Valley of the End

Kakashi was jumping through the forest with all his might, Pakkun right behind him. He could tell from the animals running away from the Valley of the End that the battle between Naruto and Sasuke was fierce. 'I hope they don't kill each other.' Kakashi thought when suddenly he heard a loud boom from afar, making him go even faster giving even Pakkun a hard time to catch up.

When Kakashi arrived he gasped to see so much damage done to the area. 'Dear kami those two did all this?' looking around he saw how much damage they did to the valley, almost rivaling the battle between the 1st Hokagea and Madara. The most noticeable part was that it appeared that the explosion caused some rocks to fall to the ground. Then his eye caught Sasuke's form lying on the ground near the water. Pakkun looked around and turned to Kakashi who runs to his subordinate to see his condition. He was battered greatly and had many wounds over his body but was still alive. 'Good he is alive. But yet how did Naruto manage to stand against Sasuke using the curse seal? No doubt he used Kyuubi's chakra' He thought as he made a clone.

The clone picked up Sasuke and tied him up. While the original looked around for Naruto while thinking to himself 'He stopped Sasuke. Imagine if he was properly trained, he might have killed him. But yet maybe he should have. This is going to bring a lot of tension.' He thought when his eye spotted something in the water. It was blood. As Kakashi followed the trail towards the waterfall his eye widened in horror. "No" He whispered.

Buried underneath some of the rocks near the waterfall was Naruto, his left hand dangling along with his leg. "NARUTO!" Kakashi cried startling Pakkun as the jonin ran towards the said boy. Acting quickly he began pushing the rocks off of Naruto. As he did he now and then had flashes of Obito again in the same condition, doubling his efforts.

When he finally moved the last rock he took Naruto's form and, even for a veteran such as himself, nearly gasped. Naruto's entire right body, along with some parts of his left was completely ruined, with blood pouring out of some of the wounds. Even his right eye was so bruised that it was shut, the eyelid purple. However he could see some repairs happening to them. 'The fox is probably using his chakra to save Naruto.' Kakashi thought as he turned to look at his clone, carrying Sasuke like he was a dead animal. "Take him back to Konoha and inform Tsunade to prepare a room for an operation. Also make sure Sasuke is put in the wing for prisoners." He said the last part with a growl.

The clone nodded and began heading back. While that was happening Kakashi began doing what he could to help Naruto's injuries.

Konoha

A few hours later in Konoha, Tsunade was dashing with all her might towards the hospital. She had only heard from Kakashi's clone how terrible Naruto's condition was before the civilian council and elders barged into the room, demanding to know what happened to Sasuke. But when a chunin reported that Kakashi had returned with Naruto, Tsunade literally bashed her way through the annoying people towards the hospital. True she had to treat the other members of the retrieval team but she could trust that to Shizune and the other doctors.

When she arrived she was panting like crazy, with all the doctors, nurses and patients looking at her. Several doctors and nurses ran up to Tsunade reporting about Sasuke's condition. "Hold on hold on!" Tsunade shouted, causing everyone to quiet. "I could care less about that Uchiha gaki, what about Naruto? What's his condition?" She asked.

None of them said a word and were trying their best not to look at her. Her eyes widened at this. "Is there anyone even watching over him or preparing for the operation?" She asked with a hint of anger in her voice, making many nervous.

Finally a nurse who was dumb enough spoke, "Isn't more important that we look over Uchiha-sama then that demon brat?"

That was the wrong thing to say, because in a flash Tsunade sent her crashing into the wall, knocking her out at once. Tsunade was letting out so much killer intent that some people began to pass out.

"IDIOTS ALL OF YOU!" She yelled in anger, causing them all to flinch. "When I'm done with the operation you have better have your resignations on the front desk and yourselves out of here!" Then she ran towards the room that Kakashi had placed Naruto in. When she got there she had the same reaction that Kakashi had when he first saw Naruto. 'Those bastards didn't even bandaged him.' Tsuande thought as she immediately ran over to Naruto's side and began working over him, with Shizune lending her assistance. When she saw her grandfather's necklace around his neck, she ripped it off of him and threw it to the side. 'You're not taking another you damn necklace.' Tsunade thought as she began using her chakra to heal Naruto.

