Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing some backstory on Mikoto on how she survived the Uchiha Massacre, as well as seeing Naruto trying to get out of the situation he's now in, with surprising results. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Placing the flowers down on a grave, Mikoto sighed sadly as she looked at Kushina's and Minato's name carved into it.
"Hey Kushina-chan, Minato-kun, sorry it's been a while, but…things have been growing more and more tense lately, I'm honestly worried that things will soon reach a breaking point if they haven't already." Said Mikoto, having always tried making time to come visit Kushina's and Minato's grave to pay her respects to her friends and loves.
Along with visiting Hitomi's grave after she died as well, something that still saddened the Uchiha Matriarch that three of her closest friends were now dead. And she was unable to do anything to try and help their children. With the Hokage's restraining order against her from so much as interacting with Naruto. While Hiashi, not going far enough to get a restraining order, has made it clear she wasn't welcomed to see Hinata or Hanabi.
Leaving her with just being able to visit their graves to pay her respects and talk to them about anything that's going on. While also making sure she was alone, given how she usually ended up telling them rather sensitive information, which she'd prefer making sure no one overhears.
"One thing that really worries me is how distant Itachi's become, it started getting bad after he joined the Anbu. Now it's even worse after Shisui's death. The only person he really spends time with anymore is Sasuke and, even then, it's barely any time at all. It's a miracle that he hasn't snapped, he's only thirteen and has so much pressure being placed on him." Mikoto said, worried that eventually her oldest son would break from the multiple burdens he's trying to shoulder.
"I also don't know what changed, but now it seems Fugaku's onboard with the coup, only telling me that he received some "sensitive" information. And honestly, part me wants the coup to happen, if only so I can use it as an excuse to get Naruto out of the village and somewhere that he can be happy. Especially since most of the Uchiha want to use the Kyūbi against the village, despite Fugaku's wish for a bloodless coup. But despite his intentions, I doubt that things will end without a Civil War breaking out." Said Mikoto, while imagining the redheads anger at the idea of anyone using her son as a weapon or would hurt him, while Minato would make sure they were cut down before they could even blink.
"But enough grim news, I'm sure you'd like to hear about Naruto. I…can't really say much, with the restraining order and all that, but I've tried keeping an eye on him from a distance. He's entered the Academy, now, with him even being in the same class as Sasuke, actually." Mikoto said with a smile, happy that Naruto and Sasuke were in the same class, hoping it may lead to them being friends like her how she was with Kushina and Minato.
Only for her smile to fall, given what else she's seen of Naruto whenever she had the chance.
"But…he doesn't really have any friends. He's tried spending time with his classmates before, but they always brush him off or tell him to leave them alone. Even the teachers seem to be ignoring him and encouraging the students to do the same. Though he tries to hide it, you can still tell it hurts him, being alone and ignored." Said Mikoto, hating that she couldn't do anything to help her godson and that basically her only chance to help him is if her clan starts a civil war with the rest of Konoha.
"Though, I'm sure you'd be happy to hear that he's a prankster like you were, Kushina. And some of them have been rather creative, I can only imagine you helping him with ideas and everyone being terrified at what you'd come up with together." Mikoto said, smiling again before sighing as she looked up at the sky, seeing how late it was, the ravenette standing up and giving the grave one last look.
"I already promised Hitomi that I would make sure Hinata and Hanabi would be safe, when I visited her and I'll do the same for you. If the coup does happen, I'll do everything I can to get Naruto out of the village and somewhere he'll be safe. Where no one will know who he is, and he'll have the chance to live his life without worry, I promise." Said Mikoto, knowing it's the least she could do for them, to make sure their children were safe.
Turning away from the grave, Mikoto began making her way back to the Uchiha Compound, feeling mentally exhausted after visiting her friends' graves on top of everything else happening.
But the closer the matriarch got to the compound, the more tense she began feeling. Along with her instincts flaring up, knowing that something was happening or had happened. Leading to Mikoto walking faster to the compound, worried the closer she got and couldn't hear anything at all.
'It shouldn't be this quiet already, the entire clan couldn't be asleep.' Mikoto thought before she began running to the compound, activating her Sharingan just in case something was happening.
With it not being long before she arrived, only to look in horror when she saw multiple bodies lying in the streets, blood splattered everywhere, kunai and shuriken scattered around.
'Oh Kami! What…what happened?!' Thought Mikoto, horrified at seeing everyone was dead, only for her eyes to widen with her worry and horror growing for her family.
Immediately, Mikoto took off running to her home, hoping and praying that they weren't dead as well, only to end up stopping in her tracks when she turned a corner. Seeing another body lying in the center of the street, one much smaller than the rest, and one she recognized.
"Sasuke!" Mikoto screamed as she rushed over to her son, only feeling relieved to see he didn't seem to have any injuries on him and seeing how he still had a pulse as well.
Not wanting to leave him, Mikoto quickly created six Shadow Clones before sending them off to see if there were any other survivors and to find out who did this, if they were still in the Compound.
'Did the Hokage do this?! Danzō?! Could this have been an attack from outside the village?!' Mikoto thought while performing some of her limited Medical Ninjutsu on Sasuke to try and find out what happened to him.
Though when she felt multiple Chakra signatures entering the compound and coming towards her, Mikoto pulled out a kunai while creating another clone to take Sasuke to safety. Only to see it was the Sandaime, several Anbu, and Danzō, himself. With the ravenette looking at their expressions, the annoyed look on the Warhawk's face and Sarutobi giving a barely noticeable headshake. Mikoto soon realized what had happened, here.
*Later*
Mikoto could only watch with a cold and neutral expression as Anbu collected the bodies of the deceased Uchiha, with Sasuke also being looked over by some Medic-Nin. As the matriarch tried processing what had happened.
Itachi had actually massacred the entire Uchiha Clan, likely on Danzō's orders, after he most likely threatened to simply wipe them all out, anyway, Sasuke included. And if there's one thing she knew for certain, is that Itachi would do anything to protect his brother, even slaughtering the rest of their clan. Something, Mikoto couldn't even be mad about, at least not mad at Itachi. She and Fugaku knew what their son was like, how much he hated needless violence and death. As well as how he would do anything to prevent it, even if the only choice was more death to prevent it from happening on a greater scale.
'But, what he did to Sasuke…' Mikoto thought, looking at her comatose son, not believing Itachi would use such a powerful Genjutsu as the one he used to put Sasuke in a coma.
Knowing Itachi would likely want Sasuke to be the one to kill him for what he's done, and did everything in his power to make sure Sasuke would despise him. But that didn't mean Mikoto was going to accept him traumatizing Sasuke in such a way; it's a miracle, he wasn't left braindead.
"For what it's worth, I am truly sorry it came to this, Mikoto." Hiruzen said, walking up beside the matriarch, with Mikoto not even giving him a glance.
"Please save your words, Hokage-sama. Especially for someone who's heard enough of them." Retorted Mikoto, not caring if she sounded disrespectful or rude, making the Sandaime frown.
