It's Not What you Think
Hello! Welcome back to another chapter. I hope you've all been enjoying this series so far. I think it's been pretty good. I can see not everyone was happy with the way Kushina went. I decided to rectify that, so I got a way to do it. I think you all will enjoy it! Now let's answer some reviews!
DarkNightmare08: ESTAAAAAA REBUENA LA HISTORIA BRO. por favor siguela actualizando no nos dejes con la tension y una pregunta. ¿Kasumi influira en la historia o que? (Google Translate: ESTAAAAAA REBUES HISTORY BRO. Please keep updating it, do not leave us with tension and a question. Will Kasumi influence the story or what?)
SoP: Yes, Kasumi's influence will help Ichika achieve her dream of being an actress. With her career kicking off, this will even begin to drag Naruto into it. Naruto is out of the frying pan and into the fire.
super sayiman: I am really enjoying this story. I love the way Naruto is interacting with the sisters. Wonder how their relationship will develop now that they know Naruto has lost family members like they did. Keep up the great work.
Sop: Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it! I do what I can to make Naruto's interactions similar to his canon counterpart. Granted there are some differences, but I do try to keep his actions in line with what the actual Naruto would say.
Alright! Let's get to the chapter!
Last Chapter
The girls stood in a circle, "Remember what Okaa-san would say?" Itsuki smiled, "If one of us messes up, the give of us overcome it together. If one of us finds happiness, the five of us share it." Itsuki finished as Nino took over, "Whether in happiness…", Miku continued, "Sorrow…" The girls all lit their sparklers by a candle on the ground, Yotsuba said, "Anger…" Itsuki finished, "Or affection." The five then all lit their sparklers together.
Itsuki continued, "We are five-fifths, and together we are one."
Naruto, Kasumi, and Naruko sat on the side with their own sparklers. They watched as the Nakano sisters shot off a small firework into the sky, "Hmm seemed kinda small?" Naruko said with a frown.
"Yes, but fireworks are important for the five. They reminded them of their Okaa-san." Naruto smiled as Naruko let out a half-smile. The three were reminded of their Kaa-san, once their sparklets went out. The three remaining members of the Uzumaki and Namikaze household held one another. They didn't cry, pout, grieve, or complain. They had one another, they were still family, and they were still alive. For now, they would remain strong, they're still together. Because in the end, family matters.
After a little bit Ichika came walking up, "Since we're friends, I guess we'll have to help one another. Be ready, because I'm not the easiest to work together with."
Naruto and Kasumi both smirked and said, "Who do you think we are? We're Uzumaki/Namikaze Naruto/Kasumi. It's not hard for us to work with you. It's hard to work with us." The two gave Ichika a shit-eating grin which sent shivers down Ichika's spine.
This Chapter (Day Later) *Thursday*
Naruto walked out of the police station as he quickly whipped around and slammed his fist into the wall. Naruto grit his teeth glaring at the wall he just punched. His fist was bruised and bleeding a bit. However, the use of chakra helped cushion the blow. However, for the wall, it had a large crack and dent in it. Bricks fell from where his fist smashed into it.
Flashback a Few Moments Ago
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU GOT IT ALL WRONG!" Naruto glared at the police officer who was currently listening to an angry Naruto.
"Please understand Uzumaki-kun it wasn't our intention until the family came forward." The officer knew Naruto wasn't happy about the 'rapist' that killed his mother. Apparently, the entire situation was completely wrong, "Like I just said, a family came forward with two kids. The parents were told the entire story from the kids. The other officers just found your Kaa-san, Uzumaki-chan, dead next to her 'rapist', and they summed up the crime to be an attempted rape."
"That's NOT what I'm angry about!" Naruto clenched his teeth at the police office, "You found DNA evidence of another person being there. With the two kids being eyewitnesses saying he tried to kidnap them. Then my Kaa-san saved the two fighting the two off. One ran away after she killed the other. You're telling me, that the person my Kaa-san killed. Wasn't even the person who killed her?"
"Yes, she killed someone but the other has not been arrested. He currently is still at large; his name is Nobuyuki Sugou." The officer held up a picture of the man. Nobuyuki has short, slicked-back hair, dark eyes and glasses, and wears a business suit. He is quite tall and wears a red tie.
Naruto bit his lower lip as he burned the image of that man in his brain, "I'll find and bring him in, I don't care in what state I bring him in. I'll make him pay for taking away our Kaa-san." Naruto stood up, turned, and began to walk away out of the building.
The officer stood up to stop Naruto, "Wait you can do that, you're not an officer of the law or have been trained to. We'll bring him to justice that's what we're."
Naruto turned his head to the officer with no emotion on his face, "You think I give a damn? Justice? Please, some of you are good, but not all of you cops are good. The corrupt use and abused their powers to do anything they want. Take bribes to look the other way, I'll bring his ass in here personally. If you want something done, sometimes you just need to do it yourself." Naruto left slamming the door to the police station.
End of Flashback Time Skip Friday
Naruto was lost in thought on his way to school. A lot was going on, tomorrow was his Kaa-san's wake in the morning and then onto the funeral. Naruto did invite the girls IF they wanted to come, they didn't have to. Naruto looked up to see Ichika waiting for Naruto sipping on some coffee, "Hi." Naruto continued to walk with Ichika speeding up to catch up to Naruto.
"Huh? Aren't you going to compliment my winter uniform?" Ichika looked at Naruto confused as she tilted her head at him.
"Shouldn't you be on your way to school? Why are you here?" Naruto asked confused, he thought she would be with her sisters.
"I thought I'd walk to school with you. You know I still can't thank you enough for helping me out. To think Kasumi Namikaze was your Nee-chan!" Ichika gently elbowed Naruto in the side, he only ignored her.
