AN: Happy Holidays everyone. Chapter 7 is here! Hopefully it was worth the wait. I wanted to get it out before the year ended. A few of you have raised concerns about the age gap between Naruto and Mikoto. She is obviously a lot older than him and some speculated that I would be making her younger at a latter point, which was actually my plan. I haven't mentioned it before because I don't want to give away too much. However after mulling it over I thought that the usual way of making her younger is too overdone and decided to do something different. So I have decided to change her age from the start (noted in chapter 3) There still will be an age though. As far as how she had gotten younger will be revealed in a future chapter.

On another note, I want to inform you that I have the first chapter out of another story called "Village of the Tides." I would appreciate if you gave it a look.

Also I am looking for a beta, I don't have much time to write which means I don't have much time to edit either. English isn't my first language so my grammar is far from perfect but I will try to edit as much as I can. I will also at some point go back and edit the previous chapters at some point.

That's all.

Chapter 7 The Meeting

Feeling a burning sensation run through his fingertips, Naruto dropped the scroll. To his shock the scroll combusted in his hands, burning into tiny ashes then disappearing in the wind before it could hit the ground. He frowned. This scroll was set up to be destroyed after it was read which meant they didn't want others to know about this meeting.

This also explained why his presence was requested now, just past midnight, when very few people were out in public. Such a meeting had to be devious in nature, immediately raising alarm. But then again nearly all shinobi activity could be considered devious in this world.

Strangely enough, he wasn't deterred for some reason. It must have been his honest curiosity. But what was this strange feeling he got. Was there something else that drew him in? He shook his head, he would get his answers soon enough.

With that thought in mind he walked off to his new destination. To meet with the clan head of the Uchiha himself. Uchiha Fugaku.

After a short sprint above the rooftops, he soon arrived at the Uchiha district and saw the Uchiha from earlier standing by the gate.

Noting his arrival the Uchiha scowled. "Hurry up, it's rude to keep a clan head waiting," he said gruffly.

"Well since I'm the honored guest, I'm sure he won't mind," Naruto said nonchalantly.

The Uchiha let out a grunt of annoyance. What did Fugaku want with this brat anyway? But orders were orders so he motioned him to follow him. He led them to center of the Uchiha district and soon arrived at the steps of a large building that Naruto recognized as the police force headquarters by the insignia on the top of the building. Standing outside the building were five members of the police force.

The squad leader noticing their arrival turned and faced them. He eyed Naruto for a moment before shifting his gaze to the messenger.

"Fugaku-sama wants to see him alone."

The messenger nodded and took his leave seeing his job was done. Naruto ignored the stern and curious looks the squad gave him and silently walked up the door. He turned the handle and entered the building. Looking around he saw that he was in a large dimly lit hallway. The police force crest was boldly displayed on both walls.

His eyes trailed to the far end of the hall where he spotted Fugaku staring out a window. He walked up to him.

"You wanted to see me?" Naruto asked.

Fugaku remained silent seemingly in thought. He waited a moment for Fugaku to address him but still getting no response. His patience growing thin he made to speak again but stopped just as Fugaku turned around. His face was stoic showing no immediate reaction to his presence.

It annoyed him to a small extent. It was as if he had no doubt he would have showed up.

"Follow me," Fugaku said simply and walked down the hall. Normally anyone would be put off by such a bare greeting-especially from a clan head, but he knew better than to expect anything less from Fugaku Uchiha.

He followed Fugaku down the hallway, passing a few doors before arriving at what he assumed to be his office. It was a circular medium sized room slightly smaller than the Hokage's briefing room. A book self, a few chairs and an oak desk furnished the room.

Fugaku walked around the desk and took a seat. He motioned for him to do the same. Naruto took a seat across from him. Once he was seated, Fugaku's features seemed to soften. His eyes lost their sternness and his stiff lips curled into a smile-or at least what looked to be a smile. It was a peculiar sight.

"Naruto, It's good to see that you came. I hope I didn't interrupt something important?" Fugaku asked. Naruto waved off his concern with a shake of his head.

Fugaku nodded. "That's good, it's nice to be able to meet you in a more formal setting."

