Konohagakure
The village was still clouded in a dark fog. Too many people lost their lives and so, the gloomy cloud stayed above, pouring grief to anyone who glanced into the heavens. Civilians and shinobi alike were born and became parents while Hiruzen reigned as Hokage and now, he had followed his predecessors and sadly, his successor. The loss of Minato was a dark chapter in the Hidden Leaf. At least, his was celebrated for saving the village from certain death.
Jiraiya had trotted through the streets, trying to measure the mood. The grieve burdened his shoulders. Sad faces walked the streets. He'd been forced to confront his dark thoughts. The misery that threatened his sanity. Seeing the village like this, reminded him of his failure. It had been just like this with Minato and now with his sensei. He failed both. He couldn't do anything and now, Orochimaru's blood was on his hands.
How many more tragedies would the village have to face before it crumbled under the pressure? They were resilient. Peace was only ever momentarily. He was conscious, that this was the mess of their own making. Orochimaru was twisted—and they didn't actively hunt him down. He could have done better. He should have. But as Naruto said, as long as he didn't do anything to Konoha, he was content. Perhaps a part of him also didn't want to have to kill a man he once considered a friend. That naivety has cost them dearly.
And now, Danzo sat behind the desk of the Hokage. The skeletons were buried. Some protected him. At any event, death sat in the office of the Hokage. Each night, it made plans for destruction, to paint the shinobi world blood red.
The sun had already disappeared. Its presence within the sky a mere memory, yet its lasting heat could still be felt. Shop owners were already pulling up the debri. Bodies were being removed while some wept, following after them. Others walked around, calling the names of their loved ones. Death truly did not discriminate.
Orochimaru's name would be cursed throughout the night. Tomorrow, if the Sandaime's memorial is held then, Danzo would play on the emotions of the villagers. He would play on their hatred, feeding it with the right fats to make it grow. That way, they would have the right appetite to be receptive of his cruel intentions.
Reality became clear as day to him, even as he made futile attempts to reject it. Even if he brought back Tsunade—it was unlikely she would unseat the Danzo. The War Hawk was rooted. Only death would have the power to separate him from that office. Worse, he didn't even think Tsunade would agree to come back.
Jiraiya put on an expressionless mask as he arrived at the Hokage'a office. Danzo was hard at work within the office. Root agents were already crawling within the Hokage tower, unseating all secrets the Sandaime held. Most likely, the Anbu would be sidelined from the most secretive duties they once conducted. At least for now.
"I should hope you didn't repeat the same mistake as Hiruzen." Danzo said, his voice cold. He didn't even bother to lift his eyes from the papers he was fondling.
Jiraiya stared at Danzo. He breathed out cold air as he calmed himself. He'd considered a snappy reply but it would achieve nothing. " I took care of things," the Sannin replied sharply, taking out a scroll. He placed it on the desk.
It was only then that Danzo lifted his head. His lone visible eye held Jiraiya's stare. "Good… and Naruto?" He asked, as if not completely satisfied with what Jiraiya had presented to him.
The question was nonetheless predictable. Danzo had always held an obsession for the power of the Kyubi. He'd tried all tricks possible from his dark arts books to get Naruto into his grasp. He only succeeded in driving the blond away from Konoha. And of course, he still blamed Hiruzen when it was a direct consequence of his scheming. Without the Third, if Naruto ever got captured, he would become the perfect weapon for Konoha. He was already a killing machine; wield the power of the Kyubi and he becomes chaos incarnate. Danzo would put him on a leash and send him to obliterate anyone he deemed an enemy of Konoha.
"I was only after Orochimaru."
Danzo didn't immediately reply. He was clearly thinking, debating whether to accept the response or not. "Eventually, he will need to be captured. We need the power of the Kyubi to face our enemies." His tone suggested he accepted Jiraiya's response.
"What enemies?" Jiraiya demanded with narrowed eyes, his voice was hard as steel.
"During the invasion, Kumo spies attempted to captured Hiashi's youngest daughter. We stopped them of course, but they made an attempt." Danzo replied in a casual manner despite his words.
Jiraiya frowned deeply. Wasn't it enough that he failed the last time around and now he wanted to tray again? The lust for power by the Raikage was sickening. He feared Danzo would use this as an excuse to wage war against the Cloud once Konoha was fully equipped to face such dangers.
Peace truly seemed like the fantasy of a child at this time. The wheels of the shinobi world spun slowly, showering them with happiness and security and then one day, gears just shifted in a blur and it put them through a grinding machine. Even as peace came, you knew, it was merely a reset—a calm before the bloody storm.
"Are we certain they are from Kumo?" Jiraiya asked, a part of him hoping Danzo would say he was mistaken.
"Yes." Danzo simply said without explaining. "They are not going to stop. I've sent the bodies to the Raikage. No message is needed to be said. The bodies will be loud enough," the war hawk said calmly. "More than not, the power of the Kyubi is needed. We will get the One-Tail from Suna and that will at least even things out. As things stand, the Raikage can threaten us with war. And we're worse than we were some years ago."
"Then why send the bodies?!" Jiraiya asked, a little exasperated by the war hawk, granted his admission that Kumo was in a stronger position.
"To tell him there is a change in leadership. Hiruzen'a naïve policies are over and nobody will bully the Leaf." Danzo said resolutely.
Jiraiya shook his head. He dreaded the future. Danzo was likely saying he would go down trying to stand up to bullies than allow the Leaf to fold in the same way it did when the Sandaime Hokage was still alive. The thought made him feel as if a brutal punch by Tsunade had just crashed into his chest. He was breathless for a second.
"I'll be gone by tomorrow to look for Tsunade."
"There are bigger issues than your former teammate." Danzo was aware the Sannin just wanted Tsunade to fight him for the position of Hokage. He really didn't consider it a threat because nothing was going to stand in his path. The Feudal Lord was merely going to rubber stamp the Council's decision.
"What?" Jiraiya stared blankly.
"Sunagakure of course. You need to be around tomorrow for when we hold a meeting to discuss a way forward. We disagree on many things but Konoha's safety is a priority…" Danzo stared at Jiraiya. "You would even leave before Hiruzen's memorial?"
