Chapter 9 The Emperor, Plots and Feelings

Yoshino looked at the Hidden Rain from the tallest tower of Pain, his fellow Uzumaki. How many years has it been since they met? It had been his mission to track down all Uzumaki, his mission to work throughout to ensure that Uzushiogakure was standing. The village was on its feet now, but still not yet ready for anything. The outside world could still not know them. If they became engaged now, things could be troublesome for them. They were tying by all means to avoid disastrous things occurring once again.

Nothing ever lasted in this shinobi world – that was why they always had to be ready for the worst. For anything that could happen. There was no telling what their enemies would do if they found out any information that was disturbing about Uzushio. "You have built everything well. But I guess the money the Akatsuki has been making helps in this regard."

Nagato nodded his head quietly. "But it doesn't change that we are surrounded. If we are having a problem of both Kumo and Iwagakure, it is a big problem. The two nations could invade us in different directions. Defending things now would mean that we will show the world our power and they will be worried."

"When that happens, the shinobi nations group together and go against us." Konan finished Nagato's thoughts. "We cannot let anything happen to this village."

She wasn't afraid of the Great Nations; they had been preparing for them. Amegakure has been preparing to defend itself. It was still a small nation that could not withstand all the might of a nation like Iwagakure, but they could make a stand. It wasn't like Iwa would send all its shinobi to attack them. There would be no help if they were attacked, but they didn't need it. Whether it was an army or just Jinchuriki, they could protect Amegakure.

However, she understood the importance of timing.

"It would be unfortunate of things come to that but we simply must defend ourselves if we are attacked." Yoshino said. "But I must ask for your patience. We necessarily won't have to do anything, but they will act for us and we will be reactive before pushing our agenda forward. If this world sees destruction, then so be it. I have seen that when people rebuild, there is a sense of unity, purpose. If the foundations of shinobi villages are faulty, then we must dismantle the shinobi world and start a new foundation."

An ambitious project but things would not necessarily go that far. Everything depended on how the Great Five reacted but knowing their history and what motivates them; it was easy to tell how they would react. With those calculations in mind, they were trying by all means to prepare themselves. War didn't just cost lives, it needed to be funded with resources. Shinobi ate, shinobi needed weapons. Those weapons got destroyed in wars and they needed to be destroyed.

If they were careful in their plan, they may as well profit from the wars. Yoshino shook his head. He was thinking like the Kages now. But they would be relegated. They would not rule the shinobi world for all eternity. They had their time and they used it to abuse and destroy whatever it was that they could destroy. The strong ruled over the weak – that was their rule and they would exercise this rule.

"What are Iwagakure's plans? They are the most active but Kumogakure is still the most aggressive village. If anything is going to happen it might be from them." Nagato said.

"They have backed away a bit since we killed their spies but I wonder for how long it will last." Yoshino said. "The Raikage favors strength and I believe if he hears something pleasant to his eyes he will make movements…" the thought did make him frown. Considering how the village has behaved when it has made aggressive moves, he had every reason to be worried.

"Do you think he will make the same moves they made in Konoha?" Konan asked.

"Since we won't let them in Uzushio, they might try something on the Wave country, if that happens and we kill their people, they are going to make noise…" Yoshino said.

Nagato was silent for a moment as he thought about it. "Just because they are strong they think they can do everything they want. These nations enjoy peace, but it has brought us nothing but violence and pain. Yet, at the end, they think we must just forget about it and continue as if nothing happens. If Konoha and Iwagakure fight once more, we get dragged into the wars that only destroy our lands.

"These leading powers continue to demonstrate that with power you can do whatever you want. War is never pleasant. It brings nothing but pain, destruction, death, and violence, but for small reasons, they will start wars. That is Iwa's attitude in this. Hatred will continue to cripple this world of shinobi if things continue as they are. These nations must be made to experience war in the same way as we experience it. Perhaps then they will be afraid to start wars."

"I wonder about that, Nagato. People die in wars, they learn to hate, fear, and experience pain. But when something happens tomorrow, they are still willing to go to war, even when they know that it will only bring death and pain in the end. Every side loses something in a war, yet, no matter what, they repeat the same cycle over and over again. Will it ever change?"

"We must hope that it will change," Nagato said in a confident tone. "Jiraiya-sensei once said that he wishes for a world where people could understand each other. I thought people could understand each other through pain. I wasn't completely wrong, but even if people experience the same pain, they are likely to hate each other. I think even today he hopes for such a world. When we were still young, it certainly looked possible. It was possible to fight for good, to protect the weak and teach 'good' to people. But we were weak. Those with power crushed us. We have gained power but all that will be meaningless if we have no confidence in our convictions."

Yoshino was silent for a long moment before finally nodding his head. "Hope is all we have, huh?"

"It isn't the only thing that we have," Konan said. "But it is fundamental for humans to hope. If you cannot hope for something, you cannot give it your all. We hope because we have the desire. We must be able to see a world we envisage, if we cannot see it, what are we fighting for?"

"Just crushing things along the way…" Yoshino answered with a shake of his head. "As long as nothing leaks out, Amegakure will be safe. I don't think a confrontation with Konoha and Iwagakure will happen. Not in the immediate future, at least. The Great Nations probably already realizes that Uzushio depends on the Wave, if they think so; it won't be long before they hire pirates to attack our ships. It won't be anything more than a pointless exercise to try to determine our strength. We won't reveal much nevertheless."

"We have the Akatsuki for such purposes…" Konan said. "If something is going to happen, the Wave can always hire the Akatsuki. If you involve Konoha it opens a door for confrontation with the great nations."

"That is something we want to avoid…" Yoshino said. "Itachi ended up choosing what he chose long ago. We didn't interfere because it was better this way. He would have been a problem if he had stayed alive."

"You continued to use him because you knew he was going to die?"

"Naturally," Yoshino said. "But we still managed to keep him restrained. However, he did make contact with his majesty. The only thing he gained was a way to fast track his death. Since we were watching him, we made it our mission to 'take' his body and keep it. He could be useful in the near future. And so we have stored his body away."

Sasuke would likely go blind because he wouldn't get his brother's eyes to unlock the eternal mangekyo sharingan but Yoshino wasn't concerned with that. The Uchiha was by far the least in his concerns. If Sasuke went blind, maybe he would celebrate. It all depended on what the Uchiha was planning to do after wards.

"So, is it still going to be silence for the next… two years at least?"

Yoshino nodded. "Yes… we have already acquired the technology we require from the Land of Springs. The next phase is building and his majesty will be overseeing it all. I'm sure you'll also have your hands full. During this time, there likely won't be any communication and unless the unexpected happens which will require a military force, we will not require the use of the Akatsuki."

"But after then, the Uzumaki will make a return."

A Couple of days later

It felt rather nostalgic being back in this village. Perhaps it had more to do with Itachi's feelings towards Konoha than his. Sasuke stared at the very gates that he had left when he departed the Leaf to gain power from Orochimaru. What a waste of time that had been. The Sannin hadn't given him much. He had done most things by himself anyway. Perhaps leaving shouldn't have been an option for him but then again, if he hadn't felt the village, Itachi wouldn't have bothered inviting him to their battle. Maybe Naruto had more to do with his brother's actions than him leaving.

Either way, he was back in the Hidden Leaf. He wondered though, after everything, would they just willingly allow him to walk through their streets? Sasuke snorted at the thought. He didn't need their approval. If they didn't want him, he could leave any time he chose. With the power that Itachi allowed him to gain, there was nothing that could stop him. Not even Naruto could be in his way now.

He was still going to get revenge nevertheless. Itachi might not have wanted it but it didn't matter. It wasn't about what his brother desired. It was about what he wanted. Reviving his clan and revenge had always been his core dream. Not much has changed aside from a few side jobs he now needed to do. When Sasuke stopped by the gates, a squad of Anbu surrounded him.

"Uchiha Sasuke," the leader of the Anbu said a monotone voice. "You will need to come with us."

"I already came here without you; I can make my way towards my destination without you." Sasuke responded in a dangerous tone. Just because he was here didn't mean that he was going to allow them to boss him around – never. He had never permitted such anyway.

"And where is your destination?" They were on guard, ready to act in case the Uchiha made any wrong movement.

"Hokage tower; I need to speak to the Godaime Hokage about my return."

"You abandoned the village, put the lives of several clan heirs in danger after choosing to join the forces of a known traitor of the Hidden Leaf, a person who invaded this village, do you think you can just walk in here and speak to the Hokage?"

They were directing their killing intent towards him. Sasuke didn't find it amusing. The last time he had been afraid of a killing intent was when Orochimaru stared at him during the Chunin exams. He had been stupid though. He had been impressed by the Sannin's strength but he should have seen something glaring right at him – Orochimaru had run off from the village with his tail between his legs after his failure of an invasion.

"If I didn't think so, I wouldn't have decided to walk through the gates…" Sasuke said with a small shrug of his shoulders. "If you are going to lead me, you can lead me towards the Hokage tower."

They stared at him and considered him for a moment before one of them asked. "If you came here to kill the Godaime Hokage?"

Sasuke stared at these people with contempt. "If you are not going to lead me, I know the way around. I'm only asking you to lead me because I don't want to cause unnecessary problems…" he said

"We will take the rooftops; we don't want your appearance causing a scene."

