For the past week Naruto, never hadn't bothered to return to Konoha. He'd had been staying inside the Capital of Rice of Fields, away from the world. The Crystal palace was the only place he could sit about without anyone disturbing him. The basement levels of the palace were also sealed and free of Zetsu. The whole week he spent without seeing the sun or the moon, and seeing the light again, brought a little smile on his face.
Surely the Hidden Villages were in disarray now given that Uchiha Madara had returned. He was positive that no one had watched no one had been present when Kabuto brought the Infamous Uchiha back using the Edo Tensei. This meant that if no one was watching, then no one could have known that he had returned. It raised a number of questions as to who spread the word, unless Zetsu was responsible, spread out the word. Perhaps it had have been made by Obito. The dead Uchiha wasn't stupid; he had been trained by Madara after all.
Perhaps Zetsu had done it he thought that thinking it would make things a bit easy for Madara if everyone knew he was alive. Surely, his grandfather would probably disregard anyone except for him. Perhaps the only people who could interest him were the Kages, but that would only be their power. He also doubted that his grandfather would spend much time hunting the down Bijuus while when he could do it for him.
It didn't matter one way or the other anyway, it worked in his favor. This just worked well for him. Madara wasn't known to be a good person. In fact, even if he were to walk into Konohagakure, they would most likely attack him; they branded him a traitor after all. Right now, they were both shared the title of most feared shinobi. No, he was evil and even if he walked into Konohagakure, they would probably attack him. They branded him a traitor after all. Right now, the world feared two shinobi; Madara and him. However, unlike Madara, he wasn't known to be a power hungry fool who was after the power of other Kages. In fact, he was known to be of some help some of the other villages. Between him and his grandfather, he held a better image, but such things didn't matter to his grandfather, especially when he, Madara, hated this world. But they were the same in this regard. He also hated this world.
His recent activities with fighting Nagato, and destroying Iwa's army had not gone unnoticed. It seemed that whoever began to spread the news of Madara's return also spread let slip the rumor about everything. What was most surprising was that the report was actually accurate; which lead him to believe that it may have been Zetsu's doing. While the people citizens of Oto in the Capital of Rice rejoiced that their leader saved them from Iwa's army, some the other nations on the other hand weren't happy at all.
Obviously the Sandaime Tsuchikage was downright furious at the embarrassment of his army. It only took him only to destroy the army; an army that had been in training for many years. Iwa's defeat by Naruto wasn't the first time they suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of a single individual. Minato had also slaughtered over 1000 Iwagakure shinobi on his own, this was losses that were surely not doing well to helping the village's image. If more than anything, one would find Iwa to be weak if its army could be killed by just one man.
Other nations were keeping a critical close eye but at the same time not saying anything. It was that much obvious that no village wanted to be the one to start a war. But However, should it happen, they would certainly jump in to attack. And as it appeared, as it stood, if the other nations were to unite, they would unite do so in order to eliminate the both of them him, and Madara. Both of the aforementioned Uchihas had ties with Konoha - everything had to do with Konoha, it seems.
Killing more shinobi would be an annoyance, one he was not looking towards. He wasn't looking forward to fighting the average shinobi. At the same time, he would do everything he could to ensure that a war didn't ignite. Though, if it couldn't be helped, then he would stand against those seeking an early death. But if it could not be helped, then he would in no doubt have to slaughter more shinobi.
But if war blossomed, then Konoha would be caught in the middle of it and the village was surely not going to escape unscathed. Well, that is if it can manage to hold off the forces of several villages. He didn't want the village to suffer any damage, unless it was by him. He had lived so long ensuring that the village stayed in one piece so that the village as a whole could be redeemed.
Should the plan to redeem the village fail, then it was another story...with a different ending.
An Anbu appeared at Naruto's right hand, on top of the Hokage monument where Naruto had been standing - he had just returned to the village. "What is it?"
"You have been called to the Council's chambers," the Anbu curtly stated before disappearing in a swirl of leaves. The Anbu reported and disappeared away from the monument.
'That was quick,' Naruto thought mildly. He It had been less than 10 minutes that he spent standing on top of the monument, and Tsunade had already called a council meeting. Perhaps she had been waiting for his return - that is why she had done it so quickly.
Council Chambers
The doors opened, and a calm looking Uchiha Naruto walked into the council chambers. The moment he entered, the atmosphere became tense. He could see it in the eyes of the Hokage, clan heads and Jiraiya that there was something that was bothering them. They wanted to inform him something which it was obvious they thought he would not like.
The doors swung open and the atmosphere quickly changed as Naruto calmly strolled into the Council's chambers. He could see it in their eyes as they tensed; everyone from the clan heads to the Hokage, and Jiraiya; there was something bothering them. It was obvious that whatever it was, they were sure he wasn't going to like it.
"Interesting," Naruto stated of the tense atmosphere in the chamber. "It has been long since I walked into this room and I felt it so tense like this. But then again, the situation outside the walls of the village is also tense. It has to be expected," he was speaking to himself more than to anyone really.
"Interesting," Naruto commented. "It's been quite some time since I last walked into a room as tense as like this; then again, the situation isn't much different outside the walls of the village either. It's to be expected," he stated more to himself than the room at large.
Once the blond had taken a seat, Tsunade spoke, "I'm glad you finally decided to show up on time." Whether she was being sarcastic or not Naruto really didn't care much.
"What is it then? I just returned, and I find myself being told that I am wanted." Naruto stated looking at everyone inside the room.
Tsunade seemed to gather some confidence before speaking. "I'll get straight to it then. The council feels, we should distance ourselves from you for the time being. Recent information from an unlikely source, has forced us to consider our standing with you. Along with word that Madara's return, evidence has been brought forth forcing us to question the nature of your relationship with the traitor.
"Your continued association with the village will only do more harm than good. That is why this council has come to the decision, Uchiha Naruto, from this moment on, until everything settles, you are here by banished from this village. I will not put the lives of those within the village in the line of danger due to your actions. This is my verdict, you have until sun set to be out of the village limits." "I'll get on to it straight; the council feels that it is better to separate ourselves from you for the time being. With the information we received from an unlikely source and the fact that Uchiha Madara has returned - who we received evidence that you have some relations with. Your stay in the village does more harm than good.
