My Ninja Way

After given the photos months kept on passing. No one heard anything from the blonde ninja. Except one. Naruto had kept his word and saw Gaara. He had gone six months without his red-headed brother and he knew Gaara was more unsettled. When they finally met Gaara couldn't help but let his barrier down and cry in the blonde's arms. Naruto just holding him and promising him that he was safe. He filled Gaara in on where he was and what he was doing at the moment. Gaara didn't tell him about the pictures he let the Uchiha brothers keep. He felt wrong keeping it from him but he didn't want Naruto angry. "They are still looking for a fifth." Gaara informed as the two looked out to the glowing white moon. "I know...I will help in the search. I know exactly who." Gaara looked weary for a moment knowing if Naruto was caught he could be sent to death. "Don't worry about me Gaara. I promise as long as the moon rises I will always come back." Gaara only nodded knowing that Naruto never broke his promises. After all it was Naruto.

Uzumaki Naruto

When it was time to search for the Hokage Jirayia was sent to search for the Slug Princess. With him was Sasuke who wasn't too happy about it. He would rather have stayed back in the village to train or do something else then spend time with the perverted book writer. The thoughts of Naruto still haunted those who knew him nothing could be done. Not until the blonde was found. Then could they really get the answers.

Naruto ran across tree branch to branch. He told Orochimaru who he would busy for a while and told him he would train on his own. Figuring the snake would try to tail him he threatened to cut off his tongue. He couldn't help feel...as if he was bantering with the snake. Granted they had their very, very awkward moments when he would complement Naruto on his features. The shiver couldn't be stopped. It was just too creepy. Naruto tried not to think of it as a family. No way could that be a family. Everyone was a tool and Naruto was there to stop them. No matter the cost.

He had been able to get in contact with Madara and inform him of his decision. The peace loving man didn't take to kindly to it but he promised to stick to the treaty with the leaf. Naruto had also been able to go to Haku and Zabuza. They were now part of the Akatsuki and they were a great addition. Zabuza though didn't take kindly to Hiden who had a mouth on him. He didn't like that Haku would be hearing such degrading words and had threatened countless of times for the god worshiping S-class ninja to "shut the hell up before I rip you a new one". Haku had taken instantly to the whole organization. He loved what they stood for and most importantly he was with his special person.

Naruto smiled gently as he remembered his visit. Haku had been smiling so much. Zabuza actually looked nice...enough. They wore the clocks and their headbands had one line running through their village symbol. Now they were a family. They were the people Naruto would acknowledge. Secretly Gaara was also part of it. But he was Kazekage now so he couldn't just up and leave. He had a village to run after all. Even if he was still in training it would a while before his village fully accepted him.

"Naruto!" Shouted a happy Haku who had his hair down making him look like a girl. Naruto gave a small grin as he landed near the group who was resting. Kisame, Zabuza, Haku and much to the demon's displeasure Hiden was there. Naruto had been able to catch up to them while he was returning back to his hideout with the snake. He gave Haku a hug and wave to the other three. He knew well they were not hug friendly.

"What brings you our way?" Haku asked the smile still in place. Naruto wanted to wince but he held back from doing do. "I just got with meeting Madara erm...Tobi. I am now with Orochimaru." The caused the four to silence. Hiden stopping his argument with Zabuza and Kisame's grin to drop from watching the two. Haku looking like someone killed his puppy. Naruto glanced to all them. "Why? I thought you wanted to protect your village?" Haku asked stepping forward to Naruto who sighed looking down before looking up a small smile on his face. "I know...I do. I am. By going with him I have prevented something bigger than us all. I am not evil like him." Naruto stated reassuring the female looking boy who just nodded slowly. "I hear he likes boys. Pretty ones." Hiden added with a smirk that looked forced. As if he was trying to make since of the situation but was worried over the fact that Naruto was with someone who could harm him. Naruto saw and sensed this and gave his own reassuring smirk. "Saying I'm pretty?" Hiden couldn't help but chuckle at his comeback. But the uneasiness was still there. They were all worried for their blonde haired friend who saved them from themselves.

"I will do anything for my village. My friends and you guys. I don't know how long I will be with him. Madara is informing the others now. Along with other news you will notified by him. I will see you guys later. I need to get going." Though as unexpected as it was Naruto should have expected it. One by one they gave him a hug. Haku being last this time. "Don't die on us kid. You die...so does our hope." Zabuza added with a serious tone. Naruto gave a weak smile. "Then I would have died in vain." Zabuza just looked down and Naruto took off.

