Naruto, Gaara, and Hinata! What a trio! What a long chapter, phew
Hiruzen or known to others as the Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure was on his way to Sunagakure to meet with their Kazekage, since they have an alliance but things weren't exactly nice between them though. He sighed as he stared at the gate and looked down at his charge, "Naruto, are you ready?"
Naruto Uzumaki is the holder of the Kyūbi Jinchūriki, the tailed beast that attacked Konoha all those years ago and still left some permanent scarring on the villagers that they took their anger out on the young boy every chance they got. Naruto had finally had enough and demanded the old man tell him everything, and he did. About the Nine-Tailed beast that was sealed in his stomach by his father the Yondaime, to why the villagers directed their hatred at him. Everything. Let's just say that Naruto didn't take it so well, which was to be expected. His attitude had done a complete 180, and he chose isolation from everyone in Konoha except from the girl Hinata Hyūga who always spoke to him. He had to admit he liked being around her even if she stuttered and got red a lot. Then there was Iruka and the people at Ichiraku.
He shrugged, "Yeah, I'm ready. So this is the sand village? I can see why it's called that."
Hiruzen laughed, "Indeed. Come." He walked towards the gate with the young boy following after him. The gate opened and Naruto saw the villagers walking around without a care in the world, but were weary of their arrival. Naruto ignored them and focused his eyes on something else, a young boy with red hair was sitting on the swing set in the playground all by himself. He also noticed that the villagers were giving him looks of fear completely opposite of what the people in his village give him, but he saw the look in the boy's eyes and could relate. His eyes showed loneliness. Just like his used to but he's since slowly stopped showing such a look even though it was there, but only a little bit.
Hiruzen noticed Naruto was looking at the boy and smiled, "Why don't you go over to him?"
Naruto gave him a side-glance, "Is it okay?"
He nodded, "I'll go and talk to the Kazekage, while you go and talk to the boy. He looks like he could use someone to talk to."
Naruto didn't need to be told twice cause he immediately walked over to the boy ignoring the looks he got from the villagers while Hiruzen walked ahead to the Kazekage's office, 'Good luck, my boy.'
Naruto went over to the boy standing in front of him making the boy look up, "Yo." The blonde greeted.
The red head stared at him taken back by the fact someone would approach him let alone talk to him.
Naruto raised a brow, "Names Naruto Uzumaki, what's yours?"
The boy blinked slowly then replied, "Gaara…Sabaku…"
"Hmmm, interesting name." Naruto complimented.
"Th-Thank you…" Gaara thanked with a small blush on his face.
"What are you doing here by yourself?" the blonde asked.
Gaara looked down, "The people of the village are afraid of me and I don't know why."
Naruto could relate. He had a sneaky suspicion that he was like him, but didn't voice it out loud. He sat down on the swing next to him, "Since you've got no one to hang out with you then I will."
"R-Really?" Gaara was genuinely surprised.
"Yeah, besides your nice to be around." Naruto said honestly with a small smile.
Gaara for the very first time smile happily having gained his very first friend. The villagers were taken back when they saw him smile not believing it for themselves, that a monster like him was capable of smiling so happily.
Naruto saw the looks they were giving them and rolled his eyes, 'Idiots.'
Meanwhile Hiruzen and the Kazekage were having a discussion about the alliance between them. They talked about it for a while before someone came in unannounced.
"Kazekage-sama!"
"What is it?" The Kazekage questioned.
"Th-The boy…he's smiling! There's a blonde boy with him and their smiling together!" the person wheezed out.
Hiruzen didn't need to be a genius to know that he was talking about the boy he and Naruto spotted earlier.
"Is that so? So it's capable of smiling is it?" the man raised a brow.
Hiruzen kept his anger well hidden when the man said that, "Do you know that boy?"
The Kazekage gave the man a look telling him to leave so they could talk in private. As soon as the man left he spoke, "That boy is my son and vessel of Shukaku, or known as the Ichibi. Basically he's a Jinchūriki."
"I see…" Hiruzen sadly, "That would explain the looks people were giving him when we walked through the village."
The Kazekage didn't really care, "I assume the boy he mentioned earlier belongs to you?"
"His names Naruto," He said, "He's a down to earth boy and has seen both the ugly and not so ugly side to this world at such a young age."
"So he's the same as Gaara then I take it?"
"He is, but he ignores the villagers hateful glares and continues life normally." Hiruzen informed.
"I see. Then he's your tool?"
"Naruto is not a tool. He is a human being with emotions just like any other person. And Gaara fits into that category as well." Hiruzen stated keeping calm despite his anger.
"Human? Jinchūriki aren't human, they're nothing but tools to be used for the sake of their village." The Kazekage stated.
"From your perspective maybe, but they are human beings. They laugh, cry, and hate. Naruto has shown no hatred towards the villagers because of the bonds he's made with a few who see him for who he is, not what he is," Hiruzen got up, "I better go and check on the boys, thank you for seeing me Kazekage." He walked out of the room.
The Kazekage stared at his back as he left the room, "Human…Gaara is not human, but a tool."
Naruto and Gaara were having a pretty good time considering the villagers were staring at them like they were a new form of species they've never seen before. The two boys were talking to each other happily ignoring their surroundings.
"So you use sand as a weapon, huh? Pretty cool." Naruto complimented.
Gaara looked down sadly, "But it sometimes hurt people. I don't do it on purpose, it just acts on it's own."
Naruto stared at him seeing he was truly hurt by it and came up with something and stood in front of him, "Then let's try this."
"Try what?"
"You said it acts on its own, right? Then try concentrating on controlling it by testing it out on me." Naruto said casually.
"Eh, but I can't! What if I hurt you?" Gaara panicked.
He shrugged, "So what if you do? People get hurt everyday it's nothing new, and besides I heal faster than the average person anyway."
"But…" Gaara looked sad.
Naruto smiled, "Relax, I know you can do it. Just relax."
Gaara still look unsure but Naruto's smile made him reconsider, "O-Okay…"
"All right, let's do this." Naruto said standing completely still.
Hiruzen was walking around the village and spotted the kids and approached but stopped when he saw sand appear below Gaara that slowly gathered until it went at Naruto. He was about to intervene but saw Naruto was standing completely still showing no signs of moving at all. The sand came at him fast but soon stopped and moved around him almost as though it was examining him before disintegrating back into the ground. He didn't know what to think with what he saw, was that planned?