"That is why we have come to a decision to banish you from this village - it is only until everything settles. We do not wish to be drawn to any unnecessary battles because of your actions, this is why we have decided to banish you - you have until tonight to leave!"
'Unbelievable' Naruto thought as silence filled the room, no one dared to speak as all eyes were focused on him, so it came as a complete surprise to everyone when a smile broke the expressionless mask as a low hollow laughed frilled the chamber.
The unexpected reaction from Naruto, he smiled, and then chuckled, a hollow laugh. "That is rather unexpected. I never thought that you actually had the spine to say tell that to my face. I guess I should applaud you," the blond spoke in a tone that was just blank void of his previous mirth.
Tsunade gave him a glare for the jibe. However, it was Jiraiya who spoke. "Are you going to leave peacefully, or do will we have to use force?" the Sannin questioned. If the stern expression the man wore was any indication, the man was certainly wasn't in a happy mood.
Naruto didn't bother to respond, to the question by Jiraiya. "Is Kabuto this unlikely source who informed you of my relations with Madara?" he inquired. He knew there was no way Zetsu could have done something like that, nor even Madara. Of all the people who knew, no one could say anything other than him. Though But the fact that since Kabuto was dead, it meant that he'd set up arranged things just to screw with him should he die.
"Kabuto is dead, you made sure of that apparently," Jiraiya responded calmly, though not answering Naruto's question either; it seemed the old man decided to return the favor. Since the blond also did not answer his question, it was only fair that he do the same.
"That damn Kabuto. Even in death he still manages to disrupt things, he's just like his former master. I should have killed him sooner when I knew learned that he survived the encounter when I killed Orochimaru and brought the base crashing down." Again he wasn't talking to anyone specifically. He seemed to be talking to himself more than anyone.
"You still have yet to say anything about your banishment," Tsume stated, looking straight at his face. "As much as indifferent as you are to most things, you can't be possibly be indifferent about this." even she could not be like that. They were practically tossing him to the den of wolves.
"I doubt he'll make a fuss if things are going his way," Jiraiya muttered a bit bitterly. It was frustrating that Naruto could remain calm like this after having being told that he was being discarded.
"No doubt about that..." Tsunade trailed off stated, agreeing with her former teammate. If Naruto was going to make a fuss, they would deal with it quietly. She had already made preparations in case for everything to deal with the issue if Naruto didn't wish to leave the village peacefully.
"You're relatively calm about all this, but a few moments ago you were all tense. You had prepared yourselves to deal with any kind of response I would have given if I refused to leave. . . .Then there would be a dance party to enjoy," Naruto paused for a moment before continuing. "If I decided to just run along as you all want of me, and I know that's what some of you have wanted for some time, will you will be planning a life without my aid?"
"You know all that - you know that now we firmly wish for you to leave the village until things settle down. Though we need to know what you intend to do?" Shikaku questioned with narrowed eyes, yet the bored expression never left his face.
Naruto poked his chin for a moment before responding, "This is certainly brave of you. Given our past, one would think that this is just an excuse to finally get rid of me. A tool is only worthwhile when it is useful. When it's no longer useful, it has to be discarded. Not that I am a tool, but that is it's something that Danzo would have said say."
"You understand that we're not backing away from this," the Fifth Hokage stated, knowing aware that the blond Naruto acknowledged this fact. The question was, how would is he going to react?
"We shouldn't even give him a chance to speak Tsunade. I don't even understand your reasoning why his banishment is only temporary to begin with. We don't need him, he's just trouble," Koharu stated in clear disdain of for the blond. "From today on, you are no longer a part of this council, no longer a Konoha shinobi, and you should return the Kyuubi as it belongs to us; is this clear boy?"
Naruto wasn't the least bit amused. "What gives you confidence, elder?" Koharu kept silent. "You think because I'm now banished, I have become weak and without power. Because you have removed me this council, you now think you can-"
The unexpected happened, Koharu cut him off while everyone watched, "I do not assume anything. You no longer have any authority in this village, and it would please me greatly if Iwa and Kumo gang up on you and kill you."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the fool and spoke in a low growl. "Do you know that I can kill you right now, and no one would do anything about it."
Koharu dared, "I would like to see you try," Koharu let the challenge hang.
Naruto remained impassive as he looked around the chamber with his Rinnegan. "Ah, it seems that this chamber has been made bullet proof. With the number of Anbu around this place, amongst other things, it is understandable why you feel so confident, Koharu."
"It seems you have finally realized the nature of your surroundings," the older woman smirked.
Jiraiya resisted the urge to smile when Koharu stated those words. He was the reason that she could speak so arrogantly without any fear. Although it could be said that he went through extreme measures to secure the chamber, he could not see anything else that was enough to guard this place against Naruto's possible wrath. He did not want civilians to be caught up in anything that happens in here. Naruto might not care about them, but everyone else in here cared.
Tsume looked at Naruto with an impassive gaze; his reaction of this was nothing less of what she had expected of hm. But she wondered if Jiraiya's measures were enough. Even though he took notice of his surroundings, he did not appear to be too bothered about it. His look was only telling her that what he was not enough to contain him. The realization made her uneasy.
Naruto ignored Koharu for a moment and addressed the others in the room. "The fact that you're all just watching the show means tells me you're all testing my patience. I doubt any of you, except for Homura, would care if Koharu died." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I don't fear of anything that you might have set up in here. However, given your confidence, I have no doubt that it is something nasty. But just remember, I know where you live and can return whenever I feel to any day in to this village, and kill you, but that would be unlike me."
His words were just a proof to Tsume that Jiraiya's efforts may not have been enough. The uneasy feeling never left her and looking around at her fellow clan heads, she could see they too had the same thoughts as she did. She just hoped that Naruto did nothing that would require them to take extreme measures.
Before Koharu could say anything, Tsunade silenced her "Enough!" came the firm spoken command. "Are you going to leaving peacefully?" She questioned, looking straight at Naruto.
