Chapter 11: Memories and Life

This in not my book BUT I have asked for permission from the author but he still hasn't replied if anyone can get in touch with him let him know if he wants me to I can remove it from here

go check out the book at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13522981/1/Reincarnation-Ok-Pal-The-Story-of-Kenta-Yamanaka-Book-2

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Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii Fwends! Ok, couple of announcements to make, please read.

I've made the decision to take a break from… Nah just kidding! Mwahaha. But I am getting a little burnt out, so I have made the decision to ease up on the behemoth length chapters and start writing smaller chapters. I know you all have come to love my 20k+ chapters, but it's just becoming too much for me. Going to be breaking up my arcs into smaller sections just to help me keep motivation and focus. Expect the averages to be around 6-8k (7.5K for this chapter).

I also want to apologize to you all for my lack of communication. Long story short, you don't need the details, last week I was hospitalized which is why there was no chapter last week. Let me be clear… I am NOT apologizing for missing the chapter… Because that would be ridiculous apologizing for getting sick. But I AM apologizing for not communicating with you all better… especially with the hanger I left you all on last chapter.

Ok, that's really all I had to say. Let's continue the story!

I really don't think you need a reminded on how chapter 10 ended ;)

Naraka raced through the trees as silent and invisible as a specter. He glanced down once again at the tag that was fitted to his arm. It was sheer luck that saw him running into that ANBU patrol from their blindside. Whoever made this seal was an absolute genius. It was no wonder he was unable to locate even a single member of the large army of Shinobi fleeing their home village. This seal made it impossible to sense even the smallest amount of chakra once placed and activated on a person. Now though, with this seal and the information he was able to acquire from this 'Panda' woman, he knew exactly where his target was heading.

He would get the location of the nine-tails; one way or another.

"So, come to finish me off, have you?" A raspy voice said right in Naraka's ear. With a quick burst of chakra, Naraka pushed off the branch he had just landed on hard enough to shatter it, propelling himself high in the air just as a sweltering ball of fire erupted at his previous position.

Naraka landed and stared across at the man who had just landed in front of him impassively. He took in Jiraiya's appearance. His left sleeve was empty and rippled slightly in the breeze. His throat had massive scarring and was still slightly warped.

The one thing that remained the same was the gigantic shit-eating grin still adorning his former master's face.

Naraka hated that smile.

"How did you find me? These seals are pieces of art." Naraka asked.

"I'm keyed into the seal on every person in the village. When that one," He pointed at Narka's arm, "Got removed and then deactivated I was alerted. I was also able to track it with ease."

"Where is the Nine-Tails?" Naraka asked in a dead voice.

"Like I'd tell you that. Naruto is my grandson, no way will I ever let you have him." Jiraiya responded, grin replaced by a fierce scowl.

"I will make you talk."

"You can certainly try, but I won't tell you a thing. Your King of Hell won't work on me either, I know how that technique works." The grin was back at seeing Naraka frown slightly.

'How does he know about The King of Hell? I didn't show him or that Yamanaka child that particular technique.'

"I've been doing a lot of research while recovering from our last little spat. I've learned quite a bit about you and your abilities, Nagato."

"It does not matter. I may not be able to make you talk, but I've got thousands of your people to slaughter until you tell me. I know you, Master. I know you won't let thousands die to save the life of a single child. Even one you consider family."

"Every single person in our village would gladly give up their life to protect Naruto. He was once hated and despised for the burden placed on him at birth. But with hard work, a strong support system, and an optimistic and infectious personality he's won most of them over. If a person still hates Naruto for who he is, then I won't be sad watching you butcher them. You won't get his location from any of us." Jiraiya growled out in a rasp.

Naraka actually smirked at this. "Strong support system? You mean the Yamanaka family? How will he react when he finds out they're all dead?"

Jiraiya felt his heart drop at that. It couldn't be true.

"You lie." Jiraiya said simply.

"I do not lie. I stumbled upon the evacuating civilians of Konoha. My associates and I killed them all. Tori Yamanaka was a fierce warrior, but she fell just like the rest. I read her memories and learned about Kenta's relationship with the Seven-Tails. In a blind rage, the young daughter rushed me and I cut her down just as easily. When I presented her head to the son, he broke down. I read his memories; discovering that only you and Itachi knew of Nine-Tails location. Itachi wasn't an option, he is powerful and loyal. You, however, have been greatly weakened. I will get the information from you one way or another."

Jiraiya was shaking. How? How could the sweet, sweet boy that he trained and raised turn into this monster?! If what he said was true, Naruto was going to be a wreck. The Nine-Tails could break out. Jiraiya had to get to Naruto before he learns the truth.

"Now, make this easier on all of us. Tell me where the boy is, or I start massacring everyone you love in that village. Starting with the medic you love."

