My Path that Loops 2


Having a lot of fun with this story. This was a really interesting chapter to think up of. Because there were a lot of routes I could have gone but I felt this was the most logical and most entertaining to me. Hope you all like it

This has new content in it.

Here we go.


I sniffed the air and held in a gag. The landlord really needed to clean the area. Not that she would. I had met the old hag, as rigid and as frustrating as they come. I had tried moving in here, to the apartment building, but was denied. Apparently, she thought it was good for me to stay away from the area. I even offered to pay a bit extra, but she down right refused.

'Either ordered to or personal bias' I grumbled to myself. I really didn't know which was worse. I made my way up the stairs, towards my destination. I shifted the box in my hands, moving the weight onto my hip.

'I swear, coming here is like an S-rank mission.' Between waking up in the morning, getting supplies, and walking my sorry ass here every Sunday felt like a mission. A really hard, and annoying mission at 7:30 in the morning. 'Hopefully, I don't have to break in again.' Last time, the door was locked, I had to find a way in... which involved a window, broken paintbrushes and the Uchiha Police being very annoyed with me.


"Do you live in this house?" The Uchiha asked me carefully. He looked like the average, generic super emotionless shinobi. Dark hair, with black eyes, staring at me with a blank face. It made me want to shiver, no one should look that stoic. It made me think I was talking to a robot.

'Seriously. Its not like you don't know who lives here.' I raise an eyebrow at him.

"I'm here to teach a kid to cook. He apparently forgot to leave the door unlocked."

It was the shinobi's turn to raise an eyebrow. "To cook?"

I nod. "Yeah, been doing it for a couple weeks now. The Kid is by himself, so might as well."

"Why not adopt him?" The shinobi asked.

'oh you got to be kidding me.' I grumbled in my head. If I tell him the real reason, that the Hokage explicitly forbid me from adopting or teaching Naruto, I would be taken in for questioning. If I tell him that I don't want responsibility, it'll make me seem suspicious.

'wait.' I thought to myself. 'I could use that person.'

Over the past few weeks, I had noticed a few things happening when I was cooking. Being a seals master, I had to remember what I had written down, exactly. I picked up a couple things about reading subtle signs. When I cooked, I noticed that some parts of the food were bitten off, the mixing spoon in the soup just a bit off. Signs of someone watching me. Which wouldn't be too far of a stretch considering I was cooking for the Jinchuuriki.

I let a smile come across my face. "Well, you can ask whoever is watching over me to confirm."

The Uchiha stiffened. He stared at me with suspicious eyes, damn ninjas. For a moment, I thought he would yell at me or say he was taking me in, but then he let out a sigh.

"Don't do this again. Ask for the kid's key then." Turning around, the shinobi stalked off.

'I didn't even see him communicate. Must be some Shinobi secret code or something.' I sarcastically thought. I heard a small creak and saw that the door was now unlocked. I shook my head and mumbled "Thanks"


I moved forward, resting the edge of the box on the door handle. Tapping the bottom of the door with my shoe, I called out. "Kid, Yo Naruto. You there?"

"Yeah, Coming Toki-san." A rush inside the room. I heard a small tumble and a 'kuso'. Another tumble and the door slid openly quickly and I was greeted by a smiling blonde, who was rubbing his forehead. I gave a small smirk and nodded towards the kitchen. Naruto moved aside and let me through, to set up.

"Did you finish what I gave you?" I called out, as I set down the box on the worn counter, next to the sink. Naruto's kitchen was quite nice for an old apartment.

"Sure did." He replied. Moving around his living room, picking up stray scrolls and clothes. It seemed his house was always in a state of messiness.

It had a sink, refrigerator and a gas stove. I actually had to build Naruto a small stand for him to get up and reach the counter. Anko had commented it was quite adorable seeing the kid go on his toes trying to reach the mixing spoon.

I open the top cupboards, above the sink, and saw a couple bags of rice. ' Huh, from the market place.'

I had an interesting relationship with Konoha's market.


I walked down the street, Naruto in tow. We were looking for a restaurant, other than Ichiruka's, to eat. Naruto had an allowance, from the Hokage, to take care of himself. Apparently, it was money, from tax payers, used to help the orphans. Though, I had a sneaking suspicion that this money did not include a full apartment.

I was getting set up in my own apartment, just down the street from Naruto. Anko had shown me around town, taking me to some good places to hang out, but each of them shut their doors at the sight of Naruto ...Frustrating.

"Hey! Hey you!" I turned my head at the voice. It sounded familiar. I turned my head to look behind me, stopping as I did so. A man with a large pack and worn traveling clothes walked towards me, waving his hand. "Toki is that you?"

A name fluttered in my head. I smiled as I raised my hand in greeting. "Mako, What's up? I thought you would be trading in Hirado."

Mako shrugged. "We're expanding." We smiled at each other. "I never even got to thank you for helping us out in Iwa. Your connections really did help. Saved me a lot of time and even got me promoted." Mako continued on.

I waved him off. "No big deal. I had work in there anyways. Helping you out was just part of the deal."

I felt a tug at my waist. Oh Yeah. I turned slightly, placing my hand behind Naruto's back. The poor kid was a bit shy, like when he had met me. I pushed him forward with the best smile I could plaster on my face. "This is Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto. I'm taking care of him while I stay here."

