Happiness was truly a blessing in life. How did one dismiss the fulfillment and the content the heart experienced for the sole purpose of harboring misery and contempt? Perhaps Sasuke was better placed to offer an educated and experienced answer to that question. Then again, ones the heart was shattered, it was difficult to patch it up. Importantly, people had different tastes. Corrupted reptiles like Orochimaru found happiness in the misery of others. Moral values and a compass be damned. What were those strange concepts to begin with?

Shinobi were killers. Murderers who would do anything for the sake of their villages. Naruto was alive to his sad reality. But he appreciated the difference in how others chose to live their lives. A flawed world did sometimes produce unique creatures that sort to defy the logic of the very world that gave birth to them.

For Naruto, to be in this moment, was worth living. And maybe even defying the gods who made them. It was rare to see Shinobi living like this. Perhaps those who have grown in war had no appetite to bring children. But it did not stop them from loving. Naruto could proudly proclaim to the corners of the shinobi world and beyond, that there was no greater joy than to love.

Never mind the peaceful surrounding, the songs of nature, and the silent leaves falling into decay around the little house he made, the most important thing was the woman who had her head resting on his chest as he sat up, back pressed against the wooden walls.

He lifted his right hand, waving it slowly before placing it on her long hair. The blonde that seemed like a cheap imitation of his. He smiled; she would slap him if she heard those words.

But so often, Naruto found himself enjoying such peace when he wasn't training with Sasuke. Or parading with mischievous intentions.

"If someone told me that I would have such moments in life, I would've murdered that person for providing such blatant false prophecy," Naruto whispered with a dark chuckle.

"I didn't know you were that hopeless, Uzumaki…" Ino replied, her eyes closed, with warmth in her tone.

"Hahaha…" Naruto's chuckle was once again dark. Ino stirred slightly because of it. He never told Ino about Orochimaru. He didn't speak about it. But perhaps it was about time. He had warned both Karin and Sasuke to shut their traps about it in the presence of this girl he loved.

He wasn't afraid. Perhaps more than anything, he was ashamed.

"Being branded the Kyubi child and hated by almost everyone in Konoha wasn't the greatest tragedy of my life… In fact, there was a time I once thought that was better. At least I could ignore it if I chose," and there was someone who loved him.

Ino lifted her head. She was trying by all means to appear excited. One thing she has learned about Naruto since joining him and Sasuke, was that he had secrets. Some things not even Sasuke knew. He pretended to be a harmless overpowered person, but reality was different. He was shockingly aware of everything around. He might pretend to be ignorant or just focus on the silly things for his amusement, but behind that mask, sat a silent silhouette Ino wanted to unmask.

"I've always wanted to ask. But I didn't want to push."

Naruto raised an eye brow. "Since when do you consider some things off limits? You appear to be happy to walk into anything to satisfy your curiosity."

Ino shrugged, pouted a little. "Even I know there are limits!" She exclaimed.

Naruto stared at her unconvincingly. "Like I said, I find that difficult to grasp. You ask anything you want."

Ino stared at him and then released a long breath, returning to her former position. But this time, with eyes wide awake.

"Are you going to keep me waiting?"

"Umm… yes… I have decided against saying anything…" Naruto said, his right hand sneaking to her right breast. He fondled her a bit, smiling as he did before she shook his hand away. "I thought it would be more productive to fool around than rehash old stories…"

"I'm not your toy."

"You don't say that when we fool around in the bed. In fact, you love playing with my toy so much…" Ino jabbed him on the chest with her elbow. "That was uncalled for…"

"You deserved it."

Naruto sighed and glanced up through the parted leaves. "I'm glad you came with me, Ino."

"If I had known you were going to spend more time with your other girlfriend, I wouldn't have bothered."

To this, Naruto laughed. "He is needy that one…"

"Should make some clear boundaries."

"He has no respect for them. We should just get him a girl."

"Aren't you enough?"

"Don't say things like that. you'll make me imagine corrupted things…"

"Nothing you haven't thought of before. Besides, I find it infuriating that he stole your first kiss."

Naruto fell a chill down his spine. Just at the memories. This joke had to be old already. He looked down, placed both hands on Ino's head and turned her around. He leaned in and captured her lips. A slow, moment. Time passed as a snail. Everything around froze, her smooth lips, brushing against his. Her warm breath pasting into his skin. When she tried opening his mouth with her tongue, he pulled away, smiling.

"You'll get me excited. And you'll have to fulfil me."

"You started it." Ino grinned. "We are alone. We haven't done it outside have we?"

Naruto looked around.

"I'm joking."

"Don't play like that woman. I was already imaging things."

Ino snorted. "If you put up a barrier ar0und the place, I might consider… you know, we could be right at it and that bastard would just walk in."

Naruto laughed. She was talking about Sasuke. He seemed to have a bad timing. There were a handful of times he interrupted their quality time. Safe to say, Ino hasn't been thrilled at his unrepentant intrusion.

"I'm serious! Sometimes I even think he watches us!"

"Don't make me think that…" Naruto shut off all those thoughts. Jiraiya would most likely be the one to watch. Maybe even the Sandaime or Kakashi. They were all perverts. The Sannin was just shameless about it. Thinking of it, he laughed in a reminiscent tone. "Can I do a barrier? I might just go away now for a mission with Sasuke."

Ino frowned. Missions and training. The threats to her quality time with Naruto. They did missions. Secretive things. She knew they were gathering information. They did so in disguise. After all, nobody was supposed to know of their location.

"Do you have to?"

"Yes…" Naruto replied in a serious tone. "I can't settle with the Akatsuki still on my tail."

"Don't you mean tails?"

"Hahaha…" Naruto laughed. "I guess that's it for the barrier and some fun." He said. "Either way, this has been fun. But we must talk about Konoha."

