Rasa had witnessed his fair share of blood, guts and death. He'd seen many gruesome scenes, some chilling and some just downright evil. Aside from witnessing, he'd crushed those who opposed him before. He'd even witnessed his son wrapping the enemies of Suna within his sand, turning them into a showered of blood and flesh.

The scene in front of him was nonetheless entirely new. No, it was a scene you in a war zone. He was certain he could hear murderous crows cawing with glee while death bounced within the walls of the castle, with wet lips. In front of him; corpse and walls painted with red liquid. The bodies were all cut sharply, nothing horrifying like the work of a savage. It was just that there bodies were piled up, not a single twitching. It just reeked of death. If it was just five men, he wouldn't be unnerved, but there were countless bodies that lay dead.

There had not been a fight here, but a massacre. Worse, he knew a single person did this slaughter. It wasn't like these were normal people – they were shinobi and some Samurai. But still skilled people who vigilantly guarded the castle day and night, and someone had just chopped them up, leaving nothing behind. It was like a lawn mower had just cut through blades of grass, leaving the waste behind.

The men behind him looked at the scene with dread. They could hear men screaming from deep within the castle. There was no need to guess what was burning, the images were burnt into their minds. These were not his shinobi, they were guards from the Daimyo – his men were outside. The Daimyo didn't trust him.

Looking at the scene, it wasn't without reason. But he brought this on himself.

Still, he hadn't thought the Shinigami would be someone who used the sword. It was just like an assassin. There was no trace of his presence, just his blood work.

"Kazekage-sama, we should get out of here!"

"What of the Daimyo?!" Rasa did his best to feign anger. He would have rather they remained in their daze until the screams died down. He was a man who seen wars, but hearing the sound of men being mauled unnerved him a little. Especially since he sponsored this act of terrorism.

"We were told to protect you, Lord Kazekage. We should immediately leave this place."

Some men were disloyal. They were paid by the Feudal Lord. And he paid them handsomely. And yet, in the sign of death, they were willing to flee. If they were not going to be vital witnesses, he would've just crushed their throats, put a hole through their chests for this act of cowardice. What kind of soldier fled from danger in his own house? It was like trying to retreat while under siege in your house. Where would you dive to? To the neighbors?

"Nonsense. We must find out what is happening and protect the Feudal Lord!" As he said, he took a giant step forward, stepping into the dead. The blood spattered, but he paid it no mind.

Destiny awaited him.


Earth Country

"If you didn't give me the description, I wouldn't have guessed it was you." Kabuto said to Naruto. The blond was in a transformation, a civilian looking middle-aged men with black hair. He sat comfortably on a bench, watching the streets and its people. Towns such as these were filled with civilians, prey for Orochimaru. He found happiness in terrorizing them for his experiments. There was hardly an resistance. If it came, a painful death usually followed.

Kabuto sat on the right of Naruto, his eyes narrowed toward the blank pages the blond had opened. As soon as his eyes touched on the pages, the door was slammed shut. Curious, but he merely settled for observing the streets, wondering what the blond found curious. He found none, or perhaps he just failed to comprehend the thought process. Either way, it wasn't a hair pulling moment.

"I've been waiting here for three weeks."

"People have been looking for you for close to four months."

"Did I do something?"

"Your bounty with Iwagakure."

"That shouldn't be news."

"An assassination attempt on a Kage is a big deal. Weapons manufacturers are already counting the money in case war breaks out."

Naruto really didn't think things would go that far. Was he indifferent? Perhaps so. But if people had his view, they would be less pressed to view the issue with macro expressions, and hands on their swords. It was a simple misunderstanding that he could sort out by speaking to Onoki. He was already on the way to speak to the aged Tsuchikage. There was no urgency. But he was keenly aware Mei would be bothered if things spilled out of control. He believed he'd firmly grasped the way Onoki processed things. His overreaction was hardly a surprise. He was most likely even pressing Konoha for his head on a spike.

If not for the attempt to kill him, then to remove the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi.

"There is always profit…" perhaps his views of Mercenaries and shinobi are what make him feel a little better. Even if he was a shinobi, he would be killing people. The difference was on the type of target but here, Naruto had discretion. If it was just mindless slaughter of innocent people, he thought about it twice. After all, before accepting, he would do an investigation and see if it was worth the risk and evaluate the pay he'd require.

The amount of money he has milked off his missions was enough to fund the building of a new village. He'd already collected more than 250 million Ryo on just bounties, and that's when he was just being the occasional hunter. Rich Kings with little sense of money were willing to dish out gold stones just secure their lives and those of their children. Onoki was stingy, but he never refused to pay his dues. If criminals really knew just how much money he had, they would go after him and his stash.

This world wasn't just moved by physical prowess alone, money spoke. Politics spoke.

"What is Konoha doing?" Maybe he should have kept checking on the events but getting information while in the Springs was difficult. Not to mention, he'd been hard pressed in that country with their inventions.

