Chapter 21
For the past two weeks Naruto had been all over the Elemental Nations, searching and probing for the whereabouts of Orochimaru and that diabolical Danzo. No... Perhaps Orochimaru was the diabolical devil and Danzo was just a menace that polluted whatever he touched with his corrupted and fanatic ideals of protecting his beloved Konoha.
Naruto didn't spare himself the thought that Danzo, if given the opportunity would try to rein over the Elemental Nations for the sake of Konoha and his own obsessive nature of either removing or controlling anything that may pose a threat to Konoha. Basically all things were a threat to Konoha. Everything. Danzo was so narrow minded that he believed anyone who wasn't an ally was a friend. He had no neutrals. It was either friend or foe.
Then again, his 'friends' were just tools to further his own objectives. The man had no friends. Everyone but him was disposable. Perhaps that was the one thing that Danzo had in common with Orochimaru. Neither would shed a tear if their trusted underlings were to be killed. Both valued their lives above all things. The only thing Naruto couldn't decide on was whether Danzo could actually give his life for Konoha. It didn't seem likely. Not unless he had no tools to sacrifice.
Orochimaru on the other hand would never die for anything. As far as Naruto could tell, the snake had made many ways to avoid death.
He did smile at the thought of giving Orochimaru his most feared thing - death.
The location of Danzo's current camp had reached Naruto's ears a week ago, but he had stopped short of walking into the war hawk's camp because he wanted to meet both Danzo and Orochimaru at the same time.
The two were using each other and were his number one enemies at the time. It was better to handle them both simultaneously. Besides, Naruto wanted to see if they would attack him or offer him something.
He doubted they would though. Everything was set to occur as his mind had foreseen. Naturally, there could be surprises, especially when he was dealing with Danzo and Orochimaru.
Fortunately, Naruto only had to wait for a number of days before Orochimaru crawled towards the camps of Danzo and his robotic Ne.
It was a surprise to Naruto that Danzo wasn't in the Fang country, the country his Root had laid claim. Perhaps he feared other nations trying something on him so he decided to stay away, for now at least. Naturally, other nations were watching and would not hesitate to attack.
''And I thought that Root shinobi were trained better,'' Naruto announced his presents before Danzo and Orochimaru - who were sitting inside a tent, Danzo surrounded by two of his lackeys.
Naruto's words resulted in quick and fluid reactions - which surprised him. But it was something he should have expected. The two Ne agents flanking both sides of Danzo were halted from moving towards Naruto by their master's hand, telling them to stand down.
Naruto made himself comfortable on the side of both Danzo and Orochimaru. ''You should spank your children, Danzo. I was able to sneak into this camp without anyone noticing my presence. Perhaps if the Hyuuga had his Byakugan activated, it would have been a different matter altogether," the blond stated in a nonchalant tone.
Danzo frowned. How hated Naruto for his ability to be able to do this kind of thing. As far as his Intel suggested, the blond had only appeared in Konoha a couple of weeks ago after his long disappearance from the Elemental Nations. He had long suspected that the blond was hidden in Uzu though. His plans had been keeping his busy that he'd held off the search for the blond.
But still, the nerve of this boy to walk into his camp like they were allies of some sort. Arrogant little weapon always thinks he has everything figured out.
He was willing to admit that most of the time Naruto did have things figured out, but that changed nothing. In fact, it just made him wish he could just strip the Bijuu from him and see if he could still talk.
It was just like another Orochimaru in attitude. The snake could just waltz into every hole he finds for himself. It was as if the Sannin could sniff out his scent from even underneath the sea.
Locking down his thoughts, Danzo's eyes narrowed a bit as he spoke, ''You specialized in stealth during those days you were of use to me,'' the war hawk stated, his tone dead of any emotion. ''I'm not surprised that you can do this.''
That didn't mean he liked it.
''Oh,'' Naruto mouthed, tilted his head a little. He chose to ignore Danzo's last words when he spoke next. ''How do you know you weren't the one who was of use to me, Danzo? Can you actually say I had no reasons of my own in joining your little party than just to say thank you?''
Danzo couldn't say so. He didn't even deny this to the blond. ''Regardless, you were of use,'' he said firmly. He then looked at Orochimaru, ''I don't suppose you have something to do with his appearance, do you?''
Orochimaru had just appeared and Naruto followed suit. Danzo wouldn't put it past the snake Sannin to tell Naruto of the location of his camps just to see what would happen. This is one of the reasons he really hated dealing with his over-confident yet capable partner.
Orochimaru's response was to look hurt by Danzo's accusation. ''I'm wounded, partner. Do you have such little trust in me? We have been working together before Naruto-kun was even born, and yet you still doubt me like this?''
Naruto nodded, appearing to be in agreement with Orochimaru, ''so not cool, Danzo,'' the blond added, with a disapproving frown. ''Orochimaru has always been a good partner. Why do you have little trust?''
Danzo mightily suppressed the urge to twitch. He ignored the two in favor of his own conclusion. ''So, you came here on your own. Where you watching us?''
''Naturally,'' Naruto said.
''My my, Naruto-kun. You really do take after your father,'' Orochimaru said, ever so calmly, with the usual grin plastered across his face.
''I've been told,'' Naruto said. ''I thought you'd lunge at me the moment you saw me. Minato is the one who stood between you and the seat of Yondaime Hokage. I imagine you were very disappointed," the blond added, looking straight at the snake Sannin.
Orochimaru shrugged his shoulders carelessly, ''I do admit I was a little mad, and held some grudge, but I got over it,'' he said.
Naruto clasped both his hands, ''Oh, that's wonderful!" he exclaimed with a happy smile. ''I thought you were the one to hold grudges. But I'm relieved that you don't. So tell me, you're not angry I took Karin away, are you?''
''I'm a little mad that you took her away. I had yet to finish using her. She is a rather interesting person with a keen mind,'' Orochimaru said, off-handily as if it didn't concern him at all.
''Ah, you see, I'd gotten to her a long time ago. She has the precious Uzumaki blood in her. I required that,'' Naruto said, mildly serious. ''Perhaps I can offer some payment for taking care of her.''
Danzo butt in before Orochimaru could respond - he was certain the snake was going to indulge the blond. Both seemed to have a love for mind games. He wasn't in the mood for games at this time.
''What do you want, Naruto?'' the war hawk demanded.
Naruto sighed, ''such an impatient man,'' he said. ''Orochimaru, did you refuse to give poor ol' Danzo-chan a lap dance?'' Naruto eyes went towards Inoe, ''did you refuse to grant permission when the master wanted to take a peek while you boys showered?''
Orochimaru didn't comment on that, but he did let out of a laughter nevertheless. ''Such an interesting person you're Naruto-kun,'' the snake Sannin said with a grin on his face.
