THE TRUTH UNRAVELS


FIVE YEARS AGO

Gaara sighed as he looked around the mass of genin in front of him. The majority of them had clothes torn, ripped, and dirty. Any injuries that were previously on them were now gone. And Gaara couldn't help but frown. Naruto might as well have been here for how stupid they had acted.

"So," Temari said after she stopped laughing, "Let me get this right, all of you went in aid of Yuu, thinking the Akatsuki was after her. And when you found no traces of them, you all collectively hunted them down and engaged in a battle you weren't ordered to do."

"That's the power of friendship!"

"Yuu, it's not the time." Her teammate sighed while dragging his hand down his face.

"Who's stupid idea was this anyway?" Kankuro asked after glaring at Temari.

"It was mine. I noticed something off and went to investigate. The other teams followed, but it was my idea."

"I figured Naruto and Sasuke were the dumb members of team seven."

"Birds of the same flock, flock together." Sakura shot back at the Kazekage, her grin still intact.


"Tsunade-shishou, guess what?" Sakura called and entered Tsunade's office. "I made Chunin!" She quickly held her certificate up and wagged it in Tsunade's face. "Ya know, you really should have come to watch, I kicked everyone's ass."

"The Hyuga included?" Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Neji and I are somewhat tied, and by tied I mean he won the third exam, but it was really close!" Tsunade laughed as she dug into her desk before pulling out a Chunin vest.

"I knew you were going to pass, I'm proud of you, girl." Sakura's breath hitched as she reached forward and grabbed the vest. "If you ever pull any shit by fighting the Akatsuki again, I'll make sure you're stuck behind a desk for months," Tsunade replied before releasing the vest and Sakura smiled.

"Hai!" Tsunade rolled her eyes before beckoning the girl to leave. "Has Kakashi-sensei been around? I want to show him I passed! You think he'll let me see behind his mask as a congratulatory gift?"

Tsunade sighed before pulling out a bottle of sake. She was not ready for the headache she was about to get. "He's on a mission."

"A mission?" Sakura blinked at her before cocking her head sideways, "Kakashi isn't cleared to go on missions. He's still processing."

"It's been three months since I took him off duty, I can't afford to have him off longer."

"Can you afford to have him die? He can't serve the village when he's dead. You've dealt with suicidal ninjas before, you know it doesn't just go away that fast!" Sakura quickly said. It's been three months since Sakura found Kakashi at the stone. And as promised they met up every day and he was trying. And while Kakashi had been put off active duty they went to other jobs where Kakashi could find a sense of peace. The academy had been their first stop and was quickly thrown to the side. Kakashi was not a fan of kids and the first day he had taught them how Jirayia's book was a lifesaver.

They tried other jobs, and none of them could stick with him. He liked being in the field. Then there had been the day the two of them were training and a few green genin had stumbled onto them and confidently asked to join. She suspected Kakashi was going to tell them no, but to her surprise, he gave them the ok.

She commented on it later and he told her the kids reminded him of Naruto, and he didn't mind teaching them a few tricks. She had rolled her eyes with the biggest grin on her face.

"I've thought of all of that girl. He's already on the mission. He's also with a team, you have nothing to worry about."

Sakura glared at her, gripping her hand. "Until he throws himself in front of his teammate. This wasn't smart, Shishou."

"Are you upset with the fact that I sent him on the mission or because you no longer have access to his chakra?" Tsunade drank from the bottle all while staring at her with an unreadable expression.

"What?! I don't-

"Cut the bullshit Sakura. You know how dangerous it is to feed chakras. Do you think chakra bonding is a joke? Do you know Kakashi can die from withdrawal if he doesn't get your chakra back in him in the next few days?"

"So you decide to send him on a mission? To what, torture me?"

"This isn't about your feelings! Do you honestly believe it's ok to make Kakashi dependent on you?"

"You told me to give him a reason to live!"

"Where in my words did I tell you, you could be that reason?"

Sakura bit her lip, despite the nervous display she put on, her eyes were heated. "Kakashi's mine. He's my sensei, and I wasn't giving him my chakra with ill intentions. He was having attacks, and my chakra calmed him. We have hobbies, but it doesn't work! Kakashi's trying for me, so I'll always be there for him, in whatever way he needs it. So call his team back before you get my sensei killed." Tsunade had taught her never to bow to anyone, to never back down from a fight in any way. And as much as Tsunade wanted to choke the girl out, she was proud Sakura was no longer scared to say what was on her mind.

