To be in ROOT, there had to be some kind of special requirement. Danzō handpicked each individual operator for a specific purpose. It could be because of a kekkei genkai or unique trait, or even a specific technique that was unmatched by others.
For Kanoto, his pure talent was second to none. His natural ability for being a shinobi was far greater than any active shinobi on Konoha's roster. Not even Kakashi could match the talent and skill that Kanoto held in his body.
And it wasn't a specific field that he held so much talent in, like ninjutsu or genjutsu. It was all categories of shinobi. Every single one.
Having such talent and skill made Kanoto a very sought-after individual for Danzō. When Danzō needed something done, that held no room for error, Kanoto was the one he called upon.
If the Boogie Man needed to die, Kanoto was sent in to kill the Boogie Man.
And for this fact, Kanoto was confident in his ability to follow Naruto Uzumaki without being noticed.
And thus far, he had been successful.
Naruto traveled far, farther than Kanoto would have expected him to. And quicker. Kanoto understood that his target had some great natural speed, but not to this extent. If he wasn't an excellent tracker, Kanoto would have lost Naruto a long time ago.
Kanoto heeded his leader's warning about Naruto's incredible senses and over the top diligence of knowing his surroundings. He kept a considerable distance between as to not be caught.
Kanoto would learn where Itachi Uchiha was hiding himself away. For Danzō. For Konoha.
-Howling Wolf Village-
Master Shikaku wasn't kidding. This is an old village.
Naruto felt as if he stepped back in time. The buildings themselves told the story of how old this village was. The architecture was a very different style and simpler compared to the traditional architecture in Konoha, even in Suna.
Even the people dressed differently. Their style of robes, shirts, and sandals were vastly different. Naruto had never seen this type of clothing before. Howling Wolf Village had been 'isolated' for decades, possibly longer. It caused Naruto to realize the cultural differences between and how outside influences can cause change in a village's environment.
But there was one word that stuck out in Naruto's mind that he would associate to this particular culture.
Peaceful.
Naruto wouldn't mind living in a place like this. A fresh start. A quiet place to call home.
No time for sightseeing. Gotta find something on Itachi.
Naruto pulled his hood over his head, beginning to slowly trek through the village. Having no idea where to start, he decided to head into the local tavern. If anything, he could ask the patrons inside if they had seen Itachi come through here. An outsider like Itachi would stick out like a sore thumb.
The doors closed behind Naruto, causing all patrons to take a quick glance at the newcomer. Silence slowly trickled through the tavern, curiously looking at Naruto.
Paying no mind to it, Naruto sat at the bar and patiently waited for the bartender to service him.
"What'll it be, stranger?" The blonde woman smiled.
"I'll just take a glass of water." Naruto responded. "And an answer to a question."
"I can do my best on both." The woman poured a glass full of water and set it down. "What's your question?"
Naruto pulled a picture from his person. "Have you seen this man before?"
Curiously, she held the photo. "Hm. Don't look familiar. Why?" She handed the photo back.
"He's just a friend I've been trying to find. He's saved my life a few times. I want to thank him."
"He seems like a good friend." The woman began polishing a glass. "We really don't get a lot of strangers around here, as you can probably tell."
"I can imagine. It took me almost a whole week to get out here. How old this is village?"
The bartender shrugged. "It's a bit of a debate." She chuckled. "Most of us that live here are generations deep, while others stumbled through the years and only have been around for a couple decades. But, in my opinion, Howling Wolf has been here since the days of the Warring States."
That sounded familiar. "Warring States? That's before the creation of the Five Great Villages, right?"
The woman nodded. "The Warring States era lasted centuries. It wasn't until the likes of Hashirama Senju came around that it all came to an end."
"He's Konoha's First Hokage." Naruto stated.
"Really? I didn't know that. We aren't really connected to the Five Nations. We haven't been for a really long time. I just know the name because he visited us after our leaders annexed the village from the Land of Iron. He wanted us to remain peaceful and our leaders, at the time, respected his efforts in the world. So, they agreed to stay peaceful. And it's been that way ever since." The woman peeked under the hood and recognized the headband. "You're from Konoha, too?"
Naruto nodded. "I am." He pulled back his hood, revealing the blond hair. It was becoming more like his father's hair now. "My name's Naruto Uzumaki."
The woman openly stared, trying to place the name. "I've heard that name before…do I know you?"
Now skeptical, Naruto prepared himself for the worst. "…No. I think we've met before."
That name…I've heard it.
Then it hit Sylvie.
"Wait a minute…You're Jiraiya's pupil!"
"You knew Pervy Sage?!"
Sylvie busted into a fit of laughter. She laughed so hard she started crying. "Pervy Sage?! That's so fitting for him!"
"Lady, just who the hell are you?!"
Sylvie wiped her eyes free of her tears. "Name's Sylvie. Me and Jiraiya go way back. We're old…friends."
A skeptical stare. Naruto knew what old friends meant when it came to his master. "What kind of friends?"
Sylvie smiled. "Yeah. It's what you think. It was just a one time…or two. Y'know, I really can't remember."
Naruto wondered if that was a testament to Jiraiya's skill as a lover. And before he followed that train of thought, he moved the conversation along.
