Chapter 9: Conclusion and Unrest 1/2

Hello again! I know I said I wasn't going to post again until Sun/Mon… But an injury cut the skiing weekend short for me. Sooooo while my friends ski, I was writing.

First off, I want to thank everyone for all the positive feedback, as well as the critique and criticisms from last chapter. Both positives and negatives help me grow as a writer and help me view ideas from multiple perspectives. So again, thank you all!

This chapter will hopefully answer most of the questions from last chapters humongous shift in the story. We're back to the canon storyline and will most likely stay that way until the time skip… I can't make promises though. If I get another idea as I'm writing then we may shift again (But I can promise it won't be as insane as Naruto's possession by his dead grandmother who mind fucks everyone and commits mass murder within minutes.)

From this point on I'm going to try to show events from different POVs, but Kenta will still be main focus… Like 90%. But we open with Hiruzen in his office/the council chambers to start things off.

Finally, I did one of those poll things! Check it out in my profile! I want your guys' and gals' help deciding who Ami's Bae gunna be! Ok let's get to it!

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2 Days After Village Massacre

Hiruzen's POV

I rubbed my temples, trying to ease the dull ache that had been ever present since the astonishingly shocking events of two days prior. I have lived many, many years… and I can honestly say that what we witnessed at the Chunin exam preliminaries was beyond a shadow of a doubt the most farfetched and unbelievable event I've ever witnessed. Had I heard the story from another soul, I would laugh in their face and make sure they received the proper mental health treatment to help their poor soul. I would have said it were impossible, that no one can defy death, let alone commune with gods. But I was there. I lived it. It was very much real. I am still having trouble wrapping my head around everything we learned that day. From the shocking discovery of my old friend's betrayal and orchestration of Uzu's downfall, to the murders of hundreds of my villagers. While noble intentions roused the massacre, and I can't say I'm ungrateful for knowing that, for now at least, every single person residing in my village is 100% loyal. It was still murder.

Or was it? If everything Lady Korinna said was true, and I'm inclined to believe it was, then the deaths of so many was in fact a purge deemed necessary by a much higher power. Is that still considered murder, or do we see it as divine justice? Still so many unanswered questions. So much I do not know, yet gaining knowledge I wish I had never learned. A weight had been crushing me since learning the truth. My guilt in our greatest ally's destruction growing more by the day. Like a malignant tumor that could not simply be cut off, it festered. However, a small fire still burned in my old bones. To see justice enacted on behalf of those I failed most horribly was what kept me going these past two day. When I leave this world, it will only be after I can face Kushina and her clan and give them the peace of mind that their murdererer was brought to heel.

I let out a long, tired sigh. Reaching for my pipe I filled it with the most expensive tobacco at my disposal. Despite knowing the risk to my health the aromatic plant possessed, I'm convinced in my old age that quitting now would only kill me faster. I took a long drag and exhaled long and slow, trying to release some of the tension that seemed to never leave me.

A knock sounded at the heavy wooden door of my office. I took one more long drag, extinguished the embers, and stowed the pipe away.

"Enter!" I called.

Who walked through that door was the last person I had expected to see; at least until the council convened later in the evening.

Koharu Utatne was a woman I had known for as long as I can remember. I selected her as one of my two advisors upon my initial inauguration as the third hokage. I selected her, as well as my other genin teammate and childhood friend for their ability to not be intimidated by the title. They knew me as well as I knew them, and were the first to call me out on my shit, especially in my younger days. Koharu had always been the most logical of the three of us. She waited until she had all the facts before reaching a decision. She has always delivered sound advice when requested; she's also given advice when NOT requested. But I digress.

I smiled at the irritable elder "Koharu. A pleasant surprise. What can I do for you? How are you? How is Homura?" Homura had taken the news of Danzo's betrayal the hardest. While they had never been close as children, as they grew older their mindsets began to become more in sync. Though Homura had never been as extreme in his ideals as Danzo had, he still openly supported his less radical ideas. The fact that he was alive today at least gave me peace of mind that he was still loyal to me and Konoha. Upon viewing my memories that Inoichi and Inoko projected for all to witness at the council meeting following the massacre, his heart had betrayed him and he collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital where he's been in a coma since.

