A/N: Hello again.
This chapter is more of a flashback chapter, first starting 8 years since Naruto's birth (In canon timeline this is the year the Uchiha Massacre happens.)
It'll briefly explain some events clearing why certain people are still alive and bringing it all to the current present.
Being that this fic is AU, hate it or not, Sasuke will be a pretty good guy (for now…) as well as Neji (Think pre-father's death) and these odd characteristics are due to being with Naruto since they could start walking and talking.
Naruto himself is a little different as well, not as loud, but still childish and enthusiastic, as well as the rare appearance of his serious side.
Even though clearly in canon the ninja populations begin the academy at the young age of 7-8 years of age, Naruto and Sasuke will be exempt from it by their fathers, for stories sake and be put under a surprising, now in my fic, Jounin instructor.
Like I said in the last fic there will be some twists in the storyline because of Yondaime and I hope I explain them well here.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto! Enjoy!
In the middle of the Hokage's office stood two boys, one with wild blonde hair spiking everywhere, deep azure blue eyes that seem to pull you in, six whisker-like birth marks on his face, three on each cheek, smiling like a fool while scratching the back of his head.
He wore a simple but odd outfit for the times. He wore a Kamishimo, (A/N: It's what Kenshin would wear) with a sky blue kimono, the hem on the end of the sleeves and on the inseam was white complementing the blue. His white hakama was shortened to end roughly at mid-shin and being held up at his waist by an orange obi. He wore no socks letting his tanned skin be complemented by the light colors. Finishing the outfit with a pair of red geta, completing his look.
The second boy in the room had dark raven blue hair that seemed to be well groomed, dark colored eyes, and a downcast look on his face of shame. He simply wore what his clan commonly wore in public. A black long sleeve T-shirt with a chin high collar, white cargo shorts that went passed his knees a bit, and a pair of zori for his foot wear.
"Now boys," said Yondaime Hokage, sitting behind his desk while pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to lessen the pain of his current migraine. "What gave you the bright idea of painting 'that' on the Hokage monument?" referring to the picture on his desk of the now tampered Hokage faces.
"C'mon Otou-san, you gotta admit, its pretty funny." smiled Naruto, now folding both arms behind his head.
'Seriously, if Tsunade-neechan didn't give you two early chakra control lessons…' thought a calming Arashi. "And what do you have to say Sasuke." Arashi said, now staring straight at Sasuke.
"I-I'm sorry Yondaime-sama, Naruto dragged me into it." said a shaky Uchiha Sasuke.
"Sasuke…I've already explained to you, there is no need to be so formal with me and relax, although I will punish you two it's not what your thinking." said Arashi. "All I want to ask before I send you two off to remove the paint is…WHY THE HELL IS MY NOSE RUNNING WITH BLOOD!" shouted a now irate Arashi.
To this Sasuke flinched and Naruto furrowed his brow and frowned his lips before retorting. "Because, both you and Souji-ojiisan read those books Jiraiya-ojisan give you. You're both perverts Otou-san…"
At this revelation Sasuke frantically glances back and forth from Arashi and Naruto. Naruto with a smug look and Arashi with a forced smile on his face, a vein throbbing on his forehead and a balled fist shaking violently in front his face in frustration. Before Arashi could wail on his son or Sasuke speak on both their defense, a creaking of the door signaled a visitor.
"Hohoo…Naruto-kun, is that your new work out there on the Hokage's faces?" asked an overly amused, once again retired Hokage, Sarutobi Souji.
Both children turning to face the old man, Naruto replies, "You like it Souji-ojiisan?" with a content smile on his face, awaiting the old mans answer.
"Though the Shodaime with mascara and the Nidaime with blush on his cheeks and lipstick are funny Naruto-kun, why is it that I have, what seems to be blood coming out of my nose, on my stone monument?" asked a still amused Sarutobi.
"I draw 'em how I see 'em Jii-san, and anyway it was Sasuke who drew on your face."
At this Sasuke's eyes shot wide open, practically falling out, "NARUTO! Don't say that! I could get in big trouble with Otou-san!" saying this while savagely shaking Naruto at the shoulders.
Both Arashi and Sarutobi were chuckling at the boys behavior, "Well…what's done is done, is it not." said a smiling Sarutobi. "I can think that both your punishments are to clean the faces now?"
