Welcome once again my friends!

What happened last chapter? Like no views or reviews ;-;

I have another wondrously - stupidly - long chapter!(The longest I've ever written)
I totally didn't intend it to be this long, but it will
only be a few more chapters before the story really picks up with the
AU stuff that will change the direction of the story

Don't worry, I'm following canon for only a few more arcs
The real story will take off in a few chapters so stay tuned
for that hot mess to come

Also! The Series finale of Shippuden! ;-;
the feel buttons were strong with this one

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or League of Legends


Chapter 11: You'd Best Believe It!

Naruto had been tasked with many things in his short life of fourteen bordering on fifteen years. He'd seen some shit along the way; legendary swordsmen, a snake taller than village walls; now that he thought of it, it was a three-headed snake no less! He'd seen friends die and even seen a guy's back explode, only to be reformed in a near instant. And most prominent thing he'd seen along the way, despite it having been only a month and a half since he'd first seen it; one of his closest friends and teacher; A NINE TAILED FOX SPIRIT. But despite all the crazy things he'd come to witness and all the chaos and violence, he never expected to see this.

He'd only heard stories, believing them to be false. There were some among the shinobi ranks who spoke of it, almost with disdain and mockery in their tones – that is whenever they weren't taking verbal shits on his ability. This thing-person that Naruto had only heard in stories was sitting before him. He couldn't believe his eyes or his strangely racing heart. He'd seen legendary shinobi; he'd seen snakes and toads of gargantuan proportions and he even has a bombshell nine-tailed fox spirit living, playing and jerking around in his gut. But for some odd reason, he just couldn't wrap his head around the image before him.

Even with his newfound knowledge and better comprehensive skills, his mind just couldn't process what he saw; what he heard. He couldn't even move from how dumbfounded he was. Finally finding enough motor skills to trail his eyes to his comrades, Sakura and Sasuke were sitting beside him with the same looks of confusion, honestly; after all the hype and confidence, there had to be something wrong from the get-go. Now, Naruto was at a crossroads; a part of him wanted to reach across the table and do things that would incite a fight; pissing off Sakura, or facepalming so loud that it would piss off Sakura. His dear teammate may be a traumatized but she was healing.

His cerulean eyes stared aimlessly at the target of his apprehension. She was over fifty years old; as old as the perverted hermit that his new sensei was. But this woman – granny – looked no older than the black-haired beauty she sat with. Her hair wasn't white but a healthy blonde that in all honesty went well with her hazel eyes; almost accentuating. Her skin was healthy, smooth and adorned with a light pink tinge growing on her cheeks, showing how absolutely drunk out of her mind she was. Her hands never left the sake bottle or the small cup that sat in front of her and her eyes never trailed from the alcohol rippling within. Now Naruto really wanted to facepalm and probably shout at the old hag.

This is supposed to be our leader?! Naruto shouted in despair. Shit; at least Jiraiya is still a shinobi! Damn him for leaving me to deal with her! She's his teammate!

"Someone's a little salty." Ahri giggled. "I suggest calming down a little and assessing the situation."

I'm just annoyed that this old hag just said that the Hokage position means nothing! Naruto sighed. Hokage-jiji didn't die so his own student could shit on his memory so easily. Comrades didn't die so she can stomp on they fought and died for!

"Got something to say, kid." Tsunade hissed with a slight thickening aroma of alcohol. "That glare better disappear from your face before I make it disappear."

"I'm a chunin of Konohagakure, granny." Naruto responded with a deep glare. "I'm far from being a –"

"Then I can see why Konoha has fallen." A drunken victorious smile grew. "They've lowered their standards."

Rising from his seat, he slammed his fist into the table, denting the wood and bending the steel lining. "Alright, you washed up hag! My friends have given everything for Konoha, all of us nearly died trying to fight off an invasion; an invasion of your grandfather's village! Have some fucking respect!"

"Respect?!" Tsunade rose, slamming her palm into the table top, completely destroy it – and that was without chakra. "Don't talk to me about respect, boy! I am Senju Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage and grandniece of the Second and student of the Third – why don't you have some respect and leave me be! I am done with the shinobi life – and I sure as hell won't be rejoining only to be thrust into the Kage position!"

"Your titles don't mean shit!" Naruto glared, meeting her eye to eye. "At least we agree on something! You're far from qualified to be Hokage! Where were you when the village was attacked?! Where were you, the descendent of Kage and the last Senju alive, when Orochimaru and Danzo plotted to take our village; our home! You were drinking your ass into submission, hiding and gambling your family's riches into the dirt!"

"Quiet boy! Konoha is no longer my home!" Tsunade roared in a drunken rage. "Konoha is nothing but bad memories and pain. There is nothing for me there, so you can take that Hokage title and shove it up your assholes! I have no need for it –"

"I remember when people called me a brat and an annoyance." Naruto glared.

Tsunade bent down, lifting her un-spilt sake bottle. "What now? A sob story –?"

"Now I know how I must've looked like before the Chunin Exams." He hissed menacingly. "A Coward. A Weakling! You're all talk but obviously, you've got nothing to back it – !"

Suddenly, a chakra enhanced fist shot forward, connecting with his face. From the connecting explosion, Naruto shot back, crashing over chairs and tables until he smashed through the wall on the other side of the bar. Civilians rushed out, screaming and crying out for authorities. Once the cries and the smoke died down, Sasuke and Sakura hand disappeared from her immediate vicinity. Sasuke's sharingan glowed, tomoe spinning wildly and Sakura had taken a positon behind him.

For no more than a brief moment, she saw something. Sasuke's face paled and his narrow eyes had turned amber. His spiked hair had fallen long and wavy. The pinkette's face had grown slimmer and the emerald eyes she had, cooled and darkened into hazel. But what really hit the drunkard, the blond-haired boy was already on his feet. His hair had fallen from the hitai-ate that now laid on the floor. It was longer than he portrayed it to be; almost reminiscent to a certain man. Her heart raced, blaming it all on the alcohol – but she swears she was seeing doppelgangers of her old team.

"Alright, granny." Naruto wiped the blood from his split lip. "Wanna play? I'll play!"

Chakra exploded from his body like a soft blue luminescent glow. Without a command or request, he dashed forward, lodging his fist into the woman. Almost too confident in his strategy, he faulted when he found he was stuck. Opening his eyes, he felt the blood run from his face. She caught his fist like a professional. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled him to the other side of the bar, crashing over stools and tabletops.

What…the…fuck…was that?! Naruto roared. That's impossible!

"Well she is a legendary shinobi." Ahri frowned, shaking her head. "She didn't get that title for being a pushover."

But…I've used this attack before! And no one ever managed to stop me!

"Did you fight someone everyone knew and feared?" Ahri shook her head once again. "Oh Byeong-shin. Your over-confidence gives me joy. Some things never change. She is one of the legendary three – the Sannin and if you paid attention to the books on support type shinobi, you'd know she's the strongest and most powerful kunoichi in history."

URGH!

Suddenly, the entire scene vanished. His mindscape cleared and from within the dark recesses of his mind, he could see the world around him had stopped. Tsunade was filling her cup with more sake, Sasuke and Sakura were sitting uncomfortably with him between them. Ton-Ton the adorable pig was reaching over for the bottles while Shizune, the blonde woman's aide was doing her best to calm her irate pet. This was the fifth time he and Ahri had used the mindscape world to its fullest extent, pulling through every possible reaction; every possible action; every possible outcome. Tsunade was a rock and Ahri was having a hard time understanding and deciphering what went on in that woman's head.

Her master had taught her how to read people and based on the half-drunk half-insane drivel that spilled from her lips, Tsunade would not be easily convinced. If anything, it would take nothing short of a fight to convince her to even get out of that chair. Naruto was losing patience and to be frank, Ahri was too. Tsunade was just a tough nut to crack, annoying the pair to no end at all. She bore no respect for Konoha and most importantly, saw Naruto beneath her. Right from the get-go, she looked at him with apprehension and disdain, almost insulted by his presence. Something was up and the two were going to break her walls and find out what she wasn't willing to say.

But he hesitated. Ahri hesitated. Getting into a fight in a restaurant would attract too much attention. Sasuke and Naruto were strong but the two together were nothing against trained assassin-murder-machines like the Foundation ANBU. The destruction just ten had caused to the forest was astounding and terrifying all the same; and there were five lurking in the town as they sat trying to convince a literal wall to become Hokage. Frustration grew within the blond shinobi. I swear, I'd have more success trying to convince a block of cheese to become Hokage, than getting this woman to do the job. Naruto slammed his palm against his face, growling and biting his lip in frustration. Tsunade was nothing like Tenten had described and the image he'd received in his head was an old woman, wrinkled and droopy eyed; but here she was, as young as any young adult.

Tenten called her a powerful, noble and a respectable kunoichi but what Naruto saw was far beyond noble and respectable. A large part of him wanted to reach across the table and give her a good whack on the head with the sake bottle she so coveted. It was like a gnawing feeling against the back of his neck. She wasn't going against her thoughts, nor was she gathering her things to leave. A part of him wanted to believe she was contemplating her decision, but another part of him, the larger part, believed she was just trying to drink and forget about his presence before her. She was a cunt and Naruto couldn't stand her attitude. It was like shrill nails digging against a chalkboard.

