Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

ITALICS – Thinking

BOLD – demon talk/jutsu

Chapter 9: Freedom at Last

It was two days later and Yagura was currently in his office, well his torn apart office after he released a temper-tantrum of unparalleled proportions. Bijuu chakra can and will be deadly in a very confined space. Not only was the desk in splinters; the bookcase and its belongings were charcoal and the ones to report the last outpost was destroyed were an unrecognizable bloody smear which coated the office. Again, bijuu chakra can and will be deadly in a very confined space.

"First my plans are taken, then my spy is discovered and killed, and now to put the fucking cherry on top…MY OUTPOSTS WERE DESTROYED!"

The newest secretary to the office speaks up "Um, Yagura-sama?"

"WHAT!" Yagura snaps back making the secretary put her finger into her ear to dig out the ringing; she continues in a calm manner.

"I have been informed that the village is under attack…it's the rebellion sir."

Yagura clenches his fists tightly to where blood drips from the palms; he picks up his staff which was lying on the floor next to him; it was the only thing left intact in the office. As he was stomping out the door the secretary was about to make a remark but Yagura smashed her poor skull open with his staff and proceeded to face the rebellion head on.

"I'll show those rebel scum…I will show them that the power a jinchuriki is absolute!"

Rebellion; Kiri gates

Mei and Naruto were leading the rebellion while Ao and Isamu decided to watch the camp and tend to the still healing as well as the captives; Naruto did leave 20 wood clones behind to make sure those two didn't screw anything up. As the rebellion reached the gates Naruto nodded to Mei and she nodded back. Both did a couple hand signs at the same time; for the rebellion seeing this they were in awe at the sheer power, for the ones on the receiving end? Not so much.

"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!" Both Mei and Naruto shout then spew out a massive wave of water which crashes into the gates.

Screams of Yagura's followers as well as the sounds of collapsing infrastructure are heard as the wave, which was over fifty feet tall, crashes into the main entrance to the village. The wave continues taking out building after building like that of a tsunami; eventually the wave stops and starts to recede but not before Naruto showed the others why he was a Senju. Not using any hand signs, Naruto creates Water Whips and immediately rushes in while using his whips to latch onto an attacker then fling them into another. As Naruto was doing this, Mei barks out orders while fighting.

"Kenshin, you have squad alpha, take the North East quadrant of the village, Beta, you take the North West, Gamma, take the South East, and lastly Delta; you will take the South West. You have your orders…GO!"

"Hai Mei-sama!"

As the rebellion dispersed, Mei heard a war cry to see about 100 attacks heading her way; she smirks and does one jutsu to deal with them all.

"Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!"

Mei spews a massive sheet of lava from her mouth in an arc which soon blankets over the incoming wave; screams are heard for a brief moment before the lava incinerates them; nothing is left but ashes.

Naruto, who was nearby, was done with his water whips and decided to pull out some Uzumaki jutsu; but first a little challenge.

"Hey Mei!"

Mei dodges an overhead slash then punches the guy in the trachea making him choke to death; she continues to pummel people into the ground.

"WHAT! I'm a little busy here…don't make me melt you like I did those recent idiots!"

Naruto grabs an attacker's leg and brings his elbow down snapping the leg two then chucks the person into five others; using Kage speed he uses a super strength punch to the center of the pile of bodies. It was not a pretty sight as blood spewed everywhere.

"How about a jutsu competition…whoever wins gets to buy a congratulation dinner!"

Kunai are felt bouncing off Naruto's armor; he turns and glares at them and whispers 'foolish' before using his Katana's Ocean Fury technique to appear behind them then sheath his sword again. Nobody was left alive.

"A competition…in the middle of a battle?! After a pause due to interference Mei relents "Sure, it will be fun…ME FIRST!"

The enemy seemed relentless but Mei would soon remedy that as she uses her Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique. As she shot a mist out of her mouth, anything it came in contact with would melt from the corrosive nature of the jutsu. Screams are heard as the attackers drop to the ground and start to grab at their face but pulling melting flesh off in the process.

Naruto takes a gander as he got a reprieve for a short while but sees others advance behind Mei.

"That was nasty, but I got one that I have not used in a long while; it is of my own creation. Uzumaki Secret Technique: Maelstrom of Destruction!"

