Preface: okay, this is mostly a snippet, one chapter to vent my wave of inspiration. I'll likely continue this when the mood strikes me. A few details to keep in mind. Apart from what's revealed through stories and flashbacks, here's what you need to know

Naruto, having failed the ninja exam twice already is two years older than the others from cannon (yes, the Konoha 11, or 10 in this case as it were), which makes the others 16.

This is AU... mostly. The Naruto here is fundamentally different from those in most stories as this one focuses on his beliefs. He is a monk, and I've somewhat based this on Buddhism, and a few other things that came to mind. I'll slowly reveal stuff as I go.

Pairings, if any, are still undecided. For most part, Naruto simply doesn't stay put long enough to form a relationship of that kind.

Also, to point this out: This will decidedly not be a bashing fic. Naruto won't be a spoiled little brat that thinks only of himself, nor will he act like a ninja with different powers.


Pilgrim on the Path of Life

Prologue

'The first days of spring were always the most beautiful. When life once more begins to bloom after the winter snow melts, when the first green buds spring from the ground, and the sounds of the many animals and insects once more fill the glades. To hear the songbirds once more during their night courting, to see once more the clever fox as it stalked rabbits, to enjoy the softness of the grass beneath my feet, and the sweet scent of wildflowers. Truly, it reminded one of how precious life was.'

These were the thoughts that were going through the head of one young man as he sat down on a rock in the middle of vast field, a walking staff grasped lightly in his arm. He wasn't overly tall, nor overly short, and his clothing was simple, consisting of an orange cloth robe that covered his torso and white, baggy pants, while leaving his right shoulder and arms bare. Atop that, he had a worn brown traveling cloak. A pair of light sandals adorned his feet, and a small bag, slung over his left shoulder was all he had with him.

The face, while belonging to a eighteen-year-old, was remarkably calm, relaxed, enjoying the sight before him. Vibrant, lively blue eyes observed the waves that went across the sea of grass before him, hundreds of small flowers of every color. His slightly dirty blonds hair was tied into a long braid that fell down his back. His cheeks held one very distinguishing mark, three whiskers, barely visible against his tanned skin, on each cheek. However, the most striking par, perhaps, was the peaceful, content smile.

His name was Naruto. Just Naruto, as he would often say. The past was not something he liked to talk about very much. Not that he didn't have the subjects to talk about, simply that he didn't really care about them that much anymore.

Slowly getting up, he leaped of the rock, landing softly on the grass beneath him before walking onward. His left hand, previously covered by the cloak came out, revealing a a long rosary of obsidian prayer beads wrapped several times around it.

"If only things could remain this simple" he spoke, voice serene as he eyed the land around him. Beyond the plain he now traversed, hidden deep within the great forests of Fire Country was it's Hidden Village, once, a lifetime ago, a place he called home. Old memories stung, even if their edge was dulled by the years, and it was a pain he cared little for. It was part of him, just like the whiskers on his cheeks were, just as the force of nature that was sealed within him was. It was not something to be denied.

Even as he passed the first of the trees, he could feel several pairs of eyes watching him. There was a reason, after all, why after the first time, nearly a century ago, did no one attack the seven great monasteries. But he understood why he was being watched, he was no fool. Anyone could dress up as a monk and try to get by. It was their duty, something he understood and respected, even if he wanted no part of. A part of him, small, but still there nevertheless, was looking forward to returning to Konohagakure, even if it was only for a few days, even if it was only for a few people. It was a chapter of his life that needed to be closed if he was to retain his peace.

So, with a soft wave, clearly offered to the tracker escort he had received, and the calm question of whether they would be joining him for lunch, he continued towards Konoha.

As the first drops of rain fell on the roofs and streets, the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade Senju looked tiredly out the window of her office. For fifteen years, she had stayed away from Konoha, drowning her loss and sorrow in drinks and gambling, living from day to day, and just hoping to forget everything until her time came. So, how did she allow a kid and a grizzled pervert to convince her otherwise?

