Uchiha Sasuke ignored the collection of fools and fangirls pandering for his attention. His natural posture of quiet disdain was perfectly in place. However, inside the privacy of his mind he was recalling the past day. Sasuke had spent a good bit of time berating himself for allowing Naruto and Hinata to get under his skin. The day had not been going well prior to the encounter. He had approached the Hokage's Tower, as per his monthly routine, and sought information about Itachi's movements and the steps Konoha was taking to bring the monster to justice. Usually, the Third would at least give Sasuke a scrap of information and reiterate his stance that any and all Konoha ANBU had orders to eliminate Itachi as a threat in any way possible. Sasuke knew that while Konoha's ANBU were the best in the world; they still weren't on Itachi's level. Complete monster or no, Sasuke's traitor of a brother was still the finest ninja Konoha had ever produced.

He could have been Hokage. Sasuke lamented in his mind. Itachi could have been the one. My brother could have been the Uchiha to finally claim what should have been ours from the beginning.

This time, Hokage-sama had been unusually short tempered. Sarutobi had curtly told Sasuke that there were no new developments and that the standing orders had not changed. Then, the Hokage had called his secretary to dismiss Sasuke. His ill mood had not been helped by the Hyūga heiress running into him or Naruto's angry reply to Sasuke. Naruto had really gotten to him with his comment about Sasuke's failure to awaken his Sharingan. Normally, Sasuke would have ignored the loudmouth blond-haired idiot, but Sasuke had been so focused on Itachi that day. Naruto's words in defense of Hinata were simply another reminder of how far behind Sasuke was falling. Then, Hinata had forced Sasuke to recall the pressures of those precious days when the Uchiha still flourished. The two did not realize how deep their words had unintentionally cut him.

He still did not like his two classmates, but on some level, Sasuke could respect them. Of all the students in Sasuke's Academy class, Naruto and Hinata were the only ones who seemed to realize the harsh reality that awaited them after graduation. Sasuke would never apologize, but he would show that he harbored them no animosity.

I think I'll look into their training methods. Who knows, maybe they'll have something worth adopting?

"It is a rare day, when I initiate a conversation." Uchiha Itachi never diverted his attention from directly ahead.

"Heh, I guess it is," Kisame grunted. "But it's not every day you realize the belief you adopted to free yourself from a world of lies is revealed to be just another lie."

The two Akatsuki members walked in silence for several miles. "As Leader stated, truth comes from within. You must find your own truth, Kisame."

The shark-man looked into the distance. "I've lived in a world of lies for so long, that I don't really know if I can even recognize truth. Why should I believe Leader over Madara? Madara at least had a plan that possessed a concrete end goal. Now, we're aiming to 'reform' the Great Village system. Is that even possible?"

"It is possible." Itachi answered after another long pause. "Do you remember our first conversation, Kisame?"

"I remember. I talked about my nature and you talked about how you won't know what kind of person you are until the moment you die."

The renegade Uchiha turned and nodded at his partner. "We did. It is true we only discover our nature at the moment of our deaths, but our lives are the journey that leads to that discovery."

"Feeling talkative today, huh? Well, Itachi-san what other life changing advice to you have?"

Itachi resumed walking. "No. I merely will reiterate what Leader told us."

"That we make our own truth? I told you already; I've been submerged in a world of lies for so long I don't think I know what truth is." Kisame wasn't really speaking to Itachi in that moment.

"That is why creating your own truth is so vital." Itachi commented evenly.

The former Swordsman of the Mist could not respond. He could only watch Itachi advance with purpose and with conviction. Kisame only advanced in the vain hope that he would discover the truth he so desperately sought.

Hinata leaned back and dodged Naruto's somewhat clumsy drop kick. The Hyūga heiress knew that she had much better form than Naruto. However, her crush was a master at using the terrain to gain any possible advantage. Hinata was a martial artist. Her form was precise, measured and beautiful to behold. Naruto fought more like a ninja. His form was not as tight as it could be, but Naruto used the terrain better. The whiskered Academy student was also not afraid to fight dirty. That did not mean Naruto was using attacks that would hurt Hinata. If this had been a real battle and Hinata a real enemy, Naruto probably would have gone for several crippling blows by this point. Instead, he had discovered a far more insidious way to 'win' the spars.

Naruto had discovered that Hinata was ticklish.

After three such attacks, Hinata had given Naruto a stronger 'zap' on the hand.

"Two can play at that game." Hinata countered and stuck her tongue out at Naruto.

