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 don't know why, but i get the feeling people may not have liked the twist at the end of the last chapter from the lack of reaction. All i'm going to say is let it play out, there's a reason why everything went the way it did. Apart from that, here's the next installment.

Chapter 26: Celestial Verdict

The sound of the tide rushing onto the beach filled the air. The magnificent light of the sun reached the darkest of corners. But the bright display differed from the grim character of a certain jounin. Kakashi was finding it hard to accept what he was seeing in front of him. The image of his father's body in his small hands was still fresh in his mind.

Sakura and Sasuke were surprised to hear the name of one of the greatest legends of Konoha. As they grew up, the history of their village and the battles fought in the past had become apparent.

Hideaki cleared his throat, beginning to walk, "Follow me, you must be tired."

Sakumo didn't say anything else and followed his friend. Genkei and the other few shinobi present also departed.

Kakashi was hesitant, still delving into his thoughts. Sakura noticed his attitude and decided to speak up, "You don't have to come with us."

"No…" Kakashi closed his eye and walked ahead, "I'm fine."

Team 7 headed in the direction of the previous group, observing their surroundings. The ground was covered in soft sand with patches of grass. The trees were tall and their leaves were perfectly green. They kept their distance from the group ahead, still cautious. They were soon led to a village which looked huge from the outward appearance. The bustling people and sounds of chatter ringed through the environment.

Team 7 looked around to find people stopped whatever they were doing to stare at them. It was clear they weren't used to seeing individuals visit from the outside. Walking through the streets, they eventually arrived at a nicely built house. It had its own garden with ponds surrounding it. Entering through the wooden gates, they walked along the path.

"This looks like it's as big as Konoha." Sakura was curious about many things.

Kakashi didn't answer but the Uchiha of the team did, "They've kept themselves hidden for a reason."

"How do you survive though? You need to trade, have resources and everything else." Sakura was scratching her head.

While they arrived at the entrance of the house, the shinobi holding Naruto passed him to Sakumo. Hideaki and Sakumo entered the house as Genkei faced Team 7, "Come inside."

Team 7 acknowledged the dragon and entered the abode but the accompanying ninjas waited outside. Closing the door behind him, Kakashi walked over to a wall and leaned against it.

Sakumo and Hideaki had already headed into another room and Genkei was walking towards them, "They'll talk to you later. Until then, remain here." He slid the door shut behind him.

Sakura walked over to dining table and took a seat on the chair. She yawned before resting her head against the smooth wood, "I wonder what they're discussing."

The room they were in contained a dining table and cushions across the wall and edge of the floor. Sasuke sat down on the cushions, detaching his sword and placing it next to him.

Kakashi wasn't listening to anything his team mates were saying. He was troubled deeper than he could have imagined. His father being alive didn't fill him with contentment. He needed the answers to many questions, some that had plagued him since childhood.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Who are you anyway?" Naruto's cigarette dangled from his mouth.

Light led him to the next door, "If you don't know then I'm not going to give you the answer."

"What happened? You were all cheerful moments ago and now you're annoyed." Naruto's tone was questioning.

Light stopped, "You're not here to relive the good times. You're here to accept your past and move onto the future."

"You're the one who said reliving the better moments would help me." Naruto walked towards the fourth door.

Light closed his eyes, speaking in a whisper, "You don't understand."

Naruto entered the light, letting the now familiar sensation overcome him. It felt like he was floating before his mind went blank.

Naruto snapped his eyes open, sweat falling down his face. The water was rushing past his naked feet. It had been over a year since he had come to the homeland. He had successfully finished the first step of the programme but Hideaki told him to keep practicing. He was on the beach, the sun shining gloriously.

The method was mentally exhausting and was to do with intense meditation; concentrating until you could feel the things around you. It had been extremely hard for the jinchuuriki and he had come close to giving up many times. The idea of failing Yuudai when he had requested him for it was what got him through.

Taking a deep breath, he fell back on the sand. The water wetting his trousers as the tide came in. "I think I've had enough for today."

Hideaki was sitting cross legged, away from the tide and under the shade of a plant. "Is your sense growing?"

"I think so…it doesn't take long to pinpoint everything now." Naruto enjoyed the water surrounding him.

