Speech
Thought/Mindescape
Demon/Jutsu
Demonic Thought
Emphasis
*Sound*
I DON'T OWN NARUTO OR IT'S CHARACTERS
Thank you everyone for all the support and reviews. I love reading everything you guys right, it definitely fuels me more to continue putting out even more chapters. I honestly don't know how many chapters this story will have. But I have an idea and I am slowly getting there. Now let's get on with Chapter 23!
"No one touch him! He's mine!" Naruto yelled as he dashed quickly towards Pain with crimson lightening encasing his body, and a blend of silver and red chakra slowly emitting around him.
Pain was still recovering from the effects of the shockwave that had left him with a minor concussion, not to mention Minato's kick which had bruised his ribs, if not broken a few. The blur of scarlet electricity found its way directly in front of Pain. Immediately, a fist was shoved into his ribs which were now very much broken if they weren't before.
The Deva Path spit out blood as his eyes widened from the sudden impact, but the reaction of agony was cut short when Naruto brought up his knee to the hunched over Path. The Ame-nin's head swung back as he struggled to find footing with a bloody bruise on his forehead slowly leaking blood. Naruto's taijutsu barrage continued as he appeared behind him and directed another kick to his hip. A mild crack was heard to the blonde's ears which felt like music to him.
"What- What are you..." Pain struggled out.
Naruto continued the back and forth assault with every punch, knee, and kick sending the Deva Path stumbling back only for another set of punches, knees, and kicks to be hurling his body forward, "I am your worst nightmare," Naruto responded as he swiped Pain's legs.
"Tell him who we are, Naruto!" Kurama roared with determination.
'Hell yeah!' the younger Namikaze yelled back with the same fire in his eyes.
Before the Pain could fall to the ground, Naruto kicked him into the air where he appeared on top of him. He raised his hand where he circulated crimson chakra into his palm and rotated fiercely, "I am the Prince of Uzushio! I am Naruto Namikaze the Bloody Maelstrom! The Golden Fox! The Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune! Bloody Rasengan!" with those last words, Naruto shoved the jutsu into Pain's chest.
Pain screamed with torment Naruto roared louder, forcing the Rasengan's concentration of chakra pushing him down into the ground. The man landed in a crater, with a swirling scorch in his torso, "Konoha may not have treated me the greatest, but this place still has people I care about and innocent lives. And I will never let you hurt them."
Although alive, Pain knew he had no possible win in this fight. For that purpose he prepared in advance a large scale suicide jutsu that would also take out Naruto, just in case the situation ever come to it, 'I'm ending this now...'
As Naruto turned his back and began to walk away victorious, Pain's hands came up slightly from his side as he slowly began to weave a few seals. The last thing he heard was a metallic *SHINK* before Naruto had drawn the claymore and cut off both of his hands at the forearm cleanly at speeds that appeared of a blur. The motion was over as quick as it started.
A single precise slice was all it took; in under a second, he had cut off his hands at the forearms with a stone cold expression on his face. Crimson liquid squirted out of his open veins and around both of them as Naruto knocked him out with the butt of his claymore and cauterized the wound. The blonde's hand roared to life with a brilliant flame as he dragged it over his dismembered hands. Once cauterized, Naruto motioned for several jounin and medical-nin to stabilize and transport what remained of him back to Konoha.
As the blonde walked back, re-sheathing the claymore, many shinobi began to cheer for him. Praising his actions and what would have been his sacrifice. Naruto saw Hinata with his father, sister, and mother and ran to her. As he was in front of her, he slightly stumbled and fell. She caught him and held him in her arms with tears in her eyes.
"Sorry Hinata-chan...Guess I'm still gonna have readjust to this new body..." he managed out in an exhausted tone.
She laughed and tightened her grip around him, "You idiot. You could have died..."
He looked up at her, being supported physically by Minato who had put Naruto's arm over his shoulder, "That's what I do..."
"It's a new age, sochi," Kushina stated as the family looked around.
Gone was the time when Naruto was considered a demon. The village's shinobi saw him as a hero once more, how he was intended. Even though slightly afraid of the demonic energy he withheld, they had faith in the blonde for controlling not only it, but always protecting them. The jounin of Konoha were in shock, they had never seen a side of Naruto so vicious yet protective. Defeating Sasuke and taking on Oto-nin was one thing but taking down the most powerful Akatsuki member yet so quickly that they could barely keep track, was on another level. Some shinobi felt shame for how they had treated the Namikaze in his younger years. Whether it was fear or regret, they knew he could've easily destroyed the village long ago but still had some love for it. For that purpose, they had decided to possibly treat the former pariah better than in the past. They cheered on the blonde for his selfless defense to the village with a roaring passion at the victory of the ex-Konoha shinobi.
Naruto smiled at them with slight embarrassment as Minato carried him to the hospital to stabilize any injuries he might have and for a standard post-mission check up.
[Konoha Central Hospital - Konoha]
Naruto laid in the medical bed with only his pants on. His singed shirt, tattered cloak, and weaponry laid on a chair nearby as he drank a juice box. Once finishing it, he tossed it into a trashcan which was full of twenty just like the one he had just consumed. He was fine for the most part, but Tsunade insisted he stay and be checked up for the re-bonding with the Kyuubi and the effects it had on his body.
His chest still had the fresh wound which did heal for the most part, but not perfectly just yet as the burst of demon chakra could only do so much after so long of being away from it.
"You look like a child," Kushina commented as she sweat-dropped at her son drinking another juice box.
Minato chuckled as Tsunade came in with Hinata. The Hyuuga Heiress' hands glowed green as she healed the remnants of Naruto's wounds on his chest and arms, "Let the kid be. He's gotta increase his calorie intake now," Minato responded.
The younger blonde just shot his mother his foxy smile, "How am I looking so far, granny?"
Tsunade's vein twitched as she forced back the thoughts of pummeling the young shinobi where he sat much like she would with Jiraya whenever he called her flat when they were younger. A quick deep breathe and her mood stabilized to respond properly without any further violence. She quickly double checked the medical charts and notes in her hand before, "Well the Kyuubi's chakra healed most of your injuries but only to a certain degree. We can confirm that your heart rate, internal temperature, metabolism, and chakra path ways have been altered."
"What do you mean to a certain degree? I still feel the pain but shouldn't I be fully healed?" Naruto questioned as Hinata's face was deep red as her hands were around Naruto's torso. Usually she'd be okay but doing this in public had caused her less confident personality to slightly emerge.
"Well yes, but since your body just recently accepted the chakra again," Tsunade answered, "Your healing abilities are still limited among other abilities. Your bones and wounds have reassembled and sealed, but there is still internal tissue damage. For right now, think of it as more of a quick heal rather than your usual regeneration. With time, your full healing will return."
"My fire manipulation felt weaker as well. And my senses too," the blonde added as he lifted himself up, nursing his am which Hinata just healed, "Just didn't know the adjustment could happen so quickly."
Said Hyuuga added, "Same probably goes with the rest of your abilities. You and the Kyuubi have bonded again, but your body will need time before returning to full potential completely. Aside from that, you are complete again, " she smiled.
