Hello Readers;
It's me LivingLie here with another installation of Mind Over Matter. I will admit that this story will take priority over The Masked Beast, but I will update the ladder mentioned once I hit summer vacation. As for Mind Over Matter, my intention is for Naruto to have more of a silver tongue compared to a bronze fist. That doesn't mean there won't be fighting however, oh no. But Naruto in this story will act like an antagonist at times. Mark my words though, he will get action scenes in this story. And to address those of you who wish Naruto to take vengeance on his family, You'll just have to wait and see. For his appearance just look up Damien Sandow and that is what he looks like excluding hair color and beard. So without further ado...
Chapter 2: The Siren Call of Duty
Timeskip Three years
A calm twilight befalls Konoha as a light drizzle lulls to sleep those who lay resting, listening to the drops on their rooftops. While a lot of the people in Konoha were lying their heads to rest, getting an early preparation on the next day. One brain was still very much active. Inside the Institute of Knowledge in Konoha a young blond boy with hair slicked back; sitting on a soft chair with a back that reached for the sky.
His head was outlined in the dark by the contained will of his village that was feeding off of smoldering wood. His his eyes had a glimmer of intellect and curiosity. He donned a towel that coiled around his neck like a snake and descended upon his chest eventually hidden under a robe with a dark blue tint and white rings around his wrists and clavicle.
Examining the dead trees laced with ink on them his mind couldn't help but to wander.
'Is true humanity the interactions we share with one another, whether it be good or bad? Hmm.'
It had been like this for three years. The boy had escaped from his own personal hell, and escaped to a place he now considered heaven. In this utopia of stories the boy could take an adventure half way across the world and never worry about being hurt, something he feared daily at his old home.
Speaking of his old home, it took about five weeks for his family to notice something was missing.
Flashback Three years ago
It was dinner time at the Namikaze residence, The Hokage recently retired in his home after a long and arduous day fighting his worst enemy...Paperwork. Although this was a big problem for most Kages, Minato usually speed through it by stamping most documents. This fact was only known by close family and really close friends, so people were cautious of what they sent to their hero, they didn't want him mad at them for tricking him. Next to arrive home was the red haired vixen, Kushina who just got back to the village on a S-rank mission. Thirdly their pride and joy made her journey back to her residence before the sun had set. Convening at the dinner table they told stories about their time apart.
"You should of saw it Kaa-san, Sasuke was able to blow a fireball the size of two ramen stands!" Anci shouted with excitement.
"Wow that boy has come along way. Itachi retiring from Anbu to help out his family sure payed off." Minato replied with a goofy grin on his face.
"It's a shame that a talent like his can't be used anymore though. I could of found a use for him on our last mission. That Kisame character surely earned his reputation, if it wasn't for his arrogance I wouldn't of been able to find an opening and get to his weak point." Kushina said sounding a little exasperated, but happy just to be home and ready to dig into her favorite meal. Ramen!
The Namikaze family dug into their favorite 'dessert for dinner' chow. Suddenly the devouring of the poor ramen was halted when Anci voiced herself again.
"Where's nii-san?" She looked slightly perplexed.
"Oh, he's probably just spending some time alone in his room. He's been doing a lot more than usual lately." Minato said squinted his contemplating his own words.
"What do you mean by 'a lot more'?" Kushina inquired.
"Well he's shut himself off so much, I swear it's like I haven't seen him for weeks!" Minato spoke his revelation to those that would listen.
"You want me to go get him Otousan?" Anci asked eager to see her pin cush...I mean, brother again.
"Sure, I would like to ask him where he's been."
Quickly running to the drawbridge of her brothers fortress. She quickly wrapped on the door. After a brief intermission she noticed that a response was not being given, so she tried again. Deja vu reigned over the scene and the jinchuuriki started to lose her temper.
"Baka dinners ready! Get your sorry ass out here!"
Still nothing but silence responded. The infuriated gir almost lost all sense of herself until a sick plan started to drip from her lips.
"Okasan! Otousan! Naruto-nii isn't coming out, can I bring him out."
"Sure and be sure to tell him that he's going to need to explain for his impudence." Kushina replied cooley.
With a grin that mirrored her motives gracing upon the girls face she pounced. Breaking through the drawbridge like it was wet paper she infiltrated the fortress. At first the excitement was getting to the girls head she started to tear up the room. She soon realized that the kings throne was vacant. It was then that it dawned on her that her brother had abdicated from his position. Without a second thought she ran back to the dining room.
