Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto Franchise that belongs solely to Masashi Kishimoto; I do not own Heaven's lost Property, High School DxD or any other Anime I borrow themes from. The only thing I claim is my OC's and original Story Plot.
Author's Note (A/N): Hey guys I'm back again and I'm sorry it took so long. I was without internet for the last two months. But I'm back now and I've prewritten the entirety of The Search for Tsunade Arc. So there will be chapters and content coming out for a long while to come now. I have a warning for you in regard to the tone of this chapter. The feels are incoming. This will be an emotional and hard chapter to get through as Naruto confronts a situation as a father that will push him further than anything he's ever done before. We are now officially in The Search of Tsunade Arc so get ready guys!
So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Chapter 71
Priority: New Hokage – The Search for Tsunade
The great gates of the Hidden Leaf Village was a sight Naruto never once thought to extensively think about before. Sure, they were beautiful and iconic… but the lack of true appreciation on Naruto's end was apparent before now. Seeing the gates finally within viewing distance after the monumental ordeal he and his family just endured was one of the most euphoric feelings he's ever experienced in his life. Those gates meant that he was home... he was finally home. Despite the tranquil and heart warming feeling of being on his ancestral homeland of Hōrai Island, the place still wasn't "home." It wasn't the place he was born in nor was it the place he grew up in and experienced all of his good and bad memories. The Hidden Leaf shaped him into the person he is today and for that reason alone the place would always be considered "home" to the brand-new Shī-ō of the now formally revived Uzumaki Clan.
Balalaika and Karasuba had parted ways with the rescue team the previous day at a small nondescript village. The two Land of Earth natives despite their history with the Hidden Leaf parted on peaceful terms with the group. Balalaika spoke to many of them with her own parting words. For Shoko, the King Pin requested that the Legendary Titan take some time off to recuperate and heal her mind. As the only active Titan of the Hidden Leaf left, she had a reputation and legacy to uphold. She had also asked for Shoko to share stories with Naruto about their past and more in particular about his parents. The opposing Titan felt it was time that Naruto know of his lineage and the legacy that he must one day uphold.
The display he showed back on Hōrai Island was proof enough in Balalaika's mind that he was worthy enough for such a burden to be placed on his shoulders. He proved himself in the eyes of the powerful kunoichi and deserved to know about his family. For Naruto, Balalaika praised him for his efforts and for how he conducted himself as a shinobi. With Hōrai Island and its inhabitants now under his rightful control he was now a far more important figure on the global scale of the shinobi world. She formally proposed the same challenge and stipulation that she had mentioned to Hinata and the other's days prior about Naruto directly to his face. Understandably, the blond haired Uzumaki was shocked to his core to know that Balalaika's true intention was that she was gunning for him. She wanted to challenge him to a battle in the future and if he didn't win she'd kill him on the spot. It was a lot for Naruto to take in and it only made it worst when he found out that not only had Shoko and Jiraiya reluctantly and unofficially let her declare this but that the powerhouse woman also roped Hinata in on the challenge.
Naruto's heart nearly sank into his stomach when he was told of this fact. To know that his best friend and crush had a proverbial noose tied around her neck by the strongest woman alive was nerve wracking to say the least and it didn't help his conscience to not only find out that not only did Hinata agree to this bargain but when he tried to plead on Hinata's behalf Balalaika refused to resend the challenge. She never went back on her word and she expected great things from Hinata in the future. The final nail in the coffin for Naruto was when Hinata stepped in to stop Naruto's pleas on her behalf. Nervously, but with a heart full of determination Hinata pacified Naruto and explained to him that she didn't want to back out of the arrangement between her and Balalaika either. She adamantly told him she was determined to stand by his side.
Hearing this shook Naruto to his core and honestly made him look at Hinata in a whole new light. He felt an immense amount of pride in Hinata who while has moments of bravery is usually a meek and shy girl despite all the years she's spent with him. To know that she was willing to risk her entire future and life to protect him and stand by his side against a foe as powerful as Balalaika was world changing to Naruto who didn't think he'd ever meet a person that would ever go to such lengths for him. Of course, he knew that Eva would always be his partner in crime and that he could count on her having his back but hearing it come from Hinata who didn't bare the slightest bit of obligation to him made Naruto's mind come to a grinding halt. A newfound wave of love and respect flooded Naruto in that moment as he hugged Hinata in front of everyone much to their mutual embarrassment, but it didn't stop the two from holding hands for part of the journey home. The rest of the way was spent with Naruto carrying Iris and Chaos in his arms and on his back respectively. He was determined not to let his precious daughters out of his sight or embrace again. He was actually afraid he might lose them again if he did.
As for his new adoptive children they all acclimated to the group well with Asagi never straying far from Naruto's side even when he was spending time with Hinata and the others. Seeing all of the side glances he was getting from her and the others prompted Naruto to create a few shadow clones that each picked up one of the girls in the group to give them piggyback rides. The massive blushes on Asagi and Moegi's faces were priceless in Naruto's opinion and the excited and joyful looks on Ai's face made the experience worth it. Shion also got a chance to hold onto Naruto's hand as the group traveled in peace which the emotional and expressive boy obviously failed to contain if his own embarrassed yet elated facial expression was anything to go by. Of course, Roku and Dai didn't want any embarrassing affection from their new adoptive guardian but seeing the happy atmosphere surrounding their siblings was enough to make the twins perfectly happy. All was going well until they had to open their mouth and make embarrassing jokes pertaining to Naruto and Hinata which ended up resulting in the two boys having their mouths frozen over in a comically thick layer of frost.
Balalaika's last parting words were predictably to Hinata who perked up when the woman addressed her. She repeated the words she spoke to Hinata previously again. She wants Hinata to grow strong in the future… strong enough to stand against her. Once more Hinata stood her ground more proudly this time with her reaffirming her resolve to grow stronger. With a very dark and foreboding smile that expressed Balalaika's pride in the new prey she was going to hunt in the future the powerful woman left the group peacefully and fully satisfied with the way the events unfolded.
With parting shots from Karasuba to Shoko about having a rematch in the future the rescue team were left to continue their journey back to the Hidden Leaf in peace which took them one full day of slower paced travel to accommodate the new Uzumaki children and to give Naruto the chance to rest as well.
After checking in with Izumo and Kotetsu the two Chūnin dubbed the "Eternal Gate Guardians" for their perpetual assignments of manning the main gate the rescue team quickly avoided the crowded streets and headed straight to the Hokage Administration Building.
Entering the room, the group was met with the predictable group of higher brass of the Leaf. Danzō, Homura, Koharu, Dino, Shikaku, and Puma were waiting in the Hokage's office for the group. "Hello there, my boy… it's nice to see you back." Dino spoke with a pleasant and relieved tone of voice. His ever-present cup of tea was in hand and the old mob boss had his pleasant smile set in place. He was glad to have his agent back, and more importantly he was glad to have Naruto back as he was quite fond of the boy who has wormed his way into the heart of the old dragon in human skin.
Naruto was resisting the urge to run across the room to hug the heavy set old man who he sometimes thinks of as a grandfather but there was one glaring thing that was out of place in the room. Hiruzen wasn't in his chair. The Hokage of the village wasn't here. "I'm glad to see you too sir… but… where is the Hokage… where is the old man?" Naruto asked as the exact same feeling he felt nearly a week ago during the invasion returned. During his fight against Gaara he felt a deep pain in his heart as hundreds of memories of his time with Hiruzen flooded his mind. It was a cold and bitter feeling that now with Naruto's newfound understanding of Sōkyoku and the role she plays in his life forced him to horrifyingly come to the epiphany that the old Hokage was dead.
