AN: New chapter and the moment everyone was waiting for. I'm not sure...but you're going to be the judges of this chapter.

So, let's just read and see what happens. Thanks to RokibaHatake for his help in this chapter.

Chapter 13

The Choices we make

"So, Sakura-chan was telling the truth."

Naruto had gone straight to the Uchiha compound. Sakura had cried her eyes out while explaining to the blond what had happened after he left with Jiraiya. Apparently, Sakura had discovered Sasuke talking with some guy from Sound, one of Orochimaru's guys.

Naruto knew the moment he arrived and the strange reactions from his friends that something was wrong. He just didn't know how bad things were. Sasuke was facing Naruto; beside him there was a small backpack. The Uchiha tilted his head, but his face was an expressionless mask. The Uchiha compound had been abandoned a long time ago, now the only think that remained were some old buildings and a small memorial stone at the entrance of the place. It seemed as if nothing had been touched since the day of the massacre.

"Sakura has always had a big mouth. I knew I could count on her to tell you everything."

"Sasuke, what's going on?"

The night had progress to the point where the dark sky was getting slightly reddish. The sound of thunder reached Naruto and Sasuke's ears but neither paid attention to it. There too busy glaring and sizing the other up. Sasuke took a step forward with his head tilted to the side, his lips lifting up in a small, mocking smile.

"Do you know how long it has been since we became Genin?" Naruto blinked opening his mouth to respond but Sasuke beat him to it. "A year. It's been a year, and I haven't learned anything or even gotten stronger. I'm the same as I was a year ago."

"That's not true." Replied Naruto, who also step forward. "You've always been good. That's why you were named the Rookie of the year. We're not the same we were a year ago."

Sasuke shook his head, a frown forming on his face as his sharingan activated. A shill of warning ran down Naruto's back, inside his head, the nagging of his zanpakutou was getting stronger as Sasuke took another step forward.

There were no warnings; Naruto had only a second away to block the sudden attack from Sasuke. The both of them started a series of hits and punches, of blocks and evasions. With each hit, Sasuke moved faster, striking harder; each time his face would turn into a mask of pure resentment and anger and Naruto could only evade and block, still trying to understand what the hell had happened to the friend he thought he knew.

The moment of distraction Naruto took to organize his thoughts gave Sasuke the opening he needed. Throwing his arm back, fists closed, he threw it with a strength meant to hurt. And hurt he did. Naruto received the hit straight in the face feeling the taste of warm metallic liquid on his mouth and a sharp pain coming from his lip.
Sasuke, however, didn't stop there. He sent a hard kick to Naruto's head that the blonde evaded with a half turn on the floor stretching out his left leg to entangle it with the Uchiha's, making him stumble and give Naruto the opportunity to stand up and counterattack.

The fight went on for a few seconds like this; each hit became harder, drawing blood and bruises from the both of them. The tension that had been escalating since the mission to Wave finally catching up with them.

Sasuke gave a sidekick to Naruto's back, his sharingan moving wildly while a dark patch of black forms started expanding from his left shoulder.

"What…what is…?" Naruto's question was cut by a painful punch to his face. Sasuke watched with amazement and glee as his fists sent the blond flying away against one of the abandoned houses.

The Uchiha watched his hands as the path of black forms started expanding all through his neck and face. This was the power Kimimaru was talking about a few days ago; this was just a glimpse of what Orochimaru was offering him. The sound of moans of pain coming from Naruto brought Sasuke back to reality. He lifted his eyes and narrowed them to the blond.

Naruto from his part was simply astonished. His blue eyes were lifeless as they focused on the one he called best friend and considered almost a brother. The voice of Sakura speaking to him about what had happened to Sasuke, who was the Uchiha talking to, what were his intentions. Everything was a little bit clearer than it had been a few hours ago.

"Please, promise me, whatever happens, you won't hurt Sasuke."

Now he understood why Sakura had been so desperate to have that promise from Naruto. Sasuke was really out of it, he wanted to leave, and he wouldn't stop at nothing. The blond lifted his head and his eyes meet blood-red ones, Sasuke's face was showing an arrogant smile, but it was his eyes that Naruto noticed. Even with his sharingan activated, there was a glimpse of emotion behind them.

"Sasuke, please…I don't wanna hurt you. Let's just…let's just go…" Naruto blinked confused as Sasuke started laughing. "What? What's so funny?"

