In the outskirts of Konoha, far enough away as to not alert their sensory shinobi, a division sized element of Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi lied in wait for the precise moment to strike. Despite the large number of shinobi, they were incredibly difficult to spot. The division was separated into different brigades and battalions that even further separated from each other to keep hidden from any passing entity.

The two leaders came together under a veil of darkness of the moon. Darui crouched down next to his co-leader, a man named Kitsuchi. Darui took a drag of his hand-covered cigarette.

"We've been waiting on new orders for two weeks. Why can't those two make up their minds? We're running low on supplies since our F.O.B in the Waves was destroyed."

"Patience, Darui. Our orders will come. This has been years in the making for Lord Ōnoki. He wants his revenge to be sweet." Kitsuchi took a sip of the shit coffee that came in a pouch from his meal rations. "But I agree. Those two fucks can never agree on anything."

Darui chuckled. "You remind me of someone. I guess the stereotype is true that all Iwa jōnin act the same."

"If you're referring to my daughter, she acts more like her mother."

"Daughter? Wait, are we talking about the same person? Kurotsuchi?"

The large man nodded. He was easily the size of the Raikage, Darui compared. "One in the same."

"I saw her name listed as M.I.A last I saw. She was commanding the Waves outpost when it was destroyed, right? Do you think she made it out?"

Kitsuchi chuckled. "My daughter is as tough as the Rock she was molded by. She has her grandfather's will in her. I know she will be fine."

Darui scoffed. He wasn't sure he'd ever have the same faith in someone like Kitsuchi did for his daughter. Especially when it came to his own child, he'd move heaven and earth to find them. "Well, sitting here will give us plenty of time to ponder what if…boring as hell."

Silently but swiftly, an equally sized man of Kitsuchi's stature approached the two leaders. He was coated head to toe in a specialized red armor known as Jōki no Yoroi. (Steam Armor)The only piece of skin that was visible was the man's brown eyes. "Commander Kitsuchi. A message."

The man stood face to face with equally sized man. "What do you want, Han?"

"I just received word from Captain Kurotsuchi." Pulling out his right arm that was resting in his kimono, Han handed Kitsuchi a scroll. "Here. It was delivered via messenger hawk from Kirigakure."

"Kurotsuchi is in Kiri?" Darui chimed in. "What the hell is she doing there?"

"I told you Darui, she'd be fine." Kitsuchi smirked as he read over the contents of the scroll. "Hm. Interesting."

"What is it?" Darui moved to stand next to Kitsuchi, flicking away his cigarette.

"Han, leave us. This information doesn't concern you." Kitsuchi ordered harshly. Seemingly annoyed with order, Han remained still for a few moments. Darui could tell that this man wouldn't easily be ordered around. "Now Han! That's an order. Or do I need to pull on your chain?"

Needing no more instruction, Han silently turned and left the two commanders alone. Once Kitsuchi was sure Han was out of ear shot, he turned his attention to Darui. "Sorry, he's a bit of a stubborn sometimes."

"Han? Isn't that one of your jinchūriki?"

"Unfortunately. Master Rōshi trained him since he was young boy to learn how to use his Bijū's abilities without interacting with the Bijū much. Some of the man's traits rubbed off him it seems."

Darui knew there was story to hear, and Darui loved a good story with some drama in it, now was not the time for it. There was some new intel that needed to be read. Hopefully it would lead to the end of this boring time. "What's the scroll say?"

"Read it yourself." Kitsuchi handed the scroll over.

Darui scanned over the contents. "Interesting, indeed. Konoha has a sensory barrier over the entire village, making it impossible for any unregistered chakra signature to enter without detection. The only way through without alerting the sensory barrier team is with a certain jutsu formula. And according to this, the formula hasn't been changed in nearly ten years."

"Konoha has gotten complacent."

"It'll be their downfall. The formula is written at the bottom. Since we have the formula, we can figure out a way to disrupt it." Darui read further. "Oh shit…I fucking knew it!"

"What?"

"Naruto Uzumaki is alive! Cee owes me a new set of kunai now! Fuck yeah!"

Kitsuchi was familiar with the Uzumaki name. Who wasn't at this point? "I also had a feeling he was still kicking around somewhere. What's it say about him?"

