DxGRAYxMAN: I'm glad that you liked it. I wanted Naruto to do some pretty painful damage, but I let Itachi finish him off as a hokage should.
Animaman: You have no idea how big an asset Aiko is going to be in the future hehe. I have plans for her. Yakumo is going to beat the hell out of Naruto but unfortunately you won't see it until the next time these two are featured. Aiko will be brought into a sort of replacement child at first for Minato and Kushina but the two will eventually truly consider her their child after some time. Most of those involved with the uprising were killed by either their opponent or Naruto's sword slash. A couple of key elders will be on trial however in which no mercy will be shown.
thor94: Yeah it's pretty rough for how it turned out for Sera, I'm glad that Danzo is dead too I hate that guy. I can't say how the fight between Naruto and Tsuranabi will go, you'll have to find out later.
PinkiePieParty122894: I'm glad that I keep impressing, I hope this chapter impresses you as well.
Redstone king: I plan on keeping it up and I hope that you like the future chapters.
brutusjr: I see that you are reviewing chapter 18 and I think that the fight outcomes get better in the future chapters. I'm happy that you are liking it overall and I hope that the fights get better in your opinion.
Guest: I took a look at what you were referring to and yeah I made a mistake in saying the "Nine Tailed Kyuubi" when I should have just said the "Nine Tailed Fox".
firetemplar215: Yakumo can be kind of impulsive and aggressive at times but that's because she has gotten to open up instead of being so shy and shut in. Her teammates and sensei and friends encourage her attitude.
Huntergx60: Um those are some really loaded questions. I can't say whether or not it will be Naruto who kills Menma and Narumi or if they will even die. I will say that don't hold your breath on Naruto making it his mission to save the tailed beasts.
Velin63: Sorry it took so long but I hope that you like the update.
(Konoha)
Naruto slowly walked to the front gate of the village. His mind was in a state of turmoil because while the immediate issue of the attack on Konoha was over, he had to do something arguably more difficult than just slash his sword. He had to tell a child that she was never going to see her mother again. Although he tried to take his time getting to the gates so that he could think of a way to tell Aiko, he still reached the area quicker than he would have liked. Exiting the open gates, he continued walking into a nearby forest of trees and came to a clearing where the great serpent Leviathan lay wrapped protectively around Aiko in it's reduced size. The black haired girl was staring at the serpent's scales when she heard Naruto walk into the area. Looking up, a big smile instantly appeared on the girl's face.
"Naruto!" the little girl shouted before pulling herself up out of the grasp of the serpent leader and running to the blonde. Naruto gave a half smile and looked up at his summon. "Than you for your help Leviathan, I can take things from here" the shinobi said which gained a nod from Leviathan before the creature was enveloped in a shroud of mist. When the mist dissipated, the serpent was gone. Naruto watched the mist dissipate until he started to feel a series of pokes on his leg. Looking down, Naruto smiled at Aiko who was obviously trying to get his attention. When the girl saw that she had gained the blonde's attention, her smile grew. "Did you save the day?" she asked to which Naruto nodded with a smile. His smile quickly fell however when he realized that he had a confession to make.
The blonde shinobi walked past Aiko and slowly sat down on the ground. "Aiko come here. There's something that I need to tell you" Naruto said patting the ground in front of him. Aiko tilted her head in confusion but obeyed her new friend and quickly sat down in front of the blonde. Naruto looked away from the girl for a moment due to the smile that she still wore. Deep down, he knew that it would be a long time before she would smile like that again. Taking a deep breath, Naruto spoke. "Aiko, we need to talk about what happened back at your home" he said watching as Aiko's smile fell in remembrance of the recent events.
"We need to go back! We've gotta find mommy" interrupted the girl with determination in her eyes. The look of determination morphed into one of confusion however when she noticed the sad look that her blonde ninja friend was giving her. Naruto took a deep breath and put a hand on Aiko's shoulder hoping to Kami that the Aiko that he had gotten to know in such a short time wouldn't disappear at the horrible news he had to tell her. "Aiko, your mother isn't there anymore. Your mom is no longer alive" he said slowly. Aiko's eyes widened and tears instantly began to form in her eyes. She started shaking her head quickly in denial. "No, you're lying. Why would you say that Naruto? Friends aren't supposed to lie? Why would you say that?" Aiko said in a broken voice as tears began to fall down her face.
