Hidden Truths Revealed
Over the next week, the interrogation unit was busy with the prisoners. Every prisoner was questioned. While some co-operated easily enough, others were the joy of the unit. As they were given permission to extract information from the prisoners with any means necessary. It soon became apparent who were all involved in the kidnapping. No one had the fortitude to stay strong against people itching to try new torture methods that were meant to cause mental and physical pain without death. By the end of the week all of the prisoners had been questioned, processed and in jail waiting for a hearing from the council. The information was sent directly to the Hokage. The Third sat behind his desk reading the scroll with a major amount of disgust showing on his face. He read silently. The scroll reported the following.
Genbu Satoshi, was hired by Takashi Shin, a wealthy businessman from the Northern district. The businessman had lost his eldest son to the Kyubbi attack. He wanted revenge and closure and was willing to pay a handsome price to Genbu and his men. They were to kidnap the Jinchurriki, Naruto and bring him to training ground number five by suggestion of Satoshi. He had it arranged so that the civilian could go to witness the death of the child. Other members of Shin's family had heard of the plot and wanted to be there as well. Genbu agreed to take the job. Then set out to find a way to get to the child. He was successful in catching part of a conversation between Tomoya Sarahara, and another man about the child. Genbu didn't like what Sarahara was saying and so decided to follow him. Sarahara led Genbu unknowingly back to his house. Where upon arrival, Rei, his wife had just showed up from being away from home for a while. Tomoya had asked his wife if everything was going well and she had said yes. Genbu decided that he would keep the house under surveillance for a few days and see what happens.
Rei had left every other day and went towards the outskirts of the village along its southern end. Genbu decided that she was going to where the child was and began tailing her. However, Rei, caught on quickly and led Genbu around and away from the targeted house. She got him far enough away and then Genbu lost her. So Genbu went back to the Sarahara household to confront Tomoya. He threaten the man that he had to either learn of the location of the child and take him and his team there. Or He could watch as Genbu and his team slaughtered his family. Tomoya chose to find out the location. It took over two weeks before he had found the child. Then Genbu and his team prepared for the extraction. During the meantime, other villagers besides Shin wanted to witness the execution. A total of thirty villagers would be present at training ground five on the designated day. Sarahara led the men to the child. But were met with strong resistance from the guardian's ninken and also from the traps that the guardian had set. Genbu had taken over twenty men with him as he knew that the guardian, Kakashi was of Anbu status. But he wasn't there though the ninken were. Rei refused to back down and fought her husband and the men who came with him inside the house. Tomoya lost his life in the fight. His wife killing him and two other men before being severely wounded.
Genbu detected Kakashi coming quickly. And went and grabbed the child and made haste to retreat to the rendezvous site. The villagers along with Takashi Shin were waiting when he arrived with the child. It had been decided early on that as soon as Genbu found the child and reported the day and time for Shin to come for the execution. The money would then be paid. As Shin did not want anyone witnessing the transaction between Genbu and himself.
The Hokage threw the scroll down on his desk in anger. He knew that the council will try to gain leniency for the idiot. Not to mention, the Shin family will try to buy influence with the council members. He will have to pull out the stops on this one to ensure that this sort of thing doesn't happen again. He also needed to make sure that none of the remaining ninja that went with Genbu will remember where Kakashi's house is located. Inochi would be needed for this delicate job. The Hokage called in one of the Anbu guard. Ram came in quickly and stood before the Hokage.
"Ram, I want you to bring Inochi here immediately. Also bring in elder Shikaku as well."
"Yes, Sir." And with that Ram was gone in a puff of smoke.
Kakashi had taken Naruto with him as he made his way to the hospital. Leaving the baby behind wasn't a option. And he knew that Rei would want to see Naruto anyway. He didn't feel comfortable with taking Naruto out into the village. Kakashi knew that everyone responsible for the kidnapping where now in prison. Yet he continued to feel a strong need to stay close to home. Going anywhere away from their sanctuary made Kakashi feel anxious. It has been over three weeks since the kidnapping. Kakashi never went anywhere that Naruto wasn't with him. And if going somewhere meant leaving Naruto behind. Then Kakashi didn't go. A lot has been going through Kakashi's mind since that incident. But now he was going to take the baby to see Rei. He had come to learn from the Hokage that Rei was innocent of any wrong doing. He was relieved and yet sad as well. If he hadn't needed her. Rei's life would not have so drastically changed and not for the better. Her injuries were bad. But not permeant. She had several puncture wounds and slashes over her body. She also had a concussion and a broken left arm. And three cracked ribs. The doctors said it would take up to six weeks before she made a complete recovery. In two weeks they would release her. Precaution was the word of the day whenever the doctor spoke about Rei. So here Kakashi was running along the rooftops of the buildings headed for the hospital on a late sunny morning in early spring to see her.
