The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

Abandoned at birth, searching for strength for survival-this is all about Naruto.

56. Chapter 56

Chapter 56

No way!

Team seven, were heading northwest, toward the river country. There was still snow all around, as the month was only January.

Sasuke... Dobe, so we have to get Lord Shuu out of Etego Castle, which is in River Country?

Naruto... Exactly!

Sakura... Xoo, why is the daimyo of the Rek country holding him hostage?

Naruto... Remember Haruna, she too was locked up for years before she returned to her homeland.

Sasuke... Shhhh, she was kept tied up by her father from the first, and then given to a neighboring country only as a guarantor of the union.

Naruto... Well, Lord Shuu is also being held in a similar fashion.

Sakura... But he's a lord from a neighboring province that's in the same river country, and Haruna was taken as a hostage to a neighboring country!

Of course the situation was extremely strange and the blond man decided to share an opinion from his experience.

Naruto... After the war, the river country and the village hidden in the river suffered a colossal collapse of datebayo! The local ninjas don't care about internal strife. Their job is to protect the country from enemies from outside. So the local daimyo has to protect the country's citizens himself. I suppose some provinces are not satisfied with this arrangement and want to secede and join a neighboring country. Where there's no shortage of shinobi. To prevent this from happening, the daima has to keep his country from splitting by any means necessary.

The co-commanders were, as always, happy to have such an encyclopedia. Who is aware of the state of affairs around her.

Sasuke... Sounds like you're justifying the feudal lord's actions.

Naruto... What can you do, because that's what it looks like. River Country at the moment is slowly but surely rotting from internal conflicts. I doubt they can continue to live in that order datebayo! But we have the issue of recognizing the feudal lord's actions as justified and allowing the lord to be held hostage further. Or do the human thing and get the lord out of the castle. But then a civil war could break out in which there could be senseless casualties.

The co-commanders were at a loss for an answer and even stammered as they imagined the outcome.

Sasuke... Both options look wrong!

Sakura... Yes, save one and doom the country to internal conflict where brother will go after brother. Or let down the brakes, but then Lord Shuu would suffer the rest of his life under oppression!

The blond man himself didn't understand at first why the Hokage had even agreed to take on this mission. But he was still concerned about the big picture and the possible outcome.

Naruto... But if you dig further, it's because of the war. The daimyo may realize that the country is already cracking at the seams as it is. We take out a lord and that province joins a stronger player, Fire or Wind country. Then the daimyo himself will have to pull the plug! Let's hope the province of Motogo can join before conflict breaks out.

Now it was fundamentally changing things and Sasuke and Sakura could relax a bit.

Sasuke... But I'm having some doubts. After all, the province of Motogo, it was the ninjas from Leaf that were summoned for a reason. From your judgment, the province may join our country for our help. Upon their lord's return. If that happens, there will be resentment among the rest of the countries that the Fire can brazenly grab land from neighboring countries.

The blond was glad he could take a break from his thought process once in a while.

Naruto... You're right, because it's not an easy A-rank mission. So we can't show that we're from the list, lest we start rumors. Otherwise, they might say that we had something to do with splitting up the river country.

Sasuke... Are you suggesting we take off the distinctive armbands?

Naruto... Yeah, well, once we get to the border, we have to remove anything that reminds us of the leaf. Even signs, because it's known all over the world that the Uchiha clan lives in the Leaf, and the Uzumaki are involved with the Leaf.

Sakura was for once glad that she wouldn't have to rip out her mark on her back, since the Haruno's weren't a clan, but a separate family like the Namikaze's.

Sakura... You guys are out of luck.

Sasuke... Shh, I should have brought spare clothes that don't have my distinctive mark.

Naruto... Well yeah, anbu gear would be too suspicious. After all, we're going there as ordinary citizens. Wait, I completely forgot that River Country is next to Wind Country, where there is no snow. So we can just take off just my vest and your shirt. We'll just wear turtlenecks and be done with it!

Sasuke... Wow, and I was just thinking of an excuse to tell my mom. She won't be thrilled that I pulled the clan sign with my own hands.

Naruto... Hehehe, okay, the border is coming soon, and night is coming soon. So we can set up a rest stop there and then head straight to Etego datebayo castle in the morning!

Sakura... The scroll said there was going to be some kind of festival.

Naruto... Yeah, well, it's kind of like a gluttony contest. We can visit it as spectators and survey the setting.

Sakura... Or as participants, then we don't have to stress about finding food.

Sasuke... This daimyo's politics are strange, the country's in such a mess. And he's throwing a party.

Naruto... I think it's to keep the spirits up. Another slogan of his affluence and the approach of the common people datebayo. After all, many rulers depend on ratings.

Sasuke... Hn, what you don't do to stay on the throne a little longer.

Sakura... Heehee, I'd love to see the daimyo himself!

Sasuke... Naruto, when was the last time you were in River Country?

The blond began rubbing his chin remembering the date.

Naruto... Like 6 or 7 years ago, it was a mess back then. That brigands could just wander into a village and loot whatever they found.

The co-commanders mentally sympathized with this dying country.

Sakura... How, under these circumstances, is the country still alive?

Naruto... Lord Shuu may not be the first person to be taken hostage.

Sasuke... What a cruel world we have!

Naruto... As it is, we have to make it so it doesn't get worse.

Sakura... I hope it works out.

A few minutes later, they passed through the border, having previously presented a pass. They made a rest stop, near the border of the Fire Nation, not far from the completion valley where the statues of Hashirama and Madara were located. So the blond decided to ask his friend about the Uchiha.

Naruto... Yeah, Sasuke, that's your relative, isn't it?

The Uchihe looked at the stone statue of Madara and cringed at the sight of it.

Sasuke... Teammate. He betrayed the village long ago, and was killed by the first hokage for it. He was said to be a disgrace to the clan, though little is known about him.

Sakura... I heard that these two men founded the village. So why did Madara betray our village?

The blond was well aware from Shisui, of the history of the founding clans. Yes and assumed that Sasuke was related to Madara since he was from the ruling family.

Naruto... I don't know much about this mess, but still I heard that a power conflict broke out between Madara and the first one himself. As you know, our choice of hokage is democratic. Many residents chose Hashirama himself for his mokuton. After all, for the most part, he was the one who built the homes for the residents. And he was kind of more social and easy-going than Madara, dattebayo!

The brunet, however, was not happy about being the descendant of a traitor.

Sasuke... Shh, because of this traitor, our clan used to be considered less than human!

Of course the blond was aware of this, as he often spent his breaks with the Uchiha.

Naruto... Yeah, your clan's been through enough before, dattebayo!

The pink-haired one, on the other hand, was unaware of the state of affairs. Since she always remembered that the Uchiha clan was the most respected in the village, even the Hyuga couldn't compete with their popularity.

Sakura... I didn't know your clan was oppressed before, Sasuke-kun!

The Uchiha didn't believe it himself, but his father had told him over a serious conversation as he walked with him around the outskirts of the village where their clan used to be.

Sasuke... After Madara's betrayal, the second hokage moved our clan to the outskirts of the village. He also established a military police force that included only members of the Uchiha clan. It's kept our clan out of the village government. Likewise, many citizens feared the ability of our eyes. They thought we were the embodiment of evil and treachery. It created hatred in our direction. Some whispered behind our backs that Konoha would be better off without us.

Sasuke looked at his friend often, as his clan had been pinched before just like he had been for being a jinchuriki.

Sakura... God, it's not right to blame everyone just because of one person.

Sasuke... It stands to reason, as our sharingan is considered both our power and our curse. I used to not understand these subtleties either and just wished that I had awakened this power.

Naruto... Now do you see why I told you not to wield a power you're not ready for?

The Uchiha had heard it from him more than once, and after awakening the sharingan, he realized what it meant.

Sasuke... Yeah, the sharingan is like a two-pronged stick.

Naruto... No, you misunderstood me.

Sasuke... А?

Naruto... Your eyes, called the glare power, which is fundamentally wrong. Here Shisui treated his eyes as a matter of course. I believe this is the right approach, as the eyes are primarily enabling and only. And how to dispose of them depends only on the user. You can use them both to kill people with impunity and to protect those you care about. The curse of hate, as you call it, I think that's just an exaggeration. Yes, I know that to awaken, you have to experience strong emotions. But tell me this, how did you feel before you awakened dantebayo's sharingan?

The brunet began to think back to the day when he had just killed a man for the first time.

Sasuke... Fear that that smuggler will kill you and I won't be able to help you.

The blond put a hand on his shoulder and smiled.

Naruto... So why is it a bad emotion, you wanted to save a comrade and life gave you that opportunity by awakening your sharingan.

It was as if the brunet had an epiphany, for he had often heard that the sharingan was often awakened by violence and strong emotions. And was even considered a selfish desire for hate.

Sasuke... What?

Sakura... That's right! You had the other tomoes when we were all in danger!

Naruto... Sharingan powers are not cursed, quite the contrary, I would say they are bestowed upon you to protect those you care about. So you won't feel the same way when the sharingan awakens. Yes and in fact, it's nothing more than a technique. Remember, Sasuke, how many people I've met who were proud of their abilities and didn't give a damn about anything else. The same, Aoi Rokushi, who used the sword of the second hokage. Remember how he almost pissed his pants at wielding such a sword dantebayo!

The brunet remembered very well that nasty asshole who thought the power of his sword was far more powerful than anything else.

Sasuke... Shhh, once I cut off his arm, then he wasn't so worried about his sword.

Naruto... Exactly, now look at your case. You wield your sharingan, but she's not your strongest feature. And you yourself, your techniques and the strength of your skills. I even think that even if you didn't possess sharingan, you wouldn't really lose much.

The brunet pondered his whole self and remembered that he hadn't always relied on his eyes and even accepted her as all-encompassing. But in no way did he prioritize his eyes over the rest of his skills.

Sasuke... I guess you're right, that power isn't that important if you can't use it yourself. And what's the point of having any power if you don't know the ins and outs of it?

The blond had seen the brunet's personality grow day by day and often compared him himself to yesterday's Sasuke and today's Sasuke.

Naruto... You see, and your clan curse is just an allegory to scare the rest of us. Yeah and Madara, your ancestor, he's just an asshole who wanted more, and it's unlikely his datebayo eyes pushed him to do so. It all depends on the upbringing and shaping of the dattebayo's personality.

The brunet was once again grateful to the blond for some clarification. After all, he himself sometimes became a bit superstitious, and even feared that the supposed curse of the clan would catch up with him. Now I realize it's up to him.

Sakura... Sasuke-kun, you said your clan was an outcast. But what could have changed for them to now be considered just about the most respected in our village?

The brunet turned his head to the blond and seeing the nod, decided to tell a story from his father.

Sasuke... 12 years ago, when the fox attacked the village, our clan was among those who were able to drive the fox out of the village. Many of our fellow clansmen who gave their lives in defense of our village died then. But also, our clan, my father in particular, were a foundational force in the Third Shinobi War and often stood in defense of the borders. These accomplishments could give our clan privileges and respect among the others. After that, our clan moved closer to the center of the village and our police still serve the village to this day.

The pink-haired girl looked at the blond and realized why the Uchiha had made a hiccup before telling her. But the blond man himself is driven by the same motives as the Uchiha once was. He compared himself to them, the same outcast who was unjustly hated by all, only out of an intimidating power that was vilified to the point of outrage. Still, the Uchiha didn't give up and showed what they were worth, and were justly rewarded for it. It inspired Naruto to accomplish things like what this clan had done. Now Naruto was being spoken of as respectfully by everyone. Like this over a campfire, Team 7 often talked about such topics. The blond often liked such gatherings, telling his life story to his teammates so that they would follow his example or not make the same mistakes he had made. Sakura and Sasuke, on the other hand, always listened attentively to their commander, as they knew very well that this would come in handy in their lives. The blond man was their guide to the shinobi world.

Sasuke... Okay, it's late, I think it's time for bed, and someone's on guard duty.

Sakura volunteered first, and the guys cleaned up after themselves and went to bed.

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, forgot to warn Miroku that I won't be coming, hopefully the hokage will explain herself for me!

And a few hours ago, in Konoha, Miroku had been looking for the blond man all over the village, since the blond man had promised to come at 6 and he wasn't in the village.

Miroku's thoughts... Xoo, where is he? His apartment's locked up. Wait, how could I forget, he goes out with his team all the time.

The first place she ran to was the Uchiha clan, specifically the home of the clan head. She knocked on the door and a moment later the mother of the family opened it for her.

Mikoto... Oh, hi Miroku, how are you?

The red-haired woman breathed frequently from exhaustion and panting.

Miroku... Aunt Mikoto, is Sasuke-kun home?

The woman was surprised at her petition, for she had never asked about him before.

Mikoto... He said he was leaving on a long-term mission. What do you need it for?

The girl was angrier than ever, because if it was for the long term, Sasuke was sure to be sent away with his team.

Miroku... Uh, it's nothing, I was just wondering, uh.

Mikoto... By the way, is Kushina in? I wanted to visit her. It's like everyone is going crazy, Fugaku is going to leave the clan for Itachi, and Sasuke is going to be sent on an urgent mission.

Miroku's thoughts... On an emergency, did Daddy do it on purpose so he couldn't come to us. Wow, what a family I have!

Miroku... Uh, yeah, my mom's at her place.

Mikoto... Fine, I'll be right out, you're going home, aren't you?

Miroku... No, I have some errands to run, see you later, Aunt Mikoto!

She ran straight to the residence for clarification, but was told at the entrance that the hokage was in a meeting and wouldn't be free soon. So she had to grit her teeth and go home. But remembering that Mikoto would be there, she decided to go to the store to get some sweets for now to take away the anger that had set in.

Miroku... Xoo, that's unlucky, so we'll just wait to see who's free first.

She went home and waited for the Uchiha to leave. Of course she hinted to her mom that they needed to talk privately. But here was Kushina desperately trying to keep Mikoto at her place, to delay the inevitable as long as possible. But to her dismay, Mikoto left on her own, citing that she needed to make dinner. And so Miroku finally sat down across from her mother with a stern look.

Miroku... Mom, did you and Dad give the mission to Naruto on purpose so I wouldn't tell him?

Kushina really didn't want to talk about this topic, but apparently she would have to.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, Minato, you said you'd talk to her yourself!

Kushina... Miroku, honey, realize that it's too soon to tell him about our situation.

Miroku... When's the best time? When he starts a family and grows old?

Kushina... Miroku, do you realize he's a jinchuriki? We ourselves need to prepare and craft the conversation so that he doesn't go off the rails and threaten the entire village of Datebane!

Kushina was so angry that she didn't hold back from her habit either. Especially since she'd been walking on pins and needles lately.

Miroku... Duttebane?

Kushina.. Yes, dattebane! It's a stupid habit I passed on to your brother.

Miroku was now certain that Naruto was her brother, for he had the same way of twisting the word, except with a not insignificant difference.

Miroku... Mom, I know it's hard for you to talk about this too, but still, it's very wrong. Do you feel comfortable with the fact that he thinks other people are his parents?

Kushina... You think Minato and I don't think so too? I get mad every time he calls me Kushina-san! Of course, it's our fault, too. But don't think we don't care! Yes, we acted despicably, we acted inhumanely, but we were too late. We're a whole 11 years too late, and he's grown up and understands a lot of things in life besides family values and kinship ties. Do you think he'll be okay with the fact that his parents are actually alive? That his own kinfolk threw him out on the street with a burden? Miroku, it's all our fault, and it's up to us to atone for it. And for that we need to prepare ourselves!

The girl heard her mother's arguments and herself did not understand all the subtleties until then. Of course, she really wanted her family to be happy, but her naiveté and ignorance of some things, pushed her into a rash act. Noticing that her mother was starting to cry, she decided to go to her room and think about her actions. Still, she dared to support both Naruto and her parents. So there would be no other way, and I didn't want to regret not being able to help either side in their time of need.

The next morning, Sakura and Sasuke woke up and came out of their tents. The first thing they decided to do was to go to the river to wash and brush their teeth near the waterfall. But looking closer at the statues, they were shocked. The statue of Hashirama and Madara, pointing the middle finger at each other and gritting their teeth angrily, lips curled in anger. And the blond guy, by the way, turned out to be a pretty good sculptor. Sakura and Sasuke stood in indescribable shock at their comrade's shenanigans.

Sakura... Naruto, what is this?

The blond man looked away from his studies, at the smoothing of Madara's lips.

Naruto... Uh, just got bored, so I thought I'd do something useful.

Sasuke... Shh, Dobe, I shouldn't have woken you up for guard duty after all!

Naruto... Oh come on, we need to show everyone what kind of relationship these greatest ninjas of their era datebayo were in!

The co-commanders made a hand face at this and started washing their faces.

Sasuke... If anyone asks us, we're not involved.

Sakura... Wow, you look like a dude, but you're acting like a kid.

Naruto... You gotta know how to have fun!

Sure it looked more than comical, but this was also a crime for desecrating a statue. But the blond, as always, didn't give a sneeze about some of the rules. And to imagine that the greatest and strongest shinobi of the time would show a middle finger, while making faces at the same time, was really something.

Sasuke... Haha, although it's not a bad looking thing.

Sakura... Yeah, I'd love to see the look on these people's faces if they saw it in person.

The blond left a small autograph, on each of them and jumped off the statue.

Naruto... Well, we should get ready. I think we'll be ready in time for the contest.

Team 7, dressed in simple clothes and moved to the border of River Country, and from there straight to Etego Castle. They were in no hurry as the contest didn't start until tomorrow.

