Chapter 18: The end of the beginning

Naruto stood still looking at Sasuke they both were silenced clashing could be heard in the background. Sakura, Arashi, Jiraiya and Sai were fighting. Arashi had been fighting Karin and Jiraiya was fighting Juugo Sakura and Sai were fighting the one whom had taken Zabuza's sword.

Naruto stood still he had so much regret in him at that moment, so much hurt. He didn't want to fight Sasuke even though deep down in the pits of his soul he wanted to fight the Uchiha and Sasuke the same. But all Sasuke wanted out of this was to gain the Mangekyo Sharingan nothing more, killing Naruto in his mind would be easy. Thoughts of him and Naruto as kids ran threw his mind, how the blonde was always a screw up and had to try extra hard at every thing he did. While Sasuke could easily do it, and about 70 times better. They stood still glaring each other down, Sasuke had grown such as Naruto they were close to height, but not very much he was still an inch or two taller then the blonde.

Sasuke then made the first move, instantly started to make hand signs faster then Naruto could see, the only thing the blonde did was stand there and watch, waiting for what the raven haired teen was going to do. Then instantly he was gone, he used a type of body flicker, and there was another Sasuke next to him, but the blonde could sense something that wasn't right. As the Uchiha to his right made a jab at Naruto he didn't move instead he caught the hand and then wrist of Sasuke who appeared on his left.

"You saw threw it" Said Sasuke mildly surprised. Normally if it had been the 12 year old Naruto, Sasuke had been fighting, Naruto would have made a move to the 'fake' Sasuke while the other one struck for a kill.

"That was to easy. Im kind of disappointed Sasuke that was lame even for you..." Said Naruto as Sasuke then struck down the blonde in the shoulder, blood could be seen and a cough could be heard. But then just as that happened Sasuke heard something in the back ground and the Naruto in front of him disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"Rasengan!!" Yelled Naruto as he thrust the spiralling ball into the Uchiha's back. But he didn't hit anything. The raven haired teen once again used body flicker.

"..." Naruto stayed silent as he looked all around for the Uchiha boy. He needed to keep him in one spot, he needed him to not move. Then he was grabbed by the back of his hair and thrown forward on the ground.

"Face it you loser, you will never beat me. You should have spent more time training to become Hokage then to worry about me" Said Sasuke, he was now fully in his horrid demon like form wings spread out looking down upon Naruto.

"Sasuke...would you let someone who couldn't even save one friend really become a Hokage?"

"If you trained more, you may have been able to save me. But wasting your time such as you did...will get you no were"

"Don't under estimate me, I haven't been wasting my time. I've been training for the last 5 years to get to this day. And I promise I won't let you down yet" Said Naruto as he instantly shot his leg up causing the Uchiha to jump off the blonde and to stand 5 feet away from each other again. But this time Sasuke wasn't the

Sakura had been dodging every attack, she couldn't get a chance to attack, Sai was having an equally harder time, as he tried to attack the Suigetsu but he would instantly dodge it and send two attacks to the teens. As they fought Sakura was able to get a glance over to Naruto, she knew that she shouldn't worry. But that was who she was no matter how much he wanted to change it, she had always worried for the two and she was still worrying to this day. She watched out of the corner of her eye as they swung at each other, yet they weren't using there major attacks as if to wait for something, some significant time to use there most deadly attacks. They were stalling, but why? Then she was caught back into the real world when Naruto's voice ran threw the air.

"SAKURA!" Yelled Naruto instantly causing her to duck just in time from a swing from the sword.

"Naruto, NOT NOW!" Yelled the pink haired girl.

"Yeah...not now 'Naruto' Pinkie is a bit busy right now aren't you?" Smiled the shark toothed freak.

"Where the hell is Kakashi!" Yelled Naruto causing almost every one on the team to instantly stop dead.

They all sneaked glances towards each other, Arashi, The pervert, Naruto, Sakura, Sai. They all suddenly realized he wasn't there any more.

"Damn it...where did he go" Muttered Arashi "This isn't like him to just leave..."

"He probably saw something...an enemy ninja" Said the pervert.

"That had better be it" Said Arashi as he threw about a dozen kunai at the man named Juugo. As he said, who was fully transformed and looked much like Sasuke with his horrid appearance.

