Welcome my dear readers to my first fanfic on this website ... well my first fic in English to be precise hehe. You see I've started this story in German and posted it on Animexx ... it still isn´t finished and I plan to continue to write in the two languages. Since one of my American friends pleaded me to do this story in English and post it on Fanfiction. Well here you have it buddy ... hope you like it ...and of course the same goes for all the other readers as well.

So I have the pleasure to introduce you to my story ... Lost in Darkness.

Enjoy!

I don´t own Naruto ... if I would, then Naruto would be much more awesome … the same goes for One Piece and Devil May Cry.

Chapter 1: The right path to take?

Konohagakure no Sato

Silently and emotionless, a young blond hairy man looked from the window of his crappy apartment into the starlit sky above his home village.

His name: Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto, Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi no Youko and scapegoat for the whole village. Because of his burden, the life of the seventeen-year-old man could only be described as hell on earth: to be avoided by the villagers, denied access to almost every shop and for and almost … countless murder attempts on daily basis. Well, at least until his Shinobi training begun … most of the attempts were only committed by civilians and later on, he could easily escape from them.

With a heavy sigh, Naruto sat on his bed as the memories of his … miserable life emerged.

As a result of the Kyuubi assault several years before, he grew up alone … the orphanage kicked him out by the age of four, saying a ´demon child´ like him could survive on it´s own. Mmpfh whatever. He lived for a whole year on the streets, feeding from the trash of the village and finding himself on daily basis in the hospital … after another murder attempt…. When he was five, the Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, decided to take care of the abused child. Needless to say, the old man was furious about the village treatment, daily reports from his Anbus stated that Naruto was safe in the orphanage. To give the poor child a home, Sarutobi gave him an old apartment in the outlying districts of Konoha and made every necessary provides. However, the old Kage also agreed to train the boy in the Shinobi arts.

Sarutobi discovered very quickly that Naruto was a true genius, probably due to his genes. Physic training defined the beginning of his Shinobi career, at least as much as the body of a small child could handle. Chakra control followed after, the blond could easily gain access to his large Chakra reserves and the several E-rang Jutsus, which he learned from Sarutobi. With seven years, little Naruto already mastered the Kawarimi no Jutsu, the Kibakufuda no Jutsu and Henge no Jutsu, Kage Shuriken no Jutsu and even the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, as ordered by Sarutobi since the Jinchuriki could never do a simple Bunshin because of his large Chakra reserves.

With the help of his Kage Bunshins, Naruto´s training could be extended, each clone gave his experiences onto the original. Therefore, the boy trained on daily basis, each time with roughly fifty Kage Bunshins to improve his Chakra control. Furthermore was the blond for his age already quite intelligent and tough, ´thanks´ to the harsh life in Konoha he needed to grow up fast … there was no time for a childhood. Knowledge was also on the training program. Through his Kage Bunshins, Naruto could easily achieve a considerable amount of knowledge in many aspects, from daily things like cooking and history to Shinobi knowledge like anatomy, strategy and survival in the wild.

All in all, Sarutobi was more than pleased with his young apprentice, after all he was far more advanced than most of the fresh graduated Genins. However, Naruto didn´t choose to form many … social contacts to other children, probably because most of them avoided him by orders of their parents.

Not that it mattered to Naruto, his childlike naivety was gone with Sarutobi´s training. The blond began to shut himself from the outside world, his child smile froze with time … just on special occasions did he smile at his Ojji-san, as he called the old man in private.

Finally did the Sandaime Hokage register his apprentice in the Konoha Academy, to at least try and form more bonds with children his age and to understand the meaning of teamwork. But it was meaningless to Naruto, he didn´t want to do anything with other children … well, until he met Itachi.

A gentle smile adorned the blond's lips as this particular memory flooded him.

Uchiha Itachi, from the noble and powerful Uchiha Clan, also joined the Academy with seven years.

He became Naruto´s first and real friend.

Contrary to most Uchiha, Itachi wasn´t conceited and arrogant, but he got along with all his class comrades … especially with Naruto. Itachi immediately saw his strength and started to respect him. Respect became rivalry. And from rivalry emerged a real friendship.

This friendship didn´t go unnoticed. Whereas Sarutobi was pleased, the current Clan leader of the Uchiha and Itachi´s dad, Uchiha Fugaku, was at the beginning skeptical. However, his mistrust was quickly dismissed as his son reached better and quicker training results than expected. Itachi´s rivalry with Naruto encouraged him to become better than is blond friend. Fugaku was more than pleased, after all did Itachi count as the most prominent genius of the Uchiha Clan and he improved trough his training with the Jinchuriki. So the Clan head approved of this friendship to the ´boy´ … Itachi was the future of the Clan … the key to their victory … he wouldn´t let the meaningless chatting of these dump villagers ruin his plans.

During the common training did Itachi´s Sharingan awaken, the mighty Kekkei Genkai of the old Clan. This of course gave him a slight advantage over Naruto, much to his disappointment. Even offside from training, the two of them became truly inseparable, even though the blond did never enter the Uchiha Clan compound. For personal reasons. Itachi accepted it, after all he knew the harsh life of his friend and wanted to support him.

Itachi´s friendship helped the blond boy to open up again, even though it was only to the Uchiha heir, but it was a progress. Naruto could tell him everything, from his fears to the rage he felt in regards to Konoha. This of course did trouble his only friend.

The first Academy year did go smoothly, as predicted were Itachi and Naruto their comrades miles ahead. It was concluded to transfer them directly to the fourth year, a decision that pleased especially our blond Jinchuriki.

Two further Academy years awaited the two friends which passed rather uneventful. Nevertheless, it was difficult to cope with the other Academy students, as they were two years older. Most of them just avoided the geniuses with the exception of some children.

Gekko Hayate, a sickly and black-haired boy with the dream to become the best Kenjutsu master of Konoha. He got along fairly easily with the two ´brothers´ and didn´t let other opinions cloud his mind.

Mitarashi Anko, former student of the legendary Hebi Sannin Orochimaru who left Konoha some time before, leaving Anko to the hatred of the villagers. As the purple-haired girl had a similar life as the Jinchuriki, she could easily understand the pain of Naruto and become friends with him. The same fate, huh?

Yuhi Kurenai and Uzuki Yugao.

Just these two names filled his hearth with joy.

The two girls became quickly friends with their little group.

Kurenai was a pretty young girl with ruby-red eyes and shoulder-length black hair. Her talent to Genjutsu was discovered at an early stage, a skill, which was difficult to learn, yet to master. Needless to say, Kurenai wanted to become a master in this particular Shinobi art.

Yugao wanted to become a Kenjustu master, just like Hayate. Both always challenged each other, proclaiming who would finally achieve the title. Contrary to her friend Kurenai, Yugao had black-grey eyes and long purple hair.

Both of them were, because of their beauty, the most popular girls of the class. Nevertheless, they didn´t let any of the boys come near them … well apart from Hayate, Itachi and Naruto. They wanted to become true Kunoichis, prepared to fight and die in the real Shinobi world.

The last two Academy years passed quickly and so came the final examination to become a Genin. Itachi and Naruto passed as Rookies of the year, getting a perfect 100 score whereas Kurenai, Yugao and Anko passed as best Kunoichis. Itachi and Naruto became part of a team, probably due to insistence of the Uchiha Clan head, Kurenai being the final team member. As some of the students could tell, that did not sit well with Yugao since she would had loved to be on the same team as the Jinchuriki. The purple-haired girl was kinda upset, but she formed a team with Hayate and Anko … it could have been worse.

