A/N:I am extremely sorry about the long wait. I have just finished my last sem and it has been a hellish 6 months. Right after I finished my sems I had to join at an office and have been very very busy. Updates will be much faster from here on out, I assure you"

Normal speech."

"KYUUBI SPEECH."

'Normal Thoughts.'

'KYUUBU THOUGHTS'

JUTSU's

Disclaimer:I(insert)Do(Legal)Not Own(Crap)NARUTO(Here). That honour goes to Kishimoto. I tried to buy the rights to naruto, but Hinata threteaned me with dire consequences if i came between her and her naruto. :-p

The great Hunt

It was a fine day in the country of fire. The sun shone brightly in the wake of early morning and people were seen starting their daily chores. Huge gates stood open providing entry to what seemed like a prosperous village. Strangers hurried inside the gates often muttering about "money", "missions" and "ninja". Near the gates, a small shack housed two gatekeepers who were watching the crowd very carefully. One of them yawned and grumbled about "having to wake up early."

Konohagakure No Sato, as the village was named, was one of the five great ninja villages. Also referred to as the hidden village of the leaf, it had witnessed many extraordinary ninjas performing unthinkable feats here. People gazed up in wonder at a mountain which had four faces carved at the very top. Many went off to find the ninja mission registration building while a few wandered aimlessly, enjoying a peek at what was being cooked at the famous Ichiraku Ramen stand, suddenly hitting themselves on the head for forgetting their duties and ran off to find their destination.

From the terrace of a building overlooking the stone faces on the mountain, Sarutobi Hiruzen calmly glanced at the Hokage monument. All was well in Konoha. Except for one small fact. He had been troubled to hear that Naruto had been thrown out of the village by an unruly mob. The number of years he held the title of Sandaime, the third Hokage, weighed heavily on him. He could tell that the boy was lonely in the few years he had spent in Konoha and yet he, the Hokage himself, had done nothing about it. His gaze shifted to the face of the fourth Hokage carved into the mountain and his hands clenched. Everyone among the adults knew and remembered the horrific incident many years ago. The Kyuubi's spirit was never one to be reasoned with, not when it was busy making short work of the village. And the Yondaime, Namikaze Minato, had used THAT Jutsu in order to protect the village from the ruthless Kyuubi.

Sarutobi was well aware of the Reaper's Death Seal and the extreme price which was required to be paid. He shuddered a little at the thought of using it, reminding himself that the Death God consumed the user's soul in exchange to seal another. But Minato had not hesitated when he knew what was at stake. He had protected the village at the cost of his own life and sealed the Kyuubi into the belly of his son Naruto, his son. Now that Sarutobi came to think about it, he remembered that he had forbidden anyone to mention the truth to the children. Naruto himself didn't know who his parents were. Although he didn't express it externally, Sarutobi had moments of remorse which told him that Naruto would have been happier had he known who his parents were. He was going over everything that he had been forced to do over the years. Most of which were things he seemed to regret when suddenly someone appeared behind him.

"You wanted to see me Hokage-sama?"

Sarutobi turned to see a Chuunin class ninja bending his knee. He had a scar right across his mature looking face and a questioning look as to why he had been summoned.

"Ah yes. I wanted to talk to you regarding some important matters. I trust everything is well at the Academy, Iruka?"

"Fine Hokage-sama, thank you for asking."

"Good", said Sarutobi and paused for a moment before he asked, "So are the young ninjas ready for their graduation ceremony? When do you think they will be worthy of the forehead protector?"

Iruka smiled and rose steadily.

"I say we hold the test as soon as possible Hokage-sama. Most of them show immense potential to become great ninjas in the future. It would only hold them back to delay it any longer."

Sarutobi's face radiated happiness. The young leaves have finally started to bloom faster, he thought.

"Hokage-sama?"

"Yes?"

Iruka's smile disappeared to be replaced with a sad expression. "Don't you…..don't you think even Naruto would have become a final year student by now?" he said.

Sarutobi quickly arranged his facial feature into what he hoped was a calm look. "I don't think I could think of Naruto's plight right now Iruka. I only pray that the boy is found safe. Have the rogue people been identified?"

"No. We are still investigating as to who had Naruto thrown out. I think it's a conspiracy. You know how the adults used to treat him."

Sarutobi's expression was now unreadable. "I see. We need to concentrate more on this. If word gets out, then other villages might look at us as a possible target. Akatsuki will seize that chance to forward their goals. So many negative possibilities… Do tell Ibiki to interrogate suspects if any are found. We need information, and we need it fast. and what about the children?"

