I just re-edited this chapter. I still stuck with the same ending but I am taking a difference path to get there! Working on the next chapter now so it should be up soon!
21: The Worst Fight and The Best Chance
Naruto stood next to his team and his captain. Now that team seven had reformed, they were no longer considered a genin team, but an actual team that went on missions. Kakashi was now considered his captain rather than his sensei. All the shinobi had gathered on top of the Hokage's tower for the meeting regarding the War. Naruto glanced around and noticed his comrades from the Academy. It seems, from their flaks jackets, that they all made Chunin at some point in the past three years. A few of them noticed him and smiled or gave him a nod. He had yet to actually talk to anyone other than his team. Everyone seemed on edge. Naruto guessed they all knew what was coming. Most knew the Hokage had returned earlier from the Kage Summit. The war was upon them and it was time to act.
Minato stood at front facing towards the large group of shinobi. They were all called, from Genin to ANBU. They would need every shinobi they had for this war. Behind him was his council: Tsunade, Jiraiya, Homura and Koharu. Minato caught his son's eye. Naruto gave him a smiled and a slight nod. Minato returned the smile, and then turned his attention to the group of shinobi in front of him.
"Most of you know why I have called you all here," Minato started, his voice booming, "The Fourth Great Shinobi War is upon us."
Minato paused for a moment to let that news soak in for those who weren't aware. Once the commotion died down a little, he continued, "Most of you are aware that I have recently attended the Five Kage Summit. Due to the common enemy, myself and the other Kages have decided to put our differences aside and unit as one. We have formed the Allied Shinobi Forces."
Muttering and whispering came from the whole crowd, "Now," Minato's voiced boomed again causing everyone to quiet down, "I know in the past we have fought each other, but we need now to push those grudges aside and fight as one. Many of you know of the Akatsuki. Their forces are growing, and they are strong. One village can't take them on alone. So I ask you, as your Hokage, as your friend, and as your leader to join me along with the other Hidden Villages to fight the Akatsuki."
After this, Minato glanced around and noticed most of the shinobi had more confidant expressions, some even gave him a reassuring nod, "Good. Now from what we know, there will be a total of eighty thousand shinobi between all the villages, along with the land of Iron. You will be split into divisions based on ability. Meaning you will be paired with others of the same ability from the other villages.
"The main regiment called the Great Battle Regiment will be split into five divisions each with their own respective leader- one from each village-, with I, the Hokage acting as Regiment Commander. The other four divisions are supporting divisions for the main army, which are led by a captain. Within the five main divisions, there will be specialty teams, which will focus on the use of certain chakra natures. There are also various teams throughout the main regiment who will have specific jobs, like the communication teams, whose sole purpose is to stay in contact with the Headquarters as well as the other teams. The last team is a protection squad for the Daimyo.
"Over the next few days, you will receive your orders and your placement. Chunin and Jonin will be moving out. The genin on the other hand will stay behind to evacuate the villagers to safety.
"Now, the main divisions will be as followed. The first division is the mid-range battle led by Darui from Kumogakure. The second division is short to mid range battle led by our own Hatake Kakashi. I will be leading third division for short-range battle. Where is Shikamaru Nara?"
"Hai!" Shikamaru replied stepping forward.
"You will be aiding me as a proxy commander, understood?" Minato smiled.
"Hai!" Shikamaru nodded.
"The Fourth division is the long-range battle led by Kitsuchi from Iwagakure and finally the Fifth the division is special battle lead by Mifune from the Land of Iron. With this information you can start to get an understanding of where you might be placed. Although some of you will be in special units that will be supporting the army. There is the surprise attack division led by Kankuro, the Kazekage's eldest son, the Logistical Support and Medical division led by Tsunade and Shizune, the Intelligence division led by Inoichi Yamanaka, and the Sensor division led by Ao from Kirigakure. Shikaku Nara is the chief strategist.
"The Raikage, Tsuchikage and the Kazekage will be at the headquarters, I will be with main battle regiment. The Mizukage will be with the Daimyo.
