-Kirigakure-

The Mizukage was never particularly fond of hospitals. She always found them off putting and odd smelling. She knew it was a place for healing and recovery, but she could never get past the fact that's where the dead came to die. It always felt, to her, more died in these rooms then survived. And the Mist Village had plenty of death over recent years. It did not need more.

Mei followed her advisor and bodyguard, Ao, through the halls of the hospital, greeting the nurses and patients as she walked by them. Spirits and overall morale of the entire village were increasing since her sudden take over as Mizukage. Doing everything she could to improve their day to day lives from what they used to be was one of her top priorities.

"So, who were the survivors from the Wave incident?" Mei asked as they reached the locked down wing the hospital. She didn't want any unnecessary personal to know of their captives.

"Two Konoha shinobi and one Iwa. A jōnin commander, Aoba Yamashiro, and a chūnin Mizuki. The Iwa shinobi has been identified as Kurotsuchi, the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage."

That caught the Kage's attention. "Granddaughter?"

Ao nodded. "She, and the other two, were the only survivors from the blast. They were unconscious when the search team found them. They only just regained consciousness some time ago."

Mei nodded. "Are they here in the hospital for treatment, then?" The man said nothing, causing confusion to rise up in the Mizukage. "Ao?"

"There's…something you should see first, Lady Mei."

Confused by the statement, she followed without argue. Only curiosity. The man stopped at a door guarded by a single jōnin. Without a word, he slid the door open. Ao walked in first, then Mei quickly followed. She noticed the person in the bed was a young girl. She was badly injured. And by the number of machines connected to her, she was lucky to be alive.

"What happened to her?" The Mizukage questioned.

"We aren't really sure." Ao responded. "We found her on the shoreline, beaten like this. We were surprised she survived the encounter, let alone the journey back to the village. A strong will she has. But the more curious thing is what she had on her." Ao motioned for the weapon to be brought in the room. It was Kubikiribōchō, the Executioners Blade. The last known wielder of this blade was Zabuza Momochi, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

"That blade…she's one of the Swordsmen?"

Ao shook his head. "Unlikely. Either she took it off Zabuza's body when he died at the hands of Kakashi Hatake or…"

"…This was his student. Could this be the missing child of the Yuki clan?"

Years ago, back in the rein of the Third and Fourth Mizukages, there was a massacre of the powerful Yuki clan. The Yuki clan was a powerful and well-known clan in the Kirigakure. While the clan itself stayed outside the village, it was major contributor for Kirigakure's forces. Much like the Uchiha and Hyūga clans of Konoha, they were known throughout the lands and feared greatly for their kekkei genkai, Hyōton. (Ice Release)

Hyōton was such a powerful technique, the fear the ability created was earned. Especially the Makyō Hyōshō(Crystal Ice Mirrors). Near Instantaneous travel between the mirrors of ice that make it seem the target is completely surrounded, being able to attack from every angle, and no ordinary Katon technique can melt the ice. A formidable ability.

During the end times of the Second Great Ninja War and near the start of the Third, a civil war broke out in the Land of Mist. And the Yuki clan was one of the many casualties of it. The members of the clan were slaughtered out of fear that they would use their powerful ability to turn the tide in the war. The few surviving members went into hiding for safety so that their kekkei genkai wouldn't be discovered.

"This girl…is she the one that was kidnapped during Zabuza's failed coup d'état?" Ao pondered out loud.

Mei had already considered that. "It's possible. Her family was found dead in their homes. It was unsure who was the killer. It was assumed it was Zabuza."

Ao glanced back at the sword then motioned for the shinobi to take it away. He knew of the case file that was created for the murder of Haku's parents and pondered it. It was easy to paint Zabuza as the killer. But there was one thing that stuck out to the man. Haku was, at least, four to five years old. Why would the child follow the man that just killed her parents? Probably right in front of her, as well. Something didn't add up. But that was something to ponder another date.

"Will she wake up?"

Ao shrugged. "Doc wasn't sure. She took quite a beating from someone. Deep lacerations, burns from possible explosions, and extreme chakra exhaustion. There's no telling when she'll wake up."

The door suddenly slid open and a jōnin came running in. "Lady Mizukage, one of the prisoners wants to talk."

"Which one?"

"Mizuki. He says he has some info on Konoha and their jinchūriki."

-Naruto's Mindscape-

The water splashed beneath Naruto's feet as he approached the corridor of the Kyūbi. It was odd. He had never appeared anywhere else inside this mind realm. It was a bit of a maze to find his way through the sewer-like halls to the beast sealed away in him.

The blonde approached the corridor and expected to see the usual red gate with the seal his father created still on it. But that was gone. And the demon was in full view. Through the dim light, Naruto could make out the nine tails lazily moving about as the main body rested comfortably. Though, he figured it was hard to be comfortable with a metal collar around the neck with an equally sized chain holding the Kyūbi in place. Where the chain disappeared to, Naruto was unsure if he wanted to know.

The eyes of the Kyūbi opened as Naruto approached him. "Don't be so surprised. This was a long time coming."

"What the hell happened to the gate? Did something happen to the seal?"

"You knew the seal was gradually weakening. This is product of time wearing it down. I will admit this happened faster than I originally thought."

Slightly groaning, Naruto crouched as comfortably as he could. He was in ankle deep water; he didn't want to sit down and get wet.

"So, you've been stuck in a collar this whole time? Looks uncomfortable."

"You're more than welcome to trade with me."

