Day 2 Part 1: RIOT-Open Windows

_-The Following Morning-_

The young Naruto was always such an energetic child as well as very competitive and inquisitive. Unfortunately he was a brat too. Iruka Umino had thought himself a pretty good teacher, a patient one, till the day that blonde, blue-eyed child walked into his classroom and tested his limits.

Often times Iruka had felt he lost his nice-teacher reputation because of that little devil. Nothing said "mean teacher" like the image of a guy constantly getting on to the same old student-although that same old student's misbehavior that needed reprimanding was just as relentless. If Iruka let it go on like it did, that would make him a bad teacher which was far worse than being a so-called "mean" one.

The child, Naruto Uzumaki, was such an oddity he stood out from the other students right away. From the strange birthmarks on his face to the fact he was always either pulling pranks or sleeping during class (thus getting him in more trouble and earning him a very very bad reputation-no mother wanted their child to hang out with the likes of him). The worse of it? Uzumaki was the only orphan in Iruka's entire classroom excluding himself. The poor child was targeted immediately by bullies. It didn't help that instead calling Iruka for help he fought back. Many times Iruka had to pull the children apart and Naruto was always the one to have received the majority of the blows and scratches.

When Iruka tried to do something about it? Well it was futile. For reasons Iruka wasn't aware of Naruto's current guardians never showed up for parent-teacher conferences and making the boy stay after school didn't faze him one bit. Iruka felt nothing he did worked. The orphan vexed him to the point he could't even sleeping at night. He had never had this problem before with his students and he didn't know what to do with the poor kid who reminded him so much of how he used to be when he'd been a child. Childhood was very much sweet and bitter but it leaned more towards the latter for orphans.

Even when it came to things like grades, Uzumaki was failing-and he honest to God didn't want to. He tried so hard but…well Iruka didn't know why the outcome was always the same. The end of the school year was looming ahead and if things continued as they did Naruto would have to repeat the year again. Iruka despised that idea for numerous reasons, one being how Naruto was being robbed the chance to connect and finally befriend a student, as he was always being left behind. A new year only meant a new face in the bully roster that continued to grow daily.

But all that began to change one night though. Iruka upon hearing noise outside his classroom one afternoon went out to investigate only to see Naruto on top of a bully yelling "You son of a bitch!" as he punched the kid's face repeatedly. Iruka rushed towards Naruto grabbing the child who screamed and kicked about as he tried to free himself.

"Is that any way to act?" Iruka hissed through his teeth. "Language like that is NOT appropriate, young man. Neither is fighting. What would your pare-"

Realizing what he was saying from force of habit Iruka stopped the phrase immediately, but it was too late. The hallway was dead silent. No one moved. Finally the bully laughed, "HAH! He don't have any Mr. Umino! His parents DUMPED him like the trash he is!"

Naruto screamed again as he kicked his feet. "BLOODY PRICK!" Iruka grunted as he tried to keep his hold over the child. "Go home, now!" he yelled to the bully. "And don't come to school tomorrow!" The bully ran off quickly not wanting a worse punishment. Iruka, meanwhile, dragged the foul-mouth child to one of the desks in the classroom forcing him to sit in it. Naruto pouted, refusing to look the teacher in the eyes. He always did this but Iruka knelt in front of him regardless.

"What was that? I thought I told you to stop getting involved in fights!" he reprimanded. The child huffed, "I tried but…he said I was abandoned. I can't help it I'm an orphan! It ain't fair!"

Iruka looked at the child concern filling his eyes. Orphan to orphan… "I know you can't. But…that's no reason to get involved. Don't let lies like that get you down."

"It ain't a lie."

Iruka couldn't speak. He was downright appalled. Had no one ever even told the poor boy about his parents?

"Naruto," he said gently. "Your parents didn't abandon you. They died as heroes."

"They died? How?"

"They used to work for Purge. Right after you were born, Purge Headquarters was attacked…they died protecting it. You're the son of two heroes. You hear me? You can't let the past bog you down…Where's your current guardians?"

"Dunno. They abandoned me too. Haven't seen them since I turned five."

"You mean?"

"I get ramen money in the mail and stuff. I take care of myself!"

The child's excitement stung. Ramen money? It made the teacher angry and horrified at the same time at the lack of parenting and kindness this child had received. It also explained so much…How could he expect a child to behave when he was so alone? Before Iruka could think about what he was saying he blurted out, "It's getting late now…Why don't you just stay at my place tonight?"

The child's jaw dropped. "REALLY!? Do you have a big bed? Or a TV? WOW! I've never stayed a night someone's house before! It'd be so cool!"

Iruka smiled as he nodded.

Iruka slept well that night. Not so much the few nights after as having a child meant the usual "I had a nightmare" or "read me another story!" or those sounds in the kitchen as he got a midnight snake. Then as a teacher and part-time Purger there were always stacks of endless paperwork to go through but, regardless, when he did get some shut-eye his conscious was clear. He had never slept so better-even when after a long grueling day of work a certain someone just had to wake him up three in the morning whining about a thunderstorm.

