Guest DCDGojira (Guest): Do you even want a response? I can't directly respond to you so I'll address your main points quickly.
Correct response is disgust so good.
I believe I wrote in a way you can't get off on this but if you are, I guess I have to work on my writing skills.
TheIrishWriter and I have had many great conversations about this story and I value their input because of their ability to point out potential, plot holes.
You don't know me or what I've been through. Just like I don't know you or what you've been through.
AN: Sorry for being late. I don't know why but I was really exhausted this week. I could not stay awake. Like I'd work and fall asleep when I get home. Then I'd wake up with just enough time to work out, walk the dogs, cook dinner and relax.
*** KONOHA 12 CENTRIC!***
WARNING: Contains content NOT suitable for children under the age of 18, and readers are strongly cautioned. The following contains IMPLIED rape, inappropriate language, violence and child abuse. Seriously don't be upset with me if something triggers you please be careful.
Chapter 3: It's a Damn Cold Night
Naruto looked around nervously as he exited the hospital and made his way back to the orphanage. He made sure to stick to the shadows to avoid people, however due to the date more people were on the streets drinking and celebrating the defeat of the Kyuubi. He was a block away from Maple Leaf Orphanage when he was spotted by three drunks.
"Hey look!" One of them said, pointing at a wide-eyed Naruto. Naruto quickly understood what was happening and took off.
"Get him!" Another red-faced inebriated man yelled.
"Let's finish what the Fourth started." The third cheered.
Naruto ran into a back alley, quickly followed by the men. He turned around and avoided their drunk attempts at grabbing him. Unfortunately, one of them stumbled, tripping over his own feet and hitting his head on the edge of a ditsy dumpster, knocking him out. A pool of blood forming below his head.
"You killed him!" One of the men accused the horrified boy.
"Oh please, that's a mild concussion at most." Tsunade scoffed.
"And, the bastard tripped over his own damn feet." Kiba growled.
"They're the ones that attacked a four-year-old!" Kurenai admonished, horrified at the events on screen.
"Wha?" Naruto questioned, horrified.
Kushina and Minato looked pained, seeing the horrified misplaced guilty look on their baby's face.
"He's dead because of you, ya monster!"
"B-u I didn't ean too!" Naruto's eyes welled with tears.
"Damn, you believed it?"
"I was four." Naruto shrugged. "I saw the blood. The guy wasn't moving. Adults are telling me he's dead. What was I supposed to think?"
"But you did! Look! You're a monster, and now the Hokage will see it too!"
Naruto took a horrified step back.
"There is nowhere for you to run now! They'll kill you!" The men laughed.
Naruto in his building panic took off running.
An instrumental started playing in the background as he ran.
"Isn't this…" Lee questioned, turning to look at Naruto, who was somewhat surprised as well.
"This is one of your songs isn't it?" Tenten asked. "I'm with you?"
"Sounds like. Can't say I'm surprised I wrote it with this time period in mind."
"Song?" Kushina asked.
"I'm standing on a bridge
Naruto ran across the bridge deeper towards the south of Konoha as rain started to pour down into the dark chilly night.
I'm waiting in the dark
Neon lights illuminated the streets. Buildings lined the streets that were alive with music, drunks, and Ladies of the night.
I thought that you'd be here,
Naruto stuck to the alleyways and the shadows hoping to avoid more unstable people, and keep out of the rain as much as possible.
by now.
there's nothing but the rain
his white shirt was soaked through because it was completely transparent and useless.
Naruto's skin felt cold as ice as he shivered in Kushina's arms. He's clothing is completely soaked through as if he was really out in the rain. She desperately tried to warm him up but it was a futile effort.
no footsteps on the ground
I'm listening but there's
no sound
He took a break leaning against a moldy brick wall. Breathing heavily. He hiccupped and wiped the tears streaming down his face as the events of the night started replaying in his head.
Isn't anyone trying to find me?
'Did I really kill that man?'
Won't somebody come take me home?
'Are they right about me?'
It's a damn cold night
'I can never go back.'
Trying to figure out this life
'What am I going to do?'
Won't you take me by the hand
'Will anyone believe me?'
take me somewhere new
He got up and started moving again.
I don't know who you are
but I, I'm with you
I'm with you.
I'm looking for a place
As he moved through different alley's he finally spotted a wilting cardboard box. Barely holding up against the rain.
I'm searching for a face
Desperate for shelter he ran toward it and practically dove in before a vicious hissing stopped him in his tracks.
"Seriously." Kiba growled.
Is anybody here I know?
He turned his head spotting a multicolored cat.
Cause nothing's going right.
Her ears were pulled back as her body was crouched low ready to attack. The fur on her back side stood up adding to her intimidating aura.
"I really need to talk to you about your luck." Tenten sighed as she watched the scene. No point in being broken up about any of this. It already happened after all and Naruto made it out somehow.
And everything's a mess
Naruto cautiously backed away and just curled up in a puddle by a dumpster, blue eyes never straying from the fierce cat.
"Of course, it's a cat." Kiba said.
Naruto let out a helpless laugh, "Wait it gets better."
Those around him set him confused frowns bordering on concern. The laugh held a hint of misery that should not have come from a 12-year-old.
And nobody likes to be alone.
He watched her pick up what looked like a dead rat and entered the box. Naruto teared up at what he saw, a mother taking care of her kittens.
"Wow." Tenten snorted. "Cause, you really needed that reminder." she said bitterly.
