I Want to Break Free by lemmings12

Rating: PG-13 for language

Summary: After Naruto completed the task of retrieving Sasuke, things haven't been well. On the contrary, everything remains the same on the surface, but underneath the tensions are boiling, especially in Naruto. All of a sudden, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox gives an ultimatum to Naruto: locate the Kyuubi's offspring and all of Kyuubi's chakra will be at Naruto's service. This puzzling journey then weaves and twists into an amazing test of Naruto's nindo, loyalty and strength. Finding the offspring proves to be difficult, and even more incredible when he finds out one of them exists in the Leaf village.

Timeline: Everything that has happened up until ch. 217 (pp. 18-19) is applied. So, from the moment Sasuke and Naruto meet has occurred, but from ch. 218 and so forth has not happened. That's where my story deviates from the original storyline. Does that make it AU?

Pairings: shounen-ai het SasuNaru, ShikaIno, LeeSaku are some

Disclaimer: Characters, setting, and story idea belongs to Kishimoto Masashi.

AN: This is my first Naruto fanfic, so there's bound to be problems somewhere, sorry!! Please leave constructive criticism, and avoid comments like "This sucks" without giving a plausible reason. ALSO, there's BOUND to be some OOC aspects because it's my 1st attempt writing Naruto AND because it's hard to keep the characters in character when they are not my own creations.

Also, I'd like to give a big THANK YOU to everyone who reviewed, because I wasn't expecting any, but am pleased that people actually like what I write!! (Reviewers section is at the bottom)

Moreover, I'm sorry for taking over a month just to get this chapter out, but school started for me 8/17 (on a Monday, no less!), and school's harder this year. Well, I know that's a fact (ha ha), but IB courses are hard for me; there's so much work required and expected. Plus, math is a killer. Anyway, I'll try to continue to update faster! I have a break in 2 weeks, so that should be good. Once more, I'm sorry for the long delay, but I updated the 3rd chapter as well! That hopefully makes up for something!

Key: "speaking"

bold for emphasis

thoughts

italicize usually means flashbacks

Enjoy!


Ch. 2 "Mission" Allowed

"Baa-chan! Baa-chan!" an orange blur cried out while managing to run in zigzags inside the Hokage office.

Tsunade appeared from a concealed bathroom with a vein popped out in annoyance.

"What. Do. You. Want. Gaki?" she asked slowly through gritted teeth.

"Old hag! Assign me on a mission that takes me far from Konoha!" Naruto demanded placing himself right in front of Tsunade.

"What? And why would I do that? You're only a genin. Don't think that mission you previously took increased your rank, kid." Tsunade replied firmly. Not surprisingly, she began to already feel fed up with her favorite nuisance.

"I.. I.. I want to find my family!" Naruto supplied uncertainly. Baka, what am I saying?he angrily thought to himself as he realized his plan sucked... if it even counted as a plan.

Then, Sasuke entered the room appearing a little befuddled.

"Uchiha Sasuke! Right on time!" Tsunade announced cheerfully.

Naruto immediately frowned and spat, "Why is he here?"

"Unlike you, gaki, he has an appointment with me." Tsunade snapped.

Sasuke maintained his stoic condition and wordlessly handed over his mission report slightly inclining his body forward in a small bow.

"Ah, yes! Thank you!" Tsunade responded quickly skimming over the report. "I presume the mission went well without a rebuke? And the payment has been made?" she added for definite clarification.

"Hai." Sasuke replied monotonously.

Naruto's eyes moved between the two like a ping-pong match while wearing a snarl and curious expression on his face. However, these odd combinations aroused amusement—not fear.

Before Naruto could mutter a phrase, albeit incoherent, Tsunade lifted her right palm at his face and spoke, "Don't wear out your brain, Naruto. Sasuke has just finished a series of small missions for me. There's nothing unusual going on."

On the other hand, the issue was highly suspicious to Naruto.