"The last thing is that all Chunin and Jonin are required to wear traditional Konoha uniforms. You will also have your hitai-ates replaced with these," Minato said holding up a new hitai-ate with the kanji for shinobi written on it, "All members of the alliance will wear this in place of their original forehead protectors, to show that everyone is truly united under one banner, as opposed to being separated into five different villages.
"That is all information I have to give you for now," Minato said finishing up his speech, "You will know more as soon as we arrive at the rendezvous point wit the other villages. As I said before, I know we have tension and grudges between us and the other Hidden Villages, but I ask you to put those aside and fight as one! Our best chance at beating the Akatsuki is to fight as one. Understood?"
"Hai!" all the shinobi replied.
"In a weeks time, we will meet with the other villages on common ground, so be prepared to leave at five in the morning in seven days," Minato finished, "You are all dismissed."
All the shinobi filed down the stairs leading to the roof. Minato looked around and found Naruto following suit, "Naruto!" Minato called and once he had his son's attention he beckoned him over while the rest of his team left.
"Dad?" Naruto question stepping in front of his father, "what is it?"
"Let's talk for a moment," Minato said turning for a different stair care and softly placing a hand on his son's back, "in my office."
"Am I in trouble?" Naruto asked hesitantly.
"Of course not," Minato laughed, "Should you be?"
"No," Naruto answered quickly walking down the stairs.
Arriving in the office, Minato quickly closed door and walked over to his desk.
Naruto stepped up in front of the desk, "so the Kage's basically have it all figured out huh?"
"Yeah, basically," Minato replied grabbing a scroll, turning around to place it on the shelf adjacent to his desk.
"Do you know what division I will be in?" Naruto asked.
Minato let out a sigh and dropped his arm like it was dead weight. He turned around to face his son, "You won't be in a division Naruto."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked a little worried.
Minato took a seat and rested his elbows on the desk, "You won't be fighting in the war."
"What?" Naruto bit back a little harsher than he intended.
Minato made a mental note that Naruto's temper had become more and more like Kushina's as he got older, "You, along with Gaara and the Jinchūriki for the Hachibi will be in a undisclosed location under the Raikage's protection."
"You're joking, right?" Naruto gritted his teeth.
"No," Minato shook his head, "The Akatsuki are after you three, so we a placing you there for protection."
"Protection my ass!" Naruto yelled.
"Naruto," Minato warned.
"You're telling me that I am going to sitting on my ass while all my friends and comrades will be fighting and dying!" Naruto continued to yell.
"Naruto," Minato called.
"You aren't seriously going to do this are you? You seriously can't expect me to accept this, are you? You have to let me fight."
"Naruto," Minato called again with a sigh.
"I mean what was the point of training for three years with Jiraiya when you were just going to send me away again! That's it!" Naruto yelled slamming his hands on his father's desk, "You just want to get rid of me again! That's why you sent me with Jiraiya for three years and that's why your sending me off to this undisclosed location with a bunch of fucking strangers!"
Minato stood up from his desk and slammed his hands down as Naruto had done earlier, "Naruto! I'm NOT trying to get rid of you! I am trying to protect you!"
"That's bull shit and you know it!" Naruto yelled back pointing at his father, "The Kyūbi has done nothing but cause you problems and pain in your life. I'm nothing but a daily reminder of that and Mom! That's why you are sending me off! Protecting me has nothing to do with!"
"Damn it, Naruto! That's not true! Do you know how much pain is caused me to send you with Jiraiya? To no see you for three years?" Minato roared, now he was angry.
"Stop lying!" Naruto yelled.
"I'm not lying to you!" Minato yelled, "Just listen to me! This wasn't my decision! The other Kages wanted to keep the Jinchūrikis out of reach!"
"That's fucking bull shit!" Naruto screamed.
"You don't think I tried to keep you near me? You don't think I tried to let them allow you to fight?" Minato's voice continued to rise.
"No, I don't," Naruto replied glaring at his father in pure rage, "You can't force me to go Dad!"