Mako smiled and knelt down to Naruto's eye level. "Nice to meet you Naruto. I'm Mako, a trader from Hirado."

Naruto smiled. "Nice to meet you. Where is Hirado?" Naruto asked quickly.

I chuckle as I looked at Mako's dumbstruck face. He covered it up with a wider smile. "It's in Rice. One of the really really" Mako waved his hands for emphasis. "Big cities. People come there to trade goods."

"Ohhh" Naruto nodded in understanding.

"We're heading towards the market. Wanna join us?" I asked.

Mako smiled. "Sure. Seeing a friendly face here is nice."

I chuckled. I had met Mako on my Journey to Iwa. Traveling the well traveled routes meant meeting traders. Mako was one of the top traders in Hirado, part of the Koun. Koun was one of the premiere trading corporations, outside of Konoha, owned by the Rice's Daimyo.

We all walked side by side towards the market. Discussing Mako's business along the way.

"So, you're setting up business here. Long term?" I asked. If Mako was here, that meant Koun was making some serious moves into Konoha.

He nodded. "Yeah, Apparently there's been some" He paused, thinking of what words to use. "pressure to get some of Konoha's market. Apparently its between the Daimyo and the other villages."

Villages. Plural. The Great Five nations were outliers in terms of the relationship between Daimyo and villages. Because Konoha was considered a Shinobi capitol, all relationships would go from the Daimyo to Konoha. The other nations however, dealt with multiple villages all at once.

"So they sent you. Must be a big deal." I commented. It had to be, nothing less would buy into the market.

Mako chuckled nervously, his face betrayed his weariness. "That's actually a problem. Investment for this deal is light. Very light. I don't even know if I can even start as a minor player in Konoha. We've got a couple others going to the surrounding vassal villages, but they can do more money over there than I can in here."

I winced. "Sucks. Any options."

Mako shrugged. "Partnership. Investors. The like. I've done it before but that was when I was under my mentor, like five years ago."

"Hey we don't want your kind here. Get out of here." An angry voice yelled at us. It was slightly tubby man, with gray hair. He was holding a butcher's knife, selling meat out on his stand. He wasn't looking at us though, he was looking at Naruto.

A cool trickle of anger made its way down to my stomach, like a water droplet priding down the side of a glass. It ignited a flame, and I squared my shoulders and gripped my fists. I moved forward slightly, putting my right side in front of Naruto. "Is there a problem?"

The man turned to me. "Don't bring him here. He'll ruin the groceries! Get him out of here or I'll wring the brat's neck" He growled. People were now staring. Some of them turned and walked away. Others continued to stare and murmur.

There was a hum in me. As if the man's words had taken away the scabbard from a sword. I stared at the man, focusing on the man's face. Burning it into my mind. This man had just threatened Naruto. Make him pay. Something screamed in me.

"And who are you to say that." Mako stepped forward, standing beside me. I let out a breath that I did not know I had been holding in. I unclenched my fists and winced slightly. I had been gripping so tight that I had almost pierced my skin. I shook my head and sighed. I looked behind me to make sure Naruto was still there. He was, hiding behind me, head pressed against my back.

Mako continued pressing the butcher. "This is a market place correct? You have no business saying who can be here and not. You have the right to deny food to someone but only the basis of misconduct."

I blinked. Oh that's right, Mako the Trading expert probably had researched Konoha's Market guild before even coming here.

"I-" The butcher started.

But Mako wasn't finished. "If you are denying the selling of goods, I would like to speak to the Market's Guild. I would like to make a formal complaint about the treatment of this shop's customer. What is your name?"

The man was now wide eyed and in shock. His knife clunked on the cutting board with a dull thud. He was gaping in shock. I smiled.

"N-never mind." The butcher murmured. Shying away from Mako.

Mako smirked and looked towards me. "They usually like this?"

I felt a punch to the gut. I placed my hand on Naruto's head. He had hid behind me, burying his face into my jacket. "To him at least."

Mako glared at the butcher, who was now packing up his things, probably done for the day. He turned back to me. "If I set up shop here. I'll sell him food. Hell, I'll give him food for free."

'What' I blinked at his generosity. I thought for a moment. If Naruto got food from Mako, I could be assured he wouldn't go hungry. Or be endangered by 'other things'. I nodded slowly. 'I need to repay him... oh, I'm an idiot. Of course, Pay him.'

"Thanks Mako." I replied. "Say.." I started off slowly. "How much do you need to be a player in this guild?"

Mako shrugged. "Three million Ryo at least. Enough to buy shop, access to a route, and other things. I've only got a million so far."

I smiled at him. "How about I put in an investment to fill up the rest."

Mako stared at me for a moment. He looked at me carefully, trying to figure out what I was doing.

"Let's talk business then." He finally said after a few moments.

I nod. But I felt another tug at my jacket. "Well let's get lunch first." I ruffled Naruto's hair. He smiled back at me. "And then business."

We turned to walk away. But, I looked back at the butcher, who was leaving head down.

This wasn't over.


I had become a primary investor in Mako's branch company, The Tourou. They had started to make some headway into the market. I would come into the meetings, sometimes, and put forth some ideas. It as one of my responsibilities as an investor.