"The more you practice, the better you will get. You may have passed but there is still much you can do with this. Your reactions, senses, mental intellect will only grow stronger the more you stick to this method." Hideaki rose from his position.

Naruto nodded, brushing a hand through his hair. He hadn't done anything except train his mind for the past year and the old man was right. He was better than he had been. He was capable of detecting people and picking up details that would go unnoticed. He had improved but it had taken a long time and it was a torturous year. "What's the next step like?"

Hideaki walked to the edge of the water, "It's more physical. But you will begin that after a short break. Too much too soon can be harmful."

Naruto scratched his head, conjecturing about something. He had loved the time in the homeland. The people were nice to him and there was a sense of unity. It was different from the encampment but he still missed the one who kidnapped him, often wondering what he was doing. "How is Yuudai-san?"

Hideaki laughed, "I was beginning to think you forgot him. You haven't asked about him since your arrival here."

Naruto looked back at the old ninja, "Yeah, I guess I haven't."

Hideaki stroked his beard, "Well, it has been a long year. And I believe you are ready to become a shinobi under the Confederation."

"What?" Naruto was surprised, standing up, "A shinobi?"

Hideaki placed his hands in his wide sleeves, "You have done exceptionally Naruto. Yuudai has told me that you used to always practice without anyone helping. What did you think this training was for?"

"You wanted me to become a shinobi?" Naruto was considering various things.

"Are you still loyal to Konoha?" Hideaki stared at the sea.

Naruto looked at the elderly man, "No, it's not that. I was so caught up in not failing the training, I never thought of what it was leading to."

Hideaki smiled, "That is good news. Your first mission will be with Yuudai and you leave tomorrow."

Naruto shook his head, trying to take in everything, "Yuudai-san is here?"

Hideaki turned around and began to walk, "Indeed, he is waiting for us."

Naruto sighed, "Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead." Hideaki stopped and faced the blonde.

"Why is he so distant? I mean, he doesn't even try." Naruto waited for a response.

Hideaki understood he was referring to Yuudai, "He has always been like this. But since your arrival, he has spent an unusual amount of time around you."

"Wasn't that because he was told to? We rarely talked." Naruto raised his eyebrow.

Hideaki started to walk again, "Partly yes. Yuudai distances himself from everyone yet around you, he used to sit and read his book."

"How do you know that?" Naruto was puzzled.

Hideaki smiled, "The popular are always talked about and you are a big subject around here. A boy kidnapped for protection to a shinobi of the Confederation. Quite the story if I say so myself."

Naruto breathed out, his cigarette in his hands. It was weird having his past play out in front of him. Closing his eyes, he addressed Light, "How much will I have to see?"

"The answers you seek will be revealed to you." Light started walking up the path of squares.

Naruto was confused by his words. He didn't come here willingly as far as he knew. He woke up in this location and Light led him to the doors. Shaking his head, he followed the boy.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sakura was tapping the top of the table, "They're taking their time." It had been a while since they had come to the homeland. The kunoichi was growing irritated because she wanted to know certain details.

Sasuke was comfortably seated on a cushion, "Genkei must be informing the rest of the recent developments."

"We should be told too." Sakura clutched head in her hands, "We helped out after all."

Sasuke closed his eyes, "They will tell us in due time."

"What makes you so confident?" Sakura looked towards the Uchiha.

Sasuke calmly responded, "This isn't a small village; there must be thousands of people here. Why would Genkei bring us along?" He opened his eyes, staring at the kunoichi, "You should be able to answer that question."

"Because he thinks our help will be needed or to be more precise, Konoha's." Sakura knew she was right when Sasuke didn't correct her. She was surprised she didn't realise it on her own, blaming her weariness. She quickly addressed the only silent member of the team, "Kakashi, what do you make of this?"

Kakashi didn't respond, still wandering in his thoughts. He was having a hard time restraining himself, feeling like confronting his father. How long had he been with the Confederation?

"Kakashi?" Sakura's voice broke the jounin out of his thoughts.

"Yes?" Kakashi's attention was directed at the medic.

"You're not really feeling fine, are you?" Sakura was now leaning back in her chair, much like her mentor did.

Kakashi stared at the door, behind which his father was, "We all need to rest."

Sakura sighed, "How are we supposed to do that in this kind of situation?" She pushed hair behind her ear, "I don't mean to pry but aren't you happy with seeing your father again?"

