Naruto smiled, glancing at Ino through the corner of his eyes. She'd never been subtle about her intentions. It was the same with Sasuke. She was bold. But things were perhaps different now. She was not a child. A little girl fawning over a brooding bastard who cared for no one but killing his elder brother. An avenger he called himself. Poor bastard.

"Is Sasuke going to be happy about this?" He asked, sitting on a stool by the counter. The others could wait. It was not like he was going to sit here forever.

"Don't ruin the mood," Ino lectured. "But I'm over that," she said with a shrug. "I'm a little more interested in your secrets…" she said with a curious glance.

"And here I thought you were interested in me… personally," Naruto said slyly. He had heard she was training to be collecting information. Maybe she could be useful. The Yamanaka had a unique technique.

Ino shared his smile. "There is that but," she didn't say. Not for a couple of moments. "You returned a different person. If might add that you've become quite the man… but there is a lot more I'm starting to get that I don't know about you. You appeared to be an open book, always something. I never once figured the foxy grin was hiding something. I probably would not have noticed until Shikamaru pointed it out..."

Naruto stopped smiling for a moment. Now that was dangerous. The Nara has always been a bit too smart. Of course, Naruto had nothing to hide. "Well, the art of a mask is a shinobi's thing. I'm sure they teach you that at torture and interrogation."

"That's a secret, and I don't remember telling you…" Ino said with a stare.

Naruto smiled, waving her off. "I'm a secret, dear," he said a bit too sweetly. "But let us make this a little fun. I'm not telling you anything. My guard will be normal. And I'll allow you to get closer. Lets say tonight, at my place, I'll reward you if get it right."

"You don't reward me… I reward you," Ino said, wagging her index finger. She smiled. "But I'll let you think that way."

He laughed that. She was right, in a way.

They got the drinks. And then started walking towards the others. Despite what Ino was saying, Naruto had a feeling it was not going to be easy. Then again, easy was never fun. Maybe it would make for a story in Jiraiya's books. Thinking of the sage, he couldn't help but frown inwardly. It was going to be well, he told himself. There was no need to worry.

"You two were gone for a while," Kiba said, staring between the two. "I'm starting to sense something in the air."

"Are you sure it is not Akamaru's behind?" Ino retorted.

Shikamaru sighed. This was going to be fun. What else could he do? Though, admittedly, Ino was getting far more interested in Naruto. There was no doubt that Naruto had secrets. He was doing more missions. Solo missions. He kept to himself. He wasn't the loud idiot. There was the dark cloud that always hovered above him. He hoped Ino didn't get burned while trying to pull up what was under the carpet. As for Naruto, he didn't seem to mind the eyes at him. No doubt, he was enjoying himself.

Kiba grabbed a bottle and gulped it down. He glanced at Sakura and then at the quiet Hinata. Always glancing at Naruto. He was not stupid. He could see it. "At least someone is getting some love," he said, staring at Sakura.

"What is that supposed to mean?!"

"We all know how Naruto was over the heels over for you… Sakura-chan. Sakura-chan…" Kiba said, sounding a little sickened. "Felt sorry for the poor bastard at some point. It was pitiful…"

"It was not that bad, was it?" Naruto asked, looking around.

"You asked her out every time you got the chance. Even if you got rejected, you never gave up. You always had this dreamy look when staring at her," Chouji said, quietly staring between Naruto and Sakura.

"But I can understand why he has moved on… some of us have grown, and some have not…" Kiba said, with a perverted smile.

Sakura glared. "What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

Kiba was saved from answering when Tenten suddenly spoke.

"We're leaving, Lee," Tenten said a bit harshly.

"But Tenten…"

"No buts. Last time we allowed you to get drunk, it was a disaster. It didn't even take much before you got drunk!" Tenten said. "Sorry guys…" she said, dragging the green beast away.

"You're not following?" Naruto asked Neji.

The Hyuga shrugged. "I have to walk Hinata-sama."

"Dutiful," Naruto said with a smile. "Anyway, with you poking into other people's life, how about your Kiba? Got any girl in your life?"

Ino snorted. "Akamaru has a better chance of finding a partner…" she said. She then smiled. "But I have heard a little rumor that he likes a certain someone…"

Kiba turned red slightly. He muttered some curses and then took another sip.

"Who would have thought that things would come to this point though?" Naruto said. "I for one never thought that Ino and Sakura would get promoted before me… even before Kiba. I mean, I beat this guy by fart!"

There was a bit of laughter. "Are you really going to proudly count that win?" Chouji asked.

"I was beating you!" Kiba exclaimed. "At least my fight wasn't as pathetic as those two…"

"You should be careful," Ino said. "Sakura packs quite the punch now…" she said, smiling. "Oh, and drinks are on the genin today. The Junior always pays for the seniors after all…"

"That's called bullying," Naruto said. Before turning to Hinata. The lovely, sweet innocent soul that was once afraid to hurt someone. Totally, uncharacteristic for a shinobi. He smiled at her.

Ino smacked him. "I'm still here, aren't I?"

Poor Hinata, Sakura thought with a slight shake of her head. Naruto probably had no interest in the girl. But, Sakura was not going to comment. Not with Ino's flirtations. The affections were after all, no longer coming her way. Kiba was right. Her friends were right. Things had changed with Naruto. Perhaps not for the better. She smiled bitterly. Not long ago, it had annoyed her being called affectionately by Naruto and now she really missed it. What compounded to the misery was that Sasuke had never looked at her that way. And even if he does come back. Nothing was likely to change.

"The eyes cannot be ushered… they just wander…" Naruto said, smiling. "Besides, Hinata and I have a deeper understanding and a very long relationship… right Hinata?" He asked, staring at the Hyuga.

She froze for a moment, a little red. Naruto laughed. "More importantly, what do you guys think about Sasuke? We going on a mission to fetch him soon… And if it succeeds, he'll be back in this village."

"I was never close to him," Chouji said with a shrug.

"He was not close to anyone," Kiba said. "He was a bastard who was rude to everyone… I don't even miss him…"

"He was our friend…" Sakura pleaded. But she knew. None of these people would call him their friend. He's treated them with coldness and sometimes indifference. Unlike Naruto, nobody missed Sasuke. Just her. And those with a crush. But probably, no one now had such thoughts or feelings.

"Your teammate," Neji stated. "It is not going to be as simple, isn't it? You are not going to fetch him."

Naruto smiled and then shrugged. He was simply trying to make it sound a little pleasant. He was not going to dismiss the possibility that the Uchiha may be integrated back to this village.

"If he is forced, even if he does return, he probably won't be in the streets," Shikamaru said. It was interesting. Really interesting. Naruto did not sound emotionally invested in this. Everyone knew how things ended. It had been a disastrous mission they all did and nearly lost their lives trying to accomplish. "What of you? I failed as a leader of that mission. Neji, you and Kiba, all nearly died. But for you, nobody will deny that you were friends."

