A/N: Hey all! As promised here's the next update. I would have had it up earlier but the site has been doing some funky things for the past week. According to the stats, only one person read the chapter. Weird right? Well I won't keep you, read up. I'm just gonna go brace for the responses.

Chapter 42: You're Gonna Carry That Weight

Naruto didn't hear the gasps when he appeared in the middle of the hospital lobby. Instead, he heard the slicing of flesh, and saw Hyuugas' throats opening before they disappeared. Taking a shaky breath, he blinked a few times and trudged past drunks, nurses, and receptionist, and down the hallway of the left wing. Reaching the end, he took the stairwell to the third floor, the high profile ICU, and entered a small waiting room. He'd barely made it in when she descended on him.

"You!" The punch rattled his teeth as his head snapped back, and the phantom sense of his hand slamming against Hinata's neck tingled up his arm. "You bastard. You did this to him!"

Naruto didn't try to stop the beating from Temari. The first punch had hurt, but the rest rapidly degraded into fists slamming harmlessly against his chest and curses. After a few seconds Kakashi and Yamato pulled her away; eyes red, body shaking, and breathing heavy.

Naruto met her gaze for a few seconds and felt her fear and pain he saw there, "Temari—"

"No," she said pulling away from the two men. She turned her back on him saying, "Don't speak to me."

He didn't feel like fighting, he didn't feel anything at the moment really, so he ignored her tone and looked at Kakashi. The scarecrow shook his head answering the unspoken question: no word yet. Not what he wanted but he could deal with it. No, he would deal with it. Maybe. But not when those lavender orbs stared at him from across the room with her baby sister in her arms.

Naruto's body tensed. He didn't dare look her way. He wouldn't be able to bear it. The room was already small, but with her here it became infinitely smaller and the air depleted. He didn't need this—the village was in an uproar, his men had been killed or injured, his brother lay possibly dying, and they still had a mess at the Hyuuga estate. The last thing he wanted was to be trapped in a room with a guilt ridden conscience while the woman he loved glared at him. It was just too much.

Naruto started turning for the door, but as if to keep the night rolling Tsunade stepped through the double doors across the room and everyone turned to her. In tow, Sakura stood behind her with her hands clasped in front and head bowed. They both looked tired, like him, like everyone else in the room. And like everyone it appeared to be more emotional than physical exhaustion.

"They're all alive," Tsunade said, but her eyes never left Naruto. "All three were in bad shape, but we managed to stabilize them."

A collective breath of relief filled the room.

"Now for the bad news," Tsunade said, and instantly the relief evaporated. "Atlas flat lined three times on the table. Honestly I don't know how he made it with his age and wounds. But since we focused so much on stabilizing him we couldn't save his leg. The burns were too great, so we had to amputate at the knee. He's still in critical condition, but stable for now."

Naruto showed no indication of what he thought on the matter. Truthfully the man had already retired—it wasn't like his career was destroyed with the loss of his leg. A bit cold, but it was the best way to look at the situation.

"And Shikamaru," Temari asked, the desperation making Naruto clench his jaw.

"Comatose."

With one word Tsunade brought two worlds crashing to a stop.

Temari's eyes widened. Her breath hollowed and her head started shaking slowly. "No," she whispered slowly sinking to her knees.

"He's lucky to be alive," Tsunade added. "He would've died if he hadn't had the Chakra Siphoning Seal placed on him just before he activated his jutsu."

Tears rushed down her proud cheeks, and her fists shook with every emotion possible. Her world, the one she'd just managed to build into the one she wanted, had shattered. As Tamamushi and Samui did their best to comfort Temari, Naruto experienced something else entirely.

"No fair Jiji…" Naruto watched Temari cry out again and bury her face in Tamamushi's neck. "You never mentioned this. Never talked about this part. Sending my friends to their deaths is hard enough. Having to endure their loved ones too? It's…It's…"

It was a gut punch. Out of everything the Sandaime could've prepared him for, the hours spent listening to the old man speak—this should have been it. How could he comfort when he was the one who sent their loved ones to die? How could he lead when he would be resented by families, hated even? How could he possibly hope to move forward when he was reminded of his ninjas' deaths everyday on the street?

Watching Temari he realized a Hokage did all those things not because they knew how, but because they had to. They just did it. All of it. Because they had no other choice.