Ino jerked with excitement. She pulled away from him, and then stared. "Finally!"

While Ino enjoyed being around Naruto and traveling, she had missed her home. She missed the flower shop. She missed her mother. Even that forehead Sakura and even hearing Kiba make some snide remark. Hell, she missed everything about Konoha.

She had brought up the subject several times, but a huge stop sign that proceeded a huge cliff welcomed her. It wasn't a no entry zone; Naruto was just unshaking.

"Sasuke and I have gathered enough information and the Akatsuki has been moving. We are going to be busy and engaging in dangerous activities, it would be better if we were at Konoha."

By 'we' Naruto meant Ino.

"Great…" Ino mumbled. The excitement gone. She couldn't bear the thought of having to wait for a whole month while waiting for Naruto to return from a mission. Maybe when he returned, she too would be gone.

It was no wonder many shinobi didn't have relationships. They just couldn't manage. And the bigger of a fish you were, the more assignments you received. And that came with the dangers.

Ino was not naïve. She had thought of this before. Nothing was merry go in this treacherous world. Naruto was strong but he was just a man. A mere mortal with flaws. She would worry for him. That was only natural.

"I hope we don't become that busy."

"I will be." Naruto said firmly. "Sasuke and I have to hunt down members of the Akatsuki. This is for my survival and our future."

'Our future?' There would be no future if he was dead. But there was just no running away from the situation. After all, Naruto was the one who was being hunted down by the Akatsuki. Even if he chose to sit back, he would be on the run, living in fear for the rest of his life or that of the Akatsuki.

"I hope you're careful."

"Aren't I always? Besides, Sasuke has my back."

"I'm a little jealous." Ino admitted with a pout.

There was no denying that Sasuke trusted Naruto with his life and so did Naruto. They were friends. It was an unconventional friend. But a friendship based on mutual understanding and perhaps greater purposes in life.

"You didn't even say what you wanted to say. I know there is some underlying issues and it has to do with Orochimaru," Ino said, staring at him with conviction.

"Yeah… there is that. Some deep issues that just refuse to go away," Naruto smiled sadly. "It's a part that reveals the ugliness of the heart. Repulsive thoughts that I wish to hide."

Ino scoffed. "As if you behave like a Saint."

"I thought I did."

"Maybe a little," Ino conceded. "But I don't think anyone who spends close enough time with you would be able to tell just the kind of person you. Only what you want to show them."

"But my dearest, I am a shinobi. Deception is a fundamental rule that protects us."

Ino folded her heads across her chest. "You say things like that, but you live your life in the way you see fit, not according to those rules. In fact, you pretty much do whatever you want."

"Don't concern yourself about harmless things. The important thing is that you know me and I know you."

"And when sometimes I feel like I don't?"

"Beat that naughty thought."

"I'm serious!"

Naruto just smiled but before he could reply, he sensed movement and turned his eyes away from Ino. "The Uchiha Prince is here."

"Lovely." Ino said with sarcasm.

"As it should."

"I know you're just messing me with that one. More than anyone, you know how sarcasm sounds like?"

"Do I?" Naruto turned to face Sasuke. Not quite Madara. But a Sharingan that seemed to be forever active. Long hair, an expressionless mask that would make even Sai smile for no apparent reason. "You saved me from interrogation, Sasuke."

The Uchiha stared at Naruto and then glanced at Ino for a moment before going back to the blond. Long hair blonde hair that was trying to reach his shoulders. It was never tied, so it was all messy up in the head. Both cheeks were framed by the hair, his right side partly shielded. Naruto had grown. But so did he.

It wasn't the most glaring part about him. No, whenever you graced his presence, you knew you stood before a person. Naruto crushed anyone with just a release of his chakra. Perhaps bandits were not the scale with which to judge, but even those ignorant brutes had fled, leaving their loot behind when the blond had announced his presence.

A little over two years ago, Sasuke would have been contemptuously envious but he was not. Naruto had his weaknesses. So did he.

What Sasuke was a little envious about was the relationship with Ino. A useless girl in his sense, and yet, she made Naruto happy. A happiness that was foreign to him.

"We need to move out," Sasuke said, getting straight to the point.

"Hello to you too, Sasuke." Naruto shook his head. "I think I'm starting to see it. But maybe I should take him to a whore house. He will learn to loosen up once he has experienced the joys of life."

"You not going there, Uzumaki! He can go on his own."

"Don't be like that. Boys must be boys."

"Go be a boy, and you will see."

"Now that is rather scary," Naruto stood up. He bent down and kissed Ino on the forehead. "But wherever I go, you're the only one for me." He said warmly. "We will talk about Konoha when I come back. But be prepared."

"So, he comes calling and you just walk away from me?" Ino asked with a glare.

"Now now, you know there is a mission," Naruto said, turning to Sasuke. "See what you're doing? Why can't you go on your own."

"If you want to stay here and fool around, be my guest."

"He really needs a girlfriend." Ino said flatly. "Maybe you should take him."

"How can you say something so treacherous. Do you think Sakura will be happy? Isn't she your friend?"

"You're the one who suggested it!" Ino shouted. "Besides, she is going to be sad when I tell her how I was spending time with her beloved. Even feeding him after you'd hit him a little too hard."

Sasuke twitched. "It was only that time only. And don't tell anyone about it."

"Yes, Ino. It hurts his pride when you remind him of such humiliation."

"I will burn both of you with Amaterasu and see if you won't grovel to beg for mercy."

Naruto faced Ino. "See what you did?"

"No," Ino shook her head. A shocked look across her face. "I think he was making a joke. Pinch me… I must be dreaming."

Naruto obliged.

"Ouch! What the hell?!"

"You said pinch me!" Naruto exclaimed with an innocent look across his face. "Don't go anywhere…" he said quickly, changing the subject.

