Chapter 25 – The Fog Lifts (Part 2)

He was standing out in the middle of a muddy brown sea. Off in the distance was the kind of island you would typically see on a postcard, with white sandy beaches and palm trees everywhere. To the outside observer, it would have been the picture of paradise if it weren't for the steaming sea of brown water. Strangely shaped objects floated out across the water, which turned out to be bits and pieces of food. Everywhere you looked there were sliced onions, mushrooms, bits of corn, and noodles, which stretched out like seaweed. Every now and then a massive cut of pork would breach from the broth below like a magnificent fish before plunging into the depths below.

It was a sea of ramen!

Naruto smiled in his sleep as his drool slathered across his pillow.

"You bet I'd like seconds," he slurred as he rolled over.

He was blissfully unaware as a dark shadow silently crept into the room. The individual froze as one of the room's occupants let out a loud snore. Tazuna had graciously given up his room on the ground floor for Sasuke to recover, so he had joined Kakashi and Naruto upstairs. The quiet figure tiptoed over their prone forms as it made its way towards the sleeping blonde.

It hovered above him before slowly kneeling on the ground.

"Naruto-kun…. Naruto-kun," it whispered as nudged at him.

He only snored louder as he rolled away from the person. The person next tried to shake him awake, but nothing seemed to work. It sighed as chakra began to swell in its hands. It gave a sharp jab to Naruto's side, and quickly covered his mouth as he shot awake.

He gave his attacker a wild look, which turned to confusion as he faintly made out the familiar form in the moonlight.

"Hinata-chan?" he said in a muffled voice.

She nodded and raised her finger to her lips. She whispered her apologies as she lowered her hand from his mouth.

"Hinata-chan," he whined, "What time is it? I was having the perfect dreeaaammm. Whyyyyy?"

"I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but I really need to talk with you."

He shrugged off his sleepiness as he noticed the look in her eyes. She wouldn't have woken him unless it was important. He stretched his arms above his head and nodded, before rising as quietly as possible.

They both tiptoed out of the room, and shut the door without a sound.

For several seconds, the room remained silent before a lone eye creaked open and stared at the door.

Naruto followed Hinata downstairs and was surprised, when she took a right and headed down the hall towards Sasuke's room. He was surprised to see Sasuke already awake and leaning against the bed rest, when he entered the room. The light from the candle on his, or rather Tazuna's, night table cast shadows across the room as Hinata shut the door.

Sasuke sent Naruto a glare as he popped a squat at the end of his bed, but made no comment as Hinata joined them as well. He winced as he pulled up his legs so they were crossed, giving everyone enough room on the bed.

"All right, what's up?" Naruto whispered as he settled against the wall.

Hinata seemed more nervous than usual, as reached into her bag and pulled out the green scroll she had shown them earlier and set it on the bed.

"I believe I need to apologize," she whispered as she twisted the sheets in her hands. "I have been keeping some secrets from you, and it is not fair for both of you. You two are the m-most important people in my l-life, and I think I should share some things with you."

Both were silent as different thoughts raced through each boys mind. Sasuke was simply curious what could have her so worked up. Naruto felt guilty as her words cut through his mind. 'I have been keeping some secrets from you, and it is not fair for both of you.' He unconsciously touched his stomach as he thought back to his promise before the trip. It had been easy to say that he would tell them everything after this mission was over, but actually doing so was another thing entirely.

"What is it?" Sasuke asked as he leaned forward.

Hinata twiddled her fingers, as she fought for the words to say.

"I-it's a l-long story, and it m-may take some time."

"We're listening," Sasuke pressed her.

She took a deep breath and she started her tale of her encounter in the library. The more she talked the more she started spilling more and more of everything she had faced since that day. An hour passed as she described everything she had faced over the years: the initial encounter in the library, the ghostly figure, how the scroll seemed to follow her everywhere she went, its effects on others, her research into it, and the reappearance of the horned figure under the bridge.

They were silent as each of them processed the information in their own way. Sasuke was highly intrigued by the existence of a Hyuuga monument similar to the Uchiha's stone tablet. Was there any connection there?

Naruto remained silent as Sasuke commented, "That's a lot to take in."

After a few seconds, he turned to Naruto and shot him a look." You're being awfully quiet."

Naruto didn't seem to react as he kept his head down. "Sorry, just processing things."

Hinata was silent as she glanced between the two. She had never been more nervous in her life. She was going to stretch the hem of her shirt if she kept twisting it. She couldn't read their expressions, and she was incredibly scared of what they would say. What if they didn't believe her?

"Are you sure Kakashi-sensei had the same reaction as your father?" Sasuke asked as he picked up the scroll, rolling it over in his hands.

