Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Konoha: Naruto

Naruto enters the main house of the Uchiha compound, not surprised to see Shikamaru already there, poring through some documents and taking notes. “The seal’s ready,” he says, and Shikamaru turns around excitedly. “Are you doing it tonight?,” he asks in response, and Naruto nods. He and Kurama have been waiting years for this, and it’s finally happening. He looks down at his heavily inked arms, covered with storage seals, wards, and utility seals, and sees every discovery that has led up to this moment. The temporary protective wards he had created just a few weeks after arriving in Konoha, capable of guarding several people for minutes at a time. The chakra absorption and redistribution seal that had caused Jiraiya to declare him a true fuuinjutsu master. And within his primary storage seal, a handful of hiraishin kunai, made a year ago after he had mastered the technique. Even on Shikamaru’s arm, he sees a hiraishin seal and one of his storage seals, a ward key hidden deep within the design under the argument of “just in case.” The mantra had gotten him this far.

He knows he is a far greater fuuinjutsu user than he was, but can’t help but feel nervous. He won’t be able to run this technique by Jiraiya before using it, because it will all but free Kurama. And if it’s incorrect, they could both die. “You never had anyone to double check with in Uzushio,” Kurama reminds him, “And you did so much there without the skills you have now.” He goes into a deeper room, which has become his workshop, and opens the scroll he has sketched the design on, and begins. Kurama, as always, is largely silent while Naruto carefully copies the pattern onto sealing paper before calling Shikamaru into the room.

“I need you to put this on me once I take the current seal off. No matter what happens, just immediately put the seal on.” Shikamaru looks intimidated by the responsibility but takes the paper and confirms that he’s ready. He’s learned how to apply a seal perfectly by now, even if he’s not a fuuinjutsu user himself. It ends up being useful around Naruto.

Naruto readies himself, gathering a large amount of chakra to his fingertips, and dispels the seal. The ink vanishes, and for a second Kurama’s full power rushes forward, starting to destroy the flesh it’s inside. Before it can go any farther Shikamaru, struggling not to be blown back by red hot chakra, transfers the seal from paper to skin with steady hands, and the room is peaceful again. But the chakra hasn’t disappeared back into the seal like before. Instead, it’s at the surface with Naruto’s own, and the two immense chakras, Uzumaki blue and Kyuubi red, mix. Naruto can tell he has full access to the chakra, and Kurama must too, judging by the pure glee and relief he’s projecting. Looking down, Naruto sees their body glowing a bright gold from the combined chakra, and makes an effort to suppress it, keeping it all inside so it looks normal again. But the chakra is still there, easily accessible. It’s overwhelming. With barely a thought by him or Kurama, they could destroy this whole building; maybe all of Konoha. He feels Kurama stand up, and while it’s not a feeling he’s felt before, the translation of Kurama’s will into action feels natural. Shikamaru is still standing there looking awed, and Naruto hugs his friend. “Thank you for helping us,” he says, and Kurama adds his own, “Thank you.” Shikamaru smiles and returns the embrace, saying, “I’ll always be there for you.”

Unfortunately the moment is cut short by the compound wards screaming at them. Naruto reopens his senses and feels Jiraiya outside. “He must have sensed my chakra,” Kurama says. Of course he did. They should have planned for this. “I don’t want to let any ANBU see me come out of here, and this is an advantageous place if we have to fight,” Naruto responds, frantically thinking through their options. They’ve managed to keep their access to the Uchiha compound a secret for two years now, and it could be disastrous if they are found out. “Shikamaru, put away the notes in the other room,” he orders, “And I’ll have the wards let him in. You should leave if you don’t want to be seen here.” Shikamaru puts the notes and scrolls away but doesn’t leave, returning to Naruto’s side as the wards begrudgingly allow Jiraiya access to the compound. Naruto flares his chakra, not wanting the Sannin to tear the compound apart searching, and sits down as he feels his teacher hurry towards them.

Jiraiya slams the house door open, looking relieved and concerned when he sees Naruto. “What happened?,” he asks, and Naruto knows that deflections will not be enough. He releases his and Kurama’s chakra, allowing it to form a golden cloak around him again before lifting his shirt to allow Jiraiya to see the seal. “It’s okay,” he says, wanting to reassure his teacher, “The seal is stable and we’re in control.” Jiraiya will know immediately what he's done, so there’s no use lying, and honestly Naruto doesn’t want to. It comes down to whether Jiraiya trusts him and Kurama. There is no obviously immediate reaction from Jiraiya, and the man just says, “I need to sit down,” looking tired, and Shikamaru rushes to offer him a seat. “You two have always just wanted to be free, haven’t you?,” Jiraiya says quietly, “There’s nothing I could’ve done to make you want to stay.” Naruto and Kurama are silent, not knowing what they could possibly say. They had expected anger, but instead there’s a calm, if sad, acceptance. But Jiraiya continues, and the reason for his tired expression and projected apathy becomes clear as he blurts out, “The Hokage is dead.”

Konoha: Shikamaru

Shikamaru’s jaw drops when he hears Jiraiya speak those fateful words: the Hokage is dead. It means so much and so little at the same time. This changes everything, but who knows how those changes will occur. He’s in shock, and sees a similar expression on Naruto’s face, but the Sannin continues, “I was coming to tell you when I felt the chakra. I’ve turned down the position, and need to go find my former teammate, Tsunade. She’s the only suitable candidate. I want you to come with me to find her.” The Sannin Tsunade. The new Hokage. “Can I come?,” Shikamaru blurts out, immediately embarrassed but sincere in his desire to meet the new Hokage. Someone who might change things. “Well there’s not much regulation right now with no Hokage,” Jiraiya responds, “The only thing the council insisted on is that Tenzou comes if Naruto does.” That’s unsurprising. Ever since Itachi fled the village, Tenzou had been freed from his ANBU duties to watch Naruto. He'd become a constant, if somewhat annoying, presence in their lives. Jiraiya continues, “Now I’d like to speak to Naruto alone if you could go.” Naruto nods and Shikamaru leaves for his clan training grounds. He’s close to mastering the Shadow Sewing Technique, and he’d love to get it down before they leave.

Konoha: Kurama

Jiraiya sits there silently for a moment longer after Shikamaru leaves before saying, “Could you… turn that off,” gesturing at Kurama and Naruto. They glance down, realize they’re still glowing with chakra, and both rush to deactivate the state, resulting in them suppressing the chakra too much and then having to fix that. They’ll have to work on their coordination. “I know you didn’t have the best experiences with him,” Jiraiya begins, “And frankly I’ve had mixed feelings these past years, but the Sandaime was my Sensei. He taught me to love this village like he did, and I taught your father that. I had hoped that maybe you were starting too as well. But when I told you the Hokage was dead all I saw in your eyes was relief. And I realized that it’s still all about getting out of here for you.” Kurama is surprised that Jiraiya would be so naive as to be hurt by this, but Naruto responds, “There are people that I care about here, Shishou. You and Shikamaru and Iruka-sensei… But no, I don’t think I can truly care for Konoha. Maybe in another lifetime I would. But this isn’t my home and every decision Konoha has made that’s affected me and Kurama has been based on fear and hatred. Sealing Kurama in the first place. Treating me the way I did. Killing the Uchihas and then chasing after Sasuke. Using Itachi to control us. I can’t be loyal to a place that treats people like that, just because they’re scared. Think about it. There’s probably people in Konoha who would want to imprison you as well because of your power. Just because they’re scared.” Naruto seems like he’s going to continue, but Jiraiya is already shaking slightly, and Kurama says gently, “Enough, kit. He gets it.” After a moment, Jiraiya stands up and says, “We’re going to leave tomorrow to find Tsunade. Bring your Nara friend if you want.” He leaves. Naruto looks very small all of a sudden and asks quietly, “Was he mad at me?” Kurama thinks about what to say, “I don’t think so. He’s grieving his teacher and having this realization about you all at once. He feels like he’s failed to pass on what the Sandaime taught him. And he’s probably worried about me and the new seal too, even if he didn’t focus on it. But I don’t think he’s mad.” Kurama sighs, just sitting there with Naruto. They had both been so happy about their new freedom and then Jiraiya had come in and made Naruto upset. This is the effect Konoha has on them. They need to get out of here.

Uzushio: Kakashi

Kakashi teleports himself with Kamui, dodging the black fire coming from Sasuke. He makes hand signs and Sasuke mirrors him, their eyes locked. “Chidori!,” they yell in synch and Kakashi’s ball of lightning collides with the stream of chakra from Sasuke’s sword. They break apart, ending the jutsu. After a few more minutes of sparring they call an end to it and start walking back to the house. Kakashi deactivates one of his Sharingan. The other he can’t, since Naruto’s seal only allows him to deactivate one eye. Fortunately the chakra drain isn’t too bad. “Tomorrow,” Sasuke says as they walk, looking at him with a tentative smile. Kakashi nods, thinking about the implications. Tomorrow they’re going to leave Uzushio again and try to recover Naruto and Kurama. There’s an urge within him to put it off, to prepare further, but he knows that if they wait any longer they’ll keep delaying forever. They're certainly strong enough to defeat Itachi at this point. As for the rest of Konoha, hopefully their Eternal Mangekyou will be enough. They had been holding back while sparring today, trying to preserve energy, and yet the level of fighting is something Kakashi couldn’t have imagined he’d ever reach just a few years ago. They’re as ready as they can be. Kakashi looks back at Sasuke. He’s grown so much these past two years, and Kakashi's so proud of him. And now the wait is nearly over. In a few days, if all goes well, they’ll be with Naruto and Kurama again.

Chapter Text

Fire Country: Sasuke

Sasuke is midair between two tree branches when he feels it: someone lying in wait ahead. It’s probably missing-nin bandits, given the chakra signatures. Chunin level at best, except for one who might be stronger. He and Kakashi share a look and execute the standard plan for low-level enemies. They go straight ahead into the trap as if they haven’t seen it, but at the last minute turn to fend off whatever attack is coming. Sasuke whips around, activating the Sharingan and defending against… a few kunai. That was anticlimactic. But the strongest missing-nin doesn’t seem scared off by the easy deflection of the attack or even the Sharingan Sasuke and Kakashi are now showing. He comes forward and starts firing off fireball jutsus, seeming confident in his abilities. Sasuke scoffs. Does he really think he can beat an Uchiha with fireball jutsus? Sensing that the fireball has relatively low chakra density, Sasuke opts to counter with a suiton jutsu instead of dodging. He raises a Water Formation Wall, completely blocking the attack. The man seems to realize that he needs something bigger, and yells, “Katon: Crimson Earth Spider!” The ground surrounding Sasuke and Kakashi bursts into flame, and a spider made of flames emerges from it. Interesting. This, they have to dodge, jumping up into a tree above to avoid the attack, which is followed by a spider-web like net intended to trap them and a Flame Whirlwind jutsu.

It’s certainly an impressive show of technique, but in the end the missing-nin ends up dead after Kakashi uses a massive suiton jutsu to flood the area at the same time Sasuke throws a raiton-infused shuriken at him. He’s immediately electrocuted, which Sasuke didn’t mean but honestly can’t bring himself to feel too bad about. The man made his living killing and robbing people, after all. Kakashi lands beside him, looking at a bingo book, “He was a jonin from Taki.” “Why did he defect?,” Sasuke asks. “I don’t know.” They’re silent for a moment, both thinking about their own defections and the idea that someone might someday have a similar conversation over their own bodies. Though hopefully they never fall on hard enough times that they’re forced to kill and rob travelers like this man did. “Well at least we learned a few new jutsu,” Sasuke says, casting his thoughts aside, “Let’s get going.” Kakashi nods and they continue towards Konoha.

Fire Country: Shikamaru

Traveling with Naruto, Jiraiya, and Tenzou is very strange, Shikamaru thinks. It’s only an hour in and the tension is getting to him. Jiraiya is still grieving his Sensei, understandably, and Tenzou is standing there awkwardly like always, while Naruto is her cheerful self, talking to Shikamaru about their training. Myorin is there too, occasionally interjecting. The kitsune has become a constant in Shikamaru’s life to the same degree as Naruto, and while Shikamaru cannot go to the land of Kitsune like Naruto can, he’s gotten used to their quirks and can fight alongside Naruto and Myorin without getting thrown off by her attacks. “So did you figure out that new technique, Shikamaru?,” Naruto asks. “Yes,” he responds, “I’ll show you next time we train. But what have you been working on? You’ve been gone a lot lately.” Naruto’s face lights up, her long red hair swinging as she turns fully towards Shikamaru. “Well,” she says, “Chiyoko-baa-sama said that my sensing abilities are almost entirely untrained, so we’ve been working on that now that I’ve mastered sage mode.” Shikamaru sighs. Naruto’s sensing abilities are already unbelievable; if she's trained by an elder sage summon she’ll probably be able to sense a single nin in Suna. “You know you’re ridiculous, don’t you?,” he says, “You literally sensed three nin in Otogakure from Konoha while asleep and you’re saying the ability is completely untrained?” “Well that was Orochimaru’s chakra, really, that woke me up,” Naruto begins, “And then I sensed the Sharingan signatures after I was awake.”

“Naruto,” Jiraiya interrupts, looking thoughtful and slightly shocked, “I know you have a whole separate training regiment with the kitsune, but sage mode? Really?” “Yeah!,” comes Naruto’s answer, “Chiyoko-baa-sama started teaching me sage mode around the time I got here. Apparently I’m the first summoner of theirs in over a hundred years to master it.” “That’s amazing, Naruto,” Jiraiya says, looking genuinely awed, “But you should have told me. I can use sage mode, though I haven’t mastered it fully. I could’ve helped out.” Naruto and Shikamaru share a look. Naruto likely hadn’t told Jiraiya in an effort to keep as many skills of hers as possible from Konoha’s knowledge. She hadn’t given up on that strategy, Shikamaru knows, but having been living in Konoha for two years, many techniques of hers ended up being known by some Konoha-nin. As he’s thinking, Naruto stops. The whole group turns toward her, knowing that she’s probably sensing something they can’t. “I think I sense Tsunade,” she says cautiously, pointing in the direction of the chakra. That’s useful. But Shikamaru is convinced there’s something else.

That night they make camp and Shikamaru has first watch. “What did you really sense, earlier?,” he whispers to Naruto, who’s returned to his male form. Naruto sighs. “It was Sasuke and Kakashi,” he admits, also whispering, “I know they’re out there, and exactly where they are. But they’re just too far away. We can’t make it.” “Why?,” Shikamaru responds, “You could just go, right now, if you really want to.” Naruto looks at Shikamaru with sad eyes. “You know I’ve tested my bounds. Tenzou and Jiraiya together are too strong. And even if I get away I'll just be leading Konoha to Sasuke and Kakashi.” He must see Shikamaru’s skeptical look, because his voice grows louder and he says, “You don’t understand, Shikamaru. When we were under Itachi’s control, and he made us hurt Kakashi and Sasuke…” Naruto trails off and shakes his head, “The best thing I can do is stay away; not lead danger to them. This way we’re all safe, at least.” Neither of them say anything else, and Naruto eventually drifts off to sleep as Shikamaru remains on watch, struggling with the fact that he really doesn’t understand, and the knowledge that his friend is in pain and scared.

Fire Country: Naruto

The next morning they start the final push towards Tsunade’s location. Naruto is quieter than yesterday, still affected from feeling Kakashi and Sasuke’s chakra yesterday. Shikamaru’s suggestion that they could just leave was inspiring, but the terror of getting Sasuke and Kakashi hurt is far greater. He feels Kurama shiver at the thought, but the fox says, “Maybe it is worth the risk, kit. We’ve been in Konoha for two years now.” “Yeah, and if we fail, which we probably will, we’ll never be allowed outside Konoha again, and will also be under constant watch,” Naruto counters, “We don’t have a good enough opening at this point.” Kurama hums a vague agreement and says, “We’re almost there.” He’s right. Naruto can feel the chakra he assumes is Tsunade’s closeby. “We’ll be there in half an hour,” he informs the group, and gets terse nods in response. It’s gotten more tense the closer they get, since none of them really know how Tsunade will respond to them showing up. As Jiraiya explained, she’s been away for a long time by her own choice. If it were him, Naruto thinks, he would run at the sight of them and never turn back. Kurama chuckles, “I suspect she’s more amiable to Konoha than we are, kit.”

