A/N: I am a long time lurker on this site, and I finally put into words an idea that's been kicking around in my head. It's my first ever story and I would appreciate any and all feedback. Thank you in advance!
*DISCLAIMER- I DON'T OWN NARUTO*- It's Kishimoto's sandbox, I'm just playing in it.
UZUSHIOGAKURE-12 YEARS PRIOR TO KYUUBI ATTACK
The sky was black with smoke, battle cries mixing with the screams of the fearful and the dying. After three hellish days of nightmarish battle, the Grand Coalition of Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri had broken through to the heart of the village. The results of their revenge could be seen as the streets ran red with blood. Destructive jutsus lanced through the air, felling villagers and buildings alike.
The surprise attack had come at the worst possible moment. The evacuation plan created last night, to sneak the civilians out through a secret tunnel to ships waiting in a sea cave, had just been implemented. The enemy shouldn't have been able to find that hidden bay, much less know to strike while their attention was on organizing the escape. Betrayal from within was the most likely cause, but a bitter pill to swallow.
These were the thoughts of an imposing man as he strode with grim purpose through the village. Enemy shinobi would flash in front on him, attacking with blades or jutsu, only to be swept aside. "Blood-drunk fools" the man sneered "I am Ashara Uzumaki! Brother to the Clan Head himself!" He carried a long staff topped with a brass ring, like that of a priest. However, this staff had crystal prisms adorning that ring, crackling and spitting with lightning energy.
Ashara knew that the most powerful foes were busy on the front lines, engaging the last line of the village's defenders. Almost all of the chuunin of Uzushio were there, as well as all the jounin. That was Ashara's destination as well. He had just left the area where he had been organizing the genin and low-chuunin protecting the civilian wagon train. He had left a mid-chuunin in charge and then went to die by his brother's side.
A sobbing cry to one side grabbed his attention, and he saw a Kumo and Iwa nin apparently fighting over a prize. Said prize was a crying, terrified redheaded teenage girl on her knees between the two, with her clothes in tatters. "I saw her first, she's mine first!" the Iwa nin declared. "Fine, but I get to keep the breeder!" the Kumo nin granted. The obvious intention of the two, combined with calling one of his precious family a "breeder", sent cold fury racing through Ashara. He slammed the butt of his staff on the ground as he cried out "Raiton: Electromagnetic Murder!" Bolts of lightning shot from the prisms on his staff, skewering and frying the two ninjas.
The girl on the ground looked up in shock to a see a tall aging man, streaks of red in his long graying hair. He had a neatly cropped reddish gray beard that extended from his sideburns along his jaw to meet up above his mouth, leaving his chin bare. He walked forward, mindless of the blood on the ground staining his deep blue robe that covered a white shirt and pants, tied with a sea green sash.
Shock turned to joy as the girl scrambled to her feet, desperately trying gather her clothes around her. "Ashara-sama! Thank you! Thank you so much!" she cried. Without a word, he thrust his staff into her hands. "Ashara-sama..?" she began to question as she then felt his robe settle around her near naked form. As he was tying off the sash, she began to protest. "Ashara-sama! I-I can't… you don't have to…"
"Hush child, just come with me" Ashara said, retaking his staff and silencing her gently. "Brother, wait for me, I'll be there soon. Right now one of our family needs me" Ashara thought. "I'm going to escort you to the evacuation caravan" he said as he guided her forward. As she poured out her appreciation, Ashara's attention was already on their surroundings, alert for any ambush.
A few blocks down, they came across a sobbing child no older than 3, clutching at a hand protruding from a pile of rubble. The girl rushed to the side of the small boy as he wailed for his mother to wake up. "Please carry him" Ashara said sadly. The teenager nodded and gathered the boy in her arms, trying to soothe him. The next block down, they found a lost girl, wandering in confused fear; two blocks later a boy trapped in a guard outpost, and so on it went. Ashara had just meant to get the teenager free from would-be rapists, then get back to the fighting. Now he had a long string of children behind him. He had even lost the teenaged girl to an Iwa ambush earlier, as she bravely shielded the children with her own body. He never even learned her name.
But to an Uzumaki, all the village was family, and family was to be protected at all costs. That's why all the ninjas Uzushio could spare were fighting to their last breath right now. Just on the slim hope that some would get away.
Relief flooded through Ashura as he caught sight of the entrance to the escape tunnel in the distance, with the latter half of the civilian caravan slipping inside. Their chuunin and genin guards were ushering them through as quickly as possible. That relief turned to dread as battle cries filled the air and Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri forces poured out of the surrounding buildings.
Ashara was certain of treachery now. This location was too far out of the way for this many ninja to attack in force, especially forces from all three countries. The civilians were suffering heavy losses as Ashara rushed forward to try and save the outnumbered and outclassed Uzu guards. He was proud to see that after a moment of surprise, even the youngest Uzu genin set themselves for battle, clearly ready to lay their lives down for the fleeing civilians. Ashara created nine Raiton clones, six of them gathering up his young charges and ushering them towards the tunnel. He and his other three clones charged, and Ashara winced as he saw many young Uzu nin bodies falling alongside the civilian ones. The enemy was slaughtering anybody they could reach, overturning wagons and setting them alight.
Ashara and his clones dove into battle, swiftly cutting down enemies to reach the knot of fighting bodies at the mouth of the wide tunnel. After they cleared enough space at the mouth of the tunnel, the few battered survivors remaining fled inside. The enemy ninja jumped back to gain some space, as many recognized him as one of the most powerful Uzushio had to offer. Many flinched at the angry countenance of Ashara, but continued to surround him. The air was still as Ashara and the enemy appraised each other. No Coalition ninja was eager to engage the "Red Death", but they had been ordered to secure this tunnel or to sabotage it.
"You come into my home, raping and murdering, even killing children before my very eyes" Ashara started angrily. Killing intent flooded from him as he set himself in front of the tunnel entrance, his clones flashing outside the crowd. He and his clones were now in a diamond pattern surrounding the enemy. "You DARE to attack my home! You DARE to attack MY FAMILY!" he roared. He and his clones flashed through identical hand seals, all stopping at the same moment. "RAITON: FOUR PILLAR BIND!" Four basalt pillars thrust from the ground and the clones dispelled, sending their lightning chakra into the pillars as they sizzled to life. Some ninja tried to shunshin away, but were a moment too late as lighting crisscrossed between the pillars creating a deadly dome prison and slaughtering all within. Ashara held the jutsu until the screams within stopped, leaning on his staff winded, as the pillars crumbled to the ground.
He twirled as he felt a tug on his shirt, staff raised, only to see the anxious face of a fresh-out-of-the-academy genin. "What do we do Ashara-sama? More will be coming and all the chuunin are dead" the genin asked anxiously. "Who will lead us?"
Ashara looked back at the village in flames, torn between his heart and his duty. After a long moment, duty won out and he turned to place a comforting hand on the genin's shoulder. "Don't worry young one, I will lead our people to a new home" Ashara said.
"Oh thank you Ashara- sama! I thought they were going to wipe us all out!" the genin replied, rushing back down the tunnel. A shiver ran down Ashara's spine as he considered the genin's words. If he had gone down any other street, if he had not stopped to save that girl, he would have died at his brother's side. And the caravan would have died here. The Uzumaki would have been scattered to the four winds. His heart clenched at the possibility.
He took one last look at his home and went into the tunnel, collapsing the entrance with a simple doton jutsu. "Forgive me brother, this fight I must leave to you. I must see to what's left of our clan. Goodbye."
KONOHA- NIGHT OF KYUUBI ATTACK, OCTOBER 10TH
The Village Hidden in the Leaves was reeling from being attacked by a gargantuan fox demon. It had survived annihilation thanks to its leader, Minato Namikaze the Fourth Hokage. The Council Chamber in the Hokage Tower was filled with anxious shinobi and distraught, panicky civilians. The noise level was deafening as shinobi couriers ran in and out, delivering reports. The civilian councilors remained underfoot, wailing and harassing the ninjas for news. They were desperate for any word of their beloved Hokage, as well as terrified about the fox demon, the Kyuubi no Kitsune, returning.
