The Pain We Must Bear

By: Kendonall

Chapter 8 Complications Back in Konoha

Disclaimer: The characters within this story do not belong to me. (So don't sue!) This fic will later contain mentions of rape, alcohol, yaoi (boyxboy), and other more adult content. If you take offense to this kind of thing then please stop reading now. Pairings: SasuNaru NaruSasu (Can't decide) KakaRuka ShikaSaku Maybe some others too later on as the story develops.

'Thoughts'

"Talking"

"Italics/Quotes indicate excerpts from a diary in this chapter."

Just in case, you wanted to know…

This chappy won't actually contain much on Sasuke and Naruto, it's more of a filler chapter that's important for later development in the story. Of course it's a plot twist, but you'll find out about the twist much later in the story, sorta. I hope you all enjoy this fic, and remember to review!!! I've got lots of favorite story/author and story/author alert subscriptions, but hardly any reviews!!! LOLZ I'm a review Nazi! Whoa anyway, just thought I'd make it clear that I do want reviews or constructive criticisms, but no flames! My poor heart can't handle it! LOLZ I'd also ask you to check out a C2 that I'm now staffing, managed by my bestest author friend Sabaku no Koneko! The C2's called SasuNaru: Is it Meant to be? It's just hitting off, and I encourage you to subscribe if you love reading SasuNaru stories! I'd also like to say that my Christmas story is goin' well, but I've hit a little snag, so it might be a little bit longer before I get that out… Stupid ice storm… It's knocked out power all over the place, and I can't get internet on my laptop, if the home computer's down. (I don't have a wireless card, so I only get it from Linksys systems.) So without further ado, Chapter 8 Complications Back in Konoha! (Sorry the A/N's so long!)

While Naruto and Sasuke were out on their mission to Suna, some ominous feeling of foreboding could be sensed all over Konoha. Something just seemed so off, but none of the people, even some of the most elite ninjas of the village could point it out. Tsunade was feeling this dangerous setting more than anyone else however, being the Hokage that she is, and decided to look around the Hokage Library in order to keep her mind off things. A strange earth-colored book caught her eye as she scanned the massive amounts of shelves of books. It seemed to have this strange aura about it, so she picked it up and flipped through a couple of pages. Tsunade skimmed through for awhile than realized that she was holding a diary. Not just an ordinary diary, but the diary of a ninja who witnessed the sealing of two demons inside two human hosts. Tsunade couldn't find any evidence of who this person was, but had an itching suspicion that it was one of two people. She didn't want to make any assumptions just yet, but rather commenced to reading from the diary an excerpt that intrigued her.

" I've done it. I've finally done it. I've gotten Orochimaru-sama to respect me, and see me as a worthy employee. He's done nothing but give for me, but now I was able to provide something of use to him. My son is of little sacrifice to me. Naruto isn't going to be harmed anyway. It's just a harmful experiment. I hope that Master Orochimaru will allow me even more responsibility in his company. My son is just a small token of my loyalty. I am honored that he accepted Naruto as a vessel. A vessel for Kyuubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon. The evil entity that terrorized so many villages including here in Konoha, would be sealed within my son… Surely Master Orochimaru will find me the most worthy of a higher position, rather than that scum Kabuto. He's just a freak son of the Surgeon General Medical Nin. There's nothing special about him. He couldn't even provide Master Orochimaru with a vessel. Kabuto had to bring in an unconscious orphan from Suna. How pathetic. He's not going to out-do me this time."

Tsunade cut off at that point, because her assistant and long time friend, Shizune, came rushing in all flustered.

"Lady Hokage, I ask permission to enter and speak."

"Oh, Shizune-kun you don't have to be so formal with me! Now, come in and tell me what is troubling you. You seem so out of it today. Is something wrong?"

"Lady Tsunade, The Council has called for your presence at a meeting in the Konoha Council Hall in order to discuss with you an important issue, regarding Naruto and the Nine-Tailed Fox."

"Hmm… Something wrong with him? I just sent him on a mission to Suna, I didn't think that he'd be back with injury this quickly."

"No, actually, he's not back yet. The Council's worried about his well-being as it is time for something within the boy to happen."

"Sounds serious. I'm going there now. Shizune, please accompany me to the meeting. I always feel more at ease when you're beside me. You've been such a great friend to me forever."

"Lady Tsunade, I'd be honored to."

Tsunade and Shizune rushed out of the Hokage's office, Tsunade leaving the diary in her office, then racing off to the Konoha Council Hall. Once the pair made it to the building, they followed the ceremonial entrance ritual, (made by the Council to prevent spies from coming in) and then entered into a room of several village elders sitting in a giant half-moon. All seven village elders were sitting in seats surrounding this half-moon table, all facing Tsunade and Shizune. They stared at her for a brief moment before finally announcing the purpose of this abrupt meeting.

