Naruto: Corrupted

by The Omnipresent Sage

Oppressed. Lies. Defiled. Loneliness. Hatred. Naruto had experienced it all by the time he became Genin. Being stripped in Orochimaru's bed of experiments didn't do his mind any favours, but it did leave him with his greatest power. Mokuton Naruto

16. Death and Hope: Part II

The relief that washed over Baki when he received the news that Third had returned to power was like a magical tonic. Gaara had already gone back to Suna with Kakashi. But he had been kept around, for sinister reasons, of course. He'd received word of a purge that occurred. No question the work of Danzo. He was really intent on controlling the Sand nation.

But such was their fate for foolishly thinking they could win against Konoha. Maybe if they had known that the Leaf had a Jinchuriki of its own, things would've been different. Perhaps Rasa had decided to quit the ploy because he knew it was a mammoth task that Suna couldn't possibly achieve.

But at least the Hiruzen was awake. The man was his saviour and Suna's. The Sandaime Hokage was generous and not cold hearted like Danzo. Immediately, he had known that Suna would be freed. It was the fact that he wasn't called soon that had him sweating a little.

"Sandaime-sama," Baki greeted the old man. He looked pale. Worse than before. It was apparent he wasn't in perfect health.

"Please sit, Baki-san."

He noted, there was no smile. A stern tone that had him counting his numbers, just in case things took a turn for the worst.

"Thank you."

Hiruzen leaned back to his chair. It was bothersome that Tsunade had seen it fit to ban him from smoking, citing his poor health. There was no connection between being poisoned and smoking. She was nonetheless the medic nin. He did right by forcing her to return. He would've died without her and Konoha would've been diving toward war in a freefall.

He looked at Baki sternly and then spoke. "I understand that Orochimaru had impersonated Rasa-san to fool you all into leading war. But it is a fact that you all invited him and schemed with him."

"Yes, Hokage-sama. We invited Orochimaru, but the original plan was to scare the Feudal Lord. We did not in…"

"Save it." Hiruzen said sharply. "Regardless of the reasons. I did have a good relationship with him, and he betrayed that trust by working with Orochimaru. Suna was already aware that we were looking for him, yes?"

Baki couldn't deny it. A message had come. If their shinobi were to come across any hideouts, suspicious of nature and even find information about Orochimaru, they could sell it to Konoha. But they welcomed the snake into their homes, and it poisoned them.

"Yes."

"You could have captured him and use that as leverage to come to some negotiation with Konoha. But you did not. I know what Danzo was trying to do. I don't agree with it. Which is why I have sent for Kakashi to return home and Suna will be free to make its decisions…" Hiruzen paused. He'd previously made decisions that made people take advantage of situations. He couldn't fall into that route anymore. "I've sent people to the Wind Lord. They will make sure he provides funding to Suna. But, for a full year, half of that funding will be paid to Konoha, for damages your invasion caused. I could take away Temari from young Gaara and force her to become a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, but we would only earn his animosity. But payment must be made for the loss of lives. For the next two years, you will be stationed in Konoha. In the first year, you will not be permitted to leave the village, but will stay around, teaching my shinobi wind based Jutsu. Everything that you know. In the second year, you will be permitted to visit home. If, however, we find you doing treasonous or contrary to the agreement, you forfeit your life."

Baki thought that was a light sentence but still much more than what he had expected considering this was the Sandaime. Suna would be effectively robbed of its best shinobi. And whoever will be leading the village won't be depending on his knowledge.

"If Sunagakure is to be attacked?"

"In the first year, you will not be permitted to leave. Unless of course my successor changes things. But I have already spoken to her about it and although she disagrees with things, this she has decided to abide. Basically, whether Suna is being attacked or not does not matter. Unless, of course, it pays for your services."

It was still much better than being controlled. Even if Baki had to die as a result, he would be fine, if he was able to give Suna its freedom. But this would be cruel on him. He would just sit and improve Konoha while Suna is being attacked or facing an attack.

"I see."

"You can leave the village now. But I expect you back soon after discussing things with Suna. This isn't negotiable. You accept them or reject them."

Baki wasn't going to ask what would happen if he did not return. "And Iwagakure?"

"I have sent a message to Onoki about this."

Baki nodded and then stood up. "Thank you, Sandaime-sama. I will depart immediately."

Once the man left the office, Hiruzen didn't let loose of a breath he held. No, because there were people waiting for him. He sensed their presence and had signalled them to wait. A squad of Anbu appeared in the office, the captain stepped up.

"Hokage-sama."

"Yugao, please remove your mask. I won't be seeing much of you soon enough…" he didn't have that long to live anyway.

Yugao did as instructed and then dished out her report. "We could not deliver the message, Hokage-sama. The Feudal Lord is dead."

"What?"

"He died of natural causes, they said."

Hiruzen blinked, wondering what the hell was happening. He could name his successor, but they couldn't act until acknowledged by the village Council. He didn't have such issues neither did Tobirama. But the Daimyo have become heavily involved these days. And to avoid a situation of anyone killing a Kage and then saying they elected him as the successor, some rules had to been changed. He could name Tsunade as his successor, and she could move into the office, but it wouldn't be official. Even Danzo could fight it because according to the letter, the man was to be acting Hokage until he woke up and a successor was appointed. Those were the terms.

Waking up just meant he could select his successor and there would be no one to dispute it.

But the Daimyo dying delayed things. He had written, stating his intentions to name Tsunade as his successor. And calling for the man to arrive at the village as soon as possible to make it official.

"And then?"

"We were informed that a representative would be sent. And according to customs, you will get to name your successor."

"Then why did they refuse to take the scroll?"

"Because there was no one appropriate to read it." Yugao said.

"Fine. You're dismissed." Hiruzen waved his right hand and then heaved a heavy sigh. Everything was in order now. There was no one in the Council who was going to reject his wishes.

Tsunade would become his successor.

---

Naruto's House

"Just the person I wanted to see," Naruto said with a smile after opening to see Ino at his door.

"When you want to see someone, you go visit them."

"Why? When you can just come to my humble abode?"

Ino rolled her eyes. "Just because you're a little famous now and the villagers know that you're the son of the Yondaime Hokage doesn't mean that you can just sit around and have people come to visit you as you're a king."

News of the Sandaime's survival had already spread across to the village and there was much joy. He too found reason to be happy. He was doing his best to ignore the nagging feeling of caution that threatened him. It was because of such news that even his name resounded in the streets. The actions in Suna didn't hamper anything.

He could have accepted it if nobody found out about his relation to Minato. He didn't want that man's shadow to keep him grounded. How did you step away from the shadow of a man who died to protect the village from the Kyubi? You just couldn't top that. The gift of life wasn't something that came cheaply.

Naruto laughed. "Don't be like that, Ino." He moved closer to her and whispered to her right ear. "You live in your parent's house. We can't do private things there…" he said, his fingers dancing on her forearm.

"Private things?" Ino kept a straight face. "Uzumaki, last time I checked, you didn't know anything about private things."

"Ouch," Naruto put on a hurt look. "That kinda of hurts my pride, Ino…" he then smiled, moving out of the way for the girl to enter the house. "Perhaps I should show you."

"I think we will all be happy if you could do that."

"You're a naughty girl, you do know that?"

Ino shrugged. "I'm just an adult who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Unlike some timid people."

Naruto kept his smile and followed Ino to the living room. Once she sat down, he settled beside her, resting his head on her lap with his face facing her.

"Before you make me forget, we are going to have some get together tonight or tomorrow. You know, just to celebrate being alive and all."

"That be lovely…" Naruto said quietly. He closed his eyes, feeling a bit of warmth. He was really enjoying having Ino around him. If she wasn't the one coming here, he was surely going to end up visiting the flower shop just to see her. Perhaps he could do that, help a bit. There would be nothing wrong with trying to get her mother to like him.

Parents held sway over their children after all. Ino wasn't a rebel. She was her parent's child. He had seen it many times. Parents telling their children to stay away from him. At least, with Ino's mother, he hadn't sensed anything sinister. Then again, you could never know. There were people who could press you to laugh, and then when you turn away, call you a spawn of the devil.

"What am I to you?"

Naruto was silent for a couple of moments. A question that he didn't expect. He was simply being friends for now. But he understood the question had a deeper meaning attached to it. She really came here to just to put him a corner. But then again, considering the last time they were together, he could understand her question.

Human relationships were complicated. Especially the ones were emotions played a role. They were unpredictable. But it was a fun unpredictability. At least when the other person wasn't dipping drops of poison in your food.

"Shouldn't I be asking you the question?"

"I asked."

Naruto got up and then leaned on the couch with his eyes closed. What to do? "You don't want to get your hopes up for nothing, huh?"

Ino shook her head. She did like him. How deep was questionable. But sometimes Naruto was so unreadable, she couldn't even try to guess what was in his mind. Sometimes, there were even doubts he even liked her given his actions.

"We've just gotten closer, you know…"

"I've honestly never asked myself that question. But you are someone important to me. Someone I want to care for. Someone I like deeply."

"Friends say that to each other."

"I remember saying I loved you."

"I was wondering who is it that came to visit," Karin said, standing by the entrance, her hands on her chest. "Girlfriend?"

Ino glanced at the redhead and then at Naruto. There was woman in Naruto's house, and she'd come from upstairs. Ino hadn't gone there. She'd only used the bathroom, kitchen and this room. She hadn't even seen the back of the house – but this girl was coming from upstairs and Naruto never told her anything about it. She glared at him and then demanded.

"Who the is she and what is she doing in your house?"

"His house?" Karin smiled, and then walked over. She sat on a couch and looked between the two. "This is our house."

"Explain, Naruto. And you better have a good reason."

Naruto had a feeling that even if he said Karin was his girlfriend, Ino wouldn't be going anywhere. He glanced at Karin. She was amused about something. He sighed and then spoke.

"That is Karin Uzumaki. She is a survivor of the Uzumaki clan. And she is a freeloader in my house."