"Looking for you. But it doesn't seem like they have any intentions of handing you over. They just want to understand what happened."

"Onoki can't prove I did anything. Your master couldn't prove it either. What exactly did he tell the Tsuchikage?"

"He just hinted. Nothing concrete and that you might have answers. They didn't know your identity and connection to Konoha, until now at least. Your continued murdering of their shinobi must have given Onoki the confirmation he needed."

"I'm not allowed to protect myself?" Naruto asked with a smile.

"The Kage determine what is right and who is guilty."

"World leaders, huh? It's a pity, Onoki has pushed his attitude on his granddaughter." Naruto shook his head. "But they can't link me with the attack. And truthfully, I didn't try to kill him."

"It doesn't matter. He says it's you and that's final. He doesn't need evidence. If you had a powerful village backing you up, maybe. He wouldn't make the accusation lightly."

"Because that could lead to war." Naruto glanced up for a moment. What did he do? Did he just go and have a quiet chat with the Tsuchikage? He couldn't ignore it. Mei would have sleepless nights.

Speaking of which, he wondered how she was doing. He did miss the occasional chat with her. The words of wisdom and her mild obsession with finding a partner for marriage.

"I will sort it out. I have to…" it could be done in simple terms really. Shisui's eyes could be used. He was nonetheless mindful of their limitations. A normal genjutsu could be fatal. Onoki was old, it couldn't be that difficult to twist his thoughts but that kind of Genjutsu would leave behind evidence. He didn't want that. "What of your master?"

"Still hiding but he has made some massive improvements. His current host doesn't limit him. He has full access to his powers."

"You sound really proud."

"It was a productive work we did. But this is thanks to the cells of the Shodai Hokage."

"If he wasn't useful, he'd be worth killing," Naruto said.

"If you can."

Naruto glanced at Kabuto with a raised eye brow. "Am I missing something?"

"You'll find out eventually."

"I see… does Orochimaru plan on revealing my identity?"

"If you become a problem for him, he will. I think he might do it just for the fun of things. Just to see what you would do."

"Hmm.. that would be a bother. Onoki would increase all efforts to have me killed, including hiring even bounty hunters. He must be warned against such foolishness." Naruto said in a cold tone. "I called you because that is my primary concern. I don't need that now."

There was just no telling what the Sannin would do. But he was obviously still reeling from his humiliation. Naruto wouldn't deny he took joy in the memory. He'd been a child when he sent a legendary shinobi running with his tail between his legs. The glory nonetheless belonged to the prowess of the Sharingan. Without it, he'd been forced to flee, if he could even outrun a creature so adept to the art of maneuvering.

"What would happen if the truth came out? What would you do?"

"Onoki will only have more incentive to try to kill me knowing I know his little dirty deeds. I become an open target to those greedy. My peace would cease to exist."

Sometimes with some twisted shinobi, their greed was lord. Even their fear for death or overwhelming power sang songs of praise and worship to their greed.

Kabuto chuckled; what peace was Naruto talking about? As far as he knew, Naruto had always been hiding. He couldn't walk freely before because of Konoha and Iwagakure were also looking for him. What peace was there? Then again, the blond did have a unique perception to dangers.

"It is eventually going to come out unless you come into some agreement with Lord Orochimaru."

"Or I kill him."

"I would rather you just came to some agreement with him."

"I do not make deals with the devil."

"Hahahaha." Once more, Kabuto laughed. "Ironic."

"Are you saying I am also the devil, Kabuto?"

"You're not a saint."

Naruto scoffed. No shinobi was a saint. It was just an impossibility in this system. Civilians could be saints – but he wondered if that could remain the truth once they have fallen into the hands of bandits. Those scums did despicable things. Humans were just horrid creatures with no love for one another. Perhaps he shouldn't be the one to say since he was a killer, but what sort of man cut up a fellow man and sold his organs in the black market? Some women even ran underworld whore houses. The stock was from kidnapped young women the bandits rounded in their hunts.

He smiled – a flat smile. The world wasn't a beautiful place. Sheltered children, even shinobi within the great nations didn't see this until they came to experience it. Naruto had always known the ugly face behind the façade earth showed to all who looked.

"I don't pretend to be one. But I also have limits. Sure, I will kill without blinking. I have killed many than I can count, but I don't enjoy the sufferings of others. I don't strap people in beds and inject them with things just to see what would happen."

"You do not yet understand the value of experiments and research."

"You should stop talking. I tolerate you and your master. If I didn't think there could be redemption for you, I would have already put a kunai through your throat."

"Well, that's unnerving." Yet, he said that with a smile. "Ah, before I forget, Sasuke has left Orochimaru-sama and is looking for you."

"Why?"

"He was told the truth – about your eyes."

"Sasuke is a non-matter. But I will avoid him. I would rather not cripple him. Itachi would not forgive me."

"You may not be able to successfully evade him forever. He is walking with your fellow Uzumaki. And she is a good sensor."

