The Shade Rewrite

by Boondox1513

A rewrite of my old story. An assassination Tsunade ordered resulting in the death of Uzumaki Naruto has caused Konoha nothing but problems. The war against Iwagakure bankruptcy the loss of Wave Spring and Demons have cost Konoha millions and thousands of troops. Now a suspicious client is looking to hire them for protection against the leagendary assassin Shade.

11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11.

Rest In Peace Akira Toriyama, the man who first got me into anime because of Dragon Ball Z.

This chapter might be a bit depressing.

Hinata was training with one of the main house members, a self-important, hard traditionalist named Isamu. He only accepts traditional strikes traditional, stances, traditional everything. Since Neji has been spending most of his time on the Shadow Strike, or with his girlfriend. Isamu volunteered to beat some sense into her or training as he called it. While Hinata like everyone else trained with Guy Asuma her old mentor Kurenari, Sasuke and Kakashi. Her Taijutsu prowess tripled and unlike the rest of her clan, was also using Jutsu's now. She was getting tired not physically tired mind you Guy was a slave driver in that regard. No she was getting tired of this teacher, his constant put downs. His complaints about how she's not following the traditional style. Whether or not, she was getting hits in.

When he'd stop everything to complain that she should be following the traditional path she grew so sick of the word. Haishi was watching her with a frown he may have been a bad father, but it doesn't mean he wasn't an observant one. After Hinata's attempted suicide and her feelings about her father were made known, Hinata became cold and distant towards him and Hanabi while the elders, who like the parasites they are saw an opportunity to finally get her out of her Clan head position. Haishi was feeling horrible Hinata wasn't that soft caring little girl anymore. She may still be a talented doctor and a Kyuubi Killer but was still being seen as weak. If only they knew Hinata had tunnel vision, now her goal to free the branch was now at all costs. Haishi was the only one who realized this and it genuinely worried him.

All the elders were doing was making her angrier and she started fighting back either with her words or with her hands. He even tried to put her on suicide watch but unfortunately, Sakura informed him that it was not necessary. Stating that the gas they were hit with made everybody want to kill themselves it was a lie, obviously, but Hiashi didn't need to know that. Right now Isamu stopped the fight for a 3rd time to give a lecture about whatever. In his rant he failed to notice a the branch member with his evening tea on a tray. Bumping in to her the tea sipped while the cup and pot fell to the ground and broke. Isamu angrily activated or caged bird seal, Hinata clenched her teeth and balled her hands the branch watched with Haishi. "STOP IT". She shouted running over a chakra infused palm, aimed at him she hit his arm with such force it basically turned to dust.

Isamu screamed in pain falling to the ground Hinata grabbed the poor girl helping her up. Moving the girl behind her for safety with a glare. "If you ever use the seal again I swear I'll kill you". She promised with a tune, so dangerous you would never believe it would have came from the timid soft-spoken Hinata. Isamu moved back terrified. "Do you think the enemy cares about tradition, you old fool? Do you think they care about who you are or your position in this clan? No they don't. If they did It was only because they thought you were a good enough Target somebody we'd miss. But I'll tell you right now none of us would miss you, especially not the brach". She said with distain Isamu looked at the glaring branch who nodded backing that statement up, it made Hiashi frown though he really couldn't blame them either.

"HINATA". He said she glared at him next making Hiashi want to flinch, but he had to remain firm if he couldn't control his daughter, the old bastards he had to as well answer to would plot against him to. "I want a word with you". He informed Hinata glared harder, then ignored him looking at the young branch girl. "Are you ok Lily?". She asked the young girl nodded in tears and sweating a bit due to the pain. "Yes Hinata-Sama". She assured her father Kano ran in Hinata frowned at her. "Call me Hinata that's all. Kano take your daughter you're both excused for the rest of the day". Kano bowed his head tearfully taking his daughter to the brunch house. "Hinata". Haishi said sternly making her glare harder. "Fine". She said angrily Isamu looked at the branch who returned it. "Leave me in the dirt where he belongs". Hinata ordered they walked off leaving Isamu there in pain, fear and embarrassment. "What do you want Haishi?". Hinata asked bluntly with no inkling of respect internally hurting her father, though his glare remained.

"I've spoken to the Hokage, given your undisciplined attitude for anything, but first aid and medicine. I have asked her to move you to a medical care facility during the war". He explained Hinata glared, even harder if that was possible. "Everybody else is going to fight, and so will I besides, I would've figured you'd want me out of the way and dead, so I wouldn't shame you anymore". Hiashi's eyes widened his heart shattered his entire being wanted to collapse before reverting to his cold demeanour. "Despite what you might think. I have never once wished for your death and never will. Now this is an order from your clan head and father you will join the medic core". Hinata scoffed him off. "My clan head yes but you're not the Hokage barley my father and I'm a Kunoichi of Konoha first and foremost. I took the oath to put Village over anything else, so I'll talk to Tsunade myself the last thing I'm going to do is let a bastard like Isamu lead my family in to battle, especially since he'll do it from behind them". Hinata protest and with such strictness, that if she showed it before, and not to her father and the main branch, the elders would've been proud to make her the head of the clan.

"You only killed one man in your entire career, and his back was turned you're not ready for full-blown war". He informed when a firm hand slapped Hiashi hard across the face stunning him. "That one man was my hero and the love of my life. He was someone I would've followed into any fight, into any battle, into any war into hell its self for. Someone I still killed, regardless of how much it hurt, regardless of his pleading to fight the Genjutsu he thought we were under. That betrayed look in his eyes when he turned to me after I stabbed him, to save the Uchiha garbage is going to haunt me for the rest of my life". A tear fell from her eye she was heartbroken, just talking about it and gave him a back hand for it. "I still killed him for the safety of this village at the time anyway. I had question the most loyal kind and inspiring man in Konoha's character, his will power, everything you tried to take. Compared to that war will mean nothing". This time it was Hiashi's turn to get mad. "I never did a thing to that poor boy". That level of anger, which normally would've terrified his daughter, was simply shrugged off.

"You never did anything for him either, I don't know why you voted to keep him alive and I don't care, like most everything about you your reasons were probably selfish. What I wouldn't have given for the Hiashi in Anko's stories, the man that fought next to Kushina to save his people. Uncaring about his standing in the clan, because it was the right thing to do. Someone I would've been proud to call my father". Hinata finished shaming Hiashi to no end. "Instead, I got a cold, distant, angry man for a Father, a coward, who blames his three year old daughter for being kidnapped and sacrificed his brother for it". Hiashi held in his tears. "He killed himself to protect me". Hiashi informed Hinata didn't care anymore. "And yet where were you when I needed protection, after mom died? I'm going to I heard the Raven Core are at the hospital, so this conversation is over, don't argue with me about it either". She ordered walking off leaving your father there with stinging cheeks and questioning everything he ever did.

Konoha General Military Wing.

The Raven Core Medics Sakura and Choji were in the hospital, Lee suffered a bruised kidney a few cutes and a couple of broken ribs. Tenten a concussion and a few bruises, Sasuke a broken leg and Kiba a broken arm with swollen eyes and jaw. Choji had some ptsd but no physical damage. Sakura and Hinata were healing the team while Ino was consoling Choji. Neji Shikamaru and Shino were currently on missions. "I never killed like that before Ino, there was so much blood they didn't stand a chance. I watched a father put his son out of his misery because of me". He informed tearfully Ino's hands were crossed together elbows on her knees her head down. It looked like she was sad for one of her friends she known since birth, but if you could see her blank face you'd realize she was only considering the strategic loss they just suffered.

With the added debriefing that somehow through the grace of the Devil themself, Iwa now has fully functioning Sharingan's. She didn't bother praying that The Three Brothers were the only ones who had them either. Ino had to think about everything right now, and Choji's little brake down wasn't helping. Shikamaru was the strategist of the Shadow Strike sure, but Ino was a T and I member and strategically inclined herself, after her uncle Shikaku taught her personally. Her training under Anko and Ibiki made her even colder then Shino wanted to be. She tuned to Choji and hugged him tightly letting him cry on her, till he couldn't anymore. "Thanks for listening I'll get over it I swear". He assured she fixed him with a smile, one of understanding and care oblivious to it being the one she gave her victims. "It's ok Choji I know you will and I'll be there anytime you need me". She assured walking off she still hasn't found Sai. Choji watched her go something was off about Ino.

