Chapter 25: Revelation Of Fate
For the next few days, as Naruto recovered from his injuries, his other friends & teachers came over to the hospital to visit the blonde shinobi.
The news they brought him were surprising.
So many people apart from his own circle of friends had been asking about his current condition & giving him gifts & wishing him a speedy recovery, even people whom Naruto thought didn't give a damn about him. From old man Ichiraku (who had asked Chouji to deliver him some ramen), to the special jounin Mitarashi Anko (she had sent him a book about the various medicinal uses of snakes though he highly doubted that the snake HE wanted had any medicinal value at all) to even the head of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi himself (Naruto recieved a get well card from the impassive Hyuga leader with a short, civil message wishing him well. Hinata had assured him that her father was truly concerned about him because he NEVER did this for anyone else outside of his clan).
Of course, he also had personal visits from his trusted friends & teachers. Friends like Kiba, Shino, Tenten, Neji, Lee (Lee had made a comment about how 'youthful' his new look was) & even the Godaime Kazekage Sabaku No Gaara who had purposedly made the trip to Konoha to visit Naruto (Gaara had summed up his opinion on Naruto's new look with one word. 'Appropriate').
His teachers also came to visit. Asuma & Kurenai came together as well as Jiraiya, Kakashi & Gai (Gai had also sprouted the some comment about 'youthful good looks' which, for some reason, didn't really sit well with Naruto).
But of course, the most gratifying visit had come from his foster father Iruka, who didn't give him a second look before embracing him with tears of joy in his eyes.
Naruto felt truly fortunate that he had the support of so many people even if they knew that he was the container of one of the most powerful demon in existence.
But still he felt distinctly apprehensive about his current appearance.
Sure he knew it was temporary & Tsunade had even managed to postpone the trial date for another week to give him time to recover & hopefully, for him to get his old appearance back.
But that didn't change the fact that he was still walking around with an invisible albeit gigantic bullseye on his back.
It seems like forces previously unknown were still after his head & were willing to pull out all the stops to get it. And what scared Naruto was his friends & loved ones might just get caught in the crossfire & he would be responsible if they were to get hurt.
"IT'S TOO LATE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT NOW KIT." Kyubi's voice spoke in his mind.
"How long have you been awake, furball?" Naruto asks his tenant.
"EVER SINCE THAT OVERSIZED MUTT STARTED SLOBBERING ALL OVER YOU." Kyubi answered with a growl of disgust, obviously referring to Akamaru who had licked Naruto's face when he & Kiba visited. "TELL HIM HE NEEDS TO BATHE MORE OFTEN."
Naruto snickered at this & states. "This coming from someone who NEVER bathes."
"I'M A DEMON SO I DON'T NEED TO BATHE. DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT KIT." Kyubi gruffed. "AS I WAS SAYING, I DON'T THINK IT WOULD'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU ASKED 'EM TO STAY AWAY FROM YOU. THEY WOULDN'T HAVE LISTENED TO YOU. THEY'RE A PART OF YOUR PACK NOW. AND THAT'S WHAT PACK MEMBERS DO. THEY LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. SO THE BEST YOU THING YOU CAN DO IS LOOK OUT FOR THEM."
"I know you're right. I'm just afraid that I may not be strong enough to do so." Naruto said.
"THEN GROW STRONGER." Kyubi stated, as if it was the simplest solution in the world. "IT'S NOT YOUR DECISION TO MAKE IF THEY WANT TO GET INVOLVED OR NOT. IT'S THEIRS. BUT THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS GROW STRONGER SO THAT YOU'LL HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROTECT THOSE IMPORTANT TO YOU. YOU OWE THEM THAT MUCH."
Naruto was silent for a while but finally, he chuckles. "Never thought I'd need you to tell me that." He said to his tenant.
"SOMEONE HAS TO KEEP YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT." Kyubi answered. "BESIDES, WHATEVER AFFECTS YOU AFFECTS ME AS WELL, REMEMBER?"
"Speaking of which, how long am I still gonna look like this?" Naruto asks as he looks at his clawed hands.
"FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK KIT..." Kyubi's statement was interrupted by a knock on the door. Naruto instinctively covered himself with the blanket lest some prying eyes see him in his hanyou form.
