The Chronicles of Namikaze Naruto

by Blackfyre80

What if Naruto's potential was acknowledged early on? What if he was given the titles robbed of him? Imagine what his story would have turned into if Naruto were molded into the shinobi he was meant to be. Power, wealth, and recognition. Witness as Naruto becomes both the terror of the shinobi world and a relevant player on the world stage, much like his father before him.

29. Downfall Part 2

{A/N}

As promised, here is the second part of yesterday's chapter. Enjoy.

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Uchiha compound}

[August 22nd]

[2:26 PM]

---

Line break.

The land within the Uchiha training field was burnt, cratered, and an all-around mess.

This wasn't from today, however. This was from yesterday, courtesy of Sasuke Uchiha.

The boy has had little opportunity to show off his skill, let alone test them. The one he's been saving his strength for is too busy for him, and as much as he wants to lash out, because boy does he want to, he can't.

This leaves him with a few options, and one of them is becoming more and more appealing.

Naruto is the goalpost for the genin' who actually want to become powerful and ascend in their ninja careers. As much as it pains him to admit, even with his improvements, he isn't confident he can beat Naruto, fuinjutsu or not. He needs to work his way up, and who better to start with than the one who gave Naruto a fight?

Lee is an absolute beast. He deduced that when they first met. In fact, they promised a match when the time came, yet things got in the way. Now, however, with Naruto busy, surely Lee would be interested in a contest of strength.

The boy had brainstormed this for some time, and after accepting Naruto won't be available for a bit, the idea grew on him.

'One by one, I'll take you all on until I reach him. He won't see me coming.' The boy thought as he spun a kunai in his hand, an eager smirk finding it's way onto his lips once more.

---

Line break.

[2:32 PM]

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Training ground 9}

Neji stood in the middle of the clearing, his hands trembling, covered in thick bandages. He stared at the kunai in his grip, his fingers struggling to hold it steady.

Across from him, Tenten and Lee watched with worried expressions. "Neji, maybe you should take a break," Tenten suggested gently, her eyes filled with concern.

Neji's jaw clenched, his face twisted in rage. "I don't need a break," he snapped, his voice shaky.

He raised the kunai again, his bandaged hand trembling as he tried to ready himself.

Tenten sighed, glancing at Lee, who stood a few paces away, his eyes wide with worry.

"Neji, she's right. You're pushing yourself too hard," Lee added.

"Just... shut up! Both of you! Hurry up and go again! I don't have all day!" Neji yelled, his voice cracking as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Tenten sighed and nodded, throwing some plastic shuriken his way.

Neji responded, deflecting the projectiles while grunting in pain. This caused the grip on the kunai to slip, and the weapon flew from his hand, right as a few toy shuriken hit him on the side of his head, the light impact igniting something deep inside him.

He roared in frustration, his face contorting in anger as he slammed his bandaged fist against his leg, and doing this mae him recoil in pain and yell more. "Dammit!" He cursed, falling to his knees, the anger giving way to despair.

His eyes brimmed with tears, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "I'm a disgrace," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I can't even perform the most basic of tasks. Why can't I even do something this simple?" he spat.

He couldn't hold a weapon, couldn't spar, couldn't even hold a cup properly without it slipping from his grasp. It was infuriating. He felt like a failure. Worst of all, the memory of how he had ended up like this made any chances of him calming down drop to zero.

Hinata.

The name echoed in his mind, fueling the fire of his rage, as well as his determination to keep going. He has to get her back, no matter what. He hadn't underestimated her, hadn't made a single mistake, and still ended up this way. That terrible jutsu, the Twin Lion Fist, burned through his supposedly impenetrable defense. He could still remember the sensation, the cold, searing pain as his nerves were destroyed by her flames. It was supposed to be impossible. The Rotation was the ultimate defense, but she had torn through it, leaving him crippled.

"She did this on purpose," Neji growled, his voice low, filled with venom. "She wanted revenge for everything. All those years... this is her payback." He couldn't shake the thought, the belief that this was karma, that Hinata had taken everything from him to get back at him for the way he'd treated her. He still believed she was weak, still blamed her for his father's death. In his mind, she deserved everything she had gotten from him. He only regretted that she had come back stronger and left him broken.

Tenten took a step forward, her face twisted in a mix of anger and sadness. "Neji... I know you're angry, but pushing yourself like this isn't going to help. You need to give yourself time to heal." She tried to reach out to him, her hand hovering over his shoulder, but Neji shrugged her off, taking a shaky step back.

"No. I don't need time. I need to get stronger. I need to prove that I can still fight," Neji snapped, his voice raw, desperate.

Lee took a step forward, his eyes earnest. "Neji, listen. I think Gai sensei was right-"

"I said I don't need your help!" Neji shouted, his voice breaking as he turned away from them. He couldn't bear to look at their faces, couldn't stand to see the pity in their eyes. He needed to be alone, needed to clear his head. Without another word, he began walking away, his steps unsteady, his hands still trembling.

Tenten watched him go, a sad expression on her features.

She exchanged a look with Lee, who sighed, his shoulders slumping.

They both knew Neji was hurting, but there was nothing they could do, not until he was ready to let them in. And right now, Neji was drowning in his own pain and anger, unable to see anything beyond his own rage and the shattered pieces of his pride.

As Neji disappeared into the distance, Tenten clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing. She would find a way to help him, even if he didn't want it. She wouldn't let him go through this alone.

---

Line break.

[2:45 PM]

{Togoshi POV}

The Koneko family had found themselves rather... Desperate.

Togoshi's grandfather made good on his promise to rent out a space for Masuda while he and his sister dealt with finding Naruto, and boy has this been a wild goose chase.

From one part of the village to the next, they searched. They asked around and many pointed toward the boy's living space, to which they visited and knocked on his apartment door.

Of course, the neighbors informed them that they literally just missed him. That nearly made Togoshi throw a fit then and there, but he held on to his patience, thanked the commoner, and kept on moving.

It's as his father says. No great advancement comes without hard work and sacrifice. This is surely an example of that.

Now, they are a ways away from the Sarutobi compound, and what's worse? So are the watchmen, AKA, Paparazzi shinobi, these people being good at only one thing.

Stalking.

Togoshi Koneko was leaned against the wall of an alley, his eyes fixed on the Sarutobi compound, watching every passerby with a careful gaze. Beside him, his younger sister Yuma shifted nervously, her eyes darting from one figure to another, as if afraid they might miss their chance.

Despite her restless movements, there was a sense of determination beneath her anxiousness. This was their best opportunity, and she knew it.

"Are you sure he's in there?" Yuma finally asked as she pulled her kimono tighter around her.

Togoshi gave a curt nod, not turning to look at her. "Yes. Some of the guys in the employ of... Whomever, was openly talking about reporting to their boss about the kid's arrival at the Sarutobi compound. People are curious and loud here."

Yuma swallowed, glancing towards the street again. "But what if he doesn't want to talk? What if he just ignores us? What then?"

Togoshi finally turned, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at his sister. He knew she wasn't used to this kind of work—the waiting, the anticipation. And to be fair, this wasn't their usual kind of mission. This is nerve-racking, dirty work that is not meant for them.

"We have to make him listen," Togoshi replied. "Grandfather believes Naruto can help us, and so do I. Besides, he's not like other shinobi. He has a heart. That's what we're counting on."

Yuma nodded, though she still looked uncertain. She had heard the stories about Naruto Uzumaki, how he was a touch brash, unpredictable, and most notably, powerful for his age according to the shinobi here.

Suddenly, Togoshi straightened, his eyes narrowing. "Yuma, try and keep yourself fixed up. I want you to try and look nice when you see him." He said, and his sister looked up at him, before taking a breath.

"I'll try." She grumbled, her brow twitching. 'I hope this is all worth it.' She thought with worry.

---

Line break.

[3:23 PM]

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: The Sarutobi Compound}

Konohamaru sat outside while watching his two cousins go at it, the event that would usually spark excitement and eagerness to jump in, drained from him completely. Even so, he watched. Not for entertainment but for educational purposes. His mindset has changed, and he wants to prove himself as fast as possible.

Before him were Reina and Masaru, two chunin members of his clan.

Masaru Sarutobi was the closest thing to an older brother until Naruto came in, with the difference being that Naruto gave him the time of day. Reina is like a sibling, too, but unlike Masaru, she's always busy. This is one of those days where both happen to have a moment, and Konohamaru was glad to see them go at it, especially since they were doing it for his sake. That, or Reina just likes beating on the boy, who is her younger brother, to keep him humble.

And like clockwork, Masaru hit the floor with a painful thud.

The older male grunted and rose up, dusting himself off as he faced Reina once again, his expression serious. "Okay... One more time."