Uzushiogakure

Guren couldn't keep the frown off her lips as she walked through the streets, heading towards the leader's tower. She was just returning from the Wave after having received Intelligence of Kumogakure's intentions to move against the Wave's leader. A disturbing sound that had her running through the streets and heading straight into a boat to stop the attempted attack. She knew that people have already tried asking questions to those close to the man regarding Uzushio but they were not getting anything. Kumo being the aggressive bully it was, had attempted to kidnap the leader of the country to try to take him back to their village where they would try everything to get him to cough out secrets of Uzushio.

Damn brutes.

They were never going to leave them alone. Guren knew this when she signed into this job, but there was no breathing room. The damn scums were persistent and it was starting to frustrate her. At least Iwagakure had stopped but that they couldn't do what they did to Iwa's people to Kumo. There would be one hell of a scream coming from the Lightning. No doubt the man would threaten to descend to the ground himself to take revenge over the loss of his shinobi. They were a small nation, and so the bigger boys thought they could bully them.

Ridiculous

But Guren was starting to see things clearly. Perhaps she was being corrupted by working in this village and Haku. She never certainly saw things in such a manner. She has been working for this village for a couple of years now. She understood its beliefs, its desires; the fear that some Uzumaki held at the thought of being destroyed again. She had become part of this village. It was now her home. Yukimaru's home and she was fighting to protect it with everything.

The wonders of life

When she stepped into the Leader's office, she found him sitting with Haku – there two had been waiting for her since she sent a message once she was done in the Wave country. "I guess I'm not the only one who is concerned that Kumo has decided that we are a cause for concern…" Guren said seeing the stern looks on the males' faces. She settled down with a tired sigh.

"It is a matter of concern…" Yoshino said with a small frown on his lips.

"I was hoping that they would treat us as nothing that could threaten them…" Haku said. He understood that the Raikage listened to power and so if they thought they were weak; they wouldn't do anything against them. He had been breathing happily under this assumption.

If things were going to break out soon, there would be fighting and death. It wasn't something that he really wanted to do, but he would be forced to do it if these people end up attacking them. It wasn't like a mission of his where killing wasn't a necessity but in war, you had to kill. Sparing the life an enemy was nothing more than a wish for being stabbed in the back.

"They still likely don't see us as much of a threat," Guren said. "They didn't send anyone powerful to do anything…" she said.

"And we still maintain all of the Wave's military power within this island training them. As it stands the Wave doesn't have the military resource to defend itself but it is fine this way. The elemental nations can think this way, but Wave's shinobi won't be wave shinobi but rather Uzushio shinobi…" Yoshino said with a pause. "But it doesn't change that Kumo has moved."

"Do you think they moved because the other nations are moving as well?" Haku asked. They held communications with the Leaf, and their 'alliance' with Kiri was possibly known. Then again, it wasn't something they could keep hidden with how the Mist wanted to do business with them.

"Possibly," Yoshino said with a small nod. "What did you do to them?"

"Nothing," Guren said with a shake of her head. "I figured it would be risky to kill them all. So, I just captured them, but I avoided using my abilities. We don't want Kumo seeing the bloodlines or else they will go berserk…"

Yoshino laughed at Guren's words. Berserk? It was perhaps an exaggeration but quite fitting. "You did well… we'll just send them back to Kumo peacefully, but we won't say anything to them. If they try something like that again, we do the same process over and over again until they grow frustrated. But hopefully, if we don't kill them, the Raikage will think of us as naïve and stop with his barbaric actions."

"If they grow frustrated and send an army?" Haku asked.

"I have spoken to Nagato about this…" Yoshino said. "The Wave will hire the Akatsuki if it happens like this. Kumogakure will probably think we don't have the strength to protect the country ourselves and maybe stop being aggressive in order to play the wait and see game. It is something that Iwa is currently playing now since Konoha sent its people."

"Hopefully, everything works out and we don't get dragged into battles before we finish building," Haku said calmly. "It is a little quiet in here… it is a pity that it will get dangerous…"

"It is unlikely that the Hidden Villages will try something against us just like that…" Yoshino said. "You of all people should know that when someone attacks us in here, we have the advantage of sinking their ships before they reach us. It is the same with the Wave country. The only way through is by the Great Naruto Bridge, we can always send you out to freeze the surface and his majesty to destroy the ships."

It terms of attacks coming through the sea, they were covered. Uzu was certainly covered. But it would be a problem if they send hundreds of ships. They wouldn't have the man power to defend against those attacks. Yoshino would not say this to Guren and Haku, but it was a possibility he shared with the emperor but they would have to device a way to deal with it.

"What is Kiri's position in all these?"

"Doesn't want to get involved," Haku said. "Well, the village is still trying to rebuild and it doesn't have to worry about a war happening inland because they are far away from it. It still has a large naval military, so no village would try attacking it in its territory…"

"They do use the mist to their advantage," Yoshino said in thought. "We might also have to learn a thing or two about them in cases we ever need such a tactic… but for now, Guren, you can send those people back to Kumo. We don't say anything, and we pretend that nothing ever happened. If you like, you can even offer words of apologies to the Raikage. I'm sure he'd read it with a snort…" Yoshino smiled when he finished speaking.

"An apology for what?" Guren demanded with a stare.

"When a powerful man who is full of pride hits you on purpose from behind, you don't turn around and glare at him demanding an apology; he will slaughter you. What you do is you turn around and humble yourself before the mighty man and even apologize for being in his way."

"And if he decides to take advantage of you and kick you again?"

Yoshino smiled. "The first attack will be cautious, but when you roll over and show him your back, he loses the sense of caution and attacks recklessly."

Guren stared at the man for a moment before shaking her head – she then smiled. "Tell me, does the emperor also think like this?"

"Sometimes – when it is convenient," Yoshino said. "We all learn from him. I wouldn't even be saying this unless I was certain he'd like it."

Hokage Office

For a moment, Tsunade had thought the Anbu were making a joke and she was dreaming when the Anbu said that Sasuke was seen at the village gates. The Uchiha had run away for Orochimaru and they had been looking for him for years now. Even when he departed Orochimaru's clutches, he still didn't return to the village. And yet, he had returned just like that. What was happening in this situation? Was it because Naruto had returned as well? But that didn't make any sense to her. Tsunade had just sat still until the Uchiha appeared in the office with a blank look on his face.

He had indeed returned. Tsunade didn't dismiss the Anbu. She couldn't be sure this wasn't a disguised attack on her. He was still a brat but underestimating him would bring her downfall. But Tsunade still could not put a reason on why he had decided to return on his own. Had he achieved his revenge on his brother? If so, it was remarkable considering that he had failed to defeat Naruto and Itachi wasn't someone who was weak.

"Uchiha Sasuke…" Tsunade started in a stern tone. "You have some nerve just showing up like this."

Sasuke responded with indifference. "I came here because I wanted to inform you that I have returned to the Hidden Leaf. I have done what I wanted to do. This is my home, and so I have come back home…" this was the place that his brother had sacrificed their clan to protect. Sasuke could not simply spit on that sacrifice. That aside, he had greater ambitions than that. He would replace this woman.

Tsunade stared at the Uchiha for a moment before bursting out in laughter. "You have returned?" she asked. "Who had sent you away? You committed a crime against the village by running away and joining Orochimaru. We put shinobi lives at risk trying to retrieve you and you think you can just return?!"

Sasuke contemplated telling the woman that he never asked for anyone to chase after him. If he wanted to leave, he could be allowed to do so without anyone saying anything. Besides, after what this village did to his clan, they certainly had no right to say anything to him. "Orochimaru was indeed a criminal, but this is still my home."

"Do you think people will just accept you after you abandoned this home of yours?" Tsunade asked in a hardened tone. "You did something and there are consequences for them."

"I know what is happening around the Elemental Nations. I know there could be war…" Sasuke said but he didn't say anything to add on that. "This village hasn't been above doing cover ups. You can always say that I was sent on an S-rank undercover mission to kill both Orochimaru and Itachi. I have done so… if anyone asks, they could always be given those reasons; no one can reject them."

Sasuke could not have thought of something like this but it was something that Itachi suggested to him. And he knew he had struck a nerve when he told the Godaime Hokage that he knew the village was capable of doing cover ups. Tsunade didn't know about the Uchiha Massacre, but she certainly knew of many things the Hidden Leaf has done to preserve its interest and position.

Tsunade stared at the Uchiha. He certainly hasn't lost his arrogance. The clan heads were not going to simply stay silent about the Uchiha's return and if he was allowed back into society just like that. This was all a problem. The cover up wasn't a bad plan. She would devise it anyhow. It worked better now that he had returned on his own. They had still planned on using him even after forcing him to return to the village.

"So you think because there might be war, we might be willing to take you back just like that?"

"Maybe not, but my power is needed." Sasuke didn't need to say anything about that. There was no need. She got the message. "I have also given you a way to cover it up. If you feel that you need to do something about my actions, you can do it. I don't have a problem with that."

"I will consider it, why did you suddenly return?"

"There were certain developments that occurred. That aside, the only reason I had left the village was because I wanted more power to kill Itachi. I ended up killing Orochimaru who invaded the village and then Itachi." Sasuke stated in a calm tone. "I have done all that, now I must revive my clan."