Jiraiya's eyes snapped to Nagato's, blazing in fury. Jiraiya would destroy him. This wasn't the Nagato he raised. This must be exactly how Master Hiruzen felt when confronting Orochimaru. Jiraiya could greatly sympathize with the man now. It needed to be done.

"I'm right here, freaky eyes." A voice said suddenly from beside Jiraiya. He turned to his left, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Naruto?! What are you doing here?!" Jiraiya asked. Coughing from raising his voice so high.

"Mah. Calm it down, pervert. I finished my training and flashed to Granny. You know the beating she gave me for her not being the first person I went to see when I came home last. She gave me a quick rundown and told me to check up on you. Ta-Da! Here I am!" Naruto said, flashing his own megawatt smile.

Jiraiya chuckled. "I remember. She ranted for an hour at the Rusty Kunai about ungrateful cousins."

Naruto simply continued to smile for another moment before he turned back to Naraka. "Did I hear you say you were going to start slaughtering my friends and comrades?"

"Had you not appeared before me and had Jiraiya not told me, yes." Was Naraka's simple reply.

"I see." Naruto said. Faster than a normal eye could follow, Naruto lazily flicked a kunai at the corpse puppet. Naraka though easily caught the cold-steel well before it came close to its intended target.

"You will have to do better than that." Naraka said.

"Actually, you just made my job a lot easier."

A flash of yellow.

"Rasengan!" Naruto yelled, driving the swirling condensed orb of chakra directly into Naraka's face. Naruto held the orb for a full three seconds before letting the chakra dissipate. He stared down at the mangled body that fell to his feet. Once upon a time, Naruto would have felt guilt, even if this person wasn't truly alive. However, anyone who threatens his home would receive no mercy. He turned back to Jiraiya, smile back in place.

Jiraiya gasped, but quickly met his God Son's smiled with his own at seeing the eyes that stared back at him.

"You mastered it. You really are Minato and Kushina's son. You might not be the quiet genius your father was, but you're definitely a genius in your own right. They would be so proud of you. I'm proud of you." Jiraiya said, blinking back the tears that threatened to form.

"Thanks, Pervy-Sage. That means a lot. Growing up under the shadow of two resident geniuses, it's nice to know that I'm finally stepping out into the light. Kenta never rubbed it in my face, but that Sasuke-Jerk sure did. Wait until he sees this. His stupid fancy eyes won't even be able to compete now, ya know!"

Jiraiya felt a pang of pain in his heart when Naruto mentioned Kenta. "Naruto, there's something I have to tell you."

"Later. If what Granny said is true, I need to get back to Konoha. You can tell me when I get back. I'll take this Pain-Idiot down in a flash. Ha! Get it?" Naruto cackled loudly at his own lame pun.

"Naruto, this is important, I-" he cut off as Naruto had just disappeared with a wave. "Shit…"

*********************************Naruto is gunna lose it!*********************************

"Where is the Nine-Tails?" Deva asked, dodging another strike from the conjured Chakra construct.

"Not here." Itachi replied, firing off another wave of black flames. Itachi sighed in annoyance as the man simply used his repulsion to disperse the flames before they could even catch his cloak on fire.

"You would be wise to tell me, Lord Hokage. If you do, I will make your death swift and painless. Normally, traitors aren't treated as such."

"How can I be a traitor when I was never really a part of your organization? I was always still loyal to Konoha." Itachi asked, dispelling Susanoo and attempting to catch the man in a minor illusion. He had to conserve his chakra. His workouts with Guy and own personal training had seen his reserves rise by leaps and bounds, but he was no Uzumaki nor a Jinchuriki.

"I never trusted you, and it turns out I was correct. Tell me though, how were you able to learn so much about our organization? I kept you at arm's length the entire time." Deva asked.

"I'm not the only 'traitor' in your Organization." Itachi smirked at seeing the look of slight surprise on Deva's face. Good to know his guy was that good at his job.

"It matters not." Deva said recomposing himself. "I will destroy you and your village. I will extract the seven tailed demon from its host. I will then personally capture the eight tailed demon, sealing him away. Once we have him, we can finally extract Kyubi, and my weapon will be complete."

"Why do you want to revive the Jubi? You must have at least heard the legends of what it was capable of. Surely you aren't so arrogant as to think you can control it." Itachi asked, bursting into crows as the black rod pierced his stomach.

"I once thought that I would in fact be able to control it. Luckily, she was able to correct my plans. She forsaw that my plan would end in catastrophic failure. Instead, I will become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki. Using it's power to enhance my own Rinnegan, I will complete my plan." Deva said, raising his hand. "Universal Pull."

Itachi summoned an arm of Susanoo, easily anchoring himself into the ground. Itachi's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan spun rapidly, dissecting the technique piece by piece.

'Every technique, no matter how powerful, has a weakness. I've already noticed that his pull techniques require less chakra than his push techniques. Now, let's see if my theory is correct.'

