Naruto found himself being dragged into another world. Time didn't seem to matter around here, and the world just seemed empty of anything, except for who knew had dragged him here.
''What do you want, Hagoromo?'' Naruto questioned, folding his hands across his chest, looking straight at the legendary Sage of Six paths.
''You're not even surprised about my presence. Well, last time we met it was in your set conditions.'' Hagoromo stated calmly, as he floated in front of Naruto. With what he's seen of the blond, he really shouldn't be surprised about this. ''I guess it is to be expected from someone like you.''
''Someone like me…what is that supposed to mean?'' Naruto questioned with a raised eye brow. In all truth, he had expected this man to appear before him one day. The last time he saw the man, he was the one who appeared before him. Given everything, he had to appear before him.
''You know every well what I am talking about. You're even more power hungry than Madara. You have no desire for peace. The very thought of achieving peace is even laughable to you. Despicable. I know for certain that the only strong emotion you hold is your love towards your mother, and that other girl. But that is also fading, little by little. Isn't that you wish destroy all your emotions?''
''Have you been reading from the same script as I, Hagoromo? Have you searched deep into my heart and seen that I don't love as you claim? Can you really say that I don't care for Yugao, Karin and Even Mei?'' Naruto threw a fit of questions to the Sage in front of him, but he already knew the answers to his questions.
''Yes, you can love and fee all these other emotions that makes you human. However, that isn't who you really are, no? The current can feel because you have allowed it to happen, you've allowed yourself to feel while you seek to create the ''real" you. There is that sickening darkness that lies deep inside your heart.'' Hagoromo paused for a moment. ''But we both know that all those names you mentioned can be discarded if it suites your end.''
''Where do you get this that you speak of, Hagoromo?''
''I see that you're still amused by this,'' the Sage shook his head. ''You started exactly like the Shinju - watching while humans kill each other without care, only interfering when it suites you. Despicable. Sometimes I really wonder how you can love with what is deep inside your heart. You're trapped in a prison of your own making, you have yet to realize it, but you will soon, and when you do, you will discard everything.''
''Madara said something like that,'' Naruto responded, looking thoughtful. ''You're wrong though, I certainly do care for those I say I care for. But you are indeed right; I've been playing this game far too long it has gotten to me. I had to play the Uzumaki role and the Uchiha role, while at the same time I played the ''other'', you've to agree with me that it puts a certain strain towards the mind.
You're still wrong though. You mistake my desire for power and hatred towards this world as darkness. You don't want to believe that the power I seek will be used for "good". History doesn't favor me, but your assumptions are based what you perceive of me. The problem with that is you don't understand me fully and you'll never do.
Don't you see that the current me is enough for this world? If I'd not done what I did, I would have destroyed Konoha and everything that stood in my way. This state and this mind have made me fall in love and somewhat made me a good person, Shouldn't you be pleased with that?''
''Pleased? Look at what you've done to this world?''
''The hatred inside of me for this world burns deeper than Madara's. Uchiha Naruto cares for nothing, and without the heart of Uzumaki Naruto, I would have burned this world. I despise it and it disgusts me. Because of the system of this world, my mother died without even raising me, I was frowned upon, never enjoying life. This world has turned my loving grandfather into a cold hearted monster that will do anything to achieve his dream.'' Naruto stated holding out both his hands. ''Say what you wish about me, but this hatred of this despicable world is what you mistake as darkness.''
Hagoromo shook his head. "It is indeed true that I don't fully understand you, but nothing good will come out of that hatred and power you seek to gain. Look at the state of this world? A war will surely break out soon."
"I don't want war, Hagoromo. When I get the power I want, this state of the world won't matter."
''Yes, you don't. However that is only because it doesn't suite what you've planned. I just hope Madara realizes it soon enough before you collect those two parts that will make you the being you so desire.'' If things stepped out of the way, he would have to break a few rules for the future of this world. He didn't wish for Naruto to become like his mother. She too desired God-like powers, and look at what happened to her?
''You misunderstand me, Hagoromo. I'm not evil as you claim, I have a heart, and I can feel any emotions. I used to cry when I was younger, I cried when I realized that I'd killed Madara. I'm alive enough to fall in love, or are you just gone say that this is all just an act?''
''It certainly isn't an act. You are being honest with yourself - everything you feel is genuine, but power corrupts. The kind of power you wish to obtain will corrupt you. I've seen it happen once and it will happen again with you. This is something that I cannot allow to happen.''
''I see that you're incapable of understanding me. Tell me Hagoromo, what do you want from me?''
''What you are planning to do isn't right. Look at things carefully and analyze them well. You will to control powers and do things that you don't fully understand. What you will do will upset the balance of things, and there will be consequences to that. If that isn't enough, this power will corrupt you and you will turn on the world.''
''I fully understand what I'm doing, and I'm prepared for anything. It is you who doesn't understand things. I'm not a confused child, Hagoromo. Besides, should you of all beings lecture me about interfering with the balance of things?''
''Perhaps not, but you'll just do things the way my mother did.''
''Kaguya was a failure. She is an insult. Do not compare me to her. I am not like her. Nothing is beyond me, nothing is out of my reach, nothing is out of my control. I'm your succesor after all. I have no care for the balance that is created by other beings; I will create my own balance. Now, go away Hagoromo, and mind your own business. You shouldn't interfere with this time, you have already lived your life.''
''I am a sage; it is my duty to ensure that this world does not fall under the tyranny of a single being. Your view of the world isn't right. My mother's view of things wasn't right. That is why we were forced to seal her away. Do you wish to follow the same path?''
''You're the catalyst of this current world, Hagoromo. Nobody was there to stop you from teaching this world Ninshu, no one was there to stop you when you chose to seal the Juubi inside of you. It was your fault for splitting it into nine parts. Because of you, the Bijuus have been the center of everything. When fools look for power, a Bijuu comes to mind. Every village wants to own a Bijuu for their power.