She gave me a thin-lipped smile. "I am well, thank you, Hiruzen. As well as can be expected at least considering all that has happened the last two days." She gave me 'the look' that all women seemed to possess when they knew who they were talking to wasn't being responsible. "Better than you at least it seems. You look like shit. Have you eaten today? Have you even slept?"

I gave a hollow chuckle. "Your concern for my health is welcome, Homura. I am taking care of myself as well as I can considering all that I've had to deal with. I can at least honestly tell you my appetite hasn't changed. I sleep when I can and when my mind lets me. Now, you didn't come for a friendly chit-chat. What do you have to tell me."

Doubt flashed in her eyes before she quickly smothered it. "I believe I've come across some even more troubling news."

My heart dropped. I really didn't need even more shit to deal with right now. The mountain of paperwork and meetings was already too much to keep up with. "I see. What is it?"

"More evidence that Danzo has manipulated events to fulfill whatever selfish desire he aimed for." She replied in a voice dripping with anger.

An icy hand gripped me heart, I may join Hamura at the hospital. "Show me what you found."

She gave a curt nod and handed me a scroll. "Do you recognize what this?"

I opened the scroll and skimmed the contents. I looked back at my nodded. "ANBU!" I called.

The 6 hidden ANBU revealed themselves and knelt before me. "Clear the room. One guard the door, the rest perimeter security. No one is to enter unless Konoha itself is under attack. Move." Like the elites they were, they scattered to their assigned position with no hesitation. I pressed a palm to the underside of my desk and let a small amount of chakra enter the seal that was carved there. A faint hum could be heard as the seals in the room activated. Silencing seals. No sound in, no sound out.

"This is the mission report I gave Itachi the night of 'The Uchiha Massacre. We both know what happened though. For whatever reason, Itachi ignored the mission details and instead of only taking out the targets detailed in the mission report, he killed all of them aside form his younger brother." I told her, attempting to keep the impatience out of my voice. I had much work to do and bringing up another of my past mistakes was something I wasn't in the mood for.

"As I suspected. Do you remember Itachi's request he made, Hiruzen" She asked, returning the returned scroll to her pouch.

"Request? What request? I have no idea what you're talking about!" I was getting very frustrated.

Her eyes bore into mine. "You are telling me, that you do not remember Itachi Uchiha kneeling before you, a mere hour before he murdered his clan, and asking you permission to at least let him spare Sasuke's life?"

My irritation vanished, a creeping sense of foreboding quickly replacing it, "I…" I searched my memories, hard. But the image she described was nowhere to be found. "I do not remember such a conversation."

"I do, Hiruzen. I do. As Hamura will no doubt remember as well when he wakes up. Once again I must ask you, do you recognize this?"

She offered a second scroll. I read the report, each line I read the sense of foreboding was quickly being replaced by sheer panic. "What is this?" I hissed.

"That, Hiruzen, is the mission report you handed to Itachi Uchiha that horrible night." She replied professionally. "The mission report ordering that Itachi murder every single person carrying the Uchiha name and blood. A mission report with you signature on it. The seal of authenticity was verified."

My mind shut down. I stared at Koharu for many moments. "How? Why? Where did you get that?"

"It is with luck that you ordered your ANBU to bring me all documents they found to me for sorting that were acquired raiding all of Danzo's bases. Fortunate for you and I both. For just mere hours before that scroll was brought to me I was visiting Homura. He was having fever dreams. Muttering about Danzo betraying you. Betraying Konoha. I didn't know what to make of it so I called in the resident expert, Inoichi."

I was at a loss for words, clearly there was no way for Hamura to be a traitor himself. So what could have happened? Koharu pushed on.

"Inoichi, after my hours and much digging found the memory. It was locked, tightly Hiruzen, by a powerful illusion. Inoichi theorized that being in a coma, the locked memory was able to be accessed by his subconscious. The fact that Danzo's betrayal was the reason for his heart attack, his mind seems to be solely focused on the man while his mind is shut down."

