A/N:So, last time a lot of problems cropped up from using a grammar checker, and trusting it completely instead of just picking which grammatical fixes wouldn't affect the story. I'm going to do the second one now. Also, people like the Lina thing in the last chapter. So, yeah, more of her. I'm posting this on Questionable Questing too, and there are pictures of the characters, like Naruto and Lina. TL;DR: higher quality, and Lina's a regular character now, not a background one.

The Godfather
Chapter 2: "The Information Business"

This contains graphic details of torture.

(Lina POV)

She had failed the test. She wanted to blame someone for her failure, perhaps her teacher, Naruto, or the Hokage, but in the end, she knew it was, and always would be, her and her teammates' fault. It wasn't Naruto's, he hadn't done anything. Nor the Hokages, he was just leading the village, and he had to be ruthless. Maybe her teachers did have a small amount of blame that deserved to be placed on them for not engaging their class more, for not captivating their class so they could learn more. But, in the end, it was her and her team's fault. They failed so many things in the test; teamwork, strategy, planning, and power. But, she knew that, in the end, she would just have to work harder to catch up to everyone else not in the General Genin Corps. Yes, that was her motivation. She would outshine them all, in spite of her civilian background, in spite of the fact that she was an orphan, and in spite of the fact that she was not being formally taught by a Jonin. She would succeed, and break out of the mold everyone had placed her in because she was born into this world.

~~~~
(Naruto's POV (this time in first person))

Looking down at the letter in my hands, I scowled. Dammit, now he had to skip team training to deal with this. Getting up, I got dressed in my cooling-sealed cloak Gramps gave me before walking to the Hokage tower. Getting up to the desk, I asked the attendant if Hiruzen was available. She seemed taken aback by my appearance before nodding and asking if I wanted to schedule an appointment. Deigning not to respond to the last question, I walked up to his room, and opened it. He was doing paperwork. Dammit, I sympathise with him. I can't imagine how much bullshit he has to deal with daily.

When I walked in, he looked up at me with annoyance, before joy clearly showed on his face, before becoming serious. probably because of my scowling.

After handing him the letter, I tell him, "I need to deal with some business."

He reads the letter before nodding, "Do what you must. I will assign you an A-rank for this. Do what you must to get the information, understand? "

I nodded before walking out. I already had everything I needed at the warehouse. I just needed to acquire the person in question.

~~~~

I walked down the red district of Mochi Town in the land of tea, made a clone that transformed into his appearance, then I walked into the bar where he was last sighted, with my clone hiding. I sat down in the booth next to him. Having my clone sit next to me, he performed the replacement technique before I covered his mouth and choked him out. Once he was unconscious, I walked out of the bar, but not before nodding to my goon running the bar.

TORTURE STARTS NOW. SKIP TO THE NEXT BOLD ENTRY IF QUEASY.

I ran towards my nearest warehouse, tied him up, and gagged him. While I waited for him to wake up, I readied the giant pot of vinegar , the tools, and the syringe. Putting on medical gloves and starting the audio recorder, I walked over to him, and slapped him awake.

Knowing how he would react, I kicked his knee hard enough to break it. Instantly, his attention was on me, the threat, and he screamed in agony. Before he could bore me with his insults and glares, I started, drawing a bit of maliciousness from the fox, who seemed happy to offer it.

"Now, I bet you didn't enjoy that, did you? Well, you have some information I want, so if you don't want to be boiled alive in vinegar after getting tortured, I suggest you give me the information. "

Credit should be given when it's due. Not many could say that after I took off his gag, he just kept cursing me and my lineage. It seemed I should act on my promise. I took the Syringe and got rid of the air bubbles and inserted it into a vein, pushing the liquid in and waiting a few minutes before starting. The pain enhancer should have hit most of his pain receptors by now. Taking a scalpel, I start to slice into his skin, his screams not affecting me. Slicing his arms, legs, and chest in intricate patterns, I take a pair of crab crackers and tell him

"Give me the information, and this will end."

