It had been clear when the attacks had stopped that Danzo had shifted his strategy. Ever since the ROOT operatives had killed themselves Itachi knew the Hokage's strategy would change. They had been under strict orders not to engage with him. His public claim that the Uchiha Clan was being hunted had led to them having ANBU bodyguards. Danzo had many shinobi that worked for him under ROOT, but even he didn't have enough to keep tabs on an entire clan. There would be ANBU loyal to Konoha, and in turn the Uchiha Clan, among them. It made it effectively impossible to kill Uchiha and steal their eyes. It of course led to the natural conclusion, he needed to do so in secret. Any Uchiha who had been marked as a traitor was liable to have their eyes stolen. The thought enraged him.

However, he had to be cautious in acting on it. Simply charging into a Konoha prison and killing all who stood in his way would do nothing but paint him as a traitor and doom his clan. As much as he may despise it, Itachi knew the only correct play here was to allow some of his clan to be sacrificed to ensure their survival. That was what he had done in the meeting. That was what he must do now.

That had led him to where he currently was. Itachi Uchiha had almost worked for Danzo Shimura in the past. The Hokage had offered him a position in ROOT, although he had firmly rejected it. Both his father and the Sandaime did not trust the man, and that was enough reason for Itachi to be hesitant with the offer. Of course, rejecting an offer to join ROOT was akin to spitting in Danzo's face.

But in the process of being selected to join ROOT Itachi remembered going on more dangerous missions for Konoha under the supervision of particular shinobi. They had been operating under the guise of analyzing whether or not he deserved to be promoted to Jonin, but the Uchiha had learned the truth when the offer had come. They had been evaluating his promse to joining ROOT. They were already sure he was strong enough to be a Jonin.

Itachi had gone to visit these supervisors, although they had been difficult to find. Danzo had likely been using the bare minimum of his agents to keep tabs over the village. Strong his shinobi may be Itachi knew of none that could match him in strength, and the Hokage was not foolish enough to believe the Uchiha would take this outrage without fighting back. But Itachi was not one who would be avoided so easily. He found his target, leaping from the roof and colliding with the duo, sending them all flying over the walls of Konoha.

The two lashed out at their would-be assailant, but Itachi was better than them. He easily stopped their attacks before slamming them into the ground roughly. Blood flew from their mouths, but Itachi wasn't done. Crimson eyes snapped open, entrancing the duo before they had any time to react.

They reached up, desperately attempting to fight off the genjutsu, but Itachi was not one of the best genjutsu users on the planet for no reason. Their arms flopped back to the ground, bodies limp as Itachi's tomoi spun in his eyes.

"Let's see what happens when I make them give testimony against you, Danzo."


Yahiko smiled as he sat before Nagato, a cocky aura radiating off of him. Nagato tilted his head.

"You wanted to meet with me Yahiko?"

"Right," Yahiko said, looking quite pleased with himself. "I think I have a solution for our problems with Densha Railways."

Nagato raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well please go ahead. What should we do?"

Yahiko smiled.

"I already spoke with the board. Myself and a select two shinobi of my choosing will protect their next train shipment, as a show of good will. In so doing we can demonstrate our ability to protect their trains, so they don't need to hire nukenin to do it. Free of charge of course."

Nagato frowned.

"I'm not against the idea Yahiko, but we don't have the shinobi to spare to offer them free deals. You should know this better than anyone-"

"Because I keep talking about it, yeah I know," Yahiko interrupted. "But what if that wasn't all there was too it? They're struggling because of bandits assaulting their trains and the threat of the Kaminaron Company being a competitor to their trains. Well, what if I was able to solve those two problems?"

"No one can solve the problem of bandits, especially during war. And how would you even begin to address the Kaminaron Company?"

"We're shinobi Nagato," Yahiko stated, leaning back in his chair. "We should deal with them the way one of our trade would."

"You suggest murder?"

"I suggest solving the problem. One train defense that is so brutal, so horrific, that no bandit would dare assault one of their trains again. As for the Kaminaron Company...I can handle them."

"Yahiko I will not permit you to murder businessmen of Fire or commit atrocities in the name of Ame. What part of that do you not understand?"

"No what part of this do you not understand," Yahiko countered. "Your lack of a stomach for the darker aspects of shinobi life led to us losing Amado, the Scientific Ninja Tool Facility being destroyed, and Sakura Haruno being kidnapped. We could have addressed all of these problems if you had simply been willing to sacrifice one life to save the many. One enemy life no less. Now I'm telling you we have an opportunity here! An opportunity to strengthen Ame's economic position and lash out against our enemies."

"And I am saying no," Nagato countered. "We are trying to create peaceful relationships with Konoha. To stop this war. Do you think killing the head of their railway company will accomplish that?"

"Fine," Yahiko muttered, raising his hands. "I won't kill the head of the Kaminaron Company."

"Yahiko..."

"Honest."

"And the bandits?"

"Nagato they're bandits. They have to be taught a lesson. Like you said we can't afford to protect those trains free of charge, but we won't need to protect them if bandits are too scared of the retribution they'll get by assaulting one. We can solve that. Think big picture. We're really saving lives if we do this."

"You justify murder so casually."

"You never justify it," Yahiko countered. "Look where it's gotten us."

Nagato frowned, crossing his arms at the idea.

"You may proceed. But do not attack the Kaminaron Company. And do not create a gruesome display of bandits under my banner. You possess the power to repel them with overwhelming force without killing them. I expect you to do so."

Yahiko grinned, nodding.

"As you command, Amekage-sama. I will go gather my force quickly."

Yahiko made to leave, but a voice called out to him.

"Yahiko. Be careful. Ame has lost much already. I do not wish to lose you as well."

Yahkio glanced back, and for one the ice between the two childhood friends seemed to melt away. They could treat each other as the friends that they truly were, rather than people with clashing ideologies even if they wanted what was best for Ame.

"Of course, Nagato. Don't go missing me. I won't be gone long."


Hanabi glared at the blonde as he opened the door to her cell.

"What? Here to interrogate me yourself?"

"You know I'm not going to do that Hanabi," Naruto muttered. He had left the cell door open. "I'm here to talk."

"Talk about what?"

"Life," Naruto said, sitting down on a chair near her. The blonde reached out, a blade of wind forming in his hand as he neatly cut the shackles that bound her. Her eyes narrowed.

"I don't think that orange haired guy will be very pleased with that decision."

"Yahiko can eat a dick," Naruto muttered. It wasn't like the Hyuga could do anything with her chakra sealed off anyways. In this state Kagari wouldn't even need a strategy to kill her. "Tell me Hanabi, what have I missed?"

Hanabi frowned, as if hesitant to give an answer to the Uzumaki. Finally, she opened her mouth, stuttering through her sentence as if her mind and heart were not on the same page.

"Neji is struggling," she whispered. "He's blamed himself ever since Hinata died. Father has too. Losing fingers to you didn't help matters. Whatever rut he was in has only grown worse. I...haven't been much help to him."

Naruto frowned but let the kunoichi keep talking.

"The war has been hard. Forward progress stalled mostly since you left. There are positives in that. No village has been able to make headway into our territories either."

"I've heard of clashes," Naruto muttered. "Konoha almost pushed into Suna a while ago, no?"

"They tried. Gaara pushed them back, or the Ichibi I should say. I suppose that won't be a problem anymore though will it."

Naruto gave a soft chuckle.

"The village morale isn't high either," Hanabi said.

"I can imagine. Danzo Shimura is not great at uniting, especially after Hiruzen's recent death."

"The village runs like a political machine rather than the family the Sandaime tried to foster," Hanabi continued. "I didn't know him like you did but...I got to meet him, being a Hyuga Clan member after all. He always was comforting. When he died...it became hard. Konohamaru became distant. The village lost its luster."

"The war wears on everyone," Naruto said. "It's why I had to go away. All this death, and for what? Some lines on a map? How many lives are too many? Children are out there dying."

"That's why we have to protect them," Hanabi said. "That's my job."

"Protecting them requires killing others," Naruto said. "There's no way around that."

"If that's what must be done."

Naruto glared at the kunoichi; eyes hard.

