INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I like to begin by stating that i do not own Naruto.

THANK YOU

Thanks to those who reviewed my previous chapter: Exor; GravenImage; FoxSage19; airnaruto45; xDARKNESS; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Sasuke K; Diamond Man; Anonymous-stalker; EmpKaylenatye; Mudcake; The Flying Lion; goldone5 and Narusaku29.

RESPONCES

Exor - Well, I'm glad you like my story so much you would read it multiple times. "The Message" from book one is also one of my favorites and it was one of the first chapters that made me feel real good about the work I was doing.

So you lived in Japan? i would love to speak to you about the japanese culture. I've visited China but Japan is really a place that fascinates me and i'm glad my portrayal of how relationships are actually handled are closer to Japanese culture. That was something highly important to me. i wanted the characters to act as authentically as possible. And fear not, i have a feeling those two will see eachother very soon.

Gravenimage - Thanx Graven. I'm glad you liked the Ino/Sakura conversation. I've really wanted to portray Ino as the one character of the K11 who has a more "grown-up" view of relationships.

FoxSage19 - What, you didn't think i wouldn't bring Konan into this story did you? Lol! Glad you like things so far.

airnaruto45 - Thanx.

xDARKNESS - Am I really the only author who updates weekly? Hmmm, I wonder if that's true. Anyway, yes things are going to start coming together. the final battle for the fate of the world is fast approaching people!

Kushina's - So you liked the Ino/Sakura chat? Great, i had fun writing that. It's always nice to sometimes write a piece without the drama or action and just show the characters living normally.

Sasuke K - I'm such a Baka. I can't believe i didn't catch that mistake in my final edit of the chapter. Thanks. I'll fix the mistake. Ino has slowly become a closet Naruto Fangirl IMO (in the canon too I think) so it was just fun to have her tease sakura a bit.

Diamond Man - Naruto has many conflicting emotions right now. his basic instinct is to kill Madara but he knows that doing so may not bring his ultimate goal which is gaining true peace for the world. I hope as things go forward that this struggle he is going through will be recognized and appreciated by the readers.

Anonymous-stalker - Maybe...maybe not. It really comes down to what you believe in more: Madara's planning and power or Naruto's will. Which will win! Taking all bets!

EmpKaylenatye - I am very happy you've been enjoying my efforts to make every chapter mean something even if nothing too great happens. It's been one of the challenges of writing this story to make every chapter interesting despite not always focusing on Naruto or Sakura. It's not easy to sell a NS story where there are long stretches when neither character is even in the story.

Mudcake - I have a few ideas for Konan. i hope what i choose to do will be an interesting way to show her abilities. Only time will tell. Am i good with OC's? Well, sometimes they can work and sometimes they can be a disaster. I think in creating an OC one must try to have the OC play seamlessly in the world. Thier personality and abilities must play in a way that doesn't take the reader out of the story. My original characters were not planned from the beginning but instead were developed as I wrote. perhaps it's more luck than talent that they worked out. But I prefer to think it was talent. Lol!

The Flying Lion - Well, i thank you for that but I won't take back my statement that i don't think I am. But I'm glad that my story hasn't become predictable. You should see the ideas I have for the end of this story. I've got about four different finale's that i have to choose from and trust me, each is very different.

goldone5 - Maybe we can call them the Army of the Fox. Lol! Danzo will pay for his deeds. But I will say I think you'll be surprised with how it actually happens. i've begun writing that chapter actually. And I think you'll be surprised and happy. Naruto's return...may be...closer than you think...Lol! Glad you've been enjoying the story so far.

NaruSaku29 - Thanx.

MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR

Alright guys hereis chapter 20. Hope you enjoy it and please remember to review once done. Also I'd like to take the time to give you my first notice that next weeks chapter will be the last one before a hiatus for the holidays. That's right, there will be a two week break after next weeks chapter. So chapter 21 will be released on 12/19/2010 and chapter 22 will be released on 01/09/2011. Thanx!

