Disclaimer- I don't own Naruto, and I'm glad I don't, otherwise I would be the result of the terrible fillers that are playing on TV right now, and all of you would kill me…
Summary: Birthdays have never been kind to Naruto. But what if this time he gets a gift he will never forget, and finds out that miracles aren't always what one expects them to be.
AU (alternate Universe) there will be OoC through out the story on some characters.
"Denotes speech"
'Denotes thought' Shift in Time or Seen
Flash Back
Miracle
Morgri
Morning could have never come at a faster pace than it had, and Naruto was rudely reminded of his guest when Kiseki had nudged him out of his sleep. No, it wasn't intentional, but Naruto swore he had never seen a person kick or punch in bed as much as the young girl that slept beside him and despite all of his attempts, she absolutely refused to let him sleep on the couch.
Naruto rubbed his eyes and drearily turned to look at the little girl. She slept there peacefully, fully unaware of her surroundings, as if she hadn't a worry in the world. It was the kind of look you expected to see on a seven year old, not the look he had seen the day before. The boy smiled when she grabbed his pillow and snuggled up to it. It was good to see the girl resting, he imagined she didn't get that kind of sleep on the streets, and he knew for a fact that he hadn't when he was forced to live outside.
He sighed. He had a long day awaiting him, including a very important day at the academy in a couple of hours. He also had to go and get the younger girl some clothes, and more importantly, something to eat. He wouldn't let her starve. Besides, he had always heard that breakfast was the best meal of the day. The only problem was that there was no viable restaurant that would actually let him in to get something healthy to eat. After all, the owners of these restaurants had the right to refuse any costumer, whether Naruto liked that or not. Granted, the old man could easily solve this ordeal, but in all of Naruto's honesty, the boy was too ashamed to tell the Hokage of the problem.
Being the smart thinker that he was, however, Naruto had already thought of a solution for this; wait and figure out what to do when he got there. It was simple and brilliant, well in his mind anyway. Nah, Naruto figured that the easiest way to get her in without causing trouble was to just give her the money and watch her from the outside of the restaurant, that would be enough to avoid some unnecessary argument.
Naruto got up and walked to his drawer. He pulled out his regular orange jumpsuit and black t-shirt and proceeded to walk to the shower. The boy turned the hot water and the pulled on the other knob to turn on some cold water. Kiseki had just bathed the other night, and he figured she could get away with no shower for the time being, besides, he didn't have enough hot water to keep them both comfortable, and he didn't like bathing in cold water either.
After enjoying his quick shower, Naruto put on his normal attire, minus the jacket, and went to find Kiseki some temporary clothing. Selecting what he thought would fit her, his old white t-shirt and some raggedy old pants, he went over to the bed, and tapped the girl enough to wake her up. After no response the first time, he tapped her again, this time a little harder, and in a slight whisper told her that it was morning.
"Onii-chan," the girl whispered groggily, as if she were still half asleep. Finally realizing where she was, she brought her pillow to her chest, and looked around what was at this time a foreign place to her.
"How did you sleep?"
She snapped her head towards the voice, and after a small blank stare, gave Naruto one of her rare smiles and spoke a mornings greeting. Naruto chuckled at her sudden realization; it had brought back memories of the first time he had woken up in this room. He had had virtually the same reaction, that is, a slight sense of fear, bewilderment, and confusion; all this before realizing he had finally found a place to call home, even if it was all by himself.
"Here, put these clothes on, I'll take you to get some breakfast after you've washed your face." Naruto said, laying the clothing onto the bed and then walking to the other side of the room.
Kiseki quickly undressed herself, lay what she was wearing on the bed, and proceeded to take the clothing she had just been given. Seeing she was dressed Naruto approached her and held out his jacket.
"It's still pretty cold outside," Naruto said, Kiseki taking the jacket out of his hand, "This should be enough to keep you warm until we get you some clothes."
Before putting the jacket on, Kiseki left to wash her face and brush her teeth. According to Naruto, who despite his looks was quite clean, personal hygiene was important, especially the hands, face, and teeth. Naruto, above all the criticism from the other children, had become quite clean in his own right. This was mostly because what little he had was to important to just toss around and he couldn't afford to replace any accidentally broken objects. Naruto had learned this lesson when he had kicked one of the few plates he had into a wall and totally shattered it. He decided then that he wouldn't let it happen again. Even now, if one were to enter his home, they would be quite surprised.
After a couple of minutes, Kiseki returned to the room all washed up and wearing Naruto's warm jacket. Naruto shuffled through one of his drawers before pulling out what looked to be a quite expensive crystal color necklace. It was shaped like a diamond and tied onto a small black string. The pretty shine quickly caught Kiseki's eye, but before she could ask he took her by the hand and led out the door, down the stairs, and onto Konoha's usual quiet morning streets. It was now 7:00 AM, and Naruto figured that he would have just enough time to both feed the girl and take her shopping for clothes before having to go to the academy.
