Heya folks, welcome back! I once again apologize for the mess during the last update. I still don't really know what went wrong, but I found out far too late.

I haven't made any progress since last chapter unfortunately, but I can't put off this chapter any longer, so here ya go!

Hopefully I'll be able to get some work done in the coming days and weeks!

A big thank you to all who added this story to their favorites and alerts! I can't express enough how much it means to me!

Reviewers:

Roswell: I hope this chapter calms your nerves ;)

Tobi-kun-is-a-good-boy: Its been literal years in the making haha! I hope I managed to live up to people's expectations. As for your other question, my lips remain sealed :) enjoy the chapter!

Guest: I wonder if you managed to make it to the end of the story. This isn't a Naruhina story. The older Author note probably threw you off, I apologize for that!

But. I won't tolerate childish comments, so I'll be deleting any further remarks like that.

Stalker1: and thank you for the review! Enjoy the chapter!

Guest: I'm sorry for the slow updates, truly. Work and real life just gets in the way and makes it hard to put any progress in. I'll try my best!

Eaken: that's entirely your opinion. I wish you all the best!

Alright, enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 56: Despair and regret

'Ghost' was tired…No he was downright exhausted. He looked across the training field to the masked man. There was little doubt in his mind that this was indeed Madara Uchiha.

Despite that, he was still able to go toe to toe with the man and brought him to a standstill, but only after using his demonic chakra. Slowly he climbed back to his feet, his gaze turning to Itachi and Micheru, who were watching from the sidelines.

"Impressive. You're a dangerous shinobi."

The red glow disappeared from his eye. "I could say the same."

Madara made his way over and looked down at his gauntlet.

"Kyuubi's chakra…my demonic chakra is too potent. It caused too much pain during the transition. This helps guide it." Answering the unspoken question he assumed was coming.

"I've heard about similar stories. It's because you've been a jinchuuriki before you became a 'Praetorian'. "

Naruto frowned. "What do you mean? There haven't been any other examples. I'm the only Jinchuuriki that lost his tailed beast to the seal."

"In the elemental nations, yes. But not the only one worldwide. There have been similar situations where demonic creatures, like the Bijuu that lived on our plane of existence. It's rare, but it did happen." Madara explained.

Naruto looked at him with raised eyebrows. "How do you know all this?"

"I've traveled during your war with the Reavers. Acquiring more knowledge."

The blonde fell quiet. The new bit of info was welcomed, but irrelevant. "You would've been of more use here."

"Knowledge is power."

Itachi and Micheru made their way over. They had been training for over three weeks now and when Madara had warned them of its intensity, he hadn't doubted his words. It was an incredibly tough training.

What he had found most remarkable, was Micheru's perseverance. She was the weakest member of the group, but she hadn't complained, or collapsed from exhaustion. Not once. She was also the one that had made the most notable improvements.

Madara had helped him with his knowledge of his demonic power. While he couldn't properly teach him how to learn more 'jutsu', he did help him with getting there.

What Naruto had always found interesting, was Kenpachi's ability to summon his chakra into all manner of attacks. He was sure that there was more to it than just that.

And he had been right. Staring at the ethereal fiery red kunai in his hand, he still found it difficult to hide his surprise.

"Keep practicing with that. It's a good jutsu to have against Kenpachi."

Naruto nodded and let the kunai die out and dissipate. "I still have a few days."

"We should call it for today. Let our bodies rest." Itachi said as he adjusted his outfit slightly. It had been ruffled and dirtied during his spar with Madara.

"Yeah, I'm hungry. Let's get a bite to eat!" Micheru chirped as she slid playfully slid her arm around Naruto's shoulder.

"I have other business. We will meet up tonight for some more training."

The group gave each other a nod and they parted. Itachi, Naruto and Micheru went for some food, while Madara went elsewhere.

It was still a strange sight to see Konoha in its current state. Whole sections were destroyed and weren't actively being worked on, to bring it back to its former state. And why would they. Everyone was waiting for the inevitable clash. Most people were either patrolling, training, or trying to block out the depressing thought of the suicidal charge that was about to happen, in one week's time.