"Naruto Kun, are you awake?" Hinata's soft voice came from behind the door.
Naruto breaths a sigh of relief as he recognized the voice of his girlfriend. Nonetheless, he keeps himself covered with the blanket till Hinata closes the door behind her. The Hyuga heiress carried a boquet of fresh flowers to replace the ones that were withering on a vase at Naruto's bedside.
"Did you sleep well? Are you feeling any better?" She asked as she carefully laced the fresh flowers into the vase.
"I guessed I slept ok." Naruto said as he removed the blanket from him. "And I keep on telling Tsunade Baa Chan that I feel find already. I'll go stir crazy if I stay here any longer."
"It's for your own good Naruto." Hinata said, not turning around from her work of fixing the flowers. "As it is, you're already a target inside the village. Think of how the people will react if they see you in that form."
Naruto grumbled at this. Hinata's right. There's no telling what kind of problems his new form may cause if he stepped out. Not that it's been a cakewalk for him so far.
"So what's the word outside?" Naruto asks.
"People have been talking about the trial of Sasuke for a while now." Hinata answered, finishing up her flower arranging. "It also looks like that the council decided that the trial be made a public one. I suspect that Danzou may have something to do with that."
"I wouldn't put it past the bastard to pull that stunt." Naruto said with a scowl. "And Tsunade Baasan allowed HIM to become a part of the council?!?"
"It can't be helped. Danzou is the head of his own clan & as such is entitled to a seat in the council." Hinata stated & turns around to face Naruto. Her eyes widens in surprise at what she saw & she stood speechless.
Noticing the look of surprise on Hinata's face, Naruto could only stare at her in confusion & worry. "What's wrong Hinata?"
Instead of answering, Hinata hands Naruto a mirror which he reluctantly takes & look at his reflection. "Oookkkaaayyy..." This was all that Naruto managed to say after studying himself in the mirror.
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The day of the trial finally came.
The stadium was chosen for the venue as it was the only structure big enough to accomodate the spectators of Uchiha Sasuke's public trial.
A makeshift stage was constructed in the middle of the field where the council, who were also gonna act as judges, were to sit.
Inside the waiting room, the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio had been watching the expenctant crowd since morning & things didn't look very encouraging. They had recieved a message with the Godaime's personal seal to meet here before the trial begins.
"Hmmpp... What a troublesome circus this turned out to be. I can't believe that bastard Danzou managed to convince the council to do this." Nara Shikaku grumbled unhappily, looking out at the people in the stadium.
"There's really nothing much we can do about it." Yamanaka Inoichi said from his position, leaning against the wall with his arms folded in front of him. "Danzou's still got a bit of influence with the council & he must've called in quite a few favors to pull this off. But then again, this stunt might work against him."
Seated on a bench & eating an onigiri, Akimichi Chouza added his own opinion regarding the matter. "Inoichi's right. Everything will backfire in his ugly mug if all doesn't go according to his plan. My only concern is what he might do once that happens. I doubt he'll take that quietly."
The trio turns towards the door, hearing it creak open. Walking into the room were another set of former teammates in Aburame Shibi, Inuzaka Tsume & her canine partner, Kuromaru.
"So you guys also recieved a message from the Hokage huh?" Tsume stated. "It must be pretty big for her to call all of us here together."
"Common sense tells me that it's about the Uchiha kid's trial today." Kuromaru said. "But then again, something smells fishy here if you ask me."
"You are no doubt correct Kuromaru." Shibi said. "I also suspect that something else is involved here." Shibi then looks at the Ino-Shika-Cho trio. "I wonder if the incident involving Uzamaki Naruto & our children sometime ago is somehow connected to us being here?"
"That's not a farfetched theory." Shikaku stated. "We all know what happened to our kids about a 2 weeks ago & our respective clans have taken all necessary precautions to protect ourselves." Shikaku then takes a seat before continuing. "But we also know that the enemy seems determined to silence any & all potential opposition to whatever plans he may have."
"Whatever the case may be, we have to concentrate on our duty today of hearing the case of Uchiha Sasuke. I will not allow our current situation prevent me from rendering a fair judgement." Shibi stated.
