Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.

Summary: A more rational Danzo takes on team 7. The world changes accordingly

Chapter 9 - Revelations I

At first when Sasuke opened his eyes he panicked. He couldn't see, the last thing he remembered was catching Sakura and feeling Kyuubi's chakra wash over him. But his Shinobi training under Danzo kicked in and a few deep breaths later he was able to properly assess his situation. He wasn't tied down, he seemed to be under a blanket, and he could hear two other people breathing in the room. Based on the smell, maybe a hospital room? That would fit with everything. Did that mean they were out of the exams?

Either way he needed more information, and the first step would be taking off his blindfold. It took his sleepy hands a moment to find their way to untying it. Once he did the first thing he was greeted with was the words "Mission Accomplished" on the inside of his freshly removed eye bandages. Nice, but not what he was looking for. When he looked around the room however he saw Naruto sleeping deeply and Sakura… Sakura was doing push ups next to her bed? And had a new tattoo covering her upper left bicep? Hadn't she been bitten by Orochimaru and passed out screaming?

Apparently Sakura noticed Sasuke moving around and looked over at him and gestured for him to stay quiet pointing at Naruto. As soon as she finished her set, she silently rose to her feet and sauntered over to Sasuke's bed, plopping down silently next to him and passing him the note Danzo had left. It explained everything that had happened, including what Danzo had done to her seal. It was finished with a note to let Naruto rest as he'd been awake for almost two days, taken a soldier pill and used Kyuubi chakra. The black dot on the page was all he needed to know to burn the note now that he was done reading it.

Now that Sakura was next to him he decided he could risk whispers, even with Naruto's incredible hearing he figured he would be tired enough to sleep through it.

"Couldn't have been simple."

"No, not with us it seems. How are your eyes?"

"Fine, I feel like I used every ounce of chakra I've ever had all at once though. How's your arm?"

"Arm's fine. I feel the opposite though, like I've got more chakra then I know what to do with. So much it almost hurts to stay still. I guess I know a little bit of how Naruto feels now…" She trailed off "Speaking of Naruto… Any idea what that stuff about Naruto being a 'Forgotten Prince' meant?"

Sasuke only shrugged, but just as he did they heard Naruto's voice barely making it past his pillow. Turns out even passed out his team's voices would still reach him.

"Clan's dead." Jeez, have they ever seen Naruto this tired? Almost certainly not.

It was a bit of a shocking statement but it served to ruffle Sasuke's feathers. "I'm sorry, did you say your clan is dead, and you only found out about it…" Sasuke realizes he has no idea how long it's been. Chakra exhaustion so… "What two days ago? You lived your whole life a clan orphan and never once did anyone even bother to tell you about your family" By this time he was up and pacing. Naruto just groaned and rolled so he could start to sit up.

"Well, I mean yeah apparently. Not that I've ever even heard about them until… However long ago that was. Supposedly we were allies but they were destroyed in the war. That's not all either, he said there was more to what Orochimaru said about me then he could say. So I guess we'll need to do some digging into the whole forgotten prince and Namikaze's legacy thing."

But just then their conversation (and Sasuke's pacing) were interrupted by a knock at the door. Sasuke opened it seeing as he was already standing, just enough to see who was behind it before groaning out "Ugh, what do you want Shikamaru?" and opening the door a little further so his team can give him a little wave.

"Well don't roll out the welcome mat on my account Uchiha. Just came to tell you that all the teams have either been eliminated or arrived so we all need to meet downstairs." Before he goes he nods at Naruto "Thanks for the assist Naruto, Ino's a decent sensor so we know what you did for us."

Naruto managed a sleepy smile "Don't thank me 'Maru. Was Sakura's plan." He gives out one more yawn before rolling out of bed and onto the floor before trying to stand.

"Well, thanks either way guys, we won't mention it to anyone else." He takes one last look at them before shaking his head and closing the door.

