AN: Hope people don't start hating me and my story for the surprise I put in the beginning of the chapter. Seriously, it pained me to do this but it had to be done for certain events to take place. Regardless of this, I hope you enjoy the chapter. Thanks! Final note, I will be doing time skips after this chapter to help quicken the pace a little.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and I am not doing this for profit. All rights go to their respective owner(s).

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – jutsu/demon talk


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter 13


Just as Naruto, Fu, and Killer B arrived back in Kiri with Yagura, they were met by Shizuka who had a worried look on her face. However, this look wasn't because she feared for Naruto's safety. No. This look was for two persons in particular.

"Shizuka, what's the matter?" Naruto said calmly even though he feared the worst.

"It's Kiba and Choji…Hinata and I tried the best we could but we are unsure if they will even last until nightfall."

Naruto frowned and looked over to his fellow jinchuriki.

"Go, fool ya fool, we know what to do." Killer B said somberly.

Naruto nodded and grasped a now crying Shizuka before they flew off to where the civilian's set up a makeshift hospital seeming that the other one was now gone. Once they landed, Naruto couldn't help but get flashbacks to the war in Iron Country. From those he buried, from those he killed, and from those that were wounded…such memories were hard to forget. As Naruto continued to console Shizuka, Hinata just walked out of a nearby tent with Neji and gasped.

"Naruto-san, thank Kami you're here…quickly, Kiba and Choji haven't much time."

Although it was a short walk to the two Konoha nin's tent, time seemed to pass by very slowly which made the pain in everyone's heart increase. Once they entered the tent, Naruto couldn't help but to clench his eyes shut and look away in sadness and guilt.

"If only I hadn't accepted their request to fight…"

After a short while, Naruto had the courage to see what condition Kiba and Choji were in.

He wished that he could keep his eyes shut.

Kiba was missing his left arm at the shoulder and had multiple lacerations and contusions covering his body. His right eye was sliced out, a scar now going through it and ended at the bridge of the nose. And that didn't even count the internal injuries.

Choji, like Kiba, had lost his left arm at the shoulder, but his external injuries seemed a lot worse. Multiple puncture wounds covered his body, some dangerously close to the heart. One in particular made Naruto wince as he knew that Choji would never walk again if he survived.

"Who did this?" Naruto whispered as tears fell from his eyes.

"Obito, Naruto…and he had my old accomplice as well." Orochimaru sadly stated as he entered the tent. "Kiba, Choji, and I were leading a small group of rebels towards the front gate when the explosives went off prematurely…only the three of us were left alive. I'm sorry I couldn't protect them, Naruto."

The person in mention looked over to the Sennin to see that he was on crutches and had sustained minor wounds. No doubt his snake like qualities helped him survive the fight. It was here, Naruto sighed.

"You hold no blame, Orochimaru, that torch should be mine to bear. I was the one to allow them to fight, not you."

Shizuka, having dried her tears, slapped Naruto across the face which surprised Hinata, Neji and Orochimaru, but not as much as Naruto himself.

"Shizuka?"

"Oh no mister, we are not going through this again! Just like the assassin incident in Iron Country, Kiba and Choji are sacrifices of war. WAR, Naruto…can't you see that another one is fast approaching?"

Naruto hung his head in shame. Yes, he felt the winds of change as well as the approaching storm. He just wanted to have a peaceful vacation with the love of his life, nothing more, nothing less. Yet, no matter where Naruto went, war followed and people he grew to become friends with have perished. After a long moment of silence, Naruto spoke up again. His tone and demeanor was more serious than before.

"How strong, Orochimaru, how strong was Obito. Yes, I fought him once before but I could tell he was toying with me."

Without hesitation, "At least Sensei's level when he was in his prime, yet I can tell that he could become much stronger. Perhaps a strength like that of Madara."

"Did you wound him at all, did you find any weaknesses?"

