INTRODUCTION

Hello, and welcome back to the End of Innocence. As always I like to begin by stating I do not own Naruto.

THANK YOU

A special thanks to those who reviewed my previous chapter: NarutoBigFreak; Shauni2420; SenninClaudio; airnaruto45; maxslayer10; Diamond Man; xXbeautifullyshatteredXx; charles cdv; FoxSage19; theshrewedshrew; Kushina's Truth of Hell; perfect beauty; InARealPickle; ZeroTail29; Mudcake; Ben Vilhaven; Christina322; Shinobi111; Operaman Bye Bye & Konoha's Crimson Fox.

RESPONCES

NarutoBigFreak - Thanx!

Shauni2420 - If you know anything about my story then you should know I like to take my time. I hope I didn't make you wait too long for this chapter. =D

SenninClaudio - Well, I thought about this chapter for a long time and after a few re-edits I think I've come up with a great new chapter. Hope you like it.

airnaruto45 - The Ninth! Definitely the Ninth for two reasons. 1. Thier treachery knew no limitations in life and 2. They would settle for nothing less than the Highest level. They are the Uchiha afterall! Lol!

maxslayer10 - Well, Sasuke knew Naruto was using the name Namikaze. So he knew who Naruto's father and mother already were.

Diamond Man - I plan to clarify Sasuke's reasoning a bit in this chapter. I left it a bit vague and confusing on purpose. Glad you liked the chapter.

beautifullyshattered - Well yes, I kinda think Sai and Hinata would make a nice couple. So I've begun the process of those two possibly getting together in my universe. IMO, Itachi had to play a big role in the end. And I'm happy my attempt at it was so well received. And I thought it would be important to allow Sasuke have a momenty to speak with his brother like Naruto had with his parents. I hope the bi-weekly wait isn't too long for you. =D

Charles cdv - Ok, are you talking about my story or are you eating Mcdonalds? Lol!

FoxSage19 - It was very important to me to finally resolve the issues between the brothers and Naruto and I think this was the best way to do so. If Kishi does the same I will completly support it. Glad you enjoyed it.

theshrewedshrew - Here's the thing about my Itachi story, I wanted to intergrate it with all of the things Kishi established in the canon so it became plausible. If you remember: there was a scene in the canon where Kushina tells Naruto how she and Sasuke's mom were friends. In fact Kushina tells her that she is close to having the child. I believe Sasuke's mom is the one who betrays Kushina to Madara. It was also stated that the Uchiha were not there during that incedent which means they knew what was to happen. I took a few creative liberties here and there but for the most part I wanted my story and Kishi's to match up.

I have always wanted to read Kishi's brother's work but I never had the time. It is on my to do list though. And though I personally don't believe in fate I do believe Sasuke was right when he said that a final showdown between he and Naruto was inevitable. Glad you loved the chapter and sorry I had you waiting up so late for nothing.

Kushina's - Itachi in the end became a very cool and tragic character once you learned his true story. Kishi does have the uncanny abilty to control our emotions about characters quickly. Glad I was able to touch you that way...emotionally! I mean touch you emotionally! Heh...heh...heh..._..._

perfect beauty - Thanx.

InARealPickle - LMAO! WOW! I'm not really sure what's funnier...the idea that this chapter is some sort of love letter to the Uchiha. Or that I am some sort of Uchiha fanboy!

1. This story has as much to do with settling Naruto's relationship with Sasuke as with anything else. It was inevitible that I cover this as well dealing with the unresolved issues between Sasuke and Itachi. And considering I spend most of the time showing the treachery of the Uchiha I can't see how you could think that this was a possitive story.

2. If you knew me, or rather, if you followed the posts I write in or you would know I am actually anti-Sasuke. But this story isn't about my beliefs. It's about doing what's right for the sake of the characters. So I left my beliefs regarding what I would do about Sasuke aside. Instead I looked at Naruto and who he is as a character and did what I think is more likely to happen.

Hope this helps to clarify my stance on things. =D

ZeroTail29 - Thanx.

Mudcake - Glad you loved the chapter Mudcake. About Mikoto Uchiha. Don't be shocked if Kishi makes it so she betrayed Kushina. Remember, Kishi gave us a scene where Kushina tells Mikoto that she expects to give birth any day now. And Madara had to find out about it somehow. PLus Itachi's parents wern't around during the attack. I think Mikoto, in the canon is guilty of something.

I still have so much work to do before I'm good enough to write a book. But thanx for the complement.

Ben Vilhaven - Relly? I'll have to go back and find that error. So you liked the SaixHina pairing too huh? YATTA! I really think that thier personalities really match up well. And yes, as the new head of the Hyuga she can pretty much do what she wants and be with who she wants. =D

Glad you love/hate my cliffhangers!

Christina322 - Here's a little secret, I was the same. I was introduced to the series via Cartoon Network and eventually I began watching the subbed versions online and then the manga. =D

Though Sasuke is not my favorite character. Actually, I'm a bit of a Sasuke hater TBH. But I felt I had to put my bias aside and present things as honestly as I believe it should be. These three had unresolved issues I believed had to be resolved for all of them to finally move on and that was what this chapter was about. I'm glad the emotion I tried to convey through these characters affected you. Sometimes it's tough to do that without actual visual aids. And don't worry about the long review. I love long reviews. It allows me to really get a sense of what your thoughts are about the chapter. I hope to hear from you again. ;)

Shinobi111 - Don't be ready to assume that Sasuke's a nice guy all of don't just go from evil to nice in a moment's notice. Lol!

operaman bye bye - Nope. He wants to become the host of the Jyubi in my story, same as in the canon.