"Bringing Tsunade back is a priority that ensures you don't start the Fourth Great Shinobi War."
"We're already at war!" Danzo exclaimed sharply. "Our village was invaded and we lost shinobi. We're at War with Suna and the Sound. And it is a war we will win, with or without you."
River Country
Kakashi's stomach clenched, as he resisted butterflies. The sight before him made him feel as if he was staring into a gruesome aftermath of a battle in war. Dry blood covered the ground like a mat. Bodies of shinobi were cut down. Hands, legs, some didn't even have their heads. Whoever dismembered them had done it out of personal reasons. This was just pure unadulterated hatred.
It was such images that reminded him of just how cruel the world of shinobi was. What if Sakura had been brought here? She would have puked her guts out. Or maybe, this was the same fate she would have faced because of his failure as a Jonin. War or not, the shinobi world remained a lethally dangerous place to live in. And not just for Genin but even for people like him.
He lifted his head. The rays of the sun shot through the gaps in the leaves. There wasn't any if that midday heat. Darkness would soon fall upon them. The dark sky would be as dark as the hearts of many of his fellow Konoha villagers.
"If they are dead, then the Sand Siblings have already crossed the desert," the Jonin said to Sai. That meant they had failed in their mission. A venture into the desert was simply a flirtation with death. Even Danzo saw this much.
"It would seem so," Sai nodded in agreement. "But who could have done it? They were not supposed to engage." The scene in front of him did nothing to his emotionless heart, even if they were his fellow Root agents.
"Wouldn't they have tried to engage to stall in case their targets were crossing into the desert?" If Kakashi hadn't lived it, he'd look with disbelief if someone told him that Sai had been his student. He now acted like the boss. He was still respectful, but positions were swapped. If one day, Danzo decided to get rid of him, Sai could even be the shinobi who tries to take him out.
What misery.
"A possibility."
"A failure then." Kakashi closed eyes visible eye, refusing to stare at the dismembered bodies once more.
"There are other ways to get the Jinchuriki out of Suna." Sai replied without worry. "With his power, we can't just decide to face him in the desert."
"Danzo didn't even order that." Kakashi added. "We should return immediately."
"You'll return alone. I have another mission," Sai replied with a slight shake of his head. "I'll take care of this."
What mission? Was he going to Suna? Kakashi wanted to ask but he decided it was best he didn't know. At least, there was no plot of treachery. He just hoped, this wouldn't get blamed on him. While Danzo valued his strength, Kakashi was certain the man would remove all shinobi he thought would get in the way of retaining control of the Leaf.
He was willing to assassinate the Sandaime to become Hokage. Kakashi wouldn't even be shocked if it became known that the War Hawk even conspired with Orochimaru. He was certainly prepared to assume leadership during the time Konoha was being invaded.
"Be safe out there." Kakashi found himself saying to Sai before turning his heels. He meant it. Sai had been his student at some point.
Sunagakure
Naruto felt like he was a withered plant; sucked dry by the sun while the soil denied request for food. There had been no where to run for shelter as the sun cooked them and sand storms threatened to bury them in the desert. How did these people even manage to tolerate this kind of environment? Naruto felt he would die if he had to withstand this for a whole week.
At any rate, they arrived at the village without any trouble. Tired, he still managed to stop and admire the gigantic rock formations that surrounded the village. How did one even infiltrate such a place? Naruto thought you couldn't sneak into the village while being visible. It shouldn't even be called the Hidden Sand. It wasn't hidden in any sand.
Shinobi were already upon them. Nobody did anything to them as Baki obviously commanded respect and there was the fear of Gaara. How did shinobi even live around here when they showed this much fear to the Jinchuriki?
"At least, it will be difficult to invade," Naruto said in a breathless voice. The desert remained Suna's greatest defense mechanism. "I don't even think Konoha can afford to launch an invasion. There will be a technical war nonetheless."
"Are you going to be staying here?" Temari asked Naruto with caution. He was still a stranger and she didn't trust him one bit—even though he saved her.
He had an agenda. And she didn't want to end up being used by anyone. He hadn't said much along the way. For now, she just wanted to go back home and rest. She didn't care for any other shinobi who would be returning behind them.
"Do I make you uncomfortable?" Naruto asked Temari with an amused look across his face.
"Yes." Temari replied in a flat tone.
Naruto barked in cold laughter. "You didn't even bat an eye," he said in amusement. "I did save you, remember?"
"I'm thankful." There was no emotion in Temari's voice—it was just flat. It made it hard to tell whether she was truly thankful.
"But we're not going to let you try to use us." Baki said in a cold tone. If he wasn't used to the fact that he didn't even see Gaara as a child, he'd find it difficult to believe that he was talking to a brat.
"Now that you're home, you're acting up," Naruto rolled his eyes. And then turned to Gaara. "What to you think?"
"I don't care."
"Ouch." Work had to be done on Gaara, but not now. There were other issues to deal with. "I'll be staying around for a couple of days to assess how things are. Don't worry though, I'm not a scheming individual."
Kankuro laughed coldly. "Yeah right," he said sarcastically.
"This is your home. If I try something, you can have me killed."
"And risk our village being destroyed?" Baki asked with a slight shake of his head. "You're a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. The shouldn't be competition between it and the One-Tail."
"I do not wish any of your deaths."
"I believe you on that," Baki said sternly. "Standing here won't change anything. I need to speak to the village Council and measures have to be taken to protect the village."
The streets were pregnant with doom and gloom. They knew; they knew their village had lost its leader and they had to flee from Konoha. The invasion turned into failure and treachery. An even worse future awaited them. There could be an invasion or another war. More loved ones would be killed. Anything could happen and such filled the street.
This was the kind of thing Madara wanted to run away from. He didn't want people to experience this foreboding emotion. He wanted perfect happiness. Off the bat, even as a child, Naruto could tell it was nonsense. But that was what Madara wanted—a world nobody suffered but dreams came to reality. It was truly, the stuff of dreams. Ironic.
