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: I think i'm spoiling all of you with these quick updates. Anyways, i've passed the 100k mark in words and i believe i have done it in style. This chapter is what many of you have been waiting for.

Chapter 23: Ruins Of Akatsuki

The air was sweltering, sweat dripping down the side of Naruto's face. He was breathing slowly, gaping at the city ahead of him. The last time he had been in this location, he suffered his greatest loss; something which was eating at him to this day. It hadn't changed at all; the buildings still towered like they were reaching for the sky and their design was different from anywhere in the world.

The Akatsuki had set up their original base in between the Earth and Wind countries. The land belonged to no one and neither was it longed for. It was infertile, considered useless by many and ventured into by few. In essence, it was the ideal position to create a foundation without drawing attention.

Naruto started walking towards the city, Genkei next to him. The dragon was quieter than usual, lost in his thoughts. He wasn't comfortable with what they were about to do, however he had a plan in case things went unfavourably.

Naruto stopped at the entrance of the city unwittingly. He wasn't moving, his crimson eyes scanning the area. It brought back his worst memory, stinging at his heart harder than ever.

Genkei noticed the adverse behaviour, "We don't have to do this…"

Naruto shook his head, "No…" He took a deep breath, calming down, "We go on."

The two entered the city, surprised by the silence. They weren't even attempting to hide themselves, due to the fact that the city looked deserted. They walked through the streets, papers and rubbish being blown by the silent wind.

Naruto stopped and faced Genkei, "Are you sure he's here?"

Genkei nodded, "We're getting close. A few more minutes…" He stopped when the scent vanished and appeared again.

"What's wrong?" Naruto had realised the odd change in character.

Genkei turned around, looking upwards, "He's there."

Naruto's eyes widened, snapping his head towards the crown of the building behind him; Hajin was staring at him, his expression cold and ruthless but with a smile across his face. "Hajin…"

Genkei was in shock by what had happened; there was no way the man could move so fast. He must have done something to appear near them so quickly, but how did he know they were even present.

Hajin motioned to follow before disappearing again. Naruto felt his anger intensify, twisting on his feet and taking off.

"Naruto!" Genkei followed the jinchuuriki, running through the empty streets before coming across a clearing.

The two stopped, amazed by the large expanse of area. It looked like the buildings had been demolished and the ground had been cleaned. Naruto looked around before a voice spoke from across him, "You have come."

Genkei observed the Tsuchikage; his red hair undisturbed by the wind while his hat was in his hands.

Naruto gritted his teeth before noticing the presence of a few other ninjas. Two figures clothed in black and brown were near the edges of the region, while Tenjou started walking towards his leader.

Hajin had a questioning tone, "I expected Ken and Nin to bring you."

Naruto clenched his fist, "They're dead."

One of the figures in black and brown was disconcerted by his words, causing Hajin to speak, "Remain where you are Tai."

Tai took off her mask, her silver hair falling down her back, "But…"

Hajin shook his head, letting her know there was no negotiation. He meant what he said and it was best for her to heed the order.

A grunt was heard from the man next to her, "Leave it be."

Tai was a beautiful woman, her face without a scratch or speck of dirt. She decided not to speak any further, however she was glaring at Naruto with intense loathing.

Hajin dropped his hat to the ground, "The thing with you is a dragon." Genkei didn't flinch under the man's scrutinising eyes, "This is my first time seeing its kind, one of the 4 celestial tribes of the summoning world."

Naruto stared at Hajin, not paying attention to what he said. His fury was growing with each passing second. Not able to control himself any longer, he began running towards the Kage. "HAJIN!" The Tsuchikage didn't move, waiting for the approaching man.

Naruto felt a jolt in his stomach, a burst of blood escaping his mouth. He fell to his knees, confused by the sensation. His seal was throbbing and his stomach felt like it was being hammered.

Hajin raised an eyebrow before reaching into his robe, pulling out the crystal of legend. The green item was glowing brightly, an enchanting sight. "I believe the Kyuubi is trying to escape."

Genkei was now by Naruto's side, "What did you say?"

Hajin smirked, holding up the crystal, "The crystal is able to sense the aura of a bijuu. I've never seen it glow so strongly, meaning the Kyuubi's presence is increasing. I imagine the seal is very close to breaking."