Clan. Just the two of them. Ino was speechless. If it was just the two of them, they weren't going to be talking about reviving the Uzumaki clan, were they? She imagined them trying to make little redheads.

"You're thinking something naughty," Naruto said with an amused look, seeing Ino's cheeks flush pink.

"I'm not!" Ino denied it loudly. "Why does she have to be living with you?"

"Because we are of the same clan and I decided that she is going to be very close to me." Naruto replied in a hardened tone, just to get the message through to Ino.

Ino quickly recognized the tone and slouched slightly. But it was Karin who spoke.

"How long am I going to be locked up in here? I'm going to go crazy just waking up to eat and then sleep!" Karin put her hands on her head, shouting a bit hysterically.

Naruto groaned at this. He wasn't hearing this for the first time. But he didn't want her to do anything in the village. She would not become a Kunoichi. Absolutely not.

"You know Tsunade? The legendary Sannin?"

"Yes."

"She runs a lab. They conduct some research. I can take you there and you can spend your times there and come back home here."

"As long as I find you having cooked something. You get lazy and just boil ramen!"

"Cook for you? I showed you the pots and everything. You're a freeloader and now you want me to cook for you? What am I, your wife?"

"You're certainly not my husband."

"I'm going to put a pillow on your face while you're sleeping. Will save you from having you fall off the bed at night anyway."

"I do not fall from the bed. I was just that one time and I was having an unpleasant dream!"

"Woman, have you seen yourself while sleep? I swear whoever is going to end up sleeping next to you will have to chain you up in the bed just so he doesn't get kicked off the bed!"

Karin folded her hands across her chest. "Do you want me to tell your girlfriend there was a woman who left the house in the morning?"

Feeling Ino's digging glare, Naruto created a shadow clone. The clone walked up to Karin and held out its right hand. "Come, let me go introduce you to her."

Once they were gone, Naruto released a long breath. Karin was high maintenance. Too much energy. Were all Uzumaki like that? Well not like him. Perhaps just the women.

"How do you know how she sleeps?"

Naruto slowly turned around to face Ino. She had a frightening look about her. He smiled nervously, scratching his head. "Well, you see, I was just checking up on her."

"At night while she is sleeping."

"It doesn't sound as bad. She is new here and I wanted to make sure she was comfortable after I heard her snoring loudly."

"Can't trust what you say." Ino folded her hands, puffed up her cheeks. "I might have to come and spend some nights here just to make sure nothing is happening."

"I wouldn't complain either way…" Naruto replied with a smile. "As long as your father doesn't come up at night to peek through the window to see if we are sleeping or being naughty."

"Daddy wouldn't do that!"

'Sure…"

---

Baki halted, jumping down from a tree. He looked around, seeing that he was being pursued. Within a minute, he was surrounded by ten men. He frowned. An ambush like this by masked men. It was usually a prerequisite to one's death.

"Baki-san. You are to return with us to Hidden Leaf."

"Danzo?"

"Will you do so willingly, or will you do so under duress?"

No doubt, Danzo was plotting something behind the Sandaime's back. But what did he expect? The man wasn't just going to go away silently. The fear that he would die gripped him once again. To avoid death. To avoid anything treacherous, he had to defeat these people. The Third Hokage had just given him his life back, and he would not allow it to get taken away.

"Why does it sound like you want me alive?"

"Because before you die, we have an important job for you."

Baki was very afraid of this. He took a stance and then watched them attack him all at once.

---

Sakura smiled happily seeing Sasuke walk into restaurant with Naruto. She'd invited him over and he had refused, saying he had better things to do. But, seeing him here, she realized, the blond must have spoken to him. He appeared to be the only one who could make Sasuke do anything. It was rather sad that her word meant nothing.

She shook her head. She just had to be happy that he was around. She had missed being with her teammates and the others.

"Sasuke-kun!" She greeted him happily.

Sasuke didn't ignore her, he just nodded his head but was pulled in by Ino. "Come sit with me, Sasuke-kun," she said casually, but her eyes fully on Sakura.

"What the hell, Ino?! You already have Naruto!" Sakura shouted, rising with her hands on the table. She nearly burnt on hands on the heater.

"Who said I can't have Sasuke?" Ino asked innocently. "Besides, if I had Naruto, I wouldn't be dragging Sasuke."

"I'll take Naruto." Sakura replied without even thinking about it.

Ino stared and then burst out laughing. "Oh yeah? Take him. He is all yours, Sakura-chan."

Seeing Sakura look at him and then frown before slumping down, defeated, Naruto took offense in that. "Couldn't you have been happy, Sakura?"

"Her heart is only for the broody bastard. She didn't even greet any of you but went for her beloved!" Kiba was quick to point.

"This sounds like fun," Karin said to Naruto as she pushed in beside him. Kiba sandwiched her between and the blond.

Smiling, Naruto said, "the night has only just begun, my dear Karin." Shikamaru, Chouji and Hinata were also present. The person who appeared to be missing was Shino. But the group that graduated together had gathered for the first time since becoming shinobi.

He smiled at the Nara and then waved at Hinata. She waved back, with a brilliant smile.

"So, who is the redhead, Naruto? You're going to introduce us?" Kiba asked with a smile, trying not to look at Karin.

Naruto didn't immediately reply. It was a night of drinking with friends. He could afford this much. He didn't even drink that often anyway. So, he could be excused.

He summoned four bottles and then put them on the table before pouring himself some. He took a sip and then smiled.

"A warning. Don't drink that if you can't handle alcohol."

"You're just a light weight, Ino."

"Yeah right…" she scoffed. "I am human. I don't have the stomach the size of a giant Toad."

"Something happened?" Hinata asked cautiously.

Shikamaru knew the story. A moment Ino wasn't most impressed with but something she held fondly because Naruto took her home even after she was out cold. But what did she expect? Naruto was a pleasant person. Maybe Kiba would have other thoughts.

"Hmm… yeah…"

"Nothing happened!" Ino shot Naruto a warning look.

Naruto just smiled and then replied to Kiba's question. He put a hand over Karin's shoulder. "This my friends, is my dear childhood sweetheart. We were separated when I came back from my vacation. But I hunted her until I found her."

"Vacation?" Karin laughed. He was talking about his time with Orochimaru. She removed his hand from her and then replied. "He is dreaming. I don't even know him. My only sweetheart is Sasuke-kun."

"Not you too!" Kiba groaned and them glared at Sasuke. "Hell, teme? What do you have that I don't?"

"Do you really want that answer?"

Seeing everyone look at him, Kiba grabbed one of the bottles from Naruto and then took a couple of gulps. He felt it hit him hard. And then swore loudly.

"Fuck is this?"

"My special drink."

"I thought you were something with Ino with the way she talks about you," Chouji said. He paused, putting in something inside his mouth while ignoring a shove from Shikamaru and a glare from Ino. "Are you not going out with her?"

Naruto glanced at Ino and smiled. She was his. And there was no one who was going to change that. Sasuke was not going to take her away from him. Right now, she was fooling around. And so, could he.

"Apparently not. As you can see, Ino still likes Sasuke…" Naruto then faced Sakura. "You got yourself some stiff competition."

This was stupid. Sasuke didn't know why he even bothered to come to this place. He shouldn't have agreed to Naruto's request. Even sitting at home or sleeping would have been better than this. He shot Naruto a glare and the blond responded by smiling.

"Have a drink, Sasuke and loosen up a little," Naruto said casually. Before turning to Ino. He saw her look and then sighed. "Should I announce it? Well, I kid, Ino is my special friend. Girlfriend. And Karin is family. She is a member of my clan."

"Everybody knows you too are love birds," Kiba shrugged, dismissing this revelation. "Your clan?"

"Forget about clan? What do you mean everybody knows?" Naruto demanded from Ino.

"Well, if you didn't spend a lot of time together, nobody would say anything. And Ino sings you praises everywhere she goes…" Shikamaru replied in a tired tone.

"I don't do that!"

Chouji opened his mouth to say something and Ino cut him off. "Say something and you will regret it," she warned him.

Chouji just kept on eating.

"People do say someone who likes you is your biggest fan."

"Why does it sound like you're talking to me," Sakura asked with a stare.

She was envious. Ino lit up when she spoke about spending time with Naruto. He was nice. He didn't ignore her. And even now, Naruto sat on the opposite side and they openly talked about things. But she couldn't even get Sasuke to smile much less even have dinner with her. It wasn't fair. Was there no amount of reward for the love she had?

There was truly a saying, 'no love hurts more than unrequited love'. It was the hope that piped you. As long as the person was alive, even if they told you that you disgust them, you'd still hope.

"Not at all," Naruto replied with a nod. "And yes, Kiba, a clan. I should run a campaign to make everyone know about my great clan."

"Great?" Kiba scoffed. "I've heard about the Senju. They are extinct but never about the Uzumaki. Are you sure you didn't get hit too hard while trying to defend the hospital?"

"Ignorance is truly a sad thing." Naruto said quietly.

"Teme, are you saying I'm ignorant?"

Naruto turned to Karin. She was busy chugging down the sake from the Land of Toads. He was going to end up carrying her home. Maybe Tsunade had worked her hard and she needed to make herself loose a little. He smiled, well, he wasn't complaining.

"Who wants to explain?"

"The Shodai's wife was Uzumaki. As far the Uzumaki's connection to Konoha is concerned, the symbol you see at the back of Jonin vests and on the sides of shirts worn by Jonin is the symbol of the Uzumaki clan. That is how important they were to Konoha."

"Were?"

"Homeland invaded and the village is now in ruins…" Shikamaru replied.

He wondered just how Naruto felt about the fact that Uzu was Konoha's ally and even then, Konoha didn't protect it and did nothing after its destruction. As far as history was concerned, the clan was peace loving and never took part in wars. Even going back to the warring times, there is not that history of violence with the Uzumaki.

He'd asked his father about how Uzu was destroyed but be didn't get any answer he wouldn't find from a history book. It was a sign that told him he was better off not knowing.