"SILENCE!" a commanding voice cut through the din. All eyes turned to the wizened form of the elderly Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as he strode through the doors in his Hokage robes and hat, carrying an infant. The Third's intimidating presence, as well as the curious sight of him in his old robes and carrying an infant, sufficiently shocked the councilors into quieting down and taking their seats. When the civilian councilors (and the shinobi councilors who were present and not out assisting the village) were seated, they all turned to the Third Hokage expectantly.
"Commander Shikaku, are you able to allow your second in command to take over coordinating aid and rescue efforts?" Hiruzen asked, directing a look to a scarred, brunette man in a green jounin flak jacket.
"Yes sir, Hokage-sama" the now named Shinobi Commander replied. He then turned and quietly issued orders to the man standing behind his chair. The second in command gathered up all the couriers and bystanders with a look, rightfully guessing that what came next was council business. Two masked men in black flak jackets armed with tantos, members of the ANBU special forces, remained taking up positions flanking the doors after they were closed.
"Please sea-"the Hokage was cut off by a frantic civilian councilor.
"Hokage-sama! Where's Namikaze-sama!? Is the fox coming back!?" At this the civilian side burst into questions, talking over each other. The exhausted Hokage cut off the babbling with a hard gaze and liberal use of killing intent.
"Now, as I was saying, please seal the room and allow no one in until I say." Hiruzen calmly ordered the ANBU. One nodded and activated a glowing seal on the doors.
All eyes were fixed on the Hokage, and several of the shinobi thought he had never looked as old as he did right then. The room remained silent as the Hokage gazed down at the infant in his arms. The civilian side looked like they were about to explode with anxiety, so Shikaku decided to head them off.
"Hokage-sama, if I may, do you have an update on the situation?" he inquired respectfully.
The Hokage sighed and brought his head up.
"Minato-kun is dead." He stated simply. As predicted, this elicited an uproar from both sides. "How?" "When?" "What about the fox?" "We're all gonna die!"
The Third simply closed his eyes and let them vent a moment as he tried to compose himself. He had lost both his friend and successor Minato, along with Minato's secret wife Kushina Uzumaki, whom the Third loved like a daughter. They had died in front of his eyes, as he could only watch from the other side of a barrier Minato had put up while sealing the Kyuubi. But… the most painful loss was that of his gentle and devoted wife, Biwako. He steeled himself by remembering that he had a village to stabilize, as well as the future of the frail infant, currently wailing in his arms due to the noise.
"Enough! There is more." The firm voice of their leader was sufficient to cut through the din and return the councilors to their seats.
"The Kyuubi is no longer a danger to us. Minato-kun, may he rest in peace, sealed the Kyuubi away into this poor infant." This announcement was met with shock, then both sides erupted again. The civilian side (as well as a couple of the more ignorant shinobi) started calling for the infant's death, thinking that the Fourth sealed the Kyuubi into a child so that it would be easier to kill. Some of the other shinobi councilors were all clamoring for a plan to raise or adopt the child as they understood what power the child could learn to wield when he grew older.
The Hokage was taken aback by this, and realized that the poor child could upset the balance between the clans without even trying. He had hoped that the village would see the child as a hero like Minato had wanted, but all they saw him as was as a weapon or a monster. Looking to the side, he caught the contemplative gaze of his life-long rival, Danzo Shimura. Hiruzen could practically hear the gears turning in Danzo's head as to how he was going to obtain the boy, and turn him into an emotionless puppet tool.
Hiruzen decided to fall back on the emergency contingency plan he and his student, Jiraiya of the Sannin, had come up with. For the boy was Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, son of two of the most powerful ninja in Konoha. Hiruzen now knew that he had to conceal that fact to protect the boy. This time the Hokage simply pumped out killing intent to shut everyone up. When the Chamber was silent again he spoke out.
"This child is no monster! He is the Kyuubi's vessel. I am now declaring this an S-Class secret. Do not reveal his status to anyone! On pain of death!" He ordered firmly. In his heart Hiruzen knew the entire village would know in a day, but he hoped this would at least help with those Naruto's age. "Furthermore, he will not be assigned to any clan, he will be placed in an orphanage until we can make a better plan for him." Hiruzen continued. He looked directly at Danzo as he finished, with a firm gaze. "There is no way in hell I'll let you turn Naruto into one of your puppet ROOT soldiers, Danzo!" the Hokage thought.
"What is his name?" a blonde man with a pony tail, two strands of hair framing his face and a jounin flak jacket spoke out. "Now for the second part of the plan" thought Hiruzen as he responded. He made a show of looking down at the infant, deep in thought.
"His name will be Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki Inoichi-san."
"Is he an Uzumaki?" Inoichi asked with surprise.
"No, he will be named Uzumaki after Kushina Uzumaki who died helping Minato-kun seal the Kyuubi, to honor her." Hiruzen continued. He then glanced up at the red swirling Uzumaki clan sigil that adorned the space above the doors. "There should always be an Uzumaki in Konoha." He said solemnly.
"Kushina-dono's dead too!?" screamed out a feral looking brunette woman with two red fang clan marking on her cheeks. "Yes Tsume-san, I am sorry." The Hokage replied sadly. Tsume slumped back in her chair. Kushina had always been a kunoichi that other kunoichi should aspire to, and Tsume had a great deal of respect for her.
"Alright, I think that is enough for now. We have a lot of work ahead of us tonight. Go and help wherever you can" the Hokage said. As the council filed out, the Hokage gazed down at the now peacefully sleeping infant. "Poor Naruto-kun, what a burden for one so young" he muttered. Hiruzen then strode purposefully from the Chamber to make arrangements with the ANBU Commander to protect Naruto.
KONOHA- MERCHANT DISTRICT- 3 YEARS LATER
A friendly looking elderly woman walked down the market streets of Konoha, pushing a small cart ahead of her. As she wandered from produce stall to produce stall, she would add different fruits and vegetables to it. Many called out friendly greetings as it was apparent she was well liked.
"Hiko-chan! Here, I have a bushel of rice for you and those kids!" a wrinkled, sun browned farmer called out to her. With a light blush, Hiko pushed her cart over to his stall.
"Thank you Nobu-kun" Hiko replied.
"Of course!" Nobu said jovially.
"How much do I owe you?" Hiko asked.
"Nothing, as always" he replied. Hiko planted her fists on her hips.
"How many times do I have to say you don't need to constantly feed us for free?" Hiko demanded, but the effect was somewhat spoiled by her lips twitching into a grin.
"At least once more, like always" laughed Nobu. "I was an orphan once too, so I appreciate what you're doing for those kids. Especially poor little Naruto." At this Hiko looked a little downcast.
"Poor child can't even step foot outside the orphanage now. And I have to hide him whenever potentially adopting parents come to see the children." Hiko replied sadly.
"Hey, cheer up Hiko-chan. At least he's got you. And you say that the Hokage looks in on him! He should be okay." Nobu said consolingly.
"You're right Nobu-kun, I've got to get going. I'll see you next week." Hiko said as she waved goodbye and started toward the orphanage. Nobu waved back and directed his attention back to his stall. Neither noticed the shadowy presence following Hiko. As Hiko turned down a small alley, a man blurred into being behind her. She just had enough time to notice the blank white mask on his face as he effortlessly snapped her neck. She kicked out as he did so, and the man shunshined away with her body, the squeaking cart slowly rolling down the alley the only proof she had ever been there.
