The Second Chapter of Three Pawns, giving a bit of a background for Dosu and a meeting with Sarutobi as well.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
It was cold... it was always cold.
He wasn't even sure what the name of the land he lived in was called, he was only 7 after all and his parent hadn't gotten around to explaining such matters to him before he lost them. Since he had no other family members he was aware of, he was left to his own devices. Barely able to get food, barely enough to get water, and barely enough to replace the bandages he needed to keep his face covered.
He blankly watched from his hidden position above, the two men walking with food in hand as they spoke to one another, talking of some person they had ripped off a few roads back. All that did was let him know they had some Ryo for him to get his hands on. He waited patiently in the tree, not moving a muscle till he was sure it was the right time to strike. His single eye searched both men, trying to locate what he could use from their persons... before he instantly locked onto the weapon lightly poking out from the one of his left's pouch.
Step by step they neared him... unaware he was there at all until the last moment. Effortlessly he dropped onto the left one, knocking him down onto the ground hard with his body weight. In a matter of seconds he had his hand on the weapon, recalling it was a Kunai... a ninja weapon. Before either man could fully comprehend what was going on, their reflexes and reaction to him being quite slow, he swung the blade, ripping it through the first man's throat... making sure to cut as deep as he could so the man never recovered.
The man gurgled out in agony as blood poured from his throat, eyes wide in terror as he held his neck... as if that would be enough to save his life. The other man was also in shock... but he now was aware enough to deal with the young boy who had murdered his partner.
With a roar he threw a punch at the boy, whom had not only just turned around to face him. The boy had seen the way the man moved, already having calculated the reach of the man as well as how long it took him to react to his own quickly movements. The boy ducked under the punch, pushing himself forward as quickly as he could before leaping up... stabbing the Kunai into the man's neck instead of cutting as he had the first.
This of course gave the now dying man the chance he needed to send a punch with his other arm into the boy's chest, knocking him back onto the ground as he moved to pull the Kunai out... which only killed him faster. The boy narrowed his only showing eye at the man as he tried to prolong his life, holding his hand over the single wound. Unlike the first one he might be able to hold on for a bit longer... but he didn't feel like waiting. He looked around... before noticing the large rock with a somewhat spiked point at one end. He picked it up, moved behind the currently freaking out man... before slamming the rock as hard as he could against the back of his head. Again and again and again he did so, even as the man lay bleeding on the ground and unmoving... he just had to be sure.
A few minutes of this and he stopped, his hands, clothing, and even the bandages on his face having blood coating them lightly, the splatter from the man's head having reached that far from the force of the blows. The boy stared... before dropping the rock as he simply began digging through the men's pouches and pockets.
A good haul of Ryo... enough for a few meals and a new roll of bandages. The boy also reclaimed the Kunai, figuring such a tool would be most helpful in the future as it had this time. After wiping the blade clean on the first dead man's clothes, the boy rose to his feet, making his way down the road to the nearest village so he could use his newly gained wealth.
The boy didn't get five steps before he felt it... the eyes of a predator on his back, eyes unlike those of the two men he had just murdered. He slowly turned around, his eye narrowed at whatever had snuck up behind him... only to find a man.
A man with the eyes of a Snake.
"That was very well executed boy, impressive for one so young and lacking in training", Orochimaru spoke with a sick grin on his lips, having enjoyed what he had seen", However boy... surely you tire of being forced to survive, gaining meager scraps at a time for your troubles... come with me and I can give you not only a home... but the power and skills needed to never suffer such as you have again", The Nuke-nin offered with a light laugh that sent shivers down the boys spine", Well... do you accept?".
777
"Hai", Dosu replied simply, staring back into the firm gaze of the Old man sitting in front of him.
The Special Jonin Ebisu, who it turned out was not a full Jonin as Dosu had assumed from his attire, had allowed both Dosu and Naruto to go gather Kin and Zaku before meeting with the Hokage. Both his teammates were currently being held in another room with ANBU guards, while he and Naruto had been sat before the Hokage to explain what had happened with Kabuto Yakushi. Dosu himself had just finished explaining his breaking away from Otogakure and Orochimaru with it... which had also meant explaining the mission they had been sent for in the first place.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sandaime of Konohagakure, stared firmly at the young Ex-Oto ninja sitting beside a boy he thought of as one of his own... a boy whose luck of course had gotten him involved in the battle between a Spy and a group of traitors to his wayward student. Of course, this WAS Naruto Uzumaki, the mere fact he was an Uzumaki explaining all it needed to in the matter. Still, Hiruzen found it strange to see the young blonde seeming so civil with the bandaged boy sitting beside him as he was quite certain Naruto would want nothing to do with a boy whom had worked under the man who was hunting Sasuke for his own sick purposes.
"Dosu was it?", Hiruzen asked lightly, the boy nodded in a manner Hiruzen wasn't used to seeing much in young children... though considering the boy had been working under Orochimaru he could better understand the boys worry", Putting aside the fact you were sent here to apparently assassinate a member of one of our Village's most prestigious clan's and have ties to an S-ranked traitor to our village... what reason do you have to believe that I'll be willing to listen to whatever deal you apparently can offer me?".
Before Dosu could speak up, Naruto was on his feet with a frown on his face", C'mon Jiji!" Naruto spoke loudly, Hiruzen resisting the urge to look surprised at Naruto's defensive outburst", He just said he's not working with that Pasty faced Orochi guy anymore! Plus he even saved me from Kabuto!" Naruto stated, arms now crossed defiantly over his chest.
