"And you just let him leave?"

Neji stiffened slightly. "…Not me sir. Naruto decided to let him leave."

Danzō's lone eyebrow raised. "And why was that? Were you not the leader of this mission?"

That stare would never leave Neji's memory. It was unlike anything he had ever felt. And it wasn't a matter of leadership, but ultimately his survival. "I was, sir."

"You allowed Naruto, a shinobi on a completely different mission than you, who, by the way, should not have been interfering in the first place, to make a decision that impacted your mission's success? What kind of leader are you, Neji Hyūga?"

"Hey! That's now way to talk to him like that!" Rock Lee wasn't about to let his friend be berated like this.

"Quiet Lee!" Neji was quick to correct before Danzō had the chance. "Lord Danzō is right. I was the leader and failed to lead the mission to success. I should have taken charge."

"This mission has been deemed a failure. Sasuke Uchiha is to be branded as a traitor as of today. I need extremely detailed reports from all those assigned by the end of the day. I am not happy about this mission, Neji Hyūga. Not only was this a mission to rescue a former shinobi of this village and gain valuable information on one of our top threats, it was a test for you as a leader. We are at war. We need leaders. All of you, dismissed!"

The group filed at of the office as swift and quick as they could. Not only were they embarrassed for their failure but also ashamed. Sasuke made his choice but that didn't stop the feeling. In fact, it made the feeling worse in some. But, for obvious reasons, the one who was most affected was Sakura.

Sakura was a wreck, to put it simply. The events of the last few weeks had really taken a toll on the poor girl. On the trip home, she was silent as could be. She treated injuries and made sure everything stayed healthy, but never said a word. Usually, the girl was so bright and full of life. Seeing her like that was not normal and it affected everyone.

But Sakura's mental state does not excuse her actions. If it wasn't for Sasuke, of all people, Hinata would have fell to her death when the bridge collapsed. It was something that had to be addressed. And that was exactly Neji was going to do.

"Sakura, a moment, please."

The group stopped. They knew what Neji was going to say, it was no secret. But it didn't lessen the shock value. Sakura was in the worst state of her life and Neji was about to rip into her like no tomorrow. It wasn't going to be pretty.

Sakura slowly turned to face the Hyūga as the others continued on. She was a blank slate. Completely unreadable.

"First off, I understand these last few weeks haven't been easy for you. I'm sorry for your loss and for Sasuke's actions. I wish things went differently. I did not want him to be branded as a traitor." Not even a flinch. No emotion. "But nothing can excuse what happened. What you did. Your actions put everyone's lives in danger and nearly cost Hinata hers! We are shinobi! We have to put our personal feelings and emotions aside and place the mission first. I understand it's hard to separate the two, especially when dealing with a close friend. But rash actions cannot happen like that!"

Neji took in a deep breath, keeping his temper in check. "This life isn't easy. We have to be strong. Endure the pain of losing loved ones. It will pass. I'm sorry, but I have to include what happened in my report. Don't forget about yours. I don't need my name ran through the mud more."

Enough had been said. Neji could see that he got his message across. He left Sakura standing alone in front of the Hokage's Mansion.

"…You don't understand shit…"

Sakura was angry. Everything just suddenly fell apart and there was nothing she could do about it. She watched her mother die by her lover's hand. Her master and leader be stripped of her title and rank. And beloved teammate had been branded a traitor.

How in the world could Neji understand that?

Sakura needed normalcy. Needed her life to be back the way it was.

Or something new to put all this shit behind her.

-With Danzō-

"A complete and utter undermine of your authority!" Danzō was not as tactful with Yamato's mission report as he was with Neji's report. "You allowed a shinobi under your command to just simply leave without any sort of verbal permission?! And our village's jinchūriki no less! What kind of captain are you?!"

"Sir, if I may, I was the one to give Naruto to go ahead to go support Neji Hyūga's mission." Kakashi spoke up, trying to deflect some of the blame away from Yamato.

"Is that so? Then why didn't you accompany them, seeing how this was a former student of yours?"

Kakashi knew that question was coming. "…Naruto requested that he go alone, but I, or Yamato, would never would have allowed that. So, we compromised with Sai and Ino accompanying him. He was less than pleased but it was something."

