The 50th overall chapter in The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series arrives!!
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 29;
Arriving at a local restaurant in the village they had set their eyes upon, the four of them sat down by a table close to the inner section of the restaurant. It was already just past midnight, as they started ordering some late night food, when Minato spotted a odd looking fellow sitting in the corner right beside them, clothed up in all sorts of different scarfs, covering his face as only his eyes and mouth were visible.
Minato (In Thoughts): What's up with him??
As he thought, the man suddenly got up from his chair as he headed straight towards them.
Naruto: ...
Without thinking twice about it, the mysterious man seated himself right beside Minato at their table, scaring the hell out of him as Minato started freaking out.
Gaara: ...
Minato: Ehhhh?!
Sasuke: ... So... Who are you?? And why have you seated yourself at our table if I may ask?
Mysterious Stranger: ...
Naruto: Relax... Don't you recognize a friend when you see one??
Minato: ?!
Sasuke: ...
At this point, the man began to slowly unwrap his scarfs as it was revealed to be...
Gaara: Killerbee?
Sasuke: I see...
Minato: Thank the heavens! For one minute there I thought you were looking for trouble, eheheh.
Sasuke: So it's you old friend... So why haven't you told us we were meeting up with Bee, Naruto??
Naruto: We hadn't plan for it... I'm as surprised as you are.
Sasuke: Hmm...
Naruto: So what are you doing here bro?
Gaara: And how's it going?
Killerbee: Well...
As the waitress came serving their food, Killerbee began explaining how he stepped down as Raikage a year ago, how his daughter Saria took over as the 6th Raikage, leaving Darui and his wife Sarah as her advisers, and where he has been for the past year, traveling around the world before arriving in this town earlier this day. As he continued sharing his experience, something in what he said reminded Naruto of something.
Naruto: Thinking about it, we haven't had a Kage meeting in over four years... It almost feels like I've lost touch with everyone else, haha... And now that all the Kages have been replaced, they surely would have to have a new meeting soon to get to know each other better.
Gaara: Don't forget that Mei's daughter, Okuni, has already been the 7th Mizukage for the past seven years...
Naruto: Yeah I know that, but she's still part of the new generation so to speak.
Sasuke: ...
Gaara: Yeah, I suppose you're right.
Sasuke: We're all getting old, and the take over of the new generation is now more or less complete.
Killerbee: What do you mean old? You don't have to be so bold...
Sasuke: Haha, I'm only referring to the fact that Mu, my son, has become the new Tsuchikage, your daughter has become the new Raikage, Naruto's son has become the new Hokage, Mei's daughter has become the new Mizukage, and Gaara's son has become the new Kazekage... All of which are the off-spring of the Kages present during the last war, sixteen years ago.
Killerbee: Hmm...
Finishing his drink, before placing the empty cup back on the table, Killerbee then proceeded to ask the question that he had been storing up ever since he saw the four of them entering the restaurant.
Killerbee: So why are you here anyways? You do know what has been happening here for the past days?
Sasuke: ...
Gaara: No, what is that?
Killerbee: There seem to be some sort of uprising, as some of the locals have been experiencing a lot of harassing...
Naruto: That's not good... Guess we'll have to look around some in the morning, in fact, it's starting to get very late, especially for you young man.
As the four of them had finished their meal, Naruto looked at the clock as he realized it was getting way past bedtime, not only for his grandson Minato, but for the rest as well.
Minato: Heh, I can manage...
Naruto: Well, to answer your question Bee, we've been traveling the world for the past three months, ever since Gaara and I stepped down as Kages... And Sasuke and I are training our grandson Minato for the next three years.
Killerbee: Three years you say... Maybe I should join you, if I may?
Gaara: Sure you can, in fact, I was meaning to ask you the moment I realized it was you, haha.
Killerbee: Well of course I would, but first, I need to take care of someone who's misunderstood.
Sasuke: You've got yourself in argument with someone on your very first day here?
Killerbee: I'll tell you what, we can meet up at the local training field just outside the town tomorrow, as I don't want this argument to turn into sorrow.
Naruto: Alright then, see you there.
Standing up, Killerbee then wrapped the scarfs around his head again as he tossed a golden coin the waitress' way before taking his leave.
Minato: Well then, no reason to delay here any longer, let's find ourselves a place to sleep.
Gaara: Great idea son.
A few minutes later, the four of them had found themselves a nice looking motel, down a narrow alley, as Sasuke and Gaara were standing together with Minato in the reception, waiting for Naruto, as Naruto came walking down the stairs leading up to the second floor.
Naruto: Alright, I've checked the room out that we've booked for the night, and it looks decent enough... It has only two beds, but the motel has been kind enough to acquire two extra mattresses for us...
Gaara: Why did we only book one room to begin with?
Sasuke: Well she did say that they only had one room left, didn't she?
Gaara: Yeah, but-...
Before he could finish, Minato rushed towards Naruto's position as he snatched the key out off his grip, racing up the stairs.
Minato: I for one can't wait for tomorrow to begin and for my training to continue, so I might as well go upstairs and grab the best bed!
Gaara: That was fast...
Sasuke: Why didn't I think of that...
As he said, an awkward silent spread through the room as the three of them looked at each other, realizing what this meant. In matter of seconds, the three of them began racing up the stairs as well, as they were fighting to get up there first to acquire the last bed.
Reception Lady: No running inside the motel!!
[...]
Early morning the next day, the one you easily could think of as the first to wake up from bed, was not Minato at all, as he woke up and looked over at the bed where Sasuke slept for the night, only to find it empty. Perplexed at this, Minato then looked over at the two mattresses on the floor as Naruto and Gaara were snoring loudly, still fast asleep.
Minato (In Thoughts): Hmm... I wonder where grandpa Sasuke is... Why would he wake up this early? Oh well, might as well head out a bit earlier and take a look around town... After all, I don't need Gaara and grandpa Naruto to babysit me for the entire day.
Getting dressed, Minato took a quick peek in the mirror hanging on the wall as he went out the door and closed it slowly behind himself.
[...]
Further into the heart of the town was a small local bar, the clock couldn't be more than 7 AM, but still it was open, and at the front-desk sat Sasuke, as he was taking a sip of some sort of a drink.
Sasuke: ...
Swallowing the final sip of it, Sasuke then put the glass gently down again as he pulled out a picture from his inner pocket. Studying it for awhile, the bar man eventually asked him what it was all about.
Bar Man: So what are you doing this early up in the morning anyways? You do realize that you're the only customer here, right?
Sasuke: ...
Still studying the piece of paper in front of him, Sasuke looked earnestly at the picture as the bar man continued.
Bar Man: What is it that you have there anyways?
Sasuke: None of your business...
Replying in a dark tone, Sasuke seemed to be a bit annoyed, almost to the degree of being upset.
Bar Man: Let me see that...
Snatching the picture out of Sasuke's hands, the bar man looked at it for awhile as Sasuke got a mad expression on his face, surprised by the bar man's actions.
Sasuke: Hey, what are you doing, who do you think you are?! Give me that back!
Reaching his hand out, it was as if Sasuke was expecting the bar man to give it back to him immediately, but the bar man simply ignored him as he was still studying the picture.
Bar Man: Hmm...
Sasuke: ... If you have something to say, speak it.
Grabbing a hold onto the bottle standing on the desk beside his glass, Sasuke proceeded to fill his glass once more, but as he did, the bar man snatched the bottle from his grasp as well.
Bar Man: I think you've had enough already.
Sasuke: Hey!
Standing up and smashing his right hand into the desk, Sasuke looked infuriated at him, almost as if demanding the bottle back.
Bar Man: Calm down, or I'll have to ask you to leave.
Sasuke: Humph!
Slowly seating himself down again, Sasuke shook his head as he displayed that he was obviously displeased by the bar man.
Bar Man: So, who is this guy anyways? Someone you know?
After putting the bottle back where it belonged, the bar man continued to study the picture as he asked Sasuke the question he was waiting for.
Sasuke: Why, do you know him?
Bar Man: No... Never seen him before...
Sasuke: ...
Bar Man: But, he could easily be part of the Ryousuke Gang, if you're certain that this man resides in this village...
Sasuke: The Ryousuke Gang? Never heard of them.
As he said, another customer came in through the door as he ordered a drink of his own. Slowly enjoying it before finishing it up, the man tossed some coins the bar man's way as he was just about to stand up and leave, but as he was, Sasuke grabbed a hold onto his left arm. The man slowly turned his attention towards Sasuke, giving off the expression that he obviously was a drunkard, as Sasuke grabbed the picture from the bar man's grasp, and almost shoved it into the other customer's face.
Sasuke: Do you know this man?
Studying the picture for a mere second, the man slowly shook his head as he stood up and left the bar.
Sasuke: ...
Bar Man: A local drunkard that man... He's been my first customer of the day for the past two weeks... Everyday he's the first to arrive and always orders the same... This day however, you arrived before him.
Sasuke: I see...
Bar Man: So what is your story??
Sasuke: You wouldn't believed me if I told you.
Bar Man: Haha, try me!
Sasuke: I was the 5th Tsuchikage of Iwagakure...
Bar Man: 5th Tsuchikage?? Haha, and I'm the king of this town!
Seemingly amused by Sasuke's answer, the bar man began laughing out loud as Sasuke looked at him with a stern look.
Sasuke: What did I tell you...
Bar Man: Even if you were, I wouldn't know who you are... You see, this village isn't really ruled by a Kage... Neither is it know to socialize much with the outside world...
Sasuke: Hmm... Well anyways, I should get going...
Tucking the picture back into his inner pocket, Sasuke tossed some golden coins the bar man's way as he thanked Sasuke accordingly, before he got up from his chair and was just about to leave, grabbing a hold onto the outer door, when someone from the inner corner of the room shouted out to him, gaining his attention. The guy was sitting in a dark corner as only smoke from his cigaret could be seen. Sasuke let go of the door as he turned around towards the man, and as he started walking towards him, the bar man looked at Sasuke as he seemed to have a cautious look on his face, as if scared by the man in the corner. Thinking to himself, Sasuke realized that he didn't even notice that the man sitting there had entered the bar as he approached him slowly. Seating himself on a chair beside his table, the man then slowly leaned towards Sasuke as he started talking to him, putting out his cigaret in the progress.
Mysterious Stranger: Are you looking for someone??
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: I saw you were holding up a picture earlier...
Sasuke: Yeah, what about it?
Mysterious Stranger: May I see it?
Not seeing any reasons not to, Sasuke once more reached for his inner pocket of his jacket, as he pulled forth the picture and held it in front of the man.
Mysterious Stranger: As I figured...
Sasuke: ??
Taking a sip of the glass he had in his other hand, the man the continued.
Mysterious Stranger: Why are you seeking Uchiha Itachi??
Sasuke: ?!
Taken back by the man's reply, Sasuke didn't know how to respond as he was shocked hearing that there was someone who knew who his son was.
Mysterious Stranger: What, lost your tongue??
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: Are you a friend or an enemy of him?
Gathering himself, Sasuke then replied in a cold, yet calm tone.
Sasuke: It's family business.
Mysterious Stranger: I see... Well, there's a band of thugs that have taken refuge in this town for the last year... Their number is said to be quiet large, almost taking over this village completely... They've been up to nothing but bad, harassing the people living here, demanding protection money and so forth... They are called the Ryousuke Gang, lead by their leader, Ryousuke Itami.
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: They started out small, but they've only grown bigger and bigger, as more and more outlaws comes to town and joins them... Nobody dares speak their mind or oppose them anymore... They did so at first, but now...
Sasuke: And what has this to do with Itachi?? Is he... Part of this gang?
Taking a short pause, the mysterious man then continued.
Mysterious Stranger: I've heard of a guy named Uchiha Itachi being part of this gang... He wears a black mask, covering his face as only his eyes and his mouth is visible.
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: Are you here to help?? For the past year, there's been a man who's been opposing this gang of thugs, helping out the civilians... A young, handsome looking man... But, he's only one man, and it's only so much he can do... Are you here to help him out?
Sasuke: I...
Not knowing what to say, Sasuke took a deep breath before he continued.
Sasuke: Why haven't you called out for help sooner? I'm sure the five great shinobi villages would have helped you out dealing with this situation.
Mysterious Stranger: We've tried, but we've never been able to reach out to anyone... We do have a watchtower, where birds can be sent out, but... It's being strictly guarded day in and night out by the Ryousuke Gang, and only members of the gang are allowed to use it...
Sasuke: I understand... I'll see what I can find out and do about the situation.
Tucking the picture back into his inner pocket, Sasuke then thanked the man as he got up to his feet again, ready to leave the bar.
Mysterious Stranger: So what is your name anyways?
Turning around, Sasuke had his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan activated as he replied in a cool tone.
Sasuke: Sasuke... Uchiha Sasuke.
Mysterious Stranger: ?!
[...]
Walking down a quiet-looking street with his hands behind his head, Minato was as if strolling down his path as the king of the road, just minding his own business, when he suddenly spotted someone in need.
Minato (In Thoughts): It sure is quiet around these parts at this hour... I wonder if-... Oi, that's?
Spotting a little girl standing by a tree, trying to get here cat to come down from it, Minato hurried over to her, offering his assistance.
Minato: Hey there, may I help you?
Little Girl: Are you... a Shinobi?
Minato: Oh, yes, yes I am!
Little Girl: You're not mean are you?
Minato: Mean?
Little Girl: You know, being part of the bad guys...
Minato: Bad guys?
Little Girl: My mom tells me not to talk to strangers, especially if they are Shinobi...
Minato: Why is that if I may ask?
Little Girl: Because they only do bad stuff... Here, kitty, kitty.
Still trying to get her cat to come down from the tree, the little girl looked rather oddly at Minato, who was just trying to help.
Minato: Well, if you think Shinobi are bad guys, why don't I prove you wrong?
Little Girl: Oh?
Preforming some quick hand-seals, five Shadow Clones appeared beside him.
Little Girl: Oh!! How did you do that?!
Minato: This is Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, ehehe... With it, I'm able to create shadow copies of myself.
Stacking each of his clones on top of each others' shoulders, Minato eventually reached up to the cat as he grabbed a hold onto it and helped it down, leaving it in the hands of the little girl.
Little Girl: Myau-Myau, are you okay?
The cat immediately began to show that it was enjoying itself as the little girl was brushing her hand across its fur.
Little Girl: Thank you so much mister! What is your name?
Minato: Ahaha, no problem! My name is Minato!
As he said smiling, the little girls smiled back at him as the little girl's mother opened up a window, signaling the girl to get inside the house immediately. Without question, the little girl ran inside the house with the cat in her arms as she waved Minato goodbye. Puzzled over how the civilians seemed to have a different opinion on Shinobi than the rest of the world, Minato intertwined his hands behind his head again as he continued to stroll down the street.
Minato: What was that all about...
Continuing down the street, Minato suddenly spotted a dog running towards him, as he slowly bent down to it, starting to cuddle with it as the dog rolled over on his back.
Minato: Who are you little doggy? Are you lost? Hmm... No necklace... You're homeless, aren't you?
The dog was quiet small and skinny, and couldn't be more than just a few months old. It was still a puppy, and its full brown colored body was completed with a white colored tail. As Minato was about to move on, the dog quickly followed after him as it started barking at him as if saying that he should bring him with him.
Minato: Geez... Alright, guess I have no choice then.
Picking the puppy up and placing it on his head, Minato then continued down the street again as he heard some screams coming down from the end of it.
Minato: Now what?!
Just further up ahead, there was a kid around his own age being harassed by some older looking bullies. Not standing to watch as the act unfolded itself, Minato spotted an older looking woman standing at the other end of the street, looking all shocked witnessing the whole event. As he ran over to her, she almost jumped in the air, thinking that Minato was going to do her harm, but he quickly calmed her down as he asked her if she could look out for this lost puppy while he was going to try and help the poor kid.