He really needed to think this through. His promotion was more than just a promotion; the future of Konoha was entrusted to him and the decisions he made. This being most paramount of them all. Tsunade was their last hope at a capable and respected leader. With her family name and apparent legendary status, the transition from Danzo to her would be smoother and more accepted by the Fire Daimyo. Whom of which, had yet to show himself. How he quickly handed the seat of Hokage to a man like Danzo confused Naruto. He expected more tact and political wariness on the Daimyo's part. The speed and the transition was too quick and seemed more like a coup.

But if it was a coup, the Fire Daimyo would have risen his armies and marched onto the gates of Konohagakure and stormed the village. After all, shinobi villages were autonomous to an extent. They were the bulk of the Elemental Daimyo's armies but they themselves were a separate state of the Elemental Nation's political clout. Shinobi villages though, were designated by contract as per the Shodaime Hokage's order, to be loyal to the Elemental Daimyo's orders and decisions regarding Shinobi politics. At least; that's how the Konohagakure templet for shinobi villages went. The Daimyo had the final say in who became Hokage.

Maybe the Fire Daimyo feels intimidated by his neighbors and wants someone who would be willing to strike to be Hokage. Naruto wondered. To have the majority of the military follow a peace advocate's rule and law would be counteractive to expansionary and defensive military focuses. Even worse, for the Fire Daimyo, Konoha was shrinking down its shinobi forces, disarming and turning for a more business friendly economy. Something an Elemental superpower can't afford…

Huh…

Ahri raised a brow at the blond, having heard every word he said. She had to be honest, hearing his thought process surprised her, if not scared her. He was getting smarter and smarter, understanding and building his own theories from scratch. A sight she didn't know if she could ever get used to. He began to pace, glancing at the big breasted hag that sat in front of them. He mumbled, thinking out loud but did his best to stay in his own world of mental reverie. But he froze. Having received an epiphany. He spun on his heels to face the nine-tailed fox in front of him.

"Ahri…"

Her brow remained raised. "What?"

"We have a big…big…big problem on our hands…."


Rocks tumbled about, dancing and singing in the distance. A common sight and sound in the Land of Earth. Mountains rose throughout the horizon and landscape, poking and prodding at the heavens with their ever-reaching peaks. But there was something about this naturally dangerous country to seem…habitable.

Over each crumbling stone and rumbling boulder, there sat a village. Its walls were carved from the mountains themselves, thick and ever studious in their duty. Upon the walls, shinobi stood, swords, kunai and ninjutsu ready to blow at a moment's notice. Behind them, seemed nothing more than rock formations, crudely made and merged together. This was Iwagakure, the Village Hidden in Stone. Known to be a strong and powerful village; in truth, its strength had waned in the last decade.

From their crushing defeat at the hands of the Fourth Hokage, where he single handedly defeated an entire attack division consisting of over two hundred shinobi, to the Earth Daimyo denying the Hidden Village rearmament licenses, the current state of the village populous was…tense to say the least. A village like Iwagakure had much to be angry for and information that had just reached their Kage, the Tsuchikage, will only make things worse. Almost like metaphorical salt on wounds, a letter was received from Konoha.

But ignoring the coming chaos to ensue, there was a small battle taking place. Explosions of fire and earth shattered the training field, shooting rocks and dirt in every direction. But it was invisible to all who would dare to witness. A great wall of steam hid the spar from sight as two well-known shinobi clashed with every ounce of their ability. One was a lithe girl, dark hair and eyes of a light pinkish color. She wore a light brown flak jacket denoting her status as a chunin of Iwagakure. In front of her a man that stood almost seven feet tall wore a large and elaborate suit of red all-encompassing armor of steel and bamboo. On his back a great burning furnace threw steam throughout the field negating the girl's view.

But the steam could only do so much. He collapsed to a knee, tired of holding back. The girl was far more skilled than she let on. Quicklime and large formations of stone had wrapped around his feet and legs locking him in place. Using every ounce of his strength and doing what he can to not draw onto his tenant, the flowing steam came to halt. His tired but ever watching pink eyes fell slack. A sigh of defeat escaped his masked mouth as his voice made his surrender known.

Immediately, the cloud of steam dissipated, revealing the ruined training field and impact craters meters deep. Water had coagulated with the loose dirt turning it to mud. The girl splashed her sandals into the small puddles, proud of her workmanship, she smashed her fists together with pride beaming from her wide smile. Victory was nothing without vanity.

"Good work, Han." The young girl no older than fifteen smirked. Her pink eyes glimmered softly. "Maybe next time steam might beat lava. In the meantime, I think you should continue training."

"You know, Kurotsuchi…" The giant shinobi shut his own pink eyes. Shaking his head he opened his eyes just to glare at her. "You never cease to annoy the shit out of me."

The girl gasped out in pseudo hurt. "But…I thought we were…friends!"

The giant shinobi sighed behind his steel mask and tipped his equally large jingasa helm to hide the annoyance in his eyes. "Our training and spar is over. Would you be kind and leave me be to meditate?"

"Humph." She frowned. "You're no fun today."

She was responded with the back of Han's great steel armor and the furnace strapped to his back. A part of her wanted to start up another spar to test her own stamina, but the rest of her body and mind fervently disagreed finding it prudent to avoid angering the giant Jinchuriki today. She knew her skills and knew how strong she was; shying away from a challenge was not in her blood, but something was wrong with her giant of a friend today and she was going to get to the bottom of it.

Just not now.

If he wanted to meditate; she'd let him. She was annoying but she was far from cruel. Throwing her hands behind her head, she walked along, sandals kicking at stray rocks and pebbles as she headed from Han's training grounds. The village had seemed boring since she was promoted to chunin. Everyone bowed to her even more and everyone coddled at her feet like she was a damn princess. Sure she practically was; daughter of their jōnin commander and granddaughter of their current Tsuchikage; but all of that was beside the point. She didn't want the special treatment and thankfully didn't receive it when she became a shinobi from her comrades and peers.

But these damn civilians always giving her false smiles and free food. No. She wouldn't – couldn't – complain about free food. Everything else? Sure, why not. It felt like she didn't have to work for anything, like she didn't have to fight for everything. Being from Iwa, being the granddaughter to one of the arguably strongest shinobi alive, she knew that hardship was going to be hand in hand with her successes. But this; this charity felt insulting.

Shaking her head, feet dragging and trudging across the rock-littered dirt paths, her thoughts began to wander. She stared off into the hidden village painted with a single color; brown. It was a beautiful thing with its own rugged sense of style and aesthetic. Men and women struggled hard to do everyday things – while it was no Sunagakure, the lands surrounding the village were infertile for growing anything. Stones everywhere and protruding boulders and sharp rocks, even worse, when the stones on the mountain sides begin to tumble and create an avalanche – life wasn't pleasant but it was home.

Home. She thought. For a moment, she paused when the thoughts of home flittered through her mind. I remember reading in a book…Home is where your family is.

Looking at the towering plateau that the Tsuchikage tower was carved from so many years ago, she felt a small twist at her heart. She was just a newborn but her mother was killed by the Fourth Hokage during the last Great War. She grew up raised by her father and her grandfather, instilled with a distinct hate for Konoha. She didn't know all the information – especially since her father and grandfather denied her access to the archives of the village. Even after pleading and begging and declaring to become a jōnin to gain access, the two were adamant that she would never be allowed within. So many secrets, so much time.

But gleaming in the midday sun, she saw a hawk zooming through the air. But it wasn't a hawk native to the Land of Earth; it was a hawk from the Land of Fire. The red and green harness and steel buckles were a giveaway for her trained eyes. Something wasn't right; she could feel it in her bones. Dashing off through the pathways, kicking dirt, dust and stones in every direction; she took to the air with chakra rushing off of her legs.

Landing on the street below, she crashed through a street vendor and pushed through the crowds. Channeling chakra to her legs once again, she took to the air, landing on one of the many stone rooftops of the Hidden Village. The girl sped ahead like a whirlwind, gathering a great breeze in her wake; blowing curtains, street vendors and even lanterns away. She needed to hurry and learn of what was coming. Was it a declaration of war? Did the Konoha tree huggers finally concede and declare Iwagakure as the strongest? No, she berated herself; a people as prideful and self-entitled as the people of Konohagakure would never bow to another village willingly.

Charging ahead and even bursting through the Tsuchikage office window, she rolled on the floor, kicking her legs around to reposition before her grandfather. Jōnin and her father looked at her with confusion mixed with anger – albeit a small hint of anger. The letter had arrived and the hawk was perched on the Tsuchikage's desk.

"Jiji!" She called, panting slightly. "W-What does it say?"

"I was about to read it but you interrupted me."

"Here we go…"


Naruto paced in his mindscape, body cold as thoughts began to churn in his mind. Conspiracies that would get wilder and wilder with each passing moment. But even the wildest of conspiracies held some truth. Something was afoot and he would definitely get to the bottom of it. Being Hokage was the last thing on his mind; helping the old hag in front of him figure out her own messes and make her Hokage was the last thing on his mind – literally. He could already feel himself mentally gag at the mere thought of that coming to pass.

