The Dying Sun

Sorry this is like late, guys. Really. I was so caught up in school. School is important people. Remember that. Based on the title, I bet you guys think this is sad. It's not that much. However, there are some Narusasu moments in here that are going to make you say 'aww.' they're so cute. Just wait.

Naruto sobbed quietly over his brother in the hospital. The hospital was full, but Gaara, having been the only child injured was tended to first.

Everyday he'd been in here. And everyday he cried over the young boy. It hurt so much. He'd let it happen.

While he was so anxious to show everyone and Kakashi that Sasuke could never be like him when he should have noticed Gaara attempting to be brave.

And here the youngest Namikaze was, lying on the bed, nearly dead. Naruto thanked the heavens that he weakened Orochimaru during the kage fight. If he didn't, as of now, there would be two Namikaze members.

Pein; the traitor and murderer; founder of the world's most dangerous organization.

Naruto; the demon god; destroyer of the world; nearly insane and fully alone.

And instead of being deemed to wake from his sleep in five months, Gaara would be dead.

The blond weeped harder and blocked his thoughts. The tears fell on Gaara's hospital gown, his grey arm.

His walls, the walls that held him up, made him strong just... collapse. Moment by moment, they fall. Salty drops fall from his chin, drenching his shirt, filling his misery. Perhaps these tears would help wash the blood out. He was trembling. Can't-Can't stop. Even as he pressed his head against Gaara's torso, he shook, trembled.

A harsh rapping on the door broke the Namikaze from his thoughts and he looked up, wiping his tears quickly.

It was opened without consent. Danzo walked in first, followed by his childhood friends. A sneer was already marred on his dark face. In a way, Naruto respected Danzo.

He was the only being to actually display his hate for the blond. In a way, Naruto wanted to kill the old man painlessly.

Naruto stood and gave a sloppy bow to the temporary hokage. "Lord Danzo. What honor do I have for your presence?"

The man sneered. "I do not come to speak well with you, Naruto. I've come about your status within the chunin exams."

Naruto stood straighter. It was of course Hiruzen's last wish that he become chunin. "Hai?"

"You will not be moving forward in the ranks. The village feels that your power has grown too high, and if you are able to leave the village and go to others, you will increase the rate of invasion."

So that was it. Because Naruto had displayed an immense amount of power, he would not be deemed chunin.

But people like Shikamaru, Hinata, Neji, and Sasuke sure as hell would.

Naruto, a God by any means, was going to remain a genin in the hidden leaf. He missed the disgusted sneer of Danzo.

Danzo would not tell him what he'd heard himself this morning. He didn't want Naruto to know that some people were on his side.

Danzo flicked through the files of the Konoha Genin who'd participated in the chunin exams. Each clan member head sat around the table as well as civilian council members.

"Shikamaru Nara seemed to be a good candidate." He stated.

There were murmurs and Shikaku spoke. "By all means, Lord. My son, while a great candidate, doesn't yet understand the value of hard work. Or not being lazy for that matter."

Danzo sighed. "While I understand that you wish to protect you son, Konoha is in grave danger. It will not be wise to not use our strongest to their ability."

Shikaku thought and eventually nodded.

"Neji and Hinata Hyuuga seem to be evenly strong. Both displayed exceptional usage in the exams."

Hiashi nodded. "I believe so as well. Both my nephew and daughter are growing to surpass most of the hyuuga."

Danzo moved on, skipping the names of those who did not show exceptional strength. A civilian member spoke up.

"What of Naruto Namikaze? The boy did not only show strength in the exams, but a good leadership, and not to mention he would have won if not for the invasion. He's a strong young man, showing stronger signs of the prophecy daily."

Danzo ceased her words. "By my word, Naruto Namikaze is deemed too dangerous to move up in the ranks. We cannot give a child like him more power."

An uproar of protests formed around the room, mainly from the clan heads.

Danzo raised his hand. "As the temporary hokage, this is my decision. On the other hand, Sasuke-"

"No." Fugaku immediately stated. "Sasuke will not advance."

"Fugaku-san. You have seen your son. He is capable."

"Of course he is. Just as Naruto is. This is not my choice to make. If Sasuke sees that Naruto is not chunin, the boy will refuse as well. Those two are inseparable. They won't leave one another behind."

Danzo reddened from anger. He couldn't understand how Fugaku had allowed his youngest to get involved with the demon fox.

