Ascension of the Kitsune by Wandering Maverick

Chapter 24: . . . & Goodbyes

Next Day (Afternoon),

The pair completely slept through the entirety of the morning, before Naruto woke up in the beginning of the afternoon thanks to his most hated enemy...sun light.

"Damn, its worse then Ojii-san's paperwork" He grumbled, his eyes getting attuned to the bright room and pulled Hana who was still in his arms against him before kissing her forehead like the night before, smiling sadly that he had to wake up such a peaceful looking mate. "Hana-chan..." He cooed out, shaking her lightly only getting moans of sleep for his efforts. "...Hana-chan its time to wake up." He continued before kissing her which succeeded in awakening her.

"Mmm...Naru-kun..." She moaned through the side of her lips since the rest was currently be kissed by her lover. "...certainly a wake up call I could get used to." She finished whimsically, her eyes now open and looking back at him lovingly with a smile.

"I'll remember that..." He smiled back giving her a chaste kiss, before releasing his entangled tails from her body, which caused her to shiver slightly from the draft in the room hitting her bare back. "...ne Hana-chan I...we have something to talk about before we get up." He said, his voice taking on a serious note.

"What is it koishii (beloved)?"

Naruto was rather nervous...he wasn't sure how his newly established mate would react when they just consummated their relationship and confessed their love. He let out a long sigh before looking into Hana's chocolate brown orbs.

"Natsu-chan and I plan to leave both Konoha and Fire Country today...more specifically..."

"I'm coming with you." She interrupted commandingly, which surprised Naruto by both her tone and words.

"But..."

"No...the moment we got together and you told me what your plans were I knew that you'd be leaving soon after he invasion because that was the whole reason you returned in the first place. Ever since then I have been speaking to Hokage-sama and my clan especially Kaa-san and my otouto...about US..." She began. "...and before the invasion began they finally agreed to what I wished. That if we became more then what we were, I would give up my title as clan heir making Kiba the new heir, and I would resign as a Konoha shinobi with honor and then leave with you." She finished.

Naruto was taken aback, and quite speechless at what she just told him. His mind took several minutes to wrap itself around the idea of what Hana told him, before it all sunk in.

"Hana-chan you...you did all that for me...no not for me...for us?" He questioned, getting an affirmative nod. "Hana-chan do...do you really know what it is you're telling me? You're giving up your current life and lifestyle for me. I...you...do you really want that?"

Hana couldn't help but giggle at his confused look, and stuttering questions...they made him seem cute.

"Hai my Naru-kun...I know the implications of my actions. I'm giving up my current life to leave and live along side the man I love. And in truth there wasn't much inner debate for me to decide what I wanted. It was more of trying to convince my family to let me go, but after they heard my arguments they reluctantly but lovingly allowed it and gave both you and I their blessing." She explained giving him a chaste kiss.

He returned the kissed, and let a small smile grace his lips. "I...I really don't know what to say Hana-chan. I didn't think you thought about my actions so far ahead. In truth I was completely terrified of this conversation, and how we would end up if wrong things were said..." He sighed out, letting the stress that was on his shoulders leave him. "...but thankfully I have a new beautiful and smart mate who apparently is a great tactician as well." His smile grew to a playful grin.

"Damn right" She smirked.

The pair lightly laughed for a few minutes at the lightening mood, before Naruto spoke again.

"If this is what you really want Hana-chan, I certainly won't try to convince you to stay with your family. I love you and am VERY happy to know that you'll be right by my side with Natsu-chan when I leave this place..." He kissed her, before turning to look at the clock on her nightstand. "...and while I'd love to stay lying here with you, there are a few things I need to take care of before we leave. So lets get ready, and then while I'm gone you can start packing...but pack light and only the essentials. I know the council is not going to like me leaving after everything especially since they haven't talked with me, so we'll be traveling light and swift incase they send people after us."

"Hai"

The pair kissed again before getting up from the bed, Naruto allowing Hana the sheet to cover herself...which she was all to glad to take, since she could see the still naked form of her lover stretching and walking around in all his animalistic glory for her eyes to follow. The pair quickly got dressed, though Naruto had to use a henge since Hana completely destroyed his pants, who just looked on sheepishly at Naruto's pseudo-stern look after grabbing them.

"I don't know when exactly we'll be leaving but when you feel a tremor rock the village, take it as a warning of my soon to be pick up." He warned, with a smile before kissing her passionately and heading out of her room leaving her breathless.

"I'll be ready Naru-kun." She reassured, before he left her room.

Naruto walked quickly towards the exit of Hana's house, but was stopped by Kiba along the way.

"Hey Naruto-niisan"

"Hey Kiba"

"How did last night go with Nee-chan?"

"We talked and she was able to get many things off her chest about the situation. All in all I think she is going to be fine all she needs is a little time."

The boy nodded. "Ah...ano...so...are you like my REAL Nii-san now?" He asked with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Ah...erm..." Naruto stumbled before coughing a few times. "...we are mates now if that is what you are asking Kiba."

The next moment Naruto lost sight of the young Inuzuka before feeling the air leave him when he saw Kiba connected to his stomach in an embrace.

"Cool...now I can totally shove the fact my Nii-san is like the strongest guy in the village to that damn Sasuke-teme." Kiba said ferally, making Naruto chuckle and pat the boy on the head.

"Hai hai...gomen though Otouto, there are some matters I must attend to. However I wished to see Kaa-san before I left know where she is?"

"Hai...she left almost a half an hour ago for the daily council meeting ever since the invasion"

"Great! That saves me a trip, time, and a few headaches then, arigato Otouto." He thanked hugging the small boy, before letting go.

Naruto smiled at Kiba before turning and headed towards the door, but stopped when he heard Kiba speak.

"Ne Nii-san, are you really going to leave?" Naruto turned around with a quirked brow looking at Kiba who looked sheepish. "Gomen, I passed Nee-chan's room while you were talking and heard a little of your conversation."

Naruto frowned slightly. "I see...unfortunately the answer is yes Otouto. While I'd love to stay with my family here...I can't do so with how the rest of the village reacts to my presence. I know it'll be better for me to just leave and allow the village its peace. Plus I hold no love for Konoha aside from this clan and a few others."

Kiba smiled sadly. "I know...I just...was being selfish in wanting you to stay. Its not fair you can't stay just because the villagers are idiots."

Naruto looked sympathetically towards Kiba before moving back and hugging him again.

"Gomen otouto, I wouldn't have minded staying, but things aren't always perfect and we must deal with the world as it comes at us."

"Hai..." Kiba responded once they separated. "...Nii-san just make sure you take care of her, I know she is going with you so...keep her safe or Kaa-san and I will hunt you down."

"Hai hai..." Naruto smiled at Kiba for his protectiveness of his sister. "...grow strong Otouto, I'm sure I'll be hearing your name in the future. I'll see if I can help with your training if I can ever visit ne?"

"Hai arigato!"

The two embraced one last time before Naruto reached the door to the house.

"Take care of yourself Otouto, sayonara." Finished with a smile.

"Sayonara Nii-san!"

Naruto existed the house closing the door behind him. He stretched out, before letting out a sigh his smile falling into an emotionless expression before opening his eyes, which now held no joy like it did with Kiba moments before.

"Lets get this over with I'm tired of this place." He thought before disappearing in a swirl of purple flames, heading toward the Namikaze mansion.

Council Room,

"...good, now that we've come to a decision about the Raikage's stay in Konoha until Nii Yugito is finally apprehended and returned is dealt with. The next topic is the investigation of the kidnapping of one Inuzuka Hana and Uzumaki Kasumi. Many of us believe that it was an inside job to get them, especially since Uzumaki Kasumi is a child of the Uzumaki clan and we all know Orochimaru wanted someone from that clan for several years. And with an evacuation plan that is vastly different then the one he was privy to when he was still here, it seems to me our thoughts aren't unfounded. If anyone of the investigating clans has any information please..." Sarutobi spoke before an explosion rocked the village. "...ANBU!" The Hokage shouted getting several ANBU to show up next to him. "Investigate that explosion make sure it isn't anything serious! Report back the moment you find out the details, understood!?"

"Hai Hoka..." The ANBU chorused before the doors to the council room blasted open.

The remaining ANBU appeared stationed around the room their swords already drawn.

"Gomennasai for the interruption Ojii-san, but I couldn't help but over hear you and decide to help you out with that." A masculine voice called out from the hallway.

Those within the room looked on wondering who had the 'balls' to interrupt a Konoha council meeting in such a manner unfitting of their status. Their answer was made quite clear when a pair of people entered the room. The council gasped, while the ANBU officers tensed at seeing both Naruto and Natsumi emerge, their tails swaying rapidly behind them. The Uzumaki family sans Kasumi who were guests for this meeting wondered why Naruto and his mate were here as well.

"Is that so Naruto-kun, Natsumi-san?" Sarutobi asked rhetorically.

"Hokage-sama order these two demons to be arrested! They both should have been the day it was ordered!" One of the civilian council members shouted.

"I will do no such thing! If I deemed them a threat to us or this village it would be a different story entirely."

"But Hokage-sama!"

"Enough! There will be no more discussion on the matter! More importantly I'm curious as to the 'help' you have Naruto-kun."

Naruto nodded and stepped deeper into the room, with everyone but Sarutobi and Tsume tense and on edge since there were two demons in the room and their leader seemed to not care.

"I have essential information about the kidnapping of one Inuzuka Hana and Uzumaki Kasumi..." Naruto began, making everyone especially Tsume and the Uzumakis perk up. "...while on my self-appointed mission to get them both back I was able to interrogate an Oto shinobi that was stationed at the complex I found the Kunoichi in. And after some time I came to a few...interesting...details concerning Hana especially."

"And what 'details' are those exactly?" Danzo asked, trying to diffuse the situation after feeling Naruto's piercing gaze upon him when he was spoke.

"Its funny YOU should ask that Danzo. It seems that you have a traitor in the ranks of Konoha...more to the point that traitor is in this very room. Haven't you wondered how the invasion was as successful as it had been despite my early warning and personal involvement?" He probed getting the result expected...pandemonium, council members yelling about the lies the demon is spewing, while others stayed silent wondering who it could be if what he spoke was true. "This traitor apparently has been in contact with Orochimaru for some time, and used the invasion for many things. Most important the complete destruction and overhaul of Konoha...with THEM becoming the new Hokage and supreme dictator of the village. The other main plan was to attempt to get my allegiance under them because of Orochimaru kidnapping my mate. They thought that since Konoha was the man's most powerful enemy, that I would join as a Konoha shinobi so that I could get Hana-chan back. Or at the very least ally myself with you while searching since an army of hunter-nin is better then a single person. Unfortunately for him, he never came to realize just how strong I was. And by the time he did, it was too late to change his plans or get rid of the evidence. Hana-chan had already been taken by Orochimaru, so the evidence was long gone. For several months, and if I were to guess much longer then that he has played all of you like his puppets with him being the shadowy puppeteer. Using using you all for his own means of creating the 'true' Konoha." Naruto finished, with whispers quickly resounding through the room.

"While all this is good in theory...this council will require proof of your little hypothesis." Danzo calmly countered, though inwardly he was both worried and seething from his plans being found out by not only the demon, but one of the pieces he wanted to control to revive Konoha to what it should be, Konoha's ultimate demon weapon.

"Ah thats where the good news is for all of you...I have tons..." Naruto said with a smirk. "...let me tell you a little story."

- FLASHBACK -

Previous Day,

"Hm...so they are using yet another of Orochimaru's old laboratories...Kami-sama, just what kind of surveillance does the village do?" He thought, wondering how the shinobi could miss so many BUILDINGS in their own land.

Naruto continued to survey the old run down complex that resided in a partially hidden part of Fire Country's vast forest. He got up from his crouching position beyond the tree line, brushing dirt off his clothes.

"Now...to find those two." He whispered to himself, before disappearing with only a small dust cloud in his wake.

With Naruto's speed and his new knowledge of the complex's security he easily made it inside with little trouble, but now the hard part began. Naruto snorted as the smell of rotten blood, pharmaceuticals, and death attacked his sense of smell without mercy. Quickly getting used to it, he began his search of the complex. He rushed through the hallways and corridors not concerning himself with the foreign smells emanating from each.

"Come one Hana-chan you gotta work with me here." He mentally pleaded, still trying to find the woman's unique scent, as he rounded the next corner of the dungeon-like complex.

Suddenly Naruto's eyes widened for a split second before he stopped in his tracks, and audibly sniffed the air around him, ignoring the horrid smells of death that only grew stronger as he delved deeper into the complex.

"Kasumi..." He breathed out, finally registering where he smelled that particular scent from and from whom.

It seemed the young heiress despite being a powerful kunoichi at such a young age still enjoyed the feminine things in life, apparent by the weak scent of perfume that Naruto recalled smelling coming from her during their match.

Naruto followed the scent quickly twisting and turning along the hallways, until he finally came to the hallway where the scent was the strongest and stopped before turning the corner. Knowing Orochimaru as well as Naruto had he guessed he wouldn't leave such a valuable 'specimen' as Kasumi without constant guard. He closed his eyes, and concentrated on his enhanced hearing, his fox ears twitching every so often from the strain.

