Sakura looked down at her mentor, face calm as she lay in the coffin. Hundreds of emotions she could not process raged inside her. It was all she could do to stop herself from crying before her. Tsunade was a proud woman, or at least that was how Sakura preferred to remember her. She would not have wanted any to cry at her death. Enough tears had been shed by shinobi as it was.
Ino placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder, a solemn look on her face.
"Sakura, I'm so sorry."
Sakura struggled to find the words to respond to her friend. They were the only two at the funeral service. The last living Senju, royalty in Konoha, left to be remembered by nothing more than two kunoichi. It was a shame. Tsunade had accomplished so much. Meant so much. And she was barely remembered for the village she had sacrificed for. The only comfort Sakura could find was that she could finally be reunited with her loved ones. Nawaki, Dan, and Jiraiya.
A tear fell from the kunoichi's eye. She bit her lip.
"You don't have to hold back, Sakura."
Those were the words that broke the camel's back. Sakura's armor shattered like glass, and she broke down in tears. The S-class kunoichi, feared and revered by countless, was nothing more than a heartbroken woman who had lost her mentor. Ino held her, letting her friend vent into her arms. They stayed like that for a long while, only Sakura's tireless screams gracing the air. Even the animals dared not venture too close to give her privacy.
The sun was the only thing that dared broach her moment, its rays beaming down on the duo as if nothing had occurred.
It pained Sakura to think that in the grand scale of things...nothing had. Tsunade had not been an active shinobi for years now. In the world they lived in, she had died a long time ago.
But not to her.
And that was all she could think about.
"Come on Sakura," Ino whispered. "We have to bury her."
It took a while for Sakura to respond, and it was not verbal. Slowly she stood, streaks of dried tears marring her face, but she refused to wipe them away. If no one else could show their sadness for Tsunade's death she would. Eventually the kunoichi approached the coffin, staring at her mentor's form. She was thinner than she remembered. It was hard to look at her as she was. Her face wasn't hers. Whatever she was looking at was a stranger to her. There was none of the life that had given Tsunade shape. None of the pain. Only a void remained. The realization pained her. For a moment, the Haruno felt that she might snap. She needed something, anything to remind her.
So, Sakura began to sing. It was a somber song. One whose name she did not know.
But it was Tsunade's song.
Her voice was painful. Grating on the ears. Yet both she and Ino withstood the noise for the entire song before moving. Tsunade had suffered for far longer than they had. Who were they to complain at such an easy cross to bear now?
When she finished, Sakura approached, placing the sake bottle she had brought with her in the coffin with her mentor. It was her favorite bottle. Alongside it she placed Jiraiya's headband, a token the kunoichi had kept since his death.
"How was she," Sakura whispered. "After I left."
"The same," Ino whispered. "I didn't notice any signs of illness. It...must have been quick."
Sakura said nothing, the pain in her heart blocking out Ino's response. She had known the answer before Ino had said anything. Even if Tsunade had fallen ill after she left, Ino would not have known. Tsunade would never have shown it. She was a broken old woman and still an iryonin. If there was anything wrong, no one would have found out if she didn't want them to.
Sakura leaned over, placing a kiss on Tsunade's cheek. It was tender. Forlorn.
Yet when Sakura pulled back, she couldn't help but notice the strange taste. Sakura had been around dead bodies plenty. She had touched plenty. But something was wrong. Maybe it was just a trick caused by her emotions. A delusion. But she glanced back at Ino, eyes stormy.
"You said you didn't notice any signs of illness?"
"No."
Sakura frowned, looking back at the corpse. Something was off. Her lips were numb. Sakura touched Tsunade's arm, brushing it. Her hands tingled, but that was all. Sakura frowned and brushed slightly harder, feeling the tingle on her hands grow worse. Bumps appeared on Tsunade's skin. Sakura's eyes narrowed.
It could be innocuous. Medical treatment given by the iryonin in attempts to save her life. But Sakura's mind couldn't help but detect that something was off. Why was an anesthetic covering her body? Perhaps just a way to relieve her of pain before she passed? Some could last a long time.
That was what Sakura repeated to herself as she and Ino laid Tsunade's body in the Senju Clan cemetery. That was what she repeated as they covered her coffin. That was what she repeated as she left.
But something inside of her struggled to believe it.
Confidence surged through Itachi as he sat down at the Clan Head meeting. The other Clan Heads gathered, eyeing each other. Suspicion was in the air. Itachi had called a meeting about his clans' recent imprisonment. Everyone had expected him to make a play, and they were eager to see what it was. Danzo sat above them all in the Hokage position, his wrinkled form looking more deflated than ever before. He sunk in his chair, and his cheeks were thin. Still, he radiated a confidence that bellied comprehension.
Itachi's eyes shifted to meet Yoshino and Inoichi. The two nodded back to him. He had their full confidence. Shikaku's eyes met his after. The man was accompanying his wife. He had been briefed on the situation, but firsthand experience was important in matters of politics. Today the Nara Clan's patriarch and matriarch acted as one. Having Shikaku's word support his could only mean that his words would have even more sway.
He was in a place of victory.
Danzo's plans would crumble today.
"Why have you called us Itachi?"
They were Danzo's words. Itachi eagerly hoped they would be his last as Hokage.
