Do I Have A Purpose Anymore?

Chapter 26: "Reinforcements"

"Daaaaamn it I'm bored! When the hell are they gonna get here?"

A man snorted in complaint, the sound filling the otherwise silent room, bouncing off the walls, echoing loudly. After a moment, another voice rang out in deadly authority and with annoyance.

"Unless you want to end up like Suigetsu only by my hand, I suggest you be quiet."

"Hey, the nine-tails didn't beat me that bad Madara-sama." Deidara submissively pled in his defense, before adding.

"We just got caught off guard, that's all."

The clay using Akatsuki member still wasn't too pleased by the direction the battle had taken and he wanted to be well prepared before he ran into the Jinchuuriki again.

"And because of that, Suigetsu is dead."

There was a forboding silence and they all knew why. For Suigetsu to have been killed so easily, so effortlessly…...it was more than a little concerning to the elder Uchiha. Naruto had slaughtered Suigetsu, as if he were just a mere genin, not an S-Class missing nin. That meant Naruto had grown even stronger, since the Fourth Shinobi war.

Madara was brought out of his musings, when Zetsu rose from the floor and announced.

"They're here Lord Madara."

"I still think this is a bad idea Madara-sama, he can't be trusted. Deidara openly commented.

"Fortunately, you're not paid to think!" Zetsu grumbled in irritation, his faced hidden as always within the giant fly-trap type collar. This frigid weather was not to his liking. Why couldn't they have lured the Jinchuuriki to some humid jungle? Why did it have to be a stupid little village that was always covered in snow? He HATED the snow!

"I'd shut-up half n' half, before I introduce you to my art!" Deidara spat back in anger.

"Silence the both of you! He may not be trustworthy, but I need his skills and power to help take down the nine-tails. We lost too many of our fellow brethren in last war and now with Suigetsu's death, we need to shore up the ranks of the Akatsuki, if we are to accomplish my goals." Madara declared, before signaling Zetsu to bring their guests to him.

A minute later, an extremely pale-skinned human with waist-length black hair and amber eyes with slits in his pupils and purple markings around his eyes entered the room. He also bore two plain blue tomoe-shaped earrings. The man wore a plain grey long flowing shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt with black pants and a thick purple rope belt tied in a large knot behind his back.

Another man was trailing behind the first one. This man had onyx eyes and ash-grey hair, which was kept in a ponytail that extended to his upper back, with his bangs framing either side of his forehead. He also wore a dark purple shirt with a high collar, a white under-shirt and fingerless gloves with armored plates on the back of the hand, a white cloth waistband worn at an angle, dark purple pants, blue sandals, and a shuriken holster on his right leg.

When they pair reached the throne upon where Madara was sitting they bowed in respect, before Madara spoke up and said.

"Orochimaru, Kabuto, thank you for accepting my invitation."

"Ku, ku, ku, given our past history together, I wasn't sure that we should, but you did promise us safe passage both to here and upon leaving if we so choose. So I accepted, as I know you Uchiha hold honor in very high esteem. Now what is it that you wish to speak to me about Madara Uchiha?"

"I wish for you and your protégé to join the ranks of the Akatsuki once more."

"For what purpose?"

As you already know, the events that led up to and during the Fourth Shinobi war has left only Deidara, Zetsu, and myself as surviving members."

"What about Suigetsu? My sources informed me long ago that he had joined your ranks."

Regrettably, Suigetsu was lost to us at the hands of the Nine-tailed Jinchuuriki."

"I see, so Naruto is still a thorn in your side."

"It's a thorn I shall soon be removing, but to do so I need to bolster the ranks of my Akatsuki to help me accomplish that, hence why I have called upon you."

Orochimaru rubbed his chin in contemplation for a moment, before he asked in curiosity.

"Ku, ku, ku, if I were to rejoin your organization, what's in it for me?"

"Konohagakure."

"Our former homeland!" Orochimaru exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, the village Hidden in the Leaves will be yours to rule as you see fit, once we've conquered it of course."

"An intriguing offer Madara."

"I thought you would like it. I imagine once in power, you and your protégé can experiment on the citizens to your heart's content, as you are still seeking the prize of immortality."

"And all you need of us is to help you capture the nine-tails."

"Correct."

"If I accept and we take down Naruto and then conquer Konoha and I assume control over our village. What will you be doing?"

"With the powers of the Nine-tailed demon fox at my command, I will seek out all of those nations that opposed me during the Fourth Shinobi war and subjugate all of them under my heel for the rest of their miserable lives and beyond!" Madara answered with malevolence.

"So it's revenge you seek and nothing more."

"Yes, with the Moon's Eye plan forever defeated. I want to crush everyone who had a part in the destruction of my lifelong dream."

Orochimaru stood silent as he considered the Elder Uchiha's offer. After a minute, he finally spoke up and said.

"I will accept your invitation and the prize that goes with it Madara, but I want one more thing if I do."

"What?"

"I want Sasuke Uchiha!"

"Done, I have no love for my kinsman, considering he too helped play a vital part in defeating me and ruining my Moon's Eye plan for the future. He's yours for the taking if you wish. Madara immediately agreed, with no doubt in his voice whatsoever.

"Ku, ku, ku, I'm most pleased with this arrangement. Now do you have a plan to capture Naruto?"

