章 32: L
Chapter 480:
The thick ropes at his elbows were never tight and as they relied on the wrists remaining
secure, Naruto could easily slide his arms out of them before cutting the rope at his neck
with his left hand and deflecting non-lethal shots from the dark-haired ANBU with his right
hand. Though Naruto could block most of Sai's repeated close-ranged attacks, his left
shoulder, right forearm, and left calf were pierced by sharpened steel, embedding shuriken
in his flesh. He grits his teeth and ignores the sharp pain signals bombarding his brain to
focus on keeping his sluggish hands moving.
Rather than leap in and risk losing the assistance of his chakra, Sai determines the best
course of action was to use his jutsu from outside the seal's range and hope his creations
remain unimpaired. With a short pause for the raven-haired boy to quickly draw on an
unrolled scroll, the blond quickly cuts the remaining bindings and throws the shuriken in his
left hand at his captor, forcing him to deflect it with his brush as Naruto uses the bolted steel
chair to push himself out of the seal's range.
There's a flash of light as Naruto's in the air, and quickly, two large drawings of lions erupt
out of Sai's scroll. Leading with black-ink-on-paper claws and large fangs, the intent was
clearly to bite into Naruto's entire torso and detain him until reinforcements arrive.
Fortunately, Naruto had spare shuriken, ripping the ones out of his shoulder and forearm to
hit the lions squarely in the forehead.
Sai had another lion leaping out of his scroll, however, he'd already landed and rolled past
the seal's threshold. Even as the third lion was in the air making its way to Naruto's flesh, the
blond's body came alive with raw undiluted power. With bountiful strength flowing through
him once again, he stared directly into the well-drawn lion's face as he happily slowed time
down to a crawl.
With his freedom all but certain, Naruto and Kurama were of one course of action:
retribution. They both understood, then and there, there would be no peace with Danzō
freely operating from the shadows. Naruto was wounded, hurting, nearly at that man's
psychotic mercy, and hates that that feeling of powerlessness can be inflicted on anyone of
his family and friends. There was only one destination that fell in line with what needed to be
rectified, and with a mischievous smirk on his lips, he decided on the tunnel to travel, then
disappeared from the torture room.
SASUKE'S ROOM
Under the blinking lights of the night sky, in one of the few abandoned sectors of Konoha,
two brothers lived in an enormous home. Though old and worn on the exterior, the inside
was well-maintained. Not out of a need to be clean, but out of respect for the life that used to
inhabit the home. The Uchiha compound was harder and more cynical than other parts of
Konoha, however, there were children who still laughed, loves that still blossomed, and
triumphs that were shared.
In the simple and clean bedroom of one of the last remaining Uchiha, Sasuke is seated
upright on his bed while Itachi sits on the edge, redressing his bandages. Sasuke remained
silent as his older brother calmly revealed everything that was kept from him. Though hurt
weak, Sasuke's mind was absorbing every detail coming out of Itachi's mouth; all the
players, the places, and the times. Sasuke was silent. His anger kept him from speaking so
as to not interrupt the meal of information he'll be thinking about and stewing over for some
time.
Itachi still wasn't certain if such a direct approach was the proper way to deal with everything
that was coming. As he didn't believe Naruto to be a liar, he was forced to accept that his
original plan was no longer viable. He never considered comfort when coming up with a
plan, but taking on problems head-on in the open was decidedly not his preferred method of
action. Though he respects Naruto for his bullish beliefs, Itachi didn't think solving his
problems in the light of day suited his predilection, including dealing with Sasuke's anger.
You couldn't tell from his face, but Itachi felt a daily measure of peace being in his little
brother's life again. He didn't think he deserved forgiveness or acceptance. He'd killed far too
many for anything so miraculous. Itachi can only assume there would be a moment he can
truly atone for his part in the horrors of the past. If everything Naruto told him is true, which
he believes it is, he knows he'll have an opportunity to do one right thing in the world he was
born in.
As Itachi was fixing the end of the gauze around his forehead with a small metal clip, he's
orating, "he formed a new organization called Akatsuki and hid in its shadows-" when
suddenly, the space beside him was immediately filled mass, heat, and blood. Uzumaki
Naruto appears out of nothing and falls to one knee, blood seeping a dripping from several
wounds.
Both Uchiha were up and alert, extending their senses for any possible nearby threats as
Itachi asks, "Naruto… what happened-"
"Danzō," Naruto quickly interjected as he stands upright once again. Focusing their attention
on the bloodied blond, the brothers are especially curious at the mention of that man's name
as he growls, "fucking Danzō is what happened!" Itachi kept his arm on Sasuke's shoulder
as Naruto moves to the most spacious area of the room, crosses his fingers, then winces at
the throbbing pain of his forearm. Momentarily ignoring it, he crosses his fingers and voices,
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."
Three bloodied and pissed-off clones appear around him. Without needing to tell them
anything, one disappears exactly as the original Naruto had appeared while the other two sit
on the wood floor, cross-legged, and begin gathering natural energy. From within the seal,
Naruto turns back to look at a towering Kurama, challenging the smirking fox by asking, 'so,
how was that?'
The indication was clear to the demon fox. Tied and trapped, the blond escaped without
help, as he promised he would, making Kurama snort, then shake his large smirking head
before gladly answering, 'that insolent pest ruined my night.' Leaning down, eying Naruto
with large feral eyes, he demands, 'rip his fucking guts out!'
Chapter 481:
Setting the imagery aside, Naruto smirks at his partner. Despite being tired, bleeding, and in
throbbing pain, Naruto enters another section of his mind, outstretches his desire, his reach,
and easily accesses Kurama's chakra. Sasuke and Itachi bear witness to the young man
before them flicker brightly before flaring into Kurama Chakra Mode.
Sasuke's eyes flinch and squint at the light and power rolling off of his teammate and he
can't help the shock, inferiority, and anger swelling his chest. He hadn't directly seen his idiot
teammate summon so much power before. He could only go by what his brother had shared
with him, however, hearing it, and seeing it was more disheartening than he could've
expected. Sasuke could identify the fury within him as the very thing Itachi wants him to let
go, but looking at the golden Naruto's tremendous strength, he can't imagine how he could
let that go. Sasuke knew it was the only thing keeping him going.
"Naruto," Itachi called, stepping forward. Sasuke steps forward while his brother asks, "what
happened, exactly?"
Unable to set aside his righteous fury, Naruto focuses on the Uchihas as he angrily answers,
"I was just kidnapped by Danzō!" Naruto took a deep breath to keep the overwhelming
feeling from destabilizing his focus. "I got away, but I'm heading back right now to burn his
fucking house down. I thought you'd want to tag along."
