Konoha's hospital. Two hours after the incident.

The hospital was always a busy place, especially in the Shinobi Village, where medics were forced to treat wounded Shinobi. Whether due to missions, running into the enemies, accidents in training or something like that, there were always those that were in need of medical assistance, be it small or big. It was just the reality of their world, and no medic was exempt from their duty to the Leaf and its people, so it was normal for the medics to be called to do their duty at any point of day or year. The Academy day was not off for medics either, though it was unusual for them to receive any patients in need of serious help, much less in need of life saving surgery.

But that was exactly the case with Naruto, who was now inside the operational room, where half a dozen of the most experienced medics were working on him, under the command of Shizune, trying to save his life. To say that it was a shock for the medical staff, to see Lord Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, teleport right into the hospital with his family, while holding his son in his arms, would be an understatement of the year. None had ever expected something like this every happening, and yet, due to the naiveté of Minato, callousness of Tsunade, greediness of Jiraiya and pride of Natsu, Naruto was made a victim of his brother's wounded ego, resulting in him taking a stone right into his head. It will be a long time before the people of Konoha will be able to forget the scene of a bleeding boy on the ground, with his little sister crying for him, her hands covered in blood.

It has been over two hours now, but the Namikaze family and some of their friends weren't going leave the waiting zone, still awaiting for the results of the operation. Alongside Minato and Kushina, with the latter shaking a little and crying, with her husband trying to comfort her, there were Narumi, who was in her own thoughts and didn't say a thing so far, and Natsu, who was in a state of shock and fear after what he had done.

Mito was also there, her bloodied hands still unwashed and dug into her dress' material at her knees, with Izuna worriedly watching after her and trying to comfort her as best as she could, though even the hidden Kitsune was worried about Naruto. Ever since they've arrived, Minato had tried to have Izuna take Mito back home, but the little girl refused to leave, literally fighting people who tried to pull her away from Izuna. She wasn't going to leave, nor was she going to even wash her hands from dried up blood of her brother. Until she knew that he was going to be fine, she would be here, no matter what, and nobody could change that, not even Kushina, who hysterically tried to send her away. After it became clear that Mito was going to stay, she simply sat at the bench, not saying a word and not even moving an inch, awaiting for the news.

Tsunade was also with them, surprisingly not in the operation room, stating that as his godmother, she couldn't participate, since she was a compromised person in this one. In truth, she simply bailed out and used the first excuse that came to her mind, and it worked seemingly like a charm. Even though she did feel some form of guilt over what had happened, she didn't want to take part in this operation, since she held little love for Naruto. In her mind, it was seemingly better for Tsunade if he were to die, because of the fact that he dared to humiliate her and also insult her by his very survival and devil's luck in escaping death. She had lost far too many precious people when she had tried to save them, yet this nobody has the right to survive from being branded by Death God? What right do fate or Gods have to insult Tsunade in such a manner?! For Tsunade, it would far better if Naruto were to not wake up from that concussion. If he didn't she wouldn't be mad at Natsu for doing it, she might even consider thanking him, in some form.

Tsunade's twisted and malignant thinking was interrupted when she and the others heard some form of noise coming towards them, making them all stop what they were doing. In a few moments, they saw the sources of that noise, as a group of four persons was walking towards the waiting area, being comprised of three women and one man. The man in question was Fugaku Uchiha, and his companions were none other than his wife Mikoto Uchiha, priestess of Inari Amagi, and one person that Kushina wasn't prepared to see, and now was rising to look at.

"You!" Kushina practically hissed out herself, as she detached herself from Minato and almost wobbled towards Tomoe, who faced her with a cold glare of her. "You just couldn't stay away, now could you, you damn whore? First you try to steal my husband, then you go after my beloved son, and then you decide to use your damn eyes to kill Naruto through Natsu?!" Kushina reached Tomoe and grabbed her with her hands by the collars.

"Kushina…" Tomoe tried to speak up, but then was forced to dodge Kushina's fist.

"I'll kill, you hear me? I'll fucking murder you for trying to kill me son!" Kushina screamed in maddening rage, as she flung her fist again at Tomoe, but this time, Tomoe didn't dodge it.

She caught it with her own hand, before delivering a powerful punch right into Kushina's stomach, knocking the air out of her and, hopefully, knocking some sense back. As Kushina fell on her knees trying to catch breath, Tomoe grabbed the woman by the hem of her dress and pulled her closer to her own face, which showed that the fellow redhead was barely holding off tears and her own rage. Tomoe spoke to Kushina.

"Despite what you may think with that head of yours, Naruto is the last person I would ever even think of hurting, unlike you." Tomoe practically growled at Kushina in rage. "It takes me all of my will power not to snap your neck like a twig for beating him, but I know that right now, that will do me nothing of worth. Now, if you want to find someone to blame, then look right back at your precious beloved son who threw that rock at him. And if you think I was the one who put him up to that, through cunning, Genjutsu or something else, then I have news for you, dunderhead: your precious husband, his teacher and that drunkard of a Sannin are the ones responsible for this!" With that, Tomoe practically tossed Kushina right back into the hands of Minato, who stood in shock after hearing this.

"Wh-what is the meaning of this, Tomoe? Fugaku, Mikoto, why are you two here, and why did you bring them with the two of you?" Minato asked in something of a panic.

"We were going to come here and find out about Naruto and his condition, with Amagi pleading to come with us. I didn't refuse her, since I saw no reason to do so, given her connection to Naruto." Mikoto spoke up. "As for Tomoe, she too demanded to come, but not before she found out what had really happened out there." Mikoto glared daggers at Minato and Tsunade.

"Oh, and what did she find out?" Tsunade arrogantly asked, with Fugaku turning towards her.

"That the whole exhibition match was set up from the start, and two out of three so-called "conspirators" are right here with us." Fugaku said with steel in his tone. "And as for the third one, he was the one who sold you out, after Tomoe "convinced" him to explain to us what had happened?"

"What… What do you mean by that?" Kushina asked with a weakened voice, trying to stand up straight.

"I had a feeling that the entire match was wrong, mainly because I know Naruto would never even think about participating in something as pointless and crowd pleasing as that match. He never would've put his name in there, and even if he did, what are the chances of him being picked from that whole roster? One in 27, according to the number of people that put their name in there." Tomoe stated to them. "But even if so, I remember seeing Naruto's face, and it was clear that he didn't even put it in there and was preparing to quit, but he didn't."

"H-he must've m-mustered some courage t-to face me…" Natsu decided to speak up, but when he was met with the combined glare of all four arrived people, he wished he could just turn invisible.

"You better keep quiet, or else I'll make you pay for what you did right here and now." Tomoe stated with cold rage, with Natsu hiding behind Minato.

"Natsu may've done a wrong thing, but that gives you no right to make such threats towards him, Tomoe." Minato tried to glare at her, but when faced with her ruby eyes, he had to hold himself back from flinching.

"Oh trust me, Minato, I haven't even begun." Tomoe's eyes blazed up a little when she looked at him. "But we'll get to that eventually. Back to Naruto, and how he was pushed right into the ring by none other than the Toad Sage himself, Jiraiya, forced to participate in a fight he had no desire to be in, and one that he could've ended within a single minute. All because his idiot of a father had wanted to see what his son was capable of." Tomoe looked right into Minato's eyes.

"Wait… what do you mean, he could end in a minute?" Narumi spoke up finally. "But… Naruto… He is a fool, talentless idiot who…"

"Who what, little girl? Can't even defend himself, knows how to play the flute, or spends more time in temple, studying etiquette, social subjects and culture, while his siblings are off parading themselves like prostitutes in a summer heat?" For the first time in many, many years, Amagi allowed for her calm and charming demeanor to drop, revealing her other side that made even her sisters Akagi and Kaga terrified of her. "Allow me to dispel that urban myth for all of you, since none of you seem to comprehend it- Naruto is anything but a fool. In fact, in terms of intelligence and wisdom, he beats both of the Sannins and the supposed genius over here, all because he realized that there was no point of bragging about his abilities or talents to all the people around him. Unlike his ignorant parents, their twisted mentors and his prideful, insufferable siblings, who care only for how much of spotlight they can get from all those insects that they call "adoring fans."

"Wh-what are you t-talking about…" Narumi asked in shock. "N-Natsu and I n-never said something like that."

"Is that so? Then how do you explain how you treated him, hm? You know, I've seen some dysfunctional families, but this is the first time when I see two out of triplets wishing that their sibling would not be born or died when he was little." Amagi narrowed her eyes at Narumi, who was shocked at the fact that she did in fact thought of it, while Natsu said it out loud. "That is something not just bad, but outright inhumane and cruel to say about one's blood. Almost as bad as claiming that everyone is inferior to you just because they aren't holders of a demon inside of you, or were trained by these two neglectful idiots."

