Well here is chapter 3. I am not too happy with it and I may edit it in the future. But again my first 3 chapters is merely the prologue. Hence why they are shorter. My next chapter will be much longer.

I will say this while I try to update on a weekly or fortnightly basis. I am not going to produce garbage or content I am not happy with just for the sake of bringing out chapters. I will not do that to you my readers.

Thank you for your reviews. They mean a lot to me. Also I am enjoying writing Gai as the manga kind of just skims over him as a character and how he is, who he is. How he thinks. I am hoping I can delve into him a bit in the next few chapters, bring out a depth to him I yet to see. So don't expect each chapter to be happy. And also I promise you I do not skim over emotion or turmoil, trauma.

I try to write with a realism to it. any ways that is all from me.

Chapter 3:

" You know Kakashi-chan. Gai isn't that bad you know. Why don't you give him a chance and try to be friendly to him?"

" You want me to befriend a man who's hair shines more then a katana's blade? The man is a bafoon and a joke of a shinobi."

" Is that why he is the only one of your age group to ever land a hit on you? Or did you get that black eye from running into a wall?"

" Screw you sensei."

The flicker of the torches along the walls danced in rhythm with the growing anger and disdain that was blanketing the small hidden chamber. It was said and rumoured that the Uchiha's command over fire was so great, that even a look from their infamous eyes could command fires as hot as the sun. The burning element was at their beck and call like a great beast bowing to its master. The rumors were even stated to claim that the Sharingan clan were descendants from a great dragon or fire beast that was rumoured to have helped create Fire country's landscape.

Like the uncaring flame that scorched all in its path of destruction. The Uchiha had conjured together under one banner of dismay. Their emotions were running rampant like a wild fire, hidden behind schooled masks of impassiveness. Yet the three commas that all who gathered possessed spun wildly in anger that burned just as hot as the flames they possessed.

The head of the clan Fugaku, a tan skinned brunette was a stoic man with a medium build. Shrewd, brutally honest. He like those who shared his blood. Looked down upon those who were deemed inferior to the Uchiha. They who possessed the power of dragons, and the power to bend time, and space itself. They in their own right were the true rulers of the Leaf village.

"So we are all in agreement then?" The head of the Uchiha's asked those around him.

He didn't show emotion, his face lacking anything that could give a hint as to what he felt. He had gathered those that knew that the Hokage was a fool to allow the vessel of the demon to live on. It didn't matter if it was the will of the Fourth to keep the boy alive. The boy contained the very creature that had them ostracised from the village. Due to the nine-tails, and the Sharingan's ability to tame it. the village were wary of the Uchiha. They kept them at arms-reach,

"Although we can't take direct action that doesn't mean that we can take overt actions." He looked at the faces around him all had eyes of hatred in them. All of them had lost someone precious to them to the demon's attack and it was a powerful motivation.

"What can we do then Fugaku-sama?" One of the men asked.

"We can't make it obvious or else the Hokage would send the ANBU after whoever was behind things." Another said.

"Yes we need someone to take the fall." Another agreed. The clan was not against using others for their own need. After all they were hired assassins, and thugs. Shinobi would create a mission when there was no mission. They were used by others and used others for their own whims. It was just the way the world operated. And the Uchiha were master manipulators after all.

"Yes we need to find someone with no affiliation that will kill the boy without hesitation. "Fugaku said. "But the problem is finding someone like that, plus with his new guardian around it will make things even more difficult."

"Yes, Gai, and his bitch always took a great liking to the filthy beast. It will not be easy to get past him." One of the men stated.

"You raise a fine point, Gai for all his idiocy is not to be taken lightly and now that he has the Hokage's backing he is nigh untouchable. Thankfully I know a way around this little predicament..

"What do we do then?" One of them asked.

" We plant someone to get close to him. Earn his trust, and then we strike."

"And who would take such a risk? Who can we use that we can trust?"

The grin on Fugaku's face was twisted and conniving. His eyes took in a sickening displeasure when the door opened and in stepped the person who would be the key to the Uchiha's rise to power.

" Gentlemen you know my daughter Itachi. She will be the pillar that raises us to our destiny."

VVVVV

The first week of taking Naruto home and becoming his official guardian. Was a surreal unique experience that had many ups and downs for both Gai, and his ward. Naruto the poor boy was still plagued by nightmares that Gai was unable to shield him from. Often he would be woken up during the night from the child's wails. It was heart breaking and only caused Gai's anger to surface.