"I didn't know he came out here."
"Yeah. He's visited a few times. He was here not too long ago. Maybe four or five months it's been." Sylvie recalled their conversation. "He was looking for Itachi Uchiha as well. How convenient."
"He was?"
Pervy Sage never told me this. I wonder why he never said anything?
"Oh yeah. But, unfortunately, I couldn't give him anything either. Sorry."
Naruto had a growing suspicion. Jiraiya was man that knew what he was doing. He was smart. Smarter than he let on. And he always had a reason for what he was doing. He wouldn't have come all the way out here for nothing.
"There's gotta be something here. I've got intel that Itachi comes to this village. And now knowing that my master came here for the very same reason, I know I'm on the right track."
"Well, you won't find what you're looking for here."
Naruto sighed. While skeptical, he couldn't detect any deception from the woman. He contemplated his next move.
"May I have this seat?"
"Yeah. Go for it, pal."
"Thank you…Naruto."
Naruto turned his head to a cloaked figure now sitting next to him. It was a dark maroon, almost black, colored robe with a hooded design that resembled a serpent's head.
That voice…
"Kabuto?"
The man pulled back his hood slightly, revealing the circle glasses of the man. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"
Naruto gripped his kunai.
"Don't bother with hostility. I'm not here to fight. I have followed you for some time. And I don't intend to battle you."
Naruto held his grip. "What do you want?"
"I come bearing a gift. That's all." From the massive sleeve, Kabuto placed a book on the bar. "Here. This is the intel that Lord Orochimaru gathered on the Akatsuki over the years. I'm sure it'll come in handy for you."
"You came all this way just to give me this?"
The man nodded. "And to offer my condolences. I understand what it's like to lose your master."
Unable to help herself, Sylvie was eavesdropping. "Jiraiya's dead?!"
"Oh? Have you not heard? Yes. It is very unfortunate. Lord Orochimaru would have been devastated to learn…"
"Alright, Kabuto…what are you really doing here?" Naruto tightened his grip on his knife. "And what's with this? Why give this to me?"
"It's to show you my gratitude. You and I…aren't so different."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"…After Lord Orochimaru died, I lost who I was. I was picked up by the enemy and raised with no memory of my home or my parents. Orphaned. I was used as a spy since I was child. Moved from country to country, village to village. The idea of home was foreign to me. That is…until Lord Orochimaru found me. He gave me a purpose. But now he's gone." Kabuto pulled back his hood, Naruto could only see parts of his face. "This pain I feel…I know you've felt the same pain. Are you Naruto Uzumaki or the Nine-Tails Fox Spirit?"
Naruto wondered about that for a long time.
"But recently, I've taken a new approach. Just like you have. You've believed in yourself. Pulled yourself out of the mud with your own strength. You didn't cling to your master's strength, like I did. And, at long last, I finally understand you and where you came from. Now, I'm going to try and be like you."
A sadistic smile came over Kabuto's face, which was now half scarred with scales and an eye resembling Orochimaru's.
"I'm going to use the power I absorbed from Orochimaru to take revenge on Sasuke Uchiha for killing him! Then, I'm going to become a better, stronger Kabuto!"
Naruto was stunned. Kabuto's face seemed mangled, slowly morphing into a reflection of Orochimaru. Even Kabuto's arm was slowly turning into a scaly nightmare.
"…What in the hell are you?"
"Lord Orochimaru's a symbol of rebirth. He lives on in me." Kabuto's smile somehow twisted more. "I've finally found who I am. All thanks to you!"
Naruto slammed the kunai down, pinning Kabuto's hand to the bar top. Kabuto could only manically laugh as the blood slowly poured from his wound.
"You'll never be a match for Sasuke." Naruto coldly said. "I'll end you before you get the chance."
Kabuto ripped the kunai out. The wound healed and closed almost immediately. "Once I've absorbed Lord Orochimaru's power fully, I'll gladly fight you anytime." He slowly descended into the ground below, fazing through the wood. "I'll be seeing you…Naruto."
The tension died down, giving the patrons of the tavern a moment of calm before returning to their drinks and conversation.
"Sorry about that." Naruto sighed, taking his seat again. "That guy…he's bad news."
"By the looks of it, I would have to agree." Sylvie placed a small glass in front of Naruto. She held a similar glass. "Toast to Jiraiya?"
Naruto held the glass up. They clang them together and threw it back.
"How'd he die?"
"Fighting. He told me once a shinobi's life is measured by how they die, not how they live. And I know my master went down fighting."
"Kicking and screaming in somebody's blood is the best way I'd say. You came into this world doing that. Only fitting to do that going out."
"…Yeahhhh."
Naruto slid the book over and flipped it open. He wondered if Kabuto was telling the truth. If he was, it could be extremely helpful.
Surprisingly, this was the real deal.
The first set of pages were names and pictures of everyone member of the Akatsuki, past and present. It even stated which ones had been killed and by who.
This is more extensive than I thought. I guess Orochimaru had more seeds out there than we thought.
Naruto flipped through more of the pages, reading each page for any and all information that could aid him in his efforts against Pain or in his hunt for Itachi.
"Well, I'll be damned."
