Chapter 29

Worried and frighten Iruka moved through the village in desperate search Sasuke on his side they stopped everyone they came upon asking if they had seen Naruto or Kakashi none answered . Moving on with their search an over-whelming fear built up inside of him Iruka was becoming desperate. Near the end of his calmness panic beginning to take over. Finally catching sight of the silver hair Jounin heading toward them from out of the forest . Gasping Iruka sped up to meet them exclaimed at the sight of his son appearance.

"What happened to him?"

" Hospital first then we need to talk." Kakashi calmly spoke moving to continue leaving Sasuke and Iruka to follow. Reaching the medic square Iruka once again questioned the event's that lead to his son bloody haggard appearance as Kakashi release Naruto to be taken by the medic ninja. Motion the man to follow order Sasuke to wait their for them Kakashi spoke up.

" He thought I hit you." It wasn't an accusation more of an observation.

Releasing a soft sigh Iruka explained." It was a slight mistake of words. Sasuke must have heard us fighting an assumed the worst. I tried to explain, but Naruto he took off before I could stop him."

" I see." Kakashi nodded a bit sad his son would think the worst of him informing Iruka of the days events. "I caught a spy outside our house this morning. I followed him, but he picked up I was trailing and he went to attack me Naruto arrived getting in the way."

" He will be alright won't he?" Iruka questioned with concern

Nodding Kakashi answered . "He will be fine, but there is more too this then his injures ."

" What happened?"

In the brats angry he released the cursed seal the demon fox had placed over Orochimaru mark. The dark Chakra forced the melding of Naruto and the Kyuubi soul and power washed over him to quickly." Naruto went out of control he was barely human."

" My god he became the fox.' Iruka worst nightmare had come true, but Kakashi quickly chastened.

" Naruto did not become the fox not entirely the Kyuubi was trying to prevent that. Only it could have killed Naruto it would have killed him if he had not held back his power with the help of a gold fox who claims he is the Kyuubi servant. I was able to seal the curse seal completely it should not be a problem ,but in doing so it force a change in the brat's appearance. I am sure you will notice once you get a better look at him."

" And of the spy." Iruka questioned.

" Is dead Naruto in his state ripped his heart out. I feel no guilt over it he was sent to keep watch over Sasuke and Naruto feeding information back to Orochimaru."

" But Naruto he isn't like you if he remembers". Iruka spoke with worry.

"Is a ninja and will need to deal with it. Killing is a part of who we are he will need to understand that he will hurt, but he will grow stronger."

" I know ,but I will always worry about him he isn't like others he feels strongly about many things. "

"His emotions are a weakness." Kakashi stated Iruka ready to argue the man cutting him off continued. "But in away they are also his strongest skill. I wouldn't worry too much he will learn from this experience and I have faith he will only take the good parts and leave the bad ones in the past where they belong."

" I hope so I really do. " Iruka spoke softly asking. "When will you in-form the Hokage."

" I leave you to watch over the brat and Sasuke I must in-form him of Orochimaru we will need to be even more cautious. "

"What about Naruto what should we do once he awakens? I'm not sure he should be punished the guilt alone will be more than enough and he was only trying to protect me. Iruka softly spoke in the boys defense.

"He was foolish acting with out all the facts. One day it will get him killed. I thought about it on my way here and I think he should not continue with the Chuunin exam. He needs to understands his impulsive behavior could harm his-self or even his allies."

" Is this because you are concerned for his future or is it because your upset he thought so little of you. " Iruka challenged.

"My feelings in this matter have nothing to do with it. Naruto action today proved he does not have what it takes to be a leader. He needs to understand this".

Satisfied Iruka nodded replying. 'I agree. Forgive me for questioning you, but I needed to know it was for other reason than petty jealousy or anger."

I am not a child Umino." Kakashi growled in anger.

" No your not ,but I know it hurts to think Naruto might love someone more than you and the truth is he doesn't.

" I am not talking about this with you. What that brat feels doesn't matter to me." Kakashi seethed turning to leave

Iruka blocking his path spoke up It does matter whether you want to admit it you need to hear this. Naruto loves you as much as he loves me, he only looks at you like the stronger more capable person while I am weaker in comparison. Truthful it bothered me at first, but he is right your are stronger Kakashi. I am not above to admit that and I know my role and I am comfortable with it. It's time you looked beyond what you believe and try to understand it from his point of view. Naruto wants to protect anyone he cares for to him that is all that matters even if it means protecting him from another person he cares for. I know once he calmed down he would have seen that and he would have felt guilty will feel guilty." Iruka corrected adding.' Don't let your past cloud your judgment, if you do you will only be denying yourself of what really matters what should always matter you have a son even if he isn't by choice or blood. You care I know it Naruto knows it. The only one who doesn't seem to is you, for a genius sometimes you miss the simplest things in life the precious ones. Turning Iruka walked away leaving the Jounin much to think about

Kakashi sigh leaning against the wall his eyes closing he thought silently." Why has life become so complicated?" Deciding to puzzle out his thoughts later and those of the mild manner academy teacher.