KONOHA- 2 YEARS LATER, OCTOBER 10TH
A band of traveling merchants had set up their wagons in rows behind the vendor stalls set up for the festival celebrating the defeat of the Kyuubi. A merchant named Mirobu Kamiumi was checking the wagons, on guard for thieves. He was about 5'9", 145lbs. with shoulder length hazel hair. He was dressed in merchant's robes with just enough embroidery and jewelry to convey prosperity without appearing to flaunt his wealth or overshadow his customers. A gentle smile could usually be found on his face, but otherwise he didn't stand out much. All of a sudden, he caught a yellow flash out of the corner of his eye.
"Can't get past me!" he thought with a smirk. He snuck around the other side of the cart and quickly reached under and grabbed the person sneaking underneath. He pulled out his prize and was shocked to discover he had a small boy that couldn't be older than his own 6 year old daughter.
"N-No! Don't hurt me! I-I'm sorry! Please!" sobbed the boy hysterically.
"Whoa, whoa calm down little one! No one's going to hurt you!" Mirobu said as he grabbed the boy by the shoulders and tried to calm him down. Now that he could get a good look at him, Mirobu saw a scrawny, dirty boy with sun-kissed blonde hair and sapphire-blue eyes that were watering fearfully. He also had birthmarks that remarkably seemed like whisker marks on his cheeks.
"Hush… hush boy. I promise I won't hurt you, ok? What's your name?" Mirobu said gently. The small boy stopped trembling and stuttered out "N-Na-Naruto Uzumaki."
"You promise y-you w-won't hurt me?" Naruto asked fearfully. At hearing the name Uzumaki, Mirobu's eyes widened.
"Uzumaki? You're an Uzumaki!? B-But you're a blonde!" Mirobu exclaimed. At this, Naruto's face screwed up in confusion.
"Eh? What? What does that mean?" Naruto asked. At this point, Mirobu truly noticed how malnourished he was, and dressed in rags. Mirobu pushed his curiosity about Naruto's lineage to the back of his mind.
"Never mind Naruto-san, it's nothing. Hey, are you hungry? My wife is an excellent cook, and I'd like you to meet my daughter! She is about… your… age…" Midori trailed off as a confusing parade of emotions flashed by on the boy's face. Hope followed by joy, then apprehension, then fear, then schooling itself into a dead stoicism that was shocking to see on the face of a child.
"Naruto-san? Are you ok? What's wrong?" Mirobu asked, his voice laced with compassion.
"You mean it? Do you really mean it? This isn't a joke, right?" the way wariness overlaid the desperate hope in Naruto's voice made Mirobu's heart clench.
"No, Naruto. This is no joke. Please come with me, ok?" Mirobu said gently and released Naruto, walking towards the wagon that served as his home. He kept glancing at Naruto out of the corner of his eye, confused at the way Naruto crept along a pace behind him like a wary dog that had been kicked too often. He was both eager and dreading finding out about the blonde enigma. As he neared his home, Mirobu could smell the aroma of his beloved wife Miyuki's delicious cooking wafting toward him. He smirked when he saw Naruto perk up and actually take the lead toward the wagon.
The steps attached to the back of the wagon creaked slightly as Mirobu and Naruto ascended. When Mirobu opened the door, the aroma made Naruto close his eyes, inhale loudly, and drool. Mirobu chuckled at the reaction, which made the woman standing at the built in stove turn towards him. She was a petite woman, standing at only 5'3" and 110 lbs. She had beautiful, deep green hair and striking ruby red eyes. As he caught sight of her, Naruto blushed deeply and shyly hid behind Mirobu, clutching onto his leg. Mirobu's heart melted at that as he chuckled at the change in Naruto's demeanor. He was glad that Naruto was showing him some trust. Miyuki came over to the pair and kneeled down to be eyelevel with Naruto.
"Ara, ara. It seems we have a guest. And what's your name?" Miyuki said smiling gently.
"I-It's Naruto" Naruto said as he tried to burrow deeper into Mirobu's leg.
"Hello Naruto, my name is Miyuki. It's nice to meet you" Miyuki said. All of a sudden, Naruto detached from Mirobu's leg and moved around to where he could look into Mirobu's face. His face was screwed up into a fox like expression of confusion.
"Hey old man, you said your daughter was my age. She's not my age" Naruto said, pointing at Miyuki.
"What? Miyuki's my wife Naruto" Mirobu replied confused.
"What? No way! She's way too pretty and young to be your wife, old man!" exclaimed Naruto, pointing an accusing finger at Mirobu. Mirobu growled and gained a tic mark at that, but Miyuki brought her hands up to her blushing cheeks as she laughed. Shaking her head cutely, she was amazed this little boy had endeared himself to her so quickly. She wrapped him up in a hug and was surprised as he immediately started to squirm in panic. Miyuki let him go, shock written across her features.
"Are you okay Naruto? Did I hurt you?" Miyuki asked fearfully. She gazed in concern as Naruto seemed to huddle into himself a little. But then he put his hands behind his head in a sheepish pose as he forced a wide grin with his eyes closed.
"Sorry pretty lady, I was just surprised is all. I didn't know what you were doing…" Naruto got out.
"It's ok, Naruto. I'm sorry if I startled you." Miyuki said concerned. She glanced up to see Mirobu also looking down with deep concern at the boy. He slowly placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and flinched when he saw Naruto flinch, shirking from the contact a bit.
"Midori-chan! Please come out here" Mirobu called out. There was some clattering and the cloth that separated the cooking area and the living area twitched aside to reveal a chipper 6 year old. Wearing a short sleeved brown shirt with tan pants and white sandals, she bounded up to Naruto. Naruto opened his eyes to see a purple haired girl that had obviously inherited her mother's red eyes. Naruto blushed again, even though the girl was a bit of a tomboy. Getting right up in his face, she beamed a brilliant smile at Naruto.
"Hi" she chirped "What's your name? Where'd you come from? Are you having fun at the festival? Hey, are those whiskers? Are you staying for dinner? My okaa-san's the best cook! C'mon, I want to show you what I won at one of the game booths!" Without waiting for the gob-smacked Naruto to even recover from the rapid fire questioning, Midori grabbed his hand and pulled him into the front of the wagon. As the curtain fell back into place, Miyuki stood up and looked at her husband with watery eyes.
"What the hell, Mirobu-kun!? Where'd that sweet boy come from? What happened to him? Why does he not even know what a HUG IS!?" Miyuki obviously displayed that her daughter got her personality as well as her eyes. During her tirade, she had grabbed a double handful of Mirobu's robes and brought his face down to hers. Mirobu flinched at the flinty glint in her watery eyes, and gulped audibly.
"Easy, my love, easy. I just found him sneaking around the camp, and when I caught him I noticed that he looked starving. Then I brought him here. That's all I know, I swear!" Mirobu exclaimed, frantically waving his hands about to prove his innocence. Miyuki's eyes skewered through the sweating Mirobu, who was surprised when Miyuki suddenly called out "Midori-chan! Please look after Naruto-kun for a moment, your father and I are going to talk outside!" "Ok, mom!" Midori called back.
At that, Miyuki dragged a feebly protesting Mirobu out the back door. As soon as Miyuki and Mirobu were outside, Miyuki spun around into Mirobu's chest. Her hands twisted into his robes again and pulled him close. Mirobu calmed down and pulled his wife close, running his hands through her gorgeous waist length hair. He had always thought that her hair was one of the most beautiful things about her. She slowly calmed down under his tender ministrations, and looked up at her gentle hearted husband. He gave her as reassuring a smile as he could, considering that his emotions were as tumultuous as hers were.
Miyuki's face grew thoughtful. "He's an orphan, right? He must be" she muttered as she snuggled into Mirobu's chest. Her eyes closed as she felt calm wash over her, listening to his steady heartbeat. Both Miyuki and Midori had seen many street urchins in their travels, and could easily tell what someone living on the streets looked like. But Konoha was a large enough and prosperous enough village that they ran public orphanages, open to any under the legal working age so that children didn't have to run the streets. Even after the Kyuubi attack, there should still be room. There was no reason that Naruto should be so malnourished. Mirobu's brow furrowed as he tried to unravel the mystery surrounding the blonde boy.
