Disclaimer: Juubi no Shinju does not own Naruto or any Marvel material.

Hey guys! Juubi here with yet another new story. Why? Cause I felt like it.

Now, this story was actually a challenge given to me MANY years ago by a guy named Snake1980. I promised him I'd see about doing it, so here we are. 4/5 Years later. XD

Anyway, here ya go!

Co-Beta: Chaos-PSD

"Talking"

'Thinking'

"Kurama/Iron Man"

"J.A.R.V.I.S./Television"

"Intercom/Communication"

"Dialect Language"

(8/1/2020) Juubi: Some changes were done. Nothing too big, just some small bit.

Prologue: Goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki

I was never a firm believer in the existence of some all-powerful Kami or deities. I believe in stuff I see. Like giant asshole chakra monsters sealed inside of human bodies. Giant toads. Or ghosts! Ghosts I believe in. And fear. FOR GOOD REASON, DATTEBAYO! But gods? Nah. I mean, if gods really were a thing...

What the hell did I do in a past life to get the crappy life I have now?

No parents.

Hated by 95% of my home village since birth.

Having an annoying, sarcastic, sometimes sadistic mass of vile, angry and living energy the size of the Chunin Exam stadium with teeth sharp enough to tear me apart cell by cell and as big as a full sized man sealed inside of you by your own hero.

Yeah, not much of a reason to be a believer.

Though…

Maybe I could be wrong.

Maybe...just maybe…

There is some all-powerful manipulator out there.

Maybe

Elemental Nations - Valley of the End

"Naruto!" Sasuke growled, forming a Chidori as he channeled the power of his curse mark, making his body transform with an almost demonic appearance.

"Sasuke!" Naruto gritted his sharp teeth, his anger forcing more of Kyuubi's chakra to seep out of him and cover his body in a tick bubble-like fox-shaped layer of red vile chakra. Holding out his hand, he formed a Rasengan, which combined with the red chakra of the Kyuubi, gave the Rasengan a darker, almost violet color.

With heavy, soul-shaking glares aimed at the other, the two leaped with all their might, attacks ready and pulled back.

"There is no value in killing the likes of you… My foolish brother… If you want to kill me… curse me! Hate me! And live a long and unsightly life… Run away… run away… and cling to your pitiful life. And then someday, when you have the same eyes as I do, come before me."

"Naruto...please, I beg of you. Bring him back. Bring Sasuke back to me! Please!"

This was it.

There can only be one winner.

Either Sasuke is returned home...or Naruto loses his friend to darkness.

The idea of some godly being controlling everybody's actions for some grand plan or something…

It's pretty annoying.

I never believed in stuff like fate. I'm not Neji. I always believed that one should be in charge of their own future. That they should be allowed to make their own paths.

Does that mean I would deny even gods? Maybe.

They don't call me the number one most unpredictable knuckleheaded ninja for nothing.

Emphasis on knucklehead.

Though, when dealing with godly beings, what can one do?

"Rasengan!"/"Chidori!"

The impact of two high density chakra attacks caused a wide shockwave to expand from the center, shooting out miles off to be felt by anyone, specifically Kakashi Hatake, who was moving as fast as he could with his trusted companion Pakkun towards the location, hoping to stop the battle between his two students before it got out of hand.

Naruto gritted his teeth as he tried his hardest to push his attack against Sasuke's. Their attacks battled for power, grinding against one another hard, as a shell of energy formed around the two. Naruto hissed as his hand began to burn from not only the chakra of the colliding attacks but also the Kyuubi's energy taking a toll on his body, as the more he used it, the more it began to burn his skin.

'I...I can't give up! I can't! I need to keep my promise to Sakura-chan!' He mentally shouted, his mind flashing to her weeping face as she begged him. 'It hurts...that she might never feel that way for me...but no matter what, even if she won't love me that way...I won't allow her to be sad anymore!' Summoning all his willpower, he put more of his chakra into his technique, making it bigger. Slowly, it began to overpower Sasuke, and he realized it, as he too called for more power of his curse mark. 'Damn bastard! Why does he have to be so difficult?! Such an asshole! Doesn't he realize the people he's hurting?!' Flash back to Sakura. 'The danger he's heading to?' Flash to Orochimaru. 'He wants power? He can get that in the village if he stops pushing people away!'

"So you're a shinobi?" Haku asked as she and Naruto gathered plants.

"Sure am!" Naruto grinned, nudging his headband. "And one day, I'm going to be the strongest in my village. The Hokage!"

"When a person has something important they want to protect...that's when they can become truly strong."

"It's almost unbearable, isn't it… the pain of being all alone. I know that feeling; I've been there, in that dark and lonely place, but now there are others, other people who mean a lot to me. I care more about them than I do myself, and I won't let anyone hurt them. That's why I'll never give up. I will stop you, even if I have to kill you! They saved me from myself. They rescued me from my loneliness. They were the first to accept me for who I am. They're my friends." Naruto exclaimed, glaring at Gaara, who stared at him in shock.

"I can't give up. I won't give up. No matter what, I'll keep my promise to Sakura-chan and bring back Sasuke...even if I have to give up my life to do it!" His eyes lost the crimson, returning to fierce blue, but keeping the sharp pupils. They glared into Sasuke's Sharingan, seeing the darkness within them, the burning desire for revenge against his brother, as well as an almost obsessional glint for power. A demand for it. A lust.

It was sick.

He didn't want his friend, his best friend, to drown himself in darkness. He would do anything to save him from the dark.

