Chapter 3: Secrets Revealed.
(As stated before, I do not own Naruto nor will I ever)
(Kohonagakure no Sato, Village Hidden in the Leaves)
"As you are all aware, Sasuke Uchiha tried to leave the village and go to my former teammate Orochimaru. So, I sent a team lead by Chunin Shikamaru Nara to bring him back here." Tsunade said looking at Shikamaru who nodded at her in acknowledgement. "Shikamaru, your first mission as a chunin was a success. With the aid of Lee, Gaara and his siblings, the 'Sound Four' have been illuminated, while there were injuries there were no casualties and Sasuke has been defeated and brought back by Naruto." She said with a little pride. While she was sad about what has happened in the meeting, she was still proud of the blonde who convinced her to return.
Shikamaru, Choji, Neji, Lee and Tenten who didn't know this beforehand all had smiles on their faces. "I knew he could do it. Hard to believe how things have changed since our academy days, eh Shikamaru?" Choji said turning to his best friend.
"Thank you Hokage-sama, but I imagine that this isn't the only reason we were brought here." Shikamaru replied after a short while.
This did not surprise Tsunade at all. Cause while he was lazy at the academy, he has shown that he could have been the 'Rookie of the Year' if he cared enough to put in the effort. This caused her to be more serious with her chin resting on her hands. "You are correct. And I'm afraid this is where the good news ends."
"What is the bad news if the mission worked out, Hokage-sama?" asked Ino.
The Slug Sannin let out a *sigh* preparing to drop the news about Naruto and Hinata. "Well, after Naruto brought back Sasuke and both were taken to the hospital, a counsel meeting was called to determine the fate of them. I wanted to promote Naruto and place Sasuke under house arrest with his chakra sealed. However, most of the counselors overruled me and have sentenced Naruto to life in Hozuki Castle, also known as the 'Blood Prison' while Sasuke is getting a slap on the wrist while continuing his shinobi career."
Everyone who didn't already know the news stared at her with looks of shock and sadness. Those that did know looked down at the floor in anger, enraged that those bastards could do this to a shinobi who was only doing his duty and accomplished his mission. This village had truly become a shadow of it's former self. If the Shodai and the Nidaime could see it now, they would be very disappointed.
But the one feeling the worst out of all of them was Hinata. As soon as she heard the news, tears started to form in her eyes. She had seen how her blonde crush was treated about all of their lives, but this was taking it way too far. Sure he used force to bring back the traitor, but he was forced to do so and he didn't deserve this. She fell to her knees, brought to her hands to her face and was bawling her eyes out in great anguish.
Hinata's cries echoed in the room as everyone gave her sympathetic looks. It was no secret to anyone there that she loved Naruto, while the reason why remained a mystery to them. Kurenai separated herself form the rest of the Jounins and hugged her student. It went on for a couple of minutes until it slowly stopped. "W-w-why?!" she yelled all of a sudden shocking everyone. She never yelled before in her life. "Why must Naruto-kun be punished?! He doesn't deserve this or any of his sufferings!" she screamed looking at her Hokage.
"I'm sorry Hinata. The counsel overpowered me at the m-" but what Tsunade was going to say was interrupted by the dark haired Hyuga.
"I don't want to hear your damn excuses! I want to know why Naruto-kun has suffered all his life. What did he ever do to this place?!" Hinata yelled in anger and sadness, once again shocking everyone in the room. No one had ever seen her like this before.
Normally, Tsunade would get angry if someone insulted her like that. However, given the situation, she let it slide. She closed her eyes in regret which made the present members of the 'Rookie Twelve' look at her wanting an answer too.
"With all due respect Hokage-sama, I believe we have the right to know too. Why? Because Naruto is our friend and it is illogical for someone to be treated as a pariah when all we've seen him do is harmless pranks." Shino said. While he and Naruto hardly interacted, he respected him for who he was.
"I agree Hokage-sama. Surely it can't be that bad, right?" stated Neji backing up Shino. Which got nods from the rest of the teens.
'I suppose I should tell them. They have clearly shown that they care for him and I don't think they would hate him like those idiot civilians do.' Tsunade thought to herself. She opened her eyes and looked at everyone with a serious look.
