I OWN NOTHING. Masashi Kishimoto owns the characters, places, and everything in general.

A/N-Hahah... Oops... to the several people who have commented on my leaving an important plot twist open, I thank you! Here is the Epilogue I have promised to several of you please enjoy as this is the literal end. This story is finished now.

Epilogue

Naruto watched as Jiraiya and Itachi set up a small fire.

"Ano.. not that I'm not happy to have you guys here, but why are you here?" The blond directed his query towards the older Uchiha. He stopped and stared at the blond before moving over to his pack. He rummaged within for a moment before pulling out a scroll.

"Tsunade-sama told us not to open this until we were clear of the Fire Country." He murmured and peeled it open. He stared at the words before sighing in resignation, and passing it to Sasuke.

"What? Seriously? She couldn't have just given us this assignment instead of making us wait till now?" Sasuke growled and glared at the white haired old man as if it were all his fault.

"Uhh.. whats going on?" NAruto asked and flinched when sasuke threw teh scroll at him. He frowned at the paper before reading it.

Oi gakis.

Now, Naruto sighed.

WHY? Couldn't you be nice in writing at least Obaa-chan? He thought annoyed, before reading on.

I have given you this scroll to change your true mission, while out. The next three years will not be on diplomatic leave to restore the Uchiha's political prestige, but you will be doing something just as important. From now, until you return from your travels, you will move, assist, and train with Jiraiya of the Sanin. Jiraiya has been the Head of a very pervasive network of intelligence gatherers. Sasuke adnd Itachi you are to serve as Guardians for Naruto and Jiraiya as they move on their training trip. You will also be acting as ANBU infiltrators at Jiraiya's command.
Now, Jiraiya you old pervert. You are not to use them for your research, they are Konoha Assets, but feel free to use them for anything else. For the next three years you will be acquainting these three with your web of followers. That is all.

Naruto had to bite his lip to contain his laughter at Tsunade's abusive tone. he looked up and smirked at the two Uchiha.

"So you two are in for the long haul with us?" His smirk was answered with twin Uchiha ones.

"It appears so. We shall be accompanying you both on your journey." Jiraiya laughed aloud.

"And I suppose that tsunade assigned you guys to learn about my Information network?" When they nodded, he snorted.

"What ever brats, as long as you keep up, and help out in my training that gaki, then we have no problems." This drew a confused glance from Itachi.

"You'll see tommorow. I'll be utilizing my new assets." Jiraiya chuckled as he lay down on his side.

"Good night. Sleep well, because tomorrow you will all be entering into my training program. I will whip you three into proper fighting shape!" He cackled and fell asleep.

"Why is that old man so excited?" Sasuke snorted.

"Because he gets to torture us three and call it training. I think he takes some kinda perverse pleasure in doing this to young promising shinobi." Naruto whined, and the raven smirked.

"Well, now you aren't alone."

"That just means we'll be sparring or fighting." And Itachi chuckled and shifted over to get more comfortable.

"Well, that just means that we've got more time to force each other to get stronger, doesn't it?" The older raven mumbled. THis caused Naruto to look up.

"Yeah... I guess it does." He smiled as he began to lay down.

"But I am still going to whup on Sasuke tomorrow no matter what happens!" Itachi chuckled as the younger Uchiha growled.

"In your dreams, Dobe!"

"Shut it, Teme! I'm trying to sleep!" They bickered for a good minute, before Itachi stepped in.

"Alright, I am going to sleep now. Get some rest, I am sure that whatever Jiraiya of the Sanin has planned for us, it will be eventful." Itachi spread out his sleep roll, and watched as the other two pulled their blankets on, and were asleep in moments. He stopped and sat on his sleep roll and just watched them.

"Not going to sleep, Itachi?" Jiraiya materialized out of the darkness.

"I feel no need to rest just yet, Jiraiya-sama."

"Ack! Do not call me that, making me feel old." The white haired sage grumbled. Itachi raised an eyebrow, but refrained from saying anything.

"Itachi, you're stuck with me for two maybe three years. You might as well loosen up, or you'll die of an aneurysm." He stuck his tongue out. Itachi let himself chuckle quietly at the older man's antics.

"See now you're lightening up." Itachi turned to the side, and spoke gently.

"JIraiya-san, what is it you desire with Naruto?" He stayed looking away from the other man.

"Mmmm... What a really interesting question." He sat down harder, and Itachi snuck a peek at him. The old man was watching the sleeping blond fondly.

"He's the son of a most important student, and when we first met, he reminded me so much of his parents, that I couldn't help but feel a grandfatherly love for the boy." He spoke gently.

"And now?"

"Now? All I want is to teach him skills that will keep him alive. I want to help him reach his goal, now that he finally has one."

"Yes, he told me as well." The memory of the blond pulling him aside, and joyfully declaring his dream to be Hokage, caused the elder Uchiha to smirk.

"MM... Now I want him to reach his goal. He's been through too much already."

"I see." Itachi nodded, and watched the moon hanging in the air.

"Yes, I believe that blond of ours will be the one to make my dreams a reality, and that one day soon, everyone will recognize his strength." The older raven shifted slightly.

"I'm sure that Naruto wouldn't dream of disappointing his master."

"Good, because I don't deal with failures well."

"I'm surprised that you aren't fighting to go alone."

"Itachi. I'm not stupid, I know more about Naruto's situation then you would even guess at." The old man stood up and stretched.

"We are heading into murky waters now, sharks and monsters lay in wait in the shadows. From here on we head into the night flying from the dawn."

"That was poetic."

"Quiet, youngster. Get some rest, you're going to need it for tomorrow's workout."

"Good night, then." The older raven watched the flames slowly burn down, then the older man writing, then his vision slipped to the youngest of the group. Sasuke and Naruto were
sleeping side by side.

"Heh, the future of Konoha lay sleeping, when they wake up, woe betide any who stand in their way." Itachi chuckled gently before slowly slipping into darkness.

"Heh, I think I'm gonna use that Uchiha for my sequel."

A/N- To all those who picked up on the play on words congrats! And thank you once again for bearing with me!