"I have set a plan in motion that the Kyuubi no Youko container will come to us soon enough, whether he will do so willingly or not. I too am pleased that you've accepted to rejoin our ranks Orochimaru, but remember if you betray us again it will not be Itachi who you will be facing as you did in the past, it will be…..me!"

Orochimaru nodded his head in understanding, as he knew for as skilled and powerful as he was, it was nothing compared Madara's power and skill in battle.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Naruto spat with fury, surprised at how blatant Kakashi had been about asking.

"You want Hinata-chan and I to go back with you and Kurenai-sensei to Konoha in exchange for Bankai training? Well then you can fucking forget it Hatake!"

Kakashi noticed that Naruto still used the sensei attachment for Kurenai, but not for him. The once proud sensei of Team #7 winced at the venom his former student spat, before exhaling softly, knowing full well what his former students' reaction would be to what he was about to say next.

"I'm not asking you to decide right away. I'm only asking that you consider it."

"I have." Naruto performed an about face, his back now to Kakashi.

"And as I said before, you can go fuck yourself."

"Naruto, just do as Kakashi-sensei asks.

At once, Naruto whipped his head toward his former teammate.

"Screw you Sasuke! You were always his favorite pet on the team not me. You should do what he says, since you were the only one who he ever trained and gave a damn about! I'm not going back to Konoha just because this hypocrite asks me to. I'll learn to achieve Bankai on my own!" Naruto angrily declared, before stomping off to begin his training.

With Kakashi's offer still on his mind, Naruto scowled in determination.

"Alright, one more time!"

Irritated, but resolute to give it another go, Naruto swept his arm back out, palm resting upon his forearm, thrusting Zangetsu forward as the energy began to stream out of the sword, and into his body. Blue light flickered at his feet and then began to rise around him, forming, swirling, spiraling into...

Nothing.

Naruto's whiskered face creased in frustration, as the energies sputtered and died, leaving him on his knees gasping for air that came slowly and fitfully. Sweat beaded from his brow, forming a small puddle at his feet, a puddle which he now smashed his fist into with aggravation.

"Damn it! What the hell am I doing wrong?"

Naruto seethed internally as he looked to the right. A red reiatsu whipped around the Uchiha's body, raw, yet controlled, powerful enough to shatter a nearby tree into timbers, but held in check just the same. Naruto allowed himself a small contented smile.

Sasuke seemed to be having the same trouble when it came to controlling his energy in unison with that of his blade. No sooner had the thought occurred to him, then the dome contracted, the sphere of destruction now only extending about a yard outward. Sasuke smirked at the disbelieving expression his former teammate now wore.

"Surprised?"

"No, not at all." Naruto grumbled, forcing himself back to his feet, before his own blue reaitsu came in answer to Sasuke's red, the twin colors conjoining together and creating purple, sparks beginning to fly between their blades. In another life, such an insult sent blood boiling.

However, this was a different life, a different Naruto. His temper, still volatile as before, had now become tempered, focused upon a single goal, one sole objective and nothing else. Naruto's anger now forged, into an unstoppable blade, much like the one that lay before him; this drove him forward to his task.

Naruto Uzumaki had a purpose.

The revelation was as swift as it was stunning and everything dropped away, leaving the ex-shinobi in the blackness. All this time, what had he been fighting for? At first, it had been pure instinct, an almost unholy desire to escape, to rid himself of Konoha and all those who inhabited it, all those who had caused him pain. Like the wind that was his element, Uzumaki Naruto had no course; he held no conceivable course or direction.

Save for Tazuna and his family, that Naruto had lashed out at any and all who dared approach him, torn down all and anything that possessed the impudence, the gall to bar the wayward path that he had once believed to be freedom. He killed for survival, but he had ended lives all the same.

And then Nelliel entered his life. Considering it now, she would have charmed anyone else, no matter how black their heart into submission the moment they crossed her path. It was mere happenstance that she had encountered Naruto first, before one of the now dead bandits had noticed her.

Uzumaki shuddered at the thought and what it implied. Nel belonged to him. There was no other way to explain the complex father-daughter relationship that had flourished so seamlessly between the two. She taken to him like a fish to water, he needed her to temper the darkness that sill dwelled within him.

Then Yugito entered the fold. Perhaps it was the fact that she too was a Jinchuuriki, or that she too knew the pain of loss and abandonment, of being shunned, scorned, hated, just for her very existence. There was just...something about her. An irresistible pull surrounded her, something close to magnetism. He'd felt it the moment he'd slammed the Nibi vessel into the tree and demanded that she be quiet. The moment Nel had innocently suggested that Yugito could be a 'wife-chan' and despite his initial dismay; Naruto felt a shared bond with Yugito that no one other than another Jinchuuriki could understand.

The fact that Yugito was one of the few people who could actually spar with him and come out alive, well, that was a plus too. Then there was…...her.

Naruto never imagined being reunited with his first true love and had resigned himself to the fact that she was gone forever. So it was quite a shock to Naruto when Hinata joined his growing little family, reclaiming a tender place in his heart that had never quite healed since they'd first parted ways. Now their love with one another was as strong and as passionate as it had been years ago. It was as if Hinata had never married Kiba and that it had all been just a bad dream to begin with. As Naruto thought about his indigo-haired princess he smiled at the way her eyes misted over with motherly warmth whenever she saw Nelliel or the way her cheeks would flush a deep crimson scarlet whenever he whispered in her ear. The power she held over him with just a few soft words she could speak would calm him down in an instant or with her gentle soothing touch that spoke of a dedicated lover who knew him so well that words were not even necessary between them.

