Several people were gathered in a meeting room, each one with a budget. All of them were proud of it.
"I think we have a good handle on everything," one said, "but we're starting to get more families moving to the Leaf. We need more housing."
"There's a plot of land that's vacant," another said, "but it's too small for housing or commercial. There's a Shinobi Training Ground near it."
"We have the Shinobi Council outnumbered," the first said, "and we have plenty of ninja already. They won't be able to do anything but watch and bitch. We have the ball game."
"What of Uzumaki? He knows about the Demon Fox inside of him." A third said.
"We won't have him in the Leaf much longer. I say we ban him from all stores and housing." The first said.
"Isn't that a bit harsh?" A fourth asked.
"What Uzumaki DID was harsh. We shouldn't even be allowing him into the Ninja Academy. I say we completely BANISH Uzumaki!" The first said. The others nodded in agreement. However, unbeknownst to them, someone had overheard everything and was writing it all down.
The Fall of the Civilian Council
Dan had woken up at six in the morning, much to his liking, and started to do his morning routine. As he did so, he was approached by an ANBU that was accompanied by Sasuke.
"Sasuke? Why are you accompanying an ANBU? Did you something stupid?" Dan asked.
"This is my brother, Itachi." Sasuke said. The ANBU took his mask off and knelt down.
"There's something you should know." Itachi said, holding out a scroll. Dan took the scroll cautiously before opening it and reading the contents. The more Dan read, the more stunned and aggravated he got. Itachi put his mask back on and Dan looked at him.
"Take me to the Hokage." Dan said.
[At the Hokage's Office….]
Hiruzen was looking at the scroll before slamming it down in rage.
"This is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!" He exclaimed.
"Itachi had brought this to my attention, Lord Third." Dan said.
"I won't be seen as incompetent." Hiruzen said.
"Allow me to be present at the meeting." Dan said.
"I planned on it. They're gonna wish they never put Naruto on their shit list." Hiruzen said.
"Allow me to eat breakfast before you call the meeting." Dan said.
"Of course. I still need to eat, too." Hiruzen said. Someone then walked in and approached.
"Lord Hokage." They said. Hiruzen and Dan looked to see the head of the Civilian Council with a small file.
"Let me stop you there." Hiruzen said, standing up.
"Huh?" The person said.
"I will be holding a meeting today that will discuss something of importance. Anything you wish to suggest can be addressed then. I will send an ANBU whenever it's time." Hiruzen said.
'Could it be he might have the same ideas as us? There's a chance we could become peaceful to where we don't have to worry about sending our children to war!' The person thought. They then nodded and turned to leave.
'The Civilian Council will be in for a rude awakening.' Dan and Hiruzen thought.
"Where to for breakfast?" Dan asked. Hiruzen grinned before looking at Dan.
"Take a guess." He said.
[At Ichiraku Ramen….]
Naruto was smiling as he waited on his order. Hiruzen smiled brightly before looking to Dan, seeing him look confused.
"Ramen for breakfast? That's a first." Dan said.
"They have the best ramen in the Land of Fire." Hiruzen said.
"I can never get enough of it! It's my go to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" Naruto said.
"Lunch and dinner I can understand." Dan said. Their orders were set down, but a familiar scream caught Dan's attention and sent him on alert.
'That was Hinata!' Dan thought. He then ran out and saw two people trying to pull Hinata away.
"You shouldn't be near him! That Uzumaki is nothing but trouble!" One said. Dan gave a glare before charging at them as Naruto and Hiruzen walked out.
"What is going on here?" Hiruzen asked. However, he asked it too late as Dan had struck the two in places that would paralyze them, causing them to let Hinata go and fall down. Hinata then ran to Naruto and hugged him, tears flowing down her face.
"Naruto-kun!" She exclaimed. Dan gave a glare as Hiruzen gasped in shock, recognizing them all.
"What is the meaning of this?!" He asked, lightly infuriated.
"We're just following orders, Lord Hokage." One said.
"Guess the Civilian Council Spokesperson couldn't wait until the meeting to act on his plans." Dan said. This send a chill down everyone's spines.
"W-what?" Another asked.
"Helpful tip. Don't set up a plan to ostracize a child where an ANBU can hear you." Dan said. Hiruzen then grew furious and snapped his fingers, causing four ANBU to appear.
"Take those two for interrogation." He spoke.
"Keep them separated. It won't do well for them to rehearse their stories." Dan said. Hiruzen gave a nod before the four ANBU took the two and left in puffs of smoke. Dan sighed and turned to leave, but was stopped by someone else. He looked to see a Shinobi, but from a different land.
"Please wait. You've gained the interest of the Kazekage." They said. This sent Dan on alert.
"Why would the Kazekage be in the Hidden Leaf?" Dan asked. Hiruzen then approached and the Shinobi backed away.
"I take it you are a messenger?" He asked.
"No," the Shinobi said, "I'm with his detail. He's requested a meet with you at the earliest convenience. It concerns Danzo Shimura."
"What about him?" Hiruzen asked.
"We think he attempts to stir trouble in the Hidden Sand." The Shinobi said. Dan left and went to Hinata and Naruto.
"She's scared." Naruto said.
"Two strangers grabbed her and tried to take her somewhere. You'd be scared, too." Dan said. Naruto nodded before he thought of something.
"I just realized. You were new to the village when I met you," he spoke, "yet a team of ANBU had followed your instructions. Plus, you knew of the fact that the Fourth Hokage had sealed Kurama within me. How is that possible?"
" Now is the time to tell him." A voice spoke. Dan looked serious before looking to the Hokage.
"The first thing we have to ask him. The second he should know about, too." Dan said.
[In the Hokage's Office….]