Sasuke nodded his confirmation while Naruto was trying to gather his bearings from his one way trip to the floor.
After several seconds passed, Naruto got back his bearings and turned to his father. "That's my first step to being the greatest Hokage ever Otou-san! Better than all the Hokages, even you! Believe it!"
With that said both boys leave the Hokage's office. When the door clicks shut Sarutobi walks towards an open window and speaks, "You know Arashi-kun, while I was walking here, I wouldn't doubt that all the villagers got a chuckle out of that prank."
A smirk gracing the face of Arashi, "I wouldn't doubt it, even I got a laugh or two out of that one, but I'd never tell those boys." chuckling softly at his little joke.
"What's even more impressive Arashi-kun, is that both Naruto and Sasuke were using chakra to walk on the side of the monument…quite the feat for eight year olds. It's been ages since potential like theirs has showed itself." a hope filled smile graced the features of the old man.
"So you saw that huh?" Arashi turned to look at the old man, noticing his smile and continued. "Yeah, but to tell the truth, after visiting the academy this past week I can safely say that Naruto's generation are all quite talented."
"Oh? You make the future sound quite promising Arashi-kun. I look forward to it." remarked the old man, taking a puff from his tobacco pipe.
To this Arashi just rests his head on his hands and frowns, "Really old man? I really miss their cute days…"
(Flashback 5 years ago!)
In a spacious room stood twelve people all awaiting the arrival of one man and his three year old son. On the floor in the middle of the room was a mat with seals written on them, hundreds, maybe a thousand seals were inscribed on that mat. In the middle of the seals looked to be a clay tablet no bigger than a small futon.
The occupants gawked at the level of mastery, not believing that something like this could be done. In the room everyone stood, the two elders Homura and Koharu, the two clan heads Hiashi and Fugaku, the reinstated Hokage Sarutobi and his two students Jiraiya and Tsunade of the sannin, Arashi's students Kakashi and Rin stood there waiting, the other component to the seal Tenzo stood next to Tsunade's own apprentice, Shizune, and off to the side standing by himself was none other than the Yondaime Kazekage.
Only lit by the 4 candles in the room, everyone squinted their eyes when the door was opened by Arashi carrying his son on his shoulders, with the mid-day sun shining in.
Walking slowly to the clay tablet, letting his eyes adjust to the dimly lit room, Arashi noticed that everyone was present and placed the unconscious form of Naruto on the tablet itself.
"Good! Everyone is here." Staring at the form of his son Rin asked, "Arashi-sensei, what's wrong with Naruto?"
Arashi looked up and grinned sheepishly at his student, "I sorta had to knock him unconscious…" rubbing the back of his head while still grinning, hoping Rin wouldn't kill him.
"Oh…" was all she chirped out while putting her hands together in a near prayer like fashion. Seeing this Kakashi put a hand on her shoulder, "Everything will work out Rin." Giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze he turned back to face Arashi.
"Before I begin, I should clear up one thing to all of you." At this everyone looked at Arashi and than glanced at the Yondaime Kazekage.
"Two years ago, the Kazekage came to me seeking my advice on seals, worried about his sons stability, for his son holds the Shukaku." At this Arashi got nods of understanding and continued, "To strengthen our alliance as well as the friendship shared between our villages, we have both come to an agreement about improving his sons seal."
"I, Yondaime Hokage, have requested his presence here today so that he can assess my own skill and reassure his decision." At this everyone in the room looked at the Yondaime Kazekage quizzically.
Arashi, noticing the look on everyone's features finished, "Because I too would worry about my sons wellbeing if I put his life into someone else's hands." Smiling at everyone, even the Kazekage, he began giving out instructions.
"Shizune-kun, do you have the chakra reinforced hair?" at his question Shizune nodded a confirmation and began wrapping Naruto's wrists and ankles with the hair, pushing the ends of the hair into the still soft, seal etched, clay tablet.
After placing the hair in the correct place, both Shizune and Tsunade kneeled at the bottom of the tablet placing their hands just below Naruto's feet onto the tablet itself.
With a nod from Arashi both medic nin's began focusing their chakra into the tablet, hardening it.