"Why are you giving missions to this scum? He left the village on his own accord! He deserted the people! He betrayed his loyalty as a shinobi of the Leaf! And you act like nothing has happened giving him missions and me nothing?! He hurt people! He intentionally left simultaneously betraying Leaf! This—" Naruto paused as he furiously jabbed a finger in Sasuke's face. "—This scum deserves sh—"

"—ENOUGH!" Tsunade barked in clear infuriation emphatically pounding her cluttered desk with her fist.

As papers flew all over the place, the Fifth Hokage apologetically asked Sasuke to leave and come back in when Naruto left. Sasuke complied still maintaining a cold-hearted temperament. Once Sasuke had left the room, Tsunade absent-mindedly began putting her papers back in piles while severely upbraiding Naruto.

"Where are your manners as a fellow Leaf shinobi? Huh, brat? Even though our vocation as shinobis means to limit our characters as basic tools for the country, that doesn't mean everyone who has pledged to become a shinobi is a tool. In fact, there are rarely any who achieve that status." Then, she placed both of her hands on Naruto's shoulders forcing him to look her in the eye. "Naruto, please listen. As shinobis we fight. But, we are still humans, and humans make mistakes. Mistakes so horrible we wish we could take them back, but if we had to do it over again, we wouldn't. Complications like that prevent the world from being black and white. Do you understand that, Naruto-kun?" Tsunade asked for confirmation.

He nodded. Then, his eyes grew more passionate.

"All I'm trying to do is help a fellow shinobi by easing Sasuke into a routine. If he remains here, the villagers may know everything through gossip, and would motivate many conflicts to occur. We have enough problems with our foreign relations. The last thing we need is our village to break down internally. Once that damage occurs, we will be vulnerable to any attack. I need to pretend to the village that everything is all right. Don't look at me like that, Naruto-kun, I know. It's selfish. I'm selfish. But it's for the good of our village. Can you at least understand my perspective as Hokage?" Tsunade asked hopefully.

"Weeell... I suppose so... if you buy me—" Naruto began to bribe for ramen jokingly when he thought of his task. "—If you let me go abroad for a... year." he haggled clumsily.

The Godaime observed him curiously before giving an answer.

"Is this so you can 'find your family'?" she questioned warily.

"No! I..." Naruto faltered before brainstorming the best response he could think of. "You know that Uchiha jerk and I don't get along now, and, well, to prevent the Leaf crumbling inside I thought it'd be good for me to get some time along to myself... to y'know clear my mind and have some space before returning to Leaf." Naruto concluded confidently. As he examined the old hag's still doubtful expression, he added positively, "Besides, it's not like I'm an integral part of the community! No one will miss my absence until, maybe, a few weeks or so. So, it's not like I'll add to the Leaf breaking down. Plus, I'm sure some people will be happy I'm gone. You know, every person has his or her enemy, or enemies in some cases. Hehe..." Naruto eagerly belittled himself. "I'll return, if that's what you're worried about." Naruto softly stated.

Heaving a defeated sigh, Tsunade complied replying, "OK, gaki, have it your way. If it's for the village (no pun intended), then so be it. However, you're still a minor. I would prefer it if someone supervised you."

"What?! I'm thirteen going on fourteen! I'll be fine! 'Sides, I'm strong—" Naruto shot back insistently.

"And there are stronger opponents who would dearly love to fight a helpless, stuck up genin like you." Tsunade smirked.

Naruto pouted in response.

"'To kill two birds with one stone,' so to speak, I want to keep a check on you as well as a certain perverted—" Tsunade coolly spoke.

"Ero-sennin!?" Naruto exclaimed in shock.

"Yes, Jiraiya. We don't want him making trouble with our neighbors when our foreign alliances are already weakened. We can't have them thinking that we're a weak nation as well as a perverted one now that Jiraiya seems to be a little more active in his 'data gathering,' as he calls it. So, it's settled. I'll expect you both to be at the Konoha Gate this evening at 7:00." Tsunade announced settling the issue.

