Disclaimer: As much as I would like to, I don't own Naruto or Bleach, or the characters affiliated. Those rightfully belong to their respective authors… Oh poo. No money for me! 'Cause I don't profit off of this.

xXx

( ? : Location Unknown )

Kyomu was a brilliant man, but he was equally paranoid as he was intelligent. Lately Konoha shinobi had been snooping around the forests near his lab, his home. He couldn't have that, they would undoubtedly ruin all of his plans if they got wind that the old well in the woods was really an entrance to one of Orochimaru's old bases. Nonetheless, the most he could do to solve the issue was send wolves out to stalk and trace the ninja, intentionally distracting them if they got too close to the truth. He couldn't have anyone sneaking around, which would go against everything he worked for: that would go against Kabuto.

Thus he silently worked on his remedies, trying to find a way to keep Kabuto, well, Kabuto. There was no doubt in his mind that Orochimaru's power would slowly take over the shinobi, ingesting him until he lost control. It was Kyomu's job to prevent that with various medicines and Justus, most of which were forbidden.

There was a knock at his door, and Kyomu quietly set down his most recent concoction, arose from his chair, and hurried over the clay floors and to the door. On the other side was none other than one of his wolves, the Alpha of the pack. This time he looked in good condition, healthy and clean. Which was a very positive sign that all was well out in the trees and vast loneliness around them. Kyomu smiled, holding the door open wide so the Alpha could paw in, followed by the Beta.

"Ah, how are you my good friends?" He kindly said, watching them sniff at the musty air in his room quietly. His eyebrow twitched, but he quickly covered up how uncomfortable he felt. This little "meeting" felt more like an intrusion of his privacy; his home. Nonetheless, he sucked it up. He may have control over the wolves, but that didn't stop them from hurting him like they did so many others.

They didn't look at all happy like Kyomu was. "How much longer is this going to take?" The Beta chirped, looking severely displeased.

Alpha silenced her with one look, turning his golden eyes back to Kyomu. "I think what Beta means to say is that we're curious to know how the search is going. Have you found out anything about the Orange One?"

"The Orange One?" Kyomu repeated at first confused, but a sudden light popped on over his head and he smiled. "Ah, you wolves and your peculiar language. By Orange one you must mean the orange-haired person from earlier. The one that fought your pack." He held up a finger happily, raising an eyebrow as he pointed to a cabinet behind various tables of beakers and test tubes. He shuffled over to the cabinet, ruffling through it as he continued, "I've never seen anything like this before. This person is definitely not a shinobi, yet we have no record on what he could be… At first I thought perhaps he's part of the Seven Swordsmen, a rejected member or something." He slammed the cabinet shut, running to an empty desk in the corner. The wolves trailed behind him. "But NO! Alas, that was not the solution. In history, rejected members are always killed. Always. If he was one, he would not be living. Much less hiding out with a Konoha kunoichi." He shrugged.

All this talking was getting to the wolves, who liked to get straight to the point. Alpha sighed, grinding his jaw. "Well…?" He asked.

Kyomu believed his inconsistent ramblings could hold them long enough to keep them from the truth. But it appeared that was not the case. His face fell as he collapsed into a chair, holding his head in his open palms. "I've found nothing. I have not a clue who or what this person is."

At the precise moment the wolves tensed, ready to pounce on him and vent out their anger, he popped right back out of his chair looking astounded. "But wait!" He called happily, pacing around the room. "He was with a Leaf nin! Meaning he's currently living and/or situated in Konoha! Brilliant!" He quickly turned to the Alpha wolf. "You! My good friend, you and your pack must draw suspicion to the base on your next scouting. Make sure they're from Konoha before you catch their attention. "He then thrust his attention to the Beta, whose surprise caused her to take unstable steps backwards. "And you must gather your swiftest and strongest females to take on no more than four of the nin. Bring them here, to me, unconscious. I will do the rest. Ah, but don't tell Kabuto. He would not approve."

Kyomu gave no more answers. He merely sang and skipped along his lab, switching his dirty, slimy lab coat out for a clean, fresh one. He didn't want to look disgusting; after all, he'd be having guests over soon.

xXx

( Border of Konohagakure )

Their mission was short and easy. The four finished their task and returned to Konoha in peace, unknown that they had been watched. That little fact never crossed their mind, for even Hinata's Byakugan could've never interpreted the truth about the animals that followed them. Like most animals, they seemed harmless, and she didn't think announcing the presence of wolves to her comrades would make any difference.