Soon they arrive in the small village Tsunade is staying in. They can all sense her enormous chakra now, including Jiraiya, who confirms that it’s Tsunade. “She smells like slugs,” Myorin whines as they near her location, which pulls a laugh out of Jiraiya. They enter the bar, where a blonde woman with the chakra signature they felt is drinking sake. Surrounding her are empty bottles, and Naruto looks up at Jiraiya. This is the legendary Sannin who is going to be the next Hokage? “Bothersome,” he hears Shikamaru grumble at his side. Jiraiya leads them up to the table, where Tsunade is seated with a young woman. “Tsunade,” Jiraiya says, “How have you been?” She looks up and says, slightly slurred, “What do you want, Jiraiya?” “Sensei is dead. The village needs you.” She stares at him for a moment like she hasn’t heard what she said before taking her bottle, downing the whole thing, and standing up. “I can’t deal with this right now,” she says, “I’ll see you in the morning.” She leaves, the young woman following.

Shikamaru is the one to break the silence, “That was Tsunade?,” he asks, dumbfounded. Jiraiya laughs a little, looking nervous, “She’s always like that, don’t worry,” he says. “Well if she’s always like that, maybe she shouldn’t be Hokage,” Shikamaru grumbles under his breath, prompting nods of agreement from Naruto and even Tenzou. Jiraiya loudly changes the topic, saying, “Let’s go book rooms at the inn for the night.” They do so, but before they go to bed Naruto pulls Jiraiya aside, saying, “I know she’s your teammate, Shishou, but do you really think this is a good idea? She’s a mess, and according to you she has been for years. Becoming Hokage immediately after losing her Sensei isn’t going to help things.” Jiraiya sighs, “Trust me, ok Naruto? I know that Tsunade has what it takes, and we don’t have many options. And I know what you’re thinking, but she’s not like you. Even if she left Konoha, it’s still her home. If anything, she left because she loved it too much.” Naruto doesn’t pry into the last statement, assuming that it’s personal, instead just saying, “I guess we’ll see.” He trusts Jiraiya, ultimately, but he can’t help but think that his judgment might be clouded in this case. He puts it out of his mind and heads to his room, which he’s sharing with Shikamaru. For a second, he considers what Shikamaru had mentioned earlier: just running now. But Tenzou’s awake in the next room, and even if he gets a head start he’ll just catch up to him. “Stupid Mokuton,” he mutters under his breath, prompting agreement from Kurama. No matter how much stronger he and Kurama get, with Sage mode, even with Kurama’s chakra, they’ll still have this weakness as well as the Sharingan. “Get some rest, kit,” Kurama says, “if there’s an opening I’ll wake you up.” Both of them know there won’t be.

Konoha: Kakashi

They’re here: perched on a tree branch outside of Konoha, looking at the village they once called home. But there’s one issue: “I can’t find him,” Sasuke says, “It’s like he’s not here.” Kakashi’s been having similar luck locating Naruto’s chakra signature, which should be distinctive, having both the massive chakra typical of Uzumakis and Kurama’s chakra. “Maybe we should wrap around?,” Kakashi suggests, “get a different angle.” His proposal can’t be executed, though, because an ANBU shunshins in front of them: Genma. “Kakashi, Sasuke,” he says, looking resigned. He knows he can’t win this fight, but seems determined to protect Konoha. Sasuke must pick up on the same thing, because he says, “We just want Naruto. No one needs to get hurt, yourself included. Where is he?” His voice is cold, but Kakashi can tell that there’s frantic emotion behind it. He feels the same way, being unable to sense Naruto. What if something happened? Genma seems to be weighing something in his mind, but finally launches himself at Kakashi and Sasuke.

At once, they activate their Mangekyou and the fight is over. Sasuke has Genma in a genjutsu, and a few seconds later they both emerge. Genma is panting and Sasuke reports, “Naruto isn’t here. The Hokage recently died and Jiraiya took him, Tenzou, and Shikamaru with him to find the Sannin Tsunade. He doesn’t know where they went.” Kakashi signals for them to leave, summoning his pack at the same time. If Naruto isn’t here they might as well put distance between them and Konoha. “Naruto left Konoha with Jiraiya, Itachi, and Nara Shikamaru a few days ago. Find them.” As they watch the ninken scatter and continue in their own direction, Mangekyou active and looking for any hints of the group, Sasuke says suddenly, “I hate doing that.” Kakashi looks at him but doesn’t immediately respond. “I know I had to do it to get information,” Sasuke continues, “but I feel like it makes me as bad as Itachi. Using my sharingan to control people.” Oh. He’s upset about using Tsukuyomi on Genma. “Well,” Kakashi says, “I think the fact that you feel bad about it makes you better than him. It means that you’ll never use it unless it’s actually necessary. I don’t think anyone can really blame you for using it to find Naruto.”

Sasuke seems to accept that. Besides, Kakashi is pretty sure that Sasuke had held back with the technique. Genma hadn’t seemed too bad off, making it likely that he had only spent the equivalent of a few minutes in the Tsukuyomi or that Sasuke had stayed away from the traditional brutal methods. He’s glad that all the pain Sasuke has been through hasn’t tainted his morals like it could have. Yes, Sasuke’s typical demeanor is cold and composed, and he certainly projects an air of brutality to an enemy, but at heart he’s gentle, which Kakashi is relieved for. It’s been a goal of his long before he defected from Konoha; since when he saw Sasuke in the village a few days after the massacre. He had thought definitively at that moment, “This child will not become like me,” and with the guilt of Naruto’s abandonment and death still fresh, he had tried to support the lone Uchiha child the best he could. Of course, he hadn't done a very good job in hindsight, desperate for purpose and borderline suicidal in the wake of repeated loss. These last two years, though, with some form of stability, safety, and support, Sasuke had bloomed under his tutelage. Even the desperation to be reunited with Naruto had only cultivated passion, not hate, in the boy, and while he had once been obsessed with killing Itachi, the only thoughts of Itachi now are of self-defense and saving Naruto and Kurama. “Still nothing,” Sasuke’s voice pulls him out of his thoughts, “We should settle down for the night and wait for the ninken to return.” They slow to a stop and set up a barrier seal, one of Naruto’s creations that they’ve meticulously preserved and copied for use. “I’ll take the first watch,” offers Sasuke, perhaps mistaking Kakashi’s sentimentality for tiredness. Regardless, he accepts and drifts into sleep, thinking of Sasuke and Naruto.

Chapter Text

Fire Country: Naruto

The next morning Jiraiya wakes them up early, eager to speak to Tsunade. “She’s not even going to be awake judging by how much sake she drank last night,” Shikamaru complains, and he ends up being correct. The young woman with Tsunade, who introduces herself as Shizune, says that Tsunade is still sleeping. Later in the morning, though, they do get the chance to speak with her. “I won’t do it,” she says immediately, “I don’t want to come back to Konoha and I certainly don’t want to be Hokage.” Jiraiya begins a probably-practiced speech about why she should come with them, but Naruto has other things on her mind. “Are you an Uzumaki?,” she asks simply, speaking over Jiraiya. Tsunade’s eyes jump to Naruto, who is in her female form, presenting very obviously as an Uzumaki. “Uzumaki Mito was my grandmother,” she says slowly, “What… how… who are you?” “I’m Uzumaki Naruto,” Naruto responds, “Kushina was my mother and the Yondaime was my father.”
Tsunade raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, and says crudely, “I thought you were blonde, a boy, and dead.” Naruto just shrugs and says vaguely, “I haven’t been around until recently.” Tsunade studies her a minute longer before asking, “Do you think I should come back to Konoha?”

Naruto answers immediately, “No. Konoha likes to take powerful people like us and never let us go. You’re lucky to have gotten out in the first place.” “Are you trying to?,” comes the follow up question. Naruto laughs bitterly, “I did get out, Tsunade-hime. It’s just that when Uchiha Sasuke tried to do the same, they sent a war criminal to drag us back in.” The Sannin seems to mostly understand the situation now, so Naruto is beyond surprised when she says, “l’ll come back with you,” now looking at Jiraiya. “What,” Kurama says incredulously. Jiraiya looks just as surprised, if happy. “This child has the will of fire, Jiraiya,” she explains, smiling slightly, “I had forgotten what it was like.” “That’s the opposite of what I was saying,” Naruto whines softly, “She’s insane.” Shikamaru pats his shoulder, looking similarly shocked and confused. “Ok,” Jiraiya announces, “Let’s go back to Konoha!”

Fire Country: Kakashi

Kakashi and Sasuke are woken up by Bull early in the morning. The sun has barely started to rise, but all it takes is a gruff “I found him,” for them to rush off after the ninken. “How far?,” Sasuke asks before Kakashi gets the chance to. “3 hours, maybe,” Bull replies. Kakashi focuses his attention forward, in Naruto’s direction. Everything for the last two years has led up to this moment. But after two hours, Sasuke stops. Kakashi follows his lead without hesitation, sensing what Sauske did a moment later: two large chakra signatures ahead. They start to head away from the other pair, but within a few seconds realize they’ve been detected as well, and are now being followed. “Are they Konoha-nin?,” Sasuke asks. “I don't know them if they are,” Kakashi answers. Finally they decide to stop and face the Shinobi, not wanting to eventually end up trapped between these mysterious nin and enemies from Konoha. A gray haired man in a long black cloak with red clouds lands on a branch facing them mere seconds later, followed by a taller man with a mask and headscarf. He has the same cloak, and both have slashed hittai-ates, marking them as missing nin from Yu and Taki, respectively. “Ma,” Kakashi says casually, “How about we go our ways peacefully?” He’s confident in his and Sasuke’s abilities, but these men feel dangerous, and injury or chakra exhaustion could cause them to be unable to retrieve Naruto.

The first one laughs and announces, “You’ll make an excellent sacrifice to Jashin!,” before lunging towards them. He doesn’t make it far, Sasuke shunshinning beside him and slashing the man in three with efficient swipes of his sword. He leaps back to Kakashi’s side and says to the second man, “I’d suggest you run.” Sasuke is radiating killing intent, seeming bloodthirsty to the observer, but Kakashi knows he’s just impatient to see Naruto. “I’m not about to give up your bounties that quickly,” The man says, lifting his arms. Some sort of thread comes out, and Kakashi and Sasuke prepare to defend themselves against it, but it’s instead going towards the first man, who is… alive? “Hurry up, Kakuzu!,” the man’s head complains. “We wouldn’t have to do this if you didn’t get yourself mutilated in the first place, Hidan,” comes the response. Kakashi shares a horrified glance with Sasuke before they both spring into action. By the time they reach Kakuzu, Hidan is already sewn up and fighting again. It becomes clear quickly that Kakuzu is the real threat. He’s nearly as fast as Kakashi or Sasuke despite not having the Sharingan and is adept at handling multiple targets, capable of defending him and his partner at the same time. And after a few minutes of fighting in which the Hidan is the only person to be injured, Kakuzu erupts into a monstrous form, with long hair-like structure extending from him and ominous masks all over his body. Of course it had to get worse, Kakashi thinks as he dodges an impossibly powerful blast of fire from one of the masks

Fire Country: Shikamaru

A half hour after they’ve left with Tsunade, Naruto changes direction. Everyone in their party looks confused and chases after her, Jiraiya shouting questions. Shikamaru puts a dent in a tree trunk with chakra to catch up to her and asks, “What is it?” Naruto’s eyes are fully red when she turns to look at him, and he can’t tell whether it’s Naruto or Kurama who answers, “Kakashi and Sasuke are fighting someone. Two people. They’re very powerful.” Shikamaru pales. “Can you tell anything about them?” Naruto just shakes her head and goes forward faster, gaining a red aura of chakra. In just under 20 minutes, moving at a punishing pace, they reach the site of the battle. The others land just seconds behind, and Jiraiya mutters, “Akatsuki,” looking very worried. Sasuke and Kakashi are engaged in battle with a man and a monster, to simplify things. But a second later Shikamaru revises that assessment when Sasuke chops the normal-looking man into pieces only for him to be sewn up by his partner and keep fighting. Naruto immediately jumps into the fray, causing Jiraiya to follow her, looking concerned. Tsunade seems paralysed by fear of something, and Tenzou seems hesitant to join the fight unless needed. Shikamaru almost goes to join Naruto, wanting to stand by his friend’s side, but thinks better of it. Naruto doesn’t need him to provide fighting power, at least not yet. Instead she needs him as a strategist, watching, learning, and thinking until he can provide a solution to the problem. How does one kill an immortal man, he asks himself, watching the battle unfold.

Fire Country: Sasuke (This sections contains misgendering. Feel free to skip to the next bolded header, which has a brief summary below it)

Sasuke feels them before he sees them: Konoha-nin. But he doesn’t register that they’ve come from the direction Naruto was in until he comes barreling into the battle, long red hair flowing. Long red hair? He glances over at Naruto, seeing a completely different body than he remembers. But the chakra signature is right, and Kurama’s aura is unmistakable. It’s his Naruto, all right. And he’s more powerful than ever, knocking Kakuzu over with a wildly spinning sphere of chakra. He taps his chest and Myorin appears, just as small as the last time Sasuke saw her but with a greater presence. The moment of reprieve from Kakuzu’s onslaught gives Sasuke the chance to summon Kazune as well, and it seems like they must have the upper hand.

But then, all of a sudden, things go wrong. He allows Hidan a slight slice to his face in favor of getting a better position against Kakuzu, and the immortal man jumps back, cuts himself, and draws a symbol on the ground with his own blood. Finally he lifts his scythe to his mouth and licks Sasuke’s blood off. Sasuke is frozen. Literally. He strains his muscles, but can’t do anything. Kakuzu has backed off for some reason, and he’s counting on Naruto and Kakashi to intervene with whatever jutsu Hidan has used on him. But when Kakashi slashes a kunai at Hidan, simply trying to interrupt the jutsu, Sasuke feels his own arm slice open. Looking down, he can see his blood flow, and he thinks this must be the end. Hidan is immortal, so whatever damage he takes can be undone. This isn’t true for Sasuke. Kakashi and Naruto have backed off, but Sasuke feels another wound open on his body. His thigh is open and bleeding, and he thinks if he wasn’t frozen by the jutsu he would be collapsing from blood loss and pain. Hidan is saying something, but Sasuke can’t hear him past the adrenaline rushing by his ears. As Hidan raises his scythe to his chest, Sasuke closes his eyes, hoping Kakashi and Naruto will survive this fight.

Fire Country: Shikamaru

For those who skipped the previous section, Naruto entered the fight. However, Sasuke got trapped in Hidan's curse jutsu, meaning that any harm done to Hidan is also done to Sasuke. Hidan is about to stab himself in the heart, and Sasuke realizes that he is about to die.

Shikamaru’s heart is pounding as he watches the scene unfold. Sasuke is trapped by some jutsu of Hidan’s, and it really looks like there’s no way out. It requires blood, that’s for sure, and Shikamaru files away the knowledge that if the fight continues no one can let themselves be pierced by him at all. But what can be done right now? He focuses, examining every piece of the jutsu. Sasuke’s blood was the first component. The second was Hidan’s. So what’s the final element linking the two? The marking on the ground. Of course! But how to disrupt it? Does Hidan have to be moved off of it? Or does it have to be physically erased? From what he knows of jutsus like this, there’s likely a safeguard preventing erasure. So what does he do?

But there’s no more time to think, because Hidan is raising his scythe to his heart, and Sasuke is moments from death. He has to act now, before it’s too late. He makes the hand symbols for a simple Shadow Sewing Jutsu, and fires it at Hidan, immobilizing him. “Naruto!,” he yells, shocking his friend out of the panicked state she was in. She must understand what he’s saying, because she shunshins and essentially pushes Hidan out of the circle. The second Hidan is out of the circle, Sasuke collapses, and Naruto sticks two seals on the immortal. Shikamaru knows this technique: the inner one is an exploding seal, and the outer is a containing seal, resulting in a controlled explosion inside an unbreakable container. Hidan vanishes, leaving only a piece of sealing paper. But Kakuzu is still there, and is stepping forward again. The fight is far from over.

