Greetings and welcome to my fanfiction.

This is a completely rewritten story.

Please Read and Enjoy, and if your nice place a review at the end.

Rating:T

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Summary: Naruto leaves Konoha at 12 because of 2 events that would shape is life forever. Now he's come home and he's 17. Except, all is not what it seems about him.

Pairings: Naruto and Hinata (most likely), other sub romances but the plot will revolve around those two the most.

Please enjoy reading the story. Thank you

PS: Be sure to check out my other story "My Secret"

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Prologue, 5 years ago

It was a complete and utter failure. The Sasuke Retrieval mission failed, at the cost of 3 heavily injured ninjas. It was lucky that none of the participants died. They had all fought the Sound 4, and with the help of Sand had not suffered any casualties. Shikamaru was nursing a broken finger, Choiji and Neji were in critical conditions, Kiba was suffering from minor wounds and Naruto was still heavily injured, bleeding through a hole in his chest. They reached Konoha gates, exhausted. Kakashi then sprang off to inform the Hokage of their mission while the ninjas waited at the gate, awaiting medical assistance.

Naruto looked up, to see Sakura walking up to him, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Sakura-chan…I'm sorry" choked Naruto.

"I didn't bring Sasuke back"

"No you didn't. Naruto, you're pathetic and worthless. Why did I even bother believing in you?" spat Sakura.

"No wait, please…I tried my best…" gasped Naruto.

"Get away from me loser, don't ever talk to me again you failure. Your nothing but trash" spat Sakura.

Naruto grabbed the necklace from his neck, and shoved it at her, a pleading look in his eyes. She looked at him with pure anger and slapped him on the face, hard.

"WHAT, YOU THINK THIS MAKES IT ALL BETTER? YOU WISH FAILURE" she screamed, crushing the necklace in her fist and dropping the fragments to the ground. She then promptly walked away, stiffly.

Naruto looked down at the necklace, before collecting all the broken pieces.

'I have failed…I'm nothing but a failure…' thought Naruto.

"Naruto, don't worry, she's just overreacting" said Shikamaru.

"I don't know about that…I truly don't know" replied Naruto after her.

The villagers passed by them, glaring hatefully at Naruto. He hadn't brought back the Uchiha, and the villagers hated him for that. They still hated Naruto for something that wasn't his fault. Even when he had saved the village at least one from total destruction, they still hated him. They would never appreciate him.

Medical assistance arrived and they were all treated. 4 days later Naruto left the hospital. Only Tsunade, Jiraiya and Hinata had visited him, Jiraiya pointing out that he would take Naruto away soon to train outside of Konoha. Not even Kakashi-sensei visited Naruto. Probably sulking about loosing his most precious student. Kakashi had taught Naruto an important lesson. Kakashi was a biased teacher.

It was boring inside the hospital and the food was bad. Naruto would often want to run away from the hospital, to get away and fly like a bird…or an angel. After what seemed like forever, he had finally been released, Naruto desperately searched for Sakura, but never found her. It seemed she never wanted to be found, and had probably locked herself up in her room, crying. Naruto felt guilty. He had failed Konoha and more importantly, Sakura.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

He had given a promise to her. A promise to bring back Sasuke, to see Sakura smile again. But he had failed. He had backed out of his Rasengan at the last second, instead scratching Sasuke's hitai-ite while he shoved a Chidori into his chest. But he knew, this was better than bringing Sasuke back in a coffin. Then the villagers would have hated him even more.

With the pain of loss of his two teammates, Naruto wanting to spend some time with his girlfriend Hinata. He hoped that it would help him against the pain of Sakura's wrath. It was always around Hinata that he could relax, drop his mask and be happy for once in his life. He held a box which contained a crystal swan. It had cost him almost all his money, he even engraved 'Aishiteru (I Love You)' on the swan. He had saved up weeks for this present, and he knew she would love it

Naruto smiled softly, Hinata would be able to bring him out of his depression. Her soft voice and knowing smile. Her pale eyes staring at him with happiness and joy. He walked over to the usual training spot of Team 8, to find his girlfriend. Naruto was thinking about running, but that would ruin the romantic moment. But luck simply wasn't on Naruto's side today.

'Knowing Hinata, she would probally be bashing the hell out of another of those logs' thought Naruto, amused.

He suppressed his chakra to a bare minimum to surprise her, and slowly took a step into the clearing. He stopped when he saw Hinata pressed against the log, talking to Kiba. Naruto looked wildly, before moving slightly back to camouflage himself. Naruto saw her laugh, before wrap her arms around Kiba's neck. They both then leaned forward…and kissed. The sight of them kissing tore Naruto into two. For those 4 seconds, Naruto's heart ripped down the middle. First ¼, then ½, then ¾ then whole.

"Kiba" he heard Hinata say laughing.

"What if Naruto-kun finds out"

"Well, Naruto isn't here, so it's just me and you" said Kiba smirking.

"K-kiba-kun" squealed Hinata.

"I want you all to myself, and Naruto's not here to stop me" said Kiba, drawing his face closer for another kiss.

They kissed softly and passionately. Naruto could watch as Kiba continued to kiss her, they both enjoying the kiss. They pulled back for air breathing hard.

"You're a good kisser Hinata" said Kiba, smiling.

Hinata blushed, before Kiba drew her in again.

Before they locked lips, they heard a crash, and they both looked to see a shocked Naruto, standing there with his hands out where he was holding her present. The box now lay crumpled to the floor in front of him. The swan was already broken from the crash, and Naruto looked down at the present that he had dropped. Tears dropped from his eyes, before he looked at Hinata.

"Gomen Hinata…I…I never knew you loved Kiba, not me…Sakura was right…I am a failure…I'm nothing but trash…" said Naruto sadly, before wiping away his tears and fleeing the scene, leaving Kiba and Hinata shocked.

"NARUTO" screamed Hinata after him, but he was gone.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

"Finally, I got rid of him" said Kiba smirking before turning back to Hinata.

"Y-you knew he was there all the time?" asked Hinata.

"Of course…now…where were we?" he asked.

"Get lost" she screamed at him, whacking him on the head before running after Naruto.

She caught up to Naruto who was crying behind a tree. She slowly approached him, but he looked up at her and she saw him without his mask. The pain and sorrow of 12 years had taken its toll on him. She had broken his heart.

"N-Naruto-kun…I'm so sorry" she blurted out.

"No, I should be sorry. I was blind to see you liked Kiba. It's ok Hinata…you just broke my heart in 2. I'll never be the same. You've broken me. Thank you for making me realise I am truly nothing but a failure." said Naruto sadly and softly, and jumped away, tears streaming down his face.

Hinata fell to her knees in despair. She looked at the spot where Naruto had been just then, saw the puddle of water where he had sat crying.