After the first week and when Naruto had realised that Gai was indeed not going to abandon him a routine began to form without realising it. Five a.m. was Gai's normal wake up hour, even though he was on paid leave. At eight in the morning Naruto would wake up a bit disorientated, but with a small smile on his face as he embraced his new living arrangements. He would be fed, bathed then play for a while, at home or in the backyard. He asked if he wold ever be able to play at the park, which Gai was hesitant to do. But promised he would.

His big brother true to his word bought him anything he wanted, which for a five year old wasn't much. In fact the few toys he asked for, the new clothes, and more importantly the attention he was being given was enough for him to be happy. Which for a five year old was saying something. Despite his speech impediment, and underdeveloped mind, such as not even knowing what the letter A was.

He was more attuned to things other five year olds weren't attuned to. Something that the green beast picked up on. It was little things really that most kids wouldn't pick up on his age. His senses were heightened which was discovered by accident that Naruto possessed a keen sense of smell and hearing that if he had to guess how developed it was. Would rival if not surpass that of the Inuzuka clan which was saying something. In fact, the big man had to wonder if his senses would even become as astute as Kakashi's who worked with dogs.

There was a hiccup however, Gai had to try to teach Naruto using brail which was itself a challenge for him. But more importantly trying to teach Naruto how to navigate through his house without hitting stuff, work out where something was. He was too little to use a blind dog, so he had to use a walking stick for the blind for now. It was a handicap Gai swore to turn into a strength. He already had ideas forming for what he would teach the boy since he wanted to become a shinobi.

Which drew Gai's attention to his humble abode. No longer did it look like a scarce bachelor pad that it as. But was more kid friendly now with children's books. Both for him to read, and in brail to help teach his boy. There was charcoal and stencils for Naruto to just doodle on. Even though he couldn't really tell what he was drawing.

There was a toy box, warmer softer colors, and just the sort of joy a loving home contained in its feel. He smiled softly as he waited for the sure fire padding of feet that was about to come as he made breakfast. Naruto…the jinchuriki he had known for well ever. He didn't feel like a guardian at all, but like a big brother or dad really. He helped clean Naruto when he went to the bathroom, bathed him, and genuinely loved the child.

This whole experience, the first week turned into two weeks then three then a month. And despite how tired he was from being at Naruto's beck and call. He was loving every minute of it. He was even going to start Naruto on training. After all most kids from the major clans started early on their training. So with his blindness it meant the sooner he began the better.

His lips pulled up into a wide grin, he turned around as Naruto came down the hall. Using the wall as a guide, he took small hesitant steps. His hands feeling along the wall until he got to the end of the hall where the wall ended. This was always the hard part, he had his walking stick, but he still found it hard to move around without bumping into things. Watching on proudly, Naruto used the stick, and his sense of smell to guide him to the kitchen. It was wondrous to watch, when he realised he was drifting further from the smell of the food he was making. He would stop, sniff the air, and grin, revealing his nice sharp little baby canines as he righted his path.

Finally Gai couldn't stop himself from closing the distance and scooping the boy into his arms, and giving him a toss into the air. The innocent laughter filled the apartment which brought a sense of calmness to the jounin. A calmness he hadn't felt in such a long time. Helping Naruto to his ' big boy chair' that he had bought specifically for him. He moved to finish cooking. Not that he as a great cook, but he could make basic mals.

" Say Naruto." He began, collecting his thoughts and mulling over which choice of words to use. "Why don't we go to the lake today?" he asked. The lake, a place Kakashi had taken him to that had been turned into the gathering spot for the small group of friends that Gai could proudly say were his brother and sister in arms. It had been a month since he had last met up with his friends, who tried once a week to get together and enjoy each other's company.

" Really the lake? Wow that is so cool big brother." Naruto shouted in excitement. " What's a lake?"

Gai laughed without any anger, it was a fair question since he doubt the matron at the orphanage, despite her hatred of the boy. Was dumb enough to let a blind child go near any body of water.

" Well a lake is like a big puddle that you can swim in and play in."

He laughed at seeing the red-head's bubbling excitement. He had picked up on Naruto's little quirks. When he was happy, he would smile softly, if he was upset, he would cry, if he was nervous he would become shy. And when excited a wide grin would splay across his little cheeks and his body would shake. Well maybe not little quirks mind you.

" But I dunno how ta swim…" Naruto said suddenly his excitement became subdued, and his face fell in sorrow.

" Well then I will teach you how to swim, no need to get so sad my cub. We will teach you I promise, and I never break my word, Yosh. "

" So there will be people there?" he inquired as Gai went to serve their plate of eggs, rice, and grilled fish. Raising a brow, he was surprised at the question.