"You know what they say." Neji commented, staring at the screen. He turned his head to meet Tenten's brown eyes. "Fates a bitch." Tenten shot her teammate a look of understanding which he returned before they both turned back to the screen.
Isn't anybody trying to find me
Won't somebody come take me home
"So... you were on the streets?" Minato asked. Staring at the screen in disbelief. His heart was breaking with every moment revealed...All he was understanding was that if he and Kushina die, their son would be thrown to the wolves. Due to ignorance... greed, and what? Fear. Fear that they wouldn't be able to protect him if the world knew of his parents...Really? How is this better than possible assassination attempts from the Stone? Kidnapping attempts from Cloud? How?! He understands that they need to be careful about starting another war...he knows but since when did they believe in sacrificing a child's happiness for the good of the many. Choosing that on a psych eval you fail automatically?! Sacrificing human life shouldn't be the first and only option.
"Yeah." Naruto answered, cutting off Minato's internal rant. He couldn't elaborate, he really couldn't. He could barely talk about this time with his therapist.
"For how long?" Kushina asked softly.
Naruto shrugged despondently. "Time seemed to blend after a while… seemed like weeks but in reality, it wasn't that long. It's my fault really, I was avoiding the people trying to help me."
"It's not your fault." Inoichi responded adamantly. "You were a child, you still are." He sighed, taking a second to lose his defensive tone. "Are you seeing a therapist?"
"Yes." Naruto smiled. "If we didn't…" he said, gesturing to his fellow 'known' orphans. "The old man wouldn't let us in the academy." He grew more serious as he continued. "But it's still difficult to talk about. You told me to start writing...so I started writing music." He gestured to the screen.
Inoichi turned in surprise to face the blonde.
"After this fiasco there were only a few people the Old man trusted to be anywhere near me. Of that short list you were the only one really qualified, so I talked with you."
"I help him to." Ino added proudly.
"Yes…" Naruto smiled. "You all do."
"Should we take a break?" Choza asked. They've seen a lot of heavy stuff and a lot of that was about the small blonde Genin who looked to be dissociating.
"That might be…" Shikaku started to agree.
"No." Naruto responded.
"Are you sure?" Shikamaru asked. "You look like you could use it."
Naruto chewed his plump lower lip nervously.
"Believe me I know, but...it doesn't look like I'll have very many secrets after this..." he paused, looking sick. "Something else happens...we can take a break after that."
"...Okay, if you're sure." Kushina accepted.
Naruto's heart started beating a mile a minute as his anxiety started to rise. The room was starting to feel too hot, despite still being frozen wet, and way too crowded. He scanned the area for a seat away from everyone else and the exit just in case.
"You okay…" Minato whispered accidentally causing Naruto to flinch.
"D-dad, I…" He swallowed audibly. "I…" Naruto's eyes welled with tears. "I'm sorry." He whispered, eyes closing as if he's ashamed about something. What that something is Minato and Kushina have no idea?
"Hey…" Minato whispered gently, not wanting to draw attention to his son. He tilled the boy's chin up and wiped the tears away. He lifted him up off his wife's lap and into his own. "You have nothing to apologize for alright. You have nothing to be ashamed about. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Do you understand?"
"How can you say that?" Naruto asked. "You don't know what I did. I didn't want anyone to know. Least of all you two. I don't want this to be the first thing you know of your son." Naruto continued to cry silently. Kushina joined in as well.
"You're right. We don't know what happened, but what we do know is that you are a good kid. You take care of your friends, put them before you. You were just a kid; you are still a kid. You were supposed to be protected and safe. I know that whatever we are about to see will not be your fault and we will not judge you. We love you Naruto. We just met, but you already stole our hearts."
"Why?" Naruto questioned.
"Because you're our son." Kushina answered. "We will always believe in you. Always. No matter what."
"Thank you." Naruto cried again. "I...I might have to run out of here...I'll need to be alone...but I might be willing to talk to Shikamaru."
"Okay, we understand." Minato agreed.
/
The scene changed to show a nightclub. People dancing, young scantily dressed men and women being led into dark corners.
Just as Naruto was hoping, he was suddenly dry and room temperature. The more inquisitive minds in the room are dying to know more about this transference and what the purpose is.
Fugaku growled, "They're high as a kite. I doubt they even realize what's happening."
"This is one of Asami's clubs, IMPULSE." Naruto answered. "Those people are owned by him, or they got addicted to one of his drugs and offered themselves up for free hits." Naruto shook his head in disgust at the thought. Taking advantage of people who need help...yep that's definitely Asami' style. Honestly watching this while painful is really helping his perspective. "The drugs keep them complicit. Most of them prefer it to being aware."
The screen changed to a nice private room filled with smoke.
Naruto gagged involuntarily.
"Naruto?!" Kushina panicked.
"I'm fine." He mumbled hand over mouth. "Sorry. I'm good." He smiled. "I hate the smell of smoke." Even just thinking about that smokey atmosphere makes him sick.
Asami was in the middle of the room. Two young teens only wearing gold chains and jewels were sitting on his lap clinging to him.
Naruto rolled his eyes, "Power symbols… real nice Asami." He muttered sarcastically. "He is a pedophile, hebephile. Whatever, makes no difference to me" Naruto commented, pointing out the obvious. Past him was too weak...but now, he sees that shit he will Crush. Their Balls. Like Grapes. Consequences be damned.
"Yeah…" Minato swallowed thickly. "We can see that." he hugged Naruto tightly as if to reassure himself that he's safe. He knows they wouldn't be shown this unless it was related to Naruto in some way.
