AN 10/15: It really does feel like a lifetime ago that I wrote this. I've decided that beyond correcting some atrocious grammar mistakes, I won't be tweaking too much of the story other than maybe adding a few facts here or there. The theme song for this chapter belongs to... ITACHI!

Itachi: Second Chance by Shinedown

An: And here we have chapter 2. Read and Review people

Note: Kyuubi "Talking" 'Thinking'

It was nearing nightfall by the time Naruto returned to Konoha. Her majestic wooden gates stood nearly fifty feet tall, as did the massive stone wall that protected her inhabitants. Approaching the gatehouse that regulated entry and exit, he pulled out his passport and handed it to the guard. The man had shoulder length brown hair, and an unusually long senbon sticking dangerously out of his mouth. On his head, he wore the headband issued to all shinobi as a bandanna Instead of having the metal band covering his forehead, the leaf symbol covered the back of his head. After a few moments of staring at the man as he waggled the needle perilously in his mouth, he received a nod from the guard.

Putting away his passport, Naruto leaped for the rooftop of the nearest building. For a moment, he stood there, taking in the view of the Hokage Monument shrouded by the setting sun in the distant. A few minutes of staring was all he allowed himself before he took off across the rooftops towards the Hokage's office. Stepping cautiously, so as not to break off any of the roof tiles, the hunter-nin quickly arrived at his destination.

Entering via the front door, he nodded at the two Anbu guards and got a grunt of acknowledgement from the one on the left. Naruto made a beeline for the completed mission's desk, and luckily, there was no line. Pulling out the scroll from his supply pouch, he handed it over to a scar-nosed man who resembled a dolphin. The man smiled kindly as he took the scroll.

"Ah, X-san another successful mission I see." Naruto nodded mutely at the cheerful man, but that did not discourage him from striking up a conversation. "My name is Iruka. Normally I don't work on the mission desks, but I'm taking a day off from teaching the runts at the academy." The man rubbed the back of his head with his left hand and laughed nervously when he got no reply.

Unnerved and shifting needlessly, Iruka checked the scroll and added something on the computer on his desk. "Well, that's five more C rank criminals taken down under your record X-san."

"Naruto." Iruka blinked at the one word reply he was given. With a brusque nod of farewell, the young hunter-nin headed towards the spiral stairs that would lead to the Hokage's office. Walking at a leisurely pace, he soon found himself in front of two more Anbus. The boar mask grunted and nodded at him while the bear mask knocked on the oak doors they were guarding.

"Naruto has come to see you Hokage-sama." There was a moment of silence before a quiet reply floated through the heavy oak doors.

"Let him in."

Bear opened the door and gestured for Naruto to enter. The blonde was greeted by the sight of the wizened Third Hokage smoking a pipe behind piles of paperwork. The only thing that could really be seen was the Hokage's hat that he hated wearing so much.

Bowing, Naruto stood at attention before speaking. "The Viper gang was taken care of Hokage-sama."

Taking a drag from his pipe, Sarutobi smiled and nodded at his young friend. "I trust there were no complications?"

"No."

"Well then, you are dismissed Naruto. And if you are looking for Anko, she should be at post 23."

"Hai." Walking over to a nearby window, Naruto opened it and flung himself out, disappearing into the darkening night. Sarutobi sighed and pulled his hat down so that it covered his eyes.

'Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing Minato." The Third stared morosely up at the portrait of the carefree Fourth in silent contemplation. A knock interrupted his musings.

"Hokage-sama. Your secretary has arrived." The Professor groaned as he watched his young assistant arrive with a pile of papers in her arms.

Jumping from rooftop to rooftop with the ease of practice, Naruto soon arrived at post 23 somewhere along the Eastern wall. Two kunais shot out of the darkness, aimed straight at his head. His right hand blurred as he delicately plucked the two blades out of thin air. Landing gently on the wall, he threw them both at their owner before settling himself in a crouch.

"Is that any way to greet your little brother Anko?" Laughter echoed in the darkness as a smirking woman stepped into the dim light. She wore her patented trench coat with a provocative fishnet shirt underneath. Her shorts hugged her hips and blended in to the night due to the dark coloring. Her shin guards were in place as were the shuriken pouch all shinobi's wore. She tossed her semi-short dark purple hair before blurring out of existence. She reappeared behind Naruto, put him in a headlock, then proceeded to deliver a power nuggie into his skull. Naruto struggled to release himself from his adopted sister's grip, and after a moment of flailing, Naruto emerged victorious.

Ducking out of her reach he calmly asked, "So where do you want to eat?"