There were some colourful words after that. Sasuke was brought into conversation as well by some serious questions. Karin continued to drink, but nobody could really make out what she was saying whenever asked. Everything was going smoothly until Kiba asked.

"How does it feel like being the guy who transformed into the Kyubi and then forced a Great Nation to surrender?"

He went straight into the subject of the Kyubi. By now, everybody knew that he was a Jinchuriki. Perhaps they just chose not to talk about it until he brought it up. Given how almost everyone looked at Kiba, it was like an agreement had been formed.

"We are never giving you a drink." Ino said with a stare. "But he can't be worse than Lee."

"What did Lee do?"

"Trashed a restaurant. The guy was practicing a drunken kind of Taijutsu style…" Ino shook her head and then looked at Naruto.

"Given his strength, its unsurprising…" Naruto said before adopting a thoughtful look. "To answer your question, Kiba. I feel nothing. But I must admit, after transforming and looking down at those people, I felt like a god."

"Demon…" Kiba mumbled. "Arh!" He cried after Sakura stomped on his foot. "What the hell, Sakura!?"

But Naruto just laughed. "He isn't exactly wrong. And I'm sure Kiba is just looking at it in this way… would those people in Suna think, 'oh, that's a god'. No, watching things get destroyed, they thought 'demon'."

Kiba stared at Sakura. "Apologize to me. What the hell do you think about me?"

Sakura refused to apologize. And as Kiba drank a bit more, Hinata apologized for him and dragged him away. Shikamaru and Chouji followed.

Naruto stifled a yawn and then shook Karin. "We should also go home."

"What about her?" Sasuke asked of Ino.

"I'll carry her. Help carry Karin for me, will you?"

"No chance. Use a clone to carry her."

"Cold hearted bastard." Naruto shot and then smiled at Sakura. She hadn't touched alcohol but just decided to drink juice instead. "You're going to be a fine woman one day, Sakura. Not like these disappointing drunks. Maybe one day, you'll find someone who loves you just as you love them."

Naruto wasn't going to give her hope on Sasuke. He didn't even know where things stood with the girl.

Sakura smiled sadly. "Thank you, Naruto…" she said.

Naruto nodded and then created a clone. It would have to send Ino back home while he carried Karin. Sasuke most likely wanted to speak to him. So, they could walk. If Ino found out it was a clone, she was going to be pissed off. She wasn't dead after all. Just silent, wide awake and apparently listening.

Sakura said her goodbyes and was leaving but Naruto stopped her. He was familiar with the home alone walk. He shouldn't, but he felt sorry for the girl. They walked her to her home, while he carried Karin. She said her thanks again, with a bright smile.

"That was awfully kind of you," Sasuke said.

Naruto looked up. "Sasuke, even you recognize what kindness means." He smiled. "Yes, I was being kind. Cruelty pays nothing. I've already told you; I don't want to be miserable. Grudges just make you bitter. Besides, what did we lose?"

"I lost my time coming here."

"You should understand things, Sasuke. If you want to live the life of a loner, go become an Anbu. If you're going to become a clan head, you'll need to know the value of friends. There is such a thing as clan politics. Shikamaru, the Nara clan. And soon, he will probably replace his father as a Jonin commander. Ino will be doing her thing in Intelligence, taking after her father. Sakura becomes the Greatest Medic and most powerful Kunoichi. If you want to rise to higher positions, you become friends with such people."

Thinking ahead, huh? It was so like Naruto these days. He was always thinking ahead. With Itachi still alive, Sasuke couldn't really think ahead.

"You already have a picture of Konoha's future. But that can change if Danzo returns to power."

"Not happening." Naruto said in a hardened tone. "I heard he didn't even put up a fight when the Sandaime returned. That made me realize Danzo may have just been using the old man to calm things and but would still return. Because a successor still needs to be selected."

And with what he knew, sitting still would have been a mistake. He couldn't just act as if he didn't know anything.

"What do you mean by using the Sandaime?"

"Danzo doesn't want to go to war with Iwagakure. He really doesn't want it. If the Sandaime returns to power, he calms things, and the plan we have originally cooked up becomes even more effective under the circumstances."

"What plan?"

"Konoha would tell Iwa it was backing down if things become heated. But it would control Suna from the shadows. The Tsuchikage knows the old man. So naturally, he will have his suspicions, but he'll look at whatever punishment the old man dishes out and then say, maybe things are in order."

"But really, even with the punishments, Danzo will continue to control Suna."

"Yes." Naruto nodded. "But none of that will happen. I have made arrangements to ensure it does not hapen. Therefore, I can thank about the future."

"Are you going to use her?" Sasuke asked, glancing at Karin.

"I like Ino. And I'm not going to use someone. I didn't bring Karin here to pop up redheads. She can make her own choices. If she doesn't want to be involved with me, that is her choice."

He felt Karin stirring up after saying those words. "If… you said… something… different… I… would've… burnt… down… your… house… and flee…" she said in a sleepy tone.

"Damn it, woman! If you're awake, just say so!"

She didn't reply.

Naruto sighed. "It's easier to manage things with friends. You saw it with Suna…" he glanced at Sasuke. "Don't you wish to become Hokage, Sasuke? This is your village. Uchiha founded it with Senju. And Uchiha named it. But no Uchiha has ever been Hokage."

"It is because they've always been fearful of us."

"They? It is some people. But you're loved. Even if you're a broody bastard who doesn't display humanity, you are loved. If you became Hokage, nobody would complain."

"And you?"

Naruto shrugged. "I just want to live my life. But to say I have no other dream would be a lie. I wanted to become Hokage before, but that was simply to become acknowledged. I realized it back then that you become acknowledged then become Hokage. For me, it had looked like an impossible task. But it can happen now. I just don't think too highly of that position. You make too many sacrifices. I don't think I would make a sacrifice for Konoha. I don't love it that much."

---

Everything that begins must end. That was the absolute rule of this world. Nothing was forever. Even intangible memories became lost. Some, just simply corrupted. But nothing remained constant. Even his long, tremulous life was coming towards its end. And Hiruzen had many regrets than he would have liked. At least, he would die on his own terms and would have done something significant for the Hidden Leaf.

For the shadow of Danzo loomed large.

Hiruzen had what he needed to have the man executed for acts of treason. But he doubted it would be so simple. Not in his weak state and when Danzo had been poisoning his shinobi while he fought with the labors of Orochimaru.

He glanced up, seeing the person he wanted to see, Naruto. The blond had an expressionless mask on his face. Not often did they speak as much as he would have liked to. Hiruzen believed there was still much he could pass onto the blond. Yet, it was about time. What more could he do now in his current state?

Once Naruto sat down in front of his desk, Hiruzen started speaking in a serious tone.

"I wish I had called you for good news," the Third started.

Naruto shook his head. "I'm old enough to understand that things are not ideal at the moment… for many people that is." He paused, staring at the old man. "Besides, I also wanted to talk to you."

"About?" He hoped Naruto wasn't going to tell him he was leaving Konoha.

"Two issues. The Akatsuki and Danzo. I need to become stronger to protect myself against the organization."

"Aren't you already?"

"Not quite enough. There is much that I cannot do. I want to leave Konoha and go into hiding to train. Sasuke will most likely follow."

At least, it wasn't the self-exile he'd feared. But this was not the ideal time for anyone to go into hiding. Not when their enemies were watching. It wasn't like things with Iwagakure had cooled down. And the Raikage was threatening to bring his nose into things.

But Hiruzen couldn't stop Naruto. No, he didn't think he had that option. Whether anyone liked it or not, Naruto was going to depart.

"What of Danzo?"

"I suppose you called me here because of him. I have been a little busy watching. You must know, he kidnapped Baki."

"What?" Hiruzen was surprised. But should he really be surprised.

"I think he plans to use the man to attack you. He can get close to you. And if he understands your current situation, he doesn't need to succeed, just make you think."

Hiruzen shook his head. This was his failure. "I've permitted him to do as he pleases for long enough," he said sternly.

He'd given Jiraiya the order to have Danzo executed but because the Feudal Lord was now involved, he had to wait for him. It was a disturbing turn of events. But once the Fire Lord stepped on, his actions were limited, lest he became rebellious. At which case, Konohagakure would suffer the consequences of his actions. He wanted to free Konoha, not burden it to its knees.

The problem with that was that the Feudal Lord who made that arrangement was dead. And Hiruzen feared things would only become complicated. The hyenas left in the Fire Council were merciless political brutes.

"He has done many things in the past that I've overlooked. Even attempting to kill me," Hiruzen smiled at this. How he allowed this puzzled him. Even his sensei would be baffled. But such were his decisions.

"And he plans to do so again."

"I've already announced Tsunade as my successor."

"But the Feudal Lord can still reject your wishes. Political might can triumph your will." Naruto paused, wondering if he should tell the Sandaime what he knows. "Danzo has Shisui's eye. I think he has been using it and plans to use it. The Genjutsu it casts is subtle enough not to be detected."

Hiruzen didn't seem surprised by this news. In fact, he just blinked and then released a long and tired breath.

"So, Baki will be controlled by it." He said calmly. "I won't ask how you know but what you plan to do."

"You must have already known that there is news that the Feudal Lord is dead."

'Yes. I received that message after I sent my Anbu a message to him."

"Well, that report is false. He isn't dead. Danzo was manipulating him. He or a representative will be coming to Konoha for the election of the new Hokage. I plan to expose him in front of everyone. To watch him feel the whole of Konoha turn on him, call on his execution."

The Professor leaned back on his chair. So, Naruto was playing in the Fire temple. A clone most likely was doing everything while he kept appearances here at Konoha. Unlike most people, Naruto had the chakra reserves to make a lasting Kage Bunshin.

And he had informed the blond that this would be solved by the adults. It seemed that Naruto had everything covered. And his words explained why Danzo has been silent. He knew he had the support of the Feudal Lord.

"It seems there is no need for me to say anything. But can you get it done?"

