Disclaimer: Still don't own Naruto, nor will I ever own him. One, I couldn't afford him and two he's better off with Masashi Kishimoto. This is not being profited off nor will it ever. All characters, themes, plots, ideas, and places belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

A/N: "Speech" - "Thought" - "Tailed Beast" - "Jutsu" - Normal Emphasis - "Tailed Beast Emphasis"

So after some thought I'm making some changes to the way I refer to Naruto's various modes. Chakra Mode is how Naruto looked when he first got control of Kurama's chakra. Chakra Mode Level 2 will refer to his second stage with the chakra formed cloak and Naruto's black shirt. Tailed Beast Mode/Kurama Mode is the Nine Tails made from chakra or I'll even refer to this as Kurama himself or the Nine Tails.

Episode 9 is here, so the next episode will be the midseason special and this chapter will make that a huge episode, not only will it be double my typical chapters but it will have massive impact and could reshape the landscape of the looming threat. Sorry for the long wait, I wanted to get this out forever ago, but I became single and it was a really rough breakup, that and I had no internet and was busy working and am trying to get a bunch of other things done for my career so it's a bit of a juggle. But worry no more! For I am officially back in action and feel better than ever before! Let's go!

"It takes just as much courage to turn and run as it does to stand and fight."

-Anonymous

Episode 9: Death Sentence

Season 1: The Dawn of a New Age

Series: The Era of the Sixth

***December 3rd - 7:03 A.M. - Hidden Rain Village - Prison Block 51C***

He had hoped this would make for a great escape route, he hoped that the door he chose would be clear on the other side and lead him in the right direction. Two guards, one hosting a quarterstaff, the other was armed to a point that pissed Sasuke off. Strapped to the man's waist was Sasuke's Kusanagi blade as well as the kunai and shuriken pouches, which were in their respective locations. Their black shirts and pants stood out against the steel coloured stone, as did the quarterstaff wielder's orange hair. Sasuke knew the chains around his ankles would give him away swiftly, and as such understood that he would have to work just as fast.

He immediately raced forward, sprinting across the even cement, his footsteps, accompanied by the clanging and clashing of the chains, echoed throughout the hallway. The two guards spun abruptly, the orange haired individual swinging his quarterstaff out in front of him in a wide arc before flipping it around in his hands and bracing the end behind him against the back of his right shoulder, gripping the tip closest to the approaching Sasuke in both hands. The other guard instantly drew the Kusanagi blade, wielding it before him. The sound of the steel sliding against the scabbard made Sasuke cringe internally, wishing that he had that blade back in his possession.

That was one wish Sasuke was determined to force into reality, as he entered into the striking range of the orange haired guard. The man swung the quarterstaff at the approaching Uchiha's head, albeit missing by a few inches as Sasuke ducked beneath the blow, his raven colored hair bristling with the air forced down as the quarterstaff slashed through that space where the Uchiha's temple had previously been moments before. Sasuke then cocked his left hand back, the remainder of the stone wall that was attached to the chain attached to his wrist clutched there. He then snapped his hand forward, his wrist doing the same, sending the stone flying, the chain stretching as it did. Catching a flash of steel out of the corner of his eye forced Sasuke to twist his upper body to avoid the oncoming stab of his own sword in possession of the other guard as the broken chunk of stone then connected with the orange haired guard's abdomen, causing the air to leave the man's lungs and turning the stone to pebbles and dust upon impact.

The stabbing guard twisted the blade, snapping the flat of the blade away from Sasuke and the sharpened side to face Sasuke, causing a long cut to appear on the right side of Sasuke's abdomen, tearing through his already dirtied and bloody clothes, creating a fresh blood stain in the shirt and the black kanji of the seal that was upon his body could be seen through the newly created tear. The young Uchiha was not called a genius for nothing though, as he snapped his gaze to the guard who had drawn blood from him. He released the chunk of stone in his hand, causing the chain to stretch as gravity now took effect upon the broken stone. Sasuke then snapped his right arm down and across, the chain weighted down by the stone wrapping around the steel of the blade that met with the hilt.

