The Truth Comes Out

Three days had passed, Einjeru had patiently meditated, ate and visited Kakashi in the hospital to pass the time, and now she stood in the hokage's office, awaiting Team Kakashi and their traitor. It took deep breathing and a shaking fist to not beat the person to a bloody pulp when they get in there, or pounce Naruto to give him the love that she always loves to give. She is truly like a puppy.

Tsunade sat at her desk, doing paperwork, at the threat of losing her sake if she didn't. Glancing at Einjeru and seeing the storm of emotions that she was trying to keep under wraps, Tsunade exhaled. "I see you're all types of excited and anxious. I know it's going to be tough to explain everything to Sasuke as well as keeping it from the rest of them, but I will remind you that you asked for this the moment you requested that mission to go after him."

"I know milady, I'm just nervous since I have had three days to let this stew and I haven't figured the best way to spin it. I was considering just letting him see my memories and try to explain it based on that, and maybe bop him upside the head if he tries to lash out, also…" Einjeru gives a blush. "I've been craving Naruto…"

"I see. I kinda figured that as well when you blushed." Tsunade gave a chuckle, thinking about her time with Dan. "Young love… A curse, and a blessing."

Jiraiya gives a girlish giggle which earns a glare from everyone else in the room before Einjeru's hackles raised, signaling that Team Kakashi was near. "They're coming in…"

Everyone went back to the positions they were in and acted like they were before. A knock on the door and an 'enter' later, Team Kakashi stood before the hokage, Master Jiraiya, Shizune and the princess of demons herself. Naruto immediately blurted out "We're back Granny Tsunade, Pervy Sage and Einjeru!"

Einjeru immediately responded, "I know… You didn't have to shout…" She added in her head 'But you wouldn't be you if you didn't." She looked to Yamato, who looked worse for wear. "You alright sensei?"

"Used more of the wood style than I would have preferred… Other than that, the mission failed."

"I figured as much, after Orochimaru appeared… At least you guys are back safely and that's what counts."

Sakura started off with the medical reports and told them that they dropped Sai off at T&I.

Einjeru gave a dark chuckle and secretly decided to take Ibiki up on one his infamous offers to join an interrogation. In a dark manner, Einjeru started to speak. "I look forward to breaking him…" That got astonished looks from almost everyone in the room, except Naruto due to obliviousness, Yamato due to seeing it in action, and Tsunade due to the reports that she seen.

In that moment, Tsuande spoke. "Relax yourself Einjeru. I really need to talk to Ibiki about that dark streak he put in you… Well more like assisted in waking." She faced Team Kakashi and dismissed them minus Sasuke. Giving Einjeru a look, she then sent the ANBU away and had Jiraiya put up privacy seals.

Sasuke looked around and turned to see Einjeru, who was cropped a few inches shorter, had longer hair, was dressed in a catsuit with a purple vest, had fingered gloves with claws and two tails, a set of angel wings and her trademark wolf ears. "Uh?"

"It's me Sasuke. I needed to drop the glamour if I was going to be able to broach this topic with you. How do you feel about Itachi?"

"I still want to bring him down, but not alone. Why?"

"Bump fists with me. You need to see some things…" Einjeru gulped, hoping he'll see the reason.

Sasuke bumped fists with Einjeru to see all her memories with Itachi in them. Gritting his teeth, he started showing signs of anger. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why didn't you tell me?!" His sharingan was ablaze.

"Relax Sasuke. He showed me his memories of that night. He wanted nothing more than your protection as well as you to be the one to bring him down. If he hadn't we wouldn't be having this conversation now. We'd be at war, and we'd be the first ones to go down. You know the one thing that would have broke him was seeing you struck down."

"Why did he kill them?"

"A coup… Your clan elders were calling for a coup to usurp the hokage of his power because of the suspicions casted upon them, especially after the… **Snarl** nine-tails attack… It was believed by the Fourth Hokage that an Uchiha had set it on the village after releasing it from the previous jinchuriki who happened to be giving birth."

