The sun had set an hour ago as a young boy crept into a window of a library. Despite the fact the boy was wearing a "kill me" orange jumpsuit his stealth skills were sufficient for him to get this far unnoticed. Silent as death and quick as thought the boy scanned through the shelves looking for the scrolls he had come for. Using only the natural light from the moon and stars so as not to gain attention slowed him down so that his task took nearly an hour. When he had found the scrolls he needed he sealed each one into storage seals tattooed onto his forearms before slipping back out the window. Sadly the boy would not be getting away with his nocturnal hobby as the Fates had something else in mind for the boy. As he started to lower himself from the window a loose brick fell alerting two chunin to his presence. Knowing his survival depended on his escape he ran towards the village's outer wall in hopes he could lose his pursuers in the forest. Ducking through alleys and staying to the shadows he did not see that he was being followed from the rooftops. Sparing furtive glances over his shoulder he rounded a corner in fear only to get knocked down after bumping into something. That something turned out to be a high ranking ninja of Junín skill with several of his intoxicated friends.
"Watch where you're going kid!" The man said before narrowing his eyes getting a better look at who was on the ground. Upon recognizing who it was the Junín's friends circled around the boy as the two chunin that gave chase joined them. Hate and anger burned in the group's eyes as they closed in on their prey.
"Demon! It is long past your time." The man growled to a chorus of hate filled epitaphs as some fingered weapons of murder, and others making some from broken bottles or other things laying at hand. "Since you have so nicely decided to submit to your fate the only question is how to accomplish it." Dark laughter followed this statement as thoughts of pain, blood, death, and worse entered the minds of the small crowd. Looking to a man behind the boy he gives an almost imperceptible signal with his hand. Suddenly immense pain followed by growing darkness exploded through the boys head as a bottle was smashed onto his skull.
Later that night with the moon past its zenith the boy slowly regained consciousness groaning in pain as he now felt the severe beating he had received after being knocked out. Looking around he saw himself in a freshly dug hole, and went to raise his arm to climb out. Shouting in pain at the movement he realized his arms had been broken. Tears began to flow as shadows moved above the hole at the sound of his injured shout.
"Finally awake I see. Don't worry the pain won't last long, demon. After all you will be able to never have to feel pain again." Laughing he signaled another of the shadows as dirt began to rain down on the boy. "Enjoy your grave." The man said with a smirk as he began making hand seals for an earth jutsu to entomb the helpless boy. As the wave of earth rose up to forever enshroud the boy in darkness a burst of energy the color of fresh blood surrounded the boy keeping the earth from his body. The energy grew denser seemingly solidifying as the sky was closed off from sight. Passing out from terror and stress neither the boy nor his attackers noticed a wavering in reality as the energy pulsed at ever increasing speed until the pulses suddenly stopped. The now seemingly diamond solid energy held steady for several heartbeats before shrinking to nothing in an instant leaving a five foot oval void in the ground.
Slowly the boy's consciousness began to awaken as he found himself floating in a warm green light. His injuries still present even though he could feel no pain. 'Am I dead?' he thought somewhat relieved at the thought for it meant an end to the fear, pain, hate, and torture he had experienced throughout his life. A strange comforting feeling began to flow over him the likes of which he had never felt before. If he had he would have found it strongly similar to what a young child feels when embraced by a loving mother. For the first time in his life he felt content, and let this feeling envelope him as a soft smile grew upon his face as he once again slipped into unconsciousness.
8 MONTHS LATER
The boy slowly opened his eyes feeling as if he was floating on water blinking at the bright light glaring above him. Blinking several times he began to notice some of his surroundings the first of which was the source of the light. Through what seemed to be the ruins of a roof he could see the sun high overhead, and the tops of stone columns. As his eyes roamed his surroundings it appeared as if he was in what remained of a church. Moving his arm to block the sun he quickly found himself sinking in the water. Splashing around caused his still as of yet unhealed wounds to protest causing him to cry out and begin to sink once more.
Quicker then he could register in his desperate fight for air strong arms wrapped around him and pulled him up onto solid ground. As he felt the floor beneath him what had happened finally registered, and he began coughing as his lungs expelled the liquid onto the floor. A gentle hand patted his back as precious air once more flowed into his aching body. "Slow deep breaths. Relax you're safe now." Spoke a voice that was undoubtedly female yet carrying enormous strength said softly. Forcing his breathing back to normal he looked up at the people standing around him he scrambled back clutching the woman that had spoken for protection.
Standing around him were three men and one woman. To his left was a very large man with dark skin, and heavily muscled body easily 6'6. He had standard heavy duty boots, blue jeans, and a sleeveless shirt. The man's left arm ended in a metal cylinder with several small pipes extending out.
Next to him was a 6'0 tall, lean young man with long black hair and a ragged red cloak and mantle over black clothes. He wears a metallic, golden gauntlet on his left forearm. His cloak covers the lower half of his face and is held closed by a series of buckles. His eyes were a pale red color.