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other full of worry, hate, warning, freedom, and envy. They had gone off, this had been Sasuke plan to isolate every one from Naruto. So he wouldn't have two or three people trying to attack him at once, this fight was meant to be just between Naruto and him no one else. Not even Sakura. Sasuke looked at Naruto, he knew the blonde idiot improved but he wondered how much had he really improved. This was the time to test it out, that's another reason why he lead the blonde this far so they could battle in an area in which he knew Naruto would be willing to use his hidden attack to its fullest without worrying about the others.
Sasuke then pulled out his long sword and pointed it at the blonde, he knew Naruto was never fully great at the whole sword and large weapons things. So instantly he thought that this would be the blondes downfall and Sasuke's advantage. But unknown to Sasuke Naruto needed no weapon to fight with except kunai and his techniques. But because of his clouded mind he'd forgotten about the four 'special' kunai in his pouch along side the other 27.

So as Sasuke swung his sword down towards Naruto's shoulder it was reflected by about 5 or 6 Kunai. But unfortunately for Naruto it just cut straight down the side of his arm as he tried to dodge it as he moved to the right. Naruto then held his bloody arm trying to regain some movement in it. It had hurt like hell, he knew something was in the tip of the blade it wouldn't surprise him if there were a poison in it. He wouldn't put it past Sasuke, or the damned Snake that was in his own dimension trapped for all eternity till Sasuke's soul became weak.

"Hurts doesn't it, you get hit ten more times like that. Your going to die" said Sasuke.

"Well Sasuke, you better strike the other nine now. Because if not your not going to get those nine strikes in after this next attack" Said Naruto as two shadow clones appeared and started to whirl something into the palm of his right hand.

"Heh...I've been waiting to see this" Said Sasuke.

As his sword started to shake with small blue lightning blots over and over, it got slowly larger and started to run towards the blonde till he threw the rest of his Kunai at Sasuke. and at that moment he started to hit them away till a blonde flash appeared in front of his eyes and a startled blue eyed man appeared before him and was struck with the sword.
Everything went silent. Nothing moved for a few moments, Sasuke's eyes widened as blood spattered on his clothes and his face, he could feel something jabbing in his side, but there stood Naruto his great ball of Chakra now gone looking in shock at the blonde man who was now smiling like a mad man as he pushed the Kunai in the Uchiha boy. Naruto couldn't believe it, The blonde appeared out of thin air, he thought he made sure there were none of those Kunai in his pouch. He had made sure of it, he told him self that under his breath. Then instantly Sasuke's sword drew out of the blonde mans chest, and backed away, he wasn't sure what just happened he'd thought he'd struck Naruto till he saw the blonde teen still in the same spot. Then he thought it was a shadow clone. But this time the blonde didn't disappear this was actually the Fourth.

"...H-Hokage..." Muttered Naruto as he looked stunned at the blonde who staggered backwards and coughed some blood up.

"Heh...damn, maybe it wasn't a good idea to sneak those Kunai in your pouch...but then again I could have just saved your life huh?" Laughed the blonde as he coughed up more blood and slowly collapsed to the ground. Sasuke stood back looking shocked a face Naruto hadn't seen in years a face he was sure Sasuke had probably forgotten. Naruto then ran towards the blonde Hokage and caught him before he hit the ground.

"W-what were you thinking!!" Said Naruto as he looked at the Hokage who now lay in his arms completely wounded.

"I wasn't...ha-ha, Kakashi had thrown a few around at enemies so I could attack them, and you unfortunately threw them around the same time..." Coughed the Hokage.

"Don't talk I'll get Sakura to help you..." Said Naruto.

"No...there's nothing she would be able to do right now" Smiled the blonde.

"Don't say that! she's a great medical ninja...she could"

"Naruto, listen...I know my body better then anyone else...and by the time she got here she wouldn't be able to do anything..."

"But..."

"Listen...don't give me that I feel guilty look, you knew that one day this would happen. This is the way of the ninja. You have to remember that. Ninja go to battle and die...sometimes even when they don't want to go yet. But that's the way of our life...that's why we become ninja to protect those who we hold close to us. And I'm glad that I could have protected you even for just a brief moment." Smiled the blonde as his breath became slower and almost soundless. Silent tears fell down the blondes face as he looked to the elder blonde in his hands.

