"Always remember, jutsu's have more than one application."

The young blonde listened dutifully to the elderly man, watching as he went through the motions of the combination attack. The clone struck at impossible angles, covering every any gaps in his offensive. They moved in unison, never giving the opponent any time to rest. The Sannin was covered in bruises despite his superior physical condition.

"Even against foes like Jiraiya here who are competent taijutsu masters, never ending pressure will lead to mistakes. Keeping the fight at your pace is key."

The assault continued, Jiraiya's defense becoming more desperate. Every time he thought he picked up the fighting style of the old man and the clone they shifted to a new one. It was a miracle that he managed to deflect as many blows as he had. A testament to his greatness. But when fighting a man as skilled and experienced as the Sandaime Hokage, one could not solely rely on youth as their advantage.

"The clone jutsu is usually used as a distraction. But use them as an extension of your weapon. A true copy of yourself. Combination jutsu. Taijutsu partner. Scouting. Area control. The clone is an extension of yourself."

Jiraiya grunted as the demonstration ended.

"Also remember that people can and will just use ninjutsu to blow up the stupid thing," he muttered, crossing his arms and pouting.

Hiruzen laughed.

"Jiraiya-chan, surely you see the benefit of the demonstration despite its limitations."

"Ero-sennin is just grumpy that he can't beat you in taijutsu Ji-chan."

"The hell you say brat!"

"I said you suck at taijutsu!"

"I'll show you who sucks at taijutsu! I think it's high time you go through some more training from hell!"

"I uh...promised Konohamaru I'd play ninja with him today!"

"Get back here you punk!"

(-Flashback-)

With another swing of the weapon the staff spun around him before smashing into the boulder, denting it.

(-Flashback-)

"Naruto-nii!"

Naruto smirked, leaning over Konohamaru as the boy tried to make himself small against the ground.

"Found ya."

Konohamaru shot up instantly, his body covered in leaves.

"No fair!"

"The life of a shinobi is never fair."

Konohamaru stuck out his tongue, brushing off the leaves as he stepped out of the bush.

"That's what makes you my greatest rival! I'm gonna surpass you! Just you wait till I become a shinobi!"

"No way," was the flat response. "I'm gonna be the greatest shinobi that ever lived."

"Nuh uh! Ji-chan already is that!"

"I mean the old man's good an all, but he's not greater than the Yondaime!"

"Yes, he is!"

"The Yondaime killed a Bijuu! When has the old man ever done that?"

Konohamaru paused, as if floundering.

"W-well Ji-chan led the village through all the Shinobi World Wars!"

"The Yondaime practically won the third one by himself!"

"That's still two to one!"

"A Bijuu. Tailed Beast. One of the strongest nine creatures in the world. Killed it. By himself."

"The Shodai beat a Bijuu too!"

"So that's two Hokage then!"

"No way! Ji-chan is better than all of them."

"Nuh uh."

The two were face-to-face, glaring at one another in their heated debate as they stomped back to the Sarutobi manor. No one in the streets paid them any mind. This was a common argument for the two. It had not been resolved before and it was unlikely it would be resolved today.

"Enough you two."

The two boys looked up, Hinata smiling at them both.

"Hinata-chan!"

"Hinata, tell him Ji-chan is better!"

Hinata laughed, ruffling Konohamaru's hair. "If you think he's better, isn't that all that matters Konohamaru-san?"

The small child smiled and nodded, grabbing Hinata's hand.

"See? That's why I like you more than the blonde idiot over there."

"Why I oughta," Naruto raged.

"You know, between the two of us Konohamaru I prefer you too."

"I know right! I'm awesome."

"Hinata!"

The girl laughed, leading the boys away. "You want chocolates Konohamaru-san?"

"Yes!"

The boy rushed off, the two Genin walking after him as a form of supervision.

"You didn't mean what you said about liking him more than me did you Hinata?"

The girl smiled. "Who knows?"

Naruto rolled his eyes.

"How are things with your team? Kiba and Shino treating you right?"

"They're quite good actually. I was somewhat worried going into it that Kiba-san would be too rambunctious to work well on a team but Kurenai-sensei fixed that quickly. I enjoy our missions together. What about you? You're with..."

"The annoying bastard and Sakura."

"Sasuke-kun has done nothing to deserve your ire Naruto-kun."

"He exists."

"That is rude."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "He's an asshole! Always going on about how great he is because he's an Uchiha. He deserves to be put in his place a bit."

"I wonder how the entirety of the Uchiha Clan does not hate you."