"I had only been made aware of what happened after Itachi came to me reporting the success of his mission, aside from you not being present. He only requested that I look after you and Sasuke." Said Sarutobi, only for the ravenette to scoff.
"Yes, because you're just wonderful at keeping promises to look after people." Mikoto said sarcastically before finally turning towards him.
"Thank you for the offer, Hokage-sama, but I'm more than capable of looking after myself and my son. You should be more worried about the lunatic that has no problem slaughtering an entire clan for the good of the village!" Hissed Mikoto, Hiruzen's frown deepening as he glanced at his old rival.
"I've already spoken with Danzō and see now, it's clear he will continue to do as he wishes, no matter what I say. So I've taken it upon myself to disband ROOT and remove him as the Shadow Hokage, which will limit his authority and what he can do." Stated Hiruzen, now knowing how dangerous Danzō is, as well as how he won't always be able to remain one step ahead of him and keep the Warhawk in line.
Now seeing that he needing to limit his power and influence.
"You keep thinking that." Mikoto muttered, doubting that will stop the warhawk from continuing his activities and recruiting new pawns for him to control and manipulate.
With Sarutobi looking at her warily, unsure if she may try something after this, making Mikoto smile bitterly at her.
"You'll have nothing to worry about from me, Hokage-sama. I've already gone seven years without being able to look after my godson, and I'm not a fool that'd endanger the only son I have left." Said Mikoto, already knowing what he was thinking and was telling the truth.
No matter how angry she was, Mikoto wouldn't do anything that'd result in Sasuke being put in danger.
'Not that he'd need an excuse to kill us.' Mikoto mentally added, glancing at Danzō as he started walking away, only to be stopped by two ROOT Anbu appearing beside him.
The Uchiha Matriarch looking at the one in the hood, watching how Danzō clenched his can tightly at something they said before they suddenly dissolved into crows.
'At least you know to keep him in line, Itachi.' Thought Mikoto, pleased her eldest made sure to cover all his bases.
*Timeskip-Five Days*
Mikoto had been beyond relieved when Sasuke had woken up from his coma, being there to comfort him and try to assure him that everything was alright. Only for it to not do much when he began telling her what had happened, how he found everyone dead before running home. Where he found Itachi standing over their father's body, that he admitted to killing everyone to "test his power".
And that he wouldn't kill Sasuke, seeing him as not worth killing, but believed he would have the potentially to unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan just like him. Revealing that the only way to unlock it was to kill someone close to you, which also implied he really did kill Shisui as well. Before Itachi then used a Genjutsu on him, forcing Sasuke to watch as he killed everyone over and over again, until everything went dark.
After that, though, Sasuke had become closed off and distant, something that Mikoto understood after the tragedy he went through. Believing the older brother he looked up to and loved was nothing but a heartless monster, who only saw him as a stepping stone in growing stronger. It pained Mikoto that she couldn't tell her son the truth, but knew that'd only hurt him even more. And as much as she hated it, this was what Itachi wanted, believing it's the only way to atone for his sins. By letting Sasuke be the one to kill him.
Once Sasuke had recovered and was able to leave the hospital, Mikoto took him back home and gave him as much as space as he needed. While still making sure to check in on him and that he still ate rather than sit alone all day.
"Sasuke, lunch will be ready soon." Mikoto said, knocking on his door, only to frown after a few moments when she didn't get an answer.
"Sasuke? Are you alright? Do you…what are you doing?" Questioned Mikoto, opening the door and growing concerned when she saw her son was packing away all his things, with Sasuke's head snapping towards her.
"Kaa-san, I…" Sasuke said, only to stop himself, unsure what to say, the older Uchiha looking at him in concern before gaining a sad and resigned expression.
"…You're leaving, aren't." Mikoto stated, realizing he was planning to leave, Sasuke merely nodding while looking away.
"I…I can't stay here, anymore. I…I only see everything that…that happened. This place…it's not…it's not home, anymore…just a reminder. I'm sorry." Said Sasuke, knowing it'd hurt his mother for him to leave, but couldn't bring himself to stay here any longer, not after what happened.
Though it wasn't just because of the memories being here brought up, but also because of what Itachi said to him. That the only way to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan is by killing those closest to you, and while he wanted to get revenge on Itachi for what he had done, he didn't want to stoop down to his level and acquire power the same way that he did. Though Sasuke did know that there might be a moment of weakness, where he may give into temptation. So he needed to cut any ties he had, including his mother, while also making sure that he doesn't form any new ones.
Though it wasn't just that, Sasuke was also terrified at the idea of feeling that same pain again, of losing everything in an instant. And believed that if he kept his distance from his mother, it'd lessen the pain if something happened to her, especially since she planned to return to active duty.
Before he was pulled from his thoughts when Mikoto hugged him gently, smiling sadly at her son.
"I know. I don't like that you'll be on your own, but I know why you have to do it. And you'll always have a place here, alright." Said Mikoto, sad that he would be leaving, but also understanding why he was doing it.
"Do you at least know where you'll be staying?" Mikoto asked, wanting to know if he's thought this through and had somewhere to stay.
"Yes, I found a decent apartment I'll be able to stay in." Replied Sasuke, having been looking for a place to stay and found a nice apartment he could rent.
"Good. And don't worry about paying for things like rent or utilities, I'll make sure to cover them." Said Mikoto, raising a hand when he opened his mouth to protest.
"Sasuke, even you'll be moving out, you're still a child and I'm still your mother. So, it's my responsibility to make sure you're taken care of and don't have to worry about anything. And I can at least make sure you don't have to worry about paying rent and for other things, allowing you to focus on your studies in the Academy and your training." Said Mikoto, making Sasuke fall silent at this, since it would be good if he'd be able to focus on becoming a Genin and his training.
"…Only until I become a Genin and start taking missions." Sasuke said, knowing he'll be able to take care of those things himself with his mission pay, with the Uchiha Matriarch nodding in agreement.
"Only until you become a Genin and start taking missions." Mikoto repeated.
*Present*
"I swear this isn't what it looks like! I-I-I…I was just out on a walk! And then I saw the compound and I got curious of what it looked like, inside. Since I've never really seen the inside of a Clan Compound before, I was curious about they were like!" Said Naruto as he tried talking his way out of this, nervous at being caught by the sole survivor of the Three Demon Queens of Konoha.
Having heard rumors about how powerful and terrifying Mikoto Uchiha and Hitomi Hyūga had been during the Third Great Shinobi War. Along with how there was once a Third Member of the Demon Queens of Konoha, but he couldn't really find nor overhear much information regarding her. With a lot of people having been nervous when Mikoto returned to active duty, scared that "The Dollmaker" would return. So Naruto was nervous and fearful of what Mikoto would do to him if she found he was trying to steal from her Jutsu Archive.