When they arrived Kakashi carefully and skillfully descended to the ground from the closest building. Then swiftly walked over to the hospital. Once inside Kakashi went straight to the receptionist and asked for Rei's room number. The nurse at the counter looked at Kakashi with a bit of an annoyed look as she recognized him. Instinctively Kakashi drew Naruto closer against his chest with one arm. While his hand reached up and cradled Naruto's head. He didn't want her to recognize the baby as well. Naruto sensed something was up and stayed very quiet and still. Ever since the incident, Naruto has become even more sensitive to Kakashi's moods. And right now with Kakashi holding him even closer he knew this to mean to stay quiet. The nurse acted as if she wouldn't give Kakashi Rei's room number. Worse he thought that he and Naruto were about to be thrown out of the hospital. But after only a few seconds which felt like minutes to Kakashi, she spoke.
"The room is on the second floor. Door number 210." She hissed.
"Thanks." Kakashi muttered and begin to leave when the nurse said something else.
"Why are you carrying a baby? I hope that kid isn't yours. You'll just kill it in the end. You and your father never did understand what was important."
Kakashi wanted to leap over the counter after her. But knew he couldn't. Tiger's words came back to him immediately. And he couldn't give any of these low lifes the opportunity to tear Naruto away from him. So instead he replied calmly but with anger in his voice.
"You should be more careful of what you speak. We aren't what you think we are."
The nurse didn't say anything more to him. The look in his eye and the tone was enough to keep her from saying anything else that she shouldn't. Kakashi stepped away from the counter and headed for the staircase. He silently cursed himself for not remembering to henge before coming into the village. But if he were honest with himself. Kakashi was distracted by not only the events that have taken place over these past two weeks. But Kakashi's past was also starting to echo back to him. He didn't want to think of it ever. But it would always return at the most unexpected of times to remind him of his failures. Remind him of the people and things he lost. Kakashi snapped out of his thoughts. When he felt something tugging at his mask. Naruto was busying himself by trying to once again remove Kakashi's mask. The little guy had one hand with his fingers wrapping onto the fabric that he hated so much. And with a determined look on his face was pulling away at it. Kakashi found himself laughing at his little brother's antics.
"Hey, little man." Kakashi said with a chuckle." I know you don't like my mask. But you're going to have to get used to seeing me like this when we're out. Okay?" Naruto made a huffing sound but let go. Only to try again a moment later. Once again Kakashi had to stop walking and pull his mask which was partially down his face back up. He never got angry with Naruto over this action. In some way it made Kakashi's heart beat with warmth. Naruto is the only one since his father to see Kakashi's face. No one else has ever seen it. And as far as Kakashi was concerned that would always be the case. They finally made it to the second floor. Kakashi went and opened the door and stepped into the corridor. Naruto had settled down now. Realizing that he wasn't going to get that awful thing off of his big brother's face, He decided to look around and see where they were going instead. Kakashi walked down the corridor and just before they got to the corner and needed to make a right. There stood door 210 in bolded numbers. Kakashi knocked before entering.
Rei was awake but she wasn't alone. Her mother and Rei's three children were also there. Kakashi panicked inside. He didn't want this to turn into a war of words or an actual battle. He wasn't sure if he should go in further or just bail out and make a run for it. Rei looked over at the two boys and felt a tear start to come to the corner of her eye. They both looked so abandoned and vulnerable standing there. She wished she could take them in and care for them as part of her family. But that wasn't possible not now. She looked over at her mother. The woman was staring at the boys with an unreadable look on her face. The children didn't know or care who the newcomers were. But Rei knew that this wasn't the time for these two groups to meet if ever. So clearing her throat loudly to get her mother's attention she spoke.
"Mother, please take the children to the cafeteria for thirty minutes for me."
"Are you sure, honey?" Aren't these the children that -
"I know who they are mother!" Rei shouted back.
"But Rei, you can't expect me to leave you here with these two monsters!" Rei's mother was also shouting. She couldn't believe her daughter would still want to protect these animals after what had happened to her own family. And all because of them. The way Rei's mother saw it. The two boys should be left to fend for themselves or just die. It wouldn't be a loss to Konoha either way.