"Hurt me? You, hurt me?" Sasuke cocked his head to the side. "Look where you are Naruto, look the state you're in. You can't hurt me. You can't even compare to me."
Naruto snorted standing in front of the Uchiha, "You're bleeding too. And I saw the wince of pain when you breathe. I can hurt you."

Sasuke dropped his smile and clenched his teeth; taking a deep breath he returned his attention to his teammate. "You know? I was offered power…"

"Sasuke, whatever they've told you…" Sasuke lifted a hand, and Naruto trailed off with some reluctance.

"They offered me what Konoha has been denying me for so long." Sasuke then narrowed his eyes at Naruto. "But, this power comes with a price…"

"Yes, I heard from Ero-sennin what kind of price you'll have to pay."

Sasuke shook his head taking a step forward. "No, you don't, and that's what makes me angry."

"What do you mean?" Naruto narrowed his eyes the moment Sasuke started walking in circles around him, watching him as a pretty tempting prey.

"What is it about you, Naruto, that everyone seems to want you?" Naruto opened his mouth and then closed it again, perplexed by the question. "Apparently, Orochimaru is curious about you, and my mission to finally prove my worth to the stupid man is to take you, by force, to him."

For the third time, or was it the fourth? Sasuke went to attack. This time the frustration, the pumped up emotions that had been overwhelming Sasuke since his confrontation with Itachi and his meeting with Kimimaro exploded into a fit of pure violence.

Naruto didn't take long to make a decision as to what he had to do. He couldn't let Sasuke hurt him any more than he had already done. But he also knew he couldn't hurt his friend, not after the promise he made to Sakura. He just hoped the pink-haired girl had gone to their sensei as he asked or else…

"What is it? Tell me!"

The truth was Naruto wasn't sure what to respond, this was the first time he heard about that Hebi-teme being interested in him. Something wasn't right, this was just plain stupid, and Sasuke was definitely out of it. With each punch he stopped or evaded, with each attack he prevented, Naruto saw Sasuke's growing irritation and frustration.

This was the fight they promised each other, the moment in which they would measure the other and see how far they had gotten. Evidently, what Sasuke was seeing wasn't something he was expecting. Even Naruto was kind of surprise at how easy was to stop Sasuke's attack, to predict his next move, to counterattack with as much furiousity as the Uchiha.

"I don't know. I really, really don't know, but I certainly don't like this unhealthy interest from that Hebi-teme." This time Naruto parried a thrust of a right leg and he sent his own right fists straight into Sasuke's stomach.

"Katon: Goukakyuu no jutsu!"

Naruto opened his eyes in surprise pulling out his zanpakutou to cut through the ball of fire direct at him. No sooner had he done that there were sparks and the unmistakably sound of metal hitting metal as his sword collided against the surface of a kunai.

Neither boy felt the first touch of cold water hitting their bodies, neither boy really cared. The fight between them was everything they thought it would be but Naruto admitted sadly to himself this wasn't what he had in mind. He wanted to fight against Sasuke as a friend, as an ally, not as an enemy. Not the way Sasuke was doing it.

In that moment, as his zanpakutou and Sasuke's kunai collided, as he evaded attacks and attacked, Naruto realized that they were equals. A hint of pride crept up his chest as he noticed that, in some ways, he was a step ahead of Sasuke.

Once again the dark forms started appearing on Sasuke's skin, expanding all over his face and neck and arms. As they appeared Naruto noticed a changed in his fighting. His movements were faster and his hit stronger, Naruto's fist collided against Sasuke's face just as the Uchiha's fist collided against his. Both of them were sent backwards, breathing hard, aching all over with blood on their faces.

The rain that had started slowly, almost tentatively, was now falling with violence, the sky was being lit, and the night's silence was being disturbed by lightning and thunder. Finally Naruto straightened up, sighing as he grabbed the hilt of his zanpakutou with strength looking at Sasuke as the rain kept coming.

"I really don't know, Sasuke. I'm just…me." He said under Sasuke's watchful stare. "This is ridiculous. Look, I know you're hurt. I know watching Itachi must be hard, and…and that it gets frustrating when you seem to train day in and day out and that apparently it doesn't matter because others are always better than you. But this isn't the answer Sasuke."

Sasuke didn't say anything, he merely flinched at the mention of his brother and his fists closed hard as Naruto spoke. He realized the blond didn't really understand.

"I know you're hurt, Sasuke. I know you're angry…but please, let's just…let's just go to sleep and maybe tomorrow we can clear everything up."

