He needed more training, more techniques.
He arrived at his apartment, opening the door and walking inside. He felt that everyone was here, sitting in the kitchen. He walked in, seeing them at the dining room table. Vergo, Temari, Gaara and Sakura were sitting down, playing cards. He looked up slightly, chuckling at the small eye of sand looking at Sakura's cards. They turned toward him as he walked in, Temari and Sakura greeting him.
"Naruto!"
"Naruto!"
He smiled slightly, giving a light wave. He sat at the table as well, using his strings as a makeshift chair.
"Hello everyone, I'm back."
Temari spoke up first, putting her cards down.
"So? How did everything go? Were you able to find Tsunade?"
He grinned, nodding at her.
"Sure did. She's at a meeting with the council now, but she'll be coming here as soon as she's done."
They nodded, Vergo getting up from his seat.
"As expected of you, Naruto. Now, I shall make some food to celebrate your return."
He nodded at him in thanks, watching as the rest of them returned to their game. He listened as they talked to them, telling him about what they had been doing while he was away. Vergo had done well, making sure they all were acquainted with each other, eating and training together. Sakura and Temari seemed to become good friends, something that made him glad. The girl needed a female friend, someone to replace that Ino girl.
Gaara was unsurprisingly quiet, but he could see that he was simply enjoying the moment, something that he understood very well. Vergo finished making food, all of them relaxing and eating together. He looked around, remembering the last time his family had gotten to eat together. The members of the family may have been different, but it felt as nice as always.
He watched as Sakura berated Vergo for eating so sloppily, trying to wipe his now messy face off with a napkin every few minutes. Temari was busy fretting over Gaara, asking if he wanted more food or something else to eat with Gaara shaking his head every time, smiling lightly. Sakura and Temari would talk as well, gossiping about something or other, but Doffy wasn't very interested in gossip of all things.
He brought his chopsticks up, about to eat a slice of beef that Vergo had made.
"Yeah, not to mention those two boys that were hitting on us the other day."
The chopsticks stopped, slowly being put back on the plate. He looked up, turning toward Temari.
"Temari, you wouldn't happen to know where those two would be right now, would you?"
She gave him a questioning look, tilting her head slightly.
"Well, they said they would be in the forest of training ground 14 for a couple days. Why is something wrong?"
He grinned, getting up slowly and making his way to the door.
"No, nothing's wrong, I just have a quick… errand to run."
He walked to the door, waving behind him as Temari told him to not be gone for too long. He walked out, making his way to training ground 14, eager to protect his family once again.
They had come back. The village was apparently raving, celebrating the return of Tsunade Senju thanks to the efforts of Jiraiya and Naruto. He didn't care about that, all that mattered was that Naruto was back. Sasuke had to speak to Naruto, he couldn't just let go of that fight he had witnessed.
Sasuke had been completely outclassed by his brother. As soon as he felt Itachi's hand on his wrist, he knew that he had lost that fight. His Sharingan had been active in that moment, burning it into his memory.
Itachi batted away his chidori like it was a joke, a simple toy. Naruto had jumped in and saved him. Naruto took on Itachi and the strange blue man all by himself. Naruto looked at him, told him to run, as if he were in the way.
He scoffed at the thought, walking through the village and searching for Naruto. Of course he was in the way, he could never do any of the things that Naruto had done in that fight. The attacks Naruto performed, the blows that he was able to block, not even his Sharingan let him do those things, he had tried.
Sasuke tried to make Naruto's strings, but the amount of chakra that the blond put into them was incredible, and Sasuke just couldn't do it. He tried that other attack, Naruto's 'Storm Leg'. No matter how many times he kicked his leg forward, he just didn't have the strength required to perform it.
How? Just how was Naruto and Lee so powerful? Whatever it was, whatever secret method the two were using to improve, he needed to know. He would drag it out of the blond, no matter what it took. He needed that strength, that power of theirs.
