*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*

The sky was littered with a few gloomy clouds, but the chance of rain was on the horizon. The woods surrounding Konoha would seem perfectly normal to the average passerby, but to the trained eye there was something definitely wrong, tension in the air was thick. The usually active woods were silent, a type of silence that would send a chill down one's spine. The familiar sounds of nature were gone, there weren't any birds chirping, or animals scampering around, there was nothing, not even a only individuals who were hidden amongst the trees were shinobi, and the soft rustling of some leaves in the tree tops was the only indication that someone was there. Two shinobi, one with jet black hair, and one with blonde, swiftly jumped from tree branch to tree branch. They had just stop to check things and once everything was cleared they continue surveying the area. The young man with blonde hair slowed his pace when the sound of hissing static hummed in his ear. He stopped dead in his tracks and pressed his ear peace closer so that he could hear better. Finally a voice came through.

"Attention everyone, this is Inoichi, and I have an update from Naruto, so please listen closely."

Within a few moments everyone on border patrol was briefed on what had just happened. All of Naruto's clones were now aware of their original self, and where he was heading. The many clones that Naruto had created weren't alone; each one was assigned to another shinobi. That person was in charge of reporting any findings back to intelligence headquarters. It made checking in less confusing since there were twenty Naruto clones on the same radio frequency.

One of Naruto's clones was paired with Anko and Yamato. The three of them were stationed in the small village of Koka. Yamato and Anko had arrived in the village the day before and Naruto's clone had made the trip in just a few hours. His speed was impressive, especially if he was alone and didn't have to keep it slow for someone else's sake. The evacuation of the villagers had gone off without a hitch and they were about to get started with their assignment when they heard Inoichi's message buzz in their ears. They each looked at one another once the message had stopped.

"Well it looks like things are about to get interesting," said Anko.

"Indeed," replied Yamato as he eyed Naruto. "It looks like you aren't wasting time now are you?"

"No I'm not Yamato-taicho, and if you ask me, I'm glad that I'm on my way to put an end to all of this."

Anko couldn't help but give the blonde haired shinobi a questionable look. The little brat of a boy who couldn't even muster one clone, during his academy days, was standing right in front while several of his clones were littered around Konoha.

"I don't think I'll ever get use to you creating so many clones, it can be a little creepy Naruto."

"It does come off as strange, but it can come in handy, especially in circumstances like this."

"That may be true, but it's unsettling listening to you refer to yourself while you're here, and also in several other places."

"Don't think about it that way, you'll just end of giving yourself a headache sensei."

"Ugh it's a little too late for that," groaned Anko as she rubbed her temples.

"Well that's enough idle chit chat for now guys. We need to make sure that the many roads that lead into the village are secured. Koka is just one of the many ways someone can get into Konoha, and this place is a hotspot for trouble, especially since it's so small and overlooked."

"It would be an excellent place to use to try and slip into the village."

"Anko's right," said Yamato.

"Alright I was here just a few months ago, so I'll take the Southern area since the layout is still fresh in my mind."

"I guess I'll take the Eastern and Western side, and Anko..."

"Yeah I'll take the Northern region Yamato."

"Good then it's settled, we all have our locations to patrol. We'll check in on radio frequency three, this way it doesn't interfere with our main channel with HQ."

"Roger that Yamato, we'll meet up here once we're done," said Anko.

"Sounds like a plan," added Naruto.

They each nodded to one another and in a flash they were gone.

The patrolling of the many roads in the woods of Koka came up clean. Yamato, Anko, and Naruto's clone found nothing suspicious to report. They had each called in their findings, but they stayed in the areas they were currently in just as a precaution. Naruto stopped to rest on high branch. He sat down as looked at the world below. Nothing was out of place, and yet he couldn't help but feel uneasy. He wasn't sure what was causing him to feel this way, but he knew for sure that he couldn't afford to ignore it.

