Hello readers I am Frozen Shadow 95 and this is my first ever fanfiction. I'm doing this for my year 12 research project so I will be appreciative to any reviews whether its praise or criticism. If I have bad grammar please tell me and I'll do my best to fix it.
Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto in any way. Masashi Kishimoto is the one who owns it, because if I owned it the protagonist wouldn't be dumber than a sack of potatoes.
Now chapter 1 - Begin.
A shivering 6 year old boy was sitting in a cold alley in the slums of Konoha on what was supposed to be the happiest day of the year for him. It was October 10th the day the village celebrated the Yondaime Hokage defeating the Kyuubi the nine tailed demon fox that attacked the village six years ago, and it was also his birthday. The young boy had short yellow hair covered in grime and dirt and the bluest eyes you would ever see. He was wearing a shirt that was white if you looked close enough but it was covered in so much dirt it was stained brown. He was also wearing some tattered black shorts and he had no shoes on. The boy's name was Naruto Uzumaki and he was currently in the alley to hide from the villagers. It seemed that every year on his birthday they would seek him out and beat him within an inch of his life
"Why… why do they always try to hurt me?" The boy sadly mumbled to himself.
"HEY I FOUND THE DEMON BRAT!" An angry yell broke Naruto from his thoughts.
Naruto looked up in horror as he saw the angry mob of villagers standing at the only exit from the alley. He slowly crawled back trying to put as much space between him and the villagers possible. They slowly walked forward insane smirks on their faces.
"Finally time for our revenge!" one of the villagers sneered.
"Why." Naruto begged "why do you always hurt me!"
One of the mob snapped when he heard that he rushed forward and picked Naruto up by the collar of his scruffy shirt and punched him in the face.
"WHY!" he yelled "ITS BECAUSE YOU KILLED OUR FAMILIES YOU LITTLE DEMON!"
He threw Naruto into the wall as the rest of the mob slowly advanced.
"You've been living six years too long you little demon spawn." one of the villagers said.
They all walked up to him and started beating him, punching him, kicking him and hitting him with anything they could get their hands on. After a few minutes of this they slowly stepped back and examined there work. Naruto lay there his breathing laboured as he bled from the many cuts that covered his body.
"Let me finish it." One of the group said pulling out a knife.
He approached Naruto as he slowly fell into unconsciousness the last thing he saw was a shadow fly up and grab the man by the throat.
Shikaku Nara was walking down one of the roads of Konoha thinking about how troublesome this day was.
"So troublesome I have to go out on patrol on today of all days." he sighed "I just want go to the roof and watch clouds… troublesome." Shikaku was known as the laziest man in Konoha. He wore a form fitting blue long sleeved shirt underneath a green jounin flak jacket he also wore some loose black pants with lots of pockets, he had a black weapons pouch on his right thigh and he had black sandals on. His hair was brought back into a ponytail that looked like a pineapple, the man also had two scars on the right side of his face, one was above his eye while the other was below.
As he was patrolling the streets he heard a bunch of yelling coming from an alley and he decided to take a look. The scene he came upon was a group of villagers surrounding a small child. Shikaku instantly recognized the boy and a scowl came upon his face. He saw a glint of silver from the man that was approaching the boy and acted quickly. Pushing chakra into his shadow he extended it and wrapped it around the man's throat. The rest of the mob froze in shock and slowly turned around to see an angry Shikaku.
"What the hell do you troublesome people think you're doing?" The only response he got was silence so he asked again in a lower angrier tone than before. "Were you people attempting to kill this boy?"
One of the braver and stupider villagers stepped forward. "We were just finishing what the Yondaime started. Where just going to kill the Kyuubi brat."
He barely got to finish his sentence before Shikaku's shadow rose up and pierced his throat.
"Does anybody else want to break the Sandaime's law?"
Nobody dared to move after that they just stood there in silent shock.
"I suggest you leave now I'm already going to be reporting you to the Hokage don't make it and worse… NOW LEAVE!" Shikaku yelled.
The villagers scurried out of the alley as fast as their legs could carry them. After they left Shikaku walked up to Naruto and picked him up. He walked up to the shadows created by the alley and shunshined out of there.