"You were curious of what it looked like inside? And you just happened to arrive at the Clan Library." Mikoto asked with a raised brow, making Naruto nod quickly.
"Yeah! But I swear I didn't know it was the Uchiha Clan Library, I-I just saw it looked much bigger than the other buildings and was wondering what it was! I swear, I was just going to look inside and that's it!" Naruto replied, hoping that she'll believe him and he'll be able to get out of this, though also making sure to look for a moment to escape.
With Mikoto still looking at him with a raised brow, the matriarch already knowing he was lying, before a raven flew down onto her shoulder, getting the Uzumaki's attention.
"You know, the funny thing is, after the massacre I made sure to add some defenses to certain areas of the compound, just in case someone tried anything. These areas being the Clan Head's Home, the Naka Shrine, the Clan Armory, and of course the Clan Library. These defenses include my ravens, Fūinjutsu I learned from a friend, and Shadow Clones." Mikoto said casually, with Naruto still feeling nervous, but perked up at hearing she knew Fūinjutsu.
"Sh-Shadow Clones?" Naruto asked, with Mikoto nodding in response.
"They're a very advanced Clone Jutsu, being able to divide the users Chakra evenly amongst the clones. Even better that they aren't just illusions like the Clone Jutsu taught in the Academy, they're solid clones, allowing them to interact with people and object. But what makes them very useful is that when a Shadow Clone dispels, everything the clone experienced is transferred back to the original." Explained Mikoto as a smile appeared on her face, while the whiskered blonde was shocked to learn about such a Jutsu, knowing how useful something like that would be.
"So, while I wasn't here in person, when my clones dispelled along with what my ravens saw, I saw you sneaking through the compound. Making sure it was empty and you weren't followed, as well as purposefully make your way to the Jutsu Archives." Mikoto added, causing Naruto's nervousness to return, realizing she already knew the truth.
"Now then, once more. What do you think you're doing? And please, tell me the truth." Said Mikoto, smiling sweetly as she leaned to look Naruto in the eye, with Naruto paling and knew he needed to escape.
"Uh…ehehehehe…th-the truth? Th-th-the-the tr-tr-tr-tru-truth is…OH KAMI WHAT IS THAT?!" Naruto shouted as he suddenly pointed at something behind Mikoto, the ravenette mentally sighing before looking behind her.
Seeing that there was nothing at all, before looking back only to see Naruto took the chance to escape, with Mikoto laughing lightly.
'He really is Kushina's son if he resorted to that lame excuse.' Mikoto thought while shaking her head in amusement, knowing Kushina wasn't that good at lying and simply resorted to excuses and distractions to get out of a situation.
And she decided to humor Naruto by "falling" for it just to see what he'd do, not surprises to see he tried escaping. Laughing again, the Uchiha Matriarch took off running in the direction she sensed Naruto running in, while also believing this may be the chance she's been hoping for.
*With Naruto*
'Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap! Crap!' Naruto repeated mentally as he ran through the Uchiha Compound to escape, knowing he needed to get out of here and likely lay low for a while.
Given how he was caught breaking into a Clan Compound, the whiskered blonde knew he'd be in a lot of trouble if he was caught as there's no telling what Mikoto would do to him. Not to mention if she decided to take him to the Hokage, something that could lead him to being arrested and expelled from the Academy, leaving him unable to become a Ninja.
Before Naruto was pulled from his thoughts when he sensed someone about to grab him, leading him to instantly use a Substitution Jutsu. The Uzumaki being relieved at seeing Mikoto instead grab the log he substituted himself, before he instantly took off running again. With Naruto then going through handsigns.
"Clone Jutsu!" Naruto said while creating as many clones as he could, before then pulling out some smoke bombs and throwing them at the ground, creating a large cloud of smoke.
With Mikoto raising a brow as she watched Naruto and all his clones jump out of the smoke, running in opposite directions, before looking at the log he switched places with.
'He's certainly got good instincts, being able to use the Substitution Jutsu before I could actually touch him. And creating all those clones while using the smoke to mask which direction he went. It's all pretty good.' Mikoto thought before dropping the log and Shunshined right in front of Naruto, smiling down at him, having been able to hear which direction he went, given the clones don't make any sounds.
"I'll admit, you have some good tricks, but I'm not going to be fooled by clones like this." Mikoto stated before grabbing Naruto, only for the matriarch to actually be surprised when her hand phased right through him, revealing it was just a clone.
'That…that doesn't make sense, I know I heard him run off in this direction. Could he have switched places with the clone?' Thought Mikoto, not expecting Naruto to be able to use a substitution that fast, before frowning as she spread out her senses.
Only to be confused and further impressed, when she couldn't sense where Naruto was or which way he could have gone.
'I guess we're doing this the old fashion way, then.' Mikoto thought before jumping away, knowing the Shadow Clones she still had hidden around the compound and her ravens would alert her if Naruto was heading for the exit.
Once Mikoto was gone, part of a wall moved, revealing Naruto hiding behind a cloak, looking around to make sure the ravenette was really gone. Seeing that Mikoto had left the area, Naruto quickly pulled out a few senbon with bells attached to them. Having begun carrying them after he started training in Genjutsu, learning how the bells can release soundwaves directly to a target's brain, paralyzing them and making them hallucinate. Though right now, he figured they'd make a good distraction and confuse Mikoto in regards to where he is. Before the Uzumaki stabbed one of the senbon into the wall and started running again.
Running through the compound while doing his best to remain out of sight, not sure if Mikoto still had any Shadow Clones around or any ravens looking for him. With Naruto also throwing senbon everywhere, leading to him immediately running in the opposite direction when the bells started ringing. Once he ran out of senbon, Naruto created more clones that all split up in different directions, with Naruto then using the Transformation Jutsu to turn himself into a black cat.
'Okay, I just gotta make it to the exit and keep running, then hope she doesn't keep chasing me!' Naruto thought as he started running through the compound, thankful the smaller size helped him move faster and get into smaller areas.
Though he still kept looking around for Mikoto, in case she was able to see through his tricks or sense him using Chakra. Only to suddenly feel himself be grabbed before he could react, with Naruto paling at seeing that Mikoto had grabbed him.
"And just what're you doing here, little guy?" Mikoto asked, smiling at the "cat" while the disguised Uzumaki tried calming himself down and playing the part of a normal cat, giving a soft "meow" while batting her arms with his paws, making the Uchiha Matriarch's smile widen and began petting the "cat".
"Awww, aren't you just a little cutie." Cooed Mikoto before she suddenly smirked and pulled out some Ninja wire, instantly tying the "cats" legs together, much to Naruto's shock and growing panic.
"But you also need to do better than that to trick me." Mikoto added while pinching him hard enough to dispel the transformation.
Only for Naruto to quickly use a substitution again to escape Mikoto, grunting as he landed on the ground and seeing he's still tied up. The whiskered blonde grunting again as forcefully dislocated his thumbs, allowing him to free his hands and feet. Putting his thumbs back in their sockets, Naruto took off running again, while pulling out a few more smoke bombs.