Standing defiantly, he scowls, and spits out something about how he would stay true to his convictions, and how he would never give up information. I roll my eyes, and walk up to him as he keeps babbling. Starting from the tip of his finger, I started cracking, bone by bone. His screams do nothing but encourage me. A small smile appears on my face before I smooth it over. I step back after his first hand is done, and I raise an eyebrow at him. He's still defiant, sighing. I look over at how much blood he's lost. He must be so defiant because of the blood loss. Taking a few blood pills, I stuffed them into his mouth before cracking each of his little bones, both fingers, toes, and nose. I look over at him, who is still sitting defiantly, sighing, and grab a pair of tweezers and click them before walking malisciously towards him, the vinegar ominously boling behind me.

"Last chance, Kidomaru. Tell me what Orochimaru wants with my group. "

He gulped somewhat hesitantly before opening his mouth. He looked as if he was going to give in, before he glared, still defiant.

Sighing, I walked up to him and started to take the flaps of skin and pull them back, exposing his innermuscles to the outside world. Step by step, I worked through his entire body, to the point that his defiance started to waver. Once finished, I stepped back and asked for the information again, showing more hesitance. He was about to give in when his curse seal enveloped him, causing him to scream in more agony. His defiance seemed to have tripled. I sighed. My bloodied gloved hand ran through my hair. Taking the hooks hanging from the ceiling, I hooked 2 through his shoulders, unstrapping him. He tried to fight back, but I squashed that futile scape attempt before he could get any ideas, and I hovered him over the large boiling vat of vinegar. The vapour coming from it causes intense, searing agony itself. I lowered him into the vat and ignored the screams, keeping an eye on Kidomaru's health. I took him out before he died, stuffed some blood-replenishing pills into his mouth, and asked him again if he would reveal the information. When Kidomaru didn't respond, I started to lower him back in. His feet were about to touch the vinegar when he broke down and kept telling me he would tell me anything I wanted.

TORTURE ENDED

Looking at him apathetically, I raise him up and take him down from the hooks. He began rambling, once he was no longer impaled, about how Orochimaru planned to invade the village during the chunin exams and how this so-called "Crush" was basically holding Suna hostage. Nodding, I asked why Orochimaru had been killing so many of my goons. In response, he rambled on about how he deemed the Dreadnaughts a hazard to his nation because he thought they were spies.

I nodded, looking towards him. I took out my sword and lopped off his head. I walked to the audio recorder and said, "End of Recording, Mission Complete" and pocketed it, turning it off.

I looked towards the corpse, and breathed the Katon jutsu that Grampa taught me after my first interrogation with him. I swept the ashes into a pan, poured them out into a bag, and turned off the vat. Taking off my gloves, I activated my radio to channel 3, telling the cleaners on the other side to well, clean the place. Taking off towards Konoha, I take off my coat and package it up for my dry cleaner to take care of. Stopping in Shukuba Town, I hand off the package before leaving for Konoha. I walk through the gates, pass the checks, and speed away to the tower. I see it empty again, and I walk over to the old fart. I signal him to silence the room, and he nods, activating silencing seals around the room, and I start playing the tape when Kidomaru starts to confess.

Several moments pass as he digests the information presented before him. Narrowing his eyes, he says, "Thank you Naruto. This presents us an opportunity, Take this slip of paper down to the mission admin, and he will hand you your pay." Now I must leave. I need to gather the war council. "

I take the slip, and walk out of the front door, then get my pay. Walking home, I sigh, feeling Kyuubi stop sending me hate. It seemed to be pleased by my actions, which doesn't surprise me. I stared at the ceiling. I never liked torture, but it had to be done. for the future.

(Sakura POV)

Naruto wasn't here yesterday or the day before. When I asked our teacher, he just said he had something to take care of, though Kakashi had an uncomfortable and serious aura around him when he said that. What did Naruto have to do those two days? The curiosity inside me burned with the vigor that it had whenever a mystery was brought to attention. I simply had to find out.

I hoped that Naruto would come back today so she could have a chance at finding out.