Living in hiding like a criminal. Such a criminal situation. Worse, they were hiding from real criminals who roamed rampantly with the objective of obtaining the holy grail – the power of Bijuu. Naruto could confidently stand in front of any foe without worries. But mindlessly engaging into battle could lead to a fatal end. For him and Sasuke, the last two years were not merely for training but for obtaining valuable information that could make their lives much easier.

Sasuke's presence now, and their current path, it just meant days of shifting through the shadows were over. They were going to run loose. Killing and destroying. Doing all things shinobi did. With a little bit of a moral compass.

He glanced at Sasuke and then the silent path ahead. His friend was becoming a little like Itachi – stoic. Even as he tried to get the Uchiha to be fun, nothing worked. Then again, it would creep people out if he suddenly started laughing and making jokes.

For Sasuke, this was the normal and Naruto had come to accept it.

Still, he would never miss the chance of poking around.

"You don't feel a little bit of jealousy seeing me and Ino fool around," he enquired, his narrowed toward the dark haired bastard.

"Maybe a little," Sasuke shrugged.

"But?"

"I'm not you. I have experienced too many things in life."

"So have I."

"You're insane."

Naruto laughed. "A pot calling the kettle black."

"I'm perfectly normal."

"Says the brooding bastard. Well, not so much anymore. But still… a miserable person who smiles rarely," Naruto paused, adopting a thoughtful look on his face. "Maybe Sakura will be good for you. She is the obedient type who'll do whatever you say."

"Unlike Ino or Karin."

"Hahaha… yes…" Naruto smiled. "Everyone can be bent over, Sasuke. The important thing is knowing what makes them tick. How do they react to certain words? Once you figure out that much, wrapping them around your finger is easy."

"I see why you discarded Shisui's eye."

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing. I learned that long time go. Maybe its something I picked from Orochimaru. But more importantly, I really wanted to understand people and why they do the things they do." He paused for a moment and then changed the subject. "Akatsuki?"

"Yes. I got the location of Kisame."

"Ah, your brother's former comrade… and a big fish… literally…" Naruto replied. "Where?"

"Lightning. Most likely heading toward or coming from Kumo."

"The Hachibi has yet to be taken… so that must be the target," Naruto frowned.

The Akatsuki had moved far quicker than he would have thought. Even without the Sanbi, they had continued on. They captured some easy targets. And he could be next.

"I guess I will have to look over my shoulder from now on."

"She has to go back to Konoha. We cant be dealing with the Akatsuki while you're busy fooling around. And she is not a fighter… a dead weight. Remarkably, much useless than Sakura."

"That's my girlfriend you're talking about. And I have a feeling you're attacking my standards…"

Sasuke shrugged. "I'm just surprised you chose a girl like that. She doesn't even try to claim to be any better."

"The heart chooses for you, Sasuke. Of course, I could have taken a logical decision. But sometimes, we must defy logic to be happier."

"You still talk about that?"

"What is more important than happiness?"

"The scheming you do when everyone is not looking?"

"I'm not that smart."

"Yeah. You were not prepared to murder the Feudal Lord if you found that Danzo was controlling him and it couldn't be undone."

"A necessary measure that one…" Naruto thought before bursting out in laughter. "Its funny that I could have executed it. And even more… Well, at least things will be interesting when we go back to Konoha."

"For you."

"Are you going to be a recluse?"

"No," Sasuke shrugged. "Once we have removed the Akatsuki, I can finally start thinking about reviving my clan. And shifting toward Hokage."

"I fear for that, knowing your reasons are not so noble."

Sasuke shrugged. "I must protect the future of the Uchiha. It would be fine if you were there."

"Maybe I will…" Naruto replied in thought. "You're going to join Anbu?"

"Yes. Its more suitable for me. And I move my own path. I don't want to move in the same direction as you. We will clash."

"Hmm… understandable… But I still cannot understand the reason behind eliminating every Uchiha." He shook his head. "Shinobi villages are entities that I may never fully understand."

"We are the same. But we can change how they operate, or at least Konoha."

"Indeed. That no more Uchiha massacres happen again. And no more Uzu invasions."

"But you still won't tell me if that is what you really desire."

"In good time, Sasuke. In good time." Naruto replied. "So, are we going to bully Kisame or just efficiently get rid of him?"

"Efficiency. I want to see how quickly we can get rid of someone that powerful…" Sasuke said.

Naruto frowned. "I would have preferred bullying him… I suppose we will make a stop toward Kiri afterwards…"

Konohagakure

"Hokage-sama." Inoichi greeted Tsunade in a quiet tone. For the past couple of months, he has dreaded this meeting. For reasons known to both of them.

Tsunade held her hands, her back pressed against the chair. She ignored the whispers of the paperwork and focused on the Yamanaka in front of her.

"I don't need to tell you why I called you here."

"No." Inoichi shook his head.

It had been a difficult decision to permit Ino to leave. He'd thought she'd been gone for a year. He hadn't been willing. But the wife twisted his hand. What neither expected was the way in which Naruto departed.

Not even Tsunade had seen this one coming or Shikaku who'd been busy with the blond. For some inexplicable reason, Naruto and Sasuke had seen it fit to execute Danzo and that was after breaking him out of his jail. The man was due for a well deserved public execution.

"Naruto made great contributions with both the Anbu commander and Shikaku in ensuring that there was smooth change in leadership. I cannot understate what he did for Konoha, even though, it will never be publicly known that Danzo's humiliation was his grand scheme… but he has gone AWOL."

Inoichi wouldn't agree with that. But that was not his call to make. As far as he was concerned, Naruto had made known of his desire to be away from the Leaf. It was the how that was never discussed.

"And you have been talking to your daughter. I know this much…" Tsunade rubbed her temple. The mess Naruto left for her. And his disappearing act. Not even Jiraiya could keep track of him!

