The Hunt For Hidden Answers
Disclaimers: I do not own Naruto and the contents of the show or manga. I however do own my OC (original character) that will be in the story. This is an AU story, I did make the 4th Hokage the father for Naruto to fit the story line I have created, due to this not being a fact in the actual storyline I am labeling this story AU, some of the current arcs taking place will be here as well...but of course with a few twists!
This also takes place before the second season begins, so the characters are the ages of the second season. The teens will be roughly 15, Kakashi is 28 or 29. So sit back and enjoy!
p.s. if you have read my other stories, I haven't forgotten them. Just been OOUBER busy with school, work, and life. So they are coming just have to reread my stuff and see where I was going with all of them. I promise to update soon!! Thanks for being patient and waiting for them!
P.S.S. my brother is helping with the story to make sure I don't get events wrong but if there by chance is a mistake let me knows and I will fix!!!! Ok now on with the story!
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Chapter One
"Why do we have to go after the bandits," Naruto Uzumaki complained. He had grown over the past two year and a half years; he was standing five feet and five inches tall. He stood it proudly but with a slight slouch due to his lack of enthusiasm for chasing off the bandits who have been stealing from their village.
Naruto Uzumaki had been shunned by the village due to demon seal of the nine tailed fox in his body. It would seem that he had proved himself to be a worthy ninja in many of the villagers eyes, some still curse him for the dreaded creature for being in his body but it would seem many of the distaste for him had faded. The young blonde fifteen year old sighed heavily and got hit on the head by his teammate, Sakura Haruno.
The strawberry haired girl looked at him irritated, sure they were now the best of friends, sure the boy had grown some maturity over the years but he could still be a brat. The five foot girl still gave Naruto a run for his money when she was upset. The girl that once had a massive crush on a former teammate decided to keep her once lovely long locks short. She of course had grown over time and was just happy to be out of the village.
"Naruto, aren't you glad to be doing something instead of just training all the time," Sakura asked as she walked passed him. Naruto just slumped over and let out a sigh, "You have been complaining about staying in the Leaf Village for the past few months and doing nothing but mindless training. And now we are given a mission that is outside of the village, you should be happy!"
"Yeah, so," Naruto pouted and then felt someone's hand on his head. He looked up to see his teacher looking down with a smile, or at least he guessed it was smile since his face was covered. Kakashi Hatake, the five foot and nine inch ninja, often thought to be a pain in the ass by his students but very cool as well. He was reaching thirty and many of the elder women were wondering if he would ever settle down.
"Now, now Naruto," Kakashi said in his usual calm tone. "It will be good for you to stretch your legs a little bit even if they are bandits."
"I don't see the point in all of this," Naruto pouted. "I mean couldn't they have gotten another team to handle simple bandits!?!?! Like Guy sensei's or Asuma sensei's?"
"You're always complaining!" Sakura nearly shouted at her blonde teammate.
Kakashi sighed…here we go again. He shook his head as the two begin arguing, it would seem to be a common hobby between the two teammates, sure now there was strange little flirting game they would seem to be oblivious they were playing. However his senses kicked in when he sensed motion in the trees around them. He quickly took ready position as he knew something was about to happen. The two were so preoccupied that they wouldn't even notice until the bandits attacked. How Typical.
Kakashi was about to warn them but he instead chose to block the kunai which in turned of course caused the two to finally go into battle mode, "So glad for you two to join in."
"Sorry about that sensei," Sakura quickly apologized as she took a ready stance.
"Enough talking," Naruto smirked, "It's time to kick some ass!"
"NARUTO!" Sakura shouted, "Watch your mouth!"
Naruto quickly attacked one of the black dressed bandits, "Well you'll think twice about stealing from our village, you bastard!"
"NARUTO!" Sakura rolled her eyes as she took a few of the bandits out herself. "UGH! Stupid Naruto!"
Kakashi sighed, "They'll never learn." Kakashi quickly searched the area for the stolen items but was hit in the shoulder…just a small scratch but he groaned. "Just great, I need to get another suit."
"Sensei, are you alright," Sakura asked.
"Sakura, I'm fine." Kakashi smiled even though you can't see it. "Sakura once you are done taking some of the bandits down, go look for the stolen items. Naruto and I should be able to handle these guys."
"Hai," Sakura nodded and quickly did her job. She made haste as she was searching for the stolen goods. They had taken quite a bit of inventory from the village such as food, clothing, jewelry, toys, and the list went on. However it was not going to be easy to find it considering someone else had taken it from the bandits. That person was waiting patiently for her arrival as she watched a former comrade she once fought along side.
