The lost soul..

The village hidden in the leaves, also known as Konohagakure had always prided itself on numerous things. Its great number of fine ninja, the fact that their Yondaime Hokage, was also known as the greatest ninja the world had ever seen, the prestige of its clans, the fresh, crisp clean air its dense forests provided.

But most of all, the fact that its ninja, always helped each other. No one simply fought one Konoha ninja, they fought an entire team, because one Konoha ninja always assisted his comrade.

But in a single instant, that peace, that unity, that camaraderie, was shattered.

Uzumaki Naruto, The Demon of Konoha, The Living weapon of the hidden leaf village had killed nearly the entire Shinobi council in one fell swoop. Only six had survived. The Inuzuka and Aburame clan heads, Inuzuka Tsume and Aburame Shibi had been away on a mission as had the clan heads of the Akamich and Nara clans. Akimichi Chousa and Nara Shikato.

The only three councilmen that had survived the massacre and had been present was the clan head of the Hyuuga clan, Hyuuga Hiashi, the Yamanaka clan head Yamanaka Inoichi and the leader of the ROOT Anbu division, Danzou and the only reason those three had escaped, was because Inoichi had managed to invade the mind of Tayuya, making her drop the barrier just in time for the three to make their exit.

Word soon spread like wildfire of the coup and the idealistic reason behind it. Naruto had taken the Kage tower as his operations base. Too few remained to properly organize an attack against him. The Hokage and the council was dead, none held the rank to order an assault by the jounin and Anbu.

Until they reorganized he was safe.

It appeared however as if the Shinobi population and the Civilian population would simply side with the Hyuuga or Danzou when the time came.

But that would soon change…

Kakashi silently leapt up over the rooftops of the village of the hidden leaves, rain pelted against his body, making small pit pat sounds against his forehead protector. He ignored it however as he continued making his way up the Hokage monument, where he could see a figure standing above the Fourth Hokage's head.

In only a few minutes he made his way there, standing before the tall figure of Jiraiya the toad sannin He walked up behind him. His face serious. "Is it true?"

Jiraiya shrugged. "Yeah, he killed the council."

"I was asking about the other little tidbit of information."

Jiraiya looked to the sky. "You're asking weather or not I still support him?"

Kakashi nodded.

Jiraiya didn't even turn to face him he merely continued to look upon the night sky. Finally, after almost a minute he spoke. "Yeah…I do."

"Why?" Kakashi asked shocked. "He's planning on starting another war, no…he's planning to start another war that we can't win."

"Kakashi." Jiraiya cut in… "When I saw him…that day in the council chamber…at first I thought he was insane…but…right now…I…I think…I truly believe that he might very well be able to do it. He can bring an end to this never-ending spiral of war."

"It's a dream Jiraiya…not even sensei could hope to do it." Kakashi said somewhat somberly. A world without war…it was a nice dream…but…dreams were dust.

"Just a dream…" Jiraiya said, his voice, barely a whisper, drowned out by the rains. He turned to face the silver haired ninja, his arms crossed over his chest. "Then Kakashi, spread the word. That Jiraiya, The second sannin, The toad sage and sensei to the Yondaime Hokage…will grant his full support to achieve Uzumaki Naruto's dream."

Kakashi's single eye went wide, but before he could speak anymore, Jiraiya leapt off of the Kage monument, the howls of the wind and the pitter-patter of the rain being the only things left in his wake.

When news spread throughout Konoha, that Jiraiya of the sannin supported the Demon the civilian and Shinobi population were torn in two. Many wanted to head to the Hyuuga clan house and seek refuge there, believing that the walls and might of the Hyuuga clan would prevail over any adversary.

The division was literally splitting Konoha in two.

It would be made apparent, in the next fateful event.

Naruto stood at the balcony of Sarutobi's old office staring over the village of Konoha. He could see the Hyuuga clan house at the other side of the village from this vantage. He turned at the sound of the door opening. Jiraiya, the strongest Shinobi currently under his command entered with a calm expression on his features..