That's right, he had ran into the Uchiha clan head a few times when he was with Shisui. But it was nothing more than a few quick greetings. Mostly non verbal. Normally he wouldn't have bothered but Shisui insisted that it was proper courtesy to greet the clan head in his own compound. If anything to at least avoid possible confrontations. He had never cared for any more communication then that and apparently vise versa. So what was this?

"Yes, I suppose it is but let's not dwell off course. I'm curious to know why you requested to see me?" Naruto asked flatly.

Fugaku stared blankly at him. He wasn't one known to have a kind disposition but he figured he would try a friendly approach. But it seemed that Naruto wasn't interested in making small talk.

"Straight to the point, I can respect that. Very well, I'll cut to the chase. This concerns your future with the Uchiha clan." Fugaku said frankly.

Naruto's eyes narrowed, he wasn't expecting that.

"My future with the Uchiha? Oh, and here I thought you were going to tell me to never show my face in the Uchiha district again" he said harshly.

Fugaku frowned "What makes you think that?"

Naruto chuckled dryly, "that's a dumb question."

Fugaku scowled. He was a reputable shinobi. His clansman held him in high regard and always addressed him with respect. Even the other clan heads despite their differences, held respect for his position. Suffice to say he wasn't used to being talked to so offhandedly...by a child no less!

It was ridiculous and he probably would have laughed if he was not himself. But this was no laughing matter. The future of the Uchiha Clan was at stake.

He held his tongue and thought over his response. He had to be calm. Unlike his subordinates he had no pull on Naruto...not yet anyway.

"Look, I understand that we may not be the most cordial clan in Konoha, but we have to be that way for our own safety. These are difficult times for the Uchiha," Fugaku explained.

"So I've heard" Naruto replied.

"Ah, so your aware, Shisui must have informed you," he stated as if was fact. Naruto felt no need to correct him.

"But I'm curious, how much did he tell you?" Fugaku asked.

Naruto's eyes roamed around the room looking at the different items on the shelves and walls. "Just that the village higher ups and the Uchiha clan are having...disagreements" he said as his eyes landed on a stack of what seemed to be case files on Fugaku's desk.

Fugaku noticed his gaze, his lips twitched. "That's a very diplomatic way of putting it, perhaps you have a future in politics" Fugaku said amusingly.

Naruto sighed, "Look we can dance around this all day. I thinks its pretty clear you want my presence to be associated with the clan for some gain. Perhaps political gain of having the village jinjuriki under your control. Whatever the reason you don't know anything about me so stop pretending like you do" he said harshly.

Fugaku's expression didn't change. He was expecting such a reaction. Shisui had warned him that Naruto had not gained the trust of the Uchiha clan yet, and it would be a mistake to push him at this point. But time wasn't in their favor. He made the decision to speed things up. Looking at Naruto now he could tell that Shisui was right, whatever bond he formed with Shisui didn't extend to the clan liked he'd hope it would.

He also saw first hand how stubborn the boy could be. And his intellect was as great as it was said to be. A young genius that had a lot of potential. Jinjuriki or not, the boy could have been an excellent Uchiha. But he lacked discipline and respect for authority, traits that he held in high regard.

Still, the boy hadn't shown interest. But he came prepared for this situation. He still had his trump card after all.

"Actually, I know a lot more about you then you think, Naruto Namikaze" Fugaku said knowingly.

Naruto rose an eyebrow, not expecting him to bring up his father. But he stayed calm. "So you know who my Father is. That's not surprising given that you are from the same generation as him. A few people are bound to know," he said unimpressed.

Fugaku shook his head. "I didn't just knew of him, I knew him personally. Your mother Kushina as well." Naruto stared at him with a look that Fugaku deduced as skepticism but also some curiosity.

"I knew your parents since they we were young. I'll be honest I wasn't exactly friends with them from the start, more so acquaintances. When Minato became the Hokage and I became the clan head, our interactions increased naturally. My wife was already friends with your mother, and that helped our families grow closer. Your parents were good people.

I am truthful when I say Minato was a Hokage I could respect. Unfortunately his reign was cut short. I knew he would have done the village well if would have lived."

Naruto remained silent his expression becoming unreadable.

