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Chapter 13: Uzushiogakure no Sato

Everyone tensed and went into various forms of preparatory combat.

Iruka gritted his teeth. "Uchiha Itachi, what are you doing here? We may not be enough to beat you but with that distance, I can release an amount of chakra that will alert the Hokage before you can reach me."

Itachi calmly replied, "And doing so will also alert Konoha that their former resident jinchuuriki is attempting to leave before his time."

They glared at him, realizing he's right.

Itachi continued, "However, I hope you will understand if I say that I mean none of you any harm."

Naruto answered, "Well, sorry if I don't believe you. You tried to kill me once before and I won't let you do the same again."

Itachi stared at Naruto and redirected it towards the others before raising his hands in a surrendering manner and saying, "I do not come as Uchiha Itachi of Akatsuki. I come as Uchiha Itachi of Kushinahan (Team Kushina)."

Naruto's, Iruka's, and Teuchi's eyes widened.

Teuchi said, "Kushinahan…then that means that…that…shit…" Ayame didn't even berate him for cursing.

Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon, Yakumo, Ayame, and Hinata looked confused.

Konohamaru asked, "Kushinahan? What team is that?"

Iruka slowly said, "It was a great team, second strongest and best only to Yondaime-sama's team during that time. It consisted of Uzuki Yugao and the Uchiha clan's greatest prodigies, Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi. Since Kushina-sama's death, the three students went their own way, learning on their own."

Their eyes widened.

Ayame asked, "But what did he mean when he said that he came as a member of…well…Kushinahan?"

Itachi said, "I will only inform you if I have some sort of assurance that you will not indulge this information to anyone. The less people that would know, the better it would be."

Teuchi said, "I can vouch for my daughter. She knows the value of secrets, no matter how severe."

Naruto added, "And I can vouch for the others. Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon are a few of the wildest ninja in Konoha but even they know a true secret when they hear one. Yakumo, no offence, is not really trusted by anyone since the incident. And Hinata…she's hidden the fact that I'm leaving tonight from her clan."

Itachi nodded. "Uzumaki Kushina is Uzumaki Naruto's birth mother." Their eyes widened. "She died on the Kyuubi attack years ago."

Hinata asked, "Wh-what about his father?"

"That is confidential on a higher level. Only authorized people can know it."

Konohamaru narrowed his eyes. "And you know that because…"

"That is something I will not say. Now step aside."

Konohamaru said, "No way. Even if you are Naruto-nii's mom's student, you are still a missing-nin and can't be trusted!"

Itachi sighed. "Whatever your decision is, Omago-sama (Honorable Grandson)," Konohamaru bristled, "it is ultimately Naruto-kun's choice."

Naruto frowned at Itachi. Kyuubi, what do you think?

Why are you asking me? It's not my choice. But if you really want my input, go with him. I've been in this world long enough to know what a human's intentions are. He really wants to help you. I can remember him from Kushina's memories. He is loyal to her to an extent, along with her two other students. Why do you think that ANBU with the purple hair and Itachi kept close watch on you when you were young? Either way, you are still a banished ninja. Whatever you do, I don't really care, unless what you choose gets you and I killed.

Naruto said, "How do I know that you won't just use it as an opening to ambush me and take me to Akatsuki?"

Itachi plainly said, "You don't. You can only trust me."

Both Itachi and Naruto stared at each other for a long time. Finally, Naruto said, "Alright, I'll come with you."

Everyone else looked surprised.

Iruka said, "Naruto, are you sure about this?" Turning to Itachi, he gritted his teeth. "Did you use genjutsu on him?"

Itachi replied, "Think rationally, Umino. Genjutsu would be quite useless against him because of his special circumstance. He agreed of his own volition."

Naruto added, "I've been the target of glares before. I know what a person wants with his eyes. Itachi hides it well but he let me see into his eyes for a little while. He really wants to do this, and not for Akatsuki."

Itachi nodded, turned to Naruto, and said, "Naruto-kun, say your goodbyes now."

Naruto nodded back and went to his small gathering.

He hugged Iruka one more time and turned to hug Teuchi and Ayame.

