Chapter 16: When Memories Burn
Past-Naruto & Hinata
'Where is Hinata Hyuga?'
Pain is looking for her and in a few minutes he'll find not only her, but her sister as well. She thought he would've been distracted enough by Naruto's clones and Jiraiya, but clearly the Deva Path had noticed the real Naruto's disappearance from battle and had followed.
"We can't stay here." She breathes out, nails scratching and digging into her sides nearly drawing blood.
Their only option now is to fight.
And with that she moves to turn for the door, Naruto stopping her with a tight enough grip until she meets his eyes again.
"I'm not going to watch you endanger your life knowingly! It may not work, but we need to reach out to Nagato by telling him things related to him that we already know. At least stop him temporarily from completely destroying the manor and harming anymore civilian and shinobi." Naruto suggests firmly.
Hinata doesn't move for a moment, studying Naruto carefully. "Do you think he would listen to reason?"
Naruto straightened up, nodding. "He has before because we can give him proof."
He holds up Jiraiya's first book then: The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi.
'It might not be much, but I reached out to him in the future before so I can do it again in the now.' Naruto reasons to himself.
Between the swirls of ash and smog Nagato finds them in an instant, hands pushing and crushing them into the earth.
"You two made this easy for me; are you going to come without a fight or not?" He questions above them only to halt just as he's about to paralyze them in place with a rod.
'The real you, I know you aren't here.'
That had been more or less what Naruto had said. At the time though he had only considered it talk to try and distract him, working for just a few seconds…
But it wasn't just for show, Naruto knew his location and it quickly becomes apparent as he picks up on multiple shinobi heading in the direction of his real body.
Dark spiral eyes harden on the pair, pinning their hands into the ground before they can try anything else. "What did you two do?"
Hinata is the first to speak up then, gazing back towards the canopy of forests nearby. "We told our jounin sensei and Lady Tsunade where you were immobilized in Ame before you tracked us down, a team has been sent out."
'Just how much do these two know?' Nagato wonders.
Lilac orbs don't even flinch at the pain he's inflicting, cream skin becoming a dark mix of blues and violets as the rod burrows further into her skin…
"Stop hurting her." Naruto orders beside her despite his own pain, flash of crimson in his eyes only making Nagato create another black transceiver to dig into her.
"Do you know what it feels like to watch your loved ones suffer and die in front of you?" Nagato asks instead as he gives a side glance back to Naruto while moving the rod forward towards Hinata's neck.
Naruto will know true pain and hatred at her death, abandon all his whimsical ideas that could supposedly bring peace to the nations…
"Kill him Naruto. This man isn't worth trying to reason with in his current state." Kurama growls out.
"No, hold on! I need to see how he'll react first to rest of the information I have." Naruto replies before he can feel his rage swallow him.
It's hard to tune out Kurama's final words though: "Words alone won't save everybody. Eventually you'll come across an enemy you'll have no choice but to kill."
His rod never comes down though, a strong gust of wind blowing said hand pushing him apart from the duo.
'How does he still have chakra left to even be able to move around after all the damage I just inflicted?' Nagato frowns, he's sure he had restrained both of his arms down suitably to keep him in place.
But then again, he has the Fox's chakra on his side. He can already see the effects it's having on his body, from scarlet eyes and razor sharp teeth to the encompassing coat of fox ear's and tails. However, Naruto doesn't have full control over the power the Nine Tail's gives him in a state of rage...
Naruto watches him icily, calming himself as he steadies his shaky and bruised hands. His use of wind jutsus are nowhere near good enough to try and make anything but miniature bursts of gust that can at least push an opponent back some.
He would need the help of his clones to do any serious damage.
Hinata immediately straightens into position as he helps her to quickly stand, fingers pinpointing for all his weak spots. This isn't working, Nagato may be too far gone to properly listen to them…
"Neither Hinata nor I want to continue fighting or kill you." Naruto states, getting Hinata's attention as her gaze tracks to him reaching again for Jiraiya's book that had been tossed a few feet away.
Inside the cover is a picture of Ame, most likely in the summer seasons as an older Naruto and Hinata pose brightly for the camera upon a balcony. The rain that typically perpetually falls in the village isn't visible, clear blue sky and sunshine lighting the backdrop of an array of metal buildings and skyscrapers crisscrossed throughout the city.
