Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto series. So please, don't sue me.
Here's the next chapter of Ninko. I'd just like to say, I'd really appreciate any and all reviews, critique is very helpful for the story, especially since I've yet to find a beta. A lot of the plot is still in the works, so any commentary you have can influence quite a bit of what I do with the story.
The rest of the Author's Note at the bottom of the chapter.
Ninko, Chapter 3: Of Roots and Falling Leaves
"He's stable..." the med-nin said, a sigh on his voice. "...but his body wasn't nearly ready to handle the rush of his...tenant's chakra."
"What are the side effects?" Sarutobi asked, fearing the worst.
"Well, we can't be sure. His chakra circulatory system is intact, which is a miracle in and of itself. Judging by the notes you gave me, however, the seal seems to be...malfunctioning."
"Malfunctioning it what way?"
"I'm not a expert when it comes to seals, but the notes indicate that, should things be functioning as Yondaime-sama intended, the...the Kyuubi's chakra should be filtered by the seal array, before passing into Uzumaki-kun's coils. In that way, the seal that contains the biju also has a one-way seal on it's chakra. As Uzumaki-kun's chakra filters into it, it is supposed to be used to purify the demon's chakra bit by bit, converting it into human chakra."
Nodding, Sarutobi added. "Since the biju is imprisoned within the seal, it would be unable to 'regenerate' it's chakra. The Shodaime believe that, as the biju interacted with the world around them, the siezed chakra around them, which allowed them to maintain their forms. As such, as the biju's chakra was gradually purified, is sentience...held within that chakra...would be eradicated. Or so the Yondaime hoped. However, you said the seal was malfunctioning."
"Hai. According to the Yondaime's notes, the only time the biju's chakra should be in Uzumaki-kun's coils is in times of great duress, through which the biju would be able to regenerate the boy's tissue. However...it's all over the boy's circulatory system. I believe this is due to the damage the seal array received during the attack."
"The Yondaime's notes spoke of a safeguard for such an event."
"That portion was unfinished, unfortunately. It is plausible that he didn't have time to fully describe it's function before the Kyuubi reached the gate. However...we can see it's form."
Lifting up the unconscious Uzumaki Naruto's hospital gown, the med-nin revealed the seal emblazoned upon his stomach. As Sarutobi's eyes set upon it, he uttered a curse.
The Shiki Fuujin's characteristic swirl design was almost half gone, with three of the eight trigrams of the Hakke no Fuujin Shiki surrounding the design missing and a fourth almost totally missing.
There was a second seal array, however, integrated into the Shiki Fuujin, as well as covering the void where the Shiki Fuujin and Hakke no Fuujin Shiki once occupied. Said bore elements of the Gogyou Fuujin, as well as well as a slightly modified Fuuja Houin. These two seals were blended into one, however, instead of the spiral design of the rest of the seal, they were assembled into semi-circles, the ends ending where the Shiki Fuujin began. It was assembled into five semi-circles, the first, third and fifth appearing similar to the Fuuja Houin, while the second and fourth were similar to the Gogyou Fuujin. However, both of the designs contained elements of the Hakke no Fuujin Shiki.
"Can you determine the seal's function, Hokage-sama?"
Sarutobi frowned, gazing at the array now present upon Naruto's stomach. 'The Fuuja Houin is designed to suppress the influence of a seal, however in order to do so, it must encompass the entire array. However, it doesn't seem to encompass the Shiki Fuujin. Instead, it appears to be integrated into it. Further more, the designs making up the array are...slightly different. Instead of suppressing another seal, it is almost though it is suppressing...chakra..."
Turning quickly, Sarutobi locked eyes with one of the ANBU watching over the room. "Except for medical personel, nobody sees him, and he is never in this room alone, understood?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
Performing a seal-less shunshin no jutsu, Sarutobi departed.
Finishing up a final brush-stroke, Sarutobi rolled up the parchment on his desk before sealing it. Lifting it up into the air, he turned towards the ANBU that appeared at his silent command. "I want this given to Jiraya. Make certain he reads it, understand?"
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
"Before you go...tell the other's I'm not to be disturbed."
"As you wish."
Lifting up his pipe once more, Sarutobi formed a one-handed ram seal before channeling chakra into a seal beneath his desk. A queer sense of pressure settled over the room, particularly over the ears.
"You can come out now, Danzou."
