Author Note: First off, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the continued support! Over 1,000 followers?! Wow! Secondly, I wanted to apologize for the delay. I had some rather stressful and unexpected matters come up in IRL and was also distracted by the newly released Elden Ring and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. I promise I'm still working on Setsuri… Just not 24/7 like originally. I hope ya'll enjoy this latest chapter. Jerniman and I worked really hard on it!
"Disembodied voices of higher beings."
"External Dialogue of Lesser Mortals."
'Structured Thoughts'
摂理
Setsuri
Chapter Seventeen
"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
"What are you doing here, Kakashi-Sensei? Isn't it our day off?" Naruto asked with a yawn as he tried to rub the sleep from his eyes. It'd been a busy and exhausting week for the rookie Genin as he tried to balance his rather full schedule between his shinobi duties, Hinata's tutoring, and the Kyūbi's training regimen. Needless to say, he'd planned to sleep in today, only to find himself woken up as he'd sensed Kakashi's presence lingering in his home.
The fox had agreed to shift Naruto's training to a rotation of sorts. They'd alternate between chakra meditations and reflex exercises, with an added break in between. This gave Naruto some spare time to socialize, run errands, relax, or practice the skills Hinata would be tutoring him in.
As for Hinata's tutoring, the duo worked out a schedule where they'd meet up an hour or two after Kakashi released them from duty for the day. This gave them time to relax, clean themselves up, or eat dinner if they weren't eating together. So far, Naruto spent most of his time during these sessions slowly reading aloud, with Hinata going over words he wasn't familiar with. It was embarrassing but critical to his development and confidence. To compound things, the first book Kakashi instructed Naruto to finish just happened to be Konoha's 'Shinobi Rules & Guidelines: Academy Edition.' It was a bit hypocritical in Naruto's opinion, with Kakashi's penchant for breaking the rules, while mentoring his Genin to see such things as mere guidelines.
Though it was awkward and somewhat humiliating, especially the first couple of days, Naruto quickly came to look forward to his nightly sessions with Hinata. She was patient and understanding, even offering tips to help him remember more complex words. They hadn't spent much time going over manners and etiquette just yet. This was partly because Hinata knew Naruto actually understood the proper way to address his betters due to his time spent around the Hokage. He just chose not to most of the time.
"Good morning, Naruto," Kakashi replied from where he'd been leaning against the kitchen window, snapping his book closed as he straightened himself up to look over at his still staggering and half-asleep student.
The sudden sight and sound of someone else's voice other than his own or the fox for the most part woke the young boy.
"I'm here for a few reasons, actually. So, why not sit and eat breakfast while I go over them with you?" The lackadaisical mentor offered, gesturing to a bento,, wrapped in a moss-green cloth decorated with charcoal gray shuriken motifs, that rested on the table next to a modest basket full of produce.
Naruto shrugged, letting out another yawn as he shuffled obediently over to the table, where he noticed something new waiting. Sitting down, he looked up once more with a hint of suspicion at his mentor who motioned encouragingly. Gingerly, Naruto untied the furoshiki, removing the lid from the first layer of the still warm meal. The pleasant aromas helped to bring Naruto into a better state of wakefulness. With a smile, he announced happily, "Itadakimasu!" before grabbing his chopsticks and going to work on his breakfast.
"Thanks, Kakashi-Sensei! This is really delicious -ttebayo." Naruto praised after finishing his first mouthful. "Though... not that I'm ungrateful-" with a mouth full of food. "-Why are you here, and what's with the produce?" He inquired, nodding to the basket that occupied the opposite side of the table.
In response, Kakashi chuckled, "You're welcome. And to answer your question, Hinata approached me yesterday with a concern. Though, don't be too hard on her. I've had my own suspicions for a while now and instructed her to bring such things to my attention."
"What do you mean, Sensei?" Naruto asked, pausing mid-bite to give Kakashi a look of confusion, though his tone had a hint of concern.
"Naruto, simply put, if you keep living off of just ramen and oshiruko, you're going to end up dead. Probably sooner rather than later." Kakashi attested flatly.
In response, Naruto raised a brow, staring at Kakashi incredulously. After all, he'd been doing just fine and hadn't seen anything wrong with his preferred diet.
"That being said." Kakashi continued, ignoring Naruto's disbelieving expression, "If you're going to be a ninja you need to eat better, starting with more vegetables. So, I decided to stop by with a delivery."
"What? But, I hate vegetables…" Naruto grumbled, wrinkling his nose and glaring at the unassuming groceries with suspicion. Crossing his arms, he turned his head and stuck his nose in the air.
"Even so, it's important to start supplementing your diet with them." Kakashi urged resolutely. "The nutrients they provide should counteract most of the hindrances to your development so far." There was a short pause, but the man didn't leave his student an opening. "It also wouldn't hurt if you increase your intake of protein. Might I suggest some boiled eggs as a snack or grilled fish on the side with lunch or dinner?" Kakashi debated driving the point home with some tough love. "You still have plenty of growing up to do and we can't have a puny Hokage, now can we?"
Naruto sank into his chair letting out a groan, "But Kakashi-Sensei, vegetables are gross. They taste awful, go bad fast, and are difficult to eat." He rebutted stubbornly.
"Well, you didn't seem to think that when eating lunch with Hinata the other day. I also didn't see you struggle with your breakfast just now." Kakashi pointed out with a smile.
Naruto stopped and frowned as he thought about Kakashi's assertion. It was true, there hadn't been a dish that Hinata made that Naruto didn't like or devoured as if it were his last meal. Even when he could see the vegetables, they didn't taste horrendous in either her or Kakashi's cooking. Naruto hadn't admittedly noticed any vegetables in the food he'd just eaten, but he doubted Kakashi would lie about it. What was the difference? Why was it so important? Why was Kakashi being so pushy about the issue?
"He's right, you know."
'How so?' Naruto asked inwardly while letting out a defeated sigh and resting his chin on the table, letting his arms hang. Ever since the events that transpired earlier in the week, Naruto had been feeling rather ganged up on by Kakashi, Hinata, and the Kyūbi. He knew they'd meant well, but being told that he'd been doing everything wrong up until that moment sucked. It also felt a bit patronizing when they'd claim it wasn't even his fault.
"Your current foods of choice were fine up until this point. They weren't the best, and probably are a large part of the reason you're such a runt compared to your peers. However, you're beginning to enter an important stage of your life, and the right food will be vital."
