longest chapter I have written so far. R&R plz and enjoy

gomenasai - sorry, shinpai shinaide - don't worry, so desu - I see

Chapter 7: Memory Lane

Day broke on the peaceful village of Konoha. People were already out opening up their shops and several children were making their way over to the Ninja Academy. The birds were chirping a soothing melody as they flew over the village. Inside the Hokage's mansion bustled leaf-nin bringing in paperwork that needed to be done today and running little errands. Everyone was out and about.

Shizune strolled up to the door of Naruto's bedroom. She knocked at the door and called out for Naruto to wake up. No response came from inside the room. Again she knocked only to yet again get no response. Not having the time to knock her heart away, she opened the door only to see an unmade bed without any Naruto in it. So she made her way over to the office to see a highly active Naruto going through paperwork like it was ramen. This sight slightly startled her to see Naruto actually working but at the same time she was really proud of him.

"Since you're here already Shizune could you do me a favor and call for Team Konohamaru to come in?" he asked not lifting his eyes from his paperwork.

"Right away Hokage-sama," she happily responded.

Shizune softly closed the door behind her leaving the busy Naruto to himself. Naruto came to a finish on the document he was filling out and began flipping through the mission requests that were laid out on the table. 'Most of these are personal requests and some of them I already have people I'm going to assign to so I guess I'll give…this one to the three of them' Naruto thought to himself pulling out a mission scroll and setting it aside. While Naruto continued on with his work a knock came at the door.

"Please come in," he called out. The door crept slowly open and in walked the visitor.

"Have I got the job…," Naruto paused as he looked up at the visitor. A big smile spread across his face to who it was, "Bushy-Brow your back!"

Naruto beamed with happiness to see that Konoha's Green Beast had returned from his six month absence. Lee had come back from his training in a shredded green jumpsuit and ripped up green tactical vest. His hair was slightly longer and was very unkempt from its usual bowl cut. He had several cuts on his face and the bandages that covered his hands and parts of his arms were completely ripped to pieces.

"It is good to see you Naruto-kun," he bowed, "I mean Hokage-sama."

"Hahaha, don't worry about that," laughed Naruto, "Did you just get here this morning?"

"Hai, I also was told to come and report to you. It's good to see you finally fulfill your dream."

"You can see that it's hard work though," he motioned to the stacks of papers and scrolls, "But it comes with the title."

Rock Lee bowed his head down and grew quiet. Naruto became a little worried and wondered what was bothering him, "Bushy-brow?"

"Gomenasai Naruto-sama," he softly said.

"For what?"

"About what happened to Tsunade-sama. It must have been hard to lose someone close to you like that. I wasn't here to support you and everyone else."

Naruto rose from his seat and walked up to the window. A melancholic look radiated from his face.

"Shinpai shinaide Lee everything is alright. I think about what happened everyday but I can't always be sad about it. I have to be strong for this village. Besides we have to stick together in times like this right?" Naruto turned towards Lee and flashed the nice guy pose.

"Right!" as he flashed it back, his toothy smile sparkling.

Without warning, in burst Team Konohamaru, "It's about time you recognized our skill boss!!!"

"Huh, oh I forgot. Sorry Bushy-brow but I have to get back to work. You should go get changed and rest up."

Lee bowed goodbye and quickly left while Naruto sat back down in his chair. He picked up the mission scroll he had put aside and handed it to Ebisu.

"I have a very special job for you three. You're going to be cleaning the Hokage stone faces today!" smiled Naruto.

"What!!!?" the three shouted.

"But boss that is a D-rank mission. Give us something more challenging," complained Konohamaru.

"Well you three are still genin so D-rank missions are still up your ally."

"But it isn't fair to our skills," Moegi protested.

"Yeah," Udon added in.

"You got to have something else better there for us," said an agitated Konohamaru.

"I apologize for their insolence Hokage-sama. We will gladly take the job," spoke Ebisu.

"Its fine Ebisu you don't have to apologize. I would argue against it also," waving off the apology, "Look you three this is all I have for you for now but I'll tell you this. Just do this one job and the next time I call you in I will have a harder mission for you. Agreed?"

"Alright boss but we're holding you to that," Konohamaru responded.

"I never go back on my word," beamed Naruto.

The blue skinned Kisame's head rose cautiously out of the water by the shores of Kirigakure. The village itself was barely visible behind the thick shroud of mist. Kisame surveyed the misty beach for the presence of anybody. No one seemed to be there so Kisame surged out of the water onto the quiet shore. Kisame began taking a few steps towards the tiny forest that separated the shore from the village itself. As he made his way through the forest, Kisame noticed a shadow of a figure standing a few yards in front of him. He placed his hand on the hilt of Samehada only to take it off after he realized who it was. He grinned slightly showing his sharp teeth.