Naruto froze in place and took on a mask of mock outrage. "Hinata-sama! I cannot believe you would act in such an undignified manner. I… I dare say that this behavior is an attempt to have fun." The temporary mask slipped away and Naruto started laughing. Hinata started giggling in spite of herself.

"Well, Uzumaki-san, contrary to popular belief; the Hyūga have not officially banned having fun." Hinata responded as haughtily as she could. The attempt failed after a few seconds and her smug look was replaced by a happy grin.

"You should smile like that all the time." Naruto returned the smile. "But being serious for a bit... I think we found the right amount of zap to put into your Jūken. It's weak enough to not really hurt, but strong enough to where you definitely feel it."

"I have a spar with Hotaka-san later today. I… I think that will be a good match to try things out."

Naruto nodded and flopped down. "Neh, Hinata-chan. I've got a question about your clan. Don't worry; I'm not going to ask for any secret techniques or anything."

"What is it, Naruto-kun?"

"I've heard you talk about 'Main Family' and 'Branch Family' a lot. Aren't clans supposed to be one big family?" Naruto asked.

Hinata frowned and looked away. Naruto started sputtering apologizes, but Hinata silenced him by sitting next to him. "The Hyūga are very protective of our bloodline. We have divided the clan into two 'branches'. The Main branch guides the Hyūga and the Branch protects the Clan."

"It doesn't sound like you really believe or agree with all that." Naruto watched as Hinata chewed her lip.

"The Branch members are all sealed. The Main family can activate the seal to inflict great pain on Branch members. The seal also destroys the Byakugan at death to prevent anyone from learning our secrets." Hinata continued, but couldn't look Naruto in the eye. She was simply reciting what she had been taught. After finishing she paused for a long time. Hinata gasped as she felt a sudden pressure on her shoulder.

"Hinata-chan, I promise that I won't tell anyone your clan's or your secrets. I promise that you can trust me." Naruto assured Hinata.

"I h…hate it. Th…the Main Branch… we… we enslave our own family. Why?" The heiress wanted to shout about the injustices she witnessed every day, but faltered. Instead, it was a whisper.

"You'll end it. Hinata-chan, you'll free your family. And you know what, I'll help you." Naruto swore.

"T…thank you, Naruto-kun. I… I should get back to the Compound." Hinata tried to compose herself. She rose to her feet.

"Show them how awesome you are, Hinata-chan." Naruto beamed.

"I will… for both of us." The Hyūga heiress then acted on impulse. She hugged Naruto. It was a quick and light hug. For Hinata, it was an incredibly bold act. For Naruto, it was confirmation. Hinata broke the hug and was bright red. Naruto, for the first time, nearly matched Hinata's hue.

"See you tomorrow, Hinata-chan." Naruto knew he had to speak with Yamato about this.

I defied time itself for her. I'd do it again without hesitation.

Namikaze was leading Haku and Zabuza to the rendezvous point Pain had arranged. It felt good to have Zabuza and Haku on the right side. Namikaze couldn't help but feel confident that the horror he experienced before Nagato, Yamato and the Great Old Geezer sent him back would never happen. Namikaze's personal tragedies would not be the only tragedies prevented. Deidara would never be able to take out Gaara. He would be safe. The Jinchūriki smiled as he realized that he and Gaara weren't the only Jinchūriki the new Akatsuki would save; Utakata, and the others would be safe as well.

I'm excited that I'll get the chance to meet them. Maybe I can convince them to join us? We Jinchūriki know the value of bonds better than anyone because they are so rare and precious to us.

"What was it like, Namikaze-san?" Haku broke the silence with his question.

"It can be a lot of things, Haku. What do you want to know?" Namikaze responded to the vague question.

"What was it like to travel through time? What is it like to have a second chance?" The last Ice Release wielder asked.

"Strangely, I didn't feel it work at all. One minute, I'm in the future and the next, I'm in the past. But having a second chance… I'm thankful for it. I'm going to make sure that everyone who deserves a second chance gets one. That's why I sought you and Zabuza out. You both deserve one." The Sage responded.

"I thank you for your faith in Zabuza-sama and myself." Haku smiled as he leapt to another branch.

"Namikaze, I need to know what we are walking into." Zabuza interrupted.

The time-traveler stopped on a large branch and gathered Nature Chakra. A moment later, he had re-entered Sage Mode and activated Hinata's Byakugan. "The area is clear. It looks like we've arrived ahead of Nagato-nii-san's agents."

