Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: A lot of questions about Yuudai in the feedback. His relationship with Naruto will be covered later on and everything will be revealed. As for this chapter, everything is being put in motion and some more things will become clear. Anyways, enjoy.

Chapter 8: Wandering Existence

Sakura had an irritated expression across her visage as she continued to stare through the window of the apartment across her. It was decided by Team 7 that they would each take turns in keeping track of Naruto so they had the chance to rest up and make sure they were at their best. With Sakura as the only one still pondering over the events of the day before, rendering her incapable of sleeping, she was appointed to look over Naruto throughout the night.

However, the kunoichi now felt as if it was a big mistake in doing so since it was extremely uneventful and all she saw was the jinchuuriki sleeping peacefully. She looked at the rising sun, wondering where Kakashi was, given that it was his turn to take over for the day. Frowning, she turned to look at the bed where Naruto slept to find him gone.

She slapped her head before leaping to the other building and landing as quietly as she could on the roof. Sliding down the side to the platform below, she crouched under the window and took a peek inside the apartment. The dusty smell was unpleasant as she observed the terrible dwelling. A shirtless Naruto could be seen re-entering the bedroom as the pink haired medic instantly ducked and hid out of sight.

After some shuffling and the sounds of clothes being changed, she could hear the door slamming. Knowing he had left the house; she jumped up to the top of the building, after which Naruto walked past where she was previously hiding. Sakura moved back a few steps to make sure she wasn't in sight as the jinchuuriki began to walk into the streets.

Keeping her eyes on him, she began to jump through the rooftops. She raised her eyebrow as she found them repeatedly going in circles for over twenty minutes. When Naruto stopped, Sakura's anger began to grow as she wondered whether the blonde was confused or just stupid.

Seeing Naruto beginning to move, she followed him again until they reached the gates which served as the entrance and exit of Konoha. The kunoichi knew it wouldn't bode well for him to leave Konoha as she began to hope she wouldn't have to interrupt to change his course of direction. She waited patiently for his next move before another group of shinobi could be seen heading in his direction.

Sakura observed the newly promoted shinobi as they loudly made their way to the gates before diverting her attention back to the person she was initially tracking. Naruto was completely immobile with his hand on top of his hat. Sakura was dumbfounded as she tried to determine what the blonde was doing.

Looking at the jinchuuriki, her anger at him for the fiasco in the hot springs had subsided for the most part after finding out what was inside him and the treatment he must have received when he was young. She had a lot of questions pertaining to how he must have ended up away from Konoha and why after so long, he was back. "Come on you idiot, what are you doing just standing there?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto calmly stood, knowing he had ended up losing his way through the streets of Konoha. As the sun continued to beat down, his thoughts wondered to the person who had been tracking him for a while now. After waking up, the jinchuuriki had felt another chakra source close to him. He had quickly gotten ready and made his way out of his old apartment, only to find the person follow him. He wasn't too bothered by it, mainly because any hostile actions towards him hadn't happened.

However, he remained cautious and aware that he was being monitored for a reason. The only problem this caused was whether something would go wrong before he could take the crystal and scroll. Shaking his head, he knew it wouldn't do him too good to stay stationary for too long because of the pink haired medic observing him.

Turning away from the gates of Konoha and beginning to walk, he toyed with the notion that the kunoichi tracking him may have asked to do so due to taking a liking to him. The notion was short lived however as it made more sense that she may want to hurt him more and thus was waiting for him to make a mistake. The happy turned depressing thoughts were driven out of his mind as he heard someone call him.

"Niichan!" The familiar voice sent a shockwave through Naruto's spine because of what he was referred to as.

The retired shinobi straightened his hat as he saw the team of chuunins he had encountered the day before along with the pervert who had been peeping on the women at the hot springs. He smiled as he saw the glasses wearing team leader with a few bruises across his visage, no doubt punishment for his intolerable actions.

Konohamaru stopped in front of Naruto, "What are you doing here?"

Naruto grinned at the Sarutobi, "I got lost looking for a place to eat; this is a big place."