"Eh? Tonight?" Naruto asked, slightly confused at the hastiness.

"Sooner the better, right Naruto-kun?" Tsunade remarked cheerfully.

"Oh, yeah, sure." Naruto casually confirmed still in some sort of a stupor that everything was happening so quickly.

"Well, I'll see you around, then Naruto-kun." Tsunade amiable parted before urging him out the door, and motioning for Sasuke to come in.

--- oooo ---

In his apartment, Naruto was quickly packing his belongings bearing in mind that he would have to carry all of it.

"Uzumaki Naruto, be aware of everyone's chakras." the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's deep voice advised softly.

"Uh, yes sir!" Naruto, without delay, responded with a trace of fear.

"Hm. Just see that you don't forget, and make me repeat. And don't you ever make me regret making this deal with you." the kitsune demon fiercely threatened as Naruto's stomach rumbled.

Naruto awkwardly gulped trying to maintain a clear focus while energetically nodding hi head. Then, he realized the demon couldn't see him! So, he hastily emphasized his belated reply, "YES! I WON'T!"

Quiet laughter echoed in Naruto's mind.

--- oooo ---

Precisely at seven o'clock, Naruto stood impatiently carrying his mustard yellow backpack. This time he made sure to keep Gama-kun hidden. He wouldn't fall for the "three things a shinobi can't have" crap again.

"Argh! Where's the ero-sennin? He's making me late! Kyu—" Naruto began whining aloud.

"Or who? Who is Kyu?" Jiraiya asked, suddenly appearing.

"Uh... eto... ano..." Naruto stalled unsuccessfully causing Jiraiya to observe him strangely. "Kyu... Kyuchi-poo!" Naruto blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Kyuchi-poo?" Jiraiya repeated solemnly as his eyes drew a blank.

"Yeah! Gama-kun had an accident, so I got Kyuchi-poo to replace him! I was going to say that Kyuchi-poo will be sad if he doesn't go on a diet!" Naruto rambled hoping to amend his blunder.

"Ahhh..." Jiraiya commented his eyes sparkling in delight. "Well, let's go, brat, and have some fun!"

"Yeah, sure." Naruto responded dully for his mind was more concerned about the mission given by Kyuubi.

Jiraiya had also noticed a new faraway look in Naruto's eyes becoming increasingly worried about Naruto's well-being.

After walking for some time, Jiraiya signaled they stop at an inn.

--- oooo ---

"Oi, Naruto," Jiraiya spoke after some time of unpacking in silence.

"Yeah?" Naruto distractedly responded.

"What's bothering you? Why do you want to leave Konoha now?"

Naruto shrugged trying to keep maintain a normal disposition. "I can't stand him anymore, I guess."

"Him?"

Naruto glared and raised his eyebrows at Jiraiya.

"Ah, him." Jiraiya laughed uneasily. "Well, heh, heh, Naruto, we all make mistakes—"

"—Just not as stupid as him. And no one hates him for it. C'mon ero-sennin, like I haven't heard what baa-san lectured." he grumbled.

"Demo, Naruto, you shouldn't hold this grudge against your teammate—" Jiraiya persisted.

"—Don't you and baa-san hate Orochimaru?" Naruto shot back, expectantly waiting for an answer.

Jiraiya grinned nervously. He was surprised the brat had found a logical point.

"So, you hate him as much as Tsunade-hime and I hate Orochimaru?" Jiraiya asked.

"Far more. He did something unforgivable." Naruto announced his eyes narrowing.

"And Orochimaru didn't?" Jiraiya shot back in annoyance. Actually, he couldn't believe that he was arguing with this kid about who hated whom more. "Never mind, I'm not going to continue arguing something futile. People hurt each other; that is a fact."