"If she has no reached the level of the Nidaime, then I have nothing to worry about…" he paused. "That may just be the arrogance speaking. At any event, I'll keep it in mind. And we shall not speak again. Not until Orochimaru has fulfilled his usefulness anyway."

Kirigakure

"Mei-sama."

Mei looked up from the mountain of paperwork on her desk. Seeing it was Ao, she glared at the heavy load she had to deal with. She was supposed to be drinking to the open communications she had with the Hidden Leaf, but the situation with Iwagakure was stressing her. It was only a time before Kiri got dragged into it. At such an event, they had to be ready for anything that may fall on them. Not only was that giving her a migraine and more work, she had more duties to contend with because of her idealism and desire to make Kiri a tourist destination as a way to diversifying the way the village operates.

Having lost the staring contest with the paperwork, she glanced at Ao with a tired look.

"Tell me you have some good news."

"We have made deals with ship owners to buy ships to make travels from the Land of Water to the Land of Fire and Land of Lightning."

"That should be enough to entice people to get on board. First thing is getting the routes ready. It becomes easier to move things. We can also move goods from the country smoothly. But the main attraction to have a constant line of transport is tourists."

"We'd have to shinobi on the ships to guard them. There are bandits in the seas."

"But that is the idea." Mei smiled. "The village will of course be paying for the shinobi. Even if missions are not flowing in, our shinobi will be kept busy."

"We are still getting all the missions in the Land of Water…" Ao smiled. "Well, it isn't like there is anywhere they can take them."

"They were taking them elsewhere when things in the village were too hostile. It is quiet and peaceful now. Nobody is afraid of coming here."

A long journey but the process was rewarding, not for benefit but for the village. She could be miserable but as long as this village prospered, Mei would die with a smile on her face. Of course, she still did think about marriage and all. She was a woman, of that age. Actually, she should be married already. She really needed a husband.

"Still nothing from Uzu?"

"No." Ao frowned deeply in response.

Mei shared the expression. After all, it wasn't like Naruto to simply just disappear for this long without commination. They were not getting anything from Uzu about his whereabouts.

How she wished she could get in contact with him. He always had answers. Some ways to ease her worries. He wasn't bothered by such problems and he had a way of reassuring her that it would be well. His voice and smile were being drowned by the sparks coming from the waves Iwa was making in Konoha.

"I still meet with the Fifth Hokage."

"Should we just make the admission to Konoha?"

Mei shook her head. "We know nothing. Pretending to be ignorant will do us good. It is just about having a strong will to repel the attacks."

"For how long? We're only getting it indirectly but once Iwa learns he was here, they will be coming straight at our throats."

Mei smiled at this. "No question about that," she said. "But I spoke to him and he seemed confident that he could solve it."

"By doing what? It seems he has bitten more than he can chew here. The Tsuchikage isn't an easy person and it doesn't seem like Konoha is willing to help him." Besides, Ao thought the solution to this would be Naruto's death.

"Given their history, it isn't surprising. Besides, why should they? Naruto isn't a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf." Mei replied. "From one of his letters, the Sandaime even alluded to making Naruto a rogue shinobi just to starve off Iwa."

"That could work but it shifts the blame completely to us."

"Each Kage to his village." Mei smiled bitterly. "Besides, it isn't a question that Naruto has been with us. We just have to keep our masks. When anybody asks, we don't know. From what the Sandaime Hokage said, it seems Iwa cannot even prove this much."

"Since when has evidence meant much in this world? Whatever the Tsuchikage says is the truth. And we know he did it."

"But he's never accepted he did. And they can't prove it. What Onoki says is true stands because he is an a position of power. When someone else is an a position of power to challenge him, he will fold without anything tangible to back up his words."

"This is a risky gamble."

Mei knew this much but she trusted Naruto. She trusted that he would have this matter solved. She was trying at best to ignore the uncomfortable words he said to her. Some part of her wished he didn't mean that but there were sides of him that she wished not to see.

"You know," Mei leaned back to her chair, stared at the ceiling, hoping to maybe see some sign that she was moving the right way but there was nothing, "he said if things got boiled down to it, it was either he or Onoki dies. And it seemed to mean it."

Ao's mood dampened. He felt like Mizukage building had just been thrown onto his shoulders while someone he trusted was stabbing him on both his knees with a sharp blade.

"That is ominous. Does he want to start a war?" Ao really wanted to shout, but he dared not shout at his leader.

"You'd think that."

"Getting hold of him is important. He can't act recklessly like that. He has been to Iwagakure before. Obviously, he knows the village's key points. If he can kill the Tsuchikage, it is just declaring war."

Mei smiled. "Do you know him to be that reckless?"

Ao blinked once before shaking his head. "But anything is possible at this rate. It should have been sorted out long time ago instead of allowing it to build up for years."

"Either way, only you and I know about this and it stays that way. We won't deny our knowledge of him nonetheless."