"You no longer have the clearance to use your chakra on Kakashi if he isn't injured."

"Hai, Shishou."

Tsunade regarded her heavily before sighing, "Hatake will be back on Konoha grounds tomorrow. Sakura, you're smart so please tread carefully."

Sakura nodded her head before she was dismissed.


THE TRUTH UNRAVELS


PRESENT

The attackers fled, leaving Konoha to slowly pick up their pieces. No one knew why the Akatsuki turned tail and ran but Tsunade had an idea. For it had been an hour since the last of them had left and Uzumaki Naruto was unaccounted for.

The hospital was crowded with men and women of all rankings. She had lost a handful of her medical staff during the invasion. The hospital hadn't found someone to take Sakura's place so Shizune had been doing both jobs and now with both of them out of the picture, Tsunade had to pick up the pieces.

She found herself in the O.R., mending together one of her shinobis legs. While it would have been easier and less time-consuming to amputate his leg, she was down men's power. She didn't have time for Izumo to go through months of rehab.

Outside the OR was filled with people of all ranks trying to get her nurses to let them in. She couldn't help but think if Sakura or Shizune was here, she wouldn't have to be. She would be able to do more than stay in the hospital.

The death rate was high and she still hasn't received word on the final amount. As much as she wanted to drown a bottle of sake, she had pesky problems she had to attend to first.

The door burst open, two shinobi came in, putting on the mask a nurse gave them while stumbling out, "Sorry My Lady, they wouldn't take no for an answer!"

"Where is he?" Sasuke asked once the mask was secured around his lower face, "Naruto's gone. Where is he?"

She couldn't- not today. "I have too much shit going on Uchiha. The village doesn't need to see you at the moment, Sai you're in charge of him."

"We haven't heard from Kakashi-sensei or Naruto, Hokage-sama." Sai's eyes were blank like the first-day team seven met him.

"Lay down, there's a team on it already." She ordered, before dismissing them.

She got word 40 minutes ago from Shikamaru about Kakashi's death. The village was short of manpower and as much power as Naruto was worth, she couldn't afford to send a team after him. Uzumaki Naruto was the village's greatest weapon, but he was also the greatest threat to the village. She would need a team of A/S rank jounins, and she had just lost over half of her strongest jounins.

She couldn't risk any more of her shinobi's lives for Naruto. She could only hope that he would get himself out of this mess.

Clearing her head, Shikamaru entered, she was entirely focused on the patient in front of her as she gave orders. "You're to go to Suna, we need aid. Your connections with them should persuade them to offer more than what we can ask for. I can't offer you more men, you're flying solo."

Shikamaru's shoulders were rigged. "I can't, Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei are dead, Miroui needs me-"

"Shikamaru!" She gritted out, "I'm not asking, you're a ninja. Be a ninja. The girl is with her uncle-"

"Konoharmu's barely 16!" He scoffed, "She can't be left alone with him!" his red eyes were wide with disbelief that she was asking this of him.

"Nara," Her voice was firm, she lifted her head in time to watch the inner monologue that played in his eyes. "You have your orders." She didn't like this situation, but she needed him to rise to the level.

"Hai, Hokage-sama," he muttered, spinning on his heel and leaving.

Tsunade sighed "Nami, your chakras low, scrub out and find someplace you're useful at." Nami quickly took an unsteady step back as he left the OR just as Team Gai entered.

"Hokage-sama, you summoned us?" The three ninjas put on their masks as they face their leader.

"I need you around the borders of Konoha. News will travel that Konoha was attacked, and our enemies will want to capitalize off that. We need our strongest on the outfield, and right now, that's you." She watched the two males glance timidly towards Tenten.

"Lady Hokage, if I can interrupt!" Lee stepped forward gesturing towards Tenten, "Tenten should stay, oof-"

"I'm fine!" Her elbow collided against Neji and Lee's ribs before she spun and dragged them out the room. "We're on it!"

Tsunade, for one, liked shinobi who could leave their baggage outside the room. She sighed as a member from team eight entered the OR.


Kiba's shoulders were squared as he exited the operating room. He kept walking, ignoring the two who were waiting on him. He gritted his teeth as he turned a corner.

"Inuzuka." Kiba halted, as he turned towards Sasuke.

"Team eight specializes in tracking, and you wouldn't mind finding Naruto, right?"