At this time, Kakashi was walking through the village after his mission and decided to go straight to the hokage. He came in through the window as usual.

Kakashi... Yo, sensei!

The blond, on the other hand, was not happy about his student's habits, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Minato... Kakashi, you must have lived in a previous life, before doors were invented...

The ashy-haired man grinned stupidly at that.

Kakashi... Sorry sensei, I couldn't help myself. I was gonna give you a report, by the way. The blond, on the other hand, started to check the mission report, but then the ash-haired man noticed a picture of their team. Where Minato was in the middle and holding little Obito and Kakashi by the tops of their heads to look at the camera. The boys did not look cordial and clearly felt a dislike for each other. And Rin was in the middle of it and smiled happily bringing her fists to her neck.

Kakashi... It's been so long...

The Hokage didn't immediately notice what his apprentice meant, but when he noticed the directed gaze, he decided to admire the portrait of the former seventh team himself.

Minato... Yeah, it's been quite a while, I remember back then Obito was late to the set.

Kakashi.. Mma, I was really mad at him about that.

Minato... Huh, you guys were some naughty boys.

Of course nostalgia mesmerized them both, but Kakashi pulled out an old picture of his students. Where then there was no such idyll as was happening now. Minato took a closer look at the picture too, and noticed that it was almost identical.

Minato... It's even creepy that the two teams were so similar.

Kakashi... Mma, I have always compared my students, to our team. At first we were no different, and I thought that was fine... I used to fight with Obito all the time over little things.

The Hokage jumped with laughter, remembering the old days.

Minato... And Rin and I had to break you up and calm you down.

Kakashi... Mma, and at my team, Sasuke was trying to prove something to Naruto and challenge him to a fight. And Sakura was always on Sasuke's side, and tried to support his wishes. Naruto didn't give in to provocation, and if it came to fights, he made the right decisions to smooth out the conflicts.

Minato... And you've been slacking off as usual...

Kakashi... No, sensei, you misunderstand me. I mean, there were conflicts on my team, too.

Minato... Hmm, well that's not surprising, they're still kids and they had to get used to each other at first.

Kakashi... Mma, but your son, was able to temper their temper and channel their energy. Yes, and on missions, he was mostly the initiator of ideas. With each passing day, he cemented the team into one fist. And then, they were able to transform.

Now Kakashi pulled out another portrait of them taking pictures at the fair on October 10th. Minato had seen the two pictures of course, but remembering his students, it made more sense to him.

Minato... Hmm, they grew up and were able to become a real team.

Kakashi... Credit to your son, he's like a guiding star for Sakura and Sasuke, guiding them in the right direction on their life's journey.

The voice sounded doomed and even resentful.

Minato. Kakashi, what's wrong?

Kakashi... If we understood the same things they do. Obito and Rin would probably be alive right now. If I could lead them on the right path like your son did without referring to the damn rules...

The Hokage realized that this topic had been haunting his student for years now.

Minato... Kakashi, perhaps your case has taught them to value friendship and teamwork more.

Kakashi... You're right... Hmm, sometimes watching them go around the village ravaging Ichiraku in friendship. Or work cohesively on the test, on the bells. Ha, I can't help but think of our test.

The Hokage understood his student like no other and decided to continue the nostalgia.

Minato... Well, you weren't exactly a team player back then. But your students are another matter. I had to change my clothes twice after their test.

Kakashi... Mma, could I be proud of that, though I guess that's what being a teacher is. So that students don't make the mistakes of their teachers.

Minato... Good point, by the way, did you miss them? Yesterday you were almost bowing at my feet to get a mission from me, just to avoid being seen by your students.

The gray-haired man wrinkled his face at that.

Kakashi... It's just been a long time since I've been on a mission with them. Why don't you set us up for a couple of weeks?

The Hokage only now remembered why he needed Kakashi in the first place.

Minato... Xoo, totally slipped my mind. Kakashi, you urgently need to go to the River Country, to Etego Castle. I sent them out yesterday morning as the mission was urgent.

Kakashi... Oh, man, I should have stayed a day later. Heh, can't be helped, okay, I think I can catch up with them in a day.

Minato... I wish you luck, and here's another thing...

The ash-haired man took the suppression seals and realized who it was for.

Minato... Sasuke has a couple, but I think a backup wouldn't hurt.

Kakashi... All right, well, I won't be long.

Minato... Good luck!

The Hokage was left thinking about the problem looming over him as the ANBU had not found Mizuki. And Miroku, though she had stopped pressing the issue of recognition, still could not delay.

Minato... Oh, I feel something coming on.

Kakashi walked out of the residence and instead of home, he wandered to the cemetery to reminisce about the old days and once again apologize to the grave of his friends. Of course he made a promise to many that he wouldn't disappear to the cemetery. Still, it really made him nervous. The way his students were able to put aside their strife and work together, and even be willing to do anything for each other. It made him indescribably sorry. After all, he had the opportunity, the inexhaustible intelligence, the power. And he spent it sticking to rules that didn't really help him in life.

Kakashi's thoughts... I'm sorry Naruto, I must have more bugs in my head than you do. Hmm, don't dig into the past, or else it'll catch up with you and I won't be able to relive it all again. Naruto, I don't think I can go through this again, because Obito and Rin are dead. My job, as always, is not to make the same mistakes we did.

The ash-haired man left the cemetery just outside the village gates, toward the river country.

The next day, the seventh team approached Etego Castle and began to survey the surrounding area. It was surrounded by a stone wall, in the shape of a circle, and in the middle was a huge daima palace. Around the palace, there were houses that spread over four blocks. After seeing the castle in its entirety, they decided to go to the palace, where they marked the beginning of the gluttony contest. They went out into a vast courtyard where there were tables in the middle for the participants and spectators sitting near them. Team seven sat at the audience chairs and waited for the contest to begin. But before that, the ruling family took the podium. The first to come out was the daimyo of this country and sat in the middle. The daimyo was dressed, wearing a ruler's robe and a fan-shaped crown. A little girl in a pink and beige dress with black long hair with bouffant bangs walked in behind the daimyo. She sat down to the left of the daimyo. The third spectator on the stand happened to be the one Team 7 came for. A boy of about eleven sat down on the right side of the daimyo. He had long black hair with bangs parted in different directions and a long ponytail at the back of his head. He was dressed in a light blue kimono and blue pants. On the right side stood a broad-shouldered old man, with black hair, curls on his temples, and a long braid that reached to the back of his head. He was dressed in a green robe and beige pants. He was standing next to Lord Shuu, and it made it clear that he was the one who was looking out for the lord.

Daimae... The eating contest is now open.

The participants were brought out jam pies and began stuffing their mouths, in the allotted time. And team 7 decided to talk to each other.

Sakura... That boy in the kimono, is he our target?

Sasuke... Yeah, I think he's exactly what we're looking for from the photo.

Sakura... And who is that warrior with the sword next to him?

The blond looked closely at the parameters and noticed a scar over his left eye and in some places on his body.

Naruto... It's the ronin, the head of the guard!

Sakura... Uh, ronin?

Naruto... A former samurai who is no longer subject to his country or the village of datebayo!

Sakura... Oh, is that like a nukenin?

The co-commanders and vpravlou knew little about the samurai, as other than ninjas, they had encountered few along the way.

Naruto... Well, sort of.

Sasuke... Dobe, I've heard that Samurai are also shinobi. Yeah, and I've met a lot of them in the land of snow. What's the difference between them and ninjas, anyway?

Naruto... Look, we're trained to kill from the shadows and sabotage. And the samurai, they act openly and there is no concept of a back-stabbing in their rules. But in general, the samurai of the snow village are no different from the ninja. They are learning techniques just like us, but only ones that will hit the area. There are even more of them than ninjas, as they are the ones who make up the striking force in big battles. But the Samurai of other countries, they already have a different path and raison d'être. They are, I would say more pious than ninjas and they have their own life principle called bushido, the way of the samurai dantebayo! But they have much stricter rules than we do.

And once again, Sakura and Sasuke learned a valuable lesson from their comrade.

Sakura... Is it like we have, nindo, the ninja way?

Naruto... Yes, except if the samurai gets off the path he chose for his life positions. Then he must stand before the shogun, the leader of the samurai, and commit harakiri. Or rather, kill myself!

Now, this information was not very to the liking of the two geninis.

Sasuke... They've got a hell of a system, but then why is that old man alive? For he is a ronin who has lost his way.

Naruto... It all depends on what path he has chosen for himself.

Of course, nindo was a blank slate for the genin, but decided to clarify that point as well.

Sakura... Naruto, you've chosen your nindo for yourself, too. But why choose to follow these paths in the first place?

The blond realized that his co-commanders would have a lot to learn and sighed in frustration.

Naruto... The path, the life stance, is what separates us from the soulless killers who are driven by their weaknesses. Like I said, we are the creators of our own destinies. A ninja must go forward through pain and hardship. And that is to endure the vagaries of fate. Or an alternative could be given as to how to stay on the path of life. If you are off the path, then you have bent to fate and your life no longer depends on yourself. You're surviving, not living!

The Genins pondered this allegory and realized how important it is to stick to your principles.

Sasuke's thoughts... My ninja way, m'kay, I've been too easy on myself. I'm not going to be the same kind of scumbag who is alien to life's values.

Sakura's thoughts... Naruto, his words about the dream and nindo. These are not empty words, which he rarely throws around. Those criminals we used to catch, are they the ones who got off the hook? Hmm, my ninja way... It makes more sense now than it did before!

In such a short conversation, they could learn a lot from their comrade. Sure, Naruto had made many mistakes himself in the past, but his life's journey had prevented him from repeating the same mistake. But back to the contest, the ninjas were at the ready and kept their ears sharp.

Naruto... I'm guessing that ronin is the head of security who's keeping an eye on things.

Sasuke... Apparently so, he had already gestured commands to his subordinates a couple times. There are over 100 daimyo soldiers in the castle. But there's hardly any shinobi among them.

Of course they wanted to participate, but they didn't want to risk it because they were afraid of getting indigestion. Everything was peaceful on the podium, and the lord and his bodyguard were only gone for 10 minutes. After eating the jam tarts, the princess was drooling.

Chiye... Father, can I have some of those jam tarts, too?

Daimae... Of course!

Chiye... What's it to you, Lord Shuu?

But the lord himself was sitting relaxed, and you couldn't immediately tell that he wasn't here of his own free will.

Shoo... I'll have the ramen.

Daimae... Oh, I don't recommend it, the noodles are already softened and hardly fit for consumption.

Tatewaki... Anyway, the lord's food is worth checking for poison.

The boy waggled his eyebrow skeptically at that.

Shoo... Why do you care? I'm still your prisoner!

Daimae... Lord Shuu, don't get so heated, consider you just a guest...

Tatewaki himself was not happy about this situation, but service is service.

The leaf crew decided to sneak out unnoticed, and sit on the roof.

Naruto... Okay, I think I have a plan, my clone followed that ronin and the lord. But you couldn't watch them much. But that doesn't get us much. You know it's not advisable for us to reveal ourselves. So we need to figure out how to kidnap, ahem, rescue the lord from the castle.

Sasuke... I noticed that the patrols change every two hours. I think it can be used in some way.

Sakura... Looks like the contest is coming to an end...

Naruto... You're right, it's time to get a move on, let's get back to the hotel!

Upon arriving at the hotel, they discreetly knocked out two guards on the way and hid them in a back room.

Naruto... So, how long will your paralytic poison last?

Sakura... Until about tomorrow night, and they don't possess chakra, so they won't be a problem.

Sasuke... Okay, so we can get started. Henge, but jutsu!

Naruto... Henge no jutsu! So, Sakura, we need more poison, but we don't want the lord to shout at the palace.

Sakura... Got it!

She pulled a syringe from her pouch and handed it to the blond man.

Naruto... Great, in this guise, we can get to the castle, and there I can find Lord Shuu's apartments.

Sasuke... But still, the lord should be tested at different intervals. Remember what Haruna told us when she was a hostage of a neighboring country? I mean, she's been under the radar.

The blond started rubbing the back of his head thinking about it.

Naruto... You're right, we don't need to panic. Sasuke, can you hold Henge for a few hours?

Sasuke... An hour tops, and beyond that, with the lack of chakra, I could lose control.

Naruto... I see, so I'll have to be Lord Shuu.

Sakura... What are you up to?

Naruto... At night, the gates are locked, so we'll have to wait until morning for the lock to be opened. You two and Lord Shuu will leave for Motogo Province, and I'll try to buy you time.

Of course it wasn't much of an abandonment of his own, but for now there was no other option.

Sasuke... All right, we'd better hurry before patrol changes.

Naruto... Let's go!

Naruto and Sasuke walked towards the palace and on schedule, the guard was now keeping watch on them. Once they entered the palace, the blond left two clones behind and disguised as guards. And the ninjas themselves crept cautiously through the walls in the night. And so they ascended to the right level, where the lord's bedchamber was. Sasuke opened the window with his kunai and let the blonde jump into the room. Naruto gave the command and Sasuke threw down a hiking futon to the man. The blond man carefully administered the medicine and slipped the lord into the fuuton, then zipped it up. Sasuke, meanwhile, threw the kunai with the rope against the wall that surrounded the palace, and tied the other end of the rope to a flashlight. The blond tossed his friend a futon with the lord and he threw it on his back with the strap wrapped around it and rolled down the rope. The reincarnated blond clones decided to distract the rest of the guards with banter so they wouldn't see Sasuke with the lord behind him. The blond turned into Shuu and lay down on the bed, tentatively getting rid of the rope.

Sasuke, on the other hand, with his weight behind him, silently hopped across the rooftops and returned to the living room.

Sakura... How'd it go?

At this, Sasuke placed the fuuton on the bed and yanked the lock down.

Sasuke... We'll leave him like this, and in the morning, as soon as the gates open, we're off.

Sakura... All right!

Early in the morning, Lord woke up in a small hotel room and wanted to scream, but Sasuke reacted in time and covered his mouth with the palm of his hand.

Sasuke... No need to be noisy, we're here to help.

Shoo... You kidnapped me!

The pink-haired woman showed the form and decided to clarify.

Sakura... We've been given a mission to retrieve you. The mission was ordered from the province of Motogo!

Shoo... Here's how...

The kid turned out to be calm and immediately realized what was going on. The pink-haired kunoichi handed out the commoners' clothes to the lord, with the words.

Sakura... Your clothes are immediately conspicuous, so you'll have to wear these. As soon as the gates open, we're out of the castle!

The kid appeared moderately cool-headed and didn't flicker at the change of scenery.

Shoo... Okay...

After changing his image, the lord went to the kitchen, where Sakura and Sasuke were munching on breakfast.

Sakura... Have a seat, you need to eat before we leave.

The lord appeared to be a bit partial to food and looking at their meal he grimaced a bit. He pointed to a cup of white slurry.

Shoo... What's that?

Sasuke... Tofu!

Shoo... Is that something you can eat?

The Uchiha was getting sick of his picky eating and decided to lay siege by popping another tomato into his mouth.

Uchiha... Eat up, it's not a palace treat. And healthy food is full of calcium and calories you'll need on the go.

The voice sounded stern and the kid had nothing to do but sit down at the table.

Kakashi had already crossed the border of the land of fire, so there wasn't much left. But as he approached the valley of completion, he nearly fell out of a tree.

Kakashi... What the, uh, who mutilated the statues like that?

He would jump on the head of the first hokage and already guessed who it could be and even looked closely at the finger where the inscription was, datebayo.

Kakashi... Naruto, you're always a pain in the ass! So they crossed the border, judging by the date of the engraving. I hope I can make it in time for lunch.

Meanwhile, Naruto, under the henge, was just waking up at the first rays of sunlight and rubbing his eyelids.

Naruto's thoughts... It's only morning, but I don't think they'll open the gate now. So we'll have to stretch out the dantebayo some more!

At that moment, a pretty girl in a pink dress entered the room with a tray in her hands.

Chiye... Good morning, Lord Shuu!

She smiled happily at her interlocutor.

Naruto's thoughts... I think the princess' name is Chie, if I'm not mistaken.

Shoo... Good morning, Princess Chieh.

Chiye... Heehee, don't be so formal, here, I brought you some food. You need to build up your strength before your workout.

Shoo... Training?

Chiye... Yes, Tatewaki will be here soon, so hurry up.

Naruto's thoughts... Tatewaki, so that's the name of that ronin.

Shoo... Uh, all right, well, thank you.

Naruto daintily devoured a fried carp and a bowl of rice and washed it down with green tea. During the meal, the girl kept her eyes on him.

Naruto's thoughts... It's kind of weird that she's the one who brought breakfast. It's usually the dantebayo servants who do it!

Shoo... Listen, are you alone in the castle?

The girl smirked at the question.

Chiye... Of course not, there's a lot of guards here.

Shoo... No, I mean servants.

Chiye... There's a lot of them here too, and why would you want to do that?

Naruto's thoughts... This girl is not indifferent to the lord. All right, let's get to work.

When the meal was finished, the very same ronin entered the room.

Tatewaki... Lord Shuu, it's time we had a sword drill.

Naruto's thoughts... Swords, so that's where they went yesterday.

Shoo... All right, give me two minutes.

Shuu dressed up and followed the ronin. The blond often noticed his gaze on him and realized that the ronin was not at all easy.

Naruto's thoughts... He's a bad guy to mess with. I can't get out of character, or he'll figure me out.