"I really hope this is solved quickly Mei-sama. Because of these plans to connect to other Great Nations will not work. Iwagakure will make sure to destroy them." Ao said in a firm tone. "

Iwagakure

The Hidden Stone was a good country, but still unable to support itself without their sugar daddy. Kumo was perhaps the only village that could function properly. But it's military strength surpassed that of Konoha – at least currently. Even when wars have ended, Onoki never stopped building. And they still had two Jinchuriki, like the Hidden Cloud.

As he walked about in the streets, fully disguised having walked through the village gates, Naruto had no time to wonder about the state of the village. He came here to solve things with Onoki. But how he went about it posed a significant brain teaser. Honestly, he'd never really given it much of a thought. Maybe it was arrogance. He seemed to have that demon whispering nasty things to him lately. Banish it, he had to. For his own safety.

Dealing with Onoki was no easy means. He was also certain nothing he said would change the Tsuchikage. He made his blunder and Orochimaru compounded on it. Denying it wouldn't save him. The Tsuchikage was stubborn.

Naruto decided to walk into a ramen stall. There was never quite the ramen like the one he enjoyed at Konoha. Maybe because that one had feelings. And held sentimental value. Those good people had cared for him. They didn't rip him off or kick him out because he was the Kyubi brat. To them, he'd been but a mere innocent child born into an unfortunate circumstance.

'It would be interesting if Iwa's Jinchuriki were around. Wouldn't you want to chat with your brothers?"

'Hmmp… as if you really care.'

'I would think you of all people know me best.'

'You humans can't be trusted.'

'Well, I cannot fault you there. I don't even trust myself in certain situations. We're creatures of habit, changing everyday yet making the same mistakes. I am certain that even if one were to wipe out an entire population and leave just two innocent children to reproduce, they would still come back to this point, even if history was destroyed.'

'If people like you didn't exist, maybe things would be different.'

'Those I have saved would say differently.' Naruto shrugged. 'Give me an idea here. Do I walk straight to the Tsuchikage or do I go into the night and leave without being seen.'

'When have you needed my ideas?'

'You're living rent-free inside of me, at least you can let me bounce ideas.'

'You can let me out if you want.'

'You want me to die?'

'You're going to die anyway.'

'That's just cold.'

'Curse being human.'

Naruto shrugged. 'Onoki isn't really going to let me go freely. If I didn't have any intention of big things and even going back to Kirigakure, it wouldn't be a bother. But you must account for other people. One can't always predict what will happen. But for sure, if I seek audience, he'll try to arrest me.'

'Then you'll be forced to use force and it just gives him the incentive. He might even not claim you'd come to correct things but to try to kill him again and failed.'

Naruto smiled bitterly – he could see that happening. He was in a slight checked position. Either way, it didn't seem like there was nothing he could do that would make peace.

'If not for Orochimaru, I wouldn't be in this positon.'

'Don't blame others for your mistakes.' Kurama smiled. 'I don't care what happens either way. There more danger there is, the likely chance I have of getting my freedom.'

'You'll just get captured again.'

Kurama snorted. 'There is no human presently who can capture me. For years I subdued all those who came for me. And the past generation was a lot more powerful than this one.'

'Humans will surprise you. But you're right, shinobi power is weaning.'


Konohagakure, Hokage Office

Gone were the days Kakashi could tardy all around, make excuses for being late. He was Hokage. He was the one who glared at those who made the same excuses he used to make. How he missed days he didn't have to wake up in the morning. Now, he had to. If he just sat around, the village stopped. It was the Hokage who moved the village. So much responsibility. You couldn't even have a life – not that he had a life anyway.

Worse of all things, he missed reading his books. Jiraiya had a new release, but he couldn't go to paradise, for he was still stuck in the last volume.

The mountain of workload aside, the meetings were going to murder him. There was no such thing as delegation. He wanted to change that.

When Shikaku walked into the office, the Kage groaned slightly. The Nara noticed and looked amused.

"I don't get much joy coming here as often."

"I was beginning to think maybe Shikamaru didn't get his attitude from you." You'd think the Nara wouldn't be against a little day off, but he worked overtime for the sake of the village.

"He has changed."

"I've noticed." Kakashi watched Shikaku sit before speaking again. "I was thinking of giving some duties to the Jonin Commander. This will relief some work for the Hokage."

"What kind of duties are we talking about?"

"The Jonin Commander is already the highest ranking 'normal' shinobi. You occasionally handle mission assignments and serve as an advisor to me. I will look for another advisor and free you to become the second-in command. That means, whenever the Hokage is unavailable, the Jonin-Commander effectively becomes in charge. You'd also be in charge of the welfare of all Jonin."

"I already do most of that… but you just want to cut down what comes to your desk. The Sandaime had often said that the Hokage was basically in charge of everything and even things that could be delegated to others. The problem is that the Hokage is the absolute power. You don't want to create another powerful position that could compete with the Hokage. Rather, you should hold all power but delegate when it becomes necessary."

"I'll give it a thought."

