**Addressing valid concerns! READ IF: you have CONCERNS about the WARNINGs**
Guest DCDGojira (Guest): Hey don't want you or anyone to have some kind of weird PWP Angst view of this story.
No not everyone is going to be raped or abused and that's the plot, the girls won't be gang raped it's not that kind of story. Everything will be done with a purpose in mind. Nothing will be romanticized or even explicitly written. I put the warnings as a just in case because I would like the forewarning myself.
Honestly, I won't even be spending too much time on the first arc. Then it'll be on to something else.
*** KONOHA 12 CENTRIC!***
WARNING: Contains content NOT suitable for children under the age of 18, and readers are strongly cautioned. The following contains but is not limited to light sexual acts, grooming, inappropriate language, child abuse. Seriously don't be upset with me if something triggers you please be careful.
Chapter 2: Missing Orphans
The scene changed to show three boys huddled together in a small room with sleeping bags littered around the room.
Naruto, Tenten and Lee gasped, staring at the screen in longing.
"What is it?" Neji asked his teammates.
"It's Sai and Shin." Tenten answers, not taking her eyes off the two boys on the screen.
"They went missing right before they were accepted into the academy. They would have been in our year." Lee added softly.
"What do you mean missing?" Mikoto asked, sharing an unsettled look with Fugaku.
"Like kidnapped? From within the village?" Fugaku questioned, concerned.
Lee, Tenten, and Naruto nodded.
"You'll probably hear more in a bit." Naruto said.
"We've been out of water for two days now." A boy with short grey hair commented. "and we've been out of food for longer than that."
"It got that bad?" Tsume cursed.
"If we couldn't get out of the orphanage, we couldn't get food." Lee explained wondering why he felt as if he were starving. He felt significantly weaker as he leaned against Tenten, who allowed him in her concern. Naruto watched with a knowing look.
"I know I'm not going to like the answer but how exactly did you get food?" Choza asked.
Tenten, Naruto and Lee exchanged uneasy glances.
"Um…" Naruto blushed.
"Not important." Tenten answered.
"What can we do? Madam hasn't gone out recently." Sai shrugged head resting on the wall as he stared absentmindedly at the ceiling light.
"Poor Naruto today was the first time in a week he was able to get food and water." Lee sighed.
"It's not like we're doing much better. We've had to give up what we have to keep the kids alive." Shin responded.
"Kids? and what would you classify yourselves as?" Inoichi asked.
"We were never kids." Naruto responded.
Minato and Kushina flinched. That's not what they wanted to hear from their son. This isn't what they planned when they dreamt of having kids.
"The kids are the ones younger than us. The ones who rely on us to take care of them." Tenten followed up, not wanting to deal with Naruto's bold bombshell of a statement. However accurate he was.
The three boys tensed when the door opened only to relax when Tenten came in.
Tenten grunted at the sudden onslaught of hunger and dehydration, her hand making her way to her stomach. She shared a look with Lee who looked back grimly. 'Seems like it's not only pain, they'll feel it's everything.'
"She's gone." Tenten informed.
"Alright wait ten minutes before getting Naruto." Sai said.
"We don't want a repeat of last time." Shin groaned.
"Right, but guys we have a problem." Tenten started. "It's Nagisa, her fever hasn't let up yet, and I don't know what to do."
"Shit." Shin cursed. "This is just like what happened with Kaya."
"We have to do something. We can't just let her die too." Lee fretted.
"Let's get Naruto then we can decide what to do." Sai said jaw clenched as he grabbed some clothes.
The four of them ran down the stairs to the basement door.
"Sai, Shin be on look out just in case." Lee ordered getting nods in return as he accepted the clothes from Sai. "Tenten, you ready?"
"Why did it have to be basements?" She groaned. "They're so scary!"
Naruto and Lee chuckled as Tenten blushed embarrassed by her younger self's childish fears.
"Shut Up! I'm not scared of them anymore…" She defended by socking Lee in the arm.
"Ouch!"
"And Naruto I wouldn't be laughing if I were you. At least basements are real." She threatened, causing the blonde to pout and Sasuke to snicker.
Kushina chuckled.
Lee gave a small huff of laughter before he opened the door.
Tenten and Lee gagged as the smell of bodily fluids and excrement hit them.
"Naruto! Naru can you hear me? Na-naru?" Tenten called out worriedly. She glanced at Lee before taking a hesitant step onto the stairs.
"I hee ya." Naruto croaked. "Give me a sec."
Tenten and Lee nodded and waited for him at the top of the stairs.
When Naruto finally emerged out of the basement, he gave a sigh of relief.
"You okay?" Lee asked.
"I be fine." He shrugged putting on the clothes.
"Sai, Shin, he's out."
"Okay, what's the status?" Naruto asked, making Tenten giggle.
