I don't own Naruto.
Chapter - 11 Family
[Flashback]
"Yesterday was a really amazing day, with Naruto coming home and meeting Konohamaru. It has been a long time since a lot of us sat together and ate" thought Hiruzen as he is sitting in his office and doing paperwork. "Sir your son Asuma Sarutobi has come and he has requested to meet you," said his assistant who stood outside the door. Hiruzen became very surprised by Asuma's return "send him in" replied Hiruzen. Asuma came in and kneeled down in front of the hokage. "I am back father," said Asuma. "So why did you come, don't get me wrong I am very happy that you came and your mother will be even happier but I thought your contract lasted for another three months. So what brings you here?" asked Hiruzen.
"I quit the twelve guardian ninja and want to continue living here from now on," said Asuma. "Can I know the reason why?" asked Hiruzen as he blew his pipe. "I'd rather not talk about it" replied Asuma. Hiruzen blew his pipe in silence. "Was it that big of an affair?" Asuma nodded his head. "Does the Daimyo know this affair and you quitting?" asked Hiruzen. "Yes" replied Hiruzen. "Good now go home, your mom is waiting for you. Later on, I will decide what you can do here" said Hiruzen.
Asuma nodded his head and walked away. "I better ask the Daimyo more about this affair," thought Hiruzen as he sighed and blew his pipe.
[Sarutobi Household]
"Asuma….what a surprise," said Biwako as soon as she opened the door. "It's also good to see you mom," said Asuma as he hugged Biwako tightly. "I am also very happy to see you," said Biwako as she hugged back. "So what's the problem?" asked Biwako as both of them entered the house. "What do you mean?" asked Asuma hesitantly.
"Asuma I am your mother so I know certain things without you telling me. You are also not supposed to arrive today and if you open up it might also feel better so what's the problem" asked Biwako. Asuma and Biwako sat down on the ground and he explained everything. "I see… so you feel responsible for killing him" asked Biwako. Asuma nodded his head.
"Did you know about his plan beforehand?" asked Biwako. "No" replied Asuma. "After you went and confronted him was he in his right state of mind to listen to your reasoning?" asked Biwako. "No" replied Asuma again. "Then why do you feel responsible. You didn't know about this beforehand and he didn't listen to your reasoning and you had no other choice but to kill him else he would have started killing" finished Biwako.
Asuma still wasn't convinced. "Still not convinced" thought Biwako as she sighed in exasperation. "You haven't met Konohamaru yet haven't you?" asked Biwako. Asuma nodded his head sideways. "Come on let's go meet him then," said Biwako. Both of them left the hall and went into the baby room. Asuma slowly peeked inside the crib.
"So that's Konohamaru huh? He looks just like his dad" said Asuma smilingly. "Good he finally smiled" thought Biwako. "I forgot to mention…do you know who came yesterday?" asked Biwako smilingly. Asuma nodded his head sideways while still looking at the baby
"Uzumaki Naruto," said Biwako. Asuma initially clueless and then came the realisation "Oh you mean the Kyuubi jinchuriki" said Asuma. Biwako immediately hit him on his head. "Don't call him that" Asuma winced slightly as she hit him and thought "I am a trained ninja, how can she hit that hard? Biwako explained everything.
"Wow…Kosuke adopting him, Jiraiya training him, a lot of things happened while I was gone huh? But the kid sure had it tough though. How is he still smiling after all this time?" asked Asuma. "Why don't you ask him yourself when he comes this week? he has pretty high expectations of you. He thinks you might be strong as Hiruzen so don't disappoint him" smiled Biwako.
"Why does he have such high expectations? You know that I can't beat dad" said Asuma as he sighed in disappointment. "Now why don't you stay with Konohamaru while I go and prepare lunch for all of us," said Biwako as she went towards the kitchen.
The sky became dark and Hiruzen entered the house. "So where's Asuma?" asked Hiruzen as he saw Biwako exiting the baby room. "He's asleep in his room" replied Biwako as she came forward. "Did Asuma tell you anything about why he returned so early?" asked Hiruzen.
"Actually he did and it is a serious affair but nothing alarming. He told me the Daimyo was okay with it" said Biwako. "I see…." said Hiruzen as both of them walked and entered the bedroom. "Do you want me to tell you the reason?" asked Biwako. "I would prefer it if you don't. I asked him about it before but he wouldn't say anything. He has placed his confidence in you and told you the reason. I don't want to break that trust" said Hiruzen.
"Anyway I requested an audience with the Daimyo regarding this and I am going to meet him tomorrow," said Hiruzen which surprised Biwako. "It's not that big of a deal for you to go all the way to the capital" replied Biwako. "I know, but I still want to meet him and talk to him regarding Asuma. It's better to clear with him and make sure there is no problem" answered Hiruzen with a small smile.
"Don't worry he will be alright. He already smiled a little today when meeting Konohamaru so…" trailed Biwako as she noticed that Hiruzen n is still not convinced. "You know he is your son, a Sarutobi and also a fine ninja so trust him a little bit okay?" said Biwako as she held his hand. "You also know what to say and how to say it. I don't know what I would do without you" thought Hiruzen smilingly.
The following day, the hokage is sitting in his office and looking at some important papers "From this report it seems that there is more than one hidden base of Orochimaru, but the anbu still couldn't find it" thought Hiruzen. Just then an anbu appeared in front of him in kneel-down position.
He wore the regular anbu uniform with bandages tied around his right leg, arm guards, gloves and black sandals. He has brown, spiky hair and wears a mask with a dog motif which is inclusive of pointed ears, detailed eyebrows and three thick stripes with two along either side of his cheek and one on his forehead. He is also carrying a sword on his back
"Inu anbu commander are all preparations ready for my travel?" asked Hiruzen sternly. "Yes, sir. Your bodyguards will be Inoshishi (boar)" said Inu and that moment another anbu appeared behind Inu in kneel down-position. He wore the traditional anbu dress with bandages tied around his right leg and black sandals. His brown hair is tied into a short ponytail and wears a mask with a bear motif inclusive of three markings at the top and bottom of it along with markings around the mouth and eye holes. He is also carrying a sword on his back
"Tori (bird)" continued Inu. A shinobi wearing the typical anbu uniform appeared in kneel-down position. He has brown hair that sticks out his right side in a long bang. His masks have bird-like motif with four yellow lines running on either side running in towards the centre of the face and carrying a sword on his back.
"Washi (eagle)" said Inu. A shinobi wearing the typical anbu uniform with tall spiky hair appeared in kneel-down position and carrying a sword.
"Kitsune (fox) said Inu. A shinobi wearing the standard anbu uniform with shaggy brown hair and wearing a white fox like a mask with two blue markings on either side of the face appeared in kneel-down position.
"Tora (tiger)" said Inu. A shinobi wearing the standard anbu uniform and having long brown hair held in a pony-tail and wearing a tiger like a mask with nine line markings on it.
"I will be leading all these five shinobi. We will be using the formation that I discussed with you yesterday. We are ready to go when you give the signal" said Inu. "Good," said Hiruzen. "Then…" and Hiruzen was about to continue when two figures opened the door and came in. "We would like to have a word with you before you go on your journey," said a voice.
When Hiruzen looked towards the door he saw two elderly people standing near the door. "Council member Koharu Utatane-san, Homura Mitokado-san," said Inu as he looked at the door.
"What brings you here Koharu, Homura?" asked Hiruzen. "Can we speak to you alone?" asked Homura. "Inu, take the anbu and wait for me at the gate I will be there in a few minutes," said Hiruzen. "Hai" replied Inu and all of them vanished. "So what did you want to talk to me about? asked Hiruzen. "Why didn't you inform us that you were going to the capital? If it's a serious issued we would also like to come" replied Koharu. Hiruzen remained silent. "The reason I didn't call you or discuss with you is that my son Asuma came yesterday saying that he left the twelve guardian ninja," said Hiruzen. "I see…regarding that…" trailed Homura. " Yes. It is regarding that and even though Asuma said it is nothing serious I still want to know more, that's why I am meeting the Daimyo today. It is the duty of a parent to look after his son isn't it?" asked Hiruzen.
"I see…then take care during your journey and give the daimyo our best regards," said Homura smilingly. Koharu also smiled and both of them walked away from the room. Hiruzen picked up his hat from the table and vanished. He appeared in front of the gate with six anbu beside him.
"Can we go hokage-sama" asked Inu. He wore the hat on his head "Yes we can depart" said Hiruzen and all of them started walking. Five anbu were surrounding Hiruzen while the remaining one is seen running forward checking for any shinobi or traps. The trip went peacefully and after a few hours of walking, they finally arrived at the capitol. They went straight to the daimyo mansion. An attendant let the hokage into the daimyo's office while the anbu stayed behind.
When Hiruzen entered the room there was a large rectangular table and sitting on the end of that table on a huge chair was a man. He was wearing a multicoloured kimono with white sleeves. He is also wearing a black sash with a huge black cloth over his head with a fan like structure on top of the cloth similar to the one he was carrying in his right hand. The fan on top of his head has a large symbol of fire in the middle and surrounded by two smaller ones on either side.
"Welcome hokage-san" said the daimyo as he stood up. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me Daimyo-dono," said Hiruzen as he bowed his head. The daimyo sat in his chair and Hiruzen sat in the next chair. "I have to come to you regarding the incident which happened here with the twelve guardian ninja. I wonder if you can tell me more about it?" asked Hiruzen.
"Ah…yes that incident," remarked the daimyo in a sad tone. "You see Hiruzen that is a nasty piece of an incident. What happened was…." and the daimyo started explaining the entire event. Hiruzen listened with no change in emotions. "So that is what happened," said Hiruzen as the daimyo finished his explanation.
"As Asuma went to his village and Chiriku decided that he wants to become a monk, I have to gather a new set of twelve guardian ninja. What a hassle" said daimyo sadly. "Asuma is not at fault for this, you know" continued daimyo which surprised Hiruzen. "He tried to reason with him but ended up killing him as he had no choice. The whole incident is very regrettable" finished daimyo.
"Thank you for telling me about this incident and also for not having a different view," said Hiruzen. "What do you mean?" asked. "You see after Asuma came home, hasn't been smiling much and when I asked him about this he didn't want to say anything. He is actually blaming himself for everything that has happened" replied Hiruzen.
"Please tell him that it is not his fault and none of us here also consider that it is his fault. So please tell him to cheer up" said the daimyo. "Yes I will tell him," said Hiruzen. Both of them remained silent. "Have you found a successor to your position? and please don't tell me it's Danzo. That man scares me" said the daimyo with a slight worriedness in his tone.
Hiruzen seemed surprised by this statement. "No, I haven't found a successor. It's very tough to find a replacement for Minato. It's also not going to be Danzo. During the selection of the fourth hokage, Danzo put forth Orochimaru as a candidate but I vehemently opposed it. Do you remember that day?" asked Hiruzen.
"Yes, I remember it clear as day" answered the daimyo. "Do you remember what I said that day?" asked Hiruzen again. Daimyo thought for a second and said "No". "I said Orochimaru was power hungry and showed signs of sinister intent. The same thing can be applied to Danzo. You can be rest assured that as long as I am alive Danzo will never become hokage" said Hiruzen sternly.
The daimyo shivered for a second "please don't say such ominous things. I also don't like him very much, so at the very least be alive till I die" said the smiling daimyo. Hiruzen also smiled. "Why don't you pick your student Jiraiya for the position of hokage? He is very strong and I like him very much. He has a pleasant nature" said the daimyo as he smiled widely in remembering Jiraiya.
"Even I want him to succeed me, but he is not interested in that position at all. I tried talking to him many times but he says the position of hokage is not for him and if he takes up the position he won't have time for his research" replied Hiruzen. "Such a shame, I like him very much and Minato was Jiraiya's student, only if he had any other student," said the daimyo in a sad tone.
"Actually daimyo-dono, there is one other person who can be hokage material in the future. He is still very young but when he grows I am sure that he will be a world-renowned shinobi" said Hiruzen smilingly. "Now I am intrigued to meet this kid when the god of shinobi himself has given his approval," said the daimyo.
"You will meet him someday daimyo-dono. I am sure of it" said Hiruzen. The daimyo also smiled. "It's time I leave daimyo-dono, I have to resume to hokage duties," said Hiruzen as he got up. "Okay good, take care and tell Asuma not to worry about anything," said the daimyo as he got up. "Take care of yourself daimyo-dono," said Hiruzen as he bowed and walked away.
"I wonder who Hiruzen was talking about. I am very eager to meet him" thought the daimyo as he saw Hiruzen walk out of the room.
"The meeting is over and we can leave immediately," said Hiruzen to the anbu commander. The anbu commander nodded his head and all of them left the capital. The group arrived during the evening. Hiruzen met Biwako in the house and told her all about what happened. "Good now that is cleared it's just Asuma who needs to cheer up," said Biwako smilingly. "Let's hope that he does," said Hiruzen.
Around five days have passed since the meeting with the daimyo. "Asuma is still not sulking, how to get him out of this shell," thought Hiruzen, presently sitting in his office with a report in his hand. "Hokage-sama, its Kosuke. You had called for me?" said Kosuke from behind the door. "Yes, come in Kosuke," said Hiruzen and Kosuke came inside.
"I am putting you on a mission. It's just a normal patrol mission you are placed in a group of five. It's a two-day mission and you will be leaving tonight. Naruto will stay with the toads as agreed before and after lunch, I will personally come and take him to my house. Can you tell the two elder toads that?" asked Hiruzen.
Good smiled Kosuke. "But why are you speaking so openly? Won't the anbu guarding this place listen to this conversation?" asked Kosuke. "Don't worry after our conversation about Naruto on that day I have permanently placed silence seal all over this place" replied Hiruzen with a small smile. "You have already thought of everything haven't you?" smiled Kosuke and regarding the mission with Kinoto it's progressing slowly but we can take our time so nothing new to report"
"Ok," said Hiruzen. Kosuke nodded his head and walked away. "Let's see if Naruto can bring about a change in Asuma," thought Hiruzen and continued his work. Sunday arrived and Hiruzen brought Naruto home during the afternoon. "Hi Biwako-san," said Naruto. "Good to see you have come again," said Biwako as she went forward and hugged him. Naruto also hugged back "Okay Konohamaru will wake up in a few moments, so wait there with him while I will be with you shortly," said Biwako as she released Naruto. Naruto ran over to Konohamaru's room and started playing with him. Where is Asuma?" asked Hiruzen to Biwako. "He's in his room I will go and bring him," said Biwako. She went and brought Asuma to Konohamaru's room.
"Naruto I want you to meet someone," said Biwako. Naruto turned around to look at the man who was standing beside Biwako He was wearing his normal clothes. "This is my son Asuma Sarutobi and he is also going to be living here from now on" Naruto came closer and looked at the man with an intense expression on his face. "So this is the Kyuubi brat," thought Asuma as he looked at Naruto.
Naruto suddenly had a twinkle in his eyes and started smiling. "So are you stronger than the hokage," asked Naruto in a fast tone. "This kid," thought Asuma and started sweating. "No I am not as strong as my father," said Asuma nervously. Naruto suddenly became very disheartened and walked back slowly with his head down to Konohamaru.
"Why do I feel like shit," thought Asuma looking at Naruto's expression. Biwako laughed loudly "You just blew his expectations out of the window with your answer. You must be very proud" and she continued laughing. "Good job Asuma," said Hiruzen with a thumbs up sign who was watching from the back. "Oh come on," thought Asuma and turned to look at Naruto who was still sulking.
"It's your job to cheer him up Asuma…Biwako lets go" said Hiruzen and both of them left the room. Asuma scratching his head went beside Naruto and sat on the chair nearby. "Look Kid I am not as strong as dad but I am strong in a different way so cheer up," said Asuma. Naruto still had the same reaction. "Okay kid for my apologies why don't I show you something special" and Asuma took out his trench knives and showed it to him.
"These are my trench knives and I use it as part of my fighting style. Looks cool right?" said Asuma looking at Naruto. Naruto started smiling and slowly took the knives and looked at it from all angles. "This is really cool Asuma-san, how do you use it?" asked Naruto with a twinkle in his eyes. Asuma smiled and stood up with the trench knives and showed him a few moves. "Wooooow," thought Naruto as he gaped at Asuma with the trench knives.
Asuma smiled at his reaction. Just then the baby cried. Asuma put his trench knives and went to soothe the baby when he saw Konohamaru stopped crying as soon as he saw Naruto. Naruto started playing with him and Konohamaru smiled and Naruto also smiled in return. "How does the kid smile like that in spite being through so much," thought Asuma.
After a few minutes, "Hey kid can I ask you a question?" asked Asuma. Naruto nodded his head smilingly. "You have been through a lot in life and lot of people hate you with a passion you know that right?" asked Asuma. Naruto's smile immediately vanished and he nodded his head in sadness. "So how can you smile like that even though you have experienced so much?" asked Asuma.
Naruto continued to look at the ground in sadness. "Shit I think asked a wrong question," thought Asuma and was about to speak when Naruto spoke. "It's because I am surrounded by people who love me that I can smile," said Naruto smilingly. Asuma had a wide-eyed expression and froze for a few seconds.
"This kid is right. I forgot something very important. I still have people who love me and I should live for those people from now on. You are one amazing kid Naruto" thought Asuma. He immediately hugged Naruto tightly. "Naruto from now on I am your big brother so you can come to me for anything," said Asuma as he hugged him. "Hai," said Naruto grinning widely. Hiruzen and Biwako were standing near the door and smiled as they looked at this scene
[Flashback Over]
"Why don't I tell you the whole story?" said Hiruzen and started explaining. Biwako opened the door as the doorbell rang. "Good timing Jiraiya come on in," said Biwako. "Thank you Biwako-san," said Jiraiya and came in. "Hey, Naruto," said Jiraiya as soon as he saw Naruto. "Jiraiya-sensei" shouted Naruto and ran towards Jiraiya and hugged him. "Good to see you too," said Jiraiya as he hugged back.
"How are you Jiraiya-san," said Asuma. "Ah Asuma good to see you I see your beard has grown a lot from last time," said Jiraiya. "Just going for a new look," said Asuma as he was carrying Konohamaru and walked forward. "Hello," said Jiraiya as he started pinching Konohamaru's cheeks. Immediately he started crying.
"Jiraiya, how many times I have told you not to make the kid cry?" said Biwako. "He starts crying every time he sees me," thought Jiraiya and moved a few steps back. He immediately stops crying. Everyone started laughing at this scene except Jiraiya.
It became night time and the entire Sarutobi family with Jiraiya, Naruto and Kosuke were standing on top of the hokage monument, specifically on the fourth hokage's head. "Why are we here again," asked Naruto to Jiraiya. "Don't worry you will know in a few minutes" replied Jiraiya smilingly.
"Why don't you behave more like an adult Jiraiya," said a voice from behind. "Tou-san, Kaa-san, Gamaken" shouted Naruto as he saw the two elder toads and Gamaken standing beside them. Naruto ran towards them and hugged them. "Why are you guys also here?" asked Naruto. "Be patient" said Fukasaku.
"Thank you for coming Fukasaku-san, Shima-san," said Hiruzen as he bowed to the two elder toads. "Let me introduce you to my son Asuma Sarutobi," said Hiruzen as he gestured towards Asuma. Asuma came forward and bowed fully "It's nice to meet you". "That is my wife Biwako and my grandson from my first born Konohamaru," said Hiruzen. Biwako bowed slightly because she is also carrying Konohamaru. "This is Fukasaku-san and Shima-san, the elder toads of Mount Myoboku and the purple toad is there is Gamaken a trainee toad," said Hiruzen. The three of them just nodded their heads
Asuma and Biwako were stunned that these were the highly esteemed toads that they have heard so much about. Just as they about to speak, a sound was heard and when all of them turned around they saw colourful lights flashing in the sky one by one. "Today is the last day of this year Naruto and fireworks are always present during this time. So I bought all of them here because we are all one family and also this is the best location to see the fireworks. So how is it Naruto?" asked Hiruzen.
"It's really amazing," said Naruto. The rest of them also smiled happily as more fireworks continued.