Bloodline Part 2 of The Jutsu of Love

by Marchgirl

Naruto's returned home, stronger. Family, friends and his wedding are his first priorities. Naruto's happy but it doesn't last. The truth about his past will finally be revealed and then there's Sasuke's past rearing it's ugly head. Lies and secrets hurt.

21. Chapter 21

Okay boys and girls, this is another long one!

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Destroying The Root!

Danzo waited anxiously for Naruto to appear but when he didn't, he found it easier to breathe and think. "So the girl as a twin, what has that to do with me? How dare you accuse me of such atrocities Princess! I demand proof! You speak of what I did but she does not!" One bony finger pointed at Seiko who flinched and stepped closer to her father. How did she get here?! Did she run away? What about Naruto? Dammit – I should never have left Ishita!

Homura and Koharu glanced at each other. Both were speechless, this news had completely floored them. Yes they knew that Danzo was still training ninjas for his own personal use but how he got them – well they'd never questioned it but kidnapping and rape?

"…Lady Tsunade – I find this difficult to believe. Do you have proof? Can the girl tell us what happened to her?" Homura asked in a shaky voice as he pulled on his beard.

Tsunade was on her feet. She crossed her arms, sighed and looked down. "Unfortunately she cannot." There were murmurs throughout the room. "Its not that she won't but that she is physically incapable due to a curse seal on her tongue." Tsunade's eyes looked to Danzo who acted as if he was innocent.

"Then you've roused all this suspicion for nothing!" Koharu exclaimed then spoke softly once Tsunade turned to glare at her. "Really Tsunade, anyone could have placed the seal on the girl's tongue. How can you prove it was Danzo? He's an elder of this village for God's sake! Why would he do such a thing?" Her hands flapped about before she gripped them to keep them still.

"An elder of the village? Is it so impossible for elders to commit horrible crimes in the name of power?" The voice came from behind Tsunade and the council. A panel opened and there was Sasuke, Takeshi and Sai. If Tsunade's look could kill then Sasuke's tortured, burned then killed several times over.

There was a new hush for none knew what Sasuke meant but all three elders' heads snapped around to stare with barely controlled horror at the last Uchiha.

"Sasuke." Takeshi said softly and placed a calming hand on his brother's shoulder. "My lady, we've brought Sai." Takeshi was as tall as Kakashi. His exotic eyes traveled the room noting Shikamaru there next to his father, Danzo surrounded by three Jonin and the two council members twitching in their seats. He rested his other hand upon his sword.

Tsunade turned to face Sasuke. She briefly placed a hand on his chest. "Please." She asked softly and breathed easier when he nodded. I wish I knew what the hell is going on with them! From the way they're acting – Homura and Koharu are involved in this mess as well or something else just as horrible… "Sai," Tsunade gestured him forward then stood next to him before her shinobi. "I believe you can tell me this much. It was Danzo who brought you to me, yes?"

Sai looked out at the staring faces but avoided Danzo's black eye. "Yes my lady. I was to replace Yamanaka Ino on Asuma's former team."

"He was brought to me by Danzo to be placed on a team of ninjas. To be on a team, to be a ninja – Sai would have to have been trained. I went through my records and checked with all the Jonins who take on students. Sai was not trained by any of my shinobi!" Tsunade emphasized that fact. "Sai, tell us of your training and the missions you were required to complete."

It was only because they were shinobi that there weren't overly shocked. All of them had seen the effects of different kinds of jutsus and seals on a human body. Nobody liked it but all watched as Sai said Danzo's name but anything else he tried to say was locked inside his body for he became unable to speak and he froze up stiff as a board, paralyzed. Shizune laid the boy down and gave him something to make him sleep which relaxed his limbs.

"The most he can say is Danzo's name. This is the same for Seiko. Both carry a curse mark on their tongue just as the body of the bandit did. For those of you who don't know, Kakashi and Yamato's teams were attacked by Orochimaru's Oto ninja as well as some so-called bandits. Kakashi and Yamato are sure these bandits were actually ninjas in disguise. My son was a part of this mission and as he defeated one of the Akatsuki, Naruto was kidnapped." Again the unspoken accusation hung in the air. Tsunade had yet to say it but implied that Danzo was responsible for taking Naruto.

Danzo shook his head pityingly. "You are speaking but you aren't saying anything! Princess Tsunade, you cannot prove your case. Tell these Jonin to let me pass. This little episode into stupidity has tired me." He wasn't given to kind expressions but the one on his face now appealed to the gathered ninjas to see things his way.

"My daughter can't speak on the things she's experienced these last sixteen years but I can speak for her. Seiko is unable to speak but the curse mark doesn't affect her thoughts. She's already shared them with me. I'll speak, if you'll listen." Inoichi stepped forward leaving his wife to watch over his daughters.

Inoichi was respected as a ninja and his jutsu had served them well over the years. Last year Ino had shocked them all but none had blamed Inoichi for his daughter's actions but many wondered if he would speak the truth or lie just to have someone to blame for this daughter's disappearance.

"Hearsay!" Danzo said quickly. It hadn't occurred to him that his curse mark could be bypassed by the Yamanaka jutsu he so wanted to cultivate. "End this! Obviously this is some wild plan to discredit me! I've done nothing but protect this village." It was getting harder to remain unemotional with these accusations coming at him from all sides.

Jiraiya sighed and pushed away from the wall. He picked up the large scroll that was next to him and went to the table. He unrolled it then tapped a couple of seals, out popped several smaller scrolls. "What kind of proof do you people need? Scrolls full of Danzo's handwriting or covered with his mark? Well here they are!" Jiraiya tossed them around the room. The council members each got one as did various other shinobi. At first they were reluctant to open them but realized it was the only way to see what was going on – if the accusations were true or these were well crafted lies. "Now what, you black-hearted buzzard?" He glared at Danzo who outwardly remained calm.

But he was not. What scrolls are those? Are they mine?! Those look like my seals! Dammit. I know they didn't come from the Foundation – does that mean Jiraiya found one of my compounds? Was it Ishita?! Is that how Seiko got here and if so, shouldn't Naruto be here now? Danzo turned to look at Tsunade who was staring at him with angry eyes. Angry but not enraged as she would be if she knew what I'd done to Naruto! DAMMIT TO HELL!!! I need to know what's going on! How can I get out of here?!

"Is this – is this true?" Koharu asked softly. Her hands were shaking badly. She looked her age and worse. She dropped the scroll as if it were hot. "You breed them? Those with special jutsus – you breed them to try and get a child with a rare jutsu? And the failures…you kill?" The last two words were whispered.

"Wait!" Another Jonin spoke up. "You keep the dead bodies? And use them in a forbidden resurrection jutsu?"

"You had an entire clan murdered in Ame?" Another asked.

"That theft the Daimyo had a few years back – that was Danzo?!" One woman asked then read from the scroll she held. "And he used the funds to buy a cache weapons and pay the blacksmith to keep quiet about it? This sum – this money was supposed to go to a village that had suffered a drought! Those people died out because they didn't get the help they needed!"

"No they died because he sent his people in there on a training mission. They caused the drought to begin with! They used a special type of taijutsu, 'kill without leaving a trace' that was the plan. Those people…were attacked with a combination of Gentle Fist and Strong Fist - maximum damage with no visible wounds." Ebisu said flatly. He was too appalled to do much more than stare at the scroll he read from.

Danzo bowed his head for a moment then spoke. "Fabrication – forgeries made up by the Hokage! For some reason she is out to persecute me!" His one dark eye flashed angrily.

"Why would I?!" Tsunade asked back very quickly and just as angrily. "I had forgotten your existence old man until you sent Sai in to spy on us!" She stepped towards him. "Naruto and Jiraiya had to find me to bring me back here! They convinced me Konoha needed me as Hokage. It is you, who has coveted my position your entire life! Funny isn't when the Sandaime died, they didn't ask you to be Hokage despite the ties the three of you share!" Tsunade spoke from Kakashi's shoulder. He was keeping her from killing him outright.

"She is quite right." Lord Hiashi said moving closer to the action. "Upon many an occasion, Danzo has tried to garner my favor. There were…implications that the Hyuga clan would be the most prominent clan in Konoha if ever he was made Hokage. My clan would in fact rule over the village and only have to answer to Danzo who would be the ultimate ruler of this village and any other villages that happened to – fall." Hiashi stopped beside Jiraiya his white gaze held contempt for the man he stared at.

Danzo's breathing had finally changed. His lungs were heaving trying to keep him calm for things were getting out of hand. The chance of him talking his way out of this was narrowing.

"How could you do – these things?" Homura asked removing his glasses to rub at his eyes and forehead. "Konoha is your home. To treat our children this way…" He shuddered.

"You know nothing! None of this is proof of anything! The two of you should sit still and remain quiet!" Danzo berated the council members. "No one in this room is innocent. As ninjas we've done horrible things just to protect what is ours! You people forget – without me, this village would have suffered during the Third Ninja War! Some of you would be dead without my efforts to protect you!" His cane banged the floor in time with his words.

Many looked down, unsure of their previous anger for what Danzo said was true. His strategies and heroics were taught and discussed throughout the village. Their parents and some of them in that room were alive because of plans carried out by Danzo.

