Eyes of Sacrifice

A/N: All the events for Shippuden have been pushed back by two years.

His blue eyes stared into dark black ones. How could this happen? How could someone he trusted like one of his own turn his back on the village. Shaking his head, his eyes filled with anguish.

“Sasuke….” His voice cracked with pain as his bright blue eyes began to dull.

Hurt plagued his chest as the former comrade ripped his hand out of his torso. Blood gushed out of his body like a waterfall joining the river beside them. The rain that fell on them, washing the red liquid down his body making the green grass seep with its color. He reached up and grabbed the dark blue shirt under his trembling hand. His eyes crinkled with the emotional pain that he experiencing at moment of Sasuke’s betrayal. Naruto’s body sagged against the young traitor still holding his shirt.

He felt more than saw Sasuke pry his hand off and lay him on the ground. Sasuke’s breath brushed his forehead and face. He longed to reach up and grab his friend again, but hadn’t the strength. When the breath left him, Naruto knew that Sasuke went to join Orochimaru. That Sasuke left him there to die and that he turned his back on Naruto. All with that simple gesture of walking away.

’Is power…really that important?’

---

Aya sat on Naruto’s shoulder giving a vicious glare to the people whispering around them. How dare they! How dare they say such things about Naruto! He hasn’t even lifted his head, let alone made eye contact with them. Yet they spill slanderous filth from their mouths. Her tail twitched agitatedly against Naruto’s heart, where it lay. The young ninja reached up gently running his hand toward her tail as the whispers got louder.

“The demon is back.”

“How can that monster just roam the streets like that?”

“What about the fox on his shoulder? That could be a sign the Kyuubi is freeing itself. Why don’t the ANBU kill them?”

The small fox stood on Naruto’s shoulders and was about to hiss at the villagers when Naruto pushed her face to his cheek.

“Maa, Maa Aya-chan. Ignore them they have no idea on how much words can rip another person’s heart.” Aya’s eyes softened and she lowered her head to licked Naruto’s jaw. The blonde gave her a half-hearted smile before continuing on his way.

Naruto was heading toward the academy to get away for a little bit. He had asked Gaara to come with him, but he forgot Gaara is here as the ambassador from Suna and is currently in a meeting with Tsunade. So Naruto decided to take Aya out to the place that felt safe while he was younger. He gave a small grin as he passed the academy gates and looked over toward tree. One old swing hung from the branches swaying in the afternoon breeze.

“See Aya-chan, that’s where I use to hang out all the time when I was alone.” Naruto explained as he walked over to it and took up his familiar seat, straddling the swing. The small fox crawled down and sat between Naruto’s legs. The blonde boy put his hands low on the rope, around Aya, making sure she would fall off as he began to sway side to side. “I mean it is not the same alone like this morning when Gaara was gone and Kyuubi returned inside me. Though, I think that he got drunk after I fell asleep because my head is still pounding.”

Aya gave a vulpine laugh and nodded her agreement.

The ninja looked up into the tree, staring at the light breaking through the leaves. The fox looked up Naruto sensing his seldom mood. “I wonder…will I have to keep this façade on now that I am back? I know I have to keep the nine tails a secret but…” Naruto closed his eyes, reaching up to rub them. “My eyes hurt Aya-chan and I can’t see my goals anymore, I can’t see them. All I see is a path that will always be blocked.”

The kitsune turned and pressed her two front paws against Naruto’s low chest, whining a bit at the gloomy mood he was in. Her gunmetal blue eyes widen as the young boy gave his customary grin to her.

“I’m just kidding,” He said standing up from his seat on the plank. Aya stayed on the swing looking strangely at Naruto as he walked away a bit. He put his hands on his hips. “Come on Aya, we still have to discuss my housing arrangements with baa-chan and probably the council too.”