Anything…

Sasuke glared at Naruto, the sight of him irritating the last Uchiha to the bone. Why does he always have to stand in his way?! This was his revenge! His goal! No one will stand in his way of vengeance against his brother. NO ONE!

Even if he had to sell his body to Orochimaru to achieve power, so be it. Not that he would allow that to happen anyway. Once he got powerful enough, he will strike down the old sannin before he could act.

'Naruto...you are the one I can truly call my friend. You know about the darkness in the world. You know what it's like to hold power, and want more, to be the strongest. But...you do not understand what it's like to have lived a life with a family, only to lose them to your own brother. You do not understand what it's like to hold such immense anger towards someone. The burning sensation in your chest. The dream of seeing the death of a person haunting your every thought. You do not understand...you will NEVER understand.'

The image of Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan flashed in his mind, making him grit his teeth.

'I will not give in to Itachi's desires. I will seek the true power of the Sharingan my own way. But I will not allow you to stand in my way, Naruto. I will not kill you, be thankful for that.' Sasuke thought as he pushed more chakra into the Chidori.

He wasn't going to kill Naruto. No. Instead, he sought to overpower Naruto's attack, and cancel his own before it could pierce Naruto, where instead he will deliver a blow to knock him out.

However...

The thing about fate is not that I don't believe it's not real, just that it's not unchangeable.

I once talked with Ero-Sennin about this, while we were looking for Baachan, and he told me: "Think of the future as a river. It flows in one direction but can go in different ways by breaking off into parts. Sometimes, there are rocks and trees in the way, and it adapts around them. Changing direction, but still going the same way. That's how the future is. It is always moving forward, never turning or going back, but can shift from its normal flow. And we never know what direction it could lead one to. Trust me, I met a psychic once, and she told me I would one day have a harem of women! HAHAHA! Wouldn't that be the life? Still, don't always be doubting things like fate or the future, kid. Cause one day, something could happen that may change your life forever."

However, Naruto seemed to have had the same idea…

It happened so fast, that Sasuke didn't see it coming, even with his Sharingan. Then again, Naruto was known for being unpredictable.

In a flash, Naruto canceled his Rasengan, allowing for the Chidori to pass through, and straight forward.

"Gah!" With a shout, blood shooting out, Naruto gritted his teeth as unimaginable pain coursed through his body as the lightning coated fist pierced right through his chest. The feeling of having electricity shock and burn his insides was unbearable. Even after it already happened twice. However, pushing through it, Naruto narrowed his eyes in concentration, glaring at the frozen Sasuke. Holding his hand out, Naruto pushed through the pain, and channeled his and Kyuubi's chakra together, creating another Vermilion Rasengan.

Sharp eyes piercing the shocked and frozen Uchiha, Naruto growled. "It's...over, TEME!" He shouted, before slamming the attack into Sasuke's stomach.

"AAAARGH!" Sasuke screamed in pain as the Rasengan drilled into his body. With a push, Sasuke was sent flying back out of the shell, all the way back to Madara's statue, sinking deep into the earth. With a breath escaping his lips, Sasuke slumped over, unconscious as his transformation ended, his features reverting back to normal as he hung off the side of the cliff.

Something was wrong

Naruto might not be the brightest kunai there was, but he trusted his guts, and they were telling him that something was very, very, very wrong. Even more than having a hole in your chest.

Slowly, but surely, the high-density chakra cocoon around the blond began to decrease in size, shrinking by the second.

With Naruto still inside.

The storm that has been forming since the start of their battle grew in fierceness, lightning crackling through the dark clouds, the following rumbling thunder, shaking the ground as the wind began to go crazy. Not only that, but static began to course through the shrinking shell with an ominous range of colors.

It was at that moment that Kakashi and Pakkun arrived. Momentarily stunned by what was happening, his veteran instincts quickly took over as he surveyed the area. Lifting his headband up to reveal his Sharingan eye, he looked around. He spotted Sasuke unconscious in the statue of Madara Uchiha. Moving quickly with a Shunshin no Jutsu he got to Sasuke, grabbing him before dropping back down to the ground. Laying his student on the ground, he looked him over as Pakkun sniffed the Uchiha. The pug looked at Kakashi. "The kid's alive. Though his chakra reserves are severely low and in need of medical treatment." He said. Kakashi nodded, gazing at the, no doubt, Rasengan wound on his stomach.

"And Naruto?" He asked. Pakkun's response was to look at the shrinking chakra cocoon. Following his gaze, Kakashi looked at it as well, his Sharingan eye-sight peering into the orb, spotting his student. "Oh kami. NARUTO!"

"AAAAAAAHHHHH!" His mouth stretching to their limit, Naruto screamed louder than he has ever screamed before, the pain he was going through suddenly tripling! Even more, the shell around him was now only 2 feet away, and closing fast. His eyes wide open, Naruto gritted his teeth, fists clenched tightly.

"NARUTO!" The yell of his sensei echoed through the valley, but was unheard by the blond, as with a final shout and blinding flash of light…

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH-"

The shell vanished from sight...along with the genin trapped within.

. . . .

. . . .

. . . .

Kakashi stood there, in the rain, frozen. His eyes wide as they stared at the space where the orb, and more importantly where Naruto used to be. Keywords being used to.

"Naruto…no…"

Even with the sound of rain falling and thunder rumbling, his voice echoed through the empty zone.

Later - Konoha

Standing under the village gates Sakura gazed unmoving at the forest. Waiting eagerly for the return of her two teammates. She knew Naruto would bring back Sasuke. She knew Naruto was strong. He took down Gaara, if what Sasuke told her was true.

She believed he could do it. She believed in him.

And once he brought Sasuke back, they could be a team again.

