The Hidden Truth

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or it's characters, if I did, Sakura will be dead and Naruto would be the ultimate Uke.

Prologue:

Konohagakure

Hokage's office

Four masked figures stood stoically in front of the Hokage, postures straight and deadly intent rolling off of them in waves. The shortest of the four took a step forward, fist clenched at his side. "They can't do that! Why are you letting them have this much control? It isn't fair that Karasu-sama has to be banished for a mission that they assigned us to complete." Blue eyes glowed ominously, "Why did you give us this mission? Did we not suffer enough already? Why must Karasu-sama be force to suffer more?"

As the youngest ANBU continued to rant, Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed his head. He agreed with everything the young one said. He allowed Hyou to speak freely. As the tirade came to an end, the elderly leader raised his head a bit and sighed at the sight that met his eyes. Karasu was standing in front of Hyou while Ryuu and Tora stood on either side of the small boy, each holding him, comforting him, as his body shook, sobs spilling free, muffled because of the mask he wore.

"Hyou." Karasu whispered, arms tightening around the small, quivering form. "It'll be alright."

Not being able to stomach the sight of the boys in front of him, Sarutobi turned his attention towards the window. The words Hyou spoke echoed within his mind, the truth behind each word piercing his heart like a thousand needles. 'It's time I take back control. I'm just sorry it had to come to this in order for me to act like the leader I am and not just a figurehead the elders would have me be.' Glancing at the four, Sarutobi squared his shoulders. "Remove your mask. I have something I wish to say and I want to say it to your faces."

Karasu took a step away from Hyou, turning on his heels, he turned to face the village leader. while Ryuu and Tora straightened themselves up and Hyou sniffed. The four of them raised their arms, untied the knot binding the mask and pulled it from their face. With the mask removed, four young boys were revealed. Two of the males had ebony hair and eyes, the third had grayish-silver and gray eyes while the last was blond with red streaks and had iridescent colored eyes.

Uchiha Itachi, Miyamoto Sai, Miyamoto Shin, Namikaze Naruto, but to the public he was known as Uzumaki Naruto and the last to make up this team was Uchiha Shisui, who was killed in action a few weeks previous, something the team was still coping with. Together the five were known as, Konoha no Gogyo Kijin. Konoha's Five element demons. Each one was able to control a certain element with deadly force and the way they're able to combine elements and have them cooperate, even when they shouldn't, was what gave them the moniker.

"I'm sorry for the pain that you must be feeling." Sarutobi whispered, closing his eyes. "You four are so young yet you have suffered more then most seasoned shinobi's. First with the death of your friend and teammate." At the implied member, Naruto and Itachi stiffened. "Now your most recent mission and what Itachi had to do. Life hasn't been kind to you, but know that I'll make sure change happens." The four ANBU's glanced at their leader, seeing the light in his eyes, they stared at him, "It's about time I take back the mantle of Hokage. I'll be the leader Konoha needs and not the figurehead the elders want me to be. And I'm sorry it took me this long to stand up for you. Had I done something sooner, I could have prevented what you had to do."

Naruto bit his lips, quailing the quiver, as he stared at the elderly Hokage. "What's done can't be undone." the blond whispered, lowering his head. "I can't believe, even for a second, that they were planning a coup. I mean Itachi lives there and I spent most of my time at the compound, you'd think we'd be able to tell if they had been planning something. Especially a coup."

"I didn't want to believe it as well, Naruto-kun, but my ANBU's gave the evidence required, I'm just sorry it had to be you four to carry out the mission." The four lowered their heads. "Itachi, I must apologize for the weight I have to put on you. If there was another way, I would use it, but there isn't."

Naruto stiffened, while Sai and Shin grasped his shoulders and Itachi interlaced their fingers. "I understand Hokage-sama. I'm ready to accept any mission you give me, including this one." The ebony haired male glanced at the blond briefly before returning his attention towards the Sandaime. "I will communicate, via letters or summons, through Naruto and he will relate them to you."

Sarutobi nodded his head. "I'll give you a moment to say your goodbyes, after that you need to turn in your mask and to be out of the village before anyone finds out what happened." Itachi nodded his head and turned his attention towards his teammates. All three of them looked depressed and on the verge of doing something illegal.

"I want the both of you," Itachi started, glancing at Sai and Shin, "to watch yours, and, each others backs while you're with Danzo. There's no telling just how far he can sink to get what he wants. Also, watch Naruto for me as well. He's a trouble magnet after all." Sai and Shin smiled and nodded their heads while Naruto pouted, crossing his arms over his chest. "As for you Naruto..."

The blond focused his attention on his best friend. Itachi smiled and reached a hand out, caressing the small boys face. "Itachi..."

"Watch out for Shin and Sai as well, but above all else, I'm placing my brothers protection in your hands, alright, Can you protect that foolish brat for me?" Naruto nodded his head. "I'm going to miss you Naruto." Pulling the child into his arms, Itachi hugged him, ignoring the wetness he could feel through his outfit along with the trembling of the boys body. "Take care of each other." he whispered. stepping away from the blond, he glanced at his teammates with a nod of his head. With a sigh, he approached the desk and gently sat his mask on the surface. "Watch over the four of them Hokage-sama. As well as Sasuke. I'm leaving them in your hands now." was the last thing he said before vanishing from the room.

Not being able to suppress his feelings anymore. Naruto collapsed in sobs, while Sai and Shin tried to comfort the boy. Glancing towards their leader, they asked if they could leave. Not being able to deny them there request, he nodded his head, watching as the youngest ANBU's in Konoha's history disappeared from the room. Lowering his head, Sarutobi felt nothing but grief and regret for the pain he'd bestowed upon four children, five if you included Itachi's younger brother. 'What would you have done, Minato?'

–-

ANBU MASK

Naruto: Hyou: Panther

Itachi: Karasu: Crow

Sai: Ryuu: Dragon

Shin: Tora: Tiger

Shisui: Washi: Eagle