"Okasan, Otousan! He's gone, gone, gone, gone! He's not in his room!"
Stunned the parents stood silent. No longer even moving for their ramen for a good ten seconds they dashed for the sons room. Upon reaching the ruined kingdom the Hokage and his number one kunoichi confirmed their daughters story.
"Where the hell is he?" Minato said shocked.
"I don't know. He doesn't have any friends that I'm aware, so he can't be there..." Kushina said getting a worried for their son.
"I will find him Kushina-hime, don't worry." Minato replied comforting his wife before he shunshin no jutsu (body flicker technique).
Hokage monument
Atop of mountainous memorial of past leaders Minato simply whispered.
"Find him Anbu."
Flashback End
The blonde boy with his hair slicked back merely chuckled in a rare case of amusement. He thought back and remembered how petty search party for him was conducted.
True, they did search high and low. They also left no rock unturned and corner uninspected. But all Naruto had to do was use some shoe polish to die his hair black, he also slicked his hair back for good measure; a habit that lives with him to this day. Then he picked up some colored contacts that a random genin left lying about (you'd be surprised what people leave unguarded). When the Anbu would come, they would completely glance over him because of his lack of shared characteristics with any Uzumaki or Namikaze.
Eventually the search was extended to the rest of the fire country, in fear that he was actually kidnapped in spite of his parents. Without it being said, the results turned up negative.
So during the past three years the intellectuals parents' actually cared about his well being. At the beginning they began to grow sluggish and shirking a lot of their work. After a good kick in the pants by some influential people like the third hokage and the slug sannin Tsunade who returned to Konoha after hearing about her teammates death and never left for an unknown reason. Don't be strayed however the parents still felt disparity but it was repressed to the deep recesses of the hearts. Anci on the other hand was disappointed in the fact her punching bag was gone.
Shivering again the blond couldn't get over the thought of his sister. He would not admit but he was afraid of his little sister. That she devil made his life a living hell, and with that Kyuubi covered cloak and her evil smile...
"Are you ok? You seemed flushed." A soft feminine voiced whispered.
"Y-yeah, just recollecting past events." Naruto replied slightly shaken.
"You were thinking of Anci again weren't you?"
"I was. Sometimes that she devil makes me seeth."
"Looked like you were more shaken than seething."
"There was simply a sudden rush of heat from the fireplace, it was slightly unnerving."
"Sure it was." The woman said sarcastically.
"I'm sure you didn't just come here to mock me." The boy retorted with a calm voice that didn't carry coldness but did hint at frustration.
"Yeah, I just wanted to inform you that Shiki Nakamura gave up his council position today." The woman said with a smile growing on her face unbeknownst to the boy.
"What! You've got to be jesting! That man had one of the most important jobs representing the interests of the library on the council...And he just abdicated from that position? What a foolish man."
"But that means the positions open, don't you think that..."
"Nay Namu-chan, I shall not commit myself to such degradation as to work with that pathetic excuse for a leader." Naruto said spitting venom.
"But think about it Naruto, you could represent interests of the library that needs to be attended to. Is it not you who says,
"My wish is to save the ignorant masses from their false sense of intellect." The newly identified Naumi said with a cheeky grin.
"Yes, however there are flaws. While the position would give me a chance to voice true intelligence who would listen, I highly doubt most citizens would listen to reason. Also I would like to point out that it would be ambitious to think that they would except a boy on the council. Finally wouldn't you be a better choice my dear, you have worked in this palace far longer than I've inhabited it; wouldn't be a more sufficient representative." The boy said with his regal voice the book he was previously still in his hand.
"Sure but aren't you coming to an expeditious conclusion. Don't be ignorant Naruto-kun, I'm sure you can figure this out in a second." Naumi scolded.
Putting his fists up to his mouth, and leaning slightly in, the boy focuses on the flame in front of him for about ten seconds. After said interval had passed, the boy sat up and gazed at his friend.
"I'm guessing you want me to use my position as the Hokage's son to influence my way into the court. And because I'm said child I would have little to no problem becoming one of the counsel because no one dare offend the fourth, let alone his children. Finally you think that because I live in the library I would share most of it's interests, contrary to your years of service and sympathetic nature." The boy concluded.