The next in line was a woman measuring 5'2 with short black hair, a dark green sleeveless top that bared her midriff, tan short shorts, and knee high boots. Her skin was pale, and she looked at the boy with a soft smile conveying that she meant him no harm.
The fourth one standing before him was a man standing 5'7. His attire consisted of black boots, and pants. His torso was covered by a black shirt that was missing the right sleeve, and had armor over his left shoulder. His hair was strikingly similar to the boys not only in color, but spikiness as well.
Turning to get a better look at the woman he had a death grip on he took in her appearance as well. The woman was 5'5 with brown hair that fell to the middle of her back. She had on black and white sneakers, black shorts, and sleeveless vest that zipped up. Cautiously he released his grip on her, and sat back looking from one to another each showing that they weren't going to hurt him as they waited in silence for him to speak.
"Wh…Who are you, and where am I?" The boy asked nervously.
The large man smiled and gestured at the woman sitting next to the boy. "Why don't you handle this since he seems to like you more than us right now, Tifa?"
Smiling at the boy she started the introductions. "My name is Tifa Lockheart. The large bear with the gun arm is Barret Wallace. Next to him with the cape is Vincent Valentine. The girl is Yuffie Kisaragi, and the last in line is Cloud Strife. As to where you are, you are in Midgard. Now that you know who we are why don't you tell us your name?"
"Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki." Looking at them with an embarrassed expression on his face he grinned sheepishly. "Ummm….I don't suppose either of you know where I can get a change of clothes and something to eat?"
2 years 8 months later
Konoha – Hi no Kuni – 8am
In a hot spring reserved for konoichi 4 women could be seen relaxing after early morning exorcise. The youngest one was a slim light brown haired girl who had her hair done up into buns, one on each side of her head. Next was an older, more feral looking girl in her late teens with tattoos on her face and dark brown hair. Sitting next to her was an even more feral woman what looked like she could be the 2nd girl's mother or aunt. These three were glaring at a voluptuous woman in her mid 20's with light black hair that seemed to shimmer with purple and blue hues in the sunlight. The reason for the glares was that the dark haired beauty had just entered the hot spring via a cannonball. Shrugging off the glares with a grin the woman sat back sighing as the warmth soaked into her body.
"Hey, Ms. Frosty Panties, you better hurry up. Maybe if you soak enough of the heat up you'll find a guy that can thaw you out!" yelled to a well build red eyed woman still in the changing room. With a smirk she looked at the blushing teens, and chuckling older woman.
Suddenly the water in the center of the hot spring erupted like a geyser causing the women to jump out of the water prepared for either a fight or the weekly severe beating of a pervert ignoring the fact they were all naked and wet. Astonishment crossed all of their faces as a column of green chakra could be seen as the last of the airborne water falls back down. The two feral looking ones in a taijutsu stance, the dark haired one with 4 senbon in each hand at the ready, and the slim teen with a katana and a fuma shuriken in each hand. As the seconds tick by the girls could make out a shadowy silhouette hovering several inches above the water in the fading chakra column. The two older women's eyes widen in shock as the silhouette is revealed to be a young man about 5'5 that was wearing a cloak that looked just like the 4th Hokage's except it was black with crimson flames instead of white with yellow flames. Sensing the presence of the women he begins turning in their direction. Catching something in his peripheral vision he continues turning his head without stopping to admire the naked and dripping wet women to focus on what had caught his attention. A sad smile graces his lips as he speaks in a tone filled with sadness just barely audible to the women. "I'm home." Speaking those words was like cutting the string of a marionette as for as soon as they had been uttered his eyes closed, and he fell face first into the water.
After a few seconds the konoichi jumped into action dragging the unknown person out of the water. This task took the four of them because of the death grip he had on the large broad bladed sword in his hand. As the older teen girl checked the unconscious boy's vital signs the others got dressed while her mother unashamed of her nudity stood guard until they came back so she could dress as well. It was several minutes before the girl was done scanning him, and changed as they others bandaged some of his more serious wounds. As that task was done the oldest of the women looked up and said "Where the hell do you keep those senbon at?" The younger girl with the facial tattoos broke in "To hell with the senbon I want to know where the fuck she pulled that fuma shuriken from!"
Before either woman could answer a woman in ANBU garb with a cat mask appeared between them. "Storage seals placed at the base of the fingers. More importantly though….What happened here?"
At a hot spring in Iwagakure
A silver haired man was writing in a journal emitting a perverted giggle suddenly turned with a serious expression looking to the southeast. 'What the hell. Was that a burst of nature chakra just now?' he thought to himself continuing to scan in the direction the feeling came from. After a few minutes of nothing else happening he turned back to peeping at the hot spring.
Mount Myoboku
An elderly male toad about a foot tall is backing away from his wife with his hands held protectively in front of him sweating as he tried in vain to calm the elderly female down. "Come on, Ma. I said I was sorry, and that I'd fix it right after breakfast. There is no reason to get violent." The female toad continued her advance brandishing every wife's favorite weapon, a cast iron skillet. "You were told to stay out of the kitchen, Pa. Now face your punishment like a man." She said before swinging the skillet with Herculean force at her husband's head. Her swing stopped mere millimeters from Pa's head as they both turned to look in the same direction feeling a concentrated amount of nature chakra denser then they had ever felt in their very long lives. They turn to look at each other worry plain in their eyes. "We have to tell Ojiji-sama."