"Still, this feels a little nostalgic," Naruto said, looking into the eyes of those who stared at Gaara with hatred. "Sure, in my case, I really didn't do anything, but it is the same looks."
He really was from Konoha. Temari had found it hard to reconcile. But not anymore. He helped them. And if he was saying that, then he must hold some negative emotions toward the village. He was just like her brother. Gaara was of course hated because of the rampages he caused when he failed to control Shukaku, and if Naruto was right, they simply hated him for being a Jinchuriki. He was nonetheless someone who could speak to her brother in the same level.
Temari felt hope filter into her heart. "Aren't you just going to make things worse for us by being here? We could still blame Orochimaru for everything."
"If it was someone else as Hokage, then you'd be fine. But Danzo is a War Hawk. As soon as Konoha regains its strength, he'll be causing havoc. The Sandaime was naïve. Danzo is not and will pull any trick necessary. He will not forgive you. Don't be surprised to find some shinobi trying to blow up the Kazekage tower or even Iwa shinobi causing problems."
"Why would Iwa cause problems for us?"
Baki smiled. "I think he is saying Danzo is a master of dark arts that he'll dress Konoha shinobi as those belonging to Iwa." The old trick known to shinobi. It was a tactic that has been overused. But in the right moment, it was effective. "Then we must be extra careful with everything. But I still want to hope that they'll accept that we were tricked by Orochimaru. It is an undeniable fact."
"Oh, you'll learn that eventually, with Danzo, facts mean nothing when he has an agenda."
"You seem confident."
"I am from Konoha."
Hidden Leaf
Kakashi thought Sai had sent a report to Danzo about the mission as the man didn't even seem surprised to hear his report.
"You took your time returning."
Kakashi shrugged with indifference. What was the hurry? Besides, there could have been still enemy shinobi along the way. Speeding through the Fire Nation would have just placed him in a dangerous situation as he was alone. "I judged the situation to require a cautious approach. I didn't want to run into Suna shinobi unprepared."
He had work ahead of him if he was going to shape up Konoha shinobi. Kakashi was once effective. But the ideas of the Sandaime ruined him. "Who do you think killed them?"
The Jonin shook his head. "I cannot tell." Whoever it was, Kakashi didn't want to face him in battle. "It could've been Baki. Aside from him, I don't know any other shinobi from Suna who is capable of such action."
"There might be other parties involved or something Suna is hiding from us," Danzo said a tone that made it difficult to tell whether he was displeased or not. "Whatever the case, we will find out. You must prepare yourself for the Sound."
The hell was about to begin and there was nothing he could do about it. Kakashi despaired at the thought of going around nations, killing innocent people all in the name of conquest. But once the Hokage spoke, every shinobi had to follow the orders. When has it that shinobi rebelled against their Kage? What would Minato sensei even say about this? The Sandaime would surely toss and turn in his grave if he found out his village was now turning into the path of war.
But at least, he had allowed many to enjoy peace. They would always have those days, but for now, they had nothing. It was just going to be death and pain.
"I have already sent a team to scout the country. We don't want important documents Orochimaru left behind getting lost." There were valuable experiment research material that would benefit Konoha greatly. Danzo wasn't going to let those go to waste. He would continue a program in his watch. There were always orphans and willing tools who could be nurtured. "Once they are clear, you'll be departing."
"Hai." Kakashi said and then asked. "I presume Orochimaru is dead."
"Yes." Danzo leaned back on his chair and made hand motions. Two of his personal guards appeared in the office, and flanked Kakashi.
The Jonin outwardly didn't react but inwardly, he was fearful. Danzo had just told him to prepare for an invasion, he wouldn't try to kill him, would he? Of course, he couldn't try to fight—doing so would make him an enemy of the Leaf. The man might just claim he tried to assassinate him. Not many would believe it, but it wouldn't matter. Kakashi would rather meet his end than live the life of a rogue shinobi.
Maybe he would meet his father. The situation was truly bleak if he was thinking like this. How things quickly unfolded though. A week ago, it seemed well, but now, his life was under threat by his Kage. Had he been a weaker shinobi, be might not have even returned from his mission.
"Danzo-sama?" The Jonin asked in a measured tone. "If there is something you want, you can ask."
Danzo shook his head. "You betrayed me once, I can't trust you."
Kakashi eye smiled. The Sandaime's choice was going to nail him. No, he had condemned the Leaf by not having Danzo executed for planning treason. And now, he had to pay the price.
"I don't plan on saying anything to anyone. It wouldn't make Konoha peaceful and would just destabilize things. Now more than ever, the village needs to be united," the Jonin tried to reason with the War Hawk.
"I believe you," Danzo replied in a flat tone. "I have already ensured the others can't talk. The same will be done for you. You can do so willingly, or I will force you. A powerful shinobi, but if you can't be useful, your sharingan will be given to someone useful."
This was the life now; Danzo's way or death.
Kazekage Tower
Baki heaved a heavy sigh as he stood before Suna's Council. 'Let the misery begin,' he thought mildly. They hadn't wasted seconds before summoning him upon his return. Things were delicate—Suna was without a leader. But at the moment, they ran the village and he thought, it might not be to the ground. At the very least, the siblings would only be awaited by doom and gloom. Perhaps they might have been better left off not even returning. Yet, where would they run to? From whom would they seek refuge? They would be hunted down, not just by Konoha but by Suna as well.
Things could truly escalate in the blink. One moment he was killing Konoha shinobi, holding into a thread of hope, and the next it was a free fall off the edge of a cliff. He should have been drowning. He was still alive—dreadfully anticipating tomorrow.
He couldn't close his eyes and wish everything away. He had to face the ugliness of the situation they dragged themselves into. Curse that Orochimaru. He should have seen everything. But he was blind in loyalty and with false dreams. Perhaps it was the desperation of their situation. It wasn't like Sunagakure was sitting atop of a gold mine. They were slowly matching toward a slow death and their only way out had been treachery. It was a misguided calculation that has just escalated they doom.