"Very well." He stamped 'denial' on both Sasuke and Naruto's paper. "Neither boys will advance."

"And Danzo." Fugaku spoke, scowl going deeper. "When my best friend died, he entrusted the Uchiha to make sure his family would always be protected. Instead of you, I'll be making the decision.

I refuse to let Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto Namikaze partake as chunin of Konoha."

With that, the Uchiha walked out calmly.

Naruto sighed, but remained calm. A trick he'd learned well from Zabuza and Haku. "I don't understand. I've shown an immense amount of leadership in the exams. Leading my team from Orochimaru in the forest, stopping the curse mark for Sasuke, defeating my opponents. Even you know that if the invasion had not occurred, Sasuke would be here with my otouto."

Danzo's jaw clenched in annoyance. Annoyance that Naruto had been right. "Yes, but you also destroyed that part of the forest, let Sasuke get hurt, and nearly killed him in the exams; he is a valuable resource in Konoha's safety as an Uchiha."

Naruto pointed. "I'm the only resource you have."

"Can it. Or by Chi, I will have you and your brother removed from this village."

And I'd destroy it, Naruto thought. But, he wouldn't. His and Pein's lives had been ruined, but Gaara would be a success. Gaara would make it, no matter how much hate Naruto had to endure, Gaara would fucking make it.

"Is that all, Danzo-sama?"

"No. because the village needs a stronger hokage, I have a mission to send you and retrieve Tsunade Senju."

Naruto shook his head. "After the invasion led by Haruto Namikaze, I have to stay here with my brother."

'You will do as I say and what's best for this village."

"I am my brother's hero first. You expect me to risk my life for this village, but you can't respect me?"

He and Danzo stared one another down for the longest moments. Naruto sighed. For Gaara. Not looking away, he pointed angrily at Danzo. "I'll do this, but that's it. Find someone else next time. And watch my brother while I'm gone."

On cue, Zabuza walked in, Haku hot on his trail. "We'll watch over Gaara for you. While we're here, no one will hurt him."

Danzo spoke. "You leave immediately, Naruto. Those who will accompany you are Sasuke Uchiha."

Naruto turned away, watching his brother for a moment. In due time, Gaara would wake. Reaching forward, he squeezed the redhead's nose slightly. He didn't inhale sharply, but the machine over his mouth made him. That was all that mattered.

"I'm so happy you're alive." the whisper stared right into the abyss of a love so strong, nothing could tear it apart. A love that could be rocked. Arms crossed knees drawn up; holding, holding, a ship they were. A love of sweet homes and fulfilled promises. This was Naruto's love for Gaara.

Turning back, the blond stared at Danzo. "If Sasuke is such a valuable resource to this village, why the hell am I going with him?"

Danzo didn't need to answer. He knew he was a weapon. They all knew. They knew he was stronger. Happy that he was able to complete a mission without a scratch, disappointed that none seemed hard enough to kill him.

Naruto shook his head. It seemed as if he were not only at war with himself and his own great great grandfather, but Sasuke and Konoha weren't very fond either.

He smiled sadly.

He called them his people, which were not his people; and him beloved, who was not beloved.

Naruto jumped at Danzo, his grandfather's form showing more and more. His finger a sword as he pointed. "I'm the only resource you have. And you fucking. Know. it."

The blond stormed out, making sure to place his hand on Danzo's arm and push him aside.

He could feel Haku's chakra running to walk beside him. "I took the opportunity of packing your things for your journey." the chunin stated.

Naruto hummed and opened the door for the older boy. "Danzo came this morning to the Namikaze manor, but he couldn't get in as well as none one else, but the Uchiha, Namikaze blood, and Zabuza and I."

Naruto shrugged. "The compound has lots of things that can be stolen."

"Danzo is an ass. He stated that the Uchiha don't leave people out."

"That's because they're not dead."

"Danzo should be."

The two began to giggle silently to themselves as they neared the gate. Haku unsealed a pack and handed it Naruto.

The two had gotten quiet as they found Sasuke standing there, ready, determined, and pissed. Naruto sighed.

Haku let him walk to the gate's alone, bidding him good luck.

When Naruto walked over to Sasuke, the two glared at one another for moment and Naruto walked ahead. "Let's just get this over with."

He'd thought that maybe after seeing Gaara's state, the two would reconcile. Sasuke still hated him and Naruto was still fucking jealous.