"According to Kurotsuchi, he was the one responsible for the destruction of the Waves. He apparently did battle with Lady Yugito until she transformed. It was a stray blast from her that destroyed the island. He somehow deflected the blast towards the island. Her and two other Konoha shinobi were the only survivors. She worked a deal with the Mizukage to get this classified info and send it us in exchange for Kirigakure to remain neutral in war now that their involved."

"Konoha is at fault for that. They stationed troops there first." Kitsuchi stated. "But who was the Konoha shinobi that leaked this information?"

"Does it really matter? We have this information now. I'm tempted to order the attack now. We have the formula to get a large number inside their walls before they notice the influx."

"I'll send word to the Tsuchikage. Despite his personal feelings, he'll want the attack done as swiftly as possible."

Darui lit another cigarette and looked on. He could see the Hokage Face Mountain off in the distance, even through the darkness of the night. Soon, in the name of Kumogakure, he'd be the one standing atop of this destroyed faces.

A small white bird flew from its nest, disappearing into the night. Darui could've sworn it was made out of paper…

-With Sakura and Ino-

"Man, you must really be in a funk if you're asking me to get some lunch." Ino took a sip of her drink. "What's on your mind, forehead?"

Sakura simply just stared at the warm cup of tea in her hands. "I just…I can't forgive Naruto for lying to me. He's always said he could never lie to me. What a lie that was."

"Still on this, huh?" The platinum blonde slightly chuckled. She remembered the time when they would fight over the glamorous Sasuke Uchiha as if he was a celebrity, which he kinda was. Now, she was head over heels for her other teammate. Times certainly do change. "Y'know, I've been thinking about it and I realized something."

"Yeah?" Sakura intrigued. "What's that?"

"He really didn't lie. Naruto just didn't say anything. There is a difference."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Still, Sasuke is important to both of us. He should have told me."

"No argument here." She took another sip. "Look, I'm not gonna tell you to go running back in his arms or simply drop him like a sack of newspapers, but as your friend I feel like I should give you my opinion on the man. Everyone has one."

Sakura cocked an eyebrow. "What are you saying?"

"We all know I'm one to dive into the local gossip." She giggled. "One of the perks of working in my family's flower shop. Hearing everyone's drama while they buy flowers is a great pass time in between missions and training."

"Get to the point, Ino." The blonde could be a bit long winded for Sakura's patience. "What do you mean everyone has a opinion on Naruto?"

"Right, right. But you know this already. He's the son of the Fourth Hokage and jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. Talk of the town stuff, really. Ever since he came back from his training with Lord Jiraiya, he's been a constant subject. From saving the Kazekage, your relationship with him, and what happened in the Land of Waves-which is tragic-is topic of conversation."

"My relationship with him?" Sakura wasn't as much of a drama queen as Ino was. In fact, she liked the ability to float underneath the radar and not be gossiped about.

Ino nodded. "Good or bad, Naruto will forever be in public eye. And whoever, a.k.a you, is with him will be subject to the same treatment. Besides, your Lady Tsunade's apprentice." It seemed she was still somewhat jealous. "A celebrity in your own right."

"…I wouldn't call being her apprentice a celebrity. Or Naruto's situation either."

"I agree. A really shit hand he was dealt." All the talking kept Ino's mouth dry. She took another drink. "Look, I'm trying to say Naruto is the type of guy to keep his cards close to his chest. He's like Sasuke, in a sense. And you of all people know what those two were like together. And maybe that's why he didn't say anything. Because it's the first time he's lost someone close."

Suspicion rose up in Sakura. "You're talking about Naruto like you know him?"

"The Yamanaka clan specializes in the mind in all aspects. We probe, learn, and analyze. Any decently trained shinobi from my clan is a entry level psychologist in a civilian life. You know that. Naruto has just been an interest of mine lately."

"An interest?!" Sakura didn't mean to sound jealous or protective but failed miserably.

"Calm down, Forehead. Our days of fighting over a boy are over." Ino clarified. "There's been so much talk about him lately, I just want to learn is all. And needless to say, Naruto is…complex."

"Complex?"

Ino nodded. "Comparing him to someone like Lord Kazekage, who was in a similar situation as a jinchuriki, there's no reason he should have turned out the way he did. And with the tragedy and mystery of his birth, he's a damn miracle. Just the mental aspect of the fact that his own father sealed a rampaging beast inside of him is traumatizing enough to cripple someone socially and emotionally. You told me once Naruto was looked after by Lord Jiraiya until coming to Konoha, right? Whatever he was taught has carried him. That's…impressive."