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book III: End of Innocence

Chapter XX: At the Edge of Chaos

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

Madara stood in his office in front of the full length mirror as he adjusted his new clothes. He was now dressed in black Uchiha robes and gloves with the Uchiha crest now shown prominently on his back. His mask was different now as well. It now covered the entire upper half of his head and consisted of a ripple pattern with three tomoes around the center, two of which made out the eye holes of the mask. And he had a long black bandana which tapered down to his back.

Madara could hear the monotonous thumping coming from all around. It was continuous and fluctuated from barely noticeable to a deep groaning that Madara could feel in his body. It was if the very earth itself was shuddering at the thought or what was to come and all the blood that it would be covered in.

As the door to his office opened Madara didn't take his eyes from the mirror or give any sign at all that he had noticed the movement in the room. "I take it you have gotten sufficient rest," Madara asked.

"More than enough," Sasuke asked as he stood watched Madara tend to himself.

Madara looked at Sasuke in the mirror and admired his new look. Sasuke wore a dark grey shirt with a high raised collar and red, light body armor strapped on his chest, back and shoulders. He had red arm guards and black pants. On his back had a large Uchiha crest and the Sword of Kusanagi was sheathed at his hip. "You seem prepared for this Sasuke," Madara said.

"I've been prepared for years Madara," Sasuke said. "It's only because I chose to put up with your ridiculous insistence on this plan that I've waited so long."

"Sometimes patience can be greater than any weapon or jutsu you can acquire Sasuke," Madara said. "I mean look at what we were able to accomplish. All of the ninja villages are splintered, untrusting and fearful. Konoha especially, is now ripe for the picking."

"I'm not interested in controlling the ninja world Madara, just destroying it," Sasuke said.

"Yes, of course Sasuke," Madara responded. "I promise you that when we are done we will leave not one brick on brick. The entire foundation shall crumble. But I wonder, are you really ready for such a world?"

"You question my resolve," Sasuke asked angrily.

"Perhaps," Madara replied. "Considering the fact that you allowed Naruto to live and failed to kill the Haruno girl…."

"Both are mistakes that will not happen again," Sasuke said angrily. "I will personally see to it that the blood of every citizen of Konoha will bathe the earth. They will all know the vengeance of the Uchiha. No one wants that more than me. Not even you."

"Good…..good," Madara said as he nodded. Madara made final adjustments to his belt and faced Sasuke. "That is exactly the mindset I require from the man chosen to be commander general of my army. You should go out and make the final preparations. I want us ready to move out by nightfall."

Sasuke turned and silently made his way to the door when Madara asked, "Aren't you going to thank me Sasuke? Thanks to me, all your dreams of vengeance will be fulfilled."

Sasuke stopped in his tracks and looked back at Madara. "Thanks," he asked. "Madara I think you mistake me and my intentions. Don't for a moment think that I have forgotten your role in the extinction of my people. Nor should you assume that your actions will absolve you from my wrath."

"As far as I'm concerned the blood of the Uchiha is on your hands as much as any other," Sasuke continued. "And you deciding to now wear the Uchiha crest on your back is an affront to me, my family and all the people of the Uchiha. When this is over Madara, you too will face my vengeance and pay for your crimes and manipulations."

Sasuke then opened the door to the office and before leaving said, "Consider that warning as all the thanks you will receive from me."

Madara stared at Sasuke in silence as he left the room and then reached for his gunbai that was leaning on his table and hooked it on his back. Madara then walked over to the side of his office where there were two large double doors leading out to a terrace. As soon as Madara opened the door the monotonous thumping exploded into a thunderous chorus of talking, laughter, arguments and screaming.

As Madara made his way to the edge of the terrace and looked out over his village he could see that the courtyard below and all the streets were clogged to the brim with his soldiers. Thousands upon thousands of the most brutal, blood thirsty, excommunicated ninja he could find were at his command and ready to seek a terrible vengeance on the world that had discarded them.