Konoha's Crimson Fox - Thanx.

MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR

Ok, so here is Chapter 36 of my story. Please remember to leave a little review for this chapter. And Happy Canada day or Independance Day for all of the Candians and American's out there. =D

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book III: End of Innocence

Chapter XXXVI: Sasuke's Decision

******Konoha – Outside the Hokage's Mansion******

Flanked by Koharu and Homura, Tsunade stepped outside and stood on the steps of the Hokage Mansion to greet The Raikage and Kazekage. "Lords Raikage and Kazekage, it's a pleasure to see you again," Tsunade said with a smile. "I can't thank you enough for your assistance in this battle. I shudder to think what would have happened had you both not shown up when you did."

"Yes, yes," the Raikage said. "Tell me Lord Fifth, where is the Sixth Hokage?"

"He is…..indisposed at the moment," Tsunade said. "I've taken over control of all operations."

"Indisposed," The Raikage asked as he followed everyone back into the mansion. "What could be so important that it would take precedence over a war?"

Tsunade remained silent as the Raikage looked at her. It was obvious he wasn't going to get any further answers. The Raikage sighed and then said, "Alright then, since you are handling things I would assume it was you who allowed the Jinchuriki to leave the village and enter the battlefield? What the hell are you thinking Lady Hokage?"

"I have to agree with the Raikage," Gaara said. "I don't believe it was wise to let him go, especially without any escorts."

"For all we know he could be in Madara's clutches by now," The Raikage said angrily. "This was completely reckless Tsunade!"

Tsunade smiled weakly as for a moment she seemed a million miles away. She could remember Naruto's words to her so many years ago. "You and I are different," Naruto said. "I'll definitely take the name Hokage. Because it's my Dream to become Hokage! Until I become Hokage…..I refuse to die!"

Tsunade then looked to the Raikage and Gaara and said, "You're both probably right. But you Gaara, know as well as I do, Naruto is someone that just makes you want to bet on him. He'll find a way. He always does." Gaara nodded his head in agreement and appeared satisfied with the answer.

"Tch, nonsense," the Raikage said dismissively. "I'm sorry but I operate in reality. And in reality I see Akatsuki as the organization that successfully captured eight of the nine Tailed Beasts including my own brother. They should not be underestimated so easily. Now what are we doing to stop them?"

"As you know all of our armies withstood heavy casualties," Tsunade said. "Right now I'd say we've lost roughly half our fighting force to either death or injury. I've ordered half of our remaining force to guard our perimeter. Konan, the self appointed Arashikage, is gathering the other half to prepare a counter offensive. I'm awaiting her word."

"And that's another thing," The Raikage said. "This Konan, from what I understand she is a former Akatsuki herself. Should you be so ready to trust her?"

"Konan has proven her loyalty with the blood of her own people in this war," Tsunade said. "She made a point of having her people on the front line and it has cost her dearly. Not only that but Naruto himself vouched for her. That's good enough for me."

Just then a ninja came running up to them. "Lady Hokage," he yelled as he ran up and dropped to one knee. He then handed her a small scroll which she read quickly and intently.

"Hmm, it looks like our perimeter has been successfully secured," she said. "And our counter task force is ready to go. Excellent."

Just then another ninja came running in. "Lady Hokage, Lady Hokage," she yelled as ran up to Tsunade. "We've just received something you need to see immediately." The ninja then reached behind her a pulled out a small slug, about the size of her hand.

"That's Kotetsu," Tsunade said as she reached out and took the Slug. "This is Sakura's Slug summon." Kotetsu appeared weak and damaged. It was clear the creature was barely hanging on.

"Tsunade-sama," Kotetsu said. "Sakura-sama…..sent me. She…wanted me to tell you that…Naruto-kun is right now fighting Uchiha Sasuke. He's located roughly ten miles north east…..of here. Sakura-sama fears that Naruto-kun needs help. She's asking that we send him assistance there immediately."

"Right," Tsunade said. She quickly looked to Inoichi and said, "Have the entire force head to that location! Inform Konan and the squad leaders that I expect nothing less than for them to move at full speed. Anyone who can't keep up is to be left behind!"

Inoichi quickly turned and began to relay the information when Tsunade noticed Gaara was walking towards the exit. "Gaara," she said. "Where are you going?"

"To help save my friend," Gaara said. "I intend to make sure everyone gets there as quickly as possible."

The Raikage quickly turned to follow Gaara out the door. "He's right," he said. "If I'm going to witness the end of the world I'd rather fight against it than sit here!"

Tsunade took a deep sigh and began to follow when Koharu said, "Tsunade, where do you think you're going?"

"You can't go as well," Homura said. "With Danzo missing you are the Hokage. Someone must remain here to control things!"

"The Hokage huh," Tsunade said as she seemed to be thinking something over. "Come to think of it there is something I need to speak to you about." Koharu and Homura merely looked at Tsunade in confusion as she smiled at them.

******Meanwhile******

Naruto blocked Sasuke's kick with his right arm and threw a punch that hit Sasuke squarely in the jaw. The force of the blow nearly made Sasuke tumble back and fall but he quickly gathered himself. Sasuke wiped the blood from his mouth as he glared at Naruto. "Is this the best you can do," he asked. "I keep telling you, if you keep holding back you're going to die!"

Sasuke sprinted towards Naruto and leapt into the air. Sasuke kicked Naruto but Naruto was able to block the attack. Sasuke quickly spun in the air and back kicked Naruto from the other side sending him crashing into the ground.