A man with pink hair gelled up, body flickered into the room.
"Hisoka sensei!" the majority of the Genin exclaimed in shock.
Kiba huffed out a laugh, "Can't say I'm surprised."
"Sensei?" Tsume questioned, worried.
"He's one of our academy teachers." Kiba answered.
"Or, was, rather." Shikamaru corrected. "He mysteriously vanished during our 2nd year."
"Hisoka, what brings you by?" Asami questioned. "I thought I ordered you to keep an eye on my pet."
Naruto snorted bitterly.
"The Ninetails is on the streets." Hisoka informed knowing that would peak his boss's interests.
"Oh…" Asami responded silently asking the man to continue.
Hisoka went on to report the incident which led the blonde to go into hiding in the red-light district.
"You're hiding out in the Glades?!" Many people exclaimed. They couldn't really tell where the blonde had run off to.
"..." Naruto didn't bother to respond to that. He just closed his eyes and buried his face in his father's neck. He could feel his dad's heart rate pick up and he couldn't help but feel happy about the concern.
"Wait, wait." Asami grinned, eyes lit up with excitement. "You mean to tell me that my pet is hiding from the Hokage in the Glades."
"That is correct. He fully believes that any Shinobi looking for him will execute him for murder. In reality the drunk imbecile is fine."
Asami laughed, "Oh this is too good." He licked his lips in anticipation. "That poor boy is hated by practically everyone in this village and now he's running from the only people who would help him. It's just too good to be true."
The adults just looked heartbroken having the horrible situation spelled out to them. This poor child, only four years old, was practically gift wrapped to one of the most disgusting criminals in the Leaf village.
"Your orders Asami?"
"I want you to make his life utter hell. Use any means necessary. You can have fun with it. I want him broken to the point he will accept help from anyone. To the point he will come to me willingly without question, without hesitation. Oh, but be sure to keep him alive."
Minato's eyes watered and he buried his face in his son's spiky hair trying to regain control of his emotions. 'This should not be happening. Who the hell leaked his status? That has never been done ever.'
"Understood sir." Hisoka nodded a perverse smile on his face as his body flickered out of the room.
Shikamaru whimpered, seeing the smile that haunts his nightmares. Shikaku felt a pit form in his stomach. He really hopes he's wrong.
Asami petted his boys that were at his side drugged out of their minds.
"Soon my pet you will be mine, and it's all thanks to these petty people."
"That bastard, I swear when I get out of here, I'm doing whatever it takes to lock him up." Fugaku growled 'or better yet executed'.
"No... When we get out of here...it's on site." Kushina's eyes were practically glowing with malice. Her hair subtly raises up around her but she maintains her calm. Naruto needs me to be calm right now.
/
Misaki hummed as she walked the childish colorful halls of the Hidden Leaf's pediatric unit. She had just finished checking in on the baby orphans who were brought in yesterday. She had cried when she saw how neglected they were...how touch starved they were. She made sure to document it all so Ms. Alvida will be charged to the fullest extent of Fire Country Law, if needed.
She had one more stop to make before she could get on her day. the five older kids who seem to have been taking responsibility for everyone. She walked into their shared room and frowned when she noticed the empty bed. She scanned the four heads of the children and worry started to build in the pit of her stomach. She made her way out to the reception desk and asked the status of Uzumaki Naruto.
"It seems that he was released last night." The reception lady answered.
"What?! On whose authority? He doesn't even have a Guardian right now?" Misaki yelled, drawing the attention of the waiting area.
"I like her." Tsunade grinned.
"Yeah, Misaki is the best!" Tenten grinned.
"She's also a great teacher." Sakura added.
"You are studying medical ninjutsu, so young?" Tsunade asked.
"During our third year, we learned about different Shinobi fields. Misaki came in to speak on the medical field and tested our aptitudes for it. She offered to teach Ino, Hinata and I the basics and if we liked it, we could continue."
"Interesting…" Tsunade responded. 'Are they changing their mind, or is it because there is no war going on and they don't need to pump out Genin like kunai.'
"Yeah, Sakura-chan is crazy, super smart! She got the Jougen spot in the National Exams." Naruto revealed.
"..." Shocked silence filled the room as everyone stared at the pink haired girl who was blushing under the attention.
"EHHH?!" Came the shocked exclamation.
"Jougen, that's the person with the highest results in the country!"
"Are you a Genius or something?!"
"How old were you when you took it?!"
"Why did you decide to become a Shinobi?!"
"That's amazing, are you the first female to score the Jougen position?"
"Guys, let her answer!"
"...Okay in that order. Yes, Jougen is the one who got the highest marks. In my case I got a perfect score plus extra credit for pointing out mistakes in the exam." Sakura answered Hizashi.
"I don't believe intelligence can be accurately quantified but I do have an IQ of 187, an eidetic memory, and can read 20,000 words per minute…" she wilted silently under the disbelieving stares. "Yes, I'm a genius." She answered Tsume.
"I was 8 years old when I took it." She answered ignoring the commotion that caused. She was used to it at this point. "I didn't want to be an official, I only took the stupid exam to get my father off my back." She huffed arms crossed in indignation. "He said if I got a perfect score, he'd let me do what I wanted." She rolled her eyes. "That was a lie, and yes I was the first female. They thought I cheated so I had to take a new test orally to prove my spot." She shrugged.
"Incredible."
"I well...that's weird the form wasn't completely filled out…"
"Give that to me." She said snatching the release forms from the receptionist's hands. She bit her lip in frustration, 'The orphanage, he probably went back there.' She thought as she left the hospital hopping on the roofs to get to her destination faster. She landed in front of the building and couldn't sense anyone inside. Regardless she pushed through the front door.