Elderly Woman (Stuttering): Yo-u.. shouldn't... try to take them... out... on your own... son... You should get... ba-ck...up... Either that... or you should... let it happen, or try reasoning... with them...
Minato: I have to do something! There's no time to waste! You should lock the door and wait this out.
Running over to the thugs, Minato activated his sharingan as he drew the thugs attention away from the innocent kid, enabling him to run away from them.
Thug 1: Now who's this kid?
Thug 2: Someone who's looking for trouble as well I take it.
Thug 1: Haha, but what could a simple kid do to us?
Thug 3: Oh, but it seems like he has the Sharingan...
As Minato charged at them, countless punches and kicks were exchanged with them as five new Shadow Clones appeared beside him. Seemingly having the upper hand, Minato soon realized that their experience and power were beyond him as the clones got defeated one by one. Before he knew it, he felt a karate-chop to the back of his head as he fell to the ground unconscious.
Thug 1: That's what you get, trying to mess with us!
The thugs then decided to leave as the older woman and the dog came running towards him.
*An Hour Later*
Minato: Uhm... Where... Am I?
Waking up in a bed, Minato quickly realized what had just happened as the dog was sleeping on top of him and the older woman from before came over to him.
Elderly Woman: I told you to get some help... Didn't I?
Minato: I... Well at least those thugs left that poor kid alone... Ugh!
Feeling a pain in the back of his head from the previous blow, Minato was just about to reach his hand over to it when the older woman stopped him from doing so.
Elderly Woman: You shouldn't touch the wound with you hands...
Finishing treating it, the woman put on a large sticking plaster in the back of his head as Minato let out a small groan, waking the dog up as well.
Elderly Woman: Those three thugs are part of the Ryousuke Gang... They are up to noting good, and they're allowed to do as they like around here, messing with whomever they want...
Minato: ?! If there's such a gang of bandits around here, I need to tell Gaara-San and grandpa Naruto and Sasuke!
Quickly getting up from the bed, Minato seemed as if in a hurry.
Elderly Woman: Oh??
Minato: We can't let this continue as it is, they can't get away with such crimes!
Getting dressed again, Minato seemed as almost ready to take off as he turned his attention towards the older woman once more.
Minato: Could you watch over this dog until I return? May I ask you that favor?
Elderly Woman: Sure, shouldn't be a problem, but you shouldn't take any more risks, you-...
Minato: Thanks!
But before she managed to finish her line, Minato disappeared out through the door.
Elderly Woman: What a nice young man...
Running out on the streets again, Minato was heading back to the motel when he spotted the same trio of thugs that he had run into earlier. Seeing him running towards them, the three of them turned their attention towards him.
Thug 1: Oh, are you back for more?
Minato: I have no time for you guys, get out of my way!
Thug 2: Huh??
Minato (In Thoughts): I have no time to deal with them this time, I need to tell the others first and then deal with them later!
Running just past them with his attention still fixed on them, the thugs looked at him perplexed as Minato ran straight into a large looking man, further down the road.
Minato: Ugh!
Coming to a complete stop, Minato fell over on his back as the larger man turned around towards him while the three thugs were laughing in the background.
Minato (In Thoughts): Damn it, is this guy from the Ryousuke Gang too?!
Thug 4: What on earth are you doing?! Watch where you're going kid!
Grabbing a hold onto Minato's sweater, the thug lifted him up in the air before throwing him back into the ground again.
Thug 4: I'm a member of the Ryousuke Gang, and you need to show some respect around here!
Minato: I'm sorry if I act beyond my jurisdiction, but I have no time for bullies like you!
Trying to run past the large man, Minato came to a complete stop once again as the thug grabbed a hold onto the hood of his sweater, holding him back as he called two other thugs, who were also standing there in the streets, towards him.
Thug 4: Oh, but we're not done quite yet...
[...]
Gaara: Oh, I think we've overslept Naruto.
Naruto: What time is it??
Waking from their slumbers, Naruto looked at his watch and realized it was 9 AM already as the two of them got up from the mattresses they were sleeping on, getting dressed in the process.
Gaara: I guess Sasuke has already taken Minato outside to train or something.
Naruto: Hmm... I guess so.
Looking over at the two empty beds, Naruto and Gaara realized that they were the last to wake up.
Gaara: Well, I guess that gives us some time to do some exploring...
Naruto: What do you have in mind?
Gaara: I think I'm going to take a look around town... We can meet up later.
Naruto: Alright then, I'll head down to one of the bars around here to grab some food.
As the two of them headed out the door, the cleanup-ladies showed up as they began to clean their room.
[...]
?: Hey, you!
Naruto: ??
?: Yes you! Is this kid yours?!
Naruto was seated by a table at a local bar, having a cup of sake, when suddenly two local thugs, lead by a larger, muscular guy, came over to him, dragging Minato with them.
Naruto: Yes he is, how come?
Minato: Let me go, before I kick your butt!
Thug 1: Shut up!
Struggling to get free, Minato was trying his best to get out of the ropes that had been tied around his arms, behind his back, making him unable to preform any jutsus.
Naruto: What's the meaning of this... What did he do?
Thug 1: He bumped straight into me out in the streets, and refused to bow down in respect to us!
Minato: I said I was sorry already!
Thug 2: He told you to shut up kid!
Tightening the ropes around Minato's arms, the thug seemed to be in a rather faulty mood.
Naruto: If he already apologized, then I don't see what the problem is?
Asking polity, Naruto then took a sip of his sake and placed it down on the table again. As he did, the thug slammed his right hand down on the table, tipping over Naruto's drink and causing a crack to appear across the table.
Thug 1: Don't you get it?! Whenever you see us in this village, you're suppose to bow down!
Thug 3: We're part of the famous Ryousuke gang, and we're in charge of this village! You surely must have heard of us!
Thug 2: That's right! Nobody dears oppose us around here, especially since there's no one from the five main villages here to rule and protect this town.
Thug 1: So what is it going to be smart face? Outsiders like you two will definitely have to bow down, or you'll get to see the boss himself!
The thug, being on the tip of the iceberg, grabbed a hold of Minato's head and pressed it down towards the table, trying to get Naruto's attention. The other locals who also were seated in the bar, started getting nervous as the bar owner slowly ducked behind the bar-table, when Naruto suddenly responded, but this time, in a more serious tone.
Naruto: I've heard of you alright... You're the notorious gang that has done nothing else than creating misery and trouble for the locals in this village, collecting money from them and threatening them of what you would do if they don't follow your so-called rules. Money that does not belong to you in the first place... If you don't leave this bar right now, if you don't let go of Minato right this instance, you will force me to get serious...
Naruto who had stayed calm during the whole situation, began to get a bit annoyed as he saw how much of a trouble these thugs were causing. Not only that, but at the same time, they were throwing Minato around, which Naruto definitely wouldn't allow them to do for much longer.
Thug 1: What did you say?! Enough chit-chat! If you don't bow down now, you'll have to see our boss and you'll be in big trouble!
The larger looking thug said as he pushed away the table that Naruto was seated by.
Minato: I would not have done that if I was you... Now you've done it.
Thug 1: Shut up you brat!
As he said, he was just about to smack Minato across his face, but to his surprisal, Naruto stood up and grabbed his arm before he was able to. In rage, the thug dragged his arm free and confronted Naruto even more fiercely.
Thug 1: So you're picking a fight, ey? Listen little man, if you don't come quietly with us now, you will have to deal with our boss! He's a renown S Ranked Missing-nin from Konoha, he's...
Naruto: Ryousuke Itami...
Thug 1: Hah, so you know him, then you must know of his powers!
Naruto: I'm getting tired of this, I suggest you leave now before it gets ugly. You've already made enough trouble here and anyone who doesn't have the ability to stay calm would have made their move once you came in. Besides, you're starting to piss me off, and making me serious is something you would avoid for your own safety...
Furious to hear what Naruto said, the thug was just about to un-holster his katana, when he suddenly felt a fist, placed on his forehead. The thug looked up as Naruto flicked him off with his middle finger at full force, sending him flying on the back, past the bar manager, through the wall of the bar and into the streets. The two other thugs ran in fear as Naruto untied Minato's hands. He then proceeded to the hole that had been made in the wall, as he stopped by the bar man.
Naruto: I'm sorry about the wall mister. Here take this as compensation, hope this will cover for the damage.
The man looked at the money bag Naruto place on the table, as ten shiny sparkling crystal coins met his sight.
Bar Man (In Thoughts): This is more than enough to buy a new bar or even a new house! Screw this bar! With this, I'll be able to move out of this dreadful town!
Minato: ...
Bar Man: Of course it will do, don't worry about the wall, I'll fix it later.
Naruto: Good to hear.
Bar Man: Please come again!
Naruto then stepped outside with Minato right behind him as he walked towards the thug who barely managed to lift his head up to see Naruto closing in on him. Smoke around him from the crash began to settle as he started to crawl backwards to avoid Naruto.
Thug 1: Wait... Wait!...
On both side of the streets, you could see people closing their doors and windows as the rest of the whole gang came closing in from both side. The two thugs that ran away from the bar earlier, had alerted the rest as the street started filling up.
Thug 1: Now you've done it! We're over 9000 members in this gang, you will pay for this!
From Naruto's right you could see a person emerging out of the crowd.
Thug 1: Ryousuke himself is here, hehehe, you're in big trouble now.
The thug halted himself back up on his feet as he ran towards Ryousuke and whispered into his ear what just had happened. Ryousuke closed in on Naruto as he was about to confront him.
Minato: Over 9000?! Well... I guess they shouldn't be a problem for you grandpa...
Naruto: ... Whatever you do, stay away from this.
Minato: But...
Naruto: This is no fight for you to fight in, now go!
Running back inside the bar again to follow the situation from a more safe distance, Minato watched as Ryousuke stopped a couple of feet away from Naruto.
Ryousuke: Who on earth are you, thinking you can challenge all of us?! You're only one person!! Do you have any idea of who I am? I'm Ryousuke Itami, the leader of this gang!
The whole gang started laughing as their roar filled the air, almost feeling like the noise created by the crowd of a Chunin exam. The gang members all raised their weapons, as Ryousuke pointed his sword at Naruto.
Naruto: Your numbers won't matter. If you are who you say you are, I will bring you in and bring peace to this village. You've been able to roam free for far too long...
Ryousuke: Guhahaha! You got to be insane!! Only a kage level ninja would be able to match me... Even the five kages themselves wouldn't be able to defeat all of us. What foul would utter such words?
The gang started closing in on both sides as they numbered so many that eyes couldn't see past them. Chakra began leaking out of Naruto as his Bijou mode form started to emerge. Only that this one was even more complexed, as if taken to another level.
Naruto: Since you ask... My friends know me as Uzumaki Naruto... Everyone else refers to me as The 6th Hokage of Konoha, The 1st Sekaiteki-Kage of the Joint Shinobi Alliance and the Shinobi World, and the host of the Jubi... As your former Hokage, it is my duty to bring you in!
Thug 1: ?????!!!!!!
Ryousuke: !! It can't be, yo...-u're... You are!
Naruto: As real as it gets!
As he said, the Bijou Mode took full form, as his chakra exploded in all directions filling the air with an intense and powerful force. In his right hand, an intense chakra began forming, however, this one was not like any regular rasengan seen before, but it glowed in all types of color.
Minato: You better run for your lives... all of you.
Naruto: So while I'm here, I might as well round up this missing-nin criminal from my own village and free the locals from your rule...
Ryousuke: You're... The Legendary Sage of Konoha?!?!
Starting to panic, Ryousuke dropped his sword on the ground in fear as he realized his boast had been in vain. Several members from the gang started disappearing as their number thinned out more and more as the name of Uzumaki Naruto spread between them. Naruto grabbed Ryousuke by the neck with his left hand and lifted him up in the air as he was just about to smash his newly formed Rasengan into him.
Ryousuke: Pl... Plea... please!! I beg you.. don't kill me!
Naruto's Bijou mode chakra grew so intense it almost covered the whole street around them. Naruto looked at him with serious eyes as he threw him into the wall of a nearby house.
Minato: Geez, that's what you get from messing with him.
Around them, all of the members of Ryousuke's gang had started disappearing, leaving only their boss left behind. But before they managed to disappear completely, the larger thug who had confronted Naruto at the bar earlier, was seen flying through the crowd from the right side of the street, as he crashed down on the ground. Ryousuke looked up, only to find the Rasengan in Naruto's hand gone. The rest of the gang suddenly came running back from both sides, as two clones of Naruto was seen on the end of each street, one with smoke coming out of his hand.
Minato (In Thoughts): You transferred the Rasengan over to that clone of yours... Not bad grandad!
Naruto: If you want to live, don't move!
Naruto screamed out as the whole gang halted, unable to decide whether to attack one of the clones or just watch silently by as Naruto approached Ryousuke again, this time, with his Rinnegan activated. The clones however were standing there, as if guarding the exits as none of the gang members dared approach them.
Ryousuke: Is he... Is h-e... But how, and when?!
Naruto: I didn't go full force on him... So he shouldn't be dead. But don't mistake that for kindness!
Ryousuke looked over at the larger thug and noticed that he had a spiral-shaped wound on his stomach, and as Naruto slowly closed in on Ryousuke, the rest of the gang watched in fear. Naruto had almost reached him, when he suddenly witnessed a move Naruto never had seen before in his life... At least not to such an extent.
Ryousuke: Noo!! Please!
Having crawled over to Naruto's feet, Ryousuke was clinging onto them, begging for his life.
?: Huh... So this is the man I've heard so much about around the village. Heh, I guess you already have this situation under control, Naruto...
Minato: Gaara!
On the building above Naruto and Ryousuke, Gaara had appeared.
Naruto: Took you long enough... Fell asleep at one of the bars around here?
Gaara: Hah, don't get ahead of yourself.
Ryousuke: Wha... No... Gaara of the Sand is here too?!!!!!
Completely in fear of the foes standing before him, Ryousuke could do nothing more than to hope for their mercy.
Naruto: ...
Minato: Wasn't this guy suppose to be a S ranked criminal?... There is no way he can be that if he's this weak. Pathetic...
Naruto: I guess he's been telling his gang members that he's better than he really is. No wonder how he managed to gather such a large gang.
Gaara: Oh really?
Naruto: I know this guy... He is one of the guys from a small group that went rogue and left Konoha, seven years ago. This guy is really only a B ranked criminal, and he's probably the one who started the uprising.
Minato: Ehhhhh?! Then even I could have beaten him!
Gaara: Hmm... I see.
Minato: Well, he should have known who you were grandpa... I mean, everyone knows who you are, and especially since he's from Konoha as well. He sure barked up the wrong tree.
As the situation was still pretty tense, and the gang members still unable to decide what to do, another man, all of a sudden, appeared in front of them.
Killerbee: Hey, yo! Get ready to feel the sting of the bee as Killerbee is here, this will be too much for you thugs to bare, yeah!!
Naruto: So you decided to show up as well...
Ryousuke: I... The... No... You're the 5th Raikage?!
Minato: Looks like you shouldn't have said the thing about even the five kages would not be able to defeat you all, earlier. You should be careful what you wish for...
Killerbee: So what are we going to do with this so called leader? It would be easier just to kill him off, don't you think, just like that, you won't even have to blink!
At this, Gaara raised his hands helplessly in the air, not giving much thoughts of the situation as Killerbee continued rapping.
Ryousuke: What?! But... but... you can't?! It's not the way you're suppose to...
Naruto: And the way you're been treating this town is? Get off my feet already!
Naruto then kicked Ryousuke off towards the wall as his constant plea for his life started to annoy him.
Gaara: Hah, I guess it will be up to you.
Jumping down from the building, Gaara went into the bar where Minato had taken cover as he ordered a cup of sake. Killerbee gave Naruto a tap on the back as he too joined Gaara. Naruto, still thinking about the situation, began approaching Ryousuke once more.
Ryousuke: Wait!... Wait!! You can't do this?! I'll go to jail... Yeah that's it! I'll go to jail and serve my time!