The Toad sannin walked past him and leaned on the railings of the balcony. "You know…" He began."In order to even have a hope of getting this ambition of yours off the ground you first need to win this political game."

Naruto nodded. He was about to respond when the door opened again this time revealing the sound ninja, Tayuya and Kidomaru. Jiraiya narrowed his eyes almost imperceptibly. He knew they were, somewhat necessary due to the few number of actual supporters Naruto had, but…he still didn't have to like working with one of the people that helped kill his sensei.

They then noticed that the two were dragging someone along. It appeared to be a person hidden in a cloak. They dropped their prisoner unceremoniously on the floor.

"We caught this fuck trying to get into the tower." Tayuya said, kicking the persons side.

"I managed to suffocate 'em with my webbing enough to knock them out."

Naruto nodded. "Remove the cloak."

Tayuya knelt down and did so, revealing none other than the Hyuuga heiress.

"Wake her." Naruto ordered. Tayuya shifted through her pocket and took out a small wrapping of smelling salts. She cracked it and set it to the girls nose.

Hinata awoke with a start, pushing herself away from the stinging smell that brought tears to her eyes. She wiped them and looked around dimly lit room. Seeing Jiraiya of the sannin, two sound ninja and the one person she came t see.

"Naruto." She began.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"She bowed her head. "I came here to ask for your help."

Tayuya snorted. "Then why the hell were you trying to sneak in?"

"Because if my father catches wind of this then I'll never be able to save my sister." She responded the sound girl. She went to stand when Kidomaru put a kunai to her throat. "I say she's lying." He said, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "I say we kill her, send a message to the Hyuuga."

"I gave no such order, Kidomaru." Naruto's voice stopped him cold. He slowly removed the blade from her person and allowed her to stand. 'Speak." He commanded the girl that at one point was his charge.

Hinata bowed her head. "My father has decreed. That my sister and I are to receive the branch family curse seal." She bit out the word 'father' and curse seal like they were poison. "I'm asking for your help. Take us in."

After several seconds of silence she added rather hastily. "I don't care if you don't trust me but at least take my sister." She said, letting desperation begin to show in her voice.

Naruto, idly found himself mulling over the reason she would do such a thing. She cared not for her well being but that of her sister. The reasons for such acts of selflessness continued to elude him.

Nevertheless, now was not the time to ponder his little curiosity.. He had a civil war to win. "You seek asylum." He said slowly before turning to Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, would you know how to destroy the branch family curse seal?"

The toad hermit paused for a moment before he nodded slowly. "Yeah, Minato was planning to eliminate that division of the main house and branch house bullshit. So he had a branch member secretly take scrolls from the Hyuuga vault and give them to him. He did some research on what the guy gave him and we discovered that what the caged bird seal does, is that it disrupts the electrical discharges in the nerves that go from the brain, to the heart. When that happens the brain cannot tell the heart to keep pumping and basically, after about a minute or so, the person dies. Based on his research I'm pretty sure I can remove the caged bird seal without much problems." He explained.

Naruto nodded and turned back to Hinata. "I will assist you, under two conditions." He stated slowly.

Hinata nodded, "Anything." She responded.

"First, you are to return to your estate and secretly spread the word among the branch house members, that should they side with us, all of their caged bird seals will be removed. Should they accept the offer, they are to leave the Hyuuga house, under the cover of darkness in three days. Our preparations will be made by then."

"How do you know one of those branch guys won't just tell this to the main house guys." Kidomaru asked.

"Because, the branch house, is loyal to the branch house, and each and every one of them wants freedom. We can give them that." Naruto explained. It had some risks, like all strategies but, the gains, far outweighed said risks.

Hinata nodded slowly, it would be difficult, but it wasn't so bad, the bitch would be getting caught. "And the second thing."