That sentence did create slight subconscious tension for everyone within the hospital room. The somewhat unstable chakra had returned to Naruto in a very quick manner.
"Can we address the elephant in the room?" Minato asked bluntly.
Naruto nodded, "I know there is uncertainty with my chakra. How unstable it can be...how I may lose control. That's why I've been training harder with senjutsu and focusing my emotions. Since the Kyuubi's chakra is a demonic senjutsu basically, the better I get at my sage abilities, the better I'll be able to control the chakra. Once my chakra coils reform completely and my Chaotic Chakra returns, I'll be much better equipped to handle it. The last thing I want is to lose control again. To hurt those I love..."
Naruto put his hand on Hinata's cheek who pressed her against his firm yet gentle grip on her jawline and cheek. Her head adjusted slightly to the side as she closed her eyes. Minato and Kushina awwed at the display as Tsunade shook her head with a smile. This however was interrupted by a rather unexpected visitor.
"AHEM!" Hiashi walked into room with an air of confidence and the presence of royalty. His eyes set firmly on the two teens. Minato felt almost uncertainty of his body language, slowly standing up, "I heard that you and my daughter have gotten engaged."
Naruto stood up, slightly uneasy and unbalanced due to his healing still not complete. His posture was firm as he smiled at the man with a steely look in his eyes, "Yes. I have proposed to her, Hiashi-sama."
"Hmm. Did you not think to consult me, her only parent, before doing so," the Hyuuga Clan head replied in a monotone voice.
Naruto's expression stayed the same, "Yes, but with all due respect, my proposal was for her. She is her own person and is capable of making her own choices. But I did plan on meeting with you earlier today...and we all know how that turned out."
"And what do you think of my daughter, Naruto-san?"
"Hinata is easily the most compassionate and skilled kunoichi that I have had the pleasure of serving beside. She's always watched out for me and cared for me when I needed it the most. There is no one in this world worthy of taking her place, now or ever. No one I would rather spend life with. Her safety and existence is my priority and I will never let anyone jeopardize that. Hinata is, and always will be, everything to me," Naruto replied with a fierce compassion in his eyes.
'Hinata is, and always will be, everything to me,' the words resonated with the young girl so dearly. Her eyes wanted to tear up as she embraced her fiancé and just hold him. She knew he was challenging her father's authority currently, but going to his side right now would ruin his chances. This was a different kind of battle that Naruto was engaged in.
"And what do you think, Minato-san? Kushina-san?"
"There is nothing my son hasn't done to prove himself worthy of Hinata-chan's hand. He's protected her on many missions and she's done the same for him. The two have bled together and fought alongside against countless shinobi. She's been there for him before we even were, and supported him unconditionally," Kushina answered with a smile. Hinata looked at her with a sweet smile and slight tears in her eyes, feeling grateful.
"I think my wife speaks for me on this matter. And I would also like to add, Hiashi-sama, it was not too long ago when you and I convinced Hikako's father for you to get her hand in marriage. I'm sure you remember how that played out..." Minato responded with a smile.
Hiashi slightly tensed up before a small smiled exited his lips as he looked at his old friend, remembering his late-wife and the lengths he went to in order to marry the woman he loved, "Her father challenged me to a bout. He beat me, but still found me worthy for her hand..." He turned back to Naruto.
"If I have to fight you and win in order to marry Hinata-chan, I will," his fists closed tightly as his eyes were dead-set on the man in front of him. Behind those cerulean irises and black slits, was a flaming passion for self-worth and compassion that challenged the presence of the Clan Head's own pale orbs, "There's nothing I won't do to her, and I can prove it to you through my actions rather than words if you wish."
Hiashi smiled again raising his hand, "Why would I want to hurt my future son-in-law when he's already so hurt from defending the village? Not to mention when he's proven himself enough..."
Everyone except Minato's mouths were agape as the realization hit them, "You mean..." Hinata began.
"You have my blessing, my daughter," Hiashi responded.
Hinata tackled him with a hug as she let out tears of joy and a light laugh as her breathing was slightly uneven. After so long of fighting and training for her father's acceptance, he had recently recognized her abilities and worthiness to lead the clan. And now, he had allowed the man she loved so dearly to marry her without any issues rising from it, "Thank you, tou-sama."
"Your mother would be so proud of the amazing young woman you've become, Hinata," he returned the hug as he wiped a single tear from his eye, "You've truly become the strongest Hyuuga and more than suitable to be the next Hyuuga Clan Leader. And you..." Hiashi turned to Naruto who gulped loudly.
"You have proved yourself to be a strong shinobi and capable of defending the village. But don't think my mind isn't subject to change. Stay consistent otherwise you'll end up six feet under. Is that understood, son-in-law," he spoke those last words very slowly with a smile as a threatening aura presented himself above him.
Naruto had a sweat slightly drop from his forehead before he nodded in understatement. Hiashi grunted as he left with the same stoic expression he entered the room with. Hinata soon followed the same suit as she kissed Naruto goodbye and left stating she had to check up on Hanabi who had twisted her ankle during the evacuation. The three members of the family conversed before an ANBU whispered to Tsunade.
The Senju's eyes widened as her face's expression turned to one of rage, "He what?! FIND HIM!" she ordered as the shinobi confirmed and left.
"What happened, Tsunade-chan?" Kushina inquired.
The Hokage grumbled as her hands massaged her forehead, "The Ame invasion was a distraction."
"For what?"
"For the fake Madara to escape...his cell is empty."
The remaining individuals expression were of shock and disbelief as Naruto's rivaled Tsunade's anger, 'All that effort. All that pain of losing control to harness the power to capture him...and he's gone,' the blonde's memories fueled his rage as he remembered his face off with the Uchiha. How Naruto fought him and lost control to a degree with hatred coursing through his veins like adrenaline. Kushina and Minato sympathized with their son, knowing how he must be feeling and especially with how the man claimed Jinchuuriki like their son were just tools and weapons for war, nothing more.
"Did we find out any information? Anything at all?" Minato chewed his lip.
Recently they had struggled to gain intelligence from the Uchiha that claimed to be Madara. Even though his chakra was being drained and sealed firmly, his body contained a seal which prevented any tampering with his current state as it forced him into a coma of sorts. It was an old seal used by the Uchiha clan so that if any member was killed, their Sharingan could not be extracted. Any forceful invasion of the physical being, and the seal would destroy the entire body.
'That bastard knew we would focus on trying to negate the seal. We couldn't risk losing him,' Minato gathered in anger.
"He had to tear off his thumb in order to leave his restraints. We have a sample of his tissue and blood so we are cross-referencing that with any DNA we have in record of previous shinobi. He has too much knowledge of Konoha from the Kyuubi Attack not to have some tie to us. The first sample I checked was one of Madara from some hair we had left on his old armour. No match, so we know for sure he's not Uchiha Madara," Tsunade replied.
Kushina shook her head, "He never was. Yet he possesses the Sharingan. He must've had help?"
"That remains to be seen. It's unlikely however since I had my top ANBU guarding his cell, 24/7. Regardless, we must remain at high alert."
