talking: Ya' know

thinking: Ya' know

jutsu: Flying Raijin Jutsu

Tailed Beast talking: Damn you 4th Hokage

Tailed Beast thinking: Damn you 4th Hokage

I don't own Naruto or any other manga/anime in any way shape or form.

story has some slight x-overs.

Chapter 12: Ghost

As Itachi fell to the ground dead, Karin quickly released Naruto from Itachi's Genjutsu. Once Naruto had his wits about him, he looked around and saw Itachi lying on the ground. Naruto whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was he had said to her, it caused her to go wide eyed. She was about to object, but Naruto had already gotten up and started heading over to the others who have already made it toward Kakashi and Sasuke.

"Looks like it's over." Said Naruto, gaining everyone's attention.

Kakashi lowered his headband as he replied. "Yea. It's finally over."

"I don't think Sasuke will be too happy though. He's always wanted revenge on Itachi for what he did. And you took that away from him at the last second, Kakashi." Said Naruto, causing Kakashi's eye to widen slightly.

"I guess I didn't think of that. But, I'm sure Sasuke will understand. Someday." He said as he, turned to look at Sasuke. He saw Sakura tending to Sasuke's wounds, and Karin sealing Itachi's body away. He was about to question this, but was beaten to the punch by Tsunade.

"Why are you sealing away Itachi's body?" She asked.

"The Akatsuki is still too mysterious. We can't underestimate them and we don't know what the other members are capable of. With three dead and one captured, they should be down to six. But they can always still recruit more members. Or for all we know, they may know how to bring the dead back to like with some forbidden jutsu or whatever." Naruto explained. "To prevent this, we'll be taking care of Itachi's disposal. But it's best done in the village, where no outsiders can interfere with it somehow."

As Naruto was explaining this, Karin had started to head back into the village.

"A little paranoid don't you think?" Tsunade asked.

Gaara is the one who replied. "Not necessarily. The Akatsuki is skilled at infiltration. They managed to sneak into the Hidden Sand without being noticed by anyone but myself. The Akatsuki is extremely dangerous. And as Naruto said, they're too mysterious to be underestimated. It's best to let Naruto take care of Itachi's disposal." Said the Kazekage.

*Sigh* "Very well. In the meantime, do you mind if we get Sasuke the hospital?" Tsunade asked.

"No problem. Let's go." Naruto replied, leading the way back into the village.

-One hour later-

Everyone was waiting in the hospital's waiting room. Tayuya had at some point joined them. Once they had entered the village, Naruto quickly took Sasuke and took him to the hospital. Tayuya had shown up shortly after, and showed them the way to the hospital. They met Naruto there, and have been waiting ever since.

Tsunade and Sakura were adamant about helping with the Hidden Whirlpool in their effort to heal Sasuke, but Naruto assured them that their help wasn't needed. So, reluctantly, they backed down.

Finally, after two hours, a female doctor emerged from the OR to give them the news. "Good news, Lord Uzumaki. Lady Hokage. Sasuke Uchiha's injuries have been brought from serious to minor, and his chakra exhaustion is no longer an issue. He should be able to leave in a couple days." She said with a smile.

*Sigh* "Thank goodness!" Said Sakura.

Tsunade and Naruto nodded in agreement. "Thank you, doctor. I'll be headed back to my office for now. Make sure that there are guards standing by his room, and inform Karin to meet with me as soon as she's able. Understand?" Naruto asked, giving her a couple of orders to follow.

"Yes sir!" She bowed, before leaving to tend to her orders.

"Naruto! Why is there a need to place guards around Sasuke's room! He's not an enemy to your village!" Sakura yelled, attracting attention from everyone else in the waiting room.

Tayuya went up to Sakura, and before anyone could react, she grabbed her by the collar of her shirt before yelling. "Listen here pinky! This isn't your village! This isn't the Hokage's village! This is the my cousin Naruto's village! So what he says GOES! You have no say here! Let's not forget to mention that not everyone here trusts you! Got it!"

"That doesn't ex..."

"That's enough, Sakura. This is a hospital. Keep your voice down." Tsunade ordered, having enough of the show. As she saw Sakura about to speak again, Tsunade continued. "She's right. People from both of our villages still don't completely trust one another. We would do the same if it were one of them. Not just for our village's safety, but theirs as well. Understand?"

Sakura was quiet for a moment, letting the information sink in. She glanced at Naruto, who nodded in confirmation. *Sigh* "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking." Sakura said.