"I do. I have discovered evidence of who is behind the threat that now faces us. Both to the Uchiha Clan and to Konohagakure."
"You maintain your clans innocence, even now," Hiashi spat. His words were lances of poison. Itachi stared back at him. He knew, more than anyone else, that if he failed to convince Hiashi here today that it would be practically impossible to safely depose of Danzo. Hiashi would spread more than rumors that the Uchiha had potentially instigated an attack. This time he would actually believe it.
"My clan is innocent," Itachi began. "And I will prove it. I would first like to start at a subject matter we all can agree on, the theft of my clansmen's eyes. The report from the interrogation team has returned."
Inoichi spoke up at that.
"It is correct, Hokage-sama. Ibiki has a detailed report I've taken the liberty to send to both you and the members of the affected clans. The eyes were stolen prior to the death of Kuyama Uchiha. As for the two mystery men, they could not be identified. Neither blood sample nor processing was able to find any matches for them. Whoever they were or whoever they served; we have no idea."
"So Kuyama Uchiha was innocent," Hiashi interjected. "Hardly proof of the entire clan's innocence."
"It is good I have brought men who can give testimony then," Itachi stated. He gestured to the shinobi that guarded the doors. The man opened them, dragging in the two men Itachi had captured. The Uchiha's eyes glanced at Danzo, but the man's face was a mask of calm. Whatever he was thinking, Itachi had not rattled him yet.
That would change soon.
"These are spies," Itachi stated.
"What are you talking about? I know these two," Tsume interrupted. Her voice was strong. "They've served Konoha for years."
"Of that I've no doubt," Itachi stated, standing. "These two have likely served what they have been convinced is Konoha's best interest. They have been led astray."
Itachi dropped to the center stage, forcing them to open their mouths. He felt nerves bubble inside. What he was about to say would trigger a rebellion. An outrage. This was the incendiary grenade.
There was no going back after he said these words.
"Reveal Danzo's plan."
Once more, the black seal appeared, locking their body and preventing their motion. However, that was not the most interesting thing. The room immediately devolved into anarchy. Clan Heads were screaming atop each other, eyes cutting between Itachi and Danzo. Neither man moved, their faces the perfect composure of calm. The room lacked that same composure.
"You'd better have some good reasoning behind those words boy," Hiashi hissed. His Byakugan was already active. "Or I'll cut you down like a traitor!"
"Itachi, what you are insinuating is that-"
The Akimichi Clan Head was cut off.
"I have not insinuated anything," Itachi stated. He turned, staring up at Danzo. "I have declared it clearly. Danzo Shimura, the Hokage himself, is behind these recent incidents. He is the one who has framed the Uchiha."
Itachi struck as the silence bloomed in the room. He gave Danzo no time to respond to his accusations. He did not have long. He had to play his cards quickly and harshly to even gain standing in the room. He had thrown caution to the wind. This was his victory.
"As you can see, a sealing matrix prevents them from speaking. A sealing matrix that activates whenever you ask them about Danzo Shimura, or ROOT. I'm sure many of you are aware of the organization. Officially it was disbanded under the Sandaime Hokage. Unofficially, it has never been disbanded. It is led, and has always been led, by Danzo Shimura himself. This organization has coveted the power of the Uchiha for years. During the tension decades ago, there was another solution put forwards by Danzo. The extermination of the Uchiha. He asked me to carry out the task myself."
Itachi moved, letting the Clan Heads hang off his every word. He had them enthralled. Some enraged. That was good.
But Danzo still looked calm.
"I, knowing these two as members of ROOT, captured them. I have suspected that Danzo was behind the attacks. He possesses the capability. The knowledge of how to get around the barrier, due to his own time in charge of it and tenure in the village. More than that, he is familiar with running surreptitious operations. If there is anyone in Konoha who would know how to attack the village and get out, it would be him. But I have confirmed my suspicions."
Itachi left the air open. It was a que for Inoichi to step in. And despite the man's hesitation, he delivered.
"I have searched the minds of these two individuals," Inoichi said. The room went to a deathly silence. Inoichi's word was highly respected. "I have done so with Yoshino Nara as my witness. I can confirm Itachi Uchiha's words. These two men know of a plot intended to depose of the Uchiha Clan."
Inoichi bit his lip, hesitating briefly.
Yoshino did not.
It was not a tactical decision. They had evidence. They had their word. But even this would only give Itachi room to stand on. The tactical decision was to support the accusation, but at a distance. Yet she couldn't. And she knew why.
Memories of her beloved son flashed through her mind. She had lost him. She refused to watch someone else lose their family to the unjustness of this world.
"These two men's memories directly show that these orders came from you, Danzo."
Her words rested in the air. Itachi turned, eyes hotly meeting Danzo's.
"I can have another Yamanaka confirm our words to be true," Itachi stated.
Itachi felt confidence brim in him. Even if Fuu was selected it would simply be a matter of having Ino search their minds to confirm his story. His capture of these two men was his checkmate. He had Danzo defeated.
Yet why did the man still not look phased.
"I do know these men," Danzo stated. "But you are mistaken, Uchiha. You misunderstand their memories."
Danzo nodded at the shinobi guarding the door. Once more he opened it, revealing two shinobi who stumbled forwards. Itachi's eyes widened in horror as he saw them.
