Several months later than my prediction, new Elementary chapter.
Thanks to all the guys who review and send messages, I really appreciate it, and they're what are keeping me going writing a fanfiction for fucking Naruto. To all the guys who point out plot holes or other shit, look, I've been writing this for nearly three years now. Fuck, in January I'd meant to get this finished by the end of the year...or was that last year's January? There's a lot of stuff about the old chapters I don't like, and I'm probably gonna end up rewriting them anyway.
Elementary
a story of a genius
Return IV: The Case of The Dying Man
What man does not recall his home? To some, they saw darkness and pain, to some, they welcome the comfort of the first place they felt safety. And this leads to determination, maybe to destroy it, be it from their mind or from existence, or to protect it, cherish it.
I watched my family's home burn and collapse. I failed to protect any of them. My father, my mother, my sisters, my wife, the unborn children, and my best friend- they all died that night. I wandered the Elemental Countries for eight years, too weak to seek revenge on Honda, the "Noble" family that destroyed us, barely strong enough to keep scuttling from place to place, like a cockroach.
Akatsuki were the next group to bring me to a state of near-death. I was almost positive that day would end with my embrace from the God of Death, but it was luck which saved me that day. It was the same luck that let me survive the flames while that same luck let my family die.
And that luck saved me again. What coincidence was it that I should happen to stop for a meal just as the most recent renegade ninja from Konoha happened to do so? Perhaps that luck came through for me again, during our escapade through the Hebi's base, and that same luck let Anselm die.
What luck can it be to live while everyone dies around you?
With three of us missing- Anselm dead, Naruto and Kenta out of the town- if I have been cursed, this is the time for me to stand and fight. As the Detective wars away from his base, I will hold the fort in his absence. I swear in the name of my family, Oshiro, that I shall not fail Naruto. He who has saved me countless times, more than my so-called luck, and today, I shall start to repay that debt.
The man in black stood amongst the flames, his arms crossed over his chest. He had stopped laughing.
The citizens of Konoha must've looked on him as though he brought the Apocalypse with him. Few recognised him- they remembered a short spiky-haired blonde youth in a brown coat, a cane in his hand, and he limped as he walked.
This man was old. That meant more than his appearance (which gave the impression of a man in his sixties) because underneath he was old. You could see it in his eyes, that even if youth was to be restored to the body, that person would not be a boy. His grey hair still formed spikes, but they drooped like wet grass, bending under its heavy load. He wore a black coat, unbuttoned, leaving visible the breastplate secured over his torso. He wore bracers on his arms, a crossbow strapped to his back and a foreign sword was sheathed at his belt. The cane was at his feet, and he stood proud and upright without any hint of physical weakness.
The fires burned to nothingness, and the world felt like it had returned to normalcy once more. But they did not resume their lives, transfixed if anything, as they watched him stoop for his cane and approach the Hokage Residence. No one did anything. It was though the ninja had forgotten to attack him.
They remembered soon enough, and the same team that had been following him sprinted at him. He stooped for the cane, but he did not activate its blade. What need did he have to kill them?
"Stop!" A voice cried from behind him. It was the Godaime Hokage, Tsunade. She stood there, arms crossed over her chest, intimidating and noble like a wolf. Her eyes certainly were that of a wolf's, as she stared- or perhaps glared would be more precise- at him. "There is no need for hostilities, is there, Uzumaki?"
Uzumaki smiled, lowering the cane and he walked towards her. "So, will you hear me out?"
"I will hear you," the woman answered, but she still remained stern and wary. "Come this way."
He followed her into the Hokage Residence, and up to her office. He ignored the gapes and stares of the ninja around him, and did not speak until Tsunade had opened the door to her office and let him in.
Sakura waited there. "Naruto-" She started, but Tsunade hushed her with a single gesture for silence.
"Sakura, leave now," she ordered.
"But-"
"Now." Tsunade reiterated.
"There's no need for that," said Naruto. "She can stay." Truthfully he cared not either way, but he felt the presence of a third person might help Tsunade restrain herself. He let Tsunade sit down before he took the chair opposite her.
"The Detective." Tsunade stated.
"Godaime Hokage."
They stared each other down, Sakura almost shaking as she watched the silent battle of wills between them.
"That display of yours, was it necessary?" Tsunade asked, not breaking eye contact with him.
"Not in the slightest. I simply found it entertaining."
Tsunade's glare grew all the more. Perhaps it would've been better if he'd come up with some reason, for she was looking for a reason to get angry- looking for a reason to declare her war. "You propose an alliance, is that correct?"
"I can provide you with all the help you need to crush the organisation that seeks world destruction, Akatsuki, and as much information as you need about the current activities of the former Snake Sannin of Konoha."
"And in return?"
"I seek your country's aid in curing me."
"And why would I help a traitor?" Tsunade stormed to her feet, a wolf no longer, but an angered lion, and out of the corner of his eye, Naruto saw Sakura almost get blown away by the wrathful aura Tsunade excluded.
