Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the characters.
*If the other characters seem OOC than I'm truly sorry.*
Strong!/Semi-Smart! Naruto.
AN: The time-line in this story is going to be a little off. Just telling you that now. Minato isn't the Hokage yet; it'll be put off for a while. Kushina and him haven't gotten married yet. Sarutobi will be Hokage until the war ends and gets enough info on Naruto. Err… I think that's about it. Oh, and this might become an AU story. Blegh. I always go with the flow. Probably a little too much.
IV
The Sandaime had been looking at the file in front of him for a while now, completely at a loss. The file was on one child. One child that was able to copy one of the best Shinobi's ninjutsu and has the same last name as said Shinobi; Namikaze Naruto.
Sarutobi sighed as he ran a hand down his face. He had went over it again, and again, yet still couldn't find anything useful. Ever since he had came into the Village and done that small prank, Minato had became a bit more distant. Even the older blonde's mind would, at times, revolve around finding his 'little brother'.
There were times that even he, himself, would want to give Minato the okay. But that wouldn't do. They were at war and needed every Shinobi to help and defend their Village. Of course, word had gotten out that a child had managed to get inside their Village and leave unharmed. Letting their enemies believe that they were weak, when in actuality, they weren't.
But right now, it was a different situation. Taking a closer look into the boy's file, Sarutobi had noticed that there was something about his blood. The first thought he came to mind was that maybe he had a different mother or father. It was the only logical thing he was able to come up with the moment and nothing more.
"Having a hard time, Sensei?" Sarutobi was brought out of his thoughts as Jiraya, once again, came in through the window. Seeing said teacher sigh, the toad Sannin frowned. "It's about Naruto, isn't it? Ever since you branded him as a wandering Shinobi, you've been more confide in this office and looking into whatever we have on him." This time, Jiraya was the one who sighed, letting his right hand go through his hair. "I know we don't have much- Hell, even I can't seem to get any info on the kid! It's like he doesn't exist at all. There's no background on him. It's obvious that no Village has claimed him nor can we find any records of him being anywhere else. If he traveled a lot, then he must have gone under a Henge at most."
Sarutobi slumped into his seat, still frowning from the little information both had. "But there must be something. No matter how small it could it be." He countered. Usually, that would have been correct. But since the little blonde just appeared, of course there will be nothing. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Sarutobi shut his eyes closed, hoping to ease the headache that was surely coming. "Did you send the information to Minato about his student, Jiraya-Kun?" He asked, in hopes to just get some chance to let this go.
Sensing what his Sensei wanted, he complied without trouble. "Yeah. Him and his students couldn't believe it. Honestly, I still can't believe it as well." The toad Sannin leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "To think… that Uchiha Obito is still alive." This time, he closed his own eyes. "You should have seen their faces, Sensei. And I don't know if it should be in a good way or not."
The Sandaime sat up a bit more straight in his seat, a brow raised. "Care to explain what you mean, Jiraya-Kun?" Exactly, what did he mean?
"Well…" Jiraya let out a heavy sigh. "Rin was the first to break out in tears. The girl fell to the floor in disbelief, shock, and happiness. Kakashi was quiet the whole time, but his body was shaking like a leaf. It really looked like he was about to either pass out or bolt to Obito's hospital room. Minato was told by his other two students what had happened. He didn't really think that Obito could have survived it but was happy none the less." Here, he shifted his weight back onto his feet. No longer leaning against the wall. "It was the person that saved him that made them want to find more." Sarutobi felt his color leaving him, blood going as cold as ice. He had a sinking feeling who's name Jiraya was going to say, but still prayed that it wasn't him. "It was Naruto." Jiraya's face was, for once, unreadable. The Sandaime could only hope that nothing more will make his gut twist in guilt.
A raven headed boy opened his eyes -well, his only eye- and looked around with mild confusion. Wasn't he being squashed by a huge bolder? Why wasn't it there? He didn't feel comfortable in the bed. It felt like he had been lying down for a few days and his back was bothering him. Of course, the boy didn't know how right he was about the 'days' part.
So lost in his confused thoughts, he never heard the door opening it, despite it practically slamming. It wasn't until a familiar brunette beauty came into view. "Obito…! Obito!" Rin cried, looking over him.
Said boy could only stare at her in even more confusion. Rin was there. He can see her perfectly. 'Wait! D-Does that mean s-s-she's-!?' Obito was panicking. He had asked Kakashi to do one thing. One. Thing. Was it that hard for that stuck-up prick to actually do one thing somebody asked him to do?