Itachi's answer is to walk over to Sasuke's leg holster atop his dresser as he asks, "I can get
us in, but even if they haven't set up additional traps, and it's unlikely we can get there
before Danzō leaves-"
"My kunai are still there," Naruto answered, tapping his weaponless thigh as Itachi fastens a
tanto on his lower back. When Sasuke moves to arm himself as well, the elder Uchiha
voices, "not you, Sasuke."
Dreading his brother would say that, a frustrated Sasuke immediately bites back, "you can't
go by yourself! And after what they did to us, you can't expect me to just stay here either!"
"You're still recovering," Itachi calmly points out.
Still feeling aches, burning, and weakness throughout his body, Sasuke knew he couldn't
deny it with any credibility. He blames Naruto for his taxing injuries, however, he blames
himself for not expecting it. Sasuke didn't know how much stronger Naruto had gotten in
such a short period. Worse yet, he doubts he would've believed it even if Itachi had told him
beforehand. Like the vibrating misery aching up and down his spine, accepting reality no
matter how much he disagrees with it was a hard lesson for the young Uchiha to learn.
"You're not ready to face Root, besides," Itachi callously finishes, adding insult to injury.
Realizing the golden boy in his room is watching them, Sasuke felt his spin flare with ache &
shame and couldn't help pointing to Naruto as he yells, "and Naruto is!?"
In an instant, Itachi is on him with his hand on his bandaged head, leaning so close, their
foreheads nearly touch. Look deeply into his young brother's onyx eyes, he states with a soft
voice, "Sasuke, the painful truth is you'd only get in the way. There's no shame in
acknowledging the current state of your abilities."
"You think I care about that?" a frustrated Sasuke whispered back. "I NEED to make them
pay!"
Itachi smiles a bit with an understanding nod, not humoring or indulging him, but truly
understanding the depth of his hurting desires. The older Uchiha wisely imparts, "when you
find you can't control the situation, you must challenge yourself to control how you respond
to it, because very often, I find that is generally the best anyone can do." Itachi bumps their
forehead before backing away and saying, "at the moment, you can't, but soon, I promise
you, you will. Everything I have in me to teach, I will pass on to you. So, stay, okay?"
Sasuke's tight fist crack and pop as he tightens them, however, though quite angered, he
sternly nods. Naruto was happy to see such control. Typically, Sasuke led with intelligence
and only lost himself when it came to his brother. To see him favor the smart play, no matter
how much he hates it, gave Naruto hope they could one day be close friends. Despite his
mirth, however, he feels his clones enter sage mode and recalls the vengeful business at
hand.
Without a clear subject, Naruto tells Itachi, "I told you who killed him, but I never told you it
took a lot out of him. And he fought with the Mangekyo too, so if it gave him trouble, we need
to be careful."
Looking between the two curiously, Sasuke repeats, "Mangekyo? You mean the Mangekyo
Sharingan? How do you know about that and who are you talking-"
Interrupting him, Itachi reasons, "if Danzō held his own against a Sharingan of that caliber,
he'd have to possess power on your level or higher, which I don't believe he does… or have
a Sharingan himself."
"He can't," Sasuke ardently protested. "He's not Uchiha-"
"If Kakashi-senpai can have one…" is all Itachi replies with.
"You ready?"
After Itachi's nod, one of Naruto's clones disperses into a white puff of smoke, breathing new
robust sage chakra into Naruto's chakra network on top of Kurama's chakra. With large
tenketsu, Naruto's body revels in feeling so much potent energy flowing freely through him.
Staring in disbelief, Sasuke backs a step away at the incredible golden sight of Naruto. Itachi
taps Sasuke's forehead then smiles at his distracted brother before disappearing in a
fraction of a blink of an eye. Sasuke is then left alone with a quiet clone of Naruto sitting
cross-legged on the floor.
An emphatically enhanced Naruto teleports them directly to the kunai holster that's still on
the table it was placed on when he was first brought there. The stone room is empty now,
with the steel chair still in the middle and pieces of thick rope on the bloodied floor around it.
Pointing with his finger, Naruto quickly explained staying away from the hei seal on the floor
as it suppresses tenketsu as he senses everyone in the base.
Chapter 482:
The underground multi-leveled base easily felt over two hundred feet deep to the high-
powered blond. He can sense chakra rushing through ten stories of numerous tunnels,
meeting rooms, wells, and passages. Judging by the chakra signatures on the surface,
Naruto figures this underground base is directly under Hokage tower and he can't imagine
how easily that helps them spy on the Hokage's meetings. Putting aside the impressive
structure of the base just under the village, Naruto focuses on the movements of every
chakra signature below ground.
It was effortless to pinpoint Danzō's chakra signature three levels up and fifty feet to the
east. A dozen men surrounded him and Naruto counted another two dozen rushing through
the base. Everyone appears to be on high alert, however, their chakras are relatively calm.
Naruto spots one signature he's familiar with. The one he thinks is the Sai character Naru-nii
told him about. He's the one Root member who feels less negative than the others.
The possible-Sai was near Danzō, likely taking orders like everyone else on this base.
Orders that take Konoha less into account. Orders that only serve him and his twisted ends.
Orders that sow chaos and conflict in the world. The type of orders that would kidnap,
murder, extol continuous suffering. It disgusted Naruto more than what he knows about
Madara, and rather than sneaking through corridors, ventilation, or hidden passageways,
Naruto's ever-increasing agitation erupts a gold-colored chakra arm out of his right forearm.
In less than three seconds, he creates a Rasenshuriken. Itachi steps several paces away,
nearly to the corner of the room as the golden-blond cranks back his arm and immediately
hurls the devastating technique directly toward Danzō.
The compacted hurricane slices & demolishes wall-after-wall up three floors toward its target
and Naruto could sense every soul desperately leap out of the way of the oncoming
technique. He expected everyone was skilled enough to avoid the far-off attack, however, he
was certain none of them expected it to detonate into a massive sphere of annihilation. The
worst of it shakes the underground base for several seconds and the blond imagined them
watching a fifty-yard chunk of their territory being pulverized by an uncountable number of
minuscule wind-blades. He imagined that scared them. He imagined that helped their sense
of survival come to the cold conclusion that they fucked up in the worst way.
Naruto's fairly sure the best sensors in Konoha detected that, and while unable to see
through the dust and debris obscuring the series of holes, the pair at least have a much
clearer path to their target now. As the dust slowly settles, Itachi steps beside Naruto and
extends his weapon holster.
Realizing he forgot to put it on as well as explain why he attacked, he relays, "oh, uh,
Danzō's that way."