---

“So tell me…” Tsunade said as she put aside the paperwork. “The last fight between Naruto and Sasuke…”

Gaara looked at the Hokage impassively before closing his eyes and crossing his arms. “All what I’m about to tell you came straight from Kyuubi post-aftermath.” He could feel Tsunade nod. “When Sasuke engaged Naruto, it was turning into Naruto’s favor. But Kabuto had appeared attacking Naruto, wounding his back. The attacks continue, causing Naruto to lose a lot of blood and chakra. Kyuubi forcibly summoned himself when Naruto was forced onto the ground by Kabuto. According to him after he averted the nin, Sasuke and Naruto got into a heated argument about why he left. But that’s not what hurt him…”

Tsunade’s eyes narrowed. “What did the Uchiha say?”

Gaara’s eyes opened and looked solemnly at the Sannin Princess. “Sasuke told Naruto that no one in this village loves or even likes him. That he is fighting for a village that wants him dead.” The slug sannin’s eyes widened. “Kyuubi told me at the time Naruto refuted the fact and said he would fight for Konoha until his dying breath.” The red head shook his head. “The fox thinks that Naruto took what Sasuke said to heart. I found this disturbing when Naruto would randomly ask Kyuubi or myself if we would stay with him. It was as though confirming this was a security blanket for him.” He stopped and watched as the Hokage had to control her anger.

“What happened after he told Naruto this?”

“Naruto attacked with a jutsu more powerful than the Rasegan.”

The Hokage’s eyebrows pinched together. “What jutsu?”

“It is still in the working stages, but Naruto has found a way to manipulate not only Kyuubi’s chakra, but his own as well. He forms the Rasegan with his chakra, but then Kyuubi’s chakra flares through it. Then their elements wrap around it making a swirling mass of chakra and the four elements.” Gaara explained. “Due to the incompletion of perfecting this jutsu, when Naruto uses it, it leaves not only him but Kyuubi as well drained. Mentally, physically, and they have little to no chakra…on the verge of death.” Tsunade’s fist tightened as she nodded for Gaara to continue. “I demand he be off field duty for two months. His recovery was slow and he was in a coma for three weeks. After he awoke, he was like you see now. Hiding behind a façade that has been worn down by years of abuse.”

“Does he still plan on fighting Sasuke?” Tsunade asked.

“Yes…” Gaara breathed out. “But Naruto’s mental stability should be under watch. He is so close to the edge that I am at a lost as to what to do.”

Tsunade put her hand to her eyes and rubbed them. This was much more than he thought would happen to her gaki. If what Gaara says is true, then she will have to make sure that Naruto is watched at all times. “Shizune!” She called putting her hand down. Her assistant stepped through door looking curiously at the Godaime. “I want you to get Kakashi and Sakura. Bring them here as fast as you can.”

“Hai!” Shizune said before leaving.

“I hope you know what you are doing Hokage-sama.” Gaara said.

“Me too…”

---

Naruto leaned his head back staring at the sky as he listened to Gaara speak with Tsunade. So they talk as if he was totally broken. He knew his limitations; he didn’t need them to worry about him. Making sure Aya was safely on his shoulder, Naruto stealthily leapt away from the open window. He landed on a secluded building not too far away and leaned against the water tank that was stationed on top of it. Reaching into his kunai pouch, Naruto pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Tapping out one of the cigarette he returned the pack to his pouch. Placing the death stick between his lips, Naruto lit it and took a deep drag.

The fox on his shoulders scrunched up her nose in distaste as the white smoke blew out of Naruto’s mouth and floated near her. Her fur bristled as she hissed and jumped off of her guardian’s shoulders.

“Oops, sorry Aya-chan, I keep forgetting you don’t like me smoking.” Naruto sighed and looked at the stick before looking at Aya. “Go back to Gaara-kun and stay with him okay? I’ll get you later.”

Aya looked at Naruto with a disgruntled look and nodded sharply. She really hated when the young boy sent her away when he smoked. He would just sit there and feel guilty about what has happened lately. He blames Sasuke defection on himself. It wasn’t his fault though, and everyone including Aya knew this. She had tried multiple times to stop this habit. Stealing the pack, burning the stick, pushing Naruto into water, staying there so he won’t smoke, and ever going as far as biting him…nothing worked. Aya casted one more look at Naruto before jumping off toward the Hokage Tower in hopes of finding Gaara.

