A/N: Hey all! Thanks so much for the lovely reviews from the last chapter, I'm so happy to hear that people really do love this story as much as I enjoy writing it. I apologize for the long wait; I'm just so indecisive when it comes to revising and then I take long breaks...but a special thanks to Gej (sorry I can't space the name here) for pming me and reminding me to finish my chapter so, Thank you!

Disclaimer: Don't own.

Warnings: Longest chapter ever! Please find a comfortable seating before reading.

Chapter 10

One after Another

…

"Dad?" Naruto whispered out as if he'd heard a ghost. It was like time had ceased to exist for just that moment as he spun around to face the culprit who was impersonating his deceased father. Rather a shock to cerulean orbs though, it was no imposter but his father standing as clear as day before him. Of course the effects of time had been so lenient with his dad, only a few wrinkles appeared on the King's handsome face. His posture was unwavering and strong, just like Naruto had remembered it all those years ago.

"Naruto….your mother and I have been worried sick about you all these years…" the much older man began. He moved forwards towards his stiff son and embraced him whole heartedly, tears threatening to free fall at any moment. "We were wrong to force you so long ago. I was pushing you so hard and you were just a child…please give us another chance."

Naruto couldn't move. Even though his, very much alive, father was holding him so closely…things just didn't add up. He had prayed so long for a moment like this…to see his parents again and apologize for his actions. The blonde had already lodged into his mind the guilt in which would forever haunt him but now…it didn't make sense. Like a puppet being controlled, his arms moved languidly to return the warm hold but he felt nothing behind. The prince was well beyond shock; he needed time to process everything. Needed time to compile what exactly was happening. And so, both father and son stayed in that position for a while until King Minato finally pulled away.

"There is much to be discussed young man but you have traveled far and need your rest. Kiba take Naruto back to the palace." The king ordered. In a flash, the guard named Kiba waltzed over to drag the prince away. Naruto couldn't even process what his dad was saying. All he saw was movement of lips mouthing words and then the guard pulling him away until everything starting getting blurry. The prince couldn't even will himself to keep conscience; it was like his brained had been switched off and quickly his vision turned black.

"Naruto!" Minato shouted in concerned as his son fell limply into the brunette's arms. He was about to run over to his son when the guard's hand shot up in a stopping motion.

"He just fainted," Kiba announced quietly whilst trying to keep the prince on his feet. He motioned his left hand onto the blonde's forehead, checking to see if he had a temperature. "He's not burning up so it might just be the exhaustion hitting him, nothing to worry about your highness."

There was a sigh of relief that came out of the older blonde as he composed himself. "Carry him to the carriage out back and notify the doctor, he's probably dehydrated from the straight days of travel." Minato explained while taking a seat at the nearby table. He motioned for Sasuke to join him and the raven did, grudgingly. Though he wanted to help Kiba get Naruto back to the castle, there were more pressing matters at hand to be dealt with. He couldn't help but clench his fist a little as the guard lifted the prince in a bridal style manner and carried him out back.

"Sasuke." The King commanded and the lord's attention was quickly brought back to the situation at hand.

"As promised I've returned Naruto to you. Now it's your turn to keep up your side of the deal." Sasuke replied back sternly, facing the most powerful man in the Kingdom.

"Of course, the contract has been met and so you will get your troops and Lavonia's alliance as well." Minato answered, pleased with the outcomes of the agreement. "Five hundred of my best men were requested and you shall get them tomorrow morning, when you set off back to Oden."

"Agreed."

…

"Yo blondie, wake up…I do not want to carry you inside."

Naruto shifted awkwardly in the small amount of space that was provided. The furry fabric running against his tunic was creating and unpleasant friction, not to mention static electricity. He felt a jab at his left side again, making him turn to avoid the repeating action.

"Hey wake up."

There it was again, relentlessly attacking his sides, making it very uncomfortable to sleep. Reluctantly, the blonde willed his eyes open to glare at the assaulter.

"Finally you're awake; now get up so I don't have to carry you inside." The brunette huffed out in exasperation.

Naruto didn't bother to reply as he slowly sat upright to take in the surroundings. Looking past the guard and the open carriage door, he found the familiar sight of high archways leading straight to the main ballroom floor. It seemed just like yesterday that he was running up and down that corridor, hiding from his useless flute instructor…so many memories.

"You okay to walk on your own, fox face?" Kiba asked as best as he could without looking too annoyed. Dealing with nobles was not his thing; he preferred working within the stables with the horses…or anything else as a matter of fact.

