I have no excuses for not updating. I really don't. Especially for this story. But here it is. The long awaited chapter…

You have all been waiting, and now you shall be rewarded for that patience.

"It's not the face that makes someone a monster, it's the choices they make with their lives."

-Naruto Uzumaki

Dog looked around the vicinity from the village from a vantage point he stood upon high on the Hokage office building that overlooked the scope of the village. From to and fro, civilians, workers, and ninja walked in a path of their own destination and choosing. It was a sight that never went old for the ANBU member. The children scampered as he saw a multitude chasing a ball for their game. The workers of men hefting a large wooden pillar to a construction site. Two women Chunin taking a stroll down the path and into the office. He took it all in. From the scope of his vision was the lively village, alive with activity.

Then the task assigned by the Hokage filled his head; reminding him of his task: He needed to inform the Hokage's student, Naruto Uzumaki.

Dog knew the boy. The entire village did. Ever since the boy was a child and ever since the Third Hokage. And now the boy was known to the world as a hero, a hero that saved the world. But from where the blonde was located as of the moment was what he did not know.

This was remedied quickly, as he knew the many locations where the blonde could be located. The first was Ichiraku Ramen, a ramen shop and restaurant known around the Leaf Village from its titular name: ramen. Naruto Uzumaki was famously, and infamously, known to have a love for ramen around the entire village, as it was his favorite food. He was known to eat it often as lunch or dinner time rolled around, and even take out if he was in a rush for cheap instant ramen if he had little to no time available to sit in and eat.

The second location would be another easy guess: his apartment. The blonde lived in an apartment for since his childhood. He would move out at some time soon, as the apartment would become cramped, and into a house complex that covered a large vicinity of land, still located inside the heart of the village. Naruto was still working to move many of his possessions, and he would still be inside it living the temporary days left before he moved into his new home.

There were other locations, others where he could be located, but as of the moment, he would search the two locations first.

Pushing off the top of the tower, he instantly vanished, leaving nothing but the roof of the office behind.

"FANG OVER FANG!"

A whirring, saw blade like noise erupted. From where a large vacant empty field save for the fresh cut green grass and an overflowing lake, came a loud shrieking noise, deafening and unrelenting. From the origin of the noise, the cause of this was from the one who shouted:

A tornado.

The tornado was not just a simple tornado. Tornadoes were known as stationary storms, caused by Mother Nature that slowly swallowed whatever it could in its path. This tornado was not, as it moved in a variety of directions: up, down, left, right. It was not slow either; to the contrary, it was fast and small, but also was just as deadly, whipping up piles of earth and dirt. The tornado smashed into the earth, vanishing into the ground before it erupted out from another, creating multiple holes in the earth.

This tornado was not the only one. Another tornado, equal in size, exploded from the earth below. Like a volcano, it erupted, flying into the sky high before it dropped, the force of it all but enhanced by gravity and momentum.

The two whirring noises eventually vanished, as the sounds of chirping birds and rushing wind began to reappear as the sound of saw blades began to die. With it, two figures emerged from the tornado, they scanned their surroundings, searching, searching around the plains, before their gazes shot towards the earth below.

"Damn! We got his scent below the ground! Substitution again!" A brown haired young man spat, the first figure, uncaring of his destructive technique and the destruction he caused. "Akamaru! Keep your guard up! Let's sniff him out!"

The second figure: a dog, shaggy with white fur, barked in response to his owner's command.

Silence. What the field had once had came back for another moment. Akamaru, the dog, bumped his owner's legs with his back. The young man barely registered the small action; he knew from Akamaru it was a small reassurance that he had his back as much as he had Akamaru's.

Both began sniffing the earth. Akamaru titled his head down slightly, sniffing for that particular scent. The scent that he and his owner were searching for.

The young man's eyes scanned and he too sniffed out the empty field. The scent, he knew, was once all over the place, all due to the large copies of him-his opponent-that once occupied their battlefield.

The man knew his opponent. Blonde, spiky, and messy hair. Three whiskered markings that ran horizontally across both his cheeks and blue eyes that were the color of the skies above. They had fought once before, both when they were still young, in a tournament that was also an exam to move up to the next rank of ninjas, both were arrogant and cocky, their bold proclamations and taunts from their youth he could vividly remember from their beginning towards the end of their match.

The boy remembered. The blonde opponent of his. A friend, rival, and also immensely powerful.

"You better watch out, Kiba! I'm going to be the top dog around here!"

Thinking back to those words, they sounded ridiculous and, if he were to admit, silly, from this time compared to the past as the blonde's words sounded out, but the young Kiba from the time took it as words of challenge back then, and he still did now.

No, you won't. Kiba, at the moment, thought otherwise. You won't split us up. Not this time. Akamaru and I will take you down.

It was what happened in their first fight from their youths. The blonde foe of his knocked out his partner and left him to fight the blonde alone. When he analyzed the fight later, he realized that the blonde separated him and Akamaru, leaving him alone to fight against the stubborn foe. The blonde had won the fight. And Kiba realized that as much later, fighting ninjas that had threatened to tear him from limb to limb. The later fight, especially against the Sound ninjas during the mission retrieval of Sasuke Uchiha, were proof of that.

Kiba wasn't Shikamaru Nara or the smartest of the pack. But he knew his weaknesses. And though the young man was prideful and he himself reluctantly admitted: arrogant, he knew where faults lie, where and what he lacked in, but he knew where to cover them up. He pushed himself training for two years, pushing himself and Akamaru further to their limits and testing them and beyond. He strived to surpass the blonde and he demanded a rematch; a rematch of his request, and the blonde complied, eager. Both strove to be stronger.

Now, this was their rematch. This was what Kiba wanted ever since from the exams. Time that he desired from the beginning of it. Before, there was no time. Neither of them had the time before when they came back older and stronger.

But now, this was it.

And Kiba, knowing how far his blonde opponent truly went, with knowledge of his opponents power and strength, made a decision to not toy or play around. He was going all out from the beginning. He had planned to end the fight from when it began.

But the blonde, known by his title: Number One Unpredictable Ninja, drew the fight out. He should have expected it. The blonde would not go down quickly. He avoided almost altogether and fought defensively.

Fast. But Kiba would not give in. He had barely just begun. His opponent was not invincible. He would have to attack. And Kiba and Akamaru, the man and dog duo, would be ready for whatever their opponent would throw at them.

Kiba's ears were filled with the sound of rustling and he turned, whipping his vision to the depths of the forest. The rustling grew and grew until it erupted. From the depths of the forest came a multitude; copies of scores of his blonde opponent revealing themselves.

Subtlety was not the blonde boy's modus operandi. In fact, he seemed to lack the concept and ability of hiding and attacking without gaining an opponent's notice. The blonde preferred a head on approach, and Kiba knew the fact, what the blonde lacked, he himself somewhat lacked the conceptual means to attack without striking from the shadows and the safety confinement of whatever possible cover used to keep oneself safe. But Kiba was not fooled, for his senses, for all senses of a human being: taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight enhanced, for he could do all some and more.

And, from the depths, the deep interior of the forest, came his blonde foe and many copies and then, from their hands, from the distance he could clearly see: a blue swirling mass that coalesced and formed into a spinning ball that squealed loudly.

But that did not frighten Kiba and his pet. Not in any shape or form. What did frighten, was the size of them. His blood ran cold as soon as what formed in the many blonde's hands was their technique.

The small shape of them that looked to be no more than a children's toy, grew in size and size, and with it, came the harsh sound that for a split second, rivaled his destructive technique, and then outgrew it.

Kiba's heart raced, pounded inside his chest, and he knew he could not beat the scores of blonde and their techniques, for each one had two large circular ball masses in their hands that were large, much more big. He did not for the moment think of how the blonde formed both techniques of his signature two in the little time that has passed, because formulating whatever possibility was necessary as he could already guess how. The blonde would seek to hurl the blue masses towards him, and it would shred both him and Akamaru to pieces; the power of those techniques would completely dominate his own Fang Over Fang.

What quickly formed in Kiba's mind, what passed through with only just a few seconds to formulate a plan, it was only a simple one, meant to get both him and Akamaru to safety:

Get away.

"Move, Akamaru! Get away!" The shout tore from his lips as adrenaline, and pressing energy to his feet, pushed off the ground and to the opposite direction. "Move!"

Kiba just barely had ample time to see the withering hail of blue masses and his loyal partner-thank goodness-besides him as their world was rocked by the massive explosions in his field of vision from where the two once stood. The earth was torn asunder as the blue masses shook the earth, shook it so harshly that he felt it even as he leaped high into the air.

For the brief instance, for what occurred in a few seconds, Kiba and Akamaru, their world, became nothing but a harsh blue in their vision and the explosions tore at their eardrums, a sound that should not have been possible, incapable, but it was. A brief second of torture for hearing, all made more stinging and throbbing by his enhanced senses, his ears burned, but he ignored it, as his and his partner's desire to get to safety outweighed whatever small, minimal pain that only was akin to him, a bee's sting.

Kiba watched the destruction of the blonde's technique, bearing witness as the field, covered in nothing but smoke; smoke from the many copies, and the remains of the technique, did he see the blonde's capability. The many holes he caused with his own paled in comparison, it was not even close, and Kiba, despite knowing the blonde, could only wonder how, could only fathom how, even though the information of the blonde he knew.

Craters, a multitude of them, formed by the power and destructive capability of the blonde's technique; a result of such a powerful technique in the shape and form of a ball, decorated the battlefield. The holes of his own were replaced entirely by the blonde's craters.

Kiba only had a few seconds to register and contemplate, because for the next instance, the ringing fading. He heard a panicked, surprised whine, the ground giving way as from underneath as from under his dear partner, a grumbling sound and then the sound of the blonde's voice; Kiba could only whip his head wildly to the side to see Akamaru pinned down.

"Akamaru!"

He started forward, lunging at his partner's captors, but rumbling from below him emerged, the ground bursted, and Kiba felt pain in his jaw, as he felt something hard collide into him, and he flew back in pain, the force of the blow sending him flying.

Kiba's back collided into a tree as he slammed harshly into the wood. He felt himself beginning to fall, nothing to support him as the pain he felt left him in a vulnerable state, and then he was slammed roughly against the tree again, and he heard a sharp metallic noise, slicing air, and then he felt something prick his throat, sharp but tickling.

"I win, Kiba. Believe it!"

The boy peeled open his eyes to see the blonde foe, his sky blue eyes-no, now red and slitted- gleaming triumphantly and victorious, savoring it. Uncharastically aggressive, perhaps was because of his victory.

Kiba only gave a scowl in return, his pride wounded but the expression on his face showing his clear discontent at the situation. "Damn you, Naruto. Ugh, fine."

The red slits faded from the blonde's eyes, leaving blue orbs in its wake, and Kiba felt the named blonde-Naruto-releasing and loosening his grip on him. A smile, full of cheerfulness and sheepish, morphed into the corners of his mouth, "You alright, Kiba? I didn't hurt you too much?"

Kiba wiped the corners of his lips with his hand, smearing the small droplets of blood forming and smiled. "I'm fine, man." The smile quickly vanished however, as he clenched his jaw slightly, wincing, rubbing it with a hand. "Mmh! One hell of a punch, too!"

Naruto smiled, the grin still sheepish. "Oops, sorry! I guess I kind of don't know my own strength! Heheh!" He rubbed the back of his head, the grin still on his face, and he pocketed his sharp weapon, his kunai. "You did say not to hold back though!"

Kiba shrugged. "I did, but man." His eyes snapped open in realization. "Oh! Akamaru!"

"Right here, man!" Narut-no. A clone of Naruto shouted as he led the partner of Kiba Izunuka back to him.

Akamaru barked in reassurance that he was alright, and Kiba went up to his partner, running a hand through his fur, Akamaru nuzzling his head against his owner's and partner's leg in response. The clone disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"So…"

Kiba looked up at Naruto, a grin forming on the latter's face. Confusion began to settle in his mind. What was he smiling about? "What?"

Naruto decided to clarify for him. "I won. Won our rematch, Kiba."

"Yeah, of course. You heard me concede, you numbskull. What are you trying to say…" Kiba began, then his eyes widened. "Oh no! Nope! Hell no!"

Naruto cackled gleefully. "Oh yes I did! I won our rematch!"

Stupid! How could he have forgotten?! He conceded defeat, but in it he forgot that he too conceded their rematch!

Their rematch was to prove who was better.

It stung. But perhaps Naruto already was better. Better than him.

His pride wouldn't take it. He would not allow it. "Another, you loser! Rematch!"

"You already lost! So you're technically the loser! And that was the rematch!" Naruto supplied with a grin.

"I said another! This does not count!"

"Yeah, it does! Not my fault you were distracted entirely! A ninja must be ready for everything: Rule number one."

Kiba's cheeks burned, but he refused to back down. "That's not the first rule, idiot! And I still say rematch!"

Naruto smirked, "You're really not going to let me have this victory, are you? Alright, alright. Training Ground 34, same time?"

"Be here." Kiba would not let Naruto claim this victory. He wouldn't.

Tilting his head up to the skies as the tones of blue began to take a saturated orange yellow hue, both Kiba and Naruto looked up as the days of Konoha began to turn into the evening. The rivalry and challenging boats lasted for nothing more than just a few minutes.

"Well, it's getting late. Gonna head to Ichiraku for ramen." Naruto took a few steps, then looked back. "You wanna come, Kiba? I'm paying."

The boy gives a shrug in return, shaking his head. "Sorry, man. Mom and sis' will have my ass if I don't come home. It's already quite late anyway. And besides, they're cooking."

"Really?"

"Yeah, man… Oh! By the way. How's the new house going?"

Naruto smiled, "Still moving some stuff out. And paperwork. Iruka-Sensei is helping me work on most of it, but I don't think we'll be done until the end of the month. Possibly not even two months. Because, you know? Iruka-Sensei's still teaching at the Academy. He doesn't have much time as it is."

The new house, still in the process of building, was located quite a distance away from the blonde's old apartment.

Kiba nods, reminiscing. "Yep… the Academy… Time passed and look at us now."

"Yeah…"

The two stood, their minds flashing back to the many activities in their youth, even way before the exams, before they became young adults. Naruto thought of all the pranks he crafted and developed, the Jounin ninjas screaming in outrage as they attempted to chase the blonde boy. Looking back at his past, diving deep into the memories, he thought it was hilarious looking at his pranks currently: Jounin, the ninjas of the highest rank and caliber, couldn't chase a child, a child who was not even a Genin, barely scraped by to achieve Genin, and the worst in the Academy, completely outsmarted by him. Naruto didn't, didn't want to brag of his and many escape tactics developed whether or not his pranks set off, and they succeeded-none of his pranks failed-but he did, for being the Number One Unpredictable Ninja, the word unpredictable, and he liked his title, but he snickered silently, because it was a moment of his childhood that was prominent in his memories.

"Naruto. Naruto."

Naruto flicked his eyes up, realizing that he had been idly staring into the distance. "Huh?"

"You were spacing out and laughing like a creep. What's going on?"

Naruto attempted to hide his grin, failing entirely. "Just thinking of the pranks I made when in the Academy."

Kiba barked a laugh, howling. "Oh yeah! Those were the shit back in the day! Made each day in the Academy less lame and boring!"

Naruto chuckled, joining in. "And the times me, you, and Choji fell asleep at times and Iruka-Sensei screamed at us to wake up?"

The air was soon filled with laughter as both, reminiscing of their early days, the topic of conversation soon turned into mischief and pranks, including their immaturity. The topic would eventually end and come to a close as Kiba announced to him, ending the conversation short as he remembered what he needed to do:

"Going to go now. See ya."

Naruto gave a grin, waving. "Later, Kiba. Later, Akamaru. See you two tomorrow."

Kiba waved in return as Akamaru barked his own goodbye, and then the two disappeared into the distance, leaving Naruto alone in the empty Training Ground 34, the battlefield of their rematch.

"Alright. Time for some ramen!"

The Leaf Village, as Naruto looked over it, has always looked the same. No matter what new shops or stands built up, no matter what attraction that caught many interest, no matter what individuals that came from outside the Leaf Village for visiting from close or afar, it has always looked the same. Naruto smiled, sauntering down the path, watching the many villagers. He waved to those who greeted him with their own wave. The blonde was in no rush to get to Ichiraku. The ramen stand was still open until night and though Naruto always enjoyed ramen, he too enjoyed the sight of the village, taking his time and basking in the glow of the evening.

Naruto took a right, and from an intersection on the path, knew he was getting close to Ichiraku. A smile split onto his face, the corners of his lips curled up, and he couldn't wait any longer for a bowl and to see Old Man Teuchi and his daughter Ayame run the stand again. His pace turned fast, as he began a jog to the stand.

Just as he thought.

Dog looked from a building not far from Ichiraku Ramen. He had suspected that Naruto, either at his apartment or at the ramen stand. His suspicions were always correct, but it didn't say much, considering the many places besides the common two where the blonde would be located.

Now he would retrieve the boy.

Naruto, just about to enter the ramen stand, for he could smell the delicious food inside, reached a hand out to bring the flaps of the stand open, to reveal both Teuchi and Ayame at work and the bench where he could sit down and enjoy a couple hearty bowls, when a shadow suddenly landed in front of him.

Even as a honed ninja, even with heavy and years of intense and studious training, Naruto was woefully unprepared as he let out a shout of surprise, stumbling backwards. "Woah!"

A figure stood in front of the blonde. "Hello, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto studied the figure and he knew who the person was. The mask, shaped and crafted meticulously to be an animal, including a grey vest and dark clothing. A clear indication of ANBU, but Naruto knew his name. "Umm… ANBU Mr… Dog?"

If it were any other person, Dog would have bristled at them, but he knew Naruto Uzumaki well enough. "Yes."

Naruto's face morphed into a cheerful grin, happy and content that he got the ANBU's name correct. "Yeah! Hey Dog!"

"Hello." Dog tilts his head in a partial nod. "Naruto Uzumaki, your presence is required in the Hokage's office. I have come to take you there."

Naruto blinks, confusion fluttering on his face. "Huh? Kakashi-Sensei? For what?"

"He did not say. Only that I will take you there per orders." Any other ninja who was completely unaware of the relationship between Naruto and the Hokage would chastasize the boy for his improper title of respect, but Dog knew that the boy had once been the Hokage's former student, and therefore knew not to.

Naruto glances fondly at the stand, releasing a grip on the flaps of the restaurant he was holding. "Right now? Kakashi-Sensei needs me now? Can't it wait until later?"

Dog shook his head. "Apologies, Naruto Uzumaki. But your presence is required in the Hokage's office as of this moment, by orders of the Sixth. I apologize for interrupting during the time you are having supper, but according to the Sixth, this is important."

Naruto contemplates, but he knew his former teacher. If it was that important, that much it required him… he still didn't understand why Kakashi Sensei would call for him right now? Was it about the paperwork for the new house? A mission? No! He dismisses the latter, ninjas with the rank of Genin were forbidden from taking solo missions, and he still was unfortunately the rank of Genin. It must be something though… "He didn't say what?"

Another shake of the head. "No. Only that he would inform you when you arrive."

Naruto takes one last look at the ramen stand, a silent promise to return as soon after he would deal with whatever needs his former teacher required him for; ramen would have to wait longer. Just a bit. He nods. "I guess… Let's go then."

A knock to the door snapped Kakashi out of his reverie as he flipped a sheet of one of the many stacks of completed paperwork aside. "Come in."

The door clicked open, revealing two figures behind the once closed door. Dog and Naruto Uzumaki. " Hey, Kakashi Sensei! What's up?"

Kakashi nods in return. "Naruto." With a quick turn to Dog, he gives another nod to the ninja under his command. "That will be all, Dog. You may go now."

Dog nodded, "As you wish, Lord Hokage." Turning to Naruto, he gives him a parting greeting. "I will see you later, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto flashes a grin, "Later, Dog!" And then the ninja vanishes, leaving both the former student of a leader and the leader himself in the office room.