"Naruto-kun" she said sadly, looking at the spot where he was just a moment ago.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Naruto drew out his key, opening his apartment door and shut it, locking it. Then, he broke down, crying his heart out. He never knew how long he cried for, but his eyes were sore and red from crying. He dragged himself up and looked at himself in the mirror, seeing nothing but a failure staring back at him. He yelled in anger, and drove his fist into the mirror, drawing blood.

"I hate myself" said Naruto, before drawing a kunai and slitting his wrist.

"I hate myself."

"I'll never be as good as Sasuke…I hope I just die a broken person. Not that anyone cared about me in the first place" said Naruto sadly, before slitting his wrist again. He watched the blood spurt out of the wound, dripping onto the floor. Naruto looked at his wrist and smiled weakly.

'Bleed Naruto Bleed' he thought, caught in his own depression.

Hinata searched desperately around for Naruto. She wanted to say it was a mistake for her to have kissed Kiba, but he saw it with his own 2 eyes. The hollowness and pain that stared back in his normally vibrant eyes was killing her.

'Where are you Naruto-kun' she thought.

She had checked the park, Team 7's training area, Ichiraku Ramen Bar, and the Hokage faces. She began to panic, and ran even faster. She wasn't thinking clearly enough to check his apartment, so she finally gave up, slouching on a bench looking depressed. He would show up at the Hokage Tower for their mission, and hopefully then they could sort things out.

Naruto gasped, clutching the kitchen sink, a pool of blood around his body.

"Kuso…Kyuubi, stop healing me and let me die" gritted Naruto, slitting his wrist again, watching the blood seep out.

"Konoha, you wanted me to go, and I will go" said Naruto sadly, before slitting his other wrist. He was already faint from the blood loss, and he would die soon, hopefully.

"One more damnit" gritted Naruto, slitting his wrist again.

Finally, he felt light headed and collapsed onto the pool of blood on his bathroom floor.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Several Hours Later

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

"Where the hell is that brat" raved Tsunade.

"I don't know, has anyone of you seen him?" asked Tsunade to the Konoha 11.

"No" all of them said.

"Don't lie to me. If I was Naruto and I got out of hospital, who would I go to…" muttered Tsunade.

"Hinata, Sakura, have any of you seen Naruto today?" she asked.

"No" said Sakura bluntly, hating that baka for not bring Sasuke back.

"Y-yes" said Hinata sadly.

"Where?" asked Tsunade hurridly.

"A-ano…I…I w-was at training f-field 9…with K-Kiba…when" started Hinata, before breaking off.

"What?" asked Tsunade.

"H-he was coming a-and…he saw u-us k-kissing" said Hinata softly.

"Kissing??? Weren't you 2 dating?" asked Choiji.

"Hinata…you're just as bad as Sakura" spat Shikamaru before glaring at Kiba.

"You too Kiba" he spat.

"Your youthful flames disappoint me" muttered Lee, annoyed.

Kiba looked down, not knowing what to say.

"Why do you say she's just as bad as Sakura?" asked Tsunade.

"Well, Sakura utterly blamed Naruto for not bringing Sasuke back" said Shikamaru.

"YOU WHAT?" roared Tsunade at Sakura.

Sakura just stood there, full of guilt.

'I treated Naruto like trash…how could I' she thought, before breaking down into tears.

"You too Hinata" spat Tsunade, and Hinata broke into tears too.

"Oh no…" said Tsunade her eyes wide with horror.

"What?" asked Neji quickly, becoming more familiar and friendly to Naruto.

"His mask would have broken then" said Tsunade finally.

"Mask?" asked Ino.

"Basically, for his entire life, Naruto wore a mask of happiness, but underneath he was a bubbling wreck. The only things keeping him from dropping his mask were…Sakura and Hinata…and if they broke" began Tsunade.

"Crap, scour Konoha for Naruto with medic-nins" yelled Shikamaru, bolting out the door.

They all ran out, but Sakura and Hinata were stopped by Tsunade.

"I hope your glad of what you've done, you've broken Naruto. Sakura, you broke his will, and Hinata…you broke his heart. You've completely and utterly destroyed Naruto" said Tsunade.

They ran out of the door, wanting to reaffirm themselves in the sight of the group. Kiba met Hinata at the door, but Hinata simply shot out, ignoring him.

'Naruto-kun, What have I done?'

'What have I done?'

"Naruto…don't die" muttered Tsunade, before she and Shizune shot out the door, heading for his apartment.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

They neared Naruto's apartment, and heard the crunch of wood as Shikamaru and Choiji kicked the door down and ran in with the rest of them. They heard a scream and Tsunade shoved her way through. She pushed through them all, to see Naruto lying on the floor in the bathroom, a bloody kunai by his side.

'Oh Kami no' thought Tsunade, inspecting the damage.

He had slit his wrist. Looking on the wall, Tsunade read the words written in blood, 'I shall shed tears of scarlet'

Tsunade checked Naruto's pulse, it was barely there. Hefting him up, she bolted with Naruto over her shoulder towards the Hospital, running for her loved one. Shizune ran after her and they both pounded across the roofs to the hospital.

'No, I won't let another one who's close to me die' she thought, running onwards.

'Do not forsake me Naruto, or so help me I will kick your ass'

'Naruto, do not loose hope' thought Shizune, running after Tsunade.

"My Kami…What have you done…What have you done" muttered Tenten.

Sakura and Hinata stared at the large pool of blood which was Naruto's.

'Naruto' they thought sadly.

"Hinata-sama, I despise you for what you have done. You too Sakura and Kiba" spat Neji.

"Even I wouldn't do something like that" said Ino sadly.

"Your youthful flames should burn you for your mistakes" muttered Lee.

"I need a packet of chips…Can't believe that Sakura, Hinata and Kiba did that to Naruto" muttered Choiji, rummaging in his pack.

"If Naruto survives…he'll be an empty shell. Nothing and no one to live for…" said Shikamaru quietly.

"I don't know what to say, except that I'm disappointed in you both" said Shino impassively to his team members. "And you too Sakura."

The three hung their heads. The three who had caused all the damage.

"It was my fault" said Sakura, "All my fault…"

"I-I b-broke his he-heart…W-what was I t-thinking" said Hinata, wiping away tears.

"It was worth it" said Kiba quietly.

Shikamaru looked up at him with pure rage, fire burning in his eyes. Although they weren't that close, Naruto and Shikamaru acknowledged each other for who they really are, Shikamaru knowing about the Kyuubi sealed in Naruto and Naruto knowing the genius behind the lazyness.

"WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY DOG BOY?" he yelled at Kiba.

"It was worth it. Naruto is nothing but a monster. You saw that chakra he drew in the Chuunin exams. He's nothing but a monster" spat Kiba.

"Bastard" yelled Shikamaru, springing forward like a cat, fist out stretched.