He bet that ever since the attack, Sasuke had been consoling with Kakashi.

"What's got you fired up, Dobe?" He broke from his thoughts, finding Sasuke watching him as they walked further away from the Konoha.

"Don't speak to me as if we're friends, Uchiha."

Sasuke froze and glared harder. "Trust me, Senju, we're not."

"It's not a coincidence that they sent the two strongest genin on an A-rank mission alone. Especially when they don't agree with one another."

Isobu's logic tremored through Naruto's skull as a shock wave; a pulse that managed to knock down everything ever worked on and focus on the new. He tensed, and for a second Sasuke assumed he'd offended the blond in their little game.

'Thank you, Isobu.' Naruto told his turtle.

With a frown, the blond gently grabbed hold of Sasuke's side and stood behind him. It took him a moment to realize that he could see over the Uchiha's head, thus making the Namikaze taller.

"Sasuke" the blond leaned forward, placing his mouth on Sasuke's ear. "Listen."

Sasuke untensed and relaxed against his friend. "We're surrounded." he whispered.

"Hmm. How many?"

"Three, Naruto. I take the left."

"Two on the right." Naruto called. "Ready?"

Sasuke nodded against him and the growing boy realized this wasn't the smartest position to choose as a tremor went through his body. Finally, they switched position; Naruto facing the right and Sasuke facing the left, but ultimately back to back.

It must have been a signal. The bandits jumped out with weapons, not yet knowing who they were up against.

Naruto formed the hand signs for the first sloppy opponent. A moving target, assumed. Just like practice.

"Ray of Assassination!"

The light of the sun hit the first bandit and his scream had been delightful. Like a tumble dryer, garbled, muffled, intermittent, but none the less distressing and intense. His skin did not burn, only ignited and began to tear off, floating into the air like ignited paper.

Naruto turned just in time to see Sasuke's Chidori driving through the stomach of another bandit. The blond usually disliked succumbing to his monstrosity.

But, seeing Sasuke kill someone against them sent another tremor through his body. Straight below where his teen boy thoughts submerged. It was an animal instinct, all the animals within him. He was a fucking freak.

Finally looking away, Naruto stared at the the stricken bandit, the last man standing. "Who sent you?" Sasuke demanded.

The bandit shook his head. "I had no idea Lord Danzo sent me to kill Akuma Kitsune and Sasuke Uchiha, second child of the prophecy."

Naruto's jaw clenched. He should have known. "Because you were following orders, we'll let you live. Bit, you go back and you tell Danzo that he's next."

The bandit nodded and ran off with a large smile of relief on his face. Naruto and Sasuke watched him until he was gone.

They stood in silence for a moment. A soft giggle broke Naruto from his thoughts, and he turned to find Sasuke covering his mouth. "What's so funny?"

"It's funny how Danzo assumed we'd just let each other die while having our disagreements."

Naruto thought and smiled softly. He turned to face the Uchiha fully. "It's funny how he thought we hated one another."

Sasuke calmed himself. Evenly, he reached forward and poked Naruto's forehead. That set Naruto off in emotions.

Tears leaked from his eyes as he grabbed Sasuke by the arms. He planted fast kisses everywhere on the Uchiha's face, but not his lips.

It was teasing and not serious. Sasuke knew such. Naruto kept his secret. He kissed the Uchiha's forehead, nose, cheeks, eyelids, and chin, making the raven laugh and push him off.

"Stop that, dobe. Do that to some girl."

Naruto laughed as well, pushing Sasuke back a bit. "I don't want to."

"You missed me, baka." Sasuke crossed his arms and looked away with smugness.

"I did. But, you missed me too."

"I did."

The two calmed and began walking again. "We can't split, Naruto. Although we both have people of our own blood there, you and I are best friends. No one should be able to split us apart. No one can."

"I know. I'm sorry." Naruto mumbled.

"I'm sorry too. Kakashi is married….you know? I wasn't supposed-"

"I knew." Naruto interrupted. "I noticed."

"Than why were you angry? Why were you angry that he was training me? Do you like…" Sasuke blushed deeply when Naruto stopped to stare at him. "Do you like Kakashi?"

The Namikaze smiled with his eyes closed. "No, Teme. I don't like Kakashi-sensei. I just….I don't like seeing Kakashi pay attention to you."

Sasuke raised a dark brow and Naruto blushed.