"It's Naruto, and yes Kiba, I can." Naruto retorted with irritation. He hadn't heard that one yet but it sounded more of a nickname than an insult. Kiba looked at the blonde with calculating eyes before helping the prince out of the carriage and onto the ground. He lightly tapped the horses' back, motioning for them to be on their way towards their next destination. The guard turned back to the blonde who was still staring like a fish at the vast hall way and lighting.

"Come on prince, your mother's waitin'." Kiba stated and walked forwards without the other. In a second, hurried footsteps followed after him, thudding on the floor until they fell into unison with each other.

"How is it possible that my parents are still alive? I thought they were both killed by a usurper of the throne?" Naruto questioned while pacing next to Kiba. He needed answers and was sure as hell that Sasuke wouldn't give it to him.

"Che, whoever told you that load of bogus is crazy. Lavonia's been doing great with Minato as King. Killing both the King and Queen would be like shooting oneself in the head, its suicide." The brunette replied back. "That's why Sasuke came to get you back in the first place, without you; he wouldn't be able to get the help he needs to get Oden under control. But, you already knew that right, that's why you came back."

Kiba failed to notice the prince stopping completely, fists clenching so hard he could draw blood from his blunt fingertips. So this whole time the bastard was lying to him? Only using him to get what he wanted? That fucking prick lied to him about everything, and on top of that created an elaborate story that wasn't even true!

"Yeah, that's why I decided to come back…" Naruto answered solemnly through clenched teeth, trailing after Kiba. He would keep up this charade to save the bastard's face, and then confront him later. There was no need to involve unnecessary people into the raven's web of lies.

"Your mom's waiting for you in the throne room, she's been waiting ever since that letter came yesterday of your arrival."

"There was a letter sent over to her?"

"Yeah, guess Sasuke didn't want to let you know about the surprise party they planned for you tonight." Kiba let out easily.

"Wait…what surprise party?" Naruto questioned, getting more and more maddened at the things coming out of the guard's mouth. He didn't have a personal vindictive against Kiba but damn, if they guy just kept spilling these truths, Naruto was bound to explode.

"Well, since the cats out of the bag…your parents were planning a ball tonight for your return. You would think that majority of the people would dislike you for pulling that stunt but that's the exact opposite. When word got out that you went missing and rumors circulated around the fact that you chose to run away… your people actually sympathized with you. Now that's some admiration right there, it seems like their prince can do no wrong, huh?"

"Right," Naruto replied back sarcastically, this guy was really starting to get on his nerves with the sardonic jabs. He pressed his lips together in thought, trying to sort out the confusion and anger boiling his blood but Kiba' constant chatter wasn't helping at all. Why couldn't they guy just keep his mouth shut?

The guard noticed the tense form the prince was sporting and decided to drop the mockery. He wasn't trying to get on the guy's bad side or anything but as an Oden guard, he had his rights on picking sides. It wasn't that he blamed Naruto for the fault of their Kingdom's downfall. Regardless of the prince's actions, there had already been gossips about revolt against the Oden King. He figured Naruto was just a tool to speed up the process. So honestly, there shouldn't be any tension at all. Even as they continued in silence, Kiba felt a constant pang of guilt at the way he'd been speaking to the prince. Any other noble would have beheaded him already for such rude comments but Naruto didn't even use one threat. If he could rationalize that it wasn't Naruto's fault why couldn't he be civil to the guy.

"Look Naruto, I know that you made your decision years ago, and I'm not trying to bash you for it. Everybody makes selfish choices most of the time but hell, that's because it's our lives you know? People just can't sympathize with you 'cause you got the balls to do what you want, rather than day dreaming your life away. As lame as it sounds, if you didn't do what your heart wanted, you'd just be a martyr for your own feelings."

Naruto was mildly surprised to hear such wise words erupt from the mouth of Kiba. Not even a second ago he was about to rip the guard's head off but now, the guy didn't seem too bad. True the blonde was still sorting out the craziness of everything but, his malice was against Sasuke, not Kiba. As loud and obnoxious as the brunette was, the small speech was uplifting…and really did reassure him that his mistakes could be righted.

"Thanks Kiba," Naruto answered gratefully. "I really needed that."

The guard gave the prince a broad smile, showing off his canine like teeth and in return, Naruto returned the gesture. Kiba honestly didn't think he was going to like the famous run away prince, already establishing a fact in his mind that the kid was a brat. Now though, seeing the guy standing in front of him with a genuine smile, he couldn't help but want to understand and forgive the blonde. He was starting to see why the villagers could see no wrong in the heir to Lavonia. "Yeah, no problem…but seriously, the queen is waiting."