Naruto wanted to look away so that he wouldn't have to see the little girl cry, but he forced himself to be strong for Aiko. She needed him now. "Aiko, I'm so sorry. I wish that I could have saved her but I wasn't fast enough, I wasn't strong enough. But I swear that I will protect you Aiko, even if it costs me my life and I will find and stop the man who killed your mother" Naruto said pulling the crying girl into his arms. He held her tight as she cried, both unable to form anymore responses other than to cry. Naruto knew that Aiko was probably feeling alone but he would be damned if he would let her feel that way for one more second. "Aiko, though you may not be able to see your mother anymore, know that she is always with you. Always watching after you. You aren't alone, you'll never be alone" Naruto said as tears started to fall from his eyes. The girl in his arms continued to sob in sadness, but Naruto eventually felt a nod into his stomach. It brought a small form of relief to him.
The two stayed in their positions for a little over ten minutes before Naruto gently separated from her. Taking a step back, his heart broke at the sight. Aiko's eyes were puffy and her face was wet with tears. Naruto took a small breath. "Aiko, why don't I show you where you will be staying" the blonde said. Getting a nod from the girl, he immediately scooped her up earning a squeak from Aiko and took off to the Namikaze Compound.
(Namikaze Compound)
Naruto stopped at the front door of his house with Aiko in his arms still shaking. Taking a breath, Naruto opened the door and gently set Aiko on the ground. Just as he was about to step forward, he felt the small hand of his companion grab his. Turning to his side and looking down, his heart hurt once again as the sight of a sniffling Aiko met his eyes. Looking deep into her eyes, Naruto put on the best and most gentle fake smile that he could. "Welcome Aiko to your new home."
(Konoha Morgue)
Tsunade stood in front of the dead body of her teammate. He laid in his red coat which he had worn the entirety of his hospital stay and was wearing it when he died. She stared at him with a blank look but her mind was full of despair. Ever since Dan, she had given up on loving anyone and in doing so, she had ignored the love that Jiraiya held for her. It was a pain worse than any physical wound that she had ever suffered. Clenching her fists, she wanted to hate this village even more for once again taking someone that she loved away from her. Unfortunately, the thought of allowing such a hatred to form would dishonor the old pervert. She made no move when a pale hand suddenly laid itself on her shoulder.
"He always tried to see the best in people. He tried for so long to bring me back from darkness, and every time I disappointed him. I was weak and because of that, I was taken advantage of and hurt him. I wish that I could go back to when we were kids and he would try to get us together to have fun. I would change so many things if I could go back" the voice of Orochimaru said making Tsunade frown in bitterness and sadness.
The Slug Sannin shook her head. "You only disappointed him because you were being controlled by someone else, I disappointed him every day of my own accord. I wish that I could go back to when he tried to comfort me after Dan's death. I would let him comfort me and maybe then, I wouldn't be such a bitter old woman" Tsunade said letting tears start to form and fall. Slowly, she put a hand on his chest, but narrowed her eyes as her hand felt something in the Sannin's coat. Tilting her head, she opened his coat while Orochimaru stood to the side watching and wondering what Tsunade was doing. Opening the coat, the blonde Sannin found an inside pocket which she quickly reached inside. When she removed her hand, she was holding a small black book. She knew from experience that this wasn't his "research" notebook. This was something different.
Opening the book up, Tsunade noticed that a page was folded unlike any of the others. Turning to that page, she began to read. As she read, her eyes widened astronomically and she started to shake. Slowly looking up, she said "I've got to find Naruto" before speeding off.
(Ruins of the Hokage Tower)
Itachi stood in front of the rubble that used to be the Hokage Tower. His fists were clenched as he thought about how everything could go so wrong so quickly. So many dead, so much destruction. Itachi thanked Kami that Naruto was there to finish off what he couldn't. The Uchiha clenched his fists tighter. As Hokage, his mission was to protect the people of Konoha, a mission that he failed miserably. Itachi being so caught up in his thoughts never noticed a presence appear beside him until it spoke.
"It isn't your fault" the familiar voice of Naruto said almost startling Itachi. Without turning around, Itachi sighed. "Naruto, I was entrusted to protect everyone here. I was entrusted them by your father and I betrayed not only his trust, but the trust of all of those who perished today. I don't deserve this title" the Uchiha said in a sad tone.