"This photo was taken on a Friday. Usually when you were in the village, the weather was only clear on Sundays, right? But more important than that factor is you can see the control tower you use has been taken down: it's from the future." Naruto continues.
And Nagato stiffens hearing those words aloud, eyes tracking over the picture with closer scrutiny. The metal infrastructure he created is indeed gone from the photo, as if never having existed.
'How could that have happened?' He considers every option, a traitor among his ranks? No, he would've long since gotten rid of anyone not on board for his plan.
His collection of bodies, his main source of operations will not last into a not too far away future…
The photo could easily have been doctored, another poor attempt to try and make him give up his plans when he notes then a white flower in the older Hinata's hair.
Konan's signature design.
She hasn't made one of her paper flowers in years, all the beauty of her work having long since twisted into weapons only meant for interrogating or killing.
"Ame can become a peaceful place just as you, Yahiko, and Konan envisioned. Jiraiya wrote this book during those harsh days and still believed in a scenario like this photo happening. Peace doesn't have to come from creating fear in your fellow shinobi and citizens or through the use of murder. The fact that Hinata and I will eventually go there one-day means Ame will eventually come to connect better with other nations." Naruto further explained.
And he and Hinata watch as the rod in his hand shakes, perhaps he'll strike them anyways in a fit of rage and disbelief just as he has done to the many bodies surrounding them.
"You two wouldn't understand. You've yet to experience the true hell of war, death, and the blood of your friends on your hands! The peace in that photo must only be temporary." Nagato scowls.
This ideology he's taken to for years now is the only one he's seen fit that could last, that could actually survive beyond his lifetime and create a stop to all the fighting and wars.
'However, Konan doesn't just give her paper flowers away nor would we let the tower be destroyed. That photo must be real; would my death really create such a scenario for Ame?'
Naruto keeps his gaze locked on him, ignoring spinning thoughts of bitterness and anger for this man who took so much from him in a different timeline.
"Killing you will only make more people come after me, a cycle of constant revenge." He states with finality watching his expression move to surprise.
Hiashi lands in front of them before anyone can move, clothes slightly tattered with skin littered with far too many cuts for either of their liking. He poses his hands up directly at Nagato, aiming a palm strike for his heart.
"I won't allow you to hurt my daughter or future son in-law!"
The smell of blood and sweat grows stronger, Hinata sucking in a tight breath as the smog clears further revealing more bodies of their clansmen lying the grass and dirt surrounding them.
'Where is Jiraiya?' Hinata bites her lip, throughout this whole skirmish he has yet to make an appearance. Was he still fighting with the other Paths?
But Nagato doesn't move to attack, rod dropping to the ground echoing out a sharp clang as he keeps his gaze on the photo of a day soon to come.
'Yahiko, I've used your body to commit so many cruel actions since your death. I was even willing to kill our former sensei…'
His stare falls to a growing puddle of blood at his feet, for once he doesn't see the empty stare of his fallen friend looking back at him.
Through the ripples he sees his younger self of dark red hair and pale skin, of a tiny smile resting on his lips when he first became friends with Yahiko and Konan.
The pacifist he thought he buried years ago.
-X-
Past-Sasuke
"Have you thought about what you're going to do?" Anko asks abruptly in the midst of them reaching a clearing in the trees.
The incident at the Hyuga compound seems to be already under control, a mix of chunin and jounin shinobi who gathered at the scene giving out signals of all clear by the time they had gotten there.
They managed to catch a brief look at Naruto, bloody but still standing.
'That Nagato/Pain person was coming after him and Hinata. Did they kill him?' Sasuke considers, it would be the first time Naruto had to resort to killing over words if that was the case.
His last fight with Naruto had brought out a burst of the Fox's energy, energy he still didn't have complete control over…
'Naruto is dangerous to be around when the Fox's influence takes over him.'
Did the same thing possibly happen again?
Well, it was fine as long as Naruto wasn't dead. It was time to go back to what he always wants to do when he's not sleeping or eating: Training.
Night drills make it easier to camouflage into their surroundings throughout a series of sneak attack exercises, Sasuke already having quickly learned to summon at least a half dozen snakes from his sleeves at command and slowly get used to the toxins of the variety of snakes they continued to surround themselves with.