"Eh most do. It's really only Itachi that doesn't."

"I thought Sasuke-kun's parents enjoyed your company."

"They treat me like family, but it's more of a duty for them than anything else. Mikoto's relationship with my mom especially. I don't think they actually like me."

"Maybe beating up their son in the Academy and insulting him had something to do with that."

"He deserved it."

"Because one time when we were children, he annoyed you because he said the Uchiha are the greatest clan in Konoha and since then you've made it your life mission to make him eat those words?"

"Precisely."

"That's childish Naruto-kun."

"And despite this headband on my head, I retain the right to act like a child when I so wish."

Hinata rolled her eyes. The two walked in silence for a brief moment until Naruto broke it.

"You think the Yondaime's the greatest Hokage right?"

"Oh kami."

(-Flashback-)

Kunai whizzed through the air, courtesy of a clone, only for the weapons to be deflected by the staff. Sweat poured down his brow. He had to focus.

(-Flashback-)

"Naruto you have to work as a team for this training to work."

"It would be easier if one of my team members didn't suck," the blonde stated. Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his head.

"Naruto, everyone brings a valuable skill to the team."

"Yeah Kakashi-sensei is right Naruto! We all complement each other well."

The Uchiha was silent, glaring at Naruto with hate in his eyes. The Uzumaki stared back, disdain in his.

"And pray tell what is Sasuke's benefit?"

"Wiping that smug grin off your face."

"Oh? And how are you gonna do that when you can't even touch me?"

"It's only temporary. I'll ascend to the greatness of our ancestors and defeat you."

"My ancestors this, my ancestors that, blah blah blah. What the hell have you done? Nothing. Maybe all those ancestral stories aren't all they're talked about to be then; you ever think about that?"

"Why you-"

"Enough!"

The two Genin looked up at Kakashi, the man glaring at the both of them.

"You two are on a team together, so like it or not you have to learn to work together. There are benefits to working together as much as this might surprise you both. Sasuke brings a level of scouting and interrogation abilities that neither you nor Sakura have Naruto. Sakura is incredibly adept at iryojutsu as both of you well know from your spats. And Naruto you bring a level of close combat proficiency to this team that excels most other Genin. Together you can do special things. Apart you are easily broken down."

Naruto frowned. "I haven't faced anyone-"

"You've only faced Genin," Kakashi stated plainly.

"The Academy instructors-"

"Were going easy on you."

A frown muddied his face.

"Sakura, your close combat skills are subpar to say the least. You would be taken down easily by any close combat specialist. Naruto, mentally you're vulnerable. Both to genjutsu and to taunting. You'll rush head long in just to prove yourself and get sloppy and you couldn't tell a genjutsu was on you until you were bleeding out. Sasuke, you too are vulnerable to taunting. Not to mention you have no strength in any particular area of combat. Simply no weaknesses either. A jack of all trades is not bad, I'm one myself, but you need strengths. It's why Naruto is able to so thoroughly beat you. He knows the in-and-outs of his strengths better than you know his counters."

Kakashi turned to stare at Naruto.

"Everyone has their strengths. If they're your opponent, it is imperative you learn them to be able to pick them apart. If they are your teammate, it is imperative you learn them to amplify them. Teamwork Naruto, teamwork."

(-Flashback-)

The training area was leveled, covered in monstrous cuts as the blonde in the center of the field glared around the area. He was covered in a thin film of dirt and was dripping sweat. Panting he slowly stood, using his staff as a crutch. He rolled his shoulders, using the staff to stumble back towards the town next to the Hole. He stumbled down the mountain, his eyes hazy the entire time.

"Sensei," he whispered.

"I did it."

Itachi Uchiha groaned as his eyes opened. The bright light above him made him squint instantly, a hiss coming from his mouth. A small chuckle echoed in the air, causing him to turn his face, his eyes slowly opening.

"Mother?"

"Hello son."

Uchiha Mikoto sat next to him, a hand on his and a soft smile on her face. Next to her was Sasuke, his younger brothers face a complicated mix of emotion that he couldn't read. Itachi turned, seeing Fugaku lying next to him in a hospital bed.

"We're back in Konoha."

"Yes. You and your father have been unconscious ever since Iwagakure attacked."

"What happened?"

"According to the official report, Konoha managed to win the battle and push Iwa's forces back but not without heavy losses. You would know better than us the details."

Before Itachi had any time to respond a masked figure appeared in the room, the shinobi staring at the resting Uchiha.

"Belay that request Uchiha. Hokage-sama is requesting your presence for a detailed report on the incidents of the battle."