Shikaku nodded and then got into what brought him into the office. "The Wave is coming along very well. The Feudal Lord has been good to deal with. Shikamaru will soon be returning from his mission."

"That means we will have secured a source of income for the village. The Sandaime thought this well." Kakashi said with a smile. It would be much relief. After all, he had to be begging the Feudal Lord for more money. It came with the job since the village didn't create enough. The large numbers were shinobi. Without mission requests, they were jobless and penniless. The village would even struggle to maintain even orphanages without support from the Feudal Lord.

"Yes. Shikamaru has already dealt with the fine details of how much will be paid. We will of course have to contribute much for the rebuilding."

"And we don't have money for that." Kakashi sighed. "The Sandaime said he will go to the Fire Capital to ask for funding. We have already, but they are making some demands."

"Increase in territory."

"Yes."

"An increase in taxes for the Fire Nation." Shikaku shook his head. "But if the funding gets secured, we will gain better. And we stand to profit more while securing our image by leaving things as they are."

"That is why the Sandaime is going over there."

"I hope he succeeds." If not, they would have to borrow and look for other means to fund this project. "Shikamaru wrote that aside from what the country will pay us for protection, we could implement a military police style plan there. The leaders of the country would of course be in charge. They would need training to understand things better. But if this is done, we'd have shinobi in the streets of the Wave and it would be at the expense of the Wave. They would not be responsible for protection, but policing."

"That would mean shinobi will have more jobs but also means we'll always have an eye on what is happening in the Wave."

"That is the general idea."

"What is the Wave thinking about this?"

"They are open to it but only once the country has rebuilt its infrastructure. Gato's resources can also be used. We wouldn't be struggling much if Naruto didn't take some of the money."

"And the some he didn't take?"

"It was circulated into the hands of the citizens who had nothing."

"What are the chances of this failing?"

"The Wave has some good carpenters. They can rebuild themselves. We would only have to provide resources and food. Once it rebuilds, and the village takes in charge of its shipping business, it will flourish… of course, if takes over Gato's business, it would mean the Land of Water will take notice. Shikamaru has advised the Leader there to form a relationship with the Feudal Lord of the Water." Shikaku replied. "Naruto only took what was in the Wave. If you authorize it, we can send shinobi to plunder all assets belonging to Gato. He had illegal businesses but there is no shame in taking everything. We would need to hold some interest, jointly with the Wave."

"Draw up a list of shinobi who are suitable for the job. I'll stamp on it yesterday. We need to move quickly before the Land of Water does something to entice them."

"Got it." Shikaku nodded. "What of Iwagakure?"

"They continue to insist but we can't help them."

"Then we're continuing with our relationship with the Mist."

"Yes. I have scheduled a summit with the Mizukage for next month. If possible, I want Naruto to be there. But as far as she has said, she doesn't know where Naruto is and has no way of contacting him."

"Disappearing at a time like this." Shikaku sighed. "But there isn't anything he can do. If the incident did occur, Onoki isn't going to settle for anything less. The fact that he is a the son of Minato and a Jinchuriki means that even if it is false, Onoki has more reasons for wanting him dead."

"Removing a powerful shinobi, huh?"

"Yes… let us just hope Kumogakure doesn't get involved. They tend to be power hungry. But their likely move in the scenario would be take Naruto in with them and offer him home. Iwagakure isn't going to go against Kumo. They try to bully us because we're weak."

This village once housed the Legendary Sannin, the Yellow Flash, and might of the Uchiha clan but now it was no more. Considering, without Minato, they would've likely lost the Third World War. They didn't have the same power as then, and Iwa had not decreased. If war broke out, Konoha wouldn't survive.

It was a legacy of the Third and Shikaku didn't want it to continue. The Sandaime has kept thinking another war would not occur but looking at what Suna has been up to, even he was pressed to reconfigure his thinking. Perhaps it was why the Sandaime decided to step down. He didn't have it in him to force upon harsh training on the young ones.

"We had it bad. We were sent to battlefield at a young age. I can understand what the Sandaime was thinking. Some of us can't even think of having families because we don't want to bring children into this world because of what we experienced. A noble idea to let the young ones enjoy their lives. But it could be our downfall. Iwa has shown willingness to start another war. We can't afford it. We have to overhaul our academy program. It doesn't have to be anything extreme just enough to teach them the dangers of the shinobi world. I have seen it over and over again, our genin have no idea what a cruel world the shinobi world is. They go into thinking it is fun being a shinobi."

Reality was however, a different beast. Being a shinobi wasn't a joyous ride of fame and bouncing around rooftops, doing things that appeared impossible to children. Even if fame did come, there would be those who went after your head for criminal organizations had a thing with bounties.

The shinobi life was a constant flirtation with death.


Iwagakure

Last time it had been easy getting into the village and seeking out Onoki, but this time, it was different. Looking at it, it was almost impossible to assassinate the Tsuchikage without alerting the village. Hell, before you even got to it, you'd have alerted everyone else. One needed to be fast as the Yellow Flash to kill Onoki at night.

