Chapter 10 – Heritage
On the way back to Konoha, the Anbus and Konoha's newest citizen were taking their time through walking. Aoi and Naruto were talking about Naruto's new jutsu and the theory behind it. Aoi was surprised to see this kid was able to mix two doton jutsus and be able to manipulate them accordingly to what the technique entailed. Also Aoi was suspicious of the blonde's looks. He could've sworn the yellow flash was back from the dead when Naruto took off his Anbu mask.
Aoi was no stranger to Konoha's history and he knew that the Yondaime of Konohagakure Namikaze Minato died sixteen years ago, defeating the nine-tailed demon fox Kyuubi no Yoko. Yet this kid looks so much like him that Aoi thought that he would finally get to see the Hiraishin no Jutsu that made the fourth hokage famous over all the shinobi villages and even places that didn't house any ninjas. Naruto for his part got to know a little bit of the man's life so far. Lost his family to a bunch of Suna missing-nins three years ago and got framed by Iwa for trying to assassinate the Tsuchikage, while on his sleep. According to Aoi, he was present at the house only to inform the kage of a delicate S ranked mission where two of his teammates were killed; he saw the killer and assaulted him. The man escaped and Aoi was found inside by some Anbus with the weapon of murder on his hands.
As the conversation between the two ended, silence took over and the group just walked straight to Konoha, without muttering even a single word to each other. However Naruto, behind his mask, was displaying a peculiar smirk on his face. One that meant the possibility of new jutsus or even the creation of a new jutsu, since with Aoi, the possibilities were endless. Naruto knew, though, that the man wanted to rest his old and retired body and maybe he wouldn't even consider teaching anything or even passing on his knowledge, so he wouldn't push his luck more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' question.
--At Tsunade's office--
In the Hokage's office, Tsunade, Jiraya, Kakashi, Iruka and Anko were having a heated discussion about how to break the news of his heritage to the boy. It was common knowledge by everyone how much Naruto saw the Yondaime as a target to overcome in terms of strength and ninja arts and the fact that the man wasn't only his father, but also the one who happened to seal the nine-tailed demon inside Naruto, none of them knew how Naruto would react to the news. Jiraya and Tsunade were hoping that the blonde would forget about asking, not because they didn't want to tell him the truth. They wished the boy had at least become jounin before brining such bomb. Kakashi, Iruka and Anko were dead silent just seeing the two sannin's discussion about how to tell him his heritage.
But inside, Kakashi was thinking about what would be the repercussions concerning his teacher/student relationship he had with Naruto and now the partnership in missions. The silver haired jounin was afraid that Naruto would think less of him from keeping such information from him, but he made an oath of silence about it and there was nothing he could do now. Iruka for his part was thinking more on the lines of telling him the truth and then see the consequences; but then he feared of the living inside the blonde. Knowing that the beast's chakra becomes active when Naruto suffers negative emotions, Naruto could very well lose his control over the beast.
Now Anko was a different thing entirely. Knowing Naruto's heritage, something she smacked her head from not associating the fourth Hokage with her lover, hence the face that the two looked identical, well except for the whisker marks which to Anko those only made him look even hotter than before. Now regarding to whole telling him that his father was the one who sealed the damn kitsune inside of him and made his life a living hell, certainly would unravel bad outcomes if Naruto was to become emotionally unstable, but she believed that her boyfriend would overcome this situation just like he did with every obstacle that appeared on his way. Still she knew that such news would be hard to take it in all at once.
"So, we all agree to tell Naruto of his heritage when he arrives and since all of you knows him and keep him in high regards, I believe it's vital that everyone should be here to tell him. With us here, maybe he'd be more at ease and be able to cope with the news and the reason why we kept such personal information from him for this long." – Said Tsunade getting nods from everyone present. "I agree. Iruka and Kakashi are like brothers to him and Anko well….hehehee" – Said Jiraya, earning anger looks from Anko who muttered promised of low death like poisons circulating his veins by the end of the day to which made Jiraya shivered, since he knew the girl would do it in a heartbeat. While not as blunt as Tsunade's punches, Anko's threats managed to tell the same message to the perverted excuse of a sannin. "Anko, as much as I'd like to see such a threat, we need him to break the news for Naruto." – Said Tsunade to which Jiraya screamed at her.
"WHAT!!Why me, Tsunade-hime? Can't Anko say it while you know…heheheh"- Said Jiraya, giggling like a maniac from the prospect of his new book when his ninja senses caught glimpse of a viper appearing in front of a wide-grinned Anko who happened to be enjoying the sensation of seeing a helpless perverted being attacked viciously by the viper and then for the bite. "Say one more word about this Jiraya-sama and I'll make sure this little friend of mine will be paying you a visit." – Said Anko, as the viper hissed its tongue in defiance since that meant it would not has his prey today.