"You sound like a ninja."
Naruto smiled, "Hey whee Chitose and Fudo?"
The four older kids glanced at the ground in pain.
"No…" Naruto whispered fists clenched as he tried to contain his emotions.
"They went missing early this week." Sai reported solemnly. "At first we just thought they stay late to train at the academy."
"Does anyone know these kids are missing?" Fugaku asked.
"Well people do now." Naruto answered carefully.
"But not back then. I mean we tried to tell the Madam but…" Tenten trailed off weakly.
"We didn't have a lot of people to turn to and it's normal for civilian children to drop out of the academy."
"Just wike the othes." Naruto said softly.
"How many?" Minato asked.
"15. We make it a point to take a picture of everyone who comes to live at the orphanage just in case." Naruto answered.
"God. Fifteen." Kushina whispered, horrified.
"Damn it! Why does this keep happening?!" Shin yelled angrily. "At this point we'd be better off not going to the academy."
"And only those who enroll in the academy?" Shikaku repeated. "Always?"
"Yeah. They go missing the first day or even a year later... without fail."
"Lee and I are the first who didn't, but after Sai and Shin went missing the Uchiha police and the Hokage were involved."
"From that point on no one has gone missing." Naruto continued. "But not a single kid was returned either. We never found out what happened to them."
"Shin, becoming a ninja is our only hope." Tenten reminded.
"It has the best pay, and we can start work by the latest at age 12 plus as orphans we get a stipend for just being in the academy." Lee added.
"I know but this January the four of us will be going. If we go missing it'll just be Naruto and the kids, and with the way Madame treats Naruto and ignores them, they'll die."
"We can't keep living like this, something has to change." Tenten responded.
'Kids shouldn't have to worry about things like this.'
'They're acting like mini adults.'
"Guys we can talk more on this later but we have more important things to worry about and not a lot of time." Sai reminded.
"Right." they agreed.
"First. Nagisa is sick with fever and if something isn't done soon, she'll die like Kaya did."
"Shit." Naruto cursed looking more, grim than a four-year-old had the right to be.
Tenten giggled, "Daddy Naru started so young."
"Daddy Naru?" Minato repeated, curious as to why his son's face was so red.
"Nagisa is like Naruto's daughter. He's been taking care of her since she was in diapers."
"She's not my daughter. Guy's stop being weird. If anything, she's my sister."
"I'm with them Naru, you totally have a dad face when you're with her." Sasuke added much to the surprise of his classmates.
"How do you know that Sasuke?" Sakura asked.
"I had the pleasure of meeting her."
"I'm all for risking a new Madam." Tenten said slowly.
"Me too." Shin agreed.
"Same." Naruto said.
"What's her current temperature?" Sai asked.
"37 degrees (C)."
"I think we should wait till it reaches 38. Kaya lasted till 39." Sai suggested.
"I'm going to let this slide because you're just toddlers but fevers can be dangerous. If left untreated you can die or get severe brain damage. They're especially bad in children with poor immune systems." Tsunade lectured.
"We know…" They sighed.
"I mean we can." Shin responded unsure. On one hand a fever was concerning. On the other he still remembers the last Madam and she was worse.
"We can come back to this later tonight." Tenten said. "For now, we're out of food and water."
"Okay, someone needs to stay with the kids."
"I'll do it. If something happens people are more likely to help a little girl after all." Tenten said, rolling her eyes and the three boys agreed having experienced this first hand.
"Alright, then Sai and Lee, you're on water duty. Shin and I will find some food."
"Are we good on water bottles or should we get more?" Lee asked.
"Let's get some more, I don't want to run out so fast again." Sai said, earning nods in agreement. Lee went back to the rooms to grab the 2 plastic bags filled with used water bottles.
"Alright let's go. We meet back here in an hour no matter what. if someone doesn't make it back...tell a police officer." Sai finished earning surprised looks. "Shin is right, we can't afford to go missing." The others nodded in agreement.
/
Naruto quietly made his way behind an apartment complex quickly finding the dumpster. He took a quick glance around before hopping in trying to find as many usable plastic bags as he could.
"Jackpot." Naruto grinned, finding four. He put his arm through the loop holes so he wouldn't lose them as he proceeded to look for some food.
Naruto's eyes lit up when he found a bag with 6 slices of bread left in it.
The bread had mold growing on it but Naruto smiled at his prize.
"Lucky." he said, placing it in one of the plastic bags. He scavenged around some more, finding a half-eaten sandwich, and a turkey leg with a few bites taken out of it. He then hopped out of the dumpster before going off to the dumpster behind a restaurant picking out some more food before moving to the dumpster closest to the market. Finding some spoiled fruit. He almost had his bags filled but he decided to head back to the orphanage because the time limit was almost up.
