Chapter 4: Ghost of a Chance

It had been a nice day in Konohagakure. When Naruto had been handed a minor assignment by Kakashi, there had been nothing but blue skies and warm winds outside. Even as he had headed out of town into the hillier regions, it had been nothing but a few clouds. And sure, when he handed over the message to the R&D department, it had been slightly colder, but he had thought little of it. It was getting kinda late, after all.

And it had been such a nice day.

And then it had stopped being such a nice day, leaving Naruto to run down the cliffside road, his clothes soaked by the relentless downpour falling from the dark sky, with each droplet being slammed against him by howling winds. A flash of lightning rend the skies, briefly illuminating the rocky landscape.

"Stupid weather," Naruto groaned as he charged onwards. "Where's Yota when you need some sunshine? Can't wait to get home and get a big, hot bowl of ramen after this. Kakashi better not have any more errands or..." His perpetual complaining was cut off as the road under him cracked, the earth that had supported it gone with the rain. The blond gave a loud holler as gravity mercilessly seized him. He swung his arms around, trying to stop his fall, pulses of chakra shooting through his limbs as he tried to attach himself. But the wet, bare stones and soft, muddy dirt, all made slicker by the relentless rain, gave little for him to grab hold of, only allowing him to slow his downward slide somewhat. He fell, landing in the muddy ravine with a plop.

"Ugh... Terrific," he groaned, pulling himself out of the muck. "Now my clothes are wet and dirty. If Kakashi has any more letters, he can go deliver them himself." He rubbed his fingers, sore and cold from the treatment they'd endured. He scanned the cliffside, trying to find some way to get back up. Seeing nothing too stable, he elected to continue along the ravine, hoping that either a way up or out would present itself.

It was even darker down between the cliffs, the shadows of the mountains blocking what little light the clouds overhead had allowed through. Each step he took was an effort, as his feet kept getting stuck in the thick layer of mud, water steadily pooling around his ankles as the rain continued. He began seriously considering the possibility that the area would soon be flooded from the downpour, which just added a sense of urgency to the already miserable circumstances. He groaned in annoyance at the series of unfortunate events that had led him to being trapped in the canyon, then paused as he managed to notice something through the inky blackness.

Something was blocking the way. Something big. He carefully stepped closer to identify the obstacle, before reaching out with his hand, feeling the cold, rough texture of a boulder.

And then another flash of lightning briefly illuminated the huge rock.

Naruto stared.

A single oblong piece of paper with ink on it, a paper talisman, was attached to the stone. Around it was a dark mark, both the size and shape of a man, almost as if somebody's shadow had been glued to its surface. And then darkness fell again.

The blond could feel his heart hammer rapidly. Something about this felt wrong. And yet, his curiosity was eating away at him. With shaky hands, he reached out, finding the talisman with his fingers. He slowly leaned in, trying to read the name inscribed on it. He squinted and slowly read: "Ki... Kis... Man, it's dirty. How long has it been here?" There was another flash of lightning and roar of thunder. Naruto, already on edge, yelped and pulled back reflexively. He paused, then stared as the paper talisman in his hand, now unattached to the boulder. "Oh... Oops." He eyed the marked stone with dread, then slowly edged around it, before hurrying along the canyon as fast as he could, never looking back at the ominous object he had found.

Soon after, he found a low point he could crawl up, letting him back on the road. And then he hurried home as fast as he could, as much driven by the desire to be back with his family as the need to put as much distance between him and the canyon as possible, the strange talisman now stuffed in his pocket.

Lightning ripped through the skies again, illuminating the boulder once more, its surface now bare.

...

The blond had been on edge when he came home. But a hug from his father, a few jokes from his sister, a nice warm bath and a very big bowl of ramen later, relaxation had drowned out the anxiety. By the time he finally crawled into bed, he had just about forgotten everything about the rock and the strange talisman. He drew the duvet up around himself as the rain pounded his window and soon after, Naruto fell asleep.

His dreams were a morass of images and sounds. He was on a mission to deliver something, though in hindsight he had no clue what. But deliver it he did and his father was very proud. And Sakura was there and she hugged him, telling him how good a ninja he was. Hugged him real tight. Almost painfully so. The dream faded, to be replaced with the darkness of the inside of his eyelids. But the pressure was still there. He groaned, trying to move. It felt like somebody had placed a big stone on his chest, threatening to compress it. Enough so that he couldn't even properly turn over. He groggily opened his eyes, his room now illuminated by rays of moonlight.

Sitting on his chest, looking down with a nonplussed expression, was a middle-aged man, his face framed by shoulder-length locks of brown hair, his body wrapped in a moss-green kimono.

The blond stared for but a second before his neurons kicked into gear.

Naruto screamed loudly at the intruder, his arms shooting out and flailing about, frantically reaching for a weapon that wasn't there.

The man, for his part, began screaming bloody murder too, leaping backwards out of the bed.

Pushing himself back with his legs, Naruto was pressed against the the wall, hands on a nearby lamp. The man stood pressed against the other side of the room, nervously eyeing the young ninja.

The silence that had followed their dual screaming persisted for only a short moment, before the door was kicked open, Teuchi jumping in wielding an iron wok like a mace. "NARUTO!? WHAT'S GOING ON!? WHAT'S WRONG!?"

"Ehm... That guy?" the jinchuriki said, pointing to the other man in the room.

Teuchi stared at the obviously confused stranger, as Ayame slid into view behind the ramen cook, a cooking knife in her hand. "Hey, what's going on? What's all the screaming about?"

"We've got an intruder," Teuchi stated, pointing his wok at the unknown person. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? What are you all doing here?" he asked, pointing accusingly at them.

"Ehm... We live here," Naruto tried.

"You do?" the man asked.

"Yeah. For many years, as it happens," Ayame replied. "Where do you think you are?"

"Ehm... Home," the man tried forlornly.

