A/N: Hey guys sorry about the wait. My holiday is officially over but I got a really bad case of the flu and just wasn't in the right mind to write. This is mostly why it's a shorter chapter than normal. It was was also planned to end with Sasuke finally confronting Itachi but I kinda need more time to write it down and wanted to get a new chapter out.

Oh and my Beta is on holiday so if there are any mistakes, just ignore them lol.

Chapter 36

Jiraiya had always prized his freedom. He never wanted to stay in one place for too long, the world was full of wonders and he had to get out to see them. His desire to see the mysterious Glow Worm Caves of Lightning country was a distant memory as he continued to fill out paperwork with as little enthusiasm as he could muster. Jiraiya knew how important the post of Hokage was, it was more than being the strongest the village could field, it was symbolic and he also knew that no one could force him to stay but loyalty and his sensei's last wishes proved to be too much to go against.

As he filled out another form, this one stating that he would hold a short exam to examine his more promising Genin for possible promotion Jiraiya sighed. He remembered all too well how tragic early promotions were, the Third Ninja War in particular had caused so many young ninjas to die before their time. Jiraiya recalled how angry he had been back then but now the shoe was on the other foot.

That didn't mean that he would send them off to the slaughter. This time only the ones who had caught his senior ninjas attention would be judged; Shikamaru, Shino, Sasuke and Naruto along with Sakura.

'So long as Kakashi gets into gear and comes back soon.'

Almost prophetically, an ANBU Flickered into his office. "Sir, Kakashi has returned with his whole team and company; the Lady Tsunade and her aide Shizune.

Ignoring just how coincidental it was Jiraiya told the ANBU to tell them to come to his office as soon as possible. He then asked the ANBU to tell Mikoto the same thing.

Jiraiya didn't have to wait long, a mere five minutes later and the group walked through his door. A broad smile crossed Jiraiya's face as he saw his godson safe and sound.

"It's good to see you all. How's everyone going?"

It was a normal question asked when you saw someone for the first time in a while but the effect it had on everyone caught Jiraiya off guard. Then he remembered that Naruto had vanished along with his sister Eri who wasn't in the room.

Feeling his features settle into his poker face, Jiraiya said, "I think it's best for Mikoto to get here before telling me what happened; saves you from having to repeat things."

The adults nodded while Sakura looked at the floor. Sasuke clenched his fists as he stared out the window and Naruto was blankly gazing at a spot on Jiraiya's desk.

It was a silent office that Mikoto flew into, she would've apologised for acting so improperly but all thoughts left her when she saw her sons. She drew them both into a fierce hug as tears fell down her face. It was a pleasant moment that ended all too soon when Mikoto looked around and asked,

"Where's Eri?"

Mikoto hadn't let her boys go and felt the way Naruto flinched and Sasuke stiffened. Dread pooled in her gut and she let them go, standing by Jiraiya's desk as she waited to hear what had happened to her daughter.

Mikoto felt her heart ache as she heard all about Naruto's time as a prisoner, how he had given Eri his food and carried her so that she wouldn't get sore legs. She didn't notice the number of tears she continued to shed as Naruto continued his tale.

Naruto was mechanical in his speech, to the point and without emotion. Mikoto remembered just how damaged Naruto had been the first time she saw him in the Pit and this was disturbingly close.

Even that train of thought derailed once Naruto told her that he himself had killed Eri. Mikoto felt a flicker of fear in her heart, 'How much did Naruto value his bonds? Did the Pit permanently damage his ability to love?'

An instant later Mikoto felt guilty. She knew how clinical Naruto was and if there was anything that he could've done then he would've. That rationalisation did nothing to lessen Mikoto's agony, she had always wanted a daughter and now she was gone.

Mikoto didn't notice that she had sunk to her knees, she just sobbed her heart out. She didn't register that Naruto had stopped, in that second the only thing Mikoto knew was pain.

A scroll was gently placed on the floor in front of her. Mikoto swallowed her sobs as she looked up and saw Kakashi.

"That scroll contains her body. I know it doesn't mean much but she should get a proper burial."

Kakashi looked uncomfortable and stepped away, retaking his place next to Shizune as Mikoto seized the scroll and clutched it to her chest. She didn't care about how it looked or the way Sakura looked at her, this was the closest she could get to her baby girl.

Mikoto had left herself completely open and Tsunade had no trouble approaching the distraught mother. She gently used her Medical Jutsu to slip Mikoto into a fitful sleep. Hopefully Mikoto would be a little better when she woke up.

Kakashi gently picked Mikoto up and Flickered away to put her in her room. When he returned Jiraiya asked for the rest of their tale.

To say that he was shocked when he heard that Orochimaru was now essentially immortal would be an understatement. That Naruto had unlocked even more of the Nine Tails power was also alarming; did that mean the seal was weakening? Should he take a look at it? Something to address later.