Fire Country: Kakashi (This sections contains misgendering. Feel free to skip to the very last paragraph, which is a brief summary)

Kakashi jumps forward to retrieve Sasuke, who is lying on the ground, but Kakuzu is already there, having moved quicker than the shunshin. Kakashi turns too slowly, preoccupied with Sasuke, and he knows from years of experience as a Shinobi that this is where he’ll die. There’s no time to deflect, and he’d never dodge and leave Sasuke to take the fatal hit. But before Kakuzu can strike them, Kakashi sees a three-pronged kunai fly in between them, and for a second he thinks that he’s already dead, because how could Minato be here? But the flash he knows so well doesn’t bring his teacher but his little brother, long red hair like Kushina’s flowing behind him. He’s radiant, glowing gold with Kurama’s chakra, and when he turns his head Kakashi can see the orange eyes of a Sage staring back at him. “Run,” Kurama and Naruto say in both of their voices, and Kakashi retreats with Sasuke in his arms.

Not a second later, the world explodes with chakra. Kurama’s full power is insane, but somehow Naruto’s seems just as massive. It’s an explosion of wind and fire, and when Naruto is done Kakuzu lies on the ground, all of his strange masks shattered. Naruto shunshins to Sasuke’s side frantically, but Kakashi knows better than to leave this dangerous of an enemy alive for even a second longer. He shunshins to the man’s side and puts a chidori through his chest. Everything is still for a moment, the battle over, but then the Konoha-nin spring into action, putting themselves in threatening positions. Tenzou seems prepared to restrain Naruto at a moment's notice, and he’s far too close to Sasuke for Kakashi’s comfort.

Normally, with the Mangekyou, he and Sasuke could defeat everyone here. But Sasuke is incapacitated, and he has to protect him. Naruto seems to be thinking the same thing, and looks somewhat resigned, before shunshining to Kakashi and placing a hand on his side. Kakashi knows in an instant what the chakra he feels is: the seal people used to call the Mark of Death. But from Naruto it’s no threat; instead a promise that he’ll come to them using the Hiraishin. This trip wasn’t useless, even if Kakashi and Sasuke have to flee now. Before the Konoha-nin can move to stop Naruto, he’s already flickered back to their side, and Kakashi kamuis away with Sasuke, hurrying to treat his wounds as soon as they’re back in Uzushio.

For those who skipped this section, Kakuzu was attacking Kakashi and an injured Sasuke when Naruto used the Hiraishin to block the attack and save them. Naruto and Kurama then attacked Kakuzu with a combination of the Rasengan and basically pure bijuu chakra. Kakashi deals the killing blow with a chidori. Kakashi and Sasuke are forced to retreat due to Sasuke's life threatening injuries, but Naruto first puts a Hiraishin seal on Kakashi, ensuring that he'll be able to teleport to him later.

Chapter Text

Fire Country: Naruto

Naruto stands there, absolutely overwhelmed by everything that just happened. Shikamaru is by her side, and Jiraiya is approaching her, looking both relieved and resigned. He knows Naruto just did, and that he’ll be losing her soon. Still, the Sannin says, “Let’s keep heading back. There’s some things I need to tell you on the way.” Naruto nods and they depart. Tenzou hangs back briefly to grab Hidan’s seal and Kakuzu’s body before catching up with them. “Those were members of a group called the Akatsuki,” Jiraiya begins, “They’re a group of extremely powerful missing-nin. They’re mercenaries, but have a bigger goal. They want to collect all the bijuu.” Naruto gasps and Jiraiya continues, “We don’t know why they have this goal, but they’ve been killing jinchuuriki and extracting their tailed beasts. We believe that the Gobi and the Shichibi have already been captured.” “Kurama?,” Naruto prompts, as the fox has gone silent. “It’s worrying, kit, for sure,” comes the succinct response, “But soon we’ll be safe behind Uzushio’s wards.” Naruto agrees, though she wonders if Shinobi this powerful could break through. Uzushio had fallen, even if it had taken the full strength of two nations to do it. Jiraiya continues, “Just be careful, Naruto. Some of the Akatsuki are far more powerful than the two we just fought, and they’re after you.” “You could come with us, ya know,” Naruto counters, “Then you could protect me, and I wouldn’t have to leave you.” Jiraiya just gives her a sad smile and says, “Konoha is where I belong, Naruto. And I suppose I’ve made peace with the fact that we belong in different places. I just count myself lucky to have had this time with you.” “...I’ll miss you too, Shishou.”

Konoha: Shikamaru

Shikamaru stops at the Uchiha compound before going home, organizing his notes and taking them with him. He hesitates before crossing the border of his and Naruto’s workspace these past years, smiling at the memories. He leaves, quietly shutting the door behind him, and goes home. It’s early evening, and his mother is cooking dinner while his father is in his study. He goes to him, “I’ve procured substantial evidence showing that Shimura Danzo has committed treason against Konoha. Get Jiraiya’s assistance, and he’ll be able to convince the new Hokage. I trust that you’ll be able to continue my work.” His father is silent, flipping through the papers Shikamaru handed him, though his mind seems elsewhere. Finally, he places the papers on his desk and says, “So you’re leaving?” Shikamaru drops his head and confirms, “Yes. My faith in Konoha has been more than shaken, and I confess that I feel more loyalty to my friend than to my village. I'm sorry.”

“I’m proud of you, Shikamaru,” his father says softly, “I never would have wanted you to leave the village, it's true. But you’ve grown strong and wise and never lost sight of your principles, and that’s everything that I wanted you to become, ultimately. I just hope you’ll let me visit you in Uzushio.” Shikamaru smiles, “Of course, dad.” They have a last family dinner, and Shikamaru says his goodbyes. He leaves a note for Choji, the closest of his friends and teammates, and waits. He feels a tingle in the seal on his arm and Naruto is there at his side. “Are you ready?," he asks. “Yes.”

Konoha: Naruto

Naruto knocks on Iruka’s door tentatively. It opens, and he asks immediately, “Do you want to go for ramen?” It looks like Iruka has already started cooking dinner, but he must see something in Naruto’s face, because he says, “Ok,” and heads outside. The ramen is as good as ever, but Naruto’s tense, and they eat silently. Finally Kurama tires of it and says, “Speak up, kit. Putting it off won’t do anything.” Naruto knows he’s right, and after a moment of gathering courage says, “I’m leaving tonight.” Iruka looks at him, surprised, before sighing and saying, “I’m guessing this isn’t a temporary thing.” “No.” “I always kind of knew this day would come. Even when you were 13, you were dead set on going back. No one was going to be able to keep you here forever. But I will miss you. A lot.” “You could come with me, Iruka-sensei,” Naruto offers. “Please don’t ask me to make that choice, Naruto,” Iruka replies, “I’ve dedicated my whole life to this village. I can’t turn away now.” “I’ll miss you too, then,” Naruto says, “I’ve been so lucky to have you.”

The sentimentality continues until finally, they go their separate ways, ending it with a long hug. “Konoha didn’t end up being that bad, after all,” Naruto remarks to Kurama as they leave. “Yes, it was, Naruto,” Kurama says, “There were just some good parts along the way.” Naruto shrugs and heads to the Uchiha compound to make preparations. Shikamaru must have already been by, since the place is devoid of his notes. Cleaning up the space, Naruto thinks of the Uzushio archives, where he’ll be able to work again. Soon, they’ll be home. He takes a second to place a Hiraishin seal in the compound before leaving. He and Kurama had chosen this to be the place to put it, concealed and inaccessible by anyone but them and Sasuke. They’ll be able to come back to Konoha whenever they need or want. Finally, he finds Jiraiya, who greets him with a sigh. “I’m leaving tonight,” Naruto says, “Thank you for everything.” “Thank you, Naruto,” Jiraiya responds, “You’ve been the best student and godson I could’ve hoped for. And I hope we’ll see each other again, if the winds of fate blow us together.” Naruto smiles sadly and they say goodbye. Naruto teleports to Shikamaru using the Hiraishin and asks, “Are you ready?” Shikamaru answers in the affirmative, and they go home.

Uzushio: Kakashi

Kakashi is sitting by Sasuke’s bedside, watching the boy heal like he would a pot boil, when he sees a bright flash to his right. “Naruto,” he says tearfully, and is greeted with a massive hug. “Kakashi-nii-san!,” Naruto exclaims before turning his attention to Sasuke. “He’s going to be okay,” Kakashi assures him, “but it might be a day or so before he wakes up. His injuries were bad.” As Naruto examines his friend, Kakashi turns his attention to the genin who had been standing behind Naruto awkwardly. “Welcome, Shikamaru,” he says, “I assume that Naruto invited you here. I’d like to thank you for saving Sasuke.” Because Kakashi is really, truly, thankful to Shikamaru, who had figured out a plan and taken action while he and Naruto had been immobilized by fear and confusion. “It was no problem,” Shikamaru responds, “Thank you for letting me stay here.” Kakashi almost laughs, knowing that that decision is solely up to Naruto and Kurama, but instead says, “Let me show you around. Naruto will want to stay with Sauske for a while.”

Shikamaru glances at Naruto for approval, and he must get it because he nods and follows Kakashi. Even in the fight with Kakuzu and Hidan it had been clear that the Nara was deeply loyal to Naruto. He had jumped to Sasuke’s defense when the act could have been considered treasonous. And when the Konoha-nin had seemed ready to fight to restrain Naruto, Shikamaru had looked ready to defend Naruto against them. The most obvious sign of loyalty, of course, is that he’s here in Uzushio. “You know you’re a missing-nin now, right?” Kakashi asks him bluntly. “Yes,” comes the simple answer, “But I honestly don’t think I could’ve stayed a Shinobi of Konoha after everything.” Kakashi isn’t entirely sure what’s included in that ‘everything,’ but it surely includes Naruto. “Besides,” Shikamaru continues, “Konoha might not be safe soon, at least not for me.” Kakashi raises an eyebrow at him. “Naruto and I found proof that Danzo committed treason several times over,” Shikamaru explains, “The information is in my father’s hands, and I trust him to do the right thing, but it might not go well.” Kakashi nods, relieved that Danzo will face justice but also worried about Konoha’s stability. He takes Shikamaru to see the training ground, the cliffs, the field where they grow their plants, and even the archives. He’s proven himself enough to be privy to their sanctuaries. As they’re heading back, Myorin bounds up to them. “Sasuke’s awake,” she says, and they hurry back. Kakashi thinks he could cry or scream with happiness. Sasuke's okay, and Naruto's home.

Uzushio: Naruto

Naruto feels Sasuke’s chakra spike before he sees him awake, and hurries to respond as his friend flails. “It’s okay, Sasuke,” he says, holding him down, “The fight’s over. You’re safe.” He’s seen this in Konoha a few times: a Shinobi who lost consciousness during a fight will panic upon waking in the hospital, thinking he’s still in danger. Indeed, it takes Sasuke a few seconds to stop fighting against Naruto, and when he does he doesn’t seem to fully process what he’s seeing, delirious from shock and pain. “Naruto?” “I’m here, Sasuke,” Naruto answers, “I’m home.” And it’s like the sound of his voice wakes Sasuke up, because his face morphs into an expression of awe and joy and he surges forward to get closer to Naruto. The movement is interrupted by a wince of pain, though, Sasuke’s injuries still fresh from the fight. “Are you okay?,” Naruto asks, panicked. “I’ll be fine,” Sasuke answers, “What’s important is that you’re here.” “Well stay still,” Kurama snaps, “You’ll just reinjure yourself.” Even after years, Sasuke must recognize that the irritation just means Kurama cares, because he smiles brightly and says, “Thank you, Kurama. It's good to see you”

Kakashi and Shikamaru enter the room, followed by Myorin. “How are you feeling?,” Kakashi asks. “I’ve been better,” Sasuke answers, “But I don’t think the injuries are too worrying now that they’re closed up. They’re just painful.” He turns his attention to Shikamaru with confusion, a question on his lips. “Shikamaru came with me from Konoha,” Naruto explains, “He’ll be staying with us if that’s okay with you.” A strange expression comes over Sasuke’s face, but he just nods and Naruto doesn’t question it. “Ok, everyone out,” Kakashi says, “Sasuke needs to rest and all this excitement isn’t helping." Naruto sighs and leaves the room, Myorin jumping onto his shoulder as he does so. “I’ll come by later, Sasuke, ok?”

Uzushio: Shikamaru

Shikamaru leaves the room with Naruto and Kakashi, feeling somewhat awkward. He had never been particularly close to Sasuke in Konoha, and he doesn’t know Kakashi either. He’s here for Naruto, he reminds himself. It’ll all be okay. “Let’s go train!,” Naruto exclaims after they leave, and Kakashi chuckles. “Not all of us have unending stamina, Naruto,” the man says, “Training will have to wait a day or two. But I do want to see your new seals.” Shikamaru is relieved that Kakashi said no to training. There were many days in Konoha when Shikamaru had just returned from a hard mission and Naruto had seemed incapable of understanding why he couldn’t train. Naruto doesn’t even seem that upset about being unable to train, instead turning towards the archives and saying, “I need to put a seal on that other eye of yours anyway, nii-san. I don’t know where you got it from but it can’t be good to have it activated all the time.” And Kakashi spends the rest of the walk to the archives explaining something called the “Eternal Mangekyou.” Naruto must have more prior knowledge about the Sharingan than Shikamaru, because he doesn’t seem confused, and chides Kakashi, “That was so reckless! And you got it from Orochimaru’s notes? He’s not even an Uchiha; how would he know?” “Yeah, yeah,” Kakashi answers, “But it worked. Besides, could it possibly be more reckless than removing and replacing your jinchuuriki seal by yourself? Don’t think I didn’t notice that.” It’s Naruto’s turn to look sheepish. “Would you believe me if I told you Jiraiya helped?” “No.” “That’s fair enough.”

They reach the archives and Naruto empties all the seals and supplies from his storage seals onto an empty table. Then he immediately turns to Kakashi, holding out a brush somewhat menacingly. “Go ahead,” Kakashi says, and Naruto inks a seal on Kakashi’s face in less than a minute. Watching Naruto work is always impressive, especially since he’s a true fuuinjutsu master now. Even Kakashi looks impressed at the speed as he tests the seal. “You don’t have to wait around, Shikamaru,” Naruto says, turning towards him, “This is literally a massive library; go explore.” And Shikamaru does, walking along shelves and shelves of scrolls and books. He picks out a text on strategy to start and brings it back out. He sits and reads while Naruto paints and experiments with Sage-knows-what, and it’s like they’re back in Konoha at the Uchiha compound. Except here there’s no missions or Hokage or mysterious councilmen. Just endless stacks of books and scrolls and a whole island that’s theirs. This could work.

Chapter Text

Suna: Itachi

Itachi looks down at the village of Sunagakure with disappointment. He had expected to see a burning city, panicked after losing their Kage’s son and only jinchuuriki. Instead there is silence. The only tension he feels is coming from the Kage tower, and he approaches carefully. “We need to send a search party East now!,” one councilman is saying, “Losing the jinchuuriki makes us vulnerable to attack.” But another raises his voice in disagreement, “The one-tails was a nuisance if not an active security threat to our village. I say good riddance!” The Kage, the father of the jinchuuriki, says nothing. Itachi scowls, knowing that they’ll likely argue for several more hours. Even if they decided to send a retrieval team, it would be far too late. But Itachi won’t be. He’s heard what he needs to: Deidara and Sasori have taken the jinchuuriki East. If he can catch up to them before they reach whatever hideout they’re using for extraction, there should be few complications. With the swipe of his hand on a seal, his flock of crows is there. “Find the one-tails,” he commands, and the Suna councilmen turn at the sound of crowing from outside, but Itachi is long gone.