"Lets see..." He thought to himself, as he listened to the number of heartbeats within the next hallway. "...one...two next to the door...and a third on the other wall facing the door itself..." He concluded. "...now how to take them out without making a mess." He mused before his hands clenched into fists unconsciously.

Naruto looked down feeling his hands, and smirked ferally at his body's answer to his problem. He prepared himself for a moment before, turning the corner and ran towards the unsuspecting guards. He was able to get the drop on them, stopping in the middle of the hallway between all three. The shock of his presence giving him enough time to chop one of the guards near the door in the neck making him fall unconscious. The other two were quick to respond to the threat, now brandishing kunai, but Naruto still had enough time to take out the guard that faced the door with a open palm strike in the middle of his sternum, the power behind the blow completely crushing his ribcage, sending the bone shards into his heart and lungs. Thankfully Naruto guessed this and with a quick twist of his body turned so he was behind the now dead shinobi, with a hand covering his mouth so the blood the man had just thrown up shot into his hand without alerting anyone from the sound, or sight of it. He let go of the corpse, and jumped out of the way of the final guard, who seemed to be the weakest fortunately for Naruto's case.

He grabbed the man's extended arm that failed to pierce the hanyou, and in a few submission moves had the man's arm pinned behind his back, his own kunai pressed against the nape of his neck. Despite the man's position, Naruto was satisfied to know the man wasn't afraid of him, which made the hanyou smile, before whispering a short conversation into his ear, which by the way the man's body shivered wasn't a conversation that ended well for him.

"Now do as I said and I'll let you live, unless you're some kind of masochist and would only enjoy something as painful as that" Naruto ordered, with the man nodding vigorously in understanding.

Naruto pushed the man to the steel door that held Kasumi within, and let go of his arm. He then moved himself to the side of the door so as to not be seen while keeping the kunai against the Jounin's neck. The guard knocked on the door, and recited Naruto's speech to the guard inside, while Naruto was concentrating to see how many guards were with Kasumi, which after a moment discovered it was surprisingly only one.

Naruto's attention was brought back when he heard the click of the lock on the door, and it slowly open. Naruto immediately pushed his hostage through the door for several reasons. One to surprise the hell out of the guard inside to see a comrade fly into the room. Two it would serve to knock the guy out when he went face first into the far wall thanks to Naruto's strength, and lastly incase the guard set a trap.

Luckily no trap was set, and Naruto shot into the room finding the surprised man looking back at him. Naruto rushed him, only giving the man enough time to grab a few shuriken and launch them at him. Naruto didn't waste time dodging the weapons and just took them with a grunt before sweeping the man's feet knocking him to the ground, with his kunai immediately against the Oto shinobi's neck lest the man get any ideas.

"Who the hell are you!?" The man said, knowing that if he shouted his life was over, plus shouting was nearly impossible lest he cut his own throat.

"Unfortunately I'm the one asking questions Jounin-san" Naruto answered emotionlessly.

"Fine then what do you want? Cause if you think I'm going to tell you anything then you can go fuck yourself!"

"No need for such language...I am merely here for the kunoichi you kidnapped, and perhaps some information..." He argued before he smiled demonically, his fangs almost glistening in the promise of pain. "...now if you are a good little Jounin and cooperate with me I will let you live. If not you can join your little friend whose ribcage I completely crushed...your choice." He announced his ultimatum.

The Jounin narrowed his eyes angrily. "Don't fuck with me! Even if I cooperate, you'll just kill me anyway so why should I help?"

Naruto just sighed in annoyance, before looking harshly at the man right in the eyes.

"Because unlike you and shinobi like you I have some semblance of honor. So if I promise to do something and its within my power to do I WILL do it. Therefore I will make a deal with you...if you cooperate with me throughout my rescue I shall release you under your own supervision." Naruto said harshly.

The Jounin stared at Naruto checking to see if there was ANY semblance of deception in his voice, body language or gaze. And to his surprise he couldn't seem to find any...of course that didn't mean he would trust him farther then he could throw him, but it did mean he could use it to his advantage later somehow.

"Fine, if thats your bargain I accept."

"Good..." He said in a chipper voice, before looking towards the back of the cell to see a bound, gagged, bruised and slightly bloody Kasumi who had been silent the entire time, her gaze wide in many emotions the most prominent ones being confusion, and hope. "Kasumi, other then those cuts, and bruises are you alright?" He asked warmly, getting a slight nod from the heir. "Good, now as for you..." He turned back to the Jounin, and pulled out some ninja wire. "...tie yourself up." The Jounin did as was told and bound his legs, and one hand before Naruto did the rest. "Good you seem to understand the rules..." He mocked, before grabbing the man by his flack jacket and pulled him near to Kasumi. "...now tell me everything you know about how and why they were kidnapped." He ordered as he began to untie Kasumi.

"What makes you think I know? I'm just a Jounin stationed here to keep an eye on the brat" He answered annoyed.

"Now don't be that way unless you want the deal to end. As for the reason I KNOW is because I know whomever the Jounin was that took Kasumi here wouldn't have kept silent about it. He'd have probably told everyone he knew he was the one to capture an Uzumaki considering the reward he probably got from Orochimaru."

The Jounin couldn't help but chuckle lightly since Naruto hit the nail on the head. The day the girls were brought there the Jounin who caught Kasumi told anyone he could it was him.

"The guy was certainly excited I'll admit that..." He confessed. "...fine. The guy's story went like this, he had just killed a group of leaf shinobi, and was heading towards the academy. He was a rather sick bastard if you want my honest opinion, but I digress. As he headed there apparently some fighting caught his eye and he went to investigate. Apparently little hero-san over here was dispatching a group of our comrades while protecting some ramen chef cook and his musume. He asked what the hell the girl was doing, and her only answer was 'protecting something important her Onii-chan'. Unfortunately the guy wasn't exactly the sentimental type nor liked shinobi who were, so they tussled for a while, with him eventually winning and captured her. Though he realized that the reason she even fought as long as she did was to give enough time for those civilians to escape cause when he looked for them they were LONG gone." He explained.

The man's story shocked Naruto, he quickly turned to Kasumi to see if she could confirm the story, but noticed that she was looking away from Naruto with the slightest blush on her cheeks. Naruto wasn't quite sure what to say, he knew Kasumi's mentality towards him had changed slightly especially with that hug she gave him after Minato spoke to her mother.

But still to go out of her way to protect Teuchi and Ayame because she remembered what he said back in their first meeting in the ramen stand? Naruto was floored at her bravery and sacrifice, unfortunately now wasn't the time for 'thanks', that would have to wait until AFTER they were out of enemy territory.

"And what about the other kunoichi?" He asked

"Ah her..." He couldn't help but chuckle in a perverse way which made Naruto harden his gaze not liking it one bit. "...she unfortunately I don't have all the details on about what happened. All I can tell you is what Orochimaru-sama told all Oto Jounin the day before the invasion. He told us that if a Konoha ANBU officer with a strange symbol on the forehead part of their mask came up to us, and also had a woman with them matching an Inuzuka's description to just grab her without question and leave immediately."

"THAT SON OF A BITCH!" Naruto mentally roared, knowing exactly what the 'symboled' ANBU signified, but reeled in his anger knowing it wasn't a good idea to be found yet without Hana. "You're a dead man when I get back."He promised.

"I see..." He let out an angered sigh. "...do you know where she is being held now?"

"Hai."

"Then lets go..." He ordered before taking out some bandages and wrapped them around the man's mouth as a gag. "...Kasumi come over here please." He ordered softly.

The Uzumaki heir moved closer to him, but still keeping her gaze away from his, not knowing how he reacted to hearing what she had done. She hoped he was happy and grateful she saved his friends, but didn't really know. She gasped slightly when she felt his hand rest against her chest and forehead, feeling strange from having a comforting touch instead of the violent ones she had gotten used to for the past two and a half days.

Her gasp turned into a content sigh, when she felt Naruto's chakra begin to seep into her, knitting her skin back together and massaging her bruises until the blackened skin turned white again as the pain receded.

"Arigato" She whispered, making Naruto smile.

"Hai...now lets get Hana-chan and get out of here..." He said pulling he to her feet, before grabbing the Jounin and flipped him on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. "...which way?" He asked, getting the directions via head point from the gagged hostage.

The trio swerved in and out of the hallways, maneuvering past the few guards they did find. It seemed Orochimaru only set up enough guards to defend this place until someone could get the kunoichi out of there. After some time of following the man's directions, hesitation and fear began to creep into Naruto. They had done nothing but go deeper and deeper into the complex, which usually meant prisoners here were either dead, dying, or no one cared what happened anymore.

He unconsciously sped up from this feeling, but noted that Kasumi didn't waiver despite just being healed, making him slightly proud of the girl. Just then a scent invaded his nose his reaction almost as if he was just punched in the face. This smell...Naruto knew it all too well, a smell he had the unfortunate luck of coming across when he was five. The smell of sweat, blood and sex mixed into one, a smell Naruto would never forget. And unfortunately it was originating from where the Jounin seemed to be leading them.

Naruto's breath hitched in his throat at the possible implications and shot forward, ans at the moment mentally thankful that Kushina had taught her children so well since Kasumi was able to keep up if just barely with his speed. He gave up on the directions the Jounin was giving him, and simply followed this pervasive scent...an ominous feeling in the pit of his stomach telling him the smell had to do with Hana. He ran through several more corridors before what he feared finally hit him...literally in the nose...Hana's scent, which was heavily interwoven with the scent he'd been following. He stopped after rounding the next corner, knowing that she was in the room at the end of the hall.

The trio began the slow walk towards the door, each step taken sounding like a hundred explosive notes going off in Naruto's head as fear and apprehension gripped his heart like a vice. They finally reached the door, when Naruto put the Jounin down and placed his hand on the door before taking a long breath.

"Kami-sama if you have any good karma saved up for me after what happened to me as a kid...onegai use that to show me something other then what my heart is telling me I'll witness beyond this door." He mentally prayed, before closing his eyes and opened the door with a creak.

A long moment passed before he opened his eyes and took a step inside, his nose immediately bombarded with that same scent only a hundred times stronger thanks to him being at the epicenter. But his brain never registered the smell...no, the only thing his brain registered at the moment was what his eyes were showing him...a scene that will haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life.

- WARNING -

In the middle of the room, chained by all four limbs to a flat slab of stone that she was limply lying on with the only light in the room coming from a dim over hanging lamp above was one Inuzuka Hana...HIS Hana. She laid there motionless, her usual glimmering eyes now husks of what they once were which just stared towards the dark ceiling, unblinking. Her once pristine body save for a few scars she received while on duty, now a shell of what it once was, black and blues lined her body and face. Cuts, scrapes, and scratches marred her body especially along her chest, stomach, hips and thighs. Probably when whomever did this cut or ripped off her clothes.

And to make things even more unbearable for the hanyou, caked all over the Inuzuka heiress was the 'essence' of all the males who had probably 'visited' her. Their juices seemed to ooze down her body onto the slab of stone taunting him with their existence on her. There seemed to be almost no part of her that the 'essence' hadn't gotten its tainted hands on. From the top of her hair to the soles of her feet, even her most private of areas that not even he had the honor, privilege, and pleasure of touching yet was spared from these monster's taint. There was so much of it that it not only slid down her own body onto the stone, but it even oozed down the sides of the stone where several pools had formed.

Naruto's hand unconsciously gripped the handle of the steel door so hard the door began to groan in what one could almost consider pain from the sheer inhuman strength currently gripping it as Naruto simply stared on.

"Onii-sa...oh my Kami-sama..." Kasumi began before covering her mouth and nose from gasping at the site and throwing up at the smell, after she pushed him aside to see what was within the room.

Her outburst caused Naruto's mind to reboot and register the situation they were all in and let out the breath he had been holding in as well as release his grip on the door which groaned once more in seeming appreciation. Naruto grabbed the still bound Jounin and threw him inside the room closing the door behind Kasumi and himself.

Once locked he rushed to Hana's side, with no care about the guards sensing his chakra he swiftly broke the chains bounding her to the stone. He began to vigorously wipe off the taint that stained and caked her body, noting now that he was closer and having a better angle two things. The first that Hana's private areas were also still dribbling out the monster's 'essence'. Naruto clenched his teeth in rage of what these monsters did to her. Was it not enough to savagely rape her but to release inside her as well?

From that moment Naruto made a solemn vow to himself, that aside from the Jounin he had bound, EVERY Oto shinobi in the complex WOULD die a very very very painful, and agonizing death. The second thing was that blood seemed to have mixed in with the 'essence' in some places as well. He guessed from not only from wounds inflicted upon her, but ones she inflicted upon her assailants. That fact made Naruto smile despite himself, knowing that even in a dim situation Hana didn't give up. That she fought, tooth and nail to keep these men from having her.

- END WARNING -

Naruto had finally finished getting much of the taint off her body, and was now able to see the extent of her injuries which thankfully weren't severe mainly bruising across her body as well as some cuts but nothing life threatening. Knowing she wasn't in any physical danger he decided he needed to see how she was mentally doing as well as having her know he was there and she was now safe. He had realized that her look from before was caused by her own mind shutting down while trying to protecting itself from what she had gone through. He moved up to her head and cupped her still slick face in his hands as he leaned in so his face was atop her own.