In regards of money, Naruto's little frog wallet was nice and fat, filled with the cash that was supposed to be his months rent. He knew using this money would get him into trouble, but to Naruto, Kiseki's well being was more important than his broken down apartment. Besides, he could easily go and haggle the old man into lending him some extra money for the month; After all, the old man had always been very generous and considerate, the complete opposite of the other people in the village. Even though Naruto had always had a vague awareness of the Kyuubi Demon's ties with him (for the Kyuubi had constantly harassed the boy in dreams and nightmares) he was not fully aware that he had been used as the vessel for the Demon. Naruto just knew that something concerning him and the fox caused the whole mess with the villagers.
Whatever the case, the treatment he received still burnt a whole into his heart, and a lot of times he was actually unconfident and nervous about his role as a ninja. Apart from his disrupted chakra system, this hidden fear was one of the reasons Naruto had had so much trouble learning basic techniques and skills in school. However, Naruto knew he lived in a tough world, one that wouldn't forgive the weak and unconfident. Therefore he had learned to turn his fear and pain into smiles; a cheerful act to deceive what the villagers thought would be pain. He had learned that pain often acted as a motivation for attackers to fight on, but a smile calmed them down a bit, or at the least, made them leave him alone.
He didn't know the story behind Kiseki though, but what he did know was that there must have been a reason why the orphanage, and some others, disliked her. He also knew that he would not let anyone abuse of the girl like they had when he had found her. If Naruto knew the village well, he was almost certain that someone would try something dangerous, assuming they recognized who Kiseki was. As it stood, however, he would make sure they didn't.
"Onii-chan," Kiseki tapped the older boy's shoulder. For a moment, he had seemed to be spaced out, and she didn't like that look on him, "Are you all right?" She asked worriedly. A barrage of rather foreign feeling's pierced through the girl; concern for others was not something she was used to feeling, for the majority of her life, or what she could remember, she had been forced to only worry about herself, and her own mistreatment.
"Yeah," Naruto smiled back assuringly, calming down Kiseki quickly, "Where would you like to eat?" He asked her, realizing that they had arrived at the business district. "There is 'Natsumo's' over there; I heard they had a good breakfast buffet. Oh, and there is the Ham House, they make bacon and eggs and ham and stuff like that," Naruto explained, raising a finger to his lips as to think of a good description.
Being her quiet and shy self, Kiseki pointed towards what looked like a small indoor restaurant. There was no name on the sign, just a small announcement that said it was the Grand Opening.
"Oh, must be new, want to try this place?"
The girl merely nodded. Naruto decided it would be fine and led the girl through the small crowd and to the restaurant. He stopped and the door and gulped, he knew what would happen if he were to walk in. Instead he reached down for his wallet and pulled out some money. Kiseki curiously looked up at him. He could tell she was wondering about his sudden retreat.
"Uhh… here is some, egh,"
Before he knew it, Kiseki had gripped his hand tighter, and he was dragged into the restaurant.
"Good Day!" Two waiters and an especially enthusiastic woman greeted them as they entered. "Welcome to the "Morning Light's" grand opening!" She exclaimed, "You are our first costumers! So you will all receive a special price today!" She said, shoving both children into a booth right next to a window.
"Y… your not… gonna kick me out?" Naruto's asked puzzled.
"Of course not, why would I?"
"Uh… No reason," Naruto smiled, 'she must not be from around here' he thought.
"So what can we get you today?" She smiled warmly, "We have brought with us the best foreign cuisine in Konoha. Our breakfast menus include the most perfect fried Suna Toast, prepared with a touch of cinnamon and caramel. It comes with six different delicious flavors of syrup," Kiseki's and Naruto's mouths both started to water, "Or you could choose our Honey Ham Special. It's made up of only the plumpest of pigs, drenched in the sweet taste of natural honey, and cooked with complete love and tenderance, to create the most scrumptious of ham. It comes with…"
"We'll take that," Both kids said simultaneously. The woman laughed and confirmed their order. It wasn't long before the food was prepared. They decided then that this would definitely not be there last visit.
After paying and thanking the older woman for her services, Naruto and Kiseki were able to leave peacefully. Naruto was especially happy, this was the first time he had ever had something as tasty as the Ham they had just eaten. Plus, with the special discount, Naruto was able to hold on to more money than he had originally planned. Seeing the condition of both, the woman had nearly let them eat free, but Naruto had insisted on paying something, and she ended up giving them half price.
The clock struck 8:00 and Naruto and Kiseki were off to find clothes.
It didn't take long to find a nice looking clothing store. Naruto promptly led Kiseki to the young girls department and told her to pick something out.
"I'm not good with style," He told her, and had decided to let her choose what she liked as long as they were warm enough to withstand the winter and strong enough to withstand a beating. He didn't want them wearing out in a month. So being the hobby of many young girls, Kiseki quickly went around picking out, examining, and trying on different types of clothes. They ranged from cute t-shirts, large sweaters, coats, and other things.
