Chapter 10: A Mark in History

"So this is the symbol we will all be fighting under?" Shikamaru asked his Hokage, bent over the man's shoulder as he stared at the object.

Naruto nodded, seated behind his desk within the Hokage's Office, and a headband in hand. The kanji for "Ninja" was etched into the forehead protector's, unblemished, new metal.

"It seems so." The Uzumaki said back, "Sort of fits don't you think? It's simplistic, but has a sort of, deep, feel to it."

Shikamaru nodded before saying, "Kind of funny a samurai would be the one to name an alliance between ninja."

A small smile cracked open Naruto's lips at the Nara's words, "Mifune and his samurai are part of this alliance as much as we are."

"It's going to be hard to get him to believe that when he learns of Sasuke's presence within Konoha. He did kind of kill a good amount of samurai before you stopped him." Shikamaru chided, still not sure how this was all going to work out, "Or so I'm told."

Naruto's smile was instantly gone. The Uzumaki would have told the Nara to hush had Naruto not reinforced his entire office with Mute Seals.

"Well what if the reason Akatsuki's base was so destroyed was because Sasuke revolted?" Naruto defended, "I mean that could be pretty persuasive. We could not feel Tobi or Kabuto's chakras. What if he single-handedly ended this war for us? I'm sure that would win over a couple of villages' hearts, even with his past deeds."

Shikamaru looked skeptical at his Hokage's optimism, "Yeah, the brooding, revenge-driven, power-hungry bastard we know as Uchiha Sasuke all of a sudden had a change of heart for the better. That'll be the day I kiss Chouji's ass."

"I don't know Shika." Naruto said, remembering his last fight with the Uchiha, "I think I actually got to him at the Kage Summit. I just feel it."

Shikamaru shook his head, and stood upright, stretching a bit, "Whatever. The more logical assumption is that Tobi betrayed him for Kabuto. If he is anything like Orochimaru was, I'm sure he wants the Sharingan and that led to a scuffle."

"Then why did we find his body?" Naruto asked, "If Kabuto wanted him then he would have taken Sasuke, or at least his eyes."

The Nara covered his mouth as he yawned, "Man I don't know. Thinking about it is too much is too troublesome."

Naruto's grumbled, annoyed by his advisor's lackadaisical manners when just yesterday, after he showed Shikamaru Sasuke's body, the Nara was trying to come up with all these scenarios that would have landed the Uchiha in Konoha.

Naruto's attention on the headband abruptly snapped to the door, 'They made it back fast.'

Shikamaru noticed the deviation of the Hokage's interest.

"What is it?" The advisor asked. He did not sense anyone outside the office door, so he did not understand what had drawn the Uzumaki's attention.

Naruto's face was neutral and unreadable, "This is most interesting."

"What is it?!"

Naruto's head nodded slowly in knowing as he ignored his advisor, "And somewhat surprising."

The curiosity was killing the Nara, "What is it damn it?!"

Naruto smirked as he messed with his friend, his eyes not drawing from the door while he put the headband down on the desk, "Three…"

His actions just confused Shikamaru, "What's happening?"

"Two…"

"What are you doing?!" Shikamaru asked, a bit annoyed.

Naruto's smile grew, "One…"

"What the hell is wrong with yo-"

Knock-knock

Shikamaru's attention was brought back to the door as he heard Naruto say, "You may enter."

Naruto smirked at his advisor's face, enjoying the fact that he could mess with Shikamaru using his sensing abilities.

Naruto's personal Anbu team he had sent to Amegakure entered the office, Kakashi trailing behind them with his head down. The Uzumaki was not surprised to see them as they entered, or the cloaked figure behind them. He was taken aback when he sensed her presence, but the fact that he had sent a team to Amegakure without her knowing probably warranted a personal visit.

The four Anbu lined up beside one another before they went down to one knee, with their heads bowed and a fist on the ground. Kakashi and the cloaked figure stood beside the four elite in silence.

"At ease." Naruto commanded, which allowed the four Anbu to stand. Naruto attention was then shifted to the cloaked figure, "It's good to see you again, Konan-san."

The woman pulled back her hood and a blue-lipped smile crept onto her pale-skinned complexion, "It is good to see you as well, Naruto-kun. Or should I say Hokage-sama."

"Naruto is fine." Naruto smiled. His fingers intertwined as he let them lay on his lap as he crossed his legs and leaned back in his chair, "I do apologize for intruding into your lands, but I got a mysterious message several days ago stating that Tobi would be attacking in order to get the Rinnegan."

Konan shook her head, "There is no need for apologies. I am certainly glad your team showed up when they did. Unfortunately, it seems their efforts were unfruitful."

Naruto's eyes narrowed while his smile fell. His attention was drawn to Bear, "What does she mean? Report."

"We arrived to find Konan and Tobi bickering amongst themselves." Bear spoke as team leader, "We watched from the shadows for an opportune moment to strike, and learn of the man's abilities. We interfered moments before Tobi was going to strike the woman down. A fight ensued and we were able to wound the man using the knowledge we had gained from Konan's fight. He retreated soon after having lost his mask."

Shikamaru and even Naruto's eyes widened slightly.

'Could it be true?' Naruto thought to himself as his face returned to normal, before asking, "Were you able to identify the man?"

Bear remained motionless, "Yes. The target was identified as Uchiha Obito."

Kakashi eye immediately looked to see Naruto's reaction. Shikamaru's eyes had widened even more, while Naruto's remained stoic. Kakashi narrowed his eye. The Hatake had been racking his brain with different ideas on why he had been sent on this mission. The Anbu team would have been fine even without his Kamui abilities to counteract Tobi. At first he had thought it was merely fate, but Kakashi had never believed in such a thing. Then the thought that maybe Naruto had sent him on this mission for a reason kept plaguing his mind.

Was that why Naruto had not been looking at him? Kakashi had wondered. Because Obito had been alive this whole time and Naruto never had the courage to tell him, let alone look at him?

After observing the Uzumaki's reaction, Kakashi was set on getting to the bottom of this.

Naruto did not have to look to know that Kakashi's eyes were on him, probably eyeing him for a reaction. When Naruto gave no indication of his feelings to hearing Tobi's real identity, the Uzumaki knew he would need to talk to Kakashi about this. It was what he had intended to do by not showing a reaction.

The Rokudaime Hokage broke the silence, speaking somewhat indifferently, "This news is certainly startling. The other nations will certainly need to know of this. I will have one of you collaborate the story in front of the others at the upcoming Kage Council. Now, finish the report."

Bear continued, "We rested for the day and waited for Konan to be treated. Upon her release from the hospital, she took us to the Rinnegan to make sure they were still there. However, we found that they were gone, along with Nagato's body."

Naruto's eyes narrowed at this new information, "Were you able to discover any clues to who might have taken them?"

"No." Bear stated solidly, "There was a consensus among the team that it was most likely not Obito. He had been too wounded from our battle and probably would have needed more time to heal before trying to retrieve the eyes, let alone the whole body, while we were in the village.

"This person was stealthy enough to slip by four of your elite Anbu and Kakashi of the Sharingan." Konan said, voicing her own thoughts, "Obito had not been able to do such a thing. Whoever this other person is, they are certainly powerful."

Naruto nodded, thinking on who might have taken the body. It could not have been Sasuke, because he had been found just a day later at Akatsuki's base. The only other person it could have been was-.

"It must have been Kabuto." Shikamaru stated affirmatively, like he knew it was a fact. The others became puzzled by the Nara's proclamation.

"We have reason to believe Kabuto is working alongside Akatsuki at the moment." Naruto clarified for everyone in the room.

Shikamaru then continued, "If what you say about him trying to be like Orochimaru is true, then he probably used a snake summoning, which are known for stealth, to get it for him."

Naruto looked to his advisor and played the role of the devil's advocate, saying, "Or Obito has recruited more Akatsuki members to fight for him. He does have a war against all the major hidden villages coming up."

The Nara cupped his chin in thought, before saying, "No. Obito probably already has an army prepared; I mean that's why he was the one to commence this war. However here comes along Kabuto, asking him to join. I'm sure Obito would have some doubts. My best guess is that this was most likely a show of faith to Obito, showing Kabuto's conviction."

Naruto smirked, amazed by his advisor's analytical abilities, "Damn Shikamaru, where would I be without you?"

A small smile crept onto the Nara's face, "You probably would've been impeached by now."

The Uzumaki shook his head with his eyes closed in mirth. His eyes traveled to his Anbu, "You are dismissed. Get a day's rest and then return to your original posts by my side."

They all left in silence.

Naruto's eyes flickered past Kakashi's silent demeanor, and went to meat Konan's, "So then what brings you here Konan-san? Mere thanks could have been expressed in a letter. Not that I don't enjoy your company."

Konan's normally cold eyes shined with determination as she said, "I wish to request a village transfer."

Naruto's eyes widened while one of Shikamaru's quirked in curiosity.

Konan continued before Naruto could speak up, "I have lost everything I hold dear to my village. Yahiko, Nagato, an organization that once fought for peace, not domination. I intended to die in my fight with the man that had caused all those I loved so much pain. However, you prevented that. You, along with your wonderful ninja, saved my life."

Naruto nodded with a sincere smile, "You're words honor me and my people. But you were once a part of Akatsuki and if word spreads that I'm harboring a former member, the other villages will be in an uproar."

The Uzumaki heard Shikamaru scoff, which earned the Nara a quick glare from Naruto.

Konan's brow furrowed ever so slightly, "There is no need to worry about that. I mostly served as Nagato's bodyguard. I never gained much, or if any, notoriety while in Akatsuki. I am known only in Amegakure, nowhere else."

Naruto thought about it for a moment, before saying, "True, but to transfer villages? Are you sure you want to make such a big leap? It could be quite daunting, and you may come to regret it."

Konan nodded, "I want this. You wish for peace, just how Yahiko and Nagato had once wanted. Their dreams are yours. I want-no, I need this."

Naruto closed his eyes for a second before nodding, "Very well. You are henceforth a Chuunin of Konoha. I'm sure you will become a Jounin in no time but for now that will do. I will send the paperwork down to admissions and you will be enlisted. Report to admissions tomorrow and they will evaluate you. When – because I know you will – pass, they will give you a headband and Chuunin attire."

Konan's smile widened some as she bowed, not being one to show such outwardly emotions, "Thank you very much, Hokage-sama!"

Naruto smiled brightly, saying, "There are plenty of hotels to choose from until you find yourself a home."

Konan nodded eagerly, her adrenaline on full blast. She had been praying that he would say yes, but after hearing him actually say it, she just wanted to hop around. That was saying a lot for someone who had become so unemotionally attached throughout her life. She did not know why, but whenever she was around the blonde Hokage, he somehow brought out the person she had been when it was just her, Yahiko, and Nagato. He brought out her true self.

Something only Yahiko had ever been able to do.

"You're dismissed." Naruto waved the woman, over twice his age, off, allowing her to leave as she excitedly went in search of a place to stay in her new village, and new home.

When the door shut behind Konan, Naruto's eyes drifted over to Kakashi as the Jounin continued to hang his head.

Shikamaru then took notice of the silent Kakashi. He had almost forgotten about the Hatake because of how quiet he had been. The Nara was about to greet the Jounin-sensei now that there had been an opportunity to, but stopped when Naruto's voice caught his attention.

"If you will excuse us, Shikamaru." Naruto said.

Shikamaru gave his leader a quizzical look, and was surprised when Naruto met his gaze with a stern expression. The Nara was interested in what made the Uzumaki so serious, but did not question him as he made his way out without a word.

Kakashi waited for the door to shut. He did not look up to even see if Naruto was looking at him as he spoke with a silent uneasiness, "Did you know?"

The question came out very straightforward and to the point. Even more so then Kakashi had actually intended. The Hatake knew he was on thin ice around his student from his behavior as of late, but Kakashi did not care at this point. His feelings were erratic the last couple of days after learning that the man who had saved his life, and completely changed Kakashi's outlook on everything ninja, was still alive. A crazed super villain hell-bent on world domination at that.

"Yes." The words followed so swiftly after Kakashi's question that they almost cut into it.

The Hatake's neck snapped up as his lone eye stared wide at the back of Naruto's chair. Seeing that Naruto was still not looking at him only further pissed off Kakashi.

The Jounin took several hard steps forward until he was directly in front of Naruto's desk. The Hatake reached out at the side of Naruto's chair and spun it so the boy would face him. Kakashi did not know what he was going to do at his point. However, he could do nothing as his eye widened when the chair turned and no one was seated in it.

Kakashi's attention was drawn to beside himself, noticing Naruto's side as he faced the opposite direction of the Hatake, with his arms crossed and slightly leaned up against his desk. For a moment, out of his peripherals, Kakashi thought he saw his sensei, the Yondaime Hokage.

Kakashi's eye slightly narrowed. Knowing this was not true. However, Naruto had moved faster than Kakashi's normal eye could see, which certainly reminded him of Minato.

Kakashi's hands rested on the top of Naruto's desk as he remained slightly hunched over, panting slowly while he eyed the mahogany wood. He did not realize how much energy he was using; being the most emotional he had been for a very long time.

"During Pein's attack," Naruto spoke, "I talked to the Kyuubi. It was really weird. He kept saying stuff that made me believe he was not really the demonic and evil beast that I thought he always was."

Kakashi's eye drifted over to the side of Naruto's face, gaining more interest in what his student was saying.

Naruto had left out the part about Minato being his father, not sure if Kakashi knew or not. He also left out the part about his fusion with the Kyuubi. He wanted to keep that a secret until his inauguration, should he win.

"Kyuubi said he actually wanted to help me. So he told me all these things about the history of the ninja world. I know this sounds crazy, and trust me when I say the reason for how the Kyuubi knew all this stuff, even though he was confined all these years, is even crazier." Naruto took a short moment to breath after his lighthearted joke, which earned no laughter, "To be honest, I did not believe its words at first. And even till just a few moments ago, in the back of my mind I had my doubts on what it was telling me. I was like there is no way some of the things it was telling me could be true. However, it did tell me about what happened between you and Obito, and that he was actually the masked man."

The Uzumaki was glad he had finally told someone about all his knowledge, even though he was leaving out parts of the story.

Kakashi hands clenched down on the edge of Naruto's desk, "Why did you not tell me?"

"Would you have believed me?" Naruto asked back, immediately following Kakashi's.

It was a simple question, but something Kakashi could not answer.

The pressure Kakashi was applying to the defenseless desk lightened. He could feel himself losing himself.