Kiba whipped around pointing an accusing finger in Sai's direction, "Don't make it seem like we wouldn't give our lives for Naruto! If it was up to me, team 8 would already be in the field looking for him. Tsunade-sama ordered us to collect the collateral damage."

"Who does she have looking for him?"

Kiba looked away. He felt utterly powerless in this situation. His team could help but they were being sidelined.

"She isn't… no one is going for him."

"Listen," The slit in his eyes defined as they grew dark, "when you went missing, Naruto made sure he went after you." He turned and left. It was up to the rest of team seven to save Naruto. Even if it meant Sasuke and Sai being labeled traitors.


Hours after the destruction of Konoha, Konan ordered half the group to return to base and wait for further instructions.

Itachi found himself analyzing the situation from the side of the cave. Naruto was further back with chakra rods railing his body. He'd been unconscious for the better half of the journey after attempting to break free. Konan and Pein sat in the middle of the cave around a small fire. Neither was talking, and Itachi used this time to think of a plan.

His original plan had been to free Naruto and kill the two. A hindrance in this plan would be Naruto's inability to stain his hands. And even if the boy was mad, Itachi couldn't picture him taking a life.

Another setback to his plan was Konan. Nothing about her was amiss, she was in no rush, yet, they were waiting for someone- presumably Madara to join them. But if that was the case, Itachi should have been told to leave with the other members, instead, he was front and center at an oncoming S-Class meeting.

Interesting, he mused. All he had to do was wait.


Naruto slowly came too with a pounding headache. The rods were still inside him, draining him of all his chakra. He felt empty- he could feel Kurama but his chakra wasn't strong.

He kept his eyes closed as he focused on the chakras around him. There were three people ahead of him, non-moving- they were in a hideout, and based on the smell of mildew, he was in a cave. He didn't know how far from home he was. So, he focused on the chakra inside him, until he was in his own landscape.

"What will you do?" Kurama asked, staring at him with interest.

"I'll kill them all." He hissed, eyes red and angry.

Kurama leaned forward, "And Jiraiya's note?"

"I don't care about-" He snapped his mouth shut. They never found out what Jiraiya meant. But it was too late. He didn't know.

The depths inside Kurama's chest rumbled, building up a burst of laughter, "So you'll kill them all including Itachi?"

"Yes," Naruto hissed.

"I'd do the same." Kurama chuckled, nodded approvingly, "It's a shame Kakashi's first lesson didn't sit well with you."

When Naruto blinked he was back in his body, staring at the remaining Akatsuki members.

His chin was yanked forward and he was staring at the rinnegan. "Do you understand pain now? Having men come into your home, killing your friends, family all because you possess something that you have no control over?" Naruto growled, "You begin to think you could have done something different. But the truth is as long as there is man-kind there will always be hate in this pitiful world."

"What do you know about it! You chose to create hate!" Naruto spat out, "You are the vile man you mentioned."

Pein cocked his head, "Tell me Naruto, to protect your family, would you not kill anyone standing in your way?"

"I-'' Naruto bit his lip as he thought about it. He wanted to kill Itachi for hurting Sakura and Sasuke. Wanted to kill the man in front of him for Jiraiya. He felt hatred build inside of him, felt rage and he wanted to release it. To protect his family he would kill.

Pein laughed, "There, you know." Naruto was slowly panting now, begging to get free. "You're human. No matter what you think you are, all humans are capable of hate. Of killing a man." Naruto gasped as the rod in his shoulder was pulled free. "You've been an orphan your whole life, cast away by the village you swore to protect." The one in his hands went next, "The village I destroyed in less than 10 minutes." He felt the pain of his left shoulder as the rod came out, "But not before I murdered Jiraiya-sensei." The ones in his thighs came out next, "Or before my man killed your teammate," His left foot was free, "And of course, the death of the copycat ninja, Kakashi Hatake." Naruto's eyes flashed red as he slammed Pein through the cave wall. Naruto's mind went black.

They rolled on the grass as Naruto pinned Pein to the ground and slammed his fist against his face.

"YOU BASTARD!" Naruto railed a mix of his voice and Kurama's. Yellow chakra flared around his body as he repeatedly punched Pein.

"All mighty push." A whisper Naruto barely recognized as he was thrown in the air. "Do you hate me now?" Pein laughed as Naruto was pulled closer to him than slammed into the ground. "Do you want revenge?"

Naruto croaked out a groan, "I am nothing like you." He spat, blood dripping down his chin.