Sasuke still hasn't answered her question though after a series of 5 drills and Anko frowns at his mind being so distracted from her inquiry, about to poke a kunai against his cheek until he swats her hand half-heartedly away.
"Thought about what?" He questions finally as they come to a halt again on a large tree branch, watching as a sliver of moonlight makes her brown eyes seem to glow.
Anko snorts, leaning back against the tree's leaves becoming coated in darkness once more.
"About your future kid! You know Naruto's been declaring for years now that he'll become Hokage which actually will happen going by when his future self was here and your girlfriend Sakura wants to be the next top medic/lead surgeon at the hospital and you- "
"Sakura isn't my girlfriend." Sasuke interrupts her tersely, onyx eyes narrowing in annoyance at Anko's blank stare in return.
That's the only thing he heard out of her statement?
Well, it's not like she believes him.
"…So anyways before you just rudely interrupted me there I was going to say that you don't have any current goals for your own future! Have you thought of anything in particular you want to do?"
'What does she mean? I have a goal…'
Itachi's image comes to mind, scarlet eyes that once haunted him with rage and upset become distorted and blurry as he recalls their last conversation.
'You don't need to keep trying to come after me now little brother.'
His own body was already slowly killing him without him having to do anything, so many days and nights spent plotting for revenge on his brother's actions fell away at learning their clan's dark past.
And without revenge, without killing his brother…he really isn't sure what he wants of life.
At Itachi's death he'll have no living family left, Konoha already feels difficult enough to live in and the knowledge of having no one left of the clan makes his stomach abruptly roil.
Verdant eyes slowly though replace the reflection of crimson, Sakura smiling faintly.
"I'll study all I can find to better understand Itachi's disease Sasuke. Even if it only helps him to live for a few months, it could help ease the pain his body must be currently wracking through."
Anko arches a brow, humming thoughtfully. "You don't know, do you?" I guess I'm not surprised; darkness has consumed you for so long that you never saw or thought of anything else. Glad we didn't have to beat the shit out of you though in the end, I would've helped Naruto hold you down if I had to!"
Sasuke merely shrugs, not denying or confirming her claims.
Because it's true, Orochimaru had fed him with temptations for power that he nearly gave into it if not for Naruto's older counterpart intervening.
"Orochimaru gets into people's heads like that. Promising power, fame, or riches until he finally coils you in as his next prized subject or body to use. So many fell for his claims when he didn't just outright kidnap his newest follower. I used to be so fascinated in his work until I truly witnessed the effects of the human body succumbing to poisons, injections, and the jutsus he used until nothing is left but bones…" Anko sighs, and Sasuke can only wonder of the horrors and experiments she was forced to watch or even participate in during her days as his student.
She still has her curse mark after all, but he's never witnessed her give into it.
But that doesn't mean it can't be used by another.
Anko shakes the thoughts away, wicked smile returning back to her face.
"We should practice mixing more fire into the skills you've learned so far. The Dragon Fire technique mixed with poisons could burn and paralyze any opponent you face potentially! Though maybe not tonight with all the action that's already happened, we can do some taijutsu and light sparring." She suggests.
Sasuke nods, giving a small grin in return.
They move to head to an open field, Sasuke pausing as he thinks more over Anko's question.
"I'd like if I could find a cure for Itachi's illness and maybe get the Police Force up and running again on taking more assignments, though I don't know if anyone would want that."
What currently is Konoha's military police force is just a shadow of their glory days from stories Itachi and Father used to tell him. At least that's the feeling he gets every time he passes by growing veiny cracks in the walls to jagged cracked glass from windows stained with dust and graffiti having long fallen into disrepair.
"Protecting Konoha? I could see you doing that, or maybe being like an investigator?" Anko chuckles, throwing out random ideas.
'Maybe.' Sasuke wonders, he still isn't sure what he wants…
Anko bumps at his shoulder non too gently, eyes glittering again mischievously and he smirks at catching a glint of the multiple kunai and shuriken in her hands.
"Pay attention when I'm talking to you!"
-X-
Past-Kakashi
"We approach our destination in less than 5 minutes! Everyone be on alert for the security measures put up! Kakashi orders, grip tightening on his concealed kunai as the rain beats down on him.