"Now Naruto," Kakashi was now back to back with his students. Apparently the team had underestimated the number of the group. "I want you to take some them down in one blow. That's the only way this might end."
"Are you sure Sensei," Naruto asked. "They seem easy enough to take them down without having to do anything like that."
"Now, now," Kakashi said in his usual tone. "We don't want to be here all day now do we?"
"I guess so," Naruto whined. He was about to prepare his jutsu would seem unnecessary, there was more than half of the men before him fell. "What…who…huh…NO WAY! Who did that?"
Kakashi stood up straight as more of the men continued to fall at a rapid speed, he had a suspicious look upon his face. "It can't be…"
"It would seem you're always getting into trouble Kakashi," a female's voice filled with laughter. "You would think someone who is a Jonin and a former ANBU would be able to handle this…"
"Who is that," Naruto asked as he turned around his sensei to get a look. There was a woman dressed in simple black ninja attire. She had some boots, a belt that hung around her waist, something that looked like the fingerless gloves and… "She has our symbol!" Naruto pointed to her right arm. The woman laughed, she had long flowing blonde hair that rivaled Naruto's and her eyes were just as blue as his. She smiled, "I don't remember you being in our village!?!?!"
"No, you wouldn't," Kakashi said stepping over a few of the fallen bodies. He also noticed she had a huge sack by her side.
"Huh, but why?"
"Because she was always out on a mission during your childhood also she ran away about eight years ago," Kakashi put his hands into his pockets. The woman shrugged, "What are you doing back here anyway?"
"I was summoned or told to return," she replied coolly. "It's not everyday you have half of the village calling you back."
"Don't think too highly of yourself," Kakashi said as he stood toe to toe with the woman. "So what's that?" He pointed at the sack…
"It's all the stuff from your village," she replied. "Apparently they had an interest in our weapons. I am assuming they stole more than that but eh. They probably have a village not too far from here and couldn't afford some of the things we had."
"So you let them keep it," Naruto asked as he had rushed up to the pair. Kakashi put his hand on his head making him make a face. At that time Sakura showed up and was surprised to see the blonde woman with her sensei and teammate.
"They are less fortunate than the Hidden Leaf Village, so the food and clothes we can replace…these weapons however are rightly ours. Don't want to have to remake some of them," the woman responded.
"Who is she," Sakura walked up to Kakashi. Kakashi looked over at her as he motioned for her to be at his side. She did as she was told, "Why does she have our village's symbol?"
"My, my, your students have a lot of questions," the woman smirked.
"They're not the only ones," Kakashi responded.
"Hmmmm, oh well." The woman lifted the bag and threw it to Kakashi who caught it but almost fell over back wards to the weight. "Carry it back will you, I don't think the village is ready to see me doing favors for them anytime soon."
"You always were a pain in the…"
"Shut up Kakashi," the woman looked at him firmly. "I might not have been as good as you, oh wait I was. I just didn't want to be a part of the ANBU or wait someone didn't want me to be."
"So you decided to run instead," Kakashi said coolly as he walked passed her. "Or were you just too scared to be part of something higher up?"
"It's not what you think," the woman said softly and her eyes grew soft as his two students observed the woman carefully. "Even if I did tell you, you would not be very happy about it anyway so there is no point in doing so."
"What are you talking about," Kakashi stopped as he looked over at the woman. She turned around to face him, "You ran from the village and from your responsibilities. Now you show your face up because someone summoned you."
"You'll never understand," she began walking towards the village. She made sure to whisper the next part, "Neither would my baby brother."
Kakashi's eyes widened at what she just said, he looked back over at Naruto. He had heard rumors about her being related to the boy but he didn't think they were true. Sure she had blonde hair and so did Naruto and sure even his sexy jutsu almost looked like her, but could it really be true? She would now be twenty five or was it twenty six, ah she is twenty five on her way to twenty six. But she hasn't changed at all…or has she?
"Are you going to stand there with all the weapons or are you coming to the village?"
"Women," Kakashi muttered under his breath. She still has her attitude.
"Do you know her sensei," Sakura asked as she walked along said of Kakashi.
"At one time, yes I did," Kakashi answered.
"Who is she sensei," Naruto asked. "She is sure nice looking!!"
"NARUTO!" Sakura whacked him on the head. "That's a rude comment to make about a stranger!" Sure he notices that she looks good and can't tell how much I have changed. BOYS!
