Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I decided to bring this chapter out earlier since i've split it into 2 by rearranging certain stuff and modifying the fight scenes. The chapter would've ended up over 8000 words if i didn't and i'm not too fond of producing really long chapters back to back since there'll be time for that later on. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 19: Withering Life

It had been a long time since the man had stepped foot into the graveyard where the body of his father was. The rain was falling slowly, not drenching him but enough to make him slightly cold. Kakashi was peaceful as he stared at the gravestone which had the name of his father carved into it; Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo.

Kakashi's childhood was like a blur of events. His father had been very strict and wasn't very open. This character and personality was adopted by him as a young man but soon, with the sacrifice of Obito, he would change. He became easy going and always thought of his comrades with sincerity.

His father's tragic suicide had paved the way for the progeny of Konoha to adopt a new ideology. Unlike during the time of Sakumo, ninjas understood the importance of their team mates. Sakumo's downfall was to go against the system, in a time where people were not ready for such a thing. His decision to protect his team mates and abandon the mission cost him dearly as he was scorned and belittled, even by the men he saved. It was this experience which, in due course, led to his case of depression and untimely death. Kakashi closed his eye, remembering one of the most fateful days of his life.

Flashback

A young Kakashi walked through the streets of Konoha. He was only a few weeks away from his ninth birthday. He had just returned from a mission and it wasn't the easiest of ones. He worried about his father a lot lately, due to his condition.

Sakumo, whose skills eclipsed even those of the legendary sannin, was now just a shadow of his former self. His state of depression, and the treatment he received from his peers, had evidently taken a great toll on him.

Kakashi would have to listen to countless shinobi disgracing his father's name as if he were a fool. He was hurt by their words since he used to look up to his father a great deal and held a lot of respect for him. The chuunin sighed upon reaching his house, knowing he'd have to witness his father's poor state.

He opened the door and walked inside, the sound of the rain pattering against the shutters resonating throughout the house. He took off his shoes and stepped onto the floorboards, wondering where his father was. "Tousan?"

Kakashi walked through the moderately sized house, towards his father's bedroom. He pulled the door back, not discovering his father anywhere. He found it awkward because his bedroom was where his father would spend most of his time. He closed the door and made his way to the main hall. It was at this time that he would see one of the most shocking images of his life. A haunting scene was forever engraved into his mind, as he stood frozen. His father was lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, a sword piercing his chest and extending out of his back.

Kakashi ran to his father's side, his heart breaking with every step he took. "Tousan!" The boy turned his father's body around, finding his eyes closed and his heart still. Tears began forming in his eyes as he shook his father's body, "Tousan! Tousan!"

His mouth was open as the tears fell from his face to the floorboards of the chamber. It had struck him that his father had died, taking his own life. He was all alone without anyone in this world. He started to cry as he clutched his father's dead body in his small hands.

End Flashback

Kakashi opened his eye, a tear falling from it and mixing with his wet mask. He could never forget the scene as much as he wanted to. Each time he thought about the moment, it was as if he was reliving it. He turned around to walk away but stopped when he saw someone else present.

"Gai?" He was surprised to see the man.

Gai spoke without his usual energy, "I didn't want to disturb you."

Kakashi nodded, realising he had been there for some time. "What's going on?"

Gai folded his arms, "Naruto has escaped."

Kakashi's eye widened as he walked forwards, "How?"

Gai shook his head, "We're not sure but Jiraiya-sama asked for you. We should go."

Kakashi acknowledged the information as he vanished from the spot, along with his comrade. The rain continued falling, giving life to the flowers surrounding the grave of the legendary White Fang.

XXXXXXXXXX

The water splashed across the man's face, waking him up. Naruto stared at his reflection in the river, noticing a change in his features. His eyes were now completely crimson. Standing up, Naruto looked at the canopy of the forest which was far above the ground.

He had been moving for over 8 hours straight at his fastest speed. The night had gone and the sun had risen which made him realise his tired state. This resulted in him taking a short nap. Although his wounds were healed, the torture session still took a toll on him. Fortunately, he was feeling a lot better now that he had given his body a chance to relax.