As soon as Itachi felt the tugging on his navel end, he dispelled his Susanoo.

'However, I need as much information as I can get before I destroy his path and then work on finding his real body.'

"She? Who is She? The woman you're always with? The Angel of Ame?" Itachi asked, counting down in his head.

"Konan? No. Akatsuki's newest member. Your replacement. A woman the world thought long dead. She is wise. She can also see the future. She has predicted my victory here today. She knows pain even more than myself. She will do everything in her power to save the world and bring peace. True peace." Deva answered.

"No one can see the future, not even the dead. The future is not a linear path. Your victory here is just one of the threads that could be woven here today." Itachi's chakra spiked.

'Five Seconds.'

"Amatersu." Itachi called out. The flames appeared and were once again easily dispelled. Itachi charged, using the momentary curtain of the black flames to hide his approach. He cocked his fist back, just as the black flames dispersed. Deva's eyes widened slightly and quickly put up a guard, blocking Itachi's punch.

"This I know. She is able to read the threads. She told me every action that I must take. Every choice I must make to ensure the outcome that we desire." Deva said, kicking out lazily, forcing Itachi back. "The first step. Slaughter your villagers. Check…"

Itachi's felt an icy chill race up his spine. No, it couldn't be…

"Step two, kill Kenta Yamanaka. His death will be the catalyst in my plan. The seven and nine tails are both extremely close to him. His death will cause them to lose control and give into their demons. An out of control Jinchuriki, while extremely dangerous and destructive, is no more intelligent than a charging bear. They are much easier to defeat when they cannot think rationally."

"What did you mean by slaughter my villagers? Who did you kill?" Itachi asked, attempting to keep his emotions in control.

"All of them." Deva said simply. "Every man, woman, and child. The small platoon of Shinobi you sent with them would have been more than enough to handle any outlaws, even most of the missing ninja in the bingo book if I am being honest. But against Pain? Against a God? They were pigs to the slaughter."

Itachi was now shaking with rage and emotions.

'It can't be true. I swore I would protect them. I swore I would wear this hat with strength and conviction. I swore that under my rule, they would be happy.' Itachi's mind was racing. Finally, a paragraph from his family's archives popped into his head. A book that was more fantasy than reality, but it mentioned the Rinnegan and its abilities multiple times. So far, it had be quite accurate.

"Tell me, Nagato. Is it true that there's a seventh path? The Outer Path?"

"You think I will use my power to bring back your people? No. This is what I am striving for. Pain. You are now experiencing it. Soon, the world will as well. When everyone experiences Pain, they will no longer seek to cause it to others. With their shared empathy, war will end."

Itachi stopped listening after the first sentence. This mad man could prattle on and on about pain. He lost a friend. Itachi lost his entire FAMILY. And now, he lost tens of thousands of innocent lives due to his incompetence. He would atone. He would give his life to ensure so.

"Are you done?" Itachi asked in a low voice.

"I am simply explaining to you the resistance is futile. Tell me where Naruto Uzumaki is and I can promise you that I will at least let your ninja live. They will be the first to seek out vengeance. They will be the first to die to the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki. They will be the example to the world."

"So, you're saying you do have the power to revive my people. You just won't do so. We're the first of your many victims. Your martyrs to the world." Itachi said, voice still low with near uncontrolled rage.

"I am glad you understand." Deva confirmed.

Itachi sighed in relief. "That is good to know."

"Why? I have already told you th-"

"It's good to know that after I turn your best friends body to ash, that I can find your real body, rip those eyes from your living skull, and use that power to revive my people!" Itachi yelled, his chakra reacting to his unrestrained emotions.

For the first time in Itachi's life, he gave in to his emotions. He channeled them. Let his rage and anguish fuel his power.

For the first time, Itachi was unrestrained.

For the first time, Itachi was free.

"SUSANOO!" Itachi screamed.

On that day, the few who saw the construct would momentarily stare in awe at the blinding power of Itachi Uchiha, Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure.

For this was only the third time in human history that a perfect Susanoo was born.

**********************************Aw shit sonnnnn*************************************

"Why do you keep running?" Kakashi asked as he and Genma continued their pursuit.

"This is seriously a drag." Genma sighed as he loped along next to Kakashi.

"I'm simply looking for the best spot." Naraka said, eyes scanning the village as he continued to stay a few steps ahead of the duo.

"Best spot for what?" Genma asked in suspicion.

"To showcase my art, ya!" Naraka said, stopping suddenly and turning to face his pursuers.

Alarm bells began ringing in both men's heads.

"You… are not a path of Pain, are you?" Kakashi asked, eye narrowed in suspicion.

"Nope! I just needed to keep you two busy while the real Naraka path escaped!" The fake said with a wide smile.

"That verbal tick and the talk of art. Show your face, Deidara." Genma said in a serious tone.