He had seen it with his own eyes, Itachi going down on his knees, with Naruto standing in the air before him. It was something he had thought about in only his twisted fantasies. Yet there it was, played out before him in stark reality.
Sasuke knew that Itachi wasn't invincible, and now he knew that Naruto's power was the key for defeating him. So, here he was, searching endlessly for the blond. Honestly, he didn't even know what he was going to say to him. He had no plan, no real goal or conversation in mind. He just wanted to know, had to know how to get as strong as he was.
He was looking for almost an hour when he found him, in a random training ground no less. He was standing in front of two older boys, some genin by the look of their head bands. One was on his back, slowly crawling away as Naruto held up the other by his face. Sasuke watched the interaction from one of the branches of a tree.
"Heh heh heh! So, do we have an understanding?"
Sasuke could hear the boy's muffled screams, trying to nod his head while clawing at Naruto's hand.
"Good, then get out of here."
He dropped the boy, who immediately began to sprint away, his friend joining him. Naruto laughed as they ran away, turning toward Sasuke and looking upwards at him.
"Hey there, Sasuke. Need something?"
Sasuke jumped down, looking at Naruto, his heart beginning to quicken.
"Naruto. I need to ask you something."
Naruto raised his eyebrow, the grin falling from his face as he did so. It seemed that Naruto was taking this seriously, he didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.
"I need you to tell me how you got so strong. I need you to teach me, Naruto."
He silent for a moment, looking at him. It seemed like an eternity, one that Sasuke loathed. He didn't like this, asking for someone help, especially Naruto's. He had always seen the blond as a rival, a goal to meet, the next level to attain to get closer to killing his brother.
He never expected it to turn out like this. Uchiha were supposed to be proud, powerful and unyielding. So, what did that make him, practically begging for Naruto's strength? He couldn't help but feel like he was disappointing his family, but they had to understand, this had to be done. Naruto finally broke the silence, Sasuke eager to hear his words.
"No."
Sasukes eyes widened, shock appearing on his face as Naruto began to walk away. That couldn't be right, he had to have heard him wrong. He knew that Sakura had asked the same of him, and he knew that Naruto didn't refuse her. So why? Why wouldn't he do the same for him? Didn't he understand how much he needed that strength; how important it was for him? He walked closer to him, snarling as he grabbed Naruto and spun him around.
"The hell do you mean 'No'? Tell me why!"
Naruto just looked at him, his taller height making him look down. He never noticed it before, but Naruto had grown, now almost 4 inches taller than him, where it was only a couple when they had first graduated.
"I don't have to explain my reasoning to you, Sasuke."
He hesitated at that, Naruto's tone and frown intimidating him slightly. He forged on anyways.
"Don't give me that crap! If you could train Sakura, then there should be no reason why you couldn't train me as well! So, what is then?!"
His breathing was heavy, staring up at Naruto and waiting for his answer.
"Why do you want me to train you Sasuke?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed at his teammate, getting frustrated.
"You know why! I have to kill Itachi, I have to make him pay for everything he did to me! I need to avenge the Uchiha clan, no matter what it takes! That's why I won't take 'No' for an answer!"
Naruto looked at him, his frown deepening. He sighed, turning back around.
"That's exactly why, Sasuke. If I trained you, made you stronger, you would just rush on to Itachi, throwing everything away. I won't let you do that."
He stood there for a moment, trying to take in Naruto's words. He felt anger well up, as he yelled at Naruto's back.
"And what the hell would you know about it! You don't know what it's like! You were always alone, with nothing to lose! I lost everything! You don't know what its like to lose your family!"
Naruto didn't stop, simply walking further along. Sasuke was seething, unable to take the excuse Naruto had given him. The further Naruto walked away, the more Sasuke wanted to follow. He needed him now, he knew that much.
Naruto was someone who could help him achieve everything he wanted, so what did Naruto want from him? His shoulders sagged, looking up and staring at the sky through the leaves of the trees, trying to think of a solution. He barely heard Naruto's voice on the wind.