The lord and ronin stepped out into the spacious courtyard, and the princess sat down on a bench, waiting for the fight. Ronin threw the training wooden sword and the lord caught it on the fly.

Tatewaki... Your reactions are already much better.

Shoo... So we just start right away, no warm-up?

Tatewaki's thoughts... Warming up, he wasn't really interested in working out before! Something's not right here.

Tatewaki... There will be no time to warm up in battle.

Shoo... But we're not fighting, we're practicing!

Ronin couldn't respond to that, as the situation was more or less quiet now

Tatewaki... All right, I'll give you three minutes.

The lord threw his sword back and began to do a stretch. Of course it was nothing compared to the warm-up he was doing. Still, he had no intention of abandoning his principles.

Shoo... Okay, I'm ready.

In the blink of an eye, he caught the wooden sword again and made a bow and stood in a stance. The lord held the sword in both hands in front of him. And the left foot was in front and the right foot was behind.

Tatewaki's thoughts... Hmm, judging by the rack, he learned a lot from our last lesson.

Ronin repeated the lord's stance and prepared to attack as well.

Tatewaki... Attack!

The lord drew his sword in his right hand and charged at his opponent. The ronin repulsed the blow from the left easily, but the lord did not stop at one attack and made a turn to the left, hit from the other side and began to gain momentum showering him with blows from different sides changing the position of his legs. The blond fought only with swords, not using any other limbs. But even so, he was eerily unfamiliar.

Tatewaki's thoughts... Those moves and speed, where could he have learned that. It's been a while, and he still won't stop the pressure.

The blond realized that he was getting too carried away, and his opponent was not an easy one, and decided to retreat by jumping back. The princess was fascinated by the battle and the way the lord moved.

Chiye... Wow, Lord Shuu, you have some talent!

But the lord had no intention of being distracted, as he already realized that because of this, his conspiracy was starting to crack. Which the old man with the scar over his eye noticed.

Tatewaki's thoughts... It definitely wasn't Lord Shuu, yesterday he didn't even come close to showing the skill he possessed now. All right, let's see what other surprises pop up.

Tatewaki... Now, defend yourself!

Lord got back into his stance and waited for the blow, as it was supposed to be a couple of blows he could fend off. Still, he had little strength to parry sword strikes and had to dodge and make deceptive maneuvers to counterattack. Suddenly he evaded the blow as the ronin began to point his sword back and the lord had to expose his sword from his left and the ronin's sword began to slide over his opponent's sword. But the ronin had no intention of stopping the onslaught.

Tatewaki's thoughts... I was hitting every punch with the goal of hitting him, but even at a third of my strength, I couldn't hit him. Well, what do you say to that?

Ronin struck with his sword so that his opponent's weapon fell out and he had to duck and stood up on one arm and tried to strike his stomach, but was stopped by his opponent's elbow. And then he did a backflip to get away from a low blow. The lord got into a fighting stance and already realized that the conspiracy had gone awry.

Tatewaki... That's enough! The fight is over, where is Lord Shuu?

The princess was shocked that such a colorful fight was not conducted by someone she admires.

Tatewaki... Take off the henge, and answer the question!

The blond realized that time would be short for his friends if he raised a panic now. So I decided to stall for time. And he wasn't wearing a distinctive armband, so he wasn't risking anything. And the ronin didn't get a response and continued his attack.

Tatewaki... Answer me, or I'll have to kill you!

Naruto was still under the henge and bouncing around the range from the ronin's attacks when suddenly, the princess got in his way.

Chiye... Impostor, are you going to keep your mouth shut?

But the blond really had no intention of speaking, as he needed to dodge the blow from behind. Grabbing the princess by the scruff of the neck he just as dodged her blow and removed his henge.

Naruto... Well, I'll answer you, Lord Shuu, where he should be! At home dantebayo!

Of course the princess was a little grateful for her rescue, but still, she had no intention of abandoning her interests.

Chiye... What, what do you mean, home?

Naruto... We, under the cover of night, kidnapped Lord Shuu. And in the morning, as soon as the gates were opened, they left the castle of datebayo.

Ronin still stood in a fighting stance as the blond was not so easy to fight, and the fact that he was a ninja more than gave the blond away.

Tatewaki... They left, so why did you stay?

Naruto... I was to divert attention to myself, and when they would have reached Motogo Province, I could leave...

Chiye... Don't get your head chopped off!

Naruto... What's that gonna change?

Chiye... You will be punished for kidnapping Lord Shuu.

Naruto... I didn't kidnap him, I'm just returning him to his rightful homeland.

Tatewaki's thoughts... The gate was open, two hours ago, which means they've already left.

Tatewaki... Nice, so it's all good!

The blond was surprised that the old man didn't even raise the alarm or give orders to catch up with them.

Naruto... What do you mean?

Tatewaki... An alliance on hostages doesn't make any sense!

Naruto... You seem pretty cool about it. You've been instructed to keep an eye on Lord Shuu, haven't you?

Tatewaki... I am but a mercenary, though I am the Chief of the Guard.

Naruto... But you betrayed your employer, didn't you?

Tatewaki... Not at all, the daimyo is still trying to hold on to power. Though it is illusory, he must realize that the method of holding the heads of other provinces hostage. It will only make an already shaky situation worse.

The blond was extremely surprised that this man was in front of him, even though he had become a renegade. But still he did not lose his honor, and by his manners he was extremely pious.

Naruto... What's next?

Tatewaki... Follow your plan once Lord Shuu reaches Motogo Province. Then you can leave. I'm glad you didn't take your village's distinctive insignia, as that would have prompted a major conflict, but still turn back into Lord Shuu.

The blond man did as this former samurai said, but there was still one question unresolved. Princess Chie was somewhat saddened that the lord had left the castle.

Chiye... So Lord Shuu is not coming back...

Tatewaki decided to talk to her and somehow comfort her out of her grief.

And two hours before, Sasuke and Sakura were still sitting in the inn, thinking over a plan of action.

Sakura... Sasuke-kun, it's morning, should we go?

But her question was not destined to be answered as the lord himself entered the room and in a slightly nervous voice.

Shoo... Maybe we should take a walk around the castle, because I was always in the palace, so I didn't see the rest of it.

The co-commanders were aware of how hungry the lord was for society and all that surrounded him.

Sasuke... Hmm, it's only morning and there aren't many people on the streets. So it will be problematic to leave the castle. I think it's worth a walk, and if we get lost in the crowd, we can go through the castle gates. Huh, I hope Naruto lasts the extra two hours.

The lord was happier than ever that his request had not been refused.

Shoo... Yay, thank you!

But the brunet decided to cool his ardor.

Sasuke... But once outside the gate, we go straight into Motogo province at high speed. Our friend is here, and we have no intention of leaving him!

The lord as predicted faltered and wrung his hands.

Shoo... All right, whatever you say!

And so they began walking through the streets of the castle, looking around. Of course they put a hood over the lord and tried to stay away from the guards. The lord was very impressionable and his isolation from the rest of the world was taking its toll. The three of them walked into a local establishment as they planned to kill some time until lunchtime.

Shoo... Uh, I have to go to the restroom.

The ninja simply waved his hand in a sign of permission. But still stood outside the door and waited for him to come out of the restroom.

Sasuke... He's taking a long time, even Naruto doesn't sit this long.

The girl jumped with laughter and decided to knock on the door.

Sakura... Lord Shuu, it's time to come out, the restroom is not an attraction.

But there was no answer and the brunet still decided to break down the door, but all they found was an open window.

Sasuke... Shh, what a joke!

Sakura... We need to find him. Man, why do we never get lucky with people in high places?

They decided to go searching around the castle for starters and didn't rule out kidnapping.

Meanwhile, Tatewaki was able to explain the situation to the princess. And the latter, though with sadness in her eyes, still accepted this point of view. Of course being a prisoner is not something to be happy about in your position. Still, she genuinely had feelings for the lord. Tatewaki turned back to the blond who had decided to kill time over sword practice with the clone. Tatewaki had already taken note that the blond had trained with the best, and there were plenty of samurai moves in the blond's arsenal.

Tatewaki... Your technique is pretty good, and you move with your clone like you were born with a sword in your hands.

The blond noticed that this man was extremely straightforward and not used to joking around. So his praise for the blond's skill, was truly deserved. He dispelled the clone and made a bow.

Naruto... Thank you, Tatewaki-san. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you!

Tatewaki... And what's that?

Naruto... I see you're a very worthy man. But how come you became a ronin? After all, this country can hardly support not even ninjas, let alone samurai?

Tatewaki, on the other hand, was surprised by such a question and had already realized that the blond had a tremendous amount of experience under his belt, even despite his age. They sat down on a bench and in a calm voice.

Tatewaki... Tell me, what's your real name?

Naruto's thoughts... Holy crap, I didn't even introduce myself.

Naruto... Naruto, but I can't tell you the last name!

Tatewaki... Well, Naruto-kun, I see you're a ninja. Do you have a nindo?

Naruto... Yes!

Tatewaki... If it's not too much trouble, can you sound her out?

Naruto... Never give up, and never back down from your words!

Tatewaki... That's a nice nindo you got there! And of course you know that samurai have their own way too, don't you?

Naruto... Bushido?

Tatewaki... Exactly! Before I became a samurai, I took my bushido. "Fight to the end, to the last breath"! I was a samurai, from the land of iron! But for some reason, at one crucial moment, fate did not allow one to follow his path.

There was no way the blond would have believed that a man like him could break the rule he had laid upon himself for life. Even the princess was interested in the conversations of the two interlocutors.

Naruto... How could this happen?

Chiye... Tatewaki, you are strong, could you really give up your path?

Ronin sighed in frustration and drifted into reminiscence.

Tatewaki... Many years ago, our group, attacked, many of my comrades died. The enemies turned out to be ninjas from the hidden rain. And the ringleader was Hanzo the salamander.

Naruto... Wow, you're fighting Hanzo himself, who couldn't even be defeated by a trio of legendary sledders?

Tatewaki... Unfortunately, we were not fortunate enough to meet him. He interrupted all my comrades. I attacked him, and even managed to wound him in the side. But from his belly, a noxious vapor began to come out, which I inhaled. I collapsed without strength, but my heart was still beating. My code, my way, I thought behold, I had fulfilled my way and was ready to go to heaven. But that bastard Hanzo, made me live by giving me the antidote. He crossed my bushido, saving me. I fought, fought to the end, but I never got to die. My friends were killed, and I was disgraced and could no longer call myself a samurai and became a ronin.

The blond was extremely saddened by his story, because no matter what. Everyone chooses their own destiny for themselves. And on the contrary, someone else decided the fate of a person, thus redrawing the meaning of his existence.

Naruto... Tatewaki san, I hope you fulfill your path and die with sword in hand! As a true warrior should!

Ronin smiled kindly, glad he was the one to talk to. Since few people around them understood, the importance of the code that shinobi follow.

Tatewaki... Perhaps, but still, your path is much more real than mine!

Naruto... Hehehe, okay, gotta get back to...

But then he felt a familiar chakra, and someone he wasn't expecting came over the wall.

Naruto... Lord Shuu, what are you doing here?

Shoo... I'm sorry, Naruto-kun, but I couldn't leave the princess!

And the princess herself threw herself into his arms, while the rest of the co-commanders ran to their commander.

Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, I take it the plan failed?

Sasuke... As you can see, you shouldn't have fucking left him alone.

Sakura... Xoo, what are we gonna do, we're gonna get burned! Oh, who's that?

The blond took off his henge and pointed at the ronin.

Naruto... This is Tatewaki-sama, a former samurai from the land of iron. It's a long explanation, so I'll keep it short, he's for us. Tatewaki san, this is my team, Sasuke and Sakura!

The co-commanders weren't surprised that the blond could pull the head of the guards himself to his side.

Tatewaki... Damn, what a day.

Bam, boom, explosions came from four directions and those inside the palace became alert.

Tatewaki... What does that mean, assault?

Naruto... I swear we had nothing to do with it!

The samurai jumped up and spotted a long-haired man in a red cloud cloak. Who flew on a white clay dragon. And through the gate, dolls in red cloaks began to come in.

Tatewaki... Guards, attack on the castle, quickly get to your posts!

Then he jumped to the leaf ninja and in a stern voice.

Tatewaki... Naruto-kun, you and your team must get Princess Chie and Lord Shuu out of the castle.

Naruto... What about you?

Tatewaki... I have to save the daimyo, our enemies are very strong, so you'd better leave soon!

Naruto... All right! Sakura, you're wearing the protection of the princess and the lord. Sasuke and I will clear the way for you! Go to the north gate, there are the least number of Dantebayo opponents there!

Sasuke and Sakura... Bingo!

Sasuke tossed the blond man's gear to him and he took his tanto, infused it with wind chakra and paired with his friend, he began chopping the dolls into splinters. Of course they noticed that the puppets were too weak, as the puppeteer himself was apparently busy with something else. Even so, they were making the two leaf ninjas sweat. And the kunoichi was leading two high ranking people.

Naruto... Xoo, there's no end to them!

Sasuke... I don't care, it's not much farther to the gate, those puppets aren't likely to follow us!

When they came out of the gate, they ran 400 meters away.

Chiye... Stop, my father!

Naruto... Don't be afraid, Tatewaki san will protect him. You guys take the princess and Lord Shuu to Motogo Province. And I'll go back for Tatewaki and help him in the battle.

Sasuke... Have you lost your mind? Our enemy was able to take over the entire castle in a matter of minutes!

Naruto... What do you suggest we leave it as it is?

Sasuke... But you're rushing in alone, the three of us could barely make it out of the castle.

Naruto... Sasuke, the bigger priority right now is protecting the princess and the lord. And without you, they can't reach the province!

There was an extremely unpleasant dilemma. After all, the death of a daimyo, will induce consequences that are not favorable. Sakura realized that in the battle, she had a weak preponderance of power, so.

Sakura... You guys go help Tatewaki san. I'll take them to Motogo Province myself. Don't worry about me, because I'm learning from Tsunade-sama for a reason!

Of course, that was already more going over the plan, but still, the blond gritted his teeth and decided to go along with it.

Naruto... Okay, we're counting on you! Come on, Sasuke!

Sasuke... We'll go straight to your side if anything goes wrong!

Sakura... Alright, Princess, Lord Shuu, keep up!

So they went their separate ways. Sasuke and Naruto were on their way back to chop the dolls into splinters with their swords infused with lightning and wind chakra.

And 20 minutes before, Tatewaki had entered the daima's bedchamber and found the ruler on the bed, with his throat slit.

Tatewaki... Shit, I'm late!

Hiruko... That's right, it's too late, the daimyo is dead!

Ronin turned back and saw a hunched doll with an intimidating face, dressed in a black cloak with red clouds. And behind him was a scorpion-like tail.

Tatewaki... So you killed the daimyo?

Hiruko... That's right, you'll be next!

Samurai and puppeteer crossed paths in battle. The puppeteer used his tail as a weapon and deftly fended off his opponent's blows. The former samurai ran back and ducked down, wrapped his sword behind his back and lunged back at his opponent, chakra powering his sword.

Tatewaki... Punch the grass clippings!

With a whoosh, the enemy's tail broke into several pieces. The puppeteer was not in debt and dropped a volley of rods on him, which he easily repelled with deft blows.

Hiruko... Ha, you call that defense? The boards don't matter, it's the needles inside them that matter!

Ronin examined his body and noticed that he was covered in poisoned needles.

Hiruko... It's over, the poison has already spread through your body!

Ronin spat blood and held the sword tightly in both hands.

Tatewaki... Yes, that means it's time for the final blow! I'll show you my fighting face!

With all his might, he infused his sword with chakra and shredded the opponent's puppet at full speed and sat on the floor. But there was no sense of victory, as a puppet is a puppet, and the real one managed to jump out before the blow. The puppeteer looked very young for his years. Short, wavy red hair, black cloak with red clouds, it was a true image of a puppeteer. He leisurely approached the ronin, and the latter tried to raise his hand.

Sasori... Ha, can't move? It's all thanks to my poison, which also paralyzes your body. I'm surprised, you're the first one to destroy my Hiruko doll.

Tatewaki... What are you waiting for? Kill me now that you've won!

The red-haired man smirked at his petition.

Sasori... Kill you? Oh, is it important to you to die at the hands of strangers?

Here he noticed Ronin trying his best to hold onto his sword with clenched teeth.

Sasori... I see, you want to die with a gun in your hand! What a shame it won't happen...

After saying that, he tossed the katana aside.

Tatewaki... Bastard!

Sasori... Hmm, you're a samurai, how shameful would it be to die thinking you didn't die properly! The poison won't kill you immediately, it will eat away at your insides. At most you'll have enough for two days or less. But it's still enough to realize your worthlessness!

Ronin wanted to spit on his opponent, but even for that, his strength was not enough.

Tatewaki... So you're the kind of man who kills his enemies in agony.

Sasori... Wrong, I'm not even human! But still, I hate making people wait and waiting myself. But for you I will make an exception, you will await your fate until the poison has completely eaten away at your body. Haha, best of luck with the wait.

After saying all these words, the puppeteer left the palace. Leaving the ronin in his regrets. But then he heard the sound of footsteps and two minutes later, his old acquaintances entered the room. Sasuke and Naruto, couldn't believe all of this was happening. Daimae was dead, and the ronin sat on the floor drenched in blood, unable to move.

Naruto... Tatewaki san, you're alive, we need to get you to a doctor!