Sakura's ears pecked up. This she wanted to hear. If they ever spoke about their former teammate, Naruto displayed no emotion. He didn't seem to care. It was not a troubling issue for him. Sometimes, it was like he really didn't care if Sasuke returned or not.

Naruto shrugged. "Whether at death's door, or having lost a hand, the important thing was that we all came back alive, against the odds…" he smiled. "Appreciate being alive. Not everyone who goes to a mission comes back alive. You are all grown up to know that…"

"Speaking like someone who has seen too much."

"I spent three years out of the village. I came across shinobi. Rogue shinobi. I saw many things. We all know how our first missions were like…" Naruto said, smiling a little sadly. "I froze… nearly wet my pants…"

They laughed. "You of all people…"

"Some people are frightening…" Naruto shrugged. "In my first mission. Sasuke sacrificed himself for me. He was a rude bastard. Probably still so. A little psychotic but he did that for me. This one time, I'll save him. But what happens, after then, I don't know."

Following Day

Masters of the art of Fuinjutsu should surely be respected. There was no wonder why there were few of them in these days. In Konoha, Naruto only knew Jiraiya. His clan had truly been into something. Fuinjutsu was a complicated process. It required patience, and frustrated him to no ends. But giving up was not an option. He too was Uzumaki. He may have suffered some mental handicap because he was not raised into this thing, but it was not impossible. Not for him. He did have Uzumaki blood after all. His father had also been a master. But as reality has shown, the skills of the parents are not automatically passed onto the child.

He glanced at his right arm. His only greatest creation. With some luck and too much of Jiraiya's help. Without the Sannin, nothing probably would have been finished.

Naruto stared at the sealing scroll, and then gave a frustrated sigh. Not long ago, when he had no control over the Kyubi's chakra, he would have certainly been leaking.

"I really hope that they find out about the Sanbi and then accuse you of plotting something dangerous, forcing you to flee," the Kyubi suddenly said.

"You really want me out of this village, isn't it?"

"I don't get why you are still here."

Naruto didn't get why it was the Bijuu's problem. He had never stated to it that he would leave the village. His feelings toward the village were not mixed. They were clear. He knew where he stood. But still, he had never made it plainly clear that he would leave. "Do you just want me to leave here and then go out to spread a reign of terror?"

"Bloodshed doesn't displease me," the Kyubi said with indifference. "Especially when it is shinobi falling."

"You are quite the villain but before you were captured, you never bothered with humans. You stayed out of sight. Perhaps it is the capture that has brought the resentment. I must admit, even I hate humans… but not in general… just the ones who hate me…" Naruto explained lightly. "But why are you very talkative these days? I brought you a partner, should you not be talking to him?"

"Discovering your plan interests me… as it greatly affects my future as well…"

"I have already stated that I want to be the greatest shinobi to have ever lived… perhaps Uzumaki to have ever lived… I want to be in love… to raise a family, be happy…" he paused. "Do you not believe that?"

"Why would you want to be the greatest? The glory? You are not like that… personal glory has never been your thing. I must admit, you have become a little more selfish, but you are not a glory hunter. That much I know… it makes your motives all the more curious… mysterious when you consider that you hold no laugh for Konoha, yet are still here…"

Naruto stared the seal in front of him and then closed his eyes. A couple of thoughts flashed over his vision. For a second. He then opened his eyes, responded to the Kyubi. "You are missing the bigger picture; it depends on your definition of what it means to be great. The shinobi world really does try to erase the history of those it means evil. Itachi was someone everyone in this village spoke about before he did what he did, but now, nobody even talks about him. Even Uchiha Madara – they are not going to teach you about him. They only talk about Hashirama. I'm not saying I am going to become so evil that even if they don't want to, they will talk about me. I have no intentions of being evil. However, I exist in this world. As a shinobi. I plan to live. To grow in power, influence, to change things." He then paused, smiling bitterly. "And of course, to remind those who hated me, sought to erase my existence, that I am alive. I live… whether they acknowledge it or not is irrelevant, but they must be taught; there are consequences to their actions. This shinobi world has to come to that realization. Maybe I will become a ruthless monk, teaching the right ways, defending the defenseless… but for now, I am a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf and there is a war that is coming."

"You sound certain that it will occur."

"It will," Naruto said. "I'm sure the likes of Danzo will flame the fires to ensure it happens. He thinks it will give him an opportunity for influence, and maybe grow Konoha. Really, I am interested to see what will happen to the world after such war."

"I thought you didn't like Danzo."

"I don't," Naruto said firmly. "But I imagine if he ever became Hokage, this village would learn to suffer. It may even go through a civil war in due time if Danzo takes power by force. He'll be looking to see those villages that have weakened controlled by the Hidden Leaf…" he stared at the empty space ahead of him. "I won't stand in the way of that happening, but I wouldn't want it to last. It's like watching someone built a watchtower. After completion, they get a glimpse of the view, and in their excitement, you take it down, pieces by pieces. While your own name, rises from the ashes."

"Is that what you plan on doing?"

Naruto shook his head. "I'm just listing possibilities. Can you imagine, if during the war, I become a pillar for Konoha. Taking it towards victory, and then suddenly, I disappear in the battleground. The enemies take advantage of the situation. The push back Konoha… suddenly I rise once more… as Konoha's only hope… but…"

Naruto's eyes snapped behind, sensing movement. He tilted his head to the left, bring out his arm just above his right shoulder. A kunai was caught between his fingers. He glanced at the kunai; Konoha made. He didn't get up from his meditative position but dispelled the 20 clones, sitting in the clear ground around him. Without another thought or looking back, he flung the kunai back to where it came from.

A moment later, he heard a female voice.

"That was dangerous," Anko said, walking into the clearing. Her index finger was wiping off the blood on her left cheek. She was certain she had dodged the kunai. What kind of accuracy did the kid even have to even hit her from her hiding spot without even looking? Last time, she had seen him somewhere close to this forest, he had been scared shitless.

"I have learned that sometimes you cannot trust on your vision. Genjutsu often fools you… the smog can do that as well… To hit the target far away, you must rely on your senses," Naruto explained lightly, without being asked. He stared at the scroll in front of him and then glanced back at the incoming Jonin. "What do I owe this pleasure, Anko?"

After a few moments, she stopped behind him, leaning around his left side. He could feel her breath. The cold metal on his throat. Her unusual scent. And unmistakably, the scent of snakes. He heard the sound; the hiss of a snake below. He hadn't sensed the slithering creature. It was just between his legs. He felt a cold shiver down his spine, but still smiled.

"How are we going to make up for you cutting me up?" She whispered dangerously into his ear.