"I was never on Orochimaru's side," he answered calmly. "Nor did I murder those guards I was originally believed to. You see, let me reveal that truth of that day." His eyes glinted. "The first ever real near-death experience I had. That day, I went up against six S-class missing-nin, and lived to fight another day."
"Akatsuki?" Tsunade asked, but it seemed more out of curiosity than any sudden desire to believe his story. "You escaped them?"
"I would've done so without having to actually leave the village had Uchiha Itachi not been there with them," Naruto said. "He is the single most dangerous human opponent I have ever faced. He saw through every single plan I hatched, he placed intricate genjutsu on me without my notice- had I not found it in time, it would've manipulated me into heading to a site where an Akatsuki ambush would wait for me. I cut deep, and yet I still undercut him."
"I thought you killed Uchiha Itachi," said Sakura, recalling what Naruto had said to Sasuke when they'd all encountered each other. "You showed us his ring-"
"A forgery," said Naruto. "It served no purpose for me but to have some fun with Sasuke's head."
"How many tailed beasts have Akatsuki captured?" Tsunade asked Naruto. Her expression was unreadable.
"Certainly the majority. I am sure they have not captured the eight tails yet, and I am still here," said Naruto. "But they grow closer to accomplishing their goal every day. And Orochimaru still seeks power to grow into an immortal invincible."
Tsunade walked to the window, her palms on the windowsill as she looked out to the village. The sun shone, and although the villagers had just encountered quite a scare, they had begun to resume their busy lives. "I don't believe that story about you escaping six Akatsuki, even for a second. A genin surviving an attack against six S-class ninja? What nonsense."
"Actually, I had recently been promoted to chuunin," said Naruto.
Tsunade ignored him. "However, I am sure you are not allied with Orochimaru, or ever have been." She regarded him with a frosty cold stare. "While it means you are innocent for any charges about you assisting in the Sandaime's death or Konoha's invasion, I still hold that you have blood on your hands. The blood of Konoha-ninja."
Naruto didn't answer. It was pointless. If he told her how he never had killed those guards, she would only bring up the time he commit his terrorist act towards Konoha, or his frays with the ANBU- not to mention that incident with the Root-nin, but he doubted she knew about that.
But the question was now; would she ally himself with him, or call the ANBU on him? He was in the very centre of Konoha, with no haven to hide away in like last time. He wouldn't be surprised if just about every ninja was waiting outside the building. And what would he do if they attacked?
He'd take down as many as he could, but eventually, he'd fall. But it was the gamble he'd taken.
Tsunade had heard him. Over the years, she'd heard Jiraiya and Kakashi try to defend him as well. Now, she'd heard both sides in their entirety. What would she pick? If she thought logically, she'd accept the deal. If she continued to think with her emotions, she'd disagree. Logic or emotion. Which would she succumb to? If she was a true ninja, she'd pick the former, but-
Naruto cleared his head, and waited.
"There is perfect reason for me to have you killed. But, my predecessors have always believed that the death penalty is not always the solution," said Tsunade. "It is far better to be a shield than a sword. I will give you a chance to redeem yourself, Uzumaki Naruto. Do not disappoint me."
"Then, a cure?"
"We will you help you cure yourself once you have proven yourself to be someone who can be trusted. Not sooner."
"I'm afraid I can't do that," said Naruto. "You see, the reason I stormed into Konoha is because I just don't have that long left. It's not a matter of months now. I have weeks and days."
"Just weeks?" Sakura asked, alarmed. "You mean- less than a month?"
"That's all I have left, right now," said Naruto. "And using chakra will only hastens that eventual death. Choose, Tsunade. Will you help me, or not, and risk the Kyuubi's release? How long do you think it will take Akatsuki to discover I am here? They know about my condition- they'll do their best to capture me. Will you restore me to the strength that will let me help you crush them, or not?"
"You say it as though it's an obvious choice," Tsunade replied.
"I am a dying man," said Naruto. "I am not in any position to lie."
"Orochimaru once asked me to heal him, you know," said Tsunade. "He too had been cursed by an inhuman being."
"I know this story," said Naruto. "Simply give me your answer, Tsunade. I did not expect you to accept my alliance so easily, was it because you intend to get all the use out of me you can squeeze till I am at death's door?"
Naruto removed a scroll from his pocket. "This is the Doctor's observations on my condition, and the techniques she recommended that should be integrated into my treatment. I-" He was cut off as Tsunade seized the scroll, a look of shock on her face.
"This handwriting," Tsunade said, tracing the elegant script of Yuzuki's. "I know it." She laughed. "It seems I have the identity of one of your agents. Hayashi Yuzuki?"
"She's called Blackwood instead of Hayashi now," Naruto said.
"Blackwood?" Tsunade repeated, as she opened the scroll. "A foreign name- would that be the one called the Knight? The idiot who accosted me alongside you about three years ago?"