Jiraiya turned to his old teammate, "It's always a pleasure to see you Princess but I admit that it's a surprise to see you here of all places."

Tsunade nodded, "I know but these kids are something special. I have chosen to give them my support and that means becoming Hokage. If I leave the job to you then we'll be at war the second you see a pretty foreigner."

They had known each other for so long that Jiraiya could read between the lines easily. Tsunade's words were casual but carried more weight then somebody could guess. It soothed the worry Jiraiya had felt hearing about Eri's death to see that the person he was probably closest to in the world was finally finding closure and acceptance.

"You want to be the Fifth? That's fine with me but there are several things you need to know. The rest of you look rather worn out, you can go sleep or eat. This following conversation will be painfully boring."

Jiraiya could see that everyone saw through his words but they didn't say anything as they filed out. He waited for a moment before activating the office's privacy seals.

Turning back to Tsunade Jiraiya got serious. "Tsunade you need to hear the truth about the world and in particular, the Daimyo. Danzo is also a problem that needs to be addressed."

Jiraiya saw the myriad of emotions cross Tsunade's face as he revealed that the Daimyo secretly controlled almost all aspects of the underworld and actively undermined the ninja villages for their own purposes. He also saw the anger when he revealed the extent of Danzo's manipulations and the truth of Itachi's situation. That the fact that Konoha was preparing herself to march on the Grass village in vengeance was the easiest thing to accept spoke volumes.

It took several minutes for Tsunade to digest everything, it was quite shocking to learn that the world you knew was quite different. Once she was done, Tsunade walked slowly around the desk and sat down. She disabled the privacy seals and called ANBU currently on shift.

"You all know me so I won't waste time. Jiraiya and I talked at length and while he did a good job holding down the fort, we decided that I would be a better choice as the Fifth Hokage. Jiraiya's talents are far more suited in the field. Do any of you have a problem with that?"

The kneeling ANBU shook their heads. Tsunade continued,

"Good. Now my first official order is for the arrest of Danzo Shimura for the crime of treason. Jiraiya, bring him in for questioning."

xXx

Naruto was in two minds. On one hand, he wanted nothing more than to have Mikoto hold him in her arms as he mourned Eri but on the other he wanted some space. He hadn't been left alone once his team had found him. Naruto knew that they just wanted to be there for him, to help but it was suffocating.

"Is the fact that they want to be there for you such a bad thing?"

'Of course not but just because they might want that doesn't mean that I do."

"I know and wanting space is fine but please don't cut yourself off."

Naruto didn't know how to respond to that so he didn't. Kurama was his closest friend and meant well but he didn't seem to realise that what Naruto needed most in the world wasn't people, it was strength. The Pit had hammered that lesson in and he was still so weak. He needed to get stronger so that nobody close to him could die. Talking about his feelings wouldn't help anyone.

Naruto made his way to team seven's training area.

xXx

Pakura knew she was frowning but she couldn't help it. Gazing down at Akari's dead body meant only one thing, that she had failed and Shoma Nakamura never handled failure well.

'If I go back with only failure for something this important then Shoma will torture me to insanity. Going back is not an option.'

Shoma would hunt her, Pakura knew that; the Earth Daimyo never shared his toys. Pakura mulled over her options. She would've disposed of the body but animals needed food as well.

She softly spoke to herself, "Stone is out, their too close to Shoma. Sand can die in a hole for covering up my 'death' and Mist? Not a chance in hell, not after they betrayed the peace summit I went to.

"That leaves Leaf and Cloud. Both have advantages but that Uzumaki kid is with the Leaf and Shoma's attention will surely be there."

Pakura never noticed that she was being watched by a strange being. Zetsu had been thinking about taking Akari Uzumaki's body back to Pein for his use and stumbled upon Pakura and her dilemma.

Splitting into his white and black halves, the black said, "Go to Obito and tell him that Pakura isn't as dead as reported. She is a prime candidate for recruitment, I'll stay here and keep an eye on her."

Pakura casually flipped a kunai in her hand, "On the other hand, the Raikage is known to covet Bloodline users and the chances that he would force me into some kind of breeding program are high; especially considering that I am the only natural user of Scorch Release in the world."

Pakura began walking in a random direction still debating with herself. She never wanted to be without freedom ever again. If she had known the kind of man Shoma was she would've prayed that she died all those years ago.

All the indecision got to her and she burst out angrily, "What should I do?!"

"I have a suggestion."

Pakura reacted instinctively, sending a ball of scorching fire at the voice's origin. She saw the searing ball of fire pass through the body as if it was a ghost.

"Nice trick but you have three seconds to explain who you are before I test how long you can stay intangible."

The man was wearing a black coat with red clouds and also wore an orange mask with one eye hole.

"I'm Madara Uchiha and I have a proposition for you. Seeing that you aren't attacking means that I have your attention. Have you heard of Akatsuki?"