"Really? That's all it takes for you to forgive this man's deeds? You would forgive him these things?" Takeshi moved away from his brother to address the room. "He fought for this village yes and saved hundreds of lives during a war. But he has also plotted against the Hokage, kidnapped and killed hundreds more without the convenient excuse of war!" Takeshi's eyes flashed and his hair snapped as he turned back to face to Danzo. "You take young children and beat the emotion out of them. Many can kill before they even learn to read. They live isolated with only study and constant training and their only goal in life is to kill, for you. They cover their faces day and night so that they have no identity ever! Emotionless soldiers that will help you take over Konoha for in truth you hate this place don't you?" He tilted his head and looked down at the bandaged man.

"People live here happily. They are happy and you cannot stand that!" Takeshi blinked at him. "It matters not that Konoha is the largest village in Fire Country, that it is well capable of protecting itself – what you hate is that you are not in control of it! You think maintaining the peace is stupid. You would rather the villagers were cowering in fear and turning to you for protection in order to control them. You want might and power any way you can get it so that you can conquer those weaker than you." Takeshi stepped around Anko so there were only inches separating the young man from the old. "Your craving for power would not end with Konoha would it? Suna, Iwa – every hidden village would be yours wouldn't it?" He lifted a finger to point at Danzo. "Did losing your eye and arm make you feel weak? Did their loss make you think you needed to be powerful? More powerful than anyone, the Hokage, the Daimyo even?" Takeshi backed away with disgust looking back at the gathered ninjas.

"So, you will allow him to continue on raping, breaking the spirits of your children and indiscriminately killing anyone who gets in his way? You will bow down to Danzo and allow him to dictate to you? Morning and night – nothing but training. Families? I don't think so. Men and women separated only brought together to beget children or to release sexual tension. Your children taken from you to be raised not with love but with coldness and cruelty – this is a future you would prefer? I feel sorry for you people." Takeshi dropped his gaze and shook his head. "Not since I was a small child did I ever find a place where I thought I belonged. I finally feel like I've found a home here in Konoha. I believe in Lady Tsunade whose family began Konoha. I thought you people believed in the will of fire and loved one another but it seems you would prefer slavery to Danzo. Sad." Takeshi went back to Sasuke, his manner showed his great disappointment in those around him.

"Who in the hell do you think you are?" Danzo spoke heatedly. "He is not of Konoha. He is a stranger and his reason for even being here is gone! Naruto is dead! That stubborn, willful, ignorant child is dead and gone. Konoha is better off without that thing!" Danzo yelled out. "Satome should be banished! He has no real loyalty to Konoha. Never would he fight as hard for Konoha as you or I." He took a breath then spoke in a more reasonable tone. "He is a Jinchuriki. He may not have a Bijuu but still what he carries inside him is dangerous. Though the Nine-Tails is gone, just having that one here brings danger to us all! He is the one who should be under suspicion – what do we really know about him anyway?" Danzo liked this bit; maybe he could throw everyone's attention on the phoenix and away from himself.

"That's enough!" Ebisu said. He rolled up the scroll he held and took it back to the table. "I won't have you speaking of Naruto that way. I admit, I feared and hated Naruto but that was when I didn't know him. When I think back on it, I can't understand why we treated him so badly. Fear was to be expected at first but never did he show any signs that he was dangerous. I'm sorry I'll never get to apologize to him. The boy impressed me when I was asked to help train him. He…Naruto never let my bad attitude get in the way of his training. He did everything I asked of him and more. Naruto…has inspired Konohamaru to become great and he won't disappoint his big brother." He pushed up his dark shades which were trained Danzo. "I knew of your – discord with the Sandaime and how you disapproved of how he took care of this village." Ebisu addressed Danzo. "These things you're accused of are hard to believe but I also believe that you are capable of committing these acts. I chose to stand with the Hokage. If nothing else, I do know you would rather be Hokage and you have the cunning to make it happen." Ebisu now stood behind the Hokage.

"Listen people," Ibiki said. He'd been standing in a corner watching it all. "I too have personally fought and suffered for this village and did so willingly. I also understand your hesitation to believe but," His long steps brought him to the Hokage in seconds. "I've seen these scrolls – all of them. I've gone over old Anbu reports and the handwriting matches Danzo's. The seal matches Danzo's. Many Anbu were always aware of the conflict between the Sandaime and Danzo – it went back to their academy days. I believe he has done these things, each and every one of them. I won't let him do anything else to tarnish our village or cause more conflict. I stand with Lady Tsunade." His hard eyes touched them all as if summing up who they were - ninjas or puppets.

"Lady Tsunade has my support and I also believe Danzo to be guilty." Kakashi said but he didn't move from his spot. He wasn't going to let Danzo out of his sight.

"He's guilty as sin!" Anko said angrily. "I'm with Lady Tsunade."

"As am I." Yamato stated in his quiet way.

Inoichi, Choza and Shikaku added their support to the Hokage. Practically the whole room began to speak up voicing their support of Tsunade and then Koharu stood.

"I can't accept this Danzo. It's too much. These documents are undeniable to me – you are guilty. I support Lady Senju Tsunade as Hokage." Koharu was trembling. "Your lust for power – you've taken it way too far!" She wondered why she'd never seen it before or rather ignored what he was. He was ruthless and not even his own village was safe from him.

Homura stood slowly. "I must agree. These scrolls are definitely yours – I know this! And Inoichi, any evidence you wish to give on behalf of your daughter – I will believe. Danzo, I can't allow you to put this village in harm's way with these outrageous actions. I recommend that Danzo be locked away and his headquarters raided and locked down. We need to end this before he or his people turn against us." He tried to stand tall but the weight of everything he just learned bowed his back.

"Or I could just kill him here. He needs to die now before he has a chance to try something." Sasuke said quickly. He and Takeshi stood not far from Anko, his Sharingan glowing red.

It started out as a chuckle then turned into a derisive laugh. "You distrust me but listen to them?" Danzo nodded to the two who would betray him. "I believe the Uchiha mentioned that elders would commit crimes to gain power. You think I did those deeds written in those scrolls, if so then why don't you think on this – without the help of someone high up in the village, would I be able to accomplish half of what you accuse me of?" He would make Homura and Koharu pay.

The shinobi's attention now focused on the council members who looked back at Danzo in shock then fear and anger. They looked at one another then turned on Danzo.

"You lie!" Koharu exclaimed.

"We have never helped you rape children or attack other hidden villages!" The ninja he once was made an appearance as Homura slammed the table cracking its surface.

"No just our own village." Danzo's voice was smooth as he spoke to Sasuke. "Somehow you learned the truth about the Uchihas didn't you? Do you think such a decision could be made without the council or the Hokage's knowledge?" He taunted then looked at Tsunade. "And your precious adopted son? Naruto disappeared after he received the Nine-Tails, who do you think was responsible? Sarutobi was too busy putting the village back together. Who would the villagers and ninja turn to when it came to that demon child? Who would they take their cues from on how to treat such a beast? Even Ebisu who was young at that time, if the council urged him to hate, despise and even hurt a small child – wouldn't he? Wouldn't they, your precious shinobi?" He smirked as many of them gasped. They had hidden the truth from themselves but many were now recalling how the council would badmouth the 'demon child' and speak of how much harm it would cause the village if they all didn't keep a close watch on it and keep its moral low.

"BASTARDS!" Iruka yelled. He burst from into the room from the hall. He'd chosen not to be in the room for he knew that when it came to Danzo, his temper could not be trusted but to learn that the pain Naruto suffered as a baby and toddler had been orchestrated by the council, people he had trusted was too much! "FOR GOD'S SAKE WHY?! A NEWBORN! YOU FOOLS – YOUR ACTIONS COULD HAVE HAD THE OPPOSITE AFFECT! NARUTO COULD HAVE TURNED ON US ALL AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN YOUR FAULT! CAN YOU TELL ME WHY?!" He demanded as he tried to force his way towards Homura and Koharu but Genma and Tsume held him back.

Tsunade had turned from Danzo to face Jiraiya. Unlike Iruka and Jiraiya, she and Hiashi already knew the truth and had been able to keep their anger in check but she wasn't so sure that her friend could do the same. "Jiraiya…" She held out both hands before her and approached him carefully.

There was the table where Tsunade and the council sat and there off to one side, Danzo's seat. He was still there at the corner of the table surrounded by Kakashi, Anko and Yamato. A little further behind them was Sasuke and Takeshi both of them stiff with anger. Sasuke held a kunai in his hand and Takeshi had begun to slide his sword from his sheath. In front of the table was Tsunade, Ibiki and Ebisu but now she had turned and walked behind them to where Hiashi and Jiraiya stood – dangerously close to Koharu.

"Tsunade…" His fists shook as he looked at her. Jiraiya could see the knowledge in her face. "They still live – why? They have no idea who it is they've hurt!" He whispered not to keep it a secret but in an effort to control himself. As far as Jiraiya was concerned, she should have killed them the moment she knew! He felt her hands touch his chest and absent-mindedly he thought of how gentle her touch was.

"We have to finish this right. Killing them outright will cause a panic, Danzo too. They have to be exposed – what they've done must be known and then we can - !" Tsunade gasped and she stepped closer to Jiraiya, almost into his chest as she felt an unmistakable chakra.

Sasuke and Takeshi turned as one as Naruto and Hinata entered the room. They moved until they flanked the couple. Near the rear of the room, Seiko let go of her mother's hand and rushed around the table furthest away from Danzo to join them.

"Naruto…they are responsible Naruto! That old man and woman – they caused you to be…tortured as a baby!" Seiko yelled pointing angrily at the council members but she was also a little afraid. Naruto's blue eyes were gone and were now red. There were dark marks beneath his beard like whiskers.