But instead of throwing on the ground, Naruto threw all around him as far as he could, having the smoke clouds erupt in different parts of the compound. Before Mikoto suddenly appeared in front of him with an amused look on her face. With a quick glance around showing several Shadow Clones behind him and on the roofs above him.
"Finally going to stop running?" Mikoto asked believing the chase was over with Naruto being surrounded, only to be surprised again when Naruto suddenly turned into a fox that dived between her legs, slipping through her fingers when she tried grabbing him.
'He's able to transform that fast and without making a handsign.' Thought Mikoto in surprise that her godson had already mastered the Transformation Jutsu to that extent.
Her surprise growing when Naruto then transformed from a fox into a bird that flew up into the air. With Mikoto shaking her head and making a handsign while drawing some blood, summoning all her ravens around the compound, and directed them to surround Naruto. Watching as the ravens all flew around Naruto, making sure to disorient him until he started falling out of the sky. Rushing over to grab him before he hit the ground, the ravenette held out her hands for Naruto to fall into.
"Now, are you-" Said Mikoto, only to once again be surprised when the "bird" phased right through her hands, not believing it was a clone, let alone the fact that the whiskered blonde was able to concentrate enough to make one as a bird.
'Which means…' Mikoto thought, looking back at the dispersing flock of ravens, shaking her head in disbelief at the trick he managed to pull, switching himself with a clone while transforming into a raven.
Though rather than feel annoyed at the repeated tricks, the ravenette couldn't help but feel proud of her godsons abilities to evade being caught by her, even if she isn't really trying.
'But I should probably end this now, just in case this starts getting some unwanted attention.' Mikoto thought before vanishing in a burst of speed to finally catch Naruto for real.
*With Naruto*
Meanwhile, Naruto, in the form of a raven, was relieved as he started making his way out of the Uchiha Compound, but also knew he couldn't be too careful. With how determined Mikoto seemed to be to catch him, the Uzumaki began thinking of a plan to get her to give up.
'Maybe I could try hiding nearby for a while. She wouldn't expect me to try hiding in or near the compound and think I'm still running away. I'd just need to find a good place to hide until then…there!' Naruto thought when he spotted a pond with a dock on it, knowing that'll be a good place to hide in.
Diving down towards the water, Naruto dispelled the transformation upon hitting the water before quickly swimming towards the dock until he was underneath it.
'Okay, I should be safe here for a while. Hopefully, she'll give up after an hour or two of not finding me, then I can get away.' Thought Naruto, hoping he'll be able to get out of this.
Though he knew if he does manage to escape, then it'd be best if he just avoided the Uchiha Compound. Which he meant he'd also need to find another place he can learn Genjutsu and Fire Style Ninjutsu.
But before he could contemplate any further, the whiskered blonde let out a short scream when he was suddenly grabbed and pulled out from the under the dock and into the air. With Naruto then feeling something be placed on his neck, making him pale when he couldn't use his Chakra anymore.
"Don't bother trying to escape again, I just placed a Suppression Seal on you. Making it so you can't use any Jutsu. Now then…are you finally ready to give up?" Mikoto asked with a smirk while Naruto hung his head in defeat, knowing it was over.
*Later*
Naruto fidgeted in his seat while looking at Mikoto across from him, sipping her tea.
The matriarch having taken him back to her home, with the Uzumaki feeling some relief that she didn't take him to the Hokage, where she'd let him get dried off, along with removing the Suppression Seal. Which Naruto was thankful for, but also knew it'd be pointless to try and escape again. Seeing now that, if Mikoto really wanted to, she could have instantly caught him the very moment he first ran off. With Mikoto having then taken him to the kitchen where she made some tea for them, before they both sat down across from each other. Along with her having sent out some Shadow Clones to finish the shopping that she was planning to get done, before she'd returned after being alerted of him entering the compound.
"Alright, would you please tell me why you snuck into the compound and tried breaking into the Uchiha Clan's Jutsu Library?" Mikoto asked, looking at Naruto curiously.
"I…really did just want to look inside is all." Replied Naruto, telling a partial truth since he did want to look inside, then take some Genjutsu and Fire Style Ninjutsu that he could train in.
"I'm sure if you wanted to look inside a Jutsu Library then the Academy would have some you'd be able to look at." Stated Mikoto, guessing he was hoping to try learning some new Ninjutsu, ones that were unavailable in at the Academy.
"They don't have any Elemental Ninjutsu or stronger Genjutsu." Naruto said, only to close his mouth when Mikoto smiled at him.
"Ah, so you were hoping to get Elemental Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. I'm guessing since I'm the only one here, you figured it'd be easier to take some scrolls without anyone noticing, or at least copy them to avoid having to actually take them. And since the Uchiha Clan are known for our skill in Genjutsu and using Fire Style Ninjutsu, those were the two things you were hoping to find. Am I getting close." Mikoto said, seeing what he was hoping to get from the Jutsu Library.
"…Yes, that's what I wanted." Muttered Naruto, knowing it'd be hopeless to try lying, but hoped to not reveal just why he wanted those specifically.
"Hmm. Will you tell me why exactly you wanted to learn Genjutsu and Fire Style Ninjutsu?" Questioned Mikoto, wondering why Naruto wanted to learn those two things specifically.
"I…just thought it'd be cool to use fire and make illusions." Replied Naruto, with the ravenette looking at him with a raised brow.
"And?" Mikoto said, motioning him to continue, knowing there's more he wasn't telling her.
"…I…I wanted to…learn them since…they'd go well with my fighting style." Naruto said reluctantly, not wanting anyone to know about him creating a Kitsune-based fighting style or his Fox Fang Style, refusing to let someone try stealing his idea or taking credit for it.
"A fighting style that'd work well with Fire Style Ninjutsu and Genjutsu." Mikoto said, growing even more curious on what kind of fighting style Naruto was learning.
"It's nothing! I just read about it in a book and thought it'd be cool to try learning!" Naruto said quickly, giving another partial truth as he did get the idea after reading about Kitsune and the Kyūbi.
Though he fidgeted the longer the Uchiha Matriarch looked at him, before she gained a look of a realization.
"You're trying to create your own fighting style, aren't you." Stated Mikoto as a smile appeared on her face, impressed that Naruto was trying to create his own unique fighting style.
"No, I'm not!" Naruto retorted, only for Mikoto to smile reassuringly at him.
"It's fine, I promise I won't tell anyone. I'm just curious since it's not exactly something you'd expect from an Academy student, creating their own fighting style from scratch. Could you tell me about it?" Mikoto asked, wanting to learn what Naruto intended to use in combat and where he got the idea.
"I…I just…wanted to make…my own style after…after learning about some things. About…Kitsune and the…the Kyūbi." Naruto said, causing Mikoto's eyes to widen.
"Kitsune and the Kyūbi?" Mikoto asked in concern, wondering how he learned about the Kyūbi.