Naruto's memories came back to him of that specific feeling he felt that day and the conversation that he immediately had after words with Iris. The young girl was speaking serious back then and now knowing that Sōkyoku was influencing her actions it made the daunting words that she spoke make sense. Iris asked Naruto if he trusted her and when he stated yes, she nervously stated that it was finally the day that everything would change for them and asked if he would still love her after everything was said and done.
This feeling was weighing down on Naruto's heart as he looked down at Iris who shamefully turned away from Naruto's distraught and grief-stricken face. It was too much for the tiny girl to see. 'That was what she meant… she knew that grandpa died… why do I have to feel this way… why do I feel so angry at my own daughter… my heart can't bare to feel this anger and disgust at Iris.' Naruto grieved as everyone in the room could see a devastated look cross Naruto's face. He was in pain for many reasons now than just Hiruzen's death.
"I'm so sorry Naruto… I know how much Hiruzen meant to you… he meant the world to all of us." Dino spoke sadly as Naruto dropped to his knees while letting the full weight of Hiruzen's death wash over him. It hurt… it hurt a lot. Shoko silently wrapped her arms around Naruto who melted into the older woman's arms without resistance. His soul felt shattered at knowing Hiruzen was dead and having to now move forward knowing that there will be certain things in his future that he can't prevent or ever know about due to Sōkyoku's presence was going to be a very bitter pill for him to swallow.
"Stand up boy… now is not the time for tears." Danzō's grizzled voice cut through the somber mood as Jiraiya who had placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder glared at Danzō and his lack of empathy. His timing was insensitive and in poor taste. Jiraiya himself was still mourning the lost of his beloved sensei who taught him so much. He was an honorable and noble shinobi who was wise and compassionate beyond his years even as a young man back when Jiraiya was a young child. His death wasn't something Jiraiya was ever truly going to be able to get over and it was something he wasn't prepared to simply put off for any longer. It was still far to early and to fresh in time for Jiraiya to ever think about moving on from his sensei's death. No reasonable man could let go so quickly.
"Danzō…" Jiraiya glared as the elderly man didn't even bat an eye at Jiraiya as he leveled a stare down at Naruto without a single hint of his true emotions being known. "A shinobi doesn't show emotions… we are tools to be used in service to our village and country. Even the Hokage is not immune to this fact. Emotions will only serve to impede us. Do not sully Hiruzen's death with your tears boy." Danzō harshly spoke but with the same inflection of monotone in his voice as any other conversation he's ever had.
His words stung a bit to Naruto who was listening to them, but he also took stock in the fact that he would have time to mourn later. He didn't believe that him crying would sully Hiruzen's memory, but he would find time to think of the old man. Now wasn't that time.
Wiping his tears Naruto felt hollow on the inside but he was more than willing to bottle up his feelings for a more appropriate time. Breaking the tense atmosphere of the room Shikaku cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. "I take it your mission was a success all things considered… but it would appear that you've picked up some extra stragglers in your mission. Care to explain Lord Jiraiya?" The Jōnin Commander casually asked as he kept a partial eye on Naruto who was metaphorically gathering all of his emotions to contain them. He was going through an emotional roller coaster ride while the older Nara man made a mental note to speak with him later.
"The rescue turned into a big fiasco… I'll tell you the more important details later but as it turns out Naruto was taken to Hōrai Island." Jiraiya stated as Danzō's lone eye opened up in disbelieve while Shikaku simply pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "This is going to be such a drag."
It took a while but together Jiraiya and Shoko explained as much as they were willing to divulge about the events to occur on Hōrai Island. One of the major things they left out was of course Lady Miya's return to the mortal realm and certain specific information such as Karin and Fū now residing on the island. It went without saying that the duo also left out a few other key pieces of information considering the fact that Danzō and the elders were in the room. None of them could be fully trusted and there was no telling how far they would go if they knew the full story of what happened.
"So, these children are all half demons… not to mention they are now Uzumaki because Naruto adopted them into his clan? Great… just great." Shikaku sighed while leaning against the Hokage's desk. The middle aged experienced shinobi was looking at each of the orphans with his critical eye. To no ones surprise Shion hid behind Naruto's pants leg much to his exasperation. He was going to have an interesting time raising these children. For as mature as the group of children turned out to be because of their hard life, it didn't mean they didn't have their faults.
"Commander… it's quite the delicate situation. But given Naruto's new status it can't be helped." Kakashi chuckled with a sheepish eye smile in place. It was a notion that Kakashi's come to accept about his Genin that Naruto would always do the unexpected. "So, you were dubbed the next Shī-ō. Given your status as a Genin it can cause problems with our laws. Only Chūnin and above can hold clan head status." Koharu explained as she glared down at Naruto who didn't flinch in the slightest to the elderly woman's uptightness.
After the experience Naruto just went through, the usual attitude of the elder didn't faze Naruto anymore. "Normally that is true councilor but seeing as how I'm the rightful heir to the Uzumaki Clan and the clan itself was never formally established permanently in our village that means my rank doesn't mean anything. Even if it did… nothing would stop me from adopting these children who have gone through so much because of those demons." Naruto spoke calmly but he couldn't prevent the challenging glare that appeared on his face as he stood up to Koharu once more who gripped the chair she was sitting in with anger coursing through her veins.
"Be that as it may young Uzumaki… these children cannot be permitted to roam free around the village. If anything, they need to be vetted to determine if they are a danger to our citizens. Another matter to consider is their residence. It would be best if they were looked after by matrons from the orphanage." Danzō spoke in his grizzled tone as a weary pang of nauseous assaulted Naruto's heart. The mere thought that Naruto's new children would be looked after by any of the staff at the orphanage dragged up Naruto's long repressed memories of the trauma he endured as a toddler growing up in the system.
Ever since the arrest of those patrons that schemed to have Naruto murdered that were then fully charged with the murder of Kenichi the child care system has improved immensely with new staff taking over during the years Naruto was growing up. It was a great relief to Naruto to know that the children still in the orphanage was now being taken care of properly. He made it a ritual to always stop by the government owned building every weekend while he was still in the academy and after becoming a Genin he stopped by whenever he had a free day.
The last memorable time he visited the orphanage happened to be on Iris and Chaos's birthday when they painted the Hokage Monument as a prank. But even though he knew the facility was safe now for many years it still didn't sit right with Naruto to put his new children in the system.
"Absolutely not! My children are not going into the orphanage. I'm their legal care taker and that's final. You may think of me as a naïve Genin sir, but I've lived my entire life taking care of children. There is no better place for them than with me." Naruto objected with a fire in his eyes that caused Danzō to frown subtly at this act of defiance. 'Those children are young… if they were introduced into my ROOT program I could train them up to be very effective shinobi to hunt down supernatural creatures. They are immensely valuable. Hiruzen only ever let me take teenagers and older who we both agreed had potential for more strict training. What he didn't know was that I was secretly taking some children from small villages in the Land of Fire.' Danzō thought to himself as he narrowed his lone eye at Naruto's act of defiance. It wasn't everyday that young supernatural children popped up.
"You lack discipline boy… Hiruzen was far to soft with you." Danzō glared with a warning edge in his tone that set off dangerous warning bells in Naruto's mind. At the same time Naruto couldn't help but feel anger at Danzō's words. Hiruzen raised him just fine over the years and he's guided him to be the young man he is now. Danzō's words were the wrong thing to say to Naruto who had a fresh hole of pain in his heart at confirming Hiruzen's death. He knew he'd probably break down later once he was alone but for now he was trying his best to hold his composure for himself and for his children.