Naruto heard Temari's cries of pain turn to rage, and his eyes snapped up to see her lunging at him with another fist back. His eyes hardened and in a blur the room fell silent. Temari's watery glare widened, gaze locked on the hand wrapped around her wrist.

"He's important to me too, Temari."

A leader comforts.

"I know I practically ordered him to die, but he did it willingly because he wanted to protect the people and village he loved."

A leader bears all the feelings.

"So hate me if you want, scorn the very ground I walk on, but know this. His sacrifice wasn't in vain."

A leader pushes ahead through everything.

"We'll get the bastard responsible for this—for everything. Because Shikamaru trusted me to see this through to the end, and I refuse to let him down…"

That's what it meant to be Hokage.

"I promise."

He held Temari's eyes, refusing to break it or show any weakness. He had to, just as much for her as for himself. He felt her arm slacken, and released his hold. Her lips trembled, her own weakness laid bare for him to see, to take and shoulder. Her other arm came up, and with a stumbling step she fell into his chest continuing to cry. He wasn't sure what he murmured as he held her, rocking slowly, and giving her a chest to cry on while arms held her, but when he looked up and met Tsunade's eyes he saw the spark of approval there. She gave a small nod, nearly indiscernible, and moved for the stairs.

"I want you in my office in ten minutes," she said passing him. "The rest of you are coming with me."

Everyone began shuffling out except for Naruto and Temari, but he called to one more before she could leave.

"Samui," Naruto said stopping her at the door. "Do you want to see him?"

Everyone's eyes fell to her, and her face burned as she looked down. She hesitated, the desire to step forward and wait fighting against the anger of being worried and scared. Her body shifted, a small scowl forming, and her pale lips disappeared into a thin line. Her eyes moved back to Naruto, and in them he could see uncertainty and fear. She shook her head once then turned and left quickly, but Naruto still managed to catch the glisten in her eyes.

The rest followed after her, Bee muttering some awful rap about fickle women, ignored for once by Karui and Omoi. Naruto's world returned to the broken blonde in his arms, but he still felt the lingering pair of eyes on his back. Lavender, beautiful, and filled with emotions he was too afraid to find out. As the door closed and the feeling slipped away, Naruto realized if tomorrow he were to be named Hokage and his only criteria was to look her in the eyes and acknowledge her feelings—then he would die without ever achieving his dreams.

Deep inside him something cracked.

Cataclysmic wasn't quite what happened, but it was pretty damn close. The earth shook with massive tremors, deafening cracks tore through the ground sporadically, and gales blew trees and debris through the air.

Naruto had a lot of inner turmoil. Kurama understood that. But what panicked the fox was the tingle that shivered down his back and caused his jaws to clench in a wary snarl. It felt just like the time Menma had first appeared, and a foul chakra permeated the winds. As much as Kurama wanted to avoid that place, he knew for both his and Naruto's sakes he'd have to investigate.

He inched forward through the underbrush, paws padding in the soft dirt, muscles coiled tense, and senses on high alert. He didn't want to be ambushed again, the pain and consequences all still very fresh in his mind. The temperature dropped with every step towards the clearing, and the darkness from before, the colorless void that absorbed light, radiated through the undergrowth casting unnatural shadows.

Kurama crouched low behind the last bush before the clearing. He erased his presence completely, and steeled himself for the next step which would bring him face to face with their demon.

Lunging forward through the shrubs, his roar quickly turned to a yelp of surprised when light exploded blinding him. Kurama shook his head clearing the spots, and realized the foul chakra had vanished, and the temperature had returned to normal.

"Um…" Kurama looked back and forth, sniffing the air and listening for any signs of life, "what?"

Nothing.

"Ooookay," Kurama muttered as he approached the bowl that sealed Menma away.

The bowl lay cracked in half. It wasn't hard to understand what had happened. The stress from the mission combined with Naruto and Hinata's strained relationship caused the seal to break.

"Well shit." Scanning the forest around him, he saw and heard nothing. Switching to chakra, Kurama did the same thing and his head snapped when he got a reading.

Just not the one he was looking for.

"Naruto," Kurama said making a connection with his host. "We need to talk."

The soft beep of the monitor broke the sound of sniffles in the room. Naruto didn't say anything. He wouldn't. This was Temari's time, and she needed it. So he stood there quietly staring down at his unconscious friend, tactician, and advisor while Temari held his hand and stroked his cheek.