Naruto glanced at the snake. Poisonous little things. So dangerous. So vile. He would not remind Anko that she'd cut him before. "There certainly won't be any pleasure to give you if that snake plays around there…"

Anko blinked, and then laughed when she finally got it. "If strong enough, you can let out the snake to bite it…"

"That snake is not meant for biting…"

"Oh, what is it made for?"

Naruto held out both his hands, and made some motions, causing Anko to laugh. She removed her snake as she walked in front of him, staring at him. "Are you any good at it?"

Naruto smiled. "I don't like to brag… I prefer to let my actions speak, but I have heard these words a bit more often 'just one more."

Once more, Anko laughed. "Being with Jiraiya has taught you something," she said. "What were you doing here that you even had cast a wide Genjutsu?"

"Barrier…" Naruto corrected. "If it was Genjutsu, you wouldn't have seen anything. I should have created a barrier that keeps people out," he added. "And why are you here?"

"You are wanted in the Hokage office."

Naruto raised an eye brow. Since when does Anko pass messages from the Hokage? "Now?"

She smiled. "Moments ago," she said a bit sheepishly.

Hokage Office

"We managed to get out valuable information out of Guren…" Tsunade said to Kakashi and Yamato. "She still has much more much she has to tell us. But for now, we are only focused on Sasuke…"

That just meant she was going to stick around the village for a little while longer. Not that she had any intentions of allowing the woman to leave the village. Not with her strength. She could join the enemy and become a problem for Konoha. She had a powerful bloodline. There had to be something they could do. For now, she could be free.

"What of the boy?"

"She is with him. We made arrangements for them to be together…" Tsunade said. Naruto had been a little too happy to see the boy go off his hands. No doubt, he hadn't been enjoying his time. There was a knock at the door. "Come in," she said. Sakura walked in, glancing at the two Jonin and then to her. She greeted quietly. Tsunade continued speaking to Kakashi. "I have of course, made sure that she is safe and nobody can get to her. We don't want something happening to her. Orochimaru's work may even prove to become useful… if used correctly. While there are some moral questions over his methods, there can be no denying that he is a genius…" she stared at Yamato, just for effect.

Kakashi glanced at the Mokuton user for a moment before looking back at Tsunade. "You are thinking about raiding some of his hideouts to take anything valuable."

The Godaime Hokage nodded. "Yes," she said. "I have also taken the decision that Sai won't be with you in this mission. We asked Guren to give us another one of Orochimaru's hideouts here in the Fire Nation. Sai will be heading there, tonight."

Kakashi didn't need to guess why. While perhaps he was needed to better familiarize himself with the team, the question about his loyalties was axiomatic. This was an important mission in which Danzo would no doubt try to interfere with. They could not allow that to happen. In this situation, Danzo's default option would be to kill Sasuke if he cannot be returned. "I'm sure he is going to complain."

Tsunade shrugged. "Doesn't matter," she said. "I am the Hokage. I decide who I send out to missions," she said. "I don't need to remind you that we need to be careful here. Iwa has already sent their message of concern over our actions. Kumo will follow shortly. Or we may just know because of its actions. We need to be careful…"

"Of course," Kakashi said.

It was then that Naruto appeared in the office. "You're late."

"I understand you are old, Ba-chan, but a couple of minutes won't make a difference…"

Tsunade glared at him, while Sakura tried to hit him on the shoulder, but he avoided it. She cleared her throat. "The four of you are going on a mission in the Sound country. Your primary objective is to bring back Sasuke to this village. Dead or alive. Secondary objective is to get any valuable information from the hideout. Third and last, kill both Orochimaru and Kabuto. Both are too dangerous to be felt to roam this world. You will leave in an hour."

"Hai, Hokage-sama!"

Walking to the village gates, Naruto realized, he was becoming used to this thing. Turning his back on the Leaf. But of course, he always returned. From a job well done. From a mission completed. He did want to have a good record. It was necessary. But no one was perfect. Not even the famed Sharingan no Kakashi. Everyone had their defeats. Their flaws. Some glaring. Some hidden.

The Jonin, along with Yamato and Sakura were already at the gate. There was something wrong, yes? Why was he the last to arrive? Naruto didn't know. Yamato was there for him. For the Kyubi. Just in case he lost control. Tsunade probably determined this was going to be an emotional mission. It would draw out even the negative ones. Was it an issue of trust? Did she not trust that he had things under control? Admittedly, he felt somehow just knowing that there was a person in his team, who was only brought out for the sole purpose of ensuring he doesn't go out of control. What was he? A loose cannon?

"Don't tell me a black cat crossed your path…"

Naruto shook his head. Smiling fondly at the memories of team 7. The good days. The Jonin had taught them patience the hard way. "No, I'm on time. You just came in early…"

Kakashi smiled. "Good one…"

"You're not going to be like him, are you?" Sakura asked, staring at Naruto.

"Not at all," he said. "I'm not that tardy. And I am being truthful this time. I am not late. You just came early," Naruto said, pausing for a moment. "Well, not came like that…" he added a bit slyly.

Kakashi chuckled lightly, getting him while Sakura did not. Yamato just stood, a little indifferent. "Let's move out," he said.

They all disappeared. Flashing out of the village gates. They sped a bit on the ground before hopping into the streets. "Sakura, stay in the middle… Yamato, rear. I'll stay with Sakura. Take the lead Naruto."

"Hai."

He took the lead. He knew where they were going. They were going to pass through the Valley of End. Before stepping into the Sound Country. For now, they could speed through the Fire Country. They would rest at the borders. After then, there would be no rush. Energy was needed. For their opponents were not weak.

For hours they moved. Resting just once. For Sakura. As usual, she was the one low on Stamina. But she had not been completely tired. An improvement. They made it to Valley of End. And halted there. Camp would be set below.

"Naruto," Kakashi said to the blond. "Send 10 clones to scout the area before we set camp."

"Is it wise? We are coming a long way and Clones take a lot of chakra," Yamato said, glancing between Naruto and Kakashi. He knew Naruto had a lot of chakra, but they were not sure what would happen here. "We should rest first."

Kakashi shook his head. "Can't rest when we don't know what surrounds us. This world is very violate, Yamato. Iwa shinobi may just attack us, out of nowhere…" he then smiled. "Besides, Naruto's tank is big."

"That it is," the blond said, nodding his head. He created the clones. Without a word, they all fanned out to different directions. He started stripping.

"What are you doing?" Sakura asked, he was taking off his pants.

"What?" Naruto asked. "Haven't you seen a naked guy?"

"I have but not you," She said, with a hard stare. "Why are you even stripping?"

"There is fresh water. I'm a little sweaty…" Naruto said. He paused, then added. "I need to meditate, get a feel of the natural energy around."