With an easy nod, Itachi informs him, "they have many sensors in every hall. We were never
going to reach Danzō undetected."
As he straps on his weapon holster to his thigh, Naruto senses numerous shinobi heading
straight for them and tells Itachi, "they'll be on us in six seconds."
"Considering your strength and style are comparable to Kisame, I believe we'll work well
together," Itachi noted. "Just do as you like, and I'll alert you if anything comes up I think you
should know."
"Roger that," Naruto hollered before bending down like he's about to sprint in a race.
A hair-line split of a second later, Naruto leaps through the first hole, and though the first
three to impede his progress to Danzō are intensely trained adults, they're not nearly as fast
or as strong as Naruto is. Compared to Naruto's current speed, they may as well be standing
still. Two quick steps on the floor and his fist is embedded in the closest Root's chest. A half-
step spin, and Naruto's elbow blows through the next man's chin. Feeling a familiar chakra
behind him, Naruto ignores the third man, dropping from a stiff strike to the back of the head
from Itachi, to leap through the next hole.
Flying through the hole into the next room, Naruto's face is inches away from a series of
shuriken and kunai slicing through the air at him. Naruto engulfs his entire arm in Kurama's
golden chakra, enlarging his limb to easily catch the dozen weapons thrown before hurling
them back. Landing, he enlarges his arm further and rockets the dense chakra like a golden
snake bulldozing two bodies through the wall, grabbing another's legs and using him as a
club to smash against his comrades. Even as the remaining four regroup to attack Naruto,
he is already leaping through the next hole in the ceiling, leaving the remaining four with the
Sharingan user.
All four men attack Itachi with swords draw from each side. Four sharp blades pierce
through the unmoving man at such speed, their clothes whirl and Itachi's long hair rises in a
circular fashion. Itachi's blood-red eyes flash before the Uchiha disappears from the center
of the kill-box, and like an invisible curtain draw, the four men find that they've stabbed each
other.
Landing in a larger room in a yellow flash, two dozen Root Anbu await Naruto with weapons
draw and clear killing intent. A second later, Itachi lands softly next to him with his Sharingan
activated. Naruto creates two grapefruit-sized Rasengan in each hand when, quite
unexpectedly, all twenty-four men shunshin away. Oddly enough, Naruto and Itachi sense
their escape through the base at incredible speed. Confused, Naruto even senses them
reach the surface as he asks, "uh, did they seriously run away?" For a beat, Itachi is in silent
contemplation as the blond adds, "probably don't want to end up like their friends."
"They don't do friends, Naruto," Itachi returns. "Their lives are nothing more than a series of
missions, maneuvers, protocols, and tactics. They do nothing unless it serves their agenda.
Danzō's agenda."
"Good riddance… is what I'd normally say," Naruto casually remarks as he eyes the ceiling
as if he's looking through it. Wondering where the two dozen Root are going, he says, "but
that'd be too dumb, even for me. I'll keep track of them."
"Good," Itachi confirms. "How far can your senses cover?"
Chapter 483:
Naruto creates a clone that automatically pops before candidly answering, "now that you
mention it, I just realized I can check in on Mabui-chan in Kumo from here."
Itachi raised his brows at the revelation before nodding and noting, "Danzō is just up ahead."
"Yeah," Naruto growled, feeling another couple minutes of sage chakra left in him. "He's got
his bodyguards too."
Naruto and Itachi leap through the hole in the wall before witnessing the unbridled
destruction of Naruto's Rasenshuriken. Walls, floors, columns, and brace beams were filed
off in a curve, leaving a lot of dust and rubble in its wake. The cavity to the final room was
too large for any sort of trap to work, leaving Naruto and Itachi to land with Danzō and his
men waiting fifty feet away.
The room itself was very large, able to hold a hundred men easily. It had a very high and
rounded ceiling with walkways fixed three levels up, as if it were a viewing area for the space
below. The room reminded Naruto of a stadium; a cold, dark, suffocating stadium where
winning absent killing your opponent is looked at as a weakness.
Smirking at the old War Hawk, resting his palms on his cane in front of him, Naruto yells out
into the cold air, "I told you I'd wipe this place out."
Ignoring Naruto, Danzō speaks to Itachi. "This is unexpected. For Uchiha Itachi to return to
my village without my knowledge, your talents haven't waned one bit."
"Danzō," Itachi firmly spoke. "At long last, the time you meet your end has finally come."
"I beg to differ," the old veteran returned. Turning to Naruto, he admits, "I'll concede you're
more capable than I initially predicted. No matter. Even with all the strength you possess,
neither of you are capable of eliminating Root from the fabric of this village. What we do is
forever bound to Konoha's way of living, thus, Root is incapable of ending any more than
Konoha can; and as you'll learn, any more than I can be."
"I'm sure we can do without all the assassinations, massacres, and kidnappings, you
weirdo," Naruto shoots back. He can feel his sage chakra leaving, but it was more than fine.
His clones may need the boost more than he imagines he will.
"We do what no one else is willing to," Danzō edifies. "We remove what does not want to
move for the collective success of all." The man takes two steps forward before clacking the
heel of his cane against the hard stone floor. "As such, I will offer you both a onetime offer of
truce."
"Truce?" Naruto questions with a shocked whirling back of his head. "You're out of your
fucking mind?"
"This goes against my better nature, Naruto," Danzō admits with his strong, yet aged voice.
"But, I cannot deny you're more necessary to my plans than a few nameless orphans. Agree
to my terms and those you love will not be harmed within the next five minutes."
Naruto and Itachi stiffen coldly to hear that and listen intently as the old War Hawk affirms,
"Itachi knows my methods well. You may have sensed dozens of my men evacuating the
base. If you thought they were attempting to save their lives, I can assure you, you couldn't
be more wrong." Naruto targets Danzō's men with the remaining minute of senjutsu as he
continues.
"At this very moment, my men have instructions to track, target, and eliminate every person
you hold dear: Umino Iruka, Yūhi Kurenai, Yamanaka Ino, Haruno Sakura, Hyūga Hinata,
Uchiha Sasuke, Haku, and on, and on. They'll work their way up from the weakest to the
strongest just to ensure some do, in fact, die tonight… unless, my dear boys, you stand
down this very moment."
Naruto quickly wonders how Itachi wants to handle this. He was clearly much sharper when
it came to tactics, however, Itachi stayed ponderously still.
"I give you my word I will not attack," Danzō stated, irritating Naruto to no end. "Not unless
you provoke me."
ABOVE GROUND
Under the twinkling blanket of stars, the village of Konoha is mostly at peace. Certain streets
of bars and clubs cater to the thrill seekers, a few training grounds were occupied, sentries &
other peacekeepers were on duty, but overall, the villagers were either asleep or preparing
to sleep. With no sun out and fewer eyes to view them, no one could see the groups of
masked men dressed like the darkness above speeding through the village.