He had escaped the prison in Konoha without much trouble, since all the guards had been knocked unconscious. He had taken the opportunity to seize one of their pouches which contained some shuriken, kunai and a map of the Fire Country. He wasn't good with directions and he knew that very well, considering the amount of times he had lost his way in his life.

He was happy to spot on the map though, that there was a river which ran through the Fire Country to its border. He had spent the night searching for this river and then had stayed near it as he sped on. The map had served to be useful after all, regardless of his inability to follow directions.

He felt his longing for a cigarette rise. He hadn't smoked the nicotine stick for a while now and his urges were increasing. He reached into his newly acquired pouch and took out the map. He began checking it to see if he could make sense of where he was. The forest he was in would end when the river reached the border. Shrugging, he knew what he had to look for now as he placed the map back in his pouch. Naruto raised an eyebrow when he felt a strange feeling. There was something wrong; he couldn't move.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi entered the office of Tsunade, to find more people present than expected. The advisors of the Hokage were at hand, along with Shizune. He walked into the centre of the room while Gai remained where he was.

Jiraiya was sitting near the desk; the seat of the Hokage was empty. "You were quick."

Kakashi cleared his throat, "It was urgent." The jounin wasted no time in asking a question, "How did he escape?"

Jiraiya tapped his chin, "We're not sure. The guards couldn't recall anything from the night before."

Kakashi's face remained expressionless but he had a guess as to what could've caused that. Shizune let go of Tonton, speaking, "A team was dispatched early in the morning to track him down. They've been given specific instructions."

Gai had a serious demeanour, "I still believe I should've gone with them."

Homura straightened his glasses, "You worry too much Gai. The task they've been given can be accomplished. Besides, your team has been going on a lot of missions recently. It wouldn't be wise to send them on this assignment without them being 100 percent."

Gai sighed, "You underestimate them."

Jiraiya laughed, "We're just not taking any risks. Not to mention, Lee seems to be close to Naruto. That could've affected his ability to perform as necessary."

Kakashi addressed the frog hermit, "I'm guessing I've been called here for a reason other than to be informed of the current situation."

Jiraiya nodded, "Team 7 is to follow the already dispatched personnel. Your mission is to bring Naruto back at any cost. Head out as soon as you can." Jiraiya slapped his head, "Oh, and take this; you'll need it." He threw a wrapped up package at Kakashi.

Kakashi caught the item, observing it before recognising what it was. Within seconds, he vanished from his spot in the room. Gai turned his attention to Koharu and Homura, "Has anything been done to calm the shinobi of the village down?"

Aoba's outburst the previous day had instilled fear into many people. Several were afraid of the Kyuubi returning while others were claiming the vessel of the Kyuubi had come back for revenge. Unluckily, the younger generation also witnessed the scenes and were left with multiple questions. Gai had refused to answer them and was left pondering of how the situation would be resolved.

Koharu spoke coolly, "We're going to have to gather everyone and let them know of the truth. But, we'll do it once the Godaime has been cured."

Gai was surprised with her words, "She can be healed then?"

Jiraiya folded his arms, giving an extended sigh, "There's no need to thank me."

Gai did the nice guy pose, "Jiraiya-sama, your age and outward appearance can't conceal the youth within you."

Jiraiya had an offended look. He didn't think his appearance made him appear too old, at least not like the advisors of Tsunade. He was staring at the duo with an awkward expression. Shaking his head, he spoke to Gai, "I'm close to removing the seal. I should have it done within the week."

Gai nodded, acknowledging the response. Shizune, on the other hand, was still worried. She had never felt such a feeling before, "I fear something big is coming."

Everyone turned their attention to the woman as Jiraiya spoke, "I know what you mean. The crystal of legend and the plans the Tsuchikage may have for it…it's a dire concern which can only spell bad news."

The occupants of the office remained quiet after the frog hermit's words. They all understood that this was the beginning of what would become the true battle. Their greatest fear; was not knowing exactly what it could contain and when it could occur.