"You're my friend, not his. Not Sakura's, not anyone's. You're my Sasuke, not Kakashi's." Naruto kept watching as Sasuk stare in shock at him.

He couldn't fucking believe himself. He wasn't supposed to be soft as he was now. To the half of Haruto within him, Naruto growled. 'Try a little fucking harder to make me chaos, will you?'

Sasuke eventually shrugged and ran back next to him. "Why do you talk to Haku and Zabuza so much?"

"They live in my manor."

"But, they joke with you. They're your friends now."

Naruto sighed. Sasuke seemed persistent to know everything about Naruto's life when the Uchiha was not present. He didn't mind, however. He was the same. After this, he would interrogate Sasuke on his time with Kakashi.

"When I was in the second part of the exams. Something happened to me. In fact, this goes way back to when pervy-sage trained me. Nightmares have come and sometimes, I can't bear them. Kakashi understood it a lot, going through the things he went through.

I supposed that he could teach me something about mental stability. But, he wanted to train you. So for a week, I listened to the things in my head that pained me so. Things in my head no 12 year old should ever think of."

Sasuke grabbed hold of his hand, telling him to be strong.

"Zabuza and Haku put me through the hardest training I've ever had in my life. They made sure things like what my great great grandfather said didn't hurt me. They made me strong."

Sasuke smiled.

"You know...I remember when my brother Nagato accidently swallowed a piece of metal. We were all playing in the training grounds and Deidara accidently pushed him over by our broken kunai."

Naruto pointed to the lump in his throat. "It was small enough to go down and so much that it didn't rip through this part. But, it was big enough to tear some muscle right there. Nagato couldn't breathe for ten fucking minutes. Only coughed up blood.

I was only four and my mother was still pregnant with Gaara. She was hysterical. Nagato sat in the training grounds still while my mother tried to figure out how to remove it. I think we were all scared. She sent Pein to get my father.

But, I went over to Nagato and asked him to stay still." Naruto laughed softly at his own childhood sarcasm. "I placed my hand over his throat and asked him to emit his chakra there. When he did, I found the metal. The only cold spot within his throat. I only placed my finger and thumb over the metal and used them to push the metal up his throat.

He coughed up some blood and the metal, but he breathed again. My mother was so happy, but she was still crying. When she told my father, she looks at him and says 'Nagato was dead, Minato. Dead for ten minutes and not breathing, but Naruto brought him back to life.'"

Naruto smiled softly. "Tou-san crouched before me and he told me it would be easy. He told me that because I saved my brother's life, I'd live a long one. That I was lucky. After the massacre….I started to believe that was the only thing he'd ever misjudged."

Sasuke glared and punched the jinchuriki in the face.

"What'd you do that for?" the blond moaned, rubbing his cheek as Sasuke placed both hands on his hips.

"Naruto Namikaze, I'd never suspected you to be that much of an idiot. Of course things happen. Bad things happen with a life like yours. Being the holder of all ten tailed beasts, being the only person who holds the fate of the world, being you, of course it's hard."

Sasuke crossed his arms. "But, Lord Fourth was right. You are lucky. You're not lucky because you get the things you want; you're lucky because you survive the things you don't want."

Sasuke smirked. "You're lucky to have me or you'll go crazy. And your father was right about living a long life too. You survived the massacre, being kidnapped by Hikari's monster."

He stopped to point at the dimming sky and spread his arms out, giving Naruto the time to notice that they'd made it out of Fire Country and were resting outside the borders of grass village.

"You survived today. And I'm sure you'd live a long prosperous life." Sasuke smiled one of his rare smiles. The ones he only held for his family, Gaara, and Naruto.

The top row of teeth was showing, and there was a faint curve to the lips, but there was no crease below the eyes, no movement of the cheeks. On anyone else, it would be a grimace, at best. On this face, however, it was a sign of bliss.

"And I'll be standing right there next to you. Can you imagine us, Naruto? The dangerous duo...not to be killed?"

Naruto saw it now. He couldn't see it when jealousy clouded his every being. But, Sasuke liked that Kakashi only trained him solely for Naruto. That way, they would be together through everything.

Naruto grabbed Sasuke's hand softly and squeezed it. "Because….Namikaze Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke are inevitable. And Naruto wants Sasuke to stay in his life forever because the raven is the best thing that's ever happened to him."

Sasuke smiled and laid his head on Naruto's shoulder. When he spoke, he made sure only Naruto and Kurama could hear. "When Sasuke Uchiha met Naruto Namikaze, he honestly didn't know the blond was going to be this important to him."