Danzō sighed. "Defiant, I see. And where is our little deviant, now?"

Gai was clueless. Sai seemed to care less about what was happening. Ino simply shrugged her shoulders. And Kakashi and Yamato remained silent to the question. Either they knew and weren't saying or they truly didn't know.

Again, Danzō sighed. Ino could swear that she could see a vein bulging from underneath the bandages that cover his head. "Just great. In this time of war, a jinchūriki needs to be our absolute most loyal and disciplined soldier. And we have one with a broken heart and parental issues. Wonderful. I expect detailed reports about everything that happened by the end of the day."

"Yes sir."

"Sai, a moment."

The others left as the lone teenager stayed in the room with his commander. "Sir?"

"Was your mission a success?"

"Yes, Lord Danzō. The whistleblower was dealt with."

"Good. At least something was accomplished, Shikaku should be off my trail for awhile. Having Commander Aoba back to lead will help our forces greatly."

"Yes, sir. I agree." Sai had a thought on his mind and felt the need to express it. "Sir, may I speak freely?"

Danzō had his curiosity peaked. Sai never spoke out of turn. "Speak your mind."

"I have spent a great deal of time observing and socializing with Naruto Uzumaki. Besides the numerous red flags I've noticed with him, there was one thing I can't understand with him."

"And what would that be?" Danzō questioned.

"He cares deeply about the others around him. More specifically, his teammates Sakura Haruno and the traitorous Sasuke Uchiha, who he swears is not one. But he reacts in anger and lashes out at those who try to help. During our escapade to Tenchi Bridge, Ino Yamanaka was required to restrain Naruto from harming me."

That had Danzō greatly interested. "Did she use her Mind Transfer technique?"

"Y-Yes." Sai said perplexed. "How did you know?"

"I have theorized that a Yamanaka could overtake a jinchūriki's mind with that technique. With the proper training and knowledge, I believe it could be done. Commander Fū agrees with me." With that out of the way, there were other things on Danzō's mind. "Where are you going with this, Sai?"

"I have experience dealing with someone like Naruto Uzumaki. His emotions are wild, making him violent. And my guess they are only enhanced because of the Kyūbi. He's too dangerous to be left alone."

"And what is it you suggest? Kill him?"

"No, sir." Sai answered quickly. "I formally request to remain on Naruto's team. I believe it'll be mutually beneficial for all parties involved."

A request that highly intrigued the War Hawk. "Is that so? I'm all ears, Sai."

"I will learn from Naruto and how he fights. Not only to become stronger myself but to figure out his weaknesses. And use them against him in the event he would ever turn rouge. That way, the Kyūbi could never fall into enemy hands and be used against us."

Danzō had to admit, he was impressed. Sai had all the major angles covered. He thought of the best ways for a plan like this to be beneficial for them both. Though, Danzō already had contingency plans in the event that Naruto went rouge or if he was killed and the Kyūbi had been lost Konoha. He wouldn't lose their ultimate weapon so easily.

"Hm. All valid points and a compelling argument. But, usually, a team consists of three to four shinobi. Who would be your third man?"

"Wouldn't Sakura Haruno remain as the third member?"

"No." Danzō answered simply. "Due to recent events, Sakura Haruno is going to be removed from the duty active roster. The girl is simply too unstable right now for active duty. She's going to be on active reserve and work at the hospital. The Kazekage recently requested some medical shinobi in Sunagakure to help train up their medical division. I'm going to enlist in her to co-lead with Shizune."

A question arose in Sai's mind. "If she's not fit for active duty, then why put her in position like that?"

"She was requested by the Kazekage. Despite her teacher's failures, Miss Haruno's medical abilities are nothing short of extraordinary. She was able to break down an S-Rank criminal's poison and find a cure for it, all the while bringing the Kazekage's brother back from certain death. That is no easy thing to do, even for a seasoned medical shinobi. My hope is that some time away from Konoha will do some good for her mental state. And if it helps our allies, then so be it."

Sai nodded. "I understand, sir."

"So, who would be your third member?" The War Hawk asked again.

Frankly, Sai didn't consider another. He had to think logically. His decision was going to make or break this whole thing. It had to be someone that Naruto could hopefully learn to trust. And could withstand his violent tendencies. Possibly even calm him in that situation. The answer became clear.

