Seeing Naruto walk into the hall, Sasuke felt itchy, bubbling up with contempt. He wanted nothing more than to lunge at the blond and brutalize him to death for stomping on him. Had he not been in battle with Orochimaru, things would have been different. He glared, his killing intent leaking to its maximum peak. But his physical state was laughable. He was bandaged like a mummy. He was in pain. He was only here for appearances and needed to go back to the hospital. It had been two days since then, but he had yet to fully heal from his wounds.
Worse of all, he failed the exam. He failed, along with the likes of Kiba. There was no difference. And he couldn't say Sakura had dragged him. Her presence in the exam had been immaterial to the success of the team.
Yet he failed. His father would have been disappointed. And he was no closer to getting his revenge at this point.
"That's the guy who did this to you?" Kiba asked Sasuke. The Uchiha was a prick, but he was still one of them. To see him in that sorry state would be funny if Sakura was not in the hospital because of this guy.
Sasuke glared at Kiba and then looked away. He would not accept pity. Not from these people. He hadn't dropped so low that he would have them looking down on them.
"Bastard. They did you good!" Kiba exclaimed in anger after being ignored.
"You don't have to say that Kiba. He is hurt…" Ino said, facing the Inuzuka with a glare. "Besides, all of us aside from Team Gai failed."
"Lucky we didn't even come across the Team from Suna. I heard they killed everyone they came across."
"Well, that guy does reek of blood lust," Kiba said, sending a glance at Gaara. He smiled. "Who knocked you out?"
"We just didn't get enough flags." And then there was Naruto. But if he did that to Sasuke, they had to take a deep breath. He hadn't fought them.
"Cautious movements," Chouji said. "But couldn't be helped." He turned to Sai. "You look well for someone whose teammates were beaten badly."
All eyes on him, Sai shrugged carelessly. "It could be that I know how to protect myself…" he said in a flat tone. "You also came up against him and nothing happened."
"We reasoned with him."
"I couldn't have done the same?"
"Not likely when your teammates were brutalized."
"Leave the poor guy alone. He was hiding under a rock while his teammates were beaten because of some logical thought," Naruto suddenly butt in, causing the Genins to freeze at his presence. There was nothing frightening. Perhaps just that he brutalized Sasuke and the Uchiha's reaction to his presence.
"As long as it saved the team, there shouldn't be a complaint."
"That doesn't sound like something your sensei teaches. I've heard that he is a favor of a rather simple approach to team dynamics." Of course, even though Kakashi advocated for saving teammates, he had still failed to protect his own teammates but perhaps because he had failed he was suited for such a role. "But what do I know?"
"What do you want?"
Naruto turned to face Kiba. He smiled. A male who wanted to be alpha. His partner was purring. Perhaps trying to growl. But the teenager was nothing more than a nuisance that did not deserve a word from him.
He shook his head and stared at Sasuke.
"You going to ignore like that?!"
"Don't, Kiba." Shikamaru cautioned. As far as he was concerned, Naruto was reasonable. There had to be a reason he attacked Team 7 like that. It was not the mindless murderers committed by team Suna.
Naruto glanced at the Nara for a second before turning to Sasuke.
He smiled, thinking of poking a stick up the Uchiha' behind, but he shook the thought off. Ajisai was already giving him a cold look. She didn't want him to start trouble. If he ruffled up some feathers, there would be trouble with the whole group. Not that he'd be bothered in any way. It wasn't like any of them were actually a problem for him to handle. They had failed, so breaking them wouldn't ruin the exam, and there was no rule against beating someone in this tower.
It would also teach them a valuable lesson.
But to think if he had stayed in this village, he'd be around this willfully ignorant and weak bunch… It would have been truly sad. Nothing in Konoha truly made him wish Madara had not snatched him. He had been saved from misery. And this kind of fate.
Addressing Sasuke, he spoke.
"I'd imagined you'd be crawled up in a dark corner within the hospital, fighting for your life. But it appears that Konoha does know how to work some quick healing… though apparently not to your teammate," Naruto said in a light tone. "She is still alive, yes?"
Sasuke glared at him. Yet, his smile only turned into a wide grin. The Uchiha was still badly hurt, so he could only glare. It was laughable, devilishly tempting for him to put a foot on his face, just to see him burst.
"Don't talk about her."
"Don't be like that. If she survives this mental scar, she will come back stronger. I could have done worse. I didn't even break you after all."
His words, he noted, seemed to stir in some emotion in the other Leaf Genin. Well, he was talking about one of them. He had hurt her and he was basically an enemy. No doubt, if he ended up fighting anyone from the Leaf in the final stage, there would be some extra incentive to beat him. But it wasn't possible for any of these brats.
He'd break them within the blink of an eye. Well, he could still do that in the final stage. After all, Konoha would be watching. Their reaction would be something else.
"Saying such things is not really a good idea, Naruto-san."
Naruto glanced behind, seeing the silver haired Kakashi, along with three other Jonin. They all wore serious masks. He turned around to fully face them. He bowed slightly.
"Hatake Kakashi, it is an honor to meet someone as famous as you. Aside from Jiraiya, there is no one as famous as you within the Hidden Leaf," Naruto said in a respectful tone.
Kakashi was surprised. He monetarily lost his serious mask. The blond was not faking his praise. In fact, he seemed earnest. This was completely different from someone who was openly trying to taunt his students.
Before he could respond, he realized, Naruto's eyes were already on Kurenai. And the smile on his lips was telling about his thoughts – at least to him.