"And I was hoping I would get here first," he commented to the figure.

"Looks like you're slow as ever Kisame," Konan somewhat taunted.

"Maybe you just got quicker," Kisame snapped back, "We're both here so it makes no difference."

"I've already taken the liberty of scouting out the village."

"Only makes my work much easier seeing as I can't go in my style."

"You know just killing your way through won't work," Konan calmly remarked.

Kisame took his last few steps out of the forest. He gently pulled his Samehada from his back and jammed it into the fertile ground. Kisame comfortably leaned on his sword and intently looked at Konan with his beady white eyes.

"So you can just tell me the plan on how were going to reach the Mizukage then."

"I'll go in first since I can get there without getting the attention of anyone. You on the other hand will have to gain access through the river that runs through the village and by the Mizukage's mansion."

"That sounds too simple. This is Kirigakure! It would be easy for them to spot someone who is infiltrating their village through the river. I'm from this damn village I would know," scoffed Kisame.

"So you're saying one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist can't do a task such as this," Konan said sarcastically.

"Hehehe like I said I'm from this village so for me it won't be a problem. It will be even easier for me to sneak through once I get into the mansion," laughed Kisame, "But once were both inside I'll do the talking. It is more fitting for a fellow Seven Swordsman to speak with another one."

"Then let's begin," spoke Konan as she split into her paper butterflies.

"This is going to be a little fun."

A shirtless Lee sat on top of his dojo. In his hand he held a picture of him and his former sensei Guy. It had been over a year now since Guy had died and the pain still dug deep in Lee's heart. At first he had felt a deep revenge and anger for the man who had killed him, but today he felt different. After listening to what Naruto had said, Lee knew that he had to be strong. He could not let his emotions ruin his judgment for the sake of himself and even more so for the village. Deep down he knew the time would come when he would finally face Kisame but in the meantime he couldn't force it to happen. The only thing he knew he could do was to train and become stronger for that day.

That is what the past six months had been for him, training. He worked nonstop to become stronger. It was the most difficult and by far the most dangerous training he had to endure in his life. The dangers of the training made him decide to train in solitude away from everyone. Now he wanted to show everyone how far he had come.

Lee lifted his head up to the sky as a gently breeze swept across the land. The wind caressed his newly bowl cut hair. It felt good to finally be home.

"Hey Lee!!!"

Lee looked down from the roof to see Tenten waving at him. She was wearing her white vest-like shirt with black trimming and black pants.

"Come down from there and come to lunch with me and Neji-kun," she hollered.

Rock Lee smiled to see his old teammate. He slid his picture into his pocket and jumped off the roof landing with a gently thud onto the ground.

"Uh shouldn't you at least get dressed first?" she asked.

"The power of youth waits for no one!" and in a cloud of dirt Rock Lee dashed off into the village.

"WAIT!!! You don't even know where we're going to eat!" yelled Tenten taking off after him.

Hinata stood calmly as several Narutos crowded around her. She was positioned comfortably in her Juuken style and surveyed the kunai wielding Narutos with her byakugan. The Narutos lunged forward launching a hoard of kunais. As the kunais flew closer, Hinata shifted her feet into a square position and pulled one of her arms behind her.

"Hakkeshou Kaiten," spoke Hinata spinning and forming a blue sphere of chakra.

All the kunais bounced of the chakra shield and fell to the ground. When Hinata finished spinning, the Narutos charged for a physical attack. Hinata dodged every which way launching a burst of charka through her open palms causing many puffs of smoke to pop up around her. The smoke cleared to reveal a single Naruto running towards Hinata with a Rasengan in hand. As Naruto hurled the Rasengan forward, Hinata elegantly side-stepped it. She then grabbed onto his now vulnerable arm and landed a punch to the face of Naruto only to have him turn into another puff of smoke.

It wasn't before long that the real Naruto bursted out of the ground with another Rasengan. Hinata gently back flipped out of the way and launched her open palm into Naruto's stomach. Quickly Hinata squared herself again and pulled her arm back behind her.

"Hakke Rokujuuyonshou," she softly shouted.

Two strikes, four strikes, sixteen strikes, thirty-two strikes hit Naruto. Just as she shouted sixty-four strikes, Naruto grabbed a hold of both her arms and hurled her away from him. She quickly recovered sliding against the ground and standing back up. Hinata dashed of in a head on attack only to have Naruto wave her off to stop.

"Ow, that's enough for me today," he dusted himself off, "You've gotten pretty strong Hinata."

"Arigato Naruto, but why did you stop?" she seemed a little perplexed.

"It's just that I'm tired and I'm going to have to get back to work in a little while," he said.

