Senju's Heir


~~Konoha~~


Kakashi should have known Orochimaru would try it. He was naïve to have ever thought otherwise.

It made sense to him now, all those times Naruto often toyed with his opponents, a type of prepotence and arrogance -he couldn't blame him though, starting under Sasuke's shadow may have worsened things-. Those are traits often associated with snake summoners. Which is why it shouldn't have come as a surprise.

Orochimaru saw great potential in Naruto, like thousands before him. Except he actually did something about it. Which is even more reason to be worried. Because no ninja, let alone a Sannin, ever makes half-assed attempts to mark young talents. Especially when that young talent could be Naruto: the last naturally born Mokuton user.

However, Kakashi also knew Orochimaru's type. He was a sick bastard, absolutely, but no one could deny the man's genius. He was one of the strongest ninjas on the planet. Even he wouldn't stand a chance against him; Minato-sensei is the only one he could think of that could do it singlehandedly. Hence his worry, because geniuses tend to be eccentric. And Orochimaru is the most eccentric of them all.

He wouldn't put it past him to somehow try and "test" Naruto. Something that could only end in one of two ways...

...

Kakashi painted a straight line as he ran across the area between Konoha and the Forest of Death.

Fully aware HQ had been moved to the tower in the middle, he rushed to the -classified- entrance tunnel that led to said tower. Over gate 36, exactly half a click north, under the first tree. Reaching it, Kakashi had no time to be scrupulous, so he quickly lifted the headband over his special eye and spent seconds to find it.

Putting his hands on it, he 'accidentally' ripped the door from its hinges. Seeing several 'seal' tags on it, he slapped the thing back on to at least cover the entrance.

As he ignored the stairs and simply plummeted down, the Copy Ninja landed in a flawless, soundless thump at the bottom. Raising his one visible eye, he saw another door, this time guarded by an Anbu in a Bird Mask. He was a bit taken aback to see Gaara, a female Anbu and Hazuki, the Daimyō's daughter, arguing with the guard at the door.

"Ok ok..." Hazuki cleared her throat, and used her hands to convey words with dignity and class. "In the name of the Land of Fire, I-"

"Like I just said," the Anbu at the door interrupted, arms crossed over his chest. "Hokage-sama specifically ordered not to let anyone who didn't have orders or already know the situation taking place. Anyone includes you, Hime-sama."

"Uuf," Hazuki audibly grumbled in frustration. "There goes my pride..."

"Watch your tongue," the female Anbu behind Hazuki warned. "Do not let her age fool you. She's young, but she's the daughter of the man who helps pay for that armour on your chest, Bird. You know that as well as I do... Show a little respect."

"Believe me I'm showing nothing but respect," the bird Anbu reiterated. "If you were anybody else you'd be on the floor, and I would have a kunai to each of your throats. Nobody is supposed to know about this tunnel. Even I found out about it just recently."

Hazuki sighed, "For Kami's sake sir... all I want is to know the situation on Uzumaki Naruto. He's like my elder brother... I'm not trying to get state secrets out of you. After we confirm something we will leave, I give you my word."

The young Anbu in the mask didn't even flinch as the image of a dead blond, surrounded in a circle of dead leaves, flashed through his mind. "I'm not at liberty to say anything pertaining to Uzumaki Naruto..."

Gaara growled as the roars in his head started getting stronger. It was like a constant racking getting louder and louder as time passed, and there didn't seem to be a visible end to it. It was hard to even make a coherent thought. Hazuki seemed truly worried at the sight of Gaara holding his head again.

"Look," Hazuki once more started. "I know you people are hiding something, that much is obvious. Normally I wouldn't even bother. I respect your protocols and I'm not about to ask you to violate them on a whim. But..." she glared, something Gaara and her guard had never seen from Hazuki. "If you are hiding something "pertaining" to Uzumaki Naruto, I swear to whatever Gods you believe in that I will make your life a living hell..."

'Oh damn...' Kakashi quickly stepped in and dropped a hand on Gaara's head. Both of his Anbu colleagues stiffened once they noticed him. "Let's cool our tempers for a moment, shall we?"

"H-Hatake Kakashi-senpai," Bird stuttered, his demeanor instantly changing. "You're the Hatake Kakashi, r-right?

Gaara's eyes seemed a bit more focused as he stared up at his teacher, though only slightly. "Kakashi... sensei...?"

"There there..." Kakashi petted Gaara's head, the smile on his mask bright and reassuring. "Don't worry. We'll get to him. I promise."

"Kakashi-san...!" Hazuki squeaked, her bright red eyes lighting up. "I'm so happy to see you again! Naru-nii wasn't kidding when he said you were always late!"

"I was on a mission," Kakashi chuckled as he petted Hazuki's head like he did Gaara's. "I'm happy to see you too, Hime-sama." He scanned the surroundings and found nothing out of place, something that immediately worried him. "Where are the Anbu that usually escort you...? I'm a... bit concerned they aren't with you..."

Bird stiffened at the mention of Hazuki's personal guard.

"I don't know..." Hazuki cast a brief glance at the Anbu behind her. "I was told Hokage-sama called most of the ninja in the village... that includes the ones guarding me..."

...

Kakashi was worried now.

He turned back to the nervous Anbu guarding the door, his smile slowly dissipating. "Look, I know Orochimaru's in the forest, and I know we've lost all communication and surveillance. So tell me, Bird... what is the situation with Uzumaki Naruto?"

Bird swallowed hearing the man's hard, calculated tone. He truly started to fear for his life seeing the legendary Sharingan no Kakashi growing impatient with every second that passed. Never did he expect to meet the man, let alone tell him the unfortunate news about his student. It was not something he should do, nor was it his place.

Seeing Kakashi's one eye narrowing, Bird decided to do what he had to in order to avoid being another statistic to this man's record. "I... think you should speak to Hokage-sama about that, Hatake-san..."

Kakashi was a veteran, in literally every sense of the word. It's the reason he knew the masked man before him, a fellow Konoha Anbu, he reminded himself, was hiding something important. Realizing he wasn't going to get any more out of him, all he could do was smile.

"I see," he took a blushing Hazuki into his arms, and started on his way. The Anbu agent at the door instinctively opened the steel door for him. "Gaara, Yūgao-san," he left behind a gust of wind as he rushed through the tunnel at full speed. "Let's hurry."

Hazuki's eyes were sealed shut as Kakashi flashed forward. She had heard tales about the Copy Ninja's courage and power, about his Sharingan and the thousands of Jutsu he copied, but it was her first time seeing the whole package at work. It felt like being carried by a cloud, moving swiftly across the sky without anything in their way.

Shinobi were mysterious creatures...

She might not weigh much -or so she hoped-, but it was a clear disadvantage to be carrying her. Details are what affect Shinobi the most, or so Naruto used to tell her. She took a moment to look back and saw Gaara and her guard -by no means weaklings-, both struggling as they tried to keep up.

It was a jarring sight, because she could honestly say he was like no one she'd ever met before. As Naruto's teacher and mentor, it felt unfair that he had someone so technically gifted as a master. But it made sense. Kakashi used to be a student to the Yondaime himself, after all. Naruto's father, and the fastest Shinobi to ever live.

'Ara...?' Hazuki lifted her eyes feeling a slight shaking in one of Kakashi's arms. It couldn't possibly be fatigue already, so it had to be something else. She turned her head up and gasped seeing him, warm air filling her lungs. 'Kakashi-san... why do you look so nervous...?'


~~Command Center, Tower in the Forest, Arena~~


"Work, damn you..." Iruka fiddled with his radio, and tried, but failed to get it working. 'It hasn't worked since we sneaked in here...'

Iruka never thought he'd see the day where even the Academy teachers would be summoned; but he wasn't all that surprised.

He knew most Konoha ninja were making preparations for the finals of the Chūnin Exams, inviting foreign dignitaries and all that. Others were even promoting the event in other Great Villages. It was a very busy time and everyone was stacked, including he. The scale of the exams was quickly growing out of control.