Mako and his associates would keep me updated from time to time. But it was usually Mako, who came over to have lunch. I had helped him out in Iwa, giving him access to the Village. The Tsuchikage owed me that much at least.

At the lunches, we talked about the business, how things were going, but I also slipped in a few questions about the villages. It wouldn't hurt to be on the look out for snakes.

Also, I had decided to use my influence with the market for pay back.

I shifted the bags over to the right, and started placing small boxes of cereal, spaghetti, flour and other essentials into the cupboard. "Did Anko swing by?" I asked. She said she was going to before her mission.

"Yeah, nee-chan said she was going on a super secret mission." Naruto cried in excitement. He was rummaging through the bottom cabinet to get the tea maker.

"She came by while you were at the Market place."

'Market place' I repeated in my head. Yeah, I had been going in there a lot now, integrating myself with the system.

Setting it up on the floor, next to the sink Naruto jumped up and grabbed tea leaves that were on the top of the refrigerator. I blinked in surprise. "Whoa." I whispered. "Anko teach you that?"

"Huh?" Naruto asked.

"The jump" I nodded towards the Bag of Tea leaves in his hand.

"OH!" Naruto smiled and waved his hands excitedly. "Nee-chan showed me how to reinforce my body with chakra. And told me how to jump higher and run faster. Nee-chan helped me get it down" Turning back towards the Tea pot, Naruto placed the a small handful of the tea leaves into the strainer and took the pot to get water.

'She taught him huh' I looked back to the box on the counter. 'I'm not allowed but I guess she is. Or she just doesn't care.' Naruto was not in the academy just yet. Actually he would be starting in about 2 months. It was really something to watch this kid grow up, knowing that he would become a hero. Toki had only known the kid for about 8 months but the small ball of energy had grown on him. 'Still I wish I could teach him something of my art.'


I waited in my seat, a bit nervous. Anko had to sit outside, but Jiraiya had ignored his sensei's order to stay outside as well. But it seemed, that the Hokage did not mind.

"You want to take in Naruto?" The voice was neutral, but I knew what was hidden behind it. I felt it, the feeling of a blade at my throat. One wrong move and...

"Yes." I said quietly, staring into the Hokage's eyes. The man's eyes looked old, weary, tired, but powerful. The man was contemplating my words, my actions, trying to see my reasons.

He'd have a hard time, because I really am not that complex. Naruto, savior of so many people, a hero to this country, who wouldn't want to help him. no. It was more complicated than that. I was going against every rule, logic and restrictions I had set for myself.

I was throwing everything off balance, taking the plot and throwing it into a fire. Would the plot even come true? Would my choices be meaningless? Would I just die here and now, be forgotten?

I didn't care.

In my life, my old life, I had learned that going forward, didn't mean going straight. It meant moving past where you had just been. If I kept questioning my decision, become overwhelmed by consequence, how could I accomplish anything? And not just live a good life, but help this world.

That chance. That chance to make a difference. I wanted it.

So I kept staring it the Hokage's eyes. My thoughts kept swirling around in my head, like whirlpool.

"You have no ill will towards him? You will not take him away from Konoha?" He asked.

I nodded. "I desire for his well being in Konoha. I will do everything to do so."

The Hokage puffed on his pipe. "I will assign you a guard to ensure you are not lying. This is for your protection and his own."

I said nothing, keeping my face impassive. This was to be expected, I didn't mind.

"I will not allow you to adopt Naruto, You can look after him but, never speak of adoption or the like."

I swallowed. I had not even considered the possibility. Man, I really didn't think this through. Though it didn't help that, Jiraiya, I glared at him slightly, didn't give me time to think.

"While I approve of you helping Naruto. I will not allow you to teach him anything about sealing, anything about the shinobi arts, or any information that gennin should not know." The Hokage looked at me. While not hostile, I could feel the overall message. Don't even think about messing with the kid.

"Of course Hokage-sama."

The elderly man regarded me for a while, probably trying to dissect me. I held firm though, but I really needed to go use the bathroom for some reason.


I shook my head from the thoughts and got to work with taking out pots. "We're making Potato soup today?"

"Potato soup?" Naruto asked, disappointed. "but you said you would show me how to make p-" Naruto struggled with the word. "Pizoh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Pizza. And no. Last time, I had Anko with me." Anko made the stone oven with Chakra. Those two were the only ones that every tried it and they swear by The Hokage's pipe it was one of the best things they ever tried.

Naruto pouted and huffed away to get more water for the pots.

"Fill the pots, turn on the stove, and start cutting the potatoes." I called after him, setting the said potatoes next to the oven, and a knife. I walked over to the Tea pot and poured a cup for myself. I paused, looking at the cup and shook my head. I poured out another cup and set it to the side. I tapped the cup and then proceeded to put away the tea pot. When I looked back, I saw that the cup, that I had set aside, was now empty. I snorted in amusement. Did the shinobi really had to drink it all in one go?

I turned back to Naruto, who was already cutting the potatoes. "Ne. Ne." Naruto started, eyes still focused on the potatoes. He curled his left hand and used his knuckles to guide the knife like I showed him.

"Hmm?" I start to wash my hand in preparation to start helping.

"I'm going to start academy soon." Naruto quickly said. Brimming with energy, I could see the boy ready to jump for joy.

"Yeah. I know." Still waiting for what Naruto wanted to say.

