"What are you doing back here, traitor?" Shisui asked in a low tone, trying not to draw a crowd to the quad.
"That is none of your concern, Shisui-kun," Itachi said but this was simply a show for Kisame as the real conversation was happening elsewhere, in a genjutsu the former Kiri ninja couldn't follow. "How does Naruto-kun have the Sharingan?" Itachi asked.
"You were tracking him the day he left, you know as much about his ability as I do. If you want confirmation, Itachi, just ask for it," Shisui stated and saw his longtime friend look anguished.
"Sasuke-kun?" Was all Itachi could manage.
"According to Naruto, Orochimaru goaded them into a fight even as Naruto tried to avoid it. He didn't even know who Sasuke was until the very end," Shisui explained. Then said, "If you want revenge you know what I'll have to do." He'd take no pleasure in it but Shishui didn't want a pissed off Godaime after him because something happened to Naruto.
Itachi shook his head, "I put Sasuke on that path. Whatever choices he made, he did so under the specter of damage I caused him. Besides, in a way, what is left of Sasuke-kun resides within Naruto-kun."
Shisui smiled briefly, knowing Itachi was putting on a brave face. "Why are you here? We haven't gotten any reports recently and got concerned you'd gone over to the other side."
"The real leader has been watching me closely, as it's finally time to act his distrust of me is growing."
"So, why are you here?" Shisui asked.
"To abduct Gaara-kun; to extract the one-tails."
While Itachi was passing along intel to Shisui, Naruto was having a conversation of his own. 'Ok, so I sealed my sword before we checked in but we can just sync and Rasengan the big dude in the face.'
'No,' Kurama said, to Naruto's confusion.
'Why no? It'd be over-'
'Don't say it.'
'-in a flash.'
'No. All you do now is sync with me and either cut them with your sword or Rasengan them in the face. It's not good for you to forget how a real fight feels, how they function,' Kurama informed his container.
'Uh-huh, good points… except you're full of shit, Kurama!' Naruto accused.
'Fine, it's boring. I want to see some action beyond the Senju torturing you during training. Just fight the guy, he looks tough," Kurama confessed.
'Him looking tough would, logically, be a reason not to fight him, ya meatball,'
'And yet, you will.'
"Kisame, change of plans. We're taking Naruto-kun," Itachi ordered and Naruto saw Kisame's face quickly go from puzzled to one of understanding and then a predatory grin.
"So, you're the foxbr-" Kisame never got to finish as he absorbed Naruto's right cross to his face, the blow strong enough to lift him off his feet. Naruto putting Tsunade's first rule of combat to use; strike first. Taking advantage of the opening, Naruto delivered a six punch combination to Kisame's midsection. Each punch broke bone or damaged organs. He finished with a spin kick that sent Kisame further into the air but the blond wasn't finished.
His newly acquired Sharingan showed him that Kisame was being healed. Naruto had no intention of dragging this out and had the perfect technique to finish the fight. As if he'd done it a thousand times, Naruto concentrated lightning chakra to his hand. Once gathered, he shaped it into a spear and pierced Kisame's brain right at the apex of his flight. Not satisfied things were truly done, being trained by a nigh unkillable ninja will make you paranoid, Naruto invokes Tsunade's second rule of combat; kill your enemy until they are dead. He unsealed his sword and sped toward where Kisame was to land. All around saw the glint of the blade as it was being returned to its sheath and then noticed the headless ninja.
Screams. Once it had set in what they were seeing, the civilian Konohans started screaming and running. Shisui palmed his face in annoyance. "Really, Itachi? Showing it down right now was the best you could come up with?"
"I assumed Naruto-kun would run away or seek help," the double agent explained. "I certainly didn't think he'd be so… effective."
"Yea, well… Shit! Itachi move," Shisui warned as he tanto was drawn and intercepted the sword swing meant to behead the other Uchiha. "What the shit, Naruto!"