"Where is proof that you killed Orochimaru and Itachi?"

"I can show you…" Sasuke offered.

"Genjutsu?" Tsunade asked with a raised eye brow. The slug princess shook her head. "I want something tangible." When you go to collect a bounty, you need the head to prove that you indeed did kill the person.

Sasuke frowned. "Orochimaru is sealed away. When he attempted to take over my body, I ended up absorbing him instead. During my fight with Itachi, I was losing and weakened, he managed to get out and but was sealed away. After I killed Itachi, I was so worn out, I passed out and when I woke up, his body was missing."

"Then how certain are you that he did die?"

"I'm certain…" Sasuke responded in a firm tone. It hadn't happened exactly as he had said but it was indeed true that Itachi's body had vanished. He just would not say that he had a conversation with Itachi – that would raise suspicions.

Tsunade stared for a moment before sighing.

"You won't cause a fuss if they take you away to answer some questions, no? After that, you will remain confined in the Uchiha compound until I decide how to handle this issue." Tsunade said. She didn't wait for the Uchiha to respond before ordering the Anbu to take him away.

With them gone, there was nothing but silence in the office. Jiraiya would be returning soon. He had said he would return to the village soon after talking to his former students. If that was the case, then she wouldn't have to wait for too long for his return. She needed to hear his thoughts about this development. Even though she had a problem with his attitude, Tsunade could not deny the benefit of having him in her ranks. But she still needed to do something about what he did. The guards saw him at the gates, it was likely that news of his return was going to spread through the village and she would be having a head ache.

How was Naruto even going to react to this development? Tsunade couldn't tell. The dynamics of Team 7 wouldn't work. Naruto wasn't a naïve child. He didn't seem to forgive easily. Team seven was dead. It wasn't going to happen even though Sasuke was back. Sakura would certainly cry over this, but she too had to grow. Life wasn't always pretty. Not everything was going to happen in the way you want them.

"Is something wrong, Tsunade-sama?" Shizune asked standing in front of the Godaime Hokage.

Tsunade blinked. She hadn't even heard the woman walk into her office. Perhaps it was because she was used to the woman's presence. "Sasuke just returned…"

Shizune stared. "Just like that?"

"Yes… just like that…" Tsunade said. "I'm certain that something happened but I just can't put my finger on it. Either way, it doesn't matter much. He is back and we have to find a way to deal with scenario that is presented by his untimely return."

Training Ground 44

Naruto had spent many times in the forest of death. He had used this place for training purposes; to train his senses, reflexes and the ability to hide his chakra signature. For the animals with a keen sense of smell, it was difficult to hide from them because even if you hide your chakra signature, they could always track of scent. There were shinobi who were also very good at this. It was a useful ability when it came to tracking down shinobi.

The forest was eerily silent, but it had great silence. There were no humans around. There was peace, the danger of nature, the life of nature. Everything that nature had to offer was here – life and death. Preys and predators dominated this land and trees seemed to thrive within the soil that gave them life.

He was standing still, left hand holding a single hand seal with his eyes closed. The wind around him was twisting in a small tornado – it was a gentle twist that didn't cause any harm. He was trying to create a defensive jutsu that could help him defend against attacks he would not otherwise be able to dodge. There were those jutsus that were too fast. But you needed to be able to summon an attack in the blink of an eye to defend yourself. Could he though, cause the wind around him to twist in the blink of an eye?

It hadn't proved possible, but he was thinking of just twisting around to give the wind a push.

The wind around Naruto dispersed as he sensed a presence within the trees. "Naoki," he said without looking at the redhead sitting on a tree branch. "Have you brought what I requested?"

"Hai," the redhead said before throwing a scroll towards Naruto. The blond caught it with his right hand. "When can we expect to mourn your death?"

"Soon," Naruto said. "I will contact you with instructions. I have already tested the seals on my body, so we shouldn't fear anything going wrong. It is unlikely since I have studied their skills and realize that no one can be able to do anything. However, in case a miracle happens, you must be ready to do what needs to be done."

"We will be ready…" Naoki said. "Should I keep with observations or go back?"

"Do as you like. But when I summon you, you cannot fail to appear before me."

"As you wish…" Naoki said.

"One more thing, organize for some enemy shinobi to attack me. It should be a good cover up."

"It will be done," Naoki said before disappearing.

Naruto sat down and opened the scroll he had been given.

The following day

Seeing Sasuke at his place, Danzo couldn't help but frown deeply. He wanted to say that he was unconcerned by the sudden appearance at his hideout but he was honestly concerned. This hideout was a secret, how did someone like Sasuke know about it? He could understand with Jiraiya. Even the Anbu knew of this place but Sasuke had been a naïve emotional child when he left the village. He shouldn't know anything unless Orochimaru said things that shouldn't have been said. Danzo cursed himself for not keeping contact with the Sannin. Then again, the snake hadn't been completely pleased with him.

Either way, he had this brat to deal with. It was good that Sasuke had returned to the village. He was needed. The Sharingan was needed to protect the Hidden Leaf. There was war coming and for Konoha to win and conquer other nations it needed all tools it could use. It was curious why the Uchiha suddenly returned but Danzo wasn't really interested in all that, he was even now thinking of how he was going to use Sasuke for his purposes.

He could use the Uchiha for balance when it came to the Kyubi. If Sasuke has learned to control his sharingan just as Itachi had then there was no doubt that he could manipulate even Naruto. The blond was a risk to the village as things stood and he couldn't be trusted but a little bit of push and he would become a loyal weapon for the Hidden Leaf.

"I wasn't sure it was true when I heard you have returned, Sasuke." Danzo said calmly. "Have you come to join my side?"

Sasuke stared at the war hawk with nothing but pure contempt. If Danzo was someone else, he would have been on his knees apologizing with the kind of look that Sasuke was giving him. He really wanted to kill the man. He hated him. Every fiber of his being was screaming for him to crush the man or just burn him alive with the flames of Amaterasu. But Sasuke wouldn't do anything hasty. He would wait and do it slowly just so this man could experience pain and loss.

"Don't be ridiculous," Sasuke said in a cold tone. "The only time I am going to join you is when I die. But you are going to go a bit too soon. But I will join you soon enough. I just have things I need to do in this world."

"Hmm?" Danzo stared with narrowed eyes. "Is that a threat?"

"Yes…" Sasuke said with a firm nod. "I am going to kill you. And I will do it very slowly. Today, I just came to inform you that I will kill you and there won't be anything you can do about it. Before I do anything, you must be removed from the face of this world."

Danzo could clearly sense the hate and contempt. Itachi could not have told this person what happened, could he? Danzo had trusted Itachi. He never thought that the Uchiha would actually betray him by doing something like that. "Why must I be killed?"

"I know you ordered my brother to kill everyone, I know you pushed my clan away from the village. I know everything and you are going to pay for it." He activated the Mangekyo Sharingan. "I cannot forgive you for what you did. If the Leaf itself was responsible, I would turn against it, but it is you who gave the order and those two old people supported you. You will all die by my hand."

"I really didn't think that Itachi would tell…" Danzo said calmly. "But if you know, you understand that it isn't something that must become public…"

"I know that very well…" Sasuke said firmly. "But it doesn't mean you will get a stay of execution…"

"If you know, then you know why Itachi did what he did. Are you going to against the wishes of your brother? I told him to kill you but he wouldn't listen and even went on to threaten me if something happened to you. I relented but I see I should have done it myself," Danzo said. He did note the Mangekyo sharingan: This just meant that the Uchiha had become much stronger – which was good. But not that he was being threatened. Of course, Danzo didn't think that Sasuke could do anything. He was just a brat.

"Amaterasu," Sasuke said as the man who was standing on Danzo's right hand burst into black flames.

Danzo wasn't even moved by the screaming shinobi. The flames of Amaterasu; there was nothing that could be done. So, this child was serious about threatening him. He couldn't tell Tsunade about it. If he did, it would raise the risk of the woman knowing about the Uchiha massacre. If she did know about it, she was probably going to support his death. Danzo looked away from his shinobi and faced Sasuke. "You are walking a very dangerous path…"

Sasuke shrugged his shoulders before turning away from the war hawk. "We will meet soon again." He said before walking away.

"Danzo-sama..?"

Danzo glanced at the man calling his name before staring at the spot Sasuke had just been standing. Now he also had Sasuke to deal with. And he thought Naruto had been a problem that needed his utmost attention. He would have been pleased if the blond had taken his offer and gone off to Uzushio on his spying mission. But that had been rejected. Even so, Danzo wasn't concerned much about it – the fact was that their Jinchuriki wasn't loyal to the Leaf and the last Uchiha seemed to have ulterior motives.

They could both be very useful but instead, they are turning out to be problems that he needed to solve. Sasuke could die, and he could take the Mangekyo. He could always remove the Kyubi from Naruto and seal it into someone else before training them. He could implement a strategy that would make Kumo and Iwagakure fight.

Tsunade could still give him Sasuke and he could work on something with the Uchiha. It would be much simpler to handle the Uchiha if Tsunade ended up giving him to him. He would need to go out to the Godaime and solve it before something happens. He could not allow the Uchiha to keep coming at him.