Sasuke wasted no time as he quickly leapt high into the sky and yelled as he came crashing down and slammed his knee directly into Naruto's spine and rolled back and up onto his feet.

Naruto screamed and winced in pain as he looked up at Sasuke's face. "Get up Naruto," Sasuke said. "This can't be your best. I want to fight you at your best."

Once the pain became manageable Naruto slowly got to his feet and began to limp towards Sasuke. His limp slowly increased to walking, then running, and soon he was sprinting towards him. Naruto closed in and threw a right cross that Sasuke blocked. He then immediately followed it up with a left and caught Sasuke squarely. Before he could recover, Naruto punched him with a right, then a left, then a right and a left before he kicked Sasuke in the chest knocking him back and to the ground.

Naruto stopped and leaned forward on his knees and was breathing heavily as Sasuke remained face down on the ground motionless. After a few moments Sasuke slowly began to get to his feet. His face was bruised and blood was leaking from his nose. "Why did you stop," he said. "Didn't I tell you not to hold back?"

Sasuke suddenly took off towards Naruto, he leapt into the air and threw a roundhouse kick at him. Naruto caught Sasuke's leg in mid air and swung him around and slammed Sasuke to the ground. He then punched Sasuke several times before Sasuke was able to kick him in the face, knocking Naruto back.

Both men grimaced in pain as they slowly got to their feet and stared each other down. They then took off running at each other. Naruto threw a punch and Sasuke grabbed his arm and flipped him upside down. While still in the air, Sasuke kicked Naruto in the chest and Naruto's body was launched back and slammed head first into the ground before his body tumbled to a stop.

Sasuke immediately sprinted towards him and threw a punch at Naruto. But Naruto caught it, clamped his legs around Sasuke's waist and rolled back pinning Sasuke underneath him. Naruto immediately began punching Sasuke in the face over and over until his knuckles began to bleed.

Finally tired, Naruto stopped and remained on top of Sasuke gasping for breath. Sasuke remained silent. His eyes were open as he looked off to the side. His face was even more bruised and he spat out blood. He then looked at Naruto and asked, "Why did you stop? What happened to your killer instinct? Are you giving me time to attack you?"

Naruto stared at Sasuke for a moment before asking, "Why are you doing this Sasuke? It's almost like you want me to beat you to death."

Sasuke's body began to crackle with electrical energy, forcing Naruto to leap off of him. Slowly Sasuke staggered to his feet and looked at Naruto. "You want to protect your home don't you," he asked. "You want to protect your precious comrades right! Well, I plan to kill them! I plan to kill them all! So stop me! You've always wanted to know which of us was stronger! Just like I did! So find out now! Let's finish it!"

"Right," Naruto said. "With this I'll end it, Sasuke." Naruto created a rasengan in his right hand just as Sasuke created a Chidori. Both men stared each other down as they prepared for this one, final move. Just then Naruto felt a sudden shift in his mind as if an alarm had gone off.

Naruto looked off behind him and was so wrapped up in whatever he was thinking about that his Rasengan faded away. "Sakura-chan," Naruto whispered.

"What's that," Sasuke asked.

"Sakura-chan," Naruto said even more nervous. "Her chakra….I-It's dropping incredibly fast. Something's wrong!" Naruto reached out with his mind trying to grasp hold of her chakra but it was weak, too weak. "I-I-I have to go to her," he yelled. "Granny Toad!"

Out from the trees, Shima leapt into the clearing. She already knew what Naruto wanted and as she unwrapped the large scroll she said, "Right, Naruto-boy!"

Sasuke looked on curiously. So that's the creature with the low chakra signature that was helping Naruto, he thought.

Shima made seval hand seals and said, "Reverse Summoning Jutsu!"

A Naruto Sage clone appeared in a puff of smoke and Naruo quickly reversed the jutsu. Sasuke was surprised to see that Naruto was once again in his Sage form. So that's how he did it, Sasuke thought.

"That's the last clone NAauto-boy," Shima said. "Be careful!"

"Right," Naruto replied. "Thank you Granny Toad. You should head home now."

Shima looked at Sasuke with a stern expression as Sasuke looked back with a blank look on his face before she disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"I'm sorry Sasuke," Naruto said, "but I need to leave!" Naruto leapt up towards the nearest branch only for Sasuke to appear in his way.

"Where are you going Naruto," Sasuke said blankly.

"Didn't you hear me Sasuke," Naruto yelled. "Sakura's in trouble! I need to go to her!"

"Why should I care about such a thing," Sasuke said. "My purpose here is to fight you. I already told you, I finally want to settle which one of us is stronger."

"Sasuke," Naruto yelled as he glared at him. "This is the last time I'm going to tell you to get out of my way."

Sasuke stared at Naruto's wild eyes. He could see the desperation in them. "However," he said. "It's clear that right now you are too distracted to give me your best." Sasuke stepped aside. "Go," he said. "Rid yourself of the distraction and then return. I'll wait for you here."

Naruto walked just past Sasuke and said, "I could use your help in this Sasuke. You and I both know he's there."

Sasuke sighed and said, "My, my, but you're still an idiot aren't you? Saving people….that's always something you've been good at. Not me. You should hurry. I won't wait around forever."

Naruto nodded and handed Sasuke something. "In case you change your mind," Naruto said before vanishing before Sasuke eyes leaving him alone.

Sasuke leapt back down to the ground and slowly walked towards a large fallen tree. As he walked through the large clearing he looked about at all of the craters, broken trees, destroyed boulders and all the other signs of his and Naruto's battle.