Ino turned the corner and found Hinata walking to Kiba's room with a sigh, Akamaru was with her whining she patted his head reassuringly, even Shinobi dogs weren't allowed in to hospitals unescorted. When she saw Ino she sighed and waved her over to Sakura's office, while Akamaru went in. Entering to see Sakura writing reports they sat down. "I need a favour". She asked Sakura put her pen down immediately. "Drink?". She offered. "Please". They returned Sakura got her Sake bottle from the bottom drawer, with three glasses. She poured they clanged their cups and drank and then refilled immediately to sip. A habit the little support group started after a night of nightmares, fatigue, and making sure their friends didn't die.

"I had a fight with Haishi about the war, he talked to Tsunade about keeping me in the Medical Core I on the other hand want to fight, and provided field aid". The two frowned Ino thought it was a good idea Sakura on the other hand not so much. "I'm avoiding Tsunade and I already said to you that I'm going to be a medic, I could use the help". Sakura said bluntly Hinata nodded in understanding on that. "You were never one for violence to begin with what changed?". Ino asked taking a drink Hinata glared. "Killing your friend hero, and the one you loved for this village and still being considered a weak disappointment, will do that to a girl". She said angrily down in her drink and refilling it making them frown as she told them everything about the elders, scheming her fathers attitude how she's been attacking the main branch everything.

It got a long exacerbated sigh out of the two, and a couple of refills just thinking about it. "The only thing I can think of is going over there and asking her". Sakura informed at this point she knew her former mentor can't afford any more problems on the inside. Hinata sighed herself now, it was the simplest thing to do. "You think it'll be that easy?". Ino asked Sakura shrugged. "She's trained in both combat and medicine. I know Tsunade a lot more than I care to these days. She probably told Hiashi that she'd consider it, and is most likely waiting for you to go and see her. Hiashi will need to realize that this is a war, and his bitching and moaning doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things". Sakura assured that actually got a grin from Hinata.

"Besides, if he does keep it up and tries to demand a full fledged Konoha Kunoichi go to places he wants them to go. It's a treason charge for him, no if's and's or but's. Your father is an idiot, but he's not stupid enough to undermined the Hokage, during war time, and if he is well, he won't be your problem for to long afterwards". Hinata hummed in amusement at the logic. "And on the off chance she doesn't let me fight?". Hinata asked Sakura shrugged, finishing her cup. "I'm running Konoha's medical core. So you'll be working directly under me and then I can put a first aid pack on you and kick you into battle myself". She assured Hinata and Ino shared a laugh at how dry the statement was. Hinata finished her drink stood up and nodded in thanks.

"I'm going to take one last look at the crew, then I'll head over thanks Sakura". She said Sakura waved her goodbye, then double checked some files. When they heard a knock. Ino downed her drink passing the cups to Sakura, who hid everything. "Come in". Sakura ordered when Shizune walked in making them sigh. "Dammit Shizune. What if I told you about entering my office?". Sakura asked Shizune shrugged. "I keep forgetting just walk in because you're probably drinking, and the knocking lets you know whether you should, or shouldn't hide your booze but all things considered. I dealt with that for years with Tsunade and I'm getting pretty sick of it, I have enough stress to deal without making sure if the head doctors sober". She returned, making both girls shrug. "Fair enough want one?". Sakura offered. "Please".

With Hinata.

She was double checking Tenten's head when she smelled something. "Did you smoke?". She asked Tenten sighed. "Goddamn, Hyuga's. You got the all seeing eyes and apparently they all smelling nose". She mocked making her chuckle. "Careful I might tell Neji". She teased Tenten chuckled still with a massive headache. "If he gets pissed, I'll cut him off I got a legitimate headache this time anyway". Hinata laughed at that. "Already geez, I thought you were a girl with class?". She retorted making Tenten chuckle then hiss in pain. "We haven't, but we're getting there at least I'm getting there, he is a man after all. I think I'll do it tonight". She informed it almost sounded desperate not in a teasing way, but it needs to happen kind of way. It made Hinata frown.

She closed the door and pulled up a chair. Her friend sighed with a frown. "Couple days ago the cheesy bastard showed up with flowers and chocolates. To celebrate our anniversary. We've only been going out for three weeks, but man was it cute". She said with a giggle she was a still a young lady after all before frowning. "I was thinking about it because just a few hours ago I could've been killed by those steroid freaks Iwa's been brewing up. If it wasn't for Choji and Sakura showing up when they did…. I don't know you just think differently under all of that, especially when you're part of a suicide squad". She said with a frown Hinata frowning with her. "You're gonna try and swing it like every day's your last?". She asked Tenten shrugged.

"Why not? Lee's on a downward spiral, Sasuke one more bad day from hanging himself. Kiba's the only well-adjusted one that I can figure anyway. We're going to war my boyfriend is on infiltration team were one wrong move can get you killed, and my team is basically looking for death. So why not get a little something from my man before one of us kicks the bucket?". She asked Hinata sighed. "I wish I could relate enough to what you're going through to help you, but I really can't. I'm sorry to say it, but I can't I killed the only man I ever thought of sleeping with". She reminded the bun haired girl gave her a look of sympathy.

"You never looked at anyone else did you? Not even a side glance?". She asked she felt horrible for her friend. Hinata shook her head with a sigh. "When I said, I was in love with him I meant it. When I was hallucinating, it gave me flashbacks to that night at the bar". Hinata started sadly Tenten sat there, waiting patiently to hear her. "He personally brought me home not Sakura, or anyone else he took me home because he was worried. I was that hammered and depressed I guess. For years I watched him tried to grow stronger to impress him, just trying to work up the nerve to talk to him when I all needed was a quart of booze". A tear went down her eye.

"I don't even know if he remembered this, but I looked at him like a hero because of one single day. We were so young I was being picked on by bullies the like a little hero he jumped to my defense. Got beaten up pretty bad for to, got a scarf destroyed must've been the only one he had but when he got up, he walked me home". She informed shaking a bit. "When he saw the compound, he was amazed by it. I mean why wouldn't he be he lived in a shitty little apartment in the middle of slums, told me he had no family, and he was always alone so he asked why I was crying when I had so much? He wasn't being insulting either. He told me that to help me feel better". She shaking with some more tears. "That smile on his face it was so genuine so caring. It was a smile. No one else who grew up the way he did would have. Then over the years seeing them going against all the hate all the bile people spat at him and yet still had the drive to succeed. It was something I never had so he was an inspiration to me". Tenten held back some of her own tears she couldn't imagine what Hinata went through herself.

"That night after we left the bar after he somehow got passed our all seeing security like nothing he took me to my room. Just like that good sweet, caring man that he was he wasn't gonna do anything. Never even thought about it of course he just brought me home because he cared". She took a deep breath then chuckled at the memory. "Maybe he was too innocent for his own good but it was always a cute thing about him. Because there I was with nothing but that spandex, and I was using it to my advantage". Tenten chuckled she couldn't believe Hinata would do such a thing, Hinata joined her. She hardly believed it her self. "Stretching give them a full view of the goods I guess we'll call it. I even turned shaking my rear at him I even got him to stutter It was so cute. Then I got him close because I wanted to tell him a secret and I went for it I held him like I never let him go and to this day I wish I never did. God his lips were fantastic, and I just told him everything told him how much I love him how much of an inspiration he was to me everything". She covered her eyes for a moment to let her tears fall.