"It's complicated Sakura." Kakashi chose his words carefully.

Sakura moved forward, resting her arms on the table and placing her head down, "A lot has happened to us. I've realised something over these years. Things are never going to go back to being the same as before."

Sasuke looked at the woman upon hearing her, knowing partially what she was referring to. They had lost a team mate and he had left Konoha for his own personal quest. As much as Sakura wanted it, things could never go back to being the same; it was impossible.

Kakashi recognised the woman's mindset. Sakura had been hurt with the breakdown of Team 7 years prior, more than himself. "A ninja leads a life such as this. There will always be battles."

Sakura nodded, "I understand that. As hard as it is, I'm still glad I became a kunoichi."

Sasuke rested his head against the wall, "Why is that?"

"We wouldn't have been friends otherwise…" Sakura's voice grew silent, "I guess that's why…"

"You're still young, both of you." Kakashi closed his eye, remembering his hardships, "Don't forget that you have a future. What you make of it is your own choice."

XXXXXXXXXX

Tenjou walked through the ruins, his footsteps filling the otherwise mute atmosphere. He had failed in recovering Naruto and locating any possible clues as to where he had gone. He tried to flatten his scruffy hair unsuccessfully before coming to the clearing where Hajin was. He was surprised to find that the land had been flattened and looked clean compared to before.

"Why isn't Naruto with you?" Hajin was drawing seals on the ground.

Tenjou closed his eyes, "I'm sorry. I wasn't able to retrieve him."

Hajin stopped with his actions, displeased with the news, "What happened?"

"I was distracted. We underestimated them." Tenjou observed the area.

Hajin stood up, thinking of the new development. It wasn't the best of things to happen, however there was still time to do something. He looked at the ground, having only just started drawing the seals. Gen and Tai had finished clearing the land within the day, quicker than expected. But it would still take a long time to draw the seals appropriately, because the coordination of everything had been ruined.

Tenjou noticed that the Kage was deep in thought, "What are your orders?"

"If they have gotten away, then the Confederation will know of my plans. I don't know how they will act but it's better to prepare beforehand. I need you to head back to Iwa and gather my army. Anyone who is suitable for fighting, bring them here. They will not attack Iwa, this will be their target." He faced Tenjou, "Make sure they come equipped. We're likely to be here for a long time."

Tenjou understood his orders, "Of course. One thing which may be a note of interest, I lost them near the borders of the Grass and Waterfall. They could've ventured into either country."

Hajin nodded, acknowledging the interesting piece of information, "Even in failure, you manage to do something."

Tenjou disappeared from his position, on his way to fulfil the task set for him. Gen walked towards his leader, "Shouldn't our first priority be locating the Kyuubi's container?"

Hajin laughed, "He didn't have long left to live and without the forbidden scroll, they won't be able to help him. I can get him when I want; the only thing needed is his location. If he dies, then the plan will remain the same. We'll just need the other bijuu." He looked at the captain of the Titans, "I want you and Tai to search the Waterfall and Grass Countries, find anything you can."

Gen's mask glinted in the sunlight, "Anything for you Hajin-sama."

Tai was slightly disgusted by her brother's admiration for the Tsuchikage. She noticed he cared more for him than his own family. She placed her own mask back across her face before leaving the ruins with Gen.

Hajin began to draw the seals again, "Nothing will stop me from succeeding."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto blew out some smoke and threw the cigarette in his mouth over the side. It descended into the darkness, disappearing from sight. He was quite far up from the original starting point. The squares of light were the only things visible within the darkness. Continuing to walk behind Light, he tried to think of the recent events. He was finding it hard to accept the recent developments and didn't feel like going back.

"We're here." Light waited for Naruto to make a move.

"I'm imagining this, aren't I?" Naruto looked towards Light.

"Not really." Light folded his arms. "What this place is; that's for you to ascertain yourself."

Naruto scratched his head before staring up the steps, not being able to discern where they ended. Deciding not to delay it any longer, he walked through the passage.

Naruto and Yuudai rushed through the rice fields. It had been a few days since they had left the homeland. Their reunion was awkward with few words exchanged. Naruto was excited since it was his first mission and wondered the kind of dangers that he could come across.

"Keep your eyes open." Yuudai's feet splashed in the water as he ran.