Mikoto frowned, staring at the blank mask on the man's face.

"That's ridiculous!" Sasuke called. "He just woke up from his injuries! Surely he can have some time to rest before he goes to give a report."

"The Hokage's order is final."

"He couldn't at least come to Ita-"

"Shinobi exist to serve the Hokage. Not the other way around."

Sasuke looked like he was going to counter only for Itachi to reach out and place a hand on his brother's arm.

"It's fine brother."

Mikoto and Itachi briefly locked eyes, understanding flashing between them. The woman smiled, standing.

"I'll tell Izumi-chan that you woke up. She has been quite worried about you. She's still working in the research department right now so she couldn't be here."

Itachi smiled and nodded his thanks at his mother. Mikoto began to leave, grabbing Sasuke by the arm on the way out.

"We're leaving Sasuke."

"But-"

"We're leaving."

Sasuke frowned, walking past the ANBU member, but his eyes burned hotly into his mask. If the ANBU member was bothered by it, Sasuke couldn't tell.

"Please inform us if my husband wakes up, ANBU-san."

The shinobi nodded, but Mikoto knew he wouldn't. That was how Danzo ran Konoha. Family and emotional ties between shinobi came last. Duty first. The woman left the room, taking a quick glance back at her son who was rising from his hospital bed. He was covered in bandages and clearly in no shape to be moving around.

She frowned and closed the door.

Sakura sat on a log in front of the gravestone, her eyes soft as she traced out the names that she knew. Friends that had died in the process of this war. She could only stare in silence at one name in particular. One that stood out above the rest.

Hinata Hyuga.

Sakura sighed, her eyes tracing the carving. Hinata was...interesting. The girl was strong, confident, and powerful. She had risen quickly through the ranks in the Academy, becoming the top kunoichi to graduate. The only comment that she had about the award was that it was expected of her as a daughter and heir of the Hyuga Clan. She had spent the third shortest time as a Genin out of all of her graduating class, only behind Naruto and Shikamaru and tied with Sasuke. Her taijutsu was lethal, and she possessed a talent for iryojutsu as well. She was a feared opponent. A taijutsu expert who could heal herself on the fly. She had often compared herself to the heiress, especially when they both began learning iryojutsu. When she finally thought she found something she could specialize in Hinata had gone and done it as well. Done it better. Her dojutsu gave her an innate advantage Sakura couldn't replicate. Her constant inability to match the girl had given her something of an inferiority complex.

The pink haired girl shook her head, rising to her feet to look at the carving.

"I wish you were here Hinata..."

Maybe she would have been able to stop Naruto from abandoning the village? No...of course she would.

She had done it before.

Sakura turned to leave, only for her eyes to widen as she saw a tuff of gray hair standing in front of her.

"S-sensei?"

"Sakura."

"I didn't realize it was that time already this month. Please forgive me for not coming to get you earlier!"

"It's alright."

Sakura stared at the woman, cautious to say anything that might set her off. The woman merely walked next to her and sat down on the log, staring at a different name on the stone. Sakura sat next to her. This was her ritual every time she was let out for a day once every month. Come to this stone and sit. She didn't eat. She didnt' drink. She didn't talk to anyone. She just went here and sat in front of the stone to stare at three names.

Dan Kato.

Nawaki Senju.

Jiraiya.

Tsunade Senju was a broken woman without those three.

"Would you like some foo-"

Tears began to stream down the elderly woman's face. Her wrinkled cheeks, a clear sign of her no longer using the illusion to maintain her looks, contorted with emotion. Sakura sat there as the woman began to sing. It was a somber song. A song that poured out the sadness of her very being into the world, as if that would somehow make her feel better.

Alas, she was a bottomless pit of sorrow.

So, Sakura sat and listened as the song continued, until Tsunade's voice began to crack from overuse. And yet she continued to sing, until she coughed from dry throat. And once she finished her coughing fit, she continued. Sakura had never learned the name of the song. But the woman had sung it often ever since Jiraiya's death. Not even Naruto killing Jiraiya's murderer had done anything to change that.

So, Sakura sat. And she listened. And she wished she could do more for her mentor that had given her so much. That had passed down the title The Greatest Iryonin to her.

And Tsunade sang.

Konohamaru stared at the ceiling despondently. He had been quiet ever since the failed attack on the Sunagakure fort. Ino watched him, a frown on her face. He had not said anything, not even to her.

"You know you can't simply sit here and not say anything to anybody right?"