"These two men I let you capture to reveal your true intentions. I knew you would attempt to pin this outrage on him from our history decades ago. If you had not rushed to accuse them, I would have realized that you indeed were loyal to Konohagakure. However, your rush to protect your clan from its crimes has in turn convicted you of the treason you accuse me of."
Danzo turned to look at Inoichi and Yoshino.
"It seems you have convinced the Nara and Yamanaka Clan Heads of these notions of yours. But I'm sure they will see the truth for what it is shortly."
Danzo directed his attention to the center of the floor. Itachi could only stare, mouth agape.
"Fuu. Let us know what you have learned from the shinobi before you."
Fuu roughly yanked the shinobi's head upwards. Itachi felt an overwhelming desire to murder the Yamanaka right there and then.
Because that was his little brother in his arms.
"Sasuke Uchiha, Hokage-sama. I caught him attempting to sneak back into the village. I had him detained. As all of you are well aware, he has been missing for some time. He claims to have been captured by Orochimaru, and only recently freed by his father, Fugaku Uchiha. Of course, I attempted to verify this information, and found something much more sinister."
Sasuke looked at Itachi. Itachi had thousands of questions that ran through his mind, blocking out Fuu's words. When had Sasuke returned? Was he alright? What happened to their mother? Where was their father? Had Danzo tortured him?
Sasuke's emotions only gave him questions in response. But one rang firmly above all else.
What was happening?
"I searched his mind and found evidence that Sasuke Uchiha has been cooperating with Lightning shinobi. He, and his father, have been planning for the Uchiha Clan to abandon Konoha and join Kumogakure. They have been offered countless rewards by the Lightning Daimyo."
Fuu shook his head, feigning sadness.
"They are traitors. The entire clan likely is."
"That's preposterous," Itachi spat. Rage bubbled inside of him like a volcano about to blow, yet he held his storming chakra in check. Violence was not the solution here. Not yet.
"I demand someone else look at these memories!"
"I volunteer," Inoichi stated. His voice rang loud among the room. Itachi couldn't begin to describe his joy at Inoichi stepping forward. Inoichi would not let him down. The Yamanaka Clan Head had proven himself reliable.
Itachi's eyes met Sasuke's, sending a message to his younger brother filled with love and desperation.
Just trust me!
Inoichi for one had not expected this turn of events. As he approached Sasuke a storm of conflicting emotions surged through his body. Who was telling the truth? Fuu or Itachi? He wished for neither to be telling the truth. For this to be an elaborate trap set up by a foreign power that had come far too close to crushing Konoha. That way his world would remain the same. The Hokage was a position that could be trusted. The Uchiha were a loyal clan. And his clanmate was not an operative underneath Danzo.
Inoichi placed his hand on Sasuke's head, readying himself for whatever he may see as he dived into the boy's psyche.
He was immediately met with a sight he had never seen before.
"Fuu," He questioned, eyes wide as he saw the Yamanaka sitting in Sasuke's mindscape. Fuu's eyes snapped open before he was suddenly before Inoichi, hand on his head.
"In service to Danzo-sama."
Inoichi's eyes snapped open in the real world. The Clan Heads waited with bated breath for him to speak. Whatever he said would doubtlessly turn the tides of this convention.
"Fuu Yamanaka speaks the truth," Inoiochi stated. His voice was notably duller than normal. Apathetic.
Itachi felt his hopes crumble.
"Liar!" Sasuke spat. "That isn't true!"
"Silence whelp!" Hiashi insisted. His Byakugan leered down at Sasuke. "Your entire clan must be punished!"
"This is an outrage," Choza cried.
"How," Shikaku hissed, glancing at Yoshino. The matriach looked just as confused as he was.
"And thus, the truth comes out," Danzo stated. Fuu stepped forwards, producing letters.
"In addition, I have letters of correspondence between the Raikage and Fugaku Uchiha contained on Sasuke Uchiha's person."
Fuu handed the letters out to the Clan Heads, even offering one to Itachi. Itachi could stare at it. He knew it was a forgery at first sight. He didn't need the letter to know that. Fuu was Danzo's. And Inoichi had betrayed him.
He had lost.
"These letters implicate you as well, Clan Head," Hiashi spat.
"Hokage-sama the report from Ibiki still shows that the Uchiha were targeted!"
It was a desperate play by Yoshino. Again, not a calculated one. However, Danzo clearly was.
"That is true. Perhaps Lightning reneged on their deal with the Uchiha Clan, and so it was Itachi's job to worm them back into Konoha's good graces. We will not know without a thorough investigation."
Yoshino was silent, hopeless.
Danzo's eyes focused on her. She sat there; confidence crushed. Then, for the first time in the meeting, she made a calculated decision.
"Forgive me Hokage-sama. I have been led astray."
Itachi looked at Yoshino, but she refused to meet his eyes. Itachi felt a cold terror grip his heart.
"I do not blame you or the Yamanaka Clan Head," Danzo began. Grace. "Whatever illusion Itachi placed on you has run its course. I merely ask that you protect yourself better from the dangers of the Sharingan eye."