(Sasuke POV)

The Dobe hadn't been here for 2 days. I was starting to suspect the Dobe had been getting secret training because when the banshee asked our teacher, he said that the Dobe had business to take care of and was quite serious about that statement, if a bit uncomfortable. Why would our teacher be uncomfortable with talking about this oh so secret "business" Naruto had to take care of? I didn't know. All I did know, though, was that I had to investigate this subtly. Or else my progress may be cut off.

(Kakashi POV)

My students were getting suspicious of Naruto. It had only been two days since Naruto had left to get the information out of the spy, and my students were getting closer to the information about Naruto's being a Yakuza boss on the payroll of our Hokage. It may have been because of how uncomfortable I felt when answering Sakura's questions, but all I knew was that when Naruto appeared today, he would be questioned to hell and back. Oh well, not my problem. Back to reading about Rirayas' adventures. A giggle slipped from my mouth as Riraya went down on Lunade's hot body.

(Naruto POV)

I was dreaming. I knew it because I was looking at my 14-year-old self again. I knew what was coming, and when I tried to turn away, I couldn't. I was forced to watch as a morose 14-year-old walked down the hall, opening a door into a room. I was forced to follow behind, just like all the other times.

Walking in, I was forced to watch as my younger self kneeled beside my comatose grandfather. Unbidden tears streamed out of my eyes as my younger self started to talk. I didn't try to stop my tears; it was futile in the end, especially because of what happened next.

"Hey gramps, I, uh, I know you probably can't hear this since the doctors gave you that medicine to make the days before your death filled with less suffering. But I, I uh, I just wanted you to know that I know you're going to die at some point. I think I accepted that, but uh. I wanted to tell you that I love you with all my heart, that I cherish the moments we had, even just walking around the lake, or grilling steaks, or just talking. I love you with all my being, and I will never let your memory die. I will protect your memory forever, and I will spread your memory down my family line. You won't be forgotten, and you won't die without love. You were like a father to me. You were so important to my life. And I know that I will try my hardest to make you proud after you die, because I bet you don't want me to grieve for too long. Before you go, please know that I love you with all my heart, I will make you prouder than anyone after you pass, and your memory will live on for millennia, dad. "

I was bawling now. My shoulders were shaking and an endless stream of fat, ugly tears were streaming down my face. I was again, forced to watch as my younger self kissed gramps' forehead, silent tears peppering his face. And I was forced to watch my younger self wipe away the tears that had gathered in Gramps' closed eyes. The younger me ran off, and the world twisted.

It was 11 PM. I was in the younger me's room. He was reading when one of my many assistants rushed in, a morose face, and tears streaming down his face.

"Jiraiya-Sama is dead," they said.

The younger me hugged him in shock. I rocket down the stairs to see a congregation of people, Gramps' allies, and friends. Granny Tsunade, and Grampa Hiruzen were there as well. The younger me sat down on a one-seat couch and held his head in his hands. My tears were starting to die down.

The younger me started mumbling about how it was his fault and how he had cursed Jiraiya to die. Guilty, sad tears slipped down his eyes. He was shaking and having a panic attack. Soon all the friends left, and only Tsunade, Hiruzen, and Gramps' most trusted assistants were left. I was forced to walk to his deathbed with the group. When we walked in, I saw his dead body. It looked like he was asleep. His body was lying still, his eyes closed; the stark white medical blanket lying over him; his meds on the bedside table; and a respirator lying by his bedside. He looked so peaceful. Tears started pouring down my face again. Gramps—no, Dad, was dead again, and I had to watch. It felt so-, it felt so painful again. To realize he was utterly, truly dead. I came to realize that I would never be able to take walks with him again, or have him berate me, or grill steaks with him, or just talk with him again. He was dead, and from liver cancer too. I remembered a poem I wrote after he died. It was tradition to say it in my dreams at this point, but today felt especially hollow.

"It's been 2 years.
And I still feel guilty.
I don't know why.
But I do.

I feel like I killed you, dad.
I feel like I caused it.
and I'm just so mad.
at the world and at myself.