A man walked in with a cane and approached Hiruzen. Dan, Naruto, and Hinata were there to observe. The man was Danzo Shimura, an old teammate of Hiruzen's. Danzo saw Naruto and gave a slight glare, but Dan gave an intense one in return and Danzo tensed.
'He may be new,' Danzo thought, 'but his looks are terrifying!' Danzo then composed himself before looking at Hiruzen.
"You wished to see me?" He asked.
"Yes. The other Great Nations have brought to my attention your potential illegal dealings." Hiruzen said.
"Beg pardon?" Danzo asked.
"Furthermore," Hiruzen said, "the Hidden Sand had found one of your ROOT operatives trying to obtain the Sharingan off an Uchiha. I believe I told you to disband ROOT." Danzo was floored, but soon calmed.
"Did your advisor's put you up to this?" Danzo asked.
"Up to what?" Hiruzen asked.
"This joke! From the way you're speaking," Danzo said, "you're going to have me imprisoned! You know I'm innocent!"
"Are you?" Dan asked. Danzo looked at Dan curiously. Dan then held up a file, causing Danzo to pale.
"That file was given to me by a Hidden Sand Shinobi that was part of the Kazekage's detail. The evidence is damning." Hiruzen said.
"Why does HE have it?!" Danzo asked.
"Because I come from a line of protectors." Dan said.
[ Flashback]
[Outside Ichiraku Ramen….]
Hiruzen approached Dan, Naruto, and Hinata with a file and Dan grew concerned.
"What's in the file?" He asked.
"That's not for you to know right now." Hiruzen said.
"Then why don't you tell me why you gave a team of ANBU orders to follow my instructions two days ago?" Dan asked. Hiruzen was stunned, but gave a soft smile and nodded.
"It happens every time we have a festival. Some group always has it out for Naruto's life. However," Hiruzen said, "this time was different because I gave everyone orders to leave Naruto alone. As always, some didn't listen. When you spoke, you had this demeanor about you that expressed urgency and concern. That told me you could be trusted with a team of ANBU. I told the same thing to the team that I gave the order to. Though, that brings up a question from me to you. How did you know about Naruto in the first place?" Dan gave sigh before looking serious.
"When I was unconscious," Dan said, "I was visited by a man calling himself Ezio Auditore da Firenze. He taught me what he knew in terms of the gift I have, and what he learned from his time here. He stayed under the radar so no one would know who he was. When he was here, he learned of Naruto, and told me that you had made a gag order preventing anyone from telling him of Kurama being sealed within him. It didn't work, however, and he was ostracized. In fact, some of them had even made sure their children never interacted with him."
"How did that man know?!" Naruto asked.
"He was told by an Uchiha that was being hunted by someone. Ezio then left the area quickly to try and warn someone," Dan said, "but it was in vain as he soon had to leave."
"You said an Uchiha?" Hiruzen asked, suddenly intrigued.
"I did. I take it you're ready to tell us what that conversation was about now?" Dan asked. Hiruzen was stunned, but got serious and gave a nod.
"The body of an Uchiha was found in the Hidden Sand. I was just informed that Danzo, a former teammate of mine, had left behind evidence of him being there. They told me as a professional courtesy since he still has an active role in the Leaf Shinobi. I fear he may be killing Uchiha and taking their Sharingan." Hiruzen said.
"Wait, why did that man appear before you when you were unconscious?" Hinata asked. Dan sighed before looking at the sky.
"Because he told me of who I really was," he spoke, "who I'm meant to become. He told me that he was part of a group called the Assassin's Brotherhood. I thought he was there to kill me, but that wasn't the case. He taught me everything he knew in terms of combat. I never saw him again until yesterday in the Forest of Death. He appeared with others. There was a woman there who initiated me. I don't know her face, as it was obstructed by a hood she was wearing. However, they were all Assassins." Hiruzen then got serious before holding out a scroll.
"Use your gift on this." He said. Dan cautiously took the scroll, opened it, and used Eagle Vision on it. Dan was stunned when he saw it was a map to something. Hiruzen gave a soft smile.
"It's some sort of map." Dan said.
"That scroll was left by a woman. Her name was Misaka Nakamura. She, too, was an Assassin." Hiruzen said. This stunned Dan, causing him to look at Hiruzen.
"You knew?!" He asked.
"Misaka was from an abandoned village here in the Land of Fire. The name of said village was never revealed. However," Hiruzen said, "she told me of the Brotherhood. It's how I knew to trust you. She said that if another were to have 'a gift' that they needed to see that scroll. She told me it was a map, but I was to just hand the scroll over." Dan was in shock, but then realized what was happening. He looked at the map again, seeing it still had more. However, he couldn't see it all as it was too long for him to hold. Naruto and Hinata then took the scroll from him and rolled it open more for Dan to see. Dan then looked at the full map and was stunned when he saw the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand marked on it. One word was written above each location: "Danzo."
"What happened to Misaka?" Dan asked.
"She was killed by bandits. That's what Danzo told me." Hiruzen said. This caught Dan's attention and he looked at Hiruzen.
"She was investigating Danzo. He must have found out and killed her!" Dan said.
"What?!" Hiruzen asked.
"This map details where she had been while she was 'of this world.' She had marked two locations: the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand. She wrote Danzo's name above those locations. She was investigating Danzo because he was viewed as a threat to her using Eagle Vision!" Dan said. Hiruzen was then infuriated, but not at Dan or Misaka.
"Danzo needs to pay for his crimes." Hiruzen said.
"He will. I assure that." Dan said.
"How?" Hiruzen asked.
"We get him to confess." Dan said.
"Confess?" Naruto and Hinata asked.
"We get him to admit it." Dan said.
"How?" Hiruzen asked. Dan then remembered something else from his past and got serious.
"We confront him." Dan said.
"WHAT?!" Naruto and Hinata asked.