Konohagakure
A man in his late 60's with an aura of supreme authority was standing just outside of a hospital room on the 3rd floor with 4 ANBU and a doctor. "This boy said he was home when he saw the monument. We have no record of him, and no one recognizes him. I want to know as much about him as we can by the time he wakes up. Run every blood test you can think of, I want to know who he is and every one he is related to. Because of the situation I want you to handle the testing yourself." He said speaking to the doctor. "Hai, Hokage-sama." Was the replay as the doctor bowed before heading to the nurse's station to give the orders.
Turning to the ANBU he puffs on his pipe for a minute before speaking. "I want this room guarded at all times. No one is to enter this room without me or the doctor present. Neko-chan, Kuma-kun, I want you two to guard his room every time your shift comes up. Taka-kun, I want you to notify ANBU headquarters about this as well as that there are to be two guards inside his room and two outside at all times. Neko-chan and Bear-kun will take the first shift in his room. Send Squad 8 before reporting in. I want them to take the next rotation. Yagi-kun, I want you to guard this room until Team 8 gets here and has spoken to Kuma-kun, and Neko-chan then have Anko, Tsume, Tenten, and Hana report to me tomorrow after lunch with their complete and written reports. Until we find out if this boy is friend or foe I want all the information we can get, and every precaution taken. Am I understood?"
"Hai!" is the collective response as the ANBU move to follow the orders of the man known as "Shinobi no Kami". Opening the door slowly so as not to disturb the prisoner/patient he watches the slow rise and fall of his breathing for a moment before leaving. 'Who are you, and why do you look so much like Minato-kun?' he thinks to himself before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
If he had stayed a couple of minutes he would have seen the boys eyes begin moving in REM as the unknown boy dreamed of his past.
FLASHBACK
Looking out over the city of Midgard Naruto couldn't help but still feel awe at the size of the city as well as its technological advances even after the month he had been here. Glancing down from a rooftop he shakes his head in wonder as the cars drive by on the streets below. As he hears the sound of construction on a building several blocks away he still feels amazement at what had happened and the state the city was in just a few months ago, and the terrible things that had happened several years prior with Sephiroth, and Jenova he had heard about. Leaning back he stretches his arms out before smiling at the new clothes Tifa had bought him after Cid began to explain his reasons why Naruto shouldn't wear "kill me" orange, but thinking about Cid's words also brought a blush to his face. Naruto knew boys and girls were different, but Cid went into great detail about those differences when he found out Naruto hadn't had the talk yet. Letting loose a chuckle at the memory of Cid panicking as he realized Tifa was behind him cracking her knuckles in preparation of beating Cid to a pulp.
Naruto turned serious at the sound of a sword being drawn, and looked to see Cloud holding his Buster Sword in his right hand, and a much smaller sword version in his left.
"Since you're healed and rested now it's time we started your training." Cloud lightly tosses the smaller sword to Naruto before entering a basic stance. "This is going to be painful since I'm not the teaching type. We're going to have to do this the painful way, and you'll have to learn through experience."
Gulping loudly Naruto nods his head, and tries to imitate Cloud's stance. Cloud runs forward bring the sword to bare in an arcing swing aimed just below Naruto's ribs. Awkwardly Naruto blocks the swing, but is knocked back as the force of the swing causes the back of his sword to slam into him. Sighing Cloud walks over and helps Naruto up. "It's a good thing I sent Tifa out for more food and first aid supplies, cause this is not only going to hurt, but take a lot longer than I thought. By the way that is a 9 piece composite blade with a ninjato in the handle. As for how to use it….let me demonstrate."
FLASHBACK
In a forest on the northern continent Naruto stood panting with his back against one of the almost crystalline appearing trees hoping that he had evaded Vincent for a few moments. When he had first heard the stories about him and how he was best described as a "vampire" Naruto had laughed, but after the last 6 weeks of training he knew that vampire was an understatement. Demon was a much better word. His 2 months of training with Tifa and Cloud was rough, and helped with his patience, and muscle, and had been excited to train with Vincent on his agility. That is until he found out the training consisted of dodging as Vincent took pot shots at him. Suddenly his eyes open wide in fear as he dodges quickly to the left barely avoiding another bullet as bark exploded mere inches from his head. Vincent was adapt at hiding his presence, and Naruto had yet to sense him before the warning of the gun being cocked. Silently cursing the fact this training was taking place in a forest of glowing trees that made it almost impossible to hide he scanned the surrounding area from a position between a bush and a large rock. Feeling the cold steel of the business end of a barrel Naruto begins to sweat profusely staying as still as a corpse.
"Your skills have improved since we got here, but they are far from where they should be." Vincent puts his gun back in its holster, and leans against a rock. "Now can you tell me what you did wrong, and why you weren't able to sense me until I had the gun against your head?"