Excitement rushed through his veins. Happiness flared in Sasuke's eyes and for the first time in awhile, it began to in Naruto's as well. Even if the world around him started collapsing, his heart would not get crushed as long as he stared at Sasuke.

A grimace almost touched his face as Haruto's voice caved in. 'Does the little fucking human know you're dying? Does he know you can be killed? Tell me, flesh of my flesh, does he know you're already gone?'

The blond smiled at Sasuke. "We'll be the best." he lied with pain, blocking out Haruto's laughter well. "Let's set up camp. We have a long journey through Iwa to get to the land of Iron."

The two set up camp quickly, letting the fire warm their faces. Their futons were next to one another and they laid close, facing each other.

Naruto sighed and closed his eyes. Quiet ensued and after moments and his prayers that Gaara would be okay, the blond was near sleep.

A faint shuffling and something touched his forehead. He opened his mismatched eyes only to stare into dark ones. The faint glow of the fire bid him in knowing that this was only Sasuke, placing his forehead against his own.

They laughed softly in unison.

Was Sasuke so innocent that he could not detect intimate moments? Naruto kissing him, teasing him, and now speaking with foreheads touching, their breath tinkling the other's face being the only reassurance they would always be together?

"Naruto?"

"Hm." The blond answered drowsily. It came as a deep moan and he closed his heavy eyelids.

"Sometimes...I think we don't belong together. Sometimes when we fight, I think we shouldn't have been friends to begin with. Sometimes fighting with you hurts. Did you miss me really? Did you miss me during our month apart?"

Sasuke just wouldn't let this training month go. He must have hated it just as much as Naruto. Without opening his eyes, the blond responded.

"I missed you every hour. And you know what the worst part was? It caught me completely by surprise. I'd catch myself walking around to find you, not for any reason, just out of habit, because I'd seen something that I wanted to tell you about or because I wanted to hear your voice. And then I'd realize that you weren't there anymore, and every time, every single time, it was like having the wind knocked out of me.

I've risked my life for you. I've walked half the length of the world for you, and I'd do it again and again and again just to be with you, just to starve with you and freeze with you and hear you complain about hard friendships every day. So don't tell me we don't belong together," he said fiercely.

He couldn't see Sasuke's face with his eyes closed, but he bet the Uchiha smiled.

More silence until Sasuke sighed. "Talk to me." He stated softly.

Naruto sighed. "Now?" He grumbled. "Sasuke, I'm tired and we have to wake up in the morning."

"I need you to do something for me."

Naruto snorted. "You mean other than risking my life, almost killing my sensei, and nearly destroying the forest?"

Quiet. "Yes."

"Hmph" he grumbled noncommittally, his breath already returning to the deep, even rhythm of sleep.

"Naruto" Sasuke's plea was sharp and needy, clear as the night sky above them, heavy with fear like the stars. "Don't leave."

The Namikaze's eyes snapped open and he saw the faint shimmer of tears behind Sasuke's eyes. He scooted closer and threw an arm around the raven's shoulders. "Not now, Sasuke." He pleaded softly. Not now while they were on this mission. Not now while his mind was already made up.

"Dosu said it. He knew you were going to follow to kill Orochimaru. Please don't defect, dobe."

Naruto sighed. It would be an empty promise is he promise. So he didn't promise, because he never went back on them.

"I won't, Sasuke. Damnit. Now can we please sleep?" But, Tobirama claimed to be his great great grandfather on his mother's side. Chi knew they would not let him on an outside mission. He needed to know.

Sasuke smiled. "Okay."

Naruto grumbled and again almost let sleep take him. Almost.

"Naruto."

"Damit, Sas-"

"Thank you for staying with me and being my friend."

The blond sobered, his every being melting. Sasuke, he thought. He pulled the Uchiha even closer.

A faint whisper it was, but still there. "Always."

He didn't know when he fell asleep.

They had made it through Iwagakure safely and were now treading into the land of Iron.

Through mission details, they learned almost everything needed to know about the neutral village. While it was led by samurai, the village was always cold, snowy, and icy.

Naruto and Sasuke were too caught up in one another to think about coats.

The good thing was Naruto was a child of the sun. It was easy for him to emit a flame aura around him or warm his body. He couldn't do such with Sasuke.