Everyone in the room watched in interest. Knowing Arashi, majority of the room could guess that the seal augments on the soft clay would harden it to a near steel like composition with Tsunade and her apprentice's chakra control.
Turning his gaze to Jiraiya, "You got a pretty hard job sensei…think you can handle it?" said a smirking Arashi.
"Shut up brat and lets just get this over with!", focus on Jiraiya's features placing a two inch in diameter scroll in Naruto's mouth to protect him from biting his own tongue. Kneeling above Naruto's head and cupping the young boys chin and cradling his face with his forearms Jiraiya gave Arashi a nod.
Double checking the preparations Arashi finally turned his attention to Tenzo, the seventeen year old new jounin. "Tenzo, I need you to draw blood from your thumb and swipe across those seals there." Pointing to the eight seals on the mat encompassing Naruto.
Nodding confirmation, Tenzo starts, he bites his thumb and begins to swipe through all eight seals.
"OK. Now Tenzo I need you to go behind Jiraiya and kneel in front of that larger seal facing the group." Instructs Arashi. Watching the young jounin move to his position Arashi does one last check.
'Ok, chakra reinforced hair, check. Seal etched clay tablet…' knocking on the tablet itself, 'ouch…yup that's pretty hard, check. Sensei in a funny position, check. Tenzo's blood on the corresponding Hakke no Fuuin Shiki seals, check. Time to get rolling!' finishing his thoughts and looking at Tenzo, Arashi gave his last instruction.
"Tenzo, once you're ready swipe your blood across that seal in front of you, place both hands in the seal, and pour as much of your Mokuton element into that seal. Try to hold out as long as you can, this shouldn't take long." After finishing his sentence, Arashi as well as everyone else that was a spectator watched the young man swipe his blood across the last seal, place his hands on it and narrow his eyes in focus.
At seeing the seals react and the eight seals on the mat glow green, Arashi reached into his pocket and pulled out the Shodaime's Necklace. A smile pointed at Tsunade in a quiet 'Thank you', he knelt on the side of his son and placed the necklace on to his stomach, making his seal react.
In fascination the whole room was awed at the now eight glowing seals that began to spill out a forest green chakra, all swirling and pooling directly over the Shodaime's pendant.
At this sight the Yondaime Hokage steeled his resolve and started flashing through hand seals. "Fujutsu: Juu Fugou! Tentou Ken Jigoku!" forming one last seal and separating his hands, all ten points of his fingers began to glow a white-bluish color. Before he slammed his hands into his son's abdomen he shouted.
"KAISHIN FUUIN SHIKI!"
Once his hands hit the seal, mayhem ensued. Red chakra pulses shot through the room in quick intervals. Jiraiya in disbelief watched Naruto as his baby teeth elongated into animal-like canines, his whisker-like birth marks took on a feral look, darkening and lengthening, and his eyes flashing back and forth from blue to crimson, while his once round pupils lengthened and became sharp, predatory-like slits.
Tsunade's and Shizune's eyes both widen at the thrashing child, no older than three, cracking the chakra reinforced clay with this malevolent power spilling out from him. Pushing more chakra in to ensure success, both kunoichi looked at their hands in focus, noticing that Naruto's toe-nails took on a more claw like feature. Tsunade, not one to miss-observe anything, glanced at Naruto's hands and confirmed her suspicions.
Tenzo, noticing everyone's plight at trying to control the wild boy closes his eyes and pushes everything he had into the seal. Still hearing the growls and muffled screams of Naruto, mentally cursing at himself.
"We need your Mokuton talent Tenzo-kun, to help fix my sons seal. Can you do that for me?" asked a smiling Arashi.
"Yes! Hokage-sama!" agreed a proud Tenzo. 'He's asking for my help, I won't let him down!'
Everyone in the room tensed, feeling the same demonic chakra that night three years prior. All watching in concern for the people involved with the process except one who was deep in thought about the man leading the sealing, 'This man…Arashi…is different from the pale one. I feel as though I can trust him.'
Concentrating on the Shodaime's pendent, Arashi sighs a sense of relief that it is acting as an anchor for the Mokuton element. Focusing more on his portion of the job, Arashi pushes his fingertips deeper into his son's abdomen and pours more chakra into the seal. Noticing that the pool of concentrated Mokuton element getting thicker he inwardly smiles at Tenzo's effort. 'Just a little longer kid, please hold out.'