Iruka's expression shifted ' to that of a more serious but satisfied teacher.

"There are a few who stand out from the others, although I wouldn't underestimate anyone. For example, though Nara Shikamaru is almost at the bottom of the list and is seen sleeping most of the time, and most people take him for a weakling, I have no doubt that few could best him in a all out fight with him actually trying and using his excellent understanding of strategies. This year's number one student Hyuuga Neji passed with top grades in all tests. Uchiha Sasuke of the next year isn't that far behind him."

"Uchiha Sasuke", Sarutobi repeated.

"Yes. The sole survivor of THAT clan."

Sarutobi shifted uncomfortably. He had tried to prevent certain incidents from taking place but he had never really succeeded. Danzo never made it look easy for him.

"Is something troubling you Hokage-sama?"

Iruka's voice seemed to bring Sarutobi back to reality.

"Nothing. I think that will be all. I will need you to inform me in advance about the test and the ceremony. I have many issues pending to deal with, particularly the Chuunin exams which will have to be hosted by us two year from now. We need to prepare for it."

"I will Hokage-sama. I'll let you know when the preparations are complete."

After bowing a little, Iruka vanished in a puff of smoke. Sarutobi looked sideways and saw another person not wearing the usual Konoha ninja uniform hurrying towards him. But Sarutobi recognized him to be a ninja from his behavior.

"Hokage-sama, I apologize if I'm intruding", said the ninja, "The elders have requested that you meet them right away in the sitting room."

Sarutobi sighed. They were going to start another war of words with him regarding Naruto. "Inform them that I'll be there right away."

"Yes Hokage-sama", said the ninja and he set off at a fast pace.

Sarutobi chanced another glance at the ninja as he hurried away and recognized that he was one of Danzo's black ops from his clothing. He sighed again and began walking to meet the advisors. It was going to be a long day.

Sunlight poured into a room from an open window onto three people and furniture in the room. Two of them, both elderly (a male and a female), were seated on chairs. The other person stood near the window looking at the sky. His right eye was completely covered with bandages and wrinkles and scars showed on his face. He used a walking stick to support himself in his right hand and threw furtive glances at the closed door. Suddenly the door opened to admit Hiruzen Sarutobi who strode across the room stopping in front of the elders. The man near the door stiffened a little on seeing him and clutched his walking stick even more tightly. The elders however calmly rose from their seats and wore identical stubborn expressions.

"So you came immediately Sarutobi. Good. Let us be comfortable while we discuss," the male of the elders said and motioned to two other chairs.

"What is this about?" demanded Sarutobi "You know very well that I have dispatched the best ANBU ninjas available in konoha to investigate Naruto's matter. I have also requested aid from our ally, the Sand village although I haven't mentioned the exact reason for it. What else can I do?"

The man near the window glanced at the elders who were still calm despite Sarutobi's outburst.

"And what about Naruto, Sarutobi? We haven't made the slightest bit of progress in locating him yet," said the elderly woman.

"Regarding what else you can do", the male of the elders continued, "Perhaps I can at least remind you that he's missing since a few years?"

Sarutobi's mouth tightened. He suddenly looked like a weary old man still struggling to walk the next step. He looked at the man standing near the window and he shook his head.

"What has HE got to do anything with this?" he asked, "I thought this was sworn to secrecy as much as possible?"

"Now...now…Hiruzen let's not be nasty about this shall we?" said the man walking away from the window as he drew nearer.

"Danzo is well aware of the situation Sarutobi and you would do well to appreciate help from any corner in Konoha" said the female elder.

"But Koharu-sama, it is up to me as the Hokage to deal in these matters. I should think it unwise for people to step in like this."

"As the Hokage, you have tried and didn't succeed. Show some seriousness if you have forgotten your own comrades", said Koharu and Sarutobi looked a little irritated.

"You know very well about Naruto's special situation. The longer he's out there, the more risky it becomes us. I trust you understand that?" asked the male elder.

"Homura-sama, you know very well that I will do whatever it is within my power to..."

"Pardon me if I'm interrupting", said Danzo (A flash of annoyance crossed Sarutobi's face) "I can help you…Hokage-sama" he said the last word with a barely noticeable smirk.

"I know more than anyone about your offers of help Danzo. I would rather leave the village than trust the likes of you."

Danzo's smile vanished.

"Pretty words indeed Sarutobi. From a man who failed in his duty" he said.