"Well, you're not, Mister," Naruto grumpily commented. "This is our home. In fact, this is my room. How did you even get in here?"

"Ehm... Hmm..." The man rubbed his chin contemplatively. "I... I don't know."

"Okay," Ayame slowly commented. "Let's try something else. Where do you live then?"

"At home."

She face-palmed. "Could you be more specific?"

"Of course... I... I live... In a house," he tried. "I... Maybe there was a garden." He grasped his head. "I... Can't remember."

Teuchi scratched his neck. "What's you name?"

"I... I can't..."

"Remember," Ayame finished. "Terrific. If he's pulling a fast one, he's a damn good actor. He looks as confused as he sounds."

Naruto looked around. "How did he get in? My windows are closed and everything."

"All I remember is waking up sitting on you," the man explained.

"You... You sat on..." Teuchi stated. "Why would you..."

"I don't remember, okay," the man snapped. "I... I can't remember anything. How... How did I get here? Who am I?"

"Hey, it's okay. Tell you what, how about we whip up some ramen, Dad?" Ayame asked. "Get ourselves a nice warm midnight snack before we go get some guards so this poor soul can get some help."

"Sound like an idea. How about you, Naruto?" Teuchi asked.

"Heh, I'm always up for ramen, Pops," the blond said happily, leaping out of bed. "What about you, Mister?"

"I... I think I like ramen," he tried and approached. Only to stop, as he noticed the trio's eyes widen. "What? What is it?"

"Ehm... How are you feeling?" Teuchi tried, as he felt Naruto latch onto him tightly.

"Okayish," the man responded. "Why?"

"Take a look at yourself," the ramen cook advised.

The intruder looked confused, before looking down. He froze, an expression of shock on his face. Having stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight streaming in through the windows, it had become clear that his body was translucent, his lower body fading away into nothing just below his knees. He looked up at them. "What... What am I?"

"I think... You're a ghost," Ayame stated.

"I'm..." the man began, his voice breaking. "I'm dead?"

...

Teuchi put the bowl down in front of Naruto, who began eating while keeping a wary eye on the spectral guest by the table. The ghost sat on one of the chairs, a sad expression visible through his hair, which hung like a curtain due to his hunched position.

"So," Teuchi started. "Do you want ramen or... Would that just... Fall through?" He paused, waiting to see if the man would reply. "I'll just wait with getting you a bowl then."

Ayame finished slurping up some noodles. "So you have no memory of how you died?"

"No," he hoarsely said. "I can barely remember anything. It's like... I know things." He looked around. "That's a chair, this is ramen, that's a lamp. But names, places... It's all vague."

"Well, in the stories I heard as a child, ghosts usually have some sort of purpose they need to finish," the woman continued. "But if you can't even remember how you died, then..." She paused to think, eating some more ramen. "Maybe we should find out why you're haunting us first."

"I don't know. I just came to in his room," the ghost replied. "I feel so lost." He clutched his head. "My mind feels so blank and hollow."

Naruto's nervous expression softened into concern, as he observed their undead guest's misery. "Hey, Mister," he began. "Don't worry. We'll help you."

The spirit looked back, managing a weak smile. "Thank you. I mean that. I just wish I could help."

"Let's see, in the stories we used to tell, ghosts were usually tragic. Betrayed lovers, star-crossed lovers, lots of lovers," Ayame continued. "Other times, they were offended by the actions of the living." She paused, then called into the kitchen: "Hey, Dad, did you built this place on somebody's grave?"

"What? No, of course not," the cook said, poking his head out of the kitchen. "What kind of question is that?"

"Just checking," she replied while shrugging, causing her father to roll his eyes. "Disturbing graves is a common motif."

"Wait, grave," Naruto suddenly said. "I remember now. While I was in the mountains. Near the research place."

"Naruto, what have we said about defiling graves?" Ayame sternly asked him.

"Oh shut up," the blond fired back, earning a chuckle from her. "I didn't disturb a grave. At least, not intentionally."

"So what happened?" Teuchi asked. "I don't remember there being any graves up there."

"I was on my way home, when I accidentally fell down into the canyon," he began.

"There's that ninja grace at work," his older sister deadpanned.

"Hey, it was really raining a lot and the road collapsed," Naruto replied. "I'd like to see you do better."

"And then you found my grave?" the ghost asked.

"I mean... Maybe," the blond tried. "I found this huge rock. And there was a talisman on it. And this weird... Person-shaped shadow. I took a look at the talisman and accidentally ripped it off." He snapped his fingers. "In fact, I put it in my pocket. Hang on." He jumped out of his chair and ran off.

"A talisman," Teuchi mumbled. "Sounds like you were sealed away."

"But that still doesn't explain who I am. Or why," the spectre replied.

"No. But it is a start."

Naruto returned with the wet piece of paper. "Here it is."

"Let me see," Ayame said, taking the talisman. "Man, this is dirty. It says... Kisuke. Can't read the rest."

"Kisuke. Is that my name?" the spirit wondered.

"Would make sense," Teuchi speculated. "They say that knowing a spirit's name gives you power over it. Could also be the name of the sealer, I suppose. Either way, it's a clue."

"I suppose so," the man said. "Kisuke. Kisuke." He closed his eyes, as if getting a feel for the name. "It sounds... Right. I think... Yes, I'm pretty sure this is my name."

"Well, then we have something to call you," Ayame commented. "So what now?"

"I could ask around," Naruto suggested. "See if anyone knows Kisuke."

"And we could ask any customers coming by," Teuchi suggested. "We should be able to ask a lot of people that way."

"Just be careful," Ayame noted. "You know how some people will get if you start asking them questions."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," the young ninja replied. "Not like they have anything useful to say anyway."

"Can I come with you?" Kisuke asked. "I'd like to be there in case you find anything."

"Sure. We'll help you remember it all. Believe it," Naruto stated.

"Yes, well, first, you need to get the rest of your sleep," Teuchi informed him. "Believe that."

