Chapter Forty-Four

Ino recovered rather wonderfully under Tsunade's care, and not even a day had passed before the blonde girl was up and kicking. Albeit rather low, soft kicks, but that would improve in the coming days.

"Nothing like a near-death experience to make a person evaluate their life choices," Ino said and Temari lifted her eyebrow skeptically.

"Really? Like how?"

"Like how I've decided that I love Shika-kun to pieces and he better say the same or I'll kick his butt from here to Suna."

Shikamaru just rolled his eyes. "Troublesome."

"What?" Ino snapped, her hands on her hips as best she could from her position in the infirmary bed. "You saying you don't like me or something?"

"You're too slow," Shikamaru said and before Ino could speak again he bent down and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "There. Happy?"

Ino was speechless and Shikamaru decided that was good enough for him.

"Mazeltov," Temari said, feeling a bit jealous but not wanting to admit it. "But while the two of you are celebrating life's 'youthfulness', there is a crazy spider-freak out there terrorizing innocent people."

"And not to mention the crazy snake-freak that has Hikari-san and Itachi-san held captive," Chouji agreed.

"Well what are we supposed to do about it?" Kiba said. "Ino and the other girls got their butts totally kicked and they were only facing one freak. How are we supposed to handle two?"

"Not to mention the minions Orochimaru's sure to have on his side," Kankurou said. "Even thinking about it is suicide."

"Suicide or not," Kyo said, stepping into the room, "we're going to Konoha."

There was silence and then:

"Are you crazy?!"

"We can't fight those people!"

"It's bad enough Ino got hurt—."

"I'll go."

Everyone stopped and looked at Ichigo in something akin to horror. She shrugged.

"Come or don't come," Ichigo said. "In fact, if you're hesitant then don't. But it's my fault Ino got hurt and there's no way I'm going to let Kisho get away with it. Besides, Hikari is my cousin and Itachi-san is my friend. There's no chance I'm leaving them alone any longer then they've already been; especially not with my cute little niece/nephew in danger too."

"He's your first cousin once removed," Kyo corrected and Ichigo rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, cause I'm gonna go around telling everyone that."

"I'll go," Neji said next. "I will inform Orochimaru of why it is that the Hyuuga are not to be ignored."

"And I as well," Gaara said, slightly affronted that Neji had beat him to volunteering. "Konoha may not be my home, but you all are my friends."

"Well then," Tenten said. "All in agreement?"

As one, eleven hands and one bark went up as all the children agreed.

"Tell us when and how Kyo," Temari said, "and crazy or not, we'll follow you down to hell."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Sakura's heart hurt so badly she had to pass Kaede over to Hinata to avoid dropping her. With her heartstrings having been blocked for so long, she'd forgotten just how intensely she was able to feel the pain of her loved ones. Several different kinds of pain attacked her all at once and it took her nearly five minutes to sort them all out according to what and whose they were. A fresh wave of pain stung her heart but this was less physical and more emotional as she finally managed to interpret the signatures she was receiving. Zabuza was dead, how she didn't know, but little Midori was feeling his death most keenly. She was, however, relieved to feel that Sasuke was also affected by Zabuza's death. That could only mean that he and Midori were together.

She felt instantly ashamed of her relief and resolved to make sure Zabuza's rest was one of as much peace as she could give him. She may not know the details, but she was certain Zabuza died protecting her family. She owed him the rights of a proper burial. Besides, over the last few weeks, he and Haku had become like family as well.

"Are you alright Sakura?" Hinata asked and Sakura didn't know whether to nod or shake her head. Instead she just looked up at Hinata, tears in her eyes, feeling sad and scared but relieved all at once.

"Zabuza's dead," she said and Hinata gasped while, somewhere behind them, she felt Haku's chakra flicker. "He—he was protecting Midori I think…" More tears ran down her cheeks. "I'm s-so sorry Haku…"

"…Zabuza-sama was a proper shinobi. He died as he'd wished."

Perhaps, but that didn't help Sakura feel the pain any less sharply. Kaede started to fuss and Sakura was forced to push aside her mourning prematurely in order to tend to her daughter. Besides, both Shinta and Shigure were starting to cry as they finally understood what it was that Sakura was saying. The two boys, along with Midori, had grown greatly attached to Zabuza, often treating him as if he were their grandfather which never failed to annoy the older shinobi. He'd insisted that, if they must treat him like family, then he should be their uncle. He wasn't old enough to be a grandfather.

Haku had never been much help by informing Zabuza that since Haku was supposedly their uncle and Zabuza was seen as his father, Zabuza would be the only logical choice for the children's grandfather. Zabuza retaliated by getting the boys to call Haku auntie rather than uncle.

