Uchiha Compound

Sasuke was walking into the center of his compound as he read up on summons and the method by which you acquired one. Kakashi had revealed the dogs. While they served Kakashi fine, Sasuke was looking for something to keep up with Naruto and Daichi.

He closed the book. "Okay, I bit my thumb, make the hand signs, and get transported to the realm of the summon I have the most affinity with. I don't have a contract, so this should work. No way am I falling behind Daichi or Naruto.

As a bonus, having a summon will be one more thing that can help me kill Itachi." Sasuke stopped in the direct center of the compound, bit his thumb, and wove the hand signs before slamming his hand on the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"

The Uchiha suddenly vanished.

?

Sasuke found himself standing in the middle of many, tall pillars of rocks. The sun could clearly be seen overhead. He also noticed nest atop pillars in the distance. All around him were gold and red feathers of varying sizes.

"I'm in the realm of the phoenixes." Sasuke thought shocked. "I thought they were merely a legend tied to Madara Uchiha because of his status."

The Uchiha's attention was drawn to a huge phoenix, the size of Gamabunta, flying above him obscuring the sun. She was red with golden feathers, and when she landed near Sasuke, a massive amount of wind was whipped up.

"So, a new summoner has come to greet us after all this time." The phoenix spoke with a soothing, famine voice. "Tell me young one, what is your name?"

Sasuke confidently said. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha, and I demand your power."

"I can tell you have a lot of pride like Madara, but your heart is not yet shrouded in darkness." The phoenix stated. "Very well young Uchiha. I shall grant you the ability to summon my children." A scroll appeared. "This is yours to sign and keep; however, I am out of your reach."

Sasuke was peeved that she would deny him her power. "Why is that?"

"Your heart may not have fallen to darkness, but darkness is still there." The phoenix explained. "There will come a time when you must choose a path. Until then, I will be watching. Once a choice has been made, you may gain my power or lose this contract completely."

"What exactly can your children do for me?" Sasuke asked.

"My children are capable warriors and willing transport." The phoenix explained. "We phoenix are tied to fire, so our mere presence will increase the potency of your Fire Ninjutsu."

Sasuke picked up the contract. "I'm ready to return, but would you mind telling me your name?"

"My name is Solar." The phoenix stated before Sasuke was sent back.

Uchiha Compound.

Sasuke found himself back in the center of the compound holding the scroll. "This little trip I took has brought me one step closer to my goal." He spread the scroll out and signed it as the books instructed. "What did she mean by a path to choose?"

Hyuga Compound

Hinata entered her father's study. "Oh Hinata, you got out of the hospital." He had a lot of paperwork on his desk. "Sorry, I lost track of time. The Hyuga Compound has taken quite a beating and the council is content to shove all the paperwork onto me. Even so I should have…"

"No, it's alright father." Hinata stated. "I know things have been busy, so I won't keep you long."

Hiashi shook his head. "No, I always have time for you and Hanabi. What do you need?"

"I just came by to see if you could help me get a tutor?" Hinata asked. "I must grow stronger for many reasons. I want to keep up with my team, bring back Neji, and complete my own dream. I also wish to advance further in our clan's style."

"The council wouldn't like it, but there are Hyuga loyal to me alone. If you meet whomever I get to train you at Team Seven's training grounds, they can't say a word. I mean they can, but it won't mean a thing. Especially if the trainer I get is Anbu." Hiashi immediately responded.

"Thank you, father." Hinata stated.

Hiashi smiled. "It is no problem. The council would like to see you remain weak while Hanabi grows strong, but I would prefer both my girls become powerful." He then frowned. "Speaking of Neji, you don't blame yourself, do you Hinata?"

Hinata thought about it. "No, I realize now that there wasn't much I could have said or done other than what I did. That's why I'll just have to be stronger. While I do that father, you must work to reform the village. What cousin Neji said was right upon reflection."

Hiashi nodded. "I'm aware now more than ever how far Konoha has fallen. Rest assured, that I plan on helping Konoha become the village it once was. The rot that has infested this village will be removed. That shall be my mission as a Clan Head."

"I believe in you father." Hinata walked out. "Thank you."

Ichiraku Ramen

Naruto and Daichi had met up for lunch and were enjoying their 5th bowl of ramen when Jiraiya walked in. "I had a hunch I'd find you two here."

The Genin turned to face him.

Streets of Konoha

Daichi pocketed a letter, which Jiraiya had given him, with his name on it. The Toad Sage had said it was from Kazamae Sensei, so he now walked along with Naruto and Jiraiya.