Ryousuke had crawled backwards towards the wall of the building behind him as Naruto approached him once again. Naruto then lifted up his hand in the air, fired up a Rasengan and smashed his rasengan straight towards him.
Ryousuke: Noo!!
Closing his eyes, Ryousuke knew he couldn't do anything to stop it, but as he opened them up again, he saw the rasengan just inches from his face as Naruto suddenly canceled it and his Bijou mode form started retracting. He then walked a few steps backwards and turned around towards the bar as Ryousuke quickly crawled after him and started kissing his feet, thanking him for sparing his life.
Naruto: *Sigh*... Oi, old man at the bar... Do you have some way to message other villages?
Bar Man: Well... we have one message center, further up in the village, but it haven't been used in years because of this gang ruling our town.
Naruto: I see, well I guess we will head over there then and send a message to Konoha to come pick up this man. Then we'll decide what to do with the rest of the gang.
Ryousuke: Thank you! Thank you for being merciful!
Letting out another loud sigh, Naruto was trying to wrap the situation up as Killerbee started laughing, swallowing down another cup of sake. From the streets, people who had been witnessing what just happened from their windows, came out of their houses and closed in on the bar as they all started applauding at Naruto for dealing with the gang.
Naruto: Hey, you guys shouldn't come out yet, the situation isn't over!
As he said, all of the gang members started throwing their weapons down in a pile beside him as they sat down and lined up in a row down the streets, being closely watched by Naruto's two Sage clones.
Minato: Geez, and this many... If it hadn't been for your clones guarding the exits at each end, I doubt there would be any way controlling this crowd of criminals.
Gaara: You always seem to have an impact on people Naruto, just like in the old days huh... Anyways, this will be a perfect time to utilize the high security prison we decided to open up on the north isle of Kiri during the last Kage meeting four years ago... The one we visited three months ago. However, the only problem would be transporting all of them there.
Still surprised of the number of the gang, Gaara started planning how they would deal with them all, when suddenly, one mysterious person, who had been standing by, witnessing the whole thing, stepped forward as he called out to them. He was wearing a black mask, which only revealed his eyes and mouth.
?: Enough!
Naruto: ?!
?: At first I thought I would just stand by watching you deal with this gang, but if there is one lesson I learned from my time in Konoha and Iwa, it was to never back out from a potential good fight!
Naruto, Gaara, Killerbee, Minato and the rest of the villagers were puzzled to see that there was one man, who suddenly wanted to have a fight with them, as Naruto turned around to face him while Gaara and Killerbee came out of the bar as well and lined up beside him.
?: It doesn't matter who you people are, even if you're unbeatable, I want to request a fight with you! At least give me that!
Gaara: Who is this guy?
Naruto: ...
?: This gang would not be able to defeat the three of you, especially seeing how the leader of this gang is really a coward. I know, as I've been opposing them for the last month...
Ryousuke: Opposing us?
?: But you guys should at least have one real fight before declaring this situation as over. Therefore, I request a fight with one of you, one on one!
Gaara: And what do you seek by fighting one of us?
?: I want to test my limits, facing real opponents!
As he said, chakra began leaking out from him as his eyes turned red.
Killerbee: Mangekyo Sharingan?! Who the hell is he?!... Nevertheless, he should be no match for me!
Killerbee then stepped forward as he readied himself to face this new foe.
?: Is this suppose to be a joke? I don't want to face a low life like you, let me face Naruto!
Killerbee: Why you little?!
Having to almost restrain Killerbee from attacking the man, Gaara struggled to keep him in check as Naruto stepped forward.
Naruto: Who are you? What is your name? Where did you get Mangekyo Sharingan from? And why are you wearing a mask?
?: I've traveled the land, looking to find my place for the last couple of years. I arrived in this town two years ago, and immediately noticed how this town was being controlled by this ruthless gang. Even if I might be powerful, I do not have the ability to take them all on by myself, so I decided to hide myself among them... I am Uchiha-...
But before he managed to finish his line, he felt a presence from behind as he immediately drew out a kunai and swung around, only to clash and stand face to face with Sasuke.
Sasuke: Itachi...
Naruto: Itachi?!
Jumping back to gain some space, Itachi tried to gain control of his emotions as he saw the man standing in front of him.
Itachi: Wha... Dad?! What are you doing here?!!
Sasuke: Naruto... let me deal with this. You guys can go arrange the birds so that we can get these criminals transported. I... will fight my son if he really wants to have a fight.
Naruto nodded in agreement, as Gaara and Killerbee went with the bar man to the bird tower, further into the village. Naruto however, stood behind to watch the gang members, with his two Sage clones still intact. As Minato slowly went up to him, Itachi began raging in despair.
Itachi: No... I don't want to fight you! I have nothing more to say to you!
Sasuke: Son... why are you doing this? Why did you leave the village without a word, seven years ago?
Itachi: You really are blind! All I ever wanted was for you to acknowledge me, but you sent me away as a kid, and blamed me for starting the fight with Jiraiya... You never cared for your own son! That's why!
Crying out at Sasuke, Itachi was all shaken up as seeing his dad here, which was the last thing he had expected.
Sasuke: I... I know I haven't been a good father to you, but I always did what I thought was best for you. Training in the mountains, in that camp, was only for your own good. I didn't want you to be harassed for being my son, for my past mistakes, and that is exactly what would have happened if you went to the Shinobi academy in Iwa! It took years before I got accepted as an ally, and I didn't want you to pay for my past mistakes...
Sasuke, with a sad look on his face, looked over at his son Itachi who was retorting back at him.
Itachi: Did you ever think that I would have had it differently if I got to choose?! You gave me no choice when you sent me up there! I would have dealt with it and focused on my training!
Sasuke: I...
Not sure what to say next, and obviously understanding his own son's rage towards him, Sasuke tried reasoning with him, to make him understand.
Sasuke: You know my past... You know the reason I went rogue to begin with. I didn't want you to feel the same anger, to go through the loneliness I experienced! That's also one of the reason we moved back to Konoha!
Itachi: But it didn't stop there! You froze me out, favoring Miyuki and Mu... You never cared to listen to what I had to say, never let me create my own path, you never believed in me to begin with!
Still in rage at his dad, Itachi was shaking heavily, as if he was fighting his own will to charge at his own father.
Sasuke: Itachi...
Naruto: ...
Sad to witness how Itachi had turned out and seeing how the both of them were struggling to know what to say, Naruto went over to Sasuke as he turned his focus towards Itachi.
Naruto: Itachi... I know you didn't feel like you fitted in Iwa... Sasuke was hoping that everything would change when you moved to Konoha, and I know I can't say how you felt about your new home, but one thing is certain, Sasuke always meant the best for you, and he never intended for you to get hurt. We never blamed you for the fight you had with Jiraiya.
Itachi: I did feel home at Konoha, I did make friends... My past... my family's past, meant nothing, but me being an Uchiha would never change, the name still clung in people's ears, reminding them of the past. I tried telling you how I felt, but you never listened father!
Pausing for a second, Itachi then continued.
Itachi: And when that fight with Jiraiya happened, I had had enough. That was the proof I needed, that I did not belong! I never wanted to leave, but I had no choice! I tried telling you both back then, but you would not listen... You pushed me away!
Naruto: And for that, you felt the need to run away?
Itachi: I never intended to, but as I traveled, past meant nothing and I finally had a chance to live like a normal person... I might have met up with some bad people, and left at an unfortunate time, but I never laid a finger on a single innocent person! Do not accuse me for going rogue!
Naruto: We are not accusing you of anything...
Itachi: I... I never...
Sasuke: Son...
Itachi: The moment I left, there was no turning back. You don't simply return after leaving the village... You father, should know all about that. After a while, I wanted to but...
Naruto: Why didn't you come home then...?
Itachi: I... Once I left, there was no way back. I didn't dare face Konoha again... If you view me as a criminal, you better charge me as one.
Obviously having lost his will to have a fight, like he wanted, Itachi was willing to forget the whole thing, admitting his past mistakes.
Naruto: You are not recorded as being a missing-nin... We never heard any words of where you had gone. Sasuke has been looking for you for the past seven years...
Sasuke: ...
Itachi: I'm done running away...
Grabbing a hold onto his mask, he then ripped it off and threw it to the ground. As he did, several of the civilians that had been around, witnessing the whole event, suddenly recognized him and began praising him for helping them out with the gang members causing trouble on earlier occasions. Before anyone managed to say anything, Ryousuke screamed out, pointing his finger at him.
Ryousuke: You?! You!! It can't be Itachi?! You are the one who's been causing trouble for our gang ever since you set your feet inside this town!
The rest of the gang members began chattering amongst themselves, as the civilians began praising Itachi, revealing how he had been helping people around the town, chasing off gang members who had been causing trouble.
Sasuke: What?! You've been helping these civilians out all the time?!
Itachi: I... I used the mask to hide my identity, and whenever I could help people, I appeared in my normal attire to throw them off... Only the three people I left Konoha with seven years ago, knew what I looked like without the mask, but they're long gone by now...
Naruto: But... If that makes any sense, why did you want to fight me?
Itachi: I figured that when I had a chance to fight the famous Naruto, to test my own strength, and at the same time, get out some of the rage I had for my father and your son, out on you, I wouldn't let the opportunity get pass me... So here I am.
Naruto: So what are you willing to do now?
Itachi: Like I said, I'm done running away.
Throwing away his kunai, his Mangekyo Sharingan then deactivated.
Sasuke: Does this mean?
Itachi: Yes, I'll come home, if I'm still allowed to.
Naruto: Very well. I don't see no reason for this to go on any longer.
As he said, Gaara, Killerbee and the bar man returned.
Gaara: Okay, the birds have been sent out... Reinforcement to deal with these criminals should arrive shortly.
Naruto: Good.
[...]
*Three days Later*
As the days had passed and the Ryousuke Gang had been taken care off, Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Minato and Killerbee finally found themselves at the local training field, just as they planned out three days ago. They were however, accompanied by Itachi, who had decided to join them.
Naruto: I'm glad you decided to join us, Itachi.
Itachi: Yeah...
As Naruto and Sasuke were training Minato, Itachi stood idle by watching them, not really sure what to say. In the background, Gaara and Killerbee were resting up a bit by the shades of a tree as the burning sun shone upon the field.
Itachi: So... What relationship do you have with Minato anyways dad?
Sasuke: He's my grandson...
Itachi: ?!
Hearing this, Itachi quickly realized what he meant as he thought back at his encounter with Mu, four years ago.
Itachi: He's the son of Miyuki and Jiraiya, isn't he?
Naruto: He sure is... Meaning, he's your nephew.
Minato: Wait, say what?! Itachi is my uncle then... Well figured, he's Sasuke's son after all.
Momentarily halting his training, Minato then continued as he charged at Naruto with two Shadow Clones activated. After a brief encounter, Minato then jumped back to gain some space as Sasuke spoke out.
Sasuke: Alright, let's have a small break.
Heading over to the tree were Gaara and Killerbee were seated as well, the four of them sat down as Minato, Sasuke and Naruto had a short water break before the training continued.
[...]
*2 and a Half Years Later*
On top of a large hill, with a view that few could match, Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi were just about to say their goodbyes to Gaara and Killerbee, as the journey had come to and end, and it was time to head back home.
Gaara: So I guess this is it then...
Killerbee: It sure is, and this journey was not a miss!
Naruto: We'll see you guys later then, and be sure to take care alright?
Sasuke: And don't forget to stay in touch...
Itachi: Yeah!
Minato: Damn, it's going to feel strange coming back to Konoha now...
As the group was about to split in three, with Gaara going one way, Killerbee another, and the rest back to Konoha, they left behind some departing words as they were on their way again. Just a few days later, the four of them were at the border of Konoha as they could see the village in the distance. As they closed in on it, they noticed that something seemed to be going on as a lot of people and camps were to be seen just outside the East gate.
Minato: What's going on?
Itachi: ...
Naruto: I'm not sure...
Sasuke: Well, something is definitely up here.
Walking through the camps in front of them, the four of them stopped for a brief talk with someone who seemed to be from Suna. After exchanging Intel with them, they quickly discovered that it in fact was something going on, and that it was the first Kage meeting in almost 7 years.
Naruto: So there's a Kage meeting going on... Interesting.
Sasuke: Feels strange not being a part of it, doesn't it?
Naruto: Yeah... Well then, let's head over to the Hokage-Mansion and find out.
[...]
Over at the Hokage-Mansion, the Kage meeting seemed to be coming to an end, as the five Kages, together with their advisers, had finally put together a new meeting.
Jiraiya: Yes I agree with that, something in which I ran through with Hiruzen and Mito at first, and they agreed as well.
Mu: Excellent.
Ebizo: So, now that everything has been discussed and we've all got to know each other a little better, I believe that there shouldn't be any reasons to not continuing supporting each other and this alliance.
Saria: You're absolutely right... This alliance was founded by our forefathers, and we should honor both them and each other by keeping it as it is.
Okuni: Indeed.
The new generation of Kages seemed to already be adapting themselves to their roles quite well, and stability throughout the land was more solid now than ever before. Beside Jiraiya, stood his two advisers, Mito and Hiruzen, while Ebizo had Kankuro and Kushina as his side. Mu on the other hand, had Ritschi as his right handed man, and some unknown female in her 50s as his other adviser, while Saria, Killerbee's daughter, had her own mother, Sarah, and of course, the veteran Shinobi Darui, as hers. And finally, Okuni, who was the daughter of the late Mei, had Yukimura and one younger male in his 20s, as her advisers. Just as the five of them were about to conclude their meeting, Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi came knocking on the door.
Jiraiya: Well, with that, I guess we can agree that this meeting has come to an en-...
*Knock, Knock*
Ebizo: ??
Mu: ...
Jiraiya: Who could that be?
Hiruzen: Someone who hasn't figured out that there's an important meeting taking place here?
Mito: Don't jump to conclusion just yet.
Kankuro: Well, somebody should perhaps open the door?
Kushina: ...
Yukimura: I'll do it then.
Heading over to the door, Yukimura opened it up, only to find familiar faces on the other side of it.
Yukimura: Oh?!
Ritschi: Well, who was it?
Stepping aside, the rest soon realized who it were as the four of them stepped inside, one by one.
Darui: Isn't it?!
Kushina: Dad??
Jiraiya: You're back!
Mu: I didn't expect you to arrive home so soon?
Naruto: Not interrupting anything, are we?
Sasuke: Duh, of course not... It's just an official Kage meeting after all.
Jiraiya: Our meeting were about to be concluded nonetheless.
Minato: Dad!
Running over to him, Minato jumped into his grasp as Jiraiya fell back into his Kage-chair. Looking towards the door as the four of them came in, one by one, Mu on the other hand stood very surprised when he saw who the last one were.
Mu: Ita-... Itachi?!
Itachi: Brother...
Realizing that his dad told him the truth when he sent out a bird, detailing that they had convinced Itachi to come back with them, Mu just couldn't believe it as he stood up from his chair and went over to him.
Mu: So dad's letter was indeed true then... Welcome home brother!
Itachi: I-...
Before he managed to say anything, Mu embraced him as he gave him a long and hard hug, refusing to let go off him.
Minato: Aunt Kushina, you're here too??
Kushina: Where would I else be?
Naruto: So the rumors were true then?
Kushina: Rumors?
Naruto: Yeah... I hear about you and Ebizo...
Ebizo: What?!
Almost panicking, Ebizo stood up from his chair, as if showing his utmost respect towards Naruto.
Naruto: Haha, relax my son! I've already given my approval long time ago... After all, I did just spend almost three years with your father.
Ebizo: I...
Kushina: So mom told you then...
Naruto: No, actually, Jiraiya did.
Looking over at him, Kushina seemed almost surprised.
Jiraiya: Hey, don't look at me, I thought you already had told him that you moved to Suna a year ago?
Naruto: I see... Well that's fine I suppose.