"We never neglected our children." Kushina finally regained her full functions, as she glared at Amagi. "And who do you think you are to call us like that? You and this bitch here have been trying to steal my son away from us for years now. I can see what you were trying to do, you tried to turn him away from his real family, make him turn against his Uzumaki blood and use him against me…"

"Kushina, for the love of Gods, just shut up for once and listen to what they have to say, before I smack you so hard, that it will make slaps you planted on Naruto look like child's play." Mikoto glared at her friend, making Kushina shut up. "I thought you would've changed your ways when I found out you were trying to strike Naruto, but instead of learning from your mistakes, I see you not trying to mend your relations, but violently push him into the life he wants nothing to do with. This isn't just your usual stupidity, but a damn ignorance fueled with pride, if you can't even see that your son isn't what you wanted him to be, and that he won't change just because you want him to be your "beloved perfect son". And what did it lead to? Your other "beloved" son had sent Naruto here, nearly killing him."

"I-I didn't mean t-to do it…" Natsu weakly stated, with everyone turning their heads to him. "I… I didn't k-know what I was… I was hearing a voice…" He suddenly stated.

"A voice?" Kushina asked again, before moving to her eldest son, and kneeling before him. "Natsu, what voice did you hear? Was it the Fox? Did you hear the Fox telling you to do it? Was he tempting you? Tell me, was he telling you to hurt Naruto?" Kushina desperately wanted to know, with Natsu, seeing this as a way to get away with what he did, nodded eagerly.

"Why you little bastard… Do you really think that you can play to us this damn tune of "Fox tempting the innocent me?" Tomoe growled at him, with Kushina taking position in defense of her son. "He is clearly lying. He knows what he did and now he just wants to get away with it scot free."

"And what do you know about being a Jinchuriki, huh? What do you know about that endless sea of rage and fury that is Kyuubi, or how about he is always trying to manipulate you?" Kushina was now defending her son. "You don't know anything, Tomoe, and never will. My children are forced to live with it, always fighting against that demon as I did for so many years, just as Mito did. You don't know what a manipulating creature he is, always trying to make you do what you will regret later on. It is clear that he made Natsu do it, after he was provoked by Naruto…"

"Provoked?!" Tomoe shouted out of her mouth, as she moved closer to Kushina, only being stopped from striking her by Mikoto. "Naruto never even wanted to be in that fight, and all he did was dodge him and his strikes? Hell, he had more than enough reasons to pound this brat into the dirt, yet all he did was make him land on his belly! You want to know who provoked this little shit?! Then try the people of his oh so glorious Village! They were practically demanding that Natsu tear him apart, you demented red-haired wench!"

"Tomoe, that's enough!" Minato stepped in, trying to deescalate the growing conflict. "There is no point in pointing fingers at anyone here! It is obvious that all of this was just one huge unfortunate incident, and that it won't repeat itself. Natsu was manipulated by the people and Fox into doing what he now regrets, and when Naruto wakes up, he will apologize to him and all will be…"

"He's lying…" Mito finally spoke up, making everyone look at her, as she rose up from her seat.

"Mito, what are you talking about. S-surely you don't think that your older brother would…" Kushina tried to speak up, but was interrupted by the little girl.

"HE IS LYING! He lies, he did it himself, and he wanted to hurt Naruto! He wanted to hurt him really bad! And he felt good from doing it!" Mito glared at Natsu, who flinched because of the glare of the little girl, coupled with her tears showing itself. "Naruto didn't want to fight you, yet you wanted and you wanted to hurt him! You always look down on him, but he is a thousand times better than you will ever be! He isn't mean or stupid, and I hate it when you call him a fool, when you make fun of him! You always so mean to him, and I hate it! I hate how you all just don't love him! I hate how he has to suffer for it!" Mito revealed with tears pouring out of her eyes.

"M-Mito, h-how can you s-say things like this? We love Naruto and never would've tried to hurt him." Minato tried to play into denial, but his little daughter had more to say.

"Then why did you always let Natsu and Narumi insult him? Why do you let Jiraiya and Tsunade say bad things about him? Why do you always leave him behind?!" Mito demanded to know from Minato, with the man having nothing to say. "And why did you allow Mother to beat Naruto? She hurt him very badly, and you did nothing! You don't love him, you hate him!"

"Mito, I don't hate Naruto, and what is this you are blabbering about? Kushina would never even think about hurting Naruto!" Minato denied it, with Kushina paling at the fact that she was about to be discovered.

"Mito, that is enough, you are tired and need to go home. Izuna, take her home now and…" Kushina tried to avoid this all, but her daughter wouldn't have it.

"NO! No, I saw it with my own eyes! Mother hit Naruto, and she did really hard! She was screaming at him, telling him that he was a bad son and that he should listen to her, and then she hit him in the face! She hurt him really bad, yet when he saw that I saw it, all he did was calm me down! And this wasn't the only time! She's been hitting and saying bad things about him for a long time!" Mito cried out, with Kushina shaking at the fact that her daughter was doing this to her. "She isn't a mother! She is a monster! I hate you!" Mito cried out at her mother.

"Shut up, Mito!" Kushina screamed at her own daughter, before raising her hand and preparing to swing it at her.

But before anyone could react to it, Kushina's hand was caught in the air by one person none had expected something like that from. In a matter of split second, Izuna, Mito's caretaker, placed herself right between Mito and Kushina, managing to catch Kushina's hand in the air and grip with force that was unexpected of the woman. Kushina's glare dissipated when she looked into the furious eyes of Izuna, capturing for a moment how they changed from normal ones into the irises of a Kitsune. Mito stood there in shock, realizing that her mother was about to hit her, but she was saved by the one who had been taking care of her for all this time. Izuna pushed Kushina's hand away and spoke up in an angry tone.

"Don't you dare to raise your hand against her, you ignorant, neglectful bitch!" Kushina and Minato were in shock at what they just heard, since they never heard the usually polite and good natured Izuna swear. "I've held my tongue back for long enough, and I've had it with you two pretending to be good parents to Naruto and Mito. I am sick and tired of watching how you allow these two spoiled brats have their way with everything, from presents to insulting your own youngest children, while you just smile and wave hands at the public. You two don't even care about what your youngest want or what is going on with them! You don't even know them, and don't even want to get to know them! You just don't see the point in learning why your son loves to play flute, or why he doesn't want to train with them! Had you ever even asked yourself, what do I know about Naruto? And don't even get me started on Mito, because you've basically dumped and forgotten about her, and now you even dare to raise your hand on the one person in this family that loves Naruto for who he is, instead of what you freaks just want him to be!"

The outburst of Izuna was enough to shut up the Namikaze and force them to think about what she had said, but at the same time, it was enough to divert the attention from the operational door. Which, as it happened, was opening up, and from there stepped out Shizune, dressed in an operational attire, pulling off her facemask, and noticing that there was some serious commotion going on in here. She was forced to cough to get the attention of people here, and once she had it, Tomoe was the first one to speak up.

"Shizune, how is Naruto? Please tell us he is…" Tomoe's face betrayed her desperation and need for hope.

"I do not know if this is luck or do Gods seem to favor him, but Naruto is alive." Shizune informed everyone, as she heard a collective sigh of relief. "The operation was arduous and very stressing for us, and as for Naruto, it was literally a point of either living or dying, but we've managed to save him. His life is no longer in any danger."

"Thank the Sage." Minato let out a sigh of relief. "So, when will we be able to see him?"

"Unfortunately, that is where the good news end." Shizune suddenly changed the tone. "While Naruto's life has been saved and there is no immediate danger to him, there have been serious complications that we've discovered when we began operating."

"What kinds of complications? Did you mess up somewhere in his head, Shizune? I knew I should've taken over that operation…" Tsunade said, with an intent to stroke her own pride, but this was a really bad thing to say.

"So that you would finish off your job of killing him?" Tomoe practically hissed at Tsunade, who froze at the coldness of the tone. "Don't think that you are off the hook, Tsunade. I know full well why you cooked up that damn scheme of yours, and be thankful to the Gods that Naruto is alive."

"Or what, you would kill me, your last surviving relative? Please, you may pose all dangerous and stuff, but you've slacked off in the years, and you can't even use your Sharingan." Tsunade didn't take Tomoe seriously. "I mean, what could you possibly be able to do to me? Well maybe I did suggest to Minato that he convince Hiruzen that he put Naruto and Natsu together, where is the crime in wanting to see what those two could do? After all, they are Minato and Kushina's kids, so both would've done great and all that."

"Except for the fact that Natsu was trained by you all for a long time, and Naruto just so happened to have given you a black eye, when he was trying to deliver my husband's message to Minato." Mikoto glared at Tsunade, who glared back at her. "It's no secret that even though you are a Sannin, you are as spiteful and prideful as they get. It doesn't even surprise me that you've decided to use that opportunity to hurt Naruto. If anything, you probably even hope that Shizune had made a mistake there."

"Why you damn Uchiha…" Tsunade was about to step forward and give Mikoto a good punch, but when Tomoe stepped forward, shielding the woman, Tsunade was stopped in her tracks. "Step aside, or else…"

"Or else the next person to be put in that operational room will be you, Tsunade. And I assure you, cracked head will be the least of their problems." Tomoe assured her, with Tsunade deciding to relent. "Shizune, what is it that you can tell us? What complications did you encounter with Naruto?"

"Now you are willing to listen?" Shizune sarcastically asked, before answering. "First of all, I do not know what the two of you were teaching him, but Natsu threw that stone with not just enough force to break skin and flesh. That thrown stone had cracked Naruto's skull, not to mention giving Naruto a serious concussion." That got a shocked look from everyone in the room.

