Chapter 4: Can you hear it?
The walk over to the academy passed in relative peace. Naruto and Kiyu were talking to each other with absolute delight about upcoming classes and plans for the future. As this was happening, behind them Hiruzen was talking with Kiyu's mother.
"I believe I am at a disadvantage here, miss. I don't believe I caught your name." Hiruzen inquired in a roundabout way.
The mother was watching the children like her life's wish had been granted. Once she pulled back from the happy scene and truly processed what the Hokage had asked her she began blushing in embarrassment.
"My apologies! How rude of me! My name is Miyu. I apologize if I seem distracted today. My little Kiyu spends most of her time training or moping around and she doesn't get along with most of the kids in the compound. It's rare to see her so happy." Miyu wistfully sighed, her gaze drifting up towards the orange stained Konoha sky as she wistfully regarded the setting sun.
" With all the tension today I had started to worry that she'd never truly get to appreciate this wonderful village." She punctuated the end of that sentence with a wistful little chuckle. "She's just like her father."
Hiruzen thought to himself.
"If you only knew how much of a carbon copy Naruto was of his mother."
Giving a laugh and a quick shake of his head he regarded Miyu.
"Well, if she's got the energy to keep Naruto in line then I'm sure the academy won't pose much a problem for her at all. She might even pull rookie of the year, if Naruto doesn't take it himself."
Miyu looked at the Hokage in surprise.
"Don't you think it's a bit early to be thinking about things like rookie of the year? Hiruzen-san, when I hear those words it makes me think of Itachi-kun." She then looked away from the children, gazing off in the distance. "I would never put that kind of burden on everyone."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, thoughts racing through his head about the various implications of what she just said. Each new possibility stimulating growing concern over whether or not he had misread her and her place in the upcoming coup.
"Itachi has a bright future ahead of him. What parent wouldn't be proud to see their child accomplish so much so young?"
The Uchiha mother leveled the Hokage with an impish look. Disregarding the probing Nature of the question.
"Try a mother who wants her daughter to be happy. I could care less if my daughter goes off and completes S-rank missions and saves countries or is the best of the best with perfect marks." She threw her arms out as if she could capture the sunset sky in her hands. Tilting her head back, she finished her thought with a content smile.
"We live in Konohagakure. The strongest village in the world. The safest village in the elemental nations. We have peaceful living, beautiful skies, clean air, strong protectors, kind people, and good leaders." Pulling herself back, she looked at the Hokage with small sadness in her eyes.
"If more people would enjoy that and focus on being happy, then I believe many of our problems would simply fade away. Don't you think?"
Smiling, Hiruzen pulled his pipe out of his robes. Lighting it with a rudimentary jutsu, he took a long drag before answering.
"Miyu-san, I feel like that if everyone thought like you we'd have no reason to train protectors. We simply wouldn't need them. You are a model Konoha citizen and a true honor to share conversation with."
"You're too kind Hiruzen-san. I just want my Kiyu to be happy." She replied.
Thinking about the upcoming storm, the smile fell from the Hokage's face.
"Don't we all Miyu-san? Don't we all…"
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Hiruzen's footsteps rang out across the halls as he marched his way to his office. Blowing past his secretary with only a passing sentence of "Cancel my appointments." Throwing the doors back he quickly moved behind his desk. "Anbu, go out and collect my advisors and Danzo Shimura. They are needed in the Hokage's chambers to discuss the upcoming storm."
A cat masked anbu materialized from the ceiling, dropped down, gave a bow, and quickly left to complete her mission. Before she had even left, she was replaced by an anbu bearing the likeness of a crow. The crow mask Anbu looked at Hiruzen and tilted his head before asking. "Hokage-sama, permission to speak freely?"
Hiruzen looked up from the work he was frantically working at behind his desk to regard his crow. "Ah Crow, you're here. That makes things easier. Please, take a seat and remain in the open. You're going to be a part of the upcoming conversation. Oh….and yes, you have permission."