Many in the room backed away from the teenagers. The chakra being emitted by them was intense but also there was shock that Naruto was even alive. It took a few moments for Seiko's words to connect to their brains. It was Genma still holding onto Iruka who asked, "Tortured? Naruto was tortured as a baby?" He thought his horror could not be greater than learning of the rapes and kidnapped children not to mention how the resurrected dead were made to live again but here and now, he'd learned something else to rock his soul.

Iruka looked at Naruto. Most couldn't see it but as his father, Iruka knew his son was in pain. Somehow his son now knew what had happened to him and that was the reason or at least part of the reason for his depression. It was knowing that Naruto needed him, calmed him. "Yes, for almost three years. Never once since the night of the fox's attack did Naruto know a kind or loving touch or even a smile." He tried to pull away but Tsume held on. "Let me go. Though they deserve it, I'll try to keep Naruto from killing them." Tsume looked at Naruto; she remembered his power back in Ishita. If he released any of that now, many more than the council would die. She released Iruka.

Though they were synched Hinata, Sasuke and Takeshi knew nothing of what Seiko had said. All they heard or felt from Naruto was cold anger. Silently they questioned him but he did not respond. All Naruto did was stare at two people who had caused him so much pain.

"Seiko? Naruto blocked out his past. Did you somehow…?" Hinata asked the girl and when Seiko nodded her head guiltily, Hinata knew the truth. She took a deep breath then pressed herself to Naruto's arm and took his hand. Hinata shared his pain though he would hide it from her. "Will you kill them?"

"Naruto, let me." Jiraiya said as he turned to look a frightened Koharu in the eye. Tsunade clung to him. She held him tightly by the waist, her body between him, the table and Koharu. It was something he'd wished for most of his life, Tsunade to hold him but right now his anger was too high to for him to enjoy it.

"No! No don't Jiraiya!" She turned her head to look over at Naruto. "No please baby – let Mama handle this! Let's do this cleanly, we don't want this coming back to haunt us! Hinata – stop him!" Tsunade begged. The man in her arms was hard as a rock and pressing her into the table; it felt as if she were trying to hold back a volcano. "Iruka – do something!" Tsunade whipped her head around looking for him.

Iruka was at the table now, Homura in front of him. He opened his mouth then closed it again. He walked around the table to stand before Naruto. "What will you do son?"

"We won't stop him. In fact we'll help him." Hinata said. "If Naruto wants them dead then so be it. We'll deal with the consequences later." She spoke for herself and Naruto's brothers.

"We can always leave. Leaving may be the best solution." Naruto said shocking them. "Somehow despite what was done to me I found happiness in this village but I think I'm done now." Naruto walked away from his family to stand before Homura. "Did you get some kind of sick pleasure from almost starving me, trying to blind me with that bright-assed light, night and day?! Tell me, where did you find people who could be so cruel to a baby?" As quick as a snake, Naruto's hand fastened around Homura's neck and lifted him off his feet.

Nobody said a word as Naruto walked to Koharu still carrying Homura. "And you, were you always a bitch or did having several hundreds of shinobi bow down to you go to your head? I thought women cared about children or is that maternal instinct something you lack?" Naruto picked her up as well. He stood looking up at them.

Every eye was watching Naruto to see what he would do. Danzo planted his feet and slowly inch by creeping inch began to lift his cane. I can use this to get away!

"Do it and die." Kakashi said turning his head to look at Danzo. A kunai was pressed against the old man's waist ready to gut him like a fish. Not feeling overly friendly at that moment, Kakashi used enough force to put the tip of the kunai inside of Danzo. The cane dropped to the floor and he hunched over clutching it as he began to bleed. "That's better. It's under control Naruto." Kakashi said knowing that Naruto was aware what happened despite his preoccupation with the council members.

"Naruto, you want to leave Konoha?" Hiashi had remained silent through most of this. He was a great believer in justice but there were times when you took justice into your own hands. If Naruto killed them, he would be justified but to leave?

"Father…it's enough. The pain, torture and hate – isn't it enough? Sixteen years of it, practically every damn day of my life. These two," Naruto shook them and their heads bobbed like a couple of toys. "You made sure my life was nothing but hell, ensuring the villagers and shinobi would treat me like so much shit!" He spat in Homura's face and the force of his spittle broke the man's glasses cutting Homura's face and slashing his eyes. Homura gasped in horrified pain. Naruto tossed Homura into a wall. The old man bounced off the wall, coughed up blood then passed out.

"The Sandaime forgot me. He handed me over and walked away. HE DID NOTHING FOR ME OR CHECKED ON ME FOR THREE YEARS AND EVEN WHEN HE FINALLY DECIDED TO LOOK OR MAYBE THE GUILT WAS TOO MUCH DID HE COME LOOKING! AND THEN WHAT DID HE DO – HE STILL LEFT ME ALONE! I HAD NOTHING AND NO ONE – LEFT TO FEND FOR MYSELF LIKE THE BASTARD WAS SETTING ME UP TO FAIL!" Naruto's voice was so loud it not only echoed off the walls but shook the building. Any and all in the vicinity heard his pain and anger. Naruto took a huge breath which was hot and filled the whole room then let Koharu down. She was shaking like a leaf. With great care he took her arm, careful not to hurt her.

"Dad you were right, I could have turned out to be a monster after everything that happened but all I wanted was to be happy and…loved. Whatever I did was just so that people would give me a chance. I wanted people to smile at me! I wanted somebody – anybody to be my friend so that I wouldn't have to be alone anymore! But you wanted my pain. Something like this right?" With one hand Naruto broke her arm so badly the bone erupted from her skin and she screamed and tried to fall to her knees but Naruto was still holding her up by the arm. He shook her lightly and she swung from side to side inches off the floor. Naruto watched her weep and whimper before she finally succumbed to the pain. Naruto tossed her aside too and she crumbled to heap on the floor then he turned to Danzo.

"Then there's you the old war hero." Naruto smiled but with fangs, whiskers and red eyes, it caused fear rather than pleasure. "Actually you hurt me the least! Now ain't that a bitch!" He laughed gutturally as all but Kakashi moved out of his way.

"I'll go with you Naruto. If you want to leave – I will too." Kakashi told him. "You're my student, my friend, my nephew." He smiled and reached out a hand to Naruto. "I've claimed you as my family, family stays together." Under Kakashi's hand he felt control, unbelievable control holding back massive chakra.

Naruto closed his eyes and nodded, touched by Kakashi's words. It felt good knowing he wasn't that lost and forgotten child anymore.

"Surprised to see me?" He focused on Danzo once again. "Of course you are! The last time you saw me I was strapped to a table, underground in your compound of Ishita waiting for you to take my mind and face apart!" Naruto got in Danzo's face and he smiled with the old man shivered. Naruto leaned back. "Well I have to clap my hands for you don't show that your world is coming down around your ears!" The room vibrated. "Not when Sai tried to speak against you, not when Seiko appeared, not when Jiraiya showed everyone your damning scrolls and not even now when the guy you kidnapped shows up do you even flinch! Bravo!" Naruto clapped again before he dropped the pretense of being impressed by Danzo.

"Your crimes are beyond me. Though you sought to erase my mind and make me your puppet – that's minor. Thought your men attacked us and worked with Orochimaru to kidnap me – that too was just a drop in the bucket compared to all the rest!" Naruto waved a hand at the table were scrolls littered its surface. Now his eyes looked at the wary shinobi around him.

"You should know that Danzo had a compound called Ishita where he trained children to become Anbu – his Anbu. It was but one compound of several but Ishita is at least destroyed." Naruto looked back at Danzo. "Your people are dead and those few who return there will be dealt with. We'll follow your tunnels to the others and destroy them too." Naruto reached out and drew his claws down Danzo's cheek leaving bloody tracks. He leaned closer and sniffed. "Is that fear I smell? I like it, it suits you Danzo! But don't worry – you're not my prey. Sasuke desires your death in payment for killing his clan." Naruto flicked his claws send Danzo's blood flying back at the old man.

The shock just kept coming. Orochimaru dead, Danzo's plots, the council's actions, Naruto alive and now the massacre of the Uchihas! But this last tidbit even blew Tsunade's mind, as well as the other adults the teens consider family. This was the secret they'd been keeping.

"But it was Itachi wasn't it? Do you mean Danzo was responsible for the massacre? Naruto – you know this for sure?" Tsunade turned to face her son.

"This is it – what you wouldn't tell us, isn't it? You got this from Itachi?" Jiraiya asked holding onto Tsunade's shoulders.

"I've thought about this and since the council and the Sandaime were in on this with Danzo, there must be a record somewhere." Takeshi said speaking out loud but mainly to Sasuke, Naruto and Hinata.

"But I don't understand Itachi murdered his clan didn't he?" Anko asked quietly.

Sasuke didn't answer but had joined Naruto. "Can I kill him now? We can be on the road before dark. Suddenly I can't wait to leave!" Sasuke punched Danzo sending him stumbling backwards, his head knocked so violently to one side; it's amazing the man's neck didn't break though more blood spurted from his face. It was possible that Sasuke had broken his jaw for Danzo spit out a few teeth.

"STOP HIM! KAKASHI STOP HIM! I NEED TO CONFIRM THIS! NARUTO DON'T LET HIM PLEASE. WE NEED TO TALK NARUTO, DON'T DO THIS!" Tsunade screamed and pulled away from Jiraiya, she slammed into her son's back with all her force but his body never moved. "Don't leave me Naruto." She whispered.

