The Village Hidden in the Leaves was blanketed by a thick layer of snow. The flakes fell down fat and heavy. One little boy with bright sun blonde hair and the brightest blue eyes you'd ever seen. His face had three identical lines on each cheek like whiskers. But what stood out about this boy though was the fact he was wearing ratty Capri pants and a black ratty too big long sleeved shirt. It was very thin more suited for cool weather not freezing cold weather like snow. His feet were barefoot and so black from the dirt that you couldn't tell. But what stood out as more wrong about the boy is the fact he was covered in bruises. He had gashes as well and a few broken bones. He was also really skinny. Extremely skinny even.
The boy was named Uzumaki Naruto. He was actually three years old. He was walking through the freezing cold streets huddled over trying to keep warm. The wind was howling and blowing snow everywhere it was looking like it was going to turn into a giant blizzard. Naruto was walking along the main street and had left it and had ended up in the 7th district. Which was all Jonin housing mostly. A few Chunin lived there if they could afford it but it was mostly Jonin. Naruto had come across a large building it was completely dark. He was going to leave and try another building when a light came on. It was on the fifth floor but Naruto bit his lip. He just decided to go for it maybe they'd be nice to him and at least give him some bread.
He went up to the floor and started looking under the doors and found one with the light on and he stood there for a little while. Before he raised his hand and tapped on the door with his little fist. He knew they weren't likely to recognize him being as filthy as he was. He was hoping they wouldn't recognize him.
When the door opened it was a fit and relatively tall man who answered. With spiky silver hair and one grey eye. The other was closed and bore a scar over it. His lower face was covered by a mask. He was wearing a black sleeveless shirt with ANBU style black pants on. The shirt showed off his muscles rather well actually. Naruto was shocked this man was awesome in his eyes.
Naruto smiled at him and said, "I'm sorry to bother you Shinobi-san but I saw your light come on so I figured I wouldn't be waking you up." The man watched him, "Feel free to refuse most people do but could I maybe trouble you for a little food." Naruto was fidgeting a lot, "I'm really hungry and I haven't been able to find anything in a few months not since it got so cold."
The man was actually shocked and moved aside from the door and Naruto thought for sure he was going to shut it in his face he'd had that a lot but the man said, "Come in kiddo. It's too cold to stay outside tonight. If you do you'll freeze to death before morning comes."
Naruto wasn't too trusting after being betrayed so much he backed away and the man frowned and crouched down and said, "I'm not going to hurt you. Promise all I'm offering is a hot meal, a nice bath, some warmer clothes, and a soft warm bed to sleep in tonight."
Naruto wanted to believe him but was apprehensive and said, "I've heard that before Shinobi-san. Civilians lie but Ninja lie more. And the higher your rank the more you lie."
The man smiled under his mask and said, "That is true and it's a sound philosophy. But have you met any of the animal masked Ninja before?"
Naruto had to think it'd been a long time since he'd had any interaction with them. They'd been rotated off his guard and the Matron at the Orphanage hadn't wasted anytime in throwing him out on his own. He said, "Yeah but it was a really long time ago and I only vaguely remember the one I do."
"Do you remember their mask?" said the man
"Either a dog or a wolf that was snarling." Said Naruto quietly
The man smiled again and said, "Stay here alright."
He made sure Naruto could see him as he got in his closet and pulled out a mask and came over and knelt down and said, "Was it this one by chance?"
Naruto was shocked it was the exact one and he said, "Yeah."
He smiled and said, "Then you know I won't hurt you. If I was going to do that I would've done so before right?"
Naruto said, "I guess."
He stood up and motioned him in and said, "Come on its cold out there."
Naruto was still hesitant and said, "Alright Shinobi-san I am going to trust you. But remember you showed me your mask if you hurt me I'll tell on you."
He smiled and said, "Got it. Even make it easy for you. Names Hatake Kakashi."
Naruto took the offered Nin ID as he came in and said, "Ok Hatake-san." He looked at the ninja before him, "Please don't make me regret my decision to trust you."
Kakashi saw the pleading eyes and smiled and said, "I promise buddy."