Had you been fair, you would've allowed the Shinju to take back what truly belonged to it. But you judged that it was evil and sealed it away. You were not fair. If the Shinju had taken back its chakra, there would certainly have been less bloodshed to the generation that followed. If it had taken back its chakra, the Shinju would've left humanity to continue doing what it pleases.''
''Are you saying that without chakra humanity wouldn't fight?''
Naruto shook his head. ''No, humans are despicable. They are even viler than demons. Even without chakra, a man will find a way to make a weapon to fight. As long as there is jealousy, a winner, and a loser, humans will continue to kill each other, unless there is an intervention. Bandits commit evil without chakra, and they are even more twisted than your average criminal of a shinobi. Your mother ate the fruit of the Shinju to end endless wars. That just shows you that even before chakra, humans were feeding the earth with their blood.
Chakra isn't the matter - whether there is chakra or not, humans will always feel the way they do. But, chakra intensifies these feelings. You're to blame because it is the seed you planted that brought out much of the shape of the world. If you had not made your older son feel jealous, Uchiha and Senju wouldn't have fought so much, and Madara would've never thought of the dream world.
Your sons were after you to be born with chakra, no? They are the ones who taught humanity to fight using chakra in their wars. Aren't they the ones who gathered the world and fought in their sibling rivalry.''
''You are blaming me...?''
''I said you were to blame, I never said I blame you. Humanity is flawed specie on its own. Whether you were there or not, another world would have appeared. But I like to think that it would have been better than this. There are various scenarios that we can play and they all lead to finger pointing and the same conclusions.
This is why I will tell you this; I don't care whose fault it was that brought the world to be like this. Everyone does what they think is right. The Shinju believed it was right to destroy the world while it attempted to retrieve its chakra. You thought it was right to protect humanity, denying the Shinju what truly belonged to it. People have different ideals, principles and beliefs, but we all think we know what is right.
But what is really right? What is really wrong? Was it right for you to deny the Juubi of its freedom?''
''If I had allowed the Juubi to run free, it would have destroyed this world.''
''Not really, it would have killed all humans who had chakra, and then reverted back to its normal form. Humanity would rebirth again, and many would resent the Juubi, but what would they do?''
''Didn't you tell Madara that if the Juubi was to be free, it would be the end of the world?''
''A contradiction...'' Naruto stated, smiling a bit. ''But why do I tell you that allowing the Juubi to roam free wouldn't have ended the world, and Madara that it would end the world?''
''I wonder...''
''You have a different view of the world than Madara. Madara trusts no one, and doesn't believe that any good can come from this world. You trust people and believe that something good can come out of this world. If I tell Madara that if the Juubi breaks free, it will destroy this world, he will work towards containing to ensure that it will never be free so that his dream can come true. If I tell you that the Juubi would have only destroyed some parts of the world, it will make you question yourself.''
''And yet to tell me all that... What is it that you truly believe about these all?''
''I told you; I don't care but in all truth I find this world to be filthy, along with the humans that crawl about it. No, it is the humans who've stained this world. No wonder I feel nothing when I end their miserable lives.
I'm not the one who started it all. I concern myself with what I've played my hand in, and with what I wish to achieve. Your flaws are of no concern to me. But, I will correct the Juubi's, and Kaguya's flaws.''
Hagoromo shook his head. ''You are beyond repair.''
''You say that because you are misinformed and lack understanding of what is in front of you, but you cannot do anything to stop me. You are dead after all... And this natural balance you respect so much forbids you from making a physical appearance into this world. I'm not stronger than you, but that is only temporary.''
''Although I cannot do anything now, I know that there will always be good that will rise up to take you down. I'd thought that talking to you again would at least change your mind. But I've yet to even start convincing you and you've already shown me that there is no changing you,'' Hagoromo shook his head slightly. ''You said the current you was good for the world and you would've destroyed Konoha if not for the current you, are you saying that you will eventually destroy Konoha?''
''I don't know. However the issues around it will have to be solved. Should the plan for redemption fail, I will see other options.'' Naruto paused for a moment. ''What gives you the right to say that I'm evil?''
''Look at what you've done to this world? If you pursue the Bijuus, another war will surely break out and if things suit you well, you may just sit back and watch while humanity destroys itself.''
''Is that what gives you the right to say that I'm evil? You said that there will be good that will stop me, should I defeat this ''good'' will it mean that I was good and those who tried to stop me were evil? I've not enslaved any human; I've not denied any human their freedom. Even so, you still continue to call me evil...''
''You plan to deny your humanity, destroying every little thing that deals with emotions in you.'' Hagoromo shook his head. ''No man should be allowed to look down on other humans and judge them. With the power you wish to gain, there will be no one to judge you when you do wrong, when you misuse your power. No human is allowed to stand above other people and make himself their God.''
''I'm glad you phrased it that way. When I look down on this world, I won't be a human. You said it yourself; I will deny myself my humanity. But it doesn't matter what you or the world think. What matters is the order I plan to install.''
''Your order is based on your beliefs, and your beliefs are wrong.''
''And I say that your beliefs are flawed and wrong.'' Naruto paused for a moment, shaking his head. Hagoromo didn't understand that he had no plans install his beliefs for this world. Although the order and balance will be by him, it will not be he who will change this world. There're people he has selected for that purpose. Well, he wasn't going to correct the man. ''This leaves us on an impasse and the one with the stronger will prevails.'' He shook his head slightly. ''I shouldn't really put my will against yours, you are dead and no one in this has your will. This leaves you out of the picture. But you are certainly fun to converse with.''
"Is this what it us all to you, fun?"
"Yes," Naruto responded without even skipping a heartbeat. "You have no interest to give me a chance or even understand me, and I don't listen to you. I've nothing to gain or learn from you, and other than fun, there is nothing that this conversation benefits me."
Iwagakure
''Are you positive about this?'' Onoki questioned, looking straight into the eyes of his informant. He was just being told that Uchiha Naruto was no longer inside of Konoha, but he was at Otogakure. Of course, it came as a surprise to him that he would leave Konoha.