"I know more than you think, Sasuke."
He returned to his apartment, meeting back up with everyone else. Tsunade had stopped by finally, looking over Temari and coming up with a cure for her. She said it would take a few days to figure out completely, but she would have it done by then. It was quite the relief for everyone.
Tsunade had more news, of course. Apparently, he had been made a chunin, not that he really cared too much, the only good thing was no more D-Rank missions. Shikamaru had been the only other Leaf ninja to make chunin though Sasuke, Neji and Sakura had been close to the promotion. He refused the jacket, of course, not seeing the point in wearing it.
Eventually, Tsunade left for the night, Sakura along with her, leaving just the four of them there.
"Lee, I want to talk to you in your room for a second."
They all looked at him, Vergo nodding as they left. They walked into his apartment, an almost exact copy of his own. They sat on the table, Doffy not really sure how to start. He decided to be blunt.
"I found a fish man, Vergo."
Vergo didn't react, looking as composed as ever. Eventually he simply nodded at him.
"I see. So, what are you thinking then?"
He looked at his friend, deep in thought. He folded his hands above the table, placing his forehead against them.
"They're still out there, Vergo. This isn't some different or other world, just another damn island in that same miserable world."
"Are we continuing then?"
He looked at his friend, surprised but not at the same time. Vergo had done his duty, died for Doffy's dream, and yet, here he was, ready to go again. The question ate at him, uncertainty in his mind. The rage he felt for the Celestial Dragons had not waned. He couldn't help but fantasize about tearing down those 'World Nobles' and making them pay for everything they had done to him, to his mother. Still…
"I don't know, Vergo. Every time I think about it… I can't help but think of Temari, Sakura or Gaara. I can't help but think of hearing their final words over a Transponder Snail."
He had lost everything in his quest for vengeance, losing everyone he had for his own selfish gain, and he wasn't sure he could ask them to do it again. They were just kids, they needed someone better, someone who could truly guide them. Someone like him, who would throw it all away for just a chance at vengeance… they deserved better than that.
That was why he refused Sasuke. He had witnessed that road first hand, and he couldn't let Sasuke go through it as well. Doffy was old, technically in his 50's now. In some ways, he was a bitter old man with a grudge, and he couldn't let Sasuke become like him. He wanted the Uchiha to be better, to find a different answer than throwing his life away.
The boy had nothing, no one to help him and could barely ask for any help in the first place. Sasuke asked him to train him, not to help him. He intended to fight that battle alone, and anything in his way. It was a path of destruction that he saw from a mile away, he had seen it before after all.
Still, what was the point if he just threw it all away again? What was the point of helping all of them, building his family just to repeat history? His mind told him that he should just live in ignorance, forget the Celestial Dragons and move on in this new life. His heart showed him the image of a dead woman, a father shot in the back of the head, and a pair of brothers who had betrayed one another.
He looked up at Vergo, his friend waiting for his next words.
"We'll forget about it, for now."
Vergo nodded to him, Doffy getting up and returning to his apartment. He placed a grin on his face, walking back in. He looked over to Gaara, ready to have the next conversation for today.
"Gaara, when are you planning to return to the Hidden Sand?"
Gaara looked at him, surprised at the subject being brought up so suddenly.
"I still have to talk to the Hokage, but I planned to leave in a couple days."
Doffy went over to the side of him, an arm wrapping around his shoulder.
"Alrighty then, you make sure to send us letters, alright?"
Gaara nodded to him.
"Good, now I have to get going for a little bit, so I won't be back till later tonight. Temari, you can stay here for now, but we'll try and find a place for you tomorrow."
She nodded as he walked to the window, opening it and waving at them. He jumped through, heading a few rooftops away where the Toad Sage was standing, leaning on a railing. He walked up to him, sitting on the railing beside him with his arms crossed. He looked at Jiraiya.
"We need to talk, Jiraiya."