Naruto chuckled. "No thanks. Not my thing."

Looking at the hard taut chain, the young chūnin thought back to his battle with Yugito. He briefly thought about other methods that Tailed Beasts were sealed. Were they all like this? Sitting in a empty space with nothing more than their thoughts and memories. He remembered what the Kyūbi said about the Two-Tails, or Matatabi as he recalled, and how the beast was quick to make friends with the host. Frankly, Naruto understood that. Being alone was unbearable. He hated it and knew what it could do to a person. Bijū weren't that much different, he figured.

"Do you have a name?"

Both eyes of the Kyūbi shot up in surprise. "What did you just ask me?!"

Unfazed by the reaction, Naruto simply asked again. "Do you have a name?" He couldn't tell if the beast was offended or shocked by the question.

"What makes you think I have a name?! I'm the most powerful beast in all the lands! My name is no concern to anyone!"

"Oh, stop by with all the macho crap. What's the big deal?"

"No human has uttered my name in hundreds of years! It is impossible to know."

"I never said I know it. During my fight with Yugito, she said the Two-Tails name. My guess is that you have one too."

Growling, the Kyūbi returned to his relaxed position. "Your assumption would be correct. However, I will not tell you."

The boy raised his brow. He was genuinely upset about that. "Why not? You've helped me through almost every major fight I've been in, given me the ability to wield an unimaginably powerful weapon, and are practically an open book of knowledge whenever I ask. And you won't tell me your name?!"

"Drop the tone, boy." The beast growled. "You know nothing of my history. Humans are all the same. Trust is of no value to them. Simply because I aid you from time to time and offer advice that you graciously yield to means nothing to my own experiences and beliefs."

Naruto was rocked with disbelief. "You don't trust me?"

"There is a problem with trust that most ignore. Humans only view it as a means to an end. The last human I trusted captured me, controlled me to fight, and it resulted in my captivity for decades."

Naruto recalled the known history of the beast. "Madara? You actually trusted him?"

"A mistake I'll never make again. Even that bastard Wood user, Hashirama, sealed me in that Uzumaki woman as to not let me roam free because of the destruction I created." The Kyūbi almost sounded depressed. "It was never my choice. I…have only ever been a tool for humans."

From his point of view, Naruto understood that feeling. Though his life was because of the Kyūbi, the feel of knowing what being considered a tool was something he knew deeply. The beast was centuries older than him, probably even longer than that. He had lived with this longer. Something Naruto did not envy.

"But you made a promise with my father? A promise means you trust them to fulfill something."

"That was for withholding certain information. Trusting you was never apart of that deal."

Frustration was mounting, Naruto hated being in the dark. Especially when it pertained to him and his past. Despite his feelings towards his father and the gravity of the situation, he still wanted to know as much as he could.

He just wanted to understand.

Naruto glared holes through the beast. "…Whatever. Keep your fucking secrets."

The young teen disappeared back into the chamber's darkness from where he appeared from, leaving the Kyūbi alone once more. Relaxing his body as to not have the collar tight around his neck, the Nine-Tailed Biju stared into the nothingness before closing his eyes.

"It's getting difficult to keep these secrets from him. The pain he carries, the conflict in his heart will become too much for him. If I lose him then your plan will be for nothing. You hear that Fourth? It won't be long until he learns the truth. I hope your plan works."

-Hokage's Office-

The complete and utter disbelief Tsunade and Shikaku felt as Sakura finished her verbal report on the mission. As the only member that had the ability to report, two were hospitalized and the other was sworn to secrecy by an unknown entity, Sakura was the only one who could recall the events.

And tell her master her team were the only survivors.

The Slug Sannin buried her face in her hands. "So many lives lost…I can't believe this."

Shikaku felt like he needed drink. "One blast from the Two-Tails destroyed the entire country?" A slow nod from the Hokage's apprentice. "That power is unbelievable."

Retying her hair into a ponytail, Tsunade let out a defeated sigh. Nothing was going her way, it seemed. Every decision she made in regard to the war effort was either failing or somehow turned out negatively.

"You said the Akatsuki showed up as well?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes ma'am. According to one of them, they weren't there for Naruto. He said they had strict orders not to capture him."

Shikaku stroke his chin thoughtfully. "I mean nothing by this but it is interesting they were given strict orders to not capture Naruto, even in his weakened state. Something I'll ask Lord Jiraiya to look into."

"It's safe to assume the Two-Tails was captured then." She leaned back into her chair. "Not good."

Without warning of a knock, the office door swung open. The three individuals that Tsunade disagreed the most during her reign as Hokage waltzed right into her office, not even to bother with a greeting. Koharu and Homura approached the desk first, disregarding Sakura completely, and Danzo trailed slightly behind.

"Tsunade, we need to talk." Koharu stated.

Tsunade was already having a bad day, these has-beens were only going to make it worse. "Well, it will have to wait. I'm in the middle of a mission report from my apprentice. You can wait in the lobby like everyone else."

"Now is not the time for sly comments, Princess Tsunade." Danzō was uncharacteristically visually agitated. "An entire country was laid waste to an invasion you authorized. Not to mention, it was your idea to have troops stationed there in the first place."

Shikaku had the vision to see where this conversation was headed, and Sakura did not need to stand awkwardly in the middle of it. He stepped forward to whisper to her. "Head back to the hospital and help Shizune. This will take a bit. We'll finish the report later."