"Are you not?" Pein removed his hand from Naruto's throat. "You're a ninja with all this power to get revenge- to get whatever you want. Do you want peace? Killing me brings you peace, but the cycle will continue. As long as humans live, love will come and with love comes hate. Vengeance is the product of that hate. Death only leads to more death. You want peace like me, just like Jiraya-sensei wanted. So, Naruto, how will you confront this hatred in order to create peace?"

Naruto struggled to stand up, whipping his chin. "I don't know! But I won't go around killing people for fun!"

Pein frowned, "You still don't get it. The pain you're feeling right now, I've felt too. The hatred you're feeling was once mine. The revenge burning in your soul is shared with me. Do you understand where your pain comes from? For this wicked world will never serve us any purpose but to cause us pain."

"I don't get it." Naruto repeated, facing him, "So tell me your story. You wanted revenge and you got it, how does Konoha play into that? How did you know Jiraiya? Tell me your story so I can understand. But on one condition," The orange around Naruto's eyes glowed, "I want to speak to the real you."


Itachi sat near Konan as they watched the exchange between Naruto and Pein- Nagato. They had been led to a wide tree and his attention was on Nagato's story as Konan began softly speaking.

"We were waiting for Madara, it seems he will not be joining us." Itachi focused on her, "Getting the tailed beast for the Akatsuki was to ensure no village had more power than the next. Madara wanted them for different use. Nagato doesn't know. I trailed after Madara for years, he isn't looking for peace. He's looking for world domination."

"That coincides with the Akatsuki's goal."

"No. Akatsuki's original goal was gathering all the villages to a peace treaty- to stop the war, and all the innocent lives lost. Our leader was killed- sacrificed to save Nagato- he was misled, Madara was there, waiting for it to pull Nagato under his clutch. He feels for it. And the Akatsuki took a dark turn. It was never intended to be like this, but it became too late. There is no saving the Akatsuki. After today, the name dies."

"Nagato doesn't agree."

"He will. The boy is special."

Itachi agreed with that. Naruto was the reason Sasuke came home. Uzumaki Naruto's heart was pure. And no amount of hate could change that.

He watched as Naruto intently listened to Nagato's story. He watched the judgment fall from his face.

"Madara's a problem to the world. I asked your brother to join me in killing him- I was turned down."

Itachi smirked. "My brother's a fool."

"A smart one." He nodded his head to that.

"You can leave Madara to me."

"A dead man isn't going to kill Madara. If I'm not mistaken your Kage expects you back soon."

"An Uchiha will kill Madara."

Konan signed, "Nagato and I won't-" Her eyes widened as Nagauto spoke about Gedo Rinne Tensei no Jutsu. "Nagato?"

"He's the child who'll bring true peace unto the world. Uzumaki Naruto, I'll choose to believe in you."


Naruto stood beside Itachi and watched as Konana wrapped the bodies of her deceased teammates.

"What will you do now?"

"Return to Ame, and lead my village down the right path,"

"And the Akatsuki?"

"It's over. The remaining members will be offered a new life in my village- one without corruption."

Naruto glanced at Itachi, "I'll trust you," He said to her, "I'm sorry about your-"

"Don't. Nagato died the day we lost Yahiko. Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Itachi, I'll believe in you too." They watched her leave in silence. Naruto took a deep breath before turning to face Itachi.

"Itachi, I belie-"

"You should return to the village."

Kurama laughed, he was standing alone in the middle of the clearing. "Go, home kid."


Naruto grinned as butterflies filled his stomach. The villagers had learned to acknowledge him once he came out about his heritage. But he never felt as accepted as he did now as they cheered for him and threw him in the air.

While it took the villagers almost 19 years, Naruto was forever grateful to have them legitimately happy for him.

He finally earned their respect.

He saved Konoha with the help of a few unique individuals.

Itachi had been by his side the entire time, and Naruto chose to believe that he was there to protect him. With this piece of information, Itachi may have decided to admit the truth. Now he didn't have to worry about Sasuke leaving, he was home for good.

Naruto's grin widened as he cast his head in search of his team as he was put down. Seeing them standing next to a grim Tsunade made Naruto's heart drop.

Nagato had brought everyone back to life so why did they look like someone had been killed?

Naruto made his way over, standing beside a pissed Sasuke.

"What's going on?"

Tsunade opened her mouth, but it was Sasuke who spoke first.

"Itachi's being executed at the end of the week."


