Chapter 20: Itachi Uchiha

It was a rainy day today, and a perfect day for a funeral. Jiraiya's funeral was held today as Naruto wore a suit and tie for the funeral. He met up with Tsunade, as she was dressed in black for this funeral. "Are you ready to go?" Naruto asked Tsunade, as she tearfully nodded. The two arrived at the Great Hall as the funeral was going to happen there, but before Jiraiya's coffin was buried, he had to have his last rites. Everybody was there for the funeral, as they were offering their condolences to the two. Soon the funeral commenced, as Dumbledore began his funeral speech.

"The end of another year. There is much I want to say to you all, but I believe we have to acknowledge a terrible loss. Jiraiya was, as you all know…a hard working professor…a fierce warrior…and a good friend. Now I think, therefore, you have the right to know exactly how he died. You see…Jiraiya was murdered…by Lord Voldemort!" Dumbledore stated. Naruto and Harry knew what really happened, but they knew in a way that it was Voldemort who caused all this pain. "The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so, would be an insult to his memory. Now the pain…we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me…and reminds us…that while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues…our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events…the bonds of friendship we've made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Jiraiya will not have died in vain. You will remember that…and we'll celebrate a man who was…fierce and loyal…brave and kind… and true, right to the very end."

The funeral was over as everybody except Malfoy and his cronies raised a glass cup in honor of Jiraiya. Everybody left the Great Hall, except for Naruto as he wanted to grieve a little more. Dumbledore allowed the boy, as he figured it was only fair for the boy to do so. Naruto grieved, but the tears never dropped as he became hollow. It was the last few days of the term, and Naruto's friends tried to comfort, but the boy couldn't respond or acknowledge it as he felt empty. It wasn't until Naruto went to Dumbledore's office as Dumbledore called for him to come inside. "You wanted to see me?" Naruto asked the old man as he walked to the boy. "Naruto, I wanted to give this letter to you, as Jiraiya wanted you to have this," he explained as he handed the boy the letter. Naruto looks at Dumbledore, "Tell me…is it you who sent Jiraiya out there?" he asked. Dumbledore sighed, "Yes, it was me who sent him out there and it's my fault I got him killed with this mission." Naruto got angry, "Why?! Why did you send him out on a mission knowing that he will die, huh?! Tell me!"

"Because he chose too," Dumbledore said calmly, which shocked Naruto. "Jiraiya chose this mission, even after I tried to deny this request. I couldn't afford to make you lose your sensei, let alone a good man, but he wanted to do as he needed to keep you and Harry safe. This world isn't exactly a perfect world, as there are some people that are way more terrifying than Voldemort. Jiraiya did some spy work for me here, and what he found was that Voldemort had an ally, a masked man of sorts, who had been helping him. Naruto, from what you and Harry have told me, you have confirmed my suspicion, for that you need to be ready for what is to come, promise me you will keep Harry safe, do you understand?" he asked. Naruto nods, "Ok then, but that doesn't mean I won't forgive you that easily," he said as he took the letter. "I know and for that I'm sorry, and you have every right to not forgive me," Dumbledore stated. Naruto soon leaves Dumbledore's office with a letter in his hand.

Naruto was in the Gryffindor dorm, playing the guitar as he tried to take his mind off of his loss. He was playing a song("Sign" from Flow), but he still couldn't take his mind off of Jiraiya's death. Heck he even still gets nightmares, to the point where he was looking a lot more tired. But that's when he decided to look at the letter, and it was Jiraiya's final letter. Just then Hermione came in, as she had a box of cookies. "Hey Naruto, can I come in?" Hermione asked as she wanted to see if Naruto was ok. "Come on in, I could use some company," Naruto said as he tried to smile, but he was holding back his emotions. She entered the dorm and sat next to him, as she noticed that he had a letter. "Who's the letter from?" she asked as Naruto ate a cookie. Naruto finished the cookie, "That's Jiraiya's last letter, Dumbledore gave it to me when I went to his office today," Naruto explained. "Have you opened it yet?" she asked, as Naruto shook his head.

"Naruto, it's better to open it…see what Jiraiya had to say to you, so that you can get closure," Hermione recommended. Naruto was contemplating it, but figured that it's best he get this over with, so he doesn't live with the regret of not knowing what Jiraiya had to say to him. He opened the letter and began to read it.

Dear Naruto,

If you are reading this letter, it means that I have died. Granted I would never expect it to happen so quickly, but the world isn't fair and it will never be. When I first met you, I thought of how you reminded me of your parents, as you look a lot like your father, but acted a lot like your mother. Whenever I saw you, I always felt guilt knowing that I should've taken you in when you were only just a child, but you have grown up and found your place in a world unlike ours. You have shown me that you have the skills and the heart to be both a wizard and a shinobi. I understand that you may have questions as to why I died and why I chose to write this letter.