After only a minute, which felt like an eternity to everyone present in the room, the pulses of demonic chakra died down, eventually stopping, his deformed features receded, leaving a normal looking Naruto, and his thrashing and groans stopped, leading him to peaceful unconsciousness.
Tenzo fell forward from exhaustion when everything settled. Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Shizune all sat down where they were kneeling, panting from the stress of keeping the child under control. Arashi removed his hands from his son's stomach and inspected the seal.
At first nothing happened, confused looks were shared among the occupants, than after twenty seconds had passed, the eight inner seals began to literally burn away in a red color similar to the Kyuubi's chakra, one after the other, just leaving the inner swirl and outer complete layer.
At this, gasps could be heard going around the room, everyone present understood what this meant, the bars to Kyuubi's cage were now gone! A worried expression shared by everyone, the Yondaime Kazekage was the only one to take notice of the intense focus on his peers face.
Arashi stayed there kneeling, waiting for his desired reaction. As if expecting it, ten seconds after the inner Hakke no Fuuin Shiki burned away in a red color, a new set of seals began to form around the swirl. These seals, inscribing itself with a white-bluish flame, began forming one by one till there were ten seals! Leaving ten symbols of empty black circles with a flame like pattern, reaching for the outer layer.
Once the seal was set in place Hyuga Hiashi activated his Byakugan, what he saw wasn't the abnormal fluctuations of red malevolent chakra or even the smoothing light blue tint chakra took when visible. What he saw was a steady but even distribution of an alluring deep blue color, as if staring into the deepest parts of the sea.
Deactivating the Byakugan and collecting himself from his awed stupor, everyone asked in unison, "How's it look Hiashi-sama?"
Though from a noble clan he could not control himself from giving the explanation as how he saw it. "Its incredible, to sum it up in one word. The chakra leaking from the seal is no longer red, malevolent, and sporadic. It's now steadily flowing from the seal, filling his coils to the utmost limit that it can at his age. And not only that, the chakra itself has taken new form…it appears to be a deep shade of blue, like staring into the deepest regions of the ocean, a very potent chakra that was nothing less than subtle and alluring."
"From the way the chakra is flowing from the seals, and the way the seals have taken form I can surmise that the new seal was a success. Though it is interesting, it's almost as though the seal it self is built to release more chakra as the boy's body and chakra system matures. Truly a masterful seal." finished Hiashi on his report.
"Seriously…now that's a cool seal brat!" said a smirking Jiraiya.
"I'm sorry Tsunade-sama but I have to agree with Jiraiya-sama this time." Said Shizune dumbly staring at the seal not noticing Tsunade doing the same while nodding her head in agreement, "It's like a work of art, like a bright burning sun…"
Arashi smiled while cradling his son in his arms, letting his head rest on his shoulder.
Making his way to the door, Arashi turns his head to Tsunade for a moment, "Tsunade-neechan, could you please take Tenzo-kun to the hospital, he seems to have totally exhausted himself, and tell the clerk to put the fee under my name." Shifting his body to see the limp form of Tenzo and smiling a silent 'Thank you', he once again turned to the door only to be stopped by seeing the Yondaime Kazekage standing in font of him, Kage hat removed and bowing in deep respect.
"Please, Hokage-sama. Save my son, it pains me to see him like he is now…" said a desperate Kazekage.
Understanding the reason the Kazekage's son was a Jinchuriki, Arashi nodded his head and said, "Konoha will be waiting for your return Kazekage-sama, and bring the other two you mentioned as well, Kankuro and Temari was it? I think my son would enjoy having new friends."
Looking up from his bowed position, the Kazekage immediately notices the Hokage's smile and was awed by his natural charisma. Straightening himself once again and placing his Kazekage hat back on, he replies, "Yes, Hokage-sama, it would be an honor. My family and I will return in a week's time, and…thank you."
To the mans polite demeanor, Arashi lowers his own head in respect and turns his attention to the rest of the rooms occupants. From them, he received kind smiles and respectful nods, Kakashi and Rin was at their teachers side making sure Naruto was alright.