Days later, Tsunade's Office

Jiraiya stepped into the office looking tired. It wasn't the journey to the Rain that had him tired, it was the mental work that he had been forced to do after a hostile reception in the Rain. They hadn't let him in the Rain this time around. Actually, when he arrived, Nagato was already waiting for him and told him to go back without saying anything. He had been willing to fight him to get him to go away. Jiraiya hadn't been looking for a fight but when he tried forcing things, Nagato had returned the force and he had been forced to leave the Rain with more questions than answers. It just made his visit to the nation all the more troubling.

The situation with Nagato was of course very troubling. What the man did in the Rain was cold blooded and just brutal. How can anyone who is looking for peace do something as Nagato has done? He killed all those associated with Hanzo. It was just a slaughter of even innocent people. Jiraiya was at a loss that the students he had trained were capable of doing this. What was more frightening was the fact that Nagato had defeated Hanzo. The man was ridiculously strong and Nagato had supposedly destroyed him and then proceeded to eradicate anyone with connections to the man.

It was looking likely that Nagato was going to cause nothing but destruction in the Elemental Nations. If that was so, Jiraiya was going to do everything in his power to stop Nagato. He still had Naruto in his corner, but there were still some concerns regarding the blond. Even to this day, Jiraiya just could not figure out Naruto. But he wanted to trust him. He wanted to believe that there was good in Naruto and he would not be like Nagato. They were both Uzumaki and that was troubling given this current situation.

"You look troubled," Tsunade said to Jiraiya after he settled by the window and went silent without saying a word to her.

Jiraiya was brought out of his thoughts by Tsunade's words. He glanced over to the busty blonde Hokage and then released a long breath. "My travel to Amegakure wasn't very fruitful. It has left me more worried than ever. I was thinking that perhaps things would be alright but the situation is very deadly."

"You didn't get anything?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "They didn't even let me do anything. They were willing to fight me to death over it, hime. I think something is brewing up in the Rain. It can't be a coincident that they have locked up their village while Uzushio has done the same. Nagato is an Uzumaki and a very powerful shinobi. I really think that there is a connection between him and Uzushiogakure. If there is a connection there, then we really have to start questioning their intentions."

Tsunade frowned upon hearing those words. She had already been told that Nagato had killed Hanzo and then went on to kill everyone with a connection to the man. This was indeed troubling news. Was Uzushio going to follow the same destructive path? "They'll probably deny connections if we ask. Or they just won't answer us. Their response to our attempts to form a line of communication was that they would respond when ready, and in your visit in Ame, you have been turned back." She sighed deeply. "Something deep is happening," she said.

Jiraiya nodded his head. "I believe so and we have to do something, hime. We simply just can't wait for Uzushio to come back to us. I don't want to be the suspicious type but with what the Toads told me, we have to be proactive. It will be best to look like we are suspicious people than allowing a disaster to come to us."

"Do you think Uzu has the might to do anything dangerous?" Tsunade asked with concern.

Jiraiya shook his head. "I don't really know, Hime. I don't know…" he said in a firm tone. "However, we have to consider that they could be after revenge for what was done to them. We cannot ignore that they were invaded without having provoked any other nation. We must also consider the possibility that they might also turn to us as well. We didn't do anything…"

"What were we supposed to do after their destruction, Jiraiya?"

"I don't know, hime," Jiraiya said in a bitter tone. "But do you know what Naruto said to me?" The Toad Sage looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking again. "Why is it that even when Uzushio and Konoha were allies that none of the Uzumaki came here to seek refuge after their destruction?"

Tsunade frowned.

"This puzzles me. Konoha's shinobi wear Uzushio's symbol, hime. Kushina was brought into this village just to be a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. The relationship between Konoha and Uzushio was a deep one that was made with strong bonds. And yet when their village was destroyed, none of them came here. Konoha did nothing but if they had come here, they would have been accepted and at that time, there was no village that would have dared try to invade us," Jiraiya said in a very serious tone. "It is alarming and we really cannot ignore this."

"What must we do then, Jiraiya? What are we going to do about this? It does look like things are not going to settle any time soon," Tsunade said in an equally serious tone. At this point, she was truly glad that she had managed to get her shinobi to up their training in case something happens. Something looked like it was going to happen very soon.

"We need answers," Jiraiya said firmly. "We need to get them from Uzushio. I will be willing to force my way into the village to get answers. Now thinking about this, we shouldn't have been naïve. Just think of the way the village dealt with Iwagakure's spies. They must have known that killing them and sending them back would only invite Iwa's anger, and yet they did it anyway."

Tsunade was silent for a couple of moments. She had tried a diplomatic approach and she thought it was working. However, there were bigger concerns. Yet, they had nothing prove their concerns. It was all just speculation. However, with how long they have lived, could they really ignore their instincts? "Do you think Uzushio will take kindly to that?"

"It is actually their reaction to how things go when I visit that will determine their standing," Jiraiya said. "We cannot overlook anything as things stand."

Tsunade nodded her head. "I will have to think of something in case there is a fall-out," she said in thought. Before she could say anything more, Danzo entered the office. Tsunade groaned loudly at the presence. This was someone she didn't want to see now. "What do you want, Danzo?" She demanded.

Danzo eyed Jiraiya for a moment before nearly frowning. He had this person to deal with and Sasuke. The Uchiha had just killed one of his agents just like that and in front of him. He would not forgive it. Shisui's eyes could work on the Uchiha. It didn't matter if had the Sharingan or not, but Danzo really didn't want to waste the ability. "Sasuke has returned to the village and you still haven't given him to me."

Tsunade stared at the man for a moment. "I don't think this is going to work, Danzo," she said.

"We had an agreement!"

"We did? If I remember correctly, I said I would need to think about things once he returns. I'm still thinking and you are not helping yourself. That aside, things were different before we spoke. They have changed once more. Please leave; I am having an important discussion with Jiriaya."

Danzo stared at Tsunade with an immovable gaze. Was the woman really just dismissing him like that? He was here because he was concerned. Sasuke now posed a greater risk to everything that he has worked to gain and he simply could not tell this woman. The Uchiha massacre was a village secret and even if Tsunade was the Hokage, she didn't have to know. This was still embarrassing though. After everything he has swallowed to work with this woman, she was still going to treat him like this? Right there, he was thinking of using Shisui's eye to manipulate her. It had never occurred to him that she would turn on him like this.

"What is so important?" Danzo was forced to ask in a sharp tone. "We had already spoken about this. And it is concerning that we discuss his loyalty given how he returned to the village."

"There are a couple of things regarding village security and future, but nothing you should concern yourself with. You probably won't live long enough to see it anyway," Tsunade responded with indifference.

Danzo ignored the last comment. He was certainly not going to ask about what the woman meant by that. But it was going to be a race to see who would be alive then. It was either going to be her or him. "If there is something that concerns village security I should be made aware."

Tsunade stared at the war hawk. "Who are you?"

Jiraiya almost laughed at the question but he held himself from doing so. He had been worried about how his former teammate was handling the sneaky cripple but it was apparent that there was no need to worry. She had everything under control. But of course, there were certain things that Jiraiya still had to sort out with her. But that would only come if Danzo does something that warrants his presence.

For now, he could only watch.

"You seem to forget who you are speaking to, Tsunade. I have been serving Konoha for many years now. I-"

He was cut off from finishing by Tsunade. "And my grandfather founded this village along with the Uchiha. I don't understand what your point is and I really don't want to understand. Either way, I have already told you to leave and you should leave before I order my Anbu to help you out." Tsunade said in a stern tone.

Danzo stared for a long moment before turning away. He left the office without saying another word.

Once he was gone, Jiraiya turned to the blonde Hokage. "I didn't know Sasuke came back. In what way did he even come back? Saying this feels a bit weird since he actually ran away from the village…" he was speaking as if the Uchiha had just gone for some vacation with Orochimaru.

"A couple of days ago… he returned just like that. He says he killed both Itachi and Orochimaru. When we asked for Itachi's head, he said it was stolen… And I believe him… he seemed rather incensed about it…" Tsunade said with a sigh. "He hasn't been doing anything since he returned. I am still working on his cover. I have already drawn up things, I just need to speak to the clan heads once I have completed everything."

"I'm sure they won't be pleased since the lives of their children had been put at risk chasing after Sasuke…" Jiraiya said.

Tsunade nodded with a thoughtful look on her face. She then seemed to shrug a bit carelessly. "Either way, its not their call to make the decisions and I was the one who sent them out on the mission."

"I hope it goes well," Jiraiya said. "I will be in the village for the next days. But when I leave, I'm heading straight to Uzushiogakure. We cannot rest without knowing anything about their intentions."

Sunagakure

The heart was an uncontrollable thing that Temari often found she wanted to strangle just to kill the emotions it made her feel. There were many things that occurred in this life, but you really could not control the human heart. It was always unpredictable. Sometimes it made you experience things you never thought you would feel. At least now, life wasn't so bad. She was actually happy with how things were progressing in the life and with her relationships. Temari didn't care about fame and everything, right now; she just wanted to support her brother in his work.

With a war looking like it was going to occur, the village has been working hard to train its shinobi. It would have been difficult if they didn't have funding to make it in their journey but Gaara had managed to get funding from the Wind Daimyo. Suna was able to prepare things smoothly. They were able to stock on the necessities.