Naruto nodded, and Tsunade continued. "Yuzuki was a fine medic-nin. She was one of a batch I trained myself. An excellent head on her shoulders, good wits as well, but she sometimes grew too close to her patients. She'd take it too hard when anyone died, and wars were more commonplace then."
"I know," said Naruto. He hadn't intended to tell her this, but if she knew Yuzuki- "She's a widow, now."
Tsunade looked somewhat taken aback, but Sakura was the one who looked shocked. She'd actually met Anselm, even if for a fleeting moment. The idea of that he'd gone off- and now Naruto was saying he was dead. Was it too soon?
"Did they have children?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto fixed her with an eye. Now, this'd be it. He suspected that if he told Tsunade this, it might just lead to her agreeing to treat him. But was it worth the risk of letting it known that they were heavily vulnerable?
"Twins on the way."
Tsunade did not say anything else and simply looked at the scroll again and began to read it. She did not look up again till she had finished. "As I said, Yuzuki was a fine medic-nin. She's analysed your condition very thoroughly. If my suspicions are correct, we should be able to carry out the treatment in under a week. I knew full well what techniques to use to integrate into a cure, but-" She cut herself off as she re-read the scroll.
Naruto leant back in his chair, and laughed. "How long has it been?" He asked aloud. "Since I've had good news like this?"
"By the way, I've got no intention of operating on you."
"What?" said Naruto, brought back to reality. "This is bound to be complex, I require-"
"I don't trust you, neither do I trust myself to carry out your treatment," said Tsunade. "I simply do not think that given our history, it would make sense for me to operate on you. Shizune or even Sakura shall make more than adequate substitutes."
Naruto nodded, but did not say anything else.
"Well, there's the deal, Uzumaki," said Tsunade. "We'll heal you as soon as possible. From then on, you'll help us deal with Akatsuki and Orochimaru. But you are not being reinstated as a ninja of Konoha, and I doubt you will ever be again."
"I knew that three years ago when I cut through the forehead protector," Naruto said. He walked to the door. "So begins our treaty. While Akatsuki, Orochimaru, and- oh, by the way, did you want Uchiha Sasuke taken out in the bargain?"
"He bears the Sharingan," said Tsunade. "He is a powerful enemy."
"But also quite incompetent in terms of the mind," said Naruto. "If you were willing to manipulate him the right way, you could have him as your soldier again. But, I am not here to persuade you otherwise on such things. We'll kill him then. No objections then, Sakura?"
Sakura shook her head, although Naruto suspected some regret existed in her still.
"If you encounter him, take him alive if it is reasonably practical," Tsunade added, but Naruto suspected it was mostly for Sakura's sake.
"Well, one more thing," said Naruto. "I shall require lodgings while I'm here."
That might have been pushing it, but Tsunade nodded. She opened a drawer, and fished out a key. "There are rooms in the tower," she said, throwing him the key. "Usually kept for the daimyo's representatives, ambassadors and the like."
He caught the key neatly, stowing it in his pocket. So, she still wishes to keep an eye on me, he mused to himself.
"Sakura will show you where they are," said Tsunade. "In fact- she will keep an eye on you for me for the duration of your visit.
Sakura looked very much surprised by this, but Naruto did not complain, nor did he wait for her as he walked to the stairs.
"Wow, nice place," said Sakura. "Nicer than my house. I wonder if I could get sensei to move me into one of these rooms.
The quarters were spacious despite not being particularly large. There was no kitchen, but Naruto suspected that was because most people these rooms would typically house would not be accustomed to cooking for themselves.
To Sakura's surprise, Naruto's first reaction was to start checking the rooms. "There's not going to be a bomb hidden in the flowers, you know," she said as he inspected a vase.
He ignored her and carried on checking the room for several minutes, until finally content, he nodded to himself. His next action was to remove his crossbow so he could take off his coat, throwing both onto his bed and then start struggling to remove his breastplate.
"What are you doing?" Sakura said, almost shrieking.
He grimaced. He hadn't missed Sakura's occasional tendency to start sounding like a harpy. "I'm going to take a shower," he said, waving his arm at the door that led to the bathroom. "It's just that this accursed breastplate- ouch."
Naruto was frozen, his body in a strange curve position as his hands- the only thing that were moving- seemed to massage his back.
"What's the matter?" Sakura asked.
He grimaced again. "Well," he said, somewhat awkward. "It appears I've done my back out."
Despite herself, Sakura couldn't help but crack a smile. "What?"
"You heard me," he growled. "You're a medic, would you kindly mind fixing it?"
"Okay, okay," said Sakura as she approached him. "Hm, I'll need you to take off-"
"You'll have to help me with getting it off," said Naruto.
He showed her where the hinges were, and she managed to get it off without too much difficulty, although she could imagine it might be harder if she was wearing it. After she placed the breastplate on his bed, she didn't even need to examine his back further, but simply delivered a sharp strike to a point on his back.
Naruto straightened and sighed. "Thanks," he said. He removed several of the items from his belt, including the broadsword, dropping them on the bed as well. The cane though, he took that with him in the bathroom.