Only a few seconds of silence occurred as the grin from Naruto's face dropped as soon as the ANBU was gone, as it began to morph into an inquisitive and one of curiosity. "So what do you need me for, Kakashi Sensei?" Pouting, he began a small rant. "I was about to have some ramen from Ichiraku, ya know! You took me away from ramen!"

Kakashi gave a smile at his former student. Even when Naruto grew up and took things more seriously, even when during the Fourth War's end, there were always moments where he acted immaturely and not what his age would suggest him to be. "Sorry, Naruto. But I had to take you away from Ichiraku. At least right as of the moment. It's important."

Curiosity was still on his face. "What for? What's important that you needed to take me away from Ichiraku?"

Kakashi only shook his head slightly in amusement at his former student's one track mind. The letter and its contents filled his head, and he looked at the blonde. "Naruto… Do you remember Ylisse?"

Naruto blinked, hands crossed over each other to the back of his head. He noticed that the traces of humor vanished; he felt the light heartedness of the room vanish too, replaced by seriousness only one could achieve by being a ninja. "What? Ylisse? I don't…What are you talking about, Kakashi-Sensei? What's with this sudden question?"

"Naruto, think. Try to remember. You told me and Sakura this during the two years you were gone when you returned."

Naruto blinked, processing his teacher's words. Ylisse… Yes, that was the country he visited. Another realm. He went deep into the recesses of his head, attempting to scrounge out memories and information.

"Wait…" There was one. Yes. There was one. Naruto hastily dug it out in his mind's eye.

The blonde laughed, "I'm sorry. I'm not really good at this sort of thing. I don't… huh?"

Naruto stared at the proffered hand out, glancing at a dark haired young man in confusion. The man smiled in response and spoke.

"Let this be a sign of our friendship. A sign of new bonds and friendship that will never die even if we are apart. Even in different realms."

Naruto faltered, staring, before his face broke out into a grin and he took the hand, shaking it.

Naruto's eyes widened in realization. "Oh yes! Chrom! He's-!"

There was no way. It couldn't be...

Kakashi, at the moment, held up the letter in his thumb and forefinger, interrupting the blonde. "Naruto, this was a letter I received by my ANBU directed to both you and Lord Jiraiya, by Prince Chrom himself."

"What?!" Naruto nearly tore the letter in two from his former teacher's hands. "Wait…" He looked up. "Pervy Sage? He had this?! When?!"

Naruto could only stare in disbelief, unaware that he was shaking and the letter, the piece of paper, felt heavy in his hands. During all this time, he never saw Chrom or heard from the Prince ever again since both he and Pervy Sage left Ylisse and returned. There was no letter, none to hear from either him or Lissa, to how they were doing. Guilt settled slightly into his chest. "Pervy Sage. When did he receive it?"

Kakashi sighed. He knew that Naruto was guilty, and felt responsible for forgetting about them. The momentary confusion on his face if it was anything to go by. "Few months back. An estimation approximately before Konoha was destroyed by Pain and before the war against Madara."

Naruto slowly scanned the contents of the letter, eagar. Kakashi watched as he took in the information, thinking, before looking up at Kakashi. "Pervy Sage didn't tell me about this? Why? You said he had this. Why didn't he tell me?"

Kakashi returned Naruto's gaze with one of slight solemnity. "Naruto-"

Naruto ignored him, eyes narrowing. "Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick. And the Shepherds. They sound like they need help. They needed help." Scowling, his voice turned bitter. "The letter says they're at a war! A war with Plegia! It's been a few months since Pervy Sage got this! Why didn't Pervy Sage tell me this sooner?! I could have gone and helped! Pervy Sage could've gone and-"

"Naruto!"

Kakashi's sudden rebuke shook Naruto, before he fell silent. Repeating himself, he said. "Naruto. Jiraiya may have known about this but chose not to. Because of the dangers presented when the Akatsuki were still after the Tailed Beasts, including Nine Tails inside you. He was also still locating the Akatsuki with his network. He couldn't go and help them himself. It meant leaving you vulnerable."

A slight despondent look formed in his eyes. "I can take care of myself. Pervy Sage knows this. You know this, Kakashi Sensei."

"I do, Naruto. But the Akatsuki, even as they are defunct and gone right now, it was back then when they were dangerous and an active threat. You know this. All were S class ranked missing nin from their home village… Jiraiya couldn't take chances. Even after they extracted the One Tails from Gaara when you returned. We didn't even know of Itachi's loyalty back then too. We didn't know he was working as a double agent. Itachi gave no signs of treachery from the Akatsuki. He was believable to be a member ever since he first attempted to capture you with Kisame. And you already know the two Akatsuki members, Kakuzu and Hidan. They too attempted to capture you."

Naruto felt his stomach drop, curled inwards and heavy. After the war against Madara and Kaguya… it never ended. War, even from countries to villages… People and many individuals fighting each other in a bloody conquest that left millions dead, all to a nation's desire for victory in war. Their world had fought four bloody world wars in order to achieve peace. Now? Chrom, prince of Ylisse, his sister Lissa, and Frederick, were fighting in a war of their own.

How many more people must die? Why couldn't peace be made with others?

"I hope that one day when the time comes, everybody will truly understand each other."

"If there is a pathway to peace… then I'll find it! No matter how long it takes."

Was Chrom still fine? Was Lissa? Was Frederick? He didn't know. He didn't know any of their state. The words of both his mentor and Tales of the Gutsy Shinobi flooded his head, where the latter he was presented as a hero and the main character.

Were they…

Were they dead?

No!

Naruto bit his gums until he tasted copper, furiously shaking his head. No! He refused to believe them dead! They were not dead! That possibility was outrageous! It was stupid! He didn't believe for a second to consider the possibility of that! Perhaps they were just still fighting, not losing, but looking for assistance to turn the tides of the war.

Kakashi watched his student's turmoil within himself. He knew that his former student would react vehemently in a violent way. The part of the letter about war especially. Naruto would not take kindly to it and he only could feel sympathetic towards the blonde. Naruto was fiercely, fiercely loyal to his friends; a personality no doubt inherited by Kushina. She was just as loyal to Minato and Mikoto in their childhood years. Naruto considered Chrom as one of his friends, and if the letter was anything to go by, the latter reciprocated the feeling.

"Send me, Kakashi-Sensei."

"Huh?"

"Send me."

"What?"

Naruto made a face, one that demanded orders and did not take any other answer other than yes for an answer. It was a face that ninjas, especially Jonin, developed over the course of time when they gave orders to lower ranking ninjas. The expression gave and made Naruto much more mature, more mature than he looked, a maturity he yet has to master, a professionalism that he rarely showed as a ninja from back then, a self control he put as a mask, and Kakashi knew he would make a fine Jonin one day if he chose to lead a team just as he once had should he continue in his maturity to grow and develop. "When am I going to Ylisse? Pervy Sage told me it was somewhere out of the Land of Fire or something. I don't remember the exact location but I'll keep searching til I can find it. I also don't have to go today. I'll prepare in a few weeks and go out to-"

Kakashi quickly connected the dots and he knew what Naruto was attempting to say. He knew what the blonde desired and he knew his plans: He wanted to go to Ylisse, traveling, searching for the "another realm" from outside the lands until he found it and entered. From there he would go to Ylisse and assist them in their war.

Kakashi couldn't have that. Naruto was a Genin, an extraordinary powerful one, yes. The blonde could take care of himself. But he couldn't have that. The blonde knew little to no information about the geographical terrain and Naruto, Naruto would bet everything on a fruitless search that held no key in regards to getting there, knowing him. He barely remembered the information in regards to Ylisse, and it would take months, months that would be wasted, and Kakashi couldn't have that. He couldn't.

"No."

Naruto stopped. Did he hear him correctly? "What?"

"No."

Naruto's eyes bugged. "What?! Why?!"

"I can't, Naruto."

"Why not?! The letter says they clearly need help! Is it because I don't know where it is?! I can search for it Kakashi-Sensei! It doesn't matter then! I'll keep searching until I find-"

Kakashi glanced up at his former student, watching him with coal eyes. It shut the blonde up, his eyes peeled down to the floor, and he scowled bitterly. "Is it because I don't know where it is? I can't go? Is that it?"

Kakashi nodded, deciding to be blunt. "I'm sorry, Naruto. If Ylisse is truly in a precarious position because of a war, then our time needs to be quick. We also don't know where Ylisse is located precisely at the current time anymore. Outside the Land of Fire is hardly enough good information and so is 'another realm'. It isn't and far from accurate, to say the least.

Let me ask you this: Do you remember how you and Jiraiya got to Ylisse? Precisely?"

Naruto opened his mouth, pausing, scanning his scattered memories for any key information. Putting one aside and moving onto the next. He came to a deadend, only just remembering Chrom's face and the symbol, the symbol of the country.

In the end, he gave a bitter answer as his mouth felt dry, "No."

But then Naruto's eyes snapped open, hope springing up as a solution presented itself. "Oh wait! Can't we just send a couple of other ninjas if I can't come?! Konoha and Ylisse are in an alliance or something like that, if that's how I remember it from Pervy Sage! Can't we just send a group?! Can't you just send a group?!"

It was an admirable way of thinking, an alternative plan to fix the issues presented, and Kakashi would have considered that option... had it not been for the fact that not a single ninja in the Leaf besides Naruto, Jiraiya, and by accident: the First Hokage Hashirama Senju. Sending ninjas to Ylisse, even if they knew the precise location to travel to another realm, would only result in a major blow to Konoha's already weakened state as they were still recovering from Pain's destruction of the Leaf and even a larger scale, the Fourth War. Konoha was still severely weakened from both events that took the lives of many able bodied ninjas, attempting to recover by conscripting many new aspiring ninjas from clans and civilian families into the Academy.

JIraiya and the First were also gone, and the lone survivor: Naruto himself, barely knew.

It seemed that Naruto had slowly come to the same mindset as the hopeful look on his face fell and so did the solution too. "Oh... Never mind."

But no sooner than a second, a scowl morphed his face. "We can't sit by and do nothing though! Chrom, Lissa, Frederick! They're out fighting in a war that they need my and Pervy Sage's assistance in! They need the Leaf's assistance!"

Kakashi agreed silently. Any ally of the Leaf that was in a war or devolving into a state of such would no doubt include them as well.

But they knew nothing. What information they remembered was too little and few and far between. They couldn't blindly throw any resources in a fruitless attempt. It was almost entirely the same situation with Sasuke's rogue status a few months back after he allied, albeit temporarily, with the Akatsuki to capture Killer Bee hosting the Eight Tails. Naruto desired to rush headfirst in without any thought, and now it almost seemed to parallel with this situation.

Though Naruto showed levels of thinking as of the moment, he still rushed in situations without much thought put into them.

A roadblock was in front of them, preventing them from further attempts to continue in to search for a solution. They couldn't assist Ylisse because they lacked information regarding how to locate and travel. And they couldn't waste resources that would result in valuable time wasted.

The two silently mulled over the situation, until Naruto's eyes snapped open. "Oh! How about you search through Old Man First's stuff?!"

"Search through the First Hokage's what?"

Naruto clarified, "Me, Pervy Sage, and Old Man First are about the only ones who visited Ylisse, right? Along with Old Man Third?" Seeing Kakashi nod, he continued, "So how about we search through books and other stuff? We can dig out information on Ylisse and other stuff too! Like how to get there! I can search through Pervy Sage's old things and reverse summon myself to Mount Myoboku to see if Ma or Pa has any information! We can also ask Granny Tsunade, see if she knows anything more, and-"

"Orochimaru." Kakashi finished for him. He knew where the blonde would start and unfortunately, finish.

"Orochi…" Naruto trailed off, anger flashing in his blue eyes. Just from an instance, happiness turned to distrustful anger.

A serious look flashed on both their faces. Coldness swept through the office yet again. "Naruto. We can't trust Orochimaru. It is without a doubt that Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru traveled to Ylisse in their youths with Lord Third, but we cannot trust him. He may have assisted us in the War against Madara, but considering his status and what information he does have regarding Ylisse may very well…"

Reluctance passed through Naruto's face. He wanted no more than to assist Chrom and the other Shepherds, but at the same moment, he didn't want to hear any words that came out of the snake bastard's mouth who once had his slimy sights and hands on Sasuke. He still didn't trust that bastard either, as much as his teacher himself and nearly the entire village. Even Granny still didn't trust him and refused to make amends with him. A traitor to the village by all means should have long since been apprehended and executed yet due to his assistance in reviving the past Hokages in the war, all a result of the Edo Tensei, he was granted a wary ambiguous status.

In the end, they could only just push the Snake Sannin to give them information. If Orochimaru contained information that would assist Ylisse, then they would have to take it, despite the Snake Sannin's current status. "I know, Kakashi Sensei. But what choice do we have? That bastard may very well know more than Granny if she knows just as much as me. If Granny knows nothing… then the bastard may be the only hope we have of getting to Ylisse and helping them out. We have to take this."

Silence passed through them, as Kakashi let out a breath behind his mask. "I'll go get Shizune to contact Tsunade. And I'll get my ANBU for Orochimaru. Hopefully, the latter is willing to provide information. If." He emphasized the last part, as if the Snake Sannin was willing, and to let Naruto understand if on a chance Orochimaru made the decision not to provide information, then there was nothing they could do.

Naruto nodded, "I'll go reverse myself! Ma and Pa should be at Mount Myoboku waiting."

A quick combination of handsigns and with a final sign and burst of chakra, Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke. Kakashi watched as his student left, before he ordered a team of ANBU to appear. A quick order to them, and though he could imagine the looks of curiosity and uncertainty on their faces that was hidden behind their masks when he told them of Orochimaru, they did not question it. That was what an ANBU member does under the jurisdiction of a Hokage, and what he once was.

Kakashi stares into the empty space, wondering, pondering. Far from the Land of Fire… Another realm… One thought presented itself:

Did any of the other nations know about it? Did they have any information regarding Ylisse?

He had to know. Konoha could not have been the only village that knew of the information relating entirely to the country. It would not hurt to ask the current Kages from the other villages. If they knew information and perhaps if, if they had information, which would never have been shared before due to the relations between them time before, then it would be very beneficial.

Opening a drawer from underneath his desk, he took out a computer and booted it up. He was going to do Naruto's request, and then some more.

"MA! PA! I'm HERE!"

Naruto looked around the vegetable area of Mount Myoboku, where statues and monuments of frogs stood and swathes of leaves, standing tall and large, encompassed the entire area.

"Naruto? Is that you?"

Naruto turned around, looking up to see a hulking figure hop towards him, a small rumble as his tremendous girth shook the ground beneath him. "Gamakichi!"

The frog returned the smile, his chubby and rounded cheeks spread out, a cigarette stuck in his mouth that stood out. "Naruto! It's you!" Letting his mouth part slightly to blow some smoke out of his cigar, he spoke. "What are you doing here? Came to visit? it's been a while since we saw you!"

Naruto grinned, apologetically. "Yeah! It's been a while! Ever since the war. Sorry I haven't got the chance to visit before. Was busy with stuff." Pausing, he thought. What was he supposed to do…? He came to Mount Myoboku for a task... Oh right!

"Oh hey! Gamakichi! Where's Ma and Pa?! I needed to ask them something!"

Gamakichi gave a shrug, blowing out another puff of smoke that dispersed into the air. "Should be at the temple. I can take you." He tilts his head to his summoner. "Though if you don't mind me asking, what do you want to ask them about anyway?"

Naruto paused, beginning to think. Does Gamakichi remember about Ylisse? Did he ever summon Gamakichi in their travels? He didn't remember. Questions he had no answers for unless he asked the toad himself.

Swearing at his lack of memory, he frowned. "Uhh… Gamakichi? I'm going to ask you something. It has to do with something if you remember it when I summoned you."

Gamakichi blinked at his summoner's sudden request, the topic of requesting Ma and Pa's whereabouts shifting over to a question suddenly towards him. He suspected that there was something to the question that would relate to his request for Ma and Pa. "Shoot, kid. Go ahead. You know if I don't know something, my answer will be what you expect."

Naruto nodded, "Gamakichi… have I ever…" He shook his head at his choice of words, deciding to be blunt. "Did I ever summon you to Ylisse at any time at some point?"

"Ylisse?"

Naruto nodded, "A country. It was from when me and Pervy Sage were gone from Konoha during the two years… Did I ever summon you when we were in that country?"

Gamakichi dove into his memories, thinking of his summoner's question. One that required his critical thinking. Events that he thoroughly remembered, such as Orochimaru's first attempts for Tsunade to heal his sealed arms were what he can recall to the fullest in his younger years. Naruto had only summoned him for certain instances and events where he required assistance, as rare as they were. Gamakichi rolled the cigar around in his mouth, eyes shut, as he attempted to recall the country his summoner asked him of. No… Yes.

Gamakichi's eyes opened and yes, he could recall one event. One event where a blonde haired girl, hair in pigtails, and a dark haired young man, when he was summoned to one particular instance:

"Heya!"

"E-eek! It talks?!" The blonde girl squeals as she nearly jumps backwards, stumbling back and retreating.

The dark haired man, in comparison to the pig tailed girl, could only stare in surprise and disbelief. Never had he seen something like this ever before..."It talks…"

The frog's lips turned down into a frown as he glared up at the two, reaching out with a fin and shaking it at them "Hey! I take offense to that! Of course I talk!"

"Now that you mention it… Yes. I do remember."

Naruto's eyes sparkled in hope, grasping. "So you remember where it is?! Do you remember anything?!"

He hoped, prayed, that any key information Gamakichi had. Anything that would help him and Kakashi Sensei discover and reveal any information about Ylisse. If he could remember barely any information, then perhaps maybe his loyal summon would help. Any, just any, would help.

Gamakichi pauses as he looks up to the sky, attempting to scour through his memories. But only looks down at his summoner, responding. "All I can remember is some kids. If memory serves me right, then the two were siblings. A dark haired man and a blonde girl. Boy was Chrom and the girl was Lissa. Besides that, can't remember the place much."

Naruto deflated. That was undoubtedly Chrom and Lissa, but it was already a fact he already knew. He already knew the two's appearances. What their appearance did did nothing to help the situation, as appearance meant little to nothing to help. The answer was also not what he truly wanted: a precise and exact location to Ylisse.

Gamakichi noticed the clear disappointment on his summoner's face. "Not what you wanted?"

Naruto smiled apologetically, "Sorry, Gamakichi. It's something I already know. Thanks for trying anyway." He tried once more. "Do you remember anything else relating to Chrom and Lissa? Or the country?"

Gamakichi titled his head, "'Fraid not, kid." He gestured to a direction with a tilt of the head. "Well, you said you were going to ask Ma and Pa if they knew something. Let's go then."

The Sand Village, also known by another name given by centuries: Suna, was a sprawling village that was commonly known by its geographical and material: Sand. With the village being very akin to a desert, the temperature was commonly hot and visitors and tourists, including traders who were interested in selling wares and other artifacts to the village, the sun beat down and shone its rays on the village and its inhabitants, lighting the village constantly in a yellow gloom.

Gaara, Kazekage of the Sand village, looked out the open windows of his village to see the sun, as it began to morph into an orange-yellow tone and set, the hot winds that often blew into his village became more cool, bringing a much needed chill to the otherwise hot environment.

Turning his eyes down to the paperwork settling, he begins his usual task of signing and placing aside papers. Suna had been receiving more and more traders from towns and other small villages than usual. It required almost often for him to read over what materials Suna had the town desired in exchange for products and materials benefiting the Hidden Sand as a whole. As just with all the other Four Kage of their village within the Elemental Nations, Gaara was in charge of maintaining paperwork, overseeing due processes and agreements for materials trading and missions assigned to the ninjas. The day was just like any other day.