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto felt his body turn forcefully, making the cause of his immobility clear. Naruto stared at the group, noticing the forehead protectors which they wore. They were from Konoha; a team sent to track him down. He sighed, "You can't leave someone alone, can you?"

He heard a grunt of amusement from the pineapple haired chuunin, "You were a prisoner."

Naruto looked at Shikamaru before laughing, "You're right; I was." His attention shifted to the other shinobi present. He assumed the large dog was the partner of the man next to him while the woman looked like a Hyuuga. However, the person with the glasses and his possible fighting style eluded him.

Shikamaru addressed his comrades, "Be careful, he's not an easy opponent."

Kiba had a serious expression, "Hey, I know that."

Shino's hands were in his jacket pocket, "You're angry that you weren't assigned as the team leader."

Kiba shook his head, "Whatever, you're always saying things like that."

Hinata didn't let her eyes leave Naruto, "Shikamaru, what now?"

Naruto noticed the shadow binding him to his opponent. He spoke in an amused tone, "Did you think you'd be in this position the first time we met?"

Shikamaru held his hands in the seal pattern, "No, but as shinobi, surprises are expected." He was inwardly smiling that the Uzumaki remembered him. Naruto began moving his arm, taking Shikamaru by shock. The Nara started to concentrate harder, wondering how Naruto was overpowering him. "This isn't good."

Hinata nodded, "I'm on it." She ran towards Naruto to disable him.

Naruto stopped with his hand in front of his face, "You're too late." He smiled at Hinata, forming hand seals, "Futon Sarawareta!"

Hinata stopped as a strong wind blew directly towards her, propelling her back the way she came. Shikamaru was forced to relinquish his hold, lifted off the ground and thrown back several meters. Kiba and Shino received a similar experience as their friends. The ninjas quickly regrouped but were surprised to find 4 Naruto's, instead of the original one, standing in front of them.

Akamaru stood next to Kiba, barking viciously. Kiba was less than impressed, knowing Naruto must have taken the momentary distraction to form them, "Clones, a simple technique."

Shikamaru was careful not to make a move, "He's clever."

Kiba was about to ask the chuunin what he was referring to, but was interrupted by one of the Naruto's. The blonde shouted, "You're here to capture me, right?" He turned around and ran away in the opposite direction upon finishing. The other Naruto's followed with a similar course of action, running in different directions.

Shikamaru clenched his fist, "He's trying to split us up."

Shino nodded, "We have no choice but to play his game. If we go after them together, there's a possibility of him escaping."

Shikamaru realised something as he faced Hinata but the Hyuuga didn't need to be told. She activated her byakugan and scanned the forest. She could see the 4 Naruto's heading in diverse directions, "They're all the same. I can't tell which the real one is."

Shikamaru sighed, "We have no choice then." He looked at the team, "Pick one and follow him. Don't, under any circumstance, go further than you need to. We've been given specific orders and they're all we need to carry out."

The team nodded before disappearing from their positions; in chase of the multiple targets.

XXXXXXXXXX

Shino jumped through the trees of the forest, having caught up to his target. He could see the yellow haired man several metres ahead of him. He stopped abruptly before ducking, as a kunai flew over his head. He looked back towards Naruto, noticing his approach as he jumped to the floor of the forest.

Naruto landed on the ground also, laughing, "You should have seen your face…" He stared at Shino critically, "It stayed the same. Not even one change in expression."

Shino was wary of the man, not understanding why he was talking about pointless things.

Naruto reached into his pocket and pulled out a few shuriken, "I'm going to beat you with these."

Shino remained with his hands in his pockets as the shuriken were thrown at him. He moved to the side, successfully dodging them before Naruto ran towards him. Naruto drove his fist into Shino's face but his eyes widened when the body turned into several bugs and engulfed him.

The jinchuuriki was confused as the insects covered him, only leaving his face visible, "What's going on?"

"You shouldn't have rushed into the fight." The voice came from behind Naruto.

Naruto turned around to find Shino staring at him, "You…"

Shino calmly explained his actions, "I wasn't the one following you. It was a clone."

Naruto shook his head, "You used my own method against me."

