Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 2: To The Leaf!
"In inauguration of the Uzumaki Clan's recently established tradition of sealing the Great Kyūbi no Yōko to a blueblood female, succeeding Uzumaki Mito-sama's status and responsibility as a Jinchūriki, —Uzumaki Kushina-himesama, one of the heirs and the only young blueblood female of the Uzumaki Clan, is to receive the privilege of fulfilling this sacred duty." Noritaka Keiji loudly stated from the scroll he's holding to the people present in the meeting.
Noritaka Keiji is the current Clan Head of the Noritaka Clan. It was one of the first clans who joined the Uzumaki Clan when they founded the Village Hidden by Whirling Tides in the Land of Whirlpools.
If the Uzumakis can produce sealing chains from their torso using their chakras, then the Noritakas can produce beams of light from their hands, that are just that, light —wrong. These beams of light are actually physical in property that are durable enough to pierce through tough layers of any material. They can use their hands to aim targets which looked deceivably easy but is actually hard to perform. Aside from perfect aim, it takes absolute chakra control since these beams are required to be small in diameter.
The twins are already aware of Kushina's state of affairs. Still, Naruto could feel her nervousness radiating in waves. He held one of her hands and smiled at her in encouragement. She returned it albeit in a hesitant manner.
"It would be of best interest if you accompany Uzumaki Kushina-himesama to the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Uzumaki Naruto-oujisama." Keiji continued.
"I know I've already said this a lot of times, but please, just call me Naruto." Naruto exasperated.
Some people, civilians and ninjas alike, are still weirded out by Naruto's insistent on not being reffered to as prince, at least in honorifics. They appreciate him not flaunting his status and admire his modesty, of course. However, they still continue to call him as such because doing otherwise was just plain rude, especially to the clan who practically owned the lands and made Uzushiogakure prosper in the first place.
"And is that the objective of this meeting? I, joining Shina-chan? Because if so, then I don't need any more convincing. I would've joined her anyway." He deadpanned with Kushina, who's now smiling beside him and almost snickered at the council's reaction.
The members of the Shinobi council sweatdropped at his answer and looked at their Nidaime Uzukage, Uzumaki Asahi, who called the meeting in the first place.
"Forgive me for being blunt Uzukage-sama, but if it is that simple, then why did we even hold this meeting in the first place? We have already established Kushina-himesama's duty for the near future and I'm certain that you already know Naruto-oujisama's-" Naruto rolled his eyes at this, " -verdict before this." Akasone Eri asked respectfully yet direct.
Akasone Eri is the Clan Head of the Akasone Clan, whose ability lies in restoring objects, fields, or anything tangible back to their original state. This ability is rather useful, yet takes a lot of chakra to perform which often results in fatigue or even death due to chakra exhaustion. Constant rebuilding of properties using just physical labor from workers will take a lot of time, a time that they couldn't afford. That's why in order for them to use their ability with minimal chakra usage, they turned to the Uzumaki Clan's Fūinjutsu skills. They have successfully invented a seal that can utilize their ability, but can only be used by an Akasone since it was created in the first place for the sole purpose of their use and can only identify their unique chakra signature.
The Noritakas and Akasones, along with the Uzumakis and the rest of the clans, are some of the strongest clan to ever existed. Although they are a bit dwindling in number, they are the main reason why Uzushiogakure managed to remain strong and made it even stronger.
"Yes, indeed. This meeting is held for the sole purpose of formality. I want all of the members of the Shinobi Council to personally voice their opinion about both Naruto-chan's and Kushina-chan's supposed journey to Konohagakure. They are the Uzumaki Royal Heirs, after all." Asahi said lightly while smiling.
The members nodded their heads in understanding. They don't see a problem in sending both Uzumakis to Konohagakure, since Mito-sama, the Shodaime Hokage's wife, still resides there and the village was their sister village ever since both of the villages' foundation, anyway. Also, it would be ideal to send not just one, but two Uzumakis there for their safety. No one prioritizes family bonds than Uzumakis, after all.
All the Shinobi members agreed that yes, sending both Uzumakis to Konohagakure will be beneficial to both of the villages and they can build a stronger relationship with each other.
The meeting was adjourned shortly with no complications. After the members walked out of the meeting room, Naruto followed the Nidaime back to his office with Kushina trailing behind him. He turned towards Kushina, "Shina-chan, you go ahead first. I have to talk with otou-san about something."
Kushina pouted, "Ruto-chan! I'll just wait here for you. I bet it won't take that long."
Naruto sighed and thought about how stubborn Kushina can really get. Asahi just watched his children with amusement and wondered what Naruto wanted to talk about.