Today however, Gaara could not devote his entire focus to the paperwork. For what day began like any other day, that started from waking up early and working until late at night from signing documents and discussing with various other figures the state of the village, the day currently started just as any other, before it transitioned entirely and completely from the expected norm.

The cause and effect Gaara knew from start to finish: His thoughts, flowing freely in the deep recesses of his mind, wandered. As one thought of his memories formed, it moved onto the next and then the next, so constant that Gaara couldn't have time to focus on one of them.

His thoughts were many: One was of Naruto, his dear friend from the Leaf Village. The other his siblings, Temari and Kankuro and his former teacher Baki, from where the three were assembled into a team. And from the latter, Gaara could explicitly remember the scared and terrified looks of his fellow classmates from the Academy, from where he was so lost into his own darkness, from where he served no purpose other than from his desire to feel alive by slaughtering those around him, those who possessed enough power from his acknowledgement for the beast within him to destroy and crush those individuals, all for the bloodlust and for his existence. From that time, he hated the entire world with a passion. It was a guilty memory that had served no purpose, other than from childhood that was anything but happy and normal, and a reminder to still reconcile and redeem, for it was a scar that would remain even with time. However brief it was, it still lingered.

There was one memory Gaara thought of and wondered about, a few years back during his coronation as Kazekage of the Sand. A few details here and there, as Gaara thought of the memory. A time for later, Gaara knew, but now that his mind constantly facilitated between the here and now and the past, it was something Gaara could not sweep aside for the moment.

Gaara could pinpoint almost the exact time when the memories took place, from nearly the entire course of the event from beginning to end, but all he received were blurs; faces of people he met from over the course of the time spent were near indistinguishable, but voices clear. All the time he remembered what had taken place, was just a few months before the mission to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha had occurred, from where Gaara still attempted to understand what love meant and what it meant to care for others, from where Naruto Uzumaki received his drive to protect his friends and the meaning of bonds. Kankuro and Temari joined him on the visit in his attempts to understand the world.

The individual he spoke to was one he could barely remember, though he remembered the few individuals had blue, blonde; a collection of the many colors. They had their own personalities, and yet Gaara could only just barely pull the images from his memories. The country he could only name from them:

Ylisse.

"Lord Kazekage?"

A ninja entered from one of the open windows within the strong foundation of his office. Up upon the ninja's shoulders was what Gaara knew from multiple messages he and past Kages received delivering messages:

A messenger bird.

The bird flew the small distance between the two into Gaara's shoulder, and from a small pouch that, neatly tucked and fit into the open pouch, was a small rolled up parchment.

Gaara took the parchment from the bird's back as it sat contentedly onto his shoulder for a few minutes, before a small signal from the deliverer requested it came back to him. Gaara paid the small gesture no mind as he sat upon his chair, reading the letter.

The ninja waited patiently and watched as his Kazekage's eyes were fixated upon the letter of importance that was delivered to him, slowly reading the contents before he placed the letter down and stood up, the movement almost abrupt.

"Sir? The letter? What does it say?"

Gaara turned back to him. "Prepare an emergency Kage meeting. The Daimyos of each of the Elemental Nations are requesting the Kages from the Sand, Cloud, Stone, Mist, and Leaf."

"Has the Kazekage Gaara of the Sand been informed of the meeting?"

The Fire Daimyo looked across the expanded meeting room of the high tower that overlooked the many mountains of the night sky into a screen projector of the four other individuals faces, hung high above attached to the ceiling of the vacant area. The fluctuating status communication of the device left it in a state of mess. Blurred static and voices, at times voices did not reach across the device to other's ears but it was what the Daimyos, pouring each amount and sums into a new technological device that would effectively allow all five nations to communicate without the use of a messenger bird.

It had only been during the inauguration of Kakashi Hatake as the Sixth Hokage did was the plan of the device invented, brought up by the Fire Daimyo himself as each nations were left in a state of disarray, Konoha suffering the most from the entire conflict, as both Akatsuki's attack and the Fourth war took more lives from the village.

An explanation presented by him was when he thought of the technological device as soon as the masked Akatsuki Madara Uchiha declared the Fourth war during the Five Kage Summit. The idea of a sophisticated, advanced device left the five nations almost further into a critical economic state, as all five were rebuilding from the war; all five crippled from the attack.

The Fire Daimyo knew that these devices would have left each nation nearly broke, but it was also necessary. Messenger birds were the form of communication used to transport messages and letters for a meeting with other Kages or the Daimyos, including various other government and influential figures. Messenger birds no longer were efficient and the Fire Daimyo, wanting a more effective and efficient form of communication, had come up with the idea of a device that allowed all five to communicate, therefore removing the need for messenger birds. The birthplace, the origin of it, had been as early as Minato Namikaze's inauguration of the Fourth Hokage, as he briefly wondered if there was a more effective way of communication besides the commonplace messenger birds; was also early as the self proclaimed brief Hokage, Danzo Shimura, following the Akatsuki's invasion of the Leaf, as he meant the idea for the device to be finally presented after years of developing and further reinforcing but never coming to light, as he had forgotten, and was not until the Fourth war's beginning and end did he introduce the idea.

"He has." The Wind Daimyo looked to his fellow companion sitting adjacent, fingers crossed. "Has Kakashi Hatake been contacted."

"He has. He is also receiving contact from his predecessor, Tsunade Senju." The Fire Daimyo's face gave a look of uncertainty, before he sighed, steepling fingers together in a show of dissatisfaction. "He has also contacted Orochimaru of the Sannin."

Gasps and mutters broke out. And harsh whispers from each Daimyo, the head of each nation, looked from fellow faces to the Fire himself. He expected this.

"Orochimaru? One of the Three Sannin? Why has Kakashi Hatake contacted him? Has he not betrayed the Leaf before?"

Another voice from one of the five Daimyos broke out from the other faces. "Does this matter apply to the Sannin? And surely he cannot be trusted? Deceit and self interest has always suited him. Of course, Tsunade Senju would gladly give out information with no problem, but Orochimaru?"

"Kakashi Hatake has informed us that this matter involves him as well. He is one of the Sannin after all, along with Tsunade Senju and Jiraiya. He very much has information regarding the matter. And…" The Fire Daimyo looked at each of the faces of his four head of nations. "What possible outcome does he desire from this? What benefit could he possibly gain from manipulating us on this topic anyway?"

Nothing, and it only rankled the officials; left them in a state of wariness, reluctance, and only gave them further suspicions by at all one of the worst traitors, and missing nin, of the Hidden Leaf Village was joining the assembled meeting soon to occur. The only thought of it further wore on their nerve.

"FIre. You don't sound too happy of this yourself, by all due respect."

The Fire Daimyo thought of his wife, Madam Shijimi, and thought of the many lives lost over the course of the invasion of the Leaf and Fourth War. He thought of the Leaf ninjas returning, battered, scarred, and broken, returning home. A memorial was built for all the Leaf ninja whose lives have been cut down in the war. In some reports, many over a thousand ninjas of the Leaf, who fought in the war. Mutilated bodies beyond recognition, entirely burnt and charred by Madara Uchiha's Fire Style Jutsus or otherwise. Bodies slashed open, that the battlefield was filled, painting the landscape in a grotesque imagery of red and stomach contents. A few hundred more or so in the war were possibly missing; their bodies never found, and not one of the five villages could attempt a search for them, as each village suffered massive losses to their might that any possible other threat could wipe each out in case another invasion or attack on each village. A decision was to be made that the missing bodies of the deceased were left to decay in the battlefield of the Fourth War, serving as a reminder of each nation's suffering and enough violence and bloodshed.

The meeting was an emergency meeting, one that required the presence of each five Kages of their nations, including the Daimyos of each Nations. It was called for back just two days after the War's end, as with the massive losses, despite the Allied Shinobi Forces still active, as each Kage realized the gravity of the bleak situation. Collaboration was to focus on a singular threat of Madara in the Fourth War, and breaking the alliance all five had would leave a village nigh defenseless. Even after they were done fighting a physical threat, one that threatened to plunge the world into chaos, the possible threat of any others like Madara would be enough to end all five, even if they were all allied.

The Fire Daimyo feared Madara. He knew of the traitorous Uchiha from the tales between one of the founders of the Leaf alongside Hashirama Senju and the battles between the two. He knew what the Uchiha did during the attack on the Leaf on the October of 10th when the Nine Tailed Fox was released. Though he did not believe it at the time that Madara Uchiha was still alive, as he believed the old tale like any other person that Madara Uchiha was killed in the Valley of the End, from where the two towering statues of both founders once stood, by his friend. But there was a deep ingrained fear, a fear that Madara Uchiha was not dead, and did not die by the First's hand. The Fourth's death during the day in October only gave him a rooted fear, one that would not disappear at any time soon, planted by stories and tales that surrounded the Uchiha ancestor.

It was only confirmed, and heightened, when Madara Uchiha announced that he was still alive, years later. His fears heightened, bewildered, and he was left with a sickening curiosity of what the Uchiha would possibly do, and what he wanted.

He didn't realize it, didn't realize he was breathing heavily. Sweat trailed down his brows and forehead, his fear of the Uchiha taking over him. His mind only plays the memorized threats of the Uchiha, the dark tones of his voices.

"Hey! Lord Flame! Are you alright?"

He looked up. Each of the daimyos looked over from the sizable screen of the communication device with worry and concern.

"I'm fine." His voice sounded weak with reassurance. He tried again. "I'm fine."

Looking over to each of the Daimyos, he asked them. "Has the Raikage Ay and Mizukage Mei been informed?"

"Along with the Tsuchikage Onoki? Yes."

"Then we should wait for them. They should be coming soon."

"Hmm… Ylisse, you say? And you believe Ma, Jiraiya-boy, and myself have been to this country?" A small toad, tufts of white hair and wrinkling face, looked down in concentration.

Naruto explained, looking back and forth to Ma and Pa. "Well… has Pervy Sage summoned either you or Ma to the country? As in was there ever a single time he summoned you two?"

The two aging toads glanced at each other, Pa looking back down, and Ma answered. "I'm afraid not, m'boy. Jiraiya-boy has only ever summoned us when entering Sage Mode. If there was a time where Jiraiya-boy has summoned us when our presence is required for him to assist him when he gathers Nature energy."

Naruto frowned, "Ah… That's what I thought." He looked down, disappointment flashing on his face. He hoped that in Reverse Summoning himself to Mount Myoboku, Shima and Fukasaku, who worked with his former mentor the longest, and fought alongside him, they would have key information he forgot. "Thanks anyway, Ma. Pa. I guess I should go now."

"You can't stay, Naruto-boy?"

Naruto gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Ma. Kakashi-Sensei needs me right now and it's important. I'll come visit you guys again sometime soon! Bye!"

"Goodbye, m-boy!"

Gamakichi grunted, "See ya, Naruto!"

Naruto looked down at Fukasaku. "Well, Pa. I'm going now. Bye!" The blonde began to flash handsigns as he began to complete the necessary ones to return to his home village.

"Wait!"

The shout nearly made all other individuals jump, as Naruto flinched, stopping the process, and looking at Pa. "Pa? What?"

Gamakichi joined in, "Yeah, what is it?"

Pa looked back up to Naruto. "There was one thing. One thing Jiraiya-boy used to speak about so often when he was here about Ylisse."

"He said something?! What did he say?!"

"Don't interrupt me!" The shout made Naruto flinch again, and he nodded to the demand. "Thank you."

"He said, 'A divine entity, Naga. One that breathed life and gave humanity a will. The light that shines the brightest. And a dark entity, Grima. One that would plunge the world into everlasting darkness and destroy it, loathing humanity as a whole.'"

The message only repeated itself into the blonde's head, leaving Naruto befuddled by it, the latter part cryptic and confusing. It only reminded him of Madara Uchiha and the Eye of the Moon Plan, and it also reminded him of Kaguya Otsutsuki and her attempt to pull humanity themselves into the Infinite Tsukuyomi so that she could retrieve the chakra humanity had been given. But unlike the two, Grima seemed to want to destroy it, instead of just tearing the entire world down and rebuilding it with false platitudes and fake promises of better lives, peace, and no war. It did not seem to care for humanity. In an even more sickening relation, the blonde hated admitting it: that it was in some cases, similar to what Sasuke had attempted to do after the sealing of Kaguya, though not entirely. He furiously shook his head. Sasuke was not Grima. Sasuke just wanted to keep all Five Nations allied against himself because the entire nations fought together to focus on a single threat and allied and because he truly believed that it was the way to keep the Leaf village safe. He was willing to plunge the entire world into darkness if it meant keeping all five nations together. Grima, from what seemed he heard as of the moment, didn't care for humanity and just resolved to destroy it for the sake of self pleasure and gratification.

Fukasaku shrugged, "That's what Jiraiya-boy told me the first time he went to Ylisse with his sensei anyway the first time they met. It's pro'bly nothin but a tale. Jiraiya-boy has always been intrigued and interested in tales and stories."

Naruto paused, "I know about Naga. Pervy Sage spoke of her often to me, but I don't know anything about Grima. Is there anything more Pervy Sage said?"

Fukasaku nodded, "If Jiraiya-boy was still here, he might have more to explain, but I don't know much. Other than what he often spoke of, that is it. Naga and Grima."

Naruto thanked him. The information was nothing more than just a story regarding the country, but despite it, it still contained some information even though it didn't help in what he desired. "Thanks Pa. Well… I'm going to go now. I need to go back and tell Kakashi-Sensei now. Also need to ask Granny Tsunade if she can remember anything else."

"Wait, Naruto-boy."

Naruto looked back.

"I assume you are going to ask Orochimaru too when you go back."

"Yeah?" The wary, distrustful gazes of the toads stared back into his own, and Naruto knew. "I'll be careful in what he says, don't worry. I still don't trust him… Even though Pervy Sage would have wanted-"

"Exactly… Just… just be careful, m-boy."

He nodded. "I will. See you guys later."

A quick flash of hand signs passed by, and the blonde was gone in a puff of smoke.

The three toads watched where the blonde once stood, and both Ma and Gamakichi turned to Fukasaku. The latter asked him, "Pa, if ya don't mind me askin, did you get that from the Great Lord Elder?"

Pa looked up, "I did."

"You didn't tell him everything though, did you?" Gamakichi's eyes just barely narrowed in a curious gesture. "Why didn't you?"

Shima looked up, "You didn't, Pa?"

"I didn't tell Naruto-boy everything." Fukasaku confirmed, hopping off the small table sitting in the middle to the floor. "There was a prophecy."

"A prophecy?"

"Come with me. I'll explain."

Both Shima and Gamakichi looked to each other, before they turned to follow Fukasaku out of the temple, hoping to receive the answers they desired.

The temple the toads of Mount Myoboku resided in was just a few of the many built, varying in size as they stood around the green landscape of the toads. Fukasaku hopped as his wife and kin followed along, leading the two down the leafy path.

Fukasaku titled his head, narrowing his bar-like yellow eyes, at his surroundings before he announced to his two companions. "We're here."

Gamakichi looked up, rolling the pipe around in his mouth. "Great Lord Elder?"

In front stood the massive temple; the abode that all toads knew from their youth to advanced age, the home of the ancient toad Gamamaru.

"Yes. Senile Elder. Let's enter."

Gamakichi and Shima blinked, but merely followed him, entering the temple. The doors were left fully open on this particular day, leaving any individual Toads to freely and fully enter the home of the revered. From in front of them stood a behemoth of a toad with wrinkled dark skin, the belly of his stomach in a lighter white tone than the rest of his body. A necklace was tied around his neck, the kanji for "oil" on the front of the bell from which the necklace looked around. Squinted eyes stared down at the three.

"Great Lord Elder." Gamakichi titled his head down in respect for the eldest toad, both Fukasaku and Shima following suit.

"Ah. Did you come to give me my dinner?"

"Senile Elder." Both Fukasaku and Shima looked annoyed.

"Oh. Or perhaps I already ate my dinner? Did I…? I don't know."

"Senile Elder." Fukasaku was not amused by the Elder Toad. "Please inform me of the prophecy you have told me earlier in the day."

"Fukasaku?" Gamamaru squinted with inquisitive eyes. "Is that you?"

"Yes."

"Why, of course! I would love to take a trip to the Cloud Village!"

Shima palmed her face into her webbed hands. "Senile Elder!"

Fukasaku shook his head, briefly looking out into the dark skies of Mount Myoboku and then back to the two others, Shima and Gamakichi. "It's getting late. Nevermind the prophecy. We should get back now."

Gamakichi looked at him, "What? Pa? You said we came for the Great Lord Elder to explain to us the prophecy?"

Fukasaku sighed. "I did. Except look outside at the time now. We have to go now."

Shima turned from both her husband and the Elder Toad. "Suppose we should then."

Gamakichi followed his own gaze out to the openings of Gamamaru's abode. The dark skies of the shimmering stars filled his sight, and Fukasaku was indeed correct. The thought of leaving Gamamaru's, the Honorable Elder, left him conflicted just slightly with the decision made after due to the late time in the evening, as he wanted to know the prophecy Fukasaku had spoken of earlier. The lack of any information provided began to grate on nerves, and Gamakichi wondered if this was how his summoner felt when he asked a few others on Ylisse.

However, as much as the toad wanted to, he respected his elder toad and it wasn't that important to know. Gamakichi could ask and receive the information tomorrow with both Ma and Pa.

"Then let's go out then." Gamakichi turned to the ancient toad. "Goodnight, Great Lord Elder." He looked at the couple. "Goodnight, Pa. Goodnight, Ma."

"Goodnight, Gamakichi." The two joined their last goodbyes to the ancient toad, before they too began to depart out the abode. Fukasaku took one last look at the wrinkled, aged toad, before he followed Gamakichi and Shima out of the temple. The toad only had taken a few steps before he and the two other toads were stopped.

"The Child of Prophecy. The Child of the Moon. The Child who sees and understands the Darkness. Through redemption the Child will find in other worlds and become a beacon to those who gave up hope. For it is he who understands, entrenched in darkness once, and will give understanding. Two worlds of a society torn by darkness. A world advanced beyond the stars where two ancient forces wage war.

That is the prophecy of the Child. For he is the representation of darkness."

The words rang out in the temple. Fukasaku was barely aware that he was processing the Elder Toad's words before Gamakichi was speaking at his side, "Great Lord Elder? That's the prophecy?" He looked back to Fukasaku. "That's not Naruto, Pa? Child of Darkness? It can't be Naruto."

Fukasaku was deep in thought, just catching Gamakichi's own words, attempting to make sense of the Elder's message. It isn't Naruto… There was no doubt it was not the energetic blonde boy. Who…

A thought crossed his mind, making the toad inhale sharply, eyes widening. It couldn't be...

But…

But it could be him.

Naruto had spoken of that boy oftentimes as a vast range of emotions crossed the whiskered blue gaze. Sadness, happiness, pride. He said the boy, who he adamantly claimed as his best friend, was angry and lost and didn't understand. During the training Naruto received in Pain's invasion of the Leaf VIllage, Naruto spoke of the boy in times of short breaks in training.

He's an Uchiha…

One of my teammates in Team 7… and my best friend…

I didn't know why back then… but I knew I couldn't leave him alone… I grew interested in him… He… We were alike...

He left the Village to get revenge…

If only I can make him understand…! I just have to try harder to get him back!

Naruto's sparkling blue eyes shone with determination and defiance and it was one of the factors to push the boy even further into mastering Sage Mode.

It was enough indication. It was that boy Naruto had spoken of. The repeat of the prophecy was all that he needed for further confirmation.

Shima snapped Fukasaku out of his thoughts. "Is that it? The entire prophecy? It isn't Naruto-boy."

Fukasaku answered her. "It is. And yes, it isn't him." Looking back outside, he nodded to his two companions. "We shouldn't disturb the Elder any longer, and we have gotten the prophecy I was speaking of. Let's leave. I will explain more along the way back if you two still don't understand. But we got the prophecy."