There were no civilians to be found either, nor were there any coming their way. The only people were shinobi from Kirigakure. Bringing in much needed supplies, as well as bolstering their numbers by another few hundred. They left a detachment of a mere 200 abled shinobi at the hidden village. There wasn't a need for more. Their victory entirely depended on their final battle.

It was a heavy burden to bear, and Naruto quickly focused his thoughts on something else.

However, Micheru was having similar thoughts, but decided to voice them. "The closer we get, the more I start to get nervous."

Itachi gave her a sympathetic smile. "It's different than our previous battles. We all know that there's no more second chances."

"Everything kind of falls on us…" Micheru muttered, her eyes taking in the wandering samurai who were off duty.

"It's a scary thought, huh?" Naruto said aloud.

"Very!" she said.

"Think of it like this. If we fail, we don't have to worry about the consequences. We'll be dead anyways!" Naruto joked.

"That's not funny!" she retorted.

He quickly stepped aside, dodging her attempt at smacking him. "A little bit?"

"No!"

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. "It's no point thinking about it. All we can do it keep practicing." He ruffled her hair with a grin.

They sat down at one of the restaurants. One of the few remaining soldiers of the daimyo's forces was serving as the cook, using supplies that were delivered to good use.

Naruto saw more shinobi sitting around them, as well as across. He also spotted them on the rooftops, their legs dangling over the edge. It was one of the streets that saw little to no action, making it seem as if there hadn't been a massive battle not long ago.

His attention was brought back to their table, when the cook unceremoniously dumped their food in front of them. Standard rations. "Yum." He said, lacking any enthusiasm.

Micheru used her utensils to stir it a bit, sharing his sentiment. "The upside of dying, not having to eat this drab anymore."

The sound of utensils hitting the plate caught their attention. They turned to look at Itachi, who had just finished eating his meal. Looking at them with an expressionless gaze. "I was hungry."

"You left some." Naruto pointed at the lone grain of rice.

Itachi stared at him, the same neutral expression. Naruto held firm and stared back, his finger still jabbed at his plate.

Slowly he reached for his chopsticks and meticulously grabbed the last grain and ate it. Gently he placed his chopsticks back on the plate. Never breaking his gaze.

Micheru snickered and shook her head in amusement, which in turn broke Naruto's stare, chuckling as well. "Idiots." She spoke.

"Naruto brings out the worst in me."

"I don't!"

Itachi merely shook his head, smiling at the antics of his close friend.

The arrival of Sasuke, Sakura and Ridou caught Naruto's focus. Sasuke looked briefly at Naruto before drilling his gaze into Itachi. Despite everything, the hatred Sasuke felt was still simmering just underneath the surface. "I heard you still, after everything, want to go up against Kenpachi."

Naruto snorted. "There's nothing we want less. "

"Then why not let the kage fight him?" Ridou asked as he dragged one of the chairs from the other table to theirs, sitting down in it.

"Because you need fighters who are stronger than a kage." Itachi answered him.

"You're not stronger than the hokage" Ridou let out a bark of laughter.

"They are." Micheru butted in, annoyed.

Ridou looked from her to Naruto and Itachi. Doubt gnawing at him. "No way! Sasuke, Sakura?"

"There's a reason why they are the ones that are assigned to Kenpachi." Sasuke said honestly.

Naruto looked at Sasuke's calm face. "I have to say, you're awfully okay with the gap in strength."

"I'm not the same person from the academy days," Sasuke bit back, a tiny smirk on his face. "I can let go of pettiness."

"All it took was you abandoning the village." Naruto jabbed back just as easily.

"You're one to say!" Sakura giggled.

Naruto shrugged. "Apparently the village has a bad influence on the minds of the young."

Sasuke smiled, shaking his head, a smile that turned into a frown once his eyes settled on his brother again.

The sound of thunder ended their chatter. Storm clouds were forming overhead and the first drops of rain landed on their table.

Almost inhaling the rest of their food, Naruto and Micheru stood up, closely followed by the others.