"Ino Yamanaka."

A smart choice. "Why?"

"Like I stated before, she was able to use her Mind Transfer to stop him from harming me. She wasn't afraid to stand up to him, despite the major gap in power. She even has some medical training. Ino would be a good fit."

Danzō was, surprisingly, in a strong agreeance with this. Naruto Uzumaki was their trump card in this war. He had an untapped potential with the skill and battle smarts to back it up. He truly was a perfect mixture of his father's raw talent and skill and his mother's strong and unique chakra. Even without his status as a jinchūriki, he would be a monster.

"I will consider your request. But, heed this, Naruto Uzumaki is about to be sent under the command of Commander Genma and fight towards Iwagakure. If I approve your request, yourself and Ino Yamanaka will be going with him. Do you understand that?"

There was no hesitation. "I understand, Lord Danzō."

Danzō nodded. "Good. Now, if there is nothing else, take your leave. I will summon you when my decision is made."

Sai nodded. "Have a good day, sir."

-With Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji-

"After all he did, this is all he gets as a tombstone?"

"What's wrong with it, Chōji?" Ino questioned. "It's simple and carries what he stood for. I think it's nice."

"But it doesn't mention anything about Kurenai sensei or the fact that he was going to be a dad."

"They weren't married, Chōji." Shikamaru added. He knew they wanted to be. Asuma told him once during one of their numerous games of shogi that when the war was over and everything calmed down they were going to get married. Kurenai getting pregnant was a happy accident. "And the baby isn't even born yet."

"I know, but still…he just deserves more."

It had been a hard time since their master died. Their team would forever be missing their master. While childish, they all held the same idea that they would be together forever. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas.

Shikamaru reached into his pouch and handed his teammates one cigarette each. It would be their way to honor their fallen master. Shikamaru was the first to light his up. He took a strong, deep inhale and let it out through his nose. Chōji was next, he coughed so fierce that he felt like would throw up. Ino coughed but could hardly stomach the taste.

Once the burn reached the filter, the team rubbed the ash into the ground.

"We're gonna find those Akatsuki bastards…and we're gonna kill them."

And burn them like cigarettes.

-With Jiraiya-

"Thank you, Teuchi."

"Of course, Lord Jiraiya." The owner handed over the food in a bag. "There is anything else?"

"No, this should be it." The Sannin slapped the money on the counter. "Keep the change. This should cover whatever bill Naruto had racked up recently."

"Thank you, sir." Teuchi nodded as he scooped the money up. "But, you should know, Naruto hasn't been around much. Not since…"

Jiraiya sighed. "Yeah, I thought that might be the case. I've been in and out of the village and just haven't seen him since he was released from the hospital…He's hurting, I can feel it."

"That boy…he don't deserve the things people are saying about him. He never has."

Jiraiya was so glad there was still some people that could see the good in others. He knew Naruto would eventually heal and move passed all this, but it would take time and Jiraiya's help. And if Tsunade could get out of her house, then her help as well.

While a decision that she technically supported, being demoted from Hokage extremely bothered Tsunade. It wasn't something that felt good. She felt like a failure. Not only to the people and shinobi of Konoha but to herself. To her family name. The first two Hokage's were directly related to her and the Third Hokage was her teacher. On paper, Tsunade should have been the greatest to ever dawn the hat because of her lineage.

But history will only ever see her as a failure now.

Jiraiya set the bowls of ramen on the table and entered the bedroom. The sheets were a mess. For obvious reasons. Clothes littered the floor. Assorted food cups and utensils covered the nightstands. And sat on the windowsill with an oversized shirt covering her body. She hadn't moved since he left.

"Any chance I can offer you something else besides frozen dinners?"

"Like I said before, I'm not hungry."

Jiraiya sat on the windowsill with Tsunade. "There not be much left after Naruto gets ahold of that ramen. Teuchi said he hasn't been around lately."

Tsunade perked up. "Naruto's coming here?"

"I have to find him first."

"What happened in Kiri? What about Sasuke?"

This was the most energetic he's seen Tsunade in a week. Naruto was always the key with her. "Whoa, whoa. You are way too eager about this."