"As your father, no I can't force you, but as your Hokage I sure as hell can," Minato almost growled at his son, "So think of this as a order from your Hokage. You will go and you will stay out of the war. Do I make my self clear?"
"Crystal," Naruto gritted through his teeth.
The two blondes stared at each other in anger for what seemed like an eternity for Minato.
"Naruto," Minato tried.
"Screw it," Naruto spat and walked out of the office slamming the door behind him.
Naruto almost ran down Jiraiya on the way of the office, but shoved past him before the elder man could say anything to him. He was in no mood to speak to anyone.
Minato sunk in his chair, dropping his head into his hands, "Shit."
The door shut quietly and Minato heard the familiar soft clacking of Jiraiya's sandals.
"Well, that went well," Jiraiya commented.
"You heard that?" Minato asked into his hands not looking up.
"With how loud you two were screaming at each other, I'm willing to bet the whole village heard you two yelling at each other," Jiriaya said shaking his head.
"Shit," Minato mumbled, "He'll never forgive me for this."
"I wouldn't say 'never'…" Jiraiya tried.
"If any of his friends or comrades die, he will blame me for their death. For not letting him fight with them. For not letting him protect them," Minato dropped his hands to his desk.
"That's just a risk you are going to take to protect him," Jiriaya reasoned.
"I know, but damn it," Minato said slamming a fist on his desk, "I've never seen Naruto so angry before. We have never fought like that. We rarely fight at all."
"Yeah, but he's got more of Kushina in him than you realize," Jiraiya shrugged.
"He's got her temper that's for sure," Minato said burring his head in his hands.
"Anyways, have you thought about who you are going to send with him?" Jiraiya asked.
"No, not really," Minato shook his head dropping his hands back down to his desk and clasping them together, "I wanted to send Kakashi but he's kind of needed. I can't send Sakura or Sasuke and you are with me. Tsunade is leading one of the divisions. I definitely can't send Orochimaru with him."
"I still can't believe you let that snake live," Jiraiya shook his head.
"He paid for his sins. We sealed his chakra way for fifteen years, recently getting it back. We put him under surveillance. He did many horrible things but some of his experiments prove useful to the villages. Plus he's a good shinobi and will probably be useful in the war. I believe in giving people second chances," Minato explained, "that still leaves me the problem of who I am going to send with Naruto."
"I think I have an idea," Jiraiya said.
"Who?"
"Tenzo," Jiraiya stated.
"Kakashi's ANBU partner?" Minato clarified.
"Yes," Jiriaya nodded, "Kakashi seems to trust him, so if he approves then you should too."
"You're right," Minato nodded, "Sometimes I think Kakashi loves Naruto more than I do."
"He's at least more protective of Naruto," Jiraiya laughed, "Plus Tenzo might be able to help Naruto."
"Help Naruto?" Minato questioned.
"With the Kyūbi," Jiraiya explained, "Tenzo is a Mokuton user and since the first Hokage used Mokuton to tame the Kyūbi, Tenzo might be able to do the same with Naruto, if the need arises."
"I see," Minato nodded, "One of Orochimaru's experiments?"
"I think so," Jiriaya nodded.
"Bring him in for me?" Minato asked.
"Sure," Jiraiya replied with a bit of annoyance.
Jiraiya left and returned a short while later with Tenzo and Kakashi on his tail.
"Tenzo, correct?" Minato asked as the three entered his office.
"Ah, yes, sir," the ANBU replied.
"You may remove your mask," Minato prompted, "You will not be needing for the next mission I will be sending you on."
The ANBU member removed his mask, revealing a man with short brunette hair and a silver forehead protector that framed his face similar to the one the second Hokage wore.
"Kakashi," Minato turned to his student, "Do you trust this man?"
Kakashi narrowed his visible eye, "of course."
"Enough for me to send him with Naruto?" Minato asked.
"You mean do I trust him enough to protect Naruto instead of harming him?" Kakashi clarified.
"Yes," Minato nodded.
