BORUTO ALTER

Naruto looked down at his daughter. Himawari's condition had stabilized, and she was healing. However..

Naruto placed his hand on Hima's forehead, goading his chakra into her own network.

I can feel it, Naruto. Sakura was right.

Kurama's voice rumbled within Naruto's head. Naruto was in Himawari's hospital room, but he was also seated on Kurama's snout in an ethereal plane, arms crossed as he furrowed his brows.

"Is there anything we can do, Kurama?" Naruto asked.

Kurama snorted.

Of course not, you fool. This is a separate entity. I'm not sure how it was formed. Perhaps it is a result of The Sage's chakra and our own. Regardless, it's not something we can control.

Naruto focused his attention on Himawari again, pulling his hand back from her forehead as sadness climbed through him.

Was it all for nothing?

"I couldn't keep you safe." Naruto said quietly as tears dripped onto Himawari's hospital blanket.

Kurama's voice bubbled into Naruto's thoughts once more.

You'll disagree.. but this world, its people.. you owe them nothing, Naruto. But her.. that girl.. you owe her everything. That chakra I felt.. It's far worse than mine. She will wake. When she does, you will need to show her how to tame it. If you don't, you'll lose her. Remember the pain you feel now so that doesn't happen.

With that, Kurama closed himself off to Naruto.

Naruto grinned.

Thank you, Kurama.

Naruto placed his hand on Himawari's head once more, before turning and leaving her presence.

As he walked, Kurama's words filled his mind.

I won't fail you again, Hima.

But as Naruto left the hospital and flashed to the Hokage's office, he wasn't so sure of his own promise.

It felt as if the world was falling around him.

Kiba's meeting had gone.. badly, to say the least.

Ultimately, Kiba was stripped of all his responsibilities, keeping his position only as a figurehead within the Inuzuka. Two jonin retainers were assigned to him, and served as Naruto's intermediaries in handling military police affairs.

His information on Shota was more grim.

Naruto remembered how hollow Kiba's voice was then.

"He was five years old during the Great Ninja War. He was the only survivor of his platoon." Kiba had said.

"Five? Why did they allow-"

"He's Inuzuka. And furthermore, a Shinobi, Naruto. You know at that age deployment isn't rare." Kiba replied.

Kiba had locked eyes with Naruto then, voice dim.

Naruto frowned as the recent memory resurfaced.

"He specializes in medical ninjutsu. Even during the war he was one of the best. Everyone in his platoon died. He roamed the battlefield.. fighting and saving those he came across.. until-"

Naruto swallowed.

"The Infinite Dream." He had said softly.

"They say it changed him. He never spoke of what he saw. Not to his friends, the people who trained him. But something always seemed off about him as he grew older. Whatever he went through at that age must have ruined him beyond hope." Kiba replied within Naruto's memory.

Naruto clenched his fist. Shota's crimes were unforgivable. Shota had promised Kiba advances in medical jutsu- instead, he killed a young girl.. a refugee.. and a member of the Chinoike clan. They were thought to be extinct.

Due to her dojutsu, Kiba had kept her safe, but secret. He felt he could somehow use her power to increase the prestige of the Inuzuka.. using military police headquarters as a de-facto laboratory.

Then.. he searched amongst his clan for skilled medical shinobi.. an already rare skill rarer amongst the Inuzuka.

And that is how Shota gained access to the girl.

Naruto shut his eyes as the horrific image Kiba described slithered into his mind.

His ninken.. he has two. A rare trait amongst us.

One of them is large. Wolfish and black. It has a third eye. That's Shitai.

The other one.. is where the girl is.

He somehow fused her body into this ninken. He can control her movements- and by extension, her kekkei genkai. The girl's upper body is stitched to its back, leaning forward from a bed of white fur, arms and all.

That one is Junban.

Chills crept through Naruto's skin.

To think such atrocities were committed within Konoha..

Kiba's one defense of his actions did stay with Naruto.

You pardoned not only Sasuke, But Orochimaru. Sure, he's under guard, but he has full access to his facilities and operations.

Is what I did any different? Is what Shota did more evil than the crimes Orochimaru committed?

Naruto furrowed his brows, planting his head into his hands.

Everything.. is so complex. Everything I do to keep this fragile peace seems to be at a breaking point.

Despite his grim musings, Naruto did find himself smiling at something.

He hadn't seen Boruto more than briefly in a few days.. he was worried, but he knew that Boruto was dealing with Himawari's injuries in his own way. He wanted to give him space.

However, he learned Boruto had actually been training.