The house the Tsuchikage lived in was guarded by seven guards. It was an extreme security. The old man didn't need that much security. There were three at the rooftop. Four surrounded the house in different locations. If they weren't placed strategically, he could take out one and get in the house. But they were guarding in such a way that there was always someone who had an eye on the other. Worse, there were more watching the house from afar. Even if you were fast enough to get one, the ones observing from afar would see you.

You had to first take out the ones watching from afar. But that was risky business. He'd get noticed immediately. If he did it simultaneously, it could work. No, that was impossible. There was only one solution.

Naruto had to thank the transformation jutsu. It had been the story of his life. He has honed and mastered the art of transformation to perfection. It was a necessity in his line of work. There had been many times he had to assassinate heavily guarded people. To avoid failure, impersonation was needed, either be a human or an animal.

Naruto stepped away the window of the house he had invaded. The owners were sound asleep. Civilians were easy targets.

He did hand signs, and the earrings slapped across his cheeks, suppressing much of his chakra. In a puff of smoke, he turned into a slithering reptile, with crimson eyes. With no chakra signature, he wouldn't be spotted. He could move into the shadows, slither through the walls and enter Onoki's room.

He only needed for the old man to open his eyes for a second before trapping him in an illusion.

Then, he would be gone.


Onoki's room

In his years of experience, Onoki had gained extreme instincts to be able to sniff out danger even in his night dreams. When his eyes opened, even when he could see nothing nor sense anything, he knew there was someone in the room with him. He didn't get up, nor raise his head but just stared at the lifeless ceiling, thinking about whether his guards were dead or alive.

He was still capable of protecting himself. He had one of the fastest attacks. But still, he was uncomfortable. It was the eerie feeling from the shadow that lurked that rooted him to the bed. It was almost as if some invisible force was pressing him down. His heart did not race. There wasn't fear, just resolve to face whoever dared attack him in his sleep. Yet, still some discomfort. Contradictory, maybe, but that was how he felt.

This wasn't the first time he was in this position. Last time it had happened, he'd sworn it wouldn't happen again. His discomfort was replaced by anger toward his guards' failure to protect him. Iwagakure wasn't safe. If they were useless to protect him, then they couldn't protect his successors nor the village.

"Who dares?" Despite his small frail figure, he managed to growl like a hungry lion.

There was no immediate response. But there was a presence. It forced him to turn toward his right side. Within the shadows of the room, planted in the wall, were those hypnotic crimson eyes. The Mangekyo Sharingan – it seemed to be slowly rotating with menace. It was only then that his heart began to race. But he just wanted to strangle it for such weakness.

"Naruto Uzumaki, at your pleasure, Tsuchikage-sama."

Given the circumstances, it was baffling that this person could address him in such a respectful manner. Did he not realize he was a thief caught red-handed? Why was he talking to him like he was some subordinate who'd been gone for a months long secretive mission and had now returned to deliver his report?

"You have a death wish coming here." But it saved him the time of having to look for this person.

"Hahaha… I love my life, Tsuchikage-sama."

It was starting to bother Onoki that the Naruto spoke to him in such respectful manner. He slowly got up, never taking his eyes off the person, just in case of sudden movements. He held his hands together, ready for action. He could hit with particle style before the blond so much as raised his hand.

"How did you get in here? What happened to my guards?" The Sandaime Tsuchikage demanded. "Speak!"

"Your guards are outside, alive. Doing their duties, with a little misguide from Genjutsu. If they became unresponsive, your shinobi would be all over the place."

Onoki scoffed. "Same trick as last time?" he cursed the Sharingan. "Do you think we did not learn? You can't escape from here."

"Why don't you relax, Onoki-san. You're okay with me calling you that, yes? If you're tense, there is no way we can have a fruitful discussion."

Onoki narrowed his eyes dangerously. He was sure he wasn't under any illusion. He was too experienced to be caught in Genjutsu and not realize it. This was reality. The Uzumaki was in his room, talking to him, unbothered by his attacking stance. Onoki quickly discarded his superiority. He was stubborn, not stupid. If the Uzumaki got this far, made no attempt to attack, then he was really here for a talk. Moreover, he had to work on the assumption that the blond had means to escape or even flee from his jutsu. He wouldn't have made it this far by being stupid. Then if Onoki wanted to get out of this, he wouldn't do so by attacking the enemy, but by destroying this room.

Lucky enough for him, there were methods for that. He could at the very least, attempt to stall and see if there none of the guards would awake from their dreams.

"What do you want?"

"Well, for starters, not to kill you. I have no killing intent. And do not want to attract waves of a Fourth World War."

"Are you here to surrender?"

"Do you not feel stupid saying that? I'm in control of the situation, despite what you might think. None of your shinobi have returned after confronting me, and I am here tonight, in your house, having watching you asleep for a couple of seconds. I could have killed you."