Genkei looked at Naruto who was coughing, the lack of control over Kyuubi's chakra made sense now. The jinchuuriki couldn't direct it because of the seal's weakened state. Kyuubi was holding his power back, because he was planning on breaking through at once. Genkei inwardly sighed; he knew it was a mistake for Naruto to use the fox's chakra. The last time he used it was all the Kyuubi needed from what it seemed.

"I wonder why you came here. Was it bravery or simply stupidity?" Hajin sounded amused.

Naruto gritted his teeth, blood falling to the ground. He had come here for answers; that was his purpose. His eyes began to water, "Why?"

Hajin ran a hand through his hair, "Why what?"

Naruto looked at the red haired man, "Why did you kill Yuka? What kind of father does that to his own daughter?"

Hajin remained silent, placing the crystal back in his robe. He walked around Naruto, "What is an ambition? A simple desire, something you hope for." He came to a halt, "What is a dream? It's much more than a wish, it's something you must be willing to make sacrifices for."

Naruto moved back, sitting on the ground, "Sacrifice? That's what Yuka was to you? She was your daughter!"

Hajin turned his head towards Naruto, "You think I don't recognize that? Don't come here and try to speak with me when your own understanding is so lacking."

Genkei spoke instead of Naruto, "Then explain it. You're the one who offered Yuka to the Confederation. You're the one who just destroyed the encampment, something which you allowed to be set up in the first place."

Hajin's robes fluttered due to the wind, "Indeed I did, but it was all for a reason." He looked at Naruto, "Tell me; how does it feel to lose someone precious to you? How did it feel when Yuudai died?"

Naruto remembered the limp body of the first person he held precious to him, lying in his arms. "It hurt."

Hajin nodded, "Now ask yourself how I must have felt, when the Confederation decided to kill my father in order to stop the war."

Naruto shook his head, "Your father started that war! He wanted part of the Fire Country just for its resources! It was all about power!"

Hajin was visibly unsettled by the blonde's words, "Does that change the fact that he was my father? I still felt hurt when he died, I still cried at his burial."

Genkei put his hand on Naruto's shoulder, "So, this is all about revenge against the Confederation."

Hajin smiled, "Partially. What gives them the right to pass judgement on the world from the shadows? I'm going to change that."

The dragon was careful in his next question, "So your alliance with us was all a ruse; 20 years of nonsense."

Hajin closed his eyes, "The Confederation is a myth because it disappears quickly after making an impact. What better way to keep them in your sights than to join with them? I offered a hand of peace as the new Tsuchikage and Hideaki accepted, surprised by how well I was handling my father's death."

Naruto was breathing heavily, the new information stinging his heart. This was all set up before he was even born.

Hajin resumed, "After that it was simple. I had to figure out a way to combat you and find the homeland. Of course, this was easier said than done. But then, Akatsuki came along."

Naruto wiped his mouth, the blood covering his hand, "Akatsuki?"

Hajin folded his arms, "They wanted to control the power of the tailed beasts to accomplish their goals. It was a simple yet effective plan. I researched myself on the history of the bijuu and that is where I learnt of the crystal of legend; a force of nature which was able to make a beast succumb to it. The one who held this power would undoubtedly be able to shift the balance of many things."

Genkei understood where he was going with his words, "You are planning to use that power against the Confederation."

Hajin responded, "Yes, while Akatsuki was capturing the beasts, my Titans were searching for the crystal. I intended on wiping out their leader once they had collected every one of the demons. The statue would have kept them safe while I could continue searching for the crystal. And when I found it, I would be able to begin to realise my dream."

Naruto grinned, "But Akatsuki lost, they were unsuccessful."

Hajin stared at Naruto, "I saw their leader fall."

Naruto was stunned by his words, "What did you say?"

Hajin started laughing, "How did the Akatsuki find you? Who held the information of the encampment's whereabouts? It was me. I gave them your location and waited for them to capture you." His attitude took a serious turn, "I witnessed Yuudai's last battle; I saw him die protecting you."

Naruto was motionless, hearing the astounding information. His capture, Yuudai's death was all because of Hajin. He gritted his teeth and tried to get up, only to fall back down, "You bastard!" He couldn't help but want to rip the man apart. A few tears were falling down his face as his expression showed his fury.

