Several hours later…

Naruto stared at Airi's back as they ran to the summit. Kakashi and Yamato had already left ahead of them to see if they could head off Madara or find Sakura. Airi had assured them they wouldn't have any problems since Madara was only there to start a war, although that was still a problem in itself. Kakashi had also mentioned he was worried about Sakura doing something foolish and wanted to make sure her group was alright. This left Naruto following behind Airi, who was supposedly leading him to Lori. She hadn't really given him much explanation for her earlier claim that Sasuke was going to restore his memories. Naruto couldn't wrap his head around the idea. How was Sasuke going to help restore his memories when as far as he knew his friend wanted him dead?

This whole situation was bothering him. Tallah had said this would never have had anything to do with him if the Sage of Six Paths hadn't paid his price. Truth had said he was the last Shinobi he had dealt with, and Shizune said the archives were his last dying wish. What exactly had he paid Truth, and how did the Kyuubi fit into the plan? "Hey Airi!" he said catching the girls attention. Airi cocked her head letting him know she was listening. "What kind of deal did the Sage of Six Paths make with Truth? Why am I involved?" Airi narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. "You know the back story right?"

Naruto nodded relaying the tale that Jiraiya had told him during training. "He was a monk that appeared in an age of endless war that was said to be the first to discover the truth of chakra. He used that truth to try and lead the world into an era of peace instead of war. He was the one that taught the world Ninjutsu. He became the first Jinchuriki in order to defeat the demon called the Ten-Tails and is revered as a Savior of the World."

Airi nodded her approval. Naruto frowned at her. "What does all that have to do with Truth?" Airi sighed. "You see there are a lot of holes in that story. The basics are there, but anything having to do with before he became the Sage of Six Paths is widely known as a mystery. You see the Sage of Six Path's wife was one of the first guardians. She was the first Bridge Builder of this world."

Naruto was confused. "So wait. I thought that the guardians were a beginning of time thing?" Airi shook her head. "Not at first. I can't really tell you much about our beginnings except that the idea originated from the northeast gate (1), and that the guardians have always been female. The guardians from that dimension have only changed twice in hundreds of years so I can also tell you time runs differently in every dimension. "

Naruto nodded. Airi continued. "Anyway, the Sage sought an end to the war with every fiber of his being. This was before chakra's true potential was discovered. His wife's name was Zena, and she realized that Truth would be able to give him the answers he sought to end the war. Realizing how desperate her husband was she told him of Truth and told him that she would be able to open the gate for him. She warned him beforehand though that there would be a price to pay no matter what he did. Not completely comprehending her words the Sage did not heed them, and passed through the gate to meet Truth. Truth revealed how to use the chakra to its full potential, but he warned him that ninjutsu feeds on the user's chakra, and that if they ran out they would die. When the sage left, he told him to not worry about the price because his wife had paid for him. When the Sage returned to his wife she had sacrificed her arm to the gate rendering her incapable of ever using ninjutsu. The Sage was angry at her sacrifice, but used it as more incentive to fuel his quest for peace. Sometime after he had spread the knowledge of ninjutsu across the world he faced the creature you know as the Ten-Tails. The legend you know tells us that he split the creature into nine different beings. The truth, however, is they were all separated to begin with and there were actually ten beings. The tenth being a bodyguard with wings instead of a tail." "Tallah." Naruto stated.

Airi nodded. "I'm not sure on all the specifics, but there was a catastrophe in the bridge that resonated from the northwest gate. (2) The keeper of the Gate of Darkness died. Her death offset the balance of Darkness in each of the dimensions. The beings you call demons were merely protectors whose nature was warped by the rage and anger that the Darkness left in its wake. When the Sage tried fighting the beast for the first time he could sense that it wasn't what it seemed. Finding no way to defeat the beast he implored Zena to open the gate for him once again after making her swear not to pay his price for him. Zena, knowing there was no way to convince her husband otherwise, reluctantly opened the gate for him once again."