"Told him I'd always have his back every step of the way I gave him my word, our Nindo. He finally returned it and kissed me back It wasn't sexy, or passionate it was loving. He was in tears because of my confession he believed everything I said no matter how drunk I was, I guess he sensed the honesty or something. Because when he kissed me, It was with genuine heartfelt care. Told me we'll give us a shot. Made him give me his word". She was reliving it all again and it broke her heart. "The next morning he approached me at Ichiraku. Asked to talk in private and I took a Kunai from Kiba. Because like the moron I was, I forgot all of it". She was crying more tears still trying to remain calm. "I drew a complete blank when he asked if I remembered anything from last night the hurt look in his eye Ten-Chan. Kami, it was horrible, knowing what I know now and yet he still gave me that smile when we left for the mission". Tenten held Hinata's hand tightly.

"Looking back on it now it was probably because he was going to try again he did give his word after all, and I finally had his heart some thing I always wanted. I only realized how badly we screwed up after I stabbed him in the back to save Sasuke, it was a look of absolute betrayal, I broke the unbreakable Uzumaki Naruto he went off the cliff because of me". She said totally destroyed Tenten pulled Hinata's hand, bringing her in for a hug. The amount of honesty and trust that was in her words. Tenten knew she was the only one Hinata told this to, the others must've heard about the hallucination, but this this was private and she was going to take it to the grave. When Hinata sat back down they just looked at each other. Tenten nodded that it was a secret that would be kept even without explanation. Her friend nodded and thanks. Tenten then sighed getting Hinata's attention. "You know I always wanted to ask you, seeing as you created actual x-ray vision to not just see chakra points and the fainting all the time, what was he packing down there, I mean you did feel it when you were teasing him right?". Hinata looked at her in shock making Tenten laugh.

"I'm only playing with you. We were getting too depressed. The last thing we need is more of that I hope it helped a bit though. I suck at things like these given, the fact I have a brain injury, my name is eight nine ten right?". She joked Hinata gave her a glare, before cracking a small grin, that would normally get somebody punched, but her friend was trying to help and did have a concussion which normally didn't help with tact. "Wait a minute do you think Neji's checking you out, when you're not looking?". Tenten shrugged the comment off. "He can do it when I am looking at him for all I care, you may have a perfect rack, but my boobs are nice to and I got a gorgeous ass to match, never actually looked at yours to compare though". She said with a shrug Hinata chuckled she got over a good portion, of her self conscious nature.

At least when it comes to joking with the girls anyway. Tenten then sighed again. "I do have to thank Naruto for it, though getting the stick out of Neji's ass and all. I never actually looked at him the way I do now before that". She said sadly before shaking her head, annoyed, and then hissing in pain again, because I was a stupid move. "For fuck sake I try to lighten the mood then I go screwing it up, goddamn head injury". She said, annoyed with her self. Hinata shrugged then sighed. "Ah screw it 8" long 3" wide, there was a reason why he didn't wear shorts, that was him soft". She informed Tenten stared at her in shock while she grinned. "Got ya I only created the ability afterwards silly me". The two shared a laugh before catching their breath.

"All this girl talk isn't helping my maiden virtue so Yep I'm gonna go for it". She said with a shrug and a bit of sarcasm. Hinata chuckled and returned the shrug. "Suit yourself just leave that out of the next time we have some girl talk. In all reality though I am happy you're with him. No one else but he and I will say it so I'll be the first one to do it, seeing I'm already counting you as one of my best friends welcome to the family Ten-Chan". Tenten had a tear going down her eye she looked at Hinata and raised her hand. "When this war is over and it's time to take over, I will have your back against your clan". Tenten vowed Hinata clapped the hand and locked it, nodding in thanks. "I gotta go deal with Tsunade then I'm going to come back and check on your head later. You have a concussion so don't you dare go to sleep or I swear Tenten I will smack you". She promised making the girl chuckle. "Whatever you say Hinata-Sama". She jested making her grin and walked to the door. "It's always gonna be Hinata to you". She assured before leaving Tenten smiled tearfully at that.

The hallway.

Hinata walked down the hall and stopped at Kiba's room, Tsume and Hana were in there with Kurenari and Asuma she went in to see him when he noticed her he grinned. "Yoooo Hinata…how are you?". He asked Hinata chuckled. "Not bad how's the morphine?". She asked he nodded in a daze. "Good..,good…..good good good, feeling no pain". He assured blanking out for a second, making his old teammate sister, Mom, farmer sensei and her boyfriend chuckle. "So what brings you here today?". He asked she shrugged. "You're my friend you're injured, and I'm your Doctor who works here". She reminded he nodded. "Right I legitimately forgot that you're a doctor, if it's a prostate exam you might want start now while I'm to high, to scream I value my innocence, you know". He informed she shook her head grinning at him Asuma snickered. "Not that kind of doctor Kiba". She assured he held his chest for a minute and breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thank Kami that would have an awkward to do in front of Sensai, and we'd have to invite Shino for teambuilding and that's a whole other can of bugs…. Can of worms? I'm gonna go with bugs". He informed getting a snicker from them. "What about your mom sister and Asuma dumb ass?". Hana asked Kiba shrugged. "You're my big sister hold my hand, through it and tell your little brother everything will be OK". He retorted, stoned out of his tree, that got a laugh out of everyone while he was oblivious, to his own joke. "How are you really feeling Kiba?". Hinata asked he nodded silently showing his arm.

"I'm feeling humorous, if you're referring to about the arm well you should see the other guy". He ordered making them frown. "How's he doing?". She asked playing along. "He's dead bit his throat out with my teeth and smashed his head with a rock. So I guess I'm doing a lot better than he is". He informed drily making them frown more. "What's the Raven Core like?". She asked Kiba looked at her with blank eyes as he sat there, frowning. "Hinata you're a part of my pack so I'll tell you straight. If you're thinking of joining I will stab you in the leg to keep you locked up in this hospital, till the end of the war". He warned he would never harm her, but he wanted to get his point across. Everyone knew he wouldn't either, but it just showed how screwed up being in the Raven Core really was. When Kiba would threaten any kind of physical harm to one of his pack members especially Hinata.

Hinata just frowned at him. "I wasn't planning on joining. I was just asking". She informed making him sigh feeling stupid now. "Sorry". He apologized high on morphine or not it was still genuine. She waved him off getting a nod of thanks and a shrug. "The other night or day or couple hours ago or whatever. We all shared a laugh. We were surrounded by juggernauts and regular Shinobi, we were laughing at death itself". He informed his mother and sister looked at them with a lot of concern with Kurenari. While Hinata frowned at him worried. "Guess you just had to be there, fucking Sasuke I could use a smoke". He informed surprising everybody but his old teammate.

"When did you start smoking?". Kurenari asked Kiba shrugged. "I only had the one like I said, when we were about to die before Choji saved our asses. You get quite addicted during situations like that". He informed bluntly with a frown. "But anyway, you're looking to fight aren't you?". He asked reading her quite easily, surprising her and everyone else he just nodded. "I know nothing I can say will stop you, I'm not even gonna try. I know you're strong, stronger than anyone else gives you credit for. You're not gonna be in the Raven Core, so that's good enough for me. just remember, though if you see one of us fall, don't get close because we aren't going to hell alone". He ordered then laid on his pillow and fell asleep, leaving everyone there frowning heartbroken for him. Kiba shook in his sleep he woke up for a moment then passed out again. The veterans knew the kind of dreams he was having right now, it hurt them to actually see someone having one. Hinata was even sympathetic she had plenty of her own, with the one kill.

"Hinata is there anything you actually know about his team?". Tsume asked Hinata shook her head. "Nothing nobody else doesn't know they're the first in and the last out". She informed Tsume sighed looking at her son. "His damn blood oath my own damn stupidity, all of this started because of us, because of how stupid we were with Naruto". She said ashamed Hinata sighed and walked out, she wasn't about to comfort the Inuzuka matriarch. It left a rather clear message to everyone you don't get pity when you're the cause of the problem.

Back in the Hallway.

