INTRODUCTION

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends! Come inside, come inside! as always i like to start by saying I do not own Naruto.

THANK YOU

Thank you to those who reviewed my last chapter: iiDarkness, FoxSage19, charles cdv, 101FallingRock, maidsama4real, soccernin19, Kushina's Truth of Hell, Luna'sStar101.

RESPONCES

iiDarkness - Wasn't the best I've done? well, I can accept that sice it wasn't wholey original. Anyway, you're right, Kisame isn't dead...yet. But can he be saved? Cherry Blossoms in Indonesia bloom once in the fall and once in the spring.

FoxSage19 - Someone give this man a prize! I think he's figured it out!...or has he? Dun! Dun! Dun!

charles cdv - Thanx

101FallingRock - I think Kisame and Naruto will fight. It's inevitable. So which chapter did you like the best so far i wonder?

maidsama4real - What's the point indeed? Lol. As i stated early on I'm trying to make this story with the same kind of romantic ambiguity Kishi is known for. So though the romance is sparce it will be meaningful. Don't worry, everything you're looking for will come together.

soccernin19 - Thanx. My plans will unfold in due time. i think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Kushina's Truth of Hell - Thanx.

LunaStar101 - As you should remain optimistic. Optimism is what we humans depend on.

LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR

Here's a lesson. Never create a chapter in a Narusaku fan fic and not have Narusaku in it. Because readership always sufferes. Lol! Anway on to the story. Please remember to send a little review my way. thanks.

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book III: End of Innocence

Chapter V: An Ally in the Shadows

******Kirigakure – Office of the Mizukage******

Sasuke sat alone in his room meditating, preparing for what was to come. Finally his new eyes and hand worked without pain. Yesterday he was able to train fully for the first time and even he had to admit that for the first time in a long time he felt exhilaration. He never felt such power as he felt now. Every jutsu he performed was faster, stronger and more potent.

Sasuke opened his eyes and stood up. His room was small with no paintings or furniture outside of a bed and dresser. He walked over to mirror on the dresser and looked at his face. He looked into his eyes, and his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Madara told him that once he attained these eyes he could never look through his old ones again.

This was fine with him. To Sasuke he had left behind his old naïve eyes long ago. He saw the world through different eyes now. And this world will burn. And with these eyes he will see a new world take its place.

Sasuke was jarred from his thoughts by the gentle knocking at his door. "Come in," he said and was not surprised to see Karin enter.

"I need to check your eyes Sasuke – kun," she said. "Please lay down on the bed." Sasuke silently walked over to his bed and lied down. Karin pulled a chair up and sat next to Sasuke then took out a small light and began to inspect Sasuke's eyes.

Sasuke noticed how quiet she was. In fact, ever since his showdown with Sakura, Karin had barely talked to Sasuke. Whatever she did say to him was always regarding business and was short and to the point. Even now Karin seemed completely focused on the task at hand and nothing more.

As Sasuke lay silently he thought back to that night. He remembered the pain in Sakura's eyes as she fought to kill him. Ironically, the look in her eyes was the same look Karin now gave him.

Finally Karin finished her examination and got up. "Ok," she said. "There doesn't seem to be any damage from the prolonged use of the Sharingan yesterday. Madara's operation was a complete success."

Without another word Karin turned and began to walk away, leaving Sasuke on the bed. Sasuke sat up and watched as she left. Damn her, he thought to himself. I don't need this now. I've already explained to her why I did what I did. Why is she acting like this? And those eyes. They're so sad. So….annoying to look at!

Sasuke suddenly felt a surge of anger wash over him and he felt like every cell in his body screamed to act. Quickly, he got to his feet and walked across the room as Karin got to the door.

As the door opened, Sasuke walked up behind Karin and slammed the door shut. For a long moment there was silence as both of them just stood there. "Why did you do that Sasuke-kun," Karin said without turning to face him. "Let me go."

"What's wrong with you," Sasuke asked.

"Why do you care," Karin asked.

"I've never understood why you act the way you do," Sasuke said. "I can see why the others follow me, but you…why do you stay?"

"I guess she was right," Karin said. "There are just certain things you can't understand. Even with all your power, there are things you will never be able to see."

