Chapter 9 – a new mind and a new mission
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It took maybe 8 minutes of calming breaths and purging of negative thoughts for Naruto's heart rate to drop to a point where he could enter his mindscape freely. Within moments of reaching his center the sight that befell him was...
The once barren, tunnel ridden cavern had vanished in its place a great hall stood. The solid oak floors were polished to a mirrors shine; the walls bore countless photos and portraits each of a family. Looking to the large vaulted ceiling countless banners hung each bore a single common feature. The uzumaki family crest the red spiral was worked into every banner. Twelve great pillars held the great roof up, upon them hundreds of names, carved with painstaking care, on the outer side of the great pillars tables that could sit twenty a peace stood, set for a grant celebration or feast the tables glistened with the shine of porcelain and silver.
The space in the center of the hall remained empty the uzumaki crest lay set into the great , at the end of the room a great table stood, fifteen gilded thrones sat facing the rest of the great hall from behind its slender.
As Naruto walked into the hall he noticed the platinum blond form of kyu slumped over the end table, head in her arms asleep. Smiling Naruto made his way towards her sleeping, form as he walked past the tables lining the great floor an odd occurrence took place. As Naruto passed a row of table's shadowy figures would form standing in front of each of the chairs at the halls many tables.
As Naruto reached the great table at the end of the hall each of its thrones would be filled by an elderly man or women, in its center most throne sat Jimmu uzumaki. As Naruto became aware of the phenomenon he had triggered, he watched with baited breath as Jimmu stood.
"My friends," spoke Jimmu pride in his voice, "My family, let us take a moment of silence for those that have fallen before this great day," bowing his head in respect Jimmu waited for a moment.
Turning his head Naruto watched as each and every shade bowed there head. A minute later Jimmu spoke again, "today we made history," said Jimmu pride emanating from every word, "today we made our family creed a reality."
Raising his cup Jimmu spoke, "never forget, for that which is remembered will never die," taking a drink from his cup a great cheer broke out amongst the shades, "Today we have conquered death," bellowed Jimmu, "no longer will our knowledge be stolen, and our loved ones ripped from our fingers."
"Eat, drink, visit and laugh," Said Jimmu a great smile on his face, "forever remember those who were not fortunate enough to be here this great day, may their names be forever remembered by our great family."
As Jimmu said this, the names on the pillars flashed before a moment of silence claimed the group before they faded back to whence they came; as the group faded a small purple crystal shimmered into life. Hanging by a golden chain the small crystal glowed softly bathing the room in a soft light and a feeling of tranquility and calm.
Bowing his head Naruto said a quite prayer for those who at least for the moment lay forgotten within the catacombs of his mind before softly brushing the hair from kyus face.
"Kyu," whispered Naruto as he stroked her hair, "kyu please wake up."
"Mmmh..." moaned kyu as her eyes fluttered open. "Is it morning already?" whined kyu pressing into Naruto's hand as it stroked a particularly good spot.
"Well it's almost afternoon," said Naruto rolling his eyes, "what happened here anyway?"
"We share a mindscape," sighed kyu placing her head in her arms as she attempted to get comfortable again.
"Because of this I decided to redecorate, don't tell me you don't like it because it took way too long to organise everything for me to put it back," Griped kyu as she seemed to find a comfortable position and closed her eyes.
It took a moment for Naruto to realize what had just happened, "hay, I need your help," cried Naruto as he stared at kyu, "don't go back to sleep."
Opening one eye kyu just looked at Naruto with the "Oh really" look before propping her head up on her hands, "ok, what's happened that's so important that I can't sleep?" snapped kyu irritation evident in her voice.
"See for yourself," said Naruto as one of his four tails burst into life, as it brushed kyus check her eyes flashed as the vision Naruto had shared with Jiraiya was replayed for her.
"Disgusting," spat kyu, sitting up.
"How could he have been sealed?" asked Naruto, "I know it was there I broke it subconsciously."