"Thank you Hokage-sama. If I may ask, what is there to discuss about Operation Purity? Has there been a change I haven't been made aware of?" The mask bore no emotions but judging from the slight, nigh undetectable warble in his voice, you could tell that his emotional investment in the topic at hand was immense.
"Perhaps, I will explain once the room is clear and my advisors have made it here. No use in repeating sensitive information more than once." The Hokage then lit his pipe taking a puff before returning to his paperwork. Not before gesturing once more to the small couch off to the side in his office. "Seriously Crow, sit. Wait. You'll get your information soon enough. No use in worrying yourself."
About an hour passed before the entire set of advisors had arrived and assembled inside the Hokage's office. "All but Crow, leave us." Spoke the Hokage. One by one the Anbu filed out of the office until all that was left were Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokadu, Koharu Utatane, and the crow. A moment was given to ensure the privacy seals were activated and the room was indeed empty but those attending before the Hokage began addressing the meeting's members.
"I think I speak for each of us when I ask what this meeting was called for. What more can be discussed about project purity Hiruzen?" The question came from the heavily bandaged man taking point, Danzo Shimura.
"We were all in agreement were we not? Further meetings just put stress on young Crow here." Homura called out in agreement.
"Please." The Crow masked Anbu called out. His trembling hands reached up towards his face, unlatching his Anbu mask to reveal pale skin, inky black hair, and coal colored eyes. "Allow the Hokage to speak. It is important we know all we can about the upcoming trials. My feelings are unimportant to the task at hand."
Danzo gave a curt smile at this proclamation.
"Well spoken Itachi, you make Konoha proud."
"Indeed." Called out the Hokage, but if it's all the same I'd like to make this quick so I'll just skip through the pleasantries and just address the reason I brought you all here." Inside his head Hiruzen began to sweat. "Naruto, I refuse to take away your only friend and stain your humanity. I will do everything I can to give you this small peace." However, outwardly he was the vision of a calm, commanding leader. "Operation Purity has led to a major problem when considering the future safety of Konoha."
Koharu gazed inquisitively at the Hokage before asking. "What could that be Hiruzen?"
"Should we continue with the current course of Operation Purity, Konoha will lose the loyalty of its Jinchūriki."
Silence met the Hokage like a wall of suffocating cloth. Danzo was the first to tear through the barrier. "Perhaps you should explain Hiruzen, I don't see how these events are related."
Sighting deeply, Hiruzen continued his previous statement.
"Our Jinchūriki has spent the past few years bonding to an Uchiha. The way the child has developed, I believe that his ability to view Konoha as his home is inherently linked to this friendship he has formed."
Koharu scoffed.
"Come now Hiruzen. Friends come and go. What inclination could you possibly have that a single lost friendship will impact the boy to such an unrealistic degree."
Calmly, with a grim face and a heavy heart Hiruzen responded.
"Because aside from this Uchiha he has befriended, he is alone. He has no friends, no outside connections, and no groups he can relate to. His mindstate has been edited multiple times by our Inoichi Yamanaka. I don't believe that such a large loss will be sustainable to his stability. We could see everything from backsliding to a cascading mental collapse. Alterations need to be made to the plan."
Danzo, seated on the couch in the room, was trying his very best to not go slack-jawed in amazement.
"This is far better of an opportunity than I ever would have hoped. Should we continue with our original plan and he experiences that loss, he will be a perfectly conditioned ninja untainted by emotion."
"Hiruzen, I don't believe you have grounds to alter the plan. Have Inoichi perform a mental evaluation after the incident. Should he be proven unstable, block the key instigative memories and continue his ninja training." The cool, even reply on Danzo rang out across the room. However, the words were received unpleasantly.
"Kami Danzo, he's still a child." Koharu recoiled. "I may not think that the impact warrants a change in plans but he can't just continue to edit him like he's some sort of animal. There are very serious consequences to both the boy and Konoha should he lose control of his mental balance."
"I concur. Scrambling the boy's brains just because he is experiencing loss doesn't have merit. It's too risky with very little reward in case of success." Was Homura's reply.