Uzushio: Sasuke

“So Kakuzu and Hidan were part of a group that’s trying to hunt down all the jinchuuriki?” “The Akatsuki, yes,” Naruto confirms, looking unreasonably relaxed. “And they’re led by Uchiha Madara?,” Sasuke continues. Has Naruto gone mad or something? “That’s what Itachi told Jiraiya,” Naruto answers, “But honestly no one knows if it’s true. It was the week before he went crazy and ran off.” Sasuke sighs. They just can’t get a break. They’ve only just gotten Naruto back and now they’re dealing with a group of insanely powerful missing-nin who are looking for Naruto and Kurama. “There’s more bad news,” Shikamaru says as he walks into the room. He had been exempt from this conversation because he apparently already knows everything Naruto does about the Akatsuki. Shikamaru seems to know everything about Naruto nowadays. “What is it?,” Kakashi asks seriously. “I heard from my father,” Shikamaru begins, “The clans went forward with arresting Danzo, with Tsunade’s permission. But he managed to escape. Apparently he had an implanted Sharingan which he used to change what had happened, somehow?”

Shikamaru looks confused by the news, but a shared glance with Kakashi confirms what Sasuke had been thinking. “It’s probably the Izanagi, a genjutsu that can practically change reality," he muses, "Danzo must have gotten a Sharingan from the massacre. So he’s a doujutsu thief on top of his other crimes.” “I can’t say I’m too surprised,” Kakashi comments, “But this is definitely inconvenient. We had sort of assumed Danzo would be taken care of by Konoha. If he’s escaped then he could become our problem.” Kakashi’s right, Sasuke thinks. The councilman (ex-councilman now, he supposes) has reasons to come after any of them. He could want revenge on Shikamaru. He could want more Sharingan from Sasuke or Kakashi. And Naruto… even if he just had Uzumaki blood some people would attempt to kidnap him for it. With Kurama on top of that, he’s undoubtedly a target.

“Luckily we’re probably safer here than anywhere on the continent,” Naruto says, “If you explain Izanagi to me I can try to patch the wards against it, but if it actually changes reality I don’t think it’s fully avoidable.” “It doesn’t matter,” Sasuke answers, “The price of the Izanagi is immediate and permanent blindness. It's kinjutsu.” “But couldn’t he have more Sharingan?,” Naruto asks. Shit, he absolutely could. He would have had access to all the eyes from the massacre. “I can explain it to you in more detail,” Sasuke says, acknowledging the possibility, “But I don’t know the specifics myself.” Naruto smiles, “Great! But right now I want to spar. You guys have had a whole week to rest after the fight! You must feel better now.” Sasuke grins. He hasn’t told Naruto yet, but last night Kakashi had given him the all clear to train. His injuries are healed. “Race you to the training field,” he says, shunshining away. “No fair, you got a head start!,” he hears from behind him and he laughs. It’s nice being with Naruto again.

Naruto shunshins onto the training field just a second behind Sasuke. She’s shifted to female form, something he hasn’t entirely gotten used to. She had explained the situation to Sasuke and Kakashi a few days ago, Shikamaru sitting next to her and glaring at them in case they said anything non-supportive. Not that that happened; Kakashi had accepted it immediately, and if anything Sasuke hadn’t understood what the big deal was. Naruto is still just his Naruto, boy or girl, red hair or blonde. He had said as much, and Naruto had explained, saying, “It’s important to me, though, Sasuke. You wouldn’t want to be female, right?” He had wrinkled his nose at that. There’s nothing wrong with girls, of course, but he wouldn’t want to be one…and then he had understood it before Naruto had even had to say, “When I’m a girl it’s because I feel like one: I wouldn’t want to be a boy. And the other way around as well.” And that had been that. “You ready, Sasuke?,” Naruto taunts, drawing him out of his thoughts, “It’s been a while since we’ve sparred.” “You bet,” he answers, grinning viciously like he would when facing an enemy. Naruto, though, knows that it’s more a reflection of his competitiveness and glee while fighting than any actual malintent, and she bares her teeth back at him, Kurama’s sharp teeth coming to the surface. Ok, so they aren’t easing into this. He activates his Mangekyou and attacks first.

Uzushio: Shikamaru

Shikamaru had followed behind Naruto and Sasuke, not seeing the point in racing to the field. When he gets there, though, he kind of wishes he had hurried, because he has clearly missed all the build up in Naruto and Sasuke’s spar. They’re going at each other with full force already, and he would never guess that Sasuke had had grievous wounds a week ago by how he’s fighting. Scratch that- he would never guess that the two are human by how they’re fighting. Their taijutsu is too fast to see with normal eyes, and Naruto must only be able to keep up with Sasuke’s speed because of Kurama’s superhuman vision and the Hiraishin, which she’s using liberally. The hand-to-hand is interspersed with jutsus that seem deceptively small by the ease with which Naruto and Sasuke deflect them, but which Shikamaru knows are high-energy and difficult to produce. Eventually Naruto gets the best of Sasuke, shockingly beating the Sharingan user with greater speed. Then again, there is nothing faster than the Hiraishin. “Shikamaru,” Naruto calls, “Join in! You can fight on Sasuke’s side since he lost.” That results in Sasuke glaring slightly at Naruto, but Shikamaru barely notices because he freezes. Join in a spar with these two? What could he possibly do? He doesn’t want them to hold back for him, but he doesn’t want to say no either. “Ok, ok,” he finally says, “I’m coming.” He takes a place behind Sasuke, clearly a supportive fighter compared to the Uchiha. But he honestly has no clue what he’s going to do. Naruto has proven many times that she is the worst possible opponent for Shikamaru, because the Hiraishin allows her to avoid shadow techniques.

Shikamaru starts the fight by surrounding his and Sasuke’s feet with shadow. He had found out quickly that in addition to being able to avoid attacks with the Hiraishin, Naruto could use Shikamaru’s own Hiraishin mark against him. After all, when applied to an enemy it’s literally referred to as the Mark of Death. The shadows around him prevent Naruto from teleporting to him with that technique since she’d run the risk of being trapped. Besides that, though, Shikamaru doesn’t have much to contribute. After a few minutes of Naruto and Sasuke fighting ruthlessly, Sasuke hisses, “How about a strategy, Nara?” Right. He’s been so overwhelmed by the level of the spar that he failed to consider a strategy. He makes the Konoha signal for ‘retreat’, assuming Sasuke will know it even though he uses different hand signs with Naruto and Kakashi. Shikamaru will have to learn those soon. But for now this works, and Sasuke springs back with him to communicate more freely. The strategy is half-baked, but it has several layers, and Sasuke nods upon hearing it, giving Shikamaru a look of begrudging respect before flashing the ‘go’ signal and approaching Naruto, who had generously given them a few seconds uninterrupted to plan.

The Tomoe in Sasuke’s Sharingan start spinning rapidly and Shikamaru reactivates the circle of shadow around them. But this time, he also sends out long tendrils of shadow on the ground and through the air, attacking Naruto at the same time as Sasuke does with Amaterasu. Naruto scoffs, looking disappointed in their forward attack, but after a minute of only barely dodging shadow tendrils realizes that Sasuke isn’t just using his Sharingan to attack but to weave a subtle genjutsu, shifting Naruto’s perception of their Shikamaru’s attacks by a few inches. Now Naruto grins and flares her and Kurama’s chakra high, shouting “Kai!” The power of a jinchuuriki and her bijuu are more than enough to break a genjutsu, and Naruto returns to her typical pattern of overusing the Hiraishin to teleport in between attacks.

Just a few seconds later, though, Shikamaru tightens a shadow tendril and it lands around Naruto. “And you’re dead,” Sasuke says, jumping over and holding his sword to Naruto’s throat. Naruto, meanwhile, just looks confused at how she teleported directly into Shikamaru’s attack. “You thought the trick was that Sasuke was using the Sharingan to create a genjutsu in addition to using Amaterasu,” Shikamaru explains, “but the real trick was that you only dispelled the first layer of the genjutsu. Everything seemed to shift back to normal, but it was still off by about an inch. Not much, but it was enough.” Naruto sighs and responds, “That won’t work on me next time.” Shikamaru grins at her; he’s counting on it. Still, there’s something bothering him.

That night he asks Naruto, “Why doesn’t Sasuke like me?” Naruto has the nerve to laugh, not unkindly, but Shikamaru still furrows his brows, “No, really, Naruto. He’s constantly glaring at me. It’s obvious he doesn’t want me here.” Naruto sobers and responds, “It’s not that he doesn’t like you, Shikamaru. It’s that he’s jealous.” Oh. That makes sense. Naruto goes on, “Sasuke is my closest friend. You know that. You respect it. But he doesn’t understand that. He’s been single mindedly focused on saving me from the untold horrors of Konoha for the past two years, and you mess up that perception. First, he’s worried that I was happy in Konoha and don't really want to be here. Second, he’s worried that I wasn’t thinking about him as much as he was thinking about me while we were apart, and he thinks I’ve replaced him.” “I should talk to him, I guess,” she concludes, “I thought it would all work out once I was here with him, but it’s better to lay everything on the table.” Shikamaru nods, content with the fact that Sasuke doesn’t hate him and that Naruto will take care of everything. His confidence is not misplaced, because the next time he sees Sasuke he greets him, awkward but friendly. It’s a start.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Sasuke

Sasuke is sitting in the archives as Naruto works on updates to the wards when his friend turns to him suddenly. “You know I’m not going to leave you, right?,” he asks and Sasuke is taken aback. How did Naruto know that he had been worried about that? “Of course I know that,” he lies in response, “Why would you think otherwise.” Naruto frowns and says, “You haven’t been very welcoming to Shikamaru. I thought you might need some reassurance.” “Of course not,” Sasuke snaps back. He doesn’t have to welcome Shikamaru just because Naruto brought him here. But a moment later he regrets his words, Naruto having fallen silent. Truthfully, he knows that he hasn’t been fair to Shikamaru, who literally saved his life. “I’m sorry,” he says simply, “You’re right.” Naruto swivels around on his chair, looking almost surprised. “I just wanted you to know that Shikamaru isn’t replacing you,” he says softly, “Every moment I was in Konoha I was thinking about you.” Naruto’s words instantly soothe a worry Sasuke has been hiding, and he smiles back at Naruto. “Now tell me more about the Izanagi,” Naruto changes the subject, “I’m confused. Is it really happening or not? Isn’t it a genjutsu?” “Well, it’s complicated…,” Sasuke starts explaining, laughing slightly at Naruto’s sigh.

Wind Country: Itachi

Itachi’s caught up with Deidara and Sasori, but hasn’t acted yet. There’s still time before they reach the extraction site, and he’s waiting for the right opportunity. He’ll have to use the Mangekyou for this no matter what, though, so eventually he just decides to strike. He steps in front of the two Akatsuki members, and Sasori barely has the chance to growl, “Itachi,” before they’re both pulled into Tsukuyomi. Days later (seconds later in reality), they emerge, both Deidara and Sasori unconscious. No matter what physical safeguards Sasori had employed, his mental limits were still very much those of a mortal. Itachi pulls out his tanto and cleanly decapitates Deidara before carefully stabbing Sasori through his true heart. He seals both away carefully; anyone could become an S-rank missing-nin with the technology found on these two bodies. Finally he turns to the jinchuuriki, Gaara. He’s unconscious but largely uninjured, so Itachi picks him up and starts running. He wants to be as far from here as possible when the other Akatsuki investigate the disappearance.

A few hours later, he feels Gaara start to stir, and figures he should stop. They’re in a forested part of River Country now, so Itachi will have the advantage in a fight. This is practically home terrain. As he’s setting traps around the site, the boy wakes up, and Itachi barely dodges the large tendril of sand coming towards him. Looking back, he sees the jinchuuriki staring at him, radiating killing intent. “It’s okay,” he tries, “The men who kidnapped you are gone. I’m not going to hurt you.” He’d say Gaara doesn’t believe him when another attack comes, but by his face it seems more likely that he doesn’t care. What did Suna do to this kid? “I don’t want to fight you,” he says, still trying to bring the conflict to an end. In the worst case scenario, the elevated chakra could attract Akatsuki looking for them. “It doesn’t matter,” Itachi is shocked to hear such a cold voice out of the small teenager, “You will die to satisfy Mother.” Huh. Could this ‘mother’ be the Ichibi? Sighing, he dodges more sand and activates the Tsukuyomi for the second time today. It could be considered cruel, but it’s the only way to wear Gaara down without attracting enemies or risking the Ichibi coming out.

The fight continues inside the Tsukuyomi, just without risk of injury for Itachi. Gaara is slowing, and seems to be about to pass out, when Itachi barely hears him whisper, “Can’t sleep…mother…take over.” Shit. This ‘mother’ probably is the Ichibi, and it sounds like the seal isn’t working properly. But Itachi’s no fuuinjutsu expert, and he certainly doesn’t have time to find one. He exits the Tsukuyomi to see Gaara already transforming. His only choice is the Mangekyou. He meets the Ichibi’s monstrous eyes and commands it to stop. To retreat back inside the seal and stay there. It works, thankfully, and Itachi deactivates his Sharingan, exhausted. Three uses of the Mangekyou in a day isn’t sustainable, and he hopes that he won’t have to control the Ichibi every night. For now, though, he settles down, leaving crows to watch over them. He’ll have plenty of warning if anyone approaches. As for whether he can activate his Mangekyou again if he needs to- well there’s not much he can do about that, and if anything sleep will make a success more likely.

Luckily, Itachi’s sleep is uninterrupted until Gaara wakes up in the morning. The kid is standing nearby, looking at the surroundings and Itachi confused. When he realizes that Itachi is awake, though, he springs back into a combat stance. Itachi sighs. He really can’t do this for much longer. Fortunately, Gaara’s curiosity seems to trump his commitment to murder, because he asks, “What did you do to mother?,” instead of attacking. “I made him stay inside your seal,” Itachi responds, “If he comes out again I can stop him.” Gaara is trying very hard to have no emotional reaction, but under the facade it’s clear that he’s relieved. “You don’t need to kill to satisfy him, Gaara,” he tries, “Not while I’m here to control him.” The jinchuuriki’s expression hardens as he shakes his head, “You don’t understand, Shinobi. My life’s meaning is killing all that I come across. I only live for myself and my only love is for myself.”

Itachi glances at the red kanji sitting on Gaara’s forehead. Could that really be the hidden meaning of the mark? “Well that doesn’t make much sense,” he says, "If you only lived for yourself then you wouldn’t follow some grand purpose. Your purpose would be sustaining yourself, or being happy, not killing everyone you see. That must be coming from somewhere else.” Gaara frowns, looking a mix of contemplative and angry at Itachi for seeing through him. Sage, this kid’s subconscious must be messed up. He has no clue how he’s going to get through to him. But he doesn’t have a choice. Gaara was captured by the Akatsuki, who he cannot allow to collect the bijuu and control the world. Besides, they’re after Naruto, and if Itachi knows one thing it’s that Sasuke would die for Naruto. He remembers how Sasuke had screamed for his friend; had pushed deeper into the Kyuubi’s chakra rather than away from it just because Naruto was in pain. No, the Akatsuki cannot get Naruto, and without returning to Konoha, the only way to protect him is to kill the Akatsuki. He’s killed two, and more will come for Gaara. He’ll kill them too, until there’s no threats to his brother left.

Gaara is still standing in front of him, frozen, and hasn’t made a move to attack yet, so Itachi tries his luck, sitting down and starting to make a fire. He doesn’t get attacked, which is a good sign, and after a few minutes Gaara tentatively approaches the fire, jumping back at the last minute like a wild animal. A crow brings a dead rabbit for Itachi to cook, and the food lures Gaara in fully. The kid hasn’t eaten in several days, and has had chakra exhaustion on top of that. “Why did you save me?,” Gaara asks quietly. Finally, it’s the voice of an unsure child rather than an emotionless fighter, and Itachi relaxes slightly. Maybe he can do this. “I have a brother,” he explains, “who I can’t be with to protect. But he’s an enemy of the Akatsuki, so I work against them.” Gaara just stares, showing no emotion. Well, on the surface at least, because when Itachi comments, “but I guess you wouldn’t understand that, would you,” Gaara fully winces, which is the largest show of emotion he’s allowed himself in the entire two days he’s been with Itachi. It’s progress and Itachi will take it, if only so he won’t be murdered before he can bait in the rest of the Akatsuki.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Kakashi

Kakashi wakes up to an empty house for the fourth time in as many days. He has always thought of himself as hardworking, waking up early to train and spending hours doing so even if he did show up to things late. He had been shocked when he first moved to Uzushio that Naruto’s schedule even matched his own. But now…Kakashi sighs. Naruto’s return and Shikamaru’s arrival have exacerbated things. The Nara gladly wakes up early and skips meals to study with Naruto in the archives. And even if he and Sasuke seem to be doing better now, Sasuke has definitely trying to show off for Naruto on the training field, putting in longer hours than ever before, often accompanied by Naruto or a clone. Of course, Shikamaru himself has not been skimping on the combat training, seeming committed to catching up to Naruto and Sasuke’s power levels.

