Naruto Shippuden Fanfic: Behind the Mask

In the original series of Naruto after Sasuke leaves, team seven is caught in a gruesome duel with Kisame Hoshigaki, whose target is Naruto. However, in an attempt to capture the young Jinchuriki, it goes horribly wrong and Naruto's life is the price; at least, according to Konoha. However, little do they know that the youthful Uzumaki is still breathing in a place far away. When Naruto catches wind of the Akatsuki's motives being far darker than simply creating their version of world peace, he bands together with three other talented ninja, forming a group whose power would rival that of the legendary Sannin. Four years pass, and ever since that day when their team had been created, Naruto had been pondering over the same question: should he return to his home village which needed him now more than ever, or should he remain with the three ninja who had become his family and stop the Akatsuki?