Ronin looked at them with an impassive gaze.

Tatewaki... Where are Princess Chieh and Lord Shuu?

Sasuke... They're safe, you'd better not waste your energy talking, you've got to get out of here.

The ninjas began to mill around and pull out needles. And the ronin still sat contemplating his life in the same way and in a suppressed voice.

Tatewaki... Still, life decided to screw me over a second time!

Naruto... What?

Tatewaki... My way of bushido, the way of the samurai, to fight to my last breath. Even when I am no longer, life decides for me, my destiny again. Now the castle is in shambles, and there are no medical centers nearby. Will I die of poison before I finish my journey.

The blond understood what it meant for him to go his own way. And Sasuke was once again assured that his friend was right. The samurai went out of his way unwillingly.

Naruto... Old man!

Tatewaki... Naruto-kun, please give me one last gift!

He glanced at his sword and the blond realized what he wanted from him. After all, the ronin already had one foot in the grave and decided to fulfill his last will. The blond laid his sword in the old man's hands and pulled out his tanto and jabbed it into the old man's chest. The blond man shaking his hands tried not to think that he was killing a godly man with his own hands. And Sasuke looked at all of this with understanding. Ronin looked at the blond man and what's-his-face.

Tatewaki... I wish you to follow your path as well. Thank you, Naruto-kun!

After hearing that phrase, Naruto gritted his teeth and drove his tanto straight into his heart. Ronin even though he was weak and in pain, he did not let go of his sword. In fact, he died on the battlefield while holding a gun. The blond drew his sword and closed his eyes.

Naruto... Rest in peace, Tatewaki-san, samurai of the land of iron. You've gone your bushido way, datebayo!

After those words, the blond let tears fall, grieving the loss. Since pious people like Tatewaki were very few in the shinobi world. The brunet understood what a difficult decision this was for his friend. He put his hand on his friend's shoulder and in a quiet voice.

Sasuke... Naruto, we gotta go!

The blond remembered that their mission was not yet complete.

Naruto... You're right, we should hurry up!

With a whoosh, they jumped out of the palace and then ran towards the north gate. But they couldn't get far, as there was a Hiruko doll standing in front of the gate.

Hiruko... I can't feel that samurai's chakra, so you ended his life?

Naruto... Who the hell are you? Why did you attack the castle?

Hiruko... It doesn't matter, you will still die for contradicting my actions.

Sasuke... Shh! Oh, come on.

Hiruko... How about a game?

After saying that, he printed at least twenty dolls from the scroll and pointed them at the children. The leaf ninjas drew their swords and powered up with chakra began to fight off the puppets. Now the puppets were much harder to fight with and it was obvious that the Puppeteer was just playing with them.

Hiruko... You fight pretty good, maybe I'll add you to my collection too!

Naruto... Damn, didn't that asshole play with dolls when he was a kid?

Sasuke... We have to hurry!

They stood together and put the seals together.

H and C... A joint technique, the technique of the booming dragon!

The entire area caught fire, scorching the dolls into ashes. The puppeteer jumped aside and began to boil from the inside out.

Hiruko... You damn kids, you destroyed my dolls!

After saying that, he took out no less than 50 dolls from the scroll.

Naruto... Xoo, this is already problematic!

Sasuke... We're gonna have to stay a little longer.

They folded the seals again, but when the distance between the horde of puppets and the ninja leaf was short.

Kakashi... Raikiri nagashi!

A lightning wave of pulses erupted between the dolls and tore them into splinters.

Kakashi... Naruto, Sasuke, are you okay?

Naruto... That'll do!

Kakashi... Where's Sakura?

Sasuke... She took the princess and the lord, to the province of Motogo!

Kakashi... I see... Go after her and leave this one to me!

Naruto... Bingo!

Hiruko of course tried to stop them, but Kakashi started charging at him in taijutsu.

Hiruko... Kakashi Hatake? Well, you're a match for my collection. And afterward, I'll follow those kids!

Kakashi... That's not gonna happen! Raikiri!

They began the battle anew, the Puppeteer trying to hit him with a volley of poison needles. And Kakashi was directing techniques at him, of which there were not a few. Just like that, he was joined by those Anbu who were looking for Mizuki.

Naruto and Sasuke were jumping through the trees at high speed to catch up with the kunoichi. But then they noticed a huge bird in the sky. And on the bird stood a long-haired blond man in a black cloak with red clouds.

Naruto... Xoo, he's headed for Sakura!

Sasuke... He's dressed just like that puppeteer!

The blond man briefly shot a rasengan at the bird and the bird exploded in flight.

Naruto... Wow...

But here the enemy fell on the branches of a tree and stood up, beginning to freak out.

Deidara... You assholes, how could you blow up my art, only I have the right to blow it up. After all, art is an explosion of um!

The co-commanders didn't immediately grasp the concept of his conversation and twirled their fingers at his temple.

Naruto... It sounds like a man's voice, but it looks like a dantebayo woman!

Sasuke... Shh, I'm more worried about which nuthouse he escaped from!

The blond man in the cloak, on the other hand, was furiously angry at their insults.

Deidara... Oh you, I'll show you my art!

He put his hands in his pouch and pulled out and flicked small birds in their direction. Sasuke turned on the sharingan and began to check out what the technique was.

Sasuke... These birds, they will concentrate the chakra in the center, as in... Naruto, get out of here!

But they couldn't escape, as the birds were already in close proximity and the long-haired blond folded the yin seal with delight.

Deidara... Katz!

The birds began to explode one by one.

Deidara... Ha, what, eaten, that's my art!

But when the smoke cleared, there were two logs in place of the ninja leaf, and a hail of shurikens, infused with wind chakra, flew at Deidara. And he had to blow himself up.

Deidara... Oh, they're so little! Katz!

Boom, and the explosion was heard around the neighborhood, while Sasuke and Naruto sat in the bushes.

Naruto... I can feel him, he's in the sky!

They looked closely at the top and noticed a huge dragon, with that retsdevil standing on top of it.

Deidara... Come on out, little ones, or I'll have to smoke you out. This is the second time you two have treated my art with disdain!

Sasuke... Shh, if we don't get out, he's gonna blow the place up!

Naruto... We need to get him away from Sakura or they won't be able to defend themselves from the explosions. And he threw a lot of spiders out of that clay!

The blond created two clones and they flung Sasuke and Naruto away, springboarding the wind. That's how they were able to get out of range of the mines.

Deidara... You're not leaving!

The leaf ninjas decided to jump in the west direction. Inadvertently flicking the birds out of the clay with the palm of the wind. Still, a couple flew past them and Sasuke decided to go wabang.

Sasuke... Chidori!

The clay birds failed to explode at which the brunet smirked.

Sasuke... As I thought, the ground is weaker than lightning, so I should be able to neutralize it.

That's how they fought off the enemy's techniques. Naruto even had to use water so the explosion couldn't get to them. Deidara was not about to let them go, as he had already sworn to himself that they would not leave him alive. Even neglected his mission to capture Princess Chieh.

Deidara... Hey you assholes, there's no point in running. You can't escape my art!

Naruto... I'm so sick of him and his art!

Sasuke... Where do they find people like that?! He's crazy!

Naruto... Sasuke, get ready!

And so they slowed down thus letting their opponent fly forward, and the blond pushed the brunet away with a springboard of wind. Sasuke infused the tanto with lightning chakra on the fly and chopped off the man's arm at high speed.

Deidara... Oh, you know what it cost me to get those hands?!

Deidara was about to blast his dragon when suddenly the brunet showed his middle finger and Naruto pulled on the rope Sasuke was holding onto. And then this dragon received two rasengan shells and exploded. The blast was of immense power, so the blonde had to defend herself with a wind shield winding Sasuke backwards.

Naruto... Xoo, there's hardly any chakra left!

Sasuke... Me too, I hope that asshole is finally dead.

The blond man started to emit a pulse of wind and came to a shock.

Naruto... Xoo, how do you kill him! Sasuke, it's on the south side, so we'll have to run north. He probably already knows where we're from, judging by your sharingan. So we'll have to run towards the land of stone, north! And you saw his tread, he's made of stone himself, so he's not likely to set foot on the ground he betrayed.

Sasuke... Shh, I hope we have fun!

Naruto... I can't say for sure, but we'll still have a chance. He's still recovering, so we don't have much time.

They were badly battered, and their clothes looked like rags, and bruises were common. And so they ran north at full speed as they needed to recover somewhere. The bomber, on the other hand, sat on the ground after the blow and tried to wrap his severed arm.

Deidara... Damn kids, it's a matter of principle, I have to destroy them!

And so he created a bird with one hand and began to search for his victims all around, and remembering the sharingan, he began to fly towards the land of fire.

Kakashi was unable to overpower the puppeteer as he was able to sneak away by releasing a huge poison gas.

Tenso... Sempai, there are many casualties and many dead.

The ash-haired man looked around the half-destroyed castle with a pile of corpses.

Kakashi... How could this happen... Problem after problem, we'll have to bury everyone.

Tenso... Bingo!

Kakashi... I'll look for my students. I hope they are already in Motogo province!

After saying that, Kakashi ran north. A few hours later, at full speed, he reached the province and looked for his students. But the only one he could find was Sakura. She was sitting in one of the establishments waiting for the guys. Kakashi sat down across from her.

Kakashi... Sakura, where's Sasuke and Naruto?

Sakura... Kakashi sensei, they're not with you?

This question alerted the ash-haired man and he began to rub his chin.

Kakashi... Naruto, I explicitly ordered him to follow you. Something must have happened on the road. Wait, on the way here, I saw explosions, do you know anything about that?

Sakura... No, we ran as fast as we could and tried not to look back. The princess and the lord are already at the manor, and I'm sitting here waiting for the boys.

The ash-haired man extremely disliked the state of affairs.

Kakashi... Sakura, follow me, they might be hurt. They're gonna need your help!

They took off in the opposite direction, in the direction of the explosions. And they started looking for evidence of their actions. The first curator from the explosion, they found easily, but the subsequent ones, were more horrifying. The trees were ripped to shreds and the ground was pitted with holes from explosions.

Sakura... My God, what could have happened here?

Kakashi... Mma, the explosions are heading northeast, apparently they were attacked and wanted to get them away from you. Judging by the footprints, they've been gone a long time. But the pursuer, didn't stop chasing them. Come on, we have to find them!

Sakura and Kakashi tried any way they could to ward off the thought that something wrong might have happened to them. After a couple hours, they got to the end of the explosions and lost the trail.

Kakashi... Here the trail breaks off, but I don't sense their presence. Sakura, do you have any of their stuff?

Sakura... Of course, I have Sasuke kuna mittens and Naruto kuna bandages.

Kakashi... Give them to me.

Kakashi folded the seal and summoned the pug.

Pakkun... Yo, Kakashi, is there an emergency?

Kakashi... Hi Pakkun, can you find them?

Pug sniffed the boys' stuff and shook his head.

Pakkun... Unfortunately in the neighborhood I don't smell them, they may have moved far away!

Kakashi... Mma, they seem to have gone south towards the fire country. We'll have to ask the border guards.

Sakura... Right, they probably dropped the chase and ran straight south to warn the border guards.

Of course they held out hope that all was well. But still the worm of doubt gnawed at their brains.

Deep in the night, Naruto and Sasuke stopped near a ruined bridge.

Naruto... Kanabi Bridge, we're already in the land of the land.

Sasuke... We should find shelter... We've been running for over eight hours now, non-stop, at full speed.

They looked around and spotted the entrance to the cave.

Naruto... Looks like we'll have to spend the night there.

As they entered the cave, they saw huge boulders.

Naruto... This cave was destroyed, but it was rebuilt by datebayo!

Sasuke... Apparently not all the way through! Look, there are holes in the ceiling in several places.

Naruto... Whatever, though, we still need to recover.

They started a fire and began to grow futons and then pulled out the dry rations.

Sasuke... Looks like none of us are going on guard duty today, as we are exhausted.

Naruto... Agreed...

They decided to change their clothes to a casual uniform, as the current one was badly tattered and post-battle.

But suddenly the blond noticed that the bruises in some places were still there.

Sasuke... What is it?

Naruto... It's weird, I've had bruises heal much faster before.

Sasuke... Could it be exhaustion?

Naruto... Maybe, but even so, they healed much faster than they do now. Huh, who cares though, there are more important things right now.

Sasuke... I hope that art weirdo got away from us.

Naruto... I hope so too. Still, we worked hard to get here. And to the land of fire, it'll take about 50 kilometers to walk back.

They managed to get enough to eat.

Sasuke... That bridge, do you know what caused it to collapse?

The blond began to remember this segment of the story and some of it came to mind.

Naruto... 14 years ago, when the 3rd Great Shinobi War was taking place. Then the main opposing party against the leaf was the hidden stone. They were able to cross our borders and occupy territory. They were supplied with supplies of food and weapons. And this bridge was the only supply route. I don't know who, but our ninjas were able to destroy the bridge, thus cutting off the supply line. It is said to have been one of the decisive acts in the war in favor of the leaf. Since the stone ninjas without supplies, could no longer hold the occupied territories of datebayo!

The brunet tsked at the blond's knowledge and grimaced.

Sasuke... Why don't they tell us that at the academy?

Naruto... In general, shinobi try to keep quiet about the Third Shinobi War. Since they were letting children into battle at the time. If you sat behind a desk and listened to kids like us being sent to slaughter. Would you want to be a ninja?

The brunet had of course heard of this feature of the Third World Shinobi War, but tried not to emphasize it. But now, imagining them being put into battle against master shinobi like the one who was chasing them.

Sasuke... The world sucks.

Naruto... And us with a shovel...

Sasuke... Well, it's time for bed, we should get up early tomorrow morning and hit the road. After all, we did a lot of damage to the stone last time we were in Bicocheo Forest.

Naruto... I agree, you never know who has a grudge against you.

With those words, they did their best to fall asleep.

Orochimaru sat in his lair and read another summary of the reports.

Orochimaru... You haven't heard from Mizuki?

Kabuto... Sadly no, they decided to go north, along the border of the land of the land, as in the territory of the fire, there are still leaf mutts scurrying around looking for it.

Orochimaru... Kukuku, he's chosen an impossible task!

The bespectacled man spotted a vial with a severed hand with a signet ring on its finger.

Kabuto... That hand, it's been over four years since you lost it.

Sanin cast a glance at his severed hand, which was already beginning to decompose, and sighed in frustration.

Orochimaru... Akatsuki Organization, yes, it's been many years since I left it.

Kabuto... You wanted the body of that renegade rainmaker back then.

Orochimaru... But he was out of my league, which is unfortunate. Although you know I don't go for weaklings.

Kabuto... You got that right, Naruto-kun caused me a lot of trouble last time I saw him. But still, why him? You do realize it's not going to be easy to get him on your side. I'd even say it's in the category of impossible. And you need his total submission, for the rebirth technique.

Sanin rattled off dreams of getting the blond man's body and licked himself.

Orochimaru... The world is in balance, if there is light in man, there is also darkness in him. In Naruto kune, there is this darkness and I will bring it out, no matter how hard he tries to hide it. And my gift to him will help.

Kabuto... Uh, you mean the snake that Mizuki passed on?

Orochimaru... Yes, this gift will help awaken the darkness that has been sleeping in him until now. When his darkness is awakened, he will have a purpose. A goal that will be the meaning of his life. I, in turn, will help him reach it, and when he reaches his goal, I will take his body as a token of gratitude. Of course, before I do that, I'll get rid of the fox. But with my skills, and his abnormal regeneration, I can live forever! And his chakra reserves will be mine as well!

The bespectacled man had long since grown accustomed to his master's far-reaching ambitions, but he still decided to ask.

Kabuto... But what purpose will he pursue?

Orochimaru... To destroy that village that had broken his life and burdened him with the burden of a jinchuriki. Hahahahaha!

He laughed for a long time, for his plans did amuse him.

But back at the hokage's residence, Minato was already busy rereading the reports the hawk had brought him. Of course, this was an unheard of audacity and a blow to the world. That one of the daima had died, along with its inhabitants. But he was more concerned with the news of what happened to team seven. After receiving an additional report from Kakashi about sending his students to Motogo Province. He breathed a sigh of relief. Still, he was not destined to go home. Like Shikaku, he was an advisor to the Hokage after all.

Minato... Strange ninjas in a cape with red clouds. I think sensei called them Akatsuki. What did they want with the daimyo of the River Country. And the shinobi were extremely capable, since they could take over an entire castle in a few minutes. The good thing is that Kakashi made it to the rescue in time with reinforcements. Problem after problem, and Mizuki is nowhere to be found. Uh, we'll have to stay at the residence, hope the boys are okay.

Shikaku... Who knows, yet we failed to account for the fact that these renegades will attack the castle.

Minato... That doesn't make it any easier...

After saying that, he leaned back looking up at the ceiling.

Shikaku... Are you worried about your son?

Minato... Was that sarcasm?

Shikaku... No, you're still his father, though you have the most illogical family in the village.

Minato... I hear that every day, Miroku's been bugging me about it.

Shikaku... You said you decided to confess to your son after all?

Minato... Uh-huh.

Shikaku... Eh, too bad I can't predict the outcome of your conversation. Your family is very unpredictable, after all. That you, that your wife, that your daughter, that your son. Like I said, your family defies the laws of logic.

Minato... Huh, maybe...

Of course Minato in light of recent events wanted to delay the inevitable for a little more time, but he still decided to end all these worries this time.

Minato... Okay, time to get back to business.