"For so long." Kakashi said weakly, gaining his leader's attention, but not his gaze, "For so long I have told myself I would get better. I would get stronger…"

"I would always say how I would not let my comrades die, yet no matter what I did, or how powerful I got they would still fall." Kakashi's eye began to gloss over as it began to tear up. It took everything he had learned in Anbu to not let a single droplet fall, "I have always been all talk. Even on an elite squad with Obito and Rin, I could do nothing for them. I'm a failure. As a teacher… as a teammate… as a friend…"

Naruto stared at the ground in front of his feet, letting Kakashi's words sink in. This was a side of his teacher the Uzumaki never thought he would see as he aired his grievances. Kakashi had just recently discovered that the man that had cemented the Hatake's attitude toward ninja was actually still alive, so his feelings were going haywire.

Despite what Kakashi's prior mind-set had been towards the Uzumaki, Naruto could not help but feel his heart tear at the unstable state of his sensei, "You're not a failure Kakashi-sensei. To anyone. Everyone has their weaknesses. That's why we try our damnedest to correct them; so we are not remembered for our weaknesses, but for our strengths."

Kakashi shook his head, as if denying what Naruto was saying, "How can you say such things?! I have been so cruel to you these last two months! You, the one student that I stupidly paid the least attention to, has become the leader of the greatest village in the world. Where I should have been praising you, I looked at you with malice and hatred for something you were not. I remained jaded, believing you to be too immature."

Kakashi pounded his hand into the desk in front of him, his agitation at his own disgustful behavior becoming extremely evident, "Even after these past two months, even after everything you have done and proven to everyone around you. I believed you to be unfit for the position of Hokage."

Kakashi slowed his heavy breathing, and turned his gaze to the side of Naruto's face. He came to the crux of his small rant with some weary questions, "Yet somehow you can stand there and listen to a foolish man such as I. How Naruto? How do you do it?"

Naruto batted his eyes slowly, knowing Kakashi was waiting with baited breath for his answer. The last reaction Kakashi thought he would receive from the Uzumaki was a smirk, so when Naruto did so, it greatly confused the Hatake.

"It's a little sooner than I had planned, but whatever." Naruto said, confusing Kakashi even more.

Kakashi's eye widened and a chill ran up his back when Naruto's head slowly turned, and the Uzumaki made eye contact with his teacher for the first time in two months.

"I will always be your student, so why would I ever stop thinking that you will treat me as anything but."

Kakashi's breath caught in his throat as he remembered to the time almost two months ago when he and Naruto were standing in Konoha's cemetery. The Hatake had just learned about his mission with the old Team 7 to the Land of Spring and went in search of the interim Hokage. He found the man at the cemetery and Kakashi remembered Naruto had said he would tell him that exact same thing after he won the Jounin Vote and proved that he was worthy.

However, Kakashi did not need Naruto to win the vote for him to know that the Uzumaki was worthy of Hokage anymore.

Kakashi continued to stare into Naruto's cerulean orbs, having almost forgotten the luminescent glow they seemed to always radiate with. The enigma known as Uzumaki Naruto would never cease to surprise and amaze the Hatake.

His explanation was unanticipated, yet something Kakashi should have expected from the Uzumaki. All the neglect Kakashi had given to Naruto as a teacher over the years had made the Uzumaki accustomed to such treatment from the Hatake. And that pierced Kakashi's heart harder than any sword could.

Kakashi's eye drooped as he could not meet the gaze of his most unpredictable student.

"I'm sorry, Naruto." Kakashi said, and then continued before Naruto could interject, "I have failed you as a teacher."

Kakashi's eye then shifted back up so as to meet his leader's eyes. He met Naruto's gaze, showing the Rokudaime a flame within his dark colored eye that the Uzumaki had never before seen, "But I will not fail you as a subordinate, Hokage-sama."

Naruto eyed the resolute determination in his sensei's eye, mentally taken aback by the sudden change in nature. The Uzumaki had always been used to a more neutral and stoic Kakashi. So seeing two completely different sides of his teacher was quite daunting. But, nonetheless, he was happy to have gotten his feelings through to Kakashi.

"Show me Kakashi-sensei." Naruto said with a smile, "Show me the real Hatake Kakashi… You're dismissed."

Kakashi nodded and turned to leave. The man stopped at the doorway with his back to the Uzumaki, "Thank you, Naruto… for always being so forgiving."

Naruto's smile broadened, having gained one more vote.

The most important vote to Naruto there was.

\/

Naruto was walking through the rebuilt streets of Konoha, having decided to stop by Ichiraku for a much needed lunch break.

The roads were abuzz in activity as shopkeepers shouted from their doorsteps about the latest trends and accessories. Boutique owners were flocking over woman and children about trying the newest fashion styles. Food markets were flourishing in volume as people haggled and bartered for prices on products. Old folk were posted near stationary places like benches and tables to calm their swollen joints. Children played amongst the streets, making their way through the populace uninterrupted as they weaved around the adults with what seemed like ease.

Some people were so engrossed in the renewed village that they did not even notice the passing Hokage.

Those that took notice of their leader and protector were quick to make it to his side, giving their greetings and blessings. Women would swoon over him while children would ask him to play with them. Some men would smile from afar while others would pat his back or shoulders, giving him their appreciations for his past deeds. Elders would come up and ask for his blessings or a handshake. Just coming into contact with him appeared to give them delight.

It was a completely surreal experience for the young Uzumaki, and he would probably never get used to this treatment. He returned all their good-natured gestures with a smile. He tried giving out as many handshakes as he could as he made his way through the street. Naruto attracted everyone to him and he was elated by everyone's cheerful attitude.

The Rokudaime Hokage made his way through the sea of people, a smile from ear to ear.

At this moment Naruto was the happiest man in the world. And as he made his way through his home, he came to the realization that he would protect his family – his village – above all else.

Even if the entire world became his enemy.

\/

On his walk to Ichiraku, Naruto's attention was drawn to a dark alleyway to his right.

Averting his course to the ramen stand, he walked toward the dead-ended alley. When he stood at the alley's entrance he eyed the shadowed area, noting the garbage cans and piping that lined the buildings around the dead-end path.

His head circled slowly as he took in everything around him.

Suddenly he reached to his right and grabbed the wall tightly. He swung his arm forward and what had first appeared to be a wall turned out to be nothing but a ninja sheet that hid three Genin. The three were sent tumbling to the ground in front of the Hokage as he held their hiding device in his hand.

Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon were all in coughing fits as the dust kicked up from their collision with the ground covered them. It did not help that they were all in a pile of their own entangled bodies as they all tried getting up before miserably failing and falling back to the ground.

Naruto compacted the covering into a ball and threw it into a garbage can that had its lid removed. The three rookie Genin were just barely making it to their feet when their disguise was thrown away.

"I thought I sensed something when I was walking by." Naruto said smugly.

When Konohamaru saw his prized possession hanging out from the lip of the garbage, he was nearly in tears as he ran over to pry it out, "What have you done?! That is the Sarutobi Clan's cherished Berutan (Veil Turn)!"

Naruto quirked an eyebrow in scrutiny, "Oh, and just how did a Genin like you get your hands on that?"

Konohamaru's words died in his throat as he realized what he had done. He pulled the sheet out the trash and hid it behind his back with one hand, like it was not really there, while the other hand went to scratch the back of his head. He grinned sheepishly, saying, "What are you talking about? I don't have any kind of Sarutobi Clan artifact that creates a perfect disguise over you; hiding you from sight while erasing your chakra signature and smell!"

"Must not be the case seeing as I found you." Naruto said, scratching his ear as he looked away.

Konohamaru cursed his luck. He thought he had finally gotten the one up on Naruto-niichan with his clan's sacred artifact, but it was for naught because of his sickly teammate, "Well if Udon hadn't sneezed and made the sheet slip then you would have never found us!"

The Sarutobi covered his mouth with both hands, the veil still hanging from his hand as he realized what he had just done.

The wide grin that spread across Naruto's face told the three that he already knew what was coming.

"Mooooe." Moegi whined, "I knew this wasn't going to work."

Udon then sneezed, which got them into this mess, "S-Sorry guys. I didn't m-mean to."

Naruto's smile widened at seeing the three interact. He then laughed heartedly, gaining their attention, as he jokingly boasted, "There is no need to get frustrated. It's quite hard getting to a strong ninja such as myself. HAHAHAHA."

The three were huddled together within the next instant, talking about the Uzumaki and sending him weary glances as they discussed amongst themselves.

"Saying all that like we even care…"

"W-What an arrogant person…"

"How unsightly…"

Naruto's smile fell and his eyebrow twitched in annoyance. Even if he did not have enhanced senses, he would still have heard them, "I can hear you."

The three Genin had all turned their heads toward him when he spoke, giving him uninterested expressions against his angered one. Their heads then went back into their huddle shortly after, talking more smack.

"Now he thinks he is so great…"

"W-What a vain person…"

"He probably hasn't had 'it' in awhile… at least that is what I hear my mom say about guys when they are mad."

Naruto had the decency to go a little rosy in the cheeks when he heard Moegi's last statement. He angrily said, "I'll have you know I was in a pretty popular porno recently!"

Three uninterested glances, and then they were back in their huddle.

"Probably a gay porno…"

"W-What a perverted person…"

"He says that like it's a good thing…"

Naruto sighed, not letting three Genin get to him. He sweat dropped, asking to no one in particular, "When did I lose their respect?"

"Probably when you decided to stop talking to us!" Konohamaru spun out from the huddle and pointed an accusing finger at Naruto angrily, "We thought it would be cool after you became Hokage, but we never even got to see you. You never even show up to the Mission Department to hand out missions like Oyaji used to do!"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, not really feeling sorry for that last part, "But I can get so much more work done just deciding who goes on what from my office and then having a Jounin hand them out."

"WORK?!" Konohamaru screamed, "When have you ever WORKED?! No Naruto-niichan I know would ever stoop so low as to do paperwork."

Naruto's sweat drop grew, "You do realize being Hokage is basically half paperwork, half everything else right?"

Konohamaru opened his mouth to retort, but did not say something as his arm fell to his side. The boy's shoulders hunched and his head dropped, not joking around anymore as his true emotions showed.

The Sarutobi knew that when Naruto did become Hokage, he knew the Uzumaki would grow distant. The Hokage had far more important things to do then hang around and play with some Genin. However, Konohamaru never thought Naruto would have become Hokage so quickly. Maybe a couple more years if the blonde was lucky, but Konohamaru had not been prepared for this. He wanted Naruto to teach him more. To show him what the ninja would was really like. To praise him for accomplishing greater feats than what Naruto had done. That was now gone because Naruto's attention could no longer be on Konohamaru. Now it was just on Konoha.

Konohamaru then felt a heavy hand atop his head. He looked up to see Naruto smiling down at him.

"I heard you defeated one of Pein's bodies during his invasion using the Rasengan I taught you." Naruto spoke, his eyes shining with pride as he rubbed the boy's head, "I'm so proud of you, Konohamaru."

The Sarutobi stared wide-eyed at his brotherly figure, an image of his grandfather appearing behind the blonde. The way Naruto was currently looking at him was akin to how the old man had done when he was alive.

The Uzumaki's words slowly registering in his head. His eyes became glossy as water began building in the corners of his eyes. Konohamaru lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Naruto's abdomen, burying his face into the man's chest to stop himself from crying.

"I-I was so scared!" Konohamaru's muffled cry could be heard, "I thought he was going to kill me!"

Naruto rubbed the boy's back gently, smiling solemnly at the top of his head.

"I know how you must of felt, but you fought like a real ninja." Naruto then looked to Udon and Moegi, and held his arms out to them respectively, the smile of a proud father on his face, "You all fought well. It makes me so happy knowing you three fought for your village, your citizens, and your home."

The other two ran up to the Hokage and embraced each other in a group hug.

The three Genin were surprised by how warm and welcoming the Uzumaki's embrace had been, and made them feel all the more better at have a leader as awesome as Naruto.

The Sixth Hokage did not know how long they stared in the position, but when a rain droplet hit the top of his head, he knew they needed to get out of there before the rain started to really come down. The Uzumaki pulled away from the Genin, but not far enough to where they could not hold onto each other.

"I think it's about time we get out of here. It looks like it is about to start pouring." Naruto told them as he looked at each of their faces, "How about you three accompany me to Ichiraku's for some ramen! My treat!"

"Hell yeah!" The three cheered, following their idol.

A new fire lit within Naruto's chest.

\/

The heavy downpour of rain covered Konoha completely within the hour. The dark clouds blocked out any chance of sunlight, even though it was just past midday. Pedestrians, shopkeepers, and the like had all shuffled in doors, leaving the village calm and quiet.

The sound of falling rain echoed through the village in a low rumble.

At the Konoha cemetery, within the pouring rain, stood one figure in front of the memorial stone.

Hatake Kakashi stared into the sky with both eyes open, allowing the heavy rain to bombard his ocular orbs. It did not seem to bother Kakashi. His body was slightly hunched back with his arms hanging lifelessly down beside him. His forehead protector was held in hand. The Hatake's hair was soaking wet and fell behind him while some matted his forehead.

Kakashi blinked slowly. The world around him meshed together in a display of half normal vision, and the other half through the eye of a Sharingan. Dark shadows contorted around lighter ones. Small wisps of chakra his Sharingan picked up would fade in and out.

The Hatake had grown accustomed to the combined visions through his earlier years with the Sharingan eye. In Anbu he wore a traditional mask that could not cover one eye at a time like his headband could. He found it was more of a hassle to have one eye closed at a time under the Anbu mask, so he just taught himself to work with both eyes opened. Plus the Anbu mask already restricted a bit of vision, and only having one eye open at a time would be extremely dangerous. Especially, while in Anbu, you go through A and S ranked missions exclusively, so it was far safer having both eyes open than just one.

Kakashi's eyes slowly ran over the memorial stone's glossy stone. The rain only helped accent the sleek appearance of the blue marble.

So many names. So many teammates. So many friends. So many dead.

"Take care of that boy, Kakashi."

'Jiraiya-sama…' Kakashi blinked, thinking to the time before the legendary Toad Sage left for Amegakure and met his untimely demise.

"Kakashi-kun!"

'Rin…' Kakashi remembered all the times she said his name, the most traumatic one being when he was wrist deep in her chest.

"Those who break the rules and regulations are scum, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum."

'Obito…' Kakashi reflected. The specific words Obito had said to him that had shaped most of his life rang through the Hatake's mind, '…what does that make you now?'

"Kakashi-kun. You're fire has been damaged from years of hardships, but I can still see it within you. An unrefined fire that is just waiting to be ignited!"