Seeing few ingredients missing from the kitchen, Kakashi realizes that at least two of the kids had skipped breakfast- probably Naruto and Shikamaru. He sighs. They had lacked adult supervision in Konoha, but skipping meals will not fly here (not to doubt Nara Shikaku’s parenting abilities, but Kakashi has no doubt that the man had let his son and Naruto run freely around Konoha for the last two years). Activating his Sharingan briefly, he senses Naruto and Shikamaru in the archives and Sasuke at the training field with a few clones of Naruto’s. He prepares four bentos quickly. Sasuke probably ate, but he’s been training for a bit already and could use the calories. He heads to the archives first, where Naruto and Shikamaru are seated silently at their scrolls as expected. He sits with them and eats while they go over their current projects. Naruto is trying to Izanagi-proof the wards, which Shikamaru thinks might be theoretically impossible. Frankly, Kakashi agrees, but Naruto has pulled off the impossible before. Shikamaru, meanwhile, is reading an advanced text on yin chakra that will help him improve his shadow justus. Honestly, Kakashi understands even less of that than of Naruto’s work. Still, he has full confidence in them both to see their projects through.

Next, he goes down to the training fields to see Naruto and Kurama bickering. “If you hadn’t flared your chakra like that it would have worked!,” Naruto is saying, “I had it covered.” “No you didn’t,” Kurama counters, “You still aren’t adjusting for my chakra. You didn’t use enough and it wouldn’t have worked if I didn’t add any.” “Well at least it wouldn’t have exploded in our face,” Naruto pouts. Kakashi notices that Naruto’s blonde hair is slightly burnt at the tips. “Are you two still having control issues?,” he interrupts the argument. “Coordination issues,” Naruto corrects, “When fighting it makes sense for both of us to be controlling our chakra. But it means we have to be in perfect sync. Otherwise we could both put full chakra into the same attack. Or worse, neither of us put chakra into it and we’d leave an opening for the enemy.” Kakashi nods. It makes sense that it’d take time to adjust to their new seal, especially with the high degree of precision they’re expecting from themselves. “Well good luck,” he says, moving on to Sasuke. He turns to the other side of the field and is greeted by… two Sasukes? “I’m learning the shadow clone jutsu,” Sasuke explains before he can ask, “I have large enough chakra stores now, and even if I have one clone it’ll double the speed I learn at.” Kakashi nods, but notes that Sasuke looks slightly faint. He holds out a bento and Sasuke walks over.

“Why shadow clone jutsu?,” Kakashi asks as Sasuke eats. It’s not a bad choice, but it’s intriguing for a number of reasons. The kid sighs, putting his chopsticks down. “Naruto is so much stronger than me,” he says, “I needed Shikamaru’s help to beat him, and even then it was only barely. I spent two years saying I was going to save him, and then he had to save me in the end. I want to be able to protect him. So I need to be stronger. This is how Naruto got stronger.”

Kakashi grimaces at the end of Sasuke’s short speech. “You know, Sasuke,” he begins hesitantly, “Naruto does need you. For a number of reasons. He needs you emotionally. You’re his best friend. And if you feel like you need to be needed in combat, that day will come too. What if Naruto’s facing someone with the Sharingan or the Mokuton? He and Kurama are weak against both, but you’re stronger than any living Sharingan user, and Mokuton will fall to Amaterasu. We all have strengths and weaknesses. You, Naruto, and Shikamaru actually complement each other quite well. Not because you’re the same but because you’re different. You and Naruto cover each other’s weaknesses. And Shikamaru compensates for your… strategic deficits.” Sasuke laughs at the last bit, knowing that neither he nor Naruto are particularly good at strategy. He looks somewhat happier, so Kakashi will count this talk as a success. “You up for a spar?,” he asks after Sasuke is done eating. The younger Sharingan user smiles viciously and they begin.

Secretly, though, lying in bed later that day, Kakashi admits to himself that he has trouble believing the advice he gave Sasuke today. Sasuke had beat him again while sparring today. Naruto and Kurama are equally capable of doing so. And maybe it should be a teacher’s dream to have their student surpass them, but where does that leave the teacher? Kakashi fills no niche within their team that Sasuke doesn’t cover. The only thing would be leadership and strategy, which Kakashi considers himself decent at. But now Shikamaru has that covered. Even as a parental figure, he can’t possibly compete with Kurama, an immortal being with seemingly infinite chakra and wisdom. He, like Sasuke, is desperate to be needed. But he’s not sure that he is.

Fire Country: Itachi

The Akatsuki arrive the next day. They’ve sent Kisame alone, probably figuring that he has the insight to beat Itachi. They also probably assumed that Gaara was still unconscious or very weak after being drained of chakra. Unfortunately for Kisame, the Akatsuki have underestimated both Itachi and the regenerative powers of jinchuuriki, and he and Gaara quickly defeat Kisame, proving to be a surprisingly decent fighting pair. The swordsman doesn’t back down, though, and Itachi regretfully prepares to deal the killing blow. Years ago, he had abandoned his partner, who he knows is far from the worst of the Akatsuki. At least then he had been able to spare Kisame’s life. This time, he will not have a choice.

Before he can do it, however, his attention is drawn by a distortion in the space in front of him. Kamui? What is Kakashi doing here? But the distortion doesn’t reveal the Hatake, but Tobi instead. Shit. “Retreat,” a cool voice orders, and Kisame shunshins away. It's Madara at the moment, then. Regardless, Itachi had sworn that that was the Kamui. How could that be? He has no more time to ponder the question because Madara is speaking again. “Did you really think we would leave Kisame without backup?,” he asks. Well, Itachi had hoped that he had gotten lucky for once. But Madara’s appearance crushes that hope. The man continues, “Your betrayal, Itachi, was noticed but mostly ignored. But we can not ignore this. Those who act against the Akatsuki will be destroyed.” And Madara attacks.

Itachi and Gaara are put on the defensive immediately. Madara’s intangibility is the ultimate offense and defense, and it seems that they stand no chance against the power of one of Konoha’s founders. Worse, Itachi’s chakra is running out quickly, since he has no choice but to use the Mangekyou. Gaara’s chakra will last far longer, but the second Itachi loses the Mangekyou, Madara is free to use his own to take control of the Ichibi. But then, when Itachi throws a wave of Amaterasu at Madara, he doesn’t go intangible, instead teleporting the attack away. And the answer to Itachi’s earlier question is clear. That is definitely the Kamui. But it’s not Kakashi. Maybe someone stole Obito’s other eye? No, Tobi knows things about his clan that only an Uchiha would. That much had become clear quickly when Itachi had met him. He had even been familiar with the clan compound’s layout.

“Obito,” Itachi says. It’s not a question but an accusation, and the man freezes. Gaara takes the opening, striking hard. Obito actually takes the hit and falls backwards. But even in an apparently emotionally compromised state, he's still a strong Uchiha with the Mangekyou, and the counterattack comes quickly, hitting both Gaara and Itachi with lethal force. Itachi has no choice. He shifts the fabric of reality, deleting the damage to his body from the very timeline of the world. His left eye’s sight cuts out more instantly than he had thought it would, and he’s deeply aware that he’s missing one of his Sharingan; one of his eyes. Half of what makes him an Uchiha. Half of what makes him Itachi. But he can’t think for too long, because he processes Gaara falling down beside him, dead. And then there is no choice again, just like when he did it to save his own life. He doesn’t see Gaara but Sasuke, his brother, dead. Obito is fleeing due to injury. There is no immediate risk. So Itachi uses Izanagi a second time. The chakra returns to Gaara’s body, and the world goes dark.

Chapter Text

Fire Country: Itachi

Itachi wakes up to a hand shaking him. He opens his eyes. He tries to open them again. He tries a third time before he realizes that his eyelids are open but he cannot see. He remembers now. Madara. Obito. The Izanagi. “Gaara?,” he asks, honestly surprised that the jinchuuriki stayed with him. “You saved me again,” Gaara says simply, sounding confused, “You gave up your vision for it. Now you can’t fight the Akatsuki to help your brother.” Itachi sighs, “I don’t know why I did it, Gaara, so don’t ask.” It’s true. He has no idea why he saved Gaara. The jinchuuriki’s only use to him was as bait to get the Akatsuki. But that’s pointless with Itachi blind. He doesn’t even know this kid. Why did he feel like he had to do this?

Gaara interrupts his thoughts, “We need to go. The Akatsuki know that we’re here. With you blind we can’t afford to be found. Especially if they’re all that strong.” Itachi stands up unsteadily and starts following Gaara by sound and chakra. “Do you have anywhere safe to go?,” Gaara asks. No. Nowhere is safe from Zetsu. Then again… “Head East, just North of where the border with Kiri begins. It’s a gamble, but it’s the best chance we have.” Gaara doesn’t question the decision and turns east, Itachi following. They’re moving slowly, but in a week they’ll reach Uzushio. He thinks they’d take Gaara in, at least, with him being a jinchuuriki. And with both his Sharingan gone, maybe he could be spared as well. He doesn’t deserve to ask anything of his brother; he’s learned that much these past two years. But right now, he desperately needs his help.

Uzushio: Sasuke

Everyone’s home eating dinner when Naruto freezes. They’re all well trained to tense and scan their surroundings when she does that, but Sasuke feels nothing. “Naruto,” Shikamaru prompts, and Naruto returns her attention to the people around her. “It’s far away,” she says before anything else, but then hesitates before continuing, “Maybe I’m wrong. But I swear I feel Itachi, the Ichibi jinchuuriki, and a second Sharingan user.” Now Sasuke is the one to freeze up. The last time he saw Itachi he was having a nervous breakdown after Sasuke and Kakashi’s fight with Orochimaru. The time before that, he had controlled Kurama and captured Kakashi and Naruto. But still, after everything, the thought of his brother facing a jinchuuriki and a doujutsu thief makes his blood run cold. Itachi could die. “What’s happening?,” he asks desperately, turning to Naruto. “They’re in River Country,” she answers immediately, “Both Itachi and the other Sharingan user have the Mangekyou activated. I can’t tell much about the jinchuuriki, but he seems to be in control, not the bijuu. And he’s throwing a lot of chakra around.”

And then they’re silent, waiting for updates from Naruto. But Kurama is the next to speak, sounding uncharacteristically hesitant. “I think,” he says in his deep voice, usually so confidence-inspiring, “that this is the man who used me to attack Konoha.” Oh, shit, Itachi is going to die, isn't he? And didn’t Sasuke want that not too long ago? But revenge is far from his mind as he stares directly into Naruto’s blue eyes, specks of red floating to the surface. There are several more minutes of silence, Naruto straining her senses to River Country and the rest of them waiting.

Then Naruto jumps, startled by something happening far away. “What the fuck was that?,” she asks, voice hushed in awe. “What?,” Sasuke demands, “What happened.” “I don’t know,” comes the answer, “There were two huge spikes of chakra from Itachi, and then the other Sharingan-user just… left? But Itachi’s chakra is changed somehow. It’s not just chakra exhaustion; it’s like it’s permanently lessened. I don’t understand.” Naruto turns to Kakashi, their teacher, the only real adult in the room, a question in her gaze. Sasuke does the same, some childish part of him hoping that Kakashi will have a magic answer that will fix everything. He’s always been Sasuke’s savior. But Kakashi doesn’t answer, instead prompting Naruto, “And the jinchuuriki?” “He seems fine,” Naruto says. There is more back and forth between Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kakashi, figuring out details and hypothesizing on the situation, but Sasuke doesn’t hear any of it. He can only hear rushing blood in his ears, and he has no clue what to think. Itachi is alive. But he might not be okay. And he had done something that Naruto couldn’t identify at the end of the fight. And maybe this would be easier to process if Sasuke had sorted his feelings about Itachi out years ago, but the truth is that he still hasn’t. He doesn’t know whether to be happy or sad that his brother survived. He almost wishes that Naruto hadn’t sensed the fight, because then at least he wouldn’t be feeling this way.

Sasuke startles out of his stupor. Minutes have passed and Naruto and Shikamaru are leaving the table, still discussing the fight. Kakashi is sitting next to him and all of a sudden Sasuke can’t resist the impulse to surge forward, barreling into Kakashi with a hug. Kakashi’s broad, warm arms surround him, comforting him. He’ll be embarrassed about this later, but right now Sasuke couldn’t care less. He needs this. He needs to be held by Kakashi and reassured, even if nonverbally, that this brother of his will never leave him.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Kakashi

Life in Uzushio goes on. Are they all sort of constantly waiting for something to happen with Itachi? Yes. But without massive spikes of chakra from Sharingan users or jinchuuriki fighting, there’s nothing for Naruto’s senses to find, even with the advanced sensing training the kitsune have been putting her through. “He was alive when I last sensed him,” she says every time Sasuke asks. The first time. The second time. The fifth time. After that Sasuke doesn’t ask again, realizing how desperate he sounds. Luckily, training always helps Sasuke get his mind off things, so Kakashi and Shikamaru are currently watching him and Naruto destroy an entire training field with bijuu chakra and Amaterasu while somehow not getting a single injury. Normally Naruto has the edge in combat, but Sasuke’s stress translates into aggression, and they’re evenly matched for now. It’s hard to even know who will run out of chakra first, since Naruto and Kurama have so much of it, while Sasuke can do so much damage with barely any chakra because of the Eternal Mangekyou.

Well, until one of the two insane children run out of chakra, Kakashi and Shikamaru are left sitting there watching. Shikamaru, of course, isn’t content to waste time. “What do you think about the mysterious Sharingan user we have on our hands?,” he asks. Kakashi sighs. “I mean we don’t know much, do we?,” he responds, “Just that whoever it is has the Mangekyou.” “Hm,” is Shikamaru’s only response. A moment later, though, he speaks again, hesitant, “Do you think it could be Danzo?” Kakashi thinks for a minute, watching Naruto dodge a burst of Amaterasu, only to be attacked by a shadow clone of Sasuke’s. Of course, she gets out of that bind using a Hiraishin kunai she had planted earlier in the fight, and the spar continues. “It could be,” Kakashi says, “He was definitely in Konoha during Kurama’s attack, and he’s currently unaccounted for.” Shikamaru sighs and responds, “I thought we were done with him, you know? They were going to arrest him and probably execute him and we’d have one less problem to deal with. But he got away so we have him to deal with on top of the Akatsuki, half of Konoha which probably still wants to capture us, and fucking Itachi, who we don’t even know the motivations of. Not to mention the Ichibi jinchuuriki, who is in River country with Itachi all of a sudden!” Shikamaru exhales at the end of his short rant, looking at Kakashi expectantly. “It seems life will never be easy for us,” he says. What else can he say?

Shikamaru’s demeanor changes slightly when he hears the words. “It’s worth it, though,” the Nara says quietly. “Hm?,” Kakashi is taken aback by the sudden statement. “It’s worth it,” Shikamaru repeats, more confidently, “I could be sitting in Konoha right now training with my genin team. Doing C ranks. Being a loyal Shinobi and training to be clan head. But there’s more than that in the world. Uzushio is worth the cost.” After a second of silence he corrects himself, “Naruto is worth the cost. What he and Kurama have had for years is worth fighting to uphold.” Freedom, he means. And brotherhood. Or Kakashi thinks that’s what he means, at least. He’s certainly not going to interrupt the moment for clarification’s sake. He nods regardless, because there’s no doubt that Shikamaru is right, regardless of his precise meaning. Kakashi is willing to kill and sacrifice to defend Naruto’s dream for them all. It’s crazy that just over two years ago he thought he didn’t have anything left to lose. But now, that feels like a universe away. Kakashi has a team again. A family. And he will do anything to make sure he doesn’t lose it this time.