"I will," Naruto responded quietly. "This works better for me anyway." He then paused for a moment, "Iwa will be hunting me down because of what I did. It's also possible that Kumo will do the same, but with Iwagakure, the village would probably get to go through Konoha in order to get to me. Another war between the villages would arise, and you don't want to involve your children in a war if it can be helped."
Tsunade nodded, still in her commanding tone, she spoke. "This is what we should have done from the beginning when we learned that you were behind Oto. I thought that things would be manageable, but they're not. And I don't wish to send any of my shinobi to their deaths because of something someone started. It would be been fair if Konoha had started it."
"You shouldn't color it like that Tsunade. Boy, what the Hokage is saying, is that you're more trouble than your worth. You're useless to us now and we no longer need you. It's a pity that after all you went through in your childhood; we have to throw you away like trash. However, it can't be helped, your arrogance is at fault here, and you still haven't responded to my demand towards about the Kyuubi." Again, Koharu spoke arrogantly, while her former teammate shook his head. Given the assurance that Naruto couldn't leave this place unscathed, Koharu was saying all that she wanted.
"Your preparations in containing me are based on preconceived notions on what you know of my power. You have no hope of containing what you can't understand. I am not invincible, I know that very well, but none of you can defeat me. And on the topic of the Kyuubi, it does not belong to this village. Though if you insist on having it, I'll be more than willing to summon it here, and see if it agrees with you." Naruto paused for a moment to allow the words to sink in. "Woman, I have allowed you to speak until now, but that is enough. Continue, and I will watch you burn, slowly." The tone was calm, yet so deadly that everyone except for Koharu knew he was being serious.
Uchiha Naruto did not make idle threats after all.
"You wouldn't dare attack a council member like this. That's ground for imprisonment or execution. Not even Danzo would dare do something like that," Koharu rebuffed. She folded her arms across her chest. All logic dictated that she was correct, but she was forgetting something.
"Amaterasu," it was that simple word that had Koharu screaming in agony as the black flames burned her slowly. The poor woman fell off her chair trying to put off the flames to no avail.
"Naruto! That's enough," the Godaime exclaimed banging the table with her fists. Three Anbu appeared and surrounded the Godaime Hokage, but Naruto remained sited in his chair not the least concerned by their arrival.
"Although she took it a bit too far, what you've have done is a serious offense. One that will be punished, do you understand?" Jiraiya stated in a tone of authority.
"How boring," Naruto muttered in a mask of indifference. "However Jiraiya, do you think I care?" he turned to look at everyone else in the chamber. "You have banished me anyway. It's only fair that I let her suffer for rubbing salt to the wounds." He paused for a moment. "I will return when I decide to, but until then..." he was gone with a snap of his fingers.
"Should we go after him Lady Hokage?" The an Anbu with a tiger mask asked
"No," Tsunade gritted her teeth. "Get me Uchiha Sasuke, now! Quick before the old fart burns to ashes."
"Hai," they chorused before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
The poor woman was probably going through 3rd degree burns by now, and there was nothing she could do. If Sasuke didn't come quick, and if Jiraiya couldn't find a way to seal away those flames, if it was at all possible, then there would be nothing they could do as she turned to ash or succumbed to infection.
"I will return when I decide to" Hiashi repeated those words that Naruto left behind. "Does this mean that he does not acknowledge that we banished him and he is just leaving because he has other things to do?"
Homura swallowed hard. "It is most likely that he is leaving peacefully because Madara is out there. The Intel we received informed us that Naruto was trained by the Uchiha. It could be that he plans to do something with him."
Inoichi spoke words that Jiraiya did not want to hear. "We cannot allow this treachery to escape unpunished. Naruto killed a member of the council and that cannot be left unpunished. I doubt that the villagers will allow him to return once they find out he is involved with a traitor of the village."
Uchiha compound
'That was unexpected,' Naruto thought to himself as he made his way towards his room. The words replayed themselves as he thought back on the meeting he had just fled from - the same words he thought when Tsunade told him that they were banishing him from this village. It would have been laughable if it were indefinite. But It wasn't a huge concern if did not matter to him if he was banished or not. His banishment didn't affect his grand plan at all.
Yes, it was irrelevant to him if he was banished or not. He could still do as he pleases,
Though he no longer needed proof that Konoha wouldn't change their ways, this unforeseen banishment was not totally without merit. He would now have the chance to see their reactions when he did return. If they reacted as he knew them to, their chance at redemption would be lost and the punishment would be severe. He was not going to force their acceptance of him, but he would have them know the same loneliness and pain he felt and accept that they were the worst sort of people alive.
Still, for those fools to actually plan to throw him away like trash was a bit unexpected. But they would not have made the choice, if they knew he would handle this calmly. They could also be lying about the fact that they would lift his banishment after everything is settled with Kumogakure and Iwagakure. He would have to wait and see what would happen after that - that is if he felt like it.
With this new development, news would soon spread, and there was little doubt since Konoha wiped their hands of him, his enemies would seek him out. More to the point, Onoki. Temporary or not, the old man would jump at the chance to attack him without having to fear retaliation from Konoha.
Instead of fearing for his safety like any normal person, Naruto smiled at the thought. As he always said, he never likes anyone fighting his battles. Perhaps he did not like someone else fighting his battles because it would make him feel weak. Only the weak were those who could not fight their own battles, or so believed.
He could deal with all his enemies without having to insure that Konoha was safe so that project redemption could be launched. It certainly wouldn't do well if some of the shinobi were to perish before he could initiate the plan.
Naruto had his grandfather; they were certainly going to mess around a little before taking the floor for their final dance. The name of Madara's once made men tremble, and now his name it would do so once more. The shinobi world would surely become chaotic than it already was if they got to know that Madara was his grandfather. Now he waited, he wondered how much chaos would spread, people were to learn the exact nature of their kinship. Hunter nins from all over would flock towards him seeking the right to claim his head. Certainly, hunter-nins from everywhere would be all over like flies trying to get his head.