Said Council Elder 'hmm'd' before the dispelling the jutsu that hid his position. "I see you have not lost all of your skills, Sarutobi."
"I do not wear these robes for no reason, Danzou. Little in this village escapes my notice."
The crippled man smirked ever-so-slightly, "h, then you know I am here to represent the Council's...concern...over last night's incident."
"No, I know your here to bring Naruto into your little organization," the Hokage uttered, breathing cherry-scented smoke into the air.
The smirk quickly dissapeared from the bandaged shinobi's face.
"Do you think you are the only one with eyes and ears over Konoha? This is my village, Danzou. My home. I have lived here for over half a century. There is no nook I haven't seen, no rock I haven't turned. There's nothing you can hide from me and mine in this village."
The Councilman reigned in his surprise with practiced ease. "Then the fact I live is either because you fear the backlash caused by my death...or..."
"...or I find some use in your continued existence," Sarutobi finished.
"Nevertheless, my purpose here remains. The Uzumaki situation must be handled."
"Mm? And what would suggest, Danzou?" the Hokage queried.
"The boy needs to be trained. Last night proved it, he needs to be able to defend himself," Danzou asserted, tapping his cane on the ground to reinforce his point.
"He's six years old, with the most powerful of biju sealed within him. Strength must be tempered with discipline," Sarutobi replied evenly.
"Then he will be taught discipline."
"Such things cannot simply be taught, Danzou."
Sneering, the crippled shinobi replied with a tone full of scorn, "you're compassion for the boy is going to get him killed, Sarutobi, or worse. The heir to the Hyuuga clan was plucked from their very compound, one of the most secure facilities in Konohagakure no sato. And where does the jinchuuriki live? In an orphanage. It matters not who you have watch him, there are shinobi in the Elemental Nations who could take him miles from here faster than ANBU could blink. And they would not nearly be as gentle with your precious pseudo-grandchild."
"Watch your tongue, Danzou."
"I speak the truth, Sarutobi. I say only what needs to be said."
Danzou's words fell on deaf ears, though, as the wizened Hokage's eyes stared out of the window, locking his eyes on the noble, aristocratic features of the Yondaime Hokage, chiseled into the mountain-side.
"He has potential, Sarutobi. You see it, but you refuse to act on it. Your concern for him is blinding you to the fact your merely doing more damage than good. He's not normal, Sarutobi. He'll never have a normal life, and trying to force him to live one-"
"What would you have me do, Danzou?" the Hokage replied. "Making him into a killer? Strip away his humanity and turn him into the perfect shinobi, like the Uchiha did with their prodigal child?"
"You speak of two extremes. You can prepare him for the life of a shinobi without destroying his humanity."
"He's a child. Barely six years old. One his age barely knows the world around them. Train them to see through the eyes of a shinobi and that is all he'll ever see."
"Better he sees the world as a shinobi, than as a corpse," Danzou replied, coolly, but his words received no reply.
As the silence dragged on, Danzou began to speak once more, "Saru-"
"You've made your point, Danzou," Sarutobi stated, firmly. "Once I have a chance to speak with my wayward student...you may train the boy. But...you'll be doing it for Konoha, not Root. I don't want your little juinjutsu on him." At this, the aged leader paused, taking a breath before continuing. "I also want constant updates. If he so much as stubs his toe, I want to know about it, and I get the last word as to his training. He won't be your next little pet project."
"Deal," Danzou replied. At that, the council member turned to leave.
"Oh, and Danzou?" the Hokage stated, getting the council elder's attention once more.
"If you ruin my pseudo-grandson...I will break you." Those words, stated not as a threat, but a promise, set a shudder up the crippled shinobi's spine. For the first time in years, Danzou experienced the sheer presence the Sandaime Hokage emitted.
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
"Hey, Jiji..." came the muted greeting, as Sarutobi entered the hospital room.
"Hello, Naruto-kun. It's good to see your finally awake," the aged Hokage replied, a warm smile on his face.
"Aheh," the boy chuckled, rubbing the back of his head nervously. Sarutobi noticed the boy's pallor was far paler than usual. Little surprise, given his current state. The bed the boy rested on was inclined so that he was able to sit partially up, which made it far easier for him to speak with his visitor.