''Hai, Tsuchikage-sama,'' the informant responded quietly. ''Although the top officials within the village have neither denied nor confirmed it, there is also a rumor that Konoha threw him out, instead of him deserting the village.''
''That is a surprise,'' Onoki stated, looking thoughtful for a moment. ''I thought that given all that is happening around, they would think of holding on to him tightly. As a military weapon, he is valuable.''
''Indeed he is,'' another man stated, walking into the office. ''For someone who fears no army, he is quite a valuable asset that I would treasure. But he is our enemy.''
''You are excused, Jin,'' Onoki stated, dismissing his informant so he could speak with the man who had just entered his office. Jin left without any word said further. ''What do you think of this?''
''If it is true that Konoha deserted him, then it works better for us. However, it could be that Konoha doesn't want to be involved with our fight against him. It isn't a surprise to me that they could do that to one of their own. Given the village's history it isn't much of a surprise,'' the man paused for a moment. ''A fool would think that Konoha has just given him/her Naruto to kill, but it isn't as it seems.''
''What do you mean by that, Toru?''
''Naruto has proved to be powerful than what you had first calculated. Given everything that we received from the survivor of the assault army we sent towards Oto, he is capable of doing things we thought impossible and dealing with him will not need an army. Konoha knows that he isn't someone who can be taken down easily. I've also received word of an army that is matching towards the Imperial Kingdom, as they now call the Sound Country. My sources tell me that they are part of Oto's army, and be sure that they're not your average shinobi.
If they are truly an army of Imperial Kingdom, we can expect much from them. I've no doubt that Naruto would surround himself with competent shinobi. Given his status and how powerful he is, he is bound to be protected my strong shinobi. This only makes it much difficult to bring him to justice.''
Onoki nodded quietly. ''So, Konoha is confident that Naruto can protect himself and his village. Although it appears to look good for Naruto's enemies, it isn't like that. Naruto cannot be taken down easily and they know this. This works well for Konoha because whatever happens with Naruto, they won't be involved any more. While our numbers thin as we attempt to deal with Naruto, Konoha will be watching, preserving its own military power.''
''Moreover, who is to say that they won't attack us while our army takes a hit from Naruto?'' Toru was certainly not underestimating Naruto. He knew for certain that if they were to engage Naruto again, they would lose more of their men and what was stopping the blond from coming to their village to drop one of those meteorites on them?
The fact that Naruto is dangerous only intensified Toru's desire to work towards removing his existence from this world. No one should be as powerful as Naruto is, and if left alone, Otogakure would only become much stronger than it is already. When people confirm that with Naruto they are safe, they will flock into his village, increasing its power. Crime was dealt with without pity at the village, so he heard; that was surely attracting the weak people.
If left alone, Otogakure would certainly compare to the Great Villages in the next years.
Onoki was thoughtful for a few seconds. ''The current Konoha cannot do something like that,'' he stated confidently. ''Perhaps if Danzo had been alive, then we could expect such a thing. But that woman cannot take such a measure unless we're the ones to draw first blood. With how she dealt with Sunagakure after its betrayal, I know she would rather settle things calmly than over the battlefield because she knows that in war, each side loses, even the winner. There is pain and suffering in each side.''
''I know that,'' Toru said with a nod. ''I believe that this puts things to our advantage. However, I suggest that we do not attack Naruto, for now at least.''
Surprisingly, Onoki nodded. ''Despite the embarrassment our army faced before him, we will have to swallow our pride and act wisely from now on. I know that sending another platoon will only result in more embarrassment, and it won't end well for the image of the village.''
Toru nodded. ''In those old days, you would've certainly forced more men to assault Otogakure again.''
''I've learned my lessons.'' Onoki stated, a bit bitterly. ''From now on, unless Naruto makes a move towards us, we won't engage him. We have to gather allies and learn everything about him.''
''My contacts are busy with that. When where you planning to tell me that the Five-Tails was taken by the Akatsuki? Have you even located the Four-Tails Jinchuriki?''
Onoki shook his head. ''That fool keeps evading my men. However, I will increase the search, I've a bad feeling about this.''
''I also have the same feeling. This is why I'll do what I can to get our remaining Jinchuriki back to our village.''
''I'll send a message to the Raikage to find out what he thinks about these all. It does appear that he'll be our ally. Sunagakure and Kirigakure are both allied with Konoha and I don't believe neither of them are prepared for war.''
''If war breaks out, they might likely stay neutral unless the situation forces them to enter the battlefield.''
''Then what about this issue of Madara, You've faced him before?''
Onoki's look became a bit bitter at the thought of Uchiha Madara. ''He is very strong. He isn-t someone to take lightly, his strength was comparable to the late Shodai Hokage back then - you cannot forget that no other person could rival the Shodai Hokage.''
''This is indeed troubling. I've heard that he and Naruto are very comparable. Can we also presume that their strength is also comparable?''
''Yes, doing anything less would be a foolish stance. If you look at both of them, you cannot separate them, you have to put them in the same boat. However dealing with both of them at the same time will be difficult for any army, but not impossible.''
''Do you think they are working with each other? Just after Madara returns, Naruto leaves Konoha.''
''We cannot rule that out.''
Konoha
Tsunade sighed, leaning back against her chair; she stared at her former teammate. By his posture, she could tell that he was being miserable. No doubt he'd spent the whole of yesterday stoned after Naruto left the village because of their decision. She liked to believe that she had done the right thing, for both Konoha and Naruto.
It may seem like she was deserting Naruto because things were becoming tough, but she understood things well enough. She knew that Naruto could take care of himself; he'd even said that he didn't want anyone's help. He seemed to dislike the thought of someone fighting his battles. She was giving him the chance to fight for himself, alone.
Perhaps he may learn that he couldn't do anything by himself.
