Author: XxDreaming of RealityxX
Warning: This FanFiction is rated M. Contains: Yaoi (male x male), swearing, suggestive & mature themes, abuse, molestation, adult content etc. AU, OC, minor OOC, Lemons.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Ouchou Haru no Yoi no Romance.
Full summary: Naruto was found by Jiraiya as a baby. He was taken in to Jiraiya's temple though, as the years pass, Jiraiya finds that he is no longer able to protect Naruto. Soon, Naruto finds that he is running from the place he called his home. And what will he do when a mysterious stranger finds him along the way? He won't fall for him, that's for sure…or is it?
Comments: My first multi-chapter fanfic! Un-beta'd. Please R&R, I'll change this story and its pairings according to reviews. This fanfiction is based off of the yaoi manga Ouchou Haru no Yoi no Romance, so don't be surprised if you find many, many references from there. It is set in Japan, in an early period. It follows the story of Ouchou Haru very closely at the beginning. But as the story progresses, I'll change it to make it my own.
I'm re-writing this, but I'm not sure if I'll continue after chapter 5, after I've edited through every chapter to fix plot holes and characterisation.
Now, on with the story…
Evanescent Serenity
Chapter 1
"Naruto!" The boy called. "Uzumaki Naruto! Jiraiya-sama has returned!"
Naruto sat in the darkness, clutching his knees close to his body. He crawled out from his hiding place, clapping his hands together and silently whispering prayers of gratitude.
The blond boy dusted his tattered clothing and ushered back to his room with haste. He walked through the endless corridors of the temple, passing many monks who watched him with satisfaction; perverted grins plastered on their faces. Upon arrival, there was a knock at the door.
"Here you are, Naruto-kun." A hunched monk spoke, a hint of annoyance in his tone. He grinned maliciously at Naruto, standing in the doorway with a small boy holding onto him. "Today, you can't escape."
Naruto raised his middle finger and stuck out his tongue.
"I'm not going to be a bed-warmer!" He yelled; the shrivelled monk looked at him with distaste. He raised a hand and two other monks appeared behind Naruto, holding back his lithe arms.
"My, my, why don't you just give up and be held? It's not like it hurts!" The small boy chirped, wrapping his arms around the crippled monk. Apparently, he was another bed-warmer, who pleasured the monks for satisfaction. Naruto looked at the under-dressed child with disgust.
"I don't care if it hurts! I refuse to be a fucking bed-warmer!" Naruto hollered.
"Hm? So you know what that is, do you?" Another monk retorted. The blond struggled, flailing his legs in a desperate attempt to get away. The monks only tightened their grip.
"It'll be easy, you know."
"Yes, funny how the most beautiful ones are always virgins isn't it?"
"You're an abandoned child. Don't think you have the right to be so conceited, just because you're loved by Jiraiya-sama!"
Struggling, Naruto yelled hysterically as the filthy monks' hands ghosted over his body, "Jiraiya-sama's almost back! Unhand me!"
"He won't come back this quickly."
"I'm sure we have enough time to play, wouldn't you say so?"
Their hands slipped into his clothing, groping his tanned body.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?! Stop it, you bastards!" Naruto cried, tears of pain forming in his angered eyes, glowing amber with frustration. He knew that he wouldn't be able to fight them off, especially when he was being restrained.
"Your cries are probably almost as adorable as your looks." The monks laughed sadistically, pulling Naruto closer. Naruto protested against the hands that roamed his tanned skin, circling his waist. No-one would come for him. His azul blue eyes wavered with uncertainty.
Ero-sennin…help me. He prayed inaudibly. His prayer fell upon deaf ears and the monks pushed him to the ground. As if on cue, Neji ran into the room.
"Uzumaki Naruto! Jiraiya-sama will be arriving soon." The brunette stated. Naruto breathed a sigh of relief and thanked his sempai. He was quickly released from the monks' death grip and escaped from the room, running into the rain and waited for the return notice.
The rain pattered down onto his head, rolling down his face and making him shiver. He curled into a ball and closed his eyes.