He paused, eyes turning to the girl beside him. Ahri herself was thinking of conspiracies that revolved around the pair. Slowly but surely, she too began to pace; her tails swishing about in pure wonder. She could hear his thoughts and he, her. They fell upon similar conclusions so it made communicating that much easier. Danzo was too quick to rise to power and the fact that the Fire Daimyo would accept the promotion so quickly didn't sit too entirely well with the two. Still, there was a dark sinking weight that wallowed at the bottom of her stomach.

Danzo had taken the village and in the wake of his rise, the village went up in flames. Rebellion had risen and comrade turned on comrade at his sudden usurpation of the Kage hat. But of course, the old man couldn't have done it alone – Naruto knew this at least. It didn't matter how much power one had, not one person can do anything on their own. Danzo could have connections from Konoha to the farthest continent beyond the oceans of the east and the old man still wouldn't have made such a drastic move on his own – and as obnoxiously as he did.

There were too many different ways that the Foundation leader could have gone about the entire situation. Naruto was just glad that Ahri was just as worried as he was. This big thing that was to come was definitely beyond big. It had to be the largest conspiracy in all the Elemental Nations. Danzo had enough men and resources at his disposal to actually spring a coup and take the most powerful Hidden Village in the Elemental Nations. Something of that magnitude couldn't have been done on his own. Spinning on his heels, he began to pace.

"I am beginning to see some things come together…" Naruto paced. "Ahri…what do you know of the Uzumaki Clan?"

"What about them?" The fox looked at him with a raised brow.

"My mother said that Danzo was instrumental in the Uzumaki Clan's demise." Naruto frowned. "Itachi also said that Danzo was the key stone to the Uchiha Massacre. My mother said that Danzo had a hand in every conflict since Old man-jiji had become Hokage."

"Uzumaki were…well…" Ahri took a soft breath. "Were known for having exceptionally long life-forces and incredibly resilient bodies. And they were most famous above all for the Fuinjutsu they turned from an obscure form of ninjutsu to an art form. Their fuinjutsu was unparalleled; even the most complex fuinjutsu that would take sealing experts weeks if not months or years to unravel, the Uzumaki would get it done in mere minutes if not moments."

Naruto's worried look only got worse. Pacing with a visible trepidation that served to do nothing but make the point he was making to become a hard pill to swallow, Ahri's jaw loosened.

"Exceptionally long life-forces…incredibly resilient bodies…" Naruto sighed, blue eyes turning to the ceiling of his mindscape. "The Academy and library says that Kumogakure, Iwagakure and Kirigakure banded together and attacked our…old ally…Uzushiogakure…my mother says something else…she was the last survivor of the purge. The first thing that becomes of her when she comes to Konoha is that she becomes a shinobi – they wanted to see if she had special chakra…ohson of a bitch! If I hadn't had enough reasons to hate that man, I just keep finding more! Tsunade could be in danger…"

The mindscape unraveled and time began to flow in. The blonde hag in front of him had finally finished pouring her sake and the two genin beside him looked at him with a slight hint of worry. More so Sakura than Sasuke. The Uchiha was more miffed that Jiraiya had sent the three of them to deal with the blonde grandma than he himself coming here. Naruto whipped his head to the window, watching the flaps of the curtains dance in the soft winds. Turning his head back to the blonde in front of him; she knew absolutely nothing of what has happened to Konoha and he was certain in her drunken stupor and from what Jiraiya had told him; she was going to either be irate or impossible to reason with unless great measures were taken to make her see.

Ahri agreed with that sentiment but at the moment, the hairs on Naruto's neck rose. The feeling became so profound, the chunin slightly rose from his seat garnering the attention of the blonde woman across the table. To her, he was calmly sitting at the table awaiting his coming speech about Konoha – youth; such naivety. But strangely, he was now completely restless as if he were expecting someone to pop out of the woodwork and strike at them. Placing her sake bottle down, she brought the cup to her lips, sipping softly at the contents, all the while watching the chunin in front of her look left and right, almost in a frantic terror.

"Tsunade-sama." Naruto spoke in a near growl. The people present at the table looked at him with confusion in their eyes. His tone spoke of conflict and worry. "Sasuke, Sakura…I sense trouble. Listen…I know you're like fifty but I won't pry granny…but before you think of lashing out at me; big things have happened in Konoha and your presence in required back in the village."

"What makes you think I'll go back there after you just insulted me?!" She asked with a glare. "And I've said this before! I will not take a step back into that village!"

Sasuke actually rose from his seat with his sharingan active and a hand resting on his sword hilt. Naruto turned to the blonde woman. "We're not going to Konoha just yet. I know you don't know this but Danzo is the Hokage now…he took the hat without keeping to the succession laws your grandfather created. So I'm sure you know that should count as illegal usurpation of the Kage position. We don't have all the information but we know that he had some help high in the Fire Daimyo's court or even the Fire Daimyo himself. If so, then our rebellion is more than justified. Are you following me so far?"

Tsunade was silent for a good few minutes, completely awestruck with eyes as wide as plates. Her cheeks were pink from how drunk she was. But after a while, the glazed drunken eyes she had were cleaned and wiped like a new slate. Her pink cheeks returned to their slightly tanned complexion. Sitting straight, she pushed her sake bottle away, eyes narrowing as she nodded.

"I didn't introduce myself or my team properly." Naruto frowned. "To my left is Uchiha Sasuke – one of the last two members of the Uchiha Clan. To my right is Haruno Sakura – one of the most deeply affected genin by the turn of events. I myself am Uzumaki Naruto – son of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina. Our sensei was Hatake Kakashi but he…fell…when Konoha fell. Jiraiya of your old team is now our sensei."

"Without giving too much detail; Danzo has sent his troops after us since the Fall." Tsunade's jaw loosened slightly when she looked at the battle-hardened children. "We have done well to escape death but…I sense his shinobi in the city…and to make matters worse…I sense your other teammate…the snake one."

"W-What?" Tsunade looked at Naruto with wide eyes, almost completely sobered up. "What are you planning on doing?"

"I have a mission tasked to me by the Rebellion – bring your drunk ass to our base to act as our leader and Hokage." Naruto spoke, sensing chakra signatures getting closer. "You are the prime leader for our Rebellion; you have the name, the skills and the titles that are becoming of a leader of a Hidden Village. The Daimyo would have no choice but to alleviate his decision of choosing Danzo when he realizes that Danzo can't keep Konoha on top. No doubt Danzo has already made slip ups in the eyes of the Fire Daimyo by losing the son of a previous Hokage."

"Why should I listen to you?" Tsunade asked with a glare. A flash of worry appeared – a flash that Naruto took notice of.

"Because!" Naruto took a deep breath, pressing his hands on the table. "Danzo…he cannot be trusted. Danzo betrayed everything Konoha stood for under the Third Hokage. We don't want you dead, we want you to fill the space he'd left behind – after all, it's a space that needs to be filled. I get that we got off on the wrong foot…it's because I want to be Hokage too. But at the moment – I myself, admittedly, am not qualified for the position. As much as it annoys me to also admit – everyone else believes you are. I can't force a legendary kunoichi to come with me but I'll sure as hell do what I can to convince you. If not for just being a leader, think of the wounded from how many battles have happened. Being the best and greatest medic in history, imagine the families you could heal – the children who wouldn't have to die a young death. Please. I can't believe I'm saying this…but I'm begging you."

"Naruto." Ahri took a deep breath, chakra rushing from her body and into his coils. "I can sense them nearby. Their aura is dark and malicious. Get ready for a fight…"

"Whelp…" Naruto sighed, placing a hand behind his head. "They're here."

The door slid open on the far side of the restaurant revealing a small squad of jōnin and chunin from Konoha. Their weapons were already drawn and from what Sasuke could see with his sharingan, the fourth member of the squad was on the rooftops channeling his chakra for ninjutsu. Their power, while a far cry from the Foundation Agents that Danzo seemed to have in excess, far outweighed the three members of Team Seven. Nevertheless, power and rank be damned, Sasuke slowly started to draw his katana, but was stopped by the blonde grandma.

"No need to get into an altercation, young Uchiha." Tsunade tightened her hand on the boy's paling knuckles. Walking across the restaurant leaving Shizune behind at the table, she was stopped by the lead jōnin of the team.

"Tsunade-sama." One of the jōnin bowed. "The search for you has been long and tremendous."

This was unexpected.

Tsunade did the first thing that came to mind and nodded her head. "How can I help you…jōnin-san?"

"Hokage-sama has ordered us to bring you to Konoha."

But it was at that moment that everything froze for Naruto. Time stopped flowing and everyone became as still as mannequins. His mind was racing giving him just enough time to collapse to his knees within his mindscape. Danzo was onto their plans; he had to be. Naruto sprang to his feet, running his thoughts through each and every possible angle, and there was only one that seemed logical enough. Danzo knew of their attempts to get Tsunade as the Hokage instead of him and he was preparing to destroy any hope they had. At least he didn't anticipate the intrusion of Naruto and Team Seven.

"If you don't mind me asking, Tsunade-sama…" The jōnin looked behind her trying to eye the rest of the restaurant. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he turned his eyes to her own. "We have received word that a chunin travelling with a pair of genin that we've been tracking for the last month is in the area. Have you seen them? They are important to Hokage-sama and his plans for the future of Konoha."

"No." Tsunade's reply was flat. "If they're so important why aren't they in Konoha?"

"It is something I cannot discuss here in an open doorway." The jōnin motioned for the woman to follow. "I will explain in greater detail when out of earshot of those this information doesn't concern."