"How dare you… old man Hokage did the best he could with me. I'm the person I am today because he believed in me!" Naruto growled as he took a step forward in challenge while his expanded chakra reserves hummed dangerously beneath the surface of his skin but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Turning back, he saw that it was Shoko who had a concerned look in her eyes. "It's okay Naruto stay calm. The children will be staying with you don't worry." Shoko pacified as she leveled her own glare at Danzō who didn't seemed fazed in the least. "Back off Danzō… I've seen these children for myself. They are not a threat to anyone. The only one who can properly take care of these orphans is Naruto." Shoko vouched as Danzō closed his lone eye for a brief moment.
"Very well then… but be that as it may… another serious matter to attend to is the Genin Fuki Kawata. As a long time spy she needs to be interrogated for her part to play in this situation. Her punishment cannot be overlooked." Danzō pushed back as Anko wanted to step forward but found that Shoko was also placing a hand on her shoulder as well. "I agree. We will deal with her in time. She will be placed under arrest and held in ANBU custody. Puma." Shikaku announced as he turned to his fellow colleague and watched as the man twitched his finger in a subtle gesture and two ANBU agents appeared in the room and immediately grabbed ahold of the lucid Genin who complied with their presence without complaint. Disappearing the same way that they appeared Fuki was now gone which left a bitter hole in Anko's heart.
"There is much that needs to be discussed but for now I think it best you return home Naruto. I know you're exhausted." Dino advised with a smile as the younger boy agreed. He wanted to see his home again. "I'll come with you Naruto." Hinata offered as Moegi and Ai were attached to her arms. The children were taking a liking to Hinata as well. "Thanks, Hinata." Naruto thanked before he turned to his boss and bowed.
Naruto's Apartment
A sigh of relief escaped Naruto's mouth as he opened the door to his apartment and let everyone in. He was glad to find out that his apartment building wasn't hit during the invasion a week prior. The old slums district was left relatively unharmed in the grand scale of the invasion with only minor collateral damage being done to a few buildings randomly scattered throughout the district with Naruto's apartment not being one of them. It felt like forever since Naruto last stepped foot in his own home but finally being back caused a genuine smile of happiness to crawl its way up onto his face. It was good to be back.
"This is your house papa?" Ai asked with a cute tilt of her head as she held onto Hinata's hand with a curious and excited expression on her face. All of the children had cloaks on to hide their more non-human features but once they made it inside of the apartment they took them off. "Yes Ai… this is my home… it's now your new home." Naruto responded with a tired yet happy smile on his face. Even though Lady Miya healed him of his wounds and restored his chakra reserves it did nothing to completely help him recover his stamina. The night of sleep spent in Izumo Inn was a blessing in disguise as it did wonders for Naruto's health, but he wasn't at 100% quite yet. Having just come from the brief yet tense meeting with the elders of the village left Naruto emotionally drained. Hiruzen's death was right at the back of Naruto's mind and he knew he couldn't keep his feelings bottled up indefinitely. They were begging to come out and Naruto knew he would have to indulge himself sooner or later… and with the weight that was settling down in his heart he knew it would be before the day ended.
The others smiled at Naruto's words as they tentatively stepped forward into the home with Naruto, Hinata, and Aria standing at the door with Iris and Chaos hanging tightly to Naruto's limbs. They watched as the six children wandered off into the apartment with looks of wonder on their faces. They were in the downstairs unit below Naruto's personal small one-bedroom apartment unit that he originally started out with well over six years ago. This entire building held a lot of memories for Naruto which was why he was happy nothing happened to the place during the invasion and his absence.
"This is what an apartment looks like?" Shion wondered aloud as he opened the cabinets in the kitchen curiously with enthusiasm only a child could possess. "Papa what is that?" Ai asked as she pointed to the large stove in the corner of the kitchen. It was something she's never seen before. Practically none of the things the children were seeing were thing they've ever had before. Living in the ruins of the old Hidden Whirlpool Village all of their lives left them extremely sheltered to the simple commodities that everyday people overlooked and took for granted.
Naruto felt a subconscious smile work its way onto his face at hearing Ai call him papa again. She took to calling him that after she woke up from her sleep after the night they spent in Izumo Inn. It warmed Naruto's heart to know that the group was so accepting of him into their lives so quickly. Much to his amusement Roku and Dai refused to acknowledge him as their father and took to calling him big brother instead which Naruto was perfectly fine with since they did jokingly state that the night he spent with them in the ruins. Shion also called Naruto papa along with Moegi while Asagi called Naruto dad in a more casual sense. Naruto secretly knew that having a parent to call their own would do wonders for their hearts as they could all slowly heal from the trauma and pain they all went through with loosing their families. He was prepared to do anything he would need to for them to move forward with their lives.
"That Ai is what's called a stove. You use it to cook and heat up things for when you are preparing full meals with a lot of steps in them." Naruto explained with a small smile as he flicked on the range and the children watched in wonder as a small ring of fire erupted from small holes on one of the pads on the stove. Electricity and power were another novelty that the children were missing out on. Naruto was looking forward to sharing in the self-discovering experiences and memories with his new children. It was going to be fun.
"Aria it's been a long day… I hate to ask this of you, but can you get started on the dinner. I'll join you later." Naruto requested with his tired expression in place that Aria noticed since they left the Hokage Office. Her master was silently in a lot of destress. He was only holding himself together for the sake of the children. "Of course, master. I'll even get the baths started so that we can all have one. It's been a long day." Aria acknowledged with an obedient bow of her head. She was happy to resume her normal duties as Naruto's unofficial servant.
"Do you want some help Aria… I can get the food started." Hinata offered with a small helpful smile in place which Aria returned with a positive shake of her head. "I'd love the help… but what about your father? Are you heading home soon?" Aria inquired as the two girls ventured off into the kitchen leaving Naruto and his girls to walk into the living room where the other children were in. However, Naruto missed the small out of character stumbling of Hinata and the distracted look she had in her eyes. She was stealing glances at Iris of all people all day which was something Naruto failed to take notice of. "Yes… I'll return home soon but I just want to stay long enough to make sure you guys get settled in." Hinata admitted as the girls voices were replaced by another prominent one. "Daddy… can I talk to you please?" Iris asked in a low and subdued voice which grinded against the walls of Naruto's heart. He knew what was on Iris's mind.
"Not now Iris… save it for later." Naruto said in a low tone that painfully enough had a certain detached tone to it. All of his feelings for his daughter weren't in his heart anymore and that nearly killed Naruto on the inside. This ugly negative pool of emotions he was feeling was eating away at Naruto on the inside. He could already see the beginning effects reflecting off of Chaos who had a slow and lethargic gate to her. She wasn't feeling too good right now and it was because of Naruto's negative emotions poisoning her soul.
Hearing the undertone to her father's voice caused Iris to come to a stop in her tracks. The girl's breath came in shorter intervals after this as she looked up at her father who wasn't looking her directly in the eyes. "Oh… ok… I'll go help Aria then…" The pain that was in Iris's voice felt worse than the torture he endured at the hands of Kyōra in Naruto's opinion as he watched his daughter leave his side with her eyes welling up in tears. Chaos instinctively reached out for Iris's hand as she also left Naruto's side without a word which further added to the weight that was slowly starting to crush his heart.
"Papa… are these our rooms?" Moegi's question cut through Naruto's eternal anguish as he quickly blinked his eyes a few times to clear away the tears that were starting to pool up in them. He was hanging on to his bottled-up feelings for too long. They needed to be addressed and soon. Putting on a brave face Naruto quickly began to engage with the children by showing them around the apartment unit that held two large bedrooms with enough space to hold two large beds and many other pieces of furniture.