Naruto looked at his teacher with wide eyes before smiling. "My father didn't pick you to run the village because of your strength Itachi sensei, he picked you because of your utter devotion to the village. He knew that even though you don't have a technique like the Hiraishin up your sleeve, you would still kill a thousand enemy ninja before you let them harm your home. That being said, you can't be everywhere at once. No one can so protecting everyone at every moment is an impossible task. All you can do now is be the pillar of strength that Konoha needs right now. The people are hurting and my father chose you to bring them together and if need be, heal them" the blonde finished.
Itachi was shocked silent for a long moment before he smiled a smile mixed with amusement and pride. Chuckling a little bit, Itachi responded. "When did my cute little genin get so wise?" he asked but was surprised at the serious expression on Naruto's face.
"When I finally opened my eyes and realized my true mission" Naruto said. Before Itachi could question him further, the blonde popped out of existence revealing it to be a simple shadow clone. Shaking his head, Itachi turned around only to be met with a shocking sight. The people of Konoha, ninja and civilians alike, had started to come towards the remains of the Hokage Tower and stopped in front of Itachi. The current Hokage examined the faces of his people seeing dirt, blood, and tears staining their faces. Gritting his teeth and strengthening his resolve, Itachi stood tall.
"People of Konohagakure no Sato hear me now. We were deceived, we were betrayed, and we suffered the losses of many lives. But those who fell victim to the despicable cowards who tried to put out our Will of Fire will not have died in vain. Each and every one of us must join together, regardless of clan or social status. All of us as members of Konoha will show the cowards and fools that slither in the dark that they will never extinguish our Will of Fire. It will burn strong always and forever. We will make those whose lives were sacrificed for Konoha proud, we will rise above this, and we will find a way to heal. That is the true Will of Fire" Itachi said. Looking at the crowd, he noticed that while many still held sad looks on their faces, their eyes burned with determination. As if on cue, every villager there shouted to the sky "Hai!"
(Namikaze Compound)
Naruto sat in his room in front of a sleeping Aiko. He had just received the memories of his clone and smiled. Itachi would be fine. Before Naruto could think further on the matter, a loud knocking sound made its way through the house coming from the front door. Standing up, Naruto quickly and quietly left his room and made his way to the front door. Opening the door ready to shut the person up, he was unready for the fist that collided with his face. Stumbling backwards in shock, he was barely able to grab the second fist aimed for his face. Holding onto the fist, Naruto looked at his attacker only to look into the eyes of his best friend.
Pushing Sasuke back, Naruto stood and stared at his friend. "Sasuke, what the hell is your problem?" He quickly dodged another punch. "You asshole. My problem is you" Sasuke said loudly making Naruto confused. It was only when Sasuke's eyes started to shine with water that Naruto understood. "I had to watch my best friend die while I couldn't do anything to save you. I almost believed you were dead, your family believed that you were dead, Yakumo tried to fucking kill herself because of you" Sasuke said making Naruto's eyes widen. "She's fine by the way, but you won't be when she gets back. I almost feel sorry for you" Sasuke said as his trademark smirk began to form on his face.
Naruto looked at his friend and smiled. "Eh, I'll find a way out of it. For what it's worth, I missed you too. And I am sorry Sasuke" the blonde said to which the Uchiha smiled. Unfortunately before Sasuke could respond, a frantic knocking sounded at the door. Naruto looked to the door and sighed. "I'm really popular today aren't I?" the blonde said sarcastically and opened the door. He was surprised to see that it was Tsunade who was the one knocking like a maniac. The woman pushed into the compound without even asking to come in and set a black notebook on a nearby table.
Both members of Team 11 looked at Tsunade like she was crazy. The woman was shaking and muttering to herself. "Um Tsunade, can I help you?" Naruto asked. Upon being addressed, Tsunade walked up to the boy and grabbed his shoulders making him raise his eyebrow. "Naruto, I know that you and Jiraiya weren't close, but that right there is his actual journal. Every single key moment from the day that you and your siblings were born and so on is in there. You need to read it Naruto" the Sannin said in an urgent tone. Naruto looked at the woman as if she was crazy. "Listen Tsunade, I didn't even like the senile old pervert, why would I wanna know his idiotic thoughts" he said before a loud slap made its way to his face.