Sasuke suddenly tensed up and gritted his teeth in anger. His left hand was balled tightly into a fist and quickly he grabbed Karin by the shoulder and spun her around to face him and slammed her against the door.

"And what do you know of power," he yelled. "All you've ever done is cling to those with power and act like a damned school girl! You're pathetic!"

"So are you," Karin said, "Look at you! You've given up your hand, even your own eyes! And for who, for what! For Madara's dream!"

"For my own," Sasuke yelled. "What I do I do for the Uchiha name! For the honor of my people! What would you know about that? You've never known what's it's like to have everything taken from you because you've never had anything of your own! You don't understand a thing!"

"I understand everything," Karin shot back. "I've been with you for four years! I know you better than anyone!"

"Then why," Sasuke asked, "Why do you look at me like that!"

Karin leaned forward and was only inches from Sasuke face and said, "Why….do you…..care?"

Sasuke suddenly threw a punch that slammed into the door inches from Karin's face. As expected, she didn't even blink. Sasuke then stared at her for a long time before whispering, "Those eyes. Those sad, annoying eyes. I can't…..I can't complete this mission….if I have to look at those eyes."

Sasuke then grabbed Karin around her waist and pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. At first, Karin was tense from the shock of Sasuke's actions and tried to pull away, but quickly she wrapped her arms around his bare chest and melted into his embrace.

Sasuke pinned Karin against the door and lifted her up off her feet as they kissed and groped each other. And after a few minutes he lifted her up and carried her across the room to his bed as Karin removed her shirt. Sasuke then dropped her onto the bed before slowly removing her glasses and climbed on top of her.

******Meanwhile – In the Office of the Mizukage******

Madara sat behind his desk as Zetsu rose from out of the ground. "Lord Madara," he said. "Kisame should be arriving soon with the Eight Tails."

"And we're sure it's really him this time right," Madara asked. "It's no trick?"

"I checked myself," Zetsu said. 'This is the real one."

"Excellent," Madara said triumphantly, "All that's needed now is for Sasuke to make the final transformation. Once he does, everything will be ready. In fact, that time should be soon."

"Are you not concerned about Sasuke's reaction my Lord," Zetsu asked. "I mean Sasuke has been hard to control as it is. What will happen when your deception is discovered?"

"By the time it is it will be too late," Madara responded. "Besides, Sasuke may be quick to anger but he is sensible. He'll see that what I've done is given him what he's always secretly wanted."

******Konoha – Beneath ROOT Headquarters – Midday******

"Have you decided," Danzo asked as he stood in a dank cell staring at his prisoner.

"Yes," the man responded. "Actually I have. I've had quite a long time to think it over and I have decided."

"Well," Danzo responded, clearly annoyed.

"Kabumaru," the man said.

"What," Madara asked.

With a wide, amused grin Kabumaru responded, "I've finally decided on a name for myself. You may refer to me as Kabumaru."

"You son of a bitch," Danzo yelled as he punched Kabumaru in the face again and again. "Give me the information I need to heal my arm and eye or so help me….!"

But Kabumaru merely laughed hysterically.

"What's so damned funny," Danzo yelled.

"You are," Kabumaru said. "Look at you Danzo. You think I haven't noticed the fact you now come here so often?There was a time where you wouldn't come to see me for weeks, months at a time. Now you come here every day. Let me guess, Madara has finally betrayed you and left you to rot. Now you're desperate, practically on edge. Why, I bet I could get you on your knees begging me if I so wanted."

"How arrogant," Danzo said. "You should take a better look at your position Kabumaru."

"Oh I know my position quite well," Kabumaru responded. "Yes, I may be in a cell, filthy and stinking. But you Danzo, you are the rat that's trapped."

Kabumaru then looked as a rat ran across his cell and into a hole. "Do you know the best way to kill a trapped rat Danzo? Flood its lair with water. It will either run out where you wait with a hammer, or it will stay and drown. You see? The water is already starting to rise Danzo. All I need do now is sit and wait."

Danzo grabbed Kabumaru by the collar and was ready to punch him but stopped. Finally he let him go and looked the ROOT ninja standing behind him. He nodded and the ninja grabbed his instruments of torture.