She could only chuckle quietly as she remembered the answer to her question.

"Incorrigible" she quietly mumbled, throwing the closest thing she could get her hand on, conveniently a paperweight, at the open window.

"Heh... .you sensed me already princess" spoke a voice, and moments later, Jiraya, the Toad Sage appeared out of thin air.

"Is he coming soon?" she asked quietly. Jiraya understood the tone, and his normally jovial features turned somewhat somber.

"He is, but he wont stay long" he softly stated, giving the woman a light hug from behind as he kissed her neck affectionately.

Tsunade merely sighed. Greatest amongst perverts he may be, but Jiraya was still the man she loved, and as affectionate and kind as any woman could want, when needed.

"You think we could persuade him to visit more often?" she asked, looking outside at the falling rain and crackle of thunder.

"Perhaps."

"Heh." this time it was her laugh "Look after him you old pervert."

Jiraya merely chuckled as he kissed his wife. "Look who's talking." he whispered as he sat on the couch in the office, pulling her next to him.

It was probably funny how much the situation changed in a few short hours. Naruto was certainly entertained. In a small cave, sitting around a burning fire with a pot of stew over it, were the members of the squad sent to quietly escort him to the village. From what he knew, these were all ANBU operatives, if their armor, tattoos and white masks were any indication.

"Hawk-san, might I ask you how far is Konoha from here? I have taken the scenic route, and I'm afraid I've somewhat lost my way." he asked the leader politely, quietly savoring his own plate. He was also slightly curious why they actually had a pot, plates and even cutlery. From what he had heard, most ninja carried ration bars, pills or whatnot. Not that he minded. Fresh stew was a pleasant change from the salted beef jerky and various fruits he had been eating for the past couple of days.

The captain, Hawk, looked at the teen, slightly curious as to why he would say that as he was going straight for Konoha.

"It's about half a day's journey on foot, but your direction was accurate" he quietly responded.

"Oh?" Naruto responded, quirking an eyebrow in surprise. His sense of direction was never that well, and even after learning a number of orientation skills, he still tended to get lost at times "How unusually fortunate. Thank you"

Hawk merely shrugged, returning to his stew and trying to ignore the strange monk. They were all slightly strange to him, but he knew better than to mess with people and their beliefs. Especially when said people had numerous ways of retaliating.

"I was wondering if you would mind walking with me. Since you are, after all, my escort to the village?" Naruto continued just as politely as before, a calm smile on his face.

"I don't see why not captain" one of the others commented.

"Alright." Hawk accepted, resisting the urge to sigh. He knew that this was going to be an annoying mission. Well, at least they could wait until the rain stopped. While it was no real issue, even veteran ninja preferred to stay dry.

Naruto merely nodded, before standing up and walking out into the rain, to the slight shock of the others present.

"Well? Shall we?" he politely asked, not in the least moistened by the falling rain and completely ignoring the looks they were giving him as he turned and walked on.

"Hey captain? I know he's supposed to be a high priority escort, but who is he?" a member of the group, face covered with a ram mask, asked. Hawk once more, resisted, futilely the urge to sigh.

"That's on a need to know basis Ram. And you don't need to know. Suffice to say that he is a monk of the Fire Temple on his pilgrimage and that Tsunade-sama and Jiraya-sama will have our heads should as much as a hair be out of place once he arrives." Hawk explained as the group packed to follow the young man.

Naruto kept his eyes closed as he walked, opening them every now and then to make sure his course hadn't changed. He loved the spring rain. His thin sandals did little to protect him from the mud and wet grass, though he didn't mind. A part of the teachings of the Temple was to appreciate nature at it's best and at it's worst, and he had done both. This faint coldness he felt was refreshing and little more...

As the ANBU joined him, he slowly began murmuring, near silently repeating the words of the evening mantras, one after another.