Sakura laughed at the memory, but it was a bitter-sweet laugh as tears finally broke free and ran down her cheeks. She refused to allow her sobs to break free and instead busied herself making shushing noises as she gently bounced Kaede in attempt to calm her. The gentle rocking of the ferry helped sooth Kaede's fussiness and soon the baby drifted off to sleep.

Sakura sighed as she brushed away the dark wisps of hair that fell into her daughter's face before she glanced over to where Hinata was leaning against the side of the deck, her two boys huddled against her sides sleeping restlessly.

"They'll be alright," Hinata said to Sakura's silent question, though it sounded more like she was trying to convenes herself. "They will. You'll see."

Sakura didn't respond as she turned away to watch Haku who's eyes were still trained on the slowly disappearing island.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke only had a second of warning before Naruto's primal growl echoed across the now mostly empty bridge. He wrapped his arms around Kaede and leapt to the side just as Naruto launched across the way and tackled Kimimaro to the ground. The bone user hit the pavement with a grunt but rolled to the side to avoid the heavy kick Naruto had launched at his stomach.

Loose dust from the recent construction was kicked up from the force of Naruto's attacks and Sasuke had to turn away as it burned at his eyes. He backed up, his sleeve shielding Midori from most of the dust and worked quickly to remove his contacts. Once they were gone he quickly discarded them turned his attention to the second man remaining on the bridge.

Their eyes connected and Sasuke watched warily as the man pulled back in surprise.

"I-Itachi?"

Sasuke's eyebrow lifted in an almost challenge, his muscles tense for a fight. "Who are you?"

"Sasuke! Naruto!" Minato called, having finally caught up to them. His breathing was heavy and his muscles were straining from the run. He didn't realize before just how out of shape he really was. "D-did you find her?"

"Yondaime-sama!" Yotaro said. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Yotaro."

Sasuke was surprised. "Yotaro? So you're not dead."

"Yeah. I'm—wait…" he turned to Minato, half in shock half in horror. "Sasuke? That's Sasuke?! What happened? I wasn't gone that long!"

"It's a long story," Sasuke said, passing Midori to Minato catching him by surprise. "I have to help Naruto before he kills that guy."

"He threatened that girl," Yotaro said and Sasuke nodded.

"I know, and he won't get away with it, but if that dobe kills him this way, he'll regret it forever."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto was in pain. Something inside of him was gnawing at his chest, screaming for release, and he was very close to letting it out completely. Tears burned at his red tinted eyes. He couldn't understand why Zabuza let himself die that way. Couldn't he have saved Midori and himself? But the instant the question surfaced, Naruto knew it wasn't possible. Zabuza was fast but Midori had been too far away.

By normal logic he shouldn't have been able to reach the girl at all. Call it a miracle, adrenaline, or just dumb luck, Zabuza had somehow managed to put on one last burst of speed, just barely enough to put himself between Midori and her attacker. There wasn't any time to do anything else. It was him or her, and Zabuza had chosen himself.

Himself…

Zabuza was dead…

The pain in Naruto's chest doubled and then tripled. His gums itched and his teeth ached and there was a strange pain at the tips of his fingers.

Kill. He had to kill this guy. This guy who killed Zabuza. Who tried to kill Midori.

'Not this way!' some small part of his mind was screaming. 'This isn't you! Don't give in to it!'

(Kit!) Kyuubi called. (Fight it! It will consume you if you don't!)

But he couldn't. He didn't want too.

The man in front of him was already bruised and bloody from blows he couldn't remember giving but the sight only made him feel accomplished. But he wasn't done yet. Oh no, this man had to die. Naruto smirked, half aware of the large, sharp canines that protruded over his lower lip. He was going to enjoy ripping him limb from limb.

"Naruto!" Sasuke cried and Naruto roared as he was suddenly tackled from behind.

Sasuke looped his arms under Naruto's and laced his fingers together behind the blonde's head. His feet were braced against the cement floor but he almost wasn't strong enough to hold Naruto back. He looked almost rabid, his eyes a crazed red with claws and fangs and a deep orange, almost red, aura burned around him like fire. Sasuke had never seen his friend this way and he didn't know the cause but he did know one thing for sure: Naruto would never forgive himself for the slaughter he was about to inflict.

"Calm down Naruto!" Sasuke demanded. "This isn't you!"

"Let go!" Naruto roared, trying to shake Sasuke loose. "I'll kill him! I'll destroy him!"

"You're scaring Midori!"

Naruto froze. His eyes went wide as they darted to the side where he saw Sasuke's daughter looking wide eyed and teary as she stared at her uncle in shock. And fear. Naruto felt as though he'd been struck in the gut.