'Sandaime-sama…' One of the most important things the Hatake had ever heard from the Third Hokage resonated through his mind. At the time that was spoken to him he was a calloused Anbu, but now he better understood the Sarutobi's meaning.

"You're a prodigy Kakashi-kun. But even prodigies have faults.'

'Minato-sensei…' Kakashi recalled his sensei's words about advancing his career at such a young age, and found that they were uncannily similar to Naruto's words hours ago, '…like father like son.'

'Forgive me, everyone.' Kakashi eyed the stone that lie before him, 'For not being strong enough.'

Kakashi's thoughts drifted towards Naruto, and a wave of emotions washed over him. He hated himself for having previously thought so bad of his student, but he knew he could not wallow in his own misery forever. Naruto had forgiven him, but Kakashi did not feel right accepting his absolution. He would earn the Uzumaki's respect, by showing his commitment to the Sixth Hokage.

Naruto would win the Jounin Vote, Kakashi was assured of that. No matter how the village used to treat or view him. That time had long past. He was looked at as a hero now, and a rightful Hokage. Kakashi would be there to see his student make his permanent mark in history.

And if by some ungodly chance that Naruto did not win majority vote, then Konoha would be looking at another Pein-sized obliteration of the village, courtesy of the one-eyed Sharingan wielder.

Kakashi's eyes lowly drifted to his left as a shadow appeared through the rain.

"You called." The voice said. The figure was slender and clad in Anbu armor. The person's mask was nowhere to be seen, leaving their face exposed.

When the person was close enough, Kakashi could see that it was Uzuki Yugao, a former subordinate of his during his time in Anbu. Her purple hair was matted down and her dark, hollow, eyes bore into the side of him.

"Did you bring what I asked for?" Kakashi questioned slowly, pocketing his headband protector.

The woman raised her hand out towards the former Anbu Captain, a porcelain dog mask in her clutches. The mask had been given to her for safe keepings since the Hatake left Anbu.

"I was genuinely surprised when you asked for it." Yugao admitted, letting Kakashi take it from her hand, "Does this mean you are coming back to Anbu?"

Kakashi held the mask in one hand and raised his other one towards the stone memorial. Lightning chakra came to life at the tip of his pointer finger. The heavy rain that collided with his electric chakra evaporated instantly. A constant hissing resonated around them as cool water met hot voltage.

Yugao eyed the silent man as his finger went to one of the many names on the KIA monument. She caught a glimpse of the name Kakashi crossed out, leaving a clean cut mark that completely erased the chiseled indentations.

Uchiha Obito

Kakashi retracted his hand and deactivated his chakra flow. His eyes fluttered towards Yugao, "Tell me, Yugao-chan. How did you ever get over Hayate's death?"

"You know we never really get over death, especially those that are close to us." Yugao started, "As ninja we must shoulder the burden and continue to live, because what would become of our home? We love those dearest to us, but our love for the village must be even greater. Isn't that what you taught me, Kakashi-taichou?"

Kakashi's eyes batted slowly, "Indeed. I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else."

The Hatake looked down to the Anbu mask in his hands, the front of it facing away from him. He hesitated for a moment, glancing back up to the tablet in front of him.

"When I look at this memorial stone," Kakashi sighed heavy before continuing, "I remember all the mistakes I have made."

The Hatake put the Anbu mask to his face, remembering its cold feel, "I believe it's time I stopped making so many."

"What are you going to do?"

The dog mask that had, for so many years, struck fear into his enemies' hearts slowly turned to Yugao.

"I will become Anbu's Soutaichou (Captain Commander)."

\/

Sai was kneeled down with his fist on the ground and his head hung. There was darkness surrounding him on all sides. The only illumination in the room was a beam of light that shined down over the Root member.

"I have been surprised by your actions as of late." A voice spoke from the darkness, "I was beginning to suspect you had turned traitor to our cause."

Sai did not raise his head, speaking in monotone, "Never, Danzou-sama."

There was a silence in the room for several moments, before the leader of root spoke, "You know better than anyone within our organization that our sole purpose is for the betterment of Konoha, by any means necessary."

Sai's eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly, "You also taught us that the position of Hokage has absolute authority, and that the title must be cherished and protected above all else."

"Silence!" Danzou's elderly voice snapped, "Do not pester me with beliefs that can no longer be applicable in our current circumstances! Things have changed. The people of this land have foolishly given a mere boy a position of great power. Now they will pay for imprudently deciding a matter of most importance."

Sai knew what Danzou was planning. His closer "associates" in root – because Sai did not consider anyone in root his friends – had informed him of their leader's new target.

"The daimyo." Sai stated knowingly.

Danzou would never do something that could jeopardize Konohagakure, but he cared little for the land that surrounded the Hidden Leaf Village. The leader of root knew that the Land of Fire was necessary for Konoha when it came to food and trade. However, the concept of a daimyo had always angered Danzou.

The village is what protected the land.

The Hokage is what protected the village.

The purpose of a daimyo was useless in Danzou's opinion. A measly tradition that needed to be done away with. The daimyo and his palace full of pandering fools, who cannot even put on their own shoes, were nothing but wastes of space. They did not fight wars, the village did. They did not conquer nations, the village did. They did not turn children to soldiers, the village did. Yet, they did not pander to the village, the village pandered to them.

Even the Twelve Guardian Ninja had become a mere husk of its former self. They had become lazy and complacent with nothing to threaten their peace, because Konohagakure and her offspring stopped anything that got close.

Well, that was until now.

There were going to be some major changes in the coming months.

"I have already begun initiating my new plan." Danzou informed his loyal subordinate, "However, it won't take long before the daimyo has no choice but to ask Konoha for assistance. When that time arrives we will have to be all the more cautious in our actions."

Sai nodded sharply in understanding.

"And one last thing before you leave," Danzou began before asking, "was it Naruto?"

Sai immediately knew what he was talking about. His curse seal, "Yes sir. Do you wish to place another on me?"

Danzou scoffed, "There would be no point. If the Uzumaki could destroy the one placed on you, he can destroy any of my other ones. This will actually give us a good opportunity to see just how truly loyal you really are."

Sai understood Danzou's meaning.

The leader of root had eyes everywhere.

"You're dismissed." Danzou said from the darkness, "I will call upon you again, when the time is right."

Sai nodded one last time, "Hai."

\/

Naruto breathed in heavily through his nostrils before expelling it out his mouth. The Uzumaki was trying to calm his anxiety and heart rate, but his relaxation technique was not working. The noise of thousands of people talking could be heard through the entrance at the top of the staircase that scaled up to the roof of the Hokage building.

It had finally come.

It was time for the announcement of the Jounin Vote.

The only person standing anywhere close to Naruto was Nara Shikamaru. The advisor was giving him a mixture of looks; from surprised to hidden mirth.

Shikamaru at first was surprised to see such an anxious Naruto. Shikamaru could only remember one time that he had ever seen the Uzumaki so nervous, and that was when Sasuke was fighting Gaara during the Chuunin Exams. Since then, the Nara had never really seen Naruto being anything other than an overconfident, strong willed, individual. He knew Naruto would win, and he was sure that Naruto knew that as well. However, it did not seem to stop the anxiety that crept up within the Uzumaki.

It had actually slipped Shikamaru's mind that this might be the single most important moment in Naruto's life. But it was a bit entertaining to see such an iron-willed ninja so insecure at the moment, especially because it was Naruto.

Shikamaru could not help but chuckle at his friend's expression, "You look really scared."

"Shut up!" Naruto quickly shot back in a childish manner, not even glancing the Nara's way as he shifted his weight back and forth on his left and right foot. He had a lot of adrenaline pumping through him at the moment, "I know I'm probably going to win, but in the back of my head there is this little voice that keeps making me doubt myself."

Shikamaru smirked, saying, "Stop worrying yourself, you're going to win. Trust me."

Naruto's movement halted as his eyes shifted towards Shikamaru. There was that word again. Trust.

"I should probably start doing more of that." Naruto admitted, making the Nara confused.

"What are you talking about?"

Naruto's turned his attention back to the entrance at the top of the staircase, leading to the roof, "After I defeated Pein, I told myself that in order to change this world into a place of peace, where there is no war and strife, I would have to trust people more often. Trust that they would do the right thing. Trust their decisions. Trust their ability to forgive others that had wronged them. Trust them to have my back. However, immediately after being appointed Rokudaime Hokage and having the weight of an entire village on my shoulders, I found myself doubting those around me, like my ninja and villagers, let alone the other nations."

Shikamaru let Naruto catch a breath, staring at the Hokage with a small bit of shock across his features. It was true what the Sixth had just said. Shikamaru thought back to the time when Naruto had first appointed the Nara as advisor, and remembered that the Uzumaki did not want to release the information of his lineage.

However, the Nara understood the man's paranoia.

"It's hard to trust a village full of ninja. We are known for stabbing one another in the back without a second thought. It's what ninja are. We are without morals." Shikamaru started, meeting the blue eyed gaze of the Hokage, "However, if what you speak of can be obtained. A utopia where there is peace. Then I think trusting your people is a good start."

Naruto let Shikamaru's words sink in before nodding, "You're right. Thank you, Shikamaru."

The Uzumaki now knew what he had to do. He would share a truth with his village. But not the one Shikamaru probably want him to share.

"Wish me luck." Naruto said with a heavy expulsion of air as he heard his name being called from up top.

The two began walking up the staircase.

Shikamaru chuckled at the Uzumaki's words, before saying, "Like you need it."

The bright light that shined down from the entrance blinded the two for but a moment as they walked onto the roof of the building. Their eyes slowly adjusted to the scenery around them. Koharu and Homura were standing near the end of the roof, overlooking the masses.

Naruto and Shikamaru made it across the rooftop, the Nara staying a little bit back so to give the Hokage more room. When the Uzumaki made it in between Homura and Koharu, the thousands of people that crammed the streets below cheered in unison at seeing their leader.

It seemed like almost everyone in the village had shown up for this momentous occasion as the streets in front of the Hokage building were flooded by a sea of people. The roofs of the buildings nearest to the Hokage tower were full of ninja, and civilians that had found ways to get up there. The balconies of these buildings were also overloaded with people.

Even with his enhanced senses, Naruto could not pick out any of his friendss faces amongst the masses. However, he knew they were there. They would not miss this for the world.

Naruto noticed out the corner of his eye the small, olive, envelop that contained the results of the Jounin Vote. Koharu had it in her hands, while Homura held the Hokage's hat.

The commotion down below them began to quiet down as the masses saw Koharu beginning to open the envelope.

It became virtually silent when Koharu pulled out the sheet of paper.

Koharu's nearly shut eyes scanned the paper, her stoic façade giving no one any indication as to what the paper contained.

Naruto could only hear his own heartbeat as it began to pick up.

Koharu's voice boomed through the area, "By unanimous decree among the Jounin of the Hidden Leaf Village-"

Koharu waited a moment for cinematic effects.

Naruto thought his heart was about to burst out of his chest.

"-Uzumaki Naruto is hereby named the Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato!"

For a moment, the entire village was silent as the revelation was revealed.

The silence did not last long as a lone villager raised his fist high into the air, shouting, "HEEEEEEELLLLLLL YEEEAAAAAAAAHHH!"

It started as a low rumble that vibrated the surrounding area. A moment later there was thunderous ovation from the people. An unparalleled chorus of cheers and yells rolled over the crowds like thunder, shaking the very area around them from the volume of their roars.

Naruto could not believe the sight he was privileged to behold, looking over the sea of people with a flabbergasted expression, his mind still unable to grasp Koharu's words.

Men, women, and children embraced one another in hugs, celebrating this moment in their village. Friends rocked side to side with their arms around the other's shoulders, cheering at this remarkable occasion. People shot cones full of confetti out while others danced in joy.

This was real.

This was no longer a child's dream.

Naruto had done it.

Realization hit Naruto like a freight train.

Shikamaru continued to stare at the side of Naruto's face as it dawned on the Uzumaki that he was finally, permanently, Hokage.

Shikamaru would never forget Naruto's expression.

The Uzumaki's smile was spread ear to ear. Little dimples appeared at the corners of his mouth. His spiky blond hair danced in the wind. His cerulean eyes shined with unparalleled happiness.

Naruto was feeling euphoric. Even though he had been overjoyed being Hokage for the last two months, this new feeling within him was completely different. It was like being named Hokage all over again. But this time it was authentic. He was no longer an interim Hokage. He was the real thing.

His dream had finally come true.

Naruto was so lost in his own bliss that he almost dropped the Hokage hat after Homura tried placing it in his hands. The Uzumaki studied the hat for a moment. He could no longer count the amount of times he had worn the hat by now, but he knew this time would be completely different, and one he remembered for his entire life.

Naruto turned the hat in his hands and stepped forward, the crowds reacting to his every move as they grew louder. The Uzumaki slowly lifted it up over his head. He slowly brought it down until it snuggly fit on him.

Upon seeing the completion of his uniform, the masses finally lost it as their cheers reached a new octave, reverberating through the village so everyone would know that this man was now their leader.

Their head.

Their protector.

Their everything.

Their Hokage.

Uzumaki Naruto was now the most loved man in Konoha.

Naruto put his hand out, quieting the sea of people before him as they wished to listen to the words that would forever be marked in history.

"For as long as I could remember, I have dreamed about standing here, as Hokage," Naruto's voice rang through the air, "but I could never have imagined how amazing I feel at this current moment."

He received a chorus of cheers at his words.

"No matter what happens in our past, we must always look forward. There will be those who doubt you, who oppose you. But never let them dictate your path in life. No matter what has happened to you, or where you come from, you will always have the will to change things. Never let your fires wither away." Naruto's speech made everyone silent as they listened to the words that would be etched in history, "That is why this village is the greatest in the world. Because even a street rat can become Hokage!"

The audience irrupted in even a louder roar, shaking the very area by their volume.

All the beatings. All the abuse. All those years of neglect no longer mattered to Naruto.

This was his home. This was his village. This was his family.

The crowds fell silent when their leader spoke back up, "Years ago I was chosen to bear the burden of being a Jinchuuriki."

Those in attendance fell unbelievably quiet. It had become worldly knowledge that Naruto was a Jinchuuriki after the Kage Summit, but it did not stop the older generations from becoming slightly nervous for their past treatment of the Uzumaki.

A wide smile crossed Naruto's lips, alleviating their fears, "However, I am here to tell you that I am no longer a Jinchuuriki."

There were murmurings among the crowd, mostly of confusion. What could he mean? How was that possible?

"While some of you may not believe me, I am here to tell you that the Kyuubi saw the error of its ways in the end and has sacrificed itself for me! With its power to help us, we will end this world's suffering!" Naruto announced.