"I believe I do," Kakashi nodded after thinking for a moment.
"Sir?" Tenzo questioned.
"My son, Naruto is the Jinchūriki for the Kyūbi," Minato explained, "during the war I will be sending him to an hidden location with the other remaining Jinchūrikis to hide them and protect them. I need someone to go with my son, to ensure he arrives there safely and remains safe until the end of the war."
"I see," Tenzo nodded, "You are asking to accompany your son?"
"Yes," Minato said standing from his desk and walking over to the ANBU, "there is also one other thing."
"Yes?"
"You are a Mokuton user, yes?" Minato asked.
"Yes."
"Mokuton is one of the jutsus that can aid in holding off the Kyūbi if need be," Minato said, "my son, will probably be attempting to tame the Kyūbi, so I need you to be prepared to aid him if the Kyūbi gets out of hand."
"Yes, sir," Tenzo nodded.
"Kakashi and Jiraiya," Minato motioned to them, "will help you with Naruto and how to help with Kyūbi until you leave."
Tenzo nodded in reply, "I can ask one thing?"
"Yes?" Minato replied in curiosity.
"Would I be able to meet Naruto?" Tenzo asked.
"Sure, if you can find him," Minato laughed.
"What do you mean, sir?" Tenzo asked.
"I just had a fight with my son, and when he is angry or upset he tends to hide for a while. He is rather good at it," Minato chuckled sheepishly scratching the back of his head, "so if you can find him, feel free to speak with him. Kakashi might be able to help you find him. He usually knows where Naruto is or where to find him."
"Yes, sir," Tenzo bowed and turned to Kakashi.
"Oh and one more thing," Minato said as they started to leave, "Go under the name Yamato, not Tenzo."
"Yes, sir," Yamato replied and took his leave along with Kakashi.
"Well that settles that," Jiraiya shrugged.
"That still leaves me with an angry son, who probably won't forgive me until I am dead," Minato mumbled, "maybe not even then."
~O~
The morning for Naruto's departure finally came. It had been three days since the father and son had argued, and they hadn't spoken since. Naruto was too angry with his father while Minato was busy in his preparations for the war. The rest of the shinobi were set to leave in a couple of days. Naruto finished packing his bag and headed out the front door. He had found a note on the table from his father, saying that he had to be at the office early. It had only angered Naruto more that his father didn't even say good-bye.
Naruto slammed the front door shut and headed to the front gates. To his surprise, several of his friends and comrades had come to see him off. Out of habit he looked for his father in the group, but in vain. Naruto said goodbye to Sakura, then Kakashi and nodded towards Sasuke. Shikamaru and a few others bid him farewell. Tsunade and Jiraiya had come to see him off as well. After the last farewell was said, Naruto turned to leave until he heard his name being called.
Naruto turned to where the voice came from and saw his father standing there with a sad smile on his face. The younger's first instinct was to run to his father, but he stopped himself. Instead he sent his father sad yet angry look, and then promptly turned away. Minato sighed and closed his eyes. Naruto was still angry with him. It was a terrible way to depart especially since he didn't know how long it would be until they saw each other again.
The group of ANBU, along with Yamato waited for Naruto under the gates. Minato sent a look of appreciation to Yamato, a look that also conveyed 'keep him safe.' Yamato seemed to realize what he meant and returned Minato's look with a slight nod of understanding. The ANBU would only be with him and Naruto until they got to the docks, where a boat would take them to the island where they will be staying, and then the ANBU will be joining the rest of the shinobi at the rendezvous pointe.
Before he knew, Naruto was gone. He prayed to the gods that he made the right choice. He prayed that he wouldn't come to regret this decision.
~O~
Eighty thousand shinobi stood below the large balcony of the head quarters for Allied Shinobi Forces. Minato stood front and center at the edge of the balcony with the Raikage and the Tsuchikage standing behind them. To his left Darui and Kakashi, and to his right were Kitsuchi and Mifune It was an impressive sight to see shinobis from different villages under one company. It was also impressive to see this many shinobi gathered in place.
