Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Negima.

Chapter 15

Fate of Art

Konohagakure no Sato

"Good job," Minato praised his wife's team as they presented a scroll containing Orochimaru's files to him. "I will have our research team make good use of this." He then gave a smile to the nervous and wide-eyed redhead girl that came with them. "And I welcome you, Uzumaki Karin, to Konohagakure."

"Y-Y-Y-Y," Karin stuttered as her finger that was pointed at Minato shook wildly. "Y-Y-You're the Y-Yondaime Hokage! You're supposed to be dead for thirteen years!"

Minato gave a light chuckle as he reclined on his Hokage seat. "Yes, I should be dead. But an event three years ago brought me back. I made extra sure that not one word regarding my resurrection would leave this village. I trust that my wife and children would debrief you on the specifics after they officially welcome you to the family."

"I-I see," she concluded. Then, she gave a bow. "Thank you for your kindness!"

"Now, now, I will have none of that," he waved off. "You are part of the family. You don't have to be so formal around me."

"Yes!"

Giving her a smile, he said, "So I'd best return to my duties. You are all dismissed."

As his wife, children, and Karin left the office, his smile turned to a frown as his gaze lowered to a letter on his desk.

Minato-sensei,

We picked up a stray named Juugo in the Orochimaru's Northern Hideout. He seemed to now be attached to Sasuke for reasons that are too long to be written in this letter without removing why I've written this letter.

Regardless, word of Sasuke's ambition for revenge against Itachi – well, former ambition, now – is far reaching and it has reached even the abandoned labs of Orochimaru. As such, Juugo asked Sasuke regarding Itachi and it ended with Juugo keeping an ear out for word on Itachi while we are headed for the Western Hideout.

Personally, I don't think that we should be looking for Itachi. It has been three years. Who knows what a genius like Itachi would have learned in that timespan? Regardless, Mikoto-san didn't agree with me and insisted that we all are enough to fight against Itachi.

I don't think I can change Sasuke's or Mikoto-san's minds on this. So this letter is just an informative letter.

Kakashi

Minato sighed as he lowered the letter. Kakashi is indeed right. Itachi is still as dangerous as, if not more than, he was three years ago. But…I guess they both need this. I guess I can allow it. However…nothing can go amiss with reinforcements.

With that in mind, he took out a paper seal and pressed it to his head. Fate, I have an extra task for you.

Kakashi's Team - Timeskip

The whole group settled in a nearby town as they were on their way back to Konoha from the Western Hideout.

"We finally get to rest!" A teen with white hair, purple eyes, and a matching purple suit groaned out. His mouth containing jagged teeth rudely opened in a yawn as he placed his arms behind his head. "I thought we'd never rest!"

Behind her mask, Mikoto scowled at his behavior but Sakura was the one who spoke. "We're the ones who are supposed to be happy with finding a place to rest while you got your rest in that tank!"

Moving his eyes to the pinkette, the teen scoffed. "Look, pinkie, my stay there was for Orochimaru's experimentation. It wasn't exactly a pleasure hotel."

"You're just pissed that we didn't get you the Kubikiribocho from Zabuza's grave!"

"Enough," Kakashi sternly commanded the two. "Sakura," he saw his student look to him, "that's alright. All of us could use the rest anyway. Hozuki Suigetsu-san," he looked to the bored-looking, white-haired teen, "I understand your frustration over not being able to get Momochi Zabuza's blade but that is not our decision. That right belongs to someone else, the one who was affected by him and his accomplice and affected them in turn."

"Tch," Suigetsu shrugged. "Whatever, let's just get our rest so we can get moving."

Later on, they all were situated in a big room for them to rest in. Sasuke himself stood in front of the balcony, looking out into the distance. His mother sat on a chair on the same balcony, still wearing her mask, and softly spoke to her son. "Sasuke, I know you're anxious to get to your brother but you should rest."

"I'm fine," he replied, not taking his eyes off the horizon. "You should know, Kaa-san, that a man would not be deterred when he is so close to his goal. I am no different. Itachi is within my grasp and I will not let it go until justice is served."

With a sigh, she said, "You are just as stubborn as your father. Sasuke, I may not be able to stop you from this but please don't push yourself. It wouldn't do well to be tired when facing an S-Rank ninja."

Her son's reply of "Hn" wasn't comforting at all but she simply watched as he turned around and went back in.

Sasuke looked at the seated and reading Kakashi and said, "I'm going out. I need some fresh air to clear my head."