A whirlpool suddenly forms around the ones attempting a flanking maneuver; this of course makes Mei laugh uncontrollably.

"That's it, a defensive jutsu?!"

Mei shuts up after Naruto yells and clasps his hands together making the once blue whirlpool turn purple with the blood; after he releases the jutsu, only chunks and a red smear on the ground remain of the 20 Yagura followers.

The attacks were getting less and less so it meant that in the only 10 minutes they have been fighting, each quadrant was being taken care of with the utmost efficiency. As the two Kage level nin got a breather, Mei asked the important question.

"That dinner you said the winner would buy; would you be asking me on a date perhaps?"

Naruto chuckles "As beautiful as you are, the answer is no as I have one already waiting to confess her love to me. Why did you ask?"

Mei at first pouts then lightly chuckles "Because you won the challenge; I was about to throw up at what you did it reminds me of the stories of…oh, I am so sorry Naruto I didn't mean to bring up the past."

Naruto waves his hand "It is in the past now Mei, I look to the future as it is much brighter."

Yagura makes his presence known "Wise words Senju-sama." He turns to Mei "Ah, Mei, how are you doing, did you enjoy coming home to see me over your dead parents, is that the reason why you started this silly rebellion?"

Mei clenches her fists in anger and was about to attack when Naruto squeezed her shoulder then looked at her.

"Hold you anger Mei as it leads to rash decisions and eventually defeat. Help the rebellion forces as I fight Yagura alone."

Mei sighs and nods knowing that Naruto outmatched her in strength and power. Yagura attempted to go after her but a Tsunade like punch to the cheek sending him into his own Kage Tower over two football fields away ended that.

"Kurama, I am placing the seal now but will call upon it when the time is right; are you ready?"

"Are you sure it will work? The last time you tried you almost killed yourself."

"Thank you Captain Obvious."

"You're welcome Sergeant Sarcasm."

"Indeed, Comrade Comeback."

"Thank you Senior Smart-ass."

"Anytime Dictator Dickhead!"

There was silence in the mindscape for a long while then both Kurama and Naruto burst out laughing, clutching their sides as they rolled about; it soon ended as Yagura roared and tackled Naruto to the ground then proceeded to punch him in the face. Naruto soon had enough and blasted his chakra which flung Yagura off his body; after standing and brushing off his armor Naruto gets into the Raging Tide stance and unsheathes his katana. Of course Yagura readies his staff. Both rush with immense speeds and proceed to attack each other; their fight was just beginning.

With Kenshin and his squad

Sounds of fighting could be heard as well as the screams of the dying; blood ran down the street like a river and severed body parts lay about. Kenshin and his squad of 300 came across heavy resistance but after ten minutes of fighting, the resistance seemed to lessen. Kenshin called some of his troops around and debriefed on the situation.

"The ANBU base I managed to infiltrate is not far from here; I will lead ten other soldiers into the high risk area. Any volunteers?"

Ten hands rise while the other 30 do not.

"Good, I want the rest of you to patrol the area and deal with any resistance you come across; it seems Yagura's bloodline purge made our lives easier. Stay strong men and women, we have only begun to fight. My team, henge into ANBU and follow me."

"Hai Taichou!" the small group replies and does as told.

As Kenshin, who was also henged as an ANBU, went to infiltrate the base the rest went to inform the others about what to do.

ANBU Base

As Kenshin and his ten arrived, ANBU were swarming around the place while a select few were barking out orders. One of the captains sees the group and rushes up to them.

"Are you in need of assistance, we lost contact with the squad in the North East quadrant and we suspect the rebellion got to them."

Kenshin answers for his squad "We seem to have forgotten our responders and weapons; may we enter the base and get to our post sir?"

The ANBU looks at all the group to see if anything was up but due to all the fiasco, the ANBU knew that rookies would sometimes forget their gear.

"Sure, go ahead but one more slip up and you will be cleaning toilets for a week…with toothbrushes."

Kenshin nods "Hai sir, squad, follow me."

The captain goes back to ordering his troops out while Kenshin and the others head inside where he pulls them into an empty room.

"Orders sir?" One soldier asks.