Thick damp fog blanketed nearby trees that stretched out towards the hidden sun. It was still early in the afternoon, but the storm clouds that covered the sky made it seem as if it was much later in the day. Kabuto relished this kind of weather, despite the fact that it wasn't favorable to serpents. This kind of overcast environment reminded him of his childhood. He remembered days just like this one, back when life was simpler, but he had left that all behind. At times it was hard to remember that he did once have a normal existence. He looked over to his right where Sasuke was standing. He said nothing as he looked down into the valley below.

"Are you sure you just want to wait here for Naruto-kun?"

"Yes."

"Why? We've been planning this attack for over a year now, yet you want to delay things by waiting for him? I would think that your little rivalry with him would be a thing of the past. What you and he had was a childish squabble that should be wiped from your mind. All of this, everything we've worked for, is far beyond whatever grudge you've got with Naruto-kun."

"..."

"Why are you allowing him to ruin a perfectly good opportunity to crush this pathetic world?"

"Because I need to destroy him."

"And why is that Sasuke-kun?"

"Because Naruto represents a time when I was weak. He's a walking embodiment of what I've fought so hard to forget. He's a consistent reminder of a bond that I made, one that has always held me back."

"…"

"Naruto and Konoha, they must be eradicated. Konoha will fall by my hands and I will rob him of his family just like his precious village did to my brother and I. I'll make him watch as I kill Sakura, and their child. Then, once he's lost everything, I will kill him, and I won't leave his side until I see him take his last breath. Once that happens I will be truly free."

"I see, but you know he isn't coming alone, right? Your old classmates aren't shinobi that can simply be ignored."

"They aren't a threat at all."

"Fine Sasuke-kun, I can see that you aren't going to budge, but if you insist on confronting Naruto-kun then at least allow me to ensure that our other targets are hit. This way you can destroy him while I ensure that we cripple the shinobi world."

"Fine, make sure everything is executed, once that's done, contact her."

"Of course Sasuke-kun, whatever you say."

Kabuto slithered away leaving Sasuke alone. The mist from the waterfall added to the dense fog that engulfed everything. The sound of the rushing water, the smell, and the feeling of humidity reminded Sasuke of that day, at the Valley of the end.

"What we started years ago, ends today Naruto."

Swift and nimble feet ran across soft wet dirt. Naruto and his team made haste, they had finally passed through the outer borders of Konoha, and each step they took brought them closer to Sasuke. Kiba took in the scents of the forest they were passing through. The smell of wet dirt, and rotting leaves filled his nose. He picked up the pace so that he could catch up to Naruto. He looked over at him and shook his head.

"I got nothing Naruto."

"Good, at least we know Sasuke isn't lurking this close to home. Keep at Kiba. I know he's waiting at Kumogakure."

"Sure thing, but hey, I don't mean to rain on your parade or anything, but do we even have a strategy or plan for when we find Sasuke?"

"I think that's a very appropriate question," said Sai.

"As do I," added Neji.

Naruto slowed down and his friends followed suit. He finally stopped so that he could comfortably address everyone.

"Look guys I don't… have a plan... per say," said Naruto.

Neji and Kiba sighed heavily.

"Dammit Naruto we can't go into this blindly! Just when the hell were you planning on telling us that you don't have a freaking plan?!"

"Kiba's right, this whole situation reminds of the last time we went looking for Sasuke, only that time we had Shikamaru leading us. We need to be extremely careful Naruto, I don't have to remind you what's at stake here."

"I know I'm not Shikamaru alright. I can't plan out things perfectly like he does, nor can I a think up of several backup plans either."

"You aren't doing a very good job of reassuring us Naruto."

"Just hear me out alright?"

"..."

"What I'm trying to say is that I'm more of a strategist. I know where we are now, and I know where we need to be, but getting there is all left to what circumstances we find ourselves in at that moment. When that happens I rely on my instincts, they've never steered me wrong, and I won't let anyone here die."

"I believe you Naruto-kun. I've seen you come out on top when the odds have been stacked up against you, so I know you won't steer us wrong."