Kushina, on the other hand, was trying to sleep in the meantime, as she hadn't received any news from the seventh team and was slowly starting to worry. Still, she needed to sleep. Since the main task in the confession lay with her. What will she tell her son, what will she do if things get out of hand.

Kushina's dream

Kushina was walking through the streets of the village, it was only daytime and she decided to take a walk. The weather was wintry, with snow still falling in the streets. As she suddenly noticed that the houses were old and dilapidated, and in some places were unfinished or did not support renovations.

Kushina... What happened here, an assault? Although the village has been attacked for over 12 years. But still the houses are missing in some places, which is very strange.

She decided to walk around some more, everyone she knew was considerably younger, it was as if she'd gotten

Naruto... Auntie, you can step back, you're blocking the dantebayo!

She only noticed as she stepped between the two wagons that was blocking the street.

Kushina... Xoo, I'm dreaming... It's the same.

Naruto... Dreaming? Wait, I saw you the other day... You're the lady from the park, aren't you?

Now she recognized the boy.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, it's my son, come on, what's he doing here?

Kushina... Oh, I'm sorry!

She stepped forward and let her son pass.

Naruto... Thank you!

Kushina... You're welcome. What are you doing here alone?

Naruto... Uh, I was gonna go to practice.

His voice sounded somewhat cocky, and even the way he raised his index finger upward looked more comical.

Kushina's thoughts... Heehee, he's so cute.

Kushina... Can I come with you?

Naruto... You, why?

Kushina... I just want to watch you practice. You don't mind, do you?

The blond man faltered at such a question.

Naruto... You could, but I don't think you'd be interested in dantebayo!

Kushina.. Nonsense!

Naruto... Um, but I don't know you...

Kushina... Oh, forgive me for my manners! My name is Kushina Namikaze, what's yours?

The blond scratched the back of his head, grinning stupidly.

Naruto... I'm sorry, but I told you we were told at the orphanage not to say our name.

Kushina's thoughts... Ugh, he was so incredulous at that point. If I tell you directly that I know who he is. He might be scared. I mean, he's like three years old now.

Kushina... Oh, don't worry, they won't find out!

The blond wanted to refuse, but seeing the insistence on the part of the red-haired woman, he decided to agree.

Naruto... My name is Naruto Uzumaki!

Kushina... Wow, that's it! Come on, let's not waste any time.

They walked through the streets and Kushina noticed how her son often tried to move away from her cautiously. But with each step, he began to walk more confidently. Of course Kushina wrote off her son's behavior as mistrust. Though if you think about it, why should he believe her. Asked to go with him for no reason.

Kushina... Why are you so sad?

Naruto... It's just that Shisui san said he has a mission today and can't train me.

Kushina's thoughts... Shisui san, so he's not close enough to him at this point to call him brother.

Kushina... Oh, if anything, I can train you!

The blond was surprised at such a suggestion.

Naruto... Are you a ninja?

Kushina... Of course!

And now the blond man could cheer up.

Naruto... You're not kidding, you're really going to help me with my datebayo training?

Kushina's thoughts... Heehee, how little he needs to be happy!

Kushina... I'll help you!

They were walking through the village, toward range number 14.

Naruto... Uh, can you give me a few minutes, I need to stretch and warm up my muscles.

Kushina... Oh, of course!

Blondie started running 15 laps around the range and then began stretching his limbs and even sat on a twine and started reaching for his toes.

Kushina's thoughts... He's so flexible at his age, and he's got a lot of stamina. Eh, I hope at least this dream goes really well.

The blond did a couple backflips to get the blood flowing and walked over to the temporary trainer.

Naruto... Kushina san, where can we start?

Kushina... First, tell us what you're good at and we'll build off of that.

The blond certainly didn't trust her completely, but still he didn't feel alienated from her like he did from everyone else.

Naruto... Uh, of the techniques only water elemental, taijutsu is well trained. And recently, Shisui san taught me how to throw shuriken.

Kushina's thoughts... Wow, at that age and already such a set...

Kushina... Hmm, and show me the element of water?

The blond mewled at this request, rubbing his scarf.

Naruto... Uh, maybe something else?

Kushina... What happened?

Naruto... It's just that for this technique, I need to uncover my face. And I can't show it to you.

Kushina... Oh, is there a reason?

Naruto... It's just, you know, my necks have imperfections. And I've been told that society doesn't accept people with a defect.

Kushina's thoughts... He's the one with the mustache, oh, what have they done to you, son, that you have to hide your face.

Kushina... Don't worry, I'm not a scaredy-cat.

Naruto... Maybe you shouldn't.

The woman got fed up with her son's pestering and simply pulled off her scarf and kissed his cheek. The blond blushed thickly and rubbed his cheek.

Naruto... What are you doing?

Kushina... So you don't have to be ashamed of your mustache! Oh and they look really cute, just like a kitten!

The blond was surprised that this was the second person in his life to speak in a good light about his mustache. The first was Maya Chan, who responded in a similar vein. And the third with Shisui, just didn't emphasize it or accepted it as something natural. Still, he shook his head and tried to reach for the scarf Kushina was holding.

Naruto... Give it back!

Kushina... I'll give it to you after practice, you said yourself that for your technique, you have to keep your face open. Don't worry, I won't eat your scarf!

The blond had already stopped jumping in an attempt to snag the scarf and pouting his lips in resentment, waddled over to the log that stood upright. Kushina stood next to her son and waited for action. The blond folded a series of 10 seals and exhaled.

Naruto.. Suiton, water flow!

The flow was weak, and the kill radius was small. But still this technique was able to make the log fall to the ground.

Kushina... Wow, you're doing great!

Naruto... Eh, still no luck...

The red-haired woman was taken aback by such a statement.

Kushins... It didn't work, at your age, all kids don't even know the concept of chakra.

Naruto... But progress doesn't stand still, and I've been trying to shake off this dantebayo log for over a month! And it's just falling down, and it doesn't weigh more than 15 kilograms.

Kushina... Try reducing the number of prints and try again so that the technique at full print combination comes out more powerful. Don't worry, you'll do great!

She ruffled his blond hair and he smiled.

Naruto... Thank you for believing in me!

After that, he started using the same technique but with less printing. It was only enough for five or six attempts, after which, the blond man began to stagger around from exhaustion. Kushina decided to sit him down on the log and began kneading him with her chakra, the airways.

Kushina... I think that's enough for today.

The blond man at this point started grabbing his stomach and gritting his teeth.

Naruto... Oh no, again, that pain!

The red-haired woman fidgeted in front of him and began to worry.

Kushina... What's wrong?

She speculated what might have happened to him and held her hand embraced by the shosen no jutsu, at the hearth of her son's chakra. Once the pain subsided, the blond man took a breath and spoke softly.

Naruto... Thank you...

Kushina... Does it hurt a lot?

Naruto... No, it's already stopped!

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, my God, it looks like this one's for printing.

Kushina... Can you describe the pain?

Naruto... It's like I'm cramping, but at the same time it feels like my stomach is hot. I'm sorry to bother you, I'm used to it.

Kushina's thoughts... He's used to it, he's had this pain since he was born.

Kushina... Do you often have stomach aches?

Naruto... It happens when I've been working out for a long time or I'm hungry.

Kushina's thoughts... The seal requires my son's chakra, so if he doesn't eat, the seal will caprice that way.

Kushina... Okay, you need to eat, come on, I know a great place.

Naruto... A place? Do you have to pay there?

Of course the blond at that age couldn't put a sentence together more constructively, and he didn't think ahead of what he said. As always, though.

Kushina.. Sure...

Naruto... But I didn't bring any money!

Kushina... Don't worry, I got it!

Naruto... Uh, what do I have to do datebayo for that?

Kushina's thoughts... Ugh, he still doesn't trust me, though he's right to do so. But still, how infuriating!

Kushina... Nothing, just eat!

Naruto... But it doesn't work that way, I read in one book. What, there's a price to pay for everything. Every action you take will be reciprocated. And you're training me for a reason! What do you want from me?

Blondie at that age, and he's already turned out to be a surprise.

Kushina's thoughts... Ugh, when he's more mature, he's so tactful. Ah, so he's got a rebellious nature after all. He doesn't show us when he's an adult.

She silked her forehead in such a way that he nearly fell on his heel.

Kushina... There are selfless people in this world!

The blond man started shaking and covered in goosebumps from fear.

Naruto... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you! It's just, it's all kind of weird-looking!

The red-haired girl listened to the words and decided to ask.

Kushina... What are you talking about?

Naruto... It's just, why did you come to me and look at me differently than everyone else? And I hardly even know you!

Kushina's thoughts... And he's very observant, hooh, he was even harder to talk to as a kid.

Kushina... How do I look at you?

The blond man began to lower his eyes fearfully.

Naruto... Uh, like those ladies who pick up their kids from the playground. Or as my...

The blond man stumbled on the last word, but Kushina understood all about who he meant.

Kushina... I just want to help you, that's all.

The blond man glanced bashfully at the woman and sighed in frustration.

Naruto... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, Kushina san!

The red-haired woman looked kindly into her son's eyes and kissed his forehead.

Kushina... Come on, you should eat something.

They started walking around the village and she decided to casually inquire.

Kushina... Listen, your friend, the last time I saw you, she said you were living in a shelter, is that right?

The blond still gingerly kept close to her, as if he was ready to fend off any blow.

Naruto... Yeah, why?

Kushina's thoughts... Come on, Kushina, we have to try. But man, I don't want him to start snapping again. Good for us, our son, from ourselves and running away.

Kushina... Look, what if we picked you up from there?

The blond was surprised at such a suggestion.

Naruto... We?

Kushina... Yes, me and my husband, don't worry, we won't let you two get hurt.

The blond rubbed his cheek and came to his senses.

Naruto... Oh, my scarf, you said you'd give it to me.

The red-haired woman herself came to her senses and looked closely at the scarf, then placed it on her son's arm.

Kushina's thoughts... The one time he was cheated out of an adoption. I hope this hasn't happened yet dattebane! Xoo I forgot!

The blond man screwed up his face and put his hat on his head.

Naruto... Kushina san, I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that.

Kushina... Why?

Naruto... I don't want to be fooled again.

After these words, he walked forward, leaving the woman to ponder.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, so the wounds are still fresh from the incident. Xoo, it's a shame that hag Chiharu is retired, I'd like to tell her what I think of her. You won't find her now.

She followed her son and they stopped near Ichiraku.

Naruto... Can I have it here?

Kushina... Of course!

They sat down at their chairs and decided to order.

Naruto... Grandpa, can I have five servings of miso with pork?

Teuchi... Of course, Naruto-kun!

Kushina's thoughts... Understandably, he had to eat so much to replenish his chakra supply. Needless to say, I'm an idiot, and I already have. Okay, the other thing that matters now is that if I find out what Naruto was like, then I can learn how to deal with him in real life. For his birthday, it helped!

Kushina only ordered one for herself and they started eating the noodles.

Kushina... Look, what would you do if your parents were alive?

The petite blond almost choked on a noodle and had to slap her back.

Naruto... Kushina san, you shouldn't joke about it.

Kushina... I'm sorry, but you're not giving me a chance.

Naruto... Chance?

Kushina... Yes, I've been looking for you and your friend all over the village. But I couldn't find you two.

The blond was surprised at her answer.

Naruto... Looking for us, why?

Kushina's thoughts... He's only 3 years old now, which means he won't get to the village hidden in the snow until three years later. Which means he doesn't know about her.

Kushina... You see, I've been searching for members of my clan for a long time, ever since my homeland was destroyed.

Naruto... What clan?

Kushina... Uzumaki! Before I got married, my last name was Uzumaki.

The blond was even more surprised now and began to sniffle his nose.

Naruto... Wait a minute, so we're related to you?

Kushina... Of course!

Naruto... But you said two, so what does that have to do with Inami?

Kushina... She's an Uzumaki too!

Naruto... That's weird, she didn't tell me.

Kushina... Well, maybe she didn't know...

The blond had already eaten his third serving and was already having fun in front of his eyes.

Naruto... Oh, now I see, they would have said we were related to the Dantebayo!

Kushina's thoughts... Holy shit, why didn't I think of that before, good job Kushina, you were beaten by a three year old.

She even broke her wand in two out of anger. And the blond man ate the last bowl of soup and patted his stomach.

Naruto... Ooh, this is delicious, old man!

Teuchi... You're welcome, Naruto-kun, come again!

Naruto... I will!

Kushina... Naruto, let me walk you to the shelter.

Naruto... All right. (chuckles)

So they were walking down the streets and the red-haired girl decided to take bold steps.

Kushina... Naruto, now you understand why I want to help you.

Naruto... Uh-huh.

Kushina... So, do you agree to go to our house with Inami?

The blond man didn't answer right away, as this was a big decision.

Naruto... Kushina san, that's a tough question, as I have people I care about.

Kushina... Don't worry about that, we won't forbid communication with them.

The blond thought long and hard, for it was a decision that would turn his plans upside down. And Kushina kept waiting for a decision with her fingers crossed, hoping for the best outcome. But now the orphanage buildings were close at hand, and he gathered his courage.

Naruto... Alright Kushina san, we'll go with you, don't worry, I'll talk to Inami dattebayo.

The woman was already inwardly jubilant that answers to her questions had been found. Since this dream was a kind of aphorism for her and she was already thinking how to pull a similar trick in real life.

Naruto... Okay, I'm gonna go, because grandpa three is already waiting for me.

She could hear the notes of happiness and gratitude in her son's voice. She stared after her son, and tried not to miss every moment of bliss.

Kushina's thoughts... So, he agreed, which means there's a chance he'll accept us as his parents and not freak out. Oh, but it's still going to be a lot harder than it is now, but there's still a solution.

But suddenly, her longtime friend who had taken custody of Inami came out of the door of the shelter. She walked worriedly and somewhat agitatedly.

Hitsune... Kushina, how did you end up outside, you told me to go home.

The red-haired woman was taken aback by this.

Kushina... What are you talking about?

Hitsune... You and I came for Inami and her friend, but when I made a deal with Inami. You looked at the white-haired boy who came in three minutes ago. You told me you still had things to do and told me to leave!

This was strange and she flew into the orphanage and began to look for her son with her eyes.

Kushina... Naruto, where are you?

She ran to the library, but the library door opened wide and a replica of her came out. All nervous and gritting her teeth in anger.

Kushina... Who the hell are you?

The copy looked at her and cracked a smile. And the eyes were red as blood with a vertical pupil. And the necks had three stripes each.

... I told you I'd make Naruto kill you with his own hands, hahahahahaha! I told him the truth!

After saying those words, the copy disappeared in red smoke.

Kushina... Kyubey, for crying out loud, what did he say to Naruto?

She flew into the library like a bullet and started looking for her son. But suddenly she heard the sobs of a small child. She walked behind a shelving unit and in a dark corner she saw her son. He sat on his fifth point, hugging his legs and began to shed tears. Seeing her son's condition, she began to think of bad things and was afraid to approach him.

Kushina... Son!

But the blond man raised his gaze full of grief and hatred, and tears never stopped pouring from his eyes.

Naruto... You, you lied to me, you've been lying to me all this time!

After saying that, he left the back of the rack and jumped out the window. The woman ran after him and tried to catch up, but the blond man ran faster and faster.

Kushina... Naruto, stop!

Naruto.. Leave me alone!

But the blond had no intention of stopping and even picked up the pace. Suddenly he wandered into a high mountain with stone faces. And Kushina stood in front of him.

Kushina... Naruto, please stop, I can explain everything!

Naruto... What's to explain, will it be another datebayo lie?

Kushina... No, please, just give me one chance!

And the blond got into a fighting stance and threw three shuriken under the red-haired woman's feet. And he kept stumbling backwards.

Naruto... Don't come any closer!

The blond was getting farther and farther over the edge, and remarkably, he was standing on the head of the fourth.

Kushina... Naruto, no, you're going to fall!

Naruto... You lie, you lie to me all the time...

But the blond didn't have time to finish his sentence as he slipped and started to fall down. The red-haired girl jumped after him, but as she was falling down she tried to reach her son as the terrain changed and Kyubey stood on the ground in all his glory, holding the orb in his hands.

Kushina... No, please, not now.

But her wishes were not destined to come true as her son fell into the sphere and the fox clasped his hands thereby consuming her son.

Kyubey... Hahahahahaha, now it's your turn!

But suddenly she started spiking her hand.

Kushina woke up in a cold sweat, and her scream could be heard even from the street. But no one was home.

Kushina... This nightmare, it's finally over.

She grabbed her head and started rubbing her temple.

Kushina... Fox, oh, my God, no! Naruto, he could be in danger!

She hastily began to dress in her battle gear and five minutes later she was running out of the village gates.

Kushina... Just to make it in time, they had to go to River Country. But everyone hasn't come back yet.

That same early morning, Naruto sensed movement around him and he was right, clay spiders started crawling into their cave. He began to wake his friend in a hurry.

Naruto... Sasuke, get up!

The brunet assessed the situation and didn't think long.

Sasuke... Chidori nagashi!

Naruto... Fuuuuuton, air defense!

The spiders began to decompose and dissolve, but that didn't make them any smaller. They kicked back the clay spiders and tried to stay away from them. They ran forward to the exit but it was just swarming with spiders.

Sasuke... Xoo, we can't make it, at the entrance...

The blond already knew they were doomed, so.

Naruto... Sasuke, I'm sorry.