--With Naruto--
Only miles from Konoha, the Anbu group and the new Konoha citizen could already see the village's outskirts. Aoi was already imagining a little cottage for him with enough space for him to just rest until his mind and heart healed from losing his family. Aoi, even though was an iwa shinobi, grew differently from his peers. Never letting hate from the last shinobi war take over, Aoi was one of few in Iwa that didn't think badly of Konoha because of one man. Naruto for his part was evaluating how would be to become an Anbu now that he was wearing the armor and mask and all but he knew that this mission was nothing like the usual ones real Anbu partake. He knew from Yamato and Kakashi that Anbu missions are A to S ranked and as such, to think that they are dangerous would be an understatement. 'This mission was more diplomatic, than anything. Anbu missions are much tougher than this. Not to mention the fact that Aoi-san was holding back the entire time. Nevertheless, he could very well wipe the floor with me.' – Thought Naruto as he assessed his situation at the moment.
--Inside of Konoha --
Not even bothering to stop, since Anbu masks are their passport, the team simply walked in with their new citizen who happen to be seizing up the village and its whereabouts, when Naruto and Yamato approached. "Aoi-san, it would be preferable if we head for Hokage-sama's office to alert her of our arrival." – Said Yamato to which Aoi nodded, while grinning since he would get to charge his debt finally. "Okay, Anbu-san. Let's go then, the quicker we go there, the quicker I can collect my debt".
With that Naruto, Yamato and Aoi initiated their walk towards the Hokage's office. Because of the fact that Yamato and Naruto were still with their masks on, some of the villagers stared at the man being escorted by two Anbu shinobis with slight fear, since they thought Aoi was some sort of criminal that was caught. Some shinobis recognized the man from the bingo book and immediately tensed.
On the way, Naruto spotted two familiar faces, but since he was wearing the mask, his identity was to remain hidden at least until he removed the mask. Shikamaru and Chouji were discussing about what their next mission entailed when their eyes caught sight of the two Anbu members escorting what looked like Iwa's diamond fang. Seeing this, Chouji tensed as well, but kept his cool towards the supposed enemy. Shikamaru instead was directing his eyes towards the blonde Anbu member, somehow wondering about the man's familiarity.
Aoi for his part was gauging Konoha's shinobi only to see most of them tensing just from his presence. Aoi shrugged, seeing that he didn't expect anything less, since he was considered a S ranked missing-nin from Iwa, so Konoha very well should be wary of him. As the two Anbus passed Shikamaru, Naruto turned his head slightly so to tell to his friend Shikamaru that he was there to which Shikamaru just smirked and continued walking with Chouji in order to meet with Asuma and Ino inside the Barbeque place.
--Inside the Barbeque place--
Being already there, Asuma and Ino were ordering some barbeque for their team, since they knew the meat tank would arrive shortly. Shortly after the orders were made, Shikamaru and Chouji arrived and sat on their team's table. "Okay Asuma-sensei, we're all here now what the mission is about?" – Asked Ino to which Asuma just blew some smoke and proceeded to tell about the mission. "It's a B ranked mission near Suna territory, the kazekage asked for help concerning some missing-nins group that were harassing one of their villages near the border with Fire Country. We are to deal with them. We leave after lunch" – Said Asuma, getting nods from his team.
"So Shikamaru, what do you think Iwa's diamond fang was doing here in Konoha?" – Asked Chouji, instantly getting Asuma's attention after hearing a I don't know response from Shikamaru. "Diamond fang is here? How? Wait, why are you two so cool about this?" – Asked Asuma but was interrupted by Ino who was curious. "Who is this Diamond Fang?"
"He was one of the top Anbu captains that ever passed through their ranks. Apparently, the man was framed with the assassination attempt on the Tsuchikage and escaped from the village. He is considered an S ranked missing-nin according to Iwa's bingo book. Now, tell me how you guys know he is in Konoha." – Said Asuma, waiting for answers which came from the lazy bum who was sticking his finger inside his left ear. "No need to worry, he was being peacefully escorted by Anbu, however it didn't stop the guy from seizing every ninja that he passed. I was more surprised with who the Anbu was rather than the fact that the iwa fang was here." – Said Shikamaru, earning glances from his peers who by the look of it, weren't totally satisfied by the lazy chunnin's description. "Shika, who was the Anbu and also why you consider his identity interesting?" – Said Asuma, before he heard Shikamaru mutter 'troublesome' and whispered the guy's name close to his sensei's ear so that his team would not find out about.
Asuma, after hearing Naruto's name, was surprised to say the least. Man, a couple months ago he passed the chunnin exams and now he is already in Anbu. Damn…that kid. "I see, quite interesting indeed Shikamaru. Now, seeing that we all ate, let's head to Sunagakure for further instructions." – Said Asuma, dismissing some blabbering from Chouji and Ino who wanted to know about the Anbu's identity and also one of the first time they heard Shikamaru mutter the word 'interesting'.