Naruto was frustrated. "No way! How come Daichi and I are stuck tagging along with you while you do research for another one of your pervy books?"

"This isn't any old research trip. The Third Hokage himself tasked me with a mission to find a very remarkable woman, and I want you two to come along. Plus, there's a powerful Jutsu I'm going to teach the both of you."

Naruto stopped in his tracks. "You got a cool new Jutsu to show us and this is a mission?"

"That's about the size of it." Jiraiya stated with a smile.

Naruto was excited as he ran back to his apartment. "Yeah! New Jutsu and a mission from the Hokage! I'm going home to pack my bag!"

Daichi smiled at his friend's excitement before walking off himself. "I'm off to pack as well."

Battle

The Kakashi clone stared at Itachi. "Those eyes haven't changed. This one is a true heir of the Sharingan. That means I've got to be ready for the worst."

Kisame was smiling. "That's how you copied my Jutsu. So, there really is someone, besides Itachi, with those crazy eyes. This must be my lucky day to run into little Zabuza and Kakashi the Copy Ninja."

"You can imagine my surprise." Kakashi stated. "I go to check a couple of vagabonds in a tea house and find none other than Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. I assume that sorry excuse for a blade is another one of the Seven Swords. Samehada if I'm not mistaken."

"Careful Kakashi." Zabuza stated. "That blade is the 1st and deadliest sword the Mist ever had."

Kisame chuckled as he pointed his blade at them. "Oh, this promises to be quite entertaining."

"Kisame, stand down." Itachi ordered. "If you take both on at the same time, it won't be without cost; furthermore, it will take time, and the commotion would bring more Shinobi running. Your way is risky and inefficient. Do not lose sight of our goal."

Kakashi used the Substitution Jutsu to trade place with his clone before it dispelled. "Let's hear it. What is your goal?"

Itachi produced shuriken causing Kakashi to spring back weaving hand signs. "Water Style: Water Wall Jutsu."

Water sprung up before Kakashi protecting him. Zabuza then threw his blade aiming at Itachi.

Itachi effortlessly caught the blade's handle like it was nothing. "Impressive weight to this blade." He threw it back harder at Zabuza. "You can have it back."

The swordsman just managed to duck as the bade sailed straight through a tree cutting it in half. Then, an Itachi shadow clone appeared near Kakashi.

"Move!" Kakashi yelled.

He tackled Asuma back with Kurenai jumping back as the Shadow Clone exploded.

"Crap!" Zabuza yelled as he jumped onto the water.

Fusion Clan Home

Daichi finished packing and decided to read the letter before heading out.

"Kid,

I wanted to give you more info on the mission since Jiraiya may not have filled you in completely. The Third Hokage has tasked Jiraiya, and by extension you two, with finding Lady Tsunade. The Third can no longer be the Hokage, so we need her to become the 5th."

Daichi thought, "Lady Tsunade… The Yonnin my grandfather died to protect."

He continued to read.

"This next part is just a little piece of advice concerning Jiraiya. He's strong but also one of the biggest perverts I know. Make sure you hold onto your money, or he'll end up spending it.

Good luck,

Kazamae."

"Thanks for the warning Sensei." Daichi threw the letter away. "I will do my best to get Lady Tsunade back to the village."

Battle

All four Jonin stood on the river as the displaced water rained down on them.

"Stay on your toes everyone." Kakashi warned. "This guy was made Chief of Anbu when he was only 13."

"He's tough." Asuma stated. "We get it."

"I don't think you do." Zabuza stated. "Kakashi's the toughest Shinobi I've fought outside of maybe Yagura. This guy is full blooded Uchiha. If you want to fight the Sharingan, you better pick up how to fight by the enemy's feet; otherwise, you're at the mercy of his Genjutsu."

Itachi looked at him. "Those are wise words. I'm starting to see why Kakashi brought you back to the Leaf. I wonder just how all of you will fair against a true Uchiha." He looked at Kakashi. "Especially you Hatake. After all, your body is not designed to hold the Sharingan."

"He's right." Kakashi thought. "My body doesn't have the stamina." Itachi closed his eyes before slowly beginning to open them. "Follow Zabuza's advice!"

"It's too late for you Kakashi." Itachi met the Jonin's eyes. "Tsukuyomi."

After Tsukuyomi

Kakashi had just spent a moment of real time being tortured for 3 days. This left the Jonin panting before falling to his knees. Kisame came to stand at Itachi's side.

"Hatake…" Zabuza grit his teeth. "The Genjutsu of the Sharingan is no joke."

"These things you have come for, is one of them Sasuke?" Kakashi asked.