"Very well, what I'm about to tell you all a S-Rank secret. You remember what you were told in the academy about the how the Yondiame died killing the Kyuubi on October 10th thirteen years ago?" They nodded in reply. "Well, what you were told was a lie." Tsunade said surprising them.
"What do you mean a lie, Hokage-sama? And what does that have to do with Naruto?" Ino asked her superior.
"Everything. The truth is that as powerful as the Yondiame was, he could not defeat one of the tailed beasts when the whole village could not. So instead, he did the only thing he could do to save the village. He sealed the beast in a newborn infant. That infant was Naruto." She said finally letting the cat out of the bag.
The members of 'Rookie Twelve', minus Shino were looking at her with wide eyes. While you could not see Shino's eyes, his bugs were buzzing showing a reaction to the news. Hinata felt even worse than before. However, Shikamaru was showing his usual face, which didn't go unnoticed by anyone.
"Shikamaru, does this not surprise you?" Jiraiya asked in confusion.
Shikamaru shook his head. "No. It doesn't. I mean think about it. Growing up we have seen the villagers give him glares, there's the signs saying 'No foxes allowed' with his picture on many of the restaurants and stores and his birthday is the same day as the attack. It's kind of obvious."
"If you knew, why didn't you say anything?!" Hinata yelled at him with her Byakugan activated.
"Troublesome. Hinata, it was Naruto's business, though I doubt he knew at the time. And when I asked my father about it he said that he, Inochi, Chouza and Shibi sided with the Hokage to try and help him, however they were threatened to be charged with treason by the majority of the counsel and couldn't do much about it. But that didn't stop them from trying to adopt him. And if I had told you and someone else overheard me then they would have spread that information around and things would have been far worse for Naruto at the academy. Our classmates would have a reason to treat him as their parents did, even though they did anyway." He explained to everyone.
It made sense to everyone. Flawless logic from the heir to the smartest clan in all of Kohona.
Neji looked ashamed. Looking back, he regretted what he said to Naruto in the Chunin Exams, about not knowing what it means to suffer and to be cursed for your life. Truth is, Naruto did know and suffered so much more than himself.
Ino looked down in shame. She was no different than the rest of her class. Calling Naruto names, tripping him in the hallways, ridiculing him when he did something wrong trying his best, making him feel like he was nothing.
Shino was the closest one in the room who could relate to Naruto. Having something placed in you at birth without your consent. Not that he wasn't proud to be in his clan, but regardless.
"And I'm afraid the bad news does not end there. Hinata, your father has determined that you are to be branded with the 'Caged Bird Curse Seal' and be stripped of your title as heiress of the Hyuga clan." Kurenai said as she helped her student off the ground.
Hinata now was scared. She didn't think today could get any worse, but it did. "But w-why?"
"Because you attacked Sakura and defended Naruto's honor. For that he sees you as a traitor to the village by standing up for him." Her sensei replied to her giving her a comforting hug. Hinata returned the hug and once again cried. All her life she wanted her father's love and acceptance, but knew that now it would never happen.
"But don't worry Hinata, I will not let that happen to you. And I will not sit by and let Naruto get imprisoned for doing his job." Tsunade said with determination.
"What's the plan, hime?" asked Jiraiya.
"This discussion does not leave this room. Shikamaru, if you or any of your classmates wish to exit the room and not get involved I will not hold it against any of you."
There was a long pause that followed that statement. Before anyone else could speak, Shikamaru stepped forward and made a statement of his own. "Hokage-sama, I believe I speak for everyone here when I say this. To hell with the counsel's judgement. I wish to help my friends in anyway possible."
This caused the rest of the Rookies to nod at each other and they stepped forward too. Looking at this brought a smile to the adults' faces.
'Perhaps there is still some hope with this new generation.' Thought Jiraiya with a smile.
"Alright everyone, listen up." Tsunade said, gathering everyone's attention. "When Naruto wakes up, he will be escorted to the Counsel Chambers where he will be informed about his sentence. I will be present and be the one to inform him. Meanwhile, you all will get out of the village through a tunnel network that only I and Jiraiya know about, for it was the tunnel that Orochimaru used to enter the village during the Chunin Exams. When Naruto is taken out of the village by the shinobis assigned by the counsel you will intercept them about 5 miles away from the village. 'Blood Prison' is in the West, that's the direction you all will head in. Any questions?"