She slowly nodded her head. "Hai. I have tried multiple times to get through to my father, but nothing ever works. I have been able to simply copy down the stories and he doesn't react that, but whenever I actually bring up the scroll or talk about it, his eyes just seem to fog over."

"And he never remembers anything?" he asked as he gazed through the stories again.

"Never. It will be like we never had talked, or we had simply discussed something else."

Sasuke was silent as he set the scroll back down and closed his eyes.

His silence hurt, but she was even more concerned about Naruto, who had not said a thing since her story.

"Fine then. So, what are we going to do about this strange figure?" Sasuke asked as he crossed his arms.

The shock was evident on her face as she whipped her head at him.

"You actually believe me?"

"I don't see why not. We've only become close over the past few months, but I've known you for years. You are not the type to just make stuff up. You are very honest and kind, almost to a fault. You wouldn't come to us unless this was important to you."

She got choked up as he sent her a light smirk. "Besides, your story is not so crazy after all. Believe it or not, the Uchiha have something similar."

Relief changed to confusion as she waited for him to elaborate. If she was willing to share secrets of her clan, the least he could do was share some of his.

"Hidden within the clan's grounds is a stone tablet that has been passed down through the Uchiha line for generations. It apparently talks about how to fully awaken our eyes, and some supposed path for the clan."

"Have you read it?"

He seemed a little miffed as he stared at the wall. "No… but someone has told me what parts of what it says." The image of those red eyes flashed through his mind as he reflected that one night. "However, now that I've awakened my sharingan, I can start to read it once I get back."

She smiled and nodded at him, as they turned back to their other teammate. He had been uncharacteristically silent this entire time.

"Naruto-ku-"

"I've got something to confess as well," he cut her off.

The others seemed surprised but his outburst. He glanced up and met their eyes as he took a deep breath. He lingered on Hinata's eyes before he let out a sigh. If she could have the courage to open up to them, then so could he.

Hinata had to fight hard not to faint, as he started to take off his shirt.

"Dobe, what the hell are you doing?"

"Not now Sasuke," he replied as he set his shirt to the side and clasped his hands together.

Taken back from the blonde's tone and lack of honorific, he remained quiet as the blonde started channeling chakra.

"Naruto-kun, I don't quite understand." Hinata cut herself off as dark markings began to appear along his stomach. They stared in mild curiosity at his midriff as he opened his eyes.

"Another seal I take it," Sasuke asked as he inspected the intricate squiggles.

Naruto nodded before Sasuke asked, "And just what have you done to yourself this time?"

"I didn't do this. I never would have wanted this," Naruto muttered as the markings disappeared and he put his shirt back on.

Hinata was getting concerned as he let out a weak chuckled and gave them a light smile.

"I hope you guys are up for another long story."

Kakashi was motionless as he leaned against the wall outside the room, as Naruto began his lengthy discussion about the Kyuubi and his childhood. He didn't mean to spy, but you just don't sneak out of bed at one in the morning without arousing some suspicion.

He was so proud that both of them found the courage to finally open up to the others, especially Naruto. However, it was out of his hands now. It was up to his teammates to either accept him or push him away.

Although, from the soft grunt of two forms colliding with each other and the sounds of Hinata's tearful mutterings, it was safe to assume things were going over well.

All that was left was for Sasuke to decide to join the part and open up as well. However, he was going to be the toughest nut to crack. Kakashi could only hope that listening to the other two sharing their stories would help him decide to as well.

Hinata had tackled him against the wall in a bear hug. Tears fell from her face as she repeated, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Thank you."

He chuckled as he rubbed the back of her head. It was a better response than he could have ever hoped for. He turned and looked at Sasuke, who still seemed to be thinking it over.

"Is it going to be a problem?" he cautiously asked.

Sasuke was silent before he sighed and gave him a bored look. "I suppose not. You're too stupid to be some conniving, evil fox spirit."

Naruto grinned from ear to ear as he spread his left arm out for Sasuke to join the hug.

Sasuke only sent him a glare. "I don't do hugs."

Without removing her face from Naruto's chest, Hinata's arm shot out and grabbed Sasuke's shirt, before dragging him into the huddle. He groaned and rolled his eyes as Naruto linked his arm around his back, squeezing him into the hug.

Naruto chuckled and Hinata giggled as they all clamped together on the bed.

Sasuke's head rolled backwards and his eyes held a dead look. "Great. We're really close and whatever. Teamwork. Friendship. Yadda, yadda. Can you let go now? You're starting to hurt my legs."

Hinata shook her head. "10 more seconds."

Naruto giggled at the response, before the finally all separated from each other.

