Chapter 7
A week later found Hari in Naruto's hospital room. He sat there, just staring at the blonde's face. He had gained some color back to his cheeks a few hours after the doctors had tended to him. Right now he was just asleep, but for how long no one knew. The healers had said it had to do with his mental state. His mind had to recover from the trauma, and it had shut itself from the world to recuperate. Hari grit his teeth. He was so weak. He couldn't even be there for his son when he needed him. Tears fell on the white sheets. 'What's the point of being his guardian if I can't even protect him?'
"I heard he's doing better." A voice said, making him jump. He raised his head to see the silver-haired shinobi again. He lowered his head again to wipe at his wet eyes. "Hatake-san. What are you doing here?" The man did not take his eyes off the book he was reading, but made himself more comfortable on the window ledge. "I knew his parents. The least I can do is visit." "I see." They let the silence settle between them. Kakashi was watching the man from the corner of his eye. He wondered who Hari Peverelle truly was. According to the records he had lived here since he was eleven. He was found in the deserts of Suna by a genin team. With some more scouting he learned that he was placed in the orphanage and at fifteen he moved out to get a job at one of the biggest libraries. The man wasn't very well known but he does talk to some people in the village. At least, he did until he figuratively adopted Naruto.
Apparently two years ago Naruto suddenly moved in with him. No one was really sure why. Kakashi guessed the guy took a liking to the Uzumaki. Kakashi was not surprised that Naruto accepted Hari. He was starved for attention, it is not very unusual that he would cling to the first person who is truly kind to him. It was a relief though that Hari seemed to genuinely care about Naruto. The door opened to admit the last Uchiha in Konoha. "Afternoon, Okaa-san." Kakashi raised an eyebrow. 'Okaa-san? Now that I remember Naruto called him that. Maybe it's an inside joke.' Sasuke froze when he saw Kakashi there. He then ran to the opposite side of the bed as Hari as if to protect him. He pointed his finger at the ninja. "Who the hell are you?"
"Sasuke!" Hari yelped, face going red in embarrassment. He rushed to pull Sasuke away from the shinobi, all the while bowing apologetically. "I'm so sorry Hatake-san. Sasuke-kun can be a bit temperamental. Sasuke apologize right now." Sasuke just glared at the shinobi. Kakashi waved him off. "No, it's fine. Children his age are known for their rudeness." "That doesn't excuse anything. Apologize to Hatake-san Sasuke." Hari demanded. Sasuke crossed his arms, looking away. "Sorry. I'm not saying more than that." "Sasuke-kun!" Hari groaned, feeling more embarrassed. Kakashi chuckled. "It's really fine. I have to go anyway. Ja ne." He disappeared in a puff of smoke, making them stare at the spot he was in in wonder.
Sasuke walked to Naruto's side, placing a hand over his cold one. "Good afternoon Naruto. You wouldn't believe the day I had." He sat down on the available chair, with Hari retaking his seat opposite him. He started talking to the blonde like he has every day since Naruto was admitted into the hospital. Hari watched them, glad that Sasuke was coping well with the whole situation. The boy had been blaming himself for what happened, and it saddened Hari.
~Scene Change~
He opened his eyes but quickly closed them as the harsh light assaulted them. A headache was coming on, making him groan. Soon enough his eyes adjusted to the light and he could fully open his eyes. He was in a hospital room. 'What happened?' The racked his brain, then the memories rushed back. His cheeks darkened as rage filled him. 'Damn it! How could I let something like that happen to me?' He unclenched his fists from the sheets. 'I guess it couldn't be helped. It just proves how much I need to get stronger.' He got up, groaning at his stiff muscles. A drip was attached to his arm and he scowled at it.
'You're back.' Kurama said, also yawning. 'I saw what happened. I'm so…' 'No.' Naruto cut him off. 'You shouldn't apologize. It was not your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault.' Kurama dropped it. 'I see you want to take your training to the next level. Will you take the genin exams early?' The blonde replied in the negative, taking the glass of water that happened to be next to him. He took a sip. 'It will draw too much attention. I will graduate with the rest of my class.' 'Why do you avoid your classmates? They were your comrades you know.' 'They don't matter anymore. They are not the same people I got to know.' 'But they could be. Besides, if that's true why is Sasuke any different?' Naruto stared into the bottom of the glass. 'Sasuke will always be different. I can't let go. Guess I'm cursed that way.' Kurama grumbled. 'It just had to be an Uchiha.'
Just then a nurse came in. She stared at him wide eyed then hurried back out only to come back with a doctor. The man didn't look particularly happy to be tending to him but was efficient enough; asking after his health and doing some check-ups. To the benefit of both of them he was quick to do his job and left him alone. Some time later Hari and Sasuke showed up and Naruto felt a bit happier to be awake.
~Scene Change~
He was back at the academy. He guessed many people heard about his abduction because he was quickly surrounded by his classmates asking lots of questions. Naruto released a bit of killing intent and they were quick to back off. He sat at the back as usual, Sasuke next to him. The boy hadn't really left his side since he woke up. He was clingy and even insisted on sleeping in his room. Naruto thought it would pass soon enough but it has been two weeks. He also noticed Sasuke was training harder. 'It will take a while for this to fade.' Was his realization.