After showing the boys the downstairs gym that had a workout space in it Naruto returned to the main floor to discover Sasuke and Sakura in the living space waiting for him. He was shocked to see his teammates at his home but also secretly happy to know that they came to check up on him.
"Guy's!? What are you doing here?" Naruto stuttered out in surprise as Sasuke quickly rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Of course, we'd be here Naruto… we just got word that you got back, and we wanted to check in on you. But it seems you've picked up some extra guest in your home." Sasuke explained with a dull tone as he eyed the group of children who were wearily keeping their distance from the unknown individuals. Pausing for a moment at the thoughtfulness of his teammates Naruto then let a small smile come to his face. "Thanks guys… it's great to see you again."
Sitting down on the couch next to his two teammates Naruto put on a brave face as he turned to the group of half demon children. "Come here guys. These are my teammates Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. They're my friends… you can trust them." Naruto coaxed with an easy smile to disarm his new foster children. "Hi, my name is Asagi Uzumaki… nice to meet you." Asagi introduced herself first with her more brave and mature personality poking out. She wanted to set an example for her younger siblings and if the proud smile on her face was any indication then she was proud of her new last name. A single raised eyebrow by Sasuke was the only indication that needed to be said.
It took more than an hour for Naruto to explain everything that happened to him after he was kidnapped. It was a lot to go over with Sasuke and Sakura stopping Naruto at certain points to ask more questions. Especially with Fuki's involvement in the entire situation. Naruto had to make sure to swear his two teammates to secrecy involving Fuki as it wasn't known to anyone but the upper brass. He didn't want any of his classmates finding out and spreading the news without restraint. "So, these are your new children huh?" Sasuke inquired as he looked the orphans over with Shion pulling back from his gaze and Moegi staring back at Sasuke with her blank facial expression. "Yeah… it was a spur of the moment idea on my part, but I don't regret it for a minute." Naruto stated as Sakura watched Naruto's eyes mist over. She noticed that Naruto was trying to keep his composure throughout the entire time they were with him. It looked like he was holding something back. "If they are all half demons then how will they be able to roam around the village? They'll be harassed and discriminated against. You told me most people aren't even aware of the supernatural." Sasuke inquired as Naruto's eyes darkened in sadness as he sighed and sunk into the couch with a stressed out look on his face.
"That's a work in progress… I'm not quite sure right now. I'll have to teach them to access and properly use their chakra to the point that they can pull off a simple Transformation Jutsu to hide their appendages. It's the best that I can think of for right now. After that then I can start raising them and teaching them how to interact and live in the village with a bunch of humans. They also need to learn about the modern world and everything it has. I have my hands full but it's nothing that I can't handle." Naruto replied but the look on his face didn't match the intentions he had. He looked mentally exhausted and defeated.
Sasuke frowned at the state his teammate seemed to be in, but he had one more question he wanted answered. It was one that was eating away at him for a long while ever since the Chūnin Exams. "Naruto… how did you get so strong? Better yet what makes you so strong? You were able to beat Gaara when none of us could. The power you have… where does it come from?" Sasuke asked as Naruto leaned forward in his seat to look at his teammate with a surprised look in his eyes. This wasn't a question he ever expected Sasuke to ask him.
Naruto took a long minute to contemplate his answer while Sasuke and Sakura watched the emotions play out across their tired teammate's face. His skin was a little pale and his eyes lacked the shine that it normally had. They were both secretly concerned for him. Opening his mouth Naruto found the answer he was looking for. "You're looking at it Sasuke. This is where my power comes from. My family… my children… my friends. I want to protect all of them." Naruto pointed out as Sasuke gained a contemplative look on his face as he looked on at the orphans playing with each other and exploring more of the apartment. Some of them were in the kitchen helping Hinata and Aria prepare the dinner. "Do you remember Haku Sasuke?" Naruto pointed out as his black-haired teammate nodded in confirmation.
"He told me back then that if a person has something precious to them that they want to protect then their true power can come out. They will go above and beyond to ensure that what they want to protect is kept safe and they can find hidden pockets of power in them that they didn't even know they had. The power to protect something is a powerful force in this world and that is what makes me strong Sasuke. I started out with not having any family or friends but slowly over the years I gained so much through my hard work. They gave me strength." Naruto explained as Sasuke and Sakura were left stunned at the sincerity and honesty of Naruto's words. They touched his two teammates more than they thought possible.
"I see…" Sasuke mumbled as he looked at the content and happy faces on the foster children. It was a sight to see yet at the same time it caused a pang of pain to resound in Sasuke's heart. He didn't have anything like this anymore. All of that was taken away from him by his older brother. He was taken out of his musing when a hand came into his view. Looking up he saw Naruto extending his hand towards him with a sincere yet tired smile in place. "You can be strong too Sasuke… your already strong but you can be so much more if you find something worth fighting for. Friends… family… something more than what you have for your brother. He took almost everything from you, but he couldn't take one thing." Naruto explained as Sasuke held on to every word he spoke. Leaning forward at the end the look in Sasuke's eyes told Naruto he wanted him to continue.
"He couldn't take away your ability to make new friends and family. If you have them then you can draw strength from them to one day beat him. No one is all powerful and you've put him up on a pedestal. If you have something truly worth fighting for, then he can never beat you." Naruto spoke as Sasuke looked on in shock as Naruto pushed his hand forward with emphasis. "And if you want… I could be a part of your new family to get you started. I'll lend you my strength if you want." Naruto spoke with a more shy and unsure tone, but the determination was there, and he spoke with a tone that caused Sasuke's heart to pause. Those words Naruto spoke were profound and impactful as he never once considered someone would ever show him such a path. "Truth be told I honestly think of you as one of my precious people already. We both know what it's like to not have anything."
Sasuke's mouth opened and close a few times as Sakura could be seen with a stunned look on her face from next to her teammate. Small tears were in the corner of her eyes as she never would have thought she'd see a side like this in her blond-haired teammate. It was an eye opener for the pink haired girl whose heart warmed at the sincerity Naruto was showing Sasuke. Sasuke blinked his eyes a few times but he would never admit that he was pushing back a few tears that were starting to build up in him. Reaching forward Sasuke shook Naruto's hand in a firm handshake with a rare genuine smile in place. "I'd like that a lot Naruto. Thank you." Hearing Sasuke Uchiha say such words were foreign to Naruto but if the proud look he was receiving from Hinata in the kitchen was any indication then he knew that he did the right thing. It even made his heart feel just the tiniest bit lighter to bring such happiness to another when he was in such inner turmoil and despair himself.
"Do you guys want to stay for dinner? It isn't much probably and its quite early, but I'd love to have you both over for just a little while longer." Naruto graciously offered which brought true smiles to both his teammates faces as they got up from the couch. "Naruto… I've been meaning to ask you but where is Iris and Chaos? I haven't seen them in a while. They greeted us when we first got here but disappeared. Something was off with them… especially Iris." Sakura inquired as she saw Naruto stiffen up ever so slightly. His breath hitched in his throat as he himself once again blinked away his tears that were building up in him. "They went through a lot… they're probably tired. Aria can you go find them?" Naruto lied as he quickly deflected away the question and responsibility of the problem by having Aria go find the twins.
Dinner was a quieter affair than Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, Aria, or Eva thought it would be. All of them noticed an uneasy tension hanging in the air that originated from Naruto and Iris who much to everyone's shock wasn't sitting next to each other. While rare Sasuke and Sakura have eaten over at Naruto's house on a few occasions and so they were able to bare witness to the usual routine between father and daughter. Iris was spoiled and loved to have Naruto feed her and pamper her during dinner time with Chaos often being the same way. The princess would usually hang off of Naruto's arm and have the brightest smile on her face as she and Chaos would cause trouble around the table with Anko. But now Iris was sitting on the opposite side of the table away from Naruto with Chaos holding her hand underneath the long wooden furniture piece. Aria was next to them and she had a worried look on her face as Iris only spoke a few words from the beginning. She had a neutral if not forced smile on her face but the feelings a smile should have were most definitely not reaching her eyes.