Sasuke hadn't moved since hitting Danzo – he couldn't figure out just how to kill him. No way seemed painful enough or long enough but at the same time, the world was better off with him dead so a quick death just might have to suffice. But now he turned to look at Naruto and his mother. Danzo would die by his hands but if Naruto wished him to wait then he would but only for a little while.

Naruto turned. She was slightly shorter than him now and she looked like she was about to cry. Naruto changed. His eyes became blue again. "I'm not; I wouldn't leave you behind, you're my mother. I know you don't necessarily like being Hokage. Mama, we can start over – all of us! Dad, Jiraiya, Kakashi. I bet Anko will come and Shizune. Father Hiashi, well he's a clan lord and I can't expect him to leave but he can come visit us whenever he likes after we get settled somewhere else." Naruto looked up at Hiashi wistfully wishing he didn't have to leave Hinata's family behind. "Konoha will get a fresh start too without these vultures in control!" There was a flash of anger as he looked to the unconscious elders. When he looked back at Tsunade, Naruto looked hopeful yet desperate too. All he cared about was Hinata, his brothers, his parents and leaving as soon as possible.

"Lady Hokage?" Ebisu asked. Who would lead them if she left?

Tsunade stared into his face. Her heart broke yet again. All the rage and pain and helplessness he was so good at usually hiding was all there for her to see. She reached for his face and brought it to her own. "I love you Naruto." Tsunade kissed his lips gently then pulled his face to her shoulder then held him.

"I want Homura and Koharu taken to interrogation. Ibiki, I want to know everything they know. Inoichi if he needs your help are you available?" Tsunade's voice was stern though she continued to stroke Naruto's back and kiss his face every so often.

"Done." Ibiki said and directed two men to pick up the bodies of the council members and leave with them.

"Of course my lady." Inoichi said but hesitated. "Please don't leave Naruto! We haven't treated you well; I know but give us a chance. We, the village need you both – Lady Hokage! We need all of you! Please stay!" He bowed to them.

Tsunade didn't answer but met Sasuke's gaze. "I don't want you to kill him, not yet Sasuke. I'd like to learn all he's done especially after what you've told us about your clan. No one will stop you but I'm asking Sasuke, asking for you to wait." Tsuande gasped as Naruto pulled away and was suddenly standing over Danzo. She watched open-mouthed as Sasuke and Naruto each stomped on one of Danzo's ankles then with several rapid punches proceeded to break each and every bone in the old man's legs.

Some gasped, a few looked away but the sound of cracking and breaking bones filled the room. Danzo didn't scream but his pain was evident as he cringed and squirmed helplessly from the teenagers' attacks. Finally when they were done the brothers stood up at the same time, their actions mirrored each other as did their words. "That was just the beginning. Your real suffering is yet to come. Without your legs, you won't be going anywhere!" They still stood on his legs but as they lifted their feet, they came down hard again crushing Danzo's ankles.

Sasuke spun around then went to join Takeshi and Hinata while Naruto turned and walked slowly back to his mother. "They'll all live – for now. Ask your questions and get your answers Mama. Inform the villagers and the other shinobi but in two days time Danzo will die. As for the council…I don't care what you do with them but if I ever see them again, I'll kill them on the spot!" Naruto told his mother. He took a deep breath and blinked. "I'm done here. I need some clean air. Work fast Mama – Sasuke needs this done." He cupped his mother's cheek then kissed it.

"Naruto." Hinata said as he held out a hand for her. She clasped it, kissed it and smiled for him. When he leaned down for her lips, Hinata gave them gladly. "Let's go." She whispered. "Guys." Hinata nodded her head towards the door indicating she wanted their friends to follow.

It was as the teenagers were about to leave the room that Iruka spoke up. "Son?"

"Not today Dad and certainly not while he lives." Naruto didn't turn to look at Danzo who he could hear gasping on the floor. "Besides I don't plan on going without you either. You either Pervy Sage! See ya!" He waved a hand then followed by his brothers, Shikamaru and Seiko; they walked out of the conference room, down the steps and out into the street.

---

They waited across the street. All of Naruto's friends were there leaning against a wall or squatting as they waited mostly in silence. They saw him come out and slip on his shades. Naruto was smiling.

"So tell us what happened!" Tenten demanded as she walked forward. "Where's Sai?"

"Oh damn, I forgot about him! Sweetheart could you go check on him?" Naruto asked of Hinata with a chagrined smile.

Hinata laughed too. "I think we all did! Sakura could you help me?" Hinata was already heading back inside.

"Sure. You'll wait won't you?" Sakura asked. She hadn't heard everything that was said but she sensed something from the four and wasn't quite sure she liked it.

Sasuke blinked releasing the Sharingan and the synch. "Don't worry Pinky; we'll be here when you come back." He gave her a teasing smile. After crippling Danzo, he was feeling a lot better.

Sakura blinked and tilted her head. "Pinky? Okay what the hell happened in there?" She put her hands on her hips and started towards Sasuke but a laughing Hinata grabbed her arm and pulled her inside while promising to fill her in.

Naruto stretched his arms over his head then looked around. The place, Konoha, Naruto didn't hate it. In fact he loved it. It was a beautiful place. There were large old trees, lots of wide open spaces, the river, mountains to climb. And the village itself held shops full of necessities and toys and books and other wonderful stuff as well as a multitude of restaurants with all kinds of foods. He would miss it, a lot if he truly did leave. When he focused on his friends again, Naruto found them all staring at him. "What?"

"What went on in there? We heard…sounds." Neji asked looking Naruto over using his Byakugan. He hadn't used it during the meeting since it was forbidden but now he used it on Naruto. There was equal parts sadness, anger, urgency, relief and calm in the man before him. As always, Naruto was very complex, hard to figure out.

Naruto grimaced. "You guys want to explain?" He looked to Takeshi and Shikamaru. "I'm not trying to rehash all that crap right now." But no sooner than he'd said that then ninjas poured out of Hokage Headquarters. As they left the building, they ran or leapt off and were gone in the blink of an eye. "So it starts." Naruto said as he watched the empty doorway. In moments, Hinata and Sakura reappeared with Sai balanced between them and following them was Iruka.

"Good everyone's here. You guys are to come with me to the academy. We're going to keep the students inside and away from whatever comes." Iruka told them. He looked around and saw the Konoha Police Force moving about directing people to either go home or find a place out of the way. "I hope…I hope…this ends it." Iruka shook his head. If Danzo's Root Anbu put up a fight, things would more than likely turn out like they did in Ishita – civil war.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto called on some help. "Go to Ichiraku's and bring Teuchi and Ayame to the academy. Go back to Mama's and bring Gaara and the others too. Sweetheart, what about Hanabi?" Naruto asked as his clones took off. "Do you want her with us? Or is she better off at the estate?" He noticed the streets emptying. The Root would know something was up pretty soon if they didn't already.

"Bring her to me please. She's been worried about you." Hinata told him, she already had her Byakugan activated searching for enemies. Of course her sister was safe at the estate but having been away from her little sister, Hinata wanted her close if things came to a head.

"Let's move guys, the Hokage's set the raid to begin in the next half hour." Iruka said herding them towards the academy at run.

They ran through the streets meeting practically no one. A few peeped out and were shocked to see Naruto but he ignored them, his thoughts on protecting the kids and what he would do if things got out of hand. It was second nature to keep his village safe but now a small part of him wondered if he should.

Once they reached the grounds, everyone spread out checking all the training fields to bring the kids and their sensei in. Naruto and Takeshi helped that cause out greatly since they could use clones. It was decided to bring the kids to the assembly hall – it was large enough to hold them all and had enough exits to get people out if they were attacked.

"NARUTO? NARUTO? NARUTO?! BIG BROTHER?!" Konohamaru had seen someone who looked Naruto outside helping some kids but then realized, nobody looked like Naruto and had run at top speed after the guy but once the kids were inside the building, the Naruto look-alike disappeared. A clone! But if there was a clone, then there had to be a real one! And soon he found him. He was hugging the girl and the owner of the ramen stand.

"NARUTO!" Konohamaru yelled out excitedly but blinked as Naruto frowned and stared at him blankly for a moment. Then he smiled. Excited, Konohamaru ran and leapt on him.

Naruto laughed as he caught Konohamaru. He slapped the boy's back several times and could tell he was getting taller and heavier. "Did you miss me or something?" He asked as he put the boy down.

Konohamaru held on to Naruto's arms looking into those blue eyes that always seemed to shine but today they were cloudy. "I thought, I was scared that…you were dead." The words rushed out of his mouth as he squeezed Naruto's arms to be sure he was really there. "You're back!" He let out breath then smiled with relief.

He tousled the boy's hair. "I'm alive and yeah, I'm back." But for how long? For a moment there I compared him to his grandfather but they're totally different. Konohamaru is not his grandfather. "Sorry I scared you." Naruto gave the boy another hug for the boy was important to him even if he was a Sarutobi.

"SISTER! NARUTO! SISTER!" Hanabi ran in holding the hand of a Naruto but suddenly she was alone but that didn't matter for the real deal was only a few feet away. She'd jumped all over the clone when he'd appeared but he'd quickly told her he was a clone and that the real one was waiting for her at the academy.