"What do vegetables gotta do with being a ninja?" Naruto asked with confusion as he entered his mindscape to give the Kyūbi his full attention.
In response to his question, the fox couldn't help but let out a long annoyed sigh while running a hand down the length of his face, "It's more than just your life as a ninja, Ahogaki. You're starting puberty. That means your body needs the extra boost those healthier foods are going to give you." He explained in an irritated tone, rolling his eyes at Naruto's still mutinous expression.
"So, unless you want to remain a pathetically weak runt, I suggest you fess up to your Sensei about the lengths of your ignorance and misgivings. It's his job to bring out your true potential, remember? Not to mention, it'd make that Hyūga girl happy in more ways than one." The Kyūbi further elaborated, hoping that throwing the kid a few tangible positives would help break through his stubbornness.
"But…" Naruto started, only to have his response die in his throat as he considered the Kyūbi's explanation. He didn't want to be looked upon as a weakling. He was also really sick of being shorter than everyone else. Were his food preferences such an essential factor for his future development? He did want to be strong, and it would be nice if people stopped making fun of his height. But did that really mean he'd have to choke down the bitter harvest that so many seemed to downright worship?
"I think I know how to help, just repeat after me…"
Outwardly, Naruto pulled himself up to sit properly in his chair once more, looking at Kakashi with an uneasy determination, "Actually Kakashi-Sensei, the truth is I don't know how to cook well. The only things I've ever been able to make that were edible are instant ramen, oshiruko, fried eggs, toast, and steamed rice. I'm also comfortable making grilled fish, but only with a campfire. My knowledge in the kitchen is rather limited -ttebayo. I can never figure out how to make vegetables taste good. They either end up as nasty mush or so tough they're impossible to chew."
Kakashi raised his only visible brow as he processed Naruto's confession before grabbing his chin and humming in thought, "I see… That actually makes sense. As I figured, it seems there's quite a lot we're going to need to work on with you."
At this, Naruto visibly wilted, and a lone tear welled up in his left eye. It was an expression of embarrassment, frustration, and some level of relief that he faced a truth that was hidden out of fear of further humiliation.
"Don't worry so much, Naruto. Ignorance isn't something to be ashamed of. Especially when you don't let your judgment get clouded by ego. It helps that you're also quick to ask others you trust for assistance." Kakashi commended before continuing. "With that in mind, I'll try to have an action plan ready by the time Hinata comes by to tutor you tonight. So expect me to come back before then." He promised, gaining a confused look from Naruto.
"But, today's our day off! Why're you making Hinata work? That isn't fair, dattebayo!" Naruto asserted with a frown, earning another chuckle from Kakashi.
"Naruto, I may have given Team Seven the day off from training and missions, but Hinata's tutoring is to help you catch up. There'll be no days off regarding these sessions until then. The only thing that'll take precedence is a mission that comes up or some other obligations of high priority." Kakashi explained, pausing to pull out his favored book once more.
"...Speaking of such obligations, it seems Hokage-Sama has requested your presence for a personal matter. He said he'd be waiting for you in his office."
"Hā?! Why didn't you say something sooner, Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto cried irritably before hurriedly shoveling down the remaining portion of his food.
"Well… I thought it more prudent to make sure my Kawaii Genin didn't kill himself due to ignorance and bad decisions," Kakashi cheerfully replied, earning an exasperated growl from Naruto who quickly scrambled around to get ready.
Kakashi couldn't help but smile to himself as Naruto clumsily ran about the small abode, even tripping once. The poor kid was still so uncoordinated, but at least he'd been improving by leaps and bounds in his training over the past few months. It didn't take long before Naruto left in a blur of orange, slamming the door as he went, not caring one bit that he'd left his mentor casually reading in the kitchen.
摂理
Naruto gazed nervously at the imposing double doors leading to the Hokage's office while dressed in civilian clothes, given that this was a personal visit. His thoughts drifted to the revelations and unanswered questions that he'd acquired throughout the week. Naruto assumed that Hiruzen had called for him to address the issues brought up during his detention, given the promise the Hokage left him with at the beginning of the week.
Looking deep within himself, Naruto sorted through his emotions. Was he still angry at his surrogate grandfather? Hiruzen purposefully denied Naruto tangible claims to his family and heritage. If Shikaku hadn't said anything, would they even be having this meeting? The questions seemed endless, but circling around the same topics - lies, secrets, his parents, and who Naruto actually was.
No, Naruto couldn't say he was truly angry anymore. Not after his long talk with Hinata. Sure, he was still rather annoyed, disappointed even, and was left with a certain level of betrayal. However, Naruto wanted to give the elderly man a chance to explain himself.
Feeling calmer, Naruto smiled as he entered the office, "Yo, Hokage Jii-Chan! Kakashi-Sensei said that you wanted to see me?" He greeted, putting his arms behind his head as he looked around the room. Everything looked normal except for a chair that usually wasn't there. It sat next to the large red chair the old man would occupy as opposed to being in front of the desk.
Hiruzen had his back to Naruto, looking out towards the village from one of the large windows decorating the far wall. Hearing Naruto's entrance, the elder turned to give the boy a fond smile. "That I did. Come and have a seat. There's much we need to discuss." He affirmed, motioning towards the chair Naruto had previously noticed.
Naruto raised a brow before complying. As he sat down, the curious boy glanced at a single file displayed on the Hokage's desk. Normally, Hiruzen's desk was covered in stacks of scrolls and various documents. But today Naruto could see the faded wooden surface, the varnish had worn thin from decades of use. The desk looked spartan compared to any other time except for that single unassuming folder.
"So Naruto, I've heard a curious rumor lately," Hiruzen started, catching Naruto's attention. "That you've taken it upon yourself to frequently visit the Heroes' Memorial since returning from your last mission. From what I'm told, you're there almost as often and as long as Kakashi. Is there something you'd like to share with me?" Hiruzen prodded gently.
Naruto observed the Sandaime carefully. The elder's emotions were muddled and seemed subdued, but as Naruto concentrated, he could feel a sense of guilt, pride, resignation, and determination. Outwardly, Hiruzen appeared stoic yet welcoming as he patiently awaited Naruto's answer.
This was the moment he was waiting for, but it was scary. Would Hiruzen finally reveal the truth to him? Naruto looked down, his bangs obscuring his face as he clenched his trembling hands into fists. He couldn't miss the opportunity to find out the truth and where the old man stood.
