Before I begin today, I will answer some of the questions I was asked. No, Madara isn't alive in this story nor will he appear. Ochi is Orochimaru. For the names, I'm going with animefan29's suggestion. Thanks again.
This story has been delayed a bit. The reason is, while I was writing this chapter, I learned that the guy who plays's Monk's therapist died. Now, I don't know when it happened or how, but it got me depressed and I didn't feel like writing. Another reason was the crappy manga last week. We wait two weeks and that's all we get, an intro into Madara's past? And then there is another delay? Not to mention that I have finals.
-x-
Tsunade slammed the door to her office, startling Shizune and Tonton. Grumbling to herself, the Hokage made her way to her seat and then sat down. She then reached for her secret stash of sake, the one she kept for emergencies. Without a moment's hesitation, she began to drink right from the bottle.
It had been two days since Naruto had returned to the village. Itachi, Diedara, and Kisame were now out of the hospital after their fight with the sennin. Zanku was still wearing a cast for his hand which had a dozen broken bones. Many of the others who had fought that day were still recovering while the rest had only been knocked out. Mai was resting in the hospital with her twins Ichigo and Hikari. So far they seemed to be in perfect health. Hiashi had punished Akio and the other elders who had sided with him by branding them with the birdcage seal.
That was where the good news ended. During his public apology, people began to shout for his death and a riot began. Things became even worse when they heard what happened to Kakashi and about Mai. Rumors had begun that Naruto was now corrupting the Uchiha clan. She had even had letters asking that Mai's children be exterminated and that she be 'persuaded' to start rebuilding the Uchiha clan. The only good thing about that was Naruto never saw the letters. Tsunade was doing everything within her power to calm everyone down, but with little luck. She had just returned from a meeting with the clan heads in an effort to calm everyone down.
"I take it the meeting didn't go so well," said Shizune quietly.
"Understatement of the year," groaned Tsunade. "Many of the clan heads want Naruto and his friends out and for Mai to stay. No matter how I try to explain it to them, they can't get over their fear and hate. All they will say is that he did exactly what they all said he would do one day, turn on the village."
Shizune lowered her head at that. She had guessed that would have been their response after Naruto's rescue. Still, she thought. If they would have been in his place, they would have done the same thing.
"What will happen now?" asked Shizune.
"Well," said Tsunade as she finished her bottle. "I guess there is nothing left to do. After all this, I doubt that Naruto will want to form any alliance with us. We really could have used his help. I doubt even I could defeat him now, let alone all four of them. But, this village has nailed its own coffin shut."
"Is there any chance that Jiraiya-sama could return?" asked Shizune. Tsunade shook her head.
"Not a chance," said Tsunade. "If he had to choose, he'd side with Naruto. That much is a given." Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Enter." As Tsunade hid her bottle the door opened and Oninenshou stepped into the room. In one hand was his doll while in the other was a bundle of roses. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at this as he made his way over to her.
"For you," he said as he handed Tsunade the flowers. Slowly, Tsunade took them and then smelled them. When she looked back at Oninenshou, there were hearts in his eyes.
"Ah, thank you," said Tsunade nervously. To be honest, the guy creeped her out.
"Tsunade-sama," said Oninenshou as he leaned forward over her desk a bit. "I was wondering if you would like…" Suddenly a chunin entered the room without knocking. In her hand was a message that a messenger hawk just delivered.
"Tsunade-sama," she said with a pant. "This just came in. Sasuke Uchiha is leading a large group of Sound-nin towards Wave."
-x-
Naruto walked down the streets of the village while giving Haku a piggy back ride. Naruto was talking Haku out so he could give his oldest son a lecture on being a big brother as well as spending some time with him. After all, now that there were two more kids, he had to make sure that Haku knew that his parents still loved him just as much as they did before the birth of the twins. As they walked, people glared at the two of them or whispered to each other. Naruto, however, paid it no mind. As soon as Mai and the kids were ready to travel then they would be out of this hellhole of a village.
Then Naruto stopped as he reached their destination. They were finally there. It was the place where Naruto really wanted to go if things had been under different circumstances. It was also the place where Naruto wanted to spend time with his son. And here they were at… Ichiraku Ramen Bar! (Bet you saw this coming a mile away.)
