Naruto 1. Aint What It Seems

O.K.E  
[Operation Kill Everything]

Chapter One: Ain't What It Seems

**. . .**

A ten year old boy with blonde hair, blue eyes, and three horizontal whiskers on each cheek wearing a faded orange shirt, black shorts, and worn sandals approached a large door inside the reception area of the Hokage's Tower. There were several seats aligned along one side of the wall and a desk off to the side where the secretary worked, but was presently nowhere to be found.

He continued forward to the door that would lead to the Hokage's office, finding himself in the surroundings of a familiar office. "Grandpa?" The boy asked as he looked around the empty office where his grandfather figure was usually seated behind his desk, working.

Being curious and finding no one around, he decided to explore a bit. He took a moment to look out the large window that framed the Hokage Monument perfectly in the background of the office as the sun's rays poured into the office. He also walked around the Hokage's desk that had a stack of papers sitting on it.

He grinned and went over to the nearby couch that rested against one of the walls. He then proceeded to jump up and down on it as if it were a trampoline. Since there was no one around to tell him not to, the boy decided to take complete advantage of jumping on the couch.

He attempted to jump up again, but his foot got caught between the cushions, and he lost his balance as he tried leaping upwards again. "Oh no, uwaah!" The boy cried out and as he was sent off balance through the air. He blindly latched onto the closest thing possible, which happened to be the book case.

While he was clenching his eyes closed, he braced for the impact, and the blonde completely missed his hand triggering a floor trap which happened to be a book that looked like it really had no business on the shelf of the book case, causing a panel in the floor to pop open with a click as he crashed into the floor.

"Ouch, that hurt…ok, bad idea. Now I know why grandpa tells me not to jump on the couch," the blonde articulated with a mumble as he got to his feet while rubbing the back of his head.

"Oh no!" he noticed he'd caused several of the books to fall from the shelf. "I better clean this up and get out of here," he knelt on the floor and reached for the first book, but caught sight of the open floor panel that had been a trap door from the corner of his eyes.  
_My day just got a lot more interesting!_ The blonde thought as he crawled over to the compartment opening and noticed a few scrolls lying inside it with the Uzumaki swirl emblazoned on both of them. It was a symbol that he immediately recognized since it appeared on his favorite shirt as well as on the vests that some ninjas of the village wore.

The boy didn't notice that he had nicked his thumb on the edge of the bookcase when he fell, otherwise he would have seen the blood on it. When his youthful curiosity finally got the better of him, he pulled the scrolls from the hidden compartment taking one in each of his small hands.  
The blood from his thumb was enough to cause the first scroll to unseal and slowly unravel.

"Whoa!" The simple action of the scroll opening was enough to immensely impress the blonde hair, blue eyed boy. He excitedly read the first words.

_-To my dear son, Naruto…_

Naruto stopped reading right then and there as his cerulean hues widened in shock, he wasn't sure he read that right, and thought he may had been hallucinating, so he read it again. Again, it read the same as it had the first time.

_To me? But, if this was something meant for me…then why is it being hidden?_ Naruto inquired of himself as he set his eyes back to the scroll, but, before he could start reading again, the sounds of footsteps alerted him that someone was coming. He was never certain about the reasons, but he noticed that his hearing was extremely sharp, and his sense of smell was stronger than that. Thus, he could sense the presences of the third and his Secretary.

Naruto scrambled to his feet, ready to bail out of the office, but he caught sight of the books, and he hurried to place them all back on the shelf. Luckily for him all the books that fell came off shelves that he could reach on his own, except for the last one which he had to stand on the couch's edge to place back.

He jumped down from the couch and collected the two scrolls, hiding them under his shirt, and then closed the trap floor board before rushing from the office. As the door clicked shut behind him, the sound of voices joined the footsteps, and they were just around the corner.

He ran, ran almost as quickly as he did when escaping those zealots called ninja and civilians before heading down the opposite direction of an adjourning hallway, leading him away from the direction of the two adults.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage was walking with his secretary. It was rare for both to be away at the same time, but an emergency had been alerted to the Hokage, and just in case he needed an extra hand, he brought her with him. After all, what were a few minutes away from the desk when the only main concern in the village at the time was the Hokage's completion of his paper work?

\+ Later +

Naruto found himself running through the village as the moon and stars lay witness to another night of an all too familiar scene. A child was being chased by villagers and a few ninja through his own hometown of Konoha.

"That's it, run! Make it exciting. I'll enjoy it that much more!" Naruto could hear one of the crazed screams; this action had a chain reaction. That was the mob cheering loudly, some with torches, and others with weapons and other blunt instruments, or sharp objects.

"Monster!"

Curses and other obscenities as well as threats, promises, and guarantees of the little boy's torture at their hands continued to be thrown at the blonde. That familiar feeling that Naruto hated and knew all too well was washing over him. It was a combination of fear, desperation, adrenaline, and confusion.

For a ten year old boy he was awfully spry on his feet and full of stamina and dexterity. More often than not he managed to get away from the idiots since he had a sixty-five percent success rate.

He was usually quick witted at leading his pursuers through the village and setting the odds in his favor to escape. Tonight he wasn't on his A-game due to what he had read in one of those scrolls earlier, which he still had hidden on his person.

He wondered if they knew about it, if he let them see it, would they even care? Or even give him a chance to explain?

No, of course they wouldn't. This cycle repeated itself over and over again, always coming full circle. He had tried, pleaded, begged, and cried for them to make him understand what he had done to deserve their hatred, glares, contempt, and attempted beatings, but it always fell on deaf ears.

That scroll…He hadn't even had time to process and reflect on it. Almost as soon as he had started reading, he was spotted by someone and that one became a small horde. Naruto's mind was incredibly scrambled.

Thus was the reason why he took a back alley to where he knew a lowered fire escape ladder to be, and climbed it to the top of a tall building. It was enough to stop the civilians, but the shinobi began walking up the wall. After pulling up the ladder, he ran across the roof, and leapt over the village fence out of Konoha before the shinobi could catch up.

It was a good thing for the blonde that the shinobi of the group were Genin. The fact that they couldn't leave the village without just cause at the time, kept them from leaping into the trees after him. The three ninja scowled in utter contempt while one spit in disgust upon the boy's trail.

"…And don't bring your ass back!" One of the Genin yelled.

_Good riddance, demon…_

_No…No!_ Naruto yelled in his mind as he stared at the distant drop he was taking into the trees surrounding the wall. He could hear the distant yells of those who had been pursuing him as he fell off into the darkness.

He wasn't sure where he'd go if he survived the fall. He had never been too far outside the village, but he knew the surrounding areas well since he sometimes ventured into the distant forests, and occasionally Training Ground 44. Those areas and a few others, he knew, but now…

He just knew he couldn't turn back.

**. . .**

Naruto…

…Naruto

Wake up, Naruto…

"Huh?"

Naruto's eyes broke open, revealing his brilliant blue orbs. He only had time to make out a woman with red hair and violet dough eyes before he was engulfed in darkness again. He suddenly found that it was hard to breath, but at the same time found his potential murder weapon to be warm and soft.

"Sochi!" The red head squealed girlishly as she clutched the blonde to her bosom. "Finally! Finally I could see you and hug you…oh, and kiss!"

That seemed to be the magic word and Naruto suddenly found the strength to break free of the crazy woman that had latched onto him and nearly killed him by smothering him with her breasts! The ten year old was not having fun.

He was so zoned out that he never noticed the sewer style surroundings he was in, or that he was standing in ankle deep water as he protested. "No! No way in hell I'm letting you kiss me, lady. Who the he…-"

Naruto trailed off as he got a good look at the woman, who was smiling, if not a bit sheepishly, as she fixed her blouse while standing again. Although there was water in the sewer, it didn't get any of her clothing wet. She looked over to him with a proud and happy smile, ready to speak, but Naruto beat her to it.

"You're my, Kaa-san?" He asked slowly. Naruto vividly remembered finding a picture of this woman inside one of the scrolls before he had been chased and attacked. Besides from that, he had never seen this woman, nor did he know her, but something just felt right about being around her now that he could focus.

"That's right, Naruto. I'm your mother." Her smile became wider as she shed a tear of happiness. It didn't take much longer before Naruto rushed the red head and jumped into her. She caught him and hugged him close. Naruto began to cry into her shirt while muttering indistinctly about the questions that plagued his mind during his uneasy life in Konoha.

"I know and it's alright. There'll be time for that; for now, just let it all out." Kushina looked upon Naruto's sunny blonde hair as she swept her hand through the spiky locks and he looked up at her with watering eyes.

"Kaa-san, why did tou-…the Yondaime make me this way?"

Kushina's smile became melancholy as the betrayal and years of pain reflected in her eyes. She knew that he knew about her and Minato from the one scroll he had partially read. She wasn't sure where to start or what exactly to tell him and complicating that; was her short time.

"Because he was a fool, but if you asked him that question, he'd probably say 'because I was Hokage'," she spat sorely.

"I fought with Minato not to put the nine-tails inside you, to reseal it inside me, but since I had just given birth to you I was weak; it wasn't much of a fight. I know there's a specific reason why. He was too gung-ho about making you a jinchuriki…also, Minato didn't as much as get out of bed without a reason." She sighed, and shook her head.

"I'm just sorry that I don't know what it could be. I know you must have a lot more questions, but I don't have much time." Kushina looked regretfully at her son. "I wish there had been a way for me to stay with you, instead of…this."

Naruto looked confused before looking even sadder than he did previously. "You're going to leave me again…aren't you?"

Kushina hugged Naruto again, smiling as she shed a few more silent tears. "Not because I want to. I'm your mother, but I'm just here to set you along your path. I'm truly dead, Naruto, and I'm sorry we can't be together, but I'm just a chakra construct with a specific mission. Whether or not that mission is completed, I'll begin to fade into the past once more. Therefore, it's time to listen. You won't be alone when you return, I promise th-."

"No!" Naruto screamed and clutched the woman tighter than she would have thought the scrawny kid capable of. "I won't let you go! I need you!"

Kushina frowned and pulled Naruto from her so she could hold him at arm length. "I'm sorry, Sochi, but this is the way it is. I know it's not fair, but the world seldom is." She smiled sadly, but kept eye contact with him. "You don't need me. You might not think it, but you're very strong already. You just have to…realize your potential."

She turned and stepped around Naruto, the water of the dank sewers sloshing around her ankles as she did, and placed her hands upon the blonde's shoulders. "Don't fight it… you're not alone, Naruto…not in here, and not in the world either. I know you're conflicted and just want to know why, but have faith, and your answers will come."

Naruto couldn't stop the tears from falling, he could already feel her presence beginning to fade, and when he noticed her hand on his shoulder, he saw right through it. "Please, Kaa-san. I just want to be with you, I don't care about anything else!"

"I'd like that and one day we will be, but in the mean time I want you to continue growing, become stronger, and as long as you stay true to yourself…know that you'll be making me proud." She sniffed and frowned, noticing she was getting off track again.

"Now, focus Naruto." The boy turned his head, noticing vertical steel bars rising from the waters up into the ceiling, and beyond that…complete darkness.

"I don't under-."

"Shh…I want you to meet someone. You might not like it, but I ask that you trust this person for me. She helped make me who I was and she'll do the same for you too…and then some."

"I-I will, mom." Naruto was on the verge of breaking down as he felt her presence leaving his mindscape. He closed his eyes, trying to burn the memory and feel of her presence into his mind; so that he'd never forget. "I love you."

Kushina smiled widely before she dissipated. "I love you too, son."

"…"

"**You can open your eyes now, kit."**

Naruto opened his eyes upon hearing another voice. It was definitely feminine and it was definitely not his mother's. Where Kushina's tone was kind and empathetic, this woman's was ethereal and impish.

She was of a short stature with a lithe, curvaceous frame. She had wavy, auburn hair like fire down to her backside. Her skin was flawless and sun kissed where he could see and she was also clad in a kimono that was far from traditional.

The top fell off her shoulders and the cleavage of her perky D-cup breasts were visible from the wide opening in the front. The material hugged her slim form in all the right places down to the slits that went along either side to expose strong, shapely legs. Although the water reached well into her cage, her bare feet kept her standing above the drink.

"Who are-?"

"**I'm glad I could finally meet my landlord after ten years…I'm who your mother was referring to." **She smiled a fox's sly smile and her slitted red eyes glinted conspiratorially.

"**I am Kyuubi, your tenant, and we need to get a few things straight…"**

**. . .**

He sat in the old wooden chair in his motel room, positioned by the open window with the curtains parted to allow sunlight and a brisk breeze, that occasionally passed by, into the, otherwise stuffy, hotel room.

The young, mulatto man sighed as he leaned back in his chair restlessly. This had been the routine for the last three days. He got to miss out on sleep while he watched the blonde kid he found slumber all day; occasionally he would go into uncontrollable spasms, mutter, and sometimes thrash around in bed.

The young man doubted that he was experiencing anything pleasant, but he didn't think that he could still be in pain. He remembered being worried about taking him to a healer, so imagine his surprise when the boy's wounds healed a few hours later.

That was just fine; he shouldn't have been in any rush while he waited for the boy to wake up. He had no idea what he was going to do once the kid was conscious. He was simply anxious to get back on the road.

He didn't know why he hadn't recognized him at first; it hadn't been that long since he was in Konoha…playing spy games. The villagers were imbeciles and his nickname be damned, but the third Hokage was absolutely obtuse.

A newcomer to Konoha shouldn't have been able to find out about the jinchuriki on his first day in town…and without actively searching for that info. The boy's status was supposed to be S-class confidential, yet everyone from civilians to greenhorn Genin, and up, knew about this boy's burden. Not a single one tried to hide it. They promoted it like a god damned Icha-Icha book release.

He'd only spent two weeks in Konoha three years ago. In that time; the boy was assaulted more than a dozen times. It was a good thing he was talented at escaping, there had been at least thirty attempts.

He hadn't quite helped, but he didn't just stand by those times he was a witness. A few times he silently helped him escape the morons, but since he was in Konoha for espionage…it was difficult to lend a silent hand and keep his cover from being blown.

That brought his thoughts back to the Hokage. Thirty attempts and about twelve successful attacks by groups of civilians and ninja…and not one had been punished by the Hokage, whose rule was death for opposing _his_ law.

The Anbu, Special Jonin, and Jonin assigned to be _handlers_ never did anything either. He would spy on them, while they watched him struggle and be beaten unconscious before breaking it up…then they would leave him where he lay.

It was the saddest thing he'd ever had to lay eyes on. The kid didn't know, but he'd taken a beating for him once when he pushed a vendors cart into a growing mob that had been after the boy for more than two hours that day. When the kid got away and the mob dispersed, he had been thanked _personally_ by the Anbu.

_Bastards…_

In his mind, the boy shouldn't have been alive, because Bijuu had no business being sealed inside a human. Despite that, he knew of at least five people like him today.

He had stolen a bit of blood from the blonde after realizing that the scrolls had blood seals for added security, and used the fluid to open the scrolls he found on the boy. When he started to skim the contents, he immediately wished he hadn't. There was a lot of classified information and techniques contained within. It was a good thing that he wasn't the type that enjoyed jacking for jutsu, because they were easily the kind of thing that spies, mercenaries, and ninja of rival countries killed for or got killed for.

The Fourth was his father, responsible for sealing the Kyuubi inside him. A survivor of the Uzushiogakure Massacre had been his mother, whom was also a jinchuriki in her lifetime…the Aka No Shi was thought of as little more than a myth used to inspire warriors and scare children where he was from. He'd never thought she had been a real person.

He had a strong bloodline, that much was obvious...being the son of a Kage was the closest thing someone could get to nobility. Naruto was as good a prince in the young man's eyes.

Though he had no affiliation to ninjas or hidden villages, he was disgusted by Konoha. It was plain to see the damage that had been done to the boy, never mind the mental anguish that likely existed. He was scrawny, undersized, and obviously malnourished.

If both his parents were gone on the night of his birth, that meant he was an orphan, and likely due to his status, politics, or both; he'd not been adopted. It wouldn't have been too hard to put the extra pieces together, the scrolls just made it easier.

The boy had obviously survived an attempt at being mobbed again and this time he'd fled the village, not that he could blame him. The ignorant, blind, and closed minded blamed him as the container, for their pain. There was no other explanation for it, especially since he knew about October tenth.

The kid was an extension of the Kyuubi, easily associated with the fox responsible for all the evil that was unleashed upon Konoha; he was guilty by association. The only way he could see it, was that he possessed a second reserve of chakra that could be called on like a bloodline limit, only that chakra happened to be malevolent by nature. Naturally, it was easier for Konoha to hate him than to accept him.

After his curiosity was sated, he spent the next two days running through the scenarios and possible outcomes that could unfold from being with this boy. The different paths he could take. The first had been to see him healed and returned home to Konoha, but he couldn't overlook what had been done to the jinchuriki, and no doubt the boy was frustrated and confused about his life.

He felt it would be irresponsible and foolhardy of him to return Naruto to Konoha when the entire city was threatening his life. He blamed the Sandaime Hokage most of all…he saw the blonde as evidence that the Hokage lacked control over his village and its people.

He sighed deeply and turned his head to look out the window over the small town where his hotel was, watching the day and people go by. _So, what do I do then? What's the right thing to do where Naruto's self interest is concerned?_

\+ Meanwhile +

"I say the village is better off!"

"Let the world open up and swallow him whole. We would be rid of the demon and Konoha's resources wouldn't have been wasted on it-." The ignorant civilian stopped when Sarutobi yelled.

"Quiet! Quiet now, you insolent..." Sarutobi trailed off while massaging his temples, lest he say or do something unbecoming someone of his station. That however, did not keep him from silently filling the room with a steady flow of his chakra laden killing intent; enough so that the civilian half of the council quickly quieted down.

"I have been obtuse for far too long concerning Uzumaki Naruto. He called me grandfather and I let myself indulge in the title without acting as a grandfather should." A member of the council went to speak, but he slammed his fist onto the table. "Well no more!" A small crack took form in the desk beneath his fist.

"Hokage-sama," Danzo rang in. "I understand you're sentimental given your closeness to the boy, but showing this kind of favoritism is...concerning. If this were any ordinary member of Konoha would you act so fervently, I wonder? It is incredibly biased."

The Sandaime let out a weary sigh at his rival for the position of Hokage as all eyes shifted back to him, expectantly. "Naruto is no ordinary case. The Fourth thought he would be justified when he sealed the Kyuubi inside of him. He proclaimed him a hero and constant protector of Konoha for keeping the beast jailed inside his body." The third looked the very definition of regretful.

"I am Hokage and as such, I know what goes on in my village. I know that while his jinchuriki status is forbidden to be talked about, the parents undermine me and tell their children not to go anywhere near him. Those assigned to shadow him look the other way leading him to be beaten and since the villagers are apt to do things even more so when the ninja that serve to set an example look the other way, they think that it is a just thing to do."

"It's little wonder that Naruto hasn't grown to hate and despise the village, if that happens he may very well unleash the beast upon us. Konoha is a beautiful and strong village, but neither is she impervious to the sin of man. This much has been made clear to me in my many years as Hokage…"

Whoever it was that said that eyes were the windows to the soul could not have been more right. As he passed his wizened gaze over those of the council, the Sandaime could see it in their eyes whether they agreed with him, felt somewhat bad for their behavior, or seemed set in their ways of bigotry.

Homura and Koharu would always side with Danzo on nearly every platform; it was just the way of things. Hiashi Hyuga and Tsume Inuzuka seemed inclined to agree with him concerning the jinchuriki. Shibi Aburame and the Ino-Shika-Cho seniors seemed to be on the fence.

"The death of a jinchuriki would be a sight one would not be able to miss; one would certainly feel the maliciousness of the chakra being released. I am positive that Naruto is alive. I have a proposition of his circumstances to change when and if we get him back. I need him looked after…I want him to see that he is loved and wanted here. I can't force all of Konoha to change their ways, but mistakes will be recognized and corrected."

A spiteful civilian was about to say something wholly ignorant about Naruto, but the third continued. "And before any of you say something ignorant, think about the consequences that could befall us if he's taken in by another village. What's more, I want you to think about what could happen if the Hidden Sand was the village that took him in." Now the third remained silent to let his last words sink in. No village, no matter how detested, wanted to lose their jinchuriki; especially to a rival nation.

The statement had the entire room reconsidering their past actions towards Naruto, but not as deeply as he would have liked. Some members of the council looked eager to counter his statement, but another hardened glare staved them off.

He was the Hokage damn-it, how dare they even think to challenge him!

The proper war face intimidated enemies on the battlefield and that fact was no less true here, even in politics. He already knew who would object and he would let them, but he would use his veto power to overrule them if he needed. If only he could reveal Naruto's heritage to them, he doubted there would be much reluctance then. He shook his head, if only they knew.

However, it was not his secret to tell and Naruto wasn't of age yet, and nowhere near able to fend for himself. Even though his jinchuriki status may have warranted it, if the way he was treated was anything to go by. He just hoped the fact that he was a jinchuriki, a supposed weapon of the village would be enough to pass this.

"I do not want him looked at or even treated like a weapon, but since we're dealing with facts then let us look at the truth. A jinchuriki is a weapon to the village, a sign of a village's strength. Well people, we have been mistreating our weapon." The third sighed internally, he was going to be doing some repenting for speaking of Naruto like this, but if playing their game would make living easier for Naruto …then so be it.

"A weapon, or tool if you will, should be fine tuned, taken care of, sharpened, and made to see its full potential. Rather than taking care of our tool, we are letting it rust, and dull. Should we not see to it that when the time comes we get full use of his ability? Naruto loves his birth village. Not even the Kyuubi, with all its might could hope to change that about him. I'm sure he would defend it to his very death if we gave him the chance and put him in the position to succeed. Before we question the bias here, I want you to think if this is something we would do for any member of a clan from our village or not."

Danzo seemed ready salivate at what he was hearing, he had been compelling the Hokage from the get-go to allow him to train the boy. Looking back on it, he couldn't remember why he had refused so strongly, especially now that it seemed he was a man after his own heart.

The Sandaime noticed the glint in his comrade's eye, quick, and barely noticeable, but it was there. "Danzo, I will not allow Naruto to sacrifice his emotions. The type of training you would have him seen through would be too much for him, perhaps when he is older we can revisit." The explanation seemed to quell Danzo's thirst and the old war hawk even smirked as he gave an agreeing nod.

Sarutobi never thought a precedent would take place when he called for this meeting. Danzo, not only agreed with him, but smiled; however fake it might be. The fact he was not outright challenging his position and attempting to sway the council to back him up as opposition with his silver tongue was enough for Sarutobi.

However, he had to inquire to himself what the cons of that action meant as Koharu and Homura joined their comrade's side, signified by their acquiescing nods. He couldn't very well have ANBU spy on them; neither could he use his crystal ball. Sarutobi would have to meditate on the situation later.

_That's three, but what would you happen to be planning in that mind of yours, you old war hawk? _Sarutobi inquired to himself. For now he would take what he could get. If Danzo overreached and he finally got the evidence he needed, Sarutobi would personally unhinge Danzo and his two former teammates.

He sent a reminding glare towards the civilian council to keep quiet and once he was satisfied they would keep for a little longer, he noticed that Tsume and Hiashi seemed to be whispering to each another conspiratorially. Tsume grinned and Hiashi gave a subtle nod.

Another precedent surely, was Tsume and Hiashi coming to terms with something that Tsume seemed to be masterminding, and Hiashi approving. Usually Tsume would be trying to get at Hiashi with her claws and fangs, but not this time. "Before you begin Tsume, just know that this does not mean I can allow Naruto to be adopted."

"No, Hokage-sama, perhaps not. Though, nothing's keeping us from making him an honorary member of our clans." She grinned and cast another gaze to Hiashi who approved of her wording, "invite him in, the protection of Konoha clans will make anyone think twice, and will stand to strengthen his loyalty…then who knows." Tsume wrapped up, "Which is what Hiashi and I plan to do." Now the room came to life with murmurs of surprise.

Sarutobi lifted his hand, gently waving for them to quiet down as the noise level began to steadily rise on cue of Tsume's statement.

"I can do what I want, to hell with the rest of the council…don't know why you're not forced to disband after repeatedly going against Hokage-sama's laws," Tsume muttered and Hiashi closed his eyes, letting out a small sigh.

Sarutobi tried again, "The civilian council will quiet down and not interrupt or be asked to leave!" The muttering quickly quieted down before ceasing entirely. "I approve of your and Hiashi Hyuga's right to make Uzumaki Naruto an honorary member to your clans." The old man smiled, pleased. "Therefore, this unofficially makes Naruto's situation a clan matter…in part anyway."

The Uchiha Patriarch seemed indifferent to the goings on, "Hn, I'll pass. The Uchiha are plenty strong without the jinchuriki messing things up." Anything that the Hyuga agreed to, the Uchiha automatically had to be on the opposite side.

They then went around the room and the only folks who seemed genuinely interested in Naruto's well being were limited to Tsume and Hiashi.

Though Sarutobi was certain Hiashi had another angle he was working involving Naruto, welcoming the blonde in where no one else didn't would serve him well to earn his loyalty. The Hyuga were well spread throughout the Elemental Nations due to their ability to delegate, having Naruto would definitely strengthen their backing as Konoha's most noble clan.

Tsume, he felt he could trust. She and Minato had history as lovers before the two decided on a mutual break up for reasons not unusual for shinobi. When Kushina came into the picture, Tsume befriended the woman and the two became quick friends. Sarutobi knew that Tsume never stopped caring for Minato and he knew she would honestly look out for Naruto, as well as his best interests.

The Ino-Shika-Cho seniors decided they had no position to take. They would neither welcome him as an honorary member, but they wouldn't keep their children or clan's from being involved with him. Coincidentally, Shibi Aburame voted the same way.

"In the case that things don't go as planned, precautions will be made to make sure the Kyuubi never influences him, and that he isn't led astray. To have Uzumaki Naruto bred into not only the perfect soldier, but to instill in him the many lessons that would see him become what Konoha stands for. Since the votes are collected, I adjourn the meeting here. We will reconvene in two weeks time or when we have recovered Uzumaki Naruto, whichever comes first. Any further standards, principles, and restrictions that are to be set upon him will be discussed then."

Sarutobi reclined back into his seat as the council commenced, he eyed Danzo carefully when he bowed then began shuffling out of the office followed by his two cohorts, hardly dependent on that cane he walked around with.

_I hope you know you're not the only one skilled in deception, my old friend. I'll need some insurance to keep Danzo's Root men from making their own moves. I just hope I can get in touch with him soon._


	2. Just Wait On It

O.K.E  
[Operation Kill Everything]

Chapter Two: Just Wait On It

**. . .**

Naruto slowly came to, his vision a blur as he opened his eyes for the first time in days. He glanced around to find himself in a room that he was unfamiliar with and since it lacked the smell of sanitizer and bleach; he immediately knew he wasn't in Konoha General. He could hear someone nearby as his vision continued to clear.

He glanced across the room and noticed a mulatto skinned man who was humming in rhythm to himself. He could see long, charcoal hued hair going down his back and ending at his shoulder blades. He wore a fitting, long-sleeve, black shirt with 'twenty-five' designed on the back, camouflage shinobi pants that held a row of scrolls part way down either side of his legs for quick access, tan shoes rather than sandals, and he could barely make out the silver links of a chain around his neck that glinted softly in the daylight. Naruto also noticed that the man appeared to be packing, but the items were being set onto blank scrolls before being absorbed by a soft, white light, then disappearing from sight.

"Wh-." Naruto attempted to speak as he sat up in bed, but his dry throat caused him to break into a coughing fit. The man's attention was drawn when the young jinchuriki started coughing, then dry heaving. The young man rolled up his scrolls as he turned and smiled sympathetically, he went to the table where a pitcher and glass sat, and began filling the empty glass with water. He moved to sit on the edge of the bed as he handed off the glass of water to the blonde boy.

"No worries, friend. It's just some water and it isn't poisoned, though given your circumstances I doubt it'd be very easy to kill you like that." Naruto took a sip of the cool clear liquid, as if testing it before he proceeded to gulp down the entirety of the H2O. Some of it spilled and dribbled past his lips and down his chin, finding his thirst sated and the dryness of his throat gone.

"What Circumstances?" Naruto inquired in a husky, raspy tone after catching his breath.

The man tilted his head as he smiled in what seemed to be mischievousness and Naruto noted that he had white, pupil-less eyes with incomplete, maze-like, black patterns in the sclera. Sandaime had taught him that eyes were the windows to the soul once, but he couldn't find any signs of hidden contempt or disgust in them.

"Judging by those scrolls I found on you, the news is new to you as well. Sorry, I sort of snooped. What I mean is your being a jinchuriki for the nine-tails...bijuu containers aren't ordinary people after all and they inherit special attributes from them. An immunity to poison would be one." The man had informed.

"Oh..." Naruto trailed, remembering the scrolls, and only nodded since he was far from scared. Konoha had all but ran that feeling out of him and he just couldn't find a reason to care. "Yeah, well...you probably hate me as well then." He said overlooking the other matters he should probably be more concerned with in the presence of this stranger.

"Not at all, you help keep this world safe with your very existence. You're a hero. I'm not so close minded as Konoha or the rest of the world where your status is concerned. I'm honored to be talking to you, man." He grinned casually.

Naruto blinked and looked at the man as if he had grown a second head. "Why?" He asked after the room descended into silence. This caused the strange man to laugh heartily, something that confused Naruto greatly.

"Guess I should explain, huh? But I mean, why not? I know it might be hard to trust after everything you've been through, but you can't honestly believe that the entire world would hate you because you're a jinchuriki. I'm one of those folks who doesn't have a problem with it. Answer your question?"