"Yeah…everyone hates me for some reason and no one ever told me why. I thought it had something to do with the Kyūbi since I was born on the same day as the Kyūbi Attack, it made me curious if I was connected to it. So I…read about the Kyūbi to learn more about it, I also learned there used to be an Uzumaki Clan and that the Shodai Hokage was married to Mito Uzumaki. As well as the Gold and Silver Brothers with how they were able to use the Kyūbi's Chakra from eating its flesh, along with how similar I look to them with my whisker-marks. Then I started reading about Kitsune since the Kyūbi has the form of a Kitsune, and I learned about everything Kitsune can do. And I decided that…if people were going to hate me for some connection I might have with the Kyūbi, then I'd be a reminder of it and fight like a Kitsune. That's why I want to learn Genjutsu and Fire Style Ninjutsu, because Kitsune are supposed to be really good at illusions and they can use Foxfire." Naruto explained, knowing he couldn't hide it anymore since she'd likely try to learn about it some other way or even try following him when he trains.
While the Uchiha Matriarch looked at Naruto in surprise and amazement, before smiling proudly at him.
'He's really not given enough credit.' Mikoto thought, seeing how close Naruto came to figuring out his Jinchūriki status on his own, not to mention learning about the Uzumaki Clan as well.
Along with being impressed that even if he doesn't have the full truth, he wasn't going to let being connected to the Kyūbi hold him back and instead turned it into a strength. And if he really intended to create a Kitsune-based fighting style, Mikoto knew he'd certainly have a wide range of abilities.
"Well, that's certainly impressive, wanting to create a fighting style based on a Kitsune. Even more so at what you learned, getting very close to the truth." Mikoto stated as she sipped her tea, making Naruto look at her in confusion.
"The…truth?" Naruto asked, wondering what she meant, while the ravenette nodded in response.
"Yes, the truth. You do have a connection to the Kyūbi, Naruto, more than just being born on the same night it attacked. And there are several other things you deserve to know as well." Replied Mikoto, fully intending to tell Naruto the truth about everything.
"What…things?" Naruto asked in confusion and wariness, wondering what exactly she could mean about things he deserved to know.
"Naruto, you aren't just connected to the Kyūbi or have some of its power, you're the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi." Mikoto revealed, with the whiskered blonde looking at her in shock.
"I'm the…Kyūbi's Jinchūriki." Naruto said, not expecting to learn he had the Kyūbi sealed inside of him just like Mito did.
"Yes. The night you were born, the seal of the previous Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi had failed somehow, leading to the fox escaping, before it appeared within the village. And it would have succeeded in destroying Konoha if it wasn't for the Yondaime getting in its way. But despite what people initially believed, he wasn't able to defeat the Kyūbi, he needed to seal it away and only an Uzumaki are capable of containing the Kyūbi within themselves. You were the only one that could have it sealed in you, Naruto." Explained Mikoto with Naruto looking down at this, still shocked to learn he was the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki rather than just having it some of its power.
"You said initially, what do you mean?" Naruto asked, since as far as he could remember he's always been disliked and isolated.
"You were too young to remember, but during first few years of your life, there was a time where you weren't feared and hated by the village. After the Kyūbi Attack, the Sandaime retook the title of Hokage and chose to keep your Jinchūriki status a secret. Given how it wouldn't be good for the entire village to suddenly learn that the beast that nearly destroyed their home and killed so many of their loved ones was now sealed in a defenseless baby. So he kept it a secret with only a select few knowing the truth. One of his few good decisions in his second term as Hokage." Said Mikoto while muttering the last part to herself, before looking at Naruto again.
"But around five years after the attack, someone leaked the knowledge that you were the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki to the rest of the village and by the time the Sandaime learned what happened, it was too late to try and contain the knowledge again. The most he could do is forbid anyone from telling the younger generation about your Jinchūriki status to try and make sure you could have a somewhat normal childhood and make friends with other children. Though…I'm sure you know how children emulate their parents and peers, including how they act towards someone they don't like." Mikoto explained sadly, knowing that even if the younger generation didn't know Naruto's a Jinchūriki, that didn't stop them from seeing their parents didn't like him or want him around.
"Yeah, I know." Naruto muttered, fully aware how the older generation saw him and told their children or younger siblings to ignore him.
"What about the Jinchūriki before me? How did their seal fail?" Naruto asked, looking at Mikoto, wanting to know what happened to the previous Jinchūriki.
With how only the Uzumaki Clan could contain the Kyūbi, that means they must've been an Uzumaki as well.
This causing the Uchiha Matriarch to take a deep breath since this would be an even bigger reveal than him being a Jinchūriki.
"One thing that's not widely known is that when female Jinchūriki gives birth, their seals begin to weaken, allowing the Bijū sealed inside them the chance to break free. That's how the previous Jinchūriki's seal failed, she had given birth…to her son." Mikoto revealed, with Naruto going completely still as he realized what that meant.
"My…Kaa-san…was the Jinchūriki before me." Stated Naruto, with Mikoto nodding in response.
"Her name was Kushina Uzumaki, she'd been brought to Konoha due to her being born with a special Chakra that made her perfect to become the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki. I was one of the few that knew she was a Jinchūriki and what it meant when she'd give birth to you Naruto. Every safety measure had been taken, the time she'd give birth, the location it'd happen, who would be present, the Yondaime was even there to ensure the seal would stay strong. But…something still went wrong." Mikoto explained with a frown, still frustrated at what could have happened that lead to Kushina's seal breaking, only able to theorize what happened.
"…My Tou-san…he's the Yondaime, wasn't he." Naruto said, being able to put the pieces together, himself.
If the Yondaime had been present when he was born, keeping his mother's seal strengthened, combined with how he was chosen to become the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki...
"Yes, Minato was your father and you…you were the only one he could have trusted to contain the Kyūbi." Mikoto replied, knowing that Minato wouldn't have been able to ask another parent to make such a sacrifice if he couldn't do it himself.
With Naruto unable to help but think of everything he just learned, part of him being happy at finally knowing the truth of why he's hated, along with knowing who his parents are. But at the same time, he also felt hurt that his own father is the reason he's hated and chose the village over his son by making sure they still had the Kyūbi. Along with feeling betrayed by the Hokage as he'd have to know who his parents are, and knew why he was hated, but never told him.
Before he looked up at Mikoto, now wondering how exactly she even knew all this. Who his parents were, his mother being the Jinchūriki before him, and how she seemed to personally know his parents.
"Did you…know my parents? Were you…friends?" Naruto asked, making Mikoto smile and nod in response.
"I did and we were. I was actually one of your father's teammates back when we were Genin. And Kushina, she was one of my best friends along with Hitomi Hyūga." Replied Mikoto, making Naruto look at her in surprise.
"My Kaa-san was friends with both of you? Wait…was she the third Demon Queen?!" Said Naruto in surprise that his mother was the third Demon Queen.