Meanwhile Naruto smiled at his new friend, "See? You controlled it and I'm still in one piece."
Gaara couldn't believe it himself. He managed to control it and didn't end up hurting or killing his new friend, and an added bonus Naruto smiled and congratulated him. He felt tears sting his eyes and sniffled making the blonde rub the back of his head nervously.
"Don't cry," Naruto said nervously, "I told you I'm fine."
Gaara shook his head, "No, it's not that. Just…no one's done something so nice for me before," he wiped the tears from his eyes, "Thank you…Naruto."
"Don't worry about it," the blonde shrugged then saw Hiruzen, "Oh, gramps. I didn't see you there."
He walked up to them, "What were you two doing just now?"
"Oh, Gaara was telling me how his sand acts on its own sometimes so I suggested he concentrate and try to test it out on me and it worked. He didn't hurt me at all." Naruto explained.
Hiruzen sighed, "Your really reckless you know that? But you did help your friend, so I suppose its okay."
"Friend…" Gaara stared at Naruto with a thoughtful expression.
"Yeah, we're friends." The blonde smiled.
"Friends…" Gaara smiled, "I have a friend…I can't wait to tell Yashamaru."
"Who's that?" Naruto raised a brow.
"My uncle." Gaara smiled, "He takes care of me."
Hiruzen could tell that smile of his was truly genuine and Naruto being here with him and treating him like an actual person helped. He just knew it. If only he could take Gaara with them when they head back to the Hidden Leaf, but knew he couldn't.
If only he knew.
Hiruzen and Naruto were currently staying in the village having decided to leave tomorrow. The blonde was sad that he had to leave Gaara here but knew he couldn't come with them. He was looking out the window seeing it was a full moon out.
Hiruzen saw the boy was deep in thought, something he found himself doing a lot lately. He wondered if Naruto bared any ill will towards his father Minato for sealing the Kyuubi inside of him. Normally he could predict the boy's mental state but recently since he knew of his origins he became more relaxed and calm but did show emotions every once in awhile, like happiness. He showed that a lot around Iruka, the people at Ichiraku and Hinata Hyuuga, who obviously has deep affection for the boy. He didn't think about it too long because felt a two chakra signatures not too far from them making him get up from the bed.
"Gramps?"
He smiled, "I'll be back, wait right here for me."
"Got it."
Hiruzen instantly left the room leaving Naruto by himself to look back out of the window and staring up at the sky in wonder, 'I wonder what Gaara's doing right now.'
Meanwhile Hiruzen had arrived just in time to see Gaara crying over his uncle's body, the man was still alive but barely. He approached the boy, "Gaara…"
Gaara looked up at him in horror, "H-Hokage-sama…Yashamaru…he…he's…"
Hiruzen hugged the boy making him flinch, "It's alright, you don't have to explain anything to me. I can guess what happened." He rubbed the back of the boy's head.
Gaara still cried into the old man's robe, he didn't mean to hurt his uncle…he didn't mean to.
Hiruzen pulled back and looked at the boy, "Gaara listen to me well. I'm going to have a clone take you to where me and Naruto are staying while I stay here and see what I can do for your uncle, okay?"
The boy's eyes were wet but he nodded anyway, "O-Okay…"
He smiled, "Good," he brought two fingers up creating a clone which appeared right next to him, "Take him to the place where we're currently staying and guard them."
"Understood." The clone nodded picking up the boy and disappearing from sight. With that done he looked down at Yashamaru seeing the man was still breathing, "You attempted to assassinate your own nephew, did you not?"
Yashamaru gave him a tired smile, "Yes…"
Hiruzen gave him a gentle look, "Do you really hate Gaara?"
The blonde closed his eyes, "Honestly…I don't. The person I hate he most is that man."
"The Kazekage." Hiruzen guessed.
Yashamaru closed his eyes then opened them looking up at the night sky, "Hokage-sama…can I ask…a favor?"
"Yes."
The blonde had tears streaming down his eyes, "Will you…please…take Gaara away from this horrible place…and into your village…?"
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly but then went back to normal, "Why request such a thing?"
"Because…deep down…I really love Gaara and want him to be happy…please…please…take him away from this horrible place and give him love…please…" Yashamaru begged his tears falling from his eyes.
Hiruzen bent down, "You have my word that I will take Gaara far away from here," he smiled, "And I have a feeling he and Naruto will always be there for each other and support each other whenever they need it."
Yashamaru smiled closing his eyes, "Thank…you…" he took his very last breath but still kept his smile.
Hiruzen stood up, "I will take care of the boy, I promise."
When Naruto saw the old man's clone bring in Gaara who was crying he wasn't happy at all. As soon as the clone put the redhead down he hugged Naruto tightly and kept crying. The blonde merely returned the hug not saying a thing letting the red head hug him till he was satisfied. When he finally calmed down both boys sat on the bed and began talking.
"What happened?" Naruto asked.
Gaara was holding Naruto's hand with his right and rubbing his eyes with his left, "Y-Yashamaru…he tried to kill me."
"He what?" Naruto narrowed his eyes.
Gaara nodded sadly, "He said father told him to do it…" he squeezed the blonde's hand slightly, "Naruto…are you scared of me?"
The blonde rolled his eyes, "If I was afraid of you then I wouldn't be sitting here talking with you now would I? I'll never be afraid of you, you're my friend Gaara. And that will never change."
Gaara gave him a small smile and leaned his head on the blonde's shoulder closing his eyes, "Thank you…"
Naruto chuckled, "You thanked me already, remember?" he yawned, "I don't know about you, but I'm tired. We should get to sleep."
"Mm."
Both boys crawled underneath the bed staring at the ceiling, "Naruto?"
"What?"
"Can I…can I hold your hand?" the red head asked timidly.
"Sure." Naruto lifted his hand from underneath the sheets and held it out for the red head to take. Gaara smiled and took hold of his hand with a content smile on his face.
"Naruto…we'll be friends for a long time, right?" Gaara asked.
"Yeah, we will…" and just like that the blond drifted off into slumber land with Gaara watching his sleeping face since he doesn't sleep.