Naruto nodded. He did have those he loved that loved him, or at least he thought he did. However, he realized that perhaps holding this guy to the same standards as Konoha was a bit unfair.

The room filled with silence again as Naruto looked over to the open window. He remembered what he'd read in the scroll, then being attacked. He remembered that part vividly. Where he'd wondered away from the village was blurry. He'd only heard a voice in the back of his mind, guiding him; a voice he now knew to belong to the Kyuubi.

As if reading his mind, the stranger spoke up. "I found you passed out at the edge of the forest near the town's entrance, you were in pretty rough shape when I found you, but your wounds healed fine after a day."

Naruto nodded. "That's how it goes. How long have I been out …where am I?" He questioned with his voice still hoarse.

"Today is day four and you're in 'Kōun no Toshi', a sleepy town southeast of Konoha. But, never mind that shit. You're fine now and that is all that matters."

"City of Good Luck…are you serious?" Naruto nearly gaped.

The young man laughed. "I know, right? That's the name of this place, though. It ain't even on a map, it's so small. But hey, some good luck that I found you when I did; there's all sorts of weird folk and assholes in this world. That said; there are a few things that need to be figured out."

Naruto kept a careful eye on him as he took the glass from him and began to refill it with another round of cool water. He set the pitcher down again and handed Naruto the glass again and he began to drink the liquid while he continued.

"I'm speaking about the cons of being a jinchuriki. I hate to put it this way, but you're seen as Konoha's property. They'll most likely want you back in the village, at all costs. Jinchuriki are treated like a militaristic symbol. Not to mention the unknown people that would want to use you in their schemes just for being a jinchuriki." The man scoffed.

"It's supposed to be some great accomplishment of modern warfare, despite them knowing that Bijuu have no business being sealed inside a human." Naruto blinked as the man seemed to get a bit emotional.

"The human body is too fragile and responsibly wielding the powers is a lifetime practice. You'll be able to use its demonic chakra in sync with your own someday, but when is up to your personal growth. If you've read any of the scrolls then you know what I mean."

Naruto cast a wary gaze on the strange man, "maybe, but how do you know all of that stuff?" He couldn't help but inquire.

"Well, let's just say I like to read about things in my free time. I learned a lot from my parents as well. My father loved history and my mother was into theory and science. She was real interested in how Bloodline Limits were developed."

Naruto bowed his head as he looked down. "Well, I won't go back to Konoha. I hate the truth of all this. I can't control any of this, never asked for it, and I'm supposed to be used to the villages advantage. They hate me, hurt me, and drive me away." Tears began developing in his eyes.

The man moved closer and placed the glass on the table. Then he placed his hand to Naruto's shoulder in a show of support for the blonde kid as they held eye contact. "I know gaki...Konoha should be kissing your feet in my opinion. Chalk it up to the vicious cycle." He removed his hand from Naruto's shoulder. "You may never be capable of living in peace; there will likely always be some sort of threat to your life's path."

Naruto remained silent as he pondered all the things that happened to him in his short life while tears gently flowed from his eyes and down his cheeks. He had gotten to briefly meet his mother and he hated that it had been so little time, but he was grateful for the few minutes he had with her. He knew he had been loved and that was really all he'd wanted, he got to feel what being loved was like and he knew she had truly loved him before she was killed.

The closest thing he had to a friend now seemed to be the Kyuubi. He could hear her telling him to try to calm down and that he should trust this man, because he held strength, and could possibly help him learn to protect himself.

The young man paused and began to feel guilty since he probably shouldn't be so blunt to this young and likely damaged boy. He'd been lied to his entire life, and he deserved some truth to balance out the bullshit.

He was going to give some perspective to this lonely child, if it was the last thing he did. Naruto couldn't very well be made to figure it out all on his own. Otherwise, the deception could continue until the boy didn't know which way was up or down. By then it would be too late to explain the truth and he may very well turn his rage and frustration on the world.

"Are you sure that's the route you want to take?" Naruto opened his mouth to answer, but he continued to speak over him. "You know that Konoha will likely begin sending search teams out for you. You're not a missing-nin since you were never a ninja, but they may treat you like one."

He began thinking deeply on the matter at hand. "A jinchuriki, such as you, should know how to protect yourself. If you're going to be out in the open world, you'll need to know how to fight at a high level to protect yourself."

Naruto began looking closely at the light skinned male and the young man did the same when the blonde grinned like a fox. Naruto's eyes became slits and with his round cheeks and whisker marks, he very nearly looked like one, elongated canines and all.

"Are you a ninja?!" Naruto asked, suddenly excitedly, and nearly jumped out the bed until the man stopped him by placing his hand on his shoulder. He handed the boy the glass of water as he started coughing up a fit from his overexertion again.

"I don't really have ties to ninja...I'm more like a ronin or mercenary, I freelance. I know the ninja arts, but I'm not affiliated with any ninja villages. I can receive missions from any of them and take missions that a village might not want to have their own ninja doing or aren't interested in. Bounty hunting also pays better, no village cut, so it's all profit."

Naruto's eyes grew large and eager. "Can I…I mean…would you-?!"

"You want me to teach you the arts, don't you?" He asked before Naruto could finish his anxious question. The blonde nodded furiously, leaning forward as his eyes turned pleading.

"I guess I could find you some books and scrolls since most of my ability is specialized, but those scrolls your parents left you will probably be all you need. Since you'll be a beginner, we won't have to worry about it too much." The young man said calmly, giving it more thought.

Naruto frowned. "Hey, I'm not a complete beginner! I invented my own jutsu last year." The blonde bragged with a proud grin on his face.

Sin was instantly interested. "Invented a jutsu? I'll believe it when I see it." He said while waving the kid's statement off.

"Then believe it!" Naruto lifted his hands to form the proper hand seals. "I call this…Sexy no Jutsu!" A puffing cloud later and the ten year old blonde was replaced by a teenage blonde girl…that Sin immediately noticed was naked.

The man's eyebrows nearly rose up to his forehead, the surprise obvious. Sin narrowed his eyes to analyze what he thought was a henge, but it was no ordinary henge. Those who were able; could see through a henge, and it wasn't difficult for most shinobi. However, Naruto's true form wasn't revealed; for all anyone would know, there was a blonde girl sitting naked in his motel bed. A genuine henge that actually made him into a she. "…Incredible," Sin muttered.

Naruto frowned deeply when Sin's eyes started to roam and he immediately turned back. "Ahem," Sin snapped to attention and composed himself, quickly wiping away the small trail of blood that leaked from his nose. "Perv," Naruto muttered.

"My bad…that's just…I've never seen a jutsu like that before, a genuine henge. It's unconventional, but that could be pretty useful."

"I told you I wasn't a complete beginner!" Naruto bragged.

"Ok ok, I believe you. Just know that the stipulation for traveling with and learning from me is that you listen to me. You will either address me as sensei or master. You'll learn it all…not only the jutsu, but practical exercises and theory, as well as history. If you accept, it's all or nothing. Training day will be everyday, do you understand?"

Naruto felt his heart race after the man finished with his speech. He shivered and folded his arms onto himself. "Yes!" Naruto shouted, nearly jumping out of the bed as he did. "Yes, I'll do it. I'll do anything to become a-!" Naruto stopped, deciding to reword his sentence. If ninja were anything like those in Konoha, he felt he could do without.

"I'll do what it takes, to be like you. I don't care about being Hokage anymore, but I do want to be stronger than. If that's what it takes, I'll learn it all. So, um...what's your name?" Naruto inquired, finally remembering he hadn't gotten this man's name despite him knowing his.

He couldn't help but smile at the blonde's enthusiasm. _This could be interesting, dangerous and life threatening, but interesting_. Naruto could be that one thing…person, he had been looking for to give his life some sort of real meaning.

He went on to answer his question. "You may very well have to do anything. I hope you understand the situation once we begin, so don't make me regret my decision. My name is Sin...Sin Kurokami." Sin smirked. "And Naruto, I think we'll get along just fine."

"Great, Sin-shishou. So, what's next?" Sin was sure he was about ready to bound out of the hotel like a chicken with its head cut off just from the prospect of learning the ninja arts. That was good, because he was going to make the kid hate him. Gentle, though very firm, just like he'd been taught; besides, the boy was a jinchuriki…he could handle whatever was thrown his way and likely, ten times more.

"Relax, gaki; one step at a time. I was actually hoping that you would be interested. When I found out who you were, I put this together while you slept. Konoha should get a kick out of this surprise." Naruto looked at Sin oddly as he pulled out a scroll from the side pocket of his pant leg. "I want you to read this; then sign it in your name. I want your Hokage to realize this is authentic." Sin said as he unraveled a small scroll.

Naruto angled his head curiously as he received it from his newly minted sensei. "What is it, Sin-shishou?"

Sin offered Naruto a fond smile. _Gaki's calling me master already. Feels kinda good, having that title…I'll have to live up to it._ "Just read it, gaki…see if you approve."

Naruto smiled, only because it was the first time he had an option, one besides what flavor ramen to eat. He took the small scroll and did as told. After a moment of his eyes scanning up and down, he started to smirk, and it slowly turned into a full blown smile by the time he finished reading it. "This is great!" He exclaimed, always up for a prank or two when he had the chance.

"I'm glad you agree." Sin smirked as he handed off a knife pen to the young Naruto. "Prick your finger with the tip of the pen and put your print on the seal there at the bottom. This will help in verifying the authenticity."

While Sin explained, Naruto nodded, and followed his instructions. As he watched the blonde sign the scroll, Sin had a funny thought. _Maybe I should have had him sign his father's alias instead. Mindfuck the Hokage by letting him know that Naruto knew his heritage._

Naruto left a bloody thumbprint on the seal and rolled it up before handing it back to Sin. Naruto was surprised to notice the cut on his thumb healed over while Sin did the same thing, leaving his signature and a bloody print beneath Naruto's own.

\+ Konoha +

Two days later, an elephant masked ANBU entered the Hokage's office as he sorted through his paper work. He would study a document here and there, decide if he would sign it, or come back to it later while making his mind up for whatever was proposed as he signed off the documents he felt good about.

He'd considered sorting quickly through his paper work before, but his meticulous nature wouldn't let him. He liked to discriminate each proposal with a critical eye before making a decision. No matter how small, civilian or ninja related; he believed any potential proposal could make or break Konoha, and he used this mentality when addressing documents he received.

Sarutobi looked up from the document he was currently assigning his signature and seal to, noticing the ANBU's sudden and anxious entrance. He sighed; his Kage senses were tingling, telling him it was anything, but good.

"Yes Elephant-san…where's the fire?"

The ANBU quickly knelt before his leader while holding out the scroll with his hands flat, palms up. "Pardon my intrusion, Hokage-sama. This came by bird messenger addressed to the village, and when it was examined, I was told to quickly bring it to you."

"That's very good then," Sarutobi said as he stood up and moved calmly around his desk to receive the scroll, and began to unravel the parchment. He turned his back to the ANBU awaiting further instruction as he went to stand before his window that framed the Hokage Monument in the background in artistic fashion.

Sarutobi found it a good thing that he'd placed his pipe down; as otherwise, it might have fallen from his mouth, and spilled ash all over the beautiful carpeting of his office. "Elephant-san…"

"Hai, Hokage-sama…"

"I want you to bring me the person that cleared this document. Second, I need the shinobi council gathered for an emergency meeting…to begin in one hour." The Third commanded as he turned to look over his shoulder. "Go, now!"

"Hai, Hokage-sama!" The ANBU disappeared, leaving in a swirl of leaves.

Sarutobi sighed as he went back to his chair to have a seat, this was one of the few times he found it did nothing to relax his aching bones and sore body. He glimpsed over the unrolled scroll again, _if Naruto really is gone with someone…No, I can't give up on the lad..._

The Sandaime's thoughts began to motor; there were many variables to consider now. He wanted to think it a hoax, but he knew Naruto's handwriting, and it was undoubtedly his. The bloody thumb print would likely verify that as well.

The 'God of Shinobi' knew that even though he would send some of his best tracking ninja after Naruto's trail, they would likely return empty handed. They would likely have little to no evidence to give them a suggestion as to where Sin Kurokami would lead Naruto. He needed to contact Jiraiya, but that would take time, and it was not on their side.

Sarutobi opened a side drawer in his desk to retrieve a fourth edition Bingo Book…and hurriedly skipped to the 'K-section' while silently hoping that Sin Kurokami had an entry. The man's name was their only lead right now. He breathed a sigh of relief as he found just such an entry. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

_Kurokami Sin_…_first name means wisdom_. _Ranked at C-class upon initial entry_…_two years ago_. _An update…seven months ago, put him at B-class._

He wasn't a ninja by trade and that meant no village affiliation, so further information was miniscule. The third discovered that he was only in the book because his entry suggested he liked pissing off shinobi as a hobby and hunting missing-nin to make a living. _Freelance's missions for villages sometimes, could be an angle there…_

There was a basic description of his appearance and mannerisms. Maze like patterns in the eyes? _Close to mid-range fighter, uses Genjutsu to reinforce his Taijutsu ability. Elemental affinity…unknown_.

The main reason he was in the book was because a new village, the Village of Hidden Sound, hadn't appreciated him killing some of their ninja for the bounties on their heads. _Three in one go, two Chunin, and one Jonin…Also made an attempt on the Nidaime Otokage's life during his head hunting adventure_.

The third wasn't sure if he should believe that final entry or think the Otokage weak. B-class ninja did not make attempts on the lives of Kage if they valued their lives. Sarutobi knew it wouldn't be the first time that a false statement was entered to hype a bounty price, something that determined if high skilled bounty hunters became interested or not.

That and their only tentative ally at the time was the Hidden Sand village. He was sure that the Kazekage wouldn't be doing him too many favors considering how Konoha was in its most successful period, while Suna was still suffering after the war. He wasn't confident, but he would send word.

Jiraiya the Toad Sage was still his best bet; there was just no telling how long it would be before he heard from him to send out correspondence, he would just have to wait until a toad came to send a return message.

By then, it may very well be too late, especially if Sin decided to take Naruto into enemy territory. He and Naruto may very well have been underground for all anyone knew.

**. . .**

A few days in to meeting his newly appointed mentor and Sin was teaching the jinchuriki to think for himself and to never be emotionally influenced. _All war is based on deception_. That was the first lesson Sin had given to Naruto.

The jinchuriki had confided in Sin that several of the fox hunts successful attacks came from trickery by civilians and ninja. They would feign friendship or no hard feelings and Naruto, being a naïve, young boy that only wanted acceptance; had been easily reeled in. It had pissed Sin off to no end and so he hastened their already hasty traveling.

After making their way out of Kōun no Toshi, Sin and Naruto made good time in arriving to nearby Tanzaku Quarters. Besides from planning to go to the tourist town, Sin hadn't revealed much as to the specific reason why they had traveled there.

Personally, Naruto was anxious to get out of Fire Country all together, but Sin had only seemed concerned with how stressed the jinchuriki was. He would constantly tell his apprentice to relax or stop fidgeting, although he was always walking ahead of him.

"Tanzaku Quarters was just another town until it became a tourist attraction for gamblers traveling to and from Konoha," Sin began, speaking for the first time in a long time. "Since the Leaf refuses to legalize gambling and will not house casinos, the place was put on the map. The castle you saw at the entrance to town is also a popular tourist attraction. However, we're not here for sight-seeing."

The blonde blinked his blue eyes curiously, tearing his gaze away from the many merchant stands, to look up at his mentor, whom he'd come to find out wasn't older than nineteen years. He didn't voice it, but he was surprised his master was so young. He came to appreciate that fact though, as he'd hate to have an unhip, stuck up, know-it-all sensei that was mentally worn and would never teach him anything but pretty words.

Naruto blinked. _Where did that come from? Ah, never mind, I want to know what we're doing already! _"Then…why are we here?" Naruto inquired.

Sin smiled. He was still getting used to the title. For some reason, Naruto chose to call him master rather than sensei. The young teacher stopped walking, stopping outside of the traffic of people, before a storefront. "I suppose I can tell you now. We're here to get you some of the appropriate attire and gear. If you're going to be a ninja, you need to dress like one, so I'm buying you supplies."

"What, really?" Naruto's eyes were the size of saucers as Sin nodded in a positively. "Wow! Thank you, I've never been given anything before. You won't regret teaching me!" The blonde said quickly as he jumped and hugged the young male.

Sin was taken back at first, but grinned, and ruffled Naruto's hair a little. When he thought about it, his response was normal. Normal, considering the type of behavior he received in Konoha. "It's no problem at all, Naruto. You've already made me glad to have you. Now, let's get you some clothes and supplies before we hit the road for real. We'll be doing a lot of traveling."

The two walked inside an all-purpose martial arts store called 'the Traphouse'. Naruto was awestruck by all the merchandise displayed on shelves and hanging on walls. Shuriken were hung by ninja wire from the ceiling to imitate a hoard of the throwing weapon coming down upon those who entered. Many would make the mistake of passing them off as decoration, but he knew better. They were a real theft deterrent.

Half of the shop obviously catered to tourists and ninja enthusiasts who didn't know better. There were a lot of weapons that were strictly for design and would never be effective in any form of real combat. They were meant to appeal to the eye of someone who wished to brag that they had been to Tanzaku Quarters. The place garnered tourists simply for being a Konoha territory. There were also clothes of styles that no real shinobi would be caught dead in…

…and Sin noticed Naruto was excitedly going for one of the atrocities. He had his sights set on a hideous orange and navy blue jumpsuit.

Sin moved quickly before he could take it from the hangar, grabbing the boy's wrist firmly. Naruto jumped from being caught off guard and looked up to see his new master casting firm eyes upon him. "No, Naruto. These are not the clothes of a ninja." Sin noticed that Naruto had looked at him fearfully when he grabbed his arm, he noted.

"Hai, shishou…I just really like orange and it looked comfortable…" Naruto muttered, feeling embarrassed, and like he had let Sin down.

Before Sin could respond, the two were joined by another. "Welcome to the Traphouse! I'm Saeko Busujima, the owner, is there anything I could help you with?" Asked a woman with dark-violet hair pass her backside and sharp bangs over the middle of her forehead. She was light-skinned, with a slender though muscular frame, and tall for a female. She wore a small, black tank top with a zipper set up the middle for design that accentuated her bust. A long, green skirt with a slit up the right side showed off the long leg up to her hip.

"Saeko, fucking, Busujima, good to see ya again." Sin grinned wide as he moved back into the aisle and motioned Naruto to follow as he walked toward the other end of the store, the part of the store that catered specifically to ninja.

"Sin Kurokami! I didn't recognize you with the long hair at first, you look…well." Naruto noted that Saeko and Sin were ecstatic to see each other. Since he'd never gotten to interact with the people in his village, Naruto got good at watching, learning, and understanding the interactions between others.

_**I think they've got history, kit…**_

_Kyuubi-chan?_

_**The one and only.**_

_But I thought you said it would be awhile before you could…you know?_

_**Right…I was just checking in to make sure that man was doing right by you…**_ Naruto noted that his tenant sounded suspicious.

_He's buying me some clothes and supplies. What kind of history?_

_**Intimate history? They've probably mated.**_

_Mate…as in..?_

_**Yes, kit. It's just like it sounds.**_

_Oh…ok. That isn't always the case though._

_**Trying to sound smart, brat? No, not always, but that's my bet. Ask him about it, we'll see who's right and wrong.**_

_Meh…_

This was only the second time that the ten year old was getting to speak with his tenant. They hadn't had much time when they first time met, but she had told him what he needed to know to keep him calm, and accepting of his situation. Speaking for the second time was looking like an anatomy lesson if he didn't end it here.

Naruto plugged back in to reality just in time to see Sin and Saeko ending their brief hug. He was slightly curious what their history was though.

"Saeko-chan," Sin began motioning to Naruto. "This is Naruto, my new apprentice. I can handle picking out his clothes, but I need you to gather two pouches full of shuriken and kunai, several packs of explosive tags, a pair of tanto, and two starter swords."

"Hai, nothing better than the great art of swordplay." Saeko was off to the back of the store with a smile, leaving Sin and Naruto to their devices.

"Alright, Naruto. You should know that orange isn't a color worn by shinobi, usually any bright colors are forbidden, but there are exceptions to the rule. So, in exchange for wearing something more practical, I'll find you something with a tasteful amount of orange. Deal?"

Naruto grinned widely and held out his fist. "Deal!" He exclaimed and the two bumped fists to seal their agreement.

Ten minutes later and Saeko had finished gathering the supplies that Sin requested. She now stood next to him as the two gauged Naruto's new look.

Naruto's rags were long gone. He had now had on red shinobi sandals and khaki shinobi pants. He had his shuriken and kunai pouch taped around either of his legs. He also had on a black, padded shirt that fit his upper body comfortably, behind a black protective vest made of Kevlar; a material nearly exclusive to the Land of Marsh. True to his word, Sin had found something the boy could wear with orange in it. Naruto had on a cloak that was cast in autumn camouflage. It had his favorite color among a few other autumn hues that would help him blend into certain environments.

"If your skills match your clothes, then you'll be unstoppable, Naruto! Not to mention that's a really cute look for you." Saeko gushed, Naruto was just too cute for words in her mind; though a little scrawny.

"Oh, don't worry. The kid will have plenty skill, he's got a few special people that will see to it." Sin added in reference to his parents' scrolls and his tenant.

Naruto beamed under the praise as he adjusted the cloak over his form. He liked it a lot and would likely stick with the design for a long time. Never had he dreamed of an orange camouflage before, so he was completely ecstatic. "This is perfect, shishou."

"I'm glad you say that, you'll need to be comfortable. I'm going to grab a few more supplies and then we're out of here."

"Hai!" Naruto couldn't stop smiling as he turned to regard his reflection in the mirror. He felt like a complete bad ass in his new attire and it didn't take long for him to begin dreaming about the day that all of Konoha would regret passing up on him.

After making sure he had everything, Sin was paying Saeko for the services of her store. "Thanks for the discount Saeko-chan, I appreciate it." He said while sealing the supplies into a few more scrolls.

"No problem," Saeko smiled, a small blush appearing, "you helped me learn to channel my blood lust after all."

Sin just laughed. "By helping you become a bounty hunter and serial killer of the criminally insane?" He raised a skeptical eyebrow. "It's not like you didn't have the skills, all I did was help you center your focus. You don't have to be thanking me for that, it was three years ago."

Saeko shook her head humorously. "You never did take to thanks or compliments," she sighed. "So, an apprentice…what's his story?"

Sin paused and looked down to keep counting out the ryo to pay the violet haired woman with, then a second time, and a third time. "What story? Why does there have to be a story?"

It didn't take Saeko long to come up with an answer. "Because you always answer a question with a question when you want to avoid it. The fact that you've counted the money three times now. Add to that, you continuously told me, when we used to hunt heads together, that you would never take on teaching because it got the master killed; focusing on the apprentice leaves little time for the teacher to keep his own skills sharp. Then there's the kid himself; he looks like a half starved, love deprived, orphan."

_Damn you, Saeko, why can't you leave well enough alone sometimes?_ Sin looked over his shoulder to Naruto, noticing the boy was still in front of the mirror, and looking like he was day dreaming. He sighed. "That's because he is a half starved, love deprived, orphan. He ran away from his village for reasons I can't tell you…I found him about a week ago now."

"What, why? You don't trust me?" Saeko tried batting her lashes while leaning against the check-out counter in a move to give him a view down her tank top.

Sin was tempted, but before his eyes could roam, he lifted his chin, and looked up at the shuriken hanging from the ceiling as he placed down the ryo to pay her. "Nope, Saeko, I'm not gonna fall into that trap. You ain't gonna get me like that, not on this one."

Saeko frowned and scoffed petulantly, revealing what her motivation had been. Despite that, she remained leaning against the counter casually. "It must be serious…"

"It's more about responsibility, so don't think I don't trust you. It would be irresponsible for me to tell you, because it really isn't my secret to tell. I'm still earning the kid's trust, even if he does call me shishou; that's just because I agreed to teach him. Right now, our relationship is one of obligation, not one of give and take…like a friendship." He smiled apologetically.

"Wow, so that's how it is?" Saeko said thoughtfully as she glanced passed Sin to Naruto, who by now, was posing and posturing in the mirror. "If he's as damaged as your making him sound…"

"Don't worry about the kid's health. He has had a hard life, but I'm going to get him healthy, and see him through his recovery as best I can. Tragedy builds character after all," Sin tried putting a positive spin on it.

"So, that's why you took him on as an apprentice?"

Sin nodded. "I just couldn't make him go back to Konohagakure after seeing him like that."

Saeko frowned, that didn't sound right. "He's from Konoha? I thought that place was supposed to be heaven on earth…"

"Yeah and they also have the second most missing-nin behind the Bloody Mist. Where there's smoke, there's fire." Sin sighed. "I best get going before the kid gets restless, he's pretty eager to learn."

"Where will you go?" Saeko had taken the money from the counter and began to pocket it with the rest of the day's takes.

Sin grinned and turned his head. "You know I can't tell you that."

"Yeah, yeah. Deniability, I got it." Saeko waved him off.

"Well, I'll tell you we'll be in town until about noon tomorrow. Maybe I'll stop by and give my farewell, no telling when we'll get to meet again. I'll see you later."

Saeko waved him away. "Ja…take care, Naruto!" She called and gave a wave to get the boy's attention.

Naruto looked away from the mirror to notice Sin walking back his way. He excitedly waved back to the nice, purple haired woman. "Bye, Saeko-chan!" The manner in which he waved his farewell was adorable to said woman as she smiled and waved him off.

"Busy day, Naruto, let's keep it moving." Sin walked by the blonde, causing him to turn and follow quickly behind.

Master and student found themselves seated in a restaurant after placing lunch orders, now the two were sitting in a booth, in the corner…staring silently at one another. Sin sighed and cleared his throat, there was something that had been bothering him since leaving the ninja supply store.

"So, Naruto…" Sin started awkwardly. "You know I'd never hurt you, right? You ain't got anything to fear from me." He frowned as he stared at the table top, thinking about that fearful look in Naruto's eyes from earlier, and it didn't help that he was a rookie where teaching was concerned. It slightly bothered him that he had caused such a reaction.

However, Naruto just smiled and shook his head. "I know, shishou…I trust you and _she_ says I can trust you, but can I ask you something?"

Sin looked up to the blonde silently and gave a nod. "Of course, you don't ever have to ask; I want you to speak your mind and come to me for help."

Naruto bit his lip and looked around the restaurant before reluctantly looking back to his master. "How do you know, Saeko-san?"

Sin blinked. "That's what you wanted to ask?" He sounded skeptical.

Naruto became nervous and changed his mind. "N-no, um…never mind." He said quickly.

"Nah, it's alright. I was just expecting something else, but if that's what you want to know. She and I met about five years ago in Earth Country, I was on my way to the Land of Iron for something or other…I can't really remember right now, but I found her defending herself from Iwa shinobi." Sin sighed. "I don't really fuck with shinobi that aren't missing-nin, but this group had an unhealthy interest in her. If I hadn't stepped in, they'd have had her dead to rights…funny shit, though; she got pissed that I was helping her."

Now, Naruto looked confused. "She got mad because you helped?" Sin laughed and nodded.

"I know, right? After I helped her dispatch them, she even tried to kill me! She passed out from exhaustion with her blade at my throat. I came to later find out that she has some bad blood in her system, something that gives her an unhealthy lust for blood when she fights. Long story short, I helped her focus so that she was less likely to lose herself, and we hunted heads together for a few years before we parted ways. She wasn't too different from you, except that she hated herself, rather than the general public hating her. She thought herself a monster for enjoying using a blade, but eventually, I helped her accept her situation for what it was. Talent, pure and simple…I hadn't seen her for three years until today."

Naruto looked thoughtful as he nodded, it was something to think about, but there was just one more thing. "Is that all?"

Sin cocked his head and looked confused. "What? You asked and I told…" He trailed, "oh…ohh! You thought?" He laughed a little more as he realized what Naruto was asking. "Nah, we were never like that; not that it didn't keep her from teasing the hell out of me from time to time, but no, we never, um…dated."

It was then that the food arrived and Sin was saved from looking foolish. _Kids these days,_ he thought to himself as the two readied to eat.

Naruto seemed thoughtful. "Huh, ok then. You know her chakra feels very nice, I like her." The blonde said in an off handed manner as he thanked the waitress and readied to dig into his ramen, while Sin was only having tea; mint from the smell.

"Saeko's chakra feels…nice?" Naruto nodded. _What is that called? A sensor type, but he gave it an emotion. Think, Sin…Right, negative emotions_. Sin decided to try something. "What about me, Naruto? What does my chakra feel like?"

Naruto stopped and looked up at Sin mid-slurp, squinting his eyes as he did. "Hmm," he sounded thoughtfully. "Calm," he smiled. "Sin-shishou's chakra feels calm, but right now it feels anxious…I guess." He shrugged and went back to eating without a second thought.

Sin's mind was blown. _This kid's a fucking sensor that can also feel emotion via chakra!_ He mentally laughed. _His presence would have saved me a lot of near death experiences while hunting missing-nin, that's for damn sure. Well, now I have a good idea how to begin teaching him_. He remained composed and sipped his tea, but he was anxious, and excited. Being a jinchuriki wasn't enough for Sin to consider someone special since it was forced on children, but what he had just been told, certified Naruto as special in his eyes.

\+ Konoha +

Back in Konoha, the shinobi council, plus Danzo and elders Homura and Koharu, had been quickly gathered for an update concerning one, jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki.

"I'm sure you're all aware as to why this meeting has been called, so I'll jump right into it. I'd like to know what, if anything, did the tracking teams pick up on the trail of Naruto?" The third inquired.