"What does that have to do with my clan?"

"Someone with exceptional visual prowess, like Madara Uchiha, who was the only person to be able to control it… Fingers were immediately pointed to the Uchiha clan, and on top of the discrimination they were facing from the reign of the second hokage, a coup was bound to brew."

"And Itachi?"

"He feared it would lead to civil war in the village and a giant power vacuum that would have plunged the world into another world war. Lord Third wanted nothing more than to settle things peacefully and amicably. He was ready to step down if he needed to, but there was a mole that was giving them information. That mole was your brother. He put you and the village above the clan, emphasis on you. Someone forced his hand that night."

"Who?"

"Danzo Shimura… That man has been a thorn in everyone's side since before we were thought of. He's the reason my mom isn't around. His underhanded schemes have costed the village much more than we know of. However, Itachi requested Lord Third and me to watch you, and protect you. To make it where you will smite him… I had another idea in mind."

Sasuke gave an incredulous look. "I'm listening."

"When an heir to the demon throne becomes old enough, they pick someone to tie their powers to and act as an advisor. I picked Itachi due to the risks involved, as well as having you in mind. I know you looked up to him as a role model and you still love him deeply. A deep love becomes a deeper hate Sasuke… Trust me… We 'kill' Itachi, I have my advisor sort of and you'll still have someone to get advice from. I believe that Itachi thinks your next stage of the sharingan will awaken. He also considered giving you his eyes when they evolve because of a side effect that dad discovered on the Gaara mission."

"Blindness."

"Bingo. When one set of Mangekyo Sharingan is transplanted the other set morphs into the next stage. Eternal Mangekyo ensures you don't go blind. I requested that the two of us go after him, after the chunin exams."

"Why not before?"

"We need a true benchmark of how strong we have become before we go after him, otherwise we'll go in blind. My dad doesn't count."

"Ok."

"Also, there might be a double promotion in it for us if we pull this off."

"Why tell me this? I could have just decided to abandon the village and take revenge on it."

"Because I trusted you to make the right decision and because the guilty party is no longer affiliated with the village."

"Let me guess, you still have a bone to pick with him."

"Oh yeah, and I will tear him to pieces. No one messes with my family and destroys my childhood and gets away with it."

Sasuke notices the dark twinge in her voice and slowly backs away. "I think I will go visit Kakashi now."

Einjeru shifts her glamour into place and nods. "I'll go with you. I haven't visited my dad today and I want to see my twin."

"Twin?"

"Long story. I'll explain later." She follows Sasuke out of the office, leaving Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya to discuss the maturity of the last loyal Uchiha.

"I have to admit that went better than expected."

"Same here milady, but Einjeru's mood swings are a cause for concern."

"You worry too much Shizune, I had an idea for a few missions for her to do in preparation for the rank jump."

"Is that why you wanted me to watch her actions? I already have my hands full with one apprentice, and he's a complete knucklehead."

"I know, but this may be a good way to broaden her horizons even more and distract her from Danzo. She will try everything in her power to destroy him."

"You want me to try and curb it?"

"Milady is it wise to give Einjeru of all people to Jiraiya?"

"I believe Jiraiya will be the one to help her see that it won't help to go down the path that Sasuke was travelling."

"Well, I have a contact that I have to meet with soon. I could always take her on a training journey while going to meet him."

"If this goes well, Einjeru might be able to take over for you."

"I doubt that Tsunade, but she has the ability to blend into places well and not be seen. Plus, her position allows to use abilities beyond our comprehension."

"I think you can see where I'm going with this Jiraiya."

"I do, and I won't win this if I tried. Since that brat Naruto doesn't really need me right now, I'll look after the other brat. I did base my latest teenage book on the two of them."

"I noticed, and Einjeru is an avid fan. She had some tweaks for you and some grammatical errors that she noticed."