--Tsunade's office--
Meanwhile Naruto, Aoi and Yamato entered the Hokage's office, only to see a blonde woman sleeping on the counter. Aoi smirked, while refraining from a full laughter after seeing the almighty Tsunade sleeping on duty. Yamato shrugged it off, not even bothering to wake her up. Naruto for his part, figured he should be the one waking her up. However since he wasn't kin to be on the receiving end of Tsunade's punches, Naruto made a kage bunshin and ordered him to go there and wake her up. "Hey…Tsunade-sama…wake up" – Said the clone but to no avail, then he tried the Naruto way of waking someone up. "Tsunade-baachan wake the hell up" – Screamed the clone seconds before a direct punch came flying at his face, hitting him.
Tsunade, because of the smoke generated from the kage bunshin, woke up mumbling about stupid blondes and Naruto calling her old, but little did she knew that there were others present inside the room, making her smile in embarrassment after seeing Aoi, raising one of his eyebrows while wondering what the hell just happened just now. "Tsunade-hime, sleeping on the job, I see. Tough night?" – Asked Aoi, though it was a rhetorical question. "My apologies Aoi-san; although I don't feel the need of letting you know about what happened yesterday." – Said Tsunade before she glanced at Naruto for a second, wondering if the boy would or not request to know about his heritage. However since Naruto was still wearing a mask, no one could see that he caught Tsunade looking at him after an statement, which made him become suspicious of what happened yesterday. "It's okay, hime. I'm the one who should be apologizing. I never intended to deprive you of your private moments. I just asked a rhetorical question after seeing the state you are in. Now, apart from the whole mission of getting me here as a citizen, I believe Mr. Yamato here must have told you beforehand about my credit, so I'd like to have it, so that I can commence my retirement." – Said Aoi, making Tsunade sigh and deliver Aoi's money to him. "You know, I kind of figured that since you never came to charge, than I thought you didn't want it anymore." – Said Tsunade, now reverting to her travelling with Shizune and the times that she escaped from those whom she owed money to, by resorting to several evasion and deception techniques.
"Well, I would have said something if you didn't flee from Iwa a week before losing to me. And since I was Anbu at the time, it was quite difficult to just hunt you down to charge my debt. I appreciate the payment Tsunade-sama. Now, I'll search for an apartment complex for me to rest." – Said Aoi as he moved to leave, but stopped when he heard Tsunade's voice calling him. "Wait Aoi-san. Naruto, take off your mask. Congratulations, mission accomplished. Now, could you show Konoha to Aoi and help him on his search on a place to stay." – Said Tsunade, before seeing Naruto left the room in order to take off the Anbu armor and mask and return with his chunnin outfit, making Aoi raise his eyes in surprise of seeing a mere chunnin displaying jounin's abilities, but he decided not to open his mouth this time. "Now, Aoi-san, the trip on the way back made me hungry, why don't I show you my favorite restaurant in Konoha and then I can show you around" – Said Naruto to which Aoi nodded. "Let's go then. Good day Tsunade-hime, Yamato" – Said Aoi before he and Naruto left the office, leaving only Yamato with Tsunade.
"So, tell me what's our situation concerning Naruto looking like the yondaime?" – Asked Tsunade to which Yamato took off his mask and answered. "On the way back, no one mentioned about Naruto's similarities with the Yondaime Hokage. Although I believe that Aoi-san will enquire him about it eventually. I thought that he would ask to you, but I guess he chose not to". – Said Yamato, earning nod from Tsunade who was thinking about the rather dangerous situation she was in. She knew that Naruto had changed, since the failed Uchiha retrieval, but she wasn't sure how he would handle the situation. "Yamato, if we are to tell him of his heritage, your presence here is obligatory. I don't know how well he controls the beast inside of him and news of his parents can very well disrupt any sort of control he may have regarding Kyuubi. You are the only one who can control it." – Said Tsunade to which Yamato nodded and continued with the line of thinking.
"He sure changed a lot. However, we can never be too careful when the kyuubi is involved. I'll be here when the time is right. Now, is there anything else you need of me, Tsunade-sama?" – Asked Yamato to which Tsunade nodded and dismissed him. After Yamato vanished, Tsunade was in deep thought about all this. She was considering holding the secret at least for a few more time, until Naruto became a jounin.