"Is that the justification you use for why you killed Kagari's parents? They were civilians Hanabi. I didn't raise you to behave like that. Neither did Hiashi or Hinata."

Hanabi looked away.

"What was that Hanabi? Try as I might I've been trying to understand it and I just don't get it."

"It's like I told the brat you're training," Hanabi muttered. Naruto assumed that meant Kagari. "This is the job description of a shinobi. Kill their enemies. In a war, there is no such thing as an innocent. Simply allies and enemies."

"You can't truly believe that can you?"

"If I hadn't seen the person you've become it'd be hard for me to believe you didn't. I remember what you did in Kusa sensei. You may not have killed noncombatants directly, but you certainly weren't merciful."

Naruto winced.

"What I did in Kusa was a mistake," Naruto stated. "My actions are in part the reason for this war. That's my burden to bear. I've hurt a lot of people, people I'll never even learn the names of."

Naruto shook his head.

"I was hoping you didn't repeat my mistakes."

Hanabi frowned.

"I...took no pleasure in it," Hanabi stated finally. "I tried to make their deaths quick. That was the greatest mercy I could give them."

"The mercy of life?"

"How could I give them that," Hanabi shouted. "We had orders-"

"Orders that were wrong!" Naruto shouted back. "Shikaku was wrong. He was hurting and he took it out on civilians."

"Do you realize how hypocritical you sound," Hanabi hissed. "You killed the man who wronged you. And don't tell me you wouldn't burn Kiri to the ground to kill Yokomana. Who are you to talk?"

Naruto's mouth closed as the words struck him across the face. He knew he was a hypocrite. The brand had become familiar to him. How could it not? His entire worldview existed in contradiction with his current loyalties.

"I may be a hypocrite," Naruto muttered. "But I'm honest about the effects of my actions. You can't even do that, can you?"

Hanabi frowned.

"Admit it Hanabi. You didn't need to kill those people to achieve your goal. Terror can be achieved through more ways than just senseless slaughter."

Hanabi turned her head, refusing to acknowledge the blonde's words. Naruto sighed, standing up.

"Follow me," Naruto muttered. "I want to show you something."


Ajisai sighed as she closed the drawer to the file cabinet. Another day of long hours working in the administrative wing of the Tower. The kunoichi was sick of it. Ame was in the midst of war and she was couped up here, not fighting for her country. She understood administrative work was important, it kept the village functioning as her boss so liked to say, but she wanted more.

She could be out there fighting for the glory of Ame like Midare. The thought sparked jealousy in her heart. He got to fight and kill enemy shinobi.

All she got to do was track forms and requests.

The kunoichi sat down, sighing.

'Midare is probably back by now. I heard that Naruto was. I should go check on him.'

"Hello? Are you paying attention?"

Ajisai's head snapped up as the voice shocked her out of her stupor. Before he stood Yahiko, the man looking at her expectantly.

"Ah, Yahiko-sama! I'm sorry I was too caught up in my own thoughts!"

"I can tell," Yahiko said, clearly amused. "What has you so intrigued?"

Ajisai's face turned beet red, eyes glancing at the floor. Here one of the most important people in Ame was, having come to speak with her, and she hadn't paid attention. Being interrogated like this was so embarrassing.

"I...I was just thinking I was jealous of Midare's team," she whispered.

"Midare? Why?"

"His team gets to go out the village," she said, the passion in her voice infectious. "Fight enemy shinobi. Serve the glory of Ame. Meanwhile I sit here every day doing nothing. I train on my own, but it doesn't accomplish much. True strength, true growth as a shinobi happens on the field of battle. How can I become a warrior Ame can be proud of while I'm couped up here every day?"

"Oh," Yahiko said. His voice was somewhat mocking, but it held a curiosity. "Is that all you think Ame needs? Warriors? Administrative work is important. I do that."

"But you've done so much more," Ajisai countered. "You, Konan-sama, and Nagato-sama helped elevate Ame. You've all seen your fair share of battles. You created a new age in Ame and that requires administrative work. It's not the same."

"You think administrative work is secondary to the military work of running a village? I'm sure Nagato wouldn't like that."

Ajisai panicked, fear gripping her heart at the thought of disappointing one of her idols.

"I-I just meant-"

Yahiko waved her off, laughter escaping his lips.

"I'm just kidding Ajisai! I won't tell Nagato. This can be just our little secret ey?"

The girl blanched, feeling her stomach drop.

"But," Yahiko continued. "I like the way you view things."

The man leaned over the desk; his eyes someplace else.

"Ame has grown comfortable in administrative work. We have forgotten that first and foremost we are a nation of shinobi. Of warriors. You were right that the only place a shinobi can truly grow is on the battlefield. The same goes for the village."

Yahiko's eyes cut to her.

"Which is why I came to speak with you. You mentioned before that I should come speak with you if there was ever anything you could do to help with the war effort. Is that still the case?"

Ajisai nodded dumbly, a strange emotion gripping her chest. Yahiko smiled, reaching out a hand.

"How would you like to take a break from administrative work and come work with me? Personally."

Ajisai's eyes widened. She had never even considered the opportunity. To learn directly from one of Ame's most powerful shinobi was a blessing she had never expected to receive. The thought brightened her heard. Midare's team got to learn from Naruto Uzumaki. Untrustworthy he may be the kunoichi couldn't deny the fact he was strong. It wouldn't be long until they dwarfed her in strength. The thought had burned at her gut. Midare she could handle, hell even Kagari.

But Suiren?

It was an outrage. But there was nothing she could do to alleviate the vast difference having a sensei caused in a shinobi's growth. And yet here she was being offered that solution, from one of the most important men in the country.

"Do...do you mean like an apprentice?"

Yahiko smiled.

"Something like that."

Hope blossomed in Ajisai's heart.

How could she refuse?


Ashino groaned as he sat up, his body covered in sweat. Before him stood Fuka, the kunoichi staring down at him with a sharp intent in her eyes.

"Again Ashino."

"But Kaa-chan," the child whispered. "You're a Jonin! There's no way I can beat you."

"This training isn't about beating me Ashino," Fuka stated calmly. "It's about surviving."

Fuka stepped forwards.

"And if you won't come to me, I'll come to you."

The kunoichi shot forwards, hands blazing forwards. She was a visage of fury, forcing Ashino to dodge in desperate ways. Fuka didn't slow her assault. Instead, she increased the speed, forcing Ashino to move faster. It wasn't fast enough. No matter what he did, her blows rattled into his small body. Eventually he had to shift from dodging to blocking to avoid being hammered.

It was a harsh form of taijutsu training, made to train one's survival instinct more than anything else. It wasn't something a child as small as Ashino should be forced to endure. The child was still in the Academy, attempting to learn the very basics of what it meant to be a shinobi. He was sharp and talented, but this training was years too early. But the world had already shown that he would not get the time to grow at a normal pace.

What was acceptable wasn't a discussion.

Simply what was necessary.

That was the only thought running through Fuka's mind as she put the boy through his paces. Heavy taijutsu training followed by ninjutsu training. The boy had a Raiton (Lightning Release) chakra nature, an oddity if Fuka had ever seen. She had never met an Uzumaki who possessed such a nature. Chakra natures were not wholly genetic, but it was most common that whatever nature your parents had you also had. The oddity in Ashino's must be some byproduct of Nagato's Rinnegan, she was sure. Regardless, she put him through his paces. In just a week's time he had already managed to get the feel for channeling Raiton chakra.

It wouldn't be long before it was time for him to start learning his first jutsu.

Of course, that hadn't satisfied Fuka. She grilled him harder and harder, pushing the boy beyond his limits each day without fail. Some may call it excessive, but she was a mother who had almost lost her son twice now. Both times she hadn't been there.

What served as training for Ashino also served as a way for her to calm her worried mind.

The child dropped to the ground, muscles aching. Sweat covered his form.

"Get up."

"I can't kaa-chan," Ashino whispered, frustration in his voice.

"You must. In the real world you will not get this luxury."

Ashino glanced up at his mother, desperate for some form of comfort. He found nothing but fire. Fuka picked him up, eyes hard.

"Two minutes," she muttered. She turned, going through a series of taijutsu drills to keep herself warm. Ashino could only sit and stare, a frown forming on his face as he watched his mother. He glanced to the side, annoyance on his face as he saw Aika playing with toys.