"I was um." Naruto paused for a bit. His smiling face seemed to dim, as if someone was lowering the intensity of a light bulb. Naruto looked up, after a moment, with a small, hopeful grin. "I was wondering if you could teach me."

'What?' My heart quickened a fraction. Naruto didn't know, or at least I didn't think he knew, that I was a Seals master. "What do you mean?" I asked carefully, keeping my voice in check.

Naruto stopped his cutting and scratched the back of his neck, something I noticed he did when he was nervous. "Well, Nee-chan said you were a really good with Seals. She said you helped her out of a tight spot. She also said Seals are helpful to nin and I was thinking you could-" Naruto could himself off as he stared at his hands, waiting for my answer.

I sigh, slowly. 'Why me. Who did I royally piss off in my previous life to deserve this.'

"Well."

Naruto jolted from his position and looked, eyes glimmering.

I placed my hands on my hips, and looked at the Jinchuuriki carefully. I couldn't teach him. No gray area there, the Hokage said no. But...

"I'll give you some basic scrolls on sealing. Generic stuff. Nothing too big but you're going to have to learn on your own. You can come to me if you have any questions but I won't teach you anything big till I know you're dedicated." I spoke carefully. Naruto didn't need to hear all this but the Shinobi, who was probably getting ready knock me out and take me to the Hokage or prison or something, did.

"Or, I could introduce you to a Shinobi who knows both seals and really awesome ninjutsu." I continued on. Hoping Naruto would take the bait. The less I was involved with Shinobi business the better.

"Really? Who who?" Naruto asked, waving the knife in his hand around.

I didn't respond. Instead giving a pointed look at the knife in the blonde's hands. The boy gave a sheepish look and put knife down. "Seriously, Toki-san. Who?"

I tapped my lips. "Remember that old guy? The one that looked funny?"

Naruto blinked and crossed his arms, closing his eyes. 'A little thinking pose eh' I smirked at the kid, frowning in concentration.

In a flash, eyes popped open and a gaping mouth appeared. "That old guy?! He didn't look that cool."

I gave a hearty laugh at the insult. Naruto's meeting of Jiraiya was short and abrupt. Anko and I were hanging out at Naruto's place. Anko had just finished a mission and dragged me to see the brat.

"So, I took to hiding in the cart cause I needed to protect the goods." Anko was recounting her mission to us. There was no need for secrecy because this was only a B-rank mission, or at least that's what Anko told us. Honestly, I thought she just wanted to impress Naruto. The kid hung on to her every word.

"And then, we heard a loud voice." Anko straightened her back and huffed out, imitating a gruff man. "Hand over the goods. We're-" Anko made a gurgling sound as she smiled.

"Taichou took him out easily. So the rest of the bandits, I think there were five of them, started running at us. Since there were only 3 of us, Taichou and Coughs went to protect the civilians. While I stayed with the goods. One of the idiots tried grabbing the boxes. But I sta-, knocked him out easily." Anko crowed in pride. I gave a smile as she recounted her take downs of the rest of the bandits. She didn't want Naruto to know about killing just yet.

"Trying to get the brat star eyed eh, Anko-chan." Anko and I jolted at the sound of the noise. I had shifted my body towards Naruto and placed my left hand towards my emergency seals. Just because I wasn't a Shinobi, didn't mean I had ways of fighting them. Anko had stood up slightly but stopped.

The white haired shinobi smirked, in amusement, at our moments. I sat back, sagging a bit, cursing at Jiraiya. 'Damn ninjas.' From Anko's glaring, it seemed that she didn't notice his presence either.

"Eh. Who is this Anko-nee?" Naruto asked, trying to look around Anko, who had moved to stand in front of him.

I saw a flicker of eyes and hidden motions pass between the two. Anko stepped back and just gave a smile, a fake one judging by the tense fingers. "Just an old guy. Probably here to talk to me. I'll be right back."

Anko nodded to me and walked out. Jiraiya followed suit.

I didn't know what they talked about but frankly, I didn't care. At least, I thought I didn't. Anko told me that some clouds were moving about. I didn't mind. Shinobi could fight Shinobi for all I care, but if Kumo was truly going to do something.

"Ne. What next?" Naruto asked, looking at the cut potatoes. I shook my head form the thoughts and moved to help the kid.


The air felt nice on my skin as I waited outside. I stood in front of a large, old building. It had large Red Oak doors, with gold linings. Large glass windows on either sides and three floors. On the top of the door was a sign, "Konoha's Market guild." Traffic, today at least, was light. These days were reserved for meetings between the Market Leaders. I had a couple papers, prepared well ahead of time, in hand.

"You ready?" Mako walked up next to me. He, like me, was dressed in formal wear. His Kimono was made out of fine silk, with the Koun's crest on the side of his Haori. I was wearing a Gray and white Kimono with no crests.

I nodded, not looking at him, I kept staring at the door in front of me. I didn't know whether this was right. Or even just. But, I did know, ever since that day, I wanted this to happen. "Yeah, this has been a long time coming."

I walked forward, taking a deep breath.

"I can do this on my own you know." He said. I shook my head.

"No, this is my decision, my plan. And my pay back." I looked over at Mako.