The brown-haired woman shook her head, brushing off her pants as she did so. "That's best 3 out of 5, loser."

Yeah, but we're unarmed now. Those last four were unfair. I don't use the sword." He shot back.

"Bokken." She corrected." And quit being a sore loser. If you've lost, accept that you're inferior, and we'll get something to eat. We're not sparring until tomorrow. I'm not in the mood to deal with you for much longer; the girl said with a huff as she started to walk in Konohamaru's direction, only to freeze, her brother doing the same.

Konohamaru blinked with confusion and rubbed his face. "Is... Is there something on me?" The boy said while checking himself before feeling a presence behind him.

He turned around, and his face lit up as he saw Naruto was behind him the whole time, likely watching his cousins spar.

"Ah! Naruto-nii! You're here! Holy cow!" Konohamaru cheered as he jumped up and hugged him. "You remembered your promise!"

Naruto nodded. "Of course. I'm surprised you're surprised."

The blonde then looked up at the boy's cousins as they approached. "Care to introduce me?"

Konohamaru nodded. "Yeah. This is Reina! She's pretty cool, I guess. She helps me with my homework when I ask. And this bum over here-"

"Hey!"

"Is Masaru. He's a total bully, but he makes up for it by being easy to-"

"Ok, enough, you damn twerp!" Masaru hissed, covering Konohamaru's mouth.

"Pleasure to meet you both. I'm assuming you already know me?" Naruto said as he began to stretch.

Reina nodded. "We saw you fight in the exams. We know exactly who you are. You're a celebrity." Reina said with a smile, and Masaru rolled his eyes at her fawning tone.

"Fangirl." He whispered.

Reina shot him a look, but then looked back at Naruto and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Namikaze-kun," Reina said, outstretching her hand, and Naruto nodded as he shook it.

"Nice to meet you, too, Sarutobi-san."

---

Line break.

[4:14 PM]

With that, Naruto spent time with Konohamaru and his many cousins, because yes. Konohamaru has even more cousins.

The clan is more like a huge family. Not as big as the Hyuga, but noteworthy.

He was challenged to a spar by some of the male members and got to exert himself a bit, and he got to eat some food as well. On top of this, Konohamaru was really happy to have him around. Yet, Naruto could still see the change in him. He's deeply affected by what happened to him. It's why he's here.

When he'd had enough of the attention, he and his surrogate brother took a walk around the grounds of the compound, venturing to Konohamaru's favorite spot: a large tree that offered shade and a peaceful retreat. Konohamaru leaned against the trunk, his expression serious as he looked out into the distance.

"Nii-chan?"

"Yeah?" Naruto responded.

"Could I ever end up as strong as Jiji?"

Naruto pondered the question for a moment, then shook his head. "I think you have the potential to surpass him, no different from me."

"I don't think so. It doesn't feel that way." Konohamaru said sadly.

Naruto sat up and looked down from his branch. "Oy. Don't go doing that now. It wasn't a compliment, but a fact."

"But-"

"Listen. Having potential doesn't mean anything if you don't work toward reaching it. The real question you're asking is whether you're doing enough to reach that potential, and my answer is yes. You're ahead of me as it is, so cut it out." Naruto said sternly.

Konohamaru sat up this time, a look of confusion on his face. "W-What do you mean I'm ahead of you?! I can't beat you in a fight and I got my best friend killed!"

Naruto shook his head. "That's not what I'm saying. At your age, I was a complete-... Hang on, roll that one back for me."

"N-Nevermind. I see what you're saying now." Konohamaru said nervously.

Naruto landed in front of the boy in a crouch and frowning. "Konohamaru. Are you blaming yourself for Moegi?"

The boy looked away, and Naruto's frown deepened.

He put a hand on the boy's head and ruffled his hair a bit, getting his attention. "You did nothing wrong, Konohamaru. We talked about this the day of the funeral."

The boy looked down, his vision obscured with unshed tears. "I-I'm trying to tell myself that but... If I'd have just been paying attention... If I hadn't tried to be a hero-"

Naruto sighed and pulled the boy into an embrace, seeing the child finally crack. He didn't know how to respond to this issue because of his own lack of experience. He's not dealing with the same level of guilt. It's just the pain of loss for him. Konohamaru has the pressure of being the heir to the Sarutobi clan, though, so in a way, they're still in the same boat. Two struggling progeny of Kages dealing with the world and it's many issues.

---

Line break.

{Land of fire: Konohagakure: Konoha plaza}

[4:30 PM]

After that heart-to-heart with Konohamaru, Naruto felt he had to get going. He'd gotten what he wanted, and he had learned something.

For starters, his conversation with Daichi was... Insightful. The clan wants closer ties to Naruto, so in exchange for not having to pay for the apartment, he has to remain an ally. It was that, or they could request a favor from him.

Naturally, he refused and paid what he owed. He wasn't going to tie himself down to favors, not to these people. However, he did explain that so long as he and Konohamaru were friends, there would never be an issue.

It boils down to him and Konohamaru, not the clan. Naruto knew better than to trust in the people who were so guarded and against assisting him in his youth. It wasn't personal; it was a lack of trust.

Aside from that, the people here are friendly, and Konohamaru seems to be in good hands.

Now, Naruto is leaving the compound, and the first thing that happens is that as he pauses to check his frog wallet, two individuals approach him.

"Hello, Namikaze-san. My name is Togoshi-"

"Absolutely not. I was just leaving," Naruto said as he turned on his heel and started walking away, ready to go home.

"W-Wait! I'll pay you for conversation!" The teen yelled, making Naruto pause and look back with a puzzled expression.

"I beg your pardon?" Naruto said.

Yuma came up to the boy and smiled nervously. "Hello. My name is Yuma Koneko, the daughter of the former Daimyo. This here is Togoshi Koneko, the true heir to Fire Country. It's a pleasure to meet you. Me and my brother just wish for you to lend your ear for a bit... Please?"

Naruto's brow furrowed a touch as he thought about it. These people are unknowns, but being the former Daimyo's kids has to mean they are huge, right? they are basically royalty, and are even paying him for conversation.

Naruto's eyes squinted closed in his signature pensive look. "How much are we talking?"

"We can pay 150,000 Ryo [2,000 USD]." The boy said.

Naruto blinked and smirked. "Lead the way."

And with that, the two led him away from the Sarutobi clan to a more secluded location.

---

Line break.

[Ko POV]

Ko watched from a distance and resisted the urge to rip out his own hair. "Oh dear!" He hissed. "First the Sarutobi, and now them?!"

He got up quickly and followed behind Naruto from afar, making sure not to be seen or sensed.

'And here I thought today was going to be uneventful.'

---

Line break.

[4:45 PM]

[Togoshi POV]

'Thank god we're finally here! I thought we'd never catch him!' The teen thought with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. 'Ok. Now is the moment of truth. We find a nice spot to sit down and talk. Now... where...-'

He paused when seeing a Cafe and smirked. "This place seems good. C'mon, Namikaze-san. I'll pay for your food and everything."

Naruto looked up and saw it was a rather expensive-looking place. "Uh... How about somewhere a bit cheaper? I appreciate the gesture, but I ate at the compound. I don't have an appetite."

Yuma nodded. "That's fine. We can sit at the benches and just talk."

Togoshi mentally growled at the loss of an opportunity to impress Naruto, but nodded. "That works too."

They took their seats at the nearest park, one located under the shade of a large tree. It was a picnic table, so it was more of a table than a bench.

They faced one another as the wind rustled their hair.

Naruto looked them in the eyes and spoke up first. "Ok. What do you guys want?"

Togoshi leaned forward while clasping his hands. "Namikaze-san. We have come to strike up an alliance of sorts, one that I feel would benefit you in the long run."

Naruto leaned on his hand and listened... Kinda. "Ok... How so?"

Togoshi smirked. "Surely you can see the perks of being good friends with the future Daimyo of Fire Country, right? The influence and the connections that could be gained are invaluable. I'd say the opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime."

Naruto nodded slowly, and Togoshi took this as a good sign. "So. Would you be willing to work with us to achieve our goal?"

"Uh... What is your goal?" Naruto asked while waving his frog wallet, a gesture that made Yuma smirk and reach into her own pocket, pulling out her wallet and taking out the cash. She gave Naruto his payment in exchange for the service. Naruto was quick to count the bills, making sure the money was right.

Yuma chuckled, and Togoshi smiled, the two amused by Naruto's behavior. "Ok... Seems right. Go on."

"We need your support in the upcoming royal selection." Togoshi said with a serious edge in his voice.

"I have no idea what that is," Naruto said with a similar edge.

Togoshi sighed and nodded. It made sense. "The royal selection is basically similar to what this village is going through. A new... Daimyo is to be voted in."