THE TRUTH UNRAVELS


Timeskip

The door burst open to the Kazekage's office. "Kazekage-sama! There's an emergency-"

"Kazekage-sama, I come seeking asylum for my family." A man said as he entered the room, bowing to the Kazekage- not as low as one would do to their own Kage.

And that seemed to be his que. Shikamaru nodded his head to Gaara, before turning to Temari. "See ya." He said as he made his way to the door.

"My name is Shisui Uchiha." He skidded to a stop.

Uchiha?! He quickly turned back to stare at the blind man with dark messy hair.

The features added up but there was no way. Itachi Uchiha killed every Uchiha. Common knowledge.

Yet here he was alive.

"You gotta be kidding me." He whispered.

Gaara's eyes remained impassive as he looked at the self-proclaimed Uchiha.

"I'm to believe you're an Uchiha?"

Shikamaru knew this wasn't his business- knew he should leave but the Uchiha?

"Aye, you know him?" Tem asked. He shook his head.

"Only heard of him." He muttered. Shisui died before he had a chance to really kick off. What he did know of the man was that he was in ANBU along with Itachi and was one of the only people who could beat the prodigy Uchiha in battle.

"Shisui of the body flicker, right?" He smirked at her. Of course, she'd known of him.

"There's no way for me to prove it with my eyes gone, so I can understand if you don't. I just don't wish to lie to you as I'm asking for your help."

"Wait a minute," Kankuro begins, "Shika just said, Itachi and Sasuke are in Konoha custody." He said scratching his neck. "Who are you seeking asylum for?"

"My wife and children." This just got troublesome. The man turned to him, "You're Konoha, right." The man asked with a slight smirk.

"How can you tell?" He felt widely out of his depth.

"Just as one could tell you're jounin level. Chakras are very distinct, and once you realize how to read them you can figure out where they originate from." The man spoke calmly. This man was too calm with the knowledge that a Konoha ninja knew he was alive. Could he really take all of them at once?

"Why would you seek asylum in Suna?" Gaara questioned. Why not return to Konoha? The question was clear as day, and Shikamaru straightened to hear the man's answer.

"I'm only asking for temporary asylum to allow me to receive Itachi from Konoha. Afterward, I can assure you we won't be a problem to any of the villages."

"You're asking to be granted permission to break Uchiha Itachi out of prison?"

"I'm merely asking that you keep my family safe for a week."

His eyes widened. Damn this man was bold. But if the rumors were correct then this man had the means to back it up. All of this shit because Sakura went off and got herself killed. Shikamaru sighed before turning back to the man. He honestly wouldn't be surprised if Sakura had something to do with this. The girl was more troublesome than Tem.

"Out of everywhere you came here… why?"

Shisui hummed, "Trust me, this wasn't my first choice." He said while holding one palm in the air, digging in his pocket with the other, and pulling out a slip of paper. He took long strides before he handed the paper to the Kazekage.

Gaara's eyes scanned the paper before widening. He passed the paper to Shikamaru. "Is this Haruno's writing?"

Nodding his head, Shikamaru groaned as he looked at the paper. Of course, Sakura would tell a man who's been thought of as dead to escape to Suna to avoid capture, wait.

"Who are you hiding from?" And then there was the whole, he wanted to break Uchiha Itachi out of prison. This was going to be a drag.

"The less you know, the better."

"You're asking us to aid you in betraying Konoha. Did you really think that just because Sakura gave you a note, we'd blindly follow a dead girl?" Kankuro grits out. They couldn't betray Konoha. Not now, they were finally in a position where Konoha and Suna both benefited from this treaty.

"Listen we respected Sakura, but not enough to allow your family to seek asylum while you go and break out an international terrorist," Gaara said while leaning back on the desk. He wasn't sure how Naruto would feel if they aided this man, and he didn't want his friend to be mad at him, had this been the wrong choice.

"Wait," Temari said, struggling to keep down her laughter. "Shika, what the fuck?" She muttered while elbowing him in his ribs, before looking over to her brother and leaning across the desk, "We're not really betraying Konoha to allow his family to stay here. And besides, he said children, which means there are more Uchiha's out there. Do you really think this man can break into Konoha's heavily guarded prison and escape alive with Itachi? He'll probably die and now the Uchiha clan will reside in Suna."

"Or he'll live and Konoha will trace him back here to get his family."

"And we'll tell them we had no idea he was an Uchiha. Either he gets away with it, or we gain an advantage with the dojutsu."

"I guess," Kankuro interrupted them, pointing to Shikamaru. "You're missing the point where Konoha has a witness that we openly betrayed them. Temari what the fuck, we can't help this man!"

