His keen ears detects every passing change in tone and pitch, therefore revealing the location of the noises. A bear in distress, and it sounded like it was attacking a tree.
"Something is amiss... Naruto. Let's go to the bear." Kyubi said, addressing Naruto.
'OK.' He answered in his head, and then looked at his companions. "I'll scout around. You two stay here, ok?"
Chitsuki answered, "Yeah."
A strange forests, where many species of trees seem to grow well here. The trees keep their leaves, even when the snow and thick clouds constantly block away their sunlight. There was small but constant blurring in the visions, as if this part of the woods was haunted.
'... This can get dangerous, Naruto.' Kyubi said.
His blue eyes scanned everything in sight, while his right hand was close to his weapons pouch, and his ears were as alert as they could, a form of detection in case of an attack from the back. Each step, and the blonde soon found his heartbeat picking up. The climate's chill was slowly biting to his skin, and yet, the plants around seem strangely vibrant and full of life, unaffected by the thawing winter. Soon, Naruto found himself close to the bear, and he saw the little creature. It was constantly attacking a tree, one tree that seem exactly like any other tree of it's species.
Thirty feet away, and Naruto's perception of the ordinary changed for something more... surreal. He could detect an emanation of chakra, a small momentary burst of non-human chakra every now and then. The tree was releasing it, and maybe the chakra fueled the unnatural vibrance of the plants around it.
Yet, on closer observation, it seemed that not only the plants are affected by this... mutation. The bear had sharper, longer claws, and it had a strange color in it's eyes.
"That tree... It's one of the many viruses out there. Mark this location on the map, Naruto." Kagizume remarked, and then, from Naruto's body, a small green orb of chakra flew towards the tree, and after it made a full circle around the tree, it returned.
"What do we do, now?" Naruto asked, while he stepped closer to the tree, but still around 3 meters away.
"We leave."
"What? Shouldn't we kill it?"
"It can still be cured. But you don't have the ability yet. We'll come back when you are strong enough."
"But isn't killing faster?"
"A pure uncorrupted spirit are part of foundation of the world. If we restore it, the world will last longer before the cosmic rifts open and all hell breaks loose." Kyubi said. "It's like a brick in the wall. The more bricks, the more support before a structure falls apart."
"Later, then? But why can't Kagizume do it?"
"... Kagizume, you tell him."
"...We reborns, are warriors. Not healers. We by purpose, is to exterminate whatever we are assigned to do. And usually, we maintain the world's balance by killing the trouble. But it seems the countdown has started, and so, killing spirits would not be the best option."
"So... Are you saying Gaara can be cured?"
"No. He is not a part of the foundation to begin with. He will have to die."
Naruto sighed.
"Let's go back. Your comrades are waiting."
Another sigh, "You know some of them may be killed later... So why still call them comrades? It only makes me hurt more." Naruto replied faintly, before looking at his surroundings.
"Well, it's part of the training to desensitize you, so you won't act rash as you did in the past. Be strong and influential, and they might at least live."
"Influential?"
"Just go back. We'll talk about that later."
II
Tsunade wanders the streets, and since the recent news concerning the change of tsuchikage in Earth country where the new administration has aligned itself with Orochimaru, the nation's economical strength weakened slightly due to change in trade preferences of the countries to the north. In fact, it seemed that both the northern countries have imposed an unofficial sanction on Sand and Leaf. Sanctions that are not in paper, therefore nothing could be done to prevent it.
She felt her country's options are dwindling with every action taken by the northern nations, in addition to the constant war between Mist and Grass, once again it appears that they are in big trouble.
Shikamaru, one of her best think-tanks and leaders, have been stationed to the front to aid defence, but in many ways, this cold trade war is happening, as both Cloud and Earth are stealing away Konoha's business. It won't be long before it becomes an official war.
Allies under the light, enemies in the dark. No wonder the wise men of times long ago have asked people to look beyond the obvious. A war is brewing, and death will soon rain.
III
"Everything is proceeding as planned?" A shadowy figure asked, and only his dark blonde hair was visible, due to the faint candle.
"Yes."
"Cloud, Stone and Sand?"
"Our spies have managed to infiltrate their central government. They are playing right into our hands, and the new Tsuchikage is also our spy."
"Good."
"But our hold on Sand is still weak. It'll take a while to make them do as we please."
"We have time. Make all preparations and don't proceed until the chances of success is high."
"As you wish."
"Time is on our side. Nothing to rush..."
IV
A month had since then passed, and Naruto proceeded on his intense training schedule, where most activities are training done by many people worldwide, but there are a few activities that were not particularly in the minds of most ninjas. A month they spent travelling further as well, and now they are in a small village bordering the sea, a fishing village. After some discussions, Naruto decided this small havel will be their new abode, their base.
Chitsuki, since then had not recalled anything so she stopped, and concentrated her time on helping Seshiro. With her full attention, the kid is finally genin level, with moderate grasp of the basic techniques and tactics.
"The kid doesn't have much talent." Kyubi said. "But that doesn't matter, since he is expendable."
"Nobody's expendable. They... just..."
"Fine. At least Chitsuki's doubts have dwindled over the past month. Doesn't suspect as much anymore. On that, good job, but make the bond stronger."
"... Friendship cannot be forced."
"You can at least make a head start, idiot."
"... Why do I always have to manipulate someone?"
"It's your job, after all, you are the lucky one to have me inside you."
"Damn."
That day, it was like any other day since their arrival. Except a rude interruption.
"Naruto." The blonde's ears quickly scanned the surroundings like a sonar pulse. After a while, the voice came again, closer and thus, he was alerted of the presence.
Defensively, Naruto withdrew his kunais and prepared for combat. "Who's there?"
"Me." A man in his early fourties revealed himself, and he was dressed like an ordinary traveller. "So, we meet again, but under different circumstances."
"You? Who are you?" Naruto rummaged through his memories for any recollection of the man that stands in front of him, for both capabilities or personality.
"Ah. I'm the Tsuchikage you met at Stone."
'What the hell... The kage left his office to find me? What would be so important. No... maybe there are other reasons for him to come.' Questions surge in his mind, and Naruto kept his cerulean eyes at the kage before him. 'Hey. Kyubi and Kagizume. I may need your help, just in case.' Naruto took a step back, a defensive stance. "What brings you here?"
"I'm here to offer my services to you. Stone has no need for me, and therefore, I think helping you save the world would be a worthwhile cause."
'Hah. I like this fella.' Kyubi said with a mild chuckle.
Naruto was still cautious, a mentality that the two reborns inside has pounded into him over time. "... Why?"
"I trust the seer, and saving the world is a cause hard to distort. In many ways, if a not fully matured child would trust the cause, why wouldn't I?"
Slightly relaxed, Naruto lowered his weapons, and gave a foxy grin. "If so, welcome aboard, Tsuchikage-sama."
"I gave the title to another person already. So, call me Ushi." He said with a slight tinge of regret written on his mature face. "What can I do?"
'I told you I like the fella. Nice progressive mentality too, not like you.' Kyubi continued. 'His experience in politics and his influence would prove useful.'
'Hey! I have a progressive mindset too!'
So, Naruto slowly led the Tsuchikage back to the small house he bought. But behind one of the trees, was Chitsuki, observing the entire ordeal with skill trained through her years.
"Saving the world? What does Naruto hide from the two of us? Is that what he wants us for? To aid his cause, and he even has a Kage-level ninja now." She spoke to herself, her slightly cheery voice shaking the still air of the woods. "Is that why he has began assembling a group of warriors? Man, what do you hide, Naruto?" She wondered, and soon rushed home to prevent any form of suspicion.