"She doesn't tell me anything about where she is. Her letters just arrive randomly and never on the same method."

"But you can contact her."

Inoichi shook his head. "She talks to me."

Tsunade frowned deeply. She needed to get a message to Naruto. He was seen around. In different places even, but no one in Konoha has come across him. Frustratingly, he cut off the connection with the Toads.

"And her letters do not give any indication of their whereabouts?"

"No."

"I see…" The Godaime Hokage adopted a thoughtful look. "You're dismissed."

Unknown Location

There was truly no haste in most the things Naruto did. Sasuke viewed this as being purposefully slow. He was certain, the only way to rush him was to inform him someone was on the verge of death. Yet, if he had the power to save them from the clutches of the death god, he'd not hurry either. Nothing was truly taken as a priority that demanded full focus.

It was of this relaxed attitude that they found themselves lying low in a Town not far from the Cloud. Sasuke had no other choice but to tag along, yet still mindful that they had a criminal to kill.

"If he escapes from us, the blame will be on you. And you're acting as if you're not the one the Akatsuki is after."

Naruto just shrugged. His back pressed against the rooftop, eyes staring at the partly clouds above.

"I would rather not get into the Cloud."

At this rate, they may reach the village. Kisame wasn't anywhere around. Which meant he had indeed gone into Kumo for the Hachibi.

"What is wrong with Kumo?"

"Nothing. I just want to pause and think…" he replied in a quiet tone. "Neither of us expected the Akatsuki to be moving so quickly. At this rate, we have to move on the assumption that the Sanbi revived and they didn't waste time in getting it."

"And who is to blame for that?"

"I should have taken another method. But removing the problem seemed like a good idea at the time," Naruto let loose of a long breath. Closing his eyes for a moment before continuing. "But we know they have yet to get Iwa's Jinchuriki."

"That could be false. It isn't like Iwa will admit to losing its Jinchuriki when others still have theirs…" Sasuke pointed out.

"Indeed." Power was everything in this world. And the Bijuu worked to balance things out. It was a system Hashirama created. Then again, he avoided the reality of Bijuu hunting. "The Seven Tails, and the Six are gone. Those were the easy targets. Five out of nine. We don't know if they have been exacted or not. But whatever the case, when we stop the Akatsuki, there is going to be another race to capture the Bijuu."

Sasuke shook his head. This was a world drunk with power. Yet thirst for it at every corner. He knew truly well what that was like. The majority of his life had been spent hungrily yearning for it. And he had been willing to discard everything, including friends and even sell his very soul to the devil.

"Not unless we take them."

"That'll just quickly start another war. The others will turn on Konoha…" Naruto smiled. "Even if that war would be hopeless. They do not have the might nor the Fuinjutsu skills to render bijuu power useless."

"A war would be at their peril, but it doesn't mean they will stop."

"That is shinobi for you. We must come up with a plan…" Naruto said in a serious tone. "Well, we have time to consider things…" He said, getting up. "Shall we?"

"Need you even ask?"

On Sasuke's signal, Naruto halted from his hop across tree branches. While dropping down, he glanced up at the branch he'd nearly stepped on. There was a swirling black vortex. A unique pattern as orange mask came into view and then the cloak of the Akatsuki.

Immediately, he became on alert. Thankfully, Sasuke was a lot more mature. His Sharingan was working overtime in studying those spiralling movements. With this maturity, there was no need to worry about the Uchiha doing something stupid.

"Sasuke Uchiha…Naruto Uzumaki," Obito started quietly, staring down at the two Leaf shinobi.

"At your service…" Naruto replied with a slight bow, a smile on his lips. "An unknown member of the Akatsuki."

"You were in communication with Itachi and he entrusted you with some of his tools… I highly doubt he never mentioned me."

"You're the man calling himself Uchiha Madara. The man who helped Itachi with the Uchiha massacre," Sasuke was glaring, but made no signal to attack.

Obito only shifted his eye toward the Uchiha before turning his eyes toward Naruto. The blond was supposed to be in possession of both Shisui's eyes. But he did not have those implants. Was he wasting that power? Obito could do with it.

But perhaps in the eyes of Naruto, that was nothing compared to the power of Mokuton. The Uzumaki were truly gifted. Nagato used the Rinnegan as if it were his original eyes and Naruto Wielded Mokuton effortlessly. Whether he could reach the heights of Hashirama was irrelevant. Only Madara would hold interest in seeing that. Obito was only interested in the Kyubi within him.

"Why are you trying to stop us?"

"My life is threatened here…" Naruto replied.

"You are Uzumaki, you're likely to survive an extraction of the Kyubi. Your mother survived it and since you only carry half of it, it is possible for you to survive," Obito said. "I came here hoping we could talk for a little while."

"About?"

"We have nothing to discuss with you." Sasuke was clearly in disagreement with Naruto.

Obito ignored the Uchiha. His fellow Uchiha was nonetheless easy to read. His contempt and murderous intent were obvious. But Naruto was smiling. Yet, he may as well be staring at him an expressionless mask. There was nothing to read. No intent at all.

"We seek to create a perfect world were tragedies like Uchiha massacres and the destruction of Uzumaki clan will never happen again. With the power of all Nine Bijuu we can create a world, in which both of you can live with your parents…" Obito stated firmly. "A world where you will not suffer."

Naruto reacted by laughing.

"A perfect world. In reality there is no such thing. Only a child believes in such fantasies. People are cruel. The world is unpleasant. People love and hate. Suffer, inflict pain and learn to care. That is being human. Flawed creatures who repeat the same mistakes again and again…" Naruto spoke in a hardened tone, his chakra leaking. "Perfection does not exist and will not exist."