There were even rumors this year's finals would be the most anticipated in the exam's history.

Many called this the "Senju and Uchiha" effect. It was the first time in history where two prodigies from the two most prominent clans in the world were expected to find each other.

The arena where the finals would be taking place was even due for renovations.

According to the Civilian Council and Tourist department, it was far too small for the amount of people anticipated. As far as Iruka was concerned, things were looking up for Konoha. Ever since the Kyūbi attack, many feared it would be the end of Konoha's growth. But things have changed for the better ever since Naruto's heritage came into the picture.

Team Seven was starting to grow popular all around the globe because of it. News of their exploits, including the victory on the bridge against the Demon of the Hidden Mist, was a common conversation topic all around the Land of Fire. Never had there been a team with an Uchiha and a Senju, and people were excited to see what more they would accomplish.

"Good evening, Iruka-sensei." Hayate walked his way to Iruka, a hand raised in greeting. "Is your radio working...? Mine hasn't since we got into that darn tunnel..."

Iruka turned to the man joining the line next to him, "Hayate-san! Good evening..." He smiled out of habit. "Yeah, mine isn't working either. I have a feeling they'll be explaining that though..."

Hayate nodded as he took his place next to Iruka. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yes..." Iruka agreed meekly. "Apparently all off-duty ninjas were called in as well." He took a look around the arena, which was nearly packed with Konoha Nin. "It's a bit intimidating to be among this many colleagues, isn't it...? The last time this many got together was when... Uh... well, you know..."

"Hai..." Hayate blew a few coughs into his fist and nodded in understanding. "It's been twelve years now, huh... About to be 13 in a few weeks..." He glanced at his friend from the corner of his eye. "How is he doing...?"

Iruka's smile grew; he knew he would ask. "You mean Naruto... Well, I haven't spoken to him in a bit. He's been away from the village recently. Training, I've been told. I'm certainly looking forward to his performance in the finals, since I doubt preliminaries will be necessary: A lot of talented ninjas this year."

Hayate turned to him, this time fully. "You expect him to reach the finals on his first try?"

Iruka smirked, "You don't?"

Hayate returned Iruka's smirk with one of his own. "It's funny, isn't it?" He continued seeing his comrade raise an eyebrow in confusion. "A few years ago, people didn't even want to glance in Naruto's direction... He was considered an outcast, a 'demon' and someone without any real worth. Now look at him. Suddenly everyone can't stop talking about him.

It makes you question whether society is really as fickle as their actions make them out to be... Now that he's a Senju in theory, Konoha embraces him like he's their long-lost son. I feel like it's a bit unfair to Naruto. He deserved better from the very beginning, not after he was declared to be Hashirama-sama's heir..."

Iruka didn't know what surprised him more. The truth behind Hayate's words, or that he didn't cough once throughout his observation. It made him question his own feelings about Naruto. True, back when he first met him, he couldn't stand the sight of him. Every time he looked at him it was like looking at the one who killed his parents.

Thankfully, Kakashi was the one to help him see he was wrong.

Now, he is proud to have helped forge such a promising ninja, even if his contributions could have been greater. "To be honest, I knew he was special the moment he stepped into my class... Whether that was good or bad special, I remember thinking... 'it's completely up to him'... I will always encourage him either way, because in the end, I know Naruto will do the right thing. That's just who he is..."

After appearing to have waged war with his own lungs in several violent coughing fits, Hayate smiled. "I've always admired that loyalty you have towards your students, Iruka-sensei..."

Iruka sheepishly scratched the back of his head, "Eheh... Thanks." He steadied his gaze forward feeling the commotion taking place around him. At the podium, in front of the big ram seal, he saw several Jōnin and the Hokage. "Hayate-san, does... does Hokage-sama look a bit... out of it to you...?"

"Hai..." Hayate evaluated the Hokage with a handkerchief over his lips, worry apparent even with his coughing. Hokage-sama looked like the type of man his girlfriend frequently told him were in Anbu. Last time he saw him like this was during the funeral after the Kyūbi attack. 'Hokage-sama looks as if... he's a different man...'

...

"..."

The arena didn't quiet down even as the Hokage opened his mouth to speak. Everyone in the room was aware of the man's strange demeanor, and many were arguing amongst each other about what could have gone wrong.

"Order, please."

The Jōnin behind the Hokage: Asuma, the Anbu Commander, Kurenai, Guy and several others, all looked amongst each other fearing for their leader's mental state. Asuma looked especially blank expression-wise, while Kurenai was having a hard time hiding her worry for the latter. Guy barely looked conscious, as if his thoughts were with someone else.

The voices started getting louder and louder, to the point that you could barely hear yourself think.

"ENOUGH."

...

The room was consumed in a deafening silence following the Kage's order.

Sarutobi clutched his hands behind him and grinded his teeth together. He avoided revealing his eyes from under his hat in an attempt to control his overflowing Killing Intent. He knew he was doing a poor job of it, because those on the first few rows were sweating, while others behind them shaking.

"Today..." Sarutobi stopped, struggling to find his usual, caring voice. "Today, Konoha was dealt a devastating blow..." He finally lifted his eyes, revealing them to be serene, like the calm before the storm. "As some of you may already know, Orochimaru of the Sannin infiltrated the Forest of Death today. The Anbu were immediately mobilized to begin a through sweep of the forest.

Unfortunately, due to the size and amount of agents we possess, we have yet to pinpoint his exact location. We have also lost all form of communication and surveillance within the forest. He has used some form of advanced Fūinjutsu to interfere with electrical signals in and around the entire 20 kilometer perimeter. We fear this may be Uzumaki Fūinjutsu..."

"20 kilometers...? Is that even possible on your own...?!"

"Oi oi... Uzumaki...? I thought their power was extinct..."

"I thought Fūinjutsu was extinct..."

"It is Orochimaru we're talkin' here..."

The room exploded with conversation and disbelief at the mention of Orochimaru once again in Konoha. It was a well known fact that the Sandaime and Orochimaru were student and master at some point. His betrayal was something none in Konoha would ever forget.

"However," he declared, the room wisely losing all sound again. "We have reason to believe Jiraiya and Tsunade are fighting him as we speak. As such, there is no doubt in my mind they will ever allow him to leave this forest alive... But in the case that he decides to run, I am going to need each and every one of you to lend me your power.

"I will need all of you to comb the forest and check on every Genin inside it. Inform them the exams will end for the day and resume first thing in the morning. After reaching the outskirts, hold your position and secure the perimeter. No one is allowed to enter or leave the forest afterwards. And most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, avoid the coordinates we will be handing out at all costs. It'll be dangerous if you do otherwise..."

The building shook as if on cue, followed by a distant explosion in the distance. Several swallowed feeling the vibrations continuing.

"You can imagine why I want you to avoid it..." Sarutobi removed his Hokage top in a gentle swoosh, handing it to an Anbu that appeared and disappeared. "Uzumaki Senju Naruto... is dead..."

Absolute silence, no one muttered a word...

Hayate turned to his friend, devastated hearing the news. "Iruka-san..."

Iruka felt several tears sprout in his eyes, "That... t-that can't be true..."

"Naruto... is dead...?"

"No, no way..."

"What of the Exams...? What do we do now...?!"

"What can we do...?"

"And the finals...? We have contracts we need to answer for...!"

...

...

"NOOOOOOO!"

A loud, prolonged scream echoed through the entire building...

Most eyes, including the Hokage's, turned to the entrance of the arena. There they saw Sharingan no Kakashi, a man feared by thousands across the world, stunned and with his one visible eye full of disbelief.

Suddenly, he started clutching his left eye and began panting, before stopping any movement altogether.

Next to him stood what many realized was the Daimyō's daughter and princess of the Land of Fire; the one who screamed. She looked unconscious on her feet, pale as a ghost, and her crimson eyes were full of tears, ready to burst any second. Her small mouth and body were quivering, like she was suffering from a disease.