Nodding, the silver-haired ninja said, "We'll be here for a while anyway. In the meantime, Sakura and I will be in town to restock for supplies. Juugo-san, Suigetsu, and ANBU-san shall remain here."

Juugo and Mikoto nodded while Suigetsu lazily raised a hand in affirmation.

Forest Outskirts

The young Uchiha wandered around aimlessly, not having any particular destination. Itachi, I am almost there. Wait for me! I am coming for you!

"So this is Itachi's brother, huh, hn," a cocky voice spoke from behind him and made Sasuke tense.

He quickly turned around and drew his katana, activating his Sharingan. He saw the blond member of Akatsuki, Deidara, and another Akatsuki member that he has never seen before. Other than the traditional Akatsuki cloak and the very ordinary short, black hair, the only thing that stood out was the orange mask with a spiral design that swirls to the spot where the right eye should be.

"Oh," Tobi exclaimed. "Look at him, Senpai! He's so scary!"

"Shut up, Tobi," Deidara shouted. "You're Akatsuki! Scary is not part of our vocabulary!"

"Iwa-nin-turned-Akatsuki Deidara," Sasuke interrupted, "and who's your friend?"

"I am Tobi and I'm a good boy~" Tobi introduced, his earlier fear of him forgotten. "I am the newest member of Akatsuki, pleased to meet you, Itachi's brother!"

"Fortune seems to be with me today. I came out here, hoping to clear my head, and didn't expect to meet with Akatsuki itself." Sasuke pointed his katana at them. "Answer me. Where is Uchiha Itachi?"

"Huh," Deidara yelled in rage. "You are facing two Akatsuki and you are focused on someone not here?! Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Yukizora and I incapacitated you easily. I know that I can do the same by myself."

"Tch, you are as arrogant as Itachi. You have no idea what I was up to since our first fight! I am stronger than last time! And I'll show it to you!" He first plunged his hands into the two pouches at his sides and then whipped them forward, the mouths on them opening to unleash two snakes that quickly rushed towards him.

"Hmph" was Sasuke's simple reply as he charged forward. Coating his blade in lightning, he slashed the first snake. It split in two but the two halves became snakes themselves and continued to charge. Sasuke dodged a snake and stabbed it into the ground. Then, he pushed himself off the ground and used his stabbed sword as leverage to kick the head of the two snakes.

He landed, removed his sword from the ground, and quickly slashed in Deidara's direction, sending an arc of fire towards them.

Sneering, Deidara stopped the flow of clay and, to Sasuke's surprise, summoned water from the two mouths and dealt with the fire. Then, as he stopped the flow of water, his mouths spewed two blobs of clay. They then changed form into two samurai, one from each mouth that spewed it.

Both then charged at Sasuke. One went further ahead and unleashed its blade towards the Uchiha. Sasuke immediately blocked it. The clay blade absorbed Sasuke's and stuck it in place. The other clay samurai jumped over the first and slashed downward.

Sasuke kicked his opponent away and let go of his blade since it was attached to the other blade. He then quickly jumped back to avoid the other slash. Afterwards, lightning chakra coursed through his hands in the form of a sword. He and the clay samurai that slashed from above charged at each other. But as the samurai struck, Sasuke ducked under the attack and, after a quick movement, was behind the samurai with his lightning blade raised at his side. Then, after a split second, the samurai was sliced in two with small bits of lightning escaping from it.

Without pausing, he continued towards the other samurai, who now wields both his katana and his clay sword. As Sasuke swung his lightning blade, the clay samurai raised the real sword to block it. Sasuke summoned another lightning blade to his other hand and made an even stronger slash downward. However, he was unprepared for Tobi to join in the fight by kicking his side.

Placing his hands behind his head, Tobi exclaimed, "I feel so lonely, not doing anything! I want to join in too!"

Deidara chuckled. "Do what you want then, Tobi. But don't forget that I will be the one to kill him!"

Tobi saluted, "Roger that, Senpai!"

Sasuke glared at the nonchalant Akatsuki member but he didn't say anything as he stood up and brandished his two blades of lightning. His Sharingan eyes moved from Tobi to the clay samurai, then to Deidara, keeping note of their actions – wait…Deidara's hands are on the ground. Just as he processed that information, two snakes emerged from the ground beneath him and very quickly bound his movements.

"Gotcha," the blond Akatsuki exclaimed, raising his hands into his signature seal, "KATSU!" The snakes then exploded. As smoke and dust gathered around the blast site, Deidara continued, "I'm not letting you rest!"