Hiruzen kept his firm stare on Naruto... though out of the corner of his eyes he managed to catch the confused look in Dosu's eye that quickly vanished, The Hokage resisting the urge to smirk as it seemed Naruto was already having an effect on the Ex-Oto ninja. Still, it wasn't like he could just accept the three Ninja so lightly, this could just be a plan set up by Orochimaru to get the three closer to Naruto and in turn Sasuke as well. The problem though... was the fact such a plan would never be the kind Orochimaru would employ, Hiruzen knowing full well how the mind of his former student worked. While it could work... it was just so obvious and simple Orochimaru would never use it no matter HOW effective. The man was a genius and because of that he would only allow himself to you "Genius" plans that only one such as himself could come up with.
"I understand that Naruto and I'm very appreciative to the boy for saving you", Hiruzen said with a light smile, calming Naruto down a bit as Dosu actually blinked at the gratitude being sent his way, though he quickly covered it just as he had his confusion before. Could it be the boy wasn't used to being thanked?", The thing is as Hokage of this village, I can't listen to every attempt at bribery and offer a ninja from another village can make... more so do to Dosu here being a Nuke-Nin now that he's left his village".
Naruto narrowed his eyes in a slit like fashion as he frowned, thinking over the old man's words before sitting back down", Well, I still don't like it!", Naruto proclaimed loudly", All you have to do is listen to what Dosu's trying to tell you... and he IS here right NOW", Naruto continued, before smirking widely", Plus if you're talking with him, you have an excuse not to be doing paperwork!".
Hiruzen actually blinked in surprise at that last one... before laughing lightly in enjoyment, as he should have known Naruto would notice something like that. Dosu meanwhile was looking confused once more, THIS was the Hokage? The ninja whom had trained Orochimaru? Dosu had longed expected a cold hearted serious man who would be eager to kill off any enemy of his village without any remorse. Yet the old Hokage was nothing like he expected... though Dosu had long learned to scope out those whom might be his opponent's... and this old man was on Orochimaru's level, that much he was aware of. Why ELSE would he be Hokage, more so at his age?
"Well, you've got me there Naruto", Hiruzen admitted with a light smile, lacing his fingers together as he turned his attention to Dosu", Alright then, why don't you tell me what it is you have to offer me... though I'm guessing there will be terms for this information?".
"Hai", Dosu stated simply, ridding all emotions from his face as he knew he would have to tread carefully now, the old man might just be trying to get him to let his guard down... but he would NOT give up this chance for himself and his team", I have information on Orochimaru and my former village's plans-".
"If you mean his attack during the Chunnin Exam's, I'm aware", Hiruzen replied simply, keeping back the fact what they knew was little, only that Orochimaru was planning SOMETHING for the upcoming finals", That's not all is it?".
"WHAT!?", Naruto asked in shock, jumping up from his chair as he was ready to ask about it when Hiruzen sent him a firm look, Naruto knowing full then this was one of the times he would have to be silent. Naruto gritted his teeth, before sitting down as he turned to Dosu.
Dosu narrowed his eye lightly at the old man, unable to get a feel for the blank faced Hokage at all... and he had been able to at least figure out how Orochimaru was feeling from time to time",... I can also give you information on his top ranking Shinobi, their skills and how many of them there are", Dosu offered next, knowing full well that Orochimaru would have the Sound Four with them... though he was unsure if it would be the Sound Five this time around, as Kimimaro might have recovered enough from whatever ailment had struck him.
"Wow, really?", Naruto asked in surprise, realizing he didn't really know the strongest Ninja in his own village... though he knew the old man was at the top as he WAS Hokage... then Kakashi-sensei most likely. Naruto frowned as he recalled his sensei, before forcing the thoughts away as he forced himself to pay attention.
Hiruzen thought over the boy's offer... knowing Dosu was still holding something back, something the boy knew he would need to keep hidden to make sure Hiruzen agreed to his terms",... That would be something I would be interested in", Hiruzen admitted, deciding to make the boy relax a bit from his response", what else do you have?"
Dosu resisted the urge to sigh, glad he had a foot hold in the negotiations now before he replied", I have information on the tactics Orochimaru plans on using for the upcoming attack... also meaning his plans on dealing with yourself, Hokage-sama", Dosu continued, figuring he could vaguely offer the remaining bits of information he had, one of which not even Orochimaru was aware he knew of, all do the slip-up of one of his other pawns.
Hiruzen lightly smirked at the boys use of "Sama" for him, figuring Dosu was trying to butter him up a bit more", I see... now, what exactly do you want in return for all this information... when I could easily just call my ANBU in here now and have you interrogated for all your trying to bribe me with?", Hiruzen asked coldly, before chuckling a little darkly for added effect", The head of the Department also happens to be a Yamanaka... getting anything you REALLY try to hide should be a simple matter for him...".
"JIJI!", Naruto spoke loudly, unable to keep himself from being quiet any further, not at all happy at seeing the old man speaking in such a way", How can you go and threaten him like that when he's willing to-!"
"Naruto!", Hiruzen spoke loudly, slamming his fist onto his desk and effectively silencing Naruto, who looked shocked to see his "Jiji" speaking to him in such a way", As Hokage I am required to do WHATEVER it takes to protect my people and this entire village! Even if I must kill hundreds of thousands and be branded as the Devil himself, I WILL do it for the sake of my people... because THAT is what being the Hokage means!"
Naruto recovered after a moment, looking a bit shaken as the Hokage's words hit him... reminding him of the sacrifice the previous Hokage had made for the village... and of what he had been willing to do with Naruto himself in order to save it. Naruto nodded after a moment, before sitting back down as it was obvious he still didn't like this.
Hiruzen kept his mask of indifference on, staring at Naruto a moment longer as he hoped he hadn't rattled Naruto too much... but if he was to be a Ninja and possibly even Hokage someday he needed to be aware that those beyond their borders would view him as something to be feared and hated should the day ever come that they attack the village. Hiruzen then turned his gaze to Dosu, interested in how far the boy was willing to deal with him.