The young ninja sighed. "Yes, Dad."

...

Naruto was used to getting stares. That was not to say he liked it, but whenever he moved around town, there were always someone who'd glare at him, like he'd just taken a bath in a dungheap. But today, not unexpectedly, everyone turned their head. No doubt because of the spectre hovering just behind the young ninja.

"Hey, Miss," Naruto began, walking up to a shop selling fish, a broad-shouldered lady manning it.

The fishmonger barely noticed the blond's approach, instead staring at the apparition behind the jinchuriki.

"Hey, down here," Naruto continued. "Do you know anyone named Kisuke?"

"Ki-Kisuke?" she replied. "Who's that?"

"This guy. Trying to help him remember who he was," Naruto explained, gesturing to his undead companion.

"Ehm... I... No. That name is not familiar to me."

"Okay then," the blond said and moved on, the fishmonger staring after them.

"We've been at this for an hour," Kisuke complained. "Maybe I'm not even from around here."

"Maybe. But I'm not giving up yet," Naruto assured him. "Besides, Sis and Pops are asking people dropping by for ramen. Even if we don't find anything, they might."

"I hope so. It is nice to be able to remember my name, but still," the ghost noted. "I feel empty. Like, I know there should be more to me, but there isn't."

Naruto paused outside the kiosk. "I'll go ask Akuyama. Maybe you've bought something from him."

"Maybe. I dunno," Kisuke sighed, as the blond ran off.

Entering the store, the young ninja immediately had to step aside as another man walked out. "Oh, hey, excuse me. Mister, can I ask you..." He paused as the man glared at him, before walking of. Naruto scowled at the treatment, which turned into a faint smirk when he heard the man scream in shock outside. "That's what you get when you don't listen." He turned towards the counter. "Hey, Akuyama."

"Hello, Naruto," the man replied. "If you're here to buy one of everything again, I must inform you that only a few of the magazines have sent out new editions."

"Oh, no... I haven't, ehm..." He coughed. "Haven't gotten through all the other ones yet."

"I see."

"I, actually, I was actually here to ask if you know anyone by the name of Kisuke. I'm doing a bit of investigation."

"Kisuke. Kisuke." Akuyama furrowed his brows. "Name sounds familiar." He went over to a nearby filing cabinet and opened it. "Let's see... There's a couple of them. One Kisuke Takatsukasa ordered the decade compilation issue of Ryuchi Revealed. Another one, Kisuke Amano, ordered the Beginner's Guide to Metalsmithing. And the last one, Kisuke Maboroshi, wanted the tulip compilation issue of Green Greens."

"Ryuchi... Oh. That one," the blond remarked, scratching the back of his head. "The one with the snakes."

"That's all I know," Akuyama replied, shutting the cabinet. "Any help?"

"Maybe. I'll have to compare notes. But thanks," Naruto said as he left.

As he exited the kiosk, the blond noted two things. One, Kisuke was kneeling by some wild flowers sprouting through a gap in the road, inspecting it with a look of almost peaceful calm. And not far from him stood Kiba and Akamaru, staring at the spirit.

"Hey, Kiba, what's up?" Naruto asked as he walked over.

"Just wondering what was in my breakfast," Kiba replied. "I think I'm seeing things."

"Seeing things? Oh, Kisuke here," Naruto replied. "Nah, he's there. He's a ghost."

"Say what?" Akamaru barked. "A ghost?"

"Yeah. I'm trying to help him find out who he is," the blond continued. "So he can move on and all that."

"Really?" Kiba shifted his gaze to the ghost once more. "So, you're telling me ghosts exist?"

"Well, Kisuke does, so... Yeah."

"That's weird."

"Why?"

Kiba shrugged. "Just figured, they say ghosts come about because of tragic events. Seems like with the way the world is, there should be a ton of ghosts everywhere if that was true."

"Yeah, well, I don't know," Naruto replied, throwing his hands in the air. "Maybe he's special or something. Maybe he's the only ghost."

The other ninja smiled, showing his prominent canines. "Bet you're hoping that's the case."

"What's that supposed to mean," the blond challenged him.

"You always look ready to piss yourself whenever we tell ghost stories," Kiba teased him. "You're scared of them."

The blond blushed. "Am-Am not," he insisted. "Ghosts don't scare me. I'm a great ninja now, so-so if a ghost tries anything, I'll just punch them."

"Punch a ghost? Are you even listening to how stupid you sound?" Akamaru asked bemused.

"What's going on?" Kisuke asked, as he floated over.

"Nothing," Naruto quickly said. "Anyway, Akuyama said three Kisuke's had ordered something from him. A snake magazine, a smithing magazine and a tulip magazine."

"Tulip magazine. Tulips." The ghost's brows furrowed. "I don't know why but... Tulips sound right."

"Well, then you might be Kisuke Maboroshi," Naruto noted. "How does that sound?"

The spirit paused, contemplating the name. "I feel... I feel that it is me."

"Awesome," Naruto said. "Now we've got something to go on. Hey, Kiba, could you ask around at home if anyone knows somebody named Kisuke Maboroshi?"

"Sure thing," the other ninja replied. "Me and Akamaru will drop by if we find anything."

...

The Hokage let his eyes fall over the a council meeting room. A massive chamber, with many seats and tables, enough that all representatives of Konohagakure could comfortably meet under one roof. Though today, only the leaders of the village's ninjas, the heads of the clans and an assortment of respected veterans, were in attendance. At his own table, on one side sat Danzo. On the other sat an elderly man with glasses and an elderly woman, her grey hair tied up in twin buns. Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. His old teammates, now part of the esteemed veterans who lent their wisdom to the council. He returned his attention to the middle of the room, where by a large table stood one of their jonin, the ninja Sabiru. A middle-aged man with blond hair. And he was the current focus of everyone's attention.