"A concussion and a crack in the skull… Does that mean that Naruto is in…" Tomoe already could guess where this was going.

"Unfortunately, it means exactly what it looks like. Due to the received trauma, Naruto has fallen into a coma." Shizune continued delivering bad news. "Due to the concussion and crack, Naruto's brain received serious caused by hematoma, with blood rushing into the brain cavity out of the destroyed vessels in his head and brain. Had you not brought him as quickly as you did, Naruto would've died on the operational table, if not even earlier. The fact that he we've managed to pull him out of the grasp of death is a miracle."

"Gods have always looked after him, even as a newborn he held his attention." Amagi noted out loud. "Though he is in coma, he is alive and there is no more danger to his life, am I correct?" Amagi asked of Shizune, who nodded to her.

"There shouldn't be, but… But I fear for the consequences of what had happened." Shizune admitted, before pulling out a small vial, where on the bottom laid what could only be described as tiny white stones. "These are the fragments of Naruto's skull that we've extracted out of his brain cavity. They were in his brain, having pierced and damaged it."

"Damaged it how?" Minato asked in a fearful tone.

"Physically, we've managed to regenerate the damage and repair it, but had it been any other organ other than brain, I would say we've managed to save Naruto from any serious damage, but this is his brain…" Shizune let out a tired sigh. "It's not just his flesh that was hurt, it's his mind and most essential functions of his body. I'm not just talking about memory loss that would be the least of the problems, if we are lucky. The area of the trauma was the frontal lobe of Naruto's brain, the part of his that is responsible of functioning of his emotional and critical thinking, which includes making decisions, speaking and so forth. If we are lucky, the worst that Naruto will have to deal is a sensory disorder and trouble with his emotions, but if we are not… Naruto might end up an actual fool, like all of you claim him to be, only this time, he won't be able to even speak normally." That put everyone into the state of shock, while Shizune walked to Natsu and glared at him.

"I hope you are happy with what you've done, because now your little brother is running a high risk of never even being able to say a normal word, if he wakes up. This is something I wouldn't wish to even my enemy." Shizune stated with steel in her voice.

"But… But there has to be a way to prevent such a thing. I mean, you've healed his brain, right? S-surely you can restore it to the full capacity. Tsunade, you are the land's greatest medic, so you surely should be able to bring Naruto back to life." Minato wishfully looked at her, before Shizune spoke up.

"Lord Hokage, no matter how good Lady Tsunade may be, we can't interfere any further with Naruto's recovery." Shizune stated with knowledge, making Tsunade frown at her. "Operations on the brain are extremely dangerous, and application of Iryo Ninjutsu is especially dangerous, because they can cause cancerous growths. You wouldn't be saving Naruto, you would be forcing him to a gruesome and painful death."

"Are you saying that I wouldn't be able to do it, Shizune? I thought you were of higher opinion of me than that. Give me a few hours and I…" Tsunade was preparing to march in, but Shizune put herself in front of Tsunade. "Shizune…"

"Lady Tsunade, as a medic, it is my job to ensure that my patient recovers in the best and safest way possible. Had I believed you were capable of expediting his recovery without complications to his health, I would've personally begged you to help him, but in this case, there are just far too many dangers and complications. You yourself know just how dangerous Iryo Ninjutsu when used on a brain. We are talking about not just cancer, but destruction of impulses and memory pathways inside, and you know what that will cause." Shizune reminded Tsunade, who glared at her. "As a medic, the best way for Naruto right now towards recovery is through natural way. He will remain here, where we can monitor and assess his health and condition. The best thing you can do right now is let us do our job, and not disturb him with your arguing. If you wish to do something to help him, then go and pray to Gods, so that they may help him pull through without any serious damage. Now, I demand that you clear the place."

"Can't we be allowed to see Naruto?" Kushina asked with tears in her eyes.

"I am afraid it is impossible at the moment. He is in the extensive care and is extremely weak, having suffered a near certain death trauma, not to mention severe blood loss. We've only managed to stabilize him, but we need to maintain a close eye on him for the next week, or else we may risk his health." Shizune informed them all, as she let out a sigh. "Lord Hokage, Kushina, Tomoe, I know that Naruto means much to you three, but right now, if you wish the best for him, then let us do our job in peace. No more fighting in here or interruptions, and since I'm his doctor, it is my conclusion that he is to recover naturally."

"You do know that I can overrule you on this one, Shizune." Tsunade reminded her and everyone, with Shizune narrowing her eyes at her mentor. "Look, you may be unable to revive him, but that doesn't mean I can't. Just let through and…" It was at that moment, when the entire corridor heard a familiar click of a sword barely leaving its sheath.

"You make your move towards that room, and I'll cut your arms off, before going for your head, Tsunade." Tomoe's left hand was on the sheath, her right thumb pushing her tachi out of the sheath. "You all heard Shizune: Naruto is alive and will recover, best we can do is sit back and wait for him to get better." Tomoe's tone indicated that this was nonnegotiable, with Tsunade deciding to relent, while Shizune let out a sigh of relief.

"Now, if all of you were to please leave the hospital and go back home, before the storm outside really picked, that would be great for me and the personnel. I will keep you informed about Naruto's condition, so if there are any changes to his condition, I'll be sure to inform you." Shizune stated, with the group deciding that it was for the better to leave.

"This has been a difficult day for us all… Kushina and I will deal with Natsu and what Jiraiya with Tsunade have done, so you can…" Minato was about to state his opinion, but Fugaku interrupted him.

"I'm afraid that this is no longer just your family's problem, Lord Hokage. If what your son has said is true, then we have a much more serious problem at our hands, and I am certain you know what problem that is." Fugaku crossed his arms upon his chest, with Minato and Kushina realizing what he meant. "Out of consideration for what had happened today, I will not be calling for the Council meeting to take place immediately today or tomorrow, but given the fact that we may have an unstable Jinchuriki in form of your son, the Council will want to hear of this and will demand explanations."

"Natsu is stable and has been that way for all his life! This… This is all just a fluke, a singular incident…" Kushina had tried to protect her son, going into a denial.

"He nearly killed Naruto, Kushina. Single incident or not, all of Village had seen it, and there are bound to be consequences to that." Mikoto told her. "Either you call the Council yourself to explain the situation yourself, Lord Hokage, or my husband will do so himself on a day after tomorrow."

"Are you threatening me? Do not forget, that had it not been for me, then the Uchiha wouldn't be on the Council right now." Minato angrily reminded them all.

"If you don't do it yourself, then I'll make sure the Lord Daimyo hears of what had happened, and then this will become a matter of national security. And believe me, he will hear of this." Amagi stated in a threatening tone, making Minato, Kushina and Tsunade look at her in shock. "I may not be on your Council or have much of an influence in the matters of the Village, but what I do have is a great many powerful and influential friends in high places. Priestesses are very often a welcomed and honored guest among the nobles, especially those that deal in matters that correlate to their income. Even Lord Daimyo has people for this at the temple in Fire Capital, and I have great many good friends there. One letter to them, and you will have an army of samurai at your doorsteps."

"Fine… I will call the Council myself, and as for Tsunade and Jiraiya with this entire matter, I want the Council to be the one to decide their fate." Minato wished to gain that victory at the very least.

"As you wish, but until the Council had assembled, I will have both put under surveillance of Military Police." Fugaku made it clear that this one was none negotiable, while Tsunade glared at him. "If you try to leave the Village, or enter the hospital without good reason, then my men will be forced to arrest you, like they did with Jiraiya."

"Are you claiming that I would want to kill Naruto?" Tsunade made an aghast face, with none buying it.

"Given that you've set up that whole match, just to watch Naruto get hurt? You can bet I'll make sure that those watchers know what to do if you come even close to that door." Mikoto promised her with the glare.

"Would you all leave already?!" Shizune practically shouted at them, with the group looking back at her, before she left the corridor and headed back to Naruto.

At that point, it became obvious that there was no point in further arguing here, so Hokage with his family and Tsunade have decided to depart. There were far too many things said and done, too much revealed and things came up that shouldn't have been made known. It was clear that there were going to be serious tensions in the family of Hokage, especially for Kushina, since now her husband had learned of what she had done to Naruto, and what she had nearly done to Mito. As for the girl herself, she stayed close to Izuna throughout the entire event, and was the last one to leave with her, but not before casting one long look at the door. As she was moving with Izuna, she stopped before Amagi and Tomoe, looking up at them and asking them something.

"Are you friends of my big brother?" She asked of them, with both Tomoe and Amagi nodding to her.

"He is a very dear person to both of us. We consider him as nothing short of a son of our own." Amagi stated with sincerity, with Tomoe agreeing with her.

"He always spoke about you and how you are always able to make him smile and laugh at the smallest things. It is a pleasure to meet you, though I wish the circumstances were different." Tomoe admitted to Mito, before the little girl bowed her head lowly before the two, surprising them.

"Thank you, for looking after big brother and helping him. He always looks out for me, making sure I can smile and laugh, but I know that he was in pain very often, because of father and mother." Mito raised her head and looked at them both with the pleading eyes. "You've said that Gods favor Naruto? Is there any God that can help my brother get better?"