The old man looked over at him, his face serious.
"I figured you would want to. Ask your questions."
Doffy loked at him, trying to see what he was thinking.
"The Akatsuki, who are they and what do they want?"
Jiraiya was silent for a moment, before he began his explanation.
"The Akatsuki, are a group of S-Rank missing ninja, that have gathered together for some mysterious goal. We don't know what they're planning, but whatever it is, they need the Nine Tails for it, and the other Tailed Beasts as well."
Doffy raised an eyebrow at him, while Jiraiya continued.
"These ninja are dangerous, Naruto. You've seen what just two of them can do, and that was them holding back, making sure they kept you alive. If your gonna protect the ones in that apartment of yours, you need to grow stronger, because they won't hold back against them."
His eyes narrowed, fists clenching at the very thought.
"So, what do you suggest then?"
Jiraiya looked at him with determined eyes.
"I have info that the Akatsuki are going into hiding for a few years, gathering supplies and funds for whatever they're planning. During that time, I want to take you with me on a training trip. I'm going to teach you as much as I can as well as how to use the Nine Tail's chakra."
He was surprised at the last part.
"The Fox has chakra as well?"
Jiraiya nodded to him.
"Yes, I'm guessing you haven't used it yet then, which is all the better. That just means that when you finally can control it, you'll be even stronger."
That was interesting. He never considered the fox possessing chakra before, nor how powerful it could be. He would have to talk to the fox tonight about it, he was going to anyways. Honestly, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Shukaku was able to use a technique after all, so it made sense that the Nine Tails would have chakra and be able to do the same.
"When are you planning for this trip?"
"In a couple weeks. It will last for about three years."
He dipped his head in thought. He wasn't comfortable with the idea, leaving everyone behind for three years, it was asking a lot.
"Why are we leaving the village in the first place?"
Jiraiya looked at him.
"We need to keep you on the move, Naruto. We have no idea when or if the Akatsuki will try and capture you again. While my informant is reliable, that doesn't mean we shouldn't play it safe."
"And you think it would be that easy to avoid them? It would be much better if we stayed in the Leaf, with more ninja to help drive them off and being able to protect everyone here as well."
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes.
"And you think that's safe? What if all the Akatsuki invades the village, Naruto? What then?"
"Then we would have a much better chance in the Leaf than by ourselves."
Jiraiya looked at him for a moment, before sighing.
"This is about them, isn't it.", he said, gesturing toward his apartment building.
"So what if it is?"
The two stared at each other, in a dead lock. Jiraiya gave in first.
"Fine, we'll take them with us then. As much as I don't like it, it's better than you staying here until you can hold your own."
Doffy looked at him, absorbing his words before nodding, satisfied. Jiraiya was a powerful shinobi, clearly, and would be able to help each of them. Now he just had to tell everyone the big news.
"All right then, I have to go out of town, but I'll be back in a about a week, and we'll leave soon after."
He nodded, watching as the old man disappeared in a swirl of leaves. Doffy sighed, checking another conversation off the list. He sat down on the roof corss legged, entering the fox's cage. There was a conversation to be had between the two of them, and it was put off for long enough. The constant distractions of training and missing ninja were gone now.
He walked toward the cage, looking up at the pair of red eyes looking down at him through the gate. He waved at them.
"Yo."
The fox leaned down toward him.
"Naruto."
He put his hands in his pockets, kicking slightly at the water at his feet.
"I know you were listening, so tell me what you think. We got some S-Rank ninja coming for us, and we have to do something about it."
The fox looked at him for a moment.
"You mean my chakra, right?"
He nodded, continueing their conversation.
"If your as strong as everyone says, and these Akatsuki are as powerful as Jiraiya thinks, then we're gonna need every advantage we can get."
The Fox was silent, pondering what to say at his words.
"Naruto, these Akatsuki aren't just after me. They are after the others as well. What will you do about them?"