The clay samurai dashed and disappeared into the cloud. However, pieces of the samurai burst off into different places, surprising Deidara.

The cloud slowly dispersed, revealing Sasuke clad in lightning armor, wielding his katana that is now covered in flames in one hand and a shield of fire in the other. Despite the armor, however, one can still see signs of the previous explosion on him. Undeterred, he muttered, "Raienhei."

"Oh," Tobi said in amazement, "this is new." But he didn't flinch as Sasuke appeared in front of him and slashed at him. Tobi appeared to have just as quick reflexes as he managed to bend his back, narrowly avoiding Sasuke's slash. The Uchiha of Konoha recovered and attempted to bash Tobi as he was bent, slamming his shield downward.

"Not on my watch," shouted Deidara, as he slammed his hands on the ground once more. A hole opened beneath Tobi and swallowed him, closing quick enough to clash with the fire shield.

Another hole opened beside Deidara and Tobi enthusiastically emerged from it. "Hi, hi," he greeted Sasuke with a wild wave.

"Playtime's over." Deidara smirked as he formed his hand seals and Tobi curiously turned his head to his superior.

But he faltered after the first seal when Tobi 'innocently' asked, "Are you kissing yourself through your hands, Senpai?" Deidara sputtered and Sasuke gave a look of disgust. "I never thought you'd be so lonely as to kiss yourself. Don't worry, Senpai! Tobi is here for you!"

"THAT'S DISGUSTING, TOBI! DON'T TALK LIKE THAT AGAIN OR I'LL DESTROY YOU!"

"Haaaaah," Tobi shouted in dismay, "I'm so sorry, Senpai! I was just worried!"

"Tch," Deidara snarled as he restarted his hand seals. As he did so, he shouted, "Bakuton: Mini Bakudan (Blast Release: Mini Bombs)!" Quickly afterwards, he switched into a different set of seals and said, "Futon: Renkudan!"

Then, he placed the bottom of both his palms together and held it in Sasuke's direction. In one mouth, small fireballs emerged. In the other, big balls of air burst out.

Sasuke immediately ran to the side, dodging the fireballs that created very large explosions upon impact. Amidst the loud explosions and the clouds they emitted, he missed Deidara whispering something to Tobi, who nodded.

"I've had enough of this," he growled as the shield on his arm enlarged and he threw it at Deidara's direction.

Deidara jumped over the shield and cut off the fireballs to raise his arms to block Sasuke's sudden appearance and kick. Before Deidara landed, he quickly plunged his hand into his pouch, pulled it out, and summoned a large clay dragon. When he stood atop its head, he plunged both hands into the pouch just as a chunk of the dragon's tail seemed to be absorbed into it. Simultaneously, the dragon's mouth opened and the large blob that emerged from it split off into numerous balls while Deidara whipped his hands forward, creating different aviary creatures that flew towards Sasuke.

But as Sasuke raised his hands to block, half of the creatures exploded while still a few meters away from him and, afterwards, the other half burst from the cloud and exploded into a darker cloud.

Gck, Sasuke harshly thought as he shut his eyes. The cloud slowly dispersed and Sasuke was treated to the sight of Deidara and his dragon but Tobi and the small clay balls disappeared. What? Where are those balls and the other guy? He was not given time to ponder further as the dragon took flight. I've got to deal with this guy though.

Sasuke channeled lightning chakra through his free hand and held it out at Deidara's direction, saying, "Chidori Eiso!" The lightning transformed into a long spear and flew through the air towards Deidara. However, it reached its limit as it stopped a foot or so from Deidara, making Sasuke click his tongue. Dammit, now he knows Chidori Eiso's range. He then heard the sound of someone bursting from the ground and quickly turned his head to see Tobi saluting Deidara.

"Senpai," he shouted. "It's ready~"

"Very good, Tobi," Deidara replied, "Let's get this party started!"

Mines, thought Sasuke, of course.

Tobi fully emerged from the ground and made a huge leap towards the forest. Sasuke was about to follow suit when he saw something white enter his peripherals. Immediately, he jumped the opposite direction but felt some of the blast. When he emerged from the smoke and landed, he heard Deidara give a shout of triumph and his signature 'KATSU!' Cursing, he jumped once more and braced for another explosion. This time, when he came out of the smoke, it was revealed that the armor on his right arm, shoulder, and pectoral has been removed and that he is without his shield. He learned from that, however, and stabbed his lightning-coated sword onto the ground and placed his feet onto it.