Almost everyone looked a little sick at the food Naruto collected but chose not to comment. After all, when you're that bad off survival instincts kick in and you do what you gotta do.
He quietly entered the Orphanage and snuck up to the boy's room dropping off the food before heading into the kids room. He frowned as he heard coughing coming from inside. He peaked in and saw it was coming from Tenten.
Everyone but Naruto and Lee looked at the girl in shock as she coughed.
Tsunade got up and quickly went to assess the girl, "...Fever? You're sick?"
"Don't bother with it, I doubt you'll be able to do anything." Tenten sighed slumping in her seat.
"It seems we feel more than just pain...we also feel starvation and dehydration." Lee admitted.
"But only when we're on screen." Naruto added. "And once it's treated it goes away. After little me ate the ramen, I was back to normal."
"Oh, this is going to be painful...I hope I don't become a focus." Shikamaru admitted knowing that's not possible considering he got involved with the troublesome blonde. Chouji and Ino paled steeling a quick glance at the boy's leg.
"Hey Tenten." Naruto whispered, stepping into the room causing the girl to jump in surprise. She looked a little guilty as she was caught red handed. "You sho tell us if you swick." he headed over to the crib Nagisa was in. "How's she oing?"
"I just got her back to sleep." Tenten whispered back. "I don't know Naru. This is... " her voice was trying to suppress tears.
"Yeah, I know." Naruto sighed, tearing his eyes away from the baby to check on the other kids.
"Kotomi just learned to walk." Tenten informed, causing Naruto to crack a smile.
"That's good."
"Yeah but Youhei still hasn't said a word. Is that normal for a two-year-old?"
Naruto glanced at the sleeping toddler.
"Is it normal?" Ino asked. "I mean does he talk now?"
"Yeah, he talks now he's actually really smart." Lee responded.
"As for whether or not it's normal." Tsunade started. "It's hard to say. All baby's develop differently. Even if he wasn't speaking yet he could have been understanding everything."
Naruto sighed, "Maybe we shoo et help. Just to see an octer."
"Hey guys...so we're still waiting on Lee and Sai?"
"Yeah, but the backhills are on the other side of the village."
"Hey have you guys noticed how thin Jun has been getting?" Shin questioned worriedly.
"Yeah, I've been giving him a bit more to eat but..."
"My guess is worms." Tsunade interjected. "You all really need a hospital. I'm not like what I'm seeing."
"Can't remember exactly what happened but I'm pretty sure that happens soon." Tenten placated.
"Well, he and Megumi are twins, how's she?"
"She's managing but, Jun he's not looking good, and he sleeps all day."
The three turned to the door when Lee and Sai walked in.
"Good we're all back… What's wrong?" Lee asked.
"Just worrying about the kids." Shin sighed.
"Is it Nagisa?" Sai asked.
"Well, yeah but I think there is something wrong with Jun and Youhei as well."
"I noticed something up with Jun too." Sai said. "I also thought I heard Yahiro throwing up yesterday."
"What a mess." Shin groaned.
"Alright." Sai started looking resigned. Worry in his eyes. "We'll get help tonight. I c…"
"No, let me." Naruto interrupted.
"You?! Naruto, you're younger than us! We should b…."
"No. It shod be me. Tenten is swick, so she's out. You tee are oler and sho be here. Plus, if someting habbens to you, I can't elp em fom a basement." The small blonde argued.
Shin gritted his teeth.
"I'm also fast." Naruto added.
Tenten and Lee looked between Sai and Naruto anxiously.
"Peas…" Naruto pleaded with big blue puppy eyes.
"And he's gone." Sasuke sighed.
"Troublesome blondes." Shikamaru grumbled.
"They're definitely deadly weapons if you use them right." Kushina giggled. "Just like your father Naru."
Minato smiled sheepishly.
Sai flinched and knew he lost the second he locked eyes with Naruto's baby blues. He brought a hand up to his face letting out a growl, "Fine, Naru. Fine. 30 minutes. That's all you get."
"Got it Sai. See Ya." Naruto grinned while taking off.
Naruto ran off into the abandoned streets sticking to the shadows, keeping an eye out for the familiar green flak jacket and white and red fan logo.
He let out a frustrated huff after ten minutes of searching. His eyes widened in panic when he caught sight of a shadow. He tripped, scraping up his hands and knees as he quickly retreated into a dark alley.
Naruto hissed, "Why does it hurt so much more, then it's supposed to." Naruto grumbled. "It's just a little...!" He paused as he saw the red blood stains on his knees.
"Maybe you don't have a high pain tolerance." Neji shrugged.
"Believe me. He does." Tenten defended.
"Yeah, let's not forget he's got Uzumaki blood running through his veins." Hizashi added.