He shook his head as he looked to the rising sun. It's been two months and he's been catching up to his old teacher. Pervy sage. He chuckled at the memories of him. The pain still in his heart with Tsunade told him he was killed. But he was alive. He kept chanting that in his mind. "As long as I believe. Everyone who died in the past will stay alive...and live well."

He froze though. Remembering who he went through getting Tsunade to believe in him. His eyes narrowed, Orochimaru and Kabuto. They didn't have to tail him. They were going to the same place. For two different reasons.

"Fuck." He cursed as he tapped into his fox chakra to speed up. He had almost forgotten that small detail. Good thing Orochimaru knows him to be random. If not he would be screwed though after this little confrontation he would still be screwed.

Two weeks later Naruto was finally at the small town that held Tsunade. Most likely drunk. He had felt the chakra signatures of the Pervy sage and surprisingly Sasuke. Never mind that. I need to find that damn hag. Speaking of the hag. He heard her drunken laughter coming from a gambling hall. He sighed shaking his head at her antics. "Something's never change huh granny?" He asked chuckling looking up at the sky. He found himself doing that a lot...more than Shikamaru!

"N-Naruto?" Said blonde froze. He looked back to the gambling hall and saw Tsunade coming out her eyes wide. The necklace...around her neck. Naruto looked back quickly. "It is you...isn't it?" Naruto couldn't move. Why was she talking to him like she knew him. She wasn't supposed to! They never met...not in this life time. Naruto looked up to her face. Her eyes were watering and her body was shaking. Naruto wanted to step back. Wanted to scream at her. But something wouldn't let himself move. "I-I don't remember everything. Tell me what's happening." Her voice sounded scared. Abused...broken. Like before she died in the war. When she said her last words. Naruto felt tears come to his eyes. "Of course you would keep your memories. The necklace...it belonged to you in the first place." Naruto whispered almost harshly. "The war. It hasn't happened...you did it again Naruto. You're saving us...again." Naruto heard the sorrow in her voice. Knowing she couldn't do a damn thing about it. Leaving it up to the blonde once more.

They were standing in the street behind the gambling hall. Both looking at each other as the wind blew past them. Shizune and the pig standing next to Tsunade with a knowing look. Ton-ton the pig had died long before the war but he remembered Naruto. Shizune had died trying to save Tsunade. Naruto felt the pain seeing their faces. "You guys weren't supposed to remember. None of you. You were supposed to be given a clean slate." Naruto's voice cracked. "We were close...especially with this necklace binding us. Why? Why did you go back in time? A war is a war. You can't stop it Naruto!" Tsunade cried angrily.

"Stop! You're going to get yourself killed Naruto!" Shouted a blonde haired women whose blue drop was no longer on her forehead as she used her strength to fight out others. Naruto didn't look back as he used another Rasengan on their enemy. Their bigger threat who was trying to kill the children. He was thrown back after hitting his mark grunting in pain. He opened his eyes only for them to widen. "Tsunade!" He screamed as he lunged forward his eyes filling with horror as his grandmother figure was stabbed through the chest. Tsunade's eyes were wide with shock as she fell to her knees blood dripping from her fatal wound.

Shizune had screamed before running to where her fallen leader laid. No sooner had she tried to heal her a sword came and killed her. Naruto couldn't do anything. He watched as they were killed before getting up shakily. He needed to keep fighting. He tried to keep the tears from falling as he fought. It didn't work.

It began to rain soon after they were killed and Naruto couldn't help scream out in pain as he defeated the one who murdered them. He kept screaming unable to find solace in the rain. More of his precious people were killed and he just sat there and watched. That night all he could do was stare blankly at the stone walls that had long ago been a home. Memories of them laughing plagued his mind. He had no more tears to cry that night.

Naruto looked down to the ground his hands fisting tightly. "What do you want me to do then? Give up?" Naruto asked the older woman who grew silent. "Do you expect me to sit back and watch everyone die again? To watch you and Shizune die right in front of me?" Again silence greeted his question. "I can guarantee you Tsunade that I'm not going to give up. I never gave up back then and I'm not going to know. I've been working every day. Every second to make sure they are alive. To keep this war from happening." Tsunade looked like she wanted to cry. She didn't nearly as ragged and torn as she did before they were brought back.

"You went back to a village that hates you. Wants you dead. To do what to keep them alive? For what! Answer Naruto. Why would you risk your life for people who don't care whether you live or die?" Naruto only smiled. "Because I know who they were then. I knew who they were meant to be before the damned war. I don't care if they hate me know. They will always be my friends. My precious people. No one, not even you can tell me either wise. I refuse to give up. I will never give up!" Naruto glared at the much older woman. Damn his height. But what do you expect he was only 13 or so now.

