Coming from the Shadows: Childhood

Naruto and his four companions began to carve their path throughout history with each step they took on the journey to Uzushiogakure.

"Oh, wonderful and benevolent Senkai-sama. Would you be willing to grant us poor souls knowledge upon the reason for you upcoming visit to the lands of our forefathers?" Naruto said, eyes twinkling with mischief.

Gritting her teeth, Senkai said, "Very well. I want to find my ancestry. I was raised by my mother alone, but I would like to discover my relation to the Uzumaki. Direct descendant? Branch family? I don't care too much about who I'm descended directly from, I merely wish to find my roots. Something like a family tree would be ideal. Finding pictures, portraits, and the like would be wonderful as well."

With a small smile, Naruto gave Senkai an exaggerated bow, "You are so kind and charitable, Senkai-sama."

Ignoring Senkai's sign of annoyance - a twitching eyebrow, Naruto turned his attention to the roads and surroundings. He was on a mission after all, wouldn't do to be caught off-guard.

"Uzu-san," Itachi began, "it doesn't say in the mission details, but I find it prudent to ask. Do you expect to be attacked on your journey?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm just aware of two facts. One, the area around Uzushiogakure is somewhat of a hotspot for bandits. Additionally, a lone traveler, especially a female, has an increased risk for being targeted by bandits. I hope that the presence of shinobi alone is enough to deter bandits from attacking."

Itachi nodded his head. "I suspected as much, but it doesn't hurt to be too careful."

"Sensei," Shino spoke up. "There are groups of bandits in the trees neighboring our route. What course of action would you recommend we take?"

"Place a few of your Kikaichu on the bandits in case they do decide to attack. Our mission is to protect our client, and she'd be more at risk if even one of us left to take care of the bandits."

With an understanding nod, Shino said, "Already did so, sensei. You did teach us, quite insistently I may add, about the benefits of preparations."

Itachi just nodded. "Now all that's left is to see if they take action or not."


As the hours passed, there was no sign of the bandits attacking. "It's a good time to set up camp," Itachi said. "I know where a clearing is nearby so follow me. We're going to jump through the trees, so Naruto, make a clone and have it take Senkai, you're the one drilled into the role of protector on the team."

Nodding, Naruto did just that, his hands going into a now-familiar hand seal. With a puff of smoke, and a twin of Naruto appeared. Both Naruto's turned to Senkai and with an overwrought bow, they said together, "Senkai-sama, your personal escort is here," before turning to each other and grinning cheekily.

Before she could protest, the Naruto clone grabbed Senkai in princess style, as if such a carry befitted her exaggerated stature.

And as one, the five-turned-six quickly leapt off the ground and sped through the trees. To Senkai's untrained eyes, the surrounding nature was a blur to her as they swiftly approached the destination.

Landing in the clearing, Itachi said, "Shino collect firewood and make a fire, Ino collect some water, there is a river not far south of here. Keep an eye on your surroundings though. Naruto create two more clones and have the three of them protect Senkai while you set up tents for us. I'll bring back some food for us."

Without another word, Naruto's three teammates departed leaving him to his part. "Senkai-sama, it would be wonderful if you would be an amenable client and move towards the center of the clearing."

Rolling her eyes, she followed his indirect instructions and found herself surrounded by Naruto triplets.

Naruto swiftly set up camp, knowing just how to create a pit for the fire, and giving the three tents a proper location.

Ino was the first to return, as she had the simplest task. Setting down her burden, Ino looked around their temporary campsite and nodded in approval.

Shino returned next with an armful of suitable wood for campfires. He swiftly headed over to the fire pit Naruto made and began making a fire.

Itachi was the last return, with a rabbit in each hand. "Well done, all of you. Shino, what's the location of the bandits?"

Shino frowned. "They seem to be en route, mostly east of our location. Possible end location would be Uzushiogakure itself."

Itachi's frown met Shino's. "Was afraid of that. Looks like our trip will have some bloodshed after all."

"It's fine, sensei. Had to happen eventually. Perhaps better for it to be bandits than enemy ninja, no?" Naruto said, unaware of taboo of those very words.

Ino groaned. "You just had to say that, didn't you, Naruto?"

"Say what?" Naruto said, curious and more than a little confused.

She just ignored him as she took her place by the fire.