Fire Country: Itachi

“So where are we headed, exactly?,” Gaara asks on their third day of travel. It was inevitable that it would come up at some point, but Itachi had been glad to ignore the issue up till now. He won’t bother to respond with geography; he’s already done that, and the word Uzushio won’t mean much to Gaara. “We’re going to find my brother,” Itachi says, “He’s quite powerful, and lives with two other strong nin. One is a seal master.” He’s hoping the reference to Gaara’s unstable jinchuuriki seal will distract him, but the child latches on to the first part. Of course he does. “I thought you couldn’t be with your brother? Why did that change?” Itachi scowls, turning towards Gaara’s voice. “It didn’t change,” he responds, “We just don’t have a choice now.” Gaara seems to accept that fact, but after a few minutes pushes further, “Why couldn’t you be with him, though? I don’t get it. Clearly there’s no physical barrier, because we’re headed there now.”

“I wronged him,” Itachi says after thinking for a minute, “Badly. That’s all you need to know.” Gaara knows he won’t get any more information out of him, and they travel in silence for a while. They’ve been lucky, so far, only running into some low level missing-nin that Gaara had no problem dealing with. They’re relying on that luck holding at least until they get to Uzushio. Itachi couldn’t face Zetsu right now, or Obito once he recovers. But Gaara, for all that he was set on murder when Itachi met him, is almost optimistic about the whole thing. “Tell me about the seal master who’s with your brother,” the jinchuuriki asks, “Could he fix my seal?” “If anyone can, then he can,” Itachi answers, “He’s a jinchuuriki himself.” That only lifts Gaara’s mood further, and Itachi swears he hears the boy softly humming as they stop to eat and rest. The conviction of youth is contagious, and Itachi begins feeling, despite himself, that it’s going to be okay.

Uzushio: Naruto

Naruto and Sasuke are sparring when he feels it. Momentarily distracted, he’s pulled back into the moment by a blade barely missing his face. He tries to return to the spar but Sasuke stops on the spot. “What’s wrong?” Naruto looks at Sasuke cautiously and answers, “The jinchuuriki is moving East.” Sasuke freezes up and asks tersely, “With Itachi?” “I don’t know,” Naruto replies, “I can only feel the jinchuuriki because of the massive amount of chakra. But he’s not going the direction of Konoha, and I doubt he’s trying to go to Kiri. The only way he’d know that we’re here is if Itachi told him. Sasuke looks deep into Naruto’s eyes, silently pleading, as he asks, “What are we going to do?” Naruto draws close to Sasuke, gently touching his shoulder without breaking eye contact. “We’re going to stand by you, Sasuke,” he says clearly, “Whatever you decide.” Sasuke shakes, fighting to stop tears from escaping his eyes. He’s not ready to make this decision, Naruto knows. He may never be.

“But what if he wants Itachi here, Naruto,” Kurama questions, “Because I don’t.” “I know, Kurama,” Naruto replies tersely, “But we will be careful; very careful, and we are going to do this for Sasuke.” Still, Naruto doesn’t want to see Itachi either. The mere name brings back the memory of being under his control, hurting and filled with unnatural hate. Occasionally even Sasuke or Kakashi’s Sharingan can be triggering for him and Kurama, a reminder of their one weakness. A reminder that at any moment someone with a strong enough Sharingan could take them over again and use their power to hurt those they love. So it’s a relief in some ways when Sasuke finally, minutes later, decides, “I don’t want him here, Naruto. He killed my family, and he hurt you guys. I might be able to forgive him, someday. I think I might have forgiven him already, for some of it. But I don’t think I’ll ever want him here with me.” When he finishes, tears finally start to leak from his eyes, and Naruto pulls him closer. “Then we’ll stand by you,” he says, “Itachi will not step inside Uzushio.”

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Naruto

Itachi and the Ichibi jinchuuriki grow ever closely, slowly. Too slowly for nin. But at the same time they are approaching far too quickly. Naruto alternates between wishing they’d just get here so it’d be over, and praying that they never come. Sasuke has been getting twitchy, flinching at movements and growing aggressive in spars. Kazune has been present more, a sign that she too is sensing his fear. Then again, Myorin has been around a lot too. “I remember what last time was like,” she says to them one night, “Sasuke and Kazune had to flee, and you and Kakashi were unconscious. I was the only one left, and I couldn’t do anything. Just run away.” “We’re stronger now,” Naruto had said, only partly feigning confidence, “You won’t be put in that situation.” The kitsune had smiled and responded, “I’m stronger too now, Naruto. I won’t be counted out in a fight.” Still, underneath the smiles and confidence there had been fear. Myorin was scared. Naruto was scared. Even Kurama was scared. But there isn’t much they could do now. Itachi grows closer.

Uzushio: Kakashi

It’s afternoon when Itachi and the Ichibi jinchuuriki arrive. They’ve made a plan to address the situation: everyone is seated together in the archives, behind wards and spatially separated from the borders of Uzushio. Meanwhile, they’ve sent shadow clones outside to face Itachi. An extra shadow clone of Naruto’s waits outside as well, to dispel early and send a message if needed. It’s the safest plan, they’d all agreed. The downside is that for now they’re just waiting, even as the confrontation is happening outside Uzushio. At least it’ll be over soon.

Then Sasuke freezes, face contorted with panic, and a second later it hits Kakashi too, his shadow clone having dispeled. Holy shit. Whatever he was expecting, this hadn’t been it. After getting over his initial shock, Kakashi looks over to Sasuke, expecting to see him breaking down. Instead he’s still frozen, looking scared and conflicted. Meanwhile, Naruto is completely out of it despite having a similar look on his face, undoubtedly embroiled in conversation with Kurama. It’s Shikamaru who interrupts Sasuke’s stupor. “Sasuke,” he asks, “What do you want to do?” Naruto jumps in, saying, “This doesn’t have to change anything, if you don’t want.” But as Sasuke deliberates, still looking distressed, Kakashi knows that it will.

Once, Sasuke had been single-mindedly focused on revenge. That Sasuke might have turned Itachi away, or even taken the chance to kill him. But Sasuke had been conflicted about turning Itachi away even before this revelation. And Itachi losing his eyes… how was Sasuke meant to be unaffected by that. Among much of the Uchiha clan, losing one’s eyes had been considered a fate worse than death. So it doesn’t surprise Kakashi when Sasuke decides, “I need to let him in.” Naruto and Kurama look conflicted, but Sasuke must get some nonverbal approval from them regardless, because he makes another shadow clone, which shunshins away towards Itachi.

“We need to make preparations,” Naruto says, looking somewhat calmer now, “Regardless of Itachi being here, the unstable jinchuuriki seal is a serious concern. We should repair or replace it as soon as possible.” They know he’s right. This close, even Kakashi can feel the corrupted seal radiating chakra, and it feels like the Ichibi is about to burst out. But when Naruto leaves, Kakashi is left alone with Sasuke, who is finally beginning to fall apart. Kakashi approaches to offer him comfort, his heart breaking a little when he hears Sasuke say softly, “He’s coming here, Kakashi. I don’t know if I can do this.” There’s no words of reassurance he can reasonably offer, so he just holds Sasuke. When the clones approach with Itachi and the jinchuuriki, however, Sasuke flees. He’s gone to the archives with Naruto, clearly not ready to see Itachi. He can’t run forever, Kakashi knows, but for now maybe it isn’t too bad.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Naruto

Naruto arranges and rearranges his supplies, anxious to meet another jinchuuriki. Kurama has told him about Shukaku, of course, but when Kurama knew the one-tails he hadn’t been trapped in a corrupted seal for years. The situation could go downhill very quickly. “If worse comes to worst, I’m stronger than him, kit,” Kurama says, “especially when he’s trapped in that seal. It might be a difficult situation but we won’t be in any danger.” Naruto nods tersely, finding it hard to let his guard down. Though that might be more about Itachi than the jinchuuriki. Just a few minutes ago, Sasuke had run into the archives to avoid Itachi. So now, Naruto’s trying to comfort his friend while making preparations to fix a jinchuuriki’s seal. “They’re here,” Sasuke says. Naruto looks up to see his own clone and a pale, red-headed person about his age. The chakra within him is immense, and Kurama confirms that it’s the Ichibi. “I’m Naruto,” Naruto says, “The bijuu in me is Kurama, and this is Sasuke.” “I’m Gaara,” the jinchuuriki says quietly, “Itachi told me you could fix my seal.” He looks hesitant to speak, worried that this hope will be taken away from him. But Naruto nods, just asking, “Can I look at it?”

The jinchuuriki seal isn’t corrupted; it’s just a terribly designed seal. It doesn’t seem to be much more than a storage seal using a person as the medium, and it’s entangling Gaara and Shukaku in an unnatural way, restraining them both. “We’ll have to replace it,” Naruto comments to Kurama. “That part is obvious,” comes the reply, “But I don’t think we can use our seal.” Kurama’s right, of course. Their seal allows maximum freedom, which is great for a jinchuuriki and bijuu who get along. But for Gaara and Shukaku, who barely know each other and have been driven halfway to insanity by the seal, it could be disastrous. Infighting between them could destroy all of Uzushio. And constant conflict inside and outside the seal could weaken it, which could result in Gaara dying if the seal failed completely. “What about a version of our old seal, kit?,” Kurama asks. Naruto gasps, “That seal was awful, Kurama! It put you through so much pain.” But even as he’s saying that, he realizes that it’s probably their only option. Their current seal could result in Gaara dying, and mass destruction besides. And the old one must be better than Gaara and Shukaku’s current seal. But still… Kurama interrupts his thoughts. “I feel awful playing a role in Shukaku’s imprisonment too,” he says, “But we’re helping him and Gaara. And they can get their seal changed later on if it’s safe.” Okay. He can do this. Naruto emerges from their mindscape, where he’d almost entirely retreated to during the heavy conversation. “Okay, Gaara,” he says, projecting a confidence he isn’t truly feeling, “This is what I can do for you.”

Uzushio: Itachi

Itachi starts walking away from Uzushio, resigned to his fate. Sasuke has turned him away, so he might as well not lead the Akatsuki directly to Uzushio when they find him. They will kill him easily, of course. But he’s done his part, he tells himself. For all the harm he’s done, Sasuke is strong and well-protected. Naruto will fix Gaara’s seal and they’ll have another jinchuuriki to defend Uzushio. He doesn’t regret what he did. He just wishes he could see his brother one last time. “Itachi.” Itachi startles, panicking despite himself before realizing that it’s not Zetsu. It’s not Obito either, or any of the Akatsuki. “Sasuke?,” he asks, not believing his senses. But he can feel his brother’s chakra, just behind him, and the voice is still Sasuke’s when it says, “Come with me.” He follows, not asking any questions, a selfish part of him just barely daring to hope that he’ll be allowed to stay. There is something he has to say, though. “Sasuke, I…” His brother cuts him off harshly, saying, “Later.” He follows silently, feeling new hope at the idea of ‘later.’ Does that mean he’ll be staying?

They enter Uzushio and a house. Inside there are two chakra signatures: Kakashi’s and the Nara heir’s. Sasuke stops and breathes in slightly as if he’s about to speak, but instead says nothing, vanishing into thin air with a pop. Another shadow clone, then. Come to think of it, Itachi feels the real Sasuke with the two jinchuuriki elsewhere in Uzushio. Regardless, right now he has to focus on the nin in front of him. “Itachi,” Kakashi says, voice strained. Luckily, Shikamaru spares Itachi an emotional reunion by demanding, “Tell us what happened.” Then again, this might not be any easier. How is he going to tell Kakashi about Obito? But he has no choice.

Itachi starts at Gaara’s kidnapping and tells the story through his fight with Obito, pausing in anticipation of Kakashi interrupting him. But instead there is silence, broken after a few seconds by a shaky inhale. “Are you sure it’s him?,” Kakashi asks, sounding more lost than Itachi has ever heard him. He nods and feels Kakashi break a little inside, agitated chakra coming off of him in waves. After a few minutes Kakashi recovers, versatile as ever, and Shikamaru returns to business. “It makes sense, I suppose,” he says, “Kurama said he could turn intangible, and Kamui is a space-time jutsu.” “But why would he be working with the Akatuski?,” Kakashi asks desperately, voice hoarse. Shikamaru doesn’t have an answer for that one. “He’s been like that since I met him the first time as Madara,” Itachi offers, “I have no idea what happened to him.” Kakashi sighs and Shikamaru says diplomatically, “It’s been a long day and we should check on Naruto and Gaara. You can stay around here.” Before the two leave, though, Shikamaru speaks again, colder, “Don’t chase Sasuke down, Itachi. He’ll approach you if and when he wants to.” And they leave before he can respond.

Itachi sighs. Shikamaru had just confirmed his suspicion that Sasuke was avoiding him. He doesn’t need to be with Naruto to fix Gaara’s seal; it’s just a convenient place to avoid Itachi. Then again, it’s not like he can blame his brother for it. “Sasuke,” he whispers. Itachi’s closer to him now than he has been in years, but he misses him more than ever.

Uzushio: Kakashi

Kakashi enters the archives, head still reeling. Obito is alive after all these years. And he’s been leading the Akatsuki. Furthermore, he had been the one to release Kurama and cause Minato’s death. Sage, had Obito killed Minato-sensei? Kakashi doesn’t know the details of that night, but either way, Obito must have been far gone at the time. And he doubts his former teammate has improved after years of pretending to be Madara.

Kakashi shakes his feelings off, focusing on the scene in front of him. Naruto is sketching something that looks suspiciously similar to his and Kurama’s old seal while explaining its functions to Gaara. At the end of the explanation, Gaara nods and says, “I want you to do this. Please.” The poor kid looks desperate, and his face lights up with excitement and anxiety when Naruto says, “We can do it now if you want.” Gaara nods and Naruto gets ready in a matter of seconds. Shikamaru is holding the seal, since he’s done this before, and Kakashi and Sasuke are standing at a relatively safe distance.

It happens quickly, Naruto removing the seal with nothing but his fingers and Shikamaru slamming the seal onto Gaara’s stomach. The five-trigrams seal blooms and all is still. Then Gaara is crying and the world is a flurry of motion again. Naruto immediately reaches for Gaara, concerned, but the boy just looks up at him with wondrous eyes. “I…I didn’t even know I was trapped. But now I’m free.” And he hugs Naruto. The show of emotion reminds Kakashi of the ones he’s burying. Obito is alive. But he buries them a little deeper, for now, and lets himself enjoy this moment. Right now, everything is fine.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Shikamaru

Uzushio is a flurry of motion and deathly still all at once. There are more people here than ever before, Gaara is exploring what it means to not be shackled by a faulty seal, and Kurama is taking the mantle of big brother with ease, excitedly showing Gaara and Shukaku around. But in the moments of quiet, the facade falls away and it becomes clear that it’s far too silent. Sasuke is hiding. Mainly from Itachi, but that results in him hiding from everyone half the time. Naruto is trying to welcome Itachi to a certain degree, probably for Sasuke’s sake, but she and Kurama flinch at any sudden movement from the Uchiha. Even Gaara and Shukaku, who seem to be blossoming from the outside, have moments of awkwardness that turn into pain. They are scared of each other, Shikamaru realizes after he watches Shukaku emerge briefly to say something and sees Gaara’s fearful, horrified expression when he reemerges. They have not had the positive relationship that Naruto and Kurama have had, instead having been each others’ enemies for years, constantly fighting for control in order to alleviate the pain of a too-constricting seal.

Shikamaru does not have the same issues that the others do, but the environment affects him. And with even Kakashi suffering from past trauma, the role of supportive teammate has fallen to him. He does what he can. He tracks down Sasuke and trains with him when no one has seen him all day. He takes charge of Itachi so the job doesn’t have to fall to Naruto. And he reaches out to both Gaara and Shukaku, ever so slowly. A simple touch to the arm, to show that he’s not afraid of them. A “you guys” thrown into conversation, encouraging the two to treat each other as friends or at least allies, and indicating that he would accept that when they are able to. But Shikamaru cannot solve everyone’s problems, so he falls back on what he knows. He thinks for hours on end, brainstorming and processing and writing down notes until Kakashi makes him eat something. And after he does, he goes back to his work. Even now, he sits in the archives surrounded by scattered notes. Uchiha Obito. Danzo Shimura. The Akatsuki. The untold story of Konoha is written on these papers, he knows it. He just has to tie all the pieces together.