~Scene Change~
Kakashi Hatake suddenly became a part of the Peverelle household. One visit turned into two, three, five, then he came at least once a week. Naruto was flabbergasted. Why the hell was Kakashi spending so much of his time here? He certainly never took so much interest in him in his previous life. Then Naruto thought 'Then again, so much is different from my old life. Hari didn't exist in my old life. Did the gods decide to finally smile upon me?' 'Not likely.' Was the quick response from the darker part of his mind.
Anyway, the fact was Kakashi Hatake was quickly become a permanent fixation, whether by personal interest or an order from the Hokage Naruto didn't know. What he did know is that he was equally as quickly growing tired of his presence. Sasuke was all for it, especially after Naruto pointed out the fact that he had a sharingaan eye one annoying evening. By the time Naruto was ten, he was a sort of 'uncle'. The worst thing was to Hari, Kakashi-san turned into Kakashi-chan, further cementing the dog summoner's importance. Naruto was not amused and didn't pretend otherwise.
Soon it was the graduation exam. Naruto did not hold any illusions that he would do well, or rather that he would be passed. Another thing that changed in this new reality is that Iruka was teaching a different class and luckily dragged Mizuki along with him. Their class was looked over by a stunning female with a penchant for coming to class drunk and her enthusiastic male assistant who often had to take over for her. They both despised Naruto, keeping his grades below average. So Naruto was quite certain he was going to fail the exam. Not that he wasn't going to try to pass. He wondered if a miracle was going to fall on his lap like last time.
~Scene Change~
It did. On the day of the graduation exam he was surprised to see that Umino Iruka was the one to take over the examination of the students. He along with Mizuki. The man was his no-nonsense self, fair all throughout the exam and since he was the main examiner Mizuki had little influence in the exam. So it is due to this that Uzumaki Naruto actually passed the exam, third in the class. He had accepted his headband with more than just a little suspicion. Iruka was about to send him away when he asked. "Why?" "Huh?" Iruka questioned, confused. Naruto's eyes narrowed a bit further. "Why are you the one to examine us? What happened to Ryuu-san?" Iruka's confusion cleared. "I told you as well as the rest of the class that Ryuu-san had to take over for my class since her expertise is suitable for the examination of one of my students. I'm sorry if you miss her." Naruto sneered slightly and turned his back to the teacher. He wanted to ask more, to do more, but this Iruka is different from his Iruka, who had died sacrificing himself for a village that didn't deserve it. No, he will leave Iruka be. Maybe if he didn't know him, none of the horrible could-be's would happen to him.
On stepping foot outside the classroom he was immediately accosted by a black blur. He caught them both before they could tumble to the ground. Sasuke pulled away and grinned at him. "I told okaa-chan we would both pass." Naruto let go of him but kept one hand at the small of his back. Sasuke didn't even notice as they both walked out of the Academy. 'He has changed so much.' Naruto mused, staring at his companion from the corner of his eye. The boy was much more cheerful and brighter than he had ever known him to be, wearing his emotions on his sleeve. Naruto blamed Hari, who was also as cheerful as the young raven had become. At first it was weird to see Sasuke become another version of Naruto himself before he became disillusioned, who was free to express himself only Sasuke had the added advantage of not expecting scorn from anyone.
Hari was waiting for them outside, a nervous look on his face. Sasuke pulled away from him and ran to the black-haired man. He stopped in front of him, grinning. "We both passed, Okaa-san. Now you have no choice but to make me all the onigiri I can eat." He boasted. Hari grinned proudly, ruffling Sasuke's hair and noting with dismay that Sasuke was almost as tall as he was. "I'm so glad. Guess I'm still bound to my promise. Naruto-kun." As Naruto got closer he received Hari's one-handed hug. The bearer led them both back home. Something caught Naruto's attention and kept it. One of the travelling merchants was selling a peculiar piece of jewelry. A blue sapphire-like crystal nestled in golden vines. He had seen it before. "The mother of Vitality." "Did you say something Naruto?" Naruto was broken from his stupor by Sasuke's voice. The boy was looking at him with annoyance and a bit of worry. The blonde shook his head slightly. "No. Where's Kaa-chan?"
~Sasuke's POV~
I frowned. Naruto was spacing out again. It had been occurring often ever since he was brought back. I moved closer to my brother. "He went to get some vegetables from there." I pointed to the mentioned place and looked back at him. "Are you okay, Nii-san?" Naruto glanced at me. "I'm fine Sasuke. Why don't you go and help Kaa-chan. I'll catch up quickly." I grabbed his arm before he could move away. Catching myself from the instinctive gesture, I looked away and loosened my grip but didn't let go. Even after all this time I was still afraid. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Naruto squeezed them comfortingly just briefly. "Don't worry, I will only be a moment." He said, eyes soft as they always was when he looked at me. I felt a small warmth on my being and smiled. "Okay." I quickly turned away and ran to where Hari was picking more than just vegetables.