"Honey." She tried again softly. "You should just let me send them away. Nothing good will come-
"No. You listen mother. Rei's tone was harsh. "These two haven't done anything to deserve the treatment they have received. Kakashi didn't take the mission that turned out to be a failure in the eyes of the village. He was here when it happened. But people immediately blamed him along with his father as if he had gone too. And all the things that has happened after that the village more or less could be blamed for it. Kakashi is just trying to live here and serve his village like any honorable shinobi would do. As for Naruto, he saved this village. Whether people want to believe it or not. These boys don't deserve the scorn and the mistreatment that they continuously receive. So don't you dare call either of them monsters!"
It became deathly quiet in the room. Rei's children sat with wide eyes as they had never seen their mother scold their grandmother before. And being at the ages of five, three, and two years, they couldn't understand what was being said. Kakashi stood near the door. He held Naruto as close as possible. Ready to bolt out at any moment to get his little brother to safety. Naruto remained quiet. He pulled himself as close as his little arms could bring him to his big brother. His face was buried in the side of Kakashi's neck. A position Naruto took whenever there was tension in the air. Rei's mother looked first at her daughter with disbelief and then at Kakashi with an angry expression the next instant. She shook her head and looked back at Rei.
"Alright Rei, I'll let this drop for now." As if she was consoling a child. "But this conversation isn't over. No. Not by a long shot." Rei sighed exasperatedly at her mother then spoke to her pleadingly.
"Please, please, just take the children to the cafeteria and get them a snack. They haven't had lunch yet right? So please do this for me." Rei kept her tears from falling even as she pleaded with her mother. Her mother looked at her for a moment. Then she gathered the children and left without saying a word. Kakashi moved quickly out of their way as they went out. The door was closed quietly behind them.
"I'm sorry Kakashi." Rei said as she watched them. When Kakashi made no move to go closer. Rei spoke again soothingly to him.
"Hey, its okay now. I'm happy that you both came to see me. Please come and have a seat. My mother won't be back for thirty minutes and I need to talk to you. Please?" Kakashi looked at her searchingly it was habit now. When it came to situations as what had just happened. Kakashi couldn't help but let his instincts guide him. He knew Rei wasn't dangerous to them. But he still needed to see it in her eyes, posture and tone before he would move. Finally after a few moments, Kakashi made his way over to the chair beside the bed and sat down. Placing Naruto in his lap sitting up.
"Thank you." Rei sounded relieved. "I want you to know that I have never believed the lies and other nonsense that the village has spoken about you Kakashi. You are to kind hearted and loyal to be the things that the villagers accuse you of."
"Thank you, Rei." Kakashi muttered softly. He was looking at Naruto instead of her. Rei looked at them and asked.
"Would it be okay if I got to hold Naruto a little bit?
"Yeah, sure." Kakashi replied and went to lift Naruto and place him in Rei's arms. But Naruto took one look at Rei and whimpered and clung tightly to Kakashi. Once again burying his face in Kakashi's neck. Kakashi tried again.
"Hey, little bro, its okay. It's Rei, don't you want to see Rei?" Naruto looked again over at Rei but made no move to go to her. Whenever Naruto looked at Rei, he could only see the danger of what happened earlier. He couldn't distinguish that the bad things weren't Rei's doing. Only that they happened when Rei was there. Rei swallowed the lump in her throat. Not so long ago this infant would greet her with smiles and reaching out to her with open arms. Now she could see his mistrust and fear. She sighed.
"its okay, Kakashi. I understand."
"I'm sorry, Rei." Kakashi felt bad. He didn't know how to right the wrong here.
"No, no its for the best that he is reacting this way."
"What do you mean?"
"You saw my mother's reaction right? Unfortunately, she isn't the only family member who feels this way. Some of them are already talking of taking my three little ones away from me. If I continue to come out and help you." She could see even with the mask that Kakashi's face hid a scowl there.
"Yeah, I can't keep you with us forever. Kakashi spoke softly. I do appreciate all that you have done for the two of us Rei. But I knew it was a lot to ask anyone and yet I didn't know anything about raising a baby. I needed your help and so I was selfish about it. Knowing the danger it would bring you and your family. I'm sorry."
"Kakashi, Please don't apologize to me over this. You did nothing wrong. This whole situation was brought on because of someone else wanting the village to burn to the ground. The fourth did what he could to protect it. And that's why when the Hokage came to me and asked if I would come and teach you how to care for Naruto and give you rest when you needed it. I jumped at the chance. It was my way of saying thank you to the Fourth for saving us. But now seeing how the village reacted. I'm so ashamed of them. I'm also sorry for my husband's involvement in their foolishness."