"Don't worry, granny," Naruto comforted as shot out of bed. His parents protested this as he was slightly in pain at putting his cloak on but he stopped them, "I'm back stronger than ever. We have a new prisoner. And I have an idea..."
"I'm all ears, brat."
[Konoha ANBU Facility - One Hour Later - Konoha]
Naruto was donned in new clothes that he had obtained from a storage scroll, all his mother had custom-made for him before the Takeshi incident. It was what Masami previously nicknamed this 'Kyuubi Incarnate' outfit, which amused Kurama. It comprised of a fishnet shirt, a long red cloak with black flames slicked across the bottom and the kanji for 'Fox' with the Uzushio symbol above it, fingerless gloves with metal places below the knuckles, black shinobi pants, a standard kunai holster where he had only Hiraishin kunai, a shuriken pouch on the back-right of his hip, and shinobi sandals. He recently ditched the standard jounin vest where he kept storage seals and instead wrapped them around his arm which was was covered with bandages which had a second purpose of any injury to him or a team member. Not to mention, the gravity or resistance seals which could be activated and de-activated replacing his weights, streamlining his training. On his back were two twin katana both parallel and diagonal as they pointed to Naruto's right shoulder and his crimson claymore which was diagonal to the left.
The blonde walked through the concrete hallway seeing an ANBU with a dog mask awaiting the end of the hallway, "Naruto?"
The Namikaze teen grinned recognizing the chakra signature and voice, "Kakashi-sensei! You rejoined the ANBU?"
"Standard missions got kinda boring. So much traveling. Better to settle down in the village and occasionally leave for assassinations," the silver haired shinobi responded.
"Lazy as ever huh?"
"Nope," the Kakashi shrugged, "Just energy efficient. Anyways, you're here to see the prisoner?"
Naruto nodded showing Kakashi the request form which was signed by the Hokage and several Clan Heads as Kakashi poured chakra into a seal behind him and twisted his palm, unlocking the metal door. Behind the door, a multitude of locks groaned as they twisted and turned to allow the thick metal door to open. It must have been a metre thick easily as Naruto pushed it with a slight groan. In the room inside, it was normal with reinforced glass looking beyond an entirely lit white-padded room.
An orange-haired shinobi sat there still, almost meditating. His forearms were bandaged and slightly bloody as his breathing was controlled, purple symbols circulating diagonally across his chest and snaking around his neck and legs as well, "So you are back. Come to look down on a fallen man?" his voice was almost hurt yet still monotone.
"I don't come bringing pity, Tendo. I want to talk to you as a person, not as your captor."
"Yet you are safe behind the glass while I am still constrained."
Naruto's eyes narrows as he reactivated the very first demon chakra-based seal he had ever created: the Crimson Speed Seal. His body sparked with red electricity as he vibrated through the glass and into the room with the Pain who sat ever still.
"I sense the Kyuubi's chakra present in you now. Ever since you touched that blade...did you have it sealed?"
Naruto dodged the question and sat down, pulling out a seal from his inner-cloak pocket and poured chakra into it. From it, two glasses, a large loaf of ciabatta bread, and a teapot was produce. Naruto separated the bread with his hand and poured the tea into a cup for him and the Pain Path, "Like I said, I'm here to talk."
The Namikaze handed a piece of the bread to Tendo, "I know you're not the real person behind this."
Tendo didn't move at all or respond, "It's not poisoned. Why would I kill you now, I could have before," again no response.
Naruto sipped the tea, "When I traced the chakra rod, I sensed your six bodies. Not only that, but the originator of the chakra. Four klicks north of our fight, a large hollow tree. A similar chakra signature and a second, more gentle one."
Tendo's eyes filled with anger and discontent as he stared at the blonde who simply sipped, "Why do you tell me this? Why not show up here?"
"Oh I am," Naruto munched on the crispy bread with a slight exhale at the texture and taste, "Damn that tastes so much better now that my senses increased. But to answer your question, I'm just a clone. The real Naruto is headed there right now."
"Once again, why do you tell me this?"
"Because, I only want to talk. When he or I, whatever. When I'm there, all I want is to talk with you. About why you are doing this. Why take such a path of suffering. Why go against everything Jiraya-sensei taught us?"
"In order to bri-"
Naruto threw some bread at Tendo who sat confused at the fact that the teenager in front of him just got him to shut up by throwing food at his forehead, "Enough with that shit. The scrolls were limited in information, but I do know that the power of the Deva Path is the strongest of all the Pains. You go to great lengths to keep this one appearing to be in charge. You matter more about this body than the others. Hell, it's the only body with the natural orange hair. Who is it?"
The Pain looked down showing signs of sadness as Naruto listened to his heartbeat increase, "My friend...he died trying to protect me."
Naruto's eyes reflected the person's pain in front of him as he stared at the lack of the man's hands, which he caused. If there's one thing he knew, suffering and love made people do crazy things. He was the living embodiment of those two emotions, both fueled him in someway or another to turn him into what he was today, "What would he say to your actions? The killing of innocent lives?"
"WHAT WOULD HE SAY?!" Tendo shouted with his face down, "IF HE KNEW WHAT I WAS TO ACCOMPLISH, THE PEACE I WANTED TO BRING, HE WOULD BE PROUD. HE STARTED AKATSUKI. IT WAS HIS DREAM. YAHI-" Pain stopped there realizing he had said to much.
"Yahiko..." Naruto simply stated, getting a look of shock as his head flicked up, "Jiraya-sensei told me about three other kids he had trained before my me and my old man. Yahiko. Konan. Nagato..."
Pain looked away not saying a word as he knew his emotions had caused this information leak. The kid in front of him had gotten him to say exactly what he wanted. Naruto capitalized on his emotional attachment and vulnerability from the moment he had walked in. There was no going back from this, "So you know who I am..."
Naruto finished the tea, "Ero-Sennin mentioned a kid named Nagato. He didn't say what exactly but he had an ability that he had never seen before and could shake the world to its core. Now do I know, it was the Rinnegan..."
Pain had to response except one, "I'll let Konan know not to harm you when you come. We'll talk and then you'll see why I do what I do. Just don't hurt Yahiko anymore."
The Naruto Clone nodded as he sealed the items back prepared to leave the cell to update Kakashi about the condition before releasing himself before Pain stopped him, "Bring the tea and bread too..." Naruto chuckled as he nodded and followed through.
[Senju Forest - Same Time - North of Konoha]
Naruto smiled as the memories of the clone had come to him, the details which he had gathered. Although his legs and body still ached, he continued forward jumping from tree to tree, 'Damn healing. Can't even use the speed seal for too long without it destroyed my feet. Hurry up the healing, Kurama!'
"It's not an easy process, brat. You're still adjusting to my chakra hmph," the fox responded as he sat lazily in the mindscape ready to sleep.
'I'd slap you if I didn't miss you so much. Fucking furball,' Naruto teased as he remembered the good memories of having the bijuu's voice in his head. The guidance, the jokes, the support. Even after all of the hatred and negative influence, the good outweighed the bad to him.
"Whatever you say, fleshbag."