Orochimaru sadly shook his head. "If you can call quick to anger a weakness then yes, but overall in terms of technique? Ku ku ku, even when giving it my all I could barely touch the man. With Hashirama's Wood Release an Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan and the possibility of gaining the fabled Rinnegan…"

The Sennin left it at that, but it was enough for Naruto.

"Naruto-kun." Shizuka meekly said which gained his attention. "Neither you and I are even close to that level, and if he wishes to use one of us to get to the other…."

The Uzumaki nodded and kissed Shizuka on the forehead. "I know, my fair maiden, which is why I propose we take the time that we have to ready ourselves for when the time comes. Train with the Salamanders and learn their art. As for me, I must retrace the footsteps of the past."

Before any other talking could be done, Hinata, who had been looking over Choji and Kiba all this time, shouted that Kiba had come out of his coma, but only slightly.

Kiba, despite his injuries, managed to twist his head to look at Naruto. With his remaining arm, he motioned to come forth and lend him his ear. Naruto, with tears threatening to come out again, obliged and did as told.

"T-Take Akamaru back to m-my mom, and tell her that I loved her." Kiba rasped out then paused for a cough which was full of blood. His breathing became shallower. "D-Do not blame y-yourself, t-tell my f-friends to remember my s-sacrifice and to never forget me."

Even though Kiba coughed out more blood, a smile came to his face.

"On my honor as a samurai, your memory will be forever with me, and your final words will be told. Anything else?"

Too painful to speak, and knowing his time was soon to be up, Kiba motioned towards Choji with his head. Naruto and the others understood what he wanted. The Akimichi was wheeled over to the Inuzuka so that they could clasp hands. Once Naruto helped them do this, Choji decided to wake up.

Kiba and Choji, two friends since the beginning of their birth, smiled at each other and spoke their final words.

"Friends for e-eternity, right?" Kiba said as he grasped Choji's hand tighter.

"Y-yah, friends for eternity…h-hope they have e-eating contests up there."

The two shared a pained laugh before Kiba replied. "You and m-me b-both, pal."

And with that last statement, Kiba and Choji passed from this world. The Konoha 12 was one huge family, and seeing two of his friends act so casually in the face of death made Neji fall to his knees and start to bawl his eyes out. As Hinata bent down to console her cousin, Naruto, Shizuka, and Orochimaru decided to leave the two to themselves and mourn elsewhere.

"Uto, Uka, OK?" Yuki made her presence known, her fur still stained with blood.

"In time Yuki, we will be." Shizuka said with a frown, then looked over to Naruto and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Go, I know when you need your space…take your journey, our future family can wait."

Naruto nodded and returned the kiss, but this time on the lips. After they broke, they smiled at each other and went their separate ways. For Yuki, she was torn on who to go with. Both needed help as the emotions she sensed implied, but who needed helped the most? As if reading Yuki's mind, Shizuka looked at the arctic fox and gave her a few ear scratches for good measure.

"Go Yuki, my future husband needs a companion to help him get through this troubling time."

The fox nodded and yipped in understanding. "Yuki go, Uka be safe!"

"Thanks Yuki."

Once the arctic fox was out of sight, Shizuka bit her thumb and summoned the salamander from before; Aoi.

"Hey Shizuka, is it that time already?"

Shizuka nodded, "Hai, the Fourth Shinobi War is upon us."

Aoi nodded as he knew the severity of the situation. Both vanished in a puff of smoke not long after which left Orochimaru by his lonesome.

"Hmm, perhaps it's time for the Sannin to become whole once again."

With that thought in mind, the Snake Sennin went to pick up Akamaru before trying to find Naruto. Orochimaru knew that he would be headed back to Konoha before he left on his journey.


With Naruto

Lit cigarette in his mouth, Naruto couldn't help but sigh as he looked out towards the ocean from the rooftop he was sitting on. He now understood what his master meant by the prophecy changing; on how he would endure great sorrow along the way.

"Kit, if you need to talk…" Kurama said with a frown, his ears drooped in sadness.