It was not like they could actually do anything to either of them. With the power of the Bijuus' under their control, and their own ridiculous power, they could enslave the world without anyone to stop them. The Gods themselves would have to come down to the world to and free them. Though something like that would be very unlikely to happen. Madara was bent on achieving his dream of enslaving the world under an illusion of peace.
It didn't take long for Sasuke to appear before him, the Uchiha stood leaning against the door frame of his room with his hands folded across his chest. Naruto was first to speak, "You returned sooner than expected," he stated, settling down on his bed, everything already packed and sealed.
"Jiraiya handled the problem," he looked indifferent about whatever the problem may be. "That was cruel of you. I mean you just set her ablaze with flames you knew no one would be able to extinguish."
Sasuke knew too well how painful a burn from Amaterasu was. Those flames were for enemies, he was sure that even a Bijuu as mighty as the Kyuubi, would roll about the ground screaming in agony. There was no extinguishing them, but Jiraiya had dealt with them by sealing them away.
"I told her that if she continued speaking, I would watch her burn," Naruto responded with a shrugged. Although he didn't stick around watch her burn entirely, he did watch her for a few seconds before he left the chambers. He didn't feel that it was worth his time to watch a worthless old woman burn to death - that is if Jiraiya was willing to see her die.
"She's suffering from 3ed degree burns and is currently in a coma. She'll probably die in the next few days," Sasuke just thought he should let the blond know of his handy work. He knew was sure that the blond wouldn't care either way, but he just thought it was best he let the blond know that he had was mostly likely going to the cause of another death for another of Konoha's council members.
Although Danzo was executed, it was Naruto had caused the execution, and if Koharu were to die, which was highly likely he was sure was going to happen, it would be the second death of a council member he has been involved in. Homura was probably running scared thinking Naruto was after him, being that he was now the "only one" left in the group of elders. He would be running scared thinking that Naruto was also coming after him.
It almost amused Sasuke how some really old people still wished to live despite having so many years under their belt. There were those old people who'd even sacrifice the lives of the young ones to preserve their own lives. Couldn't the elderly people understand that they should just die and allow the next generation younger ones to live? People were not made to live for eternity, death was the debt all men paid, and everyone had a date, whether it was today or the next, the point was not being afraid when your time comes. Not everyone is supposed to live forever. Everybody had their expiry date. The issue was not being afraid of that date, even when you did not know how it was going to come.
"At least I would have given her a beautiful death. If she somehow survives, she'll would be haunted that by the pain for the rest of her short worthless life. Fitting, don't you think?" you have to expect him to be indifferent about the whole matter. He couldn't care less cared not if she lived or died. It didn't matter, if she dies, her pain was enough, but if she continues to live, it was more pain then.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. While he didn't like some of Naruto's views about important matters, he shared the same thoughts as the blond on something they were both indifferent towards death. Be they Konoha shinobi or someone else, they didn't care.
"I'll admit, I am surprised that she's still alive given the burns she suffered. I would have thought that she'd have died due to extreme pain," Sasuke stated, not showing that he was at least surprised as he said he was.
"Tsunade was there, she is hailed as the best medic nin in the Elemental Nations after all, and old people surprisingly have strong wills to survive. That should be expected since they have much more experience in life and other things," Naruto explained calmly.
Sasuke nodded. "What did she do or say rather anyway? Not that her death means anything to me, but I am surprised that you attacked her in front of everyone."
"She was annoying, and I no longer had the patience to deal with her. I could have just as easily ripped off her jaw and cut her tongue to ensure her silence, she never speaks again. but that would have been too much of an effort."
Yes, he could say such things in a calm tone without any hint of malice or killing intent. He could say it so perfectly like as if it were something discussed every day it was a normal subject to him. Sasuke showed no disgust to Naruto's thoughts; he held no love for the village elders.
If anything, he could have killed her himself, the Uchiha massacre was not something he could forgive easily. Added to that, his brother had been made to suffer because of Konoha. Of course when it came to the deaths' or pain of the people who were responsible for it, he would not pity them.
"I can't imagine doubt Jiraiya would have allowed you to do something like that in his presence, not to mention Tsunade. The Nara clan head would have in all likelihood used his Shadow binding technique to hinder you for a moment while the others did something." he was not going to say exactly what.
"That would have mostly likely happened, I chose to burn her because I didn't want to go through the ordeal. If I had been forced to it, things would have gone badly," Naruto responded, still keeping his mask of indifference.
"Oh, you can make smart decisions that eludes a fight to occur," sarcastic the Uchiha was, but he still kept his expression blank. Sasuke so no difference in burning Koharu and a fight that would have occurred. Either way, Naruto left a council that was not pleased with him. Naruto didn't respond, nor even acted like he heard him. Sasuke knew that the blond indeed heard him. "Tsunade told me."
"Of my banishment? Not so surprising."
"Why?"
"You have to be specific, Sasuke. I don't have the patience to assume what you're thinking," Naruto spoke, his tone still that of a mask of indifference and his eyes never leaving Sasuke's.
"I know that for certain Konoha is just throwing you out to avoid getting so that it does not get involved in any of your mess. If Iwa retaliates attacks you for what you did, Konoha, will not come and rescue you. They'll allow you to be killed. It doesn't matter if the banishment will be lifted; the fact is that Konoha is cutting its losses with you because they don't want to be caught up in war.
"What they've those leaders have done is literally throw you into the in the den of lions, with these words, "I hope you survive", and I'm sure that some of them wish for your demise. In this situation, Out there, no one will be afraid of attacking you knowing now that you no longer have Konoha."
Naruto was silent for a few moments before he finally spoke. "They are indeed throwing me into a ring so Iwa can do what they please. Despite how they see it, that is the reality, but what is your point, Sasuke? You're obviously not worried about my safety, but you dislike how the village has handled things?"
"I dislike it, but I see the logic in it. With things done this way, it will make sure that there are no unnecessary deaths and Iwa doesn't end up fighting Konoha. If they're smart, they won't even send half the village an army after you, they'll only send elite shinobi, or and might even hire mercenaries to avoid losing the bulk of their forces," Sasuke explained, seeing that things would ultimately fall that way if they paid attention to how Naruto has dealt with armies. Sasuke explained.