No one in this world can do everything by him/herself. Even the great manipulators or those who have caused the greatest changes in the world were never alone. Orochimaru was sick in everything, yet he never did anything alone, not by himself. He knew that two hands couldn't do everything. But Naruto didn't seem to realize that, yet. It was just a matter of time. She hoped that he would learn something.
''You don't have to look so miserable, Jiraiya. Seriously, you are taking away my joy,'' Tsunade suddenly spoke, in a stern tone, with her face complementing her tone. ''It isn't like we are truly abandoning him. If things get rough for him, there is Sasuke, Kakashi, Gai and you to deal with anything. If Naruto is facing major problems, we will help him out.''
''I know that, but I just can't help myself. Tsunade, what would Minato say if he was alive? What would Kushina do to me about this, if she was still alive?''
''He would probably be disappointed,'' Tsunade decided to go with the hard truth, ''and Kushina would've beaten you to death. But if they had been alive, we wouldn't be in this kind of position. I don't think that this is the time to be making regrets or second guessing our choices. If you are going to decide on something, be prepared to face the consequences. We made our choice, Jiraiya, for the good of this village and for Naruto himself.''
''Still,'' Jiraiya stopped talking when he saw the glare Tsunade was giving him; he gave a small frown before speaking again. ''Do you think that he'll come back to this village after everything?''
It was Tsunade's turn to frown. ''To be honest, I don't know. Naruto has said that he wishes to become Hokage, but I wonder if he was being honest or just saying it. Some of the head clans are also gunning for his head. He has to be aware of this. After everything, I don't really know.''
Jiraiya nodded, and looked outside Tsunade's office for a moment. ''Perhaps he'll deal with his feelings towards the villagers.''
''It is a possibility but we don't know anything. It doesn't seem like he'll become Hokage even if he returns.''
''Most of the villagers fear him because of his power. We don't see this often because he doesn't go near them and those who abused him live in constant fear thinking he may remember what they did to him back for then. A few are happy with him and there is also the fact that Naruto himself doesn't like the villagers.''
''He cannot become a leader of this village if he still hates its villagers. You must not forget that Naruto is not the one to take advice from anyone, he is like a dictator. If he is put in charge of the village, many will be displeased. This is why I told him that he had to change if he was going become a Hokage.''
''We may have caused more harm than we intended, hime,'' Jiraiya stated. ''I also don't think that Naruto will change; however, I think he knows that he who is recognized by the villagers is the one that becomes Hokage. The head clans also won't nominate him for they know that if Naruto becomes leader, he'll get rid of the council, robbing them of their power. There is also the Koharu issue.''
''More reasons why he should change his ways of doing things,'' Tsunade frowned. ''What would happen if Konoha decides to deny Naruto the seat of Hokage? Will he try to take it by force or will he just leave?''
Jiraiya was thoughtful for a few moments. ''Well, that remains to be seen. But I don't think being Hokage means a lot to him. In any case, we'll have to take precautions, when moving forward.''
Tsunade nodded in agreement. ''What did you mean when you said we may have caused more harm than we intended?''
''The reason we allowed Naruto to go was because we knew that even if Konoha becomes involved in war, we will survive with or without him. Another was that if Konoha is forced into because we are trying to protect Naruto, some villagers may come to resent him even more because they'll surely lose their loved ones. In war, causalities are bound to happen.
We know that we can survive without Naruto. Although we have no intensions for war, if we do get pulled into one and end up in victory without Naruto, the villagers will have that thought; we did it without him, so we don't need him. His trouble is more than his worth.''
Tsunade shook her head, her frown deepening, ''Either way, things don't look good for Naruto. Even if we don't get pulled into war, we will still get through without him. Despite his power, when Naruto is in the village, there are a lot of tensions around. When we get through, they will think they are better off without him as his presence only makes them nervous. They've not forgotten what they did to him, that makes them live in fear with him around.''
''This is why I was saying that we may have made things worse,'' Jiraiya paused for a few moments before continuing. ''Well, at least he has his own country, and I hope that things don't get bad between us and him. He looked as though he was willing to help us in his own way, it'd be a shame if we end up being his enemy.''
''Let us just hope that it doesn't come to that.''
''I hope so too. But we should be prepared for anything. We cannot have a belief that there is something beyond us to deal with. Even if it is Naruto being our enemy, we will have to settle things.''
Tsunade nodded. ''I'll call a Kage meeting for next week. We have to see if the matters cannot be resolved. We ought not to forget that there is also Uchiha Madara. Although he hasn't done anything yet, we have to be prepared to deal with him.''
''That sounds like a good idea. If you get all the Kages, we can work on some things as we move forward. Given the current situation within the Elemental Nations, they will surely come,'' Jiraiya said, referring to the other kages.
''Do you think one may suggest we unite our armies to rid of both Naruto and Madara?''
''It is likely to be suggested. We mustn't forget that both have ties with Konoha. This is indeed troublesome. No doubt we may be blamed for everything they do. We may most likely be forced to clean up their messes should they do anything disastrous.''
''I just hope they are not planning anything of that margin,'' Tsunade said before heaving a sigh.
The Capital
''You've been awfully busy today,'' Guren stated, looking at Naruto at the corner of her eyes. They were at the rooftop of the Crystal Palace, where Naruto had been settling down, looking above to the sky. Aside from destroying the wall surrounding the Capital and building a new one, he'd also built more than 400 houses using his Mokuton. The houses where built within the space he'd created after enlarging the capital. His way of building reduced the funds she would have used building the houses using labor.
The only expenses she would've to pay were the ones for furnishing the houses he'd built. The Capital had been expanded well by the houses he built and with the new position of the wall. If he added more houses, it would only continue to enlarge the Capital further. Given the benefits of being a citizen of the Capital of the Imperial Kingdom, she was sure that by the end of the year she would be building more houses.
Though she used to detest weak people, she has learned to live with them and appreciate them. She now knew that everyone wasn't equal, and there was never going be a day that everyone would be equal. However, it was up to her to ensure that everyone was safe and everyone understood their situation. There were laws that people had to abide by, this ensured that the weak didn't become abused by the strong.