Naruto nodded, pausing for a moment before his eyes narrowed. "Wait... If you need my support... I thought you were already in line to be Daimyo. Why would you call yourself the future Daimyo if you aren't actually guaranteed the position?"

Togoshi's confident expression faltered slightly, and he exchanged a glance with Yuma. She took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she turned back to Naruto. "It's true that we are in line, but nothing is guaranteed. The factions within the Land of Fire are divided."

Togoshi growled. "Many see me as young and inexperienced, and they are using this uncertainty to vie for power. We need someone who can help us prove our worth."

Yuma put a hand on Togoshi's shoulder and spoke softly. "Our family has worked tirelessly to rebuild our name after my grandfather's disgrace. My father gave everything for the Land of Fire, and now, after his death, there are those who would try to erase our legacy. They want to take everything from us, and if we don't fight back, they'll succeed."

Naruto's gaze shifted between the two, his expression thoughtful. He could hear the sincerity in their voices, and he could see the desperation in their eyes. They were fighting for their future.

Yuma continued, her voice trembling slightly. "We know that you have no reason to trust us, but we are not asking for blind loyalty. We just want a chance to prove that we can be valuable allies. We need someone who understands what it's like to be underestimated and cast aside."

Naruto's eyes widened, and Togoshi internally smirked at her ability to pull at the heart. 'She did her research. Very good.

Naruto sighed, leaning back against the bench. He studied them for a moment, then spoke. "I get where you're coming from. I know what it's like to be treated like you don't matter. But why me? There are plenty of shinobi in this village with influence. Why come to me specifically?"

Togoshi's eyes brightened slightly, and he leaned forward. "Because you are not like the others. You have an independence other shinobi dream of, politically speaking, and you have an inheritance that makes you formidable in just the way you need. If you help us, we'll assist you in the trial to get back your business. I'll even discount everything we sell you to show my support for you. You will also have my protection as Daimyo. Any issue that comes your way can be dealt with. We can help each other."

Togoshi leaned forward and clasped his hands together, his expression even more focused. "Another thing I have to offer is what would seal the deal. I would like to form a union between our houses."

Naruto sighed. "What does that entail?"

"Marriage. I want you to marry my sister." Togoshi said.

Naruto blinked and glanced over at Yuma. She's very pretty. Black hair, blue eyes, she's got curves and all. She's older than him, but it isn't an issue for him at all. However, he doesn't know her, and though she has a way with words, this right here proves he can't do this crap without Jiraiya present.

"I... Uh... She's very pretty... Beautiful, I mean. But I don't-"

"It doesn't have to be now! Just... Sometime in the future." Yuma interjected.

"Uh..." Naruto looked between them, unsure how to respond. He was feeling overwhelmed by the sudden proposal and the weight of their expectations. "I don't think that would be... I'll think about that. I'm dipping my feet into something I'm not that versed in."

"That's okay, just know that our offer is on the table," Yuma said.

Naruto nodded, his thoughts racing as he tried to process everything. He needed time to think about their proposition and figure out what was best for him. They were wording things carefully, and he isn't being given any time to decipher things, so this is very stressful.

"So. Will you consider joining us?" Togoshi asked, his voice filled with anticipation. "You know. You're at a point of transition. The Land of Fire is a nation, not just this city. I will be Daimyo, and you can be there to help me. A lot can change, for all of us."

"I'll think about it. I... I just need to think. If I decide to help you, it's got to be on my terms." Naruto finally said.

Togoshi frowned and went to say something, but Yuma beat him to it. "Thank you for your time, Namikaze-kun. I hope that you will take this offer to heart and consider the opportunities it presents."

"Sure," Naruto responded. He stood up from his seat and bowed respectfully before walking off. 'Damn... This is heavy. This is a whole different game that I'm not sure how to handle. What the hell was I thinking saying yes?! Now they're expecting an answer from me!'

As Naruto left, Togoshi and Yuma stayed on the bench, both pondering the conversation. Yuma sighed, looking down at the ground, and spoke. "Well... That was a disaster. He clearly had no interest in marriage. We might've made a huge mistake."

Togoshi nodded, his face set in a frown. "I don't think it's a matter of marriage that bothered him. He doesn't know what he's doing. It gave us an advantage at first. Even still, he's guarded and not interested in the benefits we presented. He's too early in his development to want what we're offering."

"But he did agree to consider our proposition, didn't he?" Yuma countered, her voice hopeful. "Maybe there is still a chance for him to change his mind."

"True... However, it might take longer than what I would like to have that happen, which is why I'll make him another offer. I just need to find out what." Togoshi said as he stood up, helping his sister up. "Let's head home and let grandfather know we made contact."

And with that, the two left, unaware that their conversation was observed by Ko, who was keeping tabs on Naruto.

---

Line break.

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Council chambers}

[5:12 PM]

For the first time, this place felt like a prison more than anything else. Koharu, Homura, and Danzo requested recess sometime ago, yet it was ignored.

To prevent themselves from appearing weak, they continued and waited for others to become uncomfortable with the atmosphere, yet refreshments and food were brought in. Unusual, as Hiroshi pointed out, but when explained by Jiraiya that there were time constraints and that getting this out of the way was best, everyone agreed to just soldier through, save for Daichi Sarutobi for his own reasons.

The conversation shifted from the military matters to the incident involving the One-Tailed Beast, Shukaku.

The previous topic of troop deployments and engagement strategies had been challenging enough, and the argument of their war goal was also not yet settled, only pushed aside for their future Kage to flesh out. Now, their attention turned to the failures that had allowed Shukaku to rampage in Konoha.

Ibiki Morino was the one to bring it up, his deep voice cutting through the low murmurs in the room. "I think it's time we addressed the incident involving the One-Tails," he said, his gaze shifting around the room. "We need answers. How did it happen, and why were our efforts to contain the threat unsuccessful?"

Shikaku Nara straightened in his seat, a slight smirk on his lips.

He glanced briefly at Jiraiya and Inoichi before turning his attention to the rest of the council. "We've been investigating the events that led to the One-Tails' release, and we've found some troubling details regarding how the situation was handled, details that point to certain individuals here in this room."

An immediate stir spread across the council, members exchanging looks of confusion and curiosity.

Koharu Utatane, one of the elders, narrowed her eyes. "What exactly are you implying, Shikaku?" she asked, her voice cold.

Shikaku didn't flinch even a bit. "During the invasion, Naruto Uzumaki successfully captured Gaara, preventing Shukaku's release. He delivered Gaara to T , and at that point, the responsibility for containing the threat fell into the hands of those in charge of the operation."

"And that," Inoichi said, his eyes shifting to Danzo and the elders, "is where things went wrong. It wasn't a failure of our shinobi on the battlefield. It was a failure of leadership, specifically due to interference from Danzo and his subordinates."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, his expression remaining calm, though there was a hint of danger behind his gaze. "Mind your words, Shikaku," he said, his voice steady. "You're speaking to the leaders who have served this village for decades. Do not forget your place."

[We've been breached! Secure any files on-Ack!]

Danzo's eye twitched and his heart raced. 'I see what's happening now. I'm under attack! This is a calculated assault, and they're waiting for me to make a move!'

Shikaku didn't back down. He reached into his stack of documents, pulled out a file and set it down on the table. "This is the mission report from Maki, who was present during the attempted containment of Shukaku," he said. "It details how the containment operation was compromised due to the orders given by Kazuto, an individual working under Danzo's command."

A murmur went through the room, and Koharu's face twisted in anger, her voice rising. "Sabotage! This is nothing more than an attempt to undermine the leadership of Konoha! You have no proof that any of this is true."

Shikaku remained calm, his gaze shifting to the Anbu commander standing silently at the side of the room. "The legitimacy of these documents can be verified by our Anbu commander," Shikaku said, sliding the report toward the masked figure.

The Anbu commander stepped forward, taking the document and flipping through the pages. After a moment, he looked up, his voice neutral. "These documents are authentic. There's no sign of tampering."

The room erupted in noise, council members reacting in shock and disbelief.

"So it is true!" Choza yelled. "You're the reason our village sustained unnecessary damage!"

Danzo's face remained impassive, though there was a flicker of unease in his eye. He reached into his own stack of files, pulling out a set of documents and holding them up.

"These are counter-documents that dispute these claims," Danzo said, his voice carrying over the noise. "They provide evidence that Kazuto was acting in response to the situation as it unfolded, and that any failure was due to unforeseen complications, not negligence."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Danzo. "It's awfully convenient that you just happened to bring those documents to this meeting, Danzo," he said, his voice laced with suspicion.

Danzo's gaze shifted to Jiraiya, his expression cold. "I came prepared, Jiraiya. Unlike some, I take these matters seriously and ensure that I-"

[Lord Danzo. Can you hear me?]