After these words, the brunet received a powerful stream of air in his back and flew out of the cave crashing into a tree.

Sasuke... Xoo, Dobe...

He ran back, but he was thrown back by a powerful blast wave and sealed back against the same tree. And the cave began to collapse like a house of cards. The brunet looking at this was in extreme shock and no longer understood what was going on here.

Sasuke... Dobe, no please, no!

He ran back, and started lifting boulders as hard as he could. And when that didn't work for him, he started hitting the stone with gritted teeth.

Sasuke... Dobe, you couldn't die like that, no, you just couldn't.

Deidara... You bet I could, no one has ever survived my art!

The brunet looked up at the cliff where their opponent stood. Deidara still looked shabby, but the severed limb was wrapped in cloth.

Sasuke... You!

Deidara... Wow, you managed to survive, did you really use your sidekick to save your ass, hmmm!

The brunet gritted his teeth trying to burn a glare with his gaze.

Deidara... Anyway, I'll send you after him, you bastard. You're the one who cut off my hand yesterday!

He raised his arm to shoulder level and showed a ladom with a mouth and tongue sticking out. The brunet, on the other hand, was filled with anger over his comrade's death. His gaze was directed at him, and blood flowed from his left eye and the bomber's hands were covered in black flames.

Deidara... What the fuck is that? Aah, that's hot!

He waved his hands just to put out the fire, but amaterasu can't just be extinguished. The brunet, however, didn't give it a second thought and ran towards the bomber throwing shurikens of chakra-infused lightning.

Sasuke... Shuriken, kage bunshin!

Bomber managed to chop his arm off somehow, but was knocked down by a powerful punch to the jaw. And then Sasuke began beating the one on the ground, trying to take away the pain of losing his friend by smashing his foe's face.

Sasuke... Die!

But suddenly, the bomber's face began to bloat like his entire body. Brunet jumped away from him and noticed the chakra starting to concentrate in the center.

Sasuke... He decided to kill himself?

Brunet realized he wouldn't have time to use the chidori and decided to nourish his legs with chakra and run away. But he couldn't escape far, as he was flung away by a powerful blast wave and flew a couple hundred meters south and tried to stop against tree branches. He fell on a thick branch, but the ringing in his ears didn't stop. Yes, and he had spent a lot of chakra to cover his entire body with it and not be affected by the force of the blow. Sasuke looked at his reflection through the kunai and noticed that his sharingan had changed to a six-pointed star. Unfortunately the concussion didn't give him time to think about it and he just passed out. And Bomber spit up the blood and examined himself from head to toe. His clothes were scorched and had shuriken holes in them. And now he was stripped of both arms.

Deidara... Fucking brats! Okay, time to go back to base and get me some new arms.

At this time, Naruto woke up to the sound of explosions and rubbed his limbs. Sure he got a couple of fractures, but it was still better than if the blast had blown him to pieces. He managed to go underground before the explosion and used his air shiat as best he could to keep the shockwave from grinding his body into mush. But still, he got a crack in a couple ribs. It also cost him a lot of labor to survive the rockfall.

Naruto... Xooo, this is no good morning anymore, I spent almost all of my datiebayo chakra on the wind defense!

Naruto was underground, and the wind defense created some room for action.

With two kunai, he began to dig further as he suddenly noticed a bone of a hand, presumably his right hand, in the way. But what surprised him more was that the arm bone was slightly longer than his.

Naruto... Xoo, tough luck for the kid, looks like he's buried here. I hope your hand helps you find your way to the top. He started digging further, and he found something else. They were plastic goggles, but only half of them and it was a transparent orange color, like snowboarders.

Naruto... Was there a snowboarder buried here? Eh, that's not what I'm thinking about right now!

He stuffed half of the points into his memory pouch and continued digging further, of course he found that poor guy's right leg along the way and decided to use it for digging too.

Naruto... Strange, the bone is also a little longer than my leg, and you can see that at the end near the shoulders it was shattered. Was he buried in pieces?

Of course he felt immoral using a cadaver's limbs to save himself. But he didn't have time to think about morality now, as his oxygen was running low. He continued digging further towards the end of the cave from memory, and finally he was able to get out. There was less oxygen left, but still he was able to catch his breath and straighten up fully to get his blood pumping. Of course his ribs were still itchy, but that was nothing, the main thing was he could survive.

Naruto... Yay!

She buried the bones back under the ground and prayed.

Naruto... Thank you for your help! Whoever you are, but your arm and leg saved my life!

Tayuya... Look at you, the demon child is a devout man, how rare is that?

The blond man turned back and saw four silhouettes on the cliff and characterized them as follows. Boy is a woman with a nasty temper. Fatty, Spider-Man, and Two-Headed.

Naruto... What do you want?

Sakon... We've come for you, Uzumaki Naruto.

The blond realized they weren't here to ask how things were going and was at the ready.

Naruto... I already realized that, but my question remains the same, what the hell do you want from me!

Jirobo... What a cocky kid.

Kidomaru... Are you sure it will fit Orochimaru's vessel?

Tayuya... We're going to check it out now.

The blond had already seen those familiar waistbands on the sonic's waist and was already convinced that this gang was working for the snake-sanin.

Naruto... So you're Orochimaru's henchmen, he sent you four freaks after me dantebayo.

Naruto's thoughts... Xooo, I spent a lot of chakra on my last technique, so I'll have to get crafty.

Sakon... You're right, but this is no time to talk, show me what you're worth.

Naruto... So you four degenerates come to me and demand something else? Isn't your face gonna crack? Especially Fatty's?

Jirobo... I've had enough of him, defend yourself, kid!

The fat man leaped at the blond man skidding downward with both hands, but the blond man did a backflip and pushed off the rock and sealed his left heel against the back of his opponent's head. And then he pushed himself off the fat man's back and spun forward and slammed his knee into the six-armed man right in the jaw to meet him. And then the blond dodged the girl's direct attack and grabbed her by the hair and threw her into the two-headed gray-haired man.

Jorobo... Oh, you!

Naruto dodged the attack from behind with the help of one clone who grabbed his arm and directed the original to turn around and kick him in the back of the head. And then he drew his sword from its sheath and fought off Sakon's attack, parted the sword and made a cut on his knee, and then kicked with all his might into his stomach and he flew back to his opponents. And he banned the six-armed man with a hail of punches and a kick to the chest and he flew back to his own. The Sounders rubbed their bruises and cuts, then smirked.

Tayuya... You're good, you little asshole.

Jirobo... Tayuya, I told you not to swear!

Tayuya... Shut up, fatso!

Naruto's thoughts... I can't hit these assholes with my punches, I don't think it's worth fighting them head-on.

Sakon... Great, you're a good fit, so are you coming with us or are you going to force Orochimaru's hand?

Naruto... Recruiting isn't your thing, and neither is your boss. So shove your suggestion up your ass, I'm sure you can do it judging by your dattebayo data. That six-armed guy has hands that don't know where they come from, and it's strange that a couple of them didn't grow out of his ass.

Kidomaru... You little...

The buzzers roared even more at this insolence and the two-headed man began to be covered in a snake of black slurry. And his comrades were also covered in such segments.

Naruto's thoughts... His chakra, it was as if it had accelerated and increased in size. Sasuke, he's still alive, I feel those freaks might hurt him, so I'll have to get those assholes out of here.

Sakon... Come with us, and you'll have the same power we have. Trust me, you'll love it.

Naruto... I don't think I've had enough of mine to do all of you, but, uh, I gotta go.

With a zhuh and it bounced off toward the forest bowl to the south.

Naruto... Have a nice stay, assholes.

Tayuya... That bastard's getting on my nerves.

Sakon... After him, he'll never get away from us!

They jumped to follow the blond man and tried to hit with ranged attacks. Tayuya wanted to use her flute, but it acted as a genjutsu, so she didn't succeed. Kidomaru wanted to shoot down with arrows from his bow, but the blond man batted them away on the fly with his kunai. Jirobo also didn't succeed with his stone bullets.

Naruto's thoughts... The Hokage's chases have not been in vain, so it's time to get to the border of fire and ask for help from the border guards. Xoo, why did a seemingly normal mission, turn into this outrage datebayo? I'll be running a marathon from one country to another soon!

Tayuya... That kid is so fast, even with the damn seal we can't catch up to him!

Sakon... It doesn't matter, drive it toward Mizuki and his cronies.

Jirobo. That Mizuki bastard better know what he's doing. Or else Orochimaru-sama will skin us, because Orochimaru-sama ordered us to follow him!

Kidomaru... It doesn't matter, the important thing is to accomplish the task, to catch the leaf jinchuriki.

Tayuya... By the way, Jirobo, you look small against Mizuki's friends.

Jirobo... You're talking about me being overweight again.

Tayuya... Fill it up, asshole!

Sakon... Tayuya, Jirobo, don't get distracted, we need to watch the direction of that worm!

And at that pace, they chased the blond for two whole hours. It was at least 130 kilometers from Kanabi Bridge to the border of Fire Nation, so Naruto was already tired, but he had no intention of stopping. Naruto would even create a couple dozen clones to throw off the pursuit, or else confuse them. But due to exhaustion, it didn't help much. He was already running down the gorge and noticed the statues of the first Hokage and Madara in the distance. But he noticed a presence in the vicinity and two carcasses fell in front of him in a bomb-like fashion. The blond man had to stop and when the dust cleared, he was confronted by two burly ambles with fat torsos.

Rajin ... Brother, we found him, like we need him, right?

Fujin... I don't know, but he's not going any further!

Naruto... Xo, what is it again?!

And behind them ran four sound men.

Sakon... You've had enough, foxy?

Jirobo... Ugh, I'm so tired.

Tayuya... It's good for you to run, fatso.

Kidomaru... A rat in a trap, then!

The blond man unsheathed his swords and prepared for battle.

Mizuki... It's been a long time.

Naruto... That voice!

The blond turned around at the top of the ravine and saw a white-haired jock with a vest there.

Naruto... Who are you?

Mizuki... Oh, don't you recognize me? And I taught you all five years at the academy. Although there was nothing to teach you, and you acted like a dumbass!

The blond squinted his eyes and now understanding came.

Naruto... Mizuki, is that you?

Mizuki... Hahaha, remembered at last!

Naruto... How did you end up here, you're in jail!

Mizuki... Who cares, you better worry about other things.

The blond man looked around at everyone present without turning his head.

Mizuki... It's ironic, because last time, I was surrounded by a bunch of your shadow clones.

The voice sounded venomous and mocking, and the blond already realized that there was no escape. Just as suddenly he noticed the index finger down towards the blond man's feet and he lowered his head. And at the same moment, a snake sprang out of the ground and slithered into the blond man's neck. He experienced a hell of a lot of pain on par with the shock and started yelling in pain. When the pain threshold reached its limit, the blond fell to the ground drooling.

Mizuki... That's it, now all that's left to do is wait!

Sakon... Hey, what are you talking about, Orochimaru himself ordered us to bring that snot-nosed asshole to him!

The blue-haired man jumped over to the blond man and checked his pulse.

Mizuki... Orochimaru herself didn't say how his cursed mark worked. You remember how you felt when you got that mark. What if the jinchuriki couldn't handle it and would fall off his hooves upon arriving at the village of sound? We have to wait and keep him alone, or there's no point in our cooperation. Oh and that jinchuriki boy, when he dies, who knows, maybe the fox will break free. Do you have any desire to mess with this beast?

The Sounders listened to Mizuki's opinion and noted that he was right about something. And the last sentence had them shivering.

Sakon... Fine, but as soon as the jinchuriki recovers, we'll take him to Orochimaru, it's out of the question!

The blue-haired man smirked that his ruse had succeeded and grabbed the blond by the scruff of his neck, then began dragging him along the ground without wiping the smirk off his face.

Mizuki's thoughts... Screw Orochimaru, I can use the nine-tailed one my way! The main thing is that I have the information to help me. I can make him my pawn!

Mizuki and her gang of sound and two glutton brothers decided to take a break in the thicket of the forest. This was the edge of the sheet, though. But still, the glutton brothers managed to disarm the border guards. Oh, and on a couple of anbu, Mizuki tried out his powers. Mizuki decided to tie Naruto up, hands and feet, to keep him out of trouble. And then we began to wait for the awakening.

Kakashi and Sakura were sorely exhausted from searching for their co-commanders and after a rest, they continued their search. Of course they were oriented by the explosion and had already combed the entire neighborhood. They were now in the grass country and the pug began to sniff around.

Pakkun... Kakashi, I can smell Sasuke! It's about 15 kilometers from here. We have to go north!

Kakashi... North? Where exactly?

Pakkun... I can't say for sure, but it's roughly toward Canaby Bridge.

That title had sent shivers down the jonin's spine for almost half his life. After all, that's where he lost his friend and teammate. It was there that he got his nickname. Kakashi Sharingan!

Kakashi... Are you sure about this?

Pakkun... Yes!

Jonin began to wince at the memory, of this unfortunate place.

Sakura... What is it, this Kanabi Bridge?

Kakashi... Come on, we have to hurry!

Sakura's thoughts... He reacted strangely. Weed country, and I haven't been here before.

A few minutes later, they stopped near the edge of the forest and noticed explosions and trees torn to shreds.

Sakura... Explosions like we saw yesterday near Motogo province!

Kakashi felt like he was back in that horrible day.

Pakkun... Come on, he's getting closer!

They walked a little farther and spotted their co-commander on a branch. Sasuke was lying belly down on a branch, and his clothes were peeled off in several places. The pink-haired girl was already working hard to heal her bruises and cuts. And as a final touch, she infused her palm with green chakra and touched her forehead. Kakashi looked around at the destroyed bridge.

Kakashi's thoughts... Over 13 years ago, this is where I lost my comrade and friend. Why here in this damn place?

The gray-haired man turned his head toward the ruined cave and looked at the spot where his friend had been crushed by the stone.

Kakashi... Pakkun, do you smell Naruto anywhere?

Pakkun... No, unfortunately, it's not in the neighborhood.

The gray-haired man lowered his arms, for he was already quite tired from yesterday. So did Sakura, as they kept their eyes open looking for their hours later, the brunet was able to wake up.

Sakura... Kakashi sensei, Sasuke kun is awake.

Woke up, that was too loud a word, as he was still tossing and turning. The gray-haired man crouched down beside them and began to wait for the brunet to fully come to his senses. Sasuke was already fully awake, but his eyes were vacant and I couldn't feel the fire in them.

Kakashi... Sasuke, what happened to you.

Of course he could have waited, but neither the gray-haired man nor the pink-haired woman had time to wait. And the brunet looked at them and in a squeezed voice.

Sasuke... Yesterday, we were attacked by a bomber in a black cloak with red clouds. He chased after Sakura, the princess, and Lord Shuu first. Naruto made a decision, taking him the other way. We drew his attention to ourselves and began running northwest toward the Grass Country. The enemy used clay as explosives, and aimed them at us. But at the border, we were able to break away from him, the enemy was too strong and we had no chakra left. We decided to go farther north, and so, late at night, we arrived here.

Kakashi... What happened next?

Sasuke... We came across this area by accident, and the cave was a good cover against that bomber. As he flew on a bird of clay. We decided to make a call in the cave and early in the morning...

Kakashi looked at the ruined cave again and was already starting to wince.

Kakashi... What happened this morning?

The brunet closed his eyes and began to shed tears.

Sasuke... Early in the morning, we failed to react in time and got hit by enemy vehicles. The cave was overrun with swarms of clay spiders and we tried to drive them out. But this dobe... He pushed me out of the wind elemental cave and stayed there. I tried to help him and direct the lightning. But... I didn't make it! There was an explosion inside and the cave began to collapse. And Naruto...

He looked back at the ruins of the caves and ran that way.

Sasuke... He couldn't, he couldn't just die like that!

He struggled as hard as he could to lift the boulders and started swearing. And Sakura after listening to the story already realized that although his comrade had a chance, they were too late.

Sasuke... Naruto, you're such a jerk!

Sakura started sobbing now and tried to help her friend to at least bring the blond's body back to her home village. And Kakashi felt a sense of deja vu and began to clench his hands in anger.

Kakashi's thoughts. You don't want to dig into your past or it will catch up with you. I as a teacher couldn't do anything about it, xooo!

The gray-haired man, seeing the efforts of his disciples, had already lost all hope and was cursing himself for all his sins.

Kakashi's thoughts... First Dad, then Obito, then Rin left after him. And now, Naruto! What am I going to tell sensei?

The brunet thought back to the blond man's words and Kosuke's story that had influenced his decision.

Sasuke... He always told us he was in charge of our lives as captain, but why is he always taking a lot of credit, damn dobe!

The pink-haired girl dug through all the boulders with no expense spared. But she was never able to find her teammate's body. And Kakashi touched the left eye his friend had given him.

Kakashi's thoughts... Obito, this eye has seen only death, I am not worthy to wear this gift.

He was about to pull his eyes out when suddenly.

Sakura... Kakashi sensei, Sasuke-kun, come here! I found something!

They came running to the call and looked at the ground where the small hole was.

Sasuke... I mean, that's...

Kakashi... He used a trick like that on the exam.

Sakura... Sensei, is it possible that Naruto is still alive?

The question brought hope and the gray-haired man summoned the pug and let him sniff the blond man's belongings.

Pakkun... He's not here, that's for sure.

Kakashi... Hmm, if there's no odor here, let alone Naruto's body, is it possible that he could have survived!