"They've made one of the supply hubs into a social hub, in the market area. You guys should visit. It's good to wind down and relax." Sakura said with hopeful eyes.

Micheru answered before he could. "We probably will!"

Sakura gave a wide smile. "Alright see you there!"

Naruto and Micheru waved their goodbyes to the others and went their own separate way. "We?"

"Oh, it will be fun! We have a few hours to relax, before we have to get back to training."

"I wanted to look over some of my notes…" Naruto said, attempted a half assed excuse.

"Too bad! Because we're going!"

Naruto muttered something incoherently, earning him a slap on his head.

"Be nice!" Micheru fake scolded him, waggling her finger.

"Fine fine!" Naruto hastily said, avoiding another 'attack'.

The rain that started light, was turning into a truly bad weather. They ran towards their barracks, careful not to slip,

Itachi made his way towards the major supply hub. Getting new supplies for their training later today. Hearing footsteps behind him, he slowed and came to a stop. "Little brother. What can I do for you?"

"I've waited long enough. I want answers. Now." Came his brothers voice from the dark, two red glowing eyes staring at him.

Slowly the older Uchiha turned, facing an angered Sasuke. "Why I killed kaasan and otousan." It wasn't a question.

"And everyone else!" Sasuke took a step forward.

The rain poured from the skies, drenching them both. Yet they remained motionless, staring at each other.

"Would it change anything?"

"I NEED TO KNOW WHY!" Sasuke yelled, his eyes blazing with the sharingan.

Itachi held a sad look but remained quiet. Sasuke marched forward and grabbed him by the shirt, pushing him against the wall, the overhead canopy covered them from the heavy rain. "The only reason I'm not killing you is because we need you!" Sasuke hissed.

"Killing me won't bring them back…" Itachi whispered.

Sasuke pulled his fist back, fully ready to slam it into his older brother. It were the tears that rolled down Itachi's face that caused hesitation. "…I-I need to know."

Itachi's face held conflicting emotions. "Because of power."

"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! YOU LOVED THEM!" Sasuke roared.

Itachi's face hardened, slowly he pushed Sasuke back. "The power of the Mangekyō Sharingan is something you could only grasp at."

Sasuke shook his head, his sharingan still blazing, watching as Itachi stepped past him and continued his trek. His brother was nearly out of ear shot when he spoke up again. "Is that what you said to Izumi, when you killed her?"

Itachi froze, and Sasuke knew that he shouldn't push it, but he did regardless. "I found her body-"

Sasuke could barely register the sudden movement and got kicked into one of the broken-down buildings. With a groan he climbed back to his feet.

Itachi was on him in an instant, grabbing him by the throat. "Don't you ever say her name to me again!"

He winced and clawed at Itachi's wrist. "You loved her, and you killed her anyways. Kaasan and otousan loved you…YOU KILLED THEM ANYWAY!" Sasuke hooked his brother, sending them both tumbling to the ground, hitting the wreckage riddled ground hard.

Rain fell through the collapsed roof and continued to soak the already wet and muddied brothers. Sasuke's features contorted in grief, tears that were camouflaged by the rain, slid down his dirtied face. "You know she-she loved you right? Izumi-chan. Kaasan was already dreaming about both of your futures…together."

Itachi slowly picked himself up, his wet hair plastered over his face. His shoulder shook, but Sasuke couldn't see properly, his back was turned to him. "It was the hardest thing I ever had to do."

"It was never about power, was it?!" Sasuke shouted, still laying on the rubble.

Itachi let out a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions, his shoulders were slumped, but his face looked up and through the hole in the roof. 'It was because our clan was going to betray Konoha, take control from the Hokage."

Sasuke's eyes widened, reverting back to their old black. "What?!"

"They were planning on breaking Naruto's seal…letting out the Kyuubi again. I-I Couldn't allow that to happen."

Sasuke shook his head and kept shaking it. "No! they would never!"

Itachi turned abruptly, his own eyes now ablaze with the Mangekyō Sharingan. "You wanted to know the truth! This it! Our clan, our family was going to attack the village and take control, killing hundreds… thousands!"