Shikamaru punched Kiba in the face, sending him careening into the wall, cracks appearing at how hard he had punched. Kiba looked at him with venom, rubbing at his cheek. No one attempted to help him. Choiji, also one of those people who respected Naruto for seeing Choiji for the ninja he really was, not teasing him and calling him fat, but Kiba calling Naruto a monster was too much. He walked up to Kiba and picked him up by the collar, lifting him up. Kiba looked at him, defiance clear in his eyes. Choiji drew back his hand, punching Kiba hard in the other cheek, sending him into the wall again, hard.

"Get the hell out of my sight…before I kill you" spat Shikamaru.

Kiba snorted, slowly getting up and walking out, his head held high.

"I…I k-kissed him…h-how cc-could he say s-such a t-thing" exclaimed Hinata.

"Yes you did, hope you enjoyed your decision Hinata" muttered Shikamaru, pissed.

"Ano, what does 'I shall shed tears of scarlet mean?'" asked Ino.

Shikamaru faced her.

"I'm not entirely sure, but 'scarlet' represents blood. 'I shall shed' means he would bleed, one way or another. He chose this way" said Shikamaru finally.

"I'm going to see if Naruto's alright" said Tenten.

"So am I, his youthful flames will push him forwards" said Lee.

"Let us go" said Shino softly.

They all started to walk, Neji shaking his head as he walked past Hinata. They left, leaving Sakura and Hinata behind. They looked at each other, guilt spread on their faces.

"What have we done…" they both said sadly.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Tsunade burst through the doors.

"I NEED THE EQUPMENT FOR A BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND I NEED THEM NOW" she screamed, shocking the nurses and doctors.

"SHIZUNE, GET THE BLOOD PACKS"

After their initial surprise, they all ran off as they were trained, Shizune pushing out scurrying nurses to get to the storage compartment that held the blood packs. The nurses ran about, grabbing the necessary equipment. Tsunade jumped into a random room, dropping Naruto on the bed inside. She pulled up his sleeve and grabbing a needle from a nurse, stuck a needle into the major vein. Then, she connected the needle to a tube, which led to a blood bag. Slowly but surely the blood started to train into his body.

The fight to save Naruto began.

For 5 hours, Tsunade worked feverishly on Naruto, healing his ripped wrist veins and pumping more blood into him via transfusions. The first 3 hours were frantic, trying to keep Naruto with a pulse. 3 times she had to resuscitate and restart his heart. 3 times she almost broke down in sorrow. Finally, after what seemed forever, Naruto had stabilised and she sunk down into a chair exhausted. Jiraiya was with her the entire time, encouraging her. She then looked at Jiraiya, with tears in her eyes, before crying into his chest.

"Shh, it's ok. The brat will fight, I know it" said Jiraiya reassuring.

His friends had come and gone, dropping off get well cards, presents and flowers. Naruto lay there, a peaceful expression on his face.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Hinata stared at the broken present box. She sat in her room, all alone and quiet. She finally opened it, gasping at the broken swan inside. Had it not been broken, it would have been exquisite. Engraved on it, in the middle of the swan was a heart with the words 'Aishiteru' on it. Ironically, the heart was split down the middle. Hinata had truly broken his heart.

She thought back to why she had even kissed Kiba.

It seemed like the right thing to do at the time…right?

But she had broken his heart. Naruto tried to commit suicide because of the pain she had caused him. He must have spent almost all his savings on this present for her, only to see her kissing Kiba. She regretted it, and still wondered why she kissed Kiba. That night, she cried herself to sleep.

Sakura sat in a daze, wondering what she had said. How this could have happened. She had rejected Naruto, called him trash. Thinking of no one but her Sasuke-kun. Sakura cursed herself for that. What had she done? What had she done? She had broken Naruto's will and his necklace, and for that he had tried to kill himself. All because of her. That night, Sakura cried herself to sleep.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Naruto woke up weakly, staring at that hated white roof of the hospital. Groaning, he slowly lifted himself up to see Tsunade cuddled up to Jiraiya on a chair. Looking out the window, it was night, maybe 8:00. Coughing politely, they both woke up and saw the compromising position they were in. Tsunade instantly flew up, and yelled "PERVERT," before throwing an almighty punch to Jiraiya, sending Jiraiya crashing into the wall.

Naruto looked at the scene, snickering softly. Tsunade and a very dazed Jiraiya approached him.

"How you feeling brat?" she asked.

"Fine I guess" said Naruto.

"You dare do that again, and I will kill you myself" yelled Jiraiya in Naruto's face.

"Whatever Ero-Sennin" muttered Naruto.

"We'll leave you to rest" said Tsunade, pulling Jiraiya away with her.

Naruto smirked as she apologised for whacking Jiraiya, who said it was his pleasure for her to cuddle up to him. He winced at a huge slap noise erupted and Tsunade marched off in a huff. Jiraiya walked off too, and all was quiet. Naruto listened again for about 5 minutes, before jumping out of bed. His eyes reverted from happiness to sorrow and emptiness. He had dropped his mask for the last time. He would never wear a mask again.

He bailed out of the window, and stealthily went to his apartment. Reaching there, he unlocked the door, and pulled out a backpack. He then packed his clothes, grabbing his belongings. Then, attaching his weapon pouch and finally he hefted a large scroll over his shoulder. He then snuck into the library under a henge. Breaking easily into the library, he set down to work. First, he dispelled the huge scroll, and a huge pile of scrolls and writing implements were summoned out of the scroll.

He summoned 600 shadow clones to copy every jutsu from the scrolls into the book. After they had done this, he sealed them all back into the large scroll, sealed that scroll into a tiny scroll, and headed out the door.

'Jiraiya actually taught me something good' thought Naruto.

He was about to leave, when a scroll lying at the top with dust on it caught his eye. It was on the shelf, barely part of it sticking out.

'I wonder what it is' thought Naruto, jumping up and grabbing it.

Coughing as he blew at the dust, he looked at the scroll weirdly, before opening it.

'Gravity seals…this might come in handy later' thought Naruto, shoving it into a pocket.

He reached his apartment around very early morning, grabbing his backpack. He then ran over to Tenten's weapon shop, buying a pair of bracer weights, a pair of leg weights and a weighted vest. Then, he purchased kunai and shuriken, ninja wire, exploding tags and other utentils. He was surprised that Tenten's father was even up, making weapons for the day. Then, he Henged and bought groceries and supplies for his journey from a half awake grocer, unaware of the time.

Finally, he needed new clothes. He broke into a clothing store that had denied him access once, and took a lot of the dark clothes. Feeling he was ready he then took off for the gate, smirking while he prepared. As he travelled, he untied his hitai-ite, slashing it through the middle and put it back on proudly.