"...Was Uzumaki Kushina my mother?" Naruto finally managed to ask, struggling to keep his voice steady.
Hiruzen let out a sigh, bringing Naruto's attention back to him as he pushed the folder toward Naruto. There was a tense pause, "Yes." Hiruzen finally answered before he took a long drag on his pipe. "Yes, she was, Naruto." He took another pull of tobacco, blowing out a few rings. The pair watched the smoke hang in the thick air. Each knowing the subject would change things but knew that they stepped past the line of no return.
Naruto broke his stare of the fading smoke and glanced down at the document warily before his gaze moved back up to Hiruzen. Nothing the boy had done or told himself prepared him for how much the truth would hurt once it became reality. The pain started to swell in his chest and Naruto struggled to swallow a growing lump in his throat.
"Why, Jii-Chan?" Naruto uttered, his voice quavering as he struggled to restrain his emotions. "Why didn't you ever tell me?" He asked more forcefully as unshed tears started to blur his vision. "I asked you so many times…" He uttered painfully, with a cracked voice, only to have Hiruzen motion for him to look at the folder.
Sniffling as he tried to regain his composure, Naruto picked up the folder with shaky hands. Opening it, he blinked to clear his vision, allowing his tears to finally fall. Naruto stared down at a small bundle of papers with a collection of photos pinned to the top corner. Absently, Naruto wiped away the salty droplets on the back of his hand before starting to shuffle hungrily through the photos.
The first showed a rather shy fair-skinned girl hiding behind a vaguely familiar blonde woman, but his mind ignored the possible recognition. The woman, whoever she was, seemed rather amused by the whole ordeal. Naruto was drawn to the young girl who looked no older than eight. She had the most beautiful crimson hair he'd ever seen. The closest hair color Naruto could place to such vibrancy was Sakura's, but the soft pink hue didn't hold a candle to the fiery red tresses that his eyes couldn't break away from.
Flipping to the next photo, Naruto noticed it was the type generally used for official Shinobi identification. It was the same red-headed girl and this time she looked closer to Naruto's age. In the portrait, the mysterious redhead was sporting a Konohagakure Hitai-Ate and smiling happily at the camera. Something about her smile felt familiar. Given how close the girl was to the camera in this photo. Naruto noticed that the girl had large indigo-blue eyes similar to his own, but a touch darker. Her bright tresses looked noticeably longer as they framed her youthfully round face. As Naruto examined the photo he couldn't help but smile softly as a bittersweet peace started to wash over him.
Flipping to the next photo, he saw another that was also most likely used for Shinobi identification. In this one, the girl was now a stunning young woman. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, except for long side locks that hung down to frame her face. The woman looked so confident in her Shinobi uniform as she stared at the camera. The next was similar to the previous, except the woman's hair was down and her Hitai-Ate absent, so Naruto quickly flipped to the last photo in the set, only to freeze as his eyes widened.
The final picture showed the woman standing on a bridge overlooking the Naka River, wearing a short-sleeve white blouse under a dark green pinafore-style dress. She looked back towards the camera, laughing with a hand resting protectively over a noticeable bulge protruding from her abdomen. The woman was absolutely glowing with joy, pride, and with what Naruto could only assume was love. She looked like a crimson angel with her unbelievably long hair flared out, most likely caught by a breeze, or maybe she'd been in a hurry?
Placing the photos with care onto Hiruzen's desk, Naruto then looked at the documentation. It seemed the pictures were of Uzumaki Kushina, his mother. The documents were a brief summary of Kushina's Shinobi record, such as her birthday when she immigrated to Konoha, the date of her graduation, and general information about her career as she faithfully served Konoha. After he was done skimming over the information, Naruto carefully packed all the papers and photos back into the file. Delicately, he hugged the folder to his chest, being mindful not to crush his precious cargo.
The sexagenarian had been watching the scene quietly, giving the preteen time to process and look at the documents and photos. "Naruto," Hiruzen started gently after Naruto had a chance to calm down. "It was never my intention to hurt you, and I apologize for the pain my decisions have caused you. However, I do not regret my decision. Only that they were necessary."
At this, Naruto looked up at the Hokage betrayal evident in his expression, but he remained silent as Hiruzen continued. "When your mother, Kushina, was around your age, an enemy village had managed to infiltrate Konoha and kidnapped her."
Naruto stiffened and opened his mouth to launch into a myriad of questions, but instead only let out a small huff as Hirzuzen raised his hand to signal that he wasn't finished. "Kushina had been targeted because of her prominent lineage and unique chakra, something that, overnight, had become a scarce rarity in the world." The man's tone was somber but conveyed the weight of the situation. "Fortunately, she'd been rescued by… a rather observant comrade. I didn't want to risk something similar happening to you if people had found out that you were her son."
"What do you mean by 'prominent lineage' and 'unique chakra'?" Naruto asked with a frown. He of course knew a little bit about his clan, but it wasn't like he had a Kekkei Genkai. So why would he be hunted just for being an Uzumaki?
"Naruto, you're familiar with the fate of Uzushiogakure, correct?" Hiruzen asked, receiving a hesitant nod in answer. "The Uzumaki were a clan of many gifts, gained both from birth and with training, blessed with an unmatched vitality and astoundingly large chakra reserves. On top of that, they also possessed unrivaled skills in Fūinjutsu and were sometimes born with unique abilities. Those renowned attributes made the Uzumaki both greatly sought after and feared." He further elaborated.
"If that wasn't enough…" Hiruzen trailed off, seeming to battle internally with himself as he spared Naruto a remorseful glance. "You both also shared the burden of housing the Kyūbi no Yōko within your bodies. Something only your Uzumaki genes make possible."
After this confession, the Sandaime paused, most likely expecting some sort of backlash from Naruto, but the blond just sat watching him expectantly. "To make matters worse, the Uzumaki Clan have become a rare breed. Some might even say they're extinct. Fortunately, this common misconception has worked in your favor. Your second saving grace was to not inherit your clan's distinguishing red hair."
Naruto scowled at that, remembering the photos of his mother and her fiery crimson locks. "Don't misunderstand, Naruto." Hiruzen quickly interjected, "Outwardly, you may not look like a classic Uzumaki, but that's where the discrepancies end. Your Uzumaki blood is so dominant, I daresay that one day you'll be able to revive your clan without issue. If you so choose." Hiruzen clarified with a chuckle. Naruto tried to make sense of Hiruzen's words but found the Hokage's explanation to be rather confusing.