"Yeah, she was. But…not everyone talked about her as much as Hitomi and I since while we were both from Ninja Clans in Konoha, Kushina was…Kushina was seen as an outsider. While she was a powerful Ninja and proved dozens of times over that she was loyal to Konoha, a lot of people still only saw her as an outsider. And with her death, her reputation just…started fading." Mikoto said, saddened and angry at how people choose to forget or ignore Kushina just because she didn't come from Konoha.
A feeling the Uzumaki shared, not believing his mother was ignored just because she wasn't born in Konoha, but still feeling happy to know how similar he was to her.
"There is still…one last thing you need to know, Naruto." Said Mikoto, with Naruto looking at her.
"What else is there?" Naruto asked, wondering else there could be that he needed to know.
"I'm your godmother." Mikoto revealed, causing Naruto's eyes to widen in shock.
"You're…my godmother?" Said Naruto in shock and disbelief.
"Yes, and I swear that after Minato and Kushina died, I fully planned to take you in like they would've wanted me to. But…the Sandaime stopped me." Said Mikoto, shocking Naruto again.
"He…stopped you…from taking me in? Why?!" Naruto said, feeling hurt and angry at not only learning how much the Hokage's kept from him, but prevented his own godmother from taking him in.
"Because it's known that the Sharingan is capable of controlling the Kyūbi and it's suspected that an Uchiha was the one who caused the Kyūbi Attack, which put the Uchiha Clan under suspicion. With it not helping that the higher-ups in Konoha used the absence of Minato and the Sandaime to order the Uchiha Clan to not aid in combating the Kyūbi. I can't say for certain, only that something happened to break Kushina's seal. The Kyūbi suddenly appearing right in the middle of the village and Minato only showing up near the end to draw it away before sealing it. So it's very possible that someone was behind the attack. So, the Sandaime prevented me from taking you in or interacting with you in anyway." Mikoto explained, the whiskered blonde looking down and clenched hist fists.
"So…he knew why I was hated, who my parents were, and made sure I was always alone." Said Naruto, angry at how the Sandaime's kept everything from him and made it so he didn't have anyone to take care of him.
"Yes. But you shouldn't take it personally, Naruto. He was just doing what anyone in his position would do as Hokage, looking out for the good of the entire village. And trust me when I say, there are those that would have done much worse, while the Sandaime at least tried to make sure you had a semi-normal life and was trying to protect you, in his own way. Even if I, personally, don't agree with how he went about handling it." Said Mikoto, wanting to make sure Naruto knew the Sandaime did what he could.
As while she may not like him, Mikoto knew he was certainly a better option than someone like Danzō, who would have just raised Naruto as a weapon and emotionless drone. And she knew how much Naruto cared about his bond with the Hokage and didn't want to be responsible for destroying one of the few bonds he had with someone.
"Yeah, all Hokages seem to do what's good for the village." Naruto muttered, figuring Mikoto was right and things could have been a lot worse for him.
But that didn't mean he'd be able to look at the Sandaime the same way ever again or what it means to be Hokage. Since if being Hokage meant putting an entire village above everything else, including your own family and hurting those you care about, then Naruto wasn't sure if he'd ever want to be Hokage.
"So…what happens now?" Naruto asked, unsure what happens now after everything he just learned.
"Now…now it's time to decide your punishment." Stated Mikoto, causing Naruto's eyes to widen.
"Punishment?!" Said Naruto, not expecting that, while the ravenette simply nodded.
"Yes, your punishment. After all, you still broke into a Clan Compound with the intention of stealing from its Jutsu Library. And as the Uchiha Clan Matriarch, deciding your punishment falls to me." Mikoto said with a smile as the whiskered blonde gulping, worried about whatever punishment she'll give him.
"As for your punishment, you'll be helping me around the compound whenever I'm in the village." Said Mikoto, making Naruto's worried expression turn into one of confusion.
"I'm just…going to help you around the compound…when you're in the village? That's it?" Questioned Naruto, not expecting her to give him what's basically a slap on the wrist.
"That's it, since I'm not going to give some extreme punishment when no harm was done and you didn't have any malicious intentions. But that's not all, I'm also going to be helping you with your training, which will be much better than just reading a bunch of scrolls." Mikoto replied, shocking Naruto that she's now offering to help him with his training, but also feeling grateful at getting the chance to have an actual teacher help him.
"N-not that I'm not grateful, but…why? Why would you help me with training or teach me any Jutsu? Wouldn't some of them even be Clan Techniques?" Said Naruto, confused at why she'd willingly teach him Clan Techniques.
"Aside from the fact that I want to help you, it's to make sure that someone does know them. The Uchiha Clan was infamous as one of the most powerful Ninja Clans in the world, and now we're on the brink of extinction. While there are those in-and-out of the village, who'd prefer it if Sasuke and I were killed in action. With that not even counting how dangerous the Ninja lifestyle can be, as well as the low life expectancies. So, there's a chance that the Uchiha Clan could end up dying with me and my sons." Explained Mikoto, saddened at how far her clan has fallen and how easy it'd be to wipe out the last of them.
Especially since Sasuke has no intentions of continuing the bloodline until after he's killed Itachi, while the higher-ups have tried arranging suitors for her to marry to continue the Uchiha Clan. The most popular of which being Kakashi Hatake, given his own Sharingan and abilities. Along with his loyalty to the village, making them believe he'd be the perfect candidate. But Mikoto had turned them all down without hesitation, refusing to let any of them try deciding who she'd marry, if she does remarry.
'I already had to deal with one arranged marriage, like hell I'm going to be forced into another one.' Mikoto thought, refusing to be stuck in an arranged marriage ever again.
If she does remarry, then it'll be someone she chooses out of love.
While Naruto frowned and thought over what she just said, soon realizing what she means and why she's willing to teach him.
"So…if something ever did happen to you and Sasuke, the Uchiha Clan legacy won't die with you as well." Naruto stated, making Mikoto smile and nod in response.
"That's right and I'd at ease knowing should the worse happen, then you'll be able to keep that legacy alive and pass it on to those you trust. And I wouldn't be able to trust anyone more than my godson and best friend's son." Mikoto replied, knowing she could trust Naruto the most to carry on her clans legacy, making the whiskered blonde beam at her having such faith in him.
"O-okay…then I'll try to do my best and thank you for the offer…Mikoto-sensei." Said Naruto, thankful for the offer, knowing how much it'll help his training to have an actual teacher, while the ravenette's smile grew at the title.
"I'm glad I can help, Naruto, and we can get started right now if you want. But first, I'd like the chance for us to spar against each other. While I saw you're pretty good at hiding your presence, along with the Transformation Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and I'm guessing you already have some skill in Genjutsu with that Bell Ring Genjutsu you used, along with how you used the Clone Jutsu for misdirection. Something that normally wouldn't've worked against more experienced, high leveled Ninja. And I was impressed by what I saw you could already do. But I want to see how you are in Taijutsu, as well as how you can use those techniques combatively." Said Mikoto, surprising Naruto as they could start right now, before he nodded in response.