"What?!?" Inoichi pushes off from the wall & confronts Shibi. "You're still rambling about giving a fair trial even if you know all of this is one big setup?"
Tsume steps between the 2 men & glares at Inoichi. "No. Shibi is right. I hold no great fondness for the Uchiha especially after he turned traitor on his own village but we WILL give him his time in court no matter the circumstances. If anything else, this public trial will prove to people that we are fair to all & are not easily swayed by public opinion."
"That is to be expected." A new voice cuts in. Turning around, the occupants of the room see Hyuga Hiashi step in. "We ARE the council after all, never mind we have a few rotten elements among our ranks."
"So even Hiashi San is here." Chouza observed with a sigh. "This day just keeps getting better & better."
Hiashi looks at Chouza & said. "I don't know why you think this day is good. This is a serious matter we are facing. Sure we'll have to pass judgement on Uchiha Sasuke, but we'll also have to be on our guard while doing so given the 'incidents' of the past few weeks."
"Ever heard of sarcasm?" Chouza mutters quietly so nobody hears.
"So the fact that you are all here means you have also been summoned by the Hokage?" Hiashi recieves nods all around. "Then I suppose you are all aware of the threat we are currently facing?"
"Who isn't?" Inoichi answered. "And the most frustrating part is we can't do a damned thing about is because the threat is not from one of the village's enemies outside but somebody from our own ranks."
"That's where I come in." The Hokage's voice boomed from behind Hiashi. Turning around, the Hyuga patriach noticed that Tsunade wasn't alone. With her was her assistant Shizune as well as...
"Son! What are you doing here?" Shikaku exclaimed.
Shikamaru raises a hand in greeting. "Hiya dad. Glad to see you made it in time for once. And if you have to know, this whole get together was my idea."
"So what do you need to see us about Hokage Sama?" Hiashi asks with a touch of impatience. "As you may very well know, we still have a trial to attend."
"I am very much aware of that Hiashi San." Tsunade answered evenly. "But what I have to tell you now directly concerns the trial & one of the members of the council, Danzou."
Tsunade looks at Shikamaru who picks up where the Hokage left off & reads a report from a clipboard. "As you all know, while our group were taking Naruto to the hospital 2 weeks ago, we were attacked by insurgent elements who wanted Naruto eliminated. They also claim that it was in the village's best interest that the demon vessel be killed now before he endangers us all."
"What rubbish." Tsunade said with a scoff. The Hokage had been on edge ever since the attack on them & for good reason. It was the fact that someone had attacked her surrogate 'little brother' & she was helpless to do anything about it without sufficient proof.
Shikamaru glances at the people present to gauge their reaction. His father looked a little distracted but of course, Shikamaru knew it was just a facade. Shikaku was, after all, the man who taught Shikamaru everything he knew on tactics & he knew his father listening to every word he said.
His best friend's father Akimichi Chouza had stopped eating to listen as well. Proof of how serious the situation was.
Yamanaka Inoichi was looking at him expectantly. He had not taken the attack on his daughter well & was, no doubt, anxious to solve the problem permanently.
Inuzaka Tsume was thoughtfully stroking the head of her canine partner & was quietly conferring with Aburame Shibi.
Shibi himself remained stoic & unconcerned. But Shikamaru knew that the bug wielder's intelligent mind was considering all the possibilities & implications.
But Hyuga Hiashi's expression was the scariest thing Shikamaru saw in the room. The Hyuga head had a look which could only be described as one of dangerous anticipation. Perhaps he was waiting for Shikamaru to give him undeniable proof of their suspect's guilt so that he may act.
But unfortunately for Hiashi, Shikamaru's plan does not involve him having his way with the supposed mastermind.
At least not just yet.
"But after interrogating the supposed 'mastermind' of the disturbance, Ibiki San & Anko San found out that Danzou really is the person who ordered the hit & Naruto & is also planning an attack on each of the major families of Konoha in order to strengthen his own hold on the council as well as retaliation for our actions in defending our friend, Naruto."
"Those are still mere accusations. We cannot just take the word of a single lowly shinobi against a member of the high council." Shibi pointed out.
"I agree." Hiashi seconded. "No matter what our feelings are regarding the matter, we cannot act without concrete proof. To do so will be risking a civil war that we started."