Sasuke reached the fallen tree and took a seat and sat solemnly for a long while. After a moment he opened his hand to see what Naruto handed him and was surprised to see it was a soldier pill. Sasuke stared at it for a long while and then said, "In case I change my mind huh?" Sasuke dropped the pill on the ground and leaned back looking up at the sky. The moon was now reaching in front of the sun. "Naruto, you really are a fucking idiot."

******Meanwhile – Elsewhere******

Naruto pulled his special kunai from the tree it was embedded in. It was the same kunai Sakura had pulled from his belt and threw at Kisame before he left her to fight on her own. He had teleported here hoping Sakura would be nearby but she was still a ways away. Naruto placed the kunai in his tool kit and looked around at all the destruction around. I never should have left her, the thought as he took off towards her direction.

******Meanwhile – Elsewhere******

Madara stood calmly as he held Sakura in the air by the neck using only one hand. "Quite impressive Haruno Sakura," Madara said as he continued to squeeze. A feint glow was emanating from Sakura's neck as she clutched at Madara's hand. "You're using the last of your chakra reserves and flooding it into the muscles in your neck preventing me from snapping it."

Sakura was frantically pulling and Madara's fingers while trying to kick free. She could feel the last of her chakra beginning to give out. Madara's grip was getting tighter and she was finding it harder and harder to breathe. "However," Madara said. "It seems you are finally at your limit."

The last of Sakura's chakra finally gave out as the muscles in her neck relaxed and Madara immediately began to apply more pressure. Sakura's vision became hazy and her head was pounding. "N-Nar-u-to," she was able to whisper as she finally lost consciousness.

As Madara was about to squeeze the last bit of life from her he saw a shadow in front of his that was fast approaching. Someone was coming up from behind him at an incredible speed. Unable to dodge Madara instead turned intangible, causing Sakura to fall limply through his hand. At the exact same time his attacker passed harmlessly through him and Madara instantly turned solid and threw a punch at his attackers back only for the man to grab Sakura's falling body and vanish along with Sakura before his eyes.

"Hmmm," Madara said. "So he did learn that technique."

On the other side of the lake Naruto gently placed Sakura on the ground and propped her against a tree. He lightly brushed back the hair out of her face as he ensured she had no critical injuries. Naruto wasn't a medical ninja, but in his time traveling alone he learned enough to treat emergencies. Her neck was bruised from Madara's grip and she had many other bruises, cuts and bumps but nothing looked dangerous. Her breathing was shallow but steady. Naruto sighed in relief as he pulled one of his special kunai from the tree and gently wrapped Sakura's hand's around the hilt and placed it on her chest.

"Impressive isn't she," Madara said as he stood several feet behind Naruto. Naruto remained unconcerned as he continued to ensure Sakura was fine. He didn't even look back. "I've been alive for over one hundred years and in that time I have seen many amazing things. None to me are more amazing than witnessing the creation of a new genetic mutation within a person known as Kekkei Genkai."

"Kekkei Genkai," Naruto whispered as he continued to observe Sakura as she slept.

""Yes," Madara said. "As you know, Kekkai Genkai are abilities that can only be passed down through blood lines. But every Kekkei Genkai has a point zero. Or rather a beginning mutation. She appears to be that beginning. I have seen this before. I would say that about one in one hundred thousand are born with the genetic combination that would allow them to create a new Kekkei Genkai. But of that few, less than a third ever do."

"But that's not always the blessing is sounds like," Madara said. "Because the Kekkei Genkai is new it is often unpredictable and uncontrollable. Many are killed by their own power. I have witnessed a man burn themselves alive and drown themselves. Once, I even saw a young boy who had the ability to secrete acid from the pours in his skin. Unfortunately he himself, was not immune to that acid. It was not a pleasant death.

"But her…..she's different…..very different," he said. "In fact I'd say that her Kekkei Genkai is one of the most unique you could ever find. To put it simply her Kekkei Genkai is….Complete Chakra Control."

"Complete Chakra Control," Naruto whispered.

"Her Kekkei Genkai she performs on herself," Madara said. "Many ninja can control their chakra. Some can do it at a higher level. But she can command her chakra on a cellular level. The earliest manifestation of her power was so subtle it probably wasn't even noticed by Tsunade."

"Her healing ability," Madara said. "It's exceptional. Even more so that Tsunade's. She can heal injuries that should kill others. And that's because as a medical ninja with this special Kekkei Genkai she can control and adapt her chakra to a greater extent than anyone before her. Send a command to heal and it will heal so long as she has enough chakra."

"Conversely," Madara continued. "Just as she can command her chakra to heal she can also command her chakra to kill."

Naruto gasped as he heard Madara's words. "You mean…."

"Yes," Madara said. "That is how she defeated Kisame. Kisame, in his shark form, can directly absorb chakra from his target and use it to fuel his own body. Well, as he was absorbing her chakra, in an act of desperation, she likely wished he would die and subconsciously sent the command. Her chakra adapted and became like a poison. Kisame absorbed it and the chakra attacked his vital organs and chakra network like a virus. He never stood a chance."

Naruto took a deep breath and stood up and slowly turned to face Madara. Madara continued to look at Sakura and said, "Think about it," he said. "A Kekkei Genkai that allows you to heal almost any wound, that makes you practically immune to any poison, gives you the ability to break any Genjutsu and that can allow you to heal and even kill with just a touch. It's a shame she's such a detriment to my plans. I would love to experiment on her."