Naruto felt a pang of guilty in his chest as he remembered that maybe he wouldn't have tomorrow, but maybe he could make time until Sakura and Kakashi show up.
This time, when Sasuke neared him, Naruto didn't do anything, he just let Sasuke grabbed him by his clothes and bring their faces close. There was so much emotion on Sasuke's face; anger and hatred were the most notorious ones.

"You don't know a fucking thing! You don't understand!" Each and every word was emphasized by a shake and Naruto couldn't help but let a bitter smile appeared on his face. "You would never understand what is like to lose your family because you're a fucking orphan! You don't' know what is like to have the person you admire the most turn his back at you! You will never have to deal with the nightmares of your parents being killed in front of you!"

"I do understand, Sasuke."

The punch in his face was unexpected, Naruto turned around to see Sasuke perform a series of hand sings. "No, you don't. Katon: Ryuuka no jutsu!"

Naruto moved away at a Shunpo speed, he sent a high kick to Sasuke's back sending the Uchiha staggering forward in surprise. But Sasuke reacted just as quickly by launching another fire jutsu that Naruto kept evading or just countering with his sword.

The blond stood up at the last attack sending another combo of kicks to Sasuke, moving to the ground and sliding his foot to make the Uchiha tripped with it. Just as Naruto was about to knock out Sasuke a familiar scream reached his ears.

"NO! NARUTO DON'T!"

It was all the distraction Sasuke needed to put his own foot on Naruto and pushed him off of him. Naruto felt the air leave his lungs as he fall heavily on his back. Sakura came running, tears in her eyes as she went immediately to stand between both boys. Her green eyes moving from one bruise boy to the other, suddenly her eyes went cold and filled with rage as she turned to look at Naruto.

"What did you do?" Was all she could say as she turned to Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun I…"

"Move!" Said Sasuke pushing Sakura aside as he went towards Naruto. Sakura's eyes went wide as she tried to go to Sasuke again.

"Sakura, wait!" Naruto's warning went unheard as Sakura tried to place herself once again between both boys. This time Sasuke didn't think twice as he hit Sakura making her fall on her butt with a hand on her cheek.

"Bastard!" Naruto went to attack Sasuke before moving to Sakura who was too astonished to react.

"Sakura-chan! Are you okay?" Sakura nodded her head her eyes a little unfocused. "You didn't need to hurt her, Sasuke. Your problem is with me."
"Then let's solve it once and for all."

Naruto frowned not really understanding the Uchiha's words until he saw the quick movement of hands and the sudden sound of chirping birds and the white light appearing on Sasuke's hand.

Master, get out of the way…or at least use me!

Naruto grabbed Sakura with him and moved away from Sasuke's imminent attack just in time. Sasuke's hand brushed against his arm and Naruto felt numbness as the electric-charged past him and went directly to the building behind him and Sakura.

The wall explode in a second and Naruto's eyes went wide open, Sakura breathing heavily beside him as Sasuke turned with the intent to try his attack again.
"Like it? This is the only useful thing Kakashi-sensei has taught me so far." Said Sasuke smirking at Naruto's expression. "Chidori."

Naruto pushed Sakura aside as he stretched out his right hand, watching as Sasuke was just finishing his technique. He felt the surge of chakra in his own hand, twirling around forming a bluish ball he stepped forward just as Sasuke did the same.

The clash provoked a huge explosion sending all three Genin flying around. Sakura felt two strong arms enveloped her and she turned around mumbling a "Sasuke-kun." Before her eyes show their disappointment at seeing Naruto.

"You okay, Sakura?" Asked Naruto who put the girl on the ground and was looking at her with a serious expression. His clothes were wet, dirty and slightly burnt on some parts.

"Where is Sasuke-kun?" Asked Sakura trying to stand up but was put down by Naruto's firm hand. "What did you did to him, Naruto? I told you not to hurt him."

"As…as if…that Dobe could hurt me…"

Sasuke wasn't looking any better than Naruto; this time however, his eyes were a combination of black and red. His skin was covered with black forms swirling around madly and Naruto could feel something off in the way the Uchiha was approaching them. Naruto felt Sakura's hand grabbed his arm tightly and the blond made sure he was in between both of his teammates.

"I don't know what you use…but, next time it won't work. I've already seen it with my sharingan." Said Sasuke smirking. "And I'm going to get around it to kill you."
Naruto stood up letting go of Sakura's hand, "I thought Hebi-teme needs me alive."