Sasuke was grasping for straws now, his eyes darting left and right. "Then why not get the village involved! Anything was better than killing them?!"

"Because there wasn't time. And don't think that the Hokage wouldn't have sentenced them to death. The act of traitors!"

"I don't believe for a second that Izumi had nothing to do with it. You killed her and the other children, for what?"

Itachi turned back around, making his way through the opening from which they had barreled through earlier. "Revenge breeds' revenge. There was no other way, there would never be going back to the way it was."

Sasuke stared at his brother's retreating back. Never had he imagined the truth to be the nightmare that Itachi had just told him. He was still desperately trying to find an excuse to deny himself the actual truth. Because any excuse, no matter how pitiful, would be preferable to the alternative.

He remained on the floor, unable to force himself to get his feet. Slowly he started shaking his head again. "This can't be true…""

Itachi halted for a moment. "Our parents, our clan were going to kill thousands, all for the sake of seeking power," slowly he moved towards the exit leaving his little brother laying in the dirt. "Power corrupts."

Kakashi watched from the nearby alleyway as Itachi walked out of the ruined building and past his alleyway, hiding in the dark shadows.

"You will not breathe a word of this, Kakashi."

He stepped out of the shadows, his hands in his pockets. "Why keep this a secret?"

"Because I don't want the Uchiha name to be forever branded with this. Sasuke will be able to overcome this, and hopefully carry on the Uchiha legacy the way it is supposed to be."

The grey haired jonin tilted his head slightly, giving the man a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, Itachi-"

Itachi shook his head and kept walking. "I don't need your sympathies. I need you to keep an eye on my brother."

"Always will."

"Good."

Itachi continued his trek down the street, where he disappeared from sight, leaving Kakashi with dozens of more questions.

He considered going to Sasuke but decided to leave his former student be. He needed to be alone with his thought. He would probably do more harm than good. He turned left after leaving the alleyway, heading to his designated quarters.

He saw a few people, genin primarily cleaning up some of the rubble of the destroyed buildings. From what he had heard, was that the genin wouldn't fight in the upcoming fight. Their presence would do little good, and there wouldn't be any support roles they could help in.

There had also been a surprising lack of protests. It seemed that their front row seat of the battle for Konoha had cured them of their hunger for 'glory and fighting'.

"To what do I owe your visit, Anko?" He asked aloud.

There was a loud muttering and the purple haired kunoichi hopped down from the rooftop to his right. her face, that used to be unblemished, was now heavily scarred, with a particular nasty and large scar going from her hairline, in a messy line down to her chin. She had been in one of the cut off sectors when they got separated. She, and the others in her sector had fought tooth and nail, taking one hell of a beating.

The arrival of the combined forces had been the only reason for their survival. According to Kurenai, she had been pinned down by three Reavers, cutting her up slowly and gruesomely. Not that it dampened her spirits or changed her attitude. She remained the same Anko she'd always been.

"You can stop flexing. You got lucky."

"You're right. You're not Anko. You're the late Ibiki."

"I do not look as bad as him!"

Kakashi smiled a bitter smile. Ibiki's death had been a rough one, for Anko in particular. He knew they had a good relationship with each other, one that was primarily work related. He also knew that she was putting up a tough act, to hide the grief she was feeling. "If he was still alive, you'd be able to give him a run for his money."

She lifted her canteen to the sky. "To the old bastard. He went out like a badass."

He rose his imaginary canteen and dipped his head. The interrogation specialist had jumped off the wall, plastering as many exploding tags on him as possible. "That he did."

Anko took a sip from her canteen, letting out a slight shudder. "Where are you going?"

"Back to the jonin quarters, you?"

"Accompanying you to the jonin quarters. I need a drinking buddy." She slung her arm around his shoulders, and he could clearly smell that she had been going at it for a while.

He grabbed her hand to make sure she would fall face first into the dirt. "You've had enough I think, Anko."

"Either you drink with me, or I'll find someone else. I know Asuma has been hitting the sake lately."

