Hinata was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the conversation Sakura and Ino were having right behind her. She wasn't trying to eavesdrop- but it also didn't seem like they cared if she heard or not, either. At first they started talking about the things they liked about Sasuke. They both admired him and Hinata had her own hero so she wasn't going to complain if they talked about their hero. She was content at first to let them continue as she sat and watched their classmates spar. It was a wonderful day afterall.

Then they moved on to talking about other boys in their class as Iruka-sensei called for others to spar. She tried to ignore them and focus on her classmate's fights, but realized they were becoming meaner and meaner with what they were talking about.

That continued for a while- and then they started talking about Sai.

"...I just think Sai is weird."

"Yeah! It's like he doesn't know how to be nice. Or polite."

"I think a jutsu went wrong when he was a baby and now he can't feel anymore."

"He's just a loser! Nothing like-"

"Stop it." They were both surprised when she turned around to frown at them.

"Hinata-"

"We-"

"He's my f-friend and I don't like h-how you're both talking about him." She turned back around quickly, her face fully flushed. She felt very warm and uncomfortable- like she was about to sweat any minute now. She couldn't even take off her jacket because then she'd just feel too exposed. She was overwhelmed. 'I can't believe I just said that!'

She felt proud for defending her friend and guilty for being a little mean to Sakura and Ino. Hopefully they'd both understand she was just sticking up for a friend and forgive her. She decided to just pretend they weren't staring at her, just pretend she hadn't said anything- and go back to watching the fights!

Kiba was currently fighting Chouji- and it was a very close fight! Without Akamaru, Kiba's style was at a disadvantage and yet-!

"-think she can't tell he's creepy cuz he's nice to her?"

"She doesn't have many friends so he's probably just taking advantage of her loneliness."

Hinata shot up to her feet and levelled and uncharacteristically expressive frown at the two girls. She could tell they didn't think she could hear them with them whispering slightly quieter then earlier. They seemed sheepish- but not remorseful. Saying such- such mean things about Sai- and her! Like she-

Like she was some weak-willed girl who had no friends.

She could see it in their eyes- even now, having gotten her angry, they weren't worried. Maybe a bit guilty, but they believed she wouldn't do anything. Wouldn't say anything. Do anything- even though they were bad-talking her friend.

Was she going to do anything?

"Hinata-san? Is something wrong?" Iruka asked as he walked up to them, having concluded the spar between Kiba and Chouji.

She spun around, "I want to spar Ino-san, Iruka-sensei."

All talking ceased and even Iruka seemed shocked at her behavior. She felt another blush creeping up her cheeks and tried to fight it off with everything she had. Everyone's eyes were on her, and she didn't even want to think what they were thinking about her, "P-please."

"O-okay… Ah, Ino-san? Would you like to spar against Hinata?"

"Uhm… Sure, Iruka-sensei! Sounds fun!" Whispers broke out among their classmates as Hinata marched towards her starting position. Ino smiled awkwardly from her position and took a ready position.

What was she thinking?! She couldn't beat Ino! She had just- she had been so angry but as always as soon as she had time to think her anger would be drowned by her insecurity. Was this too much? Was she just going to make an embarrassment of her? What would Sai think if she had issued such a challenge just to lose miserably!

But, it was too late now- if she tried to back out of the spar after requesting it, Iruka-sensei would be disappointed in her and the other students would just laugh at her. And on top of that- Ino would just go back to talking badly about Sai!

She had to fight- she just didn't know if she could.

"Hinata, Ino…. ready?"

"Sure am, sensei!" Hinata steeled her nerves with a deep breath and tried to mask her stutter, speaking slowly, "H-hai sensei! I'm ready!"

"Begin!"

Hinata watched as Ino charged towards her. No strategy, no deceit, just a straightforward charge to attack. It was in this moment, as Ino neared her with a readied fist that she realized it wouldn't take anything more to beat her. She was a Hyuga, a supposed monster of taijutsu, and she couldn't even stop her hands from shaking enough to enter her ready position.

Her father was right- she was such a disappointment.

Ino reached her and swung. Hinata was able to side-step it and retaliated but even she could tell there wasn't any fire in her punches. Her strikes were hesitating and weak. She doubted they'd even bruise.

Ino didn't seem to care and didn't even try to dodge or deflect. She got up close and slammed an elbow into Hinata's throat. Hinata gasped, and started to tear up, and before she had gotten her breath back, Ino slipped a leg behind hers and tripped her. She slammed down onto the ground and coughed as she tried to get air to her lungs.

She heard her classmates cheering for Ino and through her blurred vision she saw Sai looking at her. He- he wasn't upset. He nodded to her- and then he mouthed some words…

'Get up. Keep going.'

She looked up and saw Ino waving at Sasuke- happy as could be. Any other day, Hinata would have conceded defeat. She would have whimpered on the ground, cried in shame and her own self-pity.

Sai wasn't disappointed though. He didn't think she was done.

'Get up.' Could she? She never had before…

'Keep going.' Did it matter? She wouldn't win… It was impossible.

But… maybe it wasn't about winning. Maybe it was about doing everything she could… Like how someone her own age had done everything he could to save her. He'd get up- he would definitely keep going. The boy with blond hair and kind blue eyes who had saved her life so long ago...