Kakashi chuckled, his students sure made him laugh. They were so carefree but he knew they wouldn't always remain like that. The life of a ninja would change them all and it already was, but sure some of them did keep many of their personalities. In the end all of them will change. "She often went by Izayoi; she never told anyone her surname or what her first name really was. She was going to be part of the ANBU but disappeared eight years ago."
"Izayoi," Naruto said as he looked at the woman in front of them. "Why did she leave?"
"No one really knows," Kakashi answered truthfully. "She did help us out with the bandits, so we do owe her a little thanks."
"Hey where did she go," Naruto asked however they would be answered by a loud thud.
"I think she ran into Lord Jiraiya," Kakashi said simply. "Which I don't know why, they usually got along quite well."
Naruto winced, "That pervy sage? Oh great, did she know him too?"
"Weren't you listening? Of course she did you idiot," Sakura said. "If she was here!"
Kakashi chuckled, "I didn't think she would be that violent."
Naruto shook his head, "We've only been here a few months and he is already causing trouble."
"Now, now Naruto, you shouldn't talk ill about a man who has been training you for the past two and half years." Kakashi said simply as they arrived at the village with Jiraiya in the ground face first and an angry Izayoi looming over him.
"He had it coming," Naruto muttered.
"Dirty old man!" Izayoi grumbled with her arms crossed. However her stunt caught the attention of the whole village that was looking at her in surprise. "You see me after eight years and all you can say is MAN YOU FILLED OUT QUITE NICELY!?!?!?! You're old enough to be my father and you're acting like THIS!?!?!"
"Oh dear," Kakashi said as he handed the bag of weapons to the weapon shop owner. He took them back gratefully however his attention was on the scene in the middle of the village. "Izayoi…you can't blame him…"
"EXCUSE ME!?!?!" She looked at him as if fire was radiating from her entire body. He backed up and pushed Naruto in front of him. "HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF ONE OF YOUR FORMER SENSEIS CAME UP TO YOU AND TOLD YOU THAT YOU FILLED OUT VERY NICELY!?!?!?!?!"
"She's mad," Naruto said simply.
"You think," Sakura snorted. "Whatever gave you that idea???"
"Ummm, the fact she is almost spitting out fire," Naruto pointed at the woman who stepped on Jiraiya's back. "That she just stepped on his back as if he was a piece of dirt."
"You obviously don't understand women!" Sakura stated as the whole village was staring unbelievingly. Stupid boys!
"Is it really Izayoi?"
"Why has she returned?"
"She has grown quite beautiful."
"That still doesn't answer why she has been gone for eight years."
"No, she has a lot of explaining to do."
"What could have brought her back after all this time?"
"Could there be a crisis about to head our way?"
"Is she finally going to be part of the ANBU?"
"Will she still be considered a Jonin?"
"Is she suppose to learn succession techniques?"
"Look what she did to Lord Jiraiya!"
"Well you have to admit Lord Jiraiya had it coming."
"That man trying to grab one of his students, my goodness!!!"
"Tell me about it! Sure she has been gone for the past eight years but that is no way to greet a person!"
"Seems like if we want to know what's going on we need to go to the Fifth Hokage's place."
"Let's go!"
"Now wait a minute," Jiraiya said standing up to his full height of six foot and three inches. He dusted himself off, "Before all you jump to conclusions we should await for the Lord Hokage, I am sure she will appear before us if there is something going on that is a major."
Naruto quickly moved up to him, "Or maybe you just don't want to be thrown to the ground again."
"Who asked you!" Jiraiya nearly shouted. "You can't blame a man for admiring such a beauty!"
"Yeah, and got you face first in the dirt," Naruto got bonked on the head. "HEY!"
"That's what you get!"
"You pervy sage! You just can't keep your hands to yourself!"
"Now, now, you two!" Kakashi waved his hands. "Why don't we head up to the tower and see what is going on. After all we do need to thank Izayoi for helping us."
The fifth Hokage was all before them, "Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, and Jiraiya come with me. I have matters to discuss with you. Especially you dirty old man."
"What did I do?" Jiraiya asked putting on the most innocent face he could muster, the fifth just rolled her eyes.
"Sometimes I wonder about you," she said as she walked ahead of the group. "Don't worry, it's nothing drastic to worry the whole village. Nope, not at all." Naruto was quickly at her side, "How have you been Naruto?"
"I've been fine, Granny. What is it that you need all four of us?" Naruto asked looking at the older woman with respect.
"Oh, nothing too major just something that needs to be brought to all of your attention," she said with a small smile. "After all I have a real mission for your team and I wanted to watch Jiraiya hit the dirt a few more times."
"Old hag," Jiraiya muttered as he stopped but it was not missed.
"What did you say?"