Sakura nodded in confirmation and she swiftly leave her master's office. While her curiosity as to why the three elders of Konoha were so upset with her master was strong, her rank and ability to go on missions were far to valuable to her. And going to check on her lover would be good way to relax and take her mind off of things.

"Yo, Sakura."

The chūnin turned to see Shikamaru and the sister of the Kazekage, Temari, approaching her from the adjacent hallway that led towards the Hokage office waiting area. "Hey, you guys. What's going on?"

"Just here to update the Hokage on the Chūnin Exam preparations." Temari answered. "Is she available?"

Sakura quickly shook her head and waved them off. "I wouldn't go in there. The elders barged in there and they seemed pretty angry with her. I'd come back after…maybe even tomorrow so you don't get caught in her wrath." She chuckled awkwardly.

Despite this not being her home village, Temari knew of the Hokage's temper. It was as legendary as her reputation as a Sannin. Both heeded the warning. The group walked together out of the Hokage's Mansion together.

"Well, that was the last thing on the list." Temari stated. "I guess I have to report to Suna. A few more preparations and it'll all be ready."

"Did you come by yourself?" Sakura asked.

Temari shook her head. "No. Kankurō has been a little overprotective since Gaara's capture. He insisted on having Kaito accompany me so that nothing went wrong on my travels. I can handle myself."

"I mean I get where he's coming from." Shikamaru muttered, mostly to himself. He knew if he said it out loud then Temari would probably castrate him.

Sakura giggled. She has heard the Nara genius. "Where is Kaito now?"

Temari chuckled. "He couldn't sit still and relax for once. He jumped on a mission with that Hyūga. His name was Neji right?" Both Konoha shinobi nodded. "Since Gaara was saved, he's been working nonstop on updating Suna's security."

"And the Kazekage agreed to send his Head of Security on mission?"

The Suna jōnin shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. Honestly, I think Gaara sent him to give him a moment of peace. Kaito hasn't left his side since he returned."

Sakura could see it. Kaito was extremely affected by Gaara's capture. She was glad that he was learning from his mistake and taking his job seriously.

"Say, I heard a rumor Naruto was in the hospital. Is it true?" Shikamaru asked.

Sakura nodded. "Yeah. Our last mission didn't go so well…"

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. Sakura rarely got down like this. It must have been something major. "What happened?"

As they walked, Sakura explained everything that happened on the mission. Leading them to the hospital.

-With Tsunade-

"This is unbelievable Tsunade! How could you let this happen?!"

The Sannin fiercely stood up from her chair. "How could I? I had nothing to do with the destruction of the Waves!"

"You were the one to ask Naruto Uzumaki to handle Kumogakure's jinchūriki on his own! That was not a decision of the Council!" It had been a long time since Koharu had yelled like this. "Clearly, we were wrong to follow your recommendation! He is not ready!"

Tsunade was furious. "How can you place the blame on him?! We don't know the full story!"

"We know enough Tsunade." Homura spoke up, calmer than either of them. "This is going to be political nightmare. Do you have any idea how this looks?"

"Why does that matter?" Tsunade countered. "We're at war. You three know that there are some things we can't control. Collateral damage from a Biju is, I'd assume, one of things."

"Wave Country is under the jurisdiction of Kirigakure. We never approached them about stationing our shinobi in their borders. They might take this as an act of aggression and side with Kumo and Iwa. We don't need anymore enemies!"

"I'll handle that." Tsunade said with confidence. She had no idea how she would but she would definitely figure something out.

"For your sake, you better fix this."

The Hokage glared at the Warhawk behind the two elders. "Excuse me?"

"We've been in a standstill in this war for the past year. We've been losing more than we've been gaining. Something must change, Princess Tsunade." Danzō moved forward with his cane. "Konohagakure has, and always will be, the strongest of the Five Great Nations. Our fighting force hungers for blood and will do anything to protect the village. You have not been using our shinobi to their fullest extent."

"You've never been in my position, Danzō." Tsunade commented. "I will not knowingly send my ninja to their deaths. We did not start this war."

"But we will finish it." Danzō said, projecting his will through his voice. "I have not seen combat in years, but I am willing to enter the fray and fight alongside the shinobi of this village if it meant Konoha would win and live on. As Hokage, I'd expect the same from you."

"You're insane to think I wouldn't die at any moment for this village. My grandfather built this village and my sensei died protecting it. Konoha is my home, and the villagers are my responsibility to protect."

"Then quit hesitating and unleash the Fire.."

Tsunade remained stoic and defiant. "I am the Hokage, leader of this village. I will win this war my way!"

Tensions were echoing throughout the entire Mansion. It was rare for the Hokage to be this vocal. Even more unusual to see the Elders worked up about something.

A messenger shinobi burst into the office. "Lady Hokage! Urgent message from the Mizukage!"

Tsunade's stomach hit rock bottom.

-With Naruto-

The gentle afternoon breeze blew through the open window in an attempt to free his room of the horrible sterile stench of the white walls and ceiling. Naruto would never get used to being in a hospital. It was one of the few things he could say that he actually hated. Despite the healing and caring aspect of the hospital, his memory of it were hurtful and distasteful. It was only because Sakura and Tsunade were the ones who treated him that he would agree to stay.

When he woke from his healing sleep the other day, as always, he was greeted to Sakura. She never once left his side. Something he would always appreciate and never take for granted.

But his words with the Kyūbi remained in the front of his mind. What was he missing? Why did the beast continue to keep things from him? Why did he promise his father to secrecy? And for what purpose? Was the sealing predetermined before his actual birth and not pure coincidence like he was led to believe?