'Get up. Keep going.' She blinked away her tears. She paid no attention to Iruka walking towards her or the classmates that were cheering. She was so focused as she channeled her will-power, that she missed Sai smile at her.

Ino was laughing at something- and still had her back to Hinata.

Hinata got up.

"Hinata- augh!" She slammed into Ino and slammed her fists against her as fast as she could! There was no form- no technique or style. She kept repeating in her head, 'Keep going.' and that's what she did. Hit after hit, and Ino had screamed initially but began hitting back.

Hinata felt her resolve wavering in face of the continued fight and so became more desperate- her hands striking out like claws and scratching into Ino.

"Ow! Hinata, stop it!" She paused as Ino jerked back from her, and before she could even open her mouth to apologize, Ino dashed forward once again and slammed her onto the ground!

"Girls! Enough!" Before anything else could happen, Iruka was suddenly there and Hinata was being lifted to her feet. She was beaten and bruised, covered in dirt, and once again she was tearing up.

"Sensei- she just-"

"Enough, Ino. I want to talk to you both after class, understand?" Ino scoffed and rolled her eyes and Hinata meekly nodded… She went back to her seat, and once more she could hear Ino and Sakura whispering behind her. She pulled up her hood and pulled her knees up to her chest. She rested her face on her arms, hiding it from view.

She was sure everyone knew she was crying though.

Sasuke watched as Sai hit the dirt before him and he heard Iruka proclaim him the victor. Most of the time, he was left with a small amount of pride in beating every last one of his classmates- but now that he knew the truth, he just felt bitter. He knew Sai's secret. Sai was stronger than him.

Not only that, but he was strong enough to fool Iruka into thinking that he was weak. He heard cheering, most notably from Ino and Sakura, and his pride twisted and turned like a stuck eel in his gut. Sai looked worse then the Hyuga girl had earlier- Hinata. He was surprised when she got up and went after Ino so viciously, it was quite unlike her. Of course, she hung out with Sai quite often… So perhaps the boy saw something in her.

He had said he saw something in Sasuke, so it could be that he wasn't just training him. That annoyed him even more. He locked eyes with Sai and held out a hand to pick him up. He watched as Sai blinked and grabbed his hand. He pulled him up, and in the second where they were close he whispered to him.

"I want to train more often. After classes." Sai gave him an indecipherable look, but nodded. Iruka congratulated them both on their fights and they went back to the stands. Sasuke sat off by himself, but he watched as Sai sat beside the crying Hinata. He leaned in towards her and seemed to whisper to her. After a minute or so, she sat back up and wiped the tears from her face and seemed to whisper back to him. Sai nodded, and he watched as they both began to have a conversation.

Some part of him wished he had a friend to talk to- but no one here would help him avenge his father…. He was still unsure if Sai would even be up to the challenges he'd face.

Time seemed to creep along slowly, as it always did day in and day out since his own brother massacred their family. Even now, after being subjected to meeting with a holier-than-thou therapist, he still couldn't understand how Itachi had gone- had turned out to be so… bad.

His therapist said he was left with severe trust issues- but how could he trust strangers over his own family?! The one thing you were always supposed to count on were family. His brother taught him how weak bonds really left you.

Sasuke never used to cry before- and now every night he woke up sobbing. That's the prize he earned for loving his family… The Curse of Caring.

After an excruciatingly short amount of time that seemed to last forever, class was dismissed. Ino and Hinata walked up towards Iruka, and Sai gave Hinata what appeared to be some words of comfort, before he headed out of the school and to the street. Sasuke followed.

He knew the route that they'd take to the training ground closest to the Uchiha Compound, and yet Sai diverted from the usual course, and Sasuke had no choice but to follow him. What should have been a ten minute walk turned into nearly half an hour as the two crossed nearly a fourth of the village and arrived at a totally different training ground.

Sasuke walked up to him and dropped down his backpack and gave the training ground a once over. It seemed pretty abandoned- the grass growing wild and filled with shrubs.

"Some training ground. Looks abandoned."

"Twenty-eight. Openings you left in our sparring match earlier. Your form is imperfect until you awaken your Sharingan- if, you ever do that is. I suggest supplementing your taijutsu with another style until then."

Sasuke grit his teeth and held in a scathing remark. Nothing he said would affect Sai. The boy was immune to taunts or insults. He didn't care what Sasuke said- and somehow that was extra infuriating.

"The Academy style is clearly inferior."

"I never mentioned the Academy style." Sasuke clenched his teeth again. It was so hard not to be biting with Sai.

"Then. What do you suggest?" Sai hummed in thought and shrugged, "It depends on how you want to progress. What're your goals as a shinobi?"

Sasuke almost scoffed. He was tired of adults and sensei's asking that of him. Sai though… was different from everyone else. Sasuke didn't fully understand him- but he knew he was always serious. He'd want an answer- and if he didn't get one there'd be no training.

"I want to restore my clan to prominence- and bring my brother to justice."

"Justice? Do you want to end him?" Sasuke glared and sniffed, "If he resists… My mom would want him to be on trial, I'm sure. So.. Justice. I can live if he rots behind bars."

Sai tilted his head in thought and Sasuke slowly realized that answer mattered to him a great deal.

"Where are your strengths as a shinobi?"

"Ninjutsu. Taijutsu and possibly genjutsu when I get my sharingan."

"If you get your sharingan."

