CHAPTER 12

Naruto was drawing seals in the middle of the night on a meadow. His comprehension levels were much higher than most people across the nations. For a self-taught, it was a big deal. If he was taught properly, Konoha would have had a formidable shinobi by now, without kyubi.

It was a loss for Konoha.

Naruto's research on new seals were coming better than he imagined. While the original was working on the seals, his clone was lurking around to find the Uzumaki temple Tazuna mentioned. Two others were working on wood jutsus and another one comprehending maps on nearby islands and ocean routes Gato's ships were taking.

The original was laying down on a meadow with a seal book on one hand and spinning a kunai 2 cm above his fingers on another hand.

If his team were to see this picture, they would not believe their own eyes.

An hour before dawn, Naruto started his physical exercise. After a rigorous workout, he decided to take some rest.

He knew very well once he returned, he must face a lot of bull shit.

After he was done he decided to sleep for couple hours and head back. Sensei must be worried.

After Naruto left, Kakashi was still talking to his ninken.

"Maa..enough. I know, I know. I will take care of this problem. I will take care of Naruto", Kakashi pacified them.

"You can start by asking him to stop doing extra job. That kid works day and night to live", Guruko said.

Kakashi was going to say they were just D-rank mission but suddenly stopped at the word night.

"What night? What work does he do at night?", Kakashi questioned.

"He is working at that wretched place outside Konoha", Akino said and Bull nodded and scowled at that.

"What wretched place? Outside Konoha? How did he?", Kakashi started his volley of questions but stopped midway.

Naruto was more mysterious than thought.

"We don't know what place was that. We found his scent outside village border once when we were returning from the mission. You were running low on chakra. So we left you in the house and we circled around and followed the scent. We couldn't find him but we found the scent later near a building. It was closed every time we went. We left Bisoke to investigate and he said that place was closed during day time. So we think he was working there at night", Pakkun explained.

Working at night? Outside Konoha?

No matter how much Kakashi thought about it, it didn't sound safe and easy. Just how much Naruto had been hiding and suffering all on his own. Kakashi felt a headache coming and it was not due to his recent use of chakra.

Kakashi didn't realise for once he didn't think about Naruto betraying Konoha by going outside without permission rather, he was worrying about his safety.

But the ninkens did and smirked.

"We told you Naruto needed your support more than the Uchiha", Akino grumbled.

"Why do I think you guys dislike Sasuke?", Kakashi asked.

His ninkens looked at each other and tacitly didn't answer but Bull, who couldn't talk, by reflex, nodded his head in yes. Kakashi noted this and other dogs deflated.

Other ninkens gave up and answered.

"We don't", they muttered.

"Maa..He is just a kid. He is grumpy but given his history he is just acting out. He is like me when I was young", Kakashi tried to convince the ninkens.

"Don't compare yourself to him Kakashi. You guys are nothing like. You were more about protecting than power or revenge. You needed love he needs revenge. You wouldn't sell your comrades for power but he would", Akino explained.

"Maa…It is not true. He is starting to mingle with Naruto. He isn't as bad as you guys think", Kakashi tried to reason.

"I hope that is true", Guruko said.

Kakashi looked at them questioningly not understanding their enmity towards Sasuke.

"Kakashi, Sasuke, You want to be his sensei. Be his sensei. See things objectively Kakashi. Naruto isn't your sensei and Sasuke is neither you nor Obito. And the pink girl is not Rin. Rin liked you but she didn't bully Obito. This pinkie really hates Naruto. She would rather remove a needle from Sasuke's hand than a knife from Naruto's heart during danger", Guroko said and Bull nodded.

Bull was frustrated for the first time it couldn't explain what it thought to Kakashi.

But it could talk to other dogs in their own way and barked (communicated) at Pakkun for half a minute.

Kakashi waited and Pakkun explained.

"He says it is time for you to get out of the past Kakashi. Don't let past cloud your judgement. This team is not your genin team. Don't take offense. For once, you are not your sensei. That man was very young when he took you under his wing but he was wiser than third hokage. He guided you in right path. You can't do that now even at your age. Pink girl isn't Rin. Sasuke isn't you. Sasuke doesn't give a damn about precious people or village. Leave Naruto, he wouldn't bother anybody if he can take revenge, even that fangirl. You wouldn't give up Rin but Sasuke would give up the pink girl. And Naruto, he isn't Obito. Obito is good. But Naruto is better. The village didn't hate Obito but it hates Naruto. But that kid hasn't turned black. No one in his position would think about protecting the village but he does. I am surprised that kid didn't go insane with all the abuse. To be honest, you were bitter when villagers mistreated you. Naruto is better than you", Pakkun said and panted.

"He doesn't talk but when he talks he talks too much", Pakkun complained about Bull.

"Bull is right Kakashi", Akino agreed.

"Start living in present Kakashi", Guruko approved what Bull said.

"And Kakashi, I have something else to say. A good ninja must see underneath the underneath", Pakkun warned.

All the dogs calmed down and let Kakashi think about what they said.