"Hana-chan..." He called out. "...Hana-chan its me Naruto..." No response. "...ne Hana-chan its me Naruto come on, come back to me..." Yet again no response. "...Hana-chan come on love, you gotta work with me here..." Still nothing. "...dammit Hana-chan I didn't come all the way here to save a vegetable I came here to save the Inuzuka clan heir, a strong, proud kunoichi, and someone I love now get your ass up!" He commanded.

Naruto waited to see if an aggressive approach worked, and with a sigh of relief it did. He could see the flame of life come back to reflect in her brown eyes. But what he didn't expect is how she would respond when she did, no sooner had the flame appeared did she begin to thrash about. Her legs kicked into the air, while her arms reached out and began clawing, scratching, and ripping against anything she could grab which unfortunately for Naruto was his unsuspecting face and arms.

"NO GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME! YOU'RE FUCKING WRONG IF YOU THINK I'M JUST GONNA LET YOU FUCK ME LIKE SOME KIND OF BEAST! I ALREADY KILLED ONE OF YOU FUCKS AND I SWEAR TO KAMI-SAMA IF YOU TOUCH ME I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU TOO! YOU HEAR ME I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!" She roared with a passion that promised she would go through with her threat until her dying breath, as she continued to claw away at Naruto's face his skin ripping off under her sharp claw-like nails, his own blood trailing down his face landing on her body as it dripped off.

Naruto took the beating, and bit back the pain she was causing him. It was the least he could do for her considering her condition as well as it being his fault she was like this in the first place. She continued to scream, and Naruto would have allowed it to continue on until she was either satisfied or grew too tired. However with her screams throughout the complex time was now of the essence to get them out of there alive. Naruto dodged the next incoming swipes from her and in a swift motion pulled her into a sitting position as he wrapped his still bleeding arms around her embracing her to his chest, their heads next to each other.

"Hana-chan its me Naruto, please stop its me." He whispered lovingly in her ear hoping that hearing his words and voice would rein in her instinctual urge of self-preservation.

"I SAID GET THE FUCK AWAY!" She screamed again after feeling him embrace her, and when she felt his head next to hers she turned and sunk her fangs viciously into his prone neck.

Naruto was actually surprised and bit back a small cry of pain when he felt her fangs rip into his neck, he quickly moved his one arm to press her head against his neck, lest she pull back and rip a chuck of flesh from him.

"Hana-chan *cough* its me Naruto, you know me. Come on love *cough* you gotta snap out of it. Remember? I saved you from *cough* Mizuki, then I came back to Konoha and we started to *cough* date. Remember the night at the park?" He spoke between coughing up blood from the neck wound that Hana couldn't release.

Hana continued her struggle as her mind was still on auto-pilot, but Naruto's words were beginning to get through despite her best efforts, a few of his words causing her mind to flash through her memories. 'Mizuki', making her remember the day that traitor stole the forbidden scroll, killed her teammates, and then Naruto coming to help her. 'Date', making her remember the day they met in Konoha and the talk they had in her home as well as him asking her out. 'Park', making her remember the actual first date they had, remembering the nice dinner they shared, and then the walk in the park, and finally their first kiss.

Finally as if a haze had been lifted from her brain, her mind came back to consciousness, and she immediately felt the loving embrace Naruto was holding her in, as well as his whispering words of wanting her back and apologizing for not being there sooner. The moment she realized it really was Naruto her clawing hands stopped their rampage, her fangs loosened their grip, and her eyes began to tear at the rims. Naruto immediately felt the change in her actions and hoped she was now herself.

"Hana-chan you finally back with me?" He asked, feelingly slightly lightheaded from all the blood loss, but still feeling her nod slightly in affirmation. "I'm so glad...I've been so worried about you..." He confessed pulling her even closer against him protectively, her own arms now wrapping around him as well. "Gomennasai Hana-chan, if only I hadn't left you I..." He apologized before stopping when he felt her shake her head against his neck, as well as feel her tongue lap at his wound apologetically. "I'm alright Hana-chan, and arigato, I'm just so glad your safe and back in my arms..." He hugged her again. "...but now that you're with me its going to be ok, I'll get us out of here. But I need you to release my neck, and arigato for staying there so I don't bleed as badly."

Hana nodded at his request, and released her grip on his neck a few spurts of blood shooting into the air before he covered it with an already glowing purple hand. He laid her back on to the stone, and just cupped her cheek with his free hand, with her doing the same.

"Gomennasai Naruto-kun." She apologized with a weak voice for all the wounds she could see she inflicted on him.

His face was a complete bloody mess as were his arms, if it hadn't been for such a serious situation Naruto would have joked about having such a hell-cat in bed.

"If this is all I have to go through to get you back its well worth the pain..." He argued with a smile, making her smile weakly as well. "...don't worry Hana-chan I'm getting you out of here, so for now rest I know you need it ne?" He ordered softly, getting a nod in response.

"Hai...but I just want you to know one thing..." She paused, pulling his face next to hers placing their foreheads together. "...throughout all of this, I didn't let them have the sick satisfaction of making me cum...not even once, thats a right only reserved for you." She confessed

Naruto smiled warmly, and nodded gently before kissing her.

"I know you didn't Hana-chan it would take a lot more then this to break someone like you..." He agreed kissing her again. "...now get some sleep, and when you wake up you'll be home I promise." He ordered, with Hana only smiling at him again in appreciation before pulling back and allowing her body to fall limp and her eyes close trying to regain some of her lost strength. "Its time to go..." He ordered more to himself then anyone else, his voice now void of all the happiness it held with Hana, as ten Kage Bushins puffed into existence. "...three of you grab them. The rest of you get in a circle formation around them." He ordered harshly, before grabbing a scroll and popped it open, before handsealing. "Chishio Bushin no Jutsu (Blood Clone Technique)!" He said, a puff of smoke erupting atop the opened scroll which a moment ago held several hundred vials of his own blood in them. "You...lead them back to Konoha. Their safety is your top priority...KILL ANY Oto shinobi who stand in your way. The methods of death I'll leave up to you...do NOT fail me." He ordered, the Chishio Bushin nodded in understanding.

The Bushin quickly made a Rasengan and blasted away the far wall, before it and the rest jumped through heading towards the forest. Once Naruto saw they were out of site any semblance of emotion left his eyes and face. He faced the door awaiting the fifty or so Oto shinobi that were assigned to the complex to come. He was not disappointed when a moment later the door flew off its hinges and several shinobi rushed in the room with many more littering the corridor behind.

"Who the hell are you!?" The Jounin in the front of the group demanded.

Suddenly a blast of KI shot through not only the room and corridor but the entire complex it was so potent, and the reason being that Naruto just released all five of his controllable tails at once. Not only were the shinobi being effected in various ways ranging from losing consciousness to having to struggle to continue breathing, but the complex itself was as well obvious by the creaking of the steel. Naruto took a step forward getting the attention of the still conscious and by now mostly scared shitless shinobi who warily took a step back.

"I am retribution for what you have done to those kunoichi! I am vengeance for the pain and suffering you've caused them! But most importantly...I'm your executioner!" Naruto's demon blood affording him a dark, deep and gruff voice reminiscent of a true demon's.

"M...MATTE!" One of the shinobi shouted. "I...WE APOLOGIZE! IT WAS WRONG OF US TO DO THAT! WE'LL REPENT! GIVE US A CHANCE!" The man begged, which only infuriated Naruto more, knowing full well Kasumi and Hana begged for them to stop what they did...so he'd simply return their hospitality...permanently.

"Say hello to the Shinigami for me ne?" He requested before flexing his clawed hands and then disappeared from sight, the next thing to be heard was the blood curdling screams of fifty men being slaughtered.

With Bushins,

It had been nearly an hour since they began their trek, and thankfully nothing had occurred. However that soon changed when the Bushins turned back from where they came from feeling an immense use of chakra. The reason becoming obvious when they saw a large purple beam shooting up from the ground into the sky. Though with them being so close they could tell that the beam was actually spinning much like a cylinder-shaped tornado.

"Damn...the boss actually used it." The clone holding Kasumi said slightly surprised.

"What did you expect? You all know how he feels about Hana, as well as what he felt when he saw what happened to her. Personally if he HADN'T used THAT jutsu I'd have been surprised." The Chishio Bushin retorted.

"W...what is that jutsu?" The still conscious Kasumi questioned clearly awed by not only the odd beauty of the beam but also the sheer destructive power behind it that even she could tell from so far away.

"Its the strongest jutsu the boss has ever created. Its one of his variants based on the Rasengan, as well as obviously the strongest." The blood Bushin answered.

"He really could have killed me at any time during our match couldn't he?"

"There is no question that you wouldn't have won..." He answered, though noticing her slightly sullen look continued on. "...but if it makes you feel any better, he complimented you on your strength. You even made him release two of his three normal chakra limiters. And to do that at your age and only as a Genin is no small feat. Jounin level ninja have been killed by him using less."

"A...arigato" She answered with a proud smile and an embarrassed blush.

"Alright the light shows over lets go, he'll catch up with us soon." He ordered, sending them back on their way.

No sooner had they started again did a flash of orange jet past them, with Naruto appearing several yards ahead.

"Any problems?" He questioned

"No, smooth sailing boss, whats with the scroll?" The blood Bushin asked noting the large scroll snuggled in Naruto's arm.

"Good, I'll take Hana-chan then, as for the scroll...a bit of evidence I can probably use later that I found at the complex before I blew it up..." He answered, grabbing the now cloaked and sleeping woman in his arms. "...lets go it'll take several more hours to get to Konoha from here."

Those several hours had passed quickly and silently with no problems other then Naruto having to recall more Bushins along the way when they ran out of chakra. They were finally about ten minutes away from the gates when Naruto spoke up.

"Ne Kasumi?"

"Hai?"

"I...I just wanted to ask why you protected Teuchi and Ayame?"

she looked away. "Ano...b...because you told my family and I they were important to you." She answered with a stutter, feeling embarrassed and apprehensive talking to her brother in a normal conversation like this when only a month ago she was ready to kill him.

"I see...then arigato for protecting them on my behalf and gomen for not doing so myself and you getting captured as a result."

"I...its alright, I choose to help them on my own. Its why my family wasn't there. They were still absorbing and dealing with your Tou-san's speech." She explained.

"I see, still arigato. Now we are close to the gate, 'chi'..." He called out, getting the clone's attention. "...take our 'friend' here over to the mansion secretly, I can't have him getting captured." He ordered.

"Hai" The clone retorted before grabbing the Oto shinobi who looked angrily at Naruto, thinking he had betrayed him.

"I'm keeping you alive Jounin-san, but unfortunately for you I have a feeling I'm going to need your testimony later. So after you do, THAT is when I shall release you from my persons and fulfill my end of our bargain. So just sit tight and don't do anything stupid."

The Jounin grunted disapprovingly, but knew there wasn't much he could do. They soon reached the gates, and the Chishio Bushin cut off from the group to climb over the wall secretly, as all but Naruto and the Kage Bushin holding Kasumi dispelled.

"Welcome home Hana-chan" Naruto whispered to the still sleeping woman who had unconsciously snuggled closer into his protective hold.

- FLASHBACK END -

"That is it for my testimony." Naruto concluded, sighing after he finished his story.

"That story is quite convenient, and with Kasumi-san and Hana-san absent from these proceedings...it'll be hard to corroborate your story." Danzo countered.

"Not so my one eyed, one armed friend." Naruto joked, mentally smiling when he saw Danzo grit his teeth at the jab, before he snapped his fingers.

The council looked on strangely wondering what the signal meant. Their answer came quickly when another Naruto entered through the doors of the room with a tied up Oto shinobi being dragged behind him. The clone dispersed, leaving the real Naruto to unbind the man allowing him to stand up but his legs and arms still bounded.

"This councilmen/women was an Oto shinobi who was stationed at the complex I found the kunoichi in. He was also the one whom I interrogated and brought all the way back here just to testify on my behalf during these proceedings..." Naruto explained, before looked at the man. "...tell them everything." He commanded, the man nodded, before his gag was cut.

The man quickly told the council everything he told Naruto, making many of the council listen on in shock that Danzo had been a traitor to their village. The man finished his speech, and was silenced by Naruto.

"Danzo what do you have to say for yourself?" Sarutobi asked, while inwardly leering at the man...he had been a thorn in his side for far too many years but with this new incident his life was pretty much over.

Danzo stood with a deliberate slowness. "That I'm saddened to see my fellow councilmen/women and Hokage actually believing such a farce. Incase you haven't realized it, the interrogated person was one of our enemies not long ago. Not only that but the very being that brought him to us is standing right before you. Those facts present, who is to say that they aren't acting together to just get not only myself killed, but to have the people of Konoha begin doubting their own loyalties and trust between one another. Konoha has stayed as the strongest hidden village because of the ideals we have set down and used for generations. If we start to doubt each other now we may lose that place." Danzo coolly replied, inwardly smirking when he saw many of the council being swayed by his words of Konoha's pride as being/staying the strongest village, as well as the hatred for Naruto and Oto.