"Not many knew of your mother's pregnancy as it was kept on the down low for security. After your parents died, the Third Hokage quickly ordered those who knew of your relation to the Fourth to be silent for your own protection. I compiled, following the Hokage's orders...However, I'm sure you know that the Hokage's decision isn't always the right one."

"Looking at you now, I can see that it holds true. They wanted to keep you safe, make you loyal...yet the lies and deception have only made you harver distrust and hatred," Fugaku said knowingly.

Naruto's eyes hardened.

"Tell me, what is it that you desire in life? What is your ambition?" Fugaku asked.

Naruto stood up and walked towards the door. Fugaku thought he was going to leave, but he stopped in front of the back wall of the room. He stared at a group of plaques containing the names of decorative police force members.

After a moment he spoke. "What I want...my goal is something you can't help me achieve," he said stoically.

Fugaku smiled, "perhaps not, however you underestimate me. I'm sure this will make you have more faith in me."

Naruto turned around and saw Fugaku rummage through the stack of files on his desk that he spotted earlier. He pulled out a file and handed it to Naruto. Raising an eyebrow he took the file.

"Open it," Fugaku said simply.

Naruto opened the file, his eyes widened in shock.

Elder Kaito lit candles around room with a match. The flames flickered, overtaking the dark of the room. Small shadows danced across the walls. He walked over to his desk and took a seat. This was his personal study room in the Uchiha district. Every elder was given such a room, located in the clans governing complex. He spent much of his time here, engrossed in his work or his thoughts.

But the truth was that he really hated this room. It's not that he didn't appreciate his position but rather he didn't feel complacent. He yearned for a different seat, greater things.

Looking down at his desk he saw clumps of messages that needed his review. The Uchiha elders role was to advise the clan head in political decisions. Aside from that they were also tasked with evaluating clan members and sending their recommendations to the clan head for promotions or punishments in the case of misconduct.

But there most important task was to select the clan head when a new one was to be chosen. There were five elders including himself. A number not chosen on a whim, but to ensure that only the most capable people were given the position. Also meant to avoid ties when voting.

"Elder" still felt like a peculiar title to him given that he was much younger than the others. Kaito Uchiha was a man of the age of 36, much to young to be considered an "elder" really. But yet here he was, an elder of the Uchiha clan.

He remembered the fortunate circumstances that led to his promotion. One of the elders had contracted an unknown illness that attacked his nervous system. Symptoms developed quickly, his body became stiff, his vision deuterated rapidly. The village medics suspected poison of some kind due its spontaneous occurrence. However test for any known poisons came back negative. The elder's fragile body diminished his chances of surviving. He expired the next day.

Unable to find the cause, the doctors labeled his death as inconclusive. Many quickly brought up the possibility of foul play, but the lack of evidence prevented that theory gaining traction. Still many were suspicious, but could do nothing. They labeled it as unknown natural cause. It was unfortunate really, but did open up a nice opportunity for him.

A new elder needed to be chosen and Kaito's name was brought up. The older generation thought he was too young for the position. However others argued that despite being younger than the other candidates, he had plenty of experience.

He had a service record that was just as prestigious as Fugaku's. During the Third World War, he was promoted to rank of captain and led many high ranking missions. He was well respected and feared on the battlefield. He not only made a name for himself but also helped display the strength of the Uchiha clan to the enemy.

The elders were pressured by those who wanted someone in their generation to represent them. What ultimately pushed his promotion was his relation to his father, Kagami Uchiha. Kagami was one of the most talented and respected shinobi the clan produced. He served under the Nidaime Hokage during the first World War.

Kagami was even selected to become the next clan head by his predecessor, but unfortunately fell in battle before he could take up the mantle. It was a huge blow to the clan. Kaito didn't like living under his father's shadow but he wasn't about to complain now. Hypocritical? Perhaps, but he saw it as foolish to argue against himself now just to save face.

And so at the age of 30, Kaito became the fifth elder of the Uchiha clan. He rose through the ranks and gained power within the clan. It was what he dreamed of doing since he was child. Except his true ambition was to become the clan head. It was what he was destined to become...or so he thought.