Despite everything, Obito was impressed by the output of Naruto's chakra. If he was the one wielding the Rinnegan, he'd be impossible to beat as Nagato was – if you didn't know his secrets.

Talking to these two didn't seem like it was going to gain him anything. Not that he had any hopes.

He could not make a threat of losing everything. Sasuke had lost everything. And Naruto had nothing.

"Struggle… fight us. But you'll realize your efforts will amount to nothing." He started disappearing. "We will get the Kyubi."

Once Obito was gone, Naruto walked over to a tree, placed his hand on the trunk and then it exploded. It was just a release of excess chakra. After a moment, he straightened up and then released a long breath before glancing at Sasuke. The Uchiha looked amused.

"Wipe that smirk off your face. It doesn't suit you."

"It isn't often that I get to see you riled up," the Uchiha said with a shrug. "Specially in this situation. Shouldn't I be the one breaking things?"

Naruto was silent for a couple of moments before glancing up. "Perhaps… that man was part of the Uchiha massacre. But I have a reason to hate him…"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow.

"That man is one that extracted the Kyubi from my mother the day I was born. It is not a detail that many know. Not even Danzo knows exactly what happened. But for someone who is outside of Konoha to know this much and that I hold half of the Kyubi, it leads to one conclusion."

"Seems far-fetched."

"Not at all, my friend." Naruto replied, starting to walk toward their destination. "The bijuu inside of me recognizes that chakra. And it is not the chakra of Madara. One thing I know about the Kyubi is that the only person it hates more than anyone, is the infamous Uchiha. And generally, all Uchiha, including you…" he smiled. "There are days it even tries to encourage me to stab you in the back."

"You seem to have developed a good relationship with the Kyubi."

Naruto shrugged. "Not at all. I just coerced it into providing me information I knew it was hiding. After all, as a Jinchuriki, I know first-hand that Bijuu is not just a beast of mass chakra. But an intelligent being that has lived longer than any human alive at this time. Dating back to the times of the Sage of Six Paths."

Sasuke shrugged. "Are you sure he is not Madara?"

"Well, we are sure he is Uchiha and was involved in the tragedies of our lives. The important thing is that we must murder him," Naruto said in a firm tone.

"People will think you're insane if you say things like that with a smile."

"But I am insane," Naruto smiled. "What did you make of his Jutsu? Space/time, eh?"

"Yes. Strangely, it is like that of Kakashi-sensei."

Ah, for Sasuke, Kakashi was indeed his sensei. After all, the Jonin trained him. And if Naruto could add, very expertly. "I thought each Mangekyo had its own special abilities depending on the user aside from the normal abilities."

"Yes. I will ask him about it when we return to Konoha. There is word from Kiri that the Yondaime Mizukage was being controlled by someone. He was crazy but people say that he was being controlled. The Sharingan can do that with Genjutsu."

"Which you seem to be lacking."

'I don't need it." Sasuke shrugged. "Besides, we have Shisui's eyes…" he glanced at Naruto. "Where are you hiding those eyes? Karin won't tell me."

"Who knows? Maybe they are in my body."

"You know my eyes can see chakra, right?"

"Eh," Naruto shrugged. "You know I can use Fuinjutsu, right?"

"I can see those marks in your body."

"But, it is only what you are allowed to see, Sasuke-chan. Fuinjutsu is able to seal off anything. So, if there is a seal on the palm of my hand, that has something in it, but not visible unless activated, you wouldn't be able to see anything, nor the Byakugan."

Karin had a deep frown on her lips. A persistent person was following her. Even if she hid, he just kept on her. For a week, she had been dodging and ducking him. But no more. If she was faster, she would have been able to dodge him. But she didn't train. Neither did she have the stamina or appetite to keep running. In fact, she was annoyed more than anything.

When the person finally appeared in front of her, she stared hard and then sighed.

"Can't you just leave me alone?"

"I'm surprised you're not with them," Jiraiya said to Karin. He then narrowed his eyes. "You're a sensor, aren't you?"

"What gave me away?"

"It is obvious. I also knew an Uzumaki who was also a sensor," he shook his head, clearing the image of Nagato. "Where is Naruto?"

"I don't know." Karin replied with a shrug.

She didn't even want to know. Those two were work. Only if Sasuke was around, then, yes. But when Naruto was with him, he only focused on his friend. Besides, she was saving herself from being forced to train. Naruto had already forced her to manifest chakra chains. And he did so in brutal fashion.

She hated the bastard for it. In fact, if he got crippled in his battles with the Akatsuki, she would bully him.

"They move around. A lot."

"I know. I have been following their trail. Why are you alone?"

"I ran away. When Naruto feels bored, he likes to turn his attention to me instead of focusing on his girlfriend!" Karin exclaimed in anger.

Jiraiya sighed. A typical Uzumaki. It felt like he was speaking to a younger Kushina. "When did you last see them?"

"Seven months ago."

"That long?" Jiraiya frowned. "What was Naruto doing to you?"

"Making me Uzumaki. Chakra chains and Fuinjutsu." She had no interest in the latter. Chakra chains gave her a good defence and attack when needed. She could protect herself. As long as she could do the barrier.

Jiraiya was interested in that. But that wasn't the important thing here. "Can we go back to Konoha?"

"Sure, why not? They should also be thinking about returning soon. And I get to hide from that damn Kabuto!"

Jiraiya just shook his head. But he was surprised Kabuto was still alive. "What do you mean they should be heading back?"

"It was never the intention to be away for long."

"That doesn't explain why they left without a word and why they never bothered to even say anything."

"Naruto said it was unnecessary. And he may have been trying to see just how much Konoha trusts him," Karin said with a shrug. "I could be wrong. Who knows what goes inside his head?"

The good thing was that they would return. No, that was never in doubt. The problem was their silence. Sasuke, he could understand. The Uchiha had no friends. But Naruto was a social person… no, he hadn't been very social. Maybe it was something he gained from spending time alone in Uzushiogakure.