"Naruto! Naruto sweetie are you here?" She called out and searched the house. "Naruto! Fuck!" She quickly left the building and headed to the Hokage office.
"Uh oh." Tenten blinked shocked that she cursed.
"Wow, did she just…" Sakura was stunned as well. Misaki hates foul language.
/
Fugaku went to check on a sleeping Sasuke before going downstairs for breakfast. He gave a content smile fixing Sasuke's blanket before
"Awe! Baby Sasuke is so cute! You look so much like Itachi when he was that age."
"Yeah, he really is adorable Mikoto!" Kushina agreed.
Fugaku grunted in agreement, not comfortable with sharing his emotions with anyone but his family...more specifically his wife. However, his eyes showed the affection he had for his sons… 'He looks just like Mikoto.' He turned to see his future son who turned his head to the side to hide a blush. 'But seems he acts a bit like me.'
"Good morning Fugaku." Mikoto greeted, with a smile.
"Good morning Mikoto, what's all this?" he asked gesturing to the table with all his favorite breakfast foods.
"You seemed kind of upset when you came home last night. Thought this might cheer you up." Mikoto admitted placing a coffee in front of him. Fugaku looked at her with soft loving eyes.
Sasuke was studying the scene intently. He hates to admit it but he can't really remember his parents ever acting lovey dovey like the girls at school, but he can tell just from watching that his parents do love each other. They just show it differently, maybe he'll get to find out what his father really thinks of him. 'Does he think I'm a screw up? Weak? Pathetic? How will they react to Itachi? Should I tell them beforehand? It would be cruel to let them find out like I did...'
"Thank you."
"Is it a tough case?" Mikoto asked. "Or something to do with the clan?"
"Tough case." Fugaku sighed. "It's the orphanage again."
"Again, I thought this Alvida lady was good? I mean, wasn't she watched for like three months?"
"Yeah, there were no issues even during the routine inspections. Anyway, the guys picked her up last night from a bar. We had her sit in a cell to sober up. I'll speak with her today, but I'm pretty sure she'll be handed over directly to T&I considering who she endangered."
Mikoto smirked, "That's good, she needs to be made an example out of or this kind of treatment towards Naruto will persist."
"Agree, the first one got off too easily." Fugaku agreed.
"So, is this why you're so upset...you feel guilty because you didn't check in on him?"
"I had to stop to protect us...You know what they're saying about us...the more Uchiha around him the worse the treatment gets for both him and our clan." Fugaku frowned as he recalled civilians crossing the street when they saw even just Uchiha civilians walking around in town. Kids were yanked off the playground when Uchiha children went to play. Prices are jacked up for them at the marketplace or they are suddenly out of stock. Even in the Academy the kids are ostracized for being talented. 'Saying it's not like it means anything, they're an Uchiha.' He's happy Itachi is out of there and climbing up the ranks fast. At least the older Shinobi treat him somewhat with respect...albeit distrusting.
"What the…" Mikoto gasped. "I..I mean relations between the village and the Uchiha have been rocky since the 2nds reign but to think it's become this bad." She looked at Fugaku worried.
Shikaku and Hiashi frowned. 'This is a dangerous game the Hokage is playing. To let things, get this bad with the Uchiha, it could cause civil war or worse…'
'The Hyuga and the Uchiha are very similar.' Hiashi thought. 'From Doujutsu, to family structure. The elders will definitely pressure Fugaku for action. I Just hope it doesn't bring another war.'
Sasuke snorted a sarcastic smile on his face, "This is hilarious."
The Konoha 12 flinched and shifted uncomfortably. The few close to Sasuke looked at him with uncertain eyes.
"What do you mean?" Fugaku asked.
Sasuke couldn't hold back a laugh… "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be laughing but I'm just amazed…"
"Sasuke…" Shikamaru called his name warningly, his eyes saying, 'Are you sure you want to do this now?'
Sasuke shook his head, "Sorry, it's a long story...maybe we can discuss it later."
With that the Genin relaxed slightly.
Shibi glanced at his son questioningly, He doesn't know what that is about must it must be important if even his son was uncomfortable. Why? Because Aburame are trained to rarely display their outer emotions.
/
Fugaku sighed, "Well I'm off."
"Alright, have a good day, I love you."
"I love you two." He kissed her goodbye and walked out the door. It didn't take long to noticed the bird circling above him. 'I've got a bad feeling about this.' He quickly made his way over to the Hokage's office. He ignored the distrusting glares and knocked on the Hokage's door.
"Come in!"
"You wanted to see me Lord Hokage." Fugaku immediately took notice of Inoichi and Misaki as he moved to stand beside them.
"I see, he's keeping the tracker team small, to avoid panic and reckless moves with the higherups. Doing this also protects Naruto in case someone wanted to use this opportunity to harm him." Shikaku analyzed.
"Unfortunately, word is already out to someone who wants to harm him." Choza responded. "But I suppose it does reduce the numbers."
"That's true...I'm not sure what would have happened if word got out." Naruto mused. "To be honest, majority of the villagers aren't physically abusive at all. Those instances are usually rare occurrences and the attacker is usually drunk, high, or suffering from a mental break."
