Authors Note: Hey everyone! This is Nel here to give you an update about this story. I've been rolling this one around for a while and have decided to start back up again. I kinda had some issues making content for my stories. Had lots of stuff happen since I first made this story. Finished school, got a job, expanded my writing skill, etc. All the typical author excuses. I definitely intend to work on this story so congrats to those that like it. Not quite sure about my Bleach fanfics at the moment. Kinda got burnt out when the anime was cancelled and just the general direction of the last arc. Anyways. I'm starting this resurgence by rewriting this first chapter. Don't get scared and let me explain first folks. I've reread this chapter and kinda cringed at some parts with the grammar. So I fixed up the grammar for this chapter and rewrote some sections to make the flow work better. Overall, I feel that this chapter is a lot better than when I originally made it. To those that have been here from the beginning and everyone that comes in the future. Thank you for reading my story!

Summary: What if the Akatsuki turned out different? What if only one member stayed true while the rest left? What if Naruto was resentful of Konoha?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the following characters or events being referenced in this story. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

'Italics' "Memories, Thoughts"

'Bold' "Actions, Jutsu"

'Bold Italics' "Biju, Summons"

~Prologue~

(3 Years before the story line.)

10 shadowy figures stood in the dark recesses of a dank cave. The only similarities between them were their clothes. They wore black cloaks emblazoned with red clouds that ended in chin high collars. One of the figures was of average appearance at 5'7. He had medium-length spiky orange hair with light purple rippled eyes and multiple facial piercings. Each figure on their own cast an imposing presence. As if simply gazing upon them told you how deadly they were. When partnered together, as they usually were, it was carnage on any battlefield. This man however was different, his presence was akin to a god. Simply gazing upon him made the world fade away as all that could be seen were his omnipotent eyes.

"Itachi, report." commanded this man of importance.

"Hai Leader-sama, the mission was a failure." stated the now named Itachi. Itachi was a man of average appearance, he was 5'8. He had dull black hair that was chin length, with a few loose strands. The rest of his long hair was kept in a ponytail. You could see a portion of the long tear troughs that marred his face. The rest of his body was hidden by his cloak.

"Explain" ordered the leader, obviously upset.

"Our mission was to capture the Nine-tails jinchuriki. We tracked him down to Tanzaku-gai before closing in." stated Itachi in a monotone.

"But what abo...never mind." started Kisame until he was stopped by Itachi's stern glare.

Kisame was the partner of Itachi in the syndicate they served. Kisame was a large man towering over most people at 6'3". His most define characteristics were his blue skin and hair as well as his shark like eyes. He also carried a large bundle on his back with a sword hilt peeking over his shoulder.

"He was traveling with Jiraiya of the Sannin. Knowing of his reputation I used a genjutsu to separate him from the jinchuriki; it had worked for a time. However, before we could capture the container we were stopped. Jiraiya had returned and summoned a toad that was meant to incapacitate us. I ordered a retreat as soon as the situation had turned against us."

"You were just scared Itachi, I could have taken him." boasted his partner Kisame.

"What of the collateral damage that you would have no doubt caused Kisame?" began one voice. "Maybe it was Itachi's little brother that stayed your hand, hm. Maybe you retreated because you were scared of hurting him and being turned into sushi?" mockingly ended a second harsher voice.

"Enough." the leader cut in. "Itachi, you were valid in your actions. Jiraiya is a very powerful shinobi; he undoubtedly has the strength to defeat the both of you." stated the leader with a bland monotone.

"What are we going to do now Pein?" asked a soft monotone voice by his side.

"Simple, we are going to focus on the other jinchuriki." The man now known as Pein responded just as evenly as before.

"What about the Nine-tails?" asked Kisame. It was plainly clear that he was still disappointed by how the entire situation had ended.

"We leave him be for now, he is too much trouble for us now that he is under the sannin's care." began Pein. "For now we will continue to gather strength and resources. We are to close to our goal at this point in time to be delayed by meddlesome annoyances." Pein ended making sure to lock eyes with each member. They all knew the meaning behind his eyes. 'Do not test the wrath of god.'