"Enough", said Homura, "We are not here to watch an argument Danzo. Sarutobi, I thought better of you. I never imagined you of all the people would react like this."

Danzo said nothing but instead he continued to look at Sarutobi in mock expectation as though he would summon Naruto any moment.

"Fine", said Sarutobi, "Fine. Give me some time to think about it. At least until the Chuunin exams. If I'm not successful by then…"

The other three people looked on, waiting as the seconds ticked away.

"….then I will…..allow Danzo to assist me," he finished reluctantly.

The elders seemed to relax a bit and they looked at Danzo in unison, who nodded showing his approval. The elders left the room with a "Good day to you both."

As Sarutobi turned to leave, Danzo spoke again.

"Hold on Sarutobi. Remember the Chuunin exams well. Beyond that you cannot escape with excuses. We must prune the roots well so that the great tree is not harmed. The Uchiha clan would have done better than you," he spat.

Sarutobi stopped and turned around slowly. For once there was a look of anger on his face.

"I think we all know who is an arrogant and ruthless toe rag Danzo. I don't have time to waste on your….impossible ideals."

With that he left the room at the same moment when Danzo said in a low voice, "You will not be around for long Sarutobi. You will see. I WILL make my ideals a reality."

Sarutobi continued glaring and stalked to his tower. after reaching it, he roared out to his anbu, "Neko! Get me Kakashi. I want him here yesterday. Inform him that if he is not here postehaste, i will personally burn his icha icha colection and melt down the memorial. Yamato! get me Huuga Hiashi and Inuzuka Tsume as soon as you can. Tell them i dont give a damn about their clan pride and inform that they alng with you and kakashi are taking part in a search and resce ops. I want this done and i want this done NOW! Scat."

With a hasty "Yessir", Both anbu disapeared in a swirl of leaves using shunshin.

Minutes ticked by as panic began to dominate the personality of a blond haired boy looking at a man clad in black robes who was apparently asleep. Though he had treated Kakuzu's injuries with whatever First-Aid that he knew, Naruto knew not when his shishou would regain consciousness. He had somehow mustered all his remaining strength and fled from the hideout with his master. It had barely been an hour since Itachi and Kisame had attacked them and been repulsed. He was starting to feel tired. It was, Naruto realized, due to the enormous amount of chakra he had spent in creating AND maintaining shadow clones to lay false trails. Naruto knew that the biggest disadvantage of a single shadow clone was dividing the user's chakra into equal halves between both bodies. But a thousand shadow clones? Naruto silently agreed that it was a miracle that he was not falling unconscious due to exhaustion.

He had laid Kakuzu under the shade of a tree and sat down next to him. He didn't know where he was right now and felt pretty helpless as to what might happen next. Trees seemed to crowd together and he guessed he was somewhere in the middle of a forest before his eyelids began drifting downwards. No, he thought. I cannot sleep while my sensei's life is in danger. Have to somehow….help….him…

As he was almost overcome by another temptation to sleep, he suddenly remembered booking rooms at an inn. Another inn. Another. Another. The list seemed endless and it brought a smile to his weary face. Suddenly he was feeling refreshed as a large amount of his chakra trickled back into him greatly relaxing his body. 'The trail is set', thought Naruto. Now, if the other shadow clones succeeded in laying the false trails, it would give Naruto and Kakuzu the much needed chance to vanish from Akatsuki's radar. Grinning broadly, he hoisted Kakuzu onto his shoulder and began moving as fast as possible.

A man was standing near a huge statue in a dark cave like area. The only light seemed to come from an eerie glow from a statue which had many eyes although all of them seemed to be closed at the moment. The man had black piercing all over his face and his eyes had hypnotizing spirals. He wore black robes with red clouds imprinted on them and seemed to be waiting for someone. His silent companion, a woman, stood by his side seemingly unfocused at a single spot and kept throwing glances everywhere compared to the man staring at the statue. The woman was no different in clothes as she wore the same robes.

An intruder alarm sounded and they were suddenly turning around not to kill but to watch as another man in the same clothing appeared out of thin air. He had a orange colored spiral shaped mask and along with him, another person with a half black and white face seemed to rise from the ground. The man with the mask started to speak addressing the man who had piercing all over his face.

"Kakuzu was a valuable asset wasn't he Pain?" He looked on as the other person nodded slowly.

"Our plans will be rather…hindered a little considering that we have one less member now. Kakuzo was one of the strongest members of Akatsuki. I would go as far as to say that he is great enough to trouble even Me." said Pain, "And there's also something we need to take care of first I presume?"

