NOTE: Hi there guys and unguys. I'm glad you like the idea, I hope this soon is soon enough. Thank you for your support. As I said, chapter 1 was a little lame, but in this one things are getting started for real.
About pairings: they are not yet decided, so everything can happen (InnerGM: Yeah right, as if you were going to put Naruto with anybody different than Hinata!). But Dragon-kun, don't ya worry. There is going to be one pairing I'm sure you will be glad with, and I don't mean NaruHina .
I'm not good at geography, so the locations are going to be based upon my neighborhood (Warsaw).
Description of human formed Kyuubi taken from Yondaime-samaKazaraYume's ,Forgotten duties" chapter 14 (A brilliant story, in which Sasuke, Hinata, Sakura and Haku are jinchuriki too. I highly recommend it to you. See my favourites).
,21st Century Shinobi" by GreatMarta
Episode 2- The ninja morning– Who are you?
– You keep on asking me this question.
– Cause you keep on ignoring it. Tell me, who are you! –the boy was furious. The stranger has been appearing in his dreams for two weeks already and hasn't given any satisfying answer to any of his questions. What' worse, he had guts to annoy him during the day, throwing mean comments on people around and the annoyed boy himself. He was playing on the boy's nerves. And it seemed he's having fun doing so.
– All you need to know is that I live in you, and we're both part of some deal. We've been put into a big case, and there's nothing we can do to get out. –the man said. He had fiery red-orange hair. He was wearing a red outfit, similar to a gi, but with long sleeves. The boy noticed a pair of fox ears on top of his head, as well as nine bushy red tails that came out of the man's clothing at the base of his back. His eyes were a blood red color that gave our hero the creeps.
The bay was about 12, 13 years old. He was a blond with such weird hairdo, as if it was hit by lighting. Blade blue eyes were hiding impressively big amounts of wrath.
– What deal! I'm a low cast, God darn it! I didn't sign for any deal! –anger grew inside the boy. He'd gladly punch his hunter in the face, if it wasn't for fact he couldn't come closer than 5 meters to him.
– Back then, years ago… I was careless. You weren't even given a choice. But don't you worry. I'm not so happy about it too. But soon, the party will start, and I'll get back for my humiliation. And you are going to help me. –the boy wasn't even able to name all the feelings fighting within him.
– Me! What makes you think so, stinky? What the hell do you think, that you can give me orders, change my life! The only thing you can fucking do to me, is kiss my ass, do you hear me, ass! –the boy roared, furious with the stranger's insolence. The man smiled.
– Patience, my boy, patience... –he made a few steps forward –Soon you shall learn, how much we can achieve together. –to the boy's utter fear, the man changed his shape. From humanoid... –I'll make you far... –...into foxish. A large, demon fox from hell –...more powerful than... –just as in the horrible monster stories. And he was almost face to face with him –...YOUR FATHER! –he roared straight into the his face and the darkness covered them.
–AAAA!
BUMS!
Naruto opened his eyes.
Naruto sat up rapidly.
Naruto felt cold sweat covering his entire body.
It was just a dream. Just a dream.
– Naruto! –voice again! –Naruto are you alright? –he turned to the direction, from which the voice came. And he saw a woman. The beloved, so well known, most precious in the world. He jumped into her embrace. It was just a dream. Just a dream.
– My poor thing, was it this fucking son of a bitch again? –asked the woman with care in her voice. She was young, 24 years old. Nobody would think she had any relationship with the boy. She had dark hair and brown eyes, complete opposite of light colored Naruto. But if you'd get to know them better, you'd see that they have similar personalities. Both loud, always full of energy, taking nothing seriously. Individuals, who had complete power upon their own lives, and sticked to their own path. Plus, even if they weren't related by blood, they just couldn't think of each other in any other way than of a sibling. Anko, cause that was the woman's name, adopted Naruto over 3 years ago.
– Yes. But it's okay. It's just a dream. Stupid, darn dream. –mumbled the boy, getting out of the shock. He didn't want to worry Anko. She was his most precious person. Before she adopted him, he lived in an orphanage, where he felt really lonely. The caretakers didn't like him, since he kept on pulling pranks for all the time. He had to share a room with three other boys, and the only thing he truly owned was a teddy bear. Until the day he met Anko.
SLASHBACK (Yes, I know it should be Flashback, but I'm just too used to this one)
– Oh, please! I want to go to the swings! Very please! –8-year-old Naruto jumped around one of the orphanage caretakers, pulling her skirt, making the most puppy eyes he was able to. The woman wouldn't let him go out and play, and wasn't going to change her decision.
– Listen, Naruto. It's getting dark soon, the playground is three crossroads away, and I don't have time to go there with you. You have to understand.
– But it's just for a short time! And I'm old enough to cross the road on my own! And all of my friends are allowed to go there on their own, even the girls! Why can't I go? –Naruto kept on asking. The caretaker was slowly getting tired with him.
– Because you can't. You can hurt yourself there, or some bullies may attack you. You are a part of our little society, and have to obey our rules. Nobody is going to look after a single child, when there are so many of you here.