Sabiru waited patiently for everyone to settle in. "Honoured members of the council," he began. "There have been concerns recently about the future welfare and security of our village. Recent events have certainly given cause for such and with the chuunin exam upcoming, we'll soon be pushed to our limit. To ensure that this year's chuunin exam runs smoothly, I propose a radical restructuring of our defences. As you have no doubt already looked over the plans, I will not waste your valuable time by going over the details. Suffice to say, I believe that with these major adjustments, we'll be able to cover more ground more quickly when it comes to our outlying borders, while also keeping as many eyes on the city itself as possible. It will also ensure a pattern of cycling among our ninjas that will help keep them refreshed and ready."

There was a low hum through the room, as many of the representatives exchanged words with the people beside them.

Danzo leaned forward. "As the architect of these plans, no doubt you are aware of the gaps that your cycling idea would cause in the defences."

"It is true that certain posts would be temporarily unmanned under certain circumstances," Sabiru admitted. "But it was designed with the idea of being functional even when our resources are strained. The proposed strategy is complete coverage, even if most of our active ninjas are on mission, or occupied during an event like the chuunin exam. During calmer times, it can easily be adjusted to close those gaps. Besides, even at peak capacity, those holes are so temporary, they would only be exploitable by someone who knows the system inside out. It would require, in other words, an inside man."

Choza Akimichi, a massive man with an impressive mane of crimson-dyed hair, asked: "And what about if the enemy were to spy on us over a prolonged period of time? Would they not also be able to eventually spot these gaps?"

"My team is currently working on a plan for switching segments of the patrols around over time," Sabiru explained. "This will allow us an element of unpredictability without sacrificing the overall structure of the plan. Once finalized, they'd be able to watch us for years without ever finding a decisive pattern."

"It is a radical proposal," Hiruzen spoke. "And so close to the chuunin exam too."

"I understand that, but I believe that is exactly why we must act now," Sabiru insisted. "Security must be paramount for this event and this plan is our best shot at getting the best possible defence. The sooner we implement it, the better."

Magiko Uchiha, a slender, raven-haired woman who served as steward for the Uchiha clan, stated: "The plan seems sound enough. But besides the fact that your team is still working on a schedule to make the defence strategy less transparent, whether or not we should implement it before the chuunin exam is a completely separate question."

"I must agree," Homura said, his voice withered but firm. "I propose we vote for its acceptance as future defence strategy now and then adjourn the meeting. We shall gather again tomorrow when everyone has had time to think. Then we will decide if we shall hurry to adapt it before the exam."

"A most sensible proposal," Hiruzen noted. "Before the vote, does anyone else have anything to add? No? Then how many approve of the implementation of this strategy?" He paused, while votes were counted. "The majority is for this strategy. Then let it be so. We shall meet again tomorrow to discuss its implementation. Sabiru, can your team finish the proposal for exchangeable patrol segments before then?"

"I can guarantee that we can have a plan for the first couple of months," Sabiru replied. "It should still give an idea of what it will entail."

"That is acceptable. Meeting adjourned." There was an echoing rumbling of scooting chairs and tables as people got up.

Sabiru gathered his papers and exited the doors, passing by Kakashi and another ninja who had been standing guard outside.

"Really now? A ghost?" Kakashi asked.

"Swear by the Sage," the other ninja said. "Hovering behind the boy like a grim omen. Saw straight through him."

"And you're sure this is not some sort of prank on his behalf?" the silver-haired jonin inquired.

"I'm sure. He was asking everybody if they knew somebody named Kisuke."

"Kisuke? Huh. I'm not personally familiar with anyone with that name," Kakashi admitted.

"I'm sorry, did you say a ghost?" Sabiru inquired, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah. Apparently Naruto found one. He's running around town asking everyone if they know him," the ninja explained.

"Perhaps we should send one of our own to investigate," Kakashi commented. "If it really is a spirit of some sort. But I'm currently on guard duty, so..."

"I'll look into it," the blond tactician offered. "I have to drop off the council's decision with the Tactics and Defence Department, but then I can check that out."

"Hey, thanks, Sabiru," the ninja who had seen the ghost said. "You sure it won't be too much, what with you also trying to get that new defence plan implemented?"

"No, I'll find the time," the blond ninja remarked. "Seems like something worth looking into."

...

Naruto tapped his fingers against the railings of the crimson bridge, which spanned one of the canals that ran through the city. "Man, you did not have a lot of friends, did you?"

"I guess not," the ghost of Kisuke sighed. "All we found out so far is that I liked gardening."

"Maybe I could ask Kakashi for help," the blond mumbled, arms folded as he contemplated. "Maybe we've got some sort of archive."

"There you are, Naruto!" a frustrated voice called out.

The blond whipped his head around, immediately identifying Sakura stomping towards him across the bridge, looking none too pleased. "Oh, ehm, Hey, Sakura. Funny running into you here."

"Where have you been?" she asked, stepping ever closer as Naruto began slowly backing away. "We were supposed to train together today with the new weapons we've ordered, but did you show up? No. I had to stop training and come look for you. What is wrong with you? Are you even taking this seriously at all?"

"Wait, wait," the blond insisted, as the pink-haired ninja was right in front of him and looking ready to throw him off the bridge. "Hear me out, okay?"

She paused, fuming.

The jinchuriki pointed to his left. "That guy."

Sakura looked and finally noticed the spectre hanging there. "Ehm... Eh, hello."

"Pleased to meet you," Kisuke said and reached out with a hand. Sakura tried to shake it, but her hand slid right through. "I'm apparently Kisuke Maboroshi."

Sakura's green eyes darted between the phantom and Naruto, apparently hoping for some sort of explanation.

"He's dead and I'm trying to help him resolve his business so he can move on," the blond elaborated. "But he can't remember anything, so we've been running around Konoha all day looking for leads."

"Of course you'd be," she sighed, rubbing her temples. "Naruto, I deeply respect your desire to help others. But could you next time at least send us a message?"