"Thanks Sai. Shikamaru use to tell me that I was far better at coming up with strategies than actual thought out I head into fights without even giving the matter a second thought I'm actually relying on strategy, which is a solution that deals with uncertainty, and uncertainty is the fucking perfect word to describe the shit we're in right now."

"Your choice of colorful words does indeed match our current situation Naruto-kun," said Sai.

Kiba and Neji looked at one another. Neji sighed while Kiba ran his fingers through his messy hair. Akamaru added his opinion on the matter by loudly barking at Naruto as he wagged his tail enthusiastically.

"So you're all up for this too huh?" Asked Kiba and he looked over at his four legged partner.

The large ninkin hopped around in agreement and Kiba couldn't help but chuckle. Neji watched as his two team members made up their minds. He couldn't believe this was happening, but he was no good to anyone if he decided to go against Naruto's methods, no matter how scatter brained they were.

"You're right Akamaru, you and I are all about instinct. Alright then Naruto we're game. What about you Neji, you in on this?"

"Despite what my conscious is telling me, yes, I'm in Kiba."

Before Naruto could ask, Sai smiled and nodded at him.

"You know very well that I'm always at your side Naruto-kun."

"Thanks you guys. I'm sorry if I put any of you off by not saying anything. I know we've been traveling for over an hour now, but that's because I've been running things in my head, and I didn't want to say anything until I had a for sure strategy."

"So do you have at least that now?"

"Yes, I do."

"So what is it?" Asked Neji.

"Alright so listen you guys. I'm taking Sasuke head on, but he and Kabuto should be identified as one person. Those two are always together, and Kabuto is by far a pushover. He can be difficult to deal with alone, and being at Sasuke's side doesn't make things any easier. However I know that Sasuke isn't going to want any help from him, not when he and I have business to attend to, so you all will be fighting him. Now the important thing to remember when fighting Kabuto, or anything he summons, is to fight together. If he does indeed conjure something up then choose who's going to tackle it while the rest of you go for Kabuto. Here's a an example for instance, Sai's got great techniques that make the three of you into four. He can draw allies to attack one target while he can focus on another, so two people can focus on one enemy while the other two go for another."

"Sounds simple enough."

"It is simple, but Kabuto can go and summon a crap load of things if he wants too, and if that happens then we'll just have to rely on our skills."

"Well that's just awesome isn't it," sighed Kiba.

"It isn't ideal ,I know, but at least you all have an idea of what might happen. Just be careful, whatever you guys do don't get separated. If that happens Kabuto can send enemies to attack each of you, and you'll be stuck fighting one on one with something. That can prove problematic, so stay focus, and look for opportunities to just take Kabuto out."

"Right, we need to eliminate him if the opportunity arises," said Neji.

"I second that, he's a real pain in the ass. It would really hurt Sasuke if he lost Kabuto's support."

"If you guys are successful then we'll have the upper hand for sure. The key thing to remember here is to watch each other's backs. Kabuto is incredibly cunning."

"Just like the serpent," added Sai.

"Exactly, his personality and mannerism match his looks," added Naruto. "So is everyone clear on what we need to do?"

"Yeah, everything is pretty straight forward, now all we gotta do is pull this off without dying."

"Pretty much."

"What about you Naruto-kun? Are you really going to deal with Sasuke-kun alone?"

"Yes, and I don't want you guys to interfere either, I want to fight him one on one."

"You sure about that?"

"Yes."

"Fine Naruto, we know you have your issues with Sasuke, but you can't expect us to just stand by and watch. If we see that things are getting bad we're going to help out, whether you like it or not," said Neji "We need to think of Konoha's safety. If anything happens to you Sasuke will attack the village for sure, and we won't let that happen."

"Suit yourselves, but I can guarantee you that it won't get to that point."

"Always stealing the limelight from the rest of us, typical Naruto," said Kiba.

"Excuse me but there is something that is puzzling me."

"What's that Sai?"

"We're headed to Kumogakure correct?"

"Yeah."

"Well it's going to take us at least a day to get there Naruto-kun. Do you really think Sasuke-kun is just going to wait for us to get there?"