"You never complain about me being eager. Now, tell me what you know."

She wasn't wrong about that. He loved when this woman showed that side of her. "From what I've been able to gather, Kirigakure dropped whatever allegations and let Naruto go free. There will probably be some reparations to be paid, but Konohagakure is off the hook."

Tsunade was greatly relieved to hear that. "And Sasuke?"

"…Didn't sound successful. And rumor has that your apprentice broke down and jeopardized the mission."

"Sakura?" Tsunade had some trouble wrapping her mind around that statement. "What do you mean 'broke down'? Like a mental breakdown?"

Jiraiya nodded. "Apparently, she nearly killed one of the Hyuga's…Hinata, I think her name was."

Well, those two had been at odds for a while now because of Naruto's affection. It wasn't that far of a stretch if Sakura was given the right reason to do so. But, given the circumstances of recent events, that probably wasn't the case. "Shit..." The female Sannin sighed. "I'll talk to her. Maybe I can help somehow."

Jiraiya smirked. "That's the spirit. You find your student and I'll find mine." He pushed open the window and leapt. "Eat that ramen so it doesn't go to waste! It'll be cold by the time I get back!" Jiraiya quickly disappeared into the rooftops.

Tsunade sighed happily. That man would always infuriate her to no end, but she couldn't deny it any longer. She loved him. She had always loved him. Even when she was waiting to marry Dan, Jiraiya was always in her mind. But after Dan died, her feelings for Jiraiya made her feel guilty. It felt wrong.

That's why Tsunade left. The guilt for loving Jiraiya more than Dan. Jumping straight into his arms. It just wasn't right. She had to get away. And she did. For years, Tsunade evaded everything and anything that had to do with Konoha because she didn't want to be reminded of her guilt.

Time truly does heal all wounds. Tsunade knew that she belonged with Jiraiya now. When she was at her lowest point, he was there. Every time she needed him, he was there. He pushed her to be better. Pushed her to be stronger.

Maybe Naruto getting sick had a small silver lining. If it weren't for that, she doubted that Jiraiya would have ever came looking for her. It was because the time they spent together that reignited their friendship. Their love.

"Don't take too long." She whispered, watching the sunset.

-With Danzō-

The Interim Hokage, as Danzō liked to call himself, watched the sun fall over the Konohagakure horizon from his office chair. He was called many names throughout the lands, damning him thoroughly, but he would never underappreciate a good sunset.

He held the scroll in his hand. A complied list of all the information he needed. This had been a long time coming.

The time had come for the thorns at his side to be dealt with. And for him to sharpen his sword.

The Akatsuki. Those little whelps held power for too long. He should have pursued him long ago. He might even have captured the all-powerful Rinnegan. But there was no need to dwell on past mistakes.

The Sannin. The Snake was the least of the Warhawk's concern. It was the Slug and the Toad that needed to be squashed. It was almost too easy. Two birds, one stone.

And the Fox. The time had come for the War to be turned into their favor.

-With Naruto-

10th of October.

Today was my inauguration as the Fourth Hokage. I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life. Kushina certainly couldn't remember a time. But when Lord Third handed me the hat, it felt like it was waiting for me. Like my place as Hokage had been predetermined. I felt guilty too. I could see it in Kushina's eyes. She will never admit to it but I know she was jealous. Truthfully, being Hokage wasn't as big of a goal of mine as it was Kushina's. I've wanted the title since I was a boy, but only for the fame and authority it came with. She dreamed of being Hokage. It wasn't just a simple goal. She had something to prove. I know she's happy for me. But it doesn't lessen the guilt.

I don't know how often I'll write in this journal. Or if I'll have the time. Lord Third says this job can be busy. But I'm a quick learner. I think I'll manage.

I'd better finish up here. Kushina is throwing a party in my honor. I'd hate to be late to my own party.

Naruto lowered the book as the sunset stretched across the horizon. The perfect combination of orange and pink covered for as far as the eye could see. And from his spot on his father's stone head, he could see quite far.

Why was he so let down by this first entry? It hardly met the expectations that he created in his head. It was so simply. So quick. Nothing about him, the Kyūbi, or anything really. It was just the private thoughts of a man who was just named Hokage. Nothing more.