Whenever Naruto thought of his Hyuga princess, he was filled with bliss.

Last, but certainly not least there was Ino Yamanaka who had been suddenly thrust back into his life much to his chagrin. The blonde-haired kunoichi evoked a fierce fiery sensation of raw pain and agony, stabbing into his heart, twisting and knotting around his very soul. Ino still provoked age old feelings of deep love, but at the same time the pain was there threatening to strangle that love and turn it into rage. Naruto knew he had to be careful, very careful when it came to Ino. His breakup with her had actually been the most painful of them all. Not because he had loved Ino anymore than he had loved Sakura or Hinata, but because he had warned the Yamanaka heiress that his heart had been rendered so vulnerable by those two. He was fearful that if he allowed himself to love Ino and something were to happen to them, he wouldn't be able to take that kind of pain a third time. And Naruto still remembers Ino's response to his fears word for word to this day when he asked at the start of their relationship.

"Do you mean it Ino-chan, do you really love me?"

"I meant every word Naruto-kun, and I promise I'll never hurt you."

Yes, Naruto was still torn when the matter fell to Ms. Yamanaka, and it aggravated him greatly that she still held some significance in his life, whether it was a painful one or not, that was for him to decide. However, it didn't change the facts that now raced through his mind about his upcoming battle against the Akatsuki.

"I'm not doing this for myself." He had to speak the words aloud in order to actually realize them.

"No, there's more to it than that. I'm not fighting because I want to win, I'm fighting because...because I have to win. This isn't all about me now, even though I want it to be."

'I'm...not alone anymore.'

Nel, Hinata, Yugito, even Ino, everyone...

Unlikely as it would seem, Naruto, had somehow rediscovered the meaning of love and friendship. These were important people in his life once again; there were those that he wanted- no, needed to protect. And if it meant making a suicide run against the world's most powerful criminal organization? Well, stubbornness was the one aspect of his personality that hadn't changed. If it kept them safe, then it was all worth it.

With this in mind, everything became clear as day.

Spurred on by this determination, Naruto inhaled and took up Zangetsu once more. Gripping the wrapped tang in both hands the Jinchuuriki grunted, a determined scowl breaking through the half smile, as white hot fire roared into existence, spreading from the blade and into his body.

'Impressive.' A familiar voice called out in his mind, as a figure faded in and out of Naruto's head, translucent in his appearance, yet firm in his voice.

'You're much like my old master, Naruto.'

Suddenly, for a moment, a figure appeared of a tall, lean-built, and stoic middle-aged man. He had pale skin, high cheekbones, stubble, and long ragged black hair with brown highlights. His attire consisted of a tattered white dress shirt with an upturned collar and cuffs, black pants, low-heeled boots, and a long, amorphous black overcoat with a burgundy highlight that flares out into ragged ends. He wore brown-tinted, semi-transparent wraparound sunglasses. And he smiled at Naruto, before he disappeared altogether.

Sasuke, unaware of what just happened, could only blink, startled by the display.

"Dobe, what're you..."

"Zangetsu!" Naruto exclaimed, thrusting the zanpaktou before his chest for the second time grinning wildly, as the bluish black light all but howled into existence about his body, forming his own dome of destruction, a massive translucent black sphere that stretched three yards in comparison to Sasuke's one. As the Uchiha looked on in disbelief, the white cloth unwound from the tang and wrapped itself tight about the blonde's shoulder, which he thrust forward prominently, stabbing outward with the hulking blade, growling softly as the ground began to quake.

Sasuke found himself taking a small step back, as Naruto began to laugh.

'No way, don't tell me...' Sasuke realized.

Naruto had achieved the final stage of Bankai.

Another far off tremor shook the ground and Kakashi winced, as he heard the unmistakable sound of laughter in the distance. Clearly Naruto was quite content with his current lifestyle and had absolutely no desire to return to Konoha, which made his mission even more difficult than it was already.

This left Kakashi with a serious dilemma, he couldn't just drag Naruto back to the village, such a thing was impossible. Well, he could try, but he'd likely end up losing an arm in the process. Hinata would doubtlessly fight, as would Yugito. Ino's position on this was still questionable, and Kurenai would likely side with her former pupil if it came down to a fight. Sasuke wouldn't hesitate to fight Naruto though, so at least the last Uchiha could be counted on to help Kakashi complete the mission.

Then there was the matter of this little gang that Naruto had amassed. They were all extraordinarily loyal and if Naruto fought, then so would they. Then again, most of the men had left, headed for some unknown destination, the likes of which were being kept tightly under wraps.

Was now the time to strike? Now, when Naruto had only two allies instead of hundreds. It would be a simple matter to slip a harmless sedative into their food and drink, but with Naruto's superior sense of smell and Hinata's Byakugan, would such a tactic even work? It was doubtful at best.

And if he were to fail...

For the first time in his elite career as a Jounin, Kakashi felt out of control of a situation. Just the thought of fighting an angry Hyuga and a pair of raging Jinchuuriki was unpleasant. Factor in a potentially furious Kurenai and Ino with their Genjutsu abilities and actually engaging in combat with the five of them was outright terrifying.