"We are going to blow this place sky high; how many explosive tags you have on your person?"

A soldier steps forward "We each were given fifty, sir."

Kenshin has a gleam in his eye; it was a little known fact but he really liked things that went boom. As he rubs his hands together he chuckles and nods to his team.

"So, we got over 500 of these puppies huh; well then, why not start where they store all their armor, weapons and such."

The small squad made its way down to the armory where they got waves and weird stares; either these ANBU were not trained or really lacking in education of protocol. Seeming how Yagura killed anyone not loyal to him, it was not a far off possibility which only made Kenshin's job easier. As they entered the armory, which the two guards let them through, all 11 of them went around and placed all their explosive notes around the large room; some of which were planted on boxes of more explosive tags. It only took five minutes but before leaving they took the standard ANBU gear and left.

Five minutes later they were out of the base where the captain from before stopped them; he was happy to see them geared up.

"Good, you all set then huh." The ANBU wanted to slap Kenshin in the shoulder but the hand passes through making the captian's eyes bulge behind the mask.

Before he could scream intruder, a soldier stabbed the ANBU in the throat which also caught the attention of the other ANBU around the base.

"Ah shit." Kenshin deadpans "Release the henge and run like hell boys and girls, mission compromised but be prepared for some fireworks baby!"

As Kenshin's soldiers complied with his orders and watches the ANBU come towards him, he only laughs and triggers the explosion with a saying before running off.

"Explosions are exquisite, KATSU!"

The ensuing explosion was massive and sent a mushroom cloud in the air for all to see; the ANBU that were once chasing Kenshin were torn apart by flying debris and shrapnel. Any ANBU stationed in the vicinity were killed instantly which helped the invasion greatly.

With Mei

Mei at first travelled to the South West quadrant as that was the closest one to her but when she arrived the troops she ordered were patrolling the area like they were finished already.

"Report!"

A soldier comes up and bows "Mei-sama, all hostiles have been taken care of; it seems they were using this quadrant as a prison of sorts where they kept captured bloodline users for future execution. They turned the homes into prison cells."

"Condition of the prisoners?"

The soldier sighs and shakes her head "Not good, most are severely malnourished and close to death."

"How many have you found?"

"Just in our quadrant we have found about five hundred, Mei-sama. In the South East quadrant, we got a messenger that says they found about another three hundred. For a reason unknown, these areas were not heavily guarded.

Just then a massive explosion rips across the village; everyone turns to see the mushroom cloud appear which made Mei start laughing. After calming herself she explained things.

"That would be Kenshin, our explosive fanatic; it seems he just took out the ANBU base hence the reason as to why the Southern Quadrants were not guarded."

"Orders Mei-sama?"

"Tend to the prisoners, give them any spare rations you have; it seems that we will win this war by nights' end."

"Hai Mei-sama, it will be done."

As the soldier tends to her duties, Mei cannot help but smile at how things are going. After a short break, she heads off to tell the other Southern quadrant their orders while helping out the North West quadrant.

With Naruto and Yagura

Naruto ducks under a swipe from the staff then back flips back into his Raging Tide stance; for the past three minutes both have been fighting with neither gaining any ground though Yagura had some minor scratches on his person. Naruto rushes in to attempt to disarm Yagura but he had other plans. As Naruto was advancing, Yagura waves his staff and creates a mirror of water; it was the Water Mirror Technique. As he rotates the mirror 90 degrees, a copy of Naruto shoots out and both blades collide but the reflection turns into water after Naruto uses his strength to overpower the clone and slice off the head.

"I have been going easy on you Yagura as I don't want to hurt another of my kind, please do not make me do what I am about to do."

Yagura laughs "You lie, Senju, you don't want to hurt me so I can face my crimes…I WILL NOT LET YOU WIN!"

Naruto sighs and puts his blade in a reverse grip, the blade starts glowing blue, then steps forward while swiping the blade up and to the left.

"Raging Whirlpool Technique: Tempest Storm!"

A wave of blue chakra mixed with yellow electricity shoots outward from the blade; a flash of yellow and the sound of thunder are heard as the attack rushes toward Yagura. Try as he might, he could not dodge it and the attack hits making Naruto sigh but soon stands back as a blast of malevolent chakra is felt. The dust the technique made clears to show Yagura in his Version 2 Tailed Beast Form. His body now resembles the three tailed beast but is black and red with three tails swishing behind Yagura's back.