"When-"

"If. You don't know for sure if you will ever awaken it. Therefore, you can't plan as if you will have it. That's simply unrealistic and foolish."

"Fine. If I get the sharingan, which is incredibly likely, I should be fairly rounded off. Uchiha are superb shinobi with vast chakra pools."

"Most Uchiha who reach jonin are, yes."

"I will easily achieve jonin." Sai gave him a smile that set his blood on fire.

"It will be one of the hardest journey's you have ever undertaken. Your brother was only slightly older than you are now when he achieved jonin."

"I will surpass-"
"-If you do, it will be quite the achievement. I can give you the training you seek to excel over your fellow classmates, but you will still be far from the level of skill your brother found himself at naturally."

Sasuke frowned, "Could you beat him?"

"No."

"Then how is your training going to make any difference? My brother was one of the strongest shinobi of the village- if not the strongest!" Sai gave him another smile and Sasuke desperately struggled not to snarl at him. He hated how condescending Sai could be.

"Think back, Sasuke. There is one shinobi who was able to fight your brother off- or don't you remember?"

Sasuke was suddenly bombarded with flashbacks to that night. The smoke, the fire, the blood. His mother's sobs- his father's screams. His brother's twisted eyes.

The lone Anbu agent, younger then he was, who appeared to defend them from the Pride of the Uchiha. The pitched battle the two engaged in. Itachi cutting his opponent's hands in two- and the Anbu slowly regrowing them mid-battle to keep on fighting. That was power- true and terrible. The might to stand up to the paragon of the Uchiha… Remarks the two had made to each other resurfaced- long buried under the trauma of the night he lost his father…

"Of course he would send you, Konoha- you're the only one who would have a chance to stop me."

"Itachi Uchiha, you are charged with treason, murder, and crimes against a founding clan of Konoha. Surrender."

Sasuke's eyes widened- Itachi himself declared them equals! If this shinobi, this supposed 'Konoha' was still in the village- He'd be able to train Sasuke to his brother's level. He'd be the only one who could help him match his brother's might!

"I see you remember. Good. Agent Konoha is the only one who can get you what you wish. Your chance for 'justice'."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed, "Then why am I wasting my time with you?"

"Until I think you're ready for it, and not a waste of his time, you'll just have to be content to remain in class. If you can't follow those simple instructions you'll lose even my own teachings."

"Fine. If this is what it takes- just don't hold back."

Sai smiled and nodded his head, "I won't."

"And this 'Agent Konoha' is truly as strong as Itachi?"

"He is one of the strongest shinobi I know of. Now then, if the Academy style isn't up to your standards, perhaps the Willow Style will be suitable. You'll need to be quite flexible- you better start stretching."

Naruto gulped as he ducked the spray of corrosive mist Mei fired off at one of the Kiri Loyalists. She was a brutal killer. Looks and pleasant personality aside, on the battlefield she was terrifying. There was an aspect of melting your enemies that was intrinsically intimidating to sentient life- especially when it was slow.

Some of the shinobi were left screaming long after their arms had melted down to the bone. Mei at first had held back, but after realizing that Naruto could sense how she was going to attack and made sure to give her room she returned to laying down heavy fire. The Lava Release and the Boil Release were terrible to behold.

Naruto was a constant blur of movement. He darted around the battlefield focusing his efforts around Mei's blind-spots. They were constantly turning in sync with each other, and Naruto wasn't giving the enemy any time to retaliate. The Monkey Claw stance had him almost dancing through the sparse trees while heavily relying on the trunks to redirect his momentum. He and Mei formed something of a whirlpool. Once an enemy entered Naruto's range they were quickly sucked up into Mei's crosshairs.

"C1, C2, C3! Switch to shuriken bursts at 1, 7, and 9!" Gai called out to the three clones currently hanging on for dear life. The Noble Green Beast of Konoha had seemingly given the clones their own monikers, and a few seconds after his command three different hails of shurikens sailed through the air and cut off the escape of Gai's current foes. They had no idea of how to handle Gai's use of the clones.

Naruto watched as Gai kicked out at an enemy only for the clone on the leg, C2, to grab the shinobi by the throat. Gai leapt up and kicked down and the clone let go of his grappled foe at the kick- sending the hapless kiri-nin into a crater in the dirt.

No one seemed prepared on how to handle it. Gai was twisting, juking, and flying through a crowd of shinobi like a storm. His kicks could turn out to be grapples, his punches could turn into sliced necks by kunai- it was nearly impossible to predict what he and the clones were planning.

Naruto was quite proud of it. He idly wondered if Gai could make shadow clones himself- even if he could only make like two that'd be nine clones on the three taijutsu masters- it'd be insanity!

Zabuza was cleaving through his foes, and Ao was aiding him.

The battle lasted all of six minutes.

When the last of the loyalists laid melting in the mud Mei glanced over to Gai who was congratulating the three clones and giving them notes before turning back to him, "Is it normal for him to treat your clones as people?"

"It makes it easier for my allies if they believe they are sentient." She nodded and seemed to take him at his word. The last thing they needed was for other villages to know about the usefulness of the Shadow Clone technique.

The Rebels were bad enough having a Byakugan. Last thing they needed was a jutsu hand-crafted by the Nidaime Hokage.