"Well, I'm glad your sisters were happy about your role." Naruto continued to walk thinking to himself quietly while he listened to Ichika.
"But still… it was thanks to you! And now…" Ichika turned to him with a bright smile, the smile she used during the audition, "It's a load off my shoulders." Naruto smirked; he was glad that Ichika was able to figure things out.
At School
Naruto saw the giant words 'Midterm Exams' written on the chalkboard, "The midterms begin next week." The teacher looked down at the requirements, "Just so you know, any scores below thirty will be deemed failing grades, as always. Be sure to revise and revise well. It made Naruto think about what he can possibly do for the girls. Only Miku and Yotsuba really studied, even then he wasn't sure about the others. Sure, Itsuki may have studied on her own, but how much did she understand by herself. So, for now, Naruto was going to leave her to her own devices.
Same with Nino, Naruto left her to do her own devices. This made Nino wonder about Naruto and why he never talked to her. He didn't at all once try to convince her to join them to study this week. Let alone ask her how school was going. Nino did ponder about going to study, she knew about Naruto's current situation, and she did feel bad. Not only that she knew she could do better and try harder as a student.
Naruto soon found his way to the library to find Yotsuba, Ichika, and Miku waiting for him. Once he arrived Yotsuba jumped up at him and turned around. She turned her butt towards him while putting her hands up and turned her back head to him, "Uzumaki-san! What do you think is new about me today?"
Naruto looked at the three seriously, "Yes Yotsuba, I see you're wearing a new ribbon on the top of your head. But we have other pressing matters." Naruto placed his hands on the table, "We have midterms coming up. Unless you do better, there's no way you're going to survive the exams.
"Yeah!" Yotsuba cheered as Naruto was able to figure out her attire change, "He figured it out!"
"Calm down." Naruto grabbed the two ribbons on the top of her head, "Your answer sheets are full of checks, too.
"Yeah! I'm leading the trend!" Yotsuba cheered, which she shouldn't be cheering in the first place.
"We all need to go over your strengths and weaknesses. Miku…" Naruto looked at her surprised, "You're doing English… I'm glad even if it's your worst. Overcoming your weaknesses make you stronger."
Later
Soon the sun began to set with the four making their way out of the library. Yotsuba stretched her arms into the air, "I'm s tired."
"Can't wait to get home." Miku said with an upbeat tone which didn't seem noticeable.
"Get some rest, I need to do some review on my own." "Also prepare for Kaa-san's wake. Probably should head home." Naruto sighed as he walked following the three current Nakano sisters talking about parfaits.
Just then Yotsuba spoke up, "Uzumaki-san! Don't you want to get a parfait with us? Hurry up or we'll leave you behind!" Naruto was pretty sure they forgot about the wake. He wouldn't blame them, they're their own family. He doesn't want to intrude; it makes him really think back to what Nino said to him that night. Naruto isn't one to let things like that get to him, but this time it was. It was dealing with family, and Naruto doesn't want to come in between family. It would go against his morals. It would go against the Uzumaki/Namikaze code.
Naruto scratched his cheeks, "I don't know… I got a lot of studying to do tonight. Besides I'm kinda busy this." Just then he felt a breeze go through his ear. Naruto didn't react, but he did take a step back at how close Ichika was, "W-What are you doing?"
"Come on, don't overwork yourself so much. Relax for a bit you've been really tense lately." Ichika placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder trying to help him relax.
Later With Naruto
Naruto did decide to turn them down. They should have their own fun and relaxation as sisters. They've been doing their best and kept up their studying. Besides, he had other things to worry about, but before Naruto could walk any further. He heard Itsuka running up, "Hey!" Itsuki caught up to Naruto and placed her hands on her knees. She took a few breaths to catch her breath. She then stood up with a confused look on her face. However, before she couldn't say anything. She did finally say, "Naruto… you're crying?"
Naruto eyes widened a bit as he felt his nose was a bit stuffy. His cheeks were a bit red, "Oh?" Naruto placed his hand up to his cheeks and wiped the line of tears from both cheeks. He looked at the tears on his hand, "I guess I am…" Naruto was feeling the rest of his emotions from the week catch up to him. He has noticed that Naruko has been a bit down as of lately. He does what he can to keep her happy along with Kasumi. The two have been sleeping a lot together this week since Kasumi came back. She was allowed time to mourn for her mother, which she has been this week.
Naruto hasn't found any time to do it at all for himself.
Itsuki tried to think about what was bothering him, "Naruto why are you crying it's not like you to." Itsuki paused remembering that his mother was killed, "That's right… how is all that going?"
Naruto sniffled a bit as he turned his head away, "Not easy, but I'm fine, I'll manage. Need to stay strong for the two? Ya know?" Naruto was doing his best to hold his emotions back.
Itsuki frowned, Naruto hasn't bothered her at all about studying. Since the fireworks, he has been or seemed rather distant. He only interacted with those who wanted to study openly, "Are you sure you don't want to talk to us? Not only that but why would you go home in this situation?"
Naruto smiled as he looked down at his feet. He shook his head, "It's your Tou-san, he hired me to do this after all. Sometimes, I forget that I'm your tutor. I act more as a friend…" Naruto chuckled and then took a deep breath. Itsuki looked at Naruto confused, "I forget why I keep helping you guys, I'm not supposed to be involved with you guys like that. I'm not family, nor even a friend? I have no place in there with you five. I forget about a lot of things. I guess it's pretty dumb for anyone to be friends with me… It will probably be the smartest thing you five could do. Please, Kasumi and Naruko adored you five. I don't want you five to stop being friends with them, they need it more than I do." Naruto turned to walk away, "I know we're not family or even friends, but for a moment. I thought we all could be friends." Naruto didn't know what was making him think like this. At this same moment, Itsuki noticed Naruto's eyes dimming from their usual bright blue tone.