Naruto mentally shook his head, "I understand Kurama, but through all the hardships I've experienced, what's one more rock added to the rippling pond? A ripple which seemed to start with Obito at my birth, a ripple in which I am tasked to stop."

The bijuu couldn't help but smile, "Just like Fukui... no wonder he saw you as his son."

Naruto let out a small smile of his own while he exhaled the smoke in his lungs. Once the cancer stick was back in his mouth, he took a scroll out of a hidden pocket in his kimono; the one Kisame gave him. As he unrolled the ancient looking parchment, he couldn't help but remember the first time he read the contents.

Inside was yet another riddle, but it also stated something Naruto only achieved once. Something he did completely by accident; combine two Ki elements. Naruto read over the riddle again to get an idea of where he was heading after Konoha.

"Traverse the mountains, one must go, to collect another scroll. On the highest peak, near a small creek, a cave awaits as the Chosen One seeks."

"Interesting riddle gaki." Zabzua interrupted which made Naruto nod.

"I saw this creek when I battled Onoki, but where these scrolls will lead me is anyone's guess."

A silence soon overcame the two as Naruto rolled the scroll back up, and put it back in his hidden pocket. A sigh escaped his lips as he thought about Kiba and Choji, one which Zabuza caught and patted Naruto on the back with a sad smile.

"Both were great shinobi, a shame that their career had to be cut short…had all the makings of a legend."

Suddenly, Naruto's cigarette wasn't as appetizing. With a grunt of disgust, he flicked it away and continued to look out towards the ocean as he spoke.

"Their sacrifice won't be forgotten, everyone in Kiri is in mourning…a Ki signature I haven't felt since my master passed." After a pause, Naruto changed subjects. "Any idea on a new Mizukage?"

Zabuza frowned at the change of subject, but he understood the reasoning as to why.

"Not yet gaki, but I wouldn't mind having Mei fill the void. Although a little hot headed, she's lead these rebels for years, through good times and bad. Then again, we also have you."

Naruto shook his head with a slight smile. "I'm a samurai, Zabuza, even you should know that becoming a Kage is impossible for me."

"But, isn't Konoha your home?"

Naruto's smile grew wider. "I was born there, yes, but my heart calls out to my true home, one in which I hope to raise a family and lead in the future…Iron Country."

Zabuza nodded with a smile then unsealed something from his arm and handed it to Naruto. After doing so, the Uzumaki's eyes widened as it was another ancient scroll. Before Naruto could speak, however, the swordsman did that for him.

"I know of the cave which that riddle foretold, found it by accident on a routine mission there many years ago. Not much was there except a pedestal with that scroll on it." Zabuza pointed at the scroll then shrugged. "Never got around to seeing what was inside, it was like the scroll was telling me to wait for someone special."

Naruto held his breath as he proceeded to open the scroll. Once opened all the way, his and Zabuza's eyes widened. Instead of a riddle, it was a map which showed where the next scroll was at.

"Of course! Now it finally makes sense…what secrets are you hiding Masamune?" Naruto thought.

"Gaki." Zabuza started, worry in his voice. "There's a reason why nobody has been able to access that island, many have tried but they always get caught up in those…"

"I understand, Zabuza. However, the blood in my veins should allow me passage." Naruto interrupted as he rolled the scroll back up.

A bark and a cry of 'Uto!' interrupted anything they were going to say next. Turning their heads, Zabuza and Naruto saw Orochimaru holding a bandaged up Akamaru with Yuki not far behind.

It was time to go.

Before Naruto did, however, he bowed to Zabuza in thanks. "It was a pleasure speaking to you once more, Demon of the Bloody Mist. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday."

Zabuza returned the bow before he replied. "And it was an honor to get to fight alongside you, Akuma no Senshi. Kiri will always be in your debt."

As Naruto started to walk with Yuki and Orochimaru, he added one last thing.

"Yagura will be taken care of, so fear not for your safety. Also, tell Mei that I apologize for being absent during her coronation. Again, it was a pleasure. Farwell, Zabuza-san."