They arrived back in Konohagakure in record time. Hinata half-expected to run into Ichigo along the way, but alas they did not. It was comforting to know they didn't, because that meant he'd found his way to Naruto. No doubt they were probably making amends right then and there, a thought that warmed Hinata's soft heart. Ino, on the other hand, was severely disappointed. Why was it that whenever an attractive man came to town she only had a few minutes to speak with him? Everyone noted the sour mood she seemed to be in once Ichigo left the group, and no matter how many times Choji tried to comfort her with snack she would not lighten up.

Things didn't change for Ino, if anything, they got worse. As soon as they were back home they got wind of some very bad news. Before they knew it Ino was sitting on a pile of wood, bawling. Even Shikamaru felt his heart fall at her despair, nonetheless they had business.

"Quit crying, Ino!" Kiba suddenly called out, backed up by Akamaru. It didn't feel right when a woman cried. It was not only disheartening, but perhaps a little shameful.

Tenten was aghast with his behavior. "Kiba?" She punched him on the shoulder and retreated to Ino's side, taking a seat to her right while Choji was on her left.

"If Ino's like this, than Sakura and Naruto will surely…"

Neji shook his head, looking to Shikamaru quickly. "Let Shikamaru deal with this," he told the others,"he will be able to explain. Besides, he failed his first duty as team leader. He must feel some responsibility for this."

Indeed, Shikamaru did feel some responsibility for it. He was the leader on both missions to retrieve Sasuke, and both had gone so wrong in so many ways. It was a permanent stain on not only his record and his life, but his friendships. He felt like an utter disappointment. Of course, the laidback Shikamaru didn't let his friends in on his feelings. He remained cold and straight-to-the-point. That much was evident when he barely even glanced Rukia's way as she approached the group, pretending like he didn't care.

Rukia was just now starting to understand what was happening in this world. The Elemental Nations were not at all how she studied them in the Academy. In her textbooks and lectures the Nations seemed beautiful, albeit filled with disagreements. Any mention of war was hardly ever made. But now that she was actually there, there were so many things wrong with the place. Especially since (from what she heard) they were all on the brink of warfare with one another.

Rukia was greeted by Hinata. "Hello Rukia." She smiled sheepishly, introducing Rukia to the others and vice versa. Ino gave a sad snort in response, most likely a 'hi'. It sounded more like she was dying.

"You know," Rukia said, her hands behind her back, "I heard some of what you're talking about, and…" It felt awkward, telling them what she thought. But It was important, she felt like she held crucial input on the matter. "I've met both Sakura and Naruto, and I think they'll be fine. You too, Ino." That was enough to catch a hesitant but thankful look from the blond female.

"You're all strong."

xXx

( Konoha : Tsunade's Tent )

Shikamaru didn't stay with the group. He believed what Rukia had to say, and agreed that they were all strong. But of course, everyone had their own way of dealing with grief. Right then he could tell that Sakura's way was bottling it up. Not only that, but whenever she had sadness, what Sai had to say was true. She and so many others relied on Naruto, whose promises could always lighten a heart.

"We need to do something ourselves, instead of always relying on him." Sai murmured.

Shikamaru had been waiting outside long enough. He held the ten open and stepped in, saying, "Sai's right." He glanced over their faces, Shizune, Sai, and Sakura. Sakura's face was the only one he couldn't see, it was pointed down to the floor. "We're not kids anymore, we will stop the Akatsuki and-"

"We will stop Sasuke." Sakura interjected sadly. It was hard for her to handle, but somehow she managed to say those four words, that one name, that was potent enough to change the whole mood in the room.

The Chuunin nodded. "I'm here to get permission from Team 7." Shikamaru said, and continued with a long explanation about a cycle of killing and war. If Sakura was to go out and get herself killed all to avenge Sasuke, Naruto and the others would be enraged and want revenge. And if they others rushed out into battled and died themselves, even more people (parents, sensei) would boil over in rage and seek vengeance. It was bad, and it needed to come to an end. Together they had to stop Sasuke, because if they didn't do it they would want to hurt those that actually did.

"That's why I've come to get your permission, Sakura," he told her, taking a hesitant step forward. All eyes were on her, waiting. She said nothing, merely kept her head down. "Sakura…?"

Teardrops fell to the floor. "Please, please don't say anything more." She took a hard breath in, slowly turning her head up. "Let me talk to Naruto. The fool's in love with me."

xXx

( Land of Iron )

"…but you will never be my friend."