Naruto was found by Jiraiya and taken to the temple as a baby. The old man cared for him and raised him as his own. When Naruto was a child, the monks would teach him. His 'punishment' for slacking off would be very indecent and eventually, Jiraiya had to intervene and teach him personally. Naruto was eternally grateful and thought of Jiraiya as his family, though the guy was a pervert who loved sneaking peaks at the women in the bath houses. As the years passed, however, Jiraiya had slowly begun to lose authority and was unable to protect Naruto as he did in the past.
Naruto was one of the most beautiful boys in the temple; he was often mistaken for a girl. He had high intelligence, looks and skills. The monks from other temples would often call upon him for entertainment personally.
Naruto's eyelids fluttered open as the sound of a bell echoed throughout the grounds, signalling Jiraiya's return.
"The return notice!" Naruto cheered, pulling himself off the ground to greet Jiraiya. First of all, he stopped by Lady Tsunade's house. She offered him some food.
"Naruto, gaki! You need to fill your stomach, you don't look so healthy. Where did you sleep last night, boy?"
She raised a hand to his head, her eyebrows furrowing with worry for the boy she thought of as her own. Naruto didn't fail to notice the pungent scent of sake surrounding her.
"I hid in the mountains." Naruto replied, answering Tsunade's question. She sighed.
"Sometimes it's a burden to be beautiful, isn't it brat? I should've known to let you accompany old Jiraiya to the Capital. Didn't he know of those monks' ill intentions towards you?"
"No, it's because the Capital is too dangerous for a 'child'." Naruto pouted, wishing he would become independent enough to stop being labelled as a kid. He munched on the onigiri given by Tsunade.
"Ero-sennin said it would be a problem if I attracted the noble's attention." He continued.
"That's true. It is said there is always someone higher than oneself." She raised a hand to his head, ruffling his slightly long blond hair.
"But when Jiraiya gives an order 'round here, no-one disobeys, even if the guy's the biggest perv in town."
"Yup!" Naruto smiled optimistically, wiping crumbs of rise onto the sleeves of his robes.
"Look at you! What a mess, brat. Come inside and take a bath. I shall prepare new clothes." She ushered Naruto into her house. Naruto bowed respectfully, before sticking his tongue out in a mocking manner.
"Sorry for the intrusion!" He yelled.
After taking a bath and getting changed, Naruto left Tsunade's house and went out to search for Jiraiya's carriage.
"Ah! I can see it!" He chirped childishly.
"You can see it, but it's still some distance away." One of the elder monks spoke, with no ill intentions towards the blond.
Naruto picked up a straw hat and coat and ran out into the rain. "I'm going to meet him!" He shouted. The boy dashed into the rain, heading in the direction of Jiraiya's carriage. The wind blew heavily, the lulling patter of rain tapping on his thin protection. Not long after, he caught up to Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya! Hey, Ero-sennin! It's me!"
"Oh, Naruto. Did you come to meet me?" Jiraiya spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from strenuous work.
"Yes! We've all been awaiting you're arrival!" Naruto grinned, displaying his pure white teeth.
"Is the bath water ready?"
"Yes, the people in the bath chamber are also waiting for 'ya!"
"Thank you, Naruto." Jiraiya began, "Help me wash my back. I could use one of your massages. Lately, cold water seems to make my muscles ache. And since all the girls are running away from my charms, you'll help won't you?"
"Hm! Okay!" Naruto agreed, "But please stop trying to see the girls in the baths."
He walked alongside Jiraiya's carriage. Naruto turned and noticed another carriage following behind.
There's another carriage? Is there a guest…? He wondered.
From inside the carriage, a man smirked cruelly.
"I am Orochimaru." The man stated to the monks guarding Jiraiya's temple. "I have returned for incantation training, authorised by Jiraiya-sama."
"Well, please come in, Guest Orochimaru." The monks opened the door. Orochimaru passed through. Naruto walked past, covering his face with his straw hat.