A couple of hours later, outside Naruto's room was the rest of the Rookie 12 along with the Sand Siblings. Now and then they would notice the glares that some of the staff members were sending towards the door but would continue walking. It didn't take an idiot to know what was happening; most of these people would rather see Naruto dead then alive, however they wouldn't dare risk getting through several genin and the Hokage herself.

Finally Tsunade and Shizune both walked out of the room. They both looked completely exhausted as Tsunade rested her form against the wall.

It was Hinata who finally spoke, much to everyone's surprise. "H-Hokage-sama, is Naruto-kun…?" She asked while everyone also looked at the Hokage. Tsunade took a deep breath and then smiled at the genins. "He's fine." She said, causing them all to breathe in relief. "But he's in critical condition and won't be able to leave for a month or so. Also he's asleep right now so you can't see him."

"Isn't there something we can do?" Sakura asked. She felt horrible for begging Naruto to get Sasuke back, but she never wanted him to almost die.

Tsunade looked both ways before looking at the genins. "I want you all to watch over Naruto, make sure no one comes into the room. I don't trust these people right now." Then she turned towards the Sand Siblings. "I know I can't order you guys-"

Gaara raised a hand. "We will help watch over him." He said while his siblings nod their heads.

Tsunade nodded. 'The council is probably going to raise hell about this.'

Hokage Mansion (Council Room)

A few minutes later she realized how right she was. The Elders, along with the Civilian Council had called for a meeting, thus forcing the Shinobi council to come as well. The civilian's sides were all arguing how the 'demon brat' nearly killed the last Uchiha and were demanding his head.

"ENOUGH!" Tsunade shouted as she banged her fist against the desk. This caused everyone to close their mouths while Jiraiya, who was standing beside Tsunade, glared at them. "The reason we are here is to discuss about Sasuke and what shall be done with him." She said.

Sakiko, Sakura's mother, screeched, "What we should do is thank him for wounding the demon. This gives us a chance to kill him once and for all." All the other civilians nod their heads. The clan heads however shook their heads while a tick mark appeared on Tsunade's face as she glared at the civilians making them nervous. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that Sakiko Haruno." Tsunade growled, making the said woman nervous. "What will happen is that Sasuke shall be stripped of his ninja rank and shall be given psychological training by Inoichi. Also his chakra shall be sealed so he cannot escape again. Furthermore I will be promoting those of the retrieval team to chunin."

The civilian council roared in anger that Tsunade was going to promote the demon to chunin and stripe Sasuke of his ninja career, however the clan heads all agreed with the idea and thought it was a good one. However before anyone could say anything else Shizune came barging in with a terrified look on her face. "Shizune what is it?" Tsuande asked her apprentice.

Panting, Shizune said, "Tsunade-sama, a large crowd of civilians and ninja are making their way towards the hospital. I think they heard of Naruto's condition and are trying to finish him off."

Tsunade's eyes widened in horror and anger. The clan heads were not pleased with this either but the civilians seemed happy enough. Sakiko even had the nerve to say, "See the people of Konoha agree with us that something must be done about the demon."

This earned her a glare from Tsunade who merely got up and began making her way towards the hospital. But before she left the room she turned towards the civilian council, releasing a large amount of killer intent to them. "For your sakes he better be less hurt then he already is." She said before storming out with Shizune and Jiraiya following her.

Konoha Hospital

Back at the hospital, the large crowd of civilians along with several chunin could be seen banging against the door of the hospital, crying for Naruto's blood. Finally they managed too break through the door that was being held by the hospital staff and began running towards Naruto's room, knocking over several patients, doctors and nurses along the way.

What no one knew was that there was someone already there. Hinata Hyuuga, the one who had a crush on Naruto, remained beside the door while the others went elsewhere to get gifts for Naruto and the retrieval team. The Sand Siblings however went to report to their village of the mission's status. She however refused to leave Naruto's side and stood at her post. That's when she heard several voices yelling and getting closer too. When she looked to the right side of the hallway her eyes widened when she saw a large group of people heading towards her and all of them were yelling for the demon's head.

However when they got there they saw Hinata in her clan's Gentle Fist style and her Byakugan activated. "Move it kid! The time has come for this demon to die!" A civilian shouted.

Hinata shook her head and tightened her stance, waiting for one of them to attack. "Even after all he's done for this village, you still despise him? The only demons here are you people." She said in defiance.

A civilian snorted. "Get her out of the way!" He yelled.