"Oh really? I'll have to talk to her about it."

"Give her some time to talk with her friends for now."

At the hospital, Akuma was making some rounds, using her clones, to continue her medical training and take care of the apartment with Einjeru's clone. She opens the door to Kakashi's room to see him. Not paying attention to the other people, she starts speaking. "Hey dad-"

The others in the room look at her incredulously. Naruto rubs his eyes, making sure he wasn't seeing things. Sakura double-took between Akuma and Einjeru, whom was standing in-between Naruto and Sasuke, thinking 'We have a lot to discuss and now to break the ice.' Sighing, Einjeru broke said ice. "Would you guys stop gawking at my sister please?"

Naruto and Sakura look at Einjeru, confused. Akuma chuckled awkwardly and looked at Einjeru with a look pleading with her to explain.

Einjeru shook her head. "Yes, the one in pink is my twin sister, Akuma Hatake. Essentially our souls were merged at birth. She's a more powerful shadow clone in a sense. Due to my training over the last few years, she awoke and when we came home from the sand we decided to separate. She has been taking care of dad while you guys have been on your mission." She walked over to Akuma so they can see them side by side.

"It's as Einjeru said. It's nice to meet you guys. I'm training to become a medic, hence why I've been taking care of dad. I'm capable of using shadow clones to increase my knowledge in the field, so you'll be seeing me everywhere there is in the hospital."

Sakura was the first to recover from being slack-jawed. "That's great. We're always in need of medics. How far along are you in using medical chakra?"

"I—Uhhh… I just started last week, and I'm already reviving fish and showing accuracy in diagnoses…"

Sakura was amazed at how much was accomplished in a week. "Has Lady Tsunade or Lady Shizune been teaching you?"

"Yes. Lady Shizune has been teaching me and having me assist with Lady Tsunade's paperwork… It's rather tedious, but I am learning. I heard you're Lady Tsunade's apprentice. I look forward to learning from you, sempai."

"It's obvious where my shy nature came from and why I'm more aggressive now."

Sakura nodded. "Well at least that's one more person that can take care of sensei and you, Einjeru. If I may ask, do you two have…"

"Similar abilities?"

"Yes and no. Einjeru is the first born and most of the… other abilities went to her. I'm able to shift into wolf form, read peoples thoughts and send messages telepathically, but in terms of the abilities that Einjeru showed on your last mission together, I am not capable of."

"We both share a high chakra pool and high chakra control though. When merged, it's like we share the abilities."

"For example, if we merged now, Einjeru would be able to take care of dad and heal basic injuries."

"And Akuma would be able to use my ninjutsu."

Sasuke intervened with a question. "What about nature compatibility?"

Einjeru and Akuma looked at each other, not expecting a question like that. "We don't know."

Kakashi chimed in. "I have some chakra paper in my bag. Your chakra natures if I had to guess from your appearance, are probably going to be opposites while you guys share one."

Einjeru grabs two sheets from Kakashi's bag and hands one to Akuma. Einjerus' crinkled, and half brunt, half crumbled. "Lightning, fire and earth. The ones I've trained in the most." Akuma's split, and half got soggy, half crumbled. "Wind, water and earth."

Naruto looked at them, a grin on his face. "You two combined would make an ultimate ninja. You guys have all the elements!"

Einjeru chuckled. "True, but dad is capable of using all of them as well. It is tricky for me to use Earth since my primary is lightning."

Akuma nodded. "Lightning is weak to earth, so it's good that we both share that nature."

Sasuke agreed. "I guess it would be natural that you two would be paired off for missions."

"I just thought of something. Too bad Shiro isn't here to confirm it."

"Someone call?" Shirobuki sat in the window with a knowing smirk. "If it's about Akuma using our clans' white chakra, then it is possible, but it's most commonly done by imbuing the chakra into a weapon, such as Silverlight."