Silence. Frustrated, Ino threw up her hands. She looked at the nurse who merely smiled and nodded at Konohamaru.

"Your checkup is done Konohamaru-san. You should be fully healed within two weeks. Until then I'd encourage you to get some rest. You'll be cleared for general movement in about three days if this keeps up."

Konohamaru said nothing but the nurse took it in stride.

"If you need anything, be sure to send someone for me or another nurse. I wish you the best."

The iryonin bowed her head to Ino, who smiled at the woman as she left. The kunoichi then turned her attention back to the rather disrespectful Sarutobi Clan member who had done nothing but ignore anyone ever since he had woken up from his defeat. At first, they were concerned his vocal cords had been damaged. A quick analysis had shown that clearly was not the case. He was just being an asshole.

Ino was tempted to use her abilities to simply read his mind, but she figured that would be a violation of their friendship. Unlike someone, she seemed to actually care about being polite.

"If you're gonna sit here and mope all day that's your choice, but you should be polite to the nurse you know that. She's trying to take care of you. I know this may surprise that pigheaded brain of yours but there are people that care about you."

Konohamaru continued to stare into space. Ino grit her teeth, spinning on the younger man.

"Are you serious right now Konohamaru! Why won't you say anything? You think you're the only one who's upset that we lost the battle! You think Asuma-sensei isn't upset? You think Choji and Kiba aren't feeling absolutely dejected they lost parts of their body? Well wake up! No one is happy! But they can't sit dejected all day!"

"It was my job."

Ino paused, too shocked that Konohamaru had actually said anything.

"W-What?"

"It was my job to protect them," Konohamaru stated plainly. "It was my job to defeat Gaara so none of them had to get hurt. So that Choji didn't lose his arm. Or Kiba his eye. So that uncle wasn't practically bedridden in all but name. So that out forces didn't die. And I failed."

"Konohamaru-"

"And I failed. I failed miserably. Uncle was protecting me most of the battle against Gaara. I was practically useless against him, despite it being a two-on-one. After everything I said about me being a better counter for Gaara's abilities I was useless! And how did that uselessness end up? With a massive failure, countless dead shinobi, and lifelong combat injuries to almost everyone!"

Konohamaru almost spat.

"Choji and Kiba may never return to active duty again. They likely still haven't made it back to Konoha. Asuma-sensei may never regain full motor control of his left arm. His fighting style could be completely neutered. All because I needed protecting. So don't tell me how I should feel Ino! It's my fault this happened."

Ino scowled.

"So that's what this is? Some sort of survivor's guilt?"

"Don't psychoanalyze-"

"Shut the hell up! Do you think anybody blames you?"

Ino stared Konohamaru down, righteous anger burning in her eyes.

"Asuma protected you because that's his job. He's the leader of the Suna flank! And you are under his command. And most importantly, you are his nephew! Of course, he would protect you!"

Konohamaru wanted to protest only for Ino to throw two cards on top of him. Konohamaru paused.

"What are these?"

Ino gestured for him to open them. The young man did, his eyes reading over the cards and their contents as his eyes reddened.

"These are..."

"Kiba and Choji told me to give them to you when you woke up, but you were in such a shitty mood I decided to wait. They wanted you to know that they don't blame you for what happened. This is the life they chose. They would have gladly given up more to save your life and Asuma's. So don't blame yourself you idiot."

Konohamaru bit his lip to fight the urge to cry, blood dripping onto the hospital bed because of it. Ino sighed, rubbing behind her neck as she watched him.

"You put a lot of pressure on yourself Konohamaru. Pressure to be the best. To be perfect. But nobody is perfect. You aren't going to be able to protect everyone from everything. That's life. You must let people accept the consequences of their choices. Kiba and Choji made a choice to be a shinobi. They're in a Clan. I assure you they knew what that choice entailed. Asuma made a choice to protect you, the only reminder of his father and brother he has left. You're one of the last family members he has. He knew what that choice entailed and what it would cost him. And he would never not make that decision."

Ino placed a hand on Konohamaru's chest.

"You're young Konohamaru. You aren't meant to be fighting the problems you are right now. You aren't meant to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders. So, share that responsibility with some of us. Please. We care about you too."

The teen grit his teeth, remaining silent. Before he was able to respond the nurse came back, accompanied by a man in a blank ANBU mask.

"Konohamaru-san, you have a message from the Hokage."