"I remembered something from my past just now. My father was a cop, specifically a Captain. He taught me how to interrogate." Dan said.
"So that nameplate you had?" Hiruzen asked.
"It was his. He gave it to me the day I arrived here and told me to never let it go." Dan said.
"He trained you to be a cop, too." Naruto surmised.
"He did. He told me I came from a line of them. Even had me work a few cases myself." Dan said. Hiruzen then smiled and gave a nod.
"Then you should take the lead." He said, holding the file out to Dan.
[ End Flashback]
[In the Hokage's Office….]
"You don't need to confess anything. We have the evidence we need to put you away. We KNOW you did this. You MEANT to do this. I know the reason why. You're after the Uchiha's Izanagi." Dan said. Danzo tensed up immediately, but Dan gave a look and Danzo dropped to his knees.
"Damn it! Damn it all to Hell!" Danzo said, starting to punch the floor.
"All we want to know is one thing. Why did you do it?" Dan asked. Danzo looked at Hiruzen and teared up.
"For the protection of the Hidden Leaf." He said. Hiruzen gave a disappointing look before going to Danzo.
"Explain yourself." He said.
"The Uchiha are turning against the Leaf. They're planning a coup. I'm only trying to protect the Leaf!" Danzo said.
"Perhaps you instigated it like you did with Hanzo the Salamander and the Three Sannin," Dan said, "or got directly involved in it like with the Akatsuki." Danzo gasped and looked at Dan.
"H-how did you?" Danzo asked. Hiruzen gave an angered glare.
"You just told him." Hiruzen said. Danzo then felt faint, but two ANBU appeared and picked Danzo up.
"As of now," Dan said, "you're no longer a Leaf Shinobi. You're no longer an aide to the Hokage. Danzo Shimura, you're under arrest for High Treason, numerous counts of Murder in the First Degree, and vcommitting acts of terror against the Five Great Nations. You will be remanded into the custody of the ANBU Black Ops as the discussion of your sentence is occurring."
"I demand to be in the custody of the Leaf Police Force!" Danzo said. Dan then gave a glare.
"You have no authority. Plus," Dan said, "you're now seen as a terrorist. That means you have no rights. Take him away." The Hokage nodded to the ANBU and Danzo was taken away.
"Now what?" Naruto asked.
"I call the meeting." Hiruzen said.
"More than that," Dan said, "we have further evidence of the Civilian Council hindering our ability to become stronger." Naruto and Hinata nodded in confirmation. Hiruzen got even more serious before nodding.
"They're busted." He said.
[Moments later….]
[Leaf Council Hall]
All the council members were talking quietly amongst themselves when Hiruzen, Naruto, Hinata, and Dan walked in. They all got quiet as Hiruzen said down.
"Most of you are under the impression that this meeting is to discuss the budgets of everyone," Hiruzen said, "but you are wrong. This meeting was called to discuss some changes to the Hidden Leaf."
"Changes?" A Clan head asked. The Civilian Council leader gave a grin, but Dan gave a look and Hiruzen nodded.
"To explain said changes," Hiruzen said, "I turn the floor over to Dan McGarrett. Though he may be new, and young, I trust him to carry out this task." Dan then stepped forward, causing both Shinobi and Civilian Councils to tense up. Dan then held up a paper.
"What I am about to read contains graphic scenes and depicts a REAL mission. I ask that you remain silent as I read this aloud." Dan said. Dan looked and saw Hiyashi, who gave a nod.
'Go for it, Dan.' He thought. Dan looked at the paper and got serious.
"This is the mission report of Team 4," Dan read, "under the command of Jonin Tanaka. During a routine C-Rank mission, Team 4 was ambushed by a large team of bandits. In said ambush, all three Genin under command had suffered severe injuries. Jonin Tanaka was unharmed. One Genin had died on location, having been decapitated by the Bandit Leader. The two remaining had combated the bandits, only to be soundly beaten. Jonin Tanaka had then defeated the bandits and Bandit Leader. However, it was too late. One had succumbed to their injuries on location. The other succumbed en route to the Hidden Leaf. As Jonin, Tanaka took full responsibility for the failure of the mission, before committing seppuku in his home. The message he left behind was an apology to the families of the Genin under his command. This concludes the mission report of Team 4." Both Councils were stunned, and one in the Civilian Council was in tears.
'Why read this to us?' The Civilian Council Leader thought. Dan looked up and grew more serious.
"An entire team was slaughtered due to subpar teachings. It carries over to the Hidden Leaf. After I arrived," Dan spoke, "I encountered a group within the Forest of Death looking to kill me. I eliminated the ENTIRE group by myself. As a result, Lord Hokage is hereby REINSTATING the old teachings."
"What?!" A civilian asked.
"Furthermore, the Civilian Council will NO LONGER have a say in the affairs of the Hidden Leaf. They are relieved of their duties!" Dan said.
"This is outrageous!" The Civilian Council Head exclaimed.
"What's outrageous is ostracizing a child because of something he had NO CONTROL over!" Dan said. This caused the ENTIRE Civilian Council to tense up. Hiyashi was stunned at Dan's demeanor. Naruto stepped next to Dan, accompanied by Hinata.
"I know of the Nine-Tailed Fox, their given name being Kurama, having been sealed within me. You all resent me because of Kurama being sealed inside of me. I'm not the only jinchuuriki! There are others! I'm certain you all know of what I mean. The Shinobi Council knows who my father is," Naruto spoke, "but you in the Civilian Council are clueless. Tell me, who do I look like if I hid the birthmarks on my face?" A few were confused, but one had caught on immediately.
"It's not possible! Are you saying you're HIS son?!" They asked.
"This doesn't leave this room." Hiruzen said. He then nodded to Naruto, who grew serious.