There exists a room in the tower of training ground 44 with a large statue of the ram sign with a space to speak below it. It's a large room made larger by the second level that seemed to be set up for viewing.

But the thing all the Genin tended to fixate on as they entered and lined up with their teams, was probably the Third Hokage waiting to address them. Naruto blushed a little at them being the last team to arrive, embarrassed at having held up the proceedings because he was sleepy. The Third shot the boy a kind grandfatherly smile before he began his speech.

"Congratulations, to all you Genin hopefuls that have made it this far through the Chunin Selection Exams. As many of you know the exams were set up as a way to foster friendship and stronger ties between villages. There is however, a hidden reason for the exams. As the Five Great Shinobi Nations strive for peace, the Chunin exams offer a more controlled way for the villages to display their strength then direct conflict with rival villages. As such, it would not be inaccurate to say we use the exams as a replacement for war.

However, in this theatre of War we try to keep the publicly viewable aspect of exams to a single day, and so before the one on one tournament can take place we will be having a preliminary." At this point a sickly looking man with short brown hair, dark-coloured eyes and dark markings under his eyes stepped up.

"If it's all the same Hokage-Sama, as I'll be proctoring the next stage of the exam I'd like to take over from here." The venerable Kage waved him on as he took a step back.

"Ah, by all means Gekko-san"

"Thank you, Lord Third." He bowed his head in respect to his leader before continuing. "I'm Hayate Gekko and I've been selected as the proctor for the third phase of the chunin selection exam, as Lord Third mentioned we will be hosting a team based preliminary to streamline the one on one tournament. If you take a look at the screen the Teams about to do battle will be randomly chosen and displayed. The rules for the battle are simple, teams engage in an open 3 on 3 battle until one team is either unable to continue, or forfeits. While lethal force is allowed we would prefer it if you pulled your blows and allowed us to call the match recognizing your victory. If at any time I feel the match should be called I will and you will stop or you will be disqualified. Is that understood?"

The proctor is met with a chorus of "Hai"s, and finishes "In that case the first two teams will be selected and the rest of you can head up to the balconies where your Senseis will be waiting." Everyone's attention was focused on the screen as the various team names flashed on either side.

It settled on Leaf Team 7 vs Leaf Team 10.

Shikamaru's groan could be heard throughout the room.

As the room cleared as the few remaining teams headed up to the balcony, Shikamaru found himself briefly next to Naruto, and could have sworn he heard a soft "I'm really sorry for this." before the two teams settled across the arena from each other. Everyone on the field looked to be fairly uncomfortable with the situation, but as the proctor called a start to the match, while Team 10 was just shifting into their combat stances.

Sasuke was already in Shikamaru's face, a kunai held to his throat and Sasuke's sharingan eyes gently spinning before him. Shikamaru had been in the rear of their formation and Sasuke had just blown right past. He hadn't understood just how out of their league team 7 wass, but he was sure it would only take seconds for Ino and Choji to be subdued if this was Sasuke's level.

Sure enough Sakura had forced Choji into a chokehold, and while Ino had managed to get a pair of kunai out to defend against Naruto flying towards her, but there was little she could do as Naruto's kunai cut through hers like butter, and she was pinned.

But in those few seconds it took for Team 7 to dismantle what he thought was a proficient genin team, he had his world view further shook by hearing Uchiha Sasuke say "Don't you dare hurt my teammate to sate your curiosity Nara. It would be a shame for an Uchiha to commit another clan genocide."

"Match! Team 7" And as quick as it started it was over, weapons stashed away and any hostility that was present with them stashed just as quickly as the members of Team 7 offered their hands in a show of sportsmanship. Even as they shook the hands of their "peers", even minds less sharp than Shikamaru's began to see Team 7 for what they were.

The gossiping Jounin were agasp at first. Asuma's cigarette lying on the cement below as Gai began shouting about youth. Kurenia was silent but internally was concerned. After all…. Sasuke had moved faster than she could.