Thankfully, an unfamiliar chakra signature was felt by the silver-haired Jounin, which broke him out of his train of thought. Performing a quick set of hand seals, he silently slinked after the suspicious bandit being careful as not to be seen through the camouflage his jutsu provided him. Sakaki Hitoshi crept through and to the very edge of the encampment, glanced around briefly and muttered to himself, before slipping into an unmarked tent. Kakashi stiffened a bit; as a small hiss escaped from the mask he always wore.

That was Kurenai's tent.

In an instant, Kakashi flew into the tent and was greeted with the sight of Sakaki pinning Kurenai down and attempting to force his way with her. A primal growl erupted from Kakashi and before he knew what he was doing, his hand was tightly gripped around the bandit's face and the Konoha Jounin was currently sending jolts of electricity through said hand. Sakaki was screaming in agony, as his face was in danger of being burnt to a crisp, before Kurenai leapt up and knocked Kakashi's arm away causing the one-eyed Jounin to drop his foe abruptly.

Staggering out of the tent, Sakaki covered his face, in a vain attempt to stem the red liquid coursing through his fingertips. The smoldering burns he had just suffered would soon become hideous and disfiguring scars if they were not tended to soon. Sakaki looked up to see several people running towards his location, no doubt alerted by his screams and quickly skulked away before being discovered.

Hinata and Ino were the first to arrive and were startled to see Kakashi come flying out of Kurenai's tent and land in a heap on the ground. This was followed by a disheveled Kurenai storming out of her tent who shouted with rage and indignation.

"What the Hell did you think you were doing Kakashi?"

It was then that Hinata noticed the top of Kurenai's bandages above her breasts had been torn open. Jumping to a conclusion that Kakashi had attacked Kurenai, the Hyuga princess shouted out with vengeful fury and attacked the silver-haired Jounin with lightning fast jyuuken strikes.

"Byakugan! How dare you attack Kurenai-Sensei!"

The intensity of Hinata's unexpected attack was so fierce, that even for a seasoned Jounin like Kakashi, he was finding it difficult to block all of Hinata's fast moving strikes. Kurenai gasped with surprise when she saw her former student suddenly attack Kakashi and hearing what she said. Looking down to see her bandages ripped around her breasts in disarray she suddenly realized what Hinata must have thought had happened. It was then that Hinata's defiant shriek snared her attention. The raging Hyuuga had knocked Kakashi off balance and raised her arm to deliver a crushing blow. That is, until Kurenai appeared behind the Hyuga princess and pinned the girl's arm behind her back.

"Stop it Hinata you're mistaken, Kakashi didn't attack me, but fended off my attacker!"

Hinata turned her head, blinked and looked at her former teacher with confusion.

"But, but if Kakashi-Sensei did that, why were you yelling and attacking him when we arrived Kurenai-Sensei?"

"I, I….." Kurenai stammered, as she sought to answer the question, but found that she couldn't before looking towards Kakashi. The red-eyed kunoichi saw a brief moment of hurt flash across his face, before he quickly initiated a series of hand signs and disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

A moment later, Naruto and Sasuke arrived to find out what was going on? Sighing heavily, Kurenai began to inform everyone about what had happened.

Ayame was tending to the evening meal when she first heard him.

"Ah, the lovely Ayame." As always, his voice sent a small shiver up her spine and this time it was all she could do not to scream at the top of her lungs for her husband, who was still away training with Captain Kenpachi and the others.

"How are you this fine evening?" Sakaki placed a hand upon her shoulder, a bit too forcefully.

To her credit, she managed to keep the fear from flashing through her eyes, though the second Haruko skipped into view and saw the look on her mother's face; her tiny body betrayed her and instantly began to tremble. Exhaling softly, Ayame willed the tension to leave her system, her mind to be calm, and forced a reassuring smile to bloom on her pale face. It wasn't anywhere near as effective as she'd hoped it to be. Haruko took small step back, her lower lip already beginning to quiver in fear.

"I am well." Ayame replied, while struggling to keep her tone nonchalant and willed her body to turn and face him. Her attempt to be cordial fell by the wayside. She was not prepared for the sight that greeted her, and as such, was unable to stifle the shriek that left her lips. At once she slapped his hand away and lurched back in disgust.

For her gaze was focused on a face that had once been handsome and lovely.

No longer.

Several puss-filled ropey blisters almost in the shape of a hand now marred that once charming visage, turning what should have been a pleasant smile, into an ugly scowl.

"My dear, I mean you no harm. In fact my intentions are quite the opposite."

"If that's all you have to say, then do you mind?" Eager to look at anything other than his hideous face, Ayame turned her back to Sakaki perhaps a little too quickly. I have to prepare dinner-

Both hands clamped down upon her shoulders, and she found herself viciously spun about. In the confusion, she l

"Oh no my dear, I have absolutely no intention of leaving. You see I have business here of my own. First, you are one of the top healers within the camp and I need you to heal my injuries."

Hiding behind her mother, Haruko whimpered.

"Mommy, I'm scared...where's daddy?"

Inexplicably, the fear in Ayame's eyes cooled at that. She lowered her hands, no longer trying to defend herself against his advances, but at the same time, refusing to submit to the loathsome creature. Exhaling, the mother drew up to her full height of five foot four, and gazed up at Sakaki.

"And if I heal you, you will then leave."