With a sneer, Deidara pointed both palms at Sasuke and unleashed two powerful streams of clay from the mouths. As one stream landed onto the ground, it changed into different aviary creatures. Simultaneously, the other stream shifted into ten faceless samurais. "Take this, Uchiha!" The samurais landed on the ground and charged at Sasuke at the same time the clay birds did.

Quickly forming handseals, he formed a Chidori on both hands. Then, he flung both hands forward and the lightning became senbon needles. While the needles pierced the birds, Tobi surprisingly appeared between the other needles and the samurai in some sort of swirling vortex and absorbed the needles using that same vortex. Tobi wagged his finger at the glaring Sasuke, "Tut, tut, tut, Itachi's brother! This is Deidara-senpai's art and I don't want you to mess it up!" The samurai stopped behind Tobi.

Sasuke scoffed. "I read the debriefing after we retrieved the Kazekage. There's nothing original with his new 'art.' He somehow managed to recreate Sasori's ability to use jutsu from whatever openings are on his palms. That is nothing new."

"Hmph," Tobi crossed arms, "you'd be surprised~"

"Oi, Tobi," Deidara shouted from above him, "don't give away information like that!"

"Ah, I'm sorry, senpai!" He jumped back as the ten samurai continued their charge. One went ahead and ran towards Sasuke. The Uchiha sent a Gokakyuu at it and jumped high to avoid two samurai. Coating his hand in lightning once more, he sent another Chidori Eiso at the now-nearer Deidara. However, halfway through, someone managed to grasp his legs. Looking down, Sasuke saw Tobi hugging his legs tightly. "I can't let you get to senpai!"

"Tch," Sasuke cursed, "let go!"

When Tobi didn't budge, despite Sasuke's attempts, he cursed as he quickly retracted the spear and stabbed the spear-turned-sword into the shield. Then, he flung it at Deidara's bird.

"Like hell," Deidara sneered as the bird easily dodged it. That was when he noticed the very thin chakra string that was on his opponent's outstretched hand.

Sasuke made a pulling motion and the projectile reversed its path and the bird, too late in reacting, got its wing sliced. Sasuke then turned his attention to Tobi. "Your turn," he growled as he created a Chidori once more. He moved to attack Tobi but it phased through his head. At the same time, his legs that were held by Tobi's arms phased through them as well. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he grabbed the shielded sword that returned to him and used it to propel himself towards Deidara

As Deidara struggled to land, he saw Sasuke land on the bird with his hand once again holding a lightning blade. "Don't mess with me, brat!" A clay sword emerged from his left hand and hardened. Then, with a quick draw, Deidara clashed with Sasuke. Simultaneously, both fighters raised their other hand. Sasuke's left hand was covered in lightning and Deidara's right hand was engulfed in flame.

"Chidori," chanted Sasuke. "Jiraiken," Deidara responded in kind. Then, their attacks connected and bright red and blue lights clashed in the air.

"SENPAI," Tobi exclaimed in worry as he landed on the ground.

Two figures fell from the dust cloud. They were Sasuke and Deidara, severely affected by the explosion.

Deidara's Akatsuki cloak was all but destroyed and all that's left were a blue shirt and pants, both of which singed slightly. Sasuke's armor of lightning dissipated and even his clothes underneath was ripped and burnt in some places.

Both of their bodies were riddled with burns and wounds but neither faltered as they both righted themselves in the air and landed on their feet. Then, the clay bird landed with Deidara.

"You're tougher than you look," Deidara muttered. Then, he raised his head to glare at Sasuke's Sharingan. "Don't look at me with those…those accursed, damned eyes!"

Sasuke coolly replied, "The fact that you acknowledged these eyes mean that you were once affected by them and the one who wielded them, Itachi. I'll ask you again. Where is Itachi?"

His eyes widened before narrowing. "You…you are wounded…you are tired by now. But you are still looking for him?! I AM HERE AND NOW, FIGHTING YOU! KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON ME!"

"I know I'm fighting you. That's why I'm asking you where Itachi is. And if you don't tell me, I'll get it out of you by force."

His eyes widened even more. "So I'm just a source of information for you?! DAMN YOU!" He grasped a handful of clay from the fallen bird and started to eat it with his natural mouth.

"That jutsu," Tobi said in alarm. "Are you serious, senpai?"

Deidara swallowed the last of the clay and shouted, "Get out of here, Tobi! Don't get caught up in this!"