"Your husband was only trying to protect his family. I really can't blame him anymore once Hokage sama told me why he was involved. Honestly, Rei, I don't think I would have reacted much different."
"You don't have to say that Kakashi, We both know that my husband panicked. There were other options. It never should have went down the way it did. Still, I love Tomoya. He panicked because he knew how the villagers felt as well as I . They would have persecuted our family and called us traitors for continuing to care for the two of you. He was scared for us. So, I forgive him. Rei had tears welling up in her eyes again. And Kakashi decided that he would say the words for her that needed to be said since the moment he and Naruto had first arrived. Spoken in tenderness, Kakashi began.
"Rei. I want you to know that Naruto and I were happy to have you with us. But its time for you to move on without us. You have your own three little ones. Three small kids who don't have their dad anymore. I can manage with Naruto on my own now. You have given me everything that I need to make sure that my little brother survives and not only that but to thrive as well. I want you to take care of your kids and continue to give them the love that you gave us. Don't worry about us. We will be fine thanks to you."
"Maybe I can come over sometime. You know now and then just to see how you two are doing?" Rei asked hopeful.
"I'm sorry Rei, I really think it would be best if we all moved on. You said it yourself, your mother and other family members are talking of taking away your kids. If you continue to come out to us. No. this is for the best. I'm sure we'll see you at the park sometime though. Naruto won't be an infant forever. So I will be taking him to some of the parks. And we do live in the same village so I'm sure we will run into each other somewhere out there." Kakashi tried to sound cheerful and hopeful for Rei's sake. But he knew the truth. They both did.
"Okay, your right, Kakashi. We do live in the same village. So we will see each other again. Soon. I hope." This was said with a small smile on her face.
"Hey we better go now. The thirty minutes is just about up."
"Yeah."
Kakashi reached over with his left hand and held and squeezed Rei's gently. Rei squeezed back. And with that Kakashi stood up. He looked at Naruto who now had his head up and looking at Rei. Kakashi grabbed hold of Naruto's right arm in his left hand and made waving motions saying,
"Naruto, wave bye-bye to Rei." Naruto waved his arm in a jerky motion. Then he smiled when Rei waved back. Then the two boys went across the room and out the door. Closing it gently on their way out. Rei watched them go while tears fell down her face. I failed them. It was all Rei could think of at that moment.
Kakashi left the hospital quickly. And as soon as he was outside, Kakashi shun shinned again to the outskirts. Heading home as swiftly as possible, He wanted to just relax with his little brother and forget about the rest of the world for a while. Upon arrival they went inside and Kakashi walked towards the breakfast nook. He placed Naruto in the high chair that was left beside the table. Once Naruto was secure in his high chair, Kakashi then went over to the refrigerator and got out the things he would need to make lunch. He decided on a light lunch made of a tuna salad sandwich and mango slices. Naruto was getting creamed chicken and sweet potato and for dessert some strained peaches. When everything was prepared and ready Kakashi brought it all back to the breakfast nook and moved Naruto's high chair a little closer. Naruto at the moment wasn't happy. He kept trying to reach for his big brother's face. After a couple of times Kakashi realized why this was happening instead of Naruto focusing on getting the food Kakashi was trying to give him into his mouth.
"Sorry, little brother. My mind is distracted today." Kakashi said between a chuckle. He leaned over towards Naruto and immediately Naruto latched on with both of his hands and pulled the hated mask down. Kakashi helped him as Naruto couldn't get it all the way down under his chin. Wow, I'm distracted is an understatement. Kakashi thought. If Naruto wouldn't have been making a fuss. I would have tried to shove the sandwich into my mouth with the mask on. It's official. I'm losing it. Kakashi sighed. Naruto looked at his big brother and reached out his hand to caress his brother's face.
"Kaka" He spoke happily.