"Yes… even Itachi going 'mad' can be blamed on him. For his hatred of the Uchiha and lust for power…"

The Third understood that it was not just about removing Danzo from the picture but to completely dismantle him. To crush a man's hopes, huh? After all, he was still to be executed. Hiruzen had evidence to present to the Feudal Lord. The problem was on whether the man was being manipulated or not. It seemed that Naruto had a plan for that as well. Which made him curious.

No, there were many curious things. He already knew Naruto had contact with Itachi – but now it seemed that there was more that the blond knew. And it could only be from the Uchiha.

"I'd called you because I know my time is soon coming. But I'm glad that you are making this effort, Naruto. It gives me peace to know that even if I die, Konoha will be well taken off…"

The Third dying? Naruto never gave this much thought. He didn't want to think about it. Not that much. Simply because he didn't know how to process it.

He became subdued. His expression displaying a range of emotions.

"I wanted to let you know that things will be well. What I didn't know was Danzo's ability to control other people," the old man said sadly. "Nothing short of a public campaign would have brought him down if I didn't know this."

"Corrupt people have become leaders. Some continue to be leaders, simply because the political powers support them… Power is everything… But Danzo will not successfully use his power to gain Konoha."

"You have thought things through."

"I have."

"Do you have any desire to be Hokage?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. I do not want to be a leader. It is too much responsibility. I want my freedom. To enjoy my life. I still cannot really express myself because I'm constrained…" he said in a sad tone.

"I see. But what constraints you?"

"Scars of the past and fear. I've discovered, fear is a very powerful thing…" Naruto stared at the old man, switching the subject. "Are you really going to die?"

He couldn't imagine coming to the Hokage tower and not find the old man. For all his life, the old man was there. Forever present in the village and his life. Lies, deceitfulness and yet, much loving. The relationship had it all.

"Yes. It seems so."

"I would have liked to introduce a girl to you and say, 'old man, this is the girl who has loved me." Naruto said with a laugh.

"You can still do that."

"Sure," Naruto smiled and then glanced up. "There has been much that we haven't spoken about. Much that we have kept to ourselves."

"I am to blame for that."

"Perhaps. But, what am I gaining from this? There is so much I would have liked to share with you. But memories of the old. The scars kept me from doing so. I don't really have anyone I can share certain things with." Naruto said quietly. "We've never really spoken deep about my parents, the Kyubi and my time with Orochimaru. I suppose I still have issues with the latter. It isn't something I really think about."

"Does having Karin there not make you think about it?"

"A little but we were children. Little kids at that time. I can't put much weight into anything…" Naruti shook his head. "I know my body. What Orochimaru was trying to do. I know. So, what do you want to know?"

---

Shikaku stared at Naruto. The Sharingan implanted on Naruto's right eye socket, pulsing with immeasurable power. In this secret hideout, just him, the blond, the Anbu commander and the Sandaime Hokage. He felt a little weary looking at the eye. The unnatural way in which it looked. And the way it made the blond intimidating.

He should've been at the forefront of dealing with Danzo. But no, he was only getting roped in. perhaps he'd been a little passive. But even the old man had admitted, once the Feudal Lord spoke, there was hardly anything they could all do to stop him. In such times, political power was superior to their raw strength. Money was everything. Shinobi villages were controlled by money. Without it, they could not function. They were just civilized mercenary groups.

He glanced at the old man; with each passing day, he seemed to grow weaker. He has never truly recovered. It was obvious to all those who watched him – it was just a matter of time before his body gave away.

"Danzo has done many things. And I allowed him to get away with it because of my own weakness…" Hiruzen started in a weak tone. "There is evidence that can be presented, and he can be executed for his actions. But…"

"He has control over the Daimyo. Or at least used to…" Naruto finished.

Shikaku nodded, seeing the big picture. It was as he had feared. What if Danzo had tried to kill the Sandaime? What if there was evidence about it? If the Feudal Lord said it didn't matter and such things should be buried, they would toe in line. For they were all in a subservient relationship with the man. He spoke and they nodded their heads.

Perhaps that was why the Sandame was trying to make the Leaf self-sustaining. If Konoha could function without the Daimyo, then his influence would wane.

"Used to?"

"I have sorted that out. And the Daimyo is secretly making his way to Konoha. Of course, as far as Danzo is concerned, he is dead."

"What seems to be the concern now? If Danzo no longer controls the Feudal Lord, then he is finished." Shikaku knew there was a problem somewhere.

"Lord Sandaime might not be alive by the time the Feudal Lord arrives. He is barely holding on," the Anbu commander replied in a stern tone. "Danzo has also brainwashed Baki and has made him target him. Naruto has a clone watching him."

Shikaku glanced at the blond.

"Clone. Transformation…" Naruto shrugged. "It is the aftermath of the old man's death that we have to deal with. No mistakes. We can't allow anything to slip. Surely, if Danzo catches he is going to meet his end, he will not lie down."

"There is something you're not telling me."

"Shisui's eye. You know the Genjutsu it could cast was powerful. Danzo has that." Hiruzen explained.

"I suppose Naruto has the other half," Shikaku paused, allowing his mind to wonder. He frowned, deeply worried about the conclusion he reached. "Danzo was acting Hokage. There is no telling if he used that ability on the Jonin or Anbu… if we handle things wrong, it could lead to a civil war. But can he do that?"

"Danzo has had the eye for years. I don't know how far his control is. Kotoamatsukami is not supposed to be used continuously. In fact, on normal use, if I were to cast it on you, it would take some time for it to recharge. But there are other means to be able to use it without limits."

Hiruzen would not forget that Shisui had offered to use it on the entire Uchiha clan. And he could have done it, and no one would know. No one would be able to tell. Danzo had attacked him because of that power.

Already Danzo had made plans when he was acting Hokage. Moving swiftly to set up the groundwork. It did seem that he wanted to return to power. Then there was no way he didn't make use of his means to ensure no one 'denied' him of his right to rule Konoha.

"We are not going to handle things privately, which is what will make things tricky. Things will be handled publicly. And if it is out in the open, and Danzo has those kinds of plans, there will be bloodshed," Shikaku sighed. "That is the concern."

"Yes."

"I can think of something," the Nara said confidently.

---

This was the first time Naruto came into her house. More specifically, sneaked into her house and then her room. She had nearly screamed when he woke her up. She smiled, seeing him in his glory by her bedside.

But there was something strange about him. He seemed so open. So naked. She couldn't say he really say he was the Naruto she knew. Something had happened.

Ino's expression softened, her mind racing. With the Sandaime back in the office, she thought he would be happy with life. Relieved he would no longer be used as a weapon.

"Something wrong?"

Naruto slowly climbed on Ino's bed. He rested on his back and stared into the dark ceiling. "This is a foreign territory for me. I've not had the experience with relationships. In fact, with most people, it was usually studying them. Throwing stones at them to see how they would react. But this has been different. Maybe that is why I have been hesitant to express myself. Maybe because I have to trust you…" he shook his head. "No, it is because I trust you that much that I am afraid of you."

Ino didn't have a response. She just stared at him and let him continue speaking.

"But, I know I must let loose a little. To live means doing that much. I must. I have to grow…" Naruto shifted his head. To face Ino with a warm smile. The girl who loved him. The girl who accepted him. He was glad. He was happy. "Without you, my life would be sad. No different from Sasuke."

Ino rolled her eyes. "Can you stop talking about your girlfriend for a moment?"

Naruto lifted his left hand and searched for Ino's. Once he found it, he held it gently and then spoke. "I love you."

Ino became silent. This was the first time he was saying those words to her with such raw emotion. Her emotions told her he was being honest. Her heart raced. Excitement building within her. But it was cut short. Why had Naruto looked so down when he came here?

This was not a prelude to something bad, was it?

As if he could read her thoughts, Naruto spoke again.

"I had a conversation with the Sandaime. It made me realize that we are not eternal. And there is also something I want to ask of you," he closed his eyes, taking a short breath. "Besides, I really didn't want to sleep alone tonight."

"What did you want to ask?" Ino asked carefully.

"I have to leave Konoha for a year or two. With the Akatsuki hunting for Jinchuriki, I will be next. I need to go and train to be strong enough to protect myself. But I don't want to leave without you."

---

A day later

Bad news travelled quickly. The news of the Sandime's passing had spread around the village like a wildfire. For a moment, the village came to a standstill. You realized just how much he was valued in this nation. The streets were mourning. Generations have been around with the old man as Hokage. He'd fought wars for the Leaf. Given the Leaf the Sannin. And now, he had gone to rest with other Kage.

Yet, for Naruto, it was a loss he never thought he would experience. Even when the old man had been lying in coma, he'd rejected that he might die. It was painful. He didn't want to confront the emotions that came. The pain of loss. A new emotion. Different kind emotion.

To have lost a grandfather. Lies, yes. But be was a grandfather. The person who showed him what it meant to be cared for, to be loved. And he was gone. A part of him gone. A part of Konoha's history gone. And there was no Orochimaru to brutalize for this. It was the Sannin's fault after all.

Naruto strolled through the streets, hands inside his pockets, ignoring everyone who tried to talk to him. He'd been called into the Sarutobi compound by an Anbu. He saw Asuma and Tsunade. And then, the frail corpse of Hiruzen. He hadn't said a word. But stood still. Remained around for a while before strolling out silently. Tsunade had said some words but he hadn't heard her. Perhaps it was because of the nagging voice of the Bijuu within him.

Once getting into his house, he went to the back. It was great Karin was in those dark places labouring for Tsunade. He just wanted to sit alone and drink with no one disturbing. He grabbed his bottles, and leaned against the wall, bare feet touching the sand.

He was on his second when Anko showed up. She didn't say anything but just sat beside him, grabbed the bottle and took a huge gulp. She glanced at him and then stared at the empty field ahead.

"When Orochimaru fled from Konoha, there was some negative thought toward me because I'd been his student. I was just a child when he took me in…" Anko said in a thoughtful tone. "I didn't have friends. But the old man helped me a lot. He was always helpful."