It amazed him how much the woman cared for Shikamaru. Sure, they'd always had chemistry between them, but seeing how deep those feelings truly went was something else entirely. She was a strong woman, and a proud kunoichi. To see her devastated by one thing was just as heartwarming as it was heartbreaking.

Tsunade said to be in her office in ten minutes. He was done with time-frames for the night—he'd get there when he was damn well ready. There were three other people that could fill her in with what she needed to know, he could spare a few minutes. He wondered if that was why Kakashi had always been late.

"Thank you," Temari's voice sound raw and low, and when he met her bloodshot eyes he saw the sincerity there. "For getting me in here, thank you."

Naruto nodded and still chose to say nothing. She wasn't permitted to enter past the lobby. This section of the hospital was designated for high profile individuals, only authorized personnel could get in. It took a single glare to get the doctor and nurses to back off as he escorted her to the room.

Sensing she wasn't done Naruto shifted his focus back to her.

"It's funny you know? I'm one of the toughest ninja in our village, and easily the toughest kunoichi. Men are afraid to even approach me…" She took a moment to caress his cheek with her thumb as if memorizing the touch. "But with him, he manages to bring out my vulnerabilities. I don't have to try putting up fronts around him. I love that I can just be myself. I've always cared about him, but tonight—when I saw him lying there choking on his own spit—I realized just how much I cared…I love him."

Naruto shifted slightly and glanced away from the two. He felt like he was intruding on an intimate moment, but at the same time he also knew she wanted him there. Uncomfortable and awkward.

"Baka…" Naruto looked back to see her letting out a rough chuckle as she wiped her eyes. "I finally tell you how I feel, and you're not even awake to hear it. That's so…s-so…" Her shoulders shook and she wrapped her arms around his chest as she nuzzled into his neck, "So l-like you…"

"He's a strong man," Naruto said in a subdued voice. "He'll get through this Temari, you'll see."

"I know he is," she said increasing her grip around his chest. "It's why I trusted him with my heart."

Naruto nodded lips quirking up, and turned to the door. "I'm going to check on the others. I'll stop by on my way back so we can meet Baa-chan."

He didn't get a response as he left. That was fine. At this point words were useless. All those two needed were each other now.

His eyes were closed when Naruto entered the room, and if not for the condensation fogging the oxygen mask Naruto would've sworn Sai dead. The image of a wide eyed Hyuuga, face frozen in surprise by death, overlapped Sai for a moment before fading away. The sight unsettled Naruto, and the flood of relief that washed over the blonde knowing his adoptive brother was okay nearly suffocated him.

But with it came the realization that Naruto had nearly lost Sai tonight. His failure as a leader almost cost him his brother. While the idea stung, the same rang true that Sai had survived the ordeal. Likewise though, Sai's squad hadn't.

All, except one.

It was a strange feeling, being thankful others had died instead of one he cared for, and he felt inhuman for thinking it. It left a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach and made him want to retch. How could he have such thoughts? So unattached and devoid of emotions—as if he were the Shinigami himself and could weigh the worth of the souls sent to die.

"If you're going to kiss me I'd rather you didn't."

Sai's voice rattled Naruto from his thoughts, and when he looked he found Sai staring at him. He was paler than usual—as impossible as it seemed—and there were dark bags under his eyes. He gave a weak smirk, but it shifted to a grimace when he tried to remove his oxygen mask. The contortion on his face speaking volumes for a man trained not to feel anything.

"You look like hell," Naruto said.

"I feel like it," Sai whispered—most likely because of his injured ribs and lung. "The mission…"

"Success," Naruto answered, but the word tasted bitter on his tongue. On paper—sure. But reality seemed to have a different opinion.

"Casualties?"

"Just the squad you went in with," Naruto said and he caught Sai's eyes wincing.

"Atlas?"

"Baa-chan said he lost a leg because of the burns. Other than that he's alive."

"Thank god," Sai exhaled melting into the bed and Naruto quirked an eyebrow. Sai hesitated a moment, struggling for breath as much as words before meeting Naruto's gaze. "About Atlas…I'm sorry I brought him back. I should have known better."

"I trust your judgment," Naruto said. "It's why I left you in charge of the Hyuuga estate."

"No," Sai shook his head. "I was being…selfish. I wanted to work with a legend. But he's just as important to you as he is to me."

"Sai…" Naruto's stomach started dropping. "Atlas' real name, what is it?"