--At Ichirakus--
Back with Naruto and Aoi, they were currently eating at Ichirakus, enjoying the taste of noodles immensely. Naruto was surprised to see that the man was also a fan for ramen. After three bowls each, Aoi started asking some questions about the village and the blonde in front of him. While some questions were easy to supply, Naruto was stuck with the last one and probably the most sensitive one. "Tell me Naruto. While I was walking around the village, I realized that there aren't many blonde hair and blue eyes around and the only one I knew that has the same hair and eye color as you do is the Yondaime Hokage." – Said Aoi to which Naruto turned into thinking pose. Naruto once thought about asking the Sandaime Hokage about his parents, but since survival was the main concern, that idea was shot down and never came to his mind anymore. Now that he doesn't need to watch his back anymore, the thought came back in. The Yondaime Hokage was and forever will be his role model, but then again could he has any resemblance to the Yondaime. Could it be? Could it be that he not only sealed the damn monster inside of me, but also I'm...a relative of his. No It can't be…can it? I mean, the picture I saw before looked a lot like me, but if I was his son, I'm sure Jiraya, Tsunade or Kakashi would tell me.
"I don't know Aoi-san. I never knew my parents. I was born alone and had to fetch for myself. I was born an orphan." – Said Naruto, looking down since he remembered what was like when he was leaving at the orphanage. Aoi for his part looked at Naruto's face, only to see sadness all over the place. This kid is like me, all alone in the world. He lost his parents and I lost my family. "Believe me when I say that managing to grow up like you did was a remarkable feat Naruto. I don't understand how it is to be an orphan, but I understand the pain of losing a family." – Said Aoi so as to console the boy, using his own example, but Naruto sighed, seeing that very few people in the world understood his condition. "There is also one more thing about my life that troubled and hindered my growth, but that's S ranked secret and I can't tell you. But I can tell you that while you do understand some aspects of life, you couldn't possibly know the other part, unless you're hated for something you didn't cause." – Said Naruto to which Aoi lifted an eyebrow, but decided not to ask since from the looks of Naruto and the fact that it was an S ranked secret, he knew Naruto would not tell him, but didn't prevent him from doing a little research later. Aoi was also known in Iwa from his cunning ability in information gathering.
"Okay, Naruto. You can go your way if you want, I'll be looking for an apartment around this area." - Said Aoi though getting suspicious looks from Naruto who somehow thought that if he let an ex-S ranked missing-nin wondering around even if he's now a Konoha citizen, Tsunade wouldn't be too happy about it. "It's no problem Aoi-san. Besides, I don't have anything to do anyway." – Said Naruto smiling to Aoi who also smiled, seeing that Konoha wasn't so stupid as to let a person like him loose inside the village, so he complied with the company and both of them walked towards an apartment complex nearby.
--At the dango place--
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Jiraya were having a discussion regarding Naruto. The topic of discussion was Akatsuki's whereabouts and Naruto's abilities. Jiraya was thrilled and a little surprised of hearing from Kakashi that the blonde could give the lazy jounin a run for his money. Kakashi told him of how good was Naruto's abilities in ninjutsu as well as kenjutsu and even though he never fought against him in kenjutsu, his friend Rikimaru told good things about Naruto's abilities with the sword. However, both of them were obliviously concerned with Akatsuki. While Naruto was getting stronger, he still wasn't any way near as strong as the Akatsuki members who happened to be close to S ranked.
"I've been following their movements with the help of the toads. They've already captured seven tailed beasts. The only ones missing are of course Kyuubi and the eight-tailed demon. According to the toads, Akatsuki seemed to be focusing on the eight-tailed demon for now, but it's safe to say that once they manage to capture it, Naruto would be next. Now, you and I both know that Naruto even though strong can take against them. He'll need help. We must watch him, so we can protect him." – Said Jiraya to which Kakashi sighed since this line of thinking was what hindered the boy's growth in the first place. Kakashi concurred with Naruto when he said that people tend to underestimate his abilities up to the point of needing to be saved and after hearing it from his sensei's mentor, he right there lost a little bit of respect for the sannin. "Jiraya-sama, even though I concur with the fact that Naruto have to be stronger in order to face Akatsuki, you would do well not to diminish his ablities. Naruto told me about underestimation and now I concur with him. He is not to be treated as a special person who needed to be looked after anymore; he is a chunnin now, almost bearing towards jounin. He already has the ability of a jounin, but he lacks experience. Now Jiraya-sama, as to Akatsuki, it's all up to him." – Said Kakashi as he lifted from the table, leaving Jiraya alone thinking.
Jiraya knew that Naruto's abilities improved after seeing his chunnin exams, but the fact remained that Akatsuki could very well trap him and capture him if he isn't careful. However what Kakashi told about Naruto being underestimated, felt like a ton of bricks to the old sannin. He realized that if he considered training him rather than keeping him safe for two and a half years, Naruto's level could be far greater. Oh Minato, what have I done to your son?