She stared at him. The last part.

He just smiled. "I am a Sage, Sakura…" Naruto said and then continued to strip. Leaving with just under pants. He jumped down, off to the water all.

Kakashi sighed. "Off he goes," he said. "I could also use my chakra training…" he said a bit lazily. "Or maybe just read my book in peace," he added in thought.

"I'll stand guard."

"Don't be stiff Yamato. We are not in Anbu…" Kakashi said.

"If someone attacks while we are busy fooling around?"

"Naruto's clones, searching the area. Besides that, Naruto just said he is going to feel Natural energy. He can't do that without being in Sage Mode. If that is the case, no one is going to sneak up on us," Kakashi explained lightly. "We can leave our things here and wait for the clones to return before we decide on how we move."

Sakura stared down at her bubbling reflection on the waters. She could hear the Sound of waters. The sound of the drops. Constantly using chakra to stay afloat. She could not keep this up for too long. Naruto was just in front of her, eyes closed. He was floating just above the waters. Chakra was clearly visible around him. The waters hit around. But it did not touch him. Reflecting off the chakra.

"Powerful, chakra," Yamato said.

"Yes," Kakashi didn't appear interested. His eyes were already on his book. He was too lazy for any training. The mission was already going to be work.

"And why is he still a genin?"

The Jonin shrugged. "How can you focus with the noise like that?" he called out to Naruto.

"You are just asking because I used to fail at focusing on simple things. I couldn't even stay still for a minute…" Naruto said, managing a smile. But his eyes remained closed.

"What is the use of the tattoos?"

Naruto's right arm was almost black because of the blank ink. It was not decoration. Not for shinobi.

"Three purposes, but I will tell you one that that is most important," Naruto said. "There are different elements. Each person has a an affinity. Some people have multiple affinities. But it is not impossible to learn all five basic elements. The Sandaime was prime example of this. You can combine two elements to create something. Some work. Some don't. But what about combining all five? For a natural person without a bloodline, I want to think its impossible… like it is impossible to recreate sub-elements. The Sharingan can copy all ninjuntsu. Even sub-elements. But not one that is a bloodline.

"How does it do this? It analyzes the structure of a jutsu and then copies it. Normally, to use fire based jutsu, you need to learn how to convert your chakra into fire. But with the Sharingan, you don't do that. You use any fire based jutsu you copied without learning the fundamentals. But if there is a new jutsu, you want to invent, you will need to start from the fundamentals.

"I thought to myself… why not create something for myself? Something that converts my chakra into five basic elements and then combine them, to create a new jutsu. A seal that structures chakra for me. But not something that thinks for itself… at least that is the main point. For now, it can only operate on the ninjutsu thoughts already imprinted on it."

Fuinjutsu… Kakashi thought with a shake of his head. "Now, that is the reason the Uzumaki were feared. Minato-sensei often did say there was nothing you could not do without Fuinjutsu. Even the Hiraishin was Fuinjutsu based…" he said. "Does it work?"

"Some parts of it… But for now, it effectively does not work the way I want it. But it does do some dangerous things," Naruto said, shrugging indifferently. "There is a bit of activity within the Land of Hot Water," he said. "I cannot pin point whether there is entrance into the fire nation and Sound country or not. But immediately, there is nothing troubling. Caution, however, I urge. If we can avoid fire at night, we should hide."

"Then there are shinobi moving around," Yamato said. "Understandable…" he added in thought.

"Shinobi from the Kumo cannot get to the Fire Nation or Sound without passing through Hot Water. But given the circumstances, I'm certain they would rather use the route of the Sound to avoid complications with the Leaf," Kakashi reasoned. "If war breaks out between the two, Sound and Hot Water will likely be used as battlegrounds," the Jonin added with a shake of his head.

"If?" Naruto asked. War was coming. The clouds were already gathered, pregnant. It was only a matter of when it would rain blood upon them.

"Anything can still happen," Kakashi said a bit firmly. Though, with the Bijuu wars already happening, reason to be optimistic was clearly clutching onto straws. "It is settled then, we can rest here. But Naruto, try avoiding the use of chakra. We don't want anyone to detect us."

"It should not be a problem when I'm using natural energy. You can't sense I am using this chakra or how much of it unless you are adept to Senjutsu," Naruto explained.

They all blinked. "Now that you mention it," Sakura said. "It's easy to confuse things when you can clearly see it."

The following day

Calling Otogakure a village was a false interpretation of what the place was. There was nothing but a web of hideouts. People within. Naruto could sense it. He could sense the vile chakra seeping from within the ground. No one guarded the entrances. Even the one Orochimaru was supposed to be within. However, Naruto could sense nothing beyond its entrance. There was something blocking his path. He could only sense what was there once they were inside. There was no other way, was there? If Orochimaru was there, they just had to fall into the trap. There was no avoiding it.

Satisfied with his scouting mission, Naruto stood up from the tree he stood on. He now needed to go back to his teammates and report. With Senjutsu, for him, this mission was much easier. He probably wouldn't be trusted much with it if he hadn't changed.

Nodding to himself, Naruto jumped from the tree, landing down. There was no shinobi on his side, but it did help being safe. He could have missed something. He did think that there was the possibility that there was someone who could hide from the detecting skills of Senjutsu. Of course, that would mean completely hiding their chakra. Because as long as there was that signal, no one could hide. Nothing could hide.

"Itachi," Naruto said, coming to a halt. "No, you are a clone…" he said, staring at the clone impressively.

What did he want now? It was all about Ssuke. Maybe interesting but the Uchiha always spoke about what he wanted and never answered any question he didn't want to answer. Above all, he was unreadable. He never once smiled. Never once expressed any hostility.

"Are you following me?"

"I was at the Leaf looking for Jiraiya… he escaped our leader," Itachi said. "But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about. Are you looking for Sasuke?"

"Yes," Naruto said with a nod of his head. "Our mission is to take him back to the Leaf."

"You told me that you would take Sasuke back to the Leaf. By your admission, he was lost in his hatred and could not see things clearly…" Itachi said, his eyes never leaving the blond. "But Sasuke at this point doesn't want to leave the Orochimaru. He only has eyes for me and the only way you can take him back is the use of force. You are prepared for that but what if Sasuke never changes? You said you are thankful that he did what he did because it has led to the current you. What would you be willing to do?"

"Sasuke is still naïve and can be dyed by any color," Naruto started. "Those were your own words, Itachi. Force will be used. But anything can still happen once he gets to the Leaf. He can be promised that you will be brought and helped to find you."