"I can see it happening that way. If things happen that way, it'll mean that there won't be battles of any large scale and less destruction to tend to making things interesting. It should also make things a bit interesting," Naruto added, making a slight thoughtful expression for a second.
"What are you after Naruto? Given all that Konoha did to you and now this, I don't think anyone would allow this to go unpunished. Even I wouldn't go down without a fight. I would die fighting. Given the enemies you've made have, it can be said that it's not safe for you to be without the backing of Konoha," Sasuke paused for a moment, 'Unless things are going his way or still manageable, Naruto will leave without a fight', that's what Jiraiya and Shikaku said. "What's going according to plan in this picture?"
"Nothing, but I always make contingency preparations for things that may happen against me, unlikely, likely scenarios that may arise, I make precautions for those, except for what I deem impossible," Naruto gave an explanation.
"Are you making Oto a replacement for Konoha?"
"Not at all," Naruto responded calmly. "Oto has its own uses." He just made sure that he was prepared for anything, and this worked better for him, so he had no complaints whatsoever.
"And should they decide against uplifting your banishment?" Sasuke questioned with narrowed eyes.
"Then, something has to be done about the issue," Naruto stated standing up. "Since I'm going, you'll be in charge, and will take my seat at the council. However, I will still send you those Anbu I told you about."
What a way to change the subject Sasuke thought eying his "friend". "I figured your responsibilities would fall to me, but it's nothing I can't handle. It will certainly be easier now since you've removed the weeds for me." Sasuke didn't care how it sounded. "Your grandfather is back amongst the living, what are you doing about it?"
"Are you asking me if I'll be teaming up with Madara for whatever scheme he comes up with?" Naruto asked.
"Yes," Sasuke responded without even so much as blinking.
"No, but it would be fun if I did. However Grandfather and I don't agree on certain things, and neither of us can adapt to the ideals of the other," Naruto paused for a moment before looking back at Sasuke. "Where is Yugao?"
"She left with Kurenai's team three days ago on a mission, she should return before the day's end," Sasuke responded. Naruto hadn't been home for a few days, but he was curious if Yugao would leave with him.
"I guess I will speak to her later on then," Naruto said readying to leave.
Sasuke spoke before he could do so. "What if Konoha doesn't agree with your banishment? Not everyone dislikes and fears you," Sasuke said, watching Naruto carefully so not to miss anything. Naruto's body language gave away nothing for him to read.
"Tsunade would tell say if they wanted me back, their more than welcome to follow, they can go after me but they should know if they do, Iwa would come after them too. Kill their children, destroy their homes, and finish them off. If they use the excuse that I would protect them, she would counter it by saying I should be fine without backing from Konoha, and if I couldn't protect myself, how would I be able to protect them?" Naruto disappeared having had his last word.
"Tsunade can actually say that just to shut them up," Sasuke muttered, leaving the room.
Capital of Rice
"This will have to do," Naruto said to himself as he walked towards the gates of the village that would be his home for the time being, or perhaps forever. He could very well see the gates from this distance.
His presence in the village would require a bigger military force to deal with the challenges that will be coming ahead. Iwa now had him in their Bingo book, and had placed a hefty sum on for whoever brings his head. Junkies would be coming after him trying to get rich quick by going after his bounty. Some ignorant fools didn't even care if the status of their targets was "flee on sight" or "engage at your own risk".
It was die trying for the truly desperate.
He finally reached the gates. Looking at them, he could clearly see that they lacked some crystal and he there were some obvious holes in its defense, and needed to staff more Anbu in guard rotation. If he was going to do this, he would not be sending the current Anbu to training and aside from the 50 that had returned to the village, he would have to recall the remaining 100. The others would stay for a month or so. Their residence had yet to be finished, he couldn't bring his men without homes prepared for them to rest. , but if they could finish quickly, they would all return.
As soon as he neared the gates, three men appeared before him, all kneeling before him. They all wore dark blue cloaks that seemed to blend in with the shadows around them. The only other visible piece of clothing was long blue pants nearly the same shade as their cloaks. The cloaks were written Special Corps on the back - it was the uniform marked them of the Special Anbu branch he had created. They would have to be distinguished aside from normal Anbu and they didn't wear masks.
"Naruto-sama, we were not expecting your presence," the leader of the group stated standing up to look straight at the blond.
"At ease captain," Naruto stated calmly. "There's been a change of plans."
The captain responded. "I would imagine so," he said. "Allow me to lead you to the palace." They were still closer to the gates of the capital. With him leading the blond, there would be one at the gates to question anything.
Naruto followed the man from behind quietly. The other two disappeared to follow in the shadows while Naruto walked with the captain. "Has everyone settled in well?"
"Yes, we have settled well. Our general is still working with Guren-sama on how we are going to be assigned. There are currently 50 of us who returned, including the commander. Sixteen teams were formed, but one of us was left without a team. The commander assigned him to be Guren-sama's guard."
Naruto nodded before responding. "Good; I would hate it if Guren and a general showed incompetence. Even without me, they've started to get things moving. Well, I should expect them to be competent, I did select them as leaders because of their potential."
"The general takes his job a very seriously. No doubt he has yet to sleep since we returned four days ago. The other four are the same in that regard," like that as well." the Captain responded calmly as the two walked through the lively streets of the Capital.
"How is the security?" Naruto asked as they walked past the gate guards who naturally bowed slightly at his entrance.
"Tight, we've been able to tackle every attempt at infiltration. We know of everything that occurs near the village, and the General wanted to speak with the Commander of the Anbu to have him assign a few of his men to watch over the borders so we would know whoever enters the country."
"Not a bad plan," Naruto stated, as some people waved at him while walking towards the Palace. He saw a young girl walking about the streets, she seemed really happy, but she was walking barefooted. It was obvious that not everyone had money enough to buy whatever they wanted within the Capital.
"Ever since I returned here, I've seen that girl walking around the streets with that same smile. I know for certain that it is not a mask, she is truly happy, even though she her parents are poor," the Captain stated looking at the young girl.