"I think Naruto needs to get into his bed. No doubt he'll be out for a couple of days." At that Arashi smiles at his son and than the rest of the people in the room, "I think we all need a rest after a day like today…"
Getting a few chuckles and muffled laughs, Kakashi and Rin open the door for their sensei while he makes his way out into the blinding sun light.
Two years later a five year old Naruto and his father were having their dinner at Ichiraku's Ramen stand.
"Otou-san?" asked Naruto, placing his chopsticks on his bowl.
"Yes Naruto?" replied a startled Arashi at the sons' saddened tone and sudden question.
"Is Hinata-chan ok? A long time ago I went to see her with Souji-ojiisan and she was crying…" said a pouting Naruto, "When I asked her what was the matter…she said that her Okaasan was hurt really bad. I tried really, really, really hard to make her smile, I even went out and found this nice white flower, but she didn't stop…"
'He must be talking about what happened to Hizuru-ojousan last month, at least this time,' smiled Arashi at his thoughts and at his son's honest concern for his friend, 'Tsunade-neechan was able to save her.'
"I heard about that Naruto," at this, Arashi turned to face his son and smiled. "Hizuru-ojousan was giving birth to Hinata's little sister." Naruto's eyes widen at the news.
"While giving birth to Hinata's sister, Hizuru-ojousan lost a lot of blood Naruto." Noticing his son's confused look he simplified it, "Hizuru-ojousan got a big cut and needed Tsunade-neechan to fix her Naruto." Seeing Naruto nod at the statement, Arashi felt a sweat drop down his forehead thinking, 'I hope that never gets out…Hiashi-sama would kill me…' while thinking that, Arashi didn't notice the muffled laugh of Teuchi, the ramen stand's proprietor.
"So Tsunade-obasan fixed Hizuru-obasan?" Naruto received a nod and a smile from Arashi. "I can go see Hinata-chan and her sister now? And Neji too!" beaming a wide smile at his father, which his father returned.
"Yeah, I was planning on taking you there tomorrow in fact because Neji has been asking about you for sometime now." Arashi said, still smiling at his son, "You know this year Neji starts in the Ninja Academy. You won't get to see him that often now son."
"EHH!!! Neji is sooooo lucky!" shouted an excited Naruto.
A slightly dizzy Arashi shakes off the ringing in his ears from his son's sudden outburst, though at the same time glad that his son is not sadden by this revelation and even more so in the determined glint in his eye.
Wishing to change the subject so his son can calm down a bit Arashi asks, "So Naruto, what's Tsunade-neechan been teaching you so far?"
Coming down from his previous excitement and cupping his chin as if deep in thought, "Tsunade-obasan has been going over with me for a long time now the alphabet, vocabulary, and numbers…lots and lots of numbers!" smiled a content Naruto.
"You really like studying huh?" receiving a nod from his son in confirmation he continues, "The day after tomorrow son, ask Tsunade-neechan to start teaching you the basics of being a ninja…if you still want to be one." Seeing the wide-eye expression his son was giving him Arashi prepared for the loud painful shout, but none came.
Naruto turned his gaze from his fathers and looked at the empty bowl that lay in front him. Before Arashi could voice his concern Naruto spoke, "Yes, I still want to be a ninja Otou-san."
Concerned for his sons sudden behavior change, Arashi felt to leave it as is and placed the money on the table. Signaling for his son to follow and both saying their thanks and goodbyes to Teuchi-san, leave the ramen stand and head towards their home.
Arashi, enjoying the light cast by the setting sun, lets his gaze fall upon the Hokage monument. Jogging him out of his muse Naruto asks, "Otou-san, how can I become Hokage, like you?"
Smiling while still focused on the faces of his predecessors, "What do you think makes a Hokage son?"
"When I'm in the park and all the grown-ups ask me what I want to do…I always say 'I'm going to be Hokage' but than they tell me stories…about you Otou-san…and tell me I need to be as strong as you to be Hokage…"
Nodding to his sons initial answer Arashi continues, "Son, it is true you need to be strong…really strong, but do you know why?" glancing at his son getting a negative head shake he continues.
"You need to be strong so that people you like won't get hurt, so that you can become their shield and protect those people son. Do you understand?" receiving a nod Arashi continues, "That feeling of wanting to shield your friends and family from pain Naruto is what makes a Hokage truly strong."