Naruto clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "You'll never touch her," he yelled. "You will never touch a hair on her head again." Madara and Naruto remained silent as the stared at each other. "Why did you bother to tell me all of that anyway?"

"Why," Madara asked. He then looked up at the moon and sun and said, "I guess I'm just stalling for time." Madara then laughed as Naruto tensed up.

"I see," Naruto said. Suddenly Naruto was inches from Madara and punched him in the face launching him airborne. Before Madara could hit the floor Naruto appeared behind him and kneed him in the back pitching Madara high up into the sky. Again Naruto appeared above Madara as he ascended into the sky and Naruto grabbed him by the face mask and began descending down to the earth below and slammed the back of Madara's head into the ground, causing the earth beneath Madara's head to crack.

Naruto stood up over Madara and stared at him impassively before taking a few steps back. Madara quickly opened his eyes and sat up. "My, my, my, you sure are fast," Madara said. "You may even be faster than your father."

Madara got to his feet and then shrugged. "But none of that really matters Naruto-kun," he said. "Nothing you can do can change things now." Naruto roared as the sprinted at Madara and punched him in the face yet again. Madara pitched back and Naruto appeared behind him and kicked him in the back of the head, launching him forward.

While airborne Naruto grabbed Madara by the arm and swung him around and slammed him into the ground. He then pulled him up and threw his body into the nearby trees and bushes until the momentum carried him off the edge of the cliff. Far below was the lake and the Valley of the End. Naruto appeared above Madara and kicked him in the sternum and Madara was launched down, slamming into the water far below.

Naruto quickly dove into the water and located Madara and began punching and kicking him until he needed to get air. A few moments later Naruto climbed up and stood atop the water and waited.

A few moments later Madara climbed up and stood on the water. His mask was cracked in several places including part of the jaw and the left eye. "Such viciousness Naruto," Madara said. "Have I finally struck a nerve?"

"My mother, my father, Itachi, Sasuke and so many others," Naruto said. "You're going to pay! You're going to pay for all of the suffering you've caused!"

Finally the last of Madara's mask fell away and Naruto gasped at the sight. Much of the skin on Madara's face was rotted and peeling away. His lips were rotted and half gone revealing brown, decaying teeth. It was as if Naruto was staring at a living corpse. "What," Naruto whispered as he fought the wave of nausea that hit him.

"Do not look so surprised Namikaze Naruto," Madara said. "One does not live as long as I without consequences. It is not the body that makes me immortal. It is my spirit. My soul combined with the power of my eyes and my will to achieve that has kept me alive."

"You," Naruto said. "You didn't survive the battle with Senju Hashirama did you? You died, didn't you? You…..you're just a corpse without a grave."

"Yes," The Nine Tails said. "His hate….it was so powerful…..so all consuming….that it refused to allow his spirit to leave this world. It forced his spirit to remain in a body that was dead. That is why his power was never restored and he needed to build Akatsuki. A dead body can't harness chakra properly."

"You and all of you pathetic ninja of Konoha believe that the Will of Fire can conquer all," Madara said.

"Yet it is my hate that allows me to still stand above you," Madara replied. "It is my hate that gives me the power to achieve my goal."

"You're goals will end here Madara," Naruto said. "You will end here. For the sake of all the innocents of this world. I will finally put you to rest."

"And how do you plan to do that on your own," Madara asked.

Naruto grinned. "I'm Namikaze Naruto, The Red Tornado of Konoha" he said as the water began to move and pitch about wildly. Madara looked about and quickly drew his War Fan from his back. Using his Sharingan Madra could see countless pinpoints of chakra under the water that was fast approaching the surface.

With a smile on his face Naruto said, "I am never alone Madara." Suddenly hundreds of clones burst forth from the water and immediately attacked Madara. Madara quickly began to swing his fan about taking out one clone after another. Impossible, Madara thought. When did he even create these clones! Several clones moved in with punches and kicks and Madara immediately turned intangible allowing the attacks to pass through him. He then quickly turned solid and sliced through the clones.

He then threw the fan while holding on to the attached chain. Madara's fan sliced through all of the clones ahead of him and then Madara pulled on the chain and began swinging it, slicing through clones as he leapt about dodging attacks.

As he landed on the surface of the water, Madara felt someone grab both his legs. He looked down to see two clones holding on to him. Another clone said, "I've heard from Konan that you can only maintain being intangible for about five minutes! Let's put that to the test!"

Immediately more and more clones leapt out of the water and Madara noticed they each had an explosive tag strapped to their chest. Madara turned intangible just as hundreds of clones closed in and began exploding, one after another.

Madara then heard Naruto scream and Naruto leapt from behind a wall of clones with a large Rasengan in his hand. "Rasengan," Naruto yelled as he closed in. Naruto passed right though him and the Rasengan exploded as it hit the water. Madara leapt back out of the range of the explosion and landed a few feet away and once again he was under attack by dozens upon dozens of clones.

The real Naruto stepped from the smoke of the Rasengan and watched as his clones tried in vain to defeat him and would explode while near him. "Tch," Naruto said as he continued to analyze the situation.

Madara knocked away several more clones with his fan when he heard Naruto scream again as he leapt towards him with another Rasengan. This time Madara side stepped Naruto and swung down with his fan slicing him in half. But to his surprise Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke. A Shadow Clone, Madara thought when he heard a bell like screech approaching from behind him.

Madara was forced to remain this way for a long period as more and more clones chased after him and exploded. Soon a clone ran at Madara and he punched the clone away and leapt to dodge the explosion.

Naruto smiled when he saw this. He didn't turn intangible that last time, Naruto thought. Which means…..!