What he would give to be just like her.


Bells rang on the man's back as he stepped through the gates of Ame. His eyes washed over the city of metal and smoke, a frown creasing his forehead. Bushy eyebrows darkened his eyes.

'This is the place of the Holy One? Tch.'

The man walked through the streets, the bells on his staff jingling with each step he took. Their melodious sound attracted a crowd, but the populace struggled to keep track of him. Something about him was alluring, divine. Too good to be true. When they reached out to touch him his clothes slipped through their fingers. When they tried to look him in the eye they saw only a brilliant, illustrious light.

The man sighed as he came to the entrance of the Tower.

'If this is what I deal with I cannot comprehend what the Holy One must suffer. The city was already bad enough. This entire place is a blaspheme to his righteousness.'

The man raised his hand to knock, only for a storm of papers to flutter around him. The man pulled his hand back, eyes never moving from their position. Instead, he closed them, raising his hands in a strange symbol.

"It is a pleasure to see you again Konan. To see one of the Holy One's angels is always a delight."

"I've told you not to call me that."

Konan fluttered into existence, the papers smashing together to form the kunoichi. Her eyes stared at him.

"What are you doing here, Chiriku?"

The man's eyes opened, a gentle smile on his face.

"I came to see the Holy One of course. Is he busy?"

Konan didn't bother to correct him. There had been several conversations about it. Chiriku had never changed his mind on that title.

"He is."

"Ah, these earthly tethers should not bother him. Allow me to relieve him of his stress. His focus should be on the divine."

Konan's eyes almost twitched.

Almost.

'He's going to force his way to him whether I like it or not.'

"You won't listen to reason, will you?"

"It is I that should be asking you that, angel. Why do you allow him to be distracted with the day to day of running this village? He has yet to ascend to his divine status."

Konan rolled her eyes. It wasn't intentional, but she simply couldn't resist it anymore. Chiriku had a special way of aggravating her.

"Just follow me."

It wasn't long before the two reached the top of the Tower. Konan knocked on the door, receiving an affirmation to come in. Konan opened the door.

"Pardon the intrusion, but he's-"

"Holy One!"

Chiriku bowed deeply, his eyes closed. Konan's eye twitched at the behavior. The man had almost fully prostrated himself.

Nagato's eyes twitched.

"Chiriku..." the Rinnegan wielder stated. "How...nice to see you again."

"You honor me, Holy One. It is a true blessing to be in your presence once more."

Nagato resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead nodding to Konan. The kunoichi nodded, glad to be given the confirmation that she could leave. The less time she spent around Chiriku the better. Nagato turned his attention back to the man who still had not risen from his position. Chiriku, formerly the head of the Fire Temple. The man had been a devout believer in the Trinity Gods, but he came to a holy revelation as he put it when he first met Nagato. The man had come to The Acknowledgement, apparently in an attempt to prove the truth of the Trinity in front of the Sage Priests. But when he had finally met Nagato he had 'understood his blasphemous ways and come to repent' or so he said.

To switch one's faith so quickly was a bit strange to the Amekage but he had made an attempt to not judge. It truly was none of his business. Now if only the man would simply leave him alone.

"You know you don't have to prostrate yourself before me Chiriku," Nagato said. "Especially not for so long."

"Ah but I must Holy One," Chiriku stated. "This is the only proper way for one such as myself to greet you. I was a blasphemer, but you showed me the light in your tender mercy. Your humbleness knows no bounds, but I must insist that I apologize in the only way I know how."

"Right," Nagato said, dragging the word out. The man's visit was already grating his nerves. "Why have you come?"

Chiriku opened his mouth to respond, but Nagato's eye twitched.

"Stand up."

Chiriku shot upwards, eyes facing the ground. Nagato clenched his teeth. Another one of the man's quirks. He considered Nagato too divine to truly look upon.

"I come with news, Holy One. I have returned from my travels in Lightning to bring you news of your ancestor, the first Holy One. The first Divine Being."

Nagato sighed.

"And you mean-"

"Why your predecessor of course," Chiriku said excitedly. Why interrupting him wasn't a sin Nagato didn't know. "The original wielder of the Samsara. The Rikudo Sennin."

"I see," Nagato whispered. "And what have your travels taught you?"

Chiriku smiled.

"Much! The Sage Priests there tell many tales of your predecessor. Of his good works. How he saved the world from the Juubi and how he crafted the moon to give radiance to the unholy night that perverted the lands."

"Yes, I'm quite aware of the myths."

"Oh, they're more than myths, Holy One," Chiriku chided, as if talking to a student. The man took out a scroll, unfurling it and releasing the storage seal inside. A strange rock and a tome appeared in a puff of smoke. Nagato raised an eyebrow.

"What are these supposed to be?"

"Evidence!" Chiriku said as if the answer was obvious. "This is a piece of the moon left behind by the Divine! This is proof of the myths."

Nagato stared at the rock, finding it hard to hide his disbelief if only out of politeness. It looked like an amalgamation of multiple types of rock. Certainly nothing natural. A strange creation, undoubtedly made with chakra, but certainly not evidence that it was part of the moon. Chiriku seemed to notice his lack of faith.

"Holy One do you not see? This is proof of your ancestor's divine works. You yourself are not only capable of this, but you must recreate it!"

"Even if I could create a moon," Nagato stated, doubting the words as they left his mouth. "Why would I need to?"

"It is contained within the tome. The written word of those who witnessed the Divine One's holy works. They speak of a prophecy. Of someone who would inherit God's eyes and cleanse the world of the taint of evil. That person is you."

Nagato took the book, mulling it over. He flipped open a page, eyes narrowing.

'The Story of the Rikudo no Shinsen. A book written in honor of the Rikudo Sennin, a friend, a scholar, a God. By Janmaru-Tataru.'

"I can see your lack of faith," Chiriku stated. "The prophecy mentioned that the newly chosen would be disconnected from their ancestor. But if you do not believe me, then at least believe this."

Chiriku's eyes pleaded with Nagato.

"The Eyes of Samsara that you possess, they have not fully developed. Not according to the author Janmaru-Tataru. That man claims that he knew the Divine. That he witnessed his power firsthand. And he gives a description of what his eyes looked like. Flip to it. It is in chapter seven."

Nagato frowned but did as requested. These were the words of a fanatical man, who had devoted his entire existence to him after meeting him only once. Whatever had gripped the monk in this sort of stupor would be worth knowing about if only to understand his insane ramblings. Nagato knew what he was. He needed no book to tell him.

He was a man, the same as anyone else.

However, he could not deny the illustration given of the Rikudo's eyes. He had been told all his life, both from the Sage Priests and by Jiraiya himself that he possessed the Sage's eyes. And yet, the image he looked at was not quite the same of the eyes he possessed.

Six tomoi circled around a pair of flashing purple and gold eyes.

"Do you see it now," Chiriku whispered. "We have been under the assumption that you had already mastered the Rinnegan, but this book makes it clear."

Chiriku's eyes widened with an emotion Nagato wasn't comfortable with. Hope? Fanaticism? Devotion? Desire? He couldn't tell.

"You have yet to master the Rinnegan."


Hanabi raised an eyebrow as the blonde Uzumaki led her into his home. This had been an unexpected journey. At first, she thought he was going to show her the greater Ame civilization, but she had quickly been disabused of that notion. That was good. It wouldn't have done him much good. Hanabi cared not for how pristine Ame was, or the sanctity of its people. Let the village be pretty. It was an enemy. That was all that mattered.

But instead, he had led them back to his home, where instead she saw a small girl and elderly woman that greeted the blonde by the door, smiles on their faces.

"Naruto-nii!"

Naruto smiled, picking up Aika and placing her on his shoulders.

"Hello Aika. Have you been good to Makino?"

"I'm always good! I missed you!"

"I missed you too little one."

"I assume you've heard," Makino said. A frown marred her face, pronouncing her wrinkles. "Your friend..."

"Saved Karin's life," Naruto said as if that answer was obvious. "Along with Ashino's and Kamino's. I'd say she more than earned her freedom."