Sasuke then reached his right hand across his body with a quick burst before snapping it back out wide to his right side, forcing the blade to loosen in the guard's grasp before being flung near the cells to Sasuke's right where it landed with a clatter. The guard who had been wielding his sword refused to allow this to surprise him as he spread his arms out and lunged, attempting to tackle the Uchiha.

The Uchiha smirked mentally as he watched his attacker lunge forward, hoping to use his frame to pin Sasuke. The attacker stood at 6' and out weighed Sasuke by about another 30 pounds due to his muscular build. Sasuke leapt high into the air bringing his knees directly up to his chest. Sasuke then snapped both feet out in front of him, connecting with the attacker's face solidly and sending said attacker skidding backwards across the floor. Using the force of the double kick Sasuke pushed away to create separation as a stone spear erupted from the ground from where he had been prior.

Sasuke's skidded backwards as he dug his heels into the ground, his gaze flicking to the other guard. His orange hair hid his eyes as he knelt down, his staff lying off to his left, well within arm's reach. Both palms planted firmly upon the stone floor of the hallway. Sasuke felt frustration soak through his veins.

"Dammit, I wanted to have taken one of them out before they started performing jutsu. Seems I'm too late for that. I had a limited opportunity to end this early but now I don't have many chances. If I were to surrender, odds are their leader would pay me a visit or they would take me to him. But I can't afford to take any big hits."

Sasuke's eyes widened as a bolt of lightning streaked towards him, forcing him to spin towards his left, his right side turning away as he came around to face the guard with the orange hair who took that brief opportunity to close distance. Sasuke ducked under a fist that came flying towards his face, his own left hand snapping out and connecting with his opponent's abdomen. Sasuke felt the blast of air that left the man's lungs as his hair waved with that breeze. Sasuke then brought his right hand up and around in a right hook, aiming for the guard's jaw. The guard had the awareness to bring his own right hand up and across his body, catching the punch as it approached his jaw.

Sasuke grit his teeth as the guard used the momentum of the punch to force Sasuke's arm out straight and away from Sasuke's body. Sasuke winced at the sudden pressure as Sasuke leaned forward, trying to keep his ground and position. Sasuke then felt the air leave his own lungs as a knee was brought straight into his abdomen, forcing Sasuke into the air slightly. The orange haired guard then used that moment and his grip on Sasuke's arm, to spin the Uchiha around his body, throwing him towards the other guard, who had managed to retrieve the sword, and was preparing to skewer the oncoming Uchiha.

Sasuke, though, had the awareness to use this momentum to his advantage. He was flying head first from the throw by the other guard, so he lifted his head, watching the guard with sword that he was quickly closing in on. The guard prepared to strike, aiming for one of those infamous Uchiha eyes. Sasuke continued to fly into the striking distance, and as soon as he had the sword sprang forward, streaking towards the Uchiha's eye. Sasuke snapped both hands out, the flats of the palms of his hands catching the blade, snapping together on the flats of the blade, as the sharpened side faced the ground.. He then redirected the stab, sending it just over his right shoulder, and as he did he brought his left foot up high and around the stabbing guard's shoulder, bringing a roundhouse kick down to solidly connect with his jaw. The force behind that kick sent the guard tumbling and allowed Sasuke to wrestle control of his sword as he twisted his body around to land in a crouch, flipping the sword around so that he held it by the hilt in a reverse grip.

Sasuke turned his gaze towards the Earth Style user, before the ground around him rumbled. Sasuke looked down, as the cement beneath his feet arched over and hooked around the top of his feet, effectively pinning him to the ground. In that moment, the cement surrounding Sasuke shot up to the same height as his shoulders, forming a one foot perimeter around him. Sasuke observed this pen briefly before turning his gaze to the caster of the jutsu that caused this.