"What the old man means, is that it's a blessing you weren't born a redhead. If you had been, you'd probably have been hunted relentlessly. Enemy nations would've wanted you to become their valued weapon, prized breeding stud, or most likely both." The Kyūbi chipped in lazily, causing Naruto to raise a brow.
'What's a 'breeding stud'?' Naruto mutely asked, earning a snicker from his tenant.
"It means you would have been forced to mate, oftentimes without the consent or permission of the other human. In your case, the females would possess rare or specialized genetic traits, but don't misunderstand, both males and females have been made part of those "Forced Breeding" programs. The ultimate goal would be producing as many offspring as possible, regardless of anyone's feelings or beliefs."
It took a moment for the fox's words to register, but when they did Naruto couldn't help but shiver at the thought. He'd spent most of his life alone, unattended, and unsupervised. It was by pure luck some enemy shinobi hadn't decided to spirit him away to another village. The fact that he didn't outwardly look like an Uzumaki was sheer chance. If things had been different…
Such thoughts brought back a memory from his childhood. It was a conversation Naruto had with Hinata the day following his most memorable altercation with Sasuke. She'd mentioned how Shinobi from Kumo had tried to kidnap her. Is that the fate they had in mind for her? Were they also the ones responsible for his mother's attempted kidnapping, or were other villages also like that? Did Konoha ever do things like that? The questions were coming faster and becoming darker, to the point that Naruto had to stop himself. A village condoning such things was beyond outrageous.
The mere thought made Naruto ill, then the realization that Hinata could have potentially been mixed up in such devious plans just depressed him further. The whole thing made the blood drain from his face as the ugly truth settled in. It reminded Naruto of his conversation with Kakashi when they were in Nami. Some people only saw them as things, tools meant to be used and thrown away when they were no longer useful or broken.
It was the reality of things, and the information started to make him realize some of what the old man had been doing. "I…I think I understand. Thanks for looking out for me, Jii-Chan." The boy let his words linger while he thought through his follow-up statement. "I mean, I'm not gonna lie. Growing up, it would've been nice to have something -ttebayo. However, I can appreciate where you're coming from." Naruto managed, his voice unsteady as he tried to put on a brave front.
"...So, I guess that means I look like my dad then? Do you know anything about him? I mean, I guess if I was given my mom's name that he probably wasn't in the picture?" Naruto tentatively asked after a brief silence in a bid to lighten the mood but also to fish for more information.
Hiruzen gave Naruto a sympathetic smile before standing and placing a hand tenderly on the youth's shoulder. "I'm sorry Naruto. Unfortunately, I feel it's best to leave your paternal lineage for another day. Your father made quite a name for himself in the last war, and some may attempt to come after you if they ever learn of your relation. I'd feel more comfortable waiting until you can confidently protect yourself against such threats before we discuss his identity." The man looked on through the window at the faces carved into the mountain. Minato seemed to stare back.
Naruto let out a dejected groan, glaring at the floor before Hiruzen gently lifted his chin to meet his gaze. "Understand this, Naruto. Your father was an honorable man. In fact, many within the village still hold his memory in the highest esteem. Probably none more so than your very own Sensei." Hiruzen professed with a knowing smile.
"...Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto asked with uncertainty, to which the old man nodded in confirmation. "Wait, he knew my parents? Why didn't he ever say anything?" He went on to demand, feeling a new level of hurt and a bit of betrayal.
"Now, don't be angry with Kakashi. He was and still is under strict orders to hold his silence about your parents. As I said, these orders were given to protect you under the obscurity of anonymity. Though, given the reports I've received, it seems that he still tries his best to honor your parents' memory. In his own way." Hiruzen mused.
"What do you mean, Jii-Chan?" Naruto questioned blankly, not understanding.
"Naruto, haven't you noticed how differently Kakashi treats you when it's just the two of you?" Hiruzen asked with a knowing smile.
"Uh, not really," Naruto answered with a shrug before becoming contemplative. "I mean, I know he's been on my case ever since we got back from Nami. But, I thought that was just 'cause I was causing issues for the team, dattebayo." He admitted glumly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he looked away.
Hiruzen stroked his beard, mulling over Naruto's words. "I suppose that's one way to look at it. However, I believe that's just his way of showing concern for your wellbeing. Kakashi speaks nothing but high praise about your capabilities and accomplishments when submitting his reports overviewing Team Seven's missions and training."
Naruto blushed, feeling a gentle warmth flutter in his chest. "Why me? I'm nothing special. I screw up all the time and…" he trailed off, unsure of everything. After all, he wasn't as talented, intelligent, or as accomplished as his teammates. Sure, he'd been improving, but it was slow, and he still hadn't caught up to them in terms of applicable skill.
"Well, if I had to guess. I'd say Kakashi wants to be there for you and give you the kindness and support your parents once offered him when he was going through a rather troubling time in his life. Along the way, I think he started to grow attached. His attachment grew from a mere sense of duty and obligation to something a bit more fraternal." Hiruzen speculated as he stroked his beard again.
"However, don't let this piece of information go to your head. Kakashi's still a highly respected Shinobi within the village and takes his obligations very seriously. So, even though he may give you extra attention outside of his regular duties, be mindful that he won't show you blatant favoritism." The elder warned, giving Naruto a firm look to get the point across.
Once he was satisfied that Naruto understood, Hiruzen returned to his seat, leaning back into it comfortably. "Now, back to our discussion about your parents. I suppose the thought must have crossed your mind as to why you were given your mother's name, even though your father was around?" He inquired, to which Naruto hesitantly nodded. "That's simple, your parents opted for a matrilineal marriage."
"Matri…lineal?" Naruto echoed in confusion, being unfamiliar with the term.
"It means your father chose to marry into your mother's clan. Meaning he would take on the Uzumaki name. Granted, due to his fame, he chose to publicly keep his family name. This was to protect you and your mother from any misplaced grudges or acts of vengeance." Hiruzen explained, sighing as he saw Naruto's annoyance with the same excuse being uttered once again.