It was hard to hear, but completely justified. Naruto truly hated Ichigo, and although that didn't make him the first it still hurt. He clenched his jaw, reaching out a hand to help. "Hey, I'm sorry about what I said, just…" He mumbled.

Rejected. Naruto turned to face the other way in the snow. "Just go away."

Ouch. That was harsh. Ichigo felt obligated to do as Naruto said. Until the ninja felt better, there really wasn't anything he could do. Thus he retreated inside the building, walking straight past the owner (who was angry at all the commotion he had heard, and at the same time confused by how Ichigo managed to get to the first floor without him seeing) and up the stairs. He arrived back to the room in time, making sure to grab Zangetsu and strap him to his back.

Silently he strode over to the gaping hole in the wall, now framed with snow from the outside. He looked towards the ground, and expected to see Naruto lying in the snow still. Unfortunately, that wasn't it at all. All he saw was a dent in the snow where Naruto was. No body. No Naruto. Ichigo could only curse, his fingers lingering over Zangetsu's handle.

There were two possibilities: Naruto could have run away to somewhere quieter, somewhere to think. Or, he was stalking Ichigo, waiting for a prime moment to strike. Both were reasonable, but only one seemed likely. After being kicked in the balls, it was likely it was the latter. Ichigo knew that he would react offensively if he was in Naruto's position… But just what would he do? How would I attack? He thought to himself, eyes widening with the realization. At a muddy speed he looked up to the ceiling.

Bingo.

Naruto, in complete control of his Sage Mode, let go of his grip on the ceiling and fell towards Ichigo. An obvious entrance, yes, but still extremely potent. Ichigo blocked his punch (later identified as Rasengan) with Zangetsu, the combined strength of their willpower pushing against each other. It held for a brief flash of light before they were both thrown backwards. This time it was Naruto who fell through the hole, and Ichigo who watched.

Naruto's body poofed. Vanished. That alone put Ichigo on edge, for it meant he was hiding again. This room is too small to fight in, Ichigo thought as he leaped through the hole and back into the snow. His grip on Zangetsu tightened.

He circled in the snow, turning to look all around him. He only had one pair of eyes, and from what Sakura told him he could have a ton. A flash of orange to his right caught his attention and he turned, just in time to slice through yet another clone that poofed away into ether. Ichigo smiled, "I think I'm getting the hang o-"

Something hard and round cut into his back, giving him the feeling that it was tearing up his skin. The pain was intense, and he fell forward with a rough grunt. Clutching at the snow, clutching at anything to give him some stability. What was that? It made him feel weak, and badly injured. He could even feel his warm lifeblood run down his back. This wasn't working. He couldn't fight a ninja, their Chakra was too strong. But he had to try.

Naruto's foot came up and planted itself on his soaking back, unceremoniously pushing him deeper into the cold snow. "Like the taste of my Rasengan?" He mused, his voice laced with an unrecognizable malice. What happened to the forgiving Naruto Sakura praised so much? Where did he go?

He was pushed harder, and if it wasn't for his determination his legs and arms would have given out. 'N-not really," Ichigo murmured as he struggled under Naruto's foot. The Sage strength was unbelievable, but he had seen better. He used the majority of his strength to swing out from under the weight and at the same time swing Zangetsu's blade at Naruto. Once again, he poofed. "Why don't you fight me like a real man! FACE ME!" Ichigo screeched. He was annoyed, pissed even.

Five clones all appeared in front of him. "Now it's your turn to taste my blade," Ichigo retorted. He didn't allow the clones anytime to react, in one swift motion he swung Zangetsu, cutting through the air and sending a wave of blade-like Reiatsu their way. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

All except for one clone poofed, and the one that just barely missed the wave by jumping out of the way. Still, Ichigo was proud by the fact that he'd managed to graze Naruto's side, leaving a nice long cut. Payback was a bitch.

The two were both fuming, now forehead to forehead as they circled around each other. Who would make the next move? Who would attack first?

"Nice toy sword," Naruto hissed.

"Nice makeup," Ichigo countered.

They were both tense, adrenaline pumped and ready. Ichigo had long since forgotten about being friends with Naruto. That suggestion seemed completely out of the question. He refused to cooperate if Naruto wouldn't. Childish as it may be, the fact of the matter was he only wanted to help, and Naruto wouldn't let him.

A flash of blinding light erupted between them, and thinking it was Naruto's next attack Ichigo jumped backwards. Naruto also believed it was Ichigo's move and bounded away. Neither of them knew that they hadn't attacked, thus both took the offensive. Stumbling and unable to see, they both swung forward; Ichigo with Zangetsu, and Naruto with his Rasengan.