Smirking slightly, Anko tapped her chin in mock thought before she answered. "Welllll, we could eat at your ramen stand, or my dango place, but there's that rich snobby place with old people and really classy food!"

Naruto snorted beneath his mask. "You just want to annoy them don't you?"

Anko grinned like a cat that got laid. "Oh you know it. Remember how that old lady squirmed when I chewed with my mouth open? Or when that old men left when I talked to you while chewing?" Anko burst out laughing and clutched her brother's shoulder in support. "Good times. Good times." She proceeded to crack up once more while Naruto stared at her indifferently.

"Shouldn't we change first? It does have some standards."

Anko sniggered. "So? It'll piss those old farts off some more." Naruto snorted again.

In a blink of an eye, both siblings were gone, racing off towards the riches district in Konoha, prepared to wreak havoc.

Dream

He was surrounded. His left arm was torn to shreds, and dangled uselessly by his side. Multiple cuts crisscrossed his body, making bloody railroad tracks. His shirt was shredded to pieces, and part of his vest was missing. His mask was no longer in place; blood trickled down from his forehead, blinding him in his left eye. Naruto squinted out at his opponent with his good eye. A sea of blades and angry faces greeted him, but what was most prominent, was the fear. No matter how angry they looked, they all had a bit of awe and fear splashed onto their faces.

"So this is how it ends." The young shinobi snorted. He used his good hand to reach into one of the remaining vest pockets on his body. The movement caused many of the assembled shinobi to shift nervously, wondering what the boy was about to do. Many nearly dropped their weapons when he pulled out a lone cigarette. They stared in shock as Naruto put the cigarette in his mouth, and snapped his fingers, causing a small flame to erupt at the tips of his fingers. Putting the flame at the end of the cigarette, Naruto took a puff, and allowed the flames on his fingers to die out. Taking another deep drag, Naruto breathed out, allowing the smoke to rise from his mouth. He took a third drag, and allowed his conscience to fall into the deep chasm of his mind where he floated before the cage of Kyuubi.

"Give me more power." The great fox snorted as he rolled over in his cage.

"I have already leant you one tails worth of chakra. Anymore, and the consequences would be dire." Naruto smiled lightly as he looked up at the huge beast.

"It doesn't matter anymore. We'll die either way." The great brute of a demon rested his head on a great paw and stared at the boy before him.

"Kit, you know that I cannot give you more power then that of which your body can generate. Anymore, and your body may collapse, or you may just explode from chakra overload." The fox leaned in closer and peered down at the stoic boy before him. "Your power already rivals that of the two tailed demon Nibi, and you have already defeated that annoying Raikage. Anymore and-"

The gigantic fox quieted down as he saw his host raise his hand. "I know what could happen if I take in more power then necessary. It's a risk I'm willing to take." The demon stared thoughtfully down at his host.

"So be it." The Kyuubi's eyes glowed red for a moment, and then a stream of red chakra seeped out of the cage and surrounded Naruto. The mass of power swept up his body, covering every part of him it came into contact with, until at last, it reached his head. The demonic chakra covered his face until only his eyes were visible.

"Fare thee well Kit, fare thee well." The chakra oozed into his line of vision, and-

Normal POV

His eyes snapped open at the banging on his door. Throwing his sheets off, he put on his mask before padding softly to the entrance. 'What was that? It was not a memory. I don't recall that ever happening. Too real to be a dream' Beneath his mask, Naruto wore an expression similar to what one may associate with confusion.

"It's what people call a premonition moron."

'What is this so called, premonition?'

"Premonition is a glance at the future, a possibility that could happen, but can be avoided since you foresaw it."

'…' 'You've been screwing with my dreams again haven't you?'

"As if!" scoffed the fox.

Naruto reached the front door as he finished his silent conversation with the trapped demon. Opening it, he was greeted with the sight of a panting Ebisu. The normally snotty man was sweating and wheezing as he caught his breath. "Naruto-kun there has been an emergency! The Hokage wishes to see you in the council room!"

The blonde nodded his thanks stiffly and took off towards the council room, still clad in his sleeping garments.

Council Room

Hiashi slammed his fists on the table in rage. "We cannot let them reach the Cloud village! They hold the secret to the Hyuuga bloodline!" A great murmuring swept through the wary councilors. People began shouting and throwing out wild ides, most of them useless. The Hokage stared gravely at the council as they argued among themselves while Hiashi stood by and seethed.

"Silence!" The room quieted down as the Hokage stood. "We need to think with a cool head, not squabble like children." Sitting back down, the aged shinobi sighed. "We need a plan to stop-" A quiet pop announced the arrival of Naruto who appeared in a crouching position in front of the Hokage.