The genin were even worse. Kiba in particular was having a hard time accepting that people he had gone to the academy with could be so strong. Team Gai was also deeply unnerved by the sheer efficiency of the rookie team.

But they didn't have long to think about if before the second team match was displayed.

Team Kabuto vs Team Sand

Only it was only up for a second before Kabuto raised his hand "We forfeit."

While Gaara may have growled lightly at not getting able to kill anyone, he'd had a busy week and mother was mostly being chill. And most of the people in the area didn't really hold it against them… Naruto's eyes narrowed at the bespectacled genin. While he didn't say anything now his suspicions were mounting.

Hayate resumed "In that case, the final pairing could only possibly be." And the board flashed to show "Leaf Team 8 vs Leaf Team 9"

And up on the balcony as Team 9 jumped into the arena, Hinata shuddered. Naruto being the sort to notice these sort of things looked to Sakura as if asking what the issue could be, but it was actually Sasuke that flashed him a response in hand signs that basically read "Family BS, Not her fault" which Naruto didn't really understand but took Sasuke's word on it. And while Shino and Kiba passed a glance between them they nodded confidently and the team jumped down to the arena.

Before the proctor could start the match though, Neji decided to make a statement.

"Quit now. Hinata-sama. You stand no chance against us."

But Hinata would have none of it, even if she was shaking. "No Neji-nii-san. We… We will fight against you. Because Team 8 will not give up!"

And even though she stuttered through it she managed. And if anything that only made Neji more angry. As the proctor called the start of the match Neji shot towards Hinata like a bullet. He probably should have activated his Byakugan first though because Kiba cut him off with a Passing Fang technique. Tenten tried to intercept with a volley of kunai, but that too was cut off. This time by a swarm of Shino's insects.

Only in doing so Shino left himself open to Lee's charge, or so it seemed before he burst into a swarm of insects that surrounded Lee. And while for most this would be a devastating mistake Lee was simply too fast for the Auburame's beetles to catch.

And while Tenten closed the gap to fight with Kiba, Neji re-engaged with Hinata. Surprisingly to many Kiba was actually able to overwhelm Tenten with Akamaru's help, even together him and Shino were only just barely able to stall Lee. But unbeknownst to Lee he was steadily losing the battle as his chakra was being steadily drained.

It lasted just long enough for Lee to knock the two of them out before promptly fainting from chakra exhaustion. Right about the same time as Hinata was knocked back by a vicious palm strike from Neji.

"Face it Hinata-Sama, your team has fallen and you can not win. Forfeit!" But even as Neji grew ever angrier, from the balcony above it was shockingly Sakura that shouted out in support.

"Come on Hinata! Don't listen to this jerk! You were top 3 Kunoichi in a class of clan heirs, fuck him up! Do it for the girls!" Ino cheered along with that last point.

But Hinata getting back to her feet only angered him further, but as he rushed forward to land the finishing blow, even as the proctor called the match a few things happened all at once.

First of all was the Hinata was no longer standing in the ring. She was on the balcony with Naruto standing in her place. Even if she had thought to fight the replacement technique it was doubtful she would have been able to.

The second was Gai holding Neji by the wrist. A firm grimace of disapproval on his face.

And surprising to many was Sasuke's sword at Neji's throat. His sharingan spinning furiously. Go figure the "Last Uchiha" would be a little sensitive about family violence.

Somehow Neji got the first word out. "You see this Hinata! You see the favoritism the main house receives? Even in a no hold barred match you're bailed out!"

"SHUT UP!" Sasuke roared at him "I don't give a fuck what you're family's like you get to have one. ONLY ONE! And Hinata's a sweet girl that's never done anything to you."

"Oh so the Uchiha Prince thinks he can talk about family life just because his big brother snapped, you can't begin to know what it's like to live as a second class citizen." But before anyone else can chime in the voice of the Third booms over the room.

"ENOUGH! You embarrass your village genin!" The room falls eerily silent before Gekko coughs and resumes his duties.