After turning to face him Naruto sat down, and scratched his head in thought. "Judging by where the sound of the gunshot came from I was paying too much attention to what was in front of me, and the same for when I was hiding behind the bush."
"That's right. What should you have done differently?"
Naruto sat with his arms crossed tapping his lips in thought for a few minutes before answering. "Each time I stopped I should have been thinking ahead about where to move next depending on where each shot came from. I also need to stay calm so I can think instead of just fleeing randomly."
"Good, Naruto. Before we head back for dinner can you tell me why it's bad to just dodge without thinking ahead?"
After a few more minutes of thought, and looking around the area the training had taken place in Naruto answered slowly unsure if he had it right. "Well…..I guess running randomly is ok as long as you are fast enough, since it works for rabbits, but if your enemy is faster than you or can follow your movements well enough that won't work."
Smiling Vincent could see the boy was beginning to use his head for more than a hat rack. "Now that you've finally figured it out I want to you think about this in depth tomorrow, and we will discuss what you've come up with over a game of shogi after dinner." Pushing himself off the rock he gestures for Naruto to follow him before walking towards the house. "When we get back to the house I want you to stretch and then take a hot bath to help your muscles relax. I also want you to stretch before bed too, but only light stretches. We don't want your muscles cramping up from being overstrained."
FLASHBACK
As Naruto sneaked through a hallway avoiding the moonlight entering from a nearby window he couldn't help but think this was some kind of perverted joke. His task was relatively simple, but the goal wasn't. His training in the ninja arts of Wutai was going well, but he just couldn't shake the feeling that Godo was trying to get some payback on him and Yuffie after their recent bout of pranks. Reaching the target's door Naruto hesitated at the thought of what he would have to do and if he would escape unharmed or even intact for that matter. Slowly he slid the door open and slipped silently into the room. It took him over a minute to reach the target as he crept as silently as he could careful not to wake her. He held back a sigh of relief at seeing she was laying on her back making this easier for him. As he leaned down to do the deed he was sent to complete he pauses briefly wondering what success of this would mean for future missions and if he'd survive to see tomorrow. With his face mere inches from her's he takes in how peaceful and beautiful she looks solidifying it into his memory before steeling himself. His breathing slows to the point where it was all but impossible to tell if he was holding his breath before placing his lips on hers as softly as he could. His movements as slow as molasses in January, and soft as silk he is caught unaware as he suddenly feels a tongue against his lips. Jerking back in surprise he catches himself before he falls back only making a slight noise. Carefully he checks to see if she is still asleep only to see her eyes still closed, but what worried him was the mischievous smile on her lips. Seeing nothing else he slips back out, and almost faceplants when he hears her softly moan "Naruto-kuuuun". Once the door is shut he moves as quickly as he can while remaining stealthy out of the house to report to Godo, and give him a piece of his mind about making him steal a kiss from Yuffie as a skill test. Naruto started to sweat at painful things Yuffie would do to him if she knew what happened.
20 minutes later
Naruto sat down taking the ninja mask off his head shooting a glare at the grinning Godo. "Mission complete. I went in unnoticed, and managed your task without waking her. I noticed a few traps, but managed to avoid them since disarming them would alert her to my presence."
"Good. Good. You did well, Naruto, but you are forgetting something. Your target was Yuffie. We will have to wait until tomorrow to see if you succeeded or not."
At this Naruto shot Godo a glance that was both worried, and curious. "What do you mean? She slept through the whole thing."
Godo's smile only grew at the 12 year old's words. "Yuffie is even more mischievous then you are. She may have been awake and thinking about the consequences you will face in the morning. I suggest you go to bed. It may be the last chance you have to sleep peacefully."
Naruto swallowed hard as visions of Yuffie playing jump rope with his intestines, and the relentless pranks he would be the victim of played through his mind. Slowly he stands up and bids good night to Godo as the nervous shaking was quite evident. As Naruto walked out the door Godo couldn't resist one last barb at the boy's expense. "Rest in peace." He said causing the boy to shut the door on his fingers, and laughed at the yelp of pain knowing Naruto would not be able to sleep, and would be a nervous wreck by breakfast.
FLASHBACK
It had been nearly a year since he had arrived in this world, and his 13th birthday was only a few weeks away. Even though it had been such a short period of time he hardly recognized the person staring back at him from the mirror. His body had become more muscled, and he had grown to the point he was nearly as tall as Yuffie. His whisker marks had also started to fade growing lighter with each passing month. This made him wonder what was going on with Kyuubi. After he had arrived here he had talked with Kyuubi, and it had taken him a while to come to terms with the fact that the same demon who had nearly wiped Konoha off the map was sealed inside him. A slight frown could be seen on Naruto's face as he began to wonder why Kyuubi had been in a worse mood then usual lately. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts he checked himself in the mirror once more.
