"Hokage-sama… I'd like to adopt Uzumaki"

Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly but he quickly schooled his features and took a long drag from his pipe. "I see.. I can't say I didn't expect this when you discovered the truth." He sighs "But I cannot allow it."

Mikoto's face contorts in anger "But-" the Hokages stare alone stopped the words in her throat "I'm sorry Mikoto, I truly am. I know you want to take care of Kushina's son; but with the rumors going around the village.. I'm afraid it would do no good but to add fuel to the flames" The old Hokage says in a tired tone.

Mikoto balled her fists but didn't reply as she already knew what he was talking about. It was common knowledge everyone thought the Uchiha were behind the kyuubi attack, as there are only so many things that can control a Biju; and the sharingan was the only one in large quantity. 'Damn these Villagers..! We had nothing to do with the Kyuubi attack!' she grit her teeth.

The Sandaime looked on with pity, he knew mikoto was one of the few people whom actually cared about the blond haired child; just then a thought popped into his head "Mikoto" he says, dragging her out of her thoughts

"While i cannot allow you to adopt Naruto, I can however provide him with his own apartment" The old man pauses seeing if she's catching on, seeing her confused face he continues "Therefore he can do as he wishes and stay wherever he wishes for however long he wishes" the old man finishes putting emphasis on a few words.

Mikoto putting two and two together gives the Hokage a bow and a smile of gratitude "I see, Well thank you for your time Hokage-sama." He gives her a smile as she goes to leave the room. Before she leaves she stops as a thought pops into her head "Oh! Hokage-sama" she exclaims, getting his attention; she proceeds to tell him about Naruto and Saradas Special chakra. The old man strokes his beard as he takes a hit off his pipe. "Hmm.. It Sounds to me like they both have a very rare affinity to Yin Yang chakra" he says and Mikoto's eyes nearly bulge out of her head "Are you Sure Hokage-sama? Like you said, it's extremely rare to have an affinity to yin yang release" she says in awe

The Hokage hits the pipe again "I can't be too sure as i've only seen such affinities in two other people.." he says in thought "There isn't much i can say until i can feel it first hand, until then keep a close eye on them" the Saindaime says with authority. Mikoto nods and takes her leave. As soon as the door shuts he releases a quiet sigh as he leans back and looks over all the paperwork, I'm getting too old for these politics & shit'.

*The Next Day*

It's midafternoon and Naruto is walking towards the dock with a smile on his face, thinking about the talk he just had with the Hokage.

*Flashback*

Naruto had just woken up and was currently eating breakfast; out of the corner of his eye he spots the orphanage matron walking up to him "Naruto-kun" The woman speaks kindly "There's someone here to see you in the next room, why don't you go see who it is?" she says.

Excitedly he runs into the next room, already knowing who it is "Hokage-jiji!" Naruto runs into the elderly Hokage. "Hello Naruto-kun, how are you this morning?" He says patting the blonde on his head.

Looking up from the robes his face was in, Naruto gives his signature grin "I'm doing good jiji, but what are you doing here?" he asks innocently, The Sandaime chuckles in response "I'm here with good news Naruto-kun" The blonde looks at him confused.

"I've decided it would benefit you most if you had your own apartment" he barely gets out before there was a child-like scream. "Yatta! I get my own house!?" Naruto yells as he hops up and down in excitement.

The elderly Kage chuckles again at Naruto's childish antics "Yes Naruto-kun, but don't forget; this is a big responsibility" he says with an admonishing tone. "Don't worry jiji, i can do it dattebayo!" The whiskered boi says with stars in his eyes.

With that Hiruzen brings Naruto to his new home. They arrive soon enough and the Sandaime unlocks the door and they go inside. "Woah" Naruto says as he looks around at the furnished apartment. It had the bare necessities but that was fine with Naruto. "It has everything you need Naruto-kun, and i'll be giving you a monthly allowance for food and such; do you think you can handle it?" Naruto grins at the old Hokage.