"Konoha's Genjutsu mistress in the flesh," Naruto smiled warmly, holding out his right hand. "You look as beautiful as they claim. I'd be happy if I could just touch your hand. You don't have a problem with that, no? I swear I washed them."
Kurenai just stared. Wondering about the intentions of the blond. Responding to a shove from Asuma, she held out her right hand and shook Naruto's.
"Gentle…" He said. Then, his whole mood seemed to take a twist. "Konoha's standards have truly fallen. It speaks volumes when students of such a highly regarded shinobi fail to impress. I should have taught them all lessons, perhaps they would have taken this shinobi business seriously. Because, truly they are all weak. Most likely think being a shinobi is all fun and games."
"Those are our students and they are behind you," Asuma said. "It doesn't make me happy when someone says that he should have hurt my students."
Naruto shrugged carelessly. "Asuma-san, you should have expressed that care for your students by being a better sensei. You have all done work that I can only give 2 marks. There is no reason your students should not be better. They are all from noble families, clan heirs. They have resources normal students do not have. And yet, they disappoint. The future Ino-Shika-Cho will fail miserably if standards are not improved." He shook his head, turning to Kurenai. "As a fellow Genjutsu user, I will tell you this. As long as these students of yours are confined to clan jutsu, you will never be suitable to be their sensei. You cannot improve them because you know nothing about their jutsu. You probably teach them basic taijutsu and some valuable life lessons. But I hardly think even your taijutsu is sufficient, as you are hardly a…" he trailed off, sensing intent from Asuma.
"That's enough."
"Do not hate wisdom, Asuma-san. I have no desire to belittle anyone. I respect her for her use of Genjutsu. She is probably the best Genjutsu user in the village. I respect that. But wasted potential irks me," Naruto said in a flat tone. "Well anyway, I'm just a stranger…"
"A stranger would mind his own business."
Naruto smiled. "Don't be like that, Asuma-san. I had a good chat with your team. I didn't even touch them." He tilted his head to the side. "You know how hard missions are. They have probably never experienced them. But imagine if they came across a bandit camp, controlled by A rank shinobi. Do you think they'd survive or you'd just abandon mission?"
He did not wait for Asuma to respond but glanced back at Sasuke. "Remember what I said, Sasuke. And when you have become strong, challenge me and you may have access to your desire."
Kakashi narrowed his lone eye. Naruto was probably talking about Itachi. But why would Naruto encourage Sasuke to become stronger to face Itachi? Did he want Sasuke to kill his elder brother?
His mood switching once more, Naruto smiled at the Jonin and walked away.
"That was nerve wrecking," Kurenai released a long breath. "How can a kid have such an oppressive aura about him?"
"A very strong kid," Kakashi answered. After all, according to Sai, Naruto had attacked Orochimaru even though he stated he didn't want to fight the Sannin.
"I'm going to find my students," Kurenai responded, a slight shake of her head.
Joining Ajisai, he ignored her stare as he settled down, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, an expressionless mask covering his face. He didn't get a chance to enjoy his peace as she finally spoke.
"You did that on purpose didn't you?"
"Let us not talk about it. I wish to settle a bit. I'm a bit nervous at the moment."
"Really?" Ajisai raised an eye brow.
"There are Anbu." He didn't say anything else. The peace only lasted for a minute or so before someone came up to him.
"Trying to piss off Konoha on purpose?"
Naruto didn't need to open his eyes to know that Kabuto was standing in front of him. "Do you know what would be interesting to see? If I put a hole through your right leg and then tell them that you are a spy."
"Well, escaping would be difficult, even for me." Kabuto smiled, though not bothered that Naruto would actually follow up on that.
"I imagine so… then, piss off."
"You haven't even heard what I want to say."
"I have no desire to hear it. Maybe after an hour or tomorrow. Right now, you are disturbing my peace."
"Are you a child?"
Naruto did not respond. He considered placing Kabuto on a Genjutsu but decided he didn't want to waste the energy, especially when there were Hyuga eyes poking into his chakra system. Bothersome eyes, but he couldn't really avoid them.
"When you came to me asking information about Konoha teams, I was patient enough to give it to you. I didn't even give out anything about you."
Naruto's eyes flashed open, staring at Kabuto with indifference. "What?"
Kabuto leaned closer to him and then whispered. "Orochimaru-sama has already dug the graves of both your parents. He is willing to use them if you or those you work for try to interfere with his plans."
"Desecrating the yards of the dead. Despicable. But not surprising."
Kabuto laughed. "I didn't think you held such moral values, Naruto-kun."
"You do not know me, nor does Orochimaru. But I suppose a snake is good at seeing between the lines. The knowledge held in there is nothing to be understated." Naruto closed his eyes. "Rest assured, we have no interest in misinformed plans."
"Then we won't have issues."
"We will have issues."
"Because?"
"You disrespected my mother. Was it you or Orochimaru? No, it does not really matter. One of you or both, will surely die. But I still wont interfere. Just know that I will burn you one day."
Ajisai watched Kabuto leave and then shook her head.
"You okay?" Kakashi asked Sasuke, but he was ignored as the Uchiha chose to glare into the empty space, pressed against the wall because of his wounds, inflicted merciless by a Naruto.
He sighed and then faced Asuma. The Jonin asked. "What was that about?"
Kakashi shook his head. How'd he know? Though, from what Sakura said, the blond didn't seem to have malicious intent toward the teams of Konoha. He hadn't killed anyone. He may have inflicted heavy damages on Sasuke and Sakura, but there didn't appear to be an intention to kill them. Sai confirmed as much.
"I really cant explain his motives."