Oh, there was also a large rock far above the Capital. She had done well to insure that her people didn't panic when it appeared. From down here, it didn't seem to be too big, but when you were up there, you could see that it was somewhat huge. The thing was the size of two football fields. Underneath it looked round, but when on top of it was just straight ground. Naruto said he would use the place to build his palace.
''I've to prepare things for you, Konan and others. For what I foresee, this place will become bigger than any other village and it will become much more powerful than any village. I do the ground work, and allow you to become fruitful,'' Naruto responded, his eyes firmly in the sky. It was still noon; he could still do so much. But he had already exerted too much chakra already.
''Konan... So I'm going to be working with her after all. What of Karin?''
''Karin isn't suited for the kind of work you'll be doing with Konan and the others. This is why I've set Uzushiogakure aside for her to be her playfield. You'll also be working with Mei in the near future, no, it will be soon.''
''You haven't told me what I'll be working on with Konan...''
''Patience Guren, I've given you this Capital to rule. You'll be having an army to command soon, and soon you'll be in the same league with the Kages. However, you'll surpass them eventually. Konan also has Amegakure, which will become part of this Kingdom. You'll have to work closely with her, I can say that you will be like partners,'' Naruto said looking at the woman beside him for a moment. ''For now, work with what you're given.''
''It isn't like what I've been given isn't enough already,'' Guren sighed. Well, she was possibly going to become the leader of this Kingdom. She was suspecting that Naruto wasn't going to be doing anything. He'd already given her charge of this place, and now he was telling her that she was going to become a leader of his own army. There was no other army for her to command other than Naruto's own army.
''The other villages that are within this Country are not in the same boat or at least going forward as this place, what do you purpose we do about that?''
For now she could assume that she was the leader of this country, even though Naruto had only said that she was in charge of this Capital. There had to be a set of laws and regulations that would've to be set in this country, and she had done so much work with this place, she was starting to believe that she could do anything if the resources are available.
''I've given you authority over this Country - do as you like. I wish not to be involved in every little thing you do.''
''Hai,'' Guren smiled - she was still being cautious. ''You know, I never thought I could one day be like this. Well I guess I've to thank Yukimaru and you for this...''
''Have you become this comfortable around me?'' Naruto questioned with a quirked brow. Certainly, he wasn't expecting her to spring out something like that and he had no plans to indulge her.
''Sorry,'' Guren scratched her head nervously. ''That aside, you've earned the respect of the citizens of the Capital. Once they heard that you had stopped an army from Iwagakure, they were very happy. I couldn't deny that you were behind everything. Your actions today have also raised the bar from the thoughts of your people. Well, I can say that these people now love their emperor, and are even happy that he is no longer in Konoha.''
''I thought I was hearing them say something about Guren-sama,'' Naruto stated, looking thoughtful. He then shrugged. ''It doesn't matter anyway.''
''It does matter,'' Guren argued. ''These people respect you more than anyone else. You aren't just Naruto to them, you are a savior, and somewhat of a God to some - your battle with Pain, in Kiri, Iwa's army, and that thing,'' she said pointing the large rock that floated far above them, ''has led some to call you ''god'' as they believe that no man can do such things. Since this is an imperial Kingdom, you are also the Emperor, their kind.''
Naruto did not comment on it. ''Where are the Four?''
Guren sighed. She thought he would be at least happy about this. ''They should be here in about a week. They each decided to return with their army respectively. I've already prepared for their arrival.''
Naruto nodded. ''Have you made preparations for we talked about yesterday?''
''Yes, I ended up telling all the citizens when I was calming them down after that thing above us appeared. I've also signed everything to make it official. By the end of the week, all our allies should be informed of the change.''
''Good,'' Naruto responded. ''Tell Karin to be prepared, for when I return, she will be moving to Uzu.'' He was gone without a trace after that.
''I wonder when I'll be able to take a break. I can't even leave this place since there is no one who can do my job.'' Guren thought tiredly.
The hideout
''Konoha has rejected you again,'' Madara stated, introducing his presence before Naruto - they were both within the training ground within the hideout. Naruto was sitting down the ground in a meditative position. ''How much more can you take of it before you snap?''
''Again..?''
''You were made a Jinchuriki to be a hero for Konoha but they rejected you, and now they've done it again. You know as well as I do that they aren't going to change. Even though some of them are indifferent towards you, most of them dislike you and will only continue to hate you. No matter what you do, they'll never change. That village is rotten to the core, those people are diabolical hypocrites and have no shame in doing anything to save their own skins.'' Madara paused for a moment shaking his head slightly ''How much more of it will you take before you realize that nothing good will come out of this world?''
''Perhaps I've become naive again.''
That was unlikely though. Even though sometimes his thinking went the other way, he was by no means naive. Arrogance, and prideful you could fault him, naivety? Certainly not. He understood what happened in this world all too well to know what was real and not real. This world that they lived in was real and the one his grandfather was pursuing was a genjutsu. He wasn't going to live inside a genjutsu.
Even if this reality was flawed from south to north, he would turn it upside down to correct its flaws.
''You are certainly not naive,'' Madara shook his head slightly. ''You are just allowing it to happen because you wish to achieve something. You'll go through hell you get what you want.''
''Have you ever been to hell before, grandfather?'' Naruto questioned, a little bit curious.
''No,'' Madara gave a simple response.
''Why do you say I'll even go through hell to get what I want? You make it sound I'm a shinobi programmed to get results, methods not mattering, but the result,'' so far, he's never had to struggle or get a head ache in preparations for his plans. Perhaps it was simply because people didn't know what he had planned.
Surely, if they knew what he had planned, they would've never allowed the Capital of the Imperial Kingdom to be built to this state. Villages would have been attacking it from north to south, day and night. But because they did not know its purpose, they could not attack with the same effort as they would if they knew. Well it was better they remained oblivious to everything.
