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 wasn't late. We now enter the final arc of this story which will be quite long. Enjoy.

Chapter 31: Faith's Power

The pen was placed down silently, not even the slightest of noise escaping. Carefully tucking the pages together, Naruto made sure he didn't damage them. It had taken him the whole of the night but he'd finally finished his novel. There was enough material in his notes for him to do so.

It was early in the morning and the rain was pattering against his window. The sound of his clock ticking was drowned out, as he gathered what he needed and placed it in his rucksack. Moving towards his dresser, he picked out a cloak and wrapped it around himself.

Grabbing his rucksack, he made his way to the exit of his house. He stopped when seeing Sakura and Sasuke. They were both in his living room; Sakura was reading something while Sasuke seemed to be resting. His eyes made contact with the kunoichi he had lost his temper with but he quickly shifted. He couldn't bear to stare at her, feeling slightly guilty with what he had done.

The door to his house was opened before he reached it, the wind sweeping in some water. Sakumo was at the front of the group which was from Konoha.

The elder Hatake had found out about Naruto's condition from Hideaki the night before. Knowing he was up and walking, he thought it'd be fine to bring his friends to see him. "It's good to see you again."

Naruto nodded towards him but ignored the group he'd accompanied. Not paying any mind, he walked right past them into the rain and closed the door behind him.

Konohamaru was shocked, "What the heck?" Shaking his head, he turned around and exited the house too.

"Hey Konohamaru!" Shikamaru was too late to stop the chuunin. "Ah, what happened there?"

Aoba took off his cloak, placing it on the table near him. "He didn't look too pleased to see us. Aren't you his friends?"

Neji had discarded his own wet covering, "It seemed more like he didn't care."

"We're not exactly great friends. We've met before a few times." Shikamaru decided to elaborate, scratching his head.

Lee felt hurt, "I thought I was though…"

Gai laughed, slapping the man on his back, "Don't worry about it Lee, he looked to have some things on his mind. I'm sure we'll get another chance to speak with him. We'll just wait for him to come back."

Tenten had walked towards Sakura, "What are you reading?"

Sakura closed the book, hiding it from view, "Nothing. W-why are you asking?" Her face became red upon finishing.

"I was just curious." Tenten was being honest, a confused voice escaping her.

Gai looked around, noticing the absence of a few people, "Where are the rest?"

Sasuke picked up his kusanagi, rising to his feet, "Kakashi is in the kitchen. Jiraiya and the Godaime are in their rooms."

Gai didn't wait for anything else, heading down the hall in search of his friend. Sakumo decided to escort the group from Konoha and show them the house; there was nothing better for them to do at the moment.

Sasuke closed his eyes, "There are some things I need to find out." He wasted no time in venturing through the hallway.

Sakura found herself alone in the room all of a sudden. Shrugging, she took out her book and began to read again.

XXXXXXXXXX

"The tracks end here." Gen had his hand in the sand, staring at the sea ahead of him.

"What do you mean? We've been searching for a long time, it can't just end." Tai replied.

The two Titans had spent the past few days scouring the Grass and Waterfall countries. They were now at the North coast of the Waterfall after having picked up a peculiar scent.

"I can still feel it, they haven't disappeared from here. They've travelled across this water." Gen stood up, his mask covering his face.

Tai kicked some sand, "So, what do we do?"

"What Hajin-sama asked of us; we continue until we find everything possible." Gen started walking across the water.

"Gen, wait!" Tai caught up to him, "I need to ask you something."

Gen faced his sister, his face hidden, "What is it?"

Tai sighed, "Don't you care about what happened to Ken and Nin?"

"I don't understand the question." Gen's response was simple.

Tai took off her mask, "Their death hasn't affected you? Why did you shrug it off so easily back in the ruins?"

"We're shinobi Tai, you should know this. I can never feel remorse unless my purpose of existing was stripped of me. As long as Hajin-sama is able to move forward so can I." Gen started walking again.

Tai shouted, "Before Hajin-sama ever came into the picture, we were there. What the fuck is wrong with you? Have you forgotten that?"

Gen turned around, not saying anything. He was staring at the woman wordlessly, the wind blowing past him. He finally spoke in a cold voice, "While it was only us, there was nothing but grief. Hajin-sama gave me my peace. For him, I am willing to sacrifice any of you. Don't take our familial bonds as being so important."

Tai felt an enormous killing intent, freezing on the spot. She couldn't bring herself to respond. Instead, she saw the strict eyes of Gen behind his mask. Then within an instant, it vanished.

Gen faced the horizon, "Let's go, we've wasted enough time bickering."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto walked through his garden; the rain had already soaked his cloak and parts of his face. He didn't mind though, keeping his rucksack close to him. Before he could leave, he heard a shout from behind him.