Ame is a ghost town.
Citizens and shinobi alike keep to the indoors, he can hardly blame them as cold droplets slide down his neck and cling to his attire. The sky is an endless grey for miles, rain picking up from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour the closer they move in.
Jiraiya should be here with them, this was his mission after all to infiltrate into this village, but Pain or aka Nagato had come to Konoha first.
'This is fine, at least this way no one is heading into that area alone. That would've been the mistake I made if I let Jiraiya take on this task alone.' Tsunade's decision rings out in his thoughts.
Nobody would die on this mission on his watch.
Because not only will they stop whatever crazed plans Nagato has, he will find out any and all ties he has to Obito.
Ame is a maze of pipes and metal, despite the eerie quietness surrounding them he can sense they're being watched with every step they take.
"The control tower should be just up ahead. Not only is Nagato's main body there, but the corpses of those he uses when one body begins to rot or becomes too damaged for continued use." Kakashi states.
Gai scowls at the unnerving architecture of the building, a network of sheets of steel and odd faces that makes his skin scrawl.
'The enemy knows we're here.' He considers at seeing a shadow move from the corner of his eye.
"I'm sure the whole structure will be crawling with traps in every corner." Genma notes at deactivating another pitfall trap that had been in their way with the use of a senbon.
Whatever Nagato has in store for them, they'll be ready. All the abilities and techniques of Nagato and his allies have long since been memorized to be prepared for based on what Naruto's older counterpart had given to Kakashi.
The basement smells faintly of rotting flesh and blood, room chilly as they take in tagged bodies neatly lined against every corner.
A morgue.
Gai clenches his teeth, skin taking on a greenish hue as he looked away from stretched and bloated figures starting to decompose. Some have clearly been better preserved than others, clean and waxy-skinned corpses that Nagato best sees worthwhile to continue to use hanging up on the walls.
It doesn't take them long before they come across the man himself, pale skin and dark rods connected to him making him appear half machine.
Kakashi's sharingan flares to life, while Gai and Genma move their hands up into position. Nagato studies the trio silently for a moment. The rest of the Paths were miles away in Konoha, he could activate one of the weaker bodies, bide some time to have his plans come to fruition…
'But will that matter in the end after what I saw?' He considers, thinking back on the photo he saw.
The future isn't how he predicted or planned for it to be...
He doesn't expect Kakashi to speak up first, gaze hardened and cold making him briefly wonder if he will be killed right here and now before even Konan or one of the Paths can rush back over to his side. He had been unprepared that they would know everything about him already, the way he operated, how each one of his Path's attacked...
That had been his fatal mistake.
"Do you know a man named Obito Uchiha?" Kakashi questions.
Nagato faintly nods, studying him carefully. "Yes, I have heard that name before though there isn't much I can tell you regarding him as he is no longer the same boy you once knew. He keeps to the shadows, distanced from everyone except for when he knows they can benefit him in his ultimate goal. Knowing how far gone he is and my own role in his path of destruction, what will you do to me?"
His answer tells him all he needs to know, Obito is a part of the Akatsuki perhaps as their leader or a high ranking member using an alias as well.
"Don't get too close Kakashi, we don't fully know yet what his regular body can do!" Gai warns.
But Kakashi continues stepping forward to him as electricity flares to life in his hand, ready to pierce at his heart. In an alternate timeline this man will kill thousands...
And he would have been one of his victims.
He'll make sure he won't leave this room alive.
"You're going to get the punishment you deserve."
-X-
Future
'That wasn't the only photo Jiraiya had been in.' Naruto and Hinata realize.
His beaming grin stares back at them from pictures taken during beach vacations, trips up to the mountains, and a variety of school photos with Boruto and Himawari…
"He's here; alive." Naruto whispers at a photo of them each giving a thumbs up to the camera during his and Hinata's wedding.
The memories are still hazy, mixing with the old and quickly Naruto sucks in a breath to calm his pounding heart and nerves. This is the biggest change far and away that they've noticed so far, preventing a death creates a ripple of effects neither are truly prepared for.
Hinata rests into his side, smile lining her lips as she reaches a hand out to his face. "Don't cry dear, this is good news."