"You called Ojii-san?" Sarutobi blinked as the room erupted in angry muttering at Naruto's disrespect.

"Naruto, I did not call for you." If the blonde was surprised, his mask did a wonderful job of hiding it.

"Ebisu said you sent for me." The Hokage glared at the council, knowing that one of them was responsible for impersonating him and tricking Ebisu into summoning Naruto.

Hiashi stood up excitedly and made his way over to the Hokage's side. "Hokage-sama, send Hunter-X! He may be the only one who can catch them!"

"NO!" The old man's voice thundering voice brought silence to the council room once more. "I will not be sending one of my shinobi on a suicide run that has little to no chance of success."

Hiashi turned desperately to Naruto. Kneeling down, Hiashi bowed before Naruto, electing a great gasp of surprise from the other councilors.

"Hiashi why are you bowing to him?!" "Get up Hiashi!"

"Quiet you fools!" spat Hiashi. Turning his attention back to Naruto, the pupil-less man calmed himself before speaking. "Uzumaki-san, you and the Hyuuga clan have had their differences in the past, but now, we must call upon your aid. I beseech you to help us in our time of need!" Naruto stared blankly down at Hiashi.

"Will someone inform me on these troubles?" The entire council blinked stupidly before realizing Naruto had no idea what they were talking about. Sarutobi sighed and put a hand on his forehead before speaking.

"A group of Hyuugas had been ambushed by Cloud shinobis. Both branch members died trying to protect Himura Hyuuga, but his body was not found. We're afraid the enemy shinobi may have taken his body." Once more, a grave murmuring swept through the council.

"Were the bodies confirmed by their records?" questioned the young hunter-nin.

"I'm afraid so. The bodies of the dead soldiers match the information we have on records, so it is unlikely to be the handiwork of another nation." Sarutobi waved his hand to silence Naruto's next question. "And the bodies couldn't have been left there, for they show signs of chakra use within the last 24 hours, the same time the Hyuuga's were killed. Plus, many of their tenketsu points were sealed, and most of them died from internal bleeding, a Hyuuga trademark killing move. If it's a setup, it's a very elaborate one." The Third stared gravely at the council. "I'm afraid I will have to declare war with Cloud soon."

Hiashi sat straight up, "But Hokage-sama! We still have time to catch them. Send X-"

"NO! I will not send Naruto on this foolish mission!"

Gaizen of the citizen council stood up. "But Hokage-sama, with Hunter-X's reputation of godlike stamina, and his skills at tracking, he could kill those shinobi before they reach their village!"

"Don't be a fool Gaizen!" shouted his female counterpart Ruka. "They have over a days head start, even for X-" The council once again erupted into senseless babbling at they argued over whether Naruto could reach the fleeing shinobi in time.

"I'll do it." A deathly silence reigned across the council room as they stared at the quite boy in shock. Even Hiashi gaped slightly.

"Naruto," began Sarutobi desperately. "You need not take this mission. It's not even a mission!"

The emotionless boy considered his words before speaking. "Ojii-san, you once told me that it was your dream to have peace in this village." A pin drop could have been heard as the room listened with rapt attention. "You are one of the few people who ever cared about me. I am willing to sacrifice myself for your dream Hokage-sama," Naruto whispered gently. A single tear trickled down the Third's face as he lowered his hat to cover his eyes.

Hiashi breathed a sigh of relief now that somebody was taking action. "May Kami watch over-"

Naruto whirled about and filled the room with enough killing intent to silence the Hyuuga head, and cause shivers throughout the room. "Make no mistake Hiashi-sama.," his harsh voice was like a knife through the silence. "I do this for the sake of my Hokage, not the Hyuuga. I have not forgotten the incident two years ago!" No one doubted that the emotionless boy was glaring under his mask. "Should I survive and complete my mission, I expect to be well compensated for my troubles."

The Hyuuga head nodded in understanding. "Of course, if you succeed in protecting the Hyuuga secret, we will be more then willing to pay you for your efforts."

Turning his attention back to the Hokage, Naruto bowed. "Thank-you, and good-bye Ojii-san." The Third nodded and smiled through tear filled eyes.

"Yes, good-bye Naruto-kun." A small pop and the blonde vanished. The Hokage waved his hand dismissively at the people still present.

"Leave," he whispered coldly. "I wish to be alone." The council wisely left at their lord's words. When the chamber was at last empty, a silent heartfelt sob could be heard.

Apartment

Naruto finished packing his gear and dressed himself properly in his hunter-nin garments. He stared at his full-length mirror for a second. "Looks like that premonition may be coming soon faster then you think," observed the unusually solemn Kyuubi. Naruto turned around and headed for the door.