"Hey, forehead." A voice called behind her. Blinking, Sakura turned around, and saw her former rival/rekindled best friend, Ino, approaching her.

"Hey, Ino. Back from checking up on Choji and Shikamaru? How are they?" She asked. She had seen the state Choji was in when the ANBU brought him in, and he didn't look so well. Shikamaru was more tired than hurt when he came.

"Shikamaru is fine. His only injury is a broken finger. As for Choji, he just got out of the emergency room. Luckily his dad had what was needed to help with the side effects of their Clan Secret Pills." Ino said, letting out a breath. "I'm just glad they are alright. Don't know what I would do if anything happened to them." She said, placing a hand over her heart. She was so happy her teammates made it out in one piece, and they had a legendary medic like Tsunade-sama fix them up.

Sakura nodded before she turned back to gazing at the forest. Ino saw this and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. Naruto will bring Sasuke-kun back. You know the knucklehead; when he makes a promise, he doesn't give up until he succeeds." She said with a giggle, making Sakura grow a small smile.

"I agree."

The two turned at the new voice, spotting Tsunade and Shizune approaching them. "Lady Tsunade." The two genin bowed to her, getting a chuckle.

"Now now. None of that." She urged. As the two straightened up, Tsunade looked towards the forest. "Don't worry Sakura. Naruto will bring back the Uchiha."

"I know, Tsunade-sama. I just hope that he makes it back okay. Both him and Sasuke-kun." Sakura muttered, looking down in worry. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked up at Tsunade, who gently smiled at her.

"Believe me. Naruto is too stubborn to die. Trust me on that." She reassured. Looking at her, Sakura smiled back, nodding.

"Tsunade-sama! Look!" Shizune points out. Everyone followed her finger and spotted a figure approaching in the distance. Looking closely, everyone soon made out the figure of Kakashi, carrying someone on their back. At the sight of her sensei, Sakura's smile grew.

"Kakashi-sensei!" She called happily, before running towards him, Ino right behind her. Tsunade smiled at the jonin, as she could only guess Naruto wouldn't be too far behind him. As she got closer, Sakura's smile grew when she spotted Sasuke on Kakashi's back. "Sasuke-kun!"

Kakashi stopped in front of her, his mask hiding his frown.

"Welcome back, Kakashi. I see you have Sasuke with you. Guess the knucklehead accomplished his mission successfully." Tsunade said as she approached. Behind her, Shizune smiled, though it soon fell when she noticed someone missing. Tsunade didn't see it, as she looked around. "Where is the brat anyway? I expected him to loudly announce his accomplishment." She said with a fond smile.

…

…

…

Tsunade soon lost her smile, her expression growing to concern at the silence and lack of orange. Sakura, who had been staring at her unconscious crush happily, soon noticed something was wrong and looked at her teacher.

"Kakashi," Tsunade stated, her throat getting dry. "Where is Naruto?"

Kakashi was silent, his head lowering. A tight grip formed in Tsunade's chest as worry began to seep into her heart.

"Kakashi!" She snapped, making the jonin flinch. "Answer me!"

Kakashi took a ragged breath. "...Mission accomplished, Hokage-sama...but...there has been a casualty."

An icy feeling gripped the females' hearts.

"No...please...no…" Tsunade muttered, hoping above all else that this wasn't what she thought it was.

"I'm afraid...genin Uzumaki Naruto...has fallen in the line of duty."

This did it, as Tsunade fell to her knees, silent tears flowing down her cheeks. Her body was frozen stiff, unable to move. Blink. Breath. Nothing, as Shizune rushed to her side, also silently crying but able to hold herself for now.

All Tsunade could do was remember.

Remember the death of her little brother.

Remember the death of her fiance.

And now...now…

Meanwhile, Sakura staggered back, her knees shaking. She shook her head slowly.

"No...it can't be...it can't..." She pleaded. Begged, as tears forced out at the corners of her eyes. She nearly fell if Ino hadn't caught her, also shaken up by the news, but functional enough at the moment.

Kakashi looked at them sadly, his head bowing low as guilt gripped his heart tightly. 'Minato-sensei...Kushina-neesama...I'm so sorry. I failed you.'

A few days later

"I wonder what Hokage-sama wants with us?" Kiba asked as he walked with Choji and Shikamaru towards the Hokage Tower. Akamaru wasn't with him, as he decided to let his pal stay home with his mother to rest.

Kiba was still in bandages, along with Choji, the two just recently moderately healed after getting out of surgery for their intense wounds.

Next to him, Shikamaru sighed. "Whatever it is, couldn't it had waited for a few days? I'm too tired(lazy) to deal with this so soon after that mission." He said, getting a glare from the Inuzuka, who proceeded to point at him.

"Like you're one to whine! Out of everyone here, you were the LEAST injured. Seriously, man?! A broken finger?! Akamaru and I nearly died fighting those twin freaks!"

Off to the side, Choji chuckled with a sweatshop as he ate a bag of chips.

On their way to the Hokage Tower, the three met up with Team Gai.

"Neji! Surprised to see you up and about, man!" Kiba stated. Apart from Choji, Neji's injuries were possibly the most life-threatening.

Neji gave the Inuzuka a tired smile. Apart from his head, his whole body was wrapped in bandages. "Thankfully, Tsunade-sama was able to heal me. I just require rest is all." He said, before wincing as Lee smacked him in the back with a wide smile.

"Yes! Truly Neji's Flames of Youth have allowed him to rise back up! His win over the foul Sound Ninja has inspired me to train even harder than before!"

