Hey all it's Alley. It's time for another chapter of the Will of Fire. Today's chapter is extremely long, so I don't want to talk too long. It's probably much closer to a regular chapter on fanfiction. So I'll make this quick:
I want to mention that I that I will never ever directly ask you for money. I don't think it is appropriate. I know that producing stories takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and potentially money to create. I knew that going in. I accepted that. There is no need to ask you for money. This is my hobby and I should pay for it.
That being said: I can't say that I haven't considered ways to monetize my hobby. For me, it comes in the form of things that I could potentially sell. Versus monetizing the story directly. I have seen this done many times before on Youtube. It gives the fans the option to support the work or not. Either way it doesn't matter. The work will continue. I like that form better than PMing people and asking for money. I just don't know that I would ever do that. It seems insincere. Like all I want is money. Which is the farthest from the truth.
You don't start writing fanfics for money. That's ridiculous. Naruto is copyrighted. I cannot sell anything related to it. I DON'T own the property. It can't be done. Not without the permission of the owners. Which will never happen! So, I will never ask you for money. I may ask for your opinions on ideas for making a business out of this skill I have. However, I will never ask you for money. Not on . This will always be free. You have my promise.
Rant over, ikou!
THE WILL OF FIRE
PART TWO
Chapter 6 - Betrayal
A small part of Naruto questioned what Mizuki-sensei said. A test that required him to steal a special scroll from his dad didn't seem like a real test. Or at least one that his dad would approve of. It seemed stupid to have to break into his dad's personal library, steal the scroll, and get out before ever being noticed. Naruto didn't even see why that was necessary. He could just ask his dad about it in the morning. He'd provably even show him the scroll if he asked. His dad was always showing him things from the Hokage's library. It was not like the ANBU would stop him. So long as he asked first, Naruto could always get access to the Hokage's library. It made little sense to break in and steal the scroll.
Yet, that was exactly what the test required. He had to steal some silly scroll from under his father's nose. Which didn't sound that dangerous since the ANBU would never harm Naruto. They would just bring him back to his father. Who would then kick his butt. That wasn't fun to be sure, but it sure wasn't dangerous! All Naruto could think that there was something dangerous in the scroll. Something that he had to defeat. The prospect of battle with an unknown creature inside the scroll excited him. He sincerely hoped that was inside the scroll when he opened it. Otherwise this test was boring. He just didn't get how this test would that prove his readiness.
Naruto had gotten good at avoiding the ANBU over the years. He was already free of his escort so getting past the guards around the tower was easy. It didn't take much effort at all. He was in the tower and at library within a couple of minutes. No one had even seen him! See, Mizuki-sensei, this test is easy.
It took a little while to find the exact scroll that Mizuki mentioned. His dad had a love of reading and there were a lot of books and scrolls there. He tried to think like his dad. If he had a super-secret, scary scroll of destruction where would he put it. Then it came to him: It wouldn't be in the library at all! That would be where everyone would come to look for it. If you didn't want others to find it then you would hide it somewhere else. Somewhere that no one would think of looking. In other words: The scroll was in his dad's office!
Getting into his dad's office proved slightly harder than getting into the library. He had never tried to enter the room without going through the door before. Plus usually someone was watching the room, even if his dad wasn't there. This was going to be harder than getting into the library. Perhaps this is what Mizuki-sensei meant when he said it was going to be dangerous. Naruto really didn't see danger part of the exam just yet so he was looking for it everywhere. So, far finding the scroll was difficult but it wasn't dangerous. It was kind of a let down for Naruto.
No one challenged him as he entered the office. It seemed like no one saw him. Either that or they didn't care. He couldn't tell the difference. Either way no one stopped him from sneaking into his father's office. It took a little investigating but he found the scroll that his sensei mentioned. He grabbed it then was off out the window like a thief in the night. Not even one security seal went off. Then again most of the security seals were provably made using blood seals. Something Naruto could get around easily. Further reducing the challenge for the boy. A true let down, but he ignored it. There was still hope. The mission could become dangerous soon enough. He had yet to get away or open the thing. That could be the true challenge. He just didn't know.