He hadn't even felt himself begin to cry, helping her to brush away the tears before more can come and stain at his cheeks. "Sorry, sorry! This is such a shock is all you know."
Hinata nods, gently cupping his hands with hers. She can feel herself beginning to tremble, Jiraiya is alive again…
Who else's deaths have they prevented?
"Papa, why are you crying?" Himawari questions, offering her shirt as a tissue to dry his face making Naruto laugh and shake his head at her offer.
"Oi, Papa are you actually sick after all?" Boruto asks, it certainly seemed that way for him to have such a strong reaction from staring at a mix of pictures.
Naruto again shook his head, standing up with renewed eagerness as he peered back over to Hinata. "I should give him a call!"
Hinata stands up after him, giggling as he nearly tripped over a collection of Himawari's plush toys and blocks in an effort to get back to their room as fast as possible.
"What's Papa so excited about?" Boruto inquired, one second he was crying the next he's jumpy and giddy like he just won free ramen.
"You'll see." Hinata replies, beaming at their curious looks.
A minute later Naruto rejoins them in the office, plopping back down to the floor with cellphone in tow.
"Look, Hinata! He's in my contacts; that means he at least got a cell phone!" Naruto gestures excitedly while scrolling down.
Boruto only blinks, confused as to why that's such an amazing thing. "Toad Grandpa is in all our phone's contacts Papa."
"Toad Grandpa?" Naruto responds back, arching a brow. He couldn't recall Boruto or Himawari ever using that title for Jiraiya.
Himawari jumps in at this, eager to explain. "He said he preferred to be called that over Pervy Sage or Old Man! It's how he knows we're talking about him and not Grandpa with Auntie!"
Oh.
Naruto peered back to his phone, ignoring the slight tremble to his fingers as he presses the dial button.
'I haven't heard your voice in years Pervy Sage. What are you doing right now?'
Unfortunately, he won't get an immediate answer; after a few rings it goes straight to his voicemail.
But he gets to hear Jiraiya's voice again, same boisterous laugh and grin coming to mind.
"Sorry I couldn't take your call! I'm most likely in the middle of conducting some very important research for my next novel or better yet, creating the magic with a lucky lady, or- "Naruto wisely decided to cut Jiraiya off there.
"I didn't know he was a magician!" Boruto voices at Naruto and Hinata's flustered looks. He shouldn't have put him on speaker.
Well, he hadn't changed in being a pervert!
Naruto glances over to the clock, a little after 9:00 pm. If Jiraiya was anywhere within the village right now he would be at the red light district…
Hinata catches his gaze, nodding in understanding; a phone call was never going to be enough anyways.
He wanted to see him in person.
-X-
Himawari doesn't fight going to bed, happily stretching into Hinata's arms to help her get changed into her pajamas.
Boruto on the other hand is watching him, cobalt orbs shining with curiosity at the knowing he just communicated something silently to Mama.
"Where ya going?" He questions just as he shuts off his bedroom lights and Naruto sighs, watching as Boruto immediately tosses off his blankets and situates himself at his legs again.
"Nowhere. Why do you think I'm going somewhere?" Naruto lies.
Ugh, he's a terrible liar and his son knows that!
Cerulean eyes narrow and Naruto internally winces; he's just made him even more interested now.
"Can I come? You're going to go see Toad Grandpa, right?" Boruto asks, watching as Naruto bends down to his level.
"The places Toad Grandpa will be at aren't exactly…appropriate for kids to go into. You should stay here with Mama and get some rest." Naruto advises, knowing how cranky Boruto can especially be in the mornings.
Boruto pouts instead, reaching a hand out to cling onto his pants firmly. "I want to go with you Papa! It's a mission to find Toad Grandpa!"
'Ah, he thinks I must have something top secret or important to give him.' Naruto realizes.
Naruto squirmed, Boruto taking his silence as a yes as he climbed onto his back eagerly.
"Once we find Toad Grandpa, then we can come back home and all rest together!" Boruto advises as they step back into the hallway.
Hinata regards them in puzzlement, Naruto mouthing an apology at Boruto's proud declaration he's going out with him.
"You're dealing with his grouchy mood from lack of sleep tomorrow for doing this." She teases in his ear making Naruto groan.
He should by some headache medicine from the drugstore on the way back!