Deidara laughed loudly and removed a seal on his arm. At once his features began to distort. Hair quickly lengthening and lightening. His face began to bubble as if he was being burned alive. Within seconds, Deidara the Mad Bomber stood before Kakashi and Genma.

"Where is the real Naraka?" Genma asked, unsealing Kubikiribōchō.

"Chasing after that Jiraiya fellow, ya. Apparently Master Pain learned that only he and Itachi-Bastard were the only ones who know where that Naruto kid is. Being crippled, he figured that Jiraiya would be the easier of the two to get that information from, ya." Deidara explained while popping his neck and joints. "Whew. That transformation is no joke, ya? It's not a bad piece of art."

"How does he know that?" Kakashi asked, fingers fondling the edge of his headband, ready to unveil his Sharingan.

"We ran into that group of civilians that were escapin'. Some Jonin woman tried to fight of Leader, but he quickly killed her. That freaky human path of his got that information it needed though. Apparently she was the nine-tails adoptive mother. Man, I wish I could see the look on his face when he finds out. Looks of despair always make my art that much more beautiful, ya." Deidara cackled insanely once again.

"Lady Tori… It can't be. What about the rest of the civilians?" Genma asked, hands tightening around his sword.

"Leader let me test some of my art on the rest of them, ya. Most of em' are rottin' in the sun as we speak. I think a handful managed to survive." Deidara's insane grin never leaving Genma's face.

"You monster. Those were civilians. There were children there!" Kakashi yelled, revealing his Sharingan.

"My art doesn't discriminate. It likes to be shown to men and women of all ages!" Deidara snapped his gaze to Kakashi. His visible eye narrowing on seeing Kakashi's Sharingan. "I hope you don't think that eye will help you. I've trained myself to become immune to its illusions."

"Trust me, the illusions I cast will be the least of your worries." Kakashi growled in anger.

"Good. Now come, my art show awaits you!" Deidara yelled as a plume of smoke rose into the air. From within, a white bird shot off into the air, Deidara riding on its back.

"Shit. I forgot about his mobility. His long range attacks are going to be a nuisance to deal with without Kenta's flying summons." Kakashi said, narrowed eyes tracking Deidara's movements.

"In that case, we'll just have to knock them out of the air. You can disable his bombs, right? Kenta said that lightning nullifies them." Genma asked as he shouldered Kubikiribōchō.

"Yeah, that won't be an issue. I don't have many long range attacks though." Kakashi said, pulling out a handful of senbon. If Kenta was correct, he wouldn't need to use large amounts of chakra on the smaller bombs.

"Leave that to me." Genma brought Kubikiribōchō crashing to the ground, a wall of flame shooting toward Deidara at impressive speeds. Deidara easily dodged the wall of flame, sneering down at the two men below him. "Maybe."

*********************Seriously, how do you fight Deidara?!*********************************

"Hold still!" Ami hissed as her fist sailed over Animal's head.

"That would be counterproductive, dear. If she were to hold still, this wouldn't be much of a battle." Shino said, hissing in annoyance as the weighted end of his kusarigama sailed wide of its mark.

"Shino, sweetie, I love you, but now is NOT the time for your sarcasm." Ami growled out, dodging a counterstrike from Animal.

"Yes, Dear." Shino said, eyes moving and looking for an opening.

"Fire Release: Exploding Flame Shot!" Ami yelled and began to pepper Animal with dozens of small fireballs. Animal danced around the area, dodging each with ease, quickly slamming her palm to the ground as Ami had slammed hers down as well. "Earth Release: Breaching Lance."

"Summoning Technique," Animal's monotone voice called out. A spear of earth shot forward at an alarming pace, but was quickly stopped by the large demonic panda that had just appeared moments before the lance could meet its mark. Animal quickly dismissed her summon but was a moment too slow to clear her vision. Shino's kusarigama's chain had snaked its way around Animals arm.

Shino pulled on the chain, dragging the small girl with him. He reached out, Animal mere inches from his hand. Shino yanked his hand back, dropping his weapon as the overly large winged demon had nearly ripped his arm off.

"Apologies, Master Shino. That bird is craftier than I gave it credit for. I will destroy it momentarily." Lady Cardea called out as she pursued the winged demon. Shino simply nodded, cursing internally at his luck. These summons were not only numerous, but annoying.

"That was well done, love. Bad luck." Ami said suddenly from Shino's side. She sent him a quick yet warm smile that still gave Shino goosebumps just as it had since the first time Ami smiled at him.

"Thank you, Ami. We need a new strategy, the Owls and Snakes are doing well at keeping the summons occupied, but she keeps summoning more, and we cannot hit it. It is quite vexing."

"I agree, how about we… Wait, what is she looking at?" Ami asked, eyes following where Animal was looking. Ami gasped on seeing the giant mushroom cloud rising into the air. "No… That's in the direction of the Uzumaki compound. How?!"