Kushina: Jiraiya! I hadn't told him yet!
Jiraiya: Oh, haha, my bad! Well now he knows.
Naruto: So you're Ebizo's adviser then, alongside Kankuro, I take it?
Kankuro: She sure is! But those two love birds are more focused on each other than doing their work, haha.
Ebizo: Uncle!!
Kankuro: I'm just joking, haha. So how was Gaara?
Naruto: He was fine, in fact, we just parted ways with him and Killerbee a few days ago.
As Naruto said, Saria and her mother Sarah came over to them, as Darui was having a chat with Sasuke in the background.
Saria: So my dad is finally coming home then, after almost four years?
Naruto: Yeah, he sure is.
Sarah: Hmm... Well about time, his wife has missed him a lot!
Naruto: Haha, I'm sure you have Sarah.
Forming a smile on his face, the three of them began to laugh as Mu finally let go of Itachi at the other end of the room.
Mu: So what was it that made you come back with Naruto and dad?
Itachi: Well...
Standing not too far away, Sasuke overheard them while talking to Darui as he came over to them.
Sasuke: Why don't we meet up with Miyuki and Kurotsuchi later today? Then we can catch up all we'd like.
Mu: That's a great idea! I'm sure Miyuki and mom have missed you a lot too, Itachi.
Itachi: Yeah...
Mu: And mom is probably dying to see you dad!
Sasuke: Haha, we'll see about that.
The room being crowded enough as it was, Jiraiya saw the opportunity to end the meeting as he called out for everyone's attention.
Jiraiya: I guess, since the meeting is over, we might proceed to exit this room to get some fresh air everyone, as I'm sure some of you have a lot of catching up to do.
Okuni: Great idea, Yukimura, Ikari, let's head out.
Leaving the room, the Mizukage was followed by her advisers as Naruto, Jiraiya, Minato, Ebizo, Kushina, Kankuro, Mito and Hiruzen quickly followed as well. On their way out, Jiraiya gave off a nod to Itachi, whom nodded back.
Sasuke: Right, we should head outside as well then.
As Itachi left out the door, Ritschi and Mu's other adviser went along as well, as Saria, Killerbee's daughter, came over to Mu and Sasuke, signaling Darui and Sarah to leave as well.
Saria: Mu, aren't you going outside as well?
Mu: I'll be right there love.
Giving her a kiss on her chin, Mu then turned his attention towards Sasuke as Saria left out the door.
Sasuke: You and Killerbee's daughter... I didn't know that.
Mu: What is there to know? We've only just got to know each other...
Sasuke: What, you're almost nineteen now and she's almost 28?
Mu: Pff, age is only a number and doesn't really matter dad, come, let's head outside as well.
Over at Jiraiya's house, Miyuki was preparing dinner as Jiraiya and Minato came inside the door, after parting ways with Naruto, followed by Kushina and Ebizo, who went straight home to check up on Hinata. Turning around to see who it was, a bright smile formed on Miyuki's face as she saw that Minato came with Jiraiya through the door.
Miyuki: Minato, you're back, just as planned!!
Getting down on her knees, Miyuki firmly grasped Minato as both of them began to shed some tears. Standing in the background, Jiraiya had a proud look on his face.
Minato: I'll never leave you again mom, I promise!! *Sniff*
Miyuki: Oh, Minato! *Sniff*
Jiraiya: I have an idea... Let's eat dinner now, and head over to your father and mother' place afterwards, I'm sure you want to see your father and long lost brother again, right Miyuki? And Mu is there too...
Miyuki: What, Itachi is home??!
Jiraiya: Yep, he is.
Miyuki: Yeah that would be nice for sure!
Upon hearing this, Miyuki got even more thrilled, as she quickly prepared the dinner for the two of them. Over at Naruto's house, Naruto was embraced as soon as he entered the door, as Hinata almost refused to let go off him. If the bright day wasn't enough to make people in Konoha happy, the return of Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi surely did.
Hinata: It's been forever!
Naruto: I... Yeah, I know, but I'm back now.
Ebizo: Ehm, I don't mean to interrupt the moment, but ehm...
Kushina: Haha, it's alright Ebizo.
As the hour passed by, Jiraiya, Miyuki and Minato came knocking on Sasuke and Kurotsuchi's house, as they were welcomed inside.
Sasuke: Long time no see, Miyuki.
Mu: Well you're not the only one dad.
Miyuki: Itachi... Is that really you?
Almost as if surprised seeing her brother there, even though she knew that he was arriving with them, Miyuki could almost not believe her own eyes as she embraced him as hard as she could.
Kurotsuchi: So... Had a nice trip I suppose?
Sasuke: Haha, don't act as if you're not affected by this!
Going over to her, the two of them hugged each other as well, as Jiraiya turned his attention down towards Minato.
Jiraiya: Son... Now that you're back, I have something I want to talk with you about.
Minato: Oh yeah?
Jiraiya: I've talked some with Hiruzen and Mito, and we've decided to put you in a three man team with their two daughters, Ami and Aiko...
Minato: Oh really now? Yeah, I know them from my childhood at the academy...
Jiraiya: They are both just about to graduate from their Jutsu academies, so I was thinking of teaming them up with you.
Minato: But what about me? Are you proposing that I skip the second academy?
Jiraiya: I was thinking you could do both at the same time... After all, you are a genius for you age.
Minato: Hah, really now... Well, I would like to go to the Genjutsu academy if I may?
Jiraiya: The Genjutsu academy? Yeah sure, why not! That's the same as Ami went too... And I've appointed Hiruzen to be your Sensei by the way.
Minato: Hiruzen... So he's going to be our Sensei then?? Well, I guess it's okay to have him as a teacher, even though he's their father...
Jiraiya: Yeah well, he had a need, so to speak, that he wanted to train his daughters personally you see.
Minato: ...
Jiraiya: And furthermore, there's also a Chunin Exam coming up in Suna in just about three months, right before your 10th birthday... And if you're able to get ready by then, we might let the three of you participate.
Minato: No way?! Then I guess we'll need to get this thing going!
Jiraiya: Haha, well not so fast. We're going to meet up with them later in the day, so you can start preparing then.
Minato: Yosh! I can't wait for that!
Jiraiya: Hehe, I'm sure you can't my son... I'm sure you can't.
* As time moved quickly forward, towards the eminent future that had much promise in wait, time finally goes back to the present displayed in the three first chapters of this sequel, Next Time! *
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun Facts & Author's Note:
1: The Scene where Naruto gets confronted at the bar, and all the way until Itachi decides to come home, was actually written almost two year ago (Jan 12 was the last edited date before I finally begun writing this chapter for real), long before I had started working on this sequel. I briefly hinted at this in the notes on my last chapter, and the thing is that I had pictured the end of this sequel way before I began writing it. Things such as Jiraiya and Itachi having a fight, Miyuki getting pregnant, Itachi running away, Sasuke and his family coming back to Konoha, and more or less the entirety of this chapter, was planned down to the smallest details. At some point, I'm going to reveal my notes, and then you can see for yourself how much I already had planned out on forehand, not only for the four last chapters, but the sequel in itself as well. There's even an alternative ending that I had in mind, an ending that would play out with Itachi fighting Sasuke, and Sasuke not having it in his heart to finish his own son, enabling him to get away... I'll go much in detail when I get to the "after-work" of this series ;D To give you a taste of things, here's the notes for chapter 29 in its completed form, something in which I wrote down before I started this sequel and left unchanged ever since:
If you have keen eyes, you'll see that the only thing I added in this chapter, that I already hadn't written down, was the very short scene of Naruto and Gaara waking up on the motel. I like to fresh up my notes as I finally get to do those chapters, by mixing the character's dialogues a bit up and cutting small parts out of it, but in overall, I usually keep the original script of things. The fun thing is, that I knew how things would end, even before I finished my first work in early 2011, and I even showed these notes (although in a less finished version) to one of my closest readers and friend on NB. She didn't understand much though, but that was basically because I hadn't even finished the original work yet, haha. So yeah, now you have a little insight on how I work I guess. And since these are notes, faulty language is bound to be there as well.
2: Here's a real fun fact for you! The reason to why I didn't just write the bar scene down in my notes, but went on to write it all, long before I began writing this sequel, was because I was re-watching the Naruto Anime some years ago, and there's this old filler (I believe) where Jiraiya gets tricked into a back alley by some thugs who mistakes him for easy prey, and when they find out who he really is, they immediately surrenders. At that point, I got the idea of something similar happening in my FF series, so I wrote down that entire scene while I still had it pictured in my mind. To be noted, I haven't watched the Anime for over two years now, so I believe I wrote that even before I finished the Original work of mine xP
3: Only one chapter of this sequel remains! I'll do a longer FF & AN next time, detailing what to come, but for now, this is everything I have. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the others, Thank me thumbs up if you did, and as always people, have an awesome day! ;D
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
--->
--->
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
--->
[14]
[15]
--->
--->
[18]
[19]
[20]
--->
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
[32]
[33]
[34]
[35]
[36]
[37]
[38]
[39]
[40]
[41]
[42]
[43]
[44]
[45]
[46]
[47]
[48]
[49]
[1]
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[2]
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[3]
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[4]
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[5]
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[6]
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--->
Sasuke Chronicles;
[7]
[7]
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[8]
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[9]
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[10]
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[11]
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[12]
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[13]
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--->
Kakashi Chronicles;
[14]
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[15]
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[16]
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--->
[17]
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[18]
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[19]
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[20]
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--->
[21]
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
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[23]
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[24]
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[25]
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[26]
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[27]
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[28]
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[29]
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[30]
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[31]
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[32]
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[33]
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[34]
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[35]
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[36]
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The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns, Chapter 29;
The Ryousuke Gang:
Arriving at a local restaurant in the village they had set their eyes upon, the four of them sat down by a table close to the inner section of the restaurant. It was already just past midnight, as they started ordering some late night food, when Minato spotted a odd looking fellow sitting in the corner right beside them, clothed up in all sorts of different scarfs, covering his face as only his eyes and mouth were visible.
Minato (In Thoughts): What's up with him??
As he thought, the man suddenly got up from his chair as he headed straight towards them.
Naruto: ...
Without thinking twice about it, the mysterious man seated himself right beside Minato at their table, scaring the hell out of him as Minato started freaking out.
Gaara: ...
Minato: Ehhhh?!
Sasuke: ... So... Who are you?? And why have you seated yourself at our table if I may ask?
Mysterious Stranger: ...
Naruto: Relax... Don't you recognize a friend when you see one??
Minato: ?!
Sasuke: ...
At this point, the man began to slowly unwrap his scarfs as it was revealed to be...
Gaara: Killerbee?
Sasuke: I see...
Minato: Thank the heavens! For one minute there I thought you were looking for trouble, eheheh.
Sasuke: So it's you old friend... So why haven't you told us we were meeting up with Bee, Naruto??
Naruto: We hadn't plan for it... I'm as surprised as you are.
Sasuke: Hmm...
Naruto: So what are you doing here bro?
Gaara: And how's it going?
Killerbee: Well...
As the waitress came serving their food, Killerbee began explaining how he stepped down as Raikage a year ago, how his daughter Saria took over as the 6th Raikage, leaving Darui and his wife Sarah as her advisers, and where he has been for the past year, traveling around the world before arriving in this town earlier this day. As he continued sharing his experience, something in what he said reminded Naruto of something.
Naruto: Thinking about it, we haven't had a Kage meeting in over four years... It almost feels like I've lost touch with everyone else, haha... And now that all the Kages have been replaced, they surely would have to have a new meeting soon to get to know each other better.
Gaara: Don't forget that Mei's daughter, Okuni, has already been the 7th Mizukage for the past seven years...
Naruto: Yeah I know that, but she's still part of the new generation so to speak.
Sasuke: ...
Gaara: Yeah, I suppose you're right.
Sasuke: We're all getting old, and the take over of the new generation is now more or less complete.
Killerbee: What do you mean old? You don't have to be so bold...
Sasuke: Haha, I'm only referring to the fact that Mu, my son, has become the new Tsuchikage, your daughter has become the new Raikage, Naruto's son has become the new Hokage, Mei's daughter has become the new Mizukage, and Gaara's son has become the new Kazekage... All of which are the off-spring of the Kages present during the last war, sixteen years ago.
Killerbee: Hmm...
Finishing his drink, before placing the empty cup back on the table, Killerbee then proceeded to ask the question that he had been storing up ever since he saw the four of them entering the restaurant.
Killerbee: So why are you here anyways? You do know what has been happening here for the past days?
Sasuke: ...
Gaara: No, what is that?
Killerbee: There seem to be some sort of uprising, as some of the locals have been experiencing a lot of harassing...
Naruto: That's not good... Guess we'll have to look around some in the morning, in fact, it's starting to get very late, especially for you young man.
As the four of them had finished their meal, Naruto looked at the clock as he realized it was getting way past bedtime, not only for his grandson Minato, but for the rest as well.
Minato: Heh, I can manage...
Naruto: Well, to answer your question Bee, we've been traveling the world for the past three months, ever since Gaara and I stepped down as Kages... And Sasuke and I are training our grandson Minato for the next three years.
Killerbee: Three years you say... Maybe I should join you, if I may?
Gaara: Sure you can, in fact, I was meaning to ask you the moment I realized it was you, haha.
Killerbee: Well of course I would, but first, I need to take care of someone who's misunderstood.
Sasuke: You've got yourself in argument with someone on your very first day here?
Killerbee: I'll tell you what, we can meet up at the local training field just outside the town tomorrow, as I don't want this argument to turn into sorrow.
Naruto: Alright then, see you there.
Standing up, Killerbee then wrapped the scarfs around his head again as he tossed a golden coin the waitress' way before taking his leave.
Minato: Well then, no reason to delay here any longer, let's find ourselves a place to sleep.
Gaara: Great idea son.
A few minutes later, the four of them had found themselves a nice looking motel, down a narrow alley, as Sasuke and Gaara were standing together with Minato in the reception, waiting for Naruto, as Naruto came walking down the stairs leading up to the second floor.
Naruto: Alright, I've checked the room out that we've booked for the night, and it looks decent enough... It has only two beds, but the motel has been kind enough to acquire two extra mattresses for us...
Gaara: Why did we only book one room to begin with?
Sasuke: Well she did say that they only had one room left, didn't she?
Gaara: Yeah, but-...
Before he could finish, Minato rushed towards Naruto's position as he snatched the key out off his grip, racing up the stairs.
Minato: I for one can't wait for tomorrow to begin and for my training to continue, so I might as well go upstairs and grab the best bed!
Gaara: That was fast...
Sasuke: Why didn't I think of that...
As he said, an awkward silent spread through the room as the three of them looked at each other, realizing what this meant. In matter of seconds, the three of them began racing up the stairs as well, as they were fighting to get up there first to acquire the last bed.
Reception Lady: No running inside the motel!!
[...]
Early morning the next day, the one you easily could think of as the first to wake up from bed, was not Minato at all, as he woke up and looked over at the bed where Sasuke slept for the night, only to find it empty. Perplexed at this, Minato then looked over at the two mattresses on the floor as Naruto and Gaara were snoring loudly, still fast asleep.
Minato (In Thoughts): Hmm... I wonder where grandpa Sasuke is... Why would he wake up this early? Oh well, might as well head out a bit earlier and take a look around town... After all, I don't need Gaara and grandpa Naruto to babysit me for the entire day.
Getting dressed, Minato took a quick peek in the mirror hanging on the wall as he went out the door and closed it slowly behind himself.
[...]
Further into the heart of the town was a small local bar, the clock couldn't be more than 7 AM, but still it was open, and at the front-desk sat Sasuke, as he was taking a sip of some sort of a drink.
Sasuke: ...
Swallowing the final sip of it, Sasuke then put the glass gently down again as he pulled out a picture from his inner pocket. Studying it for awhile, the bar man eventually asked him what it was all about.