"I meant what I said Kyuubi. If this mission will fulfill the old man's dream, then so be it."

The demon let loose a grumbling sigh. "You are too loyal for your own good." The demonic presence faded from Naruto as he took off for the rooftops. After a few minutes of travel he arrived at his destination. Knocking twice on the apartment door, he waited silently for an answer. The door slammed open and he was greeted with the sight of a sleepy Anko while his ears were assaulted by her curses.

"It's two in the fucking morning! I just had a drink with my little bro, and my head is killing me! What the hell do you- oh hey Naruto." Naruto blinked beneath his mask at his adopted older sister's abrupt change in attitude. Shrugging it off, he took off his mask before speaking.

"I'm going on a mission Anko nee-chan." Anko blinked stupidly and stared at him.

"You woke me at two in the morning to tell me this?!" Naruto nodded

"Yes. I came to say good-bye." Anko blinked again.

"Good-bye? Come on little bro, you're scaring me here." She shivered as she stared at her brother's face. He never took off his mask, even when he was with her. Naruto gazed at her for a moment, imprinting the image of his sister in his mind before he put his mask back on.

"I doubt I'll be coming back nee-chan, and I wished to see you once more before leaving." The dark haired beauty smiled and laughed before leaning forward and wrapping the stiff boy in a hug.

"Of course you'll come back. I trained you my self didn't I?" She put her hand in her pocket and pulled out a silver blade with a snake rearing to strike as its handle. "I don't know what your mission is, but this blade may come in handy." Taking the ornamental dagger from his sister's hand, he gripped it tightly once before placing it in his vest.

"Thank-you" Anko laughed again and clapped her brother's shoulder. "Hey! Who says I'm giving it to you? I fully expect to get that back! And if you don't, I'll dig up your grave so I can kill you myself! Got it?!" He nodded his understanding.

"I understand. Good-bye and thank-you nee-chan." A small pop and he vanished.

Anko stood alone in the darkness for a moment. "Feh. Be careful you idiot." She headed back into her home. Needless to say, she didn't get much sleep that night.

Konoha Gatehouse

Asuma was currently standing at the gatepost to Konoha, smoking his favorite brand.

'Quiet night' He blinked as a short masked figure appeared. 'That height… It could only be-'

"Hey Naruto." The blonde nodded at him.

"Hello Sarutobi-sensei." He handed over his passport to the bearded chain smoker.

"Now what's all this sensei crap? I stopped teaching you nearly a month ago!" He chuckled as he searched through Naruto's paperwork. "Call me Asuma."

"Very well…Asuma." The older shinobi grunted as he looked carelessly over his former pupil's passport.

"Well, everything seems to be in order." Looking up from his work, he found Naruto with his head tilted back, staring up at the stars.

"The stars…" Asuma blinked. "They're beautiful aren't they?" Asuma blinked again, this time in astonishment. He may have only known Naruto for a year, but he had never heard him utter such… such pointless words.

"Huh?" The lit cigarette dropped out of Asuma's gaping mouth.

Naruto turned to him and took his passport. "It's funny how you don't notice the little things in life until it's too late." He continued monotonously. "Good-bye Asuma."

Said jounin blinked as his former student turned around. "Hey kid." Naruto stopped to show that he was listening. "This wouldn't have to do with the Hyuuga incident would it?"

"Perhaps." Asuma fished around in his vest and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. Pulling one out, he put it in his mouth.

"You got a light kid?" Naruto turned around and put his hand under the cigarette. Snapping his fingers, a small flame burst into life from the contact between his thumb and forefinger. Asuma took a few drags from the burning cigarette. Smoke curled up and away from the cigarette. Taking another drag, he handed out his pack of to Naruto. "Here kid, take it."

Naruto blinked in surprise under his mask. Asuma had offered to give away his cigarettes? Was the sky raining fire? "I don't smoke Asuma."

Asuma considered the boy for a moment. "There comes a time in everyone's life, where all they need is a smoke. You'll know when that time comes." Naruto hesitated for a moment before he put his hand out and plucked out a single cigarette. Tucking away the lonely cigarette into one of his many vest pockets, he nodded his thanks at his former teacher. Turning around, he raced off towards the mountains that loomed in the distant horizon.

Asuma stared at Naruto's retreating form. He continued staring long after Naruto had vanished. Then, he tilted his head up and stared at the sky. Taking another drag from his dying cigarette, he dropped it on the ground and put it out by grinding it under his heel. "Yeah, the stars are beautiful."

AN: Cliffy. I am way too tired to continue, so I decided to end chapter two with Naruto headed out on a Kamikaze mission. Mission impossible continues in chapter three. Review please!