"Nice observation Sai, you're right, it can take a day to get there, that is, if we're traveling at normal shinobi speed, but we're not."

"What do you mean Naruto-kun?"

"I mean this," said Naruto as he bit his thumb, he placed his hand on the floor and everyone was momentarily blinded by white smoke.

Everyone coughed and waved the smoked away from their faces. A loud croak made everyone look up towards the sky. The dense fog created by the summoning started to fade, and soon afterwards Naruto's team was able to see who was in front of them, it was Gamakichi. The large toad took a puff from his pipe and he blew out a thick haze of smoke.

"Yo, boss, what's up?'

"Gamakichi, long time no see."

"Yeah it has been a while, hasn't it."

"Almost two years now."

"That's right, the last time we saw one another was during the war. How did the aftermath of everything go? Is everything alright?"

"Oh yeah everything is alright in that department, but I got some other stuff that I'm dealing with right now."

"Im guessing whatever it is you're dealing with is the reason for my summoning?"

"Well yes and no," said Naruto sheepishly.

"What do you mean?"

"Well here's the thing Gamakichi, I am going to need your assistance, but I need you to do me tiny favor first."

"Sure thing what is it?"

"My friends here need a ride. We're heading to Kumogakure, and while I can make it there in no time they can't. We need to get there as fast as we can, time is short."

"So you summoned me because you needed a ride? That's weak boss."

"Ugh come on Gimakichi, I was going to summon you anyway. I'm just doing it earlier, that's all."

"You know pops would be pretty pissed if he knew you were doing this."

"Your dad gets mad at just about everything I do."

"You got me there."

"So what do you say?"

"..."

"Did I forget to mention that you'll probably get to encounter one of the inhabitants of the Ryuchi Cave?"

"What? A serpent summon from Ryuchi Cave…..wait a minute... you're going after Sasuke!?"

"Yeah."

"Well it's about time!"

"Can you see why this is so important now?"

"Alright boss, I'll let this one slide, but only because it's serious."

"Thanks Gimakichi, you're the best. Come on you guys hop on."

Neji, Kiba,Sai and Akamaru all jumped up towards the towering toad in front of them. Once they were all safety ontop of his head Naruto address his summon.

"Alright Gimakichi just follow my lead. We should get there in no time," said Naruto as he unleashed his nine tails chakra mode.

It was a form his friends had only seen once, and that was during the war. Naruto literally looked like his body was engulfed in a cloak of fiery chakra. His hair seemed longer and black symbols covered certain areas of his body. Gimakichi took in a long drag from his pipe as he looked down at his master.

"Keep up Gimakichi."

"Oh stop showing off boss," replied Gimakichi as he blew out a stream of smoke.

"Don't get jealous now," replied Naruto.

With that said he took off and his giant summon leaped into the air. There was no way he was going to let Naruto beat him.

Sakura couldn't believe what she had just heard, but she knew Karin had no real reason to lie to her. It was a pretty unbelievable story, but if Naruto was involved it made perfect sense. During Karin's explanation Moegi had returned with Sakura's pain medication. She and Konohamaru had to return to their original orders, despite Konohamaru's stubborn attitude. Sakura's mother had returned with news of their relatives. They had made it inside the evacuations tunnels and they were safe. They told Hanako they would stop by to visit once all the hustle and bustle inside the mountain had died down. Hanako was now sitting down next to her bedside. Sakura could tell she was skeptical of Karin, but she hadn't said anything rude to her.

"So there you have it Sakura. Naruto is on his way to be the hero once more."

"Do you really think Sasuke-kun is at his hideout just waiting for him?"

"Oh I have no doubt in my mind."

"Why is that?"

"I have no doubt because Sasuke isn't threatened by anyone. He'll stand his ground till the very

end."

Sakura felt a chill go through her. Kairn was absolutely right about Sasuke. Sakura remember that aspect about him. When they were younger she thought it was one of his coolest traits. He was always so brash and fearless. He had a sort of stubbornness mixed with what she thought was courage. She had been wrong though, it wasn't courage, it was a mixture of pride and arrogance.