"What's that?"
"You're a pretty good liar, I'll give you that. You certainly had me fooled."
Sylvie stoically stood there, not giving any indication.
Naruto flipped the book around and pointed directly to a certain spot. "Itachi frequently visits a village in the Land of Medicine for a drug he takes in pill form and eye drops. His supplier is the local tavern owner, Itazura."
Sylvie hadn't moved.
"So…" Naruto slammed the book shut. "…tell me where this Itazura is."
Sighing, Sylvie turned her head. "There's someone to see you, honey!"
A man with height similar to Jiraiya's walked out from the back of the building. He had long back hair that he tucked behind his ears. His stoic expression and demeanor remained as he stood next to his wife.
"And who would this fellow be?"
"I'm sure you know who I am by now."
Itazura dropped his stern look and smiled. "That, I do. You're Jiraiya's boy. He's told me a great deal about you." The man firmly shook Naruto's hand as he came from around the bar to sit next to Naruto. "I was wondered if we'd ever get to meet."
"I'm glad that we do."
"Likewise." Itazura glanced at the book. "Seeking info on Itachi, I see."
"You're man I need to speak to, I suppose."
"Well, I can tell that, in fact, he does visit me. But hasn't for quite some time. Probably been close to two years since I've seen him last. Where he could possibly be, I don't know."
Naruto listened carefully. "And I don't believe you."
Itazura chuckled. "Why would I lie? Am I that deceiving to you?"
"My master came to you for the very same thing, right? And I know for a fact he got what he came for. He wouldn't have come all the way out here and leave empty handed. Whatever deal you have with Itachi, I'm telling you that you can trust me."
"We don't trust people just by word."
"Itachi has saved my life twice. Everything I've ever been told about Itachi is that he's calculating and doesn't make mistakes. Now, if you didn't know, I'm the Kyūbi's jinchūriki. So, why the hell would he save me when he was supposed to capture me?"
Itazura contemplated on what he should do. He could definitely understand Naruto's point of view. And this was Jiraiya's student, who he spoke highly of. He knew he could trust him with this.
Hell, this kid would've shown up eventually to learn about Jiraiya's network of intelligence gathering anyway. He's not lying.
"Sylvie…give him the coordinates."
"But Itazura…!"
"We can trust him, dear. Or, at least, I do."
The woman couldn't believe it. In their situation, trusting others was practically a death sentence. Jiraiya and Itachi's trust was earned through blood, sweat, and precious time. Nothing could replicate that.
But Sylvie trusted Itazura more than anyone else.
"Here." The woman handed Naruto a piece of paper. "These are coordinates to a hideout in the Land of Fire. According to the markings, it's an old Uchiha hideout."
Naruto held the paper. "Itachi gave this to you?"
"…Yeah, sure."
"Sylvie…"
The woman sighed. "I followed him there. The medicine we give him is highly addictive and can give negative side effects if taken incorrectly. I was just making sure he was using it properly."
"You followed Itachi?" Naruto questioned. "Without him noticing you?"
"He's never considered me a threat. Why would he notice me?"
An interesting answer but it still didn't completely quiet Naruto's suspicions. Again, just another thing Itachi needed to answer.
"Thank you for this. I'll be sure that no one else knows about this." Naruto placed the paper inside the book and slid the book into his pouch, right between his father's journal and his master's first book. "I promise you two that."
"Promises don't mean anything."
"They do to me. I never break them." A lazy wave preceded as Naruto left the tavern.
Itazura smirked. "Jiraiya was right. That kid…he's gonna change the world."
Sylvie rolled her eyes. "Get back to work, honey. We've got customers."
Once Naruto was clear of the village, he took a moment to plan out his journey. He found the coordinates on the grid map, circling the approximate location within one hundred meters. He plotted his route according to terrain and direction.
I've got two weeks left. I gotta get a move on.
With his pack fastened tightly and his hood covering his head, Naruto leapt into the trees.
But then, he stopped.
And he smiled.
"Got yourself a new team, eh Sasuke?"
The team known as Hebi appeared before Naruto. Standing across from each other, Naruto and Sasuke stared each other down. All the while, he examined the team.
"Haku?"
"It's been a while, Naruto Uzumaki. You seem in much better spirits than the last time we saw each other."
"How'd you wind up with Sasuke?"
"Never mind that now. What are you doing all the way out here, Naruto?"
Naruto hesitated, unsure if he should answer truthfully. He didn't want to interfere with Sasuke's ambition to fight Itachi, but he needed answers.
"You're gathering intel on Itachi as well, aren't you?"
Damn it! His analysis was always annoying.
Naruto sighed. "Yeah, I am. He might have some answers to a couple of questions I've got regarding the Akatsuki." Naruto steeled himself for some backlash. "I need information on the Akatsuki leader. I have no interest in fighting him."
Sasuke remained silent, trying to see through any deception.
Karin leaned over to Haku. "Hey! Who is this guy?" She whispered. "His chakra is off the charts!"
"This is Naruto Uzumaki. When Sasuke was still apart of Konoha, they were on the same team. Their team fought against me and my master in the Land of Waves."
Karin was shocked. "U-Uzumaki?"