"When the Sage asked Truth how to defeat the creature Truth told him the creature could not be defeated because it was meant to be an example of what would happen to the world if the balance of light and darkness was ever disturbed. He asked what could be done to stop the beast if it could not be destroyed. Truth told him that he would give him the means to return the beast to its original forms, but that the only way to stop the beast was to seal them inside human vessels. As payment the chaos the Sage sought to end would carry on through his sons and his sons would be doomed to war with each other until someone broke their pattern of violence. (3)"

"The sage used the knowledge that Truth had given him to stop the beast and restore the tailed creatures to their original forms, but he realized that the knowledge Truth carried would be a danger if anyone else sought to use the gate. Tallah, seeking a way to thank the man who had restored them, taught him a jutsu that would make the Gem of Aatos. It was an artifact that would allow the Keeper of the Gate of Darkness and the Kyuubi to be the only ones who could open the gate in your world. However, Tallah told him to live his life while he could before using the jutsu because the price for the gem would be his very existence. He did as she said, and when he was ready he made the gem and disappeared from this world."

Naruto blinked. "Wow that's a lot different than the version they teach in school." Airi smiled. "If there is one thing I've learned being a guardian it's that there is always a greater truth in everything. Just because someone believes something's the truth doesn't always make it so. Always look for the truth within the truth." Naruto frowned. "That doesn't tell me why the Sage chose the Kyuubi for the Gem." Airi looked thoughtful. "I know The Keeper of the Gate of Darkness was chosen because Tallah is always bound to whoever was chosen, but I don't know why the Kyuubi was included. Obviously he had some kind of connection with the Sage that's been lost through time." Naruto grunted in annoyance and tried to mull everything over in his brain. At this point he only hoped they would get there before Sasuke did something drastic.

Madara watched his puppet in the shadows as he fought with Danzo. The rage and hatred seething through the raven's eyes gave him a thrill he couldn't even begin to describe. Danzo was having a hard time keeping up with him. It was only a matter of time before he loosened those bandages on his arm…There it was. Madara watched with glee as Danzo unveiled the source of all the trouble. Sasuke's eyes widened as he stared at Danzo's arm that was littered with the stolen eyes of his clan. Madara grinned as he felt Sasuke's killing intent darken. Using the boy for his own means was the best thing he had ever done. Seeing results of the arts from the West Gate was fascinating. (3) To others the eyes on the man's arm were twisted and crude, but to Madara it was a beautiful masterpiece. He could certainly admire the work that went into crafting the thing. A flash of red caught his eye across the way. Madara's grin widened. Speak of the artwork and the craftsman won't be far behind.

Victoria perched herself in a tree a ways from the bridge. She would wait to kill Naruto when he came to confront the Uchiha. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't the least bit curious to see her creation in action however. She had gone to a lot of trouble to make sure she found Danzo's favor and shoved the brat out of her way at the same time. She remembered it like it was yesterday…

"Yore, you can't do this!" The raven haired girl yelled at her from the wall she was chained to on the other side of the dark room. Danzo laughed at the girl. Victoria had Naruto pinned to the ground unconscious. She frowned, and got up slapping the girl across the face. She grabbed her roughly and made her look her in the eyes. "When will you get it through your thick little head? I am not Yore! Don't worry though, after I use your friend here to get what I want I'll kill you and fill in the gap. Then you can call me her name." The girl called Lori struggled in her grip and spat in her face. Victoria just laughed. Her counterpart, Lauren had spit in her face as well. "Now, now. You should be grateful! I'm giving you a chance to make up for your mistake. This is all your fault you know. You can finally redeem yourself by paying with your life, and while I'm at it I can make sure the Kyuubi doesn't get in my way! She laughed as the girl struggled to get loose from the wall and smiled with glee as she straddled Naruto's torso and used her alchemy to rip away the boy's memories…

Victoria shook off the blood filling her vision again. She was startled from her confusion by Danzo's screams. Though the alchemy was powerful, it could only be used sparsely in this world. The fool had used all the eyes power in this one battle, and now the Uchiha had the upper hand once again. Victoria held no expression as she watched Danzo try to run from the revenge obsessed boy. She knew he was going to die, but she had no remorse. She had gotten what she needed from him already. He was useless and expendable.

Sasuke closed in for the kill. He had cut off the man's arm with his clan, HIS CLAN'S, eyes on it. All that was left was to end his life. The end was inevitable. He knew it, and Danzo knew it too. All that was left was to strike. Danzo ran from him tripping in the process. Sasuke took his time reveling in the man's fear. Danzo looked up and a look of recognition crossed his face. Sasuke followed the man's gaze wondering who had come to aid him. He was surprised to see a red haired girl around his age staring back at him. Danzo reached out a hand toward the girl. "Yore!" he yelled. "Save me! Help your master!" Sasuke locked eyes with the girl daring her to do anything to stop him. He was surprised that she kept even with his glare and was not daunted by him at all. She broke their gaze and stared at Danzo. "Who is my master? The Uchiha can do what he likes. I'm done using you." Danzo stared at the girl in disbelief as she disappeared into the trees.