"There is one. Lord Vishnu, God of Preservation and Reality, one who keeps the life safe." Amagi replied to Mito. "All living things are defended by him, and he won't abandon him now. This isn't his time."

"Can I ask him somehow to help Naruto?" Mito asked of Amagi, who kneeled before the little girl, gently wiping her tears with her hand.

"Pray to him as you can, in your mind or out loud, all that matters that it must be genuine, and he may hear it." Amagi told to Mito, rising back up. "I too will pray to him, and hope that he hears me. Now, you best go home, little one. Naruto wouldn't want you to be caught up in the coming storm." With this said, and after Izuna gave a small nod to Amagi, the pair departed.

"She is still so young, and yet she already understands so much… Does Naruto realize what a wonder of a sister he has?" Mikoto asked out loud.

"He does." Tomoe simply answered, her tone betraying tiredness. "He does, and he doesn't wish for her innocence to be taken away. I'm afraid now it is gone… She was right: Natsu was lying. Mito explained to me about the influence of Kyuubi on the body and person, and she told me that the only way to draw out his power while he is sealed inside of you is to desire for that power. Natsu wanted that power, and Kyuubi gave it to him. Kushina and Minato will try their hardest to cover for him..."

"Can you confirm what you've just said, about Mito and the drawing of power?" Fugaku asked of Tomoe. "Do you have any solid evidence of her ever stating it?"

"Her journals, diaries, not to mention the research she made. I'll confirm it all under the Truth Seal or anything like that." Tomoe stated to Fugaku, who nodded to her.

"Good then that means we will be able to prove that Natsu is lying that that Kushina with Minato are trying to save him from being put under surveillance and controlled by the Council." Fugaku told them all. "I too am not letting this go unanswered for, and the Sannins will too have to pay for their pride and greed…"

"Lord Fugaku!" Suddenly, the group turned to look at a member of Military Police running in stopping a few short steps away from Fugaku. "Lord Fugaku, Jiraiya… He disappeared from his cell!"

"What?! How could he escape? I personally put the chakra restraining cuffs on him? Did he receive any visitors or did anyone not from Police Force come anywhere close to him?" Fugaku immediately demanded to know.

"No, sir! We've put guards and isolated his cell with orders not to allow anyone come close to him, but he someone just vanished. I was there and saw how he suddenly just disappeared in a puff of smock! Like it was Shadow Clone or something like that!" The guard reported.

"Impossible, Shadow Clone would've dispelled itself the moment the cuffs touched his wrists, it was the original. Then how did get out? Does Jiraiya know any Space-Time Ninjutsu?" Fugaku thought out loud.

"He knows only one such Jutsu, and it was used on him without his knowledge, if my instinct is correct." Tomoe spoke up. "Remember, Jiraiya is a Toad Sage, and therefore has a contract with them. It is highly possible that the toads have somehow gotten wind of his situation and whisked him out of the cell via Reverse Summoning. If indeed was summoned by the Toads, then he is already on Mt. Myoboku, well outside of our reach. The only person who can summon him out of that place is Minato, and I doubt he will be selling out his teacher."

"Damn it! Sweep the village, just to be sure, and report back to the station. And inform Jin and Sakai that I have a job for them. From they are to watch over Tsunade and report her movements. In case she decides to leave the village or comes near the hospital, she is to be arrested. Understood?" Fugaku commanded, with the guard immediately nodding and disappearing via Shunshin, while Head of Uchiha Clan turned towards Tomoe. "We'll get them, Tomoe. Don't worry about. Mikoto, let's go. Akeno must be crawling up the walls out of worrying."

"Yes, though I fear she'll be beside herself when she hears of this. She's grown so close to Naruto, in just a month… My poor girl." Mikoto sighed, as she and Fugaku left via Shunshin, leaving Amagi and Tomoe in the corridor, as they too began to move towards the exit.

"Tomoe, I…" Amagi tried to speak up, but Tomoe interrupted her.

"I want both Akagi and Kaga on guard duties around Naruto, 24/7. I don't care if they protest or whine, I want them both here and ready to kill anyone who tries to come near him with as much as sneer." Tomoe stated to Amagi.

"That goes without saying. They are already in the room, guarding him. They feel responsible for his condition, and I can understand them…" Amagi let out a sad sigh. "I have a feeling that you are going to ask me of something, Tomoe."

"Yeah, about healing Naruto. Can you…"

"I'll need several days to prepare a spell that will accelerate his recovery and nullify the risks of the most severe consequences from that trauma, but it will still going to weeks until he fully recovers." Amagi told Tomoe. "I am sorry, but even I will not attempt to revive him with my powers. The spell is the best I can do, but if I revive him right now, there are going to be questions and…"

"Yeah, I get it. It will put Naruto into even more spotlight, since not even Uzumaki can recover this fast after near death." Tomoe sighed. "Will that spell help him?"

"It will, Tomoe, I promise. I'll put all of my master and power into it, everything for him." Amagi assured her, as the two stopped before a window, noticing how the raindrops were starting to fall. "The storm is gathering closer…"

"It's not a normal one, is it? The Yokai are also running away from it, fleeing as if it will affect them too." Tomoe noted, seeing how not only people, but Yokai were running for shelter, with latter moving far faster, as if fleeing from something worse then rain. "Amagi, what is this storm?"

"A manifestation of divine fury, and we Yokai can sense it best." Amagi spoken to Tomoe, looking at the blackening skies, lit up by the lightning inside there. "Last time I had to witness such a storm was when Lord Indra destroyed the Himejima family, but this one isn't his work. This is the work of Lord Shiva, or rather his more violent aspect, Rudra."

"His more violent aspect?" Tomoe asked of Amagi, who simply nodded to her, before she turned towards the mirror. "Then he knows of what had happened?"

"Lord Shiva can predict every possible future, of every being alive. He knows this was going to happen, or rather predicted something like this happening. And this world holds special place in this heart, not to mention being his son's home, so naturally he would observe happenings here with extra attention." Amagi stated with certainty in her voice. "He may've foreseen this, but still… He is furious, and I fear that we may have to prey to Lord Vishnu to quell his anger, or at least stay Lord Shiva's wrath upon this realm."

"And if Lord Vishnu doesn't succeed in keeping him in bay?" Tomoe asked.

"Then there will be consequences that would make battle between Madara and Hashirama look like a fight between two newborn kittens by comparison." Amagi told Tomoe, who now understood what her friend meant. "But is not just Lord Shiva that I'm fearful of. Lady Parvati and Lady Izanami… Both of them are as caring and compassionate, as they are ruthless and devastating in their wrath. And I can already feel their powers at work, already influencing our world in some way."

"Anything specific?" Tomoe asked.

"Only that they personally aren't in our realm, yet, but… They've sent someone here, into our realm. Someone very powerful, and dangerous." Amagi stated as she narrowed her eyes towards the horizon, before they widened as if she realized something. "Oh no…"

"What is it, Amagi? Is Konoha in danger because of these creatures you spoke of?" Tomoe asked of her.

"No, we are out of danger… But not Jiraiya and his precious Toads." Amagi stated to Tomoe, as she regained her composure. "It would appear that Naruto has garnered interest of not just his divine parents. His divine sibling has decided to exact some measure of vengeance for what had happened." Tomoe widened her eyes when she heard Amagi speak.

"Sibling? As in…" Tomoe was about to speak up, but Amagi turned away from the window and walked towards the exit. "Amagi?"

"Let's go, Tomoe. There is nothing we can do now, and you can rest easy for Konoha. Gods won't touch it, only put some fear into the minds of mortals, and do more to the people responsible for today." Amagi stated to her, as she began to walk towards the ladder. "Best we can do is stay put and keep calm. Come, you need to rest."

"Uh, sure." Tomoe agreed with Amagi and also began to move towards the ladder…

"Kihihihihi… You might want to come later at night, if you want your precious Naruto to have a nice long resting sleep. Otherwise, there might come to him a demon in human's flesh after him, just like it did to your son…"…Tomoe's eyes widened as she heard the unknown voice tell her that, as she felt her body frozen in place out of sense of sheer fear. "Remember, make it until midnight, or else this party might end earlier than I want it, and that would be a shame. See you soon~." The voice suddenly disappeared, and Tomoe frantically looked around the place, only seeing the empty corridor and some shadows from the objects around her.

"Tomoe, is something the matter?" Amagi asked of her.

"D-did you hear that voice, Amagi? I-it spoke of Naruto, and a demon…" Tomoe was trying to comprehend in her head what she had just heard.

"Tomoe, calm down. I didn't hear any voice… But I did sense something odd, like a small anomaly in the air or rather reality…" Amagi told her, before turning to her friend. "What else did you hear?"

Tomoe started to realize that this day was far from over for her, and now she and Amagi may have to stay guard over Naruto tonight…


Midnight

The storm that had started just before midday was fierce and intense, having poured down enough rain to last the entirety of summer, with many drainages becoming clogged and unable to drain water from the streets. Some of the streets that were located in the lower elevated areas of the Village became flooded and people that lived there were forced to evacuated from there, and much like over six years ago, Amagi opened up her temple to all those that were in need of help. She could do little to nothing to dissipate the rage and anger of Lord Shiva, but she could at least give shelter to the innocents that were caught in his fury.