Danzo froze as his coms went off and his name was spoken, but to prevent any suspicion, he cleared his throat and continued to speak. "I take these matters seriously and ensure that I have all the necessary information at hand.

Shikaku didn't give Danzo a chance to continue. He reached into his stack of files once more, pulling out a final report and setting it down on the table in front of him. "And here," Shikaku said, his voice cutting through the noise in the room, "is Kazuto's mission report. This document was intended for... Certain eyes only. It details the true objectives of the containment attempt, including the order to transfer Shukaku into a containment gourd, an order that directly led to the seal's failure."

For the first time, Danzo's composure broke. His eyes widened, and a flicker of panic crossed his face. He leaned forward, his voice low but edged with fury. "How did you get that document?"

[Danzo. If you can hear me, this is Kanoto. We've been compromised. We're moving back to base to regroup. You are in danger. The men in that room intend to arrest you no matter the outcome. Permission to initiate code black?]

While Danzo was pressing down and subtly activating an alarm seal, granting permission to his subordinate, Shikaku turned his to the rest of the council.

"This report shows that the failure of the containment was not due to a lack of effort on the part of our shinobi, but rather due to the reckless and unauthorized actions taken by Danzo and his subordinates."

The council chamber fell silent, and the words hung in the air.

Koharu and Homura looked visibly shaken, their earlier bluster replaced by silence. The other clan leaders exchanged looks, their expressions ranging from shock to anger.

Ibiki stood up on his crutches, the man glaring at the one responsible for the deaths of many. "This is beyond negligence, Danzo. You put this village at risk for your own agenda, and people died because of it. Accountability is what comes next."

Danzo's face was a mask of cold fury, but he said nothing, his eyes locked on the documents in front of Shikaku. The council members began to murmur again, the tension in the room palpable as the weight of the revelations sank in.

Shikaku leaned back in his seat, his expression calm but resolute. "I propose that we initiate a full investigation into the actions of Danzo Shimura and his subordinates. We need to know the full extent of what has been done in the shadows, and we need to ensure that this kind of recklessness is not allowed to continue."

The Anbu commander stepped forward again, his voice carrying through the room. "If the council approves, we are ready to proceed with a raid on the Shimura compound to gather further evidence."

At this, Danzo's eyes widened in horror and anger. 'What?! Do they have troops at my compound?! Or did he already initiate the-... I see what's going on. This means war. I won't have my work undone!'

Choza nodded, his expression grim. "I second Shikaku's proposal. We need to get to the bottom of this, for the safety of the village."

Jiraiya glanced around the room, his eyes meeting those of the other clan leaders, the officials who sat in silence, processing the gravity of what had been revealed. "This isn't just about accountability," Jiraiya said, his voice carrying an edge of determination. "This is about making sure that the sacrifices made during the invasion weren't in vain. We need to protect this village, from enemies outside-"

Jiraiya turned his gaze toward Danzo, his gaze cold and unforgiving. "-And within."

"Here, here," Daichi said, raising his hand.

The trend went around the room with Ibiki, the Hyuga, and the Aburame. The elders were completely outmatched.

Koharu growled and stood up, the old lady not willing to take this sitting down. "Do you realize what you're doing?! We have helped govern this village since before most of you were born! Yet you have the audacity-"

She was cut off when a thunderous explosion shattered the large window to the left of the chamber, glass shards flying across the room like daggers, cutting through the air as the force of the blast threw several council members off their feet.

The room erupted into chaos, shouts and gasps filling the space, and a smoke bomb was thrown.

Two figures dressed in dark robes and masks, unmistakably Root operatives, burst through the shattered frame, and before they could do anything crazy, they met resistance from the regular anbu, each held in a clash that prevented them from avoiding what came next.

Jiraiya's white mane raced towards the first Root shinobi in the shape of a giant maw, the spiked hair chomping down and killing him. Meanwhile, Choza's fist swatted the other so hard that he was reduced to a bloodied, flattened smear slumped up against the corner of the room. Yet, more kept coming through the window after the brief exchange.

Danzo's eyes widened in horror, his face paling at the sight of his own operatives. This isn't how code black works, not even remotely. They aren't supposed to be out in the open like this!

For a split second, the realization struck him. this had to be a betrayal, one from within. But he had no time to analyze further, no time to control the narrative or spin another deceit.

Panic flashed across his features, and without hesitation, Danzo started retreating, his eyes filled with a mix of rage and utter disbelief.

One of the Root operatives lunged toward Inoichi, a kunai glinting in his hand. But before it could strike, Jiraiya moved with blinding speed, placing himself between Inoichi and the masked attacker. His hand shot out, catching the Root agent's wrist mid-strike before snapping up with a sickening crunch, followed by a punch in the gut that was strong enough to cave in the operative's armor.

Jiraiya was about to call out orders for everyone to get to safety, but as soon as he finished off a few of his opponents, he noticed it. The silence.

Looking around, every member of the council was falling from their battle-ready stance, everyone having taken an opponent and triumphed.

"Where's Danzo?!" Ibiki yelled, looking around and growling.

Shikaku was already at the door at this point. "Secure the elders! The Commander is on Danzo's tail already!"

With that, Shikaku bolted down the hall, followed by Inoichi, Choza, and few unoccupied anbu.

"W-What did we do?! We haven't-"

"Stay down!" growled one of the masked men, putting a knee on Koharu's back as he detained her.

"Don't struggle. All will be explained soon." Homura said with a wheeze, his back feeling like it was about to break.

Jiraiya scoffed and leaped out the window, taking a detour. This was going to be good.

---

Line break.

[Danzo POV]

Danzo bolted down the hall, moving as though he were many years younger than he actually was, a sight that put off both the charging anbu commander and allies.

'I just need an opening. One where I can fake-'

A fist met his face suddenly, Jiraiya crashing through the thin walls of the hall to meet him. As a result, Danzo was sent flying through the door of a random office, the civilian workers there all jumping in shock and fear, already having been spooked from the earlier commotion.

"Everyone out! We're dealing with a criminal here!" Jiraiya yelled as he jumped at Danzo, Rasengan in hand.

"Jiraiya, wait! Alive! We want him alive!" Inoichi yelled as he came into view.

Danzo was barely able to move out of the way, yet the recoil of the jutsu hitting the smashed desks and floor sent him ragdolling toward the wall, office debris flying everywhere and a crater forming. The whole building shook from the jutsu.

Danzo coughed and wheezed from the punishment before struggling to his feet. He reached into his jacket and pressed down to start up his tetragram seal, and before he could think to perform any hand signs, his movements were constricted, thanks to Shikaku.

"He's finished." The Nara growled

Danzo sighed and shook his head. "You are all fools. We're being played by someone, can you not see? Why would I expose myself in such a way? You know I'm smarter than this."

Jiraiya scoffed. "You're giving yourself too much credit."

Inoichi raised a hand at that. "Why run? If you're innocent, why would you bother? There's nowhere to go... Unless-"

"You presume too much, Yamanaka!" Danzo spat. "This ungrateful, disrespectful, arrogant generation will see the village burn because you refuse to acknowledge what I have done! I was willing to die for Konoha, to give everything I am for this village! I've killed, and I've bled for it's survival and prosperity, yet I'm treated like this?! Why? Because I did the things none of you were brave enough to do?! Because my sacrifices were greater than yours?!"

The Anbu Commander sighed. "Shimura. You are under arrest for crimes against the Land of Fire. Your guilt is not in question. I suggest you cooperate."

Danzo gave a smirk, and everyone in the room saw the ink inching across his arms and chest.

Jiraiya's eyes widened in utter horror. " You fool!" The sannin yelled, rushing forward and slamming his foot into Danzo's chest, sending him out the window as the seal reached its peak.

"Everyone run away!" The Sannin yelled.

A bright flash that turned pitch black engulfed a large part of the building, and a low vibrating hum resounded throughout the village, shaking the area as a part of the building was erased completely, as well as anyone unfortunate enough to be too close to the singularity.

---

Line break.

The scene was haunting, and the sound was scary, but as soon as it appeared, it vanished.

Ibiki, who was lucky enough to be out of range, gawked at the sight. This was... Terrible. a giant hole in the building that served too much of a purpose to have this kind of damage, and that was just a bonus to the people likely lost.

He looked at the damage quickly, worry etched onto his face, and he was glad that the file room was nearly skimmed, same for the room that held the scroll of sealing and many other artifacts. Even still, this was a nightmare.

Choza jogged next to him, looking over the gaping hole in the building and shaking his head. "I... I can't believe this. The loss of life is tragic, but this building-... How could he be so reckless?"

"Hiroshi! Use your Byakugan! Can you see Jiraiya and the others?!" Yelled Ibiki.