Soon the people charged towards Hinata in blind rage, hoping that sheer force would be sufficient enough to get her out of the way. However they were unprepared for a large amount of sand to strike them, pushing them away. Hinata turned around to see Gaara walking up to her, an angry look on his face, making some of the people nervous. "If you even try to hurt Naruto" He said while letting out some KI. "I won't hesitate to kill you."

Before anyone could reply there was a noise coming from inside the room. Sensing what it was Gaara moved quickly and wrapped his sand around Hinata and himself as a shield just as an explosion came out of the room, blowing some people away. "Naruto-kun!" Hinata cried.

Outside the hospital, Tsunade was about to go in when she saw the explosion. "That's where Naruto's room was!" Tsunade shouted as she ran towards the explosion, while several anbu appeared behind her asking her to remain behind while they investigate, but she ignored them completely. When she got there along with Jiraiya, Shizune, the anbu, the Rookie 12 and their senseis all they saw were several people wearing black capes while black masks covered their faces. And in the one in front hands was-

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata shouted from above as she looked out the hole with Gaara. Tsunade looked up at them and then glared at the man who had Naruto. "Let him go." She growled.

The man seemed unfazed by this and merely hid Naruto behind his cape. Then he said in a deep voice, "In five years, the Schattenreich will destroy Konoha."

Tsunade's eyes widened at what he said but then she noticed that they started to shimmer away, taking Naruto with them. "Wait!" She cried just as Gaara willed his sand to attack, hoping to stop them. But it was to late; they had disappeared into thin air, leaving nothing, not even a trace of them.

Tsunade just blinked very hard, hoping that this wasn't happening. But when nothing happened, she slammed her hands into the outside wall of the hospital, leaving a large crack. "GOD DAMN IT!" She yelled as she collapsed to her knees while Jiraiya tried to comfort her.

The rest of the Rookie 12 couldn't believe it either. Hinata got to her knees and began to cry that her crush was gone. Kurenai jumped up to where she was and tried to comfort her as well. Gaara gave them some space.

The mob inside the hospital saw all this through the hole made in the wall. Finally one of them said, "Well thank Kami the demon is gone! I say we should celebrate!" But his words quickly died down when sand began to wrap around him. He looked up and flinched at the glare that Gaara was giving him. Before anyone could react Tsunade shouted. "Gaara! Send that man down here!"

Complying, Gaara threw the man down onto the street, hard, knocking some of his teeth out. But just as he was about to get up he felt a shadow looming over him along with a massive amount of killer intent. "Now" She said with a dark voice as she cracked her knuckles. "What exactly did you say?"

Swallowing hard the man said defiantly. "I-I'm glad that they took the damn demon and I hope they give him a slow and painful-"

He never got to finish his sentence. Just like she had done to the nurse a few hours ago, Tsunade punched the man so hard in the face that he was sent flying over the village, much to the shock of everyone. Tsunade was taking deep breaths as tears began to come out of her eyes. However she knew her pain was nothing compared to Hinata, who was still crying. "Kurenai" The said jonin looked down at the Hokage. "Take Hinata to your place for her to calm down. I don't think the Hyuuga Compound is a good place for her to calm down." She said as she headed back to the Hokage mansion. As she walked back she knew one thing for sure: This wasn't the end.

On top of the Hokage Mansion

Tsunade had gathered every jonin and chunin available, preparing to give the order for to look for Naruto. "And remember we can only assume that these people are extremely skilled, so be careful. If you believe that you'll need support then contact other teams and have them move to your location, but continue to follow them at a distance."

"That will not happen Tsunade-sama." A voice said.

Tsunade turned around and saw Danzo, Koharu, and Homaru walking up to Tsunade, with a looks on their faces that made Tsunade know this wasn't good. "If either Kumo or Iwa realizes that we do not have our jinchuriki and that the last Uchiha is being rid of his shinobi status, then they will no doubt use this as an opportunity to attack us." Danzo said calmly, while inside he was seething that the Kyuubi child, who was wounded and in his reach was now gone. But despite his desire to send his Root Agents after them, he knew that Konoha was not in a state to be abandoned with such a low number of shinobi.

Tsunade frowned at the elders. "So what? You suggest we just abandon him?"