"…Obito…" The voice of said 'prick' also came into view. His Hitai-ate was slanted, covering his left eye. The raven headed boy absently noted that the silverette looked like he was going to also cry but kept it in. Mentally, Obito shook his head; he must be seeing things.
Blond came into view as well; Minato. Obito gave them a tired smile. "What's…g-going o…n?" The boy coughed, having a hard time speaking with his dry throat. Rin right away went to get a cup of water before rushing back to him. To his surprise, Kakashi had helped him sit up properly to drink said water. "Thanks guys." He said clearly, his smile still intact. "Uh, I know that I should… be happy about being alive, but how is t-this even possible?" He asked. Before any of them had a chance to say anything, his eye became wide. "Not unless I really am dead and somehow went into a different world! That would be so cool but creepy! Well, at least Rin still looks pretty." His comment made everyone silent, a few seconds passed, until it was broken by laughter all around.
Minato was the first to recover, wiping away the tears that were close to falling. "Don't worry about that, Obito. You really are alive, not dead or in a different world." Said boy felt his whole face burn. Great, he just humiliated himself! After his other two students pulled themselves together, Minato smiled at the three of them. "We're glad that you're alive, Obito." The raven headed boy grinned at them, which were slowly accompanied with tears. He was also glad he was still alive; he still needed to confess!
He tried to wipe the tears away but more just took their place. Sniffing every now and then, Obito had mentally whacked himself. This was why people called him 'cry-baby Obito'. He didn't like the fact that he was just proving them right at that moment. "So, how was it possible that I'm even alive? All I remember was being under a bolder and that's all." He shrugged his shoulders, as if it weren't a big deal anymore. Obito was generally curious and wanted nothing more then to know what had happened.
Kakashi and Rin exchanged looks, brows creased as they also didn't know exactly what happened. Then, they turned to their Sensei, who became quiet. Minato walked up to Obito's bedside, ruffling his hair gently. "Sorry Obito, but we're not entirely sure ourselves. We had to continue the mission in order to destroy the bridge." The blonde paused for a few seconds. "There was this boy -same age as you- who came to us with you in his arms. The only thing we know is that he was the one who helped you out. If it weren't for him, then you could have possibly died…"
His lone eye looked at his Sensei and to his teammates. "So," he started, looking rather indifferent about the whole story. "where's the kid at then? I'd liked to thank him." Obito said with a gentle smile. If this was true, if he were to meet this person, then the raven headed boy knew he owned him his life. Literally. 'Even though I don't like being told what to do.' He thought to himself. Noticing how quiet it had gotten again, he looked at his team. "Uh, guys?" Obito called out.
Minato blinked, smiling apologetically. "Sorry Obito, but you won't be able to meet him. You see, he's marked as a wandering Shinobi and is put in the Bingo Book with a 'flee on sight' notice." Obito's mouth dropped instantly, his lone eye looked like it was ready to pop out. "I'm personally looking for him. We had taken a blood test and it matched…" Obito felt like he was trying to swallow a lump of coal as he started intently at his Sensei. "His blood matched mine, his name is Namikaze Naruto." He shook his head, giving him a slight strained smile. "Naruto had left the moment Sandaime-Sama marked him a Wandering Shinobi… and a threat to the Village." The raven headed boy took in a sharp breath. Sensei has a brother? Was marked as a threat? What the hell was their Hokage thinking?! "But I have a feeling that he's a really nice kid. I'm sure that once we prove that he isn't a threat, you will get along with him. I just know it."
Somewhere, far away, a blond child sneezed. He shivered as he brought the jacket around him a bit closer. "I'm not getting sick, am I?" Naruto asked himself, raising a brow, highly amused with the thought. Sure, he felt a shiver go down his spine, but he was sure that it was because of the water that made contact with him. Besides, he had never gotten sick before and he didn't want to experience it now.
The boy had went a long way to get to where he wanted to go, thanks to long day-night travels. Of course, even he had a limit and passed out a few times. But he didn't want to stop, so when Naruto would be feeling tired, Kurama would allow him to get on his back as he continued while Naruto slept away.
"The boat leaves 'n five minutes! 'Eryone who wants to leave best get on the boat now!" Said the Captain. The old man had the natural dark grey beard, wrinkles, and a weird looking outfit. Oh, and did Naruto forget to mention that the old man was also missing a few of his teeth and they looked yellow? Yeah, it wasn't a pleasant sight.