"It is done." Animal said, eyes glancing back towards Ami and Shino.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Tetsu suddenly cried out. Ami and Shino watched as the young summons fell from the sky, winged arm clutching at his chest, tears streaming down his face. "What have you done, you monster?!"

"Tetsu, what is wrong?" Shino asked, hurrying to the Owl's side.

"It's Kenta… He… He…" Tetsu cut off, a fresh wave of agonizing wails ripping from his throat.

Ami felt her heart sink. "He what, Tetsu? Is Kenta hurt?"

"He is dead, young one." Lady Cordea said softly from Ami's side. She walked over to Tetsu, placing a wing on her son's head and stroking it motherly.

"What do you mean? Lady Cordea, now is not the time for jokes." Ami said, not believing a word. "There is literally no way Kenta would be killed. It's impossible. He's too strong. He- WHY ARE YOU SHAKING YOUR HEAD?!"

"We Owls can communicate telepathically with each other. We can share thoughts, words, and images. Zephyrus sent us his final moments. Apparently Kenta's younger sister was killed. He tossed her severed head in front of Kenta, who then broke down and had his soul ripped from him. It must be true, I do not feel him any longer." Lady Cordea said sadly, a few of her own tears escaping.

"You are sure?" Shino asked as Ami had fallen to the ground, shaking her head and muttering.

"Yes, young one." Lady Cordea confirmed, still stroking the sobbing mess that was Tetsu.

"It's all m-my fault!" Tetsu wailed. "If I had b-been stronger. If I had taken my training seriously I could have been there with Kenta! It's MY fault he's dead because I didn't take anything serious! Kenta! I'm so sorry!"

"Kenta and Tetsu have a unique relationship. I know that Kenta says hurtful words to Tetsu. However, we Owls have limited telepathy with our summoner. Never, no matter the words out of Kenta's, did I ever feel actual hatred. Frustration, yes. Anger, of course. My son can be infuriating. But never hatred. He loved Tetsu. Tetsu was bonded to Kenta mere weeks after he molted his down coat and began to fly. Kenta wanted to see Tetsu grow strong. Tetsu just wanted to play and be close to Kenta. It was a recipe for a disastrous partnership, but the bond was always there. They loved each other." Lady Cordea explained as Tetsu's wails grew louder.

"I… I have to see it with my own eyes or I won't believe it." Ami suddenly said, rising to her feet. "But first, we destroy that thing once and for all."

Ami grabbed a Yamanaka chakra pill, crushing it between her teeth. "You talk about pain? You talk about despair. I will SHOW YOU despair!"

She slammed her hands to the ground. "Summoning Technique!" She screamed in rage, her chakra levels near bottoming out. A plume of smoke erupted, taller than any building in Konoha.

"Who dares summon, the great Manda?!" A deep voice called out from within the dissipating smoke. There, in all his self-loving glory, was Manda. Boss Summon for the Snake Clan.

"I did." Ami said, appearing smackdab between Manda's eyes.

"You?! Who do you think you are, little girl? I will eat you, then eat everyone you love! I will- AHHHHHHH!" Manda screeched in pain. Ami had withdrawn a kunai. With a look of thunderous murder on her face, she drove the kunai hilt deep into the vulnerable flesh of Manda's eye.

"Listen here, My Lord. Orochimaru is gone, forever trapped in the Great Sage's stomach. I am the main summoner for the snake clan now. Anko was not accepted, I was. Your little rebellion is over. The Snake clan listen to the Sage once again. You listen to me now or so help you, I will feed you to the Owl Clan right here and now."

"I will devour you one day, little human. What do you want of me?" Manda asked, uninjured eye glaring murder at Ami.

"Two things. One, I don't know if that creature can even feel pain, but we will pretend it can. I want you to cause as much to it as you can." Ami said, pointing at Animal. "Two, when you're done with that, you will travel to Ame. Once there, you will raze that city to the ground. I give you permission to devour anyone you come across that has a headband denoting them as Shinobi. Leave the civilians alone. Cause as much death and destruction to their troops as possible. Do this, and I will only summon you again if I absolutely need to. Deal?"

Manda's eye widened at the second request. There was more to this petite little human than he first thought. She was no Orochimaru, that was true, but she wasn't just sunshine and rainbows.

"Deal." Manda agreed. "Why Ame?"

"That thing is their village leader. He killed thousands of our civilians and my best friend. I want him to experience the same. If it even has feelings anymore. However, we of Konoha are not monsters. If I find out you intentionally hurt or devoured a civilian, I will have you turned to stone. Questions?"

Manda shook his head. Ami nodded and jumped down off Manda's head, landing next to Shino. "Do you think I'm a monster?" Ami asked quietly.

Shino shook his head, slamming his own palm to the ground. Two Stag Beetles the size of small houses appeared from the smoke. Shino placed his palms on the head of each beetle. Their chittering absolutely adorable to Ami. Unlike other summons, the Beetle clan could only be summoned by members of the Aburame Clan or those who could communicate with insects in a similar manner.