Once inside Kakashi made a clone and said, "He'll work on food alright. So why don't we get you cleaned up and in some new clothes and treat these injuries huh?"
Naruto bit his lip and said, "Ok Hatake-san."
They went into the bathroom and he started the water and after it warmed up he said, "How's this buddy? I like it hot so I need you to check to make sure that I don't burn you ok."
Naruto checked and said, "It's a little hot."
He added more cold water and said, "Better."
"Yes sir." Said Naruto
Kakashi helped him with his shirt and Naruto undid his pants and took them off. He wasn't even wearing underwear and Kakashi said, "How come you're not wearing any undergarments?"
"They wear out faster than my pants do…plus their destroyed more often than not." Said Naruto quietly toward the end.
Kakashi didn't like that implication and said, "You've been raped before?"
Naruto frowned and Kakashi said, "Do you know how a baby is made?"
Naruto chuckled and said, "I'm 3 sir not stupid. I know what sex is. I've run into enough street girls with men to know what it is."
Kakashi said, "Alright rape is someone forcing another person to have sex with them when they don't want to."
Naruto nodded and Kakashi pet his head and said, "Can you tell me how many times you've been raped? If you remember."
"I don't know the exact number sir. But it's been going on for as long as I can remember." Said Naruto who frowned while looking at the water in the tub, "Even some of the Animal masks have done it."
Now that really pissed Kakashi off and he said, "Alright well when were done here if dinner isn't done yet then you can help me with some sketches alright. I'll make sure their punished for it." Kakashi had a horrifying thought, "Is that why you were so reluctant to come in here. Cause other people who have offered the same thing have hurt you like that?"
Naruto's vision blurred and he said, "Yes sir. They offer me exactly as you have but it always comes with a price. If I wanted the food I had to blow them. I had to join them in the bath if I wanted to get clean. If I wanted the bed they promised I had to share with them which always resulted in them wanting sex."
Kakashi felt horrid for this kid. He merely hugged him despite the fact he was filthy and said, "I promise that won't happen again." He moved and made the boy look at him, "Where are your parents?"
"They died the day I was born." Said Naruto
"So why don't you live at the Orphanage then?" said Kakashi
Naruto sniffled and said, "I used to. But after the animal Nin got rotated off me she threw me out."
Kakashi was horrified and grabbed a washrag and soaked it before he started cleaning his face and Naruto was confused and said, "Mister what's wrong?"
Once it was clean enough Kakashi in shock said, "Naruto."
Naruto backed away only for Kakashi to wrap him in his arms and he said, "It's alright Naruto your safe here with me. I promise no one is ever going to hurt you again. And I will make them pay for what they have done to you." He moved and made the boy look at him, "If you want Naruto you can stay here with me. I have an extra room you can have. You won't have to worry about anything anymore I promise."
Naruto was apprehensive and Kakashi smiled and said, "How about you stay till winters over at least? If you want to leave you can. I'll make sure you have a place to stay. If you want to stay then you can alright."
Naruto said, "Can I think on if first Hatake-san? I've trusted too many people only to be stabbed in the back."
Kakashi smiled and said, "Of course. Take as long as you want deciding. But all I ask is that you stay here while you decide. The weather isn't safe for you to be outside alright."
Naruto nodded and said, "Ok."
So Kakashi gave him a bath and got him clean. He had to change the water five times before he was clean. Once he was clean he had him wrapped in a towel. He sent a clone to the Uchiha compound knowing they had a boy Naruto's age and height at least. Kakashi got him dressed in a pair of dog paw print pajamas and then sat down with him and went over ones who had hurt him. They worked for hours on what they looked like. Kakashi especially focused on the ones who had invited him into their homes only to rape him. Once food was done they sat down to eat. Naruto was amazed at the food. They had rice and grilled fish with steamed vegetables. Naruto actually ate everything and even had seconds. Kakashi encouraged him to eat as much as he wanted but after two helpings Naruto felt sick.
He was upset because he didn't want to make him angry and Kakashi merely smiled at him and said, "It's alright Naruto. You said you haven't eaten in a while so your stomach just isn't used to food. After a few days of regular meals then it'll be better."