Shino confirmed his speculation, "A ninja analyses his enemy and comfortably walks away with the victory. You fell for my trap." He looked at the insects covering his enemy, "Those bugs will sap your chakra on my command. It's not the most pleasant of feelings. I would advise you to stand down."

Naruto smiled, "If you think this is the end, then these next few minutes are about to be very painful for you." He disappeared from his spot in a puff of smoke, while a log was in his place.

Shino recognised the replacement technique which was to simply switch yourself with a nearby object. Some dread was instilled in him though, as an exploding tag was on the log. The log exploded sending his bugs in various directions.

Naruto attached exploding tags to 3 shuriken before throwing them at Shino. They landed around the bug user, snapping him back into reality. Shino slammed his hands together, realising the danger, "Kamemushi!" The tags exploded covering the area in dust and debris.

Naruto stood behind a tree, watching the rubbish fly past. He walked out from behind his shelter, waiting for the smoke to clear. He had a kunai ready in his hand in case the Aburame was unscathed.

As the smoke cleared, a black ball was standing in the place of Shino. The ball then sparkled before it dissected itself into hundreds of bugs. They landed on the floor, next to their master. Shino was unscratched, "You'll have to do better than this."

Naruto looked at the bugs covering the forest floor. He was intrigued as to how they managed to guard Shino from the blast.

Shino realised his curiosity and spoke, "My bugs have the ability to harden to the toughness of steel."

Naruto sighed, "I guess I'll have to beat the crap out of you the normal way."

Shino quickly spoke when the Uzumaki took one step, "I wouldn't do that."

Naruto tilted his head, "And why is that?"

Shino remained with his hands in his pockets, "Look around you."

Naruto stared at the numerous trees to find they were inhabited by bugs and insects. He could hear a buzzing sound behind him, noticing a horde of the chakra eating bugs ready to attack him. Naruto scratched the back of his head, "This looks troubling."

Shino held up his hand, "I can make all of them ambush you at the same time. And this time; they won't ask for my permission to drain your chakra, they'll go ahead and do it."

Naruto twirled the kunai in his hand, "I killed half of them with that exploding log. How can you have so many left?"

Shino remained quiet, before eventually answering him, "They didn't die. Like I said, they have the ability to harden and they're able to do it themselves whenever they're in danger."

Naruto dropped the kunai into the ground, "You made a mistake in your calculations." Shino became cautious while Naruto resumed, "What makes you think I didn't plan ahead also?"

Shino was getting ready to unleash his bugs on the man, "Explain yourself."

Naruto laughed, "I didn't know what your abilities were so I had to make you fight. It became clear soon that you used bugs and were a mid to long ranged fighter."

Shino didn't like the strange feeling overcoming him.

Naruto cleared his throat, "Remember when I said I would use those shuriken to beat you."

The Naruto in front of Shino didn't make a move as two shuriken struck the Aburame behind his thighs. He fell to his knees while the Naruto in front of him stood still. A kunai was placed next to his neck, the man behind him speaking, "He wasn't lying. If your bugs move, I'll respond by cutting you in two."

Shino stared in shock at the Naruto behind him, "How did you do this?"

The Naruto across him answered, "The shuriken I threw at you weren't normal. One of them was the real me, who is now standing behind you."

The real Naruto laughed, "You've been fighting a shadow clone."

Shino recognised an important fact, "So the 4 we saw running from us were all shadow clones?"

Naruto nodded, "You were all momentarily distracted when I did my technique. I used that time to create 4 shadow clones and ran ahead. I didn't know what your abilities were so I made sure to follow the clone you went after."

Naruto's shadow clone continued, "He disguised himself as a shuriken and waited for me to pass him. I recognised the insignia he left on the shuriken and picked him up. Right after that, I began our fight."

Naruto observed the bugs behind his shadow clone, "I was thrown to a safe place and analysed the fight."

Shino understood, "You stayed one step ahead, all of this time.

Naruto shrugged, "You lose." He used the blunt end of his kunai to knock Shino out.

Almost simultaneously, the shadow clone performed hand seals, "Katon Shounetsujigoku!" Waves of scorching flames emanated from his body and spread across all of the bugs surrounding him. The shadow clone had taken the action, knowing there was a possibility the bugs would attack him when the real Naruto took out their master.