This served to anger the guard who cast it, as he took in the stoic expression of the trapped Uchiha. Thus the orange haired individual began to flash through some hand seals before a sword erupted through his chest from behind, his eyes widening as it did. His hands feel limp to his sides as his face grew pale, blood flowing from the wound and staining his skin around the sword and the shirt that now had a hole the size of the sword. He glanced over his shoulder weakly, noting that Sasuke was still in the stone pen, that stoic expression remaining on his face. The guard's eyes widened as he came face to face with the same mask that he had faced when his orders had been given.

"Lord….Akihiko…."

"You've done your part. You don't really believe that I would let you deal with Sasuke once I had learned of his escape did you? I'm pleased you captured him, but based upon the jutsu you were about to cast I knew I couldn't allow you to cast it. So I felt the best course of action was to eliminate you. A shame, actually, as you had such potential despite your incompetence."

The orange haired guard turned his gaze back to the Uchiha, who continued to silently watch the interaction. It was then that the guard looked to the one who had drawn Sasuke's wrath, the one who had wielded his sword. It was at that moment that Sasuke witnessed the orange guard wink to the other one.

In that moment Sasuke felt some of his chakra building up inside him. He glanced over to his left where the guard was boring into Sasuke with his stare. Sasuke leaned his head down slightly, the briefest of nods to show his gratitude despite his anger and obvious confusion. Sasuke then looked back at the now dead guard and the cloaked Akihiko.

"Sasuke Uchiha, I was already preparing to take you before the courts at dawn. Through your actions you have sealed your fate. Mark my words Sasuke Uchiha, for the murders of Lord Pain and Lady Konan and your escape attempt here, you will most undoubtedly be put to death. May the gods have mercy upon you Sasuke, despite all the blood you have shed."

Sasuke was aware of the other guard moving behind him, during this speech, so Sasuke decided to do something he rarely did in such situations. He spoke to Akihiko.

"My fate was sealed long before tonight. Mark my words Akihiko of the Rain, at dawn I will take your life from your own hands and you will know no more."

At that moment the guard behind Sasuke struck, sending a swift knife-handed jab, fingers leading, into a pressure point at the nape of the Uchiha's neck, rendering Sasuke unconscious. The last thing he heard was the awful laughter of Akihiko.

***Turtle Island - 5:30 A.M.***

"Alright! On to Mount Myoboku!"

"Hey Naruto, do you really think they have the scroll or the blueprints for that kunai? Your dad said they were in the Hidden Leaf."

"I know, but if dad trained with the toads then I would think they have some of that stuff too. Not to mention some Wind Style Jutsu that I can use in fights. I won't know for sure, though, until I summon Grandpa Sage and ask him."

"Fair enough."

Naruto brought his right hand to his mouth, biting his thumb with his canines, drawing blood. He then flashed through the seals, Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, and Ram. He then kneeled down and slammed the palm of his right hand into the ground, kanji spreading out from under the skin of his hand.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A large plume of smoke appeared from the kanji as Naruto retracted his hand, remaining in his kneeling position and coming face to face with a groggy Lord Fukasaku as the smoke cleared.

"Naruto-boy, what are ye doing up so early? Why did ye summon me this early?"

Naruto grinned before lifting his left hand as a wave, his middle and index finger spread and pointed to the sky, his thumb pointing towards his face while his ring and pinkie finger were bent down towards the palm of his hand.

"Hey Grandpa Sage, long time no see! Sorry for ruining your sleep but this couldn't wait and I wish this were just a social call but unfortunately it's all business."

"That's no excuse for rudely waking somebody!"

"C'mon Grandpa Sage, I told you it's all business and I mean it. I seriously need your help."

"What do you mean, Naruto-boy?"

"Do you guys have my dad's scroll on his Flying Thunder God Jutsu and do you guys have the blueprints with the seal and the kunai? And do you have any Wind Style Jutsu I can use in fights?"

Lord Fukasaku smiled to the best of his toad-like abilities.

"I was wondering when ye'd ask for it, once I return to Mount Myoboku I'll use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu and we can begin. There's no way I can go back to sleep at this point so we might as well start yer trainin'."