"Wrap up- we need to get to Tiru Village as soon as possible! If the Loyalists had an ambush set up, then Yagura is on to our plans. We must hurry- we need to strike as soon as we can! Zabuza lead the way! Ao and Konoha, on my sides, Gai carry the rear! Let's go!" She effortlessly took command of the group and they immediately followed to obey her orders. Just like that, in a span of minutes, thirty-five bodies were left in the middle of the forest.

Naruto knew there would be more bodies soon enough. It seemed Mei didn't want to draw this out any longer than necessary.

They'd strike Kiri soon- and he'd be able to save Yagura and Isobu from this war. Hiruzen hadn't told him that Yagura was a jinchuriki- but Mei hadn't told Hiruzen that she knew Yagura was under a very powerful genjutsu and suspected the Uchiha to be responsible.

If he could break that genjutsu- then he might be able to talk some sense into Yagura and get him to flee.

No matter what- if Yagura stayed in Kiri he would die. It was now or never. For the Rebels to retake their home.

And for him to save his brother in arms.

'He's done terrible things, Naruto- the genjutsu may not have forced him to commit them either.'

'Then at the very least, we save Isobu, Kurama-kun. We don't have a choice. This is our one chance- we have to make it count.'

Clan Heads were granted many luxuries and privileges for their loyalty and service of their clans for the good of Konoha. There had always been rivalries and political maneuvering between the clans. Even clans such as the Nara, Akimichi, and the Yamanaka had disputes among themselves. Should a dispute ever near the point of violence, the Hokage would step in and their decision would be the final word on the issue.

The Uchiha had forgotten that lesson, and Danzo had taken it upon himself to humble them once more.

The problem with the system was when a Clan Head had a dispute with the Hokage. As Inoichi clearly had when he walked into his office with Kakashi in tow.

"Inoichi-san, how may I help-" Inoichi marched straight up to his desk and slapped a folder on his desk. He idly took it into his hands and withheld the urge to raise an eyebrow when he realized it was Agent Konoha's 'official' folder. He glanced back to Inoichi who was glaring as if he'd been personally insulted in front of another clan head.

"Page two, paragraph one, Hokage-sama."

He opened the folder and felt surprise wash over him. It had been quite some time since he had been caught unawares- largely thanks in part to Naruto's assistance- but this…

"It's a forgery, Inoichi-san."

"The blood-report supports it. They're from two separate sources. Unless, you are claiming that both are forgeries-"

"They are. I personally guarantee you that Agent Konoha is not a Yamanaka." Inoichi was usually pretty amicable and yet he could see that the man was incensed.

"Do you have any proof of your claim, Hokage-sama?" Hiruzen had a couple of options. He could outright deny it which would not ingratiate Inoichi to him. He could say he did and forge his own documents which could be proven to be false themselves. Finally, he could claim Agent Konoha as an Uzumaki. A very dangerous and bold claim if it ever got out.

There was a reason that Uzushiogakure was wiped off the map- Uzumaki were fearsome. Their prodigies even more so.

A prodigal, Uzumaki Jinchuriki? That'd be enough for Konoha to fall in the cross-hairs of all of the Great Nations. Or at least more of the more ambitious nations.

"That is classified, Inoichi."

"Classified?! I-" He was cut off mid-shout by a rather pointed look.

"You forget yourself. I have just personally assured you that Agent Konoha is not of your clan. You should now be asking yourself who wished for you to believe the opposite- and what they wanted you to do with that disinformation." He tapped his fingers on his desk in agitation, "Making an enemy of your leader, perhaps. Acting as a fool who said something he couldn't take back, perhaps. Luckily, you were smart enough to see through this charade and realized that I am not your enemy, correct?"

He could tell that Inoichi was not fully sated, but the anger seemed to have left him. The man gave him a stiff nod, "Of course, Hokage-sama. I see now that the matter is more complicated than I was lead to believe."

"Good. You are dismissed- I will inform you of who was responsible for this mess when they have been caught." Inoichi nodded and briskly walked out of the office. He closed the door as close to a slam as you could politely get. Hiruzen sighed and looked to Kakashi.

"Why is it that every time I get yelled at in my own office, it's either you or someone you bring in here?" Kakashi gave a shrug with that infuriating smile of his.

"Shall I look into who is tampering with official documents, Hokage-sama?"

"Do so, when you find the saboteur, execute them… This feels like one of Danzo's schemes. Start with him first."

"Hai, Hokage-sama."

Things had been quiet for so long. At least, in the village. A and Onoki were constant threats, but if Mei was able to be brought in as an ally… Of course, now that there was a chance of peace and stability taking hold amongst the Great Nations it would be the worst time for intrigue to take root in the village.

Things were changing. He was changing. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he had started to become harsher and more decisive. More aggressive in his desire to bring peace to the Elemental Nations.

Pulling rank like that with Inoichi probably wasn't the most diplomatic, but it bought him time to get to the bottom of it.

Hopefully, he could figure out who was pulling these strings before Naruto returned to the village.

Kurenai laughed at Asuma as he came back down from the karaoke stage. Anko and Hayate were cat-calling him as Yugao snickered into her drink. It had been some time since they had a moment like this to sit back and relax! Asuma had seemed off the past few months- and Kurenai was sure it was because he was worried about Naruto. He'd been gone for so long- but, there had been no official excuse for his absence.

'Sealing Pilgrimage' rang hollow to Asuma's ears as it did hers. The Sarutobi Ward was on a mission and Asuma didn't know where he was.