It appears Hinata has to meet all the RC's today because Lee walked out of his room. Guy was with him, he was about to go see Tenten next, when the sad new normality of Lee not listening and the farmer duo arguing happened. "Lee you haven't gotten all of your test results back, you could have more damage that they don't know about". Guy informed Lee sighed. "I just want to see the rest of the crew". He assured Guy nodded with a sigh. "You should be in bed". Hinata interrupted making him sigh again.

"You're a regular mother hen aren't you? All I wanna do is see some of my friends besides I've never been the kind of person to just lay down". He informed Hinata sigh and placed a hand on Lee's shoulder. "Lee there's a first time for everything". She said then flicked her hand on his shoulder striking a pressure point in Lee's neck, knocking him out into Guys arms. "I'll put him back how's Tenten?". Guy asked bringing Lee in Hinata leaned on the doorway. "Good I don't recommend any Youthful shouting, though she's got a hell of a headache". Hinata informed Guy shrugged with a small smile.

"I haven't been in a vary Youthful mood these days to do that, besides even I know shouting is bad for a headache I'll probably do it if she starts dozing off though, then I'll wake everyone up". He assured making her chuckle Guy then extended his hand to Hinata. "Thank you for looking after my old teammates Hinata, you're a fantastic doctor student and Kunoichi". He praised Hinata took his hand and shook. "Thank you Guy-Sensai it was a youthful experience". She returned making him chuckle and move on to his next student. "I do have a question for you though". She informed getting his attention. "Asuma Kurenari Lee Anko and even Kakashi, told me about all the battles you fought in. They told me all of the shinobi you faced, single-handedly plenty were legends themselves". She started Guy grinned bit while waiting for the question.

"Anyway, my question is. How does everybody remember the people you faced in combat except you?". She asked Guy chuckled with a shrug. "Because they weren't worth remembering". He stated simply surprising Hinata that was extremely cold for someone like Guy, to say so casually. "I only remember the people I lost in those battles. My father, my comrades, my friends. The people I lost that got me to fight those supposed legends to begin with. Because they're the only ones I care to remember". He informed with a smile, she was surprised at the information.

"Doesn't matter how they died by my hand or another's or even by the shinigami himself after living a long and happy life. I won't allow them the luxury of living in my memory, when they're not even alive anymore. Going after them if they were simply following orders, because it was more, and especially if they're still loyal to their village and living in it, is only going to start another war and I will never hold a grudge against their families who had nothing to do with it, that's not revenge that's just cowardice". He continued she nodded in understanding. "Well, what about the people you forgot about when they came back for rematches?". She asked making him laugh at that. "It's just like Kakashi pretending to tune you out, even though he heard everything you said". He informed Hinata looked at Guy stunned, he was playing with his opponents, Guy nodded to the unspoken statement.

"When you're angry you're stupid, focused only on throwing punches and kicks to get your opponent with no technique. It's unyouthful, I know but I'm a Jonin for a reason kiddo". He stated with a grin as Hinata stared at him. "My hair cut my outfit my attitude, my everything has a reason to it". He continued Hinata's brain was going haywire right now. Was the loud excitable Youthful everything over the top, Might Guy an act does Lee know it's an act? What happened if he didn't know, he would feel like a fool totally betrayed by the one person who always had faith in him. She pondered this heartbreaking information for one of her friends up until. "It's because this is exactly who I am, and I make no apologies for it". He stated with laugh at Hinata's extremely annoyed expression.

"You're also not the first person I got with that joke as well". He teased Hinata rubbed her eyes for a moment, then cracked a grin. "Ok I admit it you got me". She said with a still irritated grin Guy shrugged with a genuine smile of his own. "You see Hinata sometimes you just need to be true to yourself, I'll admit it I stick out like a sore thumb, but there's a reason for that too". He informed Hinata just crossed her arms. "I'm not going to overthink our conversation this time, so just tell me please". She asked making him shrug. It was worth a shot. "Because while they're focussing on me, they're not focussing on my comrades. it's also why Taijutsu and working out is so important to me, not just because it's fun and important to stay healthy but because nine times out of ten. I'm the one that's under the most threat, that and hard work and dedication to your chosen field of study is what makes a person better at it". She thought about it before Guy became a legend, everyone must've wanted to either shut him up or take him down first as the weak one.

Now it's most likely because everyone just wants a piece of him. You would need to keep yourself healthy and train a lot for people like that. Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw a Guy glaring. When she turned, she saw it was everyone's favourite suicidal, drunk, Jiraiya who was returning the glare. "How's Tenten?". Jiraiya asked Guy frowned more at him. "My student has a concussion I recommend you stay away from her". He ordered Jiraiya sighed. "Still pissed about that I see. I apologize for it. I feel like a bigger dick because of it. I gave her the key to my sealing library as recompense can you let it fucking go?". He asked angrily Guy continued his glare.

"No and if this wasn't a hospital, we would finish what you started". Guy assured Jiraiya snorted spitting on the ground and continued his walk to his therapist. Guy watched him go making absolutely sure he didn't turn the corner to Tenten's room. "What happened between you two?". Hinata asked Guy sighed. "It's honestly not my place to say ask Tsunade or Tenten, if you're that curious, but right now, I want to go see my student. Just be careful out there please". He asked Hinata nodded as Guy finally walked away.

Tsunade's office.

Hinata walked in with a frown while Tsunade did paperwork, while getting a report from the crutch holding Sasuke. "Hokage-Sama I want to join the war effort, as a soldier and field medic. Not in a MASH unit I feel my training affords me this demand". Hinata informed Tsunade sighed. "I second this I helped train Hinata personally, she's more then strong enough Hokage-Sama". Sasuke backed mildly surprising Hinata while Tsunade nodded. "Granted I told Hiashi I'd consider his request I didn't outright approve it. I'll assign you Hyuga Branch Team Bravo. They're mainly scouts but it's a start, just don't rush into fight so he should be good. I would also like to ask how you've been these days". She informed Hinata nodded in thanks and sighed. "I'll wait outside". Sasuke informed. "I crippled one of the main branch today. He used the caged bird seal in front of me". She informed ignoring him Tsunade sighed again.

"Fair enough but anger has no place in the scouting division, guards leave us". Her ANBU jumped down from the dark ceiling left through the door, to guard it, Sasuke stay behind he wasn't told to leave. "I already know the answer I'd be stupid if I didn't but I want to ask anyway, why the complete personality change?". She asked she just wanted to hear it from Hinata's own mouth. Hinata frowned at her. "Before I answer this question tell me what you saw that night the both of you and tell me what happened between Jiraiya and Guy?". She asked they both sighed.

"Frankly I didn't see much Itachi already injected me with the cure but what little I did see, was Naruto about to kill me with my own sword, the one I killed him with". Sasuke said lowering his head and shame and sadness with o much regret. "I saw the Shade and the man who killed Dan, i'm assuming you heard the stories about him already?". Hinata nodded. "I was drinking with Shizune one minute the next her throat was open and he appeared mocking me. I was surrounded by the bodies of those I love most and then I tried to kill him, except it was Jiraiya". She said tearfully Hinata Saduke looked at Hinata, she remembered her little rant about what she saw, and chose not to look more into it. "As for Jiraiya and Guy well. Those two nearly killed each other before we attack Danzo's base". She informed surprising both as she sighed. "Tenten was studying under Jiraiya Fuinjustsu, that's what the truth about his drug habit came to light it was Guy who found out because of Tenten". Tsunade explained telling them the story.

Flashback

The planning stage to attack Root. Hokage's office.

Sai sat there holding Ino's hand while Jiraiya inspected his tongue, or rather the seal on it. Sai was trying not to throw up with Ino as Jiraiya was breathing on them, his breath didn't just stink it was rotten. It didn't help that Sai's mouth was opened either. Some how no one knew about his addictions yet. Tenten was with Jiraiya trying to learn about Fūinjutsu from a Master. It was a hard process learning from the 4th Hokage's mentor not the actual studying of seals just who she was learning from, Jiraiya sucked his teeth in annoyance while examining. "Danzo you self centred bastard, take a look at this line here". Jiraiya ordered Tenten ignored the stench of the Sannin to do as he told her.