"Hokage-sama, let's say that we do free Naruto, what will happen after that? Surely we can't return to the village after doing this." Tenten finally spoke up.
"I have already planned this out. You see, Naruto has his own land to the East." This shocked everyone in the room.
"Hokage-sama, surely you don't mean-" Kakashi began but was cut off.
"I sure do Kakashi. Whirlpool."
"What's Whirlpool?" asked Hinata.
"You see, Whirlpool was the home of the Uzumaki clan before the major were wiped out in the Second Great Shinobi War. However, a few survived, including Kushina Uzumaki, former heiress of the clan and Naruto's mother." Tsunade explained to them. The younger generation's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "I have here Naruto's heritage from his parents. It was to be given to him when he either turned sixteen or became a chunin. And seeing as how I felt he was ready for that rank, I believe it is finally time." Three scrolls suddenly appeared on the table, two of which had the same symbol as on the back of a chunin's vest, and the third had a symbol no one but Tsunade, Kakashi and Jiraiya knew of.
"So, when we free Naruto we basically make Uzushiogakure our new home and help Naruto restore it?" Shikamaru asked.
"Yep, that's the plan. Everyone is dismissed. Remember, speak to no one else about this except yourselves. Prepare yourselves for the journey to Wave and then onto Uzushiogakure. Except for Team Gai."
"Why is that Hokage-sama?" Gai asked his superior.
"Because, I need you and your team here in the village. I can't send all of my best shinobi there. Everyone else should be enough." She replied. To which all of Team Gai reluctantly nodded to the order given. "Now then, everyone is dismissed. Be ready." Everyone nodded and left the room one by one.
(Konoha Hospital, Naruto's recovery room)
Naruto was still asleep, wrapped up in bandages. To Naruto's right was the Konohamaru corps, for they looked up to him as an older sibling. Off in the corner to his left watching from the shadow was Gaara, guarding him. They hoped that their blonde friend would walk up sooner than the Hokage said he would.
(inside Naruto's mindscape)
"Hey Kit." Said the Kyuubi, looking at his container.
"Oi Furball!" Naruto exclaimed grinning. "Thanks for your help back there."
"Stop calling me that!" shouted the irritated fox.
"Well, what am I supposed to call you? Do you have a name besides 'Kyuubi'?"
"You have not yet earned the right to know my name. For now, you shall address me as the 'Kyuubi', you brat." The fox said.
"Well, whatever. Anyway, thanks for the help." Said Naruto. Though he did not like, nor did he trust the Kyuubi, but he was still grateful for his help nonetheless.
"Whatever Kit. It was stupid of you to make that promise in the first place. That bitch doesn't deserve you in her life." Stated the fox.
"Tell me about it. I wasted so much time chasing after her. Maybe I should have looked elsewhere." Naruto said, looking down at his reflection in the water. But he jerked his head up when he started to hear someone clapping.
"For once Kit, you're right. Congratulations." The Kyuubi said to him with a small smirk as if ready to laugh.
"Hey!" Naruto shouted in annoyance.
"Well it's true Kit. While you chased after someone who didn't care about you, you have had a secret admirer. She has watched you since you were younger and is always supporting you. Kami knows why."
"What are you talking about? What girl in her right mind would care about me?" asked a very confused Naruto.
"Baka! Isn't it obvious?!" the Kyuubi shouted. He had grown to respect his jailer a little bit, but sometimes he was dumber than a bag of rocks. "Allow me to show you."
Suddenly, a wormhole appeared above them on the right hand wall. It showed Naruto training when he was about six years old. However, the Kyuubi made it move a little and there, Naruto saw a small figure standing behind a tree. When he looked more closely, he saw that his spectator was none other than a girl about his age with dark blue hair, little purple eyes and dress in a dark outfit. It was Hinata Hyuga, his classmate from the academy.
He was shocked to say the least. He only knew her as a dark, shy, quiet girl who stuttered a lot and turned red when he was around. Reality finally hit him, as it all became perfectly clear to him. He felt so stupid, for it was so obvious. However, his thoughts were interrupted as the wormhole began to show another scenario.