"Okay!" He complied as he ran into the deep forest at very high speed.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. What's he planning? He sensed a chakra buildup from within Deidara and noted that he released a blob of clay that steadily grew larger beyond what Deidara earlier swallowed. What the hell is happening?

Following the other Akatsuki's actions, he turned to the forest and zoomed through the trees. A heavy thump made him look back and Sasuke saw a gigantic Deidara walking towards him. Over the giant's shoulder was Deidara himself with a new bird at his beck and call. His eyes darted from the giant Deidara to the original Deidara and he glared at his opponent's victorious eyes.

He turned his head back and kept on jumping through trees but the giant Deidara managed to catch up to him in no time.

"It's time," Deidara uttered maniacally. "Prepare for the technique that can defeat the Sharingan!" He placed his hands in his traditional seal and shouted, "C4 KARURA, KATSU!"

The giant Deidara expanded like a balloon…and exploded like one. There was no grandeur explosion that Deidara was known for. And that confused Sasuke.

That can't be good. He thought as he looked back at the remnants of the explosive giant that slowly dispersed into the wind. He looked up at Deidara and saw him still holding his victorious face. It can't have been a dud. If it was, he shouldn't be looking like that. Something was terribly wrong. He saw something in his peripherals and turned to look at it. His eyes widened in horror as it was a lizard that was disintegrating at an alarming rate. That was when he felt it. He felt his body crumble as if he were dust in the wind. His horror-filled eyes turned to his arms and they became even more horrified as his body slowly turn to dust and escape into the air. WHAT IS THIS?!

With Tobi

In another area, far away from the battlefield, Tobi turned to look at his flying partner. C4, he silently mused. At first, it may seem that it has no similarity from the other bombs. However, it is still a bomb, like everything else. Creating a bigger copy of the user, C4 will continue to stalk the target until commanded to explode. Upon explosion, it spreads microscopic bombs into the air that is breathed in by every living thing. Then, every single tiny explosive can be activated at will, damaging whoever breathed it at a cellular level. One will literally turn to dust. What a fearsome jutsu.

Back to Sasuke and Deidara

Deidara laughed in maddened glee as Sasuke was completely disintegrated. Yes, yes, YES! I finally defeated the Sharingan! He froze, however, as the area around him shimmered. Very, very slowly, he turned his head around and saw a perfectly fine Sasuke firing a Gokakyuu at him. Raising his arms to block, he jumped off the bird with minor burns on his arms. When he looked back, Sasuke had already plunged a lightning blade at the bird's head, sending it plummeting down. Deidara landed in a heap while Sasuke landed on his feet. The bird crashed further ahead.

Struggling to rise, Deidara growled. Once again, I was defeated by a Sharingan genjutsu! I trained my eyes endlessly and I am yet again unable to fight it?! I won't take it! I won't take it! "I WON'T TAKE IT!" He ripped off his shirt to reveal a large mouth stitched on his chest. He grasped one end of the string and pulled harshly. But he didn't flinch as the mouth snapped open, to Sasuke's disgust. He grasped some of his clay at his side and let the mouth on his chest eat it. Then, to Sasuke's shock, Deidara seemed to be overtaken by black veins that encompass his whole body with an odd face where his heart should be. "Let this be the last thing you ever see, Uchiha!" Deidara roared. "Look at it in awe! Gaze upon it with praise! WITNESS MY ULTIMATE ART!" All the while, he had one last thought. Sorry, Tobi.

The Akatsuki member in question tensed in the middle of his calm walk and looked at where he saw Deidara last. "?"

Sasuke was about to leave when multiple snakes burst from the ground around him and encased him tightly, making sure that his hands were apart from each other. Damn it!

"I won't let you go." Deidara spoke in triumph as his whole body turned black. Then, the blackness retreated back to the odd face. "This explosion will cover ten kilometers but I will make sure you won't escape. Those eyes," he grinned insanely, "those eyes will no longer ridicule me. They won't tarnish my creations anymore! They will no longer squander my art's name! Because my art…"

The blackness completely receded onto the heart. A heartbeat later, the sphere cracked, followed by another crack, and so on, until it burst into a massive explosion.

KATSU!

"…IS AN EXPLOSION," Deidara finished as his life ended.

However, just as the explosion reached Sasuke, his Sharingan spun wildly before it slowly shifted.

Everyone in the town saw the massive explosion in the distance and started to chatter as to what it is.