"Yes well, Leaf Team 9 wins. If you'd all fall in we'll explain the next round of the chunin exams." As the situation diffused and the still awake genin from all the winning teams assembled. "It's been decided that the next round of the exam will in fact not be a one on one tournament. Instead each round every remaining team will select one member to enter the arena for a three man free-for-all. The examinees will have one month to prepare for the third exam. Good luck to you all."

When Team 7 arrived home to their apartment I don't think they were terribly surprised to find Danzo waiting for them. Even if they had hoped to get some sleep.

"Congratulations to you three. You've met, and even exceed all expectations placed on you." Yeah that's as good as it was gonna get for a black book mission. "Of course this isn't the end of things. You all have already been briefed on the Third Exam and so I trust you will understand when I say I won't have time to train all three of you." He passed out bundles to each of them. "Worry not as I have…. Pulled some strings to ensure you would have the best of teachers available."

As they started to go through their bundles Danzo elaborated "Sakura, it likely took every ounce of pull with Lord Third I have left but you will receive tutelage from Lord Jariya so that you can learn to harness the power of your new seal. As he is the only known Sage currently alive you could hope for no better teacher in the ways of nature chakra." He looks at Naruto "His one condition was that he be allowed to share a meal with you in private. He'll explain why I'm sure, and he'll likely collect you at his leisure I imagine." The team shared a confused look, even as stars began to shine in Sakura's eyes at the idea of being trained by a sannin.

"Now Sasuke, your teacher was only too happy to… take you off my hands as he put it. Hatake Kakashi is the sole surviving student of the late Lord Fourth, and is renowned for both his Lightning Jutsu, and his mastery of a gifted Sharingan Eye. I believe you could learn much from him."

"Hn" A curt nod. Sasuke already knew who Sharingan no Kakashi was, and had been wanting to meet the man for some time. Hopefully he would live up to the expectations.

"Now Naruto, your training will be slightly different. On the evenings I am available we'll work on my personal style of Wind Jutsu, Vacuum Style. At all other times you can train as you like with either an Anbu codenamed Tenzo with any of the contents of the included materials, or you'll find included a letter of introduction to Nara Shikaku with a request for a Shogi partner. While your tactics continue to improve the less micromanaging of your clones is required the better, and your knowledge is their knowledge." Naruto nodded excitedly at the prospect of learning his Sensei's personal jutsu style.

"Beyond that I recommend you all pace yourselves over the next month. Remember what the exams could truly mean, and keep in mind all that could change after this. I have left you with more free time than usual and I trust you not to abuse it. Any questions?"

Team 7 shared a look before Sasuke addressed their sensei. "Why had none of us heard of the Uzumaki before all this? Why didn't anyone tell Naruto about his family?" The heat in his voice was seemingly ignored as Danzo replied.

"Several reasons. You never heard of the Uzumaki both because we failed as their allies and some sought to change history, but also because information about them was erased because only an Uzumaki can hold Kyuubi." He gave them a moment to take that bit in. "Lord Third decided that if anyone could learn of the Uzumaki, and learn of their legacy of Jinchuriki, that it would point to large a target on Naruto." Sasuke started scowling again as Naruto just looked down at his shoes.

"However, I have had a discussion with Lord Third and have managed to get the three of you clearance to view one of our villages greatest secrets. Your display in the exams is likely the only reason I was able to get it." He handed a folder to Naruto who opened it quickly before going wide eyed and dropping it. Danzo frowned slightly at the extremely confidential information being mishandled but didn't say anything on account of the contents.

Sasuke and Sakura share a look, and while Sakura moves to put her hands on the now shaking Naruto's shoulders. Sasuke retrieved the fallen folder to see what it was that could have upset Naruto so greatly? Had he been kidnapped? Were his parents traitors?