The gray-haired man didn't think long before he jumped into the hole and started walking down the tunnel the blond had made. The tunnel was quite long and I even noticed drops of blood on the walls. He came out the back side of the tunnel and called out to the others. They came to the back side of the tunnel and the pug sniffed.

Pakkun... I smell something nearby.

The pug started digging in the ground and pulled out a bone of an arm and leg with drips of blood in it.

Sakura... Pakkun, found time...

Kakashi... Wait! Sakura, you can set the age.

The pink-haired girl looked over and began to peer.

Sakura... This bone belongs to a teenager, about 13 or 14 years old.

Pakkun... There's blood on the bone, it belongs to Naruto!

The copy boy got an electric shock.

Kakashi's thoughts... This bone is definitely not Naruto's, but could it be Obito's?

Sakura... At the bone ends, there are scuffs. Looks like Naruto used them to dig a tunnel.

Sasuke... Shh, here we go, but where is he?

Sakura... That's right, he couldn't just leave Sasuke kun like that!

Kakashi popped the dice into the seal and began to look around me. And I found some battle marks.

Kakashi... Sasuke, was it just the bomber in your battle, or was there someone else?

Sasuke... No, just him, there were no others around!

Pakkun... There were at least five people here, including Naruto. Yeah, and the signs of the battle, they didn't do much here.

The gray-haired man noticed the cuts in the trees and began to mull over the situation.

Kakashi... It looks like these four ambushed them, maybe they came in for a blast. Oh, and you, Sasuke, were nearby, and by his style of fighting, he wouldn't take any chances and could lead them away from you.

The brunet looked around towards the forest and came to a conclusion.

Sasuke... You're right, the trail says they went south.

Kakashi... Pakkun, you can leave now, we're moving out. If Naruto could break away, he'd go back for Sasuke, which means he's either still trying to break away or- We have to hurry!

They hopped toward the fire country dreaming with hopes that they could help the blond man.

Kushina, meanwhile, began to get closer and closer. She had a feeling that trouble was coming, and the dream she'd had was proof of that.

Kushina... Xoo, I can't wait! Hopefully I can get to river country in time!

The blond man himself was still unconscious and his temperature was beginning to rise. What was odd was that there was no mark on the neck where the bite had been, like a normal cursed seal. Sure a lot of people didn't care about his situation, but still, if the blond hoofed off, Orochimaru could send everyone to the other side of the world to get the blond back. And there were no ninja doctors among them.

Naruto's subconscious

Our blond man was once again inside a hallway, complete with pipes. But strangely enough, there was a lot less water on the floor than last time.

Naruto... This is the place, last time I was here I was fixing my seal in the land of spring. We gotta get outta here.

He began to wander the corridors, looking for an exit, as suddenly, he felt something raging, something cold and hot at the same time.

Naruto... This feeling, this chakra, I've been at for god knows how long. Looks like I gotta get to the fox or I'll never get outta here.

And then after a few turns he started to go for a sound that got bigger and bigger. After a few minutes, he found himself in a huge hall, but he met an obstacle in the form of a barrier.

Naruto... This wasn't here last time, where did it come from? It doesn't matter now, though.

The blond man folded the seals and tried to unlock the barrier, but he failed miserably as the barrier wouldn't budge. He blanked out and just decided to move on, as suddenly, he was able to walk through it.

Naruto's thoughts... Hmm, it looks like the fox's chakra wasn't coming out because of the barrier, but my chakra can get through without any problems. So that's why I had poor regeneration, the fox chakra healed me before, and now my body doesn't have a steady reserve flowing into my body and my wounds take an order of magnitude longer to heal dantebayo!

The blond went a little further as suddenly, a cloud of red chakra erupted near the cage and two huge red eyes with vertical pupils appeared.

Kyubey... It's finally here!

The blond was certainly unaccustomed to noticing the ustraging chakra, but still realized that it could happen sooner or later.

Naruto... I'm here!

Kyubey... I thought I'd never get to see my jailbird. Come closer!

The sound sounded somewhat intimidating and even a hint of slyness crept through.

Naruto... I will refrain from your offer!

Kyubey... Come here, or I'll kill you!

Of course the fox was testing the blond man's thinking and he didn't fail.

Naruto... Go ahead, kill it.

The fox had nothing to reply to that.

Kyubey... Damn cage, I'd tear you apart like that if it wasn't for her.

Naruto... So why make empty threats if you're not capable of it?

Kyubey... Hmm, you're bold for your age, brat, don't forget, I'm a fox demon who can wipe you out!

Naruto... I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I'd like to meet you!

The fox was astonished that his threats had no effect.

Kyubey... Why have you come for my power?

The blond smirked at the fox's argument.

Naruto... Fuck your power, just tell me how to get out of here.

Fox was even more perplexed.

Kyubey... Bullshit, you people have always wanted my power!

Naruto... How do I get out of here again?

Kyubey... Why would I help you?

The blond realized that the chance of getting an answer, was too slim. But it was still worth a try.

Naruto... Okay, if you don't want to help, don't, I'll figure it out on my own!

The blond turned back toward the exit, fully intent on getting out of here. And the fox always noticed if a man was lying or not.

Kyubey... Stop! I said stop, boy!

He even punched the cage for effect, but the blond didn't even bat an eyebrow.

Naruto... Why would I listen to you?

That's how the fox got a response.

Kyubey's thoughts... That brat, he's as brazen as Kushina!

Kyubey... I'll help you get out of here, but first, you have to listen to me!

The blond turned back and looked questioningly into the fox's eyes.

Naruto... What am I supposed to listen to?

Kyubey... The truth!

Naruto... Hmm, which one?

Kyubey... Come here!

The blond man returned to his starting point and waited for the story.

Naruto... Well, I'm listening to you!

Kyubey... Did you know you've been living a lie your whole life?

Naruto... The whole world is built on lies, so it's not surprising. We lie, we get lied to, it's mean though it may be, but that's the shinobi world as much as the shinobi themselves.

It wasn't the kind of conversation the fox had expected, and he'd lived inside the blond for a full twelve years, so he knew it wouldn't be an easy conversation.

Kyubey... Snotlout, you don't understand me! I'm talking about the ones who abandoned you when you were first born.

Naruto... Abandoned?

Kyubey... Yes!

Naruto... I've been dumped by a lot of people, and I didn't really reach out to them... Can you be more specific or I'm outta here!

Kyubey's thoughts... What an impatient child, though what did I expect from someone like him.

Kyubey... I mean, your parents.

Naruto... Um, my parents, but they died as soon as I was born!

Kyubey... Wrong, you have created an illusion for yourself, and you persist in believing it! Your parents are alive and close to you.

Naruto... Pfft, if you say about the hokage herself and Kushina san, you don't have to try, it's impossible! My father was your past jinchuriki and died as soon as he learned of my mother's passing!

Kyubey... Hahahahahahahahahaha!

The blond man twirled his finger at his temple.

Naruto... What did I say that was funny?

Kyubey... I told you you were living in an illusion you created yourself! Those people you call parents never existed. And my last jinchuriki was Kushina!

The blond man made a hand face at that.

Naruto... You idiot, there's no such thing as an ex-jinchuriki!

Kyubey... You're the idiot, Kushina and Mito were the exception to the rule!

Naruto... What?

Kyubey... Don't forget that they're both from the Uzumaki clan, and they used a special scroll to get me out of them.

Naruto... A scroll?

Kyubey... Yeah, remember what that old guy with the mokuton said six years ago. They left most of the scrolls in the hidden maelstrom, for lack of use. Well, Kaname, Kushina's own aunt, she was able to find the right scroll among the debris and without harming Kushina printed me out!

There was something logical in those words and the blond decided to ask. Of course he didn't believe the fox, but he had to listen.

Naruto... Why would they pull you out of Kushina san?

Kyubey... Hahaha, because she was pregnant with you! The seal on Kushina was weakened by your sister, and Kushina wouldn't have survived a second child. Kaname let them know she wasn't going to let her niece die and pulled me out of Kushina, and then when I walked around the sheet. It sealed me, inside you!

The blond was shocked at the details, but decided to trust her nonetheless.

Naruto... Even if they did, why would they abandon me since I'm their "son".

Fox was already rubbing his hands together that it was going according to plan after all.

Kyubey... I stuck my claw into Kaname, and she sealed me into you at the cost of her life. Minato and Kushina were heartbroken and blamed you for her death! They tossed you into the dumpster in the form of a hospital like a useless thing!

The blond began to wince as several pictures came into focus, but still he couldn't believe they could do this.

Naruto... Shut up, you're lying!

Kyubey... Hahahahaha, and what am I lying about?

Naruto... They couldn't do this to me!

Kyubey... They refused to give you their last name, they threw you into a hospital where doctors tested you like a lab rat. And when people started hating, they didn't lift a finger to help you! But when they found out how strong you'd become. They wanted you back in the family! Hahahahaha, you people are mean, so I'm not surprised.

Naruto's thoughts... It can't be true, he's lying, he just wants to demoralize me!

Naruto... That's enough! I've heard you, now tell me how to get out of here.

The fox achieved what he wanted, he was able to shake up the kid's psyche a bit and the barrier was able to disappear near the entrance.

Kyubey... See you later, punk!

Boom and the fox kicked out of the blond man's subconscious. The blond woke up and looked around me.

Mizuki... You're awake now, but you've recovered quickly!

Mizuki sat on a fallen log and the blond laid his head near the root of the tree.

Naruto... I thought you were gonna kill me!

Mizuki... Of course, our cooperation last time didn't work out so well! But I think we'll succeed this time!

Naruto... What? Mizuki, did they beat your brains out in prison? Why on earth would I work with you?

The blue-haired man of course chuckled at the remark, but right now he was concerned with other things.

Mizuki... Trust me, you'll want to work with me after you learn a little secret!

Naruto... How generous, and what's the secret?

Of course he didn't need extra ears, so he asked that Radzin and Fujin be on the lookout to keep the sound guys from walking in on their conversation.

Mizuki... About how your family betrayed you!

Naruto... And in what ways have they betrayed me?

Mizuki... Here, look at this!

He held out the test result in front of the blond man's face.

Naruto's thoughts... Kinship test. DNA test, Minato Namikaze and Naruto Uzumaki 97%. DNA test, Kushina Namikaze and Naruto Uzumaki 97%. What the hell is going on here anyway? It doesn't look like a fake, it even bears the seal of Granny Tsunade!

The blond man experienced a shock in reality, as this was no longer passing for a prank he was really hoping for.

Mizuki... See, I remember you being labeled a total orphan! And it turns out your parents have always been there for you.

Naruto... What are you trying to accomplish with this dantebayo?

Mizuki... It's obvious, destroy Konoha! And by partnering with you, I'm clearly going to succeed!

Naruto... Destroy Konoha? Why would I do that?

Mizuki.. Why, to pay for what they did to you. Your family threw you out on the street, sealing the fox demon inside you. And the whole village hated you.

The blond couldn't answer right away, as there were only emotions in his head, yes and accepting that your family abandoned you.

Naruto... Why would you want to help me?

Mizuki... I hate Konoha, for his ideals. They epitomize camaraderie, but the Hokage himself abandons his family. And the leaf ninjas are fighting amongst themselves. Forgetting your rule in the blink of an eye.

Naruto... What the hell are you talking about?

Mizuki... Wake up Naruto, these same residents hated you when you were an academy student. And when you showed your worth on the chunin exam. Do you think they accepted you? No, they fear your power, they fear you even more, literally so much so that they no longer dare to raise a hand against you. You think they're worthy of compassion? Especially a Hokage who abandoned you when you were first born. You think he deserves to live? Oh, you don't know the first thing! Your mother was a jinchuriki, even she abandoned you knowing your burden. You think she deserves to live, too?

The blond was already starting to boil over from all the traitor's bravado.

Naruto... You work for Orochimaru, don't you?

Mizuki... Not really, I'm cooperating with him. Also, I'm giving you a choice, either I take you to Orochimaru and he'll make you a vessel and move into you. Either you come with me, trust me those sound ninjas will be no problem for me!

The blond began to mull over the situation and realized what kind of person this was. Of course, he refused to agree for his stance, but he still decided to take the one out.

Naruto... You betrayed the village, you betrayed Orochimaru, what's to stop you from betraying me?

Mizuki... The thing that gets in the way is that we'll have one goal, to destroy the village. And afterward, we can go our separate ways. I'll give you time to think about it, but don't take too long, time doesn't last forever!

Naruto's thoughts... What nonsense did I just hear, I don't believe, I don't believe that Hokage herself and Kushina san are my parents. They just want me to dance to their tune, but it's not gonna happen!

After these words he emerged from the crowns of the trees, which closed in on all sides and formed a shelter.

At this time, Kushina had already passed the valley of completion, as suddenly, she felt in the distance her son's chakra and more.

Kushina... I'm right here son, hang in there, I had a bad feeling for a reason.

She jumped into a wide clearing and was already looming toward her son when suddenly the four sounded in front of her.

Jirobo... Damn it, when is that brat going to wake up, I'm sick of being here!

Sakon... Once we deal with her, we'll take the jinchuriki and get out of here. I don't care what happens to him!

The red-haired woman looked around at her opponents and concluded that her experiences had come to fruition.

Kushina... Let Naruto go, or I'll have to count your bones!

Tayuya... Ha, try it!

She immediately took up the flute and tried to imprison Kushina in genjutsu, but was unsuccessful.

Kushina... I won't repeat myself, just do as I say!

Jirobo... Shut up, bitch!

Zherdyai was the first to run, but immediately received a savory blow, from which he flew back a hundred meters back, punching through the trees. Now the sound guys were in on the joke.

Kidomaru... Take that!

Three arrows flew at the jonin, but two of them were repelled and the third she simply threw back at the archer. She twiddled her fingers and launched herself at her opponents. In taijutsu, she certainly didn't have the highest level. But the inhuman strength that Tsunade didn't tire of more than made up for that gap. She was flipping off enemies left and right. And her water elemental, were many times better than Jirobo's earth techniques and pierced through. The stone giants that Tayuya controlled were simply wiped to dust by the water dragon.

Kushina... Suiton, water needles!

A projectile of water needles flew at the enemies and they fell backwards, and some even had their knee and shoulders pierced. The spiders that Kidomaru summoned simply couldn't tolerate water. The sound men began to breathe frequently from exhaustion.

Tayuya... We can't handle her!

Sakon... We're gonna have to hold that thing in place!

Jirobo... There's hardly any chakra left!

Kidomaru... We'll have to use our cursed seal for collaborative tech!

Kushina felt a powerful release of chakra and her opponents began to cover me with black lines and then changed before her eyes. Their bodies were so disfigured by the cursed seal that they didn't look human.

Sakon... It's time!

Jonin was ready to repel another attack, but they stood on four sides of her and folded their seals.

... A barrier of four purple lights!

Kushina was encased in a cube of purple barrier.

Kushina... Xoo, this is already a problem! I'm going to have to deal with this barrier for a long time.

Tayuya... Kidomaru, have you sent for Mizuki yet?

But he didn't have to be called, as he showed up with his two brothers.

Mizuki... What a meeting, Kushina san, can't you stay at home?

The red-haired girl knew the teachers at the academy well. This character, though, is especially good.

Kushina... You, how did you get here?

Mizuki... I've decided to get myself an early release!

The red-haired woman had already realized that the man wanted revenge on her son.

Kushina... Where's Naruto?

Mizuki... Oh, you want to see him? Gladly, he just wanted to ask you a couple questions.

Kushina... What are you talking about?

Sinevaas showed the DNA test and Kushina realized where he was going with it.

Kushina... Did Naruto see that?

Mizuki... Of course!

Kushina... You, how dare you?

She even hit the barrier to quiet the shivering. The traitor began to squirm.

Mizuki... You can't judge me, I don't throw my relatives around. Guys, hold her, I'll go get our jinchuriki.

Kushina began to shake with fear. Kushina's thoughts... Oh my god, Naruto found out everything, no, it wasn't supposed to happen like this.

At the same moment, Mizuki stepped into cover and began to cut the ropes, leaving only the arms.

Naruto... What are you doing?

Mizuki... There's someone I want to show you!

The blond had time to think about a lot of things in that time, and a lot of them he didn't like. When they came to the same clearing, he saw Kushina behind the barrier.

Naruto... Kushina-san...

Red-Haired, on the other hand, was more lost than she had ever been in her life.

Mizuki... Wrong, Naruto kun, she's your mom, though what kind of mom is she after what she did to you.

Blondie and Red-Haired stood gawking at each other.

Mizuki... Come on, what are you gonna do to her, forgive her for what she did? Or will you kill me?

The blue-haired man cut the ropes on his arms and laid the sword on his hand. The blond man had conflicting feelings at this moment.

Kyubey... Kill her, she doesn't deserve to live!

The blond was already losing his composure at this point, and with the fox's voice, his eyes poured blood changing his pupil to vertical. And chakra gushed out of him with gusto, lengthening the claws on his fingers.

Mizuki... Yes, that power, come on Naruto, kill it!

Kyubey... Kill her, and I'll give you more power.

The blond man himself yelled all around and gritted his teeth, his fangs beginning to lengthen. And then he looked at Kushina with hatred and taking his sword in his hands began to slowly walk towards her. And Kushina fell to her knees and was already ready for anything.

Kushina's thoughts... I promised myself that I was ready to take all his wrath upon myself! I'm sorry, son, I'm unforgivable.