"You must understand Naruto, your parents only ever planned to have one child. Childbirth posed a substantial risk for your mother, primarily because it would greatly weaken the seal containing the Kyūbi. They were very meticulous when it came to your survival and future. Your parents loved you very much." Hiruzen denoted with utmost certainty, gazing at Naruto kindly.
Naruto was at a loss for words as the gravity of the Hokage's assertion washed over him. He wasn't just some inconvenience. Quite to the contrary, he had been wanted and greatly cherished. His parents put so many high hopes on him and went out of their way to look out for him. Hell, they'd chosen to bring Naruto into the world even when it posed such a risk to themselves and others.
His stomach clenched a little as he dwelt on that last thought. Their concerns had been proven true in the end. His mother's seal had broken that night. Even if it was only because an enemy took advantage of the situation, the Kyūbi had been released and went on a rampage. The resulting carnage destroyed a large portion of the village and killed a lot of people.
'If it wasn't for me... If…If I hadn't been born-'
"Don't you dare finish that thought!" The Kyūbi snarled, his anger potent enough to make Naruto visibly flinch.
"I understand that to many idiots, you've been nothing but a painful reminder of that night. However-" The fox continued, his voice softening. "-to others, you're a precious memento, a treasured legacy embodying the hopes and dreams of those who gave of themselves and sacrificed for a better future. You can't dwell on things outside of your control. It's best to just focus on pressing forward to a better tomorrow. Never curse your existence or doubt those who acknowledge it."
Naruto smiled wistfully, exhaling a breath he didn't realize he'd held onto. He felt his body relax, releasing the built-up nervous tension from the ongoing meeting. The fox's encouraging words helped Naruto accept the revelations easier, even if he'd only been permitted half the picture of what could be called his heritage.
"I think I understand, Jii-Chan. Thank you for letting me know, dattebayo." Naruto finally addressed the ever-patient Hiruzen, flashing him a bright smile. The orphan still felt a dull pain twinge in his heart but figured it'd go away after some time. "Anô-Sa, do you… Could you tell me some stories about Kaa-Chan? That is… if you have time?" Naruto asked hesitantly as he reopened the folder once more to glance at the photos that held the one-time crimson-haired beauty.
"Of course," Hiruzen obliged, closing his eyes as he contemplated where to begin. "Let's see, I think the best place to start would be to tell you about the reputation Kushina built when she was still in the academy. Now, let me tell you how the dreaded and feared 'Akai Chishio no Habanero' came to be..."
摂理
Naruto couldn't help but laugh giddily to himself as he patted his full stomach. He and the Hokage spent the better part of the morning talking about Uzumaki Kushina. As noon approached, the pair grabbed lunch at Ichiraku's before heading out for the temple grounds Naruto had stumbled upon earlier in the week.
Along the way, Naruto stopped by his home to drop off the precious file that held the photos of his mother and to quickly change into his Shinobi attire. Knowing that they'd be going back to the temple, Naruto wanted to wear more durable clothing. His combat attire did the job as it was more resistant to tears and stains than his civilian clothing.
The duo walked in relative silence from there, giving Naruto a chance to reflect on his previous conversation with Hiruzen. Naruto learned many interesting things about his mother, more than ever expected. Such as the fact that Kushina caused almost as much grief for Hiruzen when she was in the academy as Naruto did - like mother like son.
In her younger years, Uzumaki Kushina was known as the 'Akai Chishio no Habanero,' thanks in part to her long bright red hair, but her rather short and violent temper was the primary reason for the moniker. Hiruzen had explained that Kushina initially had issues fitting into Konoha when she'd arrived from Uzushio. The Uzumaki didn't have a strong presence within Konoha at the time, so she was regarded as a mysterious and distrusted foreigner. Her peers, unfortunately, didn't treat her well, and Kushina responded in kind. Hiruzen had seemed particularly amused when he'd explained to Naruto how much of a tomboy his mother had been. Naruto found her exploits equal parts impressive and terrifying.
During her time as an active-duty Shinobi, Kushina earned a different reputation. Though her feats didn't make her as impressive as Konoha's Yondaime, she had still been an amazing Kunoichi. Kushina's enemies had taken to referring to her by many names, from 'Zigokubana' in Kirigakure, 'Shibitobana' by Kumogakure, and 'Kamisoribana' from Iwagakure. This caused her allies to sometimes refer to her in jest as 'Manjushage'. Within Konoha's walls, however, Kushina's title as 'Akai Chishio no Habanero' still reigned supreme.
When Naruto asked why his mother had earned so many different titles, Hiruzen explained that they were all different names for the Higanbana flower. Unfortunately, Hiruzen didn't go into much detail about Kushina's fighting style. His descriptions were vague, merely referring to her as a ferocious hurricane on the battlefield. Beautiful and deadly, just like the Higanbana.
As an adult within Konoha, Kushina had been a kind and good-natured woman. She could be rather talkative and excitable, but also reliable and passionate. These details brought a lot of comfort to Naruto. It seemed his mother was well-liked and even loved within the village, once she reached adulthood. Even with being a foreign-born Jinchuriki, she'd been able to win over the hearts of her comrades. This gave Naruto hope for his own future, if she could do it, why couldn't he?
After a while, the ongoing silence started to get to Naruto, so he filled Hiruzen in on how things had been going for him since graduating from the academy. Naruto greatly enjoyed his time with his teammates and mentor. He was learning so much and getting noticeably stronger. His teammates pushed and encouraged him, something Naruto appreciated, even if Sasuke had been a little moody lately. Hinata's tutoring was starting to bear fruit as well, though they'd only just started. She was patient and never made fun of Naruto. Hiruzen couldn't help but let out a chuckle when Naruto ardently complained about Kakashi showing up that very morning trying to convince him to eat vegetables.
Before Naruto knew it, they'd reached the ghostly Torii gate he found the other day. Smiling good-naturedly, Hiruzen motioned to the sign positioned at the base of the stone steps. "Well Naruto, do you think you can read the message this time?"
Naruto gulped nervously before moving to take a closer look at the sign, "By decree of the Sandaime Hokage, this land shall … be restricted to only permitted guests. Any who enter without the Hokage's… permission will be treated as trespassers and will be… confined. Those who resist shall be severely punished."
"Close, but not quite," Hiruzen remarked with a chuckle. "It says, By decree of the Sandaime Hokage, this property shall henceforth be restricted to only authorized personnel. Any who enter without the Hokage's formal permission will be treated as trespassers and are subject to detainment. Use of lethal force authorized against those who resist apprehension."