"Looks like you've got a living relative, Karin." Jūgo stated.
Sasuke jumped and stood on the same platform as Naruto. They stood face to face, eye to eye.
"You have his location, don't you?"
"…I do. I have his coordinates." He took out the book Kabuto gave him and handed the slip with the numbers on it to his best friend. "It's an old Uchiha hideout."
Sasuke slightly snickered. Of course he'd be hiding in one of the old hideouts. It's so obvious that no one would think of it. Clever.
"What information are you trying to get?"
"The Akatsuki leader, Pain…he killed my master." Naruto felt he shouldn't bring up the other questions to Sasuke. It may not end well if he did. "Just give me five minutes alone with him, then he's all yours."
Sasuke trusted Naruto but this was Itachi they were talking about. The man who murdered his entire clan. This was his vendetta.
"What's stopping me from just taking this and running?"
"I'll hunt you down and kick your ass." Naruto stated harshly while mildly joking. "I have no intention of taking this from you. I never have. Itachi is just a piece for me, not the end goal."
Sasuke pocketed the slip. He held out his fist. "Five minutes. No more, no less."
Naruto nodded, bumping his fist to Sasuke's. "It won't take a second longer."
"Lead the way then."
"Hold on just a second!" Suigetsu quickly spoke up. "Just who the hell is this guy?! He's a Konoha shinobi and we're just let him come with us?!"
"Relax Suigetsu. He's a friend."
There was something oddly satisfying about Sasuke saying Naruto was a friend. He didn't say it much, if at all. It was nice to hear.
"That doesn't relax me at all."
"He's leading us to Itachi. That's all that matters." Sasuke leapt off the branch. "Let's go."
Naruto smirked, watching the rest of the team follow. He's pretty amped.
Karin remained. "You're an Uzumaki?"
Naruto raised his eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"So am I. My both my parents were full blooded members."
"Whoa…no way. Another Uzumaki…" Naruto had never considered the idea of Uzumaki clan members being out in the world. It just never crossed his mind after learning of their demise. "I'd say, you and I, have some catching up to do."
Oddly, Karin smiled. "Yeah, I think we do."
-With Madara-
The masked man patiently waited. He stood over a valley that held a natural spring at bottom. Over his long life, he learned to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Honestly, there wasn't much else to do while setting up a multi-decade plan.
So many wrenches had been thrown in along the way, delaying the process even more. And his recuperation from his injuries, the plan had been nearly impossible to achieve.
But one thing he had come to learn, silver linings were more common than people thought.
The mass of chakra had concentrated to this area. And rightfully so. A huge body of water like this made perfect sense for a beast of this size.
And the rebirth was just about ready.
"And here...we…go."
In swirling conglomerate of energy, rippling the waters below, a form was born into life. Three tails began to sway as the body moved like a newborn.
"It's been awhile Three-Tails." Madara called out to the beast. "Tell me, do you remember?"
Madara removed his mask, giving the beast a glimpse of the past.
"Because I do!"
Madara slammed his hand on the ground. "Come forth, Gedō Mazō! Take back what was once yours!"
A demonic statue, older than the valley, appeared before the tailed beast, dwarfing the Bijū's size. With a mighty roar, the statue summoned purple chains that wrapped around the beast's body, binding it.
"Now…"
Madara's eye flashed the Mangekyō, matching the counterpart eye.
"…begone!"
Instantly, both statue and beast had disappeared completely. The waters slowly calmed, leaving no trace of either in the valley.
Madara repositioned his mask and left the valley.
It's the beginning of the end now.
-With Sakura-
The clock seemed to tick slower and slower with each passing day. It took Sakura some time to create a routine that worked for her instead of against her. But, when she finally got a system that made sense to her, she mastered it quickly. Her work flew by, but the time did not.
At first, her workload would last all day. But now, she felt lucky if she was busy after lunch.
That didn't mean Sakura wasted time. She definitely found ways to fill the gaps in her schedule.
Lady Chiyo…your work was amazing! I can't believe all this research and experiments…there's so much potential in this.
Thanks to Kaito, who is doing anything and everything to get back on Sakura's good side, Sakura found most of Chiyo's files from her discontinued research team that she led years ago. While some of it was rather disturbing, like the file on breathing life into a puppet, Sakura discovered some interesting things on different types of medicine and their side effects that could potentially help with other diseases.
Simply fascinating.
Sakura flipped a folder closed and picked up another. There was single, simple classification on the tab, compared to the rest having intricate classifications.
Jinchūriki.
Without much hesitation, Sakura immediately flipped the manilla folder open. Sakura could almost hear Chiyo's voice in her ear as she read the synopsis.
Project name: Rebirth
To whomever reads these files, please know these experiments were done in a controlled environment with willing personnel. This research was done independently and with the explicit consent of the Fourth Kazekage. No one else knows of this research outside of this team and the Kazekage himself.
Jinchūriki have been our failsafe against our enemies since our village's conception many years ago. In my lifetime alone, there have been three different hosts for the Shukaku. And each one has died and failed to meet their expectations. And the current host, the Kazekage's third child, I believe is a failure. He won't ever control the beast. With my research, I'm going to forge a new path that will, not only, allow total control over the beast but the host as well.
