Seven

Its been four years since I left the village and I've exceeded even my expectations. My power has increased greatly, to the point where its almost godlike. But, I havent been lonely out here, I've ran into the Akatsuki several times, all in an attempt to recruit me to their cult. I refused of course, just because I've been betrayed doesnt mean I'm heartless enough to kill innocents.

I dont have much to do now a days, their isnt much company being all alone. I used to just write to Kakashi, the new things I had learned, asked what he was up to. Normal things, that was till he stopped writing back. Its been a year since then and Im currently at a tavern, I come to places like this often, ease dropping on conversations to hear whats happening in all the villages.

Thats when I here somone speaking about The Village Hidden In The Leaves, you hear about Konoha often, they keep all their secrets tightly sealed. From what little I heard recently is that they want me back, so this particular topic peaked my interest.

Oh dont get me wrong it's not for a good reason, they dont want me to return home to the village my father saved and beg for forgiveness for their wrong doings. No, its nothing like that.

They want me for my power, as if Im some make shift guard dog they can call on when theyre in trouble. I've built a reputation you see, the people, like to gossip about what they see.

"What happened? Last I heard they were having a meeting over that one kids disapperance." Said one of the two men at the booth near mine.

"Yeah, they want 'em back because rumor has it that they're gonna be attacked by the Akatsuki soon."

At the mans words I ran out the tavern and started to run to Konoha, I didnt care for their destruction as a whole, but if they go to war with the Akatsuki, that could mean that Kakashi would get hurt, possibly killed in the battle. I couldnt have that, Kakashi was the one person I had, I would do anything to protect him, even if that meant defending the people who hurt, tortured, and abused me.

Once I arrived at the gate several days later, both of the guards seemed to not recognize me, or just didnt believe what they were seeing.

I couldnt really blame them for not knowing who I was, my appearance had changed slightly since my leave. My height increasing along with my muscles, going well with my now dull hair, almost giving off a gray hue.

I wore different clothes too, completely different from what I grew up in, a netted top that showed my abs with a baggy jacket over it that fit almost like a crop top would. For pants I wore a simple pair of black pants with matching shoes to go along with it.

I walked up to the stand to sign in, "State your name and reason to be here please." Stated one of the two guards behind the desk.

"Naruto Uzamaki, help with the war."

They looked at my with wide eyes, recognition showing on their faces at my name.

"I-...inform Lady Tsunade right away!" One of the men ordered to the other.

After the man had left the ninja remaining said, "Please, follow me to the Hokage tower where you can speak to Lady Tsunade, or our new Hokage."

"Oh yeah, I heard the old man got killed by Orochimaru a few years back." I said.

When I first found out about his death, Ill admit, it hurt a bit, the old man had always tried to help. I wouldnt consider us close, but I knew of his efforts to aid me.

I walked down the streets, following behind the ninja, earning whispers and points and every now and then a few giggles.

'This place hasn't changed much.' I thought, looking at how all the buildings I saw when I was little looked the exact same.

Once I arrived and checked in with the receptionist that I was clear to enter, I took a deep breath and stepped in.