Minato was worried, he could see fight amongst the shinobis already and they haven't really even started.
"Sensei," Kakashi called, "As the Commander-in-chief, you should probably address our forces," Kakashi glanced towards the sea of shinobi, "and soon."
"Right," Minato nodded and turned to the crowd remembering something Naruto had told him years ago.
FLASHBACK
"Hey, Dad!" Naruto called.
They were sitting in the Hokage's office. Naruto just entered the academy a few days ago. Minato looked up from his paper work when Naruto called his name.
"Yes?"
"Why do shinobi fight each?" Naruto asked.
"Well," Minato thought for a moment, "Every shinobi has their own reason to fight. I guess most people fight to protect someone they love, someone who is precious to them."
"I don't understand," Naruto shook his head, "if we are all fighting to protect someone we love, aren't we hurting someone that is loved by someone else? Doesn't that just cause more pain?"
"I guess you are right, Naruto," Minato put down his pen and thought for a moment, "maybe that is something you can change in the future? Maybe you can lead the world to peace. Where there is no fighting, no hurting each other."
"Peace? If there is such thing as peace, I will reach it!" Naruto replied giving his father a large grin.
"I know you will," Minato smiled back at him.
END FLASHBACK
The fighting continued, he could see sets of people getting into it. He could hear what they were saying. The grudges and tension between them wasn't going to be erased over night.
Naruto, we will obtain that peace!
Minato knew he would need to break up the fights before they would listen to him. He pulled several of his legendary three-pronged kunai and threw them so that they landed in the middle of each fight. This caught the attention of the whole crowd. They knew Minato's skill and power that came with those special kunai.
"In the name of gain and profit for one's nation and village, shinobi have hated and hurt each other for years," Minato's voice boomed over the crowd, "but now we stand here united facing a very powerful enemy. Some of you may know that my son is a Jinchūriki and growing up as a Jinchūriki can be very a painful and lonely life. My son once told me that the pain of being all alone is almost unbearable. It's a very dark and lonely place. But now my son has over come all of that, and has people he loves and people that love him! I have seen my son save people from that same darkness he was once lost in.
"We may have fought each other in the past, but when we have all experienced the same pain, there can be no bad blood between! There are no enemies here! We have all suffered the pain the Akatsuki has caused! Konoha, Kumo, Suna, Kiri and Iwa are no more!
"There is only Shinobi!
"And now the Akatsuki are trying to destroy a world where peace is within our grasp. They are after my son! They are after the Kazekage's son! If they falls into their hands, the world will be all but destroyed. There will be nothing left!"
Minato grabbed the cloth right above his heart and bent over slightly, "So I am asking you this, as the Hokage, as a friend and as a father, please lend me your strength to protect not only my son and Gaara, but to protect the world, our villages and everything we hold dear!"
The large group of shinobi was silent, but a after a moment the expressions on their faces changed, and roar exploded from the crowd. Minato had done it. The tension between all the shinobi vanished. He knew from the sounds of the crowd below their passion would ignite bonds that would never break.
~O~
On the other side of the world, Naruto along with Yamato had just landed on the island. The time Naruto had spent with Yamato on the ship led them to for a great friendship. Naruto had learned that Kakashi had been good friends with Yamato and that his father made sure Kakashi trusted Yamato before having him escort Naruto to the island.
Naruto glanced over at Yamato, then back towards the island. When Naruto had heard they were going to an island, he had imagined something more along the lines of a beach-y type island, not a floating land mass of spikes. The island looked terrifying, but Naruto was confident that whatever was on the island he could handle. He looked around to find a path that led to where they were suppose to be staying but found a man walking towards them.
"Hello, my name is Motoi," the man said.
Naruto looked at him. He was kind of funny looking. He had longer brown spiky hair with a green stripe down his nose. He was dressed in standard outfit of a Kumogakure ninja over a greyish-blue shirt and pants, complete with the white and red, hand and shin-guards as well as the standard white flak jacket. He also wore a light grey scarf around his neck.