*Scoff* "Obviously." Said Tayuya, letting Sakura go.

"That's enough, Tayuya. Let's go. There's been enough disturbance for the patients her. Let's go get a bite to eat. I'm sure we're all hungry." Said Naruto, leading everyone outside to get something to eat after everyone affirmed his claim.

-Later-

"Naruto! Sorry it took my so long! I had a patient that was difficult to treat. *Huff* I'm exhausted." She said, as ran up to them hunched over.

"But the patient is stable?" Naruto asked.

"Yes."

"Good. Go take the rest of the day off." Said Naruto.

Karin just nodded, and left.

"Heh. You really got this Village Leader thing down. I have to say, I'm impressed Naruto." Said Kakashi.

"Thanks. But it's really Natsu and Yusaku. They're the ones who pounded everything about politics and leading people. Without them, I never would've been able to lead the village against the Hidden Stone." Naruto replied.

"I see. They must've been very effective teachers, to get politics through that thick skull of yours. Hahaha." Tsunade laughed.

"Awww. Grandma!" Naruto whined.

"Sorry, Naruto. Couldn't help myself."

*Sigh* "It's ok. It wasn't easy. They really had to dumb it down for me. Once they did that, it made more sense. And over time, they made it to where I could finally understand the more complicated stuff. Don't get me wrong though. I'm still learning about politics and stuff. So, I'm not nearly as smart as you or Gaara about it."

"I see. Well, you did a great job with the Alliance Meeting a while back." Said Tsunade.

"Yea, I guess so. I didn't want to act the way I did, but I was told I had to be otherwise I'd never achieve an alliance between the Leaf and Whirlpool." Naruto replied.

"And they were right. From what I hear, about half of the council were against it. But with the way you handled everything, you managed to sway their minds to your favor. Even if it wasn't your preferred method, it was effective." Said Kakashi, receiving a nod of agreement from Gaara and Tsunade.

Giving off a light smile, Naruto said. "Yea. I guess you're right. Our alliance has already got the Hidden Stone to start withdrawing their attacks. They've almost completely stopped. Everyone's finally starting to sleep peacefully for the first time since the first attacks."

Surprised, Tsunade responded. "Really!? They've already started to pull back?"

"Yea. With the alliance and the revelation that I'm the real leader of the Hidden Whirlpool, the Hidden Stone has started backing off. I guess it's also because of my dad's reputation. But, that's got more to do with me than with the alliance." Naruto explained.

"That would make sense. The 4th Hokage was the only ninja to ever have a 'Flee on Sight' order placed on him. He's still got a fearsome reputation, despite that it's been years since he died." Said Temari.

Naruto had a large smile on his face now. "I know right! My parent's were awesome! I mean, my mom originally came from this village. And I'd like to think that they're both really proud of me. My dad, because I've mastered his most legendary jutsu, and my mom because I've brought back her home village." Said Naruto, getting more sentimental as he continued to speak.

"I know they are, Naruto." Said Kakashi. "I knew them for quite some time before they died. In fact, your father was my sensei."

"Huh? Really? You were dad's student?" Naruto asked, surprised. The new had actually surprised the Sand siblings as well.

"Yea. In fact, if time permits, I could help you advance your 'Rasengan!' tomorrow."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Naruto asked.

"Like I said. If time permits tomorrow."

"Heh. I wouldn't worry too much about that." Said Naruto, with a confident smile. "Anyway, you should probably get to your hotel. I've still got some work to do before I can head home. So, good night guys." Naruto said, before disappearing in an orange flash.

-Whirlpool Hospital-

A figure started moving around. Or at least tried to. The figure quickly realized that he couldn't move. And while he could quickly figure out why he couldn't, he couldn't quite figure out why he's alive. The last thing he remembered was a hand sticking through his chest. Putting his thoughts to the side, he decided to try and figure out where he is. Listening closely, he could hear the beeping of machines. That alone told him that he was in a hospital room.

He was awake for about ten minutes before he heard the door to his room open. But he couldn't see who it was, because of the blindfold. "Welcome back to the living." Said the entrant. The bound figure didn't reply, but he instantly recognized the person's voice. After a moment without a response, the person continued. "There's no point in pretending. I know you're awake. Itachi." The one who had just entered, had also sealed to room, so as not to be over heard.

Again, there was no reply.

*Sigh* "Look. I'm a very busy man. But if I have to sit here until you answer me, then I will. So you can either answer my questions, or just be quiet. I don't care either way." Said the man.