"He must be. Although, I don't know why he is living in such a state. Nor can I explain why he seems to have little to no experience with human contact." Mirobu replied. He stared off into space above his wife's head. He didn't like the implications that his observations about Naruto brought up. It was like Naruto was some leper, but Mirobu hadn't seen any sign of plague or illness. It worried him. Miyuki frowned slightly as she looked up at the troubled face of her dear husband. All of a sudden Mirobu was startled out of his reverie when Miyuki lightly poked his forehead with her pointer and middle fingers.
"You look like an old man when you worry like that, you'll get wrinkles." She lightly admonished, grinning. Mirobu's arms tightened around his wife as he smiled gratefully down at her. Suddenly, Miyuki brightened and flashed a mega-watt smile at Mirobu.
"Oh, can we keep him?" she chirped. Mirobu sweat-dropped at that. "He's not a puppy Mi-chan. We don't even know his story yet" Mirobu said consolingly, using his affectionate nickname for Miyuki. She pouted cutely up at him, but didn't press the issue. She painted a determined look on her face and poked a finger into Mirobu's chest.
"Fine, but I'm feeding him until he bursts and he's getting new clothes!" Miyuki declared. Mirobu just threw back his head and laughed at his wife's antics. She always knew just how to make him feel better. He leaned in and kissed her passionately, letting the stress of the last few minutes melt away. The couple were so entranced with each other they didn't hear the back door bang open, or the two shapes that burst out.
"Hey okaa-san, we're ready to- EWWW, they're making kissy faces again!" Midori spat. The couple separated and laughed at the looks on the two children's faces, who were still afraid of "cooties".
"Alright, you two! Inside. Time to get dinner on the table. Are you hungry, Naruto?" Miyuki asked. "Yatta! I'm starving, dattebayo!" Naruto shouted out, jumping and pumping a fist in the air.
Both adults were happy to see that Midori had apparently had a positive effect on Naruto. They all filed inside, and the meal was soon set out on a table that folded out from the wall. "Itadakimasu!" they all called out, and heartily dug into Miyuki's excellent cooking. "Wow Miyuki-oba, this is great!" Naruto managed to get out through a mouthful of food.
He had an onigiri in one hand and chopsticks with yakisoba in the other. He was funneling food into his mouth as quickly as possible, barely stopping for oxygen. The other three at the table just looked on, mouths agape at the spectacle of Naruto gorging himself on Miyuki's food. Finally Miyuki roused herself, "Naruto, slow down! I can see we definitely need to teach you table manners" she admonished.
"Swowwy" Naruto mumbled before swallowing his mouthful bashfully. He looked down at his plate sadly, with his hands in his lap. Mirobu and Miyuki gave the boy pitying looks, while Midori just giggled behind her hands. Midori then poked Naruto in the side, rousing him from his self-admonishment. His head whipped around in surprise just in time to receive an onigiri in the face.
"Hey!" he yelped. Then a devious smirk grew on Naruto's face. Midori backed away from the table with her hands held up in defense before her. However, there was a broad smile on her face as well. "I'll get you for that!" yelled Naruto as he grabbed a handful of nori salad and lunged at Midori. Squealing with laughter, Midori ducked under Naruto's errant swing and crawled under the table to get away from her culinary assailant. "I'll get you yet!" Naruto yelled. He showed a surprising amount of agility and strength as he sprung off the small stool he was using, then jumped up and planted his empty hand on the table, using it to vault over the table and chase after Midori.
Midori shrieked happily and ran out the back door, her blonde attacker hot on her heels. The delighted yells and squeals from the playing duo brought smiles to the happy couple remaining at the now-messy table. Mirobu flinched as Miyuki suddenly swung toward her husband displaying the most dreaded of all techniques. The incredibly powerful Puppy Eyes no Jutsu.
"He's so adorable! And Midori-chan likes him so much too! Are you suuure~ we can't keep him?" Miyuki pleaded with her hands clasped under her chin." Mirobu sweat-dropped as he struggled against his wife's power. "Ano… ano…" He was saved when Midori came rocketing back into the wagon and launched herself into her father's lap, crawling up onto his shoulders to get away from the blonde menace.
Desperate for a distraction, Mirobu deftly snagged the nori out Naruto's hand with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth. His plan to stall for a response to his wife backfired, though. He had to school his face to stillness as he chewed. Apparently, Naruto had used that hand to prop himself on the ground at least once, as Mirobu tasted dirt. Nevertheless, he soldiered on, powering through the gritty mastication of the salad. Midori and Naruto were staring at Mirobu with shock and a bit of awe, while Miyuki was struggling to stifle her giggles behind a dainty hand.
Naruto couldn't believe his luck as the evening wore on. He played games with the Kamiumi family, and played with Midori and the stuffed dolls she had won at the festival. He felt safe, and… normal. Like he wasn't the "demon brat" or anything else he was called so often that at one point he had forgot his own name. He now knew and felt what a family truly felt like. It sent a deep pang through him at times when he realized it. At those times, Mirobu and Miyuki would look on with pity and compassion, but Midori would only show confusion when she noticed.
It finally came to the point Naruto dreaded, when Mirobu and Miyuki were putting Midori to bed. Watching the two parents tuck her in and kiss her goodnight made this all seem like a dream that he was about to wake up from. He wrapped his arms tightly around his torso and turned away to leave. As he was about to sneak back to the lean-to he had set up in an alley, he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Flinching, he looked over his shoulder to see the warm, caring countenance of Miyuki.
"Where do you think you're going?" she questioned softly. Naruto looked down in despair. "I-I-I need to… I'm going… I'll just…" Naruto mumbled. He stood stock-still, hands clenched into fists, eyes squeezed shut and leaking tears. He froze when he felt two arms slowly wrap around him from behind.
"Shush… shush. It's alright. It's ok" Miyuki whispered comfortingly. "You're safe here, and I'm not letting go." Naruto felt so warm and safe within the hug; he was terrified that if he turned around he would wake up from this incredible dream, wet and shivering under his scrap of cloth in an alley.
"It's okay, Naruto-kun, it's okay. I'm not going anywhere. And neither are you…" Miyuki said, running one hand soothingly through Naruto's hair. Mirobu then kneeled down and wrapped his arms around them both. At this the emotional dam burst and Naruto buried himself into Miyuki's lap as best he could, crying his eyes out. Anguished sobs wracked his small frame as he purged the scars of the last two years. Miyuki wrapped a hand around the back of Naruto's head, bringing him tight against her chest. Naruto didn't realize that the tears flowing down were not just his own as both Mirobu and Miyuki also let their own anguish leak out, thinking of what could possibly cause such a reaction in Naruto.
Midori lay wrapped up in her blanket, hearing her new friend bawl his eyes out. Finally, she couldn't take anymore and crawled out of her bed sneaking over to the trio dragging her blanket behind her. Mirobu was the first to notice her, and smiled through his tears beckoning her over to them. She shuffled over, not quite understanding what was going on, but she couldn't help but feel the raw emotion emanating from her beloved parents and new friend. Mirobu and Miyuki shuffled around and arranged it so that Midori and Naruto were covered in her blanket and embraced between them. The two children soon fell asleep, exhausted from the torrent of emotion they didn't quite understand.
Mirobu smiled gently at Miyuki as he cradled the sleeping Midori to his chest. Miyuki responded with a loving smile as she did the same with Naruto. They made their way over to the sleeping area. Luckily, Midori's bunk was already down from the wall, so they simply laid the two children down and covered them with Midori's blanket. Miyuki cooed softly as she watched Midori cuddle into Naruto. She couldn't resist and leaned over to lay a soft kiss on Naruto's forehead. Naruto shifted in his sleep and mumbled out "okaa-san". This was enough to bring tears to Miyuki's eyes and she had to turn away, lest she start crying again. She didn't want to wake the two as Mirobu tucked them in. The couple then went outside to talk over what they just experienced.