"You must be Naruto and Yamato?" Motoi asked.
"Yes," Yamato nodded.
"Good, come this way," Motoi turned and beckoned them to follow, "the other Jinchūriki has already arrived."
"Gaara?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, the Kazekage's son," Motoi clarified.
Naruto and Yamato followed Motoi further into the island where the spikes turned into a large forest.
"Gaara and I are the only Jinchūrikis?" Naruto asked.
"No," Motoi shook his head, "Killer B is here as well. He typically lives here."
"Oh, and Killer B is?" Yamato asked.
"The Hachibi Jinchūriki," Motoi replied, "The first and only Jinchūriki to be able to control it's tailed beast."
"He can control it?" Naruto clarified.
"Yes, he trained on this island to learn how," Motoi explained.
That's why the Hokage sent me along with Naruto. So I could help control the Kyūbi if things got out of hand while the Killer B was training Naruto.
Eventually, Motoi lead them a large house that was built into one of the large trees. The house was shaped like the head of Hachibi, even down to the cut off left horn of the Hachibi.
"B! Gaara!" Motoi called as they walked through the front door of the large house.
"Yo!" Bee called waving to them from the top of the stairs that led to the next floor.
"Naruto?" another voice called from behind the larger man.
Naruto looked up and found Gaara standing behind Bee.
Bee had dark skin and a muscular build, with blond hair and a goatee. On his right shoulder, he has a tattoo, which Naruto assumed was his seal for the Hachibi and on his left cheek he had a tattoo of a bull's horn. He also wore oval shaped sunglasses and a white-colored forehead protector with the Kumo. He also has his village's standard one-strap-over-one-shoulder flak jacket, and a long, red rope belt tied around his waist, the standard Kumo hand and shin guards, shinobi sandals, and a white scarf around his neck.
Naruto then noticed that Gaara was not much different than the last time he saw him during the Chunin exams. Other than being older, taller and different clothes, he was still the Gaara he remembered. Gaara still had red spiky hair, black rings around his green eyes and the Kanji for love above his left eye. Gaara's clothes were different and more mature looking. He wore long sleeve shirt with tails down his side that was the color of blood, black pants with a grey strap around calf, black sandals, two grey belts about his waist and a grey one shoulder vest with two buckles that went all the way around. He also had his gourd on his back.
Naruto smiled when he saw his friend walk around Bee and down the stairs.
Gaara placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, which was slightly awkward due to Naruto being several inches tall than him, "it is good to see you again, Naruto."
"You too know each other?" Yamato asked.
"Yes, Naruto is my best friend and precious person to me," Gaara stated.
"Oh," Yamato replied
"Gaara and I met right after we became genins when my father went to Suna to sign an alliance with them," Naruto explained.
"Although the Akatsuki attacked right in the middle of negotiations and almost killed Naruto," Gaara said.
"Yeah, I don't remember much from the trip other than befriending Gaara," Naruto chuckled, "Did you father send you here too?"
"Yes, he said it was to protect me and for me to train," Gaara replied.
"Right," Naruto said crossing his arms.
"Are you alright, Naruto?" Gaara asked.
"Its nothing. Forget it," Naruto shook his head.
"Shall I show you to your rooms?" Motoi asked trying to change the subject.
"Sure," Naruto nodded and followed him up the stairs, past Bee with Gaara and Yamato following behind him.
"Your rooms are just to left," Motoi said motioning down the short hall with a door on each side, "There is a dining room on the first floor. Feel free to each as much as you like."
"Thank you," Yamato smiled as he and Naruto headed to their rooms.
~O~
About an hour or so later, Naruto was lying on his bed with his arms behind his head staring at the ceiling. It was a small room with nothing but a bed, a table and a chair. Naruto heard a soft know on his door and sat up on his bed.
"Yeah?" Naruto called.
To Naruto's surprise, Gaara walked through the door and sat on the little chair in the center of the room.
"Gaara," Naruto whispered.
"What's going on Naruto?" Gaara asked casually.
