Chapter 4: Inferno in the Past

A/N: I'm sorry for not updating soon, my computer crashed down a week ago. I also thank the people who reviewed my story. I appreciate it that you like my story and that you're looking forward to the coming chapters.

"I really hate to do this, but you left me no choice," Naruto talked to himself. "Henge," Naruto yelled and their stood an army of totally nude bodies of man with Kakashi's masked face.

"What the fu," Tenten screamed her lungs out as she covered her eyes or slightly covered them with her hands.

Ukami, who was losing chakra from using the justsu just totally lost it. The genjutsu was cancelled revealing the real Tenten.

Naruto who had transformed himself to nude man with Kakashi's face on it saw Tenten close to him covering her eyes. He cancelled his henge and quickly grabbed Tenten.

It startled her thinking that a nude man just grabbed her from behind. So she counteredhe grab and threw Naruto to the ground.

"Stupid Naruto," she yelled,"to think that I had that degree of respect for you a while ago. Stupid, stupid," as she continued on stepping Naruto's guts on the ground.

Naruto was just laughing; the kicking did not really hurt him though. "I'm sorry Tenten, but as ninja you must do something that the enemy did not expect," he explained himself as he stood from the ground.

Ukami, on the other hand, was puking himself out; completely detesting and sick of the scene he saw a while ago. But no matter how hard he tried to erase the scene, it keeps coming back to him so he puked on.

After they have pulled themselves together from the Naruto's deceitful jutsu, they gathered around in circle listening on Naruto's assessments. Tenten was totally bemused over Naruto's assessment capabilities. The fact, that Naruto was not known to pay attention in his younger years, his assessments were not only correct but also encouraging. Listening to him made her heart pump a little bit faster and without noticing she blushed. But the assessment meeting did not last that long.

"Well, we have a genjutsu user, a taijutsu specialist and me, well I'm good," making an amicable facial expression, "but before we go do you have some questions or clarification," he asked.

"Yeah, I do have one," Ukami quickly interjected.

"Shoot"

"Well, I was wondering, what squad you were before," Ukami asked. Tenten beat herself for forgetting that part.

"I was at the 13th squad before I was appointed here."

"What happened then," Tenten took her chance in asking.

"Well something happened, and it has to do with our first mission," Naruto got up from the ground. He picked up his bag and wore his mask, "6 a.m. tomorrow at the South gate, and we will head for Broken River."

The other two pick up his lead and followed him. The team made their way out of the training ground and into the Anbu barracks where they said their good byes and went on their separate ways after changing into their casual dress. Ukami walked home; while the handsome young man outside the entrance of the administration building escorted Tenten. Naruto saw her being escorted he sighed knowing well there's nothing he could do about it and went on his way to grab a bite.

It was early in the evening then, and the streets of Konoha were filled with people walking around and across the streets. Some people made their way to the restaurants and some to the grocery stores, others to the park and others were just on their way home. It was a typical evening inside the village of the leaf.

Naruto made his way to the now improved Ichikaru Ramen and Grill Restobar. The place is not that big, it has 7 tables each were covered with red satin with dragon embroideries table cloth and a bar table which is able to accommodate maybe 8 -10 people, they also have 3 waiters 2 ex- ninja cooks aside from Ayame's dad and a cashier who was Ayame herself.

"Hey, Naruto," greeted one of the waiters. He has been working there for over a year now and has recognized the most favorite customer of the Restobar. "I'll get your order after I'm done here," he said and turned to the other customer.

Naruto made his way to his favorite sit after waiving at Ayame behind the counter. He used to sit at the bar where people could immediately see him telling tales and talking with the other customers, but after all the years he has been serving under the secretive life of an Anbu, his ways changed and now he sit at the corner where he can see everyone who comes and goes out instead.

"What can I get you now, Naruto," the waiter a while ago asked; he had with him a pen and a piece of paper ready to take down Naurto's long order.

"Let's see," Naruto scan the menu on his table, "alright tonight I'll have 1 serving of tonkutsu ramen, 1 serving of tanmen, 1 serving of Yakizana, 1 serving of Hayashi rice and a bottle of chuhai please," he placed the menu back on the table and grinned at waiter knowing well the amount of his order was rather large for one person.

The waiter scrambled in writing Naruto's large order andafter he finished, he silently read the order then turns to Nauto. "Alright your order is 1 serving of tonkutsu ramen, 1 serving of tanmen, 1 serving of Yakizana, 1 serving of Hayashi rice and 2 bottles of chuhai, right?"

"One bottle actually," Naruto corrected the waiter.

"Ok, one bottle of Chuhai then. I'll get these for you in a minute or so," the waiter courteously smiled."

Naruto rested his back on the chair and observe all the people that came in. The dim lights did not cause any difficulty in his observation; in fact it provided him comfort. However, instead of observing the coming and out going customers as he usually does, his mind drifted back to Tenten. He did not really expect to see someone from his past that day and more to be a teammate. Was it a sign of things to come? His thoughts wondered from Tenten and reached the fateful day of October, 3 years ago.