Naruto's Mindscape
Naruto woke up but not in reality, but his own mind. He looked around confused for a minute not understanding what happened, "Where…" he heard a chuckle behind him and saw it was a man with pale skin and wrinkles. He has spiky, shoulder-length, pale-red hair, with a chin-length, braided lock hanging in front of his left ear. He also sported a goatee. The man also had a pair of horn protrusions extending from either side of his forehead. He had a red marking in the center of his forehead, wearing a white, full-length kimono with a pattern of six black magatama around a high collar, beneath which, he wore a necklace which was also made up of six black magatama. On the back of his kimono was a larger, black marking with a pattern of nine magatama arranged in three rows of three beneath it.
Naruto stared at the man, his instincts telling him that this guy's not bad but definitely not someone you wanna mess with.
The man smiled, "Naruto…"
The blonde was taken back, "H-How do you know my name? And who are you?"
The man kept his smile, "My name is…Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki."
"Hagoromo…Ōtsutsuki?" Naruto repeated.
Hagoromo nodded, "Yes, sorry for the sudden intrusion but I wanted to see you."
"You wanted…to see me…?" Naruto couldn't believe it.
Hagoromo lifted his arm and rested his hand on the blonde's head; "You've been through quite a lot for someone your age. It saddens me."
Naruto said nothing knowing what he was talking about, how he's the host for the Kyūbi. But even knowing that, the boy didn't blame the Kyūbi for anything.
Hagoromo smiled having guessed what the boy was thinking and moved his hand to cover his eyes making the boy jump, "I think it's time you awaken your clan's power…we will meet again…Naruto." His hand glowed white and Naruto's body glowed white soon after but then screamed out in pain because of his eyes. When the hand moved away Naruto was hunched over holding his eyes, but slowly lifted his head squinting his eyes to try and lessen the pain but soon passed out but Hagoromo caught the boy.
He gave him a gentle smile and rubbed is head, "Naruto, I will be watching over you. For you are…"
Back to Reality
"Naruto! Naruto, wake up!" Gaara shook his blonde friend awake.
Naruto snapped his eyes opened and sat up quickly but soon put a hand over his eyes, "It hurts…"
Hiruzen who had arrived not too long ago approached the boy, "What hurts? Your eyes?"
Naruto nodded rubbing his eyes to try and lessen the pain but it only made it worse so Hiruzen grabbed his hand and pulled it away and saw the boy's eyes were closed but were shaking, "Let me see Naruto, open your eyes slowly."
He did as he was told and slowly opened his eyes making Hiruzen's breath hitch, Naruto's eyes were now purple with ripple patterns that spread over the eyeball.
Gaara stared at his new friends eyes in fascination, "Naruto…your eyes."
"What? What's wrong with them?" The blonde was about to start panicking but Hiruzen put his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Relax Naruto," Hiruzen said gently, "Listen, I want you to close your eyes and concentrate."
Naruto didn't get it but did as he was told anyway and closed his eyes concentrating like the old man told him to. Taking a deep breath and completely relaxing he opened them again looking at them both, "Well? Are my eyes back to normal?"
Hiruzen smiled, "Yes they are, good job my boy."
The blonde sighed, "What was wrong with them?"
Hiruzen hesitated for a minute but then sighed himself, "Gaara sit next to Naruto, I want to tell this to both of you."
Gaara nodded and sat next to Naruto staring up at the old man in curiosity. Hiruzen closed his eyes then opened them showing both boys a serious expression, "The reason Naruto's eyes changed is because he's awakened a powerful Dōjutsu known as "Rinnegan."
"Rinnegan?" both boys repeated.
Hiruzen nodded, "Rinnegan is known as the one of the "Three Great Dōjutsu," along with the Sharingan and Byakugan."
Naruto blinked, "So…I'm like Hinata then when it comes to changing your eyes?"
"In a way," Hiruzen smiled, "It is said that if the world becomes surrounded in disorder, the one who wields the Rinnegan descends from the heavens to become the "God of Creation," who will bring calm to the world or "Destroyer," who will reduce the world to nothingness." He then had a thought, 'This is the first time I'm actually seeing it for myself. I thought it was a lost Dōjutsu, but Naruto has awakened it…I wonder how?'
Naruto frowned, "I'm not some kind of god, I'm a human being."
"Yes I know that Naruto, but what I'm saying is that your Rinnegan gives you a wide range of abilities without any help from your chakra to keep the eyes active. When activated it allows you to see chakra as well as the flow within its body. Not to mention, you can easily master any jutsu, as well as all five Nature Transformations. Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water." He explained.
Gaara smiled, "Then that means Naruto can learn all five elements without any problems? That's amazing!"
Naruto blinked absorbing this information, "Gramps..."
"I know, it's a lot to take in. get some sleep and we'll talk more about it in the morning." Hiruzen smiled at the blonde.
Naruto nodded and laid his head down on the pillow closing his eyes to sleep, but Gaara was wide awake much to the old man's confusion, "Gaara, are you not tired?"
Gaara shook his head, "I don't sleep."
"You don't?"
"No, but its okay. This way I can watch over Naruto as he sleeps." Gaara smiled.
The old man saw the resolve in the young boy's eyes, seeing that he was very protective over Naruto despite having just met. But, there was the seal on the boy that was a cause for concern. It wasn't a very strong one and he would have to take care of it because the Ichibi could bust out easily…then again, he didn't have to do it himself. He could do it, now all he had to do now was find him.
Which wouldn't be too hard…where there are women there's Jiraiya.
When morning came, Hiruzen told Gaara that his uncle requested he take Gaara away from the Sunagakure to live with them in Konohagakure. The boy cried when the old man told him that Yashamaru said he really loved Gaara and hated his father who be believed responsible for the death of his sister and putting Shukaku inside Gaara. The red haired boy nodded with glee because that would mean he could be with Naruto a lot more and the blonde was just as happy to have Gaara by his side. They left the village early morning so they wouldn't have to deal with the village guards. As soon as they were out of the village walls Hiruzen told them they were going to find an old student of his named Jiraiya, he told them that he's part of the Legendary Sannin.
"The Legendary Sannin…" Naruto said in wonder.
Gaara was also in wonder about meeting one of the legendary Sannin.
"Jiraiya wasn't the only student of mine," Hiruzen continued, "There was Jiraiya The Toad Sage, Tsunade The Slug Princess…and Orochimaru."
Naruto noticed that old man's tone sounded sad when he said Orochimaru, he felt like this person meant the world to him. They were out of the village's border and went to stay at an inn somewhere to rest up. Naruto wanted to stay up and talk to Gaara all night but he fell asleep while Gaara watched over him. Not being able to sleep was starting to work out for him.