Once more, he cursed Orochimaru and hoped he could get hold of him. Yet, even in his fantasy, he was hopelessly aware, he had neither ability nor means to make the Sannin pay. He just hoped, Konoha made him pay.
"How bold of you to return with such failure."
Those cold words hit Baki like a sharp knife but he didn't flinch. "There was no other option but to retreat. Should we have rather stayed in Konoha to be slaughtered?"
"Where is your pride as a shinobi?"
"I stand here today because of that pride as a shinobi."
"You and Rasa have failed this village and brought it to its knees. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Konoha suffered greatly in the Third War. The Kyubi rampage those years ago dealt with them great damage and yet you couldn't win even with a Bijuu on your side?!"
Was he now being blamed for the failure? Weakened, but Konoha was still a great power. He realized that in battle. Maybe this people couldn't see that. Or maybe they could and just wanted someone to blame for the invasion. They'd supported it and now they acted like they knew nothing. Politics was a brutal game.
"We lost. I admit this much. But we're still alive and we should be looking toward tomorrow. You can have me hanged if you want, but I don't think Suna can afford that at the moment."
"How do we go forward when you have brought that demon back to us!?"
"Who is going to control him now when he goes out of control?"
"You know Rasa was the only one who kept him line!"
"Without Rasa you have condemned this village!"
Nothing surprising; Baki didn't even flinch under the barrage. "That demon is most likely the only reason Konoha isn't marching toward us now." Baki replied in a sharp tone.
"What your tone, Baki."
"We received a message from Konoha. Konoha demands both yours and Gaara's heads and there will not be an invasion. We would have to follow them, but Suna survives. We survive. If we refuse, Konoha invades. That Orochimaru tricked us doesn't matter to them. What do you think is the best course of action?"
"You have already made a decision." Baki said in a blank expression. Of course, they would hand him over without blinking. Konoha wanted to remove Suna's best assets. That way, it would be easier to control the village. Worse, the excuse he'd been banking on had been tossed to the side. Naruto was right, Danzo didn't care. Naïve of him to even think there would be a way out.
It was either they made the sacrifices, look toward subservience to the Leaf or destruction.
"Yes. But we can't take Gaara. You have to take him out of the village and sent him to the Leaf. Because he might resist going alone, it would be better to take him with his sister. If anything happens to her, Konoha can be blamed."
"This is the only way we can save the village."
"You mean it is the only way you can save yourself?"
"Who dares?!" One of the Council members stood up, banging the table as he looked around.
Baki recognized Naruto's voice. The blond had said he was tired. How had he even gotten inside the room? There were guards outside standing guard to ensure nobody intruded. Had he somehow intruded without even making the Guards go on alert?
"Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto stepped out of the darkness, a smile on his face.
"Apprehend him Baki!"
"I'm afraid I don't have the ability."
"Do you refuse orders of the Council? We will have you branded as a traitor to the village!"
Baki held back a cold laughter. Did that really matter? They were going to hand his head over to Konoha in a silver platter. If they branded him traitor, it would only extend his life for a little bit.
"Orders are orders," he finally said grimly.
Naruto stared at the Jonin coldly. He didn't say anything but slowly walked over to the round table. It was deathly quiet because his killing intent was leaking. The Council members were rooted to their seats. There was just a thin tension in the room that threatened to explode in the blink of an eye.
"You choose servitude when you sponsored the invasion. You have no desire of what is best for the village but only think about yourself. As a result, I have decided none of you are worthy to lead this village," he stopped behind one of the elders.
"Who do you think are you tell—"
Bam
Blood splattered all over the table and onto others when Naruto brutally slammed one of the Councilors head into the table. The head didn't shatter, but Councilor died in an instant, the table breaking with him.
"Ahhh!" One of them cried in fear. "Protect us Baki! I order you to protect us! Where the hell are the Shinobi? Are you working with him?!"
Baki didn't reply because Naruto spoke.
"There are seven of you alive now. I'll kill five more of you. Two of you will become my tools for your wisdom and legitimacy. We don't want shinobi rebelling." He proceeded to bash five heads into the table while Baki stood motionlessly.
What could he do in this situation? He was powerless and he didn't want to risk his life needlessly. It was apparent if Naruto thought he was getting in the way, he too would be dead. He had a village and students to protect. He didn't close his eyes but just watched. He was certain the remaining two had pissed on themselves. They were now begging to be spared, promising to make Naruto Kazekage and support him with everything, even writing to the Wind Lord to acknowledge him. It was pathetic that Baki thought of killing them himself.
Naruto's Sharingan turned into the Mangekyo and within a minute, the Councilors had quieted down.
Naruto folded his hands behind him and then walked toward him, with an expressionless mask on his face.
"Distasteful, huh?"
Baki had nothing to say to that. "Why? What do you plan on doing?"
"Suna will not become subservient to the Leaf. I will build this nation to greatness." He glanced at the table. "Those five shall be branded as traitors who worked with Orochimaru. Nothing will happen to their families, unless they decide to turn on us. Let us go to the office of the Kazekage."
Baki nodded and walked slowly behind Naruto, and the two Councilors following quietly behind the. The shinobi who were supposed to guard them were still standing there. And blinked with surprise when they saw Naruto. Baki stared at them coldly making them flinch—they were useless.
"Why didn't you attack me?" Naruto asked curiously.
"You're a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. You took down Gaara just by looking at him." Baki replied with a cold laugh. "I'm as good as dead, but it doesn't mean I wont cling onto any hope. You look like just another brat, but you're still a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. If you stand with Gaara, we can protect Suna."
"Oh? So, you're only thinking about what is best for Suna?"
"Yes."
"But if you suspect I'm leading you to doom?"
"I'll attack you. Of course, I'm here now because I'm feeling a little bit selfish. I don't really want to die just like that."
"Death is the end of it all. People who commit acts of violence but still cling onto life are the most dangerous people. After all, they'll betray anyone just to stay alive." Naruto stopped as they arrived in the Kazekage's office. "But you're not that kind of man, are you Baki?"
"No." He said and then opened the door. Naruto and the Councilors stepped inside. He shut the door behind and faced the blond.