Naruto turned his attention back to her. "When you and the branch house arive, you are to make an official declaration that you found evidence, that your father was planning to place a monarchy, with the Hyuuga as the ruling class once this was over, and every civilian and ninja bellow jounin, that was not part of the main house of the Hyuuga clan would have the caged bird seal."

Hinata at this point, stopped, her eyes wide in disbelief. "But…but…he wasn't planning on doing any of that."

"I know." He answered. All but shrugging. "We are at war Hinata, your claim to have found such evidence will turn both the majority of the civilian population and more importantly, the majority of the ninja population to our side."

Hinata looked away and bit her lip. It was one thing to free the branch house, something she had dreamed of doing already, but to discredit her father and half of the clan that way…

Admittedly her father was a bastard, who preferred his political image rather than his own family but…still.

She took a deep shaky breath and thought of the one person she had gone through so much trouble of sneaking out of the Hyuuga house for. Her sister Hanabi. If she had to do it for anyone, she would do it for her.

She looked straight into the shadows that covered Naruto's face and nodded determinedly. "I'll do it."

Naruto himself nodded. "Good, return to the compound and spread the word. They must leave in three days, anyone that comes in sooner or later will be considered a spy and dealt with accordingly."

Hinata nodded and with a deep bow she turned and left.

Three days later:

"Hinata-neechan." Hanabi whispered as the two leapt from one of the windows of the compound. "Are you sure about this?" She asked as she looked around, somewhat scared.

Hinata nodded, she knew the path would be clear, simply because the branch house members were the ones on patrol, while the main house rested inside.

A woman, who Hinata recognized as a branch member dropped down next to them. "Hinata-sama, Hanabi-sama, please, we must hurry, it wont be long before someone of the main house realizes we are gone." She whispered hurriedly as she began dragging them along.

They reached and leapt over the wall without incident, and as soon as they did, Hinata could see the shadowy forms of other branch house members leaping through the rooftops, heading for the Kage tower.

As they were about to follow however, a single figure dropped down infront of her. She snapped her eyes up and felt them widen in fear as she came across the form of her father, deep scowl etched across his face.

Hiashi snapped his eyes, to the fearful looking branch member standing next to his two daughters and began forming the seal that would activate the cage bird seal.

"KAITEN!"

Hiashi snapped his head to the side just as the spinning shield of chakra formed, hitting him and knocking him away, smashing him into a building.

The sphere of chakra dissipated revealing-

"Neji?" Hinata said astounded that her cousin had come to help her.

"Hinata-sama, Run! I'll stall him!" He said settling himself into the Juuken stance.

Hinata stood "But Neji…"

"JUST GO!" He yelled. Soon the shock would wear off and Hiashi would deal with them, he could only buy ten or twenty seconds. He turned to the other woman. "Take them now!" He said desperately.

The woman hesitated for a moment before nodding and grabbing both Hinata and Hanabi by the waists before they could protest.

"NEJI!" She yelled struggling to release the woman's hold on her.

Neji looked back to Hiashi, who was just beginning to pick himself out of the rubble.

The man stood and glared at his nephew. "You do realize, that you just dug your own grave, Neji?" He said coldly.

The youth simply nodded and took a deep breath. "At least I die with a clean conscience." He looked straight into the older mans eyes. "Can you say the same?"

Hiashi narrowed his eyes before forming a single seal Neji grasped his head in pain, as the seal took effect, he then gripped his heart once before falling over, dead.

The Hyuuga clan head looked to the distance, where the Kage tower was. Soon, a purple, barrier formed around it. He narrowed his eyes.

Now he was worried.

Once more, word spread through the village that half of the Hyuuga clan had defected to Naruto.

Compounding this was Hinata's statement regarding her father's supposed plans, spurring fear into the people, outrage was fierce and immediate.

Now, many people feared even approaching the Hyuuga estate these same people were wary of Danzo's militaristic policies as well. Despite this however, Naruto's camp and power had not grown.

As mistrustful as they might have been, the remaining population was still terrified of the notion of a rule under the Demon of Konoha.