The audience irrupted in even greater noise, overjoyed at this news. There were some who questioned the man's meaning, but cheered nonetheless, happy to hear of the Kyuubi's demise.

The thing that had once caused their home so much pain was now gone.

Naruto smiled down upon his village in mirth, delighted to see so many happy faces.

He could see so many faces that had once looked at him in disgust and horror.

They now looked at him with admiration and joy.

Naruto had finally done what he set out to do as a child.

He had finally got the village to acknowledge him.

"Thank you," Naruto's words carried over the area, "everyone."

Naruto closed his fist and raised it out towards his people, "I will protect this village to my dying breath!"

The audience cheered once more as the newly inducted Rokudaime Hokage turned on his heel and walked back to the stairwell.

Shikamaru followed his leader shortly behind, quietly surprised by the Uzumaki, 'What's going on Naruto?'

Like many of the others watching, he had been enthralled by Naruto's words. He was very shocked to learn that the Kyuubi was no more, probably something Naruto had kept to himself since fighting Pein. However, he was silently surprised when the Uzumaki did not inform the people about his lineage. The Nara thought he had gotten through to the Uzumaki.

The two scaled down the stairs and turned the corner, walking back to the blonde's office.

Naruto halted in stride when Shikamaru ran ahead and turned, blocking the Hokage's way.

"What are you doing?" Naruto questioned with a quirked, blonde, eyebrow.

"How come you did not tell them about you parentage?" Shikamaru asked, a bit miffed.

"I never had any intention of releasing that information." Naruto said, staring plainly at his advisor.

"But what about what we were talking about?" Shikamaru asked, slightly annoyed, "What happened to trusting our people?"

"I trust them. It's why I felt they deserved to know what happened to the Kyuubi." Naruto stated with absolute resolution. However, he added, "It is the other nations that I do not trust."

Shikamaru's eyes slightly widened, "What do you mean?"

"The mere mention of the Yondaime Hokage at the Kage Summit had almost sent home the Raikage and Tsuchikage." Naruto said, letting Shikamaru know a little insight to the summit, "If it were to be discovered that I was that man's son, I'm certain that this alliance would become fractured. And I don't even know if there will be an alliance once Akatsuki is taken care of, because the only purpose of this treaty is to deal with them!"

"My father single-handedly gave Kumogakure and Iwagakure the most causalities of war they will surely ever experience. If I intend to change the cycle of hatred in this world, I may never reveal who my father is."

Naruto's words visibly surprised the Nara.

"My father is the most hated man in the two biggest nations, after us, in the world." Naruto said with affirmativeness, "I learned about my parentage only two months ago, and I want nothing more than to scream atop the highest mountains that the Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato, is my father. However, I cannot because, like me, he loved this village above all else, which in turn made him a pariah in the other nations. At this point, his legacy has become nothing but a burden."

Shikamaru was dumbfounded, staring at the Sixth Hokage in shock. The Nara quickly composed himself, staring at the Uzumaki in concentration.

He understood the Uzumaki's reasoning, and knew how difficult it must have been for Naruto. Shikamaru had been there to see Naruto grow up for most of his life, always idealizing the Fourth Hokage. He knew that Naruto must have been overjoyed to learn that the Yondaime was actually his father. And he also knew just how heartbroken Naruto was now, unable to tell a soul about the one thing he always wanted, a parent.

'I can only imagine the pain you're going through, Naruto.' Shikamaru told himself.

Naruto placed a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder as he stood beside the man, "Maybe down the line, when we actually reach a time of peace, I may tell people of my heritage. However, for now, and the coming years, my father's identity is to remain secret."

Shikamaru nodded, saying the only thing he could think of, "Yes, Hokage-sama."

"I never said I was perfect." Naruto could not help but say, sending the Nara a downtrodden glace, his hand slipping from Shikamaru's shoulder as he made his way by.

Naruto and Shikamaru's conversation was suddenly interrupted when a woman came running up to them. The two's attention was quickly turned to her, noticing the hospital gown she wore, and her frantic appearance.

The nurse was heavily panting after stopping in front of the blonde, "Hokage-sama! It's Tsunade-sama, she's-"

By the time the nurse caught her breath, the Rokudaime was gone.

Shikamaru saw the nurse's perplexed expression, and could not help but chuckle at the woman's face, "Don't worry, he's probably there by now."

The Uzumaki was at Konoha's hospital within seconds.

Naruto soon found himself running through the hallways, on his way to Tsunade's room.

He almost ran over several people; the closest being when he turned a corner and nearly bumped into a boy with glasses, and short white hair.

Naruto uttered a rushed apology and then continued his crash course through the hospital.

It did not take him long to locate her room. When he did, the Hokage went shoulder first through the door, breaking it open and knocking it partially off its hinges. Naruto scanned the room for any intruders or doctors, but found only a single person.

There, across the room sitting up in her bed, was the former Hokage, Tsunade, smiling sweetly at him.

"Energetic as always."

\/

Uchiha Itachi had always been a perceptive person in his lifetime. Even from a young age he understood things that even some kids several years his senior would have trouble understanding. He was observant and could quickly discern the best course of action in a life and death situation.

When not in a life-threatening situation, he used his observation skills to understand the most he could about people's moralities and ethics. Having been subjugated to war at a very young age had given Itachi a very conscious view of what was good and what was bad. It was why he had become such an isolated man and what had really led to the Uchiha Massacre. Itachi knew that a lot of bad came with sheltering the greater good.

However much Itachi knew between right and wrong, he also knew it meant nothing when one did not have control.

So when Itachi awoke to find himself standing in a hospital room, unable to move his body, he was quite perplexed as to what was going on.

The last he could remember was fighting his little brother at an old Uchiha facility before succumbing to his deadly disease; tuberculosis. All of this made the ever attentive Itachi realize he had died and somehow been brought back. The only technique Itachi had ever heard of that could do such a thing was-

"Edo Tensei." Itachi heard a voice beside him say.

All of a sudden a force, not of Itachi's will, moved his head to the right, only to find a snake-like Yakushi Kabuto standing beside him.

The man was cloaked with his hood down and his attention was not even on the Uchiha, but on someone lying in the hospital bed.

Itachi's emotionless façade did not change, having surmised moments after realizing he had been reanimated that this was Kabuto's handiwork.

Itachi then gained better control of his movements as he looked around, recognizing that this was one of Konoha's hospital rooms.

"We're in Konoha." Itachi spoke aloud, his voice sounding exactly the same as his time alive, making it seem like the Uchiha had not even been dead for several months.

A smile pulled back Kabuto's glossy, snake-like, lips, "Indeed."

Itachi's onyx eyes then shifted down to the person lying in the hospital bed in front of the two.

The Uchiha's eyebrow rose, being his only sign of surprise at seeing the slumbering body of the Godaime Hokage.

"The Fifth Hokage?" Itachi asked aloud, not knowing what had happened after his death at the hands of Sasuke. It could have been months, maybe even years since he died, as far as Itachi knew. Seeing a comatose Sannin was quite a shock, even if Itachi did not show it.

Kabuto reached his hand out and let it hover above the woman's mouth, going to work, "She was hospitalized after Pein attacked Konoha and nearly wiped it out. It was thanks to Tsunade-hime that a large amount of the civilian population remained alive."

Itachi was surprised to hear this, but his facial expression did not change. Years of training to hone his emotions made him numb to almost any and all information, even that pertaining to his beloved village.

"Who stopped him?" Itachi asked, curious. Their leader had been an enigma among Akatsuki. Even though Itachi knew that it was Madara pulling the strings behind Pein, the Rinnegan wielder was still someone Itachi would not have wanted to cross paths with, if it could be avoided. The only person that Itachi could think of that could probably beat Pein was, "Jiraiya?"

"Nope. Even the "Gallant Jiraiya" fell at the hands of Pein." Kabuto's smile grew as he waited a moment before saying, "It was actually Naruto-kun."

Itachi stared blankly at the side of Kabuto's face before saying quietly, "That's quite surprising."

The Uchiha's black eyes shifted towards the window and peered out to see Konoha in all its glory. It was slightly different then what he could remember, but it was still all there. That gave Itachi a good timeframe on how much time has passed.

"So it's been about six months to a year since I died." Itachi stated.

A smirk crawled onto Kabuto's slips, "More like three."

"Three years?" Itachi asked with no deviation in his voice, but the smallest skew of his eyebrow.

"Oh, no. Three months."

The rise of Itachi's eyebrows was almost miniscule, but it did show his surprise. The Shodaime Hokage had built Konoha in six months a century ago, by himself. However, Konoha at that time had not even been one-fourth of what it was today. So for it to be built in under three months was quite the accomplishment.

Almost historic, some might say.

"One month after your death, Pein attacked. The reconstruction of Konoha finished a little under two months from there, which brings us to the present." Kabuto said, letting some information slip.

"Impressive." Was Itachi's only word, his face returning to its normal emotionless expression.

Itachi's ear then twitched as he caught the sound of a low rumble, almost like a mass of people were cheering. The Uchiha then noticed that the window he was staring at was faintly vibrating.

Kabuto's smile got wider, "It appears Naruto-kun has just won the Jounin Vote."

This news was also surprising, but did not garnish a visible reaction from the Uchiha, "So Naruto-kun fulfilled his dream. Good for him."

Kabuto scoffed, "You make it sound like you were not the one chasing him for some odd years while in Akatsuki."

Itachi's eyes drifted back to Kabuto, losing interest in the reverberating noise in the distance, "I used to watch over him during my time as an Anbu."

"Ooohhh…" Kabuto dragged out, subtly diverting his attention from Tsunade to Itachi, 'Strange… He did not inform me of that when I had him give me information on Konoha.' "On the Sandaime's orders I'm to assume?"

Itachi's eyes shifted towards the Fifth's sleeping body. The Uchiha did not care about sharing this info. It was not important anymore, and it would affect Sasuke in absolutely no way, "Yes and no. Even when I was off duty I would watch the boy from time to time. This village hated him then and some of the other Anbu that watched over him were not as forgiving… or should I say as young, as I was. They usually did not protect him like I did because of the Kyuubi within him. I was but a boy when the Kyuubi attacked, so as a teenager I did not care what was within him."

Itachi then added in, "I actually felt sympathetic with the Uzumaki's plight. A lot like him, I had no control over my fate because of what I was born into. I knew I would be the one to kill my clan, even before Sandaime-sama gave me the order to."

Kabuto's eyes glinted in humorous delight, "So you figured out I knew the truth behind the massacre."

Itachi's expression was blank as he said, "I knew the moment I was awoken. Any user of the Edo Tensei can suppress a reanimated person's mind, making them nothing but puppets, with all the knowledge of their lives."

"Uchiha Itachi. A prodigy among prodigies." Kabuto's attention went back to Tsunade, "It makes me wonder why you never learned a technique like Edo Tensei. It basically gives you the primary sources of the world's history, as long as you have the right people to reanimate. I believe that is what I like most about the Jutsu, even more so then controlling ninja who are known only in legend."

"I never saw the need for such a depraved technique. I learned how it worked, its strengths and weaknesses. But never did I see a use for it. I knew all I needed to know," Itachi's eyes slowly shifted focus towards the side of Kabuto's face, taking a stab at the ninja with his following words, "and I had the power to do things myself."

The two fell silent for a moment.

"So do you want to know why you are here?" Kabuto spoke up, his smile ever present, "Or have you figured that out too?"

"You most likely used me to infiltrate Konoha's barrier unit without being detected, seeing as I know the codes, and have the Sharingan."

Kabuto's smirk grew, "Correct."

"Now you are removing whatever you have done to the Godaime, which you probably implanted into her right after Pein attacked. She would have surely awakened within a couple days under normal circumstances, but you used Konoha's disarray to infiltrate it – most likely with my help then too – and planted something within her."

"Correct on all counts." Kabuto said, "It was quite easy slipping in after Pein had nearly destroyed the village. You were the ever helpless, and mindless, pawn who assisted me. After that it was smooth sailing. You placed a Genjutsu on those guarding her and I planted a very untraceable substance within her that would put her in a comatose state, and would remain in her lungs until I retrieved them."

After finishing his little monolog, a green mist finally escaped from Tsunade's mouth and nostrils, forming a small ball as the powder clumped together until there was nothing left of it within the previous Hokage.

"There is just one thing." Itachi spoke up, eyeing the green substance as Kabuto pulled out a container from his sleeve to hold it, "Why are you allowing me to be cognizant? What's the point when I can just be a mindless weapon?"

"Fufufufu. Now what's the fun in that? It gets so boring planning and then watching as everything falls into place when there is no one else to see it." Kabuto's attention was fully drawn to Itachi as he faced him, "I'm sure you have a bunch of different ideas as to why I have forced Tsunade-hime into a coma until now."

Itachi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Because you wanted Naruto-kun to become Hokage."

Kabuto chuckled darkly, "My, oh my Itachi-kun. I have to say I'm quite surprised you actually figured that one out. I shiver at the thought of what a ninja of your caliber could have become given the right environment."

"There is no point in talking about what-ifs to a dead man. The only thing I cannot decipher is why."

"That will come in time, Itachi-kun." Kabuto's snake-like grin widened as he held up a tiger seal.

There was a puff of smoke and Kabuto now stood in the room as a young, average looking boy, with circular glasses and short white hair.

He reached out for Itachi's head, silencing the Uchiha, "However, it's not like you're going to remember this anyway."

\/

"Tsunade-baachan!"

The Uzumaki exclaimed as he crossed the room in an instant, enveloping Tsunade in his Hokage robes.

The young looking Tsunade chuckled as she nuzzled herself into Naruto's chest.

"It's been awhile." Tsunade said in a lighthearted manor.

"Don't ever scare me like that again!" Naruto told her, not wanting to let go of her for fear of losing her again. All the pain, all the work, and all the stress flushed out of the Uzumaki's body. The Fifth's body warmed Naruto up, finally being able to embrace one of the most important people in his life.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one telling you that?" Tsunade laughed, which in turn caused the Uzumaki to laugh.

There was a silence among the two as they enjoyed each other's embrace for a time.

They slowly broke apart, but their hands rested on each other's shoulders.

"There is so much I have to tell you." Naruto said.

"I'm sure there is." Tsunade commented, moving over a little in the bed as she patted the area beside her, "Now is the time as any."

Naruto quickly sat beside her before the two leaned back. The upper half of the hospital bed was slanted more upright, so the still fatigued Godaime Hokage did not have to waste energy on holding her body up.

Tsunade wrapped her arm around Naruto's as he began telling her everything that had happened to him.