We walked past the large doors and towards the end of a long hallway. The hallway was littered with doors, paintings, fancy vases, and other miscellaneous things. Things I recognized from my travels, trinkets from across the continent. The doors were offices for the guild members in the market. Used to house information and such. I spent quite a few hours here, taking down names, adding them to a list. A very strict list.

When I had entered Naruto's life, Anko's life. I saw something that...

Made my blood boil. I was never one to get angry, not back then. Now was different. But seeing them glare at Naruto, seeing them jeer at him quietly, and Naruto take it all. To see them stare at Anko with fear, with disgust, and for her to hide her feelings.

It made me want to put the biggest explosion tag I could, and start going to town.

But I couldn't. I wouldn't. I had to do things differently. Even if that meant, getting my hands into the mud.

I continued to walk down the hallway, still a step behind Mako. We entered through the doors at the end and into a council chamber. It was a circular chair, with many seats for the members. Mako led us to the far right. He sat down at the chair at the table. I sat down behind him. I could not sit at the table because I was not an investor, but that was fine with me. My seat was not in any direct light, so it was a bit harder to see my face.

My stomach was a mix of emotions. Should I do this? Then I remembered. Naruto's look of fear, him hiding behind me. Never again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, steeling my nerves.

The many members of the guild, including the leader of the Konoha's Guild, filtered in. They all took their seats and started to talk business, there was no dilly dallying. They talked about the rising prices of certain products, rice imported from Rice country. Mako talked about an unexpected drought, and asked for some leniency. There was, obviously, no drought in Rice. It was merely a power play Mako used to rack up the prices.

"Moving on" The leader of the Guild, Ichimaru, spoke quietly. The guild was finishing up price checking and negotiations. "We have been receiving complaints from customers on a Stand. Bring him in."

A slightly tubby man, with gray hair, walked in. His eyes were filled with fear, anxiety, nothing like when I had first seen him. This man, Kenta, was the butcher had yelled at Naruto. I felt my blood quicken and fists tighten. Oh yes, this would be good.

"Butcher Kenta." Ichimaru called out. "I have received a number of complaints that your behavior and products are both … distasteful and sub par. Something we do not tolerate at Konoha."

The butcher hands were clasped, shaking slightly. "I-I only sold the meat I was given. Making sure the cut was good. I-"

"Denied certain people goods. As well as harass customers. Multiple customers. Many woman of Konoha have actually filed sexual harassment complaints. Three times the Uchiha police have had to come to the guild and try and sort this out." Mako cut him off.

"It wasn't-. I wasn't-" He pleaded desperately. He looked at the guild members in a frantic search. "I never received any complaints. They are fake."

"Really?" Fusa, a long time member of the guild, cracked through the man's stuttering. She glared at him in fury. I could hear her fan being crushed between her hands. "And do you think the Uchiha police would make such a mistake. That they would come to us with such a trivial matter. No. They wanted to save us the embarrassment of having one of our members arrested." She growled out.

I watched as Kenta shrunk in fear. A small drip of satisfaction poured in my stomach.

"This is over." Ichimaru finished. "Get out of the guild. Better yet. Get out of Konoha. We will insure that no one will keep you here."

I leaned forward quietly and grinned. I saw Kenta go wide eyed, mouth open in shock. He turned slowly, shaking, walking out slowly.

"Good riddance." I whispered under my breath. I stared at the retreating, whimpering man. Yes, Pay back was indeed satisfying.

"That will adjourn the meeting." Ichimaru stood up. He paused and looked towards Mako. "Mako-san. Please stay."

Mako nodded and we both stayed. The people filtered out, and I waited in my seat, not standing, not looking at Ichimaru. It was impolite for a simple investor to say anything.

I watched as Ichimaru moved to talk to us finally, his face inscrutable to most. But I could see the wariness in his step, as well as the respect.

"I must say." He began, standing next to us. His look was knowing. "Well done. I have not seen an outing like that in a while. I am surprised you got the Police involved in this. They normally do not take bribery. Their pride stops them." he said sarcastically. He looked between me and Mako.

I tried not to show emotion on my face. And I looked over to Mako, and his face might as well have been stone.

The guild leader shrugged. "Either way. Many will respect your power now. Outside of the guild. With this power, comes influence. I suggest you point your Kunai in the right direction."

He smiled at the both of us and turned to leave.

I don't know what compelled me, but I just felt the need to say something. "It wasn't the police."

Ichimaru stopped and turned. "Oh?"

I stood and looked him in the eye. I gave a small, polite smile. "Finding four woman who are willing to complain for you. Is much easier than finding an Uchiha police officer who will lie for you. Besides. They wanted him out anyways."

He chuckled and returned my smile. "I am sure a couple Ryo helped."

I returned the laugh. "More like a trip to a hot spring." I nodded and turned to walk away. Mako followed behind me.

And there it was. I had just destroyed a man's life. For pay back. Because I wanted to.

When we exited the building and were a good distance away, Mako stopped me. "You've changed." He said. His face was not hostile, not even disappointed. Rather he looked at me as if I was a new person.

When I first met him, I wouldn't have gone after that man. Gone for revenge. A few years ago, I wouldn't be in Konoha, trying to make Naruto's life a better place. A few month's ago, I was wandering without a destination in mind. Now, I'm living here and trying to make something out of it. I shrugged.

"I know." I turned and continued walking.