''What do you want?'' Danzo repeated once more, impatience dripping on his tone.
Naruto brought his right hand on the front, tapped his chin with his index finger while a thoughtful mask gripped his face. ''What do I want? What do I want? Yes... I know... No... I don't want anything from you two. No now at least,'' the blond paused, looked at both Orochimaru and Danzo for a moment. ''Let us get to business shall we?'' His expression became unreadable.
Danzo folded his hands across his chest, looked Naruto at the corner of his eyes while thoughts worked through his head. What did Naruto want? That was the million dollar question. The blond had only appeared recently and from Danzo could tell, the blond had to have plans for the future. Naruto wasn't stupid. He was a dangerous person, he knew that.
He frowned upon the idea that he couldn't get his hands on the blond, to use him of course. If anything, the blond could be a powerful weapon for him and for his objectives. Obviously Naruto was prepared. He wouldn't have walked into this place without a plan. Naruto wasn't stupid. So there was something going on.
''What have you been planning over the past three years? I imagine you haven't just been lying around,'' Danzo said.
''Oh nothing, really,'' Naruto said in a dismissive tone, and a wave of his hand to emphasize.
He was telling the truth when he said he wasn't planning anything over the past three years. The plans were laid long ago. The past years had just been training and training. Finishing touches and executing the plans was all that needed to be done at this stage. There were some cleaning duties that need to be handled as well.
"I guess you were just training then," Danzo concluded with narrowed eyes.
Naruto didn't bother denying it. ''As young ones, we still have to train to grow stronger. Both you have combat experience and years of training. Its only natural for us to be taking time training while you cook up your plans,'' he said.
''Oh? You have been training all this time?'' Orochimaru said. ''I didn't think you'd need more training. You were already capable at a young age. According to my old friend here, your mind is quite capable.''
''You of all people should know that your mind can't save you from every other situation. There are times you need to use your muscles. A cunning mind is only a success when it is complemented by worthy power,'' Naruto said, no smile, tone a bit down. ''The rein of great minds is short-lived when they don't have the sufficient power. Both of you are power boosted. Well, the fake cripple here has given himself some power boosts. No... Even you have done horrible things in the name of power.''
Danzo narrowed his eyes. He knew he shouldn't have asked, but he did anyway. ''What do you know?''
''That's a stupid question,'' Naruto said mildly and dismissively. ''I showed you what you needed to see Danzo. I walked within the halls of your Root bases, do you think I wouldn't know?''
Danzo merely narrowed his eyes further, but made no comment.
''I shouldn't be liking what you two are doing. More especially the involvement of Sunagakure in your petty games. However, it works better for me, so I won't be forced to act against you two,'' that didn't mean he would stop doing anything that would dent their plans if it worked well for him.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes thinly, ''what do you know, Naruto-kun?''
''Sound and Suna's planned invasion in Konohagakure. You probably want to kill your sensei, and destroy Konoha. With the Sandaime's fall, and Konoha's partial destruction, the Daimyo's backing, Danzo will likely be made Hokage. That is his childhood fantasy, no?''
''How did you come across such Intel, Naruto-kun?'' Orochimaru asked, out of sheer curiosity more than anything.
Naruto totally ignored Orochimaru's question. ''I also know that since the Yondaime Kazekage is trying to pull the breaks, you're going to have him killed and impersonate him. I was planning on ridding of him. You can do the dirty work for me,'' Naruto said so plainly, yet managing to be nonchalant about the whole thing.
Despite feeling the urge to frown at Naruto's dismissal of his question, Orochimaru grinned as a thought came to him. ''The Sand siblings. More precisely, Subaku no Gaara,'' despite Naruto's reaction only being a raise brow, Orochimaru widened his grin. ''He is more than the cold-hearted killer people make him to be. What is it with you and troubled children, Naruto-kun? Aika, Neji, Haku. Karin is a bit fine, but not perfect.''
Once more again, Naruto purposefully ignored Orochimaru, focusing on Danzo. ''I told Sasuke about the Uchiha massacre. He's out to kill you. I'm also out to kill you for that Aika incident. You also have a god who wants to kill you for your dealings with Hanzo, which led to having the 'leader' of the Akatsuki killed. All in all, you have a number of serious problems waiting for you.''
''I didn't think Itachi would tell...'' Danzo muttered a bit bitterly.
Naruto ignored Danzo's statement. ''Sasuke is probably going to kill your friends in Konoha. They'd been your long supporters, and will be supporters of your plan in Konoha. I assume that their influence will be vital.'' Naruto turned to Orochimaru. ''Orochimaru, before my eyes all your ninjutsu is useless,'' Naruto mimicked Itachi's voice, eyes flashed into the Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan.
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly as he heard those words that had left him embarrassed and running away with his tail between his legs because of a simple fact: he'd underestimated Itachi. Those cold blood red eyes almost made him lunge at the blond. But he stopped himself when he realized something.
''Genjutsu,'' Orochimaru said with a scowl. He couldn't believe he'd nearly lost it and had fell for such a simple trick. Not to mention he'd allowed his mask to slip.
''Bingo!'' Naruto said, once more with a clap of his hands, he was wearing an amused look on his face. ''I didn't think that it would've left some mental scars, but it did. Highly amusing, wouldn't you say?''
Orochimaru's scowl tightened for a second, before he wiped if off his face. His eyes looked at Danzo for a moment. He didn't want the war hawk learning something new about him that he could use. Not that he didn't have things prepared should something come up. But it was better to avoid things before they became trouble.
''You no longer have any attachments to Konoha, and you've just left the impression that you'd be pleased if Rasa was killed. So how about it, Naruto-kun? Why don't you join us? I'm sure you'd love to get revenge for what Konoha did to you,'' Orochimaru said with a sly grin. ''And I'm assuming you're aiming for some power gain in Sunagakure. You can have that after I'm done with their army.''
''Tempting offer. Yes... I can just picture it. Kyuubi running rampant in the village once more,'' Naruto put on a very disturbed grin - that made Orochimaru feel like he wasn't alone in this world. ''Yes, I could just watch while the Bijuu tears the village apart; the sweet melody of their screams, absorb the scent of their dread as the Bijuu paints the village streets with blood and mutilated corpses,'' his tone had become dreamy, as the look in his eyes by the time he finished speaking.
Orochimaru could only nod and put on a look that clearly said he had the perfect picture perhaps even more horrible than what Naruto had in mind.
Danzo narrowed his eyes. The blond was talking about the destruction of Konoha. That wasn't something that Danzo was willing to accept. He would do everything he could to stop that from happening. He has been dealing with Orochimaru while consistently drawing the line on anything that will leave the village at an intolerable shape.