"Shirobuki, I don't have a weapon to do so."

"Sometimes you don't have to. Sometimes you are the weapon. I've monitored your medical chakra training. When you try to use the chakra scalpel, what is the result?"

Sakura was curious. "This is interesting."

"The chakra instead of coming out blue or green, comes out white…"

"Exactly. There are ninja who use chakra scalpels as weapons, like Orochimaru's little medical puppy."

Einjeru snorted, trying to hold in the laughter about Kabuto being called a medical puppy. Sakura was wondering what was funny, until it registered, and she started laughing.

Kakashi shook his head thinking 'Look what you started dad…' Eventually everyone started laughing until Lady Tsunade, Lady Shizune and Master Jiraiya walked in.

"Well, I think everyone has caught up with one another now."

"Milady!"

"Granny!" Everyone else cringed hearing that, knowing Naruto was going to end up through a window if someone didn't shut him up. Einjeru jumped next to him and slapped her hand on his mouth.

"How long have you been there Lady Tsunade?"

"A few moments, just enough to understand why Akuma's training was stuck. Also, that comment about Kabuto was very amusing." Everyone laughed at that point. Settling down, Tsunade talked everyone through the events that are on the horizon.

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "Naruto, since your wind nature is strong enough, I have a training exercise that only you can do."

"Really sensei?!"

"Yes, and Einjeru…"

Her head turned to Kakashi, curious about what her father had to say. "Yeah dad?"

"I'm going to teach you the next level of the chidori, and how to truly make it your own as Sasuke has."

Akuma chimes to Einjeru in her head, "No reason to be jealous anymore is there?"

"Shut up… I can be jealous if I want to…"

Akuma gave a smug shrug, leaving everyone else, but Shiro and Kakashi to wonder what was going on between the two. Kakashi shakes his head. "Akuma, you're going to warm up your chakra natures, and work your medical chakra into your fighting style."

Akuma paled while Einjeru laughed at her. "So much for having it easy sis. Think of it like this, at least Earth style will come easier to you due to how I've been training with it, and you have Naruto and Asuma sensei around for wind style. The hardest one to warm up will be water style because there aren't many in the village… Well actually, wait! Yamato!"

As if his ear was itching and he just heard his name, he walked in. "I heard my name?"

"Jesus, do I just summon everyone when I randomly say their name or think about them?" Giving a chuckle, Einjeru then asked her question. "You can use water style, right?"

"Is that a trick question? I can't use wood style without it. Why?"

Akuma waved at him. "Hi Yamato… It's for me…"

Yamato looked at the two as if an explanation was due. "I assume you two separated?"

"Yeah… We tested our chakra… Akuma has wind, water and earth. I have lightning, fire and earth."

Yamato looked at Akuma like she has a second head. "You have the two chakra natures for wood…"

Einjeru paled at the sudden implications of what that means. "Oh my god. People will consider her the second coming of the first hokage if this gets out. There's also the potential for her to use ice style, and *gulp* magnet style too. How come you get all the types that create kekkei genkai…"

"You mad sis? Think of it like this, you could recreate explosion style with your lightning and earth-based chakra, and lava style with fire and earth."

"I mean you get the more powerful ones…"

"Seriously sis… I'm training to be a medical ninja, so I can heal your dumb ass out in the field. I'm not going to have much use for that."

"Remember what dad said…"

"Just because I have to learn to incorporate medical techniques into my style of fighting doesn't mean that I have to learn how to learn to reverse engineer kekkei genkai."

"Einjeru, Akuma, as amusing as it is to see you two arguing there's one crucial fact that you're missing. You can't just focus on one thing, it leads to stagnancy. Just because Einjeru is a ninjutsu/kenjutsu specialist doesn't mean that she can't learn more taijutsu or the basics of healing. Akuma if you don't learn how to fight, you'll be the one who dies in the field. Even Sakura knows a couple of jutsu and can heal."