Now that Naruto was an official Shinobi of Konoha, Sarutobi wanted to tell thy boy of his … special burden … as one could tell was the old Kage a bit disturbed. Some time ago, he noticed the slight change in his former apprentice´s behavior … Naruto started to doubt more and more his ´home village´ and to develop a grudge against the villagers … not that Sarutobi could blame him.

Miraculously, the blonde took the information calmly, he didn´t seem to see himself as the demon, but … this only fuelled his hatred for the village. After all, one could expect from humans to tell the difference between a prisoner and his warden, or not?

Now that the boy knew of his tenant, he wanted to ask about his parents … and if they abandoned him because of him being a Jinchuriki. Sarutobi only replied that he didn´t know anything about them and they probably died during the Kyuubi assault. That´s why he was chosen to become a human sacrifice. Although he was very perceptive for his age, Naruto didn´t question his Sensei and Ojji-san … he was the first to accept him … his Ojji-san wouldn´t lie to him … would he?

Wanting to inform his few friends of his burden, the blond told them everything he knew … hoping they wouldn´t be so naïve like the villagers.

Itachi wasn´t all that surprised, he kinda expected something like this … now the harsh treatment of his friend made sense. His respect for his brother in all but blood grew, any other person would have probably broken by now.

His other friends didn´t take the news as well as the Uchiha heir.

Anko understood the Jinchuriki the most, having to carry a similar burden … a burden no one did ask her to bear … Orochimaru´s Juinjutsu was Anko´s ´Kyuubi´. Hayate´s, Kurenai´s and Yugao´s parents had never forbidden their children to befriend the Jinchuriki, as they didn´t see the fox demon in the boy.

Hayate´s view of his friend didn´t change at all, Naruto remained Naruto … with or without Kyuubi.

Kurenai and Yugao reacted … a bit more emotional. They promptly threw themselves at their blond friend and hugged him to death. With a kiss to both cheeks, the girls proclaimed that they would stay by his side forever. Naruto had never, in his whole life, felt so much embarrassed … and so much loved.

Naruto´s team, led by Hari Senko, an old Jonin veteran, was next to Yugao´s team on of the best and most promising Genin teams that Konoha had to offer. Which led to their qualification in the Chunin Selection Exams held in Sunagakure no Sato, six months after their graduation.

The six Genins trained hard to represent the strength of their home village … well, apart from Naruto who just wanted to protect himself and his friends.

Hayate and Yugao were trained by their respective families in the art of Kenjutsu, being already two of the most promising candidates. Anko for herself trained the arts of her old Sensei, even if she hated his guts, she couldn´t deny the usefulness of his Jutsus. Sandaime Hokage gave the girl several techniques, which were found in some of the hidden bases of his former student. Kurenai used her talent to become a Genjutsu Mistress, wanting to prove everyone the usefulness of this particular Shinobi art. Itachi experienced a harsh training regime under his father and Clan, not wanting to bear shame upon the noble Clan. The young heir specialized in the famous Katon Jutsus of his Clan and the use of his Sharingan and Katana. His father was more than pleased, with barely ten years his son practically had Jonin skill … he couldn´t hope for a better Clan heir, even if he did place a lot of hope on his current two year old son Sasuke.

Naruto´s training program also demanded a lot of him. Even though Sarutobi couldn´t spare a lot of time due to his duty as Hokage, the old man at least tried to help his apprentice as much as he could. Physical training happened on daily basis, though the Jinchuriki concentrated more on his Seishitsuhenka (Nature Transformation). Sandaime was utterly astonished when he discovered that the young Uzumaki had an affinity to at least three elements, a stronger one to Futon and Raiton and a weaker one to Suiton. With the help of his Kage Bunshins, he quickly gained a respectful level of Ninjutsu, learning several C-rank and B-rank Jutsus to his three elements. Furthermore did his Ojji-san buy him a beautiful Katana to merge with his Taijutsu style, also known as Humming Bird Style, which was based on fast and precise hits to break the opposite´s defense. His Kenjutsu advanced at a slow rate, but his friends helped him when they could. Especially Yugao was more than happy to help him, finally ´her´ Naruto showed some interest in her favorite art.

Sarutobi also told him about his weakness to Genjutsu, because of his massive Chakra reserves the Uzumaki would never be able to cast a simple Genjutsu. Naruto wasn´t troubled by the doubts of his Sensei, he already found a solution to this specific problem, even though he didn´t reveal it to the old man … much to the displeasure of his Ojji-san.

The solution was as easy as it was risky: Kyuubi no Youko.

After he learned of his role as Jinchuriki, Naruto decided to visit his ´tenant´ through meditation. The encounter between the two did go … rather well and interesting … the almighty demon fox was, even though arrogant and absolutely narcissistic, impressed from it´s jailor who faced it without a shed of fear. Nevertheless, the Jinchuriki remained strong-willed and didn´t let himself lose to fear … the hatred and the rage it´s jailor felt for this … stinky village was refreshing for the demon.

Bah … Ningen!

Both sides came to a compromise: Kyuubi would lend his container the necessary Youkai to neutralize all casted Genjutsu. On the other hand did Naruto tear apart a forth of the seal that kept Kyuubi at bay, given the fox access to his senses and accelerating Naruto´s body to the Youkai circulation. Nevertheless, this action didn´t go without consequences … consequences that no one could have foreseen … not even the mighty Kyuubi no Youko.

Through their intense training, the Chunin Selection Exams were easy going for the Konoha Genins. They all came into the finals, which consisted of individual battles in Suna´s stadium. In the final battle, Itachi and Naruto faced each other, best friends and ruthless rivals. The battle was spectacular, a fight between high Chunin and low Jonin skill.

Finally, the fight ended in a draw, both fighters being knocked off.

Due to the their performance, all of the Konoha Genins were promoted to Chunin rank: Hayate and Yugao glanced due to their exceptional skills in Kenjutsu and good Ninjutsu. Anko performed a great show with the several Jutsus of the Snake Sannin whereas Kurenai´s usage of complicated Genjutsus and strategy provided a promotion. Itachi and Naruto were the highlights of the Exams, the prodigy of the Uchiha Clan against the apprentice of the Sandaime Hokage. Taijutsu and Ninjutsu were carried on a high level, which many Shinobi could only dream of. The promotion was therefore well deserved, for both teams.

Naruto sighed deeply as he remembered the last few years of his life … the many losses and terrors of the war.

At the age of twelve, Itachi and Naruto decided to take the Jonin Exams. However, Kurenai stated that she wasn´t ready yet and wanted to attend the Exams at the same time as Yugao and Anko. Both rivals therefore took their individual Exam.

Itachi exceeded the expectations of his Clan and was promoted to Jonin.

Whereas Naruto, even though more than worthy, was just promoted to Tokebetsu Jonin … needless to say, the Uzumaki was frustrated with this decision, he knew that Konoha´s Council was behind this ´treachery´.

The Council wanted a strong Jinchuriki in these troubling times to defend Konoha. However, they didn´t want the ´Demon Boy` to gain an influential position in Konoha´s ranks. They decided to give him the Tokebetsu rank because of his excellent results, he couldn´t participate in the more important meetings and remained closer to Chunin rank. At the beginning, the Civilian Council was even against his registration in the Academy, but the Clan heads, the Hokage and the Elders urged to train their weapon as soon as possible. Nevertheless, only Sarutobi wanted him as a Jonin … the support of the Clans and Elders diminished … the container could also protect Konoha from a less respectful position.

Sarutobi knew that Naruto´s ´Will of Fire`, if it even had existed in the first place, shook dangerously with this decision … and not in Konoha´s favor.