He knew that they watched him, and that they, apart for their leader, knew next to nothing about his order, and eyed him suspiciously, probably wondering if he was a spy or something. Once, he would have probably laughed at a thought like that, in all it's foolishness, but he was no longer a little boy who dreamed of becoming Hokage. He had long since forsaken the path of the shinobi, and he had no intention of returning.

For all things in life one has to pay a price. This was a bitter truth that Naruto had learned on his own skin a long time ago. And it wasn't always the person that made the debt that had to pay. Until he made his peace with the place of his origin, the peace he had found would be little more than a port in a storm. Obviously, he felt no need to rush.

The mantras as always took a while to complete, but they chased away any unneeded thoughts as he slowly emptied his mind. He could still remember his first days at the temple, when the current leader of the Fire Temple, Chiriku, bluntly pointed out all of his flaws and failings, merely to ask him 'What do you want to do about it?' afterward.

(Flashback, Four years ago, the Temple of Fire)

"Tell me Naruto, what do you see here?" a young man kindly asked a much younger Naruto. Both of them were dressed in simple orange robes over white cloth pants.

"A river?" Naruto quickly responded, not understanding the question.

"True, though I was more referring to the water and the rock around which it flows." the man explained, bringing up a confused look from Naruto. "Just watch it for a few moments and tell me what you see."

"The river... flows around the rock?" he weakly tried, only to smile brightly when the other person nodded.

"But I still don't understand how this helps me with my martial arts..." he mumbled, squatting next to the river, a hand on is chin as he eyed the river suspiciously, and the other man stood silent, already used to the sight of Naruto's thinking pose.

"Waaaait a minute." he finally spoke "You want me to flow around my enemy while fighting?" nod "Like dodging, deflecting, jumping, and using his own strength and momentum to disable him with minimal effort?" another nod, and this time a slightly proud smile.

"Exactly Naruto, you understand it now. One of the oaths we have both taken prohibits us from attacking first, but that doesn't mean we do not defend ourselves or others." he stopped for a moment.

"Life is a treasure Naruto, to waste it needlessly is a foolish thing, but to take it without need... is cruel beyond words" the man finished, once more repeating the tenants they both followed.

"Hai Chiriku-sensei. I understand" Naruto replied, now mesmerized by the river flowing around a rock.

(End of flashback)

He was such a fool back then, so little understanding of the world. It was then that he also learned the difference between knowing and understanding, something that so many fail to do throughout their entire life.

"Knowledge without understanding is like power without control, a sword without a hilt." he murmured, once more attracting the attention of the ANBU around him "It does damage, but not always to it's intended victim."

Another of the wise words his teacher had taught him.

Time slowly passed as they went, and the rain eventually stopped. By then, the great gates of Konoha were in sight. The prodigal child had returned a man. He could only chuckle at the irony.

"Halt! Identify yourself." one of the two gate guards in front of them shouted. Security protocol, as useful as it was, didn't interest him that much.

"Captain Hawk, of the sixth unit escorting Naruto of the Fire Temple to see the Hokage." Hawk immediately responded, while Naruto offered a polite nod, not bothering to speak while his ANBU escort handled the formalities. Ina few minutes, the papers and credentials were checked, and the side door to the great gates opened, letting the six of them inside.

It was.... nostalgic to see Konoha once more. The crowds of people that filled the streets, the tall buildings, shops, and the shinobi. Once, he wanted their attention focused on him, their acknowledgment, anything. Now? He felt crowded, and needed nothing more than to find some peace and silence. His slight nervousness showed.

"First time in a shinobi village, huh?" Ram curiously asked.

"Mhm." Naruto confirmed with a nod and murmur "I am somewhat unused to crowds. The worst I had to deal with was the Daimyo's entourage." he commented quietly, barely heard against the hustle around him as he made his way towards the Hokage tower. Even though night had fallen, Konohagakure was still very much alive. He noticed a familiar sign on one of the shops, and decided that it would be prudent to pay a visit. Slowly turning towards the small ramen stands named 'Ichiraku Ramen', Naruto gave a short nod to captain Hawk, and the man understood, letting him go unopposed.