"... If you were to attempt such a thing I'm willing to bite my tongue off right now and choke to death on my own blood, taking my secrets to the grave", Dosu stated firmly, doing all he could to keep his nerves calm enough to speak", While you may eventually gain some of the information I have from my teammates... there are things I know that they do not, things you WILL want to be aware of for the attack... Hokage-sama".
Hiruzen stared hard at Dosu, testing the boys resolve... before allowing his grandfatherly smile to return to his face", There's no need for that I think", He reasoned, doing his best not to laugh at the almost matching looks of surprise both boys were wearing... though it was harder to tell with Dosu, but thankfully years of dealing with Kakashi helped "Now, tell me your terms and I'll see what we can do for you and your team."
Dosu blinked once more, before Naruto began lightly laughing, causing the mummy boy to turn in confusion at the blonde's reaction "Th-that was a great prank Jiji!" Naruto laughed, quite aware that while Hiruzen had meant what he said, he wasn't going to do such a thing in this regard if he didn't have to "I didn't think you had it in you!"
"Yes, well," Hiruzen mused, sitting back in his seat with an amused look on his wrinkled face "After years of watching you enjoy yourself, I figured I could manage trying it out just this once", He reasoned, before looking once more to Dosu... who was still out of his element here "Come on boy, your terms?"
"R-right" the now unsure Genin replied, wondering if all Konoha ninja were so weird. "First I wish to gain asylum for me and my team, no prison time or anything of that sort."
Hiruzen mused to himself for a moment "... I can give you that, but over the next three months I'll be assigning someone to watch over you three to make sure you can be trusted", Hiruzen said, the terms non-negotiable.
"I... accept" Dosu said after a moment, reasoning being watched for a few months was better than being locked up for who knows how long", Next... I wish to have me and my team placed as members of your Shinobi forces".
"Eh!?" Naruto yelped in surprise, turning to look at Dosu before grinning", Ah, That'd be so cool!", Naruto began to gush, Dosu once more looking at the blonde in confusion", It's like in one of those cool stories where the good guy beats up the bad guy and then the bad guy becomes a good guy too!".
"...What are you on?" Dosu HAD to ask, trying to figure out why the boy besides him seemed so... he couldn't think of a word to explain it, but he seemed to actually want to help Dosu and his team out even AFTER what they had done in the exam... had him saving him from Kabuto's kunai been THAT big of a deal?
"Yes well... that too could be arranged, though you won't be able to leave the village for a set time until we can be certain this isn't a ruse" Hiruzen reasoned, having been unsure about it... but the way Naruto was interacting with Dosu was forming quite a plan in his head", Also, until the exams are finished, I'll require you and your team to keep their Oto headbands on... for appearances of course."
"Hmph, I'm not even planning on participating in the finals" Dosu admitted with a roll of his eye, planning on training for the month and saving his strength to deal with any Oto ninja... and more importantly Orochimaru.
"NANI!?" Naruto yelped in surprise, looking at Dosu in surprise", W-what the hell do you mean you're not going to participate! Don't you wanna be a Chunnin and show off in front of all those people!?"
Dosu once more blinked, though this time he was better ready to handle the blonde ninja", I doubt I'll be allowed to be a Chunnin in a village I'm just joining... in addition I only took part in this exam for my mission, in which I've already abandoned", Dosu finished, wondering why the blonde cared.
"So? Don't you wanna fight all the other guys who made it to the finals?" Naruto continued on, trying to figure out why Dosu couldn't possibly want to keep going", Your just going to give up after coming this far? After all you and your team went through?" Naruto asked.
Dosu tensed at that, recalling all the shit Zaku, Kin, and himself had gone through in the exam... the exam having been a strange series of events that somehow led to them leaving Oto to become Konoha ninja of all things! Dosu's eye narrowed as he recalled the fight in the Forest of Death, him and his team domination all the Konoha Genin going at them... only to lose to Sasuke Uchiha!
The Uchiha... something about Sasuke drew Orochimaru's eyes, something that had made the Snake more the happy to sacrifice him and his team JUST to test Sasuke's strength out. The sudden idea of facing Sasuke and defeating him before not only the entire village's eyes, but Orochimaru's! To do such a thing would be GLORIOUS!
"... Perhaps I might", Dosu spoke in a dull tone, still uncertain however but at least willing to think the idea over a bit further now",... You raise a valid point, one I will consider further".
Naruto stared with his almost fully shut eyes, confused by the bandaged boys response, before just grinning widely", Uh, sure, whatever", Naruto said with a slight laugh in his voice, before turning to the Hokage", Oh yeah, since I'm here Jiji, I was wondering if you knew anyone as good or better then Kakashi-sensei to train me for the upcoming month".
The Hokage blinked in confusion at that, Kakashi having informed him he had plans already set up to have Naruto ready for the Exams next month", Why? Didn't Kakashi have something set up for you?" He asked, wondering if Naruto didn't know yet.
"Hmph, He took off to train Sasuke for the month instead!", Naruto said with quite a bit of anger in his tone, Dosu's eye narrowing lightly at the mention of Sasuke getting personal training from Sharingan no Kakashi", He left me with the some guy who was supposed to teach me more Chakra Control", Naruto ranted off, Hiruzen frowned at the news, not liking the idea of Kakashi only setting Naruto up for being taught more Control and apparently nothing more", And he said... he said there was no chance for me to beat Neji as I am", Naruto spoke next, looking both angry and hurt in his teacher's lack of faith, the blonde clenching his right first as he glared at the desk of the Hokage", He said that even if he gave me his full attention for the whole month I couldn't win... and that it'd be best if I just focused on advancing my skills for the next exam".