The Hokage studied the three of them in uncomfortable silence. 'Misaki, a medical ninja who has treated Naruto and the other Orphans in the past. He trusts her and she is the one that discovered him to be missing. Uchiha Fugaku, despite the mysterious surrounding the Uchiha Clan and the Nine tails Attack, he has a good relationship with Naruto and knows the streets of Konoha the best due to his position as Police Captain. He was also close friends with Minato and has closed many missing person cases. He can be trusted. Yamanaka Inoichi, another close friend of Minato's. His skills as an interrogation specialist might prove to be useful. Not to mention when he is found he'll be Naruto's psychologist... Hatake Kakashi, Minato's student, Naruto's Dog-nii-chan, and the only tracker shinobi who has Naruto's scent.'
"That is true, Kakashi would have been able to find me pretty quick." Naruto mused.
"But I didn't?" Kakashi assumed guilt filling him as he avoids looking in his Sensei's direction. "That's weird, I'm a pretty good tracker…"
"Oh no it's not that." Naruto denied. "You found me pretty quick actually...but remember you're out of the village on a mission. Considering you're an Anbu I bet it was difficult locating you, so it was bad luck."
"O-oh."
'Still...Minato sensei and Kushina nee-chan have done so much for me...I should have been keeping a proper eye on him.' He frowned in thought. 'I wonder what's going on with Rin and Obito. I don't see them not taking on a sibling roll. Obito's enough of a rule breaker that he would be meeting the kid secretly.'
"Alright you are all here." The Hokage said his eyes stern. "I will be assigning you an S ranked mission. You may not discuss what I am about to tell you with anyone, do I make myself clear."
"Yes. Sir."
"Misaki you may begin." The Hokage allowed.
"Naruto Uzumaki has gone missing. He was released from the hospital in the middle of the night by an unknown person and he was not at the Orphanage." Misaki recounted.
"Now, I don't need to remind you why this information must stay between the four of us."
"Sir, if I may, I think including Kakashi would increase our chances of finding him." Inoichi suggested.
"I'm aware, unfortunately Kakashi is out on a mission and his current location is unknown. I've sent out a recall along with his replacement, we can only hope he gets the message soon. For now, we can't depend on that."
"Damn." Kakashi cursed. Gai gave him a slap on the back to reassure him.
"Thought as much." Naruto said he noticed the guilty look on Kakashi's face and frowned. "Look, it's not your fault." Naruto said. "And sure, a lot of shit happened to me, but not all of it was bad, I also learned a lot of useful skills. So, don't look so guilty!"
Kakashi didn't know what to make of Naruto to be honest. He actually reminded him a lot of Obito and that's not really a good thing in his book.
"Alright, Misaki, can you go to the Hospital, talk with Tenten, Lee, Sai and Shin. See if they know anything about Naruto's discharge." Fugaku directed.
"Got it!" She left.
"As for us, those kids mentioned a lot of the other kids going missing, it could be related. I have the caretaker Alvida in a holding cell. I want to talk to her see if she knows anything. Your help would be appreciated there." Fugaku said to Inoichi.
"Understood." He doesn't really use his interrogation jutsu on civilians but he is also a master of body language and if it looks like she is hiding something. He will not hesitate to put her in T&I and walk her mind. "Well, if you'll excuses us Lord Hokage." The Hokage nodded pleased to see they have a lead and are moving fast.
/
Fugaku turned on his radio, "Hey, Hatori, you there?"
"Captain! Where have you been this morning, I have Alvida in interrogation room 3, waiting and read for you."
"Perfect, how long as she been waiting?" Fugaku asked.
"I don't know two almost three hours."
"Great, keep her cool, I'm on my way."
"Yes sir."
Naruto leaned over to tap Sasuke shoulder. He got a raised eyebrow in response.
"Told ya, he was cool." Naruto bragged. Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"Never said he wasn't, he's my dad. Of course, he's cool." The tsundere turned his head to avoid Naruto who smirked.
/
After arriving at HLPD Fugaku gave Inoichi the report the kids filed on the missing orphans. Inoichi frowned as he read it… 'Based on the dates of some of these kids, they went missing while Orochimaru was still operating within the village...as for the rest...All academy students huh? Could it be...Shikaku might have some ideas.'
"Could it be?! Come on don't leave it there!" Kiba exclaimed.
"Why is everyone all so freaking cryptic!" Naruto bemoaned in agreement.
"Kiba, you're making a spectacle. We will find out eventually. Why? Because that is the purpose for watching all this." Shino said, Kiba groaned in response to his friends chiding.
Ino laughed, "Come on Naruto, we're lucky we get to hear thoughts as it is. You know they're usually a jumbled mess that happens in span of seconds."
Naruto pouted, "I guess."
"One thing is for sure; my dad and Uncle Inoichi might have ideas. Could have something to do with the higher ups." Shikamaru mused.
Shikaku leaned back trying to think what it could be…'Could it be Root?'
"Great guess we'll have to wait till he's 100% sure before he shares with the class." Kushina grumbled.
"Kushina…" Minato chided nervously.
Naruto hid a smile, 'Guess I somehow share personality traits with my mom.'
Fugaku and Inoichi watched the increasingly irate women through the one-way mirror of interrogation room 3.
"Oh, wow a really interrogation! How exciting!" Ino squealed with anticipation.
"Oh…" Tenten smiled a gleam in her eyes.
"This will be good." Naruto grinned.
"Hm." Sasuke agreed.
"She's nervous…" Inoichi observed as the woman continuously wiggled her leg. "She's trying to pass it off as impatient. How do you want to run this?" Inoichi asked, sure he was the head of T&I but this was Fugaku's case first and he had the most experience with civilians.
"Should it be handled differently?" Lee asked.