"Great. Now that that's out of our system, who's next? Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he turned towards the brunette expectantly.

Sasuke's more upbeat attitude evaporated instantly as he crossed his arms and sent him a dark glare.

"No."

"But teme-"

"I said no. I am not talking about it."

"Please, Sasuke-kun. It really will help," Hinata chimed in.

He glared back at their pleading faces, but he would not waver. He trusted them, but he wasn't sure if he was really ready to open up about that night. Not yet at least.

"Maybe someday, but not today," he said in a tone that ended the discussion.

"Fine," Naruto said as he stuck his tongue at him, much to Hinata's amusement. She gave him a soft gaze. They had not been able to break through his rigid shell, but at least it was a start. The cracks were already beginning to form.

"Now, back to my original question. What are we going to do about the horned figure?"

They all became more serious as they shifted back to their original topic.

"I don't know. I have scoured through the Hyuuga records and I have never been able to find anything about anyone similar. I had thought he would be limited only to that room, but I don't understand how I could have seen him here."

"Have you ever considered that the figure you keep seeing and the stories in that scroll could be connected?" Naruto asked much to the surprise of Hinata. "Is it possible the," he shivered as he said, "ghostly figure and a character from one of the other stories are one in the same?"

Hinata was a little taken back. The thought had truly never crossed her mind. She had always tried to press the memory of the ghostly figure out of her mind, and focused on finding a historical connection to the woman from first story. Within a week, she now had two more chapters to work with, and even more characters brought into the familial story. This presented even more opportunities for her to find a connection.

"No, I had only ever looked for a connection with the first story. The other stories didn't reveal themselves until just this past week as we headed here and the other day."

"Well, then, let's work from there. We can split up the work during out spare time."

"We?"

Naruto and Sasuke smirked at her. "You got us to help you now. You don't have to handle everything alone."

Shikaku Nara's words danced through her head as she gave them a short bow. "Thank you so much."

Sasuke leaned back against the bed as Naruto let out a loud yawn. "Now I think that is enough emotional drama for one night," he muttered as he stretched his arms, "We got a long day of travel ahead of us, so let's at least try to get some shut eye."

"Sounds good to me," Sasuke said as he violently shoved the blonde off the foot of the bed.

Hinata giggled at their antics as she got off the bed and put out the candle next to the bed.

She bade Sasuke good night and made Naruto mutter out something similar, before they started heading back down the hallway. They said their goodbyes and headed back to their respective rooms. As they had left the room, they didn't notice the silent figure drop from the ceiling.

He glanced back at the door to Sasuke's room and sighed. Ah well, you couldn't win every battle at once, but at least it was a start. Things would certainly be easier from here on out. No more hiding, and no more secrets between them.

Well, he had more than his fair share of secrets. Some regarding his own past, and some regarding theirs.

However, Kakashi frowned as he stared down the stairs. Something was wrong. He couldn't place his finger on it, but he felt like he was forgetting something. He was glad Hinata finally got the secret of the Hyuuga ring off her chest, but he felt like some details were missing. He was an ex-ANBU and nine times out of 10, if your gut was telling you something, it was right.

Was there something he had missed?

Inari couldn't help but sniffle as they said their final goodbyes. The bridge was finally complete. Tazuna had needed some help from Naruto's shadow clones to help repair the damage to the support columns, but now bridge was all set for use.

Naruto ruffled the young boy's hair as he flashed him a smile. Haku smiled fondly at the two of them as he stood behind Tazuna. After prying Inari off his leg, Naruto walked over to him and they shook hands.

"What are you planning on doing with that thing?" he asked, motioning towards the massive sword strapped to Haku's pack.

"I am going to offer it as a gift to the Kiri resistance and to prove that I come in good faith. I'm sure their leader would be thrilled to add another of the seven legendary swords to their arsenal. The appearance of them can help motivate their troops."

"Stay safe. I don't want to come back to help, and find out you did something reckless and sacrificed yourself for someone."

"No promises."

Naruto gave him one final smile, before he nodded and turned back to the group.

"Alright Sasuke, let's get this over with."

"What are you talking about?"

A smile crept over his face as he summoned a clone and handed it his backpack. "Oh, didn't Kakashi-sensei tell you?"

Sasuke sent a hurt look at Kakashi, who shrugged. "Must have slipped my mind. We don't want you hurting your legs on the way back to Konoha, so Naruto has kindly volunteered to carry you."

"What!"

"More like threatened," Naruto muttered under his breath, as he thought back to his talk to Kakashi earlier that morning.

He shivered as walked over and fought Sasuke to remove his backpack.

"I do not need your help dobe! I can walk on my own!"