Naruto just looked at her oddly then shook his head. "I'll never understand girls." he muttered. Directing his clones, they went into the treeline to create a makeshift perimeter around the group.

Gesturing for Senkai to join them at the fire now, the five companions found themselves enjoying the warmth as Itachi prepared their dinner.

Softly, almost nervously, Naruto asked, "What was your childhood like, Senkai?"

A gentle, almost kind smile alighted on her face. "It was warm. My mother did what she could to provide for me without sacrificing time spent with each other. We had a small, cozy little home where we made due. It's outside of Konoha. There was this lovely little pond in the forest near our house and we'd spend hours together next to it. Each and every day she made sure to tell me she loved me. I think she was afraid she'd pass away without warning as my father did."

She frowned lightly and said, "I'm not sure why, she never told me. But it seems she had some reason to fear it. She passed away three years ago. There was no sign of it. She appeared completely healthy. Never disappeared for hours at a time or anything."

Giving Senkai a sad smile, Naruto approached her and hugged her, giving her much-needed comfort. "Thank you, Naruto. Thank you." She whispered into his shoulder, a few tears leaking through.

"Anytime, dear cousin." Naruto said, brushing a tear from her eyes with thumb. "We're family."

Gathering up her courage, she asked, "What was your childhood like, Naruto?"

He grimaced. "It was dark. I was always alone. I grew up by myself - for some reason, the orphanage wasn't allowed to take care of me. Whenever I went to the park, children, parents, everyone would pass by me as if I wasn't there, yet if I approached someone I was noticed. I wasn't treated with scorn or anything. But, it was lonely." He said, voice creaking. "Even at the Academy I was passed over, there were days when my sensei passed me over, as if I wasn't there. I had to excel to be noticed."

"Whenever I came home, the place dark and quiet. There was no warmth to the place. With what little funds I did have, I couldn't spare anything on personal possessions, and no one would employ a little kid to do work, so I couldn't earn any money either. To this day, outside of ninja gear, I haven't been able to get any personal possessions or anything to try to warm up the place."

"I'm told my parents were killed in the attack that took the life of our previous Hokage, Namikaze Minato. I've been told who my parents are, and what they were like, but nothing beyond that."

Letting out a shaky breath, he said, "But it's alright. I've got friends now, family now. A more reliable income. It's different now." He gave them a smile that, despite his words, was haunted with loneliness.

An uncomfortable silence filled the clearing after his words, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire as the wood shifted and burned.

Ino shakily stood up and stood directly in front of Naruto. "You will never have to feel the pain of loneliness again Naruto, this I swear." Ino said, shaken by the depths of his emotion.

Shino spoke up. "The Aburame also harbor some of the pains of loneliness, due to how much of Konoha views us. But Naruto, no one should have had to suffer it as you did. I am ashamed that my inaction lead to that. As with Ino, I swear to you I will never abandon you."

"Thank you. Really. Thank you." Naruto said, touched by their actions.

Not exactly displeased he had the means to dispel the dark mood, Itachi said, "The food is ready."

And with that the mood changed drastically as the other four members of their little group realized just how hungry they were.

The mood lifted, the five companions ate, talked, and laughed throughout their meal.

As the last member put down their cutlery, Itachi spoke up. "Uzu-san will take the tent closest to the road and will share it with Ino. Naruto and Shino will take the tent next to theirs. And I'll take the last tent. As for the night watch, Naruto, take first shift as your stamina is the highest in our group. I'll take the middle shift, and Shino you take the last."

Ino frowned, and opened her mouth as if to argue. "Ino, there are only three shifts. You aren't being treated as a girl, or some delicate object right now. You are a shinobi. You will have shifts on other days. All four of us will have days when we don't have a single shift. Yours just happens to be today." Itachi said, cutting her off.

She nodded in understanding. She wasn't some delicate little wallflower that needed to be protected and kept from harm. She was a kunoichi.

They started to head off to bed before Itachi spoke up once more. "And Naruto. Dispel those clones after your shift has ended. I won't have your sleep degraded thanks to them."

Naruto sighed, but nodded all the same. And with those words Naruto's companions headed to their respective tents, ready to get some shut-eye.

Naruto took up vigil and sat silently, listening for the slightest sound, the barest movement in his surroundings. He had a long night ahead of him.