"I'm the son of Minato Namikaze," Naruto said, "and Kushina Uzumaki. The day I was born, my parents sacrificed themselves sealing Kurama within me. The Uchiha know why he attacked. I'm certain Sasuke told you, and I know Itachi overheard." The Uchiha Clan head, Fugaku, was stunned.
'I never thought it was possible. To think one would abuse the Sharingan like that!' He thought.
"In case none of you caught on," Naruto said, "I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage and Kurama's Third Jinchuuriki. Kurama is only sealed inside of me. He hasn't taken over my body, and I haven't been using his Chakra. As I can't give birth, Kurama won't be able to break the seal. Only I can break it, but only with the key. I don't have that. If anyone is to blame for the attack on the leaf, it's the one who claimed to be Madara Uchiha. Not me, not Kurama, not the Shinobi. I refuse to be labeled and ostracized for something I had no control over. For THAT reason, the Civilian Council is being disbanded. However, if you wish to submit a reform plan, that will be acceptable, too."
"The reinstating of the old teachings will begin with the next academy class," Hiruzen said, "and new techniques have been added. Not only will they be learning how to be Shinobi, but they will also learn how to interrogate and recognize dangers. I refuse to have another team be slaughtered due to incompetence. Are there any objections?" No one said a word. However, Fugaku then stood up, clearing his throat.
"Lord Hokage," he said, "may I suggest that those who wish to remain in the village instead of being sent out into the field be offered a chance to train for the Leaf Police Force?" Dan gave a look to Hiruzen who merely nodded.
"I shall take that into consideration. Is there anything else?" Hiruzen asked.
"A question for Dan, Lord Hokage." Fugaku said.
"The question?" Dan asked.
"Us Shinobi have been informed of your recent memories. We also know of your 'ancestry.' Given your part in capturing Danzo Shimura," Fugaku said, "I offer the same training to you. Should you wish, the Leaf Police Force would be honored to train you."
"I appreciate that," Dan said, "and I'll take it into consideration." Fugaku then sat back down and Hiruzen nodded.
"This meeting is adjourned." He said.
[Later that day….]
[Uchiha Compound, Fugaku's House]
Sasuke, Itachi, Mikoto, and Fugaku were all outside when Dan, Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura approached. Hiyashi was watching from the street. Sasuke then walked forward and gave a small bow.
"Welcome to our home. Allow me to escort you on a tour around." He said.
"That would be much appreciated, Sasuke. Thank you." Dan said. Sasuke stood upright and led the others through the house. The whole time, Hinata was discretely holding Naruto's hand. Naruto, eventually catching on, returned the gesture and the two blushed, albeit unnoticeably. Dan saw this and grinned.
'Young love. What a concept.' He thought. After the tour, Sasuke smiled and approached Dan with a wrapped gift.
"This is a gift on behalf of the Uchiha Clan. We thank you for avenging the deaths of our clansmen," Sasuke spoke, "and for bringing back the Sharingan that was wrongfully obtained by Danzo Shimura. Please accept it as a show of our gratitude." Sasuke held the gift out to Dan, who cautiously took it. He proceeded to open it and saw a box.
"A box?" Naruto asked.
"The gift is what's inside." Dan said. Dan then opened the box and gasped as he revealed a Navy Blue vest. He pulled the vest out and had a few flashbacks to when his father had to get ready for a raid. Dan teared up slightly at the memories. Fugaku then approached, knelt down, and placed a hand on Dan's shoulder.
"More memories?" He asked.
"This vest is like what my father wore to raids." Dan said.
"This is just a variation of the vests that Shinobi wear. We took inspiration from other vest styles." Fugaku said.
"Try it on!" Sasuke said. Dan then put the vest on, properly securing it to him, and Sasuke beamed. Mikoto and Itachi then approached with a full body mirror and Dan saw himself in the vest. Naruto and Hinata smiled and Sakura was stunned.
"You actually look good in that vest!" Sakura said.
"Yeah!" Hinata said.
"He looks like he means business." Itachi said.
"You're rocking that vest!" Naruto said. Everyone looked at Naruto confused. [Author's Note: Discrepancy Detected]
'What?' Dan thought. Naruto then realized what he was implying about himself and shook his head.
"I didn't mean it like that! W-what's the thing to say in this situation? Um…. Ah! No homo!" Naruto said. [Author's Note: Discrepancy Cleared] Everyone sighed and Dan relaxed a bit.
'Thank fuck.' Dan thought. Dan started to take the vest off, but Fugaku stopped him as Hiyashi started approaching.
"Keep the vest on. Please." Fugaku said. Hiyashi then smiled and Dan looked at him.
"I see the Uchiha have given you a gift of gratitude. I'm pleased to see it." Hiyashi said.
"It's because of him we can now rest easy. Danzo Shimura was a thorn in BOTH our sides. It saddens me that he was found to have been behind the first attempt." Fugaku said. Hiyashi looked solemn and Dan knew his next move.
"Who was sent in your place?" Dan asked.
[Hyuga Compound, Hiyashi's House]
A young boy was panting heavily as he was looking at a training dummy. Hiyashi looked from afar and Dan walked next to him.
"His name is Neji. He's my nephew. My twin brother, Hizashi, was the one sent in my place. Hizashi was Neji's father." Hiyashi said. Dan nodded and started walking towards Neji. Neji then looked at Dan and stood ready to attack.
"Relax. I mean you no harm." Dan said.
"Who are you?" Neji asked.
"Dan McGarrett." Dan introduced. Neji then eased a bit, hearing the name.
"You helped save Lady Hinata." Neji said.
"Lord Hiyashi tells me this isn't the first time." Dan said.
"It isn't." Neji said.
"Is that why you hold resentment to Lord Hiyashi for your father being sent in his place to be executed, as they were twins?" Dan asked. Neji gasped at that.
