(A.N Hey my people, thank you so much for being supportive and leaving amazing reviews. It really helps me keep writing. Sorry this chapter is shorter I explain my predicament at the end of the chapter.)
Chapter Four: Blue Skies
The sewer that is his mindscape had become like a second home to him. But now, as he walked down the flooded hallways, he felt a sense of foreboding. Dread seeped into his soul and shook him to his very core. Kurama-sensei was the Nine Tailed Fox. The Kyūbi. He had trusted him, let him teach him, let him guide him. And for what? What was the fox's game.
He stood in front of the door but could not bring the courage to actually open it. He shuddered at the thought of looking at the old sage again.
Naruto's fear made its way into Kurama's mind. He knew this would happen, he should have told Naruto the truth earlier. He needed to make amends and fast. He closed his eyes briefly and breathed out a heavy sigh. "Come in Naruto, I know you're on the other side of that door."
There was a light squeak on the other side of the massive iron door. Another long minute passed in silence before it finally creaked open. Naruto's bright yellow hair stood out among the dull place. He had a look of great uncertainty on his face. He did not trust the fox sage behind the bars. At least he now knew why those bars existed.
"Are you afraid of me Naruto? Now that you know what I truly am?" Kurama said. His voice was rough as always though there was an emotion behind it Naruto could not place.
The jinchuriki swallowed and stepped back. "N-no… But I don't know if I can trust you." He replied with a shaky voice.
Kurama snorted slightly, "Why don't you trust me? Have I given you any reason not to trust me?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You're the Kyūbi and you lied to me."
There it was. Hearing those words surprisingly hurt Kurama more than anything ever had. It was only because they came from Naruto's mouth. He held back his rage. He didn't need Naruto to shut him out. "I didn't realize being what I am, having no choice in the matter, was enough to earn your distrust. I have done nothing to you Naruto. I haven't even tried to escape. And I have been helping you become strong. I guess I misjudged your character." It was a mean jab. He didn't care though, Naruto had hurt him.
He saw the look of surprise cross Naruto's face after he was able to take in those words and think about them. He looked away in clear shame. "Why didn't you tell me?" He said in a small voice.
Kurama thought carefully on what he should say next. "You would never have trusted me. You are just like everyone else. You believe I am the monster that killed hundreds and murdered the Forth Hokage. I planned on telling you the truth when the time was right. That way I could explain my side of the story."
He paused briefly to make sure Naruto was paying attention. He seemed to be. "Naruto, it is true that I attacked this village. It is true that I killed the Hokage. It is true that he sealed me within you. Though it is not true that all this transpired out of my own free will."
It took a few minutes of silence for it to sink into Naruto's thick skull. "You mean… you were forced to attack?"
Kurama nodded his head. "Yes. I was controlled by a very powerful ninja. Unfortunately I cannot tell you all the details. But I will tell you this. The Forth Hokage sealed me inside you in the hopes that I could guide you. That you could use my powers to defeat this ninja and protect the innocent. I told you I was a gift. I am not your enemy. You may not trust me now, though I hope you will change your mind. Go think about it for now. Make the decision on your own."
Naruto was forced out of his mindscape. He gasped for air and clutched his head. It took him a moment to come back to reality. Sitting up he looked at the clock on his wall. It was time for the last day of class.
Despite recent events he was excited. He was a ninja now. Getting up was no problem with him. Yesterday had been an interesting day. Taking pictures, meeting that little brat Konohamaru. Who wasn't all that bad, he practically had a little minion… oh and he kicked that closet pervert's ass.
The worst part though was the talk he had with Sarutobi. Apparently the old man knew something was up for a while now. He had been watching Naruto closely. He had questioned Naruto on his knowledge of seals. And if the fox had anything to do with it. He had lied and said no, that he had only found out about the fox when Mizuki had attacked him. It was a half-truth, good enough to make the Hokage back off though he was not positive the Hokage believed him.