Kurenaid had a good idea- and yet, she couldn't comfort Asuma with it.

'...I caused the Massacre of Shadow Valley. I'm Agent Konoha.'

She felt some of her excitement fade away and withheld a grimace as Anko caught her eye. They had fought over what to do with their knowledge- tell Asuma to pressure his father, request a leave of absence to go and aid him wherever he was…..or do nothing. Wait for him to come home.

Kurenaid had put her foot down and declared that they'd do nothing. Anko was reticent to wait but obliged. They week. Then one turned into two.

Two weeks turned into a month.

One month turned into six.

Naruto had been gone for six months- and even Kurenai was starting to harbor thoughts of action. They had yet to figure out where he had gone though…

"C'mon Hayate! Sing a song!"

"Nah, nah- I think we all need a break after that one." Yugao laughed and fell into Hayate's side, his hand idly running through her hair. Kurenai smiled again as conversation resumed, and she was able to turn her mind from worrying about Naruto.

"How've you been Yugao? Anything interesting come up while you've been abroad?" Anko 'innocently' asked, though it seemed that Kurenai was the only one who could tell how loaded that question had been. It was unspoken amongst the group that Yugao had been accepted into Anbu. Anbu agents were never to disclose to their families or compatriots their membership of the upper levels. Their identities were to remain secret. It seemed that Anko had waited until they had all gotten drunk before she had started asking questions.

"You mean 'confidential', Anko-chan?" Everyone laughed and Yugao took another sip of her drink. Kurenai could tell that Anko's smile was struggling to hide her impatience and worry.

"...I may have heard something off-duty that is somewhat interesting…" The group all excitedly gave her their attention.

"I heard from a reliable source… that Agent Konoha was seen fighting in the Kiri Civil War."

Kurenai felt all her happiness drain away as clawed hands of panic grip her heart. 'No. No it can't be…' Anko gaped, but their reactions were dwarfed by Asuma spitting out his drink and Hayate whistling sharply.

"No shit! Makes sense with what I've heard." Kurenai turned sharply to Hayate and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I heard tell that the rebels' forces seemed to have ballooned overnight a few months back. I didn't think much of it at the time- but well, it seems the Hokage is wanting to put an end to the bloodbath."

Asuma sighed, "Really wish dad could tell me about this stuff. Would've been nice to know."

"He's alone?" That would be bad. Hopefully, he had an Anbu squad with him-

"Pretty sure Might Gai is with him- if the rumor of the rebels acquiring a taijutsu master are true. Haven't seen him for a few months if memory serves."

"That's it?!" Everyone looked at Anko after her outburst. She was pale, agitated, and her knuckled were turning white with how tightly she was holding her glass.

Naruto had been off fighting a war for months- and they had done nothing.

Kurenai felt her own guilt rising up and couldn't even imagine what Anko was putting herself through right now.

"Agent Konoha is quite the shinobi." Yugao seemed to reassure the group, "He's anbu, he'll be fine."

"How old is he, Yugao?" Even the tipsy Asuma recognized the ice in Anko's voice.

"What?"

"I've seen him and he looks like a shrimp. How can you say he'll be fine in Kiri-"

"I- He's had a stellar record- From what I've heard-" Anko's eyes peirced through Yugao's backpedalling, and Kurenai knew a fight was about to occur.

"...You were on a team together, weren't you!?-"

"No- No, no- I-"

"Bullshit! You were!"

"Anko. Enough." Hayate's voice harshly cut in. Kurenai could see how it only fanned the flames of her anger.

"Why? Little miss anbu over there allowed her kohai to wander into a war and has done nothing-"

"I haven't done nothing! I went to Inu, I asked to be sent to Kiri! He denied my request-"

"So you gave up-"

"I didn't-"

"Anko!-"

"She fucking left him to-"

"Quite a commotion here." The entire group froze as Kakashi idly flipped through his book in the corner of their room. It was unnerving how none of them had sensed him, "Talking about village secrets quite brazenly. Shame on you, Neko-chan."

Yugao winced and bowed her head, and the group held their breath, as her codename was used to publicly identify her. The threat was clear.

She could be dismissed from the Anbu corp for this.

"H-hai, Kakashi-taichou. It won't- it won't happen again."

"Excellent. I should hope not." He snapped his book shut and lazily looked over them. Kurenai felt herself tense as he paused on her and Anko, "Quite the popular topic. Agent Konoha is a popular ghost to talk about."

No one said anything. Kurenai knew beneath the lazy facade was one of the strongest shinobi in the village- and she could tell they had gained his ire.

"It's always surprising when we gossip about clandestine actions the village may or may not be action on. Thankfully, most jonin know better."

Kurenai could almost see Anko's hackles rise at the barb and just wished for her to keep her mouth shut.

"Haha, but I know all of you know better than to possibly endanger an on mission operative. Enjoy your night." He was quickly out of the door and Anko clambered to her feet and was off after him.

"Anko- sorry everyone, I'll be right back!" She saw Asuma begin to follow and she waved her hand as she departed, "It's fine! I'll be back!"

She caught up to Anko on the roof of the building across the street. She was looking for Kakashi who was long gone.

"Anko! We should-"

"How dare he! He knew this whole time-"

"-he can't tell us, it's against the-"

"-Fuck the rules-"

"Yo." They spun around to see him sitting on the edge of the roof, smut in hand.