"How did you know that?" He asked.
"I know a lot. I know your father loved you very much. I know you miss him a great deal. I even know you're smart enough to know how to use the Byakugan at your age. I also know that your father WILLINGLY went in Lord Hiyashi's place. He wasn't forced." Dan said. That caught Neji off guard.
"W-what? H-he went… willingly?" Neji asked.
"I know of the Caged Bird Seal on your forehead. Your father had it, too. When a Hyuga with said seal dies, their Byakugan is sealed to prevent any information from being leaked out to enemy nations. Your father willingly died so that you could protect the main family." Dan said.
"P-protect the main family?" Neji asked.
"I might know of a way to do so. That is, if you'll allow me to show you." Dan said. Neji was stunned, and Hiyashi was confused.
"What do you mean?" Neji asked.
"Toss me that tonfa near the training dummy." Dan said. Neji went to the training dummy and picked up the tonfa near it before tossing it to Dan. Dan caught it and looked at Neji.
"Now what?" Neji asked. Dan then stood in a stance and Neji looked confused.
"Now come at me as if you didn't have the Byakugan," Dan said, "and pretend you're holding a weapon." Hiyashi then caught on.
'I see now.' Hiyashi thought. Neji did just that and Dan never moved. That was when Dan felt Neji's hatred towards the main family and glared, picturing Neji holding a Kunai.
"DIE!" Neji yelled, swinging his empty hand down to strike Dan. However, Dan caught the attack and used the tonfa disarm and subdue Neji, pinning him to the ground and holding Neji's other hand to the small of his back. Neji felt some slight pain, but caught on.
'This type of fighting is used by bodyguards.' Neji thought.
"Notice the amount of pressure I'm putting on your arms and legs. It's painful," Dan spoke, "but it's not enough to cause damage to the body. You don't have to use deadly force to protect others. You can subdue and interrogate for information before taking them into custody and turning them over to the proper authorities. You can fight without using the Byakugan this way, too." Dan then released Neji and helped him up. Neji faced Dan, stunned but grateful. Dan then held the tonfa out to Neji, but Neji hugged Dan, shocking him.
"Thank you, Dan. Thank you for telling me what REALLY happened to my father." Neji said. Dan sensed Neji's intent gone and returned the hug.
"Just don't try and show your hatred towards the main family in front of Hiyashi." Dan said.
"That hatred is gone now. I will honor my father's sacrifice," Neji said, "and protect the main family with my life. I won't let my father's death be in vain." Hiyashi teared up and smiled. Neji then broke the hug and took the tonfa from Dan. Dan held his hand out and Neji shook it.
"My condolences for bringing up bad memories." Dan said.
"It's okay. Better late than never." Neji said. Dan suddenly heard a scream and went on alert, looking towards the source.
'That sounded like Naruto!' Dan thought. Dan then ran towards the sound on instinct, as did Neji and Hiyashi, and saw four Shinobi from the Hidden Sand. Dan activated his Eagle Vision and saw the four in blue, meaning they were allies. He then saw Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura standing in front of a young boy, Naruto holding his left shoulder. Dan then saw a single person in gold and saw they were holding a Kunai.
"Surrender the jinchuuriki of Shukaku to me." The man said.
'Shukaku? One of the Tailed Beasts?!' Dan thought. The four Sand Shinobi then drew Kunai, but the one in gold had thrown four Kunai and killed them. Dan then deactivated Eagle Vision as the man threw a Kunai towards the boy. However, sand came up and blocked it. The man then grinned and did the sign of confrontation. Dan looked and saw an explosive tag at the end of the Kunai. Time slowed as the tag exploded, sending Naruto, Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura away from the boy as the man charged. Dan then acted before Neji and Hiyashi could speak and sent the man flying back with a kick, knocking the wind out of the man and causing two Kunai to enter Dan's eyes as time resumed with Dan falling to the ground.
"GEAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Dan yelled. Naruto gasped and looked behind him, seeing Dan.
"DAN!!!!" Naruto yelled. Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura gasped and looked. Hiyashi then ran to Dan as Neji ran to Naruto and the others.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"We're fine, Cousin Neji. Naruto took a shuriken to his shoulder." Hinata said.
"Kurama's healing the wound as we speak." Naruto said. Neji was stunned, but understood and nodded. Hiyashi then looked over Dan and the boy approached him.
"Is he going to be okay?" He asked. Hiyashi looked at the boy, seeing the dark circles around his eyes.
"He'll be fine. I need to get him to the hospital." Hiyashi said. The boy then nodded and lifted a hand up, causing sand to lift him, Dan, and Hiyashi up.
"Tell me the way." The boy said. Hiyashi was stunned.
"Why are you doing this?" Hiyashi asked.
"He helped me when I needed it most," the boy said, "so I'm returning the favor." Hiyashi then nodded and the boy used his other hand to have sand surround the man who attacked them and lift him up.
[Hours later….]
[Leaf Village Hospital, Waiting Area]
Hiruzen walked in with four ANBU and saw Hiyashi with Naruto and the others.
"How's Dan?" He asked.
"Critical," Hiyashi said, "but not likely. He took two Kunai to his eyes protecting someone. They couldn't save them." Hiruzen felt his heart drop, and the ANBU gasped.
"He lost his eyes?" One asked.
"I'm afraid so." Hiyashi said. Sasuke then ran in with Fugaku, Itachi, Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, four Sand Shinobi, and the Kazekage.
"Lord Hokage!" Sasuke exclaimed. Hiruzen looked and saw them.
"Is something the matter?" Hiruzen asked.
"Where's Gaara? Was he hurt?" The Kazekage asked. The boy from earlier then appeared and approached the Kazekage.