He looked away unable to meet Naruto's eyes. "Ichiraku Teuchi."

Naruto's breath caught, and he blinked trying to process the name. His legs numbed, and he grabbed the bed rail to steady himself. So that's why Sai felt guilty. He knew how important Teuchi was to Naruto, yet he still put him in danger. Nearly gotten him killed. And Naruto had just brushed it off as not a big deal because he thought he didn't know Atlas. A new wave of disgust washed over Naruto, so vile and bitter his stomach turned.

He really needed to do some self reflecting.

"I can't believe he didn't tell me," Naruto said shaking his head.

Sai's surprise showed on his exhausted face. He probably expected yelling, not this pacified disbelief.

"First rule of Root," Sai said. "Don't talk about Root."

"Whatever," Naruto said folding his arms. He was silent for a moment, wrestling with his thoughts before he glanced at Sai from the corner of his eye and chuckled briefly. Sai quickly followed, much softer though, each finding solace in knowing their family was okay. They fell quiet again, simply enjoying the comfortable silence of each other's presence for a few moments until Sai's face grew slightly more emotionless.

"Naruto," Sai asked. "What happened? Were we compromised?"

"It looks that way," Naruto said, the dim light of the room throwing shadows across his already grim face. "But we don't know for sure yet."

"What does Shikamaru think?"

Naruto's lips thinned further and he shook his head. "He's in a coma."

Sai stared at Naruto for a moment before letting out a breath, summing up everyone's thoughts with one word. "Shit."

"I have a meeting with Tsunade," Naruto said. "You need to tell me every after the radios went dark."

And Sai did—with the kind of precision Danzō had drilled into him. Every action—both theirs and the opposition—was reported; every word uttered, mumbled, and curse recited. Everything, down to which tools were used for each situation, how many senbon were fired into each rebel, and how many seconds it took to clear the mansion.

When he'd finished Naruto remained silent. His stood with his arms folded and lips tight while his brow furrowed as he integrated everything Sai reported into his own experiences. What he came up with wasn't pretty. Nor did it bode well.

"Get some rest," Naruto said giving his brother's shoulder a squeeze and heading for the door. You'll be released tomorrow and we'll discuss everything in greater detail then."

"Naruto…" The blonde stopped at the door, and when he looked back Sai watched at him with a troubled expression. "Are you alright?"

Naruto didn't move, but his body tensed as the images of what he did not even an hour ago resurfaced. Thankful the darkness of the room hid his clenched jaw and balled fists.

"Yeah…" Naruto said after a moment. "Just been a long night."

He started to close the door, but stopped once more by Sai's final question.

"Samui…"

Naruto paused, a small grin forming as he said, "Mad as hell. You scared her."

Sai shook his head and closed his eyes muttering, "I'm in trouble,"

Naruto's grin faltered and his mind drifted lavender eyes and midnight silk as he closed the door. "We all are."

"The last of the Hyuuga bombers are being disarmed and brought into custody. Arrangements have been made at the Anbu headquarters for accommodation until the numbers decrease and they can be relocated to I.D. for interrogation and clearance."

The Commander's report had left the room pretty silent. Everyone involved and not injured, or part of the chain-of-command stood present for the debriefing. Those not directly involved in the mission had known something to be in the works, but the sheer size of the clandestine operation shocked them. Not to mention the mission had been commanded by none other than Naruto. The fact that it had basically gone off without hitch, despite the obstacles, and diverted a potentially disastrous situation for the village didn't fail to impress anyone.

"What of the hostages," Tsunade asked.

"Two of the three buildings have been disarmed by Jihibiki-dono and the hostages identified and released." the Commander answered. "As suspected when the Root squads didn't come to the aid of Vengeance after the ambush—the buildings were rigged with explosives. It's only because of Root's unorthodox approach to breaching buildings they didn't set them off, but once inside they became trapped."

"And the mass grave?"

"The Hyuuga elders, along with twenty hostages have been identified. However, the state of the elders' bodies suggests they've been dead for some time."

Hinata looked at the Commander incredulously, and Hiashi shook his head, "That doesn't make any sense. The elders have been present for weeks. Not only that, but our Byakugan didn't hint at any indication of disguise. You must be mistaken."

The Commander turned his head to Hiashi, "The bodies' identities were confirmed."

"Our eyes do not lie."