Naruto suddenly got an idea, "But, Shina-chan, it will take a reeeally long time and it'll be so boring you might fall asleep." He tried to convince her.
"That long?! Eh, I'll just wait at the couch and take a nap." She said as she patted the couch in the office.
Naruto inwardly groaned. Then, "Actually, I heard that there's a new ramen shop that recently opened down the streets. Don't you wan-" He turned to look at Kushina but noticed that he was suddenly talking to no one in particular, "-t to try some?" He continued with a bewildered look. Kushina ran so fast that there's a bit of the dust from where she ran. Naruto just snorted and closed the room.
He turned towards Asahi who was looking at him expectantly, "Otou-san, can you activate the privacy seals, please?" Naruto asked with a serious tone. Asahi blinked and pressed his hand under his table, and sent his chakra to the privacy seal located there. A blue-colored light instantly surrounded the room for a second then turned invisible immediately. At a closer look, you can see a glint of blue waves of the privacy seal.
"Sooo? What do you want to talk about?" Asahi asked cheerily, obviously trying to lighten the mood.
Naruto is unfazed though, "I know I said that I'll stay with Shina-chan at Konohagakure, but promise me that you'll let me join the war."
Asahi sighed, "Naruto-chan, you've already done enough," He raised his hand when Naruto opened his mouth to protest, "Just letting us know the threat of what the other Hidden Villages planned against us is already a great help. Having that kind of information is a big step in preparing our people, which we haven't done from where or rather when you came from." He placated.
"I understand that you're an eighteen year old, outstanding shinobi before you came here. However, you must understand that right now, you are just a kid, and my son at that. It doesn't matter if you're an adult in a kid's body, I won't let you participate in anymore war." Asahi decided.
"It does matter because even though my physical state is of a kid, I already hold skills needed to fight and protect. Any additional hands will provide more chances of survival. This will not be the last war and you can't be certain that I won't be joining any war soon, even when I'm in a child's body." Naruto argued.
Asahi groaned and rubbed his face with a hand. He peeked at Naruto and said, "You're really stubborn, you know that?"
"Believe it!" Naruto beamed. "I'm your son, after all." He added cheekily.
Asahi chuckled, "Indeed you are. I just wanted you to stay away from battle because I care for you. And from what you've told me, I can see that you've already experienced things not meant for your age." He sighed, "I just wanted you to experience childhood now that you have the chance to. You've already missed out on your first life as it is." He said sadly.
Naruto smiled softly at this. Asahi really is a great father, regardless of their unusual circumstance.
"I know, but you don't need to worry about me. Plus, I won't really appreciate being a child again since my mind's already mature. But still, thank you for thinking for my sake." Naruto said while smiling.
Naruto wanted to accept Asahi's offer just to know what it really feels like to be a kid. However, it's been ingrained in his mind that other people comes first. He doesn't have the time to be a kid or even pretend to be one.
"Of course, I care for you! In case you haven't noticed, which I think you really haven't, you're my family, Naruto-chan." Asahi exlaimed disbelievingly. He can't fathom that after all this time, Naruto still can't believe that someone could care for him to such an extent. It made him sad that Naruto's childhood from his time caused him to be surprised whenever someone's nice to him. It's as if no one has ever taken care of him when he was a kid from his first life, 'Which was regretfully true.' He inwardly sighed.
"I know otou-san. That's why I'm thankful." He smiled. "But I'll still join you with the nearing battle. You're aware that I'll still fight, whether you agree or not. I'm being stubborn because I won't just sit still knowing that my home is going to be in danger." Naruto said determinedly, with no room for argument.
Asahi stared at him for a few more seconds. He could see that nothing will faze his son and he knew Naruto too well to refuse. If Naruto set his mind on something, he'll see to it that he did everything he could until the end.
"I still won't agree," He decided and raised his hand again to stop Naruto from protesting, "But! I know that whatever I say, you'll do what you think is right, anyway." Asahi resigned. "I believe in you, Naruto. I trust that no matter what, you'll stay alive. Because I know that you still have many things that you want to do. It doesn't mean that I had to like it, though." He sighed.
Naruto run to his side and hugged him tightly, "Thank you, otou-san." He said softly. He looked up at Asahi, "You probably know already the other reason why I'm coming with Shina-chan." He said when he let go.
Asahi hummed, "Indeed, but I wanted to hear it from you."
"I'm going to take Shina-chan's place. I'm going to be the next Jinchūriki." Naruto answered with a steeled voice.
"I understand. You both came here with a purpose after all." Asahi said with a knowing look. Both pertaining to Naruto and a certain chakra beast.