The Kyuubi was not a weapon to be used against Konoha either. It was for Konoha's enemies.
''Konoha's destruction will not happen. It is best for you if you remove those 'dreams' from your head. Because I will remove the Kyuubi out of you if I have to,'' Danzo said firmly.
Naruto's response was to laugh. Once calm, he looked at Danzo, amused expression still covering his face. ''Can you even touch me, cripple? You and Orochimaru have one deadly flaw - arrogance. Do not speak as if you could actually manage it. These eyes of mine have already seen your death, Danzo. With a snap,'' the blond snapped his fingers, ''I can start the countdown. There only question that remains is how you will be disabled.''
Danzo frowned ghostly while his visible eye sharpened. The fact that the blond was talking about his death with an amused look sort of bothered him. ''Are you threatening me?''
Naruto waved his hand dismissively as he turned to face Orochimaru. ''No,'' he said in response to Orochimaru's offer. ''While the idea is appealing, I can't join that party. My methods would've been subtle anyway, unless I'm trying to make a name for myself. On another note, you disgust me. I'd be plotting for thousands ways to kill you while working with you.''
''Such honesty,'' Orochimaru said with a smile. ''Why don't we try that, Naruto-kun? Just to see if you can actually manage it, or come close to doing it.''
Naruto shrugged, ''Well then, it was nice chatting with you. Oh, one more thing before I leave: try not to enter my stage. I will be very very displeased if either of you attempt to move your play into my stage,'' that said, Naruto disappeared into thin air.
''Well, that was interesting,'' Orochimaru said.
Danzo gave a ghost shrug, as if to say he doesn't care or think too highly of the visit from Naruto. That was however a lie. Both he and Orochimaru knew that.
''Let us continue were we left off before Naruto disturbed us,'' the war hawk said.
''Aren't you a little worried about what he will do? He may not care about Konoha but, as you told me, he is very dangerous left alone,'' Orochimaru said once more.
Well, if the war hawk wasn't going to take his chances with the blond, then he would. He doubted he would succeed though. Naruto was a bit smart for his liking. But it didn't hurt trying.
''He doesn't care and I will get my hands on him. As long as he isn't going to try to stop my march towards the Hokage's office, I will leave him for now. But once I settle down, I will hunt him down,'' Danzo said, a faint smile appeared on his lips. ''Besides, Naruto has some emotional attachments in Konoha. We can use that if he becomes a problem. From experience, he responds every quickly when those he cares about are in danger.''
Orochimaru grinned at this, but said nothing of it. It was so much like Danzo. ''How do you expect become Hokage when the whole village sees you as a traitor?''
''I can have some clan heads, my former friends will tell the village that the information about my 'traitorous' activities were faked by Naruto - who wanted payback because I'd tried to kill him long ago. I can say I wanted to kill him for what he did 17 years ago,'' Danzo said before adding. ''If they don't believe, they will be forced. And in time, they will accept me as their Hokage.''
The Bridge of Hope
Looking at the sides of the bridge, Naruto couldn't help but feel for all the poor people who will wet themselves while walking inside this monstrous structure. It was highly dangerous, especially when it was surrounded by large amounts of water. At least the structure was firm, and didn't move a bit. The only problem would come if someone manages to destroy the pillars. Now that would be a great disaster.
It had been difficult to make stable pillars that would stand firm inside the water as deep as it was. It was just fortunate that it wasn't that deep as the other areas in the sea, and Naruto had utilized Konan's power to be able to build the pillars. Konan had used billions of papers to separate the water, creating a path. The papers were made like walls on the sides, but there was still water beneath the bridge. Naruto had complemented the papers with a strengthening seal to avoid the walls from falling apart.
This reduced the level of water beneath the water, making it possible to plant concrete and seal proofed pillars to support the bridge. The pillars were protected by a form of whirlpools that formed around each pillar. This protected them from anyone trying to destroy them.
So the view that Naruto could see as he stood at the bridge was that of a wall of water on both sides, they were in the form of water falls - the paper walls weren't visible. The walls didn't rise above the bridge. No, that would be scary. However, there was a mechanism in the centre of the bridge that could 'down' it a bit for all those daring people to witness the monstrous water falls.
Naturally, you could never avoid the sound of gushing water while on the bridge.
Naruto smiled, feeling proud of another brilliant idea that was manufactured and refined inside the head of his. How his mother would be proud if she saw this.
His smiled vanished when his senses picked up what was ahead of him. That just reminded him why he had changed his plans and used this route of going into the village rather than just teleporting. He had been informed of bandits disturbing Tazuna's work. It was bothersome that had been forced to deal with mere bandits at this stage.
The vile thieves couldn't just let him work in peace. The Elemental Nations were not even taking any action, just silently observing. Naruto took no action against it because it was only natural.
But these fools were opportunists, thinking they could get lucky. How unfortunate.
'Well, I better get this over with,' Naruto thought mildly.
Within a minute, he reached the point where Tazuna was gagged along with his employees, about 50 of them, and they were surrounded by just 25 sword wielding thieves. Tazuna looked relieved when he saw Naruto, so did everyone.
Presumably, the leader of the group of bandits held a picture of Naruto, when he was younger. He looked at it for a couple of times, looking between the blond and the image. There were no similarities in the image he was seeing and the person in front of him.
''Who are you?''
Naruto decided to play along or just do it as if he was talking to someone really slow in the head. ''who did you call for after apprehending them?''
''The one behind this bridge. What was his name again?'' the man seemed to think for a moment before continuing, ''Uzumaki Naruto. The one who is also rumoured to be the leader of the village, Uzushiogakure.''
''I am Uzumaki Naruto,'' Naruto said, folding his hands across his chest. ''What do you want?''
The man looked at him disbelievingly for a moment. There was a chance that he was lying. He looked at Tazuna, ''Is he Uzumaki Naruto?'' Tazuna just nodded silently. The bandit leader looked at Naruto, ''you looked different from the picture.''
''That is because it was three years ago,'' he wanted to add, you idiot. ''Do you think I'll remain the same for three years? I'm sure even with your mind capabilities, you should be able to know that a person grows after three years...''
The leader seemed to take no offence in Naruto's words. In fact he merely shrugged when he gave his response, ''I guess so,'' he said. Now that was surprising for a mere bandit. ''Building this thing must be costing you billions for materials only. These people still need to be paid, and given the amount of time they've spent trying to finish this thing, I believe they will be paid a large sum of money.''
''You're assumption is about there,'' Naruto said.
''I thought so,'' the leader's grin twisted greedily. ''According to my Intel, you have developed a rather close relationship with the old man. Right now, my men have apprehended the old man's grandson and his daughter,'' he walked up to Tazuna, placed his blade dangerously on his neck, ''If you don't deliver what I want, I will slit his throat and I will make sure the mother and son are killed as well. Now-''
Naruto cut off the man. ''Ah, I was interested in hearing what you wanted, but that will do,'' he said. ''There are about 25 of you, so I should be done in 25 seconds,'' that said he disappeared into thin air.