Sakura heard the water come on, and then sat on the bed, taking care to avoid the numerous possessions that were also discarded there.
The water went quiet. "Sakura!" Naruto called. "Do you mind getting something out of my coat pocket? It's an outside pocket, the one at the hip. There should be a radio in there."
Sakura turned the coat over. She hadn't actually noticed earlier just how many pockets were on the thing. Still, she managed to retrieve the radio without too much difficulty. "Got it!"
"Good. Now, it's currently set so it can be used for communicating with identical radios rather than picking up frequencies, and that has to be changed. There's a dial on it, turn it ninety degrees clockwise."
Sakura did so and called back to him.
"Now, switch it on, and turn up the volume dial so I can hear it with the water on."
Once again, Sakura did so, somewhat confused. And then a voice sounded. "eAnd now, it's time for our weekly show, The Adventures of Detective Hotaka and his assistant, Doctor Watanabe."
"What the hell?" Sakura said, dumbfounded.
"Haven't missed it in years," Naruto's voice sounded, as the water came back on. "Bring it over to the door, will you?"
"Last time on The Adventures of Detective Hotaka, he was investigating rumours that the massive crime organisation led by his late arch-enemy Miyamoto had resurfaced with a new man at the helm…"
"You know what?" Sakura said. "I bet Miyamoto is alive- and he's Shuu."
"No, that's ridiculous," said Naruto. "Miyamoto was killed by Hotaka. He threw him into a chasm. And besides, Shuu's too rash and unsubtle to have any of Moritaka's genius."
"I like Kyosuke," said Sakura. "He's smarter and more refined than Shuu. And his voice is just-"
"Just what?" said Naruto.
Sakura actually blushed. "Well, he just seems like a more interesting villain than Shuu."
"True, I wouldn't be surprised if Kyosuke was the one manipulating things behind the scenes," said Naruto. "But then again, if Shuu has one thing going for him, he's very good at seeing through the plans of those around him."
"Yeah, I think he would know if Kyosuke was using him," said Sakura. "But still, do you think he might be aware of it?"
"So he can use it against Kyosuke?" Naruto asked. "It's certainly possible. But that goes back to what I said earlier, he's too rash and unsubtle. He's more the type to just randomly kill someone then cautiously observe them."
"So do you think that means Kyosuke is using him or not?"
"Kyosuke definitely has more power than he should, but I don't have enough information to suggest anything else," said Naruto. "But I suspect Watanabe will end up playing a great role in this case." He ended his sentence with a few coughs.
An hour had gone by since Naruto had made his entrance into Konoha. After his shower, he'd simply announced he intended to go out, and Sakura had come along. He hadn't told her where exactly they were going, and the silence had grown so intolerable she'd taken to talking about the radio show. Not because she was interested in it or anything, that would be just ridiculous.
Naruto eventually came to a stop, and Sakura's jaw dropped. "Jeez, I should've seen this coming."
Naruto smiled. "It's been three years. Besides, my company owns the place. It's why it got upgraded to a restaurant instead of just a stand."
"What is it with you and restaurants all of a sudden? You were going on about some other restaurant you told us to meet us at before, the Swirling Sphere or something-"
He pushed open the door to Ichiraku Ramen. It was mostly empty, the only customers a few vagrants in the corner eating the cheapest stuff available. Naruto took a seat at a table, and Sakura followed as they waited for the waitress.
"Hello, welcome to Ichiraku Ramen, can I take your order?"
"You don't recognise me, do you, Ichiraku Ayame?" Naruto said.
Ayame frowned as she squinted at what she perceived to be an old man. "Wait, you're- Naruto!" She said, stunned. She'd had to subtract the age lines and wrinkles, and colour the hair blonde- but it was him. "Wait, Naruto? What are you doing here? You'll be arrested! And how- how come you're so old?"
"I'm back with Konoha, now," said Naruto. "Not a ninja, but not a criminal. So, get me a special, it's been a while. And don't worry about the aging, it's just a disguise."
Ayame nodded and took Sakura's order before she headed to the kitchen.
"How well do you know them?" Sakura asked, referring to the Ichiraku family.
"Old regular and friend," Naruto replied. "I once helped them as well, when they had a spot of trouble. And then with Uzumaki Inc, I gave them a good investment. Still, I suppose I miss the old stand."
Ayame came back with the ramen soon enough, carrying the bowls carefully on a tray. "Enjoy," she said, placing them down in front of the two. "And, Naruto? It's nice to see you again."
Naruto nodded. "It's good to be back, if only for a little while."
The two former teammates ate in relative silence, and left soon enough. Naruto gave Ayame a short wave and told her to say hello to her father for him as they headed to the door.
"Wait a minute," said Sakura. "Are we just walking out on the bill?"
"I'm a silent partner," said Naruto. "Provided my order is within reason, I don't pay here."
They stepped out of Ichiraku Ramen- to see that although the road had been mostly empty of people outside before, there were now quite a lot. Not enough to be a crowd, but certainly a lot, and they could not have been brought here by chance alone. Naruto inspected them with frigid eyes, glaring at them till they began to disperse.