--With Naruto--
After Naruto dropped Aoi at the apartment complex, he went straight towards one training ground. Feeling the need of practicing some kenjutsu, he figured that he could practice some katas. As he arrived at the training ground, he saw that it was empty. Quickly unleashing his katana and a little warming up, Naruto started doing kenjutsu katas with great fluidity, as if the sword was an extension of his body. Slashing millions of imaginary opponents with particular ease, Naruto's dance was remarkable to see. Focusing chakra through his eyes, Naruto's eyes changed to a darker blue with a blue light crossing the pupils, scaring everyone that comes in contact with it. With it, Naruto became more agile, stronger and more ruthless. His killing intent was becoming quite noticeable as he proceeded with his attacks.
Meanwhile, random shinobis were appearing because of the sudden killing intent emanated from Naruto as he was practicing with his katana, slicing, cutting, killing all the imaginary opponents that threatened to overcome him. But since Naruto activated his eyes, somehow his thrust for battle improved up to a point that Naruto could only stop after such need was satisfied. After slicing one last imaginary opponent, Naruto threw his sword up as he began to make hand seals, screaming with a voice that could rival Kyuubi's. Fuuton Chakra Daitoppa (Wind Style: Enhanced Breakthrough Jutsu). With that, a huge gust of wind was formed and yanked a few dozen trees along with it.
Feeling satisfied, Naruto turned around to leave when he saw some of the people he knew. Kakashi was looking at him, with his hands holding a kunai, getting ready to attack if necessary. Tsunade and Jiraya were trembling from the sight of such destruction coming from the one whom they thought was the most kind and gentle person ever to exist. Anko was almost on the verge of killing herself after such killing intent from Naruto. All of them were looking at Naruto's new eyes, while trembling with fear at not only the menacing looks of a murderer, but the killing intent alone was tough to bear.
Naruto for his part was wondering why all of them were scared of him. Anko was the only one who had the courage to step and confront the now changed Naruto. "N…Naruto-kun, please stop with what you're doing. Your eyes aren't your real ones. Please change them to your regular beautiful eyes. Please" – Pledged Anko to which Naruto was taken aback and realized that he did activated his new eyes and sighed, since he felt the need of telling everyone present the truth about his eyes. "Anko-chan, everyone. Please don't feel like that about me." – Said Naruto as he deactivated his eyes and his now ocean blue eyes appeared. Seeing their shoulders relaxing, Naruto continued with the story. "A couple of months ago, as I was training my kenjutsu, I unknowingly was focusing chakra through ever part of my body, therefore, making my stance more agile, more fierce, more brutal. For a while, though, I was losing control of myself and also somehow having more need to battle some opponent. I…I was training near a lake so when I got to see my reflection, my eyes were the same as you now witnessed. And before any of you who may or may not jump to conclusions, this has nothing to do with any possible influences the Kyuubi may have on me. This is all me." – Said Naruto, before seeing all of them looking at him quizzically to which he sighed, since he knew would be tough explaining to the ones he cared about to watch out for him when in such a state. "Also I wanted to clarify that I only activate this state when there is absolutely no other way of winning or even coming out alive. But hey, between this and resorting to the fox's power, at least this way it's all me." – Said Naruto, although frightening everyone around even more and Tsunade made sure to put sense into his head. "That makes it worse Naruto. With the Kyuubi, we kind of figured out your behavior would be, now with you activate your eyes, you become unpredictable, therefore unreliable while on a mission. As of this moment, in no circumstances you are to use this eyes of yours, unless is life or death situation. Also, I'm not sure if your eye technique is a doujutsu or not, but right now I'm issuing such a jutsu, a kinjutsu. Now, tell me gaki, what name do you want to give it?" – Asked Tsunade, now visibly more relaxed and utterly grateful of being on Naruto's side of the battle. She heard about Orochimaru's Kanashibari, but Naruto's new technique was able to send chills up her spine as well as the other ones around at the same time.
"I never thought of giving it a name, but since you asked, I'm naming Kyoushu gyoushi (assassin stare)" – Said Naruto, earning nods from the other present since such a name fitted like a glove to what they felt after crossing their eyes with Naruto's. At the name, they were some different reactions concerning the crowd. Tsunade smiled at Naruto's creativity and accurate description of the technique. Kakashi was thinking more in terms of watching his back now that his student could turn psychotic even without relying on the Kyuubi's power. Jiraya shrugged it off, vanishing to go to his research. Anko on the other hand suddenly was filled with a even more ferocious Naruto and now her hormones were kicking madly once again, making her lick her lips uncontrollably which gladly only Naruto saw it who knew exactly what his horny and pleasurable girlfriend.
"Okay Naruto, as of right now the Kyoushu gyoushi (assassin stare) is labeled as a kinjutsu and never is to be used unless it's absolutely necessary. Also, if you were to use it, try to advert looking at Konoha nins, try to divert them towards the enemy." – Said Tsunade to which Naruto nodded and smiled towards the blonde hokage, who was now remembering about the big secret they were supposed to tell Naruto about and if such eyes suddenly appeared because of it. "Jiraya, come to my office ASAP, I need to speak to you for a moment, come." – Said Tsunade to which Jiraya wined something about losing some research opportunity, making Tsunade angry while grabbing him through his ear and dragging him towards the office, leaving Naruto, Kakashi and Anko at the training ground.