"Naruto…"

"If it's any consolation I think Naruto has things under control. You know I never thought I'd ever say anything like that about him, but after spending some time with him he gave me something that I haven't had in years."

"What's that?"

"Hope."

Gaara stood high above the parched red cliffs that encompassed his entire village. Suna was surrounded by layers of rock and from high above it looked as if it was hidden inside a large crater. The young Kazekage was still very much shocked at the news he had heard just a few moments ago. He was informed by the Hokage that the Bijuu were offering help. Apparently there were providing protection, and the one tail was heading to Suna. Never did Gaara think that he would come face to face with Shukaku once more. The last time he had seen the one tailed raccoon had been during the war. He was being controlled just like the other bijuu were. However, they had no interaction with one another, but Gaara fought alongside Naruto as they, and their friends, fought for the trapped beasts. What Madara did to them, was unforgivable. Gaara and Naruto knew the pain of being a prisoner, a weapon, and he didn't want Shukaku and the others to suffer any longer.

So when Gaara learned he was coming to help he rushed out to greet him. He wasn't quite sure why he was waiting out in the open desert alone. It's not as if they were old friends, however he had known the beast all of his life. He was a constant companion, even though the relationship they had wasn't a good one, but still, he was always at Gaara side. Temari and Kankuro landed on each side of their little brother. Temari looked flushed, while Kankuro looked annoyed.

"Just what in the world do you think you're doing!?" Snapped Temari.

"Whatever do you mean," replied Gaara calmly.

"Oh don't pull that kind of attitude with me Gaara. You maybe the Kazekage but you will forever be my little brother."

"Giving you attitude was not my intention Temari. You're blowing things out of proportion."

Temari's face reddened and she cursed in frustration.

"I told you not to confront him Temari. This always happens when you do," said Kankuro.

"Just what are the two of you doing here?" Asked Gaara.

"We're making sure that your old friend Shukaku doesn't try anything funny when it gets here."

"He's on his way to help."

"So now you're defending it?!"

"I don't see why you'd think that Temari. I'm simply stated a fact."

"Urgh Gaara I swear to god…"

"Temari it's alright," said Kankuro. "Look little brother we're just worried about you. Shukaku was never good for you. He kept you locked up for a good portion of your life, and we don't want to see you get hurt."

"We almost lost you because of that thing too. You died Gaara, all because some people wanted to get a hold of the monster inside you. Now it's on its way here and it just makes me sick to my stomach. How can you be out here waiting for it? What do you expect to happen when it gets here?"

"You're asking me questions that I can't answer."

"And why is that?"

"Because I don't know I why am I here, nor do I know what I'm going to say."

Both Gaara's siblings looked at each other in disbelief.

"You're standing out here and yet you have no reason why?"

"I can't explain my actions, it's more of a feeling. I was compelled to come out here."

"What do you expect to happen once he gets here?"'

"..."

"This is unbelievable. If Naruto was able to get the Biju's help then that's fine, let's just add that to his long lists of otherworldly accomplishments, but I'm not going to stand here while you do this to yourself Gaara. Facing Shukaku seems cruel. Why in the world are you doing this to yourself?"

"He just said he doesn't know why he's out here Temari."

"Shut it Kankuro, don't make me turn on you too."

"Geez Temari cool it."

"You should come back with us to the village Gaara. The reinforcements that were sent to aid us were wondering where you went off too. We should just forget about Shukaku."

Gaara said nothing, and Kankuro silently signaled Temari to stop her interrogation of their little brother. She shot him a warning glare and the two of them argued with one another without saying a single word. Their bickering came to a halt when the ground beneath their feet began to pulse and quake.

"He's here," whispered Gaara.