Seeing Madara standing above them, the men yelled and chanted his name in delight. Madara was there savior, their messiah who promised them everything their hearts desired. After allowing the feeling of their worship wash over him for a few minutes Madara raised his hand to silence his flock.

"Soldiers of Akatsuki," Madara said in a booming voice. "For too long we have been forced in the shadows of this world. For too long the weak have sat in their safe homes claiming that they are the leaders and ordering us to do their dirty work then dare to feign horror and ignorance of our deeds!"

"Why must we be forced to live in a world where the strong must pay with their blood, sweat and pain, to protect the weak and pathetic masses; only to be repaid with their loathing and disgust! They say we are monsters! Unworthy of their pity or praise! Yet it is to us they turn when their safety is threatened!"

"Well, I say no more! Today we stand at the precipice of a new age for the ninja world! An age where we, those that are truly strong, guide the destiny of this world! We will take our own praise and we control the fate of the very world we have built from the shadows!"

"You, are all ninja's and warriors from different lands and villages. You are from different clans and backgrounds but there is one thing we all share! We are the forgotten! We are the discarded! We are the ones used for our strength and then shunned for our brutality! And when this war is ended we will be the ones who will rule!"

Madara raised his hands in triumph as the masses below cheered and chanted his name. It was clear that their lust for blood was high and they were ready to achieve all that was promised them, all that they desired. And they all believed that Madara Uchiha was the man to get it for them.

******Meanwhile – Konoha******

Sakura, Tsunade and Ino stood in the large crowd of people gathered near the main square near the main entrance. Shino, Hinata, Choji and Kiba were also standing nearby. When word had come in that there was a large army marching towards The Land of Fire she, along with everyone else had assumed the worst. That Akatsuki had decided to make their final move against them.

For the past few weeks Danzo had began running emergency drills specifically tailored to dealing with a surprise Akatsuki attack and everyone seemed prepared regarding what their roles were to be.

Unfortunately Sakura hadn't been a part of those drills but her first instinct was to head to the hospital where she knew she'd likely be needed. And she was there, dealing with a few patients and preparing the medical staff for, what she feared would be a high number of injured, when she received word from a messenger that the army that arrived at the border was claiming to be friendly. Not only that but the leader of the army was claiming to be calling herself, the Arashikage.

It took another hour or so for the word to filter through the whole village and for the threat level to drop. Tsunade had arrived at the hospital after meeting with Danzo and the elders and told her that the Arashikage had requested a face to face meeting with Danzo and the request had been accepted. Whoever this person is, she would be here soon.

And now, Sakura and her friends stood at the front of the growing crowd waiting for the arrival of this so-called ally. Danzo and a large company of ROOT ninja stood near the entrance as the large doors finally began to open.

Standing at the entrance stood twenty ANBU ninja with two ninja, a male and a female in a hooded cloak, standing in the middle. Danzo was obviously taking no chances and made sure there was a large security force. As the man stepped forward Danzo instantly recognized him. "You're Ao," Danzo said. "Head security officer for the Fifth Mizukage. What are you doing here?"

"I was able to escape out of the village after the rebellion," Ao said. "And I was able to find aid in Amegakure with the Lady Arashikage."

Danzo cocked his head slightly and crossed his arms, "I'm sorry but I've no recollection of ever recognizing a new Kage. Especially from such a small country as Amegakure."

Just then the woman removed her hood and said, "What makes you believe Amagakure has ever required the recognition of outsiders to validate itself?"

"You," Danzo said, stunned.

"Whoa," Kiba said with a smile. "So that's the Arashikage? She's really hot."

"And deadly," Shino said. "Kiba don't you recognize her?" Kiba looked at her face as she and Danzo continued to talk. Realizing Kiba couldn't tell who it was Shino said, "That woman was here with Pain during his attack. She is Akatsuki."