Tenten glared at Lee, both for the smack, and his statement. "Lee! You just had your legs healed by Tsunade-sama! It's bad enough that the FIRST thing you do is fight! Gai-sensei told you to rest so you'd properly get back to full health!" She exclaimed. However, the taijutsu genin did not hear her, as he started listing the training he will do, making her groan.

Neji cracked a smile at his teammates. While a headache at times, the cause mostly being his energetic teammate and sensei, he was still happy to have them in his life. He turned to the other three. "I trust you also got called by Hokage-sama?"

Shikamaru nodded, covering a yawn. "Yeah. Such a drag. We should get going so I can take a nap." He said, with Neji nodded, and together, the six made their way to the Hokage Tower.

Soon they made it to their destination and entered with ease, climbing up to the top where the Hokage's office laid. Shikamaru knocked on the door, and getting permission, the group entered. Inside, they saw the rest of the "Rookie 12" there along with their senseis, with the exception of Sasuke, Naruto, and Kakashi.

The genin looked surprised to see the S.R.S. (Sasuke Retrieval Squad) already back on their feet, but were happy nonetheless. However, Sakura was strangely silent as she sat on a seat, Ino next to her, rubbing her back gently.

Tsunade cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention. However, everyone saw the dark rings under her eyes, along with Shizune who stood beside her teacher with their pet pig in her arms. "T-Thank you for coming." Tsunade stammered, before clearing her throat again, before taking a deep breath, while the genin exchanged looks. "First off...let me congratulate you on a job well done on retrieving the run-away Uchiha Sasuke."

Sakura flinched at Sasuke being called a runaway and wanted to say something, that he was not of sane mind when he decided to leave the village but instead stayed silent, not in the right mood to talk.

Kiba grinned widely. "All in a day's work, Hokage-sama!" He boasted while Kurenai sighed at her student. Kiba looked around. "Hey, where's Naruto anyway? *Scoff* No doubt eating as much ramen as possible as a way of celebrating." He joked but stopped when he and everyone else saw Tsunade, Shizune, Sakura, and Ino flinch.

Tsunade bit her bottom lip, while Shizune hugged Tonton tighter as the pig oinked sadly. "I…I'm sad to say…genin Uzumaki Naruto…has been listed as M.I.A./K.I.A. at the climax of his success of stopping Uchiha Sasuke." She finally revealed. Kakashi had reported what he had seen happen to Naruto, and while she has never seen anything like it before, she could theorize that the large amount of dark chakra, likely from the Kyuubi and Orochimaru's curse mark, which Kakashi sensed filled the air, had a negative effect on Naruto, and might have caused an...implosion around Naruto's body.

Wiping him from existence.

She could be wrong. Kami she hoped she was, and Naruto could have just been sucked into the Summoning Realm, or some other part of the Elemental Nations.

But until she spoke with Jiraiya, there was no way of telling.

The room became deadly silent. All the genin staring at their Hokage with wide eyes, mouths agape. They could not believe what they were hearing. The jonin were also shocked, but stable enough to lower their heads down in prayer.

"What the hell do you mean Naruto is…that's impossible!" Kiba shouted, not able to accept the news. He knew Naruto, and that he was too stubborn to die! He gritted his teeth as the Hokage stayed silent, and was about to yell again but stopped when Shikamaru placed his hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

The young Nara looked at his leader, his expression no longer lazy, but stern. "What happened?"

"We don't know exactly. According to Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke were fighting with everything they had. Their chakra filled the air of their battlefield. Apparently, it was so dense, it caused a chain reaction and in his words: "Created a sphere of solid chakra" around Naruto when he arrived. The "sphere" proceeded to shrink in size, with Naruto in the middle. Before he knew it, the chakra contracted around Naruto…before disappearing…along with Naruto." Tsunade explained, not revealing the use of Kyuubi chakra and curse mark. She wanted to keep Naruto's status as a jinchuuriki until she knew they would not accuse Naruto of what he was not.

She would not allow anyone to discriminate his memory...if he truly was…

"That doesn't mean he's..." Kiba growled, clenching his tightly. The sound of a door slamming, caught everyone's attention, before noticing that Hinata was gone, making them frown. With a bow to her leader, Kurenai left to go make sure her student was okay.

With a shaky breath, a lone tear escaping down her cheek, Tsunade continued. "At this time, we do not have full knowledge of what has happened to Naruto…I can only hope my teammate Jiraiya can help figure out answers when he gets back. But until then...I can only say to fear the worst."

With that, she dismissed everyone, watching the group leave out the door, Ino helping Sakura out. Once everyone was gone, the dam broke, as gritting her teeth, Tsunade pounded on her desk, leaving cracks on the surface, as she began to sob. "Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT!" She shouted as Shizune sank to her knees, crying.

For the rest of the day, the two mourned for their favorite, missing blond.

"genin Uzumaki Naruto…has been listed as M.I.A./K.I.A."

Hinata felt like the whole world has lost its color as the words rang through her head.

Uzumaki Naruto, her crush, the one that gave her strength, her light in the darkness…

He couldn't be...he just couldn't be...this is a lie. A joke! IT HAD TO BE!

Hinata shook her head, her breathing increasing. Feeling the air beginning to choke her, she could no longer stay in the room and quickly ran out. Out of the office. Out of the building. All she could do was run.

As she ran, her mind flashed to Naruto's grinning face, as tears ran down her cheeks. 'Naruto-kun...you can't be gone. You just can't be! You're the strongest person I know! You dying is almost impossible!'

"I won't give up...not until I achieve my dream...NOT UNTIL I BECOME HOKAGE!"