"I'm alright, Father. The one who protected me isn't. He lost his eyes." The boy said. The Kazekage gasped and the boy shed tears.
"You didn't. Did you?" The Kazekage asked.
"No," the boy sobbed, "I didn't. He… he lost his eyes protecting me from an assassin! He took two Kunai for me! WHY WAS I CURSED TO BE THE SAND SPIRIT'S VESSEL?!?!" The Kazekage then pulled boy in close as the boy started crying.
"It's okay, Gaara. It's not your fault." The Kazekage said. Fugaku then looked at Itachi, who looked at him, and the two nodded.
"Lord Hokage," Fugaku said, looking to Hiruzen, "with your permission, I may have a solution to this." Hiruzen looked at Fugaku.
"What is it?" He asked.
"The Sharingan that Danzo had obtained. We could transplant two of them into Dan," Fugaku said, "and give him the ability to see once more. It will also help him given his ancestry and gift." The boy gasped and looked at Fugaku.
"You would do that for him?" The boy asked.
"He protected the son of the Kazekage," Fugaku said, looking at the boy, "and the jinchuuriki of Shukaku. To not do that would be an insult to his ancestry, an insult to the alliance the Leaf has with the Sand, and an insult to the Uchiha and Hyuga clans." The boy teared up more and Hiruzen gave a nod.
"Do it." He said.
[Inside Dan's mind….]
Dan was floating before he felt himself on the ground. He never opened his eyes, and never said a word. However, he stood up and felt he was near a wall. He soon sensed a presence and followed it. He heard what sounded like breathing and stopped as he felt bars.
'Bars? Am I at a gate?' Dan thought. The presence got stronger and Dan felt hot breath hit him.
"So," a voice said, "you are the one who Naruto was talking about." Dan immediately knew who it was.
"Kurama? How am I here?" Dan asked.
"That's what I wish to know, too." Another voice said. Dan went on alert and moved his head towards the source.
"Is that you, Shukaku?" Dan asked. There was silence for a bit, but then a sigh.
"You've done your research. Thank you for protecting my vessel. Sorry you lost your eyes in the process, though." Shukaku said.
"Explains why I haven't opened them yet while I'm here." Dan said.
"Good to see you two are making friends." Another voice said. Dan went on alert and stood in a stance while facing the source.
"Easy, Dan. He's an ally." Kurama said.
"My name is Hagoromo Otsusuki. Better known as the Sage of Six Paths." The voice introduced.
"I take it you're responsible for me being here." Dan said.
"I am." Hagoromo said.
"Why?" Dan asked. Hagoromo approached Dan and placed his hand over Dan's eyes for a few moments before removing it.
"Open your eyes, Dan." Hagoromo said. Dan slowly opened his eyes and saw his vision was blurry, but it soon cleared up and he saw Hagoromo, who was smiling.
"I guess the Sage of Six Paths is able to heal any injury." Dan spoke.
"Indeed I can. You might have sight here," Hagoromo said, "but your sight outside of here will not be there."
"Actually," Kurama said, "Fugaku Uchiha is giving Dan two Sharingan that Danzo Shimura had obtained."
"I can confirm this. My vessel actually cried because you lost your sight protecting him." Shukaku said. Dan was stunned.
"They're transplanting my eyes?" Dan asked.
"They are." Kurama said. Dan felt tears well up, but Kurama used a claw to dry them.
"Huh?" Dan asked.
"You shouldn't be shedding tears. Not while you're here, at least." Kurama said. Dan smiled and nodded. Hagoromo then gave a nod and Dan felt sleepy.
"When you wake up," Hagoromo said, "your sight will be 20/20."
"Wait," Dan said, "there's something you should know."
"I'm already aware of your ancestry," Hagoromo said, "and of your gift. You'll still be able to use it." Dan then laid down, feeling weak, and fell asleep.
[Days later….]
[Leaf Village Hospital, Room 3109]
Sasuke was watching over Dan, who was still asleep because of the anesthesia, when Itachi walked in.
"I'll take over. Head home and freshen up." He said. Sasuke nodded and walked out. Itachi then got where Sasuke was and Sasuke left. Itachi then sat down and sighed before looking at Dan.
'My brother is lucky to have met someone like you.' Itachi thought. Itachi went to look away, but saw one of Dan's fingers move. Itachi went on alert and stood up. Dan then gave a soft groan and turned his head.
"Where am I?" Dan asked.
"You're in the hospital." Itachi said. Dan looked towards Itachi, bandages covering his eyes.
"Itachi?" Dan asked.
"That's right. We were taking shifts watching over you." Itachi said.
"We?" Dan asked.
"Me, Sasuke, Hiyashi, ANBU, Kakashi, Sakura, Hinata, Naruto, the Kazekage, and anyone else who has you to thank." Itachi said.
"What of the man I stopped?" Dan asked.
"Charged and sentenced." Itachi said.
"How long do I need these bandages over my eyes?" Dan asked.
"A few more days." Itachi said. Dan then had an idea.
"Get Naruto and that boy." Dan said. Itachi nodded and left the room for a bit before returning with Naruto and the boy.
"We're here, Dan. What do you need?" Naruto asked.
"Ask Kurama and Shukaku for some Chakra." Dan said.
'Did you get that, Kurama?' Naruto asked.
' He certainly has a great intellect. He wants to use my Chakra to help him heal faster,' Kurama said, ' and use have Shukaku use his Chakra to give him added protection for his eyes. Pretty ingenious idea.'
'He knows?!' The boy asked.
' He can be trusted. I vouch for him.' Shukaku said.
"Naruto," Dan said, "you stand on my right."
"Which means I'll stand on your left." The boy said.
"I'll get a nurse and doctor to oversee." Itachi said. He then left, only to be stunned to see a doctor and nurse about to walk in.
"We heard it all. I'll talk him through it." The doctor said.