"But, what if I don't want you to die yet...we all promised to come back no matter what...remember, and you promised you'd tell me more about my family."

"Heh...I did, didn't I? heh...if you look in my library at my house you'll find everything you need, just remember Naruto, no matter what people tell you. Never give up on your dream...no matter how many people tell you, you can't. Just try to find ways to prove them wrong...and promise me you'll become Hokage, or else I'll kick your ass when you die."

"..."

"Naruto, please...I had a chance at life twice something that no one should ever have. something that goes against nature. I used to regret coming back, when so many others would have been more worthy then me to come back"

"Worthy? what the hell are you talking about?!"

"But...I am glad I did come back Naruto, because I got to meet you. It's ironic isn't it...you were the last face I saw when I died almost 17 years ago and again you will be the last face I see again."

"It's because of me...both times if it weren't for me and that damned..."

"Naruto, didn't I tell you to shut up about that, it was never your fault not even this time"

"But"

"Naruto...I am glad I met you...I truly am, no matter how much you may think that you caused my death...just remember you didn't. Don't let your heart get clouded by hate, and regret like his...did. Let yours stay pure and kind...because that's who you are...you are no one else but your self...I want you to remember that Naruto Uzumaki...I will regret not seeing the out come of this all...but I put all my faith into you..." Said Arashi as his eyes finally closed, and his heart finally stopped.

Naruto sat there, hidden tears fell down his face as his trembling hands slowly slid there way away from under the Hokage and gently put his head on the ground and stood up. His eyes were now blood red, his nails upon his hands grew immensely. Sasuke finally looked up from his own little word to see Naruto forming the great ball of chakra in his hands once again. Sasuke then knew Naruto finally was starting to get serious, he'd never seen this look in his eyes before, full of rage and hate. In fact just by looking at the blonde deep, deep, WAY...deep down it scared the heck out of him the way the blonde looked at him. Then he started to form his own Chidori in his sword, once both techniques were done, they looked at each other for a brief moment before they started to charge at each other.

Blood spattered more then once that day, Once from Naruto, again from the Hokage and more then a few times from the rest of the old rookie nine, and along with the adults. But the sad thing was the realization that two friends fought to the brink of death to prove a point. One to show that there would always be a bound between them while the other, wanted to gain something horrid in a quick and easy way, even if it were to kill a friend.
Naruto stood still an arm clung to the back of Sasuke with a hand piercing threw his chest, while Sasuke's arm was clung around the blondes shoulder and his sword struck threw the blonde and was forced upwards breaking more then just bone. And they stayed like that for a whole two seconds which seemed like an eternity for them a small smile was played across both faces, that was until a huge BAMG was heard and the two were blown apart.

"haa hehehe..." Panted Sakura and Sai as they held various parts of there bodies, and Suigetsu before them stood standing still. That was until the ground shook and all heads were to turn to were Naruto and Sasuke had been fighting. Sakura had forgotten about the fight when she saw a speck of Orange fly threw the air and ram into Suigetsu causing them to fall down, blood was seen every were and the man whom had been the one to end the two teens life now lay dead as Naruto has at the last minute thrust of his Rasengan into his head instantly killing him. But the thing was it wasn't meant for him. Naruto had thought it had been Sasuke, while Sasuke rammed into the female, who lay almost dead. But now was completely gone for Sasuke had struck his sword down upon her. The two boys then got up, both coughing blood. looked at each other, barley being able to stand still. Both vision was becoming blurry, but Naruto shook his head over and over again to regain his vision while Sasuke was doing the same.

"Heh...some Attack you got"

"Heh...jealous now Sasuke? I guess all that training you've been doing was actually useless wasn't it? I barley felt your sword go threw me" Said Naruto as he now stood only in a pair of ripped pants and a netted shirt. While Sasuke was the same, but wore no shirt and his weirdly long black gloves.

"I won't lose to you, you loser!" Yelled Sasuke as he ran towards the blonde, both out of Chakra and energy.

"I will not loose to the likes of you! I WILL NOT LOOSE TO YOU! I WILL KEEP MY PROMISE TO THE FOURTH! AND BECOME HOKAGE!" Yelled Naruto as he ran towards the raven haired teen.