If they were not oblivious to everything, then he would be forced to slaughter more shinobi, but that wasn't so bad. A human can always be born. If there were only few people left within this world, they would fill it up again after a number of years. The world began like that in the first place.
''That is because you are like that. In this regard, you are somewhat like me. We will do anything to get what we want, regardless of the method. Results are what matter to both of us. The little difference is that you don't manipulate people when there are other methods, however, if it can't be helped, you will dirty your hands,'' Madara responded, not doubting a single word he'd said. He finally sat down beside Naruto as he'd been standing before the blond.
''Only grandfather knows me best,'' Naruto spoke. However, despite saying it more than twice, his grandfather didn't understand him entirely. No one in this world truly understood him.
''Why did you really allow Konoha to cast you out like that, Naruto?'' The act was unacceptable, he no doubt if Naruto didn't have something in mind, he would've not left the village. He would've either destroyed the village or forced the leaders to scrap their banishment plans.
''I was thinking it didn't matter, and I didn't really look at it much in my point of view. But it doesn't matter. The banishment doesn't make me think twice about stepping foot in Konoha. I can return any time I choose. However, for the next stage, I must be out of Konoha to get everything done smoothly,'' Naruto explained lightly.
Madara shook his head. ''Sometimes I don't really know what goes inside your head,'' he admitted. But it was fine, it made things fun. ''Then, when do you plan on hunting down the remaining Bijuus?''
''Soon, very soon. I have to do something important first before I can think of doing anything else.'' Naruto responded calmly. He wouldn't take much time though. He would hunt down the remaining Bijuus quickly, without much fuss. Since he already knew where they were located, he wouldn't have many problems.
''Good, I was beginning to think that you were going to make me wait,'' Madara stated quietly. ''If I had the Gedo Mazo, I would've already started the hunt myself.'' He paused for a moment. ''What did you do to the Gedo Mazo, anyway? I knew that you wouldn't allow me to summon it, but I'm curious how you were able to achieve the feet.''
''I merely sealed it and blocked any connection with your Rinnegan. However, I'll unseal it when I begin with the hunt. Just wait for a few more days.'' That wasn't entirely the truth.
Madara nodded. ''Then, what do you think of the current Kages?''
''Do you wish to test their power?'' Madara nodded. ''I'll say that you'll have to test them yourself. For certain, I'm positive that Tsunade will call a Kage summit. There five Kages will meet. You can test them there, just don't kill them.''
''It will be fun to see how the current Kages compare to the previous Kages. What are you going to do then?'' The man was truly curious just what Naruto would be doing when he tested the Kages. He doubted that the blond would interfere with his fun.
''I'll watch,'' Naruto gave a simple response.
''Aren't you soon to be married to one of the Kages? You will simply watch while your ''fiancé'' struggle against me?'' Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if he did that. He wasn't expecting the blond to interfere after all.
''It seems so,'' Naruto responded calmly. ''But I did tell you not to kill any of them, and the experience will be good for her in the foreseeable future.''
Madara was silent for a few moments before speaking. ''I see. She is part of whatever plan you have.'' There was no doubt about that.
''Apparently'' and Naruto didn't deny it.
''The end shall be fun, don't you think?'' Madara stated, smiling a bit. ''Both of us are intent on seeing our plans come to life. However, one of us will be the winner. But if you lose, you'll see your plans come true in the infinite Tsukuyomi.''
''It will certainly be and a few surprises sprang along the way wouldn't be so bad,'' Naruto responded looking at bit thoughtful. ''Would you be satisfied if it is only you who ends up trapped within the Mugen Tsukuyomi?''
Madara didn't take his time to respond. ''No, if I wanted something like that, I would've done it a long time ago. The whole world has to live within the Mugen Tsukuyomi.''
''I figured you'd say as much, but it will not matter. If I subdue you and cast the Mugen Tsukuyomi on you, nothing else will matter. In the dream world, you won't know that the whole world isn't within the genjutsu - you'll only live your greatest wishes,'' Naruto paused for a moment. ''Aside from your dream of uniting the world, I don't know what you wish after that.''
Madara ignored Naruto's last statement. ''If you're going to do that, you'll have to become the Jinchuriki of the Juubi to make the genjutsu permanent. As far as I'm concerned, you don't like sharing your body or have you forgotten that only the Juubi's Jinchuriki has the power to cast a genjutsu that powerful?''
''No, I've not forgotten. However you trust what you read too much grandfather - you shouldn't do that. You never know if someone is pulling the strings.''
Zetsu chose to appear at that moment. He didn't comment on what they were talking about though, ''You won't believe what just happened...''
''What?''
''The Tsuchikage had sent a message to the Raikage so they could meet and talk, but after that, Tsunade sent a message to all the other Kages, and it appears that all of them will be attending the Kage summit. I know for certain that there will be fireworks within the Land of Iron.''
''When is the summit to be held?''
''In about two weeks from now on,'' Zetsu responded.
Naruto wasn't surprised; he'd been expecting such a thing to occur. He stood up before speaking. ''This gives me time to work and capture a three of the remaining 5 Bijuus,'' he paused for a moment. ''I'll see you at the Kage summit,'' he was gone after that.
''What do you think?''
''I think this will certainly be interesting and I also think that Naruto plans to capture Shukaku, Matatabi and the Four Tails. This will give the Kages a lot to talk about during the summit. Much of the blame will be sent towards Konoha, and they'll be frustrated because they don't know what Naruto plans to do with the Bijuus.''
Later that Day
This had certainly been a busy day for him. After visiting Madara, he'd gone to Kiri and spent several hours with the Mizukage. He'd always known that Mei was something special about the woman. With her, he had all the pieces he wanted. Guren, Mei and Konan, they all had different personalities, different styles, and different upbringings. Yet, he recognized that when put together, they could work together.
''I've been looking everywhere for you, your Majesty,'' Koyuki gave a slight bow. Whether she was being sarcastic or not, he didn't know - not that he cared anyway.