Naruto smiled really big, "Really?! You really mean you have that stuff on my dad's jutsu?!"

"I'll show ye when ye get there."

With that Lord Fukasaku disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"Awesome! Soon I'll get to have the Flying Thunder God Jutsu in my arsenal!"

Naruto then disappeared in a cloud of smoke as well, oblivious to the presence of the white serpent watching from the bushes nearby.

***Meanwhile - Hidden Leaf Village - Uchiha Ruins***

The smell of ashes, cinders, and smoke filled the air. Most of the smoke had cleared but there were still a few areas that were smoldering, sporting thin trails of smoke. It was at this point that the earth beneath the ashes began to shift and crack apart. The cause was none other than a white snake, its head breaking through the earth, the body following as it slithered out of the hole it made and the traversing the ground in the smoldering and charred ruins of the Uchiha compound. Half of the snake's body stretched across the ground, the other half remaining embedded within the hole in the earth. From here it spread its mouth wide, allowing the slime and soot-covered Orochimaru, to slide out of his summon's mouth. Orochimaru, having cleared the larger serpent's mouth, rolled onto his back, looking at the great snake in the eye.

"Manda, you are dismissed."

The serpent gave a hiss, "Next time Orochimaru you better feed me or I'll eat you."

With that the purple snake disappeared into a cloud of smoke, adding a different layer to the already smoldering compound.

Orochimaru then looked down at his right leg, taking in the absence of his right foot, knowing fully well that its ashes were mixed in with the rest of the ashen compound.

"Sasuke, you've grown quite clever. Seems I've taught you a little too much. I was hoping I would be able to take that scroll from you but I did not believe you would be able to burn down your historic home. Although, in retrospect I suppose I should have accounted for this. No matter, I'll get my hands on that scroll Sasuke, then I will be too powerful for even you and the Nine Tails to stop me."

With that Orochimaru turned his gaze towards the west and began to crawl his way in that direction, hoping to get to his closest hideout so that he may regain his foot, determined that the next time he came across Sasuke, he would take that scroll from the Uchiha's hands.

***Meanwhile - Hidden Cloud Village - Chunin Exam Center - Room 52B***

She had been awake for a few hours now and this had become a recurring theme since Ino got her to seriously consider her feelings. Sakura was quick to realize, that she had the opportunity to see what life was like without them both and even had several chances to see Sasuke, fighting against him and beside him briefly. Even when the Uchiha had joined her and Naruto to end the war, she felt chills down her spine, felt uneasy in his presence. Sakura, though, was aware that she still felt deeply about the Uchiha, but she had also realized that she had no real desire to see him every morning, no desire to sleep beside him at night. Sakura had no real desire of sharing her joys with the wayward Uchiha or any of her more personal experiences.

She then compared it to how Naruto made her feel when she was in his presence. Relaxation, calm, and happy, smiling as she thought of the jinchuuriki. She remembered Naruto going out of his way for her, even if he did a variety of stupid things that pissed her off. She seemed to get angry with Naruto, when he didn't take care of himself, when he took things lightly and not as serious as he should have.

She also realized that the events regarding the Akatsuki and the fact that he was being hunted had her feeling terrified. She still had nightmares of it, but she wasn't just afraid of Naruto dying. She was far more afraid of there being a future where she wouldn't be able to see his smile, his happy-go-lucky attitude. Naruto was a simplistic person, and on several occasions when Sakura had felt overwhelmed or frightened, Naruto's simplicity made her relax, he always had a way of sparking her determination and making her smile, even if it meant he had to take a beating. This last part Sakura didn't know for fact, but she couldn't help but wonder if Naruto intentionally made her unload on him to get her to relax.

Sakura stared out the window, watching the sunrise and the early-risers begin their routine given the effects of the martial law. Sakura believed to have an idea, but she had no idea how to go about implementing it. So once again, she wept, worried for the blonde shinobi who had vanished, leaving several individuals in the dark about his plans. Perhaps that was why she was so hesitant to be with Naruto, he had hurt her just like Sasuke had, noble intentions or not. She felt in her mind that Naruto didn't trust her enough to not tell her, no matter how incredibly ridiculous she knew that line of thought to be.