"What does that mean?" Sakura asked.
"Eh? You've never heard of The Uzumaki?" Inoichi asked.
Naruto's head snapped up in interest. He knows he should probably tell them about his discovery but he'll wait for now.
"Well...it took some work but Sasuke and I managed to scrape some information together for Naruto a while back. We know about the sealing Jutsu specialty, longevity, and insane amount of chakra, but that's about it." Shikamaru admitted.
Kushina sighed. "What are they teaching you in school? Especially you Naruto. I can't believe no one told you about our clan."
"Yeah well thanks to Shikamaru and Sasuke I have been studying Sealing Jutsu."
"Really, I'd love to see what you can do so far." Minato grinned. "Maybe I can teach you something of mine."
"Really?! That'd be awesome dad!"
"I don't think the world is ready for two Yellow Flashes." Fugaku smirked, earning laughs from the adults as they discussed the Hidden Stone's reaction to that.
"Anyway, to answer your question earlier Naruto, maybe it has to do with adrenaline." Shibi suggested. "That is because when one usually gets hurt adrenaline is pumping through the body numbing the pain a bit but here and now. You are relaxed."
"Well, that'll suck, right now it's just scrapes and bruises." Naruto said. "What if one of us actually dies. Will we die here too?"
"Hmm. You're not one to think about these things Naru. What gives?" Kiba asked.
"Nothing really. Just for some reason it looks like I'm the focus for now and well...look."
Kushina and Minato blinked in surprise, "Oh god, injuries transfer over!?" Kushina exclaimed.
"Well lucky this one is mild." Naruto sighed but he was worried about what's to come.
"Well, hello there…" An amused voice greeted coolly. Malice dripped from his voice.
"Seriously." Fugaku groaned.
"Shit." Naruto cursed.
"Who is he?" Hiashi asked, eyeing the man dressed in an expensive winter yukata. "He seems well-off."
"Yeah. In dirty money. Not that I've ever got enough evidence to lock him up. Just coincidence and happenstance according to his lawyers. His name is Asami." Fugaku snorted. "At the moment he is my number one suspect in human trafficking crimes."
"Seriously?!" Kushina panicked, pulling Naruto closer to her. "So, he...I mean you know him?" She asked Naruto.
"Yeah. I didn't realize that I had met him this early on, but he and I got closer later...not that I knew what he did." Naruto explained carefully.
"Closer?" Minato asked and Naruto refused to meet his eyes. He nodded in acceptance before turning his attention back to the screen.
Naruto scrambled back against the brick wall, blue eyes blown wide in fright.
"What's a cute little thing like you doing out here all by your lonesome. Shouldn't little boys be in bed at this hour." The man approached a dangerous air about him hidden behind a kind smile.
Naruto didn't respond as he slowly got to his feet. Eyes not leaving the stranger.
"Oh poor thing you're hurt." The man noted, voice gentle as he kneeled down in front of the blonde. "May I?" The man gestured to see Naruto's scraped hands. Naruto just brought his little arms to his chest, willing the man to just leave him alone. "It's alright, I'm a doctor." He reassured me. Naruto blinked blue eyes confused and uncertain. The man smiled, placing a large hand on Naruto's small bony shoulder. He glided his hand down the boy's arm tracing his forearm before taking the blonde's hand, pulling it away from the boy's chest. A green glow emitted from the man's eyes causing the boy's blue eyes to widen in shock and awe. The man chuckled.
"He can use medical ninjutsu?!" Tsunade exclaimed.
"Unfortunately." Naruto sighed. "It's healed." Naruto showed off his hands.
"I really don't like this." Tsume growled an unsettling feeling in her gut.
"Impressed?" Naruto nodded as the man healed his other hand. "Enough to tell me your name?" The man asked as he brought his hand up to cup Naruto's cheek.
"Oh no." Naruto bemoaned in defeat.
"What?" Minato asked, disturbed at what he is seeing and frustrated that he is unable to protect his son.
"He's going to touch the whiskers." Naruto looked up with teary eyes and blushing cheeks.
"Eh? What's wrong with that? You know aside from the fact that he's acting way too familiar with you." Ino asked, grumbling the last part in worry.
"They're a bit sensitive to the touch." Naruto admitted, embarrassed.
"N-Naruto." He stuttered. "Naruto Uzumaki." The man's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Naruto…" He whispered with a hint of desire as he traced Naruto's whiskered cheek with his thumb earning a loud purr from the boy who quickly pulled away from the man's reach covering his cheeks in defense.
Eyes widened in surprise not expecting the sound.
Minato and Kushina's hearts started racing with fear. After seeing the life their son leads, they fear what could happen to him. What they would be forced to watch happen to him without the ability to protect him.