"I'm keeping him" were Mirobu's first words as he and his wife sat on the back steps. "No one deserves whatever that poor boy has been through." He slipped his arm around her shoulders while staring contemplatively off into the night. "I will not allow this… whatever it is to continue!" Mirobu declared with his jaw set.
Miyuki looked up at her husband's profile and was reminded of so many reasons why she fell for this kind and courageous man. She smiled to herself as she snuggled into his side. She felt so warm and secure, and she was so proud of him at that moment. Family was paramount to Mirobu and she couldn't help but think it had just grown by one more. Not that she minded, of course. Naruto seemed lively enough to handle her tomboyish, head strong, reckless daughter. Miyuki then huffed out a breath, obviously Midori had gotten her stubborn nature from her father. She then felt Mirobu quake as he chuckled.
"What're you laughing at?" Miyuki questioned. "Oh, nothing… Nothing at all my love." came Mirobu's mirthful reply. Miyuki's eyes narrowed and she poked Mirobu hard in the ribs. "It better had be nothing" she warned. But Mirobu could practically feel her grinning into his chest. He looked up and saw a shooting star.
"Make a wish, hime" he whispered. "The stars are falling for your beauty." Miyuki lightly swatted him in the chest. "You're such a goof" she said grinning widely. "My wish is…" "Wait! You can't say it or it won't come true!" admonished Mirobu. "You're such a goof" returned Miyuki. They stayed like that late into the night.
The next morning, Naruto was slowly rousing himself from dreamland, only to discover a comfortable warmth on his side. He was confused since he normally woke up cold and shivering. Looking around, he noticed a wood ceiling above and a cozy wool blanket draped over him. He started to panic at the unfamiliar setting, but then the warmth at his side gave him a squeeze. His head snapped to his left in shock to see a mop of purple hair snuggled up to his chest. All of a sudden, the memories of last night flooded through him. He choked back a sob at the thought of someone finally showing him compassion and acknowledging his existence. He had been ignored and ostracized so long, he still had trouble believing this was real. It seemed like the end to a nightmare that started two years ago.
The kindly caretaker of his orphanage suddenly disappeared. Afterwards, a replacement showed up that treated him just like everyone else in the village. She called him a "demon brat", "monster", "vile". She cuffed him and punished him for the simplest things. She actually encouraged the other children to bully the "demon brat" and told him that no one would ever want him. That he would never have a family. He had no idea why this was happening, and when he asked about the former caretaker, the current one said that Naruto had made her up. Said that the kindly Hiko was a dream, that she was never real.
He was given almost no food, all his belongings were given to the other "more deserving kids" and then eventually he was thrown out onto the street. Naruto didn't know it, but she had thrown him out purposefully when the weather started getting colder, hoping he would die in the snow. She even spread the word (discreetly of course, thanks to that foolish law of the Hokage) that the "demon brat" was out on the streets.
Naruto learned very quickly to hide and be invisible, to move through the sewers and alleys. To be caught was to learn pain until his angels in the white animal masks showed up. They always saved him and took away his tormentors, but they never stayed to help. Except the one in the dog mask who would always hesitate, and sometimes give him treats. After his angels came, the Hokage would appear soon after. He loved the Hokage like a grandfather, but couldn't understand why this was happening to him. Why people either ignored or hated him.
After two years, he began to think that Hiko actually was a dream, that he had made her up just so he wouldn't be lonely. The Hokage had set him up in an apartment when he found out that Naruto had been kicked out of the orphanage, but the landlord would drive Naruto off if he saw Naruto actually using the apartment. He never spent more than a couple days in there before he was forced out onto the streets.
Naruto didn't want to make trouble for the Hokage, so he pretended to still live there when he visited the Hokage. He made a point to say that he would come to the Hokage Tower instead of the Hokage having to come to him. He didn't know where the idea or the determination came from, but he wanted to be strong and independent. To stand on his own two feet, without running to Hokage-jiji for every little thing. He wanted to be strong like a Hokage, to be recognized like a Hokage, to BE a Hokage. The thought of surpassing his jiji had taken root inside his 5 year old mind, and he went to absurd lengths with it. Like living under a crappy lean-to in the alley next to your apartment building to prove how strong you are.
But at this moment, that could have been another life, happening to another Naruto. He was snapped out of his thoughts when the smiling face of Mirobu appeared in his vision and he felt a warm, comforting hand laid on his forehead. "How about you get on up for me, Naruto? I've got something for you." Mirobu said, turning and walking back into the kitchen area of the wagon.
Naruto tried to hide how much he missed the warmth of that hand as it left, but the disappointment that flashed across his face wasn't missed by Mirobu. Naruto extracted himself from Midori's clutches and hopped down off the bunk bed. He headed through the dividing curtain and right away was hit with the aromas of enticing food. He couldn't believe that he hadn't noticed while in bed, even with the little chimney built into the roof of the wagon.
"Ah, Naruto-kun!" Miyuki greeted. "I have a special breakfast for you today! But, my husband wants to see you first. He's just outside." Miyuki said directing a warm smile at Naruto. As he passed her to go outside, Miyuki stopped him by placing a gentle hand softly on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're here Naruto-kun. You will always be welcome here." Naruto blushed and shuffled outside, not knowing how to deal with this unexpected situation. When he walked out the door into the crisp fall air, the last thing he expected was ropes tied to the wagon and the tree next to it, draped with blankets.
"Ah, Naruto-kun! I have some clothes for you!" Mirobu exclaimed. "Just change behind these blankets. I'm sorry if it's a bit chilly, but I did lay a blanket on the ground so at least your feet won't have to deal with that!" Mirobu beamed as he held out a bundle of clothes to the boy.
"Why? What are you doing? Why are you giving me clothes? Why are you being so nice to me?" questioned Naruto. He couldn't help it, but the Kamiumis seemed too good to be true. He kept waiting for the trap to spring shut and have pig's blood dumped all over him or something.
At that, Mirobu's expression became pained. He kneeled down in front of Naruto and looked him in the eye. "Look, Naruto. I don't understand why you've had such a hard life, only that you have. I don't know how other people treated you, only that it seems to have been very poorly. I don't know what has happened in your life, but I want you to know that my family will always be here for you if you need it. I see a young boy who has had to be very strong, but is also very lonely. A few clothes is the least I could do." Mirobu finished with conviction. He then held out the clothes to Naruto again, who simply took them and walked inside the blanket "changing room", sniffling softly.
Naruto simply stood there for a long moment, hugging the new clothes to his chest. Then a spark lit his eye and he excitedly examined his new clothes. He had thick wool socks, with black pants, a burnt orange long sleeved shirt, and shoes that turned out to be a little too big. He quickly swapped out his tattered shirt and shorts. As he finished pulling on the shoes, he could hear a commotion on the other side of the blanket barrier. He heard raised voices and the creaking of a wagon, but it was only when he heard a startled cry from Miyuki and the ring of metal being unsheathed that he got worried. "Miyuki-oba!" Naruto cried lunging towards the blankets. As he neared them, the blankets were ripped aside to reveal the towering form of the ANBU, Inu.
"NARUTO! Are you okay!? What happened to you!?" Inu exclaimed, as he quickly looked Naruto over. "Never mind, come on, Hokage-sama is looking for you." Inu then looked down to a bored-looking pug at his feet. "Thank you Pakkun, you can go now" Inu said. Naruto was surprised to see a pug wearing a blue vest, with bandages down his right foreleg, and a Konoha hitae-ite tied to his head. Pakkun merely saluted and burst into a puff of smoke.