Both nodded, and after another round of goodbyes and goodnights to the ancient toad, the temple was left empty.

Silence filled the empty room. Dark inside, with the only sounds of buzzing insects outside. Gamamaru looked with squinted eyes at where the three stood, and then left.

"Be wary, Child of the Moon. For your heart is still filled with darkness, as it will remain the part of you for the rest of your life from the moment you accept it. For your friend, the Child of the Sun, has finished his journey, and now it is the start of yours. But for you may cast aside your chance at redemption given by your closest friend. For you may plunge the new worlds into further darkness. Stay on the path… Protect from the shadows... and you will bring peace as your friend… but beware… your heart…

"Be wary, Sasuke Uchiha, reincarnation of Indra."

Onoki of Both Scales was not a person to be trifled with. Despite his advanced age upon years of being the Third Tsuchikage in the Hidden Stone Village and short stature of only 130 centimeters, he was not an individual to be underestimated. Onoki was one of the very few who had a Kekkei Tota, a more advanced variant of the Kekkei Genkai, of Dust Release. Widely considered to be the only Kekkei Tota known, the Dust Release was a frightening combination of earth, fire, and wind. With his Kekkei Tota, Onoki could release a jutsu widely known and titled as, Particle Style: Atomic Dismantling Jutsu, that could grow in size and atomize and erase from a molecular level, wiping any individual that would be foolish to challenge him from existence. This, along with Earth Style Jutsus he had under his belt in the course of centuries, was a deterrent and proof that he was not to be underestimated or mocked in the slightest bit.

As of the moment currently, Onoki thought back to the Fourth War, Kaguya's Infinite Tsukuyomi, where he and nearly the entire world were trapped in a dream of their deepest desires, unable to escape or break free. Madara Uchiha, for where he and all four other Kages had almost died to him in their initial bout. He thought of his grand daughter, Kurotsuchi, her biting yet loving words.

And even, from the depths of darker thoughts, hidden and unknown to everyone but himself and a select few others who shared his thoughts, was the fate and trial of Sasuke Uchiha.

A huge collection of chatter rang throughout the courtroom. Onoki looked to his left and saw Ay, his fellow Kage of the Hidden Cloud. To his right, the beautiful Mizukage, Mei Terumi, of the Hidden Mist. To the right of Mei, the recently crowned Hokage of the Hidden Leaf, Kakashi Hatake.

From in front of them, the Daimyos of each Five nations, their aged and tired faces visible as they spoke amongst each other in hushed voices, handing out parchments and shuffling them. A crowd of those sitting in the courtroom passed the time with their loud chatter. Onoki knew that it was the trial. There was nothing else of the matter that contained more importance.

A tap on his shoulder and he looked up.

"Lord Tsuchikage?" Akatsuchi's round face bore into his own.

"Yes?"

"The Daimyos have agreed that it's time."

Onoki looked to his fellow Kages. They too have received the message from their own ninja. Ay from Darui, Kakashi from his predecessor's assistant Shizune, Mei from the young Chojuro.

The Fire Daimyo rang out with his voice. "Bring in the defendant!"

The doors of the room opened. First came the Shinobi from all five villages respectively. Indications of their status were high level Jonin, handpicked by each village's own assessment of the defendant.

Then finally, came Konoha's own Jonin, and then… Sasuke Uchiha.

The rogue ninja's eyes were sealed off with an extremely powerful fuinjutsu that prevented any chakra flowing through his eyes. Down to his hands, where his wrists were shackled with the most durable chains that too cut off the flow of chakra, preventing the Uchiha to weave signs or allow him to channel any bit of chakra. Behind him, a heavily scarred man, a long single one that ran from face to chin guided the Uchiha from behind as he walked stiff steps up the long courtroom-Morono Ibiki, if he remembered correctly, was Hokage's own- to bring the Uchiha to the courtroom.

The room lapsed into silence with the arrival of the ninjas and the defendant, as the conversations ended abruptly.

"We're ready to begin?" Onoki caught the words of his own nation's Daimyo before the others joined in, nods and yeses in response. The Fire Daimyo stood up, letting his own voice be the collective thoughts of the entire room, booming and enough to fill it and then some more.

"Sasuke Uchiha. You have been accused of treason against your home and birth village of Konoha. You are accused of deliberately abandoning your home village in order to join the former Leaf and rogue ninja, Orochimaru. You are accused of also deliberately joining the Akatsuki, a group of S ranked rogue ninjas, and attempting to assist in the group's endeavor to capture the Tailed Beasts. One of which is the Jinchuuriki Killer Bee of the Cloud. You are also accused of formulating plans to destroy Konoha and its inhabitants, and despite your assistance to the Allied Shinobi Forces against Madara Uchiha, afterward, you have captured all Nine Tailed Beasts, as in your words: to "unite" the world in your "revolution", including the murder of all Five Kages, naming yourself as the Kage that would rule over all five Nations.

In short: Turning the world, regardless of each individual's thoughts and freewill, into nothing more than a twisted version of what you felt as peace and forcing each Nation and villages to accept it."

Sasuke's head was bowed down in acceptance on his knees, arms behind his back crossed with the chains. The shinobi and the crowd of those who came to witness the trial in person stare with accusing eyes, reminding the Uchiha that he was far from innocent, reminding that they would never forget and forgive.

"Do you have anything to say in defense of yourself?"

Many insults were hurled at the Uchiha. Revolting, harsh, and full of hate and anger. Those in the courtroom made no attempts to hide their resentment towards the accused Uchiha.

"He is a traitor and the fate of the entire world was at stake because of him! Besides Madara Uchiha who threatened all five Nations, besides Kaguya Otsutsuki the entire world!"

"He made plans to kill all those in Konoha and destroy the village itself, regardless of those innocent in the village and had no qualms in doing so!"

A question was aimed at the Hokage.

"Lord Hokage. He was a rogue ninja, or rather, became one after the Chunin Exams hosted in Konoha by one of your predecessors, the Third Hokage and with the coronation of the Fifth Tsunade. The question is: Why hasn't he been captured soon after he departed? Why has there not been a kill order? Why has there not been a team of ANBU or such sent after him in order to retrieve him when he left?"

The courtroom looked to the Hokage for answers.

Kakashi answered in a professional, neutral tone that gave nothing to the court on how he felt about the matter. "As soon as my predecessor, the Fifth, was informed of the departure of Sasuke Uchiha, she had formed a retrieval team, consisting of Naruto Uzumaki, Choji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzaka, Neji Huyga, and Shikamaru Nara. Five of Orochimaru's elites, who were confirmed by ANBU to be the same Sound ninjas from Orochimaru's invasion attempt during the Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha prior. They were to combat the Sound Ninja when hostile and retrieve Sasuke Uchiha and bring him back to the village. The mission assignment was to bring Sasuke Uchiha back, and then decide a suitable punishment following the attempted defection."

The Fire Daimyo shuffled his papers, scanning them. "According to your's and your predecessors' report, Lord Hokage. The team consisted of the Genin and Chunin rank. Am I correct?"

"Yes Sir. Naruto Uzumaki, Kiba Inuzaka, Choji Akimichi were of the Genin rank, Shikamaru Nara was promoted to Chunin shortly after the exams.

"The reason behind the inability to send Jonin and Chunin for the retrieval mission is due to Orochimaru's invasion of the Leaf prior the defection, thus leaving the village unable to suitably send out higher ranking ninjas. Many higher ranks were taking high risk, high reward missions to rebuild some of Konoha's infrastructure lost in the invasion. My predecessor, the Fifth Hokage Tsunade, was given little choice but to assemble a retrieval team of lower ranking, and given the very individuals due to familiarity with Sasuke Uchiha."

Familiarity indeed. Onoki watched in the crowd for the blonde haired boy that saved the entire world. Naruto Uzumaki.

Onoki thought over the decision of the trial, a frown morphing his aged features. The various crimes listed the Uchiha had committed were few, but the one predominant, one that made his heart freeze, was the Uchiha's own admittance of his plans for the Five Nations. Once he had successfully captured all Nine Tailed Beasts, he would murder all Five Kages and declare himself the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf.

But what of the other villages? Not one of the villages would accept the Uchiha's rule over one of their allies, for none of them would recognize him as Kage, and would fight the Uchiha to their dying breath if he killed all the Five Kages.

Which was why Onoki was extremely cautious, and entirely against, of the conclusion, and the final decision, of the trial of Sasuke Uchiha was to let him roam free.

Onoki disagreed with it. So did his fellow Kage, the Raikage Ay, too vehemently disagreed with the decision, voicing it loudly. If both had disagreements over many a couple topics, then they were in agreement of one thing: Sasuke Uchiha should not have been let free.

Both have voiced further punishments on the Uchiha. He himself stated that the Uchiha should have been permanently stripped of his ninja rank, along with a permanent stay in Konoha prison, since it was the Uchiha's home village, and permanent seal to his chakra and eyes. He cited that the Uchiha had long since abandoned his status of Konoha ninja long since then and even without accounting the Uchiha's status as a missing nin and then rogue, along with joining Orochimaru, he had committed crimes against the entire Nations, and formulated such a plan. This was his conclusion to decide the fate of the Uchiha.

Ay had gone for the same but harsher measures. The Uchiha should not only be stripped of his rank but also permanent and powerful seals to prevent flowing chakra. What made the room go silent, if it wasn't already, was the vote to be cast to send Sasuke Uchiha to the Blood Prison in solitary confinement.

Onoki did not expect nor did he even consider the Blood Prison. While the Blood Prison was reserved for deadly and the most powerful former ninjas of respective villages, he did not object to Ay. It was only the fact that he had all but forgotten about it and was just merely surprised. He himself would have made the decision had he thought of it himself.

Mei Terumi remained silent, her own eyes furrowed as she tilted her head down to think of a decision. Onoki did not know her thoughts on the matter, whether or not she agreed or disagreed.

"Lord Tsuchikage?"

Onoki looked up, "Yes?"

"The communication device has been finally set. We're ready to meet with the Daimyos."

He nodded, ignoring his aching back. "Very well. Let's go."

Ay abruptly stood up, knocking his chair slightly back, and his patience wearing thin. "How long must we wait? Can we not start the meeting now?"

"Lord Raikage, please sit. The other Kages are coming soon. This matter pertains to all of the Five villages and Kages. Besides you, your fellow Kage's presence is also required."

Ay nodded, dissatisfied with the time he had to wait for his other fellow Kage, but acknowledged that the meeting could only begin with all the Kages present. As of the moment, only he was present, waiting for a few hours where he and the Five Daimyos of the Elemental Nations were. The time quickly turned to evening, as waiting upon hours for his other Kage's arrival did Ay finally lose patience. He wondered what was taking the other Kages hours that they were unavailable for the time, but he knew it was a variety of personal village matters and work. The Fourth war seemed to have brought the workload of the Kages to their greatest extent. It was only just the meeting barely squeezed into each of the Kage's schedules that the meeting was allowed, and it perhaps just further drained whatever time left after the meeting would soon finish.

But then the meeting would inevitably happen, he supposed. Either sooner or right now. It was only delayed due to the rebuilding of the Five Nations after the Fourth War did the meeting not happen more sooner. Ay only hoped that the meeting, further unable to start due to missing members, was well worth the time.

A static noise flickered from the large screen, as a mish mash of black and white scattered the screen like swarming bugs, and then it was gone, replaced by the color and beauty of Mei Terumi.

"Good evening, Raikage." There was something in her eyes Ay recognized as fatigue. It was common among the Kages to have the sort of eyes when burdened with work. A likely possibility is that she was. He still greeted her.

"Good evening, Mizukage." He smirked, knowing, though not meanly. "I take it that you were busy with something? Paperwork?"

Mei, through the flickering, unstable, connection of the device, nodded. "Paperwork. The council is also working alongside me with the necessary push to clear the Hidden Mist's name due to my predecessor…"

She was abruptly cut off as a new figure appeared on the screen, flickering slightly before the aged face of Onoki appeared.

"Yagura, Mizukage?"

The sudden appearance of the Third Kage in appearance brought surprise to the two others and the Daimyos, each of their facial expressions a clear momentary shock.

"Oh, I forget my manners. Good evening, Raikage. Mizukage."

"Good evening, Tsuchikage." Both responded to his greeting with their own.

Onoki nodded, and he turned to Mei. "Pardon my interruption, but you were referring to Yagura and the Bloody Mist?"

Mei nodded, a solemn look cast upon her eyes. The Bloody Mist, as it was widely known, would forever be called by many across the world who would never forget the violence the village had taken that shocked all villages and even the villages who were used to violence and slaughtering in the Second Shinobi War. Only it served to Mei as a reminder of what the past deeds the village had taken in order to secure their village, and Mei knew that it may be a scar that the village may never fully move past on, reformations taken to ensure a bright future and never again would the Hidden Mist go back to them ever again. It had only taken her inauguration to become the Fifth and fix Yagura's actions. Even then, she could still only imagine the millions who had to die in the sake of her village's name, either from Yagura's rule or some other factor. From the test each graduate student, fresh off the Academy, were forced to butcher each other in order to graduate to the zero tolerance of dissent from Yagura, she made efforts to not dwell on them and focus on the future of the village.

Onoki seemed to have realized that Mei no longer wanted to continue on the topic of the Mist nor its past policies, as by the look on her face was a clear enough indication that she did not want to dive any further. He turned to the Daimyos, "Are we still waiting on the Kazekage and Hokage?"

"Yes, we are." The Wind Daimyo interrupted, his chubby face filling the screen of his own, and then he paused and announced. "The Kazekage has announced he is arriving."

A few flickers and Gaara of the Sand arrived, his face filled with a somewhat similar fatigue akin to the Mizukage but maintaining an otherwise peaceful and professional disposition. He greeted his fellow Kages in a polite tone.

"Good evening."

"Good evening, Kazekage."

Gaara nodded and asked. "Has Kakashi Hatake been informed of the meeting?"

"Yes, he has, Lord Kazekage. He should be just arriving… now."

The final Kage appeared on screen, the communication more crisp and clear than the others, and Kakashi Hatake appeared:

"Good evening."

Along with two other guests.

"My, my. Such a meeting, Lord Hokage. And you wanted my presence on this?"

The Five Daimyos visibly froze, and all the Kages faces tensed slightly at the pale, white faced image of Orochimaru, smiling on screen, standing to the Hokage's left.

A female voice rang out, silencing the raspy drawl, her burning gaze on the Snake Sannin.

"Don't cause trouble, Orochimaru."

Tsunade. The Fifth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf and one of the Three Sannin, stood to the right, eyeing her former comrade with a displeasure.

A silence rang out for a brief moment, then the Fire Daimyo's voice broke it first. "L-lord Hokage. Why is Orochimaru here?!"

Orochimaru let loose a laughter that echoed coldness, and it sent chills down the spines of those in attendance regardless of the communication. "Well, it sounds like you don't want me here, my dear ruler of our Land of Fire. Is that what it seems?"

The Fire Daimyo flinched, but he spoke regardless. "What could possibly a traitor like you have to do with this meeting?!"

Kakashi intervened before Tsunade or any of the other Kages could, "Actually, sir. I called Orochimaru here. We were to discuss something that he may have information on another subject, until before the emergency meeting was called."

A drop there. The liquid solution turned into a bubbling green, changing color from purple to a venomous green. No need for mixing. From there, he produced a syringe and filled it, studying the amount. For a brief moment, he wondered if he filled more than necessary. Oh well, not like it mattered. If the subject couldn't handle it, then it was not his problem. If his patient could not handle any amount given, then they were weak and only to be discarded.

His fingers worked endlessly, pressing buttons and the machinery rumbled, pumping fluids into the patient that sat in the tank floating. He studied with a smile as the patient writhed in his tank, attempting to break free of his containment. The patient's screams were almost entirely covered up by the bubbling liquid he floated around aimlessly in, and then he stilled.

Orochimaru could not tell if he was dead or alive, for the floating patient, surrounded by fluids in a tank, in a constant motion, left him a momentary indecisive position to decide whether or not the patient was unconscious or dead. For a moment, he toyed with the thought of checking the patient's vital signs with the machine the patient was hooked to, but then decided otherwise. Oh well. He could always check later. Time to move on to the next patient.

A knock on the door echoed. "Come in."

The door opened with a click and entered the orange haired Jugo, one of his former test subjects. "Lord Orochimaru." Jugo bowed to the Sannin.

Orochimaru kept his smile, watching the former teammate of Sasuke Uchiha with curiosity. "Oh. Jugo. What is it?"

Jugo kept his head bowed, "Konoha ANBU are requesting your presence."

"Konoha ANBU?" Orochimaru thought of his former village. "And what could they possibly want? What does Kakashi Hatake want of me?"

Another concocted, old crime dug out of the woodworks they believe he committed due to his connections with Danzo? Dear, dear… If so, then Kakashi must be keeping his hands tidy to let his ANBU dig up the remains of Danzo's work or dirtying his own just to keep him in check. He would almost assume the former Jonin to be paranoid, as with their first encounter years back during the Chunin Exams.

"They did not say, only that your presence is required within the Leaf Village by orders of the Hokage."

Orochimaru thought for a second. What could Kakashi need him for? A smirk, full of mirth, planted itself on his face. He might as well go and humor the ANBU and Kakashi. May as well see what they have to say.

"Very well. Lead the way, Jugo."

Jugo led him out of the lab of the Snake Sannin, and the two made their ways across the dimly lit halls of his massive abode. From down the hallways were many doors of patients and experiments where they rested. A left, another left, until straight ahead, up a flight of stairs, another flight, and then they were at the top.

"Lord Orochimaru!"

Suigetsu and Karin greeted their former leader cordially. Standing with them were the group of ANBU, their varying white but intricately painted masks and grey vests.

"Well, well, Since you're here, Leaf ANBU, Greetings. Now…" Orochimaru turned back up from his half bow, smiling. "What can I do for you?"

Orochimaru was inquisitive. Years of battlefield engagements in the Second World War, studying every single jutsu in books, and constant studying developed the Snake Sannin into a man that could detect the slightest muscle movement. The smallest shuffle, a quick twitch that could go unnoticed by an average person's eyes or caught at a last second. As soon as Orochimaru's eyes caught something in his sight that even showed a fraction of movement, he could detect a person's feeling. Right now, in his enjoyment of watching the ANBU, the elite group under the Hokage's-their leader's-orders, the ANBU twitched and he amusedly watched as a few slid into defensive postures; their attempts to hide such a gesture further quite amusing to him. They feared him, hated him, and it was quite relishing. He could smell it from them, like a predator catching the scent of its prey.

One of the ANBU stepped forward, relinquishing any potential conflict and animosity that could break out. He was undoubtedly the leader of the squad. "Orochimaru of the Sannin. Lord Hokage requires your presence immediately in Konoha. He desires to ask you information regarding a certain subject."

"Oh? And pray do tell me, what is it that Lord Hokage wants my presence on the subject of matter he wishes to discuss in person? Another example of my crimes out on display? My connections to Danzo? Certainly any crime I've committed that he found he would look forward to sending his elites of… 'errand ninjas' after me as a warrant for capture or arrest?"

The tension in the air was palpable. It seemed that despite the lead ANBU's attempt to cut down any tension it was back once again. Jugo, Karin, and Suigetsu watched the exchange, waiting, watching to see the next move. If the ANBU attacked, then they would defend their former leader, even if an individual like Suigetsu no longer owed any loyalty left to the Snake Sannin.

The ANBU shifted their heads slightly to one another, an internal conflict among them on what to do. The lead ANBU spoke, and at the same time sent a sign message. The group relaxed, instantly understanding the wordless gesture of his fingers.

"Lord Hokage does not wish to converse with you on that, Orochimaru. He has only orders for you to accompany us back to the Hidden Leaf to discuss certain other matters." The ANBU procured a piece of paper, handing out the neatly folded parchment. "He wishes if you know a country with a name like this."