Shaking out of his little stupor, Naruto ran up the wobbly ladder that lead to the bow of the boat. His natural blindly grin took it's place on his tan face. 'Alright! We're getting closer to the island! I hope we get there soon!' The boy couldn't help but let his grin grow; if it were even possible. Even some adults with some of their children -mostly babies- had stopped to stare at him. Some even smiling back at how happy Naruto had looked and cooed at him when they believe Naruto wasn't listening to them.
"If you want to remain in one piece, I suggest that you don't smile that widely around these people. They look like they can kill you by being smothered to death." Kurama said. The fox had decided to stay in Naruto's Mindscape. It wouldn't do them any good if he was out and about. Plus, he was sure that the adults would complain about having a 'wild' animal on board. He knew that Naruto would have been kicked off the ship because of him. So it was best to play it safe then sorry.
'What? You seriously think they'll do that?' Naruto commented. He looked over his shoulder, seeing a few of the adults, namely women, squeal at him. He sweat dropped as they tried to speak in a hush whispered. It really didn't do them any good. 'Your right. I'll make sure not to over do it. Not unless they have Ramen.' Now it was Kurama who sweat dropped. Naruto would use the dreadful puppy dog eyes and that smile of his to get Ramen. That, or he would buy it himself.
No matter, the blond child walked around, looking for a place to sit at. The boat wasn't entirely crowded, considering that it was only late-morning. That, and how hardly anyone would want to cross such a dangerous sea. Nothing was going to stop Naruto from going to the island Kurama mentioned. If he and the fox put their power together, they could make the island into a livable area!
Fertile ground for crops, natural resources like the sea or trees, animals that can be tamed to produce daily product, and much more! It sounded like paradise! Once again, Naruto couldn't help but grin as the boat began to move away from the dock. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, he knew that it'll be challenging. But that's what made him more excited. To work hard, create a new Village or home for people, and somehow, make it peaceful. Yet, there left one thing he didn't bother to think about until now. 'Who the hell is going to be the Kage?' Naruto would gladly take the seat. But honestly, who in their right mind would go to a village that is run by a child?
With that in mind, Naruto scrunched his nose in thought, as Kurama began to bark out in a laughing fit. Oh well, they'll think of something when it arises.
"Well, what have you guys been doing while I was hospitalized?" Obito asked, munching away at that Apple sauce the nurses gave him. He liked sweet things moreover Tomatoes. Not that said boy didn't like them, he just wasn't that fond of them like the rest of the Clan.
Kakashi shrugged his shoulders, already finished with his sandwich. How the silverette managed to do so without removing his mask was beyond the other two. "Nothing much. Just training." A very short reply. He couldn't help it, Kakashi wasn't that much of a talker, so can they blame him?
Obito grumbled under his breath, apparently the Uchiha can. Rin smiled, content that her team was still together. "Kakashi and I have been trying to get stronger. Kakashi's been trying to use the Sharigan you gave him. It drains him more than normal but he's working on it. I, on the other hand, am training with Kushina-San." The raven headed blinked his lone-eye at his silverette teammate, before looking back at Rin.
"You're training with Kushina-San? What for? I know that she isn't good at medical ninjutsu…" Obito trailed off, nose scrunched up in confusion.
"Hey! I tried it out! It just wasn't meant for me, Dattebane!" Said red head had popped in unannounced, scaring the poor children. Kushina huffed a little but was content that she managed to startle them. 'Hah! Serves them right!' She smiled at them goofily, placing her hands on her hips. "And the reason why Rin is training with me is because I'm helping her out with her Taijutsu. It's getting better each passing day!"
"Well, I do hope so. I mean, you're practically beating up my poor student." Minato commented on the side. He had been quiet for the time being, enjoying the fact that his students were back together and that it seemed like nothing bad happened at all.
Rin sighed at this. Don't get her wrong, Kushina really is a good teacher, it's just that her teaching methods are very unorthodox. The woman chuckled, even though she was embarrassed. Turning her gaze to the Blond male in the room, her smile faltered. "Minato, I need to talk to you about Fuzz-ball." Minato instantly looked at her with a confused look. "Fuzzy hasn't been acting normal, I was hoping you would take a look and listen to what I think is going on with him."