"Sure, you can," Kakashi chimed in, "but in case you forgot, we have a mission quota to fulfill if you guys ever want to enter the chunin exams. Allowing you to walk by yourself will only eat up more time."

Sasuke stopped struggling and cursed. He sighed in defeat and handed the waiting clone his backpack. He growled as Naruto knelt in front of him.

"Don't worry Sasuke. It will be fun! It's just a piggyback ride you can't escape from. For hours."

Sasuke slapped him in the back of the head, before he climbed onto his back.

Naruto growled as he hoisted him up. "I'd watch that if I were you Sasuke-teme. Who knows how many road bumps we could run into along the way…"

Sasuke seemed to pause before bopping him on the head again. He would probably face some retaliation for that later, but, for now, it was totally worth it.

They all gave Haku, Tazuna, and his family one last wave as they finally headed back home. They would be the first to cross the fully constructed and newly minted "Great Naruto Bridge."

As they headed off into the distance, Haku turned to Tazuna and bowed.

"Thank you for your hospitality. I appreciate your forgiveness and allowing me a place to stay."

Tazuna chuckled. "Think nothing of it. Just give me a head ups if someone else hires you to kill me."

He barked out laughing, and Tsunami sent him a glare. After he calmed down, he asked "So where are you headed?"

Haku turned back towards the direction of town. "I am catching a ship to cross to Kiri in an hour. I will begin my investigation into the resistance once I arrive. I have a war to enter."

His eyes held a new determination as he stared off towards the harbor.

'I am coming Mei-sama. I will help you rebuild our country.'

It was a lovely day as two individuals sat outside of a teashop. The weather was perfect, and autumn was just around the corner.

The raven-haired one took a gentle sip of his tea, as he casually flipped through the newspaper. He made sure every Wednesday to acquire a copy of the same paper. He would give a short glance over the front page, before he calmly flipped through the personals section until he glanced down at the bottom left hand corner of the last page. Some days it would be a simple motivational image or an ad for some obscure company.

Today, it read: "MASKS FOR SALE! THESE MASKS CANNOT BE FOUND ANYWERE ELSE! WANT ORANGE? YOU GOT IT! SPIRAL DESIGN? NO PROBLEM!"

The man's face remained unresponsive as he read through the message once again. He carefully folded up the paper and prepared to get up.

"Hey, if you're done with that, can I have it?" his partner asked with a toothy grin, "I want to read the comics."

He handed him the paper as the other man chuckled. "You have no sense of humor Itachi. It's quite hard having to be the only one to lighten the mood."

"If that is what you call humor," he calmly responded.

Kisame faked a gasp. "Did my ears just deceive me or did you just attempt to crack a joke. Let me make sure cats and dogs aren't falling from the sky."

Itachi ignored him as he pushed in his chair. "Excuse me. I need to take care of something. I'll be back in a moment."

"It's the kung pao chicken we had the other night isn't it? I told you it would give you indigestion," Kisame cackled.

Itachi sent him a glare, which the larger man only responded with a wide grin. He started reading through the confidentials as Itachi headed off down the street.

He had a message to send.

Author's Notes:

Told ya it would be short. I had planned on releasing this as part of chapter 24, but that chapter turned out longer than I thought it would.

Now I can finally say that the Wave Arc is officially over! Haku is off in search of Mei Terumi and the Mist Resistance, and Team Seven is finally heading back home.

They still have that quota of missions to fulfill before the exams. Speaking of which, I hope you guys are excited for them because they are going to be a bitch to write. It hit me the other day exactly how many fights I have to cover during the preliminaries. Fights we've all read/seen before will be skipped over, but the lineup has mostly been changed.

Next chapter will give the team some more downtime to recover from the Wave mission, and a familiar face will finally arrive in the village.

On a side note, I have reached a decision. The Kitsune Omake/Gaiden shall be released alongside the time skip arcs. I believe this will help accent that feeling that it really had been 3 years in the story, so the weekly schedule shall shift to have one set spot filled by the Kitsune Gaiden and the other by the time skip arcs (I just realized it's going to be like the Kakashi Gaiden. …huh). There are going to be 3 or 4 major plotlines during that period. I hope your excited cause I can honestly say 2 of my top 5 favorite moments of the entire story happen in this time frame.

Anyways, remember to leave a review, and don't forget to answer last chapter's question. What has been your favorite chapter/moment of the series so far?

Review Corner:

(To leathanweapon)

Glad you are enjoying the series. Naruto's nee-chan has yet to be revealed. Don't worry, it is coming up rather soon.

As for Sasuke, that would be entering spoiler territory. No, he is not going to become the homicidal maniac he became during the Kage summit, but I can't really talk about his future.