The Seven Swordsman couldn't help but mentally chuckle. "How he predicts the future, I will never know."


With Killer B and Fu

Taking shelter in a partly destroyed building, Killer B and Fu waited for Yagura to wake up. Currently, the former Mizukage was bound to a support beam, and his weapons taken away. To put it bluntly, Yagura was a suicide risk once he began to remember the genocide that he was forced to commit. A subtle twitch of a face muscle or groan brought sadness to B and Fu's faces as they knew that the memories were already starting to filter through. Minutes passed with Yagura not waking, but eventually one memory became too horrid to watch.

"NO!" The Mizukage sobbed and proceeded to empty his stomach on the wooden floor.

"I didn't kill that child, I didn't kill that child!" He continued once he stopped retching but the sobbing continued.

Killer B and Fu let Yagura continue to, though they became tense when he tried to break out of his bindings. Soon, the crying stopped, and Yagura finally looked to the two, his face devoid of the desire to live.

"Just kill me, please, let Isobu reform so that he could live in peace."

Fu shook her head with a frown, "No can do, Yagura. The one that controlled you now has two of our own, one of which is responsible for destroying Kumo."

"W-what!?" Yagura's eyes widened in shock.

Killer B nodded and told his fellow jinchuriki of the past conflict which destroyed Iwa and how Obito put Onoki under a genjutsu to do so. He also told Yagura about Naruto and his near death in said conflict. Not only that, but some facts of his Iron Country involvement as well. The last thing Killer B mentioned was how all the jinchuriki were gathering to help end Obito and his twisted vision on how to bring peace to this world.

It seemed to awaken Yagura's mind and help distract him from the thoughts of wanting to kill himself.

"Isobu, you awake?"

The bijuu grumbled as he awoke from his nap. "Now I am, you insufferable brat! What do you want, and make it quick."

Yagura mentally sighed before he spoke. "C-Can you help suppress what Obito did…as much as I want to die and let you go free, the thought of us jinchuriki banding together and ending the man who did this to us sounds fun."

Isobu closed his eye in sadness, "I can, little one, but it will take time."

"Thanks Isobu."

"Anytime, but remember your friends as they will help you along in the healing process…now begone, my nap awaits."

Killer B smiled and went into his usual rap as he saw Yagura come to. "Talked to Isobu, I can tell, hope it helps your suicidal spell, fool ya fool!"

A smack was heard shortly after courtesy of Fu. "Not helping B!"

Yagura let out a short chuckle which surprised him so much that he covered his mouth.

"I haven't laughed in so long…it, it feels wonderful. Is this what it's like to have people who care for you?"

"I knew I sensed your signatures in here, and…oh, hello Yagura, finally awake I see." Naruto interrupted, a smile adorned his face as he laid eyes on the former Mizukage.

Yuki cautiously went up to Yagura and sniffed him. It wasn't long until the arctic fox licked the jinchuriki across the face which made everyone laugh.

"OK, Uto!"

"Thanks Yuki, but I could already tell he was no threat to us."

The fox nodded and gnawed off the bindings to allow Yagura to stand up and stretch. Once the kinks were out, he looked at Naruto and couldn't help but let his tears flow out once more. However, these weren't one of sadness, but one of complete joy.

The joy of finally being free.

Naruto's eyes widened as Yagura suddenly engulfed him in a hug while saying 'thank you' over and over again. However, Naruto's eyes quickly softened as he consoled his fellow jinchuriki.

"It is not I who you need to thank, but Killer B and Fu as well. If not for us, the rebels would have surely called for your head. Fear not for your life, as you have family now whom will go to the ends of the Elemental Nations just to ensure your safety. Fear not for Obito, as we will free our brother and sister from his grasp and come together as one to end that which is the embodiment of evil."

Naruto paused as he pushed back Yagura, and looked down at him with a smile.

"Follow B and Fu, go to Iwa and meet your new family. Train, to your heart's content. Train, so that we will be ready to face the common enemy that stands before us."