"Fine," Danzo said. "If I can't get you to talk I'll have to be satisfied with hearing you scream." He then looked to the ninja and said, "Double, no triple the torture techniques. I want to hear his screams from my office."

As Danzo turned to leave, Kabumaru said, "Danzo. Can you hear it? Can you hear it coming closer? Can you hear the sound of rushing water?" Danzo looked back as Kabumaru began to laugh manically and suddenly noticed his hands were shaking. Quickly calming himself, Danzo closed the cell door and made his way out of the prisons with the sound of Kabumaru's laughter echoing off the walls.

Danzo made his way out of the prisons and up into the main headquarters where Fuu stood waiting. Silently, Fuu followed Danzo outside and threw the courtyard as they walked towards the Hokage's office building.

Just as they arrived Danzo saw Hiashi walking towards him with his daughter Hanabi in tow. "Lord Hokage," he said, not bothering to hide his anger. "May I have a word with you?"

Danzo sighed then said, "Yes Hiashi. But make it quick. I've had a very difficult day and there is still much to do."

"Of course," Hiashi said. "Why was I not informed that Hinata was sent on a mission towards Otogakure?"

"As you know," Danzo responded, "A squad consisting of Rock Lee, Izunaka Kiba and your nephew Neji was sent towards that location but disappeared several weeks ago. I needed a new team to figure out what's going on. As a Byakugan user, your daughter was a perfect candidate for the team."

"But she is not as skilled as Neji," Hiashi said. "And that entire area has become completely unstable with enemy forces. Not to mention the group you sent her with is inadequate if attacked by a large enemy force. Lord Hokage, Hinata is one of the possible heirs to the Hyuga clan. I should have been consulted before you decided to send her on such a mission. What if she dies?"

With a clear look of impatience and anger Danso replied, "Hiashi, you mistake courtesy for obligation. As the Hokage I don't need permission from you for anything. Secondly, it's my understanding that you have yet to choose your successor. So look at the bright side Hiashi. If she dies, then your choice becomes an easy one."

Clearly angered, Hanabi pulled a kunai, which was hidden in her sleeve, and prepared to attack Danzo, only for Hiashi to place his hand up in front of her, causing her to stop.

Despite her sudden attempt to attack Danzo didn't flinch and said, "It seems your daughter has much to learn about controlling one's emotions."

"My apologies Hokage," Hiashi said with a pained expression on his face. "Hanabi loves her sister and can be passionate in her defense."

"I see," Danzo said as he turned and walked into his building.

Once Danzo was gone, Hiashi gritted his teeth and clenched his face in frustration. Hinata, he thought.

******Meanwhile – Near the Border between the Land of Fire and Sound******

Hinata leapt clear of the exploding tag as it went off, spun around and readied two kunai in her hands. Suddenly several kunai flew out of the trees at her from several directions. Hinata quickly spun around at an incredible speed while releasing chakra from all her chakra points, creating a shield that knocked away every kunai.

Once every kunai was knocked away Hinata stopped and looked around waiting for the next attack. She had come here with Choji and Shino when they were ambushed by a large group of Akatsuki forces and were forced to run.

Unfortunately she had been separated from both Shino and Choji and now found herself fighting off wave after wave of Akatsuki forces alone. For the most part she was holding her own but she could feel herself tiring. She had to escape and find a place to rest, regroup and most importantly, find her friends.

Suddenly five shinobi leapt from the trees and attacked. Hinata moved backwards as she dodged the first ninja's kukai before blocking another attack with her own kunai. She then ducked and kicked the legs out from under one of her assailants, blocked another's attack and used her gentle fist technique to strike him in the chest, causing him to collapse.

Hinata suddenly felt a sharp pain in her thigh and the spray of blood. The ninja she had tripped was able to quickly recover and, using a kunai, had sliced her in the thigh just above her knee. The ninja swung his kunai again, this time hoping to disembowel her with one swing. Hinta was able to black the attack and kick the ninja squarely in the face knocking him out instantly.

Before she could decide what next to do another ninja appeared behind her and attempted to stab her in the back. Without looking, Hinata dodged the attack and kicked him away.

Standing on a tree branch above a masked ninja stood, with arms folded, watching the scene unfold. Hmmm, he thought. She's pretty good. Despite being on her own she defeated fourteen of my men and she's still going. But she appears to be getting tired. It's only a matter of time now.