I sat down at my kitchen table, clutching a cup of tea in my hand. Kenta had left Konoha.

'It's finished'. I pressed my hand against my forearm. Pushing chakra under the skin to pull out an item from my storage seal. I felt a smoke brush my hand, residue from chakra expenditure, and a leather notebook press in my hand. I placed it on the table and opened it.

In it were several names, a long list of names I wanted to take care off. Jiraiya had helped me compile it. The 'women' were actually his associates in Konoha. Information gatherers. They had agreed to help for access to some of the files on Hot Spring's shipments. It was child's play to let them into the building. I simply left a window open at a certain time, they went in and did the rest.

I crossed out the name Kenta with a brush. Blowing on it to let it dry faster, I set the brush down and stared at the ink drying.

I had ruined a man's life. Ruthlessly. He would never live in Konoha ever again. Packed his things, leave his life. Just like that. For yelling at Naruto. I chuckled to myself, though it made my stomach curl, as if something was twisting it. 'Maybe I overreacted.' But, I still remember the words. Still remember the yelling. And, I can't help but feel … satisfied.

A tingle on my neck informed me of someone's presence at my door. I closed the book and placed it into my seal storage. I walked towards the door, as the person was knocking. I opened and smiled.

"Hey Anko. Didn't think you'd be back till Tomorrow?" She had been gone on a border patrol mission.

Anko shrugged, brushing her red scarf to the side. She wore it to hide the now, missing curse seal. "Apparently, relief came early. Double timed it home."

I was about to move aside to let her in, but she waved her hand forward. "Come on, let's grab Naruto. Promised the brat that I'd take him out to Ramen when I got back."

"Sure" I replied, closing the door behind me.

She stared at me strangely for a moment, before shrugging. We walked in silence down the steps towards the main street. "What's up?" She asked quietly, she moved closer to me so that she could keep her voice low.

I didn't look at her. I still kept seeing images. A man sneering. A man quivering in despair. My fists gripped tight. The anger. The satisfaction. What was I doing? "Nothing much." I mumbled. "Made some investments. Hung out with Naruto." I paused, sighing. "Ruined a man's life."

Anko step seemed to falter but she quickly recovered. "that bad?"

I gave another shrug. "He deserved it. "

"Then why feel bad. If a bastard's got it coming, why?" Anko smacked me on the back, and a I winced at the force. She continued on. "Don't act all emo. You made a decision. Stick by it."

I gave her a weak smile. "Eh. We'll see."


"Ne. Os-san. Give us Three of the Best Miso Ramen you got." I called out to the chef. The man nodded, a smile coming to his face, without even turning to face us. My little blonde friend jumped onto the seat with glee watched the chef work. I could almost see his mouth salivating in anticipation. I settle into my seat next to him, Anko sat on the other side. Leaning on the counter, I rested my head on my hand, smelling the Ramen.

"Water for everyone? Or would you like Sake tonight, Anko-san." Ayame asked politely.

We had come here so often, that we had become regulars

"Waters all around." I answered. Anko didn't object, so I guess it was fine. 'The only place i was a regular at, was back in Lightning country. Back with...'

"Hey, Baka. are you going to eat that?"

Glared at the person next to me. Swiftly taking the Tuna Maki roll and stuffing it into my mouth. My blonde companion gave a small huff and looked away.

"Now. Now you two. Don't be like that. There's plenty here for you and her." The Sushi chef chided.

"Here you are." Teuchi put in front of us three steaming bowls. "Thanks. And Thank you for the Food." I clasped my hand together. I would always look back at, especially when eating, how different my lives were. Back then, I would thank my cook after the meal, but here it was before. It was one of the small but noticeably different aspects of my new life.

It would always bring me back to, what am I doing here? Not here in Konoha? Not here in the Fire country? But here in this world? Was the dreams a figment of my imagination? Or was it truly a reincarnation or something like that?

And beyond that. What am I here to do? Help everyone I meet? Do what ever I want? Be the good Samaritan? Be the hidden puppeteer? Was staying away from the Branch seal really the right thing to do? I rubbed my face in frustration. I never knew what the right thing was. All I know is what I wanted and I followed it.

Kenta lost everything. You made it that way. Why? Because he yelled at Naruto? I gripped my chopsticks a little bit tighter. And you try and justify that? Someone's life?! But this was Naruto! I am not a saint. I am not a hero. But Naruto looks up to you! What would he think if he saw you destroying someone's life!

I was jolted out of my thoughts when a new customer came in. "One Pork Ramen. Teuchi." A tired voice came out.

Teuchi looked behind me and gave a smile. "Iruka-san. I haven't seen you in ages. Come, sit down. How have you been."

I schooled my features by simply digging into my bowl more. One of the things, I learned during my travels is how to control myself in different situations, and this was definitely an awkward one.

The brown haired, scared man sat down next to me, but continued to look at Teuchi. "I've been assigned to teach at the Academy. Gonna be rough, since it's my first time doing anything like this."

Teuchi nodded. "Ah, But I'm Sure you'll do fine."

At this point, to my surprise, Anko cut in. "What year are you teaching?"

Iruka looked over at Anko. "New beginner years. Hokage-sama wanted me to start off easy."