"I could care less about your view on the Byakugan," Tsunade said ending the argument. "The point is we have a body count far too high and no real answers as to how it happened."

"I believe further discussion on the topic should be discussed in private, Hokage-sama," Shino said still cloaked in Justice.

"Agreed," the Commander said.

"If it pertains to the Hyuuga clan I have a right to know," Hiashi answered, a rare display about the idea of him being dismissed from a meeting showing on his face.

"Under normal circumstances you're right," Tsunade answered. "However, while your clan is involved it's the village's safety at risk. Considering the state things at the moment, you will do as you're ordered. You will return to the Hyuuga compound and await further instructions."

"Hokage-sama I must insist—"

"Enough, Father!" Hinata's snapped. Her glare caused Hiashi to flinch when her head cut to him. Tsunade stared at the young woman with the rest of the room, "If the village wishes to keep further secrets from us then let them. There's not much more damage that can be done tonight anyways."

Hiashi said nothing, shock dominating on the man's usually stoic face. Tsunade took the opportunity to bring the conversation back under control.

"Commander, I want two squads of Anbu escorting them home. I want a third squad to join them at the estate and keep watch on the perimeter until all this is sorted out." She then turned her attention to Tamamushi and Karin, "You two wait in the lobby and you'll be escorted home shortly as well."

The group filed out, leaving behind the Commander, Sakura, and Shino. Hinata remained the last to leave ensuring no further arguments ensued, and as she walked out she halted at the Hokage's voice.

"Hinata," Tsunade called. "Have you talked to Naruto?"

Hinata froze. Her gripped tightened on the door handle, and she was silent for a few seconds. Whatever emotions crossed her face remained hidden to everyone else. Hey body gave away nothing. At that moment, she was the perfect Hyuuga. "No."

She exited the room before anything else could be said.

Silence reigned again for a few seconds before Tsunade sighed, "Get out here."

Naruto appeared before her, Retribution crumbling away as he gave her a respectful bow, "Reporting for debriefing, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade eyed him, taking in the emotionless person before her. No goofy grin, no lazy stance, nothing but the utmost professional air.

"Get to it," Tsunade said, but Naruto stopped when the door opened and Jihibiki poked his head in.

"I take it I'm just in time then," he said before sliding in and closing the door behind him.

"Since you're here it's safe to assume the bombs have been deactivated," Naruto said. Jihibiki nodded so Naruto turned his attention back to Tsunade. "Mission was successful," he paused, only a beat at the word 'success', but Tsunade understood. It had cost Naruto his men, and possibly something more.

"Total casualties are fifty-two KIA, ten of which were ours due to explosives rigged inside the Hyuuga Elders' mansion. Two Hyuuga rebels were killed during the operation when non-lethal actions endangered the citizens. Ten were killed when our groups countered the attacking forces at the Village Barrier and the I.D. Twenty more, originally designated hostages, were killed when they appeared throughout the crowd armed with multiple class five explosive tags."

Tsunade paled. "You admitted there were bombers in the crowd. You failed to mention they were carrying Block Busters."

"I had it under control," Naruto answered. "By using a seal I created, all the tags in the area were summoned to me. Mercy and I then moved through the street in an attempt to subdue the targets. While they may not have been able to detonate their bombs, they could still attack innocent civilians."

Tsunade nodded.

"Unfortunately, before we could subdue them the ambush at the Hyuuga estate launched. Mercy activated his time manipulation allowing me to use the Hirashin in combination with Retribution to locate and eliminate the Hyuuga in an instant."

Tsunade's pencil thin eyebrows rose, and beside her Sakura gasped bringing a hand to her mouth.

"So you managed to learn it," Tsunade said.

"Yes," Naruto answered.

"How," Sakura asked.

Naruto's eyes shifted to her, "Clan secret."

"Clan…what?" Sakura stared at him before looking to Tsunade who was rubbing her temples.

"You realize your father taught the jutsu to his personal guards, right?"

"F-Father…" Sakura echoed looking back at Naruto.

"And you realize that none of them have taught it to anyone else," Naruto countered. "They swore they wouldn't tell, and now that my clan has been reinstated I have the ability to demand recompense for any stolen secrets."

Tsunade blinked, her mouth falling slightly open. When did he become so competent at politics?

"We're getting off topic," Naruto said redrawing focus. "I debriefed Vengeance at the ICU."