"You don't like it knowing that there are other people who are poor in the capital," Naruto stated, deducing this from the tone of the man's voice.
"To most of the citizens, it is not a big deal to be without money. With that building," he stated, pointing at another building that was the tallest within the capital. It was a building that housed the homeless, and controlled social affairs of the citizens, "Everyone can afford to smile. Even when you look after this place, you have nothing to complain about because you know that the leaders take care of their people. When you know that even if you die on duty, your family will still be taken care of, you always give your best for your home without care of your own life."
"Not everyone is equal, and there are winners and losers. Guren knew this, to ensure that those who are 'losers' didn't suffer or aren't made to suffer by the winners; she built that building and created laws binding everyone to a certain way of living. She knew that without laws, the rich would oppress the poor. This would make the poor resent the rich. If it came to that, hatred, jealousy, and greed would be birthed within this place.
"But when those officials in those building teach the rich humility and encourage them to give to the needy, the poor learn to appreciate the rich and smile with them. When this is done regularly, an understanding is born, and people learn to live with each other. Though not everyone is willing to understand, that is where the law comes.
"There is also no corruption within the capital. Crime is almost nonexistence. When you do your job faithfully, you weed out the corrupt and ensure that the nation is safe and the poor are not robbed of the little they have. When the poor are free, they can live happily within these walls with little to be bitter about.
"When a leader is corrupt, so will his nation," Naruto finished talking and looked at the heavens for a moment.
The captain was surprised that someone so young could speak so wisely. Even Naruto's next words didn't make him think any less of the blond. "That is what Guren believes anyway. Her ideals relate to a Senju and it seems to be working. She has created an environment that accepts everyone."
"What do you believe, your Majesty"
"Mmm, perhaps some other day I will answer your question captain. It seems that I have spoken too much and we have reached our destination," Naruto responded. They had neared the Crystal Palace, where he was heading to.
"It appears so," the captain stated, as they went inside the Palace and went on towards Guren's office.
Guren's office
The captain and his men disappeared as Naruto walked inside the office. Guren was alone, Karin was probably somewhere within the Capital looking over the projects that are being handled.
"Naruto, what a lovely surprise." Guren said by way of greeting, stated, standing up to greet the blond.
"…A surprise indeed. But I do not think it is lovely," Naruto responded taking a seat. He sat down and leaned against the chair, looking comfortable. "You must be surprised about my visit."
"I am," Guren said, nodding to herself. Even more to that, Zetsu had continued with his disappearance.
"I will be sleeping in the basement, just as I have been in past days, for the next few months," Naruto stated, which Guren merely nodded. "Konoha has banished me," the blond then added shocking the woman before him.
"Ungrateful bastards!" she hissed. "We will not allow this to go unpunished. You cannot let them throw you away like trash because things are tough. It is unacceptable."
Naruto merely waved his hand dismissively. "It is okay, Guren. I will still return to Konoha when I choose to. The banishment means nothing.. It still does not change the fact that they are spitting me out like a gum that has lost its taste."
Guren nodded in agreement. "No matter what you do, if they considered you one of them, they would have never banished you. I know for certain that I would stand by my men and never betray their trust, as long as they have not done anything wrong. Those bustards are just scared and in order to save their own skins, they are throwing you out."
Naruto was silent for a few moments. "Trust..? Betrayal..?" He never looked at it in that way. He was always thinking that it was okay as long as things were manageable. "I never trusted them, so they never betrayed my trust. I was a shinobi of Konoha, one of the leaders, and because things weren't looking too bright they have decided to cut their losses with me. If I was useful to them, they would've stayed with me; my presence in the village only makes them nervous. So I am a liability, that's why I was thrown out." He paused for a moment. "Now, that is a bit sad."
He certainly did not look sad.
Guren nodded. "What are the terms of your banishment?"
"Never bothered to ask, but should things cool down within the Elemental Nations, it will be lifted," Naruto responded quietly.
"You see, because you don't look at things the way other people do, you fail to understand that what Konoha has done, is show you that they will only stick with you if can help them. You fail to see that saying that your banishment will be lifted is just said to make you happy. If your enemies gang up on you, Konoha won't come to rescue you, will they?"
"From what I've gathered, they won't, but I could be wrong, it is not like I need their help anyway." Naruto responded with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulder.
"That's not the point. If they believed in your power, and the fact that you wished them no harm, they would have stuck with you. If I believe that you wish for this place's safety, I would never abandon you because I know that when danger strikes, you will fight to protect our home. Even if some shinobi died, it would be okay because you were fighting with us for the same cause. If I thought like Konoha, wouldn't I say that you should also leave so that your enemies do not destroy this place?"
"You would," Naruto responded, calmly. "But Konoha's actions could be interpreted as that they believe that I can survive on my own. Basically Tsunade has sacrificed me for the lives that would be lost should Iwa and Konoha fight because of my actions. It sounds reasonable for a leader. But it is not of consequence to me and what I hope to achieve."
"That may be true, but another question would be for how long can you hold out on your own? You know as well as I do that battles are not won by power only. I lived with Orochimaru long enough to know that power without brains, doesn't guarantee your survival. That man would become so weak when his host expires, that even I could have killed him quickly, but he could still act and talk like he had all the power," Guren explained knowing full well that one could not always rely on power. Orochimaru didn't even have to do anything to accomplish anything, he would just talk and things would go his way.
"I know that very well," Naruto stated. "But it seems that I have been relying too much on my power without using my head." He also relied too much on Zetsu, and without him, he would struggle. It was good that he had realized that flaw earlier and attempted to fix it.
"I have noticed," Guren said carefully. "Your banishment will shock the world. Those who favor you won't be happy. They'll only see as an act of betrayal, and may abandon Konoha. An example is Kiri, they are tied to Konoha because of you, with you gone, and the alliance may crumble since I'm certain Kiri benefits little from Konoha."
"It will be so unless I convince them otherwise, or Konoha comes up with something to convince them that they are not only abandoning me because of my enemies." Naruto said, knowing that something believable would have to be said to convince otherwise.