"What type of illusion would be powerful enough to block a memory of someone as powerful as Hamura? Nothing Danzo could have done should have been able to!" The fear was cracking through my exterior wall, I clamped it down, trying to stay in control.

"Hiruzen… It was…" Since her arrival, she truly looked fearful for once.

"Please Koharu, I must know."

"The illusion trapping Hamura's memories wasn't simply a prison Hiruzen. It suppressed and replaced that memory. It was placed on Hamura after he witnessed the same technique being placed… on you, Hiruzen. Danzo thought their goals were aligned, but Hamura couldn't betray you. So Danzo silenced him in the most perfect way. He replaced the memory of his betrayal with a memory that showed you agreeing without hesitation."

"Kaharu, please. Do not tell me-"

"Shisui Uchiha's death wasn't suicide Hiruzen. He was murdered in cold blood by a man we all considered a friend. He was murdered so his eye could be stolen and used for nefarious purposes. Hiruzen, you and Hamura have been under the influence of Danzo for who know's how long!" Her voice rose with each word until she was shouting at the end.

My blood ran cold. I had been compromised without even realizing it. How much had Danzo manipulated me? What had I done while under his control without even realizing it? For that was the most truly terrifying aspect of Shisui Uchiha's unique illusion technique. "Distinguished Heavenly Gods" wrapped you in it's embrace without you ever even knowing.

With the truly terrifying fear for my village gripping my chest, a certain clarity encapsulated my mind. "Koharu. We both need to work fast. We must find out what damage Danzo has done. Assemble a team of those you feel would be most ideal for this mission. Number's aren't an issue. Every single document that my name has graced must be tracked down and examined. Every single document ranging from one month prior to Shisui's death until today must be examined. Get a forensics team to analyze all the documents collected from Danzo's bases and look for patterns. We must right any wrongs Danzo manipulated me into committing. Can you do this for me, old friend?"

She rose from her chair, back straight and eyes filled with fire. "It will be done, Lord Hokage. My team and I will get to the bottom of this. Do not concern yourself with any part of this mission unless I feel the need to bring you in. I will take my leave now. I have much to do. Good day, Hiruzen." And with a small bow she gracefully left the room.

I sank deeply into my chair automatically reaching for the pipe. So many atrocities committed during my tenure. My sins continued to pile upon my weary soul. I prayed to the gods for anything, anything that would alleviate even a small pebble of the mountain resting upon my shoulders. A knock came once more. I pushed aside my failures for the moment and composed myself once more.

"Enter"

Jiraiya walked through the doors. A disgruntled look on his face. "Window was locked and guarded. You need to teach your ANBU some manners!"

I wasn't in the mood right now for my eccentric student. "Jiraiya, now is now the time for your foolishness. If you've simply come to catch up or check on me I assure I'm fine. The sooner we get this mess under control the sooner I can take a breath."

Jiraiya knowing not to push my buttons right now smiled. "I do have some news for you and something I think you want to see. Spent a few hour talking with Naruto. He's still a little shaken up. I had to reassure him no one is blaming him or thinking he planned for all of this. He swears he can't remember feeling anything different or strange a single time reading his grandmother's diary. He even told me Kyubi didn't even sense her spirit taking a ride. He gave me this, and told me to give it to you. He said you can keep it as long as you need, he just asks that you return it when you're done. I've done everything in my knowledge to check that it's nothing more than a diary. As far as I can tell, that's all it is now. Lady Korinna is no longer in there."

He tossed the small, leather bound book my way. I opened it and flipped through the pages noticing nothing out of the ordinary. "Thank you, Jiraiya. Anything else to report?"

He shook his head, "Nope. That's about it. Ease and unrest still fill the streets but your ninja are doing a remarkable job of keeping the general public from panicking too bad. They're been reassured that they are safe, the technique that was used isn't something that can be used more than once. Things are still crazy, but it's slowly coming back together. You learn anything new? You looked pale when I came in."