What was meant to be his was taken from him by that man. Uchiha Fugaku...he hated the man with a passion. Fugaku was selected over him. Fugaku was considered to be the best leader, the strongest fighter. Someone who would lead the Uchiha to greatness. All the things he wanted to be recognized for. Fugaku always seemed to be one step ahead of him. Always coming in second, it infuriated him.

It would be hard to believe that the man he hated so much was also his best friend at one point. But it was true, he and Fugaku were best friends growing up. They were only a few years apart in age. He graduated in the class before Fugaku's. As children they shared the same dream of becoming stronger so they could become the leader of the clan.

They trained together and helped each other become strong enough to gain praise from their elders. As they grew older their rivalry became more intense.

The clans nature of prioritizing strength above all else caused their friendship to become strained. They started spending less time socializing in favor of gaining strength. They performed their clan duties well and gained respect from the rest of the clan.

But Fugaku was slightly ahead of him and the first to be promoted. He didn't want to admit, but reluctantly came to terms that there was a gap between their strength. Be it a small gap, but still it was clear that Fugaku was the stronger of the two.

He truly felt the effect of this when Fugaku was put into an arranged marriage with Mikoto by the elders. Mikoto...the girl he loved since he was young. She was strong, beautiful, intelligent, elegant. Perfect in so many ways. She never showed interest in him though, but she never showed any real interest in anyone in that manner as far as he knew. He had hoped that if he had gotten strong enough she would notice him, give him a chance...let him love her.

He could only love her from afar till then. He knew now that he should have been bolder. He should have shown her how strong his passion for her was. But he waited to long and she was out of his grasp and straight into Fugaku's arms...just like everything else he desired.

He confronted him. Told him that he didn't think Fugaku truly loved her or deserved her. Fugaku showed no guilt in stealing the girl that he had loved since they were kids. Fugaku had hardened and became distant over the years.

His response was plain an emotionless. He told him that the needs of the clan came first before all else, and this was best for the clan. And if he truly cared about Mikoto he would realize that she simply deserved the strongest in the clan and that happened to be him. With the clan head's approval the marriage was final. There was nothing he nor anyone could do about it.

Even though Fugaku appeared to be indifferent about it, he was sure that he was smirking at him in the inside, taunting him. He had stolen the girl of his dreams. It was then, when he started to truly hate him.

People started speculating that the marriage was the beginning of a new shift in leadership. Perhaps even a prerequisite for Fugaku to become the next clan head. Fugaku's name was being circulated around the clan. He tried to ignore the rumors and force them out of his mind but the chatter only increased. His heart filled with dread at what seemed to be the inevitable.

Miraculously, nothing was announced and the village was drawn into the Third Shinobi World War. Relief flooded him. Surely they wouldn't chose the next clan during the war, at least not this early. A new opportunity formed in the back of his mind. This war was what he needed to show his talents. He wasn't afraid of combat, it is what shinobi were made for after all. He would accomplish great feats during the war and gain the recognition needed to become the clan head.

If only it had worked out that way...

Flashback

Kaito blocked the sword strike from the Iwa shinobi with the kunai in his right hand. He pressed forward, pushing the enemies blade down and delivered a strong kick to the chest. The Iwa shinobi launched backwards, the air pushed out of his lungs. He released a silent gasp as a kunai was plunged into his neck.

Kaito roughly pulled his kunai out of the enemies throat and turned back to see his comrades pushing back the smaller group of Iwa Shinobi.

His squad was moving supplies to one of their camps in the border of Grass country. They were carrying much needed weapons and medical supplies to reinforce their forces. On route they were ambushed by the Iwa shinobi. They were outnumbered but were more skilled than their enemy were able to gain the upper hand.

The Iwa squad leader cursed as he watched his men begin to fall. Despite having the initial advantage they were outnumbered 11 to 6 now and he knew they wouldn't win this battle. He glanced at Kaito as he pulled a kunai out his comrades throat. That Uchiha was the most dangerous, having tore through his squad with little effort.

"Pull back were retreating now!" He yelled out.

The Iwa shinobi quickly fell back behind their captain. The Iwa captain drew two kunai with explosive tags attached to them and threw them at the Konoha shinobi. The explosion gave them a opportunity to retreat.

Kaito cursed as the explosion blocked his view. The smoke began to clear and he saw the retreating form of the Iwa shinobi through the hazy smoke.