Konoha's Council and Hokage were promising aid and relief to all those that had suffered in this downpour, once it was over. It was fortunate that no lightning had hit anything in Konoha, though they flashed many times and it seemed like they would strike in one or the other place, but they didn't. Yet wind did do quite a bit of damage, destroying lines of communication, electricity and even roofs of houses and so on, leaving more people without houses again and forced to find shelter in the temple. The damage done by the storm had rendered ¾ of Konoha without electricity, and only few places were spared such a fate, with hospital being one place where there was no damage done to it, conveniently

The storm had lasted until very late into the evening and had only started to subside when it was already time for evening to become night. Amagi suspected that this was due to Lord Vishnu and Lord Indra had managing to quell Lord Shiva's anger and placate him, which was a relief for the Tenko Kitsune. She hadn't forgotten about what Tomoe told to her and she did intend to be at the hospital, if only to see if her friend was just being paranoid or not, however even she had to admit that she was feeling tense and the air itself was starting to feel somewhat bad to Amagi. Tomoe and Amagi had arrived to the hospital soon after the rain stopped pouring and it was safe to move to it, and had made their hiding place near the entrance into the hospital, with Amagi covering both her and Tomoe with magic. Akagi and Kaga were inside the building itself, protecting Naruto and if someone were to try and get to him, the two Kitsune would destroy them, or hold them off for Amagi and Tomoe to get there and assist them.

The pair waited for almost an hour, with the midnight taking place and moon finally showing itself outside the dark clouds. And it was then that the pair had finally started to sense that something indeed was wrong, when they've suddenly seen light around them being distorted, and instead of the silver hue, it took appearance of the dark red. Tomoe looked at the sky and saw that it was now looking spilled ink, twisting and reshaping itself. She turned to Amagi and asked her.

"What in the world is going on, Amagi?" Tomoe placed her hand upon the sword, gripping the handle.

"It is a barrier, created to isolate a specific area from the rest of the world, as well as to show to those outside of it that things are alright, along with discouraging people from going here. Outside, everything may seem fine, but to us here, we see this. Don't try to use Shunshin or Hiraishin to get out, it's useless." Amagi explained to Tomoe as she started to look around. "This barrier isn't just normal Fuinjutsu. There are traces of nature chakra in it, dense and powerful. This barrier was created by someone who is versed in Senjutsu arts."

"Senjutsu? Like a Sage or…" Tomoe looked at Amagi, before starting to feel dizzy all of a sudden. "Wha…"

"Tomoe!" Amagi caught her friend before she fell down, before casting a spell upon her that revitalized her. "This should protect you. I'm sorry, I didn't notice it at first."

"What was that? I felt like I was going to fall asleep and never wake up." Tomoe stated, as she regained her senses.

"You've just been exposed to Youjutsu, or rather one of the spells that could be casted through it. Through usage of nature chakra, it is possible to create a powerful and invisible fog that will cover the entire area, either putting everyone who can't resist it to sleep, or killing them, if the caster of this spell is powerful enough." Amagi told Tomoe, who realized that they were now dealing with no normal enemy. "Your mysterious friend wasn't kidding, Tomoe. We may be dealing with a demon in human's clothing. Either that, or someone even worse."

"What could be worse than that?" Tomoe asked of her.

"We may facing someone who is versed in the arts of Onmyodo." Amagi stated to her with full seriousness. "Akagi and Kaga shouldn't be effected by it, and I've shielded you, and they now know that things are about to get interesting. Now all we have to do is sit tight and wait for the caster to show himself."

Their waiting didn't last all that long, as a few minutes later, the two saw how a dark portal opened up and from there stepped a figure, dressed in purple, dark red and black robes, with many intricate inscriptions written upon the robe. The two judged that this was a woman, though the robes obscured her figure, and her head and face was covered by the dark red veil that fell down upon her from her head, with it being covered by a hood that also held the veil in place. In her left hand there was a shakujo staff with six rings, with emanated malicious power from it, with her pale, near ashen grey hand gripping it, showing also dark red veins. Her right hand also had a small necklace wrapped around her hand, with a large glowing golden crystal placed as jewel. Both Tomoe and Amagi could sense that this crystal wasn't just for show, with Amagi clearly sensing power coming from it.

The woman made a few steps towards the hospital, before tapping her staff into the ground, sending a surge of her power throughout the ground. Multiple rifts in the ground opened up and from there crawled out what looked like grotesque, overgrown babes, with disproportionately big heads, filled with sharp teeth, large inhumane red eyes and ashen black skin. Their legs were stout, yet arms long and thin, with large hands capable of grabbing all that came into contact with them. Their chest was disproportionately small, yet their bellies bloated and dimply glowing with dark red. They turned towards the one who summoned them all and walked towards her.

"What… What in the world are those?" Tomoe was trying to resist an urge to vomit at the sight of those things.

"Gaki. One of the lowest forms of Ayakashi that one may encounter, yet still dangerous for those that know nothing of them. Once humans, they were casted into Yomi for their sins or became like that due to partaking in the human flesh. Driven mad by unimaginable hunger and always starving for human flesh, these fiends were once used as cannon fodder by their summoners." Amagi explained to Tomoe. "Don't let their appearance fool you, Tomoe. They are devoid of human emotions and morals, and only wish to kill and eat their victims. They should be easy for you to dispatch, but their summoner… Best if I handle her myself."

"Be my guest." Tomoe stated to her, as she prepared to leap out and attack.

"Seek out Naruto Namikaze, you will find him by his long red hair and silver streaks in them. Once you find him, bring him to me, but do not eat him, not until I'm done with him. One who finds him may eat his body, after I'm done. Now go." The regal voice of the woman commanded and a small horde of Gaki screeched as it rushed towards the hospital doors, with woman slowly following behind them.

Right as that horde was starting to make their way to the doors, Amagi dispelled her barrier and allowed Tomoe to attack these monsters. A quick series of hand signs, and a torrent of fire already blazes its way out of her mouth and right towards the Gaki, burning many to cinders. Over half a consumed in the first attack, while the rest are trying to figure out what is going on, with their confusion serving only to bring them closer to death.

Tomoe sprinted out of her hiding place and straight to the closest Gaki she could see, and once she was in the right distance, she finally unsheathed her sword, slashing off his head in the process. The others didn't even see the enemy, until Tomoe's tachi claimed her second and third victims, former slashed in two, and the latter and having his head split in two. When Gaki finally noticed her, their first instinct was to attack, but then suddenly they started to back away from.

She noticed their hesitation and questioned why they were afraid of her, but then she noticed a strange sense of power and intense desire to cut down even more of these fiends, yet it was not her own. She looked down upon her blade and saw how it's usually normal pale silvery blade was now dark red and emanating what could only described as bloody hue. Tomoe shook her head away from the sensation she was feeling, and deciding to put an end to them quickly, she took out her kunai and sent them right towards the fleeing demons. And just to make sure, her free hand made a quick succession of signs.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Feather Jutsu." Tomoe mentally stated the name of her Jutsu, as the flame engulfed the kunai and accelerated their flight.

All of the kunai that she had sent towards her enemies had hit their intended targets, engulfing into flames Gaki and destroying them. Only those four kunai that she had sent towards that woman didn't reach their target, or rather reached her, yet didn't manage to pierce her garments or flesh. The kunai stopped just a mere millimeter away from her, as they hit what Tomoe perceived was an invisible shield. Flames too didn't hurt her in the slightest, and Tomoe could've sworn she had heard a chuckle coming from her. The woman seemed utterly unconcerned with the fate of her minions, as when one of them stumbled towards her, burning and dying, she simply swung her staff at him, smashing his head and ending him.

The woman stepped a few steps closer towards Tomoe, before deciding to speak up.

"Well, well, this is certain not what I had expected to see." The woman spoke up, with Tomoe gripping her sword tighter and bringing it to fighting stance. "Tomoe Uchiha, apprentice and adopted granddaughter of Mito Minamoto, granddaughter of Madara Uchiha and mother to Masamune Uchiha, son of Minato Namikaze. I must say, I didn't expect you to still be alive, nor in possession of such a weapon."

"Who the hell are you and what do you want with Naruto?" Tomoe demanded to know, as she shifted her legs a little more to allow her a better way to rush towards her.

"Now why would I wish to say such a thing to a dead woman, hm?" The woman chuckled, before her right hand made an intricate motion, and a purple cloud appeared, before moving straight towards Tomoe at the great speed.

Tomoe was prepared to dodge it, but there was no need for her to move, as a ball of blue fire hit that cloud, destroying it and with five more fireballs following after that one. The woman seemed to have been taken by surprise, yet she quickly regained her composure, as she placed her staff right before her and casted a shielding spell, which protected her from the fireballs, yet it also forced her back a little. Tomoe was about to rush towards her, yet she was stopped by a firm hand gripping her shoulder, making her turn and see Amagi stepping near her.