"... I see", Hiruzen sighed, taking a moment to think over Kakashi's reasoning's, having long learned Naruto wouldn't lie about this sort of thing. He knew full well why the Jonin went to teach Sasuke, it being to protect him from Orochimaru as well as prepare him to deal with the sadistic Gaara. Because of this he had understood Kakashi's reasons for setting someone else to train Naruto for the month... but to just focus on Control? Hiruzen could only deduce Kakashi didn't feel Naruto ready to learn any higher level jutsu without his being there to watch over it and chose the jutsu in question... or Kakashi had some other plans he himself couldn't fathom at the moment. In the end, Hiruzen was not happy about Kakashi's words to Naruto, a Jonin sensei must ALWAYS be supportive of their student in such times and all Kakashi had done was make Naruto unsure of himself", Naruto... don't worry about it, I know someone whose stronger then Kakashi and who I know will be more than happy to help you train for the month", Hiruzen noted with a supportive smile towards Naruto", Just make sure to win against Neji and prove Kakashi wrong".
"YES!", Naruto cheered, jumping with excitement at someone stronger than his sensei teaching him, the blonde doing all he could not to jump at the old man from across his desk", I owe you big time Jiji!".
"There's no need... actually, if that's a real offer I'd like you to do something for me", Hiruzen began, acting as if an idea had just come to mind while he had already planned to ask this of Naruto, a his grandfatherly like smile aimed as the curious Naruto, whom had stopped bouncing in place", It seems I have three newly gained Genin who'll need a place to stay and supervision... would you be willing to accommodate them for the time being?".
Naruto blinked in confusion, the quiet Dosu who had been the strange scene instantly understanding what was being ask, before Naruto seemed to get it", Oh!", He said, before smiling widely as he gave the old man a thumbs up", No problem Jiji, it's not like I don't have the space".
"Very good, then I leave them in your hands", The Hokage laughed lightly, pulling a blank note over to scribble on lightly", Here, this is where you'll be meeting your sensei for the month tomorrow at eight, for today just rest up as you've BOTH had quite a hard exam", Hiruzen mused, aiming his smile at both boys now", Dosu... tomorrow I would appreciate you coming back here so we can discuss all the information you'll be providing".
"Alright Jiji!"
"Thank you, Hokage-sama"
With that both boys rose up, Naruto giving the old Hokage a smile as Dosu just lightly bowed in politely before they left the room. Hiruzen let out a light sigh as they left, reaching into a drawer to pull out his pipe, as he REALLY needed to smoke. Of course he had only just gotten the first puff before the door opened, revealing the next man he needed to speak to", Ebisu, I would like to know how it is exactly you came upon Naruto and the Oto boy", Hiruzen said to the sunglasses wearing Special Jonin standing before him.
"Of course Hokage-sama", Ebisu replied, as always the professional when dealing with the village leader", I was actually following Uzumaki-san on Hatake-sensei's request... he had requested someone to teach Uzumaki-san more Chakra control and some of the basics he apparently never bothered to learn back in the academy".
"I see..." Hiruzen mused, taking another puff from his pipe as he was the Hokage and he'd smoke if and when he wanted to", Then might I ask why you accepted Kakashi's request... It was quite obvious how you viewed Naruto in the past", Hiruzen pointed out bluntly, well aware of Ebisu's dirty looks to the blonde ninja the last time he had seen them both before him... the incident however led to Naruto meeting Konohamaru so he was glad it had happened in the end.
Ebisu frowned lightly at the Hokage's words, as he should have known he couldn't have hidden his feelings on the matter of Naruto well enough to hide them from HIM of all people", While I admit I did not view Uzumaki in a right manner... after seeing the effect he has had on Konohamaru-kun where I had been unable to get through... along with the skills he has gained through hard work to even end up in the finals of the Chunnin Exam as a rookie", Ebisu began to explain, a smile coming to his lips", I realized I had been wrong about Uzumaki-san... and I felt the need to repay him in some way by training him in whatever I could".
"I see", Hiruzen mused once more, unable to keep the smile from his lips, glad to finally see one of those who saw Naruto only as the fox had finally opened their eyes... he only hoped more would come",... Then you would be willing to teach Naruto more than just Chakra control then?"
"Well... of course, I merely planned on teaching him the Water Walking exercise and better explain how chakra control worked as Hatake-sensei's instructions", Ebisu replied, a bit surprised at what the Hokage was asking of him",... With you permission Hokage-sama, I'd like to teach Uzumaki-san more though, as unlike Hatake-sensei I believe Uzumaki-san has a much higher chance of winning".
"Well... he DID defeat both a Chunnin and a Special Jonin within a few days of graduating the academy", Hiruzen noted with an amused smile, Ebisu blushing in embarrassment as he recalled his own "loss" to the blonde"... I want you to do as Kakashi asked you too, but I also want you to get Naruto on the path of learning his element as well", The Hokage instructed, earning a surprised look from Ebisu", Not on manipulation of course, just find out his affinity and get him to learn enough jutsu to give him some more fire power", Hiruzen quickly added, quite aware of Kakashi's plans for doing the same with Sasuke.
"I see, I'd be more than happy to do so then Hokage-sama", Ebisu said with a light smile, eager to be able to full on teach now, though he quickly gained a frown", However... that doesn't seem enough for Uzumaki-san to stand a chance against the Hyuuga boy".
"That is true... that's why you won't be the only one training Naruto", Hiruzen replied with a light chuckle as he rose from his desk, Ebisu once more blinking in surprise behind his sunglasses", I have someone else in mind to assist you in this... someone fitting to give the boy the skills he'll need to not only beat Neji, but possibly the whole exam", Hiruzen commented, though he doubted Naruto would be able to do so with whatever plans Orochimaru had for the finals.
"Um... I see", Ebisu replied, wondering who he would be working with on this assignment", But Hokage-sama, don't you have paperwork to finish?" He asked, motioning towards the nearby pile of paper.