Feeling the need to address Naruto, Kakashi turned to speak to the blonde. "Naruto, I want to tell you something. It's about your eyes." – Said Kakashi to which Naruto sighed and turned to present a response to the lazy jounin. "Sure…What about it?" - Asked Naruto though he was nervous as to what Kakashi appeared to be so concerned about. "Naruto, I…I won't lie to you. I feel threatened by you. When I saw your eyes, I could actually see you killing me with your katana. I've already seen lots of killing intent auras in my life but never before I felt like this. I'm sorry, but I can't be around you at the moment." – Said Kakashi, earning surprised looks from Anko but surprisingly not from Naruto, whose look was more directed to disappointment. "Kakashi, how can you say something like that…" – Shouted Anko but was interrupted with Naruto's voice which happened to be cold and uncaring. "Kakashi-san, I understand if you don't want to be around with me, but what I don't like and certain wasn't expecting to see from you, was the way you looked at me now. The way you looked at me is the same way everyone looked at me who thought I was the fox reincarnated. I expected this from them, but from you, I can tell you with most certainty that if what you said about my technique is true, then what you did already manage to kill me." – Said Naruto, whispering the last part so that only Kakashi and Anko heard and then vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving a shocked Anko and a completely lost Kakashi.
"Naruto, wait!" – Screamed Anko but to no avail, since he was already gone. Kakashi for his part was in turmoil right now. He remembered what Naruto did to help him get out of his trance about the past and how that he thank him, by showing the same look of hate and despair of those who thought that the demon came once again to haunt their lives. Sure, Naruto's technique was like a super enhanced version of Orochimaru's binding technique, but that didn't give him the right to give Naruto such treatment. Damn it, I'm a fucking elite jounin for cry out loud, so why would I feel threatened by an ally's technique. Man, how could I be so stupid? I have to find him and apologize. Maybe there's still time, but those eyes of his…I mean, how could he emanate so much killing intent without the fox's aid…it makes me wonder if both Kyuubi's and Naruto's killing intent merged. They could kill jounins just by looking at them. Just like…Just like…..
Meanwhile, Anko was figuring how to tor…teach the silver haired jounin a lesson from causing Naruto more grieve that he already had through his life. Anko felt disgusted by Kakashi's treason and felt even more disgusted since Kakashi was to Naruto like Kurenai was to her and to think that she could do this after seeing how much hate Anko had to endure after Orochimaru's betrayal, therefore she could sympathize with her boyfriend in more ways than anyone at the moment. "Damn it, Kakashi. How could you do this? How could you?" – Screamed Anko though she could see regret in Kakashi's face as he was looking down ashamed. "Anko, I…I need to talk to him. I need to apologize to him, but I don't know if I can face him again. Every time I look at him now, I think about those eyes and it' unnerving me to my very soul." – Said Kakashi, while images of Naruto's eyes looking at him with such killing intent that Kakashi found it difficult to bear.
Anko for her part was wondering about what Kakashi said and the truth was that while Naruto's technique was indeed threatening, it wasn't unbreakable. And for an elite jounin to lose his mind like that, made her wonder if Kakashi suffered some trauma or something. "Kakashi, when you remember his eyes, you imagine Naruto looking at you or someone else?" – Asked Anko to which Kakashi simply responded, confirming that it was Naruto's eyes. "Of course, it's Naruto's eyes your twerp. I'm asking about his tenant. When you see Naruto's eyes, do you see Naruto or do you see Kyuubi?" – Asked Anko, making Kakashi go wide-eyed as he remembered that faithful night sixteen years ago. "It…It was the fox. Definitely it was the Kyuubi. I remember now Anko. I was ordered to help holding the beast until Minato-sensei did the Fuuinjutsu needed to seal the beast. But seconds before sensei managed to seal the beast, it looked directly through my eyes. That was the moment I almost snapped. They said that anyone who came in eye contact with the Kyuubi, instantly preferred death. I was sent to a temporary comma for two weeks after it, therefore the episode was barred inside my mind until now. Kami-sama, I right now compared Naruto to Kyuubi. Anko-san I need to find him." – Said Kakashi to which Anko smiled sadly while using some words. "Of course you did. If it's one thing that Naruto know is how people used to look at him. Now that you came through your senses, I believe that he is on top of his father's head on the Hokage monument." – Said Anko before seeing Kakashi vanish and sigh wishing that her boyfriend could eventually find happiness and peace in life.