He then ran towards the gate in his new dark clothes.

"Halt, who goes there?" asked an ANBU, looking at the approaching boy with a blue T-shirt, black jacket and black pants running towards them

"Uzumaki Naruto, we ask you to halt at once" said the ANBU again, after taking a good look at the boy as he neared them.

The ANBU then saw his slashed hitai-ite.

"Stop that boy at all costs" said the ANBU, and they readied.

"Kiss my ass" replied Naruto, smirking as he threw smoke bombs and exploding tags on kunai at them.

They jumped out of the way onto a nearby roof, sending a huge smoke screen up and when they looked for the boy, he was gone.

"Pursue him" said an ANBU, and they all went to move when they felt wires wrap around their body, weighed down by a number of logs.

They were stuck, giving Naruto a head start. It would be quite a number of hours until they would be free to chase the elusive boy, the next shift change being at 9:00. No one bothered to tell Tsunade, who didn't discover about Naruto's disappearance until later that morning.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Naruto sprang out, deciding to head for the Uchiha complex. He entered carefully, knowing the massacre that had taken place. The silence was uneasy, as if ghosts inhabited the area. He walked around the room, until he came to what seemed like a sacred meeting spot. Looking around, he saw many books on strategy and other arts of ninjas. Naruto's eyes widened, stuffing the books and sealing them in a scroll.

He then was walking around, before he tripped over the rug holding the table. He hit the floor, but instead of a dull thud, when he hit the floor, it was hollow. Naruto looked up, turning around and where the rug was dishevelled, he saw the corner of a trapdoor. Naruto yanked it open, lighting a torch from the wall, he grabbed it and walked down. It was dusty and full of cobwebs. He wandered around, until he hit the jackpot. More Jutsu scrolls.

Naruto smiled, unsealing another huge scroll with small scrolls and utentils. Then, proceeding to summon 200 shadow clones to copy down all the jutsu's, he left, happy with the collection of jutsu's he could learn. He would later learn that most of them were for Sharingan, but a few certainly were interesting. He covered the trapdoor again, before springing out into the woods, heading for the main road, and his freedom. He had come to the Uchiha complex to also throw them off his scent slightly. He hoped that they wouldn't be able to find his scent after entering the Uchiha complex.

The next morning the Hokage was sifting through her morning mail, annoyed and tired. Her eyes widened as she saw a letter addressed to her from Naruto. She ripped it open, reading it before she yelled for Jiraiya and Shizune. They rushed in, and Tsunade shoved the letter at them. Their eyes widened, and they bolted out the door. Behind them, Tsunade dug into the envelope, to find a small box. Inside, was her necklace, it's jewel destroyed.

'Only 2 people in Konoha are strong enough to break that stone' thought Tsunade.

Pressing the button for ANBU, 2 arrived and she ordered them to find Sakura and Hinata.

Shizune ran into the hospital, and pushed open the door to Naruto's room. It was empty.

'Oh Kami…No no no' she yelled in her head before running back to the Hokage tower.

"Naruto, where are you" gritted Jiraiya, sprinting along the rooftops to his house. He busted down the door, and saw his entire apartment ruined and wrecked. Debris lay everywhere. Jiraiya stepped forward, and picked up a broken picture frame. There was Team 7, all there, except Naruto was ripped out.

'Kakashi always favoured Sasuke…' thought Jiraiya.

'Kakashi…you have failed as a teacher, Arashi wouldn't be proud of you'

Jiraiya then sprang out of the apartment, the picture frame in his hand.

Tsunade sat by her desk, the broken necklace in her hand. Shizune had just come in and told that Naruto wasn't in his bed. Jiraiya burst in finally, before handing Tsunade a picture frame. She looked at it, Naruto ripped out of the picture. She took the picture out of the frame, and looked at its back. Scrawled in his handwriting was 'The True Team 7, Kakashi and Sasuke.'

'Kakashi…of all people you should know' thought Tsunade, before pressing the button for the ANBU for the 2nd time that day.

Tsunade, flanked by Jiraiya and Shizune stared at the 3. Tsunade was pissed, Naruto was gone.

"You all know why you were summoned here today" said Tsunade looking at Hinata, Sakura and Kakashi.

"Why was I called Hokage-sama? I've done absolutely nothing wrong" said Kakashi, looking at his book.

"Look at me when I'm speaking to you Jounin" spat Tsunade, Kakashi's eye widened and looked at her.

"Who wishes to go first? Hmm?" asked Tsunade.

"I..I w-will" said Hinata softly, her eyes red from crying and her hair was terrible. She also had slight bags under her eyes.

"Hinata…remember that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When you kissed Kiba and Naruto saw, his heart broke. If he ever comes back…I pray that you try to make it up to him. Although by then, it's probably too late. The Naruto we all know and love is probably gone, replaced by a hollow shell of a person" said Tsunade sadly.

Hinata looked down at the ground sadly, the guilt weighting on her.

"Sakura…you destroyed Naruto's will. He offered you one of the only 2 things he had ever been given in the world. 1st was his Hitai-ite, 2nd was that necklace. I gave that necklace to him after a bet we had made. That necklace, every Hokage has worn it, and those who are fated to wear it become Hokage" said Tsunade.

At this, all 3 of them looked up shocked.

"But Sakura, this necklace is priceless…and you've broken it. I don't care about the necklace as much as Naruto. And you've broken Naruto" said Tsunade.

Sakura looked at her shocked, her actions weren't justifiable at all.

"And finally you Kakashi, you should be ashamed at yourself" spat Tsunade.

"I truly don't see how so" said Kakashi lazily.

Jiraiya jumped in front of him, his eyes burning with rage.

"Abandoning him to simply teach the Uchiha? Teaching him absolutely nothing when you could train a genius. Kakashi, you gave up the opportunity to train a future Hokage, someone who would die a thousand times than see one of his precious people hurt. Kakashi, you took the easy and selfish way out, training the Uchiha. I remember Naruto saying how he was nothing compared to Sasuke. That you always looked down on him saying that he was always better than him. You always praised Sasuke and not Naruto. You of all people should know better than that. You've taught him the meaning of baised training, all you had taught him was tree-climbing. Nothing more nothing less. He asked you to train him countless times, and all you did was looked at him, and say 'Your chakra control isn't good enough'. You spineless selfish bastard. How dare you even be qualified to be a teacher. You always talk about how abandoning friends are scum. But where the hell were you when he rocked up, without Sasuke injured and bleeding? Probally crying your stupid heart out because the Uchiha was gone. You did absolutely nothing Kakashi, and may Kami have mercy on you, because if Naruto comes back, I doubt he'll have any mercy" roared Jiraiya at him.

Kakashi was rooted to the spot, his eye wide. He then looked downcast, and closed his eyes slowly.

"What have I done" he whispered.