"Of course jiji!" he says enthusiastically as the hokage gives the boy a chuckle. The Sandaime bids Naruto well and was about to leave when he remembered something "Ah, I almost forgot" He chastised "Soon you'll be old enough to enter the academy, is that something you'd want, Naruto-kun?" he asked, to which Naruto replied enthusiastically "Yes jiji! I want to become a ninja so I can be the greatest Hokage ever!"

Hiruzen's eyes widened but he smiled at the blond and nodded 'I know you will be, my boy' he thought as he left the apartment.

*End Flashback*

'This is so awesome!' He thought excitedly. He's finally away from the bullies that teased him, and can be left alone. 'Alone' The thought struck him, It'd just be him in that house. He'd been alone for most of his life, did he really want it to stay that way?

He wrapped up his thoughts as he got to the docks and saw his friend "Hey Sarada-chan!" he said with a huge grin. She smiles back and waves "Hi Naruto-kun, how was your morning? With the grin still on his face faltering a bit he explains what he talked about with the Hokage.

"Wow that's so cool Naruto-kun! I can't imagine living on my own like that" she says with a giggle but then notices the look on his face "What's wrong Naruto-kun?" he sighs "It does sound cool" She looks at him, waiting for him to continue "I just don't know if i want to live on my own.. It sounded so cool at first but i'm nervous i guess.." the blond says hesitantly.

Sarada took on an understanding look "Well don't worry Naruto-kun, I'm sure if you want to kaa-san will let you stay whenever you want to if you ever get too lonely" She says with a Smile. Naruto gave a smile back "So anyway, are you ready to go to the academy!" The boy said with a smile, secretly wanting to end the sad conversation.

Immediately forgetting the conversation as Naruto hoped; The raven haired girl got giddy "Of course I am, are you?" She says challengingly to which she gets a smirk "You know I am dattebayo! Let's train and get strong together Sarada-Chan!" she smiles at him "Hai!"

*Three Months Later*

About three months have passed by and Naruto started the academy along with Sarada. They've both been Hard at work perfecting their shuriken throwing and chakra control, having already completed the leaf sticking exercise and the tree climbing exercise growing their reserves and perfecting their control between studies at the academy.

They had also recently discovered Itachi's little secret.

*Flashback two months ago*

Naruto and Sarada were sparring with Itachi in the training ground behind the Uchiha's house while Mikoto watched on the porch; the new academy students utilizing the academy style they were practicing when suddenly Itachi stopped Mid spar to dodge a kunai "Woah where did that come from!?"

Naruto yelled, having been scared by the sudden kunai thrown at his pseudo older brother. Sarada said nothing as she scanned the clearing behind her house when suddenly someone entered the clearing in a swirl of leaves.

When the leaves cleared Naruto and Sarada saw a girl with long Dark brown Hair, Dark brown eyes wearing a sleeveless purple shirt with a high collar with a matching purple combat skirt.

'She's pretty' both Naruto and Sarada thought "Sorry Itachi-kun, had to keep you on your toes." The girl giggled as she walked up to them, Itachi just chuckled as she continued her stride. As she got closer she noticed Naruto and Sarada staring at her. When she got close she bent down a little and extended her hand to them "Nice to meet you! My name is Izumi, I'm Itachi's Girlfriend" she said calmly with a gentle smile.

There was a moment of silence then "What!?" Naruto, Sarada and Mikoto screamed. Itachi had a girlfriend? "When did this happen? Itachi-kun why didn't you tell your kaa-san you got such a beautiful girlfriend?" Mikoto half said half yelled.

Itachi stayed silent but if you looked closely you could see a small blush adorning his usually stoic face. "Im sorry kaa-san I just didn't think about it." he said, still having a small blush. She sighed exasperated then looked at the slightly blushing Izumi.

All the while Naruto and Sarada could do nothing but gawk seeing Itachi flustered, having never seen this side of him.

Mikoto smiled and took Izumi's hand "Hello Izumi-san, Im Mikoto; it's nice to finally meet you" She said with a smile and an annoyed glance directed at Itachi. Izumi smiled back "It's nice to meet you as well Mikoto-san"

After that Izumi stayed there for the day and talked with Mikoto as the three continued their spar.