Sasuke scowled, "So does my brother."

"I won't let you go, Sasuke. You're confused and angry…You're my friend, even after this…" Naruto stood up forming the Rasengan on his hand just as Sasuke formed his Chidori. "I'm gonna kick some sense into you and make sure you stay with us."

Ichinose Maki had been pretty annoyed when his young master had ditched him and gone out to speak privately with one of his teammates leaving him alone with the cat.

Yoruichi for her part was pretty concerned. She knew the girl, one of Naruto's teammates, and certainly someone she didn't like close to her Naruto. Whatever the girl had said to the blond had been pretty worried and running out as soon as the girl was gone.

Yoruichi looked to Ichinose Maki, who was divided into glaring at her and glaring at the window. The black cat rolled her eyes, "You might as well sit and wait. When Naruto gets an idea inside his head, he can be pretty stubborn."

"I shouldn't have let him go. Tomorrow is a big day and he needs to rest." Said Ichinose eying Yoruichi carefully.

"Big day?"

"Nothing of your concern." Yoruichi smirked; she was starting to like the power she had to rile this guy up.

"You mean, tomorrow you and the others are taking Naruto to Soul Society?" Ichinose sent her a sharp glare but Yoruichi merely chuckled. "Remember Naruto tells me everything. You think I like the idea of him out there talking to his friends instead of saying good-bye to me?"

Ichinose tilted his head thinking over how to respond to the comment. "You wouldn't interfere in this, would you?"

Yoruichi was about to respond when a familiar reiatsu reached her senses. She turned her eyes to the window and felt more than saw or heard the explosion and the erratic way Naruto's reiatsu was reacting, along with she felt another presence…one darker and powerful. Naruto was in trouble but he wasn't alone, he needed help.

"Naruto-sama!" said Ichinose who took off without a second thought.

Yoruichi followed Ichinose out but took off to a different direction. Moving faster than any human eye could follow she found herself in the guard post where Yugao was itching nervously.

"Naruto needs you." Said the cat standing on Yugao's shoulder. The purple-haired woman almost jumped down the building she was on as soon as she felt and heard the cat.

"Yoruichi-san!"

"There is no time! Naruto needs help! Now!" The cat didn't need to say it twice because as soon as she said it all color from Yugao's face drained as she felt the familiar presence she hadn't felt in over twelve years. "The Kyuubi."

Ryuujin tried to interfere. He really did but every attempt to help his master was blocked by said blond. It still surprise the dragon how stubborn was his master. He turned his head; the familiar cave where he knew the fox would be incarcerated was pulsating, itching for some action. Just like him.

"Oi! You demon fox!" Scream out Ryuujin. "I know you can hear me…are you gonna let him die?"

It took a moment but finally the deep raspy voice from the Kyuubi reached Ryuujin, "No, but I'm gonna make sure your master learns the lesson."

The moment seemed to be frozen in time.

Naruto was looking into blood-red eyes with the same surprise those eyes were showing. He could feel more than see the unconscious form of a now fallen Sakura. He could also feel the sharp pain and the numbness spreading all over his body.

Naruto let out a groan of pain as Sasuke pull his hand out from Naruto's mid-section. The Uchiha took a step backwards and watched without any emotion on his face as Naruto fell on his back.

If Sakura hadn't interfered in that last minute…Sasuke turned his eyes to the girl frowning. If she hadn't interfered, Naruto would have probably succeeded in connection his attack on his chest instead of his shoulder and Sasuke would have gone through the blond's heart instead of his abdomen. But it wasn't only Sakura's intervention. No. Once again a surge of energy, off some kind of power came from Naruto. Sasuke turned his eyes to the now fallen sword. Sasuke winced as the pain on his shoulder increased. He looked at the wound and saw the hole in there, the blood, the ripped skin. Breathing hard he moved to pick up Naruto's sword when a rift of cold sharp wind stopped him and he could hear clearly a growled coming from it.

"What the…" Shaking his head he turned his attention to Naruto he staggered towards the blond kneeling beside him.

"I told you…" Sasuke watched the wound he had made and smile, satisfied. "I don't care…why Orochimaru wanted you. But now…now I can obtain a power greater than you know…my eyes will evolve and once I'm finish with my training…I would exact my revenge."