Naruto glanced at Anko and then where his eyes had been. "Now I feel uncomfortable. I'm not used to hearing you talk like that," he said in a quiet tone.

It was really unlike her. When had he even seen her looking sad? She had her moments, but Anko was well, Anko. He smiled thinking about her personality.

"And I've never seen you looking like a zombie."

"You missed one of my great moments in Orochimaru's hideouts. There were days I was lifeless you'd think I was dead."

"What was he doing to you?"

"He was just a sadistic bastard. You show him mental strength to deny him and he decides to have fun by trying to break it down. He once got me a prison mate. Then killed him. And then had me practice jutsu on other people," Naruto replied, deep in thought.

Those were the mental scars he would forever live with. But the death of the Sandaime was something else. Nothing that killed the heart but something that shattered feelings. You think, you're never going to see that smile. That voice. There would be no saying 'Jiji' unless haunted.

People die. Old people already had their expiry dates given. You knew it was coming, but accepting it was another thing. You could try to think about it and say logically, he had lived far long, he should have died long ago. He did indeed live a long life. A full life if you could say. After all, he lived long enough to have a grandchild.

"That does sound like him," Anko answered, eyeing Naruto carefully. "You okay?"

"Yeah… I will be… you came to see me?"

"I was just passing by," she said. "Heard from someone say a dead man was walking along the streets. I came to check if this was true."

Naruto smiled but did not laugh. "May have overdone it a little," he said. "To everyone, he was something, huh?" he said in response to Anko's earlier statement.

"You'd be surprised if you think you were the only one and thought you were special," the snake mistress said.

"Yeah…" Naruto nodded. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Anko nodded. "I was prepared. Knew this was coming. Everyone who knew him well knew it was coming. Except if you were having denial issues…" she glanced at him. "You were not seeing him, were you?"

Naruto shook his head. "I was told he didn't have long. We all know we will die one day, but nobody has a date. However, when circumstances come, it is like you've been given a death sentence and a day for execution."

"You would have done yourself a favour if you'd gone." She stood up, and then put a hand on his shoulder. She then picked one bottle. "I'm taking this with me."

"You must pay for it."

Anko leaned in and then captured his lips. An experienced woman. The delicate of her touches. Purposefulness. Hunger. Desire. Lust. She pulled away and then grinned.

"Paid in full."

Naruto just smiled and then watched her leave. After a couple of moments, he stood up, but staggered a bit, nearly falling. That was a first. He knew his limit, so he never drank past it. Was it the whirlwind of emotions?

He shook his head and then walked into the house, shutting the door behind him. He put a hand on the door, and it glowed slightly. Nobody could get in now. They could all just knock. Karin could pass through the barrier since her chakra was activated.

Satisfied, Naruto walked toward his room, for an afternoon nap.

---

Ino smiled seeing Naruto stir slightly. She'd been watching him sleep for the past hour or less. He reeked of alcohol. But she hadn't minded it. His silent snores, the peaceful expression he had on his face had been pleasant to watch. She'd been afraid, he would be tormented in his sleep. After all, she'd heard he was walking in the streets with a dark cloud over his head. But she was glad, he was able to sleep. She hadn't known he was that close to the Sandaime Hokage.

When his eyes snapped open, she put a hand on his wild hair.

"…Ino..?" he looked a little surprised. "Not that I'm unhappy to see, but how did you get in here?"

He was a shinobi and this woman had sneaked into his bed without him noting it. Had he been that out of it? No? the reason for the barrier was because there could never be an intruder. Even if someone managed to slip through the barrier, it would wake him up. So, in this house, he could afford to drop all his guards and just be free.

"Your nasty wife let me in."

"Nasty wife?"

"Redhead."

Naruto blinked. She meant Karin. He turned to the side and then faced the ceiling. This was the first time Ino was in this place. He felt weird yet a little bit of a rebel. Perhaps it was the many emotions that ran rampant within him.

He turned around and stared into her eyes. She was here. About the Sandaime. To comfort him. Yet, there was still the question that was never answered. Naruto wasn't going to demand nothing of her.

"I'm sorry." Ino uttered sadly. Naruto looked defeated. She just felt sorry for him. She wasn't used to seeing him so down.

Naruto shook his head. His right left hand moved toward her cheek. He caressed it for a moment and then smiled.

"I'm happy you are here," he said in a whisper.

To this, she pulled him closer to her. His faced in between her bust. She didn't mind. They were dating.

"I'm gonna suffocate and join the old man if you keep this up." Naruto said in between his breaths.

Ino quickly released him, and then smiled sheepishly. "Sorry…"

Naruto shook his head. He was a little content being in this position. To have Ino in his bed. The girl he loved. He realized; if she didn't answer him, they would be separated. He wouldn't have this anymore. He wouldn't have her.

That was depressing.

"I'm sorry for making you run around me. It wasn't because I didn't like you. I was just undecided over what to do with Karin around. But the truth is, I love you, Ino. I'd always liked you when we were children. You were a friend." He paused, smiling warmly. "I've been happier with you around."

"It's fine," Ino whispered. "Not the childhood crush, but you grew on me, Uzumaki. And I fell for you."

"Don't bring that brooding bastard into this."

"I was ju…"

Naruto put a finger on her lips, just to stop her from talking. "We've got this room to ourselves, what do we do?"

"Aren't you going to tell me?"

---

The following day

If the walls could be dressed in black, it would have been done. Almost everyone wore mourning clothes. For the Sandaime Hokage. It would have been suitable had the clouds gathered. With a bit of fire jutsu, they could be created. Unnatural, but a blanket of darkness would have suited the mood in the village. It was often in death that even people who hid in the closet came out to display their love and affection. Their sadness. Naruto was sure he would haunt anyone who cried after he dies when they couldn't even smile at his presence.

Looking around, the sad expressions. There was nothing that connected people aside from a common cause, either it be pain or hatred. Whatever the cause, humans were at their peak of their powers when they were united. A pity, it was never usually in happiness.

Thousands gathered. Words were sad. Tears were shed. Stories were told. Truly a memorial. Had it been the same for his father? No doubt, for his mother it was nothing but silence. For the village sought to erase her existence to cover up its strength. It was amazing how people knew the Yondaime had a pregnant wife before the massacre and then suddenly, nobody really questions what happened to them.

It was all about the sacrifice. This world was truly crazy for people who sacrificed their lives. Naruto was going to live his life. He would not be making sacrifices for anyone, unless it was for his family.

At the death of the memorial, Danzo took the reins.

"The Sandaime did not die to what happened in the invasion. He was murdered!" The man exclaimed.

Naruto almost laughed. I was predictable. They were allowing the man to do this knowing that he was going to give one of his speeches, just to catch him in the act. But Naruto had never thought he would play his role so perfectly.

Yet, a part of him felt sickened and infuriated just seeing the man.

There was silence and the people started to look at each other. For the villagers, this was news. A story that had been kept from them. Naruto felt his insides twist with anger at how the man just paraded himself. In fact, he felt his usually strong held emotions trying to break free. But a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

He glanced over his shoulder. The last person he expected to see – Sasuke.

"You want to cause a scene?"

The Uchiha asked in a quiet tone. Naruto almost laughed in a bitter tone. That too would have caused a scene. No doubt, he would have been forced to commit to mental evaluation. Nobody wanted an unstable Jinchuriki.

"Hearing that from you doesn't really make me happy."

Though there was nothing in Sasuke's face, Naruto was certain he saw a small smirk. He was usually the one dishing out lectures. But today, he was the one on the verge of losing control.

"Control yourself."

The damn Uchiha enjoyed saying those words despite the circumstances. It seemed that there would always be competition, no matter what.

"Konoha, we cannot let this slide. The person who did this must pay!" Danzo continued.

One of the Root ops brought a beaten Baki before Danzo. "This man… Hiruzen showed him mercy. Allowed him to go home and even instructed Kakashi to return after our Jinchuriki had forced Suna to surrender. He took advantage of Hiruzen's kindness. Having seen that Hiruzen has freed Suna, they made a deal with the Tsuchikage. If Baki gets the head of the Hokage, Iwa would defend it from punishment. I tracked him down and brought him here. He will be executed for his actions. And we will not let Suna get away with this. Not even Iwa!"

The roar that followed.

Anger in grief was something else. Even when he trained his ops to be emotionless, Danzo knew how to manipulate the emotions of others. Obviously, if the Sandaime was murdered, the village would demand those involved in it to be brought to justice. It didn't matter if Iwa and Suna denied it. The fact was Danzo said it in this moment meant the villagers would be with him. Even if Tsunade took charge, she would face the pressure. And who would even take responsibility for such an action? If Danzo pulled the village into war tomorrow, they would support him. They would give him their children to take to war. Nobody would criticize him for going to war now.

Shrewd and evil. It was no wonder he was the master of the dark arts. But such a man wasn't supposed to talk in the light. He should always walk in the darkness.

But it was about to end.

"There is actually a plot that I didn't tell you about."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. He knew Naruto had been scheming. But he didn't bother to ask. He knew it had something to do with Danzo.

"What?"

Naruto smiled. "Oh, just wait and see, Sasuke. Wait and see. It is going to be fun," the blond said.

A sudden shift in the air. Not long ago this person was leaking a murderous intent, and now he was smiling happily. What the hell was wrong with him?

"Danzo-sama!"

It was Naruto who called out. Calling the former acting Hokage out in such a sad tone you would actually pity him. All eyes turned to the blond. Even Danzo's measured look turned to him. But the man did not reply. In fact, he seemed to want to continue with his program, but Naruto spoke again.

"Forgive me for interrupting you like this. But I would like to say a few words. Please permit me." He was begging.

Danzo glared sharply but nodded his head.

"Is it true that you're the one who killed Shisui Uchiha for his Sharingan? Is it true that you manipulated Itachi into committing the Uchiha massacre because you wanted the Uchiha gone? Is it true that you manipulated the Feudal Lord into appointing you acting Hokage? Is it true that you tried to kill the Sandaime Hokage before? Is it true that you're hiding Shisui's eye under those bandages?"