They both hit each other square in side of the face they both stood still and then flew ten feet away from each other laying still on the ground. Neither of them seemed to move. The battle was over, leaf had won. there was no doubt about it. But Sakura silently walked over to Naruto scared, petrified to discover something she'd never want to imagine. As she silently bent down along side the blonde and started to pump chakra into him, she could only seal his wound half way, and she got Sai to bandage him up. she then looked across to see Sasuke being picked up by the old Sannin and a few ANBU members, one was slowly healing him enough to get back to the village. He was completely knocked out. Then something instantly caught her attention Naruto started to move. He slowly sat up, while Sakura's hand was firmly on his chest. But he shoved her away, she knew she wouldn't be able to stop him, he then stood up and started to walk toward the dead Suigetsu and picked up Zabuza's sword and looked towards the field where they left the fourth. He just stared. Kakashi then came over and took the sword from the blonde knowing it probably took all his strength to lift it. Blood was seeping threw the bandages but he didn't care, and then left Kakashi and walked towards where the fourth was. The Hermit noticed Naruto walking over to a certain spot, Kakashi then noticed to along with Sakura and Sai. Sakura could only stare as Naruto knelt down to the fourth, Kakashi and Jiraiya standing behind looking at the ground. Sakura may not know what happened. But she knew at that moment that nothing about Naruto would be the same again. She knew from just looking that the fourth Hokage was dead.

Two Weeks Later

When they had gotten back to the village, the news hit the whole village and the surrounding villages in half a heart beat. The next day a funeral would be held for the fourth. Out of the eleven ninjas who had gone only one had died. Some would say that was good, while others would look down upon them. Naruto had been bandaged up badly, along with a few other of the ninja. Sasuke was being held under the ANBU protective arrest probably for the next few years. Without any news from the out side world. So the funeral went on, Naruto had to watch it from the hospital room, he would have loved to be there but the Hokage refused, he could barley sit up in his bed. There had been many people who came to the funeral. Such as the feudal lords, the Kazekage and many other Kages who allied with leaf. It hadn't rained that day, there wasn't a surprise there, the fourth never did cry or feel bad, so it suited the day, to be happy. As if the fourth were looking down upon them with a smile.

After the funeral people went on to being them selves, back to going around and being who they were. But there was one ninja who would never go back to being the same. There sat Naruto, he was sitting not at the Raman stand but at the 3rd training ground he wasn't sat by the posts or on them instead he sat in a tree off in the distance watching 12-13 year olds practice, it made him smile to see them so full of energy and life, he had still been in bandages all across his body, except for his head, but from his neck down he was completely white. He'd hadn't been himself for the last two weeks. The day after the fourth was buried he'd heard the worst news a ninja could ever hear. One that would forever change his life, and not for the good.

Sakura sat across from Sasuke, her eyes were lowered she was told to come in and do a medical check up, every other ninja who tried to go near him, were to frightened. She was the only one who wasn't and the fifth was to busy with paper work. And drinking sake after hearing the news about the fourth. So she sat there waiting for his permission for her to continue, he'd already tried to hit her. So she sat looking at the ground, when she was younger she'd have no problem looking at the Uchiha, she wasn't scared of him, no she was mad. She was mad at the Fourth, Kakashi, the Fifth...and Sasuke, but mostly furious at Naruto. That's one reason why she didn't gaze him, because if she were to look him in the eyes, she knew she'd have him knocked out by now, she just wanted to unleash all her anger on someone. Even though it wasn't her business she was mad. Mad at Kakashi for teaching Naruto that horrid technique, mad at the fourth for trying to create it. Mad at Naruto for actually learning it and inflicting that much damage upon him. But she was just rigid at Sasuke, because Naruto had learned that technique to bring him back, fully knowing that he'd give up his life as a ninja forever. And not caring, all he wanted was to see her smile 'right' again.

"Are you going to sit there all day, or what" Said Sasuke suddenly. She hadn't jumped like she normally would have, no she stayed silent till she finally looked up and stared into his eyes. They were full of emotion, mostly hatred could be seen in them. Sasuke looked at her, he could tell there was something wrong, even if he asked. Like he ever actually would. she wouldn't have told him, she wasn't allowed. She had sworn not to tell him anything till he was released it may have been cruel but that's how it was. There was nothing he could do anyways.