He got away from the building then headed towards the meeting spot that Mizuki had given him. Naruto was way ahead of schedule. So, when he got there he decided to take a peak at the scroll of destruction. After all the effort he had went through to obtain it Naruto figured that it had be exciting at least somewhat. It wasn't. It was a scroll that contained a bunch of high-leveled jutsu. There was no sealed beasts nor dangerous villains on it. It was a complete let-down.
Naruto had some time before his teacher was due to arrive. There wasn't a whole lot to do, so he decided to read the scroll. Perhaps in the time he was waiting he could learn one new jutsu. Something that might help him when the test finally got dangerous. With that in mind Naruto started to learn the first technique: The Shadow Clone Jutsu. He wasn't sure how successful he was going to be with clone jutsu but it had to be better than his efforts with the Clone Jutsu. Nothing could go worse than that. Besides, it helped pass the time. The test so far had been dull. He needed something to do while he waited. Who knows, if I fail this test maybe Dad will let me pass if I learn this jutsu!
It took a little while but Naruto slowly got the feel of it. These clones were somehow easier to create than other type of clones. He didn't understand why but he didn't care. He could now create Shadow Clones! Dad's gotta let me pass now!
Naruto was so excited that he dropped his guard. Making him unaware of the approach of Mizuki or his incoming attack. The only reason that he survived was that his father appeared behind him mere moments before the attack was to hit. His father had been looking for him since Naruto broke his curfew. He had sensed the attack then acted quickly to protect him. He grabbed his son and the scroll then teleported to a nearby kunai.
Naruto was shocked at his father's appearance. He knew that his dad would show up at some-point. It was well past the hour his dad gave him to return home. Whenever his dad gave curfews he meant it. He always tracked him down eventually. He didn't know how his dad did it, but he never failed to find him. He was always caught. That was hardily surprising. It was the fact that he showed so soon that caught Naruto off-guard. His dad usually gave him more time to come home. Sure, he would be chewed afterwards, but they usually gave him time to come home. Why didn't his father do that today? Was it because of the test? He didn't understand. His father was furious. That was really obvious. He looked positively terrifying. He couldn't recall the last time he had seen his father this way. Didn't he know about the test? Naruto had no idea what was going on.
That's when he realized that he was not in the same spot anymore. They were next to one of his father's special kunai a short distance away from where they were before. He looked back at where there were then paled. There was a large Kunai that had not been there before. It was lodged into the nearby tree. If Dad hadn't shown up. A lump formed in his throat. He would be dead right now if it wasn't for his dad. That was when he realized that his father wasn't that mad at him. He was mad at the one who threw the Kunai.
Minato was going to scream at his son but that had to be put on hold. Someone had just tried to kill his son. His priority right now was protect his son and punish the one responsible. No one touched his son and got away with it. He didn't know who they were but he was going to find out. It was clear that there was more going on here then Naruto's misbehavior. Then again, why did he steal the scroll? He wouldn't know of it. Where are you? What do you want? He wondered. He closed his eyes then reached out with his chakra. He found one man hiding a short distance away. He instantly recognized the man: Mizuki, one of Naruto's teachers. For a moment he was shocked only to become angry once again. One of the men who he placed in charge of Naruto's education had betrayed him. That would not be overlooked. He would deal with this quickly. But first, he needed to make sure that his son was alright. He returned his attention to his boy. Naruto seemed a little shaken, but otherwise alright. It was relief to say the least. Mizuki had not succeeded in harming his son. Minato would not give him a second chance.
"Naruto, I want you to stay here. I'll deal with this."
His father's words were cold and distant. He never once looked at him. Instead, his eyes locked onto something in the forest nearby. It was provably the one who threw the kunai. Whoever they were was in the world of trouble. His father was not to be messed with. He would kick their ass soon enough. His father rarely got mad but when he did it was terrifying. Naruto knew that well. However, this was much worse. His dad was more angry than he could remember ever seeing him. His rage became palpable as he stared out into that forest. The very air itself shook with his anger. Naruto wondered if this was what adults referred to as 'Killing Intent.' It had to be. There was no other explanation for it. It was truly terrifying. He couldn't even move.
"Naruto!"