Ayame cried softly as she embraced Naruto tighter than her father. "I'll miss you, Naruto."

Naruto had one tear going down his eye as he replied, "And I'll miss you and Ojii-san."

Teuchi let go and gave him a small bag. "This has my ramen recipes in here along with a few packs of your favorite ramen."

Naruto took it, teary-eyed. "Thank you, Ojii-san."

Naruto turned to the Konohamaru Corps. "Guys, take care of each other."

The three nodded and Udon sniffled. Naruto grinned and patted each of their heads. "Don't worry. Hey, it's me. I won't die even if Akatsuki comes for me."

He now turned to Yakumo and they hugged each other. Yakumo said, "I hope you'll be…um…happy in Uzushio, Naruto-kun."

Naruto chuckled. "It's okay. I will, Yakumo-chan."

Yakumo put her hand into the bag that she brought and pulled out a medium-sized, art pad. She gave it to him. "Here. It contains most of my paintings. I want you to have it."

Naruto looked surprised. "Are you sure? It has your prized arts in here."

Yakumo smiled and shrugged. "It's alright, Naruto-kun, I can make more."

"Alright, if you're sure…then…thank you." He took it and put it in his bag. Turning to Hinata, he grinned. "Uh…hi, Hinata, look. I'm sorry that we didn't get to eat your ramen back at the hospital but…well…you know…hehe…"

Hinata blushed. "It-it's alright, N-Naruto-kun."

Naruto gave a small frown. "You know…you look cute when you blush."

She blushed even redder and Naruto grinned wide and put a thumbs-up. "Get stronger, Hinata. I can tell that you will be strong in the future. And when that comes, I would like to test myself against you. Ask Tsunade-no-baachan about it. Tell her that I suggest you for apprenticeship. She might take you in as her apprentice. Who knows? You might be able to do something about that stutter. No offense, but sometimes too much stutter would make it hard to understand you."

Hinata nodded, turning to her reddest face ever. "H-Hai, Naruto-kun," she said, "I'll ask Hokage-sama about it. Thank you."

Naruto nodded and hugged her, making her whole body go red. "We'll see each other again, Hinata. That's a promise."

He slowly walked towards Itachi, before looking back at his friends again, and following Itachi into the great unknown.

The Royal Guard looked shocked.

Sarutobi asked, "Why would he risk his status at Akatsuki to get you to Uzushio?" He turned to Shisui and said, "This time, it's an order, Shisui. Tell me what plan you have."

Shisui sighed. "It happened during our last meeting, after Danzo took my right eye. Itachi met up with me and we had a talk about the future of Konoha…and the future of Kushina-sensei's son. We began brainstorming about how we're going to get him to Uzushio. Itachi surprised me with his idea. He knew that Orochimaru desires the Sharingan and would eventually target him or Sasuke. After all, Itachi has the most potential to be stronger than the patriarch and Sasuke would also have that same potential. However, he also knew that Itachi, as of back then, is far stronger than Orochimaru and he would have to target Sasuke, instead. True enough, Orochimaru came at the Chuunin Exams with a cover to destroy Konoha with Suna, but in reality, wanted to brand Sasuke with his Juinjutsu. To that end, Itachi visited Konoha, under the guise of wanting Naruto but really wanted to rouse Sasuke's anger at him and to check on Naruto."

Mikoto growled in anger. "Why would Itachi want Sasuke to hate him?"

"That's his secret to tell, not mine. Continuing, he expected the Juinjutsu to corrode Sasuke's mind enough to make him harbor thoughts in defecting to Orochimaru. And with the jonin and chuunin out on missions, he expected the current Hokage to send the strongest genin after him, that is, Naruto and his retrieval team. Whatever the outcome of their retrieval is inconsequential to his plan. However, what is consequential is Naruto's fate when he returned. He estimated a 63% chance of banishment for prejudice and mission failure. But, even if he wasn't banished, Itachi will find a way to contact Naruto-kun and inform him of everything hidden from him."

Kushina said, "Continue. I want to see what happened next."

Naruto and Itachi spent most of their hours jumping through trees. When it completely hit midnight, Itachi and Naruto stopped in the middle of a small clearing.