"No, I do not. These two will join Lord Manda when he attacks Ame. I am in agreeance with you. Ame must pay for their crimes today. We may get in a lot of trouble with Lord Fifth. I hope you took that into consideration?" Shino asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Nope. Don't care either. I'll take whatever punishment he sees fit, even death. I will get revenge for my best friend and his family, no matter the personal cost to myself. You don't have to do this, dearest." Ami's voice lowered at the end.

"I want to. I love you. We are in this together, no matter the outcome." Shino told Ami.

Ami cleared her throat. Now was not the time to get emotional. She would deal with the hatred and sadness once this was all over. She would mourn Kenta, if he were really dead, when it was proper to do so. She couldn't break down now.

"Can… Can one you take us to Kenta?" Ami asked, turning towards the mother and son owls.

Tetsu sniffed a few times, wiping away the remaining tears. "I will, Miss Ami. It's the least I can do."

"Thank you, Tetsu. Lady Cardea, will you and your kin stay until Manda destroys this monster?"

"We will, Ami. Now go." Lady Cardea said in a gentle voice. Ami nodded, climbing onto Tetsu's back.

"Can you manage the both of us?" Ami asked Tetsu.

He nodded. "He isn't far. I can get you both there at least."

"Then let's go," Ami commanded, pulling Shino up behind her. As soon as Shino was secured, Tetsu took off into the air with a grunt of effort. Mere minutes later, he was making his descent.

Ami felt her heart break. There were the two Owls responsible for transporting Kenta, as well as Sasuke and Sakura. Sakura lay across a body, sobs wracking her body. Sasuke stood behind her, staring forward. His eyes were blank, there were no emotion in them. He could have been dead himself.

Finally, Ami noticed the familiar shade of dirty blonde, laying on his side, clutching something to his chest.

Ami couldn't hold back anymore. A sob wracked her body. She jumped off Tetsu, breaking into a sprint as soon as her feet touched the ground.

She fell to her knees at Kenta's head. She pulled his head into her lap, tears falling fast and silent. She didn't say anything as Sakura and Sasuke noticed her. She simply continued to stroke Kenta's head, whispering words of comfort. Shino appeared next to Sasuke. The two glanced at one another before continuing their silent vigil for their fallen comrade.

************************************Sad Panda****************************************

Naruto appeared atop the Hokage monument. His gaze swept the village, noticing that nothing looked too out of place or damaged. He watched as the largest snake he had ever seen was tearing into numerous summons that were dwarfed by the purple behemoth.

Naruto squinted his eyes. He watched as what seemed to be… something get tossed into the air, only to fall right back to earth into the waiting maw of the snake. As soon as the jaws snapped shut, the smaller summons disappeared all at once.

Naruto spread his senses out. A nifty ability he gained while accessing Nature chakra.

He found many chakra signatures that he was familiar with. He frowned, wondering where the heck Kenta could be at a time like this. Maybe he was out of his range already? Naruto shrugged, locking onto another source that he was very familiar with. He flashed away again, appearing just feet away from the gathered group of his friends.

"Shino! Sakura! Bastard! Ami! Hey guys! What's up?" Naruto called out cheerfully. His smile quickly fell from his face. Shino and Sasuke simply stared at Naruto emotionlessly. For Shino, that wasn't uncommon. But not so much as a twitch from Sasuke at the familiar name that Naruto called him by.

Sakura's tear streaked face stared at Naruto in wide-eyed horror, while Ami smiled at him sadly as her own tears fell.

"W-wh-what's going on, guys?" Naruto asked. "Where's Kenta?"

Sakura's eyes fell to the ground to her left, while Ami stared straight down. It was then that Naruto noticed that someone was laying in Ami's lap. Naruto walked over, curious as to who it was.

Naruto's eyes widened, seeing the sleeping face of his best friend and brother. He glanced up at the group once more. "Did something happen to him? Did he get knocked on the head?"

"How did you find us, Naruto?" Sasuke finally spoke up.

"Um, well, with Sage Mode activated I can sense people now. Pretty cool, eh?" Naruto asked, attempting to plaster his smile on his face.

"Then don't be stupid. You know Kenta isn't sleeping." Sasuke snapped. Naruto noticed the dried blood around Sasuke's eyes and running down his cheeks.

"Sasuke, don't be mean." Ami said softly, eyes never leaving the face of his best friend. Sasuke huffed and turned his back on the group.

Naruto knelt down beside Ami. "Ami?"

"He looks so peaceful, doesn't he? He's even got a little smile on that girly face of his." Ami attempted to laugh, but a choked sob was the only sound she could make.

Naruto glanced down, finally noticing the object that Kenta was clutching. "What is that?" Naruto asked, reaching out.