Ino and Konohamaru looked up at the man who handed him a scroll. Konohamaru accepted it, reading over its contents. His eyes narrowed as he looked up to the ANBU member. He nodded, handing the scroll back to the ANBU member before it burst into flames. The ANBU member turned to leave, followed by the nurse.

"What was that," Ino questioned.

Konohamaru frowned.

"It seems I've been selected to lead a mission once my injuries are healed."

"A mission to do what?"

Konohamaru's eyes narrowed, and his face betrayed no emotion. He didn't look Ino in the eye.

"To bring Naruto Uzumaki back to Konohagakure."

Ino's eyes widened. To bring Naruto back to Konoha? They had selected Konohamaru? To lead the mission? Ino stared at Konohamaru. All of the work she had done to try and get him to open up emotionally. To try and heal the emotional scars that came with Hiruzen dying and Naruto leaving. To try and help her friend. All tossed to the wind. She could only think of one word that could accurately describe what she was thinking right now.

'Shit.'

Neji struck at the human-shaped dummy in front of him, missing his target once more. He grit his teeth, launching a series of strikes as he twirled around the doll, only half of his attacks hitting their intended target. When he finished, he cried out, sweat pouring down his face. He glared at the metal prongs attached to his hand, anger in his eyes.

'I can't aim properly with these blasted things on!'

He grunted, smashing his uninjured hand against the dummy, causing it to explode from the surge of chakra.

"You're cleaning that."

Neji's head snapped up, surprised to see Hiashi standing on the platform next to the Hyuga Clan training area, the elderly man frowning. Neji bowed deeply as he saw his clan patriarch.

"Hiashi-sama! Forgive me for my rashness! I should not have acted in such a manner!"

Hiashi waved him off, walking forwards to analyze the metal prongs on Neji's hands.

"Trying to familiarize yourself with the prongs to use the Juken no?"

"Yes sir."

Hiashi grunted, walking around Neji in a circular manner. Soon he walked back to the platform and took a seat, his eyes locked on Neji.

"Again."

"I'm...I'm sorry?"

"I said do the strikes again. I will not repeat myself."

Neji nodded, getting into form again before he launched himself into a series of strikes. It was more difficult than he anticipated under Hiashi's watchful gaze. Neji was a master of the Juken, one that even Hiashi had praised despite him being from the Branch family. The foremost expert, even better than Hinata when it came to pure taijutsu skill. But that had been when he had all of his fingers attached to his body. Despite Sakura's best work, she couldn't regrow lost body parts. It would take time to reach the level he once was at the martial style. To be judged by one of the greatest wielders of the Juken in his rehabilitation process was...embarrassing.

"Enough."

Neji paused, turning to look at his uncle. Hiashi nodded to himself.

"You are compensating for the prongs. That is why you look so sloppy."

Neji tilted his head.

Hiashi nodded to himself, standing.

"You throw your weight off trying to force the prongs into position because they are not moving as nimbly as your fingers used to. That is a fool's errand. They will never move exactly how you want them. They are metal, not flesh and blood. Rigid instead of flexible. Your vain attempts at doing so will only delay your process of rehabilitation. Give up on it."

"B-but Hiashi-sama, the Juken is all I have? I cannot simply give up on regaining my skill."

"I did not say give up on your skill with the Juken, but rather to give up on forcing metal to move like flesh and blood. You cannot attempt to change the laws of the world Neji. I recommend you find a new style of using the Juken. You will never be able to use it like you once did."

Neji stared at the words, hesitating at their finality. He tried to reject the notion, but Hiashi's cold glare froze him still. The elderly man had no reason to lie to him.

"Grow from this setback. Learn a new style. That is all."

Neji bowed his head.

"I understand, Hiashi-sama."

Hiashi began to leave, pausing to turn and look at Neji once more.

"Naruto Uzumaki has robbed you of your fingers. He damaged you physically. But you Neji Hyuga are the one who has damaged yourself the most."

Neji winced, feeling the burn of the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead. He remembered what it felt like, vividly.

"You were to throw yourself into your training to make up for the loss. Do not falter here. The outcome will not be pretty."

With that the man left. Neji slowly rose, placing his hand on the Caged Bird Seal. Frustration burned in his heart. Frustration at his own failure. Frustration at the caste system in his Clan. Frustration at the world for being the way it was. And away from both Neji and Hiashi, a young woman watched with her Byakugan active. Silently she stood as Neji began to train once more, looking at her father instead.

She shook her head and vanished in a burst of speed.