"My team did meet him, but there was no fight. They actually just spoke…" Asuma said. "Shikamaru said he was rational and was merely interested in seeing how strong they were."
It didn't make things easier. He was 'teaching' in a very brutal way. But what was the reason for the lessons? Why did he go the extra mile to show them their weaknesses? What did he benefit from it? No one would do that to the person they viewed as the enemy. Then again, you really could not understand some people.
Still, that was his sensei's son. He was definitely nothing like Minato or his mother. Naruto seemed to have a thing for violence. Not surprising, he was born in a night of blood and death, chaos and destruction.
The Jonin glanced toward the blond. There he was sitting. He watched Kabuto and then narrowed his eyes. There had been a report about the man. And they were given a job of looking at him suspiciously. Because while he claimed to be a Genin. There was no sensei who claimed to teach him. He was in the books, but there was something that was up.
Ajisai hit Naruto on his shoulder, causing his eyes to snap open. She didn't say a word but pointed toward the Sandaime Hokage. The old man was flanked by two guards. The gathered Genin observing him with interest. Perhaps those who failed were looking to see if they will get a lifeline.
Naruto didn't get up, but moved his head, looking around to see if there was anyone of interest. He wondered if Orochimaru was still around, just hiding within the grasses before sticking out his head to bite Sasuke. It would be a failure on his part. But that was part of life. He was still a child and learning. Madara was going to give him a lecture for not going ahead with the murder of Orochimaru. It was not about the power but whether he had the tools to get the job and the masked man believed he had so.
But Naruto was not in a hurry.
He turned hi see eyes toward the grey haired old man who had now started to speak. The genin, especially those who failed looked more attentive than most.
"Congratulations to those who succeeded in this first trial. You have shown strength and some of you courage," the latter part, to the Konoha team. Team Suna had displayed nothing but a blood thirsty ruthlessness that made his skin crawl. They were still children, yet displayed a murderous intent that made him wonder just what their future would hold.
"Now, I explained the purpose of the trial at the begin. It is within those trials that you faced, even if you failed, that you will be judged. To those who failed, you need to understand that you won't always succeed. Just because you failed doesn't mean the end. It doesn't mean you are not up to it. We understand that you can fail as a shinobi. It is rare to find a shinobi who has a 100 percent success rate.
"We told you to care for your teammates. This rule was enforced to teach you to value your teammates. Usually, you are forced to sacrifice teammates for the sake of the mission. The mission is important and that is why shinobi exist, but you don't have to sacrifice your friends to get it done."
Contradictory statements. Hiruzen would never stray on the dangerous path of telling the genins never to abandon their teammates. Sometimes, you had to. This was why it was made possible to pass even if one teammate was left behind. Missions didn't always succeed because the full team made it.
"With this in mind, we will write report about your performance and it will be sent to your villages. They will be decide whether you qualify to be Chunin or not."
"Wait," someone spoke after the Third Hokage spoke. "Does that mean you can still become Chunin even if you qualify?"
"Yes… and the opposite is still possible even if you win the last stage or even passed the first trial." Hiruzen smiled, seeing the dismayed looks on the Genin's faces. "The final stage will be held in a month. It will be held as one on one matches were there will be one winner. It will be a tournament with knockout rounds. And there will be one winner. Keep in mind, important people will be watching, your leaders will be watching. This is done to show the talent of each village. For the next thirty days, train hard to make your village's proud. We won't draw who you face in the finals. You will learn on the day. You only need to train to beat everyone. Including your teammates, if they passed. That is all."
After saying those words, the Sandaime glanced at Kakashi and then disappeared along with his guards.
Naruto let out a long breath. It was about time to face the demons of the past. He'd have to leave and see what had to be done. He had to see Nagato and speak to the man before heading for training with Itachi. Or maybe he could kill some time by doing missions. Either way, it was going to be a thrilling conclusion to the finals and he planned on enjoying it. But the first hurdle he had to go through was these people. What would be their decision? Were they going to keep him from leaving or were they going to play it smart?
"I'm going to be held up for a while. Not too long. Wait for me and we will see to the way to Ame after this."
Ajisai narrowed her eyes. "What are you going to do?"
He shifted his eyes toward the incoming Kakashi. "They have some words with me," he smiled. "Should be interesting. I'm trying not to think anything badly."
"It is not going to end bad is it? The way the Great Nations do things, they might even declare war on Ame for thinking we kidnapped you."
"Well, the thought did come up. But Pein would just break this village if it ever made such an attempt." He created a clone. "It will guard you. Don't want anything bad happening to you."
"I don't need your protection."
"I'm giving it either way. You are a valuable asset to Lady Angel. She would be most disappointed with me if I allowed something to happen to you."
He smiled inwardly. Those words almost made her burst with bubbles. Was she that happy to know that Konan valued her? It was a false impression. The woman wouldn't even blink if she died and Nagato would likely use her for his Six Paths. But anything to give the girl confidence.
The shadow of Kakashi loomed over him. He held out both his hands. "Take me away…" he said in a light tone, surrendering like a criminal.
The Jonin raised an eye brow. Naruto already knew he was coming for him? It made him cautious that he was more than happy to just go with him. Didn't he think that maybe they were going to interrogate him?
"I just want you to come with me. The Sandaime Hokage would like to speak with you."
Naruto nodded and then stood up. "Wait me at the hotel. Will come for you once done." He said to Ajisai.