"I'm not sure but it was definitely affecting everything he did for quite some time," mused kyu a look of concern and curiosity on her face.
"Who would have the skill to apply a seal that would make someone respond to orders, but not have enough skill to block suggestions?" asked kyu running a hand through her hair, "all the orders seem to have been erased from his mind."
"no one I'm aware of," said Naruto his eyes narrowing, "seal masters are few and far between, even when uzushiogakure was still in existence, after their destruction I think the worlds true masters were reduced to a hand full the only ones of note were Xaita Thina of Kumoagkure, and Hitoshirezo Gekkani of Kirigakure."
"Would they have had to be masters," reasoned kyu, "I mean there were mistakes."
"I suppose it is possible, said Naruto casually as he withdrew his hand from kyus hair to grip the right side of his face, "the problem is that there are very few people I could think of, that could do such a seal without permanently damaging the targets brain."
"if I had to list all the people I could think of off the top of my head it would be a rather short list," explained Naruto rubbing his forehead, "the first, second, and thirds hokage's students would be the only people in Konoha who would have the knowledge let alone the skill."
"The second..." said Naruto slapping his forehead, "thanks kyu I knew you would know."
Naruto vanished from his mindscape fractions of a second later.
"You're welcome," said kyu to no one in particular, before once more placing her head down on her arms to get some sleep.
As Naruto slowly regained his external senses he found himself under the scrutiny of two different people. Sitting not five feet in front of him Urath knelt, his hands interlaced and placed on him lap and his eyes closed in concentration. Too his right Tsunade sat on the futon, carefully watching as the light misty haze slowly formed behind Naruto before wrapping around his kneeling figure.
"You have once more found your center," spoke Urath as he opened his eyes, "it is most unfortunate that you never received my message."
"We could have avoided all the tension," sighed Urath solemnly as he moved into a more comfortable position, "not that I did not foresee your difficulties adjusting."
As Urath spoke he looked upon Naruto's face, for the first time Naruto got a good look at Uraths face, at first glance he would have said Urath was elderly with more than his fair share of wrinkles, but upon further inspection he realized each of the wrinkles were scars, countless in number, and jagged in size and shape. As Naruto's vision found its way to Uraths eyes, he found himself staring into not pail white orbs, if Naruto hadn't tried to run form a Hyuga or two he would have thought the man blind, but where the Hyuga had a faint iris, Urath had none, his pupil too had faded to milky white.
"You're wondering how I got all the scars, and why my eyes lack any of the normal components," chuckled Urath faintly.
As Naruto stared into the milky orbs he nodded slightly as his mind tried to decipher the riddle in front of him.
"I know you're aware of chakra, but are you aware of what it is?" questioned Urath his voice taking on a sagely tone, "chakra is the embodiment of the soul, the very essence of what we are."
Naruto's eyes opened wide at the thought that chakra the fuel and source of all forms of ninja art were consuming the very energies that granted them life.
Seeing he had Naruto's undivided attention Urath continued, "The essence of one's soul could be said to be divided into seven pieces, these pieces are the Muladhara, Swadisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visshuda, Ajna, and Sahasrara."
Nodding his head, Naruto remained quiet waiting for Urath to continue.
"The Sahasrara is responsible for your spiritual link to the worlds and the afterlife," said Urath a small smile on his face.
As Urath said this, a familiar feeling of tranquility washed over him as a soft purple energy flowed through his body.
"the Ajna allows all that know how to wield it great intellect and memory, while the Visshuda graces the barer with an intimate relationship to their emotions and makes them follow their heart," explained Urath.
"It makes you blind to logic?" questioned Naruto a look of concentration on his face.
"not quite but it would be the source of will that would allow someone to take a blade or another," clarified Urath before continuing with his explanation, "The Manipura bestows its wielder with unending confidence, as well as the perseverance, charisma, and power to see their dreams and duties to fruition."
"So it's the driving force behind peoples will?" said Naruto as understanding slowly dawned upon him.
"Without a Manipura one would find it to troublesome to even stair into the sky and watch the clouds," chuckled Urath.