''Huh?''
Tazuna closed his eyes and the sound of grunts entered his ears along with thuds. Once he could no longer hear a sound, he opened his eyes. Naruto was standing at the edge of the incomplete bridge, holding the leader with his right hand, looking as though he was ready to throw him down into the water.
''Did someone else give you the job, or did you just find everything on your own? Wrong answer and I'll drop you,'' Naruto said, with a smile that shouldn't be there at all. He was speaking in a friendly manner like he wasn't threatening to drop the man into his death.
Gripped with fear, the man blurted quickly. ''W'-we're just resourcefu and thought of a way to make quick money!''
''Oh,'' Naruto mouthed. ''Because you failed, I will let you go.''
''N-no, wait. I will give you anything you want!''
''Really? I'm listening,'' Naruto said, smiling as though he really wanted to hear what the man was really thinking.
''I can giv-''
''Eh, I lost interest,'' that said, he dropped the man. A loud shriek rang through as the man fell. Naruto just turned around without care and created a few clones - which he used to free Tazuna and his workers.
''Thank you, Naruto,'' Tazuna said, his men nodding in thanks as well. He wasn't shaken at all. This was nothing compared to what Gato had them go through back in the Wave. Even when they were beginning with the bridge, they'd come across a dangerous situation than this. So, this was nothing at all.
Naruto shrugged dismissively. ''It is my job to protect you. I will send a clone to free your family'' he said. ''How much longer? Most of it is completed and freely accessible as it stands. That means more trouble will be coming the way. I'm afraid I will be kept busy in the coming weeks to be available whenever you call.''
Tazuna nodded in understanding. ''Four weeks at most. That is if we get more of your man power along the way. If not, we're looking at about three to four months.''
''I will supply the man power so we can get this over with,'' Naruto said. ''I'll be in debt if I wait for three months. We've already spent a lot of money on this. I have yet to pay you even. By the end, I will be bankrupt.''
Seriously.
One of the man working with Tazuna merely smiled. ''At least when this is completed, you will start earning returns. The bridge itself will be a good tourist zone. Naturally, people will have to reach Uzu as well.''
Another added. ''We will have to create bridge control room at the entrance though. You can't have anyone sneaking through.''
''I plan on doing something like that. Making it freely accessible makes it vulnerable to sabotage,'' Naruto said. ''The railway will have to be started within a week for everything to completed simultaneously.''
''I just hope the pillars will be able to balance the weight of the train throughout its lifespan. It will be difficult repairing it,'' not to mention that the damn thing will have to be regularly maintained.
''It will. As long as the rail is centred in the middle of the bridge,'' Naruto added. ''Will you be okay to work for today or do you want to take a day off?''
Tazuna shook his head. ''Its better we work. This place can be damn cold, and I miss home already.''
Naruto just nodded, he created 1500 clones. ''Let me leave you to it then. Use the clones freely,'' Naruto said. The first wave of clones he'd created took away the bandits he'd knocked out. They would be some use in spreading out the word in the dark circles.
Another clone was sent to the Wave.
Uzushiogakure
Home sweet home... There was no better place to feel free than being home. This was a home Naruto had built for himself and for those who needed a home. This was a mother of Uzumaki, home for the lost, a village that offers hope: Uzushiogakure and as he likes to call it, the village of hope.
This would go well with the bridge. Two lands that seemed as though they could never be connected will be soon connected. There were many people who were living in this world, thinking they could never reach their destinies or those goals they've set for themselves. The bridge was a symbol of the impossible becoming possible. It was a risky adventure, but at the end of the day, you were able to get to the other side on both your feet, and alive.
Life was like that as well.
Naruto strolled through the village streets. There were about 300 civilians in the village and about 50 shinobi. It was a small number but the only number Naruto could manage with the constructions that had been taking place in and outside the village. The people had only been taken into the village a few months ago. But that was stopped due to the administrative duties that Aika had to deal with.
Once everything was complete, the stage would be opened for people to be accepted.
''Naruto-sama,'' a woman called, she looked no older than 30, three small children were playfully walking behind her.
Ah, being the leader called for street meetings with his people. He liked them all. They were his people.
''Hello, Yoshino-san. You look lively as always,'' Naruto greeted with a smile as he got to one knee. He exchanged a few pleasantries with the kids while ruffling up their hair. Once done, he looked up at Yoshino once more, ''was there something you needed from me?''
The woman nodded, ''I spoke to Aika-chan a few days ago about the issue at the orphanage. There may be just a few kids that I have to look after, but I can't do everything by myself. These kinds need to be washed, cooked for, watched during day, and they need to be educated. Aika-chan said she would return to me, but she hasn't. I've only been managing because of some volunteers.''
How troubling.
Building a village was really hard work, much more than Naruto had predicted. ''So you need more permanent hands, and teachers,'' Yoshino nodded. ''Unfortunately, we can't offer anything with regards to teaching until next year February. The academy hasn't been fully built and there are still people who have to be registered into our books before the year ends. We will have to get with that first and all the kids will be ushered to the academy.''
It was November now, so, more work was going to be done through December and January.
Yoshino nodded. It was Naruto's word, who was she to doubt it? He has been nothing but a kind and generous leader.
''The help?''
''We will figure something out, soon. I'm sure Aika hasn't forgotten about you,'' Naruto said, still smiling. ''Is there anything else?''
Yoshino shook her head.
Naruto smiled at the woman once more before speaking, while waving goodbye to the kids. ''I better be going then. I have other matters to handle.''
That said, Naruto quickly disappeared to his tower, where his office was located at the top floor.
The office was a bit big, had two book shelves on the left and right walls. The desk was located near the wall that was opposite to the entrance. The wall behind the desk was a one way glass. You could only see through from the inside but couldn't see anything from the outside.
Behind his desk, Karin was sitting on his huge comfortable chair which was imported from the Land of Snow. A file was hiding her face as she scanned through.
''You're looking rather comfortable on my chair and in my office,'' Naruto said, taking a seat on one of the chairs in front of the wooden desk.
Karin peeked above her file for a moment, before closing it. She took off her glassed and placed them in front of her, before speaking. ''Until you get enough funds to build me my lab, this is my office and I will be the leader of this village. Besides, I don't actually see you doing any job,'' she folded her hands across her chest and gave Naruto a stare that dared him say otherwise.
Naruto sighed, he wasn't going to enter into a trivial argument with her. ''Hai, hai, as you say, Karin-sama.''