"Ah yes," the masked man nodded, "Difficult choices…..but then again we have no choice if a rogue goes crazy like this."

"Will you be the one to take care of him Tobi…or should I say Madara?" asked Pain.

"Not yet," said Madara looking at the man rising from the ground, grinning goofily "I daresay Tobi is still a good boy. There is time yet before I reveal myself. And that is why I thought Zetsu here is the right person for this job."

Pain and the woman looked at Zetsu who nodded and was lost in conversation with his other half.

"How do you plan to track him?" the woman asked, "Being part of Akatsuki, he would surely know our ways more than anyone else."

"You are forgetting Konan, that there is one method we use and it is known only to those who devised it," said Pain.

"I don't understand Pain…what are you thinking …..Wait, it couldn't be that he still has it on him?" wondered Konan.

"Yes", said Madara, "I asked Itachi personally and I'm sure that he did mention that Kakuzu still had it on him."

"Zetsu", said Pain, "Can you sense whether Kakuzu is still wearing his ring?"

"Oh yeah", said the black half, "Seems traceable but it's…confusing somehow….almost like there are too many chakra signatures that match Kakuzu running around."

"When did you come to know that?" asked the white half.

"When you were sleeping right now."

"I was not! Besides I'm YOU after all!"

"Yeah. Yeah. Whatever."

"It's possible that Kakuzu might have set false trails to mislead us in the event that we found out about his betrayal," said Pain.

"Let's keep this to ourselves," said Madara, "The other members can be told later should the need present itself. The ring is the only sure safeguard we have."

Zetsu nodded. He turned to look at Pain.

"Once I find him, what are your orders?" asked the white half. At the same time, the black half asked, "Can we eat him?"

"Dispose of him the usual way", said Pain in a low voice, "I have no need for someone who flings stones in my face. Especially after he kept the Jinchuuriki hidden. Make sure you separate the Kyuubi kid before you make your move. It would be troublesome if he were to get in the way-more so if he got himself killed. Make sure you keep your eyes on the correct ring."

"Understood. That's more I like it. Better kill him off right there rather than waste time dragging him all the way back," said the black half, "Would be helpful if you didn't fall asleep you know."

The white half snorted as Zetsu sank deeper into the ground and vanished.

As Zetsu disappeared from view, Pain performed a few hand seals and touched the ground once.

"As expected from the leader of Akatsuki," said Madara who was watching with sincere interest, "You do understand that Zetsu will be suspicious if he comes back to find a barrier?"

"He should be", said Pain, "Until it's time to tell him."

Madara nodded apparently satisfied.

"In the event that Zetsu manages to capture Uzumaki Naruto, what do you plan to do with him?" asked Pain.

"We break him," Madara said remorselessly. "Then we reinforce his mind", Madara paused for a moment before continuing, "with our ideas. Once we convince him to join our cause, it will be child's play to steer him towards destroying Konoha."

Pain looked on silently. If he was thinking about anything at all, his face didn't show it. Konan however broke the silence.

"It won't be that easy to convince the Kyuubi kid. He might seek revenge against his village but at the same time, he won't greet us as allies either."

"That will be taken care of soon enough once he's brought to us," said Pain, "He stands at the centre of all our plans. He's valuable. And worst case scenario is that we have him sedated until the right time-after the first 8 are captured-then we extract Kyuubi. We dare not attempt to extract kyuubi before the gedo mahzo is properly reinforced with the chakra of the other 8 bijus. Without the power of the other 8 inside the statue, the power of the 9 tails can never be subdued. Even then, it will be a touch and go affair and will require at least 9 of us to have a cent percent chance of suppressing kyuubi no youko's chakra."

"I'll leave that to you," said Madara, "I'll be going now. Sasori no Dana has information for me regarding Orochimaru."

The next moment Madara disappeared and Pain and the woman were the only ones left in the area.

"Time is always impatient Konan and so am I. Our goals, Yahiko's goals, are going to be achieved soon when the Kyuubi falls into our hands," said Pain.

"How do you plan on convincing him…Nagato?"

"The first step," said Pain as he turned towards the statue again. His eyes glinted with sudden bright light as the statue started sinking deeper into the ground.

"The first step…is to nurture his hatred."

A/N:

I wanted to do a lot more, including a flashback on naruto's first mission, but i just could not find a way to properly include that was patly why the update was delayed. the next chapter should be interesting. please tell me what i did wrong. i am a new author and constructive crititism will do me good. and flames allways are fun to read :-p