Itachi looked around the room. Hiashi and Tsume looked ready to launch themselves at him. Choza had a conflicted look on his face. Shino was buzzing, quite literally, and the Nara Clan looked hopeless. Inoichi stared at him with dispassion, as if he hadn't just thrown his clan to the wolves. Itachi looked at Sasuke. The young Uchiha looked back at his brother, horror in his eyes.
"You planned this," Itachi whispered. His voice echoed throughout the room, but they were spoken quietly. "You've been plotting our deaths since the Kyuubi Attack. If I wouldn't kill them, you'd do it for me."
"Again, with this preposterous theory that I suggested you kill the entire Uchiha Clan," Danzo drawled. "We need no more of your foolish lies boy. Don't you see? They have collapsed! Inoichi is free from the delusions of memories you implanted in loyal Konoha shinobi."
Danzo stood.
"The Uchiha Clan will have their memories searched. Any found guilty of treason will be put to public execution."
The words banged like a drum in Itachi's head.
"For your crimes of treason, slander, murder, and incitement to riot I brand Itachi Uchiha a traitor and sentence him to death. Immediately."
The room erupted into violence. Hiashi and Tsume leapt forwards, as did Shino and Fuu.
Perhaps they would have reached him, but Itachi had already resolved himself. He looked at Sasuke, eyes giving a spark of hope to the young Uchiha. Sasuke could tell then; Itachi would be back.
Then the Amaterasu burst to life, a massive pillar of black flame that devoured the ground where Itachi stood. Hiashi's eyes narrowed.
"Don't touch it! Something is strange about that chakra!"
However, just as quickly as the words had left Hiashi mouth the flames dissipated, revealing an empty void left by Itachi. Scorch marks were on the ground.
"Where did he go," Tsume growled. Hiashi snarled, expanding his range. But no matter where he looked, he saw nothing. There was only one way that was possible.
"Gyaku Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Reverse Summoning Technique)."
Danzo's eyes were hard.
"Find Itachi Uchiha immediately! Fuu, begin scheduling an execution of all known traitors."
Danzo's eyes were hard.
"Konoha will not be brought down by the treachery of the Uchiha, or Kumogakure."
Ajisai stared out at the surroundings as they whizzed by. The world was a blur as the train moved, engine roaring and metal screeching in her ears. Samidare stood on the opposite end of the train.
"This is more boring than I thought it would be," he finally spoke. "From the way Yahiko-sama was speaking I expected to see a lot more bandits."
"Be patient. They may yet come. We cannot lower our guard."
"I wasn't suggesting we do that," Samidare said, rubbing the back of his head. "I just want some action ya know?"
Ajisai found herself begrudgingly agreeing with him. This was boring.
"Hey, what do you know of that Shigure guy," Samidare called out. "He's supposed to be from the old regime, right?"
"Shigure Kawamura. He was a Jonin that served under Hanzo. Supposedly he's one of the most powerful shinobi Ame has ever produced."
"Wow, you think he's as strong as Yahiko?"
"I doubt it. Konan-sama, Yahiko-sama, and Amekage-sama liberated Rain. They doubtlessly have had to engage Shigure in combat before. The fact that they are still alive means he must have lost. I'd imagine he's at least an A-rank shinobi though."
"An A-rank. Ame produces so few elite shinobi...I wonder what it must be like to be that strong."
"I intend to find out one day," Ajisai stated, a harsh intensity in her eyes. "I'll make sure of it."
"It's rude to talk about people when they're not here."
The two Chunin turned, eyes wide as they saw Yahiko and Shigure standing there, grouped with the other two Ame shinobi. Yudachi and Suiu if Ajisai remembered correctly.
"Ah, apologies Shigure-san!" Samidare stated, quickly bowing. The man's gaze cut at Samidare, the singular functioning eye filled with an intensity that burned hotter than the sun. His eyes turned to meet Ajisai, and despite the terrifying visage that was the scar on the right side of his face, the only remainder of a terrifying wound that had destroyed his right eye in its entirety, Ajisai did not back down. Instead, she matched his intensity with her own.
"Well, it's only natural for you all to be interested I suppose. Shigure was a pretty notable figure in the old administration! You should tell them about yourself so they can get to know you Shigure! It is important for the new generation to know who to look up to," Yahiko said with a smile.
Shigure scoffed.
"You know my name. Anything more you will learn on the battlefield. We are not friends."
"He's a little bit rough around the edges but he's alright," Yahiko interjected after a tense silence. "Anyway, I wanted to talk with everyone about our mission here today in a little bit more detail."
That got Ajisai's attention.
"We are here to mostly defend against bandits, that's true. But we have a secondary objective."
Yahiko raised a finger, his eyes hard.
"To recruit bandits."
"To recruit them," Ajisai questioned.
Yahiko nodded.
"Bandits are a valuable tool to be utilized by villages in times of war. They can do things we can't and...get away with it. For example, say you needed to raid Fire's manufacturing, but couldn't afford the manpower to do it yourself. You pay a fee and..."
"The bandits do it for you," Suiu stated. "Like hiring a shinobi."
"Exactly like that. But bandits are more...troublesome than traditional villages. They don't like doing what's been requested of them without...incentives. Our job is to provide that incentive."
"So, this is a mission to recruit bandits to fight against Konoha," Ajisai muttered.
Yahiko gave a light smile.