Shortly after, tensions began to rise at the borders of Hi no Kuni. Konoha was thrown in a new war, not quite thirteen years after the Third Great Shinobi War.

The smaller Shinobi countries at the borders formed an alliance to reconquer lost territories, which were given to Hi no Kuni during the last Great War. And so it came that Konoha fought in a two front war: against Yugakure in the Nord-East and against Tanigakure/Kusagakure in the West to the Nord-West.

Fortunately for Konoha, the other Great Shinobi Nations remained neutral during this conflict: Sunagakure and Iwagakure still needed to recover from the terrible losses of the last war whereas Kumogakure continued to isolate itself and Kirigakure stood on the verge of a civil war because of the ´Bloodline Purges`.

Konoha stood alone.

Many Chunin teams were assigned to fight alongside the Jonins and Anbus, the necessity of good Shinobis becoming rather quickly a problem.

Yugao´s team, as well as the former team of Naruto were also sent to the front. What they experienced would be forever engraved in their memories … they saw the true world and his horrors … now they definitely knew what it meant to be a Shinboi.

The conflict lasted for roughly three years … three years in which both sides lost countless good Shinobis. At the beginning, nobody could obtain a clear advantage, the Shinobis of the smaller countries didn´t let themselves be dragged into large-scaled battles, they preferred to engage in smaller skirmishes using guerilla tactics to bleed Konoha´s forces to death. Many Konoha Shinobis became victims of these ambushes, the causalities increasing by every day.

Naruto and his friends survived the first year at the front relatively unscathed, apart some minor injuries. The war claimed a heavy tribute and strained on their nerves. Naruto, even though being in his first real war, could handle the pressure much better … after all, he even felt in his ´home village´ like in a war zone with the constant murder attempts in his young years and the hatred from the villagers. Itachi, to honor his services to Konoha in the war, was taken in by the Anbu Black Ops and managed to acquire a position as Anbu Captain … being next to Sharingan no Hatake Kakashi, former apprentice of the famous Yondaime Hokage, one of the youngest Konoha Shinobi to achieve this position.

Naruto´s services weren´t even acknowledged.

The young Shinobis did now see the true life … being Shinobi meant to die in one´s early youth. That became painfully obvious to them, having already lost many of their former class comrades who gave their lives to ensure victory.

And so it came that Kurenai and Yugao gathered their courage to ask their blond friend to be with them. To their great surprise did the Jinchuriki accept without hesitating … in fact the two girls expected some cold rejection from the less emotional blond. Needless to say, the joy of both girls was never greater … finally they could be with their love. Naruto didn´t seem to care much, but one could clearly see the love in his eyes every time he looked at his girlfriends.

Love … he of all people … a Jinchuriki … learned how to love, in the middle of a war.

During the two last war years, the events tended more and more in favor of Konoha, due to the truce with Tanigakure. With their ally gone, Kusagakure and Yugakure were forced on the defensive, losing more and more ground … but the skirmishes were only becoming more ruthless. Kurenai´s parents were killed during an ambush, Hayate was nearly killed on patrol duty … he was transferred to Konoha with grave injuries. The loss of her parents hit the girl hard, without the support of Yugao and Naruto she probably wouldn´t have overcome their death. That he couldn´t understand the pain of his girlfriend disturbed the Jinchuriki greatly as he never had a loving parent … did it so feel to lose a close person?!

After Konoha´s forces invaded Kusagakure, they were forced to capitulate, Yugakure following their example. After nearly three years of constant war, peace was finally achieved. Konoha decided that Kusagakure, which was entirely invaded, should nevertheless keep its sovereignty. But it got under financial dependence of Konoha. The war claimed a lot … and gave the involved parties nothing, as every fought war in history.

The life of many Shinobis was turned upside down: Anko and Yugao survived the war relatively unscathed, they didn´t lose precious people … well, Anko was already an orphan before the war. Hayate lost his two siblings in the turmoil of the war whereas Kurenai still had to fight the loss of her parents.

Itachi was traumatized by the war, his ideals were shaken in their foundation … all this losses and violence … especially the violent actions of his own Clan troubled him deeply and fuelled his doubts. Being traumatized by the constant fighting, he wanted nothing more than to quit being a Shinobi. However, Naruto managed to convince his brother otherwise. Now, his dream was to fight for a world without war and violence.

On the outside, Naruto didn´t let the experiences of the war affect him, but his few friends could discover a … certain unrest coming from the Jinchuriki. He became more cold and mistrustful towards strangers and was often reported before the Hokage due to his violent actions against people insulting him. Sarutobi was troubled by this behavior his ´grandson´ put on, he changed for the worst and not even his friends could help him. What nobody knew, Naruto found the war … refreshing to say the least … the smell of death and blood and the entire killing. Kyuubi suspected that this behavior was due to the tearing of a part of the Shiki no Fujin … the Youkai seemed to fuel the negative emotions of it´s jailor. Naruto wasn´t all that concerned, as long as he could protect his few friends and survive.

Kurenai and Yugao were disturbed by the change of their boyfriend, they even feared that he would lose himself … even though the blond still showed how much he loved the two. A nagging feeling consumed them.

Only later was his world truly disturbed … with the deception of his Ojji-san and mentor, a person he trusted blindly and would gladly give his life for … betrayed by the only person he saw as family, apart from Itachi.

The tragedy happened when Itachi, through his position as Anbu Captain, managed to access the secret documents of Konoha. The record, which raised his special attention, was his friend´s and brother´s one, Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto. Everything was noted, from the countless murder attempts, his life on the streets to his natural parents, Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina … two of the greatest and strongest Shinobi Konoha had ever had. To think that Konoha would treat the son of two heroes like trash … truly ironic, huh? Even though the secret of his parents was disturbing, Naruto´s record did contain another instruction … regarding his training and eventual execution. As ordered by the Council, the Hokage would personally train the `Demon Boy` and keep him on a leash … to manipulate him in becoming a ´pet´ for Konoha. Should the Jinchuriki later on show signs of disobedience or not serve his village loyally anymore, then he would be executed on the spot. But it got worse … the whole project was personally signed by the Hokage. Itachi couldn´t believe it … Sarutobi, the first person to care and treat him like a normal human, would truly have executed his ´grandson´ … just to please the Council. After all, the Hokage was the leader of the village, his decisions stood above those of the Council and yet, he let himself be influenced?

The Uchiha heir was in turmoil, on the one hand was his loyalty to the village that he loved above everything … on the other hand stood his loyalty to his friend, no brother who had a right to know the truth. Finally, Itachi decided to tell Naruto everything, he didn´t want to lie to the blond like his idol.

Something shattered to pieces inside the Jinchuriki … his last shed of hope to the old man and this ´Will of Fire` was engulfed in nothing but hatred and emptiness. Konoha did consider him as a demon and abomination … maybe he should show them the true meaning of these words.

Greatly disturbed by the change in his friend, Itachi wondered if he did the world a favor … or just sentenced it´s doom.

From this day on was the old Naruto, as his friends knew him, gone. Now he was just a broken, crestfallen and hateful young man. His girlfriends were shattered to see the change in their love … nevertheless, Naruto continued to be a shell of his former self … or at least tried to … for the sake of Kurenai and Yugao. Never again did he call the Hokage Ojji-san, never again did he talk to him … apart from mission reports where he would show up and preferred to remain quiet. Sarutobi couldn´t tell what was wrong, but he kept his cool … as long as the boy didn´t commit treason and fulfilled his duty as Konoha Shinobi, there was no reason to fear … or was it?

Oh how much the old goat would be mistaken.