"Ok I don't really see a difference what does it do Sensai?". She asked respectfully now the old Jiraiya would have pointed to said line clearly explain it, knowing full well his student was new to Fūinjutsu. He would also be patient for the simple fact that outside of storage scrolls that depend on size going form thirty Ryo a piece for the small ones to close to a thousand for the big ones, or putting giant beasts in to children Fūinjutsu was for all intensive purposes a slowly dying art form. Jiraiya excelled in Fūinjutsu more than anything. He had a little training from Hiruzen and the Toads, had access to Mito's library in the Senju compound thanks to Kushina and Tsunade. He even studied for a short time directly under Mito herself after Mito saw his potential. So right now only three people in the element nations saw the absolute importance of Fūinjutsu.

Tsunade who learned a bit from her grandmother and now felt stupid for not continuing her education, after Mito passed Orochimaru who simply put is evil and Jiraiya possibly the last true Fūinjutsu master alive. Unfortunately that calm cool collected and caring Fūinjutsu Master was replaced with a dirty angry alcoholic junkie. Jiraiya sighed annoyed uncaring of his students feelings or her only being level one in the ten levels of Fūinjutsu. "For fuck sake why am I wasting my time with you kid? That line is a life line it's connected directly to Danzo". He said annoyed Tenten frowned calmly at him while Ino glared. "What level would you need to be to do such a thing?". She asked as Jiraiya drank from a flask. "Five". He answered simply Tenten nodded.

"And I'm level one yes?". She asked Jiraiya sighed and nodded. "I've also been reading in the Senju Fūinjutsu library, to properly understand this type of information. When you disappear for long periods of time. So I would like to politely ask for you to can the attitude please". She asked calmly Jiraiya glared it was hard enough even to make the fearless Sai and Tsunade flinch. "LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE….". Tsunade went to stop him when Jiraiya slapped her hand away as he approached, getting in her face. "I don't care about your feelings or your apparent studying, before you came to me, you were nothing, but a third rate throwaway does anyone even really remember you when you're not around?". Tenten fliched she somehow always felt like she was the least noticeable person in the Konoha 11 and everything else as Jiraiya continued.

"I thought so now you can either listen to the master here or go back and throwing fucking weapons around like it does anything, because the slave and the Clone are the only ones on your team that flamboyant bitch Guy and everybody else fucking cares about". He yelled in her face Tenten looked down silently that hurt a lot, she held in her tears and anger Neji was a Hyuga and Lee had the gates, but what did she have? She felt conned and underutilized as a person. He was destroying her very foundation as a warrior. He slapped her shocking everyone and stunning her. "LOOK AT ME".

He ordered she did as told. "ARE YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO ME NOW". He nearly headbutted her he so close to scream at her, a tear finally fell and she glared. Ino and Sai were stunned with Tsunade as he turned to her.

"And you don't do you ever get in my fucking way again". He threatened making Tsunade move back tearfully shaking he was serious. When he turned Tenten punched him in the jaw with a glare. "WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO A FAILURE OF A SANNIN, I'LL GO TO MITO'S LIBRARY MYSELF AND FIGURE IT OUT. SEEING AS YOU'RE A BITCH I'D LIVE LONGER NOT BEING YOUR ANYWAY". She shouted he wanted to hit below the belt, she'll return it in kind. He glared dangerously cocking back his fist but Tsunade grabbed Tenten pulling the girl behind, her for protection but Tenten win or lose, was ready to throw down. Jiraiya kept glaring then looked down shaking, he turned and destroyed Tsunade's desk making everyone jump back terrified a good chunk of the 4 foot concrete and steel ground went with it.

He sighed he removed a key and a book tossing it at Tsunade and Tenten's feet. "Fine take it all I don't care anymore". He pushed everyone aside going to the door. He needed to get to get his fix.

"We'll do it tomorrow". He ordered grabbing the door he completely forgot It was a pull door from the in side. "FUCKING OPEN". He shouted kicking the door his foot went through and he tackled the rest of himself through it. Leaving everyone there shaking Tenten continued standing there shaking letting the tears fall now, she continued to glare angrily, she picked up the book and Key and got madder, it was a list of books that would greatly help her learn Fuinjutsu, all catalogued in order from easiest to hardest. Instead of just wandering aimlessly through the library, everything she would need, was written there and served to piss her off more. Ino ran over hugging her she push her away and walked out.

Guy was walking around depressed not his usual over the top depression, but genuine depression he missed Lee Neji and Tenten. He missed his old rival he missed Naruto's attitude that always brightened up everyone's day, he just flat out and missed the kid. When he saw Tenten walking down the street in tears. "Tenten". He called out she walked passed him. "What happened?". He demanded she looked at him, he saw the bruise on her cheek, and shook angrily. "Just a problem with Jiraiya I don't want to talk about it please Guy". She asked going straight to that library. Guy watched her go and glared angrily. "Tenten". He called again the sound, of his voice forced her to turn. "I'm proud of you. Nothing is ever going to change that". He said sincerely before walking off he had an ass kicking to dish out. She watched him go a small tear in her eye as she continued on our way.

Senju Compound.

She walked in and grab the first scroll indicated on the list and started. Just like it said it was the easiest one to get through. She had her sketchpad with her, drawing everything and writing down the formulas, with explanations on what the seal actually did. She went through the book and found something known as The Masters Tome. Confused, she hunted for it she found a giant of a tome, It a shiny well taken care of Ebony coloured book with a read swirl on it. The symbol of the Uzumaki clan, but with no education on the subject at the time it was simply the swirl every Jonin vest had. It confused her when she opened the book, her eyes widened the circles and lines explanations formulas. Everything was written there. Names indicated when one would end and another would begin. She had no idea what she was looking at. She knew she would have to study hard to figure it out. She took the first page that was dated all the way to the last one dated. Every author had that Family name that filled her with dread, each, and every time she read it.

The last page after Uzumaki Mito that shocked her made heart sink Kushina Minato and Jiraiya's names are on the last page. She realized though, it must've been an Kushina's writing. She dealt with a drunk long enough to know his handwriting and studied up on the fourth, to recognize his. Remembering the dates from first to last page, it hurt her. Five hundred years of Uzumaki knowledge was in this book and it ended with its last known descendant the fourth Hokage and Naruto's Sensai. Realization smacked her right in the face even harder,then Jiraiya did, and It destroyed her. She realized who her dead friend and first kill was now, she felt like a moron, a traitor, and a monster at the time she really couldn't blame him, for falling under Kyuubi's influence anymore then again, like everyone else she didn't believe he did anymore.

They all saw that look of betrayal and sadness in his eyes. She looked at the book in tears and wondered if his name would have ever been written in it. What that great man would've accomplished with his denied inheritance. If his bastard now known godfather taught him anything she broke down crying right after, her hatred for Hiruzen Jiraiya Tsunade and Shizune grew immensely, knowing for a fact, they would've known as well, with her own self loathing and like everything else having to do with the heroes past, she had to keep a secret. She figured out quickly enough now that Shikamaru must've figured it out, which is why he was so depressed but like herself now she knew it was a secret that should be kept. Otherwise, it would destroy their friends like I did both of them, she didn't care about the other villagers the council elders, or anyone else if they knew she would be pissed at them, if they didn't, she didn't care if it broke them. After crying for an hour she spent the rest of the day immersed in her work then later on, she'll go home and drink.

Jiraiya's appartment.

Jiraiya's appartment was on the fifth floor it was a small place for a millionaire Sannin, but Jiraiya what is a minimalist. He didn't have a big important clan like Tsunade or rich brilliant, parents like Orochimaru did. He found his fortune through, years of loyal service to his village, completing some of the most dangerous and high paying S ranks in Konoha, smart investments, and of course his books. For a man who grew up with nothing, he realized he didn't really need much to enjoy life back when he could enjoy life. He kept the rent on the place paid in the day he left or more honestly he threatened Hiruzen to pay his rent while he supported his godson himself.