Everything.

The truth about Kyuubi's change in nature.

The powers and knowledge that he had acquired from the Kyuubi.

Meeting his father.

Barging into the council meeting and being named interim Hokage.

Contacting other lands in order to help him fulfill his promise of rebuilding Konoha within two months.

His sex scene with the daimyo of Ha no Kuni… which earned him a bop to the head.

His fight with another daimyo… which earned him another hit.

The Kage Summit.

Learning Tobi's real identity.

Finding Sasuke's body.

Winning the Jounin Vote.

It felt so refreshing to finally tell someone everything. Naruto knew he could tell Tsunade anything because she would do anything for him. She also understood Naruto better than anyone because she was another Hokage.

The hours had rolled by quickly for the two, and before they knew it the sun was setting over the horizon.

Tsunade sat beside her successor, still absorbing all the information discussed. She knew the boy next to her had done the best he could, and that was all she could have asked for. She never would have thought that he would have been named Hokage. She knew he would inevitably end up being Hokage, but she never would have thought so soon. But from what she heard from Naruto, it sounded like the only alternative had been Danzou, and that would have turned out disastrous.

She snaked her arm around the back of Naruto's neck, pulling him close so their foreheads were touching. She closed her eyes and smiled, "I'm so proud of you."

'You've grown so much Naruto.' Tsunade thought to herself, 'I can see it in your eyes. You are slowly learning what it means to be Hokage.'

Naruto's cheeks reddened before he closed his eyes, saying the only word that came to mind, "Thanks."

They enjoyed each others' company for a moment.

That was until Tsunade opened her eyes, and then noticed something that was missing, "Hey, Naruto."

Naruto opened his eyes back up, humming out, "Hmm?"

"Where's the necklace I gave you?"

The question was simple, but one Naruto had not been prepared to answer.

"Uh, what are you talking about?" Naruto asked innocently.

"Oh, you know." Tsunade said sweetly, "The one that could buy you three mountains containing gold mines if it were to be sold. The one that my great grandfather, the Shodaime Hokage, gave me and that I in turn gave to you."

"I don't seem to recall such a thing." Naruto said, his voice cracking ever so slightly.

"Is that right?" Tsunade asked, her arm starting to tight around the Hokage's neck, "I want you to think real hard on that."

Naruto could recall that the pendant had reacted to him using too much of Kurama's powers during his fight with Pein. After losing control of his sixth-tailed state, he unwillingly smashed the precious treasure to pieces.

Naruto knew he was screwed.

A million droplets of sweat began to fall down Naruto's face at an alarming rate as the Godaime's hard gaze fell upon him.

Her arm tightened even more around his neck, which only made the Rokudaime Hokage more scared.

"Oh! That necklace!" Naruto exclaimed, trying to squirm out of Tsunade's clutches, but to no avail, "…about that…"

"Naarrruuuuutoooooooooo!" Tsunade rumbled out, her anger returning her strength.

The Rokudaime Hokage's reign would be a short one.

Naruto knew he was about to be sent flying, 'I'm boned.'

\/

Uchiha Obito stood with five ninja around him within the base floor of their coliseum-like hideout.

Each of Obito's counterparts were covered in dark colored attire, covering everything on their body from head to toe. The several parts of the ninjas' body that were not covered, displayed different black patterns that signified the first level of the Curse Seal.

Obito's Rinnegan eyes slowly moved from side to side, waiting to see who would be first to fall to his feet.

Obito's attire had changed since submitting himself to Kabuto. His attire included a pair of black pants and gloves. Accompanying this was a purple, high-collared, long sleeve cloak that split down the lower half and had the Uchiha crest on its back. Around his waist was a simple, light-purple obi and a belt. A pair of black ninja sandals adorned his feet.

Any sort of covering around the head had been done away with, now that his identity would surely be spread across the five lands like wildfire.

His spiky black hair and unblemished face was open to the world.

Obito's luminescent eyes blinked slowly as all five combatants decided to attack at once.

His eyes saw through all of them.

The Uchiha never moved his hands from his sides. He merely danced around the empowered ninja. He swayed around all their attacks with such efficiency that their misses ended up hitting one another.

They quickly became angered by one another, losing their focus for but an instant. Which was all Obito needed.

Obito took the first one down without a second thought, his knee ramming into the man's gut. The impact was so strong; it took the man to the ground in an instant.

Before his next victim could even register what had happened, they were already on their back in agonizing pain.

The three that remained each prepared their own Jutsu, startled by how powerful their opponent was.

"Doton: Doryō Dango!" The second ninja pulled a large chunk of earth from the ground and hurled it towards Obito.

"Raiton: Gian!" The ninja made a triangle with their hands and then a bolt of lightning shot forth from them.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" The last ninja spewed out a grand fireball that raced for the Uchiha.

Each Jutsu was upon Obito in seconds. However, the moment they got within several feet of the Uchiha, the techniques were blasted away by some unseen force, completely obliterating them.

The three stood in shock, not understanding what had happened.

Obito was upon the ninja, standing in the middle of the others, within a second. His foot planted itself into the person's stomach, sending her – from the sound of it – tumbling backwards in pain.

The two beside him were already attacking with their fists aimed at either side of his face.

They moved at great speeds, but to Obito they were in slow motion.

When the two fists were mere inches from his face, he ducked. The two combatants were moving so fast that they could not stop themselves from punching each other in the face. The two teetered back from one another after hitting each other.

Obito did not let up as he finally moved his arms, grabbing each of the ninja by their throats and lifting them into the air like they weighed nothing.

The three that had been knocked away in the last few minutes slowly got up, seeing the desperate state of their colleagues.

The female in front of Obito that had been kicked, called out, "Let them go!"

Obito's fierce gaze landed on the woman, making her shake in fear.

He had few words for her, "Make me."

The Kunoichi hunched over, further activating her curse seal to its Level Two state. The black patterns that could be seen through the slips of her clothing expanded until her skin became a dark shade of grey, with a purplish hue. The veil around her face was torn apart as four, blunt, horns sprouted out her forehead in downward arcs, while a single one appeared on her chin, pointing upwards. Her black hair grew in length and became feral, while her face became more jagged and demonic. She grew claws and four protrusions from her back, with the lower pair being only half the size of the top pair.

The transformed ninja roared as electricity ran over the protrusions on her back. She held both her palms out towards Obito as two streams of lightning shot forth from their centre.

Obito did not bat an eye as the lightning raced for him with incredible speeds. When the attack hit Obito it did not appear to damage him. Instead, it looked like he had actually absorbed the lightning attack. A second later, electricity ran up his arms and into the two shinobi in his clutches.

The two let out howls of pain as they convulsed from the electrical attack.

Obito never let go of them, despite all their thrashing.

When the lightning stopped, their bodies went limp and steam trailed off their bodies.

The Kunoichi looked horrified at what her actions had wrought. She quickly deactivated her curse seal, regretting what she had done.

"Please stop!" She begged, "You win, we give up!"

Obito stared impassively at the woman before letting the two in his hands go. Their bodies fell onto the ground with a thud as the other three ran up to check on them.

The Uchiha backed up so the three could tend to the two burnt bodies. They were still breathing, but their injuries were very severe.

Obito had first been surprised by how compassionate Kabuto's so called "Cursed Army" was. However, he had learned through some interactions with them that they were actually not all battle hungry monsters. Some of them had been recruited in the numbers, coming from minor villages in groups, so they knew each other through small interactions.

Obito cared little for their back stories, so he never really cared to ask more than that. However, he wanted to use their compassion for his own benefits. He would not be Kabuto's dog forever. Obito would sway the favor of these people towards him, so they could bring down the Yakushi for him.

The Uchiha walked up to the huddled ninja. The two males backed up when Obito got close, while the Kunoichi held her ground, trying her best to protect the two as best she could.

"Move." Obito commanded.

The female was trembling, but she did not budge.

The Uchiha lifted his hand and the woman was sent flying back by an unseen force. She was caught by the other two that had previously moved away.

Obito put his hands on each of the wounded ninjas' chests and to the marvel of those watching, their bodies were washed over in green light. Within seconds the green light receded and the two appeared completely fine.

Obito stood and began walking away just as the two on the ground awoke.

"Thank you…" The Kunoichi said quietly, but loud enough for Obito to hear. It had been him who put them in that state, but they knew that Obito did not have to heal them like he had just done.

The Uchiha smirked villainously, unseen by those that stared at his back.

Five more would now follow him.

'This is going to be very easy.' Obito told himself smugly.

The Uchiha's smirk fell, sensing the bane of his existence.

Out of the shadows, near the corridor Obito was headed, came Kabuto with his irritating grin.

"Where have you been?" Obito questioned, knowing that Kabuto had not been within the hideout for the last day.

"Sightseeing." Kabuto deflected, his grin widening, "Come with me. I believe I have someone you would like to meet."

Obito gave the man a questioning look as he turned around, but followed nonetheless.

The two walked side-by-side in silence. However, it did not last long as Obito spoke up, "This Cursed Army of yours is not what I was expecting."

Kabuto chuckled, "Fufufu. Oh? And just what were you expecting? Monsters with blood drenching down their maws just waiting to destroy everything in their path?"

"I did not expect them to be so… normal." Obito commented, "Just typical minor village scum who are hell-bent on the Big Fives' destruction."

"But isn't that the best kind?" Kabuto smirked, "I mean their hate for the major villages could rival even Uchiha Madara's."

"Their amount of hate is one thing, but their power is another." Obito countered, "They are all missing-nin from minor villages. Their top ninja are mediocre at best compared to the Five Great Hidden Villages."

"Not with my curse seal's help." Kabuto affirmed, "You see Obito-kun. Much like with the Edo Tensei, I have surpassed Orochimaru when it comes to Curse Seals as well."

Obito eyed the Yakushi cautiously as Kabuto spoke, "I have combined the Ten no Juin and Chi no Juin to form an even more powerful Cursed Seal. I call it the Jigoku no Juin."

"And that's supposed to put my worries at rest?" Obito asked somewhat sarcastically, "Our numbers are but a fraction of the Shinobi Alliance's."

"Fufufu. You should see them in their Cursed Seal Level Three modes." Kabuto said, gaining the Uchiha's interest.

"Level Three? I thought there were only two states."

Kabuto's smirk grew, "Oh no. After continuous use of the Jigoku no Juin, the user can develop a third form. I'm not surprised you haven't seen it yet. Only a few can obtain the form, but it gives them unimaginable powers. One average ninja in its Level Three state could take out an entire platoon of Jounin. It's somewhat like opening the Eight Gates, except not as powerful, and the user does not die from its use."

"Maybe we have a chance at winning this war after all." Obito remarked offhandedly.

Kabuto scoffed as he came to a stop, walking into the open alongside Obito, "There is no need to worry. We do have him, in the end."

Obito turned his gaze to where Kabuto was looking, and he caught his breath.

Standing with his arms crossed, and no more than ten feet away, was Uchiha Madara.

\/

Naruto was panting heavily, his body coated in sweat. His upper body was bare and he was hunched over, his hands on his knees. His physical frame had increased severely after the Kage summit. His muscles had bulked up, but were also very lean to accommodate the flexible lifestyle of a ninja.

After his battle with Sasuke, Naruto knew that he needed to transcend the level he was at if he would ever be able to match someone like Uchiha Madara. Knowing that he would most likely have to fight the legend in the coming war lit a very hot fire within Naruto. He pushed himself to the limit and even beyond, increasing his training.

During his newly intensified training, Naruto progressed his Fuuinjutsu to the point where he could create Gravity Seals. He used his knowledge to sketch out the designs he needed, and then had Neji use his keen Byakugan sight to trace the exact patterns over Naruto's torso and back, so there were no mistakes or inaccuracies that could cause unwanted consequences.

The new seals enhanced Naruto's training so well that he was able to push past his physical limits. Under the new weight of gravity, his muscles ate away at any fat within his body. Because of this his muscles grew incredibly defined, from his shoulders down to his feet. Even the slightest movement of his body could visibly be seen as his muscles tightened and loosened.

His face had narrowed, making him almost identical to the Fourth, which only served to annoy Naruto. He was trying to keep his relation with the man to a secret and looking more and more like the man did not help. His hair was also growing in length. He was going to have to do something about that soon…

However, the only thing the mattered to the Rokudaime was becoming strong, and he had done just that.

He had transcended to an entirely new plain of power. His proficiency with his wind nature was reaching spectacular heights, and he had even begun practicing the water nature, wanting to learn another affinity. Water nature was the easiest for him to learn, being an Uzumaki.

Naruto stood up straight took a close look at what his training had wrought. There were several enormous trenches that cut across the earth around Naruto, going as far as the eye could see. The forest that had once stood around him was now gone, leaving a barren wasteland in his presence.

He was just over a hundred miles from Konoha, having used Mezame to get to the uncharted forest within an hour.

The Hokage had lost his Anbu the moment he went into Mezame and left the village. However, this had become a sporadic occurrence over the last month, so they merely waited back in the village until his return. They knew they could never catch him, no matter how much they wanted to.

He left a seal-modified clone in the village that could use a percentage of his chakra, which would allow him to know if anything suddenly happened. The clone would just create another one that would disperse, informing him of any immediate threat.

Killer Bee had trained Naruto as much as he could when it came to Kurama's chakra, after the first two weeks, and told the young Hokage that he would have to figure things out from there. The Uzumaki thanked the man for his help, and had been training with the form whenever he had time to come to this secluded area since then.

It had been extraordinarily very well.

Naruto glanced into the sky and spotted the position of the moon, realizing what time it was.

"Guess I should be getting back." Naruto commented, before a wide smile spread across his lips, "I've got a party to go to."

The warm glow of Mezame enveloped Naruto once more.

He was gone the next moment, kicking up dust within one of the many gargantuan paw prints that sprinkled the area.

\/

Obito and Madara are walking side by side. The rattling of Madara's armor was the only thing that could be heard as the two walked along the railings of the coliseum. They were on one of the highest floors, where no one bothered to go.

The two had been left to their own devices by Kabuto.

"Why is he doing this?" Obito questioned his old sensei as he stopped walking.

Madara turned his back to the railing and leaned up against it, his onyx eyes drifting towards Obito.

Aside from the cracks trailing around his face, the legendary Uchiha looked just as he did in his prime. Young and adorned in his maroon armoring with black clothing underneath. His long, spiky, black hair cascaded just past his shoulders and a large bang covered the right side of his face.

Uchiha Madara was omnipotent, and just his mere presence reminded Obito of why he was so universally feared. Growing up in a time of war had forged one of the two strongest men who had ever lived.