Slowly the murmurs of the crowd became more and more hostile as others began to recognize Konan. "Hey," one ninja yelled. "I remember you! You were part of the attack three years ago! You killed some of my comrades!"

More and more people began getting upset and the crowd began to get even more hostile including Sakura and Ino who remembered that day. The day they lost several of their friends and family, including Kakashi, Shizune and Sakura's father.

Despite the growing hostility Konan remained stone faced and seemingly unconcerned. "She's no Kage," another ninja yelled. "Hokage-sama, we should just arrest her now!"

"Well," Danzo said smugly. "This is a very dangerous situation you've apparently walked into. Give me one good reason I shouldn't have you arrested right here and now."

"I can give you two," Konan said. "If you do that you will be turning your back on much needed aid. And I happen to know the identities of several traitors. One of which you would find very interesting I think. Would you like me to tell you who he is right now so everyone could hear his name?"

The smug smile on Danzo's face quickly faded as he looked at Konan and he said, "Come with me to my office so we can speak in private."

Surrounded by guards to protect her from the angry crowd Konan followed the Hokage to his office and entered the building.

"I don't get it," Sakura said angrily. "Why the hell would Danzo want to hear one thing she had to say?"

"Yeah," Tsunade said. "Something is not right."

Once they arrived in the upstairs office Danzo cordially offered Konan a seat as he walked over and sat behind his desk. "Alright Konan," Danzo said. "Why are you really here? According to the information given to me you left Akatsuki three years ago."

"I've already told you that," Konan responded. "I'm here to assist Konoha in the coming war."

"Perhaps," Danzo said. "Or perhaps you're here hoping that by killing me you weaken Akatsuki. Don't think I didn't know that for the past three years you've been amassing this small army of yours and hunting down all Akatsuki spies. I had a feeling you'd come after me eventually. But I never assumed you'd do so in such a brazen way."

Konan gave a little laugh and crossed her legs as she sat back in the chair. Danzo couldn't help but notice her sudden change in demeanor. Since she arrived, she had been stiff, wooden and emotionless. Now suddenly she seemed relaxed. All the tension had seemed to suddenly disappear out of her body and she even had a smile on her face. If Danzo didn't know any better he would think this was her office and not his.

"Don't worry Danzo," Konan. "I couldn't care less about you and your incessant need to protect your position. And if your people want to follow you like blind sheep to the slaughter that's there business not mine. How many of them you get killed is none of my concern either. Putting an end to Madara's plans is more important than holding on to old grudges."

"That's very brave of you to tell me something like that," Danzo said. 'What do you think would prevent me from notifying Madara of your location right now?"

"Maybe because Akatsuki has cut you loose," Konan said with a cryptic smile which instantly angered Danzo. "What," Konan asked. "You think I didn't know about that? Well it was pretty obvious that the last thing Madara needed you to do was take care of Naruto. You….predictably…..failed. And now you have outlived your usefulness. And just when you thought you were probably closer than ever in finding a way to heal yourself so you would have the power to kill Madara."

Danzo's eye went wide in astonishment and found himself speechless. "Yes Danzo I was also aware that you intended to betray Madara," Konan said. "And so was Madara. He knew that you were hoping to find a way to heal yourself of the negative affects of the ability Madara gave you. Why do you think Madara has chosen to move now? He knew you would get close to a cure by now, but not close enough."

"Right now the fate of Konoha will be the same as yours as far as Madara is concerned," Konan said. "So you really have two choices here. You can refuse me and I can take my men and leave you to your fate. Or you can accept the help and improve your chances for survival."

"Why did you leave Akatsuki," Danzo asked. "You were one of the original members. Few were more loyal than you."

"I'm sure Madara told you his thoughts on that," Konan answered sharply.

"I'd rather hear it from you directly," Danzo asked. "Did you really betray Akatsuki based solely on the words of the Nine Tails Host?"