Naruto took Haku off his shoulders and placed him on the seat next to his. Naruto himself then sat down as they waited to be served. It didn't take long for Ayame to see them. She rushed over to them.
"Naruto-kun," she cried. "How are you? It's been forever since I last saw you."
"Hehe," laughed Naruto. "Sorry Ayame-neechan. I would have visited you sooner but I had things to take of."
"Ya could have written and told us you were alive," said Teuchi who was working with some noodles. Naruto chuckled as he scratched the back of his head. "Well, I hope you saved some room for ramen." And with that, the old man retuned to the batch of noodles that he was boiling.
"There's always room for ramen," said Naruto with a grin, causing everyone to laugh. "We'll have two miso ramen to start with." Ayame smiled, happy to see their favorite customer again after all these years. Then she noticed that there was someone sitting next to him, a small kitsune boy. Haku lifted his head and their eyes met. When they did, a small red digital clock appeared beneath Ayame and began to count down from ten to zero. When it hit zero she vanished at a speed similar to that of the Hirashin and reappeared next to Naruto holding Haku tightly in her arms. The poor boys face was squished between her breasts.
"Kawaii!!" cried Ayame in high pitched squeal.
"Tou-san," cried Haku in a muffled voice. "Can't…breathe…help."
"Kaa-san," whined a new voice. "Stop it, you're embarrassing me." Naruto turned to the source of the new voice. Standing there near the doorway that connected the kitchen to the street was a small boy. He had short black hair that went down to his ears and dark eyes. He wore a white t-shirt with a smiley face on it and blue shorts. Ayame sighed as she put Haku down on his seat and then went over to the boy.
"I'm sorry Kazuma-chan," she said as she played with the boy's hair. "I don't know what came over me." Naruto raised an eyebrow at this and then watched as she picked him up. She moved over to Haku, who became very nervous, and sent Kazuma down next to him. She then went back behind the counter.
"So you got married?" asked Naruto. Ayame's blush and nod confirmed this and caused Naruto to chuckle. "So, where is your husband?"
"The damn freeloader should have been watching my grandson," said Teuchi in a harsh tone. Naruto looked a little puzzled at that and Ayame decided to explain.
"Tou-san doesn't like him very much," she explained.
"Why's that?" asked Naruto.
"Well, he has a history as a missing-nin," she said. "Also, I had Kazuma-chan before we got married. Tou-san is still a bit angry that he waited so long before he felt he was ready to be a father."
"If he didn't want to be a father he shouldn't have been doing those 'things' with my daughter," growled Teuchi. "Call me old fashioned, but those things should be saved for after marriage." Teuchi then looked up from his boiler and looked at the door that connected the stand to their house. "Hey freeloader, if you're not going to watch my grandson then you can help us out here!" A moment later, a figure walked through the door. It was the last person Naruto expected, Itachi. He was dressed in civilian attire that consisted of jeans and a white shirt.
"Sorry," said Itachi. "My eye sight is getting worse."
"Just help prepare the ramen," snapped Teuchi. Itachi nodded and went over to help Ayame. After a moment, Naruto spoke up.
"Baa-chan told me about the clone you created," he said, getting Itachi's attention. "If it's any consolation, I know how you feel."
"Did you?" asked Itachi.
"No," said Naruto. "Someone else made one of me." For a while, no one spoke. Haku and Kazuma looked at each other, wondering what was going on. Eventually, two bowls where placed in front of Naruto and Haku.
"I still remember everything that he did," said Itachi. "Like I had done it myself. My best friend, my parents, my clan. I even remember how he tortured my brother."
"But you destroyed him at least," said Naruto as he began to eat his ramen. "Mine is still out there, destroying lives. He once came close to killing everyone that I hold dear and he won't stop until he has succeeded. That's why I have to stop him."
Just then, a chunin appeared behind Naruto. Both Haku and Kazuma jumped a bit when he did, but everyone else was calm. Naruto, in fact, just continued to eat his ramen.