Mizuki gave the command to lower the barrier and those stood waiting for the blond to stab his mother with his sword. The blond was already drawing his sword to strike and looked into the eyes of his mother, who was already ready to accept her fate. Kushina, on the other hand, looked up and eyed her son with regret.

Kyubey... Hahaha, Kushina, I told you I'd kill you with your brat's hands!

Kushina realized that her terrible dream had come true, but bitterness and regret prevented her from doing anything.

Kushina... Son.

After saying those words, she closed her eyes and even straightened her shoulders. The blond heard that word and began to mentally lament the whole situation.

Naruto... No, this is all wrong, Fox, go back to your hole! I'm Uzumaki Naruto, I don't take orders from you or that Mizuki bastard!

Kyubey... No, don't you dare stop, boy! She must die! Aaargh, Naruto!

The blond man's eyes returned to their usual sky color, and his mustache took on a familiar shape, as did his fingernails on his hands. Everyone else around them didn't realize what was happening, but when the blond disappeared into the shunshin and appeared behind Kidomaru and thrust his sword into his back, embraced by the wind chakra. The red-haired woman was surprised she was still alive, but looked away.

Kushina... Naruto?

Mizuki... What? Everybody, stop them!

The blond began to dodge the sonic's attacks and even managed to punch Jirobo. But one of the fat brothers tried to pounce on the blond.

Kushina... Get away from him!

Radzin was struck by a whirlpool and thus thrown back several meters.

But suddenly, fire bullets and a water dragon swooped down on them. And on the cliff stood the remaining team of 7. Kakashi as well as his students were indescribably happy to see the blond alive and well.

Kakashi... Yo, Naruto, Kushina san!

Naruto... You guys came for me.

Sasuke... Dobe, you made us run today, but I see you're having fun yourself!

Mizuki... Shit!

Mizuki realized that he didn't stand a chance against them, even with his new power and just ran away. Naruto ran after him, as did Kushina, but Fujin got in her way and she had to take the fight. Sasuke took over Sakona, Sakura dealt with Tayuya. Kakashi raced Jirobo around the field with his raikiri. And Kushina took on the underdog brothers. Naruto, meanwhile, was chasing after Mizuki and had already managed to catch Mizuki with his fishing line, and then launched wind chakra at her, after which Mizuki started screaming in pain. But gritting his teeth, he managed to free himself from the woods. And then walked down to the clearing. The blond stood up to face him.

Mizuki... So that's your choice?

Naruto... Mizuki, like I said, you betrayed the village, you betrayed Orochimaru. Why would I trust a traitorous Dantebayo now?

Mizuki... Huh, you know better, you believe those who have betrayed you since birth!

Naruto... It's all nonsense, you were a spy after all, hence a good liar!

The blue-haired man realized that there was no way to change his mind and decided to get into a fighting stance.

Mizuki... Naruto, you were my student, how about we test your knowledge?

Naruto... I remember the last time I gave you an exam.

Mizuki... That was different, now let's see if you can handle me.

Naruto... All right!

Mizuki... Lesson one, taijutsu!

Of course the blond decided to stretch me out and get used to his opponent. The blond dodged his opponent's punches and at the last moment, he grabbed his foe's straight punch and spun around in mid-air and hit a heel kick to the jaw. Mizuki jumped back and wiped the blood off his lips.

Mizuki... Great, how about shurikenjutsu?

Blondie didn't have to beg much. He threw a hail of shurikens from different trajectories and simply forced the blue-haired man to survive. As suddenly, two shuriken flew past Mizuki's ears.

Naruto... Shuriken, kage bunshin!

The blue-haired man noticed the fishing line near him and looked back to where a swarm of shurikens were flying at him. He started to run forward, but the blond clone shot a new batch of shurikens at him and he had to run in circles, while the blond also infused the ryken's fishing line with wind chakra. So it was like Mizuki was under artillery fire. He also took a few cuts from the shuiriken. Mizuki ran back and started grabbing his hands.

Mizuki... Enough games!

Naruto... It's strange to hear from the person who invented the game, teacher and student.

The blue-haired man was covered in the cursed mark and his body transformed into a tiger.

Mizuki... What do you think, do you see the power I got?

Naruto... Did Orochimaru give you that power?

Mizuki... I don't care who, as long as it's mine! This is my power that will make me the greatest!

Naruto's thoughts... He's the same as those sound guys, his chakra level has increased dramatically! But it is a little different, in several places on the body, the chakra pulses erratically!

Naruto... Wow, you do have a lot of power, but are you ready for it?

Mizuki... Of course, I'm always ready for her!

The blond drew his swords and with a swipe of chakra he began to charge at his opponent, shredding the claws on his hands. The blond tried to dodge punches and hit vital organs, spinning around his opponent. As he suddenly jumped back, the blond man unsealed the chains on his swords and began to attack from a distance. Mizuki had to dodge but still got a couple cuts on his arm. Sure the blond flew off his opponent's punches a couple times, but he landed softly and technically. And the sword went through the traitor's knees. Mizuki proved to be quite nimble. But the battle comes to an end sooner or later. The blond ran forward with his hands in front of him and Mizuki prepared to catch his fist, but Naruto unsealed the kunai in an instant and thrust it right into his palm. But he didn't stop there and proceeded to string the blue-haired man with kunayami so that he resembled a hedgehog. More remarkably, the blond clones threw kunai from a distance, but they one didn't hit the target. Now as the blue-haired man fell to his knees, impaled on his kunai. The blond pulled on the fishing lines and lifted Mizuki up through the web of fishing line. Blood gushed from the traitor's wounds.

Naruto... It's over!

Mizuki... You're wrong!

But the blond didn't let him finish as he plunged his sword right into his heart.

Mizuki... No matter what you do, there will be those on the list who will hate you!

Those were the traitor's last words, which were heard hoarsely.

Naruto... You can't please everyone, no matter how you look at it.

The blond really hated traitors, especially those who didn't consider human lives. Oh, and Mizuki could continue to put sticks in his wheels, so the blond prudently got rid of him. At this time, the rest of Team 7, with Kushina already massacring the opponents. Sakura could easily get out of Tayui's genjutsu due to her perfect chakra control. And at the end, she was able to land a savory punch that broke her jaw and a couple ribs. Eventually, a broken rib punctured her airway and she died. Sasuke, on the other hand, handled Sakon methodically, still in the skill of taijutsu he excelled well and even that, Sakon split into two. Didn't help him much as Sasuke punched both of them with his Chidori, fitting the moment. Kakashi dealt with Jirobo quickly, as he had good skills in the element of lightning, and tactical experience, took its toll and after the battle with him, went to help Kushina. Which also threw the two fat brothers right and left. Fatty often hit the ground with inhuman strength, but even so, they were quickly exhausted due to their size. The blond sealed Mizuki's body to his scroll and walked over to the others. Sasuke and Sakura walked over to him with joyful faces.

Sasuke... Dobe, you're such an asshole, I already buried you.

Sakura... Xoo, this assignment is just creepy.

The blond bumped them with his fists and a pleased face.

Naruto... I'm glad nothing bad happened to you either.

The gray-haired man walked over to his apprentice and rubbed his head.

Kakashi... Naruto, I'm glad you're okay, too.

The blond tried to avert his eyes from the red-haired woman often, and even tried to pretend she wasn't here. And Kushina herself was happy that her son didn't let herself be manipulated. But still she didn't know what to do next, the situation was out of control after all.

Kakashi... Okay, it's getting late, I think we should take a break, all the bodies will have to be burned or buried.

Naruto and Sasuke took up the task and they quickly piled up and Kakashi buried them with an earth technique. Now, Sakura began to heal her wounds. Kushina sat off to the side with her head hanging down, not taking her eyes off her son, who was still doing his best to ignore her. Kakashi, on the other hand, walked over to her and in a quiet voice so the others wouldn't hear.

Kakashi... Kushina san!

Kushina... He found out!

The red-haired woman's voice sounded like a sentence.

Kakashi... What do you mean, what exactly did he find out?

Kushina... Something we've all been careful to keep from him all this time. He even recognized who exactly was the jinchuriki da him.

The gray-haired man was starting to get a kick out of the joke, but what bothered her was that the blond was walking around like nothing had happened.

Kakashi... Kushina san, but Naruto is calm!

Kushina... It bothers me too, but apparently he still hasn't accepted it...

The woman's gaze was lost and forgotten.

Kakashi... Kushina san, I don't think we should talk about it now.

The red-haired woman herself, on the other hand, was of a different opinion. But first we needed a break. Sasuke and Naruto went off to get food and set traps, while the rest of us stayed behind to set up camp. Kakashi decided to help the blonde find food, and ask her about a few things. They were sitting on the riverbank and he was the first to decide to start.

Kakashi... Naruto, I have a couple questions for you.

Naruto... Hmm?

Kakashi... In that cave near Kanabi Bridge, I'm surprised you survived.

Naruto... To be honest, I'm a datiebayo heehee too!

Kakashi's thoughts... No psychiatric abnormalities. Perhaps Kushina san is right, he didn't accept the truth. Well, I'll let them and Sensei handle it.

Kakashi... Mma, I found bones near the tunnel you dug. You only found two limbs?

Naruto... Yes! And one more thing!

The blond pulled out half of his glasses, and Kakashi recognized them instantly.

Kakashi's thoughts... It was Obito's!

Kakashi... Naruto, looks like you were right.

Naruto... А?

Kakashi... You once told me not to dig into my past. Otherwise she'll catch up with you and I don't think I can live with that.

The blond was surprised at such a suggestion.

Naruto... What do you mean?

Kakashi... You see, those bones and that half of the glasses belonged to a friend of mine.

The gray-haired man picked up half of his glasses and sighed at the memory.

Naruto... To whom?

Kakashi... Uchiha Obito!

The blond remembered the name well from stories from the hokage.

Naruto... He was on the same team as you, wasn't he? The Hokage himself told me about him!

Kakashi... Yeah, he was on my team!

Naruto... This cave has been reconstructed, but not completely. So your teammate was trapped under a cave-in?

Kakashi... Yeah, you're right!

It was obvious that Gray-haired was in pain to remember this moment.

Naruto... How did that happen, and why did you need that cave?

Kakashi... Remember I told you about the Canaby Bridge collapse the other day?

Naruto... Uh-huh!

Kakashi... Well, the mission to destroy the bridge fell to our team. Halfway to our destination, Sensei and I had to split up. He went into open combat, and I got a jonin at that point and had to lead my team. But I had a different outlook on life back then. Obito valued camaraderie more, while I followed the rules and accomplished the task at hand no matter what. Because of this, we had a confrontation and while we were busy squabbling, Rin was kidnapped by the stone ninja. Obito went after her, and I left to complete the mission. But that's when I realized I couldn't leave them in the lurch. We were able to get Rin out, but the cave collapsed. I got hit by a rock a couple times, and Obito threw me into the entrance at the cost of his life. But Obito was crushed by a rock, it was at that moment that he, along with his outlook on life, handed me his sharingan. It was at that moment that I realized how wrong I was to think that shinobi should follow the rules no matter what. The stone ninjas used a burial technique, after which Obito was torn to pieces, judging from the bones we found. We were able to come out of this mess alive, but the joy of victory didn't add up!

The blond now had everything in place, and he handed over half of his friend's glasses.

Naruto... Kakashi sensei, I don't think that's appropriate. But still, I want to say thank you to him. If it wasn't for his bones, I wouldn't have gotten out of that cave-in alive.

The gray-haired man took his glasses and ruffled his student's hair.

Kakashi... You remind me a lot of him, you have the same outlook on life. I'm glad it was you who became a chunin and took charge of Sasuke and Sakura! Still, you're way ahead of me in terms of command.

Naruto... Thank you!

Kakashi's thoughts... It's time to bring what's left of Obito back to our village.

A few minutes later, they returned to camp with their catch. The blond returned to his previous state. And so they decided to have a sentinel. The first to volunteer was Sasuke, followed by Sakura, third was Kakashi, and fourth was Naruto. Kushina hadn't been able to sleep a wink all night, thinking about what would happen next. She was also nervous that her son often avoided the conversation and changed the subject.

Kushina's thoughts... Naruto, we have to end this thing once and for all.

And the blond man sat on the branch thinking about his own, of course he was exhausted yesterday, both emotionally and outwardly. And the fox was raging inside for his plan not succeeding.

Kyubey... Naruto, why didn't you kill her yesterday?

Naruto... Shut up, I didn't have to listen to you at all, I don't believe you! And everything you've told me is a lie!

Kyubey... Damn boy, what a stubborn ass you are!

Naruto sat in lotus pose trying to dispel his thoughts and after a couple minutes, he couldn't hear the fox freaking out. The red-haired woman walked over to him leisurely and sat down beside him.

Kushina... Naruto, we need to have a serious talk!

Naruto... About what?

Kushina... About what happened yesterday.

Naruto... You mean what Mizuki said?

He showed the DNA test he took from Mizuki's dead body for clarity.

Kushina... Yes!

Naruto... Why, he was just trying to piss me off.

The red-haired woman lowered her head and in a quiet voice.

Kushina... He was right, you're my and Minato's son!

The blond was surprised at her expression.

Naruto... No, I don't believe it!

Kushina... Naruto, look, I don't demand that you call us your parents, but you still have to accept this truth.

Blondie got fed up with the whole thing and tore the test form to shreds.

Naruto... Kushina san, I told you I don't intend to listen to this nonsense. Please stop daittebayo!

The red-haired woman didn't know what to do as her son stubbornly tried not to admit the truth.

Kushina... Son, that's enough, please listen to me!

Naruto... Don't call me that, your son is dead and so are my parents!

Kushina began to shed tears as she listened to his every word.

Kushina... Naruto, please stop talking like that!

Naruto... You stop it, everyone, I'm sick of it! You're out of your mind!

He jumped down from the tree and started packing.

Kushina... Where are you going?

Naruto... To the village!

Kushina... It's too early!

Naruto... I don't care!

The blond man hopped through the trees and Kushina gathered her things and followed him.

Kushina.. Naruto, stop, let's talk calmly! I realize the truth is hard to accept!

The blond was so angry at the whole situation and threw shurikens at her feet.

Naruto... You stop it, I'm not going to listen to you anymore! I'll talk to Hokage-sama and end this nonsense! You're lying, you just take it now!

Kushina experienced deja vu, for it was in this way, in her dreams.

Kushina's thoughts... Oh, my God! What am I gonna do?

She just followed him, and the blond walked farther and farther away. Because of the intense speed, the blond was able to reach the village and even got past the guards.

Kushina... Naruto, stop running, damn it, stop!

She begged for all the time she needed to stop, but her son had no intention of listening to her.

At this time, Minato was on pins and needles, for his wife had left without a word. But a message from Kakashi had somehow managed to calm him down. So he had already sent the ninja on a mission and was writing reports in silence. Just as suddenly, the door opened wide and a younger blond man burst into the office, followed by his wife.

Minato... Naruto?

The red-haired woman put up a barrier and put a hand on her son's shoulder.

Kushina... Naruto, calm down, let's talk calmly!

Minato didn't understand what was going on here. And Naruto took a breath and removed his mother's hand and then turned to the hokage.

Naruto... Hokage herself, Kushina herself is delusional, tell her I'm not your son!

The older blond fell into a stupor and looked at his wife.

Kushina... Minato, he knows everything!

Naruto... What do I know, it's all bullshit, I'm not your son, get a clue, Kushina san!

The blond man was quite annoyed himself and turned to the head of the village again.

Naruto... Hokage herself, well don't be silent, tell her she's wrong!

Minato was still as stoic and collected as ever.

Minato's thoughts... It's too late to make a change, it has to be said!

Minato... She's right, you are our son!

The blond was stupor and even thought he had heard it!

Naruto... What did you say?

Minato... You're our son and brother Miroku!

The blond man began to shake and even started to become hysterical.

Naruto... No, it can't be, no say it's a prank or just a joke. Please tell me this is a joke!

The younger blond looked at his father with tears in his eyes.

Naruto... Please, please, I'm begging you, tell me this is a joke.

The spouses, on the other hand, were lost and severely depressed. That's what it means to get a boomerang. After their son was born, they didn't recognize him as their son. And now Naruto is doing the same thing to them.

Minato... I'm sorry, but it's the truth!

After saying those words, the blond folded the yin seal and tried to remove the genjutsu.

Naruto... Kai!

But the same faces stood before him!

Naruto... Kai! Damn it Kai, get off! Kai!

They were shocked that their son was trying as hard as he could not to admit that this was really happening.

Naruto... No, it can't be!

He began breathing frequently and gasping after each word. Emotions were pouring over the edge, along with tears. He clenched his teeth and clutched at his heart and began to choke with emotion already. And the camem was slowly falling to the ground. Minato oriented himself and managed to pick up his son in time.

Naruto... No way!

That was his last word, after which he passed out. Kushina crouched down on her knees grabbing her son's left breast and began to silently shed tears.

Kushina... It wasn't supposed to be like this!

Minato... We gotta get him to the hospital!

They burst into the ward and started hooking him up to life-support machines right away. They were very afraid for their son's life, but after hearing that the blond man had had an emotional breakdown and would wake up soon. The couple breathed a sigh of relief, but now standing outside the window and watching their son lying in a bunk, stacked with machines.

Kushina... Minato, our son now knows who we are to him.

Minato... But he won't admit it.

Kushina... He's entitled to it, after all, we did the same thing to them once.

Minato... Sooner or later, he'll calm down and we can explain everything to him.

Of course, they didn't dream of wishing things would be the same now. But dared their son to make it out of this condition.