"Sorry," the blond forlornly replied. "I just kinda forgot with all this ghost stuff."

"Right. Well, my training has already been interrupted," the pink-haired ninja remarked. "Might as well help you out. So, where have you been and what have you found out?"
"I've been all over the markets and main street. Pops and Sis are asking any customer coming by and Kiba said he'd ask his family," Naruto explained. "So far, only Akuyama had anything. Apparently his full name is Kisuke Maboroshi and he likes tulips. So I guess it's something."

"Maybe we could ask at the Hokage's office. They may not let us see the personnel file archive, but maybe they would be willing to look for us," Sakura speculated. "Wait, hang on. Kisuke Maboroshi you say?"

"Does my name sound familiar?" the ghost asked with rising hope.

"Think I saw it when I was at the hospital a couple of days ago with Ino," Sakura answered. "Delivering some flowers ordered for some patients."

"What, you were delivering flowers to the morgue?" Naruto asked confused.

"Obviously not," came the dry reply.

"Then where'd you see his name?"

"On one of the rooms." She eyed the spectre. "But I get what you're saying. You're wondering why he'd be a ghost if he isn't dead. Unfortunately, there's not a lot of knowledge of ghosts. They are souls trapped in a body of chakra that allows them to mimic their own appearance, sometimes having other powers. But they are such rare phenomena that most stories are nothing but pure myth and legend."

"Thankfully," Naruto muttered.

"So I don't know. Maybe I've got the wrong guy or maybe there's some other explanation," she offered. "We can at least check it out."

"I agree. It's worth a shot," Kisuke interjected.

The three hurried over to the Konohagakure hospital. Making their way through the waiting sick or injured people by the entrance, they were soon after permitted entry into the facility, after showing off their ID.

"Now, where was it?" Sakura mumbled, as she led them down the hallway. "I think it was around here."

"I mean... They wouldn't just have a dead dude lying around," Naruto commented. "So, what if it is Kisuke? What does that mean?"

"I don't know."

"Me neither," Kisuke added. "But, maybe... It'll mean something."

"Ah, here it is." The pink-haired shinobi pointed to a name on the door. "Kisuke Maboroshi. Let's check." She gently knocked on the door, waiting a moment for some sort of answer, before entering, the ghost and Naruto following along.

The room was simple and sparsely decorated. A single white bed took up the centre, behind which the sun shone in through several windows. By the bed stood a machine, beeping at regular intervals, plastic tubes and wire attached to the figure in the bed. And lying still in that bed, almost as if asleep, was Kisuke.

"It's me," the ghost remarked. "But... I'm alive."

"In a coma, if I had to guess from the machinery," Sakura noted. "You're not even capable of breathing on your own as you are."

"So you can become a ghost without dying. Weird," Naruto remarked. He looked up to the spectre, noticing that the ghost's face was scrunched up. "Hey, you okay there?"

"I... Remember something," he groaned. "It was raining. I... There was another... Why can't I remember?"

"Well, if you're here, then the hospital might have some more info on you," Sakura remarked. "We might even be able to access it, unless one of the higher ups have ranked that information as sensitive."

"What would we do then?" Naruto asked.

"Ask Kakashi to help. But if we as genin can see it, then bothering him when he's busy seems a waste," she remarked. "Let's get back to the lobby."

As they returned to the front of the hospital, they found Kiba and Akamaru waiting for them on one of the rows of chairs. "There you are," Kiba said, getting up. "I've been looking for you, Naruto."

"Hey, Kiba. How did you find us here?" the blond inquired.

"Caught your scent while looking for you. Easy peasy with a nose like mine," Kiba remarked. "By the way, you might want to bathe a little more often. Don't want to make it too easy for enemy bloodhounds, you know."

"What are you, my mother?" Naruto asked annoyed. "I don't need to be told to bathe by you. So what did you need me for?"

"Oh, right." Kiba's face became serious. "Asked my mother. Her and some of the others were out helping the police the other day, looking for Kisuke." He sighed. "Fished him out of the river."

"And that's why he's in the hospital," Sakura remarked. "Did she say anything else?"

Kiba glanced at the ghost. "You won't like it. Trust me on that one, pal."

"Please, tell me," Kisuke pleaded. "I need to know, even if it isn't much."

"If it wasn't much, that would be the least of your problems." He folded his arms. "You're the main suspect in a murder investigation. They think you killed your wife, burned your house down and threw yourself into the river."

"I... What?" the spirit hoarsely asked. "Why... Why would..."

"Beats me. They're guessing that you snapped under pressure from your work. You were part of the Konoha police," Kiba continued.

"You'd think more people would remember one of the police," Naruto remarked.

"He apparently worked in the archives. He wouldn't be hitting the streets much."

Sakura absorbed the information, then looked to the spirit. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Horrible. I... Am I... Such a vile person," he asked, his voice hollow. "Is that why I can't remember? Am I... Mad?"

Naruto chewed on his lips. "Something's weird about this?"

"Oh?" Sakura asked.

"Because of the way I found him. Oh, right, I never got to tell you that," he said, thinking back. "I found this stone up in the mountains with a seal on it bearing his name. I accidentally ripped if off. Pretty sure that's why he showed up in our house."

"A rock with a seal?" Kiba echoed.

"Yeah. Here, I still have it." He pulled the paper from his pocket. "See. It has his name on it."

"That's odd," Sakura remarked, investigating the tag. "How did that happen?"

"I don't know. But... I think there's more to this story," Naruto remarked.

"Well, what are we going to do about it now?" Kiba asked.

"Our plan was to ask for any information the hospital had on him. That still seems like the best option," Sakura noted. "Kiba, can you go inform your mother that we suspect there's foul play involved? Then find Kakashi and tell him about this too."

"Alright, I'll get going then."

"Should we wait for Kakashi?" Naruto asked.

"I don't think that's necessary. Might as well get what info we can before we meet up with him," the pink-haired ninja noted, as she stepped up to the front desk.