As Tsunade sat listening she couldn't help but smile at the description, if she had to make a bet she would have said Urath was a Nara in a past life.
"The Swadisthana is your untapped potential, continued Urath blissfully unaware of the grin forming on Tsunades face, and the concern in Naruto's "it thrives upon social interaction and intimate bonds.
At the word potential Naruto's eyes narrowed, the Swadisthana sounded an offal lot like fate, and while Naruto understood sum things happened for a reason he sill liked to think he had free will.
"The final chakra is the Muladhara, while the most common it is the most vital, said Urath, for without it one would have no physical energy and absolutely no control over what energy they had."
As Naruto opened his mouth to speak Urath interrupted him, "and now you want to know what that has to do with my eyes and scars."
Closing his mouth Naruto nodded before stretching slightly and moving from his kneeled position.
"The eyes are said to be the gateways to the soul, and as a seer my gates slowly closed as my ability to see the past and future events expanded," said Urath a slight sadness to his voice, "it is both a blessing and a curse, isn't it Naruto."
Shock that was all that ran through Naruto's mind at the revelation, Urath could see... but not the present, as realization dawned upon him Tsunade stood form her seat. Walking to stand behind Naruto Tsunade had a single question for Urath, "if that is the case..." before she could even finish the question Urath interrupted her, "the last time you spoke to Nawaki was his twelfth birthday overlooking your village, you gave him the necklace that is now around your neck."
A wave of cold malevolent energy waved off of Naruto, "enough," commanded Naruto his voice taking a controlling quality seldom seen but in veterans of countless battles. "God mother, please see to Jiraiya, I need to speak to master Urath privately."
As Tsunade turned to leave she noticed two strands of light misty haze wrapped around her feet encircling her, as she passed over the haze the aura of Naruto's anger became apparent to her. As she closed the door behind her, a single tear streaked down her cheek as her memories of that dreadful day returned to her.
"Was that truly necessary?"Said Naruto his voice cold but steady.
"Yes, everything go's as I have foreseen since your arrival, "said Urath.
"You will practice until you can summon your abilities at will," said Urath as he stood, "be in my office in the morning."
As Urath placed a hand on the door to open it he felt tremendous pressure on his abdomen, "if you ever speak to my godmother again you will never speak of anything but the present," menace lacing every word Naruto released Urath before the door opened a hazy form pulling it open before fading.
"Good night master Urath," spoke Naruto his voice that of a pleasant conversation, "I will see you in the morning for our lessons."
"Until then I will take my leave," said Urath before exiting their room.
As the door to the hallway closed Naruto walked out of the back room, a loud crack echoed off the walls, shaking his head Naruto turned to face the center table, Jiraiya lay face down a large bump swelling on the back of his head where Tsunade had obviously struck him, the sound of ripping paper filled the room as Tsunade shredded every last page of Jiraiyas note book. "How is he?" asked Naruto smirking as he made his way to the table. "Still an idiot," fumed Tsunade. "I meant physically," replied Naruto sarcastically. "Fine other then the head ache he will have when I'm done with him," huffed Tsunade as she healed the swelling.
About five minutes later Jiraiya was sufficiently out of tears and had subsided into silent moping, after crying over the fate of his poor innocent note book. "Jiraiya," said Naruto calmly, "I have a proposition for you," Naruto waited for the last empty tear to fall and Jiraiya to man up before continuing.
"You wish to know what happened to the seal, and I wish to know who denied me what little family I had," spoke Naruto seriously. "I will allow you to search my body for any seal you can find and when your curiosity is satisfied you will allow me to indulge mine until I am satisfied do you agree?"
Jiraiya sat motionless, thinking about his options, while he didn't fancy someone replaying his memories and experienced, he witnessed them as well and it helped bring some clarity to his foggy memories. That being said it would be an excellent way to find out what happened to the seal, when a wave of inspiration struck him. "I agree to allow you to indulge your curiosity until your satisfied, but I would like to see your memories of how you lost the seal if it's possible." countered Jiraiya a smug look on his face.