Naruto continued to smoke the cigarette and tilted his head back looking at the sky. Red eyes flash before his eyes in remembrance. The smoke from the cigarette rose lazily into the air swirling around the vision of red. Naruto felt his chakra tingle in his eyes as they turned into a dark electric blue color. “If power is really that important…then I have to show him the true definition of power.”

Snapping his head to the side, Naruto evade a senbon that was sent his way. Looking forward he saw one of the Konoha Jounin Specialists, Genma Shiranui. His hitae-ate was tied backwards per usual, but the senbon that was normally in his mouth was lodged into the water tank behind Naruto. His brown eyes stared at him with an alert, but blank expression.

Tossing his cigarette on the ground and stomping it out, Naruto looked at him with dark blue eyes. “Ne Genma, I don’t think that is how you treat family.”

“Family? What are you talking about? Genma asked. “Who are you?”

“Maa…I didn’t think Konoha’s ninja would forget their resident Jinchuuriki.”

The brunette’s eyes widened. “Dammit Naruto, I thought you were someone else. I could have killed you!” Unlike some of the other ninja, Genma actually had a soft spot for Naruto. While Kurenai and Asuma respected Naruto for his enthusiasm, Genma had another reason. His heart just tugged whenever the boy was near or in trouble. His eyes wandered up and down the young blonde. He’s grown his hair out and changed the way he dressed, the elite Jounin noted.

“I’ve been to Death’s door, he sent me back with bottle of sake.” Naruto smiled at Genma relaxed and laughed.

“I heard you were back it’s just….” He shook his head. “What did you mean about family though?”

Naruto walked up to Genma and raised his hand. “This might tingle.”

“What might….”

His sentence was cut short when Naruto flicked him in the middle of his forehead.

Genma immediately crouched down and held his forehead. “Ah Oba-chan what did you do…” He paused and blinked. “What the fuck…”

Naruto looked at Genma and smiled sadly. “I think it’s time we talked with the council Genma-kun. There is much to discuss.”

---

The Hokage looked up from her paper work when Naruto and Genma appeared. She raised an eyebrow at the latter. He looked severely pissed off at something. Turning to the smiling Naruto, she asked. “What can I do for you brat?”

“Gather the council, there is some things I wish to talk to them about.” Naruto said.

Gaara watched with a small smile on his lips as Tsunade stood up. He patted Aya’s head and laughed inwardly. Seems Naruto is taking charge now. As the Hokage went to the door, Kakashi and Sakura walked in with Shizune. “Ah, Shizune, summon the council immediately.”

“Hai Hokage-sama.” Shizune left again.

Tsunade turned to Kakashi and Sakura. “I know I called you both here, but I think it can wait until Naruto is done with what he has to say to the council.”

“Naruto needs to speak with the council?” Kakashi asked looking at Naruto. The young boy was currently grabbing Genma’s hand trying to calm the older ninja down. What the fuck is going on?

Only an hour later, were they all in the council room. Naruto said he didn’t mind if Gaara, Kakashi, and Sakura were they. All he wanted was to talk to the council about what they did to Genma. No one had any idea what the blonde meant, but what ever it was it seriously pissed Genma off.

“What is the meaning of this summoning?” One of the members asked. “And what is the Jinchuuriki doing here?”

The only visual action that gave away Naruto’s hurt was the tightening of his muscles, which those around him saw. Soon the rest of the council began to throw similar comments, but it was when one called Naruto a bastard child that the young ninja snapped.

“SILENCE ALL OF YOU!” Naruto roared stunning the council. Gaara put his hand on Naruto’s head calming the boy immediately. “I asked Tsunade-sama to call this meeting because there are several important matters I wish to discuss with you.”

“And what would those be Naruto?” Hiashi asked.

Naruto looked at the Hyuuga before turning his gaze to the rest of the council. “I would like to know why Genma-san has his memories suppressed of his last living family member?”

“What are you talking about?” Another council member asked, but the fear clearly still in his voice.