The Uchiha tried not to look it, but he was cold. Colder than anything. Naruto unclasped his cloak and placed it around Sasuke's shoulders.

"But-"

"No. I'm warm, teme. You have to be too."

Sasuke nodded and practically buried himself in the cloak. The Namikaze laughed softly as they neared the gates.

Two samurai stood outside the gate, swords clutched to their chests.

When they neared, they tensed slightly. "Namikaze Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke." One stated. "The two most dangerous genin in all of shinobi known history."

Sasuke raised a brow and the quiet samurai spoke up. "News travelled of Konoha's failed chunin exams fast. We learned that you two were the last contestants, using moves no other child could."

Naruto raised a hand. "We've come here to pick up someone."

"Very well. Any two who are bound to save the world are bound to be an ally." The gates opened and in they walked.

Sasuke laughed. "That was odd."

Naruto only shook his head. He knew Sasuke would love that. "So we're the most dangerous genin in all known history?"

"That's what they said."

The blond placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "No...that's what the world said. Look at us. Before we knew it, we were already the dangerous duo, right? Not to be killed."

Sasuke smiled and he opened his mouth, but someone's shriek of joy cut him off.

"Oh by Chi, it's you."

Naruto was completely tackled to the ground. When he opened his eyes, a pale girl's face blinked down at him. Her smile was large and she was ecstatic.

"I love you. Oh my goodness!" Without consent, the unknown girl kissed him right on the mouth. "Marry me!"

She jumped up and Naruto stood as well. He raised a brow. "You know me?" He asked. He'd never seen her in his life.

"Of course I do." She squealed. "You're Namikaze Naruto!"

Before anyone saw, Naruto was surrounded by girls of his age, squealing and blushing, declaring their love for him.

It was a reverse. Back in Konoha, where the girl's listened to the whispers of their parents, no one showed interest to Naruto. All the girls loved Sasuke.

But, now, Naruto could go to Suna, Kiri, Ame, Kumo, and Iwa….and girls would actually declare their love for him. Not Sasuke.

"I love you, Naruto!"

"Me too!"

"Did you come here to save us!"

"You're so strong and handsome!"

Naruto blushed deeply at the comments. He wasn't good with these things.

The first girl to show up called out again. "You must be here for me."

"No.." Another cried. "He's here for me!"

The girl's began arguing amongst themselves, and Naruto raised his hands.

"Hey." The voice was deeper than most. It was still softer than Naruto's, but it vibrated with power and command.

The girls turned to find Sasuke there, his pretty face twisted into a scowl, clutching his fist in anger, purple glow around him.

"Naruto and I are here on a mission, so you better go. All of you."

The girls pouted and bid farewell to Naruto, blowing him kisses. The blond only waved slightly, still shuddering at Sasuke's dark side.

"Hey, you're supposed to be nice. Those are the people we're bound to save."

Sasuke shrugged. "Well, we can't do that if they keep asking you to marry them."

Naruto's eyes lit up mischievously. "Of course. From what I remember, I promised to marry you, Sasuke."

Sasuke blushed and glared. "No, stupid. Marry some girl now. We're older."

Naruto glared back. "Hey bas-"

His eye caught those of a small child. She'd been standing and waiting to speak to Naruto the whole.

"-sket" He finished. The little girl smiled.

"Hello." She smiled. "Mr. Sasuke and Mr. Naruto."

Sasuke smiled softly. "Hi there, little one. Did you need something?"

The little girl nodded with a blush and put her hands together. "I was hoping that you could marry me instead, Mr. Naruto."

Sasuke laughed lightly and Naruto thought for a second. Biting his thumb, he placed his hand on the ground.

"Summoning Art: Foxes; Chikyu."

The earth fox formed upon request and stared at Naruto. "Naruto-cub. Your request?"

Chikyu was able to create any earth element from scratch. With a smile, Naruto whispered in his ear.

The fox nodded and went to work on the ground, handing something small to Naruto, and then dispersing.

Remaining on his knee, the blond motioned the child over. She came to him and he grabbed her hand, placing a small crystal ring on her finger.

She squealed.

"There you go." Naruto stated.

She thanked him and ran to her mother, showing her new ring.

Naruto stood, watching Sasuke deadpan at him. Without consent, he grabbed the Uchiha and pulled the necklace from underneath his shirt. Shaped like the Uchiha fan, but colored like the sun.

"Well that was nice of you, Namikaze."