"You will become Godaime Kazekage. On your first duty, it is to declare those I killed as traitors. Your second duty is to write to Konoha and tell them that their demands are rejected. You're open for a peaceful resolution. But if Konoha wants to blame someone, they must blame Orochimaru."
"That is only going to make them angry."
"I know." Naruto replied with a smile. "We shall see how they react. Don't worry, if they try to attack, Sasori will rewrite history once more and paint the desert in Konoha's blood."
Ah, he was on collision course with Itachi. But the situation couldn't be helped. Danzo was Hokage and the man would want chaos.
"You know Sasori?"
"Of course I do… I consider him a friend." Naruto replied, shutting both his eyes. "I'm going to rest. You will formalize everything and you need not worry about the Wind Lord."
Kazekage Residence
Temari stared at Naruto with an expressionless mask. Shinobi were truly animals. In the eyes of a civilian, he was just a harmless child. If they saw him smiling and laughing, they'd think he was nothing like her brother. Reality was however different—he was much worse than her brother and she wasn't just saying that because she was biased. Her brother was capable of just about anything and had general indifference. She could say he wasn't conscious of some of his actions. He'd never been taught any better but knew to kill to survive. It may sound like an excuse, but Temari would defend her brother and make excuses of him if anyone had something bad to say about him.
Naruto was a different beast. He knew hatred like her brother and they were of the same age, but they didn't think alike. Naruto was conscious of everything he did. If he snapped someone's neck, he knew there would be others who would be sad and the consequence of such actions. Her brother wasn't capable of such thought process. The line between friend or family, right or wrong was blurred for him.
This animal was sitting in her house. It was the second day now. He hardly moved out. He expressed contempt for the storm that graced the village yesterday. He was sitting in a meditative position, with chakra visible to the naked eye around him. She was standing by the door in the room he used for meditation, hands folded across her chest.
"It's a little difficult to focus when someone is staring at you." Naruto said without opening his eyes, or lifting his face.
Temari shrugged. She honestly didn't care if she disturbed him. His presence in her house was disturbing for her. "How long do you plan to stay here?"
"You want to get rid of me already?"
"No… that's not what I'm saying."
"Oh?"
Temari felt uncomfortable speaking to him while he kept his eyes closed. She wouldn't mind staring at those hypnotic eyes. She was already over any fear of being trapped in a genjutsu already and was no longer conscious of the fact that he could put her under an illusion just by looking at her.
"You're creeping me out by talking like that. Can you just open your eyes?"
Naruto laughed at those stern words. Temari was different from Ajisai. She inserted herself and expressed her opinions. She was like the storms that occasionally washed over the Sand. Ajisai was a gentle soul, a kind girl. Perhaps he would send for her to be sent to the village once things have settled.
"Is that how you speak to someone who has made your life simple? You can walk around without any fear now… because of me."
"For now. I doubt I could leave this village without being afraid of capture by Konoha." Temari replied sharply. At this rate, she would have to avoid the Fire Nation when necessary. If she had to go, staying away from the path of Konoha shinobi was a priority.
Naruto opened his left eye and stared at Temari's figure. She stood there, hands folded, trying to impose something on him. She was never the small person and always tried to be the big sister, even to Gaara. It was amusing, given the latter's attitude. But as he was learning, some family bonds couldn't be broken by anything.
"Well, I don't think that is entirely on me. You're the one who went to Konoha and invaded the village."
Temari shot him a cold glare. "You say it like I had a choice."
"You seemed eager for it."
"I thought it was good for Sunagakure." Temari replied with a shrug. She pointed her index finger toward him. "Besides, we could have been in a better position if you didn't interfere with things."
Naruto raised an eye brow. Sure, if Gaara had transformed, there would have been much destruction. In fact, the Leaf would have been greatly weakened that he might have felt sorry for it. Even Itachi would consider breaking out of his mask to return to service.
"So you would've been happy to watch your beloved brother go on a rampage like a demon in the Leaf?"
"That's not what I am saying!" If Temari had a fan, it would have been bouncing off Naruto's head. He was twisting her words for his amusement. She could hear the laugh he was holding back as she stared at him. "I really don't like you."
"Well, get used to me… and you better start addressing me as Naruto-sama. I'm going to be staying here for foreseeable future." Naruto said, his voice dripping with amusement.
Temari scoffed. "In your dreams. I'd take my chances in Konoha than start calling you that."
"I can still order Baki to send you to Konoha," Naruto said in a serious tone. "As you're now, you're of no use to me. But in Konoha, you'd be useful. The Leaf lacks wind users. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to make you start popping wind users for them as soon as it is safe to do so. That would lessen my problems."
Temari felt a chill down her spine, as she thought of the dreadful scenario. She'd slit her throat than end up being used like that. It was really tough being a woman in a man's world. Still, Naruto was younger than her and some of the things he said frightened the happiness out of her.
"You shouldn't say such things carelessly."
Temari was startled and nearly twirled around Gaara sneaked in behind her. She hadn't even heard or sensed him. Nothing much had changed—he just didn't threaten everyone and was a lot quieter.
"You startled me…" she said awkwardly. It was hard to have a normal conversation with him.
Gaara only glanced at Temari for a second before looking into the room. He still wanted to fight Naruto but the blond had declined, saying it was unnecessary. He chose against forcing things—for his own safety. It brought out a bit of madness out of him when he recalled just how frightening the blond could be. One should run from that kind of danger, but his madness wanted to run after it.
"Why not? It is reality."
"I might be inclined to think you're considering it and my reaction will not be good for you."
Naruto laughed in response. "That is some way of expressing things," he said. "But what can you do? There is no one in this village who has the power to stop me. If I wanted, I could level this village and you wouldn't have the power to stop me."
"Try it." Gaara said in a calm tone that it scared Temari.
Naruto waved his right hand. "I'd rather not. People pull tricks while backed against a corner," he said with a smile. His visible eye turned toward Temari for a second before shutting it. His face turned to Gaara once more and asked. "Can I assist you?"