"NOTHING!" Jiraiya responded as he continued to follow behind her.
"Come now, we'll never get to the tower at this rate!"
"I'll race you Granny!"
"You're on!"
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"No, no and NO!"
"What do you mean no?"
"I will not work with him! There is just no way I'll team up with someone like him!!"
"And why not?"
"He reads nothing but Jiraiya Sensei's SHIT! I will not join up with him on a mission! Please do not tell me this is what you summoned me for!?!?!"
"You know that is not the reason why I summoned you! PLEASE! You know quite well why! They were in the orders given by the fourth Hokage to survey the area you were given. The other letter was delivered to you by the fourth when you were ready to see it! He even wrote in all the dates we should send it to you!"
Izayoi held her tongue, "You know about all that?"
"Of course I KNOW! I knew about it before you had left and do you really think when I became Hokage they wouldn't tell me the exact reason why you left eight years ago? Sure I had an idea of what was going on at the time but never did I know about all the little details. They were left to the third who had informed the officials. Your rebellion of not becoming part of the ANBU was one thing but we knew you could not only survive being on your on a dangerous mission for a long period of time but you would have to return to complete it with a team! You were not chosen for ANBU for no apparent reason!"
"How did you know that letter was still here?!?! The fourth is dead! He was dead even when I was given that damn letter in the first place to leave! I never thought you would send the second to me!"
"He had faith in you," Jiraiya stepped in. "All of us knew that you would most likely be the one to survive out in the wilderness to survey the Roots, that are now defuncted. You would remain hidden for eight years but you would find a way to entertain yourself."
"You better not be thinking anything perverted old man," Izayoi said with her arms crossed.
"You knew about this," Kakashi asked suddenly regretted his words about her running away earlier.
Jiraiya did his normal chuckle as if he was all knowing once again, "Of course I knew. Who do you think the fourth asked about this first? You think he wouldn't go back to his sensei? We saw how Izayoi was growing as a warrior and her undeniable fighting spirit with all the techniques she had learned from two out of the three Sannins but a few things from the third and fourth hokage, after all she battled wits with Kakashi all the time her patience with his tardiness was amazing. Before the fourth died he made two letters, one of the future mission at hand when Izayoi became of age to set out and when it was time for her to return. Of course I supervised the whole thing…"
"Dirty old man," Izayoi muttered.
"Would you stop that!"
"NO!"
"Izayoi," The fifth said and the young woman turned to look at her. "The fourth saw much in you. We all knew someday you would rebel especially…well, especially when that day happened. You were angered and hurt, you were never told of the outcomes of the actions taken."
"You would have tried to stop it from happening," Jiraiya stated. "You are a passionate person. Filled with great fire, the third taught you well before you left. He had many students but you were always a favorite, like another grandchild. One that touched his heart deeply, you were one of the few that would retain most of herself after becoming a ninja."
"I miss him," Izayoi said softly. "If I would have been here sooner if you had informed…"
"My child, it was not your time return," the fifth said. "Now down to business. The reason we chose Kakashi and his team, was due to the fact you two in the past worked well together despite your age difference. And due to other past history…"
"Past history," Jiraiya's face perked up.
"Don't get any ideas," Izayoi said simply. "And it's not like you didn't know."
"Kakashi is also one of our best ninjas; we have complete faith in his ability." The fifth said as she walked over to Izayoi and whispered into her ear, "You still owe him a full explanation, do you not?"
Izayoi had a sadden expression on her face, "Hai."
"Good, now Kakashi do you accept the mission at hand?"
"That's if my team accepts it as well," Kakashi said as he looked at Sakura and Naruto.
"What is the mission exactly," Sakura asked. "The Roots are no longer together as you and Lord Jiraiya more or less stated, what could there be for us to do exactly?"
"There is a magic stone of some sort," Izayoi began. "It was created by the first and second hokages of our village. It was a special stone to show succession of the hokage line; however it was lost to us during a major battle between us and the Roots. I might have not been an adult at that time but however it was something that was passed down to us from generation to generation in a form of story telling. This gem only will show its pure light upon those who are meant to be hokage."
"COOL! Does it have the power to make me incredibly powerful?' Naruto said with great enthusiasm only to get glared at by the fifth. "My bad, granny."
"That would be a no," the fifth said. "It was a way for us to see who would be next, only a few of us have been touched by that light. The fourth was the last but he was only a child then."
"That he was," Jiraiya said with memories coming back to him. "That was not a pretty day, but you were also touched by the light old hag."
"What!?!?!"