"Play nice." They were two words that beheld so much meaning when they came from Hatake Kakashi. With one hand he clutched Naruto's wrist, and the other he pulled out a kunai to deflect Ichigo's weapon.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Ah! Kakashi-sensei!" Sage Mode evaporated like water on hot pavement. Ichigo, on the other hand, remained as defensive and tense before. Only instead of holding Zangetsu out like a bumbling idiot he wrapped it up on his back.

Kakashi did not look pleased, to say the least. "I leave for five minutes, five minutes, and you almost kill each ot-" He stopped short when he looked up to the second floor. "And destroyed the Inn?" His eyes shot back to Naruto, likely blaming him for all of this –which, if you thought about it, was true.

Approaching from behind was Yamamoto, also looking disappointed. He passed right by the ground and into the building, saying, "I'll go pay for this," while gesturing to the gaping whole in the second story.

Ten minutes later, Ichigo and Naruto found themselves in a new room, both leaning against the wall and glaring at the other. In a lot of ways, they were the same person. That was something Kakashi and Yamamoto had learned the hard way, now having to pay a hefty fine so the Inn owner could repair the wall. This was not what they expected when they thought about going to confront the Raikage. Of course it could have all made sense to them if there were there, watching the malicious looks that passed between the two teens rather than negotiating a deal with the Inn Owner.

In fact, they were so absorbed in themselves they never noticed how the window suddenly opened, or how cold it became in the room. Little things like that went by unseen. It was, admittedly, a little disgraceful considering Naruto was a ninja and Ichigo was supposed to see spirits. Sooner or later, they were doomed to notice, or at least Ichigo was. The pain in his side (unbeknownst to him his ribs were broken) spiked and he took his eyes away and clutched at his abdomen. He sucked up any impish noises, decidedly proving to Naruto that he was stronger.

That of course, was derailed when he finally spotted the figure in the window.

"Shall we have a little chat, Uzumaki Naruto?"

xXx

( Kage Summit )

Boring. All Renji saw in the Summit was a bunch of bull; boring politics that he didn't really care to listen to. Besides, he didn't feel any of the Kage's deserved his attention, after all the mistakes they'd made. They were so silly! They did things like paying the Akatsuki, accusing each other of it and denying it if it was true. Shinobi were so petty, and there was no doubt in his mind that the Samurai were thinking the exact same thing: When would this thing be over?

The Reiatsu was perhaps the only thing he could focus on. It was something else to listen to, rather than a stubborn old man, an obnoxious body builder, and a suspicious figure who spoke too politely. Why couldn't those people take after Gaara and the Mizukage, deal with their issues like adults? Ah, well, it wasn't Renji's problem. Oh no, his problem was way out there in the distance, far away from where he was.

He found that his eyes would slowly drift towards the Reiatsu, but to the Samurais it looked like he was plotting. Quickly he would redirect his attention to the Summit, but let's face it, that never lasted. Everything they had to say was of no interest to him and it didn't involve him. These matters were matters for ninja, the matters shinigami dealt with were much more important in the big picture of life.

He itched to get a move on the Hollow. It was so close, yet so far away. Renji thirsted for some action; to slice his blade right through its mask. Yet he was confined to the Summit. Leaving would draw suspicion, and he highly doubted they would let him leave in the first place. Even if he looked to the door they'd prosecute him. He couldn't just walk out on something so important like the Kage Summit.

Or could he?

Perhaps it was fate or a random stroke of luck, but something happened that allotted him the perfect opportunity to escape. He felt it before anyone else did. This aura felt like a Hollow, too, but at the same time it wasn't. Hollows can't hide themselves as well as this thing could. The source of the Hollowfied power popped right into the center of the Summit, in the form of a skeletal white male. Renji smiled. If that thing wasn't evil, he would definitely track it down and thank it.

While the others were distracted with their new friend, Renji's tall frame slipped right under the Samurai's noses and through the door. On the way out he caught Gaara's eye, and both teens knew what Renji was to do. After all, Renji did warn him earlier. Thus he exited the building right as he heard a resounding boom, no doubt the Raikage taking the offensive. That man was just too…jumpy.