'Cute.' The man thought. 'The Nine tails container huh? I can make a lot of money selling him.' He licked his greedy lips in want. 'However, think of the power I could wield with him on my leash.'
"What am I a dog?! Screw you!" Naruto cursed face red with anger and embarrassment.
"What did he mean about the Nine tails container? The Fourth Hokage killed the nine tails, right?" Ino asked.
"That's what they taught us in school." Sakura said.
"Fourth Hokage?" Minato asked.
"He gave his life to save the village from the Nine tailed fox." Naruto explained.
"Who was he?" Kushina asked, glancing at Minato. It would make sense. It would also explain why Naruto was chosen and they are dead.
"Um He's uh...Sakura?" Naruto asked.
Sakura pondered the question, brows furrowed, "That's weird. I don't think it was really mentioned. I don't even remember seeing a picture of him."
"Now that you mention it, you're right." Shikamaru agreed. "Hmm Why is the Hidden Leaf censoring our history books? First the Uzumaki, now the Fourth. I mean we barely touched on the Nine tails attack."
"How interesting, perhaps we'll find out later." Shikaku mused.
"Now, now don't be afraid. Shall I heal your knees? It can't be too comfortable to walk as they are now." The man offered.
Naruto looked uncertain again.
"Come on it's alright, I won't hurt you." He said gently, bringing Naruto closer to him, placing his hands on the boy's hips.
"Naruto, I got to say it's really weird seeing you act so meek." Ino comments unsettled.
"He's definitely not like that anymore." Sasuke snorted.
"Well, it's a little complicated. I know better now of course but back then, I was thinking an adult was paying attention to me, and he wasn't treating me like a disgusting plague...I liked it. In hindsight this is really creepy."
"Now let's get these off you so I can see the wounds." The man said, slipping the boy's pants off.
"He could have just rolled your pants up like a normal." Shikamaru grumbled, covering his eyes in discomfort as he leaned into his father's side. Forgetting that the man won't be his father for another couple years. Shikaku for his part took it in stride. He may have just met his future son but he isn't going to lie and say he doesn't feel his protective instincts kick in when Shikamaru is involved. Right now, he's just worried about what this reaction means.
Hands tracing the boy's bare thighs.
Minato's eyes flared dangerously. A feral growl escaped Kushina's throat.
Glowing hands healing the boy's bloody knees. He reached into his pocket pulling out a handkerchief. "Allow me to clean you up a bit." The man said, grabbing Naruto's leg and licking off the blood. "You have beautiful skin, you know." The man complimented, causing Naruto to look at him in surprise.
'Disgusting body!"
"Filthy!"
"Weally?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, you're really cute. Like a girl." he said as he pulled Naruto's pants back up.
Naruto was surprised before looking uncertain again. "I'm a boy." He pouted.
"Did you ever have to deal with that?" Naruto asked. "My face isn't that girly, unlike Sasuke."
"Leave me out of this." Sasuke responded.
"Yep, all the time." Minato admitted. "But so, did the twins and Inoichi."
"Really?" Ino asked.
"Oh yeah, this one was always getting hit on." Shikaku chuckled.
"So, when does it get better?" Sasuke asked, curious.
"Um, well as you get older you get swarmed less… I guess." Inoichi answered since the Hyuga don't want to acknowledge the conversation.
"Yes it really is a waste, you're so cute." The man smiled, running his hands through Naruto's blonde hair. "I must be going now. We'll meet again I'm sure."
And just like that he disappeared Naruto stared stunned in the now empty space in front of him.
"Naruto?"
Naruto's head snapped up to the familiar voice blue eyes widened in relief.
"Capin!"
"So, we've met before?" Fugaku asked.
"Yep, we made friends with a lot of the HLPD." Naruto responded.
"Well after you guys found out about the missing kids, anyway." Tenten added.
"What was it I think after the previous Madam we were introduced." Lee mused.
"Yeah, The Hokage had you and a couple officers come down and talk to us about trustworthy adults and what to do if blah blah blah ever happens." Naruto recalled.
"Blah blah blah?" Fugaku raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
Naruto, Tenten and Lee snickered.
The screen showed Fugaku approaching Naruto worried.
"What are you doing out here so late!"
"I was looking fo help! we need an octor!"
"Doctor? Is someone hurt? Where is the Madam?"
"Etting Wunk, but everyone is weally sick! And I on't know wat to oo. Peas Help!
"Naruto that speech impediment is so cute!" Kushina coos squeezing the life out of Naruto. "You're killing me."
"Well considering the minimum human interaction he's doing pretty good." Tsunade added.
"She's what?! How do you eve...you know what nevermind." He sighed, rubbing a hand over his tired face. He pulled out his walkie talkie from his vest, "Dispatch this is Captain Fugaku, I have a report of a 273A and possible 216 over at the Maple Leaf Orphanage. Send a wagon over."