In the hotel room, Mikoto gasped and Juugo and Suigetsu looked at it in surprise.

Kakashi and Sakura exited another store with a bag full of supplies when they saw it. Kakashi narrowed his eyes as he quickly knelt down and placed a full palm on the ground and closed his eyes. They snapped open and Kakashi rasped out, "Sasuke!"

"Sensei, what's wrong?"

"I sensed Sasuke's chakra near that explosion before it disappeared."

"No," Sakura whispered in horror. "Let's go there, sensei! Please!"

"I know," he replied, creating a shadow clone to transport the supplies back to their hotel before both he and Sakura went to the now-dying explosion.

Blast Site

"SASUKE-KUN," Sakura shouted in worry as she and Kakashi found the Uchiha unconscious by the border between the forest and the town. His whole body was suffering from very severe burns from the explosion and other blasts prior. Also, most of his clothes were gone, leaving him bare, except for the shorts that saved his dignity. His Cursed Seal, which previously marked with three tomoes in rotation surrounded by fuinjutsu markings and now with a narrow slit in the very center, was there for all to see.

"Quick, Sakura," her superior commanded as he carried his wounded student on his back, "let's get back to the hotel and heal him immediately." She quickly complied and followed him back to town.

However, they were both unaware of a figure that stood high above on a tree. His whole being was shrouded in the shadows but a bright red, right eye glowed from his head.

Akatsuki

"Deidara is dead," the phantom figure of Zetsu said to the other members.

"Ho," Kisame wondered with a smirk. "I imagine he'd have died with his own explosion?" Zetsu didn't reply. "I figured as much. What happened to his partner?"

"Tobi is also dead. But it's hard to say with all the damage around."

"Oh, yeah, Tobi is his name. It's a shame he's gone."

"A man of Tobi's skill can be easily replaced." The leader coldly stated. "Deidara, however, cannot. Who killed him?"

"Uchiha Sasuke," Zetsu replied.

"Then, he must be dead as well," the leader concluded.

"No. He's still alive. At first, I thought that he perished in the blast but he managed to survive."

"How," Orochimaru asked. "Even though Deidara-kun left without me completing my work on him, he is still no pushover with whatever I managed to give him."

"We don't know. What we do know is that he was found by his teammates at the edge of the forest."

"That simply means that Sasuke-kun is still full of potential as he did before."

"Regardless," the leader interrupted as his phantom form started to fade, "we are down one member again. Return to your posts and mourn for Deidara." He then vanished.

Hotel

"This is troubling," Kakashi hummed in thought as he stared at the bedridden and bandaged Sasuke. "You're saying that someone is improving the Akatsuki?"

"Yeah," he replied, pausing to allow his mother to feed him another spoon of food. He looked at her and saw that she was deeply worried for him. Returning his eyes to Kakashi, he continued, "He didn't have the ability to use his mouths as jutsu outlets the first time. And he surely didn't last that long last time. Someone must have increased his capabilities." He grimaced as Sakura, who was still healing his back, reached a sore spot. "But I don't think that Deidara was worked on completely. I felt as though there was more that he could have done if he waited longer for the process to be done."

"I see. We are fortunate, then, that Deidara was impatient. Otherwise, I don't think that you would have survived his explosion." Sasuke winced as Sakura reached another sore spot. "You never did tell us how you got to the edge of the forest, far away from the blast."

Sasuke paused for a bit. "When Deidara exploded, the snakes that bound me loosened, allowing me a split second to turn around and run."

"You suffered from chakra exhaustion," Sakura clinically spoke to Sasuke. "You shouldn't be able to move that quickly."

Sasuke looked back at her with a scowl. "I was filled with adrenaline, alright? Even though I was tired, well, I didn't want to be caught up in the blast. I'd rather be bedridden for days than die in a freak explosion. Thankfully, while the explosion was quick, I managed to get far enough from the epicenter that I didn't get hurt enough." He then gave an exclamation of pain as Sakura pressed on yet another sore spot. "What was that for?!"

"Didn't get hurt enough," Sakura exclaimed in anger, "Your clothes were gone and your body is suffering from chakra exhaustion and very, very, very severe burns! If there wasn't any medic-nin nearby, you would have to stay in for weeks!"

His eyes softened at her and he said, "Sorry, Sakura. I guess I'm…undermining the situation."

A light pink rising in her cheeks, Sakura huffed. "Don't do it next time. I won't be there to heal you."

"Aww," Kakashi chirped cheerfully, "my cute little students are having another spat."

