I do not own Naruto, the rights belong to the respective owners

I have decided that I will pick the girl for Naruto's pairing from the Top 2 of the poll on my profile.

Chapter 7: Choices

Naruto and Itachi were walking towards Kakashi, Hiashi and Sasuke in silence. There was not much to discuss until they got to Sasuke. When they entered the room they saw Sasuke passed out on the ground with a chakra restriction seal on him.

When Kakashi and Hiashi saw Itachi they both immediately got on their guard, they may have heard Itachi's story from Sasuke, but they had no way to tell wither that was the truth or not.

Naruto saw what happened and acted, "No need to raise your guard. Itachi is only here to talk to his little brother."

Kakashi and Hiashi lowered their guard slightly, but not completely. Deception was the best weapon of a shinobi.

"Itachi-san," Hiashi spoke up, "Would you mind telling your story, Sasuke told us something but now that you are here, seemingly on our side I would like for you to confirm it."

"I suppose I could do that since you are the Hokage and these are your trusted guards." Itachi answered, "But I have to inform you that this is an S-rank secret. I do not know what my brother told you, but I will tell you my true story. The Uchiha clan had grown unsatisfied with how things were run during the time of the Third. That is why they eventually started planning a coup d'etat."

This new piece of information made they eyebrows of the listeners rise, the Uchiha had always been arrogant. But to go as far as plan a coup d'etat.

"I see you are surprised by this." Itachi continued, "At that I was as you know an ANBU captain, and using my position, my father had me spy on Konoha. But Konoha meant more to me then the Uchiha clan did and I became a double agent, passing information on the Uchiha to the Sandaime. Sarutobi-sama tried to solve the problems with the Uchiha in a diplomatic way, but he failed. The Uchiha had sunken deep into their hatred and demanded more from Konoha then that was reasonable. The Sandaime kept trying, but the elders were losing patience. Eventually I was approached by them and ordered me to eliminate the threat of the Uchiha clan by killing them all. The Sandaime was only informed of the order that was given me after that decisive night. I did as I was told and the following night was the night of the Uchiha Massacre. I loved Konoha, and there was only one thing that I loved more, my little brother. I could not bear myself to kill Sasuke, so I let him live. I planned on him killing me and thereby clearing the name of the Uchiha. However he was never supposed to find out the truth about me."

Naruto, Kakashi and Hiashi all took some time to take in all that information, but eventually Hiashi spoke up.

"As soon as we are back at Konoha I will confront the elders about this and give them the required punishment. They went off bounds when they overstepped Sarutobi in that order."

"I will be glad when you do that. But I really wanted to talk to Sasuke, is that possible, since he is your prisoner?"

"You will be allowed to talk to him when he wakes up, however one of us will be present when you talk to him."

"That is fine." Itachi replied, already glad he would get to talk to his foolish little brother.

Roughly halve an hour later

The five Kage and what was left of their bodyguards had assembled again in the meeting room. The Mizukage, Mei was now without guards, Ao had survived his wounds but was currently stuck at the hospital. But she did not mind that much, she had grown to trust her fellow Kage, at least a bit.

"I think I can safely say that none of us are willing to continue our talk from before." Hiashi stated.

He got answered by several nods and grunts.

"But we do still have things we need to talk about." Ohnoki said, "I propose that we postpone the meeting and continue tomorrow."

The other four Kage agreed to that plan and all left the room again, most likely going to their rooms to sleep. With the exception of Gaara, who sadly cannot sleep.

Later that night

Kabuto was sitting in his cell, cursing himself for trusting Tobi and aiding him in his plan. He was pulled from his thoughts when a samurai guard appeared in front of his cell.

"Visitor" was the only thing he said before leaving again.

Kabuto was wondering who would visit him when the one that had ruined all his plans appeared, Naruto.

"What do you want?" He asked in an annoyed tone.

"I was going to start with "hello", Naruto said while shrugging, "But if that is how you want to start the conversation, be my guest."

Kabuto merely grunted in response.

"I am here because I am questioning something." Naruto started.

When he fell silent for a second Kabuto send him an annoyed look, signalling him to continue.

"I wonder why you would follow this Uchiha Madara in his ridicules plans."

Kabuto did not answer before sighing and speaking up.

"I never intended to go further with his plans. To me he was just a means to an end."

"So what were your plans?" Naruto asked.

"My plan was to capture you or the Hachibi jinchuriki, preferably both, and blackmail Madara or Tobi, or whatever he is called now, into giving me one of the Rinnegan eyes that belonged to Nagato. So I could revive Orochimaru. Unfortunately for me, you took his eyes without me knowing about i and thereby ruining my entire plan." Kabuto send Naruto a hateful glare when he said that last sentence.