Naruto squawked as Inu grabbed him by the arm and yanked Naruto out into the clearing next to the wagon. "Oi, OI! Let me go Inu! I can walk by myself, dattebayo!" Naruto yelled as Inu placed him in front of the Hokage, whose face was drawn with worry. Naruto looked to the side to see the Kamiumi family backed up against their wagon's back door with Mirobu wielding an ornate dagger while facing off against three ANBU, his wife and daughter huddled behind him. Naruto could see that the ANBU weren't threatened and were just holding Mirobu there, but it still sent a jolt up his spine. Naruto spun on the Hokage with a betrayed expression. "What are you doing jiji!? Leave them alone, dattebayo!" Naruto spat at his surrogate grandfather with an accusing finger jabbing at him.
The Hokage recoiled in shock. Naruto had never spoken with such malice towards him before. The Hokage then glanced towards the Kamiumi family that was obviously watching the exchange intently. "I'm sorry, Naruto-kun. I just got worried when I couldn't find you. ANBU, stand down!" Naruto visibly relaxed when the ANBU put away their blades, prompting Mirobu to follow suit. "Naruto-kun!" Midori cried and launched herself at Naruto. Her crying form latched onto Naruto tightly, which prompted Naruto to renew his glare at the Hokage. Hiruzen flinched, unused to such treatment from his surrogate grandson.
"ANBU, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. Please withdraw until I call for you and create a perimeter. Let no one through." Hiruzen paused as his orders were carried out. "Mirobu-san, Miyuki-san please accept my deepest apologies" at this the Hokage bowed his head. Mirobu and Miyuki were flabbergasted. They couldn't believe that one of the most powerful men in the Elemental Nations was making obeisance to them. "P-Ple-Please Hokage-sama, don't do that! There's no harm done! Please!" Mirobu got out. The Hokage straightened with a gentle smile. "I apologize sir, I just got worried when I couldn't find Naruto-kun. The Kyuubi Festival is a particularly dangerous time for him." Hiruzen said absently while gazing fondly at his favorite blonde, who was consoling Midori as she examined him frantically for injuries.
"Naruto-kun, I'm sorry. I want to apolo-" that's as far as the Hokage got before the now-recovered purple haired terror leapt over and delivered a swift kick to the Hokage's shin. The Hokage allowed the girl to deliver the kick, but was surprised at the power she managed to put behind it.
"Midori-chan!? I am so, so sorry Hokage-sama! Please forgive us! She's just a child, Hokage-sama!" Mirobu apologized rapidly to the Hokage, all the while forcibly making the obviously unrepentant Midori bow in apology. The Hokage couldn't help but think he hadn't seen a glare that potent in a while. The Hokage put a gentle hand on Mirobu's shoulder to calm him. Then he kneeled down to meet the angry eyes of Midori.
"Midori-chan is it? I hope to-" Hiruzen started before being cut off when the diminutive firecracker surprised him by poking him in the chest. "You be nice! You're being scary for no reason!"
"Midori-chan!" Mirobu cried, grabbing her away from the aging leader. "Hokage-sama, I'm so sorr-" Mirobu was cut off as he heard the Hokage burst into laughter. Hiruzen continued to chuckle as he looked into the resolute ruby eyes of the 6 year old. She had her fists planted on her hips, glaring at him in her best imitation of her mother when angry.
"How about we all calm down with a nice pot of tea?" the Hokage offered. Miyuki spoke up. "Excellent idea, Hokage-sama! Please make yourself at home my lord!" she said eagerly. Hiruzen chuckled. "I would be delighted. Please be at ease, I am grateful for the regard you have shown Naruto-kun."
The Kamiumis relaxed at that and Miyuki went inside to start a pot of tea. The others all filed into the wagon's cramped kitchen space. Mirobu and Miyuki obviously worried that they couldn't provide better lodgings for the Hokage. Naruto was first to break the silence. "I'm sorry I worried you jiji." He said bashfully. The Hokage looked fondly over at him. "I didn't think that anyone would notice if I was gone for a while…" At that, all three adults frowned at the simple statement's implications.
The Hokage was the first to recover. "Don't worry Naruto-kun, why don't you take Midori-chan and go play for a bit?" he asked. Naruto was fine with that, but Midori was looking worriedly up at the Hokage. "Ok jiji! C'mon Midori-chan, show me that blackberry patch you were telling me about!" Naruto grabbed Midori's hand and lead her outside.
Silence reigned as Miyuki bustled about making tea. Finally, they were all settled in the Kamiumi's humble kitchen. Mirobu was the first to speak. "Ano... Hokage-sama, we are deeply honored to have you grace our home. Deeply honored" Mirobu declared fervently. At this he exchanged a nervous glance with his wife. "If I may, Hokage-sama, I'm a little confused…" Mirobu trailed off, unable to articulate his confusion as to why the Hokage of all people seemed to be interested in them. Things weren't adding up. If Naruto was worthy of an ANBU sweep team finding him, then why was he living on the streets, starving? He called the freaking Hokage, "Grandpa", for Kami's sake! What the hell was going on!?
"Also, I apologize again for my daughter's behavior, Hokage-sama." Mirobu said, bowing low. "I have no excuse!" Mirobu said. The Hokage merely inclined his head in acceptance. Mirobu the gathered his courage, facing the Hokage resolutely. "Please indulge me a moment, if you would Hokage-sama. Why are you here?" Mirobu queried.
"Why involve myself over a lowly orphan, you mean?" the Hokage chuckled. The Kamiumis jolted and turned to each other reflexively. "I-I don't really know how to respond to that, Hokage-sama" Mirobu returned weakly. The Hokage simply sipped his tea, weighing the couple in front of him with an appraising eye.
Mirobu turned to look his wife in the eye, and was unsurprised to find nothing but love and support there. Mirobu steeled himself, squaring his shoulders as he turned back to the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, I beg you to allow my wife and I to adopt Naruto-kun and bring him into our family!" Mirobu exclaimed, even going the extra mile by going to his hands and knees with his forehead pressed to the top of his hands. The Hokage gazed down at Mirobu, with Miyuki sweating bullets as she and her husband awaited the Hokage's verdict. "No" was the Hokage's simple response. Mirobu lifted his head and fixed the Hokage with a dumbstruck expression.
"W-What? No? What do you mean, no!? Why not!?"Mirobu exploded. "He needs someone! Anyone! What's wrong with this village!? Why isn't he cared for already!?" Mirobu hopped to his feet, fire in his eyes. Miyuki rushed to her husband's side and grabbed his hands forcing him to calm down. They then felt a terrible, oppressive presence. Almost robotically, they swiveled their heads towards the Hokage.
"I appreciate your fervor on Naruto-kun's behalf, but my answer remains 'no'" the Hokage replied firmly. The Kamiumi couple flinched, knowing that their lives' rested in the hands of the man Mirobu just erupted at.
"I understand Hokage-sama, and I apologize for my rudeness" Mirobu said, bowing deeply at the waist. "Please forgive me, and my family" The oppressive presence lifted. Mirobu remained in this position and was shocked to feel a hand lightly place itself on the back of his head.
"Please rise, Mirobu-san" the Hokage said. "You are an honorable man, but there are larger concerns at work when it comes to Naruto-kun" he said with a hint of sadness. Mirobu and Miyuki were shocked to say the least. "I-I-I'm sorry Hokage-sama, I just want the best for Naruto-kun. If we can't adopt him, can we at least look after him while we are in town? Why is he not cared for like he should be? Is there no more room in the orphanages?" Mirobu questioned. Hiruzen's face tightened almost imperceptibly for a second.
"It's complicated… But I would count it as a personal favor if you would look after Naruto-kun while you were here. I can already tell that your family has had a wonderful effect on him" the Hokage paused for a moment. He looked behind him and an ANBU appeared at his side. He whispered into the ANBU's ear for moment, the ANBU nodded and shunshined away. The Hokage then turned back to the apprehensive Kamiumis. Sipping his tea, the Hokage nodded to Miyuki.