"Can we trust these guys?" Zabuza could not accept Namikaze as quickly as Haku had.

Namikaze turned to the Demon of the Hidden Mist and smiled. "Nagato-nii-san assured me that the two agents he is sending to meet with us are against Madara."

The trio waited in silence for the Akatsuki representatives to arrive. Momochi Zabuza was still unsure why he decided to follow Namikaze. The boy had undeniable charisma and knew exactly what to say to draw Zabuza in. Strangely, Haku had quickly and completely bought into Namikaze and Pain's vision of the future. Zabuza focused on how at peace Namikaze seemed. How could a man preaching revolution, a revolution that would undoubtedly become violent, have such inner peace?

Conviction. Namikaze and Pain are utterly convinced they know the path the world should take. I can admire them for that. I just don't know if I can trust them.

Momochi simply observed the mysterious Namikaze for a time. The younger man meditated with his Byakugan and his strange 'Sage' mode active. It was near impossible to get a read on Namikaze. There was only one thing for certain. No one had ever had a more accurate name. Namikaze was certainly going to cause waves with his actions.

This man is going to change the world.

"Our contacts are here." Namikaze opened his eyes and stood up. Haku nodded and Zabuza grunted. The Executioner's Blade immediately found its way to Zabuza's hands.

"YOU!" The Demon of the Hidden Mist roared at the approaching Akatsuki members.

"Would you look at this? I never expected to see you again, Zabuza." The Monster of the Hidden Mist replied with a toothy grin.

"Kisame, you bastard, how could you sell us out to the Mizukage like that? Yagura was going to destroy Kirigakure!" Zabuza did not lower his voice or his blade.

"I was loyal to my oaths." Kisame shot back.

Zabuza prepared to lash out. "And I was loyal to Kirigakure itself!"

Kisame readied Samehada. The two former Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist were coiled and prepared to strike when the second Akatsuki member stepped between them.

"We are not enemies. Our sole enemy is Uchiha Madara." The words seemed to calm Kisame. The Demon of the Hidden Mist was about to snap off a reply when he saw the quiet man's eyes.

The eyes were cold. They were the eyes of a man who had killed without emotion and would do so again.

"Who are you kid?" Momochi needed to know this man's name.

The Akatsuki member closed his eyes. Instinctively, Zabuza entered a defensive stance when the eyes opened. In the place of the black void was the legendary Sharingan. "Uchiha Itachi."

Naruto had walked Hinata halfway back to her compound. He didn't want his reputation as Konoha's social pariah to get Hinata in trouble. So far, Naruto's new friendship with Hinata was the only good thing to come from Namikaze's arrival. Everything else was so confusing or earth-shattering that Naruto could barely comprehend them.

"I need to talk to Yamato." Naruto sighed as he headed towards Ichiraku. Teuchi greeted Naruto as warmly as ever and the two talked about how Naruto was doing in the Academy. The Ichiraku Ramen Stand was a comfort for Naruto. There was no time-travel, no troubles with the Academy, no rivalry with Sasuke or confusing thoughts about Hinata and the path of Naruto's life. Here, Naruto was simply Naruto.

I need to bring Hinata-chan here soon. Naruto thought as he finished his bowl.

"Awesome as always, Old Man Teuchi!" Naruto shouted as he paid.

"Thank you Naruto! I'll see you tomorrow!" Teuchi responded as Naruto took off.

Naruto was feeling much better following the meal and his casual talk with Teuchi. As he slipped back into a state of comfortably enforced ignorance, he slowed down.

"Okay, when I get home, I need to practice with my shuriken, chakra control, water my plants…" Naruto started listing off everything he needed to do at home. I love the Shadow Clone technique! The happy thought was interrupted when Naruto ran into something.

"This seriously has to stop." Naruto instantly recognized Sasuke's voice.

"Then maybe you should quit stalking me." The Jinchūriki shot back.

Sasuke glared back at Naruto for a moment before scoffing and changing his expression. "You've changed."

"Huh?" Naruto asked dumbly.

"You've changed. Naruto, you are still dead last but something's off. I haven't seen you shooting off your mouth quite as much. And that's before you decided to use Hinata as a fall back girl." Sasuke listed off the changes he noticed in Naruto. It was apparent that the self-assuredness in Sasuke's voice had been toned down. The Last Loyal Uchiha was trying his hardest not to sound condescending.