"Captain Kaito, the enemy has retreated we should get moving"a chunin, his second in command advised.

Kaito eyes narrowed as he stared into the forest where the Iwa shinobi retreated before shaking his head.

"No, I'm going after them and I going to finish them. You men continue on to the objective."

The chunin's eyes widened at his captain's words."W-what...but captain, we need to complete the mission, why would you go after them?" The chunin asked, not understanding his captains thinking.

"Those Iwa shinobi saw we were carrying supplies, so it would be simple for them to assume that we have a hidden station in the area. If they report back they'll send scouts to find it and then a larger force to take us out. I won't allow that to happen."

"I see...but captain, we haven't scouted that area yet it could be too dangerous. Perhaps we should wait for the reinforcement squad to get here" the chunin reasoned. Kaito shook his head. "No it would take too long."

"At least let me come with you..."

"No I can do this on my own, guide the men to the camp," he said and left without another word.

Kaito raced through the trees in pursuit of the Iwa shinobi. They had a head start but he was sure he could catch up to them with his speed. He pushed more chakra into his legs, moving at his maximum speed. He was confident that he had the strength to take out the enemy by himself. He would show them his Uchiha power.

It wasn't long before he caught up to them, his cold gaze meeting the surprised eyes of a chunin who spotted him. "Captain, it's the Uchi-" before he could finish a kunai pierced his skull. The chunin's dead body hit the ground with a thump.

The Iwa captain scowled, seeing the dead body of his chunin. He glared at Kaito recognizing him as the Uchiha from earlier. He came to a stop and quickly went threw hand signs.

"Doton Doryūha/Earth release Earth flow wave"

A large mass of Earth rose from the ground, curving into a wave then soared towards Kaito. Kaito back flipped off the branch he was standing on as the wave of earth crashed into it, destroying it.

He landed on the ground jumped back just as the earth wave crashed down after him. He threw an explosive tag at the flow of Earth destroying it. He cursed, seeing the enemy used the distraction to retreat further. He gave chase and was surprised to see the Iwa shinobi had stopped in a small clearing.

"Finally decided to stop running away? Maybe you finally realized that its pointless." Kaito said.

The Iwa captain gave him an emotionless stare. "Coming after us alone? That's very arrogant of you Uchiha."

"You underestimate my power Iwa scum. I'm going to finish you all here," Kaito said menacingly.

The Iwa captain smirked. "Your blinded by your arrogance but I can I assure you that this will be your resting spot."

Suddenly Kaito felt multiple chakra signatures all around him. Activating his sharingan his eyes widened seeing at least 18 chakra signatures under the ground. Not a second later 18 Iwa shinobi emerged from the ground and surrounded him. He quickly realized his mistake. He had been to careless and didn't check his surroundings. Now he was ambushed with no backup...

The Iwa captain and gave the signal to attack and six Iwa shinobi rushed him with their kunai and swords. He pulled his tanto from his back and traded strikes with the enemies blades. They were skilled, some of them were jonin, he managed to push them back and gain some space.

He was forced to quickly bring up his tanto as the remaining shinobi released a hail of kunai and shuriken upon him. He managed to blocked most of them but the sheer number of them made him unable to block them all. Three shuriken struck him in his right arm and one in his left leg. He bite his lip to contain his cry of pain.

The Iwa shinobi rushed him again. He jumped up in the air he went through hands signs and brought his fingers to his lips.

"Katon Gokakyū no Jutsu/Fire Style Fireball Jutsu"

He exhaled a stream of fire at his opponents, hitting three of them. They cried out in excruciating pain as their flesh burned.

He removed the shuriken from his arm and grasped at his wounds. His arm was bleeding out and he knew his chances of winning here were slim with so many left. As much as he hated to admit it he knew he needed to create an opening to escape. His eyes scanned around for the Iwa captain. The man hadn't attacked yet.

He felt a presence behind him and quickly swung his tanto back. He looked back to the surprised eyes of the Iwa captain, his tanto buried into his chest. But he knew something was off, and was proven correct when the Iwa captain's body turned to mud.

"A clone"

He tried to pull his arm free but the mud clone hardened trapping his arm. The real Iwa captain appeared in front of him with a wicked grin.