Naruto sheathes his katana and has to dodge an incoming chakra arm then duck underneath another; as he backflips away, Yagura smashes his tails into the ground which soon appear where Naruto was going to land. A quick shunshin saves him from being impaled but there was no rest for Naruto as Yagura started a rampage by destroying everything in his path while trying to fillet Naruto.

"Shit, I got to get him out of the village but how?"

Naruto sees an incoming chakra arm and grasps it with his hands, ignoring the burning he uses his strength to fling Yagura out of the village and into the ocean. Naruto quickly heals his hands and runs to meet Yagura head on.

Outside Kiri

Yagura roars and jumps onto a nearby island searching for any sign of Naruto. Where was our Senju at you ask; he was currently running on the water heading towards the island while making hand signs. The technique he was about to use was one Hashirama mentioned and explained to Naruto in training but never actually tried the technique before.

"Hope this works…watch over me father. Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram, Monkey, Tiger; Hokage-Style Sixty-Year-Old Technique — Kakuan Entering Society with Bliss-Bringing Hands!"

Yagura is suddenly surrounded by 11 pillars of wood, each with five iron spikes pointed towards him; before the crazed Mizukage could do anything, Naruto jumps in with his right palm outstretched which had the kanji for sit on it (座) and slams it on Yagura's stomach then jumps back. As Naruto attempts to siphon off the bijuu chakra, Yagura roars and fights back.

Naruto grunts in exertion and concentration "Grr, how did my father manage to do this technique…man I need to read up on his scrolls."

Yagura's jinchuriki form was starting to peel away showing the human body but the man would not give up.

"I…will never…GIVE IN!" Yagura pants in slight exhaustion then roars out making his chakra spike once again thus breaking Naruto's technique.

"SHIT! Kurama, he's going full beast…you ready?"

"Been waiting ever since we met Kit."

Naruto bites his thumb drawing blood and rubs the containment seal over his stomach then his own project which was applied to the back of his left hand. Flipping through hand-signs, Naruto then slams his hands onto the ground just as Isobu emerged.

"Summoning Technique: Kurama!"

In a puff of red smoke, the Kyuubi was back in the real world for the first time since Madara and Hashirama fought at the Valley of the End with Naruto standing on his head just like Madara did those many years ago.

"Hello Isobu…bout' time we had that spar we promised those many years ago." Kurama states with a grin.

"KURAMA! You dare stand in my way!"

"You're under a genjutsu Isobu, please fight it…we all wants to see the real you back."

Isobu doesn't respond back, he only roars and the two dash at each other; one intent on killing, the other intent on bringing someone back.

With Mei

Mei was just finishing up helping the North West Quadrant when she saw Naruto fling Yagura out of the village with him following. As she ordered everyone to start gathering together and helping the prisoners five minutes later however everyone saw a puff of red smoke as well as a fully formed Isobu. They were not expecting what would come out of the red smoke.

"K…Kyuubi!" Kenshin stutters out in fear "The beast has returned after this many years!"

Mei gapes at this and wonders something "The last known holder of the Kyuubi was Mito and it was rumored to die with her." Mei ponders some more and comes to a conclusion "OF COURSE!"

Mei sees the rebels ready to fight the Kyuubi but she orders her soldiers to stand down.

"Stand down, all of you! Naruto-sama has contained that beast for over fifty years and by the looks of it, both have come to an agreement."

"But Mei-sama?!" a soldier blurts out.

"NO BUTS…do as I ordered or I will melt you! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

The rebellion pales and choruses "Hai Mei-sama!"

"Naruto, this battle, what you have done; now everyone will know the truth of where the Kyuubi went and a bigger target has been put on yourself. I hope you are ready for whatever is to come."

Breaking from her thoughts and trying to not pay attention on the massive fight, she helps with getting the prisoners food, healing, and trying to rebuild the village.

Rebellion Base

Isamu and Ao hear two roars as do everyone else; they all look toward where it came from and pale. The Kyuubi and Isobu were fighting an intense battle.

