Disclaimer: I own whatever you do not recognize.
Author's Disclaimer: Thanks to all those that Reviewed. It was great knowing that you all like my story. Thanks!!
Chapter Two: Into the Fire
The Uzumaki Estates were largest in Hidden Leaf and most possibly the most secret. The Large Estates were located in the farthest reach corner of Hidden Leaf's forest. The Estates consisted the large home that once housed the entire Clan, a large practice field and a Dojo. Naruto sat on the deck, his eyes trained on the Estates gate, hoping to see his teacher. Behind him, Inari was curled, allowing the boy to recline against him. "I wonder where Sensei is" Naruto said, frowning, he looked at Inari. "You don't think anything happened to him, do you?"
-- If I know anything about that Toad, Kiji, he can take care of himself. -- Inari spoke. The great fox yawned and stretched, his amber eyes closing then opening. --Don't concern yourself. You told me Toad is a highly respected person in this village, I doubt any harm will come to him. --
"Inari, I don't think Sensei appreciates you calling him 'Toad'" Naruto replied, smiling slightly. The Fox gave a shrug but looked at the gate in which Jiraiya passed through not a moment later. Following behind the white-haired Sennin was Naruto's beloved aniki, Iruka. The blonde was up on his feet and at Iruka in a flash, the two falling back onto the soft grass. Iruka laughed and hugged the smaller body closer to him. Jiraiya smiled and shook his head, moving to sit on the deck beside Inari. Naruto pulled back, his braid falling over his right shoulder, his eyes danced with amusement. Iruka sat up, allowing Naruto to sit upon his legs and smiled at the blonde. "See, I kept my promise, didn't I".
"Yes you did, Naruto" Iruka said, smiling. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Naruto's forehead,after brushing away the boy's wispy bangs; Naruto beamed up at Iruka. Naruto turned and beckoned Inari to come, so he could introduce the two. "So, this must be Inari . . . Jiraiya-sama told me all about your journey. It's a pleasure, Inari-san". Iruka dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I'm Umino Iruka, aniki of Naruto".
-- I have heard of you, Umino Iruka-- Inari replied. The Fox gave what some would call a grin. -- Kodomo no Tsuchi. --
Iruka blinked as Inari leaned in and licked the Chunnin's cheek, Naruto watched as his guide left the gardens in favor of the house. "Now, that was unexpected" Jiraiya said. He shrugged and entered the house, allowing the two to have some privacy. Naruto got off of the dark haired Chunnin, allowing the older man to sit up and take in Naruto's new appearance. The boy's new looks seemed to fit him better then his old appearance, Iruka touched the silver-blonde hair feeling it's silky texture under his fingers. Almond shaped eyes gazed up at him, radiating with happiness and the never-ending kindness.
"I missed you, Aniki" Naruto said, softly.
"And I you, Otouto" Iruka said, smiling. He leaned in and kissed Naruto's forehead. "I'm glad you returned home". Naruto curled against the Chunnin, his head coming to rest on the other's shoulder.
"It is funny" Naruto said, gazing up into the sky. "Hidden Air is where my biological family lives and thus should be my home but this is where my heart belongs. I do not understand it". He looked at Iruka, in hopes of some explaination.
"Well, you know the saying 'Home is where the heart is'" Iruka said. "Perhaps you took that to heart?"
"Maybe . . . But I am glad that I am back" Naruto said. "Hidden Air has its beauty but it does not compare to Hidden Leaf". Naruto smiled at Iruka, his eyes turning up happily. "So, what news have I missed out upon?"
The next morning was a buzz with the arrival Jiraiya and his mysterious apprentice and the boy's overly large silver fox. They were quite the talk of the village, considering no one had ever seen such a unique beauty of the apprentice nor had they ever seen a silver fox before. The news of the apprentice and his fox had managed to reach the ears of Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura, who wondered if the apprentice was Naruto in some way.
Naruto, slowly, walked into the market street of the Village; gazing at the vendors that carried produce from all around. People were stopping to stare at him in wonder and curiousity, which wasn't something he was use to when they use to know who he truly was. Approaching a vendor, Naruto surveyed the produce, trying to ignore the stares. He gathered his desired produce and journeyed on, looking at each vendor with interest. Unknowingly, Naruto wasn't paying attention and accidently walked into Hyuga Neji. The smaller teenager fell backwards onto his bottom and stared up into Neji's cold face. "Watch it" Neji growled, icily. He had changed since Naruto had left the village and not for the better, times had not been kind to the heir of the Branch family.