"You just don't get it, do you?" Naruto exclaimed angrily. "He... he... "

"He what?"

"He's not human." Naruto mumbled his mask beginning to fall to pieces.

"Excuse me?" Jiraiya asked with a worried expression. He wondered to himself if Naruto was going to have a nervous breakdown.

"His Sharingan." Naruto simply stated.

"What about his Sharingan? Did he use it on you? Demo, you did fight him. What happened?" Jiraiya persisted concernedly.

Naruto shook his head left and right, and faced Jiraiya with an indifferent look. "Who cares? What's done is past. He can go rot in hell for all I care. It's not like anyone really acknowledges him. All they see is the last survivor of the Uchiha clan. The pretty boy with a gloomy face. Even Kakashi-sensei just sees a Sharingan-user, his favorite pupil, but not Sasuke. Only his teammates would see him as he truly is." Naruto replied in a slightly different confident attitude.

Jiraiya noticed that Naruto's tone had changed dramatically from the enraged boy to a nonchalant teenager. What had happened?

"C'mon ero-sennin, I want to go take a hot bath before the inn closes its bathhouse." Naruto stated and gathered his bathroom supplies before heading out. As he walked alone down the hardwood floors, he inwardly thanked the Kyuubi for his encouraging words as it helped him out of a tight spot.


AN: Yeah, this seemed a bit like a filler chapter (as well as short), but it's getting things moving alone! (Now if only the real Naruto anime could get things moving along! Although, I enjoyed Ep. 101! D)


Reviewers:

ghostninja85 – Thanks for your review! It motivated me to continue with my story!

MELSAMA13 – Thanks for reviewing and writing your impression of it!

Pale Rider – Thanks for pointing out areas I should work on without being harsh! It's true my diction is awkward, and I tend to write wordy sentences. However, at the same time, the wordiness is a part of my writing style, so it's difficult to change that aspect immediately. Although, I'll certainly work on it! Also, I like your advice on ways to proofread. I don't fancy a beta reader much, but leaving the work alone for some time and then reading the work is helpful. Lastly, thanks for indicating that I should specify a timeline for my story.

Dark Mimiru-Chan – Thanks for taking the time to read and review! ) And is your name from .hackSIGN?

Lady of Gryffindor – Thanks for reviewing! -

Kyuubi-chan – Sorry for not updating fast at all (I think it's been over a month, --"), but I appreciate your review and hope you'll read again!

chibizaza – Thanks for reviewing and good prediction (although, maybe I made that too obvious, haha ) )! Also, I like your input on how the Kyuubi children maybe like (at the time I hadn't decide on which form they would take), so now I have used your suggestion, and thanks again! D

Hitomi no Ryu – Thanks for reviewing! And to clarify, the fireworks are just put in for some random festival, or summer festival if you want to think that. It was just a way so I could have a reasonable setting in which the Hyuuga members are gathered, because I doubt they get together on a typical day. And, I like your input as well about what form Kyuubi's children should be in, and I think I'll use your suggestion, because I think that would be more fun. But, there may be some discrepancies... Anyway, I hope you continue to read!

NejiDragon – Thanks for your review! And I am a HP fan! Does the notation of SN really give it away?

chibified kitsunes – Thanks for your review and encouragement! And I'm sorry for the uber long delay!!

Licht Sieger – Thanks for your response and taking the time to read!

unknown – Thanks for reviewing! )

Mister Pineapple – Thanks for reviewing and your compliment! Once again, I'm really, really sorry for not updating quickly!

Jenniyah – Thanks for your review and I hope you continue to read! -

MC-88 Thanks for reviewing and I'm sorry I didn't update quickly, but at least I put up 2 chapters!

kitsune – Thanks for reviewing and writing what you are looking for, so I know what type of bases I should include if I forget to!

Crystal-Chan2 – Thanks for reviewing and although it's over a month late, it's out!

Yuen-chan – I love your reaction! Thanks for reviewing!