"I assume what I'm referring to are my clan jutsu's. Civilians haven't gone through the same resistance training Shinobi have. So, using any kind of mind jutsu on her could give her permanent brain damage." Inoichi explained. 'Of course, if it's necessary, we must do what we have to.'
"I'm going to focus more on Naruto. She'll most likely show her true colors when speaking of him."
"Emotionally charged people are more likely to make a mistake and let something slip?" Sakura responded for confirmation.
"Yep, why do you think I rile people up so much." Naruto grinned.
"Because your shit." Kiba insulted causing Naruto to laugh.
"Kiba! Language."
"Opps."
Inoichi nodded in agreement.
The two walked into the dimly lit monochrome room. Alvida sneered at the Uchiha Captain.
"I've been sitting here for hours after being dragged here by your circus monkeys. What do you want?!" She demanded.
"Circus monkeys?" Kurenai repeated.
"Eh, it's a little weak." Asuma shrugged.
"Agreed, it's a 1/10 for me." Kakashi commented dryly.
Gai sighed at their unyouthful behavior.
"Sit down Miss. Alvida." Fugaku calmly responded and placed the three file folders at the table taking a seat alongside Inoichi on the opposite side of the Suspect. Alvida grit her teeth as she calmly sat back down glaring at the Uchiha as he opened the folder pulling out pictures of the missing orphans that went missing under her care, the evidence of neglect and abuse. And of course, the basement.
"Miss. Alvida, you took over the care of Maple Leaf Orphanage and the children 6 months ago correct."
"Yes, after you and yours wrongly convicted the previous caretaker."
"Wrongly convicted, she says." Tenten rolled her eyes.
"So, then you are aware that these children were under your care?"
"These ones are. They were in the orphanage last night. I don't know about that rest."
"This is why you shouldn't do drugs kids." Naruto said.
Fugaku raised an eyebrow.
"Really, because according to the kids in your care, and the 3-month long reports of when you first started all these kids were under your care, and now they're missing."
Alvida rolled her eyes, "Oh yeah, and who led the investigation? Your corrupt police department?"
"What about Naruto Uzamaki?" Fugaku asked. "He went missing last night."
"Who?" Alvida sneered a nasty smile on her face.
He placed a picture of innocent looking Naruto in front of her, "Naruto Uzamaki. He's been living in the Maple Leaf orphanage since he was a baby... You had him locked up in the basement like an animal."
Alvida snorted in contempt, "What, you keeping tabs on your pet monster."
Fugaku and Inoichi schooled their expressions.
Kushina lightly squeezed Naruto's hand.
"That monster is an innocent four-year-old boy." Fugaku clarified.
"Oh please. Of course, you're on the fox's side. You Uchiha are no better." She sneered in contempt.
Sasuke glared at the screen along with Mikoto and Fugaku.
"Rumor has it you're the ones who brought that demon fox here. We're not stupid we see you and your people helping him out."
"Helping them out. All the children in that orphanage. As is our job to serve and protect the citizens of this village. All of them including children, from people like you."
Mikoto's eyes softened as she went to hold Fugaku's hand.
"People like me? You should be thanking me I kept that monster away from those children."
Tenten and Lee watched he with disdain.
"And you're right monsters shouldn't be allowed near children." Inoichi agreed vaguely. "So... the fact that his missing now, do you know anything about it?"
Alvida turned suspicious eyes on the blonde, "You don't look like an Uchiha?"
"My name is Yamanaka Inoichi."
The women paled when she heard the name. Yamanaka's, were after all famous for their mind jutsu's.
Inoichi too please in her worried expression. 'Good she knows what I'm capable of. Maybe she'll stop with the games.'
"I wasn't aware the Uchiha's were hiring outside their clan."
"We haven't but it's not a bad idea, so do you know anything about Naruto or the other kids?"
"I didn't do anything to them...or him. The Hokage does personally come check on the demon. God knows why." She grumbled. "As for the others. I don't know. I thought they were just run away's."
"Alright..." Fugaku sighed as he rose from his seat and circled the table.
"Alvida, you are under arrest for child negligence and endangerment…"
"WHAT?!"
Mikoto smirked this was her favorite part.
"You have the right to remain silent."
"This is crazy!" She yelled as Fugaku cuffed her hands behind her back.
"Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
"You can't do this! I have rights! I didn't do anything wrong!"
"You have a right to an attorney if you can not afford one, one will be appointed to you by the village. Do you understand your rights."
"You're going to regret this… you hear me I…" She was cut off when Fugaku slammed his hand down on the table. "Do. you. understand your rights."
"Perfectly." She spit.
Mikoto leaned in close to Fugaku's ear. "Okay, that was hot." she whispered causing Fugaku's face to heat up and eyes to dart around to those closer to them before turning to meet hers.
"Okay, not gonna lie. That was pretty satisfying to watch." Naruto commented, earning agreement from Lee and Tenten.
"Take her away." The Captain ordered his two officers. Fugaku turned to Inoichi. "What do you think?"
"I believe her. I don't think she had any idea what happened to those kids." 'Especially if it is Root. Donzo would have reason to take Naruto, but he can't he's too high risk.'
"Let's meet up with Misaki...there is one more angle we can look into." Fugaku contemplated.
"Last night was the Kyubbi Festival." Inoichi agreed. "If he was out on the streets that late at night, he could have run into revenge seekers."
"Exactly...we should check with the hospital see if anyone came in talking about demon brats and monsters." Fugaku agreed.