"My apologizes" Naruto mumbled, softly. "I was not paying attention to my surroundings; it will not happen again, Neji-San". Naruto stood and bowed to Neji before side-stepping and walking away. Neji was shocked at the politeness of the unfamiliar teen. He turned and grabbed Naruto's arm and whirled him around, causing the smaller teenager to cry out at the sudden attack, memories of painful events flashing through his mind.
"How do you know me?!" He grasped both of Naruto's arms, painfully.
"Stop it!" Naruto whimpered. "You're hurting me". Neji didn't care and he was beginning to frighten the smaller boy with the strange look upon his face. Suddenly, Neji was yanked away from Naruto. The Heir to the Branch House of the Hyuga Clan looked up into the furious face of his former sensei, Iruka. Naruto rubbed at his arms and watched Iruka glared at the Hyuga.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Hyuga-San?" Iruka growled, angrily.
"This conversation has nothing to do with you, Iruka-Sensei" Neji snarled back. Iruka glared but felt something grasp his arm; both looked to see Naruto standing there. He managed to separate the two by gently removing Iruka's hands from Neji's Chunnin uniform and grasped one hand in his own. Naruto bowed to Neji and walked away, pulling Iruka behind him. The two vanished out of Neji's sight.
Iruka followed Naruto around the street, helping the boy gather supplies. The two were attracting attention of many shoppers; Naruto seemed to be handling the attention quite well now that Iruka was by his side. "How much has changed since I have left?" Naruto inquired, starting a conversation. He hoped to learn of the changes in everybody.
"Life in Hidden Village was the same for a while after you left" Iruka answered. "Although a little quieter then usual, but just the same. Ino replaced you on Team Seven, quite interesting. Ino also recently married Shikamaru, a real surprise to everyone when that happened".
"Is Shikamaru a Jonin?" Naruto interrupted.
"Yeah" Iruka replied, smiling. "But it seemed that without you around, everything was fading. Sasuke didn't tolerate Sakura or Ino as much as he did when you were on the team. And Kakashi seemed to lose a certain spark that made life enjoyable". Iruka shrugged, not really wanting to continue on about the silver-haired Jonin.
"Did something happen between you two, Aniki?" Naruto inquired. Iruka looked at the younger Leaf-Nin and nodded. "Oh, I understand . . . Tell when you are ready, prying does not help". Iruka laughed and tugged, playfully, on Naruto's braid. "Aniki!"
"Oh, Iruka-Sensei" came a quiet voice. Both Naruto and Iruka looked up to see Hyuga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba standing there. Kiba was holding two bags of Vendor goods while Hinata carried a basket. "How are you?"
"Good, and yourself, Hinata?" Iruka inquired, smiling. The once shy shadow of a girl had changed a great deal. Though she wasn't quite the perfect fighter that her family wanted of her, Hinata was quite the diplomat. She had saved the village last year by the negiotations she carried out with Earth Country.
"I'm fine, Thank you" Hinata replied, in her quiet way. She noticed the blonde at Iruka's side, she blinked her white eyes. She had never seen this boy around the village before. But he wore the Hitai-ate of the Village around his neck. His silver-blue-violet eyes gazed back evenly at her, his face neutral. Then all of a sudden, a smile broke on the boy's face and he bowed.
"Konnicha wa" greeted the boy. His braid fell over his shoulder but he made no motion to push it away.
"It's you!" Kiba said. Hinata looked to her companion, confused. "It's Jiraiya-Sama's pupil!" Kiba handed his bags to Iruka and walked up the smaller boy, grinning. "I want a fight! Show me how powerful you are".
Naruto blinked his eyes, innocently. "But I have no desire to fight with you, Kiba-san" Naruto replied. "It will prove nothing even if you do win". Kiba towered over the smaller boy, smirking.
"Oh, so you're chicken, huh?" Kiba taunted. "Too afraid to fight with the Great Inuzuka Kiba. Pathetic". Kiba made to punch Naruto, but his fist found only air. His eyes blinked in surprisment and he looked around. "Hey! Where'd you go?"
Naruto stood on top of the building. He had not remember Kiba to be so hot-headed; then again, that ninja did love to brag about things. Naruto shook his head. "Very well, Kiba-san" Naruto called, attracting the trio's attention. "If you want a fight, you shall have one. Meet me in the Forest of Death in one hour; you will get your battle". Naruto turned to Iruka. "I'll see you back at the Estates, Aniki". Iruka nodded and waved, watching Naruto faze out of sight. Iruka nodded to his former pupils before heading away.