There was silence. A complete silence with eyes shifting between Naruto and Danzo.

Outwardly, Danzo was perfectly calm. Inwardly, he was seething. Just that Naruto dared to say such things. The blond could be easily handled. But it was just that he dared that infuriated Danzo. After all, Naruto wasn't the most liked person in the village.

"I didn't think you were the type of person who would dishonour the Sandaime by making such wild accusations."

"Wild?"

It was a voice that had shinohi and civilians alike shifting. The voice of Jiraiya. The Legendary shinobi was walking alongside Tsunade and the Feudal Lord.

Upon seeing the three move through the crowd, Danzo knew there was something wrong. First, he didn't know the Fire Lord was in the village. Secondly, when did Jiraiya return? It seemed that they had been plotting behind him. Thirdly, wasn't the man supposed to be dead? To make his move, he couldn't allow this farce to play out in the public. It would ruin his reputation. He motioned for his Anbu to come and fetch him.

But there was nothing. No one came. Not even the man who brought Baki before him.

Danzo knew he was doomed then. Doomed as hell. He panicked.

He focused on the villagers. The shinobi. They were starting to glare at him with contempt. Yet, Danzo remained perfectly calm. Inwardly, at least.

"Danzo, before I appointed you acting Hokage, Hiruzen had made a wish that you be executed for treason. Those were the words of the Hokage… do you remember them?"

Danzo did not reply.

Jiraiya was enjoying this. But he had to keep a serious face. This would mean the death of Danzo and his dreams. It was a pity they had to ruin the memorial, but he knew, the old man would be happy things were happening like this. Danzo would join him in the afterlife soon enough.

It was just a pity, much had to be put on Naruto. Then again, this had been his plan. Still, he would have liked it if they had done everything without the blond.

Perhaps this would also work well on his reputation.

"Danzo, the Feudal Lord has asked you a question… do you refuse to answer?"

"We should be discussing things in the office. Not here."

Tsunade burst out in a laughter. A frustrated laugh. "You were here trying to get everyone to hate Suna. You were trying to frame Baki for murdering the Sandaime!" She shouted. "If you refute what you've been accused, reveal those bandages. Show the villagers that you don't have Shisui's eye and you didn't murder one of Konoha's promising shinobi because you craved his power! Show us that you are being falsely accused Danzo! But if you do have the eye, it just proves you manipulated the Feudal Lord simply because you wanted power!"

Danzo did not budge. He would not do as they demanded. But it didn't seem like he had any options now. Was this his end? No, even if they exposed him at this moment, they would not do anything to his life.

He could figure a way out then. For now…

His thoughts came to a halt when Jiraiya suddenly appeared in front of him. A full squad of Anbu behind him. There was no help. He couldn't cause a scene.

"Restrain him!" The Toad Sage ordered.

The Anbu held him forcefully. Bringing him to his knees. This humiliation. He would pay it back. He would not let these people get away with this.

The problem was that he couldn't use Shisui's eye now. Not with those damn Hyuga watching him. And if the Feudal Lord was here, it meant someone had changed his manipulation. But who had that power? Sasuke's Sharingan did not have that power.

It couldn't possibly be Itachi. The Uchiha was a loyal servant.

---

Sasuke watched with anger. Had his brother been manipulated? No, that couldn't be true. But as he watched the Sharingan revealed in Danzo's right eye socket, he couldn't help his anger and suspicions. As far as he could remember, his brother had been the one suspected of killing Shisui because they were friends. But to think it had been this man.

"Now, now, it isn't that time yet."

Sasuke glared at Naruto for keeping him out of the loop when things affected his clan.

"We will talk about things later."

"You have a lot to tell me. Your connections with Itachi and about this…"

"Indeed. But not now."

Naruto had to make sure Danzo wasn't killed. And if he was killed, Sasuke did it. The Uchiha would want to kill someone once he has found out about his clan.

---

Hokage Office

With Danzo shoved in a dark cell, only four people knowing where he was locked, it made Tsunade take a breather. She was satisfied they avoided things becoming bloody. If not for Naruto, they wouldn't have been able to get it across the line.

Again, it was a pity that the Sandaime's memorial had to be disturbed. But it was what was needed to be done and he had agreed to it.

And now, they could rest a little bit. But of course, the villagers were demanding a public execution for Danzo. Once he was exposed, people had become angry. He had stood there, trying to manipulate them into supporting his mad circus for war with everyone over an invasion he had plotted with Orochimaru. It didn't become better when the villagers were even willing to listen to Baki make a confession that the old man had sent him back to Suna but then, Danzo's people had ambushed him.

He was going to attack the Sandaime until he was stopped by Naruto.

The only person who came out good in all that mess was Naruto. But he hadn't been around to take the credit.

"His Root forces must be kept in their hideout until we have executed him," Tsunade said to the Anbu commander. "Is there anyone else who is suspicious?"

The Anbu commander shook his head. "We have sorted issues at our end. Naruto's other eye was useful."

"But what are we going to do with that eye?" Shikaku asked.

"I will think of something. It is a dangerous weapon since it is virtually undetectable…" Tsunade frowned. A person like Danzo would be paranoid to have something like that with him. Someone who could control the entire leadership of the village. Admittedly, it made her wary a bit. "There is something of concern immediately. We must resolve things with Suna immediately and then deal with Iwagakure. But I'm more concerned about Naruto leaving and why I was not told about it." She glared at both the Anbu commander and Shikaku.

"It was an agreement made between him and the Sandaime. He will be departing with Sasuke. The Uchiha to hunt down his brother and then they will train a little bit. Naruto expressed concern for the Akatsuki. And wants to be prepared."

"But this is a difficult time for Konoha. We don't know how Iwa is going to take things. We could go to war!"

"I'm told that is not happening. The Feudal Lord has said he will put pressure on his counterpart to smooth things," the Anbu commander replied.

"Either way, those two will be available if anything breaks out."

---

Later that night

It was just after 11pm when a familiar presence came into his house. A clone of Itachi in his house. He took him down to his bunker and then stared at the elder Uchiha. "You have a good timing."

"I have been keeping an eye on things," Itachi replied. "I was concerned when I heard that Danzo had walked into the office of the Hokage. He is fine working in the darkness, but as Hokage? He is a man with corrupted principles."

"You would know better than anyone," Naruto said.

He had a couple of questions to the Uchiha about the sacrifices that he had to make. If Itachi ends up telling Sasuke the truth, Danzo wouldn't be killed by Jiraiya. Sasuke wasn't going to allow that to happen. And if someone else took his revenge for him, Sasuke was going to end up doing something that would force him to take some extraordinary steps. To avoid calamities, Naruto had to make measures, he would otherwise not take.

"Itachi, how do you decide between the things you love? You cannot pick two, but can only pick one?'

"I loved my clan but I also loved Konoha. I had to make a choice between the Uchiha and the village. I chose the village because ultimately, I lived to as Itachi of the Hidden Leaf, and still am. I did what I wanted to do to avoid an even greater loss. Had the clan gone into war, the village would have been dragged into a civil war and the name of the clan would be forever known as the clan that became so power hungry it decided wage a civil war. My choice left the village intact and gave my clan a fighting chance. Sasuke can still restore the clan."

"The lesser evil, huh?"

"What choice do you have to make?"

"Between a love for now and securing a future in which I can be free. My ultimate goal is to live my life in happiness. To exist in this world with its flaws and corruption. But I know this world isn't that generous. Even if I were to leae Konoha to avoid being in a situation where I will be forced to make sacrifices, I will be hunted wherever I am because of my power. I will always have to look over my shoulder. But if I stay in this village, and a time comes where to protect Konoha, I won't be able to sacrifice anything. If that happens, this village will turn on me and things will be back to square.

"It just seems like I have to way to escape the treachery that follows," Naruto paused, shaking his head with a sad look on his face. "I choose love. I'll be happy. Very happy. But the Akatsuki is till around the corner. They might come. This village becomes in danger because of me. The people I care for could be in trouble. When you love someone, you will put yourself in the line for them, because you cannot live with looking away. I'm still young. Many years ahead of me to make mistakes and then still be able to cover them. That is the only thing that works out for me now."

"There are certain paths that once you cross, you cannot escape from, Naruto," Itachi said. "But," he smiled slightly. "I trust that when it comes to it, you will make a choice that is for be best."

"We hope so," Naruto said in a thought tone. "Have you come for Sasuke?"

"The Akatsuki has attacked Kumogakure. The Two-tails was taken and there are orders to go after the Three-tails. After then, Kisame and I have orders to go after Iwa's Jinchuriki. They are moving quickly now. If I do not face Sasuke now, it may become too late. Come to the Uzumaki Mask temple with him."

"Isn't it closer to Konoha?"

"You can make a barrier to make sure that the chakra doesn't come here."

Naruto nodded his head. "Fine. I will be there," he paused, staring. "And I hope you don't suddenly change and then say you want his eyes instead."

Itachi smiled at this. "You make jokes?"

"Love them. If you were friendly with your brother, you would find out that I make fun of him all the time." He tilted his head to the side. "Actually, I think I just bully him."

---

Karin was peaceful in her sleep. There were no sheets on the floor, legs spread as if she was a terrorist. If only she could be this quiet during day, then everyone would have some peace. He hoped, he wasn't making a problem by waking her up. Either way, this was a problem he had to deal with, considering the circumstances.

Moving closer to the bed, Karin's eyes flashed open. "What the hell are you going in my room?"

Naruto smiled, folding his hands across his chest. "I came to collect the rent. You've been living under my room for free. I've decided you must pay rent. Don't worry, you don't even have to wake up."

Karin glared at him and then flipped to the side, staring at the ceiling. Late night like this. Perhaps she was used to Orochimaru's hideouts where there were all kinds of animals who'd wander into places they weren't supposed to wander. Although she slept, movement easily woke her up. Then again, with his chakra glowing up like the sun, Naruto was hard to ignore. She turned to the side, and stared at him.