Back in the bar, Naruto and the two genin pressed their backs against one the section walls, hiding their bodies from sight. Naruto tilted over, cerulean eyes locking on the back of Tsunade as she exited the establishment with the Konoha shinobi. Avoiding the looks that many of the bar regulars were giving the trio, he sprang to his feet with the other two at his rear, ready to spring into action at any moment. They stayed low, keeping their heads down, Naruto even removed his chunin vest for the time beings and shoved it into a storage seal.

His hand rested on the handle on his hip, prepared for anything. "Sasuke, do you see where they are?"

"Yeah." The Uchiha glared as the sharingan spun. "They're just talking to her at the moment; what about, I'm not entirely certain. This isn't a good position to be in if I'm gonna be honest here. Jōnin and chunin of our village are over the place. I don't recognize some of them but there are a few that struck down some of the Rebellion shinobi during the Fall."

"Then don't aim to kill." Naruto said it as if it were the simplest answer. "We don't want to kill our comrades but if push comes to shove, I will strike our enemies down. Konoha is what our ancestors fought and bled to build and create; what my father and mother gave their lives to protect. I don't know how you two feel but I feel obligated to do what must be done for the good of Konoha. Removing Danzo and his ilk and putting up someone who follows the Will of Fire like old man-jiji said…Konoha will never be the same without someone like that. While I don't like baa-chan, she's the best shot we got."

The trio left the bar without another word spared. They needed to know what the shinobi were on about. If Danzo is trying to convince Tsunade to come back to Konoha, it could be the easiest ploy to remove a possible competitor for the Hokage hat. It could be a trap for her. While she did talk all that shit about Konoha and her forefathers and their legacy; she was drunk. I don't know her whole story since Jiraiya-sensei was awfully vague on that point, it must have been rough to make her desert the village and become a drunken recluse gambling her soul away.

"Now, I don't want to make Danzo seem any less than the monster he is – Tsunade is also renowned as the shinobi world's most powerful and skilled medic." Ahri piped. "Maybe…just maybe Danzo is bringing her back to help heal Konoha. Being around as long as I have, I have seen things done worse by other more noble men for the sake of one's village and ideals."

But still, Ahri. Naruto looked back at her. Why bring an enemy – especially one as special as Tsunade back to the village? She is the granddaughter of the First and the grandniece of the Second and student to the Third. She has more direct ties to the title of being Hokage than Danzo ever will. Sure, he was the student of the Second with the Third being his teammate, Tsunade has the blood and the title that would impress the Fire Daimyo. As far as I'm concerned, the Fire Daimyo was either coaxed into agreeing to making Danzo the Hokage or he was offered no other choice by Danzo and whomever else is in the guy's pocket.

Shouldn't there be a meeting of sorts before a Kage is chosen?

"And here I was thinking you knew what you were talking about when you pulled at the old hag's heartstrings."

You can't talk calling her an old hag. How old are you again?

"I'm immortal, Byeong-shin." Ahri huffed. "Huge difference. Anyway – yes. There is usually a meeting of the high ranking jōnin and Clan Heads of Konoha where they put forth their candidates for the Hokage hat. But sadly most – if not all – of the clan heads had gathered with Kakashi to decide on whether or not they would rebel against Danzo before he could even take power, leaving the council empty save for those loyal to the war hawk."

So, in a way, you're saying the precautionary moves that were made to stop Danzo, inadvertently became his rise? Son of a bitch. This is why they always taught that trying to remove the problem before there even is one is one of the dumbest things you could do. Naruto clenched his teeth. Go figure, all the jōnin and clan heads that could have stopped or even stalled Danzo at that said meeting would have done so if Kakashi hadn't acted to brashly.

"Can you blame him though?" Ahri asked with a worried look on her face. "Danzo is known by most if not all of the jōnin shinobi that are worth their salt, as a war hawk. He would do anything to get the glorious war that would destroy the other nations and leave Konoha on top once again. I'm certain you know the type. But of course with international disarmament and shrinking shinobi forces, the Fire Daimyo had to concede to the treaties and pacts made between nations. Hiruzen was all too happy for the course of the International status of course but Danzo wasn't – and we can only assume the Fire Daimyo wasn't either."

Still… Naruto shook his head. Everything is coming together for a full swing and I'll be damned if they kill the old hag. If she doesn't become our icon for the rebellion, I don't know who will.

"You always could." Ahri added.

The hell I could. Naruto blanched at the notion. I was just promoted to chunin and for the last hour and a half, we were in my mindscape coming up with ways I could knock her ass out and bring her along without a fight. Not much for Kage or leadership worthy material if I'm being honest here. She may be a drunk and pretty much a washed-up hag in my eyes, she has the name, the prestige and the power to be the icon we need. Many of those who followed us, followed us because of who we were and not really knowing the truth of the cause.

Tsunade is an important piece to our puzzle. Naruto exited the restaurant with his kunai sword drawn. And I'll be damned if someone steals her.

"Takashi!" A call came from the rooftops. "It's the Kyuubi-brat and the Uchiha!"

Naruto narrowed his eyes when the shinobi immediately jumped forward to protect Tsunade from the three of them. "That's the first thing you say when you see me?"

"Tsunade-sama." The lead jōnin identified as Takashi spoke menacingly. "Stay behind me. That boy is the reincarnation of the demon that attacked Konoha fourteen years ago. He is the Kyuubi no Kitsune. They say he's the son of the Yondaime Hokage. But I don't – I won't – believe the words of a demon and his worshipers. Men! Apprehend them! Hokage-sama wants the Uchiha and the demon alive."

"What of the girl?" One of the chunin asked.

"Dispose of her. Hokage-sama has no need for her."

But before the shinobi could move, almost like lightning, Naruto appeared before them. His sword was drawn and ready to strike. Like a blinking strike, the first chunin was sliced in half, spraying blood and guts in every direction. His face was contorted into a disfigured rage with whisker marks becoming whiskers and the once cerulean eyes bleeding into crimson. It was the flame-like tattoos that really struck a chord with the Konoha strike team. He was covered in them with dark red almost a blood red chakra exploding off of his body in droves.

Behind Naruto, Sasuke had activated his Cursed Mark for the first time in almost a month. He as well was covered in flame like tattoos. But instead of dark blood red chakra, his was purple, malicious and almost sinister in nature. It writhed around him and Sakura like tendrils with slight hits of sentience. The two channeled the energy at their disposal scaring off the shinobi into the alleyways and rooftops. Immediately dissipating their power, Naruto sprang forward grabbing the old woman who was on her knees, terrified.

"Oh, come on." Naruto frowned. "You can't be that terrified of our…power…"

His eyes no longer crimson trailed over to see where her sight was resting. It was the pool of blood that continued to spread. She looked at her hands and to her arms finding the small flakes and drops of blood abhorrent. Even with just a simple touch of her shoulder, Naruto could feel her heart race within her chest. But just as he shook her to get her attention; she shot her fist forward with chakra exploding from the impact.

"Oh shit!" Ahri cried from within.

Several bones were destroyed the instant her fist met with his body. Organs were ruptured and if Ahri hadn't been within him; she was certain he would have popped like a balloon. Naruto flew back almost forty feet, crashing and rolling against the dirt. The street cracked from the sheer power the old woman had in her punch. Windows shattered from the incredible show of power.

Sasuke drew his sword, Cursed Mark chakra gone, ready to strike at Tsunade. But Tsunade, almost as if she were in a daze, rose to her feet, confused and terrified of where she was. Shizune burst from the restaurant with her pig in her arms, screaming out for the blonde. The old Senju didn't show any signs of reciprocation. She simply turned on her heels and took off to the rooftops – probably running as fast as she can to get away from the scene as fast as possible.

"Shit…" Sasuke rushed over to Naruto, running his hands against his friends broken body. "Damn it…and you just…"

Suddenly, steam and chakra burned from the point of impact. Bones merged and skin reformed. The dead and torn flesh fell off like skin shedding's of a snake. His once labored breath became smooth and before long, the Uzumaki sprang to his feet, disoriented at best, ready to hurl at worst. The organs damaged were almost as good as new but sadly, there was something that even Ahri or Tsunade could fix.

His pride.


Kurotsuchi was cold in her seat, almost contemplating what she should do. Her hands were clasped together as her knees shook beneath her. Her pink eyes trailed to the stone walls and the varying paintings and murals decorating the ever dull and bland brown of her village. The news was almost too much for her and near sent her careening into a darkness of no return. The man she'd been raised to hate and despise has a son.

She leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees. Her hair feel down to cover the sides of her face with her bangs falling from out of her hitai-ate. Jōnin walked past her with a slight frown on their faces but they nodded at her. They too lost someone to the Yondaime Hokage during the last Great War. Even Kumogakure was affected by the man. To lose so many people so quickly was unbelievable and incredible – but to Kurotsuchi, none of that mattered. The mother she never knew was killed in the battle by the Yellow Flash and now…she was going to return the favor.

Thoughts drifting to the contents of the letter; the new Hokage, Shimura Danzo had offered Iwagakure information in exchange for a meeting between the two Shinobi nations. As a sign of goodwill on Danzo's part, he told them the identity of the Yondaime Hokage's son; Uzumaki Naruto. While she'd never heard of the family name before, seeing so many jōnin and even her own grandfather stiffen at the name made her wonder and filled her with curiosity. Back to the Uzumaki, he was a newly promoted chunin of Konoha after the village was attacked by Sand and Sound.