"This is excellent, my lady. You are truly talented" he complimented.
"Th-Thank you Hokage-sama! I am just happy that you enjoy it!" Miyuki gushed, a heavy blush adorning her face.
"Hokage-sama… I hate to say this, but I... we…" Mirobu started. The Hokage cut him off.
"You're leaving soon. The caravan has to head up out at the end of the month, correct?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I'm sorry" Mirobu replied with a hangdog expression.
deserves it…" he then muttered. The Kamiumi couple caught it though, and it just added to the list of inconsistencies about their new favorite blonde.
"Ano, can you tell me how old he is, Hokage-sama? For some reason he doesn't seem to know…" Mirobu queried quietly. Anguished rage flashed across the Hokage's face for a moment before he quickly schooled it to stillness. "He is five... yesterday. Yesterday was his birthday." the Kamiumis were shocked, and could hear the obvious sorrow in the Hokage's voice.
"H-His BIRTHDAY!?" Miyuki said, a hand flying to her mouth. The Hokage flinched at the accusatory tone of her voice. Surprising the two males present, she brought her hand down onto the table with a resounding CRACK! "Well, that's it then. That settles it." Miyuki declared firmly, standing with a fist cocked in front of her. The Hokage actually looked a little nervous as he gazed into the determined eyes of Miyuki. Only to face-palm as a beatific smile crossed her face as she said "I'll just have to bake him a cake, then!" Mirobu simply chuckled as he caught the gaze of the stunned Hokage. "You get used to it Hokage-sama" he said simply, calmly sipping his tea. The trio then settled into comfortable conversation, waiting for the children to return.
"It has been a pleasure, thank you for your hospitality" the Hokage remarked as he stepped out of the Kamiumi's wagon. The Kamiumi couple responded by bowing deeply at the waist. "We are honored, Hokage-sama. Thank you for gracing our simple home with your presence" Miyuki said. "Please return anytime" Mirobu added. The Hokage inclined his head to them with a benign smile. The ANBU he spoke to inside earlier appeared at his side on one knee, startling the Kamiumi family. He silently handed a scroll to the Hokage and disappeared. Naruto looked up at the Kamiumis with a smirk, already used to the habits of the ANBU.
"This scroll exempts you from any import taxes while selling in Konoha. Also, should you ever require a shinobi escort, we will provide one with a small discount. Just a small one though, my ninjas still have to eat" the Hokage joked. Mirobu was shocked. Just the tax exemption alone was a huge boon to the merchant. He took the scroll reverently and again bowed deeply at the waist.
"Thank you very much, Hokage-sama. I don't deserve this, but thank you" Mirobu said gratefully.
"Not at all, I just wanted to thank you for helping out Naruto-kun" the Hokage replied. He then turned at smiled down at his surrogate grandson. "Naruto-kun, can you stop by the Tower tomorrow, please?"
"Sure jiji! See then!" Naruto said exuberantly.
Chuckling the Hokage took his leave, waving to the Naruto and the Kamiumis. The sight of the four of them waving back happily brought a bittersweet smile to his face. He would have loved for a civilian family to step up and adopt Naruto, but they would have to remain in Konoha. The merchant train the Kamiumi's were a part of traveled too far and too often, though. Not to mention they traded along the borders of both Iwa and Kumo. Two countries extremely dangerous to Naruto, especially the former. He glanced to the ANBU ghosting along to his left.
"Is the other matter taken care of?" the Hokage asked his shadow.
"Yes sir, Hokage-sama. That bald wretch will barely look in Naruto's general direction now" the ANBU replied. All of sudden, the Hokage could just feel the man break into a wide grin behind his mask. "I told Neko-san what he did, then just stood back and watched" the ANBU clarified. A mirthless smirk stretched across the Hokage's face.
"That's almost too mean, Hawk-san" the Hokage said slyly "Almost." He knew his cat-masked agent was one of a few of his agents with a strong protective streak when it came to the small blonde. His eyes flickered to Inu scouting the roofs above as his Hokage walked back to the Tower. Hiruzen had had to restrain him last night, when they found out about Naruto's true living conditions. Inu was going to kill that idiot landlord on the spot. But, now that issue had been resolved and the Hokage personally owned the building. At least he could fix this one injustice aimed at Naruto.
"One down, only a few thousand to go" the Hokage thought dejectedly.
KONOHA- HOKAGE TOWER, NEXT MORNING
The Hokage stood at the window is his office, staring out over the village under his care. One particular inhabitant was at the forefront of his thoughts. He had been very briefly tempted to say yes to the Kamiumi's offer. But it would have put all of them, and especially Naruto, in untold amounts of danger. If the word got out that a jinchuuriki was on the loose, wandering about with civilians of all things, it would be a feeding frenzy. Not to mention if anyone from Iwa or Kumo got a good look at him. He looked more like Minato-kun every day. Plus, it might be a slight bit of jealousy on his part, but the Hokage didn't fully trust that they had become so like a normal family so quickly. So willing to take the boy after just one night.
The Hokage sighed as he sat at his desk, glaring at the stack of paperwork his secretary had dropped on him. His mind flashed through a half dozen low-level fire jutsus, wondering which he ones he could use on the stack, without damaging his desk. His fingers had just started to twitch as he had settled on a jutsu he'd gamble with, when the door banged open and Naruto walked in.
"Hey jiji! What's up?" said the grinning blonde. The Hokage was pleased to note that Naruto seemed in fine spirits today, likely an effect of being around the Kamiumis all day yesterday. All of a sudden, one of his personal guard flashed into being next to the boy. Neko kneeled down and pulled him into a hug. Naruto yelped in surprise before accepting the embrace, then yelped again when knuckles met scalp.
"Do you how much you scared us Naruto?" Neko scolded, fists on hips "We looked for you all night!"
"Sorry Neko-nee chan! I was just looking to hide from the festival, I didn't want to worry you guys. I'm really sorry. Thanks for looking though!" Naruto ginned, putting his hands behind his head sheepishly. The Hokage and the four ANBU in the room stiffened at Naruto nonchalantly announcing he needed to hide from the Kyuubi Defeat Festival. Neko's breath hitched and her arms went slack at her sides.
Naruto looked up at her, worried she was still mad. "I won't do it again, ok?"
"I'm just glad you're alright" Neko said. She then bopped him lightly on the head "No more disappearing acts though, understood?" she asked as she ghosted back to her position behind the Hokage. "I can't take another..." she whispered, though no one caught it. The Hokage took a moment to regain his own composure.
"Well Naruto-kun, there is a couple things I wanted to discuss with you if you have the time" the Hokage started. "First off, I want you to be indoors in your apartment every night. Every night, am I understood? The only exception is if you are invited to sleep over somewhere as a guest. Like at the Kamiumi's for example. No more living on the streets" the Hokage ordered firmly, his steel grey eyes pinning the young boy. Naruto gulped and nodded nervously. The Hokage's face softened.
"Good Naruto-kun. I've already taken care of the problem with your apartment, but if anything else comes up you let me know, alright?" the Hokage didn't miss the flash of rebellion that rippled across Naruto's face when he mentioned that he had taken care of Naruto's problem.
"Listen Naruto-kun, at times it's good to be strong, other times it's good to be smart and ask for help." The Hokage gazed down at the jinchuuriki with a frim, but compassionate gaze. Naruto met that gaze defiantly for a moment before huffing out loudly in defeat.
"Ok jiji, whatever you say" he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest as he pouted. The Hokage smirked at that, but decided to move onto the next point.
"Next, I want to ask you a question. What do you want to be when you're older?" the Hokage asked. Naruto was thrown for loop by the question. Of all the things he expected the Hokage to ask, this obviously wasn't one of them. But he only needed a moment to answer
"I'm going to be the Hokage, dattebayo! I'm going to protect all my precious people and this village they call home!" Naruto exclaimed punching a fist in the air. His reaction brought a smile to all present.
