It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, and for the civilian council of the village of Konoha, it was time to pay the reaper. Two years previously, Naruto Uzumaki and four others had gone out to retrieve Sasuke Uchiha and return him to the village. Two years ago this very day they had banished Naruto for his failure to retrieve the Uchiha heir from his kidnappers of Oto. Two years ago tomorrow, Naruto, the loyal Konoha 11 that were healthy enough, the fifth Hokage, many jounin, chuunin, and ANBU members left, leaving their headbands at the gates.
In three weeks, the two year anniversary of the departure of the healed Konoha 11, beating every effort to delay them, would occur. But none of them would see it. For today, Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara of the Sand had returned, and they were walking down the streets like shinigami, every attempt to stop them dropping dead before any chance to attack was had.
Two minutes ago the Hokage, Danzo was ripped to pieces, and then crushed by sand. Two seconds ago the council had found itself cowering in the shadows of its once lofty council chambers.
Now they were being pinned in their chairs by sand, bugs, and raw chakra while a blonde boy stepped into the middle of the floor. Next to him stood Gaara of the Sand, and Shino Aburame. Not a sound was heard as Naruto surveyed the entire council as though trying to find something that only he understood.
With one word Naruto destroyed the last corruption of the village of Konoha. He had turned and started walking out, letting the council consider themselves saved, when he stopped just at the threshold and with crystal blue eyes, he consigned them to their fate. "Traitors."
One week later, Sasuke Uchiha would return to Konoha with Orochimaru, only to find his vengeance had been stolen from him, and the only clue he had to tell him who was responsible told him all he needed to know. After all, only one man in the world would wear an orange jacket that ugly.