After the Konoha Crush, Iwagakure and admittedly the rest of the world had no idea what was happening in the Land of Fire. Spies were rooted out, scouts were arrested and deported back to their home countries. Information leaving the nation had come to a complete standstill. Internal trade was still running as far as the other nations were concerned but international trade between the Land of Fire and the other nations bordering it had ceased. Land of Tea and the other nations bordering Konoha to the south were cut off thanks to the closed borders. People were starving and resources were scarce.

The Tsuchikage, while not the most empathetic man could not help but worry for the coming future of the Elemental Nations. He continued reading the letter, reading the new Hokage's words with a grain of salt. Onoki scowled at some of the things mentioned in the letter but overall agreed with the Danzo's words. They would meet with him first and then chase after the son of the Yondaime. All in due time he told Kurotsuchi. But what if the Konoha rats decided against peaceful talks; what if Danzo was as bad as many of the jōnin say he is? Would we be ready if they struck out at us?

Why is the son of the Yondaime out of the village in the first place? Kurotsuchi wondered. Is he on a mission already? As far as I know; village repairs would take months – many months. If they were already being sent on missions, I'd find it a waste of resources. There's something we're not being told here…


"What?"

Naruto looked away, a small hint of embarrassment showed on his face in the form of a blush. "It's exactly as I said it was."

Jiraiya was awestruck, flabbergasted even. "H-How…why?! Damn it, Naruto! Now she could be anywhere drunk on her ass! Danzo or Orochimaru could have already found her!"

"Oh please!" Naruto shouted back. "I'm certain that the old hag is fine…I mean…"

"What?"

"I hope the old hag is fine…"


"Ma'am! Spit the strawberry printed panties out immediately!"

The woman lost her footing, pulling the underwear from her mouth with a glazed look in her hazel eyes. "H-How'd I get drunk already…? Why doesn't this taste like strawberries?!"


"Look." Jiraiya sighed in frustration. "It's morning – it's been a good ten hours since you've last seen her. We might find her passed out in her hotel room or behind a dumpster or something."

"You don't sound too sure of yourself, sensei." Naruto pried.

"Quiet you."


"And don't come back here ever again, you indecent woman!"

The blonde stumbled slightly, barely finding her footing steady. Cocking her fist back, she prepared a power punch towards the men who grabbed her from the store, chakra built into her arm for maximum results. But just as she shot her fist forward, a hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her in her drunken tracks.


"What kind of drunk is she?"

Jiraiya looked up from his notebook. "Why do you ask?"

"Well…there're different kind of drunks." Naruto started. "We've got loud drunks; like the ones who'd openly curse me when I was a child…the party drunks; a lot of young adult civilians are like that at parties. Then you've got lewd drunks; you're lewd no matter the level of sobriety you're stricken with so you're an obvious example I suppose. And of course; the violent ones. The Hag – I mean Tsunade – seems to have more depth to her than I first assumed."

"My, my, Naruto." Jiraiya smirked. "Three months ago when I first found you, you were a helpless waste of time. Now you're using big words and using that brain of yours. It's both surprising and scary."

"So I've been told."

Jiraiya took a deep breath and slid his pencil into the spiral of his notepad. "You wouldn't be wrong in your assessment of my old teammate. She's a case of Irony if I've ever seen one."

"What do you mean?" The Uzumaki asked with a raised brow. "Irony?"

"Yes…well…she's a medic who has hemophobia." Jiraiya frowned. "The fear of blood. It triggered in her when she lost her lover, Dan."

Naruto looked to Sasuke and Sakura who were still asleep in their bed. The black haired Uchiha held the pinkette in his arms. If this were a scene to witness just three months before, Naruto was certain he would have flipped; but in all honesty, he thought it looked cute. But worrisome after hearing of Tsunade's tragedy.

"I can sense more to the story."

"Are you sure you want to know, kid?" Jiraiya gave a subtle warning. He was responded with a soft nod from the blond still fixated on his sleeping teammates.

"Well…Dan died during the Third Shinobi World War." Jiraiya nodded. "Just a few months before Dan, Tsunade's little brother, Nawaki, died as a runner from the fronts of Konoha HQ during the one of the major conflicts of the war. Not enough information was available on what happened but all we know was that Iwagakure got him. Tsunade tried to heal him, his blood drenched her by the end of the night…"

Naruto turned his head to his teacher when the old geezer trailed off. Jiraiya looked down at his sandaled feet. "Yeah…that memory, along with Dan dying in her arms burned into my brain as it did with hers. Their blood coalesced into her fear for conflict and death; her fear of blood. It pains me to force her back into Konoha's military and shinobi forces again, but with Danzo in control, I – we – have no choice but to force her back."

"I…" The young blond was silent, hands clenching his chunin flak jacket. "I think I understand her better now…"


"Orochimaru!" Tsunade drawled, a soft pink tinge on her cheeks.

"You're drunk this early in the day, Tsunade?" The snake hissed with a disappointed smirk. "And here, I thought better of you."

"Why are you here, Orochimaru?" She hissed back, spit dribbling between her barred teeth. "I thought you'd be kidnapping little boys to dissect them to see the quickest way to their hearts –!"

"You will not insult Orochimaru-sama in my presence!" Kabuto raised a kunai at her throat.

But faster than light; the kunai was knocked from his hand. Dust settled and Kabuto lay stomach pressed against the dirt with his arm twisted violently. Tsunade pressed her knee against his spine, chakra building at her sharp kneecap digging between his vertebrae.

"It seems you've found a loyal little boy." Tsunade leered at the pale skinned man's lackey. "And what's your name? Experiment No.12? Oh, better yet; boy-toy No.1 since you seem to be his bottom bitch."

"Such unwarranted malignance, Tsunade." Orochimaru's voice slithered from his face-splitting smile. "Why do you treat Kabuto so?"

"Don't play any games with me, Orochimaru." Tsunade growled. "I was told of how you attacked Konoha and killed sensei. It seems it wasn't a complete victory, was it. Your dead arms seem to agree with me."

One of his eyebrows quirked at her statement. "Once more…why are you being so cruel? It is after all the first time we've seen each other in over twenty years."

"Did I hit a nerve?" Tsunade released Kabuto eliciting a groan form the silver haired shinobi. "I guess your wish and dream to learn every ninjutsu in existence will never come to pass."

"On the contrary, my dear Tsunade." Orochimaru's smile grew a sickening width with his tongue hanging from his face. "I have found my solution. I believe you've already met my favorite experiments."

"Who…?" Her hazel eyes narrowed.

"Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke." Orochimaru whispered. "Those two boys have been marked as my property, my experiments…my…boy-toys…as you put it."

Tsunade trembled in the snake's presence at the revelation. "Oh, did I strike a nerve?" Orochimaru grinned. "Adorable, really. You already formed a worrisome care for the two children. Well I'll have you know, Tsunade, I just want the Uchiha's eyes and the Uzumaki's body. I'll cut them up, dissect them and learn all about their bodies…and you'll help me."

She backed away, arms shaking with chakra building up in her fists. "N-No…why would I ever help you?!"

"I have knowledge of ninjutsu that far outweighs yours." Orochimaru's grin turned menacing. "I have seen the other world…I have contacted the other world…"

"I can bring back your beloved…I can bring back your brother. Dan and Nawaki." Orochimaru looked at her widening eyes and sensed her dissipating chakra. "Don't you want them back? Don't you wish to hold your brother in your arms like the big sister you are; or to caress and love Dan once more? You miss it don't you? Where every waking moment is spent trying to dull your pain with alcohol, aren't you tired of that life?"

Tsunade looked at him with wide eyes, shaking within her sockets. Body cold like ice, and arms frozen like stone, she couldn't move. Thoughts ran rampant, dancing past her hazel irides, coloring her world a dark monochrome. But just as her world came to a crushing darkness, a bright, silvery blade glimmered in her eyes.

"Orochimaru-dono." A gruff voice sounded in her muffled ears. "What are you doing?"

"Why…I'm merely extracting my side of the deal." The Sannin hissed. "I want my arms healed and I want a blood sample. Neither should take longer than a few mere moments."

"Hokage-sama will be enraged to find that she's been altered in any way."

"Altered?" Orochimaru stared at the man with a raised brow. "I knew the Foundation were hard-headed but I never anticipated them to be this dense. I just want Tsunade, my dear teammate for just a few mere moments more."

"Y'know." A third voice arrived. "All of you need to learn how to hide your damn chakra. I could sense you a mile away."

"Naruto-kun/The Kyuubi-Brat!"

On a wall watching the exchange take place, Naruto and the rest of Team Seven crouched, looking down at them. Naruto and Sasuke's swords were drawn, glowing with soft blue hues. Beside them Sakura held onto the roofing tiles. Jiraiya stood with one knee drawn up and another flamboyantly raised into the air. His arms were spread showing off his ridiculous smile and face.

"At least someone is willing to say my name!"

Orochimaru's shit eating grin never ceased. "Well, I see you've survived the Cursed Mark, Naruto-kun! Why don't you come down and have a talk?"

"No." The Uzumaki frowned. "I don't think so."