"This is the end for you!" He yelled and rushed him with a kunai.

Kaito jerked his arm forward desperately trying to free it but it wouldn't budge. His only good arm was stuck and he knew he couldn't defend himself with his wounded right arm. The Iwa shinobi drew closer and closer.

No! he couldn't die here!

He reached for his tanto, groaning in pain as he forced the damaged muscles in arm to move. He drew the sword back and slashed the clone freeing his arm. He turned his body towards his charging enemy but it was too late, the Iwa commander was on him. Seizing his damaged arm, twisting it. His eyes widened in horror as his kunai trusted forward towards his heart. This was going to be his end. He stood frozen, defenseless.

An agonizing scream was heard.

Blood spewed out, tainting his flack jacket crimson. He fell back hitting the ground. His hand slowly reached up to his chest. There was blood, but no wound. No pain.

Then he saw it, on the ground lay the severed hand of the Iwa commander.

The Iwa captain's screams were silenced as a blade pierced his throat. Kaito looked up in shock his black eyes meet the cold eyes of Fugaku Uchiha holding a bloody tanto.

They stared at each other for a moment before Fugaku spoke.

"You were completely careless coming here by yourself Kaito but I can't let you die just yet," Fugaku said, his lips curling into a small smirk.

Kaito was still in shock, coming to terms with the fact that he didn't die. He had just been saved...

Saved by Fugaku.

His shock expression turned to anger and humiliation. Him having to be saved by Fugaku of all people!

Behind Fugaku he could see Konoha shinobi clashing with the remaining Iwa shinobi. Then he saw her, gracefully cutting through the enemy with ease. She looked his way, his eyes met with Mikoto's own. He stomach churned.

It was a shameful memory. Having to be saved by his rival as if he was some helpless genin. It made him feel weak. And the fact that Mikoto was there to see it only made it more humiliating. Despite all his accomplished missions this one always came back to haunt him.

His worst fear came true shortly after this mission. Fugaku was recalled from the battlefield unannounced leaving many to speculate. Then Mikoto was also ordered back to the village by the clan. A week later it was revealed that Fugaku was chosen to become the next clan head by the elders and current clan head. Just like that his dream was crushed in an instant. He had failed...Fugaku had won.

His heart crushed and his resolve weak, he struggled to find his purpose. Was his ambition really over? Was he just not fated to be the one to lead the clan to its former greatness? He was certain that only he could accomplish such feats.

The feeling of emptiness was soon replaced with pure hatred. Hatred that he was overlooked by the clan. Hatred at Fugaku for taking his place as leader of the clan. Hatred that he stole the women that he loved. But most of all hatred at himself for not being strong enough.

He needed a way to obtain more power he needed to get stronger. He knew of such a way, a forbidden power...

It was an unspoken rule that nobody in the clan would speak openly about the secrets written on the stone tablet. Especially the secret to obtaining the Mangekyo Sharingan, due its sinful nature.

To obtain the next level of sharingan he had to kill his best friend. He had to kill Fugaku Uchiha. It was the greatest way he could completely sever all his former bonds with him and obtain incredible power. But could he bring himself to kill his childhood best friend?

He had no doubt in his mind that he could after everything that had happen. But killing Fugaku was no simple task. The Uchiha clan head was skilled and very shrewd. He had to come up with a plan. But there more thought about it he realized that it wasn't enough. Just killing Fugaku wouldn't be enough to satisfy him. He wanted to see him fail. To suffer like he did. He wanted the clan to realize they made the wrong choice.

And if he was successful then maybe...

Maybe he could become the leader the clan deserved. With these thoughts in mind, the fire in him had been reignited and his flame was ready to rise.

A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts.

"Enter" he called out.

A young Uchiha wearing an officers uniform walked in. A serious expression on his face.

"Kaito-sama, my team and I have returned from the mission."

"Report."

"We set out towards the Land of Woods with great pace, with no stops as you instructed. As we approached the border we were intercepted by two Hannya Black Ops squads. It appeared we ran into a hidden outpost that we didn't know about, as it wasn't on our map."