The Hyuga obviously didn't appreciate being ordered around, but even still, he did so.

"Byakugan!" He yelled, and the veins around his eyes became pronounced. He then concentrated and began scanning.

"It... No. I don't see him or anyone in the area. I think... They're gone."

The men in the room all deflated, and Choza glared at the scared elders. "Throw them in a cell. Now we need to figure out what to do with the two of you."

They both gulped and were roughly hoisted and escorted out of the crumbling room.

Line break.

{Unknown location: Toad's stomach.}

Shikaku's eyes were closed as he thought he died for a moment there, yet, he hadn't. His face was against something... Slimy.

He lifted his head, and before he could say something, he heard someone gag and turned to Inoichi.

"Agh. Where the hell are we?" The blonde asked with a frown, but Shikaku didn't know how to tell him the truth. So, instead, he looked at the walls of the place, the ground, and finally, he saw a familiar face in Jiraiya. The man was sitting on top of an open scroll, his hand resting on a fist. He looked intimidating and very angry.

Beside him was the anbu commander. Everyone made it out.

He looked down, his line of thinking changing instantly. 'No. A lot of people died just now. There couldn't have been enough time to evacuate. On top of that, Danzo can't even stand trial. Not when he's dead. This was... A mess.'

"What now?" The Anbu Commander asked Jiraiya as the Sannin meditated.

"The elder's affiliation with that old fool can be used to our advantage. For now, I'm sending you guys back. I have a few things to check on before anything else. Brace yourselves."

"Woah, hang on Jir-

---

Line break.

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Partially ruined Council chambers}

"-aiya! We!-" Inoichi's voice cut out as he and the others were dropped off and spat out by a surprisingly tiny frog.

Choza, who was just mourning the loss of his two closest comrades, gawked at the sight of them suddenly being spat out in front of him, and rather than asking questions, he immediately bear-hugged both Inoichi and Shikaku.

"Oh thank goodness you two are alive!" The man yelled while laughing, tears pricking his eyes.

Shikaku just groaned while Inoichi gave a bashful smile. Yet, the moment was fleeting. The larger-than-life Akimichi pulled back with a serious look.

"Is Jiraiya good?" He asked.

The Anbu commander nodded, inspecting the damage. "He's fine. He's the reason we're alive. We need to focus on... This." The man said, motioning to their surroundings before using his coms.

"Panther. You are greenlit. Tell those Shimura they are to vacate. If they refuse, you know what to do. Danzo is a confirmed traitor. Dead or not, it matters not. Without restraint, I want that entire compound stripped." He said with a tone that was so cold it sent a shiver down the spines of those around him. "I'm on my way."

With that, the Anbu Commander left.

Ibiki sighed, and walked up to Shikaku, who gave the scarred man a nod. "Well. I suppose we need to clean this up and give a statement. This is even more work than I was expecting. I hope you all know what that means for you lot." He said to the rest of the officials who were present.

With a grumble, and a few complaints, they all went back to their work while cleaning up.

---

Line break.

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Dragonfire pavilion}

[5:22 PM]

[Hinata POV]

Hinata neatly cut into her steak as Kiba went on and on about his strategy in getting stronger, as well as how pissed off he was at his peers from yesterday.

Of course, Hinata was barely listening to this since her mind was on more pressing matters. For one, Naruto's experience dealing with his attention. She's curious to see how that goes.

"Hinata, you hear what I said?"

"Hmm?" The girl said absent-mindedly.

"See, she isn't paying attention." Kiba sighed.

Akamaru yipped in agreement.

"Sorry, Kiba. I was just thinking." Hinata apologized. "You were saying something about challenging Sasuke from what I heard. Yes?"

Kiba blinked, and Shino smiled at that. "She pays attention well, even if she seems like she doesn't. You're too obvious."

Kiba nodded. "I... Yeah. I intend to whoop his Uchiha ass. But more importantly, I also intend to put Naruto in his place!" Kiba yelled, pumping his fist. "He's gotten too bigheaded for his own good, thinking our last match was a fair one. Tch."

"That's good, Kiba." Hinata said as she wiped her hands and leaned back, crossing her arms while in thought.

Kiba growled and waved his hand in front of the girl. "Earth to Hinata! Are you listening?!"

She gently grabbed his wrist and set it aside. "Yes. You said you're challenging Naruto to a spar."

Kiba groaned. "Will you at least say something?"

"I don't think challenging those boys will do you any good. Especially Naruto." She said.

"Oh yeah?! And what's that supposed to mean?" The boy asked, narrowing his eyes at his crush.

"The gap is too big."

Kiba looked betrayed and stood up, but the girl quickly grabbed his wrist and sat down. "Listen. You saw his battle against Lee. The best way to measure yourself is through those who have fought him before. If Naruto is a goal, work your way up strategically. Don't be so reckless in challenging others without insight."

Kiba looked away. "I can take him."

Hinata raised a brow before shrugging. "I'm sure under the right circumstances, you could. But most of the time, Naruto will have the upper hand. So before facing him, take someone on who's closer to being your peer."

Kiba thought about it for a second, which made Shino lean forward with interest. 'Is she getting to him?'

Before Kiba could say anything, Ko appeared beside Hinata, startling the boy and surprising Shino at the swiftness of the man's appearance. "Lady Hinata. I know you said-"

"Not here, Ko-san." Hinata said before turning to her teammates. "This will only be a second."

Kiba reached out, a look of worry etched on his face, but she and the fellow Hyuga were gone before he could even get a word in. His arm dropped, and he sighed. "Damn it."

"Perhaps... It would be wise to take Hinata's advice and not make rash decisions." Shino added, adjusting his glasses.

"I'll make up my mind on my own, thanks." Grumbled Kiba.

---

Line break.

Hinata was pulled to the side, and Ko flinched at the look she was giving him.

"Weren't my orders clear? I told you to report at the end of the day."

Ko nodded. "I know. However, a... Unique opportunity has arisen. Namikaze-san has had a bit of a breakdown."

Hinata's brow raised. "Elaborate."

Ko nodded. "The boy is currently hiding away thanks to the amount of encounters he's had with the other nobility. Currently, he's been cornered even out of his own compound thanks to finding Hojo clan members at his doorstep."

Hinata closed her eyes to think about this revelation before smirking. "Very good, Ko-san. Where is he?"

"He's... At the memorial." Ko said softly.

Hinata paused at this. 'Oh.' She thought in her head.

She turned around and looked to where her two teammates were before grabbing some cash and handing it to Ko. "Make sure they receive this. I don't want them paying for their meal."

Ko nodded, took the cash, and watched her leave, dashing off into the direction of the monument.

Ko sighed and turned around, walking to her teammate's table.

Kiba was crossing his arms, brainstorming about something when he noticed the Hyuga clan member returning. He stood up in a hurry. "What happened? Where's Hinata?"

"She had to go attend something, but she told me to hand this to you."

Shino took the money and looked it over. "There's enough here to buy a platter."

Ko chuckled. "I suppose some of that is an apology for leaving so soon."

Kiba frowned and sniffed the air, closing his eyes before nodding. "Thank you for this." He said sitting down.

Beneath him, Akamaru tilted his head, knowing something was up with Kiba.

The moment Ko left the table, he sat up once again abruptly just as Shino was about to ask him a question.

"Uh. Kiba? Where are-"

"To see Hinata. Something isn't right." The boy said as he rushed around the table.

"Kiba, wait!" Shino yelled, but he was already running up the restaurant wall.

He cursed and thought about chasing him, but with the cash unattended, their food won't be properly paid for. That, and he left Akamaru, who's still working on keeping up with human shinobi.

"Damn." He cursed before sitting back down. "Well. It's just you and me now, little guy."

---

Line break.

[Danzo POV]

[5:30 PM]

Izanagi was the only way out. It was a huge shame, but there was no other option. He's not sure who he took out in that explosion, but it matters very little. Right now, he needs to find out how much damage has been done to his Root.

So now, he's here, skulking around the village to escape. He never imagined he'd ever be in this position. He was a true shinobi, and to be reduced to a criminal is insulting.

Danzo moved through the alleys of Konoha, his heart pounding with anger and adrenaline. The village he had devoted his entire life to, every scheme, every sacrifice, every secret, all of it was now turning against him.

His Sharingan eye burned beneath the bandaged arm as it closed.

"I gave everything for this village," he muttered to himself, his voice a low growl. He ducked into a darkened alley, pressing himself against the wall as he heard a group of shinobi rushing past, their voices urgent and their footsteps echoing through the narrow space as they rushed to the scene of disaster.

"And this is my reward? Betrayal? They dare to question my loyalty, my dedication?" He spat on the ground, his frustration boiling over.

His mind raced, running through his options. He needed to make it to one of his Root bases—somewhere hidden, somewhere he could regroup and plan his next move.