"But if I'm dead… Sasuke losses all purpose," Itachi said.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I wanted to die by Sasuke's hand… with the intention of giving him more power. But if I die while a certain problem is not solved, Sasuke will only attack the Leaf one day. However, should I die, I still want my eyes to belong to Sasuke," Itachi stated. "If Sasuke goes back to the Leaf by force. Danzo can twist him. But as long as Sasuke remains steadfast in revenge, he will never be loyal. However, there is a problem with Danzo. He has Shisui's eye and can manipulate Sasuke with it…"

"What do you want me to do?"

"What you think is right," Itachi said. "But just know what Danzo's goal is eventually the Hokage seat. If he has Sasuke, he will use him to get the seat, even undermining the current Hokage."

"Jiraiya-sensei has already warned me." Naruto said. "But why do you fear Sasuke would attack the Leaf? What is it that you are afraid of?"

Itachi shook his head. "Are you certain you can succeed in this mission?"

"Without doubt."

"I'm going to confront this problem that may be a threat to Sasuke and the Hidden Leaf. Before I do so, I will leave you with a final message and another for Sasuke. If Sasuke ever learns the truth, you will give him this message," Itachi said. "If he decides to turn on the Leaf on his own accord after hearing this message, you will know what to do."

"Killing Sasuke to protect the Leaf?" Naruto asked, frowning slightly. "Why does this matter to you, Itachi? Why are you trying to protect the village you betrayed?"

"Things, are not always at they are," Itachi said. "If anything goes wrong, I will let you know?"

"Coast is clear," Naruto said. "But we don't know what we are walking into. The Hideout however, as a bit far from others."

Kakashi grunted. "We accepted that long ago," he said. He glanced at Sakura for a moment: she has been oddly quiet by her standards. The girl was not a quiet person. She was not loud but always had an opinion. "Is everyone ready?"

"We are going to face Orochimaru, I don't think anyone can be ready for that," Sakura said. The last time she faced the Sannin, she had been terrified as hell. She may have even loosened the breaks a bit by then.

Naruto smiled, chuckling lightly at the memory of the first encounter with the Sannin. "Even the almighty Sasuke was so frightened, I had to call him out on that first encounter. Of course, after I froze in the first mission, I was the hero of the day."

Sakura wanted to snort but truly, nothing would worked without Naruto. He'd always been the one to pull them together. Even when Sasuke wanted to go alone, feeling hopeless about something, Naruto had always found something to be positive about. He did at times come with some unusual strategies that even Sasuke took in. Perhaps he'd been the most important member of the team and in her obsession for Sasuke, she'd failed to see that.

"How was your first encounter in the battlefield?"

Kakashi looked thoughtful. He hadn't done anything. Not because he didn't want to but because he could not. He'd simply been a child to the Sannin. And at that time, he had been an experienced shinobi. Fought in a war. "Meh," he said with a shrug. "Yamato and I will face Orochimaru… how are you with Sasuke?"

"I can handle it," Naruto said. "We don't know what state Orochimaru is in. but as far as we were told, he is not mobile."

"I'm hoping that is the case," Kakashi said with a shake of his head. "We will be in trouble if not. Sakura, you will provide us support if things are not going well. There is also Kabuto to consider…"

He knew Sakura probably wanted to be with Naruto but this not the time to nurse feelings. They were at a mission. He didn't even know how Naruto fared in a real battle. But if he was able to take down Guren, he was capable. Sparring sessions could not be counted. Not in this context. At least he didn't have to worry about the blond losing his cool. But if anything happens, Sakura could also step in to assist.

"Let's move!"

Sakura felt a creeping feeling as soon as they entered the hideout. This place was dangerous. She could feel it. Her guard was up, way beyond normal. The males didn't seem nervous. Silence and hand movements it was. There were a couple of traps, but they managed to avoid them. This time, Yamato was leading the charge. As they stepped deeper into the hideout, Sakura felt certain they would find Sasuke. The place was a maze but she could feel his presence. She could feel that he was here. And at last, after so many years, they would drag him back to Konoha. Even if it meant he would be kicking and screaming.

Yamato held out his right hand. And they all stopped. "Someone up ahead," he motioned.

They all nodded and waited. Waited for a couple of moments with patience. Kabuto appeared from a corner. But did not get closer. He was holding a light. He smiled. That cocky smile. "Naruto… We meet again," he said.

"Indeed," Naruto responded with indifference.

"There is no need to be cold," Kabuto said. He stepped away, clearing the path. "Orochimaru-sama is waiting for you." He said, pointing at the dark passage.

"There goes the element of surprise," Kakashi grunted. "Why should we lead? We could be walking into a trap."

"I don't trust you won't try to stab me from behind," Kabuto said. "If you are afraid, you can still go back. But know that Sasuke-kun is waiting for you on the other side. If you leave, you might never get the chance to see him again."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sakura demanded.

"He is soon to be ripe," Kabuto said, with a little smirk. "Are you going?"

Cautiously, Kakashi led the way. Sakura and Yamato in between with Naruto in the rear. This was already not going according to plan. But at least he could count on one thing – Orochimaru was arrogant. He probably didn't have any trap but was simply waiting for them like a king, ready to use them as test subjects for something. It would be exactly like him to think of something like that. But if that was the case, it meant they would really have to fight the Sannin.

"We were told Orochimaru was immobile with his host rejecting him," Naruto said, glancing at Kabuto at the corner of his eyes. "But that seems to have been exaggerated."

"You can't always trust everything you hear," Kabuto said. He smiled. "I suppose Guren told you. But she was not lying. Orochimaru-samas case can be solved at any moment…" he said.

"As it would appear."

The snake, in all its glory, was sitting on a snake-like throne. The mad grin in place. There was no sign of Sasuke but Naruto could sense the Uchiha in the shadows. Kabuto walked past them, taking his position by Orochimaru. The snake was apparently too happy to see them. He appeared to be in a good mood. The last time Naruto saw him, he was trying to get Tsunade to heal his hands. Apparently, the Sandaime sealed them. Taking away his ability to weave hand signs.

"Tsunade must be serious about getting my Sasuke-kun," Orochimaru said, watching the Konoha group. "But you came at a good time. I need to test Sasuke-kun's skills against some capable shinobi…" he said with a laugh.

"Your Sasuke-kun?"

"Sasuke-kun is mine," Orochimaru said, grinning. "I'm afraid you will have to go back to Konoha empty handed… if you manage to make it out alive… that is… kukukuku…"

Kakashi shook his head. They were not here to talk to Orochimaru but to fight. He was prepared to face the Sannin. Winning was probably out of reach but he could at least hold him long enough for Sasuke to be defeated. "Sasuke, come out… I know you are here…"

The Uchiha, wearing a cold mask, stepped out of the shadows. Sakura smiled. He was still alive. He was here. They had Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. They could not fail this time. They would take him home.

"Naruto!"

Naruto simply nodded and did hand seals.

Boom!