"I was never loyal to Akatsuki," Konan answered. "I was loyal to the dream Akatsuki represented. Once Akatsuki turned from that dream I turned from it. It's as simple as that."

"The dream of Akatsuki," Madara wondered.

"Peace," Konan said. "That was always the dream of Akatsuki."

Danzo laughed. "Peace," he asked. "Peace is a joke. Only those with the power to control the world ever know peace. And even that peace is fleeting. The dream of Akatsuki is power Konan, even I know that. Peace was the dream of Pain, never Akatsuki."

"Nagato is Akatsuki," Konan replied. "And Akatsuki's dream was his. Now that dream resides within another."

Danzo cocked his head to side slightly and asked, "The Namikaze boy?" Konan nodded her head slightly in confirmation.

Danzo sat back in his chair and seemed to consider his options. "Very well," he said. "Konoha will accept your assistance. But I will require you and your army to remain outside the village. As you can see your presence here has caused a bit of a stir and it would be best to avoid any trouble."

"Of course," Konan said as she rose to her feet to leave.

"Funny isn't it," Danzo asked. "That you and I, after everything, would be allies against Akatsuki."

"I am not your ally Danzo," Konan responded. "Nor am I an ally of Konoha. I am here because Namikaze Naruto requested it. I am his pillar, a tool to be used as he sees fit." Konan then turned and silently left the room leaving Danzo to consider his next move.

As Konan walked down the hallway she could see Sakura standing just ahead of her in the center of the hallway glaring at her. As Konan tried to walk by Sakura slid in front of her to impede her way. Konan stopped and stared at Sakura who glared back at her. "Can I help you," Konan asked.

"I remember you," Sakura said. "You came here with Pain three years ago. My name is Haruno Sakura and you attacked my village and killed my sensei Kakashi Hatake, and one of your paper bombs killed my father."

Konan remained silent and showed no sign of emotion regarding Sakura's words. "Give me one good reason I shouldn't slam you through this wall right now," Sakura yelled angrily. She was getting so angry tears were welling in her eyes.

"At the time Konoha was my enemy," Konan said flatly.

Sakura's eyes went wide with shock and she yelled, "That's it! That's the only reason!"

"What other reason is there needed for ninja," Konan replied. "I didn't come here to apologize to you or to anyone. I'm not here to repent or find salvation. My purpose is to act in Namikaze Naruto's name."

"Naruto," Sakura asked. "What does he have to do with you?"

"He never told you did he," Konan asked. "After he defeated Pain, he and Nagato talked and it was through their conversation that they came to an understanding. And despite how hard it must have been for him, Naruto forgave Nagato and I for our actions."

"What," Sakura said in shock.

"He said that despite his hate for us the only way to change this world was to find forgiveness," Konan said. "So Naruto forgave Nagato and allowed me to leave. It was then I knew that Nagato's dream resided within Naruto and that I dedicated my life to that dream. Naruto is the one who asked me to come here and I am here without question. That is my resolve."

Konan then walked past Sakura who stood staring at the ground in a mixture of rage, sadness and confusion. "But I know your pain and loss. Such feelings are as intimate to me as a lover or child. And if it not for Naruto I would not be capable of forgiving Konoha enough for me to come here. But I have. But I also know such a thing is not easy for everyone. And if you find it impossible to forgive me. If you can't see past your need for revenge, I will not run. You know just where to find me."

Konan then walked down the hallway leaving Sakura standing alone. Sakura's fists were clenched tight and her entire body shook with rage. "Ahhhh," she screamed as she lashed out and punched the nearby wall, reducing it to a pile of rubble.

A few minutes later Konan exited the building surrounded by Konoha guards. As she walked out into the courtyard she found herself surrounded by dozens of angry citizens and ninja alike. It was clear that they had not forgotten her role in the attack several years ago and they certainly had not forgiven it.

"Hey there she is," said one man who ran up as close as he could get along with the rest of the large crowd.