"I learned a lot, my boy. A lot. I will share the details with you another date. I want to read through this before the meeting tonight. If you will excuse me." He gave me a quick salute and made his way to the exit, I called out once more as his hand reached for the doorknob. "Oh and Jiraiya. Can you let the captain guarding the door know that he and his team may return to their posts? Also inform Mia that I am taking no visitors unless it's an emergency. Thank you, my boy." He nodded and swept out of the room.

I sighed, yet again. Feeling my age more in the last two days than I have in recent memory. I took out my pipe to actually enjoy this time, cracked open the diary and began to read the details. I learned many things from this small, unassuming book.

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Over the last four hours discussion and reports dominated the majority of our time. The room was more packed than usual. Every person of importance had joined for the meetings over the last few days along with the usual council. As Jiraiya had reported briefly, things were returning to normal slowly but surely. If there was one thing that helped ease my mind over the last two days, it was knowing how capable not only my shinobi were, but my citizens as well. The Will of Fire was shining the brightest it had in over a decade.

"Thank you, Councilman Shiro. Your efforts are appreciated. The last item on the agenda before my briefing is a report from our ANBU Commander. Go ahead, Bull." I informed the room.

Bull stepped forward and gave me a bow. "We just finished the preliminary report of the 653 killed two days ago. All victims were identified and all scrolls from the ashes collected. I have the report here." He briefed the room in his monotone voice, handing me the paper. My eyes quickly scanned the document. Next to each name was a symbol to categorize the deceased in some way. Before I could ask Bull continued.

"I have good news and bad news. Well, the good news is only good depending on your perception. Of the 653 killed, only 33 of them were home-grown traitors. That is the red circle on the document. The blue diamonds represent foreign agents in some type of capacity. We discovered 89 agents working within our walls in various types of espionage activities." He stopped there and stared at me, waiting for me to ask the question.

I looked down and noticed the vast, vast majority all had a black star next to their name. I was barely able to withhold the sigh that wanted to escape. I knew I was getting more shit piled on me.

"The Black Stars, commander. Who are they?"

He paused for a moment, having an internal debate. He straightened. "I regret to inform you Lord Hokage, that all those with a black star next to their name were all connected to the recently declared traitor, Danzo Shimura. Sleeper agents, spies, hidden operatives, you name it they were here." He finished with a hint of remorse.

Once again, I felt my blood run cold. 531 was the final number. 531 highly trained soldiers under the command of someone other than the Hokage. Just how far did this rabbit hole go? I looked up from the document to see the various emotions around the room. Fear, Uncertainty, Rage, every emotion under the sun.

"Thank you, Commander, for the expedited report. These are troubling numbers, but they are no longer a threat, and Danzo will be brought to Justice soon. We cannot dwell on the past, we can only move forward. I have a team lead by my Advisor Koharu examining all the documents found in his abandoned bases. She will get every scrap of detail on the traitor. We will not let this slight on our own soil go unpunished. For all the horrible deeds we've uncovered of the traitor, I at least have a little light to shed on all of you. I was given the diary of Korinna Uzumaki hours ago and I finished it just minutes before this meeting. Everything the spirit possessing young Naruto told us seems to be completely genuine. The seal work of the Uzumaki was truly a cut above what anyone else could even imagine. The ending of her tale in the diary should hearten us all. For she admitted that the terrifyingly devastating technique she used to instantly annihilate hundreds of people will never be used again by anyone. She admitted to destroying the singular scroll with the required knowledge to perform such a technique. She also gave the details on how exactly the technique is activated. I can honestly say even if she hadn't destroyed it, I don't know a single person alive that could. Knowledge of the sealing arts of Korinna's level coupled with the chakra requirements on par with the entirety of the One Tailed Tanuki are the bare minimum."

Excited murmuring broke out at my news. I let it go on for a few minutes, observing the visible tension leaving many of those in attendance. Once the quiet chatter began to naturally die out, I brought the room's attention back to me.

"She also regaled the reader with the exact purpose of the technique she employed. Some of you may think that this is irrelevant information since it's knowledge is lost to time, but I want to share it with you so that no one leaves here thinking that the Uzumaki designed a forbidden technique for the sole purpose of massacuring countless lives."