''...and?'' Naruto responded, fixing the woman a look - he was currently inside the library within the Crystal Palace going over some things behind his desk.
''I was thinking that perhaps you were hiding from me.''
''Hardly,'' Naruto responded quietly. ''Take a seat and speak your mind - I have to leave soon.''
''Where to?''
''I have to take Karin to Uzu.''
''Oh, Guren told me a research facility was going to be built there; can I tag along?''
Unknown Location
Naruto walked slowly inside a dark passage, with only his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan being the only source of light. The sound that invaded his ears as he walked about was the sound of his own footsteps. He never minded it though. He was certain that nobody knew of this place. He'd been the one to discover it after all. Not even Madara knew that such a place like this existed.
Well, it was hidden deep inside earth; no one could ever find this place regardless of how deep they dug. He was only fortunate that he'd been able to locate such a place. Of course locating this place had not been easy, especially when he had to search with his eyes also looking for Zetsu. There wasn't everything that he had to know.
What interested him was what was inside this place - he had no interest in anything other than what was sealed inside. It had taken him some time to finally get enough power to be able break the barriers that prohibited him from entering into the depths of this 'prison'.
Finally coming to a halt, Naruto activated his Rinnegan, before muttering a few words and the large concrete wall that stood in his path exploded into dust. Never minding the settling dust, Naruto walked through the door, what used to be a door, at least.
He entered into a room that seemed to be in another dimension. The room was just an empty space with a 9 eternal candles lit, surrounding something in the form of a coffin. The coffin itself was wrapped by black shackles. Its height was a bit taller than him.
''Finally,'' Naruto thought silently as he took a few steps towards the coffin. As soon as he passed the circle formed by the candles, a bright light erupted around him, a set of seal arrays, wrapped themselves around him, binding him.
''Pathetic,'' Naruto breathed out, shifting from his Rinnegan to the Sharingan. However, after a second he activated the Rinnegan again. He quickly dealt with the seal that tried to seal him away.
Whoever made this should've realized that the Rinnegan could absorb chakra. Perhaps the person who made it didn't think that someone with the Rinnegan would ever come down here. Given all the warning signs around the place, one would think that whoever sees the signs would go back and this 'prison' didn't even give a welcoming feeling at all.
It was like hell more than anything...
He expended large amounts of chakra, even unlocking the remaining seal that managed to contain some of his chakra. The place didn't seem to be effected by the amounts of chakra he'd released. Anyone around him would've been out cold now by the sheer power he'd released at once and he wasn't even fighting.
Naruto began to go through hand seals in a lightning speed. He did so making incarnations until he reached the 300th hand sign. After that, he released even more chakra before slamming both his hands to the ground. ''Kuchiyose no Jutsu!''
Nothing happened, after that. But Naruto waited patiently.
After five full minutes, the place began to shake violently, and an explosion of chakra occurred. The explosion came from the coffin and a black mist of chakra began to gather. Another explosion that was stronger than the first dispersed the mist that had gathered. This second one was like a shockwave that shook the place.
Naruto was forced to take a few steps back because he was pushed back by the chakra - chakra that was much powerful stronger than his. This was much chakra he had never felt from anyone. Considering that he possibly had the largest chakra than anyone alive, he felt a ping inside his heart by feeling such overwhelming power.
It was by no means fear. No, it was a ping of sheer excitement.
When the chakra died down, the shackles binding the coffin broke into pieces. The coffin opened, and Naruto smiled when he saw just the woman he was looking for. But the smile disappeared when he felt something behind him. He was quick to disappear to avoid being hit by whatever that nearly hit him.
''Zetsu, what are you doing here?'' Naruto questioned after dodging the projectile that nealy pierced him. He was looking straight at Zetsu with an unreadable look on his face. He was certainly surprised to see Zetsu here, no rather, black Zetsu.
''Ah, I missed. But I should've expected that. No one can catch Uchiha Naruto from behind,'' he didn't sound very disappointed that he'd missed his chance to get the blond. He knew for certain that a sneak attack was the best option to deal with Naruto for someone like him. However it didn't matter anyway.
''Zetsu, what are you doing here?'' Naruto repeated, everything the same.
''I never told you,'' Zetsu mused, absentmindedly. ''I knew of this place, long before you were even born. But I could never break the seal, not without the Rinnegan and the power as you have. I was the one who led you here. Of course I had to make things appear like it was your own doing because you're just like Madara – you're not easy to trick. You know very well that things don't just fall into place.''
''Are you saying that you manipulated me into coming here? For what purpose, what do you have to do with that woman? I believe that I came to know that Kaguya's soul was sealed here without you...'' Naruto kept his tone calm, despite his surprise.
Kaguya merely remained silent as Zetsu did the talking. ''Yes, you knew that Kaguya was sealed somewhere as Hagoromo and his brother didn't kill her. However, you didn't know exactly where her soul was held. The only knowledge you had was of her body.''
''I see. You were the one who wrote about the Mugen Tsukuyomi and everything else that delusion Madara. Hagoromo told me that he never wrote those things. Nevertheless, I never suspected that it was you. I've to say, I'm totally shocked by this. I never thought you would serve all three of us to make your own agenda come true. I feel so used,'' Naruto looked amused despite his words. ''So what is your relationship with Kaguya?''
''She is my mother,'' Black Zetsu responded calmly, grinning sickly. While Naruto didn't show it, he knew that the blond was indeed shocked as he said.
''I'll probably be laughing at Madara's expression when I tell him of this. He called you his will, and to think that his ''will'' was using him is amusing. I've to say, you are patient.'' The Amused look never left his face as he spoke.
''Patience is virtue. It wasn't everyone who could unseal mother. Originally I had planned to use Madara to summon her back to the living world. But you've done it in another way. I've no complains though - this has just saved me the trouble doing it myself,'' Zetsu explained lightly.