Once dinner was over Naruto walked his teammates and Hinata to the door. "I'll see you guys later… thank you for coming over. It really meant a lot to have you all over after all this time." Naruto spoke with sincerity clouding his voice. He secretly appreciated what his friends did for him. Their mere presence helped his heart hold on for just a little while longer. It felt like it was going to explode out of his chest as he was dangerously bottling up all of his pent-up frustrations, grieve, and anguish at the problems bothering him. Them being there were enough that he was able to hold on and keep his composure for the entire day. "It was no problem… maybe…. Maybe we can hang out sometime really soon." Sasuke said awkwardly as he was making an honest attempt to get closer to his blond-haired teammate. After the talk they had it left Sasuke with a new feeling in his heart that he wanted to explore in depth and knowing that Naruto was the obvious cause only made it obvious that he would need to seek out Naruto to be the solution.
Naruto smirked a playful smirk as he bumped his fist into Sasuke's who blinked at the action. "I'm already looking forward to it brother." Those few words caused Sasuke's jaw to slowly loosen as he struggled to come up with something to say. In the end he settled on smirking back at Naruto while punching him in the shoulder. "Take care of yourself Naruto and those new brats… and if you need someone to talk to then you can come find me. It looks like you need it." Sasuke said in parting as he walked down the stairs from Naruto's apartment unit with Sakura following close behind.
Naruto's earlier words about finding something to protect were ringing in Sasuke's head as he stole a few glances at Sakura who was once again pestering him for a date. Of course, he declined but in the softest tone he's ever used with her yet which not only shocked Sakura a bit but secretly gave her the tiniest spark of hope if the look in her eyes was any indication. Looking back up he saw Naruto waving at him and Sasuke couldn't help but wave back as he included Naruto in his thought process. Disappearing around the corner Sasuke and Sakura were out of sight as Naruto turned to address Hinata who was patiently waiting for him.
"Thanks for coming Hinata as usual." Naruto said quietly as the two friends were dangerously close in their personal space. Blushing lightly Hinata reached out and linked her hand with Naruto's while reaching out with her other hand to rest it against Naruto's cheek which caused his heart to painfully stop in his chest. He didn't know where this was going but his emotions were starting to rise. "You're welcome Naruto… you know I'm always happy to spend time with your family… but I'm worried for you. Is there something going on between you and Iris?" Hinata questioned and she knew she hit the nail on the head when Naruto stiffened.
"I can't look at her… everytime I do I just think of all the things she's hidden from me… all the things she knows but won't tell me. All the people who have died in some way that is connected to me. I can't take it Hinata… when I look at her I feel disgust and anger bubbling up in me. I can't bare to feel this way about Iris… I love her to much and these feelings are killing me slowly on the inside. It's already starting to affect Chaos and make her sick. I don't know how much longer this can last." Naruto sobbed as he broke down with Hinata quickly bringing both her arms around to hold Naruto who felt his legs giving out on him. Muffled sobs rang out in Hinata's ear as Naruto buried his face in her shoulder.
Hinata's lavender colored eyes misted over with unshed tears as she listened to the anguish assaulting Naruto's heart who was at a crossroads in his life. He's never felt anything but absolute love for Iris and Chaos before in all of his life. But for the first time something has shaken his absolute trust, faith, and unshakable love he has placed in them and to make it worst he's now feeling emotions of anger and disgust at his more affectionate and empathetic daughter who he shares a close bond with. This was something he's never had to deal with before and definitely something he never prepared himself for.
"Is this about Iris's true self hiding things from you about the future? Like how she knew the invasion and your kidnapping was going to happen. She even prepared for it by tampering with my Byakugan from way back during my match with Neji. She's been manipulating and engineering things from way back then." Hinata spoke as she continued to point out all of the things effecting Naruto. Shaking his head yes Naruto sniffled as he pulled back to look at Hinata. "She knew that old man Hokage was going to die… he died, and I felt it during my fight with Gaara. I felt his soul… oh god…!" Naruto cried as his legs gave out from beneath him. Crashing to the floor Hinata came with him as she held him tightly to her. 'Grandpa's soul… I felt it pass through me that day. Is this what Iris feels every time someone dies… Is this how she felt when that Genin team from the Hidden Mist Village was killed by Chaos back in the Forest of Death?' Naruto thought to himself as the mentally relived the moment of feeling the Third Hokage's death all over again. It didn't get better with the second experience as he cried harder into Hinata's shoulder.
"It's ok… it's ok." Hinata repeated as she rubbed circles in his back. Eva who was quiet until now was joining Hinata in comforting Naruto who had tears gushing out of his eyes. All of his emotional turmoil was swirling about inside of him right now battering him and sapping him of his strength. It hurt. It hurt more than anything he's ever felt before. It hurt worst because he's been trying to bottle up his feelings all day.
"How can I trust her ever again when she's going to continue to meddle with my life. After everything I did for Neji by teaching him that Fate isn't real… she twisted it around now… She is fate… she's been controlling mine since the day I met her… no, even before I was even born. All of this is because she wanted it to be." Naruto cried as Hinata let her own tears fall but she wasn't going to stop there. Doing something bold she pushed Naruto's face out of her shoulder so that she could look at him.
"How I feel about you right now isn't because of Iris's fate and it isn't fake either." Hinata said in the softest voice she could ever use as she gently laid a kiss down directly on Naruto's lips which caused his heart to once more stop while Eva had a shocked yet much to her surprise happy expression on her face. Due to the situation at hand Eva didn't feel an ounce of jealously in Hinata's actions as she knew that they were needed to get through to Naruto. Looking at Hinata now Eva felt a swell of pride and competitiveness envelope her as she was happy to see Hinata stepping forward.
"Hinata…?" Naruto stuttered with tears freely falling down his face. Hinata's face was as red as the sun but it didn't stop the Hyūga from smiling sweetly at her crush and best friend. "Talk to her… this pain will never go away unless you talk to Iris. She's as much a part of you as Eva is. You will never be able to accept Lord Third's death if you don't confront her." Hinata instructed as she massaged Naruto's cheeks with her thumbs. Leaning into her touch subconsciously Naruto spoke up. "Iris or her true self…?" Seeing the look in his eyes Hinata smiled and replied with the answer Naruto knew deep down. "Both."
The two friends stayed in each other's embrace for a few minutes until Naruto gently pulled away and brought Hinata to her feet. "I don't know what to say Hinata… every since the preliminaries I've felt something between us. After I defeated Kiba you flat out admitted that you loved me… I wanted to say something… anything back then but you stopped me and after you lost to Neji I… I came to realize how I feel about you too. That's why I tried so hard in my match against him… and I…" Naruto was beginning to ramble as he saw the embarrassed, yet amused smile work its way up onto Hinata's face as she watched him ramble on incoherently. Giggling Hinata pecked Naruto on the lip once more to silence him.