What Naruto didn't know, but he was shutting others out again. The same thing he did when Minato passed away. Naruto shut himself out from others, closing his heart, not allowing anyone in but family. Naruto remembered he was doing that to the others. Especially Nino, he typically doesn't take things personally or care what others think. However, those words that night hit him, it struck home. Regardless if Kushina died that night, He sent to them by their father, he has no place in their family, why does he keep going? Naruto wants to leave them alone, and he wants to be left alone. Whatever it was Naruto felt lost, empty, hollow of his former self. This way of him made him remember who he was.
"Sometimes, I forget who I even am sometimes." Naruto began to walk away ignoring Itsuki's protests, honestly. Naruto just wanted to be left alone, he hasn't had any time to mourn, and he was tired.
Itsuki could see that Naruto was really lost and conflicted. She noticed how he has been acting lately even if he hasn't said much to her. Which is the weird thing, he always asked if she wanted to join. This entire week, he hasn't said a thing, "Naruto don't you think we should talk this out? I mean don't you think we're friends?"
Naruto shook his head, "I honestly don't know anymore, my feelings are everywhere. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm doing. I feel like…" Naruto looked at his hand and opened and closed it, "I'm just living life… doing what I can to get by every day. Just going through the motions… do what I can for Naruko and Kasumi." Naruto tightened his fist, he had to stay strong for the two, "Is this all you wanted from me?"
"No, I was asked to get you on the phone." Itsuki took her phone out and put it up to her ear, "It's me Itsuki, I'll put him on now." Itsuki handed the phone to Naruto.
Naruto took the phone, "Hello?"
"Uzumaki-kun, correct?" Naruto put two and two together knowing the voice as the Nakano sister's father, "Thanks for taking care of my daughters."
"I see… thanks is not needed." Naruto quickly waved the thanks from the Nakano sister's father.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to show up at all. I trust that the tutoring has been going well." He asked over the phone.
Naruto frowned, "No actually, I'll be honest." Itsuki eyes widen, and her stomach dropped, "It's been rough… rough for me and them. I've never tutored before, and I think I'm just wasting their time. I might be smart, but I'm a shit teacher." Naruto laughed putting up a mask in front of Itsuki, "So yeah! I'm just dragging them down! I might be a great student, but I can't teach for the life of me! Good thing I'm not studying to become a teacher huh!" Naruto laughed as Itsuki wanted to interrupt but Naruto wouldn't' let her.
"I see then… well I'll make sure our butler does so. Thanks for the heads up Uzumaki-kun and thank you for your honesty… that is hard to find nowadays. If you ever change your mind or want to try harder. Please call me, what's your number?" The father of Nakano respected Naruto in his decision, many wouldn't admit to such a thing. Even if he knew Naruto was partially lying, the death of Kushina Uzumaki was brought to his attention. Afterall, the wife of Minato Namikaze, and the mother of Kasumi Namikaze was important. Minato's and his businesses worked together after all.
"I see… it's 3-090-01903." Naruto answered back as he heard the father writing his number down. Naruto figured this was for the best, "Don't worry about the pay, I've made sure to return it to the girls. I haven't done my job, so there is no reason to pay me."
"I'll make sure they do well with the butler since Midterms are coming up. Have a good day." She hung up as Naruto handed Itsuki her phone, "I'm sorry for failing you five, take it easy. Good luck." Naruto turned to walked away as he gave Itsuki a salute.
Itsuki wanted to stop him but couldn't bring herself to do so. The words he spoke in her mind echoed, "It's your Tou-san, he hired me to do this after all. Sometimes, I forget that I'm your tutor. I act more as a friend…I forget why I keep helping you guys, I'm not supposed to be involved with you guys like that. I'm not family, nor even a friend? I have no place in there with you five. I forget about a lot of things. I guess it's pretty dumb for anyone to be friends with me… It will probably be the smartest thing you five could do. Please, Kasumi and Naruko adored you. I won't stop you from being friends with them, they need it more than I do. I know we're not family or even friends, but for a moment. I thought we all could be."
Naruto continued as he made his way home. He walked to the house as he looked up at the sky, "Huh… promises… I can't even keep them. Not to Kaa-san, to Tou-san… not even to the Nakano sisters. I'm worse than scum huh… Obito-Ji-san." Naruto opened the door to his house, "I'm home!" Naruto called out, but no one replied. Naruto remembered Naruko was probably seeing her girlfriends. Naruko has made a lot of friends, Tenten, Hanabi, Sakura, Ino, Temari, and a few others he can't remember. They're all probably helping her through her own tough time. Kasumi was probably doing a shoot, or with her friends.
Kasumi, granted was an idol, had really close friends she trusted. Samui, Hinata, Karui, and Yugito, friends she grew up with in High School.
Naruto marched up the stairs in the lonely house as he went to his room. He sat down and opened his Math, History, Science, English, and Japanese books. He began to crank away for the midterms, in the end. This was probably the best for everyone, he is smart yes. But he was always bad at making friends when he does. Something always goes wrong; therefore he pushed Mito away. She almost died that day; he couldn't let that happen again. Thus, why he never reciprocated her feelings for him. As much as it hurt her, it hurt him more. But he knew he would only cause more pain down the line.
Naruto Uzumaki, smartest student, but a young man with wounds. Wounds that were worsening more and more. Naruto cared about others, maybe cared about others too much. He neglected his own feelings and pushed them down and away.
With Itsuki
Itsuki returned home to find the girls confused, "So, where is Naruto? Why didn't he come?" Nino furrowed her eyebrows.
Itsuki actually felt lost, "I-I…He… He."