*End Flashback*

Since then Izumi has been showing up quite often, occasionally helping Naruto and Sarada. Sarada was beginning to form a real bond with the girl seeing how her Nii-san acted with her. Naruto on the other hand had been taken with her, and vice versa. The two shared an odd connection and they quickly became close; Even calling her Nee-san.

Over the past few months Naruto has been staying primarily with Mikoto, Sarada and Itachi; choosing to not be alone much to Mikotos delight. But because of this he's noticed lately Mikoto has been very tense, in fact; most of the Uchiha clan has been tense. The blonde has voiced his concerns to Sarada but she told him it's because she is just stressed from clan head responsibilities.

Innocently he believed this and went on as usual, currently at the park where Naruto and Sarada are now he's telling the same to Shikamaru who had asked "Oh ok" said the pineapple head hearing Naruto's explanation. "I was just asking cause I overheard tou-san talking about it" Sarada nodded "Yeah it's nothing to worry about" she laughed.

*Meanwhile Elsewhere*

Itachi is walking through the forest deep in thought. Suddenly He grit his teeth and clenched his fists 'Damn it.. I couldn't stop it.. Im sorry; everyone..' he thought. Shisui had failed to stop the Coup d'état. 'Don't worry Shisui, i'll keep your eye safe' he thought as a lone tear fell from his eye before it was gone like it was never there.

Suddenly he felt a presence in the trees to his right. He ignored it, deciding to assess the situation. He continued walking, altering his path to lead himself and whoever was following him deeper into the forest. He had been walking for about ten minutes before he stopped "I know you're there, come out now" Itachi said stoically. He heard nothing but a chuckle as someone materialized in front of him.

Itachi's eyes widened slightly 'That definitely wasn't a shunshin..was that space-time Ninjutsu?' He thought to himself 'I need to be careful'. "Why are you following me? You obviously aren't trying to kill me or you would have attacked by now; so what is it you want?" Itachi said as he got a better look at the man. The man was wearing an orange and black striped mask with a single eye hole over his right eye along with long black hair, dark clothing and a black haori.

The man chuckles again "What do I want? Straight to the point then, Itachi-san" The man says with a gravelly voice "Why, I want to help you exterminate our clan" The stranger says jovally as he lifts his head to show a glowing sharingan in the shape of a pinwheel..A mangekyou sharingan.

Itachi's eyes immediately widened and his body froze. 'A mangekyo sharingan..but Shisui was the only one..' the prodigy thought with an ounce of shock and fear. He quickly schooled his features and tried to relax himself "Who are you?" he said only to receive another eerie chuckle.

"A relic of the past" The man said cryptically "But you, Itachi, you may call me by my true name" he paused "Uchiha...Madara" Itachi Immediately froze again hearing the name of one of the most powerful people to ever live. 'It can't be.. He's dead!' thought the young anbu. "Impossible.. Even if it were true, you'd have to be well over a century old" said the stoic Uchiha. The man now known as Madara waved his hand "Nothing a few medical advancements cant handle.. But regardless, you have a problem, Itachi-san" he paused "You can't kill the entire clan by yourself, I'm simply offering..a helping hand" Madara says as he extends his arms.

Itachi says nothing as he weighs his options, but finally Itachi heaves a sigh "I see no other choice, you're correct in your assumption; but I have conditions" Itachi says as Madara tilts his head in interest, Itachi continues "Every Uchiha but my imouto dies, that being said; don't touch Sarada" He says with his sharingan spinning menacingly "Secondly, My Mother and Izumi die by my hand." finishing his terms Madara nods "That's acceptable, we start tonight then like you planned" Itachi's eyes widened again "How-" he was cut off by Madara "Ja ne" He said as he swirled away.

*Later That Night*

It was dark out already and our two protagonists are still at the park. "You think we should head back? It's gotten dark out" Sarada says concerned. They usually don't stay out so late but Shikamaru and Choji had been able to stay later and they wanted to play with their friends "Yeah, Let's go home" The blond says a bit disappointed as they start walking to the Uchiha compound.