"No." Itachi stated. "We've come for the Legacy of the 4th Hokage and to kill the Descendant of Iron."

"I have no idea what that first thing is, but isn't the second Hagane's boy?" Asuma asked.

Zabuza went wide eyed. "Daichi!"

"Naruto and Daichi." Kakashi thought worried for his students.

Flashback

Kakashi stood on a roof with Jiraiya and Kazamae. "How long has it been since a Yonnin has seen the Leaf Village?"

"While pleasantries are nice, they are not the reason we're here." Kazamae stated.

"Kakashi, from here on out Kazamae and I will be training Daichi and Naruto, respectively." Jiraiya stated. "The Third Hokage was wise to place those boys under your care. You've looked after them well, but even you may not have the ability to prepare them for what's to come."

"Ready?" Kakashi asked. "What's he talking about Kazamae?"

"The Akatsuki. A band of Shinobi comprised of S ranked Rouge Shinobi. Their numbers change often, so getting a proper read is hard. Orochimaru was one of them until he left. Other members have been partnering up and dispersing to grow stronger." Kazamae explained.

"Their possible targets are the Nine Tailed Fox and Kenshi." Jiraiya finished. "Two powerful sources of Chakra. At least, that's what we are led to believe. The only ones that have seen Kenshi are Hisashi and Hagane. We've all felt the power though. Prime targets."

"Understood." Kakashi walked away. "I'll focus my attention of Sasuke and Hinata."

Battle

"That cinches it." Kakashi got to one knee. "You're after Naruto and Daichi. Rather, the Nine Tails and Kenshi. I had my suspicions, but your members of the Akatsuki, right?"

Both Shinobi were shocked he knew of their organization.

"Kisame, we're taking Kakashi with us; however, the others are useless." Itachi stated. "Get rid of them."

Zabuza drew a kunai as Kisame rushed them only for Guy to come in. "Severe Leaf Hurricane!"

He kicked Kisame back to Itachi's side before landing in front of his fellow Jonin.

Kisame smiled. "Who do we have here?"

"I'm the Leaf's fiercest beast of battle, Might Guy." Guy stated.

"You're Might Guy?" Kisame questioned.

Zabuza caught Kakashi who passed out. "Don't take offense to this Guy, but I hope you're not the only one who came."

"No offense taken." Guy declared. "Now, give Kakashi to Kurenai. She'll get him to the medical core while Asuma and you back me up. The Anbu will arrive soon, so until they do, we three must hold the line."

Zabuza handed Kakashi's body to Kurenai.

"We got it." Asuma stated.

"Well, I'll give him this." Kisame stated. "He's got guts."

Itachi stopped him. "No Kisame, we're pulling out." His partner looked at him. "We're not here to fight a full-scale battle. Tempting as it may be, it's not the way to do this. Let's go."

The two Shinobi vanished and the Jonin relaxed.

On the Road

Jiraiya, Naruto, and Daichi had started off down the road. Daichi walked along with Jiraiya and Naruto content to let his companions speak. Naruto asked why he was chosen as Jiraiya's student, and Jiraiya told him that it was because he bears a resemblance to the late 4th Hokage.

A Shrine, Some Time Later…

The group stopped to rest. Naruto was playing with some bells that were attached to the shrine, Jiraiya was eating, and Daichi was enjoying some of the candy he packed.

Jiraiya commented, "Keep it up and you'll be cursed."

Naruto asked, "Hey Pervy Sage…" Jiraiya turned to look his student. "…what kind of a student was the 4th Hokage?"

Jiraiya replied, "I think it's safe to say that he rose to greatness due to my teachings, so, you've hit the jackpot landing me as a Sensei." Naruto looked at him suspiciously. "What? You don't believe me? A great Sensei natural turns out great students. That goes without saying."

"If that's true, then who was your Sensei?" Naruto asked.

Jiraiya replied, "Like all the Yonnin, I first studied under the Third Hokage. This was back when he was a young man, and I was a young buck."

"Young buck?!" Naruto exclaimed.

Naruto was so surprised that he almost dropped the bell. He caught it, but in the process, he became tangled up. The Genin then rolled down the hill and slammed into Daichi causing him to drop all his candy.

Daichi sighed before turning around to look at his friend. "Naruto." He picked his friend up and slung him over his shoulder. "I think it's time we have a talk about you horsing around. If that had been an important document, rather than candy, we'd be in serious trouble"

"No! I'm sorry!" Naruto begged. "Please, let me go!"

Daichi ignored him and took his best friend behind the shrine. It wasn't long until Jiraiya heard his student crying out in pain.