"Dismissed"

~Unknown time later~

The dank cave that housed the men earlier was now destroyed. No, ruined is a much better description. There were multiple holes along the walls and roof of the cavern that let piercing beams of light to enter. The floor of the cave was covered in craters, fissures and scorch marks. Several of these craters were littered with bodies. Each body shared very beguiler similarities between them. They all had orange hair and facial piercings. There were six in total; some were torn to pieces, others were horrendously burned, and one in particular looked untouched. The strangest aspect of this gruesome scene was the lack of blood, internal organs or any sign of pain on their faces, those that were recognizable.

The grim tension that had kept this seen silent was suddenly, viciously torn apart. "Now then." Began a voice deep with foreboding. "Only your real body remains" The speaker was unseen in the darkness but their departure was visible. A malevolent whirlpool tearing at space.

~Undisclosed Location~

In a dark room a man was seen overlooking a city. This man was sitting in a strange contraption akin to a wheelchair. He had very pale skin, which seemed to be stretched over his skeleton. His ribcage protruded against the tautness of his flesh. He had dark red hair that reached the bottom of his neck. Two large bangs fell to frame the sides of his face with a stubborn bang splitting down the middle. His eyes were the most archaic feature on his body. They were light purple with a concentric ripple pattern. His entire back was covered in black metal rods that forced him to haunch over.

He sat in silence, listening to the downpour from the storm surrounding him. He was by no means unaccustomed to this noise. It had been a constant part of his life. A never ending deluge of rain and darkness had surround him since his childhood. If anything, the lack of this noise, the cold, the smell of the storm surrounding him would have been a scary...no terrifying concept.

While the man was absorbed in his own world a figure appeared in his shadow. Hidden by the darkness and rain this figure slowly walked up to his side. Standing just outside of the light, all that could be seen of this figure was their feminine silhouette.

Suddenly, as if struck by lightning from the storm outside, the man's eye snapped open. For just an instant unseen by anyone or thing those eyes were filled with panic. Turning to the figure at his side with a firm gaze he opened his mouth to address them.

"Konan you have to go...now" This wretch of a man spoke with a calm stern voice not expected from his figure.

"No! no, not without you Nagato." The shadowed woman's voice began as a startled cry and ended with a desperate plea to be understood. She was shocked, how could he tell her to leave after everything they've been through, everything they've done. She knew the situation they were currently in. The trouble seeking to break down the gates and tear them asunder. While under no delusions of glory, she firmly believed that they would survive this. It wouldn't be the first time they have faced death and won.

"We don't have time to argue. The paths are gone, everyone is gone. It won't be long until he comes for me. You have to leave while you can. GO NOW!" Nagato ended his order with a yell, hoping the shock would force his companion to follow through. Unfortunately, before any more could be said or done a new malevolent voice cut in.

"It matters not Nagato. Your pointless rebellion has failed and now you will suffer for your arrogance." This voice that brought terror to both of their hearts originated from a whirling, tearing void that appeared at the one exit of the room. The message was clear, there would be know escape from your doom.

Neither Nagato or Konan could respond in the face of the fear that griped their hearts.

~Random Clearing~

Two men were seen camping in a clearing near the village of Konoha. One was a tall man of 6'2 with a long mane of spiky white hair. It was tied into a high pony tail that reached his waist. Both sides of his face were framed by two shoulder length spiky bangs. Starting at the ends of his eyes was a red line that ran down to his chin. He had a horned forehead protector with the kanji for 'Oil'. He wore a green shirt kimono and matching pants. Coming out of his sleeves were the ends of mesh armor. On his hands were simple guards attached to the mesh and a simple black belt around his waist. Covering his feet were traditional Japanese geta. His outfit was completed by a red cloak and a large scroll on his back.