"Very nice speech Danzo, you have a tongue of pure silver. If wars could be won on words alone I would certainly want you to be on my side, and it would be no wonder why Konoha has been at the top for so long. But unfortunately for you, that isn't the case...words can only take a person so far before other variables catch up and take them out at the knees." Naruto retorted before opening a scroll pocket on his flak jacket and tossed the scroll within to the Hokage. "That is the remaining proof I have...letters, documents, agreements and other such paperwork that show Orochimaru and Danzo's connections." He explained, getting more gasps from the council and stares towards Danzo who was gritting his teeth.

"ANBU arrest this man!" Danzo ordered, slamming his cane on the ground.

Everyone waited to see what would happen, and after a few moments when nothing did Naruto spoke up.

"Gomen Danzo, if you were expecting your ROOT ANBU to come to your aid like usual I'm afraid your luck has run out. That explosion you felt and heard a little while ago was caused by Natsu-chan and I. And the thing that exploded was your secret ANBU base along with your 'Ne' officers. Your little private army is gone."

"Its true...its all right here in these documents..." Sarutobi exclaimed while reading, getting the attention of the council, before he looked back towards Danzo his eyes as cold as ice making everyone remember why he was the leader of a shinobi village and not just an old man. "...Danzo the evidence is undeniable. You have acted behind Konoha's back with a S-ranked missing-nin, with plans to incite a coup d'etat. ANBU! Arrest him and send him to Ibiki until his sentence is determined!" Sarutobi barked out.

"NO!" Naruto's voice roared, making the room slightly shake and many of the council cower.

"Naruto...gomen but this is how traitors are dealt with." Sarutobi reasoned, not sure why Naruto argued.

"Gomen Ojii-san, but Danzo is mine." He said his tone one of finality.

"What do you mean?"

"I already told this council the first time you called me here...if anyone... their social standing be damned...tried to harm those important to me I will have retribution as I see fit. Not only has Danzo put those important to me in danger for countless years with his dealings with Orochimaru. But he incited the invasion that occurred only days ago. And to top it off GAVE Hana-chan to him to get me under his control. Therefore his life is now mine to do with as I see fit, and NO ONE is going to stop me. If you do your sentence will be the same as his own." Naruto explained staring coldly at Danzo who was looking very worried.

Sarutobi frowned at the man's words. "Naruto I know how you must be feeling, but Danzo MUST have a proper trial to be sentenced with a fitting punishment."

Naruto barked in laughter at Sarutobi's words.

"Gomen Ojii-san but NO ONE save a select few KNOW how I feel and you aren't one of them. So unless in the next thirty seconds you go through several years of beatings, rotten food, worn-out clothes, hate, and discrimination, you don't really have much leverage on stopping me from doing what I will to this man. Besides with treason being the charge you'll just kill him anyway, so I'm simply skipping the middle man."

Sarutobi opened his mouth to retort, but closed it soon after knowing that Naruto was right. The only person that could truly stop Naruto now was someone who was similar to himself. With silence reigning, Naruto began his slow ascent towards Danzo. Each step almost deafening everyone at what each step meant, one step closer to Danzo's execution, or worse. Danzo looked on with sweat already brimming his brow at the implications. He looked towards those within the room his eyes looking to anyone for help...with his secret army gone, he only had these people to call upon for protection now.

"WHY ARE YOU ALL JUST STANDING THERE FOR!? YOU'RE GOING TO ALLOW THESE DEMONS TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO US!? YOU MAY THINK I'M A TRAITOR, BUT I'VE HELPED PROTECT THIS VILLAGE MORE OFTEN THEN ANY OF YOU! ARE YOU WILLING TO ALLOW THESE OUTSIDERS FREE REIGN TO DO WHAT THEY WANT IN OUR VILLAGE!?" He yelled, expecting some of the more bolder council members to step up and try to stop Naruto because of their hatred of Kyuubi. But he was surprised to see no one moving, and the civilian council looking away some ashamed and others scared. "I SEE...I SEE...YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF SPINELESS PENCIL PUSHING COWARDS! AND YOU WONDER WHY I WANTED OROCHIMARU TO DESTROY KONOHA! YOU'RE ALL TOO WEAK WILLED TO DO WHAT MUST BE DONE TO BRING KONOHA TO THE PINICLE OF STRENGTH! IF I WAS HOKAGE THIS VILLAGE WOULD HAVE NO RIVAL! NO ONE WOULD DARE ATTACK FOR FEAR OF US! BUT THAT OLD MONKEY GOT THE JOB INSTEAD AND WANTED PEACE! OFFERING OLIVE BRANCHES TO OUR MOST HATED ENEMIES TO GAIN PEACE INSTEAD OF CONQUORING THEM! THIS VILLAGE WILL FALL! AND WHEN IT DOES YOU WILL ALL REALIZE YOUR MISTAKES ON BEING TOO DAMN SOFT TO DO WHAT SHOULD BE DONE! AND WHEN YOU DO I'LL BE LAUGHING AT YOU FROM MY GRAVE!" Danzo roared, his true views of Konoha coming out.

Naruto finally reached the crippled man, who just finished his speech and stared Naruto down with what probably remained of his final bits of courage. Naruto just smirked evilly and grabbed the man by the throat, before flinging him behind him. Danzo sailed through the air before hitting the wall near the Hokage's desk. But instead of falling due to gravity, several kunai embedded themselves into his loose fitting robes keeping him pinned to the wall. Naruto then appeared standing just below Danzo's hanging form with his back to the council, 'Shinku Kaijin' in his hand as his tails flailed agitatedly.

"Danzo for all your bravado, and preaching of a better Konoha then the one currently standing, you've failed to realize that for people who live here...PEACE...is something they WANT. They don't want to be waging war constantly to fight and inevitably lose everything they have because the leaders don't know how to negotiate, because their answers are always violence. You may think peace makes people weak and lax, and while I admit that it is true, that doesn't mean its a bad thing. Humans beings weren't created to fight despite what you may believe. And although constantly competing with one another, the elemental countries don't always have to decide EVERYTHING with war and violence. If everything was, then by the end of the war...nothing would be left. People would all but be extinct, the lands would be barren, animals would be gone...so what would be left to rule over for the winners?" Naruto said wisely.

Danzo couldn't help but laugh at Naruto naive words.

"So it seems that you REALLY are human...at least partly. Because I know a chaotic demon like Kyuubi would laugh at your childish words about how the world works. The strong rule the weak, while the weak serve the strong, THAT is how the world works." Danzo stated before feeling something pierce his stomach, making him grunt in pain.

Danzo looked down to see the sword Naruto held in his stomach, with Naruto's face twisted to one of fury.

"Do NOT presume to know the reasons why Natsu-chan did what she did twelve years ago. You have far too many sins weighing on you compared to her to put her in the same league as you. And I will NOT allow you to speak of her with such an insolent tongue." Naruto spoke, his tone completely dead making many who heard it shiver. "It seems we have nothing more to discuss Danzo, you are set in your ways and will not change...not that you'd have the time to..." Naruto said ripping the sword from him a small spray of blood hitting the floor. "...I want EVERYONE to watch this...because this is what will happen to those who mess with my family and those important to me." Naruto explained coldly.

Naruto took a step back, before slashing his sword a few times. Instantly Danzo's kimono on his torso fell to the ground revealing his slightly chubby upper body to all those watching. Naruto then plunged his sword inside Danzo's stomach another eight times, causing more blood to fall to the ground and down the man's stomach.

Then in an odd turn of events Naruto walked back up to the man, and began to heal the wounds. After that Naruto just stepped back, allowed his sword to disappear and just started at Danzo who began to twist and writhe in pain as his small groans of pain grow louder and louder each passing moment.

"What is he doing? Is he just gonna torture him with pain until he dies?" Inoichi whispered to those clan heads near him.

"Thats exactly what he is doing." Hiashi stated flatly his Byakugan activated.

"What do you mean Hiashi...he just healed Danzo you SAW it." Chouza spoke.

"True...but apparently he only healed what we could SEE. Hiashi on the other hand can see what we cannot." Shikaku answered.

"Hiashi what exactly is going on?" Tsume said, wanting to know EXACTLY what was happening to the bastard that stole her daughter.

"He only healed Danzo's skin...his stomach is a whole other story..." Hiashi answered allowing them to realize the implications on their own.

"Y...you mean..."

"Hai...he is allowing Danzo's stomach acid to leak out through those nine cuts and literally eat away Danzo from the inside out." Shikaku interrupted Inoichi.

"AAAAAHHHHH!" Danzo's screams began to reach their peak as he felt more and more of the acid leak out and dribble along his insides.

Slithering, burning, scorching, melting...the intense heat, the sheer pain...Danzo never thought anything in the world could feel this painful. And to make it worse it was an agonizingly slow process which made seconds seem like hours.

"How does it feel Danzo?" Naruto questioned savagely.

"I won't give you the satisfaction you DAMN FUCKING DEMON!" He shouted, before his head lurched forward and coughed up a copious amount of blood which splashed across the floor in front of Naruto's feet.

"Thats fine Danzo, keep up your bravado it is no concern of mine. I know exactly what you're feeling so I have no need for you to describe it to me, I was simply curious. By now I'd say the acid has already began eating away at your intestines, and a pool of the already liquefied muscles, tissue and organs is forming as well." Naruto said emotionlessly, while Danzo continued to scream in pain, Naruto's words describing exactly what he was feeling...his organs melting while a feeling of a pool of liquid fire filled his midsection.

"T...this is barbaric!" One of the civilian council members whispered.

"But you know we can't stop him...not only is he a demon but that woman is too!" Another stated.

"We have to do something! We can't leave them to do what they want! This is OUR village! And HE is suppose to be OUR weapon like Danzo-sama said!" Another cut off the other two.

"You're free to try, but I don't suggest it" Shikaku said, after over hearing them.

"Its almost over...I suggest those with a weak stomach grab a bag, because this won't be pretty!" Naruto shouted to everyone above Danzo's continual gurgled screams of bloody murder, as blood dribbled down the sides of his mouth, and down his nasal passages.

"AAAAAHHHHH!" Danzo's screams seemed to intensify ten fold in the next moment, lurching more blood over the floor.

The council looked on in morbid curiosity at what was happening to him, and for a few minutes nothing changed. But after a little while a very low noise began to resound in the room, a sound of something sizzling as if one was cooking bacon. They each searched for the origin, before Hiashi simply pointed towards the screaming Danzou. When everyone looked back they realized what the sound was.

In the center of Danzo's stomach appeared a small hole in the skin that seemed to be expanding slightly every so often, but that wasn't the only thing. From the hole an orange liquid seemed to be expelled which dribbled down Danzo's skin. Upon further inspection the liquid was actually what was causing the 'sizzling' sound, and what was sizzling was Danzo's own flesh where the liquid touched.

It seemed that there was finally enough stomach acid to eat its way through the outer flesh, and allowing the liquid to expel from the man's innards. The coloration a combination of the red blood and the yellow stomach acid. As the sizzling continued and grew louder in decibels as the skin was eaten away, Danzo's gurgled screams intensified once more feeling that his flesh was burning both inside and out. As they continued to watch the hole became even bigger and bigger while drooping down like the melting of a wax painting, which transversely allowed more of the acid to leak out and burn a trail down his body.

After a few moments more Danzo's screams lowered in intensity and slowed in their occurrence until they were finally no more, and the man's head bowed down and hung there dead. The final picture of the traitor hanging from his sleeves with a gaping hole in his stomach where flesh, muscle, organs and bone could be seen partially melted and bubbling, oozing bile with every last remnant spasm of the body. While the last remnants of acid dribbled down his scorched pelvis, privates, and legs which could now be seen thanks to the acid eating away at the remaining clothes it touched.

Naruto took one last look at the man before maneuvering around him and grabbed the still useful kunai, which allowed the corpse of the war hawk to fall and make a rather grotesque 'squish' when it flopped on the floor. Naruto pocketed the kunai, and turned back towards the remaining council.

"I hope his example will dissuade any more attempts upon those important to me. I am still half human, but if you dare to endanger any of them you WILL be dealing with the demon you always thought I was." Naruto warned, the threatening undertone clearly understood.

"ANBU! Get this traitor out of my site!" Sarutobi ordered.

As the ANBU did their duty, Naruto spoke up. "Now that my reason to remain is gone, I will be leaving Konoha, sayonara." He stated, while walking towards Natsumi.

"Oi! What about our bargain!? I testified for you!" The Oto Jounin shouted angrily.

"Gomen Jounin-san I forgot, Kaa-san..." Naruto shouted, getting the attentions of both Kushina and Tsume...though Kushina looked back down towards the floor saddened when she saw Naruto staring directly at Tsume before he threw a kunai at her which she caught easily. "...happy hunting." Naruto finished with a devilish smirk after he went over and released the Jounin from his bonds.

"W...what do you mean by that?" The man asked slightly frightened, by being completely surrounded by enemy shinobi.

"Its mean you should start running." Naruto answered coldly.

"B...but you said you'd release me."

"And I have, but did you honestly think you'd get away from THEM?" He questioned while pointing to the council and a ferally smiling Inuzuka Tsume with the kunai glinting dangerously in her hand. "As I said I suggest you start running."