"A mission for the good of Ame," Yahiko amended. "Fire happens to be in the way of that, so they must be accounted for. Our goal is simple. Ensure any bandits that attack the train not only fail but bow to Ame's surpremacy. "
Yahiko smiled, eyes glistening in the light.
"If we pull this off correctly, all of you will have contributed to Ame's solidification as a Great Power. A step towards the ultimate goal."
Shigure stared at Yahiko, almost appreciative of the man's ease with which he weaved truth with lies. It was a commendable skill. Of course, he knew the true mission. The destruction of the Kaminarimon Company headquarters in a border town close to Iron territory. An assassination mission, but what the brats knew wouldn't hurt them.
"What is the ultimate goal," Samidare questioned.
Yahiko answered the question as if it were obvious.
"For Rain to reign supreme of course."
Sakura thumbed her way through the medical files, the crease on her brow growing more pronounced by the second. There was nothing in them. No filing of an illness. No reports of a worsening condition. No anything. She had come here looking to quell her paranoia, the insatiable churn in her stomach that told her that something was wrong. It was going haywire. Instinct, experience, a deity, whatever it may be something was telling her that something about the situation was wrong. She couldn't get the thought of the anesthetic out of her head.
Why was Tsunade covered in it?
"Mawaba!"
The iryonin popped his head out of the hall, shock on his face.
"Yes Sakura-sensei?"
"Where are the rest of Tsunade's files," Sakura insisted. "Anything related to her illness in recent times? Are we missing anything?"
Mawaba sat there, confused.
"Not that I'm aware of sensei? All of her files are up to date. We haven't had a visit from her in a while."
Sakura's eyes narrowed.
"You haven't had a visit from her?"
"No sensei."
"What about any personal iryonin serving under the Hokage? Have they come by to ask for help?"
"Uh, no not recently. What is it sensei?"
Sakura's eyes narrowed, the feeling in her gut growing stronger.
"Nothing," she muttered. The pink haired kunoichi placed Tsunade's files back in their appropriate place in the file room.
"Nothing at all."
Yoshino stopped in the hall, eyes bearing into Inoichi. The man had just finished a conversation with Fuu, leaving the two of them to their conversation.
"Yoshino," Inoichi stated, eyes revealing nothing. Yoshino stared back. Shikaku was not with her, having been forced to head out to plan a search party for Itachi.
"Inoichi," Yoshino stated. "What was that back there? You said you trusted Itachi and that Fuu couldn't be trusted. What changed?"
"The evidence in Sasuke Uchiha's memories," Inoichi stated. Yoshino couldn't help but feel revolted at the sound of his voice. It was off, ever since peaking into Sasuke's mind. "Fuu was not a traitor, as claimed by Itachi. He saw the truth. The Uchiha Clan was planning on defecting."
"If that's the case why would Kumo turn their backs on them when they're so close to gaining such a powerful Kekkei Genkai? We both know how badly Kumo has wanted both a Byakugan and Sharingan over the years. They'd give up anything to get it, especially during a war."
"That doesn't explain the seal."
"Itachi planted the seal himself, with his own trigger word. It was a setup from the start."
"And the memories you saw when interrogating the duo? They couldn't have been false. You would have told me after we left Itachi. No...he wouldn't have shown them to you if they were. There's no way he believed he could defeat the power of the Yamanaka with genjutsu."
"Itachi Uchiha is more capable than he appears," Inoichi stated. "You are already aware that he intentionally got my attention by hiding his thoughts from me. He knows the intricacies of the Yamanaka Clan's jutsu and how to decipher it. I can only imagine how he gained such experience. The illusionary capabilities he holds are far beyond anything I could ever have expected."
Yoshino frowned.
"Inoichi this doesn't-"
"Are you questioning Lord Hokage," Inoichi stated. His voice finally held an emotion. Ire. "And my judgment?"
"Inoichi, you acknowledged yourself that Fuu wasn't trustworthy!"
"And I have now seen the truth that Itachi lied! Perhaps you have bought into it, but I have not. Where do your loyalties lie, Nara?"
Yoshino's eyes narrowed at the coldness with which Inoichi spoke. Nara, not Yoshino, for the woman who had been at his wedding. A callousness that was out of the ordinary for Inoichi. A disregard for personal connection. Yoshino bit her lip.
"Forgive me. I did not mean to sow sedition. I merely sought to understand the situation."
"Now you do," Inoichi stated. "Ensure it remains that way."
Inoichi walked off, but Yoshino stared at him as he walked away.
Naruto grunted as his armor dropped from around him. Sweat poured down his brow from the exertion of his training. His chakra levels were dangerously low, especially for someone with reserves as large as his.
"You can't do it."
Naruto wanted to groan. The Kyuubi had been especially chatty since he had attempted this training.
"Please shut up."
"Even you don't have the chakra to complete this."
Naruto shut the Kyuubi out, closing his eyes once more. He knew what he had to do. He knew what wind felt like. He knew how to mould it to his desires. The only complication was the sheer amount of chakra manifesting his armor using his true wind manipulation cost. He didn't have enough to produce it. He certainly didn't have enough chakra to use it in conjunction with his scythe.
So, he was practicing. In theory all jutsu could be produced with a pathetically small amount of chakra if one's chakra control was good enough. But theory and reality were often not in conjunction with one another. There were always limits, limits imposed by the universe. One could not be faster than the speed of light. Every object with mass had gravity.