"I was just passing by," Gaara said. "Don't make yourself too comfortable. If you do anything that threatens this village, I will stop you."
"This village hates you. Some people even run from you."
"With reason."
The indifference in Gaara's tone made it laughable. But Naruto did not laugh. The levels of hatred were not the same. With Gaara's situation, there was just a level of fear that gripped the village to its core.
The Jinchuriki didn't linger around; he walked away without another word.
"At least he acknowledges you as his sister," Naruto said to Temari.
"Yeah," Temari replied with bitterness. "Did you have to say that?"
"I could have said worse," Naruto shrugged. "I'll leave any day now. There are things to do. I just wanted to wait until things stabilized. But I'll return, armed to fulfill my vow to Baki."
Baki had told her what Naruto did. It was at that moment that she realized that she was living in his world and he was fully in control of things. He didn't seem to have any interest in how the village is run, but she was certain, soon enough, he would be poking his nose into things. Temari didn't want Suna become a play thing for someone who had a score to settle with Konoha.
"There isn't stability?"
"We view things differently. Baki is Kazekage. What awaits is his coronation. The shinobi fully support him and my hand is invisible. That is stability. The feelings of fear and loss require time." It wouldn't have been good if it looked like Baki was just a mere puppet. The man was capable and the village would agree that he was best suitable for being Kazekage. Even better, he was Gaara's sensei. They at least hoped he would be able to keep the Jinchuriki under control.
Naruto slowly got up and walked toward Temari with both eyes just about partially opened. He stopped beside her. "Walk with me."
Temari looked down at him. "Why do I have to walk with you?"
"I'm your guest and I'd like to visit Baki. If you don't want, you can refuse," Naruto then shrugged with indifference. "But I hope you don't refuse."
Temari was hesitant to be walking around with this person. But he was obviously going to be around the village—she may as well get along with him. Being powerful was a joy, wasn't it? A six year old could rule over thousands. Power was everything. Without it, it was just suffering and death.
She followed after him in silence. The streets were still under a dark cloud over their uncertain future. Anything could happen. Konoha could launch an invasion. Even Iwagakure to rewind the past.
She glanced at Naruto through the corner of her eyes as they made their way toward the Kazekage tower. He had his hands folded on his back, eyes fully opened. The aura around him was just deadly, yet he seemed so open for any attack.
"If you have something on your mind, say it." Naruto said in a quiet voice, his eyes shutting.
"Why do I really have to walk with you? It's frustrating that I can't even read your mind!" She exclaimed before quickly getting hold of her emotions. "I really want to know what we are dealing with."
"It's preferable when people aren't able to read your mind." Naruto said with a smile. What was the fun in things when everything was so predictable? Sometimes, it was necessary to be able to read other thing. Sometimes, not knowing was part of the fun. He wasn't here for enjoyment; he was on a mission that could shape the very foundations of the shinobi world. "I thought maybe we could get along. I don't have a lot of friends and I'm trying to experience what it is like to be alive."
"Are you dead?"
"Some part of me."
"You could be friends with Gaara."
Naruto replied with a cold laughter. "Does he look like he wants friends?" Temari was obviously different from her brother—at least in the eyes of Suna. Back in Konoha, it had been difficult to tell the difference given her cold indifference to the pain of others. Then again, 'bad company does corrupt good company.'
Temari shrugged. "I don't want to be your friend."
"Really."
"Do I have to repeat myself?"
Naruto shook his head with disappointment. "A pity," he said. "Sibling love is a curious thing, isn't it? This village could attempt to burn Gaara and you'd defend him till your last breath even if he was wrong. Love makes people do something crazy things…" He wanted to experience this emotion. He had no siblings but there were other types of love that existed. Nothing could really beat the raw feelings a man felt in his heart—either be love or hatred.
"He is my brother."
"And that is the only requirement. I envy you people some times. You've experienced all kinds of emotions… to have a father and a mother. Your mother died early, so perhaps it is wrong to put her in that bracket. But still, you've had family." He had the Kyubi and the cold embrace of loneliness.
"Some fathers are better not being there at all," Temari replied coldly.
A curios thing but Naruto chose not to ask about it. He was silent along the way, until they reached the Kazekage tower. The place was busy. Obviously, shinobi were doing periodic reports on the situation in the borders of the country.
Baki looked as if he'd aged a decade since yesterday. He didn't look like he'd even slept in a while. Being a leader was surely hard. It was always a sacrifice for the greater good of the village to the expense of everything that didn't align with that will. Sometimes, that included even family. As it was in the case of the Uchiha massacre.
"It seems you're holding down the fort well enough," Naruto said in a casual tone.
Baki lifted his face and stared at Naruto for a moment before glancing at Temari. His students would be fine. He would be fine. But whether Suna would be fine was another matter. The financial situation of the village was bleak. They'd used what little they had for the fruitless invasion. And now, deep holes had been punctured into village finances.
"Just barely," he replied to Naruto while leaning on his chair. His face displayed weariness. None of which was evident in his voice—it remained resolute as steel.
"Well, you just had a failed invasion and the village was already limping. It now has both legs chopped off. You must drag it, while repairing both legs. Stand still to repair, and the enemy will catch up and finish you off."
"That makes it even harder," Baki replied. He swallowed a lump on his throat and glanced at Temari once more. "It seems your training will have to take a back seat for now. It is not desirable since we have to prepare everyone for war."
"Are really going to war?" Temari asked in a fearful voice.
"I don't know," Baki shook his head. "But it is likely we will head to war or at least our relationship with Konoha will not be repaired for the foreseeable future."
"As long as Danzo remains Hokage."
"We can't do anything about that."
But Naruto could—he just wasn't going to do anything. He could even connive with Madara to disturb things in the Hidden Leaf. He just had no desire for it. "Indeed," he smiled nonetheless. "Have they responded?"
"No. I'm not really looking forward to their response."
"Nothing pleasant."
"Especially for you."
Naruto raised an eye brow and then laughed when it clicked. "You told them about me," he said. "Well, it is fine. It will take the heat off Amegakure. I'd rather not be displeasing God by inviting trouble to his village. You can count me as a shinobi of this village."