Sakura felt dumbfounded. Ino listed off so much about Naruto like they were on the same genin team. It just showed how much Ino had been studying Naruto, and her clan's collection as well. "…So, what do you think I should do?"

The Yamanaka shrugged. "It's not what I think. It's what you feel."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Don't go psychological on me, Ino. We're friends."

Ino chuckled. She knew that would get a rise out of her. "I think you should cut him some slack. But don't let him off the hook. He said he trusts you and can't lie to you. I believe him. He doesn't think it what he did was wrong. Talk to him. Express your emotions in a way he can understand them. This is the first thing in the early days of a relationship. There are bound to be bumps in the road. This bump just so happens to hit close to home for you both."

Realizing that Ino was probably right, Sakura took a moment to think about it all. Naruto had been honest about everything with her. His feelings and fears were out in the open. She knew how hard that was for him to do. For someone who was alone for so long, trusting someone was never easy.

Sasuke was their teammate and close friend. The two of them have a connection that she probably could never have. They were the closest thing to brothers without being blood. Maybe that's why she reacted so emotionally. It hurt her hurt to watch two of her most precious people, especially to each other, fight and nearly die like that.

She wanted her team back. And would do just about anything to keep them both safe.

"Thanks Ino. You're really the best friend a girl could get." Sakura smiled.

Feeling the warmth through her body, Ino couldn't help but blush at the praise. She was humbled to hear that Sakura felt like this. "Don't mention it. Now, go get that boy."

Sakura let out a sigh. "Yeah. I just gotta find him."

"I'm sure he's around. It's not like he's going anywhere. He's still in the cast, isn't he?"

Sakura's hesitation caused concern for the blonde Yamanaka. Then she realized.

"You don't know?" The pinkette shook her head. "I thought you two were kinda living together?"

"Yeah…kinda…" She said.

"Have you not been staying there?" Another shake for no. "Then where have you been? It's been a over a week."

"…With my parents."

Ino opened her mouth to speak but closed it quickly with an audible 'pop'. The relationship between her and her parents was hardly the best. Practically in the toilet. This was serious.

"…Oh…"

-With Asuma and Kurenai-

"With all your missions going on, we haven't spent much time together lately." Kurenai took another bite of her food. "I'm glad you finally have some down time."

With a sigh of relief, Asuma relaxed a bit more. "Yeah, it's been nonstop. I don't think I've been home in three months." He reached across the table to rub Kurenai's pregnant belly. "You weren't this far along then when I left."

The woman giggled. "You're right, I was a lot smaller before you left. I'm nearly seven months along now."

Asuma chuckled strongly. "It won't be much longer now and Mirai will be here." He smiled brightly. "I can't wait!"

Kurenai was beyond relived that Asuma was excited to be a father. She was extremely worried for the longest time that he wouldn't be happy. It was going to change their relationship, which was strictly for sex, and their lives together. Now happy and in love, Mirai would have such a loving family. And an amazing cousin to learn from. Konohamaru was already making plans for Mirai to be his student once she was old enough. Kurenai just loved the excitement.

"What's on your agenda for the day?"

Asuma chewed on his toothpick since he couldn't smoke indoors. "Just some team exercises. I want to see their progress."

"Well, you should be impressed. Ino has been studying her clan's texts to better herself. Chōji has been training with his father nearly everyday. I have no doubt that he's the strongest member of your team now. And Shikamaru was put in charge of setting up the next Chūnin Exams. He's been hard at work with Suna's representative, Temari."

Asuma cocked his eyebrow. "The Kazekage's sister?"

The red eyed beauty nodded. "She was appointed by the Kazekage to set everything up. Honestly, it should be next month. They seem to get along." Asuma smirked, knowing what his lover was hinting at. "It's rare for Shikamaru to actually enjoy someone's company."

Asuma snickered. "How's your team been? Have you been watching their training?"

"Yes and no. Between getting the house ready for the baby and my appointments, it's been hard to track their progress. Kiba was recently selected to Commander Genma's Brigade Tracking team. So, he'll be deploying soon."

"What about the other two?"