Behind them was a boy with raven hair. His eyes simply... did not look human.

Gaara could no longer hear himself thinking, all he could hear was a loud creaking noise, like that of a gate starting to collapse. "Naruto... is dead...?"

Kakashi panicked and turned to Gaara, his left eye in the open. "Gaara, look at me and focus," he instructed. The tomoes in his eye started spinning, several times nearly changing their shape. He tried to focus his Sharingan but found it very difficult. "You're ok. I need you to breath and count each one, understand...?"

"Kakashi-sensei..." Gaara felt sleepy, but he still felt about to explode. "He's dead... Naruto's dead... If he's really dead, then I failed... I couldn't protect him..."

Hazuki's legs collapsed from under her, as if life itself had evaporated from her body.

She was caught by Yūgao, who could only hold back the tears behind her cat mask. 'I could see how much he meant to you, Hime-sama... please be strong... you have to be...'

"Sandaime-sama..." Kakashi said, his voice colorless as he turned to his leader. He took a step forward, Might Guy, his longtime friend, not losing sight of him. "Please... tell me what happened...?"

Hiruzen removed his robes with another swish, and like last time, an Anbu appeared to take them. He was fully dressed for battle. "I was just informed myself... I'm about to make my way there to confirm the situation. A team of Anbu should be there before me. But first, hopefully..." He looked to the ceiling, some of the ninja curiously doing the same.

A pale, white sheet flashed into existence around the forest, several letters for the words 'seal' all around the dome.

Sarutobi sighed sensing the change in the atmosphere, 'You aren't going anywhere, Orochimaru...' The storm started forming over his eyes. 'You've been trapped in a cage of your own creation, idiot-student...'

"-is team Ravens 3! I repeat, this is Ravens 3!"

"-Tiger 1 callin'! We're five clicks south of HQ! Anybody there!"

"-five seconds away from stabbing somebody, I swear...! CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?"

All around the room radios started to burst into life, giving birth to entire conversations from different shinobi in different positions all around the forest. Some ninja looked to nearby screens and noticed that they too were flashing lively once again.

"This is the Barrier Team, Hokage-sama," all frequencies went silent and started to broadcast a single signal, obviously from the ones reposible the radios were working again. "We're glad to report the mission... was somehow a success... We managed to lift a barrier around the entire forest, similar to the one around Konoha, frying every seal inside it! It's just as you said, Yondaime-sama's seals are in full effect!

"It was a slim chance, but they worked! Their age didn't seem to affect its quality! And I gotta tell ya, sir. This is something I will probably never see again... the 20 kilometer bubble is working perfectly! All seals in the forest have been fried! Yamanaka Inoichi will maintain surveillance inside per your instructions! Please let us know if you need any specific location of any target! Barrier Team out!"

Sarutobi nodded, 'Thank you... and forgive me, Minato, Kushina. I will make sure your son's killer... pays for his crimes no matter the cost...!'

Cheers and a mixture of anger began to circle the couple of hundred ninjas in the room. Cheers that the famed Professor had come through yet again, and anger that it took this long, because Konoha had just lost one of its most promising talents.

Every single ninja in the room wanted the same thing: to kill Orochimaru of the Sannin, once and for all.

"Very good job, Barrier Team," Sarutobi nodded as he glanced over his shoulder, gesturing to his Jōnin to get to work. "Our plan has worked, ladies and gentlemen... I will need your help to feed the numerous seals around the forest's perimeter until we have finished Orochimaru... Everybody, I expect confidentiality and hard work until I can make sense of what has happened today... Do I make myself clear?"

"HAI, HOKAGE-SAMA!"

"Good," Sarutobi swung his arm to acknowledge their resolve. "Let's end this now! For our people! For the Leaf!"

"FOR KONOHA!"

The dozens of ninja started exiting the grounds in separate lines and out separate doors. An Anbu at every door was handing out small sheets of paper, each with specific coordinates and orders. Each ninja would be at the edge in a matter of minutes.

"Hokage-sama..."

Hiruzen lowered his arm once the room was clear, with only his Jōnin, Iruka, Hayate, Kakashi and the latter's party remaining. He inclined his head forward, once more hiding his face, giving him a moment to gather his thoughts.

The ones closest to Hiruzen could see a faint shaking on the aged Hokage's shoulders, like he was containing himself.

"Forgive me, everyone..." Sarutobi Hiruzen began, his voice hollow and regretful. "All of this happened because I allowed Orochimaru to leave when he did... I should've killed him when I had the chance...!" His fists groaned as the bones in them did the same. "However, there will be time to lament when this is over... First," he raised his head, a single goal in his mind. "It's time to put an end to Orochimaru."

Kakashi neared Hiruzen, Gaara instinctively following him, and Yūgao did same with Hazuki in her arms. "Sir... does that mean... Naruto, he's..."

Waiting for Iruka to come closer as well, Hiruzen continued. "My Anbu reported he was found dead 8 clicks northeast from here... Anko is with him now, so I doubt they're wrong. Still, I feel something is amiss... what Orochimaru did makes little sense. If he were looking to harm Konoha, killing him would certainly do us in... But knowing him, I feel he would consider killing him a complete waste. Orochimaru is obsessed with potential... and Naruto and Sasuke-kun are the very definition of it."

Asuma instantly jumped at the idea, "What do you mean...?! Is it possible that he's...?!"

Guy turned to his Hokage, just as hopeful as everybody else. "Hokage-sama, is it possible he's still..."

"Wait," Hiruzen was quick to intervene. "I do not wish to spread false hope... But if he really is dead, there is only one way to confirm it... Bear," one agent appeared kneeling before the powerful leader. "Have Inoichi forge a communication line with Anko. Have her explain the sitaution, tell her I'll be there in minutes."

The Anbu saluted, "Right away, Hokage-sama!"


~~Dosu~~


No room for fear in Orochimaru's army, fear made you slip.

"Genin. Next, hurry it up."

No room for mercy in Orochimaru's army, mercy made you hesitate.

"Chūnin. Next."

No room for weakness in Orochimaru's army, weakness made you worthless.

"NO! PLEASE! NO! GUUUUAAAAAH!"

"... Dead. Pull him out, next..."

Dosu was afraid, terrified even; but he was no weakling. He watched as the dead boy floated in the crimson pool of water, having lost all strength and looking thin, almost as if life itself had been sucked out of him.

He was fished out of the small body of water with a net, like they were cleaning bugs out of a swimming pool.

He gulped down his fear as he stared at the circle of perfectly still water, surrounded in numerous seals, all of them connected to give an eery, purple glow. At first glance it didn't even seem like a liquid, but once someone entered it, you could tell it was from the very slight vibrations on its surface.

He glanced at the men behind a large monitor interpreting signs and symbols he couldn't even begin to understand. That monitor is what would determine your place in Orochimaru's army. It calculated the pureness of your chakra, relative to the relation between the user and the Sage of the Six Paths, the progenitor of chakra, as far as the world knew.

Basically, it evaluated potential. The closer ones relation to the sage, the higher the percentage.

It was a new method Orochimaru implemented several years ago, back when he first found that damn scroll.

Many thought the scroll was cursed, others thought it would lead them to greatness. All Dosu knew was that it had Uzumaki origins.

Even he knew it was a poor rule of thumb, though. Those who weren't strong enough, or simply didn't possess the qualities of a ninja, died almost instantly without the water ever reacting. If you had potential, however, the liquid would move ever so slightly, sending an evaluation to the monitors in the form of percentages.

They say Orochimaru's percentage reached a record 18% from a theoretically possible 50%. A percentage, rumor has it, that can only be reached by the Snake Sannin's target: Senju Naruto.

"Next... Dosu, move it!"

Dosu snapped to attention hearing his captain ordering for the next subject. He was completely nude, except for his undergarments, which only helped in making him feel even more defenseless.

Dosu lost several of his friends to this pool of water, and now it was his turn. He would be the one to take the test now.