"Revenge…isn't…everything…And…I also hurt you." Naruto turned to Sasuke, trying to straighten up but failing. Sasuke stood up putting a foot on Naruto's open wound making the blond screamed in pain.

Sasuke kneeled beside Naruto pulling out a kunai from his pocket. "I'm sorry, Naruto…you…you wouldn't understand. But…you will serve a greater purpose."
Naruto moved again ready to stop Sasuke but he didn't have to. Sasuke was thrown backwards by an invisible force that made the Uchiha scream as his wound shoulder collided against the ground.

Sasuke went to attacked but stop as he saw nothing and yet, Naruto seemed to want to sit down while talking to someone. Ichinose looked with worried eyes at his young master. His blue eyes were slightly unfocused, he was pale and trembling, there was so much blood around him. Ichinose stood up ready to attack the human when Naruto's hand touch his leg. The blond tried to sit up but he was losing consciousness quickly.

"N-no...I…I…can…" But what Naruto could do was never said as the blond fall into darkness.

"Naruto-sama!"

"Are you quite done?" Sasuke lifted his head to see Kimimaro frowning at him. "This isn't what Orochimaru-sama asked you to do, but it would have to do. The ANBU and the rest of the shinobi are approaching. Let's go."

With a last glance at Naruto who was just closing his eyes Sasuke followed Kimimaro before someone could spot them and stopped them. Ichinose put his zanpakutou aside and started to take Naruto's clothes from his wound. He did a quick check before placing his hand and concentrating his reiatsu. A green light appeared on his hands but as soon as it made contact Naruto reacted violently. Red chakra engulfing him and almost burning the shinigami, Ichinose had never felt anything like this before and he started to panic when he noticed Naruto was screaming in pain.

Naruto awoke at the sound of arguing.

He let out a soft moan of pain as he shifted on the bed. The voice arguing was a female voice he recognized. Then, a cold hand pressed softly against his forehead, and he opened his eyes very slowly.

"You're awake." That voice he recognized as well, as soon as his eyes could focused he notice Yugao looking down at him with concern.

"Hey…" Naruto coughed; his dry throat bothering him. Yugao moved quickly to press a straw on his lips, and Naruto thanked her for the cold, refreshing sensation from the water.

Naruto tried to get up out of bed, but Yugao's firm hand stopped him, he looked at her only to see her shaking it. "No, Tsunade-sama made it quite clear; if you awoke, then you should stay in bed."

"Not in this fucking life!"

"That…that's Tsunade-baachan?" Asked Naruto turning to the close door. Yugao chuckled at the way Naruto addressed the female Hokage before answering.

"Yes, she is arguing with…with the doctors."

"Why?" Naruto asked puzzled. Yugao frowned as she thought how to answer that particular question.

"Naruto, what happened?" For the first time Naruto remembered what had happened. He remembered Sakura going to his place, he going over Sasuke's, the fight.

"Where is Sasuke? And Sakura? Is Sakura all right?"

"Easy there, Naruto." But the blond would lay down this time. He sat up wincing in pain, moving his hand to his mid-section.

"What…what happened to them? Is Sasuke still in Konoha? What about Sakura?" Naruto turned his blue eyes to Yugao begging her to answer his questions.

"Sakura is recovering; she was okay, just a few bruises here and there." Naruto let out a sigh of relief, and Yugao frowned at this. She didn't like the girl, and she totally hated her after what the pink-haired girl had been saying about Naruto.

"Sasuke…we can't find him." Yugao saw the disappointment in those blue eyes, and she felt her heart contract as she put her hand on Naruto's head. "I was more worried about you, as soon as I got there you…Gods, Naruto if it hadn't been for Yoruichi…"

The blond was more than a little surprise when Yugao hugged him tightly; he felt his chest warmed up as he put his arms around her. "There was so much blood…and I couldn't do anything until…until the Kyuubi's chakra diminished."

"What?" Yugao saw confusion and alarm on Naruto's face. "You were covered with the Kyuubi's chakra…I think it was the thing that saved you."

"It certainly was." Tsunade entered the room lifting a single eyebrow at the closeness between Yugao and Naruto. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay." Said Naruto trying to smile but the Hokage wasn't fooled. She closed the door behind her and sat on the bed to the other side of Naruto.

"What happened, Naruto?" Asked Tsunade with a serious tone. "One minute I'm in my office trying to escape paperwork and the next I feel the Kyuubi's chakra and you going berserk."