"Lady Hokage, the Council has called upon you to address an issue that we have brought to our own attention as the eve of the 17th year anniversary of the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon implantation nears." A surprisingly young man dressed in the Konoha Council Red kimono stood, while addressing the Hokage before the Council; he stood out from the rest of the old people on the Council. He is actually the youngest member to ever be apart of the Konoha Council at the age of 21, and he even holds to highest position. He had short jet-black hair, and was a slightly muscled young man with a rather slim frame. He was about 5' 11", just a bit above Tsunade.

"Ahh… Kenji-sama (1) and what, pray tell, does the 17th anniversary of implantation have to do with our current position, and our fine young shinobi, Naruto Uzumaki?

"Well, Lady Hokage, it seems that your fellow Sannin, Orochimaru, had implanted two demon entities into two young boys, Naruto Uzumaki and Gaara no Sabaku. It seems that the sealing of these demons only lasts for a certain amount of time. Surprisingly enough, both demons were to be released after 10 years, as further research in the matter has been conducted. But, the two boys have possessed strength beyond expectation, and were able to hold the demons in for additional 6 years. The end of this 7th extra year, however, poses a threat to the people of both Konoha and Suna, where Gaara resides. Now Naruto Uzumaki has been sent to alleviate some stresses that Gaara has undergone recently, as you may know. This issue derives from the seal complication."

"Yes, Kenji-sama, I am aware of this situation, but what is this sealing issue you have presented to me? Has the seal expired?"

"In essence it is not expiring, but reaching a pivotal moment in its role in the two boys' lives."

"Mind clarifying this?" Tsunade's interest was now piqued.

"I'm trying to say that the seals are weakening. One of two things can occur at this time, and it is all up to the strength and will power of those two individuals. The first scenario that can occur is that both boys are able to control these demons and keep their power suppressed enabling them to keep the entities within their bodies. This is what we, as the Council, are hoping occurs, as it will help the two become much stronger with their new ability to control the demons' chakra. The other scenario however, results in the demons controlling the host bodies, and eventually releasing themselves. They would be unstoppable and would terrorize Konoha and Suna first, then eventually destroy the remaining countries." And with this comment, Kenji sat back down in his center seat, and Tsunade stood there a moment absorbing all this new information and analyzing it carefully.

"So, does the Council have any suggestions for preventing this release or at least place safety precautions around these two boys?"

"As of yet, none, but we do suggest that the Uchiha boy that you have partnered with him on this mission, stay in very close vicinity of Naruto, and that he protects him from any further stresses."

"Ahh, this has already been done. Sasuke has already been notified that he must protect Naruto at all cost, but it seems that he furthers one such psychological/emotional stress on our young blonde shinobi."

"You don't mean?"

"Yes, just like you were with Daichi-kun.(2)"
A deep red-hued blush, made its way across Kenji's face at the mention of his boyfriend's name. He knew all too well, what the Hokage was talking about. Before they began dating, they had a relationship much like the one that Naruto and Sasuke were in now. He understood just how much stress Naruto would be under, trying to prove his love to a newfound companion. It would be tough on him, but Kenji thought it over some, and believed that the kitsune would be perfectly fine. In fact, having his crush their along with him would maybe even help his oppression of the rising demon.

Kenji stood and formally dismissed this meeting. The other elders and Shizune all left the Council Hall, leaving Kenji and Tsunade together within the conference room.

"Well, Lady Hokage was it necessary for you to mention Daichi-chan!" No matter how old Kenji became, he would still act so childish outside of the eye of his fellow Council members.

"I just thought that you would understand it, Kenji-kun, if you were given a deeper connection and something to relate to."

"Thanks for that Lady Hokage… Well, I believe this was what I came to tell you, so if you don't mind, I must leave now."

"Oh, not at all, I'm to be heading back to my office anyway."

"Goodbye, Baa-chan!"

"Goodbye Kenji-kun. Oh hey wait, you brat!"
Unfortunately, Tsunade was unable to catch Kenji's comment, as he had already "poofed" away.

Tsunade made her way back into her office with a deeper interest in the history of the sealed demons. She returned to the library and again found the tiny diary. She commenced to reading the memories, thoughts, and views of Mr. Uzumaki, the father of her beloved blonde grandson figure. As she read on in the diary, she discovered something about Naruto that she had never known before. This little detail could in fact affect all of Konoha, but even worse, be detrimental to Sasuke.

To Be Continued…

Ooohh… Dun dun dun! LOLZ Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this update, I tried to take the story in like 5 or 6 different directions, and now I finally found the right one. Oh and I marked two names in the story.

(1) Kenji is actually my brother Kendon! I decided to put him and his boyfriend in the story.

(2) Daichi is my brother's bf, David! I wonder what they'll think when they read this… LOLZ

Well, again thanks for taking the time to read this, and please review!!! Let me know if you like the way the story's heading or not! I've gotta know! Thanks again, and in case I don't update again this month, Happy Holidays!! (Merry Christmas!)