Anko blinked, and then gave a small smile. "Well. Here's one of your students then." She said in Jovial voice. Patting Naruto on the head. Naruto flushed in embarrassment, trying to hide behind me. I rolled my eyes and nudged Naruto out.

I looked over to Iruka and sighed. "The name's Toki." 'Wow, seems like I'm just handing out my name to everyone these days. but it is Iruka' I thumb, towards Anko and placed a hand on Naruto's head. "This is Naruto and over there's Anko."

I saw something flicker in Iruka's eyes but I bit down on the reaction to push Naruto back, away from Iruka. Iruka was a positive influence on Naruto, I had faith, in my visions, dreams, mad ravings.

I pushed Naruto forward and looked up at me, with wide eyes. He looked like a deer crossed in headlights, mouth slightly open lost for words. It was honestly quite amusing.

"Close your mouth before you get bugs in them. And introduce yourself."

Blushing once more, Naruto snapped his mouth closed and bowed towards Iruka. "I am Uzumaki Naruto. Nice to meet you Sensei." Naruto paused for a bit and then added quickly. "I'll work really hard, Pay attention in class. You can count on it Sensei."

I watched Iruka's reaction carefully. The man seemed a bit shocked at Naruto's introduction. But I saw something flicker in the man's eyes as if coming to several realizations at once. His shocked face turned into a small smirk. "I'm not your sensei just yet. But it's nice to meet you Naruto-kun."

Naruto gave a wise smile, so much his eyes turned into small slits. I looked over to Anko, who gave a small wink to me. I turned back to my food and listened to the future Teacher and Student talk to each other.


"Good." I spoke carefully, reading over the writings. "Now watch your lines right here. Your Katankana is all wrong here."

"Right. Okay." Naruto said, a bit frustrated at having to redo it.

I ruffled his hair slightly. "Don't worry" trying to comfort him. "You're doing fine. Once you get these down. You'll start to have the basics of sealing. Remember if you cannot read it, the chakra will not understand your intentions. Seals, both Written and Hand, are ways to give chakra shape. Chakra is-"

"A water that you must direct. It flows through you. You are the direction, it is the energy." Naruto interrupted me, with a small grunt.

I gave a small chuckle. I had told him many times. He had started on the very bare bones basics of theory sealing, writing. The Symbols were important yes, but all Sealing, no matter what country, came down to writing clearly and legibly. One's intentions developed the seal. And the school of sealing defined how you wrote it.

The Schools of sealing are the styles or the different architecture of sealing structure. Some schools of Sealing are older than others but all of them could trace their origins back to Kibo. The first sealing arts created by the Sage of the Six Paths. There were very few users of Kibo, I could actually count the number of users on one hand. It was archaic and overly complicated. Overtime people started to optimize and change the script, change the usage of seals.

And when people started branching out to their own scripts, they started to develop schools of thought. For example, Kumo used a Number based System where the Fuin was based on Odds and Evens. It stressed balance and was probably the easiest to apply. It was one of the reasons why the Jinchuuriki, in Kumo, could be older than most. But with every school of thought, there is always flaws. The Kumo's system of sealing, Heiko, was easily disrupted. When I was studying Heiko in the Thunder Monastary, during my years as a child, I had actually grown up with a Jinchuuriki. To prove my proficiency and get permission to leave the temple, I had actually fixed the Seal on the Jinchuuriki to make it more balanced.

Right now, I was having Naruto learn a basic energy language, Nenryo.

'I'll have to ask Jiraiya soon' I thought to myself. Watching Naruto starting over his work. 'He'll need to take over teaching because I can't provide Naruto with anything real.'

"Ne. Toki-san. I gotta question." Naruto asked, looking up from his workplace. I looked over to him, raising an eyebrow.

"When we go out, no one knows your an awesome person. Why?" Naruto asked quizzically. 'Me an awesome person? Hah.

I gave a small smile. "What do you mean? People know I'm an Author."

Naruto shook his head furiously. "No. No. I mean that you're an awesome Sealer and stuff." 'Sealer. That's new.'

I tapped my lips in thought on how to approach the question. "It's because I want people to underestimate me." I replied, with the best and most honest answer i could think off.

"Underestimate? Like think you're bad? But why?" Naruto was now really confused. He had put down the brush and was looking at me with an adorable pout.

I gave a small chuckle. "If people underestimate you, they won't know you have super, awesome techniques right? That means that if you fight, you can use those super, awesome techniques cause they're secret. And everyone will go WOW" I gave a surprised look and waved my arms in added affect.

Naruto crossed his arms and did what I called 'Sat on it'. Which was pout, put his head down, cross his arms, and think. It was really funny how he just froze to just think about it. After a minute, Naruto looked up with a grin. "I think I get it Toki-san."

I nod. And didn't think anything else about it.


Once again. I stood in front of Naruto's door, but this time not alone. "You wanna open it or me?" I asked my companion.

Anko scoffed as she moved forward and opened the door, loudly. "Brat. Get your ass up. Or I'll introduce you to my new Fire Jutsu."

"I'm up. I'm up already." Naruto called out. Indeed he was up, dressed up in a white T-shirt and orange shorts. Naruto scratched the back of his head in annoyance. "you're too loud Nee-chan. I was up getting my bento ready." The blonde, held up a small bag with a black box inside it. Anko smirked and moved quickly to Naruto's side. She head-locked him and gave him a noogie. "Aww. Aren't you all grown up. Making your own bento. Come on kid." She finished, releasing him from the torture.