"This is dispatch, medics are on the way as well as two officers."
"Wah! You're so cool Captain!" Naruto exclaimed with childlike delight. Fugaku just smirked fondly, going down to pick Naruo up.
"Alright, kid it's been a while so talk to me...it's your birthday, today right? Do anything special?"
"Yep, Gamps ook me out to eat wamen."
"Ramen huh? Did you like it?"
"Duh! Wamen is the bestest foo eva."
"Yeah, I remember someone telling me that a long time ago." Fugaku responded to an image of a Kushina and Mikoto appeared on screen laughing at something.
"What can I say the kid's smart." Kushina agreed.
"Well he is our son." Minato agreed.
Kakashi just sighed to be honest he's getting sick of eating ramen.
MDB
Medics were already on the scene by the time they got there. Fugaku walked up to one of the officers on the scene.
"Captain Fugaku Sir!"
"What's the status, Officer Hotori?"
"It's pretty bad, after a brief examination all the children have been deemed malnourished. I found evidence that they've been eating garbage."
"Naruto, is this true?"
"Yes Capin, but there is no food in the house...and you said ealing is bad."
Fugaku signed, "Alright little man, let's get you checked over as well."
"We'll discuss this later Hatori."
"Yes, sir."
"Bye bye, ofcer Hari"
Hatori smiled, "Bye bye, you get better soon okay."
"Misaki! So, they called you huh?" Fugaku greeted as he approached the medics.
"Some cases just require my special skills." Misaki winked. "Hello Naru, do you remember me?"
"Misa!" Naruto greeted, happily. "I membe!"
Misaki smiled, "Now why don't you come sit in the wagon with your friends and I'll take care of all of you at the hospital."
"Okay, bye bye Capin."
"Bye bye Naru. I'll stop by and visit soon okay."
"Okay."
Fugaku walked back to Hatori.
"Okay, tell me everything."
"Well… come take a look."
"There's a lock on the fridge door. No food or water anywhere accessible...and check this out."
Hatori walked over and opened the basement, both men quickly covered their noses at the rank smell.
"Did someone die down there?"
"It's possible, I asked dispatch to send in a CSU. The thing is, including Naruto there were only 10 kids here."
"What?!"
"I questioned Sai, one of the older kids. He said a lot of the kids went missing after enrolling in the academy and others just died from the neglect."
"I see. I want a report on everything by tomorrow morning."
"Sir, where are you going?"
"To inform the Hokage."
"The Hokage?" The officer questioned, confused. "But isn't this just a civilian matter?"
"Normally yes, but Naruto isn't a normal civilian."
"Right, of course sir."
"What does that mean?" Tenten asked.
"It relates to the previous comment of the nine tailed fox container." Minato sighed.
"Right, we still don't know what that is." Sasuke reminded everyone.
"I've kind of known it for a while now, but the Old man just confirmed it for me." Naruto responded, clearly uncomfortable. Kushina squeezed his hand.
"Have you ever been told of tailed beasts?" Kushina asked.
The kids just shake their heads no.
"Okay well the long and the short of it is there are nine tailed beasts in total. The leaf has been home to the Nine tails." Minato started.
"It was first sealed with my Grandmother. Lady Mito Uzumaki, the First Hokage's wife. Sealing the beasts in people is the only way to control them as they are just creatures made of chakra." Tsunade revealed.
"As Lady Mito's life was coming to an end, I was brought to Konoha to be the next Jinchuriki. That is what we human containers are called. Uzumaki's have a long-life span, powerful chakra, and strong bodies, we are the only ones really capable of containing the Nine tails." Kushina continued.
"So, Naruto, you have the nine tails sealed with you?" Sasuke asked just to confirm.
"Yeah, I was told the night of graduation, but I kind of knew long before that."
"Wait, that means the Nine tails didn't just randomly appear out of nowhere and attacked the village." Shikamaru reminded, looking to Kushina for some type of clarification.
Kushina looked worried.
"We obviously don't know what happened that night."
"I was born, that night was my birthday." Naruto added.
"Yes, well there's one time a female Jinchuriki's seal is weakened." Minato said. "And that's during childbirth. The chakra going to the seal would go to the baby, but we would have had precautions for that." Minato said.
"Yes, but even Lady Mito's seal almost broke." Kushina reminded.
"What I want to know is why everyone knows you're a jinchuriki." Jiraiya was clearly frustrated.
"That's right it's supposed to be top secret only known to the Hokage and whoever sealed you."
"All we can do is keep watching for now." Shibi spoke.
The scene changed to show Fugaku knocking on the Hokage's office door.
"Come in."
Fugaku entered.
"Captain Fugaku. What brings you by."
"Naruto Uzamaki sir."