Shikaku reappeared in the Hokage's office and walked over to Sarutobi Hiruzen the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha. The Hokage looked up in confusion wondering what Shikaku's sudden appearance meant but when he saw who Shikaku was holding his face changed to one of shock and then to one of anger.
"Shikaku!" the Sandaime yelled while standing up. "Tell me what happened right now!"
"I just found the boy being beaten by a group of villagers. They were about to kill him but I saved him just in time." Was Shikaku's calm reply
"But now I have a question for you Hokage-sama. Why the HELL was this happening! Weren't you supposed to be protecting this boy! Not only is he the hero of the village he's that man's son!"
The Hokage looked shocked to see the calm lazy Shikaku's get angry and yell was a rare sight. "So you figured it out."
It wasn't a question but a statement and Shikaku knew that. "Of course I did, I'm not an idiot it's obvious. Not only does he look just like Minato and acts just like Kushina. Those idiot villagers are just too blind to see that."
The Hokage smiled "I agree but I'm going to have to ask you to keep this information a secret you can understand the problems that would not only affect the village but also young Naruto's life" Shikaku gave a nod of understanding he knew if the Iwa found out he was Minato's son there would be hell.
"Now onto the more serious matters tell me what exactly happened?" The Hokage said with a look that promised a lot of pain to whoever did this.
"Well I was out on that troublesome patrol duty when I heard a sound come from an alley. I took a look in and found him being surrounded by a group of villagers, he was already beaten but one of them was advancing with a knife. So I used my shadow and wrapped it around his neck and another villager went and broke your law so I killed him." Shikaku stated
Sarutobi nodded in understanding. "I want you to compile a list of the group and give it to Ibiki in the torture and interrogation department by tomorrow. And tell him to have as much fun as he wants he's been complaining that there's hasn't been anyone to torture lately."
"Very well Hokage-sama. But before I leave I wish to make one request."
"Oh and what is that Shikaku?" the Hokage asked curious as it was very unusual for Shikaku to ask for anything other than a vacation.
"I wish to adopt Naruto. I have a son around his age who I think he'll get along with. And my wife Yoshino holds no hatred towards him. She understands that just because the Yondaime sealed the Kyuubi into him it doesn't make him the damned fox. She already guessed his lineage and really wants to help him, you remember how close she and Kushina were. She's even told our son Shikamaru to play with him but he's just too lazy to go play with the other children."
The Hokage smiled softly he knew that Shikaku would take care of Naruto. "Very well then I think that's a great idea but let's let Naruto have the final say about this idea. He doesn't open up to many people because of the things that have happened to him but I think hell agree if I agree with it."
"That's good I know this will be troublesome but it will be worth it." Shikaku said while gently placing Naruto down on the couch the Hokage had in his office
They waited in silence for a few minutes until Naruto started to stir. They both got up and crouched down in front in front of Naruto, as the small blonde child slowly sat up. He opened his eyes and saw Shikaku and quickly moved away in fear until he saw the Sandaime there.
Sarutobi saw this and started to speak." Hello there Naruto this is Shikaku Nara the man who saved you."
"Nice to meet you Naruto." Shikaku greeted kindly.
"H-hello." Greeted in a quiet voice.
"Well Naruto." the Hokage started "Can you tell us exactly what happened."
Naruto looked even more nervous now. "W-well I was sleeping in the alley when I heard what th-the date was I tried to hide b-b-better than before."
Shikaku stoped Naruto there. "Why were you sleeping outside?"
"Well the orphanage kicked me out a month ago a-and the alley had some shelter."
The Hokage was seething on the inside but he put on a calm front for Naruto. "Naruto why didn't you tell me this sooner?"
"Well I tried once but the receptionist lady told m-me I was just being a bother to you and I didn't want to bother you." Naruto stated like it was the simplest thing in the world.
"Naruto listen to me you will never be a bother to me you're like a grandson to me." Naruto's eyes started to water a little when hearing this. "Now please continue your story."
Naruto wiped his eyes and continued. "Well I heard a shout and then they came. When I asked why they started hitting me calling ma a demon and saying I killed their families. W-why… why do they say those things I never killed anyone so WHY!"