The old shinobi walked over to the chair placed next to the boy's bed, and settled himself in with a slight groan. Age had done a number on "the Professor", and never was it more clear than now. He looked haggard and worn, as though he hadn't been sleeping, which in truth, he hadn't. Though he was hardly hovering by the boy's bedside, Sarutobi made a point of going to visit the unconscious child at least once a day. Given the massive amount of paperwork that filtered over his desk, it resulted in many sleepless nights.
"How long have I been...uh...asleep?" the blond-haired boy inquired uncertainly.
"Eleven days today, Naruto-kun. How are you feeling?"
The boy opened his mouth, before pausing. Quickly, his eyes flickered to the figure standing at the door, and Sarutobi picked up on the unconscious signal.
"I'm sure you're hungry, are you not? Inu-san," the Hokage stated, turning towards the dog-mask wearing ANBU at the door. "Could you get something for Naruto-kun to eat, perhaps? He hasn't eaten any solid food in some time, I'm sure," the Hokage finished, the subtle emphasis in his tone allowing the elite shinobi to know the true request.
"Of course, Hokage-sama," the gray-haired ANBU replied, opening the door and exiting without another word. When the Hokage turned back towards the boy, he noticed the relief in the child's eyes.
"What's on your mind, Naruto-kun?"
"Jiji...what-...who am I?"
"You're Uzumaki Naruto. A citizen of Konoha, with a great burden placed upon his shoulders. Nothing more, nothing less."
The boy barely registered the aged shinobi's reply, as he looked down into his lap. "Why did he call me a demon, Jiji? Did...did I do something wrong?"
Sarutobi paused, considering his words. He'd expected this question, but the arrangement with Danzou changed things. "You didn't do anything wrong, Naruto-kun. He called you a demon because he was afraid. He was afraid, and in his ignorance, he took out his fear upon you."
"But why me? Why do they chose me? Why do they look at me with those eyes, and-and..." at that the boy stuttered, taking in a labored breath. Before he could continue, however, he felt a warmth upon his back, and felt the bed shift beneath him.
"For you to understand, I need to tell you a story, Naruto-kun," the old man said, his voice soft and his tone somber. "Six years ago, on the day of your birth, Konohagakure no sato faced a threat unlike any it had faced before..."
As the Hokage told the story, Naruto's face grew more and more tense. Part of him knew the truth, he knew it before the Hokage even began. But it was a minority, crushed beneath a youthful naivety that refused to accept such madness.
"So...so I am a demon."
"No, Naruto-kun, you are not," the Hokage stated firmly, his voice demanding the boy's full attention. "You are a jinchuuriki, yes, but you are also Uzumaki Naruto. No more, no less. You are not the demon sealed within you."
At that Naruto frowned, his head bowed as he stared as his lap. His thoughts derailed, however, as the Hokage's last sentence registered in his mind. "S-sealed?"
Naruto's tone all but confirmed the Hokage's fears. "You altered the seal, didn't you?" the Hokage queried calmly.
Naruto, however, was nearly hysterical. "H-hai. S-she said...she said I had to. She said she'd help me."
At Naruto's words, Sarutobi frowned. If the Kyuubi was in contact with Naruto, things could end poorly, to say the least. It may even be necessary to reinforce the seal, or even seal the boy's tenketsu permanently. Such thoughts left a bad taste in his mouth, but he would do what was necessary. He could not put his concern over the boy over the livelihood of the entirety of Konoha.
Of course, at this moment he had other priorities. Placing his hand firmly on Naruto's shoulder, he gave him a slight shake. "Listen to me, Naruto-kun. If...she talks to you again, I want you to tell me. And be wary. Kitsune are renowned for their trickery, do you understand?" Sarutobi queried, his voice firm, yet not threatening.
"Hai, Jiji," Naruto responded, nodding slightly. "Can I...can I have some time?"
"Of course, Naruto-kun." At that, the aged shinobi rose from his seat, moving quietly towards the door with a grace that refused to deteriorate with age.
Quietly, Sarutobi closed the door behind him with a sigh on his lips.
"You told him, didn't you, Hokage-sama?"
"Hai, Kakashi-kun, I did."
If the silver-haired ANBU had any doubt as to the Hokage's actions, he kept them well hidden. "Did you tell him about what happened to the chuunin?"
At that, the Hokage shook his head. "It wasn't necessary. The boy would feel responsible, I'm sure. He already has enough on his mind..." at that the Hokage trailed off, before sighing. "Speaking of matters of the mind...I think he's come in contact with his tenant."