Kakashi frowned. He didn't like that there were many people and friends that were drowning their sorrows and fears in their drink. They needed to be sharp and strong for the coming fight. "Fine, but I want to meet up with them first."

"They're at the 'lounge.'" Anko slightly slurred.

He gave an abrupt turn. "Then that's where we're heading."

"That's the spirit!"

After having freshened up, giving a quick glance to the clock, they headed towards the social hub, Sakura mentioned. Naruto wasn't particularly keen on going, but Micheru on the other hand was. He didn't have the heart to disappoint her.

Just as they were about to step out of the building, a chunin entered. "A message for you both." He handed them the note and headed off again.

Naruto opened the folded note and gave a shrug. "Training's off tonight, Madara has business elsewhere."

"Might as well make the most of it!" Micheru chirped and took off in steady pace.

He smiled briefly and walked after her, his hand shoved in his pockets. Micheru briefly paused ahead for him to catch up, politely nodding to a passing chunin. "How…have you been feeling since our chat?"

Naruto averted his gaze but gave a reassuring smile. "A bit better."

"What you need, is time and peace." She said, slipping her arm around his.

Naruto didn't answer, but she continued.

"I mean it, Naruto-kun. You've been in and out of battle for years. You've been going from one crazy, into another. Once we've won, we can finally breathe again."

He patted her arm gently. "I hope you're right."

"Haven't you learned by now? I'm always right!"

Naruto laughed. "I remember when you came up with the great idea to prank Hawke. That ended up with us having to do all the chores that entire week!"

"It was still the right plan!" she countered with a grin.

"Yeah…I guess you are." Naruto chuckled, reminiscing about the past.

The turned left and saw the hub not too far ahead. "We've known each other for a long time now. But we've only really spent time together once the war started."

"I think we can count on one hand how many times we saw each other." He replied, nodding in agreement.

"You were gone for months, sometimes even years at a time. The others visited more than you did."

He scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed. "I guess I focused too much on the Reavers." His mind wandering to the haunted forest in Yuki no Kuni.

"You can make it up to me, by sticking around this time."

"If it's up to me, I'd never leave you." He replied sincerely, a smile on his face.

She returned the smile with one of her own, squeezing his hand lovingly. "Ah there it is!" she pointed with her free hand towards the building ahead, where a few people could be seen, standing around.

They crossed the street and arrived at the hub, nodding at people in passing before opening the door and stepping through. Inside the light was slightly dimmed. What used to be a supply depot, was now turned into a place of relaxation. Against the far wall there was a makeshift bar created where people were leaning against, rows of bottles stashed behind it.

A chaotic variety of furniture filled the large room. It was clear that houses had been plundered to fill the hub.

"Micheru, Naruto! Over here!" Sakura was waving from their right, surrounded by other familiar faces.

Wrapping her arm around Naruto, Micheru started moving them towards the group.

Naruto entertained the idea of struggling but decided against it. "Of all the people you decided to befriend…" he muttered light-heartedly.

"Hush!" she stepped away from Sakura and gave her a smile and a bright wave to the others. "Hey guys!"

The group broke out in chatter and Naruto took the time to slide into the nearest seat. Letting out a sigh of satisfaction.

"Troublesome."

His shoulders started shaking in quiet laughter. "Got dragged here too, Nara?"

"Ino…insisted."

He turned his head and looked at Shikamaru's bored face. "Women."

The Nara nodded. "Women indeed."

"Sorry for your loss, Shikamaru. I knew you and Choji were close."

"No offense, but I didn't expect those words from you…Arigato." Shikamaru softly said, tilting his head in appreciation.

"I promised I would move on from the past." Naruto said.

Shikmaru nodded slowly for a few seconds longer then needed. With a sigh he reached for his glass. "I miss the big guy."

"Yeah…it feels strange, not having him here." Kiba said as he slid in the seat next to the Nara, staring at Naruto.

Naruto returned his stare but didn't give a harsh response. "Was Choji the only one of you group?"