The three siblings watched as the sand itself began to pull away from them and gradually it gathered into a mound of ever rising sand. They all watched in awe as the form grew and grew and grew. Then details emerged from the sand and right before their eyes the one tail bijuu appeared. No one moved or said a thing. Despite it's size it was very well aware that there were people below it. Sukakuka brought his head down so that he could get as low to the ground as possible. It's massive head stopped once it was right in front of the Suna trio. It took in a deep breath, held their scents for a few seconds, and then exhaled roughly. The siblings quickly sent chakra to their feet as they prepared for what was to come. Sure enough they were all hit by a huge hot gust of wind as the Bijuu in front of them released his breath. No one moved, let alone speak. Finally after a few very tense moments Shukaku rose up once more.

"Well if it isn't the fabled Suna's siblings, the children of the late Kazekage. I suppose it's only fitting that you three are here to greet me, the all powerful Shukaku."

Temari reached deep within herself to fight back the urge to snap at the titanic beast. She quickly shot Kankuro a a glance, and he too was holding himself back. However their little brother stepped closer towards the sand tanuki, and they watched in awe as he summoned some sand underneath his feet. He then floated up towards it and he stopped once he was face to face with his old counterpart.

"Shukaku, you saw Naruto, did you not?"

Shukaku eyed Gaara as he floated in front of him. His former vessel had changed, he was no longer the shadow of a boy who hid himself from his very existence. The change in his former jinchuriki peaked the Biju's interest, and so he decided to humor him by answering his question.

"Yes, that blonde haired brat is an interesting human indeed."

"Where did you see him, is he alright?"

"I saw him in a place that only a few may step foot in. As for his state, he was fine, that is all I know."

"But he asked for your help did he not? That is why you're here isn't it?."

"Hmph, I have my own reasons for coming."

"..."

"However if you must know he did want the others assistance in dealing with that Uchiha. I merely decided to participate on my own accord. I the great Shukaku make my own choices."

"Do you know where he went?"

"No, and I don't care either."

"I see."

"Naruto is a human, one who has pety human problems. Those things mean absolutely nothing to me. However, he has my respect, but I don't care for his counterpart."

"You're talking about the nine tails, aren't you?"

"Yes, that arrogant fool, he thinks that he can order everyone around but he's wrong. I the great Shukaku do not take orders from a mangy fox like him."

"So why did you come?"

"I came because this place, Suna, was the monk's home, and yours. As much as I despise humans I cannot ignore the ones that treated me as an equal."

"That's why you agreed to help Naruto."

"Perhaps."

"..."

"I never thought I'd meet anyone like Bunpuku, but then you and I became one. At first I didn't think you'd be different, on the contrary you were the most docile jinchuriki I had ever had, and because of that you were easy to manipulate. Yet you never fought me, you learned how to live with me always lingering in the shadows, and you excepted your fate. Then after I was exacted from you I never thought we'd meet we again. Yet something changed in you. Despite everything a bond between us was made, and I saw proof of it during the war."

"What are you talking about? Do you have memories from the war?"

"Not my own memories, no, I was being control by Madera most of the time. However all the Bijuu share memories, we are linked to the same consciousness, and because of that I have memories of what happened thanks to that insufrible fox. He gave me the ability to see what happened while I was unable too. I saw you and Naruto fighting for our freedom through his eyes. Seeing you two fight for us reminded me of something that old monk said to me years ago."

"What did he say?"

"He told me that one day I would come across someone that would protect, redeem, and shepherd me. That old monk's words have resonated with me for years, but I never thought they would come true. That is why I'm here. You fought to protect me, and now it's my turn to prove that I am absolute defense," said Shukaku.

The massive tanuki didn't wait for a reply, instead it turned around and walked away from Gaara and his siblings. None of them could believe what they had just heard, and Gaara knew that the one tail would probably never repeat what it had just revealed to him, be he wouldn't hold that against him.

Her surroundings were quite, but the voice in her head rang clear.

"I wonder, are you still reliable?"

"Yes of course I am…"

"Good, it seems that you have the opportunity to redeem yourself."

"He knows it wasn't my fault,right?"

"You know he isn't fond of excuses."

"But it was Uzumaki Naruto, it's his fault that I was unable to execute my mission."