There were too many questions to ask. And there would never be enough answers to have.

That was another thing Naruto could say he hated.

The sliding door to his room opened and Sakura entered first with Shikamaru and Temari following shortly after.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you being in the hospital." Shikamaru commented.

"Don't. I hate it here."

"Hey, I work here, y'know." Naruto settled back onto his bed while Sakura looked over his chart to make sure there weren't any changes. "Good news. No overnight changes. Despite the injury to your arm, you should be good to be released today."

"Thank god. This place sucks."

Shikamaru took note of the cast and sling. "So, what'd ya do? Someone got the best of ya?"

Naruto chuckled. "Not really. This is the after-affect of my new jutsu, Rasenshuriken."

Shikamaru rasied an eyebrow. "Rasenshuriken? Is that a variant to the Rasengan?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. I added my Fūton element to it. It attacks my opponent's chakra system with extremely small wind blades. I'm not sure how many but it's a lot."

"Microscopic levels?" Shikamaru clarified. Naruto shrugged, saying he rightfully did not know. "That's some jutsu to have a back blast like this."

"You have a Fūton chakra nature?" Temari questioned, to which Naruto nodded. She would have an interest in this, that was the most common element in Suna after all. "Is that a common affinity to have in Konoha?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "I'm not completely sure. There aren't many registered Fūton users as far as I'm aware. My dad would be the one to ask."

"I don't just have Fūton. I have Raton and Katon as well." Naruto simply commented, trying to keep the conversation going. Unknowingly shocking them all.

"Three affinities?!" Sakura gasped.

"That's rarer than having a simple Wind element in Konoha." Shikamaru commented.

"Genetics are a hell of a thing." Temari stated. "Probably a mixture of your parents." She instantly felt the awkwardness and uncomfortable tension. "Oh right. Sorry." Out of anyone in the room, Temari had the most sympathy to give. Her father was a tyrant, hardly the perfect role model for her or her brothers. Why did Naruto get the sympathy of everyone and Gaara didn't? A difference in society, she figured.

"She's not wrong. I have the same affinities as my father…but I'm not quite able to use Raton."

"Really?" Shikamaru questioned. "How so?"

"Pervy Sage believes it's because my Fūton is really strong and naturally suppresses it. I haven't figured out how to turn that part of my brain off yet." The blonde chuckled.

Shikamaru had a basic understanding on chakra affinities and their properties. It was possible that was happening. A natural, mental block caused by the Wind element in his chakra system. And seeing how Wind is the natural enemy to Lighting, it was entirely possible. Who was he to argue with the Toad Sage?

Sakura set down the clipboard. "I finished up your check-up. I'll clear you from the front desk and get your discharge papers. Get changed, we can leave once I'm back."

"Sounds good." Naruto jumped off the bed.

Just as the pinkette was about the leave the hospital room, the door slid open and Neji stood in the doorway. A split second of memory of the Chūnin Exams stopped Sakura momentarily. She pushed those memories back into her mind just as quickly. "N-Neji? What are you doing here?"

Gently moving past Sakura and approaching the jinchūriki, Neji was in no mood for small talk. "Naruto…"

"…Neji…?"

Before their conversation could take off, Temari butt in. "Hey, your team is back. Where's Kaito?"

The Hyūga never took his pale eyes off the Uzumaki. "He's with Tenten, helping Lee into a hospital bed. He's in rough shape after the mission."

Sakura took an immediate interest. "What happened? What are his injuries?"

"He used the Eight Inner Gates. His injuries aren't severe but he'll out of the fight for a while. Just like when he fought you, Naruto."

"What was the mission?" Shikamaru questioned. "Did you encounter Iwa or Kumo shinobi?"

"Negative. It was a simple supply run to a small village near the ocean. There should have been no enemy contact."

Naruto knew there was something else coming. And it was directed at him. "But there was." A statement which Neji nodded to. "Who?"

"…It was Sasuke."

And it was at that moment you could hear a pin drop in the room. Utter disbelief filled the room. Sakura, being the hopeful girl she was, tried to remain positive. "You found Sasuke?!" She exclaimed. "What happened?!"

Despite Sakura's attempt of being positivity of the news, Shikamaru knew better. It wasn't hard to figure out what happened. The Nara glanced at the Uzumaki and there was a look of dread in his eyes. Why would he dread news on his friend? Especially now? It had been close to three years, and this was the first news, and sighting, of their missing comrade. There was a piece of the puzzle that Shikamaru was missing. And it seemed Neji was here to find it.

"We finished up our mission and we're returning home. We heard a crash a few hundred meters away. I used my Byakugan to investigate. In the rubble, I saw him. I saw Sasuke." All were listening intently. "We approached his position. He said he had a mission of his own and we would be interfering with it. Kaito, the damn hothead, fired the first shot and Sasuke reacted. He's strong…it was unnatural. That kind of growth in strength in three years isn't natural. And that creepy transformation…"

"…Curse Mark. He had it before his capture. It has different levels and manifests over time."

"Whatever that thing was, we weren't prepared for it. Lee used the Fifth Gate but Sasuke…he got up like it was nothing. If we didn't fall back, I don't think we would have come out of that alive."

The gravity of the situation fell upon the group as Neji finished up the report. Sakura had moved around to stand next to her teammate. The way Neji was speaking, he sounded like he was trying to get something out of Naruto. Waiting for him to say something that the rest of them didn't know. "Sasuke was trying to kill you?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but I assume that was the direction it was headed if we didn't get out of there."