At the time I wrote this letter, you have just beaten Gaara and managed to change him for the better. When I heard what you did, I knew you were going to surpass us all, but I may not be there to see you progress further. However, that doesn't mean I don't take pride in your accomplishments. No matter what happens to me, I will always be watching over you, and will cheer you on to see that you reach for your dreams, no matter how hard the journey is.

In the event of my death, you still need training, so that's why I have a colleague who will continue your training. Note that he too was a shinobi from Konoha, he will be much more tough and strict, and you might know him, but have never seen him in person. As such, that doesn't mean that we will baby you, as you need to learn to handle things on your own, so luckily I leave all my notes, scrolls, and books to you along with you having the family library to your disposal. I also leave my cabin to you, with everything I own now belonging to you, so use it well in case you need an escape from all the stress as soon you will be going to your fifth year and things will get much more stressful.

Dark days are coming as Voldemort and his army of death eaters are rising. So you and your friends need to get stronger and much wiser. Make new friends, that will guarantee you powerful allies and be wary of people that will take advantage of who you are. Especially the ministry, for I believe there is corruption that reminds me of the council back in Konoha. However, if by chance you return to Konoha, be aware of the council as they will try to take control of you, along with a group of individuals called the Akatsuki. The Akatsuki are a group of terrorists that are kidnapping jinchuriki for something beyond our control, and luckily your new sensei will fill you in on the details, as your new sensei is also my informant. But let's move on to something lighter shall we…

My whole life I thought I was a failure. Continually rejected by Tsunade, unable to stop my friend, and unable to protect my students. I thought I could protect you and the village, if I had just stayed away from the village. I lived with that guilt, and when I heard that you have disappeared, my heart shattered as I have failed you and your family entirely. I blamed both myself and my sensei for not doing enough and I was close to casting away my allegiance to Konoha. I dedicated months to finding you, and when I met the Sage of Sixth Paths and heard that you survived and were in this world, I was happy, and I knew I couldn't let this opportunity go by, so I accepted the offer to train you. Not only were you my best student, you have brought me a sense of family, and became a son to me. You not only helped me regain those feelings of happiness, you also helped me get together with the woman I love, helped me to find a place in this world, and helped me create new friendships with the people here.

But the moment that has really made me proud was when you finally accepted your family's legacy and swore to surpass us all, and I have no doubt that you will achieve that goal. As you know, you are growing older and older each day, and so I ask you to become stronger than ever, not as a wizard and not as a shinobi, but as a person and embrace everything, even my death, and use it to make your own future. My deepest regret is I will not see you grow into the good man I know you will become. And finally my student, I ask you to never abandon the ones you care for to fate. But I have faith you will one day bring hope to everyone. In death, I will love you forever

Your Sensei and Godfather,

Jiraiya

P.S. That Hermione girl is a keeper, so I'm glad you found someone you love

Naruto read this letter, and for once he finally let out all those tears he held. Hermione was there to comfort him, as the boy kept crying. After that was over, Naruto swore to himself that he will get stronger and defeat both Voldemort and Menma in the hopes that he could fulfill Jiraiya's last wish.

The Last Day of School

The students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are about to leave Hogwarts. Naruto greeted Gaara one last time and the two promised to keep in contact with each other, before they shook hands. Naruto also greeted Fleur and Krum, one last time as they were about to leave. Naruto meets up with his friends as they were about to wish the two other schools goodbye. "Do you think we'll ever have a quiet year at Hogwarts?" Ron asked jokingly as he jumped down from the small wall. The three just looked at Ron and said never in unison. "Everything's going to change now isn't it?" Hermione asked remaining in her position. She almost looked like she was about to break down, but she held it in. Naruto went up to her and placed a supporting hand on her arm. "Yeah…everything is going to change, and we have to be ready now…more than ever," Naruto said as he knew what was going to happen, and he had to be strong…to avenge Jiraiya.

"Promise you'll write this Summer," Hermione said as she interlinked her arm around Naruto's. Naruto smiled, "For you, anything," he said as Harry also agreed, while Ron being Ron as usual said no, even though he eventually agreed. They all watched as the Durmstrang ship went underneath the water, and the Beauxbaton carriages flew up, and everybody clapped. Naruto and Harry were soon approached by Cedric. "Hey guys, I just wanted to say thank you for not leaving me out there in the maze. Naruto…I'm sorry about what happened to Jiraiya," he said. Naruto nods, before Cedric continues. "Just so you know, I know you guys will be having to fight Voldemort as I believe you guys, so that's why I'm going to help you, every step of the way," Cedric stated. The two were silent before they brought out a fist, as a sign of a fist bump. Cedric knew what they were doing and smiled, as he too fist bumped with them, confirming that they are now allies.