Is this man as formidable as Jiraiya-sama? Naruto thought, He must've been the one in the carriage I saw behind us!
Orochimaru glanced at Naruto from the corner of his eye; the edges of his mouth turning upwards into a smirk. Naruto hastily walked away, following closely behind Jiraiya.
Naruto massaged Jiraiya's shoulders and helped the old man soak in water.
"What's the matter, Naruto?" Jiraiya asked.
"Um…about that guest…"
"Oh, you mean Orochimaru?"
"Yes. I don't like the way he looks at me. Please allow me to remain by your side and attend to you."
"Don't worry." Jiraiya spoke, grasping Naruto's hand. "You are the boy who I think of as my son. The child I received from the Gods. There is no need to worry."
"Thank you. I understand."
"I've told you before, Naruto. Although you were abandoned since young, there was a reason behind it. So you do not underestimate yourself, understand me?"
"Yes…Ero-sennin." Naruto answered, recalling Jiraiya caring for him as he grew up, protecting him from the monks who sinned against him.
A six year old Naruto sat in front of Jiraiya. He escaped from a teacher and was brought to Jiraiya.
"He said he only hit your hand." Jiraiya spoke.
"He not only hit my hand, but also my bottom." The 6 year old said.
"When did he hit you?"
"He hits me whenever he wishes, even when I behave well, it's the same."
"Is that so?" Jiraiya said, solemnly. There was a sad look in his eyes. Jiraiya listened patiently to the small child's explanation.
"He said my 'shi' (Japanese) character was written too badly, so he wanted to make me take off my pants and let him hit me. I wasn't willing so I ran away. Ever since he spanked me, he took me to lonely places to do bad things." Naruto said, with tears in his eyes. He was kneeling in front of Jiraiya, who frowned.
"I see." He said, closing his eyes calmly.
Ever since that day, Jiraiya – the Capital's most famous calligrapher - personally overlooked Naruto's studies. When he slacked off, Jiraiya would hit him. When he wrote well, Jiraiya would praise him.
Under Jiraiya's guidance, Naruto vowed to become a high priest and never fall short of Jiraiya's expectations.
It was now late evening, and Naruto was returning back to his room.
"Naruto." Jiraiya spoke from behind him, "Will you be dancing and reciting poetry at the banquet tonight?"
Naruto looked down at the ground sadly. Is it to entertain that guest? He thought.
"Yes…"
"Good, now hurry and go practice." Jiraiya said, before departing. Naruto nodded maturely and left.
"Which is the most beautiful of us?" The childish boy from before asked Naruto. "Orochimaru-sama will decide that." The kid stated arrogantly. Naruto merely looked away and continued to dress into his banquet clothing.
"Hmph." The boy said and stalked towards the banqueting room. Naruto followed behind.
They reached the stage and the two bowed respectfully. Orochimaru grinned perversely as the traditional Japanese music began to play. The two beautiful boys began their dance, moving with the music.
The monks gathered and watched their performance with adoration. Naruto raised a rose into the air and the dance ended. The monks clapped. All except Orochimaru, who sat and smirked at Naruto, his eyes ominous and intimidating.
Jiraiya watched as Orochimaru raised his drink.
"A truly beautiful butterfly dance. Come drink with me." The mysterious man said. The childish boy happily ate the compliment and hopped forward to drink with Orochimaru.
Jiraiya… Naruto prayed for Jiraiya to help him. Jiraiya heard Naruto's silent prayer and called him over.
"Naruto, come." Naruto came to sit with his Godfather, ignoring the glare that Orochimaru drilled through his back.
I'll feel at ease here. He thought. His wishful thinking was interrupted.
"Naruto, what are you doing?" The old monk said, a tint of pink hinting at his cheeks, "Come and recite poetry for Orochimaru-dono."
Naruto hesitated and then sighed, pouting. "Fine…"
Naruto began to recite a traditional Japanese poem from memory. The monks gazed at him in awe. When he had finished, claps echoed throughout the room.
"Truly gifted with intelligence and beauty." The monks whispered amongst themselves, praising Naruto.