...

The warm wind washed across the plants, making them gently sway in the wind. Greenery gave way to scorched earth, blackened timbers unsteadily leaning against each other, forming the sombre outline of what had once been a home.

"Well, here we are," Sakura quietly remarked. They had been given an address by the hospital staff, which had taken them to one of the outlying areas of Konohagakure. And as Kiba had informed them, the house had been burnt down.

Kisuke just stared, then quietly hovered forward to inspect the scene of the disaster.

"Man, what a mess," Naruto sighed, trying to get a glimpse of the ruined interior through the windows. "I wonder if there's any clues left here?"

"Doubt it," Sakura replied. "What the blaze didn't destroy would quickly have been tracked down by any ninjas assisting the police."

Kisuke just stared. The hollowness in his mind throbbed painfully, as if he knew on some level that this was the home he had lost, even if so much was still nothing but fog. He felt like crying, though his current form possessed no such capability. He averted his eyes from the ashen husk, instead looking to the garden in the front. Despite having been quite near the conflagration, only a few of the tulips seemed to have taken damage. Most of them still seemed to be thriving.

They had put a lot of work into making that garden.

His eyes suddenly widened. It felt like some part of him was cracking, like a dam in his mind reaching its limit.

Naruto looked up at him. "Mister, you okay?"

The ghosts eyes widened, his mouth agape in a soundless scream. His hands clutched his head as memories began flooding in, smashing against his mind like waves of the tide. Flashes of yesterdays popped into his thoughts, exploding with emotion like fireworks.

"Kisuke? Kisuke!" Sakura called. "Can... Can you hear us?"

The ghost doubled over, his form crackling as his focus was disrupted, his mind trying to encompass the forgotten knowledge that now relentlessly pounded away at his soul. "I..." he said, his voice wavering. "I remember... Everything." He suddenly winced, actual pain shooting through him, causing his outline began to flicker.

"Hey, you alright?" Naruto asked worried.

"Something's... Wrong..." he groaned, flickering again. "The... The hospital. Something's happening." He screamed in pain, his spectral form briefly fading from view, only to reappear.

"The hospital. His body," Sakura realised. "Naruto, we have to go."

"Yeah, got ya," the blond agreed, as the two left the suffering spirit behind, hurrying back towards the hospital.

...

Naruto rushed in through the hospital doors, quickly followed by Sakura, the two of them nimbly making their way through the confused people in the lobby, making it to the front desk in record time.

"You two, this is a hospital, not a training course," the nurse behind the desk informed them.

"Apologies," Sakura replied. "But we heard something. Is Kisuke Maboroshi okay?"

"Is that already going around town?" the doctor next to the desk commented. "I suppose I can't blame people. It's horrible."

"What do you mean?" Naruto nervously asked.

"The equipment malfunctioned. We didn't notice until it was too late," the doctor replied. "I'm sorry, but we couldn't save him."

"No," Naruto hoarsely uttered. "But... We were going to help him."

"I'm sure he would have appreciated that," the nurse said sympathetically. "But there's nothing we can do."

"I'll demand the board opens an investigation," the doctor sternly continued. "I will not have our equipment fail on us like that. The people of Konoha need to know they will be safe here."

"Then... We'll be taking our leave," Sakura sighed and the two left.

"I can't believe this," Naruto commented sadly. "Do you really think their machinery just failed?"

"Could be, but no," the pink-haired ninja replied. "I suspect sabotage. But if they're opening an investigation, they will find out soon enough."

"And just when he remembered things," the blond bemoaned. "Now what are we going to do?"

"Maybe Kakashi can help us keep the investigation going," Sakura suggested, as they exited the hospital.

Whereupon the two were greeted by the sight of Kakashi and Kiba conversing with the spectral form of Kisuke on the lawn in front of the hospital.

"Ki-Kisuke," Naruto uttered surprised, as the two approached. "You're alive?"

"Well, no, I'm actually very dead now," the ghost informed them. "I think I can will myself to remain for a bit longer, though I admit I'm pretty sure I don't have much time."

"Quite the find, Naruto" Kakashi commented. "Must admit, did not see this coming. I hear you two have been investigating."

"Yes, Kakashi-Sensei," Sakura replied. "We have so far managed to identify him as Kisuke Maboroshi, a member of the Konoha police and prime suspect of a murder-suicide case."

"But we think that's a load of nonsense," Naruto added, lacing his fingers behind his head. "We think someone else is involved."

"Yes. Kisuke hinted at that." The silver-haired jonin turned to the spectre. "Now then, they're here. What happened?"

"As I they said, I was part of the Konoha police," Kisuke explained. "I worked in the archives. In fact, I rarely got much outside while at work. The Uchiha Massacre cost us so much personnel, we've practically constantly been behind ever since. But not long ago, I began sorting through some new documents that came in. They were pieces of a draft for a defence strategy, that had been through review from different departments."

"Defence strategy you say?" Kakashi questioned.

"Yeah. The thing was, individually there was nothing wrong. I mean, there were flaws, but notes indicated that the man behind the proposal had been informed," Kisuke explained. "But when you combined them together, it was a defence initiative for the entirety of Konoha. And taken together, it was quite obvious that it had to have been designed with failure in mind. It included numerous repeating flaws that would be exploitable. I was sure it was intentional."

"So you began investigating?" Sakura inquired.

"Yes. I began looking into the man behind the proposal, a jonin named Sabiru. I collected all documents on his drafts and began investigating him. Of course, I had limited access to certain resources, but I managed to piece enough together to form a very suspicious picture. Sabiru sent several pieces of a draft to different departments for review, so he could create a proposal that would look functional, but would allow him to easily let enemy forces into the city. I think he expected the initial proposals would have been buried under all the work my department still had to catch up to. It's only because I went through the newly arrived documents that I noticed. Unfortunately, I guess he in turn noticed my investigation. I was on my way to interrogate the people up in the R&D department when he confronted me." He went quiet. "I had hidden my documents at home and told my wife that if anything happened to me, she was to present it to the Hokage. But I guess he found out. By the time he found me, he had already killed her and set my house ablaze to destroy the evidence."