Things improved after that for both Iruka and the child. Then one day the entire classroom was asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. It was a rather mundane question but Iruka was really curious to hear what Naruto's answer would be. When it came his turn after listening to the drones of "I wanna be a fireman" or "teacher" and the occasional "hobo!" the blonde said confidently, "I wanna be a Purger just like my mom and daddies."

That was how, until the godfather Jiraiya took over, he, a young man who wasn't even married, officially became a dad to a child. And no paperwork was involved.

Iruka sighed as the memories surfaced to the top from the recollective sea inside him. The darker and deeper waters of his murky childhood were brightened by those few years he had spent with Naruto…

That's why when the he noticed the Kyuubi was stolen…Iruka didn't do jack. He knew who took it and he knew it would get them in trouble with Purge as it would him for not reporting the act in. Still, if he was going to pay then so be it. Rather him then Naruto any day. Iruka knew the thief felt the same way. He smiled thinking of her. Why oh why when every one in PH knew it was Naruto still so blind to her feelings?

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[DELETED IN 2017 TO PREVENT SPOILERS FOR COMPLETE REMASTER, SEVEN DEVILS]

_-xXx-_

Naruto shuffled forward slowly as he kept his eyes on his feet. Yamato, who firmly held on to his arms, led from behind. The hallway was long and currently no one was in it except them. It held an occasional window or video camera but that was about it. Knowing about the constant video surveillance Naruto once again found his eyes drifting to his wrist. Why couldn't he have figured the combo out?!

Suddenly he heard Yamato whispering. "See the camera in front of us? Do not respond or make any facial expressions to what I'm about to say."

Naruto listened carefully, puzzled by the strange request.

"The combo is 5-6-5-3. Do not unlock it till you get outside."

Was he really going to help him escape!? It took all of Naruto's will power to not show his excitement. If he did then that ever so lovely camera would bring lovely officers to stop his attempt before he even got started. Ug, when this mess got sorted he was breaking them.

"The exit's to the left. Through the door you'll have an empty room with a window. The window leads outside, of course. Once you're out run as fast as you can and don't come back till this is over. Hide and whatever you do don't let anyone see you. Everyone in PH will be after you. Procedures, remember? Most importantly, the news of your arrest already went public. The Underground and Akatsuki will be after your head. Stay safe…Ready? What ever you do not hold back."

Naruto closed his eyes…To not hold back, huh? So this was how Yamato had planned it. Yamato wasn't willing to directly go against the Purge…but he was willing to go through it by indirect and more blunt methods. Naruto braced himself as he slammed his head back as hard as he could. Judging by the noise and the pain he hit right on target.

They both stumbled back against the hard floor. The captain cupped his bloody nose in pain. Naruto jumped to his feet, gave a thrust of the side of his hand to the fallen captain's neck and ran as fast as he could. He only had a small window of time to go through with this. He prayed who ever was in charge of surveillance was lax enough to allow him a few minutes.

Yamato, still conscious but stunned, groaned as he tried to breathe with his mouth as his nose, which felt broken, was bleeding profusely. He had really underestimated how hard that kid's head was. Well anyone who watched surveillance would assume Naruto had legitimately escaped…He hid his smile but didn't have to for long when he heard the unmistakable sound of glass breaking. He frowned angrily.

'I left the damn window unlocked! There was no need to break it!'

_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_

The leaves outside her apartment window felt dark-not yet beginning to change colors in the early fall season. She watched the wind blow through the tree's branches and felt cold even though she was safely inside her warm room. Sakura finally climbed out of her bed feeling unsure about the day before her. Her apartment felt awkward with the presence of Sasuke in the spare room.

Last night she managed to get him to her apartment as he had nowhere else to go-the rest of Squad 7 had all been unavailable and PH really wasn't the best place for him to be in now. After he calmed down at Naruto he seemed upset with PH itself. She could understand why but at the same time…she feared what rash things he could do when he was so upset. That's why she felt the need to watch him.

She found him already up and propping his elbows against her coffee table, his fingers clasped together as he so often did when he was deep in thought. She swallowed. "Good morning."

"Hn."

"Is there anything you want for breakfast? Anything I can do for you?" she asked gently, feeling the atmosphere intensify. You'd think she would be used to it by now.
"No."

She was amazed he had actually said a word. The entire night no matter how gently she spoke she had received nothing but the usual "hn" and the cold shoulder. She understood he was upset but…how was she supposed to help him when he was always so closed off? He was the perfect image of a brick wall.

She herself had never before lost a dear loved one so she didn't know what it felt like…But she had seen the ever so jovial Naruto go through it when he had heard of the great Jiraiya's death. She had never seen Naruto so down before…It was downright depressing to see him sulk so much. What brought him back from his mourning was a little bit of time and compassion from loved ones. She wanted to do the same for Sasuke but the Uchiha wasn't the type to wait on either unfortunately.