She was unaware of her friend, whom Sakura had believed to be asleep, listening to the pinkette's cries. Ino didn't dare move or embrace the Haruno, for she knew from experience that this was something Sakura had to sort out on her own. So Ino did the only thing she could for her confused friend, she did nothing.

***Meanwhile - Raikage's Tower - 3rd Floor - Room 305 - 7:45 A.M.***

She had hoped things would have died down in the passing weeks. There had been no news in regards to Kakashi and Obito, or anything in regards to Naruto. The Raikage had made various rooms into makeshift offices for the Five Kage, considering that he had refused to budge on the idea of removing martial law but keeping everybody on high alert.

As a result, several members of the Leaf, as well as the other villages, had begun sending business and paperwork to the appropriate Kage, much to the busty Sannin's ire. To some degree, she had been thrilled being so far away from the Leaf, knowing the paperwork that awaited her, but given recent circumstances, she was also pleased to have something to keep her mind occupied and from wandering down a road that would make her feel even older than she already was.

It was in this moment that she was interrupted by a knock at her closed door.

Tsunade's voice rang out through her silent office, "Enter."

At that moment Shikamaru entered into the room, shutting the door behind him as he did so.

"You had asked to see me Lady Tsunade?"

"Ah, Shikamaru, yes I did. All business I'm afraid."

The shadow user sighed, "That figures."

The Hokage snickered mentally. "Same ol' Shikamaru," she thought.

"Shikamaru, I'm giving you an important mission. Given the state of affairs and the effects of the martial law it has to be at least an A-Class even though the ranking doesn't constitute it. You're to gather up the bulk of our shinobi, including those who graduated from the Academy with you and return to the Leaf."

A blank look covered Shikamaru's face as he stared past the Hokage, his mind digesting the details as he tried to warp his mind around the various reasons and scenarios that would cause such a request.

In that moment it clicked as the Nara's eyes lit up. "You want us to defend the Leaf, while all of our main forces are here in the Cloud we are incredibly strong despite the casualties from the war. Even still, we have no idea what this new adversary is after or if they plan to strike any of the other villages."

"That is correct, and given the fact that we are currently without Kakashi you will have to be in charge back at the Leaf for the time being, especially when one considers your sharp mind. You're aware that we can't do anything about Naruto or retrieving Kakashi without more information. Although personally I have no desire to interfere with Naruto for the time being. He's out of the way and he don't have to worry about him being reckless in a pursuit after Kakashi. Furthermore, with Orochimaru on the loose we have three things to worry about."

"I wouldn't worry about Naruto too much Lady Tsunade."

"But we should Shikamaru, even if Naruto learns nothing of what has transpired with Kakashi's abduction Sasuke is still out there and Naruto is definitively aware of that. Given the state of things here and how we are uncertain to the location of either of them it is a major concern that Naruto could pursue Sasuke. In actuality you could argue there are four things to worry about considering that we don't know what Sasuke's motives or intentions are."

Shikamaru nodded, he had been considering those options but hearing them out loud further solidified those thoughts.

"And with everyone being stuck under martial law our hands are tied until one of the many teams that have been sent out retrieve something."

Tsunade gave a nod of her head before dismissing the tactician, who bowed before exiting the way he had entered. Quietly, despite dragging his feet slightly, leaving the Fifth Hokage to her thoughts.

"If they retrieve something that is."

***Meanwhile - Hidden Rain Village - Tower of Pein - Chamber of Elders - 7:54 A.M.***

He awoke to sound of commotion around him, robes and the like rustling as many individuals filed into the room. It took him a few moments to adjust to his new surroundings as being knocked out in one place and waking up in another can be extremely jarring for any individual, even one as skilled and stoic as Sasuke.

Sasuke took in the painted stone walls and that there were two stadium like bleachers that faced each other from opposite sides of the room, both of which were currently protected behind two large panels of a dark wood, which Sasuke presumed to have been stained oak.