Uzushio: Naruto

A wave of sand comes toward Naruto, forcing her to shunshin off balance to her right. Despite nearly crashing into a tree, she steadies herself and dives back towards Gaara, summoning a good portion of Kurama’s chakra. Her rasengan is just enough to crack Gaara’s sand armor, and he’s forced to retreat into the trees beside the clearing to rebuild defenses. Naruto grins, agreeing nonverbally with Kurama to let the other jinchuuriki recover momentarily instead of going on the offensive. They’re just glad Gaara finally agreed to spar with them after days of being in Uzushio. He and Shukaku have been distant, to say the least, still recovering from years of being trapped in a painful seal. Maybe they’re finally breaking out of their shells. But as a full minute passes, Gaara hasn’t come back out. Naruto approaches cautiously.

Gaara is standing on a tree branch looking pained, muttering to himself. Well, probably to Shukaku. This is confirmed as Naruto approaches and can hear Gaara saying, “I don’t want to let you out. Just stop talking!” Kurama sighs. “What should we do?,” Naruto asks. “Go talk to him, I don’t know,” Kurama answers, sounding panicked, “you were never like this.” Despite the uncertain response, Naruto goes up to Gaara, who looks embarrassed when he finally notices her. There’s a moment of awkward silence after which Gaara speaks. “I don’t know how you do it,” he says, not quite looking Naruto in the eye. Her confusion must be obvious because Gaara continues, “You make it look so easy, just switching consciousnesses like it’s nothing. But I know what it feels like to be out of control of my body when Shukaku’s in charge. I don’t want to feel like that ever again.”

Naruto furrows her brow. She’s never felt anything bad when Kurama comes to the front. Was the feeling because of Gaara’s previous seal? “No,” Kurama says abruptly, “Well, sort of, but it’s not that simple. Every time you and I switch, it’s negotiated. Quickly and subconsciously, yes, but that’s because we’ve been doing this since you were a baby. Gaara and Shukaku don’t have that relationship. All their lives under the previous seal Gaara and Shukaku were constantly fighting for control; to not be the one imprisoned at any given time. Losing control through conflict is very different from giving it up.” Kurama would know, Naruto supposes, after being imprisoned for decades. And now that Gaara has control, he doesn’t want to give it up for fear of being trapped and out of control again. “Exactly,” Kurama responds. “Gaara,” Naruto says out loud, “You don’t have to let Shukaku out if you don’t want to. You’re in control of the new seal. But I think you should at least try to talk to him. He’s been trapped, too. Maybe you could figure something out.” “I… I guess,” Gaara responds hesitantly, “I’ll talk to him.” After a second, he adds, “I’m going to go now. Thanks for training.” “They’ll be okay, kit,” Kurama says softly as Gaara leaves. “How do you know that?,” Naruto demands, “Shukaku is still trapped. Like you were.” Kurama smiles slightly at her, “Because I see too much of you in Gaara for things to not turn out alright. He’ll talk to Shukaku and figure something out.”

“I hope so.”

Uzushio: Sasuke

Sasuke sees his brother everywhere: when some leaves blow in the wind, a squirrel scurries across his line of sight, or another person comes up behind him. Each time, he is momentarily petrified by fear before his brain catches up with his eyes. So it’s strange that when he actually sees Itachi, he doesn’t even process it at first. He sees him out of the corner of his eye and turns away unbothered, only startled when Kazune whispers, “Sasuke?,” worryingly from his shoulder. Then, of course, he panics. He can feel his heart beating and he isn’t sure whether to freeze or run. He doesn't know what to say or do, so it’s almost a relief when Itachi speaks first. “I’m sorry,” he says, “I didn’t know anyone was in this area.” It’s a fair assumption, as Sasuke has wandered to a section of the ruins they never use for anything. But he hasn’t considered that while he’s been trying to avoid Itachi, Itachi’s been trying to avoid him as well.

Sasuke’s mental image of his brother is still one of a strong, terrifying shinobi hunting him and his family. The image in front of him is quite different, and is nearly as shocking as when he had first seen Itachi this way outside of Uzushio. As his brother turns to leave, without thinking, Sasuke says, “You can stay.” They’re silent for a long while, just standing across from each other, and Sasuke thinks that a blind Shinobi is a strange thing indeed. Itachi cannot see a thing, but at the same time is clearly aware of everything around him, senses honed to respond to the slightest sound or vibration. He’s not helpless, and could certainly incapacitate most nin in minutes if not seconds. But he’s incapacitated enough that he no longer poses a threat to Sasuke, and it makes all the difference for Sasuke’s ability to handle the situation. Finally, he sits down on a low wall, relatively undestroyed, clearly nonverbally telling Itachi he can do the same. He sits as well, and after a moment says, “I’m sorry.” Sasuke has been expecting this, but at the same time is wholly unprepared to respond, so just lets his brother continue. “I haven’t told you this yet, and I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I am so – fucking sorry.” His voice breaks on the last bit and he’s crying. “I fucked up, and I still thought I could fix everything. As long as you hated me and eventually killed me, you’d be alive and strong. I thought that was all that mattered.” The ‘I was wrong,’ isn’t said, but it’s clear in his voice, his anger, his tears.

“I know,” is all Sasuke can think to say at first, but he eventually refines his response, “I think I’ve known that for a while. Since that night I saw you, after we killed Orochimaru. Maybe even since before that, when I found out that you acted on Konoha’s orders. Cause I thought I knew you, you know? And after that night I realized I didn’t. But then when I found out the truth I realized I had known you all along.” Itachi looks relaxed by that, and it’s tempting to leave it there, but Sasuke can’t. It might be uncomfortable but he needs to tell the truth –the whole truth. “But you still scared me,” he continues, “Even after I knew. I mean, Aniki… You traumatized me. You took my family away. And then, when I was finally better, when I was finally okay again, you took my new family away too. You might have been doing it for me, but that doesn’t change the fact that you betrayed me.” Itachi lets out a heavy exhale, and says simply, “I know. And I know that you owe me absolutely nothing, but I am truly sorry. For everything.” And Sasuke knows that he has yet another decision to make. “I can’t forgive you,” he says, tears coming to his eyes now, “But I want you to be in my life. Desperately. I don’t have all that much left. Just Naruto, Kakashi, Shikamaru, Kazune… and you. I need you far more than I’m scared of you.” It’s not the kindest turn of phrase, but it’s honest. Sasuke needs family, and there’s no world in which that wouldn’t mean Itachi, for better or worse. Itachi responds, barely over a whisper, “I’ll do my best, otouto.”

Uzushio: Naruto

Naruto is meditating. It’s become her practice after hard spars, to realign her body and mind after overloading her system. But when she enters Sage Mode, something is wrong. Something about the world has changed. “Kurama?,” she asks. “I don’t know, kit," comes the response, "It’s like something’s missing, but I don’t know what.” Naruto finishes her meditation like normal, uneasy the entire time. Is she going insane? Or has something really changed? “Either way, it’s not good,” Kurama contributes. “Useful as always,” Naruto responds sarcastically. That night she and Kurama go to sleep curled tightly around each other in their mindscape, one indistinguishable from the other. Naruto can tell Kurama is as worried as she is, and it’s not comforting. We’re together, she reminds herself. For the past few years, it’s been their mantra. No matter what, they’re together, and that’s enough. She just hopes that whatever’s coming isn’t able to threaten that.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Naruto

Two days later, Naruto is woken up early by the wards. Someone is here. He panics for a second before realizing that it’s Nara Shikaku, but is still confused. Maybe it’s news about Danzo? But why wouldn’t he just send a letter? Naruto wakes everyone else up before letting the Nara clan head into Uzushio and going to greet him along with Shikamaru, Kakashi, and Sasuke. “Naruto,” Shikaku begins cautiously, “Tsunade thought that you should be informed that Jiraiya-sama recently fought the leader of the Akatsuki in Amegakure. He was killed, and his toad summons brought word to Konoha.” Naruto doesn't understand. “What?,” he asks. “Jiraiya is dead, Naruto. I’m sorry.” No. He can’t be. Jiraiya’s strong, and smart. He can’t have… Naruto’s thoughts aren’t clear anymore, racing through his head faster than he can even process. “Naruto!” Naruto opens his eyes, though he hadn’t even realized he had screwed them shut. He’s in his and Kurama’s headspace, and he looks up at the fox. “Kurama,” he says desperately, “He can’t be…Shikamaru’s dad must be lying, or someone faked it, or…” He trails off when he feels Kurama’s tails wrap around him. “Shh, kit” he says, “ Nara Shikaku has no reason to lie to you. And this is surely what you felt when you were in Sage mode. Something was missing, right?” Naruto just stares at Kurama, not knowing what to say or think. “He’s gone, kit.” And he knows it’s true. Kurama has never, ever lied to him. He starts to cry, Kurama wrapping tighter around him. Jiraiya is dead.

Uzushio: Kurama

Kurama emerges from his and Naruto’s mindscape, allowing his kit to rest a while longer. It’s been a few minutes since Naruto retreated from their body, and the bruises from when they fell unconscious are almost healed already. “Nara,” he says, addressing the clan head directly, “Thank you for bringing this news to us directly.” He never particularly cared for Jiraiya, but anyone who’s important to Naruto is a part of Kurama’s life by default. They had spent the greater part of two years in the man’s presence, studying and training. He sighs, feeling Naruto’s continued distress, “Is there anything else I should relay to Naruto?” Shikaku nods and answers, “There will be a ceremony in a few days. Tsunade-sama has promised safe passage to Naruto and anyone accompanying him.” Kurama expresses his gratitude again and shares a significant look with Kakashi before returning to Naruto. Leaving Uzushio carries major risks, even with free passage in Konoha. Ultimately it will be Naruto’s choice, but there are conversations to be had. Not least about this Akatsuki leader who proved capable of killing Jiraiya. “I’m here, kit,” he says, barely over a whisper. Those conversations can wait. Right now, Naruto needs him.

Uzushio: Shikamaru

Shikamaru’s mind is racing. A Sannin has been killed in battle with the leader of the Akatsuki. He had known that the Akatsuki were formidable enemies after having witnessed a fight with two of them, but he hadn’t imagined this. “Tell me about this Akatsuki leader,” he says, looking towards his father, who sighs. “I wish we knew more,” he answers, “But we do have some information about his combat abilities from Jiraiya’s summons. He’s not actually one body but six, and each has different abilities. However, they’re connected by a doujutsu which allows them to see what the other’s are seeing.”

As his father details the abilities of the bodies, Shikamaru is already thinking of strategies. If they separate the bodies, they wouldn’t have perfect vision of the situation anymore. He wonders if there are limits to the absorption abilities of the one body. It probably can’t absorb Amaterasu, which could make Sasuke a good match for that body. Then again, it would be risky to test in a fight without knowing for sure. The body that can attract and repel objects might be the biggest threat, Shikamaru thinks, but it could likely be countered using space time jutsus. Naruto would be a good match against that body, with the Hiraishin and his summons’ space time manipulation abilities. The summoner and the one with unknown abilities do not seem particularly formidable, but his father’s description of the puppeteer is frankly terrifying. He knows that Suna is known for its puppeteers, so he’ll ask Gaara what he thinks later.

Shikamaru finishes his notes and exhales, saying, “Okay.” He looks around, having lost track of his surroundings while deep in thought. Naruto is still collapsed on the ground, likely in his and Kurama’s mindscape. Kakashi and Sasuke are beside him, conversing quietly. Shikamaru’s father is standing where he has been the whole time, and he smiles when Shikamaru looks back up at him. “How have you been?,” he asks. “Good,” Shikamaru answers, “There’s been a lot going on, but I’m happy here.” His father quirks an eyebrow at the first part, his curiosity clearly piqued, and Shikamaru shares a glance with Kakashi before confessing, “Itachi’s here.” “Oh?,” is his father’s only response. “He had a fight with a member of the Akatsuki and it didn’t go well,” Shikamaru responds, “He’s incapacitated and doesn't have anywhere else safe to go.” There’s no need to mention Itachi’s eyes or his rapidly developing relationship with Sasuke. He trusts his father but that’s private Uchiha information, and he knows to respect that. His father does as well, accepting the explanation and saying, “I would love to stay but I’m expected back in Konoha. Everythings a little chaotic there as well right now.”

Right. Between a still-new Hokage, Danzo’s treason and escape, and now a dead Sannin, there’s sure to be some unrest in Konoha. Speaking of which. “Any news on Danzo?,” Shikamaru asks hopefully, but he receives a shake of the head in return. “He’s been laying low,” his father answers, “Really low. We have people looking but we don’t have a single clue, and we’re spread thin enough as it is.” Before Shikamaru can say anything more, his father steps forward and embraces him tightly. “Send a summons ahead to let me or Tsunade know if you’re coming,” he says, stepping away again. “Stay safe,” Shikamaru responds before he leaves. No where outside of Uzushio is fully safe in Shikamaru’s mind, especially for a Shinobi actively working to bring down the Akatsuki.

Uzushio: Kakashi

As Shikaku leaves, Kakashi feels Itachi and Gaara approach. At the same time, Naruto sits up, not so much waking up as moving his consciousness to the front of his mind. Kakashi moves towards him but Sasuke beats him to it, placing a hand around Naruto in a half-embrace and muttering, “Are you okay?,” careful not to speak too loud. Naruto just shakes his head and turns entirely into Sasuke’s arms, burying his head in his chest. A few seconds of silence later, Itachi and Gaara walk in the door. The past few days had been ones of relative peace, with Itachi and Sasuke finally talking. So there is no commotion upon their entrance, just surprise from the newcomers. Itachi tilts his head, surely feeling Naruto's distress and trying to evaluate the situation. Gaara stares at his fellow jinchuuriki analytically. It’s his first time seeing Naruto like this, Kakashi realizes. Naruto, though young, is so put together most of the time that it can be a shock to see him fall apart.

Itachi turns to Kakashi after a moment, questioning what happened. Kakashi sighs and simply says, “Jiraiya was killed while fighting the leader of the Akatsuki.” Gaara doesn’t react much to that, but Itachi gasps slightly. “I knew he was strong,” the older Uchiha says, “But that’s extremely worrying. Jiraiya is–was one of Konoha’s strongest. If Pain wanted to attack the village for some reason, only Tsunade would be able to stand against him. Some of the Hidden Villages have no one on that level.” Kakashi nods in agreement and Shikamaru adds, “It’s made worse by the fact that he’s Akatsuki. Most of the people that could stand against him are jinchuuriki, and the villages can’t risk sending them to take him out in case they’re captured.” Shikamaru is right. The villages are helpless to act preemptively without risking a jinchuuriki or Kage, so all they can do is prepare defenses for when the full force of the Akatsuki comes for their jinchuuriki. “We can worry about Pain later,” Kakashi says, “Shikamaru has notes on his abilities. For now let’s just process this and rest.” Naruto visibly relaxes at that, still wrapped in Sasuke’s arms, and Kakashi knows he’s made the right call. They need to be prepared for an encounter with any of the Akatsuki, especially if they’re going to be leaving Uzushio, but his kids’ mental health comes first. Everyone filters out of the room slowly, till only Shikamaru is left, still gripping his notes. “When I say rest that means you too,” Kakashi says sternly, “Everything will still be here tomorrow.” Satisfied when Shikamaru nods and leaves, Kakashi allows himself to decompress. Today will be slow. He’ll train some, maybe relax with the ninken. He tries to tell himself what he told Shikamaru: everything will still be there tomorrow. It’ll be okay.

Chapter Text

Uzushio: Kakashi

“I want to go.” Kakashi almost jumps when Naruto speaks for the first time in several minutes, sitting on the side of the training field with Kakashi. Sasuke is still training his jutsus, and increasingly massive flashes of lightning and fire fill the clearing and disappear just as quickly. Naruto had backed out of a spar, clearly exhausted. Normally his stamina surpasses Sasuke’s by far, but Kakashi knows well that emotions can wear on the body even harder than combat. “To Konoha?,” Kakashi confirms. Naruto nods slightly, and adds, “I don’t even care about the ceremony, or whatever. Not really. But I need to do something for him, you know? And this is all I can do now.”