Temari stepped forward. "But that doesn't make sense. Sasuke Uchiha was captured by one of Orochimaru's henchmen. Right? It was done by Kakashi Hatake and backed by Naruto."

"So, the report goes." The pale eyes of the Hyūga fell on the Uzumaki. "But I'm sure something was left out. Isn't that right, Naruto?"

All eyes fell on the Uzumaki. He held the hard expression, giving away nothing.

"What really happened on that mission?"

One glance at Sakura and his resolve broke. He held this in for too damn long. He knew she would be mad but it, despite the terrible timing, was time to tell the truth. When Sakura asked him when he first woke up after his failure, Naruto hesitated to tell her that their beloved teammate had turned on them. Or that's what it looked like.

"You're right. Kakashi sensei left out some things from the report. Because he didn't know. He might suspect but doesn't know outright. And I was unconscious, so I never gave a full official report. Baa-Chan asked a few questions, nothing specific, and called it good. The report on the mission is what Kakashi sensei wrote and the few questions Baa-Chan asked me. So, you're right that there are some things missing from the report."

"So, what happened then?" Shikamaru questioned, harder than intended. "I'm curious to know."

Naruto took in a deep sigh. He took one more glance at Sakura, knowing he could no longer hide this. "After I defeated the guy who kidnapped Sasuke, Sasuke took off. He didn't want me to follow him. Well, I did and he had gone through some kind of change. I'm not sure what but I'm positive it was the Curse Mark, like before."

"The Curse Mark?" Neji asked. "Is that the transformation?"

Naruto nodded. "From my understanding, it's a sealing technique that Orochimaru creates and has extreme properties. Boosts in powers, change in appearance, stuff of that nature. It even affects his mind. Maybe that's why he fought me. I don't know. He seemed pretty serious to me."

"Hold on! You and Sasuke fought?!" Sakura gasped hurtfully. Both Neji and Shikamaru held their surprise to mild expressions.

The blonde nodded. "Yeah. There was no other way. All he wants is revenge on Itachi and is willing to do anything. He really tried to kill him. Almost succeeded too."

"Almost?" Neji asked.

"His Chidori cut right through my right shoulder and destroyed my lung. If it weren't for the Kyūbi, I definitely would have died." Naruto chuckled, as if the situation was funny. "Honestly, at the rate we were going, we probably would have killed each other if it weren't for that Kumo shinobi interrupting us."

Temari chimed in. "You guys were going at it that hard?" Which Naruto nodded yes to. 'Some comrade…' The Suna jōnin thought to herself.

"What happened then?" Shikamaru questioned.

"The Kumo bastard basically killed me. The only reason I survived was because of the Kyūbi." Naruto proclaimed. "The fox kept me alive long enough to be treated back here by Baa-Chan."

"Where was Sasuke during all this?" Neji was focused on the subject at hand.

Naruto racked his brain and replayed the scene in his head. "He was restrained, I think. Details are a bit fuzzy after that. It all happened so fast, it's hard to remember. All I know is that Sasuke was gone by the time Kakashi sensei showed up. Everything else is in his report."

Shikamaru turned to Neji, an idea dawning in his mind. Why was he here? From the sound of it, and by the Hyūga's appearance, he had just returned within the last hour or so. Per regulation, a report needed to be made to the Hokage immediately upon arrival, excluding exigent circumstances. "You haven't reported this to the Hokage yet, have you?"

Hesitating, Neji shook his head. "…No, I haven't. I was more worried about getting Lee the treatment he needed. I had hoped Lady Tsunade would be here."

A likely and convincing story but Shikamaru wasn't buying it. "But why come to Naruto first?"

Professional feelings aside, Neji suddenly felt unsure of himself. Now that he considered his actions, he wasn't completely certain as to why he found himself in Naruto's hospital room. He wasn't even aware the Uzumaki was admitted when he arrived at the hospital. A report to the Hokage was the furthest idea from his mind.

"…I'm not completely sure. I just found myself here for answers."

"I think I know." Temari spoke up. "Sasuke was Naruto's teammate and the last person to see him before his disappearance. If it were me, I'd do the same thing."

Naruto looked at the Suna jōnin. "Do what exactly?"

"Get your approval. This report will brand Sasuke Uchiha as a traitor and no longer M.I.A. He'll be hunted and treated as a hostile."

Silence fell over the room as the gravity of the situation came to realization. Both stories lined up nicely and it would be very easy to paint Sasuke as a traitor of Konoha. With Lee's injuries, Naruto's words, and Neji's report, it was almost a guarantee. Konoha would be forced to hunt another Uchiha.

Shakily, Sakura sat down on the bed. She controlled her rapid breaths, trying to calm herself down. This was her worst nightmare, a fear she never knew she had. Sasuke protected her from countless enemies. They trained and fought together as team with Naruto. Who could he do this? She thought she knew him.

But what made this even worse, to the point she could hardly handle the news, was that Naruto knew this information about Sasuke and kept it from her. She understood there were things that he kept to himself for unknown reasons, but this was different. This was about their team, Team Seven. She hadthe right to know about Sasuke before this, whether she liked it or not.

Shikamaru groaned as he rubbed the back of neck in frustration. "Troublesome…this is gonna be such a drag."

Temari would have to agree.

Naruto glared hard at the Hyūga. "Well, what are you going to do, Neji?"