'Today is not a day to be in a bad mood. I got to get myself together. After all Tifa finally managed to nail down Cloud, and they are getting married today.' If he was being honest with himself he would admit he was glad they had set the date for the end of his training rotation in Midgard. Granted he would miss them, and even had recently begun to think of them as the mother and father he never had. Smiling to himself he gently picked up the pillow with 2 beautiful adamantine rings with gold filigree that symbolized how precious and indestructible their bond was before walking out the door.
FLASHBACK END
Konohagakure – Hokage's office
Saratobi sat reading the last of the reports from the witnesses at the hot spring from yesterday's incident. After rereading a particular part he set the file down, and looked at the konoichi standing before him with his fingers steepled. Before he had a chance to speak the door opened and the doctor he had spoken to walked in holding up a file. Saratobi nodded, and turned to the women. "Thank you for the thoroughness of your reports especially considering the short notice I gave you. Please continue to think about what happened in case you remember something you didn't add to the report. Until then you are dismissed."
Each of the konoichi glanced at the file the doctor held curious about what was in it, but held it in check knowing that if the Hokage wanted them to know he wouldn't have dismissed them. As the last one shut the door behind her the doctor slid the file onto the desk and sat down. "I ran the tests you requested myself, as per your orders, and even went so far as to use one of the labs for high contagion only to insure privacy. Honestly, Sir, I am not just surprised at the results, but am in a state of complete shock. According to our records the boy is indeed a citizen of Konoha. The interesting thing about it is that he was thought to have died over 3 years ago." At hearing this Saratobi raised an eyebrow even more intrigued about the boy. "His name is Uzumaki Naruto." The doctor said hoping to get some information about this, but knew it was not to be as both of the Hokage's eyebrows shot up past his hairline in surprise. Getting control of himself he gestured for the doctor to continue after saying his piece. "I am sure I don't have to tell you the implications of this so all I am going to say is this. What you have just reported and anything that touches it is to be considered a SS-class village secret with not only your life but the lives of anyone you tell as well as yours and their families' lives at stake. "What is most interesting is what the results of the DNA comparison tests were. Both of his parents are on file, and unfortunately are also both deceased. His mother is Uzumaki Kushina. She was a konoichi of Konoha that died 15 years ago during the Kyuubi attack like so many others. It's surprising no one knew of her considering she was well known as "The Red Death" apparently." At this he saw Saratobi pale and worry could be seen clearly in his eyes. "Who the father is just astounding considering no one even knew he was in a relationship. To be so well known and in the public's eye, yet keep such a relationship so secret that even after his death there wasn't even the slightest rumor says he was even more skilled then we all thought he was." Saratobi had become even more agitated as he listened even to the point where he was shaking as if hoping what he was thinking would be proven false with the doctor's next words. Unfortunately for him the Fates seem to dislike closet perverts like him. "As you may have already guessed his father was none other than Namikaze Minato, The Yellow Flash, and Yondaime Hokage." Hearing his worst fear confirmed Saratobi could only put his face in his hands, and say with a voice filled with sadness and guilt… "I am too old for this shit."
Seeing the Hokage's reaction he knew the next bit of news would not go over well at all. Emitting a forced cough to gain Saratobi's attention the doctor continued. "I'm afraid there is more. It seems he is also related to other shinobi still on active duty. They are…"
Konoha Shinobi Hospital
A group of 8 ANBU was exchanging information for the current shift change. This was done in ANBU sign language so no outsiders would learn anything that was supposed to be kept secret. Nodding to each other the group split up with 4 going to report in to the Hokage, and the others went to their assigned positions for guarding Naruto. This would be the 5th rotation since the boy was admitted, and the task was growing very boring for some. Little did they know that the unconscious boy would not only change their lives, but the lives of many throughout the Elemental Nations just as he had a certain group of people on a world they didn't even know existed.
FLASHBACK
It had been 4 months since Cloud and Tifa's wedding and Naruto was very happy that they had finally done it, and they seemed even more like a family then before. Normally Naruto would be ecstatic, but not today. Today he had heard something that held the possibility of something he had dreamed of his entire life, but there was no way he could accept considering what he had learned from Kyuubi. He was torn heart and soul over this wanting to jump for joy, and crying his eyes out for the pain it would cause them if he did. Watching the boy shake with the conflicting emotions, and repressed tears, Tifa and Cloud exchanged a look before speaking. "Naruto, what is wrong? We talked about this after the wedding and we both thought you would be overjoyed. In our hearts you are already a son to us, so please tell us why you are so upset?"
Clenching his eyes shut and balling his fists he forcibly got a hold of himself before answering. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you think of me as a son, and love me enough to want to adopt me. I have hoped and prayed for a family for so long." Tears shined clearly in his eyes as he looked at them begging him to understand what he was trying to say. "I want nothing more than to accept this with all my heart, but….but I cannot." As the words left him he bowed his head letting the tears flow freely. By the time several tears had started to soak into the carpet Tifa had moved next to him wrapping him with one arm while taking his hand with the other. "Why, Naruto?" She asked with more than a little concern. It broke her heart to see the person she would always see as her first born son in such a state.
As he began to sob hating himself for hurting the two people he never wanted to even if it cost him his life he felt a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's ok, Naruto. Just calm down, and talk to us. Please we are both very worried about you."