''I am still shocked that you've been trying to get Kaguya back to life... I do know that the Mugen Tsukuyomi is real, Kaguya used it once before. This is what resulted in those white Zetsus, no? So the path to Mugen Tsukuyomi was one you set up for Madara so that he could prepare everything for the revival of Kaguya. You didn't bother with Obito because he couldn't. You chose Madara and I because we could do it, right?''
''How do you know that the white Zetsus are a result of mothers use of the Mugen Tsukuyomi? Not even Madara knows that...'' Black Zetsu sounded curious more than anything.
''I entered your head and read it through your mind. It was all blurry; hence I was only able to get this little out of your head. Until now, I believed that Madara knew what happened to those whose chakra is drained by the ''holly Tree'', but it appears that I was wrong,'' Naruto paused for a moment. "I thought you were my friend.''
''...?'' That was something that Zetsu wasn't expecting from Naruto, but then he realized the blond was just not entirely being serious. ''Well, I was truthful to you and took care of your things.''
''That you did.'' Naruto then looked at Kaguya. ''Hello Kaguya, I've to say; I am curious to why Zetsu would want you in this world. I have my own reasons, but I wonder what Zetsu's reasons are. Well, it doesn't matter anyway, I'll find out sooner.''
''Who are you? How were you able to unseal me?''
Naruto merely smiled as he walked closer to her. ''I have my methods. While at some level Zetsu has happened to get the better of me, I'm still Uchiha Naruto, and I simply bow to no men. That said, whether it was your 'son's' intention for me to find you, I'll still carry out my goal.''
''Do you think you can defeat my mother?'' Zetsu questioned as he attached himself to Kaguya. ''I don't believe that you are that arrogant.''
''I cannot defeat her. Kaguya is much stronger than I am. It is even embarrassing to admit it,'' Naruto chuckled, a bit bitterly. ''This is just the truth; she is far stronger than I am. I'm not even in the same level as Hagoromo, how could I even think that I can defeat her?''
''Then what is your goal for unsealing mother? I'm curious, I was never able to get that little detail out of your head.''
''I want her power and mind...''
''...''
''What?'' It was Kaguya who questioned.
''My Rinnegan has an ability that allows me to manipulate time and space. I can freeze time for a few seconds. However it does cost me a little. Each Mangekyou Sharingan births a special ability depending on the desire of the wielder. My desire for great power has given birth to an ability that allows me to consume anything biological. You could say that I can erase anything biological and rewrite it into my being. In simple words, I can and will absorb you. When I do that, you will be fused with me, but because it is I who consumed you, I'll become the base and still be me. The fusion will result in a change of appearance, I may even grow breasts.'' Naruto stated looking straight into the eyes of Kaguya, mirth spread all over his face. ''This is how I'll take your power and mind. Since Zetsu has been alive for long as you, he will make a great addition.''
''You don't have the ability to freeze time; there has never been anyone with that ability.''
''Zetsu, I can travel through dimensions, pull meteorites from the sky, do you really think that freezing time is impossible for Uchiha Naruto?'' It was a rhetorical question. ''I know that I cannot defeat Kaguya that is why these abilities come in handy. Even though Kaguya is stronger than me, she will be consumed by me.'' Naruto held out both his hands. ''Now come, and be one with me - there is no escape.''
''Mother, I suggest we leave this place. Naruto doesn't joke,'' Black Zetsu advised, knowing that Naruto was not the one to say he had an ability when he certainly didn't. If the blond said he could do it, then he was going to believe that he could. It would be a bother since Kaguya had yet to regain most of her powers.
Kaguya snapped her fingers, opening a portal. She was going to leave this 'prison'. She had just been unsealed; she wasn't looking forward to go through something troubling.
''I told you, there is no escape,'' Naruto stated, snapping his own fingers. Everything around him stopped, ''I have a few seconds. Better handle this before her Rinnegan breaks through...and I'm only lucky because she is currently in a weakened state.'' The only way he could absorb anything is when the person was immobile and having direct eye contact with him. It didn't matter if time was frozen or not. He understood well enough that since he couldn't immobile Kaguya in battle, freezing time was his trump card.
Naruto walked over to Kaguya and placed his right hand on her chest. Her body started to swirl as he consumed her, and a shockwave tore through the place.
The shockwave was massive, the entire ground shook violently; the entire place that was the room began to tear apart. The very earth shook under the weight of the chakra. Well, it couldn't be helped; Uchiha Naruto was becoming one with Kaguya - the strongest human to have ever existed. The legendary Sage of six paths wasn't strong as her.
The underground 'prison' failed to contain the explosion of chakra, and it began to crumble down. Naruto shot out of the crumbling 'prison' like a bullet. He stood in air covered in a smoke of black chakra. After a few moments passed, the smoke cleared and Naruto was clearly visible floating in the air.
The change in his physic was clearly visible; his hair no longer just reached down his waist, it reached down his ankles, but its color was still blond – it was just no longer bright as it had been, the bang that had always covered his right eye had was lengthened, but it didn't go down through his chest - it joined the other hair behind him from the right shoulder ; he'd also grown a bit taller than he'd been. Another change was the large white cloak that hid his body, it was long sleeved and reached down his feet; his face hadn't changed much, but it had grown into a bit mature to complement his new body.
Naruto held out both his hands, and smiled a smile that has never been seen on his face before. ''I didn't think that I would gain this much power, though, not everything has settled down. But soon,'' he muttered to himself. ''I'm happy that I didn't end up having breasts.'' He then laughed a hollow laugh. ''It would've been amusing.''
He stopped laughing when he noticed that he was laughing. Even though it was just a hollow laugh, he never did laugh like that and so loudly. Perhaps it was the effects of Kaguya's personality and his mixing together. But it didn't matter anyway; this was just another step ahead. Once he consumed everything, then he would rid of everything.
''Perhaps I should begin ''The Purge'' as well as the ''Redemption''', Naruto mused looking over to the skies. "But if I start everything else now, I won't enjoy my humanity. I wanted to do that before I rested…
What to do...?"