The small rift that had formed was now tearing actively the country in two as panic made way for disorder, and disorder carved its way to violence, with mayhem and riots spreading through the streets of the city, too few remained to enforce order.

The gap was widening.

Naruto shifted through the report Jiraiya had written for him, they now had roughly seventy-five Hyuuga's that had knowledge of the ninja arts and thirty to forty that did not and were merely maids or servants. Those he had placed to handle the administrative works. While others were assuming the roles of sentries and scouts. The most experienced training the weaker clan members.

A Hyuuga entered the door. "Naruto-sama." He said bowing.

Naruto found it strange, this…perspective. Instead of being the serf he was now the commander, not the commanded.

It was…quite odd for him.

"What is it?" He addressed the man.

"There are several Ninja that are requesting an audience with you."

"Do you have their names?"

The man nodded slightly. "Yes, one is Hatake Kakashi, another is Maito Gai and Yuuhi Kurenai. It appears that Gai has brought two of his students as well."

Three of Konoha's elites. Naruto mused. He nodded. "Very well, escort them here."

The Hyuuga bowed once before exiting the room. Moments later they entered.

He noticed, that Kurenai, judging by her body language and demeanor was upset and somewhat emotional. Maito Gai wore a somber frown on his fate as did his carbon copy behind him along with the girl, who was struggling to keep from crying. Her eyes were bloodshot red and her cheeks held dried tear stains.

So he addressed the most collected of the group.

"Kakashi why are you three here?"

The copy ninja, in his ever lazy attitude spoke up. "Well…quite frankly we came to join you."

"And what would be the reason for your decision."

Kakashi shrugged and took out his book. "A number of reasons really." He said offhandedly.

"Speak them Kakashi, or leave." Naruto said, quickly loosing patience with the man.

Kurenai-for her part was glad that he was directing his questions to Kakashi. She was not sure if she could answer them properly, relieving the events that had occurred just hours beforehand between herself and Asuma.

"Kurenai have you lost your mind?" He yelled at her. "How can you even think of supporting him? He'll lead us all into a stupid war that none of us can win! He'll bring the leaf down around our ears."

"Asuma." Kurenai spoke calmly. "The Hyuuga clan wants to enslave us and Danzo will eventually do the same thing Naruto wants to do. At least he has the strength to back up his claims!" She said.

"That…is a monster. He'll burn the world and say its all in the name of peace."

"And what of the Hyuuga and Danzo."

"At least the Hyuuga have emotions!"

"And who's fault is that!" She snapped glaring at him, her ruby red eyes narrowing in anger as she walked up to him and poked him in the chest. "It was your father who made him that way, if someone is to blame for what he is it's him!"

Asuma threw his cigarette to the floor and closed his eyes, his expression showing his distaste. "Look Kurenai, do whatever you want.

It was an event replaying itself throughout the city.

Gai meanwhile watched his two students with a concerned gaze. It was this morning that they had received word that Neji had died the other day. Gai had rushed to the scene and found that there was no blood, no superficial wounds of any kind so he had quickly deduced one thing.

The Branch family curse seal.

Lee and Tenten were both orphans. The girl lived off of an inheritance her parents had left her after the Kyuubi attack and he had all but adopted Lee.

When he had told them the news their first reaction had been disbelief they kept asking if he was joking. When it became apparent he was not they had both cried. He had hugged them then. Not his usual boisterous yells of youth hugs that he had given them as a team but a comforting one. Letting their tears soak the shoulders of his Jounin vest.

It had been Neji's death that had pushed him in his decision to come here. He could not go to the Hyuuga's, even if the claims of them wanting slavery were false he could never support a clan that killed their own in such a way.

Lee and Tenten had followed.

He was brought out of his reverie by Kakashi speaking. "And the last reason would be because…your ambition…is something that we might need in this world."

Naruto nodded. "Very well. And you Maito Gai, what is your reason for joining me?"

Gai cleared his throat and spoke seriously. "Well…to be perfectly blunt…you are the lesser evil."