His mother wanted to be Hokage. It was like a dream for her. Unlike his father, who only sought after the title for the fame. That part was bothering him more than it probably should. Why was that? Minato Namikaze was a once a generation type for skill, raw talent, and pure intellect. Being selected to be the Fourth Hokage was a no brainer.

"How'd I know you'd be up here?" Jiraiya sat down next to his godson. "Y'know, for someone hates the man, you surely act a lot like him."

"I do?" Naruto gasped.

"Oh yeah." The Sannin chuckled. "I remember this one time, back when he was about your age, him and your mother got into this really bad argument and they separated for a little bit. It had him sulking for days. He couldn't stand the thought of not being with your mother. And I found him, sitting right over there." He pointed to the stone head of the First Hokage. "That was his place to hide. Just it is for you, now."

Naruto huffed. "That proves nothing. This is the highest place in the village. No one ever comes up here or even bothers to look up. It's the perfect spot."

"My point. He thought exactly as you do."

Naruto huffed again. There was no need to continue arguing. "Where have you been? I thought you would have come with to Kiri."

"Yeah. Sorry about that. I had to make a quick trip to meet up with an old contact and gather some info. Besides, Tsunade really needed me here. And I knew I could trust you with whatever happened."

Naruto felt a small warm glow near his heart knowing that his master trusted him. "…Thanks."

The two sat for a while, watching the sun set completely. There were no clouds. The stars shined brightly with the moonlight.

"I know shits been hard lately. Really hard. I'm sorry I wasn't there to stop you from killing her. I blame myself for her mother's death. Ever since I took you in, it's been my responsibility…"

"To keep me in check?" Naruto's voice carried the venom in his heart.

"To keep you safe. Lately, I've been doing a shit job."

Naruto put the book into his pouch. "It's whatever. I'm a big boy. I can take some punches."

Jiraiya smiled softly. He could see right through the act. Naruto was pushing his feelings down and acting tough. Trying to be a strong person. "That's a good attitude." He wanted to see how long Naruto could hold out.

They sat in silence a little while longer, watching lights of the village brighten the night. No matter what time, Konohagakure always had hustle and bustle. The sounds carried up to where they were barely whispers to the men atop the stone head.

But, soon enough, the soft sniffles of a crying boy covered the whispers of scorned village.

Jiraiya put his hand on his godson's shoulder, telling him it was okay to let it all out.

"Listen to me for a moment, son. I know you. I've known you since you were an infant, barely a few days old. For someone so young to hold such burdens and guilt is frankly too much. For years, I've known these things were coming. All because of the burdens you bear cause the guilt you feel. I've trained you to be as strong as someone could be so that when the time came you could fight away all the bad and stay good."

Jiraiya moved his hand to his godson's head. "I am so proud of what you've become, Naruto Uzumaki. And I take pride in the fact that you are my student. My godson. My…son."

Naruto's head turned as fast as it could, tears flying off his cheeks. He looked straight in the man's eyes.

"No matter what anyone says about you…you'll always be my son."

The two crashed. Arms wrapped.

Father and son.

Their bond had defied twists and turns, lies and slander, and the all powerful test of time. No matter what the future held, they would always have each other.

First, they were godparent and godson. A pair new to each other fresh off of disaster. A baby who had just lost his parents and a way of life. And a man who needed direction in his own. Their love would be their greatest strength.

Then came master and student. The baby had become a boy who needed a man to show him how to be strong. To learn from. They had to learn how to love one another again. Lies had scorned their minds.

And finally came father and son. After years of lost time and learning, their time had come. A bond of this kind could only be described as father and son. A family of which neither of them never felt could happen.

Born out of disaster. Reborn with time.

"Do you think she'll come back around?" Naruto asked as they made their way down the mountain. "I mean, she did take the flower back and I don't think she's destroyed it…"

The Sannin sighed. "I would to tell you to run after her and say how sorry you are…but I don't think that'll do much. Your first love is hard to get over."

Naruto snickered. "I can tell. You've never let Baa-Chan go."

"Tsunade has always been…difficult. No one can deny that."

Naruto stopped walking. "Then why continue to go after her? Even after she's left you over and over?"