Hiruzen had gone out earlier telling them he was going to see a certain toad, which brings us to where the old man is now looking around until he finally spotted the white haired ninja shaking his head. He was right behind him in a flash, "And what do you think your doing?"
Jiraiya jerked spinning to look behind him so fast that he probably got whiplash, "You…old man!"
"Indeed," Hiruzen sighed, "You haven't changed a bit, still doing your research for that novel of yours?"
"Hey! My research is a great inspiration as you clearly see with the popularity of my novel!" Jiraiya bragged.
Hiruzen gave him a deadpanned look, "Is that so?"
Jiraiya sweat-dropped, "Anyway, why are you here?"
"I just came back from Sunagakure along with Naruto who I brought with me." Hiruzen informed.
"Naruto? He's with you?" Jiraiya was surprised to hear that.
"That's what I just said, you never were the one to pay attention to anything I told you." The old man sighed.
Jiraiya pouted.
"While I was there I met their host for Shukaku." Hiruzen told him.
"The Ichibi." The white haired man said.
"Yes, he was treated just as bad as Naruto. The villagers would show open hostility and fear for the boy, but Naruto being the person that he is stayed with Gaara and played with him and even did something so reckless." He said.
"Reckless?" Jiraiya raised a brow.
He sighed, "Naruto told Gaara to use his sand on him since the boy's sand attacks people on its own. Gaara sent his sand at him only for it to stop and simply move around Naruto almost as though it was examining him."
Jiraiya brought his finger to his chin in thought, "It sounds like Gaara's sand refuses to put a finger on Naruto, could it be Shikaku's influence?"
"I'm not sure, but the reason I came to see you is about both boys. Gaara's seal…and Naruto's dōjutsu.
Jiraiya nodded, "I see…wait…WHAT?!"
Gaara was watching his friend sleep worried that what happened to him at his old village would happen again, but so far nothings happened yet and that was a good thing. He felt so giddy, how could he not be? He was also feared and hated for reasons he didn't know, but then Naruto appeared before him and became his very first friend and to top it all off his sand didn't hurt him either. Now, he was going to start a new life in a new village with his friend Naruto. He just couldn't wait. He heard the door open and in came Hiruzen along with a man with white hair that was in a long ponytail.
Gaara stared at the man, 'He must be Hokage-sama's student.'
Hiruzen smiled, "Gaara, let me introduce you to my perverted student Jiraiya."
Jiraiya huffed and crossed his arms.
Gaara got off the bed and bowed politely, "It's nice to meet you Jiraiya-sama."
"Please kid don't be so formal, just call me Jiraiya-sensei." He told the boy.
"Okay." Gaara smiled.
Jiraiya looked over at the bed seeing the blonde was asleep and walked over to get a closer look, "He really does look like him, I was hoping he'd look like her seeing as how their from the same clan."
Hiruzen chuckled, "He's a mixture of both of them."
Jiraiya shuddered thinking of a certain woman with long red hair with a short temper and scary wrath hopefully he wont grow up to be like her, she was scarier than Tsunade.
Gaara didn't know who they were talking and was about to ask but Hiruzen spoke first, "Gaara, he's here because of the seal on your stomach."
"Seal?" Gaara questioned.
Jiraiya approached lifting up the boy's shirt seeing the seal wasn't very strong at all compared to those of Naruto's clan, he could see why the boy wasn't getting any sleep either. The moment he closes his eyes Shukaku will take over and its lights out for the boy. He looked at the young boy, "Gaara, I'm going to make this seal stronger so you can finally sleep without worry but it'll hurt a little."
Gaara looked torn, he always wanted to sleep without any worry but he wanted to watch over his friend in case something happens. If Naruto was awake he'd want Gaara to make a decision that would make him happy and to do it for himself not for him. The boy looked up at the white haired man, "Make the seal stronger please."
Jiraiya smiled, "Good."
Naruto slowly opened his eyes blinking a few times to clear the fog from his eyes. When it was finally clear and he could see clearly he saw Gaara was sleeping in the same bed as him with a peaceful look on his face making the blonde smile as he sat up, 'This is the first time I've seen him sleep since I'm usually the first one knocked out.' He saw a shadow loom over him and turned around only to see a man with white hair that was in a long ponytail grinning at him like a maniac, so Naruto did the most logical thing a normal person would do in his situation.
WHACK
He punched him right in the face sending the man back and landing on his bottom, "Ow, what was that for?!"
"You were grinning like some kind of weirdo, so I hit you." Naruto stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Jiraiya rubbed his cheek, "Cheeky brat."
"Pervert." Naruto countered.
"Wha?"
Hiruzen chuckled quietly so not to wake up Gaara, "The boy's more perceptive than I thought."
Jiraiya pouted.
"Gramps, who is this?" Naruto asked.
"This is Jiraiya." Hiruzen introduced.
Naruto looked back at the man, "One of the legendary Sannin…"
"Oh, so you've heard of me?"
"Gramps told us, there's you, some lady named Tsunade, and some guy named Orochimaru." Naruto told him.
Jiraiya got a serious face when Orochimaru was mentioned and Naruto didn't miss it, whoever this Orochimaru guy is he's bad news.
"Naruto, do you know the meaning of the seal on your stomach?" Jiraiya asked.
The blonde nodded slowly, "The Kyūbi sealed inside me. Gramps says it's one of the strongest."
Jiraiya was taken back by the fact the old man told him but the look on Hiruzen's face told him why he did what he did and understood, "I see…the seal placed on you is sealing some of your chakra but I'm going to release it."
Naruto just stared at him not understanding but Jiraiya didn't explain any further and simply lifted up his shirt and touched his stomach unsealing the boy's chakra that was sealed along with the Kyūbi. Naruto didn't move a muscle and simply sat still waiting for him to finish up with whatever he was trying to do. After awhile the man removed his hand from the boy's stomach, "There, now how do you feel?"
The blonde blinked then closed his eyes and felt something strange surround him, "I feel fuzzy…is this chakra?"
Jiraiya smirked, "That's right kid, what your feeling is your own chakra."
Naruto opened his eyes, "I've never felt it before though, it feels strange."
"You'll get used to it, by the way I need to see your eyes."
"My eyes?"