"This is no spat," both of them shouted, "and we are not cute!"

"Anyway," he turned serious, "how long would it take to heal him completely?"

"His chakra should completely recover within two days, if he doesn't exert himself. The burns, I can get rid of today."

Mikoto looked at Sakura and said, "Thank you."

"It's no problem." She smiled at the masked Uchiha.

"Let's rest up for tonight and we leave first thing tomorrow morning," said Kakashi as he stood up. "That explosion undoubtedly drew some attention. We shouldn't stay here for too long."

"But where should we go from here," Sakura asked worriedly. "We may have defeated an Akatsuki member but we still don't know where to find Itachi."

Juugo raised his hand. "I may have some information that could prove useful."

"Then go ahead, Juugo-san. Speak your piece."

"While it is no definite lead on Uchiha Itachi, some of my bird friends did say that they felt some ominous chakra in several places. It could be the Akatsuki."

Suigetsu snickered. "I didn't know birds can sense chakra. Heh, I guess the pinkette is part of the bird family, since she is so screechy all the time." Then, he was punched in the head by Sakura jumping over Sasuke and hitting him.

"SHUT UP," she shouted. "Don't just insult people whenever you feel like it!"

"Well, screw you," he shouted back. "I do what I feel like doing."

"All this violence…" Juugo whispered. He raised his head as dark markings crept up his face. "It's calling to me!" Immediately, Sakura and Suigetsu ran to him and held him down.

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura shouted, "quick! Get him to simmer down!" She grunted as Juugo thrashed wildly in her grasp.

"Calm down, Juugo," Sasuke commanded as he activated the Sharingan and looked at Juugo's eyes.

The marks receded and Sakura and Suigetsu breathed a sigh of relief.

Kakashi sighed in exasperation. "That's one reason why you two shouldn't fight all the time. And look," he pointed to the now-sleeping Sasuke, "you tired Sasuke out again. Now, come on. Let's get some rest. Meanwhile, Juugo-san, I want to speak with you about those areas with ominous chakra."

Konohagakure no Sato

"Are you leaving so soon," Kushina asked her son as he returned to the house and told her of the situation. "We just came back. You should rest a bit."

Fate shook his head. "I cannot, mother. I have a feeling that the earlier I leave, the better the outcome would be. Father made it clear to me. I should leave as soon as possible."

"I can't believe Minato," she huffed as she reluctantly grabbed a pouch and crammed some scrolls into it. "He should have sent someone else instead. We haven't had that much of family bonding, especially since Karin-chan is now with us." She held out the pouch to him with a displeased look. "Well, here are some scrolls that might help you. There's some food in there and some ninja tools. Also, I put it something extra only to be used just in case."

Fate took it and strapped it to his leg. Then, as he was about to turn around, he paused and looked back at the confused Kushina. "Excuse me," he said before he moved towards her and embraced her, to her shock. "I know we did this before but I want to feel for myself. I'm sorry if I'm too sudden."

Kushina allowed a few tears in her eyes as she hugged her changed son back. "Oh, Naruto, it's okay. You can hug me all you want." They stayed like that for a few minutes before Fate slowly detached himself, much to Kushina's disappointment.

Fate couldn't help it. A small smile graced his face. "I knew it. It still feels…nice, like before." He then walked out the house and closed the door.

Kushina stood there, her tears freely falling. Then, she wiped her eyes before a wide smile appeared on her face.

Outside

Fate was along the main street that leads out the village when he caught sight of Jiraiya leaning by a lamppost.

"I thought I might find you here," the Sannin said as he walked to the white-haired boy. "Hey, I know you are busy and all that. But I just want to talk to you for a little."

The ninja and mage asked, "What do you wish to talk about?"

"You're still being too formal, brat. Come on, let's go somewhere. It's my treat." Fate was about to say something when Jiraiya beat him to it. "I have something important to tell your old man and I can't shake this feeling that I won't have another chance to talk to you after I tell him. So please, can't we just…talk?"

Fate pondered on the issue then nodded. "So this must be why I felt as though I should leave early, so that I could speak to you." He shook his head. "I suppose I can spare a few minutes to talk."

Grinning, Jiraiya led Fate to a nearby restaurant. They both found a seat quite quickly and gave their orders to the waitress.

"So, I've heard that you found another Uzumaki," Jiraiya started. "That's great news. Since Uzushiogakure was destroyed, the Uzumakis were scattered and split apart. How is she?"