The purple haired Kunoichi walked passed me, Naruto following quickly behind. I closed the door and followed them. We strolled quietly down the street. Shops were opening up quickly, Konoha coming alive all around us. Naruto was humming a tune, as he happily walked, almost skipped, alongside us.

As we continued walking towards our destination, we saw more people, more families, join us in our path. I didn't notice any of the clan heads, but I did notice some clan people. The Uchiha's. Some Inuzaku's. The Hyuuga.

Here I was living a joyous life in Konoha. Nothing could be wrong, because I had my friends here.

You damn hypocrite. The burning thought hit me in the head.

I ignored it in favor of smiling at Naruto. Who was getting more nervous with every step we took. "You'll be fine kid."

Naruto nodded, but it seemed he really didn't hear me. I looked over to Anko, who gave me a smirk. She bent down and pinched Naruto on the cheek.

"Yow" Naruto yelped as he glared at Anko. Anko gave him a shit eating grin and winked. "You'll be fine kid."

We were now at the Entry to Academy, where the Hokage was greeting all the families. He gave a nod to us but didn't do much more than that. I pushed Naruto forward and watched as he gave a hesitant steps towards the door. As he got there, he looked back, something shifted on his face as he looked towards me. He gave me one of his signature smile and turned and walked through the door.

I didn't know how to feel. I had changed Naruto. For sure. Left an impact. Didn't think twice about it. But. Why was I so conflicted with dealing with Kenta. And I came up with no answers.

"Come on." Anko nudged me with her shoulder. "I want to introduce you to someone."

I looked over to Anko, and raised an eye brow. 'I hope it's not Ibiki. "Who?"

Anko gave a smile, a softer one. "A new friend. I just made on a mission. Her Name's Kurenai. An upcoming Jounin like me."


This is it for now. Thanks for Reading. Now time For explanation:

First off, I made a time skip for about 8 months. I didn't want to go too far into the future because there are still some world building aspects I wanted to make happen. Anyways, I thought that different styles of sealing should be a thing because it is logical. If there are branches of Ninjutsu, the same should apply to Fuinjutus

Also, Toki is most proficient in Heiko because he grew up learning it, but that isn't the main thing he uses. More on that later.

Now the Big Plot point. Toki's involvement in the market. This is different from my original chapter about the Hyuugas. I wanted Toki to have a different conflict, a darker one. Because when I originally wrote out the story, I wanted to show how he was human. Then I realized, as I was continuing on, because I was forcing him to be human, I was making him passive, a non active character. A boring character who does not make 'decisions' until someone give it to him. This is just bad writing.

I wanted Toki to become more active and really go after the things he wants. Now this may clash with his original thought of just wandering. "But that is the point!" I want to emphasize that there are two 'people' clashing within Toki right now. One who is used to going after things, his past self, and the self now, who is used to just leaving things alone.

There will be some flashbacks to the 'past' of Toki and his journey, because they shape why he has some beef with the Shinobi system.

Also guys. To let everyone know ahead of time, I am shifting around the time line.

OK. To answer everyone's burning question: This is a repost because I needed to add to it. The new stuff did not fit in the new chapter at all because it did not fit the tone of the new chatper.

Now before anything else, I want to address a review for this chapter by Okiro Benihime. In the post, the reviewer made a point about when everything goes right for the good guys.I, as a writer, have to address this. The definition of a plot, in my terms, is a series of events to show meaning and is driven character's actions. I defined plot in my other story, The Long Journey, in greater detail but this is just a summary. To go deeper into plot, one must identify the idea of Peaks and Valley.

If one were to imagine a graph, that was going up and down like the stock market, that is the plot. Events are the points, the dots on the graph in the ever changing line. Like a 'string' of events. Now here is the snitch, why does it go up and down? Emotional Tone, Emotional Event, and Overall change. these are the three factors that control a scene or event. If something happens, it can be categorized as good or bad for the main character and overall a positive tone or a negative tone for the story. Like the Warm fuzzy feelings vs Angst.

Does anyone Remember the Law of Diminishing Return: Where the repeats allow less results than previous attempts. If EVERYTHING, and i Do mean everything Goes right for the hero. What is the point of reading. Lets say A monster appears. Since everything goes right for the hero. The monster trips on the floor, it claws seemingly detach. It impales itself miraculously. With the hero not having to lift a finger. And suddenly the monster's death causes the Hero to become so powerful anything else is a trifle.

That is what happens when everything goes right for the Hero. there is little point in having Challenge. In having Character, in having Depth. Just because, "It's going to be all good in the end." Doesn't meant that Everything should go right. That, frankly, would be boring. Also, One must remember. Humans Change as do Perspectives. Unless, I have it as Law Like: Toki cannot use Shinobi's Techniques, than it can be changed.

Well that's it for now. Please Review guys

Words:

Kōun- Good Fortune

Tourou- Lantern

Kibo- Wish

Heiko- Equilibrium

Nenryo- Fuel

Also this may be selfish: But if anyone can give an idea for a cover art for My Path That loops. That'll be great. It can be whatever you want :D. If you want any descriptions, I'll be happy to provide.

Please Review and Give me feedback Thanks