Kurenai ate another dumpling. "Shino's been training a lot, but I heard his name being thrown around for ANBU selection."

"ANBU?" Asuma reiterated. "That's a hard program to be selected for. Normally, it's something you volunteer for."

She nodded. "I know. And Hinata…well, she hasn't been acting the same lately."

"What do you mean?"

"According to her father, she's been skipping her training with him and dodging mission assignments. Apparently, she was offered a position at the Academy and turned it down."

"Really? Maybe she doesn't want to be a teacher."

"It's not like her, Asuma. Hinata is very dedicated. And teaching would be right up her alley with her gentle attitude. It would be really good for her."

"How long has this been going on?"

Kurenai paused for a moment to ponder her answer. "It's only been recently, within the last month or so."

The Sarutobi jōnin stroked his beard as he fiddled with the toothpick with his tongue. "That is odd. I wonder why she's been acting out like this." This would be definitely something to look into, but now was not the time. This was their time together. "What's your plan for the day?"

"I have an appointment with Shizune. Just a regular checkup. Nothing exciting."

The bearded man nodded. "Let me know how it goes if I can't make it. I have a feeling the exercises will take some time."

Kurenai waved it off. "Don't worry about it. It's nothing worth coming to." She smiled warmly. "I'm just glad your home."

"Me too."

-With Hinata-

She knew what she was doing was wrong. Her father was furious at her for skipping another training session with him, but she just couldn't help herself. And that teaching position at the Academy was a nice job to have but it left no time for herself. She was young and still needed the experience. She was confused as to why she was offered the position. She thought Sakura would have been a better fit.

'Sakura…that bitch!'

Jealously and contempt for the Fifth Hokage's apprentice was practically second nature by now. And Hinata knew she was not the only one. Ino was obviously jealous of the opportunity Sakura had but it seemed Ino had moved past it. She had seen them together at the hospital and enjoying some lunches together. For such a big village, the chances of running into someone you knew were quite high.

Especially when you followed them home.

And from all the gossip that was nearly impossible to ignore and not indulge in, rumor had it that Sakura and Naruto had started to live together. Something Hinata had confirm. There was nothing more important to her.

Nervously, Hinata knocked on the door. There was not a lot of time until it swung open. Naruto, arm still slung, cocked his eyebrow confusingly.

"Hinata? What are you doing here?"

"Oh? I…uh…just saw you walking home from the market. I thought I should say hi…" A pitiful excuse.

More confusion. "Then why didn't you say something at the market?"

Shit. "I-I don't know." She put on her best smile. "I guess I just didn't."

Thinking that was a bit of a lackluster answer, Naruto decided to try to move this conversation along. "What can I do for you, Hinata?"

"Um, I was just thinking we could catch up. We haven't seen each other in three years."

'Odd.' The blonde thought. But he saw no harm in it. "Sure, I guess. You can come in. But I'm gonna start my fūinjutsu studies soon." The blonde stepped aside and let the Hyūga girl in.

Taking in her surroundings, Hinata noted that they were alone in the apartment. And that it had been renovated recently. "Fūinjutsu?"

Naruto nodded, closing the door behind him. "Yeah. Pervy Sage drilled me during training to learn as much as I could. He says I have a natural talent for it, but I feel like I suck at it. Creating the seals, balancing the chakra to properly hold something in place so it isn't crushed…it's a lot of shit to figure out." He chuckled. "And I have to do it left-handed again."

"What happened?" Of course, she took notice to his injury.

"This is just the backlash of my new jutsu is all. I should be fine a few days."

Hinata nodded. "Do you need any help? I know using your non dominant hand can be challenging." She would do anything just to stand close to him.

"Nah." Naruto waved off. "I can do most things. It's not that big of a deal. I appreciate the offer though."

Hinata smiled again, feeling a warmth spread throughout her body. Her eyes gandered around the apartment, taking it all in. "How long did the renovation take?"

Naruto looked at her in confusion. "What?" Then it clicked. "Oh. I have no idea honestly. Sakura was the one that did it all. You'd have to ask her."

'Always interferes!' She thought bitterly.

"Oh." She tried to hide her jealousy. "I see. I don't mean to pry but does Sakura leave here with you? I heard a rumor is all."