Tsume Inuzuka and Hiashi Hyuga exchanged glances with one another, before one decided to speak for the both of them. That would be Tsume.

"Hiashi-san and I each sent a team of our best trackers from each of our clans, as a joint effort, to Kōun no Toshi. Naruto's trail ended at the town's border, but using a picture of the Uzumaki, the teams were able to verify that he had been in a cheap motel with a young male of a light brown complexion. The owner was unable to give a name and description, as anytime he tried to, he was struck by a terrible headache." Tsume looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, but that's all we were able to come up with." The Inuzuka matriarch apologized.

The rest of the clan heads didn't look hopeful by the news, but the third simply nodded. He had foreseen these results days ago and as such, was not surprised. "That's quite alright, Tsume. You and Hiashi give your thanks for a job well done, but I had guessed that would be the result."

"So? You know something that we do not, Hokage-sama?" Shikaku Nara inquired. He could tell by the look in their leader's eyes and the tone of his voice, that he had come into information concerning the jinchuriki that none of them were privilege to.

"Right as always, Shikaku-san." Sarutobi answered positively.

"What would that be?" Hiashi inquired, perking up, but still his outwardly stoic self.

"I have identified the person that Naruto is with and he also reached out to us…" the Hokage trailed off as he pulled out his own copy of the Bingo Book, opened to the proper page, and let it be passed around. "This is the man that we're looking for." Everyone sat up a little straighter as this information was revealed.

"Sin…Kurokami..." Shibi Aburame slowly pronounced as he looked at the page. "No picture, just a description."

"This man?" Tsume spoke up skeptically. "He's not even ninja!" She exclaimed.

"Well, not by trade, but he's obviously a practitioner of our arts…Genjutsu and Taijutsu." Choza added.

Hiashi knitted his brows just a bit as he got a look at the page. "The eyes…maze-like patterns on a pure white sclera. We can rule out any clans or families that stigmatize their member's eyes for ritual…the white sclera means this is definitely a dojutsu, just one I've never heard of." The Hyuga clan head added.

The third continued to let the shinobi council brainstorm before revealing the scroll he'd received from the man of the hour. Sarutobi was exceedingly wise, but it was impossible to know everything, and in the rare chance one of his shinobi clan heads knew something that he didn't; he wouldn't distract from their focus. That and he wasn't anxious to reveal the second item in his possession.

During the exchange in conversation, no one noticed how uncharacteristically silent Danzo was being.

Inoichi perked up, having yet to see the Bingo Book entry. "A pattern like a maze in the eyes?" He looked deeply thoughtful, even closing his eyes. "Kurokami…I knew it sounded familiar!" He exclaimed opening his eyes again.

"It's no wonder we haven't heard of him. There's a clan in the Northern Lands, outside of the Elemental Nations…called the Kurokami. My great-grandfather mentioned them amongst others as an example anytime a discussion of Konoha's Dojutsu carrying clans were brought up." He closed his eyes again. "I think it's called…It's called, the…Tenchōgan! The Zenith Eye. I'd have to go back and look in my great-grandfather's records from his travels and experiences, but I'm positive that's it." He looked around again.

Sarutobi nodded approvingly. "That's good, bring me what you have, so we can verify. Do this as soon as possible." This was good, the more they knew about him before hand, the better.

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Inoichi agreed.

"Now, there's just one other thing. A scroll came by bird messenger earlier, I had the Cryptanalysis Department verify this, but it is apparently from Sin Kurokami, and Naruto Uzumaki. It was likely sent while they were still in Kōun no Toshi. In it, Naruto states that he'll never again have anything to do with Konoha and that he knows about his burden…it's likely that Sin Kurokami knows this as well. It has both their signatures and for authenticity, their blood prints are left on it, and it is Naruto's blood on it. However, that isn't the real issue."

"Naruto disavows Konoha, refuses to return, and that isn't the issue? Then what is?" Tsume exclaimed in question.

Sarutobi sighed and applied his chakra to the storage seal at the very bottom of the scroll. Everyone watched as Naruto's shirt jumped out of it, torn, dirty, and splotched in blood from constant wear and the attacks on the jinchuriki.

The third caught the item that contained the Uzumaki swirl and turned it around, everyone paid close attention to what happened to be written on the back.

_Konoha,_

_Karma has not taken lightly to your treatment of young Naruto Uzumaki and neither have I. You've all abused and mistreated an innocent child…Jinchuriki or not, it is unforgivable. You want your jinchuriki back? Just wait on it…_

_-Sin Kurokami_

Everyone was silent, the words up for interpretation. "The Cryptanalysis Department believes it is a threat towards the village and I'm inclined to agree. We do nothing for now, as I don't believe this threat to be immediate, but it is a declaration of war against Konoha. Therefore, I'm naming Sin Kurokami an Enemy of the State, to be brought to Konoha, dead or alive." Sarutobi announced.

No one noticed Danzo smirking to himself at the corner head of the table. _This is just too perfect._

**. . .**

**Author's Note: **_**I'm not into spoilers for fan-fictions. Any readers wanting to know more on the Kurokami or the Tenchogan can Google or go to the Naruto-Fanon site. I've seen many clans, jutsu, etc. used from the site in Naruto fan-fics and this is one I was intrigued with. Please R+R, thanks for reading.**_

**-**_**Black Naruto**_


	3. A Liar and A Thief

**AN: Firstly I want to apologize for the long period between updates. I won't give any reasons or excuses, but I'm sure some of you know how it is. I don't plan for the next update to take so long. To make up for it, you have a near thirty page chapter to enjoy!**

**I also want to give appreciation for the love this is getting. Not a lot of reviews, but the favorites and follows are definitely pouring in; so I can see this is getting some attention. I'll address a few reviews and then keep it moving to 'chapter three'.**

MrNeedsToRemoveAllFavs: I want to thank you first and foremost for correcting me on the use of 'Sochi' as meaning son. I've never thought to look it up because it is a term used so heavily in Naruto Fan-Fiction. That term will no longer be used; I may go with a simple English use of 'Son' or 'Musuko'. I might find need to use 'Yoshi' as well. Thanks once more.

Thor94: Do not worry about such things. Sin Kurokami is not here to be Gary-Stu as people like to call them, but for a Naruto mentor, he will need and have skill. The progression of all characters will be steady and happen through the story. Though Sin is a sensei/master, you will find him bettering himself through Naruto characters that are more skilled than him at times. I haven't gotten to who or how since that is down the line. Just know that Sin is at a firm Jonin rank. I have been tossing ideas for a Naruto Kekkai-Genkai, but haven't decided on it yet. I'm open to suggestions!

GundamWing-00-Seed: Naruto will not be returning to Konoha. If he does, it will not be for the reasons that you fear. He will not be Konoha 12 and any Genin cell (if he's ever a part of a Genin team) he becomes a part of will be anything but the Leaf.

Now, on to the story!

O.K.E  
[Operation Kill Everything]

Chapter Three: A Liar and A Thief

**. . .**

[One night before Sarutobi's Emergency Council Meeting]

It was late night, entering the early A.M in Konohagakure no Sato. Inside a dark, dank habitat that resided in an unknown location underground of the hidden village, Danzo Shimura was setting a plot…or mission, in motion. He justified his underhanded actions, something many would call propaganda, by masking his backhanded actions to be for the good of Konoha. Truthfully, it was to fuel his own selfish ambitions and desires; just like every mission performed by his emotionless drones had been over the years.

He stood in an empty room of the Ne HQ, before three ninja that he'd handpicked for Ne's latest mission assignment. Locate and acquire the jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki. What was to happen beyond that, only Danzo truly knew. There was a secondary mission parameter that he planned to set into motion during the attempted acquisition of Naruto Uzumaki.

Danzo had found interest in the mentor, Sin Kurokami. He'd take him, dead or alive, to be used as a test subject for his eyes and any other unique and useful abilities or qualities he may have possessed. After finding out a bit about the man that Naruto was traveling with, he figured that the Kurokami could be useful, and if he decided to be noble, the man's transplantable dojutsu alone would do just fine in the Root's possession. After reading up on the Zenith Eye, he felt it would complement Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan quite nicely.

Danzo raised his chin high, appearing more superior than normal as he looked passed his nose to the three Ne ninja he had hand selected for this mission as they knelt before him with their heads bowed. The damaged man smirked as he cleared his throat and folded his arms behind his back.

"Kinoto, Terai…Hitomi." Danzo trailed as he acknowledged the third of the group. "My sources have sent word that the jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki, and the man he now acknowledges as his mentor and master, Sin Kurokami…are still in Fire Country. They're located in the tourist hub of Tanzaku Quarters. They will be leaving Tanzaku and presumably Fire Country outright, tomorrow before noon passes. You three are to beat a quick path there before they leave the town and subsequently, we lose their trail again."

The Ne ninja remained silent and bowed before Danzo's authority in complete supplication as they took in his smug, but indifferent features. He began to pace calmly before them as he continued his pre-mission brief. "Your mission will be as follows. You are to capture the nine-tails jinchuriki and I want him alive. Do what you must to capture him, so long as the demon brat is still breathing."

"Hai, Danzo-sama." The three mechanical shinobi droned.

"Good," he nodded. "There is also a secondary objective to this mission…I would also like Sin Kurokami of the northern continent to be brought in, his body to be used for test studies. It would be nice if he could be brought in alive as well, but if not…kill the man…and bring me his eyes." Danzo grinned with sadistic glee.

"He's in possession of a dojutsu considered ancient from where he hails. It is the Tenchogan, Zenith Eye. It is a kekkai-genkai that could be of great value and use to the village. If you have to kill him, just make sure his eyes are left undamaged. The priority here is the nine-tails, so if you cannot get the man, you will return home with the jinchuriki immediately. The Hokage does not have this information yet, so time is on our side here; he'll likely know by the end of the day, tomorrow. You three will prepare and leave immediately, understood?"

"Hai, Danzo-sama!" All three said at once, their voices dead with emotionless loyalty for their only recognized leader.

The Root organization head focused his attention to one of them in particular. "Good. Since this will be Hitomi's first mission since being brought out of her coma…Terai and Kinoto, I want you to keep a close eye on how she performs. Make sure she has plenty of chance to prove her worth and loyalty as the newest member of our faction…dismissed!" Danzo bellowed and after giving an affirmative response, the three of them departed the underground bunker they were in via leaf Shunshin.

Danzo smirked cruelly to himself through the empty space, feeling as if some of the pieces to the puzzle were beginning to fall in place for him. If this went according to plan, it would be his first success since the series of failures that began in Amegakure, when he'd easily endeared himself to that fool, Hanzo the Salamander. The attempt to wipe out those wretched upstarts had failed and now was a good opportunity to amend the series of misfortune. _It's only a matter of time now_, he thought to himself as he too left the area.

**. . .**

The morning after her reunion with Sin and meeting his adorable charge, Naruto; Saeko was performing an inventory check of her martial arts supply shop, 'the Traphouse'. She hummed to herself casually, standing behind the front counter with a clipboard, making notations here and there. When she finished going over the information on the clipboard, she placed it down on the counter top, and sighed in an exasperated manner.

"You're not even trying to hide now…are you?" She said to seemingly no one at all.

It was then that three shadows began to materialize at three different points of her store's showroom. One at the entrance, a second at the farthest left aisle, and a third in an adjacent aisle to the right; effectively cutting off any chance of escape. Something told Saeko that their sudden and strategic appearance had something to do with Sin and Naruto; she figured it was too much of a coincidence otherwise.

The first had black spiky hair from what she could see since a white mask that reminded her of Konoha Anbu with red patterns hid his face. He was also wearing attire that was typical of Anbu dress with a tanto strapped to his shoulder.

The second was wearing a light-colored jacket with a hood on his head. The Anbu mask he wore was much plainer, having only three eyebrow-like markings above the eye holes and a red cat-like nose. He also wore a pair of black gloves.

The third of the group was obviously female. Unlike the other two, she lacked the use of a mask to conceal her face. She wore fine robes of black that loosely fit her body and gently outlined the curves of her form. The robes held a hood that she wore over her head to conceal her face.

With the exception of the female, Saeko was reminded of Konoha Anbu and Kiri Hunter-nin, but she knew better. Although she couldn't be sure about their affiliation, Saeko knew first hand that Sin didn't directly pick fights with the military power of hidden villages. _Not if he can help it anyway, _she finished thoughtfully.

"I'm sorry," Saeko grinned challengingly, "but if you're looking for money, you're not going to get it from here. I don't deal with bullies, thugs, hoodlums, mercenaries, ninja…pick a synonym." By now, Saeko's grin had become a full blown smile.

The man with red markings over his mask began to converge on her while the other two remained in the aisle behind him. "Tell us where the nine-tails is and we'll make your death quick." Saeko stopped smiling, deciding to tilt her head curiously at the man's statement. She truly did not understand what or who he was talking about.

"The nine-tails, what would that be?" She inquired innocently; something told her it was going to be simple to dig for information since the masked man was already volunteering. As he continued to approach her, Saeko discreetly began to mold her chakra little by little, so that her intent wouldn't become obvious to them.

"Don't play stupid, we tracked him to here. It won't help you to keep the whereabouts of the jinchuriki a secret. He is Konoha's property; you will tell us where he is…" The masked man droned on.

Saeko kept herself from rolling her eyes. _That's the problem with delegating…too fucking easy. They just tell you everything without asking._

Now she knew why Sin had refused to tell her anything about Naruto. Recalling what she learned from Sin, being a bijuu container was an incredible burden to carry; one that no one could comprehend unless they were a jinchuriki themselves.

She remembered the previous day and it was beginning to make since, though she didn't know much about jinchuriki, bijuu, or whatever else may have been associated with them. _So, the child is a jinchuriki? I can't say I saw that coming…I always thought they were myths. Well, even if he wasn't a sacrifice, I still wouldn't tell them._

"Go to hell," Saeko gave with a bright smile.

There was no more talking from then on and the red masked agent went to make his move, reaching for the tanto strapped behind his shoulder. A moment before his hand could grasp the hilt of the deadly tool; Saeko removed a shuriken from her thigh strap and threw it in one swift motion.

Kinoto proceeded to draw his blade and batted the projectile away without hesitation, sending it flying into the ceiling. Saeko smirked and glanced up. The shuriken hanging from above were now pulling at their wires, angrily aimed directly at Kinoto.

_Magnet Release: Magnet Shuriken_

A magnetic field had unknowingly formed through Kinoto's body from deflecting the shuriken charged with Saeko's magnetic chakra. It strengthened enough to finally snap the wires holding the shuriken to the ceiling and over a hundred of the throwing weapons rained down on the Root agent. The two accompanying him leapt out of the way, but it didn't matter; the shuriken were only attracted to him.

It was futile, but Kinoto attempted to use his sword to deflect them. However, it was quickly pulled from his hand by an overpowering force, and he had the chance to see his weapon fly into Saeko's hand obediently; just before he was impaled by nearly every shuriken that had been hanging from above.

"Kinoto!" Terai exclaimed after watching the first in command being struck down. He prepared to counter attack, but when he regained focus, Saeko was nowhere to be found. "Damnit! Danzo's not going to like this." Terai scowled beneath his mask.

"Find the bitch!" He commanded the concealed female.

"…"

Terai raised a gloved hand into a familiar hand seal, his intent obvious to the cloaked woman. "I'll give you one more chance," he warned.

She shifted and turned around to go for the exit. "I…have her trail," she said slowly as she began to leave the store. Terai lowered his hand, satisfied, but wary as he followed her out.

**. . .**

Sin was brought out of his sleep by a rude awakening. There was someone banging repeatedly on the hotel room door and no matter how hard he tried to ignore it; the disruption wouldn't go away. The Elemental Nations foreigner forced himself out of bed and began muttering about how Naruto was sleeping soundly through the early morning noise. _Lucky bastard…_

The knocking stopped, but the noise didn't, because the person on the other side of the door had decided on kicking it instead. "Alright, got damnit!" Sin barked, going to the door with a sleepy wobble in his stride, shirtless, and only wearing his shinobi pants. He snatched the door open, geared up to cuff the bastard…only to recognize Saeko standing at the threshold.

Glaring, he opened his mouth to curse the woman out, but she didn't give him a chance. She forced her way in and slammed the door closed without explanation. In a word, she looked frantic, but Sin was too angry and baffled to address it.

"I don't have to tell you how early it is, so I say this once…what the hell?" Sin ground out between the clenched enamel of his teeth, displeasure lacing his tone of voice like venom due to the rude awakening.

"There's no time for your smart ass mouth!" Saeko barked with fervor to match his displeasure while looking around the room for something. Finding it, she began going from one end of the room to the other, gathering the lingering supplies, and shoved them into the arms of the half dressed and stunned man.

Sin was temporarily at a loss for words as he looked at Saeko like she was insane. He liked to consider himself down to earth, but Saeko was more stillwater than he was…when she wasn't lusting for blood.

"Saeko, just tell me what's going on?" He asked, highly annoyed. He could tell that something wasn't right. The buildup of noise and consequent bickering drew Naruto from his sleep, but neither of the young adults noticed.

Saeko swallowed and took a breath, but the troubled expression didn't go away. "Konoha knows that you and your jinchuriki apprentice are here. They made a play on my life, but I managed to kill one of them. There were three, but now there's only two."

Sin was stuck for a moment, looking the woman directly in her vibrant eyes before bothering to respond. "The fuck?" He petitioned in obtuse prose, frowning at the particular way he was discovering that she knew about Naruto's status. That was all good and well since he hadn't been responsible for her finding out, but his mind was curious as to how the hell Konoha had found them so soon.

"What-?" Naruto shot up in bed after hearing the familiar title, his eyes widening with alarm.

Saeko flinched; noticing that the adolescent had woke up in time to hear her proclamation. Turning an apologetic glance over Sin's shoulder to Naruto, she made a quick amends. "I apologize, Naruto; I'm very sorry. Don't blame your master, he didn't tell me, and I know your burden, but, I don't care. You can trust me-." She tried soothing the blonde.

"Naruto…" Sin spoke slowly, cutting Saeko off, and beginning to walk around the bed with nonchalant steps as he noticed a very wary light coming into the blonde's majestic blues.

The blonde knew that Saeko was telling the truth and truthfully, he cared little that she knew, but he was just entirely too worried to focus on that thought being a positive one. All he'd heard was Konoha, jinchuriki, and 'knows where you are'. Therefore…

"No! I won't go back!" Naruto yelled irrationally as he jumped out of bed and tried to go for the door out of an instinctual need to survive. He hadn't been with Sin long and had not learned much from the man yet; most of his insecurities had yet to be trained out of his mind.

"Naruto stop!" Sin managed to catch the blonde before he could reach the door and pulled the ten year old into a strong hug. "No one's taking you back to Konoha," he began to reassure him, "I stake my life on it."

Silence reigned within the two bed hotel room for a moment. Saeko wasn't sure what to think, being that she was on the outside looking in. That was when she could hear the muffled sounds of crying filling the room and her eyes widened. Why did the scene seem so familiar?

A small frown then graced the swords-mistress' visage as she continued watching the two males embrace. Sin was quietly trying to sooth Naruto, repeatedly reassuring, and promising the orphan that he wouldn't allow anyone, especially Konoha, to hurt or force him into anything that he didn't want to do. Sin let Naruto know that he had choices now, at least more than he'd ever had in Konoha, and that the road to interfering with the Jinchuriki's new life ran through him.

As Saeko watched Sin and Naruto's interaction, she was momentarily drawn deep into thought. It was a sobering experience, she had almost forgot what living for someone else was like since that odd sickness attacked her school when she were in her adolescent years.

She was forced to kill teachers, students, friends, and enemies. The best part about it was that she got to repeatedly do those things without hesitation; without an opportunity to make those decisions while in a completely rational state of mind…not.

Before and after surviving the infection that animated the bodies of the deceased had been cured, Saeko left her home. Then her life got worse before it got any better. She would come to discover that her ability to take life wasn't because of the affliction, but because of a natural blood lust. She had uncovered an uncontrollable desire to spill and intake the substance.

That blood lust had combined with her desensitized mind from years of killing that began when she was barely of academy graduate age compounded the problem, and turned her into someone she considered ugly. It kept her from loving herself.

She'd hated herself for years because of the overwhelming desire to spill the life source called blood. That red, thick substance was her drug and aphrodisiac; it still managed to rile up those carnal desires within her from time to time. However, at times, she could still see some of the faces of those she had struck down while reveling in their blood as she did so.

Then…chapter two of her life began as she entered womanhood.

_I met Sin_, she smiled a small, thoughtful smile as she remembered their first meeting.

Saeko recalled that she'd had him dead to rights, ready to spill his precious blood like she had done to so many others, so many times before. Despite the fact he had just helped her fend off immediate threats to her life.

Even now she couldn't figure out what exactly had come to pass. She remembered simply dropping the blade, him embracing her, and her letting him do so. Naruto and Sin were on better terms, but it wasn't unlike what was presently transpiring between them. She had also wept in his encouraging embrace.

She had been reborn on that day. The cocky, but extremely foolish Kurokami helped her learn how to live again. It was unheard of for someone to be considerate of another without asking for, or expecting anything in return, rather than looking out for number one in this world; especially when that someone did work for hire. He was so genuine and it went a long way in helping her recover.

Since he was a bounty hunter, he'd taught her the art of tracking, not being tracked, trapping, counter-attacking, and recognizing an ambush before you were ambushed. It was relatively easy for her since she already had skills in attacking and killing. It also went a long way in helping Sin to help her channel her blood lust; not to mention surviving on her own.

Saeko blinked, breaking out of her reminiscent thoughts; her woman's intuition kicking in. They were burning time that they did not have. "Hey, you two, I hate to break up this moment, but…we don't have the time for this. They're closing in on this location, I can feel it."

Sin and Naruto exchanged a look with one another before the elder looked back to Saeko. "We're good now," he said thoughtfully. "I have a plan." He turned to acknowledge his student once more. "Naruto, get your things and get dressed. You get to see how a spy that's a spy operates, rather than someone who is a ninja first and spy second."

Saeko smirked while slowly licking her lips. "I know that look. So, what's the play?"

"First, we get the hell out of here. This only works if we get outside of the town."

**. . .**

The Anbu: Root agent, Terai and the cloaked female with him made their way through the civilian foot traffic of Tanzaku Quarters under the sun of the early day with quick, but unhurried steps. Neither of the Konoha operatives paid much attention to the odd looks they were getting from the townies, likely the cause of their appearance, as they walked through.

Although one was as calm as still waters, Terai was becoming impatient with the mission since Kinoto had been killed by Saeko, and not one of their mission parameters had been met yet. "I swear to you, if we lose the jinchuriki because of you...activating your curse seal will be the least of your worries." He threatened in a flat tone of voice.

He droned on, the female likely not listening to him. "Danzo-sama does not take lightly to failure and don't think that I'll be taking responsibility for Kinoto's death." Terai all but threatened, his voice only slightly muffled by the mask he wore.

The hooded woman did not miss a step, forced to continue listening to Terai grating on her mind with his constant complaints. "Mm...you are...second-in-command." She began slowly. "I believe you will be...held responsible. I warned you and Kinoto about...the woman…before we went in. Also, the seal is...only a weak version of the...original. I'll continue to...obey, because I'm...biding my time." Her voice was calm, gentle, and soothing; almost nurturing to anyone who may have cared enough to notice. All in all, she was a far cry from the usual droning of Danzo's ordinary puppets.

Terai's eyebrow twitched behind his Ne mask. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Terai inquired, grounding out the words with restraint. "It sounds like you're contemplating treason, wench."

He began raising his right hand to form the correct hand seal to activate the woman's curse seal he'd mentioned, but refrained from activating it since she appeared to still be following orders. Danzo had told them beforehand that there was nothing they could do about her loose tongue, plus she seemed to be his new pet project, and interfering with Danzo's projects usually meant death for the perpetrator.

The female decided to oblige her male counterpart. "It means...that...the death of your...partner, Kinoto...is his own fault. It also means...that you are...a simple, ignorant pawn like him. One who is incapable of thinking and making decisions…when needed. You're…easily discarded...nothing about you...will be missed...should you die." Terai couldn't tell, but he knew the wench was smiling at him beneath the hood of her robes.

More times than not, Anbu: Root agents were stripped bare of all of their emotions, as well as their memories, and anything else that had made them a person to begin with. The exception was usually those that were handpicked by Danzo, or contained strong bloodlines.

The woman in robes met both requirements, but the Root Commander had decided on rebooting her mind anyway. It just didn't take. Danzo had tried, but could not completely rob the woman of her emotions, though the memories were wiped nearly entirely. He'd also chosen to utilize a curse seal to his advantage, just in case.

However, Terai was one of those that had been stripped from having the liberty of free will, and whether he realized it or not; he resented those members of Root. Terai was feeling annoyance from the woman speaking her mind. He was ready to mold chakra and apply the seal that would cause her mind severe pain, but...

"I...found him. He's upon that roof...and he's…waving at us." She raised her concealed arm to point a finger at their target nonchalantly, stopping her stride in the middle of the street. Both of the Ne operatives looked up to see a blonde haired, ten year old boy, with bright blue eyes, and whiskers waving enthusiastically in their direction.

Naruto grinned widely. "Hey, Konoha!" The jinchuriki yelled; his minor voice echoing so that it not only gained the Roots attention, but also the townies in the area. Everyone watched as the youth went on to finish his statement now that he had an audience. "You want me so badly, well here I am." The blonde grinned and turned to take off amongst the roof tops of the town's structures.

"Damn demon." Terai cursed and made a move to follow, but before he could get anywhere, the reach of his associate crossing into his path stopped him in his tracks.

"Stop acting foolishly, or have you forgotten why I'm here?" She alleged, since Terai's mind was clouded and only focused on getting at the _Demon brat_ and fulfilling his master's orders. She may have been the one on watch by her teammates, both current and deceased, but what neither had known, was her second reason for being activated. Blind dedication and loyalty was all good and great, but it could also be a double edged blade; the downside being that Danzo's tools got themselves killed because of that blind devotion.

"How did I do? Was I great or was I great?!" Naruto bragged as he hurriedly met back up with his mentor and Saeko who had been hiding off in the distance amongst the tree line. They were off the terrain of the path that led all trekkers into the town entrance. The group's current location was at the edge of the surrounding forest that resided outside of town.

"He's not just cute, but brave." Saeko impishly smirked, beginning to ruffle the blonde's hair, continuing to do so even as he waved his arms in protest, frowning from the baby treatment he was receiving.

"Good acting, gaki." Sin chuckled and turned to approvingly give a thumb up to append his words with the gesture. "However, now it gets real, so remember what we planned. I can feel them coming, they'll be in our vicinity soon. It's time to set the stage."

The former partner to Sin, the purple haired Saeko, seemed to shiver in excitement; the simple thought of bloodshed beginning to make her blood pump and her muscles hum pleasantly. "Mm, sounds like old times," lust filtering thick through her voice.

Naruto gawked, wondering what was with the sudden change in the older woman while Sin was shaking his head at his friend's risqué mannerisms. He decided he'd better send Naruto on his way, lest his mind become overloaded for reasons he wouldn't understand thanks to Saeko's bloodlust.

"Naruto," the jinchuriki snapped out of his haze at his master's voice. "Your involvement with this plan is over now. I ain't gone risk having you exposed against these people any further and eventually you'll get your chance to shine, but for now…you know what to do." Sin's firm tone brokered no room for argument, so it was with a frown and a reluctant nod that the young blonde ran off into the cover of the foliage to find a good place to hide; just like they had agreed he would do earlier.

Neither Sin nor Saeko noticed the wry grin that graced Naruto features. _Shishou didn't say anything about finding a place to watch from while I hide though!_

Sin waited until his apprentice was out of sight before turning to acknowledge Saeko. "Your turn..."

The blood lusting woman nodded knowingly at his statement and raised her hands to form the appropriate tiger seal. _Kyōka Henge no Jutsu,_ she muttered and was immediately engulfed by a thin cloud of smoke. As it dissipated, a stray breeze blew the remaining bits of smoke away to reveal that the formerly purple haired swords mistress was now a blonde haired, blue eyed, ten year old boy with whisker marks upon rounded cheeks.

"Well sensei?" Saeko inquired as a direct copy of the jinchuriki with a perfect pitch of the original Jinchuriki's voice.

"Looking good, Naruto," Sin winked approvingly. "They won't expect your Magnet Release appearing like the gaki. The difference between the standard Henge and the Kyōka Henge is that it makes it more difficult for enemies to discover that your true appearance due to the advanced Genjutsu layer that the typical Henge lacks. It'll work long enough for you to utilize your Magnet Release again without being obvious should you have to use it. As long as neither of them possesses a Byakugan or Sharingan, they may never realize it." Sin bragged.

Pseudo-Naruto sighed wistfully, "This really does feel like times memorable."

"Heh, well wait till after we've survived these hunters to wet your panties." Sin chuckled, "I got 'em…they've reached our perimeter. I hope your acting skills are still on point." The Kurokami bantered.

"Well, you're about to find out aren't you?" Pseudo-Naruto's ocean blue eyes glimmered with building excitement in response to his words as the two faced one another. It was time to set the stage.

The two Root operatives hid themselves within some overgrowth of brush, choosing to take a moment to spy on the jinchuriki and his master as they stood in a clearing talking animatedly though inaudibly about something or other.

"So, here they are. I don't see the woman, but it doesn't matter; we'll snatch up the demon, get the Kurokami's eyes, and be gone before the wench can even consider returning to interfere." Terai muttered almost arrogantly as he reached within his zipped-up, tan, trench coat to calmly reveal and begin unfolding a demon windmill shuriken.

However, his silent partner never underestimated her opponents and she wasn't about to start now. Questions such as 'where was the female shop owner from before?' she wanted answers to, before making further moves.