The Hokage stood up furiously addressing the room.
"You're all missing the point here! The point is that there are a very few, select things that Naruto has formed attachment to in his life! Taking away the major factor right as he begins preparation for shinobi work is a recipe for disaster." Remembering the words of the aforementioned Yamanaka he continued. "If we aren't careful with how we move forward we'll end up in a situation no better than Suna."
Danzo tapped his cane against the ground before standing to address the room. "Perhaps we are getting a bit too emotionally charged. I propose a small break before reconvening. Shall we say fifteen minutes?"
Hiruzen sat back down, sighing deeply. "If we must, we'll reconvene in fifteen minutes."
As the Hokage, the elders, and Itachi exited the room Danzo pulled Itachi over to the side before signaling for the young Anbu to be quiet. He gave a signal and from the shadows unmarked shinobi performed a quick scan of the surrounding area. Once the all clear signal was given he addressed Itachi, who had yet to remask. "Itachi-san, let's not beat around the bush shall we. We both know what needs to be done correct?"
The pale teen cocked his head to the side.
"I'm not sure I follow Danzo-dono. What are we referring to here?"
Danzo gave a small sad looking smile.
"My boy, I'm referring to the fact that Hiruzen is going to push to save some of your clansmen. At minimum he is going to make an effort to save this Uchiha that our Jinchūriki has attached himself to. Time to reconvene won't change that. I know Hiruzen; He's lost his nerve for Operation Purity."
"I don't see how that is relevant. He is Hokage is he not? Should he come to a decision it is my job as his soldier to follow his command." The reply from Itachi came through as brisk, choppy.
"Damn it, I didn't expect Itachi to be this rattled by a hypothetical opportunity to save pieces of his clan." Adjusting his posture, Danzo took an aura of command. "Think of the sacrifices that have been made to stop this coup. Think of your clan's reception to Shisui's letter."
With that remark, Itachi flinched. Looking back on the fateful day he met with Shisui after he had been attacked, Itachi clenched his hands in fury. The memories regarding the specific event were hazy. Itachi couldn't remember much about the final conversation he had with Shisui either. He couldn't tell if it was the trauma or the endless missions on low sleep coupled with the adrenaline but the only memories that remained were the gifting of Shisui's special Sharingan, the final request that his letter be delivered, and his meeting with Danzo who took him in and allowed him to recover from the incident.
"Regardless of their reception, I am bound by my oath to the will of the Hokage. I am sorry Danzo-dono."
Danzo smiled gently and brushed a wrinkled hand through his hair.
"Itachi, I understand. I would never ask you to go against your leader." Danzo proceeded to place a hand on Itachi's shoulder in a reassuring manner before gently gripping and looking directly into Itachi's eyes. "That's why you're one of the most valuable soldiers we have in Konoha. You know what's right." A small sigh was all the reaction Itachi was able to get out before Danzo struck.
"Kotoamatsukami"
Using the Sharingan eye he stole from Shisui that fateful night Danzo planted inside the mind of Itachi an unshakable influence that would push him towards the total annihilation of his clan. It would push him to do the will of Danzo.
"Of course Danzo-dono. Your words are kind." With a start, Itachi looked away from the altercation in order to watch the time. "Apologies Danzo-dono but it appears that our scheduled break is over. Shall I escort you back to the council chambers?"
"Of course my boy. Just lead the way." Danzo could feel a genuine smile on his face for the first time in a long time. It was a rare opportunity to have everything wrap up so perfectly according to his designs. He would have to consider which operative to send towards the Jinchūriki once Itachi breaks him.
"I will have you, Naruto. Soon, you will be a willing tool to restore Konoha to greatness." Danzo had the feeling that he would have to begin making preparations for big changes in both his and Konoha's plans very soon.
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"I'm telling you Kiyu! We got nothing to worry about!" Naruto talked around a strawberry pocky sticking halfway out of his mouth. "We're going to be the best of the best. Who's going to be able to contest? You're an Uchiha and I'm a giant. We can handle any challenge they throw at us.