He shivered as he stuck his left foot in, then the other a moment later. It felt like very thick mud, the kind you find in swamps, with absolutely no viscosity. He walked down the stone steps one at a time, until the blood red 'water' reached his chest.

He began to panic seeing absolutely no movement on its surface.

...

Dosu nearly sighed in relief seeing the surface starting to quiver ever so slightly, enough to consider it movement. That meant his chakra had quality, at the very least.

"Genin. Next."

There was no room for weakness in Orochimaru's army... Being weak meant you were worthless.

...

...

...

Dosu snapped his eyes open, coming face to face with an older style of home. He saw a sliding door marred with red on the opposing side, and without it being his intention, he opened it with a small, pale hand that definitely wasn't his own.

The Sound Nin was consumed by repulsion, fear, dread and sadness in a way unlike any other in his life.

He saw two dead bodies, one woman, one man, both in a pool of their own blood, a ninja with crimson, powerful eyes standing over them, a tanto dripping blood in his hands. It was the most impactful scene Dosu had ever seen in his life.

"Foolish little brother..."

There was no doubt in Dosu's mind as to who this man was. Staring into Uchiha Itachi's eyes, he felt petrified, like his bones had turned to stone.

"Run, run and keep running... I'll find you eventually..."

...

"He's not dead! He's NOT dead!"

Sasuke felt broken, thoroughly and completely broken. He felt like life had given him meaning, only to take it away moments later. He felt betrayed because he truly believed he would save him. That this ninja he almost considered a... 'friend', would always be there. And in a way, he was. The memories he received from him said he had always watched him. It was he who never acknowledged the dumb Senju.

He watched as the blond's grandmother desperately tried to bring him back, a pointless attempt he could not help but admire. She was crying as she kept pushing his chest, her tears falling over the whiskers on his face.

It was like a living nightmare without an end to him.

Suddenly, the blonde was gone, and it took him a moment to see that she was helping everybody else. Good, they needed it. All he wanted was to be left alone, a self-destructive choice that he could no longer find it in himself to care about. Nothing mattered anymore. Everything was pointless.

He had lost someone again because he wasn't strong enough.

Another woman arrived after the blonde left, slamming her fists against the root he was using to lean against. With each strike, he could feel his left eye pulsing. Whether it was his imagination or not, he honestly did not know.

A team from Sound arrived next, according to the screams of his fellow Konoha ninja. 'Sound,' he thought...?

...

That's the same insignia on Orochimaru's headband...

"We are going to dissect him, piece by piece... and use his power for generations to come..."

...

Sasuke felt the way his iris started molding out of its own will. He opened his eyes, three intersecting ellipses visible over the surface of his left pupil. He visualized stepping into a warm shower, and when he did, it granted him limitless energy.

The Uchiha's Curse of Hatred was in full effect.


Dosu gasped as reality finally dawned on him.

He realized he had been staring into Uchiha Sasuke's left eye for a little over five seconds, yet he felt like he did so for hours. He began to shake feeling the emotion of being forced to live through Sasuke's memories, aware that the Genjutsu he used was standard Sharingan level, but amplified by the power in his left eye.

"Wait..." Dosu begged, his body failing to respond, like in that memory. "Wait...!"

"I can't do that..." Sasuke denied, his grip only increasing. "You think you can do whatever the hell you want... You think you can just take his body and no one can do anything to stop you... You're just like him... and just like Orochimaru... He's the reason you're both going to die today."

"Shit...! Let me go already!" Zaku growled, upset one of his arms was useless; the kid somehow broke his wrist. "Screw this!" He took advantage that Sasuke's focus was on Dosu and built pressure in his remaining hand, aiming for the Uchiha's head. "DIE YOU BASTARD!"

Anko regained some of her balance, and quickly drew a kunai. "Freeze you little shits...!" She flung the kunai charged with chakra, puncturing Zaku's hand before he could harm Sasuke. "What did I just say...!"

"AAAHHH!" Zaku screamed again, a kunai in the hole over his hand. Blood splashed Sasuke's raven hair as he drew it back. "You, BITCH! I'm going to ENJOY killing you!"

"Try it!" Anko shouted back, her radio sparkling to life in her ear. 'The radio's back...! I knew Sandaime-sama would find a way...!' She managed to press the send button on her piece. "This is Mitarashi Anko! I'm 8 clicks northeast from the tower! Is anybody there! OI!"

Sasuke turned his left eye to Zaku.

Zaku froze on the spot. 'Those eyes... Is he... is he serious?!' He desperately tried to yank his arm out of Sasuke's grip, but he wasn't budging, instead he was getting stronger. He began to panic feeling there was no escape. "Wait... wait...! Please...!"

Even Sakura screamed, "Sasuke-kun! Don't do it! Naruto wouldn't want you to-!"

"Shut up, Sakura." Sasuke couldn't hear her, all he could hear were Naruto's words. He was acting solely on Uchiha instinct. 'Amaterasu...'

The screams sent chills down the spines of everyone in the clearing, and the burning flesh threatened to empty their stomachs. But what caught everyone by surprise wasn't just the fire, or Sasuke losing his head, it was the color of the flames consuming Zaku.

They were black.

Almost as if they had been summoned from the deepest, darkest corners of the the underworld.

"ZAKU!" Dosu shrieked, though he knew it was pointless; his teammate was finished. He gawked seeing him collapse into a pile of burning, squirming flesh. "You BASTARD...! You preach about doing whatever the hell we want, but you're a monster just like both of them!"

"You're wrong..." Sasuke turned back to Dosu, his left eye literally leaking blood. To Dosu, it was like staring into the face of a serial killer. "It's the world... that's turned me into this..."

Having physically experiencing his memories, Dosu wondered if he could blame the kid for pulling something so twisted. Still, he had no right to kill his teammate. That was unforgivable. But he wasn't foolish enough to think he could beat him; which left him only one choice.

Dosu ripped open his robes, revealing both sides to be covered in Explosive Tags. He lifted a tiger seal, his mind set. "For Zaku! Kai-!"

The humming of one thousand birds became present.

"Chidori," Sasuke plunged his hand through Dosu's chest, killing him, and silencing him instantly. Blood and stark electricity was visible on the other end of his hand, indistinguishable to everyone, but a perfect view for Anko. "You were dead... the moment you decided to take him..."

Sasuke retrieved his hand, guts and a large amount of blood coming along with. He smiled as Dosu's eyes rolled into the back of his head.

The clunk of a body hitting the floor could be heard, Sasuke glaring down at it, a Chidori still in his hand. His left Mangekyō began to spin, "You will be next, Orochimaru..."


~~Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru~~


Orochimaru was panting, exhaustion being the culprit.

Death was close; he could feel it this time, truly feel it. He could feel its cold hands wrapping around his throat, suffocating him with each passing second. If he continued fighting for much longer, even he wouldn't survive. They were simply too much.

It was bad enough against one, but to take on two was simply unreasonable.

He turned to each of his teammates, each on their respective Boss Summon. Gamabunta was on the right, and Katsuyu on the left. Their summoners were on its heads, small as can be, neither looking especially winded or tired. Jiraiya was still using Sage Mode, and Tsunade had yet to start using that troublesome seal of hers.

Orochimaru knew it was only a matter of time before the cavalry would arrive to overwhelm him...

"You picked a dumb fight, Orochimaru..." Manda hissed in annoyance, its massive tail curling behind him. "You and frogger here will pay dearly, be prepared..."

"Ya say it like you'll be breathing after today, HAHH!" Gamabunta crowed, his giant pipe tumbling around in his lips. "Believe me, Manda-teme. Neither you or that snake on your head will be gettin' outta this forest alive! You'll be a part of ma wardrobe by the end of the day!" He placed a hand on the tanto next to him. "Though I must say... With what you did, I'm having a hard time identifying the bigger snake, Orochimaru...!"

Orochimaru grinned; they really thought he would kill him?