I paused and noticed that most eyes had been staring at me with open curiosity. This was good. "The technique is known simply as "Commune with Creation." When activated, it opens a link with the entities known as The Creators. You all know from the projection of my memories who they are according to Lady Korinna. Now, before I go further, she made note that this technique, whether it succeeded or failed, would destroy the user. Oh yes, she made it clear that this technique was not to be used unless absolutely necessary. For upon activation you sealed your fate. Once the channel was opened, The Creators would listen to your heart and see your greatest desire. They would then ask you for an offer. You must offer them something invaluable. Lady Korinna for instance pledged her eternal servitude in exchange for her wish to be granted. If they accepted, whatever it is you asked for would be granted. If they refused, the channel would be closed and you would have perished for nothing."

Shikaku raised his hand. "So according to this explanation, that technique could be used for anything? Fame, wealth, power. Bringing someone back to life. Anything?"

I nodded. "That is how she described it. However, what would you do with any of those things if you left the humanly plane within the second of receiving them? That is why the only two times it has been used were in desperate times to defend Uzu. Once by the creator who was then laid to rest with his technique that defiled the laws of the Universe. And once by Korrina. Well, twice now by Korinna I should amend."

"Why did she not use it to try and save her people then? Or bring back those that lost their lives due to the betrayal?" Inoichi spoke up.

"Ah, she covered that too. She debated that same question for many hours. Ultimately, she felt her greatest chance of success of The Creators accepting her offer would be with the discovery of who was responsible and then leaving the survivors the final task of getting justice for their ancestors."

Silence fell over the room. Everyone lost in their own thought. It was a few minutes before someone asked another question.

"The only question that keeps running through my mind is why? If these Creators are so powerful, why would they even bother to listen to a request from a mere human? It really makes zero sense to me. Are we sure that wasn't just some cover story to hide the fact that the Uzumaki were in possession of possibly the most dangerous technique to ever exist?" Young Kakashi asked. A question I'm sure was on everyone's mind in some form.

I thought about it for a moment. The diary had no answer for this one. "That is a question we may never actually know the answer to. Did she call to them in an exact moment they were bored? Do they pick and choose which requests to honor and which not to? Do they have a pattern? Every 10th request is honored? We don't know. I have a few theories. But the concrete answer will forever remain a mystery. Lady Korinna told me when enough people believe in a higher power, their faith is rewarded. When Lady Korinna called for the first time, she and her 200 men and women all wanted the same thing, discover who doomed them. Was that the key? It's plausible. But that wouldn't explain why they answered the call for our village. Was the collective desire of safety from our citizens interpreted to fulfil her wish? Who knows? It could also be she found the one offer they always accept. Maybe they're bound by their own laws, so only those that voluntarily submit to servitude can join them on their plane of existence? I cannot give a concrete answer, and I really wish I could. The only thing I can say for certain is that I believe in Korinna Uzumaki and her entire clan. They were a clan of loyalty, integrity, and honor. That is what I believe and it will be enough for this old man."

Words of agreement met my declaration. I glanced at the clock noticing the time.

"If no one has anymore questions, it has been a long day for all of us. We finish the preliminary rounds of the Chunin Exam tomorrow. We will continue to move forward. The sooner we get back to normal the sooner the fearful mood hanging over the village will disperse. Plus, I've always found watching a bunch of genin beat the absolute snot out of each other to be oddly relaxing."

Loud laughter rung through the council chamber. It may have been slightly forced, but it was a start. We would get through this and be stronger for it. I had faith in my people.

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Land of Rice Paddies – Unknown Location

Kabuto marched down the hallway, confident smirk in place. Those who knew who he was quickly made way for their Lord's Right Hand, those who didn't learned quickly. Though his cover was blown earlier than expected, it meant nothing at this point. He had gotten all the required information his master had requested and more. Oh, so much more. His Master would reward him above all others when he presented him with the gift that would grant him the power to rival the very god's themselves.