"The old man said your eyes changed, I wanted to see it." Jiraiya told him.
The boy looked down, "But…I don't know how to get it work." He felt a hand on his head and looked back up.
"Relax, just close your eyes and concentrate. You'll get it to appear." He smiled.
Naruto stared at him then nodded closing his eyes and concentrating on making his eyes change into that purple color he talked about. What did the old man call them again? Oh yeah…it was, "Rinnegan." He opened his eyes and they changed into that purple color again with ripple patterns that spread over the eyeball.
Jiraiya couldn't believe it, there was someone else who could use Rinnegan. That settled it then, "Naruto, I want you to listen very closely to what I'm about to tell you."
The boy nodded not saying anything.
"I know the old man told you about those eyes of yours but that's not everything." He told the boy.
"What do you mean?" Naruto questioned.
Hiruzen said nothing and simply watched.
"Those eyes are wielded by those of the Uzumaki clan." Jiraiya told him.
"U-Uzumaki clan…? I have a clan?" Naruto stuttered.
The man nodded, "They were a prominent clan that resided in Uzushiogakure, their also descendants of Asura Ōtsutsuki while also sharing a distant blood relation's with the Senju clan. The Uzumaki clan weren't to be underestimated and are still feared despite some of them migrating to other villages after theirs was destroyed. They were mostly know for their Fūinjutsu among other things, it earned them both respect and fear amongst the ninja world. When a member of the Uzumaki clan migrated to Konoha the other nations banded together to destroy them believing them to be too powerful."
Naruto clenched his fist at that.
Jiraiya continued, "Not only were they known for their jutsu and those eyes, they were also known for having strong life forces granting them long lifespans. Not to mention recovering from injuries and exhaustion quicker than most people. They could also heal their allies as well, and then there's those eyes, the "Rinnegan." The Rinnegan is said to be the eyes of a sage and is a feared and respected dōjutsu."
Naruto's eyes went back to normal feeling tears stream down from his eyes, "So then…I had a clan just like everybody else but…their gone…"
Jiraiya rubbed the boy's head, "Not necessarily, there are some members of your clan still out there somewhere. So no tears."
Hiruzen said nothing and closed his eyes, he wanted to wait to tell Naruto all of this but knew he couldn't wait forever. He knew the boy needed to hear all of this and whatever decision he makes he supports it fully.
Naruto wiped his eyes looking up at the man, "I want to see it…"
"See what?"
"The village where they lived…I want to go and see it!" Naruto gave a determined look.
Jiraiya smiled at his determination.
"I want to see it to."
They turned their heads to see Gaara was rubbing the sleep from his eyes having felt refreshed for the first time of his life.
"Gaara, your awake?" Naruto stared.
Gaara moved closer to Naruto sitting next to him, "Naruto is my friend and I want to see where he's originally from."
Naruto blinked then smiled, "Thanks Gaara."
Gaara smiled back.
Jiraiya grinned, "Well alright! We're all going to Uzushiogakure as of right now! It's early in the morning, so we have plenty of time to get there."
Both boys nodded and got off the bed to get ready to head out towards Naruto's origins. Maybe he'll find something about his parents while he's there.
Jiraiya looked at the old man, "They just and already their so close to each other."
"Yes, both boys have experienced pain and loneness but now they no longer have to worry about that." Hiruzen smiled.
"Heh, this should be an interesting trip. But I'm surprised that he awakened his dōjutsu at such a young age. How did it happen?" He asked.
"I'm not sure, Naruto screamed in his sleep then rubbed his eyes because they were in pain. When he opened them they were activated." Hiruzen explained.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes, "So he activated it in his sleep, I've never heard of that happening before."
"Neither have I, but the fact remains that Naruto has awakened to his clans dōjutsu all on his own." The old man stated.
Th white haired Sannin looked over at the boys seeing Naruto smile at Gaara with excitement, 'They have the same eyes. If he were to ever find out about Naruto I wonder what he'd do?'
Uzushiogakure
They all arrived at the Land of Whirlpools and saw nothing but water, but that's why it was called the Land of Whirlpools. Naruto and Gaara were amazed by how much water there was, it was fascinating to them.
Jiraiya and Hiruzen started walking ahead prompting the two boys to follow them, the two adults were talking amongst themselves whispering to makes sure the children couldn't hear them, "Are you sure Naruto will be able to handle this?" Hiruzen was worried that the boy's mental state wouldn't be able to handle it.
"He'll be fine, the boy's stronger than you think." Jiraiya said confidently.
The old man sighed, "I hope your right."
Naruto was looking around a little anxious and nervous of the fact that he would be seeing his real birthplace for the very first time. He felt something grab his hand and saw it was Gaara who had a smile on his face making him calm down a little. Walking around some more they finally found the village…only it wasn't exactly in good condition, not that Naruto expected it to be anyway but still…
Naruto took a step forward looking around the place seeing nothing but ruins, "This is it…this is all that's left…"
Jiraiya closed his eyes, "Yeah…"
Naruto walked ahead followed closely by Gaara who didn't think his friend should alone right now.
Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya who was staring at Naruto's backside, "He'll be fine old man, trust me. Anyway, I have some business here as well." he said walking in the opposite direction of the kids with Hiruzen following behind him silently.
Naruto was walking around staring up at the tall buildings that were crumbled and submerged into the water. He stopped and stared at his own reflection in wonder, "I wonder…if it was still here, would they openly accept me?"
"Of course they would, this is your home and their your family." Gaara told him.
Naruto looked over at him.
The red haired boy stood beside him and looked down at the water, "To me the word "clan" means family. Meaning, that your clan members are your brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, and grandma and grandpa's. And they maybe be gone but Jiraiya-sensei said there are some out there somewhere, and for the ones that lost their lives their wills still live on…in you."
"Gaara…" Naruto said.
He smiled at him, "You're my very first friend, which is why I'll always stay by your side. I promise." He held his pinkie finger out.
Naruto smiled, "Then me to. I promise to stay by your side too." He linked them together and they both laughed and the blonde felt the weight on his chest be lifted a little bit.
Jiraiya and Hiruzen were currently at the temple, the white haired man desperately looking for something until he finally found it, "Ah-ha! Here they are!"
"What is it exactly are you looking for?" Hiruzen asked.
Jiraiya picked something up and showed it to him, "This is what I was looking for, the Uzumaki clan's scrolls to their jutsu."