Naruto nodded, finding it easier to keep up with the man. His stamina was far greater than before, "No problem."

They escaped the rice fields and entered a forest, which was covered in thick vegetation. Yuudai came to a halt causing Naruto to stop also. "Listen, this mission has a lot more to it than you've been told."

Naruto faced the man, "What do you mean?" As far as he knew, they were in Rain Country for reconnaissance.

"We are investigating but it's to do with a certain organisation, Akatsuki." Yuudai waited for a response.

"Akatsuki? That name sounds familiar." He tried to remember where he had heard it.

Yuudai resumed, "They are the ones hunting you."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "We're going to investigate them? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Don't worry; it's not them but one of their targets that we're investigating. He's a jinchuuriki like you." Yuudai kept an eye out for any signs of disturbance.

"Oh…" Naruto wondered what it would be like to meet another one of his kind, "What are we going to do exactly?"

Yuudai started to head through the forest, "Offer him protection. The Akatsuki will begin their hunt soon and a lot of people will be in danger."

Naruto remained by the man's side, not falling behind, "How do you know so much about them?"

Yuudai slowed down and began walking, having neared their destination, "I can't tell you of that." He moved towards the bush, pushing it to a side.

Naruto's expression took a turn for the worse when he saw the small village destroyed. It wasn't a pretty sight, "They've already been here."

Yuudai rushed towards the village at a fast pace; he needed to locate the jinchuuriki. Naruto quickly followed, not wanting to be left behind. The two entered the seemingly deserted and stinky area.

Naruto put his hand on his nose, the stench was nauseating, "That's strong."

"It's the smell of death." Yuudai kept his hand on his sword hilt. "We're not alone."

Naruto realised he was capable of sensing presences now also, but he couldn't do it so easily. He closed his eyes, trying to focus. Silence engulfed him before a pulsing sound entered his ears. He could feel it, the chakra source of people in the village. They weren't very strong but they weren't ordinary either. "They're not civilians from what I can tell."

"True, they're not. Most likely they're bandits who've come to rob the place, now that everyone has been eliminated." Yuudai unsheathed his sword. "There are no strong presences so Akatsuki or the jinchuuriki are out of the equation. Wait here, I'll be back."

Naruto spoke out, "I can help. I'm trained for this now."

Yuudai looked back, "You were given this mission because it was for simple investigation purposes. There are things a person must do when he is a shinobi; you are not ready for that. Wait here like I asked."

Naruto saw Yuudai disappear from his position, slightly disappointed that he couldn't help. He looked around, spotting a few dead bodies. It was hard seeing the people who had been killed, their life taken from them. He walked closer to the body of a woman, realising her neck was cut open. He moved back, feeling like puking.

"Can't handle it kid?" The gruff voice didn't belong to Yuudai.

Naruto turned around but received a punch to his face when he did. He fell backwards, his jaw throbbing. Before he could recover, the large thug slammed his foot into his head. Naruto let out a gasp, blood escaping his mouth. His heart was beating faster as the man began to attack him. He tried to avoid it and disable the opponent normally but he couldn't; the bandit was too aggressive.

Naruto couldn't take the onslaught much longer, his face becoming bloodied. Without thinking of anything but to defend himself, he took out a kunai and let out a scream. It happened fast, within the span of a single breath.

The bandit was staring at him, the kunai lodged in his throat. His eyes were wide with surprise and some blood began to escape his mouth. Naruto couldn't believe what he had done, his eyes transfixed. He was breathing greatly, his own blood falling into his mouth and making him feel that metallic taste.

The bandit clutched Naruto by his shoulder, his grip tight. Naruto tried to shake him loose as the thug coughed blood across his face and hands. Having taken his last breath, the huge man fell to the floor. Naruto was stunned, now covered with the bandit's blood also. He stared at his dirtied hands, tears beginning to escape his eyes.

He looked around at the other dead people before speaking, "What did…" His breathing was becoming faster, "What did I do?"

He had taken the life of a person, the reason for their last breath. He had taken away a person's right to smile, laugh and live. He was shaking horridly, trying to wipe the blood. But the harder he tried, the more it became apparent; spreading across his hands.

"Damn!" He wiped his hands on his clothes, only finding them to become ruined. "No…no…"

"Naruto?" Yuudai had returned, having finished his own task.