Hiruzen paused before opening the door, before turning to Ebisu with a look of absolute seriousness", Ebisu, what I am about to show you is a SSS-Class secret of the village, the top secret any Hokage must keep above all others... do you understand the importance of this?", He asked coldly, Ebisu only being able to nod rapidly, wondering why he was being entrusted with such a secret",... Good", Hiruzen said... before looking to the right warily, then the left... before forming a single seal. An exact clone appeared by his side... before walking over to the desk, sitting down, and starting to work on the paperwork", There, let's go", Hiruzen sighed in relief as he left the room... a VERY confused Ebisu following after.
The Hokage clone finished the first bit of paper... before smirking to himself as he reached into the drawer under where it's maker's pipe was kept, pulling out a familiar book to enjoy instead of working.
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"Well, THAT wasn't boring as hell", Zaku pointed out loudly as he and his teammates followed the Orange menace known as Naruto Uzumaki", Tell me again Dosu, how the hell did you pull this off again?"
"With my brain, the thing you never use", Dosu responded simply, Zaku glaring as he went to give Dosu the finger... only to realize his bandaged arms made that impossible.
"... Fuck you"
After finishing the meeting with the Hokage, Naruto and Dosu had been taken to the holding area Kin and Zaku had been kept at. Kin had been apparently happy to rest and let her head injury heal... if only Zaku would have stopped complaining about the situation at any point. It had even gotten to the point one of the ANBU guards hit a pressure point on the boys neck to knock him out for a bit, Kin surprising said guard for demanding why he hadn't done so sooner. After waking a confused as hell Zaku, Dosu had explained all he had managed to get done for the three of them, which both pleased and worried his team, unsure how different being ninja of Konohagakure would be to Otogakure.
"I need some aspirin", Kin sighed, rubbing her right temple as she and her team continued to follow Naruto through the streets of the village, the young girl refusing to put her headband back on till her head felt better", Hey Blondie, how much farther is this place we're supposed to be staying at?".
"Not far, though it's on the cheap side of town", Naruto explained, lightly glad she wasn't using the nickname Zaku had come up for him instead of his actual name", It's a large apartment building and... Well, I sorta own it".
"You... OWN a whole apartment building?" Zaku asked in surprise, the look on his face mirrored by Kin while do just rose a brow in curiosity", Don't you mean your parents own it?".
"Don't have any, I'm an orphan", Naruto replied with a shrug, not noticing the reevaluating looks he was getting from all three Ex-Oto's at this news", and I own it because I was kicked out of the orphanage and needed a place to stay, Hokage-jiji bought me the place from the guy who used to own it after asking if I could just have a room and the guy refused", Naruto explained, Naruto having recalled the look the old land lord had given him, refusing to let something like HIM live in his apartment building. The Old man had not been happy and after asking Naruto to leave the room for a bit, later informed the young blonde that he now owned the entire apartment building. The Hokage of course handled the finance's, making only the room Naruto lived in was the one with running water and power so as to not be too costly.
The three behind him were silent for a bit, before Dosu finally spoke up", May I ask the reason you would be kicked out of the orphanage?" He asked curiously, ignoring the curious looks of his teammates at him even bothering to ask such a thing.
"Well..." Naruto began, pausing in the middle of the street as he turned around with a sheepish grin, unsure of how to best explain it",... Let's just say people have the need to blame someone or something on all their problems for no real reason... it just so happens the someone in mind is me", Naruto explained, a bit confused on how to best describe the villagers problems with him", you understand?".
"... Hai", Dosu replied simply, a spark of something his revealed eye making Naruto actually believe him.
"Well... can we get back to moving now?", Kin spoke up with a frown on her lips aimed towards Naruto, while at the same time wondering why Dosu seemed to actually be politely conversing with the blonde they were stuck with at the moment.
"Ah, right!" Naruto shouted, quickly turning around as he began to once more lead the way towards his apartment building. Naruto couldn't help but wonder what it'd be like to actually have other tenants living at the building, even if they were the three whom had caused so many problems for them back in the Forest of Death. Then again, the mummy guy seemed alright... he actually reminded Naruto a little of Shino, though he hadn't really conversed much with the Aburame. The girl he wasn't sure of yet, her headache making her snappy with all three of them, though that could actually just be how she was as from what he had heard from Sakura and what he had seen of her fight with Shikamaru she was a bit... mean. The spiky haired guy however was another story, loud and rude, he reminded Naruto of Kiba in many ways, but it was because of what he had done to Sakura back in the Forest that kept Naruto from wanting much to do with him. If not for the fact he was the mummy guy's teammate and the Hokage wanted them to stay at his building, Naruto wouldn't have anything to do with him.
Behind him, the Oto Trio were having their own little conversation, having long practiced speaking in low tones to one another so not to be overheard, their lips not even moving as they did so... though with Dosu it was impossible to tell.
"He's a moron", Zaku was adding in, the topic of course being Naruto, with whom they were trying to evaluate", we knew that going into the mission".
"Actually all we were told was that the Uchiha's teammates were of no importance", Kin chimed in, eyes narrowed suspiciously at Naruto's back", yet the Hokage stuck us with him... could he be an undercover ANBU?"
"No, he would have handled Kabuto better... that and his eyes hide nothing of his emotions", Dosu followed with, his own eye on the blonde's back... but it was an appraising sort compared to Kin's suspicious glare", He is skilled however, back in Oto there was a book mentioning the Kage Bunshin... the chakra to make one is above Genin level and yet this boy was able to make 20 against Kabuto, even after dealing with the Forest of Death and his fight with the Inuzuka".
"I missed that one, my lucky ass went second remember?" Zaku reminded with a roll of his eyes, before letting his eyes slide to Dosu", How did he do in his fight then, you're the best at judging that sort of thing right?".