'Naruto-kun!'

Hinata kept running, unable to stop. No destination in mind. She could only run.

Soon, she began to slow down, before coming to a stop, her energy drained from her emotional distress. She wiped her tears from her face with the sleeve of her coat. Hiccuping, she raised her head, and finally noticed where she was.

The Ninja Academy

More specifically, the lone swing under a tree.

The same tree she had seen Naruto sitting on after he had failed the genin exam. Tears flowed once more, as she could see the phantom image of a sad Naruto sitting on the swing. Slowly, she sat down on the swing, the wooden plank and branch it hung off of creaking softly, but managed to hold firm. Gripping the ropes, Hinata closed her eyes.

The seat was surprisingly warm.

Like Naruto.

Biting her bottom lip, Hinata could no longer hold it all in and began to weep heavily.

"Hinata!"

Head snapping up, through misty eyes, the Hyuuga heiress saw her former academy teacher, Iruka Umino, approaching her with a wide smile and wave. "Iruka-sensei..." She muttered, before trying to clean away her tears as Iruka got closer.

"Man, I'm surprised to see you back. Feels like years since the last time I've seen any of my old students." He joked with a light chuckle. However, his laugh died, as well as his smile when he noticed Hinata's state. "Hinata, what happened?" He asked, concerned.

Wiping her tears away as best she could, Hinata gave him a shaking smile. "N-Nothing's wrong, Iruka-sensei. I'm...I'm fine." She said, her voice cracking.

However, Iruka didn't fall for her lie. For as shy as she was, Iruka knew Hinata was strong enough to not show anyone her sadness. "Hinata...tell me what's wrong. Please." He said gently.

That broke her facade, as with tears running none stop, Hinata shot out of the swing, and collided into Iruka, wailing. Blinking in surprise, Iruka could do nothing but gently held her, now very concerned.

"Hinata!" He heard a call, and looking over his shoulder, he spotted Kurenai making her way towards them. The Genjutsu Mistress blinked when she saw the academy teacher. "Iruka…" She said, before frowning when she saw her student crying.

"Kurenai-san. Can you please tell me what is going on?" He asked. She sighed, before telling him the grave news.

Sakura frowned as she stood in front of a door in the Konoha Hospital, a bouquet of flowers in her grasp. Ino went somewhere with her team but promised to check back with her later, leaving her alone.

Alone

Was she alone? Naruto might be...missing, but she still had Kakashi-sensei and...Sasuke-k-...

Her frown deepened.

"I…I love you with all my heart!… If you were to stay here with me, there would be no regrets…because every day we'd do something fun, we'd be happy I swear!… I would do anything for you! So… Please just stay with me!" Sakura begged Sasuke as they stood under the full moon.

Sasuke was silent, his back to her. After a moment, he took a step forward.

"I'll scream!" Sakura shouted desperately, crying as her hopes wavered. Suddenly, Sasuke vanished and appeared behind her.

"Sakura…" She gasped as Sasuke chocked the back of her neck. "Thank you for everything."

"Sasuke...kun..." She muttered as she fell to the ground.

Naruto grinned widely at her, giving her a thumbs up. "Don't worry, Sakura-chan! I'll bring back Sasuke! That's a promise of a lifetime, dattebayo!"

Sakura bit her lip. She felt so hollow inside. Naruto kept his promise, and brought Sasuke back...but at a cost she never saw coming. 'I didn't want that…Naruto…is-is it my fault? Did...did you die...to keep your promise to me? Did...I kill you?' She thought, horrified at the idea, gripping the flowers tightly. Shaking her head, she pushed back those thoughts. 'No! Tsunade-sama said they didn't know what happened to him! So he might be alive! I can't think otherwise!' She mentally protested.

She could only hope for the best.

Taking a deep breath, she put on the best smile she could, though it was more difficult than she thought as it shook. Either way, she slid open the door to Sasuke's room. She was there to see her teammate and check on him. As well as getting answers to what actually happened.

Walking inside, she was surprised, though she knew she shouldn't be, when she spotted Kakashi-sensei standing beside Sasuke's bed. He took a second to glance at her direction, before turning back to Sasuke, who was awake, to her happiness. It seemed that he was telling the Uchiha something, but couldn't hear what. She could only guess it was the news of Naruto's...disappearance.

Sasuke's expressions gave no evidence to his feelings or thoughts, just a stone frozen blank look, his eyes staring deep at the wall ahead of him.

Sakura stood at the entrance silently, unsure of whether to move closer or not. Luckily, after a few seconds, Kakashi turned and made his way in her direction. Passing her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, before silently walking out of the room, closing the door behind him, leaving his two students alone in the room.

The silence felt heavy to the pinkette, hard to breathe. Her hands shook, but with a deep breath, she moved closer to his bed. If Sasuke knew she was in the room, he gave no evidence of it.

With her smile still on, Sakura sat the flowers next to the bed, before sitting down on the chair provided, smiling at the silent Uchiha. "Hi, Sasuke-kun." She greeted, her voice more of a whisper than she intended for it to be. She cleared her throat while Sasuke stayed silent. "I...I'm glad you're up." She said, eying the bandages around his stomach, and the ones on his face.

"..."

Not affected by his silence, she smiled as she looked at the closed curtains. "How about we let some light in, okay?" She asked, standing up. Moving to the windows, she parted the curtains. She smiled at the view of the village. "It's a beautiful day out. It'd be a shame to not see it."

"Sakura" The voice of Sasuke cut her off. "Stop. Please."

Sakura frowned, looking down. She stared down at the streets below, watching people walking to and fro. "I guess Kakashi-sensei told you." She stated more than asked.