"Why did you do that?" Konohamaru was standing several feet away from him.

Naruto felt the water trickle down his face, "Do what?"

"Ignore us like that. Didn't you realise we were there?" Konohamaru noticed there was something different about the man.

"Why does it matter so much to you? A few words won't change anything." Naruto attempted to walk again but was halted by Konohamaru, who appeared in front.

"Why are you acting weird? You're different from the person I saw in Konoha." Konohamaru was trying to get a good look at the retired shinobi.

"I am who I am." Naruto revealed his face to the boy.

Konohamaru was stunned to see those eyes, without emotion and feeling. There was pain there but he didn't know what of. He looked at the ground, "I came here to speak with you. I travelled across countries just to get a chance to meet you again."

Naruto chuckled, "I'm not special kid. I'm just an ordinary person." He walked past the chuunin.

"I thought you were though." Konohamaru could feel Naruto stop behind him, "I thought you were special. When you spoke to me those times, I don't what it was but there was something different about you."

Naruto's hand slipped from the gate, turning his head towards the young ninja.

"You spoke with confidence, like you knew what was inside my heart. That kind of faith, I'd never seen it before. How can someone ordinary understand so well?" Konohamaru said in a calm voice.

Naruto closed his eyes, the rain splashing across his face. What was this feeling inside him? It popped up randomly but it went as quickly as it came.

"That boy who was hated but never gave up trying to fit in; the one who stood up countless times after falling down..." Konohamaru stared at the sky, "…with the courage of a hundred men and the heart of a thousand; that was you. I refuse to believe this is how that person would end up."

"Why are you saying this?" Naruto wanted to know why the boy was so attached to him.

"After I met you, I felt I could do anything if I believed. But I look at you now and I see no hope in your eyes. Where's that strength?" Konohamaru was upset about the situation.

Naruto shook his head, somewhat in disbelief, "You're admiring the wrong guy." He opened the gate and walked through it. He had one destination on his mind, a place to which he had never been.

Konohamaru could hear his footsteps fade, closing his eyes. This wasn't how he had envisioned their meeting.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi read through his book, but it wasn't holding his attention. No matter how hard he tried, his mind kept wandering to the conflicts of the present. He usually read because it helped him forget and take his mind off things. However, this method was failing him at the moment.

"Kakashi! I finally found you!" Gai entered the kitchen.

"Gai? What are you doing here?" Kakashi was taken aback, "I was expecting the Godaime and Jiraiya-sama but you…"

Gai started laughing, "My team is here too, along with Shikamaru and Konohamaru. You won't believe it though."

Kakashi placed his book inside his vest, "What happened?"

"Aoba was a spy for the Confederation, quite the youthful fellow." Gai slammed his hand on the table, "Enough talk, it's time for a challenge."

Kakashi was always shocked at how topics could change so swiftly around Gai. "Uh, I don't think this is the best of times."

A commotion could be heard nearing the kitchen as the group from Konoha came into sight. Sakumo was leading the way, but stopped when he saw Kakashi. Waiting a few moments, he turned to Aoba and asked him for a favour. The undersized crowd departed down the corridor leaving the elder Hatake behind.

Sakumo walked inside, the atmosphere was noticeably gloomier. He didn't take his eyes off his son who stared right back. Gai was uncomfortable being present but also felt wary of disturbing anything.

Sakumo closed his eyes, "I won't ask for your forgiveness, I know better." Collecting himself inside, he spoke his thoughts, "I wanted you to know that not a day went by that I didn't think of you; whether you were safe, healthy or growing up fine. I can't take back what I did. But you're my son, nothing will change that." Turning around after concluding, he left the kitchen.

Kakashi didn't say anything, his heart feeling heavier. He clasped his hands, before resting his head on them.

"Kakashi…" Gai put his hand on his shoulder, "…I won't claim I know how you feel but I do remember our past. You missed your father to the point that it deprived you of your liveliness. You might find it hard but somewhere in your heart, there's that love for Sakumo-san." He tightened his grip, letting him know he was there for him, "Find it."

The enigmatic ninja walked away from the table. He realised it wasn't the time for a challenge or other banter. Kakashi needed some time to be alone and think over his conundrums.

"Gai…" Kakashi coolly uttered.

Gai looked back at the jounin, "Huh?"

Kakashi smiled underneath his mask, "You always know what to say."

Gai grinned, throwing his thumb out, "The power of youth is still with me regardless of how old I become. You're strong Kakashi, I know this. This is just another obstacle for you to conquer."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto jumped down from the building, landing in a puddle. He had taken the higher route due to not knowing where his destination was. He found it easier to navigate when he could see everything around him. Walking across the bridge, he passed under a huge sign.