"You're not sad?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. Sakura's free. How can I be sad about that? We couldn't have kept her here forever."

"Who's this," Aika questioned. "Is she like Sakura?"

"She's my friend yes," Naruto said. "Aika, meet Hanabi. She's my sister-in-law."

Aika's eyes widened, looking at the Hyuga in an entirely new light.

"This is your sister-in-law? That makes her my nee-chan right?"

"I am not-"

"That's exactly what it makes her," Naruto said, punching Hanabi lightly to get her to shut up. "Isn't that right, Hanabi-nee?"

Hanabi glared at the blonde, but she had a heart even if it was buried in ice. She could see the wonder and excitement in Aika's eyes. She couldn't crush that.

"Yes," she whispered. It was soft. Hesitant.

Aika squealed, immediately spiraling off into hundreds of questions Hanabi struggled to answer. Naruto used the opportunity to slip away, going to speak with Makino instead.

"You know," Makino began. "You can't just keep bringing people into this house with my granddaughter here."

"I'd protect Aika with my life. You know that."

"She's a shinobi Naruto. She's a prisoner, but she's not harmless," Makino insisted. "I trust your judgment. If you think she will not harm Aika I won't question it. But they're prisoners for a reason."

Naruto sighed. Makino had a point. Sakura had been taken prisoner because she had attempted to kidnap Ashino. Hanabi had been taken prisoner because she had killed Kagari's parents. Sakura had a kinder streak than the Hyuga. She was a perfectly safe bet. Hanabi had shown she could have no qualms about killing innocents. But Naruto believed in her, or at least the person he wanted to believe she still was.

"Hanabi suffered a lot when I left Konoha," Naruto explained. "She needs to understand that there's more to life than the village. Then war. This could be good for her."

Naruto smiled as Aika demanded the Hyuga pick her up.

"Besides, how could I deny Aika her sister?"

Makino gave a wizened smile.

"Yes, I'm sure she would enjoy the company."

Hanabi looked up to Naruto, eyes desperate. Naruto smirked, picking the child up.

"Alright Aika, Hanabi's pretty tired. Let's give her some rest. You can have her all to yourself tonight."

Hanabi glared at the blonde, but Naruto ignored it.

"Fine! But I wanna know more about her eyes. They're so pretty!"

Hanabi groaned, but Aika's words only got a laugh from the blonde Uzumaki.

"How do you deal with such energy," Hanabi muttered as Makino led the child elsewhere in the house. Naruto shrugged in response.

"She reminds me a bit of me," Naruto said. "When I was her age. I'd have thought you'd have more experience with kids considering..."

"Considering what, my clan? I try not to talk with the children."

"Cold."

"Why did you even bring me here? Surely it was not to be assaulted by children?"

"Hmmm...what if I told you that was the entire point?"

"I'd start questioning your sanity."

"You certainly would not be starting."

Naruto smiled.

"They're from Earth you know," Naruto said. "When they first met me, I was Aika's worst nightmare. The son of the Yondaime. The killer of the Sandaime Tsuchikage. I was the boogeyman to her. Their entire village rejected me, after I had lived with them under a Henge (Transformation) for weeks."

"The town they found you at in Earth," Hanabi whispered.

Naruto nodded.

"The very same."

"How did they even find out who you were? You're no fool, you know how you're perceived in Iwa and you wouldn't let a Henge drop."

"I stopped them from forcibly recruiting Aika to join the laborers at the capital. I dropped my Henge to send a message but...I was effectively run out of town."

"Well of course," Hanabi muttered. "I mean what were you expecting, a thank you? You protected these people and they spat in your face. Sounds typical of Earth citizens."

"They were scared Hanabi," Naruto muttered. "Kind of like how you are."

Hanabi's eyes snapped at him. If she could have activated her dojutsu Naruto had no doubt she would have. Instead, the blonde's cool gaze met hers.

"Are you going to tell me I'm wrong Hanabi? They were scared I was going to enslave them, or worse. You're scared too. Scared of losing something valuable to you ever again. That's why you react so violently to other shinobi and civilians. You justify your actions with the idea that if you don't kill them, they'll kill you. Or they'll take something from you."

"That's not it," Hanabi muttered.

"Then what is? Why kill civilians?"

"Because that's how the world is! That's how it always has been! You live in Rain, you're an enemy of Fire. You live in Fire, you're an enemy of Rain. It's as simple as that."

"It doesn't have to be. Just because that's how the world has worked doesn't mean that's how the world should work. Rain wasn't even engaged in the war until just now, when I joined it. What, did they suddenly become an enemy?"

"Yes!" Hanabi hissed. "When they stole one of Konoha's most prized shinobi and military assets! You possess knowledge about the inner workings of Konoha and many Konoha kinjutsu. You hold within you the most powerful weapon in the entire world! You're descended from a legendary clan. If Konoha went through all this trouble to get Sakura back because she was trained by a Sannin, what do you think they'd be willing to do to get you back?"

Naruto paused.

"Is that it," Naruto whispered. "Is that the real reason you killed Kagari's parents?"

Hanabi paused, as if not expecting that answer.

"Was that something you were willing to do just to get me back? Just to kill me?"

The words died in the kunoichi's throat.

"Hanabi, I don't know how many times I have to say it, but I'm sorry I left. I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for that. But killing innocents isn't the right way."

"It was a war."

The words were hollow, as if she was struggling to believe in them. Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"Is it that simple? When Gaara tore through Earth he went to Aika's and Makino's village. He would have killed them both. He almost did. I saved them. Even after they rejected me I went back to ensure that they were safe. I could have let them die. They had rejected me. Gaara wasn't headed towards Rain. I have every reason to want Earth to suffer. Yet I stopped him."

"You could have wanted revenge for the Sandaime."

Naruto stared at the Hyuga as if he was insulted at the insinuation.

"Right, because you think when I learned the Sandaime was dead I couldn't have just gone after Gaara immediately instead of waiting months."

Naruto shook his head.

"No, you know the real reason. It's because regardless of what these people had done to me they didn't deserve to die!"

Naruto paused, tucking a stray piece of Hanabi's hair behind her ears.

"I...struggled with the decision to save them I'll admit," Naruto muttered. "I'd struggled with the decision to save anyone since I left Konoha. Usually, I'd save someone just because they were in front of me, and if I could then I should. But they weren't. I'd have never seen their bodies. Never even have heard of their deaths. But...that isn't the type of man I wanted to be."

Naruto's eyes met Hanabi's.

"Hinata called me her hero. And a hero is someone who fights to protect. Who does what they do simply because they want to help. That was the type of person Hinata viewed me as. That is the type of person I want to be. That type of person wouldn't let innocents die when they had the power to stop it."

"So, what," Hanabi spat. "I have no interest in being a hero."

"You did when you were younger," Naruto whispered. "You wanted to be just like me."

"I told you, I'm not that girl anymore."

"Then what do you want," Naruto questioned. "You sit here, committing atrocities, for what?

Hanabi was silent, unable to get out any words. Naruto's eyes peered into her.

"What are you really fighting for Hanabi?"

"I told you," Hanabi whispered. Her voice was a mixture of anguish and rage. Her eyes watered as she looked at her former sensei.

"I want you to suffer like how I suffered. What about that don't you get?"

Naruto gave a somber smile.

"All that anger inside you Hanabi...it burns so brightly, but who is it burning?"

The girl looked taken aback, tears streaming down her cheeks. She stared into the blonde's eyes, struggling to find the words to put together to answer his statement. She desperately wanted to. She needed something, anything, to make him eat those words. But this was not the broken shinobi she had seen when her sister had died. She could see it clearly within him, even without her dojutsu.

This was a man reforged.

"I'd like to go back to my cell now..."

"Of course," Naruto said. "I have to go see my students anyway. You know, the ones you put in the hospital. Try not to be too long though."

Naruto opened the door, beginning the walk to lead the Hyuga back to the Tower.

"You do have to come to dinner after all."


Inoichi and Yoshino frowned as they slipped into the meeting room they had been informed of. A letter had slipped underneath the doors to their houses. At first, they had been suspicious, but both had decided to follow the instructions described there. A request to go to the Uchiha Clan Compound at this time would only be done by one person, a person neither suspected of foul play. When they saw each other, they came to the same conclusion on the way there.