"Uzumaki-san," said the chunin in a disrespectful tone. "Tsunade-sama wishes to see you at once." Naruto's eyes narrowed at this.
"Tell the old hag that I'm not one of her shinobi anymore," he said without turning around. "She can't just command me into her office like she used to."
"She said that it was a matter of life and death," said the chunin. "She said it has to do with Sasuke Uchiha." This got both Naruto's and Itachi's attention.
"Haku," said Naruto. "Please stay here with Ayame-neechan."
"Hai," said Haku as he watched his father get up to leave.
-x-
"Thank you all for coming," said Tsunade. In front of her were Naruto, Oninenshou, Shinja, and Yuri. "I know I have no right in asking this, but we need a favor."
"I bet you do," said Shinja. Tsunade looked at the Orochimaru look-a-like and shuttered silently before she continued.
"We just got word that Sasuke Uchiha and a number of his forces are heading for Wave Country," she said. "We believe that they will be there within two days. However, if Sasuke thinks that we're going to do nothing this time he is mistaken. Right now, a large number of my shinobi are gearing up to go and face his. Gaara, Jiraiya, and myself will also be going."
"But you don't think that will be enough," said Oninenshou. Tsunade looked at Naruto, who had his arms crossed, before nodding.
"Sasuke has more troops than us," she said. "In addition, all chunin have the curse seal and the jonin can reach level two. I'm sure Naruto here remembers the power one gains from those seals." Naruto only nodded. "Also with him are the remaining members of the Akatsuki will be there as well. I want to send the best we have in order to stop Sasuke, hopefully for good."
"So you want us to help clean up your mess," said Shinja. Tsunade looked at her, shocked. "Please, I know all about Sasuke Uchiha. While we were deciding the fate of your shinobi back in the Kitsune Village, the Kitsune-sennin told us about the rescue mission and that he was really betraying this village. We later found out from pinky that he has been taking over other villages. And, recently, we found out that this village has done nothing to stop him due to its own delusions." She then looked at her fellow sennin. "Well, am I wrong?"
"No," said Naruto. "You are correct. They merely want to use us to do what they should have done a long time ago."
"Naruto," said Tsunade. "You don't under…"
"I understand," said Naruto as his voice rose. "You sat back and let one village fall after another, all because you didn't have the guts to stand up against the council and do what needed to be done. How any innocent lives were lost because you caved in to the council? How many villages had to suffer because the council was too stupid to realize that the only thing their precious Uchiha cared about was himself? I did my part all those years ago when I stopped Sasuke at the Valley of Ends so don't you dare ask me to go and stop him again!"
"Personal feeling aside," said Yuri. "This isn't our battle. These aren't our people. This isn't our land. We have no reason to fight and there is nothing to be gained if we do. If this Sasuke Uchiha person does come after us, we will stand untied against him."
"But, if we stop him here then you will never have to worry about him," said Tsunade in desperation.
"I'm afraid that we have made up our minds on this," said Oninenshou. With that, they all turned and left.
-x-
An hour later, Tsunade stood at the gate. In front of her was a large number of shinobi. There were several members from each of the top clans in the village. Hinata and Neji were talking to the Hyuuga members. Hana and Kiba were getting the dogs ready. Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru were chatting with their parents with Temari hitting her husband on the head with her fan every time he said troublesome. Sakura and Lee were making sure they had everything that they needed. Tenten was double checking her scrolls. Konohamaru and Hanabi were getting ready while giving each other 'looks' while Udon and Moegi were shaking their heads. Asuma and Kurenai were kissing each other. Gai was being his usual loud self.
Up on a roof top, Naruto and Zanku were looking down at them.
"So," said Zanku. "Do these fuckers have enough?"
"No," said Naruto. "They have enough to put up a decent fight, but that's about it." Tsunade then called out something and everyone began to move out. Naruto looked once more at Tsunade before he turned his back and began to walk away.
"You know," said Zanku. "You could just go. Nothing is fuckin stopping you."
"I know," said Naruto. "But this isn't my fight anymore."
"Just like it wasn't your fight against the shit brained sennin," said Zanku. "I seem to remember that you once upon a time wanted to leave Asahi somewhere and then get the fuck out of Celestial because it wasn't your fight. Then you changed your mind."