His father was looking straight at him now. Naruto could still feel the rage but it was somehow softer and more familiar. His father was now in his 'obey me or else' mode. Something Naruto understood well. His dad had used that on him many, many times. That was more normal than before. Suddenly, his father was more much recognizable than before. It seemed that his father wasn't that angry at him. It was directed at someone else. Someone who was hiding in the forest. He wondered about who it could be. No one really knew that he was going to be out here. Only Mizuki-sensei or his father knew. Meaning that the one who just tried to kill him was . . .
"Sorry . . ."
His father broke him out of his thoughts for a moment. Naruto looked at his father with wild eyes. He realized that he had been betrayed! There was no test. There never was. It was all a lie. Mizuki wanted that scroll for himself. To do that he was willing to kill him. He had believed him. He was such a fool!
Minato sighed. Clearly he scared his son. That was not his intent. True, he was angry at Naruto but he would never harm him. He was his father after all. The boy had never seen him so angry before. That had paralyzed him. Which was the exact opposite of what he needed right now. He needed his son to remain calm and obey his commands. That way he survived this encounter. Naruto had never really been in combat before. He didn't understand what happens to a man when lives are at stake. How it brings out the worst in a person. He couldn't. He was just too young to understand. It was something Minato had intended to keep from him for a little while longer. He knew that it was foolish, but he wanted his son to remain innocent for a little longer. It seemed that he was growing up too fast.
Naruto became very quiet. He focused his attention on the now retreating shinobi. He made up his mind. This was his mess. It was his duty to clean it up. "Dad, please, let me handle this."
"What?"
Naruto suddenly put his hands together to to form a cross. Then he started to build up his chakra. He was ready to perform his newly learned jutsu! Dad, watch me!
Minato was dumbfounded. He never expected his son to act so mature. For a moment, he could have sworn that he was looking at a battle-hardened shinobi. Not the little boy who used to cry at a drop of a hat. He was in awe of his son's transformation. This is the last thing that he expected to happen. Particularly after he had just scared him so badly. He simply didn't have the heart to stop his son now. He would see how this all played out.
Minato recognized immediate what his son was about to try: He was going to cast the Shadow Clone Jutsu! It was an incredibly useful jutsu with dangerous side-effects if performed incorrectly. The amount of charka needed was massive. Something that he had in abundance. Still, it was dangerous. It was why Minato hadn't taught him the jutsu just yet. It was awe-inspiring to think that Naruto had learned it on his own. Did you learn this already?
To say that Minato was proud was an understatement. All around them were perfect copies of his son. All completely solid. All completely functional. This jutsu was difficult to pull off. It should have been impossible for Naruto to do. Especially in this short of a time. Then again the jutsu demanded a ton of chakra. Which his son had in spades. It was a lot more difficult and dangerous than the clone jutsu. A jutsu that his son could never could get the hang of. That's my boy, as unpredictable as ever!
Naruto was thrilled to see his father's reaction. He had worked so hard to learn it. He didn't know how he how he did it, but he didn't care - It worked! Naruto always sucked so bad at any jutsu he still couldn't believe that he could actually learn the thing. Yet, he had created a hundred copies of himself. A something that no one would believe he could do. Now, he felt like he was on fire. He could do anything! Watch me father! Watch me.
All the Narutos screamed at once, "No one attacks my family and gets away with it!"
Minato had to smile. It was what he was thinking. Now his foolish son (or sons) said it for him. He should have been the one to say that. He would never stand by while someone tried to kill his loved-ones. He would punish anyone who tried. They were on the same page on this. It was nice to know that he was in there, somewhere, inside of him. Kushina wasn't the only one that he took after. He took after his dear-old dad too!
Naruto started to move towards the direction that Mizuki had taken off. His clones started to spread out and pursue the man. That was until his father called out.
"Wait a minute." They all stopped before getting very far. There was no talking his son out of this. He might as well support him. That way the boy didn't get into too much trouble. He just couldn't find it in his heart to deny the boy the right to prove himself. He sighed. "You don't need this many clones. Get rid of at least half of them then follow me." At least he can learn something from this. Minato thought. If anything happens I can step in.
Naruto dispelled half of his clones then followed his father into the trees. Minato moved at half-speed to allow his son to keep up. Even at that speed, Naruto had a hard time keeping up. His son was fast, but not fast enough. He had a lot to learn before he could keep up with his father at full speed. So, he slowed his pace ever-so-slightly to allow his son to keep up.