" I think there might be some people, friends of mine. They would love to meet you." He was almost counting on one or two of his friends being there since it was Saturday and Saturdays was usually the day they met up. But that had been two years ago since he had last seen his friends. So he didn't know if they still gathered at their spot or not.

The fear that long plagued him began to take control, the cruel words of those who tormented him began to twist inside of his mind. his distrust of others was taking hold on him, his heart began to race a mile a minute. His growing fear was stopped when he was picked up and sat on Gai's knee.

" Hey now, no sad face. They are not like those unyouthful people who were mean to you. These people know you. They met you when you were very little so you probably won't remember them." he said, trying to calm the minor panic attack. " Tell you what. I got an idea, you like super heroes? Right?" Naruto nodded his head, murmuring a ' yes'. " Well why don't we dress you up like one? Give you a mask that can hide your face so they won't know who you are?"

" Really? I can be a super hero?" Naruto asked, his excitement once more sparking. Gai ruffled his hair and boomed loudly.

" YOSH! YOU WILL BE THE BEST SUPER HERO. YOU WILL BE CALLED…SUPER CUB!"

" Uhm big brother….that name…is lame…"

VVVVV

After getting changed, with Gai wearing a pair of green shorts, and a green wife beater revealing his toned arms. He had gotten Naruto dressed in a pair of small orange and red swim trunks, with two arm floaters, and one of Kakashi's old masks he wore as a kid. It was a little big, requiring him to wrap it around Naruto's face and letting at his neck. But he was happy enough with it, and it hid his whisker marks. To finish his ensemble, he also wore a doe rag, which though Naruto couldn't see it he thought he was cool what he wore.

So half an hour journeying through the village they had arrived at the small lake Gai had mentioned. Naruto gripped Gai's hand tightly as he was lead through the forest thicket. This place was such a beautiful place, not crowded thanks to the larger lakes which most of the village loved. There was plenty of shade, a few foraging animals. And the blue waters of the lake glistened like tiny diamonds from the beaming rays of the sun.

Immediately Gai chuckled. His friends all of them were crazy. Anko was munching on some dango, wearing a skimpy bikini. That left little to the imagination and had one Genma Shiranui gawking openly at the curvy young woman. Kurenai, was sitting under a tree with sun glasses on, watching Asuma trying to get the charcoal bbq going.

Letting out a frustrated sigh, he never enjoyed speaking to the copy-nin clan. But he sucked up his unease and grinned widely. He didn't need Naruto getting upset because of his ill-feeling to the Uchiha.

" YOSH. GREETINGS MY FRIENDS. IT IS GLORIOUS TO SEE YOUR YOUH BURNING AS BRIGHT AS THE SUMMER SUN."

" Oh my fucking Inari. He is alive!" Anko bellowed with a stick of dango inches from her lips. Everyone turned with wide eyes as if he had grown a second head. Gai smiled, and waved to his friends. It had been so very long since he had seen them. Two years to be exact. He felt guilty when everyone stopped and began to crowd around the big man.

" When did you get back in the village?"

" God damn man it is good to see you."

" Holy hell you have gotten as big as a bloody ox. "

Came the cries of his friends. He smiled gently, feeling a warmth envelope him. A warmth that he hadn't felt in a long time.

" Yosh, a month ago I got back. "

" And you're just now coming to see us? What the hell Gai?" Anko growled.

Before he could answer. Genma spoke up when he spotted the little person hiding behind his legs.

" Uh Gai, dude. Uhm care explaining to me why there is a kid behind you? Dude did you knock up some chick?"

Anko forgot her anger, as with everyone else stopped their questioning assault. They took in the orange and black clad masked boy. He looked so small, with a rubber ducky tucked in his arm, a pale and shovel in his other hand. Like a fawn, Naruto tried to hide himself behind his big brother.

" Uhm please give us some room. You're scaring Naruto-kun."

The name elicited a chorus of gasps from everyone who took an involuntary step back. They looked to their friend, then to the little frightened boy with confusion and wonder. " Gai…is that…" Kurenai stated. The green beast nodded cautiously he trusted his friends. But the villager's reaction of the child had kept him vary wary of people.

" Yeah it is. Naruto-kun. These are my friends. They're good people. They won't hurt you I promise. Come on out and say hi won't you?" He cooed. Kneeling down he wrapped an arm around his little boy.

" Friends, this is Naruto-kun, and these are my friends. Anko, Genma, Asuma, Kurenai. They have known you for a very long time."

Naruto looked up from where he buried his face into Gai's sternum. He blinked a couple of times, unsure of himself and these people. But his big brother told him he could trust these people. And so far he hadn't been let down by him.