Hinata spun around then ran to meet her little sister. She hugged the little girl tightly then kissed each cheek. "I brought him back Hanabi." A huge smile graced each Hyuga's face.

"I knew you would!" Hanabi gave her sister another kiss then seeing Naruto kneeling on one knee, arms open for her, she went to fill them. They ended up on the floor, Hanabi's arms around his neck, her face in his chest.

Naruto blinked as he hugged the slight body. He'd been missed, greatly if Hanabi and Konohamaru's responses could be believed and he didn't doubt them. "Hey little one." He stroked her long hair.

"You have to stop doing that! Worrying me, Father and Sister! Stop it Naruto!" Hanabi raised her head and slapped his chest several times then stared at his face. "They hurt you didn't they. I'm sorry." She rubbed the place she'd hit then leaned forward to kiss his cheek and rub her face against his scratchy beard.

"I don't mean to Hanabi, I really don't." Naruto whispered in her ear unable to hide his distress at that fact. He looked up into the lavender eyes of his fiancée as she knelt next to them.

"It's okay Naruto. Come on Hanabi, let him up. Dad's going to make an announcement in a moment." She helped her sister get up who now looked chagrined for taking away Naruto's smile. "Naruto…" She didn't say a word as he took her in his arms and kissed her cheek, neck then hugged her tight. "She doesn't know Naruto. She only wants you to be with us and safe." Hinata squeezed him.

"Yeah I know but…what if I can't stay here anymore?" Naruto whispered back. He saw the kids looking at him worriedly and closed his eyes.

Hinata shook her head. "Not now baby, we'll deal with that later. We have to get through this day first, okay?" There was much they needed to talk about but now wasn't the time and he did not need to be distracted right now. "I love you." Hinata couldn't hold him tight enough though she tried.

"I know me too. Thanks sweetheart." Naruto lifted her up as he held her wanting only to stay in her embrace. He lowered her back to the floor but he couldn't just let her go. Naruto grabbed her face and took a soul bolstering kiss from her then broke off as he heard his father call for attention.

Iruka looked at all the young faces feeling pride, fear and anger. The first was to be expected, the other two were a consequence of Danzo and his actions against the children of this village.

"Good afternoon students, I wish I had good news but the fact is there is a battle about to begin inside Konoha." He paused as many of them looked to the windows and listened for activity. "It will start in just a few moments and no, this isn't a test or a drill. This is very real. Everyone's being told to stay home and out of the way of danger. You will remain here with your sensei and we've got some extra help from a few Chunins." He waved a hand at his son and his friends. Naruto stood holding hands with Konohamaru and Hanabi. "I wish I could tell you we were being attacked by an outside enemy but the enemy were fighting is other Konoha shinobi."

Now the kids got loud questioning each other and their teachers. A few tried to leave but the doors were blocked. Akamaru barked loudly and moved about the room making the kids back away from the doors and quiet down.

"Thank you Akamaru. I need you to listen. You are safest here. The shinobi we're going to fight work for Danzo. I'm sure you all know of who I speak." Iruka gave them a brief rundown. He'd discussed it with Tsuande and they'd agreed to tell the children enough to keep them safe. There was no way they wanted the kids to go off with one of Danzo's Root Anbu and end up as his prisoner or hostages or worse.

The room grew silent as the kids thought things over. They knew and trusted Iruka and the other sensei agreed with him. It appeared that all they were doing was trying to keep them safe from a man who would turn their lives upside down. They sat on the floor and waited.

"I want all of you to keep an eye on me if we're attacked okay?" Naruto told his kids. Moegi and Udon had joined them. "It doesn't matter if it's me or my clones, stay near to me and if you're in trouble, I'll come running. Got it?" He gave them a slight smile but all took him seriously for his body language was tense.

Hinata new he'd be a good father when their time came. The kids gravitated to him and Naruto gave them his full attention. He would protect them with his life. She moved off to wander around, her eyes trained on what was happening outside the walls as Naruto's was concentrated on what was happening inside.

"Little Sister." Neji greeted her as their paths crossed. He reached out and took her hand. "Will you really leave Konoha? All of us?" Shikamaru had filled them in while Iruka had been giving his speech. None of them could truly blame Naruto for wanting to leave but none could imagine the village without him. He was one of those people you always looked for and wanted to see even if they never said a word or did something outrageous. It was like how you looked for the sun on a cloudless day or the stars on a clear night.

Hinata shrugged. "I want him happy Neji and that may mean leaving Konoha. No I don't want to but I can't be happy without him. We'll make a home somewhere and as long as we're together, we'll be happy and we can always come visit." Hinata swung their hands.

Neji nodded and looked back at Naruto. He understood now the feelings he'd picked up from Naruto a little while ago. "They really tortured a newborn baby?" They'd already been whispering but the question was asked even lower.

"Not just any baby – my Naruto. I just know a few details and Naruto didn't remember anything, he was too young but Seiko…" Hinata looked over at the girl who looked a little lost as she stood by a wall watching the students. "Dammit all, she must have dug deep in his mind to bring out those memories! He was better off, happier before he knew all the details." Hinata sighed. "Naruto hasn't shared those memories with me or his brothers. He's kept us out of that part of his mind. Oh Neji." Hinata moved forward into her brother's arms.

"As long as he has you, Naruto will be fine." Gaara said as he approached them. His eyes were looking at Naruto as laughed at something one of the boys said to him. "I think he could be happy here but your people will have to go a long way to prove to him that they've changed." The dark-rimmed eyes now looked at Hinata. "When I met him, Naruto had everything I ever wanted. He showed me that my life didn't have to be a curse, that love was possible for people like us." Gaara looked back to Naruto and gave a slight smile to see Hinata's sister hanging onto Naruto's back like a monkey. "I agree, he was better off not knowing but now he does know and he's shaken." Gaara turned back to Hinata and dropped his arms. "Naruto was my first friend. I would see him happy and have offered my home to him – to you. If it is necessary, please come to Suna. I can guarantee he will be accepted."

Hinata blinked several times. Gaara spoke little even when surrounded by friends and just now he'd not only spoken but smiled and offered them a home. She didn't think just reached for his shoulders, leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Hinata giggled as Gaara looked shocked, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. The young Kage adopted one of Naruto's habits and reached behind him to scratch his head. She really giggled then.

Several explosions sounded in the distance. Everyone grew still listening but they could hear nothing else. The sensei moved about the huge room getting the children to move away from the walls and placed themselves around the perimeter of the room. The Chunin continued to move through the students, keeping an eye on them and hopefully keeping them calm.

"If confronted by one of the Root Anbu, run!" Iruka told them. "None of you are skilled enough to stand up to them. Help a friend if they're caught but yell for help." Iruka frowned looking at the young. He just couldn't see any of them surviving a fight with the Anbu but that wouldn't necessarily be what the Anbu wanted. If they came here, they were looking for recruits.

Suddenly there was banging on one of the locked doors. "SEIKO! SEIKO! Let me see my daughter please!" More banging. "I'm her mother! Let me take her home – PLEASE!" Yamanaka-san's voice was high and anxious.

Yamanaka-san was well known by quite a few since they bought flowers from her shop and out of morbid curiosity had watched her after that incident Ino caused. Since seeing Seiko, everyone knew who she had to be even if they didn't know how she was Ino's sister or where she'd been all this time. The woman's pleas tore at them.

Naruto, Takeshi and Sasuke all went towards Seiko as the sensei conferred. Hinata ran to join them but looked for herself to see if it was Yamanaka-san. She let it be known that it was Seiko's mother and that she was alone. It was possible the woman had come after her daughter afraid she would be taken from her again. Cautiously the door was opened and every eye focused on the overwrought mother. She scanned the room looking for her daughter. Seiko hadn't moved.

Akamaru growled and Kiba frowned. Careful of the kids, they circled the room.

"Seiko?" Naruto asked as he came to a stop behind her. She was free to go of course but he felt responsible for her and knowing that Inoichi was busy interrogating the council and Danzo, Naruto knew he could protect her better than her mother who wasn't a ninja.

Seiko looked back at Naruto then at her mother. "I'm here!" She finally said getting the woman's attention. The kids had moved away and she stood alone as her mother ran towards her.

"Let's go Seiko! Stay with me and your sister until this is over! I don't want to lose you again!" She ran forward to clutch Seiko's shoulders.

"But they need me here. I want to protect these kids. No one should have to grow up like I did, under Danzo's thumb." Seiko said knowing she was being watched. It was still a new situation for her, seeing people's faces and knowing they could see hers and whatever she was feeling. "I want to stay." Her mother looked so frightened.

Yamanaka-san shook her head. "I need you with me Seiko! You have to come and quickly! The fighting's already begun!" The woman pleaded then grabbed one of Seiko's hands and began to pull Seiko behind her. A large dog moved their way and Yamanaka-san just pulled harder on Seiko's hand.

Seiko took two steps then clasped her mother's arm with her other hand then pulled and flipped the woman over her shoulder. As the woman slammed into the floor, Seiko released her blade from her gauntlet and pushed it into her mother's throat.

Many gasped surprised that Seiko had killed her mother but then Yamanaka-san changed into a different woman – a female ninja. She was dressed as one of Danzo's people minus the mask.

Naruto was standing over them. "Obviously Kiba and Akamaru knew she was a fake but Seiko, how'd you know?" Seeing the large white dog snarling at the woman had alerted Naruto that she wasn't Seiko's mother.