Nino grew angry, "Did he do something to you!? I swear I'll!"
"NO!" Itsuki stopped her placing her hands on her shoulders, "He… he quit… he talked to Tou-san." The girls froze, "He told Tou-san that he was a… and I quite "Shit Teacher" and said we'd be better off with someone else." Itsuki placed her left hand on her right bicep.
Miku frowned she was beginning to like Naruto, "Why did he quit like that? That's not like him to do that… he said he'd never give up."
Ichika was surprised, she was beginning to like Naruto. Naruto was beginning to grow on her, "Really… why would he quit like that." Ichika placed her hand on her lower lip.
"It was weird… weird what he said. "I'm just living life… doing what I can to get by every day. Just going through the motions… do what I can for Naruko and Kasumi."" Itsuki said making Ichika frown, granted she wanted to get to know Kasumi well. So did the other girls, they really liked her music. Getting to know Kasumi personally, "Then he said, ""It's your Tou-san, he hired me to do this after all. Sometimes, I forget that I'm your tutor. I act more as a friend…I forget why I keep helping you guys, I'm not supposed to be involved with you guys like that. I'm not family, nor even a friend? I have no place in there with you five. I forget about a lot of things. I guess it's pretty dumb for anyone to be friends with me… It will probably be the smartest thing you five could do. Please, Kasumi and Naruko adored you. I won't stop you from being friends with them, they need it more than I do. I know we're not family or even friends, but for a moment. I thought we all could be.""
During the entire talk, Nino noticed how similar Naruto's words were to hers that day. Nino was feeling guilty now, he was really doing what she said. He took it to heart; she didn't think that it would affect him that much. Just then the door in their apartment opened with Kasumi and Naruko running in, "Where is Onii-chan!? What happened!" Naruko came running in with tears in her eyes.
"Yes, where is he? Ichika, I got your text. I brought Naruko over as quick as I could." Kasumi looked at the quintuplets with a worried look on her face.
Itsuki stepped forward with her left hand still gripping her right bicep, "N-Naruto… said he quit… sit down and let me explain. We all haven't been very good students of his… some of us better than others. However."
Just then Nino stepped up with a pang of guilt on her face, "It's my fault… I think I pushed it too far with him." Nino looked up at the girls confused, "That night… when we had that battle to see who could cook better. Miku or I, and Naruto came back in to grab his phone. He said out loud that it was him, and I knew it was. I had a fight with him… I told him, "It's because our Tou-san ordered it. This home is for the five of us. There is no place for you here. Why do you keep coming! Why can't you just leave us alone!"" Nino finished as she looked at the ground disappointed in how she acted. She was crude, blunt, and gave no room for Naruto to speak.
Kasumi and Naruko were hurt by the news of this. Kasumi went to berate Nino as her face scrunched up ready to yell at Nino. However, Naruko beat her to the punch. Naruko walked up to Nino and looked up at her. Naruko's cheeks were clearly red, "Why would you say that to Onii-chan! He is just trying to help! I'm dumb and stupid too! I don't like schoolwork, but Onii-chan always helps me! He is kind, selfless, and very caring! He does a lot for others! He especially takes great care of me and Kasumi-Nee-chan! If anything, he acts more like an older sibling than Kasumi-Nee!" Kasumi felt that hit home, that hurt, but she shook it off. Naruko wasn't wrong Kasumi sent what Money she made home, while also saving money for herself. While Naruto actually cared for Naruko 24/7, "All he is trying to do is help improve your grades! Not only that, but I've also never seen Onii-chan so happy before! He's never had any friends at all!" Naruko fell onto her knees as Kasumi ran over to catch her, but Naruko broke down crying, "Onii-chan *sniff* is so kind! I-I *sniff* *cough* why do people have to be so mean to him! All he does is try to protect others!"
"Mean to him… what does she mean Kasumi?" Itsuki spoke up wondering what Naruko meant.
Kasumi's eyes seemed to darken a bit, "Naruto has a really bad habit of being selfless… too selfish for my tastes. It happened ever since our Tou-chan passed away." Kasumi closed her eyes and shuddered at the memory.
Kasumi began to explain in the best detail she can. Mito explained to her what happened.
Little Later
"Ever since then Naruto has had a self-confidence issue. When it comes to taking care of others Naruto struggles." Kasum didn't think Naruto would have such a difficult time trying to tutor the girls. It makes it even harder for when they're family.
"Even before that… Onii-chan has gotten himself in a lot of trouble. Took a lot of blames for me or Nee-chan. He has protected other kids when bullied or beats up gang members when he needs to. Onii-chan has always been selfless and never thinks about himself. We hopped that you guy could change that about him…N-now he is going to shut himself out from everyone again." Naruko looked at the ground, she felt hopeless and sad. She wasn't able to do anything for Naruto since their Tou-san passed. She still can't do anything now. She may love and know her big brother very well. However, sometimes you can't ever figure him out or how he thinks.
Nino stood there disappointed in herself, and when she looked at her sisters. She could see the confused look on their faces. Itsuki wished she tried harder, Miku seemed upset, Yotsuba's ribbon on her head draped, and Ichika's bright look on her face seemed to darken, "Kasumi-san… Naruko-san… please forgive me."
"You shouldn't be apologizing to us." Naruko looked up at Nino with her cheeks puffed out with the dried tears on her cheeks.
"Yes… I see." Nino walked out the door but before she left, she poked her head back into the room, "Ummm might I ask where you live?" Nino asked nervously as Kasumi gestured Nino to hand her phone to her.
With Naruto
Naruto for whatever reason sneezed as he looked over his Math for midterms. Naruto sat straight up and put his hands behind his head. He looked at the ceiling with a frown on his face, "Kaa-san… why did you have to go." Naruto closed his eyes missing the laugh and warmth of his mother. Naruto eventually heard the doorbell ring, Naruto got up and made his way downstairs. Once Naruto got to the door, he opened it recognized Nino behind the door. Naruto was a little surprised. Naruto opened the door, "Hey Nino, I promise I didn't mean to make the other upset. I figured it would be the best this way. This way I won't bother you guys anymore."
Nino shook her head and frowned, "I'm sorry." She politely bowed to Naruto.
"W-Wait, there is no reason to." Naruto tried to stop her from apologizing to him, and for what?
"YES, THERE IS!" Nino shouted as she looked up at Naruto, her eyes softened as she looked at the ground, "I despised you for you trying to tutor us. I only saw you as an eyesore and as an annoyance. I shouldn't have blamed you or told you what I said a while ago. You have a lot on your plate, and you don't ever complain. Yet here I am complaining like a child and throwing fit about not wanting to study." Nino looked up as she saw a gentle smile on Naruto's face.
"Ehhh don't worry about it, maybe I should be apologizing. I promised I'd never give up, and here I am giving up." Naruto scratched the back of his head, "I just thought you guys would be better off with someone else than me is all." Naruto then motioned her to follow, "Please come inside."
Nino shook her head as she walked into the house. The house was neatly clean, the furniture, floor, walls, and ceilings all matched. The colors complemented one another, and Nino saw the family photo of Naruto, Kushina, Minato, Naruko, and Kasumi. Nino sat down after Naruto led her into the family room. Nino sat down as she crossed her legs together and placed her hands on her lap. Naruto sat across from her, "I was hoping if you could come back and tutor us. I'll talk to Tou-san and let him know it's our fault. I was too harsh on you I know… so please… will you tutor us again. We're all willing to sit and let you tutor us." Nino continued to look down at Naruto's feet, "My sisters seem to like you, most of them anyways… I've never seen them so happy. Some have friends, but you've been the closest to them before. So please, if not for me do it for them." Nino's face was turning red, she couldn't lie to herself. Naruto was pretty hot himself. Now that she actually took the time to appreciate his facial features.
Nino looked up and Naruto raised his hand and Nino flinched a bit. However, she felt a hand placed on top of her head. Naruto gently rubbed her head as he smiled, this made him feel a lot better, "Thanks Nino, it means a lot coming from you. I'm glad to hear that… I was worried I was tearing you five away from one another. I didn't want that; I was worried about that. I could never forgive myself if I tore you away from your sisters. I just wanted to help you and your sisters succeed. Because I KNOW each and every one of you girls can do it." Naruto felt better hearing Nino's words. Because out of all of them, she was the one who despised him the most. Naruto was okay being hated by most, but it made it hard when they were sisters. Some liked him or were at least okay with him. But with one hating him and telling him that he was tearing them apart hurt. That's something he doesn't want to do, Uzumaki's and Namikaze's uphold family above all else.
"No… if anything I was tearing my sisters away from being who they are. Sometimes I wish we could all just get along and stay the way we are. I don't like how distant we've become, but we're all our own people. Regardless if we're quintuplets or not." Nino knew she had to face it and grow up, "Again I'm sorry for the way I've treated you… you think we can try over again?"
Naruto smiled as he extended his hand out to her. Naruto had his infamous foxy grin spread across his face, "Sure! It's nice to meet you, I'm Uzumaki Naruto! I like my friends, Nee-chan, and Imouto, my Kaa-san, Tou-san, along with my family friends, cooking, and Ramen! I hate rapists or any type of kidnappers. I also hate the three minutes it takes to cook instant ramen! As for goals for my future… I guess to graduate college to become an accountant. Take up my Tou-san's at Ero-Sennin's company as the Chief Financial Officer of Senju Corporation."
"I-I see… I'm Nino Nakano, I like my sisters, my Kaa-san, and Tou-san. I guess you, now since we'll be friends." Nino said with a small smile which Naruto gave her a nod with a smile still adorning his face, "I like anything to do with romance, cooking, makeup, dolls, rabbits, black tea with one spoonful of sugar, and I like blondes (Nino said in her head)."
"Well, what are you exactly doing here other than to apologize! Also, apology accepted! I just hope this will clear things up." Naruto seemed a bit nervous which Nino took note of.
"Are you nervous?" Nino asked surprised which made Naruto stutter.
"S-Shut up! No, I'm not… it's just I've never had… really any friends before." Naruto blushed but he quickly shook his head, "Whatever! We should probably begin studying…"
Nino chuckled a bit, but then her giggles turned into a laugh. Naruto only glared at her, and quickly Nino reigned herself in, "Okay… okay *wheeze* I just thought the delinquent prince of our school was like this. I've heard so much about you… I think it's nice that you help others. You seem like a bad boy, I kinda like it. I think we'll get along just fine."
Naruto blushed at the compliment, he quickly shook his head trying to ignore it, "Anyways! We should get studying, eh? Why don't we."
"No." Nino stood up crossing her arms under her bosom, "This time… it's late and you were supposed to come to join us for a parfait, but everyone was worried about you."
Naruto relented and sighed, "Mah, mah, okay fine, what you want to do then?" Naruto stood up wondering what she wanted to do.
"Why don't you come over for dinner, invite your two sisters. Maybe we can do a board game or something." Nino smiled; this was the beginning of a new leaf for her. Maybe putting more work into her studies would be beneficial.
"Sure, I'll text them now." Naruto stood up with Nino and Naruto leaving, the two walked out with Naruto sending a text to the two of them. However, "I uhhh just got a text from them back… saying they were busy and to go without me… strange."
"Oh… okay that's fine, we'll enjoy ourselves." Nino nervously laughed it off, she was wondering what was going on in Kasumi's and Naruko's minds.
Little Later
While Naruto and Nino talked, they talked about their hobbies. Nino found out that one of the hobbies Naruto always enjoyed was jewelry making. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was simple. Naruto enjoyed taking used metals, or parts by taking them apart and putting them back together. He also enjoyed gardening here and there, "That's interesting, I like jewelry." Nino was actually happy they were able to fix things. Like they say when you get into a fight with friends or have an issue with one another. When things are talked out, figured out, and solved. Their friendship is even stronger than it was before, "You think you could show me?"
Naruto smiled as he fished something out of his pocket, "This… I finished making this when I was doing my studying. It helps calm me." Naruto showed Nino a ring.
"Beautiful." Nino smile as she looked at it, it was a silver band with a violet sapphire on it.
"If you look closer…" Naruto held it up to the sun, "It's us." Naruto pointed out that a miniature picture of him, Minato, Kushina, Kasumi, and Naruko were inside of it, "On the band is this." Naruto showed her the band saying, "To my Loving Family." "This is for Naruko and Kasumi, I got two each. I made this for myself." Naruto held up a bracelet that had a leather strap and a metal clasp on it. It had a red swirl on it, "I know families nowadays weren't clans or anything. So, I decided to pick up an insignia to represent my Uzumaki family." Naruto smiled at it. The metal clasp was engrained in by hand. On the other side, it spelled out Namikaze to represent Minato's last name.
"It's beautiful Naruto… I didn't think many guys would be into jewelry making." Nino didn't realize it, but her smile went from ear to ear. Naruto enjoyed seeing Nino's true personality, she was really caring and loving. If anything, Naruto could see how protective she was of her sisters. In a way, Naruto couldn't be mad at her for what she said to him. It hurt, yes, but she was just looking out for her sisters.
"Thanks this means a lot to me, it was something to help me always keep Kaa-san close." Naruto gently ran a finger over the metal bracelet, he promised himself to always wear it. He would take it off to keep it from wear and tear, but when he could. He would always keep it on his wrist.
The two approached the apartment. Before they went in Nino stepped in front of Naruto from going in, "Hey Naruto…"
"Yeah?" Naruto tilted his head at Nino confused why she stopped him.
"To… to make up for all I've done to you. Also, as a promise, you'll keep working with us…Can I take you out on a date? My treat?" Nino asked as her eyes found it interesting to stare at the ground. Her face completely turned red with her eyes metaphorically spinning.
Naruto was a little taken back by her sudden request, but he didn't think too much about it, "Yeah sure, sounds like fun! Though I do need to ask… why the sudden change in attitude and heart?" Naruto did want to be careful, he didn't want to be all buddy, buddy with someone who just tried to get rid of him.
Nino nodded her head, "I… Kasumi and Naruko told us about what happened to you." Nino nervously fidgeted her fingers and then held her head, "I knew so little about you and didn't care about your feeling. I neglected to think about how your life has been, I was harsh and mean to you without any thought. I can't stop this pit feeling in my stomach, and it makes me want to hate myself." Nino knew what she did was mean, and she knows that. "I'm just asking for another chance is all… I promise I won't do it again. I'll never break my promise, just like you won't either, right?" Nino looked up with some hope in her eyes, granted they just talked about this. However, it just felt right to talk about it again. Otherwise, it wouldn't sit with her to just randomly ask someone like Naruto out.
Naruto nodded his head as he walked past Nino as she held her head. Naruto placed a hand on her head and gently patted, "Yosh, yosh, you already said all that. I appreciate it, I truly do, it really tells me your trying." Naruto walked in, "Actions speak louder than words, so…" Naruto walked through the doors and stopped. He turned his head to her and smiled, "So, I look forward to that date. I'm lucky to get to go with such a cute girl." Naruto gave her a foxy grin as he turned and walked to the elevators, "Come on I bet your sisters are starving!"
"W-What?! H-HEY! J-Just d-don't r-randomly c-call me t-that! I-It's n-not l-like we're a-actually dating or a-anything! Don't l-look into t-this s-so much!" Nino blushed harder making her face turn into a tomato as she followed Naruto to the elevator. Naruto found it cute as she continued mumbling to herself on the way up.
The two got off and entered the Nakano apartment, and Naruto stepped in waving to everyone. The girls were all sitting on the couch, "Naruto/Uzumaki-san!" Miku, Ichika, and Itsuki called Naruto by Naruto, but Yotsuba still called Naruto Uzumaki-san.
"Hey!" Naruto chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry for bailing on you all like that, it's just a lot has been happening."
"We understand, but when your down." Itsuki walked up and grabbed Naruto's left hand.
"Talk to us, you're not just a tutor." Miku said walking over grabbing Naruto's right hand.
"You're our friend!" Yotsuba cheered jumping up and down.
"You got that right, so don't be afraid to talk to us!" Ichika smirked pointing at Naruto with a scolding tone in her voice.
Nino smiled as she walked into the kitchen, "Come on, let's get dinner going. You guys have anything in mind?" Nino rolled her sleeves up approaching the sink to wash her hands.
"I know, how about a pasta night? Tou-san used to make really great spaghetti and meatballs with toasted cheese garlic bread." Naruto followed Nino rolling up his own sleeves. The Nakano sisters noticed Naruto's well-built and toned biceps. Some of them did their best to blush, with Nino and Miku failing of the five.
"U-Uzumaki-san you can cook?" Yotsuba was surprised to hear this.
"Yea." Naruto chuckled embarrassed by the sudden interest, "Kaa-san and Tou-san taught me what I know. They always told me I was better than them, then again. It's not hard to make some of these simple meals." Naruto took a pot out and began to fill it with water. Meanwhile, Nino handed Naruto the noodles, cheese, garlic, and bread, "Come on! Let's make a feast!"
"Yeah!" Nino nodded her head with a smile, she was glad Naruto and she had something in common.
After about and half an hour of cooking the noodles and toasting the garlic bread at the right time. The meal was placed down in front of the table for everyone to eat, *Sniiiiiffff!* Yotsuba took a huge whiff of the food, "Ya Ta! That smells amazing! I can't wait to dig in!"
"Yeah, it smells amazing! Who knew the delinquent of the school could cook!" Ichika joked as Naruto sent her a playful glare.
The six sat down and began to dig in with everyone enjoying the food, "Wow, it's good! I'd definitely want to try more of your cooking!" Itsuki put her hand up to her cheek as she happily ate the toasted cheese garlic bread.
"Yeah, the noodles are great! The handmade meatballs with different seasoning are amazing!" Yotsuba cheered.
"I have to admit, I like toasting the garlic bread than baking. I think it has more of a crunch! The cheese complements the garlic!" Nino took another bite of the garlic bread Naruto made.
"Awww don't say it like that, you helped out too Nino. I'm not the only good cook here." Naruto took a bite of noodles and began to twirl more from his bowl.
"Come on Naruto, learn to take a compliment. No need to be so modest." Miku smiled as she took some more bites of her food.
After dinner was done Miku suggested, "Since Naruto is here, why don't we do a short late-night study?"
Everyone seemed a little reluctant, but agreed nonetheless, "Sure let's do it." Yotsuba cheered ready to do better.
"Alright, let's get this done." Nino said with a determined look on her face.
"Let's do it, we have a lot to work on." Itsuki fixed glasses up to her face.
"Take care of us Naruto!" Ichika cheered as the girls grabbed their books, notes, and a pencil to write.
Naruto shook his head as he walked over towards the table. The girls surrounded the table and began to listen to Naruto as he tutored them. Though, Naruto changed things up a bit, "Now listen here. We should change a few things up, and I want you girls to realize something. Each and every one of you girls are better than one another in a subject." Naruto smirked looking at Miku, "With Miku, she's great with history." Miku began to blush in embarrassment, "Then we have Nino in English." Nino only turned her head away and swished her hair to the side, "Itsuki, science." Itsuki sat there quietly, "Ichika, Mathematics." Ichika waved smiling at her sisters, "And finally Yotsuba in, Japanese." Naruto extended both of his hands towards the girls, "Those five subjects I just named off. You girls know them, you've told me before. You guys are 1/5th of a whole. That means if one of you can do either math or science. Then that means you all can do either math or science! Let's study hard together, I can't wait to really get to know you all!"
"YEAH!" Yotsuba shouted jumping into the air.
"Let's do it." Miku clenched her fist. Meanwhile, the other sisters sat there awaiting Naruto's instructions.
"Make sure to help one another, if one of you doesn't understand something. Ask the other who is better understanding it than you are. You five can tutor one another if you are really stumped. Don't hesitate to ask me." Naruto pulled out a math book, "Alright let's begin with the Pythagorean theorem."
Two Hours Later
The girls slam their heads on the table after going over all five subjects. Naruto chuckled as he sat down in front of them, "You guys did great, we managed to go over one section on each subject. Why not take ten or so minutes to do something else."
Yotsuba shot her head up raising her hand into the air, "Oooo! I know! Naruto! Tell us! What your preferences in a girl are!"
The girls all shot their heads up and looked at Naruto intently. Naruto scratched his cheek, "Ummm what type of girl I'd like… well." Naruto smiled as he gestured pointing in the air with his finger, "Alright how about I reveal them this way, complete sheets of notes or homework! One sheet done gets one answer." When Naruto said this, he held up one finger for one note or homework page finished.
Everyone began to quickly write down, but Itsuki seemed to take her time when doing so. Before Naruto could wait for them to ask for help. The girls finished their sheets quickly. The first being Yotsuba, then Miku, Ichika, Nino, and lastly Itsuki. Naruto deadpanned, he quickly checked the work and notes over. Naruto scratched his head, "Wow when you guys are motivated to do something you guys do well! Maybe I should start taking you guys out or something to motivate you to work harder!"
The five began to blush which Naruto didn't notice since his face was buried in their papers, "Uzumaki-san! Answer us!" Yotsuba quickly answered trying to help her sisters remove the blushes from their faces.
Naruto sighed as he ran his hands through his hair and looked at them, "Are you sure you really want to." Naruto stopped when he saw the girls puffing their cheeks out him. Naruto relented as he held up his finger, "For the first one." The girls seem to sit on edge wanting to remember what Naruto says. The only one not on edge was Itsuki, "I like a girl who is polite." Naruto held up his second finger, "Number 2, I like a girl who is strong and doesn't take no from anyone." Nino seems to hold 2 over the others, "Number 3, I don't mind but if she can cook that's great!" Naruto held up number 4, "Honestly and truthfully if we're talking about preferences… redheads, it reminds me of my mother." Naruto rubbed the back of his head shamelessly. The girls in the room faces turn red since all their hair colors are red. Naruto then held up five fingers, "Number five and the most important rule!" Naruto seems to look at them sternly and smiled proudly, "Must love Ramen!" The girls in the room fell to the floor comically in a jumbled mess.
The girls all sit up as if nothing happened. Miku tilted her head to the side with a depressed look on her head, "I don't have many of those… except for the red hair and maybe ramen. Then again not on the level of how Naruto likes it." Ichika noticed Miku's distress, "You know." Ichika grabbed Naruto's hand and placed it on Miku's head, "People who complete their work should receive praise, right?"