Once more, the feeling of nostalgia crept into his heart as he stepped into the office of the Sandaime. This place, he had come here on some occasions. Just a child who knew nothing. Understood nothing. But he had found a grandfather in the Sandaime. Jiji, as he would affectionately call the old man. Those cruel and horrible days. This was the only place he'd felt protected and safe. His sanctuary. The streets were rough. The orphanage was hell.
Nothing seemed to have changed. The portraits. The scent of tobacco. He felt a little giddy. But he held himself. He would not want to embarrass himself.
Within the room, the Sandaime was sitting behind his desk, Jiraiya was sitting on the window frame, his eyes trained on him. Kakashi stood beside him. Four Anbu were hiding within the shadows, ready for action. There was one criminal intent coming from the shadows but he ignored it and faced the Third Hokage with a foxy grin.
"Hello, Jiji."
Hiruzen would have melted if he'd not been caught off-guard. This greeting just left him speechless for a second but he gathered himself quickly. Naruto's voice was innocent. Very childlike. It was chilling when he knew just how he was in a fight. Another reason was that a couple of days ago, the blond hadn't smiled at him like that. He'd never even expected the blond to call him like that. Not when he'd pretended to have forgotten their past relationship.
Hiruzen smiled. At least, the grin appeared to be earnest. But there was something unnatural about Naruto's eyes. Genjutsu?
"So you really do remember everything. I was afraid you'd forgotten everything," Hiruzen responded in a quiet and gentle tone.
"Not at all. I'm even overwhelmed by nostalgia. Though the memories are few, this was the one place that I was ever truly free," Naruto waved his right hand, dismissing the Third's concern.
"I'm glad you do remember. To be honest, I already suspected that you did." The Sandaime turned serious. "I'm sorry to have to do this. I wish we could sit and talk about how things have been for you but circumstances that surround us compels me to be serious. You comprehend the situation, yes?"
"There and there."
Hiruzen noted the indifference. The careless way in which he responded. That happiness he'd displayed a moment earlier was gone now. But his eyes remained the same.
"Some years ago, you disappeared from the Leaf village. Can you explain to me what happened? How did you even end up in Ame?"
Naruto put on a thoughtful look. "Well, it is a long story. But to shorten it… I left the village. Ame… well, I had to wander to any village… It was fortunate for me since it was in a civil war. I reasoned while it was the most dangerous place, it was also the least place anyone would look for me."
Hiruzen fell silent. He never considered that Naruto would have left the village. It was not unthinkable that he could have done so. He was a child. And with the chaos of the Uchiha massacre, anything could have happened. Yet, Hiruzen couldn't quiet believe it. But he was not going to raise his suspicions.
"Why did you leave?"
"To say leave is mildly putting it…" Naruto's face became flat for a second. "What can I say? Nobody wanted me here. People whispered die. Get out of this village. Demon brat. They despised me. I was just a child. I had no parents, no family. And you wouldn't tell me anything about any relatives. Or anything about my parents. I started to think, it was better if I just died. But I didn't want to die. So, the best thing to do was to leave…" Naruto smiled bitterly. "Can you imagine, you are five years old… Living in an orphanage… for some reason, everyone hates you. They call you a demon. The spawn of the Kyubi. No one wants to befriend you. No matter how hard you try, they punch you, tell you to leave them alone. And when you ask the only person you trust, they become all evasive and philosophical."
The room became silent with tension. No one spoke. Not until a minute went by.
"I see," The Sandaime said in a resigned tone. He smiled bitterly. "I guess the reception you have received since you returned has only made you believe you made the right choice."
In this situation, what would Minato have him do? Hiruzen wanted Naruto to come back to Konoha and win over the village. He didn't think it was impossible but it would not be easy and he didn't think Naruto would have an appetite for it. If they forced Naruto to stay, there would be problems with Amegakure and Naruto would only grow to hate him further. If he loved him, he wouldn't allow him to be in this unhealthy environment.
But Hiruzen was the Hokage. Ultimately, the decision he had to take was one that would benefit Konoha. Regardless of his personal thoughts. Or maybe he could deviate. He has been doing so in recent years. Perhaps he was finally losing it.
"It goes without saying. I never expected a warm welcome but I didn't think it would be this bad."
Kakashi noted the sadness within the Sandaime's eyes. He was showing it. His regrets. He was probably feeling that perhaps if he had done things differently, they would not have been in this situation. Jiraiya was unreadable. He couldn't even begin to guess what the Sannin was thinking.
"I'm sorry." Hiruzen said in a slow miserable tone that laid bare his regrets. "It is my fault. I was the one who announced everything to the village. I further condemned you into emotional turmoil by not telling you the reason. I made huge mistakes. Blunders that I don't think I can ever reconcile."
Naruto did not offer a single word in response.
Was the Sandaime genuinely sorry? Who knew? But it was irrelevant at this point. It changed nothing. History could not be rewritten. Apologies would not take away his pain and loneliness. But it was true the Sandaime had condemned him with his decisions. He knew how Jinchuriki were treated, but he chose to announce it to the masses. Simply because he was naïve and an idealist. He always hoped for the best. It was the reason that Konoha was in such a sorry state that even a fool like Orochimaru thought he could destroy it.
But then again, the Sannin was just an arrogant fool who overstated his power. Perhaps it had to do with the years of his ego being nursed by his toys.
Hiruzen was not bothered by Naruto's silence. Not even a little. He didn't expect anything.
"Have you at least made friends in Amegakure?"
"Just one or two. I'm afraid when people have constantly betrayed you, it comes difficult to trust anyone. But I have managed. It has been a lot more happier."
"That is at least good. Now, tell me about your relationship with Itachi. Did he assist you in escaping the village? How do you even know him?"