She was helping genins train along with other Jonins. It had been almost sad when no one picked her brother to be their sensei. But he had managed to secure himself students which he personally trained. They had been afraid of him at first. Perhaps her brother made things worse by his stoic mask. But they were used to it. They now spoke fondly of him because they spend time with him, they get time to hear him talk and actually listen to him. Most people who actually take the first step of trying to know her brother don't regret it.

She was currently busy with her students when a shinobi came to her and told her that she was being requested by the Kazekage. She stopped the training. "We can call it for the day. Tomorrow, same time…" she said to her students.

"We will stay around here for a little while longer…"

Temari didn't say anything to reject the idea. They always did that every now and then. She didn't always have time to give them her full attention but whenever she could, she would always see them.

The blonde left her students after telling them not to take it too rough. She slowly walked towards the Kazekage tower. It was busy with people coming in and out, up and down; Shinobi coming in for their mission request. It hadn't always been like this, but with time, things do change. Gaara was the Kazekage, and although some still didn't accept it, there had wrapped their hands around the idea that he was the Kage and would not be going anywhere.

When she arrived in the office, he was just dismissing someone. She settled down calmly and watched for a moment. "Is there something wrong?"

Gaara looked at his sister for a moment before looking at the letter he had received from Tsunade. Naruto had returned to the Leaf. He had always known that the blond was returning but she had sent a message to confirm that he had indeed returned. Temari didn't know about it. But he had observed that she had grown quite close to him during his time in this village. She even spoke of him very fondly. He didn't know much about the matters of the heart, but Gaara wasn't against his sister growing closer to Naruto.

If there was going to be a relationship, he would approve of it. Then again, he had to find someone to marry his sister before the vultures in the Wind capital make their move. Either way, he would not be pushing his sister to marry someone she didn't want to marry. Tsunade seemed to think that if the two were given a chance, something could happen since they have already connected. He know his sister had spent time with that person. He didn't complain. She came back happy every day after spending time with him.

Gaara shook his head, clearing his thoughts. "Nothing is wrong…" he said. "But I need to send you to Konoha. You can leave tomorrow morning…" he said.

"What is it?"

"There is a scroll that must be delivered to the Hidden Leaf. The Godaime Hokage will also give you something before you return." Gaara said calmly. He praised himself for playing this well. He hadn't thought he would but he was doing it.

"Is it about the war that might not happen?" Temari asked. She wasn't pleased at the idea of a war but if it happened, they would have to fight. Not only because they would have to offer support to the Hidden Leaf but for their own protection as well. There was no way that those villages would leave them alone if Konoha was plundered.

Gaara nodded, but it was a lie. The scroll was empty but he knew Temari would never open it. "We are trading Intelligence. Our village is small and unlike the others, but we are still a Great Nation. If there is going to be war, we will have to play our part. Kiri doesn't look like it is going to take part in anything anyway. But at least both Iwagakure and Kumo are not doing anything as things stand."

"If they don't do anything, we can breathe…" Temari said. "Hopefully nothing happens. But when dealing with power hungry people, you can never be too sure about anything."

"Yes, and we still don't know much about Uzushiogakure…" Gaara said with a shake of his head. "Come back tomorrow morning for the scroll. I'm sure you need to make preparations on this side since you have a team to handle."

Temari was immediately on her feet. "If I hurry up now, I will probably find them…" she said that and walked away.

Once she was out of the office, Gaara let out a long breath. He played that well. Now he would just have to wait and see what happens in the Hidden Leaf. Tsunade had already said Naruto would not be going anywhere, so there was no way she was going to miss him.

Konoha

The Hidden Leaf once more, Temari was finding the journey to be a bit constant these days. She was the one her village sent over here when there was something that needed to be discussed. Her usual partner in crime wasn't there to greet her today and so she had entered the village alone and went straight to the Hokage Tower.

Once there, she found the blonde Hokage with her assistant. The woman smiled happily seeing her. "You arrived sooner than expected," Tsunade said to Temari.

"I was a bit faster getting here… I want to get back home as soon as possible," Temari responded as she handed the scroll Gaara had given her to the Godaime Hokage. She didn't sit down but remained standing, waiting to hear what the woman had to say.

Gaara didn't tell her anything, Tsunade realized. He hadn't told her that Naruto was back in the village and that she was simply being sent to see him to see if something would click as it did before. She smiled. Perhaps it was better that way. "I won't keep you for long. You can leave any time you want but there is someone who I think you'd want to see before leaving."

Temari was curious. "Who?"

"Naruto…"

Temari stared at the Godaime Hokage for a long moment. Naruto was back in the village? Temari was surprised. She wasn't expecting this to happen. She certainly thought he had yet to return. Gaara hadn't said anything, but surely he knew that Naruto had returned and certainly kept it from her. Was this some ploy to get her to meet the blond? It was something else though. She could question but she was a little excited that Naruto was back. She would nevertheless demand answers from Gaara when she goes back.

"When did he return?"

"About two weeks ago," Tsunade said. "He is currently at his apartment. I can get someone to show you."

Temari smiled. "That is fine," she said.

There was a sign of danger; a demon inside. It was a horrible. Temari felt sick seeing the sign. Someone had obviously put it there. These people had no shame, didn't they? She felt like ripping it off in anger but she did not. It was a huge struggle but she managed to reign on her emotions. Sickened and mad as she was, she managed to calm her feelings. It was still a cruel joke though. How do you put something like this on someone's door? Did Naruto see this thing every day when he opens and closes the door? What was he feeling? What did he think about this? Temari couldn't put herself in his shoes. She could not.

She steeled herself and chose to knock on the side of the door where the sign did not touch. She knocked twice, there was no immediate answer. But Tsunade had told her that Naruto was home. He was in this hell hole of an apartment. How do you even put the son of the man who you hail as your greatest Hokage in a place like this?

Temari shook her head. She was allowing her emotions to run wild. But it just could not be helped. She could understand things with Gaara. But not with Naruto. He had looked so lively when he visited the Sand. He was a happy person. But it was no wonder he never talked about Konoha unless you brought it up. Even if the outside world was filled with strangers, he must have felt that it was better than being in a place like this.

When the door slowly opened, Temari's heart skipped a beat. She had known she was coming to see Naruto. But it has been months of complex emotions and troubling questions. But now that she was standing here on his door, slowly opening, she felt unsure.

When the door fully opened, he was standing there with a blank look on his face. Upon recognizing her, it slowly changed into a smile. Temari had counted the seconds that went by when his smile took place.

"Hey…" Temari greeted a bit awkwardly.

Naruto tilted his head to the side, still smiling. He was honestly surprised to see her here. This was his den. He wasn't even expecting to see her in Konoha during his short stay. But she was here and he couldn't disappear into thin air. It was perhaps either Tsunade or Gaara who made it possible for her to make the trip to the village – a set up with some political intentions that neither would openly admit even when asked.

"Temari…" Naruto said. "That awkwardness… this isn't the first time you are seeing me… I am not like a lover you finally found after years of searching…" he paused. "Or am I?"

Temari smiled. She was now at ease. Just those simple words from him and her heart was beating calmly. She missed this kind of person. "In your dreams," She said a bit sharply.

Naruto put on a hurt look. "Now that is sad…" he said with disappointment. "I was thinking that perhaps when you heard I'd returned, you ran all the way just to see dear ol' me…" he finished with a wide smile.

Temari snorted. "Yeah right…" she said. "But at least it would show I didn't forget about you. You certainly seem to have forgotten…"

"How could I?" Naruto said shaking his head. "There have just been issues to handle. I have got limited time…"

There was a bit of seriousness in his tone. It was curious. It made Temari pause just to study his expression. But she got nothing and so she brushed her thoughts to the side. "Are you going to let me in?" She asked.

Naruto blinked. "I forgot… I don't get visitors…" he said stepping out of the way for Temari to enter. "You must close your eyes; it is rather messy inside…"

"I doubt that…" Temari said. She didn't move deeper as she waited to hear the sound of the door closing. Naruto walked up to her and led her to the neat sitting room. She looked around; he said it was messy, but it was not. The place was well kept. It was small, but still nice. The door to the bedroom was slightly open, her eyes narrowed as she tried to peek inside.

"I can give you a tour if you like," Naruto said with a smile, seeing Temari's eyes.

Realizing she'd been caught getting too curious, Temari shut her thoughts for a moment before responding. "No thanks," she said. "So, this is your place…" she simply said that because she didn't know what else to say to him. She had thought she would have many things to say after he abandoned her but now that he was before her, she really didn't know what she could say to him.

Naruto nodded his head but didn't say anything. Not until he was done studying the blonde. "This is my place… want to move in with me? As you can see, I live alone… it can get rather lonely here…" he said with a smile, arms open wide, inviting the woman.

"It feels like you are inviting me to your arms…" Temari said. She still smiled slightly. "That sign on the door…" she really couldn't get it off her head.