Naruto chuckled placing his other hand on his hip, "I guess so." Naruto walked up to each girl and rubbed their heads. Each of them blushed, and Naruto came back to Ichika doing the same for her. This caused her to blush as well, "You all did well! Keep up the hard work!" Naruto checked the time as it was already midnight, "Hmmm probably should get going, I need to get up for."
"Stay the night, you can use my room." Miku pipes up with her sisters not arguing the idea, "It's the least we can do." Miku says with a smile, and Naruto simply nods his head.
"Thanks for having me." Naruto gave a respectful bow.
Everyone went to bed with Naruto letting Naruko and Kasumi know via text, he was staying the night. Naruto went into Miku's bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. Naruto for whatever reason felt at ease, he felt relaxed. When Naruto slept, he saw his Kaa-san and Tou-san in his dreams.
Naruto's Dream
Naruto was sitting on a cliff above the sea watching the sunset. The cool salty sea breeze blew up in his face making his hair flailing in the wind. Naruto watched as two people sat down next to him. Naruto looked at his left and right. To his left, he found his Tou-san smiling at him. Naruto quickly lunged at the man hugging him. Naruto let the waterworks run down his cheek. Though he couldn't talk, "It's been so long my son, I'm happy to have seen the man you've grown into."
Naruto releases his grip on his face and parted and turned to his right. Naruto saw his mother the day he last saw her. Still beautiful, red hair and all. Kushina smiled as she placed a hand on her cheek, "My little Naruto, take care of Kasumi and Naruko for us. I'm so glad to have had a wonderful son like you."
"We're proud of you." The two said simultaneously as they both hugged Naruto.
Once the hug was broken Minato and Kushina stood up and took a step off the cliff. Naruto went to stop them, but they smiled and waved to him, "It's okay Naruto, let us go, move on. There are others waiting for you." Minato waved to him as he and Kushina began to float into the air.
Kushina smiled with some tears in her eyes, "Be well my son, I can't wait for you to tell us about our grandchildren. Treat her/Them well." (A/N: This allows me to create alternate story endings! One where Naruto ends up with a single pairing. So there will be five ending chapters where Naruto ends up either Nino, Itsuki, Ichika, Yotsuba, or Miku. Then the sixth and final ending will be all five of them.)
Naruto was confused as he heard his mother almost say two different things. It confused him greatly. Naruto stood up and turned around as he heard, "Onii-chan congratulations!" Naruto saw Naruko and Kasumi standing next to one another in beautiful dresses. Naruko was holding a basket of flowers, and they were standing in a church. Wait, no Naruto was standing in the church in a suit. Naruto turned his head to his left and saw a woman before him. Naruto blushed to see the beautiful woman before, "W-Wait?! What?! I'm getting married?! She's a redhead?! What's going on?!" The woman was wearing a beautiful white wedding dress, her hair done up in a bun. She had blue hair, a white veil on her head too. Naruto noted her blue eyes and red hair, it definitely reminded him of the Nakano sisters.
"Anata?" His bride looked at him confused, "You look confused?"
"I d-do? Ahaha It's just because I'm appalled by how beautiful you are! I could die happy right now!" Naruto chuckled scratching his cheek.
Real World
Naruto soon stirred opening his eyes. He stared at the ceiling and had a confused look on his face. Naruto sighed, he remembered everything vividly, "Strange dream." Naruto awoke on the couch and sat up. he sighed and got up. He noticed the girls were already up and getting ready for the day. Naruto looked up at the ceiling, "That's right... it's Kaa-san's wake today."
Scene Shift 4 Hours Later
Naruto wearing a suit places a ring on the top of the casket that held his mother. Naruko and Kasumi silently holding each other. Naruto already gave the two the rings with their family picture inside of the gem. Naruto had three made, one for their mother, and two for Naruko and Kasumi. Naruto held his bracelet, he didn't cry, he didn't react. That dream he had last night, only confirmed his reason for supporting Naruko and Kasumi more. Whatever it was, it was something that made him feel different. Naruto looked into the sky, "I promise… Kaa-san… Tou-san… Obito-Ji-san… I won't run away again. I'll face whatever comes ahead of me, I got f-friends now to help me through this. Give me strength, strength to help Naruko and Kasumi as well." Naruto knew off to the corner he saw the Nakano siblings standing there with their father attending the funeral. The father was told everything by his daughters, disappointed in them, but he told them to take responsibility for their actions. Thus, the girls told him that they would study harder and do better. Their father rehired Naruto and allowed him to continue tutoring his daughters. He was okay with Naruto, as much of a delinquent he looked and acted. He was good deep down, a good man, protective, strong, and very smart. He wouldn't mind having him as his son-in-law, he knows his wife Rena would also approve.
A/N: 7/25/2021 (Update): I went through and removed the family attack they had. A person said that Naruto and the Nakano sister's relationship was more built on guilt or empathy for what Naruto went through. Yes, I agree, so I went back and changed it.
Previous A/N: Tbh I can already see the angry people who didn't like the way Narut began to lose it. I mean... I feel like it's reasonable, for over a week Naruto held in his emotions.
Anyways, more of his past was revealed, the Nakano sisters learned more about Naruto too! Nino! Taking responsibility for her actions and even so much to ask Naruto out! Naruto will also use taking the girls out as a way to make them work harder. So, there are some similarities and differences between the anime and this story. Before I forget, regarding Kushina, yes I did change it to a false charge of rape. Reason? Well, corruption and cops are being paid to look the other way. That or coming up with something else! Was it a coincidence that people tried to kidnap children? I THINK NOT! Who were they? What will happen? Will they appear in the future? Who knows! Adds a little drama to the story! So, Kushina's case wasn't an attempted rape! It was in fact a murder; the kids were just bystanders caught in the fray! Anyways! Hope you all enjoy the chapter! Sage of Prophecy OUT! Ja Ne!