Orochimaru didn't move a muscle as the roof of his hideout exploded, bringing down debris. The outside became visible. He only moved when the debris started to fall above him and saw both Kakashi and Yamato charging toward him. Kabuto followed him outside. But the former spy moved back, giving his master the platform.

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura quietly said, staring at those cold eyes. They made her flinch. They were colder than before. But did she expect him to be smiling at their presence?

Naruto sighed. He really had no time for Sakura's emotions. She was supposed to be giving Kakashi-sensei and Yamato back-up. He turned his eyes toward the Jonin. At least Kabuto appeared to be standing aside. then again, despite his problems, Orochimaru would not take the lower ground. But there was no doubt he was still a powerful shinobi. At least Kakashi had Yamato. He decided against saying anything. "Sakura, you are our medic. Kakashi-sensei said you will only get involved when there is the need."

"But I am capable of fighting," Sakura said firmly.

Naruto glanced at her, his eyes cold. "Nobody argued with that… if you want to fight, use your strength to fight against Orochimaru. Those two will need it. If not, let me handle this," he said in a stern tone. "I do have a score to settle with our former teammate."

"I didn't think you'd still be chasing after me, Naruto," Sasuke said, taking a few steps towards the two. "But it is good that you have come… I do need to test skills and remove all living attachments before I face him."

Naruto raised an eye brow. "I am only here because I have been ordered to be here. If not, you could turn into Orochimaru's whore, his cook, anything, I wouldn't care, little, Sasuke…" he then smiled. "Your brother said, 'hi' by the way. I saw him some time ago…"

Sasuke's eyes flashed in anger, but he did not explode.

Naruto clapped his hands. "Wow, even you grow, a little," he said.

"So have you," Sasuke responded in a flat tone. He then suddenly disappeared. Sakura froze. Fast. She thought. She hadn't seen him move. He was now in front of her, those crimson eyes staring at her hypnotically. His drawn sword touching her chin. What made her relieved was that Naruto had also moved. She'd not seen him. But he was by her right side, back on her. His left arm stretched out, holding Sasuke's blade. His right hand, brought in behind, was holding a kunai, glowing a bit with chakra, facing Sasuke's waist level.

Sasuke was not fazed. He actually smirked. That same arrogant smirk. "At least this will be interesting," he said. He released a burst of electricity from his sword. Sakura quickly jumped away to avoid the electricity. Naruto however, did not let go of his sword. He actually fell on his back, stabbing his kunai on the ground.

Sasuke realized, the grip on the sword was firmly. He had not willingly allowed the blond to go down with it, he had been forced. "You can manipulate lightning as well," he said, unworried by what Naruto had done. He put more strength and tried to pull away, but Naruto did not let go. Not for a moment. He then released his grip, and Sasuke jumped away.

He wasn't given the chance to completely stand up, as while he was standing, Sasuke flashed in front of him. But before he could strike, Sakura was above them, falling with her right arm held out, fist glowing with chakra. Sasuke was forced to jump away to avoid the punch.

Boom!

The ground shattered, when Sakura did the ground. Chunks of earth flew into the air after her fist collided with the ground. Naruto was forced to jump away to avoid the debris. The entire turned into a large crater. She stood up, proudly, and then glared. "I won't miss next time if you give me an opening."

Naruto shook his head. He was already in Sage Mode. Sasuke was not Itachi. He could handle this a little quicker.

Sasuke flashed in front of Naruto, flashing his sword in a horizontal slash across the blond's throat. Naruto ducked under the swing, driving both hands towards Sasuke's chest. Before he could hit, Sasuke jumped back slightly. But within a second, he was on the attack, striking head on. Naruto quickly straightened up, lifting his left hand. Moving swiftly, he slapped Sasuke's blade away, while taking a single huge step forward with his right hand held out.

Sasuke's Sharingan flashed furiously, seeing the incoming hand. It was like a huge blanket over his face. He leaned back, just slightly. Avoiding getting caught by inches. Sensing more movement, he tried jumping back but Naruto slammed his right foot on the ground. A boulder sprouted behind him, blocking his path. He was forced to fold both hands across his chest when Naruto closed the distance, driving a powerful punch toward him. He winced painfully the punch connected. It sent him crashing through the boulder.

While skidding backward, Sasuke looked up, seeing Naruto on the attack once more. He was moving fast. Faster than him. He gritted his teeth in anger as once again, he was forced to fold his hands above his head, seeing Naruto's stretched right leg.

Boom!

The ground shattered when the back of Naruto's foot collided with his defense. He gritted his teeth, knees bent as he tried to hold on. But he was giving his all. And somehow, he felt like Naruto was not doing his all. It made him angry. While still in mid-air, Naruto did not pull away, his left foot swiftly moved, slamming into his right shoulder. This time, he was sent flying away like a bullet.

He flipped several times before landing on both feet. Anger building up slowly. He glanced down. A smoke bomb. It went off. Within the smoke, a hand bust through, nearly grabbing him by his face, but Sasuke managed to avoid this. He was however, still caught, albeit by his cloth. It was nevertheless enough for him to be forcefully picked up and them slammed in the ground. It was a simple movement. Like he was a piece of paper. Sasuke ignored his aching back. Choosing rather to glare at Naruto, who was leaning in, staring down at him with those orange eyes, coldly.

He grabbed the blond's arm. He grinned murderously before releasing a powerful shock of electricity that coursed through Naruto's entire body. It was so much that the blond was forced to let him go… with a bit of smoke coming from his body after being basically burnt. While the currents still flowed within Naruto's body, Sasuke seized the chance by lifting both his legs. He kicked Naruto on his chest while lying down, sending him flying.

Naruto flipped once before landing on the ground. He had a deep frown. Had it not been for senjutsu, he would have probably been burnt.

Still, he held out his right hand. "Fighting you in Sage mode is a bit unfair. I thought it would be fair with your Sharingan but you are still overwhelmed. Perhaps I overstated you. You are apparently still below what I expected. Anger, hatred, they have clouded you, Sasuke…" Naruto said in a flat tone. "You are honestly pathetic."

"Chidori!"

Naruto did not even move. Still easy to goad. He shook his head, creating a Rasengan on the palm of his right hand. When Sasuke flashed in front of him, driving his jutsu toward him. Naruto slammed the Rasengan, into the lightning cutter. The two jutsu collided, creating a spark. Fighting for dominance. Naruto smiled. Staring straight into Sasuke's eyes.

"This reminds me of last time," he said.

"You lost, even after using the Kyubi's power," Sasuke smirked. "I sparred your life then, I won't do it again."

Naruto pushed Sasuke away, while grabbing his arm on the wrist. He frowned. "Genjutsu…"

"Lightning Blade!"

Naruto's eyes opened to a lightning blade, flashing toward his chest. He managed to move to the right slightly. The blade hit him on the left shoulder, piercing through. Naruto was unconcerned. Not even blinking.