Kakashi agreed to see his team for what it was presently and let the dogs go.

Kakashi looked at the dinner and Naruto's empty sleeping bag in the room.

He was thinking about the future of the team and Naruto. How was he going to deal with him the next day? Knowing Naruto, he wouldn't hold grudges and let it go.

But Kakashi didn't want to take advantage of Naruto's kindness. He decided he was going to do this properly. At first, he should get to know Naruto better in order to help him. He should concentrate on Sasuke's character rather than teaching his new jutsus.

'If council asked about his development, I could say I am doing this so Sasuke can get attached to the village and serve Konoha better in future'.

A light bulb suddenly lit on Kakashi's brain and the conclusion he came to knocked out his breath for a second.

'Is that not what third is doing to Naruto? If Danzo is using cruel methods, Sarutobi is using affection to make Naruto serve the village. Both wants to use Naruto as a tool but the ways are different'

Kakashi's realization made him disgusted with Konoha. Sarutobi didn't care about the villager's attack on Naruto or the abuse and lonely and poor life of Naruto. He was more concerned about keeping Naruto in the village, make him love the village which shunned him and serve the village as a killing machine. He was using his attention as a tool to an affection starved lonely kid.

Kakashi wanted to run to Naruto and whisk him away from these people. He couldn't tolerate anyone using his sunshine student as a tool.

And another thought struck Kakashi like a kunai on target board.

FLASHBLACK

"Sensei, is loyalty lifelong?" Naruto asked looking at Kakashi intently.

'What brought this on? I really want to know how his brain works.' Kakashi thought silently.

"Speak clearly Naruto."

"I mean, let's say I am loyal to Shika. I am also loyal to Chouji. But what if they both contradict each other and how do I choose or show my loyalty, sensei?"

"Well, that's deep question but I think this is childish matter. Tell me why those two boys are fighting. Maybe I can help you compromise them. You know what? Buy the Akimichi food. It would solve all of our problems", Kakashi said without taking his eyes from the book.

"Scarecrow sensei, that's not what I meant", Naruto whisper-shouted.

"Maa maa, it is disrespectful to call your sensei names"

Naruto got up and slumped near the log Kakashi was sitting.

"It is not that sensei. I am talking about loyalty towards hokage", Naruto admitted.

That piqued Kakashi's interest. Kakashi didn't want Naruto to do anything foolish. He knew Naruto loved Konoha. Although at this moment Kakashi's loyalty towards Sandaime was wavering with how he lied to him about his sensei's legacy.

"What about it, Naruto?"

"Ano sensei, you became genin at 5. Itachi was also ANBU at young age from what I know"

Kakashi wasn't sure where Naruto was going with this.

"The shodaime created our village so children will be safe. They shouldn't go to war. The Nidaime followed his footsteps. He acted as a decoy and fought for 3 days to save his students and Konoha's future. But you were a child when you became a ninja. So was Itachi. At least, your promotion was during war time, though it was wrong. Gai sensei told me about that. Itachi's wasn't during war. Why was he promoted? Let's say the things changed after the war. But the shodaime's vision was still the same right? At one point, when the successive hokages make a decision different from the visions of the previous one, who must we follow? Where should our loyalties lie?", Naruto asked and looked at Kakashi for answers.

Kakashi realized Naruto might have some doubts after reading about hokages. So he came to him when he had doubts about Lord third.

'Maa, I did a poor job. Didn't I? I will talk to Naruto later'.

'What am I going to tell him though? First I should make him realize he was being manipulated. He might not like it if I say his 'jiji' wasn't good. He wouldn't believe the only person who showed affection to him might harm him. Naruto would probably agree with third hokage'.

'It is my fault. If I have intervened earlier and made people see the 'sharinghan-no-kakashi' is keeping tabs on a jinjuriki kid his sensei entrusted the village to. I know the power my name holds. It wouldn't magically made Naruto life better but it would have helped'.

'Naruto isn't in Konoha now. We might be in Wave for at least couple weeks. I will try to stimulate Naruto's mind and clear any confusion he has'.

'I can teach him here too. There is no council watching here. Naruto already knows how to use shadow clones.'

Kakashi's mind revolted at the thought Naruto might be used by anyone. But Naruto's question about loyalty struck on his mind though.

Kakashi analysed everything happened after Yondaime died. Kakashi wasn't new to politics. When Minato became fourth hokage, he often took Kakashi to meetings as ANBU guard. After that, he would teach his mask clad student, politics and other stuff while dealing with the tasks. He would ask opinions to Kakashi and correct his answers. He drilled many concepts on diplomacy and other things to Kakashi. After the work was done, he would ask Kakashi to come home for dinner but Kakashi would decline. Minato would use 'Hirashin' jutsu and teleport them despite Kakashi's protests and Kushina would use a paralysing seal on Kakashi if he tried to escape. It wasn't a privilege Minato's other students had.