The blonde swordsman put a hand to his face and was shocked to see Tsunade now with tears in her eyes. "Believe it or not Naruto, that senile old pervert loved you more than you could ever imagine. Now he's dead and you are going to read that journal or else I will break every single bone in your body, heal you, and then break you again. Got it?" Tsunade growled out. She received a blank nod from Naruto and a look of disbelief from Sasuke at her announcement that the Toad Sage had fallen.
Walking over to the table, Naruto picked up the journal and began to read the pages that were folded.
October 10th
The village is safe thanks to the sacrifice of sensei. I'm gonna miss the old man, but he died doing what he loved. Protecting his precious people. Teach was able to pull out the big stops and use the Reaper Death Seal. After that, he sealed the chakra into the seals that Minato made on Narumi and Menma. It'll be tough for those two going forward, a jinchuriki's life is never easy after all. I thank Kami that it wasn't Naruto who was forced to undergo such a burden. I'll be keeping an eye on Naruto to make sure that he's safe. I trust in Minato and Kushina's sealing skills but I just want to be sure that my godson is safe.
January 3rd
The Toads have called for me. They said that it has to do with the fulfillment of the prophecy given to me so long ago. I have waited my entire life to see what I believe is happening to come to fruition. I really thought that Minato was the one that would be the one to bring peace to the ninja world, but I know that Naruto will save us and bring peace. Or at least that's what I think. I'm sure that Narumi and Menma will grow up to be fine ninja, but I truly believe that it will be Naruto who fulfills the prophecy. Huh, maybe I should send in an application to be the next Great Toad Sage because I called it in my first book.
January 5th
I just returned from Mount Myoboku and I've never been more pissed off in my entire life. Shima and Fukasaku told me that the prophecy had changed to revolve around two children born who both would wield incredible power. They told me that there is no way that Naruto could be the child of prophecy. If that was all then I wouldn't be so pissed off, I would still train Naruto to be the strongest that he could be. However, I was asked to meet with the Great Toad Sage alone and that what I heard was not allowed to be spoken to anyone else. I have been told that in order to fulfill the prophecy, I had to abandon Naruto and focus on Menma and Narumi. When the Great Toad Sage told me that, I told him to go fuck himself. I thought he was going to try and kill me but instead he told me something that has forced me to bend to his wishes. If I don't abandon Naruto to his own devices and let him discover his life on his own, then he will perish a horrible death. Though it crushes me inside, I have to step away and out of my little Naruto's life. Kami forgive me. Naruto forgive me.
January 16th
The meeting with Minato went just as planned. A fact that infuriates me. My former apprentice was my last hope at ending this prophecy before it began. I am disappointed that I was able to persuade Minato and Kushina because I really thought that they would be far more hesitant to agree to something so stupid and insane. I hate myself for what I have had to do in order to keep my godson safe, but the love I have for him makes it far easier to do. There's no way that I will let him suffer the fate that the Great Toad Idiot has predicted. Dammit, I feel sick with what I have done, but it is necessary to ensure Naruto's survival.
Naruto's eyes widened at the revelation that would change his perception over everything. Turning to the last marked page, he began to read.
April 5th
I stand before the base of the Shinigami's Blade. I will bring back Menma and Narumi but I will try to make Minato see reason and lock his children up when they return. As for the leader, I will kill him to protect Naruto. I will protect Naruto even if he hates me for it. If I die, I pray that all that I have done is not for nothing. I wish that I could say that I would change things if they could, but Naruto will become strong and survive because of the chain of events I have against my true will committed. I believe in him. Somehow, someday, Naruto will bring peace to the ninja world, he will bring peace and joy back to our way of life.
Naruto held the journal in his hands with wide eyes, his mind going a mile a minute. Everything he thought he knew that inevitably started his journey was a lie. Naruto had thought that his family had been manipulated by Jiraiya to raise Menma and Narumi as the golden children that would lead Konoha and the rest of the world to a new age of prosperity, but he was wrong. Every action that Jiraiya had taken was to ensure his safety in the hopes that he would succeed. It completely shattered the perception of the old Sannin in Naruto's mind so much that the boy was left frozen in shock.
He felt numb until a hand placed itself on his shoulder. Turning around, Naruto looked into the brown eyes of Tsunade who wore a soft smile but still had tears in her eyes. Taking a breath, Naruto gave a nod and a small smile before reaching around and hugging the woman. The action shocked and extremely pleased the woman who let her tears flow freely as she held on to the boy.