Catching the code the two of them came up with, Minato stood up from his seat. "Alright, let's go check fuzzy out." Turning to his students, he gave them a small smiled, placing a hand on Kushina's shoulders. "Alright guys, why don't you take tomorrow off and relax? Obito, make sure you do what the nurses tell you what to do. You'll be able to leave the hospital faster if you do." He chuckled at Obito's pout. The boy didn't like hospitals that much because they were boring and smelled funny. "See you guys later." With that, both he and Kushina disappeared in a flash of yellow.
The two adults appeared in the blonde's home, more specifically, in his study room. "So, what's wrong? Is the seal of your's weakening? Is the Kyuubi trying to do something to your chakra coils?" Minato began his million of questions.
Kushina's eyebrow twitched at the never-ending chatter box, even though it was sweet that Minato was worried for her. Finally, when the million of questions were done, she sighed in relief. "Well, it's kind of hard to explain." The woman in question leaned against the table that was conveniently behind her. "I'm sure that my seal is fine, so that can't be it. And he hasn't been trying to do anything. When ever my mind begins to wonder off, I think about your little brother, Naruto, and wonder how he's doing." She paused, as if she was just as confused as Minato, considering that it brought up his brother. "When ever that happens, I can feel the Kyuubi's chakra spike up a bit. It's like he's unsettled or frustrated! I don't know! All I do know is that the stupid fox seems to be upset when I think about Naruto! It's as if the demon cares for him! And you know that's really, really weird, Minato." Kushina huffed a bit as she had went off with only one take of air.
"The Kyuubi only reacts to when you think of Naruto?" Minato rubbed his chin, brows creased in thought. "That's odd. It's never acted up like this before. You don't suppose it's because Naruto has that Fox companion around him, do you?" Kushina just shrugged back in response. She didn't know! That's why she came to him for answers! The blond man hummed, trying to think of any amount of possibilities.
"Well?" Kushina pushed, feeling impatient and nervous about his answers or thoughts. "What do you think, Minato?" Biting her lower lip, the red-head looked on.
Blue eyes clashed with blue-ish grey ones. A frown painted on Minato's face as his eye brows raised up, hiding behind his gold locks. "I…honestly don't know." He breathed out, as if the air was punched out of him.
Both adults continued to look at each other, equally lost and confused at the outcome. What now? Kushina frowned. She didn't like having so many questions and then being left with no answers. For Kami's sake, she wanted answers. Now. "I think I have an idea." Looking seriously at Minato, she continued. "Do you mind if I use your bed for a moment? I'm going to talk to fur-ball."
Naruto continued to grin as the boat was sailing on the calm ocean. He had been on boats plenty of times and enjoyed them…when there isn't a storm. Last time he was in one, he had been framed for doing something he didn't do. Of course, Tsunade had never really believed that it was Naruto and just decided to send him in said Jail without really telling him anything for an 'undercover' mission.
His grin faltered at the thought of his 'Baa-Chan. "I really do miss them." Naruto whispered, looking down at the ocean, his reflection looking right back at him. His eyes idly followed a fish, as it swam near the boat for a few minutes until disappearing deeper in the ocean.
After another few seconds, Naruto softly groan from boredom. Now he remembered why he also disliked boat rides. They were slow and so boring. He had nothing with him to satisfy the release of boredom. Before, he would just spin the Kunai on his finger and count how many spins he had done. But if he were to do that now, well… Taking a look at the other passengers, Naruto let out a sigh. All these people would think it would be a heist or something. And, really, Naruto didn't want to deal with hysterical people right about now.
"Why don't you go look through that Bingo Book you recently obtained? It would be best for you to study up on the people who could possible try to live in the Village we'll make." Kurama was Naruto's voice of reason at the moment. His eyes sparkled as his mind registered the foxes words.
'That's a good idea! Now I won't be bored on this boat ride!' Naruto plopped himself down in the area he was standing at, rummaging through his bag for the book. It was pretty small and had a weird burnt out orange color to it. Not that Naruto minded, of course. Flipping the book open, Naruto scanned it, stopping from page to page. Soon, his nose crunched up in disgust. 'You serious? This guy's wanted because he kidnapped and killed children after he was done with them.' He blinked and then raised a brow. 'Wow. This guy sounds just like Orochimaru.'
"You're right. Hmph. I bet if that hairless monkey and snake meet, they would become great friends." Even from within the seal, Naruto could tell that Kurama had just rolled his eyes. "…Until the snake finds him worthy of becoming a test rat that is." Naruto stifled his laughter as his partner finished the thought.