Confusion spread on his face. "What do you mean? I have to make this report. I'm not going to lie about this."

"He really can't lie." Shikamaru added. "Lee's in the hospital because of Sasuke. It would be hard to hide that. Besides, Kaito and Tenten have to make statements as well. It would bad if all were lying to cover Sasuke."

"Then him coming here for my 'approval' doesn't make any sense then!" Naruto fired back. It was clear he was just as frustrated and upset by news as Sakura.

"I came for answers, Naruto." Neji stated. "I see now I should have reported this to the Hokage first. I will rectify that mistake now." The Hyūga turned to leave.

"Neji wait!" Sakura called out in desperation. "Please…don't make Sasuke make a traitor."

A minor tweak of guilt. Despite what he did to her in the Chūnin Exams, Neji truly didn't want to hurt Sakura like this. Or Naruto for that matter. He'd feel the same if it were Lee or Tenten. This was their teammate, their friend.

But nothing changed. "It has to be done." And the Hyūga left the room.

Her plea fell on deaf ears, Sakura felt helpless. A single tear traced down her cheek and was quickly wiped away. This was no time to cry. She was hurt. But just as angry.

Sensing the growing tension in the room, Shikamaru and Temari quickly excused themselves. Temari would go on to find and Kaito while Shikamaru headed to his dad's office to brief him on the coming shit storm.

Naruto sat down on the bed and sighed heavily. "Sakura…I know you're angry."

"Angry doesn't even begin to cover it!"

Naruto said nothing.

The pinkette stood over the blonde, her shadow casting over him like a blanket of doom.

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"I thought it would be easier."

"Easier?! What's that supposed to mean?! We promised to save him together! And you didn't tell me what happened to him?!"

"Because I didn't know!" Naruto shouted back. "He was trying to kill me Sakura! How can I tell you something like that?! Sasuke's always meant a lot to you!"

Emotions ran wild between the two teammates turned lovers. Hurt and anger were never a good mixture, especially for ones so young. It was harder to process what they were feeling, even more so to articulate them. Despite their maturity, they were still growing teenagers that had much to learn.

"Sasuke means a lot to both of us! He's our teammate!" Sakura hoped he wasn't insinuating that she still harbored a childhood crush for Sasuke. That was puppy love. What she felt for Naruto was entirely different. "We need to get him back before it's too late."

"We have no idea where he is, Sakura. That was the only chance and Neji blew it." Naruto growled angrily. He felt out of character with this much anger in his system, but it also felt right. Like something was awakening inside him.

"There's still a chance." Sakura would never give up hope, especially for a friend. "Sasori's informant in Orochimaru's ranks. That's our key to finding Sasuke."

"That's still over a month away from their meeting. And I bet news of Sasori's death has reached that guy by now. He'd be stupid to show up. Whatever chance we had is gone."

Sakura was surprised by this. Naruto was never this much of a pessimist. His entire body language changed. She could even see it in his eyes. He was there on the surface but something else had taken over. Something inside had changed.

This was not Naruto.

"I think…I think I need to be by myself for awhile."

Without a word, Sakura silently left the room. Whatever changed in Naruto's eyes and mind disappeared. Realization hit and he reached out to nothing. Hoping to touch her through the solid walls and anger in the air. To pull her back in. But he couldn't.

"…Come back…"

Oh, how he hated being alone.

-Hokage's Office-

Another shot went down her throat with zero sensation. Was this her seventh or eighth? Tsunade lost track. Frankly, she didn't care. Frustration, disappointment, and sheer exhaustion came to head in a sake fueled drinking episode. This was absolutely the darkest day in her reign as the Fifth Hokage. Without contention.

An entire country of innocent people and nearly two companies worth of Konoha shinobi had been killed because of a decision she made, the war was going no where and she had no idea what to do, and the Mizukage demands answers as to why there were Konoha shinobi stationed in her borders without her knowledge to cause the war to be there. And to make matters worse, the ultimate gut punch from who is supposed to be her council of advisers, her powers as Hokage were being threatened to be taken from her because of these failures. She had no clue those old bastards had that power. But some old regulation gave them authority to do so if need be. A fail safe.

One more warm liquid flew down easily. The burn stopped after the first three. Now, it was just water to her.

How did they make it look so easy? Her grandfather, the First Hokage, created this village from nothing and united all under the name Konohagakure. Her great uncle, the Second Hokage, perfected, created, and fixed what his brother could not in his lifetime. The Third Hokage, her mentor, protected and made Konoha thrive through two wars. The Fourth Hokage, though only for a short time, presented such strength that no other village would dare challenge them for decades to come.

What did she offer as the Fifth? Weakness? Inexperience? Terrible Addictions? All awful for someone who was supposed to be the strongest and smartest in the village. A true and great leader was supposed to never make mistakes, lead from the front, and put all above them. And as it stood now, Tsunade had failed at everything.

"What were you thinking, Jiraiya?" She asked herself in a drunken slur. "I was never cut out for this job."

"I was thinking why wasn't invited to this pity party. A party's a party."

Tsunade lazily spun her chair around to see Jiraiya sitting on the windowsill. "Shocking." She sarcastically slurred. "You used the window."

"It's my thing." The woman snorted. "And it seems you're doing your thing."

She poured another shot, only for it to be swiped by the male Sannin. "Hey!"

"You've had enough, Tsunade." He poured the liquor on the wood. "Getting drunk isn't going to solve any problems."