Fukasaku grimaced hearing Bunta, "You grew fast, Gamabunta-kun. You're a remarkable generation and I am proud of yer achievements. But I feel ya put more effort into yer squabbling than yer actual fighting."

The Toad Chief winced hearing his elder, "That's a bit hurtful, Fukasaku-sama... I put great effort in both, I promise."

"And why are you so fat?!" Shima demanded. "What bugs have you gone out to feast on? I keep tellin' ya to eat more plants or ya'll end up like the Great Toad Sage! Fat and senile!"

Gamabunta was frozen on the spot, "Now that's just MEAN, Ma!"

"Then put a cork in it, brat!"

Gamabunta had no more time for banter as he sprang into the air, dodging Manda's tail and slapping it away once in range. He retreated with Katsuyu after creating some breathing room, close enough for Tsunade and Jiraiya to come within earshot.

"There's no end to this...!" Jiraiya growled, Tsunade nodding her agreement. He glanced at the massive blade sticking out of Gamabunta's back and had a crazy idea. He turned back to the blonde, words being unnecessary as they understood each other immediately. "Boss, I'ma need a Genjutsu to buy Tsunade a few seconds... what do ya have for me...?"

"I have one, but it takes time to fire it up. I'ma need Ma's help," the old Sage responded.

"Eh?!" Shima started, her cheeks a meek red. "Now? Here?" She blushed. "That's too embarrassing! Besides, it takes too long! For that ta work we need more time!"

Jiraiya shook his head guessing what they meant, "Nothing that fancy. I only need a few seconds. I can tell he's reached his limit... Please."

"Hmm, so ya have a plan..." Fukasaku rubbed his chin in thought and slapped his toad hands together. "If it's a few seconds yer looking fer, I'll need to get closer. I'll lend a hand, don't worry."

"Yosh," Jiraiya spread his legs and maximized the amount of Natural Energy in his system, a green aura blooming to life. "ONE LAST TIME, BUNTA-BOSS!"

"YEAH!"

Gamabunta met Manda halfway, the energy spreading through the forest with a large boom as they crashed against each other. Jiraiya was catapulted off the Chief's head and toward Orochimaru, meeting him forearm against forearm. The Snake Sannin had to be the one to retreat over his snake's body.

Fukasaku was having none of that, "Get back here!" He outstretched his tongue, grappling Orochimaru's ankle and pulling him toward them. "Do it, Jiraiya-chan!"

"Ya got it!" Jiraiya planted his fist across Orochimaru's face, a crack forming on the latter's cheekbone area. He instantly retreated seeing Kusanagi, out of nowhere, appearing behind him and reeled to do damage. "Damn!" He jumped, landed back on Gamabunta and regrouped with Tsunade before Manda's fangs could reach them. "Tsunade, it's up to you!"

"Time's up!" Tsunade declared as she swung her arm. "Katsuyu! Let's try it one more time!"

"Hai, Tsunade-sama!"

Katsuyu fired off a volley of acid at Manda, the latter swiftly avoiding it almost as if they were moving in slow motion.

"This again, slug?!" Manda slithered through the distance separating them weaving left and right, avoiding the acid and making it look easy. "I'm tired of your old tricks! Try and be a little more clever, eh!"

"HOW'S THIS?!" Gamabunta plummeted from the sky, his blade in the open and heading for Manda's head. "Time ta make me a snakeskin wallet! And why not? Maybe a belt while I'm at it!"

"Too slow!" Manda dodged the blade in another swift shift, and just as quickly, flicked the end of it with his tail. The steel ringed as the handle stabbed through the earth, leaving the blade exposed. He slithered around it and crashed his hard skull against Gamabunta's. "I'ma hang you to dry before I eat ya, shitty kaeru!"

"Who ya callin' shitty...!" Gamabunta grunted out, smoke escaping from his mouth. He landed next to Katsuyu with an agile jump. "Try and say that to my face!"

"I just did!" Manda hissed as he rushed, Orochimaru preparing hand seals on its head. "This time you're finished!" He wrapped around Katsuyu and began to squeeze, Gamabunta powerless to stop him. "No need for spectators here!"

Katsuyu groaned as she resisted Manda's strength, "T-Tsunade-sama! Now is your chance!"

"HIME!" Jiraiya shouted.

"Let's do it!" Tsunade shouted back. "I need you to be tough for me, Katsuyu!" She launched herself into the air, leaving Katsuyu behind. "Jiraiya!"

"Yeah! Let's go, Gamabunta!"

Katsuyu struggled as she began to move forward with Manda wrapped around her, slowly and at a pace, but moving nonetheless. After finally reaching her goal, she fazed through Gamabunta's exposed tanto, divided into hundreds of copies and dispersed within the forest below.

"What?!" Manda growled, frustrated. "WHY UNTIL NOW?!"

Orochimaru cursed, "Manda! Above!"

"IMPOSSIBLE!"

"Now!" In the air thanks to Gamabunta's jump, Jiraiya reached out a hand for Tsunade, who was also in the air. He grabbed Tsunade's hand in his, nodding in approval. "Wait for the perfect angle, Hime...!"

Tsunade nodded back, "I know! Do it already!"

"Here ya GO!"

Orochimaru lifted his head and saw Tsunade plummeting from the sky. Inspecting the angle, he realized Manda's head was over Gamabunta's blade. He scoffed, "It won't be that simple..." He finished his seals and aimed for Tsunade. "Futon: Great Breakthrough!" He was shell-shocked to see his Jutsu simply faze through Tsunade, like she wasn't even there. "What...?!" He quickly slammed his hands together in prayer. "A Genjutsu?! When did they...?"

...

The frogs on Jiraiya's shoulders, the moment Gamabunta first attacked, at the point he wrapped his tongue around his ankle.

Orochimaru cursed his own exhaustion; he didn't even notice when he fell for it.

"THIS IS THE END!"

The real Tsunade came after, her fist glowing a brilliant green and purple. She had lines all across her face and body, her Strength of a Hundred Jutsu no doubt being responsible. Energy crackled behind her as she reeled her fist, thoughts of Naruto increasing the energy twofold. She ignored the way Orochimaru attempted to raise Kusanagi, knowing it was too late.

"DIE ALREADY!"

"NGHAAA-!"

The massive amount of inertia behind Tsunade's fist was transferred on to Manda, forcing the Snake Boss down, straight for the blade under him. He avoided being stabbed through his mouth with a last ditch movement, but still felt as the blade carved through his abdomen and up to his head, nearly gutting him as a result.

"GUUAH-!"

The explosion at the bottom lifted dust and debris, the shockwave spreading within the entirety of the forest, almost like a miniature earthquake that rocked its very foundations.

Orochimaru felt all of the organs in his abdomen rupture with the direct blow to his person. Never before had he received so much damage, not even during the Great Ninja War did he ever get a more serious wound. It was the first time he could actually feel death standing over his head, waiting for him to simply close his eyes, and be no more.

Nothing terrified the Snake Sannin more than death... Orochimaru, for the first time in his life, felt despair consume him.

"You're finished, Orochimaru..."

Somehow making use of the adrenaline in his body, Orochimaru managed to stand, the area where Tsunade landed her attack bare and revealing pent up blood. He coughed and threw some up, his lips marred in red as a result. He lifted his head and saw Jiraiya and Tsunade nearing; their eyes were once more cold, showing they were more than willing to kill him.

Despite his condition, Orochimaru chuckled. "Kukuku..." The chuckle evolved into a cackle, before exploding into full on laughter, drawing even more blood out of the Sannin's mouth. "You two really are something... You were so blinded by hatred, you were unable to notice the seals over Naruto-kun's body... Now he may actually stay dead..."

...

Time seemed to freeze as Jiraiya and Tsunade's footsteps stopped. Everything came to a halt, like reality itself had come to a standstill.

Jiraiya's mouth, dry as Suna itself, struggled to form words. "Wha... what are you talking about now, Ororchimaru...?" Hope, it was overwhelming him; to the point it was making him unreasonable. "Naruto... What did you do to Naruto...?!"