Bar Man: So what are you doing this early up in the morning anyways? You do realize that you're the only customer here, right?
Sasuke: ...
Still studying the piece of paper in front of him, Sasuke looked earnestly at the picture as the bar man continued.
Bar Man: What is it that you have there anyways?
Sasuke: None of your business...
Replying in a dark tone, Sasuke seemed to be a bit annoyed, almost to the degree of being upset.
Bar Man: Let me see that...
Snatching the picture out of Sasuke's hands, the bar man looked at it for awhile as Sasuke got a mad expression on his face, surprised by the bar man's actions.
Sasuke: Hey, what are you doing, who do you think you are?! Give me that back!
Reaching his hand out, it was as if Sasuke was expecting the bar man to give it back to him immediately, but the bar man simply ignored him as he was still studying the picture.
Bar Man: Hmm...
Sasuke: ... If you have something to say, speak it.
Grabbing a hold onto the bottle standing on the desk beside his glass, Sasuke proceeded to fill his glass once more, but as he did, the bar man snatched the bottle from his grasp as well.
Bar Man: I think you've had enough already.
Sasuke: Hey!
Standing up and smashing his right hand into the desk, Sasuke looked infuriated at him, almost as if demanding the bottle back.
Bar Man: Calm down, or I'll have to ask you to leave.
Sasuke: Humph!
Slowly seating himself down again, Sasuke shook his head as he displayed that he was obviously displeased by the bar man.
Bar Man: So, who is this guy anyways? Someone you know?
After putting the bottle back where it belonged, the bar man continued to study the picture as he asked Sasuke the question he was waiting for.
Sasuke: Why, do you know him?
Bar Man: No... Never seen him before...
Sasuke: ...
Bar Man: But, he could easily be part of the Ryousuke Gang, if you're certain that this man resides in this village...
Sasuke: The Ryousuke Gang? Never heard of them.
As he said, another customer came in through the door as he ordered a drink of his own. Slowly enjoying it before finishing it up, the man tossed some coins the bar man's way as he was just about to stand up and leave, but as he was, Sasuke grabbed a hold onto his left arm. The man slowly turned his attention towards Sasuke, giving off the expression that he obviously was a drunkard, as Sasuke grabbed the picture from the bar man's grasp, and almost shoved it into the other customer's face.
Sasuke: Do you know this man?
Studying the picture for a mere second, the man slowly shook his head as he stood up and left the bar.
Sasuke: ...
Bar Man: A local drunkard that man... He's been my first customer of the day for the past two weeks... Everyday he's the first to arrive and always orders the same... This day however, you arrived before him.
Sasuke: I see...
Bar Man: So what is your story??
Sasuke: You wouldn't believed me if I told you.
Bar Man: Haha, try me!
Sasuke: I was the 5th Tsuchikage of Iwagakure...
Bar Man: 5th Tsuchikage?? Haha, and I'm the king of this town!
Seemingly amused by Sasuke's answer, the bar man began laughing out loud as Sasuke looked at him with a stern look.
Sasuke: What did I tell you...
Bar Man: Even if you were, I wouldn't know who you are... You see, this village isn't really ruled by a Kage... Neither is it know to socialize much with the outside world...
Sasuke: Hmm... Well anyways, I should get going...
Tucking the picture back into his inner pocket, Sasuke tossed some golden coins the bar man's way as he thanked Sasuke accordingly, before he got up from his chair and was just about to leave, grabbing a hold onto the outer door, when someone from the inner corner of the room shouted out to him, gaining his attention. The guy was sitting in a dark corner as only smoke from his cigaret could be seen. Sasuke let go of the door as he turned around towards the man, and as he started walking towards him, the bar man looked at Sasuke as he seemed to have a cautious look on his face, as if scared by the man in the corner. Thinking to himself, Sasuke realized that he didn't even notice that the man sitting there had entered the bar as he approached him slowly. Seating himself on a chair beside his table, the man then slowly leaned towards Sasuke as he started talking to him, putting out his cigaret in the progress.
Mysterious Stranger: Are you looking for someone??
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: I saw you were holding up a picture earlier...
Sasuke: Yeah, what about it?
Mysterious Stranger: May I see it?
Not seeing any reasons not to, Sasuke once more reached for his inner pocket of his jacket, as he pulled forth the picture and held it in front of the man.
Mysterious Stranger: As I figured...
Sasuke: ??
Taking a sip of the glass he had in his other hand, the man the continued.
Mysterious Stranger: Why are you seeking Uchiha Itachi??
Sasuke: ?!
Taken back by the man's reply, Sasuke didn't know how to respond as he was shocked hearing that there was someone who knew who his son was.
Mysterious Stranger: What, lost your tongue??
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: Are you a friend or an enemy of him?
Gathering himself, Sasuke then replied in a cold, yet calm tone.
Sasuke: It's family business.
Mysterious Stranger: I see... Well, there's a band of thugs that have taken refuge in this town for the last year... Their number is said to be quiet large, almost taking over this village completely... They've been up to nothing but bad, harassing the people living here, demanding protection money and so forth... They are called the Ryousuke Gang, lead by their leader, Ryousuke Itami.
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: They started out small, but they've only grown bigger and bigger, as more and more outlaws comes to town and joins them... Nobody dares speak their mind or oppose them anymore... They did so at first, but now...
Sasuke: And what has this to do with Itachi?? Is he... Part of this gang?
Taking a short pause, the mysterious man then continued.
Mysterious Stranger: I've heard of a guy named Uchiha Itachi being part of this gang... He wears a black mask, covering his face as only his eyes and his mouth is visible.
Sasuke: ...
Mysterious Stranger: Are you here to help?? For the past year, there's been a man who's been opposing this gang of thugs, helping out the civilians... A young, handsome looking man... But, he's only one man, and it's only so much he can do... Are you here to help him out?
Sasuke: I...
Not knowing what to say, Sasuke took a deep breath before he continued.
Sasuke: Why haven't you called out for help sooner? I'm sure the five great shinobi villages would have helped you out dealing with this situation.
Mysterious Stranger: We've tried, but we've never been able to reach out to anyone... We do have a watchtower, where birds can be sent out, but... It's being strictly guarded day in and night out by the Ryousuke Gang, and only members of the gang are allowed to use it...
Sasuke: I understand... I'll see what I can find out and do about the situation.
Tucking the picture back into his inner pocket, Sasuke then thanked the man as he got up to his feet again, ready to leave the bar.
Mysterious Stranger: So what is your name anyways?
Turning around, Sasuke had his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan activated as he replied in a cool tone.
Sasuke: Sasuke... Uchiha Sasuke.
Mysterious Stranger: ?!
[...]
Walking down a quiet-looking street with his hands behind his head, Minato was as if strolling down his path as the king of the road, just minding his own business, when he suddenly spotted someone in need.
Minato (In Thoughts): It sure is quiet around these parts at this hour... I wonder if-... Oi, that's?
Spotting a little girl standing by a tree, trying to get here cat to come down from it, Minato hurried over to her, offering his assistance.
Minato: Hey there, may I help you?
Little Girl: Are you... a Shinobi?
Minato: Oh, yes, yes I am!
Little Girl: You're not mean are you?
Minato: Mean?
Little Girl: You know, being part of the bad guys...
Minato: Bad guys?
Little Girl: My mom tells me not to talk to strangers, especially if they are Shinobi...
Minato: Why is that if I may ask?
Little Girl: Because they only do bad stuff... Here, kitty, kitty.
Still trying to get her cat to come down from the tree, the little girl looked rather oddly at Minato, who was just trying to help.
Minato: Well, if you think Shinobi are bad guys, why don't I prove you wrong?
Little Girl: Oh?
Preforming some quick hand-seals, five Shadow Clones appeared beside him.
Little Girl: Oh!! How did you do that?!
Minato: This is Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, ehehe... With it, I'm able to create shadow copies of myself.
Stacking each of his clones on top of each others' shoulders, Minato eventually reached up to the cat as he grabbed a hold onto it and helped it down, leaving it in the hands of the little girl.
Little Girl: Myau-Myau, are you okay?
The cat immediately began to show that it was enjoying itself as the little girl was brushing her hand across its fur.
Little Girl: Thank you so much mister! What is your name?
Minato: Ahaha, no problem! My name is Minato!
As he said smiling, the little girls smiled back at him as the little girl's mother opened up a window, signaling the girl to get inside the house immediately. Without question, the little girl ran inside the house with the cat in her arms as she waved Minato goodbye. Puzzled over how the civilians seemed to have a different opinion on Shinobi than the rest of the world, Minato intertwined his hands behind his head again as he continued to stroll down the street.
Minato: What was that all about...
Continuing down the street, Minato suddenly spotted a dog running towards him, as he slowly bent down to it, starting to cuddle with it as the dog rolled over on his back.
Minato: Who are you little doggy? Are you lost? Hmm... No necklace... You're homeless, aren't you?
The dog was quiet small and skinny, and couldn't be more than just a few months old. It was still a puppy, and its full brown colored body was completed with a white colored tail. As Minato was about to move on, the dog quickly followed after him as it started barking at him as if saying that he should bring him with him.
Minato: Geez... Alright, guess I have no choice then.
Picking the puppy up and placing it on his head, Minato then continued down the street again as he heard some screams coming down from the end of it.
Minato: Now what?!
Just further up ahead, there was a kid around his own age being harassed by some older looking bullies. Not standing to watch as the act unfolded itself, Minato spotted an older looking woman standing at the other end of the street, looking all shocked witnessing the whole event. As he ran over to her, she almost jumped in the air, thinking that Minato was going to do her harm, but he quickly calmed her down as he asked her if she could look out for this lost puppy while he was going to try and help the poor kid.
Elderly Woman (Stuttering): Yo-u.. shouldn't... try to take them... out... on your own... son... You should get... ba-ck...up... Either that... or you should... let it happen, or try reasoning... with them...
Minato: I have to do something! There's no time to waste! You should lock the door and wait this out.
Running over to the thugs, Minato activated his sharingan as he drew the thugs attention away from the innocent kid, enabling him to run away from them.
Thug 1: Now who's this kid?
Thug 2: Someone who's looking for trouble as well I take it.
Thug 1: Haha, but what could a simple kid do to us?
Thug 3: Oh, but it seems like he has the Sharingan...
As Minato charged at them, countless punches and kicks were exchanged with them as five new Shadow Clones appeared beside him. Seemingly having the upper hand, Minato soon realized that their experience and power were beyond him as the clones got defeated one by one. Before he knew it, he felt a karate-chop to the back of his head as he fell to the ground unconscious.
Thug 1: That's what you get, trying to mess with us!
The thugs then decided to leave as the older woman and the dog came running towards him.
*An Hour Later*
Minato: Uhm... Where... Am I?
Waking up in a bed, Minato quickly realized what had just happened as the dog was sleeping on top of him and the older woman from before came over to him.
Elderly Woman: I told you to get some help... Didn't I?
Minato: I... Well at least those thugs left that poor kid alone... Ugh!
Feeling a pain in the back of his head from the previous blow, Minato was just about to reach his hand over to it when the older woman stopped him from doing so.
Elderly Woman: You shouldn't touch the wound with you hands...
Finishing treating it, the woman put on a large sticking plaster in the back of his head as Minato let out a small groan, waking the dog up as well.
Elderly Woman: Those three thugs are part of the Ryousuke Gang... They are up to noting good, and they're allowed to do as they like around here, messing with whomever they want...
Minato: ?! If there's such a gang of bandits around here, I need to tell Gaara-San and grandpa Naruto and Sasuke!
Quickly getting up from the bed, Minato seemed as if in a hurry.
Elderly Woman: Oh??
Minato: We can't let this continue as it is, they can't get away with such crimes!
Getting dressed again, Minato seemed as almost ready to take off as he turned his attention towards the older woman once more.
Minato: Could you watch over this dog until I return? May I ask you that favor?
Elderly Woman: Sure, shouldn't be a problem, but you shouldn't take any more risks, you-...
Minato: Thanks!
But before she managed to finish her line, Minato disappeared out through the door.
Elderly Woman: What a nice young man...
Running out on the streets again, Minato was heading back to the motel when he spotted the same trio of thugs that he had run into earlier. Seeing him running towards them, the three of them turned their attention towards him.
Thug 1: Oh, are you back for more?
Minato: I have no time for you guys, get out of my way!
Thug 2: Huh??
Minato (In Thoughts): I have no time to deal with them this time, I need to tell the others first and then deal with them later!
Running just past them with his attention still fixed on them, the thugs looked at him perplexed as Minato ran straight into a large looking man, further down the road.
Minato: Ugh!
Coming to a complete stop, Minato fell over on his back as the larger man turned around towards him while the three thugs were laughing in the background.
Minato (In Thoughts): Damn it, is this guy from the Ryousuke Gang too?!
Thug 4: What on earth are you doing?! Watch where you're going kid!
Grabbing a hold onto Minato's sweater, the thug lifted him up in the air before throwing him back into the ground again.
Thug 4: I'm a member of the Ryousuke Gang, and you need to show some respect around here!
Minato: I'm sorry if I act beyond my jurisdiction, but I have no time for bullies like you!
Trying to run past the large man, Minato came to a complete stop once again as the thug grabbed a hold onto the hood of his sweater, holding him back as he called two other thugs, who were also standing there in the streets, towards him.
Thug 4: Oh, but we're not done quite yet...
[...]
Gaara: Oh, I think we've overslept Naruto.
Naruto: What time is it??
Waking from their slumbers, Naruto looked at his watch and realized it was 9 AM already as the two of them got up from the mattresses they were sleeping on, getting dressed in the process.
Gaara: I guess Sasuke has already taken Minato outside to train or something.
Naruto: Hmm... I guess so.
Looking over at the two empty beds, Naruto and Gaara realized that they were the last to wake up.
Gaara: Well, I guess that gives us some time to do some exploring...
Naruto: What do you have in mind?
Gaara: I think I'm going to take a look around town... We can meet up later.
Naruto: Alright then, I'll head down to one of the bars around here to grab some food.
As the two of them headed out the door, the cleanup-ladies showed up as they began to clean their room.
[...]
?: Hey, you!
Naruto: ??
?: Yes you! Is this kid yours?!
Naruto was seated by a table at a local bar, having a cup of sake, when suddenly two local thugs, lead by a larger, muscular guy, came over to him, dragging Minato with them.
Naruto: Yes he is, how come?
Minato: Let me go, before I kick your butt!
Thug 1: Shut up!
Struggling to get free, Minato was trying his best to get out of the ropes that had been tied around his arms, behind his back, making him unable to preform any jutsus.
Naruto: What's the meaning of this... What did he do?
Thug 1: He bumped straight into me out in the streets, and refused to bow down in respect to us!
Minato: I said I was sorry already!
Thug 2: He told you to shut up kid!
Tightening the ropes around Minato's arms, the thug seemed to be in a rather faulty mood.
Naruto: If he already apologized, then I don't see what the problem is?
Asking polity, Naruto then took a sip of his sake and placed it down on the table again. As he did, the thug slammed his right hand down on the table, tipping over Naruto's drink and causing a crack to appear across the table.
Thug 1: Don't you get it?! Whenever you see us in this village, you're suppose to bow down!
Thug 3: We're part of the famous Ryousuke gang, and we're in charge of this village! You surely must have heard of us!
Thug 2: That's right! Nobody dears oppose us around here, especially since there's no one from the five main villages here to rule and protect this town.
Thug 1: So what is it going to be smart face? Outsiders like you two will definitely have to bow down, or you'll get to see the boss himself!
The thug, being on the tip of the iceberg, grabbed a hold of Minato's head and pressed it down towards the table, trying to get Naruto's attention. The other locals who also were seated in the bar, started getting nervous as the bar owner slowly ducked behind the bar-table, when Naruto suddenly responded, but this time, in a more serious tone.