The Jounin began to sweat, and wanted to curse the hanyou but knew if he was to survive running was his only option. He staggered up to his feet before he shot through the opened doors, and not ten seconds later Tsume followed with a growl so vicious it even scared Naruto...because it was the growl of a vengeful mother.

"NOW...I have finished the last business I have here, sayonara." He concluded before Natsumi and himself disappeared in a swirl of red and purple flames.

Their rather abrupt exit caused many to question everything hey just heard and witnessed.

"ANBU!" Sarutobi yelled when the shock of Naruto's leaving left him, the remaining ANBU appeared before him. "Gather all remaining ANBU and Jounin you can, and get to the gates! You are to prevent Naruto and his companion from leaving before myself and the council talk with him! Use any means necessary excluding lethal force, however leave physical submission for the last possible option. I don't want an unnecessary blood bath on our hands, understood!?" He ordered.

"Hai Hokage-sama!" They chorused out, before disappearing.

Sarutobi sighed before turning sternly to the remaining council who were still whispering about the recent events.

"I do believe we have a few things to discuss pertaining to Naruto." He began, getting several nods. "Very well...let us begin before we lose this chance." He finished before the meeting continued on about many topics pertaining to Naruto.

With Naruto & Natsumi,

The demon pair appeared in front of the Inuzuka compound, and knocked on the door.

"So how was she?" Natsumi asked out of no where, while waiting for someone to answer the door.

"What do you mean?"

"I can smell her ALL over you Naru-kun...so like I said how was she?" She answered with her hands on her hips.

"You could just look for yourself, instead of asking me." He retorted quickly

She huffed indignantly. "Thats true I COULD, but we all want privacy, and this is something I wouldn't delve into for THAT reason."

"Hypocrite" He smirked, making her pout. "Maa maa, fine she was exactly how I thought she'd be, happy?" He questioned.

"Not really." She confessed.

Naruto chuckled and shook his head, before cupping her chin in his thumb and pointer finger and gave her a soft kiss.

"Gomen, but you know I will NOT compare my mates when it comes to their performance in bed. You both are too different in your personalities to be able to compare. But if you MUST know...both of you are better lovers then I could have imagined. You both have bodies I fantasize about, and would ravish you every second of every day if I could..." He assured before kissing her again, before biting her bottom lip teasingly making her softly moan. "...is that an acceptable answer my Beni-kisai?" He whispered against her lips making her shiver.

"You're getting a little TOO good at that Foxy-sama." She huskily whispered back, before a deliberate cough interrupted them.

"Mind not making a scene on my door step..." Hana said with a smirk a backpack over her shoulder, before moving forward and pulling Naruto into a kiss as well. "...we ready?"

"Just have to go to the mansion before we go." He answered with a perverted smirk on his face, thanks to being able to taste BOTH his mates on his lips which made him imagine several scenes with all three of them involved.

The three 'shunshin'ed away towards the mansion, and quickly arrived not long after. Naruto released the security seals before they entered the house.

"We're back" He announced.

"Welcome home" Elena shouted from the kitchen.

"Everyone I need to see you in the living room ASAP" He called out.

Five minutes later everyone who resided in the Namikaze mansion sat in the living room awaiting Naruto to speak.

"Alright as all of you know today is the day Natsu-chan, Hana-chan, and myself are leaving Konoha. And unfortunately with my absence the protection I give you will be reneged and more then likely the village will try to do something, especially with Haku-chan's Kekkei Genkai, and Yugito-chan being a jinchuuriki. So I must ask...what will you do?"

A silence reigned in the room, the aforementioned people shifting in their seats uncomfortable, either from not knowing what they want to do, or being afraid of saying.

"Ano...Naruto-sama..."

"Haku-chan..." Naruto interrupted sweetly. "...what have said about addressing me by that." He finished just as sweet, with a threat of a bop on the head hidden in his words

"G...gomen..." She blushed in embarrassment at addressing him like that again. "...but to your question, ever since I've traveled with you and Natsumi-san I've felt...accepted, happy even. I feel more like a human being while I lived with you then just a tool like I was with Zabuza-sama. And I...I don't want that feeling to go away. I know its selfish of me but could I perhaps travel with you? I understand if you don't want me to follow you, since after all you told me to find my own path in life but...no matter what I tried to think up, nothing made feel as happy as I was while I traveled with you." She spoke trying to hide her blush from admitting such truths, especially with her still rather shy nature even if she was more outgoing then before thanks to Naruto and Natsumi.

"And you two?" Natsumi asked, looking at Yugito and Elena.

The pair looked at one another before nodding and looked back at the demon pair.

"Yugito-chan and I have talked while you were gone, and in truth many of our ideas and plans wouldn't work for several reasons. But the main ones being that she is a jinchuuriki, no matter what village we go to they WILL want to use her, either as a weapon, breeding stock, or things we dare not think about. The other main reason is the fear of Kumo, she'll become a missing-nin and have Kumo trailing us wherever we go. No village will want to house us, and if they do its not to help us but probably use her as well. Not only that but we..." Elena paused. "...we trust you Naruto-kun. And with both our lives thats a commodity we don't want to give up easily I'm sure you understand..." She stated getting a nod from him. "...since you moment you two have met you have done nothing but help my musume. You have gone out of your way to protect her from Kumo, to return me to her, and apparently saved not only her but her only friend in Kumo from certain death. Basically what I'm trying to say is that, we both wish to stay with you on your travels...if you'll allow it." She finally said bluntly.

"Where Yugito-chan goes I go..." Izanami stated bluntly with a smirk. "...plus the eye candy is certainly a bonus." She purred out.

Naruto was rather dumbstruck by both testimonies. He expected that Yugito wanted to keep in contact, but didn't think Haku would want to stay with him too.

"Could you give us a minute?" Natsumi said warmly, before pulling both Naruto and Hana from the couch into the next room.

"Well that was unexpected." Hana stated bluntly.

"Well not completely, we've helped them out in slumps in their lives so it makes sense to want to stay with us. Though thankfully its not like they are wounded puppies who couldn't survive on their own. They seem to want to come with us for at least a few reasons that make sense." Naruto argued.

"And I'm sure one of those reasons ISN'T that both Iza-chan and Yugito-san want to ride you like a stallion until they fall into a pleasure coma." Natsumi joked offhandedly.

"What!?" Hana shouted in a subdued voice.

"This isn't helping Natsu-chan...besides I've already talked to Yugito-chan about her feelings for me, as for Izanami-san, she just needs a man...or ten." He retorted with a sigh.

"Well unfortunately for you, for the time being the only man she WANTS is the one I'm looking at."

"Care to explain all this Naru-kun?" Hana said sweetly, with an aura of death surrounding her.

"I'll explain later Hana-chan...more importantly what are your thoughts?"

Natsumi shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't see a problem with it I've kinda grown attached to Haku-chan. And having another jinchuuriki with us will help incase anything gets serious. Plus I'll miss Iza-chan too much."

The demon pair looked at Hana for her answer.

"I'm fine with Haku-chan we spoke a lot during the exams and became friendly. Yugito-san on the other hand I'm not so sure."

Naruto frowned at her answer, he knew exactly why Hana felt the way she did, and decided to reassure her.

"Hana-chan..." He called out while cupping her face in his palms. "...you know I love you. And you know that I wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt you. But I will tell you that hai Yugito-chan does have romantic feelings for me, but I told her that I didn't feel the same. However did say that if that fact changed in the future I would speak to both you and Natsu-chan about it and if you both agreed we would see where things lead. But no sooner then that, you two are my ONLY mates, and I love you both more then I can express, please don't be jealous or defensive of Yugito-chan befriending me." He pleaded warmly.

Hana stared into Naruto's eyes, those hypnotic pools that seemed to just drown her. She heard his words, and while disliking the fact that another woman liked HER Naruto she was glad about how he dealt with the situation. And in the back of her mind she really couldn't blame Yugito for falling for the handsome hanyou. They both shared so much in common it was slightly scary, so it only made sense that they would grow fond and trusting of each other. She sighed when her common sense over ran her possessiveness.

"I understand Naru-kun, but I don't have to like her having feelings for you. But I can certainly understand WHY she feels the way she does so I can't blame her for that. Just promise me that if things change between you two you REALLY will discuss it with Natsumi-san and myself first. I know it selfish of me but I don't want to share you EVEN MORE unless I really have to." She admitted.

Naruto smiled, and kissed her lightly as a thank you, before the trio returned to the living room.

"Gomen for the wait..." Natsumi apologized, before sitting down. "...as for your decisions, are you completely sure this is what you want? While you may leave us later on, we need to know if you are sure about traveling with us now." Without missing a beat all four females nodded in affirmation. "Very well, get your back packs and lets go...we leave in five minutes."

"What about me Naruto-sama, Natsumi-sama?" Nobunaga who had been until then silent spoke up.

"For the time being Nobu-san we need you to continue spying on Orochimaru. However, once our plans for the future are settled we will call for you to stay with us." Naruto answered.

Kaname's spy bowed in recognition of his mission, before bidding the pair a farewell and left the house without a sound. Five minutes later the group of six left the house (safer for Izanami to be in the seal), heading for the gates.

Konoha Gates,

The group of six each with a backpack walked along side each other heading towards the gates. The most peculiar thing which caused all the citizens to give the group wide birth in the street was that two of the people had fox-like tails and ears making many believe them to be demons. As the group closed in on the gates, they saw something that made the male 'demon' snort in annoyance. Surrounding the gates were a large group of ANBU and Jounin shinobi, some making a blockade along the archway, some standing along the village walls, along the streets as well as atop the nearby rooftops.

"Tsh...guess they don't want to make our leaving an easy one." Naruto said sarcastically, his tails beginning to swish agitatedly.

The group reached the gates and stopped a few yards from the blockade, with several of the Jounin recognized from the Chuunin exams.

"Whats the meaning of this Kakashi?" Natsumi asked, not even trying to hold back the annoyance in her voice.

"Orders from Hokage-sama...we are to stop you two from leaving before he and the council have another chance to speak to you. Although apparently the mission parameters have to be expanded to include your other companions." He replied boredly.

"What more could they want?" Hana questioned rhetorically, slightly worried that things might go bad quickly.

"We will just have to wait and see Hana-chan, because I really don't feel like having to kill all these shinobi just so I can leave." Naruto responded while surveying the shinobi surrounding them.

"Don't be so cocky demon, its you versus all of us...do you really think you can win?" A random Jounin said after getting angry from Naruto's words.

Naruto would have responded, but sensed people behind him and turned along with the rest of his group.

"Stand down! I didn't order you to provoke them! So stay put, the council and I merely wished to speak to them." Sarutobi ordered up.

The street behind Naruto was now filled with Sarutobi and the remaining council, as well as several other people that the group couldn't see but Naruto and Natsumi could easily recognize but didn't bother to wonder why they were currently there.

"What is this all about Ojii-san?"

"Its as I said Naruto-kun, we merely wished to speak to you before you left. I also have a few personal questions I wanted to ask you myself."

"What did you wish to speak to us about that would warrant this kind of blockade to stop us from leaving?" Natsumi spoke up obviously annoyed.

At Natsumi's question, Hiashi stepped forward silently taking over as the voice of the council.

"Simply put Natsumi-san...both the Hokage and the remaining council have all come to agree that while, our prior meetings with you have been hasty, and presumptuous on our part. After what occurred in todays meeting, as well as the evidence of your actions since you both have returned, the council has spoken and come to the decision that we wish to have the Yondaime's sochi to remain in Konoha to take over the Namikaze clan as well as all things associated with that clan including it's council seat. We want the hero of Konoha to stay...and that includes his partner." Hiashi said in a gentle manner.

While silence mostly reigned in the area, if you listened closely whispers and murmurs of the implications of Hiashi's words spread through the surrounding shinobi ranks. The four other members of Naruto's group looked at both himself and Natsumi expectantly of their answer.

"Our answer is no." Naruto answered, shocking many.

"N...naze!?" Hiashi asked, he just offered the man and his partner who was Kyuubi a free return into the village, bypassing the yellow tape required for it...and they both declined!

"Its simple really Hiashi-san..." Naruto answered, before sighing at having to explain himself AGAIN. "...what exactly has changed between the first time you asked me to return, and now?" He questioned but didn't give him the time to answer before continuing. "Nothing as far as Natsu-chan and I are concerned. You really just don't get it, though I'm not surprised since the only people that could are Gaara, and Yugito-chan." He answered, but only got confused expressions for his efforts. "NONE of you have any idea what its like, to be hated, despised, beaten till you're at death's door, starved, ignored as if you don't exist, cursed, only allowed to buy food that is rotten, clothes that are too old to wear, abandoned, and betrayed...and all by your friends, neighbors, fellow villagers and even your family."