"I see," Naruto answered, "I am sorry for ruining your plan, but it is better the way it is now."

That was the last thing Naruto said before leaving the dungeon and going to his room to sleep.

The Next Day

The Five Kage and their remaining bodyguards were once again gathered in the Summit chamber.

"Does anyone have a suggestion as of how to continue now?" Hiashi asked calmly.

"Now that the Akatsuki is mostly dealt with, I believe that each village will be able to handle them individually." Onoki spoke up.

"While it may be true that the Akatsuki has lost some members yesterday, I believe that they still form a threat and the villages should make some sort of pact." Mei suggested.

"I agree with Mizukage-dono." Gaara responded, "It would be wise if we were to handle the Akatsuki issue together."

"I agree with what Tsuchikage-dono has said," Ay voiced his opinion, "With what the Akatsuki has left in members the villages should easily be able to handle them on their own."

"I believe that what the Mizukage has suggested is the best path to take." Hiashi stated, "I do somewhat agree with the Raikage and the Tsuchikage that the individual villages would be able to handle them on their own. However in a short amount of time the Akatsuki gathered four new members, which means that they most likely can easily stock up on new members. And if they did, the threat that they will once again pose will be to much to be handled by a single ninja village."

Gaara and Mei nodded to that statement, Ay and Onoki could think of nothing that would put a hole in Hiashi's thinking.

"I have to agree with Hokage-dono's logic." Onoki grumbled.

Ay merely grunted.

"Then I propose that the five ninja villages will make a pact," Hiashi spoke again, "Any info that is gathered on the Akatsuki by a village will immediately be shared among the other villages. Should the Akatsuki gain power again and start to pose a big threat to all our villages again, another Kage Summit will be called here again, and if that happens we will discuss terms of an alliance between all the five villages."

"I support that plan." Mei said.

"So do I." Was Gaara's response.

"I can agree to those terms." Onoki said.

"Kumo will take part in this pact." Ay grumbled.

"Good," Mifune spoke, "We will put this pact on paper later so you can all sign it, for now this meeting has officially ended."

In the meantime with a Naruto clone, Itachi and Sasuke.

Naruto and Itachi were having a casual conversation about missions they had had while they were waiting for Sasuke to wake up. Naruto was currently telling Itachi about his mission in the Snow Country. Itachi was listening to Naruto without interrupting him and with a thoughtful look on his face.

However their conversation was interrupted when a soft moan came from the bed that Sasuke had been sleeping on. Sasuke's eyes opened, only to be closed again to shut out the light that immediately pained his eyes. He felt that his chakra was sealed off with special seals and concluded that he had been captured by Konoha. Slowly he opened them again, now letting the light slowly contact his eyes to prevent his earlier pain.

However soon his eyes widened, foregoing his earlier plan of opening them slowly.

"Itachi?" He questioned.

"Yes, I am here, otouto." Itachi answered.

"How? I killed you." Sasuke stated.

"I was brought back by Kabuto using Edo Tensei, and then freed by Naruto."

It was only then that Sasuke noticed that Naruto was also in the room, but he decided to ignore him for now. He had questions that needed answering.

"Itachi," Sasuke started in a firm voice. "Tell me the real truth about what happened that night."

Itachi sighed and sat down on the only chair present in the room.

"Our father was a proud man," Itachi started. "And his pride suffered a deep dent when the Uchiha started being blamed for the Kyuubi attack. Slowly the Uchiha started getting less respect from the people. The citizens of Konoha started shunning the Uchiha clan. Our father could not take that, and slowly the plan of a coup was formed. Our clan started conducted secret gatherings and they made plans for the coup there. At that time I was already an ANBU captain and our father deemed it that I would be a spy. However I valued Konoha way more then our clan. I informed the Hokage of the plans our clan had made, and at that meeting Hiruzen-sama appointed me to be a double agent. I kept going to our clans meetings, and straight after such a meeting I would report to the Hokage about what was discussed. Hiruzen-sama took action and started peace talks with our father and the rest of the clan, however the Uchiha were unreasonable and an accord could not be made. Hiruzen-sama continued the peace talks, however I was confronted by the elders, Danzo, Homura and Koharu, who were aware of the current situation. They ordered me to exterminate the Uchiha clan in order to keep the peace. It was an order from my superiors and I had to follow it. That night I was confronted by a man wearing a black rope with red clouds on it, claiming to be Uchiha Madara. He insisted on helping in the massacre of the clan. I accepted his help, in the end it would not matter much either way. And the following you are aware of, me and this supposed Madara butchered the clan. Except for you, you are my precious otouto and I love you more then the village. I could not bring myself to kill you and I spared you live, I planned for you to kill me in order to restore our clan, and in the end you did kill me. After the massacre I went to Hiruzen-sama and reported what happened. He was furious that the elders had gone behind his back. I pleaded for your live, and that he would protect you from the elders. He promised to honour my plea, and after that I left the village and became a missing-nin."