He raised an eyebrow, not expecting the question. He eyed the Fox, curious at what he was getting at. He understood.
"Your worried about them, huh? Heh heh heh! I never expected a guy like you to be so worried about his friends!"
The Fox began to growl at him.
"Be quiet Naruto! I do not care about their wellbeing, but it is important that they aren't taken as well. The more of my siblings they gather the more powerful they will become."
Doffy chuckled, not believing his reasoning for a second.
"Whatever you big Tsundere, I get you. You want to protect your family, right? That's something I can get behind. So, you lend me a hand, and I'll help you save your siblings, deal?"
The Fox let out a large sigh, the water rippling and rushing at the force.
"I'm afraid it is not that simple, Naruto."
"And what do you mean by that?"
The Fox visibly pondered his next words, an explanation forming in his minds.
"Some of us Tailed Beasts have eventually grown an ability or power unique to ourselves. Shukaku was able to control sand, and I was given the ability to sense the negative emotions of others. There is hate within you, Naruto."
Doffy's brows furrowed, frowning at his words.
"Why is this important?"
The Fox continued.
"My chakra acts as a catalyst, bringing forth the negative emotions in the ones who wield it. If I were to give you my chakra, there is no doubt in my mind that you would go berserk. I cannot allow that to happen. Naruto, before I can give you my chakra, you must rid the hatred in your heart. I refuse to lend it to you until then."
Doffy stared up at him, frustrated. He knew that the fox was telling the truth, there would be no reason to lie. The Fox wanted to help him, to save the other Tailed Beasts but he couldn't. Just another thing to blame the Celestial Dragons for. He sighed, not liking the answer, but accepting it anyways.
"Alright then, I guess I'll have to do this the hard way. Don't worry, I'll train hard, and get strong enough to protect both our families."
He turned around, thinking about the Fox's words. Let go of his hate? That was almost impossible. He couldn't imagine it, forgiving or forgetting everything that had happened. He wanted this to stop, this hate constantly interfering in his new life, creating hesitation and now creating an obstacle for him. He wanted to overcome it, but he didn't even know where to start.
He began to walk toward the darkness of the tunnel leading to the gate, waving back at the Fox.
"See you later, Fox."
"Kurama"
He stopped, turning around to look at the fox.
"My name, fool, is Kurama."
He grinned, walking backward into the darkness.
"See you later, Kurama. Heh heh heh!"
Kabuto sat in his cell, his home for the last few days. He waited as he heard his approach, the clack of the cane he was very familiar with. Sure enough, the Elder of the Leaf Village had come to grace him with his presence. He greeted him.
"Well hello there Danzo, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see any visitors today."
The man looked angry, but then again, he almost always looked angry. There were two ninja at his side, the ninja guarding his cell stepping aside to let them speak. He must be another one of Danzo's men.
"Kabuto, this is a very dangerous game your playing. I don't know if I should play along or simply kill you."
Kabuto chuckled at him, knowing that the threat was just empty words.
"Come now, you wouldn't kill me. After all, Orochimaru is relying on me to help grab his latest vessel, relying on you. If we fail, I'm sure he would be a lot less willing to give you your latest arm. Now wouldn't that be a shame?"
Danzo grunted at him, gesturing over to the guard of his cell. They unlocked the cell door, one of Danzo's ninja coming in. They undid the seal locking away his chakra, and placed a scroll in front of him. Danzo addressed him afterward.
"There is all the things Orochimaru wanted to give you. I expect to see my payment soon, Kabuto."
He chuckled, stretching as he released his hands with a Chakra Scalpel, stretching for the first time in days.
"I'll be sure to let Orochimaru know."
Danzo began to walk away, his ninja following as the guard locked the cell again. He grinned, placing the scroll in his shirt to take out when the time was right.
Gaara had left yesterday, so Doffy saw fit to gather everyone together and spend some time with his new family. They had gone out to eat, walked around the village and now they were on a training ground, Sakura wanting to get some training done. She decided to train with Vergo while he trained with Temari.