"Indeed."
"He is definitely skilled, Jiraiya-dono has taught him well." The monks jeered, though their tone was slightly envious and some were mocking.
Orochimaru raised a hand and the monks were silenced.
"What is your name?" He asked Naruto.
"I am called Uzumaki Naruto."
"Your tone and voice is very fitting for recitation. Is your teacher Jiraiya-dono?"
"Yes."
"Truly a good student, can you tell me your parents' names?" Orochimaru asked, sneering.
"I was abandoned at birth, in front of the gates, so I don't know my parents' names." Naruto answered gently.
"Abandoned?" Orochimaru was taken aback. He smirked. "Oh, I didn't think you were an abandoned child…" He trailed off. It was obvious he was missing something out; Naruto contemplated, but decided not to ask.
"Naruto…this pile of old bones can't endure two consecutive nights of banquet. I have to take my leave, boy." He grasped Naruto's hand and allowed Naruto to help him up. Naruto ushered Jiraiya from the room.
Orochimaru laughed under his breath, his face barely lit in the darkness. Laughter sounded throughout the corridors.
"You need not pay attention to him." Jiraiya said to Naruto, who had turned back and listened to Orochimaru's conversation.
They walked into the night, heading for Jiraiya's sleeping chamber.
"Why does his facial expression look so wretched?" Naruto spat.
"It's because his heart is filled with endless ambitions. He's a lost soul, and he needs guidance."
"I don't like that man." Naruto said, informally. "He looks at me with lewd eyes and a prideful attitude, like a…a catfish."
"A catfish, you say?" Jiraiya smiled at Naruto's use of language and dismissed the idea, the two turning and continuing to walk.
"How long will he be staying here?" The blond asked.
"I don't know, but perhaps he will become the owner of this place…" Jiraiya replied with regret. Naruto froze, shocked beyond belief.
"But Jiraiya is the owner of the temple!"
"I'm getting old. And my days as the owner are probably numbered."
Naruto stopped, his eyes widened in realisation. As always, Jiraiya was right. The larger man held his hand protectively.
Before I always had to look up to him… Naruto realised, when did we become this close…?
It was true, Naruto was almost as tall as Jiraiya. And this brought tears to his eyes. Why had he only noticed this now, when it was too late?
"You're of legal age now, aren't you?" Naruto nodded, "You're already able to leave this temple..."
"I don't want to leave! I'll be a monk and become Jiraiya-sama's attendant!" Naruto cried desperately.
"You're not suitable as an attendant. Don't you hate studying and writing scriptures?" Jiraiya answered wisely, Naruto running after his retreating back.
"I'll work hard to like them and learn!"
"No, no." The old man scolded. Naruto frowned, he held back the tears threatening to fall; they returned back to the room.
"Perhaps it was a good opportunity that Orochimaru mentioned your parents tonight. It is about time I tell you about your past."
Naruto listened intently.
"I didn't name you, someone wrote it in ink on your hand."
"What?" Naruto asked, clearly confused.
"At the time you were wrapped in what was quality silk cloth, a little like the son of a good family. Your appearance had an air of wealth, and you were also a boy. Perhaps your parents abandoned you…in order to save you. You have parents and they're also influential people."
"No!" Naruto yelled. "No matter how influential they are, they still abandoned me. You were the one who found me! Cared for me! My only parent is Jiraiya-sama, who found me and the surrogate parents that raised me!"
"I'm only telling you the truth." Jiraiya whispered; a calm, serene expression on his face. Though he knew this was only evanescent serenity, a fleeting peace that wouldn't last for much longer.
That night, Naruto drifted to sleep with Jiraiya's words dancing in his mind.
I have parents. Ones from the Capital, moreover from an upper-class…
Half a month later...
"It's regrettable that we'll have to bid farewell to Orochimaru-sama tomorrow."
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama is too strict and not as good natured as Orochimaru-sama." The monks consulted amongst themselves.
"True, true…he is not only knowledgeable, but he has a bold and generous personality."