Itachi had news for them.

As the seals that decorated the room flashed a brilliant blue the two Clan Heads prepared themselves for the worst. Before them stood Itachi, two bodies standing before him. Hoods covered their faces.

"This had better not be a ritual killing to implicate us," Inoiochi said, his voice dry but the humor in the statement obvious. His morbid sense of humor was well known among the Konoha shinobi populace.

"Unfortunately, this is not a joke, Yamanaka-sama."

Itachi ripped the hoods from their faces, revealing two men standing there, entranced by the genjutsu Itachi had placed on them and unable to move. The Uchiha Clan Head commanded them.

"Reveal Danzo's plan."

The men opened their mouths, forced to by the power of suggestion, only for black markings to shoot out from inside their mouths, locking their bodies. Inoichi recoiled at the sight, but Yoshino's eyes narrowed.

"Some type of seal? Something that restricts their ability to say or act against Danzo's interests I presume? Strong enough to work even if the user is under a genjutsu. Impressive."

The Nara Clan Head glanced at Itachi.

"Where did you find these two?"

"I came to know them when Danzo attempted to recruit me to his secret organization," Itachi stated. "At the time I was undergoing my Jonin Examination."

Itachi turned to Inoichi.

"I presume you don't need to explain the problem here. What I want you to do?"

Inoichi frowned.

"I can't exactly go around investigating everyone Itachi, even under your good word. The Yamanaka would quickly become village pariahs."

Itachi's eyes narrowed and Inoichi quickly realized his poor use of words.

"My apologies. I understand the situation you are in. But if I don't find anything this is putting me in a bad situation."

"You will."

Inoichi hesitated before he stepped forwards, deciding to take Itachi's confidence as his own. The Uchiha had not lied to him yet. Hopefully, he would not start now. It wouldn't matter if Itachi could place false memories in their heads with his genjutsu. Inoichi was a master. Deducing the real from the fake was something Yamanaka were taught to do at a young age. The mental master placed his hands on the enthralled ROOT members, spearing through their memories like the foremost professional.

When he opened his eyes, he was still.

"Well," Itachi muttered. "Is this not enough proof?"

Inoichi glanced between Itachi and Yoshino. He seemed to struggle for words, as if whatever he had seen had shaken him to the core. Repeatedly he opened and closed his mouth.

"What is it Inoichi," Yoshino questioned.

The blonde bit his lip before he spoke.

"Itachi is right," Inoichi whispered, eyes wide. "Danzo...he has plans to exterminate the Uchiha Clan."

The words hung in the air for a long while. The gravity of the words alone were enough to cause a civil war in Konoha, especially with tensions at an all-time high. As two fellow Clan Heads, Yoshino and Inoichi couldn't help but feel repulsed. These words were enough for every clan in Konoha to rebel, especially if there was substantial supporting evidence. In a time of war such as this, it would undoubtedly spark the doom of Konohagakure.

Itachi seemed to realize this.

"Speak to no one of this," the Uchiha Clan Head stated. Confidence for the first time may have flowered through his body at the knowledge he had secured the allegiances of the Yamanaka and Nara Clan's, but that confidence had been tempered by reality. Danzo was a shrewd politician. They could not afford to act hastily with this information.

"Why not," Inoichi hissed. "This information-"

"Could spell the doom of Konoha as you are no doubt aware. I wish to depose of a traitor, not burn the village to a ruin. This news would cause a riot in the streets, especially after the Uchiha Accords leaked. We will hold this information to ourselves. I shall call for a meeting and we spring it on Danzo there. In the meantime, we gather as much evidence as we can. Hard evidence. We will need more than even your word for this Inoichi."

"I'll have my clan get to work-"

"No. Danzo recruits from your clans the same as he does from the general populace. We have no idea who we can trust. For now, we only trust each other. Fuu is already under Danzo's thrall. I advise neither of you to trust the words that come from his mouth unless you personally verify it."

Inoichi's eyes narrowed.

"Itachi, I'll accept these words, but to insinuate-"

"Fuu answers only to Danzo," Itachi began. "How often do you see him? You think I speak from arrogance? Danzo attempted to recruit me when I was the Clan Heir. When he failed to secure the Uchiha Clan's loyalty to him through me he positioned himself to exterminate us. This is the second time. I speak from experience, Yamanaka-san."

Inoichi frowned, biting his lip.

"He's right," Yoshino stated. "We don't know who we can trust. Frankly, I'm suspicious of other clans at this rate. We can't rule out the possibility that some are working in conjunction with Danzo."

"Yoshino!"

"Inoichi you're letting your shock blind you," the woman stated. "The only thing you should be thinking about is who stands to gain and who stands to lose from the Uchiha Clan's extermination. I am not saying they are involved, but the Hyuga Clan would have much to gain from this."

"The entire village stands to suffer!"

"And you would think the Hokage would know this, and yet he continues on this path. Clearly that is not a strong enough motivator to stop self-interested behavior."

Inoichi retreated, finding no fault in her words.

"We speak to no one of this."

She turned to Itachi.

"What will you do with them?"

Itachi stared at the two men.

"They could yet be useful proof. I'll leave them for now. We can have Ino confirm Inoichi's words."

"Danzo will insist that it be Fuu."

"And implicate the Yamanaka Clan? He cannot stand to make an enemy of three clans. There is a reason he is starting with the Uchiha. We are powerful enough that he can consolidate power, isolated enough politically that we have few allies, and are currently in the weakest state we have been in in years. My father, mother, and brother are gone. I am the only one who remains."

"You think he planned this," Yoshino muttered.

"The timing of the disappearances was no coincidence. It happened as soon as my father left. Danzo feared my father. He does not fear me."

Itachi's crimson eyes glowed.

"I shall make him regret that decision."


"Fuyo," Konan questioned, a smile on the blue haired kunoichi's face. "How have you been?"

"Konan-sama! What are you doing here?"

Paper wings folded back into Konan's body. The third most powerful person in Ame was not a guest many in the village could hope to host. Elusive, the kunoichi kept a stoic and above it all relationship with the local populace. Yet she had grown familiar with Fuyo over the years. The kunoichi had been one of few that had taken to attempting to learn iryojutsu in Rain. Most shinobi globally focused on combat, even more so for shinobi in the minor villages or a recently elevated country like Rain. Learning to heal others was generally ignored as a side-path for those less capable in the field.

Fuyo's insistence in healing rather than hurting had intrigued Konan. She had taken an interest in her since that day.

And that was why she had come to see her today.

"I have a proposition for you," Konan said, sitting on a nearby table. The kunoichi barely paid the ninjutsu expert any mind, continuing to water the plants on the roof of Ame's hospital. Her job here left her precious little time to herself. She had taken full responsibility for creating a garden to grow the necessary herbs and plants to assist with any medical needs of the patients when she wasn't actively working. Konan of course knew her schedule and had come at the precise time to catch her when she was free. Still, Fuyo worked with a diligence she could only admire.

"A proposition? I'm honored, but I'm quite busy Konan-sama. Besides, a healer like me can't be that useful to someone like you. You're not hurt are you?"

"No, I'm fine," Konan said, a light chuckle the only tell of emotion. "But that's actually why I came to visit you."

"Because I'm a healer?"

"Precisely. You see we have plans to expand Ame. To gain allies. We're going to attempt to secure an alliance with Rivers."

"Oh? That's great! But aren't they an ally to Konoha? That would worsen tensions."

"Nagato is taking care of that," Konan assured her. "But there's more to the story than that. As I'm sure you're aware there is a force from Suna that has been raiding through Rivers. They've taken their largest gold mine. The Daimyo of Rivers has sent out pleas for help. Fire has yet to respond."

"You aim to capitalize off of that. Return the gold mine to Rivers in return for allegiance."

"Indeed."

"But why am I needed for that?"

"Rivers is suffering. There are injured that will need to be treated. What better way to build good will with Rivers than to heal their sick and injured?"

Fuyo finally stopped watering her plants, eyes snapping up to meet Konan's.