With a groan, Naruto stood up from his bed and disappeared into the bathroom. He gave a blissful sigh as he washed his face with cool water. Then his gaze fell upon the mirror. His wild spiky and practically shoulder-length hair was a golden-yellow, they shinned almost as bright as the sun; his clearly defined face was marked by six whisker marks on his cheeks and two ice cold eyes. He stood at an impressive 6´1", being taller than his friend Itachi due to his hard physical training regime, giving him quite the muscular body.

Yes, even though he was avoided by most of the villagers, the Namikaze counted as one of the most desired man of Konoha, next to his brother Itachi. Nonetheless, after the war, many women gave their hopes up, rumors being that he was in a relationship with Yuhi Kurenai and Uzuki Yugao. Both were already considered being some of the most powerful Kunoichis of Konoha and after some daring women tried their luck, which resulted in them getting beat up, they let him be … for the moment.

After cleaning up, the blond man entered his kitchen and poured himself a cup of tea. Normally, he didn´t live alone anymore, not after the war; Kurenai and Yugao were always keeping him company. As the black-haired woman lived alone in her parents house, she decided to share it with both Naruto and Yugao. Much to the disappointment of Yugao´s parents who were forced to let go of their ´little´ girl. The Jinchuriki was most pleased, now he could spent more time with his girlfriends … furthermore, Kurenai´s house was much better than his old apartment.

But he kept it … as it was his first true home.

Every time his two girlfriends were off on missions and he was alone, he spent the night in his apartment.

Today … was such a night. A night that would change everything.

With a fresh cup of tea, the Uzumaki let himself drop onto the chair. As he was nipping on his cup, a movement in the corner of the kitchen caught his attention.

Pitch-black smoke appeared and formed into a dark, small mass. Naruto kept looking silently as the mass took the form of a human chest, with scrawny long arms and claws. The head of the creature was practically merged with it´s thorax, only two blood red eyes could be seen. The new being was only composed of black smoke.

The Jinchuriki was unimpressed, his gaze was solemnly fixed upon the newcomer. Finally, he spook up.

"Report!"

"As you expected the old fool of Hokage and the Elders gave Uchiha Itachi the order to kill his own Clan this night. Tensions between the Uchiha Clan and the rest of the village becoming intense, Itachi provided them enough proof that they do indeed plan a coup to overthrow the Hokage. The massacre will begin at 11 p.m. … my lord!", the creature replied in a piercing and scratchy voice. Excitement could clearly be seen in it´s eyes.

"So my suspicion is confirmed … Itachi has truly chosen to serve this dump hole. Mmpfh! Pathetic Itachi-nii, truly pathetic killing your own flesh and blood for these sinners … and for what? Peace? Pah!"

The creature just watched it´s master silently, seeing how a grin started to sneak it´s way on his lips.

"Whatever … you were my first friend Itachi, my brother … killing your whole Clan could be difficult … even for you, mmmh maybe I should be of assistance, neh?" Naruto directed his attention towards the shadow creature. "You did well … spying the Kami no Shinobi without getting caught, indeed quite the achievement. Now retreat and inform your brothers … this night will provide you a feast!"

The creature bowed slightly, waves of excitement could be felt coming from it.

"As you command … Azriel-sama!" And dissolved into smoke.

Naruto starred out of the window, being in deep thoughts. Azriel … yes … so the name giving by his servants, but why … he still didn´t know. At the beginning, he thought it would have something to do with Kyuubi, but not even the Bijuu knew of the existence of these … shadow creatures. His curiosity won at one point and he asked one of the beings the meaning of the name. It just replied with it´s piercing, blood red eyes that this was his real name.

Real name, huh? As long as they served him loyally, it was meaningless what they called him.

It was 10:42 p.m..

Time to help a friend.

Naruto took his dark mantle and tied the katana to his waist.

´Oi Kyu! No answer.´

´Kami-sama … is he sleeping again? … lazier than these damn Naras, can you believe it?! Whatever … not my problem if he wants to pass the coming blood feast.´

A last time did the blond look at his old apartment, memories flowing through. Yugao … Kurenai, his Benihimes. Even if he did feel betrayed and embittered by this world, his love for both would probably never cease.

´Mmpfh … let it begin!´

Front door of the Uchiha district, Konohagakure no Sato

For a long time did Itachi stare at the compound of his Clan, a Clan which would meet it´s end by his hands tonight. Every fiber of his body revolted against this decision, but he had sworn to protect Konoha … by all means, sworn to protect the peace whether the price may be. He couldn´t let a civil war take place, destroying countless of lives in the process.

Itachi´s shoulder-length black hair was tied in a ponytail whereas his Sharingan registered every possible movement, the red pupil with three tomoes could easily be seen in the darkness. Fulfilling his last mission as official Konohanin, the Uchiha heir decided to wear his Anbu clothing, his Katana fixed on his back.

Before he could step trough the gate of the compound, the black-haired teen noticed an all to familiar Chakra signature. His look solemnly focused on a dark alleyway, his Sharingan seizing the contours of his best friend.

"My my Itachi-nii … you wanted to start without me, neh?" Naruto´s mocking grin didn´t leave his lips as he stepped out of the shadow.

"Naruto? What are you doing here?"

"Well, I kinda thought that you might need some help … in accomplishing your secret mission!"

To say the heir was surprised would be an understatement, his mission was classified as top secret.

"How?"

"Hehe … I have my eyes everywhere, you should know that by now! Nevertheless, aren´t you suspicious Itachi-nii? Why do they send you on the mission … alone? Mmmh?" The Jinchuriki waited until he had his friend´s complete attention. "A single Uchiha, even if it is their greatest genius, against the whole Clan? Come on Itachi! They hope that you will kill each other … isn't it obvious! And should you survive, you would be marked as a Nukenin and needed to leave your home … well, this is what I would expect from the Elders. Sandaime … that´s another story … the old fool surely has another mission for you, huh? After your flight from Konoha?"

Itachi just nodded, the blond did once again show his sharp mind and grasp of things … the Uchiha heir secretly wondered if the Jinchuriki had a similar high IQ as the Nara Clan.

"You´re correct in your assumptions Nii-san … I wonder … the whole time … if it is the right thing to do … I mean, the life of some hundred Clan members compared to that of ten thousands! Even through my action, peace won´t be assured, but … I´ve sworn to myself to protect the peace … even with my own life!"

The normally rather emotionless Uchiha balled his fists.

Naruto studied the several emotions of his rival before he stepped up to him and put his left hand on his shoulder. When their eyes met, the Jinchuriki gave him a true smile.

"You know Itachi, you were my first friend … I see you as my brother and you always stood by my side, you told me the truth and tried to remind me of the good in this world. Hehe you even gave me some good tips to please Nai-chan and Yu-chan … as you were always there for me, now I´m gonna be by your side, you don´t need to do this alone Itachi … we´re friends, or not?"

The Uchiha couldn´t help but smile, knowing that his friend was behind him. "Arrigato Naruto-nii."

"Don´t mention it buddy! Well, we should probably start!"

Immediately, the cheerful atmosphere vanished, seriousness mirrored on the faces of the two young men.

"Souka … let´s get it over with … Naruto, I … I´m gonna take care of my family!"

The blond just nodded and both entered the Uchiha district.

Twenty minutes later

Naruto contently sank his Katana through another foolish Uchiha, who stood in his way. The cries of his victims fulfilled him with satisfaction, he recognized several of them from his early years as murder attempts and beatings were still present. Revenge is so sweet, neh … it doesn´t matter how late it might come.