Orochimaru took the paper, unfolding the letter and looking at the contents. Then he began to chuckle, "Oh yes. Oh yes… I know this country. It has been years since with Jiraiya and Tsunade."

"And Lord Hokage desires this information on the country? Very well. I'll come to the Hidden Leaf to discuss it." Orochimaru nodded to both Suigetsu and Karin. "Do look after the base for me, Suigetsu. Karin." He looked to Jugo. "Jugo, if you don't mind, accompany me to the Leaf Village."

Jugo nodded, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

Suigetsu gave a lazy wave. "See ya, Jugo!"

Karin adjusted her glasses slightly and nodded to their comrade. "We'll see you later, Jugo. Goodbye."

Jugo nodded to both his comrades and then to Orochimaru. The two were flanked immediately by the ANBU surrounding them, and then they departed, exiting the hideout of the Sannin, and the direction to Konoha.

Tsunade thought of what Orochimaru relayed later to her and Kakashi. It was just by chance she did not demand why he was in the Leaf, until Kakashi told her himself that he ordered his ANBU to retrieve the Sannin, by Naruto's own reluctant request. Along with him was the orange haired Jugo and the squad of ANBU sent to retrieve him. Once the two were in the office, he explained to the both of the country, Ylisse.

Tsunade could only recall a few moments of the country during her Genin years and under the tutelage of Sarutobi, and wondered why both Naruto and Kakashi desired information out of it. Naruto had only visited the country once, and now it seemed he desired to go back? She didn't know. She asked Kakashi for the blonde, only for him to answer that Naruto had reverse summoned himself to Mount Myoboku to ask the toads for the same information. She would have to wait until he returned to ask him why.

Orochimaru only recounted the same tale, only just giving a few words of the geographical landscape, the country itself, the history of its rival country, Plegia. It seemed he held no more information than Tsunade did regarding Ylisse, if only barely.

Until an ANBU entered through the open windows. When asked, the ANBU had told them the Daimyos requested an emergency meeting with all the Kages present.

Which is why, if Orochimaru's presence was anything to go by, the Kages and Daimyos were still extremely wary and cautious. Orochimaru still had no loyalty to the Leaf Village, was still an S class ranked rogue nin, and even after the war, despite reviving the previous Hokages, along with Sarutobi, to assist in the Allied Shinobi Forces's effort, she still could not trust him any more than the Kages as of the moment.

Kakashi knew, for she knew the man well enough; but for the moment, he did not want to send off Orochimaru in the place of the emergency meeting that required him. His presence shocked the Kages with the Daimyos, possibly because they were not expecting him, and then wariness settled in because he was still a rogue nin.

"A full house, eh? With all the Kages and Daimyos present, I would assume important matters to be discussed."

Tsunade glanced sideways at Orochimaru. She would leash him if he went too far. "Behave, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru smiled at her, "My dear Tsunade, I am behaving. It seems that with my… status, that the Fire Daimyo isn't behaving professionally. I'm just simply stating the obvious as it is." He turned his smile back to the screen. Directed at the Fire Daimyo, he said, "No offense, sir."

"Enough." Kakashi ended the conversation. "We are all present now. Are we ready to begin?"

"Wait, Lord Hokage." One of the Daimyos stopped him. "This emergency meeting was called in attendance for all Kages. I don't think…" He trailed off.

Orochimaru laughed, "Well, if that's what you're implying, then neither is Tsunade. She is not the current Hokage of the Hidden Leaf anymore. Kakashi Hatake is."

He continued, "But if it makes you feel any better… I won't interrupt the meeting. You have my word."

Ay's voice crackled through the device, loud. "Let him stay. Besides, the meeting is delayed enough as it is. I've been here first and waiting for hours."

The Daimyos had their reservations, but now that it seemed all the Five Kage were present, it was time to start the meeting. Despite them, they could only trust Orochimaru's words.

"Very well." The Fire Daimyo took a breath, and spoke. "Has each of you heard of the country Ylisse?"

The man blinked amidst the fog of haze and darkness surrounding him. The soft splashes of water filled his ears as he sat upon a wooden boat with only the boatkeeper guiding them to their destination. A straw hat he bore on his head and the man wondered, wondering the last time he had visited the place was his blue haired teammate requested that he assist him in getting the famed weapon of massive size, then only would he join him in his quest to kill his older brother. It was only just a few months back, back when he was woefully still unprepared.

"Sir?"

The man looked up to the boat keeper.

"We're here."

The man blinked through the fog and saw the docks. Giving a slight nod, he stepped off the boat and produced a few coins, handing it to the boat keeper. The boatkeeper nodded his thanks, accepting the payment, before he rowed the boat back into the haze of midnight.

The man now paused, staring at the road which led to the town. Would the people living there welcome him? Would the inhabitants, knowing his crimes, greet him with hostility?

"Go, you monster! I bet you were the one responsible for what happened! Don't pretend you didn't do anything!"

He looked at each of the eyes of the crowd. Saw their faces full of vindictive loathing.

And he realized the undeniable fact: They hated him. Resented him.

And why should they trust him? He knew the punishment of his self imposed exile brought only new punishment for his crimes, for everywhere he showed his face there would be those who would never forgive or forget his face. For his hatred once upon the world only resulted in the world's hatred for him.

But wasn't this you desired?

A deeper part of him asked that question, to himself, for they were separate thoughts but a part of the man's feelings from within. But they were once what he desired, to fully claim the world to bear its own loathing on him.

His thoughts turned to his former teacher, his blonde and pink haired teammates. Why yet they still felt the need to excuse his crimes? Why did they feel the need to defend him at every turn?

"Do you want to be hated, Sasuke?"

None of them understood. People were emotional beings that their thoughts and emotions could be easily manipulated without them realizing it. Emotions ruled people, as it ruled him for nearly his life. People would hate others for crimes committed. It was life, and yet they didn't understand it. How could one love so intensely without casting aside their loyalty, as his former teammates and teacher?

It wasn't his clan's symbolic hatred that ruled themselves, as he was told. People could turn to hatred just as quickly, thoughts becoming a negative collective all together so that the object of hatred is their symbol of hatred. Love turned into hate was almost a commonplace among his clan, he was told by the Second Hokage. It was false thinking, on some levels. Every person learned to love, and then to hate.

This was what the man, Sasuke understood for those who didn't. What the Second Hokage thought didn't apply to just him, because it was easily applicable to others as well. What he failed to understand was that it was just any person. His clan easily turned to hatred, but any person, take a man, woman, child, or elderly, were just as susceptible, that wasn't from his clan, be it a regular civilian or ninja.

People would hate him, even despite his desire for such hatred or not. Because they were human, they had emotions.

He only watched with a gaze at the foggy sight that deep within, would hold the townspeople he had not visited for back over a year. The first time was the mission he was with his old team, the second time was with his blue haired teammate. People either had stared at him the first time with near complete indifference, since he was with his team on the mission, and they either did not care for him or just regarded him like any other person. The second time he was recognized, as from the first he was recognized along with his team as the ones who saved the town from complete destruction from a man who desired to destroy it and their bridge. That had been before he was declared a national criminal and rogue nin to be eliminated, before his infamous status that at first was held in his home village before it was released, spreading to each and every corner across the world.

The third and now would happen, and whether the people from within hated him or not... It was what they felt.

He stepped into the mist, heading into the town.

Tazuna wiped a hand on his forehead, letting loose a sigh. "Geki, we're done for today!"

Geki, a sharp nosed, thin man that entirely contradicted a muscular body, looked up at his companion. "Are you sure, Tazuna? It's just only a few more pipes!"

Tazuna smiled, "Go home. We can finish it tomorrow with more people. Besides, I need to get back. Tsunami is probably waiting, and she'll whip me and Inari for coming home late for supper."

Geki laughed, nodding, setting down the large pole he was holding. "Alright. I'll see you tomorrow, Tazuna. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Geki."

Speaking of which…

Tazuna hopped off the platform and walked away from the structure as the two made their way down towards the town. The darkening blue skies filled their vision, and then lighting the town in a gloom as lamps attached to posts were on the town. Geki turned left, offering one more goodnight and goodbye before departing for home. Tazuna took a right, watching as shop owners began to shut down for the night, preparing for the next day to present to consumers by closing their gates.

"Grandpa!"

Tazuna looked to the source of the voice, "Inari!"

Inari carried a bag of tools, a smile adorned on his face as hefted it over his shoulders. "Why are you here? Do you and Mr. Geki need more screws? I already got some!" The young boy waved the bag full of the objects.

Tazuna smiled, "We're done for today."

Inari blinked in confusion, "Like actually done with it?"

Tazuna chuckled, slightly sheepish. "No. I sent Geki home. It's getting late. Have you looked up?"

Inari paused, a nervous grin. "Oh… oh crap. It's late! Mom is going to kill both of us."

Tazuna let another wave of laughter escape. "Let's go. If we hurry, your mother might not butcher us alive!"

The two laughed and made their way down to their home, eager to rest for the remainder of the day and fill their stomachs with food.

They didn't notice a figure behind them dressed in black. Watching them, he began to follow the two.

"Yes. Naruto Uzumaki once visited the country. As did Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru of the Sannin along with the Third Hokage. I remember Jiraiya of the Sannin informing me of Hashirama Senju once visiting the country by Hiruzen Sarutobi himself."

The Kages and Daimyos watched with interest as they heard what Kakashi Hatake revealed to them.

"Ah, Tsunade." Hiruzen leaned back, blowing smoke out of his pipe. On his desk were multiple stacks of paperwork, either completed or uncompleted. Looking at the desk, she could see that there was no order to them; no serenity. The desk was completely messy, and she knew that her former teacher had gone past caring for cleanliness or perhaps decided to clean it in a later time. "What can I do for you?"

"Sensei." Tsunade nodded a greeting. "Where's Kushina?"

"Kushina?" At her look, he understood. "Ah! You want to see her. It has been a while since you last saw her, hasn't it? You want to congratulate her for reaching Jonin?"

Tsunade nodded. Kushina was her only familial member left, either distantly by their clans and their close relation to Mito Uzumaki. She received the news that Kushina obtained the rank of Jonin, and she wanted to congratulate the young woman for achieving it, but was unable to any time earlier, due to many matters having been attending to.

"Well, lets see…" The Hokage fell into a series of mutters, before realization made him sit upright, giving Tsunade an apologetic look. "Ah… I apologize, Tsunade. She and Minato have already been sent out on a mission."

"What rank?"

"S ranked."

Tsunade nodded, sighing. It seemed that she would have to wait for Kushina and Minato to return from their mission… S ranked… hold on…

What?!

Tsunade shot daggers at her former teacher. "You sent Kushina on an S ranked mission?!"

Hiruzen looked up, raising only a brow at his student's sudden outburst. "Yes? Is something the matter, Tsunade?"

Tsunade paced around, gritting her teeth in anger and attempting to control the outburst before it came. Her breaths came through her gritted teeth, gnashing furiously, and with it, so did her anger.

Instead of exploding furiously, she strode and leaned over the desk, glaring into her teacher's eye. "Let me repeat myself: You sent Kushina, who is a newly minted Jonin, on an S rank mission? A mission, mind you, that is of the highest rank, only ever assigned to top Jonin and she is just a newly minted Jonin only months back?!"

She would knock some sense into her former teacher if not a single other person saw the problem she saw.

"Tsunade. Kushina has shown the aptitude for Jonin and is highly skilled. Her Fuinjutsu is on probably the highest level of any Uzumaki I have heard since Mito Uzumaki or even any of the other Uzumakis I have heard of in the past! In fact, Minato constantly goes to her to improve his own fuinjutsu and tells me that he would not have even reached the level of Fuinjutsu if Kushina wasn't there to help him! According to her promotion reports to Chunin, her Adamantine Sealing Chains barrier matched that of Mito's when she was just Jonin. Her taijutsu and ninjutsu are also high level, despite her complete lack of any skill in Genjutsu."

"You have to trust and believe in her. She is not a prodigy like Minato, but she is extremely talented in her own right."

Tsunade remembered her former teacher's words. At that time, she had been worried about the red headed girl. Kushina was the sole survivor of her clan before the Whirlpool's destruction, or believed to be, until the girl that was with Sasuke Uchiha, Karin Uzumaki, if she remembered, had also survived the decimation of her home. Kushina had lost control of Nine Tails only one time before. That was during her Chunin years when she was declared missing after being assigned a B rank mission near the border of the Land of Fire. It terrified her. Kushina was missing for two months. Hiruzen sent out high ranking Jonin in order to locate her, but she was nowhere to be located at the border. He didn't dare for a moment consider that she abandoned the Leaf, because the girl was all smiles and cheerfulness when Hiruzen assigned her the particular mission. The Elders panicked, believing that the village had lost their Jinchuuriki. Minato was desperate and so was she, but until Kushina came back, battered and bloody, but alive. Tsunade thanked the Uzumaki for having tremendously strong life forces and Kushina's own determination to survive. When she questioned her… Kushina just smiled, though it was a painful one, probably due to her sustained injuries. She only stated that she had a good fight at some place, and didn't answer any more after that. When questioned again, Kushina only stated that she went to a "place holding the most unbelievable things" and that she fought people after the completion of her mission. The same answer. It was quickly left for her to question what the place was, as Kushina did not delve any further into it and onto her usual topics, like ramen. The topic was never brought up again, as Tsunade was forced to the frontlines of the Second Ninja War once shortly after the event.

This was important to the conversation though. Minato's and Kushina's mission may or may not have a possibility that they may be connected to this, because Hiruzen did not clarify. He couldn't clarify now; her sensei was long gone, but perhaps she could give what was available and what she knew.

"If I may…" Her voice cut in. "I do have some more information regarding Ylisse."

"Go ahead, Tsunade." Kakashi answered, and no one objected. If she had any information, then she could help clear up the mystery to it.

"This may have been a possibility back in the time when I heard it during the Second World War, but…" She glances at Kakashi. "There had been a rumor, during which my Sensei, the Third Hokage, had also assigned Minato and Kushina to Ylisse on a mission when both were in their Jonin years and prior to Minato taking a Genin team."

Kakashi nearly stood abruptly, only giving her a look of shock that not even the mask that covered Kakashi's face could hide the revelation. "Minato-sensei and Kushina?"

Tsunade stared at him, "Minato never told you? When Sarutobi-sensei told me, he only said that both were taking missions 'from a distant country that was not of any in the Land of Fire.' At first myself, I assumed it may have been from some place outside the territory.

This may just be a possibility by Sarutobi-sensei. He never clarified for me. Only stated both Minato and Kushina were the only Jonins that took the mission and no one else. Only just those two."

Kakashi stared down, thinking, attempting to make sense of the past that held his youth. He didn't consider Minato's words much back then, for it was just travels, journeys, and missions completed over the course of his sensei's own years as Genin, Chunin, and eventually Jonin. His sensei also preached teamwork, something he failed to even remotely understand back in his youth, until only did Obito spit the truth in his face when Rin was captured.

The image of Onoki rubbed his chin, a thoughtful look passing in his eyes. "My predecessor, the First Tsuchikage, told me of Ylisse long back when the Stone Village was in formation. I took it as a story in my youth in my younger years but since about two year back, I was to discuss treaties with the country. No response came through."

Kakashi nearly interrupted, just cutting in with another phrase. "I also have information that Shisui Uchiha had visited Ylisse long before his death."

The Fire Daimyo looked thoughtful, "Shisui Uchiha? Of the Body Flicker?"

Shisui's status was well known throughout Konoha and in the Land of Fire. It wasn't a surprise that despite the Uchiha's tarnished reputation due to Itachi and Sasuke Uchiha, Shisui's name was excluded from the two, despite having close relations with both the two rogue Uchiha, for he remained, in many's eyes, a loyal Konoha shinobi before death cutting his life short.

Kakashi chose the time to reveal the book. "He had a book. Written in it was his travels to the country. Notes of the landscape, notable figures. He wrote everything in his journal." He held up the booklet, presented to the screen so that all present could see.

Mei took her time to join in, watching, before reluctantly stating. "During my predecessor's rule as the Fourth Mizukage, I had discovered notes of the country, Ylisse and its rival country, Plegia." Mei took a breath, before releasing it. "At some point during his rule, he had just written an alliance contract between the Hidden Mist and Plegia, left uncompleted."

"What did the contract contain?" A sickening curiosity filled them. Yagura's status and reign as the Mizukage was infamous as it was bloody.

Mei looked hesitant to release the information, but relented. "The contract was to inevitably bring the Hidden Mist in the war between it and Ylisse, following the agreement of alliance, which if it passed, due to Konoha's and Iwa's alliance with Ylisse, would bring them into war."

Ay hissed, "War?! Why?!"

There was not a word far too mellow to describe the feeling nor there was any other. Shock and dread filled, flooded the room, with hushed and horrified gasps of the Daimyos. If the war between all five villages and the realms happened, it could end just as horrifically and terribly as the First, where all Five Nations were left in more of a state of disarray between them, and not more than just twenty meager years did the Second World War occur.

It seemed that with what the current Mizukage was implying was the Fourth War would have been started early on, along with both Ylisse and Plegia assisting their allied countries. By only a slim margin that the treaty between Mist and Plegia did not happen, and Yagura was killed before he could ever attempt to push the contract.

Not one of the single Kages had grudges against the former Mizukage, but if the contract passed, then all Five villages would have gone to war along with Ylisse and Plegia, and more lives would be lost on all sides. Yagura's bloody rule had only wrought the Mist further, and the secret contract, now revealed to each of the Daimyos and Kages, would have resulted in only catastrophic destruction.

Mei looked at each of her fellow Kages on the screen and sighed. She could just only think of the portrait lying in her office of the face of Yagura Karatachi and his rule over the Mist.

"In the end, even I don't know. My predecessor's long since deceased. But by his status, it would seem he desired just to bring others in his conquest."

The revelation of the entire contract hit her full force, and even if she was no stranger to violence, having participated in her home's rite of passage to slaughter all other aspiring Academy members long back in order to graduate, reaching Chunin, then Jonin, then finishing many missions and reporting each summary, noting each and every single detail of the mission's completion and how, and, despite her rule as Mizukage and sending out Jonin and many other ninjas on high ranking, high risk missions, Yagura's own rule, a bitter and violent one that she was not accustomed to, because Yagura was willing to risk war with another country, dragging bystanders in conquest.

Ay's voice had brought each Daimyos and Kages back to the present, "Kumo also has an alliance with Ylisse. A few travelers from to and back, though they stopped at some point. I assumed that the country was busy. Darui and Samui have also visited the country some time before, along with other Jonin I've sent." Ay scanned the faces. "Why is this a topic of discussion now?"

The Kages could only stare at the Daimyos through the screens. Silence followed, and, from the looks they received from the Daimyos, it was only grim news.

Tsunami lifted the lid to the bowl, revealing a large fish caught from the rivers of the Land of Waves, before setting the lid back on the fish. Finished. Now all she needed was to check if the rice cooker had finished cooking the rice. She lifted the lid, letting the steam flow out, droplets of water from the heat of the steam, and looking into the pot. The rice was also done.

Now… just where were Inari and her father?!

A knock on the door answered her question, and Tsunami answered it.

"Mom!"

"Tsunami!"

Standing in the entranceway, was her son and father.

"We're back!" Inari announced with a grin.

"Well, where were you two?! It's late!" Tsunami scolded them.

Tazuna grinned sheepishly. "Sorry Tsunami. Both me and Inari were working overtime. We lost track of time."

Tsunami knew both their works required the two to work heavily on construction sites and other buildings to rebuild and fix a few to make a smoother travel to Konoha and beyond to other villages. Both Konoha, still scarred by the attack on the village months prior to the war and Konoha and the four other villages that followed shortly after, Konoha still needed repairs. With more merchants and traders coming in from not just Konoha but also from the Land of Waves to Konoha, construction to set up more buildings was in conjunction with the Leaf's ongoing reconstruction. The other carpenters from the Land of Waves were assisting in Konoha, leaving Tazuna, Inari, and a few others in the Land of Waves to complete them.