Ino leaned forward and joined their conversation as well, slipping away from Sakura's chat. "Neji and Lee both got hurt pretty bad, but they're alright now. Everyone else got through it."

"Does it matter though? We'll die in a week anyways." Kiba muttered.

"No, you won't. We're going to win this war." Naruto answered resolutely.

Kiba snorted. "Yeah right. Our army is a speck of dirt compared to theirs. And don't think people are lining up to your way of thinking."

Naruto reached for the bottle that stood on the table in between them. "Kiba, you never fail to disappoint."

Kiba stood up with a growl, jabbing his finger at the blonde. "Watch it, freak. That you want to believe in something as ridiculous as the Shinigami and whatever crap story you made up is all fine, but don't force it on us!"

Sakura, Micheru and a few others were watching now as well, pausing their own conversations.

"I believe him, Kiba. He-he came back from the dead." Hinata said from the corner where she was listening from.

Kiba faltered but didn't give up. "Yeah? All I know is that it should've been Choji, not this…traitor."

Naruto's face blanked, his hand unconsciously moving up to where the fatal wound had been.

"That's gone too far!" Sakura yelled at Kiba as she rose her hand to retaliate in a slap.

"You're listening to made up stories about a Shinigami, and I've gone too far?! Have you all l-"

A fist connected with the side of Kiba's face, sending his head to smack against the table. With a groan Kiba looked up, eyes ablaze with anger.

Sasuke stood next to him, a sneer on his face. "I don't care if you believe him or not. But you won't spread anymore doubt and fear around. Understood?"

Kiba slowly nodded, edging away at the glare he received from Sasuke. "I'm sorry."

"Apologize to Naruto. What you said was uncalled for." Micheru said angrily before turning to Naruto.

Naruto didn't wait for an apology and instead moved out of his seat and towards the bar in back.

Micheru stared at his back while she could hear Sakura yell at Kiba.

"Look at what you did, Baka!"

Kakashi stepped into the large room, listening to the pleasant music that was being played. There were a few things he noticed.

He saw Asuma sitting with a few others, drinking themselves into an early grave. He also saw Sasuke decking Kiba and Naruto slipping out his seat and walking towards the bar.

Ignoring the latter, he moved to Asuma, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

"Hey Kakashi, Anko! Come join us!" Asume slurred, his drink sloshing over the edge of his glass.

Coming to a stop in front of Asuma, his lone eye held a look of disdain. "What are you doing, Asuma?"

"What does it look like? Drinking away our troubles!"

"Is that all you're doing?"

"What else can we while we wait for our rapidly encroaching dea-" Kakashi grabbed him by his vest and pulled him to his feet, slapping the drink out his hand.

"You're Sarutobi Asuma! You know better than to act like this!"

Asuma tried to free himself from Kakashi's tight grasp. "You know there's no chance we'll beat them in the upcoming fight, leave me alone Kakashi!"

"What would the Sandaime think of this, if he saw what you were doing?"

"My father's been dead for years, don't bring him into this!"

"Kakashi maybe you should let him go?" Anko asked, swaying from left to right as she had a little trouble remaining upright.

Kakashi looked at the seated people around him, before looking up at the people in the room. The vast majority held the same look. A look of defeat.

He reached for a kunai and tossed it to the jukebox, hitting it perfectly, destroying it with one strike. The music stopped instantly, much to the dismay of the attendees.

"LISTEN UP!" Kakashi barked.

The chatter quieted down as the everyone turned their gaze on the gray-haired jonin. From the corner of his eye, he could see Naruto watching as well.

"You are all behaving pitiful, convinced that we've already lost the fight. "YOU'RE A SHINOBI! ACT LIKE IT! THIS WAR ISN'T LOST YET!"

"They outnumber us five to one!" someone yelled from the back.

"THEY'VE OUTNUMBERED US FROM DAY ONE! WE'RE STILL STANDING HERE, AREN'T WE?" Kakashi yelled back.

"But we can't win!"

"Yes, we can!" It was Kurenai who spoke up from near the entrance. "But we won't if we act like this!"

"I'll make it very simple," Kakashi's voice calmed a bit. "I won't tolerate this behavior. Get your act together."