Itachi turned to Naruto and prodded his forehead with two fingers.

Immediately, they were brought into his subconscious.

Itachi stared up at Kyuubi. "Kyuubi no Yoko, you are an enigma. I didn't expect you to help Naruto-kun out of Konoha."

Kyuubi scoffed. I feel nothing for Konoha and its desires. However, if their desires interfere with mine, I cannot stand idle any longer. They want to weaken me? HA! They wouldn't get the satisfaction.

"So I request your aid."

Kyuubi raised a brow. Oh? An Uchiha wants my help? What do you need me for, fledgling? Speak and I will consider it.

"I know that you're aware of the Mangekyo Sharingan and of…my disease." Naruto looked surprised.

Ah, yes, I smelled the stench of death around you. It is an incredibly rare disease that is caught when the miniscule blood cells of multiple humans and animals are breathed in. The blood contains a matching percentage of chakra in them and the combined force of mismatching blood and chakra from other victims reacts violently and affects each other and the hosting body, causing multiple organ systems to fail, such as your lungs. And as for your Mangekyo Sharingan, judging from the slight haze in your eyes, you're already halfway through to blindness. So you want me to remove your illness and blindness?

"No." Naruto was even more surprised. Kyuubi looked curious. "Let them remain. I merely wish for it to be partially healed, just before the symptoms showed. In addition, I wish for your chakra to aid in my genjutsu-enhanced training on your jinchuuriki."

And why should I aid an Uchiha?

Itachi fearlessly replied, "Because this Uchiha is helping your jinchuuriki reflect the image of the Kyuubi no Yoko. The boy will not last long against the constant attacks of Danzo's ROOT, Akatsuki, and possible ninjas sent by opposing villages."

Kyuubi laughed. What an amusing Uchiha specimen you are. Very well then, child, I shall grant your request. Your illnesses will be healed partially…and I will help you in your training with the boy. No more…no less.

Itachi nodded. "That is all I ask. Kushina-sensei would want her son to be as strong as he can."

Don't push your luck, Uchiha. Do not mention her name so highly around me. I am helping you because it is to prove that my jinchuuriki is not weak, which makes me look weak, nothig more, no less.

Itachi gave another nod. "I understand. I will now start training Naruto-kun."

Both humans left and Itachi felt Kyuubi's chakra temporarily course through him. He felt his eyes becoming clearer and his body becoming fitter. As he relished in the temporary relief, he turned towards Naruto and whispered, "Tsukuyomi."

And everyone saw the rather harsh training that Itachi gave Naruto, which lasted for two months in Tsukuyomi, which is approximately one minute on the outside world, thanks to Kyuubi's enhancements.

Shisui winced as Itachi landed another kick at a clone Naruto's head. "Then again," he started, "he's always been brutal in our training sessions."

Kenpachi grinned. "I'd like to fight him sometime! He seems like a good fight!"

This time, Mikoto didn't bother commenting on that. She knew that Itachi can handle himself well…even against someone of Kenpachi's caliber…maybe. After all, an S-Rank ninja, whether high or low, is practically an equal to a Shinigami captain. Then again…Zaraki Kenpachi seemed to be somehow many times a normal captain…

Naruto ducked under Itachi's kick but was unprepared for the following, quick downward kick towards his head.

Itachi calmed his stance and said, "That's enough for now. You need your rest."

Itachi sat down on a nearby rock while Naruto lied down on the ground, panting wildly.

Suddenly, Naruto asked, "Hey, Itachi, can I ask a personal question?"

Itachi slowly replied, "You know the answer to that. Wouldn't you find it offending if I asked you about your personal life?"

Naruto said, "I don't have much of a personal life that is interesting to anyone and no one has asked me much about my life so I won't really know how it feels. But still, I want to know who ordered you to kill your clan."

Itachi said, "That is too personal, Uzumaki Naruto. I would advise you not to ask me that again."

Naruto frowned. "Okay. Fine…just tell me this…when you killed her, did she…"

Itachi was silent for a while before he finally said, "She died peacefully. It was quick…no pain, whatsoever. However, she did gain a temporary memory relapse before I struck her. She briefly mentioned you…before she lost it again as she died."