"I'll monitor the vitals." The nurse said. Naruto and the boy then placed their hands on Dan's and closed their eyes. Kurama and Shukaku then send some of their Chakra through them and to Dan. Dan felt the Chakra flow through him and smoke lightly appeared through the bandages. It was then that the nurse checked Dan's vitals and nodded.
"So far so good. He's stable." The nurse said. The doctor then saw the smoke stop and nodded.
"You can stop now." The doctor said. The two stopped and panted.
' Good work, Naruto.' Kurama said. The doctor then removed the bandages from Dan's eyes to see they were fully healed. Dan slowly opened his eyes and looked around. He saw everything perfectly clear. Dan saw the boy and held out his hand.
"Dan McGarrett." Dan said. The boy was stunned, but soon caught on and shook Dan's hand.
"Gaara of the Desert." He said.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I'm like you, Gaara. I'm the jinchuuriki of Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox." Naruto said. Gaara was stunned.
"I'm the vessel of the Sand Spirit, Shukaku." Gaara said.
"The One-Tailed Tanuki." Dan said. Gaara then felt tears well up, but dried them and smiled.
"Thank you for protecting me, Dan." Gaara said.
"No thanks is necessary. I was just doing the right thing." Dan said.
"I hope you come visit the Hidden Sand sometime. I'd love to give you a tour." Gaara said.
"Maybe that can be arranged at some point in time." Dan said. Gaara smiled brighter and nodded.
[Hours later….]
[Hidden Leaf Entrance]
The Kazekage, Gaara, and four Sand Shinobi stood in front of Dan, who was wearing the vest he received as a gift from the Uchiha. The Kazekage approached Dan and bowed to him.
"Thank you for protecting my son." He said.
"No thanks is necessary. I was merely doing the right thing." Dan said. The Kazekage then stood upright and held out a hand, causing particles of gold dust to appear. The dust then reacted to something on Dan's right ring finger and revealed a mark. Dan was stunned, but the Kazekage smiled.
"Glad to know you finished what Misaka started. " He said. The dust then surrounded Dan, who was just mesmerized at it, and a few of the particles had bonded together. Dan then had a flashback to when he was with his father one day and saw his father's badge. The dust reacted to this and a few of the particles formed a blank version of the badge Dan's father had before returning to the Kazekage, the badge being in his palm. Gaara then took the badge and passed it to a Sand Shinobi, who used Chakra to engrave words onto it. That Shinobi then passed it to another who used enamel in the words. Fugaku then appeared and did hand signs.
'Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!' Fugaku thought. He then unleashed a fireball that cooked the enamel into the words. Gaara then took the badge and took it to a blacksmith near the entrance and said blacksmith grinded the enamel off and polished it before handing it back to Gaara. Gaara then went to Dan and saw a spot on the vest to put the badge. Gaara did just that and Dan looked at the badge, shocked.
"Let that badge be proof of your achievements. It shall also serve as a way of letting those in the Hidden Sand know that you are to be treated with courtesy, professionalism, and respect." The Kazekage said. Dan gave a nod and Gaara hugged him.
"Please try and write." He said. Dan returned the hug and nodded.
"I will." Dan said. Gaara broke the hug and waved as he, the Kazekage, and their detail left. Fugaku smiled and the blacksmith approached Dan.
"I knew you would see through their trick," they said, "so I came to give this, too." The blacksmith then held out another badge exactly like the one on his vest and Dan took it.
"How much did they pay you?" Dan asked.
"No charge. Didn't seem right to charge them since they were giving it as a gift to someone who saved a young boy's life." The blacksmith said. Dan smiled before putting the badge in a pocket of the vest.
[Later that night….]
Dan was walking in the village when he saw Naruto and Hinata in Ichiraku getting some ramen. He smiled as he saw Sasuke and Sakura join them.
'Definitely a double date.' Dan thought. He then walked along and saw an ANBU walk next to him.
"The Hokage wishes to speak with you about the Assassin's Brotherhood." They spoke.
"When and where?" Dan asked.
"The BBQ place here in the village. Urgently." They said. Dan then went to the location and saw Hiruzen eating with someone else. Dan walked to them and Hiruzen motioned for Dan to sit.
"Dan," Hiruzen said, "this is Jiraya. He's an old student of mine who gathers intelligence for me. Jiraya, meet Dan McGarrett. He's a destined member." Jiraya nodded and Dan nodded in return.
"What's the intel?" Dan asked.
"An organization is going around trying to collect the Tailed Beasts. One of them happens to be a former member of the Hidden Leaf." Jiraya said.
"That concerns me why?" Dan asked.
"Because they claim to be fighting for the good of all mankind." Jiraya said.
"What's the REAL reason I'm here?" Dan asked. Jiraya grinned and slid over a paper. Dan took it and used Eagle Vision to see a hidden message. The message read as follows: "We want to meet to discuss something important. Meet us in Training Ground 44 at the tower. Come alone."
"I encountered one of those members on my way here. They said the message was for you." Jiraya said.
"How do you want to play this?" Hiruzen asked. Dan then grew serious and looked at Jiraya.
"I meet with them." Dan said.
[Moments later….]
[Training Ground 44, Central Tower]
Dan stood near the tower and looked around. He soon saw two shadowy figures and saw they had a file.
"Are you the Assassin?" One asked.
"Misaka was murdered by Danzo Shimura. I finished what she started. I'm destined to be an Assassin." Dan said. The two then approached and revealed one to be a man and the other to be a woman.
"My name is Konan," the woman said, "and this is Pain."
"Where's the real Pain?" Dan asked. Konan was stunned but the Pain in front of Dan chuckled.
"How attentive. You surely are a destined Assassin." He said.
"What's your REAL name?" Dan asked.