"It wasn't always her leaving, son." Jiraiya stated. He's left his history with Tsunade vague on purpose. It made things simpler. "But…I'd say it was because I loved her. Still do. And always will."

That filled Naruto with some hope to somehow salvage anything with Sakura. "Then what did you do after she left? Did it hurt?"

"Oh it hurt a lot!" Jiraiya's laugh betrayed the seriousness of the statement. "If I am to give you any advice on this situation…" He placed a hand on the Chūnin's shoulder. "…give her time. It heals all wounds."

"Might be a while with her…"

The Sannin shrugged. "You never know." The man continued on. "But here's another piece of advice, something I wouldn't tell Tsunade if I were you…she'd kill us both."

"What is it?" Naruto asked, rather intrigued.

"Having another warm body to sleep next to helps a broken heart for a while. Ya know…get under one body to get over another body."

Wildly crude and insensitive. Hearing that was not something he was truly expecting. "Is that what you did?"

"…My escapades were…how shall I put this? Something I didn't know I needed."

"…What does that mean?"

"As you know, mine and Tsunade's relationship was never the best. Probably won't ever be something great. We've hurt each other in a lot of ways. I dealt with my pain a bit differently than she did. I slept around, fucked, and had flings all over the world. Tsunade…she fell in love with Dan and was going to get married. I believe she was marrying him to get back at me for sleeping around while I was traveling. She says otherwise and called me a liar and a bunch of other names under the sun I don't remember."

Naruto processed the story. He was learning so much about their past. "So, then, after Dan died, what happened?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Well, it wasn't until I had you in my protection that I saw her again. After she healed you, we had a lot of long talks. But ultimately decided it was for the best for us to just stay friends."

"Just stay friends? Sounds a bit more to me now." Naruto smirked. But quickly dropped it. "You guys…you've been like my parents. I don't know if I'd be here without you two."

"You wouldn't!" Jiraiya laughed. A grim piece of humor. "It's hard but you gotta just try to not think about it. Hopefully, one day, she'll come back around. I'm not saying what she said was right or justified, I just think she's pretty confused and upset right now. Just give her some time to process and comes to terms with it all. Once she's made peace with it, you can only hope that she'll be open to things again. In the meantime, be there if she needs you. As much it hurts or angers you, just always be there."

Naruto sighed. Honestly, he felt a lot better. Just being able to air out everything that had happened to someone who held no judgement on him felt so good. He was still torn and felt absolutely horrible for everything. But talking about it was the first step he needed.

"Thanks…master. I really needed this."

Jiraiya smiled warmly. "I'm always here for you, son. C'mon, let's get back before Tsunade eats all the ramen."

The two continued their paths. But with the love of father and son between them. Keeping them together.

With Tsunade waiting for them, the three of them sat around the table and ate the cold ramen. Laughing and loving every second of it. Like a family.

Naruto watched his two godparents. When the other wasn't looking, the other was looking at them out of the corner of the eye. Silently admiring. It was interesting to watch.

He may not know the entire history between the two, but it was evident that they had been through multiple hardships. Together and separate. Everything brought them back together again and again.

Naruto recalled his mother's note to him. She was right. He brought them back together.

His godparents.

No matter how he would view his biological parents in the future, he knew one thing was certain. Tsunade and Jiraiya were his parents, too. He loved them. Always will.

Man, I am going hard now! This is all about to kick into high gear. We are coming to the part of the saga that really got me into writing this story in the first place. A very long time coming from where I started. I'm not sure if I'm going to jump right into the action or do one more chapter of set up. Gotta plan the next few chapters.

I had whole other scene playing out in my head about Sakura being addressed by the rest of the Retrieval team because of her actions, kinda like how everyone addressed Naruto about Sasuke after the Five Kage Summit. But I also felt it being Neji to be the only one was more personal and possibly make Sakura angrier. That was the point. She's just as lost and confused as Naruto.

Maybe there was some foreshadowing by comparing them to Jiraiya and Tsunade…

Naruto's finally started reading his father's journal. Many things are about to come to light about Minato and that fateful night.

I really wanted this chapter on a good note. Because this stuff coming up is about to be dark.

Until, next time.