Outside the night air is calm, silver full moon shining brightly above them as they head in the direction of where golden and crimson lights simmer in the darkness.
There is no sleep for Konoha's gritty red light district, crowds hovering about around scantily clad waitresses and baristas offering drinks and games if customers have the right price.
He won't go into any of these brothels with Boruto in tow (it's awkward enough at the stares he gets being here with his son until he asks the receptionists if they know where Jiraiya is), rooms even from just the entrance smell too much of cheap perfumes and liquor.
It takes 4 stops before Boruto points him out lounging at an outside mini bar, face already flushed pink from the two empty glasses beside him. There's nothing different about his attire, his behavior, or even his personality it seems at watching him laugh at a supposed joke the bartender says.
'He's missing an arm.' He notes when Jiraiya turns just slightly.
And Naruto pauses, wondering briefly if this was even a good idea. He can feel his stomach twisting into knots, this isn't a dream…
"There he is Papa! Complete the mission!" Boruto beckons him, lightly pinching and tapping at his head.
He doesn't imagine Jiraiya will hear or see them over the haze of cigarettes and drunken antics of the bar's patrons but he turns in their direction, dark eyes widening in recognition.
Jiraiya stares between them both for a long minute, moving through the crowds with ease over to them and Naruto reminds himself not to overreact to seeing him.
"Hey." Naruto manages, grimacing at the croak in his voice. Does he have these strange influx of old and new memories too? This all just seems like a typical night for him.
"What's up kid? I guess you took my advice after all in teaching your son early the wonders of this side of the village!"
Naruto rolls his eyes, instant disgust washing away anxiety.
"No, I just wanted to see you!" He scowls.
Jiraiya furrows his brows, scratching a hand through his white hair. If it was a serious matter he would've sent a messenger toad for him. "Why?"
'Does he not remember? Does not know what had happened before?'
No, of course he wouldn't. How could he recall an event that has now never occurred?
Naruto shakes away the thoughts, tentative smile lining his face once more. So only he, Hinata, and the kids recall the alternate timeline of events? Perhaps…
'I need to dig a bit for answers.'
"Just wanted to see you is all Pervy Sage."
-X-
Past-Naruto & Hinata
"He stopped moving." Hinata whispers, still on guard in case this is a new surprise attack or way to catch them off guard.
"Be on alert, he hasn't been fully incapacitated yet." Hiashi warns.
However, Nagato has stilled in place; stare far away now from this battle.
"It seems you were able to bring about a peace I wasn't able to achieve." He murmurs eventually, glancing between the pair.
His voice is resigned, subdued.
'I have no need to continue using this body.' He decides, this will be the last time he uses Yahiko's corpse.
Jiraiya shifts into view just as he's turning to go, dark eyes studying him at ready to summon any number of toads to keep him from leaving the compound despite his nearly severed arm dangling at his side.
"I know why now you took Naruto on as a student." He calls out to him just as his Deva Path abruptly collapses to the ground.
The other Path's nearby fall down just as fast, corpses once more.
"If they're not moving that must mean Kakashi has moved in." Naruto determines, Jiraiya still assessing the area before properly joining their side.
"Right. I'd have to say based on what data you've told us something has happened with the real Nagato/Pain." He concludes.
"Isn't that one of Kakashi's ninken approaching?" Hinata questions getting their attention as Pakkun comes forward, scroll clasped between his teeth.
He nods to them all in greeting, dropping the scroll down to roll to their feet.
"The infiltration was a success thanks to the information provided." He states proudly, straightening up.
And Pakkun goes on before anyone can speak, saying aloud what they're all silently thinking based on his implication.
"Kakashi has successfully killed Pain aka Nagato."
-x-
I don't know how many times I went back editing this chapter, it was a harder chapter to write mainly since I'm still worried on if I'm twisting canon too much or not enough. Well it wasn't hard to write the Uzumaki family future parts that was my favorite so...yeah; here it is! Next chapter will mark the end of Part 1!
By the way, I don't want all the villains sacrificing themselves after listening to Naruto's power of talking making them realize the error of their ways and they then become immediately redeemed, no like Kurama said Naruto and Hinata along with the others are eventually going to have to kill. Whose going to kill who will be revealed...eventually!
Tell me your thoughts or feel free to PM me!
Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!