So he waved gently, and murmured " Hello." That was all it took for the spell to be woven amongst the group. More so for Kurenai and Anko who immediately pushed Gai away and began gushing over the little boy. Naruto panicked at the loud girlish squeals the two women conjured up. Making the men blink stupidly at how two big bad prideful kunoichi suddenly go mushy.

" I adopted him, a month ago after being recalled by the Hokage after being sent on that cursed mission from the council." Gai said in a tone that immediately sobered the group up, save for the two girls who caught onto the hidden anger. But ignored it in favour of focusing their energy on Naruto who once he realised these two women wouldn't hurt him, but instead were tickling and hugging him. He Began to enjoy the attention they were giving him.

The men stared down their once lost friend, knowing full well who Naruto was. They each knew of how their former leader of their group, Kakashi loved the boy. And constantly tried to adopt him and give him the life he deserved.

" I thought he was five years old?" Genma the medic asked as he eyed the boy.

" He will be in October. "

" So then why the hell does he look like he is three?" came the replied hiss. Gai adopted a forlorn sorrow face as he shook his head.

" The villagers, they hate him. Apparently they have been horrible to him. The orphanage kicked him out, kami knows only how long ago. Apparently he was found in a dumpster foraging for food." He said, making Sure Naruto wasn't listening in on him. With him being blind, it was hard to tell what the boy was focusing on.

The gasp that echoed through the forest was almost deafening. Nobody knew who it came from nor did they care. Even the two girls stopped playing with Naruto and turned to look at Gai. They were unsure if what they heard was true, but looking to his solemn face, and clenched fists. They knew he was telling the truth.

It was Anko who stood up, and moved to the big man, she looked at him for a moment. Before in a rare display of well Anko. She threw her arms around the large man startling him, and the others when she chocked on a sob.

" We really tried Gai. We really tried to take care of him while you were gone. But we kept getting sent on missions. We weren't even allowed to take him home with us for a few days."

Anko's outburst was stopped by a pairo f strong arms wrapping around her in a brotherly embrace. "I know Anko-chan. I know. Its just…you should have seen how he looked when I found him in the Hokage's office. He is so timid and frightened of everyone and thing. "

Genma clapped Gai on the back, the usually playful jounin wore a pained expression, his eyes glimmering with tears that wanted to succumb to gravity. " We just want you to know man we did try all that we could."

" Yeah I know. I am eternally grateful. As Kakashi is as well, I am sure of it."

They group of friends, took a moment to remember their fallen sister. Each recalling various memories of the silver wolf. If she was alive now, no doubt the village would be missing half of its populace. Each of them silently vowed right there to never let anything happen to the young child again.

Anko, having collected herself, pushed away from her brother, and walked over to Naruto who was seated on the grass. He could sense the change in these new people and how they were feeling. Joy, then sorrow, and anger. Much like what his big brother had felt over the last month. Their emotions were directed at him which made him worried if he had done something bad.

He was becoming scared now, scared that these people were going to hate him too now. Hate him like everyone else. But a soft gentle hand taking his stopping him from crying. " I see you got your ducky with you. Do you want to go swimming squirt."

Kushina Uzumaki, the fiery tomboy who put the fear in both the Yellow flash and the Shinigami was known for her attitude, and energetic nature. She took crap from nobody, not even the Slug princess who was known to punt humans over the Hokage mountain. It seemed her spitfire attitude seemed to have rubbed off upon her son when he answered Anko.

" Not tiny." He said softly.

Anko stared at his cloth covered face. She smiled gently. " No you're not tiny. Say, can I ask you something?" Naruto nodded. And Anko grinned, asking him where she could get a cool looking mask like he had.

" Big brother gave it to me. Said I am a super hero." This earned a soft chuckle from the group, the men smirked at the flushed looking Taijutsu master. The gleam in the mens eyes highlighted untold torment and teasing in the future. While Kurenai, and Anko just cooed.

" Well we think it looks cool. Say do you know how to swim sweetie?" the ruby eyed woman asked which Naruto shook his head no. " Well then I think we should fix that, don't you?" she said, and Anko, and Kurenai took Naruto down to the lake leaving the men alone to bbq.

The rest of the day had turned out to be a good day. Good food, good company, the girls both began to teach Naruto how to swim. The family had become complete, any serious conversations were put on hold for merrier festivities. And though Naruto didn't know it just yet, his family had grown from one, to five deadly shinobi who would not let anything happen to him. The darkness that he had found himself in for so long, it was slowly being pushed away by the warm light.

And while he had a long way to go to trusting people, to being healed, and his spirit mended. The road to recovery was now on its way.