He'd cross that road when the time came. For now he had his last class to get too. He threw on his new, darker, gear and rushed from his apartment. (It still hadn't been repaired) The way to the academy was short since he ran so fast. He didn't realize though that he was sticking to the shadows. Seems he had made a habit of stalking in the shadows. Which was good.
He came to the academy and walked inside. He was not the only one there. A few other fresh genin were there, Shikamaru, Choji, Sasuke, Kiba, and Hinata were present. Sasuke made eye contact with Naruto. He could still see the arrogance in Sasuke but there was also a mutual respect between the two boys now. Surprising how a dangerous situation can bring two people together.
Naruto sat next to Sasuke and gave him a wide, slightly fake, smile. There was an awkward silence between them. Neither new how to talk about what had happened a few days before. As the minutes ticked by the silence became more comfortable. At least until Sakura and Ino barged into the room.
They bickered for a bit before they spotted Sasuke and started to freak out over him. Naruto did the smart thing and move to Sasuke's other side. The last Uchiha glared at him for letting Sakura sit by him. He mouthed the word traitor.
Naruto wasn't as infatuated with Sakura as he had been in the past. He was far more focused on becoming a better ninja then thinking about girls. Thanks to Kurama's angry berating whenever he tried to ask Sakura out.
"Quiet down class!" Iruka's loud voice rang throughout the classroom. His eyes fell right on Naruto. He had heard of what happened and what Mizuki had revealed to him. He smiled lightly at him. "Alright class it's time to announce your teams."
He cleared his throat and began calling out the teams. Eventually he came to Naruto's team. "Team seven will be Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki," there were several of complaints from girls. Naruto sat up straight. He hadn't expected to be put on Sasuke's team. He looked at Sasuke, he didn't seem upset about it. "And Sakura Haruno." The reactions were mixed again. Sasuke obviously wasn't too happy about it though Sakura was elated.
Team eight was next. It was the same. So was team ten.
Naruto was alright with his team. He had someone he could really challenge and measure up to. It would be interesting. And maybe one day he could pursue Sakura if Kurama let him. Iruka dismissed the class soon after. His eyes remained on Naruto for a bit. Though the blond haired jinchuriki was already hopping out the window.
"Naruto! Use the door!"
Sasuke watched Naruto go out the window and shook his head. He was sparked with curiosity though. Where was Naruto going? He was about to follow him when something, or rather someone, attached themselves to his arm. Sakura gazed up at him like a love struck puppy. "Do you want to eat lunch with me?"
"No."
His simple response made her take on a downtrodden expression. "But Sasuke!"
"Sorry Sakura but I have something to do."
He shook her off and did his best to get out of the room before more of his annoying fangirls tried to stop him. He walked down the street his eyes peeled. Naruto had to be around here somewhere. They only had an hour for lunch before they had to meet up and greet their new sensei. Surely that idiot didn't go too far away.
Sasuke come to a field. A smile threatened to tug his lips. Naruto was at the center of the field meditating. It was a little odd seeing him so calm. He had always associated Naruto with being loud and obnoxious.
As he approached Naruto the jinchuriki stirred and looked up at him. "Hey Sasuke… what are you doing here."
"Hn." He sat next to Naruto not bothering to explain his reasoning.
Naruto's eyebrow twitched with irritation. "Bastard. At least tell me why you're bothering my meditation."
"hn."
"Arhg really?"
"Hn."
Naruto jumped up and growled. "Want to go? I bet I can kick your ass now!" Sasuke was rather amused. He hadn't even said anything and he had Naruto raging. He looked up at his… what was he? Friend? Rival? He was a teammate but he didn't quite know what to define him as yet.
To his surprise Naruto just took a deep breath and calmed himself down. He clicked his tongue and sat back down. Naruto was not one to give up on a building fight. He was too calm now. It was unnerving.
Naruto crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "I don't want to mess with you right now."
The last Uchiha rolled his eyes. After a moment he found the silence rather comforting. He followed Naruto's example and crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He never thought in a million years he'd be in comfortable silence with Naruto of all people.