When Itachi was done he let out a deep sigh, while Sasuke openly had tears in his eyes.

"Why?" Sasuke asked with the tears still in his eyes.

"Because I am a shinobi from Konoha, one who endures and protects from the shadows." Itachi answered.

"How can you believe such a thing!?" Sasuke shouted, "Konoha sacrifised you and branded you a traitor. How can you still love that village!?"

"Sasuke," Itachi started again, "I will not tell you what to do or what path to take, that is not up to me to decide. But I want you to know one thing, whatever path you take you will forever remain my precious otouto whom I will always love."

Itachi turned to the Naruto clone and took a deep breath.

"Naruto," He started, "My time to go has come."

Sasuke eyes widened when he heard those words, how could his brother leave him so soon. However Naruto's clone nodded and placed his hand on Itachi's head.

"Sayonara Itachi." Naruto spoke, "You were a good man."

And after saying those words Naruto ripped Itachi's soul from the Edo Tensei body and set it free.

"Sasuke," Naruto spoke, "Think about what your brother said, would you really spit upon his wishes?"

And with that the shadow clone dispelled itself, leaving Sasuke alone in the room.

A day later

Naruto, Kakashi, Hiashi and Sasuke were on Hiashi's bird again. The pact had been signed and all the Kage were returning to their own village.

Everyone on the bird was silent, Sasuke was thinking about Itachi's words and if his actions up until now had been the right ones.

Hiashi simply did not have much to talk about, and neither did Kakashi.

However something appeared to be wrong with Naruto, he always hated silences and as soon as there fell one he would most of the time do something incredibly stupid and get people talking again.

However right now Naruto was sorting through all the memories and techniques he had gotten form the Edo Tensei warriors. One he particularly though was useful was the Yoton techniques and experiences he had gotten from Roshi.

Of course there were some other techniques he acquired that he thought would be useful, like the Sharingan techniques from Itachi and the Futton (Boil Release) from Han.

But in the main time there was something else bothering him, something that if he went trough with it would greatly impact his life.

Five days later

Naruto had returned to Konoha two days ago, and upon his arrival his friends from the now reduced to Konoha 10 had informed him that Sakura's funeral would be in two days.

Sasuke had been taken to the T&I compartment by Kakashi, and Hiashi had returned to his duties as Hokage.

In the two days after his arrival Naruto had spend a small portion of his time rebuilding the village with his Mokuton, but he had spend most of his time getting used to using Yoton and Futton.

Right now Naruto thought that his control over the two Kekkei Genkai was pretty good, the two days combined with the experience of the previous user had made sure that Naruto was now quite proficient in using them.

But now Naruto was dressed in black and on his way to Sakura's funeral, to the funeral of the girl with whom he had been in love with since the Academy. It really tore away at his heart that she was dead. And it only drove him more to his life impacting decision.

But he could think about that later, now was the time to provide the last honours to Sakura.

When he arrived he saw the rest of the Konoha 10, Sakura's parents and Shizune. And to his surprise Shizune had a wheelchair in front of her with Tsunade in it, apparently she had waken up while he was gone.

Both parents of Sakura spoke some last words to her with tears in their eyes, after that is was time for all the other present people to say their goodbyes. Every member of the Konoha 10 said some words, and afterwards it was Tsunade and Shizune's turn. It was clear that Tsunade was far from healthy, as she could only say a few words before her condition allowed her no more. Shizune said some words as well, and afterwards she quickly took Tsunade to a calm place where she would be able to rest.

After that they were asked to leave by Sakura's parents. They honoured that wish and left the parents to grieve over their dead daughter.

Few Minutes Later

Naruto entered his simple wooden home and let himself fall on his bed. And immediately he felt Kurama dragging him into his mindscape. Figuring Kurama must have a reason for doing so he did not resist and within seconds he found himself standing in the sewer that was his mindscape.

"Naruto," Kurama's deep voice came from beyond the cave. "I have looked in your mind and found that you have developed some sort of plan."