I know it's not my fault, but
It still feels like it.
I feel so alone.
even though I know I'm not.

I feel like I lost my innocence.
even though I didn't.
I regret the time I didn't spend with you.
even though it's my fault.

I regret the times.
When I made you angry.
Despite the fact that I can now apologize to you.

I can't help but think at times.
Did you hear what I said?
The day you died?
I still do.
because I feel like I caused it.

I feel like I cursed you on accident.
Like saying goodbye cast the spell
Like telling you how much I love you.
caused you to snap.

Its been 2 years dad
I hoped it'd never come.
because I hoped it'd not be real.
your death I mean

You know, every time I think of you,
I can't help but think about your last moments.
I was so naive before you died.

I wish that I wasn't
I just wish you were still here.

I hope you can hear me, dad.
I hope there's an afterlife just for you, dad.
I dont want to go through this dad
It hurts so much, Dad.

It hurts. Dad, please, save me.
I just want a hug, dad.
But I can't.
I can't have or give one.
Ever since I took over

Sincerely, and with love.
Naruto Uzumaki
Your son
A/N: this scene hurt a lot because it literally happened to me, every bit of it, so I cried a lot when writing this. I even wrote the poem when I was 16. Just a different name at the bottom and some lines from my mother language, Russian. I didn't want to include them.

I opened my eyes, wiped away my tears, and sat there for a few moments to gather myself. I glanced at the clock, noting the time being 5. Sighing, I get up, cast the Shadowclone jutsu, and start getting dressed. I walked into the kitchen once I finished my morning rituals. I sat down to the meal my Clone had prepared. I toweled my hair dry.

The food, as usual, consisted of beef, rice, and a mix of cooked vegetables containing broccoli, cauliflower, green onions, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, and kale. As I start to eat with my chopsticks, I tell my clone "Groups: Casino, Drug, Infiltration, Launder, Intimidate, and Recruitment send reports on your respective conditions" before popping him.

It took mere seconds before I got back the reports. It seemed as though the only problem we were having was a conflict of information between the assigned commander and I in the drug sector. The drug sector sub-leader responded with more information and indicated that he was beginning to commander was getting retired, and the new commander would be picked after intensive screening. SL would take up control and investigate the problem. They would have the information by tomorrow.

Nodding, I went back to my food. Cleaning the plate, and putting it on the drying rack when finished.

Opening the door, I walked toward training ground 7.

Today's nightmare hit harder than normal. I decided to buy some incense after training and light it at Dad's memorial at home.

When I got to the bridge, I sat down under the railing, and just stared at the water. reminiscing for a while. I sat there for 2 hours before footsteps started to approach me.

"Watcha doiiin? '" Sakura asked me

I didn't reply, staying hunched over, looking at the wooden planks. I didn't care to have a conversation today. With her question unanswered, Sakura sat down beside me, looking at me curiously. Again, I ignored it.

Sasuke arrived last of the students. He didn't ask anything, just stared at me. Sakura squealed and asked for a date, which he ignored too. He kept staring at me until Kakashi arrived. Training began after Kakashi studied me, then nodded. I didn't say anything. I just went through the training with the team before leaving after a couple of D-ranks. Hearing Hiruzen give out a C rank to Hinatas group after we left Something about a bridge builder

After team exercises, I walked to the store, ignoring the owner's attempt to shoo me out. I grabbed the incense, sake, and white roses, and tried to ring them up. The owner tried to deny me, but I just stared at them until they reluctantly allowed it. I grabbed my stuff and left for home.

~~~~~

When I got home, I went to Dad's picture and the vase of ashes. Lighting the incense and candles. Then gently placed the new white flowers into the already full vase of flowers by the picture stand. I got out the sake, and a kintsugi sake cup, and started to drink, kneeling beside the picture.

I kept drinking until the sake ran dry, I let the incense burn until the pack emptied, and I let the candles burn until there was no wick left. I didn't stop kneeling quietly even after it was dark. I went to sleep at 5 AM that night.