Jiraiya hid behind Kakashi, "Oh boy." Kakashi let out a sigh, he could not believe the old man or maybe he could that's why he sighed.
"Anyway," Izayoi rolled her eyes. "The power has been used for evil; it can be manipulated to do unlawful things of nature. The reason they were so powerful is due to the fact if you cast the right amount of chakra, it can foreshadow what is to come."
"Is that how they gained so much power over a short period of time," Sakura asked as she was curious.
"Yes," Izayoi. "I was sent to find out the source of their power, but of course after their fall it would seem it would be easy to retrieve the stone."
"What's the big but," Naruto asked with curious eyes.
"The stone is still guarded by some of the ninja's from the village hidden in sound," Izayoi stated simply.
"Wha…what???" The younger members nearly in shock and the older ones kept their composer.
"I can't be completely sure but I have a good idea and source. However the stone's condition is not well, the stone is losing its power due to it being out of our village so long still can give them a vision about my coming to retrieve it."
"If it is sound members guarding the stone this is not a very good predicament, hence why a team is needed," the fifth said with a great big smile. "A team like no other, due to Naruto…the stone will not predict your coming."
"Why is that," Sakura asked.
"THEN WHY DID YOU GIVE ME THE NECKLACE IN THE FIRST PLACE!?!?!"
"Because it's part of the stone," she said with a great big grin.
"Huh," Naruto looked at the stone around his neck. "What do you mean?"
"It does not mean however you are the next Hokage, but it is a symbol that you might be," she said with a smile. "Only the stone will tell you if you are next in line."
"I don't get it!"
"The necklace will hide your coming to get the stone," the fifth said. "Though I did give it to for another reason it would seem that it has multipurpose."
"How long of a journey is it going to be," Sakura asked.
"It will be about a weeks travel on foot," Izayoi said simply. "That's just going to the fire nations outside borders into the beginnings of the roots territory where the stone is actually being kept. Be warned the stone is heavily guarded, it is even difficult for me to get close to the place."
"After that it will be about a two weeks journey to where they have the stone," Jiraiya said and chuckled. "Well I'm glad I'm not going! That's way too far from me!"
"Sakura," the fifth said gently and caused the young girl to look up at her. "You can take your leave now; I have some matters to discuss with the rest of them."
"Yes Tsunade Sensei," Sakura took her leave and of course the others waited till she was out of hearing range.
"What is it that you need to discuss?" Naruto asked and Izayoi sighed.
"Are you aware of the Akatsuki that are after Naruto," the fifth asked Izayoi.
"Hai Tsunade Sensei, will they be a problem during the mission," Izayoi asked. "I do not want to risk it; it's already a difficult mission as it is."
"The Akatsuki have not been active in this area but you never know when they will strike," Jiraiya said. "However, I think it will be beneficial for Naruto to go with you, Izayoi. Also time for you to come clean about your skeletons in your closet." Izayoi winced at his comment, "I do not predict them being a problem for you or Kakashi. But you will need Naruto and Sakura on your journey if what you say is true about who is watching over the stone."
"There will only be the two of you to watch over them…"
"HEY HEY! I'm not a little kid anymore! I think I can handle a few of those idiots on my own!"
"Naruto," Kakashi said and Naruto hushed. "It's not about that. We can't afford you to be taken by them. If they take demon from you, not only could it destroy you, it would give them endless powers that would only lead to devastation."
Naruto kept quiet and Izayoi approached him, "You were given the demon for a reason. I know many people looked down upon you for it, but in all reality it was predicted you would be the one who would handle the powers the best."
"Huh," Naruto looked at her surprised. "How do you know that?"
"Let's just say you'll know in due time," Izayoi said simply. "Now, why don't you go ahead and keep Sakura some company as I talk some things these old people."
"Old?!?!?!" The fifth and Jiraiya whined together.
Naruto nodded but was hesitant to leave. However he did as he was asked, Izayoi turned to look over at the fifth, "You know, don't you?"
"So do I," Jiraiya said and Kakashi was left in the dark as if they were talking some kind of code. "Only a few of us know if that's what you mean?"
"So it would seem, fate has decided for him to know," Izayoi said softly. "It's not the way I had imagined telling him but it will due."
"Excuse me, what are you talking about," Kakashi asked as he walked towards the trio that were now standing in a close circle.
"Naruto is my baby brother," Izayoi said softly. "My full name is Ayane Izayoi Uzumaki, Naruto's only living family."
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Okie dokie, that's the end of the first chapter! I do not know when the first arc kicks in but I figure hey, it's AU! Hehehehe, well I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time! I promise to get to my others stories!!!! PROMISE!!!