Inari was slightly disappointed, because he wanted to see Naruto, Sakura, and their teacher Kakashi once more. News of Naruto's status as a war hero spread far to the entire world, and Inari wanted to see his role model and help in rebuilding Konoha.

But it seems that it would have to wait. For now, construction of buildings and various other structures would come first, and Inari was all the more eager to help his home expand if it meant he could see Naruto once more. Tsunami knew the boy would one day grow up to be like his father, and Kaiza, if he was watching from the heavens now, would no doubt be proud of the boy and how far he grew. If it hadn't been for Naruto…

No. She didn't want to imagine a world of possibility of what would have happened.

She was truly grateful for Naruto Uzumaki.

"Alright. I accept your apology. Now both of you wash up and eat!"

The two laughed, "Yes, Ma'am!"

Sasuke watches, staring at the unaware family of three, all happy and content. The last time he had ever met them was only back when he was a newly minted ninja, thrusted into a team with his blonde and pink haired teammate, with their teacher and Tazuna, the drunk bridge builder.

He didn't expect to see them again. He didn't. It was by a mere coincidence that he saw Inari, the boy, how much taller in comparison to the height he previously was, and how. The boy didn't notice him, was too busy shopping for supplies in one of the shops, that he didn't notice Sasuke himself, standing across from one of the other shops. But if he did? Then what?

He wasn't a fool. As half of the world saw him as a hero, the other half saw him as a villain left free because the hero-the blonde teammate of his-and their former teacher, who had became the leader of their home village following the war's end, advocated for him, defended him. The blonde nor his teacher made no attempts to lessen his crimes. But he felt they did, because they were so infuringly loyal.

Loving yet loyal. And the family he saw in Tazuna's, only just the three of them: a loving family.

It was once what he had long since before his brother came and destroyed it all, and once what he saw his former team as before he himself abandoned them.

Why then, did he choose to follow them? Why did he choose, even after seeing Inari, to follow them? Why hadn't he chose to stay at the nearby inn, for he knew the last time he had been here with his blue haired teammate that there were places to stay? Instead, he had chosen to follow the boy and his father. But for what?

The answer came to Sasuke as easy as the first had been.

A desire. Somewhere in what Sasuke himself didn't understand, was to come back to the town to where it all began.

But you easily could have returned to the Leaf.

No. He was unworthy. Unworthy of returning to the Leaf. What could he return to the Leaf for? To see his former teammates? To say what? He only returned to the Leaf to hunt down dangerous criminals and then he was off again. Rarely staying in the village only to resupply before he was off. Konoha only sent him an updated list of criminals once a month. It had only been the second week of the month and he had made sure each in the list were accounted for.

And he desired it. For whatever reason, he felt that he had to see the boy and his family long ago his team visited and the town they saved.

It was enough, he supposed. They did not need to see him. Watching the happy family was enough, and waiting anymore had the possibility of getting him caught in the act.

Stepping off the leaning tree, he began to depart.

As Tsunami began to set up the dishes and silverware, she saw, glancing at the window from where nothing but the dark hue the town had taken, a dark silhouette moved, from the tree, as a part of a tree had been taken. She acknowledged it with a glance, her focus back on setting dishes, before her head whipped up with a snap.

What?!

Setting down the silverware, she moved, opening the door from her house. Already the figure was moving away.

Panic surged her heart. She didn't know whoever this was. Was that person spying on her family?! Who was he or she?! How long had they been there?! Her mind began to form many possibilities for who the person was. Was he a ninja spying on her family, looking to kill her or her family?!

She didn't care. She had to know. Dressed in dark clothes and blending in the environment of the night. It made him almost nearly unnoticeable. "Stop!"

The figure paused.

Fear made her heart drum, but at the same time, adrenaline was rushing through her. "Who the hell are you?! Why were you spying on me and my family?!"

She gripped the kitchen knife, the silverware used to cut the pork tighter. She wasn't a Shinobi, but she would not hesitate to defend her family, even if any wishes to threaten her family.

"Turn around! Who the hell are you?!"

"Mom!" "Tsunami!"

The voices of Inari and Tazuna respectively cut through in response to the screams of Tsunami. They ran out the open house and glared at the figure.

"Tsunami! Who is this?!" Tazuna skewered the dark figure with a glare.

"Somebody! I don't know! He might have been following you and Inari when you two were coming back! He wasn't by the tree before!"

Tazuna turned back to the individual, stepping in front and protectively over his two family members. "Who are you?! Why were you spying on me and my family?!"

The figure only stood his or her back to them. Tazuna didn't know if this person was a man or a woman, but he didn't care. This-whoever they were-possibly wished to harm his family! He wouldn't stand idly by and let that happen.

"Answer me! Turn around! Who the hell are you, you coward?! Show your face!"

Inari raised the spear he brought from home, pointing the tip at the figure. The gear was primarily used to gather fish, with the rope secured on it, but Inari knew it worked as well as a weapon just as much as a common ninja tool, be it kunai or shuriken. "Answer! Who are you?! Why are you here?!"

The figure didn't answer them. Inari gripped his spear tighter, so much that his arms shook with the exertion of pressure. Tsunami raised her knife, ready to stab if he even attempted to rush at them. Tazuna glared daggers at the man's back, daring him to perform any action that would threaten harm on his family.

The figure slowly turned around, revealing itself to them.

But that wasn't what made the family of three frozen in shock. That wasn't what just made Tsunami, losing all feeling in her arm, drop the knife to the earth. That wasn't what made Tazuna, the bridge builder who saw many things in his years of building, stare only in shock and disbelief. And that wasn't for the youngest family member and aspiring fisherman, Inari, turned him stuttering at what the boy saw.

"S-s-s-"

"B-by the g-gods, it can't be..."

Tsunami's face mirrored her father's and her son's. Then she said one disbelieving word, one that was the individual's identity and one they had not seen in years. It was older, more mature, but the eyes and hair; the face. They knew it anywhere.

"Sasuke?!"

"What do you mean Ylisse is unresponsive? How is it unresponsive?"

The Daimyos traded glances, looking to their fellows as if to decide who would answer the Raikage's question.

The Wind Daimyo took the cue, answering for all of them. "What we mean, is that Ylisse has gone completely silent."

"Elaborate."

"As we have stated, the country has gone completely silent. Lord Raikage, you've said travelers have gone forward and back from Kumo, and at some point, they have suddenly stopped without any warning. Did you not receive a letter of this news?"

Ay's brows slanted together, possibilities forming in his head, his eyes shooting open. But the other Kages too came to the same conclusion. "You believe something has happened to the country?" Onoki voiced all the current Kages's opinion.

"Precisely."

Ay frowned, "How can we be sure of this? Perhaps Ylisse is simply too busy at some point and would result in fewer travelers to my village and back?"

"Actually, Ay. I do believe that I have proof that something has gone awry with Ylisse or something has happened to them." Kakashi decided to reveal the letter. "This was a letter, addressed to Naruto Uzumaki, from the crown prince of Ylisse. It requested both his and Jiraiya of the Sannin's assistance in helping them in the war."

Kakashi could feel all the faces of those in attendance bore into his own. Tsunade nearly snatched the letter out of Kakashi's hands, only just held back by barely controlled self restraint she obtained as Hokage. Only she leaned closer to the letter and read the information presented. "Jiraiya had this? When?" Even Orochimaru looked curious, the grin showing signs of his interest.

Kakashi answered for her, "Some point before, assuming the time when Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu engaged Team 7 of Naruto, Sai, Sakura, myself and Yamato and Team 10 of Choji, Ino, and Shikamaru when both Teams successfully neutralized the two. Due to the threat of the Akatsuki, Jiraiya made the decision to keep Naruto in Konoha and Jiraiya could not assist himself."

He would curse himself slightly for saying this next, for he held Jiraiya in high regard himself. "I don't want to degrade Jiraiya in the slightest, Tsunade, but…"

She understood. She simply nodded, knowing what her once living teammate had done: If Ylisse was in a state of emergency, then Jiraiya chose not to assist by putting Naruto and the village first, not informing her, or his student, of the situation. He may have condemned Ylisse and its people to their fates.

The momentary silence lasted only for a few seconds until Onoki spoke. "Well, we can all agree that Ylisse has connections with each of our villages, or in Mist's case, Plegia. The question that remains for us is: What now?"

It was only a fact as of the moment that none of the Kages knew of their village's alliances with Ylisse and Plegia due to the five village's animosity and differences from before. From four world wars… none of them knew, unaware as they considered each rival village their enemy and if not enemy, then a neutral state, where they did not see each other as ally nor enemy. Now that all five did, what then?

He watches the three gazes, watching their slack jawed and shocked state. Tazuna's state of disbelief, Inari's inability to provide words, and Tsunami's frozen sight on his face.

It was a mistake. He should have gone faster. He should have left earlier. He didn't want them to see him. But now they did. His curiosity at seeing the family from years back made him stay longer than intended.

It wasn't. It probably wasn't enough. But he nodded to them. What other greeting could he give? They saw him, but he wished they didn't. He didn't want them to see him again. He didn't want to see the family that admired his blonde teammate as a hero he attempted to kill at least two times. He didn't want to see them, for they no doubt knew of his criminal status. He didn't want to see their hatred for him, and he didn't blame them if they hated him for what he did to the blonde. Half the world didn't. He didn't forgive himself either. Why should they?

He began to walk off. There was nothing they could say to him. If they shouted insults or hurled revolted words, then he would accept them. They wanted him to leave, because you are a cruel monster who tried to kill your best friend, then he would gladly do so.

"Wait! Sasuke!"

He didn't pause, but his long strides led him further away to where they were forced to jog to the man to keep up with his pace.

"Sasuke, stop!"

He glanced back with one eye, brow raised, stopping in his departure to leave.

Tsunami paused, as with both Tazuna and Inari. They tentatively stared at him. "Sasuke?"

Tazuna stepped towards the Uchiha. "Sasuke? It's you."

Sasuke looked down to Inari. He nodded back, confirming it again. Denying it would grant nothing.

Inari looked childlike with wide eyes, staring at one of the former members of Team 7, still in disbelief.

What were they waiting for? Were they not going to scream their hatred of him?

Inari's smile went wide across his face, and then he shouted in joy. "Sasuke!" The boy went up to the Uchiha, excitement coursing through him, and wrapped his arms around the man in a came Tsunami, and then Tazuna.

Tazuna bellowed laughter. "Sasuke! Where were you?! We haven't seen you in over years!"

They acted as if they were seeing an old friend. Their smiling faces only served to confuse him. Why did they still care for him? They shouldn't... Not like his former teammates. They should hate him. Despise him. It was the only reaction he expected from the family that he and his teammates saved from a tyrant man and his corporation from the entire home and bridge. It was the only reaction he expected from the family like many others before them that still refused to see the Uchiha as a part of their combined society, casted out and banished because of his crimes committed. He didn't take it past a select few of those in Konoha to hate him after his departure by joining Orochimaru, then after being declared an international criminal, he was hated by, almost if not the entire world. He didn't consider what the family thought of him after he left his home village because he never considered it for a moment, even when he visited the one time in the Land of Waves after killing the Snake Sannin, he still didn't consider what they thought of him if they were at their home.

Was it not the flaw of Konoha then? To let their criminals roam free? Konoha's knowledge of mistakes regarding rogue nins? Orochimaru, despite heinous crimes committed; his complete disregard for human lives and the lives of others with experimentation and affiliation with other dangerous and deadly figures, was still allowed to continue to be let free. The Edo Tensei of the previous Hokages did not absolve him of what he did over the years as a rogue nin.

Wasn't it the same with him? Should the Leaf not have locked him up? He insisted on so, but the blonde insisted on otherwise. And so did his teacher, who should not have been loyal to him after he disregarded nearly the entire teachings of the man who preached to him to look past the darkness of hate, and into something bright of the future, but failed, because he chose not to look into the shimmering path of salvation, and instead chose that dark path that drove him further and further away.

It was a mistake. A mistake his former teammates wanted desperately to reconnect the bond they had during their youth. But they didn't understand. He was the one who fractured it. He was the one who shattered it into pieces. He was the one who disregarded their teacher's speech of teammates. He was the one who inflicted so much pain and suffering on his former teammates that he failed to see that he was hurting them, he failed to see past his own pain and suffering to realize how much they were because of their loyalty; one that should have been casted aside long since his abandonment. Did they not realize it? Recognize the truth of what it was? Or perhaps they did see but chose to look past his mistakes and crimes.

None of the other teams of Konoha even chose to forgive him, because they knew it themselves. Forgiveness was a concept of time. The years, months, or even days it took just for a simple mistake made. A brother stealing candy from his sister? No matter how even innocuous it seemed, it would take time. His former teammates failed to grasp the concept or they refused to consider that fact.

The spiky ponytailed haired lazy genius of Team 10 looked at him with wariness that he did not attempt to hide with a lazy nonchalant look. The blonde girl, on the same team, looked at him with a look of fear, her own crush for him replaced by a look of it, attempting to hide behind one of friendly amicable. The boy with his dog, proud red markings of his clan's tattoo bearing on his cheeks and slitted eyes, looked at him with hostility hidden behind arrogance and failed indifference, the same look villagers and townspeople gave him.

It was what he had been expecting now, from Tazuna and his family. He returned, for a taste of nostalgia that he himself didn't fully grasp, because he would only be here for a day. He returned to see the family on the mission and he and his teammates saved them and the entire homeland, only just to watch them because of the aforementioned reason. He never wanted them to notice him; he was a trained ninja only just found because of inquisitive civilian eyes that took in surroundings better than half of Chunin ranked ninjas.

Inari, the boy, was jumping up and down in joy, eyes sparkling with the childish wonder and happiness that was just only noticeable in his eyes; traces of his younger self many years back creeping to the surface. "Sasuke! It's you! Where have you been?! Big Bro Naruto and Big Sis Sakura and Mister Kakashi said you were out of the village!"

He hid his own shock and surprise under a look of greeting, the look only saying enough to them without speaking any words. Did they not know? News of his status reached all over the world. He didn't doubt it would also reach this land.

Tazuna joined in. "Naruto said you had an argument with him and your team and that you left some time back!"

They… they weren't far from the truth. He briefly wondered if they had the full story, wondered if they would look at him the way they did now if they heard he plunged his lightning encased hand into his former blonde teammate's chest from years back in their first fight. A morbid, sickening, guilty thought. Yet it was the only one he could think of. It was much more than just a minor disagreement.

Tsunami looked up to the sky, then gasped. "Oh! It's getting late! Sasuke, please! Join us for supper and the night! And where are Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi? Aren't they with you?" Three pairs of friendly eyes beckoned him to come into their home, along with words.

"They… they aren't. I'm on a solo mission from Konoha." It wasn't a full lie. He technically was; just waiting for Konoha to give him the updated list of criminals and other dangerous missing ninjas to catch. But more of the fact that he was surprised he even spoke for the first time with other people during the course of the month of his self exile. The only greeting he gave were silent nods of acknowledgments and smaller talks. He wasn't shy. He never had once been. Just quiet, because what was there to say, and who to talk to during the time of his exile? "It's... good to see you too."

At least he didn't forget to be polite and cordial in a conversation. His mother, father, and his older brother always had that sort of speech requirement when conversing with other figures, and ingrained the kind of respect for others into him. Even his brother, who at one point in his past he solely focused his hatred on, still gave a polite respectful tone to enemies that hid sinister cold intentions from within.

The four entered the home and Sasuke took note of the changes to the home of Tazuna and his family. The living room was more spacious, likely due to the massive surplus of funds of both construction and fishing; two jobs that gave a steady income. But the tones of the walls remained the near same, only painted slightly over with a shade of brown. Overall, the house looked the same, only much more big with the built interior being improved upon.

The smell of food filled Sasuke's nose, and though he already ate, the scent of home cooked food made him question the last time he had a home cooked meal. He only caught fishes and various other wild animals, as traveling so much during the course of his years as a rogue ninja from his former village that staying at a place for even just a day was an alternative option if no other options presented itself. It kept Konoha ninjas off his back which prevented any chance of him claiming his revenge against his brother. And during that time, he was so focused on retrieving whatever readily available information of his brother's location or the criminal organization of Akatsuki themselves, for they would lead to him. Staying in a place for even more than a day felt foreign.

Tsunami was busy still setting the dishes on the table, when she felt only a strong arm grabbing a hold of the dish of steaming cooked pork she was holding. She turned around to see the Uchiha. "Oh, Sasuke!"

He only gave a small nod. "I'll help." It was what he could give in return as a thank you for inviting him into their home and offering him dinner.

The two quickly finished, and he sat across from both adults as Inari happily ate his food with a vigor to his left, reminding him of his blonde teammate. He stared into the empty plain white rice, only eating a moderately slow pace. He wasn't hungry after eating the past hours, but it would be a waste of food if he didn't, and took up their offer. The room was filled with chatter and merriment. Inari, he learned, became a construction builder with Tazuna and a fisherman like his father Kaiza, carrying on his adopted father's legacy. His blonde teammate no doubt inspired the boy to be like his father and the blonde.

Tazuna decided to ask the Uchiha the question that left the family curious to know. "So, Sasuke. Where have you been? Naruto said you were out of the village? Something about you having an argument with them and you left?"

Yes. They mentioned that. He wondered when the blonde or his other teammates met the two again. He suspected it was during one of Akatsuki's members' Pain, but just to confirm it… "When?"

"During an invasion of Konoha. Many buildings were destroyed and many bridge builders and construction workers including myself and Inari wanted to go to the Leaf to help in the restoration process."

That confirmed it. He suspected it was during the invasion of the Leaf when they first mentioned it outside, but now it confirmed it.

Tsunami nodded sadly, and he could hear the sorrow in her tone. "It was a tragedy. Many Konoha nin and civilians lost their lives during the invasion." Her voice cracked slightly. "Over three hundred jounin, one hundred or so chunin, and over a hundred genin and civilians. That was only just a fraction of what was reported." She swallowed. "Over fifty families were left homeless."

Tazuna slammed his sake bottle down after a gulp, his displeasure showing in it. "Damn heartless bastards. They just show up and kill a bunch of ninjas and civilians and destroy homes."

The mood in the room quickly turned sour.

Everything, everything that happened to the Leaf… Was it his fault? Because he chose not to defend it?

It wasn't... But those that did see him as a traitor before his official status, they did. They would find ways to see him responsible for any crime even those he had no responsibility for.

Tazuna spoke up again. "Where were you, Sasuke? Were you one of the ninjas fighting the invaders off?"

Inari stopped chewing. "Grandpa, Naruto said Sasuke was off on a mission during the time, remember?"

Tazuna blinked and nodded. "Ah, right! Were you, Sasuke? Naruto, Sakura, and your teacher Kakashi didn't say much after the "whole argument" and "disagreement" fiasco. Just that you were off on a mission of some sorts before that and then you had the argument where you left the village."

Twisted truths, created by those who still cared for him, still devoted their loyalty to him. And lies, because they didn't want those others to see him for his cruelty, for what he truly was. Why didn't his former teammates just speak the truth? Because they themselves didn't see what he was? If it was any other ninja, they would have bluntly spoken the truth, regardless of their hatred for him or not. But his former teammates, their unwavering loyalty, made half truths and lies in order just to keep him safe from the ire of others.

And it infuriated him. Anger began to boil in his stomach. Again, and yet again! Why would they constantly keep advocating for him?! Why would they defend him from atrocities he had done?!