Naruto: I've heard of you alright... You're the notorious gang that has done nothing else than creating misery and trouble for the locals in this village, collecting money from them and threatening them of what you would do if they don't follow your so-called rules. Money that does not belong to you in the first place... If you don't leave this bar right now, if you don't let go of Minato right this instance, you will force me to get serious...
Naruto who had stayed calm during the whole situation, began to get a bit annoyed as he saw how much of a trouble these thugs were causing. Not only that, but at the same time, they were throwing Minato around, which Naruto definitely wouldn't allow them to do for much longer.
Thug 1: What did you say?! Enough chit-chat! If you don't bow down now, you'll have to see our boss and you'll be in big trouble!
The larger looking thug said as he pushed away the table that Naruto was seated by.
Minato: I would not have done that if I was you... Now you've done it.
Thug 1: Shut up you brat!
As he said, he was just about to smack Minato across his face, but to his surprisal, Naruto stood up and grabbed his arm before he was able to. In rage, the thug dragged his arm free and confronted Naruto even more fiercely.
Thug 1: So you're picking a fight, ey? Listen little man, if you don't come quietly with us now, you will have to deal with our boss! He's a renown S Ranked Missing-nin from Konoha, he's...
Naruto: Ryousuke Itami...
Thug 1: Hah, so you know him, then you must know of his powers!
Naruto: I'm getting tired of this, I suggest you leave now before it gets ugly. You've already made enough trouble here and anyone who doesn't have the ability to stay calm would have made their move once you came in. Besides, you're starting to piss me off, and making me serious is something you would avoid for your own safety...
Furious to hear what Naruto said, the thug was just about to un-holster his katana, when he suddenly felt a fist, placed on his forehead. The thug looked up as Naruto flicked him off with his middle finger at full force, sending him flying on the back, past the bar manager, through the wall of the bar and into the streets. The two other thugs ran in fear as Naruto untied Minato's hands. He then proceeded to the hole that had been made in the wall, as he stopped by the bar man.
Naruto: I'm sorry about the wall mister. Here take this as compensation, hope this will cover for the damage.
The man looked at the money bag Naruto place on the table, as ten shiny sparkling crystal coins met his sight.
Bar Man (In Thoughts): This is more than enough to buy a new bar or even a new house! Screw this bar! With this, I'll be able to move out of this dreadful town!
Minato: ...
Bar Man: Of course it will do, don't worry about the wall, I'll fix it later.
Naruto: Good to hear.
Bar Man: Please come again!
Naruto then stepped outside with Minato right behind him as he walked towards the thug who barely managed to lift his head up to see Naruto closing in on him. Smoke around him from the crash began to settle as he started to crawl backwards to avoid Naruto.
Thug 1: Wait... Wait!...
On both side of the streets, you could see people closing their doors and windows as the rest of the whole gang came closing in from both side. The two thugs that ran away from the bar earlier, had alerted the rest as the street started filling up.
Thug 1: Now you've done it! We're over 9000 members in this gang, you will pay for this!
From Naruto's right you could see a person emerging out of the crowd.
Thug 1: Ryousuke himself is here, hehehe, you're in big trouble now.
The thug halted himself back up on his feet as he ran towards Ryousuke and whispered into his ear what just had happened. Ryousuke closed in on Naruto as he was about to confront him.
Minato: Over 9000?! Well... I guess they shouldn't be a problem for you grandpa...
Naruto: ... Whatever you do, stay away from this.
Minato: But...
Naruto: This is no fight for you to fight in, now go!
Running back inside the bar again to follow the situation from a more safe distance, Minato watched as Ryousuke stopped a couple of feet away from Naruto.
Ryousuke: Who on earth are you, thinking you can challenge all of us?! You're only one person!! Do you have any idea of who I am? I'm Ryousuke Itami, the leader of this gang!
The whole gang started laughing as their roar filled the air, almost feeling like the noise created by the crowd of a Chunin exam. The gang members all raised their weapons, as Ryousuke pointed his sword at Naruto.
Naruto: Your numbers won't matter. If you are who you say you are, I will bring you in and bring peace to this village. You've been able to roam free for far too long...
Ryousuke: Guhahaha! You got to be insane!! Only a kage level ninja would be able to match me... Even the five kages themselves wouldn't be able to defeat all of us. What foul would utter such words?
The gang started closing in on both sides as they numbered so many that eyes couldn't see past them. Chakra began leaking out of Naruto as his Bijou mode form started to emerge. Only that this one was even more complexed, as if taken to another level.
Naruto: Since you ask... My friends know me as Uzumaki Naruto... Everyone else refers to me as The 6th Hokage of Konoha, The 1st Sekaiteki-Kage of the Joint Shinobi Alliance and the Shinobi World, and the host of the Jubi... As your former Hokage, it is my duty to bring you in!
Thug 1: ?????!!!!!!
Ryousuke: !! It can't be, yo...-u're... You are!
Naruto: As real as it gets!
As he said, the Bijou Mode took full form, as his chakra exploded in all directions filling the air with an intense and powerful force. In his right hand, an intense chakra began forming, however, this one was not like any regular rasengan seen before, but it glowed in all types of color.
Minato: You better run for your lives... all of you.
Naruto: So while I'm here, I might as well round up this missing-nin criminal from my own village and free the locals from your rule...
Ryousuke: You're... The Legendary Sage of Konoha?!?!
Starting to panic, Ryousuke dropped his sword on the ground in fear as he realized his boast had been in vain. Several members from the gang started disappearing as their number thinned out more and more as the name of Uzumaki Naruto spread between them. Naruto grabbed Ryousuke by the neck with his left hand and lifted him up in the air as he was just about to smash his newly formed Rasengan into him.
Ryousuke: Pl... Plea... please!! I beg you.. don't kill me!
Naruto's Bijou mode chakra grew so intense it almost covered the whole street around them. Naruto looked at him with serious eyes as he threw him into the wall of a nearby house.
Minato: Geez, that's what you get from messing with him.
Around them, all of the members of Ryousuke's gang had started disappearing, leaving only their boss left behind. But before they managed to disappear completely, the larger thug who had confronted Naruto at the bar earlier, was seen flying through the crowd from the right side of the street, as he crashed down on the ground. Ryousuke looked up, only to find the Rasengan in Naruto's hand gone. The rest of the gang suddenly came running back from both sides, as two clones of Naruto was seen on the end of each street, one with smoke coming out of his hand.
Minato (In Thoughts): You transferred the Rasengan over to that clone of yours... Not bad grandad!
Naruto: If you want to live, don't move!
Naruto screamed out as the whole gang halted, unable to decide whether to attack one of the clones or just watch silently by as Naruto approached Ryousuke again, this time, with his Rinnegan activated. The clones however were standing there, as if guarding the exits as none of the gang members dared approach them.
Ryousuke: Is he... Is h-e... But how, and when?!
Naruto: I didn't go full force on him... So he shouldn't be dead. But don't mistake that for kindness!
Ryousuke looked over at the larger thug and noticed that he had a spiral-shaped wound on his stomach, and as Naruto slowly closed in on Ryousuke, the rest of the gang watched in fear. Naruto had almost reached him, when he suddenly witnessed a move Naruto never had seen before in his life... At least not to such an extent.
Ryousuke: Noo!! Please!
Having crawled over to Naruto's feet, Ryousuke was clinging onto them, begging for his life.
?: Huh... So this is the man I've heard so much about around the village. Heh, I guess you already have this situation under control, Naruto...
Minato: Gaara!
On the building above Naruto and Ryousuke, Gaara had appeared.
Naruto: Took you long enough... Fell asleep at one of the bars around here?
Gaara: Hah, don't get ahead of yourself.
Ryousuke: Wha... No... Gaara of the Sand is here too?!!!!!
Completely in fear of the foes standing before him, Ryousuke could do nothing more than to hope for their mercy.
Naruto: ...
Minato: Wasn't this guy suppose to be a S ranked criminal?... There is no way he can be that if he's this weak. Pathetic...
Naruto: I guess he's been telling his gang members that he's better than he really is. No wonder how he managed to gather such a large gang.
Gaara: Oh really?
Naruto: I know this guy... He is one of the guys from a small group that went rogue and left Konoha, seven years ago. This guy is really only a B ranked criminal, and he's probably the one who started the uprising.
Minato: Ehhhhh?! Then even I could have beaten him!
Gaara: Hmm... I see.
Minato: Well, he should have known who you were grandpa... I mean, everyone knows who you are, and especially since he's from Konoha as well. He sure barked up the wrong tree.
As the situation was still pretty tense, and the gang members still unable to decide what to do, another man, all of a sudden, appeared in front of them.
Killerbee: Hey, yo! Get ready to feel the sting of the bee as Killerbee is here, this will be too much for you thugs to bare, yeah!!
Naruto: So you decided to show up as well...
Ryousuke: I... The... No... You're the 5th Raikage?!
Minato: Looks like you shouldn't have said the thing about even the five kages would not be able to defeat you all, earlier. You should be careful what you wish for...
Killerbee: So what are we going to do with this so called leader? It would be easier just to kill him off, don't you think, just like that, you won't even have to blink!
At this, Gaara raised his hands helplessly in the air, not giving much thoughts of the situation as Killerbee continued rapping.
Ryousuke: What?! But... but... you can't?! It's not the way you're suppose to...
Naruto: And the way you're been treating this town is? Get off my feet already!
Naruto then kicked Ryousuke off towards the wall as his constant plea for his life started to annoy him.
Gaara: Hah, I guess it will be up to you.
Jumping down from the building, Gaara went into the bar where Minato had taken cover as he ordered a cup of sake. Killerbee gave Naruto a tap on the back as he too joined Gaara. Naruto, still thinking about the situation, began approaching Ryousuke once more.
Ryousuke: Wait!... Wait!! You can't do this?! I'll go to jail... Yeah that's it! I'll go to jail and serve my time!
Ryousuke had crawled backwards towards the wall of the building behind him as Naruto approached him once again. Naruto then lifted up his hand in the air, fired up a Rasengan and smashed his rasengan straight towards him.
Ryousuke: Noo!!
Closing his eyes, Ryousuke knew he couldn't do anything to stop it, but as he opened them up again, he saw the rasengan just inches from his face as Naruto suddenly canceled it and his Bijou mode form started retracting. He then walked a few steps backwards and turned around towards the bar as Ryousuke quickly crawled after him and started kissing his feet, thanking him for sparing his life.
Naruto: *Sigh*... Oi, old man at the bar... Do you have some way to message other villages?
Bar Man: Well... we have one message center, further up in the village, but it haven't been used in years because of this gang ruling our town.
Naruto: I see, well I guess we will head over there then and send a message to Konoha to come pick up this man. Then we'll decide what to do with the rest of the gang.
Ryousuke: Thank you! Thank you for being merciful!
Letting out another loud sigh, Naruto was trying to wrap the situation up as Killerbee started laughing, swallowing down another cup of sake. From the streets, people who had been witnessing what just happened from their windows, came out of their houses and closed in on the bar as they all started applauding at Naruto for dealing with the gang.
Naruto: Hey, you guys shouldn't come out yet, the situation isn't over!
As he said, all of the gang members started throwing their weapons down in a pile beside him as they sat down and lined up in a row down the streets, being closely watched by Naruto's two Sage clones.
Minato: Geez, and this many... If it hadn't been for your clones guarding the exits at each end, I doubt there would be any way controlling this crowd of criminals.
Gaara: You always seem to have an impact on people Naruto, just like in the old days huh... Anyways, this will be a perfect time to utilize the high security prison we decided to open up on the north isle of Kiri during the last Kage meeting four years ago... The one we visited three months ago. However, the only problem would be transporting all of them there.
Still surprised of the number of the gang, Gaara started planning how they would deal with them all, when suddenly, one mysterious person, who had been standing by, witnessing the whole thing, stepped forward as he called out to them. He was wearing a black mask, which only revealed his eyes and mouth.
?: Enough!
Naruto: ?!
?: At first I thought I would just stand by watching you deal with this gang, but if there is one lesson I learned from my time in Konoha and Iwa, it was to never back out from a potential good fight!
Naruto, Gaara, Killerbee, Minato and the rest of the villagers were puzzled to see that there was one man, who suddenly wanted to have a fight with them, as Naruto turned around to face him while Gaara and Killerbee came out of the bar as well and lined up beside him.
?: It doesn't matter who you people are, even if you're unbeatable, I want to request a fight with you! At least give me that!
Gaara: Who is this guy?
Naruto: ...
?: This gang would not be able to defeat the three of you, especially seeing how the leader of this gang is really a coward. I know, as I've been opposing them for the last month...
Ryousuke: Opposing us?
?: But you guys should at least have one real fight before declaring this situation as over. Therefore, I request a fight with one of you, one on one!
Gaara: And what do you seek by fighting one of us?
?: I want to test my limits, facing real opponents!
As he said, chakra began leaking out from him as his eyes turned red.
Killerbee: Mangekyo Sharingan?! Who the hell is he?!... Nevertheless, he should be no match for me!
Killerbee then stepped forward as he readied himself to face this new foe.
?: Is this suppose to be a joke? I don't want to face a low life like you, let me face Naruto!
Killerbee: Why you little?!
Having to almost restrain Killerbee from attacking the man, Gaara struggled to keep him in check as Naruto stepped forward.
Naruto: Who are you? What is your name? Where did you get Mangekyo Sharingan from? And why are you wearing a mask?
?: I've traveled the land, looking to find my place for the last couple of years. I arrived in this town two years ago, and immediately noticed how this town was being controlled by this ruthless gang. Even if I might be powerful, I do not have the ability to take them all on by myself, so I decided to hide myself among them... I am Uchiha-...
But before he managed to finish his line, he felt a presence from behind as he immediately drew out a kunai and swung around, only to clash and stand face to face with Sasuke.
Sasuke: Itachi...
Naruto: Itachi?!
Jumping back to gain some space, Itachi tried to gain control of his emotions as he saw the man standing in front of him.
Itachi: Wha... Dad?! What are you doing here?!!
Sasuke: Naruto... let me deal with this. You guys can go arrange the birds so that we can get these criminals transported. I... will fight my son if he really wants to have a fight.
Naruto nodded in agreement, as Gaara and Killerbee went with the bar man to the bird tower, further into the village. Naruto however, stood behind to watch the gang members, with his two Sage clones still intact. As Minato slowly went up to him, Itachi began raging in despair.
Itachi: No... I don't want to fight you! I have nothing more to say to you!
Sasuke: Son... why are you doing this? Why did you leave the village without a word, seven years ago?
Itachi: You really are blind! All I ever wanted was for you to acknowledge me, but you sent me away as a kid, and blamed me for starting the fight with Jiraiya... You never cared for your own son! That's why!
Crying out at Sasuke, Itachi was all shaken up as seeing his dad here, which was the last thing he had expected.
Sasuke: I... I know I haven't been a good father to you, but I always did what I thought was best for you. Training in the mountains, in that camp, was only for your own good. I didn't want you to be harassed for being my son, for my past mistakes, and that is exactly what would have happened if you went to the Shinobi academy in Iwa! It took years before I got accepted as an ally, and I didn't want you to pay for my past mistakes...
Sasuke, with a sad look on his face, looked over at his son Itachi who was retorting back at him.
Itachi: Did you ever think that I would have had it differently if I got to choose?! You gave me no choice when you sent me up there! I would have dealt with it and focused on my training!
Sasuke: I...
Not sure what to say next, and obviously understanding his own son's rage towards him, Sasuke tried reasoning with him, to make him understand.
Sasuke: You know my past... You know the reason I went rogue to begin with. I didn't want you to feel the same anger, to go through the loneliness I experienced! That's also one of the reason we moved back to Konoha!
Itachi: But it didn't stop there! You froze me out, favoring Miyuki and Mu... You never cared to listen to what I had to say, never let me create my own path, you never believed in me to begin with!
Still in rage at his dad, Itachi was shaking heavily, as if he was fighting his own will to charge at his own father.
Sasuke: Itachi...
Naruto: ...