Taking several shuttering breaths Naruto started to calm himself and finally wiped the last few tears from his eyes. He had been agonizing over how to break the news to them, and now he had the perfect time to. Granted it was not in any way near the situation he had been hoping for. Taking a last few deep breaths he kept his head down as he spoke not daring to look at them. "I….I….It seems that my being here is only temporary. What Kyuubi did to bring me here saved my life, but in order for me to stay here it is killing him slowly. In 1 year maybe 2 he will die and I will return to Konoha when he dies. Before he passes away he wants to pass on his knowledge and as much of his power as he can. I don't know if it's some weird way for him to keep on living, or if he likes me, or even if it's because he feels bad about how my childhood was. He is only asking one thing from me, and says it's something all ninja do in their career. I don't know what it is yet, but he said I'll know before we…..I go back."
Cloud and Tifa look at each other sadness plain as they both hugged Naruto. In a very short time Cloud was hugging both of them as Tifa's tears joined Naruto's. In what could have been 5 minutes, 1 hour or even 5 hours the emotional tide finally ended leaving them all drained. Kissing Tifa on the forehead, and squeezing Naruto's shoulders Cloud stood up to make them all some food, his head swimming with thoughts. While Cloud was in the kitchen Tifa and Naruto cleaned up the mess they had made of their faces their minds and hearts a swirling mess that left them nauseous. As he sat back down an idea that had started out microscopically small began to grow in strength as his emotions settled down causing a glimmer of hope in his eyes that was bolstered by the fact that they wanted him to be a part of their family as much as he did.
As they ate in silence this small hope gained strength from each little touch Tifa gave him, and the looks of love, and understanding they both gave him. Finally gathering the courage he put his fork on the plate, and took a deep breath. "I know I have no right to ask this with how badly I have just hurt you, but I want to stay here and be a family with you more than anything." Raising his head he looks at them with hope and fear battling within his eyes. "Would it be alright with you if I changed my name to Naruto Strife?" With the silent plea screaming in his eyes tears once more flowed from Tifa's eyes as she looked at Cloud. Sharing a look that spoke volumes in a way that only those whose heart are as one, have spent years together, and have faced death together can Cloud smiled and turned to Naruto.
Looking Naruto in the eyes pride and fatherly love showing plainer than any other emotion except his love for Tifa on their wedding day had so far Cloud said the words that Naruto had waited to hear. "We would not only love it, but we also would be honored, Son." As his dream, however fleeting, became a reality he jumped out of the chair, and ran over to Tifa, and Cloud enveloping them in a hug that could pass for a death grip as he cried with joy on a level he never thought he would ever be allowed to feel.
FLASHBACK
About a mile outside of Wutai Cid, Cloud, Tifa, Barrett, Nanaki, Vincent, and Yuffie were gathered for a special event. After the last test Vincent gave Naruto it was decide that he was ready to learn the final step of Materia training, and Cloud had brought his complete Master Summon type Materia. "Since you have done so well with your Materia training we have decided it is time for you to learn to use the Summon Materia." As Naruto held it something unusual happened as Cloud explained how to use it. Like every time he held a new Materia for the first time, the blue chakra that all humans have would extend from his arm enveloping the Materia before turning green and get reabsorbed back into his body. After the tutorial which included the levels and names of the Summons Cloud pointed to a tree. "Ok, Son. I want you to focus like I told you and summon Ifrit on that tree. Using Summon Materia is very draining when you start so don't use any higher level summons until we tell you otherwise." Showing a grin that should have torn his cheeks in half Naruto faces the tree, and concentrates as he was told.
Pushing more power into it then he probably should because this was his first time, and was eager to make his family proud he finally felt ready. Shouting "IFRIT" he threw out his fist at the tree. With his jaw almost touching the ground in awe he watched the Summon erupt from the ground in a massive conflagration before annihilating the tree in a massive explosion. Naruto Jumps into the air yelling and laughing like crazy at doing so well dropping the Master Summon Materia in the process. After giving the "good guy" pose causing everyone to hold their stomachs in laughter Naruto turns around to inspect the damage he did to the tree only to see the tall grass catch fire and begin to quickly spread. His eyes widen in shock and before he can think his body is already in motion. Panicking he raises both hands palms facing the growing inferno, and puts more energy than he had planned into his hands and shouts "LEVIATHON" sending a massive wave of water forward flooding the area where the fire was.
Staring at Naruto and what he just did the group can't believe what they just saw. Naruto turns back to the group with one hand behind his head and an apologetic smile on his face. "Oops." He says with a small chuckle before dropping to the ground unconscious from the massive blow to his chakra reserves. Tifa casts Regen as she runs over to him. As they check his vitals they are relieved to see he is just exhausted. As Vincent picks Naruto up to carry him back to Wutai Cid starts talking about what they should do for Naruto as a present for using Materia right the first time, and how awesome it would have to be since he cast a level 2 summon on his first day. When he mentions buying a hooker he very violently is sent face first into the ground from one of Tifa's powerhouse punches.