The blonde chuckled, reminiscing about his mother's diminutive patience as Kiba ushered him towards their destination.

…

"Naruto….is that you honey?" the sweet voice whispered in disbelief. Her eyes widened as she stepped closer to examine the man who stood in front of her. He'd grown up to look just like his father, but the expression in those blue eyes reflected a spirit like hers. Tears threaten to fall from her eyes as she roamed his form up and down. "Is it really you?"

"Mom?" the blonde dared to ask as soft hands carefully caressed his face as if it was fragile china. A moment passed over them both as their eyes connected and repressed emotions finally exploded. Tan arms reached out and latched onto his mother like there was no tomorrow. He didn't care that he was crying, all that mattered was the feeling of redemption washing over his senses.

"I'm sorry for all these years of making you worry mom. If I could make it up to you, I would do everything in my power to repay the debt I've cause." Naruto sobbed out like a child. A tender hand ran through his golden locks, trying to suppress the sobs of her son. Tears flowed freely down her face too, but in happiness that her prayers were answered. Finally, after six long years her only son had returned home.

"No baby, I'm sorry for all the things I had to put you through. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard, it's my fault." Kushina answered, running her hands soothingly through blonde locks. Naruto hiccupped a few times; feeling embarrassed at the action but couldn't stop another from surfacing. He felt the lips of his mother widen on his fore head while she tighten her hold. The pair stayed connected in their embrace, simply enjoying the pleasure of the lost interaction.

Kiba watched the whole scene unfold before him as he rubbed away some slight moisture in his eyes. He was such a sucker with these types of situation and a being a tad bit emotion as well didn't help. He could only imagine the feelings the two were experiencing, especially the guilt of the prince just fading away. Because no matter what wrong a child does, the parent's love for him will never waver. Not wanting to ruin the moment, he waited for another minute or so before clearing his throat to get their attention.

"If I may, your majesty, lets agree that this is the fault of both sides and be on with our days." Kiba interjected with a crooked smile only he could pull off. "Now, I know you both have much to discuss so I will be on my way for the preparations for tonight."

"Yes Kiba, Thank you so much for all that you have done." The queen responded with much gratitude as she slowly backed away from her son. "Please update me soon on the status of the ball tonight."

"Yes your majesty." The guard replied with a curt nod before exiting.

…

Naruto swirled the wine within his glass, noting how quickly the day had passed. After Kiba left, his mother caught him up on the latest news as well as hugging him every other second. She just wanted to make sure it was really him, was her excuse, an excuse Naruto couldn't say no to. The hardest part was telling her the truth about Sasuke, about what he had said to get the prince to come back. He loved his mom so much and knew that she was the most trusted person to tell. After being upset at the lies Sasuke created, she sympathized a little while the prince continued to fume and rant.

Flashback

"I mean what right does he have to manipulate me like that?"

"Naruto sweetie, put yourself in his position, he just had to get his job done." Kushina answered sweetly to her angry son.

"At the cost of hurting someone else mother," the blonde retorted. "He can't just decide what he wants and then do it...playing with people's emotions isn't a game. He probably doesn't even care that he hurts people; as long as he accomplishes his goal then everything is good! People don't matter, they're just there…God I hate that bastard."

The queen watched her son's irrational raving, knowing well what was aspiring before her eyes. There was something more to the journey than Naruto was willing to let on. "Honey…I think the real anger is aimed at the fact that you trusted him and he betrayed you, is that it?"

Naruto stared startlingly at his mother, wondering how she got it so right. "No, that's definitely not the case here."

"Are you sure? Because I'm sure that the word people only consists of you."

He saw her thin lips morph into an all knowing smirk before turning away, knowing he couldn't hide the blush dusting his face. "I'm sure."

End Flashback

Afterwards he had excused himself to rest before the ball that night, his mother begrudgingly agreeing to the request. However not even making it halfway up the stairs towards his old bedroom, a maid came for him for clothes measurements, and then another for ballroom dance lessons, another for setting up a bath, and another for the royal dressing. All of them sent by the request of his mother. The blonde didn't get a blink of sleep before someone would be rushing him elsewhere. He sighed loudly, the lulling orchestra music lulling him to sleep but that couldn't happen with so many people in the room.