"Naruto…forgive me" he said softly.

"It's too late for that now" spat Tsunade.

She then slammed her hand on the table, causing it to split in half.

"Get out of my sight" she spat, before breaking down and crying.

Hinata, Sakura and Kakashi retreated out of the room. A finger tapped Kakashi's shoulder and he whirled around, to be slapped by a very angry Anko.

"I heard every word of that Kakashi. You should be ashamed of yourself. Bastard" snorted Anko, walking off.

"He tried his heart out for the village. He beat Gaara, but you praised Sasuke for stalling him, and not Naruto for beating him. Kakashi, Arashi would be disappointed in you" said Jiraiya, glaring at him before walking away.

Kakashi disappeared in a smoke cloud, coming to the memorial stone.

'Obito…Arashi-sensei…Rin…what have I done' thought Kakashi.

"WHAT HAVE I DONE?" he screamed to the world, before breaking down and crying.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Tsunade called the council together. She explained the situation. They all murmured, wanting to list him as an S-ranked missing nin. Tsunade managed to lower it to A, but then she pointed out the difficulties.

"Naruto had the Kyuubi no Kitsune sealed inside of him. He is no longer in the village, thus making him a target for Akatsuki" said Tsunade.

There was a murmur in the group, before Inoichi spoke up.

"But the demon brat's gone, that's a good thing."

"He was not a demon, he held the demon" roared Tsunade at him.

They all looked sheepishly at the ground. She was pissed.

"For 12 years he protected this village by holding the Kyuubi at bay, yet he was not treated like one. Arashi wished for him to be treated as a hero, yet you treated him like trash" said Tsunade, angering more.

"As far as I can see, he was a demon" muttered Hiashi.

"You do not remember what happened at the Chuunin exams? How he changed Neji? How he defeated Gaara?" asked Tsunade.

"He didn't defeat Gaara though, the Uchiha did" said Shikaku.

"No, Naruto did, and I have confirmation from Jiraiya. Who said that the Uchiha defeated Gaara himself?" asked Tsunade.

"Kakashi" said Shikaku.

For the second time today, Tsunade cursed Kakashi.

"The problem is that Akatsuki will no doubtedly catch Naruto" said Tsunade.

"And then they would possess the strongest of the 9 bijou" said Hiashi.

"Exactly, but that's not the only problem" said Tsunade.

"And what would be that bad?" asked Choza.

"What I tell you does not leave the room. This is a SSS-ranked village secret. What is bad is the son of the Yondaime Hokage hating the village" said Tsunade.

"He's the Yondaime's son?" asked Hiashi in disbelief.

"Yes, the same Naruto your daughter was dating" said Tsunade.

"My Kami…Arashi forgive me" said Hiashi sadly, thinking of his team mate.

"Meeting dismissed" said Tsunade, and she left the room.

While this happened, Naruto was running, pursued by an ANBU team. He was out on the trees, gasping for air as the ANBU were gaining on him. They finally caught up to him, and surrounded him.

"Uzumaki Naruto, you will return to Konoha immediately for trial" said one wearing a bear mask.

"I refuse to go back to Konoha" spat Naruto, drawing out a kunai.

The ANBU drew out their Katanas, slowly advancing on Naruto. Naruto stood his ground, shifting his eyes from left to right, wondering whether he should strike first or stand his ground. They were almost upon him, when 2 figures jumped into the clearing, the black and red clouds cloak a dead giveaway.

"Uchiha Itachi" spat one, looking at Itachi, his Sharingan whirling.

"Naruto-kun, come with us" said Itachi.

Naruto looked into his eyes, and nodded. Itachi's eyes widened, he hadn't expected the boy to be this receptive. Kisame pondered, wondering where the energetic aura of Naruto's had gone.

"Kisame, we're leaving" said Itachi to the other figure.

"Not if you fight us first" said an ANBU.

"Do you wish to die today?" asked Itachi, mangekyo whirling, trapping them in the legendary genjutsu.

The ANBU screamed in anguish before they fell back, utterly spent at defending against the genjutsu. Itachi looked at Kisame. Kisame nodded, and they disappeared in a poof of smoke, Naruto with them.

"Mission was a failure…lets go back" gasped an ANBU, and they slowly jumped up onto a tree branch, and slowly sprang away, the pain of the genjutsu still installed into their minds. If it wasn't for their ANBU class training, they would have easily died by mental exertion.

An ANBU team walked exhaustedly into the Hokage's office several hours later. Tsunade stood up, looking at them hopefully. The leader shook his head depressed.

"Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame took him" said the ANBU.

"Did he go willingly?" asked Tsunade.

"Hai Hokage-sama" said the ANBU captain sadly.

"There was nothing we could do" said another.

"It was his genjutsu…so much...pain" said one while the others nodded softly in agreement.

"Alright, dismissed" said Tsunade slowly and they nodded, plodding out of the room exhausted, happy to be off the job for a couple of days.

"Naruto…" said Tsunade softly, before reaching for the sake bottle.

Jiraiya walked in, snatching the bottle from Tsunade's mouth after she had taken a swig, also taking a swig of the bottle. He sighed sadly.

"So Naruto is with Akatsuki now huh" said Jiraiya.

"Yeah, it doesn't look good" said Tsunade.

"Knowing the brat, he'll surivive the Kyuubi being drawn out of him. He would be too powerful to be wasted on death. I expect him to be fighting with Akatsuki" said Jiraiya sadly.

"So do I…we failed" said Tsunade, reaching for the sake bottle again.

'I'm sorry Arashi' thought Jiraiya sadly.

'I failed my student…again'

"If only Arashi was here to help us out in our time of need. That or Sarutobi-sensei" said Jiraiya regretfully.

"I wish they both were still was here" said Tsunade, before taking another long swig of the sake bottle.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Diary of a broken Heart-From Leaving the village to Now

The day I left the village, my heart died. It all came back to me. Rejection, hatred, spite. They all came back to me the day I revealed my secret to 11 of my most trusted friends. Well…ex-friends. I am hated and hunted for a simple change in life that affected my entire life. Spat upon, beaten down into pulp, glared at with hatred. No one would have been able to survive my childhood. Nobody saw past the mask I put on. No one saw who I truly was.

I am nought but a wandering soul now. My heart broken into millions of pieces.

I despair

I cry

I pray

And I will die

They all hated me for who I was. They all believed me to be the Kyuubi no Kitsune. To them, I was simply another throwaway friend, they all hated me. After I had done so much for them, I tried to explain, but they turned away from the true me, and rather looked at what was sealed inside me, the Kyuubi. The villagers saw me as nothing more than scum that wasn't worth living on the planet. Not knowing how I protected the village for 12 years by harbouring the demon. How I had lived in loneliness the entire time, crying out for someone to acknowledge me. They didn't know, simply because they couldn't see past the Kyuubi no Kitsune.