"If I can," Shisui said, stepping up. "Allow Nara to escort me back to Konoha as a prisoner. If I happen to break out, then it's on no one. Shall I die, you now have three blood Uchiha's belonging to Suna."

It… it was a solid plan, except for the part that they dragged him into it. Looking at the Kazekage and his advisors, Shikamaru could tell they were all considering it. It didn't really benefit them shall Shisui live, but it did if he died. There was no way Gaara would sign off on it with those conditions.

"Shall you live and decide to leave Konoha, you and Itachi are to pledge allegiance to me. You'll become Suna ninja."

"What makes you think I won't decide to leave Konoha?"

Gaara smiled while drumming his hand along his desk, "I have a feeling Sasuke isn't going to let Itachi escape, and Naruto won't let Sasuke leave."

"Wait, you're not really signing off on this?" Kankuro asked. Everyone in the room turned towards Shikamaru and he groaned while putting his head between his hands.

"Let's say I take Shisui into custody for the planning of breaking a criminal out of Konoha. And he somehow escapes. I need to know you won't harm anyone." Was he putting all his faith in a one-sentence note Sakura wrote to Gaara? Yes. Was he going to regret it? Probably, he tended to regret a lot of things team seven did, yet he nodded his head.

"Before you agree you should know we are teaming up with Itachi's partner in Akatsuki. We figured it would be best if he stayed out of the village."

"Troublesome." Shikamaru sighed, just his fucking luck.


Temari was one of the 12 shinobi from Suna going to help Konoha rebuild. With them, they had seals filled with medical herbs, nonperishable food, water, cots, and clothes.

She followed Shikamaru as they made their way through the Land of Wind. Shikamaru was lost in thought, as the man in chains walked ahead of them. Not too far behind them, traveling in the shadows was Kisame Hoshigak of the Akatsuki- no, an ex Akatsuki member according to Shika.

The group that has spent years tormenting all five nations decided to stop after talking to a teenager. That conversation honestly could have happened earlier and saved all of them a world of pain. But regardless, Temari was glad it was over. Of course, that meant dealing with new groups who would want to replace the Akatsuki. But with the Jinchuriki all teaming up, the villages have become closer than ever before.

Ideally, it sounded perfect, but there are shinobi in all villages who hold grudges towards one another. There has already been talk in Suna about how Gaara is too lenient. It's like they wanted a leader like Rasa. Temari was quick to put those shinobi in place. But talk has been rising in every village ever since Team Jin formed. More meetings between the Kages have occurred, it seems every village has a group of shinobi who don't like the idea of a peace treaty between the great nations. And then there was the fact of how a peace treaty would affect the smaller villages. That manner was pushed aside but it was something Gaara wanted to look more into.

"When we get to Konaha, our orders are to aid where we see necessary. Half of you are working in the hospital, the rest will be helping Konoha with rebuilding." The medics she brought all had high respect for Sakura and were glad they could help out where they could. This transaction should be smooth and she was sure the only problem they would run into was because of the blind man in front of them.

"It'll be fine," Shikamaru muttered, stuffing his hands into his pocket.

"Of course it's fine. Suna has nothing to do with this." Her chin pointed down at him, daring him to disagree.

Shikamaru smirked, allowing her to walk in front of him. Shikamaru turned his attention back to Shisui. "Why not return to Konoha and help raise Sasuke?"

"I don't know you well enough to have this conversation," Shisui smirked at him, as he continued walking.

Shikamaru opened his mouth, then snapped it shut as the setting around them changed, causing all shinobi to tense as Shisui broke free of the chains and appeared in front of a bush, ordering them to lower their weapons.

"Love, what are you doing here?"

A child stepped out of the bush, a determined look settled over her face. "I'm your eyes."

Shisui sighed, his hands going to the child's face, "Are you hurt?"

"No," She shook her head and cupped his face, "I'm coming with you."

"Does Kaa-chan know you're here?" Itama offered a small smile, softly shaking her head. Shisui smirked before turning to the group. "She's coming with us." He walked her towards Temari, ordering her to stay with her, before making his way back to Shikamaru and letting the man put new chains on him.

The 11 shinobi behind them were baffled at what just happened, causing Temari to mutter, "What a drag."


THE TRUTH UNRAVELS


A/N: Hello loves! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and just wait for the next one! I'm super excited about hearing your response to this chapter! Thanks loves!