Naruto's eyes widened when he heard that, Kurama could literally read his mind!?

"You plan on leaving the village." Kurama stated.

"I have been thinking about it." Naruto admitted.

"I believe that you should follow your plan," Kurama reasoned, "You are the reincarnation of the Sage of the Six Path's, and as such it is your fate to travel around the world."

"Maybe you are right." Naruto spoke while deep in thought.

"You should make the decision by yourself, but at least you know what I think about it now."

"I will most likely make my decision tomorrow, but first I desire some sleep." Naruto spoke.

"Ja ne." He said and after that his image disappeared from the mindscape.

"So the Sage has finally started to guide you, Naruto." Kurama spoke to himself, "Good."

Kurama snorted when he realized that his container had already fallen asleep.

Next Morning

Naruto was walking through the streets of Konoha, heading towards his breakfast. After all, which better way to start the day then with Ichiraku Ramen.

"Yo, Old Man!" Naruto shouted as he walked in, "Three Miso Ramen!"

Right after saying that Naruto got smacked over the head with a frying pan, courtesy of Ayame.

"Naruto, what have I told you about shouting in our restaurant." She asked a little too kindly.

"Not to." Naruto answered with some fear in his voice.

"Good." Ayame answered as she walked into the kitchen, "Remember it for once."

After she left Teuchi came walking to Naruto and put three bowls of Miso Ramen in front of him.

"Thanks Old Man." Naruto said with a mouth already stuffed full of ramen.

"My pleasure, Naruto."

All Naruto's ramen was gone in less than five minutes.

Naruto paid for the ramen and left towards his next destination.

Which was Konan. Last night Naruto had decided to let someone in on his possible plans and ask them for advice, and he had chosen Konan to be the person.

He walked through town searching for her when he found her standing in front of a bookstore looking at a book on origami.

"Konan." Naruto said, startling said woman.

"Oh, Naruto." She said with a sigh.

"I need to talk to you." Naruto said, and Konan noticed that he was very serious about it.

"Sure, we can go to your place if you want."

"That will be good." Naruto said and both he and Konan disappeared with a simple Body Flicker.

They reappeared in front of Naruto's apartment. Naruto opened the door and they both took a seat on Naruto's couch.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Konan asked with curiosity.

"I am thinking of leaving the village and want your opinion about it." Naruto stated flatly.

Konan was quite surprised about what Naruto just said, leaving the village? Why would he do that?

"Why do you want to leave the village Naruto?"

Naruto sighed. "I just feel like it is the right thing to do now that I am the reincarnation of the Sage." He answered truthfully.

"If you think it is the right thing to do, then who am I to stop you. But if you do leave the village I would suggest that you do it with the Hokage's consent. Having Hunter-nin's behind you won't help you. And if you do leave the village, no matter in what fashion, I will come with you."

"I can't ask such a thing of you Konan." Naruto spoke, "You have just started a somewhat normal life again, I can't take that away from you."

"Naruto, I wasn't asking for your permission, I was just stating that I would come to." Konan spoke with a stern voice.

"Fine." Naruto grumbled. "I will go and talk to Hiashi as soon as I can to see if I can get his consent."

"So you're sure that you want to leave then?" Konan asked seriously.

"I am." Naruto said with conviction in his voice.

Half an hour later

Naruto walked into the Hokage tower and straight to the desk of Hiashi's assistant, who looked up from her paperwork to see who just entered.

"Is Hokage-sama busy?" Naruto questioned, "I would like to talk to him."

"His schedule for the next half hour is open, so he should be available for you. Just don't tire him to much; he still needs to finish his paperwork."

Naruto grinned; he loved it how powerful power always found an unbeatable opponent in paperwork.

He opened the door to the office and saw Hiashi looking out the window.

Hiashi turned the chair and saw that it was Naruto who was standing in his office.

"Ah, Naruto." He said, "What business do you have with me?"

A/N

So much for this chapter. I know it is short and I know you had to wait a fucking long time for it and I apologize. I just could not get myself to write. I hope next chapter will be up soon, but I have other stories that need updates too. Feel free to check them out by the way.

Next Chapter will be Hiashi's reaction to Naruto's request, and the consequences of it.

And I said this already before the chapter but I would like to mention it again. The girl for the pairing will be selected from the Top 2 of the poll of my profile, the poll will close as soon as the next chapter is online. However if you feel that you have thought of a great girl for the pairing and she is not an option in my poll, feel free to send me a PM and I will consider it. It might help if you put a reasoning as to why it would be a good pairing.

As always, please leave reviews.