"Sure helps ignore them." A hiccup followed.

Sighing heavily, the man pulled a chair up and sat across from his long-time friend. A memory flashed through his mind, Dan's death. He recalled sitting across from her, just like this, as she drank her troubles away. Then, he thought it would help if he joined in and tried to slowly take the bottle away from her. It didn't. It only resulted in a night they both hardly remember and years of angst between them.

But this was a different time. And they were different people from when they were mere young adults. Practically children compared to now. He didn't know better and neither did she. Love, sex, and booze only complicate things.

"What's going on, Tsunade?"

Resting her head on her arms, the Hokage swayed slightly as she spoke. "The Wave Country was destroyed, laid to waste."

"What?!" Jiraiya burst out. "When did this happen?!"

"A few days ago. The shinobi I had stationed there were captured by Iwa, and the land was taken over. I sent Delta Company from Genma's brigade to recover and liberate."

Confusion still filled the man. "How did that end up the Land of Waves being destroyed?"

"Reports came in that Kumo's jinchūriki was there. So…I sent Naruto." She was unsure how he would react.

A moment of pause to comprehend the information. "…You did, huh? How'd he fair?"

"Sakura had to give the official report, so the details are somewhat fuzzy. She stated that Naruto engaged the Two-Tailed Jinchūriki, Yugito Nii. At some point in the battle, she transformed into the beast itself."

"I presume he used Sage Mode."

"Says Sakura. Moving on, the beast created a large blast that Naruto tried to redirect with that new jutsu of his. It failed and the Land of Waves was blown to hell."

Jiraiya let out a long sigh, giving himself a moment to digest the information. "He's in the hospital, I take it?" She nodded. "Must've been a dire situation for him to use it, especially against your orders."

"Sakura says he also used that sword, Tojin. But I saw no damage to his heart. Was the Sage mode that protected him?"

Jiraiya contemplated that. "It's possible. We never tested the theory during our training, but it was always something I thought could work. Senjutsu has that high durability enhancement. I was going to work with him on it when we had some time."

"Never is enough time."

Silence followed to two Sannin. There was always something else bothering Tsunade. Jiraiya knew her long enough to know that.

"What else is there, Tsunade?"

Damn. She thought she could slide away this time. "…Those damn elders threatened to strip my powers as Hokage away if I don't turn this war around."

The Toad Sage raised his brow. "They can do that?"

She shrugged. "Apparently. In some of the older regulations that Lord Second wrote states that if a Kage cannot lead well or shows signs of something…powers can be taken…" Her words were slurring worse. "I don't…quite remember l everything…" The exhaustion was beginning to catch up to her. "I'm so tired…and drunk…"

Chuckling, Jiraiya scooped the Fifth Hokage up in his strong arms. This scene used to be a regular occurrence back in their younger days. He would always bring her home drunk or completely passed out. In their down time, there was hardly a time when she wasn't drinking. But he usually drank with her. Just never to the point he couldn't walk because he would never let someone else take her home. A true recipe for disaster. It was his job as her friend and teammate.

Some things never change.

"Don't think you're getting lucky..."

He chuckled again. "You know I don't like drunk girls."

"Bullshit. That's how we fucked the first time."

Closing the door, Jiraiya tenderly carried the woman of his dreams home once more.

-With the Mizukage-

The former academy instructor sat across from the leader of Kirigakure. So many things happened for him to be in the position he was in currently. And it all started the day he was removed from the academy because of that stupid fox boy.

"So, I hear you have some things to tell us about your village." Mei lazily rocked her leg over the other as she rested in her chair. She could tell that the man was willing to tell her nearly everything by just his body language.

Struggling with his hand cuffs, Mizuki tried to relax as well. "Yeah, I do. I'd also like these restraints off, but I know that won't happen. So, I'll take a hot meal and asylum in your village as payment for my information."

"Asylum?" Mei asked incredulously. "Why on earth would I grant you asylum in my village? Konoha will want to take you out. That isn't in the best interest for my village."

"Then I'll take my knowledge elsewhere. I know two other Kage will gladly take what I have to offer."

"How do you plan to do that?" Mei questioned. "You're in my custody and will be until I decide to hand you over back to Konoha and tell them you tried to spread confidential information to a foreign government. How do you think they will react to that, hm? Not well, I imagine."

Mizuki chuckled. "Do you really think this is my first attempt to defect? I've hated that village for years! And that stupid weasel they call a jinchūriki. Pathetic! All of them!" He laughed for sinisterly. "That's the Tsuchikage's granddaughter in the other room, right?! As cold of a bastard he can be, I doubt he'll let his only granddaughter rot in a prison cell. This info could save your village from a full-on assault."

Truthfully, Mei hadn't considered that. Ōnoki had a strong reputation to use and expend whatever resource he had for victory. She recalled a time during in the Third Great War when he sent an entire division worth of shinobi to kill one man, the Yellow Flash. Needless to say, it did not go well. It only made the man more famous than he already was. And that was event that earned Minato Namikaze the 'flee on sight' order to his name.

And that wasn't the first time Minato took down a division either.

The thought of a full-scale attack from another great village didn't end well for Kirigakure in Mei's mind. Her village was still in recovery and rehabilitation. A war within these walls would devastate everything she had been working towards. Also, an ally could be made with Iwa, and Kumo through them, with this information. And that would effectively leave them out of their war. Until Konoha decided to retaliate by coming to kill the whistleblower and rescue their captive. Again, it wouldn't bode well.