"I would have thought that you of all people would love to leave here," said Naruto. "Especially after what Kakashi-teme did to you."
"True," said Zanku. "But I also know what the fuck it's like to live under oppression and have everything I care about taken from me." Zanku then turned and moved to the ledge. "Just remember that whatever you choose, you will have to live with." And with that, he jumped off.
-x-
The next day, Naruto was sitting at his favorite spot as he thought about what to do. Zanku did have a point about what Sasuke had planned. And maybe his decision was based on personal feeling towards this village. Yet, why should he stick his neck out for this place again? After everything they had done to him and his family, why help them? But…he didn't want Jiraiya, Gaara, or Tsunade to die just because he had a grudge against the village.
"I guess you can't have everything you want," said Naruto aloud.
He slowly got up to leave when he felt it. A powerful chakra signature coming from far away. No, wait, four powerful chakra signatures. Naruto narrowed his eyes as he began focus on them, looking for their source. After a moment, Naruto bared his teeth and clenched his fists as the signature vanished. He knew who they were and where they were. It looked like he was heading to Wave Country after all.
-x-
At the same time, two other people felt the chakra signatures. One was Karin, who was still in the Sound village. She began to tremble in fear because the four people she had just felt were stronger than anyone else she had ever felt before. Together, it was almost inhuman.
The only other person who felt it was Orochimaru. He had been taking a nap when it happened. As soon as he felt it he woke up and jumped out of bed. He raced for the exit in the underground village and soon was at the surface. He faced the direction for a moment until if faded away. Then, a smile came across his lips.
"This will be amusing," he said before returning to the safety of the underground village.
-x-
Inari, now eighteen, was helping his mother move out of the house. Tsunami had decided to move to a dryer and warmer place for her retirement and leaving Inari the house. After all, he was old enough to live on his own and the house should stay in the family.
The impact Naruto had on Inari when he was a boy was unimaginable. After Naruto left, Inari began to train to become stronger. When he heard about the blond's death, it only encouraged him to train harder. Since Jiraiya had moved into the area, he went to the old pervert to take him on as a student. After some reluctance, Jiraiya agreed. Now, Inari was 5'6'' and well built. He wore a light blue vest that showed off his six pack and white pants. Around his head was a rope like he had when he was younger and Kaiza was still around. Strapped to his back was a spear.
"Inari, Inari," called out a voice. Inari turned around and saw one of the villagers running to them. He set down the box he had been holding when the man approached. "This is terrible!"
"Calm down," said Inari gently. "What's the problem?"
"The Sound is coming," cried the villager. "They will be at the bridge soon." Inari nodded and then turned to his mother.
"I'm going to the bridge," he said.
"You can't," cried Tsunami. "You can't stop a whole army on your own."
"Maybe I can't," said Inari. "But at least I'm going to do something about it. Like how tou-san and Naruto-niisan did." And with that, Inari raced to the bridge.
-x-
Sasuke was at the front of his army as they crossed the bridge. The name of the bridge was amusing, but he would have to change it once he took over. Or maybe he shouldn't. A bridge named after a dobe for a dobe country sounded right. Then he stopped when he saw that someone was waiting for them. However, it wasn't Jiraiya. It was some teenager with a spear.
"Move boy," said Sasuke.
"And just let you walk in here like you own it," growled Inari. "Like hell I will."
Sasuke said nothing. He reached into his holder and pulled out three kunai and threw them at Inari. Sasuke had expected them to either hit him or for the boy to run. But neither thing happened. Inari used his spear and deflected all three.
"I see," said Sasuke. Sasuke then motioned with his head and two chunin Sound-nins ran towards Inari. Once they were close enough, they pulled out their kunai and lunged at him, stabbing him in the chest. However, Inari went puff. The two chunins were shocked and didn't see that Inari was falling down on them with his spear pointing down. He landed on the first on and pierced his head. As he landed, he spun around and kicked the other chunin on the side of his head. Sasuke watched as Inari pulled his spear out of the fallen chunins head.
"I'll take care of him," said Hidan as he stepped forward. "I will offer up this punk's soul to Jashin in no time."