Naruto laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment at Hiruzen's gentle admonishment. He watched and listened carefully as Hiruzen pointed out each word he'd gotten wrong and the actual meaning and pronunciation of the Kanji.
Hiruzen was patient in helping Naruto go over the words on the sign a few more times until he was satisfied that the boy could confidently read it without further assistance. The moment made the blond remember some fond memories of Hiruzen helping to teach Naruto the prerequisites to enter the academy. Naruto wished the instructors were more like Hiruzen. If they had been, he might've enjoyed school more. Granted, Iruka was okay, after he stopped ignoring Naruto. However, Iruka was still young, and oftentimes lacked the patience Naruto wouldn't admit he needed.
"Thanks, Jii-Chan," Naruto expressed with a grateful smile before his expression melted into one of apprehension, "But, etou…is that all you called me out here for, dattebayo?"
"No, as much as I wish it was…" Hiruzen admitted with a sigh, patting Naruto's shoulder before ascending the stairs.
Naruto felt a pang of guilt as he heard the old man's tone of resignation. He decided it would be best to remain silent and leave the elder to his thoughts. As much as it had hurt, Naruto didn't believe Hiruzen did anything out of spite or cruelty. If the Sandaime chose to keep things from him, then the man had good reason. Naruto just had to prove to his surrogate grandfather that he could be trusted with the whole truth.
The subdued pair were each caught in their own thoughts and reached the temple grounds without realizing it. Naruto noted that returning during midday gave the area a vastly different ambiance as the sun illuminated the main building and surrounding areas, whereas before, he felt a sense of forebodingness when the low light of twilight cast the area with long shadows. It seemed somewhat mysterious and enchanting in some ways, but mostly it had creeped out the boy. It also hadn't helped his phasmophobia, especially when that ANBU had popped out of said shadows.
Naruto's thoughts were interrupted as his senses were quickly overtaken by something he thought unfathomable. Glancing nervously to his side, Naruto could see that to all the world, Hiruzen appeared calm, except for a minuscule frown forming on his lips. Naruto, however, wasn't fooled; he could feel the undercurrent of profound righteous fury emanating from the Hokage. It was so potent that it made Naruto's hair stand on end. He'd never known Hiruzen to possess such emotion, ever. Feeling a strong sense of self-preservation, Naruto thought it best to continue practicing his skills of silence.
As they made their way through the courtyard, Naruto carefully shadowed Hiruzen, trying to understand the older man's emotions. There was no mistake that the Hokage was angry, but he also seemed brokenhearted, ashamed, and confused. It piqued Naruto's curiosity, but his attention was divided as he looked around the dilapidated property. He still had so many questions and doubted he'd receive any of the answers he desired anytime soon.
Once they were standing in front of the primary temple's ruins, Hiruzen caught Naruto's full attention when he let out a long-drawn-out sigh. The Sandaime was massaging his brow and muttering to himself. His earlier anger had dulled into a cloud of irritation. However, he still held some residual sadness and shame that were slowly overshadowed by a tingle of determination.
Hiruzen turned to look down at the uncharacteristically quiet boy. Smiling warmly, he placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. The man turned to look at the temple and said, "Naruto, I have no excuse for the neglect this place has received while under my care. I tasked others to ensure that things were maintained and cared for properly. But it seems I should have ensured that my wishes were being carried out appropriately." His tone tailed off to one of annoyance, but the aged man continued. "I promise to have this situation rectified before this day is out, and those who failed in their duties will have much to answer for." Hiruzen assured, adorning what Naruto referred to as the 'Hokage face'.
Naruto tried to force a smile, but his usual mask crumbled. The man's words were all it took to break the dam, and his bottom lip trembled as he looked up and nodded. Taking a breath to recompose himself, Naruto found the nerve to ask what had been haunting his mind. "Jii-Chan, if the Uzumaki were so important, how come no one knows about them? I mean, if it wasn't for those scrolls you gave Iruka-Sensei back when I was in the academy… I wouldn't even know that I belonged to a clan -ttebayo."
Hiruzen gently repositioned his hand and motioned Naruto to follow him as he led them towards the back of the structure. "That was another oversight, I'm afraid. Most probably assumed that the clan simply died out with your mother's death, and as I told you, I took advantage of the situation to protect you. The more people forget about the Uzumaki, the safer you'd be." He reiterated, glancing over as he saw Naruto's face contort with a frustrated resignation.
"If it's any consolation, the shinobi familiar with Kushina still hold the Uzumaki in the highest of regards. Even the elders sometimes recall our great allies and how they helped ensure Konoha's survival during the First and Second Great Shinobi Wars. They have never truly been forgotten, their legacy was just safeguarded instead of paraded around. It was always my intention to teach you what I know about the Uzumaki. When I felt you were ready." Hiruzen went on to explain.
At those words, Naruto felt another twinge of sadness, but it was mixed with anxiety that replaced any remaining hurt and anger. Looking up at Hiruzen, he became aware of just how old and tired the Hokage actually appeared. It was hard to imagine the strongest shinobi in the village as a frail old man. One day Hiruzen's age would catch up to him, and the 'Shinobi no Kami' would be no more.
Naruto's mind was a jumble, from the small piece of the sacred grounds of the Uzumaki being forgotten and neglected to the mortality of the only true father figure he had ever known. The thought caused Naruto's stomach to twist, along with his heart to clench. It was a strange fear, and he couldn't place what caused the emotion. So, Naruto simply shook it off as a moss-covered shrine came into view once they rounded the corner of the main temple. Seeing the small building with several Fuda covering its doorway, Naruto looked up to Hiruzen in confusion. The Hokage merely gave him a soft smile, removing his hand from Naruto's shoulder to approach the shrine.
Naruto stood back, watching with curiosity as Hiruzen ran through a series of hand seals before releasing a pulse of chakra. Naruto was amazed when all of the Fuda disintegrated without leaving a single mark on the shrine's entrance. The rookie Genin quickly returned to the Sandaime's side watching Hiruzen unlock and open the doors, wondering what could be so important that it'd need such intricate protection.
Walking through the entranceway, Naruto took a second for his eyes to adjust to the lack of light. The blond looked around the chamber with a mix of wonder and reverence. Each wall was covered with intricately carved panels made from smooth pale stone. The expertly crafted scripting branched out towards the floor, encircling a large spiral mosaic that sat in the room's center.