Sasuke looked at the two hugging with an eyebrow raised and moved his vision to the black book that had fallen from Naruto's grasp and on to the floor. 'What could be so important in that book' the boy thought before shrugging off the thought . His expression grew serious as he thought back to the situation in the village and his clan. Quietly making his exit from the Namikaze Compound, he left to return to the remains of his home with one goal in mind. To restore the Uchiha Clan to its once honorable position. Taking one last look behind him at his best friend's house, he smirked. His clan's greatest member once tried to bring honor and power to the Uchiha Clan but failed. Madara had a friend that wanted more than anything to help him in his endeavors yet Madara turned it away. Sasuke wouldn't make the same mistake. With Naruto's help, he would regain the Uchiha's lost glory and create a better future with his blonde friend.
(One Week Later Konoha Gates)
Naruto, Itachi, and Sasuke stood at the Konoha Gates awaiting Minato, Kushina, Konan, and Yakumo. Naruto was by far the most nervous while Sasuke and Itachi could hardly keep grins off of their faces from the thought of what Yakumo was going to do to the blonde. The village behind them, was in quite good shape. Naruto's clones mixed with the determined ninja and civilians of Konoha had worked overtime in rebuilding all of the damaged buildings. The Hokage Tower had been rebuilt due to the resources provided by civilians and the manpower and in some instances elemental jutsu provided by the ninja. Itachi had also decided that enough was enough and had begun construction on the rebuilding of the Hokage Monument, Konoha's most important landmark.
As for those in the hospital, Tsunade and Shizune had been very hands on with the other doctors in assisting the many injured patients such as Tayuya and Anko to keep the casualties as little as possible. Unfortunately, Konoha still had suffered many losses. Most notably were the heads of the Hyuga and Uchiha Clans and of course Jiraiya the most powerful Sannin. After a week of deliberation and meetings with ninja and civilians alike, it was decided that a mass funeral for the departed would be held when the Fourth Hokage arrived where the names of all of the victims of the Konoha Uprising would be placed on the Memorial Stone, ninja or not.
Sasuke had been busy comforting his mother who was in grief at the loss of most of her clan while also trying to gather the remaining Uchiha Clan to discuss the clan's plans for the future. Naruto had spent every day and night comforting and talking to Aiko and trying his best to help her adjust to her new life. She was opening up but it was a big change for such a young girl to handle. It would take a lot of work but Naruto had made a vow to himself to keep Aiko safe. She was his responsibility, one that he didn't mind in the slightest.
All three ninja were drawn from their thoughts as four figures came into view. Looking in the distance, it took a grand two seconds for two figures to appear in front of Naruto and practically tackle him. Naruto was barely standing as his mother and father were glomped on him crying tears of joy and giving him too many kisses to count. Both parents held onto their child as they sobbed in joy that their baby had returned home. Naruto smiled in their embrace but his attention shifted to one figure that was standing still and staring at him. Taking a deep breath, Naruto with difficulty separated from his parents and walked forward to face his girlfriend.
Yakumo stared at Naruto as if he wasn't real and the tears coming from her eyes wouldn't stop. This was a dream, it had to be. She had had so many of them before only to wake up and realize that her love was still gone. It hardly registered in her mind as the blonde started to approach her. Throwing all caution to the wind, Yakumo dashed into her boyfriend and smashed her lips against his. Naruto was surprised at the kiss but not nearly as surprised as when he felt her tongue force its way into his mouth. Both remained locked at the lips for a full minute before separating.
Naruto stared into his girlfriend's eyes after they separated and smiled. "I missed you" he whispered. Yakumo buried herself in his neck before whispering back, "You are still getting punished later on" with a certain chill that caused Naruto to slightly pale.
The onlookers watched the scene with a smile but never said a word. After so much pain through recent events, it was a nice change.
Author's Note: PLOT TWIST! Hey everyone, I'm back. Sorry it took so long and that my updates are taking longer and longer. The reason that this one took so long is for a bunch of reasons. One of which is that I wasn't sure in which way to do this chapter. I plan on building upon this chapter soon because I feel like its lacking something but expect a fun meeting between Aiko and Kushina. I think that I'm going to introduce kind of a second chance kid for Kushina in the form of little Aiko so expect some fun cute moments from Aiko. As for next chapter, the origins of Tsuranabi which I have already started. Well see you all next time and stay safe.