Sasuke put the mysterious girl out of his mind. He had been having a strange feeling of familiarity ever since he had arrived. He needed to focus on killing the man in front of him. He didn't see Madara watching with glee as Karin got taken hostage by a desperate Danzo. He didn't feel anything when he delivered the blow through his own team member. He only felt pleasure and satisfaction and the desire for more as the man's life was ended by his hands. He didn't even notice as Danzo's arm disintegrated behind him, and was oblivious to the ripple he had just set off.

Lori was painfully aware of Sasuke's presence at the summit. She was just trying her hardest to stay as far away from him and Mardara as possible. She supposed she should thank her twin for making such a mess in the main building with Gaara. All the guards were away from the chamber and that made their job a whole lot easier. She watched as Ryu cracked the safe in the Samurai leader's office. When they heard the click of the lock Al had a bomb on it and everyone was ducking out of the way. The explosion wracked the side of the building. They quickly got the shard from the hidden compartment, and fled to the nearest exit. Lori breathed a sigh of relief as they exited the building. No one had gotten caught. They were safe for now. She stopped suddenly making Riyu pause. "Something wrong?" he asked. Lori narrowed her eyes. "Maybe. Go ahead to the rendezvous point without me. I'll catch up." Riyu nodded.

Lori headed towards the bridge on the other side of the forest. She knew Sasuke was there, but she didn't really care at the moment. She could feel Yore there, but she didn't feel Airi. She rushed over to the bridge to make sure of her friends safety. By the time she got there Sasuke had already broken out the Sasanou. She stopped at a distance to watch. She'd be lying if she said she didn't take pleasure in watching Danzo squirm at her brother's hand. The man had this coming for a long time. She'd also be lying if she said she actually wanted her brother to kill him. She wanted him to pay for his crimes, but she didn't want him to die. She didn't want anyone to die. It sounded stupid even to her as a ninja, but she didn't want to kill anyone. She blinked watching her brother. She was pathetic. She didn't want anyone to die, but she didn't have the courage to try and stop her twin either. She burrowed a little farther in her tree as he glanced her way looking around in confusion. She raised an eyebrow. Did he actually sense her? That was unexpected.

She didn't give her brother a second thought though as soon as she caught sight of Yore. Danzo and Sasuke hadn't spotted either of them yet so if she was going to make a move it had to be now. Just as she was about to jump at the girl she halted as she felt the air shudder around her. She whipped her head around trying to identify the threat. She could see the yellow and black lines resonating around her as if waiting for something. That's when she realized what was happening. She whipped her head back focusing on Sasuke's fight with Danzo. Her eyes widened as her brother's sword dropped down on Danzo's arm severing it from his body. She watched the arm fall to the ground disintegrating behind her brother unnoticed. She watched as the lines began to glow and shake opening the portal somewhere close by. "I told you I had this figured out." Tallah said simply. "Feel better now?" Lori didn't answer.

Naruto was almost to the bridge when the air around him suddenly shifted. He gasped in surprise as he was dragged into his subconscious without warning, and dropped into his familiar dreamscape. He whipped around only to find himself face to face with Tallah and the creepy door. "Couldn't you have given me more of a warning?" Naruto grumbled. Tallah just stepped out of his way pointing at the door. "The price has been returned. If you want your memories back you must go to Truth now. He has already summoned the Bridge Builder from the West Gate. She has them. Everything has been paid. You need only take them back." Naruto stared at her for what seemed like forever before he finally moved his legs toward the door. He paused by Tallah. "I'm not going to see you again after this am I?" Tallah snorted. "I sincerely hope not. I can only handle the end of the world so many times." Naruto grinned and faced the door. As the eerie black hands grabbed him he said the last thing he could think to say to her. "Thank you." If he had stayed tangible for two more seconds he would have seen the smile that stretched across the Biju's face as she disappeared from his mind for the last time.