For security reasons, the blond Jinchuriki put up a soundproof barrier around the compound, after all he wouldn´t want Anbu patrols to spoil his fun. The young man looked bored as he extracted his Katana from a dead body. The whole street was covered by deceased Uchihas, their blood feeding the ground. Several dozen Clan members had already fallen prey to his rage.

´And they call themselves elites … I could laugh! Itachi I can understand … hell, I´m starting to think that he could have done it by himself.´

He spared a last look to his victims till he disappeared per Shunsin.

´Let´s see how far Itachi has come.´

At the same moment with Itachi

As Naruto arrived at Itachi´s location, the smell of fresh blood and metal reached his sensitive nose … Itachi seemed to have completed his mission. Arriving at his friend´s parents house, the blond saw his brother standing above the lifeless bodies of his parents … their blood drenching his Katana.

"Itachi…."

Slowly did the Uchiha heir turn around and Naruto instantly noticed the change of his eyes.

"Itachi … your eyes … this isn´t the normal Sharingan, huh?"

Hesitantly did his friend choose to answer.

"Hai … this form is also known as Mangekyo Sharingan, the second stage of our Dojutsu. I learned through the secret documents of my Clan that in order to gain these eyes … you must kill your most precious person. After I … I killed my … mother, my eyes burned like hell and I knew … I acquired the cursed Dojutsu…."

Naruto remained silent and studied the body of the dead Uchihas until something stroked him … someone was missing.

"Itachi … where is your little brother?"

The black-haired teen looked at the blond, something in his eyes did annoy the Uzumaki.

"Sasuke has nothing to do with all this, he didn´t know of the treacherous plans … I´m sparring his live, even though he will follow a path of hatred and rage … it will be necessary to kill me."

Before Naruto could retort, the door of the living room abruptly opened and a young, completely disturbed Sasuke stormed in.

"Tou-san! Kaa-san! Somebo…." The words died in the poor boys throat as he spotted the lifeless bodies of his parents … lying at the feet of his Aniki, him holding a blood drenched Katana.

"I-Itacchi-nnii … Nnarutto-san … nan..nanjato?"

The Jinchuriki adopted a mocking expression. "My my Itachi, your little brother sure knows how to make a flashy entrance. Hehe I would have loved seeing his expression the moment you killed your parents."

Sasuke´s eyes flew upon as he digested the information, salty tears flowing out of his onyx-black eyes to his cheeks. Finally did the boy turn around and fled the house.

Naruto lost sight of the crying kid. "Should I…."

"Not necessary … he is my responsibility. I want that he survives to grow stronger … besides I need to try something." His Mangekyo Sharingan flashed dangerously as he disappeared per Shunsin.

Naruto stayed alone in the empty room. He glanced at the dead bodies of the ounce proud members of the Clan. A blood-red black seal appeared on his right hand´s back.

Black smoke started to fill the room. Several shadow creatures took shape and looked greedily to their master.

"There you go … hehe … feast on their souls, after all … they are just Uchihas … they don´t deserve an afterlife."

Before the blond stepped through the door, he glanced back to his subordinates who were hovering over the corpses.

"Oh and before I forget … outside are more of them … enjoy your meal!"

Smiling, Naruto left the Uchiha compound, contently listening to the painful cries of the deceased … cries only the Jinchuriki could hear.

Near the northern gate of Konoha

Uchiha Itachi waited restlessly as Naruto appeared in a storm of leaves.

"About time Naruto, we need to move before they sound the alarm … taking your time doesn´t suit you!" The Uzumaki could clearly hear a hint of reproach in his voice.

"Hehe gomenasai Itachi-nii … a long way awaits us. Should we?"

Itachi remained silent, looking intently into the blond´s eyes. It was starting to creep him out.

"Nanja? I thought we were in a hurry, huh?"

Hesitantly did the Uchiha tell him of his doubts. "Naruto-nii … is this truly what you desire? To leave Konoha?"

The blond just raised an eyebrow.

"Are you joking? Nothing binds me to Konoha, since long I´m searching for a possibility to leave this dump hole. Thanks to you and your little mission did Sarutobi loosen the surveillance of the village … a perfect chance to escape hehe. And what would I be for a friend if I let my brother do this alone … the world is a big and dangerous place after all. Iie Itachi, I´m happy to be able to escape, leaving my … past behind."

"What about Kurenai and Yugao?"

Now that shut him up … leaving his two girlfriends behind did not sit well with him … but he couldn´t take them with him, living a life as Nukenin wasn´t something he wished for them. It was probably for the best if he disappeared from their life, already the hatred started to spread to his Himes and he couldn´t live with himself if they would be avoided and hated because of him. He loved them too much. Nevertheless, his decision stood … he didn´t have a future in Konoha.

"It´s for the best Itachi-nii … they deserve more than me…."

Itachi didn´t believe him, he knew how much the two young women meant to his friend.

With a heavy sigh, Itachi started to move … talking his friend out of it was not an option … the blond was too stubborn for his own good. Naruto followed shortly after and the two rivals moved towards the gate, the one guard was easily subdued with a Genjutsu.

Before they stepped through the gate, they noticed a change.

"Naruto?"

"Mmh?"

"Genjutsu"

"Hai … leave it to me, head forward … I follow shortly after!"

A massive Chakra wave coming from Naruto shattered the Genjutsu. Without a word, Itachi leapt into the forest.

"Your Genjutsus used to be better … Nai-chan." The blond Jinchuriki glanced towards his girlfriend as she stepped out of her illusion. "Or I just became to good hehe!"

Kurenai remained silent, she just looked at him with those ruby eyes he had fallen in love with long ago. He could practically feel her sadness. The young woman was clothed in her usual Chunin vest with dark red trousers and black Shinobi sandals.

Naruto just sighed. "Wrong time for jokes, huh?"

"W-why?" Nothing more was said … nothing more needed to be said. Even though she seemed rather strong-willed, the Namikaze could clearly see the first signs of tears.

"Nai-chan … you … you should know why … you know how they treat me here, Konoha can and will never offer me a future. I can´t do it anymore … maybe it does sound egoistic, but even I deserve my freedom … my own life free of hatred and prejudices … please try to understand Nai-chan!" The blond tried to reason with her, but now as the tears were falling … his heart ached as he watched his silently crying girlfriend.

"I … I can understand … yes … your life was truly a hell b-but … you still have Yugao-chan and me, we promised to always stand by your side and support you a-and now … you just want to leave the village … to leave us!" Kurenai sobbed as she looked at him through her teary eyes. "Y-you even wanted to leave without saying goodbye … how to you think will Yugao-chan feel if she returns from her mission … when she finds out that her most precious person has abandoned her … us?! She will be devastated … you know she loved you long before I did … now that she fulfilled her dream of becoming an Anbu, you just want to disappear from her life?! You can´t be serious Naru-kun!"

The Jinchuriki just stared silently, he couldn´t bear the sight of his Hime in this condition … knowing that he was responsible for the heart-ache and tears. Never before did he feel so … weak and powerless than in this moment.

"I´ve already taken my decision Nai-chan … death only awaits me in this village, even you and Yu-chan can´t do anything about it. It´s for the best … you will never need to feel the resentment and the whispers of the vill…."

"We don´t care what these idiots may think of us as long as we can be together … you´re practically everything we have.", Kurenai interrupted her boyfriend. "You mean more to Yugao-chan than her own family and w-what of me? … I don´t have anyone apart from you and Yugao-chan … without your help, I would be a wreck … without your love and care I probably wouldn´t have overcome my parents death … you were, iie you are my pillar! I can´t imagine a life without you…."