The blonde grinned knowing that Kurama missed him too, but simply didn't want to admit it. They had been talking and catching up, which started out awkward due to previous circumstances. Yet, they always relied on each other. Kurama relied on Naruto for his freedom and saving his existence, while Naruto relied on his guidance, chakra, and he was family to him. No matter what he had been through, he could never lose his oldest friend. Someone who had been with him through all of his life, whether they both first liked it or not.
Naruto approached a giant tree and his sage mode recognized two chakra signatures. One slightly malicious yet familiar being the originating chakra for the Paths and another more gentle and warm. Chakra recognition with his sage mode was almost like Synthesia, but not in the same way as his Dragon Eye bloodline. It was more of a feeling, sometimes taste. Hinata's was of cinnamon and a warm flame, Kushina's was a roaring inferno with a hint of jasmine, Minato's felt like a thunderstorm and somewhat icy with an earthy taste, and Masami's was fierce like a wave with a somewhat salty and cool feeling. It weirded Naruto out to a degree, but he seemed to enjoy the new feeling.
As he climbed up the tree there was an opening which led to a large hollowed out room. It was very dim with the only light coming from the tree's opening. In front of him were two people; one woman in the Akatsuki cloak with straight, short blue hair and amber eyes and a red-haired, frail looking man attached to a machine of shorts. Black rods protruded from his back as his body looked weak and malnourished. The machine covered his entire torso and legs as his red hair fell down, covering one of his eyes.
"Nagato..." Naruto softly spoke as he walked closer.
The woman raised her hands as paper peaces formed shurikens, they spun in the air as she stared at the blonde with caution. Naruto could feel that the woman, who Nagato mentioned was Konan, acted protectively rather than aggressively. The blond raised his hands before turning around and slowly removing the swords with their sheath and throwing them aside. He did the same with his kunai and shuriken as he threw them all aside, making a metallic echo, "I came here to talk, remember?"
Nagato coughed and nodded as Konan stepped as with slight frustration, "Still can't believe you let him in here..."
"You wanted to talk, let's talk," Nagato stated.
"You said Akatsuki was founded by your friend? If you have suffered so much that why cause so much death? What peace will that all bring?" Naruto questioned with a stoic expression.
"This world is cursed..." the Rinnegan user responded, "I grew up during the Third Great Ninja War. I saw Konoha shinobi attack my parents and murder them, thinking they were the enemy. That was the day my Rinnegan was awakened. Do you know what its like to see the only people you loved killed in front of you? To bury them before having to go out on your own? A mere child drifting through Ame, surviving on scraps. I should've died...but then Konan and Yahiko found me," he looked at the woman who's expression was one of sorrow as she looked down.
"We did what we could to survive. We were all orphans, orphans faced with the grim truth: the violence of shinobi spares no one. At the end of the day, there will always be suffering."
"Jiraya-sensei trained you! You must know that his teachings were against such things. I know the world is full of pain and suffering. It's all I felt for so many years of my life. I was an orphan too...left alone to suffer at the hands of my village. But never did I let that get to me! I turned my pain into my passion as I found a path. There's a path for you too, Nagato. Konan. It's not too late..."
"Enough!" Nagato roared, "Our path is decided. It's been decided since Hanzo forced me to murder Yahiko..."
Naruto's eyes widened at the name, Hanzo the Salamander. He was known to many shinobi to be the ruthless leader of Hidden Rain before dying under mysterious circumstances. Naruto questioned whether it could have been Nagato being the cause of his death.
"Akatsuki was Yahiko's dream...a new dawn for humanity. Shinobi working together as a means to ending all suffering in the world. We toiled, fought, and bled for that purpose. To finally end the conflict for all nations. And I won't have some brat claim that the dream, my best friend worked so hard, is wrong. This world is cursed. As long as there are shinobi, hatred and pain will consume all and leave nothing. There is no such thing as peace."
"Then I'll break that curse one day..." Naruto said with his eyes staring into the man's Rinnegan, "If there is truly a such thing as peace in the world, then I'm going to find it. And I'll never stop looking!"
Both Ame shinobi were taken aback by Naruto's powerful statement as his eyes glowed with intensity and passion, a smile drawn on his face. A single tear escaped Nagato's eyes as Konan lowered her head with her eyes tearing up as well, "Those words..." she started, "How do you know them..."
Naruto reached into his cloak and pulled out something the both of them would've never thought of, a small brown book with the title being Tales of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. He showed it to them both, "Jiraya-sensei wrote this when he was with you three in the past...his stories combined with the motif of the pain he felt as he trained you all," Naruto's own tears rolled down his eyes, "He believed in a time where peace would be achieved. The path to hatred is easy and seductive, but the path to love is what will truly bring a new tomorrow. A new dawn."
Behind the smiling, teary-eyed blonde, both Konan and Nagato saw the outline of Yahiko. The same stupid, toothy grin and positive attitude. Nagato looked at his friend, her eyes were puffy from the tears but beyond them he saw how tired they were. Tired of all the suffering and fighting. This wasn't what Akatsuki was meant to be, what Yahiko wanted it to be.
"What would you have us do then?" Nagato questioned, "Turn ourselves into Konoha? Be interrogated for information? Tortured?"
Naruto shook his head, "Come with me to Uzushio. We can help you there, give you both a better life. One full of happiness and love and compassion. You are family after all, Nagato Uzumaki..."
"What..."
Naruto chuckled, "That red-hair. The chakra. The physical durability to survive the effects of the Rinnegan. Traits of an Uzumaki. And Konan-san, you are family too, regardless of blood. You both have endured so much pain. Let us help you and honor the memories and lives of Jiraya and Yahiko."
Konan's eyes were in shock as she had just processed that Nagato still had a family. That they could have lives beyond that of Akatsuki, of criminals to the shinobi world. Nagato was on the same boat as he felt something that he hadn't for many years...hope.
"It's time to come home..."
[Edge of Uzushio - Few Hours Later - Water Country]
Since persuading the now former Akatsuki members, Naruto had entered his perfect bijuu form, transforming into the Kyuubi and carefully carrying the two on his back as his tails secured them. Both were astonished by the pure size of his being and the irony of a being they had aimed to steal power from and kill, was now helping them.
Kurama grumbled slightly, but allowed his host to aid them in the travels to Uzushio. As they approached the west gate, the border Shinobi saw the Nine Tails form and just shrugged it off for the most part knowing who it was. Naruto nodded at the shinobi in the form and put down the Konan who was physically supporting Nagato, and transformed back into his human form.
The Uzushio guards drew their weapons at the sight of Konan's cloak, a direct enemy of Uzushio. The captain of squadron, a middle-aged man with blue hair, spoke up "Naruto-sama! These shinobi-"
"Stand down, Ikio!" Naruto calmed them with his hands up as eight Uzushio-nin surrounded them, "They're here with me."
"How do we know that isn't a genjutsu?" Ikio stated with his grip tightening.
Naruto lifted up his sleeve revealing his Uzushio Combat Corps tattoo. Ikio walked to Naruto cautiously and poured chakra into the seal before rotating his palm. The seal glowed red as the Uzushio symbol appeared on Naruto's neck, "I appreciate your caution, taicho. Though I hoped my bijuu form would have been enough proper identification," Naruto sweat-dropped.