The ninja then raised his hand and pointed towards Hinata and six more ninja leapt from the trees and attacked.

Hinata continued to dodge each attack and used her gentle fist to take out as many attackers as she could. I can't keep this up forever, she thought. And they just keep coming. I think I'm going to have to use that jutsu again.

The masked ninja standing on the tree raised his hand and ten more ninja appeared on tree branches surrounding Hinata. They all looked at each other and leapt into the air and created several hand signs. Simultaneously they all said, "Ninja art: Combined Explosive Kunai Barrage!" Suddenly a large summoning scroll appears and wrapped around the area connecting to each ninja and a barrage of kunai is launched at Hinata from all side.

The masked leader remained standing on the tree branch watching. Now let's see what you do, he thought. The Combined Explosive Kunai Barrage takes ten Weapons Specialist ninja and combines their chakra to create one attack that launches five hundred kunai with explosive tags for each ninja. That's five thousand explosive kunai from every direction. Try to block that!

"Oh no," Hinata yelled as she got into her prepared stance. "Protection of the Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty Eight Palms!" The Ninja watched as Hinata began to move her palms at an incredible speed and he saw what looked like needles made of chakra being fired from every point from her palms. Suddenly all the kunai began to fall around Hinata's feet and the explosions from the tags were going off away from her.

The ninja unfolded his arms and looked on in shock. Impossible, he thought. She's actually using that technique of hers to cut the explosive tags of the kunai, then knock the kunai to the ground and then knock the tags away to explode safely away from her. No way all in one motion! At this rate she'll actually block the entire technique.

The Ninja then leapt from the tree and began to circle around. No matter, he thought. All Byakugan users have a blind spot. I just need to find it.

As the ninja moved a tree branch behind her he spotted it. "There," he said excitedly. He then pulled out a kunai with an explosive tag and threw it at the nape of her neck. As the kunai flew in, Hinata quickly looked back and suddenly the kunai exploded launching her forward and crashed hard onto the ground.

Hinata groaned in pain as she struggled to get up. The leader stood in amazement. She's still alive, he thought. Amazing, despite everything happening around her she must have still sensed me moving around to her back. And as I threw my kunai she was able to knock another disabled kunai into mine causing it explode before hitting her. Amazing.

The ten ninja leapt at Hinata ready to kill when four kunai flew out of the shadows and struck four ninja in the chest and they were launched back and crashed through trees. Hinata looked up in shock as the remaining six ninja leapt away. The leader dropped down into the clearing and looked to see where the attack came from.

Hinata looked up to see a lone person standing under the shade of a tree. The person wore black and grey armor and a porcelain animal mask along with a long, body length, black cloak. What's a Konoha ANBU doing way out here, she wondered.

The leader studied the ANBU ninja cautiously as the ninja just stood there. Then he said, "You're awfully confident to just stand out in the open despite being alone!" Still the ANBU was silent. The leader looked around to ensure the ANBU was alone before saying, "Kill the bastard!"

The six other ninja ran at the ANBU who quickly pulled out a kunai and began blocking the attacks of the enemies. This caused the ANBU's cloak to flare open and the Leader was able to see this person was female.

The woman blocked a strike from one ninja, spun and blocked another attack before punching another ninja that sent him flying back and into the ground and skidding to a stop. Another ninja leapt at the ANBU from above. The woman sidestepped the attack and punched him and he was launched through a tree.

Hinata looked back at the ninja that was taken out by that ANBU's kunai earlier. And then at the other ninja who had been taken out by just a punch. Her strength is incredible, she thought. I haven't seen anything like that since…..

Hinata gasped as a certain realization came to her. No way, she thought. Could it be? Byakugan, she thought as she activated her powers and looked at the ANBU's face. "Oh my God," she said.

Hinata stared in shock and had trouble believing her eyes until one of the ninja was able to knock the porcelain mask off of the ANBU's face and she could see the strands of pink hair flowing from under the hood of the cloak. The ANBU then looked up and Hinata then said in shock, "It really is you….Sakura-chan!"

End of Chapter Five

Next Time: Cherry Blossoms Bloom Twice