"I did exactly that. I told them that you had become a shinobi of Suna." It was to put up some buffer of strength in his words. With two Jinchuriki with them, not even the likes of Iwagakure would be brave enough to venture through the desert.
"I'm going to become a wanted man. To think this much danger would be attracted," Naruto shook his head. "Well, as long as it helps you. What else can I do to alleviate the burden? I should leave either tonight or by tomorrow morning."
Baki held his hands together while he dug into his thoughts. "How long will you gone?"
"I don't know. Why?"
"Shinobi have to be prepared. I must admit, we're a weak village with few renowned shinobi. I can't oversee training of some elite shinobi because of my duties."
"You killed Pakura on your own accord."
"My predecessor made the call." Baki replied with a shrug.
"I'll come back when I can. There are a few things I have to do…"
"What of the Wind Lord?" Without the Wind Lord, Baki thought the village wouldn't pull through. Military strength functioned with money. Without money, skilled shinobi would go rogue.
"I'll deal with it before I leave this dusty country. You can be assured, the Wind Lord will support you and the missions he was giving to Konoha will come back. But of course, you can't charge exorbitant fees for them as your predecessor was doing."
"How sure are you that you can solve the issue with the Wind Lord?"
"Stupid question."
Baki smiled. "If support comes, I think I can pull through."
"You should consider improving relations with all your bordering countries… Starting with the River. The ones who sit between you and the Earth shouldn't be impossible to work it." Naruto closed his eyes and then spoke in a cold tone. "Although you fled, it is better to rewrite events and say your truth. Admit invasion, but deny failure. Say you succeeded, and didn't even have to use the power of your Jinchuriki. But justify your actions by using Orochimaru and your Kazekage's death. That way, you appear strong while also managing to look blameless to your neighbors."
Temari laughed upon hearing the words from Naruto. "That's a nice way to dress up what happened."
"Doesn't matter. History is only written by those who are alive. By acting defeated, you weaken your bargaining power. Shamelessly proclaim success. And then they question you, ask why the Leaf isn't even launching an attack."
"That'll only make things worse."
"Wait until you receive their response. If it is war, you go on the war information. It will be necessary and will make it easier to talk to the small nations," Naruto replied with a slight wave of his right hand. "I'll provide Intel on potential enemy movements and ways to sabotage things."
Konohagakure no Sato
The Sandaime was buried in peace. Kakashi had thought the magnitude of the sadness would bring dark clouds over the village. But nothing has loitered above. The skies remain clear with the sun pouring out its light. It wasn't in fullness, just enough.
When the dead were buried, some men rose from the ashes. In this dreadful scene, Danzo rose from the ashes, and with vengeance. Without question, he considered Suna's invasion as an act of blasphemy. Sooner or later, they would come into blows and Danzo was determined to crush the Sand. Of course, he blamed the Sandaime just as much. He didn't say it in so much words. Konoha loved the Third. The villagers wouldn't tolerate anyone speaking ill of him—especially with him dead in the service of the village. The man came out of retirement to lead the village. His service was exemplary.
Kakashi stared at the stone where his sensei was buried. How things could have been if he hadn't died that night. Perhaps even the Uchiha massacre wouldn't have happened. Minato was quick. Kind but he did what had to be done.
He glanced at his left; Jiraiya was walking toward him. The man no longer had the grace and happiness he once carried. You could see a dark cloud following over him as he walked. It wasn't just the death of the Sandaime that rained on him but Konoha's future under Danzo. For most people, there was no danger and things were moving as they should. Some were tired of war and some desired for it. Such were the divergent views of Shinobi.
"You heard?" the Sannin asked him in a grim tone.
Who hadn't heard? Danzo was spreading it like a wild fire. Kakashi thought the man was a little too gleeful about the announcement. It only twisted the hearts of Konoha. Some still lived in their hateful dreams of the Kyubi. Danzo had been clear—Hiruzen loved Naruto and gave him everything. And yet, he abandoned Konoha and now conspires with the Sand. He'd even suggested that maybe it had been the plan all along. To get his revenge on Konoha. The message was clear; Naruto is an enemy with enough motive to harm the village.
"It caught me by surprise." Jiraiya admitted, smiling a bit. At such a young age, the blond was capable of some outstanding things.
"But it effectively means Danzo can't recklessly think of invading Sunagakure." The Sand and Shukaku were already an obstacle that would make just anyone think twice but add the Kyubi and even the most hawkish would blink.
"Yeah," Jiraiya fell silent for a couple of seconds before speaking again. "I really can't tell what he is thinking. Worse, it also seems Danzo is going to be Hokage and there is nothing we can do about it."
"He wouldn't have made such a move knowing there was a chance of failure," Kakashi replied with a heavy sigh. "We can only follow orders and hope for the best."
That was the difficult part. "I'm going to leave the village to look for Tsunade."
"You think you can convince her this time around?"
Jiraiya smiled thinly. "I'm hoping I can reason with her," he said. The fact that Danzo had now become Hokage could become another stumbling block. If she wanted to come back, he'd be back already. The news of the invasion has surely traveled far and fast. "Don't get yourself killed while I'm away."
Kakashi chuckled. "I'll try not to."
A Week later, Amegakure
Whether it was morning or afternoon, it was difficult to tell with the downpour and the dark clouds over the sky. With the Sharingan, he could see the chakra raining down the streets. Nagato surely went through extreme methods in order to protect the Hidden Rain. The village missed having the sun light. How could children play in the streets when puddles of water decorated them? He wasn't even going to let it up now with the trouble from Konoha. But Naruto was sure his movement to Suna would lessen the burden. The last thing he wanted to do was to ruin his relationship with Nagato—and the delightful Konan.
He didn't care about getting soaked. He strolled through the rain until he reached his destination—the tower of the God of Peace. He always thought of it with amusement.