Turning Madara saw two large Fuma Shuriken made of light zigzagging towards him. "RasenShuriken," Naruto yelled as his attack closed in on Madara.

"Shit," Madara said as he realized he could no longer make himself intangible. Naruto's attack struck head on and the resulting blast destroyed the remainder of his clones as the explosion consumed a large area.

Naruto was breathing heavily as he looked on as the last remnants of the massive explosion died away and the smoke began to settle. His eyes opened wide in disbelief when he saw a large glowing creature surrounding Madara. "S-Susanoo," Naruto said as he stared at the glowing yellow eyes.

Unlike Sasuke's Susanoo, Madara's Susanoo was black and was fully formed with armor. Its face was covered by a hood and mask and only its menacing eyes could be seen. Instead of an arrow launcher or shield this Susanoo and a large spear with a large, ornate arrow head. "Kyubi," Naruto said. "Are you rested enough? Because I'm going to need your power!"

"I'm rested up enough but I can't loan you my power," The Kyubi responded.

Naruto quickly formed another Rasenshuriken and threw it at Madara. He was stunned when he saw Madara's Susanoo use its spear to knock the Rasenshuriken right back at Naruto. "Shit," Naruto yelled as he leapt out of the way of the blast. Naruto quickly tumbled over the water and came to stop and stood up, waiting for the explosion to die down.

Suddenly the large spear cut through the smoke, hurtling at Naruto with surprising speed. Naruto leapt in an effort to dodge the attack but the massive arrow head sliced him in the side of his stomach as it whizzed by.

Naruto stumbled and fell to the ground clutching the large wound that instantly began to pour blood. Incredible, Naruto thought has he coughed up blood. The speed of that attack was faster than Sasuke's Susanoo. Even with Sage chakra I could barely avoid it.

Madara walked though the smoke and stared at Naruto who was struggling to stand. What will you do now Naruto, he thought as he keenly observed him.

"Kybui," Naruto said. "I need to use your power now!"

"No way boy," the Kyubi replied. "You don't understand, Madara is….!"

"What's there to understand," Naruto yelled. "I can't defeat this guy without it! And if you won't give me your power willingly I'll have to settle with taking it by force!"

"You stupid human," the Kyubi yelled. "Listen to me! Madara is…..!"

But it was too late. Naruto approached the cage the Nine Tails was held in, Naruto forcefully broke it open and began to absorb its power. Madara, with the power of his Sharingan, saw this. Now, he thought as he suddenly appeared behind Naruto in his mind.

"What," Naruto said surprised as he saw Madara appear.

Madara quickly made several hand seals and said, "Sealing Jutsu: Demon Fang Seal!" Four large, bone white spikes, about three stories high and as thick as a large oak tree appeared above the Kyubi and fell, piercing through its front and hind legs and pinning it to the floor.

The Kyubi roared in pain and anger and then said, "You stupid brat! I was trying to warn you that Madara wanted you to use my power!"

"Correct," Madara said. "Thanks to your father I am unable to control the Kyubi directly. But I still can indirectly, by using the connection you, yourself use Naruto. But I had to wait until the Kyubi, and your power, was low. Sasuke was able to take care of that for me as well. Now both you and the Kyubi, lack the chakra to defy my will."

******Meanwhile – In the real world******

Naruto found himself on all fours straining in vain to get to his feet. What…..is….going on, he thought as he fought and fought to stand. But he couldn't even move. Both his arms and legs were pinned, much in the same way the Kyubi was now pinned.

"Don't bother trying to stand Naruto-kun," Madara said. "You and the Kyubi are linked remember? Your pain and predicaments are his and his are yours. Just as he is sealed, so too are you."

C'mon, Naruto thought. Move! Move! "Move damn it," Naruto yelled as he could feel the Nine Tails Cloak begin to cover him. Two Tails, Three Tails, Four...more and more he began to transform to resemble a mini Kyubi but still he couldn't move. Naruto roared like a beast as he fought and the water all around began to rage wildly under the influence of his chakra. But still he couldn't move.

"Damn you Madara," Naruto yelled in a beastly voice. It was if both his voice and the Kyubi's had become one. "I swear to you I will get free and I will kill you!"

"Heh," Madara laughed. "Is that so?"

"You may have caught me," Naruto yelled. "But you'll still have to transport us! And how do you plan to seal the Kyubi? You need the help of other Akatsuki! And most of them are dead!"

Madara remained silent for a moment and then said, "You are right. Transporting you like this is impossible for me alone. And I don't have days to seal you." Madara looked up to see that the eclipse was minutes away. "I have little time in fact. But luckily I've planned for this."

Madara made several hand seals and yelled, "Summoning Jutsu: Gedo Mazo!" Naruto looked on in shock as the foreboding, demonic statue slowly rose out of the water behind Madara. Naruto began to thrash about wildly as he desperately fought to move, but still he couldn't.

"Even with Gedo Mazo you lack the people to successfully perform the sealing," Naruto yelled.

Again Madara laughed. "True," he said. "As I am now I lack the ability. Usually it requires a total of ten powerful and skilled ninja to use Gedo Mazo properly. And even then it takes three days. One person isn't powerful enough."

For a moment Madara remained silent. As if he wanted to give Naruto a sense of false hope. "Unless," he finally said. "That one person has a massive amount of chakra. Someone like….oooooh, Uchiha Madara. And that person had a powerful body capable of withstanding the physical drain. Such as the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama."

"Hah," Naruto laughed. "I've seen your chakra. It is not large enough. And The First has been dead for decades."