"What was that about you being stronger?" Sasuke asked, smirking.

Naruto shook his head. Ever so arrogant. Being with Orochimaru didn't help matters. Certainly, with the sannin being the master in arrogance. He moved back before jumping. He glanced at his shoulder, watching it redden a bit with blood.

He did hand seals, inhaling air before exhaling. "Wind Style: Wind Trumpet!" Perhaps it was a bad name, Naruto thought as he released a bullet of rotating winds. The rotation was powerful enough to drag debris as it sped toward Sasuke.

Sasuke did hand seals of his own. "Fire Style: Great Fireball no jutsu!"

He released a large ball of flames from his mouth. He refused to grin at how big it was. It didn't get to move away before Naruto's twisting winds slammed into it. He could feel its intense heat as he poured more chakra, sensing Naruto do the same. What he did not expect was for Naruto's jutsu to suddenly expand and then swallow his jutsu, turning the flames towards him. Sasuke was forced to jump up into the air to avoid the fusion jutsu.

While airborne, he glanced at Naruto for a second and then tried to do a hand seal but a clone flashed below him, grabbing him by his right foot. Boom! It slammed him into the ground with his back, burying him there before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

"Wind Style: Wind Rotation!"

It was while Sasuke was trying to get up when winds starting to pick up around him before a full blown rotation started to occur. He felt the wind being sucked away. His ability to breathe freely. A mist began to form. The force of the wind started to twist him as well. Its force too great to ignore. Within seconds, he was spinning as fast, he couldn't even see properly. It was then that he saw things. It was not genjutsu. He did tried to cancel it but if felt like it was real. Until, Suddenly, it stopped. The world around him was spinning. Sasuke staggered to stand. But Naruto was there. He tried pulling away, but the blond grabbed him on the side of his rib cage, by digging his fingers in.

Sasuke clenched his jaws, teeth grinding as his mind began to feel order.

"Physically, I am stronger… and faster…" he said that, pressing further. Sasuke let out a pained cry when Naruto's fingers grabbed two ribs. One snapped. And he felt the other nearly doing so.

Cursed masks started forming around him, exploding into chakra. This forced Naruto to jump back. He landed, Sasuke flashed in front of him, his right foot in the air. Naruto blocked the kick by liftig his right hand. He tried to grab the foot with his left hand, But Sasuke moved swiftly. He dropped to the ground, balancing himself with both arms, and then kicked him with his other foot. Naruto was sent flying away.

While still airborne, Sasuke flashed above him, holding his hands together. The Uchiha slammed his hands on him, sending him crashing down. Naruto got buried in the ground upon crashing on his back. Sasuke slammed onto him, trying to stomp on his chest with his right foot. But Naruto raised his right knee, blocking the attack.

Sasuke grinned, leaning in while unsheathing his sword once more. He then attempted to stab the blade through Naruto's head but the blond shifted his bead to the right, almost in an impossible angle.

"Stage one of the cursed seal," Naruto commented, smiling a bit. "I'm too scared to look into your eyes. Your hatred is just too frightening…"

Sasuke glared. "I see you've lost that mode… Sage mode you called…" he said, smirking triumphantly.

Naruto smirked as well. "But my dear former friend, I have other weapons I can use. For someone called a genius, your memory losses you at times."

"Kyubi?" Sasuke asked. "Didn't you lose even with its power?"

"Hmm," Naruto shrugged. "A matter of the past. But I must say, it feels rather refreshing fighting you Sasuke. I want to hurt you. Break you. It is perhaps undeniable, even if I wanted, that we were once rivals." He said, smiling.

After some silence Sasuke grunted. Not denying it. "You've changed."

"You haven't. Still an arrogant teme…" he grinned. A bit like the old times. "But you would not be Sasuke if you did not act like the bastard I once knew. I must still thank you. Had Haku been after our lives, you would have died for me. At that point, I saw you as a friend. Maybe a brother…"

Sasuke frowned. But then glared. He chose not to address Naruto's comments. "It is time to end this."

"But I'm starting to enjoy this… can't you see?"

It had already started on that side. Orichimaru frowned inwardly. He really wanted to see just how Sasuke would fair against this new Naruto. No doubt, he had improved. But how would he perform against his Sasuke? Orochimaru wanted to see that. He wanted to witness it. But how could he? There were these two in front of him. One a former test subject that succeeded without his knowledge. The other the student of the man who stole the Hokage mantle from him. Had things been different, he could have become Hokage.

"Let's get this over with," Orochimaru said. "I want to watch Sasuke."

Kakashi lifted his headband. There was no time to be holding back anything. This was Orochimaru they were up against. If they prolonged things, he would out last them. They had to try to end it as quickly as they could.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with you on that," Kakashi said in a serious tone. "Unlike with Sasuke, our orders were to kill you."

"Kukukuku," Orochimaru laughed. "Come and try. I may as well reclaim my experiment while at it," the snake hissed.

With Yamato behind him, Kakashi dashed toward the Sannin. He wasn't allowed to get closer as Orochimaru held out his right hand, releasing hundreds of huge snakes. They all came hissing toward them, mouths ajar.

"Katon: Great Fire Ball no jutsu!" Kakashi released an exponentially large ball of flames. The intense flames burnt toward the reptiles. Within seconds, they were burning them as quickly as fire burnt through paper.

Orochimaru glanced to his right, taking a single step back. A kunai whizzed past his face.

'Hmm?' Sensing something, Orochimaru jumped into the air. The moment he did so, wooden branches burst out. Missing his feet by inches.

He hissed, though with a bit of excitement as Kakashi suddenly flashed above him. "Raikiri!" Lightning burst. Orochimaru aligned his body carefully and then released multiple snakes once more. Kakashi's jutsu cut through the snakes, heading toward him. Seeing the attack coming, Orochimaru opened his mouth, releasing the sword of Kusanagi. Its blade flashed toward the Copy Ninja's throat, forcing him to use Shunshin to clear away.

"Sempai!"

He heard Yamato call out. Wooden branches snaked around his waist, with Yamato just below him. Orochimaru was yanked from the air, hurled into the ground. He hit head first, buried beneath the rubble.

"Raikiri!"

Orochimaru cursed the two when Kakashi appeared above him, diving in speed the second he hit the ground. He hissed inwardly when the Jonin's jutsu pierced through his back, making a gaping hole through his gut. The Jonin and Yamato flashed away.

Looking at the gaping hole, Orochimaru frowned slightly. He glanced at toward Sasuke. His frown deepened. His eyes were not deceiving him. But was Naruto using Senjutsu? He had noticed the eyes when he walked into the hideout. It was troubling if the blond perfected something even Jiraiya failed to accomplish. Though, who'd have thought that Sasuke would actually struggle? Against Naruto of all people?!