She finally decided to remove the hood of her robe to reveal the mature, gorgeous, and round face of a Hyuga woman with the fairest pale skin, large and expressive pearlescent-lavender eyes, and midnight blue hair that bordered on black lengthening down her back.

Then there was her most interesting feature; that being the imitation Hyuga curse seal stamped into the flawless flesh of her forehead. The only difference being the inverted cross between two fish hooks where there would normally be an 'X'.

"Something's not…right, we should…wait," she began her observation. _Byakugan!_

Terai didn't bother to listen as he stood up. He began winding the large shuriken in the palm of his gloved hand, motioning his arm in a circular motion to build momentum; his eyes on the prize. "There won't be any more stalling, fight or don't, but stay out of my way." He hissed in forewarning.

The Hyuga's gentle facial features grew angry with Terai's ignorance as the infuriation reached her round, pupil-less eyes. She'd been dealing with this mindless drone for longer than her temper was capable of withstanding. "Fool! That boy isn't-!"

Terai launched the shuriken with a grunt of exertion through the atmosphere. He'd quit wasting his concentration on his Hyuga partner. If not for the mask, Terai's impatient facade would have been readily apparent to the outside world as his eyes focused on his throwing weapon's trajectory. The air caught the blade just right as it made a b-line for the Kurokami, aimed directly for the middle of the '25' designed on the back of his shirt since he had his back wide open to the weapon's flight path.

"Look out, Shishou!" Pseudo-Naruto exclaimed in a convincingly frightened tone of voice that matched the original's completely as he leapt away from the area.

_You fucking no-good, Konoha coward. You attack my friend, threaten my apprentice's freedom and well being, and now you attack me on the sneak tip. Fine, I'll show the strength of a Kurokami since you crave it so badly!_ Sin internally sneered, incensed about the entire situation as he spun on a dime to face the incoming projectile as it whirled soundlessly through the air with perfect momentum.

Terai licked his lips eagerly from behind his mask as it struck true. He would then count himself grateful for the concealment of the item; otherwise his shocked expression would have given away his genuine surprise.

Everyone watched when the Demon Windmill Shuriken made a b-line for Sin. It should have bisected the man clear in half; only it passed clear through him into the tree trunk behind him with a resounding _thunk!_

_I never get tired of seeing that._ Saeko thought as she hid off to the side of the improvised battlefield in the midst of the forest clearing

_Whoa! That was awesome. He has to teach me that! _The young Naruto was flabbergasted to say the least. He'd gotten to see a lot of jutsu that he thought was cool when he spied on training sessions back in Konoha, but he couldn't recall ever seeing anyone do something like that.

_Sin Kurokami's file…miniscule though it may be, there's no lie in it. He is highly skilled in Genjutsu to be able to perform that act._ The hidden Hyuga woman thought keenly. _Maybe he can…_

"Are you satisfied, you blew our…advantage!" the beautiful Hyuga woman snapped out of pure frustration. "I was about to tell you...that isn't the jinchu-…" The dark haired woman trailed off midsentence as she watched Terai blindly rush Sin, ignoring her yet again. "…Isn't the Jinchuriki…" She inhaled and let out a slow, easy breath where a smirk slowly began to curve her lips. "Fine then, you go and…get yourself killed."

Sin glanced over his shoulder to the shuriken that was lodged blade deep into the tree just a few yards behind him, before turning to face the assailant coming directly at him with narrowed eyes that foretold pain for the masked ninja. The maze like patterns in his eyes began to shift throughout his sclera as he molded chakra to them to activate his _Zenith Eye_.

_Kakuritsu No Me! _(Probability Sight).

Activating the ability of his Zenith Eye, the Probability Sight, Sin's mind was instantly granted with the knowledge of his best opportunity to counter Terai as he approached. It was clear to his eyes that he intended to engage him in Taijutsu.

Sin took an open stance, one that would let his opponent believe he was leaving his body and vital areas susceptible to attack. He remained calm and cool as Terai lashed out with a gloved hand, to which Sin leaned back slightly to avoid as his fist shot out over his head. He followed it up by a similar strike with his other hand and Sin did the same.

"If this is your attempt at sizing me up," he began as he took a step back to avoid a high arching kick, "then you're terrible at it." He grinned, able to hear Terai growling behind his mask. The man picked up the speed and accuracy of his movements and Sin was forced to make an effort.

The Kurokami backpedaled calmly, able to tell that Terai was trying to back him up into the tree that his oversized shuriken was buried in, but he leapt up, turning his shoulders as he did to rotate his body, and lashed out with a jumping back kick as his blindside opened.

The masked-nin blocked the strong kick by raising his arms in an 'x' in front of himself. As Sin's feet met the ground again, his back toward him; he leapt down to the ground bracing his hands against the forest floor as he kicked out behind him with both legs to mule kick Terai in the face. The consequences of this action saw Terai getting thrown back, with his mask cracking from the strength of the kick.

Terai coughed from the strong kick and discarded the half of the mask that was still held to his face, revealing his features. He then spit blood on the ground when he noticed that his lip was busted. Sin had also made the man bite his tongue during the strike, but he would not be deterred.

_Let's see how you like this, demon lover! _The Ne operative began to perform hand signs, but Sin perked up noticing this, and tried to keep track of his hand signs; the patterns in his eyes shifting slightly more.

_Boar, Horse, Tiger._ Thanks to the ability of all dojutsu to see chakra's existence in the environment, Sin was able to immediately discern that he was preparing a very strong Katon jutsu.

Terai finished and took in a breath of air, his cheeks puffing out as the jutsu built up from his lungs. _Fire Release: Grand Fireball Jutsu! _He mentally called the attack as he bellowed out a generous amount of hot flame that took shape of a large sphere that quickly sped towards Sin in all its blazing glory.

Naruto's master was prepared, however, and smirked confidently as he flashed through his own set of hand seals. _Yang Release: Correlative Dream!_

Saeko had seen this technique before. The _Yang Release: Correlative Dream_ was an A-rank, defensive Ninjutsu that was utilized with Yang chakra, labeling it also as a Genjutsu technique.

He used Yang chakra to create a twin of his opponent that could perform up to five techniques that the caster's opponent attempted upon him. That Yang based doppelganger copied any five jutsu or techniques to near perfection and could reflect the technique back on the enemy, at the same time or either independently of itself on demand.

Sin's intent this time around was clear, using it so early when Terai was using his first jutsu, and Saeko took it as a sign. She'd be ready to strike when the two jutsu combined to make a distraction of hellfire.

The Kurokami's exact projection of Terai shimmered into view and without performing the required hand signs; it blew its own rendition of the Grand Fireball Jutsu toward Terai's own. The fireball's soon met, canceled each other out, and an explosion of each attack's combined flame engulfed much of the battle area.

Both warriors performed a Substitution to evade the consequence of being injured by the violent eruption of the Katon jutsu, only Sin had the advantage since he could still see Terai due to his ability for sighting one's chakra.

The Hyuga woman had been forced to find a different position at the perimeter of the area's fallout, but when she focused her Byakugan activated eyes, she couldn't help but to gasp as the smoke began to clear.

Terai lay dead in the foliage of the forest amongst the burnt flora and bark of trees as debris of flame fell to the earth from above like a drizzle of rain. She knew Terai would get himself killed for having underestimated Sin and the woman; though that wasn't what surprised her. While Terai had performed his Substitution with the usual log, Sin had performed his Substitution with something else, or rather someone else.

Saeko stood over Terai's body as the last bit of life left his body in the form of muscle twitches. The woman had blood spattered on her face, some of her clothing, and part of her exposed thigh from the cut of her long skirt. She'd not only cleaved him in two, but had also removed his head from the body; leaving his remains in three separate pieces.

"Mmm," Saeko moaned as she licked his blood from her lips. Her body shivered with adrenaline and blood lust motivated delight as she swooned. "Not the best I've sampled, but then I've never been a demanding woman…I'll take what I can get." She said over Terai's corpse with sensually narrowed eyes.

The Hyuga frowned as she watched the real Naruto return from his hiding place in awe and unflinchingly glanced over the decapitated and split form of Terai's body. The sight did not seem to bother the kid entirely much. _So then…where?_

It was then that she felt something wrapping around the entirety of her form, bounding her arms at her sides. "I'm right here," she heard the distinctive voice of Sin Kurokami as she felt her binding's beginning to drain her of her chakra source. She said nothing, realizing that it wasn't ninja wire, but something shiny that looked vulnerable; yet when she tried working to escape, the binding's tightened with little provocation as it threatened to cut into her skin.

_What? What…is this?! _She thought, suddenly feeling tired. It looked like some sort of chain.

"Not to sound cliché, but I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you so much as think about trying to break free of my choker, it'll eat more of your chakra, and tighten further until it grinds right through you. Others have been stupid enough to try, so I've seen it."

Sin's voice was disembodied until he dropped down from a tree overhead; one that had been relatively unscathed by the blow over of flame. The Hyuga was inclined to buy into his words; she'd survived worse, so she knew she could survive this if she bought her time appropriately.

He whistled when he noticed how lovely the female Hyuga was and slid his hands into his pockets coolly. "Well damn, I ain't expect a Hyuga to be among your group; especially one so…well, you know how you look. Attractiveness aside, you had to have seen through the Kyōka Henge on Saeko, why did you not warn your partner?" He inquired as the two simply held each other's neutral gaze, a quiet exchange of professionalism exchanging between them.

The Hyuga tried to hide her interest as she observed the pattern in Sin's eyes and she figured it had something to do with his dojutsu, especially since Danzo had been taken with him enough to demand they steal his eyes. She also noticed that the chain she'd observed him wearing around his neck was gone; leaving her to deduce that it was more than a simple piece of jewelry as she was quite sure she was bound by it now.

In the meantime, she scoffed sharply at his inquiry; not because he asked, but for the very reason that Terai lacked the answer to that very question. "I noticed your set-up immediately," she said truthfully while maintaining eye contact; she didn't see any point in lying. "I tried to tell the…foolish bastard what the fact…of the matter was, but he chose to ignore me. That was why…I didn't even bother…to help. He deserved to die." She scowled in a way that Sin couldn't help but find was increasingly attractive on her soft features.

Sin whistled again. "Not what I would call great team chemistry." He went silent and knelt to pull the woman up into his arms bridle style, beginning to carry her out into the opening as Saeko made sure that the residual embers of flame had all burned out.

"There you are, Shishou! That was some fight, too bad it was so short." Naruto greeted as Sin placed the Hyuga down against a tree that had been badly burnt, but was still standing.

"You'll soon come to find out that most battles involving the Ninja Arts are short lived, apprentice." Sin sighed as he stood again and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

"I'm guessing she's the last of the hunter team. We know they're from Konoha, but did you figure out who sent them?" Saeko asked with crossed arms below her bosom. She had since used a cloth to remove the excess blood from her face, as well as her blade, which was now sheathed by her hip.

"Well, judging by the mask that the other wore, and this woman being a Hyuga…They're definitely from Konoha, but that isn't the typical mask of an Anbu agent." He turned back to the Hyuga. "You gonna tell me your name, my lady?" Sin asked respectfully since he noticed that this was an adult woman, one older than himself that carried herself like a well respected Hyuga would. Being respectful would get him far, plus, he wanted to get answers so being respectful seemed a good way to go.

"Hitomi…Hitomi Hyuga. You're correct that I'm from Konoha, but as for who sent us and who I work for; I cannot tell you." She said calmly without pause.

"Oh, really? Just why can't you tell us, huh?" Saeko questioned, quite irritated with the woman and her 'associates'; even more so when she simply looked at her blankly. "You and your friends ruined my shop! I have no problem taking your head as well." She began to unsheathe her sword from its black scabbard, but Sin gave her a look from over his shoulder; one that she recognized the meaning of. _Not now, if you threaten her, she'll shut down. She's answering most of my questions…let's just take it slow for now._

"I cannot tell you, because of the seal on my forehead." The woman shifted her sight upwards to indicate said curse seal.

Naruto was enthralled, so he was being relatively silent as he observed Saeko and his sensei speaking to this woman. He was also more than just a little scared of being forced back to Konoha, something that this still breathing woman represented the threat of. Since that was his perspective, he was choosing to keep a safe distance from her whether she was bound or not.

"That's most definitely some sort of curse seal there, right?" As the Hyuga woman nodded solemnly to Sin's words, appearing even more subdued than before by the mention of it; Sin went into a moment of thought as he got a closer look at it.

"What are you thinking?" Saeko asked quietly from his side, peering around his shoulder.

"I'm not sure yet. I need a moment." Sin responded quietly.

_I've heard about the Hyuga's practices. Their Main Branch and Minor Branch traditions; I might have something in my research notes about it. _While everyone else was still silently on edge, Sin reached for one of the pockets on the side of his pants beneath his scroll holsters to retrieve a small red notebook marked 'Elemental Nations', and began flipping through pages.

Hitomi, Naruto, and Saeko watched as Sin looked from the notebook to Hitomi, and then paused. He stared at its pages a moment and once more looked from the notebook to Hitomi again, before closing it, and placing it away with a sigh. "Your seal is all wrong." He said obviously.

Hitomi nodded. "I won't be able to acknowledge much more than that with this inappropriate thing marring my flesh. I can tell you that I am, or was, a Hyuga of the Main Branch during the better part of my life, but I cannot tell you how I was expelled from the clan. There are also many things I can't remember from my time with the clan." She acknowledged.

"You're being controlled by someone…" Sin squinted his eyes. "…I'm guessing that they aren't affiliated with your clan?" Hitomi nodded to his words. "It's weak, like a cheap knock-off…this may be your lucky day; it might be weak enough that I could try removing it with minimal risk."

Hitomi was shocked, and Naruto could be heard in the background questioning the decision as well, but as Saeko took a step back and drew Naruto back with her by his shoulder to give Sin some space; she liked to think she could understand why. "Just, watch and learn, Naruto. Enemies can become allies on the turn of a dime…it's not always just about killing."

"Why…would you do that?" Hitomi Hyuga inquired, unable to keep her surprise from honestly showing in her eyes. She'd been waiting for the moment to be put down ever since… "Ow!" She suddenly winced as a sharp pain shot through her head and a headache threatened to ensue.

Sin began to step forward to help, but stopped. He hadn't decided on killing her yet and he was confident he could remove the curse seal, but. He took a breath to calm himself, wanting to clear his mind, and be sure about his actions as he rolled the sleeves of his shirt back to his forearms.

"I like to think I…see things in people." He said vaguely in rejoinder to her doubt.

That didn't seem to give Hitomi much clarity, especially with the ensuing headache. "But-."

Sin graced the Hyuga with heavily lidded eyes as he set his face in a manner as to make him appear disturbed. "I was under the impression that you wanted out from the thumb of these people. I could always just burn your mind for my answers and kill you…if you prefer?" He offered up as an unseen killing intent changed the aura around Hitomi and himself.

This action made Hitomi sit up a little straighter, alarm temporarily present in those Hyuga eyes. "You…can't, I still have to...Ow!" She winced again, a vague memory of her former life trying to push through, but she kept getting severely punished for attempting to retrieve it.

Sin frowned, becoming serious again as he watched the seal on her head beginning to emanate, pulsating a malevolent dark green hue. "Alright, here's what I'm thinking. I make my best attempt at breaking that seal without destroying your mind. At the same time, I get my answers, and after that you can go your own way. The second option is you refuse and I rape your mind, after which I use the chain to kill you. "

Hitomi frowned at the crass terminology he used to portray what he'd do to her mind, but she had been considering this possibility since she realized his level of skill with Genjutsu and Yang chakra. She figured he would be a good bet for removing the half-assed seal on her forehead without requiring an extensive knowledge of Fuinjutsu. The problem was, she was still a Hyuga at the end of the day, and was not accustomed to 'begging' for help.

Sin folded his arms over his chest as he held his lidded eye contact with her. When she remained silent, he cleared his throat. "Try yes, please, and thank you." He suggested seriously.

Hitomi broke eye contact with him to look down at the ground. She did want the help, she needed to get out from beneath Danzo, recover who she truly was, and resume her life as it had been before whatever misfortune saw her forced into slavery via curse seal.

"Hai…please, remove this accursed seal," she looked back up at him with determination. "I would be very thankful." She said softly.

Naruto's eyebrows shot up into his hairline when he heard Hitomi. Everything he knew and had experienced with the noble Hyuga Clan of Konoha suggested that they saw anyone who was not Hyuga as below them. He'd never heard one speak in such a way to anyone that wasn't of their clan, except for the Hokage, but even then it seemed condescending. _I'll do whatever this man says, I don't care. I wonder if he knows what he just accomplished._

Sin smiled genuinely and knelt down. "It'd be my honor. This will work best if you're comfortable, so I'm going to release you." Hitomi nodded and Saeko wanted to protest, but she trusted Sin's decision making. He must not have sensed any deceit in her.

The chain restraining Hitomi began to unravel from around her lithe frame, releasing her until it fell to the ground, and became the size of a normal mid-length chain that Sin picked up, and clasped around his neck with a smirk. "Not many people expect a chain like this to be a weapon."

"A man with…many talents, I'm sure." Hitomi muttered with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

Sin chuckled. "Careful. If you hurt my feelings, I may not be able to help you." He bantered back as he crouched down, looking closely at the cursed seal once more. "Just try to relax and keep your mind clear."

"Hai," Hitomi spoke demurely as she shut her eyes, Byakugan now deactivated.

"You two might want to go get right, this may take awhile, and I know Naruto's got to be hungry because I know I am since we didn't get breakfast."

"I got it covered," Saeko volunteered and smiled down to Naruto as she placed a hand to the top of his sunny blonde hair to gain his attention. "How about we go get some take-out?"

Naruto frowned slightly. "I want ramen." He answered simply, causing Saeko to giggle at the young boy.

"Well, let's see what we can do." Saeko retorted and the two began making their way through the forest, back to Tanzaku. "Be back soon."

Sin smiled lightly before turning back to Hitomi who was breathing calmly and still had her eyes closed. "Hitomi, I'm going to use a variant of the Evil Releasing Method to remove this curse seal. This wouldn't work on a true Caged Bird Seal, but what's on you is definitely amateur hour; it seems…almost rushed." The Kurokami informed as the seal told a story to his ornate eyes.

Hitomi's brows furrowed slightly. "The Evil Releasing Method?" She questioned.

"Hai, it's the opposite of the 'Evil Sealing Method'. The best way I can describe the E.R.M is that it forces the curse seal into a false activation, tricking the mind into activating the function. The curse seal's function will also be suppressed at the same time. This causes the curse seal to overload and weakens it so that I can expel it from your psyche. However, since your curse seal is directly tied to your brain, I have to perform the E.R.M from within your mind."

Hitomi didn't completely understand how this would all work out, but the layman explanation he provided gave her an image of how he hoped to achieve the results he spoke about. There was just one doubt. "Are you…skilled with Fuinjutsu, Kurokami-san?" Hitomi couldn't help to ask since his file stated nothing about a talent with the particular art.

"You can call me Sin and not particularly, though I've been learning for the longest. I haven't been able to find many books and scrolls on it, plus it helps to have a knowledgeable teacher to guide you. I had a sensei back where I came from, but he's with Kami now, and he's the one that taught me what Fuinjutsu I do know. The hard part is accessing your mind, but my skill with Yang chakra is substantial, so I can make up for it. It's surfing the mind that's risky. Even the Yamanaka can make mistakes in mind meddling and I hear they're some of the best." Sin's visage turned partially nostalgic, not that Hitomi could see since her eyes remained closed. "The mind is beautiful and fascinating, but it's a complicated existence."

Hitomi drew in a breath and breathed out to deter her growing headache. "Your honesty and acknowledgement of risk… is appreciated."

Sin grinned in a wily manner. "Be appreciative after I've finished, Hitomi-san. Now, I'm going to place a small sheet of chakra paper over your forehead. I'm doing this because I need a medium to force the curse seal out of you. I don't have a 'Blade of Totsuka', or flesh from a Main House Hyuga, so I have to use this. The chakra paper will act as a current for your chakra when I begin to use the Evil Releasing Method."

Sin took a deep breath and reached his right arm out to place his hand on her forehead, over the position of the chakra transference paper, and closed his eyes. "Let's get it." Molding chakra began to join their perceptions; feeling a tug on his consciousness, he accepted it, and everything went silent.

Sin opened his eyes to find himself in a temple which was dark and unkempt. He looked down at his feet and caught sight of a glorious engraving of the Hyuga clan symbol in the flooring of the temple. He sighed however, noticing that the engraving was marred by the image of the same curse seal that was on Hitomi's forehead. It appeared as if it had been crudely spray painted over.

"What a mess," he muttered as he looked up to see twin banners of the Hyuga clan also marred in the very same manner with the inverted cross. Everywhere he looked there were scrolls unraveled and strewn about; on the floor, dangling carelessly from the walls, and hanging precariously from the ceiling. As he made his way through the expansive temple, he was careful not to step on the scrolls; convinced that they represented Hitomi's memory and person.

After making careful steps around and over the scrolls, Sin came to a large pedestal where he came upon Hitomi. The woman was lying on her back on a stone slab, eyes closed as if sleeping. She was dressed in robes similar to what he had met her in, only the material was richer and more expensive with the Hyuga Clan yin-yang over the right breast. He could also see that she lacked the presence of a curse seal on her forehead, Caged Bird Seal or otherwise; putting two and two together, he guessed this to be Hitomi's representation of her true self.

He was grateful that her mind was in the form of this temple and scroll presentation. A physical representation of the subconscious was rare; most exclusively seen in people of higher learning, strong minds, etc. The condition of the place suggested that she had fought the application of not only the curse seal, but outright mind control. Whoever was responsible had been satisfied with neutralizing her true self with the Caged Bird Seal knock-off. The physical form sleeping on the marble stone slab proved this theory.

Sin turned and looked around. "…Such a strong mind; to think that this seal threw it into such disarray. The sleeping, mental Hitomi must have battled with the Hitomi I met. The inner Hitomi, though compromised, maintained some influence on the outer Hitomi; otherwise she would have never allowed me to do this."

"You're a strong woman, Hitomi. If your mind had been completely compromised, I'm not sure I would be able to do this. I don't know how long you've been shouldering this, but you fought every step; the least I can do is help you reward that effort for never giving up. Clean up and then I'll run through the memories that'll help me."

He threw his hands together into the dragon hand seal and closed his eyes in concentration. The scrolls began to glow and began to lift from the ground before coming together and swirling around Sin due to an unseen current.

**. . .**

Meanwhile, Saeko and Naruto had returned from their food hunt. While Naruto was most happily slurping on a large cup of take-out ramen, Saeko was carrying a few bags of ingredients; the motivation being to make something. She hadn't decided what she would do after this, but her location in Tanzaku had been compromised.

"What is Sin-shishou doing?" Naruto asked after slurping down a particular mouth full of noodles when he saw Sin standing over Hitomi with his hand firmly over the woman's lulled back head. Though they were physically present, both seemed to be somewhere else.

"He's entered the Hyuga's mind to try finding the source of the curse seal. Don't worry, they're both fine, but they might be like that for awhile." Saeko said as she set the food stuff down, looking for sticks to make a small fire. Meanwhile, Naruto was still observing the scene.

"How did he learn to do something like that?" Naruto inquired, more to himself than to Saeko, but she answered nonetheless.

"Naruto, I've spent years on the road with Sin, and the source of a lot of his knowledge; he's never truly told me. It's funny how someone that relies heavily on using knowledge as his strength can share so little. He had a really smart sensei before he came to the Elemental Nations; that leads me to think he learned all he could there, before coming here." Saeko provided.

"What?" Naruto turned in question.

Saeko blinked as she glanced up at Naruto from picking up sticks for a fire. "He hasn't told you? You two really haven't been together long. You probably don't know this, but there is another continent besides the Elemental Nations simply referred to as the Northern Lands. There are clans and ninja there, just like here, only the way of life is supposed to be different." Saeko let out a small sigh at Naruto. "I can't say much more than that, but you're his apprentice now, so maybe you'll get more access to that knowledge." She went back to preparing the sight with Naruto looking at her oddly.

**. . .**

Sin had reordered Hitomi Hyuga's mind and had delved into her memories. However, he had come to find out more about her and Konoha than he felt comfortable learning, but there had been a great deal of compensation in doing so. The last scroll rolled up, but not before Sin Kurokami leapt out from within the scripture written on it; finding himself back in the now tidy temple.

He looked around and smirked at himself. "I can't say I ever liked playing housekeeper, but you can't deny the feeling of a job well done." All the scrolls were rolled up, tied off, and ordered. He had carved out glass cabinets using Yang chakra to place the scrolls in, and over each of the many container doors were protective seals in the form of talismans. They were for reinforced mental protection.

He knew Hitomi was strong, capable, and mindful; definitively more so than himself, but extra protection never hurt. The talismans, added with her mental strength would make it harder, if not neigh impossible for her mind to be tampered with again. In doing so, the curse seal marring the Hyuga clan banners over the pedestal had disappeared. However, the Hitomi Hyuga lying on the slab remained in her coma.

"We're almost there Hitomi." He said to her. He turned and began walking down from the pedestal through the temple, and knelt down over the curse seal marring the Hyuga engraving at the temple's center. He concluded that the ruination of the banners was simply an overkill to express dominance over her mind, but the one on the floor was the true source.

_I'm sure that it's…Tiger, Snake, Horse, Ram, Tiger, Hare, and Rat! Evil Release Method!_ After running through the hand seals within Hitomi's mind, he placed his hands to the floor, and began to force his chakra into the curse seal on the floor.

**. . .**

Ever since Naruto and Saeko had arrived back to the sight of confrontation, the jinchuriki had not taken his eyes off of his mentor and master. Although he was worried, he was also enthralled and interested. He wanted the answers as to why they were like that, why was physical contact needed, what was going on inside their minds, was it anything like his own, etc. He found himself simply wanting to know, whether he realized it or not.

Saeko had started the fire and cut some logs down to fashion makeshift seating for them once it was over. So as she sat down, she found her attention being drawn away from the fire, and back to the young boy with a faint smile. _Oh, I know that look; it's just like Sin when he's studying, thinking, or trying to solve some problem. He's starting to crave knowledge; I think I'm realizing why Sin chose to take on Naruto. He just used the excuse of wanting to protect the boy as the face reason, but he must see some of himself in the kid._

It was a moment later that Sin and Hitomi broke contact with one another and both gasped loudly as a flash of blinding light temporarily fell over them. Sin's legs fell out from under him, bringing him down to his knees. He remained on all fours from the chakra drain.

"Sin!"

"Sin-shishou!"

Saeko and Naruto perked up and quickly made their way over to the kneeling man. "Yeah, yeah…I'm fine. I've never been in someone's mind that long before and…it was a huge damn mess!" He huffed as he began to stand again with Saeko's assistance as Naruto remained silent despite his anxiousness.

"Come on, you should sit down." Saeko suggested, but Sin resisted.

"Yeah, just wait a second." He muttered tiredly and reached for the chakra paper still attached to Hitomi Hyuga's forehead. "Moment of truth…" He slowly began to peel it off and Naruto gasped when he saw that the curse seal was burned into the Chakra Transfer Paper. "Whoop, there it is." He chuckled.

Saeko sighed in mock exasperation. "You're so damn lame." She muttered with a smirk.

"Hey, respect the technique." He responded, looking over Hitomi. "I think she'll be out of it for a little bit."

"Fine, for now, you rest." Saeko began to drag Sin over to the campfire she put together and made him sit on the ground with his back against the log she cut out.

Naruto was silently looking at Hitomi in thought before he went back to join the group. "That was incredible, sensei! I don't think I'd believe it if I hadn't seen it."

Sin gave a tired thumb up to Naruto. "All in a day's work, gaki." He smirked when Naruto frowned at the term, though he said it with some affection. "You watched the whole time?" He couldn't help inquiring as Naruto came to sit beside him.

The spiky haired blonde just nodded.

"Even though there was nothing to watch?" Sin raised an eyebrow.

"I was…observing?" He said in slight question, but nodded when he was convinced that was the right word.

Saeko watched the two with glancing peeks as Sin nodded, seemingly impressed. "Good, always keep your eyes open, always ask questions. Stick with me, gaki…" Sin yawned a little. "I'll help you find the answers." He finished his sentence, unable to keep from dozing off from the expenditure of chakra in freeing Hitomi Hyuga's mind.

"Hai sensei," Naruto responded, though he couldn't hear. He had a lot of questions that he wanted to ask, but he could hear the Kyubi in the back of his mind; telling him to be patient. He was understandably excited since unforeseen forces continued stalling his first lessons.

**. . .**

Sin opened his eyes. He saw that both Saeko and Naruto had fallen asleep, the fire was dying down, and it was early in the evening, but the sun was down. He sighed and pushed himself up to stand as he stretched. He groaned as he felt a few bones pop, then grabbed one of the bowls and filled it with some of the stew that Saeko had made. He snatched up one of the bottles of water and walked over to where Hitomi's prone form was slumped against the tree across from them.

"Haaa…you can get up now, I know you're awake." He said as he crouched down before her.

Hitomi opened her eyes slowly, looking directly at him as she did so. He could see the difference in her gaze, slight though it may be, but there was an unmistakable clarity in her pupil-less eyes that hadn't been there before. "How are you feeling, Hitomi-san?"

"I am who I'm supposed to be, thank you…for ridding my…mind of that seal. I have to ask, Sin-san…what did you see?"

Sin chuckled and held the bowl of cooling stew out to her, as well as the water. "It's cooling so you might want to eat it before it gets completely cold; know what I'm saying?"