"You look rather beautiful without glasses. But I still prefer you with them."

"Flattery? You have a girlfriend. And you're disturbing my sleep!"

"I'm going to sneak out of the village for a little while. Depending on Sasuke's mood, we might have to leave Konoha now. I'd planned on staying a little while longer, but I doubt Sasuke's mood will permit it."

"Now?"

"In a couple of hours. Before morning. When I come back, Sasuke will need some medical attention. So, he will be in your care. Then we'll do something else and then depart the village. Pack everything valuable that you need."

Karin stared Naruto. She rose from the bed sat up, ignoring that she was exposing some of her skin. It didn't matter. He'd already seen her naked anyway.

Something dangerous was going to happen. He'd already told her that they might end up leaving Konoha. But it was nothing permanent. And she'd been adjusting to this village. She frowned. Did he have to go with her? What was he even plotting? No, if it was something good, she would be staying behind. And he wouldn't be sneaking in the night like this.

"I really don't want to know what you're going to do." She said, still staring. "Do you have to?"

"Yes."

Karin nodded and them smiled. "Well, at least Sasuke will be around. We are going with him, yes."

"Ew… just go shag the Uchiha already."

"Maybe I will." Karin shrugged. "You're going to leave your girlfriend behind? You know, she is going to cry if you just leave like this and might not even forgive you."

Naruto smiled bitterly at this. He hoped that things wouldn't turn out like that. "I'm going to leave a clone to tell her goodbye. I owe her that much. She has been a delight to my life. If I just leave without a word, it would be cruel."

"A pity." Karin said. "Must I get anything for you?"

Naruto shook his head. "I'm already prepared. I just need to take a couple of scrolls. And that will be it." He then turned away.

---

Transformation jutsu was quite something else. For him, even better since it wasn't a genjutsu but a real transformation. He could take any shape or form. To get out of the house, he'd turned into a bird that couldn't fly. He'd just sneaked through the shadows. But as he did so, he realized, there really wasn't much he needed to be afraid of. Sasuke had gone back to the Uchiha compound and he immediately went into the main house. The poor bastard wasn't even sleeping. But just sitting, staring a portrait of his parents. Naruto transformed into his real form and then stared at the portraits.

To think that Sasuke would just be sitting here, staring at dead people. He didn't even know what the Uchiha did when he was home. He shook his head – this was sad, truly sad.

"Now, this is disturbing. If you had a girlfriend, or had just taken, Sakura, you' been staring at her instead of this."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto and then back at the portraits. "I have flashes of that night. I think I first activated it then." The Uchiha said emotionlessly. "My mother was a kind-hearted woman. Although my father was a little indifferent at times, my mother always took care of me. But Itachi was the best…" his face twisted. "It is why I cannot forgive him."

"It seemed that you had some family, Sasuke. But I don't wish I was in your position. To have everything taken away from you by the man you admired the most has to be the most infuriating thing."

Sasuke nodded. "I admired him. Wanted to be better than him. My father even only started paying attention to me when Itachi started to change. He once even told me to stay away from him. I couldn't understand it then. But now I do."

Itachi had focused most on the village than the clan. He joined Anbu after all. Fugaku would've wanted to have his family with him. He would have wanted his heir to take clan seriously and think clan before village. It was sad thaf the man had hoped by taking his young son to the battlefield, he would make him a better shinobi who understands the shinobi world. But all that it did was turn Itachi into a pacifists.

"Your mother and my mother knew each other. Unsurprising, really… I wonder how things would have been had they survived…" Naruto shook his head. "Your vengeance awaits. Come, Itachi is waiting for us."

Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan came to life as he rose. "Where is he? And after I kill him, you will explain to me exactly what your relationship is with him. I havent been asking because I don't want to end up thinking you're scheming with my enemy."

"That is just scary, Sasuke."

---

The Mask Temple was without any mask. Naruto had removed all the masks from the temple. It was the property of his clan and now they laid deep within his house. At the centre of the place, Itachi was there, sitting in a meditative position, his eyes closed.

"Hello, Sasuke-kun."

"Itachi. You've finally decided to stop running away from me. But tonight, I will kill you. I will avenge our parents."

"And if you fail? If you fail, I will be taking your eyes. You have nurtured them nicely…"

Lightning burst, and Sasuke lunged at Itachi. He drove his sword toward the Uchiha's temple, but Itachi burst into a murder of crows.

"You still attack recklessly like a child. At this level, can you really avenge the Uchiha clan?"

Sasuke's Susanoo bust to life in its incomplete form. Itachi matched this.

---

Sasuke would have to pay for destroying the temple. This, naruto thought seeing the temple exploded when a gigantic Susanoo brust through it. Itachi's crimson Susanoo also followed. It was just a summer slam of monsters. Without a barrier, Konoha Anbu would have been traveling to this place already. He did hope none of the attacks reached it because it wasn't that kind of barrier to withstand attacks.

'A good ending would be if they both die.' Naruto heard the Kyubi said.

He was silent, wondering if he should reply to the beast. He already knew it didn't like the Sharingan. It hated those eyes and seemed to know more than it was willing to let on.

'Has being controlled by the Sharingan left you so hollow? Then again, Shukaku would probably laugh at you if he see you being controlled by those cursed eyes.'

'Which is why it will be good if they both die.'

'Not happening,' Naruto said. 'But don't worry, no one is going to manipulate you. But I still want to who manipulated you on the night I was born. Something that wasn't supposed to happen happened that night.'

'What will you do once you know?'

'As Sasuke gets his revenge, I must also kill the person responsible for my misery.'

The Bijuu laughed. 'The only person responsible for your misery is your father. He is the one who decided to seal me into you. You saw your mother's chakra chains. She was capable of holding me to one place. But your father decided to be smart. He caused your pain!'

Was he being baited or tormented by the Bijuu? Naruto wondered why it decided to keep to itself over the things it knew when they would be helping both of them. Lack of trust, perhaps? Yes, the Bijuu didn't trust him. He was exactly like the rest of the humans it hated with every inch of its chakra. This was a beast that proudly told him it was hatred when its hatred nearly let him let lose control.

'I suppose he is partly to blame. And you for killing them.'

'You say that, but I don't sense any hatred from you. Not even to the one you say you want to kill. You don't hate him.'

'How do you hate someone you don't even know. There were many events that occurred that night. And I was not there. I didn't see anything. I just lived the aftermath.'

'But it was all caused by one person.'

'Then it is indeed true, someone was manipulating you that night. Was it really the Uchiha clan?'

The Kyubi was silent. 'Your mother was giving birth at a secret location. The Uchiha didn't know. But a masked bastard is the one who extracted me from your mother and then used those damn eyes to control.'

'I suppose he is the same person behind the Akatsuki.'

'If we come across him, I'll give you all my chakra just to make sure you kill him.'

'You hate him that much?'

'Not as much as I hate Madara.'

'Where does the Yondaime Rank? No, the Shodai Hokage. He is the one who started this.'

'Him and Madara I would love to kill. But they are dead. They both said some things that I will never forget.'

'You're going to tell me?' Silence greeted him. 'Well, this was nice. We should do it again. Maybe next time, you'll give me your complete top 1o of most hated.'

---

Naruto turned around, and quickly folded his hands just across his face to block an incoming right footed high kick from Sasuke. The kick slammed into his wrists, forcing him to skid backwards.

The Uchiha wasn't done, he drove his sword forward, stabbing toward his chest. Naruto was forced to his use left hand to take the hit. He didn't even wince when the sword pierced through his wrist. He just shifted his arm away from his body and then stared at Sasuke.

The Uchiha looked murderers. Battered yes, but he reeked of so much killing intent, even the Kyubi would shudder if those eyes glared at him. They were burning with pure unadulterated hatred. Naruto had never seen he would see such a look. It was apparent, he was over the edge. He did right by coming here. A little bit of push and he would tip over to the other side. He'd been flirting with it his whole life after all. Now he understood why Itachi worried that Sasuke would turn on Konoha.

But damn Itachi. He was leaving him with a mess to clean up. He probably battled Sasuke until the end and when he saw it, he decided to show Sasuke the truth. He wouldn't have done it at the beginning because he too wanted to be punished for what he did. But he most likely told Sasuke he would love him no matter what happened.

Naruto's eyes sharpened dangerously, his chakra leaking dangerously.

"You're attacking me, Sasuke?"

"You knew!" Sasuke shouted furiously. "You knew about it and yet you never said anything! You allowed me to take orders from that man when you knew! He ordered for my clan to be wiped and was going to do it to Suna as well! Ordering an Uchiha once again."

Naruto tilted his head. Obviously, Sasuke wasn't in his right mind now. It wasn't time for jokes, he knew. He had to be brutal here.

"And so what if I knew? You're going to attempt to kill me too? Your only friend? I took a risk with my life to help you awaken your Mangekyo and now you want to kill me too?" He said those words with power, increasing his chakra levels to dwarf that of Sasuke.

Sasuke halted momentarily and Naruto used that chance to act.

While a clone appeared in a puff of smoke, he grabbed the arm holding the sword around the wrist. His hold was firm, simply to avoid Sasuke using chakra. The clone dropped down, its right foot sweeping through the ground, before catching Sasuke's legs. Naruto immediately let the Uchiha go as he began to fell. He jumped, slamming both legs into the Uchiha's chest.

They crashed to the ground, Sasuke buried, he, standing above him. Naruto swiftly leaned in, his knee on Sasuke's chest, and then pressed his fingers into Sasuke's eyes.

"I gave you those eyes, you ungrateful bastard. If you look at me again with those murderous eyes, I will gouge them out," to drive the message, he pressed in, causing Sasuke to yelp in pain. "Now, raise you left hand if you're calm enough to talk? Ah, you might be asking why you're losing power. It is because one of Mokuton's strength is that certain jutsu can absorb chakra. It was why the Shodai was effective in gathering the Bijuu."