They set off along the road amongst the dispersing people.
"Gossipers," Naruto said, his tone clearly disapproving. "Well, it could've been worse."
"How so?" Sakura asked.
"They might have shown up. Oh, I spoke to soon; they have," Naruto said. He gestured behind him, but did not look back. Sakura looked past him, and saw the faces of several of her friends.
"Well, if it isn't the traitor," Kiba snarled.
Naruto didn't bother to turn around to see the old comrades he knew was behind him.
"What's the matter, too cowardly to show your face?" taunted the Inuzuka.
"Hardly. I merely want to avoid looking at something so hideous I'll lose my lunch."
Kiba fumed, and took a step forward. Behind him, the others waited, Shino, Hinata, Neji, Lee and Tenten. Team 10 were not there, as they were on a mission, according to Sakura.
"Turn around, old man," said Kiba. Akamaru- now a much larger dog than he had been three years ago- growled at Naruto.
"Be gone, dog," said Naruto, unmoving.
"Turn around," said Neji.
"Neji. It's been a while, hasn't it? Still talking about fate and all that nonsense? I hope you have grown into an exceptional ninja who isn't humiliated in front of crowds any more. What a brilliant victory my last fight was with you. The TV remote controller- I don't know how I came up with it."
"At least you are still as arrogant as before."
"Arrogant? I've always maintained a realistic assessment of my strengths and weaknesses." Naruto finally turned around, so they could see his face for the first time. The old face was not fragile, nor was it weak, as they might've heard. "And so, what purpose did you come here? To insult me? To fight me? Either way, I care not."
"You traitorous son of a bitch-"
Rock Lee stepped forwards, interrupting Kiba. "We came here to ask you if it's true that you commit such atrocities."
Naruto held his tongue for a moment. He could tell that how he responded would be the key focus in how they treated him from now on. They had heard the propaganda against him, dealt with him before, but now they would make their final decision.
"Fuck off."
It was unusual for him, he knew it- as did they, judging from their astounded faces. He had always been one to remain cold and logical, and yet returning to Konoha was bringing out all kind of emotion in him. How very interesting.
Kiba was first to reply. "What? What the hell did you just say?"
"You heard me. Fuck off." Naruto's steel gaze kept them frozen with shock. "I've no time to waste with trying to tell people I'm innocent. I'm here to kill Akatsuki. I don't care what other people think about me, least of all a few adolescents. And if you imbeciles have time to go around like this, I'm sure that speaks well for your abilities to combat such forces."
"You fucking bastard." Kiba was shaking with rage. Insults he'd heard since day one, but disregard as though he was just a fucking kid- even though he was the same age as the person saying thus- that was too far.
Naruto could tell he was going to attack. He could've stepped back, dodged, but did nothing to stop Kiba storming up to him, grabbing him by the front of his coat and throwing him to the ground.
Kiba kicked Naruto in the side, but Naruto still did not retaliate, he didn't even get back up. "You fucking fucking bastard!" He screamed, and still Naruto did nothing. The Inuzuka stared dead into the eyes of blue, and stopped.
"Don't you fucking dare," he slowly said through gritted teeth. "How fucking dare you look at me like that!"
Kiba pulled Naruto up, his free hand curled into a fist and pulled back. "Traitor- don't you think for a moment you can look down on me!" Loose spittle escaped his maw, finding its way onto Naruto's face, the first thing that caused Naruto to respond, even if it was just a small grimace.
Kiba slammed his fist into Naruto's forehead.
And then Kiba broke away, howling, clutching his aching hand.
"Sorry, Kiba, but as amusing as it is for me to watch your little temper tantrum, I've got work to do," said Naruto. "And I'm sorry I didn't warn you that these old bones of mine are like iron."
"Why didn't you try to avoid any of those hits?" Neji asked.
"Because I don't feel I should really expend any effort to deal with someone like him," said Naruto. "Look at him. He gets hurt by himself all too easy. Fighting someone like him would be as pointless as fighting an obstinate child. He'd learn nothing and it'd look like bullying."
Naruto saw Neji move forward, and knew what'd happen. He let the palm strike his chest, but although it could've pushed back a boulder, he did not move.
"You took my hit as well?" Neji said. "So, you think of me the same way?"
"You struck me, just to try and find out what I think of you? What do you think?" His eyes searched the others. "That's twice you've attacked me. A third- and I will respond. And even in this old, weak frame, I can break you all apart."
Naruto saw nothing but doubt and fear on their faces. None of them could even stare into his eyes- well, Shino might've, but his eyes were obscured by the sunglasses. He was right. Most of them would be no real help against Akatsuki.
They were no use to him, and no longer relevant to his life. As a genin, he'd still pictured himself growing amongst them, and then growing to surpass them in both brain and brawn.
He'd accomplished both long ago.
"Let's go, Sakura. Leave them to themselves."