"Do you really think this will work? And the hospital will be so busy. Besides, there's better healers than me. I don-"

"I chose you because I trust you Fuyo," Konan stated. "You could have followed in the footsteps of your classmates, but you didn't. You enjoy caring for those who need it. You're a good person. We don't need an iryonin for the sake of it. This won't be a military invasion or treating random strangers. You will care for your patients. That's what I want. That's what we need."

Fuyo hesitated, mouth opening and closing multiple times. Konan pounced on the opening.

"This won't be a military force. The bulk of the fighting will be done by me. We want to give Rivers a reason to trust us. We go there with a plan, but we want to give off the air that we would do this even if we had nothing to gain. There are not many in Rain that can pull off that level of deception. Not even Yahiko or Nagato. The reason you were chosen is because you possess a quality even they lack. You do not need to pretend. You were chosen because unlike the rest of us, you do care for the plight of others. That genuine kindness is what we need."

Fuyo's eyes widened at the high praise from Konan. To be told she possessed a trait that even the two most powerful men in Ame did not possess was high praise.

Konan offered her hand.

"Join me, Fuyo. Together we can secure Rain's future."


A knock on the door was the only sign Midare got before the door opened. He glanced at the door; the location pierced by several gazes. Suiren and Kagari both stared at the door as well, the trio having been grouped together in the hospital. In walked their blonde sensei, the Uzumaki blinking as he saw all the gazes on him.

"Bad time?"

A chuckle escaped Midare's lips.

"No, sensei. It's fine."

"Ah, so this is the sensei we've heard so much about."

Naruto blinked, suddenly assailed by two people older than he was. A middle-aged woman and man, the first indications of wrinkles beginning to form on their faces.

"Ah, hello," Naruto said, quickly growing polite. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki. It's a pleasure to meet you er..."

"Fujiwara," the man said. "My name is Arata Fujiwara. This is my wife."

"Asuka," she stated, holding out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

"A pleasure to meet you as well," Naruto stated, quickly piecing together that these were Midare's parents. "I'm sorry it has to be under such circumstances."

"Ah, he's alive," Arata explained. Naruto blinked. It was uncommon for parents to be so accepting of their children being in such a state. Midare wasn't even old enough to get a drink, or he wouldn't be if he wasn't a shinobi, in most countries.

"Any day he can come back alive is a good day for us," Asuka explained.

"And a bad one for us," Kagari quipped. Midare threw his pillow at him, stifling Kagari's indignant shout.

"Well I'm happy you're happy. Hopefully I can get him into shape where he won't be in the hospital after our next mission."

"I'm looking forward to it," Midare stated, a savage grin on his face. "When can we start training?"

"Give it some time," Naruto said. "You three need to fully recover. We've got some time before our next mission. But I do know what it'll be."

The blonde's Chunin looked eager to hear the plan but the blonde glanced at Midare's parents, an embarrassed look on their face.

"Oh please, no need to be embarrassed," Asuka stated. "We can tell when you're going to be discussing shinobi business. You shouldn't be so bashful, it's not good for your health!"

"Although I must admit a bashful Uzumaki is a welcome change. That clan, I swear," Arata interjected.

"Don't badmouth his family in front of him Arata!"

The woman dragged her husband from the room, the two bickering about whether or not it was acceptable for Arata to say what he said the entire time. A quick shout of "Bye!" was the only farewell they gave their son.

"Your parents are...interesting," Suiren said.

"Tell me about it."

"Where are yours, Suiren," Naruto questioned.

"They're away. We are merchants by trade. They're going to get more supplies."

"During the war? It could be dangerous."

"They're used to travelling alone. They'll be fine. Hopefully they start making more money so they can hire guards from Ame on their travels."

"There's no need for that," Naruto stated. "Whenever they go out feel free to join them for protection. I'll join you."

Suiren smiled at the offer. It was one of the few times Naruto was able to see her face as she wasn't wearing her mask.

Suiren glanced at Kagari at the mention of her parents, watching his expression dim ever so slightly. He had been strong in the wake of his parent's death. But she could only imagine how lonely it felt for him, for Midare's parents to visit him and for her to know that her parents were alive. Her heart ached for her teammate.

"What's the mission," the kunoichi quickly questioned. Changing topics would be good for him. One could never truly recover from the loss of parents.

"We'll be headed to Claw first. We're to negotiate an economic alliance with them. A trade agreement, preferably an exclusive one."

"We're going to meet a Daimyo," Kagari questioned, eyes wide. "So much money...you think we can convince him to pay us?"

"For what service idiot," Midare jabbed.

"I'm sure he has some problem he could have us handle! We're not political envoys anyway! They'll want something in return for agreeing to a trade agreement! Isn't that just how politics works? Something for something?"

"A trade agreement is of mutual benefit," Suiren suggested. "There's a possibility they won't request anything."

"They will," Naruto insisted. "Claw is close with Earth. They wouldn't dare ally with us in fear of angering them unless we prove that we're worth the investment. That's part of the mission. In all likelihood we'll have to offer Rain shinobi to do missions for them at discounted prices. A show of our capability, for free, would undoubtedly be part of that. This mission will have combat. And that's hoping we don't run into Suna or Iwa shinobi while we're there."

"So, you're saying there's a chance we can convince him to give us money?"

"I'd doubt it Kagari, but we can try," Naruto said. His student's obsession with money made more sense after seeing where he was raised, but it was still somewhat unnerving. Shinobi weren't often poor.

Then again, he didn't grow up in a village in such a precarious situation as Rain.

"You said first," Midare stated. "What's the rest of the mission?"

"We're to continue this line into Fang as well. It's the same deal, we negotiate with the Daimyo to get a trade agreement with Rain and have them use our shinobi for missions instead of Suna or Iwa."

"This seems risky," Suiren stated. "Won't we be angering Wind and Earth doing this? Their Daimyo won't take this lying down, and neither will their kages. They will seek retribution from all three countries. Violently. We're already in a precarious situation with Fire, we can't afford another war."

"We have a plan on how to deal with Fire," Naruto answered. The blonde glanced at Kagari, the teen looking at him with interest at the news. He wasn't the only one. Suiren and Midare stared at him with intent. Tension rested in the air. Their encounter with Hanabi had left a sour taste in their mouths regarding Fire. The blonde couldn't blame them. It was clear he wouldn't be able to proceed without explaining in further details what their plans were.

"The plan is to release Hanabi in return for peace."

"No way!" Midare yelled. "That's unacceptable! She killed innocents and harassed many more! She needs to pay for the damage that she caused! For the pain."

"I'm inclined to agree Naruto-sensei," Suiren continued. "She can't simply get away with this. She deserves punishment."

"I agree," Naruto said, noting Kagari's silence. "But I'm not in charge of what that punishment will be. That's up to Nagato."

"But," Midare stated, before he paused. His eyes glanced to Kagari. Naruto himself looked at his student, waiting to see any type of reaction. Finally, Kagari looked back at his sensei.

"Can I talk with Amekage-sama? About her I mean."

"I'm sure he'd be more than willing to hear your opinion on what should be done with her Kagari. I'll be sure to tell him to visit you before the day is out."

Kagari nodded his thanks, staring down at the blankets that covered him. Naruto could tell he was conflicted, and tension still rested in the air, but he had no more answers for them. That was the plan thus far, and unless it changed that was what would occur. He didn't bother telling them it was unlikely to succeed. Danzo Shimura was not one to deal in trades. He'd sooner kill Hanabi for being captured. She wasn't critical to the village's function like Sakura was.

"Is that it," Kagari questioned. Naruto was glad he broke the silence.

"No, there's one more step. You're right Suiren, this will anger two other Great Powers. We need the ability to fight back against them. Konoha pressured us this much without their full military might. It exposed significant weaknesses. Rain has neither the quantity or quality of shinobi to fight back against the other Great Powers. That's why we will finally be stopping in Mountains to secure an alliance with their village."

"But it's a minor village," Midare insisted. "And they don't even border us. They're not the best allies."

"Who would you rather us get Midare," Naruto questioned. "Fang and Claw don't have shinobi villages. Wind and Earth would never agree to an alliance, especially after we steal their allied states. Fire borders us to the east, and Kusa has been annexed by yours truly. What is your play?"

Midare bit his lip. He had to admit there was none.