"We attempted to establish communication but the enemy was hostile. We managed to drive them back and capture their squad leader. Once he was subdued they were willing to listen. We informed them that we had an important message for their leader and that we had to deliver it to him personally."

"They refused, saying there was no way they would risk letting us get close to their leader. We pressed harder but they wouldn't budge. So we told them that if they didn't agree the Land of Woods would face the wrath of the Uchiha clan. There squad leader didn't seem like testing our threat so he agreed, but only on the condition that only one would be allowed in."

"So I agreed, and volunteered my self to deliver the message."

"That was a risky decision," Kaito commented knowing full well the risk of entering enemy territory unprepared.

"I know, but I didn't want to risk pushing them further in case they changed their mind. Their Anbu escorted me to their Village leader quarters without incident. I was able to deliver the scroll to Kuro, the leader of the Land of Woods. Although he didn't seem pleased he accepted the scroll and read its contents.

"What was his reaction?"

"He seemed skeptical, but said he would let us know if agreed to meet with you. I'm assuming you left instructions on how to contact us in the scroll?"

"Of course. Now tell me Tekka, how much of the layout could you remember?" Kaito asked.

"I-well, I remembered enough to know how to get to Kuro's residence, if I were to go back..."

Of course, part of the reason of delivering the message to Kuro himself was to get some insight into the layout of the village. He should have been more observant...he didn't want to disappoint the elder.

Kaito saw Tekka's expression and knew he understood his mistake. "You should be more observant Tekka, I have high hopes for you," he said sternly.

"Forgive me Kaito-sama," he said with a bow.

Kaito held up his hand. "You are forgiven this time Tekka, I know that you wouldn't be able to see much though without free reign. That is why we acquired another intelligence source..."

Naruto looked over the document in his hands in shock. His hands trembled as he read through the pages. How was this possible? Was this some kind of trick? Shock was quickly replaced with burning anger.

He threw the pages onto the desk and glared at the Uchiha Clan head. "What the hell is this?"

Fugaku said nothing and stared had him blankly which only infuriated him more.

"Answer me dammit!" He yelled, barely able to fight down his sharingan that was threatening to manifest in his anger.

"You already know what it is" Fugaku said after a moment, pointing at the picture of Musashi Uzumaki.

"At first, when I learned that Musashi Uzumaki was in the village it only made sense that he was here to see you. But I wasn't sure if he made contact. Judging by your reaction I now know for sure that he did. Knowing this, my theory on what you desire is pretty much confirmed," Fugaku said calmly.

Naruto was stunned by this revelation, there was so many questions to ask but his mind quickly jumped to the first thing he had to know...

"Do you know who killed Musashi?" He asked sternly, staring into Fugaku's eyes to see if he could detect any deception.

Fugaku stared right back at him, "I''ll be honest with you, I don't know who killed him."

Naruto looked away, trying to hide his disappointment but it was obvious it was not the answer he wanted to hear.

"So why are you even telling me this?" Naruto asked suspiciously.

"Because I might be able to find out who did." Fugaku replied.

"And why should I believe you? Why should I believe any of this?" He said harshly.

Fugaku eyes hardened. "Listen boy, I wouldn't waste my time telling you lies. If you don't want to hear what I have to say your more then free to leave anytime."

Naruto bit his tongue but didn't move. Skeptical as he was he couldn't afford to dismiss this without knowing. Seeing Naruto not move he continued.

"The day Musashi was killed, it's all in here" Fugaku said, handing the file back to Naruto.

"But before you read it, I should tell you some background first. Ten days before Musashi was killed one of my squads returning from a mission encountered an unidentified individual close to village border."

"They attempted to make contact but were met with hostility. They engaged the unidentified enemy. Outnumbered, the enemy knew it wouldn't win so it created a distraction and fled towards the northern border. Unfortunately they weren't able to pursue, being exhausted from their mission."

"However during the exchange they enemy dropped a scroll and didn't want to risk going back for it. They were able to secure the intelligence and brought it back for analysis."

"What was in the scroll?" Naruto asked wondering what this had to do with Musashi.

"The scroll contained a significant amount of money along with a Kiri and Suna headband. And this is where it gets interesting. It also contained a picture of Musashi."