"You never know in these times, Naruto-sama," Ikio replied before standing down.
The blonde shook his head, "Ikio-taicho, just call me Naruto. Ignore all that royalty shit. You trained me, you are my superior in my eyes."
"I must honor the Uzushio code and clan hierarchy, Naruto-sama. It is my duty!"
Naruto anime-fell to the ground. He realized that this wasn't going anywhere. The man was too traditional and structure drive, which wasn't a bad thing. Naruto just hated formalities and being called sama and prince. Being a shinobi is all, though he knew eventually he would have to embrace his royal heritage as he would lead the village as both its Uzukage and Royal Head. The blonde just moved forward and made a simple genjutsu on Konan that turned her cloak fully black, hiding the red clouds.
As headed to the Uzumaki compound, Konan and Nagato looked around with wonder. It was different from their village; of course there wasn't constant rain, but people were so warm and kind. A small girl at the age of six was playing tag away from two of her friends with a vibrant smile, but as she looked back to gaze at the distance, she bumped into Konan and fell on the ground.
"I'm sorry, miss," the little girl was helped up by Konan.
The blue-haired woman froze up for a second before giving her a warm smile, "It's alright, little one."
"NARUTO NII-CHAN!" the little girl yelled as she saw the blonde shinobi. The two girl's friends had caught up to her and ran to the blonde.
The Namikaze picked the girl up in his arms as he knelt down to talk to the other two, "Rukia! Aiko! Fumihiro! How are you guys doing?"
The three kids responded eagerly telling them about their day. Nagato and Konan saw how warm Naruto presented himself to the three kids as he entertained them and were rather shocked at his shift of personality. The blonde put Rukia down and made a small fox out of flame that danced around his hand, it then jumped between the kid's hands right above their palm.
"Nii-chan, are these your friends?"
"Yes they are," Naruto responded, "We are here to help my friend Nagato. He is sick and I want him to feel better."
The kids ran to Nagato who was just frozen with a slight look of shock. The kids looked at him with a smile and curiosity of the rods in his back, "Is he a shinobi too?"
"Yes, Aiko. They both are," Naruto replied.
Konan knelt down and ruffled Aiko's hair before extended her arm. Three pieces of paper exited from under her cloak's arm sleeve and began to fold themselves into three paper cranes. The woman handed one to each as the kids were excited by this new kind of ninjutsu, "Whoa..."
"I wanna be a shinobi like you!" Aiko giggled.
Nagato's eyes widened at this, 'She wants to live the life we do...a child would want something like this?'
"Just be sure to train hard okay. And eat your veggies!" Naruto said firmly in a fatherly manner, "Now run along, your parents are probably worried you're out so far from home."
The kids nodded and ran off home as they held the paper cranes up, as if they were flying with them. The blonde looked at them with a smile on his face. Konan and Nagato looked at him, "What?"
"Nothing just...we're just not used to something like this," Nagato spoke up in a low voice, "You seem to know them well. Are they family too?"
Naruto shook his head as they continued, "I went to their school class to talk about the life of a shinobi once. Plus, I'm the Prince of Uzushio so they admire me."
"How exactly does the hierarchy of Uzushio function? With like a royal family and Uzukage?" Konan asked as the trio continued the walk.
"Well essentially in the royal family, there are titles such as Emperor, Empress, Prince, and Princess. It's more of a traditional role with more political influence within the village and between other nations. Then in terms of economic and military rule, the Uzukage has power. The Royal Family was more of a tradition thing, prior to the establishment of organized shinobi villages, but we've adapted tradition and modern structure. The Uzukage acts almost like a royal advisor to the Royal Family. But in this case, the member of the Royal Family is the Uzukage. It simplifies it. The next Uzukage is still chosen by the current with approval from the shinobi council in a democratic manner, while the Royal Family is through blood lineage only," Naruto explained.
The two nodded their heads at the confusing yet somewhat well-adapted system. Once they arrived at the Uzumaki compound, Naruto opened the chakra lock and then used a physical key. The house was empty as everyone was still in Konoha, but it was better if the following was done in Uzushio rather than Konoha.
They went to an empty room as Naruto brought them some tea and bread, just as he promised before. He had sent several clones to use the Hiraishin to Konoha in order to retrieve the individuals necessary for healing Nagato. As they waited, Nagato laid on his stomach on several sheets with a pillow under his chin. The man had dozed off after drinking the tea which somewhat relaxed Naruto a bit.
Konan was by his side, sitting on her legs, and Naruto entered the room to sit on the opposite side now in casual clothes composed of a white t-shirt and black cotton pants.
"So...the weather's nice..." Naruto started as he waited for the clones to complete their mission.
Konan just kept her gaze away and focused on adjusting to the rather huge step they made in leaving the organization, "Clear skies are nice. Mostly only rain where we are."
"I know. Ero-Sennin and I got into Ame for a bit during our first encounter with Nagato's Paths.
"You know he's still hurt over it."
"Over what?"
"Having to kill, Jiraya-sensei. It broke him after he did it, and he was uncertain if he was on the right path to our goal. Part of me was hoping he'd possibly change. Ever since Hanzo, he's been obsessed on fulfilling Yahiko's wishes, no mater the cost. I lost two friends that day, Yahiko and Nagato."
"Yeah..." Naruto looked down, still hurt over losing Jiraya, "The funeral sucked. I still remember, skies so dark and stormy, it was like I was in Ame again. Just our family and Tsunade, no one else. I couldn't handle my own girlfriend being there because the thought of losing her too would've set me off. I lost control a few days prior to it and just wanted to be alone."
Naruto chuckled a bit, "But eventually, you gotta move on ya know? Being a shinobi is like being a shark, if you stop going forward, you'll drown and die."
Konan's face reflected a soft smile, "Did Kisame mention that?"
"Nah. I haven't been able to give that stupid fishface a piece of my mind yet. Although, Itachi is someone I really want to get to."
"Has he hurt someone close to you?" Konan asked.
"No," Naruto shook his head, "Everything he's done was for the loyalty of his village. He's not evil to any degree, he was just following orders. I hope that maybe I can set him on a better path."
"Like you are trying to do with us?" Konan looked at him.
Naruto saw uncertainty, anxiety, and fatigue as he looked into her eyes. The years of instinctual survival, having to choose between the lesser of two evils, the suffering of orphans. He knew it all too well. What he also did understand was that he couldn't leave anyone behind to be consumed by the darkness when they still had potential to be saved.
"I am and I will. For Ero-Sennin," he grinned at Konan with his signature toothy grin.
'He's not at all what I expected him to be. Rather comical and compassion, yet fierce,' Konan thought as the door to the room opened.
The figures there were revealed to be Tsunade, Hinata, Kushina, Sakura, and Minato. All of the individuals saw Konan's cloak and automatically entered a battle stance with a poise to fight. Kushina drew her katana, Hinata activated her Byakugan and raised her hands, and Minato made hand-seals for a Lighting jutsu. Where on the other hand, Tsunade and Sakura raised their hands and began to charge chakra as they dashed at Konan.