"Oh, that danger sign," Naruto responded in thought. "It was put when I was five, I think. For as long as I have lived in here, it has always been there. I never really bothered taking it out. Perhaps I keep it for sentimental value. It reminds me of where I come from… things like that…"

Temari smiled sadly. "You really had it rough, huh?" She said. "Would you have a problem sharing it with me? Your past I mean…"

The Following Day

Naruto was strolling through the Hokage Tower, hands inside his pockets – the Fifth Hokage wanted to see him. He could make a few guesses on why she wanted to see him, but he wasn't going to think too hard about it. Nothing much of what was going to happen while he was in the Hidden Leaf would have much of relevance anyway. But being carless wouldn't win him any awards and would certainly make the coming days a bit difficult. He wasn't doing anything; life was at ease. He was content with this as it gave him much time to plan things ahead of time. He could also fool around, perhaps now that the situation allowed him to do so.

Nevertheless, nothing stupid had to be done. He didn't want to risk things. Sasuke's return in the village was unexpected but it really didn't change anything. But he was a bit concerned by what Danzo would be doing. He had to keep an eye on things before the man does troubling things. Naruto certainly didn't want a situation where he had to fight the war hawk. He didn't want any trouble with anyone. If things remained the way they are now, he wouldn't complain about anything – he would die with a blast and a huge smile on his lips.

Naruto's footsteps came to a halt when he saw someone coming along the way. He smiled at the woman – Konoha's genjutsu master, Kurenai Yuhi; a rather delightful woman with mesmerizing eyes. Maybe Jiraiya was right when he said that he liked older women. Either way, what was beautiful could not be ignored. Perhaps the maturity of the older generation was what attracted him. The younger ones were certainly immature at times. But he had big dreams that not even Konoha could contain.

He shook his head slightly as he eyes stared at the woman with life in them. "Kurenai sensei," he started a bit happily, a charming smile on his lips.

That smile – it wasn't a normal smile. It wasn't smile that he gave everyone. Kurenai didn't need to ask. She didn't need to guess anything. Her instincts told her as much. But she couldn't help but smile in return. There wasn't much difference from the boy she had seen months ago at Tanzaku. "Naruto," she said. There was nothing else to say, she wasn't familiar with him.

"You have a unique frame that really compels one's eyes to stare at you," Naruto said in a quiet tone. "You should have been my sensei. Perhaps it isn't too late. You could teach me a couple of things…" the words slipped out smoothly.

Kurenai blinked –she was caught off-guard by his words. She was certainly not expecting him to say something like that. He hadn't said much last time around but just smiled at her. He wasn't looking at her like a pervert. Those were the eyes that just admired her. If there was a hint of perverted thoughts, she would have smacked him – she had no time to waste for perverted brats. He wasn't much of a brat was he? He was all grown; a handsome young man and he had a beautiful smile.

Perhaps Anko wasn't exaggerating when she said he was a charming young man. "Umm, thank you," she said. "I don't think there is anything I can teach you. You did train under a Sannin and one of Konoha's finest shinobi…"

Naruto tilted his head to the side and raised his index finger before wagging it slowly in front of his face. "There are some things that not even Jiraiya can teach. Only you can do it better…" he said.

"What?" Kurenai's response came a bit quickly than she would have liked.

Naruto just smiled, "Genjutsu," he said. "I hear you used to rival even a famed genjutsu user such as Itachi. No one matches your skills in genjutsu in this village, no? I have travelled to many lands, been to almost all of the Great Nations and I haven't come across anyone who is said to be a better genjutsu user than you. So, yes, in that department, you are better than Jiraiya and you can teach me."

Kurenai looked thoughtful for a moment. None of her students really knew her skills to be able to use them. She hadn't been thinking of training anyone in genjutsu. "Genjutsu is really difficult and only those with high levels of concentration and perfect chakra co-" the finger that had been moving in front of Naruto's face was on her lips. Kurenai took a step back.

Naruto looked amused for a moment but held up both his hands. "If I make time, you can tell me all that in a training ground, Kurenai sensei…" he said before walking past the genjutsu mistress. Kurenai twirled around to stare at the blond with a blank expression on her face. What had just happened, she wondered.

Naruto shook his head after walking past the genjutsu mistress. He wasn't going to actually go to her to train. Perhaps if he had time in the village; then he would learn from her just to get closer to her. He really shouldn't be doing this when Temari was in the village though. She was going to smack her fan on his forehead if she found out he behaved in the same way he did when he was with other people.

Well, it was no matter.

Tsunade wasn't alone in the office – she had the delightful Shizune with her. Naruto smiled towards the woman before turning to the Godaime Hokage. "You wished to see me, Ba-chan," he said before making himself comfortable on the chair in front of the Godaime's desk.

Tsunade stared for a moment before shaking her head. She wanted to be mad at him calling her an old hag, but there were more important matters to deal with than that. Jiraiya wouldn't be leaving soon, so they had things to do discuss before he even leaves the village. Naruto would have to take a role as another Uzumaki who was very much in the picture. "We have to discuss important things. I understand you didn't want to do anything with regards to Uzushio, but we don't have that luxury anymore."

Naruto raised an eye brow; there was definitely something that happened. Last time the Uzushio issue had been resolved. Perhaps not forming any ideas when he came here had been a good idea. This way, he was expecting anything and he didn't show his surprise. If she was saying that he no longer had the luxury to decide against stepping into the fray, it just meant that she was going to force him to do things he didn't want to do. Jiraiya must have returned with a worrying message from Amegakure. He knew the perverted Sannin had returned to the village but hadn't bothered trying to seek him out.

If something had indeed happened in Amegakure that has made these people worried, it would naturally complicate things. But it was best since he was on the side. He could do damage control. He was very much curious about what had brought this change though. He wanted to do know what Jiraiya came back from Ame with… Sasuke had nothing to do with this. Yes, the Uchiha was irrelevant in the picture.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Naruto asked carefully, he managed to sound a little indifferent as he spoke. "I was certain that we had already resolved this issue." He said.

Tsunade nodded her head. "We had but Jiraiya came back with troubling information. We can no longer ignore whatever it is that your clan is planning to do. We have to know. If there is trouble brewing, we have to be ready for it. If they want to start another war, we will have to try to talk them out of it. But it doesn't appear that they will listen to us. You are one of them; you should be able to get through to them."

"What makes you think that my words would have much power to do anything?"

Tsunade shrugged a bit carelessly. "Like I said, you are one of them. This is another approach that we are trying. We don't want to forceful about things but we want to know everything. Jiraiya thinks that Ame and Uzushio are connected and he is concerned about Nagato's actions as well as the former village's intentions – which have remained curious even now. If they refuse to even tell you anything, Jiraiya can use any means."

Naruto was silent, thinking. Ah, so things have come to this. Well, it was to be expected of Jiraiya to have thought this much. Perhaps it was the prophecy from the Toads that made him conclude that Amegakure and Uzushio were connected. There was still no proof of it however. If the Toad Sage ends up forcing things with the Whirlpools, it was going to be a bit troublesome. There would have to be something prepared for that case.

"So you are concerned about Uzushio's intentions," Naruto said calmly. "Well that is to be expected…" he finished in thought.

Tsunade stared at Naruto with a hardened gaze. She studied his body language and expression to see if she could get something – there was nothing. She couldn't even guess what was on his mind. She couldn't tell if he was wearing a mask or not. He was just there before her, completely looking like he had no thoughts inside of his head. It was frustrating and frightening.

"I'm saying that if things end up going in another direction, you won't be allowed to fight for your clan Naruto. I know I had said that if your clan is attacked, I would allow you to defend them even if Konoha wouldn't be able to do anything. However, things have changed. If Uzushio provokes a reaction from any other Great Nation, you can't do anything. Konoha will not lose you either."

The message was very clear to Naruto. They wouldn't allow him to leave, even if he was quitting being a shinobi of Konoha. They would be willing to tie him down just to ensure that he didn't go anywhere – troublesome people. But he had known that Konoha would never let go of Uzumaki Naruto, not the Kyubi's Jinchuriki. He had accounted for everything. "Well, I am still a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, I must do as ordered."

Tsunade frowned deeply. She hated the indifference in his tone. She hated his lack of emotion in her words. He was supposed to be mad, but he was not. Perhaps he was, she just couldn't tell. His expression hadn't even changed much after she told him the hard truth. The only thing that came was a thoughtful look and then the indifference. "This is a serious matter, Naruto. I want to know, do you love your clan?"

"Of course I do," Naruto responded calmly. "Uzumaki was the only thing I had when growing up. People from this village called me the Kyubi brat and everything else that made me look like a demon. Uzumaki gave me an identity; I was able to escape the miserable existence that I had been forced to live in this village because the old man told me about the clan and my mother. So without a shred of doubt, I do love my clan."

"Then why are you still here, Naruto? Why have you not gone to Uzushiogakure? Why have you not expressed any desire to leave the village to join your home?" Tsunade demanded from Naruto in a stern tone.

"If I had said those words, what do you think would have happened?" Naruto asked in a calm tone. "You would have never allowed me to leave for the training trip. I would have a squad of Anbu watching over me day and night. I really can't have that, Tsunade-sama. It is already frustrating that I had people watching me when I was younger, I don't need the look of suspicion to having my every movement analyzed and questioned."

Tsunade stared at him; she was happy he had finally said it. He had admitted he did love his clan. So, now there was a clear motive. "If you had to choose between Konoha and the Whirlpools, what would you choose?"

"That is a tricky question and no answer will satisfy you," Naruto responded with a shrug. "If I tell you that I would choose Konoha, you'd question things and always look at me with suspicion because perhaps it wouldn't make sense. If I choose Uzushio, you are never going to allow me to leave this village, even for a mission."