--At Hokage's office--
Meanwhile, Tsunade and Jiraya were having a conversation about Naruto's new ability and quite frankly, Tsunade was afraid of telling him the news just for the eyes to appear again. Jiraya for his part was caught wondering about it for a second, when suddenly he remembered Kakashi's words but underestimating Naruto and the price someone pays for doing that. He figured, then, that Naruto needed to know the truth and keeping it hidden from him, would only aggravate even more the situation. "Tsunade, we need to tell him. It's his right to know." – Said Jiraya, earning screamed phrases from Tsunade, involving 'are you crazy' and 'how much sake did you drink today'. "Did you not see those eyes of his, you pervert. You look me in the eyes and tell me that you weren't close to piss yourself" – Whispered Tsunade, though Jiraya wouldn't hear.
"Don't tell me you're afraid of him, Tsunade. The boy saved this village countless of times. He sees you like family and yet you say that you're afraid of him. Now it my turn to ask Tsunade, how much sake did you drink. Naruto's technique could very well be our triumph against our most dangerous enemies and here you are worried that he would flash his eyes again, for all I know I think he deserves a nickname so that people come to fear him just like his assassin technique. But regarding his heritage, we must tell him. If I'm right, he won't be mad at the Yondaime from doing this to him. Naruto can be anything but unfair to certain situations. Call him and Kakashi. He must be present to hear this as well." – Said Jiraya, displaying a serious visage, therefore raising Tsunade's self esteem even if a little bit. "Pull yourself together and trust the kid's will. He would never raise a finger against us even if Kyuubi took full possession of his body. Now call him or I will."
"Shizune, call Naruto and Kakashi right now." – Screamed Tsunade to which Jiraya smiled and nodded, but Tsunade wanted some assurance. "Are you sure you want to do this? What if…" – Said Tsunade, but was interrupted by Jiraya who started teasing her. "Don't tell me, one of the legendary sannin is scared of a chunnin. That wouldn't fit well with your position as hokage, now wouldn't it?" – Said Jiraya to which Tsunade looked away, so not to punch Jiraya's face from such insinuation, also hiding the fact that she was indeed scared of him.
--With Naruto--
True to Anko's idea, Naruto was on top of the Yondaime's head. He didn't know why, but such a place brought him more peace than anywhere within Konoha territory. Naruto was sad that Kakashi thought of Naruto as being the Kyuubi reincarnated. Normally, such look didn't unnerve him in the slightest, but when it came from someone Naruto hold high regards, it broke his heart to pieces. Kakashi was like an older brother to him and to see such person afraid of him it literally felt worse than being pierced by Sasuke's chidori.
As he looked towards the horizon that happen to engulf the entire village and the sun which was settling down right now, Naruto could do nothing but wish for recognition all over again. But for some reason, Naruto felt completely at piece with himself, something that he found particularly strange. All of a sudden, a hand touched his shoulder, but Naruto didn't turned, knowing deep down who was behind him. "What are you doing here?" – Asked Naruto to which Kakashi sighed and sit next to him. "Naruto, I came here to apologize from what I've done to you. When I saw your eyes, I remembered an event way back when Kyuubi attacked." – Said Kakashi as he gave the whole history to Naruto about him crossing eyes with the monster, making Naruto close his eyes. "Kakashi, for some reason, it seems that I can't stay mad at you. I don't know but there is something about this place that put me at ease with myself. I don't know what it is, but every time I was sad, I came here and from out of nothing, I felt piece." – Said Naruto to which Kakashi smiled beneath his mask. Naruto, of course you're at piece here. You are on top of your father's head.
As Kakashi was about to address the boy, a chunnin came and told them that Tsunade-sama needed to speak to both of them. After acknowledging the order, Naruto and Kakashi shunshined to appear inside Tsunade's office.
--Inside Tsunade's office--
When Naruto and Kakashi transported inside Tsunade's office, Jiraya and Tsunade were facing them quite seriously. Seeing that now was no use turning back, Tsunade started. "Naruto, I called you here in order to give you important information. You see, the Yondaime Hokage risked his life to seal the Kyuubi no kitsune away, therefore, protecting the village. Also, as you know, he sacrificed your life, since he ended up sealing the beast inside of you. Are you with me so far?" – Asked Tsunade, though she was now entering dangerous territory and the only way out was to continue further. "Tsunade-sama, why are you telling me this?" – Asked Naruto though he managed to see the people in the room lower their heads in shame which to Naruto could only mean that the answer wouldn't be nice to hear. "Naruto, did you ever wonder why the Yondaime chose you to bear such a burden?" – Asked Jiraya, deciding to continue for Tsunade.