"Yes, little bro its me. Hey, how about a big bite of creamed chicken eh?" Naruto nodded eagerly and Kakashi brought the spoon to his mouth. Then Kakashi reached with his other hand and grabbed the tuna salad off his plate and took a bite himself. They ate their meal in peace. Naruto would squeal and wave his arms around. Kakashi gave him the baby spoon to let Naruto learn how to hold it. This ended with the both of them having baby food in their hair and on them. Kakashi couldn't help but laugh and this made Naruto laugh as well. They finished up and then Kakashi took Naruto to the bathroom. They needed a shower. Afterwards Kakashi placed a diaper on Naruto and placed him on the bed while he got dressed but keeping an eye on his brother. Naruto could move around pretty well since Pakkun took it upon himself to teach the baby how to crawl. Kakashi was laughing so hard at Pakkun as the little dog got down on his belly with his legs well under him next to Naruto and started dragging himself on his belly and paws across the floor. It only took Naruto a few minutes before he was crawling happily after the pug. The memory brought out a smile on Kakashi's face. Naruto had such a determined look on his face as he tried to do as Pakkun. And the look of pure joy when he had accomplished the task made Kakashi's heart swell with pride and joy. It's these little moments that I find I live for anymore. The very reason I don't just call it quits and shove a blade in my gut. It's all because of you Naruto. Sensei, you knew didn't you? You and Kushina both knew what was going on inside of me. Even when I didn't have a clue. This brought a tear to Kakashi's eye. It was at that moment that he realized just how much they loved him.
Naruto ever aware of the emotions of the people around him. Stopped his playing on the bed to look up at his big brother. Immediately he got off his bum and started crawling towards the corner edge of the bed. Kakashi also moved forward as he feared Naruto would crawl right off the edge. He moved swiftly before his little brother could get there. And reached for him bringing Naruto up and into his arms.
"Hey, little man. Be careful will ya? You almost nosedived on me there". A relieved Kakashi spoke. Naruto ignored the warning as he seemed to look over his big brother for the thing that caused the hurt.
"Kaka?" a mournful Naruto replied. Something caused a hurt but Naruto couldn't see what it was. He began to whimper.
"What's the matter, Naruto?" Kakashi didn't know what had upset his brother. But quickly enough the answer was known. For Naruto reached up and wiped a tear that had streamed down to Kakashi's chin. Realizing again that Naruto was reacting to him because of the memory of their parents. He quickly tried to sooth his little brother.
"Hey, little bro, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." Kakashi swayed from one foot to the other as he continued to speak soothingly to Naruto. Feeling reassured that everything was okay, Naruto was ready to go back to playing again.
Kakashi was finished dressing. He put on a pair of boxers and decided that that was all the clothing he would be wearing for now. There was only the two of them living there after all. So he moved Naruto to his left side. His left arm wrapped securely around his brother. While Naruto's legs immediately wrapped around Kakashi's side like little ones will do when carried that way. His right arm was resting against Kakashi's left arm with his hand on Kakashi's shoulder. The other arm was dangling beside him. Kakashi went over to the bed to grab Naruto's fox plushie-Naruto's favorite toy. And headed back down stairs to the play room. As soon as they entered Kakashi placed Naruto down and watched his little chibi crawl swiftly about the room. Kakashi placed the fox plushie on the carpet and went over to his desk which was in the right corner of the room.
The room was meant to be either a study or a playroom. But Kakashi thought it best to just combine the ideas instead. This way his little brother could still have a room to play in and where all his toys were kept except for the fox plushie. Which went wherever Naruto went most of the time. While at the same time he could work on his reports once he was back to doing missions. And still be able to watch Naruto at the same time. The room was a sky blue color and contained a crib that was placed in the furthest corner to the right of the room. A changing table was next to it. And across from the right corner was a toy box situated in the left. A medium sized window was on the wall in between the crib and the toy box. The center of the room was intentionally left without furniture. This for obvious reasons was to maximize play on a Charcoal grey thick carpet. Kakashi sat in the comfortable leather chair and turned so he could watch his brother for a few more moments. There were already a few toys out of the box from an earlier play time. Kakashi reminded himself that the toys would all have to be picked up and put back in the box before bed that evening. Naruto made his way to some soft foam covered blocks and began to play. Kakashi smiled at his brother and then turned to his desk. There was a scroll on the desk top that Kakashi opened and began writing in. It was a journal of Naruto's progress. How he was developing. His changing sleeping habits. And his developing personality traits. Each day was dated and Kakashi could watch how his little brother was doing. If anything happened that was unusual and they needed medical assistance. This journal would provide the doctors what Naruto's daily habits and development has been.