"Is he okay?" The Hokage asked, face blank.
"It turns out Madam Alvida has been severely neglecting the kids under her care at Maple leaf Orphanage. The initial search indicates that the children have not been fed. The fridge and cabinets in the kitchen are locked, and we found bags of moldy food in the kids room."
The Hokage grit his teeth, "What else?"
"It's believed she kept Naruto locked in the basement like some kind of animal."
The atmosphere in the room became frosty.
"Lord Hokage, this is the third caretaker we've placed in the position. Not only is Naruto being abused but so are the other children. We can't even get a certified person to take the position because of their misguided views on a child."
"What are you asking?"
"Lord Hokage, don't you think enough time has passed that one of us can take care of him? I know, my clan is under suspicion for the attack."
"Okay, wow there is so much to unpack here." Shikamaru interrupted.
"So there were people who wanted to take care of Naruto?" Tenten repeated.
"I would assume anyone of us would." Inoichi answered. "However, since Naruto is a Junchiriki and we are clan heads, politics come into play."
"That's right, the council wouldn't see it as taking in an orphan but handing over a weapon to one of the shinobi clans." Kushina grumbled. "The curse of the Jinchuriki." She said, running her hand through Naruto's blonde locks. "And even though the entire village seems to know of your status. I'm 100 percent sure that that knowledge is limited to the village."
"Yes." Jiraya agreed. "The leaf Jinchuriki is one of our best guarded secrets. I doubt even a snake like Donzo would share that information with other villages."
"Okay, now on to part 2. The Uchiha are under suspicion for the attack?" Fugaku repeated.
"Well obviously we can't give first-hand information on the attack." Ino said.
"But we can say this, the Uchiha were definitely treated like outcasts in our village." Naruto said. "I'm sure you'll see it watching this. It's disgusting the way they treated our police force." Naruto rolled his eyes.
"I'll attest to that." Sasuke added. "There was definitely a shift in behavior before and after the…" His eyes widened.
"But Naruto and I picked up some interesting information along the way." Tenten smoothly intercepted. "There were eye witness reports that night, about the sharingan being reflected in the Kyubbi's eyes."
"Oh, and how did you two come across this information?" Inoichi asked.
"Unfortunately, you might find out." Tenten sighed and Naruto and Sasuke shared a nervous look.
"You didn't do anything Illegal right?" Mikoto asked warily.
"Um…" Tenten internally debated. "I don't think so?"
"Why did that sound like a question?" Neji deadpanned.
The Hokage's sharp eyes found Fugaku.
"We're not blind."
Hiruzen sighed heavily, "It can't be helped you know there was sightings of the Sharingan on the Kyubbii's eyes that night."
Inoichi looked at Tenten, curious how a child came about this information.
"There are more unconventional ways that could have happened, but that's not what I'm here to discuss."
"Look, I would love to put Naruto under one of your care. I'm not any happier about this than you all are. The problem is it would draw eyes if a clan head suddenly took in an orphan that looks just like a mini yellow flash. Every day he looks more and more like his father."
"Ah, that would definitely be another reason, I guess." Minato sighed.
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"I gained quite the reputation in the Third Shinobi War." Minato admitted.
"There was a flee on sight order in Stone's bingo book." Kushina threw in.
"Anyways, I gained a lot of enemies that would love to come after my family for revenge. I will say that, all that is moot if the villagers are causing you harm like they are."
"I'll have to disagree with you there sir, his face is like his mothers." Fugaku responded.
"That's right." Kushina nodded aggressively. "Good eye Fugaku."
Mikoto laughed at her friend.
"Yes, his attitude as well."
"In any case, anyone close to those two are forbidden from being close to Naruto. Unless they meet under unique circumstances like you and those brats."
"Those brats?" Choza asked.
"My students maybe?"
"Speaking of, why aren't Obito and Rin here?" Kakashi asked.
"You only now ask that?" Asuma snorted. Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"It's not that important, just curious. not all your teammates are here."
"Additionally, you are all clan heads, you hold some power in this village. The council would not give permission for one clan to raise a Jinchuriki."
"Fine. Another problem that we're working on. There are only 10 kids at the Orphanage."
"What? I could have sworn there were more."
"According to one of the boys Sai, the majority went missing over the years after signing up for the academy. Then some of them died due to neglect."
"I see, keep me posted on the investigation. As for a caretaker...I may have an option but they won't be here for 2 weeks. Till then I'll have an Anbu watch the children."
"Understood."
/
Naruto relaxed happily into the hospital bed. He, Lee, Sai, Shin, and Tenten were all placed in the same room and were hooked up to IVs.
Shin snorted, "Don't get too comfortable. I doubt we'll be here long."
"Yeah yeah. Let us live." Tenten sighed.