"I feel the same way Naruto… I always have. We don't need words to understand that much." Hinata giggled as she leaned into his chest with her smile still in place. "But for right now I want you to focus all of your attention on Iris… we all share a special bond with you. For you and Eva you have something that doesn't need any words to explain it…" Hinata began as she looked to Eva floating besides her who gave Hinata a tender and sweet smile in return for the nice words she spoke. "…You and Aria have a strong bond that has been tested many times. You let her in after the part she had to play in Shoko's injuries and even with what she told me about Gaara breaking into your home…" Naruto smiled a little at this as Hinata continued. "… You and Henrietta even have something cute going for you…" Hinata pointed out which got Naruto to blush bright pink in embarrassment. Giggling Hinata pressed on. "Oh, come on… it wasn't that hard to see. I figured it out on the day you introduced us to each other. Henrietta looks up to you and has a massive crush on you. In time you can handle that with her." Hinata pointed out as Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. He couldn't help the fact that the closest girls in his life had feelings for him. He used to tease both Hinata and Henrietta when they were younger about these things since he didn't fully understand what feelings were or how he secretly felt about them but as of the more recent months as he's matured and begun to enter puberty he's gained a newfound understanding of his own feelings and what they truly mean.
"It goes without saying that I've felt this way about you since the first day we met when you saved me from those bullies in the park. I felt a special connection with you when you introduced yourself and Eva to me. Ever since then I wanted to be your friend. You treated me in a way no one else ever did and you let me into your life and trusted me with your deepest secrets. Over time it was only natural that I'd grow to care about you and eventually feel this strongly for you… but Naruto…" Hinata said as she paused at the end. She once again cupped Naruto's cheeks with her own hands while her face was tinted a healthy red. She was being bold and showing her true feelings for her best friend, but it didn't mean that she wasn't embarrassed and dying on the inside.
"No matter how strongly I feel for you there is nothing that I can do for you that will make this pain go away. The bond you have with Iris and Chaos is something special. The love between a parent and their child is beautiful and special… my love… or anybody else's love can't even compare. I can't make your pain go away right now… only Iris can. Which is why you have to fix what is broken between you. You're bound together since the day you found them. They can't even stay far from you without all three of you becoming distressed and your chakra network starting to become agitated." Hinata explained as fresh tears came to Naruto's eyes as deep in his heart he agreed with how Hinata described the bond he shared with his girls. It was beyond special and defined him as a person. Being a father was the proudest title Naruto could bare even more than wanting to be Hokage one day.
"We will have all the time in the world to focus on ourselves and explore this new thing growing between us but right now your heart needs you to fix the bond between you and Iris. Besides, with the new kids around you have to focus on them." Hinata explained as Naruto felt a lot of his anxiety and anguish subside within him.
"You're amazing Hinata… man I love…" Naruto began to say but he stopped himself from saying the words he was going to say as he saw the amused and excited look on his crush's face. He reigned himself in so that he could heed her words. They would have their time soon, but Iris came first. Placing their foreheads together until their noses were touching Naruto grinned as he in turn gave Hinata a peck on her lips. "You're the best Hinata." Smiling sweetly at her best friend Hinata pulled back with Eva smirking next to her. "Tell me how everything goes ok. Do your best." Hinata encouraged with a confident and supportive smile in place that Naruto matched.
Grinning from ear to ear Eva raced forward and kissed Hinata on the lips in a surprise attack that had the larger girl stumbling. "What…?" Hinata was stuttering all over the place with her face inventing a new color of red while Eva nearly fell out of the air because of how hard she was laughing. The glee and sheer elation on Eva's face briefly brought Naruto out of his inner turmoil as he blushed at what his partner did. It was far from the first time Eva and Hinata have shared any kind of kiss but the timing of this act surprised both adolescents greatly. "Hey, you two can't be the only ones throwing around kisses… I'm happy for the both of you but I have to get my kisses in too. You're my girl too Hinata or did you forget?" Eva cheekily replied while grinning at Hinata who blushed first before chuckling in exasperation.
"No Eva, how could I ever forget." Hinata said in amusement as she rubbed the side of Eva's face with her finger. "I'm happy for you Hinata for taking such a big step… it was about time." Eva said in a more calmer tone that was filled with genuine support and sincerity which caused a beautiful yet bashful and shy smile to work its way onto Hinata's face. "But you do know what that means don't you?" Eva said as a competitive grin replaced her gentle smile. Perking up at this Hinata and Naruto watched as the raw emotions played out across Eva's face for them to see. "One day it will be my turn… after all Naruto's off the market by us girls." Hearing the challenging tone in her voice Hinata couldn't help the warm smile to appear on her face. "I'll cheer you on when the time comes Eva." Hinata stated in her well wishes as she left the stairwell with Naruto and Eva waving to their best friend who hurried home with her pinked tinted cheeks never cooling off in the slightest. This was going to be a day that all of them would remember for the rest of their lives.
"I'm really falling for Hinata huh Eva…" Naruto whispered in a softer tone once they couldn't see the Hyūga heiress anymore. What the pair didn't see was the unsure steps Hinata took as if she was having trouble seeing the path ahead of her. She stumbled out of their line of sight without Naruto and Eva being none the wiser. Looking at her other half in amusement and pride Eva floated over and kissed Naruto on the cheek to grab his attention. "Yeah… I see you've come to grips with having feelings for more than one person now. I'm proud of you Naru." Eva smiled with Naruto letting out a mirthless chuckle. "You could say that… but it still doesn't make me feel any better. Hinata was right. I need to see Iris, but I don't know how to approach her." Naruto admitted as he turned to Eva with a sad smile in place.
Sighing in exasperation Eva patted Naruto on the head with an understanding look. "It will be okay Naruto… you'll find a way."
Naruto's Apartment Balcony
An hour later Shoko and Anko returned home to the apartment complex with tired expressions on their faces. They had a lot of debriefing to do which took longer than expected. After having Shoko take the children to go take a bath Naruto went out onto his balcony to get some time to himself. Not even Evangeline was with him as he wanted to sort out his own feelings. He was trying to come up with a way to talk to Iris. He was still avoiding the young phoenix who he could sense was in distress. It hurt to know that he was causing his own daughter pain, but this was a situation he's never faced before as a father and now he was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
With the silence the only companion he had Naruto's thoughts drifted back to Hiruzen and his untimely death. Naruto knew the pain in his chest wasn't going to go away for a long time, but he allowed himself the time to cry for the old shinobi who showed him such compassion and kindness growing up. The days he would show up to check up on him in the orphanage and to celebrate his birthdays meant the world to him. He's shown him more kindness than most have ever done in his lifetime and he was an inspiration to every shinobi in the entire village for multiple generations.
Letting his tears fall freely Naruto allowed himself to bask in all of the emotions he was feeling. He wasn't going to bottle them up anymore. It was for that very reason why he didn't hear when the door to his balcony open behind him. With small tentative steps the person stood behind Naruto for nearly 30 seconds before speaking. "Daddy… can I sit with you please?" Iris's soft voice broke Naruto from his trance as his breath caught in his throat. He still didn't know how he was supposed to talk to Iris about such a heavy subject that was causing him so much pain. It was tearing himself up inside not having her constantly by his side talking to him. This is the longest he's ever gone without communicating with Iris voluntarily which speaks volumes to how Naruto was truly hurting right now. Even when the two weren't verbally communicating with each other the father and daughter pair would often telepathically hold entire conversations with each other all day long with Naruto entertaining both Iris and Chaos from the beginning of the day until the end of it.
This distance between them was too much for Naruto to handle and he knew that it was getting to Iris and Chaos both individually. "I… I don't know Iris… I want to be alone right now." Was Naruto's response and he immediately regretted it as he heard the first tearful sobs escape Iris's mouth. "Daddy… I'm sorry for hurting you…" Iris began as Naruto's fist clenched in his lap. He could feel a large crack forming in his heart and he didn't know what to do. The pain in his heart right now was quite unlike anything he's ever felt before.