"This is insane…wait, who is that on Kyuubi's head?" Isamu wonders as he squint his eyes trying to see.

Ao uses his Byakugan and gasps but then smiles "Naruto-sama is in control of Kyuubi, this war will be over in no time; just sit back and watch the show."

Back with Naruto and Yagura

Both Tailed Beasts jumped back from their spar and initiated jutsu; both were uninjured as of yet. Isobu used his Great Water Mass Bullet while Kurama countered with his Fire Breath. Both of these massive attacks collided creating a mass amount of steam; using this distraction though, Isobu creates a Tailed Beast Ball and launches it toward Kurama who sensed it and countered with one of his own. Both collide and shoot into the air where it explodes making a second sun for the entire Elemental Nations to see. Isobu does not falter as he goes into a ball and uses his Shell Tower Falling to rush toward Kurama; it was a huge mistake.

Kurama creates a tornado of wind which collides with the incoming turtle shooting him high into the air but Kurama was not done as he used chakra arms to grab the airborne opponent and slam him mercilessly to the ground which split the island in two.

"Damn Kurama, overkill much?"

"You got any suppression seals to take Isobu down?" Kurama completely ignores Naruto's remark.

"Yah I got some, hold the turtle would you please."

"Sorry Kit, your summoning seal only allows out a set amount of time and guess what?"

Naruto groans as Kurama returns back to the seal; he knows that his homemade seal needed some major work. Just then he sees a glowing underneath the water and pales at what was coming; quickly going through hand signs he manages to get a defense up just in time.

"Summoning: Quintuple Rashomon!"

Five Rashomon gates appear in front of Naruto in which the Tailed Beast Ball collides with and manages to break through three before exploding. Naruto wanted to end the charade and decided to use a jutsu he learned while in limbo; it was one of his greatest Wood Release Techniques. Quickly getting into his sage mode, he runs through one hand sign and roars out "Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands!"

A massive Buddha statue appears with thousands of hands emanating from the statue's back in countless concentric rows, while its two main hands are clasped as if in prayer. As Naruto stands atop the massive wooden structure, which dwarfs even the size of Kurama, he commands the hands to attack the emerging Isobu who wanted to make a move. The turtle had no chance even though he tried to dodge; Isobu was slapped around mercilessly then slammed onto the ground where he lay almost unconscious at the bottom of the crater made. Naruto dismisses the statue making it dissolve into wood particles then jumps down in the crater and applies the suppression seal to the back of Isobu's head making Yagura appear. As the Mizukage looks at Naruto, he only says one thing before darkness claims him.

"Thank you."

In Ame

Twelve people were currently in a room talking to one another when Tobi suddenly lurches forward with a gasp; everyone becomes concerned and was about to ask what was the matter but Tobi answered that for everyone.

"It seems someone has released the genjutsu from Yagura; I sense that the rebels have won the war and I see, I see." Tobi's eye widens underneath the mask.

"No, it can't be can it?" He focuses on the last image transmitted by Yagura and suddenly laughs.

"So, Hashirama's son finally comes out of hiding…we will meet soon Senju, we will meet soon."

"Tobi is creepy, yeah!"

A fair-skinned man, with chin-length red hair and Rinnegan eyes who stands at five foot eight and dressed in sandals, and the normal Akatsuki attire looked at the person next to him. She stood five foot six and had blue hair with a large blue paper flower in it, amber eyes, lavender eye shadow, and a labret piercing; she too wore the standard Akatsuki attire. Both nod to each other discreetly and excuse themselves back to their rooms. Tobi looks at them weird but dismisses it for now as he pondered his next move.

Two Days Later: Uzu

Kushina was in her office doing paperwork when a messenger came in and dropped off an envelope for her; confused, she looked at it and after reading what was on the front she quickly opened it and read the letter inside.

Kushina,

We have done as asked for a while now and have tracked the Akatsuki since it was organized; all the members have been detailed including their skill sets. For security reasons, this list is in a blood seal meant for Uzumaki blood only at the end of this letter. The Akatsuki leader, whom is mentioned in the list, sensed his genjutsu on Yagura breaking and I think he got a vision back on what he saw. Please forward this information to Konoha and assemble a meeting as soon as possible with all you are allied with. We will keep you informed as we continue our mission.