Kakashi frowned at that, but otherwise refrained from responding. He knew the Hokage was fond of the boy, but he also knew the venerable shinobi wouldn't let that fondness get in the way of what had to be done...
"Kakashi-kun..."
"Hai, Hokage-sama?"
"As of now, consider yourself removed from Konoha's ANBU program."
"...nani?!"
When Naruto once more heard the sound of raindrops dancing across of pool of water, he was overcome with a feeling of unease.
Quickly, the boy stood to his feet, his eyes staring ineffectually into the familiar groom.
"Back so soon, Naruto-kun?" a lilting voice queried.
Turning around, Naruto was once more confronted with the massive bars, looming before and stretching, seemingly endlessly, into the darkness above him. The bars, however, no longer drew his attention. Instead, it was focused solely on the being contained within them.
"Who are you?" the boy questioned, confusion and fear clear in his gaze.
"Mmm, I think you know the answer to that, Naruto-kun," the woman replied cryptically.
"The Kyuubi no Yoko..."
"That...shall suffice. I've had many names, Naruto-kun. Many names, and many titles, stretching through the ages."
"So...you're really old then."
The red-haired woman blinked, before chuckling. "Not one for tact are you, Naruto-kun?"
"Tact?" the boy questioned, his head tilted to the side.
"A lesson for another time, Naruto-kun. Tell me, why do you approach me?"
"What do you mean?" the boy questioned, even more confused then before.
"Ah, so it's not you, but the will of another..." she stated, trailing off. "Nevertheless, I see questions in your eyes. You may ask them."
"Why...why are you so nice? Aren't you supposed to be...evil?"
The woman laughed lightly, her voice warm before the laughter trailed off. "Well, Naruto-kun, if you'd really prefer..."
"N-no! That's okay," the boy interrupted. "I was...I was just curious why you weren't acting like..."
"...like a demon? Hmm, let me give you a piece of advice, Naruto-kun. It's not the wicked you need to fear, the once you revel in fear and terror, no. Far more dangerous are the quiet foes, willing and ready to bide their time..."
"And...and you're one of those?"
"Perhaps. I've time to spare, I assure you."
Gradually, Naruto felt the anxiety ease as the woman spoke. Her calm voice was such that his eyes felt heavy, and regardless of her words, he felt safe.
"You...you're the reason all the villagers hate me, aren't you?"
"In a way...yes. I fed the waves that stoked their fear...but I'm not their origin, nor were you their destination," the woman said, her voice calm and even through every word.
"I'm not sure what you mean," the boy stated, honestly, a slight frown upon his lips.
In response, the woman smiled slightly, "ah, do not worry, Naruto-kun. Understanding will come in time." At that, she sighed, a frown spreading across her lips. "Now, sleep, Naruto-kun. Some things need to remain beyond your hearing for now."
"What...do you..." the boy said little else before his eyes closed, and he began to fall towards the water flooded floor beneath him. Before he reached the ground, however, a wrinkled hand broke his fall.
"Welcome to my humble abode, Hiruzen-kun."
Japanese Term List/Jutsu List
Shiki Fuujin: Dead demon consuming seal. This is the seal the Yondaime used to seal the Kyyubi into Naruto.
Hakke no Fuuin Shiki: Eigth Divination Signs Seal Technique. Used in conjunction with the Shiki Fuujin to seal the Kyuubi into Naruto, and allows the biju's chakra to enter Naruto's own.
Gogyou Fuujin: Five-element seal. This is the seal Orochimaru placed upon Naruto to inhibit his ability to channel chakra, as well as preventing him from using the Kyuubi's chakra.
Fuuja Houin: Evil sealing method. This the seal Kakashi placed upon Sasuke to help him suppress the cursed seal's influence.
Shunshin no jutsu: Body-flicker technique. A jutsu allowing high-speed movement, appearing to be teleportation to the untrained eye.
Nani: As I understand, translates to 'what'.
A/N: Day late, but not a dollar short! Had some account issues yesterday, so i couldn't log in to update. Ah well. this next chap is gonna be a bit late, going out of town and I'm not gonna be able to work on the next chapter all that much.
This chapter was a bit difficult for me to write. All of the scenes in particular seemed a bit...forced, and I cut out a whole section in order to keep it cohesive. Nevertheless, I'm reasonably pleased with how it turned out. Again, please read and review, any critique is greatly appreciated.