Time seemed to go by, but Naruto didn't seem to mind, for the other of the two seemed to really be enjoying the moment. It wasn't but a minute later that he was pulled along with the girl to look at the clothes. She wanted his input, and he would be glad to give it to her. She ran him around the store until she suddenly stopped at a certain rack.
"Ohhh, this is pretty," She said, taking a beautiful purple blouse. It had small decorations on the sleeves and color, and it was heavy enough to be considered winter clothing. Naruto saw the girl's eyes shining in wonder. He spotted a white long skirt, which seemed to match the blouse perfectly. He picked it up and in a bit of uncertainty, told her to go try them on. She took the clothes and rushed to the changing room.
Naruto eyed the price of the clothing, 'Is it really all right for me to spend this much…?' his mind screamed at him. 'She probably hasn't had something that nice before,' He thought, 'But…'
Naruto sighed, but livened up when the girl ran back to him with the clothing on. It was absolutely perfect fit on her, and Naruto though she looked marvelous. The question of the price however, was on his mind.
"Do you like these?"
The girl nodded vehemently, and Naruto took the answer as a strong yes. Naruto sighed again.
"Well, pick out one more outfit and we'll pay for these."
And she did.
After what seemed like hours of searching in really only about forty-five minutes, Naruto and Kiseki went up to pay for the clothing. Much to Naruto's distress, the clothes had cost him everything he had left, and had left him in a pinch for money. Not only that, but the school was all the way on the other side of town and he was already late, so there was no way to make it in time for his exam and take Kiseki back to his home. He didn't want to take her to the school, because he was almost certain that they would recognize her and end up sending her back to where she hated.
To avoid that, Naruto decided to take the girl home first, and then try to make the exam. If he was late, he would make up some kind of viable excuse so that he could take the exam, so it was that worrisome to him. He picked the girl up and with bags and all in hand, he rushed off towards home.
9:00 Ninja Acadamy
Iruka checked his watch one more time. He was getting a little anxious about Naruto not showing up, and even though he knew that Naruto didn't like school, Naruto wasn't one to miss the final exam. He had failed the last two graduation exams, but Iruka held that tiny bit of hope that this would be his year. The only problem was that if Naruto hadn't come in before his name was called to participate in the exam, he would be automatically flunked from the exam.
"Alright class!"
Iruka gained the attention of the whole class. He turned to his chalk board picked up his chalk, and began writing down and explaining the rules of the exam.
"The test is simple, you must create three bushins to use as a decoy in your stead. If you fail to make that many perfect replications, then you will fail the exam. I trust you all have practiced and are ready. When your name is called, you will go into room 2-A down the hall. First up, Abo Haroshi," Iruka said, beginning to call down the list of about 50 students.
He figured the test in a whole would only take about an hour, plus the time it took to evaluate each student. Naruto was about the 36 name on that list, so it gave him roughly 35 to 45 minutes to get there before it would be his turn.
"Agito Kazuki" The girl stood up and left for her test.
The role seemed to go fast, and Iruka found himself beginning to worry about Naruto. If by any chance he would show up, Iruka would be sure to chastise the boy as harshly as possible. As much as he pitied the boy, it was no excuse to be missing the final exam of the year.
9:24 Ninja Acadamy
"Haruna Sakura,"
"Yes! Here I go. Today I'll prove my worth to Sasuke-kun and ask him to go on a date with me! AYYYYYY!" The girl screeched in anticipation of asking the boy out and in her excitement stomped loudly and proudly down the stairs. "Wish me luck Sasuke-kun!" she said as she passed the boys seat and then gave a piercing glare to her own rival Yamanaka Ino.
The girl walked out of the room and all, especially Sasuke, were calm again. All though he was known as the quiet loner, Sasuke did sometimes enjoy the company of others, and if it weren't for their incredibly annoying shouts, shirks, and cat fights, he would have gladly given one of the girls a chance. But these girls were more interested in looks and love than anything else and in his mind both of those, especially love, were just another stumbling block in his quest for revenge. Sasuke folded his arms once again, and went back to patient waiting.
Despite everyone's calmness and confidence, there was one person in the top row that had a million things racing through her mind. Hyuuga Hinata, heiress of the prestigious Hyuuga clan, fidgeted nervously in her seat. It wasn't that she was afraid of failing her test, but Naruto, the person she secretly admired was absent. She wondered why he was late, and a thousand different answers were racing threw her mind. Was he sick? Was he Hurt? Could he have run away? The thought of Naruto running away didn't cross Hinata's mind as impossible. She had seen the stares and glares her crush had received, and hated every moment of it. Despite that, his trials had given her an even greater admiration for the blonde boy, and everyday she had found herself more and more entranced with the said boy.
"Hyuuga Hinata!"
"Y-yes!" She abandoned her thoughts, and left to take her test.
9:44 Ninja Academy
"Uchiha Sasuke!"