"I'm not…" The woman's stomach growled just as she was about to protest, causing Sin to grin in amusement. "Fine, thank you." She changed her mind and took the container from him with a delicate hand.

"You're probably not used to disposable utensils, being that you're Hyuga royalty and all." Sin said seriously as he moved to sit beside her against the tree. "I can't believe I'm talking to the Queen of the Hyuga clan."

"Former," Hitomi supplied before going back to her stew. "Plus, it isn't like I've never been in the field before."

Sin nodded. "True and please don't give me any of that former bullshit. The way you had your title taken from you was far from…politically correct. What kind of person separates a woman and mother from her family, children, and clan to overthrow her; then willingly hands her over to someone like…Danzo?" Sin sneered as he recalled the memories that he'd seen.

"Hm. My…husband…apparently." She said lowly as she sat the half eaten bowl of stew aside and began to partake of the bottle of water, which she quickly gulped down due to a bout of dehydration.

"I don't understand why, from your memories it seemed like Hiashi Hyuga truly loved you. Why take you from the clan…your daughters, Hanabi and Hinata?" Sin muttered in question to himself, more so than to the Hyuga Queen.

Hitomi smiled, almost fondly, wanting to remember how Hiashi had been before; rather than how he'd ended up. The short times she'd gotten to be with Hinata to reinforce her self-esteem, only getting to see Hanabi one time; she would have to rectify that. "He did…love me, Sin-san…he just loved…power more." The woman's voice was layered with betrayal, sadness, disappointment, but most of all…a broken heart.

"Hitomi-san…" Sin tried.

"So…Naruto Uzumaki. He's certainly grown since my last memory of him." The Hyuga royal decided on changing the subject.

"Heh, yeah. You were kind to him a few times when he was younger, I'm not sure he remembers. I only got a peek, but I saw that…you knew his mother? You had a good relationship?" Sin couldn't help prying. Kushina Uzumaki was a severe topic of interest in his mind as of late and anyone who could tell him about the woman was either dead or searching to take his life.

Hitomi's smile returned, but the heart break was obvious, and Kushina Uzumaki was not only a sore topic, but a well kept one as well. In the end, she decided to dodge the question about Kushina Uzumaki as well. There was something that she wanted Sin to know. "How…did you come upon…young Naruto?"

Sin sighed. "He ran away from his village not too long ago and I found him in a different area of Fire Country. I learned of his burden, how he'd been treated, and who his parents had been. I wanted to take him back to Konoha, because one can't run away from their problems." The Kurokami lowered his eyes to his lap, remembering the pain he could see behind those brilliant blues, and it stuck with him because Naruto hid it so well. There was no reason for it.

"When I saw the complete tragedy in his eyes…I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I'll teach him everything I can…the boy gives me some sort of reassurance for the future." Sin confided in Hitomi.

"He's a…bright child, just needs the chance." Hitomi smiled as she looked at Sin and he hesitantly returned the gesture. "I'm glad you…found him. You'll…learn a lot from his kind and trusting nature, Sin." She turned her head to look ahead again.

He opened his mouth to speak, but paused. _She saw right through me in this short time, she knows I like play it close to the vest. Those eyes…they really do see everything, even things that shouldn't be seen._

"And what of you, Hitomi-san? I know you want to see your daughters, maybe even return home. I can help you get back." Sin offered.

Hitomi didn't immediately respond. "I'm…not sure if going back is…an option. Konoha has certainly fallen from greatness. I'd be up against Hiashi and…Danzo. Yes, I could tell the Hokage, but…there are consequences to…consider as well. Even before I left, the Secondary Branch of the clan had been in turmoil…should they find out about this…I fear there could be an uprising because of the fallout. They would see…all the scheming and cover-ups as an opportunity…to overthrow the Main Branch; despite the Caged Bird Seal. The dissent would be…unending. The well being of Konoha…would certainly follow, then…who knows."

"Also, I could not…in good conscious go back and take up sharing a bed…a life, with my husband. What would my…children think? Other Hyuga members could be compromised due to…Hiashi. There's also…no physical evidence…not enough to have…people as important and influential as…Danzo and Hiashi properly punished. A life in…Konoha, is no longer…an option for me." Hitomi concluded sadly.

Sin frowned. "Are you certain? I mean, absolutely without a doubt?" He found it hard to believe that there would be no way to connect these two men to Hitomi's circumstances.

As answer, Hitomi decided to tell a tale. "There was an attempt…on the Sandaime Hokage's life. Danzo Shimura orchestrated the…operation. He had a young and skilled…Root recruit…named, Kakashi Hatake to…carry out the kill. A long story…short, Kakashi-san changed…his mind and told the Hokage…about it."

"He…had proof that…the Ne was still active, but…somehow…Danzo twisted his way out of that. The Sandaime…was not able to…punish the man, because…it was Kakashi's word against a war hero's in…Danzo Shimura. It didn't help…that Kakashi was privy to…some shady dealings. Once more…the Root was ordered to disband…this has gone on…for years."

"Kakashi Hatake, he's the one with the Sharingan in his right eye socket." Hitomi nodded solemnly.

*"So, you see…there's nothing that can be…done. There is… one wish that I…have on my list. It is a lot to ask…however." Hitomi began. Sin started to inquisition her, but Hitomi cut him short. "I…will announce it…when everyone is…awake. It's not…a decision to be made…lightly, but an opportunity should…present itself after tonight."

Sin looked at Hitomi oddly, but said nothing as he watched her quietly rise to her feet and joined the camp as the flame continued to die down. She seemed comfortable enough to sleep around them and so Sin didn't give it much thought; Saeko could become alert at the drop of a leaf.

The words she left him to contemplate was a completely different matter all together.

_Tonight? Well, if it has anything to do with Konoha…wait. Then, her knowing must have something to do with her association with Danzo Shimura_. Sin closed his eyes to think back; of course he hadn't gotten to go through the entirety of her memories, yet he'd seen a good deal of her memories and knowledge.

He immediately focused on the most recent of memories he had gotten to see and it hit him, eyes widening open when it hit him. Another sigh and he maintained his casual expression once more._ Well, nothing I can do about it…not even if I cared enough to try. Tonight would be generations in the making._ He shrugged and went for the stew that Hitomi hadn't finished, thoughtlessly eating after Hitomi as he peered up through the opening in the canopy of trees to look at the stars.

_Sayonara, I guess…Lady Karma has pulled your card._

\+ Meanwhile – Konohagakure No Sato +

Itachi Uchiha, true genius shinobi of his generation without argument; not only among his clan and peers, but of all Konoha, found himself stooped atop the power lines high above his familial clan grounds. The Uchiha Clan District. He set his disconnected gaze down on the people that existed as his blood relation, his intentions tonight filtering through his mind. Civilian and military associated members alike were in the middle of bringing another day in Konoha to a close; the sun having fallen from their part of the skies hours ago.

Today would mark a great change and tragedy for the Uchiha clan and Konohagakure, and tonight he would also raise the bar once again, intending to set another important moment of record for himself and his beloved village of the Leaf.

This night he would become the village's greatest homegrown traitor of his generation for reasons none save for him and a scant few could ever hope to comprehend. This night his cynical outlook on the world became complete and his name would forever be spoken with fear. It wouldn't be much different afterwards than previously, except now disgust, hate, sorrow, and tragedy would accompany the fear associated with his person.

He realized that it would be for naught, as his clan had overstepped the position they played, forgotten their place due to ego, pride, and gluttonous self-indulgence of power. The Sharingan was not benevolent, nor was it all powerful; only he seemed to acknowledge that it was as flawed as the humanity of the blood associated with it. The 'Warring States Era' was a complete record of this fact.

The Uchiha Clan died tonight and with it, the stain they had placed on the world. Therefore, he patiently watched…poised to make his move like a honey badger with severe and unrelenting intention and grace to ensure the survival of those who needed to survive. He was sure that he was alone in this sentiment.

From his perch, dressed in the dark fabric of a phantom murderer, he realized how insignificant they were; easily disposed of their lives like a great giants passing step on an ant hill. He would show no mercy except for the covenant he'd made ahead of time.

After the death of his best friend, Shisui Uchiha, by his own hands, he knew what needed to be done, and knew that he had to be the one to do it. He'd of liked to have included Danzo's body for the tribute for his sin of possessing what he did not deserve to possess, but his time would come.

Tonight, the death toll rang for the Uchiha this night. He saw loyalty as the ultimate trait of any person or ninja, and betrayal as the ultimate sin. The Uchiha had only interest in the former to make their beds and now he would make them lie in it for eternity.

Itachi suddenly looked up from the ant colony that was the Uchiha Clan District, turning red eyes of the stage three Sharingan to the starry night sky that lay witness to the world's sins, triumphs, and tragedies without fail.

"Is it that time already?" He inquired to seemingly no one.

A shadow shifted among the bark of the wooden pole built to hold up the power lines as an odd creature to behold, showed itself beneath the Uchiha's feet. He was half white and half black like the yin-yang with piss yellow eyes, and dark green hair. As he showed himself, sprouting from around his upper body was what appeared to be the essence of a Venus Flytrap protecting his upper body.

"Madara-sama has held up his end of the deal, the stage is set." The odd creature spoke metaphorically.

Itachi gave a solitary nod and prepared to descend before he was interrupted briefly. "…A message from Leader-sama." The plant-man added and Itachi cast his deadened gaze on the creature.

"Do not fail." It was then that the creature took his leave in the same manner which he had appeared.

A grin that was slight and mostly sadistic turned Itachi's lips. "Hai."

The Uchiha Massacre would enter the history books of Konoha after the night.

**. . .**

"Haa…it's done." Sin said to himself after performing his morning warm-up. He had decided to take watch for the night to ensure the camp, but there was a second, more selfish reason that he had stayed up straight through the night as he stood off in another small clearing a little ways away from where Naruto, Hitomi, and Saeko rested.

"Now that I got an apprentice with unlimited potential and upside to teach, I have to do what I have to for him…especially since he is a Jinchuriki. She would likely call me a thief and a liar, two qualities that I can't stand in people, but…I suppose this is my evolution. Naruto has too much to live up to and he'll look to me to help him reach his goals through increasing responsibilities." He grinned as he pulled Hitomi's memories to his mind's forefront and stepped into a posture that she would have immediately recognized as a Gentle Fist starter's stance. "Then a bastard thief I'll be!"

He began into a random combination, one of the more simpler one's, but so long as he had a few minutes alone each day to devote to making his muscles memorize the Gentle Fist; he could get it down within a few months time. He had retained knowledge of all Gentle Fist styles, but a good portion of it required the Byakugan to focus on tenketsu points, and to be that accurate without it was neigh impossible.

Though his Tenchogan allowed him to see chakra like the Byakugan, the unique trait of seeing tenketsu was exclusive to the Hyuga. _Maybe I could reformat it for pressure point strikes. Those are fewer and larger than tenketsu; a good knowledge of anatomy would be all Naruto would need._

He spun his body, his feet not leaving the ground as he turned a three-sixty through the dirt, and forced both his hands out to strike with flat palms facing his imagined opponent. _A lot of palm strikes, always been keener to fists and feet._ He breathed out slowly and continued before he lost his momentum. He threw his left palm outward while he rotated his right arm up and over head before bringing it around again to strike out with two-fingers while adjusting his stance.

He continued, doing the same with his left hand, and steadily alternating. He took another firmly placed stance, with his left foot forward and his right foot behind him. He held his left arm outstretched, but at a downwards angle with his right arm straight out and up behind him. He forced himself to spin. _Kaiten!_

He spun as fast as he could make his tall, athletic form turn without reinforcing the movement with chakra. There was no impressive expulsion of chakra that formed a dramatic dome of chakra around him. Sin did not even want to try forcing chakra out through his tenketsu, no matter how great he thought his chakra control was; Hyuga level chakra control was on an entirely different level. Plus, he didn't want to risk waking the others, or hurting himself; he would have had to explain what he was doing in that case.

He stopped and looked at the sky as the sun continued its ascension into the sky through the morning while he worked to catch his breath; panting slightly. _Naruto, I hope you come to appreciate the lengths for which I will go for you as your master…the sins I will commit, and the sacrifices I will make. I hope that when you realize these things…you won't think differently of me for being a liar and a thief._

Sin had lied to Hitomi Hyuga when he proclaimed that he needed to perform the Evil Releasing Method from within her mind. If he had done so from reality, everything would have been reordered on its own once the jutsu was performed. He could have always just picked Hitomi's mind for the information he sought about Konoha's chasing Naruto afterwards. He just hadn't been able to bring himself to pass up on the false opportunity to learn from a mind as immensely skilled as Hitomi Hyuga.

He did fear that if she found out, she would kill him, and he wouldn't blame her; he had purged her mind of clan secrets after all.

_Naruto...for you, I will be whatever I need to be to see your success._ It was without a second thought and without guilt, that he continued practicing the Gentle Fist.

**. . .**

**AN: **_**I understand there might be some questions and quite possibly some anger from Sin stealing the knowledge of the Gentle Fist from Hitomi Hyuga. Let's get this straight, do not expect to see Sin outright using the Gentle Fist anytime soon or maybe even at all. I wanted to use the final scene and his actions to prove a point of how far Sin will go for Naruto in the future of this story. You'll come to find that he's Orochimaru-like in his hunger for knowledge, but typically he is not a jutsu thief; thus his silent lamenting about his 'change of character/sacrifice of beliefs' from his actions. I want my readers to understand that simply his retaining great knowledge does not equate to being overly powerful. If one cannot apply what he knows, then the knowledge is useless, and Sin knows this. It is also how I will set this alternate Naruto-verse as I write my story. I hope you all understand.**_

_**Don't forget to R+R. See you next time! **_

_**And as we continue on… ~Black Naruto**_


	4. Everything Change

O.K.E  
[Operation Kill Everything]

Chapter Four: Everything Change

**\+ . . . +**

"Again Naruto."

"Yah!"

"Again..."

"Hah!"

"You most definitely need to keep trying."

"Damn it!" Naruto exclaimed as Sin witnessed another mediocre attempt by Naruto to hit the target carved out on a nearby tree for Shurikenjutsu practice. The young jinchuriki was missing the target completely or barely hitting it at all, from ten feet out.

"Ok, ok. We'll come back to Shurikenjutsu, lets go over the taijutsu I showed you until it's time to stop." Sin advised after about an hour of watching Naruto attempting to throw shuriken and kunai properly, but utterly failing to correct his grip, and throwing technique. Sin had a clipboard where he would write something each time Naruto finished a series of throws. He mentioned he was keeping statistical data on his progress, but the explanation of the numbers system went over everyone's heads.

Sin checked his clipboard notations. 'I wonder how fast he'll progress. He doesn't have the luxury of taking his time and neither do I. Things are gonna get real around here quick. They'll be after my head as badly as Naruto and Konoha has a long roster of elites, but then again...I always did claim to be a hotshot...I know I can back up my shit, but, well...his pace of learning will determine when I can start taking him on active assignments. We'll have to take it slow of course. I'll revisit that thought when he's come a little farther.' He silently mused before his attention was drawn again.

"But, I can get it sensei!" The sweaty, blonde, adolescent protested in a whine as he turned to his master with a look of misguided determination that unknowingly made his shishou's heart swell. He was eager to please, even when concerned for himself. They hadn't spent much time together, but Naruto was endearing and very impressionable thus far.

"Saeko-niichan, Hitomi-san! Tell him I can get it!" Sin smiled, half amused and half proud at one time as his student gained the attention of the two women they had been traveling with for the better part of two days.

Saeko looked up from polishing a short sword, having just began cleaning the blade. She exchanged glances at both Sin and Naruto before smirking and returning her attention to the sword she had stolen off the dead Root agent from the clash in her shop. "Sensei knows best, you'll have to trust his judgment. That's what it means to be teacher and student, Naruto." The violet haired woman glanced at Hitomi. She had decided to close shop and stick around to help for awhile after hearing her request.

Hitomi gave an agreeing nod to Saeko's words. "Saeko-san is correct, Naruto-chan. Trust...in the man you've chosen...to teach you." She advised from her seat on a log, hands folded lightly in her lap.

"Aww, come on." He pouted.

"...Naruto," Sin made sure he could hear the slight growl in his tone.

"Fine! Geez, no need to get uptight." Saeko could be heard snickering at their antics while Sin just sighed and shook his head. He was steadily finding out about that side of Naruto as well. The boy could back talk.

"It's not that I don't think you can, but that we have a long itinerary of training, and I don't want to burn time and energy working on one aspect when we have a full day of traveling to get through." Sin advised.

"That's alright, Naruto. I'll go through them with you," Hitomi could be heard volunteering. "We'll go through it together...Sin-san?" The Hyuga woman looked to him as she took the same starter's stance as Naruto.

It was a fairly simple stance. One stood with a slight crouch, arm forward, and bent so the forearm protected one from their opponent. The other arm remained tucked in a pocket or folded behind the back. No use of fists or palms since it was a defensive style. The stance was poised to have one set in anticipation to react like a mongoose or honey badger; to counter or evade, feints with the off hand. Then trips with body counters and offensive maneuvers and strikes later down the line.

Hitomi could understand why Sin would start Naruto off this way and she already knew he would learn offense later as he progressed. Unknown to her, the beginning stance were only one quarter of the overall movements that could be made from the first position.

"Sure, why not," he shrugged and stepped off to the side with his clipboard. 'Not like you can tell that Jyuken movements will be included later,' he gave himself a mental pat on the back.

"Begin." He focused his eyes on Naruto to study his form and movement intently, but couldn't help remembering what had transpired about thirty-six hours ago.

**\+ . . . Flashback . . . +**

Sin stood at a small stream near the area he'd used to test his stolen knowledge of the Gentle Fist. Considering his control, chakra reserve, and stamina; it had taken a considerate amount of energy out of him. He removed his fitted shirt and dropped it by the stream side. A sleeveless, tight fitting, mesh shirt was revealed as he shed the second layer of clothing and knelt down to scoop up some of the cool liquid between cupped hands as to dump the water over his head.

The cooling waters held a revitalizing effect as his elevated body temp dropped. The liquid caressed over the shape of his form, running over every inch of his muscular build from years of conditioning. He cast his gaze up to the clear skies overhead as he gathered the strands of his hair together to wring out excess water. He sighed, 'a picture perfect day in Fire Country it seems,' he thought to himself while a calming breeze followed over him. He let his Dojutsu blessed eyes close momentarily to enjoy the sensation of the brisk wind.

"Did you have a good, morning workout?" Sin turned to acknowledge the owner of the voice, only to have the former Ne Root agent, Hitomi Hyuga, fill his sight with the nature of their surroundings framing her.

Sin turned to regard Hitomi, masking his wariness with a small dose of familiarity. "Sleep well?" He cast a knowing, charismatic smile as he gave her robe draped form a once over. "You look a lot better," he complimented with a veiled glance of observation.

Hitomi kept her gaze stoically set on the Kurokami as she glimpsed his naked, damp torso. Sin likewise remained silent, beginning to watch her with some curiosity when she took a moment to respond. "Sleep was fine," she finally answered in a clipped manner. "There's...a noticeable improvement from the previous night. Your concern is appreciated."

Sin decided not to mention how serious she was being and nodded instead. He gathered his clothing, redressed in the mesh armor under shirt, and numbered long-sleeved shirt.

"Young Naruto and your cohort are awake. Since that...is the case-."

"Heh, you sure don't waste time." He said. "I like it." Sin interrupted as the two held eye contact. He stood before her after he put his shirt on, keeping eye contact.

Hitomi noticed their obvious height difference as they stood close. Despite the Hyuga mask, her anger was boiling, but nothing to quell her anger could be done at the moment. Therefore, she skillfully kept it bottled up.

She knew for a man like Hiashi, a man that personified the Hyuga way; only calculating logic could be the hand she played. She'd do to him as he'd done to her and make sure he could never forget. The Hyuga banned her vengeful thoughts to the back of her mind.

Sin eyed Hitomi carefully. 'There's something to be said for Hyuga stoicism,' he thought as her visage betrayed nothing of her swirling emotions. Still, he knew a 'thousand yard stare' when he saw one; no matter how brief. "A ryo for your thoughts, Lady Hitomi?" He offered when she still said nothing.

She responded quickly, giving an appreciative smile as she denied the younger male's request. "Just a thought, nothing to concern yourself with, and please, Hitomi is fine with me," she spoke in her usual cadence. "Care to join us now?" She inquired, wishing to move on.

Sin just nodded as he held in his sigh. "Sure, I'm good here." He answered and started pass the woman who turned and fell into step alongside him.

The dark haired ronin realized that she was likely considering her returned memories and had something to do with her daughters. She was a mother and he didn't need to be a parent to know that she was likely worried about them, so he wouldn't press. Despite his previous offer to help, he wasn't sure how much he could actually do for her.

"I can't allow Hiashi to have complete influence over my daughters' growth. The Hyuga are a great family with plenty of power and influence, the kind of power that may stretch farther than Konoha. The elders that make up the council of the clan are even worse than Hiashi. That said, and I hate to ask, but, I wish for assistance as I return to Konoha and gauge my chances of collecting my daughters." As Hitomi finished explaining her position, hands neatly folded in her lap; she couldn't entirely veil the expectant gaze she sent her rescuers.

Sin and Saeko were quietly sitting across from the Hyuga woman, both knowing that she was finished with her request and the explanation that came with it. Naruto was also silent as he sat nearby, looking to his sensei and the swordswoman while wondering what was exactly going on. He just knew that Hitomi seemed sad as she spoke about her daughters.

A moment of silence passed with Hitomi waiting for a response.

She wasn't particularly worried about their hesitation since they were as aware of her situation as she was. Deep down she knew their personal circumstances were being taken into account beside her request. She did hate to burden them, but knew she would need assistance, whether she liked it or not.

"Son of a…" Sin grunted, bringing more attention upon himself. As he continued he got a little off topic by Hitomi's request.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "What is it about me, that I continuously attract beautiful, but trouble seeking women?" He muttered, gaining a curious look from his blonde charge. "What did I do in my past life to earn such a curse?" Hitomi had taken to looking at Sin strangely.

Saeko found his lamenting decidedly humorous because, she knew that she was the reason he believed in his so called 'curse'. He could only glare as Saeko giggled a little more.

Hitomi couldn't help herself and sweat-dropped through her air of elegance at Saeko and Sin's antics; mostly unperturbed by Sin calling her beautiful. Naruto seemed ready to do the same. "Ah...with all...respect. I think we've gone...off topic."

Sin sighed and composed himself, soon regaining his calm and semi-stoic air while Saeko settled her giggling. "Lady Hitomi," Sin tried.

"Hitomi, remember...I'm through with Hyuga formalities," she sighed out, sounding just a little annoyed.

"Right. Hitomi," Sin corrected as he grew serious. "We know your situation, so would even stepping within one mile of Konoha be wise?" He inquired pointedly, recalling their brief conversation from last night. Despite purposely seeking and stealing knowledge of the Jyuken and the Kaiten, with the exception of the knowledge of the Uchiha situation; he truly hadn't seen all her memories. He had the clues, but it hadn't clicked together yet. Retaining her complete knowledge was neigh impossible, not to mention costly. He would have easily risked his own mental health in going that far.

Hitomi shifted in her seat, relieved that Sin didn't have the solution. It meant he hadn't seen every bit of her knowledge and memories as the invasion of privacy was just a little unnerving when she thought about it. "I know I can thanks to that undermining fool, Danzo." She began to explain. "The Uchiha clan of the Sharingan had been planning a coup against the village since they weren't satisfied with the power and privilege they already possessed. Itachi Uchiha, their most promising member, who was also Anbu Captain, brought the matter to the Hokage's attention..."

While Hitomi explained, Saeko listened close while Sin was privy to this portion of information, but neither of them noticed Naruto's eyes widen at the name. "Itachi-nii?" The blonde had to wonder what happened after he left. Itachi was one of few who had been kind to him in the past. The young man had taught him how to feel and mold his chakra a few years prior to now.

"Danzo found out via one of his spies and secretly propositioned Itachi to show his loyalty to Konoha by eliminating his own family. Danzo convinced Itachi to accept the mission." Hitomi took a breath, seemingly gathering herself for her next words. "I speak in past tense because the Uchiha clan was annihilated last night. Itachi has martyred himself for Konoha and is now a missing-nin. Enslaved or not, I was a Root agent, therefore I know about the situation." Saeko looked shocked as Hitomi finished and Sin contemplated the new details as he filed the information away for later.

Naruto was both shocked and confused, but it didn't show. "Itachi-nii is too kind to do something like that...isn't he?" He thought to himself before the Kyubi gave him something to think about.

**"He was kind to you, Naruto, yes. Who knows his reason for doing what he did. However, the fact remains that Itachi is a ninja. There is always more than what you see or know. Try not to think about it, it's unimportant right now."** The feral feminine cadence drew through Naruto's mind. Meanwhile, the three adults continued with their discussion.

"The aftermath will be cause for a large investigation. It will require a lot of man power, a lot of hours. Their attention will be on containing the leak of information outside the village and the Hokage will likely feel pressed enough to take more missions to continue the image that the village's strength hasn't lessened." Hitomi added.

"Ah," Saeko interjected. "Those are all wise, emergency moves. Even Konoha will be stretched thin to keep up." The violet haired woman spoke thoughtfully.

Hitomi nodded, "It is indeed tragic, but said tragedy will allow for lowered risk. I plan to use the underground tunnels and areas that the Hokage forgot about years ago. Anbu doesn't run patrols through them anymore and Danzo has his own sector of underground dedicated to Root's use. My plan is to stay outside the village while using the various tunnels for entry and exit points. This will be done surgically."

"Okay then," Sin trailed. So, basically...you want back up?" Naruto had spoken up, reminding the three that he was still there and surprising all except Sin.

'Heh, the gaki is young, but he definitely has insight. Once again, I'm impressed Naruto.' Sin thought to himself as he crossed his arms, smirking at Saeko's surprised look, and Hitomi's veiled one.

Hitomi blinked once and nodded, respect showing in her pupil-less eyes. "Well...yes, simply put." She answered, keeping her facial expression from showing surprise at Naruto's attentiveness.

'Damn,' Sin began to think. 'Now I wish I hadn't been hasty in contacting Konoha. Naruto might not want to go back, but at least I could have gathered some information from the source without the village's back being up. Where there's a will, there is most certainly a way though…maybe I should have just hit the beehive with the stick rather than shoving it up their ass. So, how should I go about it then?' He masked his visage as he thought it over.

Hitomi figured that he was thinking it over and wasn't convinced by his relaxed composure. "These are my daughters that I speak of, I will also compensate." She pressed. Sin said nothing, figuring she thought he was on the verge of declining.

Meanwhile, Saeko smirked. "I feel like there should be a 'but', at the end of that statement." Sin remained silent, waiting and hoping that she said what he needed her to in order to not seem eager or suspicious about his intent.

"I would have to successfully get back to Konoha to compensate you; these items are not in my possession." Hitomi gave with a nod.

'There it is,' he thought as he smiled internally. 'Perfect'. He looked at Saeko to exchange an appraising look with her to keep up the appearance of a reluctant willingness to lend a hand.

The pause of silence didn't last.

"What's wrong with you?!"

Saeko and Hitomi blinked, but Sin's eyebrows furrowed as he looked to his immediate right…to see Naruto frowning at him with what looked like disappointment.

"The right thing to do would be to help. What are you, scared?" He folded his arms over his chest defiantly here. "Then…you're not fit to be my sensei!"

'Hmm…' Hitomi silently observed the blonde boy. 'That sounded eerily like Kushina. I wonder what Sin will do?'

Saeko could be counted in his statement, but the jinchuriki's outburst had been obviously aimed solely at Sin. 'Um…' she thought impassively as she cast a sideways glance at Sin to see the man having a stare down with the blonde kid.

'This little brat!' Sin mentally chuckled. 'He just unknowingly helped me out. I'm still going to take this chance to teach him a lesson…' He stood up, tilting his head with considering, though narrowed eyes and bent down. Sin hovered over the adolescent with an 'indignant' frown on his features. Naruto took a gulp while unconsciously taking one step back.

Naruto could see that his eyes weren't filled with the hate and anger he'd experienced in Konoha when he'd talked back to the villagers, Sin's eyes held an obviously unpleasant fire in them despite that.

"An anti-rescue mission in a highly militarized village with thousands of shinobi…it's just so easy, huh brat?" Sin asked rhetorically, not giving the kid a chance to respond, but even if he had, he doubted Naruto would have been able to voice an answer. "You don't even want to go anywhere near Konoha again, but I should just recklessly risk my life for a woman I just met, and simply because your morals say it's the _right_ thing to do? Stop and think for a second…you're not the only one with a life. Don't be so quick to die, gaki!" Sin scolded.

"…" Naruto was speechless. He couldn't even think of a 'lame' smartass remark as his new sensei's fervor had silenced him.

"That's what I thought…" Sin sighed and ran a hand through his hair, the anger in his face suddenly gone just as quick as it had come.

Naruto looked up at the man he'd been calling 'master' as of late with wide, shocked eyes. He'd yet to see such displeasure on him, even though he didn't know he was acting; Naruto was convinced he was being genuine. There had been a complete one-eighty in his attitude compared to previous days. He was able to relax, if only because the mood he displayed didn't match the feel of his chakra…which was odd.

"**Don't let your eyes determine what your mind believes, look for tells. Sensing chakra is just one, but you may not always be able to rely on that ability. He was acting just now, but I'm not sure why. He's covering for something…"** That would be Kyubi again.

'A cover, huh? I'll pay closer attention in the future.' He mentally noted to his prisoner.

"**I suggest you do that…"**

"Damn," Sin muttered, the curse was followed by many more as he put his hands to his waist while looking down at his feet in thought. 'I guess that's enough acting.' He thought and turned his head to look over to Hitomi. "We'll help you."