"We have the will of fire. The late Sandaime hokage entrusted it to us. We can't let him down!" Kakashi pressed.

Anko rose her glass. "The will of fire!" she tried taking a sip of her drink but failed and instead fell forward, smacking into the wood floor with her face first.

The crowd stared at the unmoving form of Anko before they all broke out in a roar of laughter.

"THE WILL OF FIRE!" everyone started yelling.

Asuma stared at Kakash, who was still standing close next to him. "I'm sorry Kakashi…"

"Make your father proud, Asuma. If he was still alive, he wouldn't have given up either."

Asuma nodded, raising his glass as well. "For the Sandaime hokage!"

"For the Sandaime hokage!" everyone repeated.

Kakashi watched from the corner of his eye as Naruto reached for his drink and rose it into the air as well. A smile appeared on his mask covered face. If the Sandaime hokage had been here, he would've personally given them all an ass whooping.

Kami, he missed the old man. With a sigh he reached for a glass on the table and rose it into air as well, joining in with the chanting.

Naruto stared at the wall ahead, memories of the old man popping up in his head. A small smile appeared on his face as he recalled the pranks he used to pull on the man, being chased all around the office by the 'professor'.

They surely could've used him. He was a shinobi forged by the fires of multiple wars. He learned from every engagement, using the pain of grief to grow stronger, to prevent it from ever happening again.

Of course, back in the day he didn't think of the Hokage like that. He considered him like his grandfather. His smile widened a bit. "Jiji.."

"You used to call my grandfather that…"

He looked over his shoulder and saw Konohamaru standing there. "We had an understanding between each other."

Konohamaru stepped closer, a frown on his face. "What understanding?"

"I would annoy him, and he'd acknowledge me."

"Acknowledge? He beat the crap out of you, chased you all over the village."

'Ghost' shrugged. "Same old."

The Sarutobi leaned against the counter, trying to find the right words.

"What do you want, Konohamaru."

"I want…to say sorry, for how I acted. I behaved like a brat."

Naruto gave him a side glance.

Konohamaru stared at him expectantly, hoping to hear an answer.

Naruto gave a nod in response. "Are your teammates still alive?"

The youngster grimaced at the thought of Udon. "They are, but Udon lost his arm. Moegi is okay though…all things considering."

"At least they're both alive."

Konohamaru agreed but felt downcast regardless. "For at least another week…after that we're probably dead."

Naruto turned to the kid, looking at him with intensity. "We're going to win this war, you need to have faith."

He leaned on his hand, dodging Naruto's eye. "We all know the odds…don't need to look further than that."

Naruto stood up and gripped Konohamaru by the shoulder. From the corner of his eye, he could see Moegi standing up, quickly making her way over, expecting the worst. "I know we haven't seen eye to eye. But I promise…We can win. This isn't a lost battle…Just a desperate one."

Konohamaru's eyebrows rose. "Really?"

"Really," He looked at Moegi who was standing next to them, her hands resting on her hips. "As long as you keep fighting, we have a chance."

The brown haired chunin smiled at him and gave a resolute nod. "Arigato…Boss."

Naruto smacked him on the side of the head. "Stop that, now go bother someone else." Jerking his thumb over his shoulder.

As the two left, he turned back to the bar, where his drink was still standing, untouched.

"Look at you, warming up to us."

Naruto sighed and looked at Shikamaru, who had his hands shoved deep in his pockets. "You know everyone needs to be sharp, if this helps…Then I'll play nice."

"I heard from my dad, about what you said at the meeting. Do you really think that Kenpachi is the key?"

Naruto's eye lingered on his drink. "Undoubtedly."

"You think you can beat him this time?"

Naruto gave a cold smile, never looking at Shikamaru. "Definitely."

Stepping out to get some fresh air, he sighed in satisfaction as the cool evening breeze tickled his face. Off to his right he saw Hinata standing there, looking angry. Locking eyes with him, the anger dissipated, and she walked over.

"Naruto-kun. I'm sorry about Kib-"

"It's fine. It's not your fault."