No. No it was worse. And even as Naruto turned to put his head on Sakura's shoulders, he started crying silently as he shook in her arms. She looked to Sasuke to see what had upset Naruto so badly only to see the documents crumpled in his hand with evident rage on his face. As Sasuke met her gaze he mouthed the words so that Naruto wouldn't have to hear them again. "His Dad was Lord Fourth and his Mom was the previous Jinchuriki."

Sakura squeezed Naruto lightly as the implications set in. Both of Naruto's parents died the night he was born, sealing the Kyuubi into him and leaving him alone. And Sasuke hadn't eleven mentioned Naruto's supposed "Godfather". The whole room could feel Naruto struggling to hold in his massive chakra presence in his current distress. You could almost feel the Fox boiling beneath his skin.

Sasuke took it upon himself to be angry for him. "What the fuck is this Sensei?" Sasuke took a half step towards Danzo in his anger, family was always important to him. "How dare the village keep this from him. Naruto is the rightful heir of a noble clan and a fucking Kage! And he was left to fend for himself on a fucking orphan stipend?"

Sasuke was cut off by a precise but indomitable flex of chakra from his sensei. "Sasuke!" He snaps before continuing in his normal monotone "Your anger is misplaced. This was a unilateral decision made by the Lord Third. I had actually petitioned to raise Naruto myself but was denied." Okay, maybe that was framing the truth slightly askew.

Sasuke's eyes span almost out of control as he made his next declaration. "The moment I receive my Chunin paperwork I'm bringing this to the clans. A clan child was robbed of his birthright. And don't you dare say it was for his protection I was every bit as much of a potential target as him. Hell, Hinata was kidnapped from inside her own fucking compound while surround it by a clan that claim to have "All seein eyes" so any clan child could be a target. FUCK!" Sasuke punched the wall exactly hard enough to not break it, and as he did he noticed the faintest distortion in the air. Then Danzo's hand landed on his shoulder and whispered to him sternly.

"Calm yourself Sasuke. This isn't what he needs now. Save your anger for when it will serve, not disrupt."

Danzo pulled away quickly as Sasuke took a few breaths to steady himself, pushing his sharingan down in the process. He gave Danzo a nod, and went to put his arms around Naruto and Sakura and as a group they started to fall to the floor. The faint click of a door being closed as Danzo left could be heard just as Naruto started talking softly, a strange mixture of sobbing and laughter cutting through his voice even as his body shook in rage.

"My Father. My own father made me a Jinchuriki… How could he do that when his own wife was the last one? He must have known how we're treated. And. And, I didn't even get to know? I didn't even get to have pictures? Why? Whywhywhywhywhy" And even as he started to sob more violently, while the maelstrom of emotions could still be felt. Luckily, however, the maelstrom of chakra ebated steadily until eventually both Naruto, and the room stilled. After Sasuke and Sakura carried him into bed they took a seat together at the kitchen table to talk quietly.

Sasuke passed her the documents he'd picked up. "It gets worse. Jiriya was supposed to be his Godfather." Sakura dragged a hand across her face in frustration.

"Fuck. Really? My interim sensei? I suppose that's why he wants to have lunch with Naruto… We should go with him. He'll just pretend to be okay with everything in front of a stranger."

Sasuke nodded "I was serious too, the moment I'm a Chunin I'll be calling for a vote of no confidence by the clans. He was on shaky footing already between the Uchiha and Hyuuga incidents, this is way too far. " Sakura hm's in agreement.

"Who will the clans push for you think?"

Sasuke thinks about it for a second. "Probably Jiraiya honestly. Kakashi could probably do it from what I hear but I doubt he would."

"So still someone that failed Naruto."

"He might not have had the choice. Lord Third has forced a lot of hands to make Naruto grow up the way he did Jiraiya could have been one of them."

"Fuck fine, we'll find out more. I'll talk to Ino too, she already said she's already promised her clan's support to Naruto and she's not the type to back down on that." Sasuke nodded in agreement.

"We should get some sleep." Sasuke burns the papers before standing to head off to bed.