/
The two linked up with Misaki at the hospital she was leafing through files, "Hey guys, found the nurse that released Naruto. She's sitting pretty in T&I."
"Great, are those patient files?" Inoichi asked.
"Yep, I might have found a lead." Misaki smirked place the file in front of them. "Alright so, Sakata Hiroshi, was brought in by his two friends Yori and Shig. Apparently, they were out drinking, enjoying the festivities when Hiroshi tripped and hit his head. He's currently in room 202 for observation."
"Alright?" Fugaku prodded.
"Well while he was getting treated, he and his friends were talking about getting rid of a demon brat."
"When is Hiroshi getting released?" Inoichi asked.
"Soon, his friends are coming to pick him up."
"Good." Fugaku said.
"Wow it's so cool, how you three just work so fast together." Choji commented. He wonders if his team will be able to do that.
The shinobi in the room smiled, "Teamwork, is the Leaf's strongest weapon." Jiraiya said. "Going back to the era of the First Hokage. It's what we're known for."
/
The scene opened up to show Naruto huddled by the dumpster. He was covered in mud and shivering in the cool fall air.
"Winter is coming." Lee said. "Please tell me you weren't out there during winter?"
"I wasn't out there during winter." Naruto responded with a little cheek in his tone. Earning a glare from Lee.
"I wasn't." He responded more adamantly.
It's been a couple days. A flashback montage was shown of Naruto running and hiding from Shinobi, in actuality most of the time it was Hisoka trying to tire him out physically and mentally.
"That Bastard." Naruto was shocked. He really had no idea back then just how much he had been played.
Tsunade bit her lip at how sickly he looked. She knows based on her experience with her grandmother and Kushina that Uzamaki's have extremely fast metabolisms. She knows Naruto has never eaten his fill of anything just by looking at the poor boy.
His stomach growled. He's been so busy trying not to get caught he hasn't had the time to look for food or drink water. He lifted his head from his knees, freezing immediately. Wide blue eyes met green.
Naruto sucked in a breath. His heart hammering in fear nails digging into his father's arms.
"Sh sh sh, It's okay. You're okay. You're safe. Naruto. I've got you." Minato reassured.
"H-Hisoka."
"I know, I know. Don't look okay. Just focus on me." Minato whispered, rubbing Naruto's back. Kushina swallowed. She was scared. She hasn't been this scared in a long time but knowing she won't be able to protect her son. From something like this...she feels sick. Like she might physically puke any second now.
Shikamaru's big brown doe eyes were blown wide as he watched Hisoka. The look in his eyes caused his own panic to build. Shikaku placed a strong arm around the boy's shoulder trying to ground him. He is hoping against all odds that his assumptions are wrong but...just looking at Shikamaru he knows he's right. And if he's going to be forced to watch something that, depraved, he really doesn't know what he'll do.
Naruto looked around for an escape route but the man was blocking the only way out of the alley. He shook with fear as the magenta haired man approached him with a basket in hand.
"Hello there, I couldn't help but notice you looked half starved." Hisoka smiled gently. "Here. This should help." He placed the basket in front of Naruto "Look kid I don't know what you're running from but you should probably just go home." Naruto looked startled at what the kind man was saying. "I'm sure whatever it is, it can't be that bad. It's not like you killed someone." Hisoka laughed innocently. A metaphorical arrow pierced Naruto's heart. Hisoka turned to walk away.
"'Ank you." Naruto quietly thanked.
"Enjoy." The man said.
Naruto opened the basket pleased to see a freshly made sandwich and a bottle of water. He practically inhaled the small offering in one gulp. His stomach still growled but he was still grateful for the food he did get. He licked his dry lips and looked up to where the man was but he was gone. He unscrewed the cap from the bottle and began to take a few sips. It wasn't until the water was half way gone did the screen get fuzzy.
"What's going on?" Sakura asked.
"Naruto?" Kushina panicked. The boy's blue eyes were glassy and unfocused.
"Naruto?!"
Tsunade got up and made her way over to the three, "Let me see?" Tsunade inspected the boy's heart rate and pupils and frowned. "He's experiencing the same effects as his past self. Hisoka gave him some drugged food."
Start
Naruto fell to the ground unconscious, his unfocused blue eyes falling shut. A shadow loomed over his tiny figure and an eager chuckle filled their ears. A flash of large pale hands removing Naruto's shirt was shown. Another of Hisoka's face. Then a flash of Naruto's pained face.
End
Everyone was glad they weren't showing exactly what was happening but that doesn't change the fact that it is happening and they can't do anything to stop it now...but they can and will in their future. Thankfully Naruto was in a drugged state and only pained whimpers escaped his parted lips. Blood stained the boy's pants further driving the point home. Minato and Kushina cuddled him, whispering soft reassurances in the boy's ear. Then something strange appeared on the screen.
A dimly lit sewer appeared on screen. The screen panning around shows the light's reflection in the ankle-deep water and a large metal cage.
"Wh-where is this place?" Kurenai asked.
Kushina frowned, lifting her head, "K-kuybbi?" She whispered confusedly.
A pair of slitted eyes emerged from the darkness.
"It's Kyubbi?" Kushina confirmed. "But...why...did he awaken cause Naruto's being hurt?"
"Guess, we'll have to see." Minato responded.
He growled and glared straight ahead of him, "Disgusting."
"He talks?!"
"Yes, he does." Kushina answered. She's shocked to hear that Kyuubi hates what's happening to her son. "I thought he hates humans?" Kushina whispered.
"Maybe, it's not all black and white…"Minato pondered.