He then stared at the large throne that sat in the center of the window directly in front of Sasuke, showing him the dark clouds. Sasuke didn't dare turn to observe what was behind him, but assumed it to be more seating. He figured this was leading up to that stupid trial that Akihiko had threatened him with.

He was not unaware of the masked ANBU standing behind him, one who was currently beginning to amass his chakra in small increments so that he would go unnoticed.

This masked individual in question was observing the room around him, taking in the other shinobi in the room and just how much time he would have to waste slaughtering everyone in the room.

"Once this trial officially begins, I will have to release the seal from Sasuke and get this all underway. I will also need to figure out some way to slip Sasuke the copy of the prophecy that I made to placate him, I need Sasuke to know the contents so that he can inadvertently assist my cause. If he reads that scroll and figures it out he can take Uzumaki to the Whirlpool Village Ruins and get that mess sorted while I deal with suffocating the Shinobi Alliance."

Sasuke was now looking for Akihiko, hoping to be able to tear through his restraints and kill the ambitious Kage, staring at a door to the far left of the room, on the same wall as the stands. Sasuke also noted that even if he were to escape he would not survive a standoff without his chakra. He spied his sword stretched across the table in front of him, still held in its scabbard. Sasuke then began to formulate a plan of escape. It was in that moment that the individual Sasuke was most hoping would enter, did just that.

Striding through the doors, his official robes billowing as he did so. A large cloak that slipped over his head, covering front and back, looking far more like a closed poncho, stretched down to his ankle, being similar to that of the other Kage. Instead of these robes being white, however, they were as black as Sasuke's hair. Upon his entrance, the room was enveloped in an eerie and and somber silence, as the man strode briskly to the center of the room.

The man stopped, just before the table, to look at Sasuke. The smirk on the man's face was apparent as he witnessed the bound Uchiha who was currently presumed to be helpless.

"Akihiko," spat the infuriated Uchiha, the name tasting venomous as he spoke.

Akihiko simply smiled before turning to address those who Sasuke assumed would be deciding his fate.

"My children of the Rain, before you is the perpetrator behind the deaths of Lord Pein and Lady Konan, both of whom were slain by the blade before this young man. Upon his capture he denied such acts, even attempting to resist arrest. Prior to this trial this man attempted to flee his imprisonment, killing a prison guard in the process and would have killed another had I not intervened. So now, my brethren, I turn this man over to you. What is it that shall be done with him for these crimes?"

Murmurs rolled through the crowd of elders as they turned to discuss this, despite the obvious answer. All eyes turned back to the Amekage, a loud chorus of "Death!" ringing throughout the chamber.

Akihiko smiled before walking up to the table in front of the bound Uchiha, grasping the hilt of the Kusanagi blade in his left hand. He then removed it from the scabbard, crossing his arm, and therefore the blade, across his body, so that the blade pointed to the corner behind his right shoulder, preparing for a backhanded swing to remove the Uchiha's head.

A sickening grin crossed Akihiko's features, "It is only fitting that you should die by the blade you wield. This is the nature of all those who live by the sword, they die by the sword."

Just as the swing began, the ANBU behind Sasuke slapped a hand on the Uchiha's shoulder, shouting "Release!" as he did so. The ANBU then used that leverage to spring up and forward, over the head of the seated Uchiha, a sword coming into his right hand. The ANBU brought it from his left shoulder, out in front of him and down in sweeping cut, severing Akihiko's arm at the bent elbow and gashing his chest, the arm falling to the table.

The masked individual then spun, his sword cutting above Sasuke's bound wrist, scratching the arm but effectively cutting through the ropes, leaving a thin red line that started in the middle of Sasuke's left hand and went up and curved off to to the left, just past his wrist. Sasuke, feeling his chakra returned to him, instantly activated his Sharingan as lightning sprang to his fingers, severing the rope that bound his right hand before severing the ropes at his ankles.