"It's a trick!" Gamabunta claimed. "He's only tryin' to save his own skin! He knows he's hit a wall he can't climb!"

Orochimaru chuckled again, "Perhaps... But," he stared at Tsunade dead in the eye. "Is our dear Tsunade-hime willing to take that chance I wonder... however small it may be...?"

Jiraiya turned to Tsunade out of habit, and through that tough exterior, he could see the woman was about to break into tears. "Ororchimaru..." He growled, a kunai in his hand. "If you're filling Tsunade's head with meaningless hope... I swear to everything that I love I will skin you from head to toe while you're still breathing...!"

"Think about it for a second..." Ororchimaru was secretly forging seals in his left hand. "Why would I kill someone with so much promise... when I could use him to do my bidding in the future...?" He gave a bloody grin. "If you really hurry back... you may be able to bring him back still...!"

A gust of wind carrying leaves blew past them.

Orochimaru never intended to take Naruto at all. He looked as if he had already accomplished his goal.

"GAMABUNTAAA!" Tsunade suddenly shouted into the sky, her legs pumped with chakra from her seal. "Fling us in Naruto's direction! NOW!"

"HAH?!" Gamabunta grunted, unable to believe his own sense of hearing. "What about Orochimaru and Mand-!"

"The old man ain't letting anything out of this forest! Stay here until the Anbu arrive!" Jiraiya shouted, his own legs ready to explode. "BOSS! NO TIME TO ARGUE! THREE KILOMETERS SOUTHWEST!"

"Y-YOOOSH! FORGIVE ME, HONORED ELDERS!"

Both elders snapped, "JUST DO IT ALREADY!"

Both Sannin jumped, and without warning, were grabbed by Gamabunta. He jumped and reeled his arm, chucking both Sannin in the direction indicated.

...

...

Jiraiya and Tsunade landed in two massive craters each, but exactly where they wanted to be. Jiraiya got out of his crater with a fractured arm, and Tsunade did the same unscathed thanks to her seal, both with only one thing in their mind.

Sasuke fell to his knees having finished off Dosu, his left eye instantly falling dormant. He tried to control his breathing as he inspected the new arrivals with his right eye alone. It took his clouded mind a moment to see it was Naruto's grandparents.

The Rookies were startled enough as it is without two Sannin landing in the clearing in two different explosions. Their fear for Sasuke turned to surprise seeing the two legends, looking mostly unscathed, jumping at the sight of Naruto still on the floor and in a perfect circle of leaves.

Leaves which were still falling from the sky, like droplets of rain in a tropical forest.

Tsunade groaned as she took a step toward Naruto, "Ngh, J-Jiraiya!"

"I-I'm on it...!" Jiraiya ignored the pain flaring in his arm and quickly reached Naruto, brushing away a few leaves from his face. He examined him in a rash few seconds, identifying the swirling tattoo on his neck. He noticed it was receding faster and faster, leaving only a single line to the swirl. He ran a hand over the boy's body, hoping to find something. "Come on...! WHERE?!"

Confused, Sasuke fought the feeling of unconsciousness with every fiber of his being. 'What are they doing to him...?' He managed to stand using a knee for support. 'It's pointless... Just leave him be already...!'

Hinata was helped to a sitting position by Sakura, her eyes clouded, but conscious for now. "What... are they trying to do...?"

The rest of the Rookies asked the same thing as they payed undivided attention to the scene taking place. Even Anko was silently watching from the floor, waiting for her turn to speak up and try to understand the sitaution.

Shikamaru was one of the few trying to wrap their heads around what they were attempting, and where they came from to cause such destruction. "Neji, would you mind taking a look...?"

Neji did just that, and felt saddened seeing no changes. "There is nothing there..." He turned to Hinata and saw her unconscious again, secretly hoping. 'Hinata-sama will never be the same... Please, if at all possible...'

...

Fukasaku narrowed his toad eyes at the blond's stomach, his head quickly making the connection. "Boy, the seal on his stomach! Remember something had to intervene with the Kyūbi's chakra!"

Jiraiya gasped and nodded, "I got it!" He raised his available hand and five flames appeared over his fingers, kanji visible through the embers. In an abrupt move, many were alarmed seeing him ram his hand into Naruto's stomach, just as the swirl around his neck disappeared. "Five Elements Unseal!"

...

"Disgusting bugs!" The Kyūbi, after slicing apart the last remaining snake in his home, felt free at last. "This feeling... Finally!" He focused as he filled his host's body with chakra, brightening the scape and returning color to the place, like pressure had built up. "That was way too close...!"

A drop of water dropped.

The fox snapped his head seeing one last snake trying to crawl into the pipes, "Hmph." He burned it to a crisp in a massive display of raw fire, his home illuminating the second he killed it. "Tch, as if anything could live here without my say... Now then," he glanced at the ceiling. 'It looks like the kid's Mokuton is growing even stronger now that he's had his first real taste of Nature Energy... Bastard doesn't stop growing even after dying...'

...

Tsunade kneeled next to Naruto's body, her breath visible as she attempted to do the impossible. She reactivated her seal and began to pump chakra into his chest, an attempt to try and get his heart going again.

"Please..." She silently begged. "Please... please... I'm begging you... Give him back to me...! There's still so much ahead of him...!"

The entire clearing was silent as Tsunade's hands got to work, many confused by her actions.

...

Tsunade's eyes slowly widened feeling something like a heartbeat. She could have imagined it, so she didn't get her hopes up and continued working, desperately trying to give him all of her chakra.

...

Another thump. This time she was certain.

...

A grunt came from the blond, his lips twitching as air returned to his lungs. Leaves that fell started turning green as they came in contact with his aura.

Tsunade felt a single tear make a trail, and fall from her chin.

Naruto, feeling like he had just done all of the training in his life within the span of a day, struggled just to start breathing.

He felt his arms sore, his legs nearly broken, and his abs as if on fire. He tried to pry open his eyes, and even that was a monumental task. After finally managing to round up the necessary strength, he opened them, violet eyes meeting soft, brown ones. The same he saw under Anbu headquarters.

"Tsunade... obaa...?" Naruto managed to mumble, as if drowsy and half asleep. "What are you doing here...? Aren't we in the middle... of the exam...?" He scowled in his delirious daze. "You're gonna get me disqualified, oi..."

The dead leaves finally stopped falling.

Tsunade took Naruto in her arms and squeezed him, combing his blond head with her fingers. Both she and Jiraiya were a mess, and the toads in the latter's shoulders were no exception. For once, however, the tears were not of sadness.

"Idiot..."

"Who ya callin' an idiot...!" Naruto demanded, Tsunade's arms still wrapped around him. He stopped his squirming feeling his grandmother's arms shaking, a wet feeling coming from his neck. He remembered what happened at that moment. He smiled as he let her release every cry, every frustrating scream into his neck, willingly absorbing it like a sponge. "I'm sorry, Tsunade-obaa, Jiraiya-ojii..."

Both were still unresponsive, Tsunade in his neck, and Jiraiya in his shirt, Sage Mode finally dissipating from the latter.

"Damn, I really did it this time..." Naruto snickered, his arms finally regaining some feeling. He managed to put one around Tsunade, and used the other to give Jiraiya a shaky thumbs up. "I seriously tried to run, y'know...! But that Orochimaru is a real piece of work...! Every time I thought he was dead, he just kept coming back... it was incredible...!"

Incredible is the last word Jiraiya would use to describe Orochimaru. But it made sense he never allowed them to escape, especially when the difference between them was so big. It took both him and Tsunade just to put a stop to him.

"How... how you feelin'?" Jiraiya managed to ask, taking a moment to settle himself.

"Yeah," Naruto nodded, trying his best to reassure them. "I feel fine... Tired and in more pain than you can imagine, but fine I guess..."

"I see..." Jiraiya lost control again as he wiped his face, the summons on his shoulders happy for their host, even if he did look like a big baby. "I'm really glad you're ok..."