"Wha…" Saeko tried. "You're going to…" but the words died on her tongue when Sin shrugged and gave a nod of affirmation. "I see. I guess I can stick around a little longer." She resigned herself to helping as well; she'd already left her shop closed in Tanzaku Gai. 'I should have hired some help to run the shop.' She suddenly lamented.

Naruto didn't know why, but he let out a quiet sigh of relief. That didn't mean he wasn't nervous as hell about being so close to his home again. When he left, he did so hoping that he would never have to see the place again.

"Hitomi, this plan of yours will be fleshed out by the time we get to Konoha's borders. Saeko and I are going in undercover as well. That is my condition. Do we have a deal?" Sin's tone brooked no room for negotiation.

Hitomi smiled politely, "we do," she stated simply with a nod.

**\+ . . . Flashback End . . . +**

'I'll need to improve the Kage Bunshin that Hitomi taught me before we arrive. I'll also speak to Saeko later, tell her about the personal objective that we have outside of helping Hitomi.' A mental nod to himself and he made a notation on his clipboard while Naruto, helped by Hitomi proceeded through the katas of a currently unknown style.

'Huhu, let's see how many more secrets Konoha has buried. Something tells me they ain't buried deeply enough.'

**\+ . . . Konoha - Hokage Tower . . . +**

The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was going over paperwork as in most his days in office. This day was a lot different than the others however, as the Uchiha clan had been destroyed overnight.

No…that wasn't quite right. Destroyed in a matter of hours. The Sandaime didn't even want to think about survivors. The Uchiha District was still being combed through and the bodies collected by Anbu and Jonin that he handpicked. This event had to stay quiet for as long as possible. Any deceased Uchiha that activated the Sharingan were at risk, so it was decided that those bodies would be cremated to prevent...well, the Hokage didn't really want to think about it.

'Danzo, damn him. Always undermining my plays…Itachi.' He sighed, feeling both physically and mentally tired as he signed off on another document.

When there was a knock upon his office door. "Enter," he said with a sigh as he sat up at his desk.

The door opened to reveal one, Inoichi Yamanaka.

"Yes, Inoichi. Were you able to find any information that could help with Sin Kurokami?" The aged Hokage inquired hopefully, folding his arms over his desk.

"Perhaps. There wasn't a lot, but going through my grandfather's journal revealed a few things that we wouldn't have otherwise." Inoichi revealed not a scroll, but a small, leather backed notebook.

Hiruzen nodded. "Very well." He motioned to one of the seats before his desk, "please sit. Let's hear what you found."

"Hai thanks." Inoichi sat and opened the small notebook to an earmarked page.

"Sin's dojutsu is indeed, the Tenchogan. It belongs to a clan of family named, Kurokami. They are one of five original clans hailing from Yamataikoku. The Yamatai Kingdom is the main hidden village of the Land of Shamans. It is also one of 'Four Kingdoms of the North'. Their leader is known as the 'Shaman Lord' and at the time this was written there were four official Shaman Lords recorded. I'm…not sure how many there have been since, nor who their current Shaman Lord is."

Sarutobi's eyebrows had rose as Inoichi read, taking in the information to ponder it later. "That is more than I expected you to present. Narrowing the focus, is there any mention of the dojutsu or the Kurokami clan itself?"

"Not so much the clan as the Tenchogan. The Tenchogan is included in what is called the 'Hokubei no go Dai Noryoku'…"

"The Five Great Abilities of the North." The third Hokage nodded with questioning eyes. "Please, continue."

"Hai. Well, the other four abilities that are included in this title are unknown…" Inoichi trailed off as he flipped a page, then another. "The techniques aren't included either." The Hokage could be heard sighing at that revelation. "What is known…It empowers the wielder to see the flow of chakra. It is even stated that it can be used to see through Genjutsu as well, but they aren't immune to it. The ability depends on the abilities and strength of the Kurokami, but because of this, they have an enhanced ability to cast Genjutsu, and some talented Tenchogan users can even copy Genjutsu similar to how the Uchiha can copy all types of jutsu."

There was a pause as Inoichi turned another page near the end of the journal. "Oh ok, an ability, or rather, a talent is listed. My grandfather states that he once witnessed a Kurokami sharing knowledge with another via eye contact. It also reads that the one who was given knowledge…was not a Kurokami. That's all, sir."

The Hokage nodded slowly as he came out of his thoughtful expression. "Very well. Inoichi, I want you to make a brief of this and make sure it gets distributed to all Jonin on the active duty roster. We don't have his exact image, but we'll make our shinobi aware of his existence just the same."

Inoichi stood and bowed. "Hai, it will be done. By your leave." The rough looking Yamanaka then proceeded to exit the office.

"Hmm…"

Hiruzen leaned back in his seat when he heard the thoughtful sound from behind him.

"Jiraiya, glad you could finally make it. What do you make of the information Inoichi provided?"

"It's not a lot, but not completely useless either. The Northern Lands are a ways away from our nation. I've never had reason to go there myself since it's so far away. I would forget about looking for the Kurokami there…at least for now." The Gama Sannin suggested as he walked around his former teacher's desk to sit where Inoichi had previously been.

"Give me _one_ good reason at least."

"I've met maybe four people from those lands before. Northerners are secretive and never would join my spy network. I know that they do not easily leave those lands and if one is exiled…forget about it. Even if Sin Kurokami was never exiled, Naruto still isn't reason enough for him to take him there."

"Why?" Sarutobi pressed.

"Because, they always leave the Northern Lands for reasons so great…they never speak of it. It's cryptic I know. Don't worry, old man, I'll get right on this. There's also only a few who will venture that far, so if he did choose to leave I'll be able to find out." Jiraiya reassured as he got to his feet in preparation to leave.

The grizzled leader nodded and relaxed, reassured by Jiraiya's words. "Oh, before I forget…" Jiraiya stopped beside his desk. "What of Danzo, is he looking for them as well?" There was some concern in his tone as he made the inquiry.

"Oh, right. I don't think his drones succeeded, but he did send a team to search for them. I'll be on my way to look into that tomorrow morning, for now I'll be in the village." He grinned.

"Need I ask why you don't leave now?" Sarutobi inquired despite knowing the answer.

The Sannin just raised a single brow as a lecherous grin followed. "You wouldn't enjoy those books so much if I didn't go to great lengths to gather research!" Then he stopped and suddenly looked thoughtful.

"Problem?" The third raised a single brow in question.

"It's funny. I get chased or beaten by a group of women and it's assumed they always do so for sneaking peeks…rather than because I'm a hit it and run kind of guy." Jiraiya snorted and shook his head. "You can't make a book like mine from just peeking." With his peace said, Jiraiya prepared to leave.

"Jiraiya, use the…"

"Woo!" Too late, the perverted hermit had leapt out of his window with an excited cry.

"…Window," Sarutobi muttered with a sigh.

**\+ . . . +**

"...May Kami-sama help us learn and evolve from this tragedy? To provide us guidance in these our new beginnings, a new path, but let us never forget this moment in our history. Use this to motivate and inspire us into a new age with new endeavors to progress in methods that was once deemed fruitless...We will take strength from this time of weakness and preserves our clan heritage. Just as the flames of the Uchiha burns with the intensity of the Phoenix, so shall we rise anew from the ashes."

Mikoto's jet black hues scanned over her remaining fellow Uchiha, secretly gauging their interest and acceptance; few though the clan may be. "Its due time that we control our own destiny, to evolve, and become more than just a revered clan with an opportunistic and forceful bloodline."We need to unite as a family first, clan second; with unwavering beliefs and causes of our own to properly benefit the Uchiha. Yes, some guilt does lay with us, we outcast ourselves believing we didn't need allies, but those days are gone. Injustices against us will too be rectified immediately. This is my promise as your new clan head and fellow Uchiha."

The Uchiha matriarch paused for suspense before continuing. "Today the Uchiha enters a new type of evolution. We will no longer blindly serve Konoha! But let us once more unite as a family first. Let us unite as a single entity under one banner... The Uchiha!" One, Uchiha Mikoto, usually reserved when speaking, stated the speech with motivating intensity and the proper fervor becoming a clan head. However, more than that would be needed to set the last handful of the surviving Uchiha family along their best path to greatness.

Mikoto planned to instill a family strength first and clan superiority second mentality; to be the new motto of the Uchiha clan. None had qualms about it; most of them felt it was fitting. No longer would the Curse of Hatred wreak havoc on their remaining numbers; not if Mikoto had anything to say about it. It was high time to take responsibility for themselves as both a clan and a family, not just simply as shinobi. They could continue blaming Konoha and decide what to do about it later.

A brief round of applause and whoops voiced unwavering agreement at her speech's end. Afterwards, the remainder of the large group funeral wound down by farewells and safe travels for the departed souls from the few remaining Uchiha. It was time to do away with the superstitious 'Curse of Hatred' that had been given birth with Uchiha Madara, Izuna Uchiha, and the negativity his actions and eventual defection from Konoha had caused the clan during a time when they truly sought peace after the long period of shedding blood and losing many kin in the Warring States Era. Itachi Uchiha's name would surely join his, though his name was likely to never be spoken again, and if it should; it would not be spoken lightly.

The Uchiha Military Police hadn't helped stem the arrogance of the clan either. The nidaime had thrown the clan a bone by giving them their own, personal faction of government. On the outside it was to police the village when the Anbu couldn't, but the true reason was to have an in with the clan where loyal Uchiha of Konoha would inform on Uchiha shinobi and kunoichi with questionable motives. While it was an innovative idea and more than served its purpose to keep the civilians and ninja alike on a straight path, it only led to further arrogance and expectation of privilege and power; also splintering the loyalty of the clan itself. That had led to and ended with Itachi Uchiha.

The last of the speech given, wrapped up the eulogy for the departed Uchiha. Though Itachi had been thorough in his destruction of Konoha's most prestigious clan, a series of unfortunate and preemptive events were reason enough for there to exist survivors of the Sharingan wielding clan. The details were temporarily set aside in favor of a moment's respite to mourn the losses and even then, only a few would ever know the complete truth behind what happened that night. Recovery of the clan came first, instantly pressing for further details would only raise ire amongst those that had survived. Mikoto knew that was the last thing they needed at this point, so she didn't hesitate to take charge. The Uchiha needed to become one united front. The rest would come as time passed. Time could heal all wounds, but the matriarch also knew that the world was apt to disappoint.

Earlier, handpicked Anbu guarded and stayed around long enough to assist in gathering the bodies of the deceased and help keeping the integrity of the deceased; as ordered. Those fluent in clan politics understood their orders to mean they were to help make certain no deceased members with the Sharingan had their eyes stolen or lost from Uchiha possession. Once the Uchiha survivors were satisfied that none of the bodies were compromised outside of clan approval, the Anbu departed without haste to report to the Sandaime Hokage.

Once Sarutobi had time to go over the reports, he'd called for a brief emergency council meeting with the shinobi representatives and village elders for an update of the Uchiha clan's plans moving forward. This included Uchiha massacre survivor, Uchiha Mikoto. The meeting took place before the ritual of the deceased could be completed and while the bodies were still being collected.

While the Uchiha had been informed on by Itachi Uchiha leading to their plot being discovered, something that didn't remain secret long...the Sandaime ultimately felt guilty about having ever agreed to consider allowing Itachi to handle his family matters once and for all himself. Sarutobi's hesitation had allowed Danzo to work around him and give Itachi Uchiha the green light to proceed with his actions behind his back. Now there were only a handful of Uchiha that remained to the village. Loyalty and trust was subsequently severed by both parties due to that fact.

When the council meeting began to speak of what to do with the Uchiha clan, none of which involved 'banishment', Mikoto Uchiha took over, and put everyone in their place. The Uchiha would no longer be a pawn to the village. The Uchiha would do what was best for the Uchiha and neither the Hokage nor the council had a say in that regard.

"Unless the council and the Uchiha clan can come to a mutual decision involving the Uchiha clan, post massacre, the Uchiha will leave Konoha for greener pastures."

About half of the council had become indignant at Mikoto's statement; the sort of comments that she would expect to hear from them, even including Hiashi Hyuga and the elders. They had wanted to further haggle for control and set limitations on the clan due to the fallout. Mikoto just continued on over them without hesitation, easily disregarding their 'concerns'.

"You heard me. The Uchiha clan was plotted against and ruined by one of their own by the village the Uchiha helped found, and now, excluding Itachi and with Shisui dead; including the outside Uchiha offspring we have coming in from Kumo and Suna...we are six, including myself. Despite the allegations of a coup, no action was taken on our end. Guilty of considering it? Hai. However, the guilt of the Uchiha and the actions of the village bring us fairly; to an impasse." Mikoto smirked and none on the council thought the reason for her doing so to be a pleasant one.

"What's fair is fair. I'm sure we can agree on that." She continued while reclined in her seat, raven black locks framing her face, and equally black eyes swallowing the sight of the council. Despite the situation, she was enjoying the taste of their palpable stress. They were hers in that moment and she would savor it. The Uchiha would be punished in some manner, but not to the degree they all wished. The third's paranoid tendencies would see to it.

That the kekkai-genkai was hailed as the strongest in existence didn't hurt her leverage either. "On one side, the village could provide reparations to the Uchiha clan to help with the recovery and rebuilding of our district. We stay in Konoha as a show of good faith and the clan maintains a probationary period of which the terms and stipulations can be agreed upon later. Or..."

"...Or?" Danzo nearly growled, already upset about being beaten to Shisui's eyes and unable to gather the Sharingan undercover without scrutiny to the ignorance of many others.

"Or, Konoha and the Uchiha split ways, and the clan finds another hidden village to join, and bless with the best kekkai-genkai in the elemental nations. Or we can always become a nomadic group, much like the ancient Uzumaki once were before the birth of Uzushio. "Mikoto noticed how most flinched when the Uzumaki name was spoken. 'Interesting', she thought as she filed the moment away in the back of her mind.

"Leave and the remaining Uchiha become missing-nin!" Hiashi Hyuga argued.

Sarutobi massaged his temples. Hiashi and all that agreed with him were wrong. He already knew what was coming. Worst was, it was a village law that could not be argued. There would be no forced CRA either; there were survivors and he would've done his best to discourage it anyway.

Right now it was time to agree with Mikoto Uchiha's assessment or lose the Uchiha clan to a rival village. He would agree anyway just to avoid further negative fallout caused by Danzo and his actions. There was no telling how far the other hidden village's, both minor and major, would go to receive the Uchiha clan into their fold.

There were a few different options previously proposed, both good and bad. The worst of which consisted of the CRA or Clan Restoration Act, but no, it was time to heal. The deaths of Uchiha clansmen brought more problems than just the loss of talented shinobi and man power. The Uchiha would simply have to be kept under close watch. The Sharingan was too important to lose altogether. The only silver lining in the situation was that there were survivors.

Sarutobi knew Mikoto had the wherewithal to run the clan effectively, probably more so than Fugaku, but she had given him control instead. He silently wondered why Mikoto had assisted the clan from the shadows as part-time advisor when she had been the heiress and allowed Fugaku to run the clan as its face. There was something not quite adding up, like some of this had been planned out long before hand...but to risk the clan in such a way, without guarantee of any of their survival was an insane sort of act that he couldn't see being made with sane logic no matter how tactically planned out. If that was indeed the case. Then again, Uchiha Mikoto was a cleverer woman than she let on. A fact that was being proven tine and again at this meeting.

Mikoto again had retorted like a great clan head with her clan's best interests at heart. "Naive little Hyuga, I think not. No, understand this, as I'll only say it once. Village law number five, one of ten laws upon which this village was initially founded. When a village and clan come to violence against one another or each other. If a solution is impossible or reparations aren't offered and probationary period impossible to come to terms. One or both sides may choose to divide one from the other without penalty. As one of my clansmen would say, please believe; I will remove the Uchiha to another country under this clause as just cause."

...

The timeline had gone something like, massacre. Survivors gathering, counting, and identifying all bodies for ceremony. Two Uchiha import arrivals from Suna and Lightning Country planned for. Ninja Council meeting and then the beginning of the Uchiha 'passing over' Ceremony. All in the span of less than fifteen hours and there was a lot done and much more left to be done.

The ceremonial burning began immediately when Mikoto Uchiha returned to the clan grounds. The ceremony ended and all members present used weak Fire Release jutsu to set the deceased aflame upon an elaborate wooden effigy of the Uchiha clan insignia holding all the bodies of the deceased.

The new clan head stood off to the side and allowed her clan's survivors a moment to pay their respects. It was shortly afterwards that they began to come to her at the closing of the ceremony, one by one. Mikoto internally sighed hoping with hope that she could be the strength her clan needed. She had wanted this after all and Itachi, Shisui, and Danzo had nearly ruined everything. Mikoto internally scowled at remembering that final name. He would soon be dealt with, she promised herself.

Mikoto shifted and forced a welcoming smile as someone approached her. "Naori." Mikoto set her wide, black gaze onto a woman a few inches taller than herself.

This particular female Uchiha had long and wavy purple hair that cascaded down to her backside with cropped bangs that settled over her hitai-ite showing only the leaf insignia. She wore a black, high collared cloak with an attached hood closed around her covering the majority of her form. The Uchiha clan emblem was styled on the back and a three tomoe symbol was present on either side of the high sitting collar. She possessed two swords wrapped in bandages attached one over the other on her left hip and her feet stood enclosed in red shinobi sandals that showed toenails painted equally red.

"Mikoto-sama." The woman known as Naori Uchiha, responded in a soft even tone as she performed a slight bow to her clan matriarch.

Mikoto turned to face Naori fully. "You always were a most reliable clanswoman, Naori. I'm not sure if I've ever voiced that fact to you or not. Thank you for your hard work as of late and not simply due to last night. If not for your foresight, I doubt there would be this many of us alive." Mikoto smiled slightly more at her last words.

"Just doing my part, Mikoto-sama. Though, I do owe you a debt of gratitude for allowing replacement of the eye I lost when I..." Mikoto waved her hand dismissively, causing Naori to become quiet. She could tell that the topic she was about to broach was still a depressing one for the young woman.

"No need to bring that up, Naori. I was glad to do so. Breaking the curse of hatred was not only unseen, but untold of until you Naori. Therefore, it was the least I could do."

A brief silence washed over the two Uchiha women as the flames from the burning effigy reflected in each of their Obsidian orbs until Mikoto spoke once more. "I know that greatness will rise from this loss for the clan; the cursed influences will certainly be put to rest now that the motivation is there. The Uchiha can become even more than it was with members like you remaining. I just want all remaining members to know that there will be suffering and growing pains for a time." Mikoto stated almost thoughtfully. "However, I promise it's worth it."

Naori gave a curt nod and tried a smile. It was genuine despite seeming forced; she just wasn't the smiling sort. "That is my hope, Mikoto-sama. I couldn't help thinking that despite his actions; Itachi was always on to something where the clan was concerned."

Naori didn't show her surprise when Mikoto smiled widely. "That was all he had, but I'm pleased to hear you say so. I tend to agree, but Itachi was too pessimistic and honored Konoha's ways more than his own families. No change was possible through him because the others knew he wanted change for the village first rather than the bettering of the clan itself. It will be more than just a thought or a hope now however. "

"Hai. My hopes are in your capable hands. That's all I wished to say, I'll go see what else can be done around the district, there's a lot left to fix." Mikoto said nothing as Naori bowed and then began to stride away into the recesses of the ruined clan district.

A male Uchiha soon began approaching Mikoto almost as soon as Naori stepped away. He walked with purpose as he moved, effortlessly maintaining a stern expression. There were a few small exceptions, but really, he appeared like a younger Shisui Uchiha. It was for good reason as he was Shisui's blood cousin after all. Their mother's had been near identical sisters.

Mikoto turned to greet him and she immediately took his hands into her own as his deep purple eyes looked into her own black ones with a hidden curiosity that only an Uchiha could pinpoint. "Izanagi-kun." Mikoto spoke with some affection and still, the Shisui-like expression remained; only his eyes softened briefly as he responded.

"Lady Mikoto, this might sound odd given the circumstances, and I am honored, but..." He began in an Itachi-like tone that Mikoto did not favor so she quickly cut him off.

"Stop Izanagi. I'm just fine; no more, no less. If you are honored, then be so. My choosing you to take over for me as acting clan head for the time being is of both reason and good judgment." Mikoto reminded.

After returning from the council meeting earlier, she had announced that he would be temporary clan head until she was ready to rule the clan in a political fashion. It was an announcement that shocked the present remaining Uchiha despite their knowing Izanagi to be the third most promising Uchiha of the clan behind the deceased Shisui and the murderous Itachi. She stated that she was making this switch to give her sole focus of running the clan from the inside giving the Uchiha two clan heads.

Since Izanagi knew of her ideals and plans going forward he would act as a figurehead who would share their sentiments in any future meetings, as well as other village concerns that would call for a gathering of the shinobi council. Mikoto's sole focus would be the clan and she stated that she wouldn't bother with village politics outside the clan because it would only distract her and waste time in her efforts to help rebuild and restructure the clan. After hearing their leader's reasoning and further considering Izanagi Uchiha's capabilities, the remaining Uchiha all agreed with her decision without further inquiry.

"Hai, I will." Izanagi bowed his head slightly deciding to drop the matter. Mikoto would allow herself to be questioned only so much and he didn't want to cross any lines or set off her temper.

"Good boy," Mikoto smiled mischievously. "On to business now...have they awakened yet?" Mikoto inquired Izanagi of one of the responsibilities that she had placed upon him.

Hearing her question and knowing what she was speaking of, Izanagi gave her a knowing look. "Sasuke is still unconscious, though I was able to break the Tsukiyomi induced nightmares, and he's now stable." Mikoto gave an understanding nod having thought he'd still be out of it. Itachi had done a number on his younger brother.

"Your red headed friend," Izanagi continued, "she's been awake for a few hours now and has been asking for you. I was surprised when you told me who she is and her situation, I can't believe Shisui participated in such an act. This entire ordeal has opened my eyes. Anyway, she's been quite anxious and a little distraught...will you see her now, my lady?" Izanagi further inquired, noticing that the congregation of Uchiha had returned to their damaged properties.

Mikoto seemed to think about it though she already knew her answer. "Hai, you'll come with me as well. We should settle as many issues as we can, our distant Uchiha brethren will arrive soon, and that will likely require most of my attention later today." Izanagi nodded in agreement and the two left the scene of the burning effigy step in step.

The two Uchiha soon arrived to the clan head's home. Besides damage to the inner structure and the blood stains that were too deeply dried in to have been removed it was one of the least damaged buildings on the property. After walking the bloodied halls, turning a few corners, and passing the broken paper walls they arrived to what had been Itachi's room.

Mikoto began to slide the door open, but stopped short and turned to Izanagi. "Perhaps you should enter first. I know how excitable she can be and it seems you've had the most contact with her since the Genjutsu was lifted. I don't want to overwhelm her, so I'll follow after you."

Izanagi gave a nod and stepped in front of the door in her place. "Very well," he slid the door open and stepped inside.

After quietly entering, his purple hues landed on the pacing form of a red headed woman dressed in a black robe with the Uchiha clan logo styled on the back. When she heard the sliding wood door click shut, she stopped pacing to find the source.

"I-Izanagi-kun..." she stated softly. The Uchiha noticed that she still had not gotten any rest since she first regained consciousness despite his asking she do so, but seeing the concern in her violet eyes he could understand why. "Izanagi-kun...you're back. Now will you explain to me what's going on and where I am?" She had walked over and hugged him by now, she was the only lifeline she had since her mind had been cleared, but everything was so foggy and she had nearly no memory recall.

For his part, all he could do was stand there as the confused, sleepless woman hugged herself to him; he thought this sort of interaction was improper as her bosom pressed to his chest, but he wouldn't blame her knowing what he knew about this woman. "I wish you would have gotten some rest, but yes, everything shall be explained." He felt himself freed of her as the gorgeous red head released him to look up at him expectantly.

During the brief exchange neither had noticed Mikoto enter the room. "Oh my, Izanagi, you sure work fast. Though I never figured you the type to take advantage of confused and helpless women. This woman is my friend, so how should I feel about this?"

Izanagi jerked and stood ramrod straight hearing the Uchiha's teasing lilt. It only lasted a moment as the Uchiha regained his composure and dignity. An unappreciative frown showed on his visage when he turned to face her. "You should feel nothing, because there is nothing," the young man said between clenched teeth.

Mikoto laughed softly at his rebuke. "You jest, Izanagi-kun. You seem mighty worked up for nothing."

Izanagi was prepared to respond, if not outright attack the head of the clan, but was interrupted when the red head charged past him and nearly brought herself and Mikoto down to the ground. It was just enough that Mikoto had seemed unconsciously prepared for the red head to charge into her.

Mikoto had been watching her second in command with amusement, enjoying the teasing banter she was getting him to engage with her in…when she found herself charged by the third presence in the room from the corner of her eye. She wasn't surprised, even after missing out on so much time with her, and thinking her dead she was still able to predict her best friend.

The Uchiha matriarch smiled as she looked down to the woman gripping her tightly. They were about the same height but, she was slightly hunched over as she shed a few tears into her clothing before meeting Mikoto's eyes as well.

Izanagi witnessed her sport the largest smile he'd never think her capable of if he hadn't seen it himself as he heard her say…

"Hello there, Kushina-nee. Its good to see you, I missed you too."

**\+ . . . +**

**AN: **No author notes in particular and if you must call this a 'filler' chapter, then so be it. Yes, Kushina was supposed to have been dead, but surprise! It's a conspiracy. All that and more will follow in the chapter to come and I apologize for the long wait for an update, but as I plotted the story more and more I wanted to be careful about how I proceeded in laying the ground work for what the story will become later on. Perhaps I was too careful, but ah well. I hope you enjoyed and as always, review! It's the motivation that helps us writers get our work done quicker.

On a side note, look for another Naruto fic that I will be posting soon. I hope that you're following me so that you get the update when I post it. Right now it is untitled, but this story will be a 'grey' Naruto and focus on his continuing to live inside Konoha.

No review answers due to the fact its been so long since I've updated.


	5. The More Things Change

HaruxRan  
A.K.A: TwoxHands / Black Naruto

O. K. E

[Operation Kill Everything]

_Thoughts/Flashbacks_

"Talking"

**Altered/Demonic/Summon Speak**

Chapter Five: The More Things Change…

He hummed thoughtfully as he continued to investigate the scene although he was sure that he wouldn't find anything else to add to the information he'd been able to decipher thus far. The tall, large built man moved around the scorched land of the forest, the grass telling him that an intense fire style jutsu had been used at some point. However, that had been before the husk of the corpse had been sliced into pieces with the precision and skill of a true blades master; a depraved blades master, but a master of blades nonetheless.

That in and of itself was interesting since it clued him into the fact that Sin Kurokami could be traveling with another party and whoever this person was, he or she was not to be trifled with or underestimated, was more than deadly with a weapon, and most likely took an immense amount of pleasure in destroying their enemies so completely that the corpses could barely be identified. Also, whoever this person that Sin had hooked up with most likely lived in Tanzaku Gai or close to it.

In the back of his mind, where he intended to keep the distressing thought, his keen ninja intellect and experience picked up on the fact that this bloodthirsty Kenjutsu artist was in all likelihood now traveling with the Northerner Sin Kurokami.

The situation, it seemed, had become dire in no time at all. He didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the thought of his godson…Minato only born child traveling with Sin Kurokami and this Kenjutsu user unsettled him the more he found out about the situation. Even with the knowledge and comfort that he had one of the most extensive spy networks in the Elemental Nations, there was still no guarantee that Naruto could be found in a timely manner or at all if the Kurokami knew how to avoid being hunted. A hunter knew how to keep themselves from being hunted.

Although he hid it well, Sarutobi was more than a little unsettled about Naruto's wellbeing as well. The responsibility of running a village during his retirement and the pressures of a council that was slowly, but steadily gaining in power because of unfortunate events. There needed to be some positive results and they needed to come soon.

He managed to loosely fit the pieces of one the one bodies together, just without the head; since it was missing and likely taken to be used to collect a bounty. If Sin Kurokami was noted as anything, it was a bounty hunter; although if he remembered correctly he thought the man had only applied his occupation to known missing-nin. This was different…

Despite the fact the body was professionally cut into more than several pieces and the head had been taken on top of that, he could tell from what was left this person had been one of Danzo's Root agents. He'd assumed that the severely melted thing in the corner of the clearing had once been a mask. Another sign that Sarutobi was losing in his power, Root was supposed to have been disband a long time ago.

These ever building variables would not do any favors in finding Naruto any sooner…

There was also a second body present that was thankfully intact, though headless just like the first. The corpse did wear the standard Root Anbu attire as the other but, had been spared the gruesome death of his comrade. Instead, the body was proofed to have been pierced by a multitude of shuriken, and he'd given up counting the wounds somewhere around forty.

What was more was that he was able to figure out that this corpse did not die here but, somewhere else; in all likelihood he'd been killed inside the borders of Tanzaku Gai.

There were some remains of drag marks that hadn't been covered over, as well as three sets of footprints; including the smaller feet of a child that had to be Naruto. Sin and his cohort may have covered the signs of where they left to, but they did nothing to hide the fact that Naruto was with them. It was like Sin was taunting them in a way.

That arrogant, cocky little…

Jiraiya let out a small sigh as he ran a hand through his thick, white mane of hair in thought. He was able to confirm that Danzo had gone after Sin Kurokami after discovering his possible whereabouts and that Naruto was in the man's possession but, his agents had failed…badly. Another thing was that Anbu, even Danzo's Root operated in packs of three or better.