Genma glared at them. “Why the fuck did I have my memory erased of my Aunt and her son! They were the last family I had!” The ninja growled at them, his senbon bouncing dangerous between his lips. “You better have good reason too…”

Murmurs erupted through the council hall. “We did it for your own good Genma.” Everyone looked toward the Third Hokage’s former teammate, Homura Mitokado. “Were you not happier that you didn’t have to deal with a young child at that age?”

“Hold on!” Tsunade demanded. “What are you talking about?”

“These fuck heads messed with my life and damned Naruto’s!” Genma shouted. Naruto held him back as he stepped forward to fight them all.

No one council on spoke causing Naruto to growl. “Do you wish to know Tsunade-sama?” The Hokage nodded. “It was close to seventeen years ago, during the attack of the Nine-tails. A woman went into labor with the child that would be the container of the Kyuubi. At her side was her nephew…one who had promised the Fourth that he would take care of the child should anything happen. When the time came the woman and Fourth died, the council saw fit to isolate the child by erasing his cousin Genma Shiranui’s memory of him and his mother Kushina Uzumaki without the permission of the Third Hokage!”

“Oh my god…” Shizune murmured.

“Sarutobi-sensei had no idea of this?” Tsunade demanded of her teacher’s two teammates.

Koharu Utatane spoke with a firm voice. “Sarutobi was too soft during that time.”

“So you left a lone child to bear the weight of being--” Genma was stopped by Naruto.

“I assume you broke the seal on his memory?” Koharu asked.

“I did…” Naruto replied.

Homura raised an eyebrow. “How did you know of the seal?”

“I was with the squad from the Sand when they returned your stolen books and scrolls. I was allowed to look through them since I am a ninja from Konoha.” Naruto raised an eyebrow.

Kakashi looked at Naruto with analyzing eyes. He had a regal aura around him that seemed to have appeared out of no where. His anger had smoothed out into a calculating calmness that only one man seemed to have. That man was Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime of Konoha. Kakashi knew that when Minato was in this kind of attitude that he was dangerous. A kind of dangerous by playing word and mind games that would break any ninja’s mind and will.

Add the fact that Naruto looks close to identical to the Fourth now, the council was in for a bad day.

“In one of them, was the recording of the events that day, everything from the Hokage’s death, to the death of Kushina Uzumaki, to the memory seal of Genma Shiranui.” Naruto said. “I had the exact specifications of what seal they used, the modifications, and how it was performed. After realizing that Genma was my family, I decided to find out how to break the seal. Who knew a flick to the forehead was the same thing my mother did to her dear nephew all the time? Such a strong and familiar act was able to break the seal.”

“How dare you defy the council!”

A loud snap rang in the room as Tsunade slammed her fist into the table next to her destroying the harmless furniture of wood.

“How dare he? How DARE YOU!” She shouted above everyone else. “You took away an innocent child’s last family member. The only one he would have had…for what? Because the Yondaime used him as the container for the Kyuubi? That’s ridiculous! The Yondaime had used his own son so no one else’s child would be sacrificed!”

Sakura gasped at finding out that Naruto was the Yondaime’s son. She looked at him. His eyes held anguish and hurt as he looked down at the floor. Sakura stepped forward, he looked so alone. A hand drew her back. Looking up, she saw Kakashi also looking at Naruto. The silent message was passed. Now was not the time.

“You all shame his memory by treating Naruto like this. He has done nothing but good things for this village. Without him we would not have our treaty with Sand nor would most of us still be alive today!” Her shouting had dimmed to just being a loud voice. “How dare you all think for one moment that Naruto would betray the village! You’ve damned him and yet he finds good in his heart to save all your ignorant asses! I ought to…”

“Baa-chan…that’s enough.” Naruto’s calm voice stopped her from continuing. She frowned at him, but nodded allowing him to speak. “I don’t really care how they see me or if they continue to treat me badly. This is my home and I will fight to protect it.” The young ninja’s shoulders tensed as he began to speak again. “The only thing I would like the council to do is give me what is rightfully mine.”

Hiashi looked down at the blonde. “What would that be?”

“The land and home of Minato Namikaze.” Naruto closed his eyes allowing what his said to filter the silent room.