"This isn't an enemy you may just attack head on, Tomoe. Like I said before, best let me handle her." Amagi reminded her. "Now there is no doubt in my mind about whom we are dealing here. You are an Onmyoji, are you not? And not only that, but you are also of the Uzumaki people!" Amagi declared, with the woman chuckling at hearing it.

"People? There is no Uzumaki nation anymore, with its people either lying dead or scattered, their remnants only good to be served as sustenance for my ambitions." The woman stated, as she moved her staff away and taking a good look at Amagi. "To think that I wouldn't be able to sense such a powerful Kitsune taking residence here. I must be losing my touch, if I've not noticed Amagi-no-Tenko making Konoha her home. Still, to think that one of the strongest Nine-Tailed Kitsune of Inari would actually reside here of all places… What an irony it is."

"The fact that you know my name suggests that you are no simple novice in the arts of Onmyodo. You are something far more, possibly even a master." Amagi narrowed her eyes at the woman, reading her aura. "Your aura seethes of malice and sinister, practically corrupting air and ground that you step through. I've not seen such malignant power in many ages, and I doubt that Uzumaki would ever allow someone like you to live." The woman let out a chuckle.

"They've tried, yet failed to kill me, many times, though one came very close to ending me. One Mito Minamoto, and now I'm here with her successor, or rather, adopted pet." Woman relished in the flame she perceived in the eyes of Tomoe. "What's the matter, girl? Don't like to hear your dear grandmother's name, or being called a pet?"

"What the hell do you want with Naruto, you witch?" Tomoe repeated her question to the woman.

"Haven't I answered that already?" The woman answered with her own question. "Like I said, he shall serve to fuel my ambitions. This is what he is good for now, anyway."

"You take one more step towards him, and I'll turn you into the sustenance for pigs and worms to feed upon." Tomoe promised, with the woman letting out one more chuckle.

"And how will you be able to do so, when you couldn't even protect your own child from me?" That one line was enough set fire in Tomoe's heart.

With a furious cry, she suddenly disappeared from her spot, surprising both the woman and Amagi, yet it wasn't long until she reappeared. Only this time, she was directly behind the witch, her dark red blade sheathed and in hand and ready to strike at the head of the witch. In any other situation, Tomoe's combination of Hiraishin and quick Batojutsu would earn her an easy victory. Unfortunately for her, this was nothing she had faced before, as the witch let out last chuckle, before she and Tomoe were suddenly gone from the place, dark portals being only remainder of their presence her. Amagi was surprised at what had happened, yet quickly recovered and was prepared to follow the magical trail, had she not seen dozens of portals opening up and many more Ayakashi following out of there.

"Tomoe, please hold on." Amagi prayed her friend would be able to overcome her rage and endure.

Konoha's graveyard.

The portal opened up, and Tomoe raced out of there and slashed with her sword empty air, which confused her to no end. It took her a second to notice that she wasn't even near the hospital, and instead was at the cemetery, which was also surrounded by the same type of barrier she had seen before. She turned around and saw that woman step out of the portal as well, before closing it, while Amagi drew her sword before her and readied for the fight.

"What did you do to Masamune?! WHY DID YOU KILL HIM?!" Tomoe demanded to know with fury clear in her voice as she roared at the woman. "He was just a child… Why did you take MY SON?! What did he do to you?!"

"What did he do, you say? He stood in the way of my dear Kushina, of course." The witch revealed to Tomoe, shocking her. "I hadn't foreseen that fool Minato having a falling out with her and going straight to one who could comfort him. I would've let it slide one time, even though Kushina had quite a temper tantrum over the fact, but you bearing his child… Now that wasn't something we could allow, my dear."

"You and Kushina… Just who the fuck are you, witch?!" Tomoe screamed at her with all her rage, before finally calming herself down a little. "You know what? It doesn't even matter now, because once I'm done with you, I'll just go and beat all the answers out of Kushina myself, since she seems so willing to sell her son to some demonic witch."

"She sold only your own son, but you should thank Masamune, since it was his sacrifice that saved Minato that night." Tomoe grit her teeth, absorbing the information. "And as for my dear Kushina, I'm afraid that I can't have you go and further ruin her family. I should've ended you when I had the chance all those years ago, but no I'll rectify that mistake." Witch's staff hit the ground with force and a surge of power followed from it.

Suddenly, all of the graves that were in the close vicinity of Tomoe started to glow with dark crimson colors, creating swirling circles from which began to appear humanoid forms, first in the shape of skeletons. However, over short time, these skeletons began to take shape and form of the people that they once were in life, as black substance began to form around them, taking shape of clothes and flesh that they wore before. Their eyes were dark red, yet faces all black and inhumane, but with all the characteristics they had during their life. In less the a minute, Tomoe found herself surrounded by reincarnated Konoha Shinobi, numbering in dozens, making her take up her sword and ready herself for a fight not to life, but to the death.

"This witch can teleport, summon demons, and now reanimate people?! Whoever she is, this is definitely not the Impure Reanimation that Second Hokage developed, but some far more sinister. I can't even glimpse their souls." Tomoe thought to herself, as she saw them all approach her.

"These very people were once your comrades in arms, yet at the same time as you together fought for this Village, all of them had despised and belittled you, all because you were a bastard of Senju and Uchiha Clans. Wouldn't be fitting if they were the ones to put you into the grave? Kill her and bring me her sword." The witch commanded, and the hoard of living dead immediately went on to attack her.

Tomoe witnessed and saw how they were moving, and her hope that they would be moving like the zombies from those movies she saw were dashed away, as these reanimates, or rather Revenants, as Tomoe dubbed them, were moving exactly as they did in life, just like Shinobi. In the next second, she was forced to dodge a hail of kunai and shuriken flying towards her from all directions, making her sprint towards the one who stood right in front of the witch. The Revenant prepared to block Tomoe, but she maneuvered around him and slashed with her blade his back, forcing him to scream in an inhumane way and dissipate like mist. Tomoe noticed her tachi glowed a little brighter and seemed a tiny bit stronger, as if it had absorbed that Revenant's power.

"The blade… It absorbs their powers and amplifies its own, and it seems to react to these creatures, as if detecting them. If memory serves me right, Mito told me that this blade is one of 9 Uzumaki's Demonic Arms, used to strike down demons." Tomoe thought to herself, as she inspected her blade quickly. "Now I know why she called you Onimikazuki. Well then, let's see what you really can do." As if reacting to the desire of its owner for a battle, Onimikazuki amplified the release of its power into the air.

Tomoe quickly spun around and slashed three more Revenants, using her superior speed against them, dissipating and destroying them. Following that, she leapt into the air, drawing out her kunai and after charging them with Fire Nature like she did with Gaki, she sent them flying towards her enemies, many of whom had leapt after her. Some were hit, but the impact from the strike and burning was much less significant than with Gaki, only serving to slow them down a little, without seemingly any effect on their mobility and the damage done by the Kunai and fire was already being regenerated by the substance.

"No effect on them, without any response, meaning no nervous system to speak, and little to no effect of my Phoenix Feather Jutsu. Just spirits bound to this husk and doing everything in their power to destroy the target." Tomoe analyzed her opponents. "Either strike with Onimikazuki, or destroy them to the point of no regeneration. No other option." With that in mind, Tomoe's free hand made another hand sign series, before releasing a powerful wave of fire out of her mouth.

Majestic Destroyer Flame, her grandfather's best Fire Style Jutsu and one of the most destructive, one that could destroy literal villages and towns in one usage. If this wasn't going to stop these Revenants, then Tomoe would have to implement something even more destructive. Summoned Revenants that were in the way of that powerful wave of fire, weren't able to maneuver away from it, and were engulfed by it. When Tomoe landed, she saw only burning smudges of that substance coming down, before being destroyed, making her smile and understand, that the Revenants weren't like reanimated dead that Tobirama was capable of summoning. These were vulnerable to more conventional means of fighting, and this meant that they could be dispelled and destroyed, though with effort and much of power put into the attack.

The remaining Revenants were coming towards Tomoe and readied their weapons, from kunai to swords, and prepared to strike her down, only for Tomoe to go to town on them, as she began dismantling the army. Slashed by her blade, engulfed in the fires, crushed by the boulders, electrified by lightning- Tomoe had plenty of ways to destroy her opponents, even if they were harder to kill then usual folk. Downward slash to one was followed by an upward to another, kick to the jaw sent another one flying to his friends, before Tomoe was forced to maneuver away from the kunai, spinning and making a 180 with her sword slashing the head of another enemy. Quick jump, send kunai overcharged with Lightning Nature at the enemies, block and dodge incoming attacks, watch how the kunai electrify and dissipate the enemies. Rinse and repeat.

After some time, Tomoe had finally been able to put down all of the Revenants, though she had to use up quite a lot of her Chakra and stamina to do so. She could already sense fatigue and exhaustion to set in, and what was worse, she could even sense her disease once again acting up, making her cough out blood from her mouth.

"Damn it! I almost forgot about it, but why is it acting up now?! I'm not using my Sharingan, and I've done everything to strengthen my health over the years. It should've subsided, if not gone away, unless…" Tomoe recalled the first thing that the witch said, and looked at her, only see her eyes glowing with red through the veil, making Tomoe cough out even more blood and feel intense pain.