"Or at least tried to. There is no mistake, the second you walked into this room, I felt your presence. You wouldn't have had the time to kill me."

"You're indeed correct but only on the condition that I need to get close to you to kill you." Naruto said flatly. "Let me get to it since I don't have all night. You have put me in your bingo book and have stated I tried to kill you. You have been sending people after me for a couple of years now. I am given to understand that you've been pressuring Konoha to hand me over."

"You have the right understanding. Your presence here just makes things worse. We were going soft on Konoha, but now that you have done it again, we can't turn a blind eye. We will use every means necessary to have you brought to book. Even if you manage to leave this village tonight, Iwagakure will not rest until you're dead!"

Naruto sighed.

He should have known Onoki would be stubborn. Showing up like this just proved to this old senile fool that he was an enemy who should be killed. It was the very principle in which Great Nations have operated. Anything deemed too powerful and not a tool to them, was destroyed. Not once but twice has he breached Iwa's inner defenses. Onoki had to ensure he was killed.

If he just burned the old man, he would be the prime suspect. Onoki already had him for attempted assassination. That meant he couldn't do it.

"You have no proof that it was me who came into the village that night. But I'll admit it to you. I did it and I came here to apologize for it and offer compensation for troubling you."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. I'm sincere in apologies. If you want me to get on my knees, I'll do it right now."

"Begging for your life?" Onoki burnt into Naruto with disdain. "No amount of begging will change anything."

"Even though you know I didn't try to assassinate you? Your own intelligence report states this much."

"There is no such report."

"Of course, you'll deny it. So, you won't accept my apology?"

Nothing was happening. The fools were indeed caught up in Genjutsu. It was disturbing. To get away from here, he had to get away himself without getting any help.

"Stop fooling around, gaki. You committed a crime against Iwa and you'll be punished."

It was at that moment that Onoki felt the change in the room. It was subtle but he felt it. Naruto was no longer being nice. Then he was being serious about an apology? What kind of a messed child was he? It was the first time Onoki was in this kind of situation. He was thinking the blond was bluffing but his change in mood just told him he'd been dead serious? And that was ridiculous. Did he even think he would take a mere apology? Even if he'd groveled, Onoki wouldn't have forgiven him.

"I see. You know I didn't try to kill you. I admit I trespassed and shouldn't have. I admit this much. But there was never any attempt to kill you. And I will leave here without making an attempt to kill you. But know this much, I can kill you, right now."

Onoki tensed, and started gathering up chakra.

"You shouldn't do that. You might set off some explosives… if you noticed since I came here, I haven't fluctuated my chakra levels. It has been at bare minimum. I had to rig things a little for protection."

"Rig what? You think I'm that naïve?"

"Why did you people choose to destroy the Uzumaki clan? I'm a descendant of the clan. And I am very good with seals. Last time I told you I put up a barrier around the room, so no chakra could leak out. I did the same this time…" of course, last time he'd lied. "And look up."

Onoki glanced up into the ceiling. There were massive marks. He recognized the symbol in the center. It may be a little different, but it was similar to those put on explosive tags. You needed to weave hand sings for tags. Some were set to explode using different methods.

"One of my best works. A little suicidal but powerful enough to turn this house into a crater. Now, I want you to think very carefully about this. I have no war with you. I have no intentions to kill you or your granddaughter. I just want to be left alone. If you demand compensation, I will offer it. But remove the assassination attempt from your books. It gives me a bad name. stop making demands of Konoha. I will give it a couple of weeks. If there is no change, I will consider it as a sign of war. You can start counting your days. Because, I will destroy this village without lifting a finger. I can make your Jinchuriki do it for me. And believe me, Onoki, you're not impossible for me to kill…" he pointed a finger at the Tsuchikage. "Amaterasu."

Black flames ignited around Onoki. The pain, it was too real. He felt the flames slowly burning through his body in ways flames shouldn't. It was a slow burn. He let out a cry and rolled over the bed in an attempt to put out the flames, but they did not. They just continued to burn, transferring into his bed.

Just like that, his vision folded. His breathing was labored. That was too real. But there were no flames on his body. His sweat was real. He had felt the pain. His body trembled Even now. The memory was real.

What the hell was that?

When had he been caught in Genjutsu?

There was no sign of Naruto anywhere. He was gone. And Onoki had been caught in a powerful Genjutsu.

That was dangerous. He felt no appetite to knock out and demand his guards chase after the blond. That had been surreal. What kind of enemy had he just made? It was evident, the blond could kill him if he wanted – but he did not.

It didn't change anything. He was someone Iwagakure could not tolerate.

"Tsuchikage-sama!" A guard flashed into the room. "Is there something wrong?"

"What?" Onoki was surprised. Were the guards no under illusion? If they were not, how did Naruto bypass them? Had he even been in this room? "How long have you been watching?"

"Since you returned home. You suddenly just got up, and I worried."

Onoki blinked.

He suddenly just got up?