"Because that boy believes there is nothing the two of us can do to stop him." Madara said, not seeming to care that he was under someone's control.

"I thought you could escape Edo Tensei?" Obito stated, his Rinnegan eyes blinking.

"His control over Edo Tensei is strong enough to suppress me from doing so. For now." Madara continued, "He told me all about the upcoming war. During that time, he will be using Edo Tensei too extensively, and his control over me will weaken. When that time occurs, I will release myself from his grasp."

Obito nodded in understanding, "Good, then you can kill him for me. He did something to me that has made me unable to defy him."

"You can fight your own battles, child." Madara said, his eyes barely furrowing, but his tone clear, "He seems to have done more than just that."

Obito knew what he was talking about, "Indeed. He implanted me with your Rinnegan and renewed my body. I was almost killed by one of your descents."

"Is he the one that destroyed Zetsu's tree?" Madara asked, "I've felt a disconnection with it since being revived."

"Yes he did. The child's name is Uchiha Sasuke, and he also destroyed the part of me that had Hashirama's cells so I can no longer use Mokuton." Obito said, not mentioning that he could also no longer use his dimensional abilities because he did not have Kamui anymore.

"That's troubling." Madara's face betrayed his words, looking like he could not care less, "You may not be able to withstand being the Juubi's host anymore."

"No!" Obito countered, "I have the Rinnegan now. I will be fine."

Madara grunted in response, changing the subject, "So this Sasuke you speak of. Who is he?"

"He's your great great grandchild."

Madara's expression did not change in the slightest, "I will kill the boy if we cross paths."

Obito shook his head slightly, "There is no need to concern yourself with him. I killed him."

Madara's stoic façade remained, "Whatever. Like the Senju, we are a dead breed anyway."

"You know of the Uchiha Massacre?" Obito questioned, looking slightly confused.

"The child told me about it." Madara stated, talking about Kabuto, "He revived me a prior time and gave me consciousness. He told me about what had happened in the world since my death, and allowed me to retain the information for when he revived me next."

"Why?" Obito asked, not understanding the Yakushi's actions.

"He did it in exchange for all the information that I knew. Not like I could have said no to him anyway, being under Edo Tensei's control. But the boy seemed to enjoy himself toying with me." Madara stated emotionlessly.

Obito's ringed eyes widened, "Then he knows of our plans?!"

"Yes." Madara said, still not seeming to care, "He also knows that when the war starts, and I'm awakened, he will be too weak to stop me from escaping Edo Tensei."

Obito became confused, "If he knows all this, then why use you?"

"Like I said, he does not seem to think we can stop him." Madara affirmed.

Obito became even more confused, "Stop him from what?"

Madara's eyes gleamed, and Obito could have sworn he saw anger for the briefest of moments, "Even I am not sure. He is a man with extreme sights. Be warned Obito, that child may be more than you can handle."

Obito's Rinnegan narrowed, "I will handle him, you can be assured of that. I have already begun changing those under him to my side. They will kill him when the time comes."

'Fool…' Madara thought to himself, before saying, "Don't let your anger cloud your judgment. I have taught you better."

Obito nodded briskly.

Madara's eyes batted slowly, "That boy reminds me of a child I met some time before finding you."

His words confused Obito.

"I can't remember his face, or what his name was," Madara admitted, stroking his chin in thought, "But the name had something to do with encountering a hurricane, I think. Or was it a breeze?"

Obito did not have any insight to Madara's musings; not understanding who it was that the legendary Uchiha could have been thinking of.

\/

Naruto tried calming his breathing, but found it to be unfruitful as his heart began to speed back up.

He was even more nervous now than he was right before the Jounin vote.

"Damn cuz, you a'ight?" The gruff tone of Killer Bee's asked, standing beside the shorter man in his usual Kumo attire.

The Uzumaki was in his normal attire as well, excluding his Hokage hat and Sage scroll.

Naruto glanced at the dark-skinned at his side. The two had become somewhat close over the last month, having an unspoken bond as Jinchuuriki. Even though Naruto was no longer one, they had still bonded, knowing what the other had gone through for most of their lives. Aside from the training, the two had spent time eating out, and just socializing, when Killer Bee was not out searching for some ass to grab.

The Hokage sent a strained glare at the man he had come to call a friend, "I'll be fine. I just haven't seen most of my friends for a couple months, so I'm kind of nervous."

The pair were standing in front of a civilian owned restaurant, which was more of a bar at night. There was a private party sign right beside the door. This was definitely where Shikamaru had told him to go for his celebratory party.

Apparently the party had already started as the commotion going on in the bar could be heard from outside.

"Might as well get this over with." Naruto told himself as he reached for the handle.

"Here." Killer Bee's voice halted the Uzumaki's.

Naruto looked down to see a golden flask in the Jinchuuriki's hand.

A toothy smile broke across the dark-skinned man's face, "Have a little liquid courage~ Because drinking, I encourage~"

Naruto chuckled at his words before taking the flask in hand, surprised to find how heavy it was. The flask was actually made of gold.

The Hokage had told himself to avoid alcohol at all costs. He had a village to oversee, and even if he was at party – even one that was celebrating him –, he could not become so intoxicated that he could not perform his duty should something arise. However, a small part of him needed this. He was delving too far into his job, like the guide said he would, so he needed something to loosen him up and have some fun.

Naruto had always told himself he would not become like Tsunade when it came to drinking, but for tonight he would push that feeling aside. He would not get intoxicated, but a little sip here and there would not hurt.

Naruto uncapped the flask and tilted his head back, letting the substance slide down his throat. Naruto was happy when he felt the burning sensation hit his gullet, finding that he was drinking hard liquor. The Uzumaki never liked sake, which was the customary drink throughout most of the world.

Jiraiya had been the one that made Naruto so accustomed to the hard stuff.

During his training trip, Jiraiya had the Uzumaki try all the sins a ninja could commit. At the time Naruto had thought Jiraiya was just toying with him, but now he knew that it was for training purposes, so that he could understand their pleasures and why people did them. Naruto had gambled. He had sex. He got drunk.

Naruto would always admit that he hated doing it, but in the smallest recesses of his mind he did enjoy it a little.

Jiraiya, like Naruto, never liked sake. The old pervert had been drinking for so long that sake never got him drunk like liquor could, from what he told Naruto. Because of this, Jiraiya only drank hard liquor, so when it came time for Naruto to try another sin, it was liquor on liquor on liquor.

Naruto had been throwing up the entire next day.

The Uzumaki lowered the flask from his mouth, having taken several gulps, much to the surprise of Killer Bee.

"Damn." The Hachibi container said, taking back his flask and shaking it to hear how much was left in it, "I think I found my new drinking buddy~. Aren't I lucky~."

Naruto sent the man a glance, not knowing if he was being sarcastic or not. A small red hue could be faintly seen on the blonde's cheeks.

Naruto watched the man finish the flask before slipping into his Kumo jacket.

Killer Bee walked ahead and grabbed the door handled, tired of waiting, "Let's mingle~ Cause I'm ready to wiggle~"

The Jinchuuriki swung the door open, having everyone turn to them.

Killer Bee walked forward shot his hand into the air, "The party is hereeee~ Wheeee~"

The patrons of the bar all stared the man for a moment, in silence, before irrupting in laughter.

Many of those in attendance had heard the rumors or at least met Killer Bee by now. He was not allowed to leave the village, so he spent most of his time mingling in the shinobi lounges or eating out at different restaurants. A lot of women also claimed to see him peeping at the hot springs. So his actions did not come as a shock to those within the bar.

All the people laughing slowly calmed and took notice of their smiling Hokage now standing in the doorway.

Almost in completely unison did everyone shout, "CONGRADULATIONS, HOKAGE-SAMA!"

Naruto's face immediately lit up as all the butterflies were washed away. Seeing everyone in front of him, with proud and happy smiles at his accomplishment elevated Naruto to an even higher level of euphoria.

There were a good amount of people present. All of the Konoha Eleven had made it, along with Kakashi, Gai, and even Kurenai, who had managed to get a babysitter for the night. The Jounin who Naruto had gotten close to over the last two months were also in attendance.

Naruto could see that most of them already had a red tint on their cheeks, having drunk some alcohol to possibly calm their own nerves or maybe just to pass the time.

However, at the moment, Naruto did not care. He was just too content to think of anything else.

Kiba was the first to make it to Naruto's side, wrapping his arm around the Hokage's neck.

Naruto gave Kiba a curious look and could instantly smell the alcohol on the Inuzuka's breath, making the blonde smile awkwardly.

"I gotta' be honest buddy. I never woulda' thought you would become Hokage, let alone when you were still only a teenager!" Kiba proclaimed, taking a swing of the beer he had in hand, before saying, "But I am so fucking happy that you proved me wrong!"

Naruto chuckled uncomfortably, not really knowing what to say to him, "Thanks?"

"Anytime!" Kiba yelled in his ear before clinking their beer bottles together.

Naruto looked down to find he inexplicably had a bottle in hand, not understanding where he got it. He then noticed a smiling Sakura on the other side of him, who also had a beer in hand. He realized she must have slipped it into his hand.

"Thanks." Naruto mouthed to the Haruno, not wanting to yell over the commotion.

She mouthed back a "Your welcome."

Kiba dragged Naruto towards the rest of their friends and the fun began.

It was a mass of reuniting and chopped conversations. Anytime Naruto talked to one of his friends too long, someone else would acquire his attention, sometimes to the ire of those that were already talking to him.

After catching up with a lot of his peers from his graduating class and those the year before, Naruto talked with the handful of Jounin and was surprised to find that Kakashi was going to challenge Tiger for the position of Captain Commander. Naruto wished the man luck, knowing it would be a tough battle, even for his sensei.

The coalition of ninja spent the next several hours enjoying their leader's company, many drinking, while others just spent the time getting to deepen their relationship with the person that was named Uzumaki Naruto.

Sakura was not upset, playing a background character as she bore witness to some of the happiest expressions she had ever seen from Naruto. His attitude was infectious, causing even her to smile warmly as he talked to those all around him.

Naruto was like a fire in the cold night. They congregated around him, coddling his flame as he spoke to them. He told them of his exploits the last couple of months, his sage training, and even some stories of his childhood he did not often share. Those in attendance listened to his every word. All eyes were on him.

Sakura was reminded of years ago, some of the first words she had ever heard from Naruto.

"I'm going to become Hokage! That way everyone will acknowledge me!"

The Haruno's smile grew, watching as Naruto fulfilled the promise he had set out for himself. She was so proud of him. She was so happy for him. Yet, there was a tightness in her chest that she could not explain.

She wanted to talk to him. She wanted to be the one sitting next to him. She was glued across the room from her best friend, and she could do nothing about it. So she waited for an opportunity.

After the first two hours of celebration, many of the older patrons in the bar began to make it home, deciding it was getting to late for them. They said their farewells with respect and then parted. Their numbers continued to dwindle down, until it was only the Konoha Eleven, Killer Bee – who was passed out on a table –, and surprisingly Konan.

The former Akatsuki member had only come by to congratulate the Uzumaki, but Naruto insisted that she stay. They were currently talking to each other as everyone that remained was either too hammered to listen to Naruto anymore, or just conversing with someone else.

Sakura continued to fester in her own misery, standing in place with a red hue to her cheeks. The Haruno had spent her time waiting, drinking. She paced herself a lot better than the others, but she was a small woman and it did not take much to get her tipsy.

She was just about to make her move to Naruto when the blue-haired bitch showed up.

Sakura shook her head, not understanding why she had suddenly gotten so hostile. She figured it was because she had been waiting for so long to talk to her teammate, but oh well.

Sakura saw Konan chuckle into her hand at something stupid Naruto had said. She then tried listening in, too curious for her own good.

Naruto's chuckling calmed and his smile widened as he asked the former adversary beside him, "So what were they like?

Konan's smile grew smaller, but it was still there as she remembered the good times she had with her teammates, Yahiko and Nagato, "They were both so strong. I always felt like all I could do was watch them from behind."

Naruto did not say anything, but he could remember Sakura saying something like that before.

"They did things with purpose, and fought a cruel world." Konan's eyes met Naruto's, "They wanted to make the world a peaceful place, for everyone. That was their dream."

Naruto's eyes fell for a moment, "I understand their determination. I once thought that being Hokage was my biggest dream, but to be honest. I would trade away this hat in a heartbeat if it meant ending everyone's suffering."

Konan's smile warmed, seeing a young Yahiko in the boy. She put her hand on the blonde's shoulder, "You share their dream. You were the one to answer Nagato's questions, after everything the world had done to him. I know you will make their dream a reality."

Naruto's smile resurfaced as he met the woman's gaze, putting his hand over hers and thanking her for the kind gesture.

Sakura's eyebrow twitched when she saw Konan chuckle into her hand at something stupid Naruto said, 'What the hell? Does she have interest in Naruto or something?'

Sakura's crossed arms tightened as she unconsciously clenched her hands. There was something pricking the inside of her chest now, and she did not know what it was. The Haruno's emerald eyes slowly traveled around the room, noticing Hinata, who was standing in a similar fashion to herself.

'Hinata looks jealous.' Sakura thought to herself, not caring at this moment. Normally she would have felt bad for her friend, but she was having her own dilemmas at the moment.

"Jealous?" A voice suddenly questioned, startling Sakura bad enough to make her go,
"Eep!"

The Haruno turned to find a disheveled Yamanaka with red cheeks, indicating Ino's intoxication. Sakura knew better than to argue with Ino, especially when she was drunk, but the medical-nin had to defend herself in this situation, "Of course not!"

Ino smirked as if she had already won, and then chuckled before shaking her head, "Keep denying it Forehead."

The Yamanaka turned to walk towards her teammates, but left Sakura with some parting words, "Just so you know. You and Hinata are giving him the same looks."

Sakura scoffed and then conspicuously glanced back at Hinata, taking a better look at her. The Hyuuga then seemed to notice the pair of green eyes on her; causing Hinata's cheeks to redden Hinata immediately turn around, going over to her teammates to hide her embarrassment.

'There's no way.' The Haruno told herself. She then turned her attention back to Naruto, realizing that Konan was getting up to leave.

Her moment was now!

Sakura began marching over to the Uzumaki, who now sat alone, sipping from his beer. The Haruno sent Konan a glance in passing, not realizing she had been glaring. The blue haired woman brushed it off with ease.

The Haruno had been determined to approach Naruto with her head held high, but as she got closer to him, she could feel herself starting to crumble. Her heart rate picked up, much to her confusion. This was only Naruto damn it! He was her best friend and the person she could trust with her deepest secrets, so she should not be having these unusual feelings!