"Sai?" Naruto asked before shaking his head. "Maybe it was an act of pity or mercy. But before I went to Ame. I was with him. I didn't know who he was. But he helped me greatly. But I couldn't be around him because he was involved with some dangerous people. So I went to Ame as a result."
Hiruzen nodded. "How did you know information about Konoha's teams?"
"Kabuto."
"Kakashi. Go find him and take him to Ibiki. I want him alive."
"Hai."
"So you can get us to Itachi." Jiraiya spoke for the first time. "He is a wanted criminal in this village."
"I'm well aware of that. But I will not betray the hand that showed me kindness and basically saved my life. To you people, Itachi may be the power hungry person who massacred his own clan, but to me, he is the person who took me in when I was lost. Saved me from misery and taught me the tools to save my life…" Naruto smiled. "Now, to who or what must I be grateful to? Must I betray Itachi to the village that will celebrate when I leave and pray that I never return?"
Jiraiya grit his teeth. Any argument with Naruto would be counterproductive. It wouldn't even be rational.
"Be that as it may," The Sandime cut in. "You hold the Kyubi within you. To this village, it holds some rather unpleasant memories and we must ensure that power is never used against us. At the same time, you expressed your displeasure to Sakura. You know about your parents. I don't want to explain how we hold dear to that. But I cannot force you to stay in this village. I had planned on doing so, but I cannot force you. One of my students runs around this world, gambling and drinking and I have not forced her back. Considering the two, your situation is worse. It would be unfair."
"But?"
"You have already expressed your displeasure to how this village treats you. I cannot blame you. But it is my duty to protect it."
"I suppose your fear is that of the Kyubi. But we can work around that. I won't be here until the finals. I have some more training to do. Must be ready. Suna's Jinchuriki has some interesting abilities that will require some hard work."
"Are you going to tell me how it went?" Ajisai asked, as they hopped through the trees, taking toward Ame.
Naruto shrugged. "Considerably better than I expected. I didn't actually think the Sandaime Hokage would be so kind."
"So, there are no troubles with Ame?"
"Shouldn't be but maybe they didn't buy my story. The old man is smart. But whatever happens, there will be no issues with Ame," he paused, glancing behind. "So, what did you learn about Konoha?"
"They have this idea of peace and seem to enjoy it too much. They have become lax in it and don't seem to recognize the injustice we have suffered because of them," Ajisai was quick to say. "But there is still much to learn. We did not have much interactions with them for me to personally experience their views."
Naruto nodded and looked ahead. Trees. He halted. "This is far enough," he halted, forcing Ajisai to do the same. "Something up?"
"Yes. We are being followed."
"Shouldn't we just lose them?"
Naruto shook his head. "No, I want to see who it is. Most likely people without any good intentions. Either way, I'm going to break them all."
"I'm going to go ahead. Don't want to get caught up in it."
"You should. I will not take long. But keep your pace slow so that you don't get out of my range. I want to be able to know what is happening around you."
"Sure…" Ajisai suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.
Naruto watched her leave before closing his eyes. He removed the genjutsu placed on his eyes. The reason he had even put it there was because he wanted to keep a little secret until the right time. It would be a shock to the Leaf, when it sees him at the stadium with a Mangekyo Sharingan. Sasuke would probably roll over in anger and shock once he sees him and maybe probably confuse him for one of his clansmen.
After a couple of minutes, three masked men appeared, surrounding him while he sat on a tree branch. Naruto didn't look at them, but faced down, with his crimson eyes, a fully matured Sharingan. His eyes were only partially opened, making it impossible for anyone looking at him to see if the eyes were fully matured or not.
"Criminal intent," Naruto whispered, holding out his right hand. "Or maybe I'm confusing things. But you have surrounded me… for what reason?"
"Sharingan…" one of them said. "We have orders to take you back to the Leaf. We cannot allow the Kyubi to be out of the village's control."
Naruto's eyes shifted toward the man who spoke but was quiet for a moment before responding. "The Kyubi has always been housed by Uzumaki. I do not know where this ownership comes from. You must be Danzo's men. He sure has a nice way of dealing with things, but unsurprisingly predictable," he said as he rose to stand on both feet.
He then jumped to the ground.
The second he touched down, the Root shinobi with green hair flashed in front of him, a knee poised toward his gut while his right hand stabbed a kunai toward his left shoulder. Naruto's eyes narrowed behind for a second as another Root agent appeared from behind, flying in midair with his right leg cutting through the air as it moved toward his back.
"Simultaneous attacks… good coordination… Well trained," he mouthed while lifting both hands. He touched the knee moving toward his gut by his right hand, using it as balance to lift his lower body up in the air, positioning it horizontally. This fluid movement was swift. He didn't stop there. His left hand slapped the arm holding the kunai from below, just slight enough to change the direction.
The result saw the kunai move toward the incoming kick from behind. The kunai pierced through the foot, and as blood dripped, Naruto twisted, shifting away from the position.
Naruto landed a couple of feet away, and quickly crouched while summoning a kunai. A second later, the third shinobi appeared in front of him, flashing a high kick toward him. The kick just whizzed above him. Naruto quickly coated it with wind chakra, and stabbed the kunai right through the shinobi's left knee. Without even looking, Naruto raised his left hand, planting an explosive tag on the leg above him. He quickly rolled to the side while setting off the explosive.
Boom!
The explosion raptured the man's leg within second of setting off. He could do nothing to defend himself once it was set off. His leg was torn off from the rest of his body. Blood gushed out while he fell on his back as he could no longer stand in balance because there was a kunai through his knee of his remaining knee.