Moegi and Udon remained silent as Ebisu decided to speak instead, "We should be on our way. The bandits aren't going to be removed from that village by themselves."

Konohamaru had an unimpressed expression, "Whatever you pervert; I've lost what little respect I had left for you after what you did."

Ebisu began to cough prior to eventually managing to speak, "T-that was a…Moegi, Udon; let's go."

The two chuunins followed their team leader as Naruto raised an eyebrow when Konohamaru remained in front of him. The blonde whistled before finally speaking, "You've got a mission; shouldn't you get going with your team?"

The scarf wearing teenager smiled awkwardly as he answered, "Yeah, it's just that I had a question."

Naruto let out a heavy breath as his stomach rumbled, "What is it?"

Konohamaru cleared his throat, "What you said yesterday about me making a great Hokage; did you really mean that?"

Naruto walked past the chuunin, "Every word of it."

Konohamaru could hear the footsteps of the blonde man moving further from him, "That was the first time someone showed faith in me and my dream. Thank you."

Naruto continued walking, hearing his response, "Don't mention it." Closing his eyes momentarily, his mind drifted into his past to the first person that had shown faith in him.

"What you said isn't foolish; a person's dream shapes his destiny. In order for a dream to come true, you can't give up hope. And just like the vast sea before you, hope is eternal."

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsunade had a thoughtful expression across her visage as the door to her office opened and her advisors walked inside. Shizune moved from her position, next to her mentor, to close the door behind the former team mates of the deceased Sandaime.

The sound of the door shutting quietly prompted Tsunade to speak, "Take a seat; this is going to take some time."

Koharu and Homura both sat down in their respective chairs as Shizune returned to the Godaime's side. The two council members made themselves comfortable before Homura finally spoke, "We weren't informed the full details of the situation."

Tsunade nodded, understanding that they needed to be briefed, "Nothing has happened so far. I was only able to confirm last night that the vessel of the Kyuubi has indeed returned. He is being monitored by Team 7."

Koharu, who was an elderly woman, clasped her hands, "Is there anything else?"

Tsunade sighed, "There is something happening between him and the Kyuubi. His appearance has changed slightly. What exactly is happening and whether he is a threat or not hasn't been determined yet."

Homura pushed up his glasses, "This is an interesting development. How many people know of this?"

Tsunade quickly responded, "Apart from the people in this room, only Team 7."

The old man leaned back in his chair while resting his arms on the side, "We should keep it that way for now. If the rest of the shinobi were informed, the gossip would surely spread throughout Konoha. With the Tsuchikage here, we have to be delicate in how we handle this situation."

Tsunade rolled her eyes as she heard the advice which was obviously the best course of action, "I already know that. However, I wanted to suggest letting him do as he pleases as long as he isn't a threat to us."

Koharu shook her head, "Why do you say such things?"

Tsunade rested her chin on her hand, "If his intention isn't to cause trouble, then there is no need for us to get involved with him."

Koharu raised her eyebrow as she listened to the words of the busty blonde, "Have you forgotten the will of the Sandaime?"

Shizune could see her mentor becoming irritated as the tension between the two women grew. Tsunade cleared her throat, "He wanted Konoha to correct the mistakes of their past. We have no idea what that boy has gone through and now he's come back. If he isn't a danger then it is best to let him live his life. I'm sure the old man would agree with that."

Homura moved forward slightly, "We got involved with Akatsuki and put our shinobi at risk in order to find him and bring him back to Konoha. He's our responsibility; we need to keep him here."

Tsunade scoffed, "When he disappeared from here, he no longer remained our responsibility. Our only aim was to make sure he was safe in order to honour the Sandaime's last wish. It seems he is doing well so there is no need for us to interfere."

Koharu slowly rose to her feet, "And what if he is a danger?"

Tsunade had a steel glare, "Then he will be dealt with accordingly. This village comes before everyone."

Homura sighed before rising to his feet and following his fellow council member to the door, "We will talk again."

Opening the door, he allowed Koharu to go ahead before following and closing the door behind him. The two advisors continued through the corridors of the large Hokage residence.

Koharu broke the silence, "What is your take on this?"