Hesitantly, Sasuke raised his hand.

Naruto sighed and then got up. He stepped away from Sasuke and glanced at his left wrist. 'Already, healed, huh?' he thought mildly.

Sasuke didn't stop glaring. He just set up, and then put his sword beside him. "When did you find out?"

"Not long ago. After we returned. Itachi came to me. He'd never told me anything before."

"And you still worked with him?"

"He had no malice toward me and had not lied to me. I knew he cared for you. It didn't matter what else. As long as he was telling me things that helped you grow in power, I was willing to help," Naruto looked up, smiling. "I was curious about this love shared by siblings. Itachi's love for you is something I'd never seen before. He killed everyone but couldn't kill his younger brother. He even went as far as to threaten Danzo if he ever did anything."

"Why would anyone make such an order when the village was the one who made the Uchiha feel like they had nowhere else to go?!"

"Danzo. He was the one with mistrust over the Uchiha. He always feared their power because he couldn't control it. Something perhaps he learned from the Nidaime Hokage."

"I will murder him. And those people, they call my brother names. They scorn his name while enjoying the peace he created."

"The one who brings peace is usually the one who ends up being hated."

"You knew this and look at you?! How can you stand them Naruto?! How can you stand those people!"

Naruto sighed. He indeed did right by coming here. But those were not questions for today or now. Sasuke was too angry to talk. "I asked you if you wanted to become Hokage, think about it now."

"And lead those ungrateful people?"

"Well, you'll have time to think about it. Itachi didn't do the massacre alone. He had help, and who helped him?"

Sasuke blinked. Itachi had shown him something like that.

"My guess is that the masked man behind the Akatsuki is the man, and he is the very same person who caused the Kyubi to go on a rampage on the night I was born. That man, is a man we must kill, Sasuke. He too, has caused us to suffer and now plans to make this world his as well. But we cannot hunt him down while tied to Konoha or as we are. We need to become stronger…" he then looked to the direction of the village. "Danzo is waiting for us. Let us to and remove him from existence. After then, we leave Konoha."

Sasuke stood up. "You've said something that makes sense and I can agree with for the first time, Naruto."

"Don't be ridiculous. You're the one with nonsense."

As they started walking away, Sasuke mumbled any apology. "Sorry for attacking you."

"Huh? Can you say that a little louder?"

"If you didn't hear that, that's your fault."

---

Karin stared at both Naruto and Sasuke with her hands folded across her chest. The latter's chakra was almost depleted. And if she wasn't mistaken, they still had something to do after this. He looked depleted, but he wasn't wounded that he needed her help. He could just take a chakra pill if whatever they needed to require more chakra.

"Are you ready?" Naruto asked her.

"Yes." She said. "You don't look ready."

"There is something we must do," Naruto said, dropping Itachi's corpse to the floor. "Take the eyes from this corpse and put them in Sasuke. Then have him bite you to make him heal so he can use his eyes immediately."

"Why you ordering me like this?"

"Karin!" Naruto stared. "We don't have much time."

"You owe me." She said to Naruto. She then walked over to the kitchen and took some tools. When she came back, she ordered Sasuke lie down. Naruto then walked over and spoke.

"Allow me to compel you to sleep."

"I want to feel everything."

"Crazy bastard." Naruto replied.

He didn't make a sound when Karin surgically removed the eyes. He didn't make a sound when his eye lids closed to the empty eye sockets. He just waited until she forced them open. He felt when she inserted Itachi's eyes, his power.

"Here," Karin put her wrist around his mouth. "Bite and be gentle."

Sasuke didn't question anything. The moment he bit her; he felt the pain slowly go away. He felt his body starting to return to normal. He laid there, silent for a whole minute before asking.

"Last time I checked, Danzo was in a holding cell."

"His escape has been arranged and my clone is busy acting as his replacement. Once we're done, it will," he made a puff sound. "We are not really supposed to be doing this. Anbu are also watching Danzo's hideout."

"How are we going to deal with it?"

Naruto smiled. "Genjutsu, of course."

"What about me?"

"You are leaving now. A clone will be with you. We will join you."

"Don't forget the other clone."

"Yes." Naruto replied with a sad look on his face, his tone subdued.

---

Root Hideout

In his glory, Danzo thought it was ironic that he had to face this test. He was the one who ordered Itachi for a massacre and now Tsunade had just ordered another – and it was Sasuke coming. The lone survivor of the massacre he commissioned. It wasn't even funny that things had come to this point. But he should've known that Tsunade wouldn't just let him go back to his office. He too had a Yamanaka, so he could play with his memories.

He didn't care about exposing his secrets now. There was just no way out for him without going this far.

"I didn't think Tsunade had it in her to order such a mission."

"Ah, you think we are here on such orders from the Hokage… but we are not."

"I know about the Uchiha massacre." Sasuke said hatefully.

Danzo disgusted him. He already wanted to kill the man but seeing him clothed in the eyes of the people of his clan, Sasuke wanted nothing but to cut that man off and remove all those eyes.

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "I didn't think Itachi was the type of man who would tell."

"Ah yes, he didn't even say anything about you attacking Shisui. If he had said something, the Uchiha clan would have probably had you killed. And maybe the massacre might not have happened. Either way, the only reason you're alive now is because of Itachi's pacifist views and his love for Konoha."

Naruto couldn't understand the decision to allow Danzo to keep Shisui's eye. What Danzo did was wrong and had to be punished. Perhaps it was Shisui's will that nothing be told. Then again, in Itachi's life, decisions have never been based on what is right or wrong. Moral values had no place in Shinobi business.

"You know about that as well."

"Of course," Naruto looked around for a moment then and turned around, summoning the sword of Totsuka. "Sasuke."

"Got it." The moment Sasuke replied, Naruto had already disappeared in blinding speed. "Amaterasu."

Danzo narrowed his eyes, and then cursed when his Jinchuriki burst into a black flame. Those flames that couldn't be extinguished. But what made him swear was that Naruto had suddenly just appeared behind them. Behind his Jinchuriki. His men were too late to even act as the blond swung his ethereal sword.

After appearing behind the burning Jinchuriki, crying and trying to put out the flames, Naruto swung his sword in a downward slash. There was no resistance as the sword cut the man in half, from his head down, equally making turning him into two pieces. The bloodwork that followed was overshadowed by three who jumped ahead of him.

Three wooden spikes burst forth, skewing the three who were in mid-air. Naruto was forced to jump back as he saw a horde of bugs charge toward him. As he landed, he saw them still charging toward him. He allowed his sword to disappear and did hand signs, converting chakra through his lungs into fire.

"Fire Style: Great Fire ball no Jutsu!" He released a monstrous ball of flames from his mouth. The intense flames lit up the entire structure before encountering the bugs. All of them were entirely swallowed by the flames and none escaped before the jutsu died out.

---

There had just been fifteen men with Danzo. Sasuke assumed some of them died in his many missions. After all, for Danzo, the mission was more important than their lives. Locking eyes with the war Hawk, Sasuke focused.

"Amaterasu."

The flame caught Danzo and he burnt for a bit before seemingly disappearing. He appeared fully whole, charging toward him while doing hang signs.

"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullet!"

Sasuke immediately activated his Susanoo. The bullets were invisible to the naked eye. But he could see them with his Sharingan. The bullets hit his Susanoo head on but did not break it.

Danzo kept on charging toward Sasuke but came to a halt when something pierced through his chest. He glanced below and saw a blade coated with wind. He turned behind and saw a long-stretched sword. He wasn't the only one who was pierced by the sword. Another one of his agents had been pierced through by it with Naruto standing a distance away from him.

Once more, Danzo rewrote reality and appeared a distance away from the two.

"What the hell, Naruto?" Sasuke demanded of Naruto.

"I just wanted to see something. I thought I was dreaming or may have been caught in a genjutsu when he just disappeared and then came back. You know, his chakra disappeared. What the hell is he doing?"

"I don't know," Sasuke replied. "But check his eyes. Two eyes have closed already. I guess is each time he does that trick, he sacrifices his eye."

"Sharingan abilities. That's cheating death. We should also have that as well. Our path is going to be dangerous from here. We may need to also be able to cheat death like this."

"Just don't interfere." Sasuke said, deactivating his Susanoo. "This just gives me the chance to kill him over and over again. I want to enjoy this."

"Don't sacrifice the right eye. I want to salvage it. But knowing him, he most likely has some thought. Don't let him run out of options before I act and gouge his eye out."

"You want to do it while he is still alive?"

"Yes."

Sasuke smirked. "Fine… but don't blame me when you do it and he still has it set to use that Jutsu."

---

"Is it that time?"

Ino asked in a quiet and sad tone. That Naruto was leaving, and he had asked her to leave with her was something they only spoke about once. They've been ignoring the subject in the past couple of days. Naruto didn't press and she liked to pretend that it never happened.

"Is this goodbye?"

That was, if she was not leaving with him.

"Yes. Since you never answered me, I imagined you didn't want to leave Konoha behind, even if it was for a while. I can understand. You have a family here and friends. I was asking you to leave that behind, for me. A little selfish," he said with a laugh. "I was actually just going to leave without saying anything."

"Can I answer you know? I have had the time to think and talk about it with my parents."

Naruto smiled. "Sure."

Ino shared his smile.

---

To clear up some confusion, the Jinchuriki is the three tails. Jiraiya had merely accompanied Danzo's Root.

I wrote this chapter in End March. I did rewrite some things last week. But ever since I reached this chapter, I've been trying to write something after the time-skip. There is the Akatsuki. So many things to write about. But for the past couple of months, I haven't been able to write anything.

And that is why I've made decision to end the story here. I write this with sadness in my heart. The reason I never posted the chapters before was because I wanted to rewrite everything. Leave the invasion out and just focus on hunting Orochimaru, and the Akatsuki. But I couldn't write anything to that account.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone, for your reviews, love and due criticism.

"Corrupted" Ends here.

The Omnipresent Sage