"I'm gonna round up everyone" Kiba said. "Let 'em see this guy's humiliating defeat". Kiba ran off, leaving Hinata with her bags. The pale eyed girl rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.
Naruto stood, one hour later, in the Forest of Death. Above him, Inari was lounging, a keen eye upon his young human. – Tell me again, Kiji. Why are you having this fight? – Inari inquired.
"Kiba-san will never leave me alone until I do, Inari" Naruto replied. "Beside, it might just lower his ego a few notches if he is defeated. There is a large difference between a proud Ninja and a Braggart. And Inuzuka Kiba ia a braggart". Inari shrugged, not understanding his human's explanation but accepted it, nonetheless.
-- Are you going to reveal who you are, Kiji? –
"I might" Naruto replied. Unique eyes looked up at the sky that managed to shone down through the trees above him. "Then again, I might not . . . I cannot say at this moment what my point of plan is".
-- Another question, Kiji. Why did you act meek and helpless with that Hyuga Brat? –
"Who? Neji-san?" Naruto replied. At the fox's nod, Naruto shrugged. "He reminded me of that night in Grass Country when I was taken by Orochimaru. It was reflex". At the mention of the Snake Sennin, Naruto could not help but shiver as memories assaulted his mind once more.
-- Ah, understandable. –
Naruto turned his head slightly. "They're here" he murmured softly. And true enough, out from the foliage appeared the nine rookies of his year plus more. Naruto shook his head. Guess Kiba wanted to have his defeat witnessed at the hands of all his friends.
"This is who you're fighting, Kiba" Neji sneered. He still remembered what had happened earlier. A growl was emitted from the tree behind Naruto and Inari jumped down.
-- Watch who you are speaking to, Human! – Inari growled. But was not heard because the other Chunnins had closed off their hearts.
"Stand down, Inari" Naruto ordered. The fox growled but backed away and sat on it's hunches still glaring at Neji. "Kiba-san, are you ready?" Cockily, Kiba approached Naruto, who watched passively. "I never introduced myself, did I?"
At the other's negative, a smile appeared on Naruto's face. "Uzumaki- Imahitotsu Naruto" was his answer. Naruto gave a bow toward his stunned audience. "Heir to the Imahitotsu Clan of Hidden Air and the Uzumaki Clan of Hidden Leaf. It is a pleasure to be in your company once again".
TBC
Author's Disclaimer: Thanks to all those that Reviewed. It was great knowing that you all like my story. Thanks!!
Chapter Two: Into the Fire
The Uzumaki Estates were largest in Hidden Leaf and most possibly the most secret. The Large Estates were located in the farthest reach corner of Hidden Leaf's forest. The Estates consisted the large home that once housed the entire Clan, a large practice field and a Dojo. Naruto sat on the deck, his eyes trained on the Estates gate, hoping to see his teacher. Behind him, Inari was curled, allowing the boy to recline against him. "I wonder where Sensei is" Naruto said, frowning, he looked at Inari. "You don't think anything happened to him, do you?"
-- If I know anything about that Toad, Kiji, he can take care of himself. -- Inari spoke. The great fox yawned and stretched, his amber eyes closing then opening. --Don't concern yourself. You told me Toad is a highly respected person in this village, I doubt any harm will come to him. --
"Inari, I don't think Sensei appreciates you calling him 'Toad'" Naruto replied, smiling slightly. The Fox gave a shrug but looked at the gate in which Jiraiya passed through not a moment later. Following behind the white-haired Sennin was Naruto's beloved aniki, Iruka. The blonde was up on his feet and at Iruka in a flash, the two falling back onto the soft grass. Iruka laughed and hugged the smaller body closer to him. Jiraiya smiled and shook his head, moving to sit on the deck beside Inari. Naruto pulled back, his braid falling over his right shoulder, his eyes danced with amusement. Iruka sat up, allowing Naruto to sit upon his legs and smiled at the blonde. "See, I kept my promise, didn't I".
"Yes you did, Naruto" Iruka said, smiling. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Naruto's forehead,after brushing away the boy's wispy bangs; Naruto beamed up at Iruka. Naruto turned and beckoned Inari to come, so he could introduce the two. "So, this must be Inari . . . Jiraiya-sama told me all about your journey. It's a pleasure, Inari-san". Iruka dipped his head in acknowledgement. "I'm Umino Iruka, aniki of Naruto".