A glittering candlelit chandelier hung high above the grandeur ballroom, lighting the gowns of many eligible bachelors and bachelorette. Much to the Naruto's displeasure, he hadn't spotted Sasuke the entire night. Now that he thought about it, he hadn't seen the bastard since they breached the gates.

"Naruto, you've been gone so long. How does it feel to be back in Lavonia?" A random high class female questioned him. The prince jerked his head towards the voice, taking note of the beautiful girl standing in front of him. Her long brown hair flowed like a river behind her back, creating an elegant illusion. He couldn't help but compare it to Sasuke's raven locks that seem to defy gravity in every way, noting that it was much smoother.

"It doesn't feel any different from all those years ago," Naruto answered disinterestedly, constantly looking around the spacious room for a mop of dark hair. The girl nodded her head eagerly and replied but the prince easily tuned her out. He wasn't trying to be rude but really, his mind seemed to be wandering elsewhere. Even with his quick sapphire orbs surveying the room of abundant colors, a certain brooding darkness could not be found.

The blonde sighed loudly, noticing that the brunette girl wasn't there anymore. He tugged at the side hem of his ruby red surcoat, trying to keep his hands busy. Although he didn't really care for the color, red did bring out an aura in him that no other color could. Just when he was about to give up looking for Sasuke, he noticed a dark figure from across the room darting out the back.

"Sasuke…" Naruto spoke aloud. It only sounded like a whisper within the throngs of people as the prince maneuvered through them. He was positive that it was Sasuke's silhouette he had seen, it was no mistake.

"Excuse me," the blonde apologized as he knocked through a group of women. He heard them gasp dramatically at his manners but continued forward regardless. Just when he was about to reach the exit towards the open garden, a strong arm grabbed his elbow and jerked him back.

"Waiiiittt Naru, what's the hurry?" A familiar voice gripped him. He turned to see a grinning Kiba looking straight at him. "Where're ya off to?"

"Oh...I'm just headed out back," He replied, thinking over his answer. Was there a reason why he should lie to Kiba about his motives? "I think I saw Sasuke go towards that direction."

"Say no more, say no more, I knew you two would get back together. I don't know why Sasuke chose to voiiiid the first contract in the first place." Kiba answered back with a sway of his hands. "Ya know….honestly; I think you'd be a greeeaaeat balance for that icy bastard. He needs to get a goooood lay. I don't know how long it's been since he's had sex…the idiots so focused on getting his kingdom up and runnin…he ain't thinkinbout himself."

Naruto stood as still as statue while the guard mumbled more incoherent things under his breath. His mind spun while trying to piece together what Kiba had just revealed. To say everything just got more complicated was an understatement. He had been waiting the whole day to get some answers and now Kiba was yet again, spilling some more nonsense into his mind. He sighed tiredly, too tired to really be surprised anymore. "Are you drunk Kiba?"

"'m not drunk…maybe a couple sips of wine but still, I'm not blind to the truth. Sasuke shoulda just married ya like the original contract and then both countries woulda been well allied." The brunette spoke out in a babble.

A golden eyebrow arched up at that comment. So it was true then, Kiba was insinuating that Sasuke was the other prince and that would only make sense. Although some things were still a bit shady one part remained true, the bastard was just using him. "I think you need to go sit down." Naruto ushered while slightly pushing the brunette out of the way. He couldn't hold it any longer, he had to confront Sasuke. The other wailed indigently as the blonde stalked off somewhere, clearly in a hurry to do something. Kiba's hazelnut eyes followed after Naruto until he wasn't completely out of sight before straightening up his disgruntled figure.

"Was that really necessary Kiba?" A tired voice groaned from behind him.

The brunette turned around, seeing a figure clad in the same guard uniform he was sporting. A wide smirk lit up his face, knowing well that the other disproved of his well-played performance. "Of course it is Shikamaru; it'll benefit them both in the long run. Besides, it isn't like Naruto isn't used to these facades anyway."

"That still doesn't mean you can fool him," the other man grumbled out.

"But I didn't fool him; Naruto deserved the truth. So now when they both confront each other, there won't be any more secrets. Isn't that why you suggested this plan in the first place?"

"To please the queen, but I really didn't think you were going to go through with it. Honestly, sometimes I feel like were more obligated to Kushina rather than Sasuke."

"Exactly, but that's the reason why she's the queen. Nothing gets passed her." Kiba answered before slugging an arm over Shikamaru. "Now let's go actually get drunk."