Watching his father intently, taking in everything he is saying to him to heart, Naruto begins to understand why every time his father sees someone he smiles, and taking this to heart Naruto smiles to his father and nods to continue.
"When you told me you tried your best to make Hinata feel better when you saw her crying son, I was very proud. That is the first step to becoming a Hokage son, it is not having the biggest and flashiest jutsu, but to have the will to protect everyone you care about from pain and keep everyone happy, that is what the shinobi of Konoha refer to as the will of fire son."
Naruto leaned his head up to gaze at the Hokage monument, placing his hands behind his head and asked, "Otou-san, can we go and find more of those pretty white flowers before we go to Hinata-chan's house?"
"Yeah sure son, tell me what they look like and maybe I can pick them up at the Yamanaka's flower shop."
"I wanna pick the flower myself Otou-san, one for Hizuru-obasan, Hinata-chan, and her little sister, I'd like to help them smile by finding it ourselves Otou-san." Pausing for a moment Naruto continued, "The flower was really pretty Otou-san, it wasn't that big and the petals looked all bunched together like, but it was a real pretty white color with a little, little, little bit of pink on it."
Staring at his son as they closed in on their house, Arashi smiled, "Sure son, I'll help you find that flower tomorrow morning, it sounds really pretty indeed." 'It's almost as if the fates are playing with me. Our son, Suzu-chan, is using your favorite flower, a cosmos, to make people he cares about happy.'
Getting into the house and tucking Naruto into bed, "Naruto I have to go to the office for one last meeting before I'm home for the night. Go straight to sleep son so we can get up nice and early to go look for your flower ok." With a yawn and a nod from Naruto, Arashi walked out of Naruto's room and headed for the front door.
Upon exiting he places three different seals on the door seam that fade into the wood itself. With a content look and a nod to himself Arashi suddenly vanishes from where he was standing, only the slight kick up of dust and three leaves swirling in the air signaling his departure.
"I'm glad you could make it at this time of night." Arashi said to a black haired youth, no more ten years old and newly promoted to chuunin.
With a nod from the child Arashi continues, "You are considered a genius, a prodigy of our time, tonight I offer you a special promotion with a catch, Uchiha Itachi."
Sitting on a chair across from Arashi Itachi examines his Hokages face, failing to decipher anything, closing his eyes out of respect for the man hailed as Konoha no Kiroi Senko, speaks in a monotone voice, "I would like to hear the catch first Yondaime-sama, I would not like to regret my decision afterwards."
"Understandable, please consider my offer before dismissing it, it may be worth your while Itachi." With a nod from Itachi he continued, "The promotion first off is to the rank of Tokubetsu Jounin, you will get the stipend pay of a regular Jounin every month as well as receive every two weeks, Rank B listed, one hundred percent, commission."
'That's a whole shit load of money…what's the catch…' thought Itachi nodding once more for Arashi to continue.
"This is a special extended mission issued by myself, I want you, Itachi, to watch over and train my son." At this, Arashi noticed Itachi's eyes shoot open from surprise at his objective. Before Itachi could open his mouth Arashi continued.
"I know how it sounds, but I am not asking you to be a babysitter Itachi, though I am asking you to train my son, your father, has also allowed me to include Sasuke in this training to give Naruto a rival." Arashi noticed Itachi calm himself from hearing the previous news.
'So its not one to one training, Thank God, sparring with a child would seriously hinder my skills.' Thought a now collected Uchiha. "And if I accept is there a schedule? And of the rank…will I be cleared for Jounin level information?"
"Yes there is a schedule. If you choose to accept this extended mission, you will be their sensei till the time both me and your father see them fit to enter the academy. You will train them 5 days a week, any day of your choosing, for two to three hours a day, though you are a well versed shinobi in all aspects, I just want you to teach them both Taijutsu, all four of your recorded styles or just one, its your choice. What you do in your free time and on your days off is your choice, be it R&R or missions."
"Now of the Jounin rank, you can utilize the Jounin meeting area and get assigned to a team with clearance to take any rank mission except for the rare S2 class mission. Those rank missions are Hokage authorized only and members are personally chosen." Arashi paused to view a reaction. 'Wonder if he gets the hint?'
'Hmm…S2, never heard of that before and its Hokage personal selection…authorized… wait, does that mean he will be the squad leader for an S2 mission?!' at this revelation Itachi's eyes widened and his gaze was met with a smile.