Hurling a kunai with a swift action; the knife sang through the air whistling as it cut through the winds. Moving quick, one of the Foundation agents drew his tanto, blocking the attack. As expected though, Naruto appeared before the man with his kunai sword drawn and locked with the tanto. The Uzumaki grunted as he pressed his weight and smaller frame into the experienced agent. Chakra shook off the blond in steady waves, yet the ANBU managed to keep his stance.

From a distance, a pair of clones rushed up to the gathered shinobi, rasengan glowing and spiraling in their open hands. Chakra wisped about, tickling and brushing against the boy's flesh. Taking a quick moment to catch a breath, Naruto jumped up, pressing his soles against the ANBU's locked forearms and kicked back, chakra exploding off the point. As the unnamed agent stumbled back in a thick cloud of smoke, the first shadow clone zoomed past him like a whirlwind dervish. The second though, used the disoriented ninja's stance to his advantage. Jumping forward with the unbalanced agent, the clone rammed his rasengan into the man's chest, tearing his armor to pieces and shredding his cloak beneath.

Releasing the pressure and spiraling rotations within, the rasengan exploded in a powerful show of blue, white and red. It was so powerful, the clone who dealt the blow, dispelled. The ninja fell to the ground, chest eviscerated, devoid of skin to hide the bloody organs within. Blood quickly pooled around the ANBU, darkening the soft brown of the dirt road. It was a vicious but effective kill, something Naruto wanted to avoid but knew was the only way to survive against the Foundation.

Behind him though; Tsunade watched with wide eyes and skin as cold as ice. Her body shook and mind came to a shuddering halt. The blood continued to flow around the corpse, slowly thickening into a crimson chowder. Her mouth dried and legs gave out beneath her. She watched Naruto rip the man open, practically with his own bare hands. She watched him attack those ANBU with no fear in his eyes or in his stance. He scared her.

A loud roar shook her from her fear stricken reverie. Naruto ducked under a wide swipe from a tanto and quickly responded with a kick to the man's gut. He dodged and weaved between each strike, taking his time to watch for any openings. Launching forward as the ninja prepared for an overhead strike, Naruto tackled the man twice his size and slammed the man into the dirt. Punching him a few times, he drew a kunai from the ninja's own kunai pouch. Without hesitation in his movements, he jammed the knife between the shinobi's eyes. The man died quickly, but Naruto could not help but witness the pupils dilate and the eyes roll up.

Beside him, Sasuke landed, clashing his longer chokutō katana with a tanto. While Naruto was a strong hitter, using power strikes and shadow clones to wield ninjutsu, Sasuke was a near master. What surprised the Uzumaki, Sasuke wasn't even using his Sharingan. The Uchiha clashed his blade with expert precision and timing. With a light grip on his hilt, he spun the blade about, confusing his opponent and showering the two of them in sparks. Sasuke stopped suddenly, foot forward between the ninja's stance. Whipping his fist with lightning chakra crackling against his pale skin, the Uchiha dug the blade into the unguarded knuckles of the ninja. But in a single move, he sliced the sword through the man's hand and slid his foot around, knocking the man to his back.

Twirling his blade, Sasuke shoved the sword through the man's chest, immediately ending his life. Now beside him, Sakura rushed up to one of the chunin confused and terrified. Sliding against the blood slicked road, she channeled chakra to her fist, taking after Naruto and Sasuke's example's. With a powerful cry and roar, she rammed her fist into the ninja's stomach, rupturing his organs within, forcing blood up his throat. With power and chakra still built in her arms and legs, she shoved the man back two feet, fist bloodied and crimson.

"Make this easy for us, Orochimaru and surrender." Naruto shouted. "Your butt buddies are dead and you've got nowhere to run!"

"You disappoint me Naruto…I thought you were smarter than that." Orochimaru hissed with a hint of disappointment lacing his words. "Kabuto!"

"Kuchiyose no jutsu!"


"You know…I've seen some shit." Naruto spoke. "I've seen some crazy fucking shit. I met a girl who was actually a guy. I met a guy who liked to wear the skin of people with incredible hair. Shit…I even met a fox that destroyed my village, killed my parents, ruined my chances of having a regular childhood, and even trained me to be not as shit as I used to be. And she's hot as hell too. It's interesting y'know."

"But not as half as interesting as this bullshit!"

"Naruto, run!"

He ran and ran, dodging falling debris and ruptured pagoda towers. "Tell me something I don't know to do please!"

"Naruto, just calm down!" Ahri shouted once again. "You're stressing me out!"

Stressing you out?! Naruto ducked as a gigantic purple tail swiped above him. Winds gathered and lifted the little orange clad blond off his feet. "I'm the one in the physical world about to die here!"

Rolling through the dirt and debris cloud, Naruto landed on his knees, speeding through hand seals. He looked up, sky covered in the growing smoke. Using what little context clues he had, he aimed towards the imposing shadow practically blocking the sun from view.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no jutsu!" Naruto shouted within.

Chakra ignited within his stomach and rushed up his throat. With the tiger hand seal as the wick, he forced the volatile chakra forward and watched with pride. The chakra ignited with a fiery beauty and swelled to a size almost five times larger than himself. Narrowing his sapphire eyes, the ball sprang forward, spreading the thick cloud of debris creating a visible cavern through the smoke. Against the shadow, which was growing, the ball disappeared and exploded, glowing the horizon in a beautiful orange hue. The explosion was loud, but his victory was short lived.

"Naruto, the tail is coming back around!"

He ran forward, head ducked down, feeling the gigantic snake tail swung overhead. It was purple with great terrifying spikes protruding. Its tail rose up through the cloud, splitting it in half. While any other time, Naruto would have thanked the gods or any deity willing to listen, he frowned, almost even feeling his face melt in despair. The blaring sun spread her rays through the thick smoke shimmering the dark purple scales of the snake. Now that Naruto had a better look at it; he'd come to realize that it was significantly larger than the three-headed monstrosity that ravaged his village.

"H-Holy…s-shit…"

"Naruto!" Ahri shouted within him. "Just get out of the way!"

"I-I…"

Chakra sprang through his body, flooding his coils and limbs, forcing him to his numbing feet. What drove him insane, Sasuke, Sakura and Jiraiya were nowhere to be seen. The instant Kabuto summoned the purple monster, everything went to hell. Naruto stopped channeling the cursed mark and Ahri's chakra, and he lost sight of his Uchiha friend. Dashing through the cloud with chakra waving off of his body, he zoomed through the destruction, tripping over large pieces of debris. One didn't need sight or a significant amount of cognitive function to figure how fucked the situation was.

He zipped about, dodging another great purple, spiked snake tail. The impact sent shockwaves of terror through the earth and into Naruto's own two feet. Stumbling, fearful and sweating profusely, Naruto finally made it from the death trap the smoke cloud was. It was then that he finally realized the true terror that was Orochimaru.

The man of his nightmares and current predicament, stood upon the head of a massive purple snake with spikes coming from the back of its head. The snake he fought in the Forest of Death was like a worm to this being of gargantuan majesty. Its head was larger than the three heads of the snake that tore through Konoha's walls – combined! Its scales looked as thick as steel plate, slithering about its flesh. Naruto groaned at his luck, eyeing the beast as Jiraiya finally appeared on the head of Gamabunta, the Toad Boss. The two massive summons clashed with one another, grabbing and swiping and punching. Jiraiya engaged Orochimaru, but even though the old Sannin was missing his arms, his legs worked perfectly fine.

Naruto could feel his fear piquing once again. But a reassuring hand suddenly arrived, resting upon his shoulder. Sapphire eyes met with the crimson red of the sharingan. Sasuke was panting with a few cuts and bruises on his otherwise unharmed face. His sword was drenched in blood but with the look on his eyes and the tears and slashes through his shirt, said a different story. He may have gotten the kills; but he was far from unscathed. He panted heavily, ducking his head down feeling sweat dribble off his face. They were in over their heads and it was just beginning to register. Beside him, another hand grabbed at his own; Sakura had found her way to the pair, terrified and shaking.

Her knuckles were bruised and split. Blood coursed from the swollen flesh, telling Naruto she did what she had to. Her forehead and the cut sporting across it had opened again, blood dripped and slipped against her skin like paint. Her short cut pink hair was wild and disheveled, colored brown from mud and dirt. Sakura looked like she'd been through hell and back, but somehow still managed to survive. Bringing his team closer to him, he could feel their fear shaking within their cores – shaking with his own.

The Curse Mark was vibrating on Naruto's stomach, much like how it was for Sasuke. For a moment, Naruto thanked the wretched thing – without it; he and Sasuke would not have been able to dispatch the Foundation Agents the way they did. But now, he could feel how detrimental it could be. Sasuke looked paler and his cheeks looked slightly sunken in. The tattoos had disappeared but the Curse Mark continued to glow on his shoulder, almost as if it were calling to him like a beacon. The Uchiha fought it though, as well as Naruto could ever. It was addicting and already the two of them have used it far too much while on the mission.

Worse still, Orochimaru could feel them using it. Whenever the power surged through their bodies, the sickening smile, that flowing waving black hair would flash in their minds. The promise of power and revenge; the promise of equality and love. Things one disregards and the other has already found. The lies the Curse Mark spun were powerful, warping reality and their perception of the world around them. But Naruto and Sasuke knew they had to fight past it. The Village depended on it; their friends depended on it; they depended on each other.