Hidden in the shadows of the far wall a large stone structure stood, towering roughly two to three meters. The material was dark marbled gray, with a dusty matte sheen that caught some of the light coming through the doorway. The corners were precisely square, a sign of high-quality craftsmanship. Naruto's eyes moved over the whole monolith, taking in the exquisite simplicity. The top was narrower than the base but stood about a meter tall. His family's name was inscribed on the face of the capstone. The figures were sharp and clean as if they were just carved. The next tier was wider and made of the same granite-like material with intricate Kanji of the Uzumaki's original namesake. An in-laid piece of stone made of a light tan color held the clan insignia and gave a noticeable contrast. At the bottom, Naruto couldn't see a single seam which made him think it was one solid block. 'How much does that thing weigh? 'he thought rhetorically.
In front of the imposing structure sat a more humble creation. It was a small shrine meant to house offerings to those who passed through the veil between life and death. The offering box was made of the same material and featured the same intricate level of detail as the monolith. Framing its entrance was inscribed something that caught Naruto's eyes. He took a few tentative steps toward the impressive altar, before squatting down he took a closer look at the engraving.
'With our last breath, we safeguard the dancing leaves and their hidden fire, with the gentle breeze of a hurricane.'
Quirking a brow, Naruto turned back to Hiruzen from where he'd knelt on the floor to better read the scripture. "Jii-Chan, what is all this?"
Hiruzen smiled wistfully as he pulled some incense out of his robe. Lighting it, he knelt next to Naruto and placed the incense inside the offering box. He then removed his notable hat, bowing his head as he closed his eyes.
"This, Naruto, is your family's Haka. Or, at least the one Mito-Sama established after the fall of Uzushio. This is also the true resting place of your parents." Hiruzen admitted, causing the boy's jaw to drop.
Naruto didn't know what to think as he tried to process that last bit of news. He wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh, cry, or be angry all over again. It had been a rather long morning with plenty of ups and downs that could overwhelm anybody, let alone a twelve-year-old boy. Everything leading up to that moment couldn't compare to the news of his parents' final resting place, as if to make them real people and their status a reality - no hope of a mistake or a cruel trick.
"Oh, I see…" Naruto finally managed to utter after a long pause. Looking back up at the central pillar, he stared at the delicately carved Hiragana for a pensive moment before letting out a breath and bowing alongside Hiruzen. As he closed his eyes, Naruto thought back to the past few weeks and the events that led him to this place.
"...Anô-Sa, Kyūbi?"Naruto asked timidly as he delved into his mindscape. Wading through the ankle-deep water, he carefully approached Bijū's cage. Staring at the rust-colored flank of his tenant, Naruto patiently awaited the beast's acknowledgment.
With a sigh, the fox twisted his massive head around to stare lazily at his subdued partner with a dark-rimmed eye that easily dwarfed the boy. "What is it, Kozō? Shouldn't you be communing with the spirits of your ancestors or something?"
Naruto's face flushed with embarrassment as he started to fidget, "Uh, maybe later. I just wanted to say thanks -ttebayo, and… I'm sorry."
At this, the Kyūbi rose to his full height. Balancing on his haunches he crossed his arms and peered down at the pint-sized blond. "...Oh? What for?" He asked curiously, a bemused grin crossing his face.
Naruto shifted uncomfortably under the profound stare. He rubbed the back of his head nervously while absently kicking at the water surrounding him. "Well, you see… I wanted to thank you for all the things you told me about Kaa-Chan, dattebayo! I also wanted to apologize for not fully believing you, at first. I…I was just afraid that it was too good to be true and stuff, ya know?"
"Hmph, your apology is unnecessary. It'd make you a bigger idiot than you already are if you just followed everyone blindly." The Kyūbi retorted dismissively, his grin turning smug as Naruto pouted indignantly in response. "It's wise to seek out answers and confirmation for yourself, rather than believing everything you're told."
Naruto plopped down gracelessly in the water as he let out an irritated groan and vigorously rubbed his scalp to vent his frustrations. "Grah! Look, Ahogitsune!" He snapped, pointing angrily at the fox, "I'm trying to say that even though you might've played a big role in the reason my life has sucked up till recently-" He heard the beast let out a derisive snort but continued unabated. "You've been going out of your way to fix it, and make it better." He acknowledged flopping onto his back with a sigh.
"...I should've given you the benefit of the doubt weeks ago, dattebayo. So, I just wanted to let you know that I-I… Well, that is… Kuso!" The boy hadn't ever really thanked or apologized in such a sincere and meaningful way. Instead of blurting things out, he took a second to compose himself and simply said. "I trust you now … I trust you, alright." The demon and boy stared at each other, both surprised by the blond's words. "I promise to listen to you better from now on. Even if it means eating gross vegetables, doing weird training exercises, or listening to boring lectures." Naruto agreed unconditionally, albeit grumbling the last part much to the fox's amusement.
"I see, and you're not worried that I might manipulate you into betraying your comrades one day?"
Naruto snorted and rolled his eyes as he sat back up, "No, you already had the opportunity, didn't you? I mean, you helped me on the bridge, right? I know, yeah… We did end up kind-of-sort-of killing Haku. However, he was technically an enemy at the time, and we didn't hurt Sasuke, Hinata-Chan, or Kakashi-Sensei."
"...And what if the day comes when one of your comrades betrays you? What if I value your life and happiness over theirs?"
Naruto winced at that question as if the mere thought was painful. "Well, I'd hope that you'd at least give me the chance to change their mind? After all, I don't think I'd be really happy if we ended up giving up on or even killing one of my friends."
"I'd rather you be momentarily unhappy than long-term dead, Kozō. Now, go pay your respects to your parents." The fox replied bluntly before ousting Naruto from their shared plane of consciousness.
摂理
Naruto spent some time in the shrine after his conversation with the Kyūbi. He'd spent some time offering prayers to his parents, then he and Hiruzen spoke for a while. The Sandaime explained to Naruto that he would be granted full access to the temple grounds, as long as he followed some rules.
The first and most serious was that under no circumstances was Naruto to ever touch, mess with, or wear the Noh Masks located within the main temple. The masks were some of the most dangerous artifacts once utilized by Uzumaki for advanced techniques. Hiruzen didn't fully understand their purpose or workings. The only thing he did know was that if an inexperienced user attempted to harness the powers of the masks, all they'd gain is an early trip to the grave.