Tsunade stepped back seeing how determined Naruto was. Flashes of him in their past came. Ones from when he was a child. From him fighting in the war. Even then nothing about the blonde boy changed. He was willing to risk his life over and over again to save them all.

Suddenly two figures jumped down to the middle of them. Naruto scowled. "Look who's here. If it isn't Jirayia and Sasuke." Naruto's scowl only depend as the white haired Sannin glared at him. "Hello Naruto." The white haired male greeted with his own scowl Sasuke just looked conflicted. "Tsunade hope you're not hurt you old bag of bones." Called the Pervy Sage giving the Slug Princess a grin. Tsunade looked pained seeing her old friend alive and grinning at her like a fool. "You idiot I'm not old!" She cried out. Naruto held back a sad smile. Damn...I miss that.

"What are you doing here Naruto? You're in every Bingo book. You shouldn't even be alive." Spoke Jirayia with malice. Naruto felt himself wanting to shrink to hear such hate from the man he saw as a uncle. Tsunade took a step forward holding a hand out to Naruto who gave a dark look. "Don't." It was a simple command and the older woman looked so torn seeing this. "Tsunade don't feel sorry for this kid. He is the sole reason for the third being killed." Jirayia stated his eyes never leaving Naruto's. "Yeah. I suppose your right. After all if I wasn't me then he wouldn't have come to get me. Perhaps then the old fool would still be alive." Naruto let a lazy smirk come to his face as he saw the two grow angry. Tsunade and Shizune looking down. They had heard the news and who was to blame but they knew better.

"He wasn't a fool. He died for his people!" Sasuke glared at Naruto but something about him looked so wrong. Flashes of the pictures he was given came to mind. "This isn't you Naruto. I know it isn't!" Sasuke suddenly shouted causing Naruto's smirk to falter. His eyes widening for a split second before his face was went blank. "You don't know anything Uchiha Sasuke." Naruto began to walk towards them drawing out shuriken's to attack but he was stopped by a familiar chakra signature. "Aw, Naruto. I didn't expect to find you here." The hiss came out with amusement playing on the words. Naruto held back a shudder but turned his head slightly now seeing Orochimaru and Kabuto. "Why don't we take this somewhere else?" Kabuto suggested with a smile but everyone knew it was fake.

Naruto looked straight at Tsunade before turning around and taking off with the other two. Jirayia was unable to stop Sasuke from following and in turn had to follow the boy he was looking after. The other three not far from them. As they ran to where ever Orochimaru was leading them Naruto looked back to see their faces. So lively...so alive. Naruto looked back down to hide his smile.

You guys...

When they came to a clear field they faced each other. Naruto, Kabuto and Orochimaru stood at one end while Tsunade, Shizune, Ton-ton, Jirayia and Sasuke were at the other. Both groups facing each other. "I'd hope to speak with you. Just didn't know that our old friend was going to be with you." The hiss came out with a smile and Naruto openly scowled. "What do you want Orochimaru?" Tsunade questioned but she knew what he wanted. He wanted her to fix his arms. Or at least try too. Her thoughts were confirmed when the snake hissed out his words. "No. You got yourself into that mess. Get your own way out." Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him. Kabuto glanced at his Lord before looking to Naruto before smiling to the other group.

"Must be nice to see old friends. Isn't that right Naruto?" Naruto snorted softly. "An old man and another boy. Hardly call friends." Naruto frowned. But they were just that. Even more so. Sasuke, his best friend. Jirayia, his uncle. The one who taught him about peace. His prophecy. It still lived within him. Within Nagato, Konan, Yahiko and the rest of the Akatsuki. "Ah, that isn't nice Naruto." Kabuto let out a light chuckle. "Even so you don't have a choice Lady Tsunade. After all comrades is just that. Until the very end." Naruto fisted his hands.

"I said no." Naruto looked up to the sky. Until he heard rustling. He looked down to see Kabuto ready to attack. While Orochimaru took on Jirayia and Sasuke. Naruto was torn. He watched as Tsunade began to fight off Kabuto and his uncle and best friend fight out a snake that had no use of his hands. Shizune was standing back and Naruto looked at her.

"Promise me Naruto. Fight your best during this war." Shizune stated as she stared at the starting war with Naruto. "No matter what...we have to believe in a better future. We believe in you Naruto to get us there." Naruto nodded numbly as crying children became the sad music. "I won't give up Shizune. I promise you that."