''Where have you been? It has been over three weeks since you left for Konoha,'' Karin demanded an answer.
Naruto ignored the question when giving his response to Karin, ''I have never said this, have I? But you look preciously beautiful without your glasses,'' he said, a warm smile on his face.
Karin had studied Naruto enough to say he wasn't lying, but though she liked the complement, she didn't take it lightly to the fact that he had just outright ignored her question. Still, she did thank him.
''Thank you for the compliment, Naruto. If your chakra was as warm as Haku's and if you were hot as him, I would actually be blushing," Karin said. It wasn't to say that Naruto was a bad looker. Far from it. Karin just didn't like giving him the satisfaction. ''You haven't answered my question. As leader of this village, I must know if you're just going to go away and disappear like this.''
Naruto raised a curious brow, ''you're really taking this seriously, aren't you?'' Karin just stared at him. ''I was busy with things. Plans need to be set in motion. And I will be leaving with Haku once more. I just came to fetch him and check on things really.''
''Things are going well as you can see,'' Karin said. ''I'm not incompetent you know,'' the Uzumaki added strongly.
''I didn't accuse you of such,'' Naruto said, falling silent. His tone was a bit serious as he continued. ''I have been thinking, Karin. I thought I may take you as my sister. But I'm forced to rethink that.''
Karin shifted uncomfortably on her chair. She didn't like the sound of his voice, nor where this was going. ''I admit becoming siblings wouldn't work. But I like things the way they are,'' she added firmly.
''I know you do,'' Naruto said.
''But?''
''The Uzumaki clan. I told you that we'd have to think about restoring it. I'm just a half-blood, but you're a full blooded Uzumaki. On my own the Uzumaki blood will die someday. But with you it will be different.''
Karin was silent for a few moments, ''do you even hear what you're suggesting, Naruto?'' she asked, quietly.
Naruto nodded. ''Of course I do. Who do you think you're talking to?''
He was Uzumaki Naruto. Almost everything he did was first dissected. He wasn't the one to do thoughtless things.
''You're asking me to get in bed with you just so we can make a bunch of Uzumaki children that will carry on the clan,'' Karin stated, her tone hard.
She did like the idea of restoring her clan now that Naruto told her much about it, but not in the way Naruto was suggesting. She would be crazy to say yes.
''Not in that way, but something like that. It is just a suggestion. I'm not saying lets do it. Besides, we're not at the age of talking about children..''
Karin shook her head. ''I doesn't change anything. Did you get me here just to make you Uzumaki children?''
Naruto just stared at her for a few moments, ''what do you think?'' he asked before shaking his head. ''Forget about it. Restoring the clan is not our main priority. There are other things to handle. Where are Haku and Aika?''
Karin shrugged, ''probably playing tag at the beach,'' when Naruto just stared at her, she gave another response. ''Haku is probably at the house. Aika teleported out of the village.''
''Where did she go?''
Karin shrugged a bit carelessly, just to annoy Naruto. ''Aside from putting herself in front of civilians and shinobi registration into Uzu citizenship, she has also made it her job to make trade treaties with other villages. She spoke about Kiri and Suna. My guess is she went to either of the two. I tried to warn her against something like that, but she said you wouldn't mind.''
''What else did she say?''
''Nothing.''
Well, it seemed she was right, Karin thought. Naruto didn't seem to disapprove of the move.
Naruto nodded. ''I wish she'd told me about it first. But I guess there is no harm,'' he said. ''I have Akatsuki matters to handle with Haku. We also have a mission. So we won't return until later tomorrow, or the day after.''
''You're going to return with money. You know are books aren't balancing. Knowing your precious Aika, she will be brining in more people who can't work for themselves here. That will require more funding to feed them,'' Karin said.
''I will talk to Princess Koyuki. She said she was willing to help if I need anything. Nagato will give me something for the time being,'' Naruto said, standing up. ''Will you be okay alone?''
Karin nodded. ''I'm not a child, you know. And besides, I have been in Orochimaru's hideouts, what do you is going to scare me inside this quiet village?''
Three Hours Later
Both wearing their Akatsuki cloaks, Haku and were sitting on a tree branch just away from the capital city of the fire country. Haku had been brought here by Naruto - who didn't quite explain why they were wearing the Akatsuki cloaks at this stage. It was the first time he was wearing the cloak. Naruto had only brought them recently to fit them in their mature bodies.
Haku already knew he was going to partner Naruto in the Akatsuki. The group worked in partners and each member had a partner. Though their elements didn't complement each other, they could would together well since he has trained with the blond and has grown to understand the blond to an acceptable level. He didn't understand the blond as much as Aika did, but he got through.
Aika understood him at a more personal level. He got by in the battlefield. He didn't see himself helping the blond in battle though.
As Karin said, Naruto was a monster based on chakra alone.
''I thought you'd want to keep your relations with the Akatsuki a secret, for now at least,'' Haku said.
They were waiting for the signal from Naruto's clone, which had infiltrated the Fire Lord's palace. Just storming into the palace would be more dramatic and explosive, but Naruto liked to keep things delicate when necessary. Besides, precision and stealth complemented him the lost as a shinobi.
As far as Haku could tell, Naruto wasn't a person who liked going all out every time. He would release chakra when his opponent was deserving. If not, he would complete the task quietly without wasting his chakra.
Well not every situation called for jutsus to be thrown around. Haku understood that at least.
''It is no longer necessary to hide it. I could care less for what some people will think, but the Uzumaki have a plan to push through. Waiting further will not do. We have to begin now or the stage will change and we will be forced to do things in haste,'' Naruto said, his familiar black book in tow. ''This will be our first mission towards our goal.''
Nagato was getting impatient even. Naruto really didn't want to be dealing with the man in that state. The man had waited long enough. Making him wait some more would force the man to engage the plan without him.
Naruto didn't want that.
''The Akatsuki isn't really painted in the nicest way possible. Should it be known that you're part of it, it will put you at odds with other nations. Not to mention Konoha will probably treat you as an enemy,'' Haku noted, but he was sure Naruto was aware things would play out in such a manner.
The blond wouldn't even care if Konoha brands him as a criminal.
''Naturally,'' Naruto said. ''How people perceive us in important, but for now, we must be worried about making more of an impact. Being members of the Akatsuki puts us in high alert. To those who know the group, they are informed enough to know that the group is compromised of S-ranked criminals. We set up a bad vibe by that, but our goals are not in the same lines as our vibe or how the Elemental Nations perceive us.''
Haku took a few moments to consider his thoughts. ''Then it is time to work now. I hope we succeed.''