Homura remained silent as if he was thinking of something before finally speaking, "I understand what she is saying and agree to an extent. But whoever has him with them will hold a great advantage over the rest of the countries. All of the bijuu have vanished. He is the only one remaining with one inside him."

Koharu's eyes widened as she realised what he was implying, "Keeping him as a weapon would dishonour the Yondaime greatly."

Homura nodded, "As long as he is here, we know no one else will use him against us. I understand it is wrong but this is something we have to do."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto began to laugh as he saw the ramen stand which he had been desperately searching for. After his talk with Konohamaru, he had once again set off inside the village. It had only been an hour since and he was glad that he had found his desired location to have a meal. He had deliberately stopped in numerous places for no reason than to annoy his tracker but he was wondering whether it had worked. Hearing his stomach rumble, he began to walk towards the ramen stand with the pleasing smell entering his nose and strengthening his appetite.

As he drew back the curtain and entered the moderately sized stand, he found that he wasn't alone. Looking at the familiar long white hair, he scratched his head, "What are you doing here?"

Jiraiya turned his head to see the whiskered man, "Oh, it's you. You owe me an apology."

Naruto sat down on the stool and placed his order before replying to the frog hermit, "What for?"

Jiraiya shook his head as he sighed, "I was attacked by those women because of you. Now apologise."

Naruto grinned, "It looks like you recovered well but I'm not apologising; you deserved it."

Jiraiya stared at the Uzumaki before picking up his cup of sake and taking a drink, "The youth these days really have no respect for their elders. And I thought you were a fan?"

Naruto smiled in appreciation at Ayame as she placed down his ramen, "I am a fan but I think I'm better now."

Jiraiya's mouth fell open, "Better? You haven't even completed one book yet and your notes weren't that good." He began to nod before pouring himself another cup of sake, "I can't believe a brat like you is trying to take over my work."

Naruto savoured the taste of his ramen as he drove it down into his stomach. Finishing, he wiped his mouth and looked at the novel writer, "Why are you here?"

Jiraiya moved the jug of sake towards Naruto, "Do you want some?"

Naruto shook his head as he took out a cigarette and lit it, "I don't drink."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, "But you smoke?"

Naruto nodded as he blew some smoke from his mouth, "It's a little early to be drinking."

Jiraiya picked up his cup, "Is that so?"

Naruto rested his arms on the counter while his cigarette dangled from his mouth, "Most people who drink try to wash away memories that they don't want to remember or regret which they don't want to feel."

Jiraiya had a serious demeanour, "What about you? Is there a reason for your smoking?"

Naruto had a mournful smile, "It's so I don't forget." Taking out the cigarette from his mouth, he looked at the white haired man, "So, what is it that you regret?"

Jiraiya gulped down his sake, "You ask a lot of questions."

Naruto stared at the legendary ninja momentarily before continuing to smoke, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be nosy."

Jiraiya poured himself another cup of sake and began to twirl the drink around without spilling it. There was an undisturbed atmosphere in the stand with only the sounds of dishes being cleaned audible. After a few minutes, the white haired hermit began to speak, "Because of me, someone's life was ruined."

Naruto stopped smoking as he heard the words of the older man, "Ruined?"

Jiraiya laughed despondently before sighing, "I refused to train him because of his motives. In return, he left this village to seek power elsewhere." He took a sip of his drink.

Naruto finished smoking, "How is his life ruined then?"

Jiraiya placed his cup of sake on the counter, "He completed his objective but now he is confused about what to do and lives a reality of hate. Drifting through life without a path is the same as not existing."

Naruto closed his eyes as he felt a similarity to the situation. He had a deep regret also but, unlike Jiraiya, he didn't want to forget about it. "You regret not training him?"

"It's because someone wasn't there to help him that he's ended up where he is. The responsibility of the younger generation's future lies with the adults of this village. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we've failed such a task but I wasn't here to see the last one." Jiraiya rose from his seat on the stool.

Naruto turned to him, "You're leaving?"

Jiraiya's demeanour changed as he began to grin, "I need to catch up on my research."