Yagura dried his tears and smiled back. He couldn't speak as his emotions were still high, though a nod of the head is all Naruto needed. Said person looked down at Yuki and scratched behind her ears.

"Let's go Yuki, we have to get back to Konoha to give two people the hero's burial they deserve."

While Fu and B gasped in shock, Yagura rose an eyebrow in confusion which made Naruto close his eyes in sadness. Before he spoke, he took out a cigarette from his hidden kimono pocket, put it in his mouth, and lit it with his fire Ki. After taking a drag and exhaling the smoke, he confirmed Killer B and Fu's worst fears.

"Yes, B, Fu, I have to break two mother's hearts…and Yagura, Obito was the one who did the deed. Use this incentive not for revenge, but to find the strength which lies in your heart." After another drag on his cancer stick, Naruto motioned towards the exit. "Come, Yuki."

As Naruto and the arctic fox left, Yagura couldn't help but clench his fists in anger at what Obito had done.

His suicidal thoughts were now focused on mutilating the Uchiha and pissing on his bloodied, mangled corpse.


Time Skip: One Week, Obito – Hidden Base

As the Uchiha paced back and forth, he couldn't help but think about his next move. He wondered if it was the correct time to strike, but then again Zetsu just returned with some troubling news.

Yagura was still alive and the rest of the jinchuriki were headed to Iwa to join the one's he decided to leave behind. Not only this, but Mei was made Mizukage, Shizuka had vanished with her whereabouts unknown, and Naruto, Orochimaru, and the Hyuga were back in Konoha.

Not all news was bad, however.

Hidden Frost, Hidden Hot Springs, and five other small villages were now wiped off the map thanks to Kakuzu and the others. While they were ransacking the small villages, he had Yugito and Utakata target something much larger.

Sky Country.

Zetsu informed Obito that they were ready to make another strike thanks to gathering the power of the Zero-Tails. A power which the Uchiha wanted to add to his arsenal.

"With Sky Country's technology in my grasp, the world will learn to bow at my feet…yes, peace achieved through absolute fear." He paused as he thought back to two individuals he killed. "Kiba and Choji, in hindsight, there deaths will only make Konoha train harder which will also make Nagato harder to get to…hmm, perhaps Zetsu can help me with this predicament."


Konoha Gates

After Naruto, Yuki and Orochimaru left Killer B and the others, they went back to see if Neji and Hinata were ready to go. Although it took them 10 minutes to say their final goodbyes, the Hyuga helped seal Kiba and Choji's bodies inside two of Shizuka's special storage scrolls.

As they left Kiri, they were praised by the rebels and civilian population. Some even tried to give them gifts which they politely denied. Through it all, Mei never met them due to her managing the rebuilding process, but Naruto knew that Zabuza would get the message to her. Once they left the gates of the village, and got onto a boat for the mainland, they knew they had a long journey ahead of them.

A week later, they arrived at the gates of Konoha where Izumo and Kotetsu noticed something was off. One, Akamaru was without Kiba, and two, only the Hyuga's returned from their mission.

As they allowed everyone to pass once papers were checked, both feared the worst.

"Take the scrolls to my cousin and give your reports." Naruto said in a defeated tone once out of earshot of the gate guards. "I will do the task of notifying Tsume and Choji's mother."

"Can we tell the others about this?" Neji questioned while doing his best not to break down in tears again.

After some thought, Naruto nodded. "Like I told Yagura, use their deaths as a means to gain strength to defeat our common foe. Fight, so that their memory and sacrifice will forever be honored."

It was here, Naruto was handed Akamaru before the group split up.

"You know how defeated these families will be right? Both were clan heirs."

"I understand, Kurama. And thanks for consoling me on the trip back…all these conflicts I've had to endure keeps brining back unwanted memories."

The bijuu smiled as he stretched and walked out of his cave only to brush up against a tree to itch himself.

"Ah…that's the spot." Naruto sweat dropped at this which made Kurama chuckle to himself. "I will do my best to suppress those you wish not to see again, but I can only do so much."