Sakura's right fist and Tsunade's left fist were caught by Naruto who's arms were enveloped into a cloak of crimson chakra. The blonde shinobi grunted as he slid back slightly, forcing the punches back as much as he could, "WAIT WAIT! They're on our side!"
"What the hell are you talking about, Naruto!" Minato yelled.
Hinata hissed, "She's Akatsuki. They tried to hurt you! Kill you!"
"I know, but they're Jiraya's old students! They want to help us. Please stand down, granny!" Naruto said as his arms were strained, "Now!"
Upon hearing about Jiraya's students, Tsunade looked at the blue-haired woman with her mouth open as she pulled her fist back causing Sakura to do the same, "Konan...?"
"Hello, Tsunade-san," Konan got up and bowed, "It has been a while."
Everyone eased and put away their weapons except for Hinata who was still furious at the woman and had her Byakugan activated and a firm body posture, poised for combat if necessary. After all she had seen and heard about Akatsuki and their goal to use the Bijuu power, the Hyuuga wasn't taking any chances. Even if Naruto did trust these two shinobi, she didn't.
"This is Nagato. He is a descendant of the Uzumaki. And Konan-san is a childhood friend of his. They were both trained by Ero-Sennin when he fought in the Second Great Shinobi War. I met with Nagato after talking with Pain in the ANBU prison cell. I'll tell you the details later, but long story short...they want to help us."
"How can you be so sure of their intentions, Naruto?" Kushina inquired with Hinata glaring at the nin in agreement.
Naruto simply looked at the two Ame shinobi, "Ero-Sennin saw something special in them. I see it too. They may have hurt us, hurt me. But they want to correct themselves. They deserve a second chance. Please help me help them..." Naruto pleaded with glassy eyes.
Tsunade was the first to understand as she knelt down beside Nagato, "What are his injuries?"
Konan sat down on her legs on the opposite side of Tsunade who asked for Hinata and Sakura to join her, "His legs are severely charred and as you can see, there are rods in his back."
"From how long ago did he get these injuries?"
"Twenty years ago..."
The three kunoichi's eyes widened at this, "This damage is rather extensive. I'm unsure if we are able to fully heal him," Tsunade stated as her hands glowed green, hovering over his burned legs and around his back.
"He's an Uzumaki, granny. Our cells are much stronger and easier to heal. Ero-Kenshi had an idea of using this chakra loop technique with senjutsu to repair injuries. Do you think if we manage to do that, it could be possible with your healing?" Naruto asked, hopeful.
Tsunade nodded, "It's worth a shot."
"Let's get started," Sakura took off her gloves.
Kushina and Minato looked at each other before continuing to look at at Konan and the still sleeping Nagato. Both admired their son's ability to see the good in people, but they needed answers. So much was revealed in such a short amount of time, "Naruto. We need to talk. Come with us to the kitchen."
[Kitchen of the Uzumaki Compound - Uzushio]
As Tsunade, Hinata, and Sakura started to surgically remove the rods from Nagato's back, Konan used a basic ninjutsu to keep Nagato unconscious. Naruto had went to the kitchen to discuss with his parents, as he wasn't needed for the senjutsu loop yet. Both sat down on one end of the dining table as the clone sat at the opposite side.
'I feel like a kid who just broke the vase,' Naruto thought.
"How do you know he's an Uzumaki. I mean I understand the red hair, but what else makes you think that?" Kushina started.
"And what if he is manipulating you just to heal his body, so he's stronger to take you down? Also wasn't that man the one we fought the original?" Minato added.
Naruto took in a deep breath before explaining, knowing it would be a lot, "Okay so...Nagato split the abilities of the Rinnegan into six different bodies. Reincarnations of the Rinnegan. The one that I took prisoner, the Deva Path, was his childhood friend Yahiko. I went into his cell and was able to bring out his true identity. Remember when I stabbed the chakra rod into myself to trace the chakra?"
The two shinobi nodded, "The signal of chakra was coming from someone farther away and being sent to them. I traced it to a giant tree where I met with them and talked things out. As soon as I entered, the signature was one familiar in nature as when I had sage mode activated. The hair, the chakra, and the Rinnegan abilities. Not to mention the ability for him to sustain all that physical damage yet still survive and properly utilize the Rinnegan through the Path's. Only an Uzumaki could achieve. I'll have a DNA test done if you want but I'm positive."
"Still, just because someone is family doesn't mean they won't hurt you, Naruto-chan," Kushina said.
"I can't turn my back on them. They were orphans like me, kaa-chan!" Naruto's voice was filled with emotions, "They did what they had to in order to live in a time and place where no one cared for their well-being. Maybe the pain and trauma sent them off a dark road or something, but what matters is that I know for a fact that they want a second chance. How can we turn our back on people in need? They can help us too."
Minato sighed deeply, "I still think this is unwise, Naruto."
"I know. But give me a chance, tou-san. I ask this not as your son, but as a loyal shinobi of Uzushio. Let me prove to you that they just want to start over."
[Nagato's Room - Uzushio]
The process so far had been working as Hinata first reduced the size of the rods down from full length to perhaps 1/20th the size as Sakura focused on removing them from his skin, while Tsunade repaired the nerve damage guided by Hinata's Byakugan. It was slow at but they were managing well with Konan in shock, 'These medic-nin...I knew Tsunade was the best medical shinobi to exist, but these two are up to par in skill as well.'
"I need a long session in a hotspring after this," Sakura said as she exhaled.
Hinata nodded, "Agreed. There's one at the south end of Uzushio. I think we should go there after this."
"Focus on the patient," Tsunade reminded them.
"Even if the patient tried to kill my fiancé and destroy the entire village?" the Hyuuga responded coldly.
"Hinata!" Sakura exclaimed.
The pale eyed teenager didn't adjust her attitude, but kept working. Tsunade made a quick glance at Hinata who's expression said it all. Distrust. Uncertainty. Anger. Discontent. She didn't like the fact that her fiancé wanted to help the very people who tried to kill him. Hinata still loved Naruto greatly and the fact he had remained in control of his emotions so far, which has been an issue recently, but this decision to help the now ex-members of Akatsuki slightly did baffle her.
"She's not wrong," Konan softly commented, "I know how you feel about us being here. About Naruto-san's decision to heal Nagato and give us new lives. I know my words can't help the situation, but I hope that our decisions do. Nagato and I will tell you everything about Akatsuki."
The three Konoha kunoichi's eyes widened at this. They slightly stopped for a second before continuing back at this information. Tsunade broke the silence, "We will discuss that later. Hinata, please go get Naruto. We are almost done with the rod removal."
The Hyuuga nodded and got up, walking out of the room as she saw Kushina and Minato in the dining room. Hinata asked where their son was and Kushina informed her that Naruto was in his room. As she made her way there, Naruto was laying down on his bed with his arms supporting his head. The blonde was seemingly in deep thought, possibly talking with his tenant.
"Naruto-kun..."
He turned his head to see Hinata at the doorway, "Hinata-chan, what's up?"
"We're finished with the rod removal. The base nerve cell growth and repairing is done, and it's time to test out your healing concept," she entered in and sat on his bed.
The blonde wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her into the bed. They were almost cuddling and Hinata enjoyed the warmth of his presence and his body, now that it was much higher in temperature, "Are you okay, hime? You seem tense?"