"How dare you set foot in Konoha after what you did," one woman yelled.

"You should be put in chains," said another man.

As the crowd became increasingly hostile Kiba pushed through and got as close to Konan and her escorts and yelled, "You think you can just come here and say you want to help and that should make everything better," Kiba yelled angrily. "We've lost friends and family because of you people! You expect us to just forgive that!"

"Kiba-san," Hinata said as she tried to pull him away. "Please calm down."

"No way Hinata," Kiba yelled as Hinata and Shino tried to pull him back. "This bitch needs to be put to death for her crimes!"

"Kiba please stop," Shino yelled. "This won't solve anything."

Choji and Ino was also in the crowd and Ino quickly said, "Kiba is right. She helped Pain kill our comrades! Lady Shizune died at Pain's hand! She needs to pay!"

Konan remain emotionless as she and her guards continued to force their way through the hostile crowd. People were yelling and screaming at her. Wishing her death and pain. Tempers were rising when Sakura suddenly burst forth out of the Capitol building and ran into the crowd, forcing her way through.

Finally she reached Konan and screamed, "Stop it! Stop!" Sakura then fought her way between the crowd and Konan, separating them.

"What's wrong with you Sakura," Ino yelled. "Don't you know who this is! She's responsible for Shizune's death!"

"And she was there when Pain killed Kakashi," Kiba yelled. "Not to mention your father! He died that day too! We can't just let her go!"

"Don't you think I know that," Sakura yelled. "Don't you think I would like nothing more than to see her pay! But….we've got a bigger threat to Konoha right now! I know you're all scared and angry, but killing or putting her in prison won't help fix things now! Right now we need all the help we can get!"

"No way," yelled one ninja. "There's no way in hell I'm gonna work with her or her men!

"Yeah," yelled another man.

"Face it Sakura," Kiba yelled. "There's no way we can trust someone like her. I mean she doesn't even feel any remorse for what she did! You can see it in her face!"

Suddenly, much to Kiba's surprise, Sai was standing right next to him. "Sakura's right," Sai said. "We have bigger issues to face than settling old grudges. We have a war to win."

"Sai no," Sakura yelled. "Get out of here!"

"You," Kiba yelled. Kiba suddenly grabbed Sai by the arm. "I promised myself that if I ever saw you again I'd kick your ass," Kiba yelled as he threw a punch at Sai's face. "This is for betraying us to Danzo!"

Sai quickly blocked Kiba's punch and a fight quickly broke out as the crowd of people snapped and began pushing and shoving. It was clear a full blown riot was moments away. Sakura and the guards fought to keep people back as they tried to advance on Konan who still remained calm despite the growing danger.

Fights began to break out among the rioters as all control had seemed to be lost. Danzo and a small group of guards came outside to see the riot and yelled to his men, "Subdue all of them a place them all in holding! I also want an immediate curfew put in place! I want no one walking the streets!"

Sakura looked over her shoulder and saw Danzo's men advancing and knew things were about to get bad and a lot of people were going to get hurt.

Just then a large puff of white smoke appeared on the roof of the Hokage's building. The smoke was several stories high and covered the entire rooftop. Everyone stopped in their tracks and stared up at the roof to see just what was going on.

Slowly the smoke began to clear and with sun high above the figure was covered in shadow. But they could make out that the thing up there was large, very large as it easily covered the entire roof.

Sakura held her hand over her eyes to shade it from the sun and as she made out the figure she, along with everyone present realized it was a large orange toad with a blue vest. "That's Gamakichi," she said.

It was then they all seemed to noticed that someone was standing on Gamakichi's head. Everyone's eyes and face lit up as they recognized the familiar blonde figure standing with his arms folded glaring down at everyone below.

Here, at the moment when things seemed to be spiraling out of control. When all sense of hope and camaraderie was slipping away. When it had seemed they had reached the very edge of chaos…

...Naruto has returned.

End of Chapter Twenty

Next Time: WAR