Koharu nodded. "Exactly. We are in no shape to go out on another hunt for a ninja. Besides we all Naruto's loyalty to the village, he will find a way to escape and come back here or die trying. Either way we win."

Before Tsunade could retort the sound of cheering could be heard down below. People were running around screaming in joy, yelling. "The Demon is gone!" That's when Tsunade noticed a large mob heading towards the area where Naruto's apartment was. Tsunade's eyes widened as she realized what they were doing before turning towards the gathered ninjas. "I want all of you to head down and assist the anbu in restoring order. Arrest those responsible for these riots and send them to Ibiki." She ordered. The ninjas all nodded and dispersed to control the situation.

Suddenly Shizune came running up and Tsunade was hoping it wasn't bad news. But it appeared that Kami was frowning down on them that day. "Tsunade-sama! The Hokage vault has been breached!"

Everyone, Tsunade and the Elders along with Danzo, widened their eyes in shock. The vault was one of the most guarded areas in the village, with dozens of powerful seals on them. "How much was stolen?" Tsunade asked Shizune. The brown haired woman shook her head. "Everything. Scrolls, documents, weapons, even the Scrolls of Seals, everything in there is gone."

Tsunade cursed to herself, wondering how this was happening. First Naruto is taken; the idiots are celebrating his disappearance and the return of their 'hero' Sasuke Uchiha, and now this. "I think we can all agree that this shall be kept a secret from the rest of the village. If word somehow gets out we're going to have a hell of protecting the village." Tsunade said. 'But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop looking for you, Naruto.' She thought.

However unknown to them, someone was watching the whole thing.

Elsewhere

Inside a cave where the only source of light was lantern on top of a pillar, several images of people began to surround it. One of them spoke first. "Report, what is the situation in Konoha?" He asked.

Another person, with yellow eyes, replied, "Sasuke Uchiha has been recovered and brought back to Konoha, but he's being put under arrest for his attempt to leave the village. Furthermore the nine-tail jinchuriki has been taken." White Zetsu said before Black Zetsu spoke. "The people who took him call themselves the Schattenreich."

"Looks like this changes our plans." Deidara said.

The leader nodded his head. "It does but for now it is a mere setback. We shall focus on capturing the others and then turn our attention to find the Nine-tails." He said. "Anything else?"

Zetsu nodded. "Only that the man that was carrying Naruto; his chakra levels were off the charts." "Tailed-beast level almost"

The leader narrowed his eyes. "I see"

Kisame chuckled. "He sounds like he's going to be one hard cookie to break."

"Enough this meeting is adjourned. Return to what you were doing but remember to be ready when I contact you." The leader said.

Somewhere Else

Deep within a dark room, Naruto Uzumaki was slowly waking up. He tried to move but the pain in his body made him wince and thus he was stuck how he was. However he did take the opportunity to look around, though there wasn't much to see. "Where…am I?" He asked no one in particular.

"You guess is as good as mine." A voice inside his head replied.

"Kyuubi?" Naruto asked trying to figure out why the fox was talking to him of all times.

"Yeah, yeah its me." The fox replied before letting out a sigh. "Man I'm beat. You have no idea how hard it is to heal all your wounds that you've obtained during that little skirmish." The Kyuubi said.

"I see you two have woken up." An unfamiliar voice said.

Naruto craned his head to the right and saw within the darkness the silhouette of a man could be seen. In his right hand was a golden Khakkhara. He appeared to be wearing a robe that went down to his knees and looked like he had horns sticking out of his head. But what really got Naruto's attention were his eyes. The eyes had a ripple-like pattern over the eyeballs closing in a small black dot and had a light purple color.

Naruto could feel the Kyuubi's eyes widened. "I-it can't be." He said in shock.

The man chuckled as he continued walking towards the bed. "It's good to see you too Kurama-kun."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. 'The Kyuubi has a name?' He thought before speaking, "Just who are you?" He asked.

Suddenly the man stopped chuckling and Naruto could sense the seriousness radiating off of him even though he couldn't see the man's face. "I am your past, while you are my future. We are one in the same." The man said as he finally stepped out of the shadows. It was then Naruto could see that this guy was really old, what with all the wrinkles on his face and how pure white his hair was too. Also the horns on his head were really attached to a headband he wore. The headband had a swirling circle on it too. "My name is not important, but you can call me the Rikudou Sennin. As to where you are my fellow Uzumaki…you are home."