"Naruto you don't have to be afraid of not holding back only because I'm your girlfriend," she said flatly.

He sighed, "I'm sorry Hinata. I just don't want to hurt you."

"You don't need to worry about that. If we don't hold back then we would be helping each other get stronger."

"You know what you're right Hinata. From now on we will never hold back and get stronger together," he smiled.

Naruto walked up to Hinata and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "I have to get back though but I will see you later on today."

Hinata stood smiling as Naruto walked away waving goodbye. So much had changed she wondered if it was just a dream. She and Naruto together seemed like some far off fantasy when it was in fact real. Hinata truly felt happy, but something sat in the back of her mind. The more she thought about the more she worried what could happen to Naruto. A war would begin soon and there was no stopping it. At that moment Hinata swore she would become even stronger to protect Naruto. To protect the one person she cared for the most.

Kisame slowly slid around the corner into the hallway directly towards the Mizukage's room. Inflitration had been a simple success and it would not have otherwise been possible if he wasn't from the village. Kisame strolled up the hallway as several paper butterflies flew past him and slipped under the door. Nearing the door, Kisame had a feeling that getting here was way too easy. Security seemed extremely low seeing as he only had to avoid a few mist-nin. Instead of thinking more on it he shrugged it off and proceeded into the room.

Inside sitting cooly in his seat was the Mizukage. Next to him stood a partly formed Konan with a spear made of paper aimed at his throat. The Mizukage was clothed in his sky blue kage robes. His messy navy blue hair flowed down to his chin and his milky smooth skin glowed radiantly. Along his right eye laid a long scar from days of old. Mizukage stared intently at Kisame as he approached the fancy brown table that seperated them. A little smirk was displayed on Kisame's face.

"So calm aren't we Mizukage and here I thought this would be a more festive reunion," he sarcastically said, "But you already knew we were here as I can see by your lack of security."

"Fifteen years Hoshigaki," the coarse deep-voiced kage spoke.

"Has it been that long now? The brillant Yuuga Harou face to face with his old friend after fifteen years. So exhilarating isn't it. The last time we were together was when I left that nice long scar on your pretty little face. If only I had taken your head."

"Why are you here Hoshigaki?" he coldly asked.

"Hmm quite the contrary from what you think. I'm actually here to speak with you."

"Humph!" he grunted.

Kisame surveyed the room just to be extra cautious of the possibility of anyone else besides them. It appeared they were alone but Kisame knew he couldn't let his guard down. As his eyes drew back onto Harou, something shiny caught his eye. Resting on the Mizukage's chair was the deadly Benishimo. It was a long ice blue jagged blade with a slightly curved yellow hilt. The blade was also furnished with a crimson edge.

"Heh, so desu," Kisame snorted.

The sitting Mizukage suddenly burst into water causing Konan to forming her body and pulling back. She looked back up to see the Mizukage holding up the Benishimo at arms-length in front of him at the throat of Kisame. Kisame lifted up his hand motioning Konan to just stay out of it.

"So you could see that it was a Mizu Bunshin," Harou commented.

"It was obvious by how calm you were acting. I know you too well to be fooled by something as simple as that."

"Fifteen years you've been gone and and all you say is that you want to talk!" screamed Harou, "What makes you think I would even 'talk' with you after what you did?"

"Well you did allow us to get in here after all," Kisame jeered.

"You betrayed this village! You betrayed your comrades! But most of all you betrayed OUR FRIENDSHIP!!!"

"Heh, even so I'm not here to discuss that. I'm here on business."

"I don't care for your business and I would see you die here before me!" fumed Harou.

"Even if it means the destruction of Kirigakure," Kisame flatly added in.

Harou's angered look seemed to subside a little at Kisame's remark, "What are you talking about?"

"Lower the sword and I'll tell you."

Slowly Harou lowered his sword finally laying it flat on the table but still keeping his hand close to the hilt.

"You probably already know that a war is brooding between Otogakure and Konohagakure. Kaze no Kuni as already allied itself with the latter while Tuschi no Kuni and possibly pretty soon Kaminari no Kuni with the former," Kisame informatively said.

"And what does this have to do with Kirigakure?" the Mizukage irritatingly asked.

"This village can't avoid being dragged into the war. Kirigakure will be destroyed by Uchiha Sasuke. So I'm suggesting that you quickly ally with Konohagakure when the time comes."

"Why should I listen to what you suggest?" hissed Harou.

"It's not in my nature to say this but it would be the right thing to do. Sasuke needs to be stopped and you know that as well," Kisame paused for a second motioning to Konan that they would be leaving, "Besides I'm sure you will like the new Hokage. He may be a little too hyperactive for my preference but you should be able to enjoy that."