Einjeru scratches the back of her head. "Dad's right. Even the strongest ninja has their weakness, but they can't stay at the back of the battlefield and sit there while their teammates are fighting to protect them. When the shit hits the fan, all we'll have is each other."

Akuma sighs. "I know, but I'm not the powerhouse fighter… You are."

"That's why we train, so we can be powerhouses. Do you think Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura got as strong as they are just sitting around?" Einjeru pulls off her forearm protectors and reveals her arms, well-toned. "I'm sure you didn't forget the manic training method we've gone through."

"No, but I think you've forgotten how much I've been out."

"That's why I saved these." She pulls out a scroll, unfurls it, smeers some blood on it to reveal some training weights. "Considering that I'm on resistance seals, I thought there would be a day where these would be useful. It will help you become faster and more efficient when dodging."

"Can I not?"

Tsunade nods in agreement. "Medical ninja are the last of their platoon to die. This will be good for you and strengthen you up."

Akuma pales. "I get no say so…"

"Just like I didn't. Want to say that I was being callous a few days ago again?"

"I thought we got past that."

"I'm just saying consider how I felt. This is how I felt when I wanted to come in my head, and you said how I wasn't thinking of dad's feelings. You took on the responsibilities of a medic ninja and you need to train for it. You can't half-ass it either."

Akuma just realized all the words that she told Einjeru in the past were being thrown in her face. "You're telling me what I told you in the past."

"It applies to our current situation because you're trying to weasel out of it."

Everyone else in the room was watching the two twins lecture each other before hearing Einjeru saying something they never thought they'd hear.

"Stop it Akuma! This was one of the reasons I was glad we separated! You keep trying to lecture me about why I need to train when I bust my butt, meanwhile you sat in my head constantly nagging me. Everyone says there's that little voice in your head, but you know what, this tops the freaking cake!"

Akuma had the sense to look bashful after noticing everyone watching their little spiel. She then got upset at Einjeru for saying that she did nothing when they were combined. She then smacked Einjeru across the face.

A low growl started to build in both their throats before Shirobuki intervened. "That's enough you two! This is your father's hospital room and he is trying to recover! Einjeru, go to the training grounds. Akuma, pop your clones and take a break."

Einjeru went straight out the window and Akuma grabbed a chair to prepare for the backlash from the shadow clones. Shirobuki rubbed his face, wondering if all those mental conversations ended up like this. Heaving a sigh, he starts to speak to the remaining teens.

"This is not to be spoken of outside anyone but us. Anyone else will think the two won't be mission ready. Normally this happens when one is pent up and the other is exhausted. Einjeru was normally the exhausted one, so the roles were reversed. Now, if you don't mind, I have to make sure someone doesn't break her hands from her temper." Shirobuki walked out the room, which allowed everyone to process what happened.

At the training ground, Einjeru had punched the log until she tired herself out and sat down. Shiro watched over her, sighing. 'This isn't good for Einjeru to do that. I guess now would be a good time to have a meditation session.' He leapt down from the trees and landed next to her. "Hey there."

"Are you here to lecture me?"

"No, let's meditate and balance ourselves out."

Giving a smile, she eased herself into the lotus position, closed her eyes and focused on breathing in and out. 'Relax... Blend into the nature... Become my true self... Release my negative emotions... Balance my chakra...'

Shirobuki smiled noticing Einjeru relaxing in a rapid fashion. He started meditating and met her in the mindscape. "You're finding your mindscape easier and easier. I guess being cooped up in a cave was hindering."

"I love nature." Einjeru's astral projection shrugged. "I was getting frustrated with Akuma trying to weasel her way out of training... Her training isn't that hard compared to the rest of us."

"I'm aware but putting some of her training into practice is harder than most give credit for. Your training is probably more rigorous. You must learn to relax more and not get upset all the time. Your other chakra riles up badly when you do."