The living room has a door leading to the belcany. The kitchen was walled off, with a opening with a connecting bar with three stools facing it. It had two bedrooms one on the right side, and one on the left with the bathroom in the center. Right now the Toads Sannin was sitting on his couch with a pipe in hand. The reason why nobody knew Jiraiya was on drugs the day they found him after he had a stroke, was because of the panic and the mess. When Tsunade came to visit and found Jiraiya she immediately rushed him to the hospital. With his mind going to the insisted use, and all the nightmares he was having regardless the idea of staying sober to stop a prophecy didn't matter right now. Filling his pipe with the contents Jiraiya took a deep satisfying poof. He held it in then blew the smoke out with a deep sigh but the satisfying moment lasted for merely a second before he needed another dose.

Taking another he sat there as blank as a vegetable, when he's in this state Jiraiya was calm again he keeps his living room dark he doesn't want any conflict he can blank out all the bad things. Only one real thing can trigger his anger that makes him off the drugs look tame. It's a room down the hall to the right. It's the one place Jiraiya routinely cleans it has cartoon frog curtains. An old lazy boy with a little table at the side and the book the one person allowed to go in there besides him loved so much. Bookshelves were everywhere some with some books and all the stuffed animals Jiraiya bought, a little dresser with all his cute little onesies, photo albums, and pictures all over the wall of the two together. A nice old mahogany crib with a shiny star spindle. His sons room, Naruto's room. It hasn't changed in the 19 years since he was forced to give his baby boy to the bastard he once called his Sensei.

Jiraiya was looking at the corner of the room smiling, he was picturing little Naruto walking towards him arms out, the little smile that only showed his two bottom teeth. Jiraiya was about to reach out a pat the toddler's head, when heard banging at his door. "JIRAIYA I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE". He heard Guy shouting outside, banging harder making that wonderful little drug-induced vision disappear Jiraiya, put his pipe on the table, and weakly fought against the dope to stand up. Stumbling to the door he opened it to see Guy glaring at him. "Yo what do you want?". He asked quietly Guy glared harder. "Did you hit Tenten?". He demanded in a calm, dangerous tone, Jiraiya zoned out for a moment forgetting about that, he shrugged it off. "If I did she probably had a coming, why do you care anyway it not like was Lee". He shot back getting a hard punch straight to the nose braking it. Blood gushed from Jiraiya's nose the hit gave him a concussion.

His vision was blurry. He turned around and got another punch to the jaw, knocking him back in to his living. Guy walked in angrily slamming the door behind him. "Lee Neji or Tenten IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH ONE IT IS I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO HIT ANY OF THEM". He shouted grabbing a vase and threw destroying the window, the sunlight shined through the apartment. Guy now saw the pipe and the bag of product he glared even harder. He spun and kicked Jiraiya in to the wall and choked slammed him in to the coffee table, with all the drugs on it. He punched Jiraiya harder and harder than throw him down the hallway.

Jiraiya stumbled falling over he got up still dizzy I got a flying kick putting him through the door, of his bathroom. Guy slammed his head into the toilet then throw them into the shower and continue punching him. Jiraiya pushed him off and punched Guy back Guy moved back a bit, then grabbed Jiraiya, slamming him into the forbidden room on the right, taking the door off with it, Jiraiya on his stomach. Guy walked in and looked around stunned seeing the photos, the crib, everything. He looked at the closest photo of a smiling Jiraiya, holding a little baby Naruto. "Is that you and Naruto?". He asked Jiraiya looked up his eyes an angry red practically foaming at the mouth he was so mad. "Get out of this room". He said rage filled and turned to Guy showing the animalistic rage on his face.

Guy moved back but glared in return his own anger taking hold as well. "Why did you abandon him?". He demanded in return. He knew he was missing something, but really didn't care right now. Jiraiya stood tears and rage in his eyes. "I didn't fucking abandon I was forced to to leave. Because of that cocksucker Hiruzen I loved him he was my son". Jiraiya shouted with more tears on his bloody face Guy glared more. "On that I feel sorry for you Jiraiya, but none of that, as an excuse for hitting Tenten. She genuinely wanted to learn from you". Guy said he will never let that go even if she does. "Fuck that bun haired, throw away bitch and fuck you". He shouted tackling Guy out into Jiraiya's bedroom he punched Guy in the face, slam a lamp on his head knee him in the stomach and head butted them.

He also didn't care about playing dirty, so kneed Guy in the groin making him gasp. Then gave him a knee to the face and punched into the ground, bringing his foot down on the back of Guy's head. He picked him up and threw him through the wall into the kitchen. Jiraiya had a few more decades of combat experience over Guy, and as weak as he was due to the drugs, alcoholism and lack of food. He was still a Sannin and an angry one of that, what was left of his muscles still carried a long life of killing and fighting but where their were the tailed beasts and the tailless beast, Guy simply was a beast. When Jiraiya ran over to continue as assault Guy put his hands behind his head, launched his feet up and kicked Jiraiya back, while also getting back up.

The two run over, grabbing each other wrestling for dominance, and tried to throw each other off while they still held on. Till Jiraiya sent Guy through the balcony door punched him and threw Guy over the balcony, who held on tell his feet managed to hit the railing to pull Jiraiya with them. Jiraiya manage to turn med air so he'd be able to land on his feet, but like everything else, they barely had any muscles in his legs either and of years of stumbling around instead of jumping wasn't going help the landing. Guy on the other hand grabbed the edge of the balcony on the fourth floor, to swing kick off the bottom of it and torpedo to Jiraiya tackling him, and launching both hard to the ground.

They laid there, gasping and in pain, while everyone watched stunned. Tsunade ran over after she heard about fighting coming from Jiraiya's apartment. Shizune and Kakashi were with her, Kakashi was getting another talking to about fighting himself, when they heard the news. Guy and Jiraiya slowly got up glaring harder at each other. "Are you done yet?". Jiraiya asked angrily Guy glared. "Not even close junkie". He dangerously assured confusing everyone. "Guy Jiraiya stop this right now". Tsunade shouted angrily.

"SHUT UP TSUNADE". Guy ordered angrily making everyone flinch and move back as he glared. "You protected this junk even long enough. He assaulted. Tenten does drugs, and has been nothing but a bastard to everyone and I am sick of it". Guy said angrily Kakashi agreed he knew the truth about almost everything. "For crying out you're just like your daddy, a fucking idiot to the end". Jiraiya shouted Guy yelled and lunged at Jiraiya giving him a punch, Jiraiya grabbed them, lifting Guy over his head and slamming them into the ground, then picked guy up again, and give them a pile-driver. Guy managed to cover his head and neck then got up punched Jiraiya, face right on his broken nose, make him fall to the ground holding it.

He dodged Guy next punch and hit him in the throat, Guy moved back, coughing for air and Jiraiya punched him in the side, then in the face. Ending at all with vicious right making Guy fly in the air and slam onto the ground. Guy was spread out with his eyes closed Jiraiya spat him. "There you go you little fucker". Jiraiya said angrily when Guy's eyeshot open, he shot himself up and charged at Jiraiya lunging again, grabbing a Jiraiya's shoulders, while he jumped in the air. He gripped hard and brought himself down, headbutting Jiraiya hard dead centre right in the face. Jiraiya fell box, slamming his head on the ground. Guy continued his onslaught, swinging left, and right dryers, had kept flinging to those directions when Guy stopped, and pull them up by his jacket.

"Did you learn anything now druggie". He demanded in a rage even making his own Hokage move back. Jiraiya spat blood in Guy face and laughed. "Fuck….you". He said through his busted jaw. Guy screamed angrily, and brought his head down and Jiraiya's face. He kept continuing the head banging blood was getting everywhere Guy was getting dizzy, but wouldn't stop his head butting. Tsunade and several ANBU grabbed Guy thrashed around angrily. He wasn't done yet, Kakashi watched Guy going crazy. Something like this wouldn't just just damage, Guy's reputation, but ruin his career seeing as it was the spymaster, he was beating up, his best friend could see jail time. Possibly the end of his Shinobi license too. Naruto's words about Guy always being there for a Kakashi echoed in his head. He walked over right in front of Guy and hugged him, it stopped Guy for a moment.