An uncomfortable shift of body language that Hinata didn't miss. "Yeah…at least, I think she does. Things are complicated, I think." He sighed. "I'm really not good at this stuff. Relationships and social shit, I mean."

Hinata sat at the table and motioned Naruto to join her. "You can talk to me, Naruto. Were friends, I'm willing to help."

Ignoring the girl all together, Naruto moved over to his shelf and grabbed a scroll. Unrolling it onto his table, he sat down across from Hinata and began to read. "I'm gonna start reviewing some scrolls now. Thanks for stopping by Hinata."

Appalled, Hinata simply stood up and stared blankly. She couldn't believe she was being kicked out like this. She had put this time into trying to get him to open up to her and it was for nothing! But patience prevailed. She knew it wouldn't be easy. Naruto was complex and mysterious. She wanted to know everything.

Hinata would wait for Naruto. No matter how long.

"I'm here whenever you need me, Naruto." She placed her hand atop of his as she spoke, passing her compassion through touch. "Don't hesitate, okay?"

"Hm." Naruto scanned over his scroll, pretending to be focused. He waited until Hinata was out of the apartment before falling back against his chair.

Frustration mounted in his mind. This was such a jumbled mess. Sakura hadn't come by in over a week, his arm hurt like hell, and he felt like an asshole for basically kicking Hinata out simply for offering to listen and help.

Pure anger replaced his frustration, and he threw his scroll of the table and it smacked against the wall.

"…Fuck…!"

-Training Grounds-

"C'mon Konohamaru!" Moegi complained. "Quick goofing off! We need to train!"

"I'm not goofing off!" Konohamaru yelled back. "Ebisu sensei put me in charge of training today since he's in the hospital from the last mission. So, I was planning our training today."

"Um, Konohamaru…Sensei already had a plan for us today."

Ignoring his teammate's words completely, Konohamaru continued on. "Now remember team!" The young Sarutobi marched around like general ordering his troops. "Konohagakure is in the middle of war! That means we could be called upon at any moment to defend the village! We must be ready! We must be willing!"

Both of his teammates looked at their new 'leader' with boredom filling their expressions. "Oh, knock it off Konohamaru. We're a genin team." Moegi obviously wasn't in the mood for his antics today. "We won't see any sort of combat for a long time. Besides, Ebisu sensei was injured during the last mission. And it was stupid escort mission for that bratty kid and his fat dad. Simple bandits tore us apart! We aren't ready for combat like Naruto."

At the mention of the teenager he viewed as big brother, Konohamaru stopped his marching and stopped. In fact, all three of them viewed Naruto in such a regard. He may not have done anything for them recently, or much at all really, but Naruto was a source of inspiration to them. Konohamaru the most out of them. Naruto had been pulling himself out of the hell he was thrusted into, only by his own strength and will.

It could only inspire.

"Big bro Naruto does have a lot going for him. But that doesn't mean we don't!"

Confusion was the only expression on their faces.

"We may be only genin, but that'll change after next month's Chūnin Exams! Then, we'll actually be able to go and help the war effort! Just because we had one bad mission doesn't mean nothin'!"

Konohamaru approached them both fiercely. "C'mon! Let's train out til we can't freaking move anymore!"

Inspiring them in his own way, Moegi and Udon followed Konohamaru's lead and began to train with him just as hard as he was. Trying to improve themselves in every way possible in every second they moved. This was the beginning of a new Team Ebisu.

Off in the distance, in the tree line, a group of Iwa shinobi stood ready to pounce. All they needed was the order to move and the genin would be dead…

-With Sakura-

She briefly wondered how many times she stared at this door, hoping that Naruto would be there on the other side waiting for her. In those three years that he was gone training, Sakura always paused before making entry. Hoping that a dream would come true and he'd magically be home. But it never did.

But now, she was standing in front of the door again. She knew Naruto was inside. But again, she paused before entering. Why? Why did she hesitate? Was she still mad at him for basically lying? Of course. But Ino set her straight enough to move one from it. So why the hesitation? Habit? That's what she chalked it up as.

Opening the door, Sakura was treated to the sight of Naruto struggling to cook his one hand, his non dominant hand. Pans and silverware clattered as he fumbled with another failed attempt.

"Gah! How can people do shit with both hands like this?! It's impossible!"

His frustration was so high from trying such a simple task that it made Sakura nearly giggle. Even while heavily frustrated, he was still cute.