"I see," Jiraiya breathed. At least they were fine. "You want to tell me what is happening in Uzushio?"

"That is my home. I'm going live there while doing some research. Naruto said it would be his vacation home."

"He has no interest in leaving Konoha?"

Karin laughed. The Sannin was really afraid that Naruto would leave Konoha. But that wasn't out of the question either. It was possible that Naruto wouldn't live the rest of his life in the Leaf. She wasn't going to say, but there was really nothing holding him there. Maybe aside from his motives.

If he had any.

"You needn't worry about that. If Naruto wanted to leave Konoha, he'd have done that already and Sasuke would have followed. They'd start their own village." Karin said confidently. "And with their power, it would grow easily."

"They would get in trouble with other Hidden Nations."

"Indeed. But completely destroying a Great Nation is possible for Naruto. Even without the Kyubi. He has a Jutsu for that," Karin shook her head.

Naruto was truly an individual who was corrupted. Even his chakra was corrupted by that of the Kyubi.

Jiraiya wasn't too pleased to hear that. And why was even Karin telling him that much?

"Aren't you afraid you're telling secrets?"

"I tell no secrets. Naruto doesn't hide his Jutsu."

"Hello Kisame-san!" Naruto greeted with a wide smile, waving his right hand casually.

Kisame stopped walking, narrowed his eyes a bit. The Kyubi brat and Itachi's younger brother. He had been warned they would come for him. But he didn't think they would come while he was running away from the Raikage. This wasn't so bad, maybe he could have some fun.

The former Kiri nin brought out his sharp teeth. "I didn't think my former target would come before me."

"Former?"

"You were my assignment before Itachi departed the world of the living," the Akatsuki member replied casually.

"I see… I see…" Naruto nodded twice. "Well, then, I want to test out a couple of things and then we take your head. But I really just wanted to bully you."

Kisame laughed. Yet there was something in the blond's eyes that told him that he wasn't joking around. Itachi had stated before that he was not sure both would be enough to catch the blond. He always thought it was his former partner giving his respect to a strong Shinobi. Looking at him, it was apparent, the blond was no brat. In fact, his mere presence caused his skin to tighten. He could feel the d-

The words died in his throat. Small gusts of winds slapped across his face and the blond was suddenly in front of him.

Fast. Deadly fast.

"What the hell are you doing, Naruto?"

"What?"

"We agreed we would deal with him quickly."

"We will. Besides, can't you see? He is running. He mostly likely is being pursued by Kumo Shinobi…"

"That doesn't matter."

'Damn brat' Kisame thought mildly. Even though he had caught him by surprise, he wasn't making any moves. Had he attacked him then, he would have surely landed a hit. But now he even dared to look the other way as if he wasn't in front of him. He felt disrespected by this mocking.

Kisame grabbed Sameheda and in a quick swing, launched the sentient sword across Naruto's head. The sword only hit the air as the blond disappeared once more, out of thin air and away from his raider.

Kisame grinned. He was impressed. The blond hadn't been looking at him. And that was no ordinary speed. There was a technique he used to escape his sword.

Standing where he'd been standing a moment ago, Naruto faced Sasuke. "You're really no fun. Can't we play around a little?"

"You're the one who told me you didn't need pointless battles."

"Against weaker opponents. Its pointless." Naruto stated firmly. "I don't like bullying the weak. But give me a minute. That is all. I just want to check how well I move…" he said, taking giant steps toward Kisame. "Here we go, Kisame-san."

And then, he was suddenly gone.

Kisame twisted around while waving his huge sword effortlessly as he sensed the blond behind him. But once more, his sword hit the empty space the blond had once occupied.

Naruto landed behind Kisame silently and held out his right hand. He quickly formed a Rasengan and took a step forward before the Akatsuki man could even turn around. He tried slamming the Jutsu into the back of the man, but Kisame jumped away, avoiding the blow to the back.

"Not fast enough, eh?" Naruto asked himself. "Another approach then."

Without warning, he lunged toward Kisame. The man reacted to his lunge by taking a step forward, swinging his sword horizontally. Naruto hit the breaks, while holding out his right hand. The swing was just inches away his left shoulder before he ducked under, and watched the giggling sword zip just above him.

Kisame's eyes narrowed when he felt something. His eyes narrowed toward the blond's right hand, while still in swing. The blond was holding a sword.

It then suddenly stretched, surprising him. It was stretching toward his throat. Going straight for the kill. Was he baited to make the attack? He couldn't move freely because of the attack. Kisame shifted as best as he could to the right, bending his neck in ways he never thought possible. The sword grazed the side of his neck.

He didn't mind the pain. He lifted his right foot and then tried to kick the blond the blond on his gut.

A buzz of electricity and Kisame tensed. He'd been so focused on Naruto, he forgot about the damn Uchiha. In a flashy move, the Uchiha's blade cut through his leg around the knee in blinding speed. He didn't even feel a thing when the sword cut him.

When pain hit him on his right shoulder, Kisame glanced at it. There was a sword sticking out, blood dripping slowly. He glanced down. There was no sign of Naruto.

"Genjutsu?" He asked, glancing behind to see Naruto.

"But not from me," Naruto replied, he said pointing at Sasuke. "The damn Uchiha snuck in…" he said shaking his head.

"I just showed you what is going to happen in the next ten seconds," Sasuke said, a bit arrogantly with his Mangekyo Sharingan spinning hypnotically.

Kisame found it amusing.

"You're getting involved… Has the minute passed already?" Naruto asked, pulling the sword of Kusanagi from Kisame's shoulder.

"I didn't have the patience."

"I see," Naruto replied, clapping his hands. "Mokuton: Wooden Encasement."