Naruto was well aware of the Haruno's presence since the beginning.

He always knew where his love was whenever she was in the vicinity.

The Uzumaki was just about to get up and go over to her; finally done conversing with everyone that had stopped him from talking to the one person he wanted to talk to. However, she had beaten him the point. He had not expected her to make the first move, thinking she would have been busy talking with Tenten or Ino. However, that was one of thinks he liked most about her. She always found a way to surprise him, someone who valued being unpredictable.

Although a part of him did feel fear for his health when he saw the way she walked up to him; arms crossed and feet stomping.

On instinct, Naruto scratched the back of his head in nervousness, smiling broadly, "H-Hey Sakura-chan!"

"Hey Naru- I mean Hokage-sama." Sakura corrected herself. She was well aware that she now had to show the utmost respect to Naruto. It certainly felt awkward, but she knew she would get used to it.

Naruto's infectious smile widened, "You don't have to call me that Sakura-chan. Just talk to me like you normally would."

Sakura looked a little confused at that, but smiled back nonetheless, "But you're Hokage now. I thought the whole reason for becoming Hokage was so everyone would acknowledge you."

Naruto gave the Haruno a cheeky smile.

"Don't misunderstand Sakura-chan. Everyone still has to call me Hokage-sama." Naruto looked away from the girl, staring at his fingernails in disinterest, feigning a noble attitude, "Only those I deem worthy can acknowledge me by name."

Sakura had to laugh at the Uzumaki's joke, not used to seeing Naruto act so uptight. The Haruno took a courteous bow, pretending to slightly haunch up an imaginary dress, "I'm not worthy, oh great Naruto-sama."

A small, subtle smile crossed Naruto's lips, one that Sakura did not see as he whispered, "You're the greatest woman I know, Sakura-chan."

"What?" Sakura questioned, only hearing her name.

Naruto stood and began making his way around the table, saying, "I said let's go somewhere else, Sakura-chan."

The Uzumaki took a bold step and grabbed hold of Sakura's hand. The Haruno did not mind the contact and held on firmly to his larger hand. She was surprised by the sudden action, but did not let it get the better of her.

Naruto glanced over his shoulder as he led her out the building, "It's a very special place to me."

Sakura continued to walk behind Naruto, saying bluntly, "You're not taking me to Ichiraku Ramen, are you?"

She heard Naruto chuckle and could tell that he was smiling even though all she saw was the back of his head.

"No, Ichiraku isn't open this late." Naruto informed her, before saying glumly, "If only."

\/

"This is beautiful Naruto." Sakura told him, staring at the peaceful village as it slept.

The two stood atop the Sandaime Hokage's head, watching over the quiet village as the stars and moon illuminated the sky. It was almost three in the morning, meaning even the stores that stayed open late were shut down for the night. The red light district that never slept could be seen off in the distance, near the walls on east side of the village. It had been moved to that area with the newer schematics that Naruto had some say in creating, just before the reconstruction began.

However, even with that small amount of commotion going off in the far distance, it could not take away from the sight Sakura witnessed.

She had never been up here before, never finding a need or reason to do so. However, she now knew why this place was so special to Naruto. Because after just once glance at the view, this had become one of Sakura's favorite spots in Konoha.

Sakura turned to thank the Rokudaime for showing her this place, but her words died in her throat as she stared at the side of Naruto's face. The Uzumaki continued to stare at his village, a sweet smile across his face.

Sakura could not help but be mesmerized by her teammate's face. The way he looked at the village. It was a look that Sakura would always remember.

He just looked so handsome.

Calling Naruto handsome was no longer an ordeal for the Haruno, because he really was, and it had just taken her sometime to get used to that. Just like him fulfilling his dream and becoming Hokage had.

Sakura's emerald eyes traveled down his body, noticing that they were still holding hands. In fact, their fingers were now intertwined, causing the red on Sakura's cheeks to increase. This was the most physical contact that she had ever had with a boy- no, a man.

Even if it was Naruto, this moment was very special to her.

No, she then realized that this moment was very special because it was with Naruto.

She squeezed Naruto's hand, getting the Uzumaki's attention. He seemed to notice that they were still holding hands, but made no attempt to let go. She was not upset in the least.

Naruto stared at her for a moment, dumbfounded by how beautiful she was.

She was well aware of his staring, causing her to tuck a stray bang of pink hair behind her ear in nervousness, "What is it?"

Naruto's expression did not change as he let slip, "You're the most beautiful girl I've ever see."

Sakura's entire face began to redden at her teammate's unexpected words. Thankfully the moon and stars could only give so much light, allowing her to hide her face as she looked away from the blonde.

Naruto then snapped out of his stupor, realizing what he just said. Seeing the way Sakura had reacted did not give the Hokage any good reassurance, "S-Sorry, Sakura-chan! I-I just-"

"It's okay Naruto." Sakura told him, still not looking at him.

There was an awkward silence between the two teenagers.

They stood in complete silence.

Never letting go of the other's hand.

Sakura was the first to speak, looking down at the different faces that adorned the Hokage Monument, "Your face will be up here soon."

Naruto turned to look at the side of Sakura's face. His previous words about her were true, and he did not think his heart could beat much faster. Yet, no matter how much he told himself things between the two of them would work out, in the back of his mind Naruto could not help but think that the universe was just screwing with him. This was the first time in a very long time that he had been this close to Sakura.

And it just had to be when the love of her life was currently in a coma less than a mile away.

Thinking that gripped Naruto's heart tightly.

Naruto and Sakura had agreed to bring Sasuke back together. However, now that he was back, Naruto was keeping his return hidden from the one person that needed to know above all else.

Naruto had told himself over and over that she was not ready to see Sasuke. Yet she was probably the most deserving.

After all, she was the one he had made a promise of a lifetime to.

Naruto gulped, and stoned his resolve, coming to a decision that could change everything.

The Uzumaki squeezed Sakura's hand, gaining her undivided attention.

"Sakura-chan, there's something else I have to show you."

\/

Sakura looked around at the hospital walls as Naruto led her down a corridor that was restricted from even her, for classified use only. At first she had thought he was taking her to see Tsunade when they arrived at the hospital. However, Sakura had met with her teacher earlier in the day after learning of her awakening.

When Naruto allowed her into the restricted area of the hospital, her curiosity multiplied.

They came upon a doorway at the end of the hall, the roman numerals 'VI' was etched into the door's face.

Sakura had absolutely no idea who was within that hospital room, but she was getting a terrible feeling within her stomach.

"Naruto, who's in there?" Sakura questioned quietly, letting go of Naruto's hand. She no longer wanted to be here.

Naruto said nothing. He turned around, giving her a neutral look as he raised his hand. She watched his hand as he placed a finger onto the middle of her forehead. Sakura then noticed the large black tetragram that spread across the doorway behind Naruto.

The seal vanished as quickly as it came.

The Uzumaki moved to the side, allowing Sakura by, "Go ahead…"

She tentatively walked forward, staring at Naruto, who did not meet her gaze, but instead looked downtrodden at the door.

She gripped the cold handle and slowly pulled the door open, her heart thudding in her chest.

What she saw made her blood run cold.

She felt like a statue, standing their dumbly in the doorway. Her eyes shook as she gazed at the man that had plagued her thoughts for most of her life.

Uchiha Sasuke slept in the middle of the room, on a hospital bed with a breathing apparatus attached to his face. The cloth that had once covered his face was no longer there, allowing the two to see his narrowed face and black hair.

Sakura finally found some strength and began to walk forward, not believing what her eyes were seeing.

Naruto followed silently behind her.

She made it to his bedside and just stared at his slumbering face. Every time he would exhale, it would fog up the apparatus before quickly evaporating. The Haruno reached out and laid her hand on the Uchiha's forehead, seeing if this was actually true. When she felt the heat from his head, she let out a gasp.

Naruto made no noise. He had watched Sakura's reaction and his attention slowly turned toward the one window in the room, not wanting to bear witness to what came next.

He could hear the sobbing.

That was all that was needed to break his heart.

Naruto closed his eyes, fighting the urge to let a tear fall.

He knew what to expect.

Yet that did not prepare him for what would happen.

Naruto opened his eyes, gazing at the village outside the hospital room window, and found resolve in saying, "I told you I would bring him back."

Naruto's voice garnered Sakura's immediate attention. She looked over to the Hokage, using her arms to wipe away her tears.

She stared at him with dried tears as he gave her the exact same smile he had given her before leaving to retrieve Sasuke for the very first time, "I never go back on my word. It's my ninja way!"

Sakura's eyes widened for a moment, before her expression became blank. She turned back to Sasuke and gave him one last glance.

She had been too young to notice back then, but she was more experienced now. She knew better. No matter how much he tried to convince her, she could now see the amount of pain that smile gave him.

Sakura turned around and walked over to Naruto, surprising the blonde by taking his hand in hers. This was supposed to be Naruto's day, and Sakura would make sure it stayed that way.

Naruto looked at her in confusion.

She smiled at him sincerely, "Let's get out of here. Sasuke can wait. It's not like he's going anywhere."

Naruto's heart fluttered as he could not believe his ears. He continued to stare at Sakura in bewilderment as she dragged him along.

He knew what to expect.

Yet that did not prepare him for what would happen.

\/

"Wow this chair is rather comfy." Sakura said, spinning in Naruto's chair behind his desk.

Naruto stared at Sakura in bafflement as she acted like she had not just seen her long lost love that overwhelmed her thoughts every hour of the day.

Naruto stood in the middle of his office, not able to make heads or tails of what was going on.

It did not take long for Naruto to just accept what was happening and go with the flow.

"It has to be, or I would go crazy sitting in an uncomfortable chair." Naruto said, giving a neutral expression as he could not decide on how he felt at the moment.

Sakura's spinning slowly came to a stop before she asked seriously, "Naruto, what's it like be Hokage?"

"If I could describe it in one word." Naruto started, crossing his arms, "Tiring…"

She turned so she could see his face, confused that Naruto of all people would say such a thing. She had been expecting "Exciting!", or "SWEET!", or "AWESOME!"

Something along those lines. Never did she expect "Tiring".

"Why?"

Naruto met the Haruno's gaze, talking to her seriously, "Don't get me wrong. I love it. It's everything I dreamed of it being and so much more. Much, much more."

Sakura remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"There's so many things happening, so many people that rely on you. There are so many different circumstances that could happen at a moment's notice. It gets to be a little overwhelming." Naruto admitted, lowering his head.

Sakura stood from the seat and made it over to Naruto, cupping his cheeks with her hands and making him look at her. A small smile spread across her pink lips, "Tell me about your problems. Please."

Naruto sighed, enjoying the feeling of Sakura's hands on his face.

He began, "I'm worried about the alliance we have right now. While many see it as an opportunity for advancement, I have this undying feeling that it will merely cause more war. What happens after Akatsuki is taken care of? Peace resonates through all the nations? For how long? What of all the minor villages? Are they just going to fall in line with our ideals? Who's to say Mist, Rock, or Lightning aren't already planning a strike against us the moment we are vulnerable during the war? I want to make this place a better world, but it's hard when you have so many enemies."

Sakura stared at Naruto in understanding, but said back, "Then stop thinking of them as enemies."

Naruto turned away from her grip after hearing her words. He then glanced over his shoulder at her, annoyed at her words, "The moment you do that, is the moment they stab you in your back."

Sakura's eyes widened, not knowing who stood in front of her, "What's happened to you? Where's the Naruto that believed in people? The Naruto that gave other's his trust to earn their admiration?"

"You mean the Naruto that blindly trusted those that could turn on him at any moment. He grew up." The Rokudaime clarified, turning to face her.

"That can't be all of it. I can feel it." Sakura said, approaching him once more.

Naruto cursed the fact that she could read him so easy.

"I'm scared." Naruto finally admitted.

Sakura knew how much this hurt Naruto, but pushed nonetheless, "Scared of what?"

Naruto's eyes became glossy, and Sakura realized he was on the verge of tears, "Scared of sending children to their deaths."

Sakura's eyes widened as far as they could, shocked by this revelation, "W-What do you mean?"

Naruto cleared his throat, calming his nerves, "My biggest fear of being Hokage is finding out that I've sent a team of ninja no older than Konohamaru to their death. With the upcoming war, and possibly those following; Genin, who are fresh out the academy and suppose to do only E and D-ranked missions, will be needed to pull C, even B, ranked missions that could very well end in their entire team's death."

Sakura continued to stare at Naruto's face as he opened himself up to her. She had never thought that Naruto of all people would have such insecurities. All she ever saw from him was a boisterous and unbending individual. Seeing him so vulnerable made her heart break.

That, mixed with the small buzz she was coming down from, caused her to inch her lips closer to Naruto's, until they were centimeter's from connecting.

She wanted to make him feel better, and this was all she could think of to do so.

Her lips connected with skin. However, she was surprised to see the Uzumaki turn his face at the last moment, making her merely kiss his cheek.

She pulled away, shocked by her behavior.

"I-I'm sorry!" Sakura immediately apologized, "I don't know what came over me."

"It's alright…" Naruto said quietly, looking downtrodden for different reasons.

Sakura did not know what to say at the moment, she was left without a leg to stand on. She did not want Naruto getting the wrong impression. At least she did not think so.

"Um…" She knew it was lame, but something had to be said. The silence was getting too awkward.

"I love you."

The words came out quick and rushed. The Uzumaki looked more surprised than Sakura did at his own words. Naruto knew it needed to be now or never. He had made a promise to himself, and he followed through with his promises.

"Y-You love me?" Sakura repeated, not sure she understood them. Aside from her parents, she had never heard those words spoken to her. When she had fantasized about the man of her dreams confess his love to her, it had not been in this kind of position. It had been in the most romantic of fashions, and it assuredly had not been Naruto.

"Yes." Naruto clarified, finding his resolve. At this point, he was determined to see this through.

Sakura's mouth opened and closed several times, not knowing what to do or say.

"Love love?" Sakura questioned stupidly, wanting to make sure she was not misunderstanding what kind of love Naruto was talking about.

The look in Naruto's eyes told her all she needed to know, "Yes!"

"I never knew." Sakura said timidly, taking a step back, not sure how else she should respond. She did not love Naruto the way that he loved her. Well, she was pretty sure she did not. It would be hard to ignore the way she had been feeling the last hour when with Naruto, but was that really love? She was so confused, especially after seeing Sasuke after all this long. She needed to talk to the Uchiha, to understand if there was anything still there.

This was just so unexpected and at such terrible timing.