The old mans eyes widened then went back to normal, "I see…and you plan on giving those to him?"
"Not only that," Jiraiya put one of the scrolls inside his jacket, "I'm going to train Naruto from now on."
Hiruzen's eyes widened again, "Does this mean…?"
Jiraiya grinned, "Looks like I'll be returning to Konoha old man."
"There you are!" Jiraiya called out to the boys making them look at him, "How do you feel?" he asked Naruto.
Naruto looked down, "I'm…a little sad, but Gaara told me something that made me feel better."
"Oh? And what's that?" Jiraiya raised a brow.
The boy looked up with a smile, "That their wills…live on in me!"
Hiruzen smiled, 'That's right, their Will of Fire burns brightly within you. Never forget that.'
Jiraiya grinned, "Good answer kid! As soon as we get back to the village I'm going to train you in your clans jutsu."
"Really?!" Naruto smiled.
"Yep! I found their scrolls so we're taking them back with us." Jiraiya showed the boy one of the scrolls.
Naruto smiled happily, "Hear that, Gaara?! I'm gonna learn my clans jutsu's!"
"I'm glad." Gaara smiled.
"I'll be training you as well Gaara, but you use sand so we're gonna have to give you something that let's have sand with you all the time." Jiraiya was thinking about what to do.
"I wouldn't worry about that," Hiruzen spoke, "I brought his sand gourd along with me. I have it placed in a scroll."
"In that case then it's fine." Jiraiya crossed his arms.
Naruto was excited to learn some of his clan's jutsu's, not to mention he wanted to practice using his new dōjutsu. Maybe Ero-sennin could help him with that too. As they left they failed to notice someone was staring at them from behind a crumbled building, "Is he…?"
Having left the ruined village and Land of Waves they stayed at a town that was currently having a festival and the boys were having the time of their lives making the men smile.
Naruto and Gaara were playing a game where it involved trying to catch fish when Jiraiya turned his head for a split second and recognized someone he hadn't seen in a long time, "Tsunade?"
Said woman stopped walking along with another woman who had short black hair holding a little pig in her arms, "Jiraiya? Sarutobi-sensei?"
Hiruzen smiled, "Its good to see you again child, how are you?"
"Fine, I was on my way somewhere to win big." She stated.
"You mean lose big." Jiraiya smirked.
She punched him right in the gut making him keel over grabbing his stomach.
Hiruzen sighed while the black haired woman smiled nervously, "And who might you be young lady?"
"Ah! I'm Shizune and its a pleasure to meet you Hokage-sama!" Shizune bowed.
"There's no need for that Shizune." Hiruzen smiled.
"Anyway, why are the two of you're here?" Tsunade wondered curiously.
The old man simply looked over at the two boys making the two women look over as well, Tsunade's eyes widened when she saw the blonde haired boy talking happily with another boy who had red hair, "Is that…?"
"Yeah," Jiraiya said sitting up having gotten the pain in his stomach to stop throbbing, "He knows of his origins as well, he took it pretty well all things considered."
Naruto heard some new voices from behind him and turned his head to look at them along with Gaara, walking over to the adults he stared up at Tsunade with childlike innocence, "Who are you?"
Tsunade looked at Hiruzen and Jiraiya who simply smiled at her. Looking back at the boy she spoke, "Tsunade Senju."
Naruto kept staring at her, "Your one of the Legendary Sannin just like Ero-sennin!"
Jiraiya squawked at the nickname the boy gave him while Hiruzen, Shizune and Tsunade laughed.
Gaara looked at Naruto, "How come your calling him that?"
"Because he's a pervert." Naruto stated.
"Oh…" Gaara understood.
Jiraiya pouted crossing his arms and looking in the other direction, "Brat."
Tsunade couldn't stop her laughter, just how long has it been since she's laughed this hard? Way too long. "Yeah kid your right, that's exactly what he is."
"Hmph." Was Jiraiya's reply.
Tsunade smiled at the boy, "What's your name?"
"Naruto Uzumaki, this is my friend Gaara Sabaku." Naruto introduced both of them.
Gaara bowed politely, "Pleasure to meet you, Tsunade-san."
Tsunade rubbed both their heads, "Nice to meet you both, by the way Naruto your last names very unique."
"I know, I'm from the Uzumaki clan and even went to see it." Naruto smiled.
"See what?" she questioned.
"Uzushiogakure! The place where my clan came from." He smiled.
Tsunade gave Jiraiya and Hiruzen a murderous glare making both men flinch, that's not good.
"Oh, I can also do this," He closed his eyes then opened them again showing her the Rinnegan making both her and Shizune gasp, "What's wrong?"
Tsunade couldn't believe it, 'The Rinnegan! But he's so young!'
Shizune was having similar thoughts herself.
"Naruto, for now I want you to make your eyes normal again, okay?" Tsunade told the boy who blinked in confusion but making his eyes go back to normal.
Shizune approached the boys with a smile, "Why don't I take you two to get some sweets, would you like that?"
"Okay!" they smiled taking each hand of hers and letting the woman take them away from the three adults that clearly needed to have a little talk.
Unknown to them the same person that was seen at Uzushiogakure had followed them and saw Naruto use the Rinnegan, "Finally…I found you…"
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Tsunade yelled at both men. They were currently having drinks at a bar so her yelling got everyone's attention.
"Now Tsunade just calm down-" Jiraiya tried to calm the woman down.
"Calm down?! How can I calm down when you were stupid enough to take him to see the village! Have you lost your minds?!" She yelled.
"The boy wanted to go!" He yelled back.
That snapped her back to reality.
"He said he wanted to see where it was," Jiraiya said more calmly, "He wanted to see where he originated from Tsunade. Trust me when I tell you that at first I didn't want to take him there because he's still a kid and seeing what was left of the village might be hard for him to see. But as soon as we got there he walked around looking without tearing his eyes away from what was left of the village, I realized then that I underestimated him and he's a strong kid."
Hiruzen smiled, "When he was done looking around his friend Gaara made him realize that the Will of Fire of his clansman burn brightly within him."
She sighed, "As long as he's okay with it…then I won't complain. Did you tell him about that?" she eyed both men carefully.
"I didn't, the old man here did." Jiraiya told her truthfully.
Tsunade looked at the old man taking a deep breath, "How did he take it?"