For some reason, Naruto could just imagine it too. Our favorite blonde hero was about to continue reading the book until his eyes became heavy. 'What? Why do I feel so sle..epy…all..of…' Naruto passed out before finishing his thought. To the other passengers, it looked like a child who had probably stayed up all night for a field trip. Only to fall asleep on the way to their destination.
"-OU MEAN THERE'S TWO OF YOU?!" A piercing shriek shocked Naruto to wake up. The blonde child sat up slowly, blinking warily. He had just been on the boat, going through the Bingo book to make sure that the people he let's in are too dangerous or unstable. The next thing he knows, is that he's in his sewer mindscape. Unlike before, the water had long disappeared, much to both Naruto's and Kurama's happiness.
"As I said you insignificant, low-life monkey. I feel a chakra source out there much similar to my own. So there is, without a doubt, another me running out there. Free." Naruto turned his head to see what the hell was all the commotion about. Was it just him or did Kurama sound rather mad about something? He hadn't heard Kurama use that tone in a while, not unless he did something really, really stupid.
Naruto gawked at the scene before him, eyes huge as if they were going to pop out of their seconds. He was sure that he was imitating a fish out of water perfectly. From where he was sitting, Kurama, his partner, was strapped against this black ball, chained down with…well, chains. And that wasn't the only thing; the sewer didn't even continue. It was if someone decided to rip half of it away and just put in a white room with the Fox chained to a ball. Naruto took in a short breath and opened his mouth. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" The other tenants looked right at him in surprise.
"N-Naruto?" Said boy looked at the direction the voice came from, only to have him wish he would have stayed quiet. Kushina was in shock. How the hell did he get in here? Only she was able to enter this place, only she was able to contact the Kyuubi! "Wh-what are you doing here?" Kushina asked in a low whisper.
"It's not like we willingly came here. The both of us were pulled into this mindscape." Kushina looked behind Naruto, only to copy his exact reaction moments before. There, standing right behind the blonde child, was another Kyuubi. How the hell was this possible?! Said fox looked rather indifferent as he stared at his other self. "Do I really look like that?" He questioned aloud, rather amused at his past-self's predicament.
Naruto only tilted his head as he hummed. "Well, not anymore. Your fur changed color, remember? I say you look a lot better now." The boy nodded his head, as if he had just explained something so wonderful to the world.
"HOW DARE YOU LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT YOU BRAT! YOU! IF YOU'RE TRULY ME, THEN WHY HAVE YOU NOT GOTTEN RID OF THESE PATHETIC MORTALS?!" The past-Kyuubi growled out.
It was silent for a moment, until Naruto whistled. "Wow." He then looked up at Kurama and pointed to the past-Kyuubi. "I didn't think you had such a short temper and were that weird." In the background, the past fox began to stir in it's chains, growling out threats that were easily ignored by the other two surprised tenants.
"Yes, yes. Even I can't believe that was how I acted. But I'm a changed fox now. Turned over a new tail." Kurama placed his claw-like-hand on his chest, head held up high before he looked back down at Naruto. An ear twitched a bit. "And who are you calling weird? I believe you fit the definition just fine."
Before Naruto could answer back with a not-so-witty comeback, Kushina decided it was high time to remember she was still there. By yelling. "ALRIGHT! ENOUGH! I WANT ANSWERS, AND I WANT THEM NOW! YOU!" Kushina pointed at Naruto, who tried to look innocent. "HOW IN THE WORLD DID YOU GET IN HERE, WHY IS ARE THERE TWO KYUUBI'S, AND WHY ISN'T YOUR'S TIED DOWN?!"
"Uhh…" Naruto glanced over to both foxes. "Well, I got sleepy all of a sudden and just found myself here. I have no idea as to why there are two of these fuzz-buts and because mine doesn't need to be tied down since we're partners."
Kushina just stared at Naruto incredulously. "P-P-Partner?" The redhead stuttered, hoping that she had heard wrong. Seeing the blond boy nodded his head innocently and staring at her with equally innocent eyes, Kushina could only say two words before forcing herself awake. "Oh shit…"
Uh… Hi guys?
Sorry for it taking forever to update. But since I'm so used to writing KHR stories, it's a bit harder for me to come up with chapters for the Naruto stories I have.
I know this was rather lame and probably had awkward spelling errors and stuff, but I do hope you enjoyed it.