'Pretty quick for a ten year old, no wonder Sarutobi requested he be promoted.' "As for the information, all jounin are clear to any information open to that rank, the only exception is the forbidden scroll of sealing, which must be cleared by me." Proclaimed a now stern Arashi, making sure his point got across.
With a nod from Itachi, Arashi continued, "One last thing your father wanted me to ask." Itachi visibly raised an eyebrow, 'Jeez Fugaku…you just had to make me ask this.'
"In one years time on her fifth birthday, your father would like you to incorporate your younger sister, Tsukiko, in the training as well." At Itachi's reaction, Arashi now raises his brow.
Eyes wide open, brow reaching his hairline, and his mouth gaping like a fish, Itachi managed to stutter out, "B-Bu-But she's the exception i-in my fa-family…" Arashi was inwardly smirking, 'So the prodigy does have a soft spot for his little sister, nice one Fugaku.'
"It is entirely your decision Itachi, my end was only for Naruto and Sasuke to undergo this training but…if I remember correctly while consulting with your father, your little sister had this to scream, 'WAHHH! I get to be a ninja like Ita-oniisan, Sasu-oniichan, and Naru-kun! WAHHH!' or something to that effect…"
'It certainly sounds like her reaction when it comes to Naruto…I'll have to ask Kiko-chan and Otou-san about this later.' thought Itachi, "Very well Yondaime-sama, considering your conditions, I will accept the promotion and devote myself to this mission."
Standing from his seat and readying to move to the door, Itachi is stopped by the voice of his Hokage, "I'm glad you put it like that Itachi-kun. Though I want you to be strict and make great progress with their training, I alone ask this…as a personal favor."
Eyebrow raised, Itachi listens intently, "I understand from your mother that you adore both your little brother and little sister to no end Itachi-kun, though this may be a bit much to ask…if you could I would be honored if you treated Naruto to such an extent."
"Why do you ask that, Yondaime-sama? Naruto seems content to me, he is a hero after all and part of a legacy. I've never seen a day that he wasn't smiling." asked a curious Itachi.
"That is the problem Itachi-kun, as you only see him in passing glances and his friends are too young to notice, his smile falters when he sees children with their parents and siblings interacting with each other. I can see the longing in his eyes for a mother, the void in his heart of not having a brother or sister, it saddens him, even if just a little, enough to drop that smiling façade." Looking Itachi in the eyes before continuing.
"I ask this of you because tonight, he told me he wanted to be Hokage, and to no end he's made me proud. He instinctively wants to protect people from pain, sadness, by making them happy, at such a young age he already believes in the will of fire, but Itachi-kun, he cannot become strong enough to protect the ones he loves if he himself cannot be happy."
At this new revelation, Itachi watches as Yondaime Hokage casts his eyes down and rests his forehead on the bridge his weaved hands created.
With his gaze cast down, Arashi failed to see the small but genuine small Itachi let grace his face, "Yes Hokage-sama, I will try to open up to your son. That is all I can offer though, he may not accept my feelings from what you've told me."
"Thank you Itachi-kun, that is all I can ask of you."
With that said, Itachi gave a small bow and moved to exit the room, 'It has been a long time since I've heard those words Hokage-sama, in fact the last time I heard them was from you yourself three years ago at my academies graduation ceremony.'
'Congratulations everyone, your time as an academy trainee is over and your life as a ninja begins! This road you walk is racked with hardship, through those hardships we all work together to become stronger. For those of you now taking your steps into this world, I offer you this advice. Fight to protect the people you love, for this is the guiding flame that make all ninja's, hard working and geniuses, equally as strong. That feeling of protecting something you cherish, even at the cost of your own life is what gives us unprecedented power, this feeling is what we call the will of fire!'
'If I find a brother in your son Arashi-sama, just as my own brother and sister, I would give my life to protect his.'
(End flashback)
A long silence took place in the Hokage's office with the two peers drifting in their own thoughts. Sarutobi takes his gaze away from the bustling streets of Konoha and turns to face a smiling Arashi.
"And what is on your mind Arashi-kun?" asked old man Sarutobi.