"My decision stands … I´m leaving Konoha tonight!" Finally, Naruto turned around from Konoha and his woman and marched towards the forest.

Kurenai seemed to awaken from her thoughts as she watched her love leave her. Weakly did she stretched her hand out, trying to hold onto him.

"MA-MATTE! NARUTOOO! DON…." In a flash, Naruto appeared before her and she needed to look higher … into these beautiful ice-cold eyes, just a few inches were separating them.

Softly did the blond caress her cheek with his right hand, wiping her tears away. Seconds later did her hands find their way to his cheeks.

"Please Naru-kun, d-don´t go … or take Yugao and me with you! I beg you … I don´t want to lose you…." Gently, Kurenai embraced his face with her hands, intending on not letting go.

"Nai-chan, I love you and Yu-chan above everything, but I need to do this alone … I must follow my path alone. Know that you will always have a place in my hearth … but you should forget me, I´m only going to cause you grief and pain … yours and Yu-chan´s place is here … in Konoha!"

Kurenai wanted to retort until she noticed that her Naruto was crying, she had never seen him cry before … not even after all those years of abuse and war. Then the blond took her chin and their lips met. Kurenai widened her eyes in shock until she relaxed, closing her eyes to cherish this moment. For both, the kiss lasted for an eternity before they needed to separate, the need for oxygen essential. Awakening from her passion, the Genjutsu Mistress stared dreamily at her lover.

"Naru-koi I lo…." Kurenai´s words died in her throat as Naruto hit her neck with the edge of his hand. Before she hit the ground, the Namikaze caught his girlfriend and carried her to a near park bank. Carefully, he put her down and covered the young woman with his mantle. Naruto gently caressed some black hairstreaks out of her face and marveled at this angel in form of Yuhi Kurenai.

"Gomenasai Megami-hime, but this will be the best for both of us … tell Yu-chan that I´m sorry and … that I will love you forever … grow strong and live your dreams … even without me."

A last time did he glance at his sleeping rose before the Jinchuriki turned Konoha and his love his back.

In her sleep, Kurenai dreamed of her boyfriend … again and again did she witness his departure … again and again did she murmur the name of her love.

"Koibito … don´t leave me…."

A few miles from Konohagakure no Sato away

Itachi jumped leisurely from tree to tree, he was keeping a low tempo so that his blond friend could catch up … the Uchiha heir truly hoped that the Jinchuriki didn´t take to long … getting rid of Kurenai could become a handful.

The black-haired young man was shaken from his thoughts as his partner emerged from behind, thus increasing the tempo. Itachi silently caught up with him.

For a long time, his gaze was upon the blond until he noticed his eyes … the traces of tears still visible. His mantle was also missing. A slight smile found it´s way onto the Sharingan user´s lips.

"Naruto-nii?"

"Nanja?" Naruto´s attention fell upon his partner.

"I´m glad … knowing that you still haven´t given up on yourself … it seems … that the old Naruto is still there … somewhere deep inside you…."

The blond man silently glanced at him before he turned his attention forward.

"Mmpfh let it be Itachi … this … emotional side doesn´t suit you! Start telling me of your plan! What sort of mission did Sarutobi give you?"

Itachi merely gave a sigh. "Hokage-sama received information from his former apprentice Jiraiya-sama about a … specific organization of few Shinobis, their goals are unknown. The mission is to infiltrate this group and to gather Intel over the next years … a last mission for the good of Konoha."

Naruto´s face hardened when he heard the name of the Gama Sannin … his godfather, who didn´t give a shit about his godson … never being there for him in times of need. Oh how the rage rose within him until he managed to calm himself … that Ningen was never there for him and he won´t need him in the future….

"Sounds interesting … are there more information about them?" Naruto´s curiosity has awoken.

"Hai, but not much. The group consists exclusively of S-rank Shinobis who left or betrayed their home village. We don´t know much about the members, but they all wear the same black cloaks with red clouds and straw hats. We are going to deal with a criminal organization … Jiraiya-sama´s spies fear that they may become a serious threat in the future." Itachi didn´t seem to be phased, but Naruto could clearly see the concern in his friend´s eyes.

"My my now I´m truly interested … do we have a starting point where we could find a member?"

Itachi seemed to think. "The actual hide-out of the organization isn´t known … nevertheless did Hokage-sama advice me to look at the border to Ame no Kuni. There we should begin our search."

"Sounds like fun, neh Itachi?" Naruto´s grin disturbed him. "By the way … does this group have a name?"

Expectantly, the azure-blue eyes bored into the pitch-black eyes of the Uchiha.

Just one word left his lips.

"Akatsuki"

One week later, border to Ame no Kuni

Both Nukenins arrived at the main road to Ame. With a heavy sigh, Naruto turned to his friend. "Well, now comes the boring part … finding someone from this organization may take some time…."

Itachi didn´t reply as he was studying the surroundings. Activating his Sharingan out of reflex … something or someone … seemed to observe them.

The Jinchuriki noticed the tense atmosphere, even he felt observed … troubling of course … when even he as natural Chakra sensor couldn´t pinpoint the location. His and Itachi´s eyes widened as before them, a dark-green object emerged from the ground … seemingly out of nothing. The blond man wanted to draw his Katana until he noticed the black robe with red clouds, in which this … thing was clothed. Slowly, the supposed head started to open: two large venus like-trap extensions exposed a human head with short mild-green hair. Naruto raised an eyebrow as he noticed that the left part of it´s face was white while the other part was black. Two yellow eyes starred curiously at the Nukenins.

"Ohayo comrades … name´s Zetsu and I want to gre-… Oh just be quiet with all this nonsense! Your jabbering doesn´t interest anyone … it seems I must apologize for my rather … childish friendly side … Oh and here I just wanted to greet them properly, but no … you constantly need to nag don´t you?! … URUSAI! I´m getting sick of you … why must I be stuck with you…."

Not finding any words to describe this weird situation, the Uchiha and Uzumaki continued to stare at this ´creature´ as it was arguing with itself. Finally, after some time, the two of them awakened from their stare, Naruto deemed it fit to end this little argument.

"Oi you … ehm … I guess you can count as an Aloe Vera … I think … well, it´s impolite to ignore us … you should better guide us to your so called organization!"

Zetsu turned his attention to the blond Jinchuriki before his white side replied.

"Aloe Vera … what´s that?! Just ignore him … we should truly move onto the current matter … you seem to know about our group … can I presume that you are interested in joining?"

Itachi was the one to answer. "Hai Zetsu-san. Uchiha Itachi my name and my … lively partner here is Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto. We both have betrayed our home village and now, we would like to gain a new purpose. Akatsuki seems to offer us such a chance."

"We already know who you are … as we have observed you since your flight … your arrival has been foreseen … follow me, it´s a long way until we arrive in Amegakure …"

"My my a talking Venus fly and a split personality … hehe when everyone in Akatsuki seems to be such a freak then I´m going to have a magnificent time hehe." Zetsu didn´t reply, even though the blond Nukenin started to grow on his nerves.

"Naruto keep quiet! What is more important Zetsu-san, you already knew of our arrival … the question is how? And is Amegakure not involved in a civil war?" These questions also seemed to interest the Jinchuriki … as he wasn´t laughing anymore at the `plant man`… or at least he tried to….

"Your information about Ame is partially correct … but the civil war has since long ended … our side claimed victory … our leader killed the former Amekage, Hanzo the Salamander, and managed to stop the war … fascinating isn´t it?" Zetsu enjoyed the looks of shock displayed by the two new Nukenins.