He touched his ear and used his coms. "Kanoto. Share your location, now. And I want answers when I get to the base. This level of failure is beyond unacceptable." He growled, too shocked to fully express his anger.

He moved quickly, sticking to the shadows, his body aching from the toll of the day's events. His mind was filled with bitter thoughts, each one more enraging than the last. 'This is only temporary. I'll return. And when I do, this village will be mine. Hiruzen, I hope you're watching.'

---

Line break.

{Land of Wind: Sunagakure: Front gates}

[5:43 PM]

Here sat Sunagakure's gatekeeper, the man sitting on the edge of the giant walls that surround the village.

Up here, he has time to think, to reminisce, and to fret over what may happen to this country.

News hit the village of how the new Wind Daimyo in power has marked Sunagakure as a rogue village, and has effectively abandoned them. The news made the people here openly rebellious and hostile towards any who would come from the capital, but it also made many weep with fear or loss at their situation.

The gatekeeper, a bald shinobi with thick goggles and a very unshapely physique, sighed as he looked to the east. That direction was where the enemy could come from, whether it be in three years or three months, he had no idea. War was unpredictable.

It was during those thoughts that he noticed a small group of travelers making their way here.

His natural course of action would've been to have them stopped at a far distance to be searched or turned away altogether. However, due to the recent events, he took out a pair of binoculars to see for himself the nature of these people.

A few moments later, his jaw dropped in disbelief. 'She's back.'

"She's here!" Yelled a gatekeeper, quickly spreading word down the line. "Lady Temari has returned!"

The man looked to the sky and closed his eyes in relief. 'Thank the gods.'

---

Line break.

[Temari POV]

Temari and her three escorts made their way to the village gates with no issue, thanks to this gatekeeper. When she heard her name announced, she almost collapsed with relief that her final obstacle, no matter how minor, had been swept away.

"Thank goodness." She whispered, taking a swine gulp of water from her canteen.

"It's finally over. You're home, princess." Said an older escort.

The girl said nothing as they passed through the natural gate and into the village.

Once she was through, she was met with a ton of people. Not all were shinobi, as there were plenty of civilian onlookers, merchants, and others.

She could hear a ton of voices and gasps from the crowd, but she ignored them. She was going straight to the hospital to get checked out, and that's where they took her. Yet, the people followed, expressing their relief at her return.

Temari was assisted toward their location, the girl leaning against the older shinobi due to the sheer exhaustion she was suffering from. Her face was gaunt, her skin sunburned, her clothes tattered, and her body covered with bruises and small cuts, most prominently shown from the damage her leg has received.

Her fan, usually her symbol of strength, hung limply at her side, its polished surface scratched and battered from the bunker incident.

There were unspoken words hanging in the air. She kept her eyes forward, her face a mask of stoic resolve, refusing to acknowledge the pity or the fear in their eyes. She had nothing left to give them, not now. Her father, who had been the Kazekage, the leader of their people, was gone. Her brother Gaara, feared and hated by so many, was dead, his life taken by forces they simply couldn't contend with. And Kankuro. She didn't even know if he was still alive.

'Look at what we've been reduced to. Simpering dogs looking for scraps, only to be spurned on. Kankuro. I'm so sorry... Please be ok.'

They reached the entrance to the hospital, and Temari was guided inside, the cool air offering some relief from the desert heat.

A medic approached, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Temari's condition, but the kunoichi waved her off. "I'm fine," she muttered, her voice hoarse. "Just sleep. A real bed, please."

The medic hesitated before nodding, stepping back to give Temari some space. One of the shinobi escorts spoke up, his voice low. "Come with me, Temari. You've been through a lot. The village needs you to recover."

Temari closed her eyes, her shoulders sagging as she exhaled slowly.

She was brought into a luxurious hospital suite. It was spacious and bright, and goodness was the bed so damn soft. Almost too soft. She didn't care, though. As much as she wanted to curl up in her blanket, her leg wouldn't allow for it. It had to be strung up and dealt with.

---

Line break.

{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Konoha Memorial Site}

[5:50 PM]

Naruto was sitting on a bench, looking at the monument and sighing. He said nothing while rubbing the bridge of his nose. He was fed up. Period.

It's been a hectic day, and it isn't even over yet.

'I can't get any sort of peace in this damn village. Jiraiya is still attending some stupid meeting, and I've been cornered like a fricken rat.' He thought before his eyes narrowed, feeling a chakra signature he recognized.

"What do you want, Hinata?" Naruto said in a sharp voice. His irritation was clear in his tone

He turned his head slightly, not quite looking at her.

Hinata stopped a few feet away, watching him carefully. She seemed unbothered by his guarded attitude and approached anyway.

"I came to find you. I saw you were overwhelmed," she said.

She stepped around the bench and faced the scowling boy, her eyes meeting his. "I know you may not trust my intentions, but I want to help you."

Naruto's eyes narrowed, and he finally turned to look at her. "How did you even find me? Were you following me? Or can your Byakugan see that far?" He said in an accusing tone, and there was a flash of anger there that she had expected.

She hesitated, then nodded, deciding honesty was the best choice here. "No for the Byakugans. I sent Ko to watch over you, and when he told me you were alone after the... Bombarding... I thought you might need help."

She held her breath, watching for his reaction. His expression was unreadable for a moment.

Naruto finally frowned, and his gaze hardened. "So, what, you've been spying on me? You want something from me, just like everyone else, don't you?" His voice grew louder, his frustration evident.

Hinata sighed. "Yes and no. My-"

"What's that even supposed to mean!?" Naruto said throwing his hands up.

Hinata huffed. "If you'd let me explain myself-"

"Why should I trust anything you say?! Everyone seems to want something from me. You, that other girl, the Sarutobi clan, and now the Hyuga?! It's exhausting and-"

"Naruto! I was waiting for Jiraiya." The girl said firmly, causing Naruto to look at her in confusion.

"You were-... I beg your pardon?" He asked.

She let out a calming breath. "Naruto. You're under a regent, like me. Surely you understand that..."

She stopped talking when she saw the confusion on his features, and she gave a softer expression. "Naruto. While under a regent or guardianship, you are under no obligation to entertain others when relating to business or politics. I was trying to do things professionally."

Naruto thought about it for a moment, but shook his head. "That hasn't stopped others from trying."

"That's natural, Naruto. People are ruthless and some are desperate. Naturaly, the ones approaching right now are those of the lower and less... Influential class" She said, and at this, Naruto raised a brow.

She smirked and motioned for the seat next to him. "May I?"

He gave her a once over, his guard still up, before sighing. He'd give her the benefit of the doubt for now. She hasn't tried anything yet, and this might just be one of those things where he has to see things through... For real this time.

"So long as you don't pitch any complicted offers to me, or tell me to do anything," Naruto stated. He then paused, thinking about it before adding, "Or touch me. And stay out of my space... Personal space, I mean." Naruto said, and Hinata gave him a look that said he was overreacting before she took her seat on the bench next, her legs crossed, and an amused smile gracing her lips.

"Someone tried to lay their hands on you?" Hinata asked, and the boy shivered and growled.

"I almost took their hands for that!" He hissed, remembering the lady feeling him up for a moment. It wasn't pleasant. "And another thing. There are obviously very... Or to some extent, very important people trying to get to me. For one, I met the Daimyo's... Former Daimyo's family."

Hinata nodded. "They are in the most precarious position of them all. They've been thrown out of court and made into beggars. It's an unfortunate thing, but it's true. Them approaching you without your guardian present is a prime example."

"Aren't you a prime example?" Naruto said, giving an accusatory and rather childish look her way. "You did approach me without-... Oh. You already told me that." He said.

Hinata chuckled. "Yeah. And I'm also not allowed to formerly conduct business. To ease your... Doubt, I'm like you. I'm not even the head of my clan, so in fact, I'm of a lower standing. I can only act as... Say... A messenger of sorts. My objective would've been to have you seated at the table to discuss a transaction with my clan at the behest of my grandfather, but without Jiraiya, such a thing isn't possible."

Naruto seemed to relax significantly at this. "So... You're saying, you want Jiraiya?"

She nodded. "I wouldn't manipulate you. I owe you, actually."

Naruto raised a brow at that. "How so? We helped each other in the exams. If anything, I owe you for stepping in against Neji."

Hinata shook her head. "I'm not talking about that. I owe you my life, Naruto. During the attack, when the One-Tail was charging its... Whatever that was... Your chains... They stopped it. We were right under it. If not for you, we wouldn't be here right now. Not me, not Hanabi, and not Sakura. She was there."

Naruto looked away, his expression shifting into a wide range of emotions. She couldn't tell what he was going through, but she knew he was processing the information. Finally, he spoke.