Firm, fast footfalls were silent for the minutes it takes to get into position. Not more than five
blocks from Hokage tower, a trinity of masked men eye Kurenai from afar. They spy on her
speak with the next Hokage, Tsunade of the Senju, and her dark-haired aid. The men knew
not to engage without authorization, however, it goes without saying, if they have to sacrifice
their lives to kill Yūhi Kurenai, they've hardened their resolve for the task ahead.
Another team of masked Root runs farther out to the hospital, where they spy on Karin
sleeping in an armchair beside Iruka's bed. These men know Iruka has an operation in the
morning, and they're also aware of how much the Uzumaki clan cares about the Chūnin
sensei. It's the sort of predictable sentiment assassins can rely on. They watch their targets
and wait for orders, because these two are the first on the hit-list.
Another team of masked men land two buildings away from the Yamanaka compound to
observe Yamanaka Ino sleeping in a bed while Haruno Sakura studies at the desk. The team
of men observe the perimeter and guard routes for when they get authorization. Similarly,
two teams station farther away from the Hyūga compound, ready with the diversion and
infiltration to reach and execute Hyūga Hinata. Another pair of teams land on the nearest
rooftop to the weapons shop, Ten Out of Ten. They're aware of Haku's capabilities and
cannot underestimate him should they be given the order.
These specialists of specialists were trained to do what was necessary for the survival of
Konoha, no matter how repulsive or counterintuitive. These men are capable of impressive
feats because they are hyper-focused and they believe in their leader. Root's commander
needed to epitomize the darkness underground so the village and their families above
ground may thrive for centuries to come.
All the assassins hear the crisp double-click through their radio ear-pieces, and all teams
unsheathe their short-swords.
Chapter 484:
UNDERGROUND
In the open and cold stadium, not unlike the fighting stage after the second task of the
Chūnin exam, Naruto didn't dare move. After everything he's heard about Danzō, he doesn't
have a doubt in his mind the old bastard would plan something so vile and follow through if
he so chose to. Naruto instead listens to Itachi as he repeats Danzō's last statement.
"Unless we provoke you," Itachi repeats before noting, "that's quite vague. It could mean
anything from mentioning your name to breathing out loud."
Danzō nods in agreement, but doesn't clarify the spirit of his meaning. Instead, his cold, hard
voice echoes through the air. "If our opposing views step away from this little skirmish," he
said. "I promise you here and now to cease pursuing you and those you hold dear. In
exchange, the pair of you will also not impede my plans in the future."
Disgusted by his audacity, Naruto yells back, "I thought I was part of your plans!"
"I know how to measure risk-to-reward ratio," the one-eyed veteran explains to the golden
boy. "Other arrangements can be made."
Eager to irritate, Naruto retorts, "oh, you mean like kidnapping the Two-tails and planting her
in another country to start a war? Other arrangements like that?" Naruto snorted as he
shook his head, ultimately leveling, "that's the problem with sneaky assholes like you. Can't
trust a word you say."
Finally showing signs of irritation—possibly for being tricked into sharing that piece of his
plan, or simply because Naruto seems to be impressive in irritating people—Danzō snarls as
he tries to calm himself whilst hotly cracking back, "regardless! The only other alternative is
we fight to the death, and I'd rather not lose such a fine weapon by killing you-"
"Anyone here dying, it's you," Naruto clapped back.
"Such a foolish child," Danzō grimaced. He shook his head as he remarks, "it would seem
you leave me no choice but to shed their blood and bring you the body to make my point."
Ready to give the order to his bodyguards, Danzō held his hand at the smirk on Naruto's
face.
Having lost the rest of his sage chakra twenty seconds ago and then regained it ten seconds
later, sage Naruto smirks smugly as he asks with a dopey expression, "you really don't know
much about sage mode, do you?"
ABOVE GROUND
After Naruto's escape to Sasuke's room, he created three clones; two to gather natural
energy and one to teleport to one of the strongest people he knows he can always rely on
for help. The artificial mass warps space and time before he travels directly to his Godfather.
Landing on a tree branch next to the sage elder, Naruto was ready to explain everything and
team up to stop Danzō from targeting his loved ones when he notes the tall tree is near
Kurenai's house.
Jiraiya slowly turns to Naruto as the young blond notes that the tree branch they're standing
on offers a respectable view of Kurenai's bedroom window. Turning to the large man with
binoculars in his hands, holding his breath, the old pervert's intention is painfully obvious, but
what hits Naruto like a punch to the gut, is the area they dragged Naruto's body to isn't more
than a hundred yards away.
"Really!" Naruto yells, knowing with supreme certainty Jiraiya should've noticed. A shocked
Naruto immediately interrupted Jiraiya's, "now, now-" to yell, "this is where you've been while
I was getting kidnapped by Danzō!"
"What? Say again," Jiraiya called out. "That's appalling! You okay? We should go right now
and take care of that!"
Realizing the old man was attempting to redirect the conversation, the flabbergasted Naruto
loudly asks, "you were going to peek at your own Godson!?"
"What? Why-" he stutters before declaring with authority, "c-can't a man sit on a tree
nowadays without being labeled and judged?"
"Your own Godson!" Naruto bellows, to which Jiraiya stumbles for a valid response. The
blond then had to know, "what would tou-chan say?"
"W-Well, obviously, he'd be happy his favorite sensei was keeping such a diligent eye on his
son," Jiraiya reasons with loud nods of his head. "So what's this about Danzō-"
"On the one tree outside my girlfriend's window at midnight," Naruto gasps with building
disbelief.
"You don't have to make it sound weird," Jiraiya said, fighting to preserve the purity of his
devotion. With a brawny hand, he grips the air as he passionately proclaims, "if you truly
wish to continue your mother's noble clan, it obviously falls on me to ensure you know how
to completely satisfy the missus is an absolute necessity! There was just no other way!"
"Then how could you let your only godson get kidnapped?"
"I only just got here," the elder touts back. "And you seem to be doing just fine."
Naruto groans, "Ugh!" Throwing hands up as if giving up on making sense of him. "You're
impossible!"
"Fine, fine, fine," the Ero adult repeats, pumping open palms in peace. "How about I make it
up to you, starting with whatever Danzō's been doing, ne?"
Naruto eyed his broad-smiling godfather suspiciously for many moments before relenting.
He explained what happened to him not thirty yards from where they are, where he was
taken to, all the threats Danzō made, and his eventual escape. He then explained waiting for
the next bout of natural energy so he can track all his friends at once instead of wasting time
looking for them.