*Meanwhile at Mikoto's House*

Mikoto and Izumi are in the living room sharing tea talking about Itachi. "I don't know Mikoto-san, He's just been acting strange lately" The younger girl says with a sigh. Mikoto looks at her with a face of sympathy "I can understand why, he has a lot of things going on in his life Izumi-chan, just be patient" she says with a motherly tone, Izumi smiles and nods.

The two continue talking, but both have a feeling eating at the back of their minds, they both stop their conversation when they feel a chakra signature outside the house that they've never felt before. They glance at one another and both nod.

As they walk out of the house they immediately find the source of the strange chakra. Outside the house was a man dressed in black clothing, the most distinguishing feature was the orange and black mask on his face. The two stop to analyze the man before a glimpse of red catches their vision.

What they saw horrified the two, Izumi putting her hand to her mouth in shock as she saw the bodies of Uchiha Shinobi and civilians alike littering the ground in front of the house. Mikoto grit her teeth seeing the bodies of her fellow clansmen, "Who are you" The older woman says between grit teeth.

The masked man gave a laugh "Oh, no one important; not to you at least.. Seeing as you'll both die here!" The man exclaimed as he shot towards the two, kunai in hand. The two girls' shinobi instincts took over as they jumped back and activated their sharingan as they got in their taijutsu stances. "Stay back Izumi-chan!" Mikoto shouts as she meets his kunai with her own.

Mikoto pushes against his kunai with her own but to no avail 'He's strong' was her thought before getting pushed back, she stumbles regaining her footing 'Damn it, I shouldn't have stopped training.. Im rusty" she thinks as she dodges a strike meant for her heart, she pivots on her heel and aims a strike for the man's head; pong to end the fight just for the kunai to pass through his head. 'What!?' The clan head thinks, shocked by the action she jumps back to gain space.

Putting her hands in the ram seal she exclaims "Kai" only for nothing to happen. The man chuckled darkly "It's no genjutsu, Mikoto-san.." he says appearing next to her, she sees thekunai heading towards her with her sharingan, but is too slow to dodge. Thekunai planted into her abdomen "Mikoto-san!" Izumi yells seeing Itachi's mother being impaled by the assailant.

Just then, two smoke bombs popped under the twos' feet; two blurs entered the smoke screen and appearing with mikoto by Izumi was Naruto and Sarada. "Kaa-san.." "Mikoto.."The youngest of the group cried out with Mikoto in their arms.

As the three were worrying about the Uchiha Matriarch the smoke finally cleared from around Madara as he stared at the scene 'Hm.. They're just children and..I didnt even sense them' Madara thought with interest, it wasn't often one escaped his detection, not to mention two children.He watched the scene unfold as the two children and the older uchiha cared for the one he fatally wounded.

Blood was pounding in his ears as he watched the blood seep out of Mikoto's wound. In the few months he had known her, She had taken him in and had become a sort of mother figure. Now the woman who had taken him in and cared for him was lying here, dying. Dying. The thought echoed in his mind; A rage he never knew he had was bubbling fourth as he slowly stood and faced the man, who did this to his precious person.

"Why.." the blonde trailed off with his bangs hiding his eyes; everyone looked at him, feeling an ominous presence. The man chuckled darkly "Because she was in my way" he said simply. Suddenly Naruto's face snapped up in rage as something deep within him snapped. A heavy presence permeated the air as golden chakra exploded around the enraged child. "I'll kill you..!" he screamed and instinctually his hands went to the snake seal.

It was in this moment when everything changed, the words Naruto uttered would eventually change the shinobi world forever "Mokuton... Mokuryū no Jutsu" .

Alright that's a wrap! Wow has it been 2 years already? lol well sorry guys, my motivation really died after a long period of writers block.. not to mention having a baby takes up alot of time lol. anyway sorry to everyone whos followed and favorited, expect more updates :D