"I remembered Sakura telling me about that, actually. I forgot. So much had happened that...-"

"You don't have to explore any of that. What I'm trying to say is that until that debt is paid, I wouldn't dare cross you." Hinata said as she looked at the memorial. "As someone who understands what it's like to be thrust into this life with no regard for yourself. No regard for what you think or feel. I understand. For me, I was constantly scared. Afraid of failing my family, afraid of not measuring up, and in a way, I did fail. But for you, it's worse. You're-"

"Alone. Yeah. I know." He said softly. "And... How exactly did you fail? You seem really smart and capable. Isn't that what your clan wants?"

Hinata scowled at the thought. "Getting to where I sit took... Certain things from me won't be returned. But it was worth it."

Naruto raised a brow. "Sounds like you made a deal with the devil or something."

Hinata almost snorted. "My grandfather is something of a devil, sure."

The two sat in silence for a bit, and Naruto rubbed his temple. "I'm sorry for being so-"

"Don't apologize, Naruto. You were correct to be guarded," She said before tilting her head. "If I may. What has you hesitant on setting boundaries with these people?"

Naruto let out a frustrated sigh and stood up, running a hand through his hair. "I'm... I don't wanna end up pissing off the wrong person. What if I make some important merchant mad and they hold a grudge later when I need something? Or if I accidentally insult one of these nobles, then what?" He shook his head, his voice bitter. "And the worst part is, these people all act as though they know me. Their words, they feel... I can't explain it."

"Honied words, Naruto. That's what it is. False kindness and false promises. It'll be styled in every conversation you have with them. It's something to look out for," She said in a tone that made him feel like he was being coached.

He groaned and threw his head back, pacing around and throwing his jacket about.

Hinata's lips twitched upward in a small smile, amused by his frustration. She looked down, her gaze thoughtful before she stood up, turning to face him.

"Naruto. You need rest. You're overwhelmed, and at this rate, your mind is going to break down, and that can be dangerous." Her tone was serious, her eyes holding his gaze.

"Easy for you to say," he retorted. "You don't have to deal with... everything I do. You can hide away if you want. I have an out in the open apartment and... A ghost house."

She nodded. "I understand that. However, I'll have you know that my very presence should be enough to ward off any would-be political assailants." She said as she walked over, Naruto's gaze following her. She stopped right in front of him and held out a hand. "I promise I won't try anything, Naruto. I'll see you home, and then we'll go from there."

Naruto looked at her hand and sighed, nodding before taking it and standing up. "Ok... But I'm warning you, one-"

"Yeah, I know. C'mon, Namikaze-kun," Hinata said in an exasperated but amused tone, her eyes rolled as she pulled him along.

---

Line break.

[Kiba POV]

Kiba watched from behind a tree, his jaw clenched, and his fists balled at his sides. He had followed Hinata out of curiosity, wanting to see what had her so occupied that she left their meal so abruptly. But what he found was something he wasn't prepared for.

He arrived late to their conversation, so he had little to go off of. Yet, Naruto, of all people, has her attention in this way just because he's a Namikaze suddenly. The same Naruto who he has always seen as a rival, as someone beneath him in so many ways and yet still couldn't wrap his head around his sudden strength. Here was Hinata, offering him comfort, protection, and perhaps her clan's influence... things she had never offered to anyone else. And most certainly not to him.

Kiba's heart twisted with jealousy, a growl rumbling low in his throat. 'Why him?' Kiba thought bitterly. 'What does he have that I don't?' He wanted to march over there, to pull Hinata away and tell her that Naruto wasn't worth it. That he wasn't the hero she thought he was. But he knew he couldn't. He had no right, no claim.

He clenched his fists tighter as he watched her take the blonde's hand, the frustration boiling in his chest. Naruto had something he wanted more than anything else in the world, and it was driving him insane now. It was fine when there was no indication, but this is out of nowhere!

Kiba stepped back, gripping his hair as he paced before raging out and punching into a nearby tree, a large chunk crumbling to the floor as he panted.

"Fuck! FUCK! How?! Why?!"

He then roared in anger and slammed his fist into the bark of the tree once again, this time sending cracks up and down the crust. "Fuck working my way up! I'M TAKING HIM ON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!"

---

Line break.

[Naruto POV]

The walk through the village was surprisingly peaceful, and he couldn't help but feel relieved. Hinata was right; her presence did seem to deter the usual onslaught of attention he had been getting lately. They walked in a comfortable silence, the tension of his earlier struggles melting away.

Naruto kept sneaking glances at Hinata, seeing her composed, serene expression. It was so... He couldn't put it into words, but it was like he was seeing her for the first time. The exams don't count; that environment was different.

He scratched his chin in thought. 'Man. This isn't right. Maybe-'

"You're doing it again, Namikaze-san" She said softly, startling him from his thoughts.

"W-What?" He stuttered, trying to play it off.

Hinata glanced at him, a slight smile on her face. "You're overthinking things. I can practically hear your mind running in circles."

Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry. I've just been feeling... This is all new, ok." He said with a scowl as he looked at how the people simply waved instead of rushing to his face. "I'd like to accomplish something like this on my own. I don't want to push people away, but some space just like this is... Much better."

Hinata nodded understandingly. "You're a bigger deal than my clan and me. It's natural."

Naruto shot her a strange look at that. "A bigger deal?"

Hinata nodded. "The scope of your inheritance is one thing, but many of these people must remember the legacy your folks created during third war. Your parents were... Legends. And you have the blood of both of them in you. It makes you very valuable." She said softly.

Naruto nodded and let out a calming breath before a smirk adorned his lips.

After that, there was silence once more. He was able to enjoy a stroll around the village, taking the route toward his estate instead. His apartment is a lost cause if everyone knows where he lives, and as Jiraiya said, his estate offers far more security. He's just gonna have to suck it up.

"You know, when you get the chance, if the attention persists, you can always hire attendants to help with the attention. It's what most clans and noble families do in order to deal with the outside." Hinata added, her eyes looking up at the setting sun that shined through the trees as they cut through the public park, giving her sky a beautiful, deep golden hue.

Naruto scowled and thought about it. "Attendants? I have no idea... You mean like servants?"

She nodded. "Something like that. Just ask Jiraiya about it. It's only in the case that the momentum of your fame doesn't slow down."

Naruto nodded and kept it moving.

---

Line break.

Eventually, they made it to his estate, and a Naruto gave a sigh of relief. Then, he noticed that Hinata stopped just ways away from the gate.

"I believe this is where we part ways, Namikaze-san," she said with a slight bow.

"Just Naruto, please. And yeah... Thank you for everything. I really mean it. It helped me get some time to think and process," He said as he turned to her and bowed, but she stopped him and shook her head.

"Don't mention it, Naruto. Hopefully, when I see you next, you'll be in a better mood. As promised, I'll make sure my clan offers the protection you need."

Naruto looked at her for a moment and nodded. "Thanks. Well, I'll see ya around, Hinata."

She gave a bow and left, and as Naruto walked towards the door of his estate, he felt that feeling all over again. Solitude. It wasn't a bad one, but her absence was felt instantly.

'Should I have invited her in? Surely that would've been a good idea, right? Maybe offer some hospitality after she went out of her way to help me, you stupid doufus!'

Naruto banged his head on the door, flinching as he realized he's doing too much, before turning and opening it.

'She said she owes me anyway.' He thought. 'Still... She didn't have to help. I shouldn't grow attached until... After some time.'

Naruto then made his way into his home, a frown adorning his features as he realized he needed to get rid of the plastic on the furniture to actually relax. Actually, he may need new furniture altogether.

"I guess I have some cleaning up to do. Bummer."

---

Line break.

[Hinata POV]

Hinata held a hand on her chest lightly, frowning as she felt her own heart beating a tad bit faster than she was used to. She was a bit flustered. 'That's strange.' She thought.

"Oy! You left us at the restaurant, damn it!" Kiba's voice came, causing Hinata to lift her head, her brow raising.

Kiba was standing on the dirt path just outside of the park where the Namikaze and numerous other wealthy properties preside.

"Kiba-san. Were you following me?" Hinata asked as she kept walking, and Kiba sputtered, glaring at her.

"I wanted to know where you went! You left us at a table with an unpaid bill and-!" Hinata raised a hand in his face as he got too close for comfort.

"Back away, Kiba. I gave Shino a wad of cash, remember?" Hinata said, her brow raising in irritation. Kiba was getting too pushy, and his current attitude wasn't helping.

"Where did you go? What were you doing?!" He yelled. "I saw you walking with that-... Naruto!" He said, glaring.

"I walked him to his home. That was it. Why?" She asked.

"Why? WHY?!" He asked, a vein throbbing on his head. Hinata took a few steps back. "Why does he need to be walked home?! What is he, 4?!"