Hanzo, one of the strongest Shinobi to ever live … one who could stand against the three legendary Sannin and win … killed? Hard to believe. Even Naruto´s interest skyrocket, the one who could kill Hanzo on his own must be truly powerful.

"Your other question … you will find out in due time … we should get going my friends … if you would follow me."

Itachi glanced at his friend who just nodded, before both followed the Akatsuki deeper into the land of Ame no Kuni.

Heart of Amegakure no Sato, secret meeting room

The journey took two days before the trio arrived at the industrial city. The trip passed relatively uneventful and silently … if one could ignore the constant remarks of Naruto about Zetsu´s personality and his resemblance to a plant.

Zetsu guided his two companions into the basement of the highest tower of Ame, the place where this so called ´Kami´ of Ame resides and watches over his people. He was the one to defeat Hanzo and well … the two former Konohanins were quite eager to meet him.

The meeting was held in a large and spacy room, in it´s middle stood a long table with ten seats. Four individuals were sitting across the table. Their attention focused onto the trio as they entered the room.

The person, sitting on the foot of the table, raised and greeted the newcomers. "Zetsu, it´s about time you show up … then they must be Uchiha Itachi, genius and slayer of his own Clan, and Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto, Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi no Youko and son of the Yondaime Hokage. It´s my pleasure to welcome you in our ranks, allow me to introduce you to the members of our organization."

His hand pointed towards the `plant man`. "You already made Zetsu´s acquaintance, our ear and eye if you may … he is Akatsuki´s informant and the most proficient spy of all Kakurezato … his help is essential."

Their attention shifted to the person next to the first one, a young woman to be precise. She had blue shoulder-length hair with an Origami flower on the top, a piercing under her mouth whereas her amber eyes were watching the newcomers without any visible interest. No emotion could be seen on her pretty face. As expected, the woman wore the usual black cloak with red clouds, as were the other members.

"Konan, one of the original members of our group next to me and my adviser. The villagers of Ame also call her Tenshi-sama … she speaks to the people and scatters my word."

"Sasori no Akasuna, greatest puppeteer of our time and former Sunanin. Next to Zetsu, he is responsible to gather information thanks to his spy network and for the moment, he is also our finance minister." Sasori was a middle height teen with short, spiky rusty brown hair and black eyes. Nevertheless, Naruto was a bit suspicious … he knew that the Sunanin left his village at the age of fifteen … that was over ten years ago … and he didn´t seem older than in his late teens … interesting, huh?

"Hoshigaki Kisame, also known as Motanai Bijuu and former Kiri no Shinobigatana Nananin Shu." Kisame´s build was truly impressive: a muscular body, which stood at nearly 6´5" as well as his … more exotic appearance. His skin color was deep blue, under his small round eyes were some sort of gills. His dark-blue hair was combed sideways, hold back by a crossed-out Hitaiate from Kiri. A large bandaged sword was fixed on his back. As he was smiling at the Uchiha and Uzumaki, one could clearly see his razor-sharp teeth. In fact, the former Kirinin resembled a shark more than a human.

Finally, Naruto mustered the last person, the one who had introduced the others. A fairly tall man, probably the same height as Itachi, clothed in the typical Akatsuki robe. His hairstyle resembled his own, wild spiky orange hair whereas his face was covered by multiple piercings: seven in each ear, six in the nose and two under the corners of his mouth. But the most unusual sight were his eyes: purple pupils which covered the entire eye apple, with several rings. Never had the former Konohanin heard of such a Dojutsu, Itachi seemed equally puzzled.

"My name is Pain, Kami of Amegakure no Sato and leader of our organization, Akatsuki … which will soon be famous and feared in all Kakurezato."

Naruto awakened from his stupor as a deep booming voice resounded in his thoughts. ´Truly interesting … the legendary Rinnegan … since the time of Rikudou Sennin, I haven´t encountered a Ningen who possessed this Dojutsu … this sounds like disturbing news….´ At the outside, the Jinchuriki didn´t seem fazed, but inwardly he couldn´t quite hide his shock. ´The hell? Rikudou Sennin? Rinnegan? What´s happening here Kyu … I always thought that it were just myths and legends?!´ He just earned an amused snort. ´Hmpfh Gaki … if it wasn´t for Rikudou, you pitiful Ningens wouldn´t have acquired Ninjutsu … you should be careful from now on Naruto … this can only mean trouble….´ And with this warning, the Demon fox cut the mental link to his container.

Pain raised his voice. "Now that the formalities are taken care off, we welcome you as fully legible members of Akatsuki. You will find your robe in your private chambers … but you should take these rings … they are necessary to realize our plans."

Both Konohanins accepted their respective rings given by the Rinnegan user. "Itachi, you get the ring Shu, please carry it on your right ring finger. And Naruto, your ring is Ku, carry it on your left little finger." The two did what was told to them. "Now to our plans: Akatsuki´s goal is … peace, to obtain peace through violence and death, as the human race cannot achieve it on it´s own. We will need an enormous amount of potent Chakra to reach our goal … to be precise, we will need the Youkai of the nine Bijuus."

Pain glanced at the blond Konohanin, having noticed the tensing of his body. "This won´t be a problem for you Naruto … originally, we planned to capture all Jinchuriki to extract the Bijuu … but as you joined us willingly, this procedure doesn´t concern you … it´s sufficient that you are loyal to Akatsuki." The Rinnegan user narrowed his eyes. "I hope … that it won´t cause a problem for you … hunting your own kin … will it … Naruto?"

A sadistic grin found it´s way on the blond´s face, a grin that Itachi learned to fear over the last few years.

"Should it be a problem?"

Pain seemed satisfied, as were the rest of the members.

"Very good … you should know that Akatsuki always works in two cell teams. Both of you will be assigned a partner. Itachi, you are going to work with Kisame whereas Naruto … Konan will be your partner … for the moment at least. Objections?"

Silence. The leader nodded contently as he mustered his members. "Questions?"

Itachi broke the silence. "Pain-sama, how does our plan for the future consist like?"

Pain just closed his eyes.

"First, we must search for other suitable members … Akatsuki will consist of ten full fledged members. Every member will be assigned one Jinchuriki, meant to be captured. Zetsu´s mission is to find their respective locations before we can begin with our plans. Our finances represent another problem … to achieve our goals, we are in need of an enormous capital. For the next three years, we are going to keep our existence low and stock our group up … only then, we will start our plan."

"Understood Pain-sama!"

"Good! This meeting is adjourned. Dismissed!"

Later into the evening, Pain´s tower room above Amegakure no Sato

Pain starred into the cloud-covered sky, lost in thoughts whereas rain was constantly falling over Amegakure. Behind him stood Konan, looking slightly concerned.

"Pain … I mean … Nagato … what is troubling you? You seem thoughtful."

The Rinnegan user didn´t answer at first, being to engrossed in his thoughts … nevertheless, he needed to tell his childhood friend of his concerns.

"It concerns the … Kyuubi Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Naruto. Something about him … disturbs me. I can´t measure his strength … something lurks deep inside him … and I don´t mean his Bijuu. Konan, keep an eye at him … and inform me about every single … weird behavior. Understood, Konan?"

"Hai Nagato." A nagging feeling started to grow in the young woman when she thought about her new ´partner´.

"What will you do … Tobi?" Pain´s question seemed to be directed to nobody until someone made his presence known.

"Hehe everything goes according to plan … Itachi slaughtered our foolish Clan, doing me a favor … even though, I presumed that he will need my help … well, that isn´t my concern anymore … mmpfh such weaklings, unworthy of the Uchiha name. Naruto on the other hand … the boy truly surprised me … his strength is much greater than I have anticipated. We can count ourselves lucky … he will be very useful to Akatsuki."