Flashback

It was a dreadful day; hundreds bodies were laid scattered all over the field, both of the sound nins and the leaf nins; some were dead, some were half-dead and the stench of blood filled the air. Among the bodies that lay on the ground was some of Naruto's batch and friends. Only 3 figures were left standing, Naruto and Orochimaru and Sasuke.

"Come back here you bastard," Naruto screamed the chakra of the nine-tailed-kyubii enveloped his body.

"Oh you think I would Naruto. It was a mistake to return with you the first time,' Sasuke replied.

"There's no way you can defeat us, with just 2 tails. Hell you can't even with 3," Orochimaru laughed

"You shut up Orochimaru, or else I swear I'll tear you apart you bastard!"

"Naruto kun, make me."

Naruto dashed with great speed that a normal skilled ninja could not even catch up. He cocked his hand and let the chakra arm stretch and grabbed Orochimaru's neck but it turned to be a kawarimi. Naruto shifted the chakra arm towards Sasuke but Sasuke went to his 2nd level curse seal and blocked Naruto's chakra. Of course the power of the kyubii was still overpowering but Sasuke with his 2nd level curse power was enough to match up with it.

Naruto was attack by Orochimaru from behind with a number of snakes from his sleeves but Naruto evaded it however, Sasuke attack from behind and hit him square on the back of his neck. Naruto fell hard on the ground. Even with the kyubii chakra, he felt the impact of the force. Naruto was quick on his feet realizing that he will be more in danger if he took too long to get up. Assessing his current situation, he was left with no choice. He doesn't really want to use this much knowing the dangers it may cause but it was a necessity. He released his 3rd tail and the chakra grew more powerful.

Sasuke felt the growing power of Naruto right in his very eyes. He has never seen Naruto in this form, with fangs and whose body was enveloped by chakra with 3 tails.

"Shit, what's with this power," Sasuke mumbled. It was scary and dangerous.

Naruto launched another ground trembling attack on Orochimaru, this time Oro was hit right on his guts. He failed to evade it because of the attack's swiftness. Oro was thrown off the ground and landed several meters away or more if it wasn't for a tree.

Sasuke jumped in fornt of Naruto and performed a fire technique but the fire technique was cancelled even before it was launched, Naruto's charka arm grabbed Sasuke's throat and threatened to crush it. Sasuke gasped for air and was coughing hard. Even with his 2nd level curse seal, he failed to let himself loose from the grapple. He tried to kick and slap the charka arm but to no avail.

"Why are you doing this again Sasuke," Naruto asked behind the roaring voice of the kyubii.

"I told you before Naruto, I will have power and kill Itachi."

"But why are you going to that snake bastard. You know he wants to use your body as his next container."

"Not until I kill Itachi," he said; his voice was failing him. "Naruto, I don't care Konoha's problem with Orochimaru, all I want is powerto revenge my family and myself."

Naruto can't believe what he was hearing; how can an esteemed and admired Uchiha care less for the village that looked up on their family bloodline; he who was adored and almost worshipped by the villagers. It was just insulting for Naruto who have work his way just to be acknowledge that he exist but more than that Naruto can't believe Sasuke's attitude of throwing away friendships and hurt themfor the sakeofrevenge.

"I have no choice but to kill you Sasuke, even if I'm going to hurt Sakura-chan's feelings, I can't afford to let Orochimaru have the power of the sharingan and destroy Konoha and all of its people ," Naruto cried while saying those words. Hurting the person he loved so much and killing a person who seemed like a brother to him tortures his heart. It was painful than it could have ever been. "Sasuke, don't let me do this," Naruto screamed in pain.

"Hold your horses you demon bastard," Oro called out.

Naruto turned to Oro. His eyes widened at the sinister view he behold. There were 2 huge snakes each were threatening to devour his friends particularly Sakura and Iruka sensei.

"Yes, you let him go or I swear I'm going to kill your precious friends," Oro threatened.

Naruto was flared up, his anger and contempt grew andthe power of the Kyubii started growing, but Naruto knew that if the 4th tail comes out it will be the end of him and his friends. Again Naruto was caught in a very uncomfortable if not sadist situation. Naruto carefully assessed his situation and weigh the pros and cons of his course of action. Unconsciously his assessment took time, something he should have not done in facing Orochimaru whose patience is not one of his virtues. He saw the malicious eyes of the serpent nin, it was all evil and nothing more.

"Kill him," Oro ordered one of his snakes. The snake crushed Iruka's half-dead body to the ground and ripped him apart

The sight triggered Naruto's anger again,that anger fed off the kyubii's evil chakra and it grew even more powerful as the 4th tail was threatening to come out. He could no longer hold it, it was so painful for him to see the very first person who expressed his kindness to him, killed right in front of his very eyes and he failed to stop it despite his power. His heart was broken like a jar broke into pieces. But still Naruto restrained himself knowing well the consequence of the 4th tail appearance. He knew that if he allowed his emotions to propel the power of the kyubii, he might end up killing everyone including his friends and worst he may let loose the Kyubii himself.

"Release him Naruto or I will kill this girl next," he motioned his snake to let some blood of the kunoichi spilled a litte bit.