They found Kakashi standing by the Memorial Stone. With his hands in his pockets, he sighed to himself, his single eye mistily gazing on the name etched into the stone. Of course, he already knew they were there.
"Greetings."
Kakashi turned around. And even though he wore his mask, they could tell that a grin existed underneath it. "Naruto, it's been a while."
The two shook hands firmly. If Kakashi was surprised by Naruto's aging (which was unlikely, he would've heard from Jiraiya or one of the new Team 7 members), he hid it well.
"So, Tsunade let you back, eh?" said Kakashi.
Naruto nodded. "Her trust for me does not run deep, however. Although she harbours less of a grudge against me now, chances are that once the Akatsuki are crushed, I'll go on the run again."
"Well, it'll be nice to work with you again," said Kakashi. "But, Naruto, will you oblige me one thing?"
"Ask away."
"I hear you managed to fight off Orochimaru. You couldn't kill him, but you certainly drove him off. So," he smiled, "as your old sensei, let me evaluate with my own power just how far you have gone."
"I'd be happy to oblige you," said Naruto. "But, I'm afraid I'll have to put it off. I'd rather not do anything too strenuous until I've been healed."
"How disappointing," Kakashi replied. "Very well, you owe me a fight. So, Sakura, how are you doing? I haven't seen you in a week or two."
"What are you talking about?" asked Sakura. "We were talking just yesterday."
"We were?" Kakashi looked bemused, but shrugged. "Watch out, though. You don't have many friends here, you know."
"Yes, I encountered a few of those who claimed to hold a grudge against me for some reason," said Naruto.
Kakashi figured out who he meant almost immediately. "They'd seen the most powerful amongst them disappear almost consecutively," he said, suddenly serious. "First you disappeared, then Sasuke. They knew Sasuke had joined with Orochimaru. But for you, no one knew anything. Barely any trail, just the slaughtered guards that left any mark. They thought it was abduction at first, then Tsunade showed up, and she was quickly labelled you an enemy. And it was hard to doubt her when she might've been your hero, someone you'd heard great stories about, or someone who healed you."
"Tsunade seeks to use me as a means to an end," Naruto said. "She is willing to heal me; she needs me to be strong now, for she knows Akatsuki cannot be allowed to obtain the Kyuubi. The rest of Konoha is either indifferent to me, suspicious, or believes me a traitor. I care not. I want my enemies dead and my friends alive."
Kakashi nodded. "As many of us do. And now, we just need to find the enemy."
Almost as though someone had been waiting for that precise moment, a chuunin appeared in a whirl of leaves. "Sir," he addressed Kakashi. "The Hokage requests your presence. Team 10 have returned to Konoha. Their team leader was killed in action against Akatsuki."
"Asuma? Yes, I'll come immediately," said Kakashi, and the ninja nodded, satisfied, and disappeared, leaving nothing but falling leaves behind. "So, will you two accompany me?"
"Are we allowed to?" Sakura asked.
"Naruto's here to deal with Akatsuki, so this concerns him, and Tsunade got you to follow him, right?" Kakashi said. "You're just doing your job."
Sakura did not look satisfied by this explanation, but Naruto ignored that. "Let's go," he said. "This is our chance to strike back at Akatsuki."
"Naruto-kun must've reached Konoha by now, right?" Michiko said, while fiddling with the machine she'd lugged over to the main table.
Takahiro nodded at her from across the table. He was in a state of disarray rarely seen, his suit creased, his sleeves rolled back and his feet up on the table as he sharpened his shikomizue. "What are you doing anyway?" He asked.
"Trying to sort out this radar system," said Michiko. "Bloody thing keeps going wrong. A while ago, it wouldn't stop telling me Kenta was still in the town."
"Well, was that before he left?"
Michiko scowled. "I'm not stupid. Of course not."
"Well, keep working at it," said Takahiro. He yawned, and dropped his shikomizue as he walked over to the bar. The neon lights that had once spelled out "Anselm's" were switched off, and Takahiro spared them a glance before he took a beer from the fridge.
"Where the hell has Hishou got to, anyway?" Michiko asked, putting on her goggles as she began to start soldering some wires into place.
"He's looking after Yuzuki," Takahiro replied, as he uncapped the bottle and returned to the table.
"Are they still worried about the babies being born premature?" Michiko asked.
"Not as much," said Takahiro. "He says she might be back here soon enough. Before Kenta comes back, hopefully."
Michiko closed the panel for the machine, and switched it on once more. She growled, and punched it hard enough to knock it off the table. The crash was loud enough to echo through the room, and Takahiro rubbed his ears.
"Was that necessary?"
"It's still broken!" Michiko shouted.
"Well, it definitely is now," Takahiro said, looking at the smashed machine lie on the ground.
"No, I give up now," said Michiko. "It's still saying Kenta's here, for God's sake. Well, I guess there are other projects to work with."
"Like?"
"Well, I was wondering if Naruto-kun wouldn't mind if I-" Michiko trailed off, looking across the room. Takahiro followed her gaze to the stand that held Anselm's armour and weapons, but in particular, he saw the prosthetics.