The tears fell from the blonde's face as he frantically tried to get the blood off his hands, "I can't get it off me." He wiped his hands on his clothes repeatedly, "Shit, I can't get it off me."

Yuudai noticed the dead person lying next to Naruto. Yuudai observed the disturbed state of the newly appointed ninja. He had seen something similar before, when he told him of the Kyuubi.

Naruto was mesmerised by the blood on his hands, "Why? Why can't I get it off me?" The picture of the woman with her throat cut entered his mind. "I'm not like them…"

Yuudai walked to the boy who was now rubbing his hands on the ground, possessed with the act of cleaning his hands. He bent down next to him and grabbed his hands, stopping him, "Naruto…" He didn't want to witness this again.

Naruto stared at the man, his tears flowing, "Yuudai-san…" His voice was broken, "Help me…please…"

Yuudai stared at the boy, feeling something unfamiliar inside him. What was this strange sensation? He hadn't ever felt it before and it baffled him. He had been hurt before physically and this was like it, yet at the same time different. Not knowing what else to do, he slowly pulled the boy into a hug. He could feel the dampness on his top, the sounds of Naruto breathing heavily apparent. "I'll try…"

XXXXXXXXXX

"Those are some grand aspirations." Sakumo was leaning against the wall, his white hair falling over the side of his face while the rest was tied in a ponytail.

Hideaki was the only person in the room sitting down, "The people Yuka dismissed from the encampment arrived here a while ago. I knew that Iwa was an enemy by that alone, but never did I imagine Hajin would be willing to go this far."

"He's researched well; the Void, the Summoning Realm and who knows what else. We need to stop him before he can implement his plans." Genkei was looking at Naruto while he spoke.

Sakumo noticed the dragon's line of sight, "What about Naruto? How long have you known that his seal has been weakening?"

"It has been nearly 2 years now." Genkei could see the sweat falling from the jinchuuriki's body.

Hideaki sighed, "Why didn't you tell us Genkei? We could have helped in getting the forbidden scroll."

"He placed his trust in me. I wasn't about to betray it." There were many things on the dragon's mind, "He is in a delicate position now and I feel as if I have failed him. I'm getting tired of seeing him in pain."

Hideaki rose from his seat and walked towards the unconscious man. He looked at the flashing seal, "No one here is capable of fixing this. You already know that."

"And you've brought Konoha shinobi to our land. What are you thinking of Genkei-san?" Sakumo questioned the celestial beast.

Genkei told them of his plans, "We can't win the upcoming war on our own. Konoha's help will be useful in that regard and there is also one other thing; Naruto doesn't have his rucksack. He has been working on fixing his seal for a long time now; those notes could prove to be useful. Ask for the Hokage to come here and make sure she brings it with her."

Hideaki smiled, "You are as wise as ever."

Genkei shook his head, "Yet I still make mistakes. I have much to do now and will have to sort out a few things with the other Celestial Summons."

Hideaki stroked his beard, "What are you planning?"

"My time has come." Genkei spoke in a whisper.

Hideaki was surprised by his decision, "Why now?"

"I don't know what Naruto will do in the current situation. I have faith that he will fight but we will need to be there for him." He stared at the blonde, "He needs to realise his dream; for that I am willing to make this sacrifice. I will send someone for him, make sure he is prepared. In order to defeat Hajin, he will have to learn."

"Genkei…" Hideaki had a grim tone.

Genkei walked to the old man and held out his hand, "You were one of three that I have had the honour of accompanying. I wasn't able to help Yuudai but I owe it to Naruto to make sure he succeeds."

Hideaki shook the dragon's hand; it was rough, "I understand. This is goodbye old friend." Genkei smiled before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Hideaki clasped his hands, looking at the still figure of Naruto.

Sakumo detached himself from the wall, "We should send word to our spy in Konoha. We need them to arrive here as soon as possible with Naruto's notes."

Hideaki nodded, "That is a good idea." He faced the blonde, wiping the sweat off his forehead, "First Yuudai and now Yuka. What will you decide to do Naruto?"

Author Notes: That's the sign of Yuudai changing and Genkei is planning something. Of course, you'll have to keep on reading to find out. It's amazing you know, i started this story thinking it'd only go as long as my last effort but it ended up being something a lot bigger. Until next time, laters.