Through his tears, Jiraiya took Naruto's hand as if needing to make sure it was really him. He took in every detail, from the blood under his nails, to the dirt between his fingers. Improper use of chakra left cuts over his fingers, which were healing right before his eyes.

It really was Naruto, and he really was alive.

'You fought tooth and nail, nah... Naruto...?' Jiraiya also placed a gentle hand on the blond's head, squeezing hard a moment later and ignoring his cries of protest. "YOU MONUMENTAL IDIOT! What did I tell ya about trying to fight ninjas more powerful than you, AHH?! Did you even try to run?!

Naruto was crying rivers as he clutched Jiraiya's hand, "I DID TRY, I did! I swear I did! Seriously gramps, he was RIDICULOUS!"

"You little LIAR!"

"I'm not lying~!"

"Leave him alone already...!" Tsunade defended Naruto, playfully shoving Jiraiya's hand away. She made a bright red smile as she smushed their faces together, tears no longer flowing. "All I care about is right here... So long as he's alive, I'll forgive him."

Jiraiya waved his fist at Naruto as the blond mockingly stuck his tongue out. He sighed despite that, a smile finally over his lips. "Well, I guess that's true..." He felt remorse brewing seeing the corner of his seal sticking from under his shirt. 'This is partly my fault... I won't let it happen again... I need to start cramming you with Fūinjutsu, Naruto. I've wasted enough time... Who knows? Maybe you inherited your dad's creativity...'

"NARUTO!"

...

"Hm?" Naruto grunted, turning to the group of people to his left. He smiled, "Hey guys!"

The entire group, or at least those capable of walking, started running toward them, Sakura obviously in the lead. Shikamaru came after her, Kiba and Shino just behind, and Lee and Chōji in the rear.

"NARUTO-KUUUN!" Lee exploded with joy as he ran, two waterfalls over his eyes. "I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE ALIVE! UWOOOH!"

"Calm down, Lee!" Tenten scolded him from behind, still sitting next to Neji, a bright smile on both their faces. "And watch your head! It's still tender, idiot!"

"That's the best you got, "hey"...?" Shikamaru snapped, his eyes still wide in disbelief as he arrived. "I saw... you... we were..." He ran his hands through his hair not knowing what else to do. "What the hell's going on?! You... you were dead!"

Naruto paled and practically lost all color, "I was DEAD...?!"

"Well yeah..." Shikamaru said as he scratched the back of his head. "Weren't you...?"

"How the hell am I supposed to know that, OI!"

"I think I can explain," Anko spoke up, making herself known. She saluted as she stood guard in front of both legendary Sannin. "Mitarashi Anko, ma'am, sir! I'm working under Sandaime-sama's orders. I was sent to locate, report and make sure none of these little fledglings died. Unfortunately... I wasn't quick enough to get here before that shit stain got blondie here..."

'Mitarashi Anko...?' Jiraiya mused, a hand on his chin. "You used to be his..."

Anko's head fell, unsurprised that someone like Jiraiya knew. "Hai... I used to be Orochimaru's student several years ago... Back before he betrayed Konoha."

Everyone grunted in surprise at that, including Naruto. He felt a strange interest bloom hearing that, because she had experience dealing with Orochimaru as a student. Something not many people alive had.

"Anywho..." Anko continued, hoping nobody would interrupt and make more of the information. "I think the seal Orochimaru put on him is a version specifically designed for Naruto... so it's impossible to know the details. But I can certainly say it's more powerful than anything I've ever seen before... to kill, then revive him... that sounds more and more obscure, and more and more Uzumaki..."

"Uzumaki...?!" Naruto instantly reacted at the mention of his mother's clan. "That's my mom's clan! Does Orochimaru-teme have something that belongs to them or something...?"

"It's a strong possibility," Jiraiya muttered, his mind recalling the rumours in the Land of Rice. Rumours that said a scroll may exist, one possessing invaluable knowledge of Uzumaki Fūinjutsu. 'All of this mess just keeps on pointing to that being a fact... And if he has it, Kami help us... Still, the Uzumaki weren't fools. I doubt they'd make it easy to unlock the thing... otherwise, I doubt anyone would be able to stop Orochimaru.'

Tsunade turned to Sakura and saw she was smiling from ear to ear, tears present in her eyes, but having yet to mutter a single word. She turned back to Naruto, and noticed her constantly glancing at her arms. She sighed, "Sakura... hold the puppy dog eyes, will ya..."

Naruto turned to Tsunade in bewilderment once she removed her arms from him. "Tsunade-obaa...? What is it-?" He got caught off guard feeling Sakura's arms wrap around him. "Sakura-chan...! O-oi, you're shaking... Are you cold or something...? And what happened to your hair...?!"

Sakura smiled, emerald eyes bright and full of life again. If only he could understand how relieved she felt. "You can be such an idiot sometimes..."

"Why is everyone callin' me an idiot today...?!" Naruto grumbled, pouting hearing several chuckles from all around. "Wait," he stopped, his body experiencing an unpleasant chill. He tried getting up, but was brought back down by pain, and Tsunade's hand. "OW...! Crap, it's like every muscle in my body is getting stabbed with needles...!" He made an effort to stand again, only Shikamaru had to help him to stay standing. "Where the hell is she...! Where's Hinata...?!"

"Careful, Naruto-kun...!" Lee protested lightly. "You should wait for Tsunade-sama to heal you a bit more... I don't think you should be moving so much!"

"Don't worry, Lee," Naruto winced as he felt the pain spiking, like the Kyūbi's chakra was struggling to adjust. "Shit... I feel my body different, a lot lighter for some reason... But the pain is incredible!" He evaluated everyone's condition with a brief glance. "Are you guys alright...?! You look like you went to war with hell and only barely made it out!"

Chōji chuckled, "You should've seen us before Tsunade-sama got here! And hey, I have a broken shoulder, but even I don't feel as bad as you seem to be..."

"Ya got me there, Chōji... Damn," Naruto cursed, still refusing to sit down. "Seriously guys, where is she...?!"

"Calm yourself, Naruto." Shino pointed to the tree behind them, a smile refusing to leave his lips. Thankfully Kiba seemed unable to stop grinning as well. Words couldn't explain how happy both were to see the blond smiling again. "She's uh..." He actually struggled to form words as he adjusted his glasses. "She's over there..."

"Hehe, come on, I'll take you to her!" Kiba said full of energy, despite his arm in a cast. He positioned himself under Naruto and helped him walk. Secretly turning to the blond, he was still unable to believe he was alive. 'You seriously worried us, idiot... I've never seen Hinata more saddened. Like, ever...'

"Wait," Naruto stopped, right behind his grandfather. "Sasuke... Where's Sasuke...!" Rapidly turning his neck, looking for the lone Uchiha, he found him over two dead bodies and an unconscious girl. One had a hole in his chest and the other was being consumed by black flames. "Sa-Sasuke...? What the hell... what happened...? O-oi, what did you do...?!"

Sasuke was caught off guard, it's why he still looked like a doll staring in confusion.

He left his bangs to hang over his face, refusing to look Naruto in the eye, blood still flowing down his left pupil. Suddenly feeling like he couldn't stand being seen by him, he began to dig his nails into his hands, until he jumped into the air and began to climb the tree behind them, his goal being the peak.

'What happened...?!' Naruto stood on his own out of sheer stubbornness, falling almost immediately. He tried forcing chakra into his legs and regretted it immediately, a sharp pain spreading through them. "S-shit...! I can barely feel my legs...! Shikamaru, what the hell happened...?! Did Sasuke...?!"

Shikamaru avoided eye contact with Naruto as he helped him up, Kiba doing the same. He didn't know how he felt about Sasuke's actions, but Shika knew he did what he had to. "They were Orochimaru's soldiers... At least they claimed to be. Once they threatened to take your body and dissect you 'piece by piece'... Sasuke exploded. He... killed them both using power I never knew he had... it was incredible, even for him."