Naruto shook his head, his mind focused on what he was told and his own objective.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sakura sat down quietly, observing the curtains of the ramen stand across from the building where she was. She tapped her fingers on the concrete ledge, her thoughts on the blonde jinchuuriki she was following. It had been over ten minutes since Naruto had entered the stand and Sakura felt herself becoming tired. Her lack of sleep was catching up to her as she tried to remain focused on the task at hand. The only thing helping her was the growing rage within her, courtesy of Kakashi.

She wondered why the jounin decided to be late on such a day. She was expecting some dense excuse from her former teacher in order to justify his tardiness. Standing up and brushing her clothes, her thoughts drifted to the situation with the Tsuchikage. The Kage was renowned for his fighting abilities, particularly his mastery over seals. She remembered being told that his skill with seals even surpassed that of Jiraiya's. However, even though the red haired man was polite and considerate, she didn't like him for some reason she couldn't understand.

"Yo!" Sakura's head snapped up as she heard the greeting. Turning, she found Kakashi staring at her.

The kunoichi clenched her fist, "Why are you so late?"

Kakashi chuckled slightly before standing next to her, "I needed to pick up some things for home."

Sakura raised her eyebrow as she realised that he wasn't making up a complete lie, "Wait, you did that deliberately?"

Kakashi shrugged, "I'm sure you're used to me being late so I thought it wouldn't matter."

Sakura was speechless as the feeling of anger within her began to grow. Her thoughts were a mixture of seeing Kakashi in pain and begging for mercy.

"Jiraiya-sama?" Kakashi's voice was full of curiosity

Hearing the jounin, Sakura stopped and looked towards the ramen stand to find the old frog hermit exiting and stretching his arms. After a few moments, the white haired pervert looked towards her and Kakashi, having sensed their presence.

Kakashi folded his arms, "This must mean he was with the jinchuuriki. I wonder if he knows who he is."

Sakura sighed tiredly, "He's coming here, you'll find out soon enough."

Jiraiya hopped from the ground to the roof and landed on the ledge, a lecherous grin across his face, "This is a surprise; are you following me?"

Sakura held up her fist, "Do you want a repeat of what happened with Tsunade-shisou?"

Jiraiya waved his hands, "No, I was just making a joke. Why do people always react to me like this?" Shaking his head, he turned to Kakashi, "I doubt you'd be standing around for no reason."

Kakashi focused on the curtains of the ramen stand, "Did you see the blonde man inside there with you?"

Jiraiya realised they were talking of his fellow author, "Yes."

Kakashi took out his favourite book and opened it, "He's the vessel of the Kyuubi."

Jiraiya was visibly surprised at the quick answer as he registered what was said to him. He looked back in the direction of the ramen stand, "Interesting. I spent 3 years trying to find him and he ends up in Konoha after all of that." He straightened up, "Why are you tracking him?"

Kakashi turned a page in his book, "We're determining whether he's a threat."

Jiraiya had a thoughtful expression on his visage as he made a move to leave, "Have fun."

Sakura spoke before he left, "You're going to see Tsunade-shisou?"

Jiraiya shook his head as he laughed, "That'll have to wait until tomorrow. First I have to do some research."

Sakura ran a hand through her hair, choosing to ignore his last statement as Jiraiya took off. She faced Kakashi, "Where's Sasuke-kun?"

Kakashi was engrossed in his book, "I don't know."

XXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke charged at the large wooden block before throwing a combination of strikes, each one sending a jolt of pain through his body. His figure was covered in sweat as trained in the large garden of his house. Quickly unsheathing his kusanagi, he unleashed a few horizontal slashes. As he placed his sword back in its cover, the wooden block split into a few pieces and fell to the ground.

He made his way to the only tree in the massive garden and took a seat under it, receiving much needed shade. He placed his sword to the side and rested his arms on his knees. His mind rushed back to the attack on Konoha by Orochimaru. During that time, he was already going through a hard time. He remembered being given the responsibility of taking down the jinchuuriki from Suna but he had failed. In his place, one of the legendary sannin completed the job and displayed a tremendous amount of strength.