The pain in his fingers and teeth receded slowly until all of the hateful fog had lifted from his hazy mind.

The stranger's hair was no longer white, Naruto noticed first. Instead it was red in some places and a dull, rusty pink in others. Blood coated his face and clothes while a bone protruded from his broken arm and another from his twice broken leg. Naruto felt sick.

"Naruto!" Sasuke said in surprise as his friend suddenly went limp. He wasn't unconscious, just in shock. There was a sudden hand on Sasuke's shoulder and he half turned, ready for a fight, only to stop when he noticed Yotaro.

"Take care of Naruto," he said, his silver eyes focused on Kimimaro's broken but fearless form. "I'll finish things here."

Sasuke didn't even try to argue as he swung Naruto over his shoulders and followed Minato from the bridge.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

They ended up at Sasuke's house where he knew Sakura wouldn't be waiting but he had no other choice. Kyuubi was following sedately at his feet and Sasuke had to be careful not to step on the small creature. He was also vaguely aware that Midori was crying again and he had to force himself not to look back and trust that Naruto's father would take care of her. Right now his sole concern had to be Naruto, and just what exactly happened back on the bridge.

Sasuke kicked the door open, not caring that the knob was now broken and would need to be replaced. He wouldn't be staying here any longer anyway. There was a light brush of wind behind him as he stepped into the entry way and removed his shoes out of habit before taking Naruto into the living room and laying him on the couch. Kyuubi jumped onto it as well and curled into Naruto's stomach.

"You know what happened," Sasuke asked the fox. "Don't you."

Kyuubi nodded.

"I see." Sasuke looked up to see Minato talking to Yotaro—who was back to normal—just outside the living room. Sasuke was pleased to see his daughter had fallen asleep against the Hokage's shoulder. "What happened to that man?"

Yotaro looked over and Sasuke noticed a small black haired baby in his arms. "Kaemon is taking care of him. Something about a score that needs settled."

Sasuke didn't know who Kaemon was but assumed he must be an ally of some kind. "Who's kid? Yours?"

Yotaro snorted. "No way. He's your brother's."

"Ah," Sasuke said before turning back to Naruto. He paused for a second before his head snapped back up. "He's what?"

"He's Itachi's son," Minato said, looking rather amused.

"And Hikari's," Yotaro added before turning to the Hokage. "At least, I assume so."

Minato just nodded.

"Itachi…has a son?"

"I fail to see why you're so surprised seeing as you have a daughter four times Kane's age." Minato said.

"Two daughters. Kaede is with Sakura."

Minato and Yotaro were both silent for a moment before Minato cleared his throat a little awkwardly. "I see…and I thought Itachi had been busy."

Sasuke flushed. "S-shut up! They weren't—I'm not—They're Kakashi-sense's kids okay? Sakura and I adopted them when he died!"

"Kakashi?" Yotaro said. "As in Hatake Kakashi? So he's dead…I see. Hikari will be upset. For some reason the two of them got along well before—well, just before."

"What about Kurenai?" Minato pressed. "Obito? Rin?"

"No," Sasuke said. "They're all gone."

"Where are Hinata and Sakura?" Yotaro asked but Naruto started to stir before Sasuke could respond.

"He dobe," Sasuke said, his voice just a bit concerned. "It's about time you came to."

"I…" Naruto turned away, refusing to meet Sasuke's gaze. "I'm a monster."

"Shut up. You are not."

"You don't…" he shuddered. "You don't understand. I wanted to—and I would have if you—I never want to feel that way again…"

Kyuubi looked up and yipped something that made Naruto look down at the young fox; startled. "What are you talking about?"

Kyuubi yipped again.

"Naruto?" Sasuke questioned but it wasn't Naruto that responded.

"It's saying he's the fox fusion," a new voice said and they all turned to see Kaemon as he stepped into the house. "And he's right. The Kyuubi was meant to be the guardian-familiar of the next fox fusion but since it is a broken line, that is to say the Namikaze family broke their contract and was forced out of Kigakure and lost their fusion bloodline, he was unable to find a release for the continual build up of his powers. He was able to control himself for several generations before you were born but when he sensed your presence all the power within him broke free at once and drove him into a mad frenzy when he tried to find you."

"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded as Naruto slowly sat up. "How do you know all this?"

"All guardian-familiars are connected with the spiritual plain. They can know the wellbeing of any other familiar they've previously met. It just so happens that my guardian-familiar Sanjimaru and your guardian-familiar Naruto, were friends at one time. Unfortunately when Kyuubi was trapped inside of that fox body he lost his connection with the spiritual plain. Everyone in Ki just assumed he had died."