"Please don't tell me you're after the arm," he said.
"But I've never seen anything like it!" Michiko protested. "It's fascinating!"
"Leave it alone," said Takahiro. "That's an order."
"You can't order me!"
"Naruto leaves me in charge," Takahiro replied dryly. "You wouldn't want to go against him, would you?"
Michiko opened her mouth, but then shut it. She proceeded to repeat this action for a few minutes, as she tried to think up something to say in response. "Er- Anselm wouldn't have minded."
They heard a crash, and they looked over to the stand. The helmet had fallen off the stand, landing on the arm.
"I've never believed in ghosts," said Takahiro. "But I think we should take that as a sign that Anselm would've disapproved."
"Well, I'll just ask Yuzuki! She'll let me!" Michiko said, as she crossed her arms. "So there!"
"I'm still not entirely sure-"
"Oh, just shut up."
"I don't need their help," said Naruto.
Tsunade glared at him while Team 10 protested. "That's not for you to decide."
As the messenger had stated, Team 10 had arrived lacking their leader. As the report stated, he had been lost facing two Akatsuki members.
"They're not strong enough," Naruto said. "Will you send children to fight seasoned S-class missing-nin?"
"You're a child yourself."
Naruto couldn't help but grin. "Do I look like a child?"
"Then, if not them, who would you ask me to send besides you?" Tsunade asked, crossing her arms
"Kakashi and Jiraiya."
"Jiraiya won't be back in the village for maybe a month," she replied. "And I don't think you're in a state to go with Kakashi alone. You're weakened, remember?"
Naruto opened his mouth to reply, but Shikamaru interrupted. "Naruto. I have seen how those two Akatsuki members fight. I know their strengths and weaknesses, and I know how to defeat them."
"Who were they? Which pair?" Naruto asked.
"Hidan and Kakuzu."
Naruto nodded. "The immortals."
"You know of them?" Shikamaru asked.
"More than that, I suppose," said Naruto. "Kakuzu's body might be harder to destroy, but he's the one who has to be killed first. The best thing to do is separate them."
"Of course," said Shikamaru. "With his techniques, he'll just repair Hidan's body."
"Then what have you planned for Hidan?"
"Well, if I give you the short version," Shikamaru started. "I was going to cut his head off and bury it underground. Let him stay there for eternity."
"Crude, but no doubt effective," said Naruto. "Although you don't seem to know the followers of Jashin will lose their immortality if they do not kill for a specific period of time. And what of Kakuzu, then?"
"I'll leave him to you and Kakashi," said Shikamaru. "Team 10 will avenge our sensei by dealing with Hidan. That's our duty here."
"Team 10? So, these two can hold their own against Hidan?" Naruto asked, gesturing towards Ino and Chouji, neither of whom seemed pleased by Naruto talking down to them.
"No. But when we're in a team, we'll do more than hold our own- we'll kill him," said Shikamaru. "I give you my word."
"Oh? And how can I trust the word of a ninja?" Naruto asked.
"What are you talking about you idiot, you're a ninja," Ino snapped. She'd never had much tolerance for Naruto's manner even before he left, and his disapproval of her skill without even seeing her in action was not helping things.
"Am I? Do I fight like a ninja? Do I act like one? But, now is not the time. If you truly insist on accompanying myself and Kakashi-"
"We do," said Chouji, speaking up for the first time.
Naruto continued as if he had not been interrupted. "Then I will not stop you. I will no doubt be busy with Kakuzu, and you will certainly risk your lives- and I may not come to help you."
"We won't need it," said Shikamaru. "Stop patronising us, I know how to kill him, and we can carry it out."
"Very well," Naruto replied. "I will leave this up to you then. But- where are they now?"
"They fled," said Shikamaru. "They're definitely away from Konoha by now."
"Well, that is no use," said Naruto. "But- you were the one who was there. Do you think they will return, Shikamaru?"
Shikamaru was quiet for several moments. "Yes. No, most definitely. They will return, even if just for the sake of continuing this fight."
"I see. Then, we will remain watchful," said Naruto. "We must anticipate where they will strike from and ready for battle. I suspect it will be close to where you fought them previously."
Shikamaru nodded. "I already know just the place. It is close, and it would have led to an easy route away from Konoha. It's close to where my family
"Excellent," said Naruto, turning to Tsunade. "I suggest you keep your scouts on the lookout."
"That'd be obvious," said Tsunade.
"We will move out," said Shikamaru. Ino and Chouji looked surprised by this, but he continued. "I want to prepare the battleground."
"I'll join you," said Kakashi. "We don't know how soon they might return."
"I will remain here, for now," said Naruto. "In the time leading up to this- it is best I conserve my strength."
Tsunade looked contemplative. She was perhaps irritated by how little she had been consulted on this whole matter, but even if she did not trust Naruto, she knew and trusted Shikamaru. "Then you all know what to do. I'll have scouts notify all of you the moment they're spotted coming anywhere near. There still exists the possibility that they may attack from somewhere else, after all."