"It's not ideal," Naruto admitted. "But it's a stronger position than we otherwise would be in. Rain can't be economically and militarily isolated like we are now. It's a death sentence. We're the last ones to the party, and so we get the worst choices for allies."

"We'll have to prove it's worth their while then," Suiren insisted.

"Oh, you have no choice in that," Naruto said. "You three will likely be facing much more combat as time goes on. Don't mistake the diplomacy of these missions, you're going to be travelling through active war zones. I can't have you all ending up in the hospital every time you face a powerful opponent. Your training will only get more intense when you're back on your feet."

The blonde raised his hand, holding three scrolls.

"I already have more jutsu for each of you to learn, once you finish mastering the ones you're already working on of course. And now we have time to fill in the holes in your skillsets. Suiren, Kagari, that means more taijutsu training. Midare, that means being able to fight at long range. And for all of you that includes conditioning. I was much better when I was your age. Hanabi wouldn't have come close to beating me."

"Naruto-sensei!"

Naruto dodged the barrage of pillows that flew his way courtesy of his students, eyes twinkling in the light.

"Ah don't take it so personally. I'm amazing and you guys are like...okay? There's nothing wrong with that."

"Get out!"


Fugaku sat at the campfire, a frown marring his face. Konohamaru and his son had just finished their tale of subjugation under Orochimaru's rule and Kumo's assault on the Konoha fortress.

The story of how his wife died.

"I see," Fugaku whispered. Her fought back the pain and tears that threatened to bloom from his chest like a flower. He had no time to cry. The two with him were incapable of defending themselves so long as Orochimaru's seal remained on them. They could not defend themselves, so he must.

"The first thing you two must do is go to an iryonin when back in Konoha. The chakra seal he placed on you must be removed."

"What of the kinjutsu," Konohamaru questioned.

"That is...a more complicated matter," Fugaku stated. "I only know of one other person to endure that kinjutsu and live that Konoha has access to. She...was never able to remove it."

Konohamaru cursed underneath his breath, shaking his head. He glanced up at Sasuke, the light of the campfire illuminating his face.

"What are we going to do, Sasuke?"

Sasuke remained still, but the shadows on his face deepened.

"It's good it isn't disappearing," Sasuke whispered. His words drew shocked and disgusted looks from Fugaku and Konohamaru respectively.

"What are you talking about," Konohamaru stated. "These things violated our bodies!"

"I injured him with it," Sasuke stated. "I managed to wound him when I couldn't when Kaa-chan died. Whatever these things are, they gave us power. The power to kill him. I'll make him regret doing that. And I'll avenge my mother."

"You speak as if you understand the seal from utilizing it once."

Fugaku's sharp voice cracked through the night, stealing the thunder from Sasuke's words. He couldn't meet his father's eyes.

"Anko Mitarashi suffered from the same seal. She refused to ever use it again due to its influence. That is no mere seal that boosts power son. It comes at a cost. What it is and how steep the price we do not know. Orochimaru is known to tread ground even most kinjutsu experts dare not tread. That seal may give you power, but it may very well cost you your soul."

"Isn't that a price that's worth bearing if it avenges mother!"

"Is that what your mother would want," Fugaku. It was a question, but it was phrased like chastisement. Fugaku's eyes dug deep into Sasuke, forcing him to back down.

"Get some rest son. Rest and think of what your mother would want. I will take the first watch."

The Sarutobi and son gathered themselves for bed. It did not take Konohamaru long to drift into unconsciousness, but Sasuke remained awake, back to his father. Hate burned in his heart.

'You don't get it. She didn't die in front of you. It doesn't replay in your mind. I'll kill that bastard, whatever it takes.'


Danzo stared over the village proper, eyes glistening against the window. It was dark in the Hokage's Office. His ANBU bodyguards had long left, as had the ROOT guards he had hide as well. The man was well and truly alone. He preferred to be like this late at night. Dangerous it may be, it helped him collect his thoughts. He had much to do. And little time to do it.

The man's eyes cut to the side as he realized he was not alone in the room anymore. There was no visible sign that someone else had entered. Nothing noticeable, even to most elite Jonin. But he knew. He was the Hokage. Old, frail, and more political than militant in the role, but he was also experienced. He had fought in more battles than most shinobi would ever reach.

That experience left him wily.

"What are you doing here Itachi?"

Danzo could feel the crimson orbs digging into his back, even if he could not see their reflection in the mirror.

He had an empire to build, and he would not be around for much longer. His body was beginning to fail him. He had become Hokage too late. Hiruzen and Minato had delayed his dream for long enough. He had to act quickly. He could not entrust the legacy of Konoha to others. He had to grasp the future and actualize it.

"It's odd isn't it," came the voice of the Uchiha. It was disembodied. "Histories propensity to repeat itself."

"What are you talking about?"

"There's a story in the Uchiha Clan," Itachi continued, ignoring Danzo's question. "About a man. A foolish man who turned his back on both clan and country to pursue personal gain. That man died a fool. Alone. Haunted by his own ambition and false reality."

Danzo's eyes narrowed. Was Itachi threatening him? It was vague. This could apply to too many things.

"I have always accepted that story. What could be more telling of foolishness than believing in one's own pride so much that you ignore what is best for you? What is best for family and country? I have tried to live by that my entire life. Loyalty to the Uchiha. Loyalty to Konoha."

The crimson eyes in the mirror spun.

"I am beginning to wonder if I was the foolish one."

"Speak plainly."

"White masks sow the seeds of our enemy's destruction and our dominion," Itachi quoted. Danzo's eyes narrowed.

"That is the ROOT of our existence."

Danzo turned, old eye gazing directly into Itachi's crimson orbs. Danzo stared back harshly. The Uchiha dared to quote ROOTs mantra to him? He could see this for what it was. A threat.

He was the foolish man.

Danzo wanted to laugh. He was not doing this for his personal ambition. He was doing this because he had to remove all potential threats from the board.

"The red descendant has poisoned the root," Danzo replied. "The Sage himself would not stand for it. Thus, it becomes the duty of his followers to uproot it."

"The root has been poisoned rotten, but not by the red descendants. By the Sage's followers."

Danzo sat in the chair before him, not bothering to flare his chakra in response to the thick pressure Itachi was emitting. It was a useless competition. The Hokage knew well enough that he was weaker than the Uchiha. To aggravate him now did not serve him.

Instead, Danzo placed his hands on the table, palms visible to the Uchiha.

"Then the tree will bloom again."

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"The caretaker is old. He will not see it reborn."

Danzo smiled, his body suddenly looking frail once more. He clenched his fists and Itachi saw him for what he truly was. A frail old man, likely incapable of even defeating an A-class shinobi in his current state. He was little more than skin and bones. A husk. Yet somehow this husk was proving to be a threat.

"Let us drop the analogies," Danzo stated. "I am old. I have no time to decipher them. Speak plainly."

"How did you do it," Itachi questioned. "How long have you been plotting this?"

Danzo stared at him, as if unsure if he should answer the question. Eventually he gave a small smile.

"Since you and your cousin put a stop to my earlier plans."

Itachi's eyes widened.

"But you said-"

"I said many things. But I am no fool. It was Shisui's genjutsu that forced your father to act. It was yours that forced Sarutobi. Without the Mangekyou at the time as well. Truly you two are incredibly powerful."

"If you know that why did you not have us arrested?"

"Your plan had already been put into motion. I could not stop it. I came to realize that if I could not extinguish the Uchiha's threat I should instead utilize it."

"Then why do you seek to extinguish us now?"

"Oh, I do not," Danzo stated. "That is where you misrepresent me, Itachi. I have no such plans of killing your entire clan. We are in the midst of war. I cannot afford to do that even if it was my desire. Even if your entire clan truly were all traitors."

Itachi's chakra flared, the pressure cracking the wood of the office.

"Then why do you hunt us? Why do you imprison us? Why have you started this!"

Danzo's eyes narrowed.

"Do you know why I was chosen as Hokage and you were not?"

"I assumed you placed the Daimyo under an illusion."

"Not an erroneous assumption. But there is more to it."

Danzo thrummed his fingers on the desk before him, head bouncing to the beat he had created ever so softly.