Hajin sighed, "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to do anything at the time. Hideaki was present and you were letting yourself drown in the Kyuubi's chakra. For all I knew, the Kyuubi would have escaped there. I didn't have the crystal nor did I have the power to stop you. Hideaki banished the statue and you were taken."

Tenjou decided to speak, "This failure did not stop Hajin-sama."

Hajin looked at the sky, "Fate was on my side, your seal was weakening and that was apparent to me. Not only that, but the crystal had been discovered in Wave Country. It was only natural they would give the crystal to Konoha since they had close ties."

Genkei didn't take his eyes off the man, "You acted like you wanted a peace treaty with Konoha with the aim of getting close to the crystal."

Hajin moved towards Tenjou, "Yes, but due to recent events, something else was also required." He picked up the huge scroll behind his advisor, "The forbidden scroll."

Genkei was alerted since that was the key to saving Naruto's life. He didn't make a move while Naruto glanced at what he wanted for so long. "Why did you take it?"

Hajin held the scroll up in his hand, "You went to Konoha for this, correct? I couldn't let you fix your seal, I need the Kyuubi."

Genkei kept his eyes on the scroll, "What are you going to do with the Kyuubi alone? The rest of the bijuu are with the Confederation."

Hajin knew the dragon understood his plans but was trying to make him doubt them. "The Confederation can't do anything against the Kyuubi. If I have it and find their homeland, it won't be long before they're wiped out. And after I have accomplished that, I will have the rest of the tailed beasts under my control."

Naruto shouted, "What does this have to do with Yuka? Huh?"

Hajin straightened his robes, "Yuka was sent to the encampment for a purpose. It wasn't because I was offering her as a gesture of my alliance; it was because she had a job to do. She was to infiltrate their ranks and find out where the homeland is."

Naruto didn't believe the man, "No…she wouldn't do that."

Hajin ignored him, "I underestimated Hideaki; he probably suspected something and Yuka was never taken to the homeland. She spent all her days in the encampment."

Naruto was in disbelief, had everything with Yuka been a façade? He had given his heart to the woman, "This isn't true. Yuka wouldn't betray me." His heart was breaking on the inside.

Hajin placed the scroll next to him, keeping his hand on it, "You're right; she wouldn't betray you…that's the reason why she's dead."

Naruto snapped his head towards Hajin, "What?"

Hajin continued, "The last time I went to the encampment, 2 years ago, she wanted me to stop. She begged me to not to go through with what I was planning. She kept on speaking of how the people of the Confederation only mean good for this world, how they don't deserve death. Do you know how hard it was for me to see my own daughter forget what had happened to her grandfather? She may not remember because she was only 2 at the time, but my father loved her dearly."

Naruto remembered Yuka, her face shining in the light. "She changed." A peaceful smile appeared across his visage.

Hajin nodded, "Yes, because of falling in love with you. She was willing to stand in the way of my dream; I can't allow that."

Naruto was infuriated, "You're such a hypocrite; you want revenge for your own father but killed your daughter to do so. Wasn't she precious to you?"

Hajin didn't say anything for a few moments, "I said she was standing in the way of my dream. Destroying the Confederation will grant me my revenge but there is another reason why I need the bijuu."

Genkei remembered the words of Ken; about a greater war. For some reason, he knew he wouldn't like whatever came next.

Hajin picked up the scroll and threw it to Tenjou who caught it, "I am going to carve my name into the history of this world, by doing something which hasn't even been thought of before. I am going to conquer the land of the summons."

XXXXXXXXXX

Jiraiya was sitting on the window sill, staring into the clouds high above. The sky was a wondrous blue, a delightful sight. He was anxiously waiting for word from Team 7, wanting to know what they were doing. For as long as he could remember, war had been the backbone of the world. It was the reason Konoha had been created by the Shodai Hokage; he wanted to stop the era of war.

Konoha had seen many legends born and die before their time, people who embodied the spirit of the Shodai Hokage's dream; Konoha's White Fang and the Yondaime. He wondered when the time would come that they would be able to place everything behind them; to move into the future by finally being at peace with the past.