She sighed, and went to make breakfast-knowing he wouldn't even eat if she made the most fancy thing on Earth. It just didn't matter. "Can I see your cell-phone?"

The sudden question surprised her. He seemed to have new-found resolve on his face. She couldn't speak for a moment but finally she managed to pull the device from her pocket. "Sure thing. If…there's anything else I can do for you let me know, okay?" He grabbed the phone, not bothering to say anything else, like thanks. Who was he going to call? Everyone he knew was either dead or worked for PH…

The Uchiha quickly dialed a number he, and only he, knew. It rung a few times but on the third ring he heard the familiar voice he had always respected so much growing up go "Yeah?"

"Itachi."

Sakura widened her eyes. She had forgotten all about Sasuke's ex-Purger brother. No one knew why but a few years back he suddenly dropped out of Purge and left town. He hadn't been back since. Sasuke never told her why….

"So…Have you-hang on a moment," Sasuke said. Putting his finger over the speaker he glared at Sakura. "Do you mind?" he asked petulantly. She shook her head as she tried to hide her embarrassment. She left the living room but could not resist the urge to listen in as she waited in the hallway…

"So… have you heard yet?"

'Why does he feel he had to be the one to break the bad news?'

"Well maybe if you give people your damn number once in a while and quit being such a lone-wolf…"

'You're one to talk!'

"Anyway, someone attacked the estate two nights ago…Everyone's dead."

'So blunt….'

There was a long pause that nearly drove Sakura nuts. She really had no business snooping in but she was worried about her squad mate as she had the right to be. She finally heard him utter five words that could either mean nothing or absolutely everything.

"You don't seem surprised. Why?"

_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_

The Ex-Akatsuki and cultist chuckled as lit a cigarette. Freedom never tasted so good. Such a bitter taste that was pleasantly overcome by utter relief….

"So, Kakuzu. Such a flipping miraculous escape, huh? I believe you own a prayer of thanks to Jashin. Giving us that damn four-eyes and everything…"

The money lover who had such strange stitches adorned on him growled, "Your so-called god had nothing to do with it. It was money that freed us-or rather, that Kabuto's love for science. He'd do anything for a new specimen."

"Conducting human experimentation…It goes against the teachings! Oh, how sadistic," Hidan smiled evilly as he puffed at the cigarette mockingly. He liked to say he had picked the habit up from an evil man who he had killed in the past as an act of divine justice. "But what I do…now that is true worship. Hey…so now that we're free, where to next? I have a few people in mind that I'd like to join the ritual for me, like that Shika kid who nearly blew me to bits. Care to help out? I'm sure you'd like to take care of the pricks who put us behind bars. Especially that blonde one."

Behind the bandana that he wore, his lips curled, almost smiling if that was possible. "I'd love to do nothing more then snap his arms like a twig again-hell, he has a large looking price for his head, but the boss says we can't touch him. Not yet."

"Oh? This is my first time hearing about this. Last I check Boss man abandoned us in the friggen coop."

"Not him, he is no longer one of us," he said in a hiss. Nagato Uzumaki, as it had been revealed that was what Pain's true name was, was nothing but a traitor in his eyes. One who had forgotten his place as he and Konan had left behind all that the Akatsuki had worked for…all they had spent and scavenged around for…and for what? A stupid kid. They'd get what they owed him, that was for sure. They would die for their debts.

Hidan threw his cigarette down and stomped on it. "So who you taking money from this time?"

"A great assassin who is able to pay the cash. Now then, this is where we part…unless you want to end up dead."

Hidan grinned, "I would love to see you try but Jashin is not so quick to let his children die."

"I bet money would change that."

The debate that followed lasted for hours and it ended with the two former partners splitting for the final time-they would never see each other again.

_-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx-_

_-TBC-_

Day 2 Part 2:

Well well well. Akatsuki on the loose and the mysterious strand of blonde hair that Kakashi had found the first day is remembered…

Meanwhile…hiding out shouldn't be too hard…right?

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AN: sorry it's so short but I didn't want to cram everything into a single chapter as I had originally planned…Oh, I find Naruto's lack of parenting as a child complete BS. So…perhaps a full time Purger like Kakashi, Tsunade, or Jiraiya (all single) was unable to care for a child full time so he was left a pair of Guardians who worked under normal hours so someone would always be home with him…normal guardians who ended up to be total crap though. So Iruka, I believe, should have adopted him for awhile until Jiraiya, his godfather, returned and because Naruto was old enough to be home for long periods of time (Full time Purgers have very demanding schedules including all nighters). Jiraiya became his rightful adoptive parent until he died. Naruto by then felt old enough to live under only his Uzumaki surname by himself. He also had long become a Purger where he was connected to everyone at work by then.