"That's why you can't use your fusion power properly," Yotaro explained. "Because you're a broken bloodline and because Kyuubi's powers are so limited. I went through the same thing before I met Murasami."

"Murasami?" Naruto asked and Yotaro nodded.

"He's my guardian-familiar." Yotaro said. "My bloodline isn't broken like yours but my mother and father left Ki and came to Konoha. My mother was a daughter of the Fukurou clan and for some reason the Owl elders decided I would become an Exception."

"This…this is all too much too fast." Naruto said. "I don't think I'm understanding you correctly."

"I understand," Kaemon said. "But I'm afraid there isn't any time to explain further. We must find Haruno Sakura and Hyuuga Hinata and return to Konoha as quickly as possible."

"Konoha?" Naruto said as he and Sasuke exchanged glances. "But…we're not ready."

"I know," Minato said, shifting Midori as she whimpered in her sleep. "But Hikari is dying and the village is falling apart. If we don't go back there won't be anything left to save and if that happens Orochimaru will just move on to another village and do there what he's done to Konoha."

The boys were quiet for a moment before Naruto nodded and pushed himself up on the couch. "Well, I can't say I understand everything that's going on, but I'm more than ready to kick Orochimaru's ass."

"Yeah," Sasuke agreed, pulling Naruto to his feet. "But we need to find Sakura and the others first. The kids all need to be somewhere safe."

"Yondaime-sama too," Yotaro said and he held up a hand before Minato could protest. "You've been in prison for years now sensei. You're in no shape to fight. You could barely keep up with us on the way here."

Minato sighed. "You're right of course, but that doesn't mean I have to like it." Suddenly his eyes were sharp and he looked directly at Sasuke and Naruto. "Sasuke, you go find Sakura and Hinata. Yotaro will go with you. Bring them back here as quickly as you can."

Naruto looked confused. "I can go—."

"No," Minato said at once. "You stay here. We have to find some way to seal your blood until you can control it properly." He glanced at Kaemon. "There is a way, isn't there?"

Kaemon nodded. "It will take some time though."

"Take what you need," Sasuke said, crossing the room to gently take Midori from Minato's arms. "We'll need time to plan this out anyway."

Midori stirred for a moment before she curled into her father's chest and buried her nose in the crook of his arm. Sasuke smiled down at her fondly before he headed down the hall and into her room. More careful this time, Sasuke shifted Midori's weight so he could open the door carefully. He crossed the room silently, remembering to avoid that one dip in the floor that always squeaked if stepped on.

"Tou-chan?" Midori said as Sasuke settled her onto her futon and he gently brushed the hair from her forehead with a soothing 'shush'.

"I'm here Midori-chan."

Midori sniffed and opened her eyes, her small hands coming up to grasp Sasuke's larger one between her palms. "Zabu-san is happy right? He won' be sad?"

"That's right," Sasuke said. "Zabuza-san will be very happy in his new home."

He could tell she didn't quite believe him but she seemed to accept it as she absently played with his fingers. "Ka-chan and Kade-chan come back?"

Sasuke nodded. "I'm gonna go get your mom and sister right now. I'm bringing back Auntie Hinata and the twins too."

"Pwomise?"

"Yeah," Sasuke said. "Yeah, I promise."

Midori yawned, her bright red eyes blinking heavily. "Kay…wove yu…"

Sasuke bent down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, silently returning the words as his daughter drifted back to sleep. It was strange, he thought as he watched her small chest rise and fall. It hadn't even been a month yet since the adoption but already he felt such fatherly affection for this girl he doubted he could love her any more than if she were actually his flesh and blood. He wondered for a moment if that was some sort of side effect of the aging jutsu but quickly pushed the thought aside. He'd felt protective of Midori even before her parents were killed. Now that she was his responsibility those feelings were probably just amplified.

Picking up her small hand, Sasuke placed a quick kiss on the soft knuckles before he pulled the covers up and tucked her in. He didn't want to leave, but he had a job to do. Besides, he watching Midori sleep so peacefully made him really want to bring Kaede back as quickly as possible.

He stood at the same moment Yotaro appeared in the door and he nodded to the owl fusions unspoken question. He was ready. It was time to go.

End Chapter Forty-four

Kaliea: I know, I know. It's been ages. I'm sorry. Actually, I was hoping to finish this story in one go but as you can see that didn't happen. Hopefully the next chapter, though, will bring us back to the prologue and after that the war will begin. There won't be much description though since everyone knows Konoha is going to win, but there are things that will happen at the same time that I want to put more focus on. Don't worry though, I'm sure you'll all get a chance to see Orochimaru's bloody demise ^-^ Again, sorry for the long wait, and don't forget to review!