-- I have heard of you, Umino Iruka-- Inari replied. The Fox gave what some would call a grin. -- Kodomo no Tsuchi. --
Iruka blinked as Inari leaned in and licked the Chunnin's cheek, Naruto watched as his guide left the gardens in favor of the house. "Now, that was unexpected" Jiraiya said. He shrugged and entered the house, allowing the two to have some privacy. Naruto got off of the dark haired Chunnin, allowing the older man to sit up and take in Naruto's new appearance. The boy's new looks seemed to fit him better then his old appearance, Iruka touched the silver-blonde hair feeling it's silky texture under his fingers. Almond shaped eyes gazed up at him, radiating with happiness and the never-ending kindness.
"I missed you, Aniki" Naruto said, softly.
"And I you, Otouto" Iruka said, smiling. He leaned in and kissed Naruto's forehead. "I'm glad you returned home". Naruto curled against the Chunnin, his head coming to rest on the other's shoulder.
"It is funny" Naruto said, gazing up into the sky. "Hidden Air is where my biological family lives and thus should be my home but this is where my heart belongs. I do not understand it". He looked at Iruka, in hopes of some explaination.
"Well, you know the saying 'Home is where the heart is'" Iruka said. "Perhaps you took that to heart?"
"Maybe . . . But I am glad that I am back" Naruto said. "Hidden Air has its beauty but it does not compare to Hidden Leaf". Naruto smiled at Iruka, his eyes turning up happily. "So, what news have I missed out upon?"
The next morning was a buzz with the arrival Jiraiya and his mysterious apprentice and the boy's overly large silver fox. They were quite the talk of the village, considering no one had ever seen such a unique beauty of the apprentice nor had they ever seen a silver fox before. The news of the apprentice and his fox had managed to reach the ears of Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura, who wondered if the apprentice was Naruto in some way.
Naruto, slowly, walked into the market street of the Village; gazing at the vendors that carried produce from all around. People were stopping to stare at him in wonder and curiousity, which wasn't something he was use to when they use to know who he truly was. Approaching a vendor, Naruto surveyed the produce, trying to ignore the stares. He gathered his desired produce and journeyed on, looking at each vendor with interest. Unknowingly, Naruto wasn't paying attention and accidently walked into Hyuga Neji. The smaller teenager fell backwards onto his bottom and stared up into Neji's cold face. "Watch it" Neji growled, icily. He had changed since Naruto had left the village and not for the better, times had not been kind to the heir of the Branch family.
"My apologizes" Naruto mumbled, softly. "I was not paying attention to my surroundings; it will not happen again, Neji-San". Naruto stood and bowed to Neji before side-stepping and walking away. Neji was shocked at the politeness of the unfamiliar teen. He turned and grabbed Naruto's arm and whirled him around, causing the smaller teenager to cry out at the sudden attack, memories of painful events flashing through his mind.
"How do you know me?!" He grasped both of Naruto's arms, painfully.
"Stop it!" Naruto whimpered. "You're hurting me". Neji didn't care and he was beginning to frighten the smaller boy with the strange look upon his face. Suddenly, Neji was yanked away from Naruto. The Heir to the Branch House of the Hyuga Clan looked up into the furious face of his former sensei, Iruka. Naruto rubbed at his arms and watched Iruka glared at the Hyuga.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Hyuga-San?" Iruka growled, angrily.
"This conversation has nothing to do with you, Iruka-Sensei" Neji snarled back. Iruka glared but felt something grasp his arm; both looked to see Naruto standing there. He managed to separate the two by gently removing Iruka's hands from Neji's Chunnin uniform and grasped one hand in his own. Naruto bowed to Neji and walked away, pulling Iruka behind him. The two vanished out of Neji's sight.
Iruka followed Naruto around the street, helping the boy gather supplies. The two were attracting attention of many shoppers; Naruto seemed to be handling the attention quite well now that Iruka was by his side. "How much has changed since I have left?" Naruto inquired, starting a conversation. He hoped to learn of the changes in everybody.
"Life in Hidden Village was the same for a while after you left" Iruka answered. "Although a little quieter then usual, but just the same. Ino replaced you on Team Seven, quite interesting. Ino also recently married Shikamaru, a real surprise to everyone when that happened".
"Is Shikamaru a Jonin?" Naruto interrupted.
"Yeah" Iruka replied, smiling. "But it seemed that without you around, everything was fading. Sasuke didn't tolerate Sakura or Ino as much as he did when you were on the team. And Kakashi seemed to lose a certain spark that made life enjoyable". Iruka shrugged, not really wanting to continue on about the silver-haired Jonin.
"Did something happen between you two, Aniki?" Naruto inquired. Iruka looked at the younger Leaf-Nin and nodded. "Oh, I understand . . . Tell when you are ready, prying does not help". Iruka laughed and tugged, playfully, on Naruto's braid. "Aniki!"