"I'll leave, but only after I've repaid you for your service as only I can." Sakaki answered with a sneer, before groping one of Ayame's breasts through her apron.

Ayame immediately knocked his hand away and shouted with disgust.

"Get out my tent this instant!"

Momentarily taken aback, Sakaki reeled away from her, his gaze darting furiously about the room for any sign of an intruder, anything that might have strengthened her resolve. Finding nothing of the sort, he scoffed and turned his twisted scarred visage back to Ayame once more.

"And why should I?"

Sakaki didn't have time to finish his sentence. By the time he'd registered the thin rustling sound that was the tent flap opening behind him, he'd already been hauled outside and thrown mercilessly to the ground. When the crimson bandit's face hit the dirt he screamed out in agony, as a crunching sound was heard indicating a now broken nose. Even worse for Sakaki was the fact that his burns were still relatively fresh and the dirt, grass, and stones opened his blistered wounds.

"You bastard, look what you've done to my faaaaace!" Sakaki screamed with rage and pain at the masked silver-haired Jounin standing over him.

The low, angry growl reverberated from the chest of one Kakashi and the ground began to tremble around him. Haruko poked her little head out of the tent with a giggle, only for a familiar pair of hands to quickly usher her back inside seconds later. And still, the earth continued to quiver, quaking as if it were caught in throes of a violent storm. Sakaki's eyes grew wide with fear when he suddenly heard the sound of a thousand birds chirping and remembered it was the same sound he had heard just before his face was burned to a crisp. As Kakashi stepped forward to meter out his own brand of judgment upon the crimson bandit on the ground before him a shout rang out stopping him.

"Enough Kakashi-Sensei, it is not your job to discipline my men for their crimes, but mine! I know what happened and that scum before you I can assure will be punished. So I'm asking you to stand down and let me take care of this matter."

Kakashi was literally shaking with rage and was poised to deliver a killing blow to Sakaki with his Chidori, as he listened to Naruto. After a moment, he exhaled a deep breath and deactivated his trademark jutsu before turning towards Naruto and saying in an icy tone of voice.

"Alright Naruto, I will let you handle this matter. You say you know what happened, so I'm trusting in you that this pig will get the punishment he so richly deserves!"

"Your trust will not be misplaced Kakashi-Sensei." Brushing past his former teacher, the Jinchuuriki glared balefully into the fear stricken eyes of the once handsome bandit.

"Mark my words he will pay for what he has done!" Naruto declared with a grin that would peel flesh from bone.

Kakashi blinked.

"By the way Naruto, you've been referring to me as Kakashi-Sensei."

"Grrrrrr, don't get use to it Kakashi-sen…Hatake!" Naruto growled with irritation, before suddenly grasping Sakaki by his hair and began dragging the wailing man to the center of the encampment with Kakashi following close behind.

Most of the people still residing in the camp had gathered forming a large circle in its center and looked on with confusion as Naruto arrived and threw Sakaki unceremoniously to the ground before standing over him with a murderous look to his eyes. Just as he was about to say something, Naruto paused and looked to the air around him. At this same time, all the other Konoha shinobi rose and looked about in scrutiny.

Suddenly, the air in the center of the circle shimmered for a moment, rippling much like the disturbed surface of the lake. For a moment there was silence, before a voice rang out seemingly from nowhere.

"Naruto-sama, we have returned!"

The air then split apart of its own accord and black nothingness stretched apart from it, revealing the host of that voice.

Shunsui couldn't have had better timing, as he stepped through the portal and presented himself before Naruto. Then, one by one a series of portals began emerging from the air around them, as all the people began backing up and creating an even larger circle. Next to arrive was Kenpachi Zaraki with a cheerful Yachiru sitting upon his left shoulder and Nel on his right. For some reason or another, both girl's seemed particularly cheerful today, more so than usual. Nelliel smile shone like the setting sun when she laid eyes upon her surrogate father, as she leapt off of Kenpachi and cried out.

"Naru-kun!"

Naruto, was unprepared for this and nearly toppled backward from the glommed attack, but kissed his adopted daughters cheek and hugged her fiercely. Happy reunions such as this were occurring everywhere, as the entire Crimson bandit army returned from their training and was greeted by their loved ones. Sakaki saw that everyone's attention was no longer upon him and attempted to sneak away before a zanpaktou was leveled at his throat and he gazed up into the onyx-colored eyes of a grinning Sasuke who was shaking his head at the man.

As Naruto's gaze swept over the emerging army, the last notable figure stepped out of the blackness. Her hair was no longer held back in the topknot as before, rather, flowed freely down her back. Indeed, the ragged state of her outfit left little to the imagination of the men.

"Yoruichi." Naruto nodded curtly, bracing himself, half expecting the tan goddess to glide over to him and say something inappropriate.

She did not.

It was then that Naruto noticed that she did glide over and loop an arm in Shunsui's, before she kissed him on his cheek.

"Hmmm?"

Despite himself, Naruto blinked, unable to hide his relief and amusement, before a stern voice called out.

"So, kid, ready for that rematch? I Wanna find out if I'm stronger than you now?" Kenpachi asked while grinning broadly.

Despite himself, the ex-shinobi blanched.

"N-Not right now, we have other matters that need to be dealt with." Naruto answered a bit too hastily, as he pointed towards Sakaki lying prone on the ground with Sasuke's zanpaktou still pressed to his throat.