Naruto turned around. "It was nice of you to make our journey shorter, baa-chan."

Tsunade Senju glared and punched him in the head. "Let's get back to Konoha, damnit."

He felt weary when they reached the gates of Konoha. As if something happened. He couldn't place it, however.

They'd been gone for four days. He could still feel Gaara's chakra stable in the hospital, weak and unmoving but stable.

With a sigh, the blond walked to the hospital with Sasuke and the ANBU escorted Tsunade to the hokage tower. She'd bid them goodbye and hoped they would come to the ceremony.

"Something's not right." Sasuke stated as they walked to Gaara's room. "Something happened. I can feel it."

"Me too. I feel Shisui's chakra in the room with Gaara."

Naruto walked in, staring at every occupant in the room.

Everyone sat quietly, in a state of depression. "What happened?" he demanded.

Haku put his head down and Zabuza shook his own. Kakashi and Gai remained silent. Itachi sat on a counter across the room. "Shisui.." He mumbled, but trailed off.

Naruto looked to Shisui's back. The man sat in his chair facing Gaara and not turning. "Shisui."

With a smirk, the Uchiha stood and turned, making Naruto falter. "Shisui..you're…"

The man's eyes were closed and unattained. "You're blind."

Shisui smirked. "I'm alive too. Danzo attempted to attack Gaara, but luckily I beat him. It didn't save my eyes, though."

Naruto growled in anger. He knew they could do nothing. If Shisui spoke, he would be tried for treason. Going against the temporary hokage was not a good thing.

Shisui shook his head an laughed. "My bones are getting old anyway. I don't need these anymore."

He opened his palms showing the two eyes lost in attempting to protect someone precious. "Itachi and I grew fast, so we saw things we didn't need to. He doesn't need these. However, I know the perfect person."

Shisui walked slowly. "Come on, Sasuke. I can feel your chakra." Sasuke faltered and stepped back.

"I can't ta-"

"What? Seriously? You're going to let these go to waste, Sasuke? They're pretty powerful."

Sasuke shook his head although Shisui could not see it. "Danzo should be dead."

'He will be,' Naruto thought sharply.

Shisui moved forward faster, finding the Uchiha's voice. "Here, Sasuke."

"You're blind, Shisui." Sasuke stated.

"Gaara's alive, Sasuke. I did my job. Will you please do this one?"

Quiet ensued and finally Shisui pulled his clan member's hand closer, placing the eyes in them. "You might need to get to a doctor. Get those in fast before Danzo gets here."

Naruto shook his head and moved to Sasuke. "He won't need one. Hold still, teme."

"Godlike Divinity: Transformation Jutsu."

Sasuke blinked and his eyes left his own face. He did not yelp or scream. It must have been painless.

The two eyes Shisui had given him moved upward and molded into his face. It took some time, but Sasuke finally closed his eyes.

Naruto reached into his pack and pulled out his green healing liquid. His movements were sloppy and fast. He felt obliged to complete this fast. Rubbing the liquid over Sasuke's eyes, he watched the raven smile in relief and relax.

"Open them." he commanded.

Sasuke did so and everyone grew quiet. "What? Are they messed up? Why is everyone so quiet?"

Shisui smirked. "What do you expect? No one but Itachi and I have ever seen the Mangekyou Sharingan."

The fact that Shisui had to give them up so quickly angered Naruto even more. Still, he hid his anger well.

Walking over to Gaara, the blond squeezed the boy's nose. He handed Sasuke's eyes to Itachi so that they could be sealed.

With a smiled, he turned to everyone. "I'll be back."

Sasuke stared at him.

"I will." he reassured.

Jumping from the window, Naruto watched the fireworks in the air. A signal that Tsunade's ceremony would soon start. He had to move quickly then.

It would only take him ten minutes to kill Danzo and leave Konoha without a trace.

"Where are we going, Naruto?"

Son Gokū's booming voice scared him slightly. With a determined look, Naruto concealed himself using his non-seeing technique.

"We're going to find out if Tobirama Senju is really my maternal grandfather. We're getting the fuck out of Konoha until Gaara wakes up. We're going to the ruins of Uzushiogakure.'

The blond jumped into the trees on his way, blocking out Sasuke's pleas and Gaara's state. He had to know more.

OMG. So that was that. I don't think Naruto will leave Konoha for a long while. But, there is still more to see in this big fight coming up next chapter.