The old man sighed, "Not well, but his personality has completely changed."
"What do you mean?" Jiraiya questioned.
The old man stared at his drink, "He would smile all the time despite everything, but after I told him everything he started to isolate himself from everyone except for Iruka, me, and Hinata Hyūga. This is the first time he's been open about his emotions and that's because he's met Gaara and share the same thing."
"Then the red haired kids also…" Tsunade started.
"He's the host for Shukaku, the Ichibi." Hiruzen informed her.
"I see," Tsunade finished her drink then looked out the window, "Sarutobi-sensei, Jiraiya."
"Yes?" Hiruzen said.
Jiraiya was curious what she wanted to say himself.
"I've decided that I'm-" she was cut off from a familiar scream and sat up quickly along with Jiraiya and Hiruzen, "That was Shizune!"
"Let's go!" Jiraiya said running out of the bar with Tsunade and Hiruzen.
Shizune was staring at a woman with long wavy red hair and furious purple eyes, she and the children were outside eating dango's when she came out of nowhere and attacked them. She managed to get the kids out of the way had them stay behind her, "Who are you?!" Shizune took out her Senbon ready to fight the woman with everything she had.
The woman glared at her, "Give him to me…"
Shizune gave a defiant glare at the woman, "Who do you mean?"
"Give to me now! He's my family!" she yelled.
It didn't take long for Shizune to connect the dots and looked over at Naruto who didn't understand what was going on right along with Gaara, 'She's after Naruto! But, what does she mean by family? Wait! Could she be?' turning her head back she asked, "Are you…an Uzumaki?"
The woman said nothing and came at Shizune quickly with her fist incased in chakra, the black haired woman recognized what she was doing and grabbed the boys getting out of the way as her fist made contact with the ground creating a crater and making people run away in fear.
Shizune stared at the woman in complete shock, 'She's strong! She could be at Lady Tsunade's level!'
Naruto and Gaara were staring at the woman as well, is this person really an Uzumaki?
"Please wait! I don't understand why your attacking!" Shizune yelled.
The woman looked absolutely furious, "He's my family! He's part of our clan! You ninja's tried destroyed out home and now you want to claim rights to us?! We're human beings!"
"I know you are and so is Naruto!" Shizune said making the woman stop when she began to advance.
"What?" the woman stared.
"I don't know what happened, but I assure you that I would never harm your family! Naruto has people who deeply care about him, one of them being me!" Shizune said honestly.
Naruto looked up at Shizune in surprise, but smiled when she said she cares about him.
The woman saw the boy smile and was no longer hostile towards the woman seeing that everything she said was true making Shizune sigh with relief.
Naruto stood next to Shizune this time as did Gaara, "Hey lady…are you my family?"
The red haired woman smiled and bent down so she was eye level with him, "Yes I am, my names Himeko Uzumaki. I guess you can say I'm a relative but I am a member of the Uzumaki clan, and if its alright with you will you call me big sister?"
Naruto stared at the woman then smiled, "Then…Nee-chan."
Himeko couldn't help herself and hugged the boy tightly taking him by surprise but he hugged her back, Gaara smiled at them both. Finally his friend found a living relative.
Shizune was smiling as well.
"Looks like we didn't need to intervene." Jiraiya said walking over to them along with Tsunade and Hiruzen, "She's part of the Uzumaki clan, huh? Guess instead of Naruto trying to find them, one found him."
"There's a possibility she followed us from Uzushiogakure and we didn't notice it until just now," Hiruzen theorized, "She must've hid her presence to avoid detection."
"That makes her an Uzumaki alright." Tsunade stated.
They decided to check inside an Inn and stay for the night, the boys were asleep already with Tonton sleeping in between them, so the adults decided to talk to their new travelling companion.
Hiruzen smiled at the young woman, "You said your name was Himeko, yes?"
She nodded and bowed, "I'm sorry for attacking your friend, but I honestly believed the boy was in danger."
"It's okay!" Shizune smiled.
"Where did you migrate after the destruction of Uzushiogakure?" Tsunade asked.
She shook her head, "I didn't migrate anywhere, I've actually been travelling ever since our village was destroyed. It was only now that I wanted to visit my old village so I went there and I saw you two." She gestured to Jiraiya and Hiruzen.
"I see." Hiruzen said.
"When I saw the two boys the blonde one got my attention for some reason, so I sensed his chakra signature and felt an instant connection and I knew that he was part of the Uzumaki clan. Our chakra signature is very distinctive, that and I sensed the Kyūbi within him."
Tsunade was on edge when she said that, "How do you know about the Kyūbi?"
"The founder of our village had decided to seal the Kyūbi inside Mito Uzumaki, then after her years were coming to an end they sought out a new host." Himeko informed them.
"Kushina Uzumaki," Jiraiya got it quickly, "Naruto's mother."
Shizune and Tsunade gasped, "Wait a minute! You mean Naruto's mother was the host for the Kyūbi before Naruto?! Then who sealed it inside Naruto then?"
Jiraiya sighed, "Minato Namikaze, Naruto's father."
Hiruzen closed his eyes.
Tsunade sighed and leaned back into her chair, "I didn't know Kushina was the original host."
"Me neither." Shizune was worried for the boy.
Tsunade stood up, "Anyway, we better get some sleep Shizune."
"Eh?"
"We're going to Konoha with the old man and pervert in the morning." She said.
Shizune and Jiraiya looked at her as though she grew a second head, and Hiruzen was surprised himself not expecting her go back after stating many times she wouldn't.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" Jiraiya wondered, not that he was complaining she was coming back with them but he was still taken by surprise.
She smirked, "Isn't it obvious? I need to look after my relatives after all."
Himeko didn't understand at first then made the connection, "Y-You're a Senju?!"
"Yep, guess that makes us cousins." Tsunade grinned.
"C-C-C-Cousins?!" Shizune stuttered.
Jiraiya couldn't help but grin at her reaction while Hiruzen smiled, 'Naruto, you have family everywhere. Never forget that.'