Sad to witness how Itachi had turned out and seeing how the both of them were struggling to know what to say, Naruto went over to Sasuke as he turned his focus towards Itachi.
Naruto: Itachi... I know you didn't feel like you fitted in Iwa... Sasuke was hoping that everything would change when you moved to Konoha, and I know I can't say how you felt about your new home, but one thing is certain, Sasuke always meant the best for you, and he never intended for you to get hurt. We never blamed you for the fight you had with Jiraiya.
Itachi: I did feel home at Konoha, I did make friends... My past... my family's past, meant nothing, but me being an Uchiha would never change, the name still clung in people's ears, reminding them of the past. I tried telling you how I felt, but you never listened father!
Pausing for a second, Itachi then continued.
Itachi: And when that fight with Jiraiya happened, I had had enough. That was the proof I needed, that I did not belong! I never wanted to leave, but I had no choice! I tried telling you both back then, but you would not listen... You pushed me away!
Naruto: And for that, you felt the need to run away?
Itachi: I never intended to, but as I traveled, past meant nothing and I finally had a chance to live like a normal person... I might have met up with some bad people, and left at an unfortunate time, but I never laid a finger on a single innocent person! Do not accuse me for going rogue!
Naruto: We are not accusing you of anything...
Itachi: I... I never...
Sasuke: Son...
Itachi: The moment I left, there was no turning back. You don't simply return after leaving the village... You father, should know all about that. After a while, I wanted to but...
Naruto: Why didn't you come home then...?
Itachi: I... Once I left, there was no way back. I didn't dare face Konoha again... If you view me as a criminal, you better charge me as one.
Obviously having lost his will to have a fight, like he wanted, Itachi was willing to forget the whole thing, admitting his past mistakes.
Naruto: You are not recorded as being a missing-nin... We never heard any words of where you had gone. Sasuke has been looking for you for the past seven years...
Sasuke: ...
Itachi: I'm done running away...
Grabbing a hold onto his mask, he then ripped it off and threw it to the ground. As he did, several of the civilians that had been around, witnessing the whole event, suddenly recognized him and began praising him for helping them out with the gang members causing trouble on earlier occasions. Before anyone managed to say anything, Ryousuke screamed out, pointing his finger at him.
Ryousuke: You?! You!! It can't be Itachi?! You are the one who's been causing trouble for our gang ever since you set your feet inside this town!
The rest of the gang members began chattering amongst themselves, as the civilians began praising Itachi, revealing how he had been helping people around the town, chasing off gang members who had been causing trouble.
Sasuke: What?! You've been helping these civilians out all the time?!
Itachi: I... I used the mask to hide my identity, and whenever I could help people, I appeared in my normal attire to throw them off... Only the three people I left Konoha with seven years ago, knew what I looked like without the mask, but they're long gone by now...
Naruto: But... If that makes any sense, why did you want to fight me?
Itachi: I figured that when I had a chance to fight the famous Naruto, to test my own strength, and at the same time, get out some of the rage I had for my father and your son, out on you, I wouldn't let the opportunity get pass me... So here I am.
Naruto: So what are you willing to do now?
Itachi: Like I said, I'm done running away.
Throwing away his kunai, his Mangekyo Sharingan then deactivated.
Sasuke: Does this mean?
Itachi: Yes, I'll come home, if I'm still allowed to.
Naruto: Very well. I don't see no reason for this to go on any longer.
As he said, Gaara, Killerbee and the bar man returned.
Gaara: Okay, the birds have been sent out... Reinforcement to deal with these criminals should arrive shortly.
Naruto: Good.
[...]
*Three days Later*
As the days had passed and the Ryousuke Gang had been taken care off, Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Minato and Killerbee finally found themselves at the local training field, just as they planned out three days ago. They were however, accompanied by Itachi, who had decided to join them.
Naruto: I'm glad you decided to join us, Itachi.
Itachi: Yeah...
As Naruto and Sasuke were training Minato, Itachi stood idle by watching them, not really sure what to say. In the background, Gaara and Killerbee were resting up a bit by the shades of a tree as the burning sun shone upon the field.
Itachi: So... What relationship do you have with Minato anyways dad?
Sasuke: He's my grandson...
Itachi: ?!
Hearing this, Itachi quickly realized what he meant as he thought back at his encounter with Mu, four years ago.
Itachi: He's the son of Miyuki and Jiraiya, isn't he?
Naruto: He sure is... Meaning, he's your nephew.
Minato: Wait, say what?! Itachi is my uncle then... Well figured, he's Sasuke's son after all.
Momentarily halting his training, Minato then continued as he charged at Naruto with two Shadow Clones activated. After a brief encounter, Minato then jumped back to gain some space as Sasuke spoke out.
Sasuke: Alright, let's have a small break.
Heading over to the tree were Gaara and Killerbee were seated as well, the four of them sat down as Minato, Sasuke and Naruto had a short water break before the training continued.
[...]
*2 and a Half Years Later*
On top of a large hill, with a view that few could match, Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi were just about to say their goodbyes to Gaara and Killerbee, as the journey had come to and end, and it was time to head back home.
Gaara: So I guess this is it then...
Killerbee: It sure is, and this journey was not a miss!
Naruto: We'll see you guys later then, and be sure to take care alright?
Sasuke: And don't forget to stay in touch...
Itachi: Yeah!
Minato: Damn, it's going to feel strange coming back to Konoha now...
As the group was about to split in three, with Gaara going one way, Killerbee another, and the rest back to Konoha, they left behind some departing words as they were on their way again. Just a few days later, the four of them were at the border of Konoha as they could see the village in the distance. As they closed in on it, they noticed that something seemed to be going on as a lot of people and camps were to be seen just outside the East gate.
Minato: What's going on?
Itachi: ...
Naruto: I'm not sure...
Sasuke: Well, something is definitely up here.
Walking through the camps in front of them, the four of them stopped for a brief talk with someone who seemed to be from Suna. After exchanging Intel with them, they quickly discovered that it in fact was something going on, and that it was the first Kage meeting in almost 7 years.
Naruto: So there's a Kage meeting going on... Interesting.
Sasuke: Feels strange not being a part of it, doesn't it?
Naruto: Yeah... Well then, let's head over to the Hokage-Mansion and find out.
[...]
Over at the Hokage-Mansion, the Kage meeting seemed to be coming to an end, as the five Kages, together with their advisers, had finally put together a new meeting.
Jiraiya: Yes I agree with that, something in which I ran through with Hiruzen and Mito at first, and they agreed as well.
Mu: Excellent.
Ebizo: So, now that everything has been discussed and we've all got to know each other a little better, I believe that there shouldn't be any reasons to not continuing supporting each other and this alliance.
Saria: You're absolutely right... This alliance was founded by our forefathers, and we should honor both them and each other by keeping it as it is.
Okuni: Indeed.
The new generation of Kages seemed to already be adapting themselves to their roles quite well, and stability throughout the land was more solid now than ever before. Beside Jiraiya, stood his two advisers, Mito and Hiruzen, while Ebizo had Kankuro and Kushina as his side. Mu on the other hand, had Ritschi as his right handed man, and some unknown female in her 50s as his other adviser, while Saria, Killerbee's daughter, had her own mother, Sarah, and of course, the veteran Shinobi Darui, as hers. And finally, Okuni, who was the daughter of the late Mei, had Yukimura and one younger male in his 20s, as her advisers. Just as the five of them were about to conclude their meeting, Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi came knocking on the door.
Jiraiya: Well, with that, I guess we can agree that this meeting has come to an en-...
*Knock, Knock*
Ebizo: ??
Mu: ...
Jiraiya: Who could that be?
Hiruzen: Someone who hasn't figured out that there's an important meeting taking place here?
Mito: Don't jump to conclusion just yet.
Kankuro: Well, somebody should perhaps open the door?
Kushina: ...
Yukimura: I'll do it then.
Heading over to the door, Yukimura opened it up, only to find familiar faces on the other side of it.
Yukimura: Oh?!
Ritschi: Well, who was it?
Stepping aside, the rest soon realized who it were as the four of them stepped inside, one by one.
Darui: Isn't it?!
Kushina: Dad??
Jiraiya: You're back!
Mu: I didn't expect you to arrive home so soon?
Naruto: Not interrupting anything, are we?
Sasuke: Duh, of course not... It's just an official Kage meeting after all.
Jiraiya: Our meeting were about to be concluded nonetheless.
Minato: Dad!
Running over to him, Minato jumped into his grasp as Jiraiya fell back into his Kage-chair. Looking towards the door as the four of them came in, one by one, Mu on the other hand stood very surprised when he saw who the last one were.
Mu: Ita-... Itachi?!
Itachi: Brother...
Realizing that his dad told him the truth when he sent out a bird, detailing that they had convinced Itachi to come back with them, Mu just couldn't believe it as he stood up from his chair and went over to him.
Mu: So dad's letter was indeed true then... Welcome home brother!
Itachi: I-...
Before he managed to say anything, Mu embraced him as he gave him a long and hard hug, refusing to let go off him.
Minato: Aunt Kushina, you're here too??
Kushina: Where would I else be?
Naruto: So the rumors were true then?
Kushina: Rumors?
Naruto: Yeah... I hear about you and Ebizo...
Ebizo: What?!
Almost panicking, Ebizo stood up from his chair, as if showing his utmost respect towards Naruto.
Naruto: Haha, relax my son! I've already given my approval long time ago... After all, I did just spend almost three years with your father.
Ebizo: I...
Kushina: So mom told you then...
Naruto: No, actually, Jiraiya did.
Looking over at him, Kushina seemed almost surprised.
Jiraiya: Hey, don't look at me, I thought you already had told him that you moved to Suna a year ago?
Naruto: I see... Well that's fine I suppose.
Kushina: Jiraiya! I hadn't told him yet!
Jiraiya: Oh, haha, my bad! Well now he knows.
Naruto: So you're Ebizo's adviser then, alongside Kankuro, I take it?
Kankuro: She sure is! But those two love birds are more focused on each other than doing their work, haha.
Ebizo: Uncle!!
Kankuro: I'm just joking, haha. So how was Gaara?
Naruto: He was fine, in fact, we just parted ways with him and Killerbee a few days ago.
As Naruto said, Saria and her mother Sarah came over to them, as Darui was having a chat with Sasuke in the background.
Saria: So my dad is finally coming home then, after almost four years?
Naruto: Yeah, he sure is.
Sarah: Hmm... Well about time, his wife has missed him a lot!
Naruto: Haha, I'm sure you have Sarah.
Forming a smile on his face, the three of them began to laugh as Mu finally let go of Itachi at the other end of the room.
Mu: So what was it that made you come back with Naruto and dad?
Itachi: Well...
Standing not too far away, Sasuke overheard them while talking to Darui as he came over to them.
Sasuke: Why don't we meet up with Miyuki and Kurotsuchi later today? Then we can catch up all we'd like.
Mu: That's a great idea! I'm sure Miyuki and mom have missed you a lot too, Itachi.
Itachi: Yeah...
Mu: And mom is probably dying to see you dad!
Sasuke: Haha, we'll see about that.
The room being crowded enough as it was, Jiraiya saw the opportunity to end the meeting as he called out for everyone's attention.
Jiraiya: I guess, since the meeting is over, we might proceed to exit this room to get some fresh air everyone, as I'm sure some of you have a lot of catching up to do.
Okuni: Great idea, Yukimura, Ikari, let's head out.
Leaving the room, the Mizukage was followed by her advisers as Naruto, Jiraiya, Minato, Ebizo, Kushina, Kankuro, Mito and Hiruzen quickly followed as well. On their way out, Jiraiya gave off a nod to Itachi, whom nodded back.
Sasuke: Right, we should head outside as well then.
As Itachi left out the door, Ritschi and Mu's other adviser went along as well, as Saria, Killerbee's daughter, came over to Mu and Sasuke, signaling Darui and Sarah to leave as well.
Saria: Mu, aren't you going outside as well?
Mu: I'll be right there love.
Giving her a kiss on her chin, Mu then turned his attention towards Sasuke as Saria left out the door.
Sasuke: You and Killerbee's daughter... I didn't know that.
Mu: What is there to know? We've only just got to know each other...
Sasuke: What, you're almost nineteen now and she's almost 28?
Mu: Pff, age is only a number and doesn't really matter dad, come, let's head outside as well.
Over at Jiraiya's house, Miyuki was preparing dinner as Jiraiya and Minato came inside the door, after parting ways with Naruto, followed by Kushina and Ebizo, who went straight home to check up on Hinata. Turning around to see who it was, a bright smile formed on Miyuki's face as she saw that Minato came with Jiraiya through the door.
Miyuki: Minato, you're back, just as planned!!
Getting down on her knees, Miyuki firmly grasped Minato as both of them began to shed some tears. Standing in the background, Jiraiya had a proud look on his face.
Minato: I'll never leave you again mom, I promise!! *Sniff*
Miyuki: Oh, Minato! *Sniff*
Jiraiya: I have an idea... Let's eat dinner now, and head over to your father and mother' place afterwards, I'm sure you want to see your father and long lost brother again, right Miyuki? And Mu is there too...
Miyuki: What, Itachi is home??!
Jiraiya: Yep, he is.
Miyuki: Yeah that would be nice for sure!
Upon hearing this, Miyuki got even more thrilled, as she quickly prepared the dinner for the two of them. Over at Naruto's house, Naruto was embraced as soon as he entered the door, as Hinata almost refused to let go off him. If the bright day wasn't enough to make people in Konoha happy, the return of Naruto, Sasuke, Minato and Itachi surely did.
Hinata: It's been forever!
Naruto: I... Yeah, I know, but I'm back now.
Ebizo: Ehm, I don't mean to interrupt the moment, but ehm...
Kushina: Haha, it's alright Ebizo.
As the hour passed by, Jiraiya, Miyuki and Minato came knocking on Sasuke and Kurotsuchi's house, as they were welcomed inside.
Sasuke: Long time no see, Miyuki.
Mu: Well you're not the only one dad.
Miyuki: Itachi... Is that really you?
Almost as if surprised seeing her brother there, even though she knew that he was arriving with them, Miyuki could almost not believe her own eyes as she embraced him as hard as she could.
Kurotsuchi: So... Had a nice trip I suppose?
Sasuke: Haha, don't act as if you're not affected by this!
Going over to her, the two of them hugged each other as well, as Jiraiya turned his attention down towards Minato.
Jiraiya: Son... Now that you're back, I have something I want to talk with you about.
Minato: Oh yeah?
Jiraiya: I've talked some with Hiruzen and Mito, and we've decided to put you in a three man team with their two daughters, Ami and Aiko...
Minato: Oh really now? Yeah, I know them from my childhood at the academy...
Jiraiya: They are both just about to graduate from their Jutsu academies, so I was thinking of teaming them up with you.
Minato: But what about me? Are you proposing that I skip the second academy?
Jiraiya: I was thinking you could do both at the same time... After all, you are a genius for you age.
Minato: Hah, really now... Well, I would like to go to the Genjutsu academy if I may?
Jiraiya: The Genjutsu academy? Yeah sure, why not! That's the same as Ami went too... And I've appointed Hiruzen to be your Sensei by the way.
Minato: Hiruzen... So he's going to be our Sensei then?? Well, I guess it's okay to have him as a teacher, even though he's their father...
Jiraiya: Yeah well, he had a need, so to speak, that he wanted to train his daughters personally you see.
Minato: ...
Jiraiya: And furthermore, there's also a Chunin Exam coming up in Suna in just about three months, right before your 10th birthday... And if you're able to get ready by then, we might let the three of you participate.
Minato: No way?! Then I guess we'll need to get this thing going!
Jiraiya: Haha, well not so fast. We're going to meet up with them later in the day, so you can start preparing then.
Minato: Yosh! I can't wait for that!
Jiraiya: Hehe, I'm sure you can't my son... I'm sure you can't.