"Naruto they say those things because they are stupid and they are living in the past. So now Naruto I have some news for you. Shikaku here has asked if he could adopt you, he has a son your age and he's going to be going to the academy soon as well. But the final decision is up to you. So Naruto what do you want?" The Hokage asked.
Naruto looked at Shikaku and asked a question that broke their hearts. "You're not going to hurt me are you?"
"No Naruto I'll never hurt you." Shikaku replied.
Naruto still seemed uncertain so he looked for the Hokage to help who only nodded in response he looked back to Shikaku and gave a small nod a smile coming to his dirty face.
"That's great Naruto now let's go to my home and get you cleaned up. Ill introduce you to my wife Yoshino and son Shikamaru. It's still early so they should both still be awake."
Naruto got nervous at the prospect of meeting new people but Shikaku reassured him that they were going to love him. They slowly walked to edge of the village near one of the many forests that surrounded Konoha. As they walked Shikaku was getting angry after observing all the glares they gave the small child. He could only imagine what he must have went through before today.
"Well Naruto were here."
Naruto stopped and looked up in awe. The compound was huge with many buildings attached to it. In the middle there was a huge two story building that looked like the main house. There was also no fence like the other compounds he had seen instead it was surround by a huge forest with deer walking around freely.
Shikaku saw him looking at the deer and explained. "Naruto those are my clans deer, in exchange for letting them use our land they let us use there antlers. You see my clan uses there antlers to make many different medicines and ointments." Naruto slowly nodded in wonderment. "Well Naruto its time to meet your new family."
Shikaku started walking inside with Naruto following closely behind.
Suddenly there was a loud yell from one of the rooms. "SHIKAKU!" the voice was distinctly feminine. "Where were you! You were supposed to be home an hour ago." The door to one of the rooms burst open and a woman came into the hallway. She was wearing a pink t-shirt and some white shorts that came down to her knees but you couldn't see them because she had a white apron that fell just past them. She had long brown hair tied into a ponytail, black eyes and a tick mark on the side of her head.
Shikaku wasn't scared by the angry woman and just said. "I know but I ran into some trouble with little Naruto here."
The woman noticed Naruto for the first time and looked at him. Naruto shrunk back from her gaze but she just smiled. "Hello your Naruto right." The boy nodded. "Do you mind telling me why you're here."
Naruto was about to answer but Shikaku did before he could get a single word out. "Actually I want to talk to you about that." Yoshino looked at him and nodded.
"Okay then Naruto while we talk you can get to know our son Shikamaru." The woman said kindly. "But I warn you he's really lazy he takes after his father after all."
They lead him to another room and opened the door. Inside was a boy about Naruto age who had black hair in the exact same style as his father. The boy was wearing a grey t-shirt and a black pair of shorts.
The boy looked up when he heard the door open and smiled lazily. "Welcome home dad." He then spotted Naruto. "Who's that?" he asked wondering why the strange dirty boy was in his house.
"Shikamaru this is Naruto. I was thinking you two could get to know each other while your mum and I talk."
Shikamaru nodded accepting the answer. "Ok." He said as he slowly got up and walked over to Naruto he held out his hand to Naruto and said. "Nice to meet you I'm Shikamaru Nara."
Naruto smiled and shook his hand and greeted him back. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki I hope we can be friends." The last part was added with what sounded like hope.
"Well now that you two are getting acquainted me and your mum have to go discuss something." Shikaku smiled before slowly walking out behind Yoshino.
The two walked to a quiet room usually reserved for clan meetings and other special occasions. The two walked in and sat down at a desk.
"So why is that child here?" Questioned Yoshino.
Shikaku sighed he knew his wife would react badly to this. "As I was finishing my patrol I heard a noise from an alley and decided to go see what it was. When I got there Naruto had already been attacked and they were about to kill him." He looked at his wife's face and could tell she was pissed.
"They did what?" Shikaku could hear the venom in her voice as she said this. "Those stupid idiotic villagers did what to that boy?"
Shikaku quickly calmed her down. "Don't worry about that the Hokage already asked me to list their names and give them to Ibiki. Now onto the more important matters. According to Naruto he was kicked out of the orphanage a month ago so I decided we would adopt him. That is unless you have any objections to it."