"Only the fact that I was just born, I don't see what other reason I was picked, but again why are you telling me this?" – Asked Naruto, while somehow feeling the need to squeeze his hands tighter, almost to the point of making blood pour out of it. "You see Naruto, the Yondaime Hokage picked you not only because you're born exactly the time when the Kyuubi attacked, but also because he couldn't ask any other parent to hand their child. So…" – Said Jiraya, but stopped when he felt Naruto's killing intent aura was rising exponentially and the fact that his eyes were closed was not a very good signal. Suddenly, with a voice peculiar to the kitsune, Naruto opened his eyes, revealing the Kyoushu gyoushi (assassin stare) and said. "Are you telling me that all this time you all knew about who were my parents and never told me?" – Screamed Naruto with much fury, surprising the people present in the room who thought he was mad at the Yondaime from doing this to him in the first place. Neither would've thought that the only thing Naruto needed to know was who his parents were. "I grew up without ever knowing if my parents abandoned me or anything. Every time, someone looked at me with fear, I wondered if my parents had that same look, hence why they would leave me to fetch for myself." – Said Naruto, now as sparkling tears fell freely from both of his eyes. "Why didn't anyone told me about this? Do any of you know what it means to grow up alone, never knowing what happened to my parents?" – Screamed Naruto, now releasing the very same sad aura that he released back at the memorial stone.
Meanwhile, Jiraya Tsunade and Kakashi were sobbing at seeing and feeling Naruto's suffering as he grew up. None of them could be prepared to know that all Naruto wanted to know was that his parents didn't abandon him. Suddenly, a kick was heard and Tsunade's door was sent flying towards the nearby window. Anko, having been near the vicinity, immediately felt Naruto's aura and ran towards her lover to comfort him. As she saw him convulsing on the ground, while sobbing, she felt like her heart was going to explode.
Feeling the need of embracing Naruto, Anko enveloped her arms around him, whispering relaxing phrases close to his ear and crying together with him, since she knew quite well what news was brought up. After some time, Naruto calmed down and returned the hug from the one person who would always be there for him. "Anko-chan, I appreciated what you did to me. I know you'll always be there for me, just as I'm always there for you. I love you Anko." – Said Naruto, making Anko's hear somehow explode with happiness. She knew she liked Naruto, but to hear such words from him was more than what she needed to be wanted by someone yet again, being that a feeling that she thought was lost forever. For a minute or two, the couple just hugged each other, savoring the moment like it was their last moment together. As Anko broke the hug, she whispered closely through his ear so only he could hear. "I love you too Naruto."
As the couple got up, Tsunade expressed not only from her, but also her predecessor's apology and told him that his parents didn't abandon him. "Naruto, your father Namikaze Minato was dead because of the Shiki Fuin and your mother Uzumaki Kushina was killed after delivering you. This is the letter that your parents wrote for you." – Said Tsunade as she delivered the scroll to Naruto.
Naruto, in case you're reading this, than it means I'm no longer alive. Right now, I'm out to fight the bijuu named Kyuubi no Yoko who right now is threatening the well-being of the village I swore to protect with my life. I can't tell you how much my heart is hurting right now, since not only your mother Uzumaki Kushina died from labor complications, but also the procedure needed for the bijuu extraction involved a sacrifice…my life and yours in a way. When the procedure is done, I asked my predecessor Sandaime Hokage to take care of you since your mother and I won't be around to see you grow into a fine young man. Please Naruto, just know that this was the last possible alternative in order to beat the wild beast, otherwise it would destroy all that we came to build within our hearts, while using the will of fire.
And in case you're wondering what the will of fire means, feel free to ask Sarutobi about it, since he was the sole inventor of such term. He would tell you exactly how to protect our family that is Konoha and its inhabitants. Naruto, in case you're wondering why anyone told you about us until this very moment was because your father made a lot of enemies during the last shinobi war and thus by revealing your identity as my son, Iwa and Kumo would seek vengeance because of what I done.
Also, along with this letter, came two scrolls. One contains the keys to our house and its directions. The other one contains my two prized techniques being the rasengan and the hiraishin along with my notes regarding each one of them. Please use it as means to protect this village that I came to love. Also, in time, find yourself someone for you to spend your whole life together, so to start a family. By raising your family, you'll be fulfilling my last dream that was to raise and guide the next Namikaze generation together with my wife…your mother.
Please be safe Naruto-kun and wherever you are, always remember that your mother and I will always be with you.
Namikaze Minato
As Naruto read it, the few tears that lasted fell, however a deep smile adjourned through his features, showing that Naruto understood completely what his father wanted for him to do. Meanwhile, Anko finished reading the letter and looked at her lover, while inside hoping that she would be the one to be with Naruto for the rest of his life. She knew that the future hold great things for them and she felt secured that she could help Naruto rebuild his clan the way it was supposed to be.
After, Naruto locked his now ocean blue eyes with Anko's, telling her all that she needed to know. 'Anko-chan, you and me together' – Thought Naruto. 'Of course Naruto-kun, we're together' – Thought Anko, though answering Naruto's answer almost if they understood each other.