Through artificial insemination and DNA experimentation, I will create the perfect host for the Shukaku that will obey orders without question.
Dark times lie ahead. Sunagakure must prevail.
Sakura was quite stunned. She had no idea that Chiyo, let alone Suna, would experiment like this. It made her question Konoha's own experimentation and if they had ever attempted something like this.
Sakura had to read more of this. She wondered if there was anything in extraction of the Bijū. Chiyo's knowledge had to of come from somewhere.
There was only one file with this label. Sakura couldn't tell if that was terrifying or not.
Rebirth: Test Alpha: Fail
Test Subject Alpha was a failure from the start. The semen didn't properly breach the egg's outer layer, making the insemination a complete waste of time and resources. I fear that the Kazekage might shut this program down before we come close to a breakthrough.
Sakura flipped through the first few pages, which being a different data entry. All thus far have been deemed failures. Except for one.
Partial results?
Rebirth: Test Echo: Partial Results
Echo had the best results of any of the tests thus far. The DNA in semen had been collected and mixed with Uzumaki DNA. I am unsure where [redacted] found said DNA and how [redacted] extracted the DNA. I am not entirely sure I want to know. Regardless, the semen and embryo mixed together with little resistance.
More to follow once the pregnancy is confirmed viable.
Sakura was stunned. Practically speechless. Chiyo had successfully created life without the use of a female body. Something like this was a scientific breakthrough.
How many breakthroughs like this were discovered because of something like this? Was everything discovered out of curiosity or protection from the enemy?
A question for the ages. Sakura read on.
Rebirth: Test Echo: Second Entry
Three months of the harshest heat this godforsaken desert has produced in a century. And yet, the embryo has survived. Perhaps it is a testament to the Uzumaki clan's unbelievable life force.
I have set up a womb with near perfect genetics that would allow the embryo to grow naturally and beautifully. She will go unnoticed by the population as she grows our future.
[Redacted] has been instructed to conduct personal research on Uzumaki DNA for possible use for other purposes.
Sakura pulled out her note pad, scribbling Uzumaki DNA across the header. She would start her own entry on the DNA. She figured she would have to access Konoha's library for any specific information she might need.
From what Sakura knew of the Uzumaki clan, they were distant blood relatives of the Senju clan. It was because of the Senju, Uzumaki, and Uchiha clans that Konoha was able to form. The swirl symbol on the Konoha flak jackets was the Uzumaki clan's symbol. The First Hokage chose that symbol to honor them.
But where are they now?
The Uzumaki clan was wiped out at some point in the aftermath of the First Great Ninja War. The surviving members scattered to the wind, disappearing into the world.
I wish Naruto could find some of the old clan. I think that would make him happy.
Sakura flipped the page. It was the final entry.
Rebirth: Final Entry
This will be the final entry for Project Rebirth. The Kazekage has deemed our research unnecessary, due to his own son taking on the Shukaku four years ago. I tried to reason with him. I believe the boy will never have the strength to control the Bijū. But it was not enough. Despite the success of the program, I have been ordered to shut down.
But I refuse to let such a breakthrough be forgotten. The embryo was placed into [redacted] and I arranged a transport for her out of Sunagakure. The Kazekage would have her killed if he knew that the embryo was still alive. There will be no trace of either existence in Sunagakure.
All names except for my own will be redacted from the record. Project Rebirth will be as if it never happened. The only record of this project will reside in my personal archive, never to see the light of day again.
Project Rebirth: Dismissed.
Sakura slowly leaned back into her chair, taking it all in. She couldn't believe it. Chiyo had successfully created life through scientific methods. This was amazingly historic.
"So, because of Gaara being the jinchūriki, Lady Chiyo was forced to abandon her research."
Sakura read the entries again. She did some calculations from the data given.
"…I think this woman gave birth to this baby. And by judging of the dates given in these entries…the baby would be roughly thirteen or fourteen years old now."
That's just about how old Fū and Konohamaru are.
Sakura flipped through more files, trying to find anything that pertained to this woman or a potential baby. There was nothing else in any of the files that were given to her from Chiyo's private library.
She's gotta be out there somewhere. Maybe she has some answers on how to extract a Tailed Beast without killing the host.
At the end of the day, all Sakura wanted was to free Naruto from the shackles of being a jinchūriki. He didn't deserve this treatment. Killing that beast was her second objective.
Chiyo has a brother. Maybe he knows something.
Sakura grabbed the file and left her office.
-With Tsunade-
The Sannin rubbed her belly, waiting for her growing child to kick. She never thought she would know this feeling. After Dan died, she had convinced herself that having her own child would never happen.
Jiraiya…you damned fool.
A single tear streamed down her cheek. Her child would never know their father. While it broke her heart, there was a great sense of relief. Jiraiya was smart, smarter than he ever let on. He was loving and charismatic, especially when he chose to be.
Tsunade could just feel it. Their child would be just like him. Boy or girl.
And with Naruto to guide them, Tsunade had no worry in her for this child.
A knock interrupt her silence.
"Come in."
The hospital therapist entered with a nice smile. "Good morning, Lady Tsunade." She gently, but firmly, shook the former Hokage's hand. "How's the pregnancy?"