"Even should I choose to lead the Leaf to more war after this is over."

Gai paused before nodding slowly.

Naruto turned to Kurenai. "I assume that would be your reason as well."

She too nodded.

A silence descended upon them for a few minutes before Naruto spoke. "Very well." You are dismissed, one of the Hyuuga's outside the door will lead you to your rooms.

The three jounins and two gennins bowed once before leaving.

It was soon after word spread that Kakashi, the copy nin, Maito Gai the Taijutsu master and Yuuhi Kurenai the Genjutsu mistress had joined Naruto that Ninja, from Anbu to Jounin began to join Naruto, having what were arguably Konoha's four most powerful ninja's under his belt had added a form of prestige and more importantly, power to hid bid for rulership.

It was at this time that Hyuuga Hiashi began to counter the acusacions, laid against him, counter claiming that, rather than lying, that his daughter was being influenced by the power of the Kyuubi no Yoko.

In light of this equally false claim many of the civilian populous began to turn to him once again as did a number of the ninja. When the head of the Aburame, Akamichi, Inuzuka and Nara clans returned, things only seemed to get worse.

Aburame Shibi, Shino's father had declared that he would side with Naruto, surprising most of the clans. A small faction of Aburame clan that disagreed with him had fled to the Hyuuga estate, the same thing had happened with the Inuzuka clan, only that it had been the opposite factions. Tsume had sided with the Hyuuga clan while a faction of the Inuzuka had joined Naruto.

The Ino-Shika-Chou trio had joined the Hyuuga clan. A powerful blow against Naruto's claim, all but equalling the clout of Kakashi, Kurenai and Gai at his command.

These two events had garnered most of the civilians of Konoha to join the Hyuuga clan.

It was only by the names of the ninja joining Naruto however, names such as Shiranui Genma, Mitarishi Anko, and Morino Ibiki, that the ninja population was finally swayed to place themselves under his command..

Now that everyone is in place, all that remained to be decided was the victor.

Naruto stood in what was now dubbed 'His' office with a group of his strongest Ninja in it. The previous sound four/five, stood by the far wall, exchanging weary glances with the Konoha Shinobi, which consisted Jiraiya, Kakashi, Kurenai, Gai, Anko and Ibiki.

He spoke slowly, staring off into the distance. "Now that we have the necessary support, we must decide who we must strike first."

Jiraiya took it from there. "The problem is that, since we are practically even against both the Hyuuga and Danzo, then if two factions fight, the losses they would inflict on each other would give the other remaining factor the opportunity to beat the victorious side. But striking both at the same time is out of the question…as a wise man said, if you go after two hares you will catch neither."

Anko spoke. "But, why hasn't Danzo attacked us yet. I mean…he hasn't made a move to kill us before we were prepared so…that means that he isn't that much of a threat."

Jiraiya shook his head. "No, it was just that the majority of his ROOT Anbu were out on mission and he couldn't make his move against us. My spies have confirmed that. Tomorrow though the last of his ninja will arrive, meaning he'll be at full strength again."

Kakashi spoke then. "The Hyuuga clan have nearly the same strengths as us, so I would attack them, Danzo and his Anbu are relatively normal ninja and few if any have bloodline limits, so I think we can handle them after the Hyuuga are dealt with.

As the argument continued weather to attack the Hyuuga or Danzo first it was interrupted by their 'leader'

"We will attack them both." His voice silenced the arguing individuals in an instant. Jiraiya turned to him. "Naruto, dividing our forces at a time like this is foolhardy."

"We will not divide the troops." He explained, cutting him off. "I will go and deal with the Hyuuga clan."

"By yourself?" Kurenai asked openly gaping at him.

"It's official. He's lost it." Tayuya muttered to herself.

"Naruto." Kakashi spoke up. "You know that, up until this point I have supported you in almost everything you've done but I must say this…Are you completely out of your mind or just pretending for dramatic tension?"