"Its ironic really..." Natsumi cut in. "...all of you people in shinobi villages, would look upon someone like Naru-kun, Gaara-kun, and Yugito-san as if they were a gift from Kami-sama above if they are a shinobi under you're ranks. Yet when they are simply trying to live their lives outside the battlefield, or you see one using their powers during missions...you treat them like plagues that are worth less then the dirt you're stepping on. All you can do is be frightened of their power...power which YOU forced onto THEM to inevitably fight for YOU...to protect YOU! Yet the moment they show weakness, or the unwillingness to do what YOU want and turn their backs to you, you slit their throats when it was you that made them the way they are in the first place...and you call us demons." She ranted before huffing in annoyance over the selfishness of humans. "And to make matters worse...it seems that no matter how much we help you humans...nothing will ever be good enough to reconcile with you, especially with those of this village. Naru-kun nearly single handedly saved this entire village from it's inevitable fate while fighting to save YOU that day. And had he not interfered and warned your Hokage and council about it in advance your casualties would be so much higher, and the village itself would be in shambles. Yet after all he has done to protect this place when he had EVERY right after what you all have done to him to watch you and this place burn...you damned NINGENS still have the audacity to to speak about him in such a way. So as he asked, why should he and transversely myself stay in a village that treats their heroes in such a manner?"

After her speech finished, there was relative silence amongst the Konoha shinobi, many actually thinking about her words, questioning how the invasion would have ended up had Naruto not gone out of his way to warn them and even help fight with them. Many of the shinobi realized they owed a great deal to the demon pair, but in fear of being ostracized kept their words of thanks to themselves.

"You're absolutely right Natsumi-san..." Sarutobi spoke up, gaining everyone's attention. "...I've said it once and I'll say it again. This village will NEVER deserve someone like Naruto-kun. Jinchuuriki like him are given a worse treatment in life then even someone like Orochimaru should receive. And to make it worse most of the time they don't even ASK to become one, or they aren't even given a choice in the matter. I cannot apologize enough for what the villagers have done to him, nor for my own inactions to prevent them from happening. The only thing I can say is that from this day forward if you two decide to stay things WILL be different. The council has all agreed to pardon all of your past activities against the village giving you a clean slate. And the major clan heads themselves have agreed upon providing yourself and your clan their protection. So you will no longer have to worry about protecting yourself within your home village. I know...I know it isn't much but its a start...please...please reconsider leaving Konoha...leaving your home."

"We want the hero you should have been treated as to stay, stay and resurrect the Namikaze clan. Stay and protect the people the Yondaime, your Tou-san died for." Inoichi added

Naruto sighed at his 'grandfather's' plea, in truth he would have been glad to stay in the land of his birth, the village his father protected with his own life not once but twice, the place where those important to him lived. But his past shot through his mind...the beatings, starvation, hateful screams and fearful whispers...everything.

Even if what his grandfather said were true...its human nature to hate, despise, and fear things that they don't understand or can't control. And in truth jinchuuriki are uncontrollable by anyone but the jinchuuriki themselves. Naruto stayed silent mulling over his thoughts as he surveyed the people around him, and found a variance of expressions, ranging from guilt and shame, to pity, to sadness. But most of all he still saw barely hidden fear and hatred amongst the shinobi. Albeit not physically but he could certainly smell it coming off many. He sighed out after seeing everyone, including a mob of civilians who entered the area to see what the commotion was all about.

"Gomennasai Ojii-san...but what you are offering me to stay, I don't need anymore. Its as Inochi stated, I SHOULD have been treated as a hero. I SHOULD have been protected by the clans, or even just random individuals. But that was when I was young and defenseless, when I was abandoned by the family I loved, and left alone by my godparents." He paused and walked between Hana and Natsumi wrapping his arms around their waists. "But now thanks to Natsu-chan I'm strong, strong enough to protect myself and protect those who are important to me. As for resurrecting my clan, I already have two beautiful mates who I plan on starting a family with in the future. Besides Konoha has lived without the Namikaze clan for over a decade, I doubt it will suffer much with my absence now."

The council after hearing him, could only mentally agree begrudgingly. However for one civilian council member, Naruto's refusal was too much to take. Here they were giving full pardons to him and the Kyuubi, as well as protection by the major clans...and he had the gall to refuse?

"How can you refuse such a generous offer!?" The Haruno head spoke up breaking through behind the front line of council members. "We are allowing you and that woman a full pardon from your past actions as well as protection by the other clans and you refuse? Incase you forgot that woman you're standing next to is the Kyuubi DEMON who nearly wipe us off the map twelve years ago! Yet we are willing to pardon that for her! How can you refuse us!? You can live here without the threat of what you went through as a child! You can bring back your clan and help give strength back to Konoha and all of Fire Country. Your strength will make the land of fire a place to be feared like it once was when your Tou-san was alive! This is the land of your birth, you're the sochi of the Yondaime Hokage the strongest shinobi this land ever produced, as well as the clan leader of one of Konoha's most powerful and influential clans! How can you refuse such things? You are obligated to honor your ancestors but most importantly your Tou-san's sacrifice to the land that you are so willing to throw away!" She argued, and while not yelling, held a tone of anger and hatred all the same.

Those people who still feared or hated them, couldn't help but agree with the woman. While those who learned and knew better looked shocked at the woman's audacity. She spoke as if Naruto didn't have any real reasons for leaving, and just felt like it. Suddenly a loud barking laughter resounded within the area, making everyone turn to Naruto.

"You see Ojii-san...nothing has changed..." Naruto reaffirmed. "...this village to too ingrained in it's ways to truly change, especially in such a short time. And while I can't blame them for hating Natsu-chan for what occurred, that doesn't defend the fact that, those feelings won't change any time soon or at all. People hate and fear what they don't understand or can't control, and I can tell you right now that the entirety of this village save for a few is the same. They hate me cause I housed Natsu-chan, they fear me because of my power. I know you are different, however the Haruno head just spoke exactly what many if not all the people here are thinking about myself and her. They aren't genuine in their decision of wanting me...NARUTO back. No...they want the NAMIKAZE back, they want my Kekkei Genkai back, the prestigious clan back! You heard what she said, I'm obligated to stay in Konoha and be used as an economic, political, and militaristic pawn of the land of fire simply because my Tou-san was the Yondaime and both my clans resided here. She completely ignored my argument about WHY I'm leaving this village, simply for the fact that she doesn't want my clan, my strength, and the strength of Natsu-chan to fall into another village's hands." Naruto countered with a sad smile, before looking around to the crowd. "In truth no one but the Inuzuka, Ichiraku, and you want ME back, they either want my clan for it's influence in the world, or my strength. But they don't want me back, they'd rather damn me."

"Naruto-kun I don't think..."

"I think he is right Hokage-sama" Yugito chanced to have her opinion heard, which made many scowl at her intrusion.

"And who are YOU to involve yourself in Konoha matters!?" The Haruno head barked, annoyed that someone from Kumo wished to speak.

"I'm Naruto-kun's friend for one thing, but more importantly I'm a jinchuuriki as well so I think my words have some clout in this situation." Yugito said slightly hissing.

"Please continue." Sarutobi offered.

"Arigato Hokage-sama...as I was about to say. I know first hand what this village is trying to do, in Kumo I'm hated the same as Naruto-kun here. In fact several weeks ago Naruto-kun convinced the Raikage to have all Kumo shinobi stop being hateful towards me. And at first it was nice, the honest smiles, the admiration, the feeling of not being completely despised by my own people. But I could tell, I could see that the majority of KUMO still feared and hated me for what I am. And in my opinion they always will for one reason or another. I don't think it would be different for any jinchuuriki, you people may say you've changed, that you won't treat us the same as you had in the past, and that you've learned your lesson. And perhaps some of you truly have which makes my kin glad, but the fact still remains that we will continually be hated and feared. I agree with Naruto-kun in his assessment of your proposal, you offer him admiration, understanding and hope. Things he already has from his mates as well as Gaara-kun and myself...we accept him unconditionally. You offer him protection from the village...yet you have seen him fight, not only against me but during the invasion I'm sure. Do you really believe he NEEDS protection? He could beat anyone in this village easily if he wished. Yet for only these things that he ALREADY has, you want his power, his Kekkei Genkai, his family influence, his loyalty, his submission to you? I find this proposal highly one-sided favoring you and damning him." She explained allowing her views be heard.

Her views on the matter only seemed to reinforce the feelings everyone already had, the fear of losing his strength to another village, the hatred of what he is and represents, as well as the guilt and shame of the realization it was their own fault.

"Ah so this is where you've been hiding." A new rough voice called out, a voice both Naruto and Yugito knew all too well. From beyond the council members who separated to make a path for the new comer appeared the Raikage in his official robes. "You've been a very naughty kitty Yugito..." He joked though there was a threatening undertone to his words. "...now that I've found you I can finally go back to Kumo, so lets go back to my room to prepare." He ordered, turning around quickly expecting her to follow obediently, but stopped immediately at what he heard next.

"No." Yugito's voice answered back firmly.

The Raikage turned, with a look of shock and anger on his face at HIS shinobi, HIS weapon disobeying him.

"What was that?"

"I said I'm not going back, not with you and not to Kumo."

The Raikage took a moment to absorb her answer, before he began to laugh.

"Yugito lest you forgot, your Kaa-san is under my protection as well as getting medical assistance from Kumo..." He said warmly before his expression darkened, never noticing Elena standing behind the demon pair. "...and I would hate for an unfortunate 'accident' to occur if you don't cooperate." He said almost sweetly, but his threat was clear as day.

"Fortunately for you Raikage I happen to have a much better medical program then you do, and Elena-san happened to be a perfect candidate. So I took the liberty of taking her as my patient so you can free up those funds for other necessities you may need." Naruto intruded on the conversation, keeping the guise of medical treatment in his words.

The Raikage took a moment to look at the hanyou, and although noticing a resemblance to the man that attacked his VOLT officers, dismissed it seeing the demonic features.

"And just who are you, and what do you mean?"

"I'm shocked, I made such a good impression on you and you forgot me already?" He questioned mirthfully, before putting up a henge to lose his tails and ears, making the man gasp. "Ah now you remember ne? As for what I meant was...I found Elena-san and reunited her with her musume. You have no more leverage over either of them. In other words Yugito-chan is free of you, and her slavery to Kumo as a shinobi is over." Naruto explained, with a smirk before taking a side step to reveal a very pissed looking Elena.

The Raikage looked shock at what was occurring, he was never informed about Elena escaping or being rescued by anyone. Yet here she was HIS leverage over his weapon perfectly fine and now reunited with her daughter. He clenched his fists in anger at both the situation and audacity of Naruto undermining him in such a manner. He soon shot a glare at Sarutobi, after trying to think of any options still available to him.

"Hokage-sama I request that you assist me in detaining my shinobi who appears to be deserting me which will make her a missing-nin of Kumo." He requested through gritted teeth, though it coming out more as an order.

"The problem with Ojii-san doing that Raikage is that if he were to order such assistance I would be forced to protect both Elena-san and Yugito-chan. You see I have offered them both asylum and my personal protection. So if anyone tries to either attack or restrain them I will have to retaliate. And Konoha is having enough trouble trying to convince ME to stay here, so helping you out will make it nigh impossible to convince me to stay." Naruto retorted basically giving anyone from Konoha an ultimatum.

"Gomennasai Raikage-sama but Konoha must stay out of outside inner-village military politics, especially of villages we aren't allied with...it could cause a war you know I hope you understand." Sarutobi answered coolly, making the Raikage grit his teeth, knowing he was between a rock and a hard place. He could either attack Naruto AND probably lose, or get Konoha to subdue them under threat of war, a war he knew he wouldn't be able to win.

"I see...very well then for now I shall ALLOW her a short 'vacation' from her duties to the village..." He relented, before another dark expression rose up. "...however be warned that I WILL want her back, and won't stop until I see her once again kneeling before me." He threatened, before 'shunshin'ing away.

The moment he was gone both Yugito and Elena let out a breath neither knew they were holding in, before Yugtio turned to Naruto with an appreciative smile.

"Arigato Naruto-kun"

"Not a problem Yugito-chan" He smiled back.

"Never a dull moment with you ne Naruto-kun?" Sarutobi asked with a chuckle.

"Story of my life Ojii-san" He joked back

"Is there really is nothing we can do or say to make you stay?" Sarutobi asked, a sad smile on his lips while looking at Naruto.

"Gomen Ojii-san, but no...this village holds far too many bad memories and nightmares that I wish to forget, and I'm sure the village will be happy to finally have the 'Demon Child' truly gone from their land." He smiled sadly back.

As the two spoke it seemed as if they completely forgot everyone else, and were just having a chat amongst themselves, a final talk between family.

"Where will you go?" The elderly Hokage asked.

"Suna...I promised to help Gaara with his roommate. Shukaku is anxious to stretch his legs some I'm sure. After that who knows I have a few ideas but nothing concrete."

As if a veil was pulled up from the two speakers, a new voice called out to them, turning everyone's attention towards the back of the assembled council members, before a group pushed through until they were all seen in the front of the group.

"W...why don't you come back with us?" The woman's voice questioned, getting a questioningly look from a majority of the onlookers and a quirked brows from both Naruto and Natsumi.

"And why would I do that? Last I checked I was almost as well liked there as I am in Konoha. More importantly why would the clan and YOU allow it, especially after my banishment...Kushina?" Naruto questioned staring at his 'biological' mother.