They shouldn't be this loyal. He was never loyal to them. That loyalty died long since back at the crossroads of light and dark when he chose the latter path. He, in a fit of rage and jealousy at his blonde teammate, demanded to fight him at the rooftops of the hospital he recovered from. He left behind his broken pink haired teammate, begging him to stay, and somewhere that still treasured that bond with his team, the light that wasn't entirely claimed by darkness also desired to stay with his team, amidst all, was swallowed entirely by darkness as the battle for his soul waged war, choosing the latter path.

Loyalty for a man who condemned himself to his fate over a village that treasured each of its members of their home. It was foolish. And yet they still chose him.

And what then? Tell Tazuna and his family the truth? That Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi were far from speaking the entire truth and were lying to them?

"Please… please don't go!"

"Sakura... Thank you. For everything."

"Sasuke?"

Sasuke looked at and weighed his options. Three curious, inquisitive pairs met his single one. He made a decision.

"He was. He was right. I was on a mission."

"What was the argument about?"

He hated lying. He himself was a victim of lies for over a century. By his older brother. His home village. By the Hokages who ran the village. He preferred blunt truths, even if they were bitter and painful to hear. It was still preferable than living under falsities. "It was over a month long mission assignment. They didn't want me to go, so I left."

He never hated himself even more. At the moment, he also resented his former teammates for just not speaking the truth. He had to join in on their half truths and lies placing himself in further of a position he did not want to be in. Why didn't they just speak the truth?

"And how many months was the assign-"

"I think that's enough."

Both Tazuna and Inari turned to Tsunami as the latter's question was cut off. "Mom?" Inari asked.

Tsunami looked over to the recipient of the question. "Sasuke is not comfortable with the question. Just stop. He doesn't like it."

Sasuke only glanced over at the three, looking at the sole female member of Tazuna's family with a grateful nod. The two received the message, giving an apologetic look to him.

Dinner finished in a lighter mood. Inari just chatted about the new batches of merchants crossing over all the way from the Hidden Mist village. It only briefly reminded the Uchiha of Zabuza from the Mist, and his apprentice Haku, from where they crossed all the way from their home of Mist to the Land of Waves. Tazuna was refurbishing other structures before he and Inari would return to the Leaf to assist in reparation efforts and other structures of Konoha that were dated.

The night ended as Tazuna went out to drink for only a moment before he crashed for the night. Inari, still smiling, went up to him and told the Uchiha to come see the room he would be staying in for the night. Sasuke was about to follow the boy until Tsunami called them over. "Wait. Inari. I'm just going to talk to Sasuke for a moment. Can it wait? Go upstairs?"

Inari nodded. "Sure! I'm going to go get Grandpa's and my fishing gear ready for tomorrow!" And he was gone, leaving both the matriarch of the family and the Uchiha alone in the living room.

Tsunami knew pain. She knew it when her husband left her and Inari; the child of their resulting consummating love that quickly turned sour when the man died just days after Inari's birth. Tazuna came in, drunk, yet despite so, his face full of sorrow as he delivered the news to her and her baby.

With the Land of Waves condition being poor at the time and the economy not the greatest of conditions, even before the rule of Gato, Tsunami attempted her best to make ends meet for her son and father. Tazuna built houses and various other buildings that upon completion, would give months worth of money that would feed their family and keep them going. They lived relatively in the lower class as with almost the rest of Wave, but life was normal, even if it was not in the best of conditions. Inari rarely asked her about his biological father, having never seen the man and never did they take a photo that had the man, so Inari was unable to connect with him. That is, when Kaiza came.

She didn't know where he came from. She didn't know his homeland. All she knew was that he was the light in the family lives. While the family was never unhappy with their lives, they weren't happy either. It wasn't that they could not feel it, it was that there was something missing in their lives to fully feel it, and it seemed that it was Kaiza.

Kaiza came and took away the unhappiness. She found love in Kaiza again. And Kaiza taught Inari to protect everybody they love no matter how much it hurts, even if you only have two arms to do so. Tazuna himself liked Kaiza, as Kaiza's alcohol intake surpassed even Tazuna's. She smiled, remembering the a vivid moment where her father arrogantly challenged the man to a contest of drinking the most sake. Her father, so confident in his own victory, chose to eat his words after he fell, unable to keep going and Kaiza, smiling in his victory but helping the drunk man, only intoxicated by his own intake, stumbling, as he laughed and helped his father in law up.

It was a moment where the family was truly happy, even though life remained the same. All until Gato had come.

The short businessman took a look at the land, even before when the entire village knew of him, and to end any resistance or fighting among them, made Kaiza to be an example of what would happen if there was any insurgence. Tsunami, her family, even the entire village, felt any happiness dwindle away, drained dry when her husband, the hope of the entire Wave, died.

The pain she felt was not physical; it felt like it, but it wasn't. It was emotional and mental, and with it, she could understand the pain of others. She wasn't a ninja, but her losses were attributed to her and she could understand pain. Ninjas did not live an easy life, as ninjas risked their own lives as an expense to complete missions and protect their village, devoting themselves to their home. They suffered more pain than ever, as ninjas had allies to complete missions and had their own families at home, waiting to see if the ninja would return home or receive news that their familial member had fallen in battle.

Perhaps that's why she could see the pain of Sasuke Uchiha. The young man hid it in a mask of indifference but she could see it; she could read it. And he held a great deal of regret and pain. What his dark eyes held. He had taken a great deal of it.

She didn't know what he went through, what he had experienced, and she would not push it. Some topics of individuals were meant to be kept secret to only themselves. She would perhaps never understand, because she was not a ninja and never was one. But she knew pain and what the argument was about she received from both Tazuna and Inari when they returned to tell her, it was related to it. She could see it on the man's face, even if he hid it well so that a less inquisitive person would not take notice, she did.

Sasuke turned his eyes to her, curious to what she had to say, but she knew that he knew she was likely holding him back for a reason that he himself already had knowledge of.

It was only a few seconds of silence but Tsunami cut it anyway, because she knew she called him. "Sasuke. How are you feeling?"

The Uchiha stared at her, giving a slight shrug, but the question remained in his eyes. Blunt and to the point.

"When Inari and my father questioned you, what happened? Both my son and my father didn't notice it, but I saw something… in your eyes. You didn't look happy at all. It had more to do with the mission argument. Did it?"

He gave no answer. Only a look that held whatever emotion that she could simply guess.

"Sasuke, please. I know I'm not a ninja. I'll never understand what ninjas go through each and every passing day... The wars and battles you fight... The dangerous missions. I never have fought." She went up to him, touching his cheek. "What have you been through? What happened to you and your team?"

She was not a ninja. But she was a mother, and she knew pain just as any other person.

"How are you feeling?"

He only stared at her. Not a desire to not talk but it wasn't the point of why she was asking. She was beating around the bush. She knew as much as he did.

"When Inari and my father questioned you, what happened? Both my son and my father didn't notice it, but I saw something… in your eyes. You didn't look happy at all. It had more to do with the mission argument."

She did, but what could he say? What could she say to the man that she and the rest of her family was completely unaware of his status as a criminal? Did she know and just willingly invited him in regardless of his criminal status? Why would she show such kindness to a man who did not deserve such a thing for his cruelty given back in return to the world?

"Sasuke, please. I know I'm not a ninja. I'll never understand what ninjas go through each and every passing day... The wars and battles you fight... The dangerous missions. I never have fought." She only took a few steps up, lifting a hand to his cheek. "What have you been through? What happened to you?"

"Mom?"

Mikoto Uchiha abruptly stopped her humming as she was finishing dishes. "Oh! Sasuke, what is it? Do you need something?"

The boy hesitated. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it? You can ask me anything." She knelt down to touch his cheek.

"In class yesterday, Iruka-Sensei taught us that ninjas must complete missions regardless of how we felt. Shinobi Rule 4, 25, 16, 20, and 14. Even when we feel pain in missions. That is what makes ninjas in Konoha. We must control our emotions."

She nodded. "And?"

The boy looked up with his big black eyes. "What pain must ninjas have to go through that is unavoidable? What if we can't handle it because it hurts so much that the emotions come out?"

Mikoto paused herself, thinking of the question. Then she said. "Do you want to know what a friend of mine told me that she got from someone she met one day?"

The boy puffed his cheeks up. "What? Why do you answer my question with your own question?"

"Do you want to hear it?"

He nodded, curious at her answer.

"From that person my friend met, that person was asked by her son, 'What if you want to do something good but it's hard?' She responded, 'Helping others isn't always easy. If people paid to be good, then the entire world would be overflowing with kindness and generosity. But most of the time, there isn't a reward, and sometimes, it costs us dearly to do good things.' The boy asked, 'What if it costs so much it hurts?' She replied, 'I think you should help others anyway. Make it a habit, like eating or breathing. You'll hardly notice the cost then.'"

"What? That didn't answer my question? It's completely random!" The boy cried indignantly.

"Do you disagree?"

"No, of course I do! It's just unrelated!"

She laughed, "It didn't. I'm sorry, Sasuke. My friend often said things that made no sense at times when she visited new places or talked to others."

"But what she was told rings true and is applied to the Shinobi rules sometimes. Sometimes, shinobi must endure the pain and continue the missions. It helps them grow and nourish them, like a flower. Even D ranked missions are for the village and the other people within. No matter how little, we should just complete the mission anyway. Even if you don't like the missions or disagree with it."

"Is it also like the Will of Fire?"

She hummed. "To a certain extent. Does it make sense?"

"I guess it does." The boy bobbed his head in thought. "But what if we have to do something bad in order to achieve something good? What if in order to achieve good you have to do bad?"

His mother paused once more, thinking of his words. "Sasuke, what do you think is good or bad by a given example?"

He thought of a simple one. "Stealing someone's property. It isn't yours. That's bad. Good is giving somebody something."

"But what if the person needed it? What if they were poor? Like stealing money, because that person was hungry and needed the money to buy food? They didn't see any other option. Even if it was bad from someone else's view, that person might think it's necessary, though not good, but necessary."

He faltered, blinking. "I don't understand. Are you saying that we need to do bad?"

She smiled. "No. I'm saying good and evil are just points of view. We all have different points of view of what is good and bad. We all do things for a reason. But if we understand each other's pain, then perhaps we can further understand other people. Opening up to others is good, because it allows us to communicate and further understand."

He frowned. "Now you're making no sense!"

"Something? Am I right?"

This woman, who was so much like his mother, so desperately wanted to understand a man who committed crimes, who she would try to figure him out like a puzzle piece. The question was, should he even open up to a woman he only knew from a single mission in his past? Should he open up and let her explore his pain? His sorrow and regret? Knowledge was the key to discovering everything, but in his own past understanding, he refused to open up and drown in solitude. Should he open up now?

Deep in the recesses of his mind, where all memories laid…

No.

She wouldn't understand his view. She never would have. Only his blonde friend did in doing so, he refused to see the ugly half of the world that despised his name, presence, and face entirely. He didn't understand, and he attempted to understand and see the best in people. She would not understand. Opening up to her… Yes, she would despise him, he didn't doubt that, and she was attempting to be like the blonde, but she would hate him and it was against what the blonde wanted.

He was not his blonde friend. He never was. And neither was she.

Tsunami watched the young man of the Konoha team that saved their village, only silent, before a single response came. "It's not your business."

It was blunt. Unintentionally cold, but it came as one, sending her into shudders. "I… I understand. It's yours. I apologize for intruding, but…" She looked into his eyes, comforting. "If you need someone to talk to… I'll be always open for you if you need it."

He only gave a single nod.

"Okay. I think you should go up. Inari wants to show you his room."

He only gave a nod once more, before he took the steps to the second floor.

Sasuke considered Tsunami's words. He took in her final words.

"If you need someone to talk to… I'll be always open for you if you need it."

He paused, looking back to the steps that led downstairs.

You wouldn't understand.

"At this time, our shinobi forces are running low. We do not have enough able bodied Jonin to send to Ylisse at this moment in time. Nor the ANBU of the village."

It was a new problem after another, Kakashi noted.

A sound of smoke filled his and his companion's ears as he and they turned to face the newcomer that had arrived.

"Naruto."

"Kakashi-Sensei! Granny!" Naruto looked over the third person in attendance with hesitation and hostility. "Snake bastard…"

Orochimaru chuckled, "Naruto-kun, that is not nice at all. Please. I know we've had our differences in the past, but I have a name. Please use it."

"Like I would-"

"That's enough. Both of you." Tsunade was the one to cut the two off. It was already enough time wasted with interruptions of her former teammate. She and the rest did not need anymore with her godson's own reservations with the man, as much as she and others did not trust the man himself. "Naruto, we're in a meeting with the other Kages and the Daimyos of each Elemental Nation. This involves you, but please do not interrupt."

"Wait, meeting? What for?"

"It will be discussed. You already know of it."

What meeting would that involve him? Oh well, Granny said he knew of it. He would know once they announced it.

He nodded, then went up to the screen of the computer, making sure each of the Kages and Daimyos in attendance could see him. "Good evening, umm… everyone." He grinned as he noticed one of the figures present. "Gaara!"

Gaara returned the greeting with his own. "Naruto."

"Since Naruto is here… Naruto. What can you tell us about Ylisse with Fukasaku and Shima at Mount Myoboku?"

"Us? Wait. Hold on. The other villages know about Ylisse?!" Naruto had always heard from his mentor that Konoha had an alliance with the country that not all in the Leaf knew.

Onoki's voice filtered in. "Yes, Naruto-kun. Due to our… past relations, we have just recently found out of each of our villages's own alliance with the country of Ylisse."

"Each of your villages?" Naruto repeated for confirmation. They nodded.

A look of nothing but shock and surprise was on his face. He never considered that. But it sheds some light. He knew that each village's relations to each other were neutral, bordering on hostile with Sasuke's declaration of a rogue nin in Konoha's sake, but never friendly. The most had been after the current Kazekage Gaara was rescued from the clutches of the Akatsuki captured by two of the members Deidara and Sasori, was both Leaf and Sand.

"Your parents also may have visited the country once as well."

What?!

The blonde turned to Tsunade. "My ma and pa visited Ylisse?! You knew, Granny? Why didn't you tell me before?"

Granny knew more of his parent's past, had the knowledge of it, had the option of telling him, but chose not to?

Tsunade sighed. "I'm sorry Naruto. As with the Third's act of keeping your parent's name a S class secret, it was also decided by him to keep information of their own missions as well. Jiraiya and I were to inform you earlier at some time, but you already know."

Naruto processed the information. He wanted to know more, understand more. His parents have never been in his life, just only briefly in the past few months. They were gone for most of it, but he wanted…

Kakashi-Sensei, the look in his eyes...

And understood. Perhaps he could find more about his parents through old mission reports and much more talks after but now was not the time. He did not blame any of them for withholding the information. Old Man Third, Granny, and Pervy Sage. He was too incensed by training to grow stronger and attempts to bring Sasuke back, along with the Akatsuki chasing after him. And they did it to keep him safe. Right now, where to get to Ylisse and any more information would be beneficial in any way.

"Okay. You were asking what again?"

"What did you hear from Chief Fukasaku and Shima? You went to Mount Myoboku to retrieve more information?"

Naruto frowned. "They didn't tell me much. Pervy Sage didn't summon them at any point during Ylisse. Only that he visited himself. I summoned Gamakichi during the trip, but he doesn't remember much either."

He could see the disappointment at the lack of information in each of the Daimyos and Kages eyes, even when they hid it in what he called a "Kage's face". "Though Pa did tell me one thing."

"What is it?"

Naruto looked at each of the faces. "He said that Pervy Sage told him stories of the country. A divine entity, Naga. One that breathed life and gave humanity a will. The light that shines the brightest. And a dark entity, Grima. One that would plunge the world into everlasting darkness and destroy it, loathing humanity as a whole.'"

Mei nodded through the small screen. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. But we already know of that information. From what we were able to deduce, Naga was a divine figure that Ylisse worshipped like a goddess, while Plegia worshipped Grima as a god respectively."

Naruto looked thoughtful. "Yeah, I suppose."

"That depends now on what we do with the information. Who do we send?" Onoki's brought all those in attendance back. "If we were to get in contact with the country, what team of ninjas would we send to assist in the country, even with the precarious state of our villages, in this mission?"

None of the Daimyos or the Kages looked happy at the question Onoki presented to them all. The Elemental Nations was near a state of emergency if not entirely. Any other smaller attack could send either one of the villages into destruction.

"I'll go!" Naruto volunteered himself. Even if he was still the official rank of Genin, he had been studying and working hard for the next Chunin Exams, which would not appear in months. His new home was also unimportant in comparison to the situation now of the moment. "I'll join whatever team of ninjas all five villages are sending."

Kakashi wanted to. He did. He wanted nothing more than to send Naruto but he could not. Konoha was severely weakened as a result of the invasion and war, and the village needed every ninja available, even a powerful one like his former student. Missions were less of a priority than ever before, with now nearly all of the services of shinobi going towards protecting their home village. They still took missions but less than the average of daily teams.

The special group of ANBU never changed, still taking dangerous top S ranked missions daily.

"Naruto. As much as I want to send you, you cannot go."

"But why?!" Naruto's outburst filled the room and crackled on the other end of the receiving communication. "I'll follow orders, Kakashi-Sensei! I know I'm still a Genin, but I'll follow Chunin and Jonin orders!"

"If I may have everybody's attention, I may be able to suggest something."

Every face turned to look at Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru, if this is…"

"Now, now. It is actually beneficial to it. In fact…" His slitted eyes watched each of them. "You don't need to send a team of ninjas at all. You just need to send one person. He's not even in any of the villages. He's outside of it."

Suspicion grew on their faces. The Fire Daimyo interrupted. "What are you insinuating-"

"Please wait, Sir. Continue Orochimaru."

"You just need to send one ninja. Just from Konoha. He was the rank of Genin, would have been recommended for Chunin with his performance at the Chunin Exams, and possibly Jonin if he would not have left the village and gone rogue. You could send just him, and only him, and it would not damage any of the military force of each village. Well… maybe just Konoha, but..."

Murmurs formed through each individual but they knew he was talking about. They knew who Orochimaru was referring to. "You're suggesting…"

"Sasuke Uchiha, to be sent to the country of Ylisse to contact it. Yes."

Onoki was a cautious man. Many throughout his lifetime he saw things others could not comprehend. A century of learning and discovering, fighting and watching, formed him into what he was today. He heard many statements and was open to numerous ideas of his village that shaped him and his village.

To hear Sasuke Uchiha, sent to the country of Ylisse, was not what he was expecting. From the look of the Daimyos and fellow Kages faces, neither were they.

Each of the Daimyos then broke out in arguments.

"You cannot possibly suggest Uchiha Sasuke!"

"But he has been mannered so far. All five villages are monitoring him to make sure he does not show any form or act of danger presented to any village."

"Orochimaru, you've gone far enough! A rogue ninja sending a rogue ninja. I wouldn't take it past you."

"We still cannot trust Uchiha Sasuke to accomplish this mission."

"But why not? He has shown to be a powerful ninja, more than the average Jonin. He can easily accomplish this mission by himself with no team. It would take days for all five villages to mobilize teams to send and months to depart for it entirely. Why not send Sasuke Uchiha, who is already in a foreign land out of or in the Nations possibly, out to accomplish this mission?"

"The question remains is whether or not he is loyal to the village he serves."

The arguments abruptly ended, as everybody present looked at the owner of the voice, Ay.

Naruto felt his irritation grow, but stomached it, reminding himself to be cordial. "What are you talking about?" It came out as rude, but he already said it. "I mean, Sasuke's loyal to the Leaf now. He's a Leaf Ninja again. If he has to go, then he'll do it. Send him then. He'll complete the mission." He didn't doubt his rival's capabilities. He didn't in the past and would never now. If he couldn't go, then maybe Sasuke can. If they refused to send him, then they should send Sasuke.

Onoki's gravelled voice came through. "That depends, Naruto-kun, and we mean no offense. But we do not know where his loyalties lie."