"The Hyuuga clan Taijutsu is considered to be the greatest Taijutsu in Konoha, there is no way you could beat them all even with their currently weakened state."

"Not only that, but they have nearly the entire Inuzuka clan and more than half of the chuunin population of Konoha aiding them, along with the very powerful, Ino-Shika-Cho trio." Ibiki spoke up.

They continued to argue with him until he calmly spoke up again. "Enough! This is what I have decided. Jiraiya, you are to lead the attack against Danzo, I do not care how you do it, but you have three days to prepare for it. You are all dismissed."

He spoke with a tone that indicated his decision was final and while most of them didn't like it they each filed out.

Hyuuga estate: Refugee camp.

'Hey forehead!" Came a Ino's loud voice.

Sakura turned and saw her former friend/rival approaching. "Ino?" She asked as the girl embraced her. The past few weeks had been nothing but absolutely hectic. Their world had just started spinning faster and faster and it didn't seem like it would stop, seeing a familiar face among the chaos was a relief in and of itself.

"Hey forehead when did you show up?" Ino asked pulling away.

"Just yesterday why?"

"Because, Me, Chouji, Shikamaru and Kiba are all over by the tents near the lake." She said smiling. "Come on, lets go." She said dragging the pink haired girl along.

It was a few moments later they arrived where their friends were all sitting by the fireplace.

"HEY GUY'S LOOK WHO I FOUND!" Ino yelled catching their attention.

Kiba, Shikamaru and Chouji all turned and saw their former classmate. "Sakura?" Kiba asked shocked.

The pink haired girl smiled and sat down. "Hey Kiba." She greeted before looking around. "Ummm, its been really confusing these last few days can anyone explain just what the hell is going on."

Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome." And was rewarded by a smack to the back of the head by Ino. "You idiot! She's just as confused as we were so explain it."

He grumbled some more before talking. "You remember that guy that took the chuunin exam some weeks ago with Hinata and Sasuke?" At the girls nod he continued. "Well apparently, he killed off the entire council in a coup. He says he wants to bring peace to the world. In his mind that's apparently conquering the world. And so now, the village is split between the Hyuuga and their supporters, namely our clans, a guy called Danzo and his division of Anbu and this Naruto guy and his supporters, were at civil war."

"But, who would support a guy that wants to conquer the world?" Sakura asked.

Shikamaru shrugged. "Either they agree with his ambition or they're afraid of him. Supposedly he's got Jiraiya of the sannin, The Copy ninja, Hinata Sasuke and his, old sensei, Kiba's and your old sensei Kurenai, half of the Hyuuga clan itself and most of the Aburame's helping him, that would include your old teammate Shino."

Sakura and Kiba both looked somber at that. Shino was a good friend, the fact that they may possibly have to fight against him was not something they wanted.

Meanwhile three men watched the children with grim faces. "Did we make the right choice, Shikato." The largest one asked.

"I don't know. And its too troublesome to figure out." Shikato said with a sigh.

"I cannot support him." Inoichi said. "I will not support him, wars are not won overnight, they can last years, decades even. I won't raise my little girl in the same environment we grew up in. It isn't right." The blond haired man said. "It's a good goal, but the price will be much too high." He stated somberly.

Shikato and Chouza said nothing, there was simply nothing to say.

Naruto stood in contemplative silence. He was making a mental list of possible strategies he could use against the Hyuuga. He knew the layout of the estate, it had been part of his training to know every major clan district in Konoha in order to properly defend it should one clan be attacked.

Ironic, that what they had once been using for their protection, was now going to bring about their downfall.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard footsteps behind him.

He turned and found Hinata approaching.

She stopped, about five feet away and looked at him for a moment before she spoke.

"I…heard that you were going to lead the assault on the clan house."

A nod was her only answer.

She nodded, looking down. "I see." Was her response before she turned and left.

Naruto did not know why but he felt compelled to give her a choice. "Would you like me to spare him?"

Hinata stopped for a moment before she said one word.

"No."