"Fine," said Sasuke. "Sasori, when he is done you can make a puppet out of him. That should serve as an example to anyone else who is foolish to stand against me." Sasori simply nodded, not really caring.
Everyone watched as Hidan readied his scythe. Inari readied his spear. He could tell that this guy was in a different league than the two chunin he just fought. Then, just as Hidan was about to make his move, a loud crash was heard from the rear.
"Sasuke Uchiha," called out Tsunade. "This is as far as you go."
"Kill them," said Sasuke without looking back. At that, all his shinobi began to activate their cursed seals before charging at the Leaf-nins and the few Sand-nin. Unlike the former Sound Four, all of Sasuke's shinobi had been trained under the instructions that Danzo had laid out. Making them much stronger and more dangerous.
But, that did mean that they were fighting pushovers as well.
Now, the only ones who were standing in front of Inari were Sasuke, the last of the Akatsuki, Danzo, Jugo, and Suigetsu.
"What's the matter?" asked Inari. "Too scared to fight with them?"
"Hardly," said Sasuke. "I am merely softening them up for later."
"You mean that you are sacrificing your own shinobi just to weaken them?" demanded Inari.
"That is correct," said Sasuke. Inari was shocked. How could someone have no value towards human life? What kind of monster was he? Inari was so wrapped in thought that he forgot that Hidan was still in front of him. The immortal threw his scythe at Inari in an attempt to get some blood. Inari realized it too late, he couldn't move to block it or dodge it in time.
Then it happened. A bolt of lightning hit the ground in front of him and a figure appeared. The man in front of Inari caught the scythe with his bare hand and then dropped it on the ground. Everyone in the area stared at this man in a cowboy hat as he turned around to look at Inari.
"Well this is a surprise," said Naruto. "Looks like you stopped crying in your room like a Greek tragedy."
Inari looked at Naruto in shock as he began to recognize him.
"N-Naruto-niisan," said Inari as he took a step back and fell to the ground.
"Yep it's me," said Naruto. He then turned around to face Sasuke and the others. "You're lucky that I happen to be running early. I'm expecting someone else to show up so I don't have a lot of time to play with little teme over there."
Sasuke starred at Naruto in disbelief. It can't be him, thought Sasuke. I killed him years ago. Then it all began to make sense. Why his Sharingan didn't evolve when he killed him. It was because he had survived somehow. And now, here he was.
"Naruto," said Sasuke with a smirk.
"Sasuke," said Naruto. "It's been awhile."
-x-
Profile
Name: Zanku
Rank: ANBU Captain
Age: 23
Hair: red
Eye color: dark
Obsessions: swearing and taco's
History: Born in the Celestial Dynasties, he lived in Pegasus with his mother and little brother. When he was seven, the Panda gang took all the women and children from the village to be sold as slaves while the men were killed. Luckily, Zanku was in the fields and hide during the events that took place that day. After that, he decided to become a bounty hunter in order to get some payback. The fate of his mother and little brother are still unknown.
He was saved eight years later by Naruto. After that, the two became friends and fought together in order to defeat the sennin. While it may not look like it, they respect each other greatly. However, they will still fight over what to eat or make things into competitions. This can lead to violence which causes Mai to step in and scold them.
Zanku is very unlucky in love. This is due to his swearing and the fact that he is always next to Naruto. Yet, Zanku is not angry at Naruto. Instead, he finds it humorous that Naruto is constantly being chased by women.
Zanku fights with his zanbato named Kirigakuon, Note Slasher. The weapon is like a mix of a harmonica and a sword that helps him create sound based attacked with a great amount of power.
Jutsu List:
Chouon Bakudan: Supersonic Boom: Zanku jumps into the air and swings his sword downward, sending a powerful shock wave of air moving at supersonic speeds towards the ground. This jutsu can take out several people at the same time.
Fushiken: Melody Blades: Zanku swings his sword sending out sound blades that make a humming sound at his target. These blades are similar to the Dance of Blades in appearance.
Kaze no Yaiba: Blade of Wind: This is a jutsu in case Zanku ever lost his sword in battle. Same jutsu that Baki uses.