"That... Bastard," Kiba growled.

"We fought. But he was a jonin and I was an archivist. I fell into the ravine and he followed. To ensure that I would never say anything, he sealed my soul in that rock you found, Naruto."

"Why was that necessary?" Naruto commented.

"Certain jutsus can salvage information even from a dead man," Kakashi informed him. "Sealing his soul away in a place he was unlikely to be found was probably to ensure that info he had could not be regained."

"I agree. He probably wanted to make it looked like a murder-suicide to lead any follow-up investigation astray," Kisuke guessed. "But when he heard Naruto was waltzing around with my spirit, he must have realised he was at risk of being exposed. So he opted to kill me before I could remember anything."

"So he snuck into the hospital and sabotaged your equipment," Sakura surmised.

"Sounds like it," Kakashi said. "There's only one problem with all this."

"Yeah?" Naruto asked.

"Evidence. Or rather, a complete lack of it," the jonin explained. "Even the eye-witness account of this ghost friend of yours would be suspect due to the circumstances."

"But we can't let them implement a plan designed to undermine our village's security," Sakura said. "Can't we at least get them to delay?"

"Maybe. But with all evidence burnt to the ground, we won't have much to go on," Kakashi noted. "And with something this serious, half-measures won't do. No, we need more evidence." He folded his arms. "Perhaps we can yet trick him into exposing himself. Sabiru has been very busy due to these meetings. In fact, he should be preparing right now to present some additions for the final vote. So he has probably only had so much time to learn about Naruto's investigation."

"Which we can use against him," Sakura remarked. "And if he thinks he got rid of Kisuke for good by killing him, that's another blind spot."

"Indeed. Now, Naruto, how would you approach this situation?" Kakashi asked.

"Why you asking me?" the blond said surprised.

"Just because the fate of our village is at stake doesn't mean I can't take the opportunity to teach you something."

"Ugh. Fine." He folded his arms. "I'd present the Hokage with Kisuke here."

"Ah, but Naruto, we already established that wouldn't be enough," Kakashi admonished him. "We need more."

"Remember, Sabiru thinks Kisuke is gone," Sakura reminded him.

"Hmm, then... If we need him to confess... I've got it," Naruto said. "I'd disguise myself as Kisuke and burst in during their meeting. That's bound to take him by surprise when he sees the guy he killed come back."

"Yes, I figured you'd say something like that," Kakashi noted. "Anyway, that would fail."

"What? Why?"

"Because all Sabiru would have to do to ruin it for you is prove that you're not Kisuke. He just needs to send someone to confirm the presence of his body in the hospital morgue and you're done."

"But it is a very Naruto way of going about it," Sakura remarked. "He may even expect it."

"So, if you were to pull that stunt and then run off when he tries to uncover your deception," Kakashi continued. "He'd have to follow because he'd still know that you knew too much. But what if the Kisuke he caught up with was not a young genin in disguise, but a jonin trusted by the Hokage."

"Oh, I get it," Naruto said with a grin. "We trick him into telling you everything."

"And my word would have far more weight than a suspected murderer, yes," Kakashi confirmed. "I'm gonna have a short chat with the other guards so you don't take a shuriken to the throat while escaping. I imagine a punctured windpipe would make your job harder."

The blond frowned. "You always say the happiest things, Sensei."

...

"...and as you can see, if we continue to build on this, there won't be a discernible pattern for our enemies to exploit without a serious intelligence leak on our behalf," Sabiru finished to the assembled people.

The Hokage withdrew the pipe from his mouth. "Alright, you have made your case. Does anyone else have anything to add? No? Then we shall cast vote. All in favour of implementing Sabiru's strategy before the chuunin exam, raise your..."

The rest of the old man's instructions drowned in the sound of the double doors to the room being kicked open. "I OBJECT!" Kisuke yelled as he dramatically stepped inside.

There was a pregnant pause as everyone in the room took a moment to absorb the event unfolding, Sabiru himself staring with wide eyes.

"What is the meaning of this?" Danzo demanded, as he stood up. "Who are you?"

"I am Kisuke Maboroshi, part of the Konoha police," he said. "And this man, Sabiru, is a traitor. I've been investigating him and he's trying to destroy our defences."

"Do you have any proof of this?" Magiko demanded.

"Pro-proof? Of course I have proof," the man replied. "He tried to have it destroyed, but I hid extra proof for just such an occasion."

"Is that so?" Sabiru replied, smirking. "I think the first order of business is having you prove you're actually Kisuke. Because last I heard, he died at the hospital earlier today." He turned towards the council. "In fact, I suggest we send someone to confirm that so we can end this farce of an interruption."

"Wa-wait, hear me out," the accuser tried. "He's trying to trick you."

"But are you or are you not Kisuke?" Choza asked.

"Yes. After all, if you're not Kisuke, that would certainly rob your testimony of a lot of value," Sabiru added. "But if you really are him, just wait while we send a courier to the hospital."

The man before them scowled and slammed a smoke-bomb into the floor, vanishing in the cloud that exploded forth.

Immediately, there were calls for the guards to stop the intruder, but Sabiru had already begun pursuit. He charged out of the room just in time to see the disguised person vanish out a window. He followed, landing on an overhang and stayed on his trail with a great leap across the rooftops. His target was fast, but Sabiru managed to stay on target, finally catching up to the exhausted man in the nearby park area.

The man with Kisuke's face, realising he had been followed, scowled. "So, you managed to keep up with me."

"Quite the impressive attempt there. Naruto, was it?" Sabiru asked, drawing his kunai. "But if there ever was any doubt, you just erased it. Kisuke was far too weak to ever pull something like that off."