"Good morning, Kaya. It's been going as well as it can, I suppose. I'm just so damned tired all the time."
"Oh, I remember." The woman chuckled.
"What brings you by?"
"Well…frankly, I shouldn't be here to discuss a patient's medical history or anything, as you know. But I feel obligated to say something because who this person is to your student."
"My student? Sakura?"
Kaya nodded. "It's her father, Kizashi. He came by the other day to see me. He wants to quit his heavy drinking and start properly grieving for his late wife."
Tsunade nodded. She was aware of Kizashi's heavy drinking. He was hospitalized for it over a month ago. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine, physically. But it's his mental state that concerns me. And, by proxy, Naruto Uzumaki."
Tsunade didn't like where this was going. "What do you mean?"
"I understand his anger is placed on Naruto because he…I mean the Kyūbi, killed his wife during the invasion a few months ago. Right or wrong, Kizashi plans to act against Naruto."
Action could have multiple meanings in this context. "What kind of action?"
"He…wants to organize something, a group of people that agree with him, against Naruto. When I asked him what his goal was for this group, he dodged the question. I can't say for certain, but he may want to harm Naruto or do something detrimental to him in some way."
Tsunade was shocked. While not necessarily worried about bodily harm, she was worried about what Kizashi might do to damage Naruto's image.
"And, unfortunately, Kizashi isn't the only one with a grudge on Naruto."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. That seemed rather contradictory compared to what she was hearing around the hospital. "How so?"
Kaya pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Tsunade. "I've been taking a tally on my patients over recent months. Ever since that disaster happened with Iwa and Kumo attacking Konoha, I've noticed a trend of people directing their anger towards Naruto over the enemy shinobi. They're saying he was responsible for so many deaths and the damage because of his rampage. I'm not pretending to know what happened or the specifics. But people are angry with him."
Tsunade noticed there were a lot of marks on this paper Kaya handed her. "Is this supposed to be the amount of people that have an issue with Naruto?"
Kaya nodded. "And these are just my patients. I can almost guarantee there are more in the village that have similar issues with Naruto. He may be changing hearts with his war heroics, but not everyone is convinced."
Tsunade rubbed her forehead, frustration and worry filling her. Perhaps, she was too naïve to think that the villagers were changing their opinions on her godson. Then again, the talk around the hospital was positive and relieving.
"Do you think something could be accomplished? If a movement was started, do you believe they would, somehow, hurt Naruto, in some way?"
Kaya hesitated, almost scared to give her honest answer. "…If done correctly, yeah, I do."
Tsunade leaned back against her chair, disbelief filling her soul.
"Tsunade…I apologize for bringing this to your attention, but something has to be said. I understand things that most people choose to ignore. Naruto isn't a criminal or some lowlife that no one cares for. I know he's probably the victim of all this. But he's done some damage, damage that can't be repaired. No matter what he does to repair the damage, there are still going to be those who hate him forever. And that's the sad truth."
Kaya reached over and held the Sannin's hand. She knew that Naruto and her had a very special relationship that could only be described as mother and son. Kaya knew coming to Tsunade with this would potentially upset her. But it had to be done. For Naruto.
The woman silently left the office, giving Tsunade the privacy she needed to process this heavy information.
-With Shikamaru-
The smoke bellowed up from the cigarette, the smell he had become used to. Same with the taste. In fact, Shikamaru was starting to look forward to his next smoke break.
Damn it. I promised Kurenai I wouldn't get addicted to these things like Asuma.
Shikamaru was positive that Asuma promised Kurenai that he'd quit more than once.
Though, Shikamaru knew Kurenai didn't care that he would put a lit cigarette on Asuma's grave when he visited.
"You know…you kinda lucked out." Shikamaru spoke like his master was standing there with him. "This war has been hell. Just a big, dumb drag if you ask me. It has certainly made me realize what is important and how quickly you can lose it."
Shikamaru took the final drag and flicked the filter off. He knelt down and stabbed the remaining ash of Asuma's cigarette into the ground.
"It won't be easy. But I'll protect the king. Just like you always did."
Shikamaru placed a hand on the grave and said a silent prayer. For his master was gone, but his Will of Fire lived on.
-With Sakura-
"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, Lord Ebizō." As a thanks, Sakura treated the elderly man to the local tea and sweet shop. "I understand that your schedule is busy, so I won't take up too much of your time."
"Oh please." The man laughed. "My day is filled with nothing but nonsense. Besides, who am I to turn down such a young, beautiful lady when she asks me to come for a cup of tea? It's no trouble at all."
Sakura smiled before taking a sip of her tea. "Still, it's my treat."
"Oh, I won't argue."
They both chuckled.
"Now, what is it an old man like me can do for our medical director?"
Sakura pulled out the manila file and placed it on the small table. "Is there anything you can tell me about Lady Chiyo's research?"
Ebizō opened the file and skimmed the contents. He took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled. "Did that rapscallion, Kaito, give you this? That little twerp. He raided the library when I wasn't looking."
"I'm sorry. I asked him to get anything he could get from Chiyo's files for medical records. If you'd rather me not know then…"
"It's quite alright. It's just…this was the one that my sister took personally. She wasn't the same after this one."