Konan was already walking out the door while Kisame followed suit. Harou stood somberly contemplating what had just been said. Despite his immense hate for Kisame deep down he knew he was right in this situation.

"I never said I would do what you suggest," Harou quickly said.

"You decide on whatever you want," Kisame casually made his way out the door only to stop halfway, "and about our business let's save it for another day…I'm sure our paths will cross again…Sooner than later."

Naruto kissed Hinata goodnight as she made her way into her house. After Naruto had finished with his daily duties Hinata and him had spent more of the day training and having another pleasant dinner at Ichikaru Ramen.

A full moon shined brightly down on the sleeping village. Naruto had decided he would take the longer more scenice route back to the Hokage mansion. While he walked he thought about all the work he would have to do tomorrow. It bored him to have to do paperwork all day. It had to be done though and he knew that. It wasn't as bad as he made it out to be the only thing was there was a lot. Yet Naruto was glad for it because it meant that the shinobi of Konoha were still needed.

During the walk Naruto noticed that his feet had taken him to a familiar place. Walking alongside the river, Naruto could see the lonesome pier that Sasuke would sit on when they were younger. He made his way down the hill and walked onto the pier.

Standing there filled his mind with nostalgia. He remembered the days walking home from school alone and seeing Sasuke sitting on the pier staring off into nothing. The day Team 7 was formed and all the missions they had done together. Naruto also remembered how much he tried to bring Sasuke back only to fail ever time. Things were defintely different from what Naruto could ever dream of happening. Staring at his own reflection in the water, Naruto also realized how far he had come. From being the naïve knucklehead to becoming the Hokage. After all the events that have transpired he had truly grown up. Still Naruto felt a sense of emptiness in his reflection. Indeed a hopeful and determined figure looked up at him but at the same time it was filled with grief and confusion. To wipe away the feeling, Naruto sloshed his image away and left the pier.

Walking farther down the road Naruto came up to the ghostly Uchiha district. The fan symbol was deeply faded to the point that one could barely make out what it was. Slowly Naruto stepped under the single board nailed onto the gate that signaled no entry to the district. Going down the streets made Naruto wonder how lively the place must have been before the massacre. The only positive things that could be felt from the remains of the village was easily shrouded by the nothingness that it was now.

His feet taking him further and further into the district, Naruto stood facing the scared Uchiha shrine. He hesitantly made his way up the few steps only to stop directly in front of the entrance. This was not the first time Naruto had been here yet he always felt he lacked the willingness to enter. The few times he entered trying to study the scrolls and historical documents passed down by the Uchihas hoping to uncover any clue of how he could bring Sasuke back. There was always nothing though but Naruto continued to come back and read the same things over and over. He took some tiny steps backwards and decided that today he would deny the urge to go in.

Naruto let out a soft sigh and turned around to make his way back down the steps. After making his way down the steps Naruto looked up only to be frozen stiff in his place. In front of him stood the dark figure of Itachi. His red eyes shined brightly even with the full moon light flowing down onto the land. A look of fierce rage glazed over Naruto's azul eyes.

"Itachi," Naruto slowed annunciated.

"Long time Uzumaki Naruto. Convenient that I would find you here," Itachi coolly said.

"The infamous Itachi was looking for me how flattering," he sarcastically responded, "I guess that means a fight then."

"I didn't come here to fight you. I came to offer something"

"And what would you have that could be of any value for me. I would never accept anything from someone like you," Naruto defiantly spoke.

"When it comes to Sasuke I'm sure you would make an exception."

"What about Sasuke?!"

"If you truly want to stop him then I can help you in that endeavor. I am offering to train you, in secret of course."

His comment startled Naruto. What was Itachi trying to do? Why would someone like Itachi be willing to train him? It seemed a little out of the ordinary for a man such as Itachi to do something like this.

"Why would you be willing to do that?" asked the confused Naruto.

"If you agree to my offer then be here around the same time tomorrow. I will explain why if you show up," and in a dash of black Itachi was gone.

Naruto greatly despised Itachi but the offer did intrigue him. If Itachi was really offering to train him then Naruto could be well prepared to fight a sharingan user such as Sasuke. But the thing that intrigued him the most was what the reason was behind it. Itachi was still shrouded in his mysterious aura yet honesty seemed to flow in his words. Naruto decided tomorrow he would see what exactly was going on. He would accept Itachi's offer.

busy on chapter 8 so it should be up soon. hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Juuken - Gentle Fist
Hakkeshou Kaiten - Eight Divinations Palms of the Hand, Heavenly Spin
Hakke Rokujuuyonshou - Eight Divinations Signs, 64 palms
Mizu Bunshin - Water Clone