"So why'd you do it? Why'd you kill Kisuke and his wife?" the impostor demanded.

"To clean up loose ends. Not that I have to tell you anything more," he said, approaching. "Same reason I have to kill you. I have no idea how you stumbled upon Kisuke, but it doesn't matter. I'll just say I killed you in self-defence. I'm sure no-one will be too surprised that the infamous Naruto would let the fox influence him into a bout of savagery."

The Kisuke-impersonator drew his own weapon, a tanto softly humming with charged chakra.

The traitor blinked. "Where... Where did you get that weapon from, Naruto?"

"I didn't."

Sabiru turned around, staring at Naruto and Sakura, who had stepped out of the bushes behind him. "What?" He turned back. "Ka-Kakashi?"

"Indeed," the cyclopean ninja remarked. "And you're charged with betraying the trust of Konohagakure. I'm sure you'll enjoy telling all about it to the Interrogation Department."

The betrayer scowled and leapt to the side, seeking to escape. His eyes widened mid-jump as the ghostly form of Kisuke manifested in front of him.

"No you don't," the spectre growled, before slamming an ethereal fist into his chest.

Sabiru froze with a pained expression, as the ghost manifested enough power to wrap his fingers around the blond's internal organs and squeeze them. He fell to his knees, gurgling and gasping in torment.

"Wow. That looked painful," Naruto remarked with a wince, as Sabiru curled up on the ground, paralyzed with agony.

"It is done," Kisuke stated. "Naruto, Sakura. Thank you. I can feel my time on this plane is running short."

"So... You have to go?" the jinchuuriki inquired.

"I am dead. It is how it is meant to be," the spectre replied.

"Sorry we couldn't save you," Sakura noted. "Maybe we could have put your soul back into your body."

Kisuke shook his head. "No. It is okay. I'll join my wife in the afterlife. If you want to help, then live your life to the fullest. And then one day, we will meet again on the other side." He smiled, as his spirit began fading. "And if you could sow some tulips on me and my wife's graves, we would appreciate it." And then he was gone.

...

The Hokage looked over the defence plans once more, before crumbling them with a sigh. "What a disgrace." He looked down at Naruto, Kiba, Akamaru, Sakura and Kakashi, who were all standing in the middle of the council room. "You have all done us and our village a great service. Sabiru has already confessed to attempting to undermine our defences, though a lot still remains to be uncovered. While this was not an official mission, you will all be rewarded as if it had been one."

"Awesome," Kiba noted happily. "Hey, did you hear that Akamaru? We're getting a big payout on this one."

"Fantastic. Maybe we could buy a new ball for me that doesn't taste like ass," the dog replied.

"Come on, you like your ball."

The Hokage coughed. "If I may remain on subject for a bit longer, we are all in your debt. You cleared Kisuke's name and undermined a high-ranking traitor in our midst." He frowned. "Truth be told, I am disturbed by the implications that someone like Sabiru could get such a prominent post."

"Yes. It is a clear sign of several flaws in the system. An investigation into Sabiru's entire career should be launched. I already know several places where security could be tightened," Danzo strictly added.

Hiruzen allowed himself a roll of his eyes. "Of course you do."

Ignoring his friend's light jab, Danzo continued. "And as for you, Magiko Uchiha, the police is the responsibility of your clan as awarded to you by Lord Second, Tobirama Senju. Yet it was only through fortune that information about this traitor's scheme was unveiled."

"With all due respect, Danzo," the steward tersely replied. "Ever since the loss of our clan leadership and most of our senior and veteran clan members, we have been critically understaffed. Most other clans having apparent more important things to dedicate themselves to than... Assisting our noble endeavour." The last part had a hint of venom to it. "Between attempts at rebuilding the clan, maintaining our responsibilities as one of the founding clans and running the police, we just don't have enough people. Taking in civilians like Kisuke to assist has at best lightened the burden. We cannot trust some of the more important positions to untrained people like them."

"Then it is your job to either rescind that responsibility so that the council may find a clan better suited for the job or negotiate with the other clans for transfers to your department," Danzo replied curtly.

As the Uchiha steward looked ready to fire back, the Hokage stepped in with: "Everyone, let us not sour the accomplishments of these brave people in front of us by bickering. There will be time to look over our errors to learn from them afterwards."

"Lord Third, if I may," Kakashi began. Receiving the signal that he might speak, he continued: "I cannot help but note that the thing about Sabiru's treachery was only feasible in the short run. Eventually, that would have been discovered. So I suspect it was all aimed at the upcoming chuunin exam."

"I suspect as much too, yes," Hiruzen confirmed.

"In that case, given the mission Sabiru helped my students receive recently, I suspect that the one he aimed to betray us to was..." Kakashi began.

"I'd like to remind you," Danzo sharply cut him off. "That the info you're speculating in are not for everyone to hear." His singular glare coldly passed over the three genin.

"Now, if that was all, I suggest we adjourn this meeting so that we can all move on to more pressing matters."

"Agreed," the Hokage noted. "Meeting adjourned."

"Man, that guy's such an asshole," Kiba commented, as the four left the meeting. "I wonder what Kakashi wanted to say."

"Dunno. But he did mention that mission." Sakura folded her arms. "The one with the Sharks. A gang of mercenaries working for someone. That's why he knew Sasuke would be there."

"Who?" Naruto asked.

"The snake. He must have ordered Sabiru to send us on that mission."

"Sounds like somebody's up to something," Akamaru commented. "Eh, at least they were foiled."

Sakura frowned. "I hope so too," she remarked.

"But you're not certain," Kiba guessed.

"No. I think... I think someone... The someone Danzo didn't want Kakashi to talk about... Is planning something... Something big." She sighed. "Something about the chuunin exam."

"Ah well. If that little worm tries anything, we'll just kick his scaly tail," Naruto confidently exclaimed. "Believe it."

"That's your answer to everything," Akamaru commented.

"So what, it works," Naruto argued defiantly.