I have changed, I know that. I used to be quieter, more reserved, less sociable, more Uchiha. I still remember father hammering control into me, remember my mother's subtle encouragements, my brother's stellar example of what every Uchiha, no, every shinobi must strive to be. Every day spent in the Peverelle household chipped away at those lessons, the reservations I had, at the sadness that clung to me like a blanket. I feel happier than I think I should be, happy that I can express that happiness without fear. I only wished Itachi could experience this with me. My spirits ebbed away a bit, but I kept the smile on my face, the brightness in my eyes. I would move on, I have another family now. They can never replace my clan, but I love them and they are enough.
"Ne Sasuke-chan, do you want your tomato soup with cheese or not? I don't have enough money with me right now so you have to pick between the cheese and garlic powder." Hari asked. I contemplated my options. Though the smell is off-setting I love garlic in my soup. It goes well with Okaa-san's delicious bread. But cheese is delicious in the soup and Naruto loves cheesy things. Gah! What to pick? I scrunched my face up in frustration and eventually closed my eyes to pick blindly. My hand landed on the garlic powder. I nodded my head with finality. "Garlic tomato soup it is." Hari laughed mirthfully, placing the purchase in the bag. "Let's go. Otherwise the dough I prepared will rise too much." He said. "Would you like anything specific for dinner Naruto-kun?" Indeed, Naruto was standing behind us as if he never left. He had his usual blank face. "Ramen." Of course he said ramen. I deadpanned. Hari just nodded. "Okay then.
Soon we got home and were eating Hari's delicious cooking. Hari inquired about our headbands. I showed him mine. The silver of the metal contrasted nicely with the navy blue of the cloth, the Leaf symbol displayed proudly at the center of the metal plate. Naruto's was similar to mine, only the cloth was black and much longer. I raised an eyebrow at that. "All the genin get the standard navy blue cloth, when did you change yours?" He stowed it away in his pocket. "I adjusted it in my room while waiting for dinner. It's not that difficult." "I didn't say it is." I responded. "Of course." I bristled at his obvious sarcasm. "I love them both." Hari interjected, breaking our starring match. "Do you know who your sensei will be?" I thought a bit about it. I have met only a few jounin but I don't know any personally. "It's Kakashi." Naruto said. We both looked at him. Hari put his bowl of miso soup down. "Did he tell you?" I wondered the same thing. Kakashi-nii never mentioned anything about it. In fact, I haven't seen him all week. That made me think. If Naruto is right, does it mean he was preparing to receive us as his new genin. 'But Kakashi-nii is an ANBU.' "No. However Kakashi knew my parents before they passed away, was my father's student in fact. Also, he is the only shinobi in Konoha who has the sharingaan so is the only one who can train Sasuke better than anyone else." "I guess that makes sense." I said. But he might not be your sensei Nii-san. We might not be in the same team after all." And wasn't that a crushing thought.
"We will be." I stared at him in puzzlement. "Why are you so sure?" Then I remembered something. "Wait, is it because of Kurama?" Naruto nodded. "Yes. If I were to lose control of the demon chakra you, an Uchiha, may be the only one capable of subduing me. Pairing us together is a strategic move to control what the demon spawn is capable of." I flinched at that, and noticed that Hari was scowling fiercely. The fact that Naruto said that with a straight face made it all the more worse. "Don't put yourself down in such a way." The strength behind Hari's words was almost non-existent. He knew as well as I that it could be true, and by the look in his eyes I could tell it was tearing him apart. Naruto shrugged. I'm only stating facts. Of course the probability of me losing control is little to none, especially that Kurama and I have come to some agreement."
Hari instantly brightened. "Oh yes, how is the little Kitsune." I stifled a snicker at that. I have seen paintings of the Kyuubi before and Naruto's description of the mammoth did not help his image, but Hari treated him as if he was a cute fur ball. He had apparently seen the beast before in one of Naruto's nightmares about two years back and after talking instantly took a liking to 'Kura-chan'. I saw a flash of amusement in Naruto's eyes and I finally fell into fits of laughter. Naruto cleared his throat. "He says he hates you with all his guts, but is fine." Hari sighed wistfully. "I haven't seen him in a while." "It's been four years." Naruto deadpanned. "Still…"He started collecting our dishes but Naruto stopped him. "I'll do it." Hari smiled thankfully. I followed Naruto to do the dishes together.
"What do you think being a shinobi will be like?" I asked him. Naruto answered without missing a beat. "Very difficult. It will test the limits of your courage and endurance. Push you to and over your breaking point and sometimes you would wonder if any of it is even worth it." I stared at him in wonder. It was when Naruto talked this way that I wondered if he was older than he his body portrayed. I looked away into the rinsing water. "But it's ok. If it's to keep the people I love save I will endure anything. You will see. I will be the best shinobi anybody has ever known." "Hn." Was all Naruto had to say at the face of my conviction. I was ready to defend myself when I saw the little smile playing at his lips, which shut me up completely. It was so rare to see Naruto genuinely smile. Did I do something right?
AN: Please R&R