"Y-yeah, that's fine, we can start now." Naruto replied, eager for the chance to immediately begin his training.
"Perfect! Then let's head to the training ground." Mikoto said, standing up along with Naruto before the two left for the Uchiha Clan Training Grounds.
*Later*
Once they arrived at the training ground, Naruto and Mikoto stood across from each other.
"Alright Naruto, come at me with everything you have." Mikoto said, intrigued to see how her godson's Taijutsu was, with Naruto nodding before getting into the stance for his Fox Fang Style.
The Uchiha Matriarch raising a brow at the stance, not recognizing it from any Taijutsu Style she's seen or heard of, making her more curious of what he can do. While also not planning to use her Sharingan, both since it'd be overkill to use it and she didn't want to just predict Naruto's movements.
Before Naruto charged towards Mikoto, jumping up into the air to deliver a dive kick towards her head, with Mikoto deflecting Naruto's kick once he got close enough to her. Though she was a little surprised when the whiskered blonde managed to maneuver his body in midair. Grabbing her by her wrist and flipped in the air, before slamming his heel down on her head, making Mikoto grunt on the hit.
Only to smirk as she let herself fall to the ground, with the matriarch then placing her hand on the ground, lifting her leg backwards and hit Naruto in the chest while he was still in the air. With the kick sending Naruto flying back, though he was able to catch himself and land on his feet. Before he quickly jumped back when Mikoto rushed him, the Uzumaki jumping back towards a tree and stuck to it with his feet. With Naruto then instantly kicking off the tree, launching himself at the ravenette while flipping through the air.
Once he was close enough, Naruto kicked both his legs out at Mikoto as the matriarch raising her arms to block the kick, grunting a little at the impact. Though she was surprised again when Naruto kicked off her arms and flipped behind her. The Uzumaki landing in a crouch before spinning around and delivering a spin kick to the back of Mikoto's legs, causing the woman to stumble as she tried to remain standing. With Mikoto then quickly turning to give a spin kick of her own, only for Naruto to instantly use a Substitution Jutsu before her kick could connect, instead breaking the log he switched with.
Mikoto then stumbled slightly when she saw her surroundings suddenly start blurring around her, before she felt herself start sinking into the ground.
'Genjutsu!' Mikoto thought before flaring her Chakra to break the illusion, with everything returning to normal as the Genjutsu vanished.
Before the ravenette jumped back when a large anteater was charging towards her, swiping at her with its claws. Guessing it was Naruto using a Transformation Jutsu again, Mikoto kept dodging the anteater as it tried swiping at her with its claws or launching its tongue at her. Only for the ravenette to soon notice something off about the anteater, most noticeably the fact that it wasn't making any sounds as it attacked and moved.
Realizing what was happening, Mikoto stopped moving, allowing the anteater's tongue to hit her, only for it to go right through her, showing it's a disguised clone. The Uchiha then turned around and blocked a kick from Naruto, before grabbing him by his ankle and throwing him, only to frown when his body burst into red flower petals that immediately flew at her.
'Another Genjutsu.' Thought Mikoto, not expecting Naruto to catch her in another illusion, but also impressed he could layer two Genjutsu on top of each other.
Flaring her Chakra again to break the Genjutsu, causing the flower petals to vanish and reveal she was standing in the training ground, alone. Looking around for any sign of where Naruto could be, Mikoto soon looked up when she heard a bird in the air, smirking at seeing a raven, one she knew wasn't one of hers. The matriarch then pulled out a shuriken and threw it at the raven, not making it a direct hit, but close enough to nick the bird and dispel the transformation.
Only for the shuriken to phase right through the raven, showing it was another clone, before Mikoto tense at feeling something slithering across her boot. Leading her to quickly jump back and see a snake had been what touched her, only for it to suddenly turn into a massive fox that swiped its claws at her. With Mikoto jumping back towards the trees, the fox growling as it chased after her, only for Mikoto to jump up into the trees and began jumping through the branches. Though the ravenette was a little surprised when the fox jumped up after her as well.
'He's gotten really good with the Transformation Jutsu.' Mikoto thought, impressed at the sight, knowing that transforming into animals and being able to fight in those bodies was difficult, even for experienced Ninja.
Moving through the trees, Mikoto kept looking back to see if the Fox Naruto was still chasing her, seeing that he was and slowly catching up. Smirking slightly, the matriarch jumped further ahead before suddenly flipping and spinning in the air, landing on a branch as she did so. Before she instantly kicked off the branch and back towards Naruto, the transformed boy jumping at Mikoto to swipe his claws at her. With Mikoto diving under the claws, grabbing a branch and flipping around it before slamming her foot into Naruto's body, sending him crashing into a tree before falling to the ground.
Flipping onto the branch, the Uchiha looked to where Naruto fell, only to see a log in his place, making her frown. Before her snapped towards the side, where she saw five more giant foxes jumping through the trees at her.
'More clones.' Mikoto thought as she stood up in the branch, knowing they wouldn't be able to actually hit her.
Only for her eyes to widen when four of the foxes burst into flower petals when they hit her, which began spiraling around her as her surroundings began darkening.
'Genjutsu again!' Thought Mikoto, before grunting when the fifth fox actually did impact her, knocking her off the branch.
'And hiding amongst his clones to succeed in hitting me.' Mikoto thought, feeling impressed at his abilities, while slamming her elbow into the fox's head knocking it off to the side, before breaking the Genjutsu again.
With the fox turning back into Naruto as he flew towards a tree, managing to grab a low hanging branch and flip around it, launching himself back at Mikoto. Only for the ravenette suddenly appeared right behind Naruto and grab him by his collar, stopping him momentum as he hung in the air.
"Okay, that's enough." Said Mikoto as she set Naruto down, making the Uzumaki look at her in confusion.
"But I can keep going!" Naruto said, only for Mikoto to shake her head.
"I'm sure you can, but we're not sparring to see who can win, it's just to see what you can do. And from what I've seen, you're already very impressive with what you know." Mikoto said smiling at her godson, proud to see how far he's come on his own, with Naruto blushing lightly in embarrassment at the praise.
"Th-thanks." Said Naruto, while feeling happy that she's impressed at what he can do.
"Though what exactly is that fighting style you were using?" Mikoto asked curiously, having been able to recognize some of the movements and attacks from other styles she's seen and heard of, but also parts she didn't recognize.
"It's my Fox Fang Style! My own Taijutsu Style I'm making, after seeing some other styles that'd suit it and studying foxes in the Zeroth Training Ground!" Naruto replied proudly, surprising the ravenette before she smiled at him.
"So you're making your own Kitsune-based fighting style and your own Taijutsu Style, that really is impressive, Naruto." Stated Mikoto, causing the whiskered blonde to blush again.