"..."

"...Sasuke-kun...what happened? Between you...and Naruto." She asked, a tone of begging in her voice.

She needed to know...before she went crazy.

"..." Sasuke frowned. His eyes narrowed in a fierce glare. After a few moments of silence, he spoke.

"I killed him." He muttered. "I killed Naruto." He said, as his eyes flashed to the Sharingan, before they morphed into a different design. Sakura gasped while Sasuke's fists clenched tightly.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Sitting at their training field, the genin of Team 10 sat around in silence. Shikamaru laid under a tree, staring up at the clouds. Choji sat next to him, for once not eating. Ino sat against the bark, her arms hugging her knees.

Closing his eyes, Shikamaru took a deep breath.

"So troublesome." He muttered.

"For once, I agree." Ino mumbled, her eyes distant.

Choji frowned, staying silent.

'We weren't supposed to lose anyone.' Shikamaru thought, gritting his teeth.

"Damn it!" Kiba cursed, punching a wall as hard as he could, his expression one of pure anger.

Leaning against the wall, Shino pushed his shades up. "It is unwise to stay angry, Kiba-san. Why? Because Naruto-san would not want that."

Kiba snaps towards him with a glare. "He's not dead! Don't talk like he is! He's still alive! He has to be!" He shouted.

Shino stayed silent, turning his gaze towards the sky above.

"Lee. What are you doing?" Tenten asked, watching as Lee did push-ups as fast as he could.

"Training! I must get stronger!" Lee stated.

Tenten sighed at him, while Neji leaned against a tree of their training ground. "Lee..."

"It's my fault Naruto-kun is...if I had finished off the Bone ninja, I could have gone and aided Naruto-kun in stopping Sasuke-kun! If I had been stronger..." Lee said, gritting his teeth, feeling great self-disappointment.

Tenten frowned sadly at him. "Lee..." She muttered, watching her teammate train, not seeing Neji clenching his fists.

Kakashi frowned as he stood in front of the memorial stone. His chest felt heavy, as if hard stone was pressing down on it. More than ever before. "Minato-sensei...Kushina-neesama...I'm so sorry. I failed you." He said, bowing his head.

"Kakashi-sensei! Glad I found you!"

"Naruto. Please keep your voice down. We're in a hospital."

"Hey! Hey! Can you train me for the Chunin Exam Finals?!" Naruto asked a wide hopeful grin. Kakashi gave him a sheepish eye-smile, rubbing the back of his head.

"Sorry, Naruto. I'll be training Sasuke." He said, not seeing Naruto's shocked and betrayed look. "But don't worry! I have the perfect instructor for you."

"I can't believe you taught Naruto the Rasengan, Jiraiya-sama." Kakashi glared disapprovingly at the Sannin. "Don't you think teaching him such a powerful move was irresponsible?"

Jiraiya scoffed at him. "Like you're one to talk. What were you thinking? Teaching Sasuke the Chidori. The kid's obviously mentally unstable after what happened to his clan. Then he got Orochimaru's seal, with it doing Kami knows what to his already fragile mind. Giving him that assassination move was like blowing on an already lit fuse. Besides, Naruto has the right to know one of Minato's techniques. Now, don't you think you should be checking on your student? You know, perhaps the only one you actually have left?"

'I failed to follow in your teachings, Minato-sensei. I was not able to remove Sasuke's lust for vengeance, and because of that, it has lead to the possible death of your son, who I failed to protect as I promised you. If Naruto truly is dead, I hope he is happily reunited with you and Kushina. If by some miracle he is alive, I will find him, and I'll beg for forgiveness in neglecting him.' He vowed.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Gai and Asuma behind him. Looking at them, they stared back. After a moment, Kakashi turned back to the stone, as the two men moved to his side, gazing at the memory of those who have passed.

"What?! Naruto is dead?!" Temari shouted as she and Kankuro started at Tsunade in shock.

Tsunade frowned, eyes red from crying. "Or missing. We are not quite sure what has happened, as something like this has ever happened before. Hopefully, he was just placed in a different part of the Elemental Nations. Once things settle down, I will be sending ninjas out to look for him. We would appreciate it if Suna helped us." She said, a tone of pleading in her voice. She will be sending messages to all of Konoha's allies to help look for the missing whiskered genin.

"Well…" Temari muttered. Suna currently didn't have a Kage yet, and her old sensei Baki was standing in as an unofficial substitute until they found one suitable.

"We'll do it."

The siblings turned to their younger brother, who had been silent throughout the whole thing, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face. "Gaara..."

Gaara blinked, staring at Tsunade. "We will help find Naruto. He is...my friend." He said, ignoring the surprised looks his siblings sent him. Tsunade smiled, standing up, and bowed to Gaara.

"Thank you."

Nodding, Gaara turned, heading to the door. Taking that as their cue, Temari and Kankuro followed behind him. Stopping at the door, Gaara turned to the Hokage. "Tell me...was the cause of this event the Uchiha?" He asked, an undertone of something negative in his question.

Frowning, unsure of how to answer, Tsunade then nodded. "Yes, at least part of it. As I said, we do not have all the details."

Gaara narrowed his eyes. "The Uchiha still attempted to desert the village and go rogue and played a large part in Naruto's disappearance. I trust he will be punished accordingly?" He asked.

Tsunade glared, but it wasn't aimed at Gaara, but at the image of the little Uchiha punk. "Trust me, death would feel like a safe escape when I'm done." She stated.

Nodding in satisfaction, Gaara left the office, his brother and sister behind them.