Jiraiya flatly refused to use his sage mode and if it weren't for the tremendous burst of sage
chakra suddenly swelling within him, he would've continued arguing with the man. Realizing
the original want everyone to keep watch on the group of Root that left the underground
base, Naruto's eyes bulged.
"Shit," the sage blond cursed before turning to his godfather.
The teams of Root were counting down to the kill order. If no word came from command in
the next minute, they were permitted to make a field call. However, the group outside the
hospital, outside the Sandaime's residence, outside of the Hyūga and Yamanaka
compounds, outside of Ten Out of Ten weapons shop all felt before seeing a single glowing
shinobi land near their target.
Chapter 485:
A Kurama chakra-covered Naruto landed on the railing next to Kurenai, Tsunade, and
Shizune, before staring directly at the position the Root team is hidden under. Another
golden Naruto landed on the roof above the room Ino and Sakura were in, as well as the
roof above Hinata's room. A golden clone stood atop of Tenten's weapon shop, arms
crossed, his orange-yellow overcoat flowing with the wind, and glaring directly at the teams
laying wait. Having sensed him, Haku appears right beside him with Tenten to learn about
the situation.
Despite confounding Yamanaka and Hyūga sentries, confusing Karin, and perplexing the
future Hokage, Naruto told them everything that was going on. Due to this development, the
Root members now faced a decision they each had no choice but to make. Either continue
the current mission, despite the obvious risk of failure, or, switch to the contingency plan
their leader had already prepared for.
Staring down the tremendous waves of power rolling off of all the Narutos, each Root
member slowly sheathed their short swords and prepared to run.
UNDERGROUND
"I can sense everyone in this base, everyone that left, even everyone in the village," Naruto
readily informs the old War Hawk. "I know where your men are going as much as my clones
do; as much as my godfather does. You know, of the legendary Sannin. A sage too, if you
remember." Though Danzō typically refrained from expressing any level of emotion on his
face, he didn't stop himself from glaring at a smirking Naruto as he added, "do you really
think I'd come back here to throw down with a snake like you without making sure my people
were covered? I may not be the smartest, but even I'm not that dumb."
Danzō's man with the glass asks, "Danzō-sama," however, the elder knew the moment to
make a decisive decision had not yet arrived. There was still time to salvage some gains
from the face of this setback. Through his many decades of tactical retreats, he knows that
even in loss, there was always a way to win.
"Sage arts is truly a fearsome thing," the one-eyed elder admitted with no measure of praise.
"But so can proper planning. What you need to know before we battle to the death is, should
I happen to meet an untimely death, my men have instruction to scatter, far and wide, all
across the village, the country, the world, if need be, but only for a time. They'll live
unassuming lives for weeks, months, or years before they return to avenge me. They may
wait until you're married or the day you become a father. They can be your tenant, your
assistant, your child's sensei, your next client, your gardener, any stranger you sit next to
when you eat ramen or pass on a daily basis. I couldn't say who or when, but I'm certain my
men will accomplish their vengeance, and strike a deadly blow the moment you least expect
it. Of that, you both have my solemn vow."
Before Naruto can even wonder if he should believe him, Itachi whispers to Naruto, "he's not
lying. You can't command a covert black-ops group like Root and not be that methodical. His
contingencies have several levels of contingencies, and he makes sure his men know them."
Before Naru-nii, Naruto never considered a future other than becoming Hokage. Nothing
else seemed to matter because he simply assumed the rest would fall into place the moment
the entire village acknowledged him. However, like many things in his life, that logic was not
correct. To his delight, he was getting married now, while ferociously trying not to think about
any resulting pregnancies. His clan was growing by the day, and he was preparing for the
real battle to come.
The last thing Naruto needs is a disgruntled whack-job trying to murder him while he's on the
toilet or waiting for his beloved extra-large miso ramen with extra pork or when he's on his
way to buy a wedding ring… several wedding rings. He absolutely didn't need the stress of
not being everywhere at once to ensure his loved ones remain safe.
"If you're not confident you can protect your children, wives, friends, or even acquaintances
every moment of the day for years to come," Danzō continued. "I suggest we suspend
hostilities and strive towards mutually beneficial diplomacy."
Itachi doesn't turn to his partner to ask in a low voice, "what do you want to do?"
"I don't doubt he's that crazy," Naruto replied loud enough for Danzō to hear. In his heart of
hearts, he believes Danzō capable of such underhanded evil, however, looking at the face of
immoral villainy, he knew something else to be true. This was the man who betrayed his Ji-
chan, who instigated and exploited all the atrocities that befell Sasuke's life. Naruto simply
couldn't trust a word he said.
"Yeah, I bet he would be that cowardly," Naruto yells at the elder. "But I also don't doubt he's
two-faced! There's no guarantee he won't change his mind later and come after us if we
back down now. After everything he said, I trust someone like Zabuza-jiji more than him. And
honestly… it's all the more reason to shut his ass down right now."
Itachi remarks for all in the large stadium to hear, "he has a point." Boldly taking a kunai out
of his leg holster, he points out, "perhaps we should just kill you now, and deal with the rest
of Root one by one. After all, it's not as if I'm overly busy. In fact, I'd say I'm especially skilled
at hunting men from the shadows."
Chapter 486:
Setting a firm stance to get a good leap off, Naruto happily voices, "I'd be down with that."
"Would you truly risk their lives like that, Naruto? Would Ino's or Sakura's parents forgive you
for the death of their daughter, I wonder?" It turned Naruto's stomach to keep hearing him
speak of the people he loves like that. That level of callousness is too inconceivable. "My
men can hide for years and the more loved ones you gather around you, the more targets
you create for me. All I need to succeed is one blade to pierce one heart, and you'll regret
this moment for the rest of your life. Why risk all that innocent blood when, in some way,
some form, this organization will always be a part of this village. For no country can stand
the test of time without occasionally doing what's necessary."
Constantly reaching new levels of disbelief, Naruto scoffs as he points out, "you mean like
the Uchiha massacre? Necessary like that?"
"To achieve the greater good, a little evil is necessary more times than we care to admit,"
Danzō candidly educated. "But what we do in the shadows must be done so those above
can live in peace. Itachi knows this. It's why he did as he did."
"Kami, how whacked out of your skull are you?" Naruto had to ask in continual disbelief. He
simply couldn't understand this man's logic. 'Evil for the greater good,' he thought, however,
when he did, he felt that description sounded more like Itachi than Danzō. Though he can't
confirm it, Naruto believes Itachi hates having been put in the position he was in and had to
carry out deplorable acts, all to minimize the final tally of deaths in the end. He could believe
that because Itachi did everything he could to save Sasuke. And even now, he left Akatsuki
for his brother and Konoha. "I don't think you even know how off the mark you are," Naruto
finished.