As the door came to a close, Naruto realized he was no longer alone. "Oh. Hey, Sakura."

She moved closer. "Having trouble?"

He scoffed. "People make this look so easy. I just can't do things left-handed I guess."

Sighing happily, Sakura gently took the pan from his hand and used her body to push him out of the way. Inspecting all the ingredients and mess that was laid about the counter, Sakura had trouble figuring out exactly what Naruto was trying to conjure up. It took her a moment to realize that he was trying to recreate the French Toast.

"French Toast? It's nearly dinner time."

Naruto shrugged, trying to hide his embarrassment. "It's the only thing I know how to cook besides meat n' stuff…I was going off my memory from what I saw when you made it."

A simple dish to make that had little margin for error. And Naruto fucked it all up. She felt bad for him. How was it he grew up like he did, and cooking meat was the only thing he knew how to do? French Toast was one of the simplest things there was. How on earth did Naruto survive by himself? He must've eaten a lot of ramen.

Doing what she could to fix the disaster, Sakura plated the food and set it down in front of Naruto. "Here."

"…Thanks."

Struggling to eat with his left hand, Sakura let out another sigh. Honestly, he just looked uncomfortable with a fork in his left hand. Sliding a chair next to him, Sakura took the fork from him.

"Hey!"

"I can't watch you struggle." She cut up the food and stabbed it. "Here. Eat."

"Aren't you still mad at me?"

"Eat." Sakura reiterated. "Talk later."

Bite after bite, the plate was quickly cleared of the meal. Sakura cleaned up the mess while Naruto sat with a self-conscious expression. He felt like scolded kid that was caught shoplifting at the local market. He honestly never felt like he was ever in trouble growing up. There was no one ever to scold him or project their disapproval on him. Jiraiya certainly never did. They were too busy training to ever do anything else.

"So…."

For seemingly the hundredth time, Sakura sighed. "Yeah, I'm still mad. But I know you and know you don't do things without a good reason. You had me when your mind. I appreciate that."

Perking up a bit, Naruto was about to speak but Sakura stuck her hand up to stop him.

"But! You don't need to protect me. I'm a shinobi and student of a Sannin, too. I can take care of myself."

Naruto bit his lip, holding back his words. He wanted to tell her it wasn't that he didn't believe in her or think that she couldn't handle things herself. It wasn't that it all. Ever since that day when they were young, Naruto had promised himself that he would protect Sakura. No matter what. Not out of protection for her or a deep-down obsession. It was for himself. Because if he knew anything about himself was that if Sakura never had given him that flower and shown him that people could be good…

…Naruto would be walking a very different path now…and that terrified him.

"Do you think I can't take care of myself, Naruto?"

"…No, it's not that. I…I promised…"

"I know about the promise. But we're not kids anymore. I'll always think it was sweet of you to promise me that and keep the flower."

Forcing himself to speak, Naruto looked her straight in her emerald eyes. "I promised myself, Sakura. Not you."

Sakura slightly revolted in shock, and even a little bit hurt by it. It was a promise to protect her. Why would he promise myself to keep her safe? "I'm…a little confused. What do you mean?"

Keeping his stare, Naruto continued. "When you found me that day, I was in dark place. I thought I was alone and there would be no one there to help me. Sakura…if you hadn't been there for me, I…don't think I would be here now…that we would be here now. I would be walking down a dark, terrible path. I would have lost myself if it weren't for you. That's why I promised myself to protect you. That's why I kept the flower. Because if you and that flower disappear…then I do too…and become someone…something else entirely that I'm terrified of…"

There it was again. Sakura could see the change in his eyes. It was brief. A slight dilation of his pupils and darkening of his eye color. In the briefest of moments, that something else took over and disappeared just as fast.

Was it the Kyūbi? Quite possibly. But Naruto spoke of any concern of the beast before. She had absolute zero understanding of how a beast that powerful could be sealed in a human body. Fuinjutsu was the lost art that not many seemed to understand. She just had faith in Naruto's ability to keep it at bay.

But what else could it be? That sword? Naruto said at one point it was its own living entity and that he had to fight it for the right to wield it. Tojin was the name, she remembered. Again, the only concern she knew about what was the effects that the power had on his fragile heart. She saw him use it against the Nibi but there was no reemergence of his cancer. Even when she healed him, there was no sign of the disease.