Sasuke gave his usual humph and left to take his test. Needless to say, he was the last person to go before naruto, and Iruka now truly believed that Naruto had decided to skip the test. The Uchiha passed with flying colors and had impressed the teachers with not three, but 10 bushins, a school rookie record.
Sasuke was never one to give the bear minimum of his abilities. He had always been the type to flaunt his skill. He was, after all, a genius, and much like last years Hyuuga Neji, his own pride often led him to show off to his 'lowers'. This had earned him the hate of just about every male in the classroom and the adoration of every single female (with the exception of one) in the academy population. It wasn't as if he cared about these though; he did, however, as anyone would, enjoy the attention.
To Sasuke, popularity was a sign of strength and control. If people liked him, then it would be much easier for him to take advantage of them. It was the exact opposite of his brother Uchiha Itachi, who had used fear to control the people. But wanted nothing to do with that man, and Sasuke had always been the type to find the easiest way out of things. If he wanted something, he wanted it now. In fact, if it were possible, Sasuke would have sold his soul to the Devil for strength, if it got him to his brother's level. Sasuke smirked at the examiner and walked back to the class.
Iruka watched the boy walk to his seat and then sighed. Naruto was no where in sight and his name was next on the list. He paused for a couple more seconds secretly praying that the boy would walk in; but after seeing nothing, he called out the name.
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Hinata's ears perked up and she looked towards the door expectantly but nervously. When nothing appeared she dropped her head sadly. She was hoping that if they both passed they would be put on the same team together. However, if things continued the way they were, she knew she would never get that chance.
"Uzumaki Naruto!"
No response. Iruka looked around one last time and after seeing nothing marked and 'F' next to the name. He went on to call the next name on the list.
"Yamanaka Ino."
Yes! Here I…" She was interrupted in mid-yell.
"Oi! Uzumaki Naruto is ready to test!" The boy jumped in, seemingly over-excited and totally clueless about what had just happened.
Iruka slapped his forehead and in outrage screamed, "Sit your frieken butt down," scaring everyone, including those outside half to death. Naruto quickly did as he was told, sitting in the only open seat right next to Hinata. He looked her way and after seeing him she blushed and turned away. 'Weird girl' He thought.
"Naruto, you've failed!" Iruka yelled.
Naruto looked down towards the teacher in shock and confusion, causing him to stumble, fall out of his chair, and knock his head against the back wall. Everyone, with the exception of Hinata and Sasuke, burst out in a laughing fit, causing each of them to miss one of Naruto's rare look's of true sadness.
"W-W-W-W-What, Why?" Naruto said.
Yamanaka Ino had already walked out to take her exam.
"Because you're late, plain and simple." Iruka said.
"W-Wait, isn't there a grace period or something?" Naruto argued.
"Your 45 minutes late, how much time could you possibly need?" Iruka said.
"I have an excuse for…" Naruto fell silent. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to let everyone know of his situation just yet. He knew what Iruka would do; that is, call the Hokage and have Kiseki taken away. He didn't want that; not just for the sake of the girl, but because he thought it was kind of nice to have someone to hang out with after school, or work, or whatever the case may have been. Naruto had never had someone like that, who was there to talk, or at least listen to him when he needed to talk. The idea had already grown fond on him and he wanted to hold on to it, even if it cost him another year in the academy.
"Excuse; well, what is it?" Iruka Said
"N-Nevermind…" Naruto said, sitting down in an unusually calm and sluggish motion, with out continuing the fight. Even Iruka thought that reaction as strange.
Hinata looked towards the boy. She wanted to cry for him. Ever since she had started watching Naruto (that was when he had first entered the academy) she had noticed how difficult of a life he actually lived. She had never seen or heard of his parents, and it wasn't long before she had come to the conclusion that he didn't have any. Seeing this had made her more thankful for her own parents. In a way, she had learned that despite her father's harshness after the death of her mother, he was only thinking of what was best for her, and it was then that she had decided that she would do whatever it took to make her father proud of her (for Naruto's inspiration had already made her stronger and more confident, and she was no longer jealous of her sisters natural talent, she had even beaten her in a fight once).
"I-I'm sorry Naruto," Hinata said, overcoming her shy nature in an attempt to comfort him.
"Huh…? Oh, it's nothing," He answered, giving her what she thought was a forced smile. Without it, Naruto looked as if he would have cried. She didn't wan to let go of the subject, but the last tester came back into the classroom and she was forced to turn away.
"This concludes this year's final exams. Congratulations to all of you who passed and to those of you who didn't," Everyone turned to eye Naruto, causing him to fidget uncomfortably, "Good luck to you next year, we'll see you then. You are dismissed."
With the exception of two, everyone jumped, sighed, or walked away from the class, making their way outside to meet and celebrate with their respective parents. Hinata gave a last glance at the boy next to her (who was seemingly lost in thought) and then walked out with the rest. Naruto was left alone, to think about what had happened.
Iruka finished shuffling some papers on his desk and after putting them in his bag, walked up to Naruto.