"At best, I agree Root is a necessary evil," Itachi asserted, slightly perking Naruto's ears.
"But at worst, it's an intolerable one. Even if you believe it is necessary, when that necessity
goes away, what are you left with?"
"The answer's evil, you delusional piece of shit," Naruto happily yelled back with tight fists.
"You're a half-measure, Danzō," Itachi told the old leader. "Without the scope or sense
needed to make the right choice. It's long time you retire, whether you want to or not."
"The disease of naivety," the man said, shaking his head. At a side glance to his bodyguard,
they know to send the authorization as he tells the intruders. "Remember this moment, you
foolish foolish boys, for many deaths in the future will be due directly to the ignorant choices
made here today."
Like a powerful flash of golden lighting cutting through the moist night sky, Naruto
demolishes the sound barrier as he rockets through thirty yards in less than a second,
landing an unanticipated fist in the stomach of the Root who trapped him in the doll. Like a
boneless sack of liquid, Sparrow is bent in half as he zooms through the air, rear first, for
thirty yards before bouncing off the stone floor then hitting the stadium's wall with a
thunderous crack.
Before the puff of rock dust can even settle, Naruto senses a modicum of movement at his
feet, triggering his legs to leap back as paper claws with the symbol for seal on their paws
pop out of the floor he was standing on. Danzō and Monkey take that opportunity to leap
back to the motionless Sparrow as Sai lands beside them with a large scroll under his arm.
Though he isn't completely surprised, Naruto looks at the boy with a measure of
disappointment. He'd hoped Sai might read the situation differently. With a sad sigh, he
prepared to attack when a firm hand was placed on his shoulder.
Turning, the blond wondered why Itachi was stopping him. The Uchiha walks past Naruto
and addresses the alert Danzō. "I have a counter-proposal." Danzō and his men stand down
for a moment. Even Naruto isn't sure what Itachi will say. "Recall all your men to the
barracks," Itachi began. "Every single one."
Eying the golden Naruto for a split second, the old War Hawk asks Itachi, "why?"
"So they can witness a contest to the death," Itachi answered. "You and I will battle for
leadership of Root, and if you're the last one standing, Naruto will agree to a ceasefire-"
Whirling his blond head up and then to the extreme side, Naruto blurts with wide eyes, "wait-
What?"
Sidestepping Naruto's surprise, Itachi continues to address Danzō. "Should you be the one
to die, I will replace you as leader of Root. Your men will not die and continue serving
Konoha under my command. How does that sound? Self-sacrifice is the epitome of a
shinobi's duty, is it not?"
"You recall my creed," the older man rebuked, while deep in his mind considering the offer.
"It goes without question everything I do is for the glory of Konoha, even if that requires my
life. 'The unseen ones who support the great tree of Konoha from the depths of the earth,'
must live on. To that end, I'll agree only on the condition that Sparrow and Monkey, my best
duo, shall inherit should we both perish."
"That's not really saying much," Naruto remarked, cracking his knuckles as Monkey is
helping Sparrow to his unsteady feet. He smirks when the old war vet didn't reply.
"I accept," Itachi spoke almost eagerly.
"Hell no, I don't," Naruto touted before arguing, "if you both kick it and those two turn out to
be just like him, do you really think this isn't going to happen again?"
Finally turning to him, looking at the blond with his Sharingan eyes, Itachi expresses, "it's
fine, Naruto. You've already proven they're not on your level, much less his."
Chapter 487:
"It's not about levels," Naruto declares. "They got me today, right? It could happen again!
Only they won't underestimate me the next time."
"Have a plan that no one knows about," Itachi suggested, though Naruto only sags his
shoulders as if that isn't comforting. Huffing in amusement, the Sharingan user confesses
with a small smile, "if it makes you feel better, every fiber of my being has an unyielding drive
to utterly destroy that man here and now." Knowing everything Danzō is responsible for,
Naruto cannot dispute Itachi's desire for retribution. "Besides, this isn't how I die."
"I know how you die," Naruto weakly groaned back. "And I'm not letting that happen either."
Itachi's smile widens farther than Naruto has ever seen it. He then nods before stepping
forward and asking Monkey and Sparrow, "if Itachi wins, do you have any intention of
following his orders? Aren't you just going to avenge your master, anyway?"
"Their true master is, and has always been, Konoha-"
"Yeah, your Konoha," Naruto interrupted Danzō. "Not Itachi's or mine or even the Hokage's
Konoha. Yours! Ask them if they can follow someone else's orders. Go ahead, ask em!"
Looking at the golden blond with a deep measure of disgust, Danzō asserts with a sneer,
"this is why you could never be a leader of real men, Naruto. You're much too soft and
painfully short-sighted. Too… innocent for the inconsequential lives that must be sacrificed.
You assume because you're so fickle about who you follow that other, true, shinobi are just
as easily dissuaded. You cannot possibly understand the depth of their devotion to our great
village because you cling so desperately to fairytales and feelings like an infant suckling at
his mother's teat."
"As he should," Itachi hotly voices. "You understand the dark roles we play, as do I. It is why
I did what I did, regardless of my own wants. What you fail to see is that Naruto's role is that
of our hope and just as vital. So that the group of us who work in the shadows see the
goodness they're fighting for. If a leaf is to survive, it must follow the light, no matter how
dark the path." Before Danzō could speak further, Itachi tells his blond comrade, "it's okay,
Naruto. I believe these men will follow my orders."
"You have to survive first," Danzō sneers. "Fu, Torune, recall the men. Authorization: King
Root." Removing his right arm from within his black kimono, displaying the large metal
braces affixed to his entire bandaged forearm, he declares, "we have an accord."
"Hai," Monkey responds before speaking into the radio at his neck. Naruto creates a clone
that bursts and relays the information to his clone network, and by extension, the ninjas near
them.
TSUNADE
"Itachi is here!" Tsunade yelled in disbelief. Along with the blond Senju, Kurenai, Shizune,
Jiraiya, and a clone of Naruto are now following the team of Root Anbu. Before Naruto's
clone mentally received an updated situation, the group had been tracking the Root team
that ran away. The team seemed to specialize in hiding their presence, as neither Jiraiya nor
Tsunade could sense them unless they moved with even a hint of chakra assistance. Now,
the fast sprinting group is leaping from building to building, following the hit-squad back to
their base.