"If you wanted him you shouldn't have stood around gabbing like a Chatty Patty," Naruto responded not understanding Shisui's objection.
"Maa, maa, Naruto-kun," a voice from above drawled. "Shisui-kun simply thinks you must look underneath the underneath. Unless my former Kohai has really changed sides, then I will put him underneath the underneath," Kakashi said as he appeared to be reading a book from a rooftop, several ANBU with him, weapons drawn.
"Commander," Itachi said.
"Oh, I haven't been called that in years, Weasel-kun. You look well."
"Good fats and a lot of greens," Itachi responded.
"I'd love to keep this up but it appears a killer, sentient sword is eating our most recent cadaver. What do we think, gang? Maybe wanna stop that?" Kakashi asked his ANBU detachment. The squad promptly saw to the containment of the sword, and what was left of Kisame so Kakashi returned his attention to Itachi. "Are you back for good?"
"Yes."
"You know about Sasuke?"
"Yes."
"I have something to worry about?"
"No."
"Well, Ibiki will be in charge of your reintegration. Lucky for you, it only involves light torture. Not so lucky, Anko likes to play with the pretty ones and well…" Kakashi didn't bother finishing the statement. Those within earshot shot the Uchiha a look of sympathy.
"I can escort Itachi, Hokage-sama," Shisui offered.
Kakashi nodded as he closed his book and the two Uchiha departed via shunshin. The Godaime's attention was now focused on Naruto, the younger man feeling slightly bashful under Kakashi's intense gaze. "You know, Naruto-kun, we have an entire division dedicated to hunting missing ninja. I could put you on payroll, let you join a team if this is a passion of yours."
"More like I'm just really unlucky, dattebayo," Naruto responded as he scratched the back of his head and smiled from embarrassment.
"I think Kisame might have a different take on who the unlucky one was. Anyway, it's just something to consider, especially with all the benefits attached," Kakashi said baiting the hook.
"What benefits?"
"Oh, world-class health care, though with Tsunade and Shizune you really don't have to worry about that. Access to our training grounds. A snazzy vest should you make Chunin or above. Oh, and access to an archivist and our research and development department should you have any research you'd need help with," Kakashi explained. The Godaime knew the boy didn't care about most of that list but anything to help him control his ability would be something he couldn't ignore. Some part of him should feel bad for attempting to manipulate Naruto in this way but Kakashi didn't. It was time for Minato-sensei's son to return home.
Naruto knew what Kakashi was doing, and reasoned Kakashi knew it as well. He, along with Tsunade and Shizune, had hit a wall trying to independently research his condition so having village resources would be a boon and even if Tsunade had access, there would only be so much they'd do for a civilian for something non-fatal. "I'll have to think about it," Naruto said.
Yes, he wanted a solution for this… thing. He wanted to be able to touch and be touched without fear of killing someone or absorbing their every thought. He was permanently stuck with every horrific thing Orochimaru ever did and there had been others. Though could he sacrifice his freedom for a lifetime of service? If he stayed would Tsunade and Shizune want to? Would they feel they had to because he did? It was a lot to mull over and occupied Naruto's mind as he departed toward the Senju estate. So focused he never saw a pair of pupilless, lavender eyes light up in recognition at the sight of them.
As the Akatsuki situation was resolving itself, another pair were making their way to the Hokage Tower, citizens giving them a wide birth. The taller, and older, of the pair shook his head in disappointment. The Will of Fire meant very little if the adherents couldn't forgive, couldn't extend themselves to make an enemy into a friend. He knew tribalism was as human as any trait came but that's why ideologies and principles existed, to be better than one's base nature.
He often wondered if this was what his godson was exposed to, only having to endure it alone and ignorant of the cause. His godson, every thought of the missing blond felt like someone turning a hot blade in his gut. He'd failed. Kakashi's dressing down when the man returned to the village, two years after Naruto left, had been as merciless as it was correct. He'd sunk into a depression after that.