"Ah yes Uzumaki Naruto, he can be a thorn in one's side."

"If he hadn't of discovered that I was behind the seibutsu then I could have done much more damage to Konoha, and I know I could have eliminated him if I had more time."

"Time is a fickle thing is it not? One never has enough of it, and yet when they do they waste it."

"What is it that you'll have me do?"

"So eager to please I see."

"Yes… I'll do anything for him."

"Somehow I knew you'd say that. Now listen closely, there a few things that were kept from you, but it was all in your favor."

"I don't understand."

"The seibutsu were a gift a Fuyu, one that came with a price."

"..."

"I took the liberty of injecting some rather curious samples of blood into you. The abilities that come with this blood were hidden by a seal that I placed on you. I wiped any relocation of this happening when I placed memory seals within your mind. There was no way of you knowing what you harbor inside you. Once I removed the seal I have on you all that untapped power will be released and you can have your way with Konoha."

'What did you exactly inject into me?"

"That matter isn't important, especially if you want to be in Sasuke-kun's good favor."

"Yes of course…"

"Then go forth Fuyu, and destroy them all."

Karin leaned back in bed, she was finding it difficult to get comfortable. Another fluff of her pillow and tug of her bed sheets finally pleased her and she relaxed her tired body. Her room was quiet but she could hear plenty of chatter coming from outside her door. She sighed heavily as unwanted thoughts filled her mind. Karin was well aware that dwelling on things did nothing but cause stress, but she couldn't help but think about Naruto and how he was going to deal with Sasuke. She huffed in frustration, this was really none of her business. If anything she had been dragged into all of this because of who she was, Naruto really meant nothing to her, and yet she couldn't help but worry about him.

That thought alone was odd, especially coming from her, and Karin couldn't help but think about Sakura and how she was feeling. From what she had seen Sakura had taken the news about Naruto very well, but then again she really didn't have much of a choice. She had their son to think about, and that pretty much trumped everything else she was dealing with emotionally. Karin pulled her glasses a bit forward so that she could rub her eyes. She was definitely tired, more so then she would admit, but a nap was tempting. Karin was about to fully remove her glasses so that she could get some sleep when a familiar chakra simply appeared out of thin air. She froze, what she was feeling simply wasn't possible. Her heart began to race as a million thoughts rushed through her mind.

"How can this be? There's no way she could have just waltz into the village. Has she been here this entire time? Was she purposefully hiding her chakra from me?"

Karin couldn't make sense of what was going on, but regardless of that it didn't change the fact that she felt Fuyu's chakra, and it was different. The one thing that sent a shiver down her spine was just how similar it was to her own chakra and Naruto's. This was bad, very bad, and Karin knew she couldn't waste time. That nap of her's was just going to have to wait.

Author's note 11/6/16

So you're probably sitting at your computer saying to yourself, "Where the hell is the next chapter!?" I understand your frustrations, it's been well over a year since I last touched on this story, and for that I'm sorry. I never intended on the wait to be this long, but please know that the story is in the works. One more update is coming and that will be the last one. The story will be uploaded with the conclusion. I can only hope that it will be worth the wait. I have one big project that I'm working on and all my creative ideas have been going there. I want to upload it, but I told myself that I can't until I put Naruto to rest. This story started back when my oldest was two years old and an only child. He'll be seven this February and his little brother will be five in June. So this story has been with me for sometime.

It's a little daunting and scary undertaking the ending, and for a long time I avoided doing so because I wasn't sure if I was ready. I am now, and in order for me to continue writing new stories, Naruto and his family, need to have an ending. With that said this is my first and last Naruto fanfic. It was fun while it lasted, but Naruto is no longer a part of my life. You don't know how hard it was not to abandon this story, to delete it and just move on, but I couldn't do that despite my feelings for the series. So I pressed forward and re-wrote the entire story so that I could get back into the world I created. It's done now, and it worked. I got my groove back and I'm not going to stop till it's done. I want to Thank all my followers old and new, I promise I'm working hard on giving you an ending worth waiting for!

Kat