Naruto felt his irritation turn to anger, simmering. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Sasuke Uchiha cannot be trusted, even with the scope of this new S ranked mission. Lord Hokage, you still do not trust your former student, do you not?" It was harsh, blunt, but the truth.

Naruto turned to his teacher. "Kakashi-Sensei, you trust Sasuke, don't you? Sasuke's a Leaf Ninja again! He swore loyalty back to the village! He lives by the Will of Fire now! Why are we questioning his loyalty?!"

Indecision wasn't a part of Kakashi. It never was. Service in the ANBU told him to always be ready for any quick thinking and fast decision making that told him to decide options even a split second as just before they came. A lesser ninja would waste valuable and precious time by thinking of his or her options, when that same time a high ranking ninja would already have a plan and put it to effect.

Now, Kakashi was at an indecision whether or not to send Sasuke Uchiha or trust him. Already, he was a failure to prevent his student's fall to darkness, and the Uchiha paid for it with nearly his life and life in prison. He now searched the world, trying to find the point of his existence in that world that despised the Uchiha or nearly completely distrusted him. He tried to find redemption in a world that saw him as a monster and refused to see that he was capable of one.

Did he trust him? Did Kakashi trust his student?

Naruto spoke up again. "Gaara, I know that you and Sasuke met that time at the Kage Summit. You've spoken before the Chunin Exams..."

Gaara's voice entered; the first since all others were arguing. "Naruto..." But the look on his face also said enough. He didn't trust Sasuke himself. He understood the man, but he could not trust him just as Naruto did. Naruto knew it by the expression his friend adapted.

Kakashi decided to speak. "Naruto, we're questioning Sasuke's loyalty because it may be misplaced. He's loyal to you first."

Naruto shook his head. "But doesn't that-"

"No, it does not. He's loyal only to you, but it does not translate his loyalty to the village. He's loyal to you because you saved him. You understood him the most out of all of us and he's holding onto that bond you said that he was your brother and your best friend."

Naruto's ears burned and he glared at the ground, unable to speak.

Gaara's voice was an ailment to him, soothing the rage. "Naruto, we have to make sure that he is loyal to the village and even then, please try to understand from our side of view. I want to trust Sasuke myself, but we have to be sure."

Naruto nodded sadly, thanking Gaara. "But who should we send then?"

Kakashi spoke again, "If I may." The rest turned their attention and nodded. "The rest of Shisui Uchiha's journal pages are locked behind a seal with a dozen small scrolls. I and many other seal masters tried to access it, but it would not be removed. According to a note Shisui put in, the only way to remove the seal and access the rest of the pages is, presumably, with the blood of an Uchiha and by no other means."

The Fire Daimyo blinked, "You didn't mention this before, Lord Hokage?"

He looked lazily. "None of you asked." Ay and Onoki hid their smirk behind their hands, pretending to contemplate what Kakashi had just said. The Daimyos and Tsunade herself gave a look of mild exasperation at the masked Hokage.

"This is not a laughing matter, Lord Hokage."

"Oh. I agree it isn't. But the blood seal is an issue."

Mei Terumi looked at him. "Is there no other option to remove the seal?"

Kakashi nodded, "As I've said, I had other seal masters in the village attempt to remove the seal, but none succeeded." If Kushina, Minato, or Jiraiya was here, they could have possibly found a way, but even he doubted that. "The only way is by the note."

Which would mean…

All the Kages and Daimyos looked at each other through their screens.

"Are you suggesting that Sasuke Uchiha remove the seal with his blood?"

"Yes, sir. I believe it's also a waste of time to therefore retrieve Sasuke Uchiha simply for this matter. In fact, I believe we send a mission letter informing Sasuke Uchiha to go, despite and disregarding reservations, to Ylisse and open the seal with his blood anyway."

Naruto looked at his teacher. "Hold on, I thought you said-"

"We may not trust Sasuke at the moment Naruto, but we have little other options. It's best at this point to send Sasuke."

Naruto frowned at the lack of their trust in the Uchiha, but nodded. They needed just to see Sasuke's proof of his redemption. It would just take time, that's all.

"Time is of the essence." Onoki rubbed his chin. He didn't trust the Uchiha at all, but Kakashi was a truthful man, and did not withhold on detail. If the blood seal was anything, then only Sasuke Uchiha could unveil the rest and discover the mystery. "Very well, we should send a messenger scroll for Sasuke Uchiha with the items necessary outside the Elemental Nations to the other realm."

Naruto blinked, "Wait… Shisui Uchiha... Itachi mentioned him during when he was an Edo Tensei in the war!"

"Do you know anything more Itachi told you?" Interest at what the blonde had to say formed.

Naruto shook his head. "No, just Itachi told me that Shisui gave his Sharingan to him and put it in one of his crows." He looked at the journal his teacher held. He didn't know Shisui but by his name and only Itachi's fond words; he was part of the clan if any, and he could vividly remember Itachi forcing the crow down his throat. "So Shisui Uchiha visited Ylisse as well? And you can't open the journal?"

"According to old reports, he did. And yes, none of the seal masters are able to."

"What if Sasuke Uchiha declines the mission? What then?"

"Sasuke Uchiha will not decline the mission. Not especially if it involves one of his clan members. And let's just say if anything involves the Uchiha, then Sasuke will not reject it."

Tones of agreement and chatter followed, but it came back to one topic:

"It will not be put to vote then? The decision to send Sasuke Uchiha?"

"No. Sasuke Uchiha may be the only ninja who can open Shisui's journal and discover and communicate with Ylisse. We will not vote to not send Sasuke Uchiha just because of mutual distrust in the village over him and because of reasons."

None of the Daimyos looked particularly happy about that, but there were little options left presented. No other ninja except one of the Uchiha clan and blood could open the seal.

In the end, the meeting was just about adjourned, with the decision to send Sasuke Uchiha to Ylisse. Kakashi prepared to contact Sai that would deliver the contents of Shisui's journal and scrolls and Jiraiya's received letter to him. Orochimaru departed out of the room, followed by Tsunade and two were alone with the remaining present individuals. Before they all disconnected, Naruto asked Kakashi a question that left all curious. "Kakashi-Sensei?"

"Yes, Naruto?"

"Just wondering, how did none of us notice Shisui Uchiha's journal before? It had more than just to do with the Leaf being busy and all that. Did the Old Man have something to do with it?"

Naruto knew that his mentor deliberately kept the letter of Chrom, making the decision to protect him over assisting in Ylisse. Konoha was unable to assist Ylisse with the invasion and the Akatsuki's attempts to capture the Tailed Beasts.

None of the Kages or Daimyos put thought into it, but now they were curious at the blonde's question. "Pardon, Lord Hokage. But Naruto Uzumaki is correct. He brings up the question of why did you not notice it before?" The Fire Daimyo questioned.

Kakashi nodded. "The ANBU I ordered to search around the Uchiha compound in case Sasuke Uchiha returned to it. My predecessor, the Third, never knew of the vault because it was kept hidden deep by Shisui Uchiha."

"Why would he keep it a secret?"

Kakashi thought of Danzo and his own crimes, the fight he had with Sasuke but his body never recovered. Where he was at odds with Hiruzen. Both had never seen eye to eye and they clashed in most decisions. Shisui's suicide, and his stolen Sharingan by Danzo…

"There might be one." Kakashi looked up. "Shisui was not a man who took actions lightly. Everything he did had a chain reaction or was invariably connected. A reason. My belief is that Shisui intended for his journal and scrolls not to fall in the wrong hands. If the blood seal leads to something, I further believe that Shisui intended for Itachi Uchiha to retrieve the journal and open it. Danzo Shimura took Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan while spying on the Uchiha Coup just after he buried the items deep somewhere in the Compound, somewhere not even the Third could find it. I would assume that Shisui had told Itachi of the vault, but it's unknown if Itachi knew of the journals within, or simply chose to leave them if he had the knowledge of it."

Naruto looked down, thinking. Itachi, unable to accomplish one task of his best friend after his death, his status as a criminal, and his affiliation as an Akatsuki…

"It's up to Sasuke then." With renewed conviction, he stood up.

Every face turned to Naruto.

"Shisui wished for Itachi to assist in Ylisse and open his journal and scrolls to discover what he found. Because he was unable to, it's up to Sasuke then. He'll finish what Itachi was unable to." Looking everyone present in the eye, he continued. "I know that none of you trust Sasuke, and for reasons, I cannot force any of you to trust or forgive him, because that isn't how it works. I've learned that from other people." He briefly thought of Zabuza, Haku… Gaara once in his path of darkness, and many others. Sora, the boy at the temple, ostracized by his peers and who he clashed with. Little Inari when he gave up hope when his father, the hope of him and the Wave, died. There were so many people he met that he understood through suffering. "But Sasuke will help Ylisse. I know he will."

As the meeting ended, all five Daimyos and Kages disconnected, Kakashi called Sai into his office. The pale skinned man quickly entered and greeted the two with a smile. "Good evening, Naruto. Kakashi."

Naruto grinned, "Sai!"

Kakashi looked outside, "Naruto. You should probably go right now."

"Huh?" The blonde's sky blue eyes widened dramatically. "Oh crap! It's late! How long have we been here?! I forgot about Ichiraku! Old Man Teuchi and Ayame are probably assuming I decided not to eat at Ichiraku today!" The boy ran outside the office, but froze, turning around. "Oh wait! The mission, Kakashi-Sensei!"

He gave his little eye smile. "I'll handle it. Go."

"Alright. See ya tomorrow, Kakashi-Sensei! Sai! Night!" With those words, the blonde was off.

The two former members of Team 7 chuckled at the blonde and his antics. He never ceased to amuse them at times. The two quickly sobered up as Sai asked Kakashi the question. "Kakashi? May I ask what mission Naruto is referring to? Is he talking about a mission being taken together?"

Kakashi showed the letter to the former Black Ops member, a rundown of the events, and he understood. "You want me to send these to Sasuke Uchiha in order for him to go to this Ylisse?" He didn't question the nature of the Elemental Nations or the five villages. He already knew it was important if the five nations themselves agreed to this. "Very well."

Producing a scroll, he set it down and unrolled it, the parchment lining up with the floor. From one corner of the scroll contained a small tube with ink and a small brush. Sai unscrewed the lid, estimating the right amount to dip his brush in before he snapped the tube shut with the lid and began to paint.

Intricate lines formed in many different directions. Left, right, up, down. Shapes with just a stroke. A circle for eyes, curved triangles for wings. When the boy finished, letting the last drop of ink rest on the blank parchment, he made a hand sign, channeling chakra. "Ninja Art: Super Beast Scroll!"

The creation of Sai's artistry began to move. Writhing its way out of the paper, the animal began to shape and form, letting out a cry as it pushed its head, its wings, its legs, and finally its entire mass out of the paper. Not a single drop of the ink remained on the canvas of where the creation, once inanimate and lifeless, remained. This creation was a combination of an artist and his chakra.

The creature let out a low purr, awaiting orders, as Kakashi placed both the journal and the scrolls with it, and Jiraiya's letter in a bag which looped around on the creature's shoulders. Sai glanced at the creature, focusing his chakra, and said to the creature only the name: "Sasuke Uchiha" forming the image of the man within his mind, communicating with his creation.

It responded in acquiesce with a small nod. Then with a loud cry, it spread its wings, flew into the depths of Konoha, and out of the village.

They were supposed to get ready for bed now, but Inari, still happy at seeing one of the heroes of the Land of Waves again, just showed the Uchiha the many various fishing and construction tools lying around his room haphazardly. Like the blonde teammate of his past, they had no sense of cleanliness. But it seemed Inari's room was more orderly, with the stacked books and clothes on a rack, no doubt Tsunami attempted to instill a degree of order into his room as best as she could.

"And that's both my and grandpa's extra spare tools in case our original ones break! But I don't think we need them for a while. Just better in case, right?!"

Sasuke looked over the high quality tools with a nod.

Inari squinted curious eyes at the man. "So catching some criminals in the solo mission?"

No doubt the boy did his research of ninjas and their missions they partook in. He briefly wondered if Inari himself had any interest or desire to become a ninja but dismissed it. The boy was happy enough to be a fisherman and construction worker enough; the result of his father's and grandfather's legacy.

In any case, the boy's response was accurate. He was catching criminals. "Yes. I won't be done yet."

The boy grinned in response. "Cool! You get to travel around and see new places." A pout formed on the boy's face. "Getting kind of boring here. I want to go see Konoha. Grandpa and I have to finish with the buildings and towers around here first before we can go."

Sasuke glanced at the darkening skies out the window. "You should get to bed."

"Oops! I've been talking too much, haven't I?" The boy grinned sheepishly. "Good night, Big Bro Sasuke!"

Sasuke nodded, and exited the boy's room. The guest room was located straight down the hallway of the second floor, still in the very same location where he and his old team occupied for the duration of the mission.

Although the man wanted to prepare for bed, he felt no fatigue from his journey. He was far from tired. Maybe Tsunami had any more chores he could do? He still felt the need to repay them even more. Washing dishes and setting up the table was not enough.

He headed down the stairs, just seeing the image of Tsunami. Tazuna also entered, carrying his bottles of sake, all empty of the liquid. Despite the man's intoxicated state, he gave a wave to both his daughter and the Uchiha, stumbling slightly.

"Tsunami. Sasuke. I'm gonna hit the hay now. Good night."

Tsunami shook her head at her father's attitude, a smile creeping at the corner of her lips. Sasuke just gave another simple nod as response.

Tazuna's drunken smile formed on his face as he began to head up the steps until he paused. "Did anybody hear that?'

The answer came in response of a distant screech, growing louder.

Sasuke recognized it. He swiftly exited the house and watched as a white and black painting of a creature came down with a screech, landing in front of the Uchiha.

Sai. He knew the chakra painting could only be created and casted by the boy who was his replacement in his former team.

Both Tsunami and Tazuna followed out, along with the sound of footsteps, Inari did as well. The boy recognized the black and white creature, along with his grandfather

"Look! It's one of Mister Sai's creatures." So it seemed Inari and Tazuna possibly met the boy when they arrived to meet Naruto and company again.

The creature gave a bow to the Uchiha, dropping down and letting the rear end and backside of itself show. A pack, embroidered with the symbol of the Leaf on it.

Sasuke took the pack from its back, a nod to it, and the creature began to melt, losing shape and form until it was nothing more than a puddle of ink on the ground.

"Sasuke, what was that?!"

He didn't respond. Instead, looking down on the pack before he headed inside, the family followed suit.

"Found him. He received the pack."

Kakashi nodded. "Where was he?"

"Land of Waves. With the man Tazuna and his family."

Kakashi recognized the short description as soon as it left Sai's mouth. "Tazuna and his family?" He didn't think his former student would reside there nor the Land of the Waves itself for the time being of his exile but it seemed he did. It seemed that his student decided to stay in Wave for a temporary time in his exile.

It didn't matter. Their task was done. Now it was all left to Sasuke. "Very well, Sai. You may go now. Thank you, and good night."

The pale faced man gave a nod. "Good night, Kakashi." Then he was gone.

Kakashi looked over at his workplace, looking out into the moon lit and dark skies of Konoha. He saw the image of his former student in his mind's eye.

"Sasuke… Good luck."

Had a bunch of fun writing this. I know what I said about shorter chapters in my Fates: Revelations, but yeah, I wanted to move the plot forward as much as possible and this damn thing hasn't been updated since a year back and so and you guys deserve a long chapter as consolation anyway:

-Kiba vs Naruto rematch, but not a true one. Still, this was the rematch I felt should have happened in the anime, straight in some point after the Epilogue or in some filler. But it never did. So I took it upon myself to write it out. Hope you enjoyed that as much as I had writing it. I didn't want Naruto to dominate entirely, as much as powerful he is, but Kiba is not to be underestimated, and though yes, he's not a genius, he is smart in his own right and learning from his mistakes in his past fights, along with many others, would allow him to be more aware. This is also somewhat of a treat for Naruto, even though as the main focus of the story is Sasuke, Naruto will make occasional appearances for those who want him.

Also, Kiba. For those who like Kiba, yeah. He gets an appearance.

Naruto also receives news of Chrom's letter. As much as Naruto would be hesitant to admit it, he has COMPLETELY forgotten about Chrom and the Shepherds at Ylisse. Remember from the last chapter: he was focusing entirely on Sasuke and becoming stronger, not to mention the Akatsuki also attempting to capture him during Shippuden. Naruto mentioning Ylisse early on was during the early Shippuden the Kazekage's Rescue Arc after Naruto returns, which is why he can recount the tale. And, Jiraiya died during the Pain Arc. There was no way to get the letter to Naruto. And just soon after was the Five Kage Summit Arc and after that, the Fourth War. To summarize: Naruto had no time, along forgetting his friends from another realm. The many unknown Shippuden filler that also I have yet to watch are also included in there, if you want to push that fact.

Naruto's reaction is also there. Yes, this is what I believe would happen. Naruto would react furiously at the news of war, as he had himself just come out of one and believes that every nation working together would be the true way to peace. Hearing Ylisse going to war, it just only angers him.

Naruto also doesn't trust Orochimaru. It especially seems out of character, given what we see in Boruto, from where Naruto is mostly amicable with him, but there's a reason why. Think of it this way: Naruto didn't trust Orochimaru from the start. After what Orochimaru did over the course of the series, plus with his deeds and crimes committed, why should Naruto have any trust over him? Naruto should still be wary over Orochimaru. It will grow to what is shown in Boruto but as of the moment, Naruto is still wary over him like any other person. Yes, he helped assist the Shinobi Forces in the Fourth War, but how does that absolve you of your past crimes? He also still experimented on innocent people and attempted to take over Sasuke's body, two crimes by Naruto's own morals which Naruto would still have an issue against.

I would also argue that this is the same case with the entire Kage, minus Kakashi, to Sasuke. Think of it this way: Why would, after the entire Akatsuki group, all of whom were considerably S ranked rogue nins and was just for Madara to use to gather all the Bijuu, after of whom declared the Fourth war on all five Nations and planned to destroy the entire world, trust Sasuke who they see had nearly done almost entirely the same thing if it hadn't been for Naruto?

Chrom and the rest of the Shepherds have also yet to make an appearance and what state they're in is currently unknown. Do not worry, I will get to them next chapter. This is to set background information and the story.

Elemental Nations also know about Ylisse, and each village themselves have connections to the country or Plegia by their own Kage's admittance. As much as I want to, writing prequel one shots and short stories for the other Nations and how they interacted with Ylisse and Plegia, that is a story for another day. One that I will get to once I am finished with this story. Though I'm pretty sure you guys would like to see the Naruto training trip to Ylisse prequel to this story first before any of the other countries.

The Fire Daimyo is also an actual character in the series for those who are completely unaware. He appears in a few episodes of Shippuden as a minor character. Madam Shijimi is also an actual character, making her appearance in the early episodes of Naruto when Team 7 was assigned the Tora mission, hugging the cat, as she was the owner of Tora. They are not made up by me. Same with all the other Daimyos.

-Sasuke's first, last and only visit to the Land of Waves was not in the beginning. He actually visited the Land of Waves during a filler episode where Suigetsu told him he would join Sasuke at the start of Taka's formation if he would help him obtain the Executioner Blade. And he meets Tazuna, Tsunami, and Inari again which SHOULD'VE happened in canon, but never did. So what did I do? Make Sasuke visit the Tazuna family again.

Sasuke's personal Jutsu Kirin has never had an established origin, nor did we ever see the creation of the Jutsu during the time Sasuke was working with Orochimaru. So I decided to put the development of the Jutsu during Ylisse at a point during Sasuke's time there.

This also may or may not be the last chapter of Naruto and other characters that make an actual appearance. For now, the focus is primarily Sasuke and the Shepherds.

Next chapter should actually be arriving soon. Im finishing the remaining touches on it since its not up to standards. One benefit of not updating this over a year and working on it. :/