"And should he betray us?"

A single Sharingan eye flashed in the darkness. "Should it come so far … I´m personally going to take care of him."

His Sharingan started to rotate.

"Nobody will stand in my way … not even Kyuubi…."

End of Chapter One! I hope you liked the first installment of my story hehe. Well, as I already pointed at the top, this is a translation from my German story … for the moment I have 8 chapters with 140 k words. I can´t promise you regularly updates as I have a very busy life, studying law in Belgium and my German readers also want the story updated … so I´m kinda in a pitch … I will probably pause my German story to translate the first four chapters, I´ll try to at least translate two pages per day. This may take some time because I make long chapters, this being my shortest with roughly 11 k words. Next one is going to be 14 k whereas all my other chapters are going to be between 15-20 k words. As for eventual lemons, well I haven´t written any for my original one … so if you want lemons, just leave your opinions in the reviews and I´ll try to write them.

I´ve already translated roughly one third of the second chapter, so it won´t take too long.

And just for your information, I´m not from Germany. I´m from Luxemburg, a small country between France, Belgium and Germany. As it appears, it is a bit more difficult to translate my story into English as presumed … I´m trying to give you a long, but also a quality story … I´ll try to fix my grammar, but some sentences may probably seem a bit confused in your eyes. Well, English is not my native language, so I´m trying to make it as agreeable to read as I can … but no promises hehe.

If you have questions, I´ll try to answer them at the beginning of each chapter.

Author´s Note:

Just for the general understanding, Naruto in my Fanfic is eight years older than in Canon. At the beginning, the Rookie 8 are nine years old. I made Itachi a bit older whereas I lowered Kurenai´s age to be the same as Yugao´s.

Now onto the topic ´rings of Akatsuki´. Naruto received the ring of Orochimaru as he joined Akatsuki before the Hebi Sannin did. Also, his ring Ku means void … which I think fits Naruto´s personality quite well.

Upon the theme of the Mangekyo Sharingan, normally to activate it, you must kill the person closest to you … you must have strong feelings for that person, whether it is love or friendship. Now if you may, that would have meant to kill Naruto … but I just took as trigger the killing of his own mother. To obtain the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, you must implant the eyes of a blood relative.

Now as for pairings … as you already noticed, this will be a Naruto x Harem Fanfic. At the beginning of my writing, I wasn´t sure if I should make it a single pairing or a Harem … but as I don´t know if I will continue writing stories after this one, I opted for the Harem … this will be a big story with over 400 k words so I thought, it is enough place to develop multiple relationships. The women will play a major and important rule in Naruto´s life, so I´m going to get more into detail with each woman. As you may have noticed, Kurenai and Yugao are in … as will … I think six others … who I have already decided on, so no need to beg for other girls.

And to make my point clear, there will be no of the traditional girls: meaning Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Temari and Hinata … and of course NEVER yaoi … shudder…. In fact, they don´t even know Naruto on a personal level as he is from another generation. So Naruto x Hinata fans … no luck for you … go visit some of the ten thousand other Fanfics with this pairing … it is just so overused it isn´t funny anymore. You should know, when I started reading Naruto Fanfics in 2007/2008 on Animexx, I truly enjoyed reading stories where Naruto got together with either Hinata or Sakura … but as the years passed on and when I discovered in 2011, it just became to much … most of the stories I read were either a NaruHina or NaruSaku … it really started to annoy me. That was my breaking point … whereas I´m kinda indifferent about Sakura (though I don´t like her either), I grew to be really annoyed with Hinata … and I mean really annoyed … not just her shy personality, but all about her … hell I don´t even find her pretty anymore and I can´t even stand her complete opposite in `Road to Ninja`… just to make my point clear! So don´t ever suggest a pairing with Hinata, not in this one or for my other stories (if I continue to write) … now for all supporters of that pairing, I won´t bash her … there will be no bashing in this story … and I won´t pair her with somebody else. She will basically just have a very minor role in this story.

Yes, even though Hinata isn´t paired with our Jinchuriki, I hope some of their supporters will give this Fanfic a chance … I know most of them don´t like to see the Hyuuga paired with somebody else and I understand them … I truly do! As for example, when I read `To Really Know Someone` by ncpfan, which is one of the best Naruto x Kurenai Fics on the site (I can just recommend to read it), I was excited when Mei entered the scene … jay I thought, but … then … married to Chojuro … the fuck?! Now that was something I despised … I can´t stand seeing her in another relationship than with Naruto … so that kinda threw me off, but I´m still going to read the Fic as it is truly well written and original. And as you may have guessed by now, yes … Mei Terumii is also in … spoilsport….

This story will for the major part play in the Naruto Universe. I will add some elements from `Devil May Cry` and `One Piece`, and just to make things clear, from Chapter 9 on, the world of `Bleach` will be introduced … so the story will become a crossover between the two.

Lastly, I will be using some Japanese words as I find the language interesting. So, I´ll add a lexicon with all the words I use, even though I won´t make a translation for each Jutsu.

Lexicon:

Gaki=Idiot

Arrigato=Thanks

Ohayo=Good morning

Gomenasai=Sorry

Nanja=What´s wrong?

Souka=Understood

Urusai=Shut up

Hai=Yes

Iie=No

Matte=Wait

Sensei=Teacher

Tou=Father

Kaa=Mother

Aniki=Big brother

Hime=Princess

Megami=Beauty

Koi=Love

Koibito=Lover/Sweetheart

Tenshi=Angel

Kami=God

Kyuubi no Youko=Nine-tailed Demon Fox

Ningen=Human

Ojji=Old man

Shinobi=Ninja

Kunoichi=Female ninja

Nukenin=Missing ninja

Kami no Shinobi=God of Shinobi

Genin=Low ninja

Chunin=Middle ninja

Tokebetsu Jonin=Special ninja

Jonin=High ninja

Sannin=Legendary ninja

Hebi=Snake

Gama=Toad

Anbu=Special Assassination and Tactical Squad

Hitaiate=Forehead protector

Hi no Kuni=Land of Fire

Ame no Kuni=Land of Rain

Konohagakure no Sato=Village hidden in the Leaves

Sunagakure no Sato=Village hidden by Sand

Kumogakure no Sato=Village hidden by Clouds

Iwagakure no Sato=Village hidden by Rocks

Kirigakure no Sato=Village hidden by Mist

Kusagakure=Village hidden in the Grass

Yugakure=Village hidden in Hot Water

Tanigakure=Village hidden in Valleys

Amegakure=Village hidden by Rain

Hokage=Fire Shadow

Sandaime=The Third

Yondaime=The Forth

Akatsuki=Dawn/Daybreak

Ku=Void

Shu=Scarlet

Motanai Bijuu=Bijuu without tail

Kiri no Shinobigatana Nananin Shu=Seven Swordsman of Kirigakure

Bijuu=Tailed Beast

Youkai=demonic Chakra

Katana=Japanese sword

Jinchuriki=Human Sacrifice

Katon=Fire Release

Suiton=Water Release

Futon=Wind Release

Doton=Earth Release

Raiton=Lightning Release

Bunshin=Clone

Rinnegan=Samsara Eye

Sharingan=Copy Wheel eye

Mangekyo Sharingan=Kaleidoscope Copy Wheel eye

Kinjutsu=Forbidden Techniques

Kenjutsu=Sword Techniques

Taijutsu=Body Techniques

Ninjutsu=Ninja Techniques

Genjutsu=Illusionary Techniques

Fuinjutsu=Sealing Techniques

Dojutsu=Eye Techniques