"I... I just can't stand how Akuma can act like that when she hasn't really experienced the grueling training. I'd like to see her last against Lee and Guy."

"I don't think she'd last. Why would you wish that on Akuma?"

"I think it would be good for her, endurance wise, and probably strength wise."

"Those are good reasons, but I think we need to work on anger management, and situational awareness. You two were about to fight in the hospital. Your mom is looking to pull a favor with an old friend of hers to work on your ever-growing temper, which is why your mom wanted you to meditate and get to this plane. This training is meant to train your mind and temper you into what you're meant to become."

"I guess she didn't have that when she was younger?"

"Her temper is worse than yours when it's flaring. Let's just say helping her to transition was a doozy."

"Do you know the friends name?"

"He or She is known for collecting the souls of those who have died due to losing their temper. They're one of seven special collectors, each specializing in a particularly bad habit. Anger/Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Pride, Greed, Envy (which we need to work on...), and Sloth. I don't know their names, but they're called the Seven Deadly Sins."

"Sooo... Can these guys kill me?"

"Not really. They're main job is to collect souls, but if a favor is asked of them, they tend to honor it. I'd do my best not to make fun of their name disposition."

"Why?"

"You'll understand in time."

They open their eyes to look at the currently darkened training field and stretched. Heading back into the concourse of the village, they see Naruto and Sasuke heading in the direction of the most famous ramen shop in the land of fire. They close enough to hear them, but not draw their attention. From a view you can almost see the little wolf mark on Naruto's tanned neck, and Sasuke's sealed curse mark. Their conversation happens to be about Akuma, and girls.

"Say Sasuke, do you think Akuma may be in the running for you to date?"

"What are you talking about loser? Also, why ask something like that when you've been claimed by the older twin?"

"I dunno. I was thinking about how the village is going to force the CRA on you since you're the last loyal Uchiha."

In that moment, both Einjeru and Sasuke had to refrain from snorting. "First of all, you have no idea what you're talking about and how did you learn about that?"

"I learned while were on our training paths that I was from a clan that was feared by all the great nations, but enough about that. Even you can't resist the urge to want to find a girl to spend the rest of your life with."

"You sound like that pervert sage."

"I probably do, but I don't go looking at girls like that."

"Probably because Einjeru will beat you senseless if you do. You are lucky though."

"Why am I lucky?"

"Out of all the girls in our age group, Einjeru and Hinata were the only non-fangirls and they had their eyes on you."

Naruto and Einjeru's eyes widened at that statement. "Hinata didn't look at me in that way, and Einjeru… She really is special. She looked at me as a person, and not as a container."

"I know what you mean. I think I would like to date someone who wasn't a fangirl during the academy days, or at least someone who isn't trying to woo me for my bloodline."

"Maybe try with Akuma. You two may develop sparks." A throat clearing from behind caught their attention. They turned back to see Einjeru and Shirobuki.

"As much as this conversation was enlightening, there's something you two should know…" Einjeru couldn't help but to blush, and Shirobuki was ready to snap a picture at their faces. "Akuma is…" Her face turned red.

"What Einjeru?"

"She's into… Girls…"

The two teen boys paled in embarrassment. Sasuke got over the shock and looked at Einjeru, looking for any sign of deceit. "I don't believe you."

"Are you sure Einjeru?"

"Being part of one another damn near your whole lives makes me pretty sure that I know she has the hots for Sakura."

Naruto finally got over it and started speaking. "So, with you two merged, does that make you… You know."

Einjeru had to think about that. "I'm not sure. I guess that depends on the dominant soul at the time. I guess one example would be that farm mission we took where you guys found me on top of Sakura. I hated her guts back then… That was Akuma somewhat in control."

"I guess that would make sense, with how the dynamic was back then."

"I have to say Akuma will be spending a lot of time at the hospital, and I'm afraid for the day where her heart is going to be broke…I can sense Sakura is still in the game for Sasuke, but he wants nothing to do with her due to the past." Einjeru looks directly at Sasuke. "I'm going to ask you for the sake of salvaging my sister and your teammate; how do you feel about this?"