"She's…adapting. Uzumaki or not, she was part of Orochimaru's Otogakure and that place very much emphasizes on distrust and caution. It will take a while for her to lower her guard."

"And what about you," Jiraiya then turned serious. "You were just as much on guard when we found you in that school. How are you coping?"

Fate thought deeply for a bit. "It's…difficult. Since I became this," he gestured to himself, "I have long since detached myself from my human emotions. I thought that I would remain like that forever. It started bringing me back when I got to that school. When I returned here…it's as if that pull is getting stronger. Back then, I never would have conceded to the idea of hugging. Now…" he trailed off.

Jiraiya allowed a smile. "I'm happy that you're doing so well." Then, he frowned. "Look, Naruto or Fate or whatever, I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you when you were young. I tried to redeem myself for being there after the Chuunin Exams but I knew that it won't be enough."

"It was enough for the younger me since you were just…there. Besides, I highly doubt that I would be affected that long if I had known back then that you were my godfather. The thought of having a family from then on would have appealed to me more than the fact that you were my godfather and you shirked your duties."

"It may be enough for you three years ago but I know that it doesn't erase ten or so years of not being there for you, especially since I wasn't much of a role model for you."

"I would be lying if I said that you acted like a perverted father or uncle and it didn't affect me one bit. However, you underestimate the minds of youth. I was not given much care during my younger years but the Sandaime, the Ichirakus, and Iruka were there for me. Their appearances may be short and brief but those days would be everything to me. It is just as similar to you. You may have been there for me for a few days but, to me, admittedly, those days brightened my life a few more notches."

"So, you don't hate me," he asked expectantly.

"No, I don't." Fate looked at Jiraiya's wide eyes. "While part of the reason is that I don't feel hatred that much, the real reason was that I understood your perspective. I rationalized using your thought processes. Your spy network requires your attention and a child would divert that attention. You can't help your perversion and it might seep over to me. Most of all, you are one of the most powerful ninjas in this world and it is dangerous to be with you."

"Damn, brat, you make it sound as if I'm some cold-hearted ninja."

"Am I wrong," Fate asked with a raised brow as the food finally arrived.

Jiraiya stared at him before he sighed and ate his food. "No. You're absolutely right. I'm touched that Minato made me godfather but I am not cut out for it. I even tried to change their minds but he and Kushina wouldn't budge. I'm always moving around, always doing my research, always being watched. It was too dangerous for you so I trusted Sarutobi-sensei to raise you in my stead. Thankfully, he did his best and you became a fine young man."

Fate started to dine on his meal when he said, "You are wrong on some accounts. You are cut out to be godfather. It is just that Fate has dealt you with a bad hand back then that prevented you from taking care of me. You simply bounced back when you returned to Konoha. In the short time you were with me, you were already a godfather to me. Father and mother knew what they were doing when they named you godfather."

"Hmph," said Jiraiya as he drank his sake. "You still need to work on your emotional speeches. But…thanks, Naruto."

Fate took a bite and said, "I simply stated the facts, facts that you are afraid to tell me out of fear of retribution. As it stands, I am ruled by intellect. But my emotions are slowly coming back to me. That, you can be sure of."

"Would it come back by Fate or by choice?"

"The moment I returned here, it was already meant to be that my emotions would return."

Jiraiya scowled. "Fate doesn't rule everything. You control your own path. No one else can. Back at that school, your tone indicated that your stay is purely for business. Now, look at you. You went out of your way to eat with me. You even bonded with your mother, father, and sisters! If it were truly Fate that ruled, you, as Fate's supposed incarnate, wouldn't even spare them a glance. You would focus on the task, to save this world. You chose to bond with them. You chose to stay with me awhile. It was not Fate."

"…it may happen that I will no longer believe that Fate controls me. It may happen that I will choose my own destiny. It may happen that my beliefs will return to being Uzumaki Naruto's again. Who knows? The future is ever-changing. But until then, I am Fate Averruncus."

"Let's toast to that, then." Jiraiya poured sake on his cup while Fate poured tea on his. They both raised their cups. Jiraiya then said, "To the future."

"To the future," Fate joined in. Then, they both took their drinks and lowered their cups.

And that's done!

So Fate is slowly regaining his emotions and Sasuke is getting closer to Itachi, who is now fully improved by Orochimaru.

Next chapter would be Sasuke's and Itachi's fight and Jiraiya's voyage to Amegakure. Hopefully I can cover both by then.

Read and Review.