Left alone, Tsunade sat back down with a heavy sigh. Turning her chair, she stared out the large window. "Naruto...you're alive, right? If so...where are you?" She asked.

Earth-199919 - Sanctum Sanctorum

Within an empty, darkness-filled chamber. The windows closed and the lights off. The only sign of light being illuminated by a lone lit candle on the floor in front of a figure who sat with his legs crossed and eyes closed.

It was a man with dark hair combed back and greyish sideburns. Breathing in deeply, he seemed to be meditating, as a green glow shone from the medallion around his neck. As he continued meditating, his eyes soon snapped open.

Outside the chamber, an Asian man busied himself in cleaning around the large house. Sure he could have used magic…

But then he would just get bored.

Suddenly, the doors to Strange's meditation chamber opened, with the newly appointed Sorcerer Supreme walking out, a troubled expression on his face. "Strange, what's wrong?" The Masters of the Mystic Arts, Wong, asked as Stephen Strange walked past him. Putting down the duster, Wong followed him.

"I just sensed something break through the Dimensional Wall into our universe." Strange stated, causing Wong to frown in worry.

"Is it Dormammu?" He asked, great worry and a hint of fear in his tone. While Strange may have forced the Dimensional Being to leave Earth before, he would not count on the entity to stick to his word. While he may have defeated Dormammu the first time, that word could be used very loosely, as Strange only trapped the being in a time loop.

And that was only when the being was still on the edge of escaping the Dark Realm.

Thankfully, or perhaps not, Strange shook his head. "No, I sense it is not him, but something else. And that's what troubles me. I would not have caught it if I hadn't been meditating."

Wong frowned. "Well, do you at least know what it is?"

Also frowning, Stephen shook his head. "All I know is that it is incredibly powerful, and coming to Earth any second now."

Wong sighed. "Of course it is."

New York City - Avengers Tower

"Alright people. Gather around."

The source of the speaker was everyone's favorite genius billionaire playboy philanthropist inventor, Tony Stark.

Also known to the public as Iron Man.

Standing in front of several holographic monitors, he looked at the data displayed on them, before turning to the group behind him.

And what a group they were…

Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. America's first super soldier. Created back in World War II, now in modern 2010s due to being frozen in ice for decades.

Natasha Romanoff (or is it Natalia Romanova? He couldn't remember), aka Black Widow. Russian superspy able to kill a man in 100 different ways - at least that's what she claims - and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Though if she was still with them or not since joining the team was the question. One could never tell with her.

Thor Odinson. Asgardian God of Thunder who decided to stay on Earth, or "Midgard" as Thor called it, and protect it.

Clint Barton. Hawkeye. Master archer able to hit a bullseye from a hundred feet away...while fighting aliens. Yeah, you had to be there. Former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and Natasha's partner when on it, but left when he joined the team.

Sam Wilson. Falcon. Former U.S. Air Force pararescueman, and great friend and ally of Steve. Master combatant, especially in aerial combat, with his Exo-7 Falcon wing harness.

Henry "Hank" Pym, known as Ant-Man due to his amazing creation of "Pym Particles", which allow him to alter the size and mass of anything, object or living being, including himself. With a special device that controls the particles, he is able to shift his size to a giant, or the size of his focus of studies; ants. As well as communicate with said insects and command them to do what he wanted thanks to his nifty helmet. Hence the title. Hank was also a known pacifist, always reluctant to use force and desiring to settle things peacefully without violence. Which almost never happens.

And finally, there was the Wasp, Janet van Dyne. Hank's "girlfriend". Quotes added, cause even a numbskull could see their relationship straining, the cause mostly being Hank with his *cough*obsession*cough* with ants and negligence to Janet. The guy really didn't know what he was missing. Anyway, Janet was also Hank's assistant when he created the Pym Particles, and so she was also able to change her size and mass, mostly for shrinking, and with her flight suit of buzzing wings, could be a dangerous, stinging bee. Or more appropriately, a wasp. But while she might be small, she can really pack a punch.

There were two more members, but they were currently unavailable.

The Hulk. The inner rage-filled beast of former gamma radiation scientist Bruce Banner, and an old friend of Tony, that when angry turned into a large muscle bound "monster". Though for the past few weeks, it would seem it was more Hulk than Banner, even when calm. Currently, the big guy was off in the wind. Keeping away from any people, or army that was chasing him like sharks to meat. He was offered to join the team, but turned it down. But Tony knew he'll come around...eventually.

Then there was the newest member; Carol Danvers. A bright young girl with a great future ahead of her. Eighteen, and already one of the best pilots of the United States Air Force. At least, that was before she got caught in the middle of some trouble with some aliens. Long story short, she had to have a blood transfusion, and the lucky volunteer was actually an alien named Mar-Vell who had been disguising himself as a human scientist where Carol worked. Of course, the effect of putting alien blood in a human caused said human to gain powers similar to Mar-Vell, and since then has joined the team of heroes, taking on a title to honor her friend: Miss Marvel.

Currently, Carol was out on patrol but should be due back any moment now.

And together, they made the Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes.

Steve raised a brow at the team's leader. "And what's the big meeting for, Tony?"

"I swear, if it's to showcase another new armor you made, I'm outta here." Clint grumbled, as Tony usually did that.

"Agreed" Natasha said. Tony waved them off.