Sasuke frowned at the dinner table, playing with the rice in his bowl with his chopsticks. His mind was elsewhere, racing at the thought of his brother and father. Who had done that to them? Who in Iwa had the ability to wound them that badly? His father and brother were two of the strongest Uchiha to ever live. They had achieved strength that put them on par with most S-class shinobi. There were whispers that Fugaku could have been next Hokage after the Yondaime's death had the Sandaime not capitulated to the rules of the Uchiha Agreement. Itachi was rumored to be among the strongest Konoha shinobi ever reared. Some particularly superstitious clan members even suspected they had awoken the mythical Mangekyou Sharingan.

So how had they been wounded that badly?

"You're not touching your food."

Sasuke glanced upwards at his mother, the woman sitting across from him. Her plate had already been picked clean. He bowed his head.

"Sorry...my mind is just busy."

"Thinking about your father and brother?"

"Yes..."

Mikoto nodded, picking up her plate and placing it on the sink.

"Care to share?"

Sasuke paused, hesitant. Mikoto started the water, beginning to clean. There was quiet for some time until Sasuke spoke.

"Father...brother...they're strong. Some say they're the strongest Uchiha since Madara. I just...I just don't see how Iwa shinobi could have hurt them as badly as they did."

Mikoto nodded, turning off the water as she finished washing the plate.

"Other countries have powerful shinobi as well Sasuke. Iwa has the Tsuchikage, its Jinchuriki, Kitsuchi Tenbin. Kumo has the Raikage, its Jinchuriki, Darui the Great, Samui the Wonder. Kiri the Mizukage, Jinpachi Munashi, Ameyuri Ringo, Byakugan Killer Ao, and Mangetsu Hozuki. Suna the Kazekage, Gaara of the Sand, Kankuro the Genius, Shira the Owl, and Temari the Witch. Konoha is not the only village with strong shinobi. Even the recently recognized Ame, which almost no one knows anything about, has strong shinobi else it would not be recognized by the other central powers in the Elemental Nations."

"I get that but...still."

Mikoto smiled, walking over to her youngest son. "You don't need to worry about your father and brother. They're strong. They lived. They will only grow stronger from this experience. The worst of their injuries have been treated. They won't die from them."

"They'll be out of commission for at least a month."

"That is the life of a shinobi. When you face powerful opponents that is the risk you run. They know that."

Sasuke sighed, shaking his head.

"I just want..."

"To surpass them."

Sasuke turned his head.

"I will do that in due time."

"Not with the way you're headed no you will not."

Sasuke turned, irritation on his face.

"That's just like you! To never believe in me!"

Mikoto stared at him in his eyes, something shining in them that Sasuke couldn't read.

"You know it was I that told your father to take a more active role in training you for the Academy?"

Sasuke paused, confused. "W-what?"

Mikoto nodded.

"And was it not me who healed you after you would get home from brutal training sessions with your father and brother in preparation for the final rounds of the Chunin Exams? Or took you under my wing to personally have you join my squad when you became a Chunin despite the fact that everyone in the family knew I was planning on retiring? Was it not me who taught you how to use your Raiton (Lightning Release) along with your Jonin sensei?"

Sasuke was silent, a frown on his face. Mikoto stared down at him with the hurt in her eyes clearly showing.

"I have always believed in you Sasuke. More than you believed in yourself."

"I...I apologize."

Mikoto sighed. "Do not apologize. Be better Sasuke. That is all I ask of you. Stop pretending that you don't feel the lack of love from Fugaku. And stop pretending you don't compare yourself to Itachi every second of every day. You will never get stronger by hiding your feelings."

Sasuke was silent.

"Uchiha grow strong by listening to their emotion. Not by pretending it does not exist."

He hesitated, looking at his mother.

"Then...then how do I become stronger?"

Mikoto sat down in front of her son, her eyes locked with his. A small smile formed on her face as her crimson eyes shifted, forming a strange pattern that did not resemble the Sharingan that Sasuke knew. It did not resemble the Sharingan most anyone knew. It was an entirely new shape altogether.

"I've been waiting for you to ask me that for a long time now son."

Naruto grunted as he woke up, the light from the sun hitting his face from the small room he had rented in the nearby town. He threw on some of the spare clothes he had in a storage scroll, his clothes from yesterday completely ruined from his training. It had taken him a long time, but he had done it. He had achieved what Hiruzen had strived to teach him so long ago.

The man grinned. Perhaps he was ready to face the Huntsman now, if the man ever came again? No...he knew he was.

Naruto Uzumaki nodded, walking towards the door. He had attained a new level.

Short interlude chapter. Next chapter finally the prologue should be coming to a close.