The Kyuubi is no more. It is dead. I joined Akatsuki and they removed it. They said I was too much of a powerful disciple to die, so they made a jutsu so I would survive the extraction. The Kyuubi is now nothing, not in me. The seal is gone, thankfully. My chakra is still very high, but I don't have the Kyuubi's chakra anymore. My control has shot up to perfect, simply the Kyuubi had held me back all this time. Although, what was left of his chakra mixed with mine. When he was about to be extracted, he pleading for me to reconsider. But I had no mercy left within the dark confines of what was called a heart.

You try to avoid your past, yet when you think you've finally avoided it, it comes back at you. Orochimaru waged war on Konoha with the help of Cloud, Mist and Rock. They would easily defeat Konoha, and then come for us. So we have to fight…with Konoha and Suna. It pains me that I'll see those who shunned me. Maybe they won't recognise me at all. That would be best. But it's hard to avoid the blonde hair, the piercing cerulean eyes.

The whiskers are gone, so are the longer cainines. All my inherited animal characteristics are gone. My chakra control has shot sky high. I no longer carry the Kyuubi. I am free. I now will fight, along side my comrades, in the battle to seal all our fates. Itachi said I looked much better without my whiskers, and I agreed. I look better, showing that I am not the Kyuubi, but rather someone who had contained it. The experiment screwed up.

All the demons which we had captured had a sort of reaction and they disappeared from the earth, back down to the hellhole from which they came. The leader was pissed, all of us were. All the work we had done, to get all the demons. All in one failed attempt. We didn't have enough chakra. The Kyuubi's chakra had overwhelmed ours combined, even Kisame's.

Who am I to compare myself to a common ninja. I am not a common ninja to be swept aside and used as a tool. I am an S-rank missing-nin, a member of Akatsuki, and I'm damn proud of it. My life was left in tatters when I left Konoha, and Akatsuki had an offer I couldn't refuse. They wanted me, I wanted power, both were fulfilled. They got the Kyuubi no Kitsune, and I traded it for power and membership into Akatsuki. Probably the best decision of my life.

But now, as I stand on this hilltop, watching the trees swing to and fro, the almighty gates of Konohagakure, I wonder whether my past will come back to haunt me. And knowing my luck…it will.

It all started when I was growing up with the Kyuubi. The villagers would constantly break into my house, trash the apartment. That was on a good day. Other days I would be chased out of shops, spat on, debris thrown at me and the regular beatings. I vowed to take it, to become a Hokage. What a stupid dream. I was naïve and foolish. I should have left when I had the chance. I would have become much stronger. I should have sought out powerful ninjas and learnt from them.

They all shunned and rejected me. Except for 4 people in Konoha, everyone else hated me. They were Jiraiya, Tsunade, Iruka and Sandaime Hokage. Only 4 out of a village of thousands that hate you. I use to have many more…but they're nothing to me now. I'm simply a shadow of my form self.

It pains me as we approach Konoha. Some new alliance between Akatsuki and Konoha. I don't like it one bit. Konoha can fight with Suna, yet we're all brought into this midst by one person, Orochimaru. We know he is getting too strong, and if Konoha is defeated, we also will fall. He took Sasuke, and he will take the world. Orochimaru is incredibly strong now. Itachi and I fought him a while back, he was strong.

Leader is afraid of Orochimaru. Orochimaru is strong, and getting stronger. The only way to kill him would be if Kisame, Itachi and I were all there, fighting him. But even then the outcome would mean one of our deaths. If leader were to fight Orochimaru alone…leader would loose. Orochimaru is growing stronger, his sound ninjas getting more powerful. This is why we have to join with Konoha.

Sasuke was naïve and foolish. He wanted power to kill his brother. Even now, he can't kill Itachi. He wanted power, but instead of earning it the hard way he simply ran like a puppy to Orochimaru, pleading for power. Even still, he would be hard pressed fighting Itachi. While Orochimaru trained Sasuke, Itachi trained me and even he grew even stronger when I came up to par with him after 2 years of hard work. He was now hard pressed in our sparring sessions to keep up with me. Should Sasuke and Itachi face each other, only one will end up victorious. I believe it to be Itachi, rather I know it to be Itachi.

Konoha brings back many memories, most painful. Yet, one thing that hurt the most, was the rejection from the one person I could have loved in my entire life. I saw Hyuuga Hinata kissing another boy, Inuzuka Kiba. It ripped my heart to shred. The only love I have now, is for my older brothers, Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame. Besides that, there's no one else out there. Not for what's left of my heart anyway.

When Hinata had kissed Kiba, it broke my heart, her rejection. I was left saddened and heartbroken. That was the day, my heart died, and I left my home, hoping never to return, until now. Itachi is worried about me. He's been like an older brother, even though he doesn't show it, we both acknowledges we care for each other. He helped me become strong, and I helped him become stronger. It was a win win situation. We became family.

I trained hard. Kisame would kill me in the morning, then Itachi at night. I ran on 20 hour days, gravity seals pumping my strength. They were both sadists. God I hated that, but the training all payed off in the end. I was powerful.

There is a saying, the Higher they are up, the harder they fall. That was me, I was up high, and fell hard. I became a broken angel, destroyed and defeated. Falling from the skies, towards the ground. All because of two events that would shape my life in the years to come, and sent me crashing down into the ground.

Now, I'm coming back to face my demons from the past, and to face the demons of the present. I will fight, not for Konoha, but rather for my family…Akatsuki. I am Uzumaki Naruto, dying to live, and living to die.

End of Diary Entries...

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

I worry for my otouto. He never seems the same after the instructions we received from Leader. "To head to Konoha, and aid them in anyway possible." I knew he had to face his demons from the past, but this early? Leader knows of his childhood, but to become a stronger shinobi, he must face his past. I await for my past actions to catch up to me. The avenger, Uchiha Sasuke will come for me. Knowing him, he would seek Orochimaru out for power. Foolish little brother, he nothing to me now.

Naruto doesn't talk a lot now. He's mentally preparing himself for the undeniable encounter with his old friends. I wonder how he will react. The fun part is watching it all play out, seeing whether he'll go crazy and loose his temper, or simply walk away. Kisame is worried too. We're both basically family to him. I think he believes this too. Now, he will face his demons of his past. We head to Konoha. None of us approve of this alliance with Akatsuki and Konoha, what could they possibly do that could help us from certain destruction.

The Hyuugas have grown cocky and weak, the Uchihas are gone. The Yondaime is dead and only Tsunade, Jiraiya and a bunch of other ninjas there are strong. But not even they are up to par with Akatsuki. Maybe it's those few ninjas that are strong, that will help turn the tide of this war. Why Leader wants us to join Konoha, I still question now.