Exhaling a deep breathe, Itachi replied. "What is it you want to know, Naruto?" Itachi asked.

"The way you were talking to me about Sasuke, while you had me trapped inside a Genjutsu. It sounded like you thought Sasuke was really going to betray the Leaf Village. Why would he do that? What reason could there possibly be, to cause Sasuke to betray his village?" Naruto asked.

Itachi took a few moments to consider his options, before finally answering. "I'm afraid I can't answer that." He said.

"And why not!? You're a rogue ninja! It's not like you're loyal to the Leaf Village anymore, or are you?" Naruto asked. Itachi's pinky flinched slightly, but Naruto caught it. "You are, aren't you? Then you're spying on the Akatsuki, for the Leaf Village. But if that's true, then why did you kill off your entire Clan?"

"Damn. He's figured out too much. I need to escape, but I can't move or use my chakra." Itachi thought, deciding to simply remain silent.

Moments past before Naruto spoke. "Look. I know that you have secrets, but with everyone believing that you're dead, is there really a point in keeping your secrets? Especially if it means Sasuke could betray the Leaf Village, because no one knows that there's a chance that it could happen?" Naruto asked, causing another flinch of Itachi's pinky. "Last time, we had Sakura confront him. Even though he knocked her out, we found out just hours later. And I just barely caught up to him, before stopping him. This time, he won't be so careless. So, why would he betray the Leaf Village?"

Not seeing much of a choice, Itachi decided to answer. "It's because of 'why' I had killed the members of my clan."

Confused, Naruto asked. "What do you mean? Why did you kill your clan?"

"To protect the Leaf." He replied, surprising Naruto.

"'To protect the Leaf.'?!" Naruto asked, shocked at what he was hearing. "How is annihilating your entire clan, supposed to protect the village?!"

Itachi remained silent for a moment, before he finally answered. "Because they were planning a coup d'état against the village. My father was at the head of the plan. Only myself and Shisui Uchiha, were against the plan. We made numerous attempts at delaying their plans. However, Shisui eventually died. He was planning to use his ultimate jutsu to change the minds of the Uchiha Clan, but he was stopped and had one of his eyes stolen. In order to prevent the other one from being stolen, he destroyed it and then committed suicide." Itachi explained, while Naruto looked on in shock.

Recovering from his shock, Naruto spoke up. "That's enough for now. I'll be back tomorrow morning, with someone else. I would like it if you told them the same thing you told me. And don't worry, they can keep a secret like no other." Naruto said, before leaving the room.

-The next morning-

Naruto did as promised. Having brought Karin with him. After assuring Itachi that Karin would keep what would be said to herself, Itachi agreed to repeating what he had said. Naruto had then sealed the room. Karin was shocked after hearing what she had said. Only this time, Naruto asked Itachi to go more into detail. So Itachi, reluctantly did so. He told them everything. About how it was Danzo who stole Shisui's eye, which they already knew. They also discovered that the Third Hokage, as well as they other two elders, knew about these plans. And though he was reluctant, the third approved of the Uchiha Clan's destruction. Itachi himself had volunteered, on the condition that Sasuke would be spared.

"And? Is he telling the truth, Karin?" Naruto asked, once Itachi's story was finished.

Shaking herself from her shock, Karin replied. "Yes. It's true. I find it hard to believe, but his chakra doesn't lie."

"Shit! If Sasuke finds out, he just might turn against the Leaf Village." Said Naruto. *Sigh* "I guess it should be fine. No one, but us and the Leaf Elders, should know about this."

"That may not be the case." Said Itachi, confusing Naruto and Karin.

"What do you mean?" Karin asked.

"There is likely one Akatsuki member who knows the same secrets that I just told you." Itachi answered.

"How's that possible?" Naruto asked.

"Because, he helped me in killing off my clan."

"WHAT!" Naruto and Karin yelled. "Who helped you? It wasn't Shisui, since you said that he was already dead! So, who?!"

"He's a 'new' member of the Akatsuki, but he's also the real leader who runs them from the shadows. Only myself and two others know this fact. And he goes by Madara Uchiha." Itachi explained.

*Gasp* "Madara Uchiha!? That's impossible!" Said Karin.

"Why's that? And who's this Madara guy?" Naruto asked.