Naruto's grin grew bolder.

Boruto's trying to learn the Rasengan. He was able to burst the water balloon in a few minutes!

Konohamaru had reported this earlier.

The pride in Konohamaru's voice then was palpable. Naruto felt it too, finding himself looking at Minato's portrait as he began to open various reports.

You're really a lot like him... Boruto.

It was then Sai burst into Naruto's office. His face seemed paler than-

Naruto stood up as alarm filled his senses.

"O-Orochimaru?!" Naruto raised his arms in defensive surprise as Orochimaru offered nothing more but a hissing laugh. He didn't move from his subservient position beside Sai, but Naruto knew that Orochimaru was brimming with more chakra than ever before.

He's improved his body technique, that's for sure.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as his surprise subsided. Despite Orochimaru's strength, he displayed an almost benign aura, unassuming if you weren't already aware of his notoriety.

"Where's Yamato?" Naruto asked harshly.

Regardless of Orochimaru's claim as an ally, Naruto didn't like the fact he was here without Yamato-

And seemingly without much effort.

Sai grimaced, stepping aside.

"Go on. You said it was a matter of grave importance to the Hokage."

Orochimaru nodded.

Then, he smiled.

"Though I believe you will need to leave the room, Lord Yamanaka. This is also a matter Naruto would

prefer.. kept between us." Orochimaru's light voice crackled with silent derision.

Sai crossed his arms.

"You're here without Yamato, which is already a breach of your terms. If you think I'm going to leave him alone with y-"

Naruto interrupted Sai.

Naruto frowned heavily, glaring at Orochimaru as the man returned a silent grin.

"As much as I hate to say it.. Orochimaru is right, Sai. It's fine. It'll be alright." Naruto offered Sai a smile.

Sai hesitated, then nodded at Naruto. He ignored Orochimaru completely as he left the Hokage's office, closing the door behind him.

Naruto and Orochimaru were silent as Sai's muted footsteps slowly faded away.

"Now talk." Naruto demanded.

"Yes.. our dear Tenno ban'nin project.." Orochimaru's smile grew wider. Naruto rose from

his desk, anger in his eyes as he strode for Orochimaru. Orochimaru remained still, snakelike eyes looking up at Naruto with curious humor.

"Stop playing games, Orochimaru. Tell me what made you come here yourself." Naruto's voice lost its familiar friendliness.

Orochimaru eased into a rasping chuckle.

"Leadership has changed you." He whispered. Before Naruto could reply, Orochimaru continued.

"Shin. He's escaped."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock.

"Escaped- how!"

"You're the one who ordered me to keep him alive. His successor Koiē was more than sufficient-"

Naruto's gaze darkened.

"Enough, Orochimaru."

"Of course, Lord Hokage." Orochimaru closed his eyes.

"Yes.. Shin.. his sharingan seem to possess a strange ability. One different from what either of us have observed." Orochimaru said.

Naruto furrowed his brow.

"What do you mean?" He asked, tone still direct and harsh.

"The powers of the Mangekyō are embedded within optic nerves connecting to one's brain. It is a manifestation of inner self. Shin.. his body adapts to new genetic stimuli, converting it into his own unique material. The sharingan implanted within Shin developed new abilities independent of their original.. donors." Orochimaru's hair flashed across a pale jaw as he walked to a window, gazing at Konoha imposed underneath his warped reflection.

"I made the mistake of assuming Koiē and Shin would have the same abilities. Koiē is the success, after all. He awakened the Mangekyō first. Shin's prison was tailored towards one built around Koiē's ocular prowess..."

"So Shin awakened the Mangekyō after he was already imprisoned. It gave him an ability that somehow allowed him to escape." Naruto said, more to himself than to Orochimaru.

"I thought activation of the Mangekyō required the murder of a loved one?" Naruto asked, remembering Sasuke's decision long ago- sparing Naruto's life back when they were both nothing but children, both of them victims of a violent world.

Orochimaru turned to Naruto, long black hair almost veiling his geisha-like countenance as it distorted into a smile.

"That is what the Uchiha believe. Yes, he awakened it in captivity. Judging from the injuries of the shinobi I had guarding him.. it seems he can separate organs from his victim's bodies."

Naruto gave Orochimaru a repulsed look.

"Organs?"

Orochimaru nodded.

"Corpses without lungs. Hearts. Eyes. Then there were bodies that had wounds from the inside.. foreign objects that appeared within victims, killing them instantly. Oh..Log is attempting a pursuit. Regardless, for now, the trail has grown rather cold."

Naruto remained silent.