"I know whatever he did made your reaction justifiable. Trust me I know, but please stop". Kakashi asked Guy glared. "He smacked Tenten". Guy said angrily Kakashi ran over and kicked Jiraiya in the face what he started to sit up. "Then I'll deal with it, i'm not letting you ruin your entire life over this". Kakashi stated they continue to beat the now unconscious man t till he was pulled off and arrested. Guy was stunned as Kakashi grinned under his mask, being taken away. Tsunade was pissed she was about to turn and yell at her, subordinate to the glare she got shut her up. "Get one of the other doctors to fix him up you're coming with me don't argue". He ordered jumping up to Jiraiya's apartment Tsunade followed.

Seeing the bags of opium on the table the pipe, the alcohol bottles everywhere made her heart shatter into a thousand pieces. She checked the fridge and slam the door shut, gasping because of the stench, severely rotted food, she open the cabinets to find liquor bottles, and instant ramen. She went through the new opening in the wall, to see Jiraiya's pissed stained bed. His dirty clothes thrown all over the place without a care. Then Naruto's room tears fell from her eyes, all the photos of her baby boy and best friend together smiling together. She looked in the crib and saw the little plushy toad, Jiraiya ran into Naruto's burning apartment building to save. She picked it up, and grabbed one of the photo albums sat on the chair and hugging it crying, going through it, she tried picture of yourself back then but with them and Shizune.

Tried to picture herself as a smiling mother to the worlds, sweetest little boy. She tried so hard, but couldn't all she could see were the times she was drinking gambling and wasting her life away, leaving her best friend behind with a baby she wanted nothing to do with, and now would give her own life to see again. The times she simply glanced at the photos Jiraiya sent before returning to her grief, without a second thought. She could easily picture Jiraiya just being happy with Naruto uncaring of Tsunade's blatant, stupidity at the time, but possibly right after he was forced to leave again, she realized he held a grudge. He ordered Hiruzen to take photos of Naruto, that he'd pass off as his own to Hiruzen would then attach them to Jiraiya's letters.

She remembered seeing him that day. It was possibly the day after he left, Naruto a second time. Tsunade lost a fortune on slots, she was hammered as usual, being followed by her then apprentice and now very angry daughter. Alcohol normally stopped her thoughts on her most horrible days, but when Jiraiya stopped sending to letters to Hiruzen who intern stop sending pictures, and stopped asking for her to come visit for once in her life to see his son. She was actually getting pretty depressed and felt like she was abandoned. She started going to postal services and messenger ninja as much as casinos and bars. She also started noticing Shizune wasn't talking to her as much, when she gambled Shizune was silent when she drank too much, Shizune was silent. When she tried talking to her apprentice at all Shizune was silent.

It was worrying her to no end, then after a month of walking back home there he was, depression leaking off of them. His eyes were vacant of any life like they were at Dan Nawaki Kushina and Minato's funerals he even had a bottle in his hand. Tsunade was worried, but kept up her front. "Alright you find me I guess I'll…Jiraiya?". She stopped when he walked passed them he didn't even register their existence. "Jiraiya-Sama". Shizune called out shaking with worry she always wanted to meet Naruto, she actually kept all the photos. He turned to her, looking at the young girl and his former teammate without actually seeing them right in front of him. They shook at his empty look Tsunade felt tears falling because right now she was nothing in his eyes, she wasn't a friend she wasn't an enemy. She wasn't anything he liked or anything he hated. He didn't even register her existence right now she was simply nothing. He then turned around and continued walking, they wouldn't see him again for four long years.

Tsunade wrote every day forward, asking about the boy still feeling like a massive bitch that she didn't go and check her self. Only for each time her mentor, the man, she trusted the most her father figure after hers died, to wright back saying everything's OK. She always sensed the hesitation in his handwriting, the guilt in every word the anger he was feeling when he had to write her again. But trusted the assurance like a moron each time, a month after the funeral she found an unsent letter to her when Naruto was possibly six. She cried more thinking about the letter so Guy decided to let her have her moment and left. She went through every album, crying harder she wanted her baby boy back. She cried so hard she passed out on the chair, she was so sound asleep she didn't notice someone entered, and took one of the albums.

End of flashback.

The two Jonin stood there, while their leader had tears in her eyes. "I still don't know how those photos ended up in Kazahana's book, but it pretty much ended the mystery on Naruto before we went after Danzo". She informed digging through her drawer. "That whole fucking stunt knocked our plan back three months, since he was in rehab while recuperating in the hospital. A few months before that I found this to really drives the point across and how much of a fucking idiot I am". She said pulling out Hiruzen's letter. She passed it to Hinata who read it out loud.

Tsunade.

Naruto is doing well the other day I was scared. I thought he ran away now I have to tell you, because of the council and my own shinobi, and this Kami forsaken village. Naruto has never actually seen me since he was two years old at least not without my hat. Anyway, I was running around in a panic with a team of ANBU, running around the forest and that's when I saw him. I will tell you straight my will of fire hasn't been as strong as it used to be. As a matter of fact, it was pretty much dead. I have lost far more than you ever have. Still when I saw him running around playing trying to train. Fishing and making some strange cooked mushrooms I smiled genuinely for the first time in years. Even my protection squad who were there to protect me not find him, people I know are bigots and disgusted me couldn't help but smile as well.

You're not stupid Tsunade you know who he is you know and what he is. I decided right then in there to show everyone around me that he wasn't a threat. So I removed my hat and approached the big bad demon fox. Told my guards not to interfere told them what I would do to them if they did. It's still stands as one of my most treasured memories. He and I camping together he thought I was afraid of the old man and since I wasn't a threat. Even with everything he's been through you could still tell friend from foe. Told him I followed my nose and smelled some really good fish, so this boy who has been through more hell than a childhood should ever go through. Who despite how many times I ordered it to change, would still be overcharged on food. I know must've went to bed more than once starving he offered me one and then another, and some of those mushrooms.

I felt my flame returning my Will of fire growing once again, just sitting there and talking with this boy laughing genuinely with him. I felt young, but also like a genuine grandfather. Seeing that child life just so full of life and still caring kindness to him. I honestly don't know how to explain it, how to put it into words but I felt decades of pain and misery of self hatred. Just weather away spending not but I single night with him camping. When I finally told him who i actually was, he was in astonishment, but he still called me Jiji. It's really something to be the most respected and feared person in your whole village. Only for a child to treat you like just an ordinary person just an old man it reminded me so much of his mother, but his eyes carry a brilliance like his father does.

When I asked why he wanted to be Hokage? He told me he wanted acknowledgment, and he also wanted to defend his people. His people if I grew up the way, he did Tsunade I would've wanted to kill everyone and more often than not. I still do. When I gave his father the hat I thought I could finally just sit down and be an old man, relaxed, jovial and just enjoy my twilight years with Biwako, and play with all my future grandchildren. Instead Minato sacrificed himself, and his son for his village. I hate him for that I told him I'm willing to do it. I begged him to let me do it. Instead he put me back in the chair that I hate to watch out for his son, who needed a father. I told the counsellors Minato wanted his son to be seen as a hero only three of them agreed, everyone else wanted him dead, and I wanted to kill them for it.

Mikoto wanted to adopt him because she was his godmother, it was her right to and I denied it. Because I didn't trust her husband I can only imagine what could've changed if I allowed it. Even Fugaku the Prideful bastard he is came to me afterwards and asked if they could. Mikoto was drowning in her sorrow only ever hiding it when her children were around. The look in his eye told me how sorry he was and yet I still denied him. His eldest son Itachi brought that little ray of sunshine to the hospital more than once, and I still denied them. Then more and more came up Hinata's attempted kidnapping, the Uchiha massacre. I lost another successor that night. Two in fact, and think all of that could've been avoided. If I chose to act on my heart instead of my head.