Naruto recognized the white realm when he rematerialized. "So here you are again." Truth's unmistakable voice sneered from behind him. Naruto turned and glared at the mostly faceless being. "Let's just get this over with." Truth chuckled and stepped aside. Naruto gasped at the girl behind him. The girl was a dead ringer for Airi, but she wasn't her. She wore blue Capri's, a white button up shirt and brown flip flops. Her hair was pulled into a high pony tail, and she had the same mark on her ankle that Victoria had on her arm. His eyes trained on the wicked looking scar stretching across the girl's neck. It stood out like a beacon. She smiled at him warmly. "My name is Ali. I have your memories. I'm glad you can finally have them back since I've been keeping them safe inside him for two years." (3) For the first time Naruto noticed the bright ball of light held in the girl's palm.

His eyes widened in awe as he reached his hand out to touch the glowing orb. At the last second though, he pulled his hand back. He was suddenly overcome with fear. He had been without his memories for so long. What would happen when he got them back? He felt stupid. How in the world was he going to help Lori and stop Victoria even if he did get them back? He was just an idiot who couldn't even save his best friend. Ali looked at him in concern. Truth laughed from his corner. Naruto stared at the ground and clenched his fist trying to drown out the annoying being. He looked up in surprise when Ali suddenly grabbed his hand. She smiled at him encouragingly and lifted his hand toward the light in her hand. "It'll be ok." She said. Naruto couldn't help but believe her and let her rest his hand on the light.

The sensation was like a waterfall flowing through his mind. He felt utterly calm as all the memories were returned to their rightful places. "My name is Uchiha Lorienn. Everyone calls me Lori though. I can't get in trouble again Tou-chan will get mad! Iruka sensei's the best teacher in the world! Give Sasuke a chance he'll come around. Stop scaring the squirrels with your kunai already. You hold it like this doofus. Hey Naruto, How long are you gonna lay there sleeping? I thought we had something good planned today! I'd trip you, run, then tell you to hurry up and run. Itachi was cracking up the whole time she was trying to explain too. You don't need flashy, you have a mouth. Anybody ever told you how dangerous it is when you actually think? You're really clumsy, you have the worst grades in class, you're hated by half this village for some unknown reason, and well…you're just you. I'm jealous of you. You can be yourself and it's so easy for you. We'll still be best friends for a long time. It's the promise of a lifetime. Believe it!"

Naruto frowned as he stumbled upon a darker memory. Lori had come back to the village when he was thirteen. She tried to warn him about Yore, but they ended up getting captured. He must've been unconscious the rest of the time because everything after that was black. Once the memories had been returned Naruto felt as if a weight had been lifted from him. He smiled at the girl and surprised her with a really tight hug. "Thank you." He said simply.

Of course that's when Kyuubi chose to butt in. "What the hell are you doing in Truth's realm you idiot of a vessel! Where the hell is Tallah?! I know she forced me to sleep! To hell with her being the bodyguard of the Bijuu! I'll skin her dragon hide alive!" Naruto sighed. "And hello headache." He stated. Truth cackled with glee. "You are a hoot, but you have served your purpose in this realm Shinobi. I suggest you leave before I start deducting." "Gladly." Naruto replied turning to exit the realm. Ali grabbed his arm abruptly surprising him. Her intense gaze drew Naruto's attention back to her scar. Did Victoria do that to her? "Be careful Naruto." She said. "Whether you like it or not, at the end of this journey all paths you have left to take will only end in blood." She let him go and he was pulled through the gate again before he could question her meaning.

When he came to, Naruto was surprised to find Airi shaking him. "Did you get them?" she questioned. Naruto grabbed her wrists and removed her hands from his shoulders. "Yes, but why are you shaking me?" Airi pointed towards the bridge. "We need to hurry up and help your sensei." Naruto looked up startled. "What's wrong with Kakashi?!" he asked alarmed. Airi pulled him up and started running. "Nothing, but Sasuke might decide to kill your pink haired friend if you don't hurry up!" Naruto moved faster than he ever remembered moving in his life. Thankfully he had just enough time to get Sakura safely out of the way before Sasuke stabbed her with his sword. A little cut from her Kunai on his cheek wouldn't hurt anything. (4)

(1) A reminder that the Northeast Gate is Elemental Gelade

(2) Northwest Gate is Blazeblue

(3) Madara is referencing to Alchemy here.

I am not recounting Naruto's whole fight with Sasuke. If you want to see it, Youtube Sasuke vs. Naruto at Kage Summit. Pretty sure they have it somewhere.

Is it bad that I find my version of the Sage of Six paths past less complicated than the actual version? Masashi Kishimoto is making my brain hurt.