"What happened?" Sakura prayed for anything that could help.
"Chiyo put her heart and soul into this project. She was trying to persevere Suna's future. I believe she was tryin' to replace her grandson with this project." Ebizō slowly sipped on his tea. "Sasori meant everything to my sister. When he defected, it changed her. This failed research…it was a tough one to swallow for her."
Sakura took the information. While the information she was trying to get, this kind of insider knowledge was invaluable.
"This woman that carried the child…Do know who it was? Or where she went?"
Ebizō rubbed his saggy face. "I don't recall a name…but I remember what she looked like. I only met her once. She has a vibrant hair color. I've never seen a natural hair color like that."
"What color was her hair?"
"Teal."
Sakura's hand flinched from the shock, cracking cup from the tightened grip.
It can't be!
"Is everything alright?"
Sakura quickly composed herself. "Y-Yes! Sorry, I just sneezed."
"An odd sneeze…but very well." Ebizō finished his cup of tea. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask of me?"
Sakura took a moment to fully grasp the information given and reel herself back into reality. She had an opportunity to learn so much, she wasn't going to ruin it because she was flabbergasted over a quick conclusion.
"Y-Yes." Sakura cleared her throat. "What do you know about Bijū extraction?"
Ebizō patiently waited for his next cup of tea to be poured before speaking…
-With Naruto and Hebi-
The dream returned. It just won't go away.
It's been a few months since Kushina told me she was pregnant. Ever since that moment, I haven't been able to calm my mind. I know I'm excited for this child, but I can't shake the feeling of something bad. I feel that something horrible is coming. But I can't figure out what, who, or how.
As a precaution, I've assigned Kakashi to have constant watch over Kushina. Perhaps it'll help with his grief over Obito and Rin. Why Lord Third allowed him to enter the ANBU in his mental state is beyond me.
Maybe I should have done more for him. If I had been there...for Rin or Obito...none of this would have ever happened.
The overwhelming urge to be prepared has never been stronger for me. Even Master Jiraiya is questioning why I'm so anxious. If he can notice, I'm not doing a good job hiding it. He says I'm just nervous because being a father is vastly different than being a shinobi, let alone being Hokage.
But this doesn't feel like new parent jitters. It's something else. But I can't understand it. Not yet, anyway.
I'll try to write more. But it's hard to sit still.
Naruto closed the journal, thinking over the entry. His father mentioned a dream was troubling him. Could it have been this dream that was giving him such anxiety?
Though, considering what happened when I was born, his bad feeling came true.
Naruto noted that his father had this overwhelming urge to be prepared. That had to connected to what Kurama said about him having safe houses and caches scattered throughout the nations.
Maybe…he had no choice…but why me?
A question Naruto may never the answer to.
The fire cracked in the night, illuminating the makeshift camp. Naruto peacefully watched over Sasuke's ragtag team as they slept. He might as well make himself useful while traveling with them.
It's been a few days and Naruto has learned that this team is highly dysfunctional but effective. Sasuke perfectly understood their strengths and weaknesses and how they could complement each other in certain situations. Sasuke did his homework with these guys.
"You are allowed to sleep, Naruto." Sasuke sat down next to him, eating some kind of fruit. "These guys wouldn't dare mess with you."
Naruto smirked. "Hyped me up that much, have you?"
"They know strength when they see it."
"Must be why they follow your orders."
Sasuke smirked as well. The two longtime friends shared the silence while watching the dancing flames. Moments like this may never come again. It was good to enjoy them.
"Sakura and I are patching things up. Well, trying to, at least."
"Good. I knew she would work through her anger eventually."
"Yeah, but she wants to kill Kurama. So, there's that."
Sasuke paused for a moment. "Kurama? The beast's name, I presume?" Naruto nodded. "Won't killing the beast also kill you?"
"Right on the money."
"…How does she plan to do that?"
"No idea. But it's Sakura. She's got the determination to try and make something happen."
"How do you feel about that?"
"…Kurama is a part of me. I understand her anger at him. I used to be angry with him. I only ever saw him as a tool for power or an advantage I had over my opponents. But he's become more than that now. It's just..."
"It's just what?" Sasuke realized this wasn't the same Naruto as before. He had changed and grown up. A boy with a dream became a man with responsibilities.
"…The Tailed Beasts…they've been used over and over again. For generations, they've been sought after and taken for their power. These beasts…they shouldn't be imprisoned. I don't know. It just doesn't sit right with me that these things keep happening to them. And with the Akatsuki trying to take them all for whatever plan they have…I just can't let it happen."
Sasuke took the final bite and tossed the core into the flames. "Well…I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I, inadvertently, helped the Akatsuki capture one of the Tailed Beasts."
Naruto's head snapped at Sasuke with an angry glare. "You what?!"
"Haku was on a mission for the Mizukage to bring back one of their missing ninja. She was never informed that her target was a jinchūriki. I offered to help in exchange for her assistance in hunting down Itachi. Her tracking skills would be invaluable in case of a chase. We battled Utakata for some time, until he transformed into the beast. That's when the Akatsuki showed up. We barely escaped alive."