"Kiba, that's my business. It wasn't personal if that's what's bothering you." Hinata said with an edge.

Kiba went to say something else, but she sent him a look and continued. "Listen. I know why you are upset, and I've been as respectful of your feelings as possible. I can assure you, that whatever you are thinking is far from the truth. So don't jump to conclusions. I can't date you, or Naruto, or anyone for that matter. What goes on in my life is not to be shared with anyone unless it has to be. If you were following me to spy, that's disrespectful, and it shows what your intentions were. My meeting with Naruto was... Strategic and political in nature. Please, Kiba, for once, listen. I am busy, and I don't have time for this. We'll have plenty of time to talk tomorrow. So I'll be going. Good day, Kiba." Hinata stated, and before Kiba could say anything else, she took off.

She disappeared, and Kiba stood there fuming, but the more he thought about her words and her expression, the more he calmed down. 'Politics and strategies. Is this like in the forest?'

He looked back at the path she came from and shivered with discomfort. 'No. This is different. She's not telling the whole of it.'

"I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Uzumaki." The boy hissed before dashing off.

---

Line break.

{Land of Wind: Sunagakure: Suna hospital}

[8:53 PM]

Hours passed, and nightfall had fully settled. It was then that she woke up prematurely to the sight of Lady Chiyo inspecting her not far from the door. The girl wanted to sit up and address the elder, but Chiyo put a hand up and shook her head.

"Don't strain yourself, dear. We've got many things to discuss, and you've already done your part." Chiyo said as she slowly sat in a chair beside her.

"I'm just happy to be home, Lady Chiyo. It's been so hard. So much has changed, and it all happened so quickly." The girl whispered, staring up at the ceiling with tired yet bright eyes. "When the invasion started, I never thought we'd lose so much, and I never imagined that... We'd-"

"Enough of that. Listen. Do you know whether or not your brother is alive or not?" The elder said.

"No. But he was in Konoha custody. He has to still be alive. They're too kind." She said with an air of uncertainty.

The old woman chuckled. "My, how our perceptions have been reversed."

The old woman sighed and sat down. "Well. Either way, we have bigger things to worry about. I've been chosen to be the new interim Kazekage against my will. Your brother would've been the obvious choice, but he's not within reach. And then, there's our only other elite Jonin, and she... Her loyalty is shaky thanks to your father and... The council."

"Lady Pakura won't take the mantel?" She asked with furrowed brows.

"We tried to kill her long ago, child. Her coming back was unexpected, yet she didn't stray. However, she... Changed." Chiyo said.

"Then I'll do it. If she can't, I will." Temari said, struggling to sit up. "I need to-"

"Rest!" Chiyo hissed. "You need to rest. You'll have your time soon enough. For now, sleep. We'll take care of things from here. You did well in your mission, but it's time to let the rest of us handle matters. When the time comes, we'll begin your training."

Temari laid back down, feeling both frustrated and relieved. She was finally safe, finally at home, but her family... Her village... They were still so fragile. She wanted to cry, to grieve for everything that had been lost, for the lives that were shattered, but who was to blame? She blames her father, but the world views them as a collective that punched well above their weight and are now receiving what's due. And then, there was Uzumaki Naruto.

She turned over at the thought. The boy who took her brothers from her in one fell swoop.

'I'll get you back, Kankuro. I promise I will.'

---

Line break.

{Land of Fire: Outskirts of Konoha's territory}

[Nightfall]

[9:01 PM]

[Danzo POV]

With Konoha on lockdown, traversing this field was a hassle even for him. Yet, now he was gathered with his top lieutenants.

Kagehiro Ueda, his top assassin, Rika Toriyama, his lead in interrogations and reconnaissance, and Naoko Hyuga, a transaction made during Hiroshi's reign as the Hyuga clan leader. Aside from Torune and Fū, she's his only available heavy hitter until the rest of his units are all called back. Yet, one was missing.

"Where is Kanato! I want answers! You fools have ruined everything!" He bellowed, pacing as they knelt before him, all looking confused. "Code black is meant for countermeasures against me being captured! I was supposed to be the target, as I have explained! Instead, you targeted the entire council room and had my cover blown!"

"Lord Danzo, if I may, Kanato-san went radio silent hours before the meeting. He isn't sharing our coms. We assumed he was under your direct control, per his directives when under assault." Kagehiro said carefully.

Danzo froze at that and turned to him. "The order of things. Explain. Who did we lose."

Naoko perked up and spoke. "Kanato's entire unit has vanished, as well as Tonoe's. We were attacked at the warehouse and weren't able to discern the one doing the damage. Just that they were dressed as our very own members, knew our codes, our patterns, everything. The only place that hasn't been touched is the base."

Danzo remained silent, his mind running a million miles per hour. 'The only one who can do this would be... No. Not likely. Even still.'

He turned around to face them and sighed. "We're being attacked from within. This changes things. We're changing codes and seals effectively immediately. Follow." He said as he turned around and walked toward the entrance of their base.

"Kai!" He yelled, lifting the veil that hid the genjutsu seal before planting his key down and unveiling the base's opening.

It was a latch in the ground, leading to the sewer system that was below it, but it had been heavily renovated to allow for travel and secrecy.

He walked to a nearby panel in the ground, lifted the handle, and pulled the metal slab up, allowing for them to make their way down.

He went second, allowing them to cover him, and after reactivating the seal, they were all underground.

They traveled in darkness, and eventually, the scent of sewage was overpowered by the smell of cleaning supplies and metal.

He opened another hatch with a password that caused the metal gate to open up, allowing them access to the underground compound.

The halls were numerous, but the one most prominent was one that led to a large opening where many bridges connected across a vast pit. They traversed the bridge with little issue, but as they got closer to the other side, Danzo's walk began to slow as he felt no sign of his Root present within the compound, and the further in he went, the more anxious he became. Then, he stopped, stepping on something wet.

He looked down and saw blood. Beyond the hall that leads to his final destination were countless bodies. All agents. All dead.

"Naoko," Danzo said quietly.

"No need." The woman said as she faced the other side, the masked woman in her battle-ready stance.

Danzo turned around with his lieutenants and watched as a blue-skinned masked shinobi dragged a body across the bridge with one hand while holding a bulging bandaged club of some kind.

"Ah. Finally home. I was wondering when you'd show up." The man said with amusement, tossing the body over the rail and removing his cracked mask to reveal Kisame Hoshigaki. "You have something we want, old man. Care to make things easy?"

Danzo scowled and raised his hand to prevent his Root agents from engaging. "You... I'm assuming you are Kisame, the Scourge of the Hidden Mist."

"Ah. My name precedes me even in Konoha. I like that. You guessed right." Kisame said with a toothy grin.

Danzo was just beginning to strategize on a way to take this monster down when he felt his heart jump to his throat as it dawned on him. How could he be so lax?! If his intel on the Akatsuki is correct, then the one usually accompanying him is-

"Danzo." A cold voice called out from behind the operatives, sending a chill up their spines. They all recognized that voice.

Danzo turned slowly, and there was darkness down the hall, the old man only hearing footsteps.

'No. NO! Not you! NOT NOW!' Danzo thought with frustration and fear.

The footsteps stopped just outside of the light, the teen's silhouette visible now. The mask the teen was evidently wearing was thrown at their feet, making them jump a bit, and the glow of Sharingan eyes were made visible.

Danzo knew it was over.

Itachi is here.

---

Line break.

End chapter.

{A/N}

This right here is what I've been waiting to write for some time. I'm currently writing what comes next, and it's stringing together at a very fast rate. You guys can expect another chapter very soon.

[Samuel Santillan]

As for Naruto using a sword, I haven't started that bit of his development yet because I feel that him trying to dip his hand into too many ways of combat would stunt him as he is. He should master what he has to a greater degree before turning to the sword so quickly. An example is his fight against Lee. He has become a capable combatant but is obviously lacking in mastery. He's fast but sloppy for now. At least compared to Lee. To everyone else, he's more than capable.

Another thing is that giving him Shukaku's ability over sand inflates his arsenal a bit. I'm giving him the maximum resources that could be realistically plausible. His parents were powerful with what they had. Giving him more would be a bit much. That, and the chakra he absorbed from Gaara earlier on was filtered out by Kurama. I won't say anything else on that subject since it risks spoiling certain things. It's not such a bad Idea though, I just don't want to give Naruto too much is all.

[Susanno27]

I am so sorry for that, mate. I will do that from now on. I'd have given about four chapters this month had I been following that rule. I was just apprehensive about making so many chapters that went nowhere.

How long would you prefer the chapters to be from now on? Perhaps with the shortening of chapters, I can more effectively keep my previous promise of one or two chapters per week.

Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading.