Chapter 11
Confrontations and decisions
- Two weeks after the invasion –
It was a warm night and the fresh breeze caressed his skin as he took the position inside the circle. He knew after the ritual was over things would change forever. There wasn't any chance for him to go back on his word and to try and made things 'normal' again.
He had taken a decision and regardless of the circumstances surrounding said decision he knew it was the right one. He just hoped his love ones could understand.
"We have everything ready, my Lord." Said a middle-age man beside Arashi. Naruto let his blue eyes focused on the man he was starting to call in his mind uncle. He noticed the blank expression only betrayed by the lightly gleam of his eyes as he looked into Naruto's eyes.
It was a silent interchanged between them. Was Naruto really sure he wanted to continue? Was he really ready to do what was to come?
Naruto merely nodded, feeling trepidation in his heart; feeling cold sweat on his forehead and hands, slightly tremors in his body. He had taken a decision, he wasn't about to back down but that didn't he meant he wasn't scared.
"Good, then let's start." Was all Arashi said. As soon as those words left his mouth the rest of the group took different position outside the circle in which only Arashi and Naruto remained.
Naruto's eyes tried to follow the series of hand signs his uncle was performing. He tried to hear and understand the words but all of these were interrupted by the sudden pain starting on his chest expanding throughout his body.
Suddenly there was a white light and a bloodcurdling scream and Naruto knew no more.
A few days ago…
"No, Uzumaki-san. You will stay here until the doctor says otherwise." The nurse was getting really tired of the old discussion with her young patient. She knew about the boy, all the adults did. But, even if she had some animosity against the boy, it didn't matter she wouldn't perform her duty as a nurse.
Besides, the kid was still a kid. A pretty, idiotic, stubborn and quite noisy kid, but her duty came before any other feeling.
Naruto crossed his arms quite petulantly, "But…but I just wanna breathe fresh air! It's not a crime!"
"Should I remember you, Uzumaki-san, last time you went out to 'take a breath' you and Uchiha-san almost broke down the fountain and woke up all the newborns down in the nursery ward?"
Naruto had the decency to look ashamed as he recalled his actions the day after. It hadn't been completely his fault, really! Sasuke wanted to train and Sakura wanted to see them. What could he do? Kakashi had already chastised them for doing so and almost killing each other while using the new jutsu they learnt.
His sensei didn't look happy with him and he was undoubtedly angry at Sasuke for using that weird electric technique the man had taught Sasuke for the finals.
"Okay, I'll stay here." The woman's features softened for a moment as she saw the boy looking the twelfth year old he was. Brooding as he rested his head back to the pillow and crossed his arms firmly.
With a nod the nurse turned around and left the room closing the door behind her. "I don't understand why you would want to go outside at such an hour, Naruto-sama."
"It's just the perfect time to run and stretch out. I'm tired of being inside this place." Said Naruto, who turned his blue eyes to the Shinigami standing in front of his bed. "And I told you to call me Naruto. I don't like the 'sama' at the end."
The young man tilted his head, the ghost of a playful smile on his face, "And I told you, Naruto-sama, that it goes against everything I was taught to do so."
Naruto rolled his eyes while he kept wondering about the man in front of him. So far the only thing he had done was introduce himself as Ichinose Maki, a shinigami, part of a personal protection from some clan in charge of Naruto's protection. He hadn't offered any other explanation but had demanded to know why Yugito and Gaara were capable of seeing him.
Naruto had evaded the question with some of his own. In the end, there was a silent agreement between them to just remind silent and wait for the right moment for some explanations. Though, the blonde had to admit it was funny to see Ichinose here and there while other people around couldn't see him.
"Finally! I thought that old nurse wouldn't leave." Nii Yugito entered the room without even glancing Ichiose's way.
The young girl had on her hands two big bento boxes and Naruto recognized the Ichiraku's ramen sign on them. Yugito let her eyes wandered around the room before she set the food on a table and sent Naruto a questioning glance.
"This room is smaller than the others." There was an unfamiliar gleam on Yugito's eyes. The girl shook her head before putting the bento boxes on Naruto's lap and started putting some of the contents out. "Well, you gonna help or gap at me all day?"
No sooner had she said that Naruto went to help her, putting a big bowl of Miso ramen out. The girl smirked at him as she passed him the chopsticks.
"The guy from the stand told me you love this one."
"Yeah, I do! Thank you, Yugito-chan!" Naruto flashed her the best of his smiles, making the young girl squirm uncomfortably as a small blush set on her cheeks.
"It was nothing, now let's eat." The Kumo-nin tilted her head to look at Ichinose. "Damn, if I have known you were here I would have brought more."
Ichinose narrowed his eyes at the blonde girl, "It's okay, Yugito-san. I'm not hungry."
"Yeah, no problem, he can take from my bowl." Said Naruto which only made Ichinose opened his eyes in horror and shook his head in eagerness.
"No, Naruto-sama. It's okay, I'm not even hungry."
"Come on! This is one of the best ramen you will ever taste. I know Soul…"Naruto bit his tongue hard, effectively shutting himself before Ichinose could say or do something.
This wasn't lost on Yugito who looked from one man to the other. "Okay, what was that?"
"Nothing!" both of them said in hastiness which made the girl narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing!" Naruto moved his head left and right before moving onto other topics. "Anyway, why are you here, Yugito-chan? I thought you'll be gone by now."
Yugito played with the idea of pressing the matter, but decided to just move onto her mission. Time was running low and she need for Naruto to make some decisions.
"Why, Naruto! And leave before thanking my savior? Never!" The girl winked at a now blushing Naruto. "You did help me back there while fighting Gaara and…well; I just couldn't leave without seeing you one more time."
The smile on her face made Naruto gulped and blushed an interesting shade of red, while Ichinose merely scowled. He decided to just sit with his back to the two teenagers, crossing his arms and putting his Zanpakutou beside him.
"Eh…um…" Naruto opened and closed his mouth a few seconds before he finally scratched the back of his head. "I'm glad you did."
Yugito smiled softly while Naruto seemed slightly confused by the turn of events. And yet…he couldn't help but feel his heart beat just a little bit stronger, just a little bit faster. The following hour they eat in silence, only commenting the events after the invasion and their fight with Gaara. Once in a while, Ichinose would turn his head to hear more clearly or to check on them but their lunch passed in relative calmness.
After they had finally finished, Yugito sat next to Naruto ready to talk with him. She made sure they were alone and that there weren't any guards of any kind post around Naruto's room before proceeding. She hadn't come to Konoha only to fail or not even try. She had already extended the invitation to Gaara and by the end of the week she would know if the red-head accepted. Now, she needed to talk with Naruto, and hopefully she would convince him without giving more information that what was needed.
"There is another reason why I'm here, Naruto." Yugito looked directly into the boy's eyes before continuing. "But I need to know first, Naruto-kun, that you won't say anything."
"Eh?" Naruto was now genuinely confused and Ichinose of course was more interested than before.
"You see, I came here to Konoha; not for the Chuunin exams or anything." Yugito looked nervous; she was biting on her lower lip but looking at Naruto in his eyes. She needed for him to understand that she never meant to deceive him.
"You…didn't? Then, why are you here?" Naruto was frowning as he was trying to understand and figure it out the reasons.
"You see, I was sent here by my Kage." Yugito put from inside her pocket a Hitai-ate, one with the Kumo symbol on it. "I'm a Kumo shinobi."
Yugito watched as shocked transform into wariness on Naruto's face. Watched as the blonde tensed up and subtly prepared for either attack or run. The young girl smiled wryly as she noticed the sudden changes, not only in his posture but his attitude. It was incredible to believe he was the last one of his class, or a troublemaker while growing up. It was even harder to believe he had so little people that truly care and love him. The young man had proven himself to be difficult to ignore.
"You…are a Kumo shinobi?" after Yugito nodded, Naruto continued. "And you came here because your Kage told you?" Once again Yugito shook her head yes. "Then…why are you here?"
Yugito's lips lift up in the most simple and honest smiles Naruto had seen so far. "Why? I came here with a proposal for you."
"You have two weeks…"
Sasuke was breathing hard. Sweat was falling down on his face and torso as he started another set of attacks on the tree in front of him. It had been three days since the Hokage's death and after he left the hospital he had tried to ask Kakashi for more training only to be sent home to rest while the situation 'normalized'.
No happy with the dismissal he had tried to measure himself against Naruto, taking advantage of Sakura's eagerness to see him fight and Naruto's own eagerness to face him in battle. Sasuke had tried to measure his own potential, and his own abilities, the ones he didn't had the chance to test on the Chuunin exams.
But just as they were finally getting somewhere Kakashi had stopped them. Their sensei had scolded at them and each one of them was sent to rest, not before Kakashi had remind Sasuke that the Chidori was meant to be used against the enemy and not a friend.
The black-haired shinobi punched hard the trunk in front of him as he remembered those words. It was impossible for the young Uchiha to rest and wait…each moment he spent doing such useless things Naruto grew stronger. His own brother, Itachi, was out there, out of reach increasing his own power and abilities.
Sasuke couldn't wait and couldn't rest. Day by day he could feel and see Naruto growing stronger, he could sense his brother doing the same while he, Uchiha Sasuke, rested and wait for Kakashi to take things seriously.
As if that wasn't enough, Kimimaru's words kept dancing around in his head. It was so tempting! Just left everything behind and give himself to real training. To someone who seemed powerful enough to kill the 'The Professor', 'God of Shinobi' with a simple technique. Or so he heard.
Sasuke punched the tree making the trunk crack under the pressure. It was obvious the student had surpassed the master and now the Sannin was above Kage level. And Naruto had been training with a Sannin, which would explain perfectly why he had advanced so much in so little time.
Was that what he really needed to be strong?
Sasuke turned to his right, the sight of the Uchiha district, desolate and in decadence was always a good motivation to keep going for him. Now, it was only a reminder of how useless had been the last months, how even after he had become officially a Shinobi he wasn't strong enough to face Itachi.
"Fuck." Sasuke felt a sharp pain on his palms and, as he lowered his gaze, he could see blood on his hands.
He needed to make a decision.
Stay in Konoha where he could or could not get what he wanted in time…
Or…
Leave and look for power and strength in another place?
Homura and Koharu would had preferred a more private setting and of course a private conversation with Jiraiya. However, they resigned themselves to tolerate Kakashi's presence since the Sannin didn't seem to mind.
The conversation was directed towards the concern of the next Hokage. The Daimyo decided to trust the two elders with the decision, not before letting them know he would be more 'calm' and he 'would feel better' if either Jiraiya-sama or Tsunade-hime were to take the position.
It was more like an order than a suggestion and both, Koharu and Homura, knew they had to convince Jiraiya to take the position. Mainly because there was no chance in hell they would find Tsunade and convinced her to return to Konoha.
Jiraiya turned his gaze to the Memorial Stone; Kakashi was looking at the blue sky as Homura explained the need of a new Hokage as soon as possible and the reasons as to why Jiraiya was chosen as new leader.
"Konoha needs you, Jiraiya." Homura said. "It was a matter of time that you would be here, leading us."
Jiraiya couldn't help the ironic smile forming on his face. It was a position he had wish as a young shinobi but that lose its appealing as time passed by. And now, when he was older and wiser, stronger and knew without a doubt his responsibilities. Well, Jiraiya just couldn't take the job.
The two elders didn't know, but Jiraiya had other things, more important things to attend. No one really knew about the threat in the horizon, always present but ignored for more immediate threats.
"You already know my answer; I don't know why you keep asking."
"You don't understand the Daimyo have left it clear he wants you or Tsunade to take over Hiruzen." Exclaimed Koharu slightly irritated by Jiraiya's refusal.
The Sannin smirked as his eyes moved to Kakashi before they focused on the two elders. "Tsunade?"
Koharu scowled glaring at Jiraiya, "don't even go there. You know as well as I that she would never set a foot inside the village ever again. Much less to take over the Hokage position."
It was true, Senju Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage had sworn to never go back to Konoha. And it was well known, for those old enough to remember, that the woman despised the position of Hokage. The reasons were lost in different stories. Some incredible, some credible, but only few people knew the real reason.
"Yes, that's true." Mumbled Jiraiya scratching his chin, once again his eyes found Kakashi's one. It was for a moment, but a silent understanding fell between them. "Very well, give me …four days."
Koharu and Homura blinked perplex, "four days? For what?"
The Sannin looked at them as if they had asked a really dumb and obvious question, "For what? For bringing Tsunade to you to be the new Hokage!"
"You…you are going to…"
"Tsunade?"
"Yes, just give me four days and a companion of my choosing and I'll be back with her." Jiraiya's words were final and carried in them a finality that reassured both elders the sannin's words were to be believed. "If I failed I'll take the position without any protest."
There was a moment of silence; both elders were turning Jiraiya's words inside their heads. There was a soft sigh coming from Homura who nodded.
"Very well, Jiraiya. We give you those four days." Replied Koharu. "But, four days Jiraiya, remember the village can't go any longer without a leader."
"Don't worry, I'll keep my word." Jiraiya was about to walk away when Homura stopped him.
"Wait, you haven't told us who you wish to take with you."
It was late in the afternoon when Naruto was finally left alone. Yugito had explained in detail the reasons that brought her to Konoha. She had explained to Naruto how she grew up and who had trained her.
I can have free access to my Bijuu, Naruto-kun. The things I can do while using her powers are…indescribable.
Naruto stood up walking towards the window to see the afternoon fall in the village. Not even for a moment had Ichinose said or done anything, but now the young boy could feel him behind him, his eyes heavy on his head.
"Are you…okay, Naruto-sama?" Naruto frowned as he thought over the question.
Was he okay?
No, he wasn't. Yugito had offered him a refugee, a place where he could be himself. A place where someone could teach him how to use the Kyuubi's power.
We can offer you the information Konoha has denied you for so long.
What are you talking about?
Your true heritage, Naruto-kun. The identity of your father and your mother.
Did she really have some access to that particular information? She claimed she didn't know the specifics. But she did know something.
We're not asking you to join us. Only to come with us. You know? Jinchuuriki should be together. Like family.