Just that suggestion sent the whole council in an uproar, bringing them to their feet. Tsunade looked equally as shocked, but she smirked. If anything the poor boy deserves his father’s home.

Sakura was also shocked, but she was worried for Naruto when the council began waving their fists and moving to throw things at him. She knew he felt their anger, but he did not move when things out of nowhere were starting to be thrown at him.

“Naruto!”

Kakashi was beyond furious now. The council had no right to keep the Yondaime’s estates from him, yet here they are throwing objects at Naruto, who isn’t even moving out of the way. He growled at the council’s insolence. He was just about to step up to help Naruto when out of no where, a large paper weight smacked Naruto in the face. His eye widened as blood began to stem from the cut on his face as well as the corner of his mouth.

Genma reacted quickly and spit his senbon at the man who threw it. The senbon lodged itself in the man’s shoulder right on his pressure point to disable his arm. He was going to go after the man, but Naruto’s hand shot out with lightening quick speed and grabbed Genma’s hand. The brunette could feel Naruto shaking and squeeze his hand.

“This will not change my request. I am far too use to this sort of treatment to be frightened into doing so.” Naruto said raising his eyes to the council. “You cannot hold what is rightfully mine from me.”

Hiashi was one of the few who didn’t attack Naruto with objects. Instead he had opted to watch what the blonde would do. The last thing he expected was Naruto to sit there and take each object without a single sound of pain. He knew that his nephew and daughter saw Naruto as a friend. They would often talk about how strong willed Naruto was and how happy he seemed to be all the time. But it was Neji who had once brought up, how Naruto would disappear right after hanging out with his friends or missions and not even his eyes could find them.

Genma moved his hand to Naruto’s shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. “Until Naruto gets his father’s land and home, he will be staying with me. If you have any objections to that I dare you to say something now.”

“You would take the Kyuubi into your home?” Someone asked.

Kakashi sighed. The council just can’t get it through their old half dead brains. Naruto is not the Kyuubi. He is not a monster! He wanted to shout that at the council, but at this point he knew that it would futile. The damage for today is done. He looked at his blonde haired student watching as he reached up to his cheek.

Naruto looked up and silently swiped his hand across his cheek smearing the blood against his ‘whiskers’. Looking at it on his fingers he sighed, “They better be glad that I am not like Sasuke.” He murmured to himself. Naruto raised his darken blue eyes to the council. “I would not judge the Kyuubi so harshly. You know not of the circumstances that led to his attack nor do you know how docile he has become.” Sighing Naruto knew that the council wouldn’t listen to him. Not on this matter. “I will not bother you with an answer for my father’s estates now. I leave that for a later date.” He bowed to them. Genma growled and also bowed, but in a mocking way before grabbing Naruto’s hand and using a jutsu to get out of there.

The Hokage watched as with those parting words Genma and Naruto disappeared. She turned back to the council. “I will be placing Naruto back on his team with Kakashi and Sakura. Should the need arise Genma will be their fourth man. Any problems?” Again silence from the council. “Excellent.” She turned to Kakashi and Sakura. “You two, follow me. Gaara, you may go. I think this meeting is over for now.”

Tsunade gave a smug smirk. Oh yes, the council really are having a bad day.

---

In Tsunade’s office, the blonde woman was grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Boy has learned to outwit the dimwitted council!” She laughed and leaned back against her chair.

“He sure is different.” Sakura said as she stood in front of the desk with her former sensei.

“You have no idea…” Kakashi said to himself. The pink haired kunoichi raised an eyebrow at him, but turned back to the Godaime.

“What is it you wanted to see use for?”

Tsunade looked at her student before sighing. “From what I gather from Gaara, Naruto is on a fine line of sanity. What I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this room do you hear me?” She said glancing at both ninja as Shizune closed the door shutting the four into the room. Both of the ninja in front of her nodded. “Naruto had a run in with Sasuke about three months ago.”

“What!” Sakura and Kakashi said, the latter snapping his head up from his book. “What do you mean he had a run in with Sasuke?” Sakura asked.

“What happened!” Kakashi inquired at the same time.