Unfortunately, he failed in his attempt. "Two things. First and most important, I may not know what a 'fall back girl' is, but I won't let you talk about Hinata-chan that way. Second, I actually realize how dangerous the world out there is."

Sasuke smirked at Naruto's declaration. It was good to see that someone got it. "Looks like you actually like Hinata. Never thought you'd notice."

"Yeah…" Naruto started thinking and realized that, yes; he was starting to like Hinata. Heck, he'd like Hinata even if she wasn't the woman in the future who declared her love for him and defended him against a powerful enemy.

"What kind of training have you been doing?" The Uchiha decided to speak as Naruto's wistful look was making him uncomfortable.

"Oh." Naruto snapped out of his reverie. "Mostly chakra control. If I had better chakra control, I'd probably be a full Genin by now."

Sasuke nodded. It irked him to admit, but Naruto was right. The only reason Naruto was 'dead last' is because he completely zoned out during the academic portions of the Academy. "The exercises the Academy taught haven't helped you much."

"Well, according to Iruka and some other teachers I've had..." Naruto wasn't about to reveal Yamato or Namikaze to Sasuke. "I have a ton of chakra. So, I need more hardcore exercises."

"What kind of exercises?" Sasuke was intrigued in spite of himself.

A wave of triumph washed over Naruto. Today was great. Earlier, he had helped Hinata save her position in her clan. Now, Naruto not only forced Sasuke to acknowledge him but had actually surpassed him n something. "I'll show you, but you'll have to teach me something in exchange."

"What do you want to know?" Sasuke was willing to deal with Naruto. Anything to advance one step closer to Itachi.

"You have to teach me that shuriken trick you pull." The whiskered Academy student bargained with the Uchiha.

Sasuke doubted Naruto realized he was giving something far more valuable in exchange for simple advice on throwing Shuriken. However, Sasuke thought about the kind of person Naruto was. The loudmouth was always in a good mood and offering to help his classmates. He had an effect on people. Naruto's enthusiasm either drove people, like Sakura or Ami, away or drew people, like Hinata, to him. Sasuke viewed him as a curiosity. It would be enlightening to see where Sasuke's opinion of the loudmouth eventually fell.

"I guess we have a deal then."

"As Itachi-sempai said, our enemy is Uchiha Madara. He was the one manipulating the Fourth Mizukage. Madara is also behind many other injustices." Namikaze spoke in support of Itachi. "Madara exists to maintain the cycle of hate. "

"Wait, I recognize that name now. Are you trying to tell us that our enemy is the man who fought the Shodai Hokage at the Valley of The End? That's impossible. He'd be over a century old." Zabuza was now convinced Namikaze was crazy.

"Madara's survival is not impossible. I have… encountered him personally." Itachi sought to allay the Demon of the Mist's doubts.

Kisame took a step forward. "Itachi isn't the only the one to have encountered Madara. I have. It was Madara who convinced me to abandon Kirigakure."

"Then Madara was behind the Bloodline purges." Haku's tone was melancholy as he looked away. The last Yuki had never experienced hate in his life. He had experienced pain and betrayal, but never hate. The sudden swell of hate within Haku was a completely alien feeling. The only clue to his anger was a slight clinch in his jaw. "This man is responsible for creating all of us. I can see it etched into our eyes. I do not know what Uchiha Madara did to you all, but I know it created a well of pain. We have to stop Madara. He has to die."

"It is painful, but Haku is right. I seek to break the Chains of Hatred, but as long as Madara lives, there can never be peace. Madara may be the only creature in all of existence beyond saving." Namikaze admitted with a heavy heart.

"So, when do we strike at Madara?" Zabuza was still skeptical about the truth of Namikaze, Kisame and the Uchiha's claims. However, if it was true, Madara would have to be destroyed before a new Kirigakure could be created.

"The time is coming, but there are elements in Akatsuki that must be dealt with before we can strike at Madara. I am going to seek out more allies. Itachi and Kisame will be your contacts with Pain's faction." Namikaze commanded the assembled rogue shinobi.

"The sooner the better." Zabuza sneered. Namikaze chose to ignore Momochi's tone. He nodded once to Haku, Itachi and Kisame before disappearing into the forest.

Kisame and Zabuza glared at each other for a while. The former Swordsmen of the Mist placed the blame for the collapse of that proud fraternity at the other's feet.

"Until we are ready to strike at Madara, you two will have to maintain hidden. My clan possessed several hidden strongholds from before the founding of the Shinobi villages. You will remain there." Itachi spoke decisively and prevented the two former Mist

Haku looked to Zabuza who only shrugged his shoulders. At least they wouldn't have to worry about Hunter-nins.