"He was conscious," Tsunade asked as her eyebrows climbed again.

"Yes, and a good thing too," Naruto answered but his face became grim. "We have a problem. Somewhere there was an information leak. The Hyuuga planned for Sai and the Root squads to attack and set up counter measures."

"Is it possible they simply saw them coming?" The Commander asked. That was the ideal scenario, as horrible as it sounded. Better to have your shinobi slip up and pay for it than to have a security leak and the village pay instead.

Naruto shook his head. "None of the guards were aware of their presence, and they found no signs of the Hyuuga elders when they assaulted the mansion. Guards were present but not alert, and the ambush wasn't launched until the building had been cleared."

"So either we have a mole, or their Intel capabilities are staggering," Shino stated.

Tsunade frowned and turned to Sakura, "Did they make any mention of moles while you were there?"

Sakura shook her head. "No, their only contacts had been in the Hyuuga clan. Although a creature named Zetsu was capable of moving through the ground and always provided the information for our meetings."

"So they have an Intel specialist," Tsunade said and her frown deepened, "One who was on par or even better than Jiraiya."

A snort from Naruto drew their attention. "No one was better than Ero-sennin. Sure it took him longer to infiltrate places, but nobody had a more extensive network, gathered as much vital information, and…" Naruto gave a dark grin, "always had contingency plans.

"I took care of our current pest problem. I found the creature on top of the Hokage Monument and destroyed it. The body is down at the morgue along with all the others."

"There's more than one though," Sakura said. "What's to stop them from sending another? Or ten?"

Naruto shook his head, but Shino was the one to speak. "It is understandable since you haven't been in the village, but a lot has changed in the past month. Namely, the reinstatement of the Uzumaki Clan."

"Jihibiki and I will speak to Renge about possible reinforcements for the village barrier," Naruto said to Tsunade. "As for locating possible moles…" He turned to Shino, "Can Justice memorize a chakra signature from a corpse?"

"All bodies have residual chakra left over for some time. If the body is fresh enough, I can probably do so," Shino said. "Am I correct in assuming you want me to look at the corpse of the Zetsu?"

"You got it," Naruto nodded. "Stop by my place as soon as you've logged it. Jihibiki and I will find a way to upload the chakra signature to the village map. Of course," Naruto looked back to Tsunade, "that's if the Hokage allows it."

"Why wouldn't I," Tsunade asked.

"My leadership ended when the mission ended," Naruto answered.

Tsunade nodded, smirking though at Naruto's careful observation of chain of command. It didn't last though and she sighed leaning forward. "I want you to continue your operations, Naruto, but with one change. Anbu will resume normal activity so they'll no longer answer to you."

"Understood," Naruto said coming to attention. From the corner of his eye he caught Sakura watching the exchange in utter bewilderment.

"If you need the Anbu for anything come to me," Tsunade said.

"What about Root," Naruto asked.

"Yours to do with as you please—for now." Tsunade said, but her eyes narrowed. "I'll want updates on their movements though. I'll not have another Danzō on my hands."

"You wound me."

"You know what I mean," Tsunade said. Another sigh escaped her, this one heavier than before. "I don't know how much you're aware of this, but the Raikage was elected to lead the Shinobi Alliance. One of his first mandates was the hiding of the jinchuriki before the war began."

Naruto bit back an angry retort, literally biting his tongue to keep himself from exploding on her. It wasn't her order, so it would solve nothing by starting a yelling match.

"What are you getting at," Naruto asked trying to keep the anger from his tone.

"You and Killer B will be moved to an undisclosed location soon. Before that time I want you and your family to tighten up the security of this village as best you can."

Naruto's jaw ground slowly together and his fists clenched so hard they began to shake, "Understood, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade said nothing. Her eyes instead watched carefully from behind her bridged hands before she spoke. "Shino, Sakura, you are dismissed. Sakura, wait in the lobby until I'm done here. Shino, you're to examine the body in the morgue and then escort Tamamushi home."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Shino and Sakura said both with a bow.

The room fell silent after the two left. Naruto stood before Tsunade still at attention, and she continued to watch him closely. She expected him to relax, to maybe let out a tired sigh and give a goofy grin. But instead his eyes continued to stare at hers, hard and closed off. Something had happened to him. Or maybe multiple things had. It was hard to say when she didn't have the full details, which reminded her…

"I'm going to need a full report," Tsunade said sitting back. "I'll give you—"

A puff of smoke cut her off, and she blinked when what sounded like a textbook slammed on her desk. Her eyebrows shot up when she realized she'd been basically right. A yellow folder bursting to keep its contents inside sat before her.