"In Konoha?" Tsunade snapped, feeling the frustration growing, and she hasn't even worn
the hat a single day yet. It left her wondering how often event-heavy situations arose. 'It's a
wonder Sensei wasn't knocking on death's door sooner,' she thought with exasperated
disbelief.
"Yeah, but like I said," Naruto called back. "He's on our side."
Shaking her head as if that changes anything, Tsunade emphatically points out, "he's still a
wanted criminal, Naruto!"
As their chakra-enhanced legs sprint and leap, almost of their own accord, Naruto nods
weakly, hesitantly affirming, "yeah… but… it's not like he has to be, exactly." Tsunade's
shocked and focused eyes snapped on him, to which Naruto hastens to clarify, "okay, okay,
okay. I'm not excusing what he did. He murdered—murdered—innocent people; women,
children, elderly. No matter how you slice it, that's all sorts of wrong and should be
punished…" The others observe in silence as Tsunade slowly returns her attention to the
team a quarter-mile away, however, she wasn't surprised when Naruto adds, "but… I just
mean… it's not like he wanted to kill his own family. He's not some blood-thirsty nut-case
like Orochimaru. Itachi was put in that position. A lot of people failed the Uchiha clan way
before Itachi was forced to clean it up."
Realizing what the blond boy wanted wasn't difficult. Despite their brief association, she
found it comically easy to read him. 'He wears his heart on his sleeve,' she told herself often,
whenever the topic of Naruto would come up. As she leaps through the cold air, listening to
him argue in Itachi's defense, she sighs internally, hating that she has to remind him, "I can't
let him walk, Naruto."
Unnecessarily turning his attention far away, he stammers, "I wasn't really asking that-"
"Yes, you were," she quickly affirmed. "I've known you long enough to figure you're good to a
fault."
Jiraiya's voice echoes around them as he asks, "why not just kill Danzō?" drawing a
concerned gaze from Tsunade. Her sternly knitted eyebrows seem to ask, 'what the fuck,' to
which the sage responds, "what? He already kidnapped Naruto, attempted to kidnap Karin,
and he threatened our lives! Doesn't that deserve punishment? The man's incapable of
trusting anything he can't control, which means if we're a threat to him now, we'll always be."
Landing on the empty street from the building tops, they quickly come to an open manhole
cover. Without moonlight, they were looking at nothing more than a pitch-black circle.
Tsunade turns to Jiraiya and assures him, "you know sensei won't see it that way. He won't
agree to this deal between Danzō and Itachi. The council won't either."
Chapter 488:
"Why sensei has allowed that man to continue Root is beyond me," Jiraiya casually replied
before leaping into the dark hole first. He's quickly followed by Naruto, Shizune, Tsunade,
and Kurenai. Naruto's chakra shroud allows them to see several feet in front of them,
however, Jiraiya taps him on the shoulder, and motions to cut the light so as to not give
away their position from a great distance away. In pitch darkness, the stench felt even
worse, like a rat decomposing under their noses. Despite zero visibility, sound and chakra
are more than enough to continue pursuing their target at full speed.
"But you're practically Hokage right now," Naruto brought up. "Shouldn't it be your decision?"
"Naruto," Kurenai voiced echoed from behind him, warning him he could cross a line.
However, Tsunade could recognize Naruto's steadfast will to fight for what he believed in,
and practically expected it when he cites, "look, I know Itachi can't be forgiven. That's not
what I'm asking. I just think, if he wins, wouldn't he be helping Konoha out? I mean, I can't
let Danzō walk after what he did, so either we kill him and Root—who are our countrymen—
or Root escapes and tries to murder me and mine when we least expect it, or… Itachi
becomes the leader of Root and we avoid the worst."
There's silence for several long moments. As five pairs of feet softly touch the wet metal
under them at fast speeds, the only thing Tsunade agrees with is that she doesn't like any of
it. It was as if there was no right answer. She couldn't deny Itachi's culpability as much as his
complicity. However, did that mean executing Danzō and placing Itachi in command? She
would be the one to deal with him when she becomes Hokage. Tsunade sighed internally yet
again.
Breaking the metallic silence, Jiraiya's low voice points out, "Root was technically disbanded
after the Uchiha Massacre." She'd glare at him if he could see her. "We'd only be enforcing
that edict in the most peaceful way possible… that is, if we do it Naruto's way."
Tsunade sighed out loud before voicing, "Kami, I'm really starting to hate this job."
"Better you than me," Jiraiya guffaws before earning a smack across his head.
UNDERGROUND
No more than three minutes pass before teams of Root Anbu arrive one by one. In sets of
three, they appear anywhere behind Danzō, Monkey, the wounded Sparrow, and Sai, with
weapons drawn. Itachi observes men in dark clothes and plain animal masks in dark clothes,
no better or worse than any other specially trained Jōnin. He can't help but note the root of
their problem was standing ahead of them.
Soon after, other men, not of Root, arrive. Landing on the elevated railing to the right, a
clone of Naruto, Kakashi, and Guy-sensei peer the scene below them. The clone dispels,
sending the memories of explaining everything to them, before the senseis body-flicker
beside Naruto and Itachi. "So it's really true," Guy states before Morino Ibiki and Anko enter
the room from a south entrance and land beside Kakashi. Morino Ibiki takes three steps
toward the missing-nin before Naruto steps between them. Before the tortured Jōnin can
assert his authority, the last of Danzō's men arrive, completing over three dozen men.
Kakashi puts his palm on Ibiki's shoulder before Danzō addresses his men.
"Hear me, my loyal men-"
"No," Itachi swiftly interrupts. "Loyal is a code phrase to specific members ordering them to
disregard the following command."
Thrusting a strong accusatory finger at the jaded War Hawk, Naruto yells, "you're already
trying to trick us!?" Turning to Itachi, he promptly asks, "why even bother with this? We can't
even trust him to not be an ass!"
"He called them here," Itachi replied, observing there was not a single shinobi missing. "It's
better than them being around our loved ones."
"Agreed," Kakashi quietly spoke from behind them.
Slowly, absent any remorse, Danzō replies, "my mistake." He again turns to his men and
commands with his hard tone of voice, "re-execute: Pick up." Naruto turns to Itachi, who
simply nods as Danzō continues. "My Root Anbu, I consider you to be the very core of this
village. When other shinobi, who believe they are above us, buckle and wane under the
weight of duty, Root remains. We hold strong because we must. Or the Leaf falls."
Turning to Itachi just as Jiraiya, another Naruto-clone, Tsunade, Shizune, and Kurenai enter
the stadium-like chamber from an access point directly to their right. Naruto's clone dispels—
also sending Naruto the memories of alerting and guiding them—before the unit land at the
center of the arena below them. Tsunade leads the pack, walking up to Naruto, Kakashi, and
Itachi, specifically eying the latter. She peers into the calm eyes of a genocidal madman and
sees nothing but calm Sharingans staring back at her.