Naruto coughed. "Then, I shall retire to my rooms for now. I must rest."
With that, he left the room, the others soon filing after him. Tsunade watched Naruto go, almost suspicious. She didn't doubt him when he'd said he had less than a month to live if the aging was to go unchecked.
But he'd worded it as though he had at least a few weeks left- and she suspected it was much less than that. Sakura hadn't been the only person watching him, and the frequent coughing, the weariness in his movements, his general demeanour- she suspected, that since it'd take a few days for Hidan and Kakuzu to be spotted again, if Naruto was to completely exhaust himself in that fight, he'd die.
And if he survived, he'd likely be in a critical state. She held his life in her fist, but it was as he had said. If she let him die, she could be lacking a useful ally against Akatsuki. She only had so many shinobi capable of facing up to the S-class missing-nin that made up their ranks, and she knew he had much more information on them then what the Konoha spies had collected.
She sighed to herself.
Naruto lay on his side on his bed. His fingers were trembling, ever so slightly. The door to his apartment, he could just about see it, but it was a blur of dark brown compared to the walls. That bowl of ramen he'd had earlier- not as good as he remembered, or were his senses of taste and smell starting to fade as well?
I am falling apart, he realised. Even if I am cured of this curse, it will not be enough.
He spent several days barely leaving his rooms as though one bed-ridden. Conserving his strength and chakra, the only part of him exercised his brain. Countless thoughts rattled across the vastness of his mind, forming chains and plans.
He had already thought of a likely plan Shikamaru would use against Hidan- no, he knew it was the plan. There were many possibilities, but he managed to see what Shikamaru would pick. It was going to work, that he knew.
And as for Kakuzu? He already knew what to do, how to deal with him. A man whose body was indestructible save for his hearts- personally, he knew not why Kakuzu had limited himself to the strongest hearts and instead gone for quantity over quality, just because that would be make it ridiculously hard for anyone to kill him. Perhaps there was some flaw with his technique that limited him to how many hearts he could have at a time.
He looked to the future after this battle, which he already knew days before he would win. When he was given so much time to plan, when he had all the data he needed and he completely devoted himself to using his mind- his plans never failed.
Once his youth was restored, he would have to get stronger still. Strong enough to finish this war on his terms.
Perhaps it was then that he began to realise this war against the Akatsuki would claim his life. But know this.
It didn't really matter to him. He had something greater he was fighting for.
He fought for those who had died and had left a mark on him that had changed him. He fought for those whose lives he held and wanted to protect more than his own. He fought for the unborn children of Anselm and Yuzuki- he would make it so that such monsters in this world that were responsible for their father's death would never exist in their lifetimes.
Naruto laughed. Why was he suddenly laughing? Perhaps with his body, his mind- his greatest asset- was fading as well, lost to unquenchable madness.
And deep within him, the Kyuubi stirred.
AN: Next few chapters ought to "flow" a little better, I was getting a bit bored at the end of the chapter myself. Anyway, in other news, hopefully by next chapter, we'll finally hit over 100 000 words and Elementary will become an epic fanfiction.
Oh, and other shit. The other kids, Neji, Kiba- at the moment, I've got no intention of giving them any major character roles in the rest of the fic. That's sort of what their little cameo was supposed to mean, in case you didn't figure it out. They're simply not relevant.
Anyway, it was in this chapter I realised something- just after the bit he tells the others to fuck off. Naruto's barely the copy of Sherlock Holmes he was in the first chapter. As we've gone through the story, his character has developed till he's different. I'm not entirely sure if that's good or bad, but I guess it's good that at least he's had the freedom to become who he is.
And finally. Like the last chapter, I didn't edit it as well as I would have as I figured you guys have been waiting so fucking long you wouldn't mind so much.
OMAKE: THE GHOST ARM
"Why the hell did you bring Anselm's arm with you?" Yuzuki asked, as Takahiro and Michiko entered the hospital wards, Takahiro holding the prosthetic.
"Erm, well, we think Anselm's possessing it from the great beyond," said Michiko.
Yuzuki rolled her eyes.
"She's not joking," said Takahiro. "Just the other day, Hishou was talking and the hand moved so it was giving him the finger."
"Oh, what compelling proof," said Yuzuki, her pregnancy unearthing a sarcastic side to her. "If only- wait, where did it go?"
Takahiro looked down to his hands to realise he was in fact, holding nothing.
Michiko shrieked, and her first instinct was to look under the bed. Or it was to hide under the bed from a potentially vengeful ghost.
"Where did it go?" Takahiro said, looking around the ward.
"I don't know-" Yuzuki froze.
"Yuzuki?"
"I've found it," she said, finally. "And, do you know what? I believe you."
"Really? Where is it? What changed your mind?"
"It's under the covers," Yuzuki continued. "It's groping me."
Takahiro pulled back the covers, and saw the arm was doing just that. It gave him two fingers and crawled away.