Mei could simply turn over their prisoners to the respective villages and stay out of their conflict entirely, but that wouldn't do justice for the people of the Waves. Innocently killed because of their war. Something had to be done. Someone must be held responsible.

"…I will consider your demands…"

Mizuki smiled triumphantly. "I'm glad you see it-"

"…after you tell me the information. If it is viable and important as you say, I'll consider what you have asked. Now, tell me what you know."

Seeing this as his best option, Mizuki nodded. "I'll start off with what I know about Konoha…."

-Some Time Later-

In the same interview room, Kurotsuchi was now sitting the chair that Mizuki sat in. Not bothering to check to see how tight the cuffs were, the Iwa jōnin sat patiently for the Mizukage to ask her questions that she would not answer.

She wondered how long the Konoha Shinobi were interrogated for. She saw the one with the slight blueish hair be taken first. Judging by his body language when they took him, he sung like it was concert. He was gone for quite a long time. The other, Kurotsuchi could tell held out and gave nothing. A true shinobi.

"What was Iwa doing in the Land of Waves?"

Kurotsuchi offered no response. A simple stare of silence.

Mei expected this. She was the granddaughter of the Kage of her village. She was bound to know plenty of classified information that other villages, Konoha mainly, would kill to get their hands on. Her being tight lipped was second nature.

Mei decided to try and different approach. "So, the granddaughter of Ōnoki, the Fence-Sitter? Must've it's perks."

Another silent stare.

Mei sighed. "Look, all we want to know is why Iwagakure had shinobi take over a country in my Land's borders. After that, I'm sure we can arrange transport back to your village with no conflict. I'm sure the Tsuchikage would love to have his grandchild back."

Kurotsuchi snorted loudly. "I wouldn't push your luck there, lady. My grandfather is ruthless and is willing to do anything to get what he wants. Me being family means nothing. I only hold value because I am strong. Nothing more."

"Then why hold back information? If he's so ruthless, then why not get back at him by helping us?"

The Iwa jōnin shook her head. "Because I'm no traitor. I'd sooner die then hand over vital information. And besides, what would you do with it? You have no stakes in this war. No reason including your village in all this. Imprisoning me and those Konoha shinobi only endanger everyone's lives. I know what Iwa will do to save me. What do you think Konoha will do for two of their shinobi? The world knows their code on never leaving comrades behind."

"I've already taken care of that." Mei answered quickly. "And that's why I'm talking to you now. I'm not after vital information of your village. All I want to know as to why the entire Land of Waves of innocent, shinobi-less people were killed in your crossfire."

Kurotsuchi snorted again. "I'm strong, but nowhere near that strong. That island was destroyed by two beasts!"

Despite having a hunch, Mei acted clueless. "Beasts?"

"Don't act dumb, Kage. You know it was a Tailed Beast. You just don't know where from." Kurotsuchi smiled. She now held the power. "But I do."

Mei cocked her head curiously. "Oh, you do?"

Kurotsuchi nodded. "Oh yeah. I know who is responsible. So, I have a deal to make with you."

Mei laughed. "You have the audacity to try and strike up a deal with your warden?"

But Ao was more interested than amused. He approached the woman from the shadows behind her. "What kind of deal?"

"We have a common interest in Konoha. It is my objective to see that village burn to the ground. And to give you a hint, that's why we were in the Land of Waves. So, here's what I'm proposing. I'll give you the name of the one that destroyed the Land of Waves, and you give me whatever intel that Konoha shinobi told you."

Incredulously, Mei looked at the woman. "And would you think he told us anything?"

"I know interviews work. He asked to speak to you and never returned to his cell. He let loose some kind of secret and I wanna know about it. You want justice for those mercilessly killed. I can give you his name if you just tell me what you were told."

The Mizukage decided to play along. "Alright, let's say I told you said info. What good would it do for you now? You'll still be imprisoned here. You wouldn't be able to do anything with it."

"Well, that's for me to worry about it, isn't it?" Kurotsuchi smiled devilishly. "What say you, Mizukage? The ball is in your court."

Justice for those killed was definitely something that needed to be done. Mei needed to know who was responsible. The opportunity was sitting in front of her. But the intel that Mizuki presented was just as valuable. A possible deterrent from invasion. Leaking that intel to Iwa through Kurotsuchi could prevent just as Mei feared.

The Fifth Mizukage looked at her advisor. "Ao, a moment outside."

Without a word, the man followed his Kage out of the room and down the hall. As to make sure she could not hear a word.

"She isn't lying." Ao stated. "She knows who it was, I can tell that much."

Mei nodded. "Should we make the deal? That intel is vital."

"But who desires it more? Konoha to keep it a secret or Iwa to know it? Remember, Lady Mei, it was Konoha that stationed their shinobi in Land of Waves without permission. It was them that started all this."

Mei nodded again. "Yes…you are right." Taking in a deep breath, the Mizukage moved past her advisor and re-entered the interview room.

"Here is what we will do. I'll give the intel from Konoha in exchange for the name of the individual. And total protection from your war Konoha. We don't want any part of it. Leave Kirigakure out of it."

Kurotsuchi smiled harder. "Perfect. And even as a show of good faith and fairness, I'll go first. Maybe speed up my release from this place."

Mei scoffed. "We'll see. Now, tell us who was responsible for the destruction of the Land of Waves."

"…Konoha's Kyūbi jinchūriki…Naruto Uzumaki!"