"I'd rather become Orochimaru-sama's disciple."
"Right, regrettable!"
"It's also the fault of Jiraiya-dono, that there are less and less boys at the temple."
"What's even worse is that the most beautiful boy is already taken by Jiraiya-sama. That's what you call having a treasure!"
"Speaking of that, where is the beauty, Uzumaki Naruto?" One monk asked.
"He is taking care of Jiraiya-dono because he has a cold."
"Hyuga Neji!" They called.
"Yes…" Neji answered, a painful expression masking his face. His visage covered; sweat gleaning his head.
"Hic…you go get that kid away from the abbot's side!" A drunken monk commanded.
"This…I…" Neji didn't want to get Naruto - he was his friend after all. And the monks would do something unforgivable to him.
"What? You can't even call him out?" The monk mocked, gesturing towards the door.
"No, this isn't good." Neji made sure to keep his voice unwavering and calm.
"You only have to do as you're told…or are you afraid the next owner will forget your advantages?" The monk laughed, his voice scolding yet lewd and jeering.
Neji looked at the ground, painfully.
"Naruto…"
"Yes I'm here, Jiraiya!" Naruto shouted, scared for Jiraiya's health. The old man was never sick, he must have been over-exerting himself.
"Go to the Capital…" Jiraiya spoke, his voice frail from a cold that had been passing through the temple during this time. Naruto worried for the man's health, since it was rare that Jiraiya became sick.
"NO! I'm not going! No matter what happens, I will stay by your side!"
"So stubborn…" Jiraiya chuckled, "Yesterday, Orochimaru kept pressuring me to let you go out, he wanted to find your family to expand the power of this temple."
"Huh?"
"I refused, of course. But I think Orochimaru will find his ways of getting to you. He might act tomorrow, so you must take advantage of tonight and escape."
"B-But!"
"Do you want to be used by that man? I fear he will play with you and extort you for his own purposes."
"He would really do that?" The blond boy asked.
"Take this with you…" Jiraiya handed him some items, "He is a man who would do anything to achieve his goals. I'm afraid I can't protect you for much longer…"
Money and a single cobalt pestle (1)… these can't be…? Mementos!? Naruto thought inwardly. I don't want to take them… Naruto shook his head.
"Why don't you make up your mind? This is a contract you can use when the time comes…"
Naruto took the envelope.
Kashou, 2nd Year, 3rd Month, Auspicious Day.
Priest's circle and former temple Uzumaki Naruto,
He is my servant whom I found outside the temple. As the temple owner, I adopted him as my son because of his abilities. In order to gain more knowledge, he will soon travel the country. Because this young adolescent is on the pursuit of knowledge, please support him.
Priest's circle, temple monshu,
Jiraiya.
Naruto's hand trembled as he read the letter. He began to cry and closed his eyes, holding the letter close. This isn't a contract, but proof of my identity and a pass warranted by Jiraiya-sama!
"Listen carefully: Do not come back, no matter what. I will leave the mountain shortly and live in isolation."
"Then I also-" Naruto cut in, his sentence was cut off by Jiraiya, who looked at him sternly, yet calmly.
"You have to go to the Capital, understand? We will meet again if we are destined to."
Naruto nodded, the tears still free-falling, cascading down his face. "I will obey, E-Ero-sennin."
Jiraiya smiled, wiping the tears from his cheeks; there was a knock at the door. "Hurry and hide!" Jiraiya ordered. Naruto dashed behind the wall and curled into a ball, peering over at Jiraiya.
"Excuse my interruption." A familiar voice spoke.
"What is it, Neji?" Jiraiya inquired.
So it's Neji… Naruto thought.
"Is Naruto…?"
"He probably went to the bathroom, he went out and hasn't returned."
"Ah…" Neji looked concerned, though slightly fearing for his own welfare, "Is that so…?" Sweat dripped down his head, his long hair falling over his face.
"You may leave." Jiraiya said. Neji complied and left the room with a small bow and a fleeting smile. As soon as the brunette had gone, Naruto ran to the window and heard shouting.