-Nagato and Konan

Kushina reads the letter thrice over then unseals the contents below; after reading who the Akatsuki were, she pales and knew why Nagato was fearful. She quickly sealed the letter back up and grabbed blank parchment and a pen and wrote a letter to the Hokage; he would get it within the day.

Four Days Later: Konoha Gates

Naruto saw the gates to his home, it was a long journey for him since Wave but he felt content about what was done. Kiri was rebuilding nicely thanks to his Wood Release, Yagura was in stable condition and felt guilty for what he did and nominated Mei for Mizukage which she accepted but kept Yagura as second in command. The man was not happy as he wanted a way to repent for all which he had done; in all honesty, he was thinking about suicide but with the help of Naruto and Mei that was avoided. On top of Kiri's healing process, Mei set up an alliance with Uzu as well as Konoha's allies. Konoha was now allied with Uzu, Kiri, and Suna while Iwa and Kumo were allied with each other.

After greeting the gate guards Kotetsu and Izumo who allowed him in, Naruto went to the Hokage tower but on the way he was greeted with a happy reception; some even tried asking for help with jutsu and such but he reassured that important matters had to be attended to first.

Hokage Tower: Office

Hiruzen was happily puffing on his pipe reading his smut thanks to a clear desk in front of him; the only thing that unnevered the old man was the letter he got from Kushina. A meeting was to be held once Naruto returned; luckily that person was on his way to the office and with a knock on the door he is let in.

"Ah, Naruto I take it the civil war has ended in Kiri?" Hiruzen states as he puts away the smut which Naruto ignores for now.

"Even better old monkey." Naruto throws a scroll at Hiruzen which he catches, opens and reads.

"You managed to get a peace treaty with Kiri…damn Naruto, you really have strengthened Konoha ever since your return; your father would be proud."

Naruto nods "He was watching me every step of the way but I sense that you are troubled my old friend, what seems to be the matter?"

The Hokage sighs and pulls out the letter which Kushina wrote; after Naruto grabs it he reads it.

Hokage-sama,

My spies in the Akatsuki have managed to give us a breakdown of whom and how strong the members are. I copied the lists which my spies gave for Naruto to unseal upon his return. Also, my spies recommended that a meeting take place between all of our allies as soon as possible. Once Naruto arrives back and reads the list, inform me and the others, we have much to discuss.

-Kushina Uzumaki, Uzukage

Naruto sees the blood seal at the end and opens it then reads the list, one name in particular stood out like a sore thumb. The sight of this man's name sent Naruto into a slight rage making his silver chakra spew out and makes the walls, ceiling, and other things crack under the chakra's immense pressure. The hidden ANBU collapsed to the floor unconscious while Hiruzen was staring wide-eyed at Naruto doing the best to not pass out.

"I haven't felt this since Naruto destroyed Mito's garden all those years ago…oh Naruto, my friend, I am so sorry."

After a minute, Naruto calms himself with deep breaths and looks around to see the damage he had done. Chuckling a little, he heals the ANBU as well as the cracks in the office then looks back at the name then at Hiruzen.

"Are you sure this list is genuine, 100 percent fact?"

The Hokage just nods as there were not much to say; he knew how much pain Naruto was in.

Naruto growls and throws the letter and list onto the desk in disgust "Much like my father, I have a peaceful heart and can be stern and headstrong but there was a side of my father that he kept bottled up; rage."

After taking another calming breath, Naruto continues.

"How that man can be alive sickens me to no end and believe me Hiruzen, when a Senju of old, a Senju that holds immense power like my father and I, submit to the side which we vow to keep hidden…you will know what hell on Earth truly looks like."

Naruto ended his spiel in a dark tone that took Hiruzen and the ANBU completely off guard; before anyone could stop him, Naruto stormed out of the office heading someplace where he could meditate and keep his rage under control.

The Hokage sighed and picked up the list knowing why Naruto got so mad; along with Kushina's letter was a separate list for Hiruzen to read. The old man sighed again and looked at the name which Kushina circled. The name was Madara Uchiha.