There was a gasp and Naruto looked quickly. Tsunade was on the ground trying to get up. Kabuto's fist ready. Naruto ran forward standing in front of Tsunade and Kabuto's fist connected with his head. Both stood still as blood began to run down his head slowly. "You will not hurt her." Naruto growled out as he brought his hand up. "Rasengan!" He cried out as he sent his chakra into Kabuto's body spiraling back into a boulder. Everyone stood still as Naruto attacked. Orochimaru scowled. "Naruto do you still have feelings for your old village? Such a pity. But I don't want to anger you. You are my favorite." He cooed and Naruto repressed another shudder. Though Sasuke didn't and shuddered. "God that's creepy." He swore he heard Naruto respond with "You have no idea."

Tsunade looked at Naruto. The scene very familiar.

She felt tears prick her eyes but Naruto turned to her slightly. Her eyes widen seeing him though soon as she did he was gone. Kabuto was on his back as he began to heal himself. Orochimaru also next to him. "Until next time." Orochimaru chuckled as they vanished. Well he sunk into the ground. Naruto just poofed with Kabuto.

Jirayia was at her side helping her up though questions running through his mind. "...I'll do it." That surprised the two before her. "Huh? I thought we were going to have to convince you. After all you declined in the letter." Jirayia stated as he helped her. "Oh that can be explained!" Shizune stated with a light smile on her face. "How?" Both Pervy sage and Uchiha asked. "I was drunk." Tsunade stated simply with a grin.

Both of the males made a face. 'You got to be kidding me' face. Tsunade only laughed and Shizune giggled lightly.

Tsunade looked at Naruto with wide eyes as he turned to her. She saw his smile. The same gentle smile he had when he was truly happy. His lips moved as he mouthed the words to her.

"Keep believing in me Granny. I love you."

By the time they reached back the village everyone was outside waiting for their new Hokage. Rumors that Naruto was seen there had spread like wildfire as well. When it was time to announce it Tsunade stood there overlooking the village for a moment.

"Keep believing in me Granny..."

Tsunade could only smile lightly. "I am your fifth Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leafs. Konoha will never fall as long as I am alive!" Cheers were heard as Tsunade finished. Konoha will never fall as long as Naruto believes...and I will keep believing in you brat. She thought as she took her place in history.

Sasuke had gone in search of Itachi. When he found his older brother he only saw him looking at the pictures. Moving he sat down next to him. "We were right. Something is right. I saw him Itachi. I saw Naruto." Itachi's head snapped up. "During the retrieval of the Hokage. He was there with Orochimaru...he protect Lady Tsunade. He even went as far as telling Kabuto he wasn't allowed to hurt her." Itachi looked back to the pictures. "I never saw him move so fast...but he protected her. I was able to read his lips with my sharingan but it makes no since." Sasuke stated with a sigh. "What did he say?"

Sasuke looked down to his lap pulling out his own pictures. "He was talking to Tsunade. He said 'Keep believing in me Granny. I love you.' then the three left. She knows something Itachi." Said brother looked out before them. "Your right...we will have to talk to our new Hokage about this." Itachi's eyes filled with determination. He wasn't going to give up on finding out the truth. Onto why he couldn't remember Naruto. Or at least why he felt so conflicted.

"What if we can't figure it out?"

"I'm not going to give up 'Tachi!" "We keep after it."

"What if there's nothing left to figure out?"

"I know I've had a hard life. But if I keep trying. Keeping believing I know I will be someone one day. Hero or not. I will make a difference." "There always is. We feel it. Something about Naruto leaving doesn't make sense. It is only natural for us to figure out why."

"Do you really think we can?"

"Itachi...you better not give up." "Of course we can. We just have to keep believing what our hearts tell us."

"You know you're a pain in the ass. But I love you too much 'Tachi."

Itachi looked back to the photos knowing what his heart was telling him. The fragments of the memories breaking pass the seal. He was in love with Naruto Uzumaki and he wasn't going to give up on him.

Sasuke looked back to his pictures.

"Sasuke you're a bastard!"

"Oi! Get your duck-butt ass over here, bastard."

"Your my rival bastard. I gotta train to be better then you!"

"Ramen! Come on buy my ramen!"

"I don't need your help!"

"Sasuke...you are my best friend. More than that. You are my brother."

He had been having his seal break along with Itachi. Letting fragments of memories come to him. When he saw Naruto for the first time in months he was speechless. He wanted to go to him and hit him. He wanted to scream at him. Yell at him...and cry for him. So many emotions had rushed into him upon seeing his ex-teammate. How he protected Tsunade...the fierce and sincere anger he had for Kabuto who had tried to hurt the older woman.

"He called me bastard. All the time." Sasuke muttered with a light smile. Itachi frowned slightly. "He called me pain in the ass." The Uchiha's glanced at each other before they began to laugh. Truly laugh.

"Freakin' Uchiha's! Think you're so smug!"

Another chapter done! The last memory was just a joined memory of Itachi and Sasuke when they were teasing Naruto. Review!