Kisame was on alert when wooden pillars sprouted from the ground, all around him. They had marks, written explode on them. He didn't wait to become trapped inside to see what was going to happen to him. He leapt into the air, to avoid being caught.

The jutsu stopped the moment he jumped.

Watching Kisame jump, Sasuke focused on the Akatsuki man. "Amaterasu." The jet-black flames ignited around Kisame's upper body.

Kisame didn't cry. But the immense heat that pummelled his body and forced him drop Samehada. He knew there was nothing he could do to extinguish the flames. After all, he'd seen them from Itachi. But the moment his feet crashed to the ground, he clapped his hands.

"Suiton: Water Prison." He did the Jutsu on himself, encasing himself in a bubble of water. But it did not help. The fire kept burning, now eating into his flesh.

Was this his e-

The thought was cut off when a lightning spear pierced through the bubble and then his throat. The water burst, he dropped to his knee.

To his relief, the black flames suddenly disappeared.

Although burnt badly, Kisame tried to reach out to his sword to absorb his chakra, but a foot stomped onto his right hand. And then everything went upside down.

"When I said quick, I didn't mean it like that," Naruto said, glaring at Sasuke. "Casting Amaterasu is cheating. You're out once you get hit and avoiding the flames is an impossibility for 99 percent of the time."

Sasuke shrugged. This was his ace. The one jutsu he could always rely on when he was out of moves. What bothered him was that he's shown it too many times to Naruto that the blond developed a Fuinjutsu to negate the flames but of course, with a bit of suffering.

"Even I can sense the presence of those coming," the Uchiha said in a firm tone. "We need to move."

"Needless. They most likely have a sensory type of Shinobi with them. Besides, we didn't expend that much chakra to be worried about fighting," Naruto replied nonchalantly, sealing Kisame's head in a scroll.

"We are not the same," Sasuke stressed those words.

"Indeed. But things would be less interesting if we were the same," he said. He tried picking up Sameheda but the sword spiked him, causing him to drop it. "Ah, it doesn't like me."

"Maybe it sees that you are rotten and not the saint you portray yourself to be."

"Good one, Sasuke," Naruto replied with a laugh. "I'll just seal it away without touching it. I think it will make a good gift to Kirigakure."

"You'rs giving that away?"

"Of course. I have no use for it. And it does belong to Kiri…" Naruto replied with shrug, turning his eyes toward the direction of Kumogakure. Within a second, three figures landed a good distance away from them.

Naruto jumped to toward Sasuke, standing on the Uchiha's right side.

The Raikage and a man named Darui. The other one Naruto didn't know.

"Raikage-sama…" he greeted the Yondaime Raikage with respect.

Ai stared at both Naruto and Sasuke and then Kisame or what remained of him. It didn't look like a battle had occurred and yet, Kisame lay there, at least what remained of him. The two had certainly taken out the Akatsuki member.

"Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha," The Raikage said calmly.

He should not forget, these two had subdued Sunagakure. It was a weak village, but they had done it and that had been two years ago. They were surely far stronger now. And would be good additions to his village.

"You two handled this quickly," The Raikage acknowledged.

"We apologize but he didn't have that much in him," Naruto said in a casual tone. "And so, we just cut him up."

Sasuke glanced at Naruto and suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. His friend wad saying those words on purpose and his posture was meant to express some thought. Without Amaterasu, things wouldn't have been that simple. But it didn't mean Kisame would have had a better chance. Far from it. Sasuke was going to admit to anyone who deserved to know.

Naruto was a monster.

Those were the thoughts C had as he looked at the blond. He was even purposefully leaking his chakra and he was sure the Raikage could feel it. He'd thought Bee was a monster in terms of chakra but he was nothing compared to that person. It was wrong for a human to have that much chakra and still be holding in more in the form of the Nine Tails.

This was really, wrong.

"That man tried to kidnap my brother. I demand his head."

"That isn't possible, Raikage-sama." Naruto's whole mood changed. A stern look settled across his face.

"Not possible?" Ai asked calmly. "You refuse?"

"Yes. You can have the rest of his body but we are keeping his head. We killed him."

"C," A ordered the sensor. "You two have been away from Konoha for two years and although Konoha's position is that you were permitted to leave for training, the village is looking for you."

"And?"

"Come with me. Kumo will welcome you with open arms."

Naruto laughed at this. "Same way you tried to welcome my mother and little Hinata. Kumo's thirst for power truly is unmatched. You try to steal from others and Iwa destroys whatever if feels threatens it. And here you are, running after a criminal because he attempted to steal your brother. The organization has already stolen from you."

A narrowed his eyes dangerously. He was not ashamed of looking out for his village. He was the Raikage after all.

"You should be careful," Sasuke said to A. "The Akatsuki has more powerful shinobi. They will come again for the Hachibi."

"If you two can handle one of their member like this, then they can't be that powerful."

"Careful that you do not stumble in your arrogance, Raikage-sama." Naruto said, turning away from the Kumo group. "The Akatsuki is dangerous. You will know soon enough. We think they have four or five Bijuu in their possession. You will do well not to underestimate them."

"That was interesting," Sasuke said as the two slowly took the direction of the Sound.

"I think no. it is only natural for anyone to think of such an action. Besides, the Raikage does love bloodlines." Naruto replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "We already have a problem with him."

"He is going to be the first one to go hunt for Bijuu once the Akatsuki is removed from the picture."

"Indeed," Naruto nodded.

He felt some discomfort over this situation. But there was no fleeing from it. He had to ram into it on full throttle, otherwise, he would make up the numbers. For him his future and the desires of his heart, he could not afford to blink. The Akatsuki had to be removed, even if it caused a problem. There was simplicity in hiding. The world was huge after all. But he would not tuck his nine tails and flee.