"But still…"

"Kiba and me will never see eye to eye. I'm fine with it, as long as he keeps his mouth shut."

"Kiba and keeping his mouth shut? That's something I'd like to see." Hinata smiled, before letting out a chuckle.

Naruto shrugged, looking up at the clear night sky.

Hinata watched him with interest, her heart fluttering. "I'm glad you're back with us…I was there-there…when it happened."

Naruto's breathing hitched, the painful memory entering his mind. "Arigato, Hinata-chan."

She smiled at his response and turned the conversation in a new direction. "Hows Micheru?"

He looked back down at her. "She's fine?"

"I can't imagine having realized that having to go against the most powerful foe in all of history is something you can shake off easily."

His gaze lingered on her. "She'll do great…I'll protect her."

She broke off the stare and looked down at the street. Taking a deep breath, she slowly tried saying what she wanted to say for years. "You know…" she fidgeted with her hands. "I've had feelings for you, since…well…forever."

Naruto stared at her face, who in turn did her very best to not glow bright red. "I know."

She spluttered. "You know?"

He let out a laugh. "Of course. I may have been an idiot before…But It's not difficult to see that you've had a crush on me, since our academy days."

"Oh…"

He grew more serious. "It never would have worked."

"Why wouldn't it?" she turned and faced him, stepping closer to him, a frown on her face.

Naruto looked at her face which held a range of emotions. "Because of who I am... who I turned out to be. Of everything that happened over the years."

"If you never left?"

"If you never abandoned me…who knows what might've happened. That's a lot of what ifs."

"But you can't deny that we have something here!" she said, her hands pressed against his chest.

"You want there to be something," He grabbed her hands and gently put them down. "I know that there's someone that can give you what you want."

Her eyes welled up with tears. "But what about Yuki no Kuni?"

He gave her a sad smile. "It was nothing more than freezing temperatures and horrifying aspects we were about to face. You all were distracted with getting me to like you again. We were about to enter one of the most dangerous places that's ever existed…if not, the most dangerous place."

"but-but…" she said as she tried to think of something to say, to find and grab hold of. A tear instead slid down her face as she gave a slight quivering sigh. "Despite everything…despite what we've heard and witnessed…despite it all," she smiled sadly. "I love you."

Naruto slowly wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry to break your heart, Hinata-chan. I'm in love with Micheru."

Returning the hug, Hinata wiped away the tears off her face. Eventually she stepped away."She's lucky to have you."

Naruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "No…I think I'm the lucky one."

Hinata slid her hand over his cheek. "Then promise me, you'll stick around for a while, after all this is over."

"I-I can't." he said, his voice faltering.

"You've warmed up to us…Before all this is over, you'll be singing a different tune. "Hinata said, smiling. Slowly she turned and made her way back to the lounge, disappearing from sight, leaving a mentally exhausted Naruto behind.

"You…love me?"

Naruto's head jerked up, slowly he turned to the side street. Standing there was Micheru, her blonde hair framed around her face. . "I think you've misheard." He said, watching as she made her way over.

Micheru slid her arms around him. "I don't think so," she cupped his face and planted a kiss on his lips. "well, I love you too…baka."

"I think I liked you more when you didn't use our insults against me. " he said as he returned her kiss.

She playfully punched his shoulder, a look of sympathy on her face. "I do feel for Hinata a bit. Poor girl."

"She'll get over it."

Micheru looked at the entrance, where Hinata had passed through. "Still…I almost…almost feel bad."

Naruto gave a grin. "Almost?"

She gave him a sharp glance. "Watch it, Uzumaki."

He held up his hands, surrendering to her gaze, a playful twinkle in his eye.

She shook his hand and walked past him, reaching for his hand, dragging him along inside.

"Hey, I was getting some fresh air!"

"You've had enough! time to socialize!"

Naruto tried to struggle but had to relent and fell in stride behind her, trying to drag his feet. It was all in vain.

Nothing really spectacular going on, but something that does need to happen, give it some substance ;)

Thank you for reading, and until next time!