''We will succeed,'' Naruto said without a hint of doubt in his tone. ''Zabuza never realized his dream and you 'failed' in your only objective,'' a sad smile plastered across his lips, while his eyes still stared at the pages in front of him. ''You have experienced failure. That is life. We have a home now. You have a home. You're not running away from criminals. We have a goal. A worthy goal. The power to achieve it all is there, we will not fail. You will not fail, Haku."
Haku nodded with a small smile. He had a home. Uzu was home, and it really has grown to feel like it. He was welcomed. He was the first shinobi of the village. It all made him smile. Though, a part of him wished Zabuza was here to see it all. Granted his final words, Haku believed his former master would be pleased at his new life.
Naruto suddenly closed his book and before it disappeared from his hand. ''We're set,'' he said. ''My clone has marked the place and the stage is already prepared for the final act.''
That said, Naruto touched Haku on the shoulder and the two vanished.
When they appeared inside their destination, Haku didn't feel surprised when he found himself inside a hall, full of headless corpses. It was no doubt Naruto's assassination style. The heads were always cleanly cut off in a single swing.
Looking around, Haku could only feel two people alive, one was barely alive and the other was a shaken old man sitting on a large chair, bound to it by a thin chain.
He may have been a subordinate of Zabuza, but Haku was not really comfortable with this kind of scene. He held it well though. At least Naruto wasn't going to force him to be killing mindlessly.
Naruto slowly walked towards the fire Lord, smiling, as if he was oblivious to the dead that lay around him. ''Hellow Daimyo-sama,'' the blond greeted politely.
''W-who are you? Do you even know what you're doing here? Don't you know who I am? The entire fire country will be after you if you harm me!'' the old man shouted, his shock seemingly gone.
''Really?'' Naruto's tone was dripping with mild surprise, his expression was masked in the surprised as well. He looked genially surprised by this. ''I thought I'd just kill you and nobody would know that I did it. It isn't like anyone is watching, now is it?''
''I am the fire lord, nobody strolls in here and leaves without any someone finding out about it. If you continue with this, you will be hunted and killed,'' the old man slowed his pace before adding. ''However, if stop right here, I can make sure you don't get a hefty punishment. You will live. I promise you that.''
''Hmm? Sounds like a good plan. Let me think about it...'' Naruto stroked his chin thoughtfully, giving the Daimyo some hope.
Haku was sure Naruto wasn't going to fall for such a trick. He'd come here to kill the Daimyo and he would do so. Nothing the man would say was going to save his life or make Naruto change his mind. Once the plan was set in motion it was really hard for the blond to change it. After all, he considered all possibilities and impossibilities.
"I don't know about that. I mean you could be lying."
"Look, if there is nothing I can do to prove I'm not lying. Just untie me and we can talk. I'll even give you anything you want," the Daimyo said in a sweet tone. Too sweet.
The dreaded slow and purposeful movements were taken towards the Daimyo, who tensed as Naruto got closer. Holding out his right hand, Naruto responded, ''...no.''
The Daimyo widened his eyes. "please reconsider. I can give you anything you want. Money, power, Land or fame. I can make it possible!"
The blond spun around, leaving the Daimyo. He walked up to Haku - who hadn't moved since coming here. After reaching the Ice user, Naruto summoned a kunai. While twisting, he flung the kunai with tremendous. Within a second, the Kunai plunge through the Daimyo's forehead.
''Lets go,'' that said, Naruto took Haku and they appeared just outside of the capital. ''We'll walk for a few more moments. I'm sure you have questions.''
Haku nodded. So the entire thing had occurred in less than five minutes. The clone had made a short work of the guards. Knowing Naruto, everything was done silently so not to raise the alarms. If the alarms had run off, they would have come across a lot of guards. For now, no one probably knew the Daimyo was dead. Not until someone walks into the presumably locked hall.
''You left someone alive.'' It was a statement from Haku's mouth. There was no chance Naruto missed that. So, it had been done purposefully.
''Witness. Danzo will be the first to act on this, and his actions will be to send his Root to clean the mess. To be more precise, disposing of the Daimyo's corpse. The cripple will think the man will know I was the one who did, so he won't touch the guard I left the witness alive knowing that the Root will manipulate someone to seek Konoha's help.''
''Konoha has 'mindreaders' so they will be able to discover who did it. I'm guessing the dead guards didn't see who hit them...'' Haku said. ''So, why would Danzo do something like that?''
''Once Konoha learns it is me, they will put a bounty on my head. He is thinking he will become Hokage. So when that dream materializes, he can have all reasons to hunt me down, with the help of other nations. Naturally, his thought is to make me his secret weapon,'' Naruto said as the two continued to stroll aimlessly.
Haku shook his head, Naruto seemed way more confident Danzo will act just as he predicts. ''Why kill the Daimyo though? He isn't much worth to Konoha. Killing him only puts a bounty on your head. Wouldn't it have been more efficient to do it without revealing your identity?''
''Why do you think I allowed the clone to kill the guards and not the Daimyo? Why did he ask who I was? My clone tied him up, that question should have gone to the clone...''
''He could have been knocked out, but I'm guessing by his shocked state, he witness a few things,'' Haku said. ''So, the clone was in a henge. Let me guess, only the Daimyo saw your face, and the guard you left only saw red clouds.'' The black haired couldn't help but smile.
''The Daimyo's mind will be useless because of that kunai. So nothing will be amiss. The fire lord was the only one who met with Danzo, so the only link connecting the two. Interrogating the alive guard means exposing himself and since Danzo will wholeheartedly believe I did it, he won't risk it.''
He didn't have to mention that Danzo won't go to the capital personally. He will send someone to do the dirty work. The Root don't think like Danzo, so the plan was bound to work.
''Won't he realize something is amiss because the guards and the Daimyo were killed differently. No to mention, he knows you. He will know you left one alive intentionally.'' Haku pointed out.
''That is a probability. But I have things arranged. Besides, Danzo is arrogant and too self-assured. He can't think I can outsmart him. He also knows, there are a few people I care about in Konoha and given my relationship with Konoha, he won't think I will do anything to ruin everything so quickly,'' Naruto said.
''This is risky and there is a chance Danzo will ensure Konoha knows its you,'' Haku said.
Naruto didn't deny that. ''I have accounted for that as well and have made plans to see through things should it come to that.''
"When are you ever going to allow yourself to be surprised?" Haku asked, but Naruto just shrugged. "You know, one of these days, things will not happen as you predicted. What will you do then?"
Naruto's answer was simple. "Kill whoever made things awry."
Haku shook his head. "Aika would hit you if she head you utter something like that. She is rather good natured."
Naruto smiled a bit fondly at the thought of Aika. "Yes, she would," he agreed with Haku. "She handled it for me." He looked at Haku at the corner of his eyes, "can you make her happy?"
Haku stopped walking and looked at Naruto incredulously. "What are you saying?"