"Did they capture him?!"
"My assumption is yes."
"How could you allow that to happen?! You know the Akatsuki were hunting the Bijū!"
"My only goal is Itachi. Once he's taken care of, l will aid in the Akatsuki effort. Until then, I'm only focusing on Itachi. Nothing else."
Naruto took a moment to calm himself. It was pointless to argue with Sasuke. He had always put his vengeance against Itachi above everything else. It's who he was.
"Whatever."
Sasuke took notice of the journal and scroll that were laid open next to Naruto.
"What are those?"
Naruto held the journal in his hands. "This was my father's journal from when he was Hokage. Every Hokage has one and writes in a journal. It's a way to handle the stress and hardships of being Hokage, I suppose. That's what Baa-Chan told me."
"Does it give any insight on what happened that night?"
"…Sorta. It's hard for me to read. I've had for almost four years now."
Sasuke could understand why. There was no need for an explanation.
"This…" Naruto held the open scroll. "…is the jutsu formula for his signature technique, Hiraishin."
"Whoa…" Sasuke was still working on his own seals and Fuinjutsu abilities. But looking at all the different seals and intricate details written in that scroll, he quickly realized how little he knew. "I don't understand any of that."
Naruto chuckled. "Neither do I. Pervy Sage drilled me over and over with Fuinjutsu training. I can do some basic stuff; I'm starting to transition into the more advanced stuff. But this…this is beyond anything I could ever know right now."
"Everyone always said you knew Fuinjutsu. Even your entry in the Bingo Book says it."
"I'm not sure where that entry came from. But the Third always told everyone that I knew how to understand seals because I could use those chakra weights and storage scrolls. I never knew how to write and perform seals like this until I trained under Pervy Sage. He's the one who taught me this stuff."
Sasuke silently snickered. The Third Hokage heavily favored Naruto and it was no secret. This was just another layer to it.
Though, Sasuke has learned, through his own experience, that action and trying something was a better teacher than reading.
"Have you tried to actually perform the technique?"
"What? How the hell can I even try to do it when I barely understand how it works? I mean look at this."
Naruto held the scroll Sasuke could read it with him.
"See this? That seal usually correlates to sealing into a dimensional void, kinda like a storage seal. But it becomes something different, or at least to me it does, when you put in the summoning seal on the tail end of it. See that? That's the summoning binding seal. As you know, this is the seal that appears when you summon something that you have a contract with. In technical terms, this technique works kinda like the summoning technique. But it doesn't because you're moving from one place to another. Not summoning a being, like the toads or snakes like we do. But, at the same, it's nothing like it at all."
Sasuke listened intently and tried to follow along on the scroll. Naruto was right. This was unbelievably complex and extremely difficult to understand. How could someone have ever come up with this?
"So…it acts like a summoning jutsu while also being a dimensional void that transports you from one place to another? Those markings…are those what were one the Fourth Hokage's kunai?"
Naruto nodded. He pulled out the knife of his father's that he kept on his person. "Yeah. All of this is woven into this mark. This mark is what allowed my father to teleport between marks."
"The Fourth Hokage was a generational genius and talent. Orochimaru once told me that his own talent was dwarfed by the Fourth's. I can't imagine how powerful he'd be today."
Naruto wondered about that as well.
But Naruto would heed Sasuke's advice. Perhaps if he did attempt the technique, maybe he'd figure something out. It beat sitting at this scroll confused beyond belief.
"Do you wonder…what life would be like if things turned out differently?"
Sasuke shifted slightly. "Everyday. I think about it all the time."
"Really?" Naruto didn't expect that answer.
Sasuke nodded. "I lost my entire clan in a single night, Naruto. I miss the way things used to be. I miss…how Itachi and I used to be."
Naruto could see how hard it was for Sasuke to admit that.
"I miss you and Sakura."
Naruto pulled his best friend in close, his arm resting around Sasuke's shoulders.
"We miss you, too, buddy."
In a rare moment for both young men, Naruto and Sasuke shared a deeper bond for one another. A friendship that could only be described as brotherly. Despite being on two separate paths of life, there was complete trust and honesty.
"No matter what happens, Sasuke…I'm with you until the end of the line."
-With Kanoto-
A far distance away, Kanoto patiently waited for daylight to break the silence of night. He silently scribbled into his book, noting the events of recent days.
As a precaution, Kanoto copied his notes onto scroll that he tied to the ankle of his messenger hawk.
"Take this to Lord Danzō. He must know everything that's transpired thus far."
The hawk took flight and headed towards Konoha.
Naruto Uzumaki is a traitor.
Kanoto didn't think he would remain undetected this long. His leader expressed great concern towards Uzumaki's senses and abilities. Truthfully, he believed he would've been discovered out the second Naruto left Konoha.
But Kanoto has been following Naruto without detection. Despite being extremely careful and cautious with his movements, Kanoto was thoroughly shocked that he had not been found out.
Something must be messing with his senses. If he's as adept to my presence as Lord Danzō says he should be, there's something going on that he must not know about. Something must be dulling his sensory abilities.
Regardless, Kanoto would continue as he has been. This was a no-fail mission.
For Konoha. For the Tree.