"Is there a way to make it up?" The boy asked quietly, his head lying on the desk. "I worked really hard to pass this one…" he formed some seals with his hands and whispered Bushin no Jutsu. Three clones in perfect shape, from, and color appeared in the next three seats posing the same form as Naruto. Needless to say, Iruka was shocked (for the last exams Naruto couldn't even make one bunshin) and almost tripped down the stairs out of sheer surprise. Iruka fell into bewilderment. How in the world could Naruto have been so late? He knew the boy would have done anything to be able to show off, or at least get out of the academy.
"Why were you late?" Iruka asked. There must have been a viable reason for Naruto's tardiness, and Iruka thought that if he could get at least a decent excuse he would be able to convince the school board to let Naruto make up the said exam. Naruto stayed quiet, however, and Iruka was almost sure that he had a good reason. Iruka had learned that Naruto's deepest worries were the ones he never showed, and the ones that were the hardest to pry out. "I need a reason, Naruto, if you give me a good one, I can't at least try to get you the make-up exam."
"I can't say, I really can't," Naruto backed his seat out from the desk and got up to leave, "I'll see you next year, Iruka-sensei," He said, giving his teacher his infamous fox-like grin.
"W-Wiat, Naruto, I'll see what I can do." Iruka said.
Outside shouts and cries for joy were heard from all. Naruto decided to walk around them, so as not to get involved with anyone.
"I guess I should go home, nothing to do…"
"Naruto!" A voice interrupted Naruto from his thoughts, and he turned around to his other professor Mizuki. "I heard you missed out on your exams."
"Yeah."
"Not to worry though, the board has allowed a make-up exam, and I have the perfect way to test you."
"What! Really?" Naruto shouted excitedly. Despite the fact that it was a bit unbelievable (and Naruto's lie detectors were going crazy), Naruto felt it best not to question his teacher. Mizuki had been one of the nicer people around him anyway, so he thought it fair to give him a chance.
"Are you interested?" Naruto nodded fervently.
"All right, we'll meet me on the Hokage monument at 2:00 'o clock sharp, any later, and I'll be forced to flunk you. I'll give you your assignment there."
After Mizuki gave Naruto the time and place, he left Naruto to his thoughts and walked back to where Iruka and the other teachers chatted. Naruto, on the other hand, left to get kiseki so that he could take her to get some lunch. He assumed that she had never been to Ichiraku's and decided that that was where they would eat.
It is said that time flies when you're having fun, and that statement could have been no truer to Naruto. Before he knew it, 2:00 had come around, and Naruto sat on the Yondaime moument waiting for Mizuki to arrive. He had made sure to arrive early, but getting out of the door had been difficult because Kiseki had grappled him and begged him not to go. She finally gave up, however, when he told her how important the meeting was and that he would only be gone for about an hour.
Naruto heard something shuffle behind him and turned to be greeted by his other sensei Mizuki. After sharing a couple minutes of conversation, Mizuki got serious and cut the chit-chat short.
"Now, this is a very important mission, success depends completely on your assignment." Miszuki pulled out a small scroll and handed it to naruto. He took it, read it, and jumped in surprise.
"This is…"
"That's right, your objective is to steal this scroll," Mizuki said will pointing to the scroll. A hint of sadistic excitement seemed to flood his voice, "This scroll is the most important scroll in Konoha. Steal and meet me in the designated area written in the scroll."
"Well ok, but… isn't this a little exaggerated for a genin exam?" Naruto asked, still a little stifled at the thought of breaking into the Hokage's Office to get a scroll he knew nothing about. He was now totally convinced it was a lie, and wanted to decline the 'mission', but the piercing glare on his sensei's face told him to do otherwise. Apparently Mizuki had caught on to him figuring out the lie. To Naruto, doing as the sensei said seemed more like a question of survival, for the man didn't look too happy. "N—Never mind, I'll do it," he said, giving the sensei his widest smile.
"Good," Mizuki replied with venom in his voice. He had one shot at this, and if his plan were to succeed, he would need to cast the blame of the crime on someone else, and he better to do it on that the Demon boy. Everyone would believe him, and he could get away and act as if nothing had ever happened. "I'll be watching you, thoroughly," The older man got off and seemingly left, but Naruto looked towards the small rocks to see his sensei peering at him, smiling.
"E-he," Naruto gulped nervously and left to town. There was no way of getting out of robbing the scroll now, so Naruto figured he would plan some way to get it. He didn't want to die during the process, and hopefully, if all went well, he could figure out a way to expose Mizuki as well. Naruto stood and left the monument, if there was any value in doing this for him at all, it might as well have been what was written on that scroll. He decided that that was one thing he would do, learn as much as he could, while he had the chance.
Naruto left the streets, intent on not going home. He would have to break his promise to her, for right now it was all he could do to keep her safe. He only hoped she wouldn't hold it against him, because what little trust they each had at the moment would be easy the break, but for her safety he would have to take that chance.
Hokage's Office 9:00 PM
"W—What in the world!" The Third Hokage shouted.