Yet that boy always tried to help, but I could see it through my crystal ball. I saw he was trying to take Sasuke's mind off the massacre without actually knowing too much about it. All he knew was that someone he considered a friend needed help. Then Hinata was being bullied and he jumped over the fence without hesitation, this boy was sent to the hospital from beatings by adults twice his size. Yet the moment he saw somebody in trouble, he still went to help. When he got me crying in my office one day after I lost my son my baby boy Tobirama he hugged me and just let me cry, he never told anyone he just wanted me to feel better, because that is who he is. I want you to come back. I want you to meet him, but I don't think you ever will. I doubt I'll even send this letter I'm writing now. It's because I just have for some odd reason a little spark of faith in you. Like I still do with Orochimaru I know of one day that a he'll will be the death of me that more often than not I'd see myself welcoming it. I know if I could do it all again I still wouldn't be able to. I'm ashamed to say it but I can't every time I saw Orochimaru, he was still just that lonely bright child who needed a father. Some thing I'm a great failure as well.

I hope whatever it is you're doing changes I really do, Tsunade I'm praying for an end of your depression, but I can't remain strong for everyone anymore. He asked me about his parents again, knowing full well that if there was anyone who would know anything about the People of this village, it would be me. He knows I'm lying when I say I don't know them, he knows, but he accepts for how long I don't know. He still trusts me unconditionally even though he knows I'm lying straight to his face. Why though? Does he think of me so highly? Does he simply love his Jiji that much? Is it because of Ayame and Teuchi.

When Teuchi told me how he meet Naruto after demanding to adopt him, I saw even more joy that this boy brings to people, who just give him a chance. I'm waiting for the day to finally give him my hat, or at least see my successor do so. I'd rather spend my remaining years with him and little Konohamaru. Still I know I'm pushing my luck with him, he may have the patience of a saint But even a saint would have limits eventually. I know this I know his smile is starting to feel forced that twinkle in his eye is dying, and my flame is once again joining it. I made a deal with the council when he passes the exams. His heritage will be told to him I guess they knew what would happen if they said no. He's starting the Academy in a few days. I hope he makes plenty of friends. I hope my law will help him. I hope I can make this right.

(Hinata switched the the pages shaking sadly, it was a long letter)

It's been two years and I find myself writing this letter to you again, two years I have been writing the same letter, all they do is send you a different one full of assurances full of lies. I wanted to tell you all of this, he started out so amazingly he was so happy but now I found myself horrified. I may have asked Iruka to give Naruto a chance, after he replace the old teacher, he may now see Naruto differently now, but I fear the damage was already done. Iruka I did my office today with some test papers of Naruto's, two of which were dated on the same day, both of which the same test, from his old Sensei. The first one he showed me she'll just how brilliant the boy was, how focussed attentive how we always pay attention. I was so proud then he showed me the second one. It was all wrong It made the boy I love so much look like a moron a word, even stronger than that.

That's when I saw what Iruka was trying to show me, he was sabotaged this whole time he was sabotaged. Then he told me about the instructors and how he was treated he pulled out the weapons Naruto was given for target practice. They may not say it out loud, but I message is clear they still consider him a Demon. I was furious then he started showing me more test papers. Ones that only he gave out told me of his degradation in class from an attentive student, to an ignorant child he stop trying he already tried to enter the Academy graduation exam. One reserved prodigies but I can't do a regular clone. I want to show him the shadow clones, but I've been getting stonewalled. Why do I still care about the Politics? I'm meant to be a dictator my word is law, but I know my old friends taken advantage I know the idiots at my village. It would be a riot. Sometimes I wish I could send mail advisors, on a suicide mission of their own. Damn myself for having faith in them and damn you for never coming to check him.

(the third page)

He finally did it he was manipulated by one of his old teachers, but learned the Jutsu I wanted him to must've been sheer luck or fate, I don't know. Obviously my old friends came with their bullshit fucking crying about how he should be in Root or how we should punish him. Instead, I promoted him to a Genin gave him his fathers only surviving student as a Sensai. I know Kakashi can do it both of them need this. He was Naruto's protector with Mitarashi Anko and Uchiha Shisui once. Why she I allowed her to be replaced for excessive force like that I never know, then, actually demoting her like I did maybe I'm just going senile. Kushina already had me preparing the adoption papers. She should've been Namizaki-Uzumaki Anko, the night of her little brothers birth, if it wasn't for that mask wearing bastard. How can I have punish an older sister for defending her baby brother. Why the hell am I still the leader?.

The final letter.

It appears my judgement can never be trusted, not sense Iruka anyway Kakashi has failed me. Seeing Naruto in the pulmonary exams should've been some thing spectacular. Instead, it was a fucking joke. He beat Kiba with a fart of all things. It would've been hilarious, if it wasn't so aggravating. I know Kakashi promise to do right by Obito's memory, I understand this, but he's spot in the face of the very principles he preached. I understand Sasuke is important I understand we can't lose him. I understand he needs attention, but so does Naruto and Sakura.

I kept thinking about my training days with you and the others. Was I like that with Orochimaru? Did I ignore you two that I gave you and Orochimaru all my attention and left Jiraiya behind. I honestly can't remember that if I did why he's clearly the better one? I got a message from Wave the name of the bridge after Naruto. I was so proud of him of every written word, telling me just how much hope he brought back to the small nation. 13 years old and already making a huge shadow for others to get out of. I was so happy I was right about grandson I pictured the fight in my head, Naruto against Zabuza how on the reports he thought, and then reformed the Kiri Demon himself. Then inspired the people to fight against that army of thugs. I thought Kakashi took his training seriously, but what I saw on only showed me that boy got nothing from his should've been big brother.

Then I had some faith again when that one eyed bastard got Ebisu to train him, I know you might seem like a moron, but I made him Konohamaru's teacher for a reason. As annoyed as he was with Naruto, he wasn't a bigot, and he's far from a moron now that was thrown out, because father and son reunited. I can see that it was killing Jiraiya play the fool like he did, but he taught more in that month than anyone else did. I finally asked him to be Hokage, to finally take the hat away from me. Instead, he said he was following the lead on that group after Naruto. "You can't be Hokage and the spy master". The bastard threw my own explanation back in my face and it was well deserved. He told me to go find you and bring you back. You're the only one who could take this fucking position. So after the exams I'm going to send you this letter. You better come back here if you know what's good for you, Tsunade I am more than tired allowing you to cry over your problems when I haven't even been able to cry for mine.

Sarutobi Hiruzen. The broken third Hokage of Konoha.

Hinata shook tearfully it wasn't a letter or even just a written fuck you to Tsunade. It was a confession of a tired old man,at the end of his rope. Someone who was here since the village is founding, who gave up everything for it, who first loved it with all his heart, and I hated it with a passion. Only holding it in because of one person the only true Hokage he put all his faith him to. Of course it had to be the one they killed. Her legs were weak her eyes were burning with tears. Sasuke sat down letting his own tears, he was actually crying. "He really was my brother he should've been my brother, Kami everything I put him through FUCK". Sasuke said braking down legitimately, crying in front of them he was completely destroyed.

A makeshift base of operations somewhere in Konaha.

The spy was listening in on his ham radio from his bug in the Hokage's office with a grin. He stole a couple of new toys from the armoury and Sarutobi's, went back to his base of operations in the village and recorded everything. After it all just ended up being crying, he switched the tape to record for next time. "Onoki you're gonna love this, your oldest rival taking away morale from beyond the grave". He said, with a grin before listening, and some more. "Where's Neji?". Hinata asked she needed to get her mind off of this.

"He and the other Shadow Strike members, are meeting a turn coat from Kusa named Benga, he's to be escorted to my office, they should be back tomorrow". The spy looked at the the lang ranged crossbow he stole this morning with a smile, before changing the dials. "Boss this is Foxtrot". He called. "What's up Foxy?". Kurotsuchi asked making him chuckle. "How about a little pay on the Shadow strike?". He asked with a grin. "Tell me all about it". She ordered she was grinning on the other side.

Working on next chapter cheers.