"Relax, it's not a new armor…not today anyway. I'm being serious for once. As we all know, some time has passed since Loki attacked New York with his little alien friends." He stated, making Thor frown sadly at the reminder of his little brother's attack. Guilt gripped his chest, knowing Loki became the way he was because of his jealousy towards him, and now, the youngest son of Odin sat in a cell in Asgard for who knows how long. Tony continued. "All damage dealt that day has been fixed and things seem calm for the moment. Though things have been quite active since them since the appearance of superpowered humans that started popping up. Mutants, as the public is calling them. People are scared, confused, and wanting answers. Reports of fights breaking out have been reported, these people are being seen as anything but humans by others. It's utter chaos really."

"What do you recommend we do, Tony?" Steve asked. Being a relic of the past, Steve was still attempting to understand this new world he had woken up in, but like the soldier he was, he will brave through it. He has heard of the conflict this new development has sprung up, and it saddened him to see fellow humans turning on their own kind simply because they were different. Sadly, it was almost impossible to change how a person thinks or feels about something if they didn't want to.

Tony opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted when the alarm suddenly blared, catching them by surprise. "J.A.R.V.I.S., what's going on?" he questioned his digital assistant.

"Sir, sensors detected a sudden surge of energy appearing out of nowhere, giving off similar readings to the portal created by the Tesseract."

Everyone's eyes widened at that. "Location!" Tony demanded.

"Directly above Avengers Tower, sir."

"Everybody to the roof, now!" Steve commanded, taking his role as co-leader of the Avengers. Nodding, the group made their way to the elevator or stairs, while Tony quickly suited up into one of his armor suits, and flew out the emergency hatch on the window.

Soon, everyone gathered on the roof, staring up at the sky, as a large blue portal appeared.

"That's not good." Clint muttered, hoisting an arrow. "Please tell me we aren't about to have another alien invasion."

"Whatever it is…" Tony said, as his faceplate covered his face. "We'll handle it and make them sorry they tried to attack Earth." Suddenly, he got a call from Ms. Marvel. "Hey Carol."

"Um, Tony? What am I seeing above the tower?" Ms. Marvel asked, having been on her way back when she saw the portal appear.

"Oh you know. Just a portal to possibly an alien world." He said nonchalant.

"Sir, I'm detecting something exiting the portal."

"Alright team, get ready for whatever is coming our way." Tony said as everyone readied themselves. Just then, the portal flashed. Tony focuses his suit's cameras to zoom in, barely able to spot something small falling from the portal. "Something's coming!"

"Can you see what it is?" Captain America asked.

"It's..." Tony's camera zoomed in enough for him to make it out, and what he saw made his eyes widen. "What the hell?! Carol! Catch it!"

"What? What is it?" Carol asked as she neared the tower and portal.

"Questions later! Just catch it!" Iron man ordered. Not arguing, Carol flew as fast as she could as she shot towards the portal and the falling object. Getting closer, she gasped when she saw what was, and quickly caught it, before flying down towards the others.

"Tony! Prepare the med bay. Stat!" she shouted loudly over the comlinks that it made the others wince.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., do as she says!" Tony ordered.

"Right away, sir."

Confused by what was going on, Steve looked at Tony. "Tony, what's happened?" He asked, the others also wanting to know. Iron Man looked at them.

"You'll find out soon enough." He said, as Carol shot past them.

The team soon ran to the med bay, and what they saw shocked them.

There, on the table, was a young human boy. Messy blond hair, covered in dirt. Torn orange jacket and pants. Strange markings on his cheeks, resembling whiskers. And finally…

A large hole in his chest, the size of a fist, with blood spewing from it.

"By Odin's beard." Thor muttered in horror. He wasn't the only one, as the others have never seen something like this before, with the exception of Cap, Natasha, and Clint. But even they were frozen at the sight, while Janet was shaking.

Iron Man's faceplate moved up, revealing his face as he quickly moved to the table's side, Carol on the other. "J.A.R.V.I.S.! I need arms and medication, now!"

Soon, robotic arms came down from the roof, medical tools in hand.

"What could have done something like this?" Cap asked, eyes narrowed in anger. His mind flashed back to the days of WWII, when he would see the after effects of Hydra's attacks on towns, and the bodies they dropped. Men, women, and children.

He had hoped to never see something like that in this time.

Thor gritted his teeth, sparks coursing through his body. "Whatever the cause, they shall feel the Thunder God's fury!"

Clint shook his head, getting serious. "Let's focus on getting the kid fixed up before we think about going on a warpath, okay?" He asked.

Suddenly, the kid coughed, blood shooting out, as he began to shake uncontrollably.

"He's going into shock!" Tony said, making to a drawer. "We need to keep him steady if we want to fix that hole! Hold him down!"

Clint and Natasha helped Carol hold the kid as he was shaking hard. Clint grunted, finding it surprisingly hard to hold him down. "Kid's stronger than he looks!"

"Hurry, Stark!" Natasha said. Soon Tony found what he was looking for, holding up a syringe.

"RAGH!" The kid suddenly shouted, but not only that, a sudden energy seemed to shoot out of him, pushing everyone back. Even knocking Hawkeye into Ant-Man and Captain America.

"What in Midgard's name?!" Thor question.

"Later, hold him!" Cap ordered, as Janet and Natasha got to it. Tony moved quickly, and injected the syringe into the boy. Said boy gasped, his eyes shot open to reveal blue eyes with slit pupils, which expanded to normal rounds. The eyes stared up at the light above, with Natasha and Janet over him.

"Te-Ten...shi..." He muttered, staring at the two women, before his eyes closed as he fell unconscious.

With everything settling, the group let out a sigh, as Tony and J.A.R.V.I.S. get to work stopping the bleeding and patch him up as best they could.

"Alright, what the hell just happened, and who is this kid?" Clint asked.

End of Prologue/Chapter

Until next time!

Ja ne!