Naruto's scoff awoke her from her thoughts, repeating her words in distaste, "You never knew…"

She knew she had said the wrong words, but before she could correct herself, Naruto beat her to the punch

"It doesn't matter." Naruto said, shocking Sakura even more, "Because I've promised myself to another."

Sakura's eyes widened as that painful sensation she had earlier resurfaced in her chest, "W-What are you talking about?"

Naruto gave her a blank expression, shutting out his emotions, "I promised Hinata that I would give her love a chance."

Sakura did not know what to feel. There were so many different emotions running through her at the moment. Part of her was happy to her that for Hinata. Another part that was questioning her love for both Sasuke and Naruto did not know whether to be jealous, angry, or glad.

"When did this happen?" Sakura questioned, actually intrigued.

"When Pein attacked. She sacrificed her life for me." Naruto said, reminding the Haruno of when she had healed the Hyuuga shortly after the Uzumaki had gone on his rampage.

"So just because of that you're going to be with her?" Sakura questioned, confused by that kind of logic, sure the gesture was heartwarming and deep, but love was supposed to triumph over all. If Naruto really loved Sakura then he should still want to be with her, even after that kind act by Hinata.

"Sakura, I've loved you for as long as I can remember." Naruto announced to her, causing her blush to increase, "Since the day I met you my love has only increased. The day we were placed on the same team was one of the happiest days in my life, because I finally got to be close to you, and because I finally realized why I loved you so much."

Sakura remained silent, listening to Naruto intently. She did not know how to respond to his feelings, but the least she could do was hear him out.

"When I transformed into Sasuke and heard your words, I discovered that you and I were the same." Naruto said, causing Sakura's eyes to once again widen, "I at first was hurt to find out what you really thought of me at the time, but I realized that just like me, you wanted to be acknowledged."

"T-That was you, on the park bench?" Sakura questioned, her stomach suddenly hurting, "You were the one that said those things?"

Naruto knew exactly what she was talking about; being a day he remembered intently, "Your forehead is so big, it almost makes me want to kiss it. Yeah, that was me."

Sakura's eyes began to shake. Those were the exact words. The exact same words she had thought just before she heard, who she thought at the time was Sasuke, say. It had been one of the biggest moments in her life, because she had thought she had finally been able to see the true Sasuke. She had always held onto the memory of him to this very day. However, to find out that it was actually Naruto that said the sweetest words she had ever heard someone say to her make her entire world shake.

Sakura once again was left without anything to say, after everything that had happened and everything that had been said. Such a large misunderstanding had led her on a wild goose chase for a love that had never been there. The real love had been standing beside her the entire time.

All the times she beat him.

All the times she ignored him.

All the times she was mean to him.

Sakura was beginning to feel sick. There was no way. There was no way Naruto actually loved her!

The Haruno met Naruto's expressionless gaze, questioning his love for her, "You don't really love me!"

Naruto's brow slightly furrowed, "What are you talking about? Of course I love you! I wouldn't have just spent the last ten minutes telling you how much I love you!"

Sakura body began to shake as she gave herself a hug, gripping her arms tightly, "Then why are you going to be with Hinata?"

"Because I owe her my life." Naruto said, before continuing with, "She was the very first person to ever tell me that they loved me. Iruka did not say it. Jiraiya did not say it. The Sandaime did not say it. Hyuuga Hinata did… and like me, she knows what it's like to be ignored by the one we love most."

Sakura's eyes widened and her mood worsened. Now not only did her stomach still hurt, but the pain in her chest was now returning.

Sakura could still not believe. She wanted to escape. Just run away and hide in a hole, but Naruto blocked the door.

She felt like she was drowning, and prone to lash out.

"Then why did you sleep with Koyuki!" Sakura blurted out, catching Naruto off guard, "If you really loved me then you wouldn't have slept with her!"

"You know I only did that to gain her help in Konoha's reconstruction!" Naruto fired back.

"So you still would have slept with her if we were dating?" Sakura questioned, "Or even married?!"

"What?!" Naruto's eyes widened at what Sakura was insinuating, "Of course I wouldn't! I'm not a cheater!"

Sakura's emerald orbs softened, her voice lowering into almost nothing, "And what about all the other girls? You said yourself Koyuki wasn't your first."

Naruto's eyes averted Sakura's gaze. They were not even a couple, yet Sakura was someone making him feel like he was a cheater, "That… That was for training purposes."

Naruto immediately regretted saying that, realizing it had not come out intended.

It was Sakura's turn to scoff, "…Hah! Training…"

Sakura's slowly composed herself. Well, as best she could.

"Love is not that complicated." She said, ready to leave. She really did not want to be here anymore.

Naruto's expression immediately became angered at her words, "Love is very complicated!"

Sakura was shocked to hear Naruto snap at her so suddenly. Sure she had heard him yell before, and just a few minutes ago in fact. But she could not remember a time where he actually screamed at her in anger.

"Love is complex!" Naruto repeated, still irate. He continued on, saying, "If love is so simple, then why the HELL did you leave Sasuke to be here with me!? Why the HELL did you try to KISS me?!"

Sakura stared at her Hokage in silent shock. She regretted what she had just said and what she had done. She kicked herself for not thinking before she spoke and acted. However, she was at her wits end here.

The worst feeling she could get came when she saw his eyes. His eyes that were so much like peaceful, endless oceans were now a rampaging storm ready to strike down even the mightiest of boats.

"Get out." He said with finality.

She reached out her hand, not wanting him to be angry on a day that he should always remember as being one of the happiest, "Naruto I'm sor-"

"GET OUT!" Naruto roared, reaching his peak. He slapped her hand away and turned around. He grabbed the handle to the door and swung it open, staring her down with intensity.

First she questioned his love for her, now she was trying to undermine everything he thought about love.

He was done talking.

Sakura had seen Naruto angry before on plenty of occasions, but never had those eyes been directed towards her. She wondered how any of his enemies managed to not turn tail and run.

She lowered her head and walked out the room, feeling Naruto's intense gaze on her the whole way.

The moment she was out the room, the door slammed shut behind her.

Naruto stared at the door for several minutes, slowly calming his breathing and anger as Sakura's signature slowly faded into the distance. The Uzumaki turned heel and trudged over to his chair Sakura had been spinning in a little while back. He plopped himself into the seat, sighing heavily.

He propped his arm up onto the desk and let his face fall into his hand, feeling the worst he had in a long time.

This was day he became Hokage.

This was the day Tsunade awoke from her coma.

This was the day Naruto professed his love for Sakura.

This was certainly a day marked in history.

"This day can't get any worse." Naruto muttered into his hand.

However, for one short moment, Naruto had forgotten that the world was a cruel place.

\/

The sunlight came over the horizon, washing over the night's gloom.

Birds awoke to the day and flowers began to bloom.

In a particular hospital room the sunlight did reach.

And through the blinds it did breach.

Caressing the face of a slumbering individual.

Eyes slowly opened and rebirth visible.

Onyx orbs filled with mystery.

Certainly, a day marked in history.

\/

Author's Notes: A grand apology for the longer than overdue update. Personal life has been very busy now that I am working full-time, and my downtime I spend just relaxing. Plus I had some severe writer's block for the last couple of scenes.

I am also sorry to those I said there would not be much angst between Naruto and Sakura. At first I had not intended it to be that way, their getting together was not going to be too overdramatic, but after rereading everything I've written, and also seeing the shittiest ending to a manga I have seen for awhile (excluding History's Strongest Disipile Kenichi, and Kekkaishi) I knew I had to amp things up. Again, apologizes, but at least were moving along.

I know how much some of you NaruSaku fan probably hate me right now, especially with all the build up and fluff I had going near the end there, just to have it come crashing down. But don't fret too long, their love will prevail in the end!

I know that this chapter actually spanned two days not one, which contradicts the title. Just roll with it.

I also felt like a nice little rhythm scheme at the end there really set the stage for next chapter.

We hit the chapter 10 mark! YAAAAAY! A lot more chapters to come!

Now, onto some other things.

I took out the part where Naruto tells the other Kages about Obito not being Madara, but Madara's body still being in the possession of Kabuto because I wanted to have that as my opening for the next chapter.

I thought it was weird Tsunade never questioned where Naruto's necklace had gone after his fight with Pein. At least I don't remember ever seeing any indication in the manga that Tsunade had noticed the disappearance of it. But I guess Kishimoto had a lot of other things going on at that point so why bother? At least it gave me a chance for some comic relief.

Kakashi's side story is not going to do much other than give some background to an OC who might arose some interest from some. The OC will not play much of a role, just a person of interest that will help Naruto become a better Hokage.

Writing the part with Itachi was freaking sweet. I love his character almost as much as Minato's (I'm a Yondaime fan boy at heart). I believe I did Itachi's character justice and made him pretty believable. Let me know what you thought about their conversation.

So I have been researching Edo Tensei recently to find out all its ins and outs. As I was reading I became a little confused because it said that if the entire body of the reincarnated was vaporized, they would still regenerate. Yet elsewhere it said that if the head was destroyed then they could no longer fight.

I'm pretty sure that in the manga even if they were to be completely destroyed, they would still come back. However, in my opinion that is stupid as fuck. How could they come back if there was nothing to regenerate from? Plus, the body used as a conduit for the soul would no longer exist, meaning there shouldnot be anything to keep the soul bound to the mortal world.

For those reasons just stated, in my story, those reincarnated can still be killed, but only if they are completely erased. They will still regenerate from virtually anything, because the Jutsu is very OP. I don't want to handicap it too bad so –even if it's not really realistic – I will still allow them to fully regenerate even if (let's say) only a finger remained. However, if they are completely vaporized, then they are finished. Deal? Deal.

For those wondering why Naruto did not sense Kabuto's "bad intentions" when they almost bumped into each other. I ask, what "bad intentions"? From what was implied, Kabuto wanted Naruto to become Hokage. You guys are just going to have to keep reading to find out why.

I'm just going to go ahead and make this clear, the main villain of this story is going to be Kabuto. I always thought he was a pretty awesome character since introduced. Kind of like Naruto, he was always trying to find his purpose. To me, his progression through the manga was parallel to Naruto's, but it was the villain side. He had the potential to be the biggest and baddest mofo in the manga had Kishimoto played his cards right.

Orochimaru (discounting Madara) had been the only true villain there was, because he did evil things for the mere purpose of becoming immortal. However, even his character got crushed when Kishimoto twisted his story by implying he wanted to be immortal after his parents were killed.

Every other "villain" always had some sob story.

Madara was a pretty decent villain too till he all of a sudden got blindsided by the Sage's bloody fucking mother.

I digress. Kabuto will be the main villain. He will have a completely different back-story then in canon that might interest some.

Also as I have just said, I'm a Minato fan boy. However, I do know his limitations and who he can and cannot beat in the Naruto universe.

Nevertheless, in my story he is going to be one strong S.O.B. I'm talking OP as fuck!

I have created my own unique twists to his character and he will be a bit different to canon's Yondaime. He will have similar traits, but I have given him other powers. He will not have sage powers or a chakra cloak mode like Naruto. I'm pretty sure Kishimoto only gave him those bullshit power ups out of nowhere so he could keep up with everyone else because by the time Minato was revived, everyone had such absurdly overpowered abilities.

I think that is what annoyed me the most. Because for most of the early parts of the manga, Kishimoto always made it seem like the Fourth Hokage was one of the strongest ninja to ever live from what characters implied. However, when his character was finally introduced and after what followed from there, I was kind of let down. He is still awesome for everything that he has done, don't get me wrong, but not to the degree of awesomeness that I wanted.

For that reason the Minato in this story is going to be altered. I'm not going to say how, because I want that to be a surprise. But I'm pretty sure a lot of you will like it.

Oh and anyone else think that Naruto and Hinata's kids were weird looking? The son was strange but not as bad as the other one. Their daughter freaked me out! Oh and Chouji and Karui's kid! I think she was the weirdest looking character I have seen in awhile. Like who every saw that pairing coming!?

Anyway, I digress. Thanks for reading! Laters.

Jutsu Description

Berutan (Veil Turn); No-Rank: A sacred Sarutobi Clan artifact. It is said to have been created by the founder of the Sarutobi Clan, after he came to realize that stealth was one of their weaker traits. It is said to completely disguise oneself without the use of chakra. It is made of a special material that reflects light to always give you perfect camouflage no matter what angle someone sees you. It also masks your spell and blocks sensor-nin.

Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation); S-Rank: a forbidden technique where, using a living person as a vessel, a deceased person's soul can be called back to the world of the living and bound to it. The vessel will then take on the form that person had in life, thereby reincarnating them to do their summoner's bidding.

Raiton: Gian (Lightning Release: False Darkness); B-Rank: the user emits lightning in the shape of a spear from their mouth or hands, which then pierces the enemy. Its destructive power is great enough to even pierce through rock; meaning it has a high killing potential. The user can increase the number of spears to attack multiple enemies. This, coupled with the sheer speed of the lightning, makes it a difficult technique to evade. This technique is capable of being focused into a straight beam, similar to a laser.

Doton: Doryō Dango (Earth Release: Earth Masoluem Dumpling); B-Rank: The user intertwines chakra into a section of the ground and pulls it out in the shape of a dumpling. The lump of earth is gigantic and the destructive power is obvious. But even just the visual impact can be enough to make enemies lose their fighting spirits and run away. The ball of earth is then hurled at the user's opponent, flattening everything in its path.

Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique); C-Rank: a technique where chakra kneaded inside the body is converted into fire and expelled from the mouth either as a massive orb of roaring flame or as a continuous flame-thrower. The scope of the attack is altered by controlling the volume of chakra that is mustered. The released flames will engulf their target, and leave a crater on the ground's surface.

Ten no Juin (Cursed Seal of Heaven); S-Rank: A Cursed Seal created by Orchimaru, it's counterpart being the Chi no Juin. Like most cursed seals, the user receives increased chakra levels and physical capabilities when the seal is active, and at which level is being used.

Chi no Juin (Cursed Seal of Earth); S-Rank: A Cursed Seal created by Orochimaru, it's counterpart being the Ten no Juin. Like most cursed seals, the user receives increased chakra levels and physical capabilities when the seal is active, and at which level is being used.

Jigoku no Juin (Cursed Seal of Hell); S-Rank: A Cursed Seal developed by Kabuto, using a combination of Chi no Juin and Ten no Juin. Like the aforementioned seals, the Jigoku no Juin gives the user even greater chakra levels and physical capabilities, dependent on which level the user is in. Upon further use of the Jigoku no Juin, it is possible to develop a Level 3 version of their Cursed Seal, surpassing the others Level 2 state.