"I am experienced. Say what you will about your formidable skill, but at the end of the day wartime requires more than brute force. Minato Namikaze earned his right to be selected as the Yondaime in the third war, he was not elected during it. Your destiny was to be of similar constitution."

"That does not explain why you wish to see my clan extinguished."

Danzo met Itachi's eyes. His movement stopped.

"I am going to die soon."

Itachi's eyes widened at the statement.

"When I die Konoha will have lost two Hokage in the span of a year. One from war. One from old age. There is nothing we can do about it. It will cripple the morale of the village. I need to ensure the village will be primed for new leadership."

"And instead of rearing me as the rightful heir you crush my clan?"

"That is the problem in its entirety," Danzo stated. "You would be the next heir to this hat. And I cannot allow that to happen."

"Why do you hate me so?"

"I do not hate you. I admire your loyalty to Konohagakure."

"But you hate the Uchiha."

"I do not trust the Uchiha," Danzo stated plainly. "I do not trust anyone."

"So, you cripple the village? I do not understand."

"I have already told you Itachi. I prepare us for new leadership. That is all this has ever been about. Removing obstacles."

"How are we an obstacle? I do not understand."

"You do not need to," Danzo stated plainly. "By the time this conflict has ended you will be dead, and I will have passed on."

Itachi's eyes flared but Danzo made no motion at the clear act of aggression.

"You think you can kill me?"

"No. I will not kill you. I could not. But you cannot defeat all of Konoha in your rage to save your clan."

"I'll prove them innocent."

"You will try. You will fail. You will rebel. An Uchiha will seal the Uchiha Clan's fate. Not I."

"You speak as if you are a prophet," Itachi stated. "As if you see the future."

"I do. I do not have the eyes of an Uchiha, but I have the eyes of experience and they are far more powerful. The Uchiha will be domesticated, the tree will be reborn, and Konoha will emerge victorious."

"You speak in analogies again."

"I speak plainly."

"I could take this information to Inoichi you know? You've admitted to the treason."

"Ah yes, the Nara and Yamanaka Clans you have drawn to your cause. An impressive play. Smart. I must admit you are not as incapable at this game of politics as I imagined. But your efforts are in vain. There is nothing you can do to stop what has been put into motion. Run to Inoichi if you wish. Even he will abandon you. In the end, the outcome I desire does not change."

"And what is it? What is it that you desire?"

Danzo stared at Itachi.

"The same thing I have always desired. For Konoha to reign supreme."


Kagari's eyes widened when he saw the man. He looked...human. The tales he had heard were entirely unlike the man that stood before him. He had believed him to be a larger-than-life figure, the radiated power as easily as he breathed. That was what he had always imagined when he had caught glimpses of him in public, always too afraid to approach.

But before him the Amekage stood, for all intents and purposes an entirely normal man.

"Naruto told me you wished to speak with me Kagari," Nagato stated, sitting down next to the Chunin. Kagari's teammates had left when Nagato had entered, much to his protesting. Whatever punishment Kagari wished to doll out to the Hyuga, it was only his and the Amekage's business.

"Ah, yes Amekage-sama!"

Nagato chuckled. Kagari's stumbled words and quick tone had made his words almost unintelligible.

"Please. Call me Nagato. I am not one for formalities."

"But, you're-I could never direspect you!"

"It is not disrespect for friends to speak as friends."

Kagari blushed.

"We're...friends?"

"Any friend of Naruto's is a friend of mine. You may be his student, but he cares for you."

Kagari nodded, relieved some of the pressure had been dissipated by the Amekage's words.

"But what did you wish to speak with me about?"

"It's about Hanabi Hyuga..."

"Ah, yes. I've heard she killed your parents."

There was no way to phrase it nicely Kagari knew, but saying it so bluntly still hurt.

"You have my deepest condolences. I know what it is like to lose your parents at a young age. It is...painful."

"You lost your parents," Kagari questioned. "What was that like for you?"

"I was...overwhelmed," Nagato stated plainly. "Konoha shinobi stormed in our house. Killed my parents. At the time I felt shock and then an overwhelming rage. One so pure it felt like I could split the earth and then these eyes bloomed."

"The Rinnegan," Kagari whispered. "What happened to the Konoha shinobi?"

"I killed them."

Kagari glanced at the foot of the bed, eyes hard.

"I see."

"Is that what you wish to discuss? Do you wish for Hanabi Hyuga to die? Have you come to protest my plans of trading her for peace?"

"No...yes...I'm not sure."

Kagari grumbled.

"I want her to suffer. She killed my parents. She killed innocents. She can't just get away with that. But...killing her doesn't bring them back. Killing her only causes problems."

"What do you mean?"

"Naruto-sensei would be sad," Kagari explained. "Not to mention it would enrage the Hyuga Clan and Konoha. We'd never have peace then. And all of this is assuming Naruto-sensei would even let us kill her. I couldn't force him to listen to me if I wanted to."

"Forget Naruto," Nagato stated. "He understands she must be punished for her actions. As do I. However, you bring up a valid point. A never-ending war with Konoha is not in Ame's interest. These two positions play directly against each other. Such is the life of politics. So, I ask you Kagari, as the only person who has the right to dictate her punishment, what should it be?"

Kagari bit his lip.

"I've...been thinking about it for a while. But...there's nothing we can do to make her feel the pain she did without killing her and I won't do that."

"You could kill other Hyuga," Nagato offered. His eyes glowed. The man was testing Kagari.

"That wouldn't be right, they haven't wronged us," Kagari stated. "Besides, that just makes Konoha angry and that isn't what we want either."

Nagato smiled.

"So?"

"If we can't hurt her or her family, we can't punish her directly. But she clearly values Konoha above anything else. What if we used her powers instead to strengthen Ame? That might not hurt her directly but...it hurts her pride. It strengthens Ame and prevents this from happening in the future. That's what I think we should do. Naruto-sensei said she was in the ANBU. There's no way we won't be able to get some information from her on how to better secure the village and border towns. Maybe even important resources in Konoha we can barter her freedom for in addition to peace?"

Nagato smiled, nodding at the Chunin.

"You know, I think that is a brilliant idea."


Danzo had left the Hokage Office not long after Itachi had. The Uchiha had declared war on him, and he had responded in kind. He had no doubt that from here on out his internal war with the Uchiha would grow much fiercer. Neither could directly kill the other. Danzo for lack of a subordinate capable of killing the Uchiha quitely and Itachi for the fact that it would all but solidify his clan's destruction without overwhelming amounts of evidence he would never get. The game of politics was in full swing. When it would break down into a bloody, violent mess Danzo could only predict but he knew it would be soon. He had already made arrangements to get the better of the Uchiha Clan Head.

However, his arrangements to defeat the threats external to Konoha were finally bearing fruit.

"You are sure it is successful?"

"I am positive, Hokage-sama," Blank suggested. "The chakra signature matches that of the Shodai exactly. It is a stronger replica than the one Orochimaru succeeded in. Kinoe would be a pale imitation of the power contained within this body."

Blank glanced to the side at the slumped corpse that draped the floor of the room.

"Although, it took quite a significant number of resources to succeed. Naruto Uzumaki's blood proved to accelerate the process but...I'm afraid the Senju died in the efforts to replicate the Kekkei Genkai."

"Her death is the only meaningful thing she has given Konoha since the death of Jiraiya," Danzo stated plainly. "See to it the body is also implanted with a Sharingan."

"I have already begun the process Danzo-sama."

Danzo nodded.

"And the sealing matrix provided by Orochimaru in return for the Uchiha?"

"It is prepared my lord. At your wish we can begin the operation."

Danzo nodded, placing a hand on the tank that contained a teenage body floating. Danzo smiled at it. His weary bones, his tight joints.

Soon it would all be remedied.

Soon the tree would bloom once more.


Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!

Also, I don't know if any of you have noticed this but chapters aren't consistently showing up when posted? I've checked the story and it seems like Chapters 44 and 45 only show up some of the time? Not sure if anyone else is having this problem. In all likelihood you won't even be able to see this chapter if you're having this problem, but maybe the site is having problems. Let's hope not.

Someone asked what the timeline for the war would be, and to give an answer for that, this story will conver the entirety of the war. When the war ends so will the story.