"What do you mean?" Naruto replied swinging his legs over the side of the bed and rested elbows on his knees.
"Something's wrong. Something's bothering you," Gaara said like he was stating the obvious.
"What makes you say that?" Naruto asked giving him smirk.
"I can just tell," Gaara shrugged, "The air around isn't the same as it was. So spill."
Naruto sighed. He wasn't going to get past Gaara, "You're right."
"I knew it," Gaara leaned back in his chair then urged the blonde to continue.
"I had a fight with my father before I left. A fight that was different from any before. We've never fought like that before; actually I don't think we've anything more than a slight disagreement before," Naruto explained ducting his head in his hands, "I didn't even try to speak with him or say goodbye before we left. But…"
"But?" Gaara repeated after Naruto had stopped.
"But I am still so angry with him. I'm still so mad at what he did," Naruto said with a frustrated tone.
"What exactly did he do?" Gaara asked.
"Same thing your father did," Naruto said looking up at his red haired friend, "he sent me here while my friends and comrades are fighting! And dying! I, we should be out there fighting with them! Does he not think I am strong enough to protect my self? He sent me away for three years, and almost as soon as I got back he sends me off again."
"Naruto," Gaara said softly, "did you ever think he was actually trying to protect you? That he did this because he loves you and wants you to be safe?"
Naruto stared at Gaara for a moment then closed his eyes and sighed, "No. But how can he expect me just to sit here and do nothing while I know there is a war going on!"
"Then don't just sit here and do nothing!" Gaara replied, "Prove to him that you are strong enough."
"What…" Naruto started to ask but was cut off.
"Come on," Gaara stood up from his chair, "I'll show you."
Gaara led Naruto out of his room, down the hall and in front of another door. Gaara knocked on it and Motoi answered.
"Naruto, Gaara?" Motoi replied a little surprise to see the two teenagers there, "what can I do for you?"
"Naruto is more ready for Bees training than I am," Gaara explained, "can you take us to the waterfall?"
"If Naruto is going somewhere," a voice called out, "then I will go with him."
The trio looked to see where the voice was coming from and Yamato was walking down the hallway.
"Of course," Motoi nodded then turned back to the boys, "Shall we?"
Naruto nodded and led them to Gaara's requested location.
"This is the waterfall of truth," Motoi explained as they stepped up to the edge of the water.
It was beautiful. A large waterfall cascaded down into a small pound, surrounded by the greenery of the forest. In the center of the pound was a small green spot.
"Sit there, Naruto," Motoi ordered pointing the green spot in the center of the pound, "the waterfall will show you your true self."
"My true self?" Naruto repeated eyeing the waterfall.
"It works, Naruto," Gaara urged him, "I did it when I first got here. Bee brought me here. Just try it."
"Alright," Naruto nodded to his friend and walked on the water to the center of the pound. He sat down, placed his hands in his lap, and closed his eyes.
A moment later, Naruto heard a voice, "How could dad do this to us?"
"What?" Naruto's eyes flashed open to see a figure coming through the waterfall. He looked behind him; Gaara and Motoi were no longer there.
"How could he do that to us?" the figure finally appeared through the water.
"Who are you?" Naruto asked shooting up to a standing position. He was a little stunned at the figure; it was like he was looking in the mirror.
"I am you. The real you," the dark Naruto laughed.
"No, your not me," Naruto shook his head and took a step back.
"Oh, but I am," the figure laughed, "I am the side you hide. The real you. How you truly feel. I am the dark part from deep down in your heart."
"No," Naruto shook his head, "if you were me, I would know you."
"Oh, you know me," the fake laughed, "You are just denying it! You are denying the darkest part of your heart."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"You know in your heart that our friends they are leaving us behind," the fake smiled, "You know they are out there fighting and dying, while there is nothing you can do. You can't protect them! Why would you want to? To them you are nothing but a monster! A murder!"
"No… Stop…" Naruto dropped his head and whispered.