Zaraki's one visible eye narrowed upon gazing at that scene, as he took note of Sakaki's new facial appearance and of the young man wielding a zanpaktou that he easily recognized from the past. He then noticed the crowd that had assembled to watch everything unfold. Turning his attention back to Naruto he asked with curiosity.

"Alright, what the hell's going on here? What's with Sakaki's new look and who are all of these new people here? I can sense they're all pretty strong, especially my fellow one-eyed counterpart with the silver hair and the kid with Renji's zanpaktou."

"As to who all of these new people are, I'll explain everything to you later Zaraki. Right now just consider them my guests and treat them accordingly. As to Sakaki's new appearance and how he came to obtain it, that shall be explained right now. Everyone step back, as the trial of Sakaki Hitoshi is about to commence!"

Naruto then ushered Nel to go sit with Hinata, as he had grown up stuff to do. The little Arrancar nodded her head and kissed his cheek before racing over and jumping up into Hinata's arms with a joyful shout of "Hina-chan." Hinata then began to give introductions to all of the confused Konoha contingent of people around her.

"Trial, what's going on? I sent Sakaki back over several hours ago to inform you that we would be returning so you could prepare a celebration for us." Kenpachi stated with confusion.

"Well, he didn't inform us and instead used his time to attack and attempt to rape two women within the camp including one of my guests." Naruto calmly replied.

"WHAT?" Kenpachi roared out with fury.

"K, Kenpachi-sama!" Sakaki wailed aloud fearing for his life and prostrated himself before his former leader the instant he was released.

"Please, forgive me my lord Zaraki, please help me!" Sakaki pleaded in terror. Those pleas ended outright when the tip of Zaraki's blade pricked his throat.

"Shut up you worm, you may be one of my lieutenants, but if I find out these charges are true, I'll kill you myself!" Zaraki spat with righteous fury.

"I can assure you they're true Zaraki. Let's get this over with, Sakaki you are charged with assault and attempted rape of Yuuhi Kurenai and Ayame Soto, how do you plead? Naruto asked with contempt.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Daisuke roared out with vengeance, as he strode forward through the crowd of bandits brandishing a massive double-bladed axe, the sight of which caused his fellows to swiftly give him a wide berth.

Daisuke disregarded the cries of panic coming from Sakaki that his presence elicited from the disfigured man. Sakaki skittered backward while drawing a dagger in an attempt to put some distance between himself and the raging muscleman marching towards him. Daisuke cast his former comrade a murderous glare, while swinging the titanic weapon he held with one hand, its hulking handle gleaming in the fading evening light, a veritable blur of twirling in his palm as if it weighed no more than a feather.

The expression he wore went far beyond mere anger. No, this was the most unholy of rages, feared by all, rival to none. And it was reincarnated in the form of Daisuke. For there was no greater force in this world or the next than a man fighting for the sake of his family. The fact that Sakaki, his most hated rival had attempted to rape Ayame had sealed this man's death as far as he was concerned, as he stated with no remorse.

"Naruto-sama forgive me, but there is no need for a trial, as this dog will die here and now!"

"ENOUGH!"

Both men paused, wincing as a killer intent loomed over them, the cold steel marking their throats an instant later. Somehow, with his own life mere inches from being swept away, Daisuke found his voice.

"N-Naruto-sama! I-

"I said, that is enough." Naruto ordered with authority, as his right hand clasped Daisuke massive axe, while his left remained curled into a tight fist about Sakaki's dagger his body positioned firmly between the two. As the new leader of the Crimson bandits separated the two men from the folds of his sleeves, a pair of long, razor thin blades extended and they were the cause for the discomfort of both men.

One pricked at Sakaki's throat, while its partner was centimeters away from doing the same to Daisuke. Now, Naruto brought the full weight of his glare upon his trusted lieutenant and angrily stated.

"You, of all people, should know better than to start a battle here, I expected better of you Daisuke."

"But I...I!"

"I said be silent! You are to kill no one unless I give the order got it?" Shamefaced, the strongman clamped shut his jaw and hung his head before submissively answering.

"Understood...sir."

Daisuke then cast his former comrade a glare, but remained still, as per ordered, though his hands gripped the massive axe with enough force to bleed.

"And as for you. Sakaki." Naruto spat as he slowly turned towards the crimson bandit and with a slight motion pressed the wrist blade tighter into the man's throat, drawing thin rivulets of blood, which caused Sakaki to immediately drop his dagger.

"If you have anything to say in your defense before I pass judgment, you'd best state your case now, before you lose your head and your voice along with it."

"M-My case?" Sakaki was at a loss for words.

"Yes, your case. Surely you have some reason for attacking these women that you can defend yourself with."

Something about the way he smiled when he said it suggested that Naruto had absolutely no doubts as to whether these accusations against Sakaki were false.

"I...I..." Sakaki stammered with fright.

Naruto retracted his blade, the thin dagger sliding harmlessly back into the sheath strapped to his wrist. Sakaki had been watching that hand so intently that he never saw the right hook coming, until it slammed into his lower jaw with devastating results.

The soon to be ex-lieutenant of Zaraki Kenpachi tumbled backwards, landing on his butt in a humiliating fashion.

"I see." Naruto nodded sagely, calmly walking to where Sakaki lay groaning.