He saw many things from Hinata attempting to approach him during lunch times, supporting him whenever he fought Sasuke and other things from the academy. But it was the next thing he saw that had the biggest impact on him.
It was slightly darker, for this was in the nighttime. Naruto saw himself, again at the age of six, being beaten within an inch of his life by a group of villagers. There were some ANBU watching from above, but they did not interfere, in fact they were cheering them on to keep going.
After a few minutes, the villagers spat at the poor kid and left laughing at their 'accomplishment'. After they left, Hinata appeared again, turning over the downed Naruto and looking him over. Tears quickly came to her eyes as she saw the damage the villagers did to her crush.
"Naruto-kun, I'm so sorry I could not help you." She said as the tears came down her face and landed on the ground next to Naruto's face. "Hang in there, I'll take you to the Hokage." She declared as she attempted to pick him up and immediately failed and slightly collapsed. But suddenly, she heard a voice behind her.
"I thought I told you to stay away from that boy, daughter." Upon hearing this, Hinata turned around and saw he father towering over her, with his Byakugan activated. She was now scared.
"B-B-But father, he n-needs help and-" she never got to finish as she got slapped across the face.
"Silence! You are my daughter, and I will not have you associating with the likes of him." Hiashi stated very sternly. "Now, we are going home, where you will be punished before you go to bed." He then grabbed her hand and started pulling her.
'I'm so sorry Naruto-kun. I'm so useless.' Hinata thought as another tear escaped her eyes as she and her father walked away.
And with that, the wormhole started fading away until it was completely gone.
"Now do you get the picture Kit? I could show you more examples if you wish." Said the Kyuubi.
"N-No. That's enough." Naruto said, not even looking at the demon. He couldn't help but feel really guilty. He had been seeking the attention of a girl who didn't care what happened to him instead of paying more attention to something that was right in front of his eyes. "Kyuubi, I didn't realize. What must I do?"
"Talk to her Kit. Take time to get to know her, show her that you do deserve her in your life."
"But, why are you helping me all of a sudden? Don't you hate me?" asked Naruto.
"I do not hate you Kit, I just hate being sealed inside you. Besides, I've known you all your life, and to be honest I feel a little sorry for you. No child should go through what you have. Besides, you have a pure heart and I see no reason why you can't be happy." Said the Kyuubi, shocking Naruto.
Nodding his head, Naruto then turned to the fox and smiled while wiping some tears in his eyes. "Thank you for opening my eyes. You're actually not as bad as others have said."
"Don't get any ideas Kit. Just because I'm helping you does not make us friends." Declared the Kyuubi as he growled.
"I never said we were Kyuubi. But perhaps someday that might happen."
"Don't get your hopes up brat. Anyway, your Chidori would is now fully healed. Just try to not to get killed again."
"Hai. No way I'm dying anytime soon." Naruto said with his traditional grin.
But suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and came face to face with someone he never met, but was very aware of. Before him stood the man that sealed the Kyuubi into him in the first place, but despite that he greatly admired him and was his inspiration to becoming Hokage. The Yondiame looked down and smiled.
"I couldn't be any prouder of you."
Naruto just stood there speechless, unsure of what to make of this. His hero was in his mindscape and he didn't know how. This was his mind after all. Behind him, he heard the Kyuubi growled in anger.
"Minato."
"It's been a while, Kyuubi. But unfortunately I'm not here to talk to you. For I am here to talk with my son." Minato declared looking at the trapped tailed beast.
Naruto was even more shocked. Never in his life would he have guessed that the man he looked up to more than anyone else in the world was his own father. He always wondered who and where his parents were if they were still alive. He had asked the Sandaime many times when he was younger, but was always told that he couldn't tell him. He tried to speak but could not for some reason or another.
"I know that that was a little sudden, but if you come with me I can explain and show you everything." Minato said as he crouched down a little and offered Naruto his hand.
Naruto slowly accepted the Yondiame's hand and the two started to walk before they were suddenly in a different kind of place. And there, they began to have their first talk where all of Naruto's questions would be answered.
End of chapter 3.
AN: I have decided on some other pairings. They will be HakuxKarin and YugaraxMei. Hope you enjoyed and chapter 4 will be out in due time. As always, take care and feel free to state your honest opinions as long as they are appropriate.
