Author's Ramblings: Okay, among other things I've decided, is the fact that this timeline will take a lot longer to unfold than it did originally. So, the majority of the rookies are genin or chunin tops, and they still often operate in the same teams. Also a few skills (notably seals and summoning) are designated in this story as belonging to the monks, but given to ninja to use as they saw fit in a gift. I will not enter detailed discussion of this subject here, but that is the reasoning behind Naruto's use of said skills, even if shinobi use them.
Chapter 1 : Shadows of the Distant Past
Naruto turned around to now see the gaping face of one Umino Iruka, one of his few friends in Konoha before he left.
"Naruto?" he half whispered.
"Hello Iruka. It is good to see you again." Naruto responded with a somewhat guarded, but nonetheless real smile. "Come on in, have a seat. I was just about to speak of the last five years"
The older man could only gape at him. Really, there wasn't much he could say, except perhaps 'Hey Naruto, how are you? Where the fuck have you been these past five years and why the hell did you run off?'. Not exactly a conversation starter, that. So, he did as asked, taking a seat next to Ayame, and Teuchi, who had used the short break to flip the 'open' sign, signifying that the stand was closed for the day before he joined them.
Sitting at the opposite side of a table, and watching three people he practically considered family, all the while gently stroking his walking staff with his right hand, while his left remained conspicuously hidden by his cloak.
"Let's see..." Naruto began, eyes taking that far away look "I think it would be best if I started at the beginning. Some ten years ago, while recovering from the... consequences of pranking the ANBU, I was in the park. The one in the east of Konoha if I remember correctly. I was moping around, lamenting my loneliness, I suppose."
Naruto spoke, his left hand suddenly going for the bag he had put down next to him to pull out a small gourd, filled with water. Momentarily, they spotted the beads around his arm, though only Iruka understood their significance.
"While I was sitting down, feeling sorry for myself, a young man, no older than twenty in appearance approached me. I still remember thinking how funny he looked, dressed in orange robes, with three small red dots lined on his forehead. He sat down next to me, and kindly asked me what I was sad for, to which I responded something silly, denying it. Perhaps should have known better, as he obviously saw through it, and pressed on. In the end, I told him everything, that is, everything I knew back then. And he listened, and didn't leave, even when the glares from the passerby's focused on me. When I finished my tale, he spoke of his. He told me he was a monk at the Fire Temple, out on his pilgrimage. He spoke warmly of the temple, of some of it's teachings and beliefs, before he had to leave. I didn't really care much back then, content that I had someone to talk to, even if it was for a short time, and the conversation sank to the back of my head over time."
He paused, taking a chug out of the gourd to moisten his throat. Fresh spring water, with added herbs, left to meld for two weeks.
"Years passed, and my academy life was anything but good. I learned little, partly in thanks to the fact that a number of teachers ignored me, and party to the fact that I acted out, hoping to attract any attention. And so, I failed the first attempt to graduate, the early test. It was the first blow to my confidence, and perhaps when my dream of becoming Hokage slowly began to die. Next year, I failed again, and by then, nearly half of my generation were either ninja, or had given up on the academy, choosing to settle down as civilians. And then it came, the final sixth year, and my last chance to become a ninja. For the first time in those six years, I worked hard. I studied, I trained, I actually made up for all the slacking over the years... but thanks to a man with a grudge and lust for power, it wasn't enough. Mizuki, in order to have a scapegoat to cover for his escape with the Scroll of Forbidden Seals, sabotaged my exam, and caused me to fail, only to offer an alternative to the test. And so, later that night, I sneaked into the Hokage Tower, and stole the scroll. I still don't know how, or even why I managed to do so, I guess I had something to prove. Two hours later, I was sitting in a clearing, just outside of Konoha, while a number of ninja were after me. To my great pleasure, I had learned to perform one of the jutsu inside, just like Mizuki told me to, the Shadow Clone jutsu. I remember the elation at thinking that I was finally going to pass, that I was finally going to become a ninja, and that after so long, I was finally one step closer to my dream. Before it all came crashing down. Iruka no doubt told you what happened that night. I was broken by those events, irrevocably so. After he and Mizuki lost consciousness, I stood by long enough to make sure Iruka's wounds wouldn't kill him, left the scroll next to him, and then I fled.
Back then I wasn't sure where I was going, whether this was a permanent thing, or if I would return soon. I just ran, and ran, and ran, as far as my feet would take me, crying the entire time. I didn't notice the rain beginning to fall, nor the cold wind that was beginning to blow. Eventually, I stopped, taking shelter in a cave I came across, and realizing that I was completely and utterly lost. I also realized that the cave wasn't empty, as near the back, I noticed a figure, meditating. Not that I knew what that was at the time..." he trailed off, content to have brought a chuckle from Iruka, while he took another sip from the gourd, enjoying the strong taste of the herbal brew.