The man who had freed him used this distraction to drop the scroll on the table beside the severed arm, before turning his attention back to the man he knew to be Hisoka. It was in this moment that the room realized what had happened, an screams and yells erupting from various throats. Several shinobi had moved to engage the betrayer and the Uchiha but those who had not much experience lost their spirit at seeing the severed arm of their Kage, the other ANBU, however, would not be deterred. They trained men and women quickly formed a ring around the three, kunai drawn.

Sasuke, after freeing himself, snatched up his sword and scabbard, joining the two the way the belonged before also snatching up the scroll. He then planted his right foot on the table, pushing off it to launch himself over the presumed Amekage and his savior. Sasuke sailed through the air, his left foot coming down to kick off the top of the throne, his arms crossing before his face to shield himself as he crashed through the window, shards of glass spilling everywhere, some being embedded into his arms and shoulders, others just slicing past him as he disappeared into the rain.

He landed in a crouch, due to the 8 story drop, his chakra helping his legs to absorb the otherwise crippling landing. Sasuke didn't wait for any applause or attacks, he quickly spun to his right, throwing his arms behind him as he sprinted off, kicking up water and mud as he ran, leaping into the rainy sky. He launched himself from rooftop to rooftop as he quickly approached the village gates. With a burst of chakra to his legs, he sailed up and over the gates, landing on a branch in the trees that were near to the village.

It was at this point that he dared to turn his eyes back for a brief moment, not even considering going back to help his presumptuous hero. Sasuke then turned around, and leapt once again, sailing through the air, not really sure of where he was headed but trying to put as much distance between himself and the Hidden Rain as he could. He understood that he could muse over everything later, he had to protect this scroll and he knew that even his power would be unable to handle an entire village alone, at least in his current state of weariness and hunger.

So it was that Sasuke Uchiha fled, his only refuge being the rain that washed away his blood.

***Meanwhile - Tower of Pein - Chamber of Elders***

Hisoka was surprised at the betrayal, and the loss of his arm that he hadn't even cried out, so shocked was he. It wasn't until the blood began to pool on the ground around him that he realized something was amiss. He faced the attacker, recognizing the sword immediately. His breathing was shallow due to the loss of blood and he was already beginning to lose consciousness.

"M-my lord…." he stammered, "I don't understand….why? Men….get him….kill him…."

The man in the mask allowed his own Sharingan to activate. "I told you not to Hisoka, unfortunately, for you. This is Phase Two, I no longer have use for you and am reclaiming the Hidden Rain myself. You have been a beautiful tool Hisoka, but unfortunately I cannot allow you to live."

He snapped the fingers of his left hand as he shouted, "Activate: Curse of the Dark Moon!"

In that moment, all ANBU who were tense and prepared to strike immediately went rigid for a brief moment, before relaxing entirely, their heads dropping.

The masked man faced Hisoka once more.

"During my last visit, when I was under the guise of being Captain of the ANBU, I placed seals on the ANBU members who I did not send over. They will now follow my command, and my command alone. You did well Hisoka, you can rest now."

He then turned to address the ANBU around him, "This man was correct, kill him. And ensure that nothing is left."

With that he turned and left, walking towards the same door that Hisoka had used.

"Now to address the public after I change into my normal garments. They do not need to know that Hisoka and Akihiko were one and the same, and there is certainly no need to inform these people that he was a fake. I will simply say that both the Uchiha and traitor were killed and bend these people to my will."

In the shadows of the corridor that he was now walking down, his brilliant teeth flashed as he had removed his ANBU mask and was replacing his original mask that he primarily used.

"Phase Two has officially begun!"

Hey guys, sorry it took so long to get this cranked out. I would have had it out way sooner but I went through a brief rough patch and am now single. It was definitely expected and took me a little bit to get my motivation back. But the good news is I'm back in action! The next chapter of this is the special double length that I promised because there's going to be a lot to cover in the mid-season special so I hope to see you all there! Next update will be my Tears of Fire story for those of you who are fans of that. Til then, this is the 85th Naruto sayin' see ya!

Next Time: Phase Two