"I'm going to make everyone finally acknowledge me, and see who I really am!" Naruto declared with a broad grin and his right hand extended in a thumb's up. The five other occupants in the room felt their smiles dim and their hearts sink a little at that. The Hokage recovered quickly though.
"Well good Naruto, I'm proud of you. I can see that you will be a fine shinobi, and that the Will of Fire will burn brightly within you. To be honest, I expected you to say something like that. Since that means you're going to enter the ninja academy, I thought you should get a little head start on what you'll be doing there" the Hokage stated. Naruto's eyes shone and he ran up to the desk excitedly.
"Really, jiji!? You mean it?" there were practically stars in his eyes. The Hokage chuckled and ruffled his surrogate grandson's hair.
"Of course I mean it, Naruto-kun. I'm going to have you trained as much as you can handle before you enter the Academy. First off, though, you will see Chohiku- san from the Academy. She's a physical therapist and nutrition specialist, so she can help you get started." The Hokage reached into his desk and took out a scroll, handing it to Naruto. "This is for her or any teachers that stop you, to answer any questions. Just go to the Academy and ask to go to the nurse's office. She should be there most of the day."
"Yatta!" Naruto exclaimed, punching his fist the air "I'm going to be Hokage for sure! Hold on that hat old man, I'm coming to take it soon, dattebayo!" Naruto declared before dashing out of the room excitedly. Hiruzen chuckled, as he always enjoyed seeing Naruto in fine spirits. He reached for the intercom to talk to his secretary. "Please ask Inoichi-san, Choza-san, and Shikaku-san to come see me at their earliest convenience, please. Thank you." The Hokage sat back in his chair steepling his fingers in thought.
"It's time to see if this little experiment I thought up last night will work. I'm sure that enough time has passed so that he will able to interact with the clan heirs. Luckily, there are several his age, and if I make the offer to all the clans, there is no show of favoritism. I hope" the Hokage thought to himself. He fervently hoped that the clan children would be given a chance to form bonds with Naruto, something he desperately needed.
He knew he was gambling, though. He knew that the claim of one clan or another trying to make the "village's hidden weapon" loyal to their clan above the others could cause friction and division. But he also hoped that at least some of the clansmen would see Naruto as more than just a jinchuuriki, and see him as the bright, rambunctious boy he loved.
What if he hadn't found Naruto that morning? What if the Kamiumi's had asked to him come with them and just left? Would he have gone? The Hokage really wanted to believe that he wouldn't, but honestly couldn't blame the neglected orphan if he had. The only people who treated Naruto with any kindness were himself, his secretary, a few ANBU, and that ramen chef and his daughter that moved to Konoha last year. A handful of people to outweigh the collected scorn and malice of the entire village. Not a smart gamble. Hell, Tsunade-chan wouldn't touch that one! And his wayward student gambled on anything!
The final push for the Hokage taking this risk was the thought of his old rival, Danzo, getting his hands on Naruto if he left the village. The thought of the life being driven from those mischievous blue eyes, of Naruto fading away to be replaced by a puppet imposter in his body... That was all that was needed for the Hokage to risk making relations between the clans a little more rocky. Besides, the Uchihas were already doing their level best to do that on their own, and the village still stood.
The Hokage was brought out of his musings by a knock on the door. "Enter" The door opened to reveal Inoichi and Choza, a… hefty looking man with long, spiky red hair and purple clan markings on his cheeks. He wore a light armor set patterned after the samurai, with the kanji for "food" written on the breastplate. The Hokage looked up in confusion. "Where is Shikaku-san?" he questioned. Inoichi gave him a dry look "You said 'at his earliest convenience' Hokage-sama. He could show up next week in all honesty" Inoichi smirked. The Hokage face-palmed at his Commander's legendary lethargy.
"Such little respect, I feel so underappreciated. Maybe I should go home and take a nap…" the laid back voice of Konoha's jounin commander drifted in, as he strolled through the doors. The Hokage straightened and fixed the three Clan Heads with a piercing look. Shikaku even snapped to attention, sensing his leader's seriousness. "I wish to talk to you three of a matter of great import to the security of this village. Our jinchuuriki. He needs bonds. He needs reasons to stay loyal to this village or he will end up rejecting everybody and going rogue, like Han from Iwa" the Hokage stated seriously. He now had all three's undivided attention.
"I have a plan, a way to avoid this" the Hokage continued "and it involves all of you. I plan to introduce Naruto-kun to the clans. I feel that you three would be the best starting point. I also trust that you won't be biased towards Naruto-kun because of his tenant" the Hokage put special emphasis on this last word, along with a hard gaze to all three that made them gulp audibly.
"No, Hokage-sama!" the Ino-Shika-Cho trio replied. The Hokage nodded. "Thank you, my friends. I plan on having Naruto-kun getting tutelage from as many sources as I can. Who wants to host him first?" Hiruzen questioned. The trio looked at each other, communicating without words due to their long time association. Choza spoke up "How about we all introduce him to our clans at a big bar-be-que?"
"That's brilliant" Shikaku then spoke up "it makes it much less obvious, and a great deal more fun for the kids."
The Hokage smiled, "Very good, Choza-san. Let's go with that. I will entrust all the details to you, dismissed." Inoichi, Choza, and Shikaku filed out of the office and left to set up for Naruto's big shindig.
Back at the Kamiumi's wagon, Mirobu was deep in thought as he considered the puzzle that was Naruto Uzumaki. He had asked around town trying to get more information to work with. That had only made him more confused. Confused and angry. The villagers responded to his inquiries by warning him away from the "demon child". That he would corrupt his family, and that Midori wasn't safe around him. Many literally spat on the ground as soon as his name was mentioned. As if just hearing it left a bad taste in their mouth.
He at least made some headway into the fact that Konoha had a blonde Uzumaki. A storeowner told him that the last Uzumaki in Konoha was a powerful and popular kunoichi. She was killed helping the Fourth Hokage, and Naruto was given her last name to honor her. Mirobu was disappointed that Naruto wasn't an Uzumaki, but it felt off to him to give a random orphan the clan name of a local hero.
What made Mirobu so thoughtful was the drunk he had talked to. He had said how the Fourth Hokage had "kicked that little demon's ass" and was why they had a "bitchin' festival" every October 10th. That they should "use the festival to finish the demon off, once and for all". The pieces were there, he could feel it. The fact the festival was held on Naruto's birthday couldn't be a coincidence. The fact he was named after Kushina Uzumaki.
Mirobu jerked in surprise. Kushina. Kushina died helping the Fourth Hokage! They both had died while… while battling the Kyuubi! That was it! All the pieces fell neatly into place. It was the only explanation. Why the festival was on Naruto's birthday. Why he was named to honor Kushina. Why there was so much hatred and scorn from the village. Why he was shunned like a leper. And, finally why the Hokage was so desperate to know his location when he went missing.
Mirobu felt like he had been punched in the gut. Naruto. Little Naruto. Kind, fun loving Naruto a jinchuuriki. Mirobu couldn't believe it, but nothing else made sense. Suddenly he dashed over to his writing cubicle and ripped the folding desk down so hard, he almost ripped from the wall.
They have to know about this! He would have to get an emergency message out through his contacts. The fact that Naruto was a jinchuuriki was a big deal, but Mirobu had a sneaking suspicion that the Uzumaki story was a lie too. He hoped this wouldn't cause trouble for Naruto, but he had a job to do.
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A/N
And that's it people! Thank you for sticking with me through a long first chapter, but honestly I think they'll all be around 10k words. I also wanted to bring up why no one seemed to react to Naruto having the surname of one of the founding clans of Konoha. So I threw in that bit about honoring Kushina. I hope you enjoyed it, any and all feedback is appreciated!