"Any action from us will be deemed as the action of Konoha and they'll think Konoha is trying to get more power," Naruto shook his head. The greed of Shinobi was repulsive. "What may work on our favour is that if Gaara's information is right and the Kyubi isn't selling me stories, then they seal them off in order from 1. It is likely the Jinchuriki of Six and Seven Tails are still alive."

"That is if they aren't making a move on Iwa Jinchuriki."

"Speaking to Onoki is pointless. He isn't going to listen to us and we can't go act as guards for those two. We just need to track the others then remove them," Naruto explained. "And get a little bit of money. I may not even do unnecessary missions after this and you'll get funds to get things ready for little Uchiha brats."

Sasuke shook his head. "You've been that interested in money."

"Money is power, Sasuke. You have money, you control people and nations. How do you think Gatou was able to nearly control the Wave? How did the Wave even protect itself? It was money. The Feudal Lords keep reign on Hidden Villages even though the latter hold all the military power because they have money."

Just pieces of paper had that much value. Sometimes, it surprised Sasuke just how much Naruto knew and understood about how things worked in this world. The entire structure and the system of Shinobi. The work of the Five Kage. Everything, Naruto had that information, and yet, never seemed like he wanted to apply it.

"But we'll never have that kind of money."

"Indeed. Which is why our power has to be used to good effect," Naruto smiled. "I hope not to induce fear." He said. "We'll meet in a week for Kiri."

"You going somewhere?"

"Kabuto. It is time I paid him a visit. I hear he has been living quite nicely without me hovering above him," Naruto replied.

Sasuke glanced at him and then spoke. "I was wondering what you were planning on doing since I knew you were keeping tabs on him."

"Just to make sure he doesn't run away…" Naruto answered. "I should be done in a week. Where do we meet?"

"Kiri."

"Are you telling me to make arrangements to get there?"

"There are ships that go there. Just be there in nine days. You'll know if I'm there or not."

"What are you really investigating, Sasuke?"

"Your movements and anything that might bring threat to my clan. We might think the Akatsuki is the only real danger, but we could be wrong. I just want to make sure that there are no more surprises and there is a lot about the Akatsuki that we do not know. How was it formed? If that man is not Madara, who is he? Who is the Rinnegan user?"

Naruto shook his head. "Be a good officer and bring results," the blond said before jumping to a tree branch. "I have a reptile to skin."

"Be careful that you don't end up turning on the wrong side of things."

It was actually laughable that Naruto was hearing such words of caution from the person who'd once thought caution was negligible concept. Yet, he couldn't simply dismiss the warning as being silly simply because it was coming from the father of arrogance.

Recklessness led to the exposure of mortality. Caution, though slowed things down, ensured you did not step on a snake's tail. Some of those creatures were harmless pets and some were nervous little devils that could strike with venom and lead one to the cold embrace of death.

"You were heard, Sasuke." He smiled. "But what do you think I have been doing over the years?"

"You have him at your palm then." Sasuke said flatly. "You're going to tell me what you did with Shisui's eyes."

Naruto nearly jumped from the rooftop of a building when he sensed movement. Behind him, something black as the starless night shifted. His eyes narrowed sharply at this presence, his guard up that had it been an assassin, he would have abandoned mission already. But the stood motionlessly for a couple of seconds before shifting back into the darkness.

Naruto did not move nor did he utter a single word.

"I thought I had you," Black Zetsu said in a slow tone.

"Who are you?"

"Who I am is not important. But I have some questions for you. I would have preferred to find out by taking over your body."

He had to make other plans since Obito was misbehaving and had no intention of reviving Madara If Madara couldn't be reived by the Rinnegan, then all was lost. Which why was why there was this plan.

Naruto still didn't move. There had been a deliberate attempt. This thing was not bluffing. Every inch of his body had gone mad for a second. Normally, he would have just turned around to stop whoever was Sneaking behind, but this was mad. He felt if he'd done so, it would have been the end of him.

"What do you want?"

"You don't put much thought into your ability to wield Mokuton. Kabuto has stated that your power is your own and not the result of Orochimaru's experiments. You have internally debated this but thought it was irrelevant," Black Zetsu started explaining. "But why do you think Orochimaru chose you?"

Naruto frowned. Reasons were there. And they made sense. Not that he bothered to torment himself over such issues. But this thing was bringing in an element that made him twitch with nervousness.

"Orochimaru was convinced to see you as an option. And I'm the one who planted the idea of creating the Sage of Six Paths. For years, I have watched the reincarnations of Hagaromo's sons. When you came along, as Ashura's reincarnation, I thought it would be best to corrupt you by combining Ashura's Chakra with that of Indra. You possess the powers of Uchiha and Senju. The body of Uzumaki. The complete body of Hagoromo. Yet, why have you not awakened the Rinnegan? Considering that your experiments were done when you were younger, you should have awakened it by now."

Naruto held out his right hand.

Hagoromo must be the Sage of Six Paths. This thing new the Sage. It must have been alive for a long time. So, indeed, the Rinnegan was what came after the Sharingan. But it was only possible to those who held the power of Senju and Uchiha.

Orochimaru had tried to recreate this.

But it did not explain how come there was a member of the Akatsuki who had the eyes. No, there was no telling that the same process couldn't have been repeated. This thing seemed sure that the Rinnegan should have awakened.

"For what reason do you want the Rinnegan?"

"I was sure you dismissed the Sharingan because you had awakened the Rinnegan. After all, you process both eyes of Shisui. You should be able to use it normally like an Uchiha. But you dismissed it. No normal person would dismiss that power unless there is something even greater," Black Zetsu continued without responding to Naruto's question. "Whether you hide it or have not awakened it, I will eventually find out the truth."

And just like that, he was gone.

"Hear me, world; I have returned!" Stole a line from Code Geass.

The Omnipresent Sage