It was just like he remembered it from five years ago, though the chairs were definitely new. Even the girl that worked there, old man Teuchi's daughter, Ayame was still there. And he had to admit, she had grown even prettier over the five years of his absence. The place was otherwise empty... 'Must be near closing time.'

"Hello, welcome to Ichiraku Ramen. What can I get you?" she asked politely, not recognizing him at all. It hurt slightly, he had to admit, tough it was understandable.

"I would like a miso ramen." he ordered, taking one of the seats right in front of her.

"Coming right up. Dad! One miso ramen!" she called to the back, where the kitchen was

"Alright!" came the bellowing voice of her father. Naruto could once more only chuckle, as it reminded him of the oh so many times he had come here. His face dropped slightly when he noticed one of the framed pictures on the wall. Himself in his orange jumpsuit, along with Ayame and Teuchi, taken right in front of the stand.

"Are you alright sir?" Ayame asked cautiously "Sir?"

"Uhm... sorry, I got lost in thought" Naruto casually responed.

"Oka... Naruto?" she started before the realization struck her, and a mixture of a wide grin and tears adorned her face when he nodded. Instantly, she bounded around the counter to hug the young man.

"Dad! Get over here, it's Naruto! He's back!" she shouted to the back. Moments later, the slightly more aged face of Teuchi Ichiraku popped out of the kitchen.

"Well, what do you know. He finally found a legitimate excuse to wear orange!" the older man joked, something that Naruto knew was his own way of dealing with seeing the boy he had seen as an adopted son after five years.

"What can I say?" Naruto returned, somewhat lamely "How have the two of you been?"

"Oh, nothing special." Ayame responded, surprised that she was actually looking up at Naruto, rather than the other way around. Not to mention that beneath the cloak and robe, he was actually quite good-looking. Her little brother was going to be a lady killer, she idly thought "I got married among other things." she added, waiting for a reaction.

"Really? Congratulations." Naruto responded immediately with a warm smile and a hug."Who's the lucky guy?"

"Oh, ah chunin you know. Remember Iruka?" she stated, smiling.

"Why wouldn't I?" he replied, his formerly bright smile slowly turning sad. He still remembered the night he had fled

"Hm. Now, what have you been doing for the last five years? And better yes, why did you leave without saying goodbye?" Ayame practically pouted at him, and he couldn't resist but laughing at his sister figure from the past, even as Teuchi shook his head and laughed as well.

"Hey Ayame-chan!" came a loud, mostly cheerful voice from the front door "Where are y....?"

Naruto turned around to now see the gaping face of one Umino Iruka, one of his few friends in Konoha before he left.

"Naruto?" he half whispered.


Author's notes:This was originally supposed to be a short snippet, but I just kept writing. Consider it an introduction to a new story. A few details.

Naruto has a couple of rules he upholds:

-Pacifism. Don't attack unless attacked first.

-Cherishing of life. Do not kill unless there is no other option.

-Detachment from physical matters. Do not concern yourself with fortune, own only what little you need.

-Humility. Act not in arrogance, nor let it cloud your judgment.

-Calmness. Rule your emotions, not the other way around.

-Generosity. Share your bread with those less fortunate.

-Secrecy. The secrets of the monastery are so for a reason. Protect them.

These are the rules Naruto follows, as it is quite obvious, there is a loot of leeway for interpretation, especially the first and second rule (it says nothing about provoking your enemies into say, attacking someone close, therefore making his death the only option to ensure safety of said person).

Also, while there will be combat, Naruto will not be using any ninja abilities, even the shadow clones he does know. It's a mater of principle.

For those who don't know what it is, a rosary is a set of prayer beads, strung together on a length of rope. While this term usually refers to the Christian rosary, it can also refer to a prayer tool used by a number of other religions.