"You're completely useless after all, aren't you? A petty man filled only with worthless lust and ambition, with no moral code whatsoever."

"N-No!"

"Oh?" Naruto replied, as he smiled pleasantly before rolling his shoulders in a carefree shrug, as he crouched down to Sakaki's level and revealed a small Rasengan swirling in the palm of his hand.

"Then what you're saying is Kurenai-Sensei must have imagined you trying to rape her. And when that didn't work out you went after Ayame-san and I guess she imagined her attack as well, hmmm?"

"Th-That was-

"Wrong." Naruto interrupted a bit too cheerily and the Rasengan began grow in his hand, before he continued on.

"I suppose I should have given you the warning I gave Daisuke about pissing me off. It certainly proved its effectiveness with him. But then again, you don't have anyone you cherish now do you? Probably why you tried to commit rape in the first place, huh?"

With a keening wail, Sakaki was hauled to his feet. Now held by the throat, it was all the traitorous bandit could do just to breathe, let alone plead for clemency from his superior. And still, the Rasengan crept toward his face, its white hot chakra threatening to scorch the already charred skin clear from Sakaki's face altogether.

"M-My lord please! Mercy! MERCY!"

But Sakaki could tell by the look in Naruto's eyes that they held no mercy for the man. Looking about he spotted his most loyal servant Mako, a man who had pledged to give his very life since birth in service to the Hitoshi family and more specifically to Sakaki himself. Seeing his master signal him, Mako subtlety raised his crossbow towards Naruto's back. No one noticed this, as everyone's attention was focused solely upon Sakaki and Naruto save for one person…..Ino Yamanaka. Seeing where the weapon was pointed Ino in a panic performed the Kawarimi no Jutsu and substituted herself in place of Naruto just as Mako fired the arrow.

Unexpectedly, a confused Naruto suddenly found himself standing next to Hinata and the others all of them bearing a look of sheer horror on their faces. Turning quickly around Naruto stood in shock as he saw Ino standing where he had been, but she now sported an arrow protruding from her chest. She turned her head and cast a weak smile at Naruto, before she fell to the ground in a heap. It was at that moment that all Hell broke loose.

"Seize that man!" Kenpachi ordered, as several Crimson bandits pounced upon Mako and wrestled him to the ground. Meanwhile, Naruto, Hinata, and the others raced over to Ino in a panic. Kneeling down with tears welling in his eyes, Naruto cradled Ino's body against his and growled out both in anger and sadness.

"Ino-chan you little fool! Why did you have to go and do that? It would take more than just an arrow in the back to take me down. Hinata-chan, you and the others take Ino-chan into the medical tent at once. I will join you there shortly."

Hinata nodded and she and Kurenai along with several other people including Ayame rushed off with Ino. Kakashi and Sasuke remained behind with interest to see what Naruto would do next. They didn't have to wait long as Mako was dragged before the blonde-haired Jinchuuriki. Naruto shot an icy glare to Sakaki who was still being held in place and asked with malevolence ringing in his voice.

"Who is this man?"

"His, his name is Mako, he's my servant and has pledged his life to protect me." Sakaki stammered with defiance.

"Then his is a wasted life to protect an insect like you and his life is now forfeit to….me! All women and children need to leave this area now. All the men are to stay and watch what happens when you hurt one of my precious people."

After a moment all the women and children that had been present were now gone from the area.

Naruto then gripped Mako by his neck and held him high in the air, as red chakra erupted from his hand and set the man ablaze. Mako would have screamed in agony except his vocal cords were the first thing to be burned away as he flailed about desperately trying to escape from Naruto's death grip. Alas, it was to no avail, as Mako soon stopped struggling and after a couple of minutes he was nothing more than a pile of ashes at Naruto's feet.

The Crimson bandit leader then turned his attention back to Sakaki who had soiled himself after seeing his servant killed so brutally. Naruto was about to administer the same justice to Sakaki when an arm gripped his stopping him and a voice called out to him.

"Naruto-sama, please do not defile your hands by dealing with such an insignificant scum as this man before you. I ask that you let me deal with this gutless pig, as I've had a long standing issue with him for many years." Daisuke humbly asked.

Naruto looked Daisuke directly in the eye for any sense that he would not be able to deal with this wretch held before him. Noting the determined look in Daisuke's eyes and the dedication in his voice, Naruto nodded his acceptance and replied.

"Very well Daisuke, tomorrow morning you shall enact the punishment for this worm. Until then take him to the prison pit and post a guard of your choosing to watch over this animal for the night."

"By your command Naruto-sama."

As Naruto watched Daisuke and a few other men drag Sakaki away he took notice of Shunsui and asked.

"Report on the training."

"Casualties were minimal, all in all only five of the men were unable to endure the training. They were disposed of when they lost their minds and tried to kill their comrades. If I may be so bold, I believe that the remainder has far exceeded our expectations. I dare say that a handful of them are almost at Lieutenant level strength including Daisuke and possibly Sakaki."

"Then it should be an excellent battle we're treated to in the morning."

Naruto then cast a quick glance over some of his men. A few of them had wild grins in place of the terrified looks of horror they'd worn prior to their training, while others wore more melancholy expressions. Some refused to even look Naruto in the eye, which was good. They'd all gone through the training, and realized just what they were up against.

Now it just remained to be seen whether or not they would remain sane.