Guren nodded. "I suspect they would say you did something unforgivable to be given for forgiveness, and added to your enemies, they might even look good."
Naruto took a thoughtful pose for a moment. "I did set a council member on fire before I left. It's most likely that she is going to die."
"I guess we can expect them to take advantage of this if things don't go their way. When everything else is cleared, they can always pardon you or come up with something incriminating about the woman to justify your choice in killing her," Guren spoke, not the least surprised that he set a council member on fire.
"We'll see when it happens. Right now the stability of this country is of concern. I will retire to my floor now." The whole underground floor was his premises. He had designed it that way.
"Oh, before I forget, there is a guest."
"Who?"
"Princess Koyuki, she's currently residing in a hotel. She had some troubles since her life was being targeted by someone. I've already sent a team on it to remove the problem. When they return, she will be able to leave."
Naruto nodded. "Suddenly this place has become small. I was thinking of extending it anyway," he was talking to himself than to Guren. "Get me the man who built this place. I want two more underground floors added, and two more above. I also wanted this place to be extended."
"I was also thinking of enlarging it. This place does not even have a personal training ground. It would be great if we had one." She was sure that Yukimaru would love to train here. She also needed to relieve some stress at times.
"Get it done," Naruto stated leaving the office.
After Naruto left, Guren was left to her thoughts. "He did not feel as cold as the other times," she muttered quietly.
Later that day (Konoha)
Tsunade gulped down her sake before enjoying the burning sensation in comfortable silence. She looked at her former teammate sitting across her. They were at a bar within Konoha, just the two of them. They did this sort of thing where when the situation called for it. Right now, the situation called for them to share a few drinks, and get the day over with as they wait for tomorrow when the storm finally comes.
The news of Naruto's banishment was so far kept a secret, only for today it would stay so long enough for them to do damage control. It was only the council members and Anbu who were knew of this situation. The rest of the villagers had yet to be told about it. But Tomorrow morning though, they would come to know about the events that have happened today. Everyone within the village would know, and so would the rest of the Elemental Nations.
She knew most of the villagers would just be indifferent towards the whole thing, so long as she gave a good the reason for his banishment was justified, there would be little outcry. Those who feared Naruto most would likely sigh in relief tomorrow when they are told that his presence will no longer be available within the office. Those few who cared, will not be so pleased as those who don't give a damn, but she was prepared for everything. They had spent days discussing the matter before coming up with the decision. There was no turning back.
"Why the long face?" Tsunade questioned looking straight at Jiraiya who was displaying a number of emotions; the most one that identifiable being was appearing the most was guilt.
"I just threw Minato's son at the hands of to his enemies, and told them to do what they please with him," he stated, very much bitterly. That was what he had literally done. Although he had there was no doubt that Naruto could handle himself, he couldn't help but feel guilty for abandoning him.
"We talked this through Jiraiya," Tsunade said. "Although it appears as an act of betrayal, we had no choice in the matter. You know that Naruto doesn't care for the villagers, and should they have attacked him within this village, we would have been forced to defend ourselves, and this would result in deaths. Despite agreeing that Konoha would be involved, and I know full well that we would have ended up getting involved in the matter, especially after you report from Kumo.
"Even if we told everyone that we were remaining neutral, no one would believe us. We would be in the center of all the attention. With him Naruto being a shinobi of this village, there was no way to speak his name without Konoha coming to mind. Now that we were cold towards we've cut ties with him, his enemies won't harm innocent people looking for him. It would have been a different story if this was because he was the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi, but what is happening now is his fault."
Jiraiya was silent for a few moments. Tsunade's words didn't make him feel any better. "It just sounds to me like we're afraid to fight, and to avoid it, we were willing to sell out one of our own."
"Perhaps it may be that way. But you and I know that there's nothing but pain and hatred in war. If this village was to be involved in war because of Naruto and many were to die, you know those who lost their loved ones will blame," Tsunade responded. Being the less emotional of the two, she held no attachment towards the blond, and a decision was taken and there was no turning back.
"I understand that," Jiraiya said before pausing to take a sip of his sake. "It would only be too easy for them to turn the blame onto Naruto, for it given their past hatred of him. They blamed him to the deaths of their loved ones, even though it was not his fault."
"How much more do you think they will hate him should their loved ones die again because of his actions? Just remember, this time they would be right, in a way, it will be his fault. How much will they hate him if they learn that it was his fault?" Tsunade questioned knowing that things would get nasty in the village when the villagers realize that it was Naruto's fault that their loved ones died, "again".
"It will probably be enough to have them turn on them, and kill everyone one of them," Jiraiya said without a single doubt in his mind tone. He knew that if the villagers pushed too far, Naruto would flip, and the fallout wouldn't be pretty.
"I know that even with this, if Naruto doesn't handle things carefully, we may be forced to go into war. If a war breakout, we will only involve ourselves should we be forced into it, but when we have a choice, we won't do it," Tsunade stated, knowing that everything was possible. If Iwa did manage to get Naruto, they may come towards them for revenge.
"But Shikaku said it was unlikely that a war would break out so soon. He did say that if Naruto were alone, Iwa wouldn't send an army towards for him, but they would send a few strong men after him," Jiraiya stated calmly.
"That's most likely to happen, we did make this decision after discussing a lot of the facts," Tsunade said. Onoki had seen what Naruto had done to armies. He wasn't foolish to send another platoon of shinobi after the blond in attempts to kill him. "The worst case scenario would be if Iwa and Kumo teamed up together to destroy Otogakure, like what happened to Uzushiogakure. It's obvious that they can't share it, so the logical conclusion would for neither of them to have it."
"We would be forced to act if things came to that, but only if they combine their army. I doubt it would ever happen though, Onoki and A don't exactly see eye to eye," Jiraiya responded, feeling a bit light.
Tsunade nodded, "There's only a little small chance of that happening, and if it does, it would be a miracle," the Godaime smiled slightly at her own choice of words. "I just hope we made the right choice and this won't come back to bite us."