"Oh, Iruka-Sensei" came a quiet voice. Both Naruto and Iruka looked up to see Hyuga Hinata and Inuzuka Kiba standing there. Kiba was holding two bags of Vendor goods while Hinata carried a basket. "How are you?"
"Good, and yourself, Hinata?" Iruka inquired, smiling. The once shy shadow of a girl had changed a great deal. Though she wasn't quite the perfect fighter that her family wanted of her, Hinata was quite the diplomat. She had saved the village last year by the negiotations she carried out with Earth Country.
"I'm fine, Thank you" Hinata replied, in her quiet way. She noticed the blonde at Iruka's side, she blinked her white eyes. She had never seen this boy around the village before. But he wore the Hitai-ate of the Village around his neck. His silver-blue-violet eyes gazed back evenly at her, his face neutral. Then all of a sudden, a smile broke on the boy's face and he bowed.
"Konnicha wa" greeted the boy. His braid fell over his shoulder but he made no motion to push it away.
"It's you!" Kiba said. Hinata looked to her companion, confused. "It's Jiraiya-Sama's pupil!" Kiba handed his bags to Iruka and walked up the smaller boy, grinning. "I want a fight! Show me how powerful you are".
Naruto blinked his eyes, innocently. "But I have no desire to fight with you, Kiba-san" Naruto replied. "It will prove nothing even if you do win". Kiba towered over the smaller boy, smirking.
"Oh, so you're chicken, huh?" Kiba taunted. "Too afraid to fight with the Great Inuzuka Kiba. Pathetic". Kiba made to punch Naruto, but his fist found only air. His eyes blinked in surprisment and he looked around. "Hey! Where'd you go?"
Naruto stood on top of the building. He had not remember Kiba to be so hot-headed; then again, that ninja did love to brag about things. Naruto shook his head. "Very well, Kiba-san" Naruto called, attracting the trio's attention. "If you want a fight, you shall have one. Meet me in the Forest of Death in one hour; you will get your battle". Naruto turned to Iruka. "I'll see you back at the Estates, Aniki". Iruka nodded and waved, watching Naruto faze out of sight. Iruka nodded to his former pupils before heading away.
"I'm gonna round up everyone" Kiba said. "Let 'em see this guy's humiliating defeat". Kiba ran off, leaving Hinata with her bags. The pale eyed girl rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath.
Naruto stood, one hour later, in the Forest of Death. Above him, Inari was lounging, a keen eye upon his young human. – Tell me again, Kiji. Why are you having this fight? – Inari inquired.
"Kiba-san will never leave me alone until I do, Inari" Naruto replied. "Beside, it might just lower his ego a few notches if he is defeated. There is a large difference between a proud Ninja and a Braggart. And Inuzuka Kiba ia a braggart". Inari shrugged, not understanding his human's explanation but accepted it, nonetheless.
-- Are you going to reveal who you are, Kiji? –
"I might" Naruto replied. Unique eyes looked up at the sky that managed to shone down through the trees above him. "Then again, I might not . . . I cannot say at this moment what my point of plan is".
-- Another question, Kiji. Why did you act meek and helpless with that Hyuga Brat? –
"Who? Neji-san?" Naruto replied. At the fox's nod, Naruto shrugged. "He reminded me of that night in Grass Country when I was taken by Orochimaru. It was reflex". At the mention of the Snake Sennin, Naruto could not help but shiver as memories assaulted his mind once more.
-- Ah, understandable. –
Naruto turned his head slightly. "They're here" he murmured softly. And true enough, out from the foliage appeared the nine rookies of his year plus more. Naruto shook his head. Guess Kiba wanted to have his defeat witnessed at the hands of all his friends.
"This is who you're fighting, Kiba" Neji sneered. He still remembered what had happened earlier. A growl was emitted from the tree behind Naruto and Inari jumped down.
-- Watch who you are speaking to, Human! – Inari growled. But was not heard because the other Chunnins had closed off their hearts.
"Stand down, Inari" Naruto ordered. The fox growled but backed away and sat on it's hunches still glaring at Neji. "Kiba-san, are you ready?" Cockily, Kiba approached Naruto, who watched passively. "I never introduced myself, did I?"
At the other's negative, a smile appeared on Naruto's face. "Uzumaki- Imahitotsu Naruto" was his answer. Naruto gave a bow toward his stunned audience. "Heir to the Imahitotsu Clan of Hidden Air and the Uzumaki Clan of Hidden Leaf. It is a pleasure to be in your company once again".
TBC