"Well, is suppose you can use a leaf to train as well. You know, I didn't expect you to be a wind user. Especially since you use fire. Any reason you decided to learn fire first?"
He chuckled at her, holding the leaf in between his hands.
"Heh heh heh. Just felt like it."
She rolled her eyes at him, smiling.
"Well anyways, the thing to remember about wind is that it's like a blade. It's sharp and used to cut through things. So, imagine that in your mind as you create wind chakra."
He nodded, closing his eyes and concentrating as his chakra moved toward the leaf. They had stayed like that for a few hours. Temari teaching him to use wind chakra as Sakura and Vergo sparred. Sakura lost every time of course, but she seemed to be having a good time. She was different now, she used to hate training in the academy, but now she almost looked forward to it, couldn't wait to get stronger than she was.
He opened his palms again, seeing the leaf split half way down the middle. Wind chakra seemed to be much easier for him, Jiraiya's advice to start with wind coming back to him. He already had a few plans for wind chakra, using it to make his strings sharper and maybe enhance his Storm Leg attack. He looked over to Vergo, wondering what affinity he had as well.
The abilities the people in this land had were quite incredible. Never did he think someone could control the elements like this without a Devil Fruit, and that wasn't even considering what else they could. Walking on water, creating illusions and clones. Most of that was all common among ninja. He couldn't even imagine what people like the Akatsuki would reveal to be capable of. Orochimaru had shown the ability raise the dead themselves, and he was just one S-Rank ninja.
He looked down at the split leaf, then back toward Temari and Sakura. They needed to be stronger, they couldn't handle the Akatsuki. He thought about what he could do, what he and Vergo could teach them. There was always the Six Powers. It was a powerful set of skills that provided nothing but benefits. There was Haki as well, but that was a bit different.
Everyone in this land had never heard of Haki before, something that was very strange for a land full of nothing but warriors. It was possible that they were unable to use Haki or it was just very difficult for them to. Even then, it may not be worth trying to teach them. Haki was difficult to learn, requiring a mix of talent and willpower. Some could learn Haki very quickly and become masters at it, others had to train for years just to use it.
Would it even be worth trying to teach them? It was more than possible that they would be better off training up the skills they had now. Haki was powerful, but it wasn't their only option. He would have to wait until the time came. For now, he had to tell them about their little training trip.
"All right everyone, come here for a second."
He called out to them, Vergo stopped, still holding Sakura in the air by her leg. He set her down, both of them walking over to him and waiting for what he had to say.
"In about a week, all of us are going to be going with Jiraiya on a training trip together."
Sakura and Temari looked at him with surprise, Sakura asking the first question.
"For how long, Naruto?"
He grinned at her, waving his hnad at her.
"Eh, just a couple years or three, not too long."
"What?!"
"What?!"
He chuckled at their reaction, Sakura freaking out the most.
"B-but wait, I still need to get my parents permission first! I-I've never been away from the village for that long!"
He looked at her.
"It'll be fine Sakura, Jiraiya will be with us and so will we. It'll be perfectly safe. Besides, this'll be chance to see the world, and I doubt your parents would stop you from doing that."
She nodded hesitantly, clearly nervous about the conversation. He grinned.
"All right then, lets all head home then, it's getting late."
They all agreed, heading back to their homes, Sakura having to separate from the rest of them. Temari had gotten her own apartment as well, from a different complex then their own though. Theirs was already full. She would become a Leaf Ninja officially tomorrow as well, having finally finished all the paper work. She was a bit peeved that she would still be a genin.
Doffy entered his apartment, closing the door behind him. There had been a lot happening the last few days and needed some time to rest and think. He already had plans for multiple techniques to train and create on their trip. His main concern was Danzo. He would be out of the village for almost three years, and Danzo would not be simply staying idle. The man was crafty, and he would have to prepare for him.