"He was... different", Dosu admitted, eye narrowing as he let his mind run over Naruto's fight with Kiba really quick", He had a surprising amount of Chakra after dealing with the forest... and the Inuzuka had even had a few days at the tower to rest, meaning he was in much better shape", Dosu began to explain, pausing as he suddenly noticed all the villagers looks... all looking in distaste at Naruto. At his Dosu mentally added this information to his mental picture of the blonde in question, it being just another piece of the strange puzzle he has been stuck with",... While his means of putting the Inuzuka off balance were... unorthodox, if this is how far he is with only basic training, I'm certain he shall be a monster on the battlefield with some proper training".
"What do you mean by that?", Kin asked with her gaze turning to Dosu, trusting Dosu's judgment on this even if the blonde didn't seem like nothing more than a blonde Zaku", the basic training bit I mean...".
"It's obvious after seeing him fight", Dosu spoke, unknown to them smirking under his bandages", He has no formal Taijutsu training, he has so much chakra that he can barely control it, he spams his Bunshin excessively, and from what I've heard from his mouth and seen of his female teammate... his sensei focuses on the Uchiha".
"... Makes you wonder what'd he'd be like if he actually had some training, doesn't it?" Zaku mused... before looking to Dosu with a knowing look", You... are a magnificent bastard".
"Thank you", Dosu replied, actually sporting a smirk at the compliment from his usually insulting teammate. While his actions seemed to have him getting close to a young ninja who could possibly one day match the Sannin... there was more the puzzle of Naruto Uzumaki then Dosu knew and it irked him to no end.
More than that... why the hell did the boy give him a sense of companionship he'd only ever remotely come close to with his own teammates?
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"Mmmm... That's right, help her get all the soap massaged in there... No... That's right... slowly and steady... mmmm"
Hiruzen sighed loudly, instantly making the crouched Kabuki looking man jump in surprise. The younger then Hokage, but older then Ebisu (Who was quite red at what he had heard) man stood up before turning... only to sigh in relief", Damn Saru-sensei!", The white haired pervert of a man (Whom in fact had been peeking through a hole in the female side of the Onsen he was standing beside) laughed in relief", I thought for sure I was screwed there!".
"It's good to see you too Jiraiya", Hiruzen offered with a pleased smile, as always glad to see the one student whom hadn't left the village", I figured you'd arrived earlier in order to... rest up for our meeting", Hiruzen offered, resisting the urge to go further as Ebisu was right beside him.
Ebisu was keeping his mouth shut, as Jiraiya WAS a legendary ninja he himself had once looked up to while advancing through the ranks. It wasn't till he reached a certain age he came to find out that his childhood hero was a self-proclaimed "Super Pervert" and was famous more for his "Icha Icha" series of novels then for his skills as one of the three Sannin of Konohagakure.
"Yeah well, it HAS been a while since I've been able to be inspired by the beauties of the Leaf", Jiraiya shot back with a smirk, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the Onsen wall"... Now, I'm guessing something's come up if you want to see me early like this... or are you just trying to escape your paperwork again?"
Hiruzen chuckled sheepishly, as all Kage's before him, making himself seem just as Jiraiya described. The truth was the First Hokage had long grown to abhor paperwork, having gotten to the point he was going to make the ninja council larger then it was just to push some of the paperwork over to them. If not for his younger brother (The Second Hokage) suggesting the use of Kage Bunshin, this in fact would have happened. After many head-butts to his desk for not thinking up such an idea himself, the First and second swore to keep this secret in order to use the "Paperwork" excuse to be left alone in their office's to so whatever the hell they wanted to. Hiruzen had been given this excuse and had used it whenever he could to enjoy the quiet of his office and watch various events across the village through his special Kage Orb. He of course passed on this knowledge to the Fourth, who had been less subtle as he never complained about paperwork, but Hiruzen figured so long as no one found out it was alright.
"Yes well", Hiruzen laughed sheepishly, shooting a look to Ebisu to not mention what he had seemed, the sunglasses wearing Jonin being one of the few in history to know of the Kage's secret to defeating the paperwork", Besides that, this has more to do with your former teammate's upcoming plans".
Jiraiya lost his smirk, gaining a serious look as he thought of Orochimaru", I was planning on talking to you about it tomorrow, I have some more news on him you'll need to know", Jiraiya said stiffly.
"Yes, we were lucky to also find another source of information", Hiruzen replied with a frown of his own", The three Oto Genin apparently cut ties with Orochimaru after learning he was planning on killing them for their failure... I've allowed them to join the village in exchange for the information they have on the upcoming attack".
"Convenient", Jiraiya noted with a suspicious smirk", I doubt Orochimaru would have given them much information if they were just low level pawns of his... more than likely I know everything they have to tell you already".
"That is true... and there's always the chance this is a ploy by Orochimaru to sneak some spies into the village", Hiruzen added, only to smile as Jiraiya snorted at his suggestion", Yes, I realized it's too "simple" for him to do as well... more so if he had another of his spies reveal themselves to do it, a member of the traitor Kabuto Yakushi's team at that"", Hiruzen explained, before frowning once more", Sadly Yoroi vanished before we could capture him, his fellow teammate also gone missing from his hospital room".
"More than likely Orochimaru grabbed them up", Jiraiya added in, before regaining a smirk", so, why did you allow the three brats into our forces? It'd be easier to just have Inoichi grab whatever they know from their heads before tossing them into a cell for a few years".
"There's no need to be so cruel, I'm sure they received enough of that from Orochimaru", Hiruzen noted with a frown, wondering just what sort of lives the three ex-Oto ninja had under his former student... it would explain some of the personality quirks he'd seen from all three", It was more to do with the fact Naruto spoke up for them".