A knock against the window drew the five kids eyes, before it was pushed open.
The kids stared dumbfounded as a dog and a toad hopped in.
"That's definitely one of my summons." Kakashi said.
"And of course, the Toad is mine." Jiraiya nodded. "The old man better not be referring to me as a brat."
"You are one though." Tsunade mumbled.
"You're the toad guy!?" Naruto exclaimed.
"Naruto Master Jiraiya is known as the Toad sage."
"Yes, I am also your dad's sensei. It would make sense why I'm definitely not allowed to be seen with you right now."
The dog happily shook his tail as it hopped on to Naruto's bed.
"Geeze finally, you're a hard kid to track down."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Wow, what do they put in this thing?" Shin exclaimed, staring at the IV drop in wonder.
The comment definitely surprised those in the room.
"huh?" Kiba asked.
"This is some good stuff." Tenten agreed as she sunk into her pillow content.
Jiraiya laughed at the implication.
"So we didn't know what summons were." Tenten grumbled. "Sue us."
"Guys, it's an IV drop. There shouldn't be anything special in there." Sai pointed out as he stared at the bag of fluids warrily.
"Exactly." Tsunade nodded in agreement though she was just as amused by the cute yet unusual response. Usually when a child sees a talking animal for the first time they get all excited...not assume they're high.
"People hallucinate when they're hungry and thirsty." Lee reminded.
"You are trying really hard to deny reality." Asuma laughed.
"Quiet guys, theya weal." Naruto insisted. "I told you last year that a dog and a toad came and sang me happy birthday."
Woof! The dog barked.
"Is that dog wearing a ninja headband?" Tenten asked.
"Yeah. He belongs to dog-niisan." Naruto explained.
"Dog niisan?" Kakashi asked.
"Yeah, well you're the Hound Anbu." Naruto smiled sheepishly. "You couldn't tell me who you were so I called you Dog Niisan."
"Did you know any other Anbu?" Minato asked.
"Yeah, lots. There is, Mr. Cat, Miss. Cat, Mr. Sloth, Mr. Bear, Mr. Boar and... Mr. Weasel. There's a lot."
"But I don't know who sends the toad and he won't tell me."
"I'm sorry, Naru-chan. That has to be a secret."
"Woof."
"Do you not talk?" Naruto asked.
"Apparently, like my summoner, your Dog-niisan is away on a mission, so he sent Guruko instead of Pakuen. Guruko is still working on his english."
"Woah, so cool."
"Anyway, we're here to pass on their wishes to the birthday boy!"
"Ready!"
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Naruto
Happy Birthday to you
Naruto giggled and clapped his hands hugging Guruko affectionately.
"Thank you."
"And one more thing, kid." The toad said handing over a birthday cup cake.
"Oh wow. What is it?"
"It's a cupcake. Basically, a mini cake. Don't worry there are no bugs in it." The toad reassured.
"That's a weird thing to say?" Choza muttered. Minato and Jiraya just responded by turning green.
"There, there Minato. It's alright." Kushina comforted, amused.
"Thank you." Naruto glanced at his friends unsure.
"Don't even think about it. Someone made that just for you. You should eat the whole thing." Sai insisted as the others nodded in agreement.
"But…" Naruto tried to refuse.
"No...come on. You deserve it, Naruto." Lee added.
Naruto sighed and took a bite. His eyes lit up.
"It's sweet."
"My baby!" Kushina cried. "I'll make you a cake every year."
Minato smiled sheepishly.
It wasn't long till an older nurse came into the room. She scanned the occupants before shocked eyes landed on Naruto.
"What are you still doing here?" She asked. Her tone wasn't hostile but her eyes were like a frigid glacier.
"Oh um? I tot I was sayin the nigh?" Naruto questioned shyly.
"Sorry, we don't have enough beds to let perfectly healthy people stay here. You are free to go." The nurse said.
"Bu its ark out now." Tenten responded confused.
"So? This is a shinobi village. Perfectly safe. Go on. We'll take care of your little friends here."
Sai and Shin frowned, "Well we're okay now too. We can go back with him."
"No, you two are malnourished. You need to stay for further treatment."
Naruto nodded, "It's fine guys I'll see you tomorrow."
"But, but, you're malnourished too!" Tsunade yelled in outrage.
"Oh no." Tenten bemoaned.
"What? What is it?" Gai asked.
"This is the night he went missing." Lee sighed.
"WHAT?!" Minato and Kushina yelled. "For how long?!" They turned to Naruto.
"Hmmm, A couple months?" Naruto answered non-committedly as he avoided eye contact.
"Months!"
"I don't understand who took you?" Fagaku asked.
"No one, look, it's complicated alright." Naruto sighed. "I don't want to talk about it."
Inoichi exchanged a look with Fugaku.