"Impressive, very impressive. You are most definitely a far finer fighter than Kushina, though I would expect nothing less of Mito's granddaughter." The woman clapped slowly to Tomoe, as she was struggling to regain her composure, only to fall onto her knees and spill out blood from her mouth. "Too bad that she had failed to train you in any of the Onmyodo, or else it wouldn't be so disappointingly easy to end you. Did you really think you've had even a chance to kill me?" The woman was moving towards Tomoe, who was now struggling to remain conscious.

"Curse that woman! This must be one of her curses… Damn it, I never thought I would have to result to that Jutsu..." Tomoe's eyes blazed a little as the irises changed their shape into that of Sharingan, before Tomoe's body was body was wrapped by the black chains, completely restraining her movements, while the woman stopped just before her.

"Look at yourself: coughing out blood, brought down by one of the small curses that I placed upon you… Maybe I should just make you cough it all out of you?" The woman arrogantly asked herself, while Tomoe was seemingly getting more furious.

Sensing that there was a great deal of power in her blade now, she followed an unknown instinct and decided to send her chakra into Onimikazuki. That had the surprising effect of the sword releasing a powerful surge of its demonic energy, destroying the chains and shocking the witch. Using the opening, Tomoe rose up from her feet and sent her blade down on the witch, intending to slash her from her shoulder to the hips. The red blade encountered a dark purple shield around her, yet it smashed it like it was glass and went straight into the woman's shoulder, tearing it up and imbedding itself right in the chest, almost splitting her in two. Tomoe saw the woman spill out blood from her mouth and she smiled with her bloodied smile… before she felt her own chest being pierced by the staff's lower point.

"Should've… gone for the head, stupid girl…" The witch stated to Tomoe, as she breathed her last… and dissipated right before her eyes. "WHAT?!"

"Good advice."

The witch's eyes widened, as she turned nearly destroyed body around, to see Tomoe, already driving her sword right towards the witch's head, ready to take it. Only a miracle could save her, and that miracle appeared in the form of a big flaming bird charging right towards Tomoe and forcing her to break off her attack and evade what was essentially a living fire. Once she did so, she was able to observe how her opponent was suddenly starting to regenerate, the destroyed and cut flesh literally being fused and restored with flames, before becoming a whole thing before long. The flaming bird let out a cry and landed near the witch, before disappearing.

"A Shikigami…" Tomoe understood what it was, saying it out loud, before stating one more thing that she realized. "That was Suzaku, the Vermillion Bird of Rebirth and Sun. How the hell a witch like you have acquired it's as a Shikigami?! Amagi told me that Suzaku never serves someone that serves evil, and you certainly are one hell of an evildoer

"One can always… Be made to do another's bidding…" The woman panted, as the regeneration had caused her to use up a great deal of her powers. "But… You… How did you put me… in a Genjutsu?! That's impossible for anyone to do it on me!"

"Who said I used it on you?" Tomoe said with a smirk, making the woman confused, while she swung her sword and took in a great deep breath. "Ah, so that's what it feels like to be reborn… No illness, fatigue or even that pesky curse of yours to torment me. Now I see why my Clan had abused it so much in the past." Tomoe stated with pride, while the Witch widened her eyes.

"No matter… I've had enough of your damn meddling!" With that, she smashed her staff into the ground, forcing all of the destroyed Revenants to come back, while she was already preparing to cast her spells. "After I'm done here, I'll make sure to reunite you and Naruto… right inside of me!" With that said, the Witch mentally commanded her slaves to charge at Tomoe, who was prepared to destroy them once again…

…Before loud bangs sounded through the night, with each of them followed by another Revenant being popped out of the existence. Many loud bangs, like small explosions, sounded, and as many Revenants fell, before there were none left in existence. And then came the seemingly quiet, yet loud laughter, one that Tomoe recognized from before, while the Witch was forced to turn to the source of it. The source of it appeared to be a girl of all things. She has ivory skin and long, black hair tied in long uneven twin tails. Her right eye is red-tinted while her left eye appears as a golden, inorganic clock face, a feature that clearly spoke of the girl's inhuman nature

The dress she was wearing was also something completely out of the ordinary, is made out of crimson and black frills, with open shoulders and arms, with a big red and black bow in front of her as a decoration on area where her corset moves into a large freely skirt, giving her the appearance of a somewhat elegant lady out on a gala, despite her extravagant looking dress. On her head, she wears a big crimson net bow to hold her hair. She also wears a red and black collar on her neck. Her figure, though obscured a little by her dress, was still one of beauty, and Tomoe could see this girl being a bane of many men just from her looks alone. In her arms, she carries two strange looking things, looking like tubes mounted upon pieces of wood, with the one in her right arm looking large enough to be held in both hands.

As she approached them, Tomoe could see that Witch was suddenly shaking from fear, while the girl let out a giggle, before she spoke up.

"Ara ara, it would seem I am yet again late for the tea party. What an unlucky girl I am, but it would seem that all the important guests are still here." The girl spoke in a melodic charming voice, which emanated seduction, but Tomoe could also sense extreme danger coming from her. "I hope you can forgive me for my late arrival, my dear Aiwa, but it would seem you've found my guest to be quite entertaining."

"You… You've tipped her and that Kitsune about me?! How did you know?!" The witch was furious at the sight of the girl, and her giggle, made Tomoe shiver a little.

"My dear Aiwa, you hurt me with these words. Like I wouldn't know when to expect you to appear again, after our so many trysts together." The girl giggled, as she raised her weapons and pointed them at the witch, who was struggling to bring up her defenses. "Now, shall we continue our date from where we left off? What was it that I was going to say? Ah yes. Zaphkiel!" Suddenly, Tomoe saw how a large clock appeared right behind the girl.

Aiwa tried to stop her, but was unable as she was found herself bound by arms and hands, produced by the shadows, with Tomoe sensing that this was the girl's doing. She witnessed how a dark red energy surged and took shape, as it appeared from the third number on the clock and flowed into her two weapons. The girl then smiled maliciously and spoke up again.

"Gimmel." And after that, two bangs followed from the tubes, with the Witch being hit immediately after.

Tomoe didn't know what was the attack supposed to do, but she did witness how the woman suddenly lost all of her power to stand and suddenly hunched, her voice suddenly becoming distorted and ragged, as it was… getting older. The entire frame of the woman was convulsing, and Tomoe noticed how her hands were suddenly growing older and almost turning to dust. It was at that moment when Suzaku again appeared, before flying closer to the witch and enveloping her with his wings. In a blaze of fire, the two disappeared, with the barrier breaking afterwards and coloring once more returned to normal, with Tomoe looking up to see the moon shining upon the clear sky. After that, she looked at the girl and saw her letting out a theatrically sad sigh.

"And there she goes again, never able to finish our date… Oh well, there's always going to be another time." The girl said, putting down her weapons, while Tomoe continued to grip her own sword, before the girl looked at Tomoe. "Ara ara, and she left one more unsatisfied customer. Such a poor host she is, don't you agree?"

"You… You were the one who warned me about her… How did you know, and who are you?" Tomoe asked first questions that came to her mind, with the girl letting out that sweet sounding giggle.

"Ara ara, where are my manners? My apologies, I was so enthralled at the prospect of playing with Aiwa that I forgot to introduce myself." As she said that, she dispelled her weapons and put her hands on the ends of her dress, making a curtsy to Tomoe, before looking up in her eyes. "It is my pleasure to meet you officially, Tomoe Uchiha. Kurumi Tokisaki, at your service. I've hoped that my warning would finally allow me to meet people that have been taking care of my employer's grandson."

"Employer?" Tomoe asked again.

"Indeed, Lady Izanami is quite an affectionate grandmother, especially towards her most young grandson. Though she was quite in a fit of rage when I last saw her, raving and ranting about how her dear grandchild was put into a hospital… That's when I had a feeling that my old friend may again show herself." Kurumi replied, as she moved closer to Tomoe. "And my hunch was correct, though I didn't expect you to engage her for so long. My apologies for running late, you could say I was putting some finishing touches on my dress. A girl can't appear at a date in anything but her best, can she?"

"Is this all just some game for you? And that witch, Aiwa, who or what is she?" Tomoe spoke to Kurumi.

"Well, for one like me, this isn't as much a game as a life calling, one that I deeply enjoy. As for our now mutual friend, Aiwa, she is as what you so aptly have called her, a witch, though my description may fit her as well." Kurumi stated cryptically. "She is someone I have long been tracking down, hoping to finally finish our date, yet never being able to do so. But I am a rather patient girl and I can wait, especially since the conclusion of tryst is not so far in the future. And in the meantime, why don't we join your friend at the hospital?" Kurumi offered, with Tomoe realizing that Amagi was still there, possibly fighting demons.

"Can you get us there quickly?" Tomoe wanted to know, with Kurumi simply smiling to her, before the two suddenly disappeared from the cemetery.

Next moment. In front of hospital

"Is this quick enough for you?" Kurumi and Tomoe appeared right in front of the hospital, with the grounds here looking like this was sight of a great battle. "Ara ara, looks like we've missed all the real fun. Aiwa, what a naughty customer she is, always denying the people both bread and entertainment…"

"There was little entertainment to be found in destroying Oni." Amagi spoke up, as she came close to Tomoe, followed by Akagi and Kaga in their human appearances. "Tomoe, thank the heavens you are well. I was afraid that she might be too much for you."