Kakashi nods, filled with understanding and sympathy. After his father’s death he had sought out every ceremony and honor for the dead, seeking closure and fulfillment in the face of loss. It hadn’t filled the hole his father had left, but he had still needed to do it. And it had hurt more than any wound when the village had denied him the honors of a war hero. Minato’s death had been the opposite. The full village had gathered again and again to honor his life and death, mourning him as if he was their own father. Meanwhile, there was something real that Kakashi could have done to honor him. Something that Kakashi knows now would have actually filled the void of loss. Being denied that and ultimately failing to honor his Sensei by caring for his child is what drove Kakashi mad more than any of the loss. So, looking at Naruto now, Kakashi knows he cannot deny him this. The dangers might be real, but so is the emotional value this could have for Naruto. And even if it does not help, the feeling of failure from being unable to honor Jiraiya would actively hurt.

“Then we’ll go,” Kakashi says simply, and Naruto looks up at him, surprised. “And whoever you want to go with you, just say the word. We all love you, Naruto, and we owe you more than you even know.” Encouraged by Kakashi’s openness, Naruto starts speaking more confidently, “Then I want you to come. And Sasuke. Shikamaru too.” Kakashi nods, sure that neither teen will hesitate to accompany Naruto. He won’t commit for other people though, so he just says, “I’ll be by your side.” That’s enough for Naruto to turn and beam up at Kakashi, full of appreciation and happiness. Some people say that they only know joy because of sorrow. Kakashi has always called bullshit on that. But sometimes when he looks at Naruto, he wonders whether it’s true. Because Naruto, who has experienced great loneliness and pain, smiles bigger and more often than anyone Kakashi has ever known. It seems like he feels lucky just to have a sunny day, a roof over his head, or someone beside him. Then again, Kakashi is hesitant to attribute any good to Naruto’s neglect and outright abuse. Maybe, then, it is just his virtue, enabling him to see past the darkness to the light. Surely, Naruto is not good because of his suffering but despite it. Maybe it doesn’t matter. Anyway… “We’ll have to leave tomorrow and make good time to get there before the ceremony,” Kakashi says, “I’ll send word to Shikaku.” Naruto nods and shunshins away, probably to talk to Shikamaru. In front of Kakashi, Sasuke is finishing up a set of drills. “You got enough left in you to spar?,” he calls out. “Sure.” Sasuke turns to him and smiles, sinking into a fighting stance.

Uzushio: Naruto

“I don’t know much about Pain,” Itachi is saying as Naruto approaches him and Shikamaru, “Certainly less than you heard from Konoha. But I have seen Konan, his partner, fight. She’s a brilliant Kunoichi with paper-based jutsu.” Shikamaru furrows his brow. “It’s just paper?,” he asks, “but wouldn’t that be insanely weak against katon or suiton?” “It’s not just paper,” Itachi responds, “But I don’t know the limits of the medium. Anyway, we should discuss this later, unless Naruto is here to talk strategy.” Shikamaru responds, “I’m guessing he’s not,” with a small smile and turns toward him, “How are you doing?”

Naruto pauses and purses his lips, not wanting to be dishonest or too depressing. “I’m okay,” he says simply, “I decided I’m going to Konoha. He feels a spike of discomfort with the idea from Shikamaru, just like the one from Kakashi moments before. He gets it, he really does. Going to Konoha is not safe, but it still hurts to- “Do you want me to come with you?,” Shikamaru’s voice interrupts Naruto’s thoughts. He nods definitively, emboldened by Shikamaru’s leading question, “Kakashi is coming. I still need to talk to Sasuke, though.” Shikamaru scoffs a little at that and says, “Like he would let you go without him if you wanted to. And of course I’ll come. I have to admit I’m a little nervous about it, but we’re probably the strongest group of Shinobi in the five nations, with the possible exception of the Akatsuki. We’ll do this for you.” Naruto lets out a breath of relief, “Thank you, Shikamaru. Kakashi says we’ll be leaving tomorrow so make any preparations.” As he turns to leave he turns his head back for a moment. “I’m leaving you and Gaara to watch over the place, Itachi,” he says, “I’m sure there won’t be any issues.”

Uzushio: Sasuke

The next day, Sasuke wakes early to stock up on supplies. Sharpening kunai methodically, he sinks into thought. Konoha, huh? It’s been three years since he left the village, though now that day seems a blur of panic and exhaustion. The Eternal Mangekyou is a game changer, but even before he and Kakashi switched eyes he could sustain his Sharingan for hours, trained hard by sparring with Naruto and eventually the constant paranoia of living under Orochimaru’s roof. Back when Sasuke left Konoha, on the other hand, he barely had the chakra to sustain it for a few minutes. He was a scared, weak child. He scoffs, striking the next kunai just too hard against the block. He was angry, too. More than anything else from those days before and after he left Konoha, he remembers constant anger, more draining than the Mangekyou.

Sasuke’s changed since then. Despite everything, his life has been filled with happiness. Even Itachi’s presence brings him joy nowadays (admittedly, that is a recent change). But now he’s going back to Konoha. Konoha, which represents everything he left behind. Has it changed the same way he has? Tsunade, certainly, is a better Hokage than her predecessor, relying more on Nara Shikaku and her other advisors and less on the council members. Danzo is no longer in the village, at least not legitimately. And surely the truth of the massacre being revealed has in itself changed the village. Clans are demanding more transparency, terrified of the possibility of a Hokage turning against them. Root will never be allowed to exist again. Still, the anticipation of returning to Konoha is brutal. To the average Konoha civilian, Kakashi is still officially dead. Naruto and Shikamaru are technically missing, though no reports were ever filed, and Sasuke has no idea what his own status is. Even to the lower Shinobi forces, the three of them are considered dangerous missing-nin. So how will they be welcomed back when few outside of the clans and jonin forces even know of their unofficial alliance with Konoha? They won’t be, Sasuke knows. But that’s why he’s going. Naruto is mourning the loss of her mentor, so Sasuke will be there for her, watching, listening, and guarding.

Just then, Naruto comes in. “Are you done preparing?,” she asks, grabbing handfuls of blank sealing paper off the shelves, “We’re just about ready to go.” Sasuke furrows his brow, “How are you ready? I know you didn’t prepare last night. And what good is that sealing paper going to be blank?” “You’d be surprised,” Naruto laughs, “But I packed just now and I’ll prepare my seals on the way there.” Sasuke sighs. Only Naruto. She turns to leave, beckoning for him to follow, and he pauses for a second, staring at Naruto. She’s surrounded by the light coming through the door frame, and her figure is barely more than a silhouette. Even so, Sasuke can make out her bright red hair, tied in a braid down her back. Her deep blue jacket, covering mesh armor underneath. He exhales, following Naruto outside. This is what he fights for. In Uzushio, in Konoha, wherever fate will take them. He will follow Naruto to the ends of the Earth, and he will protect her whatever may come.

Chapter Text

Fire Country: Kakashi

The trip to Konoha is uneventful. They move quickly and silently through the forests of the Land of Fire, the tension palpable. The uncomfortable feeling only increases as they approach Konoha. Close to the village, Kakashi feels an ANBU patrol take notice of them, and when they reach the gate, Tsunade is there waiting for them. “Hatake, Uchiha, Nara, welcome back to Konoha” she says, quickly but respectfully, before turning to Naruto, “Naruto, I’m sorry for your loss.” Naruto bows her head gracefully, understanding that in this, at least, Tsunade is genuine. “I appreciate your inviting us here,” she says, “I understand that it must have been politically difficult.” Tsunade breaks formality with a smile, saying, “If I’m being honest I didn’t have much of a choice. I think Shikaku would have resigned if I hadn’t.”

Tsunade leads them into the village, and it becomes quickly apparent why. Even with her presence, the Shinobi they pass are on edge, some even pulling kunai. Fortunately, the combination of Tsunade’s presence and the unconcerned demeanors of in-the-know jonin prevent any foolish chunin from attacking, so there’s no physical altercations. It’s still tense though, with civilians and Shinobi alike shooting looks of anger and fear their way. Many of the Shinobi save their glares for Kakashi specifically, their former comrade, and Kakashi feels the guilt of abandoning his village seep in for the first time in over two years. After a second, though, he reminds himself that there is no time for self pity. He steps forward, shielding Naruto from the civilians. Sasuke flanks her on the other side and she relaxes slightly, reassured by the tangible presence of her family. Luckily, they reach the Hokage tower soon enough, and they all relax, even Tsunade. “I’m sorry about that,” the Hokage says, seeming genuine, “The last few days have been a lot, and political tensions are high. It was not the time to publicize our informal alliance or even your updated statuses. But it’s better for them to see you now then at the funeral.” She trails off, sighing. “Now, let’s talk.”

Konoha: Naruto

Naruto hardly notices as Tsunade finishes speaking and there’s a knock at the door. While walking through Konoha, she had entirely dissociated, just focusing on Kakashi and Sasuke on her left and right and Kurama whispering reassurances into her head. She hadn’t expected to be affected so much by returning to Konoha, having lived here recently. But the civilian population had been happy to see Naruto go, and she received their full vitriol upon her unannounced return. And even if she hadn’t left Konoha on the most negative terms, she had still been trapped here, and had put a lot of effort into leaving. “We can leave this time,” Kurama reminds her, “Whenever we want.” “I know that,” Naruto snaps back before exhaling heavily and continuing more calmly, “It just doesn’t feel like it.”

She’s pulled out of her thoughts by Shikaku walking through the door, and stands up to greet him. He pulls her into a hug as soon as he’s finished greeting Shikamaru. “It’s good to see you guys again,” the Nara says with a smile, before turning towards Tsunade. “We identified no serious threats in village,” he reports, “And we’re ready for the ceremony to proceed tomorrow. I’ve put Genma and Raidou in charge of calming the Shinobi who’ve been kept in the dark until now, and no one’s making too much of a fuss.” Tsunade relaxes slightly, letting out a breath. “That’s good to hear,” she says, “I didn’t expect too many issues but nothing is politically easy at the moment. I’ll let you all go now, but make sure you and Shikamaru debrief fully about the Akatsuki before they leave.” The conversation dies and they leave, confirming that the ceremony for Jiraiya is tomorrow morning. In a flash, they’re at the Uchiha compound, the Hiraishin seal Naruto left there still intact. Naruto relaxes. Konoha is scary, but here, they’re safe.

Konoha: Sasuke

Sasuke watches as Naruto and Shikamaru settle into the compound with ease. It’s weird to see them so at home in this space, but he knows it had been their safe haven for several years, Naruto’s right as an Uchiha confirmed by Sasuke’s parents’ attempts at adoption. The bigger issue, of course, is that for Sasuke, this wasn’t just his childhood home. The Uchiha coup had been planned here. Itachi had killed his entire clan here. And the last time Sasuke was here, he had been running from ANBU after having found out the truth about the massacre, deprerate, angry, and confused. He had just activated his Mangekyou then. It seems so long ago; before Uzushio, before Naruto. But the space still brings him back to every bit of fear he had felt at the time.

They all settle in quickly, eager to rest after a long day of travel. After eating a brief dinner, the others go to various rooms in the house to sleep, wordlessly leaving Sasuke the master bedroom. It’s his right, of course, despite Naruto’s status as unofficial leader and Kakashi’s seniority. Sasuke is the Uchiha clan head, whatever that means anymore. He lies down and finds that he can’t rest. Being here brings images of blood and violence to his mind; memories he couldn’t forget if he wanted to, thanks to the Sharingan. And here in the bedroom that used to be his parents’, he’s preoccupied with their memories specifically. After an hour of attempting to get over it and sleep, Sasuke gets up and leaves the room, still wide awake. Intending to go to the living room or kitchen, he instead pauses by the door of Naruto’s room. Inching the door open silently, he’s greeted by lazily opening red eyes. Sasuke shakes himself slightly, unsure why he opened the door at all. But before he can leave the eyes are turning a mixed red and blue, and Naruto says, voice wobbling from sleepiness, “Sasuke?” Sasuke’s drawn into the room by Naruto’s voice, but can only say, “Sorry I woke you.” Naruto’s a little more awake now and says, “It’s fine. Do you want to stay?” She’s always been insightful, Sasuke thinks as he sits down next to her. He lies down, and soon feels Naruto behind him, offering a soothing touch and presence. He falls asleep quickly, tragedy far from his mind.

Uzushio: Itachi

Itachi wakes to a disturbance in the wards and sighs. The others haven’t even been gone a full day and there’s an issue. As he focuses his senses towards the barrier, however, his annoyance turns to dread. That’s undeniably Zetsu’s chakra signature. Instinctively rushing to wake up Gaara, he realizes that there’s not much they can do. He and Gaara alone probably stand no chance against Zetsu alone, especially if he brings backup. Hopefully Zetsu won’t be able to get into Uzushio even if he knows they’re in here. They just have to wait. Still, he wakes Gaara to inform him of the situation and dispatches a crow to Konoha. If conditions are good the message will get there by late afternoon.

All day, Itachi can feel Zetsu still moving around the wards, never going more than a few hundred feet away from Uzushio’s borders. Zetsu isn’t one to stay in the same place for long, leaving clones when needed and moving between nations as if crossing a single town. So it’s terrifying that he hasn’t left. And it’s not just a clone, since Itachi can feel the bulk of Zetsu’s chakra there. Gaara’s on edge too, shifting nervously and staying even more silent than usual. Not for the first time, Itachi questions the wisdom of using the Izanagi. Without his eyes, he has nothing with which to defeat an opponent like Zetsu. He has no Sharingan, no Amaterasu, only simple ninjutsu. His ability to use that is also severely inhibited because he’s fully blind, so while he could probably still defeat a chuunin enemy, any of the Akatsuki would be out of the question. And while Gaara is strong, Itachi is not convinced he’s strong enough to defeat Zetsu.

In short, if Zetsu gets in, they are fucked. Itachi will die immediately and Gaara will be dragged to an Akatsuki hideout to be slowly and painfully drained of Shukaku’s chakra. Their only two hopes are the wards holding and the others coming back. Itachi thinks they’ve got a decent chance. He trusts Naruto’s wards, and his message should be halfway to Konoha by now. They’ll be okay, he tells himself, then tells Gaara out loud. What else can he say?

Konoha: Kurama

Unsurprisingly, Jiraiya’s funeral is a lot for Naruto. He’s grieving, to start with, and then has to deal with the stares of the Konoha-nin on top of that. Kurama can feel their vitriol directed at the group from Uzushio, almost as if they blame Naruto and the others for Jiraiya’s death. Then again, many of them probably do. After all, these are the people that had blamed a newborn for his own parents’ deaths. Back in Konoha again, with all these people here, Kurama wants nothing more than to rage at them; to make them feel a fraction of the fear his kit had; to make them understand what they’d done. But he doesn’t have the luxury of vindication, not when Naruto is in pain.

Careful not to manifest in their body’s appearance, Kurama comes closer to the surface of his and Naruto’s mindscape. “Kit,” he says gently, “How are you doing?” There’s no verbal response at first, just a jumble of emotions and vague thoughts sent Kurama’s way, but eventually Naruto manages to quietly answer, “Not well.” “I can take over for you, if you need,” Kurama offers. He can feel tears threatening to pour out of their eyes, along with a burning and tightening sensation in the throat and chest. He wants to relieve his kit of these dreadful feelings, but Naruto responds firmly, “No. I hate this, you’re right. But I have to be here for him.” And with that, as the ceremony continues, Naruto starts to cry silently, leaning into Sasuke’s side. Internally, despite his brave words, he subconsciously draws closer to Kurama as well. “It’ll be okay,” Kurama says, old promises woven into the subtext. I’ll always be here. I’ll protect you. You don’t have to fear. Naruto understands them all.

Konoha: Naruto

A few hours after the funeral, however, Naruto feels it. A massive presence getting closer; fast. Focusing in on the source, he identifies 7 chakra signatures, coming from Ame. Fuck. Looking around the room, he sees Kakashi, Sasuke, and Shikamaru already looking at him questioningly, attuned to his distress. “Pain is coming.”