They spent the afternoon in the playroom. Kakashi finished in the journal and then was busy writing up a new training schedule for himself. Now that he would have Naruto with him all the time. Kakashi needed to revise his existing schedule to include him. Kakashi decided that he would need to get his ninken to help him with watching Naruto while Kakashi trained so that the chibi wouldn't crawl himself into harm's way. Kakashi would also have to carry a few extra things for Naruto. A thick blanket and a few toys. As well as his bottle and a couple of diapers, which meant that Kakashi would have to take a time-out himself in order to take care of Naruto's needs. There would be no way around this but it was okay. Still, it bothered Kakashi a little to have to bring Naruto with him to training. The reason being that he didn't want Naruto being influenced so soon about being a ninja. Being that Kakashi was never given a choice of what he wanted to be in life. Kakashi remembered the things he had to do for his village that robbed him of ever being a child again. This is why Kakashi questioned the way he was raised. He wondered if it was truly the right way to raise Naruto. He knew part of what pushed him along so far and so fast was the third great ninja war. It forced his generation to grow up way too soon. And if Kakashi was to say so himself, they all have suffered for it. But now there was no choice in the matter either. Kakashi could leave Naruto with the ninken. The dogs were certainly capable enough to take care of the baby for a couple of hours. But after what had happened, Kakashi was extremely reluctant to do this again. His protective instincts were having none of that urging him to keep Naruto close. Rei had never shown herself untrustworthy. The Hokage chose well. Still, who else could be asked? Who could help out without suffering for even trying to be there? Kakashi stopped thinking about it and finished his new schedule and closed up the scroll. Looking over to his brother, Kakashi saw Naruto was getting a little restless with his toys. He was now crawling over to Kakashi. Kakashi decided it was time for his little brother to have his nap. He got up and met Naruto half way across the room. Then leaned over and picked him up and kissed his forehead. The two headed back upstairs. Naruto didn't fight taking his nap. He was asleep only moments as Kakashi laid him down on top of his chest as Kakashi lay stretched out across the bed. It wasn't long after Kakashi joined his little brother in sleep.
Two hours had passed and not without incident. Kakashi had woke him and Naruto rather abruptly. Naruto was clinging to his big brother tightly. And it had been what made Kakashi wake up due to the pain he was in. Kakashi had been having a nightmare. It wasn't the most violent fortunately but, it was still causing Kakashi to stir in his sleep. Somewhere in the back of his mind he remembered that Naruto was lying on top of him. So his thrashing about had been tame compared to what it would have been normally. Still, Naruto was waken up by it and was trying his best to stay put. Kakashi hadn't worn a shirt to bed. So Naruto could only try and grab onto Kakashi's skin and flesh of his chest. After a few minutes of this, Naruto started to whimper as he watched his brother. Finally, Kakashi registered the pain in his chest as if something was trying to pinch or grab him. Then he felt the weight on his chest and remembered Naruto. Kakashi was up in an instant. His mismatched eyes looked into deep blues that were looking at him with a worried expression.
"Sorry, little bro. I didn't mean to worry you." Naruto had let go of Kakashi as soon as his eyes opened. He reached up and touched his big brother's face for reassurance that everything was okay. Kakashi kissed his hand and got them in an upright position. Now sitting up Kakashi placed Naruto on his lap sitting. In the next instant both boys' stomachs made a loud noise.
"Well, I think that's our cue to go eat." Chuckled Kakashi. Then he rose from the bed and headed down stairs to the kitchen. Naruto was placed in his high chair with his little plushie fox. Then Kakashi went and begin preparing their meals. Once done the boys ate and Kakashi decided that when they were finished they would go out.
"Naruto would you like to go outside?" Naruto looked up at the mention of his name. And at hearing the word 'outside' Naruto was giggling and squealing with delight.
"Well, I guess that answers that then. How about having the ninken go with us?" This got another squeal of approval. "Then it's decided. Kakashi said smiling at his little brother.
They finished quickly their meals. Kakashi put away the dishes in the sink for cleaning later. Then grabbed Naruto and both went upstairs to get dressed. Once both were properly attired. Kakashi brought them both back downstairs. He grabbed his keys and out the door they went. As soon as they got outside Kakashi did his summon for his dogs.
"Hey, boss, what's up?" replied Pakkun.
"We're going to go and explore the back yard. Naruto hasn't been out here yet. I wanted to let him see it and play out here a little and I thought you guys would like to come with us. And also to help me keep and I eye on him."
"Will do, boss. The pup is growing on all of us." Pakkun said then shook himself. "He is fast becoming part of the pack."
"That's good to hear, Pakkun. I was hoping you guys would take to him sooner then later." Kakashi said as he had now let Naruto down in the grass. Both human and dogs watched as Naruto got to touch grass for the first time. Naruto was on all fours and looking intently at the green spikey stuff under him. He wasn't sure what to make of it. So he pulled on it first. When a few blades came up in his hand. He looked at it and then went to shove the blades in his mouth. Kakashi laughed even as he reached down and grabbed his little chibi's wrist to remove the grass.