Everybody was packing their bags as they were going to leave Hogwarts, but before Naruto boarded the train, he had one last thing to do. He went to Jiraiya's cabin as he took one last look at it before he left. He found a picture of him and his sensei along with Tsunade and Shizune as they were taking a family photo together, and he smiled at the picture. "I see you're still looking at the picture, huh?" Naruto turned around to see Tsunade as she sadly smiled. "Hey Tsunade, I'm just taking one last look before the school year ends," Naruto said. It was silent for the two as Naruto was helping her pack up. "I'm sorry Tsunade…I'm sorry I failed to protect Jiraiya," Naruto said. Naruto kept berating himself for his failure, when Tsunade had enough and hugged the boy. "Naruto, stop blaming yourself. Jiraiya chose this mission and he knew what was going to happen, so it's not your fault. Jiraiya wouldn't want you to be like this, so please…stop blaming yourself," she said as tears dropped. Naruto felt like a complete ass for berating himself, as he knew his sensei and his friends wouldn't want him to wallow in his own sorrow. He hugged Tsunade, as she continued crying.

The train ride home was quiet, but it was fine with Naruto as he needed some peace and quiet. Naruto heard from Harry that their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor wasn't their professor, but rather an imposter. The fake professor was Barty Crouch Jr, and he was responsible for everything that happened this school year. They found the real Mad Eye Moody who was trapped inside a chest. Welp another year, another Defense Against the Dark Arts professor gone. Naruto sat next to Hermione, as she smiled and laid her head next to his shoulder, sleeping as it was rather a tiring day. He along with the others soon slept as they really needed the rest. Soon the train finally arrived at the station and it was evening time.

The four were walking out of the train and into the station as they were greeted by their adult guardians. Ron and his siblings went to their family, Harry went to Sirius and Shizune, and Hermione went to her parents. Naruto went to Tsunade, who was waiting for him there. The adults heard about what happened to Naruto's sensei so they offered their condolences. Hermione's parents also approached Naruto and congratulated the two for getting together, and they offered him to come by to their house some time, which he accepted. Soon Naruto went home with Tsunade as they settled back in.

Naruto entered his room as he put Kage's cage down. "I guess the house just got a little empty, huh?" he said to Kage as he sat down in the bed. "Not entirely," the crow said, which shocked Naruto. "Wait, you can talk?!" he exclaimed, as Kage bobbed his head. "However, this isn't my true form," Kage said as he flew out of the cage and transformed. It turns out the crow was a tall man in his early twenties, with fair skin, black eyes, and stress lines on his face. He had jet-black hair that was wrapped in a low ponytail, along with center-parted bangs that extended to his chin. He wore the leaf headband, though there was a slash mark on the headband. He also wore a black cloak, with red clouds on it, and underneath the cloak was a mesh armor that was hidden in a dark blue t-shirt with a white belt over dark blue trousers. In a way, this guy reminds Naruto of Sasuke Uchiha, just by how similar they look.

"Who the hell are you?!" Naruto shouted as Tsunade rushed in wanting to know what was going on. She was shocked by who was there and she was about to prepare for a fight when the man raised his hand. "At ease everyone, I'm not here for a fight, but rather I want to talk," the man said. He turns to Naruto, "My name is Itachi Uchiha, and we have much to discuss." Itachi explained everything to the boy about who he is. "Why did you kill the clan?" Naruto asked as he was suspicious of the guy as he was a member of the Akatsuki. Itachi explained his reason, and let's just say that it shocked Naruto and Tsunade. "So this whole time you didn't kill the clan just because you wanted to, you did it because you had to, for the village," Naruto said as Itachi nodded. This really made Naruto and Tsunade lose respect for the village as there could've been another solution, but they chose this route.

However, a question remains, "How did you even come to this world?" Naruto asked as he needed to know how Itachi got here. Itachi explained about how one day he was with his partner doing some mission, when all of a sudden a bright light took him. He mentions how he met the Sage of Sixth Paths and how he saw a vision of the future. From that vision, he knew Naruto needed to be strong in order to bring peace to both worlds, so that's why he decided to accept that role, even though he still had to do his mission for the leaf back home. "I've been watching you over the past few years, and you are strong, but you still need more training as the threats you are going to face will be a lot more dangerous and unforgiving. Jiraiya has taught you to be a fighter, your professors at Hogwarts taught you to be a wizard, but I'm going to teach you how to be a shadow. I will teach you how to fight like an anbu as well as teach you the way of the sword. But just know that my training is a lot more strict and I am not so lenient when it comes to this kind of training, so do you accept?" he asked. Naruto was thinking about it and he knew in order to protect the ones he cared for and defeat Menma, he would have to be much stronger. Naruto looks at Itachi with a serious expression, "When do we begin?" Itachi smiled, "Your training begins tomorrow, get some rest." Naruto did just that, and as he slept he knew, tomorrow will be the day things really change.

The End

Note: That wraps up volume 4, as I'm now planning volume 5. Oh man things are about to get a lot more dark in future volumes as Itachi is now going to help Naruto out with his training, and this will be the beginning of a more mature Naruto, though he still is going to be the loveable character we all know. Anyways this volume is another favorite to work on, and thank you so much for the good reviews, it really means a lot. Have a great day or night everyone, peace!