"She was too much for me to handle…" Tomoe stated, before moving one of her bangs away, revealing to Amagi and others her blind right eye, making Amagi widen her eyes. "Fortunately, the Uchihas always have two aces up their sleeves, so I pulled one against her."

"Izanagi… Tomoe, are you alright?" Amagi asked with a concerned tone. "Your ailment, is it…"

"Better than I've been in years, fit as fiddle, to be quite honest with you, without even a trace of that illness. I have a feeling it was casted by that witch, or Aiwa, as is her name, but after I used Izanagi, I lost it." Tomoe said and she flexed a little bit. "Mhm, I feel as good as new. Had I known that I would be able to get rid of that ailment with Izanagi, I would've used it ages ago."

"Curse? Better if you tell us everything from the start." Amagi told Tomoe, who told her of everything that had happened to her.

"…And that's when Kurumi teleported me here to you." Tomoe explained to her. "Tell me, does any of it make sense to you, because I'm almost ready to smash my head at something if it lets me understand what had happened."

"This does make sense to me, Tomoe, and with all that you've told me… I fear I may now know whom we've faced off against, or rather whom you've nearly killed." Amagi told Tomoe, who looked at her with intent. "Aiwa Minamoto, once a member of Minamoto Clan and an aspiring Onmyoji, but also one of the worst Uzumaki nation's criminals, whose atrocities are a stuff of grim infamy among Yokai. Through the usage of Senjutsu and Youjutsu, she tried to find a way to eternal life and youth, delving into the depths of magical depravity and shedding away her humanity. Once a brilliant beautiful woman, now a demon in human flesh, she is as dangerous as she is mad. It is no surprise for me that Kurumi Tokisaki herself is after her."

"That woman kept mentioning Kushina, and that Masamune was in her way… It sounded to me like she was caring for Kushina, but why would she?" Tomoe asked.

"The same reason why you care for Masamune even now." Amagi stated to her, making Tomoe widen her eyes. "Kushina's father was a member of Fujiwara Clan, but her mother was Aiwa, from whom Kushina was quickly separated and taken into Minamoto Clan, once the fact of Aiwa's crimes became public. I know of this because a friend of mine served as head priestess in the Inari Temple in Uzu. I do not know if Aiwa is in contact with Kushina or not… But her actions towards Masamune and you are in line with her thoughts. As for Naruto… I can't put my mind as to why she would attack him, though."

"Perhaps she doesn't view him as her own blood, much like daughter doesn't see Naruto as a worthy son to her name." Tomoe suggested with grim tone. "Either way, I don't care about why right now. All I care is that the next time I see her, I'll kill her with my own hands for all she had done to me and tried to do to Naruto."

"That may be a problem, finding her. She has a way for covering her tracks, not to mention that she appears only once in a long while, but every time she appears, there are always dead people left behind." Kaga stated with the knowledge of the subject. "And as for her Shikigami, to be able to help her recover from a fatal wound, even if she is an Uzumaki… There are very few Suzaku that can do it, and one of them was actually a generational Shikigami of Minamoto Clan."

"What is that?" Tomoe asked.

"A generational Shikigami is a Shikigami that serves not just one particular person, but also the successors of that person, in other words, future generations. Such Shikigami are very powerful, and have ages of experience and might to use, and do not break their contract or become someone else's pawns easily." Akagi explained. "To be able to subjugate such a powerful Yokai is already a statement about her power. Normally, that Suzaku would be serving a member of Minamoto Clan that is meant to lead the clan, but Aiwa must've enslaved it through Youjutsu. With Suzaku, she is practically invincible to most if not all physical damage."

"Should've gone for the head at the start…" Tomoe muttered to herself, before noticing something odd. "Wait… Where is Kurumi?"

"What? But she was just right…" Amagi looked at the spot where she previously stood, finding it empty. "Oh no… We need to go to Naruto, now!" And after that, the entire group moved right towards his room.

Luckily for them, everyone inside was still deeply asleep and none were able to perceive what was happening around them, so the ladies were able to move without much care of being spotted. It took them roughly one minute to reach the operational room, move past it and into the room where Naruto currently was. When they opened up the doors, they saw one thing they didn't think they would see: Kurumi was kissing Naruto cheek. The visage of what they were seeing made Tomoe and Amagi go into an expression of shock, while Akagi and Kaga were frozen in place and seething with rage. The next moment, Kurumi was done kissing Naruto in the cheek and rose up with a sly smile on her face, speaking up.

"My deepest apologies, I just couldn't help myself but partake in playing my long wanted fantasy of a Sleeping Beauty and a kiss of love. Although, wasn't that kiss supposed to be in the lips?" Kurumi made a look of contemplation, before moving back to seemingly kiss Naruto.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Both Akagi and Kaga cried out and tried to tackle Kurumi, only for her to push them both away with a flick of her fingers on their head, before turning her head to them.

"Ara ara, aren't we protective… Such fierce glares you have, all because of a small kiss on the cheek I gave him. Still, I do wonder how good of a kiss he would give me. I think I'll not be the one stealing his first kiss, but the one who will receive when he gives it to me. Wouldn't that be so much better and romantic, first kiss made out of mutual love and passion… Ah, it makes me blush just thinking about it." Kurumi put her hand on her cheek, before standing up from her place. "My apologies, but you were all so preoccupied with Tomoe's tale, that I felt left out and I decided to pay a visit to the one I was tasked with protecting. And once I got here… I'm afraid I just couldn't help myself."

"Lady Izanami tasked you with protecting him?" Amagi asked of Kurumi, who smiled to her.

"Why yes, who better than the one who cleans up this messed up world from the worst of humanity than the Worst Spirit? Kihihihihihihi…" Kurumi laughed out loud. "But you may rest easy, for I see no need to do any cleaning with you, nor will be a poor guest to my hosts and ruin their home. Otherwise my Lady get mad at me, and she is quite a bother when she is being mad at me. Anyway, I can see that I'm overstaying my welcome, so I shall take my leave, with your permission." Kurumi walked towards them, but stopped in the middle of room, before smiling.

"Kurumi, what do you have in mind now?" Tomoe didn't like her smile, while Kurumi chuckled a little.

"Ara ara, no need to get so tense. I'm just feeling like being quite generously benevolent tonight, that's all." In the next second, her small weapon appeared in her arm. "Now, how about I pay you for your hospitality and entertainment. Zaphkiel." The clock immediately appeared behind her, and a power from the first number flowed into the weapon, which she immediately pointed towards Naruto. "Aleph." And then she fired at Naruto.

"You demented bitch, I'll fucking…" Tomoe was about rip Kurumi apart, before she was stopped by Amagi.

"Tomoe, stop! Had Kurumi wanted to kill Naruto, she would've done it long before we had gotten here, and that spell of hers isn't one that kills, isn't it?" Amagi asked of Kurumi, who simply giggled.

"Why yes, indeed. And you can see that he actually looks quite a bit better than earlier, can't you?" Kurumi pointed to Naruto's bed, with Naruto now starting to look a good bit healthier, instead of his previous pale and deathly appearance. "I've used some of my power to expedite his recovery. With this, he will now have to stay here for weeks, instead of months, so you may all thank me. And now, I shall take my leave. Adieu~." And with that and a curtsy, Kurumi disappeared in the shadows, leaving them all in the room with Naruto.

"What… What does this all mean?" Akagi asked, trying to wrap her head around what had happened tonight.

"It means that we now have to protect Naruto even more than before. Aiwa will be back, and next time we may not be as lucky as this time. We'll have to step up Naruto's training in Onmyodo, start on real spells and how to make contracts." Amagi concluded in her mind. "But that will mean nothing if you do not stop holding back on his training, Tomoe."

"I had wanted him to not be solely focused on my training, but now… I'll step it up, and he'll learn everything from me. Now that I'm back to 100 percent capacity, I'll put him through hell of trainings. When he wakes up, first thing he will be learning how to wield a real sword." Tomoe promised. "But he won't be the only one learning something useful. Amagi, I've got to learn the Onmyodo. If I'm to face off against Aiwa again, I want to pay her back with her own coin."

"It will be difficult for you to learn Onmyodo, now that you are grown up… But if you are fully prepared…"

"Oh, I am, and don't worry about my determination." Tomoe stated to her, as she turned to Naruto. "That woman took the life of my son, and tried to take life of Naruto… I'll not rest until I rip out of her heart and crush it before her eyes."


My original plan was to finish this chapter and post it on Thursday, but like they say, if you want to make God laugh tell him about your plans. And God decided to make some new plans for me, like helping out my aunt with her plans for two days straight, when there haven't been rain for over a month, with ground being as hard as rock… Anyway, my apologies for being late with this chapter, but I hope you can enjoy it.

Now, I'm exhausted and tired after two days of forced/voluntary labor, and so I will keep this brief. Review, suggest, question, send PMs, I'll answer it all.

Next time: Trouble on Mt. Myoboku; Council Meeting.