He had another reason to slow down. He wanted to give Mizuki false hope. He wanted the man to suffer. No one tried to kill his son and got away with it. Mizuki had betrayed him. For that he would not be kind. He had trusted the man with his son's care and education. This was how he repaid him! He would send Mizuki to Blood Prison for this! That is assuming that he let the man live. Minato wasn't sure so sure if he was going to do that right now. He wanted to make that man suffer for what he had done. He wasn't sure that he could keep him alive long enough to make it there.
In the eyes of the law, attacking a member of the Hokage's house was almost the same as attacking the Hokage himself. The punishment for this would almost certainly be death. Which Minato would be happy to carry out. Unfortunately, he needed Mizuki alive. Something about this situation didn't feel right. How did this chunin know about the scroll? It was a close-kept secret that few knew about. It seemed incredible that he would know about it. Someone else was behind this and he planned to find out who. Then, maybe, he would kill Mizuki. If he didn't think of something else far worse.
Minato held back when they finally found the traitor. He could have easily taken the man down, but his son was determined to handle it. In way, it was like Naruto was taking the exam all over again. Only the Kunai were real and death was a real possibility. Fortunately, he had his father, the Hokage, along for back up. Minato would not allow harm to come to to his son. He watched Mizuki like a hawk as the two fought. He made sure that Naruto was in no real danger. For if there was then he would strike the man dead. Naruto's life was far more important than any information Mizuki could provide. Nothing could replace his son. He would not allow anyone to take him away. Mizuki should have realized that this was hopeless. He was not escaping this forest. Minato would not allow it. He should have given up. Alas, he fought on.
Despite having his father along it was not an easy fight for Naruto. Mizuki was a chunin, after all. It should not be that easy. He never realized how skilled and powerful they were. It was almost impossible to keep out of harm's way! Particularly if did not have any tools of any sort! Still, his dad was supporting him and that gave him courage. Who needs tools? I can kick his ass without them! Naruto thought as the battle went on. One-by-one the clones were defeated. Yet Naruto kept up the fight. He would not give in so easily. Suddenly, a kunai was thrown at the Naruto's feet. He recognized it instantly. It was his father's. He had given him a tool to fight with. His father did not intervene any further. It was proof that his father believed in him. It gave him strength to keep fighting!
Naruto picked up kunai. Then he released his army of shadow clones then created a new army. Each one had his father's distinctive kunai. It was different than other kunai. It was heavier and more awkward to weld. Yet, there was fluidity about it that Naruto got attached to. Naruto was not used to it but he figured it out pretty quickly. I can get used to this!
The battle went on for a few more minutes as the chunin tried to overpower the boy. Early on Mizuki had the advantage, but Naruto quickly adapted. His father was glad that he had allowed his son to deal with this on his own. It was turning into a fine lesson in combat. Still, it had gone on for long enough. The longer it went on, the more likely Naruto was to get seriously hurt. Then he would be a dead man. For Kushina would flay him alive. He did want to explain how he allowed his son to get hurt.
Besides, Minato had seen enough. His son was worthy of becoming a shinobi. Naruto didn't have to beat a chunin to prove it. That would be ridiculous. No genin would expected to do that. Then why would he? No, Naruto was ready to graduate. It was a bitter-sweet moment for the father. As much as he wanted his son to pass, Minato dreaded this day. The world outside was dangerous place. His protection could only go so far. Naruto had to be ready to protect himself. Which he finally proved that he was. There was no need to continue this fight.
So, he stepped in and ended it quickly. Mizuki fell before he realized what was happening. Then again; how was a chunin supposed to stand against a Hokage? He had no chance. Something he should have seen from the beginning. Not that Minato cared in the slightest. He had gone after his son and for that he would suffer. That was a promise. No one betrayed him like this and got away with it. Mizuki would regret his choice soon enough. For now, he just needed to be restrained. The pain could begin later. He slapped one of his best chakra seals on the man then teleported him to the Interrogation Force's headquarters. They could deal with him for now. Minato returned to his son a short time later. It was time to do something to do that he had been waiting years to do. It was time to give him his headband.
Wow, that was long. It took me about two days to input the changes. It was worth it though. I had a lot of fun and I hope that you enjoy this chapter is well. See you all next week, sayonara!