Naruto turned back, sensing someone coming over the debris. "Baa-chan! What are you doing here?!"

The old woman continued hobbling through the debris, obviously terrified and worried of her decision to show herself. She slid down the rocks, tumbling as she went and landed on her knees. Naruto could see her shaking as she forced herself to her feet. Tsunade stumbled, losing her balance for a moment but continued to fight on. A medic afraid of blood? She'd whisper to herself. Children throwing themselves into the line of fire? What does that make me?

Her hazel eyes landed on the confident – bloodied – smile that the blond brat sported. He looked happy despite the fear he couldn't hide. His friends – family – beside him, were his strength; his rock and his steady ground. Tsunade could see it – feel it. Her lips quivered, feeling tears sting at the corners of her eyes. Quickly, she pressed her hands against Sakura's back, an emerald green aura appeared. Almost immediately, the wounds the girl received were healing over, steaming and disappearing without leaving a scratch. Even her chakra reserves and stamina were revived.

Her hands were pressed against Sasuke, healing his wounds as well. The Uchiha's face filled in, color returned and his eyes glowed with a new saturation. His wounded smirk changed to a confident, powerful smile. He straightened up and stretched his back. Swinging his sword around, the boy flashed a brave look before falling to his confident disposition.

But luck is always on Naruto's side. Just as the battle couldn't get worse, newcomers arrived.

There were three of them, each wearing a mask and fancy robes with thick sleeves. They were the same height – they couldn't be any older than the rebel ninja themselves. But what really freaked Naruto out; the trio had gigantic blades growing from their own flesh. If Naruto hadn't seen crazy shit beforehand, he was certain this would have taken the cake. He knew Orochimaru was fucked up, but this was an entirely new level.

There were times where Sasuke could hear his own voice telling him to join Orochimaru and there were times, even now, that he thought of seeing what kind of power the old snake was willing to offer that no one else apparently had, but after seeing what these little creatures looked like, dashed those thoughts. Every possible idea or image of taking the power Orochimaru had offered, disappeared. These children were subjected to such a heinous experiment that weapons were grafted to their arms! The Uchiha steadied himself, gathering his sword to ready.

"What the hell…" Ahri whispered within. "I've seen evil…and this goes beyond that…"

"You look like you've pissed yourself, Naruto." A sniveling giggle followed. "Surprised?"

"You sick bastard!" Naruto roared. "What the hell is wrong with you people?! Grafting blades to children?!"

"Oh, don't worry…" Kabuto smiled deliriously. "It's part of his kekkei genkai. Shin!"

The three children looked up in unison. "ATTACK!"

The trio burst into action, closing the distance in a near instant. Their blades clashed with their own, sparks singing into the wind. Their masks were emotionless and dispelled the probable years of torture. The stalemate was tough, with Shin nearly breaking their stance. With a few puffs of smoke, shadow clones appeared and grabbed the three boys away from Team Seven, allowing the three a moment of reprise.

"What the hell was that?" Sakura asked worriedly.

"No idea." The Uchiha of the three panted. "I'm not feeling too confident at the moment."

"Kabuto said that's the guy's kekkei genkai!" The pinkette whispered worriedly. "What kind of kekkei genkai is that?"

"Can't think of one."

"Well, doesn't matter." Naruto glared. "We get rid of them and keep Baa-chan safe."

"I can defend myself." The woman in question responded indignantly. "I'm a Sannin remember."

"Doesn't matter." Naruto piped. "Getting into the thick of things makes protecting you from Orochimaru and Danzo and any other nefarious ne'er-do-wells, significantly more difficult than it bloody has to be. Sit tight and enjoy the show."

Shin rushed ahead, popping through shadow clones as he made a beeline attempt to remove Naruto. The Uzumaki anticipated this and side stepped, sword ready and arms steady. The swung with power in his strike, digging the kunai sword into the boy's stomach. The blade dragged against his skin, slicing through the robes and flesh. Blood sprayed like a fountain, drenching the stone debris of the battle. His body collapsed like a sack of potatoes, thudding like dead weight.

Swinging his sword about, the Uzumaki felt the shaking sensation in his right arm hum with excitement. It was different this time. While the shaking before happened when there was no battle, it felt like a searing pain mixing with his own fears. This time, it felt like joy. His body was excited for a fight; excited for another kill. Shaking his head, the Uzumaki prepared himself for the next two.

They paced around them, watching the three protect Tsunade. Behind them, Kabuto prepared himself to strike at the Toad Sannin battling his master. He was speeding through hand seals and gathering his chakra. With a quick glance, it didn't take much to realize that the arrival of Shin wasn't planned. Kabuto hobbled along, both content and slightly confused in his movements.

"Break these guys apart, they're almost like clones of each other!"

Naruto charged ahead, feeling the ground shake beneath the weight of two giant summons. The first Shin swung at the Uzumaki, blade grazing at his blond locks of hair. Spinning about, he rammed his foot into the young boy's cheek, stumbling the clone in his stance. Shin's arm swung back blades spinning this time. Bringing his kunai sword up, the metal sang and screeched, dulling the sharp end of both weapons. Sparks latched to their flesh and clothing.

Bending back, the great blade stopped spinning and landed with the edges coming too close to his cheeks. Lunging his arm forward, the kunai sword jabbed into the boy's shoulder, spraying blood against his blade. It trickled down, covering his gloved knuckles, slicking into the fingerless tips. Shin's mask fell from his face revealing a pristine, yet terrified face. His eyes were dark and menacing, but lacked any real rage. He was scared. Building chakra to his shoulder, Naruto jumped into the boy, dispersing his chakra on impact, sending Shin flying back in a micro-shower of misted blood. It wasn't enough to kill him, but it sure was enough to knock him unconscious.

Twirling his blade once again, Sakura jumped back, kicking and punching at the other boy who attacked her. She weaved between each attack, probably imagining Jiraiya's own punches and kicks. The punch twisted the air, sending it like bullets behind the girl. Sakura back-flipped, using her smaller, lithe form to her advantage. While her knuckles were busted and bleeding, she didn't have the chance to slow down or even rest. She can't. Shin channeled his chakra – or whatever is powering his heinous kekkei genkai – and extended the length of his weapon, closing the distance for just a mere second – ripping her bare shoulder.

Wincing, Sakura swung back, reaching down and lifting debris. In a moment of fear, chakra rushed her arms and legs, kicking up a large section of the walls. Concentrating on the clone she was targeted by, she rammed her shattered knuckles into the carved stone. It flew across the open battlefield, colliding with the boy she faced. It exploded into shards and smoke. Mixing with the air and blowing wind, his skull had cracked and flesh had cut across his forehead. Blood trickled down his face, revealing his unconsciousness.

Beside her, Sasuke was in a deep duel, slicing, clashing and dodging his opponent. It annoyed him greatly, finding that each clone managed to be at least decent in fighting with a blade. As for tactical knowhow – it needed major improvements. After all, it's good to know how to swing a sword, but if you don't know when to swing it, there's no use. Sasuke learned the hard way many times after training with the various kenjutsu specialists that joined their little rebellion. The Uchiha was considered a prodigy with his blade-work after all. Being matched in such a way sent shivers up and down his spine.

Swinging around, Shin punched at Sasuke, encasing his fist in a dark steel knuckle brace. It almost hit him, but Sasuke managed to activate his Sharingan in time and dodged. Sliding around the unknown boy, he sprang to action. Swiping at defenses and slashing where it mattered, he was actually hitting at the boy's weak areas. The legs – the knees specifically – the shoulders and the back. With the aid of the Sharingan, it should not be too difficult, but Shin kept his defense too strong.

With quick thinking and an experiment on mind, Sasuke dodged the next lunge from Shin, parrying it to kingdom come. Channeling chakra in that moment of reprieve, he could feel it running within his stomach, dragging and rubbing against itself. It sizzled and even started to spark within. But he wasn't trying to create fire based attacks. It tumbled and shot around in high speed rotations within his core. Suddenly, the friction sparked sending electricity across the chakra reserves. The energy traveled with his racing chakra, filling the nerves and tenketsu.

He smiled inwardly as the lightning conducted into the steel blade. Shin's eyes would have widened if Sasuke could see them. Dragging his sword against Shin's own, he shoved the blade into the boy's shoulder, spraying blood across his uncovered face. The boy howled out, screaming in agony, but Sasuke would not kill him. Forcing his leg forward, the boy slid off his sword and collapsed in a heap of blood and fear. Sasuke took a deep breath, his micro battle was over, now they had to face Kabuto. And he was a bundle of mystery if there ever was one.

"Rasengan!"

A loud explosion followed after the cry. All heads turned to see Naruto already weaving and punching at the ever elusive, silver-haired twat. Kabuto matched the chunin blow for blow and even knocked him back a few times. Height wasn't the problem – it was distance. The Uzumaki could managed the distance for a mere few seconds but Kabuto would find a way to create a pocket. Naruto had already tried through his rasengan, much like how Ahri would have him actually do it, but the problem wasn't getting it to leave his hand – the problem lied in making it come back.

The blond gave chase, zipping past snakes and a few ninjutsu sent his way, ranging from zooming boulders and water bullets. A few grazed Naruto's whiskered cheeks, but nothing too severe. He ducked and jumped, dipping away from another barrage and furious attack. Rolling over debris, Naruto dashed and grabbed his sword. Repositioning himself, he charged at Kabuto, forming a series of shadow clones to supplement his attack.