Time passed fast. Their hour was up, they needed to get back to the classroom to meet their sensei. When they arrived everyone was there. They were sitting in teams. Naruto and Sasuke sat down next to each other. Sakura joined them soon enough. Like always she ogled Sasuke.
Naruto on the other hand was lost in his own thoughts. He sat quietly as sensei's' came and picked up their genin teams. His mind was focused on Kurama-sensei. He couldn't reach him at the moment. The fox sage was blocking him out. He felt bad for the way he had reacted. It was true that Kurama had done nothing to harm him. His fox sage sensei had taught him so much these past few months.
It took him a few minute to realize that his team was the only one left. He looked around with a raised eyebrow. "Where is out sensei?"
"How should I know?" Sakura blurted right after. "He must be late… or she."
Sasuke continued to brood. He wouldn't outwardly show his annoyance. Naruto's patient started to vanish. Despite his training he still wasn't the most patient person. His cheeks puffed up with air, his eyes narrowed. He sat like that for minutes.
Suddenly he groaned and stood up. "Well if he wants to be late I'll show him!" he moved over to the doorway and put an eraser in it. But that wasn't the true trap. About one step into the room he got down and started to draw Kenji on the floor. Sasuke and Sakura had both been annoyed with the first part claiming that no Jōnin would fall for that. Though as soon as he started drawing they quieted down.
Sasuke watched in realization. The eraser was noticeable and would distract from the real trap. He recognized those marks. It was Naruto's structure altering seal. He couldn't help the slight smirk that creeped its way onto his face.
Naruto chuckled darkly as he finished the markings. They sunk into the floor as Naruto activated it. Naruto stepped back and waited. The floor was weak enough it would cave in the moment someone stepped on it.
The only girl in the group tilted her head. "What it that?"
"Shh you'll see." Naruto hushed her.
Another minute ticked by. Then another… and another….
The door slid open. The eraser fell. It hit the silver gravity defying hair of the Jōnin. He looked unimpressed by it. Naruto began to laugh, "I can't believe you fell for that!" he points at him. He watched closely as the Jōnin took a step in. His foot barely touched the weak wood of the floor. But it didn't press down all the way. He side stepped avoiding the actual trap altogether.
Naruto's jaw dropped. How could he have fallen for the obvious trap and not the actual one? Though the Jōnin didn't mention his odd action. He stared down at the fresh Genin. "My first impression of you all… you're idiots."
"Sensei I told him not to do it!" Sakura bowed slightly trying to amend for what had happened. Despite her own amusement she was still very curious as to what Naruto had done. His reaction was also confusing. He had been expecting their sensei to step on that spot. Sasuke also had his eyes narrowed.
Naruto crossed his arms and almost pouted. Their sensei ignored the fact he had avoided stepping into a trap.
Their sensei lead them up to the roof of the academy. They sat in front of him as he sat on the railing and faced them. Naruto didn't quite know what to make of the man. His silver hair, that mast, and his hetai-ate covered one eye. Had he lost it? He narrowed his eyes. This man had fallen for his eraser trick but avoided his real one. Had he sensed the remnants of his chakra in the floor? could he tell it was weakened?
Regardless Naruto knew he shouldn't take this one lightly. Mizuki was a challenge and he was only a chunin. Kurama-sensei had taught him a lot. One this was never to underestimate his opponents. He crossed his arms and observed his new sensei. Oh wait... hes speaking.
"... tell me your likes, dislikes, hobbies, and your dream for the future." He said.
Sakura was the first to answer, "uh sensei could you go first? So we know what you mean."
He looked at her almost like he was bored. Nah he was bored. "Very well, I am Kakashi Hatake, i have no desire to tell you my likes or dislikes, my hobbies are... well i shouldn't tell you that. And my dream for the future are none of your business."
They all gave him deadpan expressions. "You're next blondy."