"Oiroke no Jutsu!" An old man dressed in ceremonial Hokage clothing screamed in horror, or one could argue, excitement. A large stream of blood exited his nose, and the poor man passed out due to blood loss.
"Hehe! It even works on the Hokageeee," Naruto exclaimed. He looked around hoping to find the scroll and gagged when he saw the huge mess that plagued the Hokage's home. Scrolls and what looked like important papers lay everywhere, even some of the Hokage's most valuable possessions seemed to be thrown on the floor. Naruto stepped over some of the junk.
"This is…" Naruto sighed, before putting on a devious smile, "Must have come at a bad time, Oh well, not much time before the Anbu figure it out," he said, before going through all of the scrolls. Stepping over a few items, and even placing some back where they belonged, he ended up walking over to a particular cabinet. It looked like it was made out of some kind of fine wood, and had thick glass casing surrounding it.
"For a 'hidden scroll', they sure don't hide it well," He said, easily breaking the glass and taking the large scroll. Naruto placed it on his back and walked to the unconscious man lying on the floor, "Sorry Oji-san, but I need this scroll."
With that Naruto was out the window, and off to the forest. He knew the commotion would start in only a few hours, and he wanted as much time as possible to read the scroll before he had to give it up. He only hoped that where he decided to hide, Mizuki wouldn't be the first to find him there; that would certainly be a disaster. Naruto had noticed that the man had abandoned his watch on him, and had taken the time to find a different place to hide the scroll. If all worked out, then maybe Iruka would find him first.
"Ugh… What is that kid doing now," The 3rd asked, pulling himself up and bringing his hand to his head. He looked around the room, surely Naruto hadn't stolen anything, the Hokage knew he wasn't that kind of…
"He didn't," The 3rd said.
Sarutobi's eye's had settled on the wooden cabinet and his wonders were confirmed when the man saw the shattered glass scattered all over the floor.
"No!" In his state of shock, the Hokage rushed out the door, quickly arriving to the nearest Chunin guard.
"You! Call every Chuunin in this village," He screamed at the sleeping guard, waking him instantly, "I want this entire village searched for Uzumaki Naruto! Do it NOW!"
The Chunin jumped back in a state of fear, and quicker than a heart beat, he was off to get the Chunin.
9:30 deep in the forests of Konoha
Naruto sat down by a tree next to an old shack. It looked like someone had lived there a long time ago; some of the shack had even rotted away. The area he chose was only about 500 meters away, but, it was strategically positioned to where the view that Mizuki would see would be obstructed by the tree he sat under. Naruto opened the scroll; he would take his few hours to learn the jutsus.
"Okay!" He read down the list, "Number 1: Tengoko no Hono, Hmmm weird name… it's not a justu?" Naruto looked at in wonder and read about the technique.
'Tengoko no Hono – Bloodlimit of the xxxxxxx Clan.'
"Hmmm, that's weird, the name is scratched out." Naruto said.
'Tengoko no Hono: Katon Element. Last used by the exceptional kunoichi xxxxxxxx Mamiko. It uses the power of fire to enhance physical speed and power and the strength and effectiveness of katon jutsus. No hand seals have been used to active or use the technique, thus the user must obtain Tengoko no Hono through lineage. Although not as renowned as the Uchiha's Sharingan or the Hyuuga's Byakugan, Tengoko no Hono maximizes the use of Katon based jutsu's sometime increasing its power by as much as 60 percent.
The Last known survivor of the xxxxxxx clan disappeared shortly upon the arrival of Kyuubi no Yukai. Cause of death occurred during child birth. No other information is currently available.
Cause/Effect: The user experiences a change in eye and hair color (red) throughout the jutsu's activation. A cloud of burning ashes surrounds the user. There exists no explanation for these reactions, but studies show no physical harm is conceived.
Symptoms: Chakra depletion may occur.'
Naruto found the information interesting. He wondered why the names were scratched out. Could the technique have been somehow related to Kiseki? Maybe it was one of the reasons she was hated by the village. The crossed out name seemed to suggest that the clan had been banished. In Konoha, it was common to cross out the names of those who had abandoned, rebelled, or committed high treason. Perhaps this was a lead on Kiseki's past. Naruto didn't know, but he did etch the though into the back of his mind. The only thing that bothered him about this theory was the fact that the mother or 'last surviving clan member' had died during child birth. There would be no reason to destroy a clans place in history because of a simple child birth defect.
Naruto decided not to bother with it, and read on. He figured his time was running out, and he wanted to maximize his time with the scroll.
"Kage Bunshin no Justsu," He read, "Oh great, a jutsu based off of the bunshin technique. Well I suppose I can't complain."
'Kage Bunshin no Jutsu: Jounin Level. Kage Bunshin creates a flesh and blood replica of its user. Although the clone is an exact replica, it cannot act on its own as it only works as a second fighter. Half of the user's Chakra is infused within the clone. Thus, the more clones created, the less effective the clones may become. Activation works as fallows: Boar, Ox, Chicken, Ox, Chicken, Boar, Snake, Tiger, Ox, Dragon, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Boar, Ox, Chicken, Tiger, and Dragon.'