Sighing, he spoke in a whisper, "The will of fire…the dream feels lost." Hearing something stir behind him, he turned to find Tsunade trying to get up.

The Godaime was awake and moving back onto the pillows behind her. She clutched her head in her hands, trying to get used to the feeling of everything. Shizune was near her, asleep in the chair.

Jiraiya peacefully spoke, "How are you feeling?"

Tsunade didn't respond right away. She was trying to remember what had happened; she was being escorted back to her room when the Tsuchikage had attacked her and Shizune. "Shizune…"

Jiraiya smiled at her selflessness, "Don't worry about her, she wasn't hurt too bad. She's sleeping near you."

Tsunade turned to find the woman unconscious in the chair, her hair covering her face. She inwardly smiled, "That's good."

Jiraiya folded his arms, "You should take it easy, it's not the best idea to try and move around straight away."

Tsunade brushed her hair back, "I want to know everything."

Jiraiya nodded, "I understand but rest first. I'll fill you in after."

Tsunade raised her eyebrow, feeling angry. "Is now not a good time?"

Jiraiya looked at the busty blonde, knowing of her persistence and arrogance at times. Shaking his head, he walked towards the door of the hospital room, "You need to take a break. I don't want to pressure you so soon." He opened the door and left the chamber.

Tsunade wasn't ready for what he was going to tell her; she already doubted her abilities as the Hokage and the new information would only fuel that sentiment.

XXXXXXXXXX

Genkei felt his insides twinge at the words of Hajin. His suspicions were not even close to the true objective. It was worse than he could have imagined, "Are you crazy? There are laws; you're not even allowed to step foot in the summoning realm, let alone try and engage in a battle with them."

Hajin responded calmly, "There will be sacrifices, but with the tailed beasts at my side, I will win."

Genkei was hissing, "There won't be sacrifices, there will be massacres. If you step foot in that dimension, the whole of the summoning realm will unite against the people of this world. How many clans have guardians? How many rely on the use of my kind? All of these people will be endangered."

Naruto was shocked by the dream of the Tsuchikage. He hadn't ever thought of it but it seemed like madness. His energy was fading, his body in a weakened state.

Hajin, for the first time, looked angered, "People always fear what they are incapable of understanding."

Genkei tried to make sense of everything, "If this is your plan then you must have figured out a way to pass the gate. How is that possible?"

Hajin laughed, brushing his hair back with his hand, "That would be thanks to an opponent I faced a long time ago, the one who would become the Yondaime."

Naruto was panting heavily, his eyes drooping, "The Yondaime?"

Hajin nodded, "Indeed, in my battle against him, he displayed a technique which allowed him to move almost instantaneously. Being a student of seals, I understood that it was a space time technique. He was travelling into the void, where time stands still, before reappearing in our world. I simply used that knowledge and attempted it myself."

Genkei was feeling nervous about this whole ordeal, "You travelled into the void?"

Hajin vanished from his place. "Yes."

Genkei turned around immediately, finding Hajin to be behind him. He received a thunderous kick to his face, sending him crashing across the ground. He recovered quickly and flipped onto his feet.

Hajin was now next to Naruto, "I searched the void and found the gate leading to the summoning dimension." He nodded towards Tenjou, "Was that scroll your last hope Naruto?"

Naruto saw the forbidden scroll ignited, his heart beating fast. He was helpless to do anything; feeling his dream becoming too far to reach. The constant pain of his seal and his drowsiness was overwhelming him.

Genkei rushed towards Tenjou, but Hajin appeared in front of him and kicked him in the stomach. He continued with a combination of punches before grabbing the dragon and launching him through the air.

Genkei landed on the ground with a crash. He slowly stood up, realising he was feeling weaker. There was something wrong with his chakra.

Hajin enjoyed seeing the forbidden scroll burn to ashes, "I have placed seals all over this city. Among them is one which drains the power of summons." He faced Genkei, "It was a precaution for the Confederation. I can't have an oversized dragon tear up this land."

Genkei was displeased; if he couldn't use his power then he wouldn't be able to call on one of his tribe. This made his plan for escape impossible. "Why is this land important?"

Hajin pointed towards the ground, "I've been drawing seals here for a few months now. This is the point where my army will travel to the other dimension as one."