"But if we don't act now, we'll be facing a civil war because of his actions anyways." Inoichi argued heatedly.
"A pre-emptive strike may be the best solution..." Shikaku said thoughtfully. "...But the repurcussions of that action will be particularly troublesome to Konoha."
"So what do we do?" Tsume demanded. "We can't just sit by idly & let him do as he pleases."
"I agree with Tsume. We have to do something." Chouza said then adds. "But on another note, what has that problem have to do with our current duty to put Uchiha Sasuke on trial?"
Shikamaru gives all of the occupants a self satisfied smirk & answers. "It has everything to do with it Chouza San. It will be the perfect opportunity for us to trap Danzou with his own game. His eagerness to grab power by eliminating all opposition will prove to be his undoing. But in order for my plan to work, I will need all your cooperation."
The clan heads were silent for a moment before each answered him.
"Well you've obviously got my support for whatever harebrained scheme you've got son." Shikaku said.
"If your son is anywhere as smart as you are Shikaku, then I'm in too." Inoichi stated.
"And if Shikaku & Inoichi are agreeing to this, then so will I." Chouza answered.
"If it helps expose the truth for all to see, you have my cooperation." Shibi stated simply.
"My gut instinct tells me you may be on to something here, kid. I'll be happy to help out too." Tsume said with a feral smile as Kuromaru nods his shaggy head.
Everyone turns to Hiashi who still hasn't given his answer. Opening his eyes, he stares at Shikamaru for a moment before nodding slowly. "If that is the general consensus of the council, then I will cooperate."
"Good." Tsunade said, rubbing her hands together in glee. "I think now's the time to do a little scheming of our own. Shikamaru, explain your plan."
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The whole stadium was quiet as the entire council filed out & took their places on the makeshift stage in the middle of the field.
Danzou sat on his own seat & looked around. So far, everything had been going according to plan. He would use the audiences's hostility against the Uchiha boy & make it appear that he was a loyal & patriotic shinobi of Konoha. He would also force the kyubi container to confess that he had almost been killed by the Uchiha to alienate him from the rest of his comrades.
He knew that Uzumaki Naruto was the glue which held their young & promising group together. Once he is out of the picture, it would be relatively easy to get rid of the rest.
He then watched as the Tsunade made her way out & into the stage. The title of Sandaime Hokage would've been his if not for the weak willed fools who voted for Sarutobi. But with his current plan in motion, he could still achieve that elusive dream of his.
"People of Konoha..." Tsunade's voice boomed out. "We are gathered here today to witness the trial of Uchiha Sasuke." Boos can be heard in the arena as a large number of people voiced their disapproval. "He is charged with willingly deserting our village & nearly killing a shinobi of this village. But in the interest of fairness, we will give him a proper trial to determine his guilt. Bring out the prisoner now."
A couple of ANBU brings out a shackled Uchiha Sasuke & places him in front of the council. Sasuke had his eyes downcast & refused to meet anyone's gaze.
"Uchiha Sasuke, you are hereby charged with high treason for defecting to the Sound village & attempted murder for trying to kill a Konoha shinobi." Tsunade stated. "Have you got anything to say in your defense?" Sasuke remained silent which frustrated Tsunade to no end.
"I believe his silence signifies his guilt." Danzou's voice spoke. "We called this trial in order to give the accused an opportunity to defend himself or give someone else an opportunity to say something in his defense." Danzou said as he gestured towards the crowd. "But as we can clearly see, nobody will speak for a traitor such as him. Why delay the inevitable?"
"Hold it you mummified bastard!! I've got something to say on Sasuke Teme's behalf!!!" Another voice calls out.
Danzou looks around angrily to see who had dared call him such a name. A cloaked, hooded figure jumps from the audience & lands in front of the council.
"Identify yourself!" Danzou stated.
"I'll do more then that ugly." The figure said as he lowered his hood to reveal a heedful of shaggy shoulder length blonde hair.
"A…Arashi?" Tsunade whispered, not believing her eyes.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto!! I am the human vessel of Kyubi No Kitsune & your next Roukudaime Hokage!!" Naruto announced proudly.
Author's Notes: Not exactly sure how I did with this chapter but I hope you like it anyways. Please R&R