Naruto formed each hand seal respectively. Repeating and memorizing the pattern written on the scroll. He didn't stop until he was able to form each seal quickly but correctly. However despite many attempts, and many failures, Naruto saw no improvement in the skill, and decided to read on about the technique.
'Although it is recommended, chakra control is not required for use of Kage Bushin no Jutsu. Precise timing and a large chakra capacity are what enable this jutsu to work. The most recommended practice of this technique is repetition.'
"Well, I'm doing it that."
Once again Naruto began to form hand seals, hoping that this time, the technique would work.
Iruka was getting pissed. How could he not have realized it, he knew exactly where Naruto would have gone. For heavens sake, he would have gone there too if he were a kid. He raced towards the forest, praying that somehow Naruto hadn't done something stupid with the scroll. He knew the most important secret was held in that scroll. It was the secret that could release the Kyuubi at any moment. No way would he let that happen, for Iruka did not want to face the wrath of that monster again.
One question plagued his mind, however, why would he steal the scroll? In fact, how did he even know about the scroll? That had bugged him ever since he heard that the scroll had disappeared. Any mention of the Kyuubi and that scroll were banned by the Hokage 12 years ago. It did cross his mind that Naruto had been set up, but by whom, and what evidence would he have if he found this person?
He had to admit, whoever was truly behind the theft of the scroll played his cards right. Iruka knew that instant blame would be shifted onto Naruto. However, if he could get just enough evidence, the maybe he could prove Naruto's innocence.
POOOOOF!
Iruka heard the loud sound. It came from exactly where he had thought Naruto would be. He arrived quickly, only to see Naruto smiling proudly and confidently at him.
"Found you!" Iruka said.
"Oh! Iruka-sensei, Iruka-sensei!" He shouted, seemingly unaware of the current happenings, "Mizuki sensei told me if I learned a technique on this scroll that he would let me graduate!"
"Mizuki? He's thone one who told you this? Egh! Naruto Watch out!"
"Eh… What?" Naruto asked, stunned.
Three sharp projectiles sped quickly towards Naruto. The boy seemed to have no way of escaping and from pure reflexes put his arms in front of his face. Naruto braced himself for impact, but when he felt none, he opened his eyes in shock.
"Iruka-sensei!" Naruto yelled as the shurikens had sliced Iruka legs, and deep the cuts left the older man seemingly immobile.
"Mizuki! So you're the traiter!" The two below looked up to find the older man staring directly at him. The man laughed at them.
"Haha, you demon, you thought you could hide from me?" Mizuki said.
"Demon?" Naruto asked.
"Hehehe… Ahaha… You still don't know?" Mizuki said.
"Mizuki no!" Iruka yelled.
"No what?" Naruto asked.
"Did you know," Mizuki looked Iruka straight in the eye, as if taunting him, "That twelve years ago the Kyuubi no Yukai did not die?"
"…"
"The demon was sealed into a baby boy… hehehe"
"Mizuki!" Iruka yelled.
"You mean?" Naruto asked.
"That's right, you are the Kyuubi no Yukai!" Mizuki shouted crazily, his sanity seemed to have disappeared. Iruka was terrified, the one law never to be broken, the secret never to be told, especially to this boy, had just been broken.
"Didn't you ever wonder why people hated you! You're the demon, Kyuubi… and I'll kill you tonight!" He asked.
"Naruto don't listen to him!" Iruka said.
"I see… So that's why… they hated me… I always wonder why I had the strange dreams… of him." Naruto said.
"You demon, will die by my hand!" Muzak yelled.
"Naruto run!" Iruka said, signaling to Naruto with all his strenght.
Mizuki pulled a large shurikan from his back. He looked at the sharp steal, admired it's power, and proceeded to lick the edge.
"This… This weapon will kill the Kyuubi no Yukai!" Muzak laughed.
He pulled his arm back, reading to fire the large fuuma shuriken. A trickle of drule fell from his lips in anticipation as he threw the shuriken with as much power as he could muster. Iruka tried to react, but the cuts in his legs were too deep, and he found himself stuck in place. Naruto seemed too make no movements, and the scarred sensei was left with no other option but yell.
"Naruto! MOVE!" he said.
Naruto watched as the projectile moved closer to him, and in the last second was able to jump away.
"I… I won't die yet!" He said, seemingly shaken up. The Shuriken nipped his arm, and small stream of blood spilled out of it. He looked at the wound; he knew he would not live if he fought out of fear.
"Hahaha! So you evaded," The other man said, shifting into his own fighting stance. "Then I'll kill you with my own hands."
The Chunin attack with a speed unknown to Naruto, and the boy was to slow to react to the incoming punch.
"Ugghhh!" Naruto's clenched his stomach in pain, and it wasn't half a second more, another hit him on his solar plexus sending him back. A trickle of blood fell from his mouth, and the boy knew things weren't looking up for him.