– It's unfair! Unfair! Unfair! –the boy cried and ran to the bathroom. He didn't want to go into his room. His roommates were there, and he needed to be alone. To cry in peace. So nobody could see him. In orphanage, he didn't matter as simply Naruto. He was just one of the group. Everything was being done with a group: eating, playing, learning, cleaning. He envied children from normal families. They were special. They got to do cool things. And he? He had to do, what everybody else did.
But he would not. He would show them, he is an individual. He would go to the playground, even if he's not allowed to. The caretakers are busy, so nobody would notice he's out. Nobody cares for him. So he is not going to care for their stupid rules. He is a big boy, and is going to prove it.
As Naruto expected, it was very easy to leave the orphanage. He jumped through the bathroom window (ground floor, so it's safe), climbed the fence (only two meters high, no problem), crossed the three crossroads (Red light- you stop, green light- you go. Couldn't be easier) and entered a small park. No he could swing as much as he wanted. He ran to his favourite swing. To find out it's occupied.
A young woman was sitting there. Sitting and crying. Naruto didn't like, when somebody cried. It meant this person is sad. He cried quite often and knew it's nothing pleasant. He came closer. What must've happened, to make this woman cry? He needed to find out.
– Hi. –he said. The woman looked at him, tears flowing richly from her brown eyes –What happened? –Naruto asked. The brow eyed seemed surprised. Who was this boy? Why was he talking to her? Nevermind. She couldn't think soberly. She couldn't take the hit she received. The greatest hit a woman can receive.
– No... nothing happened. –she whispered through tears. She couldn't talk about it.
– But you are crying, so you are sad, so something made you sad. What was it? Maybe I can help you? –the boy kept on asking. Gush. What a curious kid. Why would he care? But.. perhaps it is better to talk about it? But with such a child? He won't understand. But again, who cares?
– You can't help me… sobb…
– Let me try.
– Ugh… I… my... I was to have a child. But… I lost it. Huh. –she managed to say it. But the memories wouldn't let go. This pain. This blood. Too much.
– You lost a child? –Naruto wasn't sure if he understood.
– Yes… it died, before it was even born. And my… my boyfriend… he… sobb… he dumped me…
– I know, how you feel. It was the same with me. –Naruto smiled. His interlocutor looked at him, as if he was crazy –I lost my parents before I could know them. It's almost the same as loosing a child before it's born. I don't know who they were. I live in orphanage and have no family. And I'm very sad. –the boy explained. Brown eyed stopped crying. An orphan. A child, who lost his parents. If there only was a word for a parent, who lost a child. That boy. Somehow, he made her feel a little better. Perhaps it's easier to suffer, when you're not the only one to suffer.
– Poor little guy. It's sad to hear that.
– Neh, it's not so bad… Yeah, I have an idea! I don't have parents, and you don't have a child! Maybe I can be your child then? That would be great! –Naruto exclaimed suddenly. Shock. He wanted to be her child? What a crazy idea. But again… could this be a chance? She lost her child, and now met this boy. Was this a sign? A sign, that she is meant to rise a child not of her own? She liked that boy. And he liked her. He was lonely. And she needed support. Somebody to care for. So maybe…
– I… I'm afraid you're too old to be my child… –she noticed. The boy couldn't be more than 12 years younger than her.
– Then let me be your brother! Please, please, very please! –he made puppy eyes and hugged her. She felt she's getting soft. This child needed her. And she needed him. She hugged him back.
– What's the name of my new brother? –she asked, smiling.
– Naruto! Naruto, the future hokage! –exclaimed Naruto with joy. He's finally found a family.
– It's nice to meet you, Naruto. I am Anko.
– Great! Anko-no nee-chan! I have a sister! I have a sister! –Naruto jumped around, yelling out his joy. This was the happiest moment of his life.
END SLASHBACK
– There is nothing to be worried about. –Naruto ascertained. Anko nodded. She had an idea, what the reason of Naruto's dreams may be. But she didn't want to tell him, until she was sure. She had to talk this over with the hokage first. No need to worry her little brother. At least now.
– Okay. Let's get going then. You go wash your teeth and I'm gonna make some tea.
– Ossu! –with that, the topic of nightmares was left behind. The unique siblings did their daily morning rituals. Getting washed, getting dressed, having the tea. Breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but for Naruto and Anko ,the most important" meant ramen and dango, which they always ate out, at local bar. Anko of course could cook, but knew her ramen will never be as good as the one from Ichiraku, which Naruto loved so much. She also preferred dango made by professional cooks. Maybe it wasn't the healthiest way to start the day, but it sure was tasty.
Our heroes lived in a small apartment, on the 10th floor of a 10 floored building. The building was quite old, and the apartment only consisted of Anko's room, Naruto's room, kitchen, bathroom and living room. But, they didn't need more. Small apartment was easy to keep clean and cozy. Plus, it was their own place. Own kingdom.
The elevator broke down from time to time. For shinobi, it was no problem. Walking stairs was a good exercise.