Sure, Kushina and Obito bickered like children till their ears fell off during their team picnics. Rin would help Kushina with organizing food and stuff but Kakashi was the one who was hugged and fed and slept in their couch often. Sometimes Kakashi wondered the replaced couch with more space and softer than earlier one was specially bought for him. He denied that thought then but now it made sense that they have done it on purpose.

Now thinking back everything and compared with the political and physical knowledge he gathered for a decade, some things became clear.

The main thing though, the thing about Naruto's question. What does loyalty mean?

Kakashi loved Konoha. He loved the village his precious people gave their lives for. He wasn't ready to give up on the village yet. He wanted Konoha to be the village his sensei hoped it to be. But the recent actions of Lord third proved to be otherwise. There was no doubt some forces in Konoha prevent him.

But it was no excuse. Lord Third didn't deserve his loyalty. Konoha deserved his loyalty. But not the one at this time which mistreated its orphans and abuse the sacrifice of their previous hokage. Konoha needed change. It was obvious. Only new blood had the ability to change Konoha. Kakashi knew something about all new genin team since the jounins were his friend and co-workers. And out of all of them, Naruto had the most potential.

The thought didn't surprise Kakashi as much as he thought it would.

And talking about his own team, he didn't know what to do with Sakura. If she didn't improve after this mission where their lives were at stake, he would advise her to become a teacher in academy. But he was concerned about her bias and prejudice.

One step at a time though. Let's focus on making nice with Naruto tomorrow and give him a well- deserved apology.

And this mission, Zabuza and his minion needed to be taken care of. He knew Naruto was stronger than he let on but that wasn't the reason to be relaxed.

Don't underestimate the enemy.

Now that his thoughts were sort out, Kakashi felt more carefree.

He decided to eat dinner and sleep well. He already messed up his recovered chakra. The summoning jutsu needed lot of chakra and it wasn't good to use it when he was affected from chakra exhaustion.

Naruto had no idea Kakashi was under-estimating him. Yup. Naruto was already aware of everything Kakashi thought about. Kakashi didn't know about Naruto's life experience. If he knew, he didn't need to worry.

When the dawn came, Naruto sensed a killing intent and pretended to sleep. His ability to sense KI even in sleep was built after lot of miserable experiences.

A feminine faced boy, looked down on Naruto sleeping on the meadow. He identified that boy was the one released the copy ninja from water prison.

At first, he wanted to kill the boy but resisted last minute. The orange clad boy was very young just like he was. He didn't have a heart to kill him and started picking herbs.

Naruto felt no danger and pretended to wake up casually. He looked at the boy in front of him. He didn't look like a hunter-nin. His chakra was pure and clear. Naruto doubted whether this boy killed anybody.

"Why are you sleeping here?", the boy asked.

"I was tired after training. Who are you?", Naruto asked.

"I am Haku", the boy replied.

"Ooh, I am Naruto. Are you collecting herbs?", Naruto asked.

"My friend is sick", Haku replied and continued, "You are training for a long time, Are you ninja?"

"Yup. I am ninja from Konoha. You know ninjas?", Naruto, actor from a young age, played his role perfectly.

"I have heard of them. You must be very strong", Haku smiled.

"Nah, there are people stronger than me. I am training to surpass them", Naruto said.

"You will become strong Naruto-kun", Haku said.

"How did you know?", Naruto asked.

To Haku, this young ninja gave him a feeling other ninjas didn't have. Haku saw the fight that day and knew this boy had good potential and heart to save his comrades.

"When you fight for your precious people, you become strong Naruto-kun", Haku said. "Do you have precious people?", Haku asked.

"Precious people?", Naruto asked and remembered the handful of faces he would give his life to protect and suddenly everything became clear to Naruto.

Till now, he was improving and training to protect people because it was what expected of him. It was his responsibility. But now Naruto realized, he really wanted to protect those people not because they were good to him, but he loved them.

It wasn't about them. It was about Naruto's feelings towards them.

He truly loved them and wanted a bright future for them.

Naruto was grateful to this Haku. This boy had the genuine reason to fight. He would love to fight alongside such a comrade. It would be reassuring but fate put them on opposite sides.

Well, no one said he should always be enemies with him. Wasn't what all the kages do?

"Thanks Haku", Naruto said and helped gather herbs. Haku accepted and proceeded to leave.

Naruto made a decision not knowing his life was going to change.

"Haku, Use this to heal Zabuza", Naruto said and threw an ointment to Haku. Haku, who caught it, was shocked and turned to face Naruto not knowing how this would go.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of fighting you now or bring harm to an injured nin", Naruto continued and Haku nodded. Haku could see that boy wasn't lying.

"In battlefield, we will be enemies. On that bridge, we will face each other. But now, we are just ninjas who are trying to protect their precious people", Naruto smiled and Haku looked at him without blinking.

After couple of seconds, Haku tried to leave with the ointment.

"I am tired of training with my team. I am sure you didn't have a partner to spar while you were running with a bounty on your head. If you are interested, I will be here every dawn to train until we meet on the bridge", Naruto said and turned towards Tazuna's home.

Haku waited until the orange boy left and left too.