"Itachi's turned out to be a good kid. I was a little skeptical at first because of his interest in power, but since his initial interaction with Naruto and his own siblings, he has become a loving older brother to them all." smiling contently to himself.
"It is true, having siblings and interacting with them so much does build a strong bond. Strong enough to take ones mind off power and melt the ice around ones heart." said an expressionless Sarutobi.
Sarutobi moved to the chair across from Arashi's desk and took a seat, taking a puff from his pipe he began, "Arashi, as you know, some time ago I requested a team of Anbu black Ops. to search for Uchiha Takuma and his wife Isono." pausing for a bit to let Arashi take all this information in.
"Early this morning that squad returned with two dead bodies. After the medic nin's examined the bodies they found it to be Takuma's and Isono's, time of death predicted approximately six months ago, cause unknown, but with no wounds on the body one can surmise poison, or drowning." Finished the old man and now looking at the furrowed brow of Arashi.
"Their bodies were found where Sarutobi-sama? And were the medics able to determine the intent?" asked Arashi.
"Their bodies were found deep in a river west of here. Due to the water damage the bodies sustained the medics are trying their best to flush out any, if at all, residual poison, but it is proving to be quite the difficult task. Intentions unknown, but Arashi you knew them, they wouldn't just suddenly want to leave the village and commit suicide." finished a tired looking old man.
Furrowing his brow even further and pinching the bridge of his nose in concentration, Arashi asked, "Have you been able to contact their son? Shisui should know about his parent's death."
"There's the problem Arashi-kun," the old man leaned forward in his chair resting his elbows on Arashi's desk taking a think pose. "After the medics determined it was his parents the Anbu went to the Uchiha complex, he was not there and his house was barren."
"From the reports of the people that knew the boy, it breaks down to this." Taking a moment to arrange his thoughts the old man continues. "Since his induction as an Anbu captain six months ago he has been distancing himself from everyone he once knew. What's even more peculiar is that since that time he has been telling everyone that inquired about his parents that 'they have gone on a romantic getaway.' and as of now Arashi-kun."
The old man, staring at Arashi, brow furrowed in worry, "There has been a confirmation of a Anbu patrol cell being totally wiped out, two of their members died of intense brain trauma brought on by a powerful genjutsu…only Kurama Yakumo of the Kurama clan has the ability to do that but her kekkei genkai has not manifested as of yet."
"And the other possibility old man?" Arashi knowing that the old man knew something.
"Mangekyo Sharingan," 'Mangekyo Sharingan…what is that…' thought Arashi. Sarutobi seeing the clear confusion on his face continued, "That Arashi is an S-class family secret, all information on it can only be given out by Fugaku himself to outsiders of the clan, but Arashi." The seriousness in the old mans voice calling Arashi's name.
"That is the least of our worries at this moment. The last two members of the Anbu cell…" the old man began to sharpen his eyes at the news he was about to give. "they died of multiple cuts and poison…they also had fang bites on the back of their necks…with the emergence of," the old man paused for a bit. "Cursed seals."
Arashi sharpened his eyes and lowered his head, with a distinct growl.
"Orochimaru…"
A/N: That's chapter three, hope you enjoy it! Ya I made Itachi a relatively good guy, I like his character, and he's to cool not to make him into an eventual good guy.
I also made up the name for Hinata's mom and gave the Uchiha family a little sister one year younger than the gang.
As of right now the future pairings(cause right now their all only eight heh) is uncertain on my side, so I've designed the story to go to either girl, an example of this is Naruto's mom, though he was a baby, his present self is unknowingly drawn to certain qualities of her.
Her blonde her (Ino and Temari), her strong conviction (Tenten), and lastly her emerald green eyes and Naruto's later reference to the flower cosmos (Sakura).
For Hinata and the now newly created Tsukiko, their affection stem from him being with their family often.
The Jutsu i made for this chapter. Fujutsu: Juu Fugou! Tentou Ken Jigoku no Kaishin Fuuin Shiki!
Though i didnt add the sentence connector 'no' because of the pause it roughly translates. 'Divination Technique: Ten Symbols! Heaven and Hell Conversion Seal Ceremony!' For this instance i used the least used translation of shiki - ceremony, rather than what Kishi himself uses it as death god and style.
Alright I'll try and get chapter 4 out ASAP! Take care!