"Done," said Naruto sticking his hand out.
Jiraiya slowly took the out stretched hand and shook, before the feeling that the negotiation was far too easy overtook him.
"You can't show me the memories can you?" murmured Jiraiya as the thought finalized in his mind.
"I can't show you yet," said Naruto, "if Urath knows a way I'm sure I will learn in due time."
"What will you be learning?" asked Tsunade as she took a seat at the table.
"How to control my visions," said Naruto a small frown on his face, "that being said I think we will have to continue our lessons godmother, as my control expands I will slowly lose my vision again."
"Then why learn?" cried Tsunade in concern.
"because if I don't I will most likely never be able to look another person in the eyes without dredging up there most painful memories and forcing them to relive them," explained Naruto rubbing his temples in thought, "it's the only way to protect the people around me."
As Tsunade listened she couldn't help but frown, for so long Naruto had either given up or had everything taken from him for so long he was going to give up his vision again simply to protect the occasional person from being forced to deal with their pain.
Threw grit teeth and forced calm Tsunade acknowledged his reason, "alright when your sessions with Urath are finished for the day, we will begin teaching you how to go about your life without one of your senses.
"Thank you," said Naruto a sad smile on his face, "if I'm lucky maybe it won't be necessary but I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"What about the academy?" interjected Jiraiya, "you said you wished to attend?"
"And I will," say Naruto calmly a grin forming on his face, "I will most likely be the first person to graduate while blind."
Something Urath had said echoed in Tsunades head, "The Manipura bestows its wielder with unending confidence, perseverance, charisma, and power." Smiling slightly Tsunade could see a faint glow yellow glow behind Naruto's eyes, "perseverance indeed," thought Tsunade.
"What about the tests and other written exams?" questioned Jiraiya, "how will you read mission assignments or sensitive documents?"
"I have the solution for that already," said Naruto grin growing by the moment.
"And that is?" pressed Jiraiya hopping for something he overlooked
"A secret," replied Naruto full blown grin on his face.
"I think it is time for you to examine the seal," said Naruto stretching slightly before getting to his feet, "it's getting late and I'd like to get some rest before tomorrow's session with Urath.
Jiraiya would spend the next two hours poking, prodding, and charging different places on Naruto's body with chakra before he had been convinced the seal had indeed been destroyed. "It really is gone," murmured Jiraiya as he collapsed into a chair, if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes Jiraiya would have sworn Naruto had made the whole thing up but the fact the seal was not responding to any attempt to locate it had proven that it had been removed. The only thing he found was a roman numeral for 4 in the center of Naruto's lower back between the third and forth vertebra.
"What does the tattoo mean?" asked Jiraiya curiosity in his voice, "when did you get it?"
"What tattoo?" asked Naruto confusion etched in his face.
"You have the number four tattooed in the middle of your back," replied Jiraiya, "this will require extra study?"
Jiraiya spent the better part of the next hour trying in vain to get a reaction from the pitch black numerical before fate seemed to intervene. As Jiraiya placed a pair of fingers on the black number he charged the tips of his fingers with a slight amount of chakra before withdrawing them. The force that hit him was equally as hard as a full strike from Tsunades fist. "Ouch," grimaced Naruto and Jiraiya in unison both lay flat on their backs at opposite ends of the room.
As Jiraiya propped himself up he was privy to an odd sight, four hazy wisps were dancing abound Naruto's prone body, each coiling and uncoiling from around him as if shielding him from further harm.
"I think there my tails," said Naruto as he pulled himself off the floor.
"well that explains the reaction the them being pulled," groaned Jiraiya rubbing his jaw, "I think it's safe to say the seal might be gone but the duties it bestowed you are very much still present."
"Yes I just wish they weren't so painful," whined Naruto as he sat down on the futon.
Brushing himself off Jiraiya got to his feet, "I'm sure we will have time to discuss this tomorrow," said Jiraiya, "but for now I'll let you sleep you've got a very busy day tomorrow."