It felt good to be free from the Summit, and Renji practically soared towards the Reiatsu. The feeling of the wind on his face was magical and invigorating. Renji couldn't wait until he finally got to bust some Hollow skull.

xXx

It all happened too fast. It was all just one swirl of activity. First Ichigo heard the voice, one that sent chills up his spine. Not a moment too late did Naruto take the offensive, but was stopped by Kakashi and Yamamoto. Before they knew it, Naruto was away in a hidden box, Madara was wrapped up in wood, and there was a gaping hole in the roof.

Of course Ichigo didn't know who Madara was. He had heard things, no doubt about the Akatsuki and their members, but nothing about their ultimate leader; their plotting mastermind. Nonetheless it was obvious Madara held some importance. For he acted as if being encased in wood was no big deal, as if he'd be able to get himself out of it in a cinch. Almost like none of this mattered to him because he could not be harmed. Then perhaps he wasn't even there? Maybe he wasn't even real! Though incompetent thoughts like those were quickly dropped on Ichigo's part, a person simply wasn't there or not real. Everybody always had a place.

Madara looked over the eyes of everyone, including Ichigo. He had to admit, he was intrigued by Ichigo, for his keen eye could tell that Ichigo was not a ninja, probably not even from around there. In fact, for reasons unknown Madara already knew who Ichigo was, thus he knew that at the present moment, shinigami didn't prove a very big threat. Instead of consulting Ichigo like a stranger, he revealed his knowledge by simply smiling and moving on.

A grueling explanation ensued, one that Ichigo knew Naruto probably didn't want to hear. Several names were uttered, but only a few could Ichigo understand. Nonetheless he put together the pieces about Itachi and Sasuke. Two brothers with one seriously screwed up childhood. Ichigo almost felt bad for them, almost…

Everybody was in shock, even Yamamoto who Ichigo hadn't so much as seen an eyebrow twitch from. Madara confirmed their suspicions that he was telling the truth by saying, "That's the truth about Uchiha Itachi. He died for Sasuke, and for Konoha." His voice was slow and melodic, but still as creepy as ever.

The "discussion" escalated to a point where Naruto was holding onto the wooden bars for dear life, indents could clearly be seen once he loosened his grip. And the reason for all of this emotion? Madara had begun on a topic that even Ichigo could feel taboo. The way the air changed signaled both importance and danger. Madara concisely stated that Sasuke was a "true avenger", not taken lightly by Naruto, who didn't believe what Madara said.

Ichigo, on the other hand, believed it. After everything he had heard about Sasuke, he didn't like what he pictured in his mind. Granted he didn't know the whole story, about what a good friend he had managed to become before turning dark, but he still believed fully that what he imagined was right: a cold-hearted teen with a thirst for vengeance. Why else would he desire to destroy the very town that raised him? All in all, Sasuke was the one thing Ichigo never wanted to become: consumed by darkness. The shinigami couldn't help but clench his jaw, knowing that if his Hollow ever gained full control, he could become as bad or even worse as Uchiha Sasuke.

What a cold, cold being.

To harm Sakura like he did! Ichigo still remembered their little conversation and her revealing tears. It was hard to watch, and it acted in painting an even darker picture of Sasuke in his head. Even worse was to think that Sasuke and Naruto were destined to fight each other, as Madara put it. To once and for all end the conflict between the Uchiha and the Senju clans.

It seemed the Elemental Nations had a long history that Ichigo didn't know about, and Rukia only had so much time to teach him. Even so, there were holes in their knowledge. It was like everything they knew about it was a block of swiss cheese; patches of information was missing. Thus, if he stuck with Naruto in Konoha, he could learn a lot, perhaps even educate his fellow shinigami as soon as he returned home –no doubt it would be a preferred task for Rukia, who'd appreciate the chance to draw some more "sketches".

Quickly Ichigo turned back to Madara, whose last words consisted of something so incomprehensible that everyone seemed stumped. Just what did that malicious man mean when he wanted to become whole? Maybe Ichigo's earlier theory was right…maybe Madara wasn't whole.

But how could they fight something, or someone, that wasn't whole?

Author's Note!

Howdy! Sorry the end of this chapter wasn't so good. I typed out something better in bullet notation, but I couldn't understand what it meant. So I just ended it somewhere I knew wouldn't be confusing, with a very brainstorm-y sentence. Try thinking about it, and maybe even tell you how someone could beat Madara. 'Cause I sure as hell don't know.

Anyways, I was in a hurry to get this chapter out so I could start writing the next one. Sorry if there are any errors. I just don't have time to tediously edit 10 pages. Also, what do you think Renji will encounter? An actual Hollow, or something else? I was trying to make it inconspicuous.

Anyways, Sayounara!