Naruto shook his head. "Never mind…"
unknown Location
''Itachi, there blond gaki is here to see you,'' Kisame called, standing at the entrance of the Uchiha hideout they were currently based.
There was only one blond who could locate him and that was Uzumaki Naruto. Only Naruto could find this place. Itachi frowned at the thought of it. Perhaps the rings they were given also worked as a catalyst for either Naruto or Nagato to locate them. That was unlikely though. He would need to test that theory soon.
Still, he was blind, so that would prove difficult. Not unless he put Kisame to it.
He had been waiting for the blond to finally show up before him. Naruto had gone through the efforts of making him healthy. That wasn't just so he could train Sasuke. No it was so he could fight for the Akatsuki and for whatever dream Naruto and Nagato had lined up. It was obvious to him that the blond wanted to use his power. It only troubled Itachi that he was never able to figure out the goal.
The two didn't seem like they were going to tell either. So it was rather troubling. But he would figure out things soon.
Using his other senses, Itachi walked towards the entrance. He could vaguely make the presence of Naruto standing under one of the trees that surrounded the hideout. Itachi delicately walked towards the blond.
Naruto pitied the Uchiha. So much for the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan. Oh well, there was the eternal eyes. Those were powerful and had no drawbacks.
''Catch,'' Naruto said, causing Itachi to hold out his hands. Naruto threw a an object towards Itachi, who caught it.
''What is it?''
''Uchiha eyes of someone close to you. I couldn't tell if they are from your mother or father,'' Naruto said, his tone felt nonchalant.
Itachi narrowed his blind eyes, ''Where did you get them?''
Naruto ignored the question. ''Put them on and you will be healed and become mightily powerful. As you're now, you're useless. I want you useful.''
He was that blunt with the Uchiha.
''Where did you get them, Naruto?''
''The one who helped you with the Uchiha massacre collected them for cases as this,'' Naruto said with a shrug. Madara and Obito collected hundreds of Sharingans. He could make an army of Sharingan users any time he wanted.
Of course he wouldn't tell that to Itachi. The man would try to search for the place they were hidden if he does say he has hundreds of Sharingans.
Itachi thought about it for a moment before letting it go. ''You obviously know I will grow more powerful than I was after this. Then why give me them to me? You're not even worried about it...''
''Is there a reason I should be worried, Itachi?'' Naruto asked with a smile, Itachi could feel it.
The Uchiha didn't respond. He turned around heading towards the hideout. The moment his second step reached the ground, Naruto was already gone.
''What was that all about?'' Kisame asked curiously.
''I'm going to see again,'' Itachi merely said.
A day Later
Amegakure
This village again. Though it was only his second time being here, Haku couldn't help but make comparison to the feeling he got when he was here the first time and the feeling he felt now. There was a distinctive feeling that this village always gave him. He couldn't quite grasp it, but the feeling was there. He merely lacked the edge to define it. Nevertheless, what he did know was that it wasn't a bad feeling. No, it was mild at worst.
Looking at the side of Naruto, Haku couldn't help but note that despite being able to teleport to anywhere he had marked, Naruto preferred speeding through the Elemental Nations while viewing what the world was really like. He didn't give him reasons, but Haku could make a few assumptions.
They had moved about to a small town while in the Fire country, stayed there until today morning. They only left the fire country today after completing that mission in the Fire Lord's palace. They didn't do much at the town they stayed, other than Naruto spending much of the night at a bar. Haku reasoned he was collecting information.
In their world, information was vital. And someone like Naruto couldn't survive without knowing.
Finally, they travelled towards this village of Amegakure.
Naruto hadn't said they would head straight to Nagato's tower. Instead, they strolled through the streets until they reached a certain house. Naruto exchanged a few words with a certain girl - who looked to be around his age.
Once done, they went towards the highest tower. ''Who was that?''
''Ajisai, Aika's friend. She will be leaving with us when we leave the village later on,'' Naruto said, eyes firmly looked on their destination.
''Will Pein like the fact that you're 'poaching' his shinobi?'' Haku asked with a raised brow. Naruto had just 'taken' one of Pein's shinobi without even speaking or asking permission from the man.
The blond shrugged. ''I'm a brother in need. Besides, taking Ajisai hardly does anything to his shinobi. He won't even notice.''
''That is not the point,'' Haku stressed. ''The point is you can't just take someones shinobi like that. You may be partners with Nagato, but you need to speak to him when you're doing things like this. A strong relationship is build on trust and being forward with each other.''
''Oh, you have nice words it seems,'' Naruto said with a smile.
Haku frowned at that response. ''You already spoke to him. And given what you told me, he is watching us now, and watched you while you were talking to her,'' the Ice user stated. ''You know, you could have started with that.''
''Where would be the fun in that?'' Naruto said. ''I need you to be fully equipped to handle things, mentally and you have to understand how I handle things as well as my relationship with Nagato. I don't want to be explaining everything to you. As my partner you need to understand the words hidden underneath as Nagato and Konan do.''
''I understand,'' Haku said.
That said, they two strolled through towards the highest tower. Haku found it peculiar that despite it being raining, Naruto had his book out, reading it without the damn thing getting wet. Perhaps he had it coated with wind or just chakra. That would stop the water from soaking the papers.
Once the two made it to the tower, Naruto looked at Haku while walking towards Nagato and Konan who were sitting at the window frame, looking outside. ''You're going to be introduced to the Akatsuki. Don't say anything.''
Haku nodded obediently.
''You're a little late,'' Nagato started without even looking at Naruto. ''The others have already gathered. Is he ready?''
''Yes,'' Naruto said with a nod.
''Good,'' Nagato said before working out holographic images of the partners. They appeared in something like a cave where, by now there were 10 holographic images.
Haku kept his gaze well as his eyes wondered around the eyes that were staring at him. These were the most dangerous criminals in the Elemental Nations. He could blindingly recognize those blood-red eyes of the infamous Uchiha known best for massacring his entire clan. There was his partner who killed his teammates, and did other treasonous activities against his village: Kisame. The zombie brothers who were apparently immortal.
These were truly dangerous people. Though he kept his expression blank, he swallowed deep. He has never been in touch presence before. Not to mention the two monsters in the form of Naruto and Nagato - at least that is what Karin called them that day.
''Haku, is it?'' Pain started.
Haku noted that the man's tone was commanding, and those ripple pattern eyes were just glowing with power. He could understand why this man was able to keep such a group in check.
Responding to Nagato's question, Haku nodded.
''Can't she talk?'' Deidara questioned.
''Deidara,'' Pein's commanding voice started, ''Haku is a he,'' the man finished. There were a few raised brows, but the man didn't indulge them. ''Haku is going to be Naruto's partner.''
''The Akatsuki is really accepting kids, Leader-sama,'' Deidara said once more. ''Can they really hold their own?''