It all sound so beautiful and nice. "It was manipulation."
Ichinose's voice startled him; he turned around to see the young man looking at him with understanding.
"She has good intentions, Sir. I could tell you have a great impact on her." Continued the young shinigami. "But, what she told you was a way to manipulate your decisions. To go with her."
"I was kind of thinking she was." Said Naruto with a sad sigh leaving his lips. "But, why? I mean…it just doesn't make any sense. I'm not that special."
Ichinose Maki fidgeted as he allowed himself to watch carefully the young boy in front of him. His body was still that of a child but it was starting to develop into the body of a fighter. His face was still that of a boy with the roughness of a hard live sneaking out in the gleam of his blue eyes. If Ichinose was to look really closer he could see the resemblance to Kazama Arashi, sure the hair and eye color was different, but they do have the same features, the same semblance of nobility.
The shinigami knew Naruto was special and not only for his heritage but because who he was. The boy had made himself into someone who was easy to like and probably care for. There was power between him, but there was also gentleness and a little bit of innocence, something not everyone with a really hard life and not many people to care would have in them.
Ichinose shrugged, "I think, Naruto-sama, she didn't say everything." Thinking over his words Ichinose continued. "I also think she didn't say anything else for fear of your reaction."
"What do you mean?" Ichinose smiled at how innocent the blonde looked.
"Well, it is pretty obvious, sir, she has developed certain…attachment for you." At this Naruto felt his cheeks warmed up. "She seems to be debating with herself if it was worth telling you everything and having you act against her like an enemy or just tell you enough so you will be curious enough to meet her by the end of the week."
And she hadn't said everything. Yugito left with a sense of frustration and upset about something. She just kissed Naruto on his cheek before leaving the room, asking the blonde boy to think about it and have an answer for her in a weeks' time.
It had been weird.
Naruto grasped his necklace as he let his other hand scratched the back of his neck. "I think women are really complicated."
It was the first time Naruto heard Ichinose laugh. It was a loud laugh, more like a chuckle but even so it made Naruto grinned widely.
"That's one of the wisest things you could have said, Naruto-sama."
Naruto was about to reply something when there was a knock at the door. Not waiting for permission, the door opened and let in a particular group. Naruto's eyes lighted up as he saw Kyouraku and Nanao entered along with two other men.
"Kyouraku-jii! Nanao-chan!" Nanao could only see a yellow blur before she felt arms hugging her tightly. She smiled softly returning Naruto's eager hug.
"Oh, Naruto, how have you been?"
"Fantastic!" was his enthusiastic exclamation. Something that was received with some raised eyebrows and incredulous stares. "I mean, if you overlook the fact I'm in the hospital, I'm actually good."
Nano smiled at him as the blonde turned his head to the rest of the group. He bypassed Kyouraku, his eyes opening wide as he recognized the wealthy man behind the two shinigami.
Now that he had him in front of him without the rush of circumstances and the fact he seemed to be accompanying Kyouraku and Nanao, Naruto took in his appearance.
Just like the first time the man was wearing what looked to Naruto a pretty, if simple, attire. He had on a black hakama, with a white obi holding it together, above it he had on a black haori with the distinctive family crest on some kind of scarf he had attached to the obi and that was neatly located near his left leg.
Naruto's eyes opened wide as he recognized the symbol and his hand went immediately to the necklace around his neck.
Lifting his eyes, Naruto cocked his head to the side, blue eyes looking intently into grey ones. "I remember you, I ran into you when I was trying to get to the stadium."
The man raised a single eyebrow, "that it's correct."
Naruto nodded looking around before returning his gaze to the man, "who are you? And what are you doing with Kyouraku-jii and Nanao-chan?"
There was tensed silence, no one said anything as Naruto merely sighed exasperate before sitting on his bed. "Gee, this keeps getting weirder and weirder."
"What do you mean?" Naruto grinned.
"I just have a really strange day." Said Naruto. "I fought with my best friend and almost got to kill each other, I got this cute girl talking about some…stuff and now I've got the impression you have some kind of news for me."
"A girl, eh?" asked Kyouraku earning him a glare from Nanao. Naruto blushed an interesting shade of red as he tried to look everywhere but at the eighth division Taichou.
"Yeah, but…okay, what's going on?" said Naruto trying to divert Kyouraku's attention. "This is…really serious, right? I mean, this would explain why he keeps putting the 'sama' at the end of my name."
Kyouraku shook his head 'yes', he went to speak but was stopped by a hand gesture from Arashi.
"You are correct, Naruto-kun. We haven't been properly introduced, so allow me to do it."
Naruto watched with interest at the man in front of him.
"My name is Kazama Arashi. I am the head of the Kazama clan and Captain of the Kidou corps." Naruto's eyes went wide open in surprise.
"I don't understand…what are you doing here? Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because, Naruto, I am also the younger brother of Kazama Minato or as you must know him, Namikaze Minato."
It was a good thing Naruto sat earlier before. He felt weak, dizzy and shocked as the words dance around in his head. He was looking at his bare feet, frozen at the implications of Arashi's revelation.
Kazama Minato.
That was his father's name before he arrived to the Shinobi World. And he had a brother. Naruto felt as his eyes itched and his vision turned blurry. He wished he had let Yoruichi tell him everything about his origins.
"Naruto?" He recognized the soft, concern voice of Nanao and felt as the tears finally fell from his eyes the moment the woman touched his shoulder.
"I…I felt stupid." He mumbled, lifting his face and looking at a surprise Arashi. "So…you…you're like my…uncle?"
Nanao clutched Naruto's shoulder while Arashi nodded his head. "Yes, I am."
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence in which Naruto wiped away the tears. Startled Naruto almost winced away when he felt another hand on his right shoulder, this one bigger and rougher than Nanao's one. As he turned to look at the man beside him, Naruto felt a warm in his chest at the gesture.
Arashi squeezed softly lowering lightly so his face was at Naruto's level. "You look so much like your father. It's incredible." Arashi tilted his head before frowning lightly. "Your eyes however, and that smile…I think they belong to your mother."
"Do you know who she was?" Arashi shook his head.
"No, it's pretty curious the way this shinobi erased any and all records about one person. When Kyouraku-Taichou started making some of the inquires to make sure you were my nephew he discovered the name of your mother was wiped out of all records."
Naruto scowled at the revelation and he wondered if maybe Yoruichi knew something about it. About her.
"I see." Naruto lift his gaze, tiredly. "So, you came here to…meet me?"
Arashi smirked, nodding his head. "Yes, partly. I also saw you fight."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lighted up hopefully as Arashi nodded.
"Yes, we all did, actually." Arashi removed his gaze from Naruto and let his eyes wandered until they fell on the katana resting on the bedside table. "Not only you have a good gasp of some kidou spells, but you also have a zanpakutou."
"Yeah, I do! It took me sometime and some hard work, but I finally got it." Said Naruto excited moving to grab the katana. "I…someone gave it to me and while on a mission, there was this guy and his helper and they were really good, I have to do something because my friends were in danger and then I finally could heard Ryuujin's name so… I've got my Zanpakutou."
Kyouraku watched amused as Naruto babbled away about how he obtained his zanpakutou and the mission, then about the training so he could defeat the boy in the stadium. It felt nice watching Naruto smiling so openly, trying to impress the man that had identified himself as his uncle. As family.
Arashi did seem quite impress, and Kyouraku could see satisfy as the man tried to conceal his feelings. Tried to hide away the fact he felt proud of the blonde in front of him, he saw as Arashi tried to behave the way his position demand of him.
'At least it seems he is warming up to Naruto.'
"Eh, I'm sorry to interrupt, Taichou, Naruto-sama." Kariya interrupted the young boy's enthusiastic babble and Arashi turned to his lieutenant, "it's getting late and I don't think it would be a good idea if we're seen around after the normal visiting hours."
"You're right. Naruto, like I said I'm here not only to meet you but, there is also another reason."
"What is it?"
The atmosphere changed in the blink of an eye, from something warm to something solemn and serious. Naruto watched the people around him as Arashi started explaining.
"It was a great surprise for me and the rest of the family to find out Minato had a son." Arashi remained impassive as he explained, "Minato left Soul Society in some…tensed circumstances, which I won't discuss right now." He said stopping any question Naruto may have had.
"When Kyouraku-taichou came with the notice I started making preparations."
"Preparations? For what?"
"I think is time for you Naruto to come with us to Soul Society." Arashi continued ignoring the look on his nephew's face. "It's time for you to leave this place forever and come with your family."
"What? why?" Naruto seemed shocked and anxious. It was a possibility he had considered when Yoruichi or even Kyouraku would speak about Soul Society. It was a place he most certainly wouldn't mind visiting. But...what he was proposing was forever, right? He knew what were the requisites to cross the Senkaimon and Naruto didn't thought he was ready to die.
"Because this is not place for you." Arashi started pacing around the small room, moving towards the window looking to the outside world. "I've read the reports and heard the stories about your childhood. I know of the burden you carried because my brother sealed it inside you."
Naruto winced lightly as Arashi continued, "I know the kind of life you have here. Besides, now that you have awakened your shinigami powers you have to train to use them, and being an environment like this one won't help you at all."
"Naruto, what Arashi-dono is trying to say is you don't have to stay here." Interrupted Kyouraku moving closer. "You did say once you would like to go to Soul Society. This is your chance."
Naruto hold his head as he looked aside, "I…can I…think about it? Please? This…I mean, of course I want to and all but…is not easy."
It was more the vulnerable tone and the tiredness in his voice what made the rest of the adults relented.
"That's okay; however, I will need an answer by the end of next week." Said Arashi. "You need to make a decision as to what you really want Naruto. Ichinose is going to be with you at all times, to make sure you will be okay."
"It's not. I mean, is not necessary, you know?" commented Naruto. "I can take care of myself."
Naruto's words went unheard as Kyouraku and Nanao said good bye and left with Kariya following close behind. Just before he left Arashi turned to look at Naruto.
"I hope you understand something, Naruto." The blonde turned his gaze to the man who was looking at him intently. "Regardless of what my brother did in the past you are family. My family. I want you think about my offer, Naruto. You won't suffer any kind of mistreatment or any kind of need as long as I can prevent it. Have a good night."
The door closed behind Arashi and the room was left in complete silence. Night had fallen already and the darkness had a soothing effect on Naruto who was not only confused but overwhelmed. He lay heavily on the bed, a hand on his eyes as he tried to not think about anything.
A movement to his right indicated him Ichinose had finally moved from his spot near the window. "So, that's why you never say anything after the fight with Gaara?"
"That is correct, Naruto-sama. Kazama-sama ordered me to not reveal myself to you or to not reveal anything at all."
There was another moment of silence in which Naruto just observed the white ceiling of his room. He was tired and really didn't want to think about anything, just rest and maybe a good night sleep would help him sort his thoughts out. Silently he moved under the covers, fidgeting under them while getting confortable. Once he was on his stomach he closed his eyes knowing Ichinose was watching over him. A few minutes passed and just when the shinigami thought Naruto was asleep did the blonde spoke once again.
"What should I do, Ichinose?" It was a question made with an innocent tone. There was a frailty it surprised the shinigami; it was the first time he saw just how young his protégée was. He was but a boy forced to live in a world where kids didn't have the chance to grow in innocence.
"I think, Naruto-sama, that in the end, you will make the right decision." Was all Ichinose could say.
But whatever kind of thinking Naruto was getting the next day wasn't possible. Not soon had he woken up Jiraiya entered his room and made him dress and take a few things with him. They were going out on a mission.
The Sannin didn't even say exactly what they were going to do or why Naruto should go with him. He didn't mention either why he was looking so serious and nervous. The only thing Jiraiya did say was something about a new Hokage.
"So, mmm, what exactly are we going to do?" Jiraiya turned to Naruto looking at him before turning his eyes to the road.
"I told you, didn't I? We have to look for the new Hokage."
Naruto wrinkled his nose confused, "so, wouldn't be easier to ask in the village who wants to be Hokage? You know? Instead of getting out of there and look elsewhere."
Jiraiya rolled his eyes and slapped Naruto on the back of his head. "No! The Hokage had already been chosen, we are bringing her back to the village."
Massaging the back of his head Naruto continued, "So, is a she? Who is she? Why wasn't she in the village? Why is she the new Hokage? Is she any good?"
Naruto watched as Jiraiya once again looked over his shoulder and put a hand on his shoulder to help him walk faster. Since they left the village Jiraiya seemed adamant to get as far away from Konoha as they could. This struck Naruto as weird and Ryuujin had shared those same thoughts, but when questioned, Jiraiya had just waved away the question.
'It's nothing you should be concerned about'
It made Naruto curious, mainly because at first the blonde thought maybe Jiraiya had sensed the shinigami following them closed behind. Ichinose had kept his word and hadn't left Naruto's side ever since the fight against Gaara. But then Naruto had noticed the Sannin was more worried about something else, something that had to do, or at least that's what Naruto thought, with the fact Lee's sensei had accompanied them half way out of Konoha.
"Her name is Tsunade; she was my teammate and the Third's student." Jiraiya watched as Naruto's face took on an impressed expression. "She is also one, if not the best, medic-nin in all the Elemental Countries."
Jiraiya smiled softly as a memory of the past came to him; shaking his head a little he put a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "This is an A-rank mission, Naruto. The village needs a Hokage and we're here to convince Tsunade to take the job. Are you ready to help me out?"
"Oh, believe it, Ero-sennin. I'll help you all right!" Exclaimed a very enthusiastic Naruto ignoring the twitching eyebrow from Jiraiya as they approached the entrance to Tanzaku Town.
Tanzaku Town was an average town a day away from Konoha. It was buzzing with activity since the beginning of the month as the preparations for the festival were taking place. A lot of people filled the streets, rich and pretty important people who weren't concern about the coming Chuunin exams on Konoha but rather at the gambling opportunities the city offered. Some of these people had heard the most interesting news. Apparently, one of the worst gamblers and yet one of the best Kunoichi was about to participate in some of these poker games and other gambling games.
It was a mystery for many of them that the Legendary Sucker always made a great appearance in the places were festivals involving gambling were taking place. She wasn't only beautiful and dangerous; she was also a great in-come for many of them.
It wasn't that difficult to find Tsunade. Kushina always made sure to contact the right people. If Hiruzen was dead, and Suna and Sound had retreated then Orochimaru had lost and Konoha would be looking for a Hokage soon enough. Making the right calculations, Jiraiya or Tsunade were the best candidates. And she knew Jiraiya would do anything in his power to not take over the position.
However, Kushina also knew Tsunade would be reluctant and quite violent at the mere mention of the words Konoha and Hokage. She just hoped she could make it before anyone from Konoha; she did need for Tsunade to take over the position. After all, Jiraiya was meant to be Naruto's teacher.
"We found her." Shinji was looking intently at some kind of book as he waved his hand to his right. "There is this bar…uh, the Dragon's hen or something with dragons…uh, you can find her there."
Kushina rolled her eyes as Shinji kept on walking with Hiyori close behind. Taking a deep breath the red-head moved forward making her way to the place were Shinji had said Tsunade was at. It didn't take long actually; the bar was just a couple of blocks away.
As she entered the place she noticed the dim lights around her, there was a main hall that direct people into a big room filled with tables and a small bar. There was another door to the right, it was closed and had a sign with the words 'private' on it Kushina went to the door when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"May I help you, Ma'am?" It was a big, muscular man, looking at her with a slight frown and a menacing stance. Kushina smirked at him as she nodded towards the door.
"Probably, I'm looking for someone, a friend." The man's eyebrows lift lightly.
"Does this friend have a name?"
"I'm looking for the Legendary Sucker, Tsunade of the Sannin." The man's eyes went wide as he heard the name. Without any more pressing the man opened the door for Kushina to go in.
"The last door at the end of the hall. I'd say good luck, but with her…you never need it. Unless, you're looking for a really nasty fight"
Kushina took a deep breath, putting herself together as she made her way to the last door at the end of the hall. She knew things were about to get complicated seeing as people that thought her dead would probably find out about her…well, not being as dead as they thought.
She could hear some sounds muffled by the door and with determination she opened the door.
The room was light by a single lamp on the ceiling; there was a high window open from which the smoke from the cigarettes escaped while the smell of alcohol seemed to remain in the room.
In the middle of the room there was a square table, cushions around it with at least eight people sitting on them. Kushina let her eyes wandered around until they finally looked directly into the Sannin's eyes.
It was a long and awkward moment in which Tsunade's eyes went from genuine disbelief, shock, sadness, anger and finally a blank, unreadable expression.
"Kushina?" The woman smiled tentatively as Tsunade stood up, the rest of the room sensing the fool mood Tsunade seemed to be in remained, wisely, silent.
"Hello, Tsunade-sensei. Long time no see."
"You were supposed to be…"
"Right." Interrupted Kushina before Tsunade could finish the sentence. "Tsunade-sama, I would prefer to speak of these matters in a more…secluded location."
Kushina expected some kind of resistance; she expected some kind of violent reaction or even denial as to what was happening. However, nothing happened that way. Tsunade along with her student, Shizune, lead the kunoichi out of the local to a nearby hotel. The walk was silent and Kushina did notice how the other two women seemed to be closing in on her, preventing any route of escape, or any possibility of an open attack.
Not soon had they arrived the Sannin grabbed Kushina by the neck pressing her hard against the wall. Shizune who had been following them closed behind put from her pockets a couple of senbon she had at the ready.
"Kushina…"Tsunade smiled in a nasty way as she eyed the red-head in front of her. "What was the last thing I told you before leaving Konoha?"
A gleam of recognition passed through Kushina's eyes, the young woman smiled sadly at Tsunade before lowering her gaze. "You told me I better didn't name my son Jiraiya the Second or else…you wouldn't even bother to teach him how to gamble once he was off age."
The blonde woman only tightened her grip on Kushina's neck as she examined the red-head closely. "And what did you decide to call him? Why did you choose that name?"
Kushina's eyes turned soft and with a hint of regret in them, she answered, "Minato and me ended up calling him Naruto. In honor of the only decent book Jiraiya-sama had ever written."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, she watched for a few seconds the woman in front of her before punching the wall beside the red-head's head. Tsunade's eyes were concealing all her emotions, all excepted anger that seemed to be there.
"Get out of my sight." Was all the woman said while letting go of Kushina. "You…you are fucking coward and a disgrace. Get out before I regret my decision of not killing you myself right now. "
It took the young kunoichi by surprised the clean punch to her face. She knew the news about her being alive wouldn't be taken…well. But, well she didn't thought Tsunade would actually hit and threaten her.
Kushina lowered her head for a second before standing up and lifting her gaze. "I deserve that."
"You deserve that? Kushina! You're alive! Where the fuck have you been the last twelve years? And why have you decided to come back?" Tsunade was hovering threateningly over the woman who stood still, defiant towards the Sannin.
"It's…It's really a long story, Tsunade-sama."
"It doesn't matter; I don't wanna hear any sob story from you. For all I know, you're a fucking liar." Tsunade's anger was evident and Kushina could understand part of it. The woman was about to speak when Tsunade interrupted her once again. "Jiraiya and sensei were destroyed when you didn't appear! They thought the worst! You were declared dead after seeing the state your home was in."
"I…It was necessary." Kushina was a strong woman. She hadn't become a Kage only because she was the last survivor of a clan. She earned her tittle because she was strong, intelligent and was an amazing kunoichi.
But at that moment, with Tsunade looking at her with anger, coldness and disappointment, Kushina felt like a small little girl all over again. The times she saw the same disappointment in her father's face every time they trained, every time he was teaching her something knew. Even after his earlier dead, Kushina had never been able to escape of such a look.
"Answer me just one thing," Kushina nodded her head before thinking on the consequences of whatever question Tsunade may ask. "Did you know Naruto was alive?"
Once again, Uzumaki Kushina felt the hard, iron, contact of Tsunade's punch on her face. This time she could feel and taste the blood in her mouth and when she looked up she could see the unshed tears in her former sensei's eyes. Kushina knew she didn't have to answer for Tsunade to read the true on her face.
"You…you're a fucking disgrace." Tsunade turned around ready to leave with Shizune when Kushina's voice stopped her.
"Wait, please, Tsunade-sama. I know you heard the rumors." Kushina stood up and kept on talking. "Uzushiogakure is starting to reform. There is a new leader for the village and that leader is me."
"Congratulations, you left your newborn son for a tittle." Kushina winced at those words but continued.
"Please, there are more…is complicated. There is this group, Akatsuki." This last part made Tsunade turned around slightly. "You heard of them, I see. They are looking for the Jinchuuriki, but that's not their only goal…"
The Slug Sannin knew or at least suspect where this one-side conversation was getting to. "No, the answer is and always will be no."
"You will turn your back on Konoha? On what your family did and died protecting?" The killer intent coming from Tsunade made Kushina shivered but the woman stood her ground stubbornly looking defiantly at Tsunade.
"You dare to bring that out when you yourself turn your back to your own family?"
"It's different! It will always be different!" exclaimed Kushina with just a tinge of hurt in her voice.
"It is not. If you knew your son was alive you also knew what kind of life he had." Tsunade moved to stand in front of Kushina. "You don't have any right to come here and ask for anything."
"Please, Tsunade-sama, if there is someone aside from Jiraiya that Minato trust enough with the care of the village with…with the care of…"Kushina trailed of composing herself before continuing. "With the care of Naruto it was you."
"You're losing your time, Kushina. If you didn't care when he was but a baby what make you think I care now."
"Because you owed me, Tsunade-sama." Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "I know you still care. Otherwise you wouldn't be so near Konoha right after the invasion. Look, the Third is dead, Orochimaru is still alive and there is something else threatening not only Konoha but the rest of the Elemental Countries."
The urgency in Kushina's voice was something the Sannin wasn't used to. She let her eyes wandered around, turmoil of thoughts inside her head as she analyzed every word the woman had said. But as she was about to leave, as she was about to kick Kushina out of her hotel room, something inside her made her turned.
"What exactly do you mean? What else could be out there that could threaten the Elemental Countries?"
Kushina sighed relief, hiding her smile as she started talking. She knew she was far for forgiven but at least the Slug Sannin was willing to listen.
"Ne, Ero-sennin, I can't go in there." The white-haired man turned to Naruto with an exasperate expression in his face. The young women he had been talking to were now laughing softly at him.
"Brat! I told you not to call me that!" Naruto shrugged as he turned around, crossing his arms. Jiraiya excused himself before turning to Naruto. "Look, I need to start looking for Tsunade. Why don't you look for a room for us? And meet me as soon as you got one, uh?"
Naruto huffed annoyed; he was already bored with this trip. He turned to his right and started strolling down a narrow alley. Jiraiya watched him with a worried frown on his face before a beautiful woman called his attention and all thoughts about Naruto were forgotten.
"This is a very...interesting town." mumbled Ichinose beside Naruto; his face was scrunched up in a disgusted expression as he looked around. The blond snickered, shrugging while walking towards the nearest hotel.
"I've never been this far away from Konoha." Said Naruto. "So I wouldn't know if it's an interesting place. Though, I have to say I feel a little weird."
"What do you mean?"
Naruto hold his chin in a thoughtful manner before speaking, "Mmmm, I don't know… it just feels weird…as if…" Naruto stopped in his tracks sweeping the street, looking up and to either side.
"Sir?"
"I just feel…watched."
Ichinose frowned at Naruto's words. He was a little more careful as he let his eyes wander around, trying to find the source of his young master's displeasure. But he couldn't feel anything out of the ordinary, or anything…threatening. For a moment Ichinose wondered if maybe the threat was more of a human nature than a hollow one. If that was the case the young man had to be more careful, because whether he liked it or not, a human threat was something Naruto would probably have to handle alone.
"Must be my imagination, or my hunger or the fact I'm bored out of my mind." Naruto huffed. "I thought Ero-sennin would teach me something, but no, we came here to find some old hag to take over Hokage-jii." Naruto sighed, entering the hotel. "Is not fair."
Uchiha Itachi watched as the blond Jinchuuriki entered the hotel in the company of a black dressed man. It was familiar; the outfit the young man was wearing. As it was the feeling he was getting from both, the blond and the other man. Kisame was itching beside him, barely containing himself as he tried to move into action.
"So, can we go now?" Itachi scowled ignoring Kisame's question.
They had to wait for a little longer, they had to make sure their trick against Jiraiya had worked just fine to give them enough time to capture Naruto. Just a few minutes and they could go in. After all, the Sannin would be very alert of their presence and intentions after their little appearance in Konoha. It wouldn't do any good if Jiraiya just put an end to the little reunion.
A few minutes had passed and the impatient sounds coming from Kisame were getting on Itachi's rarely stress nerves. "Can we go now?"
"Whoever thought you behave like a kid." Kisame smirked at the black-haired man and shrugged.
"What can I say? Samehada and I felt this power coming from the kid, so we got hungry." Kisame moved forward. "Tell me I'm going to have the opportunity to just hurt him a little bit before taking him with us."
"If my memories of Naruto-kun don't fail me, I would say you're in for a little resistance."
"Good, I'm itching for a fight."
Ichinose Maki tensed up completely as he felt the other presences behind the door. It was two of them, and one of those presences was strong and yet it felt distant almost as if it was hiding itself. Naruto was puzzled as he moved to open the door.
"Yes?" There was a long moment of silence as Naruto opened the door and his eyes traveled up and down the two cloaked figures in front of him.
It took him a few seconds but finally his eyes almost bulged out of his sockets as he found himself looking into blood red eyes and a pretty familiar face.
"I-Itachi-nii?"
"Well, look at that! The brat does remember you!" exclaimed an amused Kisame who's smirked was directed at a now frowning Naruto.
"Naruto-kun, it's good to see you again."
Naruto's blue eyes moved faster from one nuke-nin to the other, his hand itching to his side as he remembered his Zanpakutou and kunai holster were resting on the single bed near the window.
"Please, come with us and don't try to fight us. I really don't want to have to hurt you."
"Just like you didn't want to hurt your family or Sasuke?" shouted Naruto, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his stance, moving into a defensive position. Itachi felt a single eyebrow twitched at Naruto's words but otherwise his face remained impassive.
"Please, Naruto-kun. It is quite useless for you to fight us." Itachi moved forward just as Kisame took hold of Samehada. Naruto stepped backwards and with a gesture of his hand stopped Ichinose from doing something.
"Like hell I will! You'll have to …to kill me because I'm not going without a fight!" replied Naruto looking fiercely at Itachi.
They both looked at each other as Kisame's laugh filled the room. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Now, I have an excuse to cut your legs off and not being bother by it."
Just as Kisame was ready to attack someone broke into the room through a now broken window. The occupants all turned shocked as a dark-skinned woman with purple hair appeared in front of them, her smiled was broad and full of confidence as she, without any effort, kicked Itachi straight on his chest sending the young man flying away.
"Hello, Itachi, long time no see."
"Who the hell are you?" Kisame's question was accompanied by a slash of Samehada; Yoruichi evaded it by lowering her upper body and sending a well-aimed hit to Kisame's chest.
"Yoruichi-chan?" From that point on everything was a complete mess. Naruto moved fast towards his bed, picking up his zanpakutou and clashing it with Kisame's as Yoruichi went immediately to stop Itachi.
"Yoruichi-san, I see you still follow Naruto everywhere." Said Itachi walking slowly while readying a kunai under the sleeves of his cloak. "Is the other man with Naruto-kun one of your…friends?"
Said man was watching with wide eyes and a hand on his zanpakutou unsure of what to do, for him there were two potential threats to his young master. The two cloaked ninjas and a rough and supposedly dead Yoruichi.
"Does it really matter? It's not as if Naruto can't take care of himself." Itachi allowed himself a small smile before he stopped a kick to his head.
Both of them started fighting, the strength behind Yoruichi's kicks were just measure by the agility of Itachi to evaded or shield away from them.
The Uchiha had known for quite some time the black cat Naruto carried everywhere was strange. There was something else about the cat, some kind of…presence that always got Itachi alerted. He hadn't been disappointed when one day while watching over Naruto a group of drunk Chuunin and villagers tried to harm a 7 year old Naruto.
The cat had transformed and before Itachi could act and protect Naruto the woman had disposed of them with quick but nonlethal movements.
Those same movements she was using against him now. Itachi launched a side kick getting Yoruichi on her right hand as she moved forward with a close fist directed to his face. Barely dodging, Itachi spun around hitting the woman square in her face sending her inside the room.
Both of them too busy with each other to notice Naruto and Kisame weren't inside the room any longer.
There was a huge hole on the wall and Kisame's laugh could be heard from down the street.
"Oh, yeah, you're not half bad kid!" Naruto scowled as he slashed right and up only to be parried by Kisame. The man hadn't even broken his stance only measuring Naruto's ability with the sword as the blonde kept on trying to cause any damage.
"Yes, yes, I heard from Zabusa you knew how to use that. Show me." It come the taunting challenge, Naruto tried a combo of slashes and kicks the big, blue, shinobi just evade or stop with a movement of Samehada.
"Okay, you have your fun, now I'm going to have mine." Naruto was about to ask what he meant when Kisame lifted the sword and let it fall with a scary speed and force. Ichinose had enough time to put the blonde out of the way, Naruto's eyes opened wide as he saw the damage that single slash made to the street.
Before Kisame could launch another attack Itachi came crashing down on the street, surprising the Kiri-nin.
"Itachi!" not sooner had he called for the young man the same woman appeared, knee at the ready to crash against Itachi's head.
Fire came from Itachi's mouth and Yoruichi barely evade the jutsu, her clothes burning as she was breathing hard, positioning herself in between the two missing-nins and Naruto.
Ichinose put his zanpakutou out, eying suspiciously at the woman but letting it passed since she seemed so adamant to protect Naruto. The blonde for his part was slightly worried seeing the state Yoruichi was in and the fact she had to reveal her presence to Ichinose.
"I see I underestimate your strength, Yoruichi-san." Said Itachi straighten himself up. "Naruto-kun did know how to hide you away from wondering eyes."
"What happened to you, Itachi? It's the life of a murder more appealing than that of a protector?" Confusion was written all over Naruto's face. He didn't know why both, Yoruichi and Itachi, seemed so familiar to one another.
Judging by Kisame's expression the ninja didn't know it as well. "Itachi, let's finish this before the frog Sannin comes back. Used those frigging eyes of yours."
Itachi was ignoring Kisame in favor of those golden eyes looking at him. There seemed to be a silent discussion between them, some kind of dialogue neither Naruto nor Kisame were invited to.
Naruto glanced at Itachi and Kisame, he let his eyes wandered to Ichinose and finally let his blue eyes settle on Yoruichi. The boy tilted his head as he saw a bag, a small bag on Yoruichi's back with a strange symbol on it. Well, it wasn't that strange really; he knew it was from the fireworks store back in Konoha. The one where he usually bought his smoke bombs.
Master, the smoke bombs! We can use them to escape! This guys…I don't think we're ready to fight them.
Nodding his head Naruto put his hand inside; putting out two bombs he pushed Yoruichi aside and launched them. There was a loud explosion and the whole street was immediately covered by a dark, thick black smoke. Naruto was starting to smile when a hand grabbed his wrist and pull at him running down a desert alley.
"Good job, Naruto." The blonde lifted his head to see a smiling Yoruichi leading him out of the alley, down an open street, beside them was Ichinose guarding their backs.
They heard some screams and another explosion, not sooner had it happened the blurry forms of Itachi and Kisame appeared from above a building. Yoruichi pushed Naruto into another alley and kept on running.
"Down there, inside the building with a green banner you'll find the old man. Go!"
"But…but…Yoruichi-chan, what about you?" The woman smirked at Naruto ruffling his hair affectionately.
"Don't worry about me, Naruto. I'll be fine." with that the woman jumped up and disappeared above the buildings. Naruto would have stayed that way if Ichinose hadn't grabbed his wrist and pull him forward.
"No, wait…"
"Those guys look very dangerous, Naruto-sama. Let's keep moving." They turned out of the alley and ran towards the building Yoruichi had pointed to them just as they were about to enter Naruto crashed into a woman, with big breast and an irritated expression on her face.
"Watch it, brat!"
"Naruto? What are you doing?" Jiraiya came from behind the woman just at the exacted moment Kisame appeared from the building in front of the hotel.
"Your running comes to an end now, brat." Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he recognized the black cloaks with red clouds.
"Come out here! I promise you I'll take your legs off without too much pain!"
People scattered away as they sensed trouble ahead. Jiraiya moved outside the building with Tsunade and Naruto closed behind him. Kisame was frowning as he looked from one shinobi to the other, thinking over his possibilities, moreover if Itachi was busy with some hot, weird woman.
"Ah, the famous Jiraiya and Tsunade of the Sannin." Commented the Kiri-nin. "What are the chances of this happening?"
"The black cloak, red clouds and the scratch on the Hitai-ate." Said Jiraiya with a tilt of his head. "You must be a member of Akatsuki, Hoshigaki Kisame."
"Oh, it is such an honor a celebrity like you know about me." Was the sarcastic replied, Tsunade moved forward, reading herself as she let her eyes wander down the street.
"But, tell me, I heard you're never too far away from Uchiha Itachi."
"It seems someone it's been talking too much." Another voice joined the conversation and Naruto saw as both the woman and Jiraiya tensed up. "I see your contacts are as efficient as always, Jiraiya-sama."
"Uchiha Itachi," Jiraiya let his eyes focused on the new comer, Itachi had a long slash on his cheek, bleeding out as his red eyes moved from one Sannin to the other.
Naruto moved to the right, worried attached to his features as he saw Itachi merged but not a sign of Yoruichi. He looked frankly around, waiting for the woman to appear out of nowhere, but seeing as she didn't appear and the others quite distract Naruto decided to look for her.
"Where do you think you're going?" the blonde woman, Tsunade, stopped him, grabbing him from his shirt and pulling him hard behind her.
"Let me go! I need to see something."
"The only thing you're gonna see is the ground, stay there while we deal with them." Said Tsunade glaring at the nuke-nin.
"You're joining the fight as well, Tsunade-sama." Asked Itachi with a single eyebrow lift. "I thought your life as a ninja was over."
"Well, you thought wrong, brat." Naruto tried to take the opportunity, moving to the left for a way out but the woman, once again, grabbed him from his neck and tossed him to the ground.
"Don't move. Can't you see they're here for you?"
"No and I don't care I have to look for…Yoruichi!" a black cat jumped out of nowhere directly into Naruto's arms. The cat looked tired and wound, but nothing major seemed to be happening to her.
Tsunade was about to comment about the cat when a movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention. Kisame had stepped forward, sword at the ready as he prepare for battle. Jiraiya hadn't moved a single muscle apparently, but Tsunade could see the man was merely waiting for the right moment.
"You really think it would be wiser to face two Sannin?" Interrupted Itachi never taking his eyes from Naruto. His voice halted Kisame's advances making him turned to look at the older Uchiha.