"What do you mean?"
"Try talking with him...maybe there is more to his story."
"But, Lady Mito, she said not to listen to the fox...he'll do anything to escape?" Kushina was confused. She just clearly saw proof of the Kyuubi having morals.
"I think you know what to do." Minato smiled, kissing her cheek.
They heard a satisfied grunt, they saw the satisfied leer in Hisoka's eyes before he walked off into the night leaving the small child vulnerable on the cold fall streets.
As the sun's rays broke through the early morning sky the screen showed a view of Naruto's broken body. His skin tinted blue as he shivered to keep warm. Tired blue eyes cracked open and squeezed shut immediately as he fully became aware of how freezing he was.
Naruto trembled as he struggled to get out of his dad's lap. Minato remembering what Naruto said about needing to be alone helped him get as far as the exit before watching the small boy limp off, with a heavy heart. Kushina wrapped her arms around Minato in an offer of comfort and an attempt at calming down.
He curled up in a ball. His eyes shot open in shock as he realized he was naked. He looked around without picking his head up off the ground and saw his pants in front of him. Hopefully his shirt was somewhere near him. He tried to lift himself up with his shoulder, arm and elbow but a piercing pain shot through his spine causing him to let out a sharp scream.
Minato and Kushina both looked towards where Naruto left, a pained expression on their faces.
Jiriaya glanced back at his student, worry in his eyes. He noticed Naruto was gone but kept silent.
He fell back to the ground gasping in short breaths. His blue eyes filled with confusion and fear. He tried again more slowly to lift himself up. The pain shooting periodically up his spine. He looked down on himself. Eyes drawn to the dark bruises on his hips.
Kiba swallowed thickly, eyes blown wide. Akamaru whimpered next to him nuzzling into him to offer comfort. Tsume gently ran a hand through her future son's hair. Offering comfort to the boy who looks so much like her.
Breath still coming out in short panicked intervals he shakily moved his hand to place it over one of the bruises. Matching his tiny hand with the much larger print.
Fugaku looks sick seeing the evidence of such a horrific crime on such a young child. Unfortunately, it is not the first time seeing something like this but seeing it on a child that looks so much like his friend...hurts a thousand times more.
Sasuke knew Naruto experienced a lot of hell. The two share a lot of their pain together but this is one topic Naruto has never discussed with him. Sasuke glanced over to Shikamaru. The thin boy is one of the other people Naruto talks with and based on his reaction, Shikamaru was aware that this happened.
He didn't understand what had happened, he looked around...for something. Eyes finally landed on Hisoka who watched him with a dark smirk. The man licked his lips before vanishing.
Ino flinched, seeing that bastard watching the confused boy as he pieced together what had happened. 'This monster is getting off on this…I want to crush him.' blue eyes glared fiercely at the screen.
Several seconds passed before Naruto was able to look away. He looked down at himself staring at the injuries for a long time before he crawled for his underwear. It wasn't till he was on his knees did he feel the cold wet sticky sensation between his thighs. Without bothering to look he reached down. He was too afraid to touch himself down there because of how much it hurt...he was too scared to even look because it just felt completely torn apart. With a shaky breath he touched the sticky mess bringing his hand back up. Seeing the red slimy goo...His head whipped backward to confirm his finding and saw the pool of blood.
Shikamaru's body went rigid. Knowing all too well how horrifyingly painful it is to feel that exploding pain coming from such a private part of your body. The feeling of someone overpowering you and just taking what they want with no care for you. 'I at least knew what happened to me… Naruto...he had no idea...and on top of that he doesn't have a safe place to go now.' Shikamaru glanced up at his dad who had been watching him. Shikamaru lowered his eyes, feelings of shame and embarrassment creeping up within him. He knows better but sometimes he can't help but feel he could have avoided it if he really wanted to. He stood up and walked toward the exit. He meets Sasuke's eyes. The boy nodded silently asking to take care of him.
His breathing came faster and faster. He didn't understand what was happening...he didn't understand...why does his body hurt so much...why was he naked…. why was he bleeding...who was that man… Tears filled his eyes, he couldn't keep the air in his body, he started to choke and hiccup and gasp anything but he just failed to breathe. Then the screen went dark.
"Panic attack." Tsunade whispered as if talking to herself. "Alright, we'll stop here for now."
ANSWERS/NOTES/THOUGHTS:
Didn't want to end it here because ouch but it does have this heartbreaking sense of finality to it. Like dead oppressing silence. Fade to black. Plus, this chapter ended up really long.
Why bring in Hisoka when you already have Orochimaru and Asami? Good question…They play different roles. Though I'm debating if I should just have Hisoka killed. I have a great idea for an instant death sentence. Asami I already know what I'm using him for.
Why can't another tracker find Naruto? 1. I'm further developing a skill Naruto has…2. Anything that could have Naruto's scent is contaminated due to how filthy he lived. 3. Plot purposes…sorry
So, I had this chapter done…reread it noticed it was missing the investigation…originally, I didn't want to spend too much time on this arc but as a reader that would be dissatisfying and I would want to see more of Fugaku before he you know…dies.
What the hell do regular kids talk about! I want them to have some regular convos…oh well whatever. I'm not going to lose sleep over it just blame it on the ninja water or something.
Next Chapter: Regroup and Recoup, at this moment there is enough material here to analyze and discuss all the questions that have popped up.
AN: I'll be aiming to post on Saturday from now on since that is my only day off. I have a 48-hour work schedule, plus I am doing my Masters. Please bear with me until October.