As Jiraiya left the room he could just see the beginnings of a smile forming on Naruto's face, "I will prove I'm worthy of being your godfather" thought Jiraiya as he closed the door behind him, "even if it takes the rest of time."
As the faint glow of early morning sun grazed kakashi's face he slowly started to wake up. None of his precautions had awoken him from his much needed rest, feeling secure in his safety kakashi took the time to have a quick shower and checked his basic supplies. Three spools of ninja wire, two dozen unsealed kunai another two dozen sealed, half a dozen shuriken, a pack of explosive notes, and a pair of blood and soldier pills. Swallowing one of the soldier pills kakashi could feel the hunger and lingering fatigue leave his body before replacing his remaining gear in his many pouches and holsters.
As kakashi went through his morning routine, he observed a man sitting on a rooftop across the street, a red bandana covering his left eye and hair. Making a mental note of the man kakashi continued preparing for the rest of the days travels.
As kakashi exited the eagle's splendour he couldn't help but notice the hanging lanterns in front of every building, each lantern was bright red, a single star cut into each on every side. As kakashi started to walk towards the edge of town he couldn't shake the feeling he was being followed, taking a slight look around he could see over a dozen men each with a red bandana wrapped around there head or another limb, some carried swords, others bows, but it was clear to kakashi he was in danger. As kakashi picked up his pace towards the edge of town he could see in the distance a small group of men and women all clad in blue and brandishing weapons advancing towards the town.
Kakashi had maybe a block to go before he would reach the gates to the town, a block before he could start running towards the fire temple once more. It would be a block he would curse for many years. Kakashi watched in horror as the gates were slowly drawn closed, and covering the walls countless men and women armed with bows lined up and drew arrows.
As kakashi slowed a pair of men dropped from the roof tops in front of him, drawing their swords the men on the left yelled, "surrender "Juntoku", you cannot hope to win within the city walls."
A silent shudder passed through kakashi, in his haste to lose the ninja from the night before he had run into the middle of the "Chi-kyasuto" there feud had been raging since the end to the third shinobi war.
Thinking quickly kakashi razed his right hand while placing the second on one of his chest pockets, "I did not come to fight in your war Saga, I simple wished for a place to sleep before continuing my journey," called kakashi, his visible eye counting men and weapons as he spoke.
"A likely story, Juntoku spy," yelled the man on the right.
"Allow me to leave in peace," said kakashi pulling a kunai form one of his pockets, "and you will live to kill Juntoku."
As kakashi said "Juntoku" the pair charged, each swung there swords one high towards kakashi's neck and the other towards his knees, neither had expected kakashi to vault over both blades. "Can't interfere" thought kakashi as he ran up the side of a neighbouring building. As kakashi ran across the roof tops he made a b-line for the city walls.
A cry of "shoot him," rang out as kakashi started to close the distance between the wall and himself.
Two hundred feet, "about face" yelled a voice as the archers turned to face into the city each of them only had eyes for kakashi's running form, one hundred and fifty feet, kakashi drew a second kunai as the voice called "hold for my command" the archers drew back there arrows, one hundred feet, as kakashi surged forward, he heard the dreaded words, "let fly," as the space between him and the wall filled with arrows, kakashi whipped through hand seals, horse, tiger, ram, monkey, boar, horse, tiger, as kakashi finished the seals he drew in a great breath before releasing a great fireball in his path, "Gōkakyū no Jutsu" said kakashi as the great fire ball cleared his path. Keeping as close to the spiralling ball of fire as he dared kakashi continued to close the gap between him and the wall. Fifty feet, "swords" commanded the voice, as kakashi closed the distance each man and women on the wall dropped there bow and drew a sword. As kakashi closed the last ten feet to the wall a great bolder ripped a hole through the cities wall burying a dozen men and women under countless tones of earth and stone.