"As I approached, I realized it was the same monk I met four years earlier. Despite my first impulse to do so, I didn't disturb his meditations, and I sat down, next to the small fire he had going, warming my hands and feet a bit. After a few minutes, the monk opened his eyes, and greeted me, asking politely what was I doing outside the village during a storm such as this... and I told him everything, not thinking of the consequences. Not the smartest move on my account, I'll admit, but everything turned out well, so I won't complain. Eventually, he offered me three choices. He could take me back to the village, let me go wherever I wanted, and maybe offer an escort partway, or..." Naruto chuckled here, lightly, as good memories came back "He finally offered to take me to the Fire Temple. I didn't know it back then, but the man's name was Chiriku, the current leader of the Fire temple monastery, and he was actually closer to forty years, but due to a very healthy life not to mention constant exercise, he retained his youthful appearance." he explained, pointedly ignoring the slight twitch on Iruka's face.
"And so, certain that I had nothing to return to, I accepted his third offer, traveling with him towards the Fire Temple. The rest, as they say, is history. I was accepted there, even with full knowledge of what I held sealed within me, they didn't seem to care. In fact, some among them tended to make jokes on the subject. It was... different, to say the least. For the first time in my life I felt not only accepted, but also welcomed somewhere. That wasn't to say that their training and teaching methods weren't brutal, but that is a story for another time." Naruto finished, and silence once more reigned in the small ramen shop, as the others slowly absorbed the information.
Quietly, he got up, placing the gourd back into his bag.
"I look forward to talking again, say tomorrow? I need to go and meet the Hokage now, I'm afraid." he quietly explained, receiving nods from the three, to which he merely smiled as he walked out.
"To think, my little brother's all grown up" Ayame finally stated, a tear of pride welling up in her eyes, while a genuinely happy smile spread along her lips, a state which was mirrored by the other two.
Outside, smiling serenely, Naruto continued his march towards the Hokage tower, escorted by Hawk alone, as the others had broken, probably on his orders. He had spent some thirty minutes inside, the story taking long to tell due to the many breaks he made. But he was happy, apart from the people he was about to go and see, those three were the closest he had in his life.
So, content, he returned to his observations. Konoha had prospered, though the scares of the many battles were still visible. The streets were slowly growing empty, and it was quieting down, the end of the day fast approaching. Unlike civilian towns, shinobi villages operated along different timetables, meaning that most shops stayed open constantly as ninja activity didn't drop because of nightfall.
Hawk carefully observed his charge. He had seen a lot of things during his career, but the boy he was now escorting was probably in the top five. Of course he knew of the Kyuubi jinchuriki, who among the ANBU didn't? Both for who and what he was, and for the fact that the copies of his pranking runs from long ago were still used to train rookies in tactical thinking, without exposing them to lethal harm. And even if he wasn't present, he was aware of the youth's part in defending Konoha during the siege a year ago, not to mention convincing Tsunade Senju to return and take the mantle of Hokage. However, at the same time, the blond man frightened him to some extent.
Shinobi, through years of experience developed a number of additional senses that kept them alive through missions. Among such senses was the infamous 'angry woman/wife/girlfriend' sense, and the far less famous, but more important sense that allowed them to keep an image of the people around them. This worked on the simple principle that all people exuded chakra in minuscule amounts, and in the institution of intent. Now, the first was easy to understand, but it was the second that was truly important. One of the consequences of actively using chakra for generations was the fact that it became colored by emotions. Even civilians had it to some amount. The only ones you couldn't sense that way were newborn infants, veteran infiltration ninja, and more experienced monks. Now where do you think Naruto fit in? Add to that the fact that he had an entity of such power sealed within, and yet he showed no strain.
Hence, the scary part. Hawk actually had to look at him to keep track of where he was. His presence simply wasn't there, his footsteps were perfectly silent, his scent was nonexistent. And people wondered why no one attacked the sever great monasteries. It wasn't really that hard to understand. Unlike shinobi, the monks were perfectionists, and they could afford to dedicate a decade to training a single skill to and above the peak of human ability, and worryingly enough, they often tended to do just that.
His train of thought was interrupted by their timely arrival to the tower itself, now empty apart for the office on the top floor, and the many guards that patrolled it. The two of them strolled in, unopposed by them, and Hawk proceeded to escort Naruto to the top floor, only to leave him in front of the door.