He stopped before the door in front of him. He hesitated momentarily. Though he had his Master's favor, it was still in your best interest to be prepared for anything. The wrong word said, the wrong facial expression shown, really anything that could set his master off could be the end of his existence. Steeling himself, he knocked sharply on the heavy oaken door.

"Enter" The cold voice of his master called. Kabuto wasted no time and opened the door and stepped into the office. "Ah, Kabuto. I was just reviewing the information you provided me. I must say, you've outdone yourself. Enough that I might almost forget your absolute failure on being discovered by a mere 13 year old." The glint of anger flitting in his snakelike eyes.

I bowed to my master. Defending failure of any kind was a quick way to end up 6ft under. "I underestimated the Yamanaka boy. Their clan have sharp minds, but none have been so bold nor quick to act on suspicions as young Kenta. I won't make the same mistake."

"See to it that you don't. I am not completely unreasonable. I do not expect my underlings to be perfect. For I too underestimated him. My reward was being injured for the first time in many years, and my plans being pushed back. Our plans continue the same as before. Misumi is dead and Yoroi was an insignificant pawn. Now, enough of this idle chit-chat. What did you wish to speak to me about?"

I bowed once more. "I didn't want to bring this to your attention until I had validated it's authenticity. I can assure you, this is the original document." I handed him an ancient text, yellowed slightly with age.

He opened the text and began to read. With every sentence his eyes began to widen further and further. By the end of the text, his eyes had ignited in a maniacal glee. "Where did you find this?" He asked excitedly.

"I'm glad my gift is to your liking, Lord Orochimaru. I found it right where it was left. Though the original document it I received the location from claims it was destroyed, it seems Lady Korinna's kin couldn't follow through with her dying request. My curiosity was piqued, and I just had to find out for myself if it was indeed gone. Imagine my surprise."

"I see, and how did you come by the document that led you to such a remarkable find?" Orochimaru asked, eyes still gazing at the document.

"Ah, that. A most lucky discovery I might add. During my observation of the Kyubi boy I spied him reading an old journal. When he left for training her sealed everything away except that journal. I took the opportunity to see what had piqued the interest of a boy notorious for being unable to read even a single piece of paper in the past. I must admit, his knowledge in sealing surpassed what I had heard. My paltry knowledge in the arts was barely enough to slip through his wardings."

"Very well done, Kabuto. Well done indeed. You've proven yourself my greatest asset, and your service will be rewarded. Though it pains me to admit your gift is of no use to me now, it one day will become my crowning jewel. Now leave me. You and I both have much to do and time is running short. My short term goal still stand. In a month's time, Konoha will burn!"

"Yes Lord Orochimaru, I will begin my preparations. By your leave." And the silver haired spy slipped out of the room as silent as a spectre.

Orochimaru sat in the dimly lit office. Eyes glued to the prize Kabuto had brought before him. He still couldn't trust the boy, but this much to earn his favor. No, Orochimaru never trusted anyone but himself. But Kabuto was a valuable tool. As long as he continued to show his worth, Orochimaru would keep him close.

He looked down at the ancient scroll once more and laughed. "Oh, Kabuto. A true gem. One day, this technique may finally give me the true path towards immortalitiy. 'Commune with Creation,' a true work of art. The Uzumaki truly were a terrifying breed."

The sounds of crazed laughter could be heard by all in the dank underground base. Anything capable of making their master sound that pleased was something the world should fear.

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Thee Days after Masacre

Back with Kenta – 0800

"Attention tower residents. We once again apologize for the delay. Without further delay, the rest of the preliminary matches will begin shortly. Contestants should report to the arena no later than 0900 today. Once again, the preliminary matches will begin at 0900 in the arena. Thank you and see you soon." The voice of Hayate finished over the tower intercom.

I smiled bright. Finally I'd get my chance! I jumped outta my bed. And ran to the door and yanked it open, Naruto was there with his first raised ready to knock. He smiled bright.

"Kenta! You all set?!" Naruto asked excitedly.

I returned Naruto's fistbump. "Hell yeah. Ready to quick ass and take names. Let's grab the girls and get a quick bite."