"So then…where is the third member of Danzo's ghost troop?" Jiraiya asked to no one but the surrounding forestry as he pulled out one of his larger pre-made sealing scrolls. The Sannin stood up enough to grab the corpse beneath the arms and lifted it up, pulling as much of the decomposing body of the Root agent as he could over the sealing matrix of the scroll. He began to focus his chakra and easily applied it to the scroll causing a blue light to emit as the lifeless husk was sealed into the scroll as a result. He watched as the seal matrix evolved appropriately to show that there was an item inside of it and rolled the scroll back up tying it off.

"_I don't know how the team Sarutobi sent out missed this area. Even though it's been some days, the slight saturation of chakra remaining in this area still stands out."_ Jiraiya thought with more than a little disappointment as he figured that whoever made up the team didn't care enough about Naruto to see him returned to the village and thus didn't even try to properly search for evidence or clues regarding the Jinchuriki.

Jiraiya bit his thumb and formed the proper sequence of hand seals before placing both hands to the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" After executing the summoning technique, a medium sized cloud of smoke burst into existence and cleared to reveal a nameless courier toad.

**Hai, Jiraiya-sama; how can I assist? **The toad inquired upon recognizing the white haired ninja.

"Easy, take this scroll to Konoha. Deliver directly into the hands of the Hokage and _no one else_." Jiraiya added emphasis to last words of his statement as he finished scribing a quick note detailing what was in the scroll and his thoughts about the item therein. He then held the scroll out to be taken up by the toad's tongue, which wrapped around it, and pulled it safely into its gullet to transport.

**I understand, Jiraiya-sama. It will be done.** The nameless toad saluted with a webbed hand and disappeared in a cloud of smoke just as it had appeared.

Jiraiya hoped that the bit of foreign chakra he'd sensed on the body would provide a clue that the old man could work with. Other than that, he didn't have the time for this, and he'd get his spies to work on gathering any information they could; he had better things he could be doing.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya couldn't help grinning to himself as he hefted the toad summoning scroll to its place on his back as he proceeded out of the forest. "One thing's for certain…I know Danzo is going to be pissed when he finds out." The old Sannin laughed in a silly manner to himself. He never liked that man, so any slight against him and his schemes brought the hermit some measure of joy.

\+ + + Konoha - Afternoon – Unknown Location + + +

Danzo didn't feel a compulsion to sneeze due to someone unknowingly speaking or thinking about him at that moment. At the moment he only felt the compulsion to hurt, if not outright kill one of his shadow operatives; especially the one before him. He decided that he cared little if it was considered in bad taste to kill the messenger.

Danzo didn't humor frivolous idioms, especially idioms that were considered stereotype; even by his long lived standards.

Perhaps, maybe, if this shadow operation had not ended in another failure which was now becoming a long list of failure ops that was plaguing his current season of the Root Administration. Despite what many around Konoha would believe, he wasn't as cold hearted as those that knew of his existence.

So he didn't get those unique Tenchogan eyes or the Kurokami at all, so his operatives hadn't been efficient enough to retrieve the Yondaime's legacy; he could deal with that as opportunity in those respective regards would come along more than once. What he could not deal with was the fact that the team of specialists he sent out to handle this mission had not only failed…he'd lost the former Hyuga Queen that had been under his control as well!

He didn't like it and he was sure Hiashi Hyuga wouldn't like it either. The biggest worry would be if Hitomi returned and the Hokage became aware of it, but there was nothing he could do about it until that bridge had to be crossed.

Danzo internally seethed. He and Orochimaru had worked in tandem for many years before he managed to escape the village. The event was something that truly couldn't be helped, as his cooperating with the Snake Sannin had nearly been uncovered as well. He was certainly knowledgeable in his own right, but his sealing knowledge was both limited and specialized.

The seal that would have allowed him to control those with bloodline limits while not sacrificing their abilities and mental faculties hadn't made it passed the planning stage. It was in this aspect that Danzo had come to appreciate that Orochimaru was a great scientist in a way that Tsunade was considered the greatest medic or that Jiraiya was considered a Fuinjutsu master of the Elemental Nations.

Despite that, the crippled leader of the Root organization appeared the very definition of calm. Just as any other time his operatives failed him, he knew that he would eventually get to tie up loose ends from this, but for now he'd have to cover his tracks and cut his losses.

Danzo focused his single eye back to the bearer of this unfortunate news. "What else were you able to confirm?" He inquired of the blank masked operative whose mask was oddly shape, but far from resembling the animal themes that usual ANBU used.

The operative who knelt before the old war hawk seemed to relax when it no longer seemed he would be violently struck down by his leader.

"Well, that's the odd thing sir," he began; catching Danzo's attention although looking at him one couldn't tell it. "Jiraiya of the Sannin was investigating the scene where Hitomi's partners were killed. I was unable to investigate afterwards since he cleaned the scene after but, the men that the Hokage sent didn't even investigate it."

Danzo only stared at the operative, "Of course they didn't, now tell me something I don't know."

The Root agent remained kneeling as he continued with his report. "Jiraiya said that Kinoto may have been killed by a Kenjutsu Master and he also did not die where he was found. There were rumors of a fight taking place within Tanzaku Gai, originating from the only ninja supply shop there; a place called 'The Traphouse'. The owner is a Saeko Busujima and it is likely that she struck him down; this is who Sin Kurokami is likely working with."

Danzo blinked his lone eye in fascination of the news as his mind was already working on how to follow up on this situation. He made a mental note to have the place looked at.

"Terai's body was damaged beyond repair. It's likely that both Saeko Busujima and Sin Kurokami killed him in collaboration as his body was sliced into many parts and severely burned by a fire element jutsu; his head was also taken. Sin Kurokami is known as a bounty hunter; therefore it is likely he took his head in for possible payment." The Root operative announced much to Danzo's inner delight.

'Good,' Danzo thought. 'If that's true and he wanted to turn over the head immediately they would have to go to the Bounty Station skirting the borders of Fire Country. They might be close.'

"Also, Jiraiya sealed Kinoto's corpse. It is likely that he may have it examined for any information the body could provide. He's also suspecting that there was a third member to the team that was sent on the mission."

"No concern, I doubt that they will find anything of use linking him to us. I doubt they will find anything useful at all for that matter…" Danzo trailed thoughtfully, already deeply considering his next move. "Anything else?"

"Hai, Jiraiya sent the scroll containing Terai's body with a note via toad summon to the Hokage; it is likely that he will soon know."

Danzo tried, but failed to hold back his sigh. '_Back to the drawing board it seems…I've got time.'_

\+ + + Uchiha District - Konoha + + +

Kushina was speechless as she sat with Mikoto and Izanagi Uchiha in a large, ruined room that had served as the council chamber for the Uchiha clan head and its council that had formerly been made of the clan's elders, as well as those of royal Uchiha lineage. Resting on the square table before her were several dust covered scrolls, all rolled open; their words mocking her thoughts.

Mikoto sat beside her best-friend quietly as she allowed the red head to digest the tale she had just provided while Izanagi also sat nearby, having not had much reason to speak since the two began to engage in conversation.

Izanagi felt nearly as surprised as Kushina did, with the exception that the grim tale had happened to her and not to him. _Truly, the clan had fallen if Fugaku, the elders, and Shisui allowed themselves to take part in such a petty ordeal in such a cruel way. They had no right…that mess was between the Yondaime and Kushina-san was their business._ Izanagi thought to himself, not understanding why they had done this for a little extra leverage in the village.

However, it was the actions of Sandaime Sarutobi that had really thrown him for a loop. The Uchiha never would have figured the grandfather-like Sandaime to be so…corruptly involved with actions concerning Konoha as well as Whirlpool.

Before he could fall further into his thoughts, he was addressed. "Izanagi-kun," Shisui's blood cousin looked up to see Mikoto looking at him.

"Yeah?" He inquired in a clipped manner that wasn't quite like him but, Mikoto ignored it for right now.

"How about getting a glass of water for Kushina-chan?" She asked while Izanagi noticed that Kushina still hadn't said anything and was staring off into space with dulled eyes.

"Sure." Izanagi swiftly turned around, his open robe flaring out behind him with the movement as he exited the large room to retrieve some water for the Uzumaki, closing the door behind him to go about the simple task. Walking the hallways he reflected over the last hour of conversation that he had been witness to; it was tragic but, if Kushina was as resilient as Mikoto made her out to be then she would come to terms fairly quickly.

Kushina wasn't forced to wait for answers after being reunited with her girlfriend as Mikoto decided to be straightforward. She dove right in by telling the red head what was going on with her memory, why, and for how long. It turned out to be nearly ten years of misguided persecution.

Kushina was reminded about her relationship with Minato; that much the Uzumaki woman remembered, but not much beyond that. Mikoto went on to tell Kushina about how she had broken off her engagement with Minato six months prior to their wedding date and after also telling Kushina about how she had ended all relations to the Yondaime, which the red head faintly remembered. Mikoto had firsthand knowledge of that time due to the fact that her friend had forced her way into the Uchiha District in tears to talk to her about it.

That led to Mikoto unsealing the scrolls from a storage seal tattooed on the underside of her upper arm made to appear like the Uchiha crest. The Uchiha matriarch continued to explain that Kushina had brought her the scrolls...scrolls which told the tale of Konoha's betrayal of Uzushiogakure involving the council, Sandaime Sarutobi, and much later, his future successor Minato Namikaze. It was the last time they had spoken.

The scrolls told a lot. The fact that Konoha had intercepted intel of the massacre to come to Uzushio two months ahead of time and purposely did nothing. The motivation or hope was to have Uzumaki refugees relocated to Konoha and bring Uzumaki Fuinjutsu to Konoha; strengthening the village. However, they severely overestimated the prowess of Uzushiogakure's Uzumaki and their minor clans to survive the combined might of three countries.

Despite their mutual benefit, Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki's marriage remained one of contractual obligation and survival. Mito had refused to reveal Uzumaki Fuinjutsu to him or anyone aligned to Konoha. Kushina remembered her grandmother warning her of Konoha's schemes and trespasses against their family when she was younger but, she hadn't understood at the time; Mito had spoken of it far too cryptically and she was more trusting back then.

The information in the scrolls came directly from the Brotherhood of the Hokage, the Journal of the Fire Shadows; a diary containing entries of thoughts, feelings, plans, and dreams by all of Konoha's Hokage to date. It was likely that Sarutobi was still making entries after taking up the mantle in place of a Fifth Hokage.

They told of Hashirama's failure involving the Uzumaki, as well as Sarutobi taking up his predecessor's ambition. Later entries would speak of Sarutobi's own conspiring failures involving the Uzumaki and his passing the task onto Jiraiya's student, Minato. An abbreviation was written that explained Minato's willingness to continue the effort as reason for Sarutobi making him the Yondaime Hokage. A side note gave reason why Orochimaru had been looked over and it wasn't because of his experiments; one reason being because he would not have been as easy to control.

It wasn't false that Minato was a good Academy student and a competent ninja. He'd been skilled enough on his own to become a Jonin even outdoing certain ANBU, but even having invented the Rasengan, learning Fuinjutsu and Summoning from Jiraiya; he was still far from Kage level influence.

Before that…when Sarutobi discovered his interest in Kushina, the last Uzumaki in Konoha while both were in the Academy; the third began to groom Minato while Jiraiya helped endear Kushina to him. Sarutobi staged Kushina's kidnapping by the hands of Cloud-nin and positioned Minato to rescue her. Minato never noticed the red hair she left behind as a trail until after the fact, he found her because he knew where the Kumo ninja would rendezvous. This event would endear Kushina to Minato and would be marked as a mission success.

When the time neared for Minato to take on a Genin team that would contain an Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake in a few year's time, Sarutobi opened the Forbidden Scroll and introduced Minato to the Second Hokage's most coveted and destructive technique besides the Edo Tensei…the Hiraishin no Jutsu, just as Konoha was steadily being pulled into the war against Iwagakure.

Not even Orochimaru knew that the Second Hokage had invented the Hiraishin and Minato was credited with its creation. All that and more had been in the scrolls, but Kushina found that only bits and pieces would come to back to her on its own…Mikoto had a feeling why that was the case.

_You broke it off with Minato when you gathered all this evidence and began to see through him and the actions of the village; you left him, however you discovered you had become pregnant a few months prior._ Izanagi remembered Mikoto telling Kushina as he pulled a cold pitcher of water from the fridge and went for a glass in a nearby cabinet.

_You got a separate home afterwards but, when you went back to him later on I knew something was foul. However, I had no proof. You were closely watched; Sarutobi and his wife wouldn't let me know about you. The Yondaime, made a deal with Fugaku to give the Uchiha more power within the village for his making sure you remained compliant. They had Shisui Uchiha place a Genjutsu on you. When I killed him, the Genjutsu must have lifted._

_I'm not sure where you were or what you were doing from the time Minato died until now; besides his taking your son and placing him in the orphanage…but, my suspicion is that he may have had you doing the village's dirty work._

Izanagi felt a chill run the course of his spine as he thought about it, but it was replaced by a flash of heat. He felt angry for the Uzumaki woman and her son; who he knew had strayed out of the village recently. No village should conspire against its own people and doing so with allies wasn't uncommon, Uzushio had been a small but powerful hidden village in its time. Konoha had obviously felt threatened with the other villages.

He was stressed by the actions that took place during the massacre, but at least Mikoto had their dealings in it well planned out ahead of time and now they remained to rebuild the clan because of its success.

However, he didn't know that his cousin Shisui had willingly become Fugaku's personal 'Fuck Boy', as he liked to call blind followers of others. He always figured his cousin to be one of the few open-minded clansmen…like Itachi or Naori. How wrong he had been…

At least Itachi had an excuse; Fugaku had Itachi shoulder stresses that not even the clan as a whole could carry together. Izanagi knew his second cousin must have figured his open-minded, opportunistic, and revolutionary thoughts and opinions would be pointless to voice since they wouldn't be considered by his uncle or the elders.

Itachi had been the most aware of them all, and Naori was a close second. Shisui didn't matter since he'd allowed himself to be controlled by the narrative. It had been too late though, Fugaku's actions made Itachi into a pessimistic weapon…left only to see the worst of the world.

"Itachi…you could have come to me, I would have listened, and helped. I bet he considered me too young to comprehend or maybe he just stopped trusting others entirely, but shit didn't have to happen like this; if anyone deserves to be here for the rebirth of the clan it was him. Please believe, I won't allow shit like this to repeat itself…" Izanagi muttered in frustration to himself as he walked the halls back to the council chamber.

Neither woman turned their attention over to Izanagi, their conversation taking another serious turn during his absence from the meeting chamber. He set his gaze on Kushina as he approached the table with a relaxed gait. As he neared the woman, Izanagi could feel his heart rate pick up in response to Kushina's troubled aura due to her stress. Combining his own concern with recent events of the Uchiha, just thinking about the recovery process felt tiresome; however…it was all worth it in his mind.

"Here Kushina-san, take a drink of water, take your time; we got your back." Izanagi stated with strong, reassuring words as she looked up to him and he passed the glass into her hand. He even ghosted a comforting smile to the woman as he did. He couldn't feel her stress or emotions on the personal level that she did, but he could feel it nonetheless and he was finding himself feeling rather deeply about it. It was a bit odd for him as he rarely had strong feelings over situations or others that didn't directly involve him but, something in Kushina's expressive eyes the first time he saw the pain in them made him feel connected to her for a reason he'd yet to understand.

Mikoto shifted her gaze to the younger Uchiha as he tried comforting Kushina and she was glad she allowed him to stay. She was Kushina's best friend and didn't want to risk seeming insensitive or inconsiderate, having Izanagi present was a great comfort since he was on the outside of their familiarity, and serving as support was something the young man did well.

Kushina managed a light smile at Izanagi's consideration before taking a drink of the cold water and pausing in a moment of thought.

Kushina's thin eyebrows furrowed as she took another drink of the refreshing liquid, a faintness of the fire that Mikoto used to see in her eyes flashed through her violet hues fleetingly as she remembered something else. "Not…Naruto," her frown deepened as she revealed an unknown fact. "Bastard changed his name…his name was meant to be Kazuki Uzumaki after Whirlpool's founder, not Naruto after Jiraiya's damned book." She recalled with obvious distaste.

Mikoto and Izanagi had the decency to look surprised.

"Kazuki?" Mikoto quietly parroted.

"The Yondaime Hokage renamed your boy…" Izanagi said with a disappointed sigh. The more he found out, the more his love for Konoha dwindled. It was a much grim foundation Konoha was built upon than what he originally thought.

Kushina placed the empty glass down on the table by those damnable scrolls. "My boy was taken from me when the fool sealed Kyubi inside Kazuki. It has been ten years since all this? What happened to my boy, what's happening with him?" The red head asked next, noticing the slightly haunted expression in both the Uchiha's features.

Both Uchiha remained silent. Izanagi didn't figure it his place to say, especially with all that had been revealed, and Mikoto had to take a moment to think about how she was going to explain.

"How bad is it?" Kushina asked through a sigh and apprehensive eyes.

\+ + + Konohagakure Outskirts – Miscellaneous Storage Shed – Later That Night + + +

"Here we are." Hitomi said.

"Huh…" Sin glanced around the small forest clearing which was just like any other. The only exception was the existence of a small tool shed at the edge of the clearing.

"That's pretty clever." Saeko admitted as she followed Hitomi to the entrance of the shed.

Naruto looked up at the shed with some skepticism as he followed the others. He'd seen it before because he liked to come out around this section of forest when he could manage to get away from the village because it was very quiet and secluded off the beaten path. "I know we're not all going to be staying inside of this shed." He commented.

"Yes and no, Naruto…you'll see." Hitomi opened the door to the shed and allowed everyone inside before closing the door behind them.

Inside was about what one would expect of the inside of a shed. Constructed entirely of wood, the walls were decorated with many tools that a 'tool' shed would hold. There were shovels, hoes, fertilizer, seeding, bags of weed eater, buckets, gloves, and other tools in the corners of the shed.

"So many options for makeshift weapons and explosives," Saeko spoke thoughtfully after the others took a brief glance around. Sin just shook his head at how the swordswoman was; being well trained in the art of making anything into a weapon.

Naruto glanced around briefly, but focused on Hitomi as the woman proceeded to take hold of a claw shaped tool hanging on the wall. She gave it a pull and to Naruto's surprise it didn't detach from its hook when grabbed.

A clicking sound resonated, gaining everyone's attention as a panel in the corner of the shed activated and slid open to reveal a trap door that led down into darkness.

"Is that what I think it is?" Sin muttered in question, speaking to himself more than Hitomi as he gazed into the dank hidden portal.

"This will take us down…into the quarantined tunnels I mentioned…before," Hitomi turned to face the others. "As I said…Hokage and ANBU have all but forgotten…about these passageways. Also…this area we're to stay in is…special."

"Special?" Naruto repeated absently followed by a curious look, watching with Sin and Saeko as the Hyuga descended into the darkness quietly, ignoring their curious glances.

Saeko glanced at Sin but, he just shook his head at the lingering question in her eyes. If it was important then Hitomi would inform them, his body language expressed to her. "You're up." Sin's firm words brought Saeko out of her brief stupor as she looked at the hidden passage again.

She flinched but went forward. "Yeah, yeah." And with a sigh, she leapt down through the opening forgoing proper use of the ladder. Despite the drop and lack of light she landed on her feet with the grace of a feline with her clothing fluttering around her. "Waiting on you!" She called while stepping back without missing how her voice bounced off the walls and echoed through the tunnel system.

Sin motioned Naruto forward with a silent hand motion and he followed the young blonde as they both stepped down the ladder into the dim tunnel one after the other. Once Sin's feet met the hard floor he heard the panel slide back into place overhead as if knowing there were none others. The residual light that poured in from the shed's windows above was cut off, dimming their surroundings even more. Hitomi gave a nod before turning as she flared her chakra a bit and the area was lit by torches that lined the tunnel walls with flame.

The stoic Hyuga proceeded to lead everyone through the corridors in silence as the other three followed just as quietly. After a while the Hyuga decided to continue with her explanation now that they could breathe and take their time. The first part of their plan to find shelter and discreet passage into Konoha was accomplished and things would only get harder from here.

Hitomi kept her gaze forward, expression unreadable as Sin fell in step beside her as they passed by a few door-less rooms that were empty and void of any items and decoration. They were all concrete and relatively square with grey walls. As she led them, Hitomi was able to feel the man's eyes glancing her way on and off again. Sin knew the woman could be serious and unreadable; she mostly had been since they met. Added to that was the fact she was a Hyuga and it was in her blood to be all but stoic and serious, but she seemed even more so now than before; especially considering how she had asked for their express help in recovering her daughter.

Hitomi, knowing why he was looking at her in such a way, decided to get on with it. "Konoha has a vast array of underground tunnels," she began, effectively bringing everyone's attention back to her person. "They were once used for travel out of the village for shinobi to get in and out of Konoha quickly on missions of the most importance. Some were used in contingency plans should the village ever be attacked for the protection of civilians. However, the tunnel system was eventually deemed obsolete…and forgotten. Danzo has a separate underground area as a base of ops for his Root and ANBU has their own dedicated area beneath the Hokage Tower, all separate from the tunneling we're in." No one said a thing, so she continued.

"There were events of a disturbing and tragic nature within this underground some years ago." She spoke after a moment as the group patiently trekked deeper and deeper through the tunnel system, her words gathering everyone's attention once more.

"It was here that Orochimaru was discovered performing genetic experiments on Konoha residents...mostly children in an asinine attempt to create and recreate kekkai-genkai. All his experiments were sadistic and cruel in nature as...all his test...subjects died painfully from his detestable methods. He had been doing so for several years and it took so long to notice the disappearances because he used orphans mostly or people that wouldn't be missed; like civilian vagrants and drifters, tourists, and most anyone who was single without a family or loved ones. That's why I say its 'special', as these tunnels are left forgotten as if they're cursed." Hitomi held an expression of stoic disgust though no one could tell as the dim lighting hid most of her features.

"He sounds a little touched in the head." Meanwhile Naruto was heard from the rear of the group gasping as Saeko was heard speaking the words with disgust in a tone that likely matched Hitomi's facial expression at the time. Hitomi found reason to nod, agreeing with Saeko's assessment.

"Least we won't have to deal with any unwanted visitors," Sin sighed knowing of Orochimaru's reputation. He came to hear a good bit about Orochimaru's exploits through his contacts in the Elemental Nations and he would agree with Saeko that he was one deranged individual. Despite the tainted reputation, that man was considered one of the best scientists in the Elemental Nations; though a mad one. He was also considered the foremost expert on ninjutsu. However, the man's methods left much to be desired. Motivated as he was by immortality and gaining knowledge of every jutsu in existence.

Sin internally snorted at the thought since he believed it was nothing more than a pipe dream, a foolish man's foolish pipe dream. _Truly pathetic, too bad I wasn't strong enough._ He supposed_…Talk about reaching for the sky, though...I just feel bad for anyone who ends up with their lives in his hands; like those of his village._

"Indeed." Hitomi responded simply as everyone nodded in agreement. Naruto was a little bothered by the Hyuga woman's true tale and shivered, suddenly feeling like the spirits of the lost lives were with him. He noticed, offhandedly, that Kyubi was relatively silent and had been since leaving the bounty station on Konoha's border where Sin had turned in a Root's head for some 'quick cash', as the man had put it.

"Anyway, I figure that we do some remedial planning before turning in for the evening and set a timetable to make this thing a success." The Genjutsu user suggested as Hitomi led them around a corner into another lengthy corridor with open rooms.

"We can use an area to sleep and eat in…as well as one of the larger rooms for training Naruto. The tunnels were conveniently…constructed so chakra signatures couldn't be tracked from outside them, but we should still keep things to a…minimum. The torches will remain lit and a small chakra flare will turn them off and on." She explained in her usual neutral, methodical way.

She then addressed Sin's statement. "You've decided to enter Konoha then..." She inquired in a way that wasn't really a question at all.

Saeko furrowed her eyebrows below her purple bangs at that. Yes, she had been over the rough draft of the _anti-rescue_ _mission_ plan with Sin, but she still hadn't thought that he would go in to Konoha himself.

"Aye, no choice. We can do this quicker that way." Hitomi shook her head causing her dark hair to sway additionally. That much was true and no plan was entirely without risk. This one was just high risk, high reward.

"Very well," Hitomi barely kept from yawning. "I'm going to…get some rest. I'm feeling weary from the hasty travel." The Hyuga woman proceeded a little further down the corridor and entered one of the rooms to get her desired rest in.

"I'll join you." Saeko did yawn, but before she joined her in sweet bliss, the violet haired swords mistress turned to Sin. "What about you, Sin-kun?"

"Well," he scratched at his cheek. "If Naruto isn't too tired I was planning to continue with training before deciding to turn in." He looked down to the ten year old and noticed he seemed excited by the prospect. "How 'bout it, Naruto?" He asked although he knew the answer.

"I'm in-ttebayo!" He answered while nodding feverishly.

Both young adults laughed at the blonde's enthusiasm. "We'll try not to wake you two up, oya?" Saeko smirked at Sin's speech and nodded her understanding.

"Am I correct to assume we'll work out the kinks about the plan some more?" She inquired, beginning to undo her blade strap from around her waist, her thigh showing through the slit of her ankle length skirt. She was very ready to simply close her eyes and regain some of her energy.

"Oya oya," Sin retorted while removing two of the smaller scrolls from his right pant leg and tossed them to her. "Bed rolls. You'll get no sleep lying on pure concrete." He smirked.

Saeko caught both scrolls with an appreciative nod as she finished removing the sword harness from her tapered waist and followed where Hitomi had gone. Knowing that Sin was watching her 'wiggle' with every step, she accentuated the sway of her hips as she sauntered into the room with Hitomi.

"Fucking cock tease," Sin growled, though he knew Naruto probably heard. The gaki had sensitive hearing, for all the good it did him.

"I should just…go in there and…" He trailed, but laughed it off. He'd never truly plan to rape a woman let alone go through with the act. Saeko just liked to play games with their closeness and it was a losing match for the Kurokami.

"Welp!" Sin looked down to a more than interested Naruto. "You're almost through the basic stances and maneuvers Naruto! If we're fortunate we can start on advanced stuff, continue your studies, and...Well I'll see what else we can work in. This room over here will be perfect to train. Let's get to it, shall we?" Sin winked at the whiskered blonde with a grin.

Naruto's eyes lit up with a determined flame as he gave a stiff nod. "I'm ready sensei," He saluted.

Naruto and Sin stood across from each other in another empty space provided within the tunnels. Sin was dressed in his usual attire while Naruto had changed into some training clothes provided by his master. A pair of shorts, a sleeveless shirt, black leggings for support with the same support style material around his wrists and forearms, and was completed by a pair of black shinobi shoes similar to those that Sin himself wore.

"This will be a normal spar, use what you must to defeat my clone. The spar we used before arriving here was of Genin level, you defeated it…so, this go around I will create a low-Chunin level clone. Show me your progress."

"Hai shishou!" Naruto responded firmly, inwardly grinning because he had a few new tricks up his sleeves that Sin was unaware of; which very well may give him an advantage to defeat his clone.

"Shadow clone jutsu," Sin muttered without using a hand sign and an exact copy of him shimmered into view like glitter, rather than with the customary puff of smoke. It was known to the group that Hitomi had showed Sin the Shadow Clone jutsu, the woman shocked that he hadn't known it. He learned and adapted to it quickly due to the fact that it was pure manipulation of chakra. Sin's best skill besides genjutsu and shurikenjutsu was chakra manipulation at its purest form, leaving him able to quickly use it without hand-signs, and close to removing the customary smoke that accompanied it.

Sin stood off to the side as he slipped a scroll from one of the holsters along his pant leg and unraveled it to its last entry mark to continue noting stats on Naruto's training in number form. "You may begin." He said calmly.

Clone Sin took up the stance of his new Jyuken mixed taijutsu style leaving the man in a crouch with his right arm stretched out behind him and a flat palm, while his left arm stretched out before him and palm flat but angled downward.

Naruto mirrored this stance, but everything was reversed.

Naruto and clone slowly approached one another in creeping, sliding motion; their feet barely leaving the ground as they closed in and circled each other.

"Ha!" Naruto acted first, bringing his support foot forward, and winding his striking arm back before bringing it forward in a palm thrust aimed at the groin. The clone avoided it with a spin before facing Naruto again while hopping to switch his stance from dominant to weak in a feint.

Naruto didn't bite as the clone switched his stance. The clone lashed out as it stepped forward and struck Naruto's face with the back of his fist making the jinchuriki take a step back. The clone scooted forward quickly, going for the same strike, but Naruto ducked under it and grabbed his forearm.

The jinchuriki leapt up using the clone's arm as leverage and brought his leg up to kick the clone in the face. However, the clone saw it coming and easily grabbed Naruto's smaller leg to turn him upside down. Naruto used the momentum of being turned upside down to propel him enough that he could throw his palm, charged with chakra into the clone's gut making him grunt.

The result saw Naruto freed and he flipped himself over to land on his feet in a crouch, quickly sliding forward the jinchuriki was fast enough to throw his forearm into the clone's stomach. He followed up with a knife handed strike which was blocked as the clone grabbed his wrist to stop it, but Naruto brought his left hand forward and palm thrust the clone in the same area as his first hit.

The clone stepped back, looking at Naruto with appraising eyes. "Very good, Naruto. You have improvised well and are able to think on your feet. I'm glad you ain't let our size differences bother you. Now, let us continue!"

The real Sin smirked at his clone as he wrote on the scroll without looking, watching how it attacked with increased speed and strength. _'Good, let's see how he adjusts now…'_

Naruto the cloned Sin whirled and danced around each other, both trading and avoiding strikes with sidesteps, spins, and dance like maneuvers involving foot techniques of alternating feet positions.