"Just all of this, so much going on. Never thought we'd get here," she softly replied as Naruto brushed her hair. As his hands were around her, she placed her own on top of his.
"I know the feeling. I was just a stupid kid in orange 5 years ago, no royalty, no clan, no war. None of this even crossed my mind yet. But we can't change the past, ya know. All we can do is keep moving forward."
Naruto released Hinata from his consensual grasp and got up. His legs touched the ground as he took in a deep breathe; Hinata still on the bed stared at him, knowing the burden that existed on his shoulder everyday. Sometimes it felt like he carried the fate of the world within his arms, and she knew that while Naruto wanted to save everyone, he didn't want to let anyone down. But the world could never be so perfect.
"I'm gonna get going, you should rest Hinata-chan. I'll join you in a few hours," with that Naruto left the room as Hinata couldn't argue against him as her eyelids got heavy. She felt too comfortable from the warmth and scent of him and soon she succumbed to the sleep.
Naruto entered the room with Nagato now awake upon the advice of Tsunade, whom had the method explained by Minato. Although unknown to everyone, the senjutsu method was effective if done right. As Nagato laid down on the floor, Naruto took off his cloak and fishnet-shirt, and began to meditate to gather senjutsu chakra, as Sakura ran to the IV bags from the Uzushio hospital in the meantime. Once she had returned, Naruto began to make several seals using chakra blended ink upon his body, Nagato's, and around them. It ended with two circles drawn on the ground, one for Naruto to sit it and another around Nagato.
Tsunade approached Naruto, bringing the needle for the IV into his vein as Sakura did the same for Nagato, "Ready?"
"Let's get this started," Naruto nodded as Tsunade stuck and stabilized the IV within his arm as her apprentice repeated it for Nagato.
Naruto placed his hands along the ink, funneling chakra into it as the ink spread to the circle around Nagato's, glowing the same silver and green hue, "Let it flow through you. Don't fight it, flow with it," Naruto advised.
Nagato felt the surge of the senjutsu chakra, it was a rush of energy, 'So much like my Rinnegan but much calmer and gentle...this chakra. How did he achieve such a feat...'
Naruto smiled as he saw the sage features upon Nagato whom was much better at the senjutsu chakra control than Naruto expected, the loop was completed and synchronized as they continued to meditate, letting the senjutsu chakra heal Nagato. Tsunade and Sakura smiled at the blonde who was slightly breathing heavier than usual, due to the consistent gain of nature energy, but still smiling as Nagato felt the wiggle of his toes.
This was observed by Tsunade as well, 'The brat's idea actually worked.'
'Incredible, Naruto-kun,' Sakura thought as she stayed in the room while Tsunade left for a drink.
All in all, the process took fourteen hours as they rotated the medic nin watch every two hours to get rest, food, or physical exercise. Soon, Nagato opened his eyes as he awake a few seconds before the process ended, staring at his legs which were now fully skin, bone, and muscle again, "It...worked..." he stood up and immediately fell, landing on his hands as Konan supported him up.
Naruto simply smiled at him as Hinata supported him up, "I guess you still gotta build up your leg muscles. You didn't use your legs for several years after all," Naruto croaked out with slight sweat on his forehead. The pure exposure to the senjutsu chakra did create a bit of strain for him. It felt like chakra exhaustion almost due to his coils being active for so long. Unlike Nagato, who's Rinnegan specialized in what was essentially nature energy to begin with from its connections with the Sage of the Six Paths, Naruto's exposure to nature energy was not as prevalent.
"Naruto-kun, are you alright," Hinata said as he leaned on her shoulder.
The blonde simply laughed as he took the IV tube out of his arm a bit roughly, "I'll be fine, hime. Don't worry about me," the small pierce of his skin sizzled close almost instantly.
"Here you go, my love," Hinata handed Naruto a scroll which he tucked into his pocket and thanked Hinata with a quick kiss.
Although physically exhausted, Naruto managed to support himself as he walked over to Nagato. The blonde Namikaze put Nagato's arm around his shoulder as both Konan and Naruto supported Nagato into a room which Kushina had arranged to have two beds so that Konan could be at Nagato's side. She had a feeling the two wouldn't like feeling disconnected, even if it was by a few feet; once in his bed, Nagato simply looked at Naruto who was at the doorway with Konan next to him, "Thank you, Naruto-san."
"Anytime. It's what family does, ya know!" with that Naruto left the room to talk with Konan as Nagato got some much deserved rest, "I don't think he's in a bed for like twenty years. The way he just sinks in, it's funny but a little sad. Anyway, his legs are fully fixed but he's gonna need some rehabilitation. You guys are welcome to stay here as long as you want."
"I can't thank you enough, Naruto-kun," Konan responded with a smile, which Naruto had a feeling was rare, "When should we discuss the... information?"
"Tomorrow. I have to return Granny and Sakura-chan to Konoha, along with some business to take care there. You should get some rest though, Konan-san. You were up the entire time of the healing process," Naruto gave her a scroll; he went on to explain it was some of his mother's spare clothes that she believed would fit her, "If you need anything, kaa-san will be able to help. See ya!"
With that, Naruto's body burst into flames as he appeared outside the compound and lowered the gravity seals on his torso in order to better balance himself with the senjutsu chakra overexposure. Outside waiting were Sakura and Tsunade who were tapping their feet impatiently. Before they could stay a single word about Naruto's tardiness contrasting the fact he was most likely the fastest shinobi, tails extruded from Naruto's back as he picked up the two kunoichi. He began to transform into the Kyuubi with a wild smile, clearing himself from the village area to not damage it, as Sakura and Tsunade screamed.
"Hiraishin too troublesome for you?" Kurama asked.
'Not in a rush to use senjutsu chakra. Plus I just got you back, you furball. Might as well help you stretch your legs.'
"I'm not complaining, flesh-bag. Mind if I take over?"
'Be my guest...' Naruto replied as his conscious thoughts now became subconscious as he was a passenger in his own body, almost like watching a movie. He enjoyed the ride as much as his two associated from Konoha were...maybe more than them actually.
[Konoha ANBU Facility - Few Hours Later - Konoha]
The ride for Tsunade was not enjoyable. Well not at first, until Kurama had the decency to fully put the Senju and her student on his head which was a much more stable area. Perhaps not the safest mode of transportation, she did however had an interesting conversation with the Kyuubi. The very creature who attacked her home village all those years ago, but she sensed there was more to it by his tone. Respect for the immortal beast caused her not to implore as he changed the topic to discussing the current nature of her rule, and information on laws or political standings she did find quite intriguing, especially since his first host was her Grandfather's wife.
Regardless, they had soon arrived in Konoha where the Senju was glad to be on solid ground once more; Sakura went back home to rest, considering it was almost dawn. Naruto did the same although he chose to rest on the ground of T&I office as Tsunade discussed certain topics with Anko, Shizune, Kakashi, Inoichi, Shikaku, and Ibiki.
"Scouts in the Water country told us t- is that brat really snoring as we are discussing classified information with the utter sensitivity of the village," Tsunade noticed Naruto who was knocked out on the ground with arms behind his head.