They went to the room and Kakashi put him to bed. He actually tucked him in knowing from experience Naruto never had that from the matron unlike the other kids. He crouched near his bed and said, "Do you want a story or maybe a song before you go to sleep?"
Naruto was shocked and quietly said, "Song."
Kakashi smiled and got up and sat on the bed and opened his arms and said, "Come here buddy." He saw the look, "I used to live with your parents when I was younger. I thought you'd like to hear your mother's favorite lullaby. She always held me and rocked me when she sang to me. I was merely going to do the same thing."
Naruto went over to him and climbed in his lap and Kakashi merely held Naruto's little frame in his arms as he started to rock and hum before he started to sing to him…
Hush now, my story Won't you come with me I had a dream last night Oh, Won't you come with me Rolling
Close your eyes and sleep
Waltz on the waves
Diving in the deep
Stars are shining bright
The wind is on the rise
Whispering words of long-lost lullabies
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing
Oh, won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea
And heard the sweetest sound
I saw a great white light
And dancers in the round
Castles in the sand
Cradles in the trees
Don't cry, I'll see you by and by.
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing
Oh, won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We'll sing the song of the sea
Rolling
Rolling
Rolling
Naruto was lying in his arms and he was rubbing his back as he rocked him. Naruto for the first time in his life felt safe and actually snuggled closer to him and fell asleep with his thumb in his mouth.
Oh, Won't you come with me
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We'll be sailing free
Oh, won't you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll bye
We'll sing the song of the sea
Kakashi smiled as he rocked Naruto some more till he was absolutely sure he was asleep. He laid him down and covered him up. He kissed his head and felt bad he didn't have anything for Naruto to cuddle with in his sleep like most kids did. He summoned his most trusted dog and quietly said, "I want you to stay here with the pup. He's likely to have nightmares. He's had it rough really rough Pakkun."
The pug got up on the bed and shocked said, "Naruto."
"Yeah he showed up at my door when I got home from my mission begging for food. Took me showing him my ANBU mask to get him to come in. He still doesn't trust me. I have to talk to the Sandaime. So I need you to watch him alright." Said Kakashi
"You got it Kashi." Said Pakkun who walked up the bed and nuzzled himself under his arm and was pulled closer by Naruto.
Kakashi smiled and left the two of them. He shut the door slightly and left the hallway light on for Naruto. He then made sure everything was locked up before picking up all the drawings and left the area. When he arrived in the Hokage's office he was surprised. He said, "Kakashi is something wrong?"
"I need to have a word with you in private sir." Said Kakashi in his business tone, "It's of the utmost importance."
The Sandaime had his guards leave and said, "Alright we're clear. What is this about?"
"Naruto." Said Kakashi
"He's at the orphanage." Said Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi
"No sir he's not. He is sleeping in my spare bedroom right now curled up with Pakkun." Said Kakashi who tossed the pictures on his desk
"What are these?" said Hiruzen confused as to why over a hundred drawings were tossed at him
"Those are composite sketches I did with Naruto of every single person that has raped him since he was 2 days old." Said Kakashi
Hiruzen was horrified and Kakashi tossed a notebook at him and said, "And those are the names of every ANBU operative who has raped him instead of guarding him."
Hiruzen was disgusted and said, "I will have them all picked up right now."
"Sir the ones I have placed a star on lured him into their homes with the promise of a meal and a bed for the night. Seems that after the ANBU were rotated off him the matron threw him out on the street." Said Kakashi
"They haven't been taken off." Said Hiruzen, "I set a specific team to watch him instead of switching them all the time."
"Are they on the list I handed you?" said Kakashi
Hiruzen went through it only to actually throw it and for it to be grabbed by Kakashi as he said, "I take it they are all on here."
"Damn them all. How is he?" said Hiruzen
"Malnourished, paranoid of every one, bruised up, had a few gashes I had to bind, and extremely submissive. But otherwise he seems fine." Said Kakashi, "You're more than welcome to come see him sir."