Itachi answered, explaining to Naruto who Madara Uchiha was. Naruto was shocked that someone from the First Hokage's era was somehow still alive. Itachi then continued to tell him how he had met the man during one of his missions. Killing a close friend of his, causing his Sharingan to awaken. He then told them how he later tracked him down, and ask for his assistance with eliminating the Uchiha Clan. Not leaving out a single detail, of what he knew about the man's past.

"Oh man. This isn't good. If someone that powerful is running the Akatsuki, then we're in some big trouble. And the Leaf Village will be in trouble if he ever manages to tell Sasuke the truth. But, what if Sasuke decides to protect the Leaf like you did Itachi?" Naruto asked.

"That's not a risk I'm willing to take. But I've already made some sort of counter-measure, to keep Madara away from Sasuke. However, I'm not sure it will be enough." Itachi replied.

"What kind of counter-measure?" Karin asked.

"I placed the 'Amaterasu!' within Sasuke's left eye. It's only a one-shot deal. With any luck, Madara will fall victim to the hidden attack. However, this has perhaps a 10% chance of finishing him off at best." Itachi explained.

"Damn. So, what do we do now?" Karin asked.

*Sigh* "I dunno. I'm not sure I'd get much of a chance to mark him. And as old as he is, he's got to have a ton on Ninjutsu he can use. Any ideas, Itachi?" Naruto asked.

"I'm most likely the only one who could handle Madara one-on-one. My analytical skills have been top notch. However, I'm almost completely blind from the over use of my Mangekyou Sharingan." Said Itachi.

"Shit. Can't catch a break, can we." Said Naruto, receiving a shrug from Karin.

"Not necessarily." Said Itachi, confusing Naruto and Karin.

"What do you mean?" Karin asked.

"If Sasuke and I were to trade eyes, I would be cured of my blindness. And I'd be even more powerful. However, Madara and I may end up killing one another." Itachi explained.

"That sounds ridiculous! *Sigh* But it's worth a shot I guess." Said Karin.

"It's not that easy, Karin. Without the Hokage's consent, we can't take Sasuke's eyes and trade them for Itachi's. And even if we brought it up to her, she's become suspicious. But, I've got an idea." Said Naruto, as he smiled.

"Huh? What kind of plan?" Karin asked.

"First, I have to asked Itachi something."

"And what's that?" Itachi asked.

"I want to know, if you're willing to join the Hidden Whirlpool as a member of out ANBU Black-ops. From what I've heard, you were the head of the Leaf's ANBU a long time ago. We happen to have that position open right now, in case you're interested." Said Naruto, shocking Karin and Itachi.

"Are you insane, Naruto!"

"No. We're allies with the Leaf. We're willing to protect each other. This presents Itachi with a purpose to live, as long as he can handle not using his Mangekyou Sharingan for a while." Naruto countered. He then turned back toward Itachi. "I'll give you some time to think about it. I'll be back tonight, in case you come to a decision by then." Said Naruto, before he unsealed the room and left with Karin by right him.

-Meanwhile-

Somewhere, the remaining members of the Akatsuki were meeting once again. *Sigh* "So, why're we here again?" Hidan asked, finding that a new meeting so soon after the last one to be such a pain.

"Itachi and Kisame are dead." Said White Zetsu, surprising the remaining members that didn't already know.

"Those Hidden Whirlpool brats managed to kill both of them? That's some skill." Said Kakuzu.

"Actually, it was Sasuke Uchiha who killed Itachi. And it was a combined effort from Suigetsu Hozuki and the Nine-tails Jinchuuriki, that took down Kisame." Said Pain.

"Wow! Those are some pretty scary adversaries!" Said Tobi.

"However, Sasori is still alive. But within the Hidden Leaf Village." Said White Zetsu.

"Good. But for now, we'll just ignore this. We need new members, and the other Jinchuuriki. For now, we'll focus on these things. Dismissed." Pain ordered.

-Later-

Back in the Hidden Whirlpool's hospital. Itachi had thought long and hard about Naruto's offer. Just like Naruto said, he came back after a long day at the office and training with Kakashi. Karin had accompanied him. "Do you have and answer, Itachi?" Naruto asked, after sealing the room.

"Yes. I've thought hard about it. And I accept your offer. However, I'll need some serious medical attention with my illness." Said Itachi.

"That's not a problem. I'll examine your condition tomorrow, and we'll go from there." Said Karin.

"I understand."

"Right. While you're on duty, you'll be known as 'Ghost'. And welcome, to the Hidden Whirlpool Village and the Hidden Whirlpool's ANBU Black-ops." Said Naruto.

That's chapter 12. Please read and review.