There had to be something tangible to cause the change she noticed. And Sakura was determined to find out what that was.

"Why…why does it scare you?"

Naruto showed no emotion. His face was void of it. "Because I'll become something worse than a monster."

Sakura's breath hitched. Monster was not a word Naruto used lightly. Almost instantly, she had him wrapped in her arms. "You'll never be a monster, Naruto!" She whispered fiercely into his ear. "No matter what happens, I'm here with you." Nudging their foreheads together, Sakura nearly lost herself in Naruto's deep oceanic eyes. "I made that promise to you, to myself. You got it? That fear will never come true."

"…I hope so."

Boom.

-With Jiraiya-

Using his intuition and well-developed tracking skills, he was able to find the secret society of extremely trained shinobi that were under Danzō's command. Oddly enough, the door was the hardest thing to track down.

Hidden deep within the catacombs of the Hokage Stone Face Mountain, Jiraiya entered the hideout through a series of twists and turns. Despite the relatively easy entrance, he knew he was being watched. And they were good. It took the Sannin a few moments to realize it.

Coming to a large high-rise compound that held multiple bridges that spanned across all the way and all the down, Jiraiya approached a door with multiple different seals and markings on it.

'A room designed for ultimate security and protection. Nothing can enter without the seal code. And those tags are definitely for the Byakugan. They don't want anyone seeing the other side of this door.'

"Welcome to Foundation of Konoha, Jiraiya."

Knowing he'd show up sooner or later, the Sannin turned to see Danzō standing with his cane. What he didn't expect, or realize, was the hundreds of ROOT operatives that had appeared with the old Warhawk. Up and down the hideout, operatives stood ready to pounce on the Toad Sannin.

'Oh…I fucked up…'

Shaking off his brief moment of second guessing, Jiraiya steeled himself. "Danzō…you stupid bastard."

The man shook his head. "Do you really think it's wise to insult me in my domain? These are my subordinates, after all."

"Like the ones you sent to kill me?"

"Because you were conspiring with a known traitor in Itachi Uchiha. Your status as a Sannin changes nothing. Conspiring with the enemy is grounds for treason, punishable by death."

Jiraiya chuckled. "We both know he isn't really the traitor here. Quit spinning that lie for once."

No reaction. "Itachi murdered his entire clan in cold blood and tried to kidnap the Nine-Tails for the terrorist organization known as the Akatsuki. A Traitor clear as day. And don't accuse me of traitorous behavior. I have been the supporting root for Konoha's tree for the past 60 years. Do not begin to question my integrity!"

"You may not be the one who does the deed, but you give the orders, don't you?"

Again, no reaction. Danzō would be a great poker player. "We are the Foundation. We are the root of the Tree. Whenever Konoha calls, we answer."

That was probably the closest thing Jiraiya would get for a confirmation. It was never Danzō's thing to let information slip without reason. Everything the man did had a plan and it would always go according. It was rare that something happened that Danzō was unprepared for or was unaware of.

The inner hideout shook violently from a sudden explosion.

"What on earth?!" Jiraiya stood firm, able to keep his balance.

Danzō, calm and stoic as ever, held his stance with his cane as the trembles came to an abrupt halt. His agents held alarmed fighting and defensive stances, waiting for an unknown enemy. He turned to a specific operative that was close by him. "Fū, tap into the village's sensory barrier and investigate that tremor."

The masked agent nodded silently before holding a hand seal. He concentrated for a few moments before responding. "My lord, it would seem the village is under siege."

"Under attack?!" Jiraiya shouted.

Ignoring the Sannin's outburst, Danzō inquired further. "Enemy? Numbers? Details now, Fū."

"I'm trying. But the barrier has been scrambled. It would seem the enemy figured out how to disrupt it." Another moment of concentration. "It's Iwa and Kumo! They're invading!"

"What?!" Danzō was legitimately surprised, shocking Jiraiya. Shaking off the surprise, the Warhawk returned to his usual self. "Scatter! Defend the Tree!"

Within mere moments, the entire ROOT army had disappeared from sight. Leaving only the two men standing across from each other. It was as if a war would break out between them while a war was waged above them.

"We can handle this later. Now, we have a village to protect."

For once, Jiraiya agreed with him.