"Naruto, No!" Sakura suddenly called out, but it was too late. Naruto's pale face and wide blue eyes were staring into the teal eyes of Kono Yamanaka.

Naruto's world exploded in red.

***********************************Oh no…********************************************

I blinked.

"What the hell?" I glanced around, noticing I was in my home's entryway.

I wracked my brain, trying to figure out how I got here. My eyes flew open, and my heart constricted painfully.

"Kono…"

I was fighting the Human Path. He showed me Kono's head. The rest of the memory is a blur until I woke up right here.

"Kenta, sweetie? Is that you?" Mom's voice called out from the kitchen. My head snapped up, not believing what I was hearing for a second.

"M-Mom? Is that really you?" I called back.

"Yes, hon. Come to the kitchen, we're all here waiting for you."

I tentatively took a few steps forward before stopping. I clasped my hands together to help with the shaking. I couldn't go in there. I couldn't face mom. I couldn't face Kono after I failed to protect her.

"Kenta Yamanaka. Stop having self-deprecating thoughts and get your butt in here, this instant, young man. We have a lot to talk about!" Mom called out angrily.

I released a breathy chuckle. Yup, that was definitely my mother.

I continued the short trek into the kitchen. I poked my head around the corner and gasped.

There she was. Mom was sitting at the table, huddled over a scroll. Her light brown hair pulled into a loose ponytail, laughing at something that the small figure beside her just said.

Kono. Kono was next to mom, reading from the scroll and laughing. She was smiling and laughing. The image of her pained and tortured face was still seared heavily to the front of my mind.

Finally, there he was.

My father.

"D-daddy?" I called out hesitantly.

"Daddy? You haven't called me that since you were three. Come over here, son." Dad said with a warm smile on his face.

A choked sob escaped my throat on hearing my father's voice. It had been months, but hearing him now it seemed as if it were only yesterday.

I complied, and ran over to Kono, squeezing her tightly.

"I'm so sorry, Kono. I failed you. I couldn't protect you." I cried, still clinging to her small form. She felt so real. I felt a sharp whack on the top of my head. I glanced over at mom wide-eyed. She looked absolutely livid.

I knew it was coming. I knew I deserved this. It still didn't make it hurt any less.

"Kenta Yamanaka. What in the hell are you going on about? Did you suddenly become an omnipotent God? Are you a fortune teller now? Can you see into the future? Hmm? Well, answer me, young man!"

I simply shook my head in confusion. This was not what I was expecting.

And my mom just cursed. It was only the word 'hell,' but mom never cursed.

"Then how is any of this your fault? What are you apologizing for? No one could have ever predicted that something like this would happen. So please, tell me, what are you sorry for?" She finished, pinning me with the 'mom' look.

I was absolutely baffled. I didn't know what to say. I did the only thing a good son would do in a situation like this.

I shrugged.

Kono giggled, causing me to glance down at her. Teal eyes of accusation were replaced by teal eyes full of laughter and love.

"Mom is right, you know? I saw you, big bro. You were kind of pathetic. Did you really think I would blame you? That's just crazy, Kenta! I would never blame you, especially for something like this! You have nothing to be sorry about! I still love you. I'll always love you. K?" Kono said, rubbing circles on the back of my hand as she spoke.

"But I-"

"No buts. You weren't there. You didn't know that we were being attacked. Had you known, I know you would have been there to save us. But you didn't. So it isn't your fault. K?"

I nodded down at the small girl who had become a damn near perfect replica of mom towards the end of that sentence; glare and all.

I replayed everything that the two had just said to me. Tension seemed to just melt from my shoulders at hearing them tell me that they didn't blame me. Another thing I zeroed in on.

I bonked Kono on the head.

"What do you mean I looked pathetic? That was a dirty tactic he used!" I said, glaring down at Kono who was rubbing her head and glaring right back.

"We're shinobi, big bro. Dirty tactics are part of the game!" She shot back.

Dad laughed loudly at our bickering. I focused my gaze on him. He looked exactly as how I remembered him. Light blonde hair, teal eyes, laugh lines, all of it.

"Thought you would have learned your lesson by now, son. The women are always right." He sent a playful wink towards mom he nodded sagely.

I didn't respond. I couldn't respond. I could only continue to stare at dad. The pang in my chest back in full force.

"Dad I-"

"I'm so proud of you, son." He said with a warm smile.

I snapped my mouth closed and the tears were falling hot and fast once again.

I didn't realize it, but I had needed to hear those words even more than Kono telling me she didn't blame me.

"E-Even-"

"Even during your breakdown. As mom said, I had a similar one. The only thing I didn't agree with was how you treated Ino. That was just cruel, Kenta. Even for you. You're lucky that Ino is such a loving and understanding cousin. Most wouldn't forgive someone who tortured them." Dad said in a hard voice.

"I know. I still feel guilty about that." I said in a small voice.

