Sixteen

As they sat on the couch, Narutos head buried in Kakashis chest, Kakashi began his story of why he wasnt dead and why he didnt tell Naruto before hand.

"As you know," Kakashi began, "I was banished from the village and after that I was hunted by the villagers." Narutos fist gripped Kakashis shirt in anger at the thought of the hunting Kakashi like some sort of sick game. "They themselves were no trouble, all they could do to me was say petty insults. But, the few anbu that were their were quite powerful, and, as you know, I was beat. But, this goes back further than that."

Naruto looked up at Kakashi in confusion, waiting for him to continue his story.

"You see, back when Lord Third was still alive, he realized his mistake, and although he recieved no support from the other council members, he still wanted to help you."

Naruto's heart started to hurt even more at the thought of that, the old man had regretted his hatred and wanted to make up for that. Although Naruto couldnt forgive Lord Third for letting the abuse go on, he could appreciate his efforts to make up for it.

"After you had left the village was in an uproar, everyone was attacking your name." Kakashi teared up at the flashbacks running through his brain. All of the degrading words about someone close to him hurt him too, he couldnt take it.

"Soon after," he continued, "Hiruzen came to me and said that all of the villagers were trying to banish me. Together we planned out my 'death' so when the time came, I wouldnt be caught off guard. Eventually, the council gave out the order. I was kicked out, Lord Third warned me beforehand so I could grab all the money and supplies I would need."

Naruto was silent, still holding onto Kakashi, waiting for him to continue his story.

"After that I guess you already know what happens."

Kakashi sighed and pulled Naruto off him to look at his face, his eyes puffy and red, "Talk to me. What happened to you afterwards?"

Narutos face dropped even more, if possible, at thinking back on what happened, "you know what happened, Itachi most likely told you already."

Kakashi just nodded, "I wanted to hear your point of view though. But its okay if you dont want to talk about it."

Naruto looked down and said, "after a while I went back to Konoha, they wanted me to help them defend against the Akatsuki. I only went because I wanted to protect you, I couldnt care less about anyone else. There I found out about Lord Thirds death, it didnt effect me nearly at all. But, when I met the new Hokage and I was later told about your death, I left. I had no reason to stay really." Naruto paused and took a breath before continuing. "A little after that, Itachi found me and wanted me to join the Akatsuki. I agreed but in order to join I had to fight Deidara and win. Well, I won, and ever since then Ive just been waiting for the time to attack the village."

Kakashi processed the information for a moment before saying, "look at me."

Naruto obeyed and looked him in the eye, "I know why you hate them, and I know that I cant stop you from doing this. But please, dont let hatred cloud your mind, dont hurt the innocent. Only hurt the ones who hurt you."

Naruto nodded, "I understand."

Kakashi pulled him back into a hug, "I assume your not going to join me?" Naruto asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"I do have hatred for them. But, I dont have nearly enough reason as you do. Ill be here, waiting for you to return, please, come back to me, and be safe."

After they both told their stories they sat their and talked for hours, Naruto staying the night at Kakashis place, until suddenly it was morning and Naruto had to leave.

So, with a few words of goodbye and a promise to return, Naruto left to join the rest of the Akatsuki for their attack.

It was time.