Naruto got up to one knee and closed his eyes for a moment, took out a kunai, coated it with wind chakra once more and then shifted his eyes around to gather the other two.
"I see… so it is true that you people hold no attachment. You are now willing to allow your teammate to die because you have deemed him to be useless in this mission now that he cannot use both legs," Naruto said. He wanted to finish off the man, but he decided against it. "I'll just kill the two…"
He trailed off when he sensed an attack. A huge ball of flames coming in from behind. Naruto jumped up into the air, and thought of using a wind jutsu before using a replacement jutsu. The flames consumed the log he had replaced himself with before dispersing.
Naruto appeared on the branch of a tree, and was forced to jump down to the ground when another Root agent lunged from the front, swinging his sword across his chest. Naruto avoided this by flashing down, leaving the sword strike to cut through the tree branch. The branch suddenly exploded in a fiery of flames but the shinobi quickly jumped away from the flames with minor burns.
Naruto did a quick jump, moving with grace before landing on another tree.
"It is well known that the Sharingan is able to predict movements. I consider it a humiliating experience to be hit by an attack that you can see coming."
Naruto tilted his head to the side a bit slightly, and then narrowed his eyes. "The Uchiha should have developed this fighting style to complement their doujutsu. Now then, it is my turn to attack. I won't be fair but will kill both of you all to alleviate the aggression I feel within me."
He said so, his eyes morphing into the Mangekyo Sharingan. "Now then, let us finish this, shall we? That girl is waiting for me."
The two remaining moved into good positions within the trees. Hiding slightly, but Naruto could sense them and even see them. However, in this position, his vision of them was a obscured by the leaves. He jumped backward, just a bit to be in a good position to see them all.
He closed his right eye, as he twisted around, anti-clockwise. He did not stop his movements while locking on with the target on his left hand.
"Amaterasu."
The flames ignited on the man's body, lighting it up the blackness. Naruto didn't focus on it as his eyes spun hypnotically, predicting more movement around before he could make the next step.
He was forced to use a replacement jutsu when the last man flashed on his side, hands held together.
"Wind Style: Wind Bullet!"
The man released three bullets in succession, seemingly hitting him dead on. But Naruto turned into a log which burst because of the force behind the wind bullets.
The man quickly flashed onto the branch of a tree. Hearing the sound of wind being weaved to the side, he looked ahead, seeing a kunai speeding toward him. He tilted his head to his left to try to avoid the kunai.
The second it went past him, the kunai exploded into a puff of smoke, with Naruto appearing. His hands stretched out from the smoke, grabbing the man from behind with his hands around his neck, legs twisted around his waist. He stabbed a chakra rod through the man's chest and allowed them to fall to the ground. The man hit the ground head on, causing the rod to pierce through his chest, and Naruto crashed on his back.
"I will not give you a chance for survival, but know this, and probably will not care, the teammate you abandoned to die… I will give him a chance to survive. But you will be erased along your friend."
He took a couple of steps away, and then lit up the man with crimson flames that slowly ate away his body.
Naruto shook his head. "This is like going against dead people."
"You even use those eyes too much." Kurama said to Naruto.
"It is not like I have any other choice. These are not my eyes, I cannot switch them. This is the way I have to fight using them. I suppose you are only worried that one day, Madara will use the eyes against you or I will turn on you."
Naruto stopped in front of the Root shinobi who had one of his legs torn off.
"You may view this as mercy. Maybe it is. I will leave you like this. Alive, but bleeding to death. There probably will be some people who come here. And maybe they will kill you or save you. Maybe they will take you and then sell you to the black market for your internal organs. Nothing you do not deserve. But hey, at least there is hope," he created a chakra rod, placed his right on the man's right hand. And then stabbed the rod through it. "This is just to make sure you don't kill yourself.
"I would ask you some questions, but you probably wouldn't be able to tell. In any case, we shall play with your memories a little bit," he said, leaning in, opening his eyes fully. "Just to make sure you don't tell anyone what you saw here nor does anyone poke into your brain."
Orochimaru truly should not have allowed to leave this village when he became a traitor; no, when he was caught in his experiments. But Kakashi had been weak to do it. And here they were, the snake had its teeth bared toward the Leaf. If it wasn't because of the current situation, Danzo would have still been ruing the failure of Hiruzen to kill Orochimaru. While Kakashi had been unable to do anything, the Third had simply been unable to kill his student. Weak. Undecided. Not willing to take the hard decisions. It has been the hallmark of his spineless rule. And the Nidaime had chosen him to succeed. Ridiculous. He would get what was rightfully his.
Turning his attention to Orochimaru, Danzo spoke. "We know what you're planning, Orochimaru."
Sasuke in the hands of this person? Never. Danzo wouldn't go as far as to fight Orochimaru himself but he wouldn't permit the Sannin taking the last Uchiha simply to use for his worthless plans. But other plans could succeed because Danzo was more than happy to take advantage of the situation.
"Kukukuku," Orochimaru chuckled. "What am I planning, Danzo?"
"An attack on the Leaf."
It was bound to fail. Orochimaru has always overstated his abilities. But Danzo was not going to tell the Sannin this much. He could try. And Danzo would keep it from the Sandaime Hokage until it was too late. But then again, Hiruzen would get a wind of it soon enough. It was not like the man trusted him without fail.
"So, what are you going to do about it?"
Danzo shook his head. "Nothing." He replied in that flat tone of his. "It benefits me. And I think we can work together in this."