Seiko wiped her blade on the woman's pants and sheathed it. She stood looking at Naruto then tapped her head. "Since the moment we met, Ino and I have shared thoughts. When that woman banged on the door, I made contact with my…sister. My mother won't leave Ino's side with the condition she's in." Seiko looked into the dead woman's face then kicked the body. "I knew this was an imposter but how did Danzo or his men know I was here?" Seiko frowned. Knowing that Danzo wanted her back was cause for concern but what did he want her for? To use her skills or to simply kill her?

"That's a damn good question. It's possible Danzo has a few of his men in the regular shinobi corp. That's not good." Shikamaru said looking around the room and wondering if all the sensei could be trusted.

"You okay? She looked just like your mother but you killed her anyway." Sakura asked. She'd tried to be friendly with the girl but Seiko would hardly speak to her.

"I knew it wasn't her and besides, I'm a killer." Seiko shrugged looking dead into Sakura's eyes as if warning the girl.

Sakura blinked and moved back a step glad that Lee was next to her. "But you're not upset that your mother would choose to stay with Ino instead of coming after you?" Despite her wariness of the girl, Sakura just couldn't leave the subject alone. She was trying to figure the girl out wondering if they could someday be friends.

Seiko blinked then gave a soft smile and looked at Naruto. "We only spent a little time together this morning but she hugged me so tight Naruto. Inoichi told her about me, the things I've done but she didn't care – I'm hers and I'm strong just like Inoichi. She said. He also told her about us." Seiko looked at Hinata. "Our friendship! Inoichi trusts Naruto to keep me safe and so does my mother." Seiko gave an embarrassed smile to Hinata and Naruto. She had a mother now. It gave her a warm feeling.

Naruto was silent then nodded. "He knows everything then?" He meant the memories they'd unearthed about his past. "About me?" He was happy for Seiko but he didn't want the world knowing everything he'd suffered.

Seiko's mouth opened then closed before she was able to speak. "I'm sorry Naruto, I didn't mean to! It's just – you were right. I didn't know my jutsu as well as I thought and I couldn't control all my thoughts when Inoichi asked to search my mind for details on how I grew up. He needed evidence against Danzo! Naruto…" He'd turned away from her to look up at the ceiling. She felt awful.

"Naruto." Takeshi had been with Ayame most of this time but joined them as the threat had appeared. Takeshi frowned at Naruto. "She didn't –!" He broke off as Naruto reached out to him clutching his arm.

"Synch with me!" Naruto said urgently. He felt Hinata and Sasuke join them. "Talon." He said simply and they all looked up at the ceiling. There were various skylights so they could see outside.

Naruto had told Talon to more or less go play. The hawk had suffered and fought hard for Naruto and deserved a break. Synching with the hawk was second nature; the two of them did it without ever thinking about it. Unless one or the other concentrated on each other, they never knew what the other was up to but Talon had just reached out to Naruto.

"Son? What's going on?" Iruka asked. He'd been wondering about what to do if someone else showed up claiming to want their child. A couple of the sensei were removing the body when he saw Naruto staring blindly up at the ceiling. Something was up.

"Talon's watching. The Foundation is on fire and it's an all-out fight over there. Oh – they're using the Senju and Uzumaki markings again to tell friend from foe. That's good. Damn, there are a lot of them – more than I thought. Some are the age of Konohamaru and Hanabi – that bastard! I don't see Mama or Pervy Sage, Father either. No Tal, you stay where you are and let us know if they need our help. Good boy!" Naruto said with a big smile for Talon then blinked and focused on Iruka.

"Dad I want to search everyone here. We need to find out if anyone carries Danzo's seal. Hinata and Sakura could confirm it." He looked around seeing many of the kids watching them.

"We should also do a head count. I don't know why we didn't think of this before." Shikamaru said. "Isn't there a schedule of who's supposed to where? Danzo's men may be acting on their own. This is something he could have planned out in advance. Danzo was known as a cunning tactician. I wouldn't put it past him that he'd placed someone in the academy to observe not only how the kids were being taught but to look for children who had the skills Danzo wanted. With how things are turning out now, they could just be bidding their time until it's safe to attack or slip away with a few kids in tow." Shikamaru looked at Naruto as he spoke and neither looked too happy.

"After what just happened, I think we need a code or something to tell who's who." Sasuke said then laughed when Naruto glared at him. "I'm in your head idiot – I'll know whether it's you or not but the rest need to know that we are who we are supposed to be right?" The last time they'd used a code had been in the forest of death and Naruto had barely remembered the first two words.

Sakura had grinned too. "Yes, let's make it easy for Naruto to remember. Something all of us are familiar with that no one else knows." She tweaked Naruto's cheek as she teased him.

"What about us? We wouldn't necessarily know the same things as you." Temari spoke up as she linked her arm with Shikamaru's.

"True but we have to come up with something quickly. I don't like thinking there's someone in here who's about to attack us or worse the kids." Shikamaru declared leaning closer to her.

"I think I know something." Iruka said with a smile. "And none of us should forget it. Gather close."

Five minutes later they were having everyone line up. Iruka with a Naruto clone had gone into the academy for the schedules revealing who should be working and what students were on training missions or were absent from class. Gaara, Shino, Neji, Kiba and Akamaru were stationed at the four corners of the large room to detect enemies coming from outside. Hinata and Sakura were working their way down each line checking for the curse mark. Takeshi walked with Hinata and Sasuke with Sakura for backup in case they did come upon an enemy. A few of the other teachers protested about being thought of as suspects and why had Iruka assumed leadership. That was quickly resolved as Gaara's sand swirled about their feet. Most had seen him use his sand on Lee back during the Chunin exams. The teachers got in line with the children.

As each person was cleared, some went to watch Kankuro put on a puppet show. Then there was Tenten helping some of them with their form and instructing them in the best ways to care for their weapons. Lee was energetically telling stories of former battles and Guy-sensei's great training methods. Sai sat drawing but soon had an audience and many making requests for portraits and the like. Choji found himself sharing his stash since some of the kids were starving. Temari and Shikamaru were helping Iruka count heads. Seiko found that she had a few young admirers since she'd single-handedly taken out one of the enemy. Shyly she answered what questions she could without paralyzing herself. Naruto sat near the stage his little sister and brother right beside him vying for his attention and Moegi and Udon too. At the same time, Naruto kept in contact with Talon. The battle still waged on.

Temari walked up to Iruka giving the password. "Did you catch it?" She asked.

Iruka smiled as he returned the password but it turned into a frown as he looked at his list. "I'd hoped I was wrong."

Shikamaru tried not to look at Temari as he gave the password. "Afraid not. I'm counting two more people than there should be." Shikamaru said tapping his clipboard.

"But everyone on these lists is here." Temari looked back at the huge crowd of people. "Someone's doing a good job of hiding."

"Should we leave it to Sakura and Hinata?" Iruka asked feeling a sick bubble form in his stomach. He worked with these people, taught a great many of these children. To think that two of them were imposters and he'd never known… "Damn."

"I think we should add Neji to the mix. He can see without looking directly at people. So far whoever these people are they haven't been detected by the girls and Naruto's got Talon so he can see if someone's coming." Shikamaru told them.

Iruka sighed and nodded. "Okay, you want to tell him?" Shikamaru agreed and went to Neji. "Guess we should act like we're still counting. We don't want them suspicious."

"They already are. They must be planning something, let's just hope we find them before they act." Temari's gaze was sharp as she walked away.

"How are they hanging?" Neji asked his lips twitching as saw Shikamaru approach him.

Even Shikamaru had to chuckle. "Boobaliciously." Iruka had come up with something none of them would forget. But what really got to him was that he didn't think about Lady Tsunade but Temari. She had a nice pair too. "We shouldn't tell her about this I think." The two of them stood side by side smiling.

"No, absolutely not! So what's up?" He's seen the little conference Shikamaru had and didn't think it was good news. Neji's expression went blank as he listened. He had a several cousins attending the academy and he didn't want not one of them targeted. Fortunately, Danzo had spared their clan from his manipulations probably because he knew the Hyugas would retaliate tenfold if he had. "Shall I attack when I find them?"

Shikamaru was silent, thinking. "…Yes. We'll try to keep anyone from getting hurt but yeah take them out. If you can only get to one, tag the other with a kunai. These aren't ordinary kids, I'm sure they'll do what's necessary to protect themselves. I'll let the others know." He tapped a hand against Neji's shoulder and began to walk the room.

Time, it goes fast or it goes slow. Sometimes it even freezes and upon the rare occasion all three happen at the same time. As it happened, time did all three for the people locked in the academy's assembly hall.

Naruto stood abruptly and created twenty-five clones. His clones began to herd the children and civilians together. Sasuke and Takeshi grabbed Hinata and Sakura and ran to the real Naruto the five of them forming a circle.

Neji took a leaf from Hinata's book and did a series of back flips across the room. During those flips he threw two kunai in two separate directions. One caught a Kunoichi, a supposed teacher in the back. The other stabbed a male student. Neji followed that one right into a circle of frightened children. He fell on top of the student who changed into teen about his own age. They grappled on the floor, each giving sharp and painful blows as they rolled over the floor but finally after letting himself take a punch to the side of his head, Neji was able to send chakra through the teen's heart. With the help of the students, Neji pushed the dead body off of him.

Tenten ever watchful of Neji, went after the Kunoichi. The woman staggered for a moment then made a few hand signs then slammed her hand against the floor summoning a black bear. Tenten skidded to a halt.