"No, Naruto, its not meant to go in your mouth. You can play on it. Run on it. You can even sleep on it. But you never eat it." Naruto looked up at his brother with a smile and a giggle. Once Kakashi let him go. Naruto waved his arms up down a few times then looked over and saw Bull. Immediately Naruto was crawling over towards the huge mastiff. Bull wagged his tail and lowered his head to give the baby a doggy kiss on his forehead. The movement was gentle but it still managed boll over Naruto. The baby was far from frightened or annoyed. He simply rolled back over and crawled till he felt close enough and sat on his rear. Bull lay beside him and allowed the baby to pet him.
They stayed out in the yard for half an hour before they went for a walk in the forest. And as the sun was starting to set. They made their way back to the house again. Everyone went inside and relaxed in the living room for a while. Before long it was time for bed. The ninken stayed with them that night. Kakashi had given Naruto his bath and a bottle before he was soon asleep. Kakashi placed him into his bassinet and covered him. Then went down stairs to do the dishes from supper. As he washed the dishes, Kakashi's mind wondered off and it didn't take long before he was thinking about the time he would have to return to active duty. The Hokage had told Kakashi that he would be off until Naruto was two years old. He had told Kakashi that by then Naruto would be a toddler that would be able to eat solids and though he would still be in a diaper. The Hokage had a few trusted people that knew how to babysit a toddler. Kakashi wasn't sure how he felt about that. He wanted to return to active duty. Being a ninja was what Kakashi knew how to be. How could I do anything else? He thought. I don't think the village would let me be anything else. And I need to provide for us somehow. But then again, would I even consider doing anything else? Why do I do what I do? Kakashi placed the last dish in cabinet as he thought. I have to admit that I like being able to protect the village. Even though the village doesn't like either of us. It is still our home too. If I were still on my own and sensei hadn't included me in his family. I think that then I could just go and leave this place behind. But sensei didn't turn his back on me, neither he nor Kushina turned me away. They became my reason for not leaving the village or killing myself. Although, I had told myself that I wouldn't take that route. Father had left me alone. Alone in a hostile village to fend for myself. I couldn't understand it back then. I'm not sure I do now. There's a lot of things that I'm not sure about. But one thing I do know with certainty. Is that sensei gave me a reason to live and to stay here. And I'll protect this village until Naruto-their son, my little brother is old enough that if the villagers are still ignorant pricks by then. I will take my brother and go somewhere else. Kakashi leftthe kitchen and headed back up to his bedroom. Some of the ninken had stayed upstairs with Naruto. The rest stayed downstairs with Kakashi. Now they too were following Kakashi back upstairs to bed. Kakashi checked on Naruto before heading over to his own bed. Seeing that the baby was sleeping soundly. Kakashi made his way over and climbed into bed. Once the blankets were covering Kakashi. Pakkun and Guruko climbed up on the bed. Pakkun near Kakashi's side and Guruko was stretched out at Kakashi's feet. Soon all was asleep in the Hatake house.
Meanwhile elsewhere in the village. While Kakashi had been thinking of what he and Naruto would do when Naruto got older. In the Hokage tower three people were gathered sitting in the Hokage's office. Two of the people sat in front of the Third's desk looking self-important. They were up in the years just as the Third was and like the Third they were part of the governing body of Konoha. The man, Homura Mitokado and the woman, Koharu Utatane, had come to discuss something that had been annoying them for a while now. They wanted the Third to explain his treatment of the traitor and the Jinchurriki. The Third wasn't amused to say the least. He wanted to get home and have a late supper, a shower, and to just to relax a bit before heading to bed. He did not want to listen to these two whine about two children that wasn't really any of their concern. So his mood was sour and it came out a bit in his voice as he spoke with them.
"Saratobi, explain to us again why the traitor hasn't been returned to active duty yet." A displeased Homura asked. Saratobi snorted before he answered.
"It's interesting that you want to call Kakashi a traitor yet you want him back to active duty so soon. You are contradicting yourself my friend."
"Humph, he may show to everyone now that he is loyal. But it won't last forever. His father was loyal for years but then he turned on us. It will only be a matter of time before the brat does as his father has done. Until then we will use him for the village's needs." Homura countered with a scoff.
"Anyway, answer our question, Saratobi. We have a right to know." Now it was a miffed Koharu who spoke.