"Oh really," Madara said with the sound of great satisfaction. "Zetsu."

Slowly Zetsu began to rise out of the water next to Madara. "Yes Lord Madara," he said.

"It's time to fulfill your final role," Madara said.

"Of course my Lord," White Zetsu said.

"As you command," Black Zetsu said.

"Zetsu," Madara said. "He was my creation using the DNA of the First Hokage."

"The First Hokage's DNA," Naruto asked.

"Yes," Madara said as he faced Zetsu and removed his glove, revealing a frail, decomposing hand. The two Venus flytrap protrusions one either side of Zetsu split even further and Madara placed his hand on Zetsu's bare chest and to Naruto's amazement Zetsu's flesh began to bond with Madara's bare hand as Madara began to slowly absorb him.

"Decades ago I got hold of his DNA and replicated it and using Gedo Mazo I created this White Zetsu. But like you said, to use Gedo Mazo one must have a massive chakra supply. Thanks to Hashirama and even your father the majority of my chakra was cut off from me. But though I could not use it directly I could physically store it elsewhere. That place, was Zetsu. That is how Black Zetsu was made."

Naruto winced at the sound of Zetsu's bones cracking and liquefying as it was reabsorbed into Madara. "Of course removing my chakra sped up my bodies deterioration," Madara said. "But it was worth the price of having this living battery of power to use just in case."

I don't get it, Naruto thought. If he could do this the whole time why have Akatsuki perform all of those sealing's instead of doing it himself?

"Such a technique most likely drains his chakra to the point he can only do it once," The Kyubi said. "He probably wouldn't survive doing this technique again. He had to gamble that the ninja he gathered to form Akatsuki would be strong enough to gather the beasts themselves or at the very least gather enough where there was only one left."

"Correct," Madara replied as he absorbed the last of Zetsu. Naruto was shocked to see that some of the decomposition of Madara's body had reversed significantly. Much of the skin on his face had repaired itself, though parts of his face remained decomposed.

"But…..how….do you plan….to seal away the Kyubi in time for the Eclipse," Naruto asked.

Madara laughed. "The power I have now is enough to make what would take days now be complete in minutes!"

Suddenly a dozen black chakra disruption blades shot from the statue and pierced Madara in the back. Blood spurt from the wounds as Madara coughed up blood, all the while he maintained a devious smile. Suddenly Madara began to glow with black energy and the energy swiftly climbed up the rods and into the statue and it too began to glow. "Boy," the Kyubi yelled frantically. "You need to do something! He's about to take us!"

Naruto began to think over every option he had as he desperately tried to think of something to free him. Madara slowly began to become even more emaciated and his body began to decompose. "Too late," he said with a smile as he made a hand seal and said, "Sealing Technique: Illusionary Dragon, Nine Consuming Seals!"

One by one a green glow appeared on each of the finger tips of the statue and then its mouth opened and nine dragon shaped effigies poured out and engulfed Naruto.

Naruto suddenly felt as if he were struck by a mountain as all strength seemed to leave his body. Slowly his body began to float as energy poured from his eyes and mouth.

******Meanwhile******

Sasuke sat back and stared up into the slowly darkening sky. The moon was now about half way in front of the sun. Sasuke sighed and glanced down at the soldier pill he had thrown down. He then closed his eyes and took a deep measured breath.

His brother's voice constantly echoed in his mind. "….If you can seek revenge for the sake of one brother, why can't you seek peace for the sake of another?"

"I knew you had the strength to go beyond all those who had come before. You could break the cycle of hatred in the Uchiha."

"When I was very young someone once told me that a good man learns from the mistakes of his past. But a great man never allows his past to rule his future. I have faith in you little brother. We both do."

Sasuke considered his brothers words when a sudden memory came to him. It was like a dam bursting forth and all that water which he had sealed away and forgotten, came flooding back to him like a crushing wave.

******Konoha Cemetery – Twelve Years Ago******

Sasuke stood over the grave markers of his mother and father and cried. He cried and cried. He had no idea how long he was there, all he knew was that at sometime this morning there was a funeral. Now the full moon was high in the sky shining down on him mockingly. His body was shaking from fatigue, grief and hunger. But he didn't care. He had more tears that had to be shed. His feet would remain rooted to the ground like a tree until he was satisfied.

A cold wind blew by that chilled him to the bone. It was as if the elements were testing his resolve to remain here. Everything was now a test. That was what his life was to be now. He decided that. That he would use everything to test his growth and strength. He would use it to push him. To motivate him. And then one day…one day…that bastard…he would pay.

Finally the tears were stopping when he felt someone's hand on his shoulder. Looking up, through his blurred vision he saw it was he Third Hokage. Hiruzen stood looking sadly over the dozens and dozens of fresh graves. He took a deep drag from his pipe and then forced as bright a smile he could to Sasuke.

"I know this is hard," he said. "But in time there will come a moment of true clarity for you my boy. I want you to know that you are not alone. I am here for you. Everyone in Konoha is here for you. Death is not an easy thing to accept. The pain of loss is not something that can ever be forgotten. But it is a truth of life that what we lose inevitably makes us stronger. Because we seek the strength to keep what we still have. To prevent that loss from happening again for as long as possible."

Sasuke rubbed his eyes and looked at the graves. Gone. They were all gone. How could any good come from something like this? "I will find strength," Sasuke said. "But not to keep what I have. Because now I know I have nothing. No, Lord Hokage. I'll find strength to avenge what I've lost. From this day on I will dedicate all that I am to be an avenger! And I will make him pay!"