LATER THAT NIGHT
With Naruto safely tucked in bed the group had their own little celebration and made plans for the party. After a while Cid took a bottle of sake, and sat outside watching the stars. Cid frowned at the cup seeing only a few drops flow from the bottle not realizing he had drank all of it already. Muttering to himself he pulls back his arm preparing to throw the bottle when he hears someone filling his cup. Looking over he sees Yuffie with a slight red hue to her cheeks signifying she was drunk but not hammered. Slowly she sat down and looked up at the moon remaining silent as Cid tipped the cup to her, and continued with his drinking. Ten slow minutes passed before she spoke in quiet tones giving voice to her thoughts.
"I think you're right that we need to do something major for Naruto since his first Summon Materia use was definitely something for the record books, but a hooker doesn't even rank high enough to be a birthday present."
"Too true, Yuffie, but with all he's been through before he came here and everything he's done since THAT is the only cherry he has yet to pop as far as I can tell."
Unconsciously she licked her lips at the topic of discussion which did not go unnoticed by Cid. Grinning mischievously, well mischievously for a man on his 4th bottle of sake, Cid gave voice to the alcohol induced idea. "Why don't you help him into manhood?"
Yuffie's head jerked around to look at him in surprise only to see him raise his hands defensively. "Hear me out before you decide to use that oversized shuriken of yours on me. I know you like him, don't deny it, and I have caught him checking you out on several occasions. I've even seen his nose bleed as he watched you do the splits during your morning stretches. Also you are both ninjas. Who better then another ninja to teach the boy...excuse me….man about how to please a woman?"
Yuffie turned her head up towards the moon in thought as a slight smile crossed her lips. After a moment the smile grew into a smirk as she turned to Cid. "Even though you are so drunk you can't even sit up straight you may be on to something." Standing up she walked back inside thinking about the next "test" Naruto would have with sway to her hips.
2 DAYS LATER
Once again Naruto found himself sneaking through Yuffie's house on another of Godo's tests. Godo had told him that if he passed it he would have mastered his stealth training, and had even given Naruto the Materia for Steal and Mug to help him with it. As he faced the door to Yuffie's bedroom he sighed as softly as a spider walking along its web dreading what would happen if she woke up. Stealing himself he slips into the room and carefully looks around before creeping closer to the bed. As he stands mere inches from the bed the moonlight enables him to see Yuffie clearly laying on the bed with the covers kicked off. This night she was sleeping with her arms over her head and her legs slightly spread wearing a button up shirt that only had 2 buttons fastened, and a pair of panties that tied at the sides.
As any red blooded man would do in his situation he admires the almost naked beauty bathed in moonlight. Shaking himself he carefully gets to work untying the panties and slipping them out from under her. As he pockets them he pulls out another pair and wonders how he is supposed to put them on her without waking her. He glances at her face to make sure she is still sleeping only to see moonlight reflected in her eyes that were certainly fully awake. He starts to sweat as he franticly tries to think of a way out of the beating of a lifetime he is about to receive. Unconsciously he moves to step back only to have Yuffie move with lightning speed flipping him onto the bed. Blinking his eyes in surprise he finds he is pinned down with Yuffie's bare womanhood mere inches from his face. Swallowing hard he idly wonders why she smells of strawberries and honey as he forces his eyes up to hers. His nerves become even more frayed at the predatory gleam in her eyes.
Slowly she bends down holding his wrists in place with her hands as she slides her body down his until their noses are almost touching. Unable to blink Naruto wonders if this is how a rabbit feels just before it is caught by an eagle when Yuffie suddenly speaks in a whisper. "Time for your "punishment", Naru-kun." Fear at her words and then surprise as he feels their lips meet cause his eyes to open as far as they will go. Slowly they close as the kiss deepens, and their hands start to undress each other
FLASHBACK
Having escaped from the fiends over hour ago Naruto limps toward Midgard leaving a small trail of blood from his injuries. After he had made it safely away Kyuubi had told him that the time was close, and that he needed to hurry if he wanted to say his goodbyes. Kyuubi had also given Naruto the last of his knowledge he was willing to share, and told him the specifics of the task he wanted Naruto to do as part of the deal they had made. That task was to kill a man named Madera Uchiha, but for him to do this he had to become stronger. Even stronger then the 4th Hokage who entire nations feared seeing on the battlefield. Hurrying to reach the city as fast as he could tears fell to the ground as he heard Kyuubi give a regretful sigh full of sadness.
"I am sorry, kit. It looks like we weren't fast enough."
Hearing these words Naruto casts float hoping to propel himself faster. Sadly it only made things worse for after only a couple minutes with Midgard still on the horizon he heard Kyuubi say goodbye, and was enveloped in the same energy he had been 3 years ago.