"Even as things are now, you can't leave the village," Tsunade said in a hardened tone. "There will always be suspicion but I still need you to answer my question."

"I refuse to answer trick questions," Naruto said calmly. "You have all the answers you need. My words mean nothing."

Tsunade shook her head. "I care for you, Naruto. I want your word, because I want to trust you. It is important that you tell me your thoughts regarding this matter."

"My thoughts are irrelevant and whether you care for me or not really doesn't matter. If it comes down to it, when you have to choose, this village you lead will always take the first position. That is your duty as Hokage. It might sound cold, but it is the truth and I have accepted it," Naruto said. "I told you I love my clan but if Uzushio attracts trouble, Konoha will not help and I will not be allowed to do anything. I have heard you. I don't need to comment."

Silence greeted his words. The slug princess was silent for a long minute. She wondered if she had done things correctly. Perhaps not, but she still had to do what was best for both Naruto and Konoha. Uzu didn't come into factor when dealing with these things. "I really hope you don't come to hate me for this, Naruto." Tsunade said in a quiet tone.

"There is really nothing for you to worry about," Naruto said with a wave of his right hand.

Tsunade shook her head. She had a sad smile on her lips. "When we first discussed this, I was trying to remain hopeful, thinking that perhaps Uzushio didn't have bad intentions. But if they do, we can't associate ourselves with them…" she sighed, and kept her sad smile. "I really hope you understand my position," she said.

Naruto nodded his head. "I understand," he said.

Tsunade welcomed those words, but she still wanted him to say some angry words. Now that she thought about it, had she ever seen him angry? He was always calm through anything. His mask never faltered and he never gave anything away. She frowned at those thoughts. She shook her head and thought of something else; there was nothing. "That is all I wanted to talk to you about," she said.

About two hours later

Sasuke was surrounded by a handful of corpses from Danzo's Ne forces. He had waited until Danzo was gone from the hideout before sneaking into the place to set the alarm. They were weak shinobi who couldn't do much to him. He had cut through them without wasting time. The power of the Mangekyo Sharingan was just something else. He was enjoying using the eyes that his brother allowed him to gain. This was the kind of power that snakes like Orochimaru thought they could gain for themselves. Pitiful and they were not even Uchiha.

He was currently waiting for Danzo, knowing that the war hawk would make an appearance any time soon. He had let one slip past him to call forth the master. He wanted to show Danzo that he wasn't afraid of him. He wouldn't do anything quickly. He would allow things to go smoothly and enough to force Danzo to make a hasty decision that would leave him in a troublesome situation.

If Danzo attempted to attack him, Sasuke wouldn't mind turning his weapons towards the war hawk. Anything troubling would likely cause the attention of the village's Anbu to turn to this place. Sasuke wasn't afraid of it.

Sasuke activated the rib cage part of his Susano as he sensed Danzo's presence behind him. He turned around to face the cripple with a cold look on his face. "I have been waiting for you, Danzo."

Danzo was incensed, he was furious; he wanted to snap the neck of the Uchiha at this moment. This was unacceptable. He could not accept this. Many of his forces were down. Judging from the numbers, the Uchiha had cut down nearly three quarters of his men. It was a disaster. He wouldn't have any men to do his work now. If he had the Kyubi in his possession, it wouldn't matter, but he didn't have the Kyubi and Sasuke was killing his people. It was unacceptable. Tsunade was even making things difficult for him on the other side. Nothing was going according to plan.

The war hawk couldn't resist glaring at those cursed eyes. He had already known that Sasuke had the Mangekyo Sharingan. But he didn't want to fight him here. He could win in a fight against Sasuke but it couldn't be in the village when there was the danger of the battle being discovered by someone else. It would be disastrous if he unlocked his secrets and Tsunade showed up with her Anbu. With Jiraiya even on his case and still in the village, it would certainly be the end of him.

Still, he hadn't thought that the Uchiha would go this far though. This was a desperate time. He had to get the Uchiha out of the village and into a corner so that he can do the dirty work himself. If he was successful, he would end up gaining control of the Uchiha using Shisui's eye.

"You have gone too far, Sasuke." Danzo stated in a cold tone. "I'd dismissed your intentions and didn't think you'd do this, but it is apparent that I was wrong…"

"If you have a problem, you are free to attack me, Danzo." Sasuke responded with his hands held out wide. For a good reason, he was almost certain that the man would not be too keen to fight him and not because he was thinking that he couldn't defeat him but because there were other ways he thought he could handle the situation.

Danzo frowned. "I don't want to end up killing such a valuable asset for Konoha when there is a war that is coming. You could prove to be a decisive matter in the coming battles…" Danzo said calmly. Certainly, even if Kumo and Iwagakure attacked Konoha, he would have the Uchiha manipulate all their Jinchuriki with his sharingan. In return, he would be in possession of four Jinchurikis, the Kyubi excluded.

Konoha would destroy both Kumo and Iwa and he would take their Bijuus and seal them into his own people he could trust. He certainly couldn't keep the Jinchurikis who were under the control of someone else, even if he was in control of that person. But those plans were being threatened. If he had to choose between himself and Sasuke, the Uchiha would have to die. It was very simple.

"You sound certain that there is a war coming," Sasuke said. "Are you planning on making one happen?"

"I don't have to do anything to make a war happen. Uzushiogakure just has to continue existing and a war will happen. I am quite certain that their plans are not pure either," Danzo responded calmly. "You should cease with these actions because they only threaten Konoha's safety. Kumo and Iwa could both be attacking us in the direction Tsunade is taking us…"

"Your shinobi are worthless…" Sasuke said with a shrug. "They can't win Konoha any battle except for doing treacherous things. I think it is much better for Konoha if are not alive when there is a war…" he said.

"You have already mentioned this," Danzo said. He looked around. At least the Uchiha wasn't going to attack him. It was good. It would give him the chance to move things in motion. He certainly couldn't allow this brat to do as he pleases while he just watches. "Does Tsunade know about this? I'm quite certain she wouldn't be pleased if she knew…"

Sasuke smirked. "What makes you think she doesn't know?" He asked calmly. "With everything that you have done, do you think she would be happy having you behind her when going to war? There is no guarantee that you wouldn't try to kill her to take the Hokage seat for yourself. And about that, as long as I am in this village, you can continue dreaming about being Hokage, but you won't get it."

After saying those words, Sasuke walked towards Danzo. He halted a couple of feet away and watched the war hawk respond. "I see, you have thought through things."

Sasuke snorted. Did this fool think that he would just attack him without tying loose ends? He wasn't known for being stupid. Perhaps he did allow his emotions to get the best of him but this was his revenge, he would get it without interruptions and he wouldn't do anything stupid to mess it up. "The next time we meet, it shall be your end. You can start preparing for your death," after saying that, the Susano dispersed and Sasuke blurred away.

Danzo stood motionlessly for a couple of moments while thinking about what to do. He certainly couldn't allow Iwa or Kumo to focus on Konoha now. He wasn't ready for that battle. And as things look now, he would have to make a haste departure from the village. "Fuu," Danzo called out.

"Hai, Danzo-sama," the man kneeled before his master.

"Get me those two Iwa people," he ordered sternly. Desperate times calls for desperate measures. He couldn't do things any other way now. Besides, this was the only way he was ever going to get Kumo and Iwagakure to focus on each other rather than have them turn on the Leaf.

"Right away, Danzo-sama," Fuu responded before going away.

Minutes later, Fuu returned with two shinobi from Iwagakure. He had already used Shisui's eye on them. He just had to release them to do what they had to do. Naturally, they wouldn't be able to say anything about him. "You two will assassinate the Yondaime Raikage. You will rendezvous with someone once you reach the cloud. They will show you the way. Iwagakure needs this to be done quickly."

"Hai…"

"Lead them out, Fuu…" Danzo said. "We don't want them getting caught."

Fuu nodded and did as asked.

"Do you think they will succeed, Danzo-sama?" Inoe asked.

Danzo shook his head; they were weak. They couldn't kill someone as powerful as A. but then again, you didn't need to be all that powerful to assassinate someone. You just had to be perfect in the art and you would get your target man. "It doesn't matter if they succeed or not. What we want done is to have Kumo and Iwagakure fighting each other."

Naruto clapped his hands together, appearing out of nowhere. "Bravo, Danzo," he said with a smile. "In this way, Kumo and Iwagakure get to fight it all out while you rest easy and prepare things on your part. It will be difficult for the Raikage to believe anything from Onoki because they are indeed Iwa shinobi. Onoki might deny it but the fact is that his shinobi would have tried to kill the Raikage. Bravo… brilliantly done. It is also unlikely that Kumo and Iwa will even fight to fight each other but trusting each other will also be difficult."

After saying that, Naruto turned into a cloud of smoke.

"Kage Bunshin," Danzo said with a frown.

"Should we go after him?" Inoe said.

Danzo shook his head. "He isn't going to do anything about it. But this simply confirms that he cannot be trusted. It works both ways anyway. If Kumo and Iwa are busy fighting each other, they won't have time to focus on Uzushio. This does clear the way for us to move without interruption." The war hawk said. "Prepare for our departure. Burn everything that needs to be burnt. We will step away from Konoha for a while."