One went for the silver-haired man's left flank, while another went for his right. Naruto himself would do his best to attack the front and rear of the ninja. He trusted in his rather green abilities, but what was done, was done. The clones attacked full speed, swords swinging with wind chakra gathering at the edge. As they swung, great gusts of wind raced toward Kabuto, blowing at his clothing and hitai-ate. Dust and debris launched into the air, carried by the powerful erupting gale. The bespectacled shinobi lifted his arms to cover his face from the sharp rocks and shattered glass heading his way.

"Enough!"

Jumping back, the two clones overshot the shinobi, giving him enough time to respond. Spreading his arms out, a soft blue aura of chakra appeared. The smirk he always sported seemed larger, more confident. Speeding towards the two clones with a power unnoticed, he sliced through the first, popping him into smoke and shoved his hand through the second.

"You are way in over your head, chunin." Kabuto smirked as he repositioned his glasses. "Do yourself a favor and let Orochimaru take you and train you. Remember, Danzo had a part in the destruction of your people, all Orochimaru-sama ever wanted, was to learn. He marked you because he knew you had incredible potential. I am undeserving of the Curse Mark, that is why I don't have one. But you…Naruto. You alone, have such untapped potential, it would be a waste to not nurture it."

"I'll nurture it, in my own way!" Naruto roared. "Orochimaru destroyed my home; pit friend against friend; killed the Hokage, a man I saw as my grandfather! You think I'm gonna side with him – after everything we've learned, and continue to learn?! You deranged bastard!"

"It's unfortunate that you feel that way."

Charging at one another, a pair of clones appeared from Naruto's sides, each one wielding a sword of their own. Much like the previous attempt, the clones were immediately dispatched. From the smoke of their demise, Naruto arrived, swinging and slicing at the man's arms and legs. He was agile and managed to perceive the attacks beforehand. Shoving his chakra scalpel through Naruto's chest, blood splashed from his mouth and onto Kabuto's face. The blond looked with wide eyes, completely at a loss. Eyes as wide as plates, he trailed them along to witness the battle.

Jiraiya bashed against the snake Sannin, nothing changing. The three boys, Shin, attacked his friends, masks missing, revealing identical faces. The clones beat Sakura into the ground, kicking at her face and surely breaking the bones within her chest. They bashed at Sasuke, turning their seemingly grafted blades into hammers and clubs. He roared out, disarmed and surrounded. They savagely beat the two children, kicking and hitting them until their once clean, creamy skin was dotted with deep purple bruises and cuts deeper than the eyes can see. Sasuke no longer yelled, Sakura no longer squealed in horror. They had to be dead or dying. And Tsunade trembled.

S-She's supposed to be a S-Sannin! Naruto roared in his mind.

"Naruto!" Ahri shouted within. "Stay with me, idiot! Stay with me!"

Tsunade's eyes were wide and face was pale. She wasn't looking at the children on the verge of death, she was looking at him. An arm lodged through his left pectoral almost reminiscent to what he himself did to Gaara during the exams. She felt numb – the boy who reminded her of her little brother and her lover Dan – died. Kabuto slid his arm from Naruto's chest and dropped him like a sack of potatoes, stifling a laugh as the boy laid there motionless.

"A foolish boy." Kabuto smiled. "It's hilarious. He said he would be Hokage. Now look at him. You on the other hand, Lady Tsunade, are coming with me. Orochimaru-sama would be pleased."

"Y-You stay back!" Tsunade backed away, collapsing on her butt. "All of you!"

The Shin clones turned their heads to her, sheathing their bloodied weapons into their flesh. Stepping on the unconscious shinobi, and even delivering a final kick to Sasuke's face, they waltzed along towards the Senju.

"Well…" Kabuto drew a kunai, a menacing smirk stretched across his face. "For the trouble, you've caused me…"

"Hey!" A raspy voice called.

All heads turned to the source. Naruto unzipped his jumpsuit and hurled his undershirt away, revealing the great gaping hole in his chest. Slowly but surely, flame-like tattoos spread from his abdomen and across his chest, glowing, not with a purple hue, but a blood red one. It wrapped around his body, encasing him in a soft warm coating like a body-glove. His eyes were no longer blue, shimmering with a crimson hue and dark slit pupils. His whisker marks darkened, thickened and spread across his face like real whiskers.

What made him truly terrifying, blood red chakra, searing hot from the sheer distortion of air and color, that flowed from his seal. It wrapped around him, creating a soft cloak of power. From the base of his tailbone, two tails made of bubbling hot crimson chakra formed, swishing side to side. His teeth elongated, protruding from his lips, shining in the dull light of the sun above. Hair rose though, spiking up to form what looked like horns filling in the giant protruding chakra ears on his head.

"W-What is this?!" Kabuto shouted. "How did you undo Orochimaru-sama's chakra in the seal?!"

"Fuck you, that's how." Naruto smirked. "Let's see how you match up to this!"

The hole in his chest closed the rear first, allowing light to shine on the lungs reforming and the blood vessels realigning. The tissue wrapped against his new organs and soon enough skin had grown back. Any sign of danger and death had disappeared from his visage. Raising his arm, all the blood red chakra seeped into the palm of his hand, coalescing into a single point. His features returned to normal, hair dropped, eyes turned cerulean and his whisker marks had resigned to single lines. But the result of this was magnificent as it was terrifying.

An orb the size of a small child was spinning and radiating energy in his palm. Despite the chakra used to make it, the orb was a deep blue, calm and resting. Rotating around it, a pair of rings spiraled the gigantic orb. Inside, at least eighteen different rotations were seen and a great flaming soul resided in the center. Despite its size, it was as light as a feather.

"This is called the Orb of Deception, Kabuto." Naruto smirked. "Choke on it!"

Hurling his arm forward, the gargantuan orb rushed forward, kicking grass, dirt and even debris out of the way. The sheer amount of power added to the attack wasn't for show. The Shin clones backed away, eyes wide with fear at the prospect of meeting such a monstrosity up close. Kabuto though, the ever-confident bastard he was, stood his ground, watching the orb come closer. Timing his evasion to the most minute detail, he calculated his response.

Dodging the ball at the perfect moment, the humongous orb overshot him. Smirking at his plan, Kabuto left Tsunade and charged at Naruto with chakra scalpels activated in his hands. Naruto was defenseless. His use of the Curse Mark and the Kyuubi's chakra within him, left him dilapidated. He was sweating profusely and had fallen to a knee. He was weak, he was ripe for the taking, he was –

Suddenly, a great weight pressed against his spine. It was volatile, ripping and pushing against his running body. He could barely manage to choke out a roar of pair before he was lifted off his feet and set careening towards the blond ninja in front of him. Lodged into his spine, the gargantuan orb of energy was digging deeper into his flesh, ripping the skin in eighteen different ways and with the heat of the fire within its core, he could feel his skin and muscles burned at the mere proximity. If he didn't know any better, he felt that the beast of an attack was trying to drill through his body.

"Y'know, Kabuto." Naruto roared. "The fun part about people who doubt me…"

The ball forced Kabuto towards Naruto. A shadow clone appeared behind him, a glare spread on his face. The real Naruto stepped forward, his sword wielded and ready attack.

"They always end up wrong in the end!" Kabuto's eyes widened. "I'm not dying until I become Hokage; you best believe it!"

Swinging with all his might, the orb carried Kabuto's body with it towards his clone's open hand. His head swung about with a thick trail of blood following its descent to the dirt and stone rubble beneath them. Strength lost in him, the Uzumaki fell to his knees, sword loose from his hands. Behind him, the clone let the headless body collapse and caught the orb, absorbing its energy and dispelled.

Tsunade hobbled up to him, completely speechless. "N-Naruto…h-how…"

Behind him, the shadow clone exploded. Naruto's skin gained color and muscles grew once again. His face was no longer sunken in and his eyes were no longer a dull blue. He looked up at Tsunade with a cheeky smirk.

"You owe me, Baa-chan." Naruto said with a shit-eating grin. "Right now, Sakura and Sasuke need your help."

"What will you do?!" Tsunade pushed him to the ground. "You're so weak right now, using up chakra the way you did – don't get me started on that technique you just used! Rest for at least a few moments before joining the battle."

"Baa-chan." Naruto called out. "Thank you for not running away."


So Naruto getting wrecked is understandable. The Kid is a friggen KID
going against a Sannin (when Tsunade punched him) and a guy who's
basically THE spy of the Narutoverse. Sasuke is on the same level as
Naruto is. Sakura just happened to use the two boys as her inspiration
to fight and all.

Give a man with no conviction a shovel to dig a hole, he'd probably take a nap.
Give a man with the desire to do what he can a stick to do the same; he'll dig
to the center of the Earth

So yeah. Kabuto is dead. He annoyed the shit out of me throughout
the series man. Like grievously annoyed me. And I've been watching
Naruto for like twelve years.

Next Chapter: The resolution of the battle of Tanzaku Gai
and the Rebellion starts to take its first steps to liberating Konohagakure!
But who is Shin and what are the Iwagakure shinobi plotting?

Read, review and favorite guys!

ja ne!

gottahavekyuubi