"Nagato." Pain said.
"Let me start by saying Danzo has been arrested and charged with high treason." Dan said. The two were stunned.
"You work fast." Konan said.
"That's not all. I'm aware that your organization is trying to collect Tailed Beasts." Dan said.
"From Jiraya, I presume." Nagato spoke.
"What did you want to talk about?" Dan asked.
"We have information about the one who used the Sharingan to control the Nine Tails." Konan said.
"The masked man claiming to be Madara Uchiha." Dan said.
"We believe it to be someone who was supposed to be dead." Nagato said. He then held out the file and Dan took it, looking inside.
"Obito Uchiha. He was said to have been killed in the Second Great Ninja War." Dan said.
"He wasn't. We have a lead on where he is." Konan said.
"How accurate is this information?" Dan asked.
"Over 100% accurate." Nagato said.
"Why tell me?" Dan asked.
"Because you might be able to talk some sense into him." Nagato said.
"He's trying to revive the REAL Madara Uchiha," Konan said, "who will in turn revive Kaguya Otsusuki." Dan then put it together.
"Hagoromo's mother," Dan said, "and the Mother of all Chakra. Sweet, merciful Christ. If she gets revived the entire Shinobi World is doomed!"
"We'll cooperate with you. Our organization's name is called the Akatsuki. We'll serve as your Intelligence Bureau." Nagato said. Dan then saw a name circled in the file that caught his attention.
"Who's Orochimaru?" Dan asked.
"A Rogue Ninja from the Leaf." Konan said.
"He's joined the Akatsuki," Nagato said, "but he's gone rogue. He's targeting Sasuke Uchiha for his Sharingan."
"He knows his way around the Leaf." Dan said. The three then felt pits in their stomachs and Dan looked Konan.
"You think he followed us." Konan surmised.
"I know he did. We have to go!" Dan said.
"Where?" Nagato asked.
"I have an apartment. In that apartment there's a bag. I have a weapon in that bag that could probably help." Dan said. Nagato looked to Konan and the two nodded.
[Dan's Apartment]
Dan walked in and went to his bag, opening it and pulling out a broken blade that he found on his brother Assassin's wrist. Nagato took it and fixed it before handing it back to Dan.
"Misaka showed us how it works." Konan said. Dan then equipped it and nodded. The three then left the apartment and headed to the Uchiha Compound.
[Uchiha Compound, Fugaku's House]
Dan, Nagato, and Konan approached and Dan saw a blood trail. He activated his Eagle Vision and saw the trail lead to the back room. Dan stealthily followed and saw Sasuke being held at knifepoint by Orochimaru with Itachi glaring.
"Let him go, Orochimaru." Itachi said.
"No," Orochimaru said, "he WILL become my new vessel!" Dan snuck up behind and gave a glare.
"Fat chance." He said. Before Orochimaru could react, Dan knocked a leg out from under him before using the wrist blade to stab Orochimaru in the back. Orochimaru released Sasuke, who then ran to Itachi, and tried to fight off Dan. However, it was futile as Dan then stabbed Orochimaru in the throat with the wrist blade. Orochimaru gasped as Dan then removed the blade. Itachi and Sasuke had seen the whole thing, and were stunned beyond belief.
'Not an ounce of hesitation.' Itachi thought.
"It's over." Dan said.
"N-no! N-not yet!" Orochimaru spoke.
"Do not be afraid of death. Embrace it." Dan said.
"I…. I never got to achieve my goal." Orochimaru said.
"Be grateful for the time you had on this earth." Dan said.
"At least…. I died at the hands of an Assassin. Misaka would be proud. There's a key in my pocket. Take it. You'll find more of a use for it than I will." Orochimaru said. Dan then took the key and Orochimaru took his last breath. Dan put the key in his pocket and closed Orochimaru's eyes.
"May your soul be cleansed of sin," Dan spoke, "and my you find everlasting peace and happiness in the afterlife. Yasuraka ni Nemuru." Konan and Nagato then went to Itachi and Sasuke to check them.
"Were you injured?" Konan asked.
"No," Itachi said, "but he killed our clan. Not even our parents were spared."
"We'll inform the authorities." Nagato said.
"No," Dan said, "I'll do that. You two get them to the hospital."
[The next day….]
Dan was walking on the road in the village. He soon stopped in front of Ichiraku and saw that Naruto and the others were there. Sasuke was solemn, and Sakura was comforting him. Dan then started to walk past, but Hinata stopped him and pulled him in.
"Sasuke told us everything." She said.
"You did nothing wrong." Naruto said.
"It's not the fact he did nothing wrong," Sasuke said, "it's the fact he showed up too late." Sasuke looked at Dan, who sighed in shame.
"He doesn't blame you," Sakura said, "so you have nothing to be ashamed of. There's no way you could have known." Sasuke then went to Dan and hugged him. Dan then returned the hug and Sasuke sobbed lightly.
"My condolences on your losses." Dan said.
"Thank you for saving mine and Itachi's lives!" Sasuke said. Dan then got serious and broke the hug.
"I'm going to help train you four in Taijutsu. We start tomorrow." Dan said.
"Where should we meet up?" Sakura asked.
"Training Ground 12." Dan said. The four nodded and the old man came out with five bowls of ramen. Dan nodded in thanks and the five of them started eating.
'Just you wait, Obito. Your plan will never succeed.' Dan thought.
Naruto: Whew! This training is tough!
Sasuke: What's the purpose of this again?
Dan: It helps increase your endurance, and allows you to use stronger attacks.
Sakura: What about the thing with the leaf?
Dan: It's to help gather Chakra. Next Time: Taijutsu Training pt. 1, McGarrett Style.
HInata: I hope Father won't be mad at me for learning another form other than the Gentle Fist.
Dan: He won't. Trust me.