He was surrounded by death; numerous graves which had candles lit next to them. The fire of the candles was shielded by specially designed ornaments. He started walking through the graveyard, the rain splashing off his figure. Searching for several minutes, he finally came upon the grave he wanted to visit.

Motionless, he stood watching the memorial. He took off his hood, exposing his face to the cold shower. It covered him, drenching his hair and wetting his skin. It had been two years since the demise of the person closest to him. Even though he was finally there, he still felt lost. Pulling out his rucksack from under his cloak, he opened it and took out his finished narrative. Guarding it from the rain, he spoke in an upbeat voice, "It took me long enough but I finished writing my book. I wonder what you'd have thought of it."

He placed the novel next to the candle, inside the ornament. Making sure he didn't forget, he reached into his pocket and took out a paper; it had the autograph of Jiraiya. "I got this too. You were always a big fan of his books." Smiling, he placed the piece of paper on the novel.

That smile soon disappeared from his visage when he realised it was only him speaking. As much as he tried, he couldn't act so cheerful. There would be no response or confused expression for him to gaze upon. His eyes fell to the ground, his heart beating against his chest, "Yuudai-san…" His voice was no longer composed; he was pleading, "What should I do?"

The water fell from his flowing hair into his eyes and mouth, "You said I can't give up hope but it's not enough. I'm losing everything." He fell to his knees, his hands digging into the mud, "I want you to speak to me one more time. Tell me I'm able to do this." His vision blurred, "Strength comes from faith but I don't have any left. I don't believe in myself Yuudai-san. I couldn't do anything without you, I couldn't even protect Yuka." He slammed his fist into the ground, his anguish flowing through the blood on his knuckles, "Why did you have to die?"

A flutter of wings entered his ears as a bird landed on the grave. It was the same white bird from the day before, its feathers even more majestic when wet. Naruto's crimson eyes attached themselves to the figure of the bird, which was watching him curiously. He moved his hand forward to touch it but it escaped him. He stood up as the bird began to fly away from him.

Not thinking of anything else, he began to chase the creature. His focus didn't deter from the object of his interest as he pursued it through the rain. After several minutes, he ended up on the beach. The bird continued flying away, causing him to continue his pursuit.

Naruto halted at the water's edge while the beautiful bird ascended into the sky, lost to the dark clouds. Sighing, he realised he wouldn't catch it. Falling backwards onto the sand, he brought up his knees and rested his arms on them. His mind was clogged and he wanted some time to think. At least here, the sound of the sea soothed him.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tsunade walked through the corridors, having been awakened by the commotion. She wasn't in the best of moods at the moment, her head slightly throbbing. She had passed a drenched Konohamaru, making her wonder why the chuunin was in the rain for so long.

Nonetheless, she had now made her way through the abode into the living room. Her presence caused Sakura to shift quickly, "Tsunade-Shisou, you startled me."

Tsunade raised her eyebrow, staring at her apprentice enquiringly. Brushing her hair back, she walked towards her and sat down. She relaxed herself by leaning back against the cushion, "What were you reading?"

Sakura nearly choked, "How did you know?"

"It's quite evident. I might be tired but I'm aware of what's around me." Tsunade yawned.

Sakura grinned nervously, pulling the book out from behind her. She placed it in front of her teacher, clearing her throat. "It was for a purpose."

Tsunade picked up the book, recognising it instantly, "Why are you reading this?" She faced Sakura, desiring answers, "What purpose could you seriously need this for?"

Sakura shrugged, "Kakashi said it's a good insight into the minds of men and women."

Tsunade laughed, "By Jiraiya? Kakashi must be stupider than he looks." Shaking her head, she decided to continue, "Why do you need insight into the minds of men?"

"Why did you say only men?" Sakura questioned the Godaime.

"You're a woman; you should perfectly understand how we think." Tsunade put the book down.

Sakura inwardly slapped herself, "I don't really know why."

"It's not Sasuke, I know that much. The only person left would be Naruto then." Tsunade analysed the situation swiftly.

Sakura's mouth fell open, "What makes you say that?"

"He's the only other man you've spent time around lately. So he must be the one confusing you." Tsunade pointed at her apprentice, "I'm right, no?"

Sakura was stopped from answering when hearing footsteps. Jiraiya and Sasuke entered the room, both done with their discussion. The frog hermit walked towards the table and sat down, "Have you come to a decision yet?"

"I'm still thinking things over." Tsunade made herself comfortable on the cushion.

Sasuke walked across the room and sat opposite of the two women, placing his kusanagi to a side. "Hajin sounds like a formidable opponent."