"He's not here?!" One of the monks was shouting at Neji.
"Naruto isn't inside…"
The monk raised his hand and slapped Neji to the ground, kicking him and making the long haired male scowl with undeserved pain. "GO AND FIND HIM!" Naruto's heart pounded in his ears. Could it be that Neji was sent to do this?! But even then, he's still covering for me? His thoughts were interrupted.
"Hurry! From the window!" Jiraiya shouted. Naruto turned and ran from the window. He jumped without looking back – for he knew that if he turned and saw his Grandfather's face, he would have second thoughts. Ero-sennin, please…you must take good care of yourself. He silently prayed. Naruto turned, clutching the mementos and biting his lip. He jumped to the roof elegantly.
"Hey! Where are you going this late?!" A guarding monk yelled. "Jiraiya's servant?! I won't let you pass!" The monk held out his arms in defence. But with feline grace, Naruto jumped onto his head, and used it as a stepping-stone to get to the other side, leaving a bewildered monk gaping in his place.
"I-is he a monster?!" The monk said, fear in his tone.
Naruto ran to the north, towards the Capital. He hurried through the long grass, stumbling over his feet. He could hear panicking shouts from the temple behind him as he ran to the distance.
"He escaped!"
"Find him!"
The sound of barking and dogs chasing after him resounded throughout the night.
Orochimaru! He actually guessed correctly that Jiraiya-sama would tell me to escape tonight! Just as expected, he's a man that would go to any lengths! He won't catch me! I really hate that person! I certainly don't want to be his servant! I absolutely can't be caught… Thoughts ran through his head. I must go to the Capital that Jiraiya spoke of!
Naruto felt sweat pour down his skin and his body flushed, rising in heat. His muscles began to ache and he fell to the ground.
"Wah! Shit!"
He fell to the floor in a mess, covered in mud and cuts from the grass. His wounds stung and he realised that he'd sprained his ankle. He tried to scramble upwards, but pain shot up his leg.
It's still a long way to the Capital, I can't stop here! Kami, isn't there some kind of pony around here or something I can use to get there? Damnit!
He ripped a piece of cloth from his robe and wrapped it around his bleeding ankle.
That's…a temple pagoda?! If I keep going in that direction…I'll arrive at the Capital, I'm getting close!
Suddenly, the pack of dogs caught up and lunged at him. Naruto cried out as he was pinned to the ground by the snarling animals. He raised his arms in defence; dropping the money and cobalt pestle.
Naruto reached out his hand.
"Jiraiya's mementos! Fuck, no!"
He then heard galloping coming closer. There was a light and the blond turned to see a man on a horse, coming from the direction of the Capital, he was holding a torch.
"What happened?!" The man on the horse asked. "Not good!" He shouted upon seeing Naruto lying on the floor. He had short dark hair and pale skin, though his eyes were a dark honey colour.
"What's wrong? Why the hell did you stop?" A second voice asked, the question directed at his comrade, seemingly disinterested.
"It looks like a child." The first man said, "I don't know if I stepped on him."
"Hey, you alright, kid?" The mysterious stranger asked. He climbed off his horse and picked the injured blond from the ground. "You okay?" He repeated.
Naruto opened his half-lidded eyes, to peer at the man looking over him. He had raven black hair, looming over the back of his head and ebony-onyx eyes, his pale skin lit in the moon. Naruto looked up at the figure, knowing his body was a mess.
Who…are you?
Key Terms
(1) Cobalt pestle = A hand-held tool for grinding substances in a mortar. Basically, an important, sacred object that Jiraiya's entrusting to Naruto as his family.
(2) The Japanese imperial years 848-851, one of the 6 special days in the Japanese lunisolar calendar. More or less an important date a long time ago in Japan.
To be continued…
Thank you for reading, I'm re-writing this story after giving up on it a while back. I'll be re-uploading each chapter so I need lots of support to keep me going! Thank you to everyone who's been following this story, please review and tell me if I've improved a little since starting my first multi-chapter fic!