And of course, at the end of the day, Orochimar too would have to be killed. He was not about to have someone this powerful who he could not control. After the invasion, the Sannin would have served his purpose and keeping him around would only cause problems for him.
"In what way? Are you going to assist me?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes. There was a difference in letting something happen and actually doing it yourself. He would never attack the Leaf. He loved this village. "We are just not going to stop you. You want to kill Hiruzen, don't you?"
"What makes you think that?"
"We once worked together."
"Yes… and I remember you advocated that I should be killed once I was found out and could no longer be with Konoha."
"That was simply something that had to be done."
"It is simply your motto… You tried to have Kabuto killed because you started fearing his abilities. You're most likely going to stab me in the back once it is over."
Danzo stared. "Will we have a problem? I have a report that I must submit to Hiruzen."
"No," orochomaru grinned. He didn't expect Danzo to admit to treachery. The man hardly even blinked. "You're not going to get in the way of my pursuit of Sasuke-kun, are you?"
Of course he was. The Sharingan belonged to the Hidden Leaf. Orochimaru was likely to use it against them anyway. "I heard you came across the Kyubi's Jinchuriki. What do you make of him?"
Orochimaru laughed. Danzo was purposefully steering him away from Sasuke. But it was alright. He could play along. "An interesting brat. But not the first time I see him."
"When? During your time at the Akatsuki?"
"Yes… young Naruto was with Itachi. It was perhaps more like Itachi was training Naruto. But that was years ago."
Why was Itachi with Naruto? Was he training the Kyubi for Konoha? Danzo knew Itachi was still loyal to the Leaf. After all, he hasn't told anyone about his mission. But it was still a problem when he was alive. He should have been killed already to remove a problem from them.
"Is he also part of the Akatsuki?"
"Who knows?" Orochimaru grinned. "But he was here because of Itachi. They must get along really well. If I were you, I'd want to catch him far sooner. He is going to be dangerous in the future."
"How strong is be?" it was never in question. Naruto was not loyal to the Leaf and contained the Kyubi. He was already a problem in the present.
"Find out yourself."
"I sent people after him. They haven't returned. They were most likely killed."
Orochimaru merely laughed. "Tough luck."
The Hidden Rain, the village supposed to be a war zone between Hanzo and the faction of Nagato. It was a rainy village, yet very peaceful. But disconnected from the realities of the shinobi world. But the older generation new. Ame has been used as a battleground. Hanzo's rise was mainly because he had fought against those who tried to do battle in their lands. When Nagato came, he ruled it with an iron fist, spreading a message that fostered negative thoughts about the Great Five. A message that was not completely false. Of course, Nagato did so because of his own experiences.
Naruto didn't mind the rain. He allowed the drops to wash over his face, dripping him wet. The coldness that washed his body was of no bother. He could heat his body using chakra.
"Why do you always do that?"
Ajisai watched him, with curious eyes. Those crimson eyes, shaped in a formation that was foreign, they always made her feel edgy. She had come to understand the eyes as the Mangekyo Sharingan. Naruto's response to why he kept his eyelids partially opened was that it was 'cool' – lies but she would not call him on it.
"I feel like I'm washing the stains off my body."
She shook her head. "I really don't understand you at times."
She was a little girl. Of course she could not understand him. Perhaps in the near future she would do so. For now, it was beyond her. Or at least he had no desire to tolerate her understanding of him.
"We will talk, Ajisai." He said, waving his right hand, digging deep into the streets.
"Are you going to leave afterwards?"
"Yes. There is another report I must give," Naruto responded quietly. "Stay safe until next time."
She was not going back with him to Konoha for the exams. Her role had already been completed. She would stay here continue her training and gain her promotion soon enough.
The tallest tower stood before him. When you wanted the leader, asking was needless. You always had to go the tallest building in the village. If you wanted to bomb, you'd do it. But it was almost impossible in this village. No spy came in and departed the village. No foreign shinobi entered. Visitors were not allowed nor were people from here allowed to leave unless it's shinobi heading out for missions.
Naruto found Nagato sitting on the hands of the statue at top of the building. Konan was standing close by. The Uzumaki wore his Akatsuki cloak, his damaged legs covered by bandages. The chakra rods that had once pierced through his back were removed time ago. The man was revitalized, a prime look. Being Uzumaki and wielding the Rinnegan was surely a magical thing. Absorbing chakra worth eight tails of the Kyubi's chakra had done this much. The chakra did have that revitalizing ability about it but it had not done much to Nagato's legs.
Madara had not been amused with him. Naruto had found it funny when the man lectured him for making Nagato stand like this. This had surely made the Uzumaki much more powerful. Yet, he would never fight with his real body.
"You did not kill Orochimaru." Nagato first said as Naruto settled beside his fellow Uzumaki.
"No…" Naruto said, watching the chakra infused rain falling down the streets. "He is planning to invade Konoha. Thought that would be interesting to watch happen."
Nagato turned to him, but did not say anything about that.
"Konoha sent a message requesting information about you and how you came to the village. They have also invited us to attend the finals."
The Sandaime would do that. He was still a smart geezer. "Why you think he did that?"
"It is to unmask the identity of the leader of this village. As far as they were concerned we were in a civil war. They don't know who the leader is. And they want to find out."
Naruto turned to Konan. A sharp and meticulous woman. He liked her. Massively so. Sometimes, he wished he was a little older.
"Indeed," he agreed. "But not necessary for you to go there. There will be an invasion and I'm afraid you'd be tempted to compile on their misery," Naruto shook his head. "Your sensei will most likely come here."