"I knew you could do it." Naumi said smugly.
"But I inquire one thing, why would I leave? I haven't been seen by the public for many years. I honestly don't think I'm ready, and I don't want to ruin what we have." The sleek haired blond said a little dejected.
You see throughout the years in his life, the only person he talked to was Naumi. After she found him in the storage room the morning after he ran away, she tried desperately to get him to return home. But she was only doing this out of good will, for when she figured out the true story she became enraged, and she wanted nothing more than to punch every Uzumaki or Namikaze (excluding Naruto of course) in the face.
Naumi is not a stupid girl however, and she knew if she were to approach the Hokage Naruto's location would be compromised. So Naumi decided to help Naruto by being the sister he never truly had. The librarian would help her "otouto" in his book studies, or when he needed to hid from any suspicious ninja that might be looking for him.
While she added him inside, and added his contentful existence he was an adventurous boy with a heart yearning for real excitement. So occasionally at night he would sneak out and feel the village nightlife. The lights, the entertainment, and the people were intoxicating...At first. But then as Naruto mentally matured far past his young body would lead one to believe, he became disturbed.
The lights were merely a siren call to those naive to the happenings. The entertainment was merely incompetent morons on stage appealing to the lowest common denominator. People would walk about like drunken idiots. Slurring their speech and maliciously murder their own language.
It was true hell for Naruto when he actually fell in love with arts that involved integrity, heart, wit, and even a mixture of buffoonery when necessary. While his heart still desired the alluring feel of anxiety and mischief, the sensible side of him knew this world was not made for him. So for the past three years he secluded himself in content along with his true oneesan.
"But I know that you can do it! True you will have to go through some strenuous situations, but won't it be worth it? Oh I'm under the impression that a meeting is happening in about an hour. Come on let me walk you out." Naumi said with a bright smile, trying to counter Naruto's uncertain one.
"*Sigh* I understand. I guess we'll head out than." Naruto voice sounded shaky and uncertain. On the way to the front door Naruto walked around the library picking up several papers that he thought would be beneficial in this meeting, placing them within a pocket on the inner part of his robe.
"Don't worry you'll do fine. Just don't forget to use that brain of yours, and I'll be here for tonight waiting for you to tell me all about. *They reach the front door* Here it's raining a bit, take this and you should be fine *hands him a pure pink umbrella*.
"Really? Don't you think this is a little...Impractical?" Naruto asked weirded out by the pink umbrella.
"Oh is big bad Naruto emasculated by the color pink?" Naumi teased.
"No, but..."
"Exactly! No buts, it's time for you to go now. Out! Out! Out!" Naumi said hastily.
Hastily pushing him out of the front doors out into the rain with the pink umbrella, Naruto could merely shake his head at the serious of events and finally embark on his excursion.
Sighing contently the librarian started to muse to herself. Sure she loved Naruto like a brother but she needed sometime to herself as well. This whole council meeting was the perfect catalyst for some much needed alone time.
'Finally I get the library to myself...Adult section here I come!'
The young woman proceeded to giggle lustily.
Council Room
"I would like to call this meeting into session." An authoritative voice echoed throughout the room.
Several entities occupied the room. From clan heads to the civilian council members. Everyone from the big boned Akimichi patriarch, Choza Akimichi to the loudest harpie of the civilian council Sakuma Haruno.
"Hai Hokage-sama" A chorus of council members chimed in.
"This meeting has been called to address a serious issue. I have received information that Orochimaru and several other S-ranked nins are convening into one group." Minato said in a monotone voice.
"What's the purpose of their group?" Shibi Aburame, head of the Aburame insect clan, inquired.
"That is unknown at this time...But I called this meeting because I would find it selfish to hide this information from you, and not take your consideration into my decision." The Hokage said sagely.
"Well is it not obvious? We need to find and destroy this group as quickly as possible." Sakuma Haruno declared confidentially.
"Hokage-sama why do we need the civilian council here? This is strictly a ninja issue. If we incorporate them into our business then it will be...Troublesome." Shikaku Nara, leader of the Nara clan, said with a mixture of boredom and worry.
"They are citizens of Konoha and what we do will impact them. They have a right to know as well." Minato said greeted by a sigh from the rest of the ninja council.