Naruto was attempting to shatter that limit.
"You cannot do this without me boy."
"Can you go back to being fucking quiet," Naruto snapped.
"I hadn't said anything yet."
Naruto's eyes snapped open, embarrassed that his outburst had been overheard. A strange man stood before him. A bald man with thick eyebrows, akin to those of Lee or Gai. A shakujo rested on his back, making a beautiful sound despite his lack of movement. A subtle application of Futon (Wind Release) perhaps?
"Sorry about that."
"It is fine, Naruto."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"I'm afraid I don't know your name."
"Chiriku," the man stated. "I am a man of humble knowledge pertaining to the Holy One."
"Holy One?"
"Ah, you do not know. I cannot blame someone of your...inclinations."
Naruto quickly realized he was not going to like this Chiriku person.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"The Holy One and yourself of course. Nagato-sama and...the Jinchuriki."
Naruto's eyes narrowed even further. Nagato as a Holy One? Was this guy some sort of Sage Priest? But he had never heard of any of them referring to Nagato as a Holy One?
"You have a problem with Jinchuriki?"
"It is not so much you, as it is the demon you contain within."
Naruto could feel the Kyuubi's eyes narrow.
"Jinchuriki are...tragic figures really. Human sacrifices, meant to hold in a demon of incomprehensible power. They were demons that were fought off by the Divine Being. Alas, he met his end before he could fully destroy them. As such it has become our responsibility to handle them. Humans, lacking the necessary power to destroy such creatures, created the Jinchuriki as a...stopgap. A way of containing the demons. This idea was...corrupted into using them as weapons of war. You are a tragic being really."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"Because I hold the Kyuubi?"
"Indeed."
Chiriku glanced at Naruto's stomach.
"It is a vile beast. A creature of pure malice. Only the Holy One can destroy it. Unfortunately, that would mean the death of all Jinchuriki. A tragic, but necessary sacrifice. I'm sure you can understand the situation. You would die a hero."
Naruto glared at the man, and he could feel that he wasn't the only one.
"You know, threatening me isn't something most no-name shinobi do. You're either incredibly powerful, or incredibly stupid."
"He's stupid."
Chiriku raised his hands placatingly.
"I am not threatening you, simply advising you of what the future will hold. For the Holy One to ascend he, must like his predecessor, must defeat these demons. I hold no ill will towards you, I have simply seen the prophecies written by the Sage Priests of old. Seen their works of revelation. Sadly, the Holy One is not ready to take that step. I do not blame him. For the demon to be sealed within his own family...fate could not have given him a crueler barrier to his divinity. I suppose that is why he was chosen. To become divine is to surpass all barriers."
Naruto flashed a burst of killing intent that would have shattered most foes ego.
Chiriku did not break.
"While the Holy One continues to progress on his path to divinity, I would sincerely appreciate it if you stayed by his side. He shall need powerful allies, and while the demon inside of you is no good, you are a powerful ally yourself Naruto. You have already defeated one such demon, a feat thought impossible for most mere humans. No doubt it is due to the one you wield inside. In a manner of speaking, I suppose you too possess some type of divinity. I will watch you with great interest. The histories of the demons are lacking."
Chiriku turned, not waiting for Naruto's response.
"It was a pleasure meeting you. Please, continue with your training."
Naruto watched the man walk off.
'Oi...Kyuubi, what the hell was he talking about?'
The Kyuubi only gave a grumble in response, but the blonde could tell it was annoyed. Whoever that man was, he was bad news.
Sakura eyed the location where she had placed Tsunade. An ache burned in her gut as she stared down at the plot of land. The soil was still awkward from their digging. It had only shifted a little. The kunoichi stared at it, kicking at the spot. The ache within turned into a storm. If she was wrong about this, she would never forgive herself. But she was positive she wasn't. Something was wrong. Something about Tsunade's death.
Where were the files detailing the sickness? If the best iryonin had treated her surely, they would have documented the disease. Even if they had failed to treat it notes on what it may be, and symptoms would have been good for any future cases.
Why cover her in anesthetic? That was not standard procedure, and any anesthetic they utilized to mitigate the pain of any injections should have worn off by now.
The thoughts burned in her head. Those were questions that simply couldn't be ignored. They were questions that in her years as a medical practitioner had never been avoided in a patient's death. For a patient who had sacrificed as much as Tsunade of all people...Sakura found it hard to believe that Konoha's best had treated her. The rational thing to do was go to Danzo and ask him. There was no reason for him to lie.
But Sakura couldn't help but think about her conversation with Karin.
Sakura didn't trust Danzo.
The kunoichi felt her chakra mold. Her stomach twisted just as much.
Part of her hoped she was wrong.
The other part of her knew she would never forgive herself for this if she was.
Sakura planted her hands on the ground and the earth rose with the Doton (Earth Release) jutsu. The ground churned, opening to reveal a coffin.
Sakura grunted, gently opening the coffin. She braced herself, afraid to look down for fear of what she may see. Already she could feel a part of her calling her actions deluded. The type of paranoia that scarred people for life. But her instincts screamed at her that she was right.
Her instincts won.
She looked down...
And Tsunade wasn't there.