"You!"

"Me."

"I want some answers." Anko growled as she walked up to him. He lazily glanced up at them both.

"Sure." Kurenai grimaced- this was entirely too easy.

"Why did-"

"Oh wait a minute. Excuse me- who are you to ask questions of me?" Anko snapped her teeth shut and growled.

"We-"

"-Are completely out of line and treading in dangerous waters? Hm, it would seem that is so." Anko was getting red in the face and shaking, and Kurenai quickly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back.

"We're worried about him, Kakashi-san." He looked over at her, ignoring Anko as she ground her teeth.

"That may be the only reason that you escaped with only a warning. I understand your frustrations, but he is fine."

"He's out in the middle of a war-"

"-And lesser shinobi then he have been sent out into tougher situations before. Yes, he is in danger. But, he's been handling it well for over six months. There is nothing that you- or I- can do about this situation. It's up to the Hokage. But, if you two know Agent Konoha as well as I do then you know he won't back out of this now. Not after he's gotten to know the shinobi he's fighting with. His reports speak of the progress he's made in making allies… If all goes well, then Kiri may become a close ally. That would give us an Alliance of Four Great Nations. It wouldn't be hard to press Iwa into the mold-"

"I don't care about the politics." Anko crossed her arms and Kurenai couldn't remember the last time she had seen her friend this upset, "I just care about him. The Massacre of Shadow Valley was a lot for him- too much. I can only imagine why he was sent over there- and it's just to fill their ranks. He's not a killer."

"No. He's a shinobi. As are both of you."

Anko opened her mouth to shoot back a retort, but Kurenai took a step forward and stared Kakashi in the eye.

"We are his friends." He looked up at her and she knew that to most that statement would come off as childish or immature. That the emotion behind it was dwarfed by their roles as ninja of their great village. But, through Asuma- and Naruto- she felt that she knew a little bit more then the average shinobi about the elusive Kakashi Hatake.

"We won't abandon him. Even if we face repercussions for it." Anko stood up beside her and grabbed her hand.

"Damn straight. What she said."

He gave them both an idle look and slowly closed his book and put it away. He stood up and sighed loudly before he slowly nodded his head, "I'll let you know if anything changes. Be ready for a long deployment in the near future. I'll find you whenever I get word." He looked at them both and gave them a firm nod. He gave a wave of his hand and then he leapt over the edge of the roof. It was then that Kurenai had realized that they had been tested...and passed.

She grinned and looked at Anko, "Anko- this is great." She saw Anko nod but she didn't seem relaxed. She still seemed on edge.

"Y'think he expects the situation to go downhill?" Kurenai froze and felt her worry slowly begin to worm it's way back up to the surface.

"I….think he does."

"We should go pack Kurenai."

"Yeah… yeah we should."

"Hurry up, Konoha. Let's get this done." Zabuza Momochi said as he walked through the thick mist he had formed. Naruto had long gotten used to the mist the man utilized frequently as well as his blunt personality. It had taken some time to acclimate to the bloodlust, aggression, and wrath the man kept simmering beneath the surface. Once he had gotten a handle on not gagging whenever his blood-lust spiked, he found that he could appreciate the man's attitude. He was one of those warriors who dedicated their all to their craft. Zabuza believed himself to be a weapon; while Naruto disagreed with the philosophy he found that he couldn't help but admire the man's loyalty. Naruto could sense it clear as day- the man was absolutely loyal to those who he respected. Momochi would never betray Mei Terumi.

He also had a sweet spot that he'd never admit to in his young ward Haku Yuki. He professed that the young boy was only another weapon in his arsenal, but Naruto immediately sensed the concern and worry over the child surviving this war.

Working with Zabuza was also far superior to working with Ao. Every time he worked with the holder of the stolen byakugan, Naruto was worried that he'd realize that Agent Konoha was the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi… It seemed that Ao was just as worried about having his stolen kekkei genkai be discovered.

Little did anyone realize the power of his empathy. Mei had quickly distanced herself from him once they reached Kiri, but it was too little too late. Her fears had betrayed numerous secrets of Kiri long before they had reached Konoha's borders. Luckily, none of those secrets jeopardized their mission and so Naruto was able to continue along as if he knew nothing.

That was good as this 'war' was not what he had been expecting. He had notions of a heroic battle, a last stand for the people of Kiri. Something out of the Warring Clans era or the First Shinobi War.

This was a War of the Mists. Both sides struck each other bleeding resources and manpower with no end in sight. Both sides fought to the last man. Both sides used every advantage possible. Naruto had nightmares about some of the battles, and Kurama had long gone silent with his protestations about what he was putting himself through.

"C'mon kid, let's move." Zabuza took his sword in hand and stood over Naruto's form protectively.

"You can relax- there's no one near us."

"Yeah, well last time you said that and started sealing someone came up while you were distracted- so I'm gonna stay on my toes this time." Naruto chuckled lightly as he took out his ink and brush and began finely writing miniscule seals on the wall in front of him.

"I heard you used some Futon jutsus in your last mission."

"Mmmmm, so?" Naruto tried to maintain his focus as the wet wall he was working on could compromise the integrity of his seals. He had to constantly touch-up the seal so as to maintain its intended function. This was his thirtieth seal today, in a row, and so it was important not to let his exhaustion affect him.