…

After getting away from the people, not to mention a very drunk Kiba, the Lavonian Prince breathed in the refreshing night air. True he needed to find Sasuke but all day he hadn't had a moment to himself at all. In between the dress up for the ball there were reunions after reunions and questions after questions. Finally getting the chance to be alone, Naruto found himself exhausted. He wanted to be angrier, to be furious with Sasuke but the only thing he could muster was a dejected sigh. What was the world coming to?

He trudged wearily through an open stone path where tall green hedges aligned on each side. It would be impossible to guess where Sasuke went but maybe luck would be on his side tonight. Walking a bit further, the hedges split, one going left and the other going right, to reveal a spectacular view. The stones continued as well but turned into a small sturdy balcony overlooking his favorite fountain in the whole entire castle grounds. There were also steps on each side, leading down to the bottom to get a clearer view of the magnificent statue. Naruto's boots clicked slightly on the rocks but it was easily drowned out by the soothing slush of the water. He chose to go down the steps on the right side, sliding his hands along the stone railings while looking for those familiar black spikes.

"Even when you're not talking you still manage to be loud."

As Naruto had expected, Sasuke was standing right in the middle of the clearing, staring intently at Aphrodite's naked form. "Beautiful isn't it?" The blonde asked.

"There are a few minor mistakes that can be overlooked but…it is amazing." Sasuke agreed wholeheartedly, never wavering from the piece of artwork.

"Well of course no one can really recapture Botticelli's painting and carve it into stone but I think the man did a fine job." Naruto stated, finally making his way to the bottom. There were several torches lined against the wall creating an illuminating glow off the goddesses' body, brightening her wavy hair into unbelievable perfection. Even the shell's edges were tinted with a hit of light, Aphrodite's form creating a cascading shadow over it.

"You lied to me," the prince began in a calm collected voice. If Sasuke wasn't going to bring it up then he would. This talk was well over due in Naruto's opinion. He heard the other sigh, as if mentally preparing himself for this conversation before turning around to stare at the blonde.

"I know…and I'm sorry for lying, for telling all those lies but…I had no other choice." Sasuke explained, trying to find some justification for his actions. "My father…my kingdom…we needed that alliance from Lavonia years ago…"

"You were the other prince….weren't you?" Naruto voiced out. He already knew the answer but some confirmation would help secure the reality of things. The reality in which, he was just another pawn in the game.

"I was…but…because you ran away…everything…everything that Oden was… crumbled," Sasuke said with a bitterness that the blonde couldn't quite forget. "Minato didn't know that Oden was slowly collapsing, her forces weakening with each passing day. True we held a strong army at the time but without proper raw materials and a trading market, people were beginning to starve… After you ran away, my father met in secrecy with King Minato, and both agreed that the contract would still stand til they found you." Sasuke finished. He paused for a bit, looking at the other for any sort of reaction but seeing none, he sustained. "I was away at a neighboring Kingdom when everything collapsed completely, leaving no survivors of the main family."

The blonde felt a jolt of emotion pass through his whole body, swirling around with the already muddled mess his mind was feeling. A nauseating feeling washed over him, spinning his head like crazy. How was he supposed to reply? He hadn't known that so much relied upon that marriage. His father made it clear that Oden was a powerful nation and that they needed help…not the other way around. Regardless of anything, it still didn't make up for the elaboration of lies, stringing him into a false life. Naruto admitted that he was to blame but that still didn't give the Uchiha a free pass.

"A revolution broke out three years later to dethrone my father and it worked, because people were tired of him not taking action against Lavonia. Little did they know how much we needed your kingdom's alliance but the problem was, no one could find you." The raven whispered out into the night. He turned away from the blonde, a part of him hating Naruto but at the same time, understanding completely why he did what he did. "I waited two years to return and even though things have leveled out somewhat, there are still rebels out there trying to kill off the last of the Uchiha line so that anyone would be able to take the throne. I sought out the only person who could help me rebuild my Kingdom…and that was your father. We voided the old contract, and he promised me that if I could bring you back within a year's time, he would help."

"Why void out the old contract?" the prince voiced out before he could comprehend what he was really saying. He saw a flicker of something in those dark eyes as they turned back to look at him.

"Your father knew you had run away in the first place because of it, and didn't want to put the pressure on you again. He voided it so you would stay."

The guilt piling up inside him was beginning to overshadow Sasuke's dishonesty. His parents cared so much for him, did so much for him and even after his betrayal, were still willing to forgive. "How long did you have left when you found me?" Naruto spoke, bits and pieces of both worlds molding in together clearly now.