"Sasuke left the village. He…" Naruto took a deep breath looking directly into Tsunade's eyes. "I think he left to join Orochimaru."

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, "Are you sure?"

Naruto was tempted to say no, to maybe give the black-haired boy a chance to return or to let something happened. But he knew it was wishful thinking. The way Sasuke had hurt Sakura only to get to him was enough proof.

"I'm sure. He told me so before we…we fought."

"So, you two really fought?" Naruto tilted his head confused by the tone of the question.

"Yes, I was trying to stop Sasuke for making a mistake but…why? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Tsunade and Yugao looked at each other before Yugao took Naruto's hands in hers. "Because, Naruto, your teammate told us a pretty different side of the story."
Naruto felt dread filled him as he asked with a tentative voice, "What did she say?"

"That you attacked Sasuke, and he had to leave the village, because he was afraid you would hurt him."

Naruto couldn't help it, really. It wasn't the right moment or place, but he just started laughing. He was laughing so hard he ended up groaning in pain as his abdomen hurt due to the strain his laugh was causing. Tsunade and Yugao blinked confusedly.

"Naruto! This isn't a laughing matter. This is serious!"

"I'm…I'm sorry…" Naruto chuckled, and tried to stop his laugh, holding onto his stomach. "It…it's just…if Sasuke heard her he would kill her."

"Why?" Asked Yugao perplexed, Naruto shrugged still looking amused by the situation.

"Because he would feel insulted. Sasuke isn't afraid of me. And he just showed he can hurt me pretty badly."

"So, he really left to go to Orochimaru." Naruto nodded, and Tsunade sighed tiredly. "Jiraiya confirmed it this morning. The civilian council isn't happy. And after your little show yesterday…"

"What do you mean?"

"A lot of people are worried, because they …feel the Kyuubi's presence." said Yugao.

"I'm sorry, I just lost consciousness…"

"And whatever the fox did save your life." Said Tsunade. "You lost a lot of blood from that wound, Naruto. Apparently, according to Jiraiya, the Kyuubi's chakra reacted the way Minato wanted it to."

This called Naruto's attention, "Really? How so?"

"The Kyuubi's chakra is supposed to pour some of it into your system and kick in whenever you need it." Said the voice of the Sannin from the window.

"Ero-sennin!"

"Brat, how are you doing?"

"Jiraiya, what the hell is that toad doing in the backyard of the hospital?" Naruto watched with some amusement as Jiraiya and Tsunade argued over the window. Yugao poked the blond to call his attention.

"I'm glad you're okay; there is someone who has been asking about you." Naruto looked interested at Yugao who was wearing a soft smiled.

"Who?"

"Yoruichi and the mysterious man everyone can see except me." Naruto's eyes opened slightly, and Yugao chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm going over my place to tell them you're awake and okay. I will come later with food and with them."

"Thank you, Yugao-chan." Naruto laid back on the bed, noticing for the first time the silence inside the room. He turned his head to see Jiraiya and Tsunade watching him.

"What is it?"

"There is something we need to talk about, Naruto." Said Jiraiya approaching the bed. "What happened last night might just give us the perfect opportunity for what I'm about to propose to you."

"Uh? What are you talking about?" Tsunade looked over at Jiraiya and Naruto before entering the conversation.

"You remember you were attacked by Uchiha Itachi and his partner, right?" Naruto nodded his head. "And yesterday, what with Sasuke fleeing Konoha and probably joining an S-rank nuke-nin…We need to take some measures to prevent whatever may happen in the near future."

By now both adults had Naruto's undivided attention. Jiraiya started passing around his eyes focusing on the katana beside Naruto.

"I decided it is time for you to learn how to use the Kyuubi's chakra, how to have access to it without losing control or alerting others about it."

"Really?" Naruto frowned and this reaction confused Jiraiya. "How can you help me with that?"

"Oh, it's rather easy, really. We just need the right environment, which means leaving the village."

"What about Sasuke?" Asked Naruto suddenly surprising both adults.

"As of now, there is a platoon of Chuunin along with Kakashi looking for some clues, trying to see if there is a chance to bring him back." Said Tsunade. "However, if he gets to Orochimaru before we can retrieved him I have to mark him as a nuke-nin."

"But…"

"No 'buts'. It is the way it is, Naruto."

"If…if he gets to Orochimaru before we can retrieve him…is Hebi-teme going to do that thingy with his body?" Jiraiya lifted his eyebrows, surprised that Naruto knew about the body's replacement technique.