So his Sharingan employs two abilities.. a separate power for each eye, just like Sasuke and Itachi..

"And you have no idea where he is?" Naruto pressed.

Orochimaru shook his head.

"He removed all of my tracking devices- even the ones surgically implanted."

"Do you think he'll come to Konoha?" Naruto asked.

Orochimaru eyed him steely.

"Shin is obsessed with the Uchiha. He adopted their legacy, in a sense. It is possible he may be driven here.. for obvious reasons."

Naruto looked away from Orochimaru then.

That means.. Sasuke and his family are in danger.

Naruto knew he needed to speak to Sasuke immediately. The Tenno ban'nin project had been his idea.. and now it could become his greatest threat.

Shin was described as deranged and broken.. but Naruto could tell that even Orochimaru seemed shocked by Shin's raw power.

Further..

Sasuke is one of the few people I can discuss the Tenno Ban'nin with. We'll have to dictate if the possibility of members going rogue is worth the protection of the tailed beasts themselves..

Naruto shook his head.

Something seemed to be coming, stirring in the shadows.

You were right, Sasuke. Right now, the village isn't strong enough to face whatever is building.

THE BANDAGES AROUND his neck and mouth were wet with rain, sweat, and spit. The shinobi ran ahead, his sandals just barely dipping underneath water as chakra kept him afloat. The sword he carried was heavy across his back, while dark eyes stared ahead, attempting to see beyond the mist that extended beyond.

His name is Reizei Momochi. Scion of the Momochi clan, and one of the few remaining allies of Chōjūrō's government. Reizei had been assigned to the northern districts of Kirigakure, working as a scout for Shizune, who he knew as Tsunade's attendant.

But now..

He saw again within his mind the man that killed Shizune, killed everyone. He was young, possibly the same age as Reizei himself. Shizune's murderer was thin, with slicked back blonde hair while two thin bangs fell over his round eyes.

Reizei knew that there was no point in attacking the man now.. especially that Shizune's fortified position was lost. He had to get back to Kiri proper and report what had happened. They already needed reinforcements- but with the loss of Shizune and her entire militia, all of Kirigakure was open to attack.

By now, Chōjūrō and the fifth Mizukage should have returned from the western reaches.. where they had been desperately entreating local clans for allies. Reizei hoped their efforts were successful, however he knew that Chōjūrō was an unpopular Kage for many Kiri clans.

He was seen as too modernist, a trend stated by his predecessor, Mei. His friendship with Konoha was also questioned.. all of this exploding into conflict when Chōjūrō signed away land that had traditionally belonged to the Hoshigaki clan.. and gave it to Tsunade for her joint medical project.

For many clans their position in the civil war was based not even on animosity towards Konoha, but rather their own desire to carve out pieces of Kirigakure for themselves.

Reizei himself didn't care for Konoha nor their shinobi. He simply followed the words of his clan head and only surviving family member, Shōen Momochi.

His grandmother had given him everything- his life. Even his name. She was the one that dictated their allegiance, and despite his own feelings, he knew he had a responsibility not only to her, but to the Momochi line.

Reizei still traversed over water, fog clinging to the air around him.

I need to hurry. Nagayasu isn't going to waste any time to enforce his new position. If I can't get back-

"We've been trailing you for some time."

Reizei stopped, gripping the hilt of his split claymore with one hand as he formed a jutsu sign with the other.

I figured someone was watching me. That's why I kept to the lakes as opposed to trying to hide in the forests. I'd rather fight multiple opponents out in the open.

Before long, three silhouettes casually emerged before Reizei, circling him. They were Kiri rogue nin, each of them armed with wicked looking blades.

"Ah, Reizei Momochi. It's funny.. I recognize that blade more than I do you." The lead Kiri nin said with a smirk.

"Momochi? I thought they were all dead." One of the others said with an incredulous chuckle.

Their leader gave Reizei a wicked smile.

"Almost. They were dying out when Zabuza was alive. Now.. it's just him. The last vestige of a savage band of warrior monks."

The renege kiri nin circled closer.

Their leader spoke once more as the fog seemed to thicken.

"We know where you're heading. I'll give you one opportunity to run. Only if you leave behind your sword, of course."

Reizei remained silent. He slouched forward, leaning the blunt edge of his claymore across his shoulders.

The kiri nin all laughed.

"We prefer it like this any-"

Reizei's afterimage fluttered behind the rogue ninja's back as he was mid sentence. Reizei turned, flourishing his sword as the rogue nin's head flew in the air before falling into the water.