The Hokage stared at Sasuke for a long while and gently squeezed his shoulder. "I see," he said. "You know Sasuke, several years ago a young man once told me that a good man learns from the mistakes of the past. But a great man never allows the past to rule his future. Perhaps that is some wisdom you should consider."

The Hokage turned to leave when Sasuke called out to him. "That person who said that," Sasuke asked. "He couldn't possibly know what this pain is like."

The Hokage took another drag of his pipe and nodded his head. "You're probably right. Few can say they have experienced a loss such as yours. But he could. He knew that loss well."

"Who was he," Sasuke asked.

The Hokage looked back and said, "His name was Namikaze Minato. The last of the Namikaze clan."

******Land of Fire - Now******

Sasuke's eyes opened quickly as he remembered those last words. "Namikaze Minato huh," Sasuke whispered. "That's Naruto's….."

Sasuke took a deep breath and looked at the soldier pill. His face grew stern and he reached down and picked it up. He stood up and dusted the pill off and then quickly threw it into his mouth and chewed. Sasuke's facial color suddenly turned green as he nearly threw up. "Ack," he yelled as his face twisted in pain and disgust.

What the hell is that, Sasuke thought. Who the hell made that mud ball! Suddenly Sasuke felt a surge of energy as he felt his chakra begin to restore itself and many of his wounds began to heal. Sasuke looked at his body and smiled.

Sasuke then immediately leapt up to the nearest tree branch and began making his way towards Madara and Naruto.

******Meanwhile – In a Place Where Time Holds No Meaning******

"Kyubi," Naruto screamed as he saw the large Statue called Gedo Mazo looming over him and the Nine Tails. "Kyubi you have to fight!"

The large beast called Gedo Mazo opened its mouth and began to absorb the Nine Tails, slowly consuming him. As this happened the entire area began to turn white. The water, the cage where the Kyubi had been kept, was all fading away to nothingness, while Naruto himself found he was getting weaker and weaker.

"Kyubi," Naruto screamed. "Fight back!"

"Shut up boy," The Kyubi screamed. Naruto cold see the hate and anger in its eyes. But there was something else. In the Kyubi's eyes he could see fear. "It's over…Naruto. You should have listened to me. Had you hardened your heart perhaps we could have avoided this fate."

"If I hardened my heart I would not live as I am," Naruto said as he desperately pulled at the Kyubi.

"And now you get to die as you are," The Kyubi said mockingly. Naruto suddenly lost his grip as the Gedo Mazo pulled the Kyubi into itself and everything around him turned white.

"Naruto!"

Who is that, Naruto wondered. Who's voice is that calling me? It sounds like a man. Who is it?

"Naruto!"

It….now a woman is calling me, Naruto wondered. The voice….it sounds…..familiar…..but I…..I can't remember. Who is it?

"Naruto!" "Naruto!" "Naruto!"

So many people calling my name, Naruto thought. So many faces. Why can't I remember who they are!

"NARUTO!"

Who, he wondered. Who is that? Na….ru…..to? Who is that? Is that me? Is that my name? I….I can't remember! Who is that! Who am I?

"Naruto!"

Who….is that person, the man thought as he faded from existence.

Suddenly a large Fox-like beast appeared as if from no where. Its eyes were full of malice and its breath stank as if from hell itself. The Beast was inches from him when it opened its massive jaws showing rows of sharpened teeth. The beast roared, easily deafening him. "If I must go," the beast yelled. "Then you shall share in my fate!"

"What are you," the man yelled as the beast moved in and swallowed him whole.

******Meanwhile – Land of Fire ******

Dozens upon dozens of ninja ran through the woods and leapt through the trees as they frantically made their way to the location Sakura's slug, Kotetsu had given them. "Keep moving," Temari yelled as she and her brother followed behind Gaara who was at the head of the massive unit. He was moving so fast few could keep up. Suddenly they saw the moon fully cover the sun and the entire land darkened. Everyone could feel the ominous foreboding clutch at them as the world descended into darkness.

Naruto, Gaara thought as he suddenly took off, sprinting even faster, leaving everyone behind.

******Meanwhile – Valley of the End******

Sasuke leapt through the trees as fast as he could. He looked up at the dark sky and gritted his teeth. After a few minutes the he reached the clearing and looked down to see the valley below. In the center of the lake was Gedo Mazo and an emaciated Madara standing before it. He could see Naruto floating in the air surrounded by the energy of the Nine Sealing Dragons.

Sasuke's eyes grew wide and he dug his fingers into the bark of the tree. Damn it, he thought. He was just about to leap towards them when the energy from Gedo Mazo stopped and the ninth and final eye opened.

"No," Sasuke whispered as Naruto's lifeless body fell, crashing into the water, his eyes open and vacant.

Sasuke clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he saw Naruto's body slowly begin to sink into the murky depths of the lake. "Naruto," he yelled frantically.

******Meanwhile******

"Naruto," he stirred as he heard the sweet female voice in the distance. "Naruto? Naruto?"

The boy sat up suddenly, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. He looked around his room and calmed himself. A nightmare, he thought. It was only just a nightmare.

The boy rested and stared up at the roof. "Wow," he whispered. "What was that all about?"

Just then he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," he said.

The door opened and middle aged woman poked her head inside. She had long, thick red hair, fair skin and violet eyes. She had a bright smile that could brighten any room. "Naruto honey," she said. "It's time for breakfast."

Naruto smiled and said, "Great, I'll be right down mom."

End of Chapter Thirty Six

Next Time: The Nightmare Begins! Jyubi Reborn!