"Which is the only reason I'm not going to harp on about it. Plus, we don't have much time."

My eyes shot up, quizzical gaze fixed on dad. "What do you mean?"

"We'll get to that in a moment. Now, tell me about 'The Knowledge.' I need to know everything!" Dad said, eerily reminding me of Lee as he had whipped out a notebook from thin air.

I may have forgotten how much of a nerd my father was.

***********************************Yama Family Moment********************************

"So where the hell are we? Is this the pure lands? If so, LAME." I asked to no one in particular.

"No. It is an in-between realm. This is where your soul goes to await the rest of your family. Once everyone arrives, we pass on together." Dad explained.

"Wait, that reminds me. Where is Iroko?" I asked in anxiety, hoping for some good news for once.

"He isn't here." Mom said simply, crocheting needles that, once again appeared from thin air, clacking together rapidly.

"Which means…?" I asked.

"He's alive. Holy crap, I'm starting to think that your 'genius' was simply overhype, big bro. You're kind of dumb, aren't you?" Kono asked smirking.

"Listen here, shit head. I will take you out back and pummel you!" I growled out, getting eye to eye with Kono.

"Kenta! Language. Your sister is correct though. Iroko survived. So we will wait here for him. Hopefully it will be after he is old and grey and will choose to wait for his own family. I hope he has many children and grandchildren." Mom said, waving one of the needles ominously in my face.

"So we're stuck in the house? Ugh." My head slumped down, smacking the table.

"No, son. You can go outside. This world is an exact replica of Konoha." Dad explained.

"Are there like… other ghosts to talk to? I love you guys, but spending eternity only talking to you three will probably get old."

"No. Every soul that is awaiting their loved ones is here. You can go talk to 'other ghosts' as you so eloquently put it." Dad said with a chuckle.

I nodded, remembering something. "You said we didn't have a lot of time. What was that about?"

Mom and Dad glanced at each other. "Well, son, you see…"

Mom took my face in her hands. "You are so stubborn, my beautiful boy, that even when you had consciously given up, your subconscious continued to fight. You are not truly dead, dear."

"What? What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.

"All the training you did with those lost techniques allowed you to subconsciously keep your soul tethered to your body. If you so choose, you can go back." Dad said.

"If I so choose? So I can just choose to stay here with you all?" I asked looking around.

Mom nodded. "You can. But you won't."

"Huh?"

"Kenta. Iroko is still alive. He needs you. You also have friends that still need you. Naruto needs you. Ami needs you. Sasuke needs you. Fú needs you. You still have people to love and fight for." Mom said warmly. Images of each face flashing before my eyes as mom listed them off.

I sighed.

She was right. Of course. If anything, I couldn't leave my baby brother alone in the world.

"You'll all wait here for me?" I asked, voice unsure.

"Of course, son. Hopefully it will be decades before we see you again." Dad said, eyes shining with unshed tears.

I nodded, knowing what I had to do. "Well, let's get these goodbyes outta the way. I need to use my yearly supply of tears sooner, rather than later."

Mom laughed lightly, rising and embracing me, attempting to destroy me completely with her super-hug.

"I love you, sweetie. Live a long and healthy life. Give me lots of grandbabies, and make sure you tell them all the stories about how strong and beautiful their grandmother was." Mom said, kissing the top of my head.

"I will." I said gruffly, attempting to hold it together.

Kono jumped out of her seat as soon as mom let go. "Remember, big bro. I love you. Give Iroko extra love from me, k?"

I nodded, the tears threatening to spill this time.

Kono and I were suddenly both pulled into a hug, courtesy of father. "Never, ever, doubt that I am proud of you, son. I will always be proud of you. Stop second guessing that. Now go. Naruto and Fú are still in danger."

I nodded, wiping away the copious amounts of tears and snot that erupted like a fountain on hearing my dad's words. I glanced around.

"How the hell do I get out of here?" I asked, causing everyone to laugh.

"A guide should be coming to show you… now." Mom explained as a knock on the door sound. I nodded and took a step towards the door before turning around and crashing into my family, pulling them all into a last hug.

"I'm going to miss you. Not a day will go by where I won't think of all of you. I promise to raise Iroko into a perfect gentleman." I said gruffly, tears falling freely.

"We know, dear. There was never a doubt in our minds. Now go." Mom said, watery smile in place.

I nodded, and quickly left the room. If I didn't leave now, I don't think I'd have the willpower to ever leave.

I reached the door and yanked it open.

A girl stood there with her back turned. Her chestnut hair fell down her back in tight curls. She turned around, and I gasped. If her eyes were the beautiful shade of orange I had come to love and her skin a few shades lighter, she could have passed as Fú's twin sister.

She also looked really familiar.

Amber colored eyes met mine. Eyes full of love and recognition.

"Hello, David. You and I need to talk."

Annnnd that's all folks. For now! Conclusion (?) coming next chapter! Stay tuned!