Though she couldn't be sure, Tsunade got the distinct impression he had nothing he felt the
need to hide. In her long life as a ninja, woman, and gambler, she's come across every type
of person imaginable. Rarely is she surprised or incorrect in her estimation of a person.
Gauging the silent and open Uchiha, she simply couldn't be sure. Her mind was telling her,
'don't trust him,' however, her gut was advising the opposite. Deciding to hold off, she turns
to the one-eyed reason they were all there that night.
"Tsunade, Jiraiya, welcome to my home," Danzō impassively greets.
Looking around the cold, stone arena, the balconies on either side, and the high ceiling
above, Tsunade asks, "do you typically welcome others by kidnapping them?" Danzō
remains silent a moment before the next Hokage follows with, "is everything I heard true?"
From his very mouth, the old War Hawk proclaims, as if offended, "everything I've done
tonight is no different from anything else I've done for village and country!" Tsunade stares
dispassionately as he asks her, "are you here to stop this and arrest Uchiha Itachi, as is your
duty?"
Chapter 489:
Experienced though the veteran may be, she has several decades of experience as well,
and points out, "you didn't answer my question, Danzō. But I suppose you don't have to.
Nothing about you is a good bet." Taking a few steps toward the cunning man, she adds, "if
it's between you and Itachi-"
The incredibly instant act of Itachi, the wanted criminal, appearing in front of Tsunade, the
future leader of Konoha, had Jiraiya body flicker just as fast, placing a hand on the Uchiha's
shoulder, preventing him from any potential attack. On Itachi's other side, Kakashi casually
has his kunai in hand ready to strike Itachi's jugular if not for the sun-like Naruto's powerful
grip holding his sensei's equally strong forearm. The evidence they couldn't completely trust
Itachi was in their intent to kill, however, they couldn't deny much more was at stake when
Itachi accuses of Danzō, "you don't think I know everything about Shisui's eye?"
Itachi's Sharingan glare at Danzō in perfect recognition. Tsunade's only motion throughout
Itachi's movement was her looking at Itachi. Jiraiya and Kakashi also focus up as the golden
Naruto informs his senseis, "in this mode, I can sense even more than usual." The future
Hokage listens to her fellow blond add, "I don't quite get it but something hostile is coming
from his right eye."
"It's a subtle yet powerful mind-controlling dōjutsu," Itachi confesses, and Jiraiya eventually
removes his hand. "He meant to manipulate you without you even realizing it using a
powerful genjutsu." Danzō remains stone-faced despite the hostile stares from the other side
of the arena.
As Kakashi re-holsters his kunai, he cheerfully notes toward gold-chakra enhanced Naruto,
"you've certainly gotten faster," who happily smirks at the compliment.
Having had enough of second-guessing herself, Tsunade asserts with clear finality, "I'm not
making my life any more complicated than it needs to be." Crossing her arms was Jiraiya's
sign for him to call the other Jōnins. Guy, Shizune, Kurenai, Morino Ibiki, and Anko all land
around Tsunade as Danzō's three dozen men surround their leader in a protective formation.
She orders the one-eyed War Hawk, "give up peacefully."
Despite Tsunade's camp being outnumbered three to one, neither leader can discount
Naruto's effect in battle, Jiraiya's legendary prowess, or Itachi and Kakashi's genius-level
combat ability. Add to that the strongest Taijutsu master, four incredibly proficient Jōnins, and
the best medical ninja in the country, The Legendary Sucker, was confident in their chances.
However, before Danzō responds to her ultimatum, Itachi voices, "Danzō can't, Tsunade-
sama. In his eyes—in all of their eyes—Root must always exist. They'll die for that."
Understanding his argument, she asks, "so you believe you ought to be the one to take
over?"
"I'm the only one who can," he calmly replied.
After a moment of reflection, she asks the one thing that's been causing her the most stress.
"Can I trust you?"
Naruto wanted to interject, taking in a breath to speak when Kurenai was right there to take
his hand in hers and gently shake her head. Despite the words of defense on the very tip of
his tongue, Naruto held them in, squeezing her hand in appreciation.
"That burden is not on me," Itachi easily responded. "Do or don't, my mission remains the
same."
"Which is?"
Turning to the source of so much misery, Itachi answers, "kill Danzō. Protect Sasuke and
Konoha."
Tsunade isn't the only one staring at him and absorbing the sincerity in his response. The
others could believe him just as much as the next Hokage can. Naruto smirks with glee as
Tsunade voices, "very well," and her command eases their killing intent. From across the
arena, Danzō can see the answer in her honey-brown eyes, and he's not amused.
His one uncovered eye glares at her as he addresses the loyal men around him. "I've
recalled you here to bear witness to this sanctioned contest of leadership between myself…
and Uchiha Itachi. You all know him, studied him. He wore the mask of Anbu and led black-
ops teams. Like us, he's scorned the sun to live in the shadows." Turning to his men, he
places his left arm behind his back and paces. "Should I be the victor, our vision may
continue unimpeded," he waited a brief moment for Tsunade to disagree. When she
remained silent, he smirks before finishing, "should I fall, Uchiha Itachi will attempt a different
direction. No one will interfere."
Except for Monkey, all of Danzō's men immediately shunshin to the high viewing balcony to
the left of the stadium. He then removes the three large screws from the three golden braces
binding his arm and gives them to Monkey. Danzō's bodyguard flickers to the balcony on the
left with the rest of the members of his unit. At the other end of the wide stone arena, a stiff
nod from their beautiful leader sends Guy, Shizune, Ibiki, and Anko to the elevated pathway
on the right of the arena.
Tsunade tells Itachi, "if you live, we talk afterward."
At Itachi's accepting nod, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi join the others on the right walkway.
Itachi then turns to Naruto and Kurenai, asking the blond, "can you bring Sasuke here? I
want him to see this?"
"Uh… yeah. I left one with him just in case," Naruto states before letting go of Kurenai's
hand and summoning a clone that disperses just as fast. Naruto retakes Kurenai's hand and
the three wait in silence a moment.
Noting their joined hands, Itachi quietly conveys, "congratulations."
The golden Naruto grins broadly as Kurenai blushes some. Before another word is uttered,
Sasuke appears in the blink of an eye along with a clone of Naruto. The clone disperses as
the real one calls out, "there he is." Sasuke quickly surveys the area he was teleported to
before being abruptly shoulder-checked by his blond teammate. Sasuke glares at him as
Naruto cheerfully informs him with a point of his thumb, "we're up there when you're done."
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