Naruto could only shake his head after taking in the memories of his clone. Danzo was truly a crafty old man. He knew what had to be done and what he had to do. It was also filled with the thirst for survival and his fanatical love for Konoha. Naruto would not say anything to anyone. Not even to Tsunade or Jiraiya. Of course, if they knew, they would most likely take action against the war hawk. They wouldn't openly admit to any of the Hidden Villages that it was one of their shinobi who plotted the madness. It would only invite Iwa's wrath and Kumo's anger. Certainly, the Hidden Cloud would take advantage of the situation and make absurd demands.

It wouldn't even surprise Naruto if the Raikage demanded that he be given the Kyubi's Jinchuriki or else he goes to war. Iwa would certainly try to stop that. They wouldn't want the Cloud to gain another Jinchuriki. But it was unlikely that the villages would fight. Either way, Konoha would be in a difficult spot if Tsunade admitted to Danzo's plot. Well, that was what you get for keeping a mad man like him in your corner. He was always going to do something. Naruto wasn't concerned. It worked well for him after all.

Sasuke's boldness in attacking Danzo was a little surprising but Naruto wasn't going to say anything to the Uchiha. He had played the ignorant part for a bit too long now. Perhaps it was good that the Uchiha had someone to take his anger out on. It might have proved to be something else if he didn't have someone to blame for the Uchiha Massacre. Well, Naruto was happy either way. He wouldn't even need to do anything to get the conclusion he likes. He didn't even need to say anything but just watch the play unfold. That was something else.

Naruto looked up for a moment. It was still noon but very soon, the sun would walk away. Time often moved quickly when there was a lot to do. Then again, humans were always fighting about time. The time was limited, so they had to use it wisely.

He stood up from the Hokage Monument and then jumped down, watching the faces of the past Kages and the present one – all five of them. No thought went through his mind until he landed on the ground gracefully and then began to dive into the streets of the Hidden Leaf.

The air was still contaminated with the hatred and contempt. Perhaps it was just his mind that was playing tricks on him. He could certainly walk around the village and there would be no one staring at him with contempt. Some tried to ignore his presence while some just watched. Naruto never really bothered to think deeply about it. He didn't like the people who have done nothing but torment him after all. Admittedly, he was now able to walk a bit freely. But he still held past deep within his heart. He had not forgotten and he would not forget.

Naruto made his way towards Temari's hotel room. The blonde was staying for a while but she would be leaving soon. With everything happening around the village, it was best that she leave soon and with capable shinobi to guard her. Danzo would certainly try to do something to her if he felt that he didn't have much of a choice in the matter.

Upon arrival, Naruto knocked at the door and the older blonde opened the door. When she noticed it was him, she smiled and welcomed in into the place.

Naruto stepped in silently and waited for Temari to close the door behind her. When he didn't hear her footsteps after hearing the door close, Naruto turned around to face the woman – she was leaning against the door. He smiled.

"Nervous, dear?" He asked.

Temari breathed in and out before meeting Naruto's gaze. He had that small smile of his. He had told her things about his past. His experiences in this village. She felt like she knew him better now. Shaking her head, Temari responded quietly. "A little," she said.

Naruto studied her expression for a moment before responding. "This isn't the first time we are alone together…" he said.

"Maybe…" Temari shrugged indifferently as she stepped away from the door. She walked past him went on to settle on the couch. "I wasn't expecting to see you…" she said, her eyes watching him carefully as he beside her, directly facing her.

Naruto shrugged. "Our time together isn't that bad…" he said. "I like it…"

Temari smiled. "I didn't think you'd admit that to me…" she said. He'd always close the door whenever things tried to get personal. Perhaps she shouldn't be surprised anymore since he had willingly told her of his story – a truly sad story but what could she do other than smile and hope that things would be well?

Well, there was the idea that she could speak to Gaara and try to think of something. She wouldn't think of trying to take him out of Hidden Leaf. Tsunade would certainly be mad at them. He had saved her brother and she really did enjoy his presence. She liked him. And she wanted to do something for him that would make sure that his life was going well. Yet, she really didn't know what she could do.

"Why wouldn't I?" Naruto asked.

Temari shook her head, and didn't answer his question. "Do you like it better than those nights in the bar? I'm certain you haven't stopped with those tendencies of yours…" she said with a stare.

Naruto was amused. "Hey, you don't know how it feels like when you are in that place. Besides, it makes me envious of how other people can be careless…and when I want to get lucky, I always go there…" he said with a wink.

Temari shook her head but she still smiled. "I knew you were a pervert. You go there for the ladies…" she said.

Naruto shook his head. "I already told you I don't…" he said. "But even if I do enjoy the atmosphere there, I really would prefer being with you. The peace that comes with being with your is honestly refreshing…"

Temari stared at him. "I find that hard to believe," she said in a hardened tone.

"You're mad that I just left you that day, isn't it?" Naruto asked. "And I didn't say anything to you afterwards. I didn't even write to you…"

"Of course I am disappointed…" Temari said. She had still kept that message he wrote for her. She had kept it and would mostly keep it forever. It was her precious message. She treasured it. It had been the only thing tangible she could hold and think of him.

Those thoughts were ridiculous. When did things even come to this point? She hadn't thought that her emotions would drive her this much. But it could not be helped. It didn't even help with anyone now that she was thinking that her brother was trying to set her up with this person. It appears that Tsunade was on it as well. Perhaps for the latter it was for political reasons. But for her brother, it was definitely because he believed that Naruto could be good for her. She was honestly going to have a long talk with her brother about this matter.

Naruto smiled at her before he shifted his gaze away from her. "I was actually trying not to get too close to you. You know, I have my issues but when the heart is willing it is willing you really can't stop it."

Temari was silent. She wasn't expecting those words. Perhaps it was her confusion but she didn't understand them either. "What?"

Naruto turned towards her, his smile was small but it was the most warming thing that Temari had ever seen. It made her heart race and she held her hands together. "I really think I like you." He said.

Temari stared at him. Her cheeks were painted by a shade of pink. She was flustered. Her confidence in speaking to him now gone. He just sounded so earnest it touched her. It made her feel warm inside. Who has ever told her such words with such honesty? And has her ever felt so excited and happy?

Someone liked her and it was someone she too liked. But she didn't want to admit it. She couldn't. She didn't have confidence.

"What happened to all that bravado you had a moment ago when you were glaring me for abandoning you with just a note?" Naruto asked in an amused tone.

Temari glared at him and picked up a cushion. She flung it towards him. "Well forgive me for not being like you!" she exclaimed, her hands folded across her bust.

Naruto laughed. "You should get used to it already…" he said.

Perhaps this would come back to bite Temari more than it would to him. But Naruto truly hoped that she would understand. He hoped that she would not be hurt. He didn't want to do anything, but he couldn't help himself.

He suddenly stood up and took two steps towards Temari. Both his knees spread wide as he put her in between and hovered above her. He could feel her breath. She was nervous, not afraid. He could also hear the sound of her heartbeat. It was perhaps her first time being in this situation. It was of course a bit frightening.

She didn't say anything though.

He smiled

Naruto leaned closer and placed both his hands around her waist. She flinched slightly but he stopped moving and offered her a reassuring smile. He still didn't say a word to her. She seemed to relax under his smile. His hands slipped through her shirt. She was tense but her body felt warm, her skin was soft. He moved closer to her face. Her hands which had been on her bust melted to the side. Her eyes were staring at him with mixture emotions. But beneath all those emotions, there was the excitement.

She didn't hate him. She didn't want him to get off her. This wasn't wrong.

And so, he brushed his lips against hers for a second before his tongue slipped out. He licked her lips for a moment. They were soft. He captured her lips and slowly started to kiss her. He watched her eyes close. And he followed her. As the gentle kiss deepened, her felt her tension ease, her hands moving up behind him.

Naruto's hands slowly caressed the side of her chest as they moved up. They snaked between the clothing and touched her breasts. She stopped the kiss and broke away.

She looked flustered, her breathing a bit heavy. She was watching him. Her eyes were searching for something. She searched for a whole minute of silence.

"Don't do anything you don't want to do…" Naruto said in a whisper.

She nodded her head not once but twice. Naruto figured the first nod was in agreement with his words and the second was permission; the permission to continue. He smiled; he didn't want to force himself upon her. He didn't want to use other means to be united with her. She was perfect operating on her free will. He wanted her that way.

Naruto took off his shirt and moved away from Temari before helping her undress. He was sitting on her once more. She was truly flustered. Her hands pulled him closer. She was hugging him. There was enjoyable warmth. Perhaps she didn't want him to stare at her breasts.

Naruto licked Temari on the right side of her face while moving towards the mouth. Once more, he captured her lips. He did not devour her like a starved dog. He was gentle. And slowly her hold on him loosened.

While still kissing her, Naruto's hands moved towards her breasts. He gently captured them both. Soft round comforts. They made him excited. He stopped kissing her and let go of her right boob. His tongue played around her nipple for a moment before he sucked it.

Temari let loose of a low moan.

Naruto's right hand moved towards the space between Temari's thighs. When his fingers reached at the entrance, she tensed slightly. He whispered something for her to relax and she did.

And Naruto dies of happiness and the story ends.