"How have you been feeling? Are they treating you alright?" Asked Sakura as she opened her medical bag, and pulled various things out, such as needles and bandages along with something in a small nicely carved wooden case.

"Fine except that im stuck down here, without any information from anyone. They torture me every day try to brain wash me" Said Sasuke sarcastically as he rolled his eyes and looked at her. She just sighed and took the cap off the needle and headed towards him. He then jumped up, but his chains caused him to fall on the floor, and move as fast as he could without chakra away from her. Sakura gave him a sceptical look till she gave a low sigh and continued to walk towards him.

"Sasuke...I wouldn't hurt you, all that's in this is medication. That's all, it wouldn't hurt you in anyway it will just make you feel better." Said Sakura as she knelt down a little ways from him.

"...You take it" Said Sasuke, he never did trust needles after the damned snake Sannin.

"Sasuke...what did he do to you, fine if that will make you take it. I haven't had the needle yet so I will take it now to show you it won't kill you" Said Sakura as she pulled off her white doctors coat and lay it on the ground, and then take off her cloth that covered her elbows and tie an elastic band around her arm, wait for a minute then slowly put the needle in her arm. It only lasted a few seconds till she was done, and covered the spot with gozz and a piece of tape. And walk over to her medical bag and get the other needle. Sasuke watched her as she pulled out the needle with the same liquid and same name upon the side and walk over to him an kneel down.

"..."

"Sasuke let me give you this, it will make you feel better, it'll help rebuild all those chakra threads that were cut in your body...well some of them anyways, I'll have to try to connect some." Said Sakura. and at that instinct he stuck out his arm and looked away, she then did the same procedure she'd done to her self to him.

"How did the chakra in my cells get cut off" Said Sasuke in an instinct.

"...That Jutsu Naruto learned, is made for that exact purpose...it'll cut all the threads in your body unable-ling to get them attached again." Said Sakura as she pulled the needle out and place the cap on it and put it away.

"Then"

"Don't hold it against him Sasuke...Naruto spared you, he wanted you to have a life of your own...to keep on being a ninja...even though...well your ok aren't you? no cuts, scratches???" Asked Sakura quickly changing the subject.

"He didn't use it to his fullest" said Sasuke as he glared at her.

"No...he did, but he took about 75 of the damage" Said Sakura.

"What about..."

"Im not allowed to say anymore...I will be back next week or next month to give you another check up, that's for you" said Sakura as she left the small brown beautifully cut box on the table, and walked out of the cell. Leaving him for the ANBU.

Sasuke then watched at the pink haired girl leave, he'd stayed on the floor for a good 2 hours before he got up and silently walked over to the table and look down at the box. it was sealed, it was left to him, his name was engraved on it. He then tore the seal away and opened the box to find his head protector. His eyes widened for a moment, he knew it was from Naruto, there was a small slip of paper, two actually one said.

One free bowl of Raman at (Naruto's favourite Place)

While the Other Said:

For when you decide to become a leaf member of leaf once again. And the ticket is for when you get hungry. Because I won't be able to buy you a bowl when you get out.

Naruto

Sasuke looked at the note for a minute thinking he was cheep, until it dawned on him...was Naruto planning on leaving the village?

Four Weeks Later
Naruto stood in front of the Hokage it had been 4 weeks now, his body and soul was now almost fully healed. He still had a few bandages on his arms. He stood there looking at the Hokage for a long time, she knew what he wanted. She knew for a fact it probably wasn't the smartest idea he ever had but it was one he wanted to do with or without her help.

"What is it Naruto"

"Can they leave" Said Naruto as he looked at Shizune and Sakura and a ANBU member along with the old hermit.

"But..." Started Shizune before the Hokage nodded her head and they left. He knew they wouldn't listen in so he began to speak.

"Lord Hokage"

"That's a first..." Smiled the Hokage as she looked at Naruto.

"I want to leave Konoha for a while" Stated Naruto as he gazed directly at her.

"WHAT! Naruto is that a joke?"

"No"

"How long is a while, you know that Akatsuki is after you"

"I don't know how long...and im aware of that...I can take care of my self"

"Naruto...what if I were to say no"

"Then I wouldn't listen"

"Naruto...this is not a laughing matter, if you were to leave without my permission then i would have to class you as an S class enemy ninja." Stated the fifth.