Naruto immediately released Sasuke from his grasp before anything could happen and Sasuke fell unconscious. He turned to Oro controlling his anger he said,"I swear to you Orochimaru, before the blood of Iruka-sensei and all other shinobis who died because of your greed, the next time I'll see your face, I will surely kill you," he tighten up his fist.

Orochimaru sent one of his snakes to fetch Sasuke and they all disappeared from a distance.

Naruto slowly lowered his chakra; his eyes stared at the torn body next to the pink haired kunoichi. Tears smudge his vision before it fell to the ground. Naruto slowly approached, limping; he grabbed his chest as if it was going somewhere. He could feel the piercing anguish; it the most painful thing he had experience in his entire life, much more than the pain of living alone and being ignored as a child.

"Iruka-sen… sen… sei…. Iru..ka…," tears failed Naruto to mention his teahers name. "Ir…uka…sen…ahahahahah!" Naruto cried; he cried like he had never cried before. He fell to the ground as his last remaining strength was sucked by the sorrow he was feeling.

The following day, was a teaser. Despite the sorrowful circumstance of burying one of Konoha's beloved teacher and other brave shinobis, the sun was shining brightly and the morning creatures were playing under the blissful rays of the sun. Yet the beauty of the morning did not lift spirits up, especially for Naruto, to see his friend die was painful enough to break his heart, but to bear the truth that his teacher and friend is already gone, was a scorcher to his soul. His tears fell like forever, ever flowing and not stopping.

"If only I was able to stop him," he said sobbing.

"Naruto," a gentle voice held his hand. He looked and met the tearful eyes of the pink haired kunoichi. "Please, don't blame your self, I don't blame you."

"Sakura-chan…"

"Be strong Naruto…" she held his hand tighter.

"Thank you so much Sakura-chan. Yes I'll be stronger. I will protect you and our friends," Naruto planted a kiss on Sakura's forehead and lifted up her between them. "The next time you'll see me I'll definitely be stronger. I won't be gone; I will be always be looking after you. I promise you that," with that said he left the burial ceremony even before the Hokage could start her speech.

"Today we lay to rest our fine and brave shinobis…" the speech of the Hokage started.

End of Flashback

The smoke and the tasteful aroma of the food brought Naruto back to the real world. He turned to the waiter who noticed him staring at the blank wall. "Here's your order Naruto."

"Thank you," Naruto gestured a polite bow. Not wasting anymore time he ate his fill although not without contemplating of the past. "I let someone die again," he thought to himself. He held the jaded necklace that Tsunade gave him, "This seemed to be curse necklace after all," he chuckled.

It was already pass dinnertime and Kakashi was still studying some documents at his office. Kakashi does not usually do this, but for some reasons he did. He was scanning some scrolls and old papers looking for anything that may help him grasp of the idea of the recent movement of Orochimaru's men. Kakashi was so bothered then so he decided to take a walk to clear his mind and maybe he can have the answers by then.

Since it was late in the evening, the streets have become quieter and moon goddess was kind enough to share her light unto the blood stained ground of the earth. It was a good time for Kakashi to clear his mind, just walking in the corners and let his brain relax.

After walking some distance, he passed by the hospital. It was quite as it should be but he noticed something. There was shadow creeping out of the window. Kakashi hid himself behind the tree and observed the shadow. Although a ninja's sight is keen but the darkness did not spare Kakashi, it was difficult to identify who it was.

The shadow leapt from the window down to the ground. It stayed crouched on the ground for a while before it moved and ran deep into the forest. But the shadow's escapade was momentary as Kakashi stepped out of the shadows and surprised him with a kick on the face. The shadow was knocked to the ground. He was wobbly when he got up but was quick enough to block Kakashi's second attack. He countered Kakashi with a punch but Kakashi was quicker to hit him the second time.

Kakashi could not still identify the person he was fighting with because of the person wore a mask but he could tell that he was a man. He tried to grabbed him but again the guy was quick to counter stopping Kakahsi from grabbing him.

"You better tell me who you are. There 's no escape for you," Kakashi warned.

But the other guy did not answer; instead he threw some smoke bomb to cover his escape. Kakashi expected this so before the other guy could escape he swiftly shifted his position and grabbed the person from a different angle. Again the person evaded his grapple but not without revealing his face, his inferior taijutsu allowed Kakashi to grab hold of his mask and reveal his identity

"Mamoru," Kakashi surprisingly exclaimed. "What are you doing?" But still there was no reply.

A/N: Alright this is it. I hope you like it. Again I would like to say sorry for not updating soon. Please feel free to review the chapter.

Anyway here are the identification of the Japanese food mention in this chapter. These real japanese foods.

Chuhai: are flavored alcoholic drinks with relatively low alcohol content. They come in many different flavors such as lemon, grapefruit and pineapple, and are based on shochu.

Hayashi Rice: is Japanese style hashed beef, thinly sliced beef and onions in a sauce made of ketchup and soya sauce, and served on cooked rice

Tonkotsu Ramen: White, milky, pork based

Tanmen: Vegetable ramen

Yakizana: means grilled fish. Many varieties of fish are enjoyed in this way.