"I still find Sakura annoying, but I acknowledge her strength. Akuma has potential, but I'm not going to force myself."

Einjeru shuddered at what she was considering, and Shirobuki had to confirm this out loud. "Einjeru, when you two are merged, Akuma is still her own self, but seems to fit into your mold sort of speak."

Naruto gets a question mark above his head. "What do you mean Shiro?"

"Part of their chakra is in one another, meaning that Einjeru could influence Akuma if need be." Shiro heaves a sigh, feeling just as uneasy as the grandchild next to him. "She could have Akuma go on a date with Sasuke."

"Not that I'd ever force that on those two! My god I feel so dirty even discussing this…"

Sasuke looks at Einjeru who now looks green in the face. "I'd say let her try to chase Sakura first. I could tell that is not something that you'd be comfortable with." He pulls a pink rose out of nowhere and hands it to her. "Thank you, Einjeru. You've been nothing but honest to me, a loyal friend. I admire your strength and hope we will be able to continue working together."

She takes the rose with a small smile. "Thank you Sasuke. I look forward to many more missions. I hope that maybe Akuma will weigh her options. Even though you hide behind that cool persona, I know there's a heart of gold waiting for the right girl. When you kill Itachi, I know that side will come forth."

Naruto looks at the scene slack-jawed. 'I never seen this side of her… So… poetic, and calm.'

"Of course, she's calm. She gives that persona to those she cares about you bumbling fool. You ought to be lucky she chose you to be her other half, otherwise the Uchiha would have had her."

'Shut up you stupid fox… If you know it all, why does she act like she wants to bite Kakashi's head off?'

"It's a farce, idiot. She loves him deeply. Sometimes wolves fight with each other after splitting off. When Einjeru started training away from Kakashi she started becoming her own person and hiding that deep affection."

'And why does she act all wily with me?'

"Because it's her nature. Foxes and wolves are the most cunning of creatures. Knowing when to show affection and when to hide it makes for an effective hunt with their loved ones."

'Did you have someone like that Kurama?'

"Once… But they passed away, or should I say was killed by a ninja."

'Was it Madara?'

"I wish brat. That would have given me more of a reason to kill him, but I do believe it was an Uchiha… The one that the second hokage disposed of."

'Wasn't that part of the reason Madara controlled you the first time?'

"A deep love becomes an even deeper hatred for the person who killed the one you love so deeply. That's why the sharingan is so powerful. Take Sasuke for instance. His need to protect you during the land of waves mission woke his sharingan because he thought of you as a brother. However, someone like Madara who has experienced the pain of losing his closest brother can awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan. Even Kakashi's Uchiha friend awakened the sharingan out of dire want to help his friend."

'You sure know a lot Kurama, but how did you know about Kakashi sensei's?'

"Long story brat, but I will shorten it to this, I passively listen through your ears from time to time. It's quite enlightening."

'Nosy fox.'

Suddenly, Naruto was being shaken by Einjeru, trying to bring him back to reality. "Naruto? You alive?"

"Sorry Einjeru, I was having a mental conversation. So, you hungry?"

"Yeah. Let's go eat guys."

Shirobuki smiles at the three of them. "As much as I'd like to join you guys, I have an errand to run."

Einjeru gave him a look, pleading him to come along. "Can't you hold off?"

"As much as I'd like to, I really need to check on Kuroko. She's been colicky lately."

"I understand… Bring me back some pocky?"

"Alright. Stay out of trouble you three." Shiro disappeared in a wisp of white smoke, allowing the three to look amazed.

"Well let's get going guys." Einjeru started a slow pace, trying not to think about the meaning behind the words. Only a few words are coming to mind, and they're the ones she's trying to avoid. 'Mom is going to die…'