The pinkette stormed into Ino's room, eyes hard. Ino blinked, surprised to see Sakura standing there.
"Sakura? What are you doing here?"
"Tsunade isn't there."
Ino blinked, confused, but Sakura didn't stop.
"I couldn't shake the feeling something was off. For Tsunade's condition to grow that much worse in such a short span of time? I went to check on her files and there were none. And why was her body covered in anesthetic? She had died by then, there was no reason for it. If they were treating her injuries there was no need to give her any anesthetic aside from injections, but her entire body was covered in it Ino. When I went to visit Danzo he was so...dismissive. I couldn't trust it. I refused to. When I went to check her body...it was gone."
"You checked her body? Sakura do you hear yourself? You lifted her out of-"
"She wasn't there Ino!"
Ino paused, as if the words finally registered in her head. Tsunade wasn't there? Someone had taken her body.
"Who do you think did it?"
"I don't know," Sakura muttered. "At least, I don't have proof."
"Talk to me Sakura."
"Tsunade was fine before I left for Ame. Sick due to old age and heartbroken, but she wouldn't die in such a short time. All of a sudden, she's dead before I get back? It just...it doesn't add up."
"Okay, but that isn't giving us any leads."
Ino's eyes narrowed.
"Sakura what are you saying?"
Sakura's eyes narrowed.
"I just...iryonin handled Tsunade according to Danzo and he gave us her body. The only person I can think of who would want her body back, or even knew she was dead is..."
"Danzo," Ino whispered. Her eyes widened in horror. "And after what happened today..."
"What happened today?"
Ino's head snapped up to look at Sakura as if she had grown a second head. A deep frown marred her face.
"Oh, Sakura you don't know?"
"Know what?"
"Sakura you need to get to the prison."
"Why?"
Ino bit her lip.
"Lord Hokage brandished the Uchiha Clan traitors today. He's going to go through and execute all traitors. He...he called Sasuke one."
Sakura's eyes widened. Sasuke. She hadn't even known he was back. And now he was being accused of treason? It didn't make sense. None of it did.
"What? How did he even reach this conclusion?"
"My father..." Ino bit her lip. "He searched Sasuke's memories. It's true Sakura."
Sakura recoiled as if struck. Emotions warred within her.
"He's wrong."
"The Yamanaka Clan jutsu is never wrong Sakura. It's hard to believe but..."
"But nothing! You really just believe that Sasuke just decided to turn traitor? You expect me to believe that?"
"Maybe we didn't know him as well as we thought we did."
"Maybe your clan jutsu is wrong," Sakura hissed. This couldn't be happening to her. She had lost Tsunade and now Sasuke's life was in peril? It was too much to take. "Have you ever thought about that? He promised to save me Ino! He was going to come back to Ame for me, after facing down the most powerful man we've ever met! That isn't something one does if they're a traitor! He wouldn't betray his friends!"
"Not even for family?"
Sakura stared at Ino like she had grown a second head. Ino reached out, hoping to comfort her friend but it was too late.
Sakura disappeared in a storm of cherry petals. Ino stared at the spot where she once was, a frown on her face.
"You are not allowed entry. The prisoners can meet with no one."
"Let me through damn it!"
"Give it up Sakura."
The kunoiochi turned, surprised to see Yoshino standing there, her face haggard.
"Yoshino-sama, with all due respect-"
"I know why you're here and they won't let you see him," Yoshino stated. "It's no use arguing with them. They are under orders directly from the Hokage. They will give you nothing."
Sakura stared, irritation on her face before Yoshino waved her over.
"Walk with me."
The pinkette begrudgingly followed the Nara, the irritation on her face barely contained within.
"Yoshino I really don't have time-"
"Have you ever thought about the status you wield Haruno-san?"
Sakura paused at the unexpected question.
"What are you talking about?"
Her words were quick. Sharp. But if Yoshino detected the fact that Sakura wanted to end this conversation as soon as possible she did not show it.
"You are a powerful kunoichi. The best iryonin in Konoha. You're an extremely valuable military asset. Has the thought ever occurred to you that your status may attract enemies?"
"Of course, I'll attract enemies-"
"Villages are interesting things Haruno-san," Yoshino stated, sitting on a bench and inviting Sakura to do the same. Sakura sat, but the furrow of her brow was enough to indicate she was beginning to become even more annoyed. Whether that was due to Yoshino interrupting her, or the distraction she was providing one could not know.
"We unite under a common banner. We align our interests, but only as best as possible. We cannot maximize our individual interests, lest we endanger ourselves from threats. Therefore, we sacrifice our ambition for collective protection. It lets all of us reach further than we would individually and do so safely."
Yoshino seemed mused in her own thoughts.
"But what if our trust was misplaced? Broken. Suddenly that safety turns into vulnerability. A knife pointed at our back when we have no knowledge of it, is far more dangerous than the sword at our front."
Sakura's eyes narrowed, but Yoshino continued before she could voice her confusion.
"Your friend...Sasuke. Do you believe he is like Naruto? Capable of stabbing a friend in the back?"
"No," Sakura stated without a second of hesitation. "That's not the Sasuke I know. He planned to retrieve me from Ame. He would have raised hell to accomplish it."
Yoshino smiled.
"I see."
"What are you getting at?"
