• Dark Dawn •

Ep 7 - Claims

(Arc 0 - Captured - pt 4)

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Konoha

"So that's what he said?.. "Lord Hiruzen muttered. "That's a group we should keep an eye on...the Akatsuki, you said? That's what Naruto called them? "

Kakashi stood calmly and confirmed his question with a slight nod. "That's about right."

"I've heard of the Akatsuki before. A while ago,  there were rumors of this criminal organization that were free for hire." Lord Hiruzen said. "So I see they really were real. I had my suspicions back then. "

"What should we do about this, Lord Hiruzen?"Kakashi asked.

A worried expression was etched all over the Hokage's face. "We wait."

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Leaf Hospital

Naruto looked out the window of his hospital room. He was constantly lost in his thoughts.

Lord Hiruzen had frequently visited Naruto in the hospital the past week. Naruto didn't seem like the Naruto from before the incident.

Naruto seemed lost, and had a blank look in eyes,  as if he was longing for something. Searching. The way Naruto held his shoulders made him seem older than he actually was.

Lord Hiruzen sat down on a chair next to the bed. "how are you feeling, Naruto?"

Naruto slowly turned his head. He looked at Lord Hiruzen with surprise. Naruto smiled. "What brings you here today? " he asked.

"I was checking up on you for today. I have a few questions I wanted to ask you too."Lord Hiruzen replied.

Naruto's expression immediately dropped. "Okay... " he looked away and at the covers of his bed. "so... What is it? "

"How many members of the Akatsuki were there? How many of them do you know the names of?" Lord Hiruzen started.

Naruto immediately tensed. Kurama,  what should I do? I can't answer these questions or else I'll be giving the Akatsuki away!

Kit, remember what they said to you before you left? You are allowed to answer the questions any Leaf Shinobi asks you,  as long as it is vague and doesn't give out a lot of information.

Yes...

Naruto fidgeted his fingers. "I think there were at least um ... 7 Akatsuki people?" Naruto hesitated. "I only remember the names of two members."

Lord Hiruzen leaned forward, interested. "what were their names? "

Naruto thought for a second, determining who's name he should give up. Then it struck him. "Their names were Itachi and some explosion-loving dude called Deira?  Dura? Or something like that. " Naruto said.

Lord Hiruzen pondered his words for a second. "I see...thank you, Naruto. You are a great help. Get better soon."
He got up and left the room.