Naruto nodded and broke the connection as he had made it to the Inuzuka's compound.


"State your business!" One of the guards ordered while the other punched his shoulder.

Naruto simply held up a bandaged up Akamaru which made the two guards eyes widen in shock. Eyes which soon found the ground very interesting. They understood the meaning behind the simple gesture and allowed Naruto to enter.

Tsume was humming as she cooked one of Kiba's favorite dishes. She had a feeling that he would come home from his mission today and would want something comforting. Little did she know, that her day filled with happiness would soon become one of mourning?

Just as she stirred the pot of potatoes, a knock was heard on the door.

"Who is it?" Tsume said as she walked towards the door.

"It's Naruto, Tsume-san, may I please enter?"

With a smile, she opened the door to allow the son of Minato and Kushina to come inside. That smile, however, fell at seeing a wounded Akamaru and no Kiba.

"Kiba never leaves Akamaru behind." She whispered in shock. "Unless…no, please, tell me my baby boy is OK!?"

A whimper for said ninken made reality hit her like a ton of bricks.

"I'm sorry Tsume, but you son was killed in the line of duty." Naruto somberly stated which made the clan head's knees weak as she started to cry.

After helping Tsume into a chair in the dining room, he went and checked on the food. Seeing that the potatoes were done, he shut off the burner then took a seat across from the clan head.

"W-Who else?" Tsume said with a choked sob. "I know Kiba wasn't alone."

Naruto sighed, his one word answer made the clan head sob even more.

"Choji."

After a couple minutes, Tsume dried her tears, her face filled with immeasurable sorrow.

"I even made Kiba's favorite meal thinking he would be home today, but I never expected this." After a deep breath, she spoke again. "Was it quick?"

Naruto let out a small smile and told Tsume what Kiba told him as well as how they held hands before he and Choji passed on. It brought a small smile to the Inuzuka's face.

"Can I come with you to the Akimichi compound, I think it will do me some good?"

Naruto simply stood and helped Tsume up. Without saying a word, they both started to walk to the Akimichi compound.


Hokage Office

Nagato couldn't help but look at the two scrolls in front of him with a frown. The news was devastating, even more so knowing that Obito was the one behind it. After the Hyuga gave their report, they were dismissed which left Orochimaru in the office. It wasn't but a moment later that Nagato called for Hiruzen and the other two Sannin. Once they arrived, they were notified of Kiba and Choji's deaths. The air in the office was now thick with sorrow, but also a twinge of anger at knowing who did the deed. After a tense silence Nagato spoke, his voice stern and left little room for negotiation.

"I've already sent out a missive to the nations that have been spared, Iron Country included, about what to do with this threat. In it, I brought up the option of doing something that hasn't been done in many years."

Hiruzen's eyes widened as he interrupted, "A Kage Summit!"

The Godaime nodded as he turned to look out towards the Hokage Monument. "Yes, Sandaime-dono, that. And to my surprise, everyone has agreed."

"And what of Kumo, and the just liberated Kiri? Shouldn't those Kages be involved as well?" Tsunade questioned which made Nagato hum in thought.

"Hmm, I suppose that is a possibility, but we all know how weak those villages are right now. However, that doesn't mean we can have them join forces with another village."

Hiruzen closed his eyes in thought as he traveled back to the Warring Clan Era. There, a memory popped up at how some weak or divided clans managed to eradicate a stronger one. Once the Sandaime smiled in a particular way, it sent shivers up the Sannin's spines.

"Oh no, there's that smile again..." Each of them thought.

"Nagato-san, have I ever told you about how some major clans became extinct back when I was growing up?" Hiruzen said, his pipe now in his mouth before lighting it.

"…and there's the pipe. Yep, the professor is back." The Sannin finished with a mental chuckle.

"No, I don't believe I have, but if it is just meaningless to our current situation then I won't hesitate to kick you out." Nagato warned, his Rinnegan eyes narrowed.