But now, we go to Konoha, and if Naruto needs us, we will be there. I am Uchiha Itachi, waiting for my past actions to catch up to me.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

3 lone figures walked silently towards the gate of Konoha. The 2 Chuunin on guard looked strangely at them, before flinching and calling for help. The 3 stood softly in the middle of the road, their straw hats covering their faces from view. They wore a black cloak with red clouds on them. Members of the revered group…Akatsuki.

"Hokage-sama" said Shizune bursting inside.

"Akatsuki, 3 of their members are here" she said hurridly.

Tsunade looked up with shock and surprise. She pressed the button for the ANBU. Instantly, a squad were in the room, crouching silently.

"Gather all Jounin, Chunnin, Hunter-nins and ANBU and head to the gate immediately" she said firmly.

They all nodded, before jumping away. Time was of the essence.

The 3 figures stood silently, the wind blowing their cloaks in a western position. They stood impassive, silent and dangerous. They then slowly took steps towards the gate.

"Halt, you will go no further. If you do not comply, we will be forced to attack" said a Chuunin.

"Cocky one isn't he Itachi" whispered Kisame, smirking.

"Silence Kisame" said Itachi softly.

They stood there, impassively to the Leaf Shinobi coming. The leaf ninjas surrounded them, armed to the teeth. They waited patiently for the arrival of the Gondaime Hokage. Finally, the Hokage arrived, flanked by 2 squads of ANBU. They all stood ready, incase the Akatsuki members would try anything.

"State your business, otherwise be gone or we will feel threatened and attack you" said Tsunade, her eyes narrowing.

"She's an angry one" muttered Kisame.

"Hokage-sama, we have a proposition to make" said Itachi, lifting his head to meet Tsunade's eyes with his pitch black ones.

They looked at each other, glaring. But Itachi wasn't here to fight, only negotiate. He made no attempt to activate his Sharingan. Digging into his pocket, he threw over a scroll, which several Hyuuga ninjas checked with Byakugan before nodding. Tsunade opened the scroll, reading it. At that moment, Jiraiya arrived, before looking at the 3 members of Akatsuki.

"Akatsuki" spat Jiraiya.

"Now Jiraiya, no need to be so hasty" said Kisame, smiling widely, sending shudders down the lesser ranks of Konoha ninjas.

Kisame then patted his sword, talking softly to it.

"What is this…an alliance?" asked Tsunade, confused.

At this, everyone started to murmur before Tsunade shot them all a glare.

"Ouch, she's definitely an angry Hokage" muttered Kisame.

Jiraiya walked over, and read the scroll himself. His eyes widened and he looked at them.

"This is impossible, your freelancers" said Jiraiya.

"We may be freelancers, but we cannot fight against Orochimaru forever. We do not have the strength, nor the manpower to keep fighting off Orochimaru" said Itachi finally.

At this, the Konoha ninja's eyes widened, and murmuring was heard. They were fighting against Orochimaru, which shocked most of the Konoha forces.

"Akatsuki can't be loosing to Orochimaru and his Sound forces. They're Akatsuki for Kami sake" said a chuunin ranked ninja.

"We may be Akatsuki, but we're not Kami's" said Kisame.

"How bad are things?" asked Tsunade.

"We've fought 4 battles with Orochimaru's forces. We've already lost Flower-boy and Hidan in this fights" said Itachi.

"Flower-boy? Hidan? But Hidan can't die…he's immortal" said Jiraiya.

"I remember fighting with him several times"

"True, but Hidan was hit with a strange sort of jutsu by Orochimaru himself, killing Hidan instantly. It was only meant for taking out Hidan though, otherwise we wouldn't be standing here" said Kisame.

"This is…interesting news" said Jiraiya, pondering over his comments.

"Can you brief us on what happened in the first 2 battles?" asked Tsunade.

"First battle was simple, we deployed into a line to defend our base. They came and we easily held them back. We sensed another attack, and therefore had all our stuff packed encase we were attacked again. The second wasn't as simple. Orochimaru joined in, defeating Hidan and Flower-boy who was fighting him. Leader engaged him for a bit and several others stayed outside to help while the rest packed up and blew up the den.

"Which brings Akatsuki down to how many members?" asked Tsunade.

"8 members" said Itachi.

"8 members, shouldn't you be on 7?" asked Jiraiya.

"I suppose you can't count Jiraiya" sighed Itachi, pointing at the 3rd member of their party.

"I see, so he's a new member" said Jiraiya, interested.

"So, what say you Hokage-sama?" asked Kisame, bored of waiting around.

"I would like for us to discuss this with the council" said Tsunade finally.

"We would like to put you under ANBU escort as well, we fully know your reputations."

"That is fine with us, lets go" said Itachi and Tsunade and the ANBU disappeared with the remaining 2 members of Akatsuki.

But before that, the 3rd member of the Akatsuki party who hadn't moved an inch, turned his face and looked up at the a certain group of ninjas. They didn't see his face but from the position of the straw hat it was obvious that he was looking at them. Then the 3rd and last member of Akatsuki present disappeared with his ANBU escort.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Those ninjas stared at just then were watching the entire thing from the trees.

"What was that all about" asked Choiji, looking at the spot where they were talking.

"It seems Akatsuki have come to help, if the council will take it that is" said Shikamaru.

"Why would they come and help us?" asked Ino.

"They're fighting a loosing war to the north. They can't fight off Orochimaru and the only way to stop him, is to ally themselves with Konoha. They know if they join Orochimaru he will simply kill them all. That is their reason, also to ensure their survival in the world" said Shikamaru.

"Akatsuki…but aren't they all S-ranked missing nins?" asked Tenten.

"Indeed, but each and every one of them is powerful in their own right" pointed out Neji.

"I wonder who the 3rd guy was" said Sakura, looking at the spot where the 3rd member had stood.

"So do I, I also wonder why he stared at us" said Hinata.

After Naruto's departure, Hinata and Sakura were ignored by the rest of the Konoha 11. Finally, they forgave them and they strived to become stronger. All of the Konoha 11 were Jounins or Chuunins now, although they lacked a lot of combat experience, they were all strong in their own right. Except for 1 member, Uzumaki Naruto who had run away 6 years ago. A day that would cause pain to every friend close to him, especially 2 specific kunoichis, Hinata and Sakura. They were now called the "Konoha 10," after the departure of Naruto.

Kiba had become cocky and none of the Konoha 10 liked him. He had constantly tried to get Hinata to go out with him time and time again, even going as far to as threaten her if she didn't. But she stood strong and refused time and time again. Kiba had become the person they all hated now. But he didn't care. He was too proud and stuck up, having his own fan group of friends.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

The council room was packed, the 12 council members there with ANBU present. Tsunade was flanked by an ANBU squad, incase they did anything. She sat down slowly at the head of the table, and turned to the 3 Akatsuki members who all slowly entered. All held their heads down, straw hats covering their faces.