"This is the month long mission report, up to but not including tonight's mission," Naruto said returning to attention. "I'll have the rest written and delivered to you tomorrow."

Tsunade's eyes shifted from the novel to the blonde standing before her. Okay, now she was concerned.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," Naruto said, but his body language said anything but. His tone was even—dead almost—and his tensed body jerked with his every movement. "Nothing I can't sleep off. I'll live."

"Maybe you should see Inoichi—"

"I said I'm fine, Baa-chan."

Tsunade's eyes hardened on him, but he returned the glare. She knew the look. She could see the mission replaying in his eyes and the thoughts plaguing his mind. She also knew he'd have to work through it on his own. So with a sigh she shook her head saying, "Fine. But if I think you're compromised in any way your ass is going to the I.D. to have your head checked."

Naruto's lips thinned and eyes narrowed. "If that is all, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade nodded her head and a flash of yellow answered her dismissal. The room fell silent once again, the only sound in the office being the small clock on the wall which sounded off the seconds that passed. Each tick reverberated throughout the room, and deepened the frown on her face. After several moments of nothing, she finally sighed and shook her head as she turned to the village which had grown silent on what should have been a boisterous and happy evening.

"There's nothing you can do," Jihibiki said as he joined her. "You know that right?"

Tsunade bowed her head and closed her eyes, "I know. It's why I'll allow him to work through it on his own…for now at least."

"There's not much else in the world more painful than breaking the trust of loved ones," Jihibiki said looking out the window. "After searching for the love he's yearned for his entire life, he finally found it. Only to be forced to throw it away in order to protect her."

"The tragic hero," Tsunade said looking up again. "Perhaps I should have a talk with her then."

"You're correct, but not from you." Tsunade looked at Jihibiki and cocked an eyebrow. "She needs her eyes opened to the other side of the story—yes—but not from the leader of the village. It'd come off as an order more than guidance. She needs to reach this enlightenment on her own, and with the help of those close to her if need be."

Tsunade's gaze shifted from the withered Uzumaki to village again. "I hope it's soon then. I don't like to undersell my shinobi, but I feel in my heart Naruto will be the key to winning this war. Our fate effectively rests in Hinata's hands."

"No," Jihibiki said shaking his head. "Naruto will overcome this with or without the forgiveness of Hinata. He's become a true leader, and knows how to carry the weight of sorrow and regret. He knows how to push forward through pain; he'll see us through this war regardless. It'd be more accurate to say the fate of Naruto's happiness rests in her hands, as well as his life."

Tsunade reflected on Jihibiki's words. Her frown deepened in concern and at the pain of her train of thought. "You think he'd willingly throw his life away in the war," she asked.

Jihibiki's face grew very still, and eyes stared off into some distant memory. "The boy has suffered through much hardship and loss already, Tsunade. I believe if he were to encounter a crisis now without resolving his personal issues, he'd sacrifice his life without attempting much thought at an alternative."

Tsunade's gaze shifted from the village to the portraits of the Hokages. "He'd win the war, but at the cost of his own life. A true hero to most…but in my eyes I see differently."

"Your eyes are also biased. We all have our own paths to take, Tsunade, and each one is different. They have their ups and downs, hardships and triumphs, but it's how we face them that matters most." Jihibiki let out a sigh, years of such events permeating the air. "Who are we to judge how one chooses to take their path? The boy has sacrificed enough already. If he decides his path should end early, then I won't stop him."

"Its suicide," Tsunade said scowling, her controlled exterior finally cracking. How could he care so little about his grandson?

"And if he chooses to do so then I can trust he will do it in the most honorable way possible," Jihibiki said. "I want nothing more than to witness the future generations of our clan come into this world and grow…But as I've said many times already. It's his choice."

Turning, Jihibiki crossed the room saying, "I'll have Karin-chan inform Hiashi that his Branch members will be returned to him tomorrow. As for the barrier, I imagine we'll have something worked out by the end of the week."

Tsunade said nothing, choosing to return her eyes to the village now roiling with anxiety and turmoil. But her gaze turned inwards, and watched the memories of Naruto as he grew into the man he'd become, doing nothing to help quell the fear growing in her heart.