"You know that our father doesn't trust us. He is just like everyone else. He sends you away so you're not a daily reminder of the things you took away from him. You're just a monster. You are too painful to be around anymore! He doesn't want you!" the fake continued.
"You're wrong!" Naruto ran his hands through his hair and shouted, "He loves me. He wouldn't abandon me!"
"Then why are you here instead of helping him protect those who you call friends?" the other asked.
Naruto slowly dropped his head and stared at the ground.
"See," the other laughed, "I told you! You know what I am saying is true! They all think you are a monster! That's why they sent you here! Dad couldn't trust you! He thinks you are weak! That's why he won't let you fight! You are weak."
"Stop…" Naruto whispered.
"Just admit it! You know you are too weak! You could never control the Kyūbi!"
"Stop!" Naruto yelled throwing himself back into reality.
"Naruto!" Yamato stepped forward as the young blonde screamed.
As soon as Naruto heard his name he looked around and noticed the other blonde was gone, leaving his comrades behind him. He was still sitting in front of the water fall. Gaara looked at him with worry, although less than the worry on Yamato's face. Motoi shook his head, almost like he knew this would happen. Naruto stood, then walked across the water.
Gaara attempted to halt him by grabbing his arm as he walked by, "Naruto…"
The blonde kept walking past them, "leave me alone."
Gaara sighed, "Naruto."
~O~
Minato leaned up against a large tree on the out skirts of the large camp they set up for the night. The first day was over and they had lost so many lives already. One of the communication team members brought over reports for Minato to fill out or read over. It was war and he still had to do paper work. As he started filling out the reports, Minato's mind started flooding with the bits of news he has received during the day.
They were down over twenty thousand already, but the Zetsu army had lost over half their forces. A few of the Akatsuki members themselves had been killed. Kankuro and his commando team had taken down the puppet master Sasori from Suna. It was a gruesome fight, but Kankuro pulled it off by using his chakra strings and attaching them to Sasori's, forcing the puppet master to come out of his shell. Kankuro pulled an amazing feat and beat Sasori's performance of a hundred puppets. Although several of his team members had to be rushed to the medical unit because of poison, but Tsunade and Sakura was able to save them.
While fighting Minato heard news about the other teams fighting as well. The first division fought on the ocean coastline of the western part of the Land of Lighting. Apparently Team Asuma along with Darui was able to take down another member of the Akatsuki, Kakuzu. Minato hadn't heard much about the fight other than the Ino-Shika-Cho formation played a huge part in it and Kakuzu could use all the elements.
Kakashi division had aided both of the mid-range and short-range divisions, so the amount of causalities for the third division was less than the others. Minato was glad of this, there were a higher number of Konoha shinobi in Kakashi's division than there were in any other, plus it was Kakashi's and he was glad to hear that his student was still alive and fighting.
Apparently the fourth division had the lightest day. They did not encounter any Akatsuki members and had even sent have their troops to aid the first division. There causalities were the lowest, by having almost none. The Fifth division had spent the day, supporting divisions rather than fighting a separate enemy.
Minato sighed as he got to his report for the third division. They were hit the hardest. Over thirty thousand Zetsu were taken down by his company, with the sacrifice of ten thousand men of his own. Plus they had run into two Akatsuki members, Hidan and Deidara. Unfortunately, they were only able to injure Hidan while they had killed Deidara. Or rather Deidara had killed himself by blowing himself up.
Minato knew that tomorrow was going to be an even harder day. The divisions were supposed to meet up and storm through Ame, in order to get to the leader of the Akatsuki. It wasn't going to easy. Rumor had it that the leader had the Rinnegan and Minato had a sneaky suspicion that they were going to run in a man Minato hadn't seen since the night Naruto was born.
Minato thought of Naruto. There departure wasn't good. The last time had had spoken was the horrific argument. Minato had hoped to speak to his son before they went their separate ways, but Naruto was still angry with him. Naruto should have already landed and be on the island the Raikage promised was safe. Gaara and Bee should be there as well. Minato prayed that Naruto would figure out the real reason he sent him there. He also prayed that he would get to see his son again.