Tanzaku Town

Jirayia had been following leads from his spy networks on the whereabouts of Itachi Uchiha, over the many weeks he has been searching there was one thing he was happy about; that Itachi did not join the mysterious Akatsuki organization. Deciding to call it a day, the Toad Sage heads to the local watering hole just as the sun starts to set. As he enters the bar he looks around and suddenly spies his target in the corner of the bar trying to look inconspicuous. Jiraiya tells the bar tender to get a bottle of Sake for him as well as some saucers. After the bar tender complies, Jiraiya pays the man and heads over to talk to Itachi.

Itachi was thinking about his life and what to do when a shadow overcame him, he looked up and scoffed.

"So, what does the Toad Sage want with me?"

Jiraiya sits down and pours the sake into two saucers handing one to Itachi who takes it and gulps it down then motions for a refill. After doing so as well as Jiraiya downing his saucer, he begins.

"Sasuke wants you back Itachi, we know the truth about the massacre and how you were framed. The Hokage already revoked your missing nin status."

Both men take turns refilling their saucers and downing the sake like it was water; after a couple minutes Itachi responds.

"How quaint, but how did the Hokage pull that off as I know the civilian council and Danzo would not allow that."

The Toad Sage just chuckles "Well Itachi, have you heard about Naruto Senju before?"

Itachi chokes on his sake and looks at Jiraiya with wide eyes and a shocked expression.

"By the tone of your voice, are you saying he is alive?"

Jiraiya just nods and calmly sips his sake while beginning to tell the tale of what has happened so far in Konoha. From Naruto's return, to how he banished the civilian council, to how he strengthened Konoha, Danzo's supposed end, as well as Sasuke's change. It took an hour to complete but by then, Itachi had a sake bottle to himself and it was already half gone.

"I…I don't know what to say. If what you say is true then I might finally be able to come back home and raise Sasuke like I meant to all those years ago." Itachi sighs and looks into the Toad Sage's eyes "Will he ever forgive me?"

"He already has Itachi, he doesn't blame you for anything; in fact he blamed Danzo and all those who conspired against his clan. Sasuke is lost, Itachi, and like you he needs a kindred soul to find his path, to find a sense of closure."

Itachi throws the sake bottle on the ground in disgust making it shatter which catches the patrons off guard but they soon go back to what they were doing.

"Look at me Jiraiya, this is not me at all; I am a calm, mainly emotionless individual but here I am drowning my sorrows in sake and crying like a spoilt child! How can Sasuke and I return back to normal when so much wrong has been done to our clan?" Itachi sobs while banging his head on the table.

Jiraiya looks on in sadness as the Uchiha clan went through so much all because of the greed of a few individuals. Taking a moment so that Itachi could calm down a little, he responds and lays a hand on Itachi's right shoulder.

"Don't look at the past as the future is much brighter; Naruto quotes that quite often and the meaning is simple really. The future is but a meadow of endless opportunities whereas the past is dark, evil, and is best left locked up; the light is your goal, Itachi, the light which shines upon the meadow of opportunity will show you the right flower to pick. That flower is not just your future Itachi it is your clan's future as well. Come home Itachi, be the mentor you were meant to be and live the life you were meant to live."

Jirayia releases his shoulder and the Uchiha looks up with a smile and wipes stray tears away then says three words making the Toad Sage smile.

"Let's go home."

Following Day – Konoha Gates

After the talk, Jiraiya sent a message to the Hokage stating that Itachi was found and that Sasuke was to wait by the gates alone at seven the next morning; it was time for a family reunion. Sasuke stood by the gate where Izumo and Kotetsu were guarding like always and couldn't help but wonder why he was here waiting. He was summoned here by an ANBU who would not give any details which irked Sasuke to no end. Soon, Sasuke sees two dots on the horizon; one was the Toad Sage which he recognized but the other one was concealed behind him. The two dots stop and Jiraiya stands aside to let the brothers see each other for the first time in years.

Sasuke starts to tear up and quickly runs forward, all the while screaming "ITACHI-ONIISAN!"

Itachi sees Sasuke running and bends low, holding out his arms in a 'come here' gesture. The two finally meet and engulf in a tear filled hug.

"I missed you so much Sasuke and promise never to leave you again…I promise."

"I forgive you Itachi, I always have."