What the hell happened? Was this the Genjutsu? He tried to cancel it, but the damn guard just stared at him. Maybe he was thinking the old man had finally gone senile. If he wasn't a good person, he would turned the shinobi into ashes.

"Send a message to others and see if there are any strange movements or any momentarily loss of memory. I'm going to the office."

A little while, later

Kitsuchi slouched on the chair in front of his father's desk and heaved a heavy sigh. He was tired. Not physically, but mentally. His weariness didn't seem to surpass that of his father. But what could he do in the situation?

Naruto Uzumaki had once again, infiltrated the village. If there had been an assassination plan, it would have succeeded. Kurotsuchi was sound asleep. This time around, nobody had watched her snore, giggling and drooling about the prospect of succeeding her grandfather as Tsuchikage.

The village was ignorant to the search they had conducted. It would be a mistake to openly express this breach in security. Even fools would consider their luck.

"You found anything?"

"No." Kitsuchi shook his head. "There were no strange movements. No one has been tempered with using Genjutsu. It seemed he has just vanished into thin air."

That left him uncomfortable. Naruto was the son of the Yellow Flash. If he could use that ability, then he was a lot more dangerous than he did think.

"He could still be in the village." Onoki didn't want to dismiss the possibility. "We have to know how he got into the village. It can't be that this entire time he'd disappeared, he was right under our nose."

"I wouldn't sleep well if that turned to be true."

"I'm not going to sleep peacefully as long as he is alive. He made some valid threats. The first person who managed to defeat the Kyubi was Madara. No doubt he used the Sharingan. From Intel, the Kyubi rampage in Konoha was said to the work of the Uchiha. He said he could use our Jinchuriki to destroy our village."

"With Genjutsu?"

"The Mangekyo Sharingan is a powerful Doujutsu. I know first hand having faced Uchiha in battle. And besides, the Genjutsu he used on me seemed to control every sense, even my sense of time. I opened my eyes and I was already under it. When I blinked, a conversation that took minutes seemed to have occurred in a second… and seemed too real." Onoki said flatly.

"Do we increase pressure to Konoha?"

"He threatened the village if we continued!" Onoki slammed his fist on the desk out of frustration. Never had he had an enemy like this. What was obvious was that he wasn't safe from the blond. "Have our bingo book entry updated. Remove the claim of assassination attempt but keep his ranking and remove the bounty. At least out in the open. Secretly, everything will be intact and we will hire who we can to get rid of him. We can have others put the bounty on him."

"Then we're only keeping faces but will still be after him."

"He has do die. He is a serious threat to our security. I have sent word for Roshi and Han to be brought back to the village. We need to keep a close eye on them."


Wind Capital

The castle had become eerily quiet. There were no sounds of battle, but Rasa kept running toward where he knew the Feudal Lord would be.

When a corner came, he went on guard. He wouldn't put his life on the line when it came to a mercenary. He too could suddenly become a target. He slowed down, glanced back at the two guards following him and then turned around.

The second he turned, an outstretched hand attempted to grab him by the face. He attempted to jump away but wasn't fast enough. The hand grabbed him by his robes, before slamming him into the wall. he then blinked, realizing something odd. As he tried to dispel the illusion, he felt sharp pain around both his shoulders. The pain effectively freed him.

He was planted on a wall, two long blades piercing through his shoulders. His feet in the air, he was basically being hanged. The pain felt immense. He gritted his teeth and attempted to remove the blades, but he felt weaker.

He glanced ahead and saw the masked man standing on the shoulders of a frozen shinobi. The other lying on the side, alive, just beat.

When had that happened? When did he even get caught in a genjutsu? When did the redhead even move behind him. He was sure, the hand that attempted to grab him was real. Then had everything happened in the blink of an eye? It was just impossible.

Rasa's eyes widened, a sense of dread made his body tremble when the redhead disappeared in a blur of static. Within seconds, he was in front of him, holding a simple kitchen knife.

Why was he even losing power?

"The blades are absorbing your chakra, thus draining you of your energy." The answer came from a cold voice. "Just as you order others to be killed, the same can be done do you. Likewise, as I kill others, I'm likely to be killed in some horrible way or maybe just stabbed behind by a friend."

After saying that, he stabbed the knife through Rasa's chest.

"W-why are you d-doing this!" the Kazekage manage to muster out the words. "Traitor!"

"Shhhh." He put a finger across his lips. "You don't want anyone to hear you say that. Sleep, Kazekage."


End of chapter

The first and last scenes are connected. I put them apart cause it just seemed better this way. I'll write the events that preceded them in the next chapter. I hope, nobody gets confused by it. And of course, it could all be just illusions… haha.

And just to give you an idea of time with regards to canon events:

If Naruto returned from his training at around the age of 15 to 16, then he is at about 17 to 18. Obviously, it would mean in terms of canon, we are past all events that transpired in Shippuden, including the war, I think.

If possible, I'll update the next chapter next week Friday.

The Omnipresent Sage