His work suffered because of it. He'd missed Orochimaru's invasion. He'd failed to save his sensei and hadn't stopped Shukaku's rampage until he'd managed to reach a residential section. He still doesn't know why he didn't kill Gaara that day. Maybe he saw what Naruto could have been, could be and just wanted to show the container some grace, a little kindness.
Whatever his reasoning was, Jiraiya never regretted it. It was a smart idea of Kakashi, to "foster" the Suna Siblings and because Jiraiya was charged with fixing Gaara's seal and the boy's fractured mind the relationship helped heal the Sannin as well. He'd always feel guilty giving all this attention to someone else other than Naruto but he was also happy to have spent the time he had with the Suna jinchuuriki. He was a good kid when not driven mad by Shukaku.
Soon, the dyad found themselves standing in front of the Hokage. Beside the clone sat Temari as she conducted her lessons on bureaucracy for the day. She smiled at Gaara but said nothing as it was an official meeting. Their time in Konoha was coming to an end and each of the siblings was filled with ambivalence about the prospect. While not always hospital, Konoha had started to feel like home in some weird way; the three had certainly never been closer.
"I initially wanted you here to discuss your transition back to Suna but something more pressing has come up. Two Akatsuki agents infiltrated the village today and we have confirmation on their goals, they were here for you, Gaara. They plan to capture all existing jinchuuriki," Kakashi explained, having received the memories of his clone at the scene.
"Who did they send?" Jiraiya asked.
"Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame," the Gidaime answered.
"You said were, Hokage-sama. What happened to them?" Gaara inquired.
"Oh, Itachi is in custody and Kisame came down with a bad case of beheading. Gruesome way to go," Kakashi answered with an eye smile. He was so proud of his puppy. Ruthlessly efficient just like his father. "Now, I had your escorts selected but I want to add a few ANBU party." The four continued to finalize the travel arrangements. Soon, Kakashi excused the two youngest people in the office so he could have a word with Jiraiya.
"Naruto's back," Kakashi shared bluntly.
"I'm sorry?" Jiraiya said. He couldn't allow himself to believe what he just heard, not after so long.
"I'm serious, he's back."
"Where is he? Why is he back? Is he here to stay?"
"At the Senju estates with Tsunade and Shizune. To claim the bounties on Orochimaru and Uchiha Sasuke. I'm working on it," Kakashi calmly answered Jiraiya's frantic questions but the answers didn't really help. Jiraiya felt overwhelmed, something the veteran shinobi didn't have much recent experience with.
"Do you think he'll hate me?"
"I can't say one way or the other but earning Naruto's favor may be the least of it. I've kept tabs on him since he left and he's been traveling with Tsunade for about four years now. She can be a tad overprotective."
"I'll handle Hime. If there isn't anything else, I need to go."
"Dismissed."
'6.5, and I'm being generous,' Kurama said.
'Are you crazy? That was a clear nine no debating, 'ttebayo,' Naruto countered.
'What about that fight would clearly make it a nine?'
'I dominated,' Naruto said as he nearing the end of his sojourn to Tsunade's house. He quite liked the area, a lot of plant life that had, clearly, been maintained by the village.
'You sucker-punched him before he was really ready and used the Sharingan. I had to deduct points for each,' Kurama patiently explained.
'I wouldn't call it a sucker-punch but even if it were, so what? He's a ninja, shouldn't he expect something like that? Also, I wouldn't even have the Sharingan if you'd been in a sharing mood nor would I have activated them if you hadn't wanted to prank Shisui and Itachi.'
'I'm hearing a whole lot of excuses and those are never awesome. Secondly, these ninja only claim to fight all sneakily or whatever. They are just as likely to banter back and forth than ambush their enemy. You, at the very least, owed him a chance to finish his sentence. That was poor fight etiquette so I had to deduct more for it.'
'You've been fucking with me this entire time, haven't you?' Naruto shared his realization because there was no way Kurama believed what was coming out of his maw.