The clone hopped lightly on both feet, shifting his head this way and that to trick Naruto into thinking where and how he would come at him, his body swaying as if in a dance as he avoided another palm thrust and the fist that followed it.

Meanwhile, exertion was showing on Naruto's visage as he found it harder to pin the clone down and taking a hit almost every time he tried and missed. Naruto back flipped away as the clone lashed out with a reverse spinning crescent kick that would have had the jinchuriki eating the heel of his foot.

While in mid-flip, Naruto unleashed five shuriken at the clone, all of which the clone swayed to avoid. "Grrr!" Naruto sounded determined and frustrated as he landed, but continued forward; darting at him on all fours. As he got close, he threw himself into a roll and went between the clone's legs to avoid being kicked.

Naruto bounced to his feet and kicked at the back of the clone's knee, making him fall into a kneel. At the same time, the blonde grabbed one of the shuriken that had stuck into the hard floor nearby while jumping up and aiming to stab the object into the clone's head.

Clone Sin leaned backward aerobically and stopped Naruto's arm at the wrist by crossing his forearms over himself, leaving the two in a brief stalemate. Naruto, knowing he wasn't going to overpower him even with chakra started to slide back, but the clone leaned back and went into a handstand while twisting his lower half in a half-rotation, kicking out with his right leg to strike Naruto in the chest before quickly doing so with his left.

Naruto was thrown back, rolling across the ground until he forced himself to stand. The clone flipped himself off his hands onto his feet and began shuffling toward his opponent while using the same swaying dance like movements.

The two engaged again.

Naruto ran at Sin full speed and jumped up to dropkick Sin's clone with both feet, but the clone just grinned, and Naruto went right through his body just as the Root agent's windmill shuriken had.

Sin's clone stomped down on the ground and pivoted around on the same foot, using his free leg to sweep up in a diagonal up angle, however he missed grandly as Naruto wasn't there.

Meanwhile, the real Sin stood speechless off to the side. _'When did he..?'_ The sensei trailed off in question, holding his scroll and pencil down at his sides.

Before the clone could figure it out, Naruto rose up from the ground behind him quickly striking the back of his knees, and once more forcing it to kneel. Naruto then proceeded to deliver a quick volley of chakra infused palm thrusts to the clone's body while using the same dance like foot maneuvers that the clone had used previously. While this would mess with the chakra flowing through it, slowing it down, and messing with its ability to mold chakra and use any jutsu; it wasn't enough to dispel it.

Naruto ended up behind the clone again and clamped his hands over the clone's ears with his palms flat and began forcing chakra into the clone.

The clone began to involuntarily spasm as it was quickly and thoroughly overloaded with foreign chakra. The Tenchogan in its eyes disappeared until they were purely white and rolled up into the back of its head…where it finally dispelled.

'_Wha…ohh,'_ Sin shivered as the memories came back to him. The man found it to be entirely unpleasant.

"Well now…how's that?!" Naruto called out with a smug grin as he walked over to his sensei after gathering his shuriken. He folded his arms over his chest, waiting to be appraised.

Sin cleared his throat and closed his mouth, shaking off the surprise. "Well, I…who taught you that, Naruto?" He inquired, unable to critique his student until he got his answer.

Naruto chuckled conspiratorially. "Hehe, Hitomi-san taught it to me before we got here. She woke me up in the middle of the night one evening and said that it would be good for me to know a support or defensive jutsu. She's an earth affinity, but she said it would be simple for me to learn…she said it's called, Iwagakure-no jutsu. Surprised?"

"Hell yeah, I'm surprised." He couldn't believe that had happened, but he also wouldn't be mad with Hitomi for teaching Naruto the technique. He did wonder why she had done so though.

"Well…" He brought the scroll up and scribbled a few more things down, silently impressed with what he was seeing. "You're taking to the taijutsu styles well, although you did leave openings and had wasted movements at times, but you're still starting out so it's to be expected. Although…we might have to go to the clubs at some point and get you learning how to dance, just because you can copy the movements doesn't mean it didn't look good," he teased.

"Moh, sensei…" Naruto pouted while uncrossing his arms.

"I also see you're applying my chakra manipulation skills as well, but you're wasting a lot…and I emphasis 'a lot', of chakra…still, you're a beginner. I'm really impressed with how you think on your feet and can improvise. Improvising, I believe, can't really be taught and you're a natural at it." Naruto beamed at hearing more positives.

"Also, your aim with thrown weapons is getting better. All in all, I'm pleased with what I've seen tonight. So…not bad…my student." Sin grinned easily.

"Haha, thanks. I'll take it!" Naruto bowed to Sin and Sin bowed to Naruto in return

"So…" Sin folded his arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. "You really learned that submerged earth jutsu overnight?"

"Hai shishou…you're not mad that Hitomi taught me the jutsu, are you?" The jinchuriki inquired carefully, remembering how the Hyuga woman had mentioned that it could be a problem.

Sin shook his head, but he sighed. "Nah, I ain't mad…but, I do wish she had asked my blessing." He frowned lightly then. "It could be seen as disrespect."

"Oh…" Naruto lowered his head.

Sin tsk'd when he saw the look on Naruto's face and his head dropped. For a reason that he had yet to figure out, he hated seeing a look like that on the talented boy's face. He'd let it go, but he did plan to bring it up with Hitomi later, he couldn't not do that. He would simply set things straight and let it go. "Ah, fuck it!" He exclaimed getting Naruto's attention again as he threw his arms out.

"Come on, gaki, let's just get some rest…tomorrow's another day for us, eh!"

Naruto smiled widely and nodded. "Hai!"

\+ + + Later + + +

**Naruto...ruto...Damnit, wake up boy!**

Naruto woke up with a bit of a start hearing his name being called repeatedly, the words echoing through his mind like a hollow pit. As his eyes cracked open he awoke somewhere other than where he recalled laying his head for the night. He took a quick look around the wet, dank area. "This is the sewer representing my mindscape. Of course," he trailed. The blonde decided to follow the sewer tunnels that he knew would take him to Kyubi's cell.

After silently maneuvering the twists and turns, it wasn't long before he found himself in ankle deep water, standing before the mighty steel bars that kept the fox woman separated from him. Just as he arrived before said bars, Kyubi's otherworldly form appeared to meet him.

Naruto frowned. "You know that was really irritating. Calling me out like that while I'm trying to sleep..." Naruto said petulantly as he folded his arms.

Kyubi just smiled, revealing pearl while teeth and razor sharp canines. **No need to fuss, boy. Your body is still sleeping plus this has to do with your training and could not wait.**

The altered kimono wearing fox demon replied with mirth as another mischievous glint flashed through her golden eyes with red slit pupils. Nine tails that Naruto hadn't really noticed in their initial meeting fluttered listless behind her as she folded lithe though toned arms beneath her bust, causing them to perk up further with the action.

Naruto might have been a ten year old boy who was still growing, but he could feel the blood rushing to his head. Truthfully, if she hadn't mentioned training him, he probably would have had a nose bleed...not even his Oiroke no Jutsu was that good.

"What about my training, you going to teach me something good?" He inquired as he stood on the opposite side of the bars from Kyubi.

The vixen gave an affirmative nod, only to frown thoughtfully after. **I will, but not quite yet. When I mentioned training I was meaning your sensei...I need to speak with him and I need your help to do so.**

"Oh," Naruto's mood dropped, but not too drastically. He even grinned in his own foxy way as he inquired, "you gonna give him some pointers huh?" He laughed a little.

Kyubi smirked.

**Oh yes, something like that. Now listen, here's what is what...** she stepped a little closer to the bars until her breasts were lightly pressed against the metal prison bars.

Naruto again received a head rush as he nodded, unable to keep from experiencing the lightheadedness of such a sight once more. However, he listened...then he blinked. "Kigan, what's that?"

**Kigan is an ability of my own creation that I used to get me through thousands of years of human existence and prejudice; especially once shinobi came to be. It has a few uses and one of its uses allows me to enter another's mindscape via eye contact; from there I can do anything from communicate to someone, steal knowledge, take over the mind or simply destroy it altogether.**

"Wow that sounds like a great ability." Naruto said, clearly impressed by Kyubi's explanation of the Kigan until... "Say, you're not going to hurt sensei though...right?" He had to ask. Sin had easily become someone of importance to the whiskered blonde since he'd taken him in and began training him.

**I'm not going to hurt the man...at least, not yet.** She smiled devilishly. Naruto seemed to dislike her words and frowned, ready to retort until she cut him off. **I'm teasing you, now I'm only going to use the Kigan to speak with him and nothing more...can you trust me to keep my word?**

Naruto blinked and seemed thoughtful. "Well, kaa-san said to have faith in you and we made an agreement...so yes, I trust you." He added a determined nod to go with his words.

Kyubi flinched just slightly when Naruto mentioned Kushina, but she said nothing and neither did Naruto; though he clearly saw it. **Good, now I'll need your help too...so this is what we'll do.** Kyubi said in a rather conspiratorial manner.

Naruto shifted and sat up, no longer asleep after his speaking with Kyubi. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes then glanced over to Sin who was asleep, flat on his back, and lightly snoring. While Hitomi and Saeko had stayed in a separate room, Sin and Naruto slept in the same area they used to train; training until it was time for bed.

The blonde pushed the cover to his bedroll aside and got to his feet. He had the haori style coat that Sin had gotten for him hanging on the wall by a nail close by. He wore a fitted black shirt and a pair of dark purple shorts which was part of his training attire. He began padding over to Sin as silently as he could and knelt down to the softly breathing young man and reached out to shake his shoulder.

However, Naruto gasped and startled when Sin's hand shot up and grabbed his wrist while his eyes were still closed.

"What are you doing up, Naruto?" His sensei inquired with a tired drawl, finally opening his eyes after spreading his senses to catch a hint of the time. He had difficulty due to the make of the tunnels, but was able to tell it was a few hours into the a.m.

Sin sat up, releasing Naruto's wrist while giving a lion sized yawn and rubbed his eyes.

"S-sorry, sensei." The blonde began rubbing his wrist with the apology before proceeding, "I have to um...well...pee." Naruto lied.

"I see." Sin nodded, looking at the adolescent and for the first time Naruto noticed that his master's eyes had a faint white glow in them through the darkness. "I'll take you up to the forest then."

**Now boy! Do it!** Kyubi said and he quickly allowed the vixen control over his body. Sin could immediately feel that something was off. Along with chakra already in the atmosphere that only his eyes saw, he noticed a red aura beginning to travel from Naruto's belly before coursing through his chakra system to his eyes.

"Naruto, what do you think you're-..." Sin stopped dead in his tracks when Naruto suddenly turned around to face him as red chakra continued flowing to the jinchuriki's eyes.

Sin Kurokami's mind immediately went blank when he caught sight of the Kigan within Naruto's eyes. He barely registered intense red slit pupils with deep orange irises and a black sclera. The unique, intricate double bar patterns and rings that made up the Tenchogan became undone in Sin's eyes until all that was left were pure white orbs.

Everything faded to black for Sin, but he could feel his world spinning off its axis. After a moment it all suddenly screeched to halt, but it only lasted for a moment. As if an invisible hand and pencil were drawing, his environment began to take shape until he could recognize the colorless outlines of buildings and the surroundings as Konoha just as the Hokage monument appeared in the distance. Once that was done, everything was given color and the world came to life around him; instantly assaulting his five senses.

Naruto watched Sin lay back down without a sound. The blonde yawned and decided he would go back to sleep.

\+ + + Sin Kurokami's Mindscape – Dream Konoha + + +

He could smell dishes of curry and fish from nearby stalls as the ingredients were cooked and grilled in the open air.

The sound of children playing in their innocence while their parents and other villagers conversed was unable to fully drone out the song birds and chattering squirrels.

The clear skies gave way to a bright sun, causing him to squint beneath the rays of light as puffy white clouds drifted over the village.

He took a deep breath, feeling light headed from the sudden experience, and was practically able to taste the crisp air on his tongue as he did.

An attractive young woman brushed against him slightly as she passed by. The exchange became interesting when he turned to apologize to the brunette with grey eyes who only blushed at him and offered a shy apology in return. As she continued on her way, she emphasized the sway of her hips.

**...Is this beauty, Kurokami?** Sin turned and immediately found himself face to face with Kyubi herself. She was dressed more maturely than when she had been with Naruto.

She wore a black with gold trim top that generously showed her bust as it hugged her torso, with circle rip patterns in it that showed flashes of flawless milky skin below the fabric as it fell short of her belly button showing a gold navel piercing. A pair of low riding black pants was like a second skin on short toned legs that supported a firm, apple bottom with the left pant leg cut off up to her backside. She wore a pair of shoes similar to Sin's but they were tan and open toe with a heel. She wore a choker that looked similar to Sin's chain necklace which had a gold pendant of the kanji for seal.

She had her crimson red hair straight and wavy down her back with a part to the left side of her head where her hair fell over her left eye as it draped over her shoulder, stopping at the valley of her breasts. Sin was nearly unable to believe his eyes when he was witness to her ethereal appearance and goddess like allure.

He blinked, unable to keep from licking his lips, and suddenly feeling hungry for a special sort of cuisine. "Not compared to this. Naruto was right...you truly are a vixen goddess." He trailed in a near breathless tone. "I almost feel privileged. Almost." He finished with a grin.

**Fufu.** Kyubi laughed softly as she graced him with a mischievous gaze of approval while jostling her hair as she runs her hand through it, only to have it fall over her eye once more. **Well, aren't you bold?** Sin's ears twitched at the way her voice seemed to carry on the wind.

"I try." He responded, but decided the banter could wait. "So, this is your doing...but, why?" He inquired as he glanced around the active Konoha proper. None seemed to notice them as even the people walking the footway stepped wide births around them unconsciously. "Something to do with Naruto, no doubt," he added as he and the demoness held eye contact.

**Fufufu, Naruto has become both of our worlds, wouldn't you agree Kurokami?** Kyubi smiled a bit deviously. It was pretty as well, but with such severely pointed teeth, pretty was not the appropriate word for anything that was decidedly Kyubi; at least that was how Sin felt about it.

Sin held up a hand. "Feel free to call me Sin of you like." The charcoal haired Ronin suggested, but then asked," Kyubi isn't your real name...it's simply a title ain't it, demoness?"

**Hmhm, are you not the type to ask and forgot a beautiful woman's name? ** The demoness giggled conceitedly as she sauntered her way towards him when he shrugged, a cat that ate the canary smile gracing her visage. **Tsk-Tsk on you, not for nothing my young sensei.** Kyubi had a clawed finger trailing Sin's jaw line lightly as she looked up into his unique eyes. **Naruto is my jailer and I haven't even told him my true name yet. However, kudos for discovering the truth; Kyubi is indeed just a title although your human counterparts use it in a disparaging manner when they speak of me.**

Sin smirked at the clawed hand just as she withdrew it from his face, immediately deciding that he liked Kyubi's style. If he were a weaker and much more inexperienced man, he'd be a horny mess of male putty in her hands rather than just a horny mess. He could banter with the best but, he could see she could be all business by looking closely into those kitsune hues.

"So, what's on your mind about Naruto that you got the gaki to ambush and illusion me in the midst of the a.m? Oh and don't worry...I'll inquire about the technique you used on me before long." He winked to let her know that it hadn't slipped his mind, even with her being one huge mental distraction.

Kyubi just licked her lips and smirked as she graced him with a respectful glance. **My, you are astute. About Naruto, there are a few things...but come, walk with me while we talk.** She looped her arm around Sin's right bicep without giving him a chance to answer as she gently brought him with her as she hung off his arm.

Sin tried, but stiffened up when she took hold of him. When he felt himself becoming nervous, he remembered himself, and quashed the feeling. It was interesting to find that it took some effort, and decided not to completely let his guard down.

_Whoa_, Sin thought. _She is strong...I was unable to even attempt to resist_. He felt her generous bosom press against his arm and decided he probably wouldn't have resisted anyway. Then he noticed something strange about the Konoha construct she had brought him into.

Everyone they passed looked at them with awe and admiration, even bowing when they walked across their paths as others moved aside to let them by unhindered.

"Kyubi, why are these people like this...actually, why did you choose to use Konoha as a visual make-up for this?" Sin inquired, unsure about something for the first time since this meeting began.

**Fufu, you'll soon find out, but to fully understand there are a few things we need go over.** Kyubi advised as they walked passed an adult couple. He could overhear the couple talking about how they would name their first born after one of them. Sin for a boy and Kyubi for a girl.

It was a very odd experience for the Kurokami, but he was patient and knew the demoness had a reason, so for now he followed her lead. Sin allowed Kyubi to continue guiding him through Konoha where they fell into a comfortable silence for a brief moment with only the sounds of outside, and the constant admiration of civilians and shinobi alike interrupting it from time to time.

**You know, I've been sealed inside Naruto since he was given life. I've been with him from his infancy to the present, seen him at his happiest, and at his lowest. Because of this I don't think one could appropriately appreciate him, let alone teach him...** Kyubi trailed off as they entered the park grounds outside of the Academy. The fox demoness sat down on the old tree swing that Naruto had once favored with a smile. Sin folded his arms over his broad chest as he opened his ears and listened.

**Don't get me wrong, I have confidence in your ability to teach and make the blonde a great success, but your motivation to do so isn't properly focused yet...I will provide you with that focus.** Kyubi gave her head a gentle swing causing her hair to be tossed before falling back into place over her left eye.

"Very well. I don't see how that could hurt and I'm all about being focused. How will you accomplish this?" Sin inquired rather innocently.

**We've already begun.** She spread her arms out to her sides, letting him know she meant the image of Konoha they were in. **I bet that blind admiration felt good, yes?**

Sin answered honestly. "It was a bit odd, but it was a powerful feeling, yes." He answered while unfolding his arms.

Kyubi nodded as a smile showed on her perfect, heart shaped face. **All Naruto ever wanted was to be seen, recognized...loved…** she trailed.

Sin's visage turned to one of understanding as he quickly figured it out her meaning. "To be loved...he simply wants to be appreciated and they shit on him instead." He said, suddenly feeling anger well up inside him.

**Hai, you continue to impress me. Do you think you can handle a day in the life of Naruto Uzumaki, from beginning up to the present? It's the only way I let you continue training Naruto and the only way you can understand the boy.** Kyubi advised.

Sin sighed and didn't even think about it. "Let's do it." He said with resignation, already knowing that this wasn't going to be pretty.

_I heard em all like a terror where lies lead you, these people are see through. Being real is the greatest glory life, 'cause fake people never tell a story the same way twice._

A young Naruto, bright eyed and excited by existence as he was fooled by citizens of Konoha. Forced into a dead end alleyway where he experienced his first time being deceived and beaten. The other villagers cheered on the misguided perpetrators as they dedicated their wretched actions to the Yondaime Hokage.

_Pay attention, and listen carefully. There's a difference from the fallen and half-breeds, humans and demons._

Sin got to experience the mistreatment by the hands of the old matron of the orphanage as she encouraged the other foster kids to tease and beat him up. Being starved and having what few possessions he did have taken from him and broken or thrown away.

_A God given ability to change so many lives, some people join the mobs while I just run because I don't have so many lives._

Sin experienced the pains of attempted poisoning by high ranking shinobi. Calling for help and begging for mercy as he sensed the masked individuals who he knew were supposed to be his guardians stand idly by.

_When I meet a person that's genuine, my arm extends to them, try to make friends with them, value they opinion. Oh, lord._

The Kurokami got to experience being kicked out of the orphanage and having to starve for nearly a week without food, water, or shelter until he wised up and realized he had to survive. He got to experience Naruto questioning his existence and where he came from, if his parents had died loving him, or if they were truly alive and left him to rot because they had hated him as much as the villagers.

_I might sin again 'cause no one's perfect, keep waiting for it all to improve…I promise it's worth it._

Sarutobi doing the bare minimum and providing him with bi-weekly stipends of money to live on. Taking him out to eat one time and trying to convince him it was safe to live in the rundown apartment building in the Red Light.

_Put my heart and soul in it. Still, I had to wait for the love in it and separate the hate from it. My life, a lot of hot and cold in it, a little of both. Uzumaki Naruto there's nothing easy in it, I get hated in bulk in it._

Pulling pranks on those that mistreated him or spoke ill about him when they thought he couldn't hear, and always listening to the other parents telling their children to stay away from him, not to play with him, and that he was nothing but trouble.

_My blood's still flowing, my promise is much more than skin deep, while the assholes stuck paddling up shits creek._

He sensed the lies coming from the third Hokage when he asked about having parents or if there was something that made him different so much that it made him hated. Being lied to as he was told nothing was known about them.

_Street smart, y'all don't have no book sense. I'll lead the flock; y'all can just follow my footprints._

He experienced unlocking his chakra for the first time with Itachi Uchiha's help and accidentally creating the Oiroke no Jutsu by mistake when trying to perform the Henge jutsu for the first time without guidance.

_So, where's my just due? For years I been holding back all these tears._

He Felt something come over him enough to make him leave Konoha's walls for good and later met Sin in his hotel room. He experienced meeting Kyubi, then Saeko, and finally Hitomi.

_Y'all eyes ain't on the prize that mine on. I figure I'll live as a legend, if they kill me then I'll die as an icon..._

By the time Sin finished experiencing Naruto's memories, his mind felt as if it were ready to implode. He didn't even notice when Kyubi's short form stood from the old, rickety swing and stepped before him. She looked up at Sin, studying him with firm eyes. Naruto had a harder life than most growing up and she'd yet to know how it would affect the Kurokami; she did not need him going off the deep end.

Sin's brow creased angrily and a single tear shed, falling along the contour of his cheek leaving a streak. A satisfied smile graced Kyubi's pink lips as she leaned up to the tips of her toes and placed a kiss to his jaw line, catching the tear with her soft lips. Sin was unable to fully appreciate the feel as the red head brought her fingers to her lips after tasting the salty substance.

**Yes.** She confirmed with an approving nod as she stepped back, satisfied by the knowledge it afforded her. **I believe you're properly focused now.** The kitsune demoness grinned darkly as her nine tails danced behind her in a pleased fashion.

Sin silently shifted a hardened gaze onto her and Kyubi nearly experienced a chill from the strength and displeasure she saw in his eyes. It was intense by any human standards. "Hai. Thank you for that. You lit a fire within me that wasn't there before, even when I knew his village had run him off before I found him. I'm just that much more capable now... "

**Fufufu, I wouldn't have it any other way. You're no feeble minded human, if I found you lacking I wouldn't have gone through the trouble, and simply told the boy to leave you from the start.** She gave a saucy smile. **Now, there are just a few things we need to go over to make sure you get Naruto to progress properly as he grows.**

"...And those few things are?" Sin furrowed his eyebrows as he continued to hold the shorter woman's alluring gaze.

**You…I can sense it on you; there's a fire in you that you've been holding back...unleash that blaze Kurokami and stop fucking pretending, you're not a sheep! And stop restricting yourself, because you're not like them, and it's going to do more harm than good.** The kitsune demoness sneered at him leaving Sin speechless and almost breathless.

Kyubi took a breath to regain her composure and gave Sin a knowing smile. **You're only loyal to yourself, your friends, and Naruto. Act like it!** Kyubi's eyes gleamed.

Sin knew he shouldn't have been, but he was surprised. "…I-," but Kyubi stopped him.

"**No stop, just stop it…I want you focused on action, not excuses."** Kyubi shook her head, pointedly ignoring Sin as he frowned at her for cutting him off. "**I will lend a hand and Naruto can indeed learn a lot quickly, it's in his genes. He has a great potential and a limitless ceiling. I've been around since the creation of modern ninjutsu, so I know a thing or two." **

Kyubi smiled just then as she eyed Sin closely, unknowingly causing the man some discomfort with the gleam in her eyes. "**This brings me to my second concern, which isn't really a concern, but more of a…thing."**

"…And that thing is?" He slowly inquired, having a bad feeling about this.

"**We need to engage in melee…a battle, or spar if you will…"** She said without hesitation, folding her arms beneath her bosom.

Sin instantly became nervous. "What?! But, why is that?" He asked, nearly losing his composure and yelling.

Kyubi shrugged and maintained her composure, looking over her sharp nails as if looking for a chip. The answer was the most obvious thing in the world to her. **"I need to test you…of course." **She muttered.

"…-But," he tried.

"**No buts, Kurokami!" **The Konoha scenery immediately fell away to look like a training field. They stood on grassy turf, a small lake in one corner of the square area, a patch of trees in another, sandy terrain in a third corner, and some rocky terrain in another. **"We will do this…I know who I am, but you have the advantage of being in your mindscape. If you think it or visualize it, then you can will it to exist…utilize your knowledge against me. If you're to be Naruto's master however, I need to know firsthand what you are capable of."**

It was at that point that Kyubi's attire changed into a sleeveless gi top with a red sash, shorts that ended high on her thighs with white tape around her feet up to her shins. She remained barefoot and her hairstyle changed to become straight and long, ending at her lower back with her nine tails waving freely behind her.

Sin; momentarily speechless just gave a sigh, remembering whom it was that he had been talking to. He closed his eyes to try something himself and his clothing changed with his thoughts as well. Rather than his normal attire he ended up wearing a black jersey style top with the number one on front and back and his name, basketball style shorts that ended below the knee with black leggings up his legs to his thigh showing beneath, and his custom high-top shinobi shoes that were black with a strap over each forefoot of the shoe. The last addition was the arm supports that were also black and went from his wrist all the way up to his bicep.

Sin nodded to himself at his personal changes and then glanced around to see what he was working with concerning his surroundings. He was experienced enough to know that one's environment could be just as much a weapon as anything and that aspect alone had gotten him through several encounters before. "…So, this is really happening…" He spoke more than asked as he brought his eyes back to the demoness sealed within Naruto.

"**You would do well to acknowledge it, **_**sensei**_**," **Kyubi replied coyly though acutely. **"This is just a test, but it certainly isn't a game." **This would be her first time doing something like this. It was as the days passed, continued to be sealed within Naruto as he joined with Sin and the female sword master that she realized this part of her extensive life was going to be paved with new experiences…as well as the passing spilling of blood. So she would prepare to adapt to deal with experiences that would come to pass as she was brought on an adventure, different than any she had been through when her father was alive, and much different than any she had ever cared to take herself during her thousand years of travels before being sealed; where she had manipulated the human race, especially the men to live and do as she pleased.

It wasn't quite like babysitting since Naruto was her only true responsibility, but both he and his sensei would need to know how to be manipulative, cruel, hateful, and unforgiving on a level that may have to match her own…that being, inhumanly heartless.

She idly wondered, as Sin began to stretch and take up the newly invented stance for his bastardized and altered Jyuken mixed Taijutsu she had seen from his mind, when he would realize that he was in over his head…that he was simply along for the ride and held no real control?

As Sin rushed her, using a unique speed technique and interesting footwork, she had a single thought; a fitting thought that had occurred to her more times than she could keep track of in her many years.

_The more things changed…the more they stayed the same…_

AN: So we end another chapter. This is the first half of this mini-mini arc where the group will try to get Hitomi her children; everything takes place in the next chapter, 'The More They Stay The Same'. Kushina and the Uchiha are addressed, will Kyubi find Sin worthy, what does Izanagi have planned, Naruto's progression continues, will Sasuke wake up?, and more.

I want to let you all know that I also planned to make all this one chapter, but as it neared 40 pages I realized I couldn't do it and certain things HAD to happen (this chapter), before the attempt to get Hinata and Hanabi out of Konoha. So, I don't want you all to get too irked about the slow build-up of the story…it's all ready to be kicked off with chapter 6 and it won't take a month or so to be put out because it's written, and chapter 7 and on is well planned out.

I love that I'm getting follows and favorites as well, just would like to see some more reviews. I suppose there hasn't been a lot to review about, leaving the only thing to comment on being my writing; I must be good there? Seriously though, I don't mind if you even nitpick at stuff, I just wanna know what you think. I'm not really looking for them, but even suggestions are cool…ya know, anything to get the gears turning a little quicker is great.

Until next time…As we continue on…


	6. The More They Stay The Same?

O. K. E  
[Operation Kill Everything]

\+ "_Thoughts/Flashbacks"  
_+"Talking"  
\+ "**Altered/Demonic/Summon"**

Chapter Six: The More They Stay The Same…

"Okay, and what about your rule about not instigating trouble with shinobi villages, this could bring down a lot of heat on you and Naruto?" Saeko warned.

"Hold up, hold up...hold up!"

Author's Note: This is Haru Ran here, A.K.A, ah...who cares! So, Operation Kill Everything huh? Yeah. -Goes back to chapter one and reads it over, then begins to shake his head sadly.- It's there, but not quite. Like my buddy Orpheus told me, it's good, but it ain't centered. I couldn't continue to write this knowing it could be twice as better...and believe me, if you saw some of my notes; you would agree too. Still, the likes and faves are there...the reviews, few though they may be, encouraging. Sin Kurokami, unique? Saeko Busujima, appreciated.

I hate to say it, but Hitomi's arc is presenting problems and so is my decision to resurrect Kushina Uzumaki. I mean, she can be in this story, but she is misplaced. The Uchiha, can definitely be in this story, but are also misplaced.

Yes, I'm hitting the drawing board...it's back to basics on this and I got so many good, original ideas for Naruto that I can't act on until this is hammered out.

So, as much as I hate to say it, as hard as I tried to keep this story on track from chapter three to five, and as long as I put it off for...It's going to undergo rewriting status. Now, it won't take me months to get this going again and I'm not going to delete this original O.K.E, it'll remain uploaded on . If anything I hope to have a 'remix' uploaded, chapters one to six by March, if not before.

So, I'm outchea to get started on that. Holla!


End file.

Naruto, Adventure