"How could I have a problem with it. I'll be happy to take him in and if any villager's even try to lay a finger on him ill… well let's just say it won't be pretty afterwards." Shikaku smiled at this.
"Let's go back and tell the kids the good news." With that they stood up and walked back to Shikamaru's bedroom. When they got there they both saw Shikamaru and Naruto laughing at something which made both of the adults smile.
"Well looks like the two of you are getting along." Yoshino said surprising the two.
"Ok kids." Shikaku started. "I've got some good news for you two. Naruto Yoshiro and I discussed it and we would both love to adopt you."
A grin suddenly spread across Naruto's face and tears of joy were on the verge of falling from his eyes.
"D-do you really mean that?" he questioned.
"Yes we do Naruto we really mean it." Shikaku said in a kind voice.
Naruto ran up and hugged the man who had not only saved his life but also gave him a home. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Naruto kept mumbling.
"You're welcome. Now let's go get you cleaned up you're still dirty from earlier."
Naruto looked down and saw his clothes for the first time that day and just like Shikaku said they were dirty and torn with specks of his own blood on them.
"Don't worry Naruto you can use our shower it's down the hallway. Here come with me I'll show you." Yoshino put a hand on Naruto's shoulder and slowly led him down the hall leaving father and son alone.
Shikamaru looked at Naruto as he walked off wondering why this strange boy was staying with him. His gaze turned towards his father and asked. "Dad why is that boy living with us?"
Shikaku's gaze fell towards his son a warm smile spreading across his face. "Well Shikamaru that boy Naruto is an orphan. He grew up in the orphanage and was recently kicked out and no six year old deserves to live on the streets."
"Why was he kicked out?" Shikamaru interrupted.
"Because the villagers are idiots they hate him for something he never did. And no I can't tell you." He said when he saw what Shikamaru was about to ask. "Actually when I found him he was being attacked by the villagers, that's why he was so dirty."
Shikamaru was about to say something else when he heard a door open and he saw Naruto coming out in a pair of his old clothes with his mother following behind him
"Well then let's grab some dinner!" Yoshino said with a smile.
That night they had a big meal as a welcome party for Naruto and even though it had only been a day he already felt he could trust these people and that thought was solidified when he talked to Shiakmaru before he went to sleep.
Naruto was lying down on the soft bed his new family had supplied for him when he heard a knock at the door. He got up and walked to the door and opened it up to see Shiakmaru standing there with his lazy smile.
"Can I come in and talk to you for a minute." Shiakmaru said.
"Sure." Was Naruto's reply.
Shikamaru walked in and sat at the small table that was already in the room. An awkward silence filled the air and Shikamaru was the one that decided to break it. "so." Shikamaru started. "Why were you so dirty today?"
"Well I've been living on the streets for about a month now." Naruto stated simply.
Shikamaru's eyes widened at this. "You're six shouldn't you be in the orphanage?"
"They were mean and kicked me out." Whispered Naruto.
"Why?"
"I dunno everyone's mean to me."
"What do you mean?"
"If I'm walking outside they hit me yell at me throw things at me and on my birthdays like today they hurt me more than usual." Naruto's eyes were tearing up at this point.
Shikamaru was worried at this point. How could the adults hurt someone his age this much? "Well Naruto you don't have to worry about getting hurt anymore, and if anyone tries me and my dad will get them for you.
Naruto's eyes widened at hearing this. Here was a person that he had just met, and he was already being nicer to him than anyone else he had ever known.
"why, why are you and your family doing so much for me?" Naruto's shaky voice questioned.
"Isn't it obvious? You're part of our family now" Naruto was shocked at this.
"D-do you really mean that?" His voice was full of hope.
"Yeah I do you're my brother now." Shikamaru got up and headed to the door and stoped just in front of it and turned to Naruto with a smile. "By the way Naruto Happy birthday." And with that Shikamaru left without knowing how much of an impact he had on Naruto.
Naruto finally got over his shock and went and crawled into his new bed. He looked up at the ceiling and started smiling. "This was actually a good birthday after all." He whispered to himself.
Chapter 1 - done.
Thanks for reading so far I'll try to get chapter 2 done as soon as possible, and like before please review and criticise as much as you want about anything you would like.