"He will be handled. Someone as powerful as him can only be problem in the future."
As was now, Nagato might be unbeatable. Perhaps Madara could play some tricks on the man to win. Naruto really wanted to see just how the man would go about trying to take the Rinnegan his fellow Uzumaki. Well, maybe he would not have to wait for too long. But first, he needed to saw a war in this shinobi world. Nagato wanted to be god and make a world of his liking, Naruto would help, but for his selfish reasons.
"I understand that Jiraiya may be a problem in the near future, however, it would be cruel to see them crushed without their assets. If he faces you, he will die… I don't want to see him die, just yet…" Naruto adopted a thoughtful look. "Perhaps the other nations knowing that the Akatsuki is based here would not be so much of a problem to speed things up…" he paused. "However, I want to grow up a little. I cannot be fighting wars at this stage."
"Grow for what?"
"To experience life, my clansman." Naruto stood up, and stared down at the raining streets. "You have experienced the violence of this world, I have not yet. But I have experienced its hatred and I see the negligence of the Great Nations. They allow their rogue shinobi to roam free without care of other nations because it does not threaten them… maybe even creates jobs for them."
As long as the small villages remained small, they would depend on Great Nations for protection. Shinobi villages make money through missions. Most missions come from outside. Small nations will pay the Great Nations huge sums of money for protection against shinobi from these villages. When in good conscious, they should be hunting these rogue shinobi to eliminate problems for the small nations.
It was perhaps ironic this was coming from him. He has watched Deidara destroy a village, sometimes hired by Iwa… sometimes by another small nation. It was not that the small nations were pure from sinister motives. Everyone had agendas. Everyone was selfish. But this was life. Naruto didn't know why Madara hated this kind of living. Savage, barbaric and nothing more than the actions of wild animals, shinobi were, but Naruto did not hate this violence. In fact, he relished the thought of it.
"Why does it sound like you'd help Orochimaru in his quest?" Konan asked him.
"Why? Would there be something wrong with it? Konoha has allowed Orochimaru to run loose. He violates, destroys villages for his amusement and Konoha has no regard for it because it does not threaten its security. For them to learn a lesson, this same Orochimaru must bring them to their knees. Maybe they will experience what the small nations have felt and will take care of things better in the future."
Naruto had come to learn, there was no better teacher than experience. Pain, love and hatred; they sounded like something else from a book when you have not experienced it. Some who have judged those who have experienced pain have turned out just like those they judged when they too became hurt. It was not that Naruto though Nagato was a genius in his plan.
It was flawed and would never work. The only peace the shinobi world could have would be through eternal Genjutsu. But that plan was also a criminal thought that would doom the entire world to its death.
Practically, a world where people did not fight was impossible.
Unknown Location
Maybe it was just him, but Naruto truly had no love for Zetsu. In fact, he was wary of the being. His senses always worked over time whenever he was around him. For this reason, he always worked better with Sasori for gathering Intelligence. Zetsu was a perfect spy, but he was not human. For certain, Naruto was not the only one who liked to hide things from the plant. Even Madara has often had a look when the thing was asking questions. But it was funny since Madara claimed Zetsu was his will. It was for this reason that he stood at the entrance of the cave, wondering if he should just turn back. After some moments, he released a long breath and dived deep into the hideout.
He walked deeper in the hideout and arrived where the Gedo Mazo was located. He stood by the steps, watching the army of clones.
Hearing footsteps, he closed his eyes. "I thought there was no one around."
"You had no intentions of killing Orochimaru, did you?"
"In the near future, yes. But for now, his plans will be enough to amuse me."
"Attacking Konoha?"
"Yes." Naruto opened his eyes. The man should not have a problem with it. He was the one who actually unleashed the Kyubi in the Leaf. Of course, he'd never say that as he was not supposed to know it. As far as Madara was concerned, the beast was tamed by the Sharingan.
"Do you resent Konoha that much that you'd watch it get invaded?"
"Resent?" Naruto raised an eye brow. "That is a strong. I have no such feelings. I just think it is poetic and quite deserving really. If Orochimaru was not doomed to fail because of his arrogance, I would happily join him. But he is going to fail because Suna is weak, and he does not have the power."
"What of your other reasons for going to the Leaf?"
"I don't recall stating that there was another reason…" Naruto said, glancing at the man who stood behind him. That indifferent eye watching him dangerously. Honestly, it was unnerving, but he had learned to keep his composure. "I suppose there was a good reason for going to Konoha. Too many things really. Some convenient. But I was able to do some grave digging."
"What for?"
"I'm not taking the risk of having to die while the Kyubi is extracted from me. I only contain half of its power anyway. This is still enough to defeat the other tailed beasts. If should be enough to revive the Jubi. We will use the other half sealed within my father."
"You do not know Edo Tensei."
"I will learn it. For now, I got the first thing. When I go back to the Hidden Leaf… I will try to get the other half. And what remains of the Uzumaki. It will be useful since the Yondaime is sealed within the belly of the Shinigami…" Naruto said in thought. "I will depart… won't return until after the exams."
"You're trying to stir the flames aren't you?"
"Just moving things. But a world at war would make it easier to collect the Bijuus," Naruto said, standing up. "If you disapprove… state so…" he smiled. "Though I don't think you should have any complaints considering what you did in Kirigakure… it seemed a little personal… I think I should visit the land… maybe even stop by Uzushiogakure…"
As this chapter has shown and what you may have already assumed, Naruto's Sharingan is always active. So, it is active unless his eyes are closed.
The Omnipresent Sage