Flashback

Jiraiya placed the body of Gaara on the ground as he looked towards the blonde haired girl staring at him. He straightened up as he spoke to her, "You can take him; he's not dead."

Temari walked up to her younger brother, shivering with fear as she saw the white haired shinobi looking at her. She picked up the jinchuuriki and placed his arm around her, "Why are you letting us go?"

Jiraiya turned away from her, "It's not his fault he turned out the way he is."

Temari nodded as she took off into the trees. Jiraiya sighed as he felt his body ache from the battle he had just been in. He was on the edge of Konoha's borders when he had felt the incredible demonic chakra. He had quickly rushed over to find the last Uchiha of the Leaf in a losing battle. He looked towards the tree as Sasuke jumped down to his side along with Sakura.

The Uchiha looked past him as an awkward silence followed, "Train me."

Jiraiya closed his eyes as he resumed walking, "No."

Sasuke's anger grew as he heard the hermit, "Why?"

Jiraiya took a deep breath, "I'm not going to train you so you can use your power for revenge. The path you're walking is going to destroy you. I believe I'm not the first person to have told you this."

End Flashback

The return of his brother to Konoha in the following weeks had only fuelled his desperation in a bid to become stronger. He had eventually left the village and gone to Orochimaru so he could be trained. However, the words of Jiraiya kept ringing in his head. He had achieved his revenge but he had no idea of what he was doing. The reason for returning to Konoha eluded him as he wanted to know what remained for him.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hideaki looked through the papers, "It's been relatively quiet I see."

Yuka nodded, "After Akatsuki, it seems there is finally peace. There aren't many missions to hand out, so I've made everyone focus on training."

The scarlet eyed woman had stopped her training for the day and was informing the leader of the Confederation on the details of the encampment and its issues. Hideaki sat down and folded his legs. The room they were in wasn't very large and contained a few seats with a desk at the back of it.

Yuka moved towards her desk and tidied the papers, "The most important thing to happen recently was the group of bandits who wanted to assassinate a feudal lord. That's been taken care of and the shinobi are on their way back."

Hideaki nodded in acknowledgment as his attention diverted to the window to see a red dragon fly through and land on the desk. He smiled, "It seems Naruto has sent word. This is unexpected."

Yuka tickled the dragon behind its neck before taking off the scroll wrapped around its neck and opening it. She began to read as the dragon began to walk over the desk, in search of something. Hideaki realised what it wanted as he picked up a treat from near him and gave it to the hyper summon. The red dragon licked its mouth as it finished the treat and vanished in a plume of smoke.

Hideaki began to chuckle as he faced Yuka, only to find she had a serious expression across her visage, "What is it?"

Yuka handed the scroll to the old man as he began to read it, "There are rumours of a crystal being found which can control the power of bijuu. It's in Konoha as is Naruto."

Hideaki rolled the scroll up, "And the Tsuchikage is there also."

Yuka folded her arms, "He said the crystal was found in Wave Country. They must've discovered it while mining."

Hideaki placed the scroll in his robe, "I need to head back. This is unsettling news, especially now that Naruto is in Konoha. This means my suspicions about his condition were true."

Yuka was confused as she heard the old man, "Condition?"

Hideaki faced the 22 year old woman, "I need you investigate the mine in Wave Country where they found this crystal. Leave Naruto and the situation with the Tsuchikage up to me. I'll need to discuss this with my advisors. Hopefully nothing dreadful will come out of this."

Yuka nodded, "I'll send out some shinobi immediately." Her thoughts were focused on what she heard of Naruto as Hideaki walked to the exit of the room.

The leader of the Confederation turned back to Yuka as he opened the door, "Don't forget to continue your training." He left the room as he finished speaking.

Yuka moved back to her desk, "So much for peace."

Author Notes: Jiraiya and Sasuke had some encounters in the past. You know now how Gaara was stopped during the invasion which made Sasuke see Jiraiya's power and ask for training. Gaara himself though, leaves a lot of questions. Was he redeemed or wasn't he? If he was then how? If he wasn't then will he be? Until next time, peace out.