Yamato watched as Orochimaru shed his skin, coming out anew. This was going to be difficult. How many times did they have to hit the snake before he gave out? This was just the first. And a normal person would have stayed down, if not inching toward death.

Well, at least Naruto was doing fine. Perhaps it would have helped if Sakura had come here. If one of her punches had hit Orochimaru had full force while he was down like that, he certainly would not have stood like all was normal.

"Do it…" Kakashi instructed.

He knew what he needed to do. Yamato did hand seals, and then slammed both hands to the ground. As he did, Kakashi began charging toward their opponent. Around Orochimaru, a wooden dome, as quickly as within seconds, enclosing the Sannin within. Yamato left a huge pipe hole, for Kakashi.

"Katon: Fire Dragon's Breath!" the Jonin launched the intense stream of flames through the hole Yamato left behind. The second the flames went inside, Yamato closed it, creating a heating chamber. The wood did not last long before bursting into flames as well. A powerful gust of wind, slammed onto the burning wood, sending the debris flying all over.

Sasuke didn't know but he could create a clone to gather natural energy for him and them have it dispel after it was done. He could use either the Sanbi or Kyubi's power but he still opted against it. It was better to break Sasuke even without those powers. He could always use Sakura if he wanted to end things quickly. If he gave her an opening, she could always land the final punch and would not leave her feeling to useless in this battle. Besides, it would be best if he went out without allowing Sasuke to use his final form.

A buzz of electric currents sounded the alarm. Sasuke was twisting in front of him, stabbing his sword toward his chest. Naruto reacted swiftly, twisting clockwise to avoid being stabbed. As he was twisting, he formed a Rasengan on the palm of his right hand. Once he stopped, he lunged onto Sasuke. The Uchiha jumped away to avoid the jutsu.

Boom!

The Rasengan hit the ground, creating a large crater.

Naruto jumped away from the crater. Landing a distance away. He then flashed behind Sakura. He felt her body tense when he placed both hands on her shoulders. "I'm going to give you an opening. Don't hold back. But hit Sasuke with everything you have. You can do that, yes Sakura?"

She nodded.

"After that, take him and run."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei and Yamato will be behind, so will I. Orochimaru will not likely allow us to leave just like that. We need to escape," he glanced toward the direction of their sensei. "They are not winning."

"Fine."

"Good," Naruto smiled. And then stepped away from behind her before slowly taking steps toward Sasuke. 'Kyubi, your power.'

"I thought you didn't need me."

'I just thought of something… I want to see something,' Naruto responded quietly. 'I could use my chakra, but the process would require time. We don't have that… Besides, this is not for Sasuke but Orochimaru.'

Naruto held out his right hand. "I want you to see something, Sasuke. But I suggest you transform into stage 2…" he said as the marks on his arm started to glow. The negative and positive chakra started to pour out. It was the same process of creating a Bijudama. Naruto however, didn't have to worry about the composition to find the right balance. The method was written directly written in the seal. He just had to maintain the balance and pour the chakra.

"Do you think I am going to let you?" Sasuke asked, taking steps toward Naruto once more. He then lunged forward, swinging his sword from the right in an upward swing with all intents to cut Naruto's hand.

A clone popped into existence just below the Uchiha. It hit Sasuke with a wind enhanced punch on his chest. The Uchiha coughed blood upon being hit but be ignored the pain and shifted his blade into stabbing the clone. It disappeared in a puff of smoke. He staggered into a knee. That was dangerous. It was not a normal punch. He'd felt the air leave his lungs for a second.

He got up from the ground, and found himself staring at two clones. He frowned. He didn't need to fool around with copies when Naruto was busy plotting a powerful attack. He allowed them to get close before stabbing his sword on the ground.

The ground around him became an electrical field after he made the discharge. The clones were caught in the blast and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Before he could even make a move, a smoke bomb exploded between his legs. Sasuke jumped into the air, to get out of the smoke.

His eyes widened the second he was airborne. "Sakura…"

"Channaro!"

"Kamui!"

Orochimaru panicked when the jutsu hit. Around his waist, his body was being pulled apart. He felt being torn as he slowly was being warped away from this reality. He began to fear that if he didn't do something quick, his entire body would disappear and there would be no escape from that. He quickly opened his mouth, and another form began to spread out. He hit the ground, and laid there, like a snake. Staring at Kakashi. That was dangerous. A jutsu of the Mangekyo Sharingan. But it apparently took a lot more chakra. If the Jonin's panting was any indication. Then again, he too wasn't exactly getting better. His sensei would pay for this. If only he had his hands.

"Still not enough," a bruised Yamato said to Kakashi. No matter what you hit the snake with, he just shed his skin and got up like nothing had happened.

"We may have to think of retreating if Naruto and Sakura are not winning," Kakashi said in between his breath. Using the Mangekyo cost him chakra. And a lot of stamina.

A heavy presence hit on the side. Both looked to see Naruto with his hand held out, on both knees. He was wielding an enormous amount of chakra. They both glanced to the side to see Sakura fleeing with Sasuke on her shoulder. That was the indication they needed. Without wasting time, they both followed after Sakura.

Orochimaru quickly got up seeing what was happening. But Naruto was standing in the way. Well, not exactly. He was not blocking the path. In fact, he was over the other side.

"Kukuku," he hissed. "You defeated my Sasuke-kun. I won't allow you leave!" He said furiously. Not after everything he had done for the Uchiha. The training. The mentorship.

"Hmm," Naruto grunted. The small Bijuudama was already formed. He grabbed it, crating a fist. A small shockwave shook the ground. The marks around his arm glowed dangerously before he opened his palm once more. There was a black cycle there. "Stay back, Orochimaru!"

He released a pale stream of energy from the palm of his right arm. Orochimaru only blinked when the blast was launched and it was upon him. Fast. Deadly. It hit him on his left side, completely erasing everything. But Orochimaru was not concerned. Because, if Naruto wanted to hit him, the blast would have hit him head on. Unless he was not the target. He glanced behind.

"Kabuto!"

Obviously, Naruto is little 'light' in this chapter... but with flashes of 'darkness.'

So, as stated already, the Akatsuki is different. they are no more than a mercenary group. They are not after Bijuus. And I will explain that. But for a general picture, Obito is still around. the Kyubi was released by him, of course. the explanation could be that he failed to manipulate Nagato.

A lot will happen... Naruto will travel.. to different nations. In terms of pairings, I considered Guren. She is going to be stuck in the Leaf. then Samui. I don't know. I do want to try something different. And I want to do something with Tsunade... I won't say, imma just surprise ya'll..

Danzo will gain more power. through his usual means of course...

A shout out to Freestyle for helping me edit the chapter.

The Omnipresent Sage