"This is where we part ways Naruto-san. I wish you luck in your endeavors." Hawk politely, and formally saluted the man, before turning and walking away.
"And I to you as well Hawk-san." he spoke back, before knocking softly on the door.
"Enter." came the voice he immediately recognized as... Jiraya?
"Welcome." the perverted sage greeted, a megawatt grin on his face, while Tsunade herself, was asleep on the couch "Do you want to wake sleeping beauty or should I?"
And once more, Naruto could do nothing but laugh, and Jiraya joined him moments later, gesturing for him to take a seat in front of the desk, while he went to wake up Tsunade.
"Princess, he's here." Jiraya whispered, and the two of them were immediately treated to Tsunade jumping from the couch, and hugging the younger blond.
"Naruto!" came the shout that left ringing in his ears, even if he couldn't feel even a bit angry about it. He really didn't mind if Tsunade was going to be a bit more emotional, it was a vast improvement over her previous state. So, he endured the suffocating hug, and didn't glare at Jiraya who was laughing at him.
Soon after, they all took seats around the desk, with Jiraya and Tsunade drinking sake, and Naruto his herbal brew from his gourd.
"So tell me Naruto, what brings you back to Konoha? The pervert here," she stated, pointing at Jiraya, who merely huffed "mentioned something about a pilgrimage."
"It's my time Tsunade." Naruto replied, nodding seriously.
"I have finished the initiations over the past five years, and now it is the time for me to take my pilgrimage to the other monasteries."
Tsunade listened carefully, putting her hands beneath her chin.
"I see... and how long will that take?" she asked cautiously.
"That depends. Pilgrimages can take anywhere between a year, and one's entire life." Naruto responded, somewhat lost in thought "The purpose of the pilgrimage isn't to visit the monasteries themselves, but to increase a pilgrim's knowledge and understanding of both himself and the world around him or her. Some are content with their growth after a few months or years, while others decide to observe the world through constant travel. It's a personal decision left to every pilgrim. However, by tradition, and because of the inherent challenge in it, every pilgrim strives to visit the seven great monasteries at least once during his lifetime. From what I understand, Chiriku-sensei has done it at least a dozen times so far. But enough of that. How have the two of you been doing?"
Both smirked, and looked at each other before responding.
"Nicely." they said simultaneously, with a grin that told him they were hiding something, in a 'rub-it-in-your-face' way.
"Naruto, there is something we need to talk about" Jiraya stated, face turning a bit more serious.
"The Akatsuki again?" he responded, a slight hint of irritation present in his tone.
"This time, no. We kinda need a favor." Tsunade responded this time, slightly more sullen.
"What is it this time?" Naruto asked in a slightly annoyed voice. Both Jiraya and Tsunade let it pass, considering just what they stuck him with last time.
"Actually, there's a rookie team heading for a mission along the western border. You were heading for Wind country, correct?" Jiraya asked.
"Hmm. I am. And what do you wish me to do? Babysit them?" Naruto asked curiously.
"The daughter of a friend of mine is traveling towards the capitol of Wind country, which is along the southern coast. The ninja are supposed to act as an escort, though I'm not feeling too sure just sending her off like that with just one team, and none of the other teams are available right now."
"So, where do I come in?"
"That would depend on where in Wind country you were going." she explained.
"I'm heading for the capitol... I suppose I could escort her there, it wouldn't increase my traveling time by more than a few days."
"Good. You will be the second civilian client in the group. Here's the main subject." Tsunade stated, passing a small report to Naruto
"Wait a second... you're sending the Daimyo's daughter with a genin escort?"
"Chunin escort, and a jounin sensei to boot. Still, I would feel more comfortable if you were to help out."
I see. Alright, I'll help out. It should prove entertaining in the least. When do they depart?"
"In the morning. 10:00 sharp, to be exact, west gate. The team in question is team 10, under Sarutobi Asuma. I believe you know him?"
"Asuma? Yes, I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting the man during his stay in the Guard. Seemed decent, intelligent, if a bit hotheaded at times." Naruto sagely commented, his right hand stroking his chin. "Tomorrow morning you say? Just enough time to finish my other business here. Alright... but that means I can't stay to chat much longer. Oh, and I almost forgot.." Naruto trailed off, smiling.
"Chiriku-sensei sends his regards." he said, taking out a small package from his bag and passing it to Tsunade.
"Is this what I think it is...?"