Anko had a car, a very old model that is not being produced anymore. It was enough for two people. To be truthful, they didn't use it too often. Their city was famous of traffic jams, and they preferred going by feet or taking a tramway. Much more ecological.
By feet, they reached the Ichiraku bar, which was located right in the middle of the way to Naruto's school. It was their favourite bar, and the owner was their good friend.
– Oh, there are our most loyal clients! Ohayo! –the old man welcomed the siblings. He was always happy to see them. Not only he earned a lot thanks to them, but they also were a good company.
– Ohayo! The same morning set as always, big boss! –ordered Anko.
– With extra cheese! –added Naruto.
– There you go! Ayame, extra cheese!
– Hai, oto-san! –the ramen experts got down to work. Since they expected their favourite guests, the preparation of the meal always went on fast. Special clients deserved special treatment. They couldn't wait too long. So, after a few minutes, the breakfast was ready.
Usually after the breakfast, Anko would walk her brother to school. Sometimes she had no time for that, and today was one of those times.
– Mitarashi Anko? –they heard behind them, right after paying the bill. It was a chunin, who worked in the hokage's office.
– Yes? Does hokage-sama want something from me? –asked Anko.
– Yes. Hokage-sama requests your presence. As fast as possible. –confirmed the chunin. Okay. She'll get to speak to hokage about Naruto's dreams.
– Ossu. Sorry, Naruto, but it seems I can't walk you to school today.
– Neh, it's okay. We'll see each other after the classes! Good luck with the hokage! –the boy picked up his school bag and quickly left in the direction of the school. He had plenty of time before the first bell (the time, when classes start). And, since he was alone, he could pull on a little prank. Not far from here, at the Ninja Education Centre, stood four hokage figures. They looked a bit too serious. Perhaps a make up would brighten them up.
XX
– Once again, mom: How old am I?
– You're 12, darling.
– And you treat me, as if I was two times younger than this! I really don't need you to walk me to school anymore! –pink haired girl complained at her mother, who was walking by her side.
– But that's no problem, Sakura-chan. It's not so far, and a walk itself is pleasant. –the woman smiled at her daughter. Sighs. Those mothers. They don't understand anything.
– Mom! It's about my reputation! I don't want my friends to think I'm a cry baby, who can't even go to school on her own! –Sakura was getting annoyed. If Ino pig would see her, she'll make fun of her in front off the entire class. Maybe even entire school. To be walked to school by a parent at age of 12. How humiliating.
But, Ino wasn't problem-less in this topic too.
XX
– I told you not to walk by my side!
– Hello, I'm going in the same direction.
– For Christ's sake! I don't want people to see us together! They'd think you're my boyfriend, or worse, relative! –a blonde with her hair in ponytail yelled at a boy, a head taller than her, who walked next to her. Both of them were thin, both were carrying school bags on their backs.
– But we are related, Ino. –pointed the boy out. Right, they looked alike. He was also blonde, but had his hair in braid.
– Whatever! We don't need to show it! I am one of the most popular girls in the school, and I don't want people to know I'm related to one of the least popular guys in the school!
– I'm sure everybody already knows.
– Don't croak, Trash! And hurry up, or we're going to be late! –the boy was left with no special choice. He sighed.
– As you wish, niece.
XX
Not everybody walked to school by feet. Some of the pupils had the luxury of being driven by a parent. Uchiha Sasuke was one of them. But to be truthful, he wouldn't mind walking on his own, even if it was 20 minutes away from his house. Why? Don't ask me, I have no idea.
– Nii-chan! Do you like Smurfs or Gummibears?
– None.
– Oh, come on! I won't tell dad!
– I said I don't like Smurf and I don't like Gummibears. I'm too old for such cartoons.
– Right, your favourite is Maya the bee.
– Shoot up, Itachi!
– Boys! Please. Behave yourselves. –Uchiha Mikoto scolded her children. 16 (17?) year old Itachi, 12 year old Sasuke and 3 year old Izumi silenced themselves. For a few seconds.
– Maya the bee rules. Sasuke Nii-chan knows what's good. –Izumi stated. Sasuke sighed. He was really happy when their parents told him, that he was going to have a baby sibling. Back then, he couldn't understand, what his brother meant by saying ,How could they do this to me?". Now, he had an idea. Sure, he loved his sister, but sometimes she was just unbearable.
Fortunately the journey to his school only took about 5 minutes by car. Good. Being in the same vehicle with Izumi for a longer time period wasn't safe for his nerves.
– Have a nice day, Sasuke-kun. –Mikoto waved at her younger son, who eagerly left the car with a bag on his shoulders. School. How annoying. As if he needed any education different than ninja education. Maths, science, languages- what was that for? He wished he didn't have to learn all this stuff. So he could concentrate on ninjutsu and become as good as his genius brother, or maybe even surpass him. And make his father proud.
XX
I...
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Marta: I hope you liked it. I know it concentrates around Naruto and Anko mostly, but I needed to put this slashback here. Plus, I served you a few shocking details, which I hope would add some spice to the story. As always THX, and see you soon.