Naruto ignored the question and went in for Deidara's first statement. ''Kids? Deidara, the only kid I see here is you. You may be advanced in age, but you're still a kid.''
''Why you,'' Deidara growled. ''When I get my hands on you. I will make you witness the beauty of my art, hn.''
''Art?'' Naruto shook his head. ''You can't touch me, Deidara,'' Naruto smiled. ''I can just hide behind Itachi's Sharingan. I'm sure you can live through another embarrassment.''
Kisame laughed remembering that day Deidara had challenged Itachi.
''What are you laughing at Shark face, hn?'' Deidara demanded, glaring at the blue man.
Kisame felt Hidan's eyes looking at him with amusement. He turned towards the zombie, ''something funny zombie?''
Hidan retorted promised to offer Kisame as a sacrifice to his god, but Kisame rebuffed saying he would feed Hidan's god to Samehada and the two went on to bicker.
''How many times do I have to tell you that your explosives are not art? My puppets are real art.''
Before Sasori and Deidara could begin their argument, Pein intervened. ''Silence,'' and then there was silence. ''There are times Naruto will assign any of you missions. You will accept them without question. Kakuzu, Hidan, you will go after the Five Tail's Jinchuriki and try to see if he can join us. Understood?''
The two nodded.
''Sasori, Deidara, the two of you will see the Four-tails Jinchuriki. Your objective is the same. Both Jinchuriki's are living outside of Iwagakure. You'll be given locations once the meeting is over,'' Pein said.
Naruto took over. ''There is a chance that these Jinchuriki will become our enemies. We will leave it as it is for now,'' he said to the two teams assigned with Jinchuriki missions. ''Even if they refuse, try to fight them so we can gauge out their power by engaging in some 'fun' with them. This will make it easy for us to disable them and with minimum effort, should they become problems.
Itachi, Kisame: Orochimaru is at a hideout in Oto. Go after him and make him hand over the ring he stole from us. Don't kill him - he still has his uses - but you can do as you like with his hideouts. Haku and I will handle the threat level of Kumo's Jinchuriki.''
Inwardly, Itachi frowned, they were still not telling them the main goal of the organization and that bothered him. He would have to ask the blond if things continued like this.
Once everything was settled, Pein dismissed everyone.
Xxxxx
''We may have to remove the Jinchurikis who will become a threat far sooner,'' Nagato said to Naruto. ''I don't doubt the Akatsuki's power but we have wasted enough time already. I do not wish to prolong things any further.''
Naruto nodded, sitting between Nagato and Konan, ''I understand,'' he said. ''Danzo and Orochimaru's plan to invade Konoha will camouflage our situation as we work around things that have yet to be tied down. Things in Uzu have yet to be completed.''
''Sending Itachi and Kisame after Orochimaru will scare him a bit. If he sees Itachi's new power, he will have to act quickly in his plans,'' Konan said.
Naruto had told them about Itachi's upgrade. Though she was worried about how powerful he would become, Naruto had merely said he had things covered up should things become troublesome. The Uchiha may think they didn't know that he had been feeding the Sandaime with information, but they knew. Nagato knew. It was safer now that Naruto had talked him out of it. But it still changed little.
''And killing the Fire Lord forces Danzo to act as well,'' Nagato added. ''With those two in the act, we will have the stage we need,'' the leader of Ame paused for a moment. ''Is the Sanbi usable?''
''No,'' Naruto said with a shake of his head. ''It refuses to speak to me, and the Kyuubi has too much of a superiority complex to steep so low to speak to the Bijuu for me. It still resides around Uzu however. I think it will work as another defensive mechanism to deal with threats.''
Nagato nodded, ''At least it is useful,'' he said.
''At least,'' Naruto became silent for a moment before looking at Konan with a small smile. ''How have you been? Finding any joys?''
Konan turned to stare at Naruto with a raised brow. It was mildly amusing how she seemed surprised by such a simple question coming from him. ''Why do you ask?''
''Why? When you were younger, in the happy days, didn't you ask how the boys were doing when you were taking care of them?'' Naruto asked.
''Those were days of old,'' Nagato intervened. The naive days he wanted to say, but held himself.
''Perhaps so, but those moments were real, were they not? You had fun, enjoyed each other's company. That was reality. And it isn't the one that brought Yahiko's death. You should hold on to those memories, because no matter what, they are a part of you. You can't run from them.
A lot did happen. Pain happened. We lost things. Despair overwhelmed us and drove us to the brink of insanity. But did we lose things because we were naive, just children? No, we lost because things happen. People in power manipulated things to happen in that way. But we in power now. Obito, Madara, Hanzo, they are dead. We killed them. Danzo will follow shortly.
This world will bow before us as well.
Our pain mustn't stop us from being happy. Konoha sucked the life out of me. I became careless. A social outcast, the lonely and loathsome demon. Mother and father dead on the day I was born. For me, birth became death. If I hadn't been born that day, they would have lived... Perhaps.
Regardless, that doesn't stop us from being happy. We must rejoice in our lives as long as we can. Isn't it that we're trying to create a world in which people will be happy? Why can't we be happy as well? Is there anything that stops us? Is the anything that makes it impossible for us to be happy? Both of you know what the feeling of love, joy, family, and peace feels like,'' Naruto looked at Konan once more, his smile a mixture of sadness and warmth. ''To answer your question, Konan: I have asked because we are family, and because I care.''
Silence reigned as the three opted to stare down the village.
After thinking carefully, Konan finally spoke, ''Yahiko would like you, Naruto,'' she said, managing a tiny smile.
Before Naruto could respond, Nagato's voice cut in. ''There is an intruder,'' he said.
''I will handle it,'' Naruto said. ''I think I know who it is. I also need to test my strength. You also need to know if I'm capable or not.''
''Your physical prowess means little, and you know full well you don't have to convince us that you're capable of handling yourself. Besides, we know as long as you can think, you're capable. So why do you want to do this?'' Konan asked.
Naruto looked at Nagato, ''I really hate it when she does that,'' he said. The red haired nodded, clearly saying, 'I know what you mean.'
Naruto sighed, ''I want to deliver my father's disappointments, and my mothers beating and I really want to test my strength.''
Although curious about the mention of mother and father, didn't ask about it. ''Go handle it. I will stop the rain. But we will make an appearance. It is time for the world to know we live."
Naruto nodded, and looked at the other side, where Haku was sitting alone, reading a book, ''Haku,'' the Hyoton user looked up. ''Let us ago. There's a dance I wish for you to witness, first hand.''
End chapter
I did my best to respond to everyone who reviewed. To those I didn't, thank you.
I will try to get the next chapter written and updated before this month end.
The Omnipresent Sage.