"Koneko – take care of that bear!" Sasuke asked his cat summons. He'd been quick when he'd seen the Kunoichi's hand signs and called for Koneko.

"Sasuke!" The saber tooth looked him over for a moment then placing huge paws on his shoulders gave him a lick. This was their first meeting since the battle at Ishita. "I'll be back little one!" She promised for she was angry with him for not calling her back so that she knew he was well. Koneko gave him one last lick then leapt on the bear.

Tenten gave the summons a wide berth and went after the Kunoichi. Unfortunately the woman used the children to try and make her escape. Two little ones were tossed back at Tenten and she had no choice but to stop and catch them. No sooner than she had that the woman grabbed two more and spun around. "STOP IT!" Tenten screamed but knew this time she would only be able to catch one.

"I got him!" A Naruto clone yelled jumping up to catch the five year old. "Hey! I could use some help!" Five more clones gathered around the students preventing the Kunoichi from getting at anymore of them. The Naruto clones hustled them out of the way.

Tenten released a relieved breath but now she was angry. "What now bitch?!" In her hand was one of the new weapons she'd taken from Ishita. She thought it was appropriate to use it to kill this Root ninja.

The woman was breathing hard, she'd lost a lot of blood from Neji's kunai in her back and tossing around all those kids but in her hands were kunai. She was going to fight.

"No this ends quickly." Tenten said softly and spun in a circle throwing the weapon. It flew wide out in a circle and the Kunoichi frowned then blinked recognizing it. Suddenly she ran at Tenten hoping to avoid the coming attack. "Not good enough." Tenten tossed as simple flash bomb which halted the woman's advance. She looked away and just seconds later there was a scream. Tenten took a few steps back and raised her hand and caught the bloodied chakram. Finally she looked back and saw the Kunoichi's head several feet from the woman's body. "Using children – that's what you get!"

Akamaru was on his feet growling as the door they'd been guarding was suddenly blasted open. He waited only for the smoke to clear. At his side was Kiba crouched and ready to attack. The troop of forty was cut in half after their attack. The human and canine made sure those injured did not move again as the rest surged into the hall.

"WE WANT NARUTO! GRAB ANY HUYGA YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON AND DON'T FORGET THE UCHIHA! KILL ANY WHO GETS IN OUR WAY!" The Anbu leader yelled out then made a beeline for one of twenty-five Narutos.

Talon screeched as he flew in and went to his Naruto. "Multiple Shadow Clone Transfer!" As there were twenty-five Narutos, now there was a matching number of Talons.

Iruka had three clones at his back pushing the students away from the approaching Root Anbu. He really didn't want to damage the building but it was the fastest way to eliminate the enemy. "Umino Scattershot!" A hand full of pellets was thrown at the two ninjas. Once they made contact – they exploded, as did the ninja but Iruka wasn't taking any chances. He ran forward and slung kunai into the white masks, aiming for the eyes. Iruka didn't miss.

Sai drew a bird and decided to join Talon in the air. Aloft, he quickly drew a few beasts to help shield the kids from the enemy. But he was too late for the Anbu had already used a jutsu on a group of the younger kids. Being careful of the students he tossed a few shuriken at two Root Anbu as they seized two paralyzed Hyuga's. Up until that moment the students had backed off afraid of the enemy but as his shuriken riddled the men's legs halting their motion – the students attacked. Sai laughed when one small boy took a flying leap at one Anbu's knee breaking it. A girl, older than some of those around her used some very impressive strikes to knock the other one down. Two Naruto clones showed up also smiling and actually took the kill. The kids would be required to kill one day but not today. Sai waved at the clones then moved off to see who else he could help.

Narutos were still hustling the kids out of the way of danger with the help of the Talons. Sasuke had broken the circle first to help some of the younger students who had been knocked down. As he handed one to his cloned brother, he just barely dodged a kunai to his neck – more than likely poisoned with something to knock him out. He leaned over and struck out with his leg, catching the man in the neck. Though that one went down, two more were coming at him from opposite directions. Sasuke was just about to use his fire jutsu when the Anbu froze in their tracks grabbing their heads. He blinked and looked over at Seiko who was walking his way with a smile.

"Watch! Mind Destruction!" Seiko's dark eyes narrowed as she made the two Anbu attack each other. In under a minute they had cut the other's throat. "I learned that from Inoichi…my father." Seiko laughed. Inoichi had just gone over the basics with her but it seemed she'd learned it already. "Oh umm, boobalicious." She said quietly.

"Yeah, I can tell. I mean, they hang well! Geez… Thanks!" Sasuke laughed too for she looked so pleased with herself and embarrassed with the stupid passwords. Seiko's really pretty when she smiles. There's such…delight in her face. It's not the kill but more her feelings for Inoichi. They smiled at each other for a long minute and forgot everything else before they realized what they were doing. "Umm, yeah. Let's get back to it." He adjusted his headband. Damn that password! Now I'll think of it everything I look at her!

"Mhmm. I'll do that!" Seiko could feel her cheeks get warm so she turned around quickly and almost fell. Embarrassed she didn't look back to see if Sasuke was watching but hurried off to keep the kids away from the dead bodies.

A Talon swooped down to land on his head. The hawk leaned down and chirruped at him. "What? We just talked." He looked up into the golden eyes and could swear the hawk was teasing him. "You're just like Naruto, you know that?" He grumbled and turned to go back to Naruto only to see him and Hinata smiling at him. Sasuke had forgotten about the synch. "FIGHT SOMEBODY ALREADY! ALL YOU'VE DONE IS STAND THERE!" He yelled as he wondered if they'd heard him thinking she was pretty when she laughed.

Takeshi had just cut down five more with his sword. He'd taken the initiative to protect Naruto and Hinata. No reason for them all to fight. Besides after fighting the Anbu in Root, suddenly these didn't seem as tough to him. He pulled a cloth from his pocket and wiped the blood from his blade. What's the matter Sasuke? Isn't she boobalicious enough for you? He was laughing so hard that when Sasuke threw a punch at him, he couldn't completely dodge it. Takeshi doubled over but grabbed his brother's shoulders. "But she is! I saw you looking! You like her!" He whispered his eyes glowing. The two struggled as Sasuke's face grew red.

Hinata and Naruto fell into each other laughing. So he's finally noticed a female! And she's just as strong and arrogant as you! So you're a breast man! Way to go Sasuke! Hinata teased him.

Sasuke! You actually like a girl! Wow, I gotta admit I was worried about you big bro. Nothing wrong with it but I wondered if you liked guys! Naruto got behind Hinata as the Sharingan glared at him but he couldn't help the laughter pouring out of him. He wiped away some tears.

It seemed that the fighting had stopped as everyone looked at Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke and Takeshi. They were laughing, practically crying and seemed to be fighting each other or playing – no one was quite sure. Even the hawks were in on it, swooping down and around the four apparently happy.

But actually the battle was practically over. All the sensei, some Chunin, some Jonin and Tokubetsu Jonin had joined Naruto's friends in attacking the enemy. Since the Naruto clones were keeping the students out of harm's way, they were free to fight with deadly force. Not to mention Koneko, who went around slashing and biting the Root when the bear dissipated after the Kunoichi died. As well as Gaara, Temari and Kankuro who killed quickly and efficiently with sand, wind and puppet. It was a lesson in killing the students wouldn't soon forget.

Seeing their troop dwindled down to five, the remaining Root Anbu banded together. They would go after Danzo's prize – Naruto. Most of the students were at their back being protected by the sensei and Chunins and the remaining clones. Naruto stood still chuckling with a large hawk on his shoulder; the red-faced Uchiha had joined him and the grinning Hinata Hyuga as well as the phoenix Satome who wore a huge smile. The group stood with their backs to the stage and was soon joined by a massive saber-toothed cat who curled her body around the Uchiha. Sakura returned to them after healing Neji and those few students that had been hurt and finally Iruka who stood behind his son.

Two young people looked at each other then forced their way forward breaking free of the other students and the smiling clones. "You can't have him!" Konohamaru said coming to a stop behind the Anbu.

"That's right! Are you fools? You can't beat our big brother!" Hanabi said with her hands on her slim hips.

Naruto sighed and looked at Hinata. "Didn't I tell them to stay with my clones?"

"Yes, yes you did Naruto. Looks like they decided to defy you. Konohamaru, Hanabi – Back Off." Hinata's voice was as hard as either of them had heard and they blinked. "DO IT." She wasn't smiling anymore either.

Hanabi huffed and walked back to a clone where she let herself be picked up. "That's not fair Sister!" She stuck out her tongue at the couple.

"You heard her – move it little brother." Naruto said standing taller, all humor gone. "We can fight together another day Konohamaru." He used his hands to shoo the boy back.

But Konohamaru didn't move. "No! I want to help! Naruto - !" He went stiff as a board as his cheek began to bleed. Touching his face, Konohamaru felt the shallow cut then looked back and down to see a senbon embedded in the floor. He blinked.

"I won't' tell you again. I'll just take you out Konohamaru." Naruto's hand hung loose at his side. No one had seen him throw it.

"Come on Konohamaru! You don't want to miss this fight do you?" Hanabi called to him glad she'd given in to her sister.

His chest rose and fell with fear and admiration. "Win it big brother." Konohamaru said quietly then turned and went back to the others. A clone tousled his hair and held him about the shoulder.