"So you can use wind-style, which means that my theory that your senses are derived from wind-currents is a viable theory." Naruto chuckled again as he sensed Zabuza get annoyed at his dismissal of his guess- Momochi didn't like to be wrong. He really didn't like someone younger than him to tell him he's wrong.

"Doesn't mean it's right."

"I think it's a better guess than what I've heard back at base. 'He's got eyes in the back of his head', 'he's obviously a master water-user that controls water in his target's brain', 'he's a Nara with dyed hair that has control over the shadows people make'..." Naruto chuckled as he absentmindedly listened in. After drawing these seals twenty-nine times today he felt comfortable in his ability to wrap it up while enjoying Zabuza's speculation.

"... 'maybe he's a jinchuriki like Yagura', sheesh those idiots." Naruto tensed and nearly yelled at himself for reacting so visibly when Zabuza took a step back looking out at the mists around them, "I sense it too. Hurry up."

Naruto finished the seal as quick as he could and then turned around and drew a kunai. 'Well, that was a lucky break, eh, Kurama?'

'Naruto- be careful!'

Before he could even ask what was wrong he sensed a group of shinobi enter his range of detection and they quickly headed straight for him and Zabuza. One of them was strong-

As strong as Roshi and Killer Bee. A massive, swirling ocean of genocidal hate- and the undercurrent of despair at being made a prisoner of it's own body. 'Yagura!'

"Well- isn't this a surprise. I never thought I'd see your face here again, Zabuza, except at the front-lines of the insurgency."

Yagura's form appeared out of the mist as two more elite jounin stepped forwards on either side of him.

"What can I say, I had a mission." Zabuza sneered as he readied his legendary blade.

"Ironic- the last wielder of that blade who crossed me said much the same thing. He also stood alongside a Konohan-shinobi in his treason. The last one was a missing-nin though. Am I right to assume Sarutobi-dono is making a statement… Agent Konoha?"

"Itachi- You fought Itachi Uchiha?" He was worried that Zabuza would comment on the desperation in his voice, but Yagura only tilted his head, "Yes- and soundly defeated him. Now surrender- and tell me what you're doing at the walls of my village."

Zabuza growled but Naruto could sense his fear and hesitancy- and his shame that he'd be scared to challenge the Kage. But Naruto sensed something else in that moment that gave him pause- and renewed hope.

"Liar. You didn't defeat him- he beat you and got away." Yagura scowled and Zabuza chuckled darkly, "Really now? My my, Mizukage-dono, you didn't seem the type to lie about your own shortcomings."

"His partner, your sword's previous owner, wasn't so fortunate Momochi. Besides, he wielded your blade for far longer than you have."

"He wasn't as good a shinobi as I was. He was a real traitor- leaving his true Kage behind."

"So that's what this is- you choose a pretty face?"

"No- I pick the stronger leader." Yagura scoffed and his two men drew their sabres, "I tire of this Zabuza. I would have expected you to have struck the first blow much sooner."

"I did make my move, and I guarantee it'll be lethal."

"Ohoh?" Yagura grinned and started slowly making his way forward.

"I stalled to give my partner some extra time." Naruto could sense the instant that Yagura's eyes locked onto the two kunai he was launching from behind Zabuza. Could instantly sense that his foe was going to evade his attack instinctually- but would be too slow in calling it out to his allies. Before the attack had even left his hands, Naruto knew that the other two shinobi were already dead.

"Get back! He's-" The thunk of the two kunai flying six inches deep into the trees directly apart from the two Kiri-nin drowned out the rest of Yagura's words. The weapons were launched with the speed of a top-tier shinobi. Itachi would have been proud- he always valued what you could do with just a few kunai. Before the next syllable left Yagura's lips the seals to both ends glowed a bright purple and rose up parallel to each other across the twenty feet space between them.

The molecular array ignited and super-charged the air straight between the two seals, as the chakra-lens matrix guided the channeled ignition into a cylinder no wider than a human thumb. The raiton catalyst seal completed the sequence and a beam of shining white light exploded from both tags and created a concentrated laser of chakra between the two men.

The men cried out in shock and tried to move forwards which only caused them to bisect themselves in half. The beam lasted for another four seconds and made the air smell of ozone and burning flesh. Naruto was just glad that the attack cauterized their wounds- the prototype of that seal hadn't always been so...clean.

"A Fuinjutsu user?" He scowled and took off his staff from his back. Zabuza chortled at the deadly efficiency of what he once had referred to as a 'useless shinobi bomb-making art'. After a few missions together, Zabuza had a finer appreciation of the usage of combat seals.

"Got any more of those lightning seals?"

"Unfortunately, I am out of the Lightning-Bisecting-Beam Seals."

"That's such a bitch to say why would someone name it that- alright, I think we could take him. We could end this here and now." He grinned behind his bandages and Naruto sensed his intent to cut Yagura in half.

"No- we follow Mei's orders. She said retreat if we encounter any resistance." Naruto could sense Zabuza's inclination to ignore orders and grabbed his arm, "Don't. We have orders- don't let your pride get in the way of your mission. Act like the weapon you claim you are."

Zabuza snarled as Naruto used his own ideology against him, but Naruto could sense his resolve waver.

"We land one good attack on him and escape in the aftermath."