The trees were burning along with hundreds of bugs whilst the shadow clone walked towards Naruto. "What's the plan now?"

Naruto looked at the unconscious body of Shino, "You take the Hyuuga. I'm going after Shikamaru."

XXXXXXXXXX

Shikamaru was running at his fastest speed but was still finding it hard to keep up with his target. He wasn't sure whether the person he was pursuing was the real Naruto or a clone. Regardless, he continued before hearing a set of explosions. He stopped and looked towards the direction from where the explosions came. He felt a little worried since he knew Shino was in that vicinity. Smoke began to fill the air as the sight of fire entered his eyes. He looked in front of him to find Naruto had stopped running.

The yellow haired man tapped his chin, "That's the signal."

Shikamaru readied himself, not wanting to be caught by any surprise, "Signal?"

Naruto smiled, "It's time this fight got started." He started jumping through the trees.

Shikamaru realised that there was some sort of plan between the clones of Naruto and possibly the real one himself. If that was the case then he couldn't afford to be sucked in like this. He turned around and began to run away as quick as he could.

Naruto looked at the fleeing chuunin, "Oh come on; you were so brave a moment ago." He took out a few shuriken and threw them at the Nara but missed.

He repeated the process several times but kept on missing his target. Shikamaru was inwardly relieved when he managed to narrowly dodge the attacks. He knew he couldn't outrun the Uzumaki for long, so tried to find a suitable area where he could perform to the best of his ability.

Naruto was getting irritated by the chase, increasing his speed and gaining on Shikamaru. He grinned when he was getting closer however Shikamaru vanished from sight when he was within inches of touching him. Naruto stopped at once, realising the chuunin had fallen to the ground below. He turned around and followed instantly. Landing on the forest floor, he raised an eyebrow, "Did you find your bravery again?"

Shikamaru had a smile across his face, "You could say that."

XXXXXXXXXX

Genkei rushed through the trees of the mountain, nearing the encampment with every passing second. There were multiple questions running through his head. He wondered whether Naruto was on his way also and what Hajin's next move would be. He had never felt so uneasy since Yuudai went after Akatsuki to bring Naruto back home.

The dragon was on all fours as he jumped to the floor and ran at his fastest pace. The cold of the snow underneath his limbs didn't bother him. He had been running non-stop since he left Konoha on Naruto's command.

The plants, trees and anything else which used to stand out was now similar in sight; covered in pure, white snow. Genkei wanted to know the reason for Hajin's actions, due to the fact that his ill timed seize of the forbidden scroll could spell Naruto's death.

The summon was aware of the change of features in his friend and it worried him. He couldn't let Naruto die after being so close to what could have been the solution. Genkei continued running but began to slow down as the encampment came into view. His eyes zoomed over the land which was now tarnished.

The thoughts previously on his mind were now wiped clean. He looked at the burnt buildings and ravaged area. Had everyone been killed? He began sniffing out the scents of humans. The only smell entering his nose was that of dead people and burned wood. He was about to stop before a peculiar scent entered him.

Whoever it was, they were alive and barely. Genkei rushed down the hill and into the encampment. He raced past the buildings and came to the bottom of a most recognisable hill. He looked at the dead bodies of the shinobi of Iwa, recognising the fact that Hajin was also behind this.

Nonetheless, he would have to think about this later as he continued towards the source of the smell. He travelled across the cliff top, identifying a woman pinned to a tree. He came to a stop in front of her, recognising who it was, "Yuka…"

Futon Sarawareta - Wind Release Swept Away (Original)

Kamemushi - Shield Bug (Original)

Katon Shounetsujigoku - Fire Release Inferno (Original)

Author Notes: The next chapter will finish the fights with the Konoha tracking team. These fights are more of a warm up for the big set piece in a few chapters. Regardless, let me know if they're keeping you gripped and where there could be room for improvement. As for why no one is recognising him, including Hinata, that's because he was taken before he started acting out for attention and wore the orange jumpsuit. Until next time.