'Hahahaha, of course! You busted him up real nice. Good thing, too, that sword creeped me out,' Kurama said.
'So creepy and I think it was healing him.'
'That explains your overkill, though you get extra points for the midair beheading. It's no leveling mountains with a single swing of your mighty, glorious, awe-inspiring tail as you'd only need one swipe of a single tail to accomplish such a feat of mindbending power-'
'You've lost the plot complimenting yourself again, Kurama,'
'- and majestic… What? Oh, yea, you were cool for a human,' the giant fox finished.
'Please, stop. Any more and I'll get misty,' Naruto said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. Reaching the door of the very large, yet very inviting compound, Naruto knocked. Almost instantly, he was greeted by Shizune.
"Hi, Shizune-nee," Naruto said. She smiled but didn't look at all happy.
"Hey, Naruto. Find something good?"
"Yea, a nice ramen stand," Naruto said as he removed his sandals and entered the main foyer properly. "We need to talk, something happened. Where's Tsunade?"
"She's retreating again. I think the memories are too much," Shizune explained.
"I'm sorry," Naruto said and sighed. "I should have made the trip alone."
"She can't keep running from her past but it wouldn't do good to get stuck there either," Shizune said and Naruto agreed. Maybe he could take her mind off things. He followed Shizune to Tsunade's location, a bedroom that looked designed for a younger boy, with the blues and dark greens that decorated the walls and sheets to match. Tsunade was sitting on the bed, looking into space.
"So, I killed another S-rank missing ninja and Kakashi offered me a job. I think I'm going to take it," Naruto said to no one in particular but his sentence had the predicted, if not desired results as the blond found himself in a hug of death.
"How do you manage to get into so much trouble?" Tsunade asked as she squeezed Naruto tighter and tighter.
"Not my fault this time, honest."
"You say that every time," Tsunade countered.
"And I mean it, 'ttebayo!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Two S-rank ninja and one of the last Uchiha in a week isn't happenstance. You're doing something. So, who was it?"
"Kisame Hoshigaki," Naruto answered and grunted as he felt Tsunade's hold tighten even more.
"The tailless tailed beast? You moron! Maybe if I lay you out for a week you'll finally behave!"
"Wasn't my fault, ANBU asked for my help. Kisame knew about Kurama and wanted to abduct me."
That did not please the last Senju to hear. Konoha had been diligent in not allowing word of their sole Jinchuuriki's escape from the village so it worried her that some nukenin knew. She wondered if Naruto would be safer here. Not as a ninja, she'd fight against that but as a resident.
"You don't look hurt but are you ok?"
"Outside of the psycho crushing me with her granny stre-" Tsunade really put the pressure on him after that.
"If your smart mouth is still working then you're fine." Tsunade turned when she heard a snicker and saw Shizune fighting back a laughing fit. "What?"
"You two are just really cute together but just say you love him and were worried, Tsunade-sama," her student said. Both Shizune and Naruto saw the slight dusting of pink on her cheeks but neither said anything knowing she'd really make Naruto pay.
"You're too soft on him, Shizune-chan. If it's not missing ninja, crime lords, or actual demons then it's some little slut with no sense of decorum," Tsunade argued back. Much to Naruto's dismay, Shizune had no counter.
"Nee-chan?" Naruto called out, desperate for help.
"She's not exactly wrong, Naruto-kun. One girl even hid panties under your pillow."
"WHAT!" Tsunade bellowed.
"Oh, you didn't know about that? I'm going to go… be elsewhere," Shizune said as she shot her little brother figure an apologetic look. He couldn't even be mad but he knew he was in a real jackpot now.
"Explain," Tsunade ordered.
"We have no proof someone put those under my pillow and it was months ago."
"If no one put them there then how did a pair of some floozy's panties get under your pillow?"
"They got lost on the road of life?"
'Hahahahahahaha, she's going to kill you but you played it cool to the end!' Kurama said in hysterics but Naruto received a stay of execution as a knock was heard.