"And," Naruto hesitated, "I could see that Shina-chan doesn't want to do it at all. She only accepted it because she doesn't want to smear the name of the first female Uzumaki Jinchūriki."
"The elders can be quiet stubborn. They proposed Kushina instead of you because they wanted to commemorate Mito's sacrifice as a female Uzumaki. It's rather stupid if you ask me. Her deed should have encompassed the whole of Uzumakis. Old age must have affected them greatly." Asahi shrugged, "But they won't have a say anymore if you were already the Jinchūriki. We didn't have any legally written nor stated laws that says only a female Uzumaki royal can be the Jinchūriki, only proposals. So you won't face any repercussions should you ever go through with your plan. I made sure of that, Naruto-chan."
The elders doesn't really hold authority over the Uzukage. They were just a group of people with more experiences due to old age. Asahi listens to their whims just to avoid any unnecessary arguments, and as long as it doesn't cause a huge impact in certain situations.
Asahi already knows that Naruto will be the Jinchūriki, regardless of what the elders said. So, he already prepared plans that can remove any loopholes that might be used against his son when he finally acts against the wishes of the elders.
'Otou-san's really amazing, alright.' Naruto thought. He hugged Asahi again, "Thank you, otou-san."
Asahi patted his hair, "Anything for my family."
They hugged for a few more minutes, both savoring the moment until Naruto gasped, "Wait! Shina-chan's probably eaten lots now! My poor wallet." He ran towards the door, "I'll go to her now!" He waved goodbye to his father.
Asahi deactivated the seals when Naruto approached the door. When it was slammed shut, he sat at his chair and sighed heavily. Such stubborn kids they are. He snorted, 'Eh, they are Uzumakis, all right.'
Naruto walked down the street greeted by a lot of people. He smiled brightly and greeted them back. He couldn't help but think how it's so different from before.
When he found Kushina, she was already on her seventh bowl of Ramen and sighed in relief. At least, she wasn't on her fifteenth yet. He waited the exact moment that Kushina was drinking the broth then shouted, "Shina-chan!"
Kushina choked and coughed violently. Naruto just laughed as he sitted down beside her. When Kushina calmed down, she glared at Naruto, "Ruto-chan! You always do that." She pouted.
Naruto giggled, "Sorry, sorry. It's because it's a funny sight." Kushina glared at him once more.
He turned to the owner and ordered, "One Miso Chashu Pork Ramen, please!"
"Coming right up!" The owner exclaimed.
When he came back with his order, Naruto started to eat up. Kushina turned to him, "Ruto-chan," Naruto hummed to say he's listening.
"Thank you for coming with me to Konohagakure. I thought you'd say no, 'cause I know you love it here." She said softly.
"I love it here, yes, but that doesn't mean I'll let you go there alone, y'know. I'll go with you even if you didn't ask, 'ttebayo." Naruto exclaimed.
Kushina beamed and tackled Naruto, he almost fell from his seat, "That's why I like you the most, 'ttebane!"
"Wah! I'm going to fall!" When he steadied the both of them, Naruto returned the hug, "I like you the most too, Shina-chan!"
They laughed and ate their ramen. When they finished, Naruto turned to Kushina, "Do you have your money with you?"
Kushina froze and she suddenly turned to him with puppy dog eyes. Naruto squinted his eyes, "You do realize that that won't work for me, right? It's like looking at a mirror. It's actually kind of creepy. And I'm the one who taught you that in the first place."
They're almost like a mirror of themselves physically. They both have the same huge violet eyes, cute button noses, and cherry pink lips. They have pale skin that glistened when light hits it, and their hair both have that fiery red color that reaches their waists when they let it down. Although they're identical, you can still see their differences. Naruto sometimes tie his hair in a low ponytail and has a more defined jawline while Kushina always let hers loose and her jawline was soft. However, many people still mistook them for each other. Naruto always grumbled how he's always mistaken as a girl.
You can also tell them apart by the way they behave. Naruto was calmer and moves more gracefully, while Kushina was loud and brash. Their father always found it funny how his children have the opposite personalities. What they have most in common was, if you mess with one of them, then you mess with the both of them. They'll both be after your ass, and will prank you until you drop.
Kushina pouted, "Not creepy! Plus, it works with others all the time."
"Yeah, yeah," Naruto placated. "I know you won't have your money with you, but I asked just in case." He said as he looked inside his wallet.
Kushina glomped him, "You're the best!"
"I know, right." Naruto said while smiling brightly.
They plan to eat a lot, more so than they have ever had before since they only have a week left before leaving their home. They're going to stuff themselves full of Ramen, believe it!
It's the day. They're already at the main gate with their father and the ANBU team that will escort them to Konohagakure.