Yoshino stared at Sakura. The kunoichi's eyes were glassy. Sakura's eyes narrowed as she met them. It was barely there, hidden underneath years of training, but fear lay in her eyes.
"Just mutterings of an old lady," Yoshino muttered. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."
Yoshino tightly clasped her hands, and Sakura felt the almost imperceptible pressure hit her hand. Yoshino stood.
"It was nice to speak with you Sakura. I haven't seen you since Shikamaru's birthday. Get home safely."
Yoshino began to walk off only to glance back at Sakura.
"Think on what I said, Sakura."
Sakura clenched her fist, watching the Nara walk off into the distance. She glanced back at the prison where the Uchiha were being held, a frown on her face. She shamefully turned her head, marching away.
It didn't take her long to reach her destination. Sakura closed the door to her apartment, eyes quickly scanning the premises. Then she closed her eyes and felt.
Nothing was disturbed.
She opened her hand, unfurling the note Yoshino had pushed into it.
'Don't trust Inoichi or Danzo. Find Itachi.'
Sakura's eyes narrowed. The kunoichi quickly tore the note to shreds. The Haruno looked outside. It looked like she had one more stop to go to before she rested for the day.
Itachi was a blur of motion as he cut through the trees. He had long left Konoha, instead hurrying towards the safehouse he had stored Izumi in. His eyes narrowed as he saw crumpled leaves near the entrance. He burst into the safehouse, eyes storming. His chakra flared outwards, cracking the tile beneath his feet only to be met with the surprised look of his father. Itachi's chakra instantly quelled itself.
"Father?"
"Itachi? What is the matter?"
Itachi glanced around, eyes harsh.
"Where is Izumi?"
"Izumi? Why would she be here?"
Itachi clenched his fists, his Sharingan spiraling to life involuntarily.
"Did you see anyone here when you arrived! Any traces of someone!"
"Itachi, explain what's happening. Control yourself."
"Control myself," Itachi spat, venom dripping from his words like a lance. The mask of control he had displayed his entire life came crumbling down in the chaos around him. His clan had been brought low, his brother imprisoned, and now his wife was missing.
Controlling himself was the last thing on his mind.
But that didn't overrule the validity in his father's words. Judging by his tone Fugaku was unaware of what occurred with Sasuke. With the entire clan.
"Danzo," Itachi spat. "The second you left he started attacking Uchiha, gutting their eyes. He has framed us for treason against the village. I had the Nara and Yamanaka Clan's support but Inoichi...he betrayed me at the last hurdle. He brought Sasuke in today, claiming that he and you had been orchestrating a way to flee to Kumo, lies, I'm sure. But the other Clan Heads bought it. The Accords were leaked. It has turned into a catastrophe."
Fugaku stared, mouth agape at the words that spilled from Itachi's mouth, but he had no time to respond.
"I have no doubt he will begin public executions of the Uchiha Clan soon."
Fugaku's eyes darkened, the shock in his system quickly being replaced by a storming rage that threatened to burn all in his path.
"I see. So, our fear has come to pass. Danzo has found a way to make us...irrelevant to Konoha's military structure."
Itachi snarled, disregarding the realization he had come to before.
"I brought Izumi here before he could imprison her with the rest of the clan. But she is not here."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
"You don't think-"
The detonations shattered the safe house, leaving nothing but a smoking pile of rubble. In the trees, staring down at the destruction, ROOT operatives stood.
"Report to Danzo-sama," the man stated. "Mission complete. Itachi Uchiha and Fugaku Uchiha are dead."
The men nodded only to erupt into rivulets of blood not a second later. The masked leader floundered for his weapon, but he was too slow. He was smashed against a tree, his mask ripped off his face before he had any time to react. Itachi's eternal eyes glared daggers into him.
The man reached to activate something, doubtlessly the suicide technique the previous assailants had used when confronted before, but Itachi would have none of it.
"You do not get the luxury of death. Tsukuyomi."
Fugaku stared at his son, watching as his genjutsu did its work. The man collapsed not a second later, comatose.
Itachi was not satisfied with that, crushing the man's skull beneath his heel with a chakra enhanced stomped. Fugaku's eyes narrowed as he saw his son's face contort into a face of rage so strangely alien that he questioned if it was truly Itachi. He hadn't thought he possessed the capacity for anger such as that.
"Danzo has Izumi."
Itachi stared at Fugaku, and the former patriarch already knew what their plan would be. He would have to go to an old friend's home.
"Danzo Shimura has my wife."
The sands of Wind were a nebulous thing. Unpredictable on the best of days, and chaotic on the worst. The sandstorms they caused were some of the most dangerous weather phenomena on the continent.
But this was the worst in decades. The storm of sand erupted out of nowhere. No weather patterns could have been used to predict it. One second it was calm, and the next the world was a whirlwind of sand.
Deep within the sand chakra blossomed.
Shisui stared at the men before him.
"You're sure of this?"
"These orders came directly from Danzo-sama."
Shisui sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
"I don't doubt their validity, but...this is sneaking into the enemy's base of operations. If we are caught..."
"Then we cannot be caught."
"You speak as if it's that simple."
"It must be."
Shisui sighed, shaking his head.
"Alright. Give me time to think up a plan. We'll strike two days from now."