"I hope so too," Jiraiya said, shaking his head slightly. "We have yet to deal with this Madara issue and what his relations are with Naruto, since we know from Kabuto that they met when Naruto was younger."
"Madara is even a bigger problem. Kakashi said that after Naruto's battle with Sasuke, he stated that only Hashirama and Madara were shinobi he could fight seriously with. From what we've seen from Naruto, we can conclude that Madara was the strength that is perhaps above Naruto's. I know that my grandfather was strong, I just don't know how," Tsunade responded.
"A dead man only returns to the world of the living to finish what he did not finish during his life time. At least we have a vague idea to the extent of Naruto's abilities, yet we know nothing about Madara. We can only speculate that he has powers like Naruto, and we don't even know his objectives," Jiraiya stated. "We were never even able to find out the objective of the Akatsuki. Though I think it's safe to say Madara, was somehow related to the organization, but that just raise more questions."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Right now, we have too many questions that only Madara and Naruto can answer. The latter is not an option since we know he won't tell us anything unless he wants to, and we just banished him. We don't know where Madara is, even though we haven't seen him, I have little doubt that he has returned."
"I almost wish sensei was here," Jiraiya said, smiling sadly. "He always knew what to do in every situation. He wouldn't have been sitting here like us if he was in our position."
Tsunade snorted at the thought of her former sensei. Despite everything, she knew the old man was always thinking ahead. He hadn't been called the professor for nothing.
Icharaku Ramen
"Hello Ayame," Naruto greeted the older girl as he took a seat.
"Naruto," Ayame smiled at him. "It is so good to see you again. How are you?"
"I'm well, you?"
"I'm good. I haven't seen you visit come here at this time in a long time," the young woman smiled. The sun had already set retired giving way for the night stars to reveal themselves to the world.
"It certainly has been awhile long," Naruto responded with his own smile. When he was younger, he came here more much often. Before his meeting with Madara, Ramen was his lively hood. This was the place he came to eat even when he had no money. This was the place he felt truly happy every time when he sat down and ate.
"We don't see you often these days any more, especially given that you disappear a lot from the village now. This week you're here, and the next you are not. I just hear rumors about you." She understood that being a shinobi meant that he was mostly busy with his duty to the village, but with everything she has heard, it appeared seemed that Naruto kept himself busy with his own duties.
"I always have much work to do, and when I return, I rarely have time to rest," Naruto responded calmly.
Ayame nodded. "Well, you'll have to take me to Otogakure one day since it's your village. I heard a traveler praising it one day recently after her last visit there. I have to see this adult amusement park I hear people talking about." She paused for a moment before speaking again. "What is inside the park anyway?"
"Nothing fancy, there are just two manmade waterfalls, manmade, a few hot springs, a cinema, a space for parties, a space for couples, and another for camping," Naruto responded, with little interest in what he was saying. "However, I will take you one day."
"Promise me." Naruto merely gave her a smile. "Have you gone to enjoy your day there?"
"No," Naruto responded. Aside from the crystal palace, there was no other place he used inside the village. That didn't mean that he hadn't not seen everything the village had to offer.
Ayame sighed, "I forgot that you have no sense of fun," she said shaking her head. "So, what can I get you?"
"Two bowls of Miso ramen and another of pork please," Naruto said, giving Ayame that small smile.
Ayame was immobile for a few seconds. Something had to be wrong. Ever since Naruto 'changed', he'd not ordered more than one bowl of ramen at once. Now he had ordered three, moreover, this was the longest time she had ever seen Naruto smiling - his smiles never lasted for more than 3 seconds.
Something was wrong here. It almost felt like he was saying goodbye to her. Though that was just ridiculous right? Naruto would never leave her, right?
Uchiha compound
"Hello Yugao," Naruto greeted as he walked inside his former room. The purple haired woman was lying on the bed looking peaceful as always.
"Naruto," she sounded relieved to see him. "I thought you weren't going to come back, Sasuke told me that you would return, but-" That would explain why she sounded relieved.
"Why would I decide against returning?" Naruto asked. He made his way towards the bed, then he and settled down, looking at Yugao.
"I don't know, I never can figure out some of the staff that goes on inside your head," Yugao responded with a slight shrug of her shoulders. It was just not that important, hence the shrug of her shoulders.
"If you want to know what goes on inside my head, you could just ask and I could show you," Naruto stated as if he could actually do that for her.
"Really?"
"No," Naruto responded quickly. Yugao wasn't surprised. "You're awfully calmer than I'd expected given the fact that I've just been banished," Naruto then said changing the subject quickly. If Yugao had not been expecting it, she would have been surprised.
"I've had a lot of time to think," Yugao responded, getting turning up to face him. "I still can't believe that you've been banished from the village. What does this mean for us?"
"Regardless of how much you love me, you cannot leave Konoha. Your attachment to this village goes beyond anything. You're willing to sacrifice your happiness for this village, you would even go as far as to die for this village."
Yugao was silent
"It's not very surprising, really. Shinobi who've ever been Anbu, value the village above all else, that doesn't mean that they can't make decisions for themselves. Not everything you do and think is for the benefit of Konoha, but leaving the village is another story," Naruto continued watching the woman in thought.
"I don't want you to leave, I don't want sleep in my bed alone without you beside me," she managed to keep her composure as she spoke.
"After tonight, there's a possibility that you'll we'll never sleep in the same bed again," it was a possibility. Things had fast tracked with the return of Madara. He could not enjoy his humanity when his grandfather was staring down at him.
"So you are leaving me."
"It appears so, but know that you will always be in my heart, Yugao. If things are handled quickly, you may end up living with me at my village," Naruto offered a smile as he spoke.
Yugao pulled Naruto towards her and lay on her back. "Will you stay with me for the night?" She pulled him in for a kiss. She had missed the touch of his lips, feeling the warmth his warm breath gave to her skin. The thought of him leaving caused a wave of emotions to hit her, some she couldn't even explain. She wanted to feel the warmth of his body. She wanted him if only for one last time.
"Sure," Naruto responded with a small smile as he settled a top of well on top off Yugao.