FLASHBACK END
Konohagakure-Shinobi hospital
Slowly Naruto opened his eyes praying that what he remembered was just a dream, and looked around. Tears flooded his eyes as he saw the inside of a hospital room he knew all too well from before his days of being happy and part of a family. This is the scene the Hokage walked into when he entered the room a few minutes later, and stopped dead still seeing such emotional heartfelt pain. Slowly Saratobi walked over and sat in a chair next to the bed, and waited for Naruto to cry himself out. After several long minutes the tears finally stopped, and Naruto wiped his eyes. With his head still down he spoke with a voice filled with sadness. "Long time no see, Jiji."
"So long we thought you were dead, Naruto. I hate to admit it though, but it seems your life away from here was much better than it was before you left." Loathing himself for doing this to a boy who has been through so much already he lets out a deep sigh before speaking again. "Naruto, we have to talk, and some of questions I have to ask won't be easy on you if what I just saw is any indicator. Why don't we start easy with you telling me what happened, and why you left?" As he spoke he did the hand seals for a privacy jutsu having already ordered the ANBU out of the room with ANBU sign language.
SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Leaning back in his chair Saratobi reaches into his pocket, and pulls out his pipe. After having lit the tobacco he takes a long draw before exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"You know you're not supposed to smoke in a hospital, Jiji."
"True, but there is no need for concern since Uzumaki Naruto is officially dead."
TRAINING GROUND 3 -THE NEXT DAY
Tenten was in a very foul mood. The spandex freak and his mini-clone were even worse than usual today during their morning training not to mention the D class mission that is the bane of all genin. Kami how she hated that demon cat. Stomping toward where she was told Kakashi would be to deliver the challenge message she catches sunlight glinting off of metal. Curious she heads in the direction of the reflected light. Coming to a clearing she sees Naruto shirtless and covered in sweat training with a pair of Shuang Gou. Staying back she watches the man that had appeared in the middle of the konoichi hot spring a few days ago. The longer she watches the more respect she has for his skill as he fluidly went through the motions with a deadly grace. As she watched as Naruto's movements slowed down she was able to get a look as his bare torso taking note of how well muscled he was as well as the scars. When Naruto stopped in a kneeling position with his back to her she noticed that some of the scars were fairly recent, and wondered at what caused them.
Rising up Naruto reached over his shoulder for the massive sword strapped to his back. With ease and speed that spoke of proficiency he opened up the composite sword replacing the Shuang Gou and placing the large sword on his back in a matter of 2-3 seconds. As his hand released the hilt he quickly tapped the pommel causing a ninjato to shoot out 15 feet into the air. Moving in a brief taijutsu kata he catches the short sword in a reverse grip behind his back immediately going into the proper sword kata. Tenten watched in awe at the skill he showed with kenjutsu, and drooled at seeing his weapons in action.
Being the weapons mistress she is she quickly began daydreaming about wielding Naruto's weapons as her eyes never left him. As her daydream progressed from her wielding the swords to sparing with Naruto her breathing quickened and a slight blush could be seen on her cheeks. With her daydreams getting to the point where Naruto is pinning her to a tree with his ninjato she suddenly snaps out of it at the sound of Naruto slamming the ninjato back into the larger sword. Blinking at the brief disorientation she stumbled back gaining Naruto's attention. Seeing him walking towards her she starts to panic remembering that he had seen her naked, dripping wet body, and looked around for and escape route. Before she could bolt like a rabbit Naruto smiles at her speaking in a flirtatious way. "So, Beautiful, enjoy the show?"
Blushing slightly more she stands up dusting herself off using the time to get her wits back together. "Your swordsmanship is impressive, but that sword of yours is awe inspiring. Where did you get it at, and do you know the blacksmith that made it?"
The smile fades from his lips at her questions as his expression turns sad. "There are only 2 of these in existence. The man that made them is…unreachable."
Not missing the change in mood she tried to think of a way to change the subject and remembers they hadn't been introduced yet. "We haven't introduced ourselves yet. I am Tenten, a genin on Team Gai. My family also runs the weapon shop near Ichiraku's Ramen stand." She said bowing at the waist in a semi-formal way.
Scratching the back of his head with a rueful smile Naruto returns the bow. "I am Naruto Strife. I just got here a few days ago, and am supposed to take an academy placement test Saturday."
Tenten furrows her eyebrows in confusion. "Academy? With what I just saw you are easily high genin if not chunin in skill. Why are you going to the academy?"
Remembering what he had discussed with Saratobi he tells her the cover story they had come up with together. "Since I am new here they want to see how I interact with people in my own age group. It's understandable really. After all would you trust someone that showed up out of the blue, and put him in the shinobi ranks without at least some form of trial period?"
Tenten nodded understanding his point, but failing to see why he still had to attend the academy. Shrugging that train of thought away she smiles at Naruto. "Since you won't know what supplies you'll need until after your exam why don't you stop by my family's store, and I'll give you a discount."
"Thanks. I think I'll do that." Seeing the position of the sun in the sky, and the empty feeling in his stomach he rolls his shoulders before turning to pick up his gear. "I hate to cut this short, but I need to get cleaned up, and grab some dinner."
Not having realized how much time had passed since her arrival at training ground 3 she said a quick farewell getting a promise to see him soon, and ran off to the weapon shop completely forgetting the message she was supposed to deliver.