He was disappointed when he found Madara waiting for him along with the leaders of the village. He should have expected the man to show up. Zetsu must have informed him of his movements toward the village. He sighed inwardly and mentally prepared himself for anything that may befall on him. At least, he knew, it wasn't death. If anything, the man would just watch with glee as his plans fell apart. Naruto had not seen anyone as helpless as Madara.
Naruto walked over to the balcony and stared down at the street before turning back to face Madara. "You'll be pleased to know that Orochimaru is dead. I didn't do the deed myself, but he is dead."
"I've heard that you've also taken charge of Suna." Madara replied in a calm tone, his visible eye peering into Naruto curiously.
Obito knew he had no control over Naruto. He sometimes thought bringing the blond over was a mistake. Naruto did as he pleased—sometimes for his amusement and other times because he was just curious about the world that hated him. Still, at the end of the day, he would walk over both Uzumaki.
"The Suna Jinchuriki would've been in danger of being taken by Konoha. With Danzo in charge, he was going to take him and then seal the Bijuu into someone he could control. No doubt, the person would be kept a secret," Naruto said with a shake of his head. "Worse case scenario, he would have settled for just killing him. At least now, I'm closer to him."
"Then you'll have no problem in being the one to capture him once we begin."
"No…"
"But why Suna?" It was Nagato who asked. "What do you hope to achieve in the village? "
"Who knows?" Naruto shrugged, smiling a bit. He turned away from the adults and leaned over the balcony, staring down at the street once more. "I just thought it would be fair to do things that way. Besides, without me, Suna would have given up. War would have been upon us."
"Back to its dark past," Nagato said, with barely hidden contempt. "Having control over one of the Great Five will make things simpler for us."
"That remains to be seen," Madara said. "What of your other reasons?" He asked Naruto knowing the blond only said things they wanted to hear.
Naruto glanced at the man through the corner of his eyes. "I just want to see the ugly nature of the shinobi world. If we're going to war, then so be it. If there is war, it means capturing the Bijuu will be easy. And they're not going to form an alliance. They'll even suspect each other. In their eyes, the Akatsuki is no more than a mercenary group."
"I hope in your little games, you do not forget the most important thing. I'll leave you alone for now. But when time arrives to move, you'll be the first to attack."
"Of course." As Naruto replied, Madara started to disappear in a black swirl. Once he was gone, Naruto let loose of a cold breath and then turned around, smiling. "I was wondering when he'd leave."
"How did you even come under him?" Konan asked curiously. "He being here just shows you seem to do as much as you please."
"Konoha hatred… besides, I'm a child. I'm still curious about the world. I desire to experience what happens when you poke into certain area." He wanted to learn through experience. Nothing taught people better lessons than the pain through their bodies. Shinobi grew threw such harsh lessons.
"Be careful you do not get lost in the way."
"Isn't getting lost part of life?" Naruto asked. "Humans are not perfect creatures. We stumble a little, sometimes trip over things of our making. But that is how we learn," he said before getting into the reason he came. "I wanted to check if Konoha had sent any threat to you. Switching allegiances should mean they back off a little."
"We caught someone from the Hidden Leaf. He was sent by Danzo to discover things about us."
"Predictable from Danzo. He is dead, I presume."
"Yes… I wanted to know what Danzo knows from him and what he plans on doing. We now know he will always be suspicious because his friend was killed. But it does seem there isn't much he plans on doing. If you move Suna, he should turn his focus there," Nagato replied.
Naruto nodded. "Then I have not brought you a problem. I'd worried about that," he admitted. "But as things are now, there shouldn't be worries. I'll keep away and stay in the Sand for the foreseeable future. There is work to be do e in that village."
For now, he had a meeting with Itachi.
Root Base
Danzo stood still, his hand gripping his walking stick tightly. In front of him, within the base, four members of his organization lay dead. Six more surrounded him in case there was an enemy attack.
He didn't feel the slightest bit of anger at his subordinates being killed but felt wariness over the fact that they were killed without any alarms going off. Someone skilled had done this. Was it Itachi? Not many knew about this base. Could it be the that the Uchiha was giving him a warning to stay away from his brother? He couldn't order his agents to go look for Sasuke and leave himself unprotected.
Footsteps echoed from behind. The silence and the bodies made the echo a little daunting. Everyone tensed as they turned around to face the intruder. It was a masked man with a lone Sharingan clearly visible.
Danzo narrowed his eyes at the enemy. This was a person he didn't know and he was certain it wasn't Itachi.
"I've been waiting for you, Danzo."
"Who are you?" Danzo asked with narrowed eyes. Despite the situation, he remained absolutely calm.
"Uchiha Madara."
"Madara is dead." Danzo replied with certainty.
"But I am right here," Obito replied casually. "I've already taken Sasuke. He will be going training under me. You'll not say anything about this."
"Why wouldn't I do that? Even if you're Madara, I cannot let you leave this place."
"If you allow anyone to know that I have taken Sasuke, word spreads in the village that you're the one who killed Shisui. And have his eye. You took it and manipulated Itachi to massacre his clan because you felt threatened by the Uchiha. I imagine once word picks up, Jiraiya will be forced to make you remove your bandages. When that happens, you'll lose your throne. I can even make it known that you tried to kill the Sandaime before and conspired with Orochimaru for the invasion once your bandages are removed. Konoha will surely turn on you.
"You'll surely try to escape, but—" Obito walked over, cutting the distance between him and the group. "You have enemies outside of Konoha. I'm sure even Naruto will be more than happy to hunt you down when he learns you were the one who leaked the fact that he was the host of the Kyubi to the village, thus caused his suffering. He now has Suna… Say anything, and you'll end without me lifting my fingers," he said and then started to disappear in a vortex.
End of chapter
That was a lot. Next chapter won't have interesting things, but it will show just how far Itachi is willing to go to protect Konoha. Well, man has already killed his family, there is no low or high for him.
Chapter 9, Naruto returns to Suna and begins his work.
Chapter 10; there is a diplomatic mission to Iwagakure.
People will die; friends, loves and enemies. Nations will cease to exist.
I won't comment of pairings because I've yet to narrow it down.
I'll update weekly for the month of November.
The Omnipresent Sage