Anko laughed out loud, "Let it be, Tsunade-sama. He's been through a lot in the last couple hours."
"You know Naruto," Kakashi chuckled as he read Icha Icha Tactics, "He's lazy unless you need him to step up."
Shikaku ran his fingers through his goatee, "Maybe the brat could be a bit more aware of his surroundings though."
Naruto's hand shot up as crimson lightning sparked around it. He immediately dashed between Inoichi and Shikaku, putting his arms around their necks, "The brat is more aware then you think, Shikaku-san," his smile was eerie..one that was sickly sweet and promised pain almost like Tsunade's.
'What the fuck...' Ibiki thought while remaining stoic.
'Never seen him like that before,' Kakashi shrugged.
"This is taking too long, I think I'm gonna go sleep," Naruto went from the emotions of killer to calm individual quickly as his hands were once again folded behind his back, supporting his neck. He began to walk out of the room, "Good night," his body blurred out of existence with slight flames in the area.
'Lazy brat.'
'No manners whatsoever.'
'Kid's got some balls...'
"Now on to the main event, the results of the DNA test," Tsunade snapped her fingers twice as Shizune scrambled with all the files in her arms.
'Oh dear, I hope I have it! Ah here it is!' she handed Tsunade a cleanly organized blue file.
The Senju's expression was relaxed until she continued reading as her page flipping grew more stressed, "No way. This is..." Tsunade struggled to answer as Inoichi went beside her and was almost as speechless as Tsunade. Although they read over the same information, it was for an alternate reason. Beyond just the logic of the situation, but one of the emotional impact that would occur in the coming moments.
His eyes quickly became fixated on Kakashi as his face became sympathetic, "Kakashi..."
"Hmm," the Hatake responded not even looking up.
Tsunade lowered the book down using her index finger, "There are two DNA matches. One is of my grandfather, Hashirama Senju, and the other of an Obito Uchiha. But not Madara," she spread the files on the table showing the genetic patterns and a shinobi profile a teenage boy with black eyes, black hair, and goggles, "Do you know him, Kakashi?"
Kakashi's body language showed an emotion that many had not seen from him: anxiety. Memories of his time as a genin came back as the surge of panic overtook him. No one in the room knew how to respond as his eye widened and he rushed out to get air. Anko went after him stating she would try to calm him down while the remaining shinobi discussed this new information.
"Who is Obito Uchiha?" Naruto asked.
Inoichi sighed, "Kakashi's ex-teammate. They were on Team 7 during their time as genin, under your father actually. Obito was injured during a mission and gave Kakashi his Sharingan. Kakashi blamed himself for it ever since, and now that he just found out that his teammate is alive and his enemy...
"Those old wounds may have opened up again," Shikaku finished up as he lit a cigarette only to be curiously looked at by Inoichi, "What? It's calming."
Ibiki shook his head, "Whatever. You said that the Shodaime's DNA was present too?"
Tsunade nodded, "Yes, but I have no idea how it's possible. There were skin cells recovered from the blood. Oddly, the proteins in the cells are still too young. It may be my grandfather's DNA, but there's something else going on."
[Naruto's Old Apartment - 11 AM - Konoha]
It had been years since Naruto had entered in his old home, perhaps too many. He'd been coming to Konoha for a while now, but always chose to stay at the Namikaze compound. Going back to the apartment felt painful almost as he remembered too much emotions and hardships he had faced. Naruto was surprised to see that the key was still behind the panel of wood on the left. His surprise was even further increased as he entered and saw that everything was still present, almost like he had never left.
Although there was a decent layer of dust on everything, nothing was out of place, 'To think I haven't been here since that mission,' Naruto recalled the events of when he left the village to rescue Sasuke and never came back.
He walked to his room and saw the items he had next to his bed, the Team 7 photo, a photo with Jiraya, his Shinobi Identification Card, some low-grade kunai which were now rusted, and a piece of concrete he kept from their first mission in the Wave. Walking over to his closet, Naruto brought out his old uniform and laid it on the bed, "I actually wore this shit..." looked back to the photos, "Damn I was short..."
Naruto sealed everything into a storage scroll and headed to the kitchen. Right as he opened the fridge he was shocked to see it was empty aside from a note:
Dear Brat!
I made sure to keep everything in it's place and the rent paid. Although you owe me for this when you come back, I just hope you do come back. Believe it or not, I missed having your loudass around. I took out all the food and stuff from the kitchen seeing as you probably didn't want to come back to roaches and spoiled goods. If it's dusty, sorry. It's hard to find a cleaner for a house that belonged to...well you know how the village thinks of you. I don't blame you for leaving with who I hope is your uncle. Konoha was always unforgiving and coarse to you, you did deserve better. Anyways, enough sappy shit. I just hope that when you see this, you come and give me a big hug.
Sincerely,
Tsunade Senju
Droplets fell on to the letter as Naruto wiped away tears with his arm as he folded it and put it in his pocket. Immediately, he exited the apartment and used the Hiraishin to immediately appear in the Hokage's office.
Tsunade was scared instantly at the presence of Naruto as she accidentally threw her papers in the air and flung a kunai at Naruto. The blade impacted itself into the blonde's shoulder as he rotated around for it to miss his heart; not even caring he went straight for the Senju who just now realized who the 'intruder' was.
"Naruto? I was just loo- OOMF" immediately she was caught in an embrace as Naruto hugged her with a chuckle, "What's this about, brat?" his godmother hugged back.
The blonde pulled back from the hug and showed her the letter. The woman smiled, but not of her usual semi-mischievous one. It was sincere and sweet, motherly almost as shew quickly hugged Naruto again before regaining her professional composure, "It was the least I could do. Now as I was say-"
"NARUTO-KUN!" a voice cried out.
Naruto recognized it immediately as Lee appeared at the doorway, "NARUTO-KUN! I WOULD LIKE A CHALLENGE AGAINST YOU! I HEARD OF YOUR HEROIC DEEDS IN PROTECTING KONOHA AGAIN AND WOULD LIKE TO TEST YOUR FLAMES OF YOUTH! DO YOU AGREE TO A SPAR IN FIVE MINUTES?!"
"Uhh sure. Team 10 training field?" Naruto hesitantly replied.
"YOSH!" Lee exclaimed with utter excitement and passion, "I SHALL SEE YOU THERE MY RIVAL!"
The Gai-clone disappeared as a green blur, already moving into said area for their spar. Naruto knew he would most likely win, but that doesn't mean it would be easy. Lee's speed was on par with Naruto's normal speed, not to mention the green-clad shinobi's taijutsu is far superior. It would be a nice little challenge for the blonde, even the Kyuubi thought so.
"Naruto!" Tsunade yelled.
The Namikaze woke up from his stupor and thinking to pay attention, "Yes, granny?"
"I have a mission for you. It's of the utmost secrecy and importance. Only you and select shinobi will learn this following information," Tsunade's toned turned serious. Gone was the compassionate, note-writing, embraceable woman of a few moments ago. Here now was a combat-hardened leader of a village, "We have spotted Sasuke Uchiha in the Rice Country. I need you to infiltrate and eliminate."