Naruto's eyes went wide but then went wet with tears. "I see. I'm glad. At least, she didn't feel any pain."

Itachi nodded and stood up. "Enough talking, Naruto-kun, we should continue our training."

Every Royal Guard looked confused.

Mikoto blinked. What were they talking about? I know that it was still about Itachi-kun's attack…but who was this…she?

Naruto continued the memory before someone asks.

Itachi and Naruto stood on the shore, overlooking large ruins on various islands.

Itachi said, "Welcome, Naruto-kun, to Uzushiogakure no Sato."

Naruto was silent as he gazed at the wreckage of his homeland from his mother's side. "It's…beautiful…and sad. If it's this awesome with just ruins, I can't imagine it if it's all repaired."

Itachi said, "Then repair it, as is your right as an Uzumaki." He turned towards the forest and said, "This is where we part ways, Naruto-kun. I trained you as much as I could. The next time we meet, we will be enemies."

Naruto turned to him and said, "Okay. Thanks, Itachi."

Itachi was silent before slowly turning back to him and handing him three books. "These journals contain detail of the Uchiha massacre from three different points of view, mine included."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Itachi, I thought it was too personal?"

"Would you have stopped your investigation of the massacre regardless of my opinion? You're sensei's child. She has ways of finding out things that should remain a secret. You do, too."

Naruto looked sheepish and said, "Anyway, thanks for trusting me with this, Itachi."

Itachi gazed at him for a long while before turning towards the forest and bursting into a flock of crows. Naruto stared at the crows that slowly flew into the horizon before he stepped into the waters of Uzushio.

At once, the waters became rampant, waves and whirlpools appeared and attempted to drown Naruto under its waters.

Kyuubi simply said, Oi, flare your chakra. These defenses will only cease if it detects that chakra of an Uzumaki, even if you are half or quarter Uzumaki. These were a last resort to keep out the shinobi army that destroyed Uzushio.

Naruto did as told and felt his chakra spread out towards the water, down below. A few seconds later, the waters calmed and Naruto walked towards the ruined village.

He looked around and found the largest building amongst the ruins, the head building, he assumed. He jumped towards it and found the main office. Nearing it, he found a small journal on the desktop. He picked it up and to the last entry.

This will probably be the last entry of Uzumaki Negi.

It is another day of driving out intruders from our lands. Our forces and the Konoha reinforcements are thinning in number and Hiruzen can't send more because another force is attacking them, preventing both of us from helping each other. I only hope that they are doing a much better job than we are.

The children and mothers must be sent away because they hold the future of the clan. And I will send Kushina towards Konoha as per request to prepare her for the hard burden of carrying the Kyuubi no Yoko. It's a shame that she should carry such a hardship, being one so young and born in a time of great distress. Out of all Uzumaki, only her chakra is special and can hold down the Kyuubi.

...an explosion…the north battlement is broken through. It won't be long before the other three are also the same. I will be leaving soon to join the battle. I will be leaving this journal here, in the hopes that an Uzumaki will return here and restore Uzushio to its former glory. I know that no other village will care to look here as their only purpose is to destroy us and possibly steal our fuinjutsu.

I speak to you now, fellow Uzumaki, whoever you may be. Restore Uzushio. Restore our birthright and show the Elemental Countries that even utter destruction will not stop the Uzumaki clan! Use the special jutsus that we Uzumaki have compiled and hidden over the past years. Its use is exclusive to handpicked members of the clan, Mito-sama included. I bestow its secret to you. You may find it beneath the center of the village with a very complex seal that allows those of Uzumaki blood to open it.

Good luck, fellow Uzumaki, and I wish you luck in your future endeavors.

Naruto's whole body shook as he slowly put the book back on the desk. A tear slowly dropped to the desk as he turned to leave and walk outside.

Once he got to a good place, he placed his hands in a cross-seal and said, "Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."

A large cloud of smoke appeared and hundreds of thousands of Naruto clones burst off in all directions.

This ends the new chapter.

The following chapters will now feature the new Uzushio and his first actions in furthering it.

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