Sakura wrapped her arms around her legs, "You were finally told about everything."

Jiraiya scratched his head, "Hajin has faced the Yondaime and survived. Someone like that is not to be taken lightly and he's probably only grown stronger since then."

"Indeed he has. He eclipses even my own skills." The new voice instantly drew attention.

The frog hermit stared at the fresh arrival, "Sakumo? What's going on here?"

Tsunade was equally stunned, wondering how she was gazing upon someone thought to be dead. "The surprises don't cease in this place."

Sakumo folded his arms, "It's been a long time." He recognised the expressions on his former allies' faces, "My death was a ruse; I've been here since then." He walked towards the table and took a seat also, "I doubt even you two expected Hajin to be so strong."

Jiraiya nodded, placing his hands on the tabletop, "It goes to show that there are always people lurking in the shadows, waiting until the right time to reveal their true selves." His attitude took a more serious turn, "If you're heading towards a war, the leader needs to be taken care of. Who will be the one to face him?"

Sakumo rested his elbow on the armrest of his chair, "Naruto."

Sasuke was instantly alerted while Tsunade spoke, "Is he capable of that?"

"Not right now. But we've already started making preparations to teach him how to counter Hajin's fighting style. It now rests on what he'll decide." Sakumo said.

"You're putting your hopes with him but he hasn't even told you whether he'll fight?" Tsunade asked.

"He's going through a tough time right now. Yuka and Yuudai's deaths are taking a toll on him mentally." Sakumo wondered where the blonde was currently.

"Who's Yuka?" Sakura was intrigued.

"She was the woman he loved, the daughter of Hajin. Yuudai was his guardian ever since he's been here." Sakumo sensed the atmosphere in the room take a turn for the worse.

Sakura felt slightly jealous upon hearing of the woman but more than anything, she felt like she understood what Naruto was going through now. That anger he displayed was his own confusion about his state of affairs.

Tsunade was sympathetic towards the jinchuuriki, "It's hard losing people close to you."

Sakumo voiced his opinion, "We have faith in him. If there's one thing I'm sure of, his downfalls only serve to make him stronger. He will pull through."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto gazed upon the night sky, the stars twinkling gloriously. The speckles of light were always extraordinary to observe. It often caused the man to speculate about the world and what was out there. Knowledge was desired by everyone but it was hard to acquire. How many things were there that he had no idea of?

The tide rushed in, stopping short of soaking his feet. The rain had receded an hour ago, allowing the clouds to part and display the sky behind them. The magnificent beauty of the sky only served to fill Naruto's insides with peace momentarily.

With his mind briefly clearing, he thought of Hajin. The Tsuchikage's plans and ambitions made him frustrated and furious within. A dream which would come true at the expense of thousands of people, causing them the kind of loss he had agonised over.

"I witnessed Yuudai's last battle; I saw him die protecting you."

The words of Hajin echoed through the walls of his mind repeatedly. It was because of Hajin that he had been caught, that Yuudai had journeyed to the Akatsuki base to rescue him. Had it not been for that, he wouldn't have ever lost the person he cherished. Then there was Yuka, abandoned by her father and left to die like a fool. He had buried the woman with his own hands, each drop of sweat filled with his suffering.

How could he give up now? He had endured hardships, cried and pleaded for his freedom during the past two years. The person responsible for his misery was now going to spread that pain to others. He couldn't allow himself to sit back and fade away into time, could he?

"…the one who stood up countless times after falling down…"

Konohamaru's words struck his heart, it all made sense. It didn't matter how bad things seemed to get, he kept on inching forward. This was his way of life, to persevere in front of all adversity. Maybe he wouldn't find his freedom, but that wasn't all that was important.

"What doesn't kill me…can only make me stronger." Naruto uttered, "I understand what I have to do."

Naruto placed his hands in the sand, pushing himself to his feet. What was this feeling inside him; this desire? It was back again but much stronger than before. It was swelling up inside him, until it felt like he was about to burst. He refused to fade away into the shadows. He was filled with resolve and determination. He placed his hand out in front of him, closing his eyes.

"Look beyond yourself Naruto; tell me what you see."

He absorbed the sounds of the breeze blowing past him, the tide advancing on the sandy beach. The peaceful ambience represented what he felt within the deepest regions of his anatomy. Opening his eyes, he finally understood. His hand ascended to point towards the sky before he tightened it into a fist, "With this resolve, I'll bring an end to my trail of freedom." He took a deep breath, his eyes full of fortitude, "I'll cross that bridge to my destiny!"

Author Notes: Plenty of things are happening. Yet, there's still so much you don't know. Naruto hasn't fully recovered or anything, he just wants to bring down Hajin for what he did. There's still a lot for me to write so see you later.