"Two punches made me bleed this much…" He said, before a kick was flying his way again. It him in his ribs, and he felt the bone crack.
"Naruto! Mizuki, I'll kill you!" Iruka screamed.
"Shut up! You're in the way!" Mizuki lashed back. He rushed towards the ninja, and chopped the older man in the neck. Iruka pass out.
Mizuki turned back to eye the beaten boy once again. He laughed as he could feel the boy's fear. "You should have just handed the scroll over faster, you death wouldn't have been so painful," He said.
Naruto coughed, more blood exciting his system, "I-I won't die here…" He began racing through the motions he had memorized once more, "I w-won't forgive you for harming Iruka-sensei, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
At his shout, eight clones suddenly appeared around the boy. Naruto looked up with satisfaction.
"Kage Bunshin eh? It won't be enough." Mizuki spoke cockily, "Our levels are just to far apart… Though I admit, had this been a real exam, you would have passed."
Mizuki charged the eight bunshins, easily dodging the first punch. He landed on his hands did an summersault and released a spin kick on the bunshin, taking it out.
"1 down," He said.
Two more charged at Mizuki, this time with more success. The first bunshin managed to brush the man's cheek before receiving a back kick to the body and being thrown in to its ally. Mizuki rubbed his jaw at the pain he felt from the punch. He snarled in disgust, that must have just been a lucky shot.
Four more Naruto's launched themselves at Mizuki. The first jumped in the air, punching towards the man's face. Mizuki blocked it but was met with fist to the stomach. He snarled and grabbed both Naruto's and rammed their heads together. They disappeared.
"Err, It's not working," Naruto said desperately, this was all he had left.
"We can play these games all day kid." Mizuki annoyance was apparent, "Those 2 Bunshins you have left aren't going to help you," He said running towards them and punching them both in the stomach, "You're all that's left… hehe… hahah!"
The man ran towards the boy and delivered a reverse punch, spin kick combination, throwing Naruto into a tree.
"I'll finish this now…" the man said, pulling out his last kunai.
Naruto found himself losing consciousness, the dark light inviting him into paradise. "I—I d—don't want to die yet," Naruto coughed out, more blood flowing from his mouth. "K—Kise—" Naruto life seemed to flash before his eyes, and in his fit of fear and exhaustion, a white light seemed to plague his vision.
"Naruto-chan!"
Mizuki walked closer and closer to Naruto, enjoying each staggering gasp for air coming from the demon vessel.
"Naruto-chan!"
'That voice… what is it?"
"Naruto-chan, you don't have to worry,"
'It's so comforting…'
The form of a beautiful woman appeared before Naruto. She had long black hair that seemed to match her eye's own beauty. She wore a long, elegant dress, white in color. The woman almost looked angelic.
"Naruto-chan, Don't worry, I'm here for you, I'm always here."
'Who… are you?'
"Shhhhh," the woman laid Naruto's head on her lap. It almost felt like a dream. "You'll be fine, you can win."
'Y-you mean… I'm still alive?' Naruto looked at woman, some how it felt as if he had known her for all his life, as if she was a part of him.
She smiled at him.
"You'll always live, because I'm with you. We are with you, we are in your blood."
'My blood, you mean?"
The woman nodded.
"Tengoko no Hono…"
'Tengoko no Hono…'
"TENGOKO NO HONO"
A deep flash of light surrounded Naruto's body. A surge, power that he had never felt before, flowed through his body. Around his body, ashes seemed to appear and then dissipate. It had happened in an instant, no time at all.
"W—What is this?" Mizuki said wide-eyed. He was scarred… but why? He couldn't tell, he had just pummeled the boy minutes ago. "No… no! It's the Kyuubi! Get away, Get away monster!"
Naruto's now crimson eyes peered at the man, stretching deep into his soul.
"Tengoko no Hono… The flames of heaven."
"F…flames of heaven?"
Naruto, without any hesitation, activated a technique. He had never used it, but something told him that it was right.
"Katon! Tengoko no Hono no Jutsu!"
A large fire erupted from Naruto's body. Each strand and flame speed quickly and accurately towards his frozen sensei. The man just peered, and in his fear, never felt the burning spectacle that him. Darkness surrounded the man, and felt himself being taken away by it.
The bloodlimit subsided and Naruto was back to normal. The battle had ended, but not with out casualty, and Naruto fell to the ground in exhaustion between the two Chuunin.
"Well…" He panted, "I guess I can throw this out of Kiseki's past."
Morgri: Updated with some of the errors fixed. I am doing my best to fix these errors.
Angeles (sp?): I updated When Did You Change just for you, enjoy it
Oiroke no Jutus – Sexy No Jutsu
Tongoko no Homo – Just some random thing I came up with… Heavens flame or the flames of heaven.
Feed back is appreciated. Bash me, Hate me, Love me, tell me what can be improved, what is good… It's all help full.
Enjoy