But one was different. One caught his eye. One of the men wore a look, not of irritation or melancholies, but of...complacency. His emerald green eyes leveled with Naruto's cerulean colored eyes and refused to break away, as the other's had done. That, and his hand had never once left the dull green hilt of his sword.

'Interesting.' Naruto thought to himself.

"You there." Naruto raised a finger towards his fellow blond. "Tell me your name."

"Kira Izuru, sir." There was an uncharacteristic bite in the man's words, something that intrigued Naruto even further. What could this man possibly have against him, what could he have done, to make this one hate him so? Indeed, the hate was tangible. Then he saw the reason, the reason for Izuru's burning stare. There, standing behind Kira, as if to hide, barely even noticeable amongst the hulking bandits, was a girl.

She was a tiny little thing, her hair bound back into a bun, her skin fair and soft, suggesting she had yet to see the field of battle. She stole a glance up at Naruto, then hastily looked away, and for good reason. Her hand tightly gripped Kira's wrist, as if she were sole factor preventing him from lashing out at Naruto for his actions.

"Shunsui," Naruto began slowly, exchanging a glance with the former Gotei 13 Captain, who, as if he were actually aware of his superior's burning glare, turned his attention towards the couple.

"Who is this girl? I don't remember her being with the main group when you set out. In fact, she appears to be entirely out of place here altogether."

"She's a…. young blonde man began, but Shunsui raised a hand toward the youth.

"Kira please, I am at fault for this. Allow me to explain myself."

"Please." Naruto waved a hand impatiently and added.

"I haven't got all day."

"Her name is Hinamori Momo." Shunsui relented.

"We, we...picked her up during our travels."

"Ah, well then, that explains quite a bit, doesn't it?" Naruto stated with sarcasm, before adding.

"Nevermind, you can explain her presence to me later. I'm needed elsewhere at the moment."

Naruto then shushin'd away followed by Kakashi and Sasuke. This left both Shunsui and Kenpachi to silently wonder just what had happened to Naruto while they were away.

Kiba held the message in his trembling hands as he read it. Delivered by messenger falcon shortly after Hana's departure, these handwritten words were sharper than any blade and had struck at the very core of his being with terrifying force. Now, there was no doubting Hana's words, the order was perfectly clear and now official.

Attention all Konoha shinobi,

By order of Lady Tsunade, the kill order for Uzumaki Naruto has hereby been rescinded, and reduced to a capture order. He is to be brought back alive at any and all costs, preferably unharmed if at all possible. Under no circumstances is he to be killed. Disobeying this order will be tantamount to treason.

Tsunade Senju, The Godaime Hokage.

Defiant, Kiba crumpled the paper into his hand and tore it to shreds before Sakura could catch sight of it, uncaring of the questioning looks he received in turn.

"What did it say?"

"Nothing." Kiba replied, lying through his teeth and hoping that Sakura would buy into it, as a show of frustration.

"Just that Akamaru won't be coming back and that they can't afford to supply us with anymore tracking dogs, that's all."

"O-Oh." Her face fell at his words and for just a moment, Kiba swore he saw a thin smile stretch across the face of Sakura who then asked.

"Well, then what should we do now that we can't track Naruto?"

"Go after that bastard! What else?"

"And how do you plan on finding him?" Sakura said with irritation and disgust of the Inzuka's behavior and seemed to have sided with Tazuna and Inari on this matter, for her expression suggested nothing less than outright disbelief before she added.

"We can't track him without Akamaru."

"Heh." Kiba surprised everyone by straightening out of his crouch and smirking proudly, as he boasted.

"I may only be human, but an Inuzuka's nose is just as good as Akamaru's! Who do you think trained him all these years?"

Sakura sweat-dropped and silently thought to herself

'Why does that not reassure me?'

Author Notes: A late Holiday gift for everyone, I hope you will enjoy it. I wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter. For those of you who did review, you all had a lot to say about it and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. Because of that, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of them, as they do help a writer get a sense of the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?

News:

Recently, I've alerted my readers to a couple of polls set up on each of their accounts by the fine authors brown phantom and Zentary asking the question. And I could really use your help on one them that is about to end.

Who is the best Naruto fanfic writer on this site?

Zentary's poll has remained open and is still active.

Regrettably, brown phantom has ended his poll on this question. However, he has started a new poll asking,

Which is the best Naruto fan fiction story on this site?

So I humbly ask if you feel I'm worthy of being one of your 10 author picks to please place a vote for me in Zentary's poll. And if you feel my story "Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath" or any of my stories are worthy of being voted for in brown phantom's new poll, please place a vote for them. I thank you in advance for your support and normally I would provide you the links to the profile pages for both brown phantom and Zentary. However, one of the "oh so wonderful" changes FFnet has recently made is making it more difficult to list a link anywhere even if it's a link on their own freaking site. So just do a quick search for the authors, brown phantom and Zentary.

*Of note, brown phantom recently informed me that "Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath" currently sits in 11th place on his poll. Now I'm not so arrogant to think I should be number one, but I do believe that my story is at least deserving of a Top 10 ranking. So please help me out if you can by voting for it. brown phantom is ending the poll in three days, so I could really use everyone's help to vote if you would be so kind, thanks.

Sadly, this story was in 40th place.

End of News:

Thanks for your support of this story and take it easy!

Kingkakashi