The Hyūga tutors were always harsh with Hinata. As the heiress, the old men held her to a much higher standard. They bemoaned her lack of aggression and precision. The only area they could not fault Hinata in was her agility. Hinata was a talented defensive fighter.

Unfortunately, the Jūken was not a defensive style. It was an unrelenting style. Hinata was far too hesitant to ever truly master the style.

Thus, her current performance was an out-of-context problem. Hinata was not only attacking, but attacking aggressively. She was using her natural agility to probe Hotaka's defenses. Hinata did not hesitate to land several decisive blows.

Hijame rose to his feet. "The match has concluded. Hinata-sama is the victor." The aging tutor said evenly. He dismissed both combatants. After waiting several moments, he exited the dojo. Hijame came to a halt outside of Hiashi's office.

"Enter." The cold voice of the Hyūga Clan Head ordered. Hijame obeyed and bowed to his clan's leader.

"Hiashi-sama, there has been a… development with your eldest." Hijame reported while avoiding calling Hinata Hiashi's heir. The clan head had not stripped Hinata of her birthright, but Hinata's position was perilous.

"I do not wish to hear of her latest failure." Hiashi continued with his paperwork. His voice clearly demonstrated his lack of interest in Hinata.

"My lord, Hinata defeated Hotaka today." Hijame kept his voice even. It was difficult to keep the surprise out of his voice.

"Hinata has not emerged victorious in a spar in several months. This… victory is likely a fluke. However, I will be informed of the results of her next spars." Hiashi finally made eye contact with Hinata's Jūken instructor.

Hijame bowed. "As you wish, Hiashi-sama." Hiashi dismissed the tutor.

I wonder if she will cease to be an embarrassment. Hiashi thought idly. This situation demanded careful observation.

Naruto unlocked his door and strolled triumphantly into his apartment. Today was going very well. He hadn't felt this confident in weeks. Naruto knew he would feel even better after a conversation with Yamato. The boy entered his kitchen and started to prepare his dinner.

"How am I supposed to contact Yamato? It's not like I can simply say his name three times and he'll appear." Naruto mumbled to himself.

"It's actually four times." Naruto jumped at Yamato's voice. He spat out a curse and turned to face the ANBU.

"What the heck was that?" The boy sputtered.

"You said earlier you needed to speak with me. I overheard you while I was on my patrol." Yamato took a seat.

Naruto shrugged. I really shouldn't be surprised. He's ANBU. "Okay. I, uh, need to ask you about some things."

"Let me guess, Hinata?" The ANBU asked with a smile.

The boy blushed furiously. "Yeah… I came back because she…" Naruto remembered the nightmare from the night Namikaze arrived and shuddered.

"Is your attraction to Hinata your own, or is it Namikaze's?" Yamato questioned Naruto. He wanted Naruto to have his own life. The merging process concerned the once and future ANBU captain.

"Both." Naruto said before tearing into his instant ramen. "She's the kindest person I've ever met. I can tell that Hinata-chan respects me as a person. She's also got this determination I've… I've never seen in anyone before. So, yeah, I like her. Then again, I can feel Namikaze's love for her. His is a bit different. It's… sad and… I can't think of the word. You know that feeling when you hold something up and can't imagine it being flawed?"

"Namikaze has an idealized memory of Hinata." Yamato provided the word Naruto was looking for. I cannot blame Namikaze. That moment was so traumatic.

"I've got another question…" Naruto trailed off has he stirred his ramen.

Yamato smiled in an attempt to reassure Naruto. "Ask away, Naruto."

"In the future, before things went south, did I have more friends than just Hinata-chan?" The boy asked hopefully.

"You had many friends, Naruto. In time, you will become a famous and respected ninja." Tenzō assured Naruto.

"Awesome!" Naruto pumped his fist. "Do you want some Ramen?"

The ANBU chuckled. Uzumaki Naruto, never change. "Thank you."

Naruto got up and pulled a few cups of instant ramen from his cabinet. "I know ANBU missions are secret and all, but can you tell me about some of your missions?"

Yamato grinned. "I can't tell you much, but I think I can share a few stories. There was this one A-rank mission to the Land of Tea…"

Author's Notes: Sorry for the delay. I recently had Exams and the like. I hope you enjoy the chapter. I would also like to thank Chewie Cookies for beta'ing this chapter.

Please continue the beyond awesome review response!