"I'll miss both of you." Asahi said as he hugged his children tightly.
"We'll miss you too!" Kushina cried.
Naruto almost cried, almost. His eyes were just glistening with unshed tears.
"We'll write to you, alright? You have to write back to us." Naruto whispered sadly.
"Of course, I will." Asahi smiled.
He let go of his children and wiped their cheeks when Naruto's tears finally trailed down.
"Take care, both of you. Don't give them trouble over there, understand?"
"Yep, otou-san. We won't give them trouble...much." His kids suddenly grinned evilly to each other. Asahi wondered if they were really crying a second ago. The other people watching them suppressed a shiver especially those who have experienced what kind of 'trouble' they meant.
Asahi sighed, 'Ah, forgive me, Hiruzen. But they're in your very capable hands now.' He mentally pleaded for forgiveness for what mayhem his children might cause in the future, because he's certain that they'll cause trouble either way.
Across the nations, one named Sarutobi Hiruzen sneezed rather violently. 'Oh, dear. I don't even want to know what this feeling is.' He thought shakily.
"Well, don't let me keep you." Asahi nudged them towards the gate, "I love you Naruto-chan, Kushina-chan. Take care of each other, alright?" He said softly.
"You don't have to tell us that, otou-san. We love you too." They told him and hugged him one last time.
"We'll be on our way now, Uzukage-sama." The ANBU captain bowed. Asahi nodded, "Yes. Stay safe." The escorts bowed again.
'Looks like our home would be quite for a long while.' Asahi sighed, as he watched his children go out of the gate.
They met with the Sandaime Hokage when they arrived at Konohagakure, and Naruto tried his best to stop himself from crying. He missed the old man so much.
"Ah, Asahi's twins are already here. Will you mind if I just call both of you with Naruto and Kushina?" Hiruzen asked with a fatherly smile.
Naruto and Kushina bowed, "It's a pleasure to be in your presence, Hokage-sama. And no, we won't mind." Naruto greeted back.
"My, such mature attitude already. A bit of a contrast to the Asahi I know." He chuckled. "Now, I know how Uzumakis spend their free time, but please, do try to minimize any commotion that I'm certain you already planned to do." He said with a stern gaze, but they could see the mirth behind his eyes.
"We still haven't done anything, though!" Kushina pouted. Naruto nudged her at the side and they began to whisper to each other. Hiruzen wanted to laugh, but that won't really help his situation.
"Of course. We won't cause too much-." Naruto whispered that part, " -trouble." He said with a deceptively innocent smile while Kusbina giggled beside him.
Hiruzen sighed heavily, 'I'll get you for this Asahi.' He swore.
Back at the Uzukage's office, Asahi sneezed. 'Please, don't tell me they caused problem already.' He pleaded because he knew the feeling that sneeze emitted.
"Take pity on me, please." Hiruzen sighed and the twins laughed. "Of course, we won't prank you, you're the Hokage after all." They placated at the same time.
Hiruzen whispered, "Somehow, that doesn't make me feel at ease at all." Then he continued, "Nevertheless, it is very nice to meet you both." He smiled.
"It's nice to meet you, too!" They chirped cheerfully, albeit Naruto was calmer.
'It's actually a little creepy how they're so in sync. A single Uzumaki is terrifying enough, but two?' Hiruzen felt like his life has somewhat shortened considerably.
"Now that things are in order, one of my Chunins will escort you towards your home. It is located near the Senju compound, since that's where Mito-sama is residing at."
"Can we visit Mito-sama?" Kushina asked with her eyes twinkling and Naruto looked expectant.
"I'm afraid that you can visit her, only when she called for you. I'm certain you know how Uzumakis are when they're working on a seal." Hiruzen gave them a knowing look. Both of them drooped like kicked puppies at the prospect of not seeing her and he's the perpetrator, so he hastily added, "But I'm sure that she'll immediately call for you once she's done with her work." They brightened immediately after that.
'I don't know if I'll ever get used to that.' Hiruzen gulped.
"Well, off you go then. Rest well, both of you. The academy is just a week away now."
Kushina groaned loudly while Naruto was still calm, but Hiruzen could see that he's hiding his excitement quite well.
'Ah, this was what Asahi meant about their opposite personality. It doesn't really matter if Kushina was the loud one and Naruto was the quiet one.' Hiruzen thought as the kids waved goodbye cheerfully.
When they were gone, Hiruzen stood up and looked out of the window. 'I wish they'll make some of those lackadaisical shinobis of mine their targets.' He cackled madly, it made the ANBU hiding in the shadows in his office look at him in concern while several sneezes could be heard throughout the village.