His best chance at defeating Danzo was to either expose him to the Leaf, or get above him in rank, meaning become Hokage. Both would not be easy, but whatever happened, he would be ready for it. He made food, staying up for a bit as night fell. He went to bed later, falling asleep and hoping to avoid nightmares. He was awoken later by an explosion.
Sasuke ducked underneath the kick, sweeping his leg along the ground to try and trip his opponent. Kakashi hopped over it, reaching down and grabbing him by his shirt. He threw him behind him, Sasuke throwing several kunai at the Jonin. Kakashi plucked one from the air and deflected the rest, waiting there as Sasuke landed, panting. They had been at it for a couple hours now, and it seemed it was time to rest. Sasuke fell backward, landing on his backside and supporting himself with his arms.
Kakashi walked forward, stopping in front of him.
"You've been pretty aggressive these last couple days. Something on your mind?"
Sasuke looked up at his sensei, thoughtful.
"…I asked Naruto to train me."
Kakashi looked at him with a veiled amused expression.
"Oh? Am I not good enough for you, Sasuke?"
He scoffed at the man. Kakashi was a powerful shinobi, but he was an ordinary one as well, not like Naruto. Naruto was unordinary, using strange techniques and skills to beat his opponents. Sasuke needed those skills, and Kakashi wouldn't be able to teach that to him.
"Tch, that's not what meant. Naruto said no, said that he wouldn't let me 'throw everything away'."
Kakashi was silent for a moment, before speaking.
"He's right, you know."
Sasuke glared at the man.
"Don't try and tell me that. What if I killed everyone you ever loved, huh? Would you still be able to say that?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Sasuke. You see," Kakashi tilted his head, a eye smile on his face, "everyone I love is already dead."
Sasuke stared at the man, shocked at his words.
"I've been around for a long time, Sasuke. I've been a ninja for 20 years, and I've seen many men do what your doing now. Trust me, it never ends well. Take Naruto's advice, and move on, Sasuke."
He didn't answer the jonin, looking toward the ground and thinking about his words. He heard Kakashi take a deep breath.
"Well, I guess I better get going. I'll see you tomorrow, Sasuke. Bye now!"
He poofed away with a wave, leaving Sasuke alone. He got up, making his way home. He walked into the Uchiha Compound, the only sound being the gravel and dirt crunching under his sandals. He looked around, eyeing the empty buildings.
They were beginning to become worn, the wood rotting and falling apart. Without any one living in them or the proper maintenance, the entire place was falling apart. He made it to his own house, walking inside and taking his sandals off.
He walked through the hallway and into the kitchen, grabbing some rice balls he had made that morning. He walked toward his room while he ate, looking at the first door to his left. It was the living room, closed off ever since that day. He walked in, standing at the center of the room. He looked down, a dark stain still burned into the floor. The blood of his parents.
They wanted him to forget this? To just go and live on like nothing had happened? No, he couldn't do that, he refused to. He didn't know what Naruto wanted, but he would convince the blond to give him his strength, no matter what it took.
He was an Uchiha, and Uchiha didn't give up so easily. He walked out of the room, heading back to lay in his bed and rest. It was nighttime now, and Sasuke could use the sleep. He wouldn't get the chance.
He ducked suddenly, dodging the small barrage of kunai coming through the front door, which was now open. Someone burst in, rushing toward him and trying to tackle him. He jumped off the ground, going above the very large man. He felt someone grab from behind.
'A second one?'
He snapped his head backward, hearing a crack as he broke his captor's nose, freeing himself. He landed back on the ground. Jumping upward to dodge a punch by the large man behind him. He kicked backward, landing a hit in the large one's face. There was an explosion of wood, a third enemy bursting through the wall nearby and landing a solid punch on Sasuke's stomach. He slammed into the wall on the opposite side, the wood cracking and creaking at the blow. He quickly got up, looking around as the three figures surrounded him. He looked at the varuos headbands they were wearing; Sound Ninja.