As kakashi leapt from the roof tops, he could see men and women baring blue bandanas charging through the opening, the sound of clashing steel soon filled the air. Landing at a run kakashi ran towards the tree line in front of him.
As kakashi ran through the trees he continually swept the area in front and above him, there had been at least one ninja involved in the attack and he'd be damned if he let his guard slip until he reached the temple.
As dusk set in kakashi reached the edge of the forest in the distance he could see the outline of the temple of eternal fire, the large waterfall of lava pouring from its base illuminating the small village at its base.
As kakashi broke from the edge of the forest great orbs of fire burst to life illuminating the field and the forest, standing between him and the temple were two porcelain masked ninja each a number beneath there right eye, 96 and 84 respectively.
Narrowing his visible eye kakashi glanced around for the other ninja, as his vision swept the field the whistling sound of steel warned him of immediate danger. Diving to his right and drawing a kunai kakashi narrowly avoided the sword that would have split him in two. As kakashi sprung to his feet, a kunai struck the ground at his feet, the sound of sizzling was the only warning he got before the explosive tag launched him forward only for a scorched log to tumble to the ground.
As it became evident kakashi had disappeared the third masked ninja rejoined his fellows back to back in a triangular formation the three porcelain masked ninja scanned the area for kakashi, pity they never thought to look beneath their own feet.
As the third of the masked ninja was yanked into the ground and buried up to their neck, the other two leapt back each rapidly forming the hand seals for a jutsu. "katon: Dai endan", whispered the first of the ninja before expelling a large spiralling cone of fire from his mouth directly at his submerged teammate, only moments later the second whispered "futon: Renkudan" as he blew a highly compressed ball of air form his mouth.
As the jutsu stuck there mark a large explosion rocked the area, the grass was nothing more than ash on the wind as the two jutsu resolved, there casters landing on the scorched ground moments later.
Sharing a silent nod both ninja leapt backwards their hands flashing through seals, before calling out in unison, "doton: dosekiru" as their hands struck the earth a huge wave of dirt forced the scorched earth to quack spewing forth countless tones of earth.
As the masked ninja stood they shard one last look before visibly relaxing, as both ninja turned towards the temple the shrill shriek of a thousand birds cut the night. the head of number 84 slumped motionless the crackling lighting arced of kakashi's palm as he ripped it from his know dead assailant, sharingan ablaze in his left eye and clothing scorched kakashi resembled more of a demon then a man.
"Surrender or you will die here," commanded kakashi as he drew another kunai.
Wordlessly, number 96 drew a kunai before charging forward.
The sound of striking mental filled the night as kakashi and 96 clashed. Blocking each of the incoming blows with precision kakashi positioned himself for the killing blow, as 96 struck out in an attempt to slice kakashi's abdomen, kakashi grabbed his wrist before plunging his kunai through 96s right eye hole and into his brain.
As 96 hit the ground kakashi covered his left eye, he could feel the drain on his reserves already, using a small suiton jutsu kakashi washed the blood and ash from his body before using a personal creation to dry himself off.
Making his way towards the village below the temple kakashi reviewed all that had transpired in the past 48hours, the porcelain masked ninja had followed his kaga bunshin to the edge of Oto before forcing it to engage them in combat. The engagement lasted moment due to the kaga bunshin wrapping itself in kunai and explosive notes before tackling the closest ninja before exploding. They had obviously known where he was going for them to lay in wait for him; the question is what did they want?
As kakashi pondered this question he slowly made his way into the village. As he walked though the small village he had been disappointed by the lack of any form of inn or tavern. Wishing he could have found a safe place to sleep for the night kakashi considered his options. His mission had been compromised; he had about half his chakra remaining and it would likely take until dawn to reach the top of the mountain by the trail if it hadn't been compromised. "Better not risk it," mumbled kakashi to himself as he stepped out onto the lake. Using almost all his remaining chakra kakashi ascended the sheerer cliff face towards the temple doors, as kakashi reached the great doors he collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Gathering his faintly remaining energies kakashi knocked on the great doors...