"Sorry isn't enough Iris… grandpa is dead. We won't be able to see him ever again." Naruto inched out as he bit his lower lip from letting out the loud cries he wanted to emit. The death of one so close to him was something Naruto wasn't fully capable of understanding. He came dangerously close the night Shoko almost died from her mission. He felt himself sinking into despair and through it all it was Lady Sōkyoku who pulled him through and gave him not only the courage but the strength to save her life. It was for that exact reason why the deep pit of anguish and confusion in Naruto's heart was swallowing him up. He couldn't tell if Sōkyoku allowed Shoko to live that day because he would need her in the future or if she simply did it to make him happy.
Thinking back to the words that the great phoenix spoke to him on that fateful night Naruto was more inclined to believe Lady Sōkyoku saw that Shoko had a lot more use to her in relation to Naruto's future. The thought that Sōkyoku based the value of the lives around him in terms of if they would benefit him and by proxy her sickened Naruto to his very core. It was a concept his mortal mind couldn't comprehend. To play god with his life and to know that everyone around him had a fate that was somehow linked back to him was far too much for Naruto to take. The stress and pressure alone was enough that Naruto thought he was going to start hyperventilating. Life wasn't meant to be toyed around with like that.
"I know Daddy… and I'm sorry. I can't control how I know all of these things. I have to do it." Iris pleaded as she saw her fathers shoulders shaking. Soft sobs were escaping him as he gritted his teeth to hold back all of his emotions. "Tell me Iris… is grandpa in a better place now? Do you know where he is?" Naruto questioned with an air of desperation in his undertone. He wanted to know if Hiruzen's soul was at peace. Iris grimaced in anguish as she pushed out her response.
"He's in the stomach of the Shinigami… he's stuck in there." Iris admitted as Naruto immediately retaliated by slamming his fist into the metal railing of his balcony. "WHY!? How many more people are going to die because you say so!?" Naruto yelled as he raised his voice which caused Iris to flinch back and start to openly cry her eyes out. The tears didn't stop as the six-and-a-half-year-old curled in on herself away from the anguish and despair growing on her father's heart. Another crack formed in Naruto's heart as knowing Hiruzen's soul could never rest in peace was impossible for Naruto to accept. It was a cruel fate for such a noble and kind man. Naruto let out a breathless sob of despair as he limply leaned forward and placed his forehead against the railing of his balcony. A vacant look appeared in Naruto's eyes as his brain tried to comprehend the sad news he was just delivered.
"I'm sorry." Iris cried incoherently with a pitiful wail as Naruto shook his head in disbelief. "Iris… how many more people that I know are going to die in my lifetime because they need to… because it's all for me?" Naruto asked in a deceptively calmer tone which sent chills up Iris's spine. The little girl remained quiet at the question directed at her as her silence was more profound then verbally giving an answer out. "Daddy… why won't you look at me?" Iris responded back with a question of her own which caused Naruto to pull in on himself.
Another huge crack formed in his heart at hearing his daughter ask such gut-wrenching questions. "I can't… I can't look at you Iris… I'm afraid of what I might do if I give in to everything that I'm feeling right now. I hit you once when I found out you kept such a big secret from me about Gaara nearly killing you all in our own apartment… I struck you which is something no parent should ever do, and I'll forever curse myself and be disgusted with the way I acted… but this… my entire life is a lie Iris… you're not even real. You're Lady Sōkyoku's avatar to interact with the real world. By hating you I'm also hating her… why is this so unfair!" Naruto cried as he placed his hands on his face and cried his eyes out. His heart was cracking and breaking with each word he spoke and with each thought and emotion to accompany it. It was to much for him to bare.
Hearing such hurtful words Iris's face was one of despair as she sunk to her knees with a look that Naruto couldn't even bare to see. "I… I…" The little girl stuttered as Naruto felt his breaths coming in at a higher pace. He felt like he was going to start hyperventilating at any second now. "Iris how many more people will die for me?" Naruto asked again with desperation once more spilling into his voice. But once again Iris refused to answer him as Naruto called out Iris's name a few more times and each time he would call to her Iris wouldn't answer.
Reaching the end of his patients Naruto finally turned around to address Iris as he grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. "This is only just the first death Iris and it hurts so much! I know I'm not going to be strong enough to bare through those that are going to come. I was born with nothing and struggled to gain the family and friends I have now! Why must they be taken from me just so that I can become the person you want me to be Lady Sōkyoku! WHY!?" Naruto yelled as he looked into Iris's tear stained eyes and noticed that her sapphire colored eyes weren't changing over to their usual emerald coloration to signify Sōkyoku's influence. Seeing this a pent-up fire of anger washed over Naruto as he tightened his grip on Iris's shoulders causing the little girl to wince in pain.
"ANSWER ME! Talk to me Lady Sōkyoku! Every other time you would have answered me! So why are you so quiet now! Tell me! HOW MANY MORE!" Naruto screamed as he shook Iris roughly in his embrace causing the smaller girl to let out a squeak of pain and fear. "Daddy! That hurts… your hurting me." Iris's pain filled cry stopped Naruto cold in his tracks as his face paled and his body stilled. Letting out a breathless gasp Naruto silently let go of Iris's shoulders with his entire body trembling in mortification and internal disgust at his own actions.
"I did it again… I hurt you… I hurt my daughter…" Naruto mumbled in disbelief that looked to be bordering on hysteria as he placed his hands on his head while he gripped his hair so tightly that with just one strong pull he could potentially rip out a huge chunk of his golden blond colored hair.
"Why do I keep doing this? Why?" Naruto mumbled as silent tears fell from his face with Iris taking a tentative step forward. "It's going to be a few more… and they're all going to hurt you… a lot. But they all die with smiles on their faces…" Iris quietly speaks as a ghost of a smile haunts Naruto's face for the briefest of moments as his brain faintly registered the fact that these unknown loved ones of his all die happily. But it didn't fully give him the solaces and peace of mind he was looking for as his heart began to break a part.
Seeing her father in a near catatonic state Iris balled her fist up as her own heart was on it's last vestiges of life. She felt as if she was beyond redemption in the eyes of her father, but she had one final thing she wanted to say to the person who she's given her entire heart to. The one person who loved her unconditionally up until a few days ago. 'Daddy I love you.' Iris silently thought to herself as she steeled her nerves and spoke the words that would write a new chapter in the life she would share with her father.
"Daddy… it's okay if you hate me from now on… or if you hate me for the rest of your life… I'll try my best to bare through it for you… but I want you to know that I will always love you. I'm doing all of this because I can't do this without you." Iris spoke from her heart which effectively shattered Naruto's heart as he looked up through his tear-filled eyes to see that Iris's eyes were finally glowing a faint emerald green and they were filled with nothing more than sorrow and love mixed together in a blend that Naruto couldn't bare to see on his daughters face.
On instinct alone Naruto lunged forward and grabbed Iris before pulling her into his embrace as Naruto let out a wail of despair that he's never shown before. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry Iris! I can't. I can't." Naruto cried as Iris's face landed in the valley of Naruto's shoulder. His entire body was trembling in despair as he held his daughter tighter than he's ever done so before. "For all the strength that I have now and for the strength that you'll make me gain in the future I know that I can't save my loved ones from dying but… Iris… I know for a fact that I'm not strong enough to hate you. I can't go on living knowing that I hate you. I'm sorry for hurting you Iris… I'm so sorry." Naruto cried his eyes out as Iris let the last of her barriers fall as she let out a loud wail of sorrow and sadness that only a child could when faced with a life changing event.