"Yes, my former...master was rather irritated that this unknown group had managed to snap up Itachi Uchiha before his own recruiters could get to him."

The man shrugged. "Well that saves us both some time. Our group is quite strong, all S class rogue ninja and we can provide you with protection if you join. We can discuss specific goals later but know that we will eventually hurt both Sand and Mist grievously not to mention that Earth will fear our name. Interested?"

Pakura had lived into her forties and knew that there was always a catch but she didn't really have the luxury of choice which was ironic considering how much she prized her freedom. Both Leaf and Cloud had their drawbacks and becoming an Akatsuki wouldn't be the worst thing she had ever done.

"You do know that I killed a member of your group right? Will that be a problem?"

"We aren't that close. We're simply people with nowhere else to go and pool our strength to achieve our goals."

Pakura looked up, her bangs covering her face as she thought. It was a risk but her Bloodline was basically a one hit kill. If she was betrayed then she had faith in her abilities.

"Fine, I'll join this Akatsuki."

xXx

It had been three days since his return to Konoha and Itachi was still trying to adjust to a normal life. He loved being back near his mother and Izumi even if the other clan members were still leery towards him. For all of his strength and intelligence Itachi was a pacifist and had never sought bloodshed; seeing a pile of corpses at the end of the Third Shinobi War as a child had ensured that.

Sure the villagers had grudgingly accepted Jiraiya's excuse that Itachi had been undercover after saving the village but that didn't stop the sideways glances and gossip behind closed doors. None of that really mattered to Itachi however, so long as his home was safe than he was content.

Itachi had been walking through his family's old training ground in the former Uchiha compound when he paused. Anxiety and regret filled him and it took a lot of effort for Itachi to turn and face the panting form of his younger brother.

Itachi had been thinking about how he would explain himself, rehearsed the conversation a hundred different ways but now that it was here, he was stumped. What could he say to Sasuke make it better?

xXx

Nagato knew that he needed Madara to achieve world peace but that didn't stop him from getting pissed. Madara had operated from the shadows for years but lately he had made more noticeable waves, especially considering his recruitment of Pakura without so much as a by your leave.

'He forgets that he needs me and my strength just as much as I need him. Should he continue interfering than I shall remind him that the Rinnegan is something that everybody fears.'

Forcing his distaste for the Uchiha to one side, Nagato instructed Tendo Pein to start the meeting. Several chakra holograms flickered into life with the exception of Kisame, Itachi and Hidan.

Choosing his words carefully Pein said, "I have news. Zetsu tells me that Hidan is not quite as incapacitated as Kakazu originally reported. Turns out Jashin gave Hidan even more ridiculous immortality and that soon after Orochimaru fused his soul with Hidan's. The snake has become even more dangerous; stay on guard."

Pein gestured to the two new holograms, "I'd like to introduce our newest members, Tobi and Pakura. You can talk later, Tobi informed me that Itachi betrayed us and that Kisame is now a prisoner. Zetsu, take Tobi and free Kisame.

"My sources tell me that Konoha continues to ready itself for conflict with Grass. I intend to use that to our advantage. Sasori and Deidara will kidnap a group of Waterfall ninja, once that's done I will place them under a genjutsu. They will willingly throw themselves in the way of a Konoha ninja's attack and draw the Waterfall village into the conflict. That will draw the Seven Tails out of hiding and Sasori and Deidara will subdue it. Am I understood?"

Everyone nodded while Tobi said, "Tobi understands, Tobi will be a good boy!"

When the meeting ended Nagato brought Tendo back to him. He could see Konan approaching but was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to greet her.

'What is Madara up to? I know he needs the Tailed Beasts and that his aims are different to mine, how far will I allow him to play me?

'That reminds me, which Path should I use for my newest Pein?'

Nagato turned his eyes to the body that once belonged to Akari Uzumaki but would now join him in his quest for peace. It was a rare find, an Uzumaki body capable of using Adamantine Chains and Nagato wanted to ensure that her body was put to the most use.

It couldn't be Deva, that was Yahiko's body but Asura had merit, as did the Animal and Preta Paths.

Whichever he chose it would be a great asset to his Six Paths and ultimately another step closer to autonomy and stepping out from Madara's influence.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

A/N: So what did you guys think? Am I making Naruto too emo? I hope not but its an easy slope to slide down.

Pakura joins Akatsuki! Who saw that coming? There is also major stuff happening in the shadows via Pein's machinations and to those people who enjoy stories that drift away from canon can rejoice; the divergence begins again!

Did I portray Mikoto's reaction well? I'm not a parent so I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child but hopefully I wrote the situation and her reaction realistically.

Also yeah, I was intending on this chapter ending with the emotional scene of Sasuke finally catching up with Itachi but the rough draft of that meeting wasnt finished and I had most of a chapter written already so I elected to upload a new one and the next chapter will start with Sasuke and Itachi.

Let me know what you think with a review!

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.