Kiba found himself agreeing with that. Even if he did hate Sasuke, he probably saved their lives. "I honestly don't think I've ever seen Sasuke more pist... You could make popsicles out of his chakra..."

'Sasuke... killed someone...?' Naruto, out of instinct, recalled Kakashi-sensei's words during the whole Shin ordeal. 'This is bad... this is seriously bad, oi...' He stared at the top of the tree, where he assumed Sasuke rested. "Ah, hell... I can't even imagine what's going through his head..."

Jiraiya was the only one still staring at the lit flames, eating the body "piece by piece". 'This Jutsu... can only be one thing...' He stood back up and made his way to it, feeling more nervous the closer he got. 'I knew it, these two... are growing way too fast. This can't possibly be coincidence anymore, something is going on between them... The fate of the world could be at risk.'

Jiraiya glanced at Naruto and his friends.

Shikamaru glared, "Stop squirming already."

"Buzz off, Shika! I'm wounded~...! Carry me..."

"Stop being such a baby!"

"I saved your ass, Kiba-teme! You owe me big!"

"Screw you! Teh, OI! Where are you grabbing?!"

"OH!" Naruto snickered. "It's yours? I thought it was mine! Hahah!"

Jiraiya sweat dropped, 'Mah, Naruto and Sasuke-kun are both still kids... so I guess I still have a bit of time when it comes to them.' He glanced at the tree behind the clearing, where he could feel Sasuke on top. "What do you think, Boss?"

Fukasaku nodded, having yet to speak so he and Shima could concentrate on where they left Orochimaru. "I can see why ya might be worried, Jiraiya-chan. And it's true. These flames can only come from an Uchiha's Curse of Hatred... and it burns within the Uchiha brat. Naruto's death must have caused it... which also means..."

Jiraiya stopped unfurling the scroll he would be using to seal the flames, confusion settling. "What do you mean, Fukasaku-sama...?"

Fukasaku hummed nervously, thinking up ways to explain it without sounding awkward. "W-well... how should I put it...?"

"Y-yeah," Jiraiya emulated, realizing what he meant. "How indeed...?"

Shima rolled her eyes at both, "Just say it already! It means he holds the blond dearly! Sheesh, men..."

"A-anyways," Jiraiya cleared his throat, a faint nod demonstrating his agreement. "I'll need to keep an eye on both." He finished placing the final touches on the scroll, clapping his hands and using a tiger seal. "Fūin!"

The flames were instantly gone, including whatever remained of the body.

"I see..."

"Wha-?"The Toad Sannin, completely caught off guard, gasped as he turned to the man appearing next to him. He was fully dressed in black, armour plates and all, ready for war. He had his hands clasped behind him, and his eyes were filled with warmth and relief.

"I'm glad..."

Jiraiya's eyes widened seeing something he never thought he would ever see in his teacher's eyes. Even after living through so much, losing so much, it was the sight of Naruto arguing with his Genin friends that brought it out of him. "Sensei..."

Sarutobi immediately wiped his eyes, chuckling for the first time in days. "It seems I did not fail for once..." He glanced over his shoulder as if expecting someone. "Hmm... What is it with the current generation...? Can't even keep up with an old man...?"

Jiraiya erased his stupor and smirked at his sensei, "You must be growing senile, old man..." He glanced about and identified dozens of signatures around them, some new ones even popping up; he could feel Kakashi's nearing as well. "They've been here nearly since Tsunade and I got here..."

Sarutobi chuckled again. "Ah, I see... Well, I'm glad to see our new generation growing so skillful..." He smiled knowing about them all along. He just wanted Jiraiya to forget what he saw. "The Senju are reborn yet again... I wager you want some time so you can spend it with him...?"

"Hmph, I'm never letting him out of my sight again," Jiraiya joked, chuckling hearing himself say it. "Well, that's what Tsunade would say anyways... my plan is a bit different. I'm going to do what I should have from the beginning."

"Oh," Hiruzen chirped, interested. "And what's that...?"

Jiraiya smiled, "Believe he can handle it, and make him invincible."

...

"Hiii-nata...! Oi, Hinata, can ya hear me...?"

"Let her sleep, Naruto...! She's obviously unconscious...!"

"Really...? Hmm, that's too bad..."

Hinata started to open her eyes hearing a familiar voice. It was a bright, bubbly voice she often heard in her dreams. "Naruto... kun...?" That is impossible, her logical side argued. Tears welled in her eyes remembering Naruto was gone. "Nnmm..."

"OH!" Naruto looked excited as he planted both hands over Hinata's shoulders, taking up most of the space available in her field of view. "Hina... oi, Hina... can she hear me or not...?" He pouted and his eyes became thin lines seeing her not responding. "Hellooo... you in there...?"

Hinata's pupil-less eyes became visible, though still remained cloudy. "Mm, where...?"

Naruto's smile slipped a little as a strange thought entered his mind. 'Cute...' He shook that thought away; Hinata was his friend! He shouldn't be having thoughts like those. "Hiii-nata..." His smile returned full-force, a hand raised in greeting. "Yo..."

Hinata stared into the face in front of her, taking a moment to count the whiskers on each cheek. "Naru..." The tears began to flow, and when they started, there was no way to stop it. "Naru..!."

"Hehe," Naruto's smile softened seeing the amount of tears, which didn't seem to have an end. "I'm sorry, Hinata... I must have worried you too, huh...?" He felt so much pain seeing her crying still, her eyes focused solely on him. "I'm sorry..." He honestly didn't know why he kept apologizing, he just felt like he should. "I'm sorry..."

"Naruto-kun...!" Hinata wrapped her arms around Naruto, the blond, not knowing why, doing the same. "You're alive... You're alive, right...?"

Sakura smiled alongside her friends, careful to hide it from Naruto and Hinata. "Finally..."

"O-of course!" Naruto responded, his usual resolve missing as he adressed Hinata. "I'm sorry, Hinata..." He apologized four times, the reason completely eluding him. "I promise I won't die any time soon, not again anyways... and I never break my promises. So please," he pushed her back a bit so she could see he was serious. "Please, stop crying, ok...!"

Hinata did her very best to do just that, but she couldn't stop. She knew even as she stared into his eyes, that Naruto would never lie to her. But somehow, it wasn't enough. Seeing him genuinely dead had scared her, to the point that she knew it now: she loved him. And she would do so to the day she died.

It's why she decided she needed to be more forward with Naruto, like Hazuki recommended. Because you never knew when you would die in the life as a ninja. She treated it as a joke before, but the experience had taught her better.

Tsunade got up to try and sit Hinata down, since she shouldn't be moving, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her. She turned to see who it was, "Sensei...?"

Sarutobi smiled, "Let them be... This is good for him." He gestured for her to follow him. "I still need both of you to fill me in..."

After finally regaining her sense of control, Hinata smiled as she nodded. "Ok..." She raised her pinky still needing more reassuring. "It's a promise, right...?"

Naruto was caught off guard yet again, 'C-cute...! So cute...! What the hell's going on...?!' Feeling the tips of his ears warming up, he intertwined his pinky with Hinata's. "Y-yeah...! I promise!"'

Hinata's smile grew even wider, drops at the edges of her lavender eyes. "Mm. It's a promise." She stared at their fingers for a moment, only now realizing everything she did. Her fair, flawless skin began to turn red from her chin up. "Ah... Ah..."

"EEH?!" Naruto shrieked, an unconscious Hinata in his arms. "HINATA?! OI, you aren't supposed to die either! HINATA?!"

Clearly Hinata needed time to be more forward.


A/N: Happy 2018, guys and gals! I have a little message for those still waitin', cause I'm nothing if not punctual -lol, sorry-. So I've decided to do a major overhaul of the story and add scenes I skipped, starting with chapter 1. It's something I've been meaning to do for a while now and I finally started a few days ago. I'm currently on 7, but I should be done somewhere along the lines of February, where I hope to post chapter 24. Hopefully.

Thanks for reading!