Father and daughter cried their eyes out in each other's embrace as unknown to them Chaos, Eva, Shoko, Anko, and Aria where at the door watching the tail end of the events that unfolded. Each of the girls had tears in their eyes as they watched the two blonds let out all of their unsaid feelings. It wouldn't be for another half an hour that Naruto and Iris finally calmed down and by that time the pair fell asleep in their embrace. Returning to the balcony a while later Shoko picked the pair up and brought them to Naruto's room where Chaos was already in bed half asleep.
Buzzing awake at the feeling of being moved Naruto with a blurry vision stared up at Shoko who wore a sad yet understanding smile on her face. "Hey sweetie… that was pretty hard wasn't it?" The older woman whispered as she rubbed some of the tear stains off of Naruto's cheek. Closing his eyes in shame Naruto refused to look at Shoko until she kissed him on the forehead which brought his attention back to her. "I know it's hard. I've had life changing conversations like that too. But you can't feel any shame for that… you just did more than what most adult parents who have had decades worth of experience could ever do. You and Iris will come out of this stronger than ever before I know it." Shoko reassured as she ran her fingers through Naruto's hair that now contained Eva in it who was rubbing his hair as well.
"I feel disgusted with myself… I held so much pent up feelings of anger and hatred for her… I didn't know what to do." Naruto admitted as Shoko shook her head in an agreeing tone. "Iris isn't an ordinary child… and you're not an ordinary parent. The answer to these kinds of situations are different for everyone who encounters them, and they'll always be vastly different for someone in such a unique situation as you. You've spent the better part of your life being a parent than an actual child. It will never be easy Naruto… but nothing in life that is ever worth it is meant to be easy. In time you'll be able to look back at this and appreciate it for how it brought you two closer together." Shoko preached as she leaned in and kissed Naruto once more on the forehead.
Relaxing under the touch of his surrogate mother Naruto let aimless tears fall from his eyes. "Where do we go from here Shoko… grandpa third is dead. Who is going to be the next Hokage? You?" Naruto questioned in a lost tone as he looked to the Legendary Titan for answers. She was one of the only suitable choices in his mind to take up the mantle of Fifth Hokage. He couldn't see anyone else.
"No sweet heart. It won't be me… Master Jiraiya informed me that the day after tomorrow he is setting out to track down his old teammate Tsunade Senju… the last of the Three Legendary Sannin. She is to be the next Hokage." Shoko revealed as Naruto soaked in that information to understand it. "She is the granddaughter and grandniece to the First and Second Hokage's right…? I guess you can't get a better choice than that. Did you know her Shoko?" Naruto mumbled out as he turned to Shoko who let out a small chuckle.
"Yes, it is a match made in heaven as they say but as to your question… of course I'd know her. She was my Jōnin sensei after all when I was your age." Shoko mused as Naruto's eyes lit up in surprise at this admission. This was something he never knew about Shoko. "Really…?" Naruto breathlessly stated as Shoko shook her head in the positive. "Yes… along with your mother Kushina Uzumaki and my other teammate named Kazehana we were Tsunade's Genin students way back in the day. She taught me so much and helped mold me into the shinobi I am today. She is known as the strongest Kunoichi to ever live because of her infamous super strength and her genius level medical abilities." Shoko explained as Naruto soaked this all in. To know that his mother was on the same team as Shoko and apprenticed to the legendary Slug Sannin was a revelation Naruto never thought he'd hear.
"Is she the right person for the job?" Naruto inquired out of nothing more than simple curiosity. A mirthless chuckle of exasperation and a hint of sadness left Shoko's mouth as she shook her head slowly. "Attitude and disposition wise no… but she's the one we've got." Shoko answered as she cupped Naruto's cheek.
"Master Jiraiya is going out to look for her and he wants you to come along." Shoko revealed as Naruto's jaw slowly opened in a slow state of shock. After todays events his brain was emotionally damaged beyond belief, so he couldn't fully comprehend what Shoko just told him.
"What?"
To be continued...
[The Search for Tsunade Arc]
Author's Note (A/N): That was a powerful and emotional chapter to say the least.
Balalaika and Karasuba part from the group on peaceful terms with words of advice and encouragement on their part with Naruto finally being informed of Balalaika's intentions in regards to him. It was a more peaceful resolution to the interactions between the two parties.
As per usual, Naruto and the others find themselves dealing with the elders and higher ups in the village and it predictably is very tense. Danzō schemes privately in his mind as the thought of having several half demon children in his ROOT programing is far too enticing of an opportunity for the old war hawk to pass up on. The benefits he would gain from that are plainly obvious which is why Naruto unknowingly shuts him down vehemently as the thought of throwing them into the orphanage is far to much for Naruto to bare. Unknowingly enough on Naruto's part but if the children were placed in the orphanage then they would be easy prey for ROOT ANBU agents to quietly kidnap them.
Returning home Naruto begins showing the children around while trying to keep a brave face for them as he is secretly hurting on the inside. Trying to bottle up his feelings about Hiruzen's death and the turmoil he feels about Lady Sōkyoku and the revelations that were revealed in the last chapter was proving to be too much for Naruto to handle as the chapter steadily progresses. Iris who is aware of this tries to reach out to Naruto but is pushed away by Naruto who can't even bare to look in her direction. The rift has already formed between them and it continues to grow up until the end of the chapter.
Sasuke and Sakura come over in a surprise twist where they check in on their teammate and we get a new scene with all of Team 7 together after all this time which has really been a long while. After explaining to them what happened after he was kidnapped Sasuke startles Naruto by asking him how he has gotten so strong. Giving him a sincere answer by stating it is his family and friends that make him as strong as he is Naruto extends his hand to Sasuke once more in the story by offering to be a person Sasuke can depend on. Teaching Sasuke the true meaning of inner strength Naruto offers Sasuke an alternative to the path he's on now which the Uchiha gladly accepts. After staying for dinner which was a very tense and uncomfortable affair Naruto parts ways with his teammates while calling Sasuke his brother. Sasuke even has a brief thought that passes through his mind about Sakura.
Hinata completely steps up to the plate as she gets Naruto to finally admit that he's in pain about not only Hiruzen's death but with Iris and his strained relationship with her. Hinata comforts him as Naruto reveals all of his deepest emotions and fears about the spiralling situation he is in. In a stunning twist Hinata kisses Naruto fully to bring him out of his funk which culminates in the two preteens admitting their feelings for each other. They aren't full on official boyfriend and girlfriend yet but they are at the twilight stage in their relationship where they've both admitted their feelings for each other and they're comfortable around each other and understand the significance of their actions.
Returning the gesture Naruto is encouraged by Hinata to repair the relationship he has with Iris as Hinata in a mature move steps aside and puts their momentum and feelings off to the side so that Naruto can fully focus on what's important. With Hinata's advice and blessings Naruto fully accepts his new status with Hinata and turns his attention to Iris. However, unknown to Naruto and the others something strange is happening to Hinata. It would seem like she is having some difficulties in seeing. What could this all mean?
While still not having a way to confront her Naruto is in turn confronted by Iris which leads to a tear jerking and hard to read scene between father and daughter that progressively gets worse before it gets better as Naruto finally breaks down and forgives Iris as he realizes that he can't go on knowing that he could never look at Iris the same way anymore. The chapter closes out with Shoko revealing to Naruto that Tsunade is to be the next Hokage and that Jiraiya wants him to accompany him on his search.
Other than finding Tsunade where do things go from here? What will become of Naruto and Lady Sōkyoku in the very near future? Stay tuned and find out!
Next Chapter: Chapter 72 (On the Road Again)
That's the end of Chapter 71 I sincerely hoped you enjoyed it.
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Published: 9/1/2018