*The journey comes to an end!!*
~ End Chapter 29
* As time moved quickly forward, towards the eminent future that had much promise in wait, time finally goes back to the present displayed in the three first chapters of this sequel, Next Time! *
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Fun Facts & Author's Note:
1: The Scene where Naruto gets confronted at the bar, and all the way until Itachi decides to come home, was actually written almost two year ago (Jan 12 was the last edited date before I finally begun writing this chapter for real), long before I had started working on this sequel. I briefly hinted at this in the notes on my last chapter, and the thing is that I had pictured the end of this sequel way before I began writing it. Things such as Jiraiya and Itachi having a fight, Miyuki getting pregnant, Itachi running away, Sasuke and his family coming back to Konoha, and more or less the entirety of this chapter, was planned down to the smallest details. At some point, I'm going to reveal my notes, and then you can see for yourself how much I already had planned out on forehand, not only for the four last chapters, but the sequel in itself as well. There's even an alternative ending that I had in mind, an ending that would play out with Itachi fighting Sasuke, and Sasuke not having it in his heart to finish his own son, enabling him to get away... I'll go much in detail when I get to the "after-work" of this series ;D To give you a taste of things, here's the notes for chapter 29 in its completed form, something in which I wrote down before I started this sequel and left unchanged ever since:
Chapter 29, The Ryousuke Gang:
1: Some moments later, they arrive at the town. They head to a local restaurant as they sit down on a table close to the corner of it. As they begin ordering food, Minato notice a strange man sitting in the corner right beside them, clothed up in different scarfs and such. The man gets up as he heads over to them and seats himself right beside Minato, freaking him out. Sasuke coldly asks who he is and why he has seated himself with them at their table as Naruto tells him to relax, asking him if he doesn't recognize a friend when he sees one. The man takes off the scarfs as it is revealed to be Killerbee. Oh it's you, Killerbee, says Sasuke as he asks Naruto why he didn't tell him they were going to meet up with him as Naruto tells him that they hadn't planned for it. Gaara asks how it's going as Killerbee starts talking about recent times, mentioning how his daughter (25) replaced him as kage a year ago, while Mei's daughter (32) replaced her brother three years ago. That reminds Naruto that they haven't had a kage meeting since the war ended 16 years ago, and that it feels like he has lost touch with everyone. Gaara exclaims how it would be a perfect time for all the new kages to have a kage meeting and get to know each other. Sasuke mentions that they are all getting old as the take over of the new generation now is complete. Killerbee asks what he means as Sasuke says that his son, Naruto's son and Gaara's son has all become new kages. Killerbee finishes his drink as he asks why they're here. Naruto says that they are just traveling the world and that they are training his and Sasuke's grandson. Killerbee says he's been doing the same for the last year and that he arrived to this town today himself. Gaara asks him if he'd like to tag along with them as Killerbee, after thinking some through it, finally agrees. But first, he has to take care of some stuff as he says that he could meet them at the local training field just outside this town tomorrow. They agree as Killerbee takes off. An hour later, Sasuke and Gaara is standing together with Minato, waiting for Naruto, as he comes over to them, telling them that he's booked a room for the night. Gaara asks him why only one room, as Naruto explains how they only had one left. Minato grabs the keys out of his hand as he rushes up the stairs, saying that he can't wait for the next day to begin and for his training to continue, so he might as well just go upstairs and grab the best bed. Gaara says that was fast, as Sasuke exclaims, why didn't I think of that. The three of them looks at each other, as they begin racing up the stairs, fighting to get up first to acquire the best bed.
2: The next day, the one you easily could think of as the first to wake up, was not Minato at all as he woke up and looked over at the bed where Sasuke slept for the night, only to find it empty. He looked over at the mattresses on the floor as he saw both Naruto and Gaara snoring loudly, still fast asleep. Hmm... wonder where grandpa Sasuke is... Oh well, might as well head out a bit earlier and take a look around the town.
3: Scene changes to Sasuke sitting at a local bar, asking a guy if he's seen this kid, holding up a pic. The man slowly shakes his head as he stands up and leaves. Sasuke stands up himself and just as he's about to leave, he gets called over to a guy sitting in the dark corner, whispering to him. As Sasuke sits down beside him, he holds up the pic as the guy asks him why he's seeking Uchiha Itachi. He then follows up asking him if he's a friend or an enemy of him. Sasuke tells him it's family business. The guy then tells Sasuke about the Ryousuke gang in this town and how they've harassed the people living in it for the last year. Sasuke asks for Intel as the guy reveals some information about the gang, their leader and what they've been doing. He then says that he's heard of a man named Itachi and that he's part of this gang. And he then asks if he's here to help. Sasuke asks why they haven't called out for help before, and the man replies that they've tried, but they've never been able to reach out to anyone. As Sasuke thanks the man and is about to get up, the man asks his name as Sasuke says Uchiha, Sasuke.
4: Minato rescues a little girl's cat from a tree, then finds a homeless dog that he decides to adopt. As he's heading down town, he spots a little kid being harassed by a group of thugs. He then asks a girl if she could watch out for the dog while he tries to help. The girl says that he should get backup and not take on the gang alone. Either that or try reasoning with them. There is no time for that says Minato, as he asks the girl to lock the door and heads out to help the kid. Minato saves him as the kid runs home, but he gets knocked out from behind as the gang members leaves. An hour later, Minato wakes up at the girl's place, as she's treating the wound he received from the blow. As she treats him, she reveals that it was the Ryousuke gang and that they are ruling this town. Minato gets up in a hurry, exclaiming how he needs to tell Naruto, Sasuke and Gaara what's going on in this town and do something about it, as he asks the girl to watch over the dog until he returns. He then runs out the door and down the street as he spots the same group he ran into previously. I have no time to deal with them this time, I need to tell the others first and then deal with them later! He thinks. As his attention is turned towards them while his feet are carrying him down the street, he accidentally stumbles into a huge guy, who were standing in the middle of the street. Is this guy from the Ryousuke gang too? The guy picks him up by the neck and throws him backwards, yelling at him to look where he's going; adding that he's a member of the Ryousuke gang, and that he needs to show some respect. Minato exclaim how he has no time for this bully as he tries to run past him. The big man calls over two other thugs as he grabs Minato by the hood on his sweater. We're not done quite yet, he says.
5: Naruto at the bar. Sasuke faces his rouge son among the gang. Longer conversation here. Ends up with Itachi admitting how he regretted leaving. Naruto asks him why he didn't come back. Itachi says he didn't dare facing Konoha again. Ends with Itachi deciding to come home. Use the already written scene here.
6: Three days later. On the training field. Naruto adds that he's glad that Itachi decided to join them. Sasuke and Naruto trains Minato, while Itachi watches closely, silent in the background. Gaara and Killerbee have a brief talk too. Itachi then approaches them and asks what relationship Sasuke has to Minato, Sasuke surprises him, telling him that Minato is Itachi's nephew, and his sisters and Jiraiya's son. Both Minato and Itachi gets a bit distracted by this. Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara and Killerbee starts up a small convo about the future of the ninja world and Black Zetsu not being found, while having a water break. Minato and Itachi fooling around on the training field.
7: 2 and a half years later, Minato, Itachi, Naruto and Sasuke returns to Konoha, after bidding farewell to Gaara and Killerbee, as they notice something going on. They get notified that there's a Kage meeting as they head for the Hokage mansion. Jiraiya, Mu, Ebizo, Killerbee's daughter and Mei's daughter are all there. The meeting comes to an end as Jiraiya sets Minato up in a three-man squad with Ami and Aiko and Hiruzen as their sensei. He reveals that there's going to be a chunin exam in Konoha in three months, right before his 10th birthday, and that they could participate if they want. Minato gets real excited as Jiraiya tells him that they'll meet up with them later in the day. Kushina seems to be rather interested in Ebizo, as the two obviously know each other. Naruto asks Jiraiya about it, and Jiraiya says that he's been away for almost three years, and because of this he has missed out on Kushina and Ebizo hooking up, and that Kushina even moved to Suna a year ago.
1: Some moments later, they arrive at the town. They head to a local restaurant as they sit down on a table close to the corner of it. As they begin ordering food, Minato notice a strange man sitting in the corner right beside them, clothed up in different scarfs and such. The man gets up as he heads over to them and seats himself right beside Minato, freaking him out. Sasuke coldly asks who he is and why he has seated himself with them at their table as Naruto tells him to relax, asking him if he doesn't recognize a friend when he sees one. The man takes off the scarfs as it is revealed to be Killerbee. Oh it's you, Killerbee, says Sasuke as he asks Naruto why he didn't tell him they were going to meet up with him as Naruto tells him that they hadn't planned for it. Gaara asks how it's going as Killerbee starts talking about recent times, mentioning how his daughter (25) replaced him as kage a year ago, while Mei's daughter (32) replaced her brother three years ago. That reminds Naruto that they haven't had a kage meeting since the war ended 16 years ago, and that it feels like he has lost touch with everyone. Gaara exclaims how it would be a perfect time for all the new kages to have a kage meeting and get to know each other. Sasuke mentions that they are all getting old as the take over of the new generation now is complete. Killerbee asks what he means as Sasuke says that his son, Naruto's son and Gaara's son has all become new kages. Killerbee finishes his drink as he asks why they're here. Naruto says that they are just traveling the world and that they are training his and Sasuke's grandson. Killerbee says he's been doing the same for the last year and that he arrived to this town today himself. Gaara asks him if he'd like to tag along with them as Killerbee, after thinking some through it, finally agrees. But first, he has to take care of some stuff as he says that he could meet them at the local training field just outside this town tomorrow. They agree as Killerbee takes off. An hour later, Sasuke and Gaara is standing together with Minato, waiting for Naruto, as he comes over to them, telling them that he's booked a room for the night. Gaara asks him why only one room, as Naruto explains how they only had one left. Minato grabs the keys out of his hand as he rushes up the stairs, saying that he can't wait for the next day to begin and for his training to continue, so he might as well just go upstairs and grab the best bed. Gaara says that was fast, as Sasuke exclaims, why didn't I think of that. The three of them looks at each other, as they begin racing up the stairs, fighting to get up first to acquire the best bed.
2: The next day, the one you easily could think of as the first to wake up, was not Minato at all as he woke up and looked over at the bed where Sasuke slept for the night, only to find it empty. He looked over at the mattresses on the floor as he saw both Naruto and Gaara snoring loudly, still fast asleep. Hmm... wonder where grandpa Sasuke is... Oh well, might as well head out a bit earlier and take a look around the town.
3: Scene changes to Sasuke sitting at a local bar, asking a guy if he's seen this kid, holding up a pic. The man slowly shakes his head as he stands up and leaves. Sasuke stands up himself and just as he's about to leave, he gets called over to a guy sitting in the dark corner, whispering to him. As Sasuke sits down beside him, he holds up the pic as the guy asks him why he's seeking Uchiha Itachi. He then follows up asking him if he's a friend or an enemy of him. Sasuke tells him it's family business. The guy then tells Sasuke about the Ryousuke gang in this town and how they've harassed the people living in it for the last year. Sasuke asks for Intel as the guy reveals some information about the gang, their leader and what they've been doing. He then says that he's heard of a man named Itachi and that he's part of this gang. And he then asks if he's here to help. Sasuke asks why they haven't called out for help before, and the man replies that they've tried, but they've never been able to reach out to anyone. As Sasuke thanks the man and is about to get up, the man asks his name as Sasuke says Uchiha, Sasuke.
4: Minato rescues a little girl's cat from a tree, then finds a homeless dog that he decides to adopt. As he's heading down town, he spots a little kid being harassed by a group of thugs. He then asks a girl if she could watch out for the dog while he tries to help. The girl says that he should get backup and not take on the gang alone. Either that or try reasoning with them. There is no time for that says Minato, as he asks the girl to lock the door and heads out to help the kid. Minato saves him as the kid runs home, but he gets knocked out from behind as the gang members leaves. An hour later, Minato wakes up at the girl's place, as she's treating the wound he received from the blow. As she treats him, she reveals that it was the Ryousuke gang and that they are ruling this town. Minato gets up in a hurry, exclaiming how he needs to tell Naruto, Sasuke and Gaara what's going on in this town and do something about it, as he asks the girl to watch over the dog until he returns. He then runs out the door and down the street as he spots the same group he ran into previously. I have no time to deal with them this time, I need to tell the others first and then deal with them later! He thinks. As his attention is turned towards them while his feet are carrying him down the street, he accidentally stumbles into a huge guy, who were standing in the middle of the street. Is this guy from the Ryousuke gang too? The guy picks him up by the neck and throws him backwards, yelling at him to look where he's going; adding that he's a member of the Ryousuke gang, and that he needs to show some respect. Minato exclaim how he has no time for this bully as he tries to run past him. The big man calls over two other thugs as he grabs Minato by the hood on his sweater. We're not done quite yet, he says.
5: Naruto at the bar. Sasuke faces his rouge son among the gang. Longer conversation here. Ends up with Itachi admitting how he regretted leaving. Naruto asks him why he didn't come back. Itachi says he didn't dare facing Konoha again. Ends with Itachi deciding to come home. Use the already written scene here.
6: Three days later. On the training field. Naruto adds that he's glad that Itachi decided to join them. Sasuke and Naruto trains Minato, while Itachi watches closely, silent in the background. Gaara and Killerbee have a brief talk too. Itachi then approaches them and asks what relationship Sasuke has to Minato, Sasuke surprises him, telling him that Minato is Itachi's nephew, and his sisters and Jiraiya's son. Both Minato and Itachi gets a bit distracted by this. Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara and Killerbee starts up a small convo about the future of the ninja world and Black Zetsu not being found, while having a water break. Minato and Itachi fooling around on the training field.
7: 2 and a half years later, Minato, Itachi, Naruto and Sasuke returns to Konoha, after bidding farewell to Gaara and Killerbee, as they notice something going on. They get notified that there's a Kage meeting as they head for the Hokage mansion. Jiraiya, Mu, Ebizo, Killerbee's daughter and Mei's daughter are all there. The meeting comes to an end as Jiraiya sets Minato up in a three-man squad with Ami and Aiko and Hiruzen as their sensei. He reveals that there's going to be a chunin exam in Konoha in three months, right before his 10th birthday, and that they could participate if they want. Minato gets real excited as Jiraiya tells him that they'll meet up with them later in the day. Kushina seems to be rather interested in Ebizo, as the two obviously know each other. Naruto asks Jiraiya about it, and Jiraiya says that he's been away for almost three years, and because of this he has missed out on Kushina and Ebizo hooking up, and that Kushina even moved to Suna a year ago.
If you have keen eyes, you'll see that the only thing I added in this chapter, that I already hadn't written down, was the very short scene of Naruto and Gaara waking up on the motel. I like to fresh up my notes as I finally get to do those chapters, by mixing the character's dialogues a bit up and cutting small parts out of it, but in overall, I usually keep the original script of things. The fun thing is, that I knew how things would end, even before I finished my first work in early 2011, and I even showed these notes (although in a less finished version) to one of my closest readers and friend on NB. She didn't understand much though, but that was basically because I hadn't even finished the original work yet, haha. So yeah, now you have a little insight on how I work I guess. And since these are notes, faulty language is bound to be there as well.
2: Here's a real fun fact for you! The reason to why I didn't just write the bar scene down in my notes, but went on to write it all, long before I began writing this sequel, was because I was re-watching the Naruto Anime some years ago, and there's this old filler (I believe) where Jiraiya gets tricked into a back alley by some thugs who mistakes him for easy prey, and when they find out who he really is, they immediately surrenders. At that point, I got the idea of something similar happening in my FF series, so I wrote down that entire scene while I still had it pictured in my mind. To be noted, I haven't watched the Anime for over two years now, so I believe I wrote that even before I finished the Original work of mine xP
3: Only one chapter of this sequel remains! I'll do a longer FF & AN next time, detailing what to come, but for now, this is everything I have. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the others, Thank me thumbs up if you did, and as always people, have an awesome day! ;D
