A small war of sorts broke out in the city away from public eye in the middle of the darkened night. Behind the supposedly abandoned buildings in the forgotten parking lot where the street lamps had not worked for a long time.

Very few words were exchanged between both gangs but the message was very clear. Jinchuuriki were taking back the turf their parents had once claimed their own. Within a few seconds gun shots echoed and the war ended. It was almost too easy but it did help that their opponent were crumbling since months – no years before.

Kyuubi peeled his gloves then motioned to his companions to help clean up the mess.

/(^v^v^v^v^v^)\

Sasuke visits Tobi for the first time in years. He's never been particularly close to his distant cousin but Tobi is his only living, sort of, relative left aside from Itachi. Tobi's in a hospital of the mentally ill and has been since he was fourteen. He's a delusional whack-job with a split personality disorder. To be honest Sasuke didn't even know his, sort of, cousin existed until after the tragic event.

The reason Sasuke visits the hospital today was because Tobi had called him saying he had interesting news. Tobi never calls him so interesting probably actually meant interesting and would not be a waste of his time.

Even though Sasuke was prepared to hear shocking news he didn't expect to hear the words that came out of Tobi's mouth nor did he understand how Tobi of all people would have found out before him… Then again he's been rather distracted lately.

Chapter Thirteen: Choices

I get called into the office during the start of gym class. The meeting with Tsunade takes up the whole period of class. Mostly because I had to wait for her for twenty minutes but when I finally speak with her it's something interesting. She goes on explaining the details and answering my questions for a good hour before she hands me a thick package of papers.

"Just think about it Sasuke, this is a great opportunity but you have to fill out the application and submit it to be before the deadline with is at the end of this week if you want to do it. I know its short notice but I didn't hear about until yesterday and I had tried to contact your home but no one picked up," She says.

"I was visiting a cousin," I vaguely explain.

She nods in understanding. "That's fine, well you now know. I strongly suggest taking up this offer. This is a once in a life time opportunity"

"I understand," I pause to flip through the brochure and application form, "Thank you." I say sincerely.

"No problem" Getting out of her office chair she leads me to her office door right behind me. "If you decide to do it just hand in the form to me as soon as you can."

I nod and make my way out into the school hallways just as the end of period bell rings. Just as I do I catch a glimpse of Naruto darting out of the gym doors and across the hall. Keeping his head down as he makes sharp turns weaving his way through of the crowded hallways. I almost reach out and shout for his attention but before I can even process the idea of doing so he's gone.

I sigh and look down at the package of papers in my hands. Suddenly I know exactly what to do.

I slip my cell out of my pocket I quickly text Ino telling her that I won't be meeting her after school as I usually do. She replies with a boring 'K'. I then gather all my stuff and walk towards the bus stop going to the hospital where Tobi stays.

Naruto's POV

Lately I've been coming here a lot more and I'm doing it mostly out of loneliness and less about obligation. I don't blame my friends for neglecting me. It's always been this way but perhaps I have reached my breaking point. Plus, Kyuubi isn't all that horrible. Sure his grumpy, controlling and possessive but he's shown be some sweetness every now and then.

Anyway – Kyuubi is acting rather strangely today more so than other days. He's kind of moody and depressed. He lets me in the house silently and orders me to make him food but when I serve it to him he whispers a very sad sounding thank you. I'm use to him making a stupidly sexist joke or sarcastic comment about me and my cooking. I'm not going to lie I'm worried.

"Kyuu?" I timidly ask, "You all right?"

He sticks is fork angrily into his food, "Why the fuck would you ask that?"

"Er…Because you looked sad. My mistake! Keep eating." I flash a false grin and give him a light pat on the back.

"I'm just tired," he says with a long sigh, "We've been pulling all-nighters for the last few days"

"Well, maybe you should take a nap." I say instead of asking what an all-nighter entitles.

"Yeah well I haven't had the time as of late but luckily we finished everything last night so I'll be able to rest today." He then smirks and grabs me by the waist forcibly pulling me to his lap.

"I thought you were tired," Knowing exactly what he wants I grumble.

"Mhhh, yes but you'll provide me with some stress relief before I take my much needed beauty sleep."

I don't say anything to that but I do shove the food into his mouth to shut him up. When he's done eating (more like swallowing whole) his food he drags me to his room and motions for the bed.

I understand it all too well. I look at Kyuubi and how similar he looks to Kurama sends me a wave of guilt. I try to make my unneeded feelings go away but the memory creeps up. Then that sense of obligation comes back. I don't only do this because of my blackmailer, no, maybe in some fucked up way I'm trying to gain forgiveness from them. I just … I don't even know what I'm thinking any more. So I just strip and lay on the bed. Kyuubi simply smirks.

Sasuke's POV

After meeting up with Tobi again I know exactly what I'm going to do, for sure now. I've heard and learned so much not only from Tobi but from the research I've done on my own after hearing the news from him. I finally felt as if a giant invisible weight had been lifted off my shoulders. That relief I felt allowed me to take a step towards my future. I ended up filling out the application Tsunade gave me on the bus ride back from the hospital.

I then I get off at the bus stop closest to Naruto's house. Although it's only seven pm the sky is dark. On my way to his home I recite what I should say to him. I hope to make amends with him for our piece of mind. I know neither of us is fond of the fact we've grown apart over something so silly. I know it's my fault mostly. I'm not a bad guy. Just – a bit messed up. Jaded maybe. He should understand that I assure myself.

When I get to the door of his apartment I knock. Then knock again. After the fifth time I'm starting to get the impression that he either is ignoring me or not home. I shake my head in disappointment guessing where he probably is right now.

'Kyuubi,' I think bitterly.

At least I can hope that maybe one day, sooner than later, that blackmailing jerk can get the pleasure to go to jail.

I suddenly feel very heavy again. I had hoped to get this over with while I had the time and the guts to do so. I decide to slip a note under his door that he'll hopefully read. I pull a note pad and pen out of the backpack I've been carrying around all day since I left straight for the hospital after school. I jot down my note, read it over, then fold it and slip it under the crack.

A/n:

Lots of plot holes and left out details in this one but its all there for a reason.

So... I finished High school! Yay!

I've been busy with life like looking for a job and spending my year off finding the right course to take in post-secondary.

Anyway I had some time off plus I was reminded of this fic by e-mails saying I have new followers to this story. (Wow thanks btw)!

I hope you enjoy this so far... I know it's not the best story. But I'm going to finish it maybe later then sooner

if you stick with me till the end I love you 5ever. if not i still do xD.