"Naruto isn't old enough to take care of himself yet. And unless either of you know a jutsu that can speed up the process of aging. I won't be assigning Kakashi anything new until then." The Third sat comfortably still while giving an icy glare to the others. "And even if you did I would still not allow it. You do remember the Fourth's wishes do you not?"
"Yes. But that doesn't mean that Hatake, can be out so long. Two years is ridiculous!" Yelled Koharu. Homura nodded his head in agreement.
"No. I think you're the ones being ridiculous here. I had sent Rei Sarahara over to help with the infant. But look how that turned out. If I send another what will happen next?
"The infant should be placed in the orphanage until he is old enough to live on his own. I'm sure that the caretaker there would do so with enough compensation for her trouble." Yelled back Homura raising his hands in the air as he finished his sentence.
Saratobi's blood was boiling as he slammed his fist down on top of his desk before he spoke. "There is no way in hell that I'm going to do that." He roared. The orphanage would never be able to adopt Naruto to a good home. And even if anyone did take him in it would be just to torture or to kill the boy!"
"The caretaker wouldn't allow it. Not if we told her she couldn't adopt Naruto out. She would be told that the boy would only be living there until he was three years old. Then we would have him set up in an apartment." Koharu insisted.
"Let me get this straight. You two want to place a three year old… to live in apartment… alone? With no guidance or supervision? What the hell is wrong with you two?!" Saratobi was coming to the end of his tolerance for his former teammates. Their hatred for both children was starting to reach a new level and it was all he could do not to throw the two of them out. Preferably through the window.
"We're not saying that the Jinchurriki wouldn't be taught anything. We would send someone over to show him how to use a hotplate and toaster oven. He would get an allowance at the beginning of the month and would be shown how to use the money wisely. Every other day or so someone would stop by and check up on him. And honestly Saratobi, you know as well as we do that there are children out there in other villages that don't have parents and have even less then this monster is getting!" Homura was still shouting and gesturing wildly.
"That's it. This discussion is over. You two will vacate my office before I have the guards come and throw you out. Naruto Uzumaki, will stay with his legal guardian, Kakashi Hatake as stated in the guardianship papers and the wishes of the Fourth."
The three sat and glared at each other for a moment in silence. Then without word, Homura, and Koharu got up and left the office. Saratobi let out a deep exhale of breath. He could remember when they were all much younger. They were so close back then. But over the years they had begun to split apart. And now for some reason they were getting increasingly more agitated over the new Jinchurriki. He couldn't understand why this was. They never acted up like this when Kushina was first brought to the village of whirlpool to be made the new Jinchurriki. So what has changed? He sighed and got up to leave himself. And as he closed the door behind him. One thought went through his mind with resolution. He would see to it that the boys were never split up.
Homura, and Koharu walked down the street heading to a small bar that was close by. Neither of them were happy with what they had learned this evening. And they knew that Danzo wasn't going to be pleased either once they told him of what was said. They entered the bar and sat down at a small table near the back of the establishment. A male server came over to them and asked what they wanted to drink. They decided on sake. The server went to get their order. Homura turned to Koharu, his face showed that he wasn't ready to drop what had been discussed. Koharu acknowledged with a nod of the head for him to begin.
"I think Saratobi has a soft spot for the demon."
"I agree. Perhaps the demon is influencing our old friend somehow."
"I wouldn't doubt it." Homura saw the server returning and didn't say anything more. The man brought a bottle of sake and to cups on a tray. He placed the bottle and cups in front of them and bowed before leaving.
"What do you think we should do now?" asked Koharu.
'Hm, we have to tell Danzo about this that much I do know. He won't be pleased to say the least."
Koharu stared into her cup before she spoke. "I agree with you. Those papers that Saratobi spoke of should never have been given to the traitor in the first place. If it weren't for the other council members having such a bleeding heart for the Fourth. This wouldn't be an issue now. Still, Danzo will figure something out. He wasn't as upset as I thought he would be when the decision was made known. He intends on getting his hands on the demon. For the purpose of using it as a weapon to defend Konoha. Honestly, I don't understand how he intends to do that but I'm willing to support him in this undertaking."
"Then it is settled. Tomorrow we will ask for an audience with our friend and see what he has to say about all of this." Homura took a gulp of sake in one shot and poured himself another. Koharu followed suit. As they continued to talk, the conversation went to other things that were happening in the village. Things that were spoken of but in cryptic style. No reason to give some of the darkest secrets of Konoha a way to everyone.