"Fine then I think..." Inoichi Yamanaka, leader of the Yamanaka clan, said before he was interrupted, by a door whipping open and slamming into a nearby wall.
"My apologize for being late ladies and gentleman. The trip here was quite...difficult. Are you aware how many drunks stumble about in the streets harassing passersby? Ugh, atrocious if you ask me." A blonde boy in a blue robe said irritably.
"Who in the hell are you? This is a council meeting, so council members only boy." Tsume Inuzuka, Matriarch of the Inuzuka clan, said snarling at the boys disrespect.
"I am the fill in for the Shiki Nakamura Inuzuka-san. He has stepped down from his position for unknown reasons even to myself, so I will attend these proceedings from now on." The boy said calmly as he took his seat.
Everyone looked on with inquisitive eyes at the strange boy. First off his manner of dress was enough to force someone to make a double take. Then came the fact that this...Child could take a council seat. Facts however brought them into reality because Shiki couldn't tell anyone about his leaving until he chose a successor. So the only way that this child would even be aware is if Shiki told him. While most members of the civilian council remained silent, a ninja representative decided to speak. And what the fuck is with the pink umbrella?
"Hokage-sama, is something wrong?" An old bandaged man said noticing the lack of input from the village leader.
"N-N-N-Nar-r-r-ruto? Is that you?" The older blonde man said taken completely off guard. He was then met with a gasp by the rest of the council.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, if thats what you mean." Naruto said calmly.
"My son, where have you been all these years?" Minato asked with a mixture of happiness and genuine surprise.
"Well Hokage-sama I left my place of original residence years ago do to severe misconduct from my...roommates." Naruto paused letting his words sink in before he continued.
"I retreated to my sanctuary and began what I consider the prime of my existence so far. I'm sure anyone with a brain can understand my plight and the reason for my flight when all of your reality revolves around uncaring supervisors and malicious co-workers." Naruto ended.
"What are you talking about? Your mother and I cared for you and your..."
"I request that you don't finish that sentence, and furthermore not refer to that she-devil as a sibling of mine." The proper boy said coldly.
Everyone in the council room were stunned into silence. Not that they could say anything otherwise, what possible input could they give into a situation involving abuse, family, and the strongest man in their village. All the leaders could do is look on with curious gazes.
"Naruto, we will talk about this later. You will return home now." Minato said with a stern fatherly voice.
"My apologies Hokage-sama but I came here to fulfill my duties as a council member and I intend to do so. And before more confusion is released into this atmosphere I think you should read this." Naruto then took out a slip of paper from the inner pocket of his robe.
The fourth Hokage quickly snatched the paper out of the boys hands and proceeded to read it after it was unfolded. His eyes darted to and fro as the papers information seeped into his brain. He was seething by the middle of the letter, so he couldn't bring himself to read the whole thing.
"An emancipation notice! Are you giving me this to sign? No, Naruto you're my son and I want let you just walk out of our family!"
"I don't think you read the whole thing Hokage-sama." Said boy countered while bored.
Forcing his eyes back to the dreaded piece of paper the older blonde man scanned the paper till he reached the bottom. His eyes shot open and his mind ran with one question.
'How is this possible?'
"I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you saw your signature on the letter already, twice. Well you see I sent you this notice a couple of years ago and due to your lack of reading ability I'm guessing that you didn't read the actual paper and you just signed it to get done with your work quicker. I am incorrect in this assumption."
Minato gritted his teeth in pure frustration. How could he be so stupid as not to read a paper that would grant his long lost son a nullification from his family? There was nothing that the father could do except move on like he didn't even know of Naruto's 'homecoming'. He couldn't challenge the ruling because Konoha was very strict when it came to child protection laws, so reversing an emancipation ruling would be impossible even for the Hokage. The man would just have to wait out his son until the boy came to his senses. Now the only problem is how the hell is this going to be explained to his wife.
"Now I implore you to reiterate the meaning of this meeting."
Authors Corner:
Whew, I'm done. This story is going to be awesome. Since it's summer vacation I can write a ton more chapters and post them quicker. I love comments so if you guys could give me feedback in the review section that would be beyond great. Having only two reviews is sort of depressing. But again I'm going to be developing both stories rapidly, so buckle in because this summers going to be awesome! Next chapter there will be action and the wave arc will begin next.
-LivingLie
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