The Root Anbu leader had survived. He'd remained silent during that little conversation. Their chances were slim of getting Naruto and leaving the village and their chances were nonexistent of them surviving this battle but they had their orders.

"You can surrender." Iruka seemed to read the man's mind. "A few have already done so. They'll be given the chance to lead normal lives, you could do the same. Some of you were probably born here – this is your home, your true loyalty belongs to the Hokage and your fellow shinobi not Danzo."

"Maybe but I've grown to like killing. I'm good at it. I enjoy it. My only choice is to fight!" The leader said and took a step forward. "They can decide for themselves." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder at his comrades.

"You'll be happier if you surrender. Happiness was always denied us. Take what he's offering!" Sai said from where he stood with Shikamaru and Choji. "It's…nice having friends, people who care if you live or die. Surrender!" Sai urged.

The Root Anbu looked at each other and one girl bowed to the others then backed away and got on her knees, hands linked behind her head. Another one did the same leaving three to face Naruto and his family.

"You sure about this?" Iruka asked one more time as the two who had given up were taken into custody.

"Yes!" The leader stated as he ran forward. He didn't get very far. He was treated to Iruka's scattershot followed by three senbon. They sank deep into the man's eyes and one through his heart and out his back. Naruto didn't intend for the man to survive.

Hinata blocked some shuriken with a kunai in her left hand while her right released her whip. It circled above her head singing before it undulated across the few feet separating her and her attacker. The Kunoichi dodged the spiky barb on the end of Hinata's whip but that's what Hinata wanted. The whip with a flick of her wrist changed direction and curled around the ninja's neck. Basically she killed herself. The force of her momentum when she pulled back too late let the sharp links sink into her flesh. It was unsure which killed her first, the rapid blood loss or the lack of air.

Naruto held up a hand as he stepped forward. Only one remained enemy remained. He would take the guy on himself. From what Naruto could tell, the guy was his age or maybe a year or two older. "Still want to fight for Danzo?" He asked.

The guy hesitated then took a fighting pose. "No weapons!"

Naruto nodded and pulled his shades down. "Done." Arms loose, legs crouched he waited. "Your move."

He let the first punch connect to get a feel for the guy's power but every other move, he blocked. Right foot with left arm. Raised knee with crossed arms and so on. Whatever he tried, Naruto countered. Another punch came at his face but Naruto wasn't there. He was behind the young man and hit him in the back of the neck. Before he could hit the ground, Naruto had him by the arm and swung him up and over than slammed him into the floor. "Give up. You don't have to die." Naruto's foot was on his neck the mask gone.

His legs scissored and he kicked Naruto in the jaw, his momentum freeing him from Naruto's grip. The young man grinned at Naruto who was rubbing his jaw. "I'm not done yet!"

Naruto wiggled his jaw then sighed. The two rushed each other fists high. The target, the enemy's face. Naruto only took a step back while the Root Anbu flew into the far wall. He waited as the man shook his head and slowly rose to his feet. "You pack quite a wallop Uzumaki Naruto." His knees shook as he stood but he did stand. "My turn!" His hands moved to weave some hand signs.

Iruka gasped and Sasuke took a step forward. "Naruto that's…"

"I know. So there's another who can do Kakashi's jutsu. You've learned the Chidori." Naruto watched as on the guy's palm lightning began to dance.

"Yes! I was a prized student because of my lightning nature. It took a while to learn it though. But I've already used it successfully several times. This is an assassin's jutsu and I am an assassin. How about you let me kill you now?" He took a few steps forward but stopped as a clone ran up to Naruto.

"Kill him? But doesn't Danzo want Naruto alive?" Takeshi asked.

The guy shrugged. "Danzo has escaped." He grinned at their shocked faces. "Yeah, he'd probably like Naruto alive but he won't cry if you're dead after all the trouble you've caused him. Actually knowing that you're dead will probably make his day. Oh, the Rasengan." He watched Naruto's clone make the blue sphere.

He's on a suicide mission! That Chidori is weaker than the one I used on you at the hospital Naruto! Yeah, it's enough to kill an ordinary person but not you little brother. Sasuke warned Naruto.

Sasuke's right Naruto, he wants you to kill him. You don't have to Naruto. We don't know what he said about Danzo is true or not. Hinata added as she eyed the man. He could have been one of their friends but instead he wanted to kill her lover – he was their enemy.

You don't have to give him what he wants Naruto. Incapacitate him then give him a chance to experience life without Danzo. He could change Naruto! Takeshi urged.

I don't believe he'll stop until he's dead. I can sense…his despair and hate. Even if I let him live, he'll just do all he can to provoke an attack on the next person. No, I don't want to kill him but why let him cause Konoha more trouble. It will be fine Hinata. Naruto looked back her. He couldn't smile for this wasn't the time for it but seeing her helped his heart just a little for what he was about to do.

"Naruto shouldn't we evacuate? A Chidori and a Rasengan will cause a lot of damage." Iruka asked. He knew the four of them were synched and had been talking and he wondered what had been said.

"No need Dad and besides I doubt he'll give us the time. Will you?" Naruto looked away from his father to see the Root Anbu holding his Chidori in one hand with the other supporting it. It didn't look like he could control the jutsu for much longer.

"No way. Today's the day you die! Your legend ends Uzumaki, BY MY HAND!" He ran across the floor on swift feet, determination in every step.

Naruto's lips hardened into a thin line as he also ran to close the distance between them. He'd killed before, not that he'd wanted to but when you weren't given a choice and it was your life or you foe's, you chose your own. Now he was going to kill to save someone else the trouble of having to do it later. Life certainly could suck.

Konohamaru and Hanabi were shoulder to shoulder mouths open as they watched. The chakra being emitted electrified the air and made their hair stand on end. Each held their breath as Naruto and the Anbu grew closer. It seemed as if the two attacks would collide. Just like before when they punched each other, the attacks were aimed at the head.

"NARUTO!" They screamed and then it was over.

His head band and the band holding back his hair had broken apart by the lightning attack. At the last second he'd dodged slightly and crouched low. The Chidori had skimmed by his head as his Rasengan drilled into the Anbu's stomach. Naruto followed the guy down to the floor not releasing the Rasengan until there was no hope.

He spat blood, his mouth and face red with it. He looked at Naruto. "…Fin-ally…now I…I'm…I'm fr-ee…" He smiled at Naruto then died.

"Bastard." Naruto whispered then rose to his feet. "Bastard! You didn't have to die! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!" The guy's words vibrated in Naruto's mind for they had been his words once. He'd believed that the only way for him to be free was to be dead! "SON OF A BITCH!" Seeing the Anbu mask close by, Naruto stomped it to pieces and then through the floor.

"Naruto." Hinata spoke his name aloud. She could feel his anger and his despair at this act of killing and then for a second felt a new pain cloud his mind before it cleared or was hidden away.

He breathed deeply several times then snatched up his headband and stuffed it into a pocket. "Talon find Mama please. Dad I think these kids can go home now, my clones will help." Naruto didn't bother with his hair and left it loose. He walked to Hinata's side and put his arm around her. "I hate this!" He whispered into her hair.

"I knew I should have killed him earlier. …He, Itachi warned us!" Sasuke said, more like growled as he thought of Danzo being free.

"Too late to worry about that now Sasuke, we'll take care of it as soon as we find him." Takeshi said walking next to him.

"He could have been lying son." Iruka said running to catch up to them since they'd started walking away. The kids were talking excitedly while the teachers were thinking on what Naruto said about getting the kids home.

"Then we'll find out for sure then." Naruto turned around as his name was called. "Hey you two, sorry about all this! I promise to come round after this mess is all cleared up but I want you to go on home now! You're Konoha ninjas – protect your families and your homes! All right?" He found a smile somehow for them. They'd just seen him kill but he didn't want them to think badly of him.

Hinata looked at him, the false smile. She leaned up to kiss his cheek then ran back to the kids. "Hanabi, Konohamaru!" She knelt and opened her arms. The clones let them go and they ran to her. "This is a…bad situation. Naruto only did what he had to do, what he always does and that trying to keep us safe. We all are. You understand that right?" Hinata worried about them, it was hard not to. They'd just been attacked by people who were supposed to protect them. Then to top it off, they'd watched not only Naruto but practically all of them kill.

"Of course Sister. You kept us safe and Naruto didn't really want to kill that guy, I could tell." Hanabi's hand played with her sister's long hair.

"Yeah we're shinobi too, we know the deal. Naruto gave him a chance, lots of chances. Tell him not to worry about us okay? We'll be fine and you'll keep him safe too right?" Konohamaru looked into Hinata's lavender eyes. Though young, he could see the worry and love for them in her eyes.

"Yes Konohamaru I will. Be safe." She gave them each a hug. "We'll come home as soon as we can!" Hinata pushed them back to the clones and ran back to Naruto. "They'll be okay." She told her man right before he kissed her.

So many reasons to love you Hinata. You're everything to me, you know that right? Naruto had lifted his shades to see her better. His words had been heard only in Hinata's mind.

"As you are to me." She responded when he lifted his lips from hers. "Let's go finish this once and for all. We'll destroy the problem plaguing Konoha – Danzo! We'll pull him out by the root!" Hinata exclaimed with determination.

"Damn straight!" Sasuke said leading the way out of the assembly hall.

The afternoon was changing, heading towards the evening when it should have been time for all to head home and be with their families. This family was together but they had a mission. There would be fighting and death instead of food and talking but then such was the nature of being a family of ninjas.