"Of course. Our home brew, the finest plum sake in Fire country. Better even than that the Daimyo himself drinks!" he stated, proudly. And he had every right to be so, as for a hundred years, the monks had brewed a hundred bottles every year, each one of them different, until they perfected it some twenty years ago. Ever since, the so called Dragon Plum Sake was considered a connoisseur's delicacy. A gift from the head of the temple spoke much, considering that it was never sold, only gifted.
Accepting the package, they began talking about many things, from recent events, to the weather and even writing (in Jiraya's case). Time passed quickly, and soon enough, it was midnight, high time for Naruto to leave if he wanted to catch some sleep.
"Enjoy yourselves." he said, quietly sneaking out while Tsunade and Jiraya opened the first of the two bottles inside. Neither spotted it, but they didn't have to, they already knew it. Naruto was smiling as he walked out.
The first reason of his visit complete, Naruto turned to the second one. The village was blissfully void of obvious people. Certainly, there were shinobi, but they were as quiet as death, it was in their nature to be so. But one truly curious thing was that he could hear crickets and night birds. Normally, such sounds didn't exist within a well developed area, as the birds and insects fled outside, but Konoha was different in that aspect, apparently.
Still, his goal was a far quieter area of the village. Nestled along it's eastern wall, was the Memorial. While Konoha had another memorial stone, dedicated to those who were KIA (killed in action), over time, that stone was filled with too many names to count, and there was no more room. So, the previous authorities here erected a new monument to honor the fallen, hence the Memorial, a number of large black granite plates, with names carved in white on the surface.' Fitting for a shinobi' he quietly mused at the slightly ironic situation, though he truly wasn't in the mood for laughing.
Every name on the black slab belonged to a hero, to a man, woman or child even, who had given up their lives so that others could live. It was something to be respected, not spit upon. Gently tracing the carvings with his left hand, he searched for three names.
"Namikaze Kushina and Namikaze Minato." he softly intoned upon reaching the two names "Mother. Father." there was no anger, nor tears. While he was sad that he would never get to meet his parents, he couldn't truly miss them. There couldn't be an absence of presence, when there was no presence to begin with. Still, he felt the need, no, duty to life his life in a way that would make them proud. They had given their lives so that he, and everyone else would have a chance. He would honor that sacrifice.
The final name he looked for belonged to another precious person.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen." he gently traced the last name, and couldn't help but smile fondly at the memory of the man who had in truth done so much for him. Certainly, the decision to hide his lineage and the presence of the Kyuubi from him were far from the wisest he had made, but considering just how weakened Konoha was at that point... to be fair, he didn't have a right to complain. He had done all that was in his power.
"May your souls find peace in the next life." he quietly spoke, kneeling down to the small sand-covered area to light three sticks of incense, one for each. The sweet smell of burning sandalwood was soon felt against the scent of moist sand and stone, just as three thin plumes of smoke arose.
It was in truth a farewell, as he didn't know how long he would stay away. It could be merely a couple of weeks, or it could be years. But regardless, he had come to make his peace with this place. And he would do so.
"Can you perhaps see me from up there?" he wondered, the words leaving his mouth in a wistful tone. "What would you say if you could? Would you be proud of the person I became? Or ashamed that I had to flee to find myself?"
Slowly, but surely, the first drops of rain once more began falling.
"Even the heavens cry... it can't be that I was that bad." he said, softly smiling as he knelt to offer a prayer. A minute later, he stood up, slowly walking away a couple of steps.
"I don't know if you're watching, but I sure hope that you do. I have made my decision, and chosen my path. I will not stray from it." he whispered, looking at the skies above, his already wet hair falling down as it's increased weight pulled it. Letting out another chuckle, he lowered his face, and after making sure that the staff was held strongly by his right hand, walked off into the night.
Certainly, there was some place a monk could find to pass the night.
Author's Notes: And there we go. Short chapter, but meaningful I would say. Just so you know, there will be combat in the next chapter, well, it's likely at least, so you'll get a chance to see just what Naruto is capable off.
Here's one more detail that explains how monks progress. The first stage is the Initiate, these are generally children between the ages of seven and nine, taken in to be taught, or chosen as promising by the various fully fledged monks.
Second stage would be Apprentice, one who has passed the first initiation, and grown sufficiently to be trusted with some of the temple's secrets.
After a period of five years from becoming initiates, most apprentices take their second initiation, becoming Pilgrims. This stage is the tricky one, as many never decide to leave it, and it's mostly descriptive.
Above that, those who complete their pilgrimage become Monks, while those wit the deepest understanding, wisdom and knowledge, over decades, become the elders, among which a single man (or woman) is chosen as leader.
But enough for now. I don't want to reveal too much. I almost forgot, chapter size will slowly grow until a certain point.
Tell me what you think, regardless :D