Kushina shifted her weight nervously, she had dreaded this confrontation with her son ever since Minato knocked some sense into her. In truth she was terrified, scared that after all she had done to him, she lost her chance to get her son back. Though no matter what she HAD to at least try to get him back, if not to bring him to his only remaining family...then at the very least apologize for her unforgivable actions.

"I can lift the banishment, and allow you back. After that I'll announce to the clan you aren't what we all said you were. That you AREN'T the Kyuubi...but a human...and my sochi." She answered, her eyes expressing the sadness, guilt and shame she felt.

"You realize it'll be just like how I'd still be treated if I stayed in Konoha only on a much smaller scale correct? People aren't robots you can just reprogram when you want something gone from them, and they immediately respond. People REMEMBER what they believe, even if what they believe in is wrong. You can't just say for over a decade I'm the Kyuubi, then out of the blue say I'm human and your sochi, and expect everyone to fall in place and act accordingly. I'll still be hated, and ostracized just like here, simply because people have believed I'm 'evil' for so long." He explained, anger slowly rising into his voice.

Kushina frowned, but nodding in understanding. "I can't defend that, you're right and its all my fault. For not protecting you better, for not defending you against all those who spoke ill of you, for allowing the village to pressure me into believing their propaganda, for being such a terrible Kaa-san. B...but I know better now, I know I was terribly wrong for what I did to you, said about you, treated you. I know you aren't the Kyuubi like I said you were, you're my son, the only piece of my late husband Minato-kun I have left. Please I want...I want to be the Kaa-san that I should have been for you for all those years. My sochi, my heart, my love, my flesh, my blood...my Naru-chan...come back with us, with me...onegai!" She pleaded, her emotions so strong she began to cry half way through her speech.

Many of the onlookers were moved by Kushina's words, and even had the effect of causing some of the people who still hated and feared him to reconsider their thoughts. After all if the woman who was probably the most vocal over his 'demon' lineage had reconsidered her own views, whose to say he really was a demon in the first place? Many looked on towards Naruto expectantly for his answer, but before he could another voice resounded through the area.

"I think you should reconsider both proposals Naruto. I mean you may not believe it, but people CAN change with time. And while I admit not EVERYONE will change their minds and opinions about you and Natsumi-san there. I believe your actions in the village will give you enough credit to have many of the villagers see you in a new light and accept you in time." Jiraya spoke after appearing next to Sarutobi via shunshin with a small warm smile on his aged face.

"I agree Naruto-kun..." Tsunade who was next to Sarutobi let her thoughts be heard as well. "...things may not be perfect for you if you stay here. But it will still be a lot better now then it was when you were a child. I even plan to become the Godaime Hokage once Sarutobi-sensei retires. So you'll have a powerful ally by your side within the village. Stay...stay and live in the land your Tou-san lived and died for. Stay and protect those important to you, stay and raise a family where you yourself were raised...stay and be happy, happy with friends and family." She argued, sadness evident in her own voice.

Many of those listening gasped when Tsunade said she would be the next Hokage, and were even worried about the fact Naruto would have her as an ally. They turned back to Naruto awaiting his answer.

"Unfortunately the problem is that..." He paused before pulling Natsumi and Hana even closer to him before giving off a genuine smile. "...I already AM happy. My life in this village was a nightmare I wouldn't dare wish on Orochimaru himself. And the moment I left my life drastically turned around, and for the first time since I was two years old I was happy and even had a great friend and sensei in Natsu-chan here. I traveled the world and gained friends, allies, and fond memories I wouldn't trade for anything. While the only good things for me to come from this village after I returned was Hana-chan, the Inuzuka clan, and Yugito-chan. So why should I give up my current happiness for this village and what its done to me and Natsu-chan?" He argued. "Besides..." He continued. "...why should I have to fight for any scrape of nice treatment within my home? You say my actions towards the village with the invasion will help give me credit with the villagers...but why should it? I should have been treated like you say I will from the very beginning. I should have been treated like a human being, not some animal or demon, and I shouldn't have had to fight for people to act accordingly."

Those involved in the conversation just stared at the orange haired hanyou, while they mentally searched for any answer, and unfortunately found none. There was silence for a while until Jiraya spoke up once more.

"Was it really so horrible here that you will never consider returning, even if people change their attitudes and ideas about you?" He asked though it was more to himself.

The moment the last word left his lips, a blast of KI engulfed the area...though it was only potent enough to get everyone's undivided attention. Everyone stared at Naruto who was the cause, and looked on in shock as the smile that had adorned his face when he spoke was now gone, a cold expression now etched into it, his eyes shining with an icy rage. Naruto released his hold on his mates and walked past them, his tails swishing about violently, as he stalked towards those who had been trying to convince him to stay or go back to the Uzumaki clan. The shinobi surrounding them prepared themselves for a fight incase Naruto tried anything, which also further proved Naruto's point. He stopped walking a few feet away from the sannin, and looked at each one for a moment.

"Was it REALLY that horrible you ask?" He mimicked Jiraya's words, before a cruel smile graced his lips, making those who saw it flinch. "Very well, since you're all so adamant about me staying, I'll make a bet with you. I'll show you what I went through between the time Kushina abandoned me until the day I left the village. Once you see it, if you can all honestly tell me I should stay in Konoha and go back to the Uzumaki clan because I'll be happy or happier I will." He offered, though didn't give them a chance to answer before he handsealed and pressed his tail tips against the foreheads of Jiraya, Tsunade, and Kushina. "Onipou: Sugi no Suna (Demon Art: Sands of the Past)!"

Several minutes passed, with the four not moving an inch, the audience murmuring about what he was doing to them, and whether it was bad or good.

"Since no one else seems to have the balls." A random ANBU member whispered to himself, before disappearing a small cloud of dust in his wake.

Many of the shinobi sensed KI, but weren't sure where it was coming from and were tense about who the target was. A few yards from Naruto and the council appeared the assailant, with his sword drawn and ready to impale his target. Many of the other shinobi realized it too late to be able to stop him, but when he was only a few feet from impaling Naruto in the back, Natsumi appeared beside him but looking in the opposite direction. Her clawed hand shot forward and surrounded his mask covered face. The power behind the thrust so strong that it held the man's head in a stationary position while the rest of his body continued forward from his momentum, the actions making him look like a rag-doll. Then in a fluid motion Natsumi sent her arm and transversely the man's head followed by his body straight into the ground the impact so powerful that his head made a crater, as his body landed limply. After her actions to protect her mate, she stood up and looked directly at Sarutobi and the rest of the council with disdain.

"THIS..." She pointed to the now dead ANBU. "...is exactly why we are leaving." She stated in a tone that allowed no argument. Many looked away in shame, and guilt unable to look at Natsumi after what just occurred, especially when only minutes ago the Hokage stated this wouldn't happen. "Haku-chan, Yugito-san, Hana-chan, Elena-san...get ready to leave, Naruto is just about finished." She ordered.

As if on cue about half a minute later, Naruto's tails pulled back from the foreheads swinging back behind the hanyou. Everyone looked on curiously at the trio to finally get answers about what exactly Naruto had just done to them.

"Now tell me I should stay...tell me that I'll be happy here!?" Naruto growled out to the trio, his tone not hiding his anger one bit, making many flinch at it.

As soon as his demand was spoken, the trio each had reactions that shocked those watching, all three staring ahead as if everyone else was invisible to them. Jiraya simply looked as pale as a ghost his face having no color, his eyes wide in horror, his mouth slightly open which only enhanced his petrified look. Tsunade had the same pale complexion as her teammate, but her face was more one of a horrified sadness, tears were streaming down her cheeks as her hands were cupped over her mouth in shock.

But the worst reaction was Kushina, her face was twisted to one like Tsunade only worse, tears streamed down her face, with her mouth open in shock with her hands gripping her face in horror. What she witnessed hit her so deeply that even her body began to react, it started as a small shiver, before it escalated to tremors. Soon the tremors became so strong that her knees buckled and she fell to her knees, before falling back on her butt...her expression not changing at all during this as she just stared at the ground as if in a coma, hot tears still falling down her face.

Naruto looked at each of their reactions, and snorted in annoyance about having to go so far as to show them his life back then to get them to shut up.

"W...what did you do Naruto-kun?" Sarutobi asked, shaken to see his two students and Yondaime's wife react in such a way.

"I did exactly as I said I would... I showed them my life here." He answered, making anyone who knew, the extent flinch.

"Gomennasai Naruto...I...I don't know what to say." Jiraya's voice cut in, though his usual playful tone as the toad sannin was absent, his face looking slightly more normal but still holding remnants of his reaction.

"There is nothing you can SAY nor DO..." Naruto corrected. "...however your reactions, as well as I'm sure future nightmares and guilt for what you did or in this case DIDN'T do which helped to cause all that you saw are sufficient enough to sate the little vengeance I did have for those who have done me wrong." He shot back, making the two sannin flinch at his bluntness, Tsunade wanted to retort but when she tried to talk nothing came out, it seemed her own mind knew that to continue arguing for him to stay was now a moot point especially after what the three saw, and inadvertently allowed due to their horribly selfish choices towards him. "And it seems I've won he bet so sayonara." He finished before turning on his heels and began to walk away.

A whispered, and chocked voice began to speak, that only Naruto, Natsumi with their advanced hearing, and the sannin being so close could hear.

"Gomennasai..." Naruto stopped walking and craned his head to look behind him. "...gomennasai..." He looked at the huddled form of his 'biological' mother, recognizing it as her voice as she continued to chant. "...gomennasai..." His eyes narrowed to slits seeing tears still falling from her eyes. "...gomen..."

"You should be..." He interrupted her chanting, his tone emotionless making those who heard the interaction flinch at his brutal honesty, before he turned again so his back was to her. "..you abandoned your first born, your own flesh and blood inside a village which contained stupid, bigoted, savage, fearful, and angry villagers when he was just two years old. You kept tabs on him throughout his life in the village, and after learning he survived began to train your new children in the shinobi arts for one purpose...to KILL him! So hai you should most DEFINATELY be sorry, especially after learning that all you did was throw away your sochi." He agreed, before sighing in annoyance. "However despite all that, you should know one thing Kushina..." He paused to give her time to pay attention to his next words. "...for those two years with the clan and you I loved you unconditionally, and I truly was happy then." He finished, his tone much warmer then it had been moments ago, his words making Kushina who was looking at his back renew her tears of guilt, sorrow ad regret. Though this time some of them were tears of happiness that her son despite not wanting anything to do with her, had loved her at one point.

Naruto began his trek back to his group, however a presence rushing towards him from behind made him turn around incase it was another attacker, since he noticed the dead ANBU and his death being one on Natsumi's caliber. The moment he fully turned, a body impacted his stomach before arms wrapped around his back, the shock knocking the wind slightly out of him. He looked down only to see a mop of red hair, arms around him, and a youthful feminine face crying against his stomach.

[Begin Playing: Here To Stay By: Bleach OST 2]

"Don't *sob* don't go Onii-chan, I *sob* I don't want you to go!" Kasumi's muffled voice cried out against the fabric of his shirt, shocking many of the onlookers especially the Uzumakis, considering only days ago she wanted his head.

Naruto was quite surprised by her outburst but he couldn't help but smile at her actions. He caressed her head and hair gently, with a small smile pulling at his lips, and just allowed the young girl to cry. In truth Kasumi really was the only person that Naruto was willing to put any true effort in not only forgiving for her actions against him, but in reconciliation. Natsumi had been manipulated to believe that he was an evil demon, and was taught specifically to kill him, and while her brothers were as well...she was the only one who seemed to question her clan's teachings.

Valios seemed too hard headed to realize the truth, and Kyoshiro just didn't care enough. Had either done what she did, he'd have attempted to befriend them as well, but alas they didn't. Finally after a few minutes Kasumi's tears dried up and just clung to her brother not wanting to let go. Naruto knowing this, pulled her off him, but kept her close and kneeled down to be eye level with her.

"Gomen Kasumi-chan..." He apologized in a warm brotherly tone, as he wiped the tear stains from her cheeks. "...but you know I can't stay here, and you know I won't be welcomed in the clan."

"I...I know, I...I just don't want to lose you. I get to finally have my Onii-chan back, and I'm losing him already." She sniffled.

Naruto gave his half-sister a sad smile, and pulled her close into a hug.

"I know...I know its not fair Kasumi-chan..." He cooed, while rubbing circles along her back, before a thought came to him. "Ne Kasumi-chan, how about I give you something that will allow you to see me whenever you want?" He questioned, hearing this Kasumi stopped the hug and stepped back to look at him. "I can give you a kunai that I can use with the Yondaime's Kekkei Genkai...and when you need me I'll be there, how does that sound?"

"D...do you really mean it Onii-chan?" She questioned, an undertone of hope on her voice.

Naruto just smiled, and nodded slightly before grabbing a three pronged kunai out of his supply pouch and handed it to her, no one noticing a Genjutsu over it to look like a regular kunai.