The other person was a young man about 5'4. He had blond spiky hair that reached the nape of his neck. He had cerulean blue orbs that squinted like a fox's. On each cheek were three whisker like birthmarks. He wore orange pants with black shinobi sandals. His upper body was covered in an orange jacket with black sleeves and trim. Over that was a red short sleeve battle cloak with black flames on the hem.

These two men were Jiraiya of the Sannin and Naruto Uzumaki. Both men were shinobi of Konoha and they were returning from a 3 year trip around the nations. 3 years ago Naruto had returned from a failed mission in critical condition with wounds that would have killed any normal person, let alone a 12 year old boy. Naruto however was not your normal person by any means. This 12 year old had an indomitable will forged by a life of suffering. Having to fight everyday of his life for every scrap that he got.

After coming to terms with the fact that he had failed his mission he was filled with incredible determination. He was Uzumaki Naruto! he wouldn't let one failure bring him down. Fortunately, for the blonde, his sensei Jiraiya knew exactly how to mold his determination to bring out hidden strength. Once Naruto had recovered from his injuries, both student and master left their village to travel the world and train harder than ever before.

Both men were currently sitting around a fire after a long day of travel. Both men were talking about the recent events of the day and reminiscing about their adventure. They had been through so much together in such a short time. Their trip was not only a time of training but also of bonding between the both of them. The boy that had left at the beginning of their journey had become a young man while his master had become a proud sensei.

Naruto was that best student that Jiraiya had ever had to date. The blonde soaked up everything taught to him like a sponge. He could learn techniques and concepts in days or hours when it took men twice his age years to do so. He proved that by learning the Rasengan in a week long before the trip even started. He only improved further under the undivided attention of a sensei. Jiraiya couldn't help but grin at the thought of how everyone would react when his student revealed just how powerful he was now.

"We're almost there ero-sennin." The blonde said trying to strike up a conversation with his sensei.

"Ya just a few more miles until we get to see Tsunade-hime again" the elder of the two said with a lecherous grin. The blonde couldn't help but shake his head at hearing that.

"Are you feeling excited to see everyone again?" Jiraiya asked getting serious.

Naruto got a smile just thinking of his friends back home. "You better believe, it, I can't wait to see everyone." He then put a hand under his chin as his head tilted thinking seriously.

Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle seeing his apprentice do this.

Naruto blinked owlishly hearing laughter from his master. "What's so funny ero-sennin?" The blond asked confused and a little indignant.

Calming his mirth Jiraiya responded with a few snickers breaking through. "Oh nothing, I was just reminded of a joke I heard a few towns back."

Naruto still confused, was unable to get a straight answer out of his master.

"Hey gaki, take watch while I sleep kay?" before the blonde could respond Jiraiya was already in his tent.

"Stupid ero-sennin" the blonde grumbled. He decided he might as well as get some rest in a tree so he wouldn't be forced to hear the man's snoring. Making a unique hand seal, Naruto cast his favorite technique. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu from the smoke a perfect clone of the blonde was seen standing before him.

"Hey, take watch while I sleep." The original said.

"Sure thing boss." Was the lackluster response from his clone.

~Several hours later~

Our favorite blonde awoke from his slumber to a strange feeling. It was one he had grown used to for a majority of his life. This was the sensation of being watched by another person. One of the most useful skills that a shinobi could posses and one that had saved his life quite a bit. Knowing that his sensei wouldn't have bothered with stealth he began searching the clearing he was in as stealthily as he could. Fortunately for him, his observer was not to far away.

There at the base of the tree he was perched within was a woman staring up at him. She had shoulder length blue hair with two jaw length bangs framing her face. She also had a blue paper flower in her hair that was a few shades lighter. She had amber colored eyes that shined brighter than any gem. With blue eyeliner the same shade as her flower, that accented her amber orbs. She was wearing a black cloak decorated by red clouds, with a chin length collar.

"Who are you?" Naruto, asked confusion thick in his voice. Trained shinobi he was but Naruto still had his dense moments.

The edge of the woman's lips twitched showing a hint of a small smile. "Your new partner…Leader-sama."

Naruto's intelligent response to that complete out of nowhere statement was. "Huh."