"We are here to discuss the possible alliance between Akatsuki and Konoha" began Tsunade.

Immediately there was a cry of outrage. Tsunade held up her hand.

"As far as we know, this is completely legit. It is signed in the blood of the Leader of Akatsuki, so they have their word to fight with us" Tsunade said.

"Surely they wouldn't do this for free" Choza said, speaking up.

"No, but they are doing it to ensure their survival in this world where Orochimaru is dominating" said Tsunade.

"Why should we help them?" asked Shikaku.

"Because, we've fought 4 battles with Orochimaru, at the cost of 2 of our own. We've saved you from 4 attacks on Konoha directly, but we were there to preoccupy him and ensure you were more ready. That and if you let 9 S ranked missing nins into Konoha to help you fight, everyone of them is powerful, wouldn't that help shift the tide of the war?" asked Itachi.

Everyone was silent, drinking in the words that Itachi had said.

"How do you know your claims are true?" asked Inuzuka Hana.

"You doubt the word of Akatsuki?" asked Kisame, looking annoyed.

"Surely we can repel the strength of Orochimaru. The Sound forces are strong, but I'm sure the strength of the Hyuuga can drive them back" said Hiashi speaking up.

"You Hyuuga have grown cocky" said Kisame smirking.

"We are the strongest clan in Konoha" yelled Hiashi, outraged.

"Whatever you say" said Kisame, bored.

"You will not speak that way to me" retorted Hiashi.

"He will speak what he seems fit. But Kisame, keep your manners for now until the formalities are over" said Itachi.

"Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, we know your names as they are in the bingo book. As to your companion, who is he?" asked Tsunade.

"Look closer, you'll find his name in there" said Itachi.

"Yeah, you got that right, though I'm wondering whether he made S-rank status yet" said Kisame.

"May I borrow your newly updated bingo book?" asked Itachi and Tsunade chucked him the book.

He opened it, and Kisame and Itachi looked, flicking through the pages.

"Ahah, he is. You owe me 50" said Itachi, looking smugly at Kisame.

Kisame swore, drawing out a 50 and shoving it in Itachi's hand.

Itachi then closed the book, and threw it back to Tsunade.

"Seems they know nothing about him though" said Kisame sadly.

"True, a shame. Should have gotten him to do something…evil" said Itachi, smirking.

"That still doesn't answer my question, who is that 3rd member of your group?" asked Tsunade.

"My name…" said the 3rd member softly.

"Is…Uzumaki Naruto, Leaf's most hated Ninja" said the member finishing, raising his head slightly.

Instead of a 12 year old boy, stood a cold eyed 17 year old boy, the whisker marks gone and bangs hung over his eyes. A forehead protector hung around his neck, the slit still on it. He was an S-ranked missing nin…if not a very attractive one.

"Naruto..." gasped Hiashi.

"I see you remember me Hiashi" said Naruto, looking at him lazily, no formalities whatsoever.

"What do you take me for Hokage-sama, of course I did" replied Naruto coldly.

"Uzumaki Naruto, been missing for 6 years. Never been seen since running away from leaf. Holder of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Currently S-ranked and deemed as kill on sight" said an old lady.

Naruto looked at Tsunade, annoyed.

"That's all you knew about me Hokage-sama?" he asked annoyed.

Tsunade flinched at not being called 'Obaa-chan.'

"But update your damn bingo books, I don't hold the Kyuubi" said Naruto smugly.

"You don't?" asked Tsunade.

"They drew it out of me" said Naruto coldly.

"They drew out the Kyuubi no Kitsune?" asked Inoichi in alarm.

"Duh, and it's dead…finally" said Naruto.

At this, murmurs went through the room. Tsunade called for silence.

"Back to the issue on hand, we do not know Akatsuki's goals for the future, but we're fighting a loosing war and I don't think we have much choice" said Tsunade.

"They claim if we don't ally ourselves with them, they will have no choice but to join Orochimaru."

A murmur of discussion went around the room. It was already late.

"We'll discuss your proposition tomorrow" said Tsunade.

"Escort them to their hotels, and ensure they do not leave" ordered Tsunade to the 2 ANBU squads.

They nodded, before surrounding the 3 Akatsuki members.

"Come with us please" they said and the Akatsuki members complied walking out the door.

"Naruto…" said Tsunade after they had gone.

"He gave them the Kyuubi…so you have no right to call him demon brat any longer" said Tsunade, looking directly at Hiashi, who opened his mouth and closed it, unable to take the glare from the Hokage.

"Naruto…how much have you changed?" asked Tsunade to herself.

At the Hotel, Kisame stretched languidly on the couch.

"Do you reakon they'll comply?" asked Kisame.

"Seriously, I don't care whether they do or not" said Naruto, grabbing his hat and tossing it over to the other side of the room.

"Now now Naru-chan, don't overreact" said Kisame, smirking.

Naruto walked past him, giving him the finger and walked into the bathroom. Itachi stared at them both.

"Get some rest Kisame, it's going to be a long day tomorrow" said Itachi.

"Hai" said Kisame, smirking evily.

Naruto came back from the bathroom, chucking his cloak smoothly onto a hanger and slumped onto the bed.

"Konoha…I'm back" he said softly, before closing his eyes.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

That night, Naruto couldn't sleep. He opened his eyes, sighing loudly. He then walked to the window, gazing out at Konoha. Few lights were on in the huge town, and rain started to sprinkle down. Naruto dressed into his Akatsuki uniform, and walked out of the hotel, taking his key with him. He walked down, nodding at the receptionist who nervously nodded back. He walked out and gazed around. There were few pedestrians, most gone home because it was late or raining. Naruto looked up at the rain falling on his head, and smiled.

He took off his straw hat, feeling the soothing rain drip onto his head, running down his neck. Naruto sighed, walking aimlessly around Konoha. He reached the middle of Konoha, where there were few lights and rain was sprinkling down. Naruto looked up, raising his hands up in the air, looking up at the cloudy night hiding the stars from view. Naruto opened his mouth, tasting the sweet rain.

He sought comfort in the rain. Naruto loved the rain, one of the few things he loved. He loved how it was gentle yet pure; refreshing as if it's cleansing your soul. Naruto sighed. No one else usually appreciated the rain. It were the simple things that you rarely notice that Naruto enjoyed. The wind blowing, leaves rustling in the wind. Rain falling down gently, like a shower. Naruto stared out at the sky. Spotting a star, he smiled, whispering something at it. Then, he slowly walked back to the hotel that they were staying at.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Several plot twists already in the Prologue. I hope you enjoyed it. Please Review and you'll bring a tear to my eye. Thank you and stay tuned for the next chapter.

Until then

Wootabulous