"One week… that's why…that's why I had to lie. There was no other way to convince you to return with the amount of time I had left. My whole world was on the line Naruto….so many people were dependent upon me…"

"Even with your limited amount of time, you should have told me the truth. I'm not so selfish as to disregard a request that a whole kingdom depended on," Naruto responded, steady orbs watching the raven closely. "You should've trusted me."

"Che," He heard Sasuke scoff as if he heard the most unbelievable thing in the world. "You wanted me to trust you? An idiot who abandoned his native land because he didn't want to go through with marriage? Pray tell how I was supposed to believe that you would help, when you wouldn't even help your own?"

He knew he shouldn't have said that but really, the words flying out of the blonde's mouth were really ticking him off. Especially the way Naruto was being so calm, it was oddly annoying him to no end. The look that came over the other's face confirmed his thoughts correctly. The raven really didn't want to leave on bad terms with Naruto. Why couldn't the idiot just leave him alone and get over the whole thing already. Sasuke sighed loudly, knowing well he had hurt the blonde with his harsh words but they were already out, nothing else he could do about that. "Look…there's no such thing as having happiness served to you on a silver platter Naruto, regardless of who you are. In this world, achieving happiness can only be done through selfishness. I had to be inconsiderate or else I'd accomplish nothing. I am sorry for hurting you, but regret hasn't even surfaced my mind."

With those last words, Sasuke walked away. His body yearned to turn back around to look at the prince but he willed himself not to, and climbed up the stairs. After tonight he would never see the younger male again anyway, so it didn't matter.

"I don't know whose worst Sasuke…me…or you?" Naruto whispered out into the still night, letting all those hateful words elude from his mind. The prince had already come to terms with his demons, and faced them after years of running. He remembered what Kiba had told him earlier and felt calmer with the brunette's encouraging words. Quite frankly, he was beginning to enjoy the crazy guard's company and wondered if Kiba would continue to stay in Lavonia.

…

Naruto awoke the next morning, memories of last night resurfacing, making him cringe at the events.

"Stupid bastard," Naruto cursed out to no one in particular. "If I had more energy last night I would have kicked your ass."

He plopped back down on his bed, reminiscing about how much he had missed the luxury but wouldn't trade life at the orphanage for it. The pillows were heavenly soft and fluffy though, making it really hard to not appreciate the life of a royal again. The blonde was trying to fall back asleep when he heard the hoofs of horses pounce heavily outside. He furrowed his eyebrows at the annoyance wanting to just tune it out but suddenly, a curious shock hit him. Why were there horses so early in the morning? Jolting out of bed quickly, he ran over to the window to see a barrage of guards lining up to receive orders from a familiar brunette. His eyes scanned over the scenery, thousands of possibilities running through his mind at why there would be so many soldiers out in about. Taking a step back, it hit him like a ton of bricks as the reality surfaced. Oden needed help…the alliance…his father…Sasuke…the troops.

"Sasuke…" Naruto whispered out to no one in particular. Grabbing his comfortable tan pants and slipping it on quickly; he proceeded out the door and down the stairs. Stuffing his night shirt while going down the steps proved to be a harder task than the prince expected as his shirt loosened out again. He was just about to run through the corridors when a quick hand snagged him back, stopping the blonde completely.

"Sweetie, where are you running off to so early in the morning, especially…in that attire?" Kushina asked, already knowing the answer.

"I just heard some commotion outside and wanted to see what was going on," Naruto responded quickly, fidgeting a little as his feet wanted to keep moving.

"There's nothing going on, just some soldiers traveling to Oden."

"To Oden?" the prince questioned his mother cautiously…. "Does that mean that…?"

"That Sasuke is leaving too…yes honey but isn't that a good thing? You said you hated him so everything should be wonderful." The queen played out, her son was so bad at hiding his emotions. She could see right through him, and the wavering looks he kept sending down the corridor, it was a bit unsettling to see. "Honey…I'm sorry…but Sasuke's already left. This is the last group that is departing, and Kiba will be leading them to join the others."

Kushina watched a bit dejectedly as Naruto nodded solemnly and return back towards his room. Her heart dropped a little at the sight of her son's despondency but there was nothing she could do. This was his battle; he had to take off the blind fold first before he could even begin to fight.

…

A/N: Okay! Finally finished! I apologize for any mistakes, I do try to look over everything a million times but it sure is harder at three in the morning. I like this chapter and at the same time I don't so tell me what you guys think! Review please!