The surviving rogue nin exchanged concerned glances- before charging.

Reizei spun on the heels of his sandals. The two nin were close-

I'm not going to have enough time to swing my sword!

Reizei dropped his blade, allowing it to be swallowed up by the lake below them.

The rogue nin seemed emboldened by this. The two swapped between Reizei's left and right flanks, switching sides as they advanced.

Reizei leaned backwards as one of them feinted for his right but attacked his left, blade passing a bandaged neck harmlessly.

Reizei grabbed the man's arm as he struck, pulling him into the falling sword of his companion who had attacked at the same time. The rogue nin screamed aloud in fear as he accidentally gutted his remaining ally.

As the corpses fell into the water, rising blood stained small, dark pools amongst them.

Reizei's eyes leveled on the last rogue nin. He backed away.. before breaking into a run.

You're not getting away!

Reizei curled both hands into a jutsu sign.

Chakra moved the water.. and blood below Reizei, funneling into the mouth of a dragon before shooting ahead, spearing the rogue nin through the back with a piercing echo.

As the man died, Reizei lifted his hand, and in seconds his sword leapt through rippling water, turning blade over hilt until Reizei caught it. The blades weight caused him to spin backwards-

Revealing yet another enemy.

Reizei's eyes widened in equal parts dread and surprise.

It wasn't just any rogue kiri nin.

He had a young face, pale though his skin seemed to glow with a slight bluish hue. Piercing blue pupils stared at Reizei underneath the curve of hooded eyelids. He wore the standard Kirigakure military attire of a jonin, complete with a Kiri headband. He was tall, broad, with dark long hair that swam down to his jaw.

"Shizuma.. Hoshigaki!" Reizei finally said aloud.

Shizuma was silent. He stepped forward, seemingly unarmed.

"I wanted to see what power they had to offer my father." Shizuma said simply.

They..? The rogue nin? No. That man who attacked us and killed Shizune! He must have done it to curry favor with Nagayasu!

"You are of the Momochi clan, yes? I can tell by your dressings. And that sword.. the Double Guillotine blade.." Shizuma's voice seemed to grow louder as he inched closer.

"My father was disappointed that Shoēn decided to work against us. Despite his.. demeanor, he still respects your clan, as do I."

Shizuma extended his arm outwards.

He opened his hand as a massive katana slowly inched itself upwards from the water below. The katana was curved, ornate with ceremonial designs as small ringing bells shook with Shizuma's slight movement, tied to the edge of the blade.

"This sword is called Melody of the Cutting Wave. My father will be pleased it drank the blood of a Momochi. Perhaps your clan will live on within its steel."

Reizei's ears began ringing-

He felt a presence behind him.

Reizei turned, gripping his sword above his head as Shizuma's blade crossed it, attempting to slash open Reizei's back.

Reizei leaned forward-

Horrific pain filled his senses. He suddenly couldn't see out of his right eye.

Reizei ignored the pain, adjusting his hold on his sword before knifing it upwards as he turned around. Shizuma leapt backward- then vanished.

Reizei breathed haggardly as the pain continued to work through his body. He still couldn't see out of his right eye.

I haven't been wounded.. What is this? A genjutsu?

The sound of Shizuma's bells could be heard chiming softly over the whisper of water.

Suddenly the edge of Shizuma's sword erupted from above. Reizei leapt backward as the length of the blade cut downwards, splitting water in two-

Reizei felt the point of a sword puncture through his leg at the knee. He gasped, pulling himself free of Shizuma's katana as blood spilled from his wound.

How did he-

"The sounds of wave cutting can be anywhere. They can be anything." Shizuma called out from afar.

It was then Reizei felt the edge of Shizuma's blade at his neck.

He came from my blind spot! But I should've been able to sense him!

"This is the end, scion of the Momochi." Shizuma's voice was almost sad.

Another presence suddenly exploded Reizei's senses. A shadow passed over them-

Shizuma's blade immediately vanished from Reizei's neck. The pain Reizei felt disappeared too- and his vision returned.

"You don't know me, but I'm here to help. I'm assuming the north fell if you're here." A kind, almost humored voice greeted Reizei, coming from a man with long white hair and a mask covering his lower jaw.

He wore a green flak jacket, and on his forehead a konoha headband was found.

Reizei winced as he attempted to stand on his wounded leg.

"Who.. who are you?" Reizei began, though he was sure he already knew the answer.

Despite this, the man smiled underneath his mask as he produced a kunai.

"My name is Kakashi Hatake."

NEXT TIME: KAKASHI VS SHIZUMA!