The Hokage put her finger and thumb on the bridge of her nose and started to rub. “According to the information I was told, Naruto nearly died. If it wasn’t for the fact that Naruto has advanced…” She trailed off. Steepling her fingers together, Tsunade rested her chin on them. “He was hospitalized for three weeks because he was in a coma and Gaara took him off active duty for two months.”

The Copy Ninja’s lips thinned. “Was it really that bad?”

“Worse,” Tsunade said. “Gaara tells me that he fears for Naruto’s sanity. He is on a fine line and this duty to himself he has about finding Sasuke is going to send him over the edge.”

“But which edge?” Sakura asked.

“I don’t know,” The blonde haired woman said as she turned to look out the windows. “I am activating Team 7 again as a three man cell. You will now be known as Team Kakashi.” She turned to look at her two shinobi. “You both have a sub-mission that will last until the Uchiha is back.”

Kakashi looked at the Hokage with a serious expression, while Sakura looked grim.

“You both are to be Naruto’s anchors. Make him hold onto his sanity, try to edge him away from the line that he has created.”

“What about Genma-san and Gaara-san?” The pink haired ninja asked.

“Gaara fears that he can do nothing more than what he has already done. He has to me he will continue to be there for Naruto all he can, but it us to us now. And Genma is family, he will most likely be able to help you guys a bit more.” Tsunade said. “Other than that…you two are free to go.”

Sakura nodded and started to head out when she realized Kakashi wasn’t following her. “Kakashi-sensei?”

“There is another matter I must discuss with the Hokage alone, I’ll see you later Sakura.” The Copy Ninja waved as the younger kunoichi left.

Shizune glanced at Tsunade before leaving also. The Godaime looked at the man before her and raised an eyebrow. “What is it Kakashi?”

“It’s about the Kyuubi,” He replied.

“So I see you’ve seen his humanoid form.” Tsunade said steepling her fingers.

Kakashi’s eye widened as he looked at his Hokage. “You knew about it?”

“Naruto has shown me. Though I don’t think I got the whole story on how this happened or why the Kyuubi is suddenly helpful.”

“I see…” Kakashi sighed. “And the council? You know they will try to deny Naruto his request for Minato-sensei’s estates.”

The Slug Sannin gave a small grin. “No need to worry about that now. I want you to go relax, you have been on too many missions lately and with Naruto coming back I bet you are exhausted.”

The silver haired ninja nodded silently as he turned to leave. ‘In more ways than one…’

Tsunade leaned back as Kakashi left her office. Oh yes, she definitely had a plan to get the council to stop restricting the estates. She glanced at the open window before looking back at the door. “You were left with the estates. The council has no right to stop you if you should hand them over to Naruto.” She paused briefly. “There might be complaints…”

“When have I cared about what the council does?” Jiraiya asked from his position outside the window. He stepped to the side slightly, enough for Tsunade to see a bit of his body as he leaned against the outside wall of the building. “Frankly, I’ve seen Naruto’s apartment before hand. He could barely scrounge up enough rent since they jacked it so high. Old man Teuchi-san was the only one to take pity on Naruto and give him food.”

“I can’t believe this has escaped Sarutobi-sensei’s eyes for so long.”

“Well the two forerunners of this were his very own teammates, people who knew him best.” Jiraiya explained. “I think he suspected though.”

The female Sannin pulled out her hidden jug of sake. “If so then why didn’t he do anything about it?”

Jiraiya climbed into the room, looking at Tsunade. “Had no proof, plus the whole village hated Naruto. What would he do, pull rank on everyone? They would take him out of office.”

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. “Could they really do that?” She asked as she pulled out two cups and poured sake in them. “So how are we going to do this?”

The Mountain Sage grabbed the cup of sake and grinned. “Don’t worry too much about it Tsunade, I have some ideas.”

The Hokage looked at her former teammate and gave a small smile. “I hope you don’t cause me too much trouble.”

“Oh, you know me.” Jiraiya replied his grin widened.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Tsunade replied.

The man just stared at her with same Cheshire cat grin as he takes sip of his sake.