After living through three wars, Hiruzen just laughed the evil stare off. "I assure you, it is well worth your time. May I?"

With a grunt, the Uzumaki acquiesced. "You may."

Eyes closed, smile on his face, and his pipe lit, Hiruzen delved deep into his memory and told of how smaller, divided clans joined forces in order to topple a much larger clan. After a major enemy was defeated, these alliances usually stayed strong though there was the occasional few that fell apart.

Once he finished his tale, The Professor, opened his eyes and looked directly into the Rinnegan without fear.

"Don't you see Nagato-san, all of us must come together as one to fight this common foe. The Elemental Nations are weak and divided, and this Kage Summit could very well be place where all past conflicts can be cast aside and where us as a Nation finally becomes whole."

Before Nagato could respond, one of Jiraiya's toads summoned itself inside the office. Seeing the toad filled with worry put everyone on edge.

"What do you have to report?" Jiraiya said, fearing that another major village was wiped off the map.

"Yugito and Utakata have been spotted leaving one of Lightning Country's ports, possibly headed towards Sky Country."

This raised some eyebrows.

"We destroyed them in the second war, why would Obito have them go there?" Jiraiya questioned.

The toad shrugged, "Dunno, though rumors have sprouted of unusual activity in those parts. Do you wish for me to go there, Jiraiya-san?"

Nagato was the one who answered. "Yes…if Obito has those controlled jinchuriki going then he knows something we don't."

The Toad Sage nodded to his summon who dispelled soon after. With a sigh, Nagato continued.

"The Kage Summit will be in a year and a half, but in that time I want all of you, all of Konoha, to step up training. The academy will now be implemented with higher standards and the village will be under Martial Law. I will discuss with my cousin about what to do with the samurai in training here, though from what I can tell, none will be ready to face such a foe."

The Sannin and Hiruzen accepted Nagato's choices with a stiff nod. Soon after, they were all dismissed. Once outside the office, however, Hiruzen stopped his students.

"I believe it is time for the team to come together again, come we will train at my personal grounds."

All three Sannin looked at their Sensei in shock.

"B-But, your age, your heart condition!" Tsunade stuttered in response.

The God of Shinobi couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle before he spoke. "Ah Tsunade, always watching for my well-being, even when you were but a gennin." A slight pause. "But fear not for these old bones. I've survived three wars already, why not add another to my already impressive resume?"

"Ku ku ku, always one to stare death in the face, eh Sensei. Even at almost 73 years of age, the thought of battle still excites you."

"Hah! I'd like to see anyone try to keep this geriatric goon down." Hiruzen retorted which made the Sannin chuckle.

Once calmed down, Jiraiya patted his Sensei on the shoulder with a smile. "C'mon you geriatric fool, time to get you back into peak performance…that is, if you don't break a hip in the process."

Hiruzen couldn't help but shake his head in mirth as he shunshined his students to his personal training ground.

It was going to be an interesting year and a half.


With Naruto

As he exited the Akimichi compound, he sighed in relief knowing that the hard part was done. Although Tsume and Choji's mother were extremely distraught, both were strong willed and vowed to help each other get over their loss.

"Feeling better Kit?" Kurama asked.

"Much, like a weight has been lifted off my chest."

No further conversation took place as Naruto walked towards his samurai academy to see how his students were doing. Along the way, he saw the rest of the Konoha 12 at Akimichi BBQ in honor of their fallen comrades. He noticed two steaming plates of BBQ were on the table at the place where Kiba and Choji would have sat. Naruto stayed long enough for everyone to notice where he gave a small smile in return. Each smiled back which prompted Naruto to leave.

He knew that Shikamaru and the others needed their space.

As Naruto unlocked and entered his master's emporium, Naruto went to the back room and promptly laid on the cot. Not long after, Yuki joined him with a sad whimper.

"Uto Ok?"

Naruto smiled as he scratched behind the arctic fox's ears. Amid the sounds of his students sparring with one another, Naruto fell into a deep slumber.

One which was long overdue.