"Fine." Naruto sensed his reluctance to flee from battle- and he didn't know if the swordsman would run or not.

'I might have to fight here Kurama. Any advice?'

'Isobu is more defensive- but I'm sure his jinchuriki would know how to turn that defense into a strong offense. Be wary.'

Naruto nodded and relaxed. He centered himself and allowed his reflexes to take over. Fighting stronger foes with his empathy centered on allowing his sensory prowess to take over. To give himself over to his reflexes for the fastest response physically possible. His adrenaline would spike and his conscious thought could potentially cause him to freeze up or hesitate. There would be no hesitation for him now though.

Yagura stared them both down and the only movement was Zabuza readjusting his stance. Zabuza was struggling to contain his bloodlust and show some restraint for once and Yagura was in the middle of deciding who he felt more insulted by. Finally, Yagura decided upon Zabuza.

The next second Naruto was in the air above Zabuza firing off two fireballs as Yagura surged forwards. His staff struck for Zabuza's throat and the legendary sword barely repelled it in time.

Seeing how easily Yagura moved through the flames he began to form the handseals for a raiton jutsu. Before he could complete the jutsu he saw Yagura's eyes land upon him and his body moved; flipping back over himself his jutsu completely forgotten.

"Konoha!" He watched as Yagura's fist neared his face and his instincts screamed as Yagura desired to see his face half-caked in coral and screaming in agony. Before Yagura could make his vision reality Zabuza's sword smacked into his side and sent him flying off.

The blade clattered beside him- and Naruto realized Zabuza had to have thrown it to save him. He quickly grabbed it to throw it back as Zabuza leaped and dodged Yagura's strikes. Just as his hand gripped the hilt-

Flashes of Yagura across a clearing. Red clouds on black cloaks.

"Ready yourselves."

"Well, there goes trying to surprise him with your genjutsu."

Disorientating movement- jutsu blasting- red chakra claws- suddenly the blade shattered but the iron from the blood slowly replenished it-

"I'm one of the first Jinchuriki to have perfect control of my demon- do you understand your folly now, Uchiha?" A flash of his partner- the solemn faced Itachi Uchiha- from his peripherals.

"That's Yagura's Coral Fist technique- it's important to not let him hit you. Really important."

"Biwa!"

A monstrous gathering of chakra- a bijuudama- a Tailed Beast Ball!

"We have to move-"

"Hold on-"

The wielder didn't flee and met the blast head on. He tried to redirect it with all his might.

It wasn't enough- the blade fractured more. The blast was sent up into the air, but half the blade flew into the wielder and pinned him to a tree.

The blood of the wielder soaked into the sword and the two became one- even as one of the two ended.

"Itachi… It seems you were more of a match then I…. was…. I want….. to die here. In this land that I've been from for too long."

"Be at peace."

Two red eyes crying tears of blood then black-

He blinked and realized that the fight had continued on without him. Zabuza was bleeding heavily and his left arm was encased in coral. Naruto felt his heart stop for a moment as he realized Yagura was moving in for what he was sure would be a killing blow.

'Naruto-'

'Kurama- was that my- retrocognition? I saw-'

'Your ally! Focus!'

He didn't even think of a response as he ran off towards Zabuza and threw the Kubikiribocho at him.

"Momochi!"

"Finally kid! About fucking time!" Momochi latched onto the blade and Naruto immediately sensed Yagura resign himself to a longer engagement.

With what he had learned though, Naruto realized they couldn't wait any longer. Yagura was too strong- they couldn't win.

Suddenly, the battlefield flooded with mist. Dread filled him as the images he had just previously seen flashed before his mind.

"Was that you?"

"Nope."

"We gotta get out of here- now!" Zabuza was about to retort and Naruto cut him off, "He's going to use his bijuu!"

"What- how did you-"

"Momochi! Your treason ends now!" The steam was blown away as Yagura stepped forward, cloaked in the burning red chakra of the bijuu cloak. Naruto was just glad that Zabuza was cognizant enough to fill with dread at the aura heading towards them.

"C'mon kid, we gotta-"

"Look out-"

Yagura immediately went down on all fours- and balls of chakra started to form in front of it.

Zabuza grinned and readied his blade- intent on trying to knock it off course.

Naruto froze for a second as history seemed about to repeat itself.

'No- No!'

Yagura swallowed the ball of chakra and launched it, Zabuza roared as he swung his blade.

Naruto roared right beside him as a flash seal went off seconds before impact. The light blinded Zabuza and he hoped that would be enough as Kurama's chakra flooded through his arms for almost a second as the tailed beast ball impacted the sword. The sword almost fractured- until his chakra surged throughout it and reinforced the legendary blade. The two of them together managed to knock the blast back- straight at Yagura.

"Bwuahahahaha! Yes!"

"Zabuza! We have to leave!"

"Right." Naruto quickly started racing through the trees, dropping seals on every surface he could. Zabuza laughed as he kept pace. They had nearly a twenty second head start, and Naruto sensed Yagura reorienting after that monumental blast.

"He coming for us?"

"Not for long." He pulsed his chakra- and four hundred and fifty exploding tags ignited less then fifty feet from the walls of Kirigakure. Blocking off their escape.

"Hahaha, kid, yes! Finally! The War has come to the Bloody Mist!"

Naruto tried not to gag at Zabuza's lust for battle- and his own anxiety at the fight to come.