Jiraiya resisted the urge to flinch, not meeting his sensei's eyes at the mention of his Godson. While he had never spoken to the boy, he'd only seen him a few times without the boy actually seeing him. He could come up with a thousand excuses why he hadn't taken Naruto in or anything of that sort... the truth simply was he was working for the good of Konoha, being outside keeping his spy network going nonstop for any information that could keep his village and his godson within it safe. He couldn't take the boy with him as the dangers Jiraiya faced were far too great to put a child through, that and moving place to place wasn't good for a kid who needed consistency in the early years of his life. But, it wasn't like he'd left Naruto out to dry, as he himself had given the money needed for Naruto to own and run the Apartment building he now lived in. As the boy couldn't access his parent's accounts until he was of Chunnin rank per his father's request, Jiraiya had paid for the boy's Academy supplies and such through Hiruzen. Every year he'd have Hiruzen pass along a birthday present as well, the goggles the young boy wore being something Jiraiya had picked up back in Kirigakure. Of course after getting Naruto a pranking kit one year, Hiruzen had made sure Jiraiya was more thoughtful with his gifts.
He wasn't the best Godfather, but he was doing the best he could... though he was looking forward to finally meeting Naruto in person.
"... How did the Gaki get involved with those three?", Jiraiya asked, covering his tracks at the mentioning of Naruto as he put a smile back onto his face", They don't seem the friendly type and I can't see him wanting to go near anyone that has to do with the guy who hurt his teammates", Jiraiya noted, having heard of the attack on Sasuke during the second exam.
"It would seem... one of them saved Naruto from having a kunai in his skull", Hiruzen replied, finding an unhappy look coming to Jiraiya's face as Ebisu just looked surprised, the Jonin having not seen that part", Kabuto Yakushi was attempting to either kill or capture the Oto Genin... Naruto jumped in to fight him off, only to have the boy Dosu jump in and save him from a surprise attack".
Jiraiya frowned a bit deeper"... The punk could have just made a run for it, left the Gaki behind and made his escape", Jiraiya reasoned off.
"Exactly... it would seem Naruto has had an effect on the three or at least Dosu", Hiruzen noted with a pleased smile", that's why I've had Naruto let the three use one of the rooms in his building... I plan on having those three sticking close to Naruto, with enough time I'm sure Naruto could get them to reveal anything they plan on hiding from us".
"Hmph, Gaki takes after his Mother in that way then", Jiraiya mused with a smirk, before raising a brow towards Ebisu, having just noticed him", whose this?"
"Ah, I am Ebisu, Jiraiya-sama!" Ebisu greeted with a bright smile, nervously bowing in greeting to the famous man", I shall be teaching Uzumaki-san over the upcoming months for the Chunnin Exam finals!".
"Ah, so he made it that far did he?" Jiraiya asked with a pleased smirk... only to lose it as he looked confused", Wait, isn't Kakashi his sensei?".
Hiruzen resisted the urge to sigh, knowing how THIS would go down... though it played into his plans", it would seem Kakashi is focusing his attentions on his other student for the finals, seeing as how he's facing a more dangerous opponent".
"... You mean the Uchiha right?" Jiraiya asked with an unhappy look on his face, having had his own experience's where a sensei favors another student over the others, though Sarutobi had never gone as far as abandoning them to focus on Orochimaru", Figures he would".
"Quite", Hiruzen sighed in relief, glad Jiraiya hadn't gone off on a rant, the Hokage recalling his own actions during his students Genin years, which he had later fixed after realizing what his favoritism was doing to the team dynamics. It still made him wonder though, if had he treated them equally at the start would he have all three still with him?
"Hmm... Jiraiya mused, looking at Ebisu in an appraising way, making the Special Jonin tense up nervously"... What are you planning on teaching him?"
"Hatake-sempai wished me to focus on Naruto's basics and Chakra Control", Ebisu replied, resisting the urge to flinch as the fierce gleam in the Sannin's eyes at hearing such news", however, Hokage-sama and myself have agreed to get Uzumaki-san started on learning some Jutsu of his elemental type for the finals".
"... That's better", Jiraiya chuckled, a lot more relaxed after hearing that", though the Gaki's going to need more then that... whose he fighting against first?"
"Neji Hyuuga", Hiruzen added in with a smile, Jiraiya shaking his head with a sigh at the news", Neji is a true genius of his house, I fear Naruto will need an edge to go against Neji's Byakugan".
"You got that right", Jiraiya agreed with a nod, turning his head to lock eyes with Hiruzen... before nodding as he looked to Ebisu", Alright, seems you'll be working with me to train the brat... I think it best if take him in the mornings, let him rest for a bit, before you can take over in the afternoon, sound good?"
"I-I... Yes!", Ebisu said, both stunned and excited that he would apparently working alongside Jiraiya of the Sannin", That sounds just fine... though I think it prudent that we both work with him on the first day, to at least let him know what he'll be learning and to also focus on his Control issue first".
"That sounds good, we'll meet here at noon tomorrow then", Jiraiya said with a nod before turning his back and crouching to resume his work, making Ebisu lose his excited look to just frown in embarrassment while Hiruzen just chuckled", Oh, and sensei?".
"Yes Jiraiya?" Hiruzen asked curiously, about ready to head back to his office.
"Have the Gaki bring his new friends... I wanna meet them"
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It had turned into quite a problem when the group had made it to the Apartment building, having only after unlocking one of the unused rooms that they had no power, water, or even beds inside of them. After a curse-fest from Zaku at this, Naruto had offered to let them stay in his room for the night, planning on speaking with the Hokage in the morning about setting his new tenants up with power and water. When it came to actually getting furniture, the three didn't have a problem and it was only after Naruto let them into his room that he asked why.