Hiruzen felt so old at that moment. He said, "I would love that but I want Naruto to get comfortable first. So I'll come by later and check on him. We'll give him a week before we bring anyone else in. That way he trusts you more. And I will agree to let him stay with you. You're the only one right now I can trust with him it seems besides myself. And I can't take him with the council."
Kakashi said, "Thank you for trusting me with him. But you know sir if you had allowed me to take him in the first place like I asked then none of this would've happened."
Hiruzen shot him a dirty look and Kakashi raised his hands and said, "Was only stating a fact sir. Wasn't accusing you of anything."
Hiruzen allowed the comment to pass and said, "You should get back before he wakes up. I'll take care of this. I'll put Ibiki on it personally. Let him have the fun of rounding up these sickos. Maybe Anko too if I can get her to leave her apartment."
"Where's her apartment? I'll go tell her personally." Said Kakashi
A half hour later saw Kakashi in front of Anko's apartment door. He knocked on it knowing she was probably asleep. When the door opened and showed a 5'4" tall woman with pupil-less light brown eyes and violet hair she was half asleep and she yawned as she said, "Yeah what ya want?"
She was only wearing a large t-shirt that read I see you noticed how cute I am and Kakashi said, "I know its late Anko but can you come with me a moment. You're going to want to put on pants."
Anko looked at him and grabbed a pair of sweat pants from a basket and pulled them on and said, "Alright just make it fast Kakashi I got stuff to do tomorrow."
Kakashi took her to his place and she smirked and said, "If you wanted sex we could've done it in my place."
Kakashi said, "I don't want that. I want you to meet my house guest."
They went to the room and Kakashi took her inside the room and she saw a cute little blonde boy sleeping with Kakashi's main summons curled up against his chest with his thumb in his mouth. Anko couldn't help the smile that came on her face. Before Kakashi could do it she picked up the blanket from the bottom of the bed and covered him up. Kakashi got her to come out and once they were out in the living room Anko said, "Never took you for playing Daddy, Kakashi."
"That boy is Uzumaki Naruto. He was thrown from the orphanage. He showed up at my door begging for food wearing these." Kakashi tossed the clothes on the table for her to see, "he was so filthy it took me five baths to get him clean again. Hokage-sama is going to place you on a mission with Ibiki in the morning you're going to take it." Said Kakashi
"What's the mission?' said Anko looking at him from the clothes.
"That little boy from his second day on this earth has been sexually abused by people in our village. By ANBU operatives who were supposed to protect him. By civilians we protect each day. By Nin we work with. He was so distrustful of me when I offered him a place to stay tonight that I had to show him my mask. He's had people offer him food, a bath and clean clothes, and a warm bed only to ask for a blow job in order to get the food. To make him bath with them for the clean clothes. And make him sleep in the same bed as them and have sex with them in order to have a warm place to sleep at night. He is sending you two after them. Naruto and I worked on composites of everyone who hurt him. And I stared the ones who lured him in with false promises. I know Ibiki is vicious but you are worse. I want you to personally deal with those sick fucks. You know what that is like Anko. To believe lies and then be stabbed in the back. My sensei's son still doesn't trust me. I had to endure a suspicious look just for wanting to hold him while I sang him his mother's lullaby." Said Kakashi
Anko felt her hand clench and before either could say anything they heard the small voice that said, "Mister?"
Kakashi turned and they saw Naruto standing in the hallway entrance rubbing his eye with his fist and Kakashi went over and knelt down and said, "Something wrong buddy?"
"I'm thirsty." Said Naruto
Anko smiled and heated up some milk and brought it to him and said, "Here you go little man."
Naruto took it and drank the warm milk and when he had finished the cup which Kakashi helped him hold at the end Anko lifted him up and said, "Come on I'll take you back to bed ok."
Kakashi said, "And the dog there is Pakkun he's my summons. Thought you'd like the company."
Naruto yawned and before Kakashi left he felt the little hand grab his shirt and he looked at him and Naruto tugged which got him to come closer and he was shocked when Naruto kissed his cheek and he smiled and returned it to his head and said, "Sleep tight pup."
Naruto laid his head on her shoulder and buried his face in her neck and she put him to bed and he yawned and said, "Who you?"