Konoha

Kakashi, who was lying on his bed unconscious, was in bad shape. Asuma, Kurenai, Zabuza, and Guy were all discussing what happened but stopped as Sasuke entered the room looking for Kakashi. He quickly noticed the Jonin and his unconscious Sensei.

He wanted answers, but the Jonin were reluctant to say anything. Unfortunately, a Chunin entered the room inquiring about Itachi and the rumor that he's after Naruto and Daichi. This caused Sasuke to run from the room and look for his teammates.

Considering he had no idea where they were, he chooses not to summon a phoenix. At this point, he wouldn't be used to riding them. He ran into the ramen stand and learns that they left with Jiraiya. From there, he sped out the gate.

Village

The Leaf Shinobi had stopped off at an inn with Jiraiya setting everything up for them. "Alright, we'll be crashing here for the night."

Daichi was fine with it, but Naruto certainly wasn't. "Come on, I can still walk.

Jiraiya said, "A disciple should always obey their master."

"Look, I just want to learn that new Jutsu you promised." Naruto complained.

Jiraiya said, "No kidding, that's what makes you a disciple."

At that moment, a girl walked by, and Daichi's companions were captivated by her beauty.

"Just great." Daichi grabbed the key to his and Naruto's room before dragging his best friend away by the collar. "Come along Naruto."

"No fair!" Naruto complained.

Daichi didn't stop. "She's too old for you."

Jiraiya said, "Yeah you two go on to the room."

The Room, Some Time Later…

Naruto was relaxing on the bed while Daichi moved through the Lion Style slowly. They both stopped when they heard someone knocking at their door.

"I'll let Jiraiya in." Daichi stated.

Naruto had gotten up to answer the door, but now he just laid back down. Daichi opened the door only to see saw a man with the Sharingan.

Daichi recognized him as Itachi Uchiha from the bingo book. The Fusion member immediately slammed the door closed before grabbing Naruto by his collar. He didn't know what the Rouge Shinobi wanted, but he doubted it was anything good.

"What's going on?!" Naruto shouted.

Before Daichi could answer, the door was kicked down by Kisame. "Let's take a walk. Just the four of us."

Before anyone could make a move, Itachi addressed a newcomer. "It's been a long time, Sasuke."

Daichi and Naruto walked into the hall to see their teammate standing there with his Sharingan activated. "Itachi… Uchiha."

"This guy looks exactly like Sasuke!" Naruto thought in shock.

"The Sharingan and he looks a lot like you." Kisame smiled. "Itachi, who is this kid?"

Itachi replied, "He's my younger brother."

That's when it dawned on Naruto that this was the man Sasuke wanted to kill.

Kisame said, "That's strange, because the way I heard it, you wiped out the Uchiha Clan."

Sasuke had the perfect Jutsu in mind, and since it wasn't fire, he had no intention of using the phoenixes. "It's just as you said brother." Sasuke began to charge the Chidori. "I've fostered my hatred for you all this time. I've lived for one, single purpose. To see you die! It ends here!"

Naruto and Daichi worriedly said, "Sasuke."

Sasuke charged at Itachi with the Chidori grinding against the wall. He yelled as he thrust his hand forward. There was an explosion as Itachi redirected his brother's attack destroying the wall of the inn. All the Genin were shocked.

"I-I can't believe it." Naruto thought. "He brushed off Sasuke's attack like it was nothing."

Daichi gritted his teeth. "This is not good."

Itachi began to apply pressure to Sasuke's hand causing him to scream out in pain.

Naruto/Daichi thought, "I have to do something!"

Naruto began to tap into the power of the Nine Tailed Fox while Daichi brought forth Lion's Will: 20%.

"The air is ripe with chakra." Kisame stated "The Nine Tails and Kenshi."

Sasuke moved to punch Itachi, but he was stopped as his brother squeezed his wrist tighter beginning to break bones. Daichi and Naruto rushed in to help only for Kisame to swing his blade out in front of them eating up their sudden boost in Chakra.

"What do you even want?" Daichi questioned.

"You honestly don't know anything, do you?" Kisame chuckled. "Kid, we want you dead because we know you'll never join us. As for your friend, we wish to capture him."

Kisame moved to attack the boys with his blade. Fortunately, a frog in armor appeared before them blocking the blade. Behind the boys, Jiraiya appeared holding the women from earlier.

"Should have done your homework. Jiraiya the Toad Sage falls victim to no woman's charm. Rare beauties fall for me like blossoms in a storm. It isn't in my nature to be duped." Jiraiya struck a pose. "When you reach the stature I have, women kneel and admire you."