The dragon looked at the ground around him, recognising several black lines crisscrossing.

Gen was amused, "This is an amazing spectacle; one of the celestial summons brought to his knees by Hajin-sama."

Tai was still glaring at Naruto, "Hajin-sama, break the seal. I want to see this man die."

Hajin faced Tai, "Watch your tongue."

Tai bowed her head, grasping the fact that her tone was inappropriate. Gen gazed at his sister in disappointment, "Ken and Nin must have died because of their mistakes. Don't end up doing the same."

Tenjou blew the ash off his hand; it disappeared into the air, "It is no more."

Hajin looked at Genkei, "What will the Confederation do now? I will hold the power necessary to fulfil my dream. I want you to let them know that they are on borrowed time. They pass judgments on others, acting like the enforcers of this world. Well, I have come to judge them. And they have been judged; the punishment is death." He looked at his advisor, "Tenjou, you know what to do."

Tenjou acknowledged his leader and pulled out his sword. He walked towards Naruto, making Genkei notice the danger his friend was in. He ran towards Naruto but was intercepted by Hajin who elbowed his head, sending him into the ground.

Naruto supported himself with his hands, trying his hardest to get up. He had failed greater than he could ever envision. He had lost Yuudai and the woman he loved. He was used and it hurt him immensely to know of this fact. Placing his knee underneath him, he struggled to stand. What was there left to live for? He had no hope, no future to believe in. Getting to his feet, he saw Tenjou come to a stop in front of him.

Genkei was lying on his front, staring at Naruto. He could distinguish it, the aura of despondency. Naruto had given up; it was imprinted across his countenance. He started shouting, "Snap out of it! Naruto!"

Hajin stamped his foot into the dragon's face. "Be quiet."

Naruto didn't move an inch, waiting with a dizzied demeanour and a pained anatomy. He saw Tenjou pull back his sword, anticipating what was coming and not fearing it. Would death be worse than life?

Tenjou slashed Naruto across his body, causing blood to spray outwards like a fountain. Naruto was thrown backwards across the ground. The seal was causing him agony combined with his newly given wound.

Genkei shook his head, a tear falling from his eye, "Fight it!" The tears continued falling, "Don't give up, I beg of you! Fight it Naruto! Fight…" His voice turned into a whisper, understanding that he wouldn't get through to the man, "Fight…

Naruto coughed up further blood, the sounds of the world seemingly miles away. His journey in the encampment; his life with Yuudai seemed to not have even existed. Where was the happiness he used to remember and yearn for?

Hajin took his eyes off Genkei, "Pathetic; you talk of commandments but it looks like you've formed a bond with this boy. Wasn't one of the laws of the summoning world not to get attached to our kind? You're a failure, a poor excuse for a celestial beast; those who hold the highest rank in the summoning realm."

Genkei remained silent, knowing of the fact that he had broken many laws of the summoning realm. It was one of the numerous things he was ashamed of when facing his own tribe. He watched Naruto's beaten body; the jinchuuriki was attempting to stand once more.

Hajin addressed his advisor while Tai looked on in glee, "Sever his legs. After that, I'll break the seal. It's time Kyuubi was finally free, under a new master."

Naruto panted heavily, his seal throbbing like it was about to explode. His nails scratched the surface of the ground before he stood up again. He stared at Tenjou, whose sword was covered in blood. His face was emotionless, wanting to be put out of his misery. It didn't matter, he wasn't concerned about dying. He closed his eyes, expecting to feel the blow which would disunite his legs from him.

The sound of the sword moving through the air as it was swung entered his ears, but the pain never came. A reverberating sound of metal clashing ringed throughout the area. Naruto opened his eyes to find two swords locked in front of his waist. Feeling the last of his energy leave him, he fell backwards; a gasp escaping him when his body collided with the floor.

Tenjou's hand was shaking, not being able to power out from the one who was holding him back. Staring into the new arrival's eyes, he recognised the unmistakable gleam of the sharingan.

Author Notes: There's one of the big revelations in this story. A lot of things have been cleared up now and you should have a good understanding. There is still stuff remaining about the Confederation and Yuudai but that will be covered soon. So, did you like the new direction?