"No, according to my sources Orochimaru couldn't wait for him, but the longer we leave the Uchiha with him the harder it would be to try and make him come to his senses."

"The technique takes time, this give us a little over five years, enough for you to prepare to help us with Orochimaru and…" Jiraiya trailed off waiting for Naruto's eyes to focus on him. "And to prepare you to face Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki? What that has anything to do with me?"

Naruto had a headache.

He had found out a lot of things in a real short amount of time. Akatsuki. Sasuke, Sakura saying those things about him. The blond sighed tiredly as he turned in his bed, grabbing his katana closed to his body; Ryuujin was pissed off at him for refusing his help. But Naruto couldn't be blamed. He knew he could stop Sasuke on his own, and he almost did if Sakura hadn't intervened in the last minute.

It was the way Sakura had appeared what made Naruto hesitate and gave the black-haired boy took his chance. And now Sakura was saying he attacked Sasuke and that's why the Uchiha had left.

Perfect.

"Are you okay?" Naruto lifted his head to see Yoruichi on the windowpane.

"Of course! You know me, Yoruichi-chan!" The black cat shook her head and approached Naruto settling beside him and nuzzling his face.

"I was worried about you."

"I know." There was a long moment of silence in which Naruto spaced out under Yoruichi's gaze. The cat nudged him with her paw before placing her head on his arm.

"What are you thinking so hard?" Naruto sat up cradling Yoruichi on his arms, "I just…I found out today why Itachi was looking for me."

"Really? And why is that?"

"Apparently he joined a group of wackos that want all the Bijuu to take over the world." Yoruichi chuckled at the casual manner in which Naruto said it.

"I see, and…."

"And, apparently, Sasuke joined Orochimaru to gain power to kill his brother. And there is this cute girl called Yugito that wants me to join her to learn how to control my Bijuu chakra." Naruto took a deep breath before continuing. "And Ero-sanin wants me to go with him to teach me how to control the fox's chakra and …and my uncle wants me to go with him!"

Naruto tensed up as he felt the familiar, slender figure of Yoruichi pressed closed to him and her arms engulfing him into a hug. And for a moment he remembered when he was just a little kid, and the woman would do the same whenever he needed to feel love, to feel accept.

"I know it's too much to take in." Mumbled Yoruichi. "I know it's difficult, but I also know you will make the right decision."

Naruto nodded his head taking a step backwards and blushing when he realized Yoruichi was naked "Could you cover yourself!"

Yoruichi laughed softly before turning back to his cat form, "Better?"

"Yes, thank you." Naruto went to put on his clothes that were slightly wet, and just in the same state they had been the night before. "I already made my decision."
Yoruichi couldn't help but feel sadden by the resolution in Naruto's voice, she knew exactly what the blond was about to say.

"It's just…I guess…" Naruto took his zanpakutou and went to the window with Yoruichi on his shoulder. "I just thought it would be different."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Let's find Ichinose and then…I wanna say good bye."

Ichinose watched as Naruto hugged the black cat with all his might. "I love you, you…you're my family, Yoruichi-chan."

"I love you too. Now go and make me proud. " She said before licking Naruto's cheek and stepping aside.

"Will I see you again?" Asked Naruto in a small voice.

"Of course, you will see me again, don't doubt it. Ever." Naruto nodded his head and straightened up.

"Yoruichi-chan, would you watch over them? I mean Yugao and …my friends?"

"I will do it. Don't worry about them." Naruto nodded his head and turning around he left with Ichinose. Yoruichi watched Naruto disappeared in the distance, and she moved her paw to wipe away the tears on her face. The door of the apartment opened, and the cat found herself looking directly into a confused Yugao. "Naruto?"

"He isn't here." Said Yoruichi startling the ANBU.

"By the gods, Yoruichi-san, do you have to be so sneaky all the time?" Yoruichi smirked before pointing at the café table.

"He left something for you"

"What do you mean?" Asked Yugao moving to the table, she saw the goggles she had given to him when he was but a little kid, and then pick up the note. "I swear if he left the hospital before recovering completely I'm gonna…"

Yugao trailed off as she started reading the letter.

Dear Yugao-chan,

I….mmm…this is difficult. I just…I wish I could say it face to face but then when I think about it I remember you're stronger than me and maybe you would stop me by beating me down.