"We can't let the Jinchuuriki go away, Itachi."
"We won't. There are going to be more opportunities, right now I don't think it would be wise to face two Sannin and a well-hidden Jounin." Itachi's words brought a puzzle look upon Kisame's and Jiraiya's face. Tsunade however, narrowed her eyes as the usually expressionless face of Itachi showed a hint of a smile.
"Yes, I don't think it would be wise to face either of them."
Kisame growled displeased but put the sword away and nodded his head. Itachi turned his eyes to Naruto, "we'll see each other again, Naruto-kun. And next time our hand won't falter or hesitate to destroy the village if we have to only to get to you."
It wouldn't be until later that Itachi's words would finally reached Naruto's mind. For now he was ignoring most of the happenings around him in favor of the wound cat in his arms. Once Itachi and Kisame had left and Jiraiya made sure to try and follow them, Naruto found himself inside a hotel room. With him was Shizune, a young woman, apprentice of Tsunade and the Slug Sannin herself.
The woman hadn't taken her eyes away from Naruto as the blonde seemed to be in a whispered conversation with the black cat. Ichinose, who was invisible to all excepted Naruto and Yoruichi, was eyeing the cat with suspicion, thinking on how to proceed.
"Can you cure her?" Naruto's voice was soft and tired. He lifted Yoruichi in his hands and the cat mewed pawing him tenderly.
'I don't think that would be wise…' Ichinose's words were cut off by the glare Naruto sent his way.
"Please, Yoruichi-chan is…you wouldn't understand, but she is pretty important to me. I think Itachi hurt her bad."
Tsunade watched the boy carefully; he wasn't speaking directly to her but seemed to be looking to the wall. It struck her as strange but she had heard some of the stories from Jiraiya about how the boy was raised. Now that she looked closely she could see the likeness to Minato. The boy was the spitting image of the Yondaime but for someone who knew both parents, she could say Naruto did have her mother's eyes and smile. The temper as well seeing how stubbornly he had tried to look for the cat in the middle of a dangerous situation.
Then again the boy didn't know how dangerous were both nuke-nins or why they were looking for him.
"I'm not a vet, but let's see what I can do for the cat." She said standing up and moving towards Naruto.
The Genin looked over at her with some hesitation before standing up and putting the cat over the table. "So, this was the reason you almost throw yourself to the Uchiha?"
Naruto glared at her, "yes, her name is Yoruichi. She was in danger; she got…delay when Itachi-nii attacked us."
"Itachi-nii? Are you sure you should be calling him that after he almost got you?" Tsunade was moving her hands on the soft fur sensing some kind of warm, buzzing coming from the cat.
The blonde medic-nin frowned but decided the wounds on the cat weren't bad or mortal, so she proceeded to take care of them one by one. Naruto for his part had sat on a chair, tilting his head.
"It's just a habit, I guess." He mumbled, his blue eyes following closely the movements of Tsunade's above Yoruichi's body. The cat was purring contently while enjoying the warm comfort of the healing jutsu.
"He used to take care of me when I was a kid and Yugao-chan couldn't be with me."
"What do you mean? What about your parents?" there was a strange gleam in Naruto's eyes but it happened so fast Tsunade didn't know what it was exactly.
"I'm an orphan." Naruto turned his eyes to the woman in front of him. "Ero-sennin said you are his teammate and that you're going to be our new Hokage, is that right?"
Tsunade allowed herself to watch the boy in front of her in the same manner she had looked into Minato's eyes so many years ago. When the man had been a 12 year old boy as well, orphan in a strange land with no memories of what had happened to him and how he got to Konoha. Lost without anyone to really care for them. But also protective of those few who had shown some kindness and affection to him.
The boy was a real combination of both of his parents.
"Yes, he is trying to convince me to return to that forsaken town."
"Is not that bad." Mumbled Naruto earning a soft giggled from Shizune and a raised eyebrow from Tsunade.
"Says the orphan boy who needs to be watched by two ANBU officers? Why was that?"
Naruto remained silent with his eyes fixated on Yoruichi; mouth a thin line as he thought over how to answer the question.
"I'm…Some people in the village didn't like me." Was all he said.
"And since they didn't like you they try to hurt you. A kid? Right, that village isn't as bad as I thought."
"What do you know anyway? You left the village so you don't know how it is right now." Said Naruto crossing his arms.
Tsunade tilted her head to the side, snorting as she kept on pressing the boy, "Jiraiya told me you want to be a Hokage. Why be a Hokage of a place that seems to want you hurt?"
"Again, you have no right to say anything, because you left and you don't know how things are now." Naruto shrugged as he ignored the look the woman was giving him. "Besides, I learnt you can judge a whole town for the way some of the people living in it behaved. I can't blame my friends for what their parents or other people did to me."
"So, they did something to you. Why?"
The young boy seemed conflicted by the question; he let his eyes wander from one woman to the other, hesitating. He didn't know how wise would it be to say this woman, Sannin or not, about the Kyuubi. What if she turns out to be one of those fools who hate him for something he couldn't control?
"So? Gonna answer the question? Why did you need trained shinobi beside you, watching over you?"
Taking a deep breath he caressed Yoruichi looking defiantly into Tsunade's eyes, "I'm the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi not Kitsune. People don't get warm and fuzzy over someone they think it's the demon reincarnate or at some moment can free him."
"So with no parents or anyone to care for you…" Shizune shimmed in as she tried to understand. Once again the young Genin shrugged and flashed the two women a strained grin.
"It was okay, I have Yoruichi-chan and Yugao-chan." Said cat moved closer to Naruto nuzzling his face as the blonde hugged her tight. "Really, it usually seems worse than it really was. Itachi was always there, bringing me some candies, toys, weapons."
Naruto frowned as he remembered what the older Uchiha had done, "but then something happened and this was the first time I saw him since he…left the village."
There was a glance of hurt in Naruto's eyes and as Tsunade watched more closely she could see the traces left behind by the years of living alone, with just less than a handful of people there for you. People who couldn't be constant due to their jobs, a pet that probably wouldn't be a good company in the worst and more solitary moments.
'Kushina you idiot…as soon as I see you again I'm gonna smash that face of yours.'
"So, say, baa-chan do you know why he was here with that shark-face guy?"
Shizune tried to hid her smile behind her hand while Tsunade's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, the blonde was about to address Naruto's words when the door opened and Jiraiya appeared, entering the room and setting himself at the same table Tsunade and Naruto were.
"Well, as I suspected, they left the village." There was something else in Jiraiya's eyes, something he was doubtful to share with so many people in the room so Tsunade decided not to push.
"Anyway, who's hungry? Because I'm starved. How about you Naruto?"
"Oh, yes! I want some ramen!"
Author's note: This was really hard to write and it end up being longer than I thought. So, next chapter is the continuation of this and the moment for Naruto to go to Soul Society is getting closer.
Again, I don't have a beta for this chapter so I apologize for any grammar or spelling mistake or any other funny mistake you may found in here. Tell me what you think, but please don't flame. I really want t know what you think, what you want and what you expect.
See ya next time!