When Naruto appeared before the door of his house he nearly collapsed. The moment his feet touched the safety of his own home, the weight of everything he'd done that night came crashing down.

He swayed side to side, before he shuddered and his throat constricted so tight he couldn't breathe. A choked sob escaped him, and he slammed a hand to his mouth as he clenched his eyes shut and tried to hold it all in. He had to. The night wasn't over yet. There was still more work to be done. The pain he felt in his chest, the numbness of his body, the holes pierced through his soul by that gaze of hers—it could wait. It could all wait.

Shoving it all down Naruto took a long deep breath and slowly exhaled, but froze when he heard Karin talking on the other side. He used the Hirashin again, this time appearing in his bedroom. He crossed the room and cracked the door, holding his breath, and praying Karin didn't come up asking questions. As if hearing his thoughts, after what seemed like an eternity Karin went back to what she'd been doing.

A breath escaped Naruto as he closed the door and slumped against the wall.

Pushing off from the wall, Naruto locked his door and activated the privacy seal. With a sigh carrying the weight of the world Naruto created a clone that trudged to his desk while he did the same to his bed. Both flopped into a seat and while the clone began writing a report for Tsunade, Naruto stilled his mind and controlled his breathing.

"Alright Kurama, what do we needed to talk about?"

When Naruto opened his eyes he found the fox sitting in front of him, but his focus wasn't on Naruto. Instead, his teeth were bared and he kept glancing towards a thick grove of trees. Naruto took one look at Kurama's appearance and then snapped his fingers.

Kurama's eyes widened and shot down to him and let out a small breath of relief.

"Naruto, good, you're here," the fox said as his eyes shifted back to the trees a few more times.

"I am," Naruto said raising an eyebrow. "What do we need to discuss?"

"The growing list of problems with you," Kurama growled while meeting his container's eyes. "Seriously, can't you stay out of trouble?"

Naruto's lips peeled back and his glare intensified. "Look Fuzzball, it's been a long fuckin' night for me. So skip the damn lecture and tell me what the problem is!"

The two glared at one another for a moment longer before they both blinked and took a deep breath at the same time.

"Sorry…" Naruto said looking away while running a hand down his face. "It really has been a rough night."

"I'm…sorry too, kit." Kurama said looking away as well. "I know it's been a rough couple of hours for you. I'm just taking my emotions out on you because I'm so worried."

"Worried," Naruto asked looking back at Kurama only to yelp and hold his head where Kurama bopped him.

"And for last time," Kurama said snarling, "I'm furry not fuzzy!"

Naruto scowled, but a smile replaced it shortly after. "So what's the problem?"

"Do you want the good news, bad news, or the 'I don't quite know what to label it' news?"

Naruto blinked, "Um…"

"Bad news first then. Menma escaped. Most likely due to all the stress and emotional turmoil that's gone on this past month."

"Shit."

"Yep."

"The good news?"

"He's gone into hiding, which probably means he knows you can beat him."

Naruto nodded in thought. "And the last bit?"

"Well…" Kurama's head shifted back to the trees. "Stretch out your senses, and tell me if you recognize that signature."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, but did as instructed. A few seconds later he blinked as a person's face flashed from his memory causing his head snapped to the trees too.

"The fuck?"

"Yeah…"

"How?"

"No clue."

"What do you think we should do?"

Kurama bared his fangs but managed to control himself enough to think. "I'm not really sure. After everything that's happened, I don't know what that person could possibly want or have planned."

Naruto's eyes returned to the grove. The trees formed a tunnel into the woods, but the foliage was so dense a wall of black shrouded the path after a few feet.

"For now, just keep an eye on them," Naruto said looking at the fox. "Stay away from here and just use your senses to keep watch." An exhausted sigh left his lips and his shook his head. "Honestly, as if I don't have enough on my plate already."

"I'll let you know if anything changes," Kurama said. "That goes for both of them. You just worry about the outside; I'll take care of the inside."

Naruto smiled at Kurama and his shoulders loosened a little, "Thanks."

"No problem. Now get going, I can sense the Aburame is close."

The mindscape faded away, and when Naruto opened his eyes sure enough he could sense Shino coming down the path. With another sigh, Naruto stood up and stretched his back earning a few cracks. He popped his neck left, then right, and removed the privacy seals from his door.

It was going to be a long night.