Naruto blinked at his sensei a few times, "oh okay. I'm Naruto Uzumaki. I like ramen, I don't like how long it takes for ramen to cook. My hobbies are training and seal- ah gardening..." He crossed his arms and closed his eyes for a moment. "My dream for the future. Well I want to become the strongest Hokage this village has ever seen and be looked up to! I also want to make amends with someone- dattebayo."
He received a few looks from Sasuke and Sakura, though Kakashi-sensei seemed unfazed. Sasuke was wondering who he was referring to. Kakashi didn't take long to move onto Sasuke, his answer was broody and dark. Sakura was, of course, fangirling over Sasuke.
After the introductions and formalities were over Kakashi told them the truth of the graduation exam and that they were to report to training ground seven tomorrow and not to eat breakfast. After those words he vanished into a swirl of leaves.
Kurama sat in his cage. Hearing those words from Naruto had warmed him up a little. He had been upset and baring Naruto from entering his mindscape. He didn't feel too bad about it either. Who knew he could sulk like that. He finally lifted the block though. "Naruto..." He waited for the jinchuriki to respond. It didn't take long before the boy's excited response reached him.
"Kurama-sensei!" Naruto said as he materialized inside his mindscape in front of the massive bars of the cage. "I'm so sorry about what I said. I've been thinking and I realize that you aren't what everyone says to are. and.. and.. and-"
The fox sage raised his hand to silence Naruto. "I don't blame you Naruto. Fear and uncertainty can alter ones judgment." He said. He gave Naruto a light smile. "We don't have to worry about that though. We have made our peace. You need to come up with a strategy for tomorrow."
Naruto blinked at him. "A strategy? Oh for the finale test... what do you think it will be?"
He knew exactly what it would be. But Naruto couldn't. He strokes his chin as if in thought. "My guess would be a spar. Involving the three of you little brats. I want you to arrive early and set up traps. And don't forget to eat."
"But sensei, Kakashi- sensei told us not to eat."
"Do you not trust my judgment Naruto? You are going into a potentially dangerous situation. Who knows what might happen. You may end up going days without food. Would you pass up an opportunity to fill yourself up? Preparation is key. Yes you will go early and set up your traps then eat. I would bring a small snack for the other two as well." Kurama's gruff voice filled the sewer.
Naruto crossed his arms and thought about it. He supposed a small breakfast wouldn't hurt. And well, he did love food. "What bout the others? Wont they get stuck in my traps?"
A deep laughter shook the cage. Kurama had an oddly gleeful glint in his eyes. "It would be very amusing to see that happen. But as they are your team if they arrive early enough before your sensei you should tell them where the traps are. But be careful the old pervert may be listening in on your conversation. That Uchiha is already aware of your sealing abilities. Your new sensei may very well be aware of them too. That is why I am going to teach you a new one tonight."
Naruto's face lit up. He had been wanting to learn more seals from Kurama. "Yes!" He jumped up pumping his fist in the air like a child at a candy shop. His mind was already running wild with the possibilities. Then something accrued to him. "Wait... Kurama-sensei shouldn't I get some sleep though."
The Fox Sage's red eyes scanned him. "Usually I would say yes. If you practice hard enough and get the general idea of this seal maybe you can take a nap. If not I can give you the energy you need. Physically you should be just fine. It is your mental awareness I worry for. You already lack it in some cases."
A scowl crossed Naruto's boyish features. "Hey! That's not fair! Damn fox. Just teach me the new seal already." Kurama chuckles and showed him a few kanji symbols.
(A.N. Sorry this is a shorter chapter. I am actually in a situation where I do not have internet at the moment and little time to write. I was going to add the fight here but that will have to wait for next time. At least you have something to look forward too. As for Naruto's sealing, much of it will come from my own imagination. unfortunately sealing was one of those things that wasn't to greatly touched upon in the actual story so there isn't the best information. Or I just didn't pay enough attention. Anyway I am hoping to be able to post more next year. Marry Christmas and have a happy new year. I will see you then.