"S class huh? What would be the point of that anyways. It's not like I can actually attack the village, I can't do normal ninja techniques anymore." Smiled Naruto.

"Naruto..."

"There's nothing left for me right now, here in Konoha...there's nothing you can do for me any more...and you know it"

"There are other ways to live then to be a ninja"

"That's a life I don't want to live" Said Naruto.

"Haa...Naruto, can't you reconsider?"

"No, if I stay here...then I will be miserable, and probably kill my self" said Naruto as he looked at the Hokage. Who seemed taken back.

"I see...how long"

"I don't know...till I fond someone who can help me"

"And if you can't"

"I don't believe in such a word..."Smiled Naruto.

"..."

"I'll be leaving by 2pm today" Said Naruto as he turned around and started to walk towards the door"

"I didn't say..."

"Yeah you did..." Smiled Naruto as he opened the door and walked out.

----

"Do you believe the rumours?"

"What rumours?"

"The one about the demon brat"

"Oh, yeah I heard the whole conversation when I was waiting to get in to see the Hokage"

"You sneak"

"Heh. your just jealous"

"You wish...so its true huhh?" Said the one ANBU to the other.

"What rumours about Naruto" Asked Sasuke suddenly, as he sat in his cell, in the darkest corner like all the other prisoners.

"The one where..."

"Shut up...where not supposed to talk about that...to him at least" Said the one ANBU as he glared at the Uchiha threw his mask and they kept walking.

"Naruto..." Muttered Sasuke as he gazed at the ceiling wondering what the blonde idiot was doing this minute.

-----------3 hours later

Naruto stood in front of the gate, he wore all black, the out fit the fourth had picked out, his head protector around his neck. Since his orange suit was totally destroyed he'd have to wear that till he found a new one. As he stood there he waited, waited for someone...that he knew would come. And sure enough foot steps could be heard. As he turned his gaze he looked up to see Sakura and Konohamaru standing before him.

"...So its true, your leaving big bro?" Said an almost crying Konohamaru.

"Hey...don't cry im not leaving for good, just for a while" Smiled the blonde.

"But..." Started the brown haired boy before Naruto shook his head and looked at Sakura.

"...How long are you going to be gone this time?" Asked Sakura.

"Dunno...till I find what im looking for"

"Looking for?" Muttered Konohamaru. The only people knowing why Naruto was actually leaving where the ones who were allowed to know such as. Kakashi, Jiraiya,

the Hokage, Sai and Sakura. Along with a few other high up ninja whom you could trust.

"Yeah...what im looking for" Smiled Naruto.

"Will you write this time?" Asked Sakura as Naruto stepped closer to her.

"Probably not..." Said Naruto as he started to fiddle with something from around his neck.

"..." Sakura stayed silent till he removed his head protector.

"Hold on to this for me till I get back. I'd give it to Sasuke but im not allowed to see him, and if I did it would only leave to questions" Smiled the blonde.

"I can't..."

"Yeah she can't!!!! you got that the day you graduated! It symbolizes you are a ninja from leaf!" Said Konohamaru. Sakura looked at him wide eyed. then to Naruto who was looking away.

"Not many people will trust a ninja, let alone a ninja from an enemy village. And from this day, till the day I come back...I am no longer classified as a ninja Konohamaru" Said Naruto.

"What do you mean"

"One day you'll know. But for now I better get going. Tell Kakashi I said goodbye"

"Your not going to do it your self?" Asked Sakura.

"No, I couldn't find him anywhere...and I can't waist daylight looking for him. Just tell him...he's an idiot...he'll understand what I mean" Smiled Naruto for the last time as he walked threw the gate of leaf village, for a long time, and maybe even his last.

The End

And im serious this time, there will be a sequel. Maybe next week or so. Hope you all liked it. I am working on the new Chapter One as we speak. You guys are some lucky I wrote this over my brake, it would have been up faster but I had no internet or spell check on the computer I was on so I had to save it to a floppy then go to school, and then send it to my E-mail and then get it from my computer at home because my computer doesn't have a floppy drive. So hope you all liked it!

Canadain-Girl

Please review if you actually want a sequel, because a few readers thought this ended just fine.