"Now Kasumi-chan I have a few rules about using it..." He stated his voice turning stern like when a brother spoke to a sister. "...I only want you to use this kunai when no one from your clan is around, not even Kushina or your Nii-sans. If they find out you have this they could try to use it for some 'unpleasant' purposes. Also, don't use it for any little thing, I'd prefer to keep it in the categories of training help, emotional help, and life-threatening help. Simply because I may not ALWAYS be able to help you so if we keep the usage down to those three I know you'll REALLY need me so I'll come. Do you understand what I'm telling you, and promise to only use this kunai with these rules in mind?" He asked, before childishly sticking out his fist with his pinky extended, making a knowing smile appear on her face.

"Hai! I promise Onii-chan!" She said happily, while interlocking her own pinky with his sealing the promise.

Naruto just smiled, before standing up and ruffled her hair playfully, before noting that Tsume, and Sarutobi now stood behind Kasumi.

"So you're really leaving." Sarutobi spoke, though more as a statement then a question, only getting a nod in response. "I'm gonna miss you, you know." He finished with a sad smile.

"I'll miss you too Ojii-san"

The pair moved forward and embraced knowing it'll probably be a long time before they see each other again, if ever. They released the hug, and Naruto then turned to his 'mother'.

"You weren't planning on leaving without saying sayonara to your Kaa-san now were you?" Tsume said jokingly, with a sad smile on her lips at seeing her adoptive 'son' leave.

"Wouldn't dream of it Kaa-san" He answered with his own sad smile, before they hugged.

"You better take care of yourself sochi, as well at your mates. If I hear anything about you cheating on them or the like...expect to see me, and to feel a bit lighter after the confrontation cause your balls will be gone." She threatened, though with a playful undertone, letting a few tears fall down her cheeks at having to say goodbye.

"Never crossed my mind...with two goddesses as my mates, doubt anyone could ask for more..." He retorted. "...and if you take them, don't expect any grandbabies then." He threatened back while snickering knowing it was a weakness of all mothers to want grandchildren to spoil.

The two finished their private conversation and released each other, Naruto smiled at his 'family' one last time before turning around and heading back to the group.

"Ready Naru-kun?" Hana asked

"Hai...lets go."

"Matte!" A voice called out, confusing many while a few recognized the voice easily enough, and in a swirl of leaves between Sarutobi and Naruto's group, appeared Mitarashi Anko in all her fish-netted, trench coat barely covering her generous breasts, mini-skirt wearing glory. "G...go...gomen Hokage...-sama" She apologized while panting out of breath, her chest heaving up and down with sweat glistening down her flesh...giving a rather nice show for the men in the surrounding area, many of whom had to cover their noses lest they die from anemia.

"Whats wrong Anko-san?" Sarutobi asked, wondering what was so important that even a special Jounin would travel in such a way to be so out of breath...while trying to keep his eyes directed at anything but her glistening and heaving chest.

"I finally finished my resignation papers!" She chirped happily with a wide smile, her answer making many fall over and the rest sweat drop.

Sarutobi frowned. "I see, I was hoping you had reconsidered but I suppose that was wishful thinking on my part." He said whimsically, reaching out for the resignation scroll she had in her hand.

Anko frowned at his words, and in truth hated seeing him disappointed especially in her. He was one of the few people in the village to keep their word about treating her as Mitarashi Anko instead of 'the snake bitch'. She was always thankful to the Hokage for his sincerity and patience with her. He was her rock when times got tough and no one else was willing to listen to her. And when he proved himself countless times to be on her side, she silently vowed to herself to always make him proud of her.

However with everything that happened with Naruto as well as the arguments that just occurred when she was putting the final touches on her papers, she finally realized that just like Naruto...no matter what she did or tried she would never TRULY be accepted by this village. Perhaps by a select few which she will hate leaving but the majority of the village would continue to vilify her until her dying day. Anko bowed apologetically before speaking again in a soft subdued voice.

"Gomenansai Hokage-sama, I know you must be disappointed."

"Hai...that I am Anko-chan..." He began, his words driving a kunai into her heart. "...but not in you, but in this village. Their past actions are now coming full circle, causing me to lose two powerful kunoichi in you and Hana-san, as well as an even stronger ally in Naruto-kun and Natsumi-san." He explained shaking his head in disappointment. "I could never be disappointed in you Anko-chan, you have served me faithfully and proudly for many years. You are one of the strongest shinobi I have, and while it will hurt both the village and myself to lose you, I agree that its about time that you make a decision for YOUR own future...not for this village, not for me, but for YOU." He explained with a warm fatherly smile.

Anko stood up at his words, and couldn't help but feel proud and happy that her elderly 'father' figure praised her still even when she was leaving him. Tears rimmed her eyes, before she shot forward and wrapped the Kage in a hug. Sarutobi chuckled at her actions and simply petted her head like a father would a daughter.

"Arigato Hokage-sama." She cried out.

"Hai hai, there there Anko-chan" He answered warmly still chuckling.

"I'll miss our talks" She confessed.

"As will I. I will miss your antics amongst your fellow shinobi as well. In truth if I had a musume I would want her to be much like you...only not as bloodthirsty, and wearing slightly more appropriate clothing." He joked

Anko couldn't help but chuckle between sobs at his joke, with a broad smile on her face, happy at his warm words, and proud that he basically said he would want her as a daughter. The two finally released their hug, letting one last smile be seen by the other, before Anko turned, picked up her back pack and jogged up to Naruto's group.

"Decided to come with us ne?" Naruto questioned though assumed the answer.

"Hai...and I think I'd fit right in with your little group...if you don't mind that is." She answered with a mischievous innocence.

The group looked at one another, before most shrugged in indifference or nodded in affirmation.

"Welcome aboard" He answered with a smile.

"Arigato Naruto-kun" She said in a seductive tease, making him chuckle and shake his head disapprovingly.

"Well lets go, Suna takes about four days from here"

The now group of seven adjusted their packs before heading towards the gates. Once they reached them they stopped when the shinobi blockade didn't move.

"We've talked to your council...please move!" Haku requested, finally feeling that she could talk, since the topics before hand weren't her business.

The shinobi didn't budge an inch and just stared down the group, before hearing 'let them pass' from their superior. With begrudging murmurs the Jounin and ANBU stepped aside giving the group barely enough birth to get through. Naruto suddenly turned back to those villagers present before he spoke.

"There is just one last thing I wished to say before leaving here..." He paused getting everyone's attention. "...and as I speak, I want all of you to think long and hard about my words and about yourself as human beings..." He paused once more getting odd looks from many. "...you say you wish to repent for your actions against me. You say you've changed your attitudes towards me. You wish for me to stay because of my HUMAN lineage, because I'm a hero of the village, because I'm the clan leader of the Namikaze..." He paused once more to let his words sink in. "...but I wonder...would any of you really give a damn about me if I really was an orphan? Would you really try SO hard to keep me in the village if I was born a commoner's sochi instead of a Hokage's? Would you even care about repenting and changing your attitudes towards me if I wasn't born into a powerful clan? But instead born to lowly commoner whom you've never heard of? Or would you keep your backs turned and leave me to starve, be beaten almost to death, cursed for simply breathing? All because in your eyes I'm simply not important enough to put forth any effort into helping. Because YOU won't get anything worthwhile in return from me for simply just doing the right damn thing for another human being who was suffering?" He paused one last time. "If you ask me...I think its the latter...sayonara Konoha." He finished, before turning his back to them, signaling for the group to continue, his words striking many in an odd sense, making them mentally question 'Am I really a bad person?'.

As they past the shinobi, an arm shot out and grabbed Anko's stopping her in her tracks. The purple haired Jounin turned to see who the person was that would lose their arm only to find the sad, exotic eyes of her best friend Yuuhi Kurenai.

"When were you going to tell me?" Kunreai questioned, her sadness dripping from her words, making Anko feel guilty as sin.

"Anko?" Naruto spoke up.

"Gomen go on without me I'll catch up" She answered getting a nod from the group, before she turned back to her long time friend. "Nai-chan I..." She began before stopping when Kurenai grabbed her into an embrace.

"You could have warned me you bitch" The red eyed woman said against her, Anko knowing that they used those 'nicknames' with each other all the time and to not take offense.

"Gomennasai Nai-chan, I was planning on telling you but with this whole situation in the streets I couldn't tell you alone. I left a scroll in your apartment instead since I wasn't sure if I'd get the chance to see you." She explained, hugging Kurenai harder.

"Even so...leaving like this...why?"

"You know why Nai-chan...other then you, Ibiki and Sarutobi-sama no one here even likes me. You know better then anyone the names they call me when they think I'm not listening, as well as the reputations they've spread. And Naruto-kun's argument just now with the council was the clincher to my decision to leave and try to find a place that'll accept me without having to jump through hoops."

"Hai, I certainly understand that...its just...I'm sad to see you go. You're my comrade, my best friend, my 'snake-bitch', my dearest sister." The genjutsu mistress confessed.

"I know Nai-chan gomen, I wish I could stay...but I...I just can't anymore. You too are my comrade, my best friend, my 'red eyes', and the best damn sister I could ever ask for. And when I finally settle down somewhere I'll make sure to write you."

The pair finished talking, and released the embrace, taking a long moment to look at their best friend. The moment finally ended, and Anko smiled a genuine smile before turning and running towards the group that was almost out of sight by now.

"Naruto-kun!" She yelled...though more like a pouty moan. "Wait up for lil ol' me!" She finished playfully.

[End Song]

She reached the group soon enough and settled to walk next to Elena.

"Naruto-kun where are we going after Suna?" Yugito asked, making him quick an eyebrow. "Oh don't give me that, we all know you don't usually 'wing it' when it comes to anything but the battlefield, so..."

"We're going to meet an old friend..." He answered cryptically, with a chuckle. "...so I hope you brought some warm clothes...especially you Anko-chan."

"Me? Whys that? My clothes are just fine." She looked bewildered while opening her trench coat to see if something was wrong, giving the group quite the show.

"Because unless you enjoy your nipples being able to cut glass, and certain 'hairs' to become icicles I suggest you buy some in Suna or when we get to the harbor that we'll be going to later." He explained.

A good minute of silence reigned within the group, before the ramifications of Naruto's words hit Anko like a ton of bricks and she actually had the decency to blush.

"HEY! I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW I'M AS SOFT, BARREN, AND SMOOTH DOWN THERE AS THE DAY I WAS BORN! AND BEING ABLE TO CUT GLASS LIKE THAT WOULD BE USEFUL AS A KUNOICHI!" She yelled pseudo-angrily, with her arms flailing slightly, before calming down. "Besides...I could always ask you to warm me up." She childishly whined, with a cute pout on her face, her words making a few of the women blush at her...honesty, and Haku as red as a tomato.

"Maa maa calm down...we'll avoid all that by getting some supples and clothes later, but for now lets get to Suna."

The group nodded in affirmation, before picking up speed heading to their next destination.

Konoha Gates,

The group of seven were finally out of sight when Hiashi strode up next to Sarutobi.

"The village missed a golden opportunity to gain powerful shinobi with what we did in the past didn't it?" The Hyuuga leader asked.

"Hai, that we did Hiashi-san, but its our own fault for being fearful bigots who can't even use common sense when dealing with people 'different' then us."

"Its a shame, those two would have made incredible shinobi demon or not. And the boy could have probably become Hokage after Tsunade-san retires." The Hyuuga leader stated before shaking his head in disappointment, before turning back and heading home now that there was nothing more to discuss.

"Sarutobi..." A feminine voice called out, making him turn to see his old teammates striding up to him. "...are you really going to let them go unsupervised? They may not currently want to take revenge, but you heard what he said. And with his power he could pose a very serious threat to the village if that fact changes." Koharu stated flatly.

"And what would you have me do?"

"Send a group of ANBU to keep tabs on him so we know where he'll reside. He already said he isn't staying in Suna so we should know where he goes for the village's safety."

Sarutobi sighed at his teammates bluntness, but to keep the peace he decided to not argue the fact that he trusted Naruto unconditionally.

"Very well I'll have a team follow them." He agreed, getting nods from the aged pair before they left him to his own devices.

"HOKAGE-SAMA!" A Jounin shouted while running towards him.

"Ugh...now what?" He mentally groaned.

"Hai?"

"Hokage-sama I was doing my rounds patrolling the village when I noticed something you should know..." He began, getting a quirked eyebrow from the Hokage. "...the Namikaze mansion is missing!"

"What do you mean missing?"

"I mean sir, that where the mansion was only hours ago...is now only a plot of land and dirt...the mansion is completely gone!"

"Never a dull day with you is there Naruto?" Sarutobi mentally sighed, just imagining Naruto's large playful grin at the moment, figuring that it had to be him since Jiraya couldn't have done it, and only a Fuuinjutsu could make an entire mansion disappear with no one realizing it.

"Good work, I'll deal with this...continue with your patrol."

"Hai Hokage-sama!" The Jounin affirmed, before disappearing..

Sarutobi took one last look at the horizon that Naruto disappeared over, before turning back to the council, and saw Jiraya, Tsunade and the Uzumaki children helping Kushina who was still crying to get back to the hotel and get ready to go back home.

"A true shame indeed...but we only have ourselves and our actions to blame." Sarutobi thought, taking out his pipe and began to walk back to his office to update the bingo book with two extra reward-less SS-ranked editions with flee on sight orders for one Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto, and one Natsumi. "Stay safe and be happy all of you, you deserve it after so long."