"Y-YOUR RICH!" Naruto shouted in shock, looking at the pile of cash Dosu had unsealed from a scroll he had hidden on his person", How did you get all that!?".
"In Oto if one can't keep track of what is theirs, then they have no real rights to it", Dosu replied simply, holding up a wad of Ryo to finger through as Naruto looked at him in confusion.
"Means he stole it", Zaku replied with a smirk, having taken a seat on Naruto's couch, sitting on Dosu's left", I'm just glad we made him swear not to ever steal from us".
"Hmph, you barely have any money worth stealing anyways", Dosu supplied, pausing his counting of cash to look to Naruto, who was practically drooling at the sight of so much cash"... How much will our room be, with power and water?"
"Huh?", Naruto asked in surprise, not expecting the question before holding a hand up to wave the question off", Don't worry about it that, Jiji asked me to take care of you guys so I will".
"Dumb-ass, he's offering you money!" Zaku yelled at Naruto with a light glare", Why would you turn that down?".
"Because I haven't done anything to earn it!", Naruto stated firmly, glaring back at Zaku... only to flinch as he felt a wad of cash hit his chest", Huh? This is WAY too much!" Naruto said, shocked at being given a roll of Ryo as large as he was holding".
"That's first month's rent", Dosu stated firmly, starting to reseal the rest of his money up"... It's also for saving myself and my teammates before, as well as assisting me and gaining the Hokage's favor to allow us to stay within the village's walls", Dosu pointed out, before letting his eye slide up to the surprised looking Naruto",... If you do not think that is worth something to me, then you are truly a fool".
"... Didn't have to go that far", Naruto pointed out with a frown, looking to the cash in hand... before pocketing it with a smile", Fine, I'll take it... but Dinner's on me!"
"Um, Great", Zaku spoke up, looking confused as he looked to Dosu, the mummy boy sealing his stuff back up.
"Whatever it is we better get to it quick", Kin spoke as she returned to the room, a frown on her face as since she arrived she'd been cleaning up the messy apartment, having no plans on sleeping in a place dirtier then the Forest of Death", I'm starving".
"I know JUST the place!", Naruto stated with a bright smile, more than happy to share the greatest Ramen shop that ever existed with new people.
"Great, foods gonna be shit", Zaku sighed dramatically.
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"More please!" Zaku called out with a wide smirk, licking his lips after finishing his bowl of Ramen.
"No way in hell!" Kin growled at him, before looking to the blinking form of Ayame, whom was currently about to pour the boy another bowl", Don't, I'm NOT feeding this idiot anymore!".
"It's not like I can do it myself dammit!" Zaku growled at her, looking down at his arms", And the cute Ramen girl's too busy to do it for me".
"Aw, your making me blush", Ayame gushed, earning a smile (NOT a Smirk) from Zaku... only to lose it as Teuchi Ichiraku glared from the back of the shop while cutting noodles.
"Hmph, no one can resist the power of Ramen", Naruto pointed out with a fox like grin, before moving onto his third bowl.
To say the least, the former Oto trio's introduction to Ichiraku Ramen was a strange experience. Zaku had of course been more than willing to bitch about his lack of arm use... only to sit down happily as Ayame came for their order. After a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors between the remaining three ninja, Kin had lost and was forced to feed Zaku.
"I have to say... it's better than I expected", Dosu pointed out as he fixed his bandage's back over his mouth", The Ramen back home was never so... satisfying", He noted, before looking to both Teuchi and Ayame", my compliments".
Both Ramen cook's seemed surprised at the boys manners, before both smiled at his praise", It's nothing, anything for friends of Naruto", Teuchi chuckled in response, missing the unsure looks that came to all four Genin's faces at being referred to as friends.
"Just do us a favor though", Ayame spoke up as she poured another bowl, setting it down before Dosu", Even though you're from another village, would you mind making sure Naruto-Chan doesn't strain himself too much during the upcoming month?".
"Don't call me Chan!" Naruto spoke loudly, Ayame just giggling as he returned to his bowl", and I do just fine...".
Dosu looked to bowl set before him curiously, letting his eye slip over to Naruto, before returning back to Ayame, who flashed him another smile",... I shall do so", Dosu spoke simply, his hand moving to his bandages to uncover his mouth... all while getting shocked looks from his teammates and Naruto.
"Th-there's no need for that Dosu", Naruto said with a sheepish smile, figuring Dosu was doing so for the free bowl", you have your own training after all..."
"That is true", Dosu spoke up, pausing to sip up some of the ramen he had just fed himself", However that doesn't mean I cannot watch out for you as well... and I can always train close for when you mess up and hurt yourself".
"Hey, who said I'd mess up!?" Naruto demanded, before growling as Dosu just seemed to ignore him", Whatever, just make sure your training doesn't suffer for it, when I kick your ass in the finals I want a challenge out of it".
"I as well", Dosu added after, unable to keep his smile hidden this time do to his bandage adjustments.
Through this both Kin and Zaku had watched silently, quite confused at seeing Dosu... like this. He'd always been quiet and only spoke to them in a polite manner or to insult them... though they insulted one another all the time so it wasn't a big deal. What was strange was seeing Dosu acting like this with someone outside of their group... and if anything he seemed more relaxed around the kid then he did with them! Both were planning of speaking of this to Dosu when they had a chance to get him alone, unsure if he was planning something with the blonde that might risk their new lives within Konoha...
"Hey, is that you Naruto?"
The group at the stand turned towards the familiar voice, Naruto instantly smiling at the sight of his teammate", Hey Sakura-Chan, why do-!" He began, only to pause at seeing the look of fear on her face, only to realize just who he was sitting with.
"Hey, Pinky!" Zaku greeted with a vicious smirk, tilting his head at the seat next to him", Wanna join us?"
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A/N: That's it for the second chapter. Review please. I'll get the others up later today or tomorrow.