"Now then, I have a better idea of what we'll be training in. For starters, we'll be working on your Chakra Control, since if you intend to use Genjutsu, then making sure you have perfect Chakra Control is necessary, as well as to make sure that you don't use anymore Chakra than necessary for your Ninjutsu. I'll also help with your Taijutsu to better blend all the different moves together to make it more seamless and focused, since Taijutsu is at its best when you calculate all your movements and don't waste a single one. Your Genjutsu is also pretty good for a beginner, but we'll be working on it as it won't do any good if an opponent can instantly detect and break your illusions. And finally, we'll be getting you started on learning Ninjutsu, two of which will be the Shunshin Jutsu and the Grand Fireball Jutsu." Mikoto explained, much to Naruto's excitement at everything he'll be learning.
"Why those two Jutsu specifically, sensei?" Naruto asked, wondering why those two Jutsu were chosen.
"The Shunshin Jutsu is because I believe it'd be perfect for you to learn, given how it lets the user move at high-speeds faster than anyone can follow. It was actually the signature Jutsu of one of my clansmen, Shisui Uchiha, who was known as Shisui the Teleporter due to his proficiency in the Shunshin Jutsu. Being able to use it and completely erase his presence, giving the appearance that he really was teleporting, even being capable of creating tangible afterimages that could strike with actual force. Not only that, but his mobility and velocity was so great he could move undetected by Sensor Ninja. While the Grand Fireball Jutsu is a signature Ninjutsu of the Uchiha Clan and seen as a coming-of-age technique for members, making it the perfect first Fire Style Technique for you to learn." Replied Mikoto, amazing the whiskered blonde along with making him feel a great sense of gratitude.
"Thank you Mikoto-sensei, I promise to do my best to master everything you'll teach me." Naruto said with a small bow, which Mikoto waved off with a smile.
"I know you will Naruto, and if you're still ready then we can begin now." Mikoto said, with Naruto nodding in response before they got started on his training.
*Later*
Naruto and Mikoto had continued training for the rest of the day, while making sure to take a few breaks so the Uzumaki didn't overwork himself. Before they noticed how later it had gotten, leading them to return to Mikoto's home where the Uchiha Matriarch made dinner for them. Which did surprise Naruto that she'd let him stay, but was grateful for the meal.
"Thank you for the meal Mikoto-sensei and for training me. I'll be sure to come here in the morning to help around the compound and to continue my training." Naruto said once they'd finished eating, bowing the ravenette before preparing to leave, only for Mikoto to stop him.
"Actually Naruto, why don't you stay here tonight, there's a room you can use." Offered Mikoto, willing to let Naruto use Itachi's old room, with Naruto looking at her in surprise before shaking his head.
"Th-that's fine, really. You're already doing a lot for me and I don't want to be a bother." Said Naruto, not wanting to take advantage of Mikoto's kindness and generosity, with Mikoto merely smiling at him.
"You won't be a bother, Naruto, and I'm not going to just let you walk back home when it's already getting dark. Especially given the distance between the Compound and the rest of the village. So I insist that you stay, at least for tonight, I promise it's fine." Mikoto said, surprising Naruto again at how nice she was being and how…warm it felt.
'Is…is this what…having a Kaa-san is like?' Naruto thought, wondering if this is what having a mother is like, before he saw Mikoto's smile turn sad.
"And…I'll admit, it's been nice having someone else in the compound again, even if it's only one other person. Being here all by myself, with only Sasuke visiting occasionally…it's honestly lonely and depressing living here alone." Added Mikoto with a downcast expression.
She would have moved out like Sasuke did, if she could. But Mikoto knew that she couldn't to make sure no one tried seizing the compound and/or taking advantage of no Uchiha being around after the massacre. With the ravenette having done what she could to try and feel more comfortable being here, alone. Even getting all-new furniture for her home to try and ignore the memories of the familiar surroundings. Only leaving Sasuke's room as it was for the rare times he visited and stayed for a while.
But that didn't help erase the feeling of loneliness and depression every time she walked outside, seeing just how empty everything was, knowing that she's the only one around.
With Naruto frowning sadly at this, seeing the look on Mikoto's face. Realizing it would be very depressing and lonely to live in such a large area alone, especially with the memories that'd come with it. Something, he could emphasize with, whenever he went back to his apartment. Knowing that no one would be there waiting for him, along with the isolation from the rest of the village. Though it also made Naruto feel a large amount of respect for Mikoto, that she willingly stays here despite all of that.
"I…guess it wouldn't hurt if I stayed. And it'd be better to than going back to an empty apartment." Naruto said before going over and sitting next to Mikoto, making the woman smile at him.
"Well you'll always be welcome here, no matter what, Naruto." Said Mikoto, with Naruto nodding.
"Thanks…Aunt Mikoto." Replied Naruto, causing Mikoto's smile to widen before she hugged him tightly, feeling touched and happy to hear him call her that.
"You don't need to thank me for anything, I'm here if you ever need anything." Mikoto stated with the Uzumaki nodding while feeling a little tense at the embrace, not used to such gestures from anyone besides Ayame, before slowly relaxing and returning it.
The two soon separated before exchanging goodnight as they went to bed.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see that Mikoto had been visiting Kushina's, Hitomi's, and Minato's graves on the night of the massacre, allowing her to survive, along with seeing why Sasuke chose to move out, not wanting to succumb to weakness and try to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan, as well as not wanting to feel the pain of losing anyone again. Then we return to the present where Naruto tries talking his way out getting caught by Mikoto, only for Mikoto to see through his attempts and reveal the defenses she's put in place after the massacre. Leading to Naruto simply trying to distract her before running for it.
Then we see Naruto trying to escape the compound while Mikoto tries to catch, being impressed with the skill he shows and mastery over the Transformation and Substitution Jutsu's. Until Mikoto finally catches Naruto and stops him from trying to escape again before taking him back home. With Naruto being forced to tell the truth of what he was doing and about his Kitsune-based fighting style, surprising Mikoto but also making her feeling happy and proud at how close he got to the truth. Before Mikoto then tells Naruto the full truth of him being a Jinchūriki, his parents, and her being his godmother, much to Naruto's shock.
We then see Mikoto deciding on Naruto's punishment for breaking into the compound and trying to steal from the Jutsu Library, with it being to help her around the compound. As well as planning to help him with his training to ensure the Uchiha Clan's legacy doesn't die with her, Sasuke, and Itachi, leading them to have a sparring match so she can see Naruto's abilities. With Mikoto being impressed again at how far Naruto's come on his own, before going over what they'll be training in and then get started.
Finally we see Naruto and Mikoto returning to the latter's home where she makes dinner for them, before offering to let Naruto stay for the night, which he tries refusing to not take advantage of her kindness. Only for Mikoto assure him it's fine, along with admitting how lonely and depressing it is being in the compound alone, and is happy to have someone else around. Leading to Naruto deciding to stay, which also starts helping them grow closer, but nothing romantic…yet. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out