He was carrying a picture of his uncle? What could this mean? He thought over the other items, A large amount of money and two headbands from different villages. Suna and Kiri were villages that have any significant relations as far as he knew. No this person was using these headbands to hide their identity, some bounty hunter or assassin. Or at least it seemed that way.

Fugaku saw the realization on his face and knew he drew the same conclusion.

"I see you also have come to the conclusion that it is safe to say that this person was most likely here to kill Musashi."

Naruto clenched his fist. "Why would they want to kill him? I don't recall him having any bounty. And how did he know he was here in Konoha?"

"Your right Musashi didn't have a bounty on his head. Normally a shinobi his caliber would but after the fall of Uzui Musashi was thought to have perished or gone into seclusion due to the emotional toll of the loss of his homeland. Suffice to say he wasn't on the radar, which brings the question as to why he was targeted.

"I wasn't aware that he was here in Konoha. This information was the only thing that alerted me to the possibility of him being anywhere near the village. I remember meeting Musashi Uzumaki on two occasions in the past. He would come and visit your parents but no else as far as I know. He was a private person so I don't know much about him other than he was a skilled shinobi from the Uzui."

"After the incident with the Nine Tails I haven't seen him since. But in retrospect it makes sense that the only reason he would return was for you his, nephew. When did he come back and how long had he been here under the village's nose? I don't know but you probably do." Fugaku said.

It was a statement but sounded more like a question. A question he didn't feel like entertaining.

"What about the Hokage and the village leaders what did they do about this?" He asked.

"I didn't tell them" Fugaku said flatly.

"What-"

"But there is a good chance they already know."

Fugaku elaborated, "A few days before we encountered the unidentified shinobi, the Anbu black ops were operating on high alert. Patrols were increased both inside and outside the village. It was obvious that there was some sort of threat to the village."

"However the nature of threat is still not known to me. You see, the Hokage didn't inform the police force about any threat nor give any details about the Anbu's operation. When there is a possible threat within the village grounds, it is protocol to inform the police force as it is our jurisdiction."

"I told the Hokage that the Uchiha couldn't keep the village safe if they were not provided the proper intelligence."

"He said the village was not in danger and that the Anbu were operating on need to know basis. He was clearly lying-that many Anbu aren't deployed without a threat. He is hiding something or perhaps not including us was his way of spiting the Uchiha" Fugaku said furiously.

Naruto was silent as he processed this new information. This was a new clue-another step to finding Musashi's killer. He didn't know how the mysterious shinobi connected to the Hokage but he felt like they had to be connected somehow. Perhaps...no. He closed his eyes stopping himself from speculating further. He couldn't deny that these revelations filled him with anticipation. It was the first time he had any significant leads.

But he needed to calm himself. He had to ask himself first if could he even trust what Fugaku was telling him.

He couldn't sense any deception in Fugaku but he wasn't certain. He knew there was a reason why Fugaku was telling him this. Everyone had an angle that is how the world worked. He was certain with one thing though, he didn't trust the village Hierarchy. Hearing about Hiruzen's possible involvement only furthered that native.

He still had a lot of questions and he knew Fugaku knew more. He needed to know more...

Fugaku sensing his desire held his hand up. "This is all I will tell you...for now."

"But know this, I can help you find the answers you seek. The Uchiha Clan has the resources, and strength to help you. And when the time comes we will stand with you. In return all I ask is that you lend us your strength in return..."

Of course everything came at a price. His loyalty to the Uchiha clan was the price. His mind raced at the implications if he accepted. He wanted to find Musashi killer it was his life goal. But if he accepted...

"Naruto"

Hearing his name, he look up and saw Fugaku level him with a hard stare. His cold black eyes boring into him.

"This is a one time offer, so what will it be?"

End

Reviews are appreciated. For those of you wondering about the current age of the characters I'll post them here.

Sasuke Uchiha: 8

Naruto Uchiha-Uzumaki: 9

Itachi Uchiha: 13

Shisui Uchiha: 16

Aimi Uchiha: 15

Mikoto Uchiha:18*

Doshin Uchiha: 60

Fugaku Uchiha: 35

Kaito Uchiha: 36

Daiki Uchiha: 21

Yuna Uchiha: 4

Till next time,