"Honestly, can't you idiots do anything right?"
He turned toward the door, seeing a red head walk in, her headband around her head like bandana.
"Alright, now listen here, Orochimaru was kind enough to send you a little offer. You come with us to the Hidden Sound and let Orochimaru analye you and your Sharingan. In return, he'll train your bitch ass to something actually worthwhile."
He looked at her, shocked at the offer. The others had stopped as well, waiting for his answer.
"And if I refuse?"
There was another voice, someone else entering behind the new girl. He had stark white hair and pale skin, his face emotionless.
"It would not be wise to refuse the Sound 5, Sasuke. You will either come willingly, or we can drag you back with us."
An oppressive aura saturated the air, filled with a disgusting but powerful chakra. He looked around, seeing marks begin to appear on the other four figures. They all looked very strange, one with multiple arms, one with two heads but the other guy was just very large. He looked at the white haired one, most likely the leader.
He thought about the offer, to be trained by one of the Sannin. It lined up directly with his goal, through Orochimaru he could gain the power necessary to kill Itachi. After all, Orochimaru was the one who killed the Third Hokage, the supposed God of Shinobi. He still remembered the fear and awe he felt in the forest, the seemingly invincible figure that Orochimaru held. Still, he remembered something else.
Naruto had fought Orochimaru, and he had come back alive, not a scratch on him. He realized it with shocking clarity, there was a choice to make here. He could either go with Orochimaru, abandon everything and everyone and gain the power he needed to kill Itachi. Or, he could stay in the Leaf, trying to gain Naruto's powers to kill Itachi once and for all. It was a difficult choice.
"If I trained you, made you stronger, you would just rush on to Itachi, throwing everything away. I won't let you do that."
He gritted his teeth at the memory, looking at the leader of the Sound 5
"Take Naruto's advice, and move on, Sasuke."
Why was everyone telling him that? Why couldn't they see it his way for once?
"Foolish little brother, if you wish to kill me, then Hate me, Detest me, Curse me, and survive in an unsightly way. Run, Run and cling to your pitiful life. Then, when you possess eyes like mine, come and face me."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. He faced the Sound 5 and made his decision.
The seal began to burn, his mission had begun. Kabuto took out the scroll, rolling it out infront of him and releasing the contents with a small puff of smoke. A stack of high powered explosive notes, a map of the T&I building, and a brand-new leg made from the First Hokage's cells.
He grabbed the leg first, attaching it to his stump. He felt a rush as the leg connected to his body, feeling the First Hokage's power flowing through him. This was dangerous, it was more than possible that the First Hokage's cells would overpower his own, but it was something that he had to risk.
The Sound 5 were grabbing Sasuke and taking him back to the Hidden Sound, and it was his job to create the distraction that would cover their tracks. If they were worried about a small invasion of saboteurs, they would hesitate to send jonin and chunin to chase after them. He got up, testing and stretching his new limb. It felt odd, almost numb but it would work. He walked over to the cell, the guard opening it for him.
The guard nodded as he turned around, Kabuto quickly killing him by snapping his neck. It had to be believed that he escaped on his own, Danzo didn't want thoughts of him letting Kabuto escape. He moved quickly, going through and escaping the T&I building using the marked map on his person. Danzo had conveniently marked the best way of escape for him, and he didn't hesitate to use it. In less than a minute, he was out, burning the map when he was done.
He went across the village, planting explosive notes on various buildings such as the academy and Hokage Tower. He placed some on some apartment complexes but avoided Naruto's, not wanted him to sense his presence. He was almost done, only having one more tag left, and he knew where to use it. He went toward the house, picking the door lock and walking inside. He placed the note on the floor in the center of the house.
Naruto had angered him quite greatly by taking his leg from him. He would take something from Naruto as well. He couldn't help but chuckle lightly, going to meet up with the Sound 5 and leaving Sakura's house. When he reached the village walls, he made a hand sign, explosions ringing throughout the night.