"Naruto….." Kiyu sighed in frustration. "We've spent all this time working to get into competing shape before the academy. Don't start being stupid again just because we've worked hard. I will fry you." Snatching the half eaten pocky out of Naruto's mouth and devouring it in one bite, Kiyu looked down at the blond barbarian child.
"Hey! That was mine!" Was the half hearted whine that Naruto responded with.
"Have you even thought about what you want to specialize in?" Kiyu probed, hands on her hips.
Naruto deadpanned.
"Kiyu I'm a giant who's practically incapable of staying injured. If I specialized in anything but close combat it would be wasteful." Naruto quickly turned impish as he looked at Kiyu with a crooked smile. "And don't get all high and mighty and threaten to turn me into barbeque just because you figured out how to hock a fire loogi. I'll grapple you"
Affronted, Kiyu brought her fist down onto the top of his head.
"I'll have you know that the fire jutsu I learn is a right of passage for the Uchiha! It. Is. Not. A. Fire. Loogi!"
Gently batting the fist off the top of his head Naruto chuckled to himself.
"Sure sure Kiyu, Whatever you say." He stood and dusted himself off before gesturing towards the small space in their bunker they used to practice. "No use in putting things off then is there sergeant? Let's get to work."
Kiyu nodded before moving to the space and taking her stance. "Let's do it!"
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Over the course of the next two months, Kiyu and Naruto would pool every ounce of time, energy, money, and effort into becoming the best they could be without academy assistance. Naruto decided to focus on both playing to his strengths, taijutsu and other various close combat fields, while learning to control the things he struggled with, namely control of mind, body, and chakra. Kiyu, on the other hand, focused her efforts into more stereotypical Uchiha things such as elemental affinity, reaction time, and training attention to detail through various drills that her and Naruto had set up. Neither one was capable of breaking mountains, saving princesses, or stomping out crime, but when compared to their peers they would be the cream of the crop.
In the end, the two months had gone in the blur of the frantic pace they prepared themselves. Naruto stood in his nighttime apparel, looking down on his bed with a mixed feeling of both apprehension and excitement.
"This is it." Thought Naruto. "The first day of classes starts tomorrow. We're ready."
That's all there really was to it. Tomorrow he would really begin his life. He would make a name for himself. He would take the first major step to making his dreams come true. Only, as he stood there thinking himself into a pretzel, he realized that he wasn't really sure what dreams would be coming true. If you had asked him a year ago what his goal was he would have screamed from the rooftops that his path led directly to the Hokage. However, the more that he thought about what he wanted, the more he realized that he really didn't know how being Hokage fit into his life and what he wanted.
He had originally thought that the Hokage was the strongest ninja in the village, loved and respected by all, and that was something he craved. But as the years rolled by, he's found himself content with being friends, hanging out, and training with Kiyu. At some point in his mad dash to prepare for the academy he genuinely lost interest in the day to day people he would see. He was definitely still becoming the best ninja in the entire world, but the longer he trained and had fun with Kiyu, the more he realized that he honestly just wanted to keep his precious people safe.
"Bah" Naruto said out to his empty room. "No use in thinking this hard without Kiyu to smack me around when I get off track." He chuckled. "Never really was my strong suit anyway."
Laying down on his raggedy bed. He began the process of drifting off to sleep. Even though he anticipated the nightmares to come, his final thoughts were decorated by a gentle smile.
End of Chapter 4
Yo! Went through hell week at college and genuinely had no time to write or live. I've had eight pages of this chapter sitting on my laptop collecting dust for what seems like forever. My bad. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and, like always, if you have any thoughts or comments my door is always open; or just review. Whatever you're comfortable with.
Also, as just a slight clarification, I feel like someone who reviewed thought Kiyu was a gender bended Sasuke and that her mother was Mikoto. This is absolutely not the case. Kiyu is a random Uchiha girl from a relatively mundane Uchiha household. Hope that helps! Have a good one guys n gals!