"Name's Mitarashi Anko. I'm a friend of Kakashi's. And tomorrow I'm going to be one of the ones who hunts down all the ones who hurt you. Promise I'll make them pay for it alright." Said Anko smiling at him
Naruto yawned again and Kakashi came in after he'd been covered up. Naruto wasn't asleep yet and Anko frowned then surprised Kakashi by crawling up on the bed and lying down. Pakkun moved to the pillow above them and she merely slid her arm under him and pulled him against her chest. Naruto actually snuggled up next to her and she merely pet his head running his fingers through his hair. She actually shocked Kakashi when she started humming then started singing…
Distant moon, so big and bright Here I wait, and here I stand CHORUS
Softest silver glowing through the night
High atop, the mountain gold
Sun unseen, the world is cold
Early morning northern hour hand
Studying, in solitude
Looking for, a hidden clue
I wish, to see this world through my own eyes
To calm, the elders and silence their cries
Because, of you I now gaze up and sing
The lullaby of the moo-oon
Kakashi was just shockedAnko knew how to sing and that she was so good at it too. He was completely captivated by her voice. He really was. It was so much like listening to Kushina when she would sing. It was just perfect.
Found at last, I steal away Here I found, the crescent blade CHORUS Condemned me to death Distant moon, so big and bright Now I know, my chosen path
Moving faster through the silent shade
Sea of stars, like flowers bloom
Looking for, the hidden tomb
Forged by Rakkor, surely lunar made
Shining down, upon the earth
Now they'll see, I'll prove my worth
I wish, to see this world through my own eyes
To calm, the elders and silence their cries
Because, of you I now gaze up and sing
The lullaby of the moo-oon
With my last breath
Sorrow and anger
Fill my head
Softest silver glowing through the night
High atop, the mountain gold
Sun unseen, the world is cold
Higher calling they will know my wrath
Raise my relic blade
I will not be swayed
With the might of the moon by my side
When she stopped singing she looked at Naruto and saw him still looking at her though it was much sleepier than it had been but not out yet so she smiled and looked at Kakashi who smiled and came over to the bed and got behind Naruto and the two of them surrounded him in their warmth. Kakashi rubbed his back as Anko started another song…
Wandering child of the earth
Do you know just how much you're worth?
You have walked this path since your birth
You were destined for more
There are those who'll tell you you're wrong
They will try to to silence your song
But right here is where you belong
So don't search anymore
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
In your eyes there is doubt
As you try to figure it out
But that's not what life is about
So have faith there's a way
Though the world may try to define you
It can't take the light that's inside you
So don't you dare try to hide
Let your fears fade away
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
Soon you'll finally find your own way
When the song ended Naruto was sound asleep but to Anko's surprise so was Kakashi. She smiled and reached over and ran her fingers through his silver hair. She knew she wasn't going anywhere Kakashi had her pretty good in his hold having put his arm around her waist. She merely looked up and whispered, "Pakkun can you go grab another blanket for us please."
He nodded and left the bed and came back with another one and helped her cover herself and Kakashi and said, "Do you want me to go tell the old man you'll take the mission?"
"Please tell him I'll be in first thing to get my orders." Said Anko
When he left she smiled and went to sleep as well. When Pakkun came back he smiled and went and got the rest of the pack to keep watch since Kakashi was actually out cold. He filled them in on everything that had happened. He had heard what Kakashi said about Naruto when he was talking to Anko. They were not happy and wanted a piece of the bastards themselves. Bull whined that he wanted to be with the pup but Pakkun told him it wasn't possible at the moment. So they all stretched out around the apartment taking up vigil. Pakkun being the smallest stayed with the three of them and the others would alert him if there was a problem.
A/N: Thank you for reading this first chapter. Please review I appreciate criticism whether bad or good. Songs used are (in order of appearance) Song of the sea lullaby by Nowlenn Leroy. Lullaby of the moon by David Vitas. Wanderer's Lullaby by Adriana Figueroa. Next chapter will be up soon. Thank you again to all my fans for your continued support it means a lot to me.