Secondly, Naruto was advised to safeguard the information about his lineage. The old man said to treat his heritage with the same care as he did about being the Kyūbi's jailer. Something Naruto struggled not to roll his eyes at, seeing as the fox was pretty much an open secret amongst the adults of the village. As if sensing Naruto's attitude, Hiruzen assured him that even though he'd been unable to keep that particular secret under wraps. Naruto could be assured that his pedigree had been more closely guarded by those that still honored his parents' memory. The way that the Sandaime expressed it, Naruto almost felt as if the old man was afraid some war would break out if Naruto's parentage were to ever be discovered.
The final condition was that Naruto had to be wary of whom he invited onto the property. Something which Naruto found to be a given, especially with how dangerous some of the artifacts could be if misused. It was also possible that the mortal remains of his fellow Uzumaki clansmen could be discovered and exploited. The thought of his parents' and ancestors' graves being desecrated was one of the few times Naruto would admit to having murder and mayhem cross his mind. He might not have known his parents personally, or even his father's name, but that didn't mean Naruto wouldn't be fiercely protective of them. After all, they had cherished his very existence to the point of sacrificing themselves. The least Naruto could do was make sure they rested easily in the afterlife.
When Naruto asked if there were any Uzumaki techniques he could try learning, Hiruzen had explained that the clan primarily excelled in Fūinjutsu. Their other techniques were all Hiden Jutsu. Unfortunately, that meant the majority of those skills were lost following his mother's death, as they were passed down oratorically. Hiruzen also explained that most of the Uzumaki-style Fūinjutsu he knew were much too advanced to safely teach a novice. To placate the disappointed Naruto, Hirzuen promised that he'd look into getting the young Uzumaki a teacher for the basics, but only when Kakashi felt he was ready.
Admittedly, Naruto knew it'd be quite a while before he learned anything remotely close to Fūinjutsu. At least anything outside of what he already knew, which wasn't much. On top of that, Naruto doubted Kakashi would feel he was ready to learn any new, advanced, or possibly dangerous techniques until Naruto caught up to his teammates in his core abilities.
Naruto opted to stay behind when the Hokage returned to his office. The orange-clad shinobi still had a couple of hours before he was due to meet back up with Kakashi and Hinata. His mind was a jumble of everything that had come to light over the past few hours. To distract himself and burn off some energy, Naruto started cleaning what he could of the temple grounds. He started with the family shrine with the help of two groups of Kage Bunshin. The first set was tasked with returning to the village to fetch some cleaning supplies he'd need. The second set was to help him with weeding the property and piling up loose debris. He would have to try and research if there were any family traditions or ceremonies that involved a bonfire.
Naruto still found it difficult to maintain the clones for long periods in such large numbers, but they made up for it by working diligently in their assigned tasks. Even better, he didn't get into a single argument with them this time around. It seemed everyone was on the same page about fixing up the property.
The young Uzumaki felt his mood lift by the time he decided to head home. He gazed back at his handiwork and felt an enormous amount of accomplishment. There was still much that would need to be done, but given Hiruzen's promise, he would be able to return and continue working. Naruto certainly didn't expect to restore the temple solely on his own. Still, he felt the need to do his part, given that it was a property that belonged to his clan.
As he walked down the path leaving the grounds, Naruto turned back to look once more at the first Torii gate. He finally felt like he could smile honestly. Turning around, Naruto was surprised to see the Cat-faced ANBU Hiruzen had referred to as 'Yamaneko' standing a few meters away. The two stared at each other for a brief pause before the ANBU nodded in greeting.
"Uzumaki-San."
Naruto hadn't quite forgiven the ANBU for tormenting him just yet. Still, Naruto felt he owed the masked ninja, at least a little, for not embarrassing him in front of Hiruzen and Shikaku while giving his report as to why he'd detained Naruto for trespassing. Now that Naruto was given access to the property, and had learned at least part of their significance, the ANBU most likely wouldn't cause him any trouble. Hopefully, the man could become an ally someday or even a potential friend.
"...Yamaneko-San," Naruto finally greeted, nodding in return as he folded his arms behind his head. The moment got a bit awkward, and Naruto was concerned about hurrying home to have enough time to get cleaned up before his visitors showed up that evening. "Gotta be going, Dattebayo. Ja Ne!" with those words, he dashed past the unflinching man.
'Huh? Visitors…who'd have thought?' Naruto mused as a smile once again crept up onto his lips. He couldn't help but laugh to himself as he leaped through the trees back to the village. After all, it had only been a few short months ago that he remembered telling Iruka that there was no one waiting for him at home. How much the world could change in such a short time. Even if it wasn't in the ways he initially imagined.
摂理
Author Note: So, what did you guys think of this Arc's conclusion? Actually, what do you guys think of Setsuri so far as a whole? Any favorite parts? I want to thank you again for all the wonderful support. I appreciate each and every review I receive and try my best to reply back. Compliments and intelligent insight help to keep me motivated, so keep them coming!
Keywords:
Furoshiki - Cloth Wrapper/Wrapping Cloth, literally "Bath Spread". The term originally came from high-ranking visitors to bathhouses packed their possessions in clothes decorated with their Clan/Family Crest. Nowadays the term is used for traditionally wrapping/transporting gifts and goods in folded cloth packaging.
Zigokubana (地獄花) - "Hell Flower", 'Hell' in this instance refers to a (Ground/Earth) (Prison/Jail.)
Shibitobana (死人花) - "Dead Person Flower", the beginning Kanji can also be read as Corpse or (Death/Die) (Person)
Kamisoribana (剃刀花) - "Razor Flower"
Manjushage (曼珠沙華) - Basically, "Flower of the Heavens"
Higanbana (彼岸花) - "Flower of Higan", "Flower of the other shore", etc. Higan is a celebration of the Autumn Equinox. 'The Other Shore' refers to the Sanzu River, Nirvana, the afterlife, etc. The flower itself we called in English the Red Spider Lily (Though, sometimes they're white), Hurricane Lily, or Lycoris Radiata. This flower has a lot of names in Japanese.
Haka (墓) - Gravesite, Tomb, Family Grave Marker
Ahogitsune - A slightly more rude version of Bakagitsune.
Ja Ne - The Japanese equivalent of "See Ya!"