You've been the family I never had, and I just want you to know that I love you and that I'm sorry I have to do this. It has to be done, and if I want to become stronger so I can protect you and my friends, then I must do this.

I made a decision today. Well, yesterday. It was really hard, but it has to be done because things were getting complicated.
I just…I didn't wanna go without telling you how much I love you. You…You're my family, you and Yoruichi-chan are my whole life. The family, the parents, the sisters, the friends I never had. At least not until I became a ninja. And even then, I only became one thanks to you.

Don't worry about me. I'm fine. And…as soon as I get the chance, I will watch over you. If you know what I mean. Please be careful and take care of Yoruichi, she likes her milk slightly warm even though she would probably denied it.

Please, don't hate me, because I will always love you.

With all my heart,

Uzumaki Naruto.

"Where is he?" Demanded Yugao to the cat that didn't flinch at the tone or the menacing posture from the ANBU. "Where is he? Please, tell me."
Yoruichi sighed before replying, "He is dead."

It was a warm night, and the fresh breeze caressed his skin as he took the position inside the circle. He knew after the ritual was over things would change forever. There wasn't any chance for him to go back on his word and to try and make things 'normal' again.

He had taken a decision and regardless of the circumstances surrounding said decision he knew it was the right one. He just hoped his love ones could understand.
"We have everything ready, my Lord." Said a middle-age man beside Arashi. Naruto let his blue eyes focus on the man he was starting to call in his mind, uncle. He noticed the blank expression only betrayed by the lightly gleam of his eyes as he looked into Naruto's eyes.

It was a silent interchange between them. Was Naruto really sure he wanted to continue? Was he really ready to do what was to come? Naruto merely nodded, feeling trepidation in his heart; feeling cold sweat on his forehead and hands, slight tremors in his body. He had made a decision, he wasn't about to back down, but that didn't he mean he wasn't scared.

"Good, then let's start." Was all Arashi said. As soon as those words left his mouth, the rest of the group took different positions outside the circle, in which only Arashi and Naruto remained.

Naruto's eyes tried to follow the series of hand signs his uncle was performing. He tried to hear and understand the words, but all of these were interrupted by the sudden pain starting on his chest, expanding throughout his body.

Suddenly, there was a white light and a bloodcurdling scream, and Naruto knew no more.

All around the Elemental nations eight different people felt the sudden changed in the atmosphere, all of them felt the disturbance in the air. Gaara stood up walking towards the window, holding his head as his eyes turned to Konoha. What the hell just happened?

Well, it seems as if Kyuubi has left this realm. Replied Shukaku to a concern red-head.

Kirabi tilted his head looking north, inside him Hachibi stirred restless. Did you feel that?

Of course I did! What the hell did your student and the Kyuubi's host do?"

Wish I knew…it felt as if…as if I just lost contact with something.

An old man resting in a chain of mountains just outside Tsuchikagure no Sato moved to the outside frowning as he felt a throbbing pain on his head.

What do you think just happened?

I don't know…but, I don't really like it. It feels eerie familiar.

In Amegakure, up in the tallest tower of the city, a dark figure appeared on the window. Dress in white with his left hand on his pocket and his green eyes turned to the east he frowned as he felt a throbbing pain on his head. Something had happened with the Kyuubi, but what exactly could that be? The shadow shook his head, it didn't matter. His master's plans had already been put into motion, nothing, not even the Nine-tailed Fox, or his host would stop them.

"Ulquiorra, what are you doing?" The man turned his head to the voice glaring at the intruder before returning to his former position.

Yugito lifted her head from where she had been resting as she sensed the presence of another Bijuu, a familiar Bijuu. Naruto…

She left Naruto's building, and moved to the place where she felt the disturbance; her head was throbbing with pain. When she got to the place, just behind the Hokage monument the only thing she discovered there was Naruto's bloodied clothes.

"Naruto, what happened to you?"

It wouldn't be until the next day everyone in Konoha would realize Naruto had disappeared and it would take a whole month before the blond would be declared a nuke-nin.

It would take just a little longer for Naruto to be back

AN: Well, Naruto just left Konoha. I hope the fight against Sasuke was good enough, I want something different than the usual in which he is taken by the Sound Five. I made a change regarding the years Orochimaru need to do the body tranfer technique. Instead of being three is going to be five years. I know this chapter may rise some questions and they would be answer next chpater, at least some of them and of course next chapter is going to be Naruto's first encounter with Soul Society and with some of Bleach characters.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to comment.