Jiraiya sighed as he made sure the boy on his back was safely secured as he was taking a nap, kids have a lot energy sure but they get tired out as well. Even Gaara was fast asleep and the old man was carrying him on his back, he couldn't help but smile. Tsunade told him that they were distant relatives but still related which made him so happy that he blurted out Baa-chan and hugged the woman. Tsunade's eyebrow twitched but hugged the boy back anyway. So now here they are back in Konoha having just walked through the gate, the villagers were looking at them with happy faces because its been a long time since Jiraiya and Tsunade had been here. They also glared at the blonde on Jiraiya's back but soon looked away when he released his KI as if daring them to try anything the same with Tsunade and Himeko, the red haired woman would be damned if she left this villagers glare at her little brother for no reason and no one was brave enough to mess with Tsunade. Gaara had woken up when he felt Jiraiya's KI and saw the villagers had glared at Naruto, he knew what that felt like having suffered from it many times and no matter how nice and polite he had been they would glare at him or send fearful gazes. It was then he realized Naruto was a lot like him, and that made his decision easier.
"Jiraiya," Hiruzen called out to the man making him turn around, "Minato's old home is still intact, we can have Naruto, Gaara, and Himeko move there."
"Sounds like a plan, I'll move in with them. Then tomorrow we can start training." Jiraiya said.
Tsunade sighed, "I'll help them out Sarutobi-sensei, you head to the office and sign the paperwork for Gaara and Himeko."
He closed his eyes, "Very well," he felt his back move and saw Gaara was awake, "Good to see your awake."
Gaara simply nodded and got of the old mans back, "I'll help too, with my sand."
Hiruzen chuckled, "Then I better bring out your sand gourd then, work hard."
"Yes sir." Gaara nodded.
Later
Naruto put down the last piece of furniture then looked around with a smile, "This is my new home…" the place was very big almost like a safe house and there were about six rooms that were also pretty big much to his amusement.
"Are you all done?" Gaara came in with his sand gourd on his back.
"Yeah, you hungry?" Naruto asked.
Gaara nodded, "Where do you usually go to eat?"
"Ichiraku Ramen! Ramen is food from the gods!" Naruto told Gaara.
"I see." Gaara said seriously.
Jiraiya sweat-dropped having come out of the room hearing their conversation, "Dear lord."
Jiraiya walked with the kids on their way to Ichiraku, Himeko went to go pick up some groceries so she couldn't come along with them. The boys were talking in front of him happily ignoring the glares that were directed at Naruto, Jiraiya eyed them making them look away out of fear for the Sannin. As they continued walking Gaara noticed the glares they were giving Naruto and frowned, he knew Naruto felt their glares but he ignored them. If any of the villagers got any funny ideas and started throwing things at him then Gaara would respond in kind. He already made up his mind to protect Naruto from anything and anyone.
They arrived at Ichiraku and saw a girl there with blue hair, "Huh? Hinata is that you?"
Said girl turned around quickly and blushed, "N-Naruto-kun!"
"It is you," he sat on her left, "What are you doing here at Ichiraku?"
Hinata fumbled with her fingers, "Um, well you see…you like ramen so I-I thought I'd eat it for the first time."
Gaara sat down next to Naruto observing her and deemed she wasn't a threat and smiled, "Gaara Sabaku." He introduced.
She only then just noticed him, "U-Um, its nice to meet you…I'm Hinata Hyūga."
Jiraiya sat down next to the girl observing her interaction with Naruto and smirked seeing she had a huge crush on the boy, 'Not even a teenager yet, and he's already got girls falling for him. Even though she's the Hyūga clan's heiress.'
Teuchi came out the back smiling the instant he spotted Naruto, "Naruto, its nice to see you!"
"Hey there old man Teuchi." Naruto greeted.
"Haven't seen you in a while, did Hokage-sama take you on another field trip again?" the man asked kindly already preparing Naruto's favorite ramen dish.
"Yeah, to the Sunagakure. By the way, this is my friend Gaara." Naruto introduced.
Gaara smiled, "Gaara Sabaku, it's a pleasure to meet you, Teuchi-san."
"Nice to meet you Gaara, I hope you and Naruto stay friends for a very long time." Teuchi grinned.
"Me too." Gaara smiled.
Ayame then came out from the back and smiled at the blonde, "Naruto, your back! How was your trip?"
Naruto smiled, "It was great, I learned about a lot of things, I even made a new friend." He gestured over to Gaara.
Gaara smiled and greeted her as well, "Awww, he's such a sweetie~!"
Teuchi looked over for a moment seeing Jiraiya, "Its nice to have you here, Jiraiya-sama. Not just you, Tsunade-sama as well."
"Heh, you know its not that bad actually. Being back here after such a long time." Jiraiya commented.
"I can tell." Teuchi put three ramen bowls down in front of Naruto, Gaara, and Hinata.
Naruto clasped his hands together, "Itadakimasu."
Hinata and Gaara copied him, "Itadakimasu."
All three dug into their ramen and smiled happily at the flavor making the three adults chuckle, "Just like I thought, ramen is food from the gods!" Naruto smiled.
"So good." Gaara mumbled.
Hinata was smiling happily as well, "This is really good!"
"Glad you like it!" Teuchi grinned with pride.
Gaara spotted the soy sauce and decided to put a little on the ramen and ate it to see how it tastes sighing in complete bliss he poured nearly all of it on his ramen much to Naruto and Hinata's horror, "Gaara, that's too much!"
Gaara didn't care and put the soy sauce down before going back to eating his ramen and moaned at the taste, "So good~"
Naruto sweat-dropped, "Seriously?"
Hinata blinked in amazement, "Gaara has a unique taste bud."
Jiraiya snorted, "I'll say. I almost feel sorry for the kid because now ramen is all he'll eat."
Jiraiya brought the boys plus Hinata back to the house, the girl asking if she could stay the night and he agreed. The kids were playing stack the cards with Gaara being the winner since he can use his sand to go as high as he wants. After that the little tikes were all tuckered out on the living room floor so Jiraiya went to get a blanket big enough to cover them all up.
Himeko came back about 5 minutes later and saw the scene before her, "He looks so peaceful."
"Yeah…but he'll be even more tired tomorrow, because his training will begin." Jiraiya told her seriously.
Himeko understood completely and didn't protest, "Will it just be him?"
Jiraiya looked over at Gaara, "I think I'll train Gaara right along with Naruto. If Hinata wants to join in then it's her choice, I cant force her to do something she doesn't want to do."
Himeko didn't complain and knew her little brother would need to know their clans ninjutsu including their fūinjutsu which made them a target for destruction in the first place. She had faith that whatever trials might be ahead he'll have two loyal friends by his side.
Next Time: Prologue: Training