Being responsible felt a fire baptism. The hellish flames burnt without ceasing. The mind clocked out. Thoughts he once shoved into the depths of his heart were dragged out. Naruto had once thought the depths of his heart was no different than the belly of abyss—whatever was swallowed would never see the light. But he was wrong. All thoughts just sprinted out as if they were running away from something. Was there no longer comfort in his heart?
He consoled himself in that he would have had to eventually think this way. An idiot couldn't be a good leader; a naïve fool could provide inspirational words and paragraphs that could change the hearts of many. But that wouldn't result in anything tangible.
Still, how did he completely blank out of academy classes? If the academy was all theory, he may have never graduated. Then again, he had a pleasant record of being dead last and a repeat offender.
Yet, because he chose to chase fame over knowledge, he had to spend time in the library. He couldn't carry out the wishes he'd been entrusted with without some knowledge. The moment he'd turned up, he'd felt overwhelmed and considered just leaving. Even Sakura would screech as if she'd seen a ghost if she saw him stepping out of the library.
What had he been thinking? Was he that deprived he thought every second needed to be spent chasing attention?
After stepping out of the library, Naruto tucked his bag on his back; a map ready as guidance to the Wave Country. He'd wanted to learn more about Madara. But the Madara he saw in the library was nothing like that masked man. But perhaps he wore a mask because he wasn't the real Madara. Then who was he?
"Naruto!"
There was no mistaking Sakura's voice. She was still loud. But her sensei was also loud—that had to be their way of speaking. He didn't turn around but slowed down until she caught up him.
She was still the same flat girl, grown and mature. Yet still hopelessly hung onto Sasuke. He couldn't fault her since he'd seen her like an angel, even when she said mean things. He smiled sadly—love was truly a terrible emotion that made people bend backwards and accept pain. Yet, not quite masochism. Those not in love couldn't understand it. To them, it was irrational. But once you fell in love, nothing was irrational.
As had his love for Sakura. Even as he glanced at her, he couldn't help but smile fondly at the memories of the old. Reality was however, he'd been nothing more than a nuisance, a spare wheel that thought of only Sasuke. Even now, she thought the same.
In such circumstances, he had to admit defeat, move on with his life. Maybe Iruka would have better answers.
"I heard from Tsunade-sama you'll be going away for a while." Sakura was smiling, walking by his side as he strolled toward the village gates.
"Yeah."
She stole a glance, seemingly nervous. They hadn't spoken much since the Pain invasion. He'd heard, she'd been screaming for him to come and save the day. Despite the mean things she said to to him, she knew who always had her back. Only in her delusional dreams would Sasuke be her knight.
"It's a long trip." Naruto added quietly. "Unlike you to catch me like this."
"I've been busy with the hospital." And missions. Tsunade was making her work even harder but Sakura enjoyed helping people ease their pain. "You also just came back."
"Missions."
An awkward silence filled through the air. Naruto sighed. He had no business making things awkward. It would just make things difficult for him. "Came to ask about Sasuke?"
"Well, yeah," Sakura admitted. "I'm worried about you."
The concern in her voice felt genuine. He couldn't dismiss—even if the injustice raged within him. Even Iruka expressed concern. Perhaps Sakura did care after all.
"You've been quiet and you're just coming from the library." She stared at him. "The library!" She repeated with her voice raised to express just how bewildered she was.
Naruto was amused and so he chuckled lightly. "Why is everyone saying something like that? Neji said I need to get my head checked. Was I that bad?"
Sakura stared at him to ask if he was being serious. "Poor Hinata kept chasing after you and each time her face turned red you always thought she was sick! Everyone knew the truth. Even Lee got the hint!"
"What hint?"
"Are you kidding me right now?"
Naruto burst out laughing and smartly changed the subject. "Ba-chan told you I'm going to Kumo and the subject of Sasuke would come up," he sighed.
She probably wanted to find out if he was going to grovel before the Raikage for him to spare Sasuke. Naruto would ask if there was another way, but he wasn't about to grovel. It would be a little disappointing if her only priority was her beloved Sasuke.
"Yes… do you think you can talk to Raikage about showing mercy? I mean his brother is still alive. So, Sasuke didn't kill him." She seemed very afraid that the Raikage wouldn't show mercy and she wouldn't be with her beloved Sasuke-kun.
"I can try. Tsunade-sama doesn't want him to fall into the hands of Kumo either," but not the reasons Sakura would think. Konoha just didn't want to give Kumo the Sharingan. Tsunade would also be content with Sasuke dying than letting him roam free.
"But don't put your self at risk. Or even if you bump into him." Sakura said in a warm tone. "I know I begged you to bring him back. But forget about it, okay?"
Naruto almost lost his life because of her. Sakura couldn't forgive herself if something happened to him because of her selfishness. He'd always been there for her, even when Sasuke was around. She smiled at the thought that he even defend her in moments when Sasuke was having a go at her because of something she said about Naruto.
Naruto glanced at Sakura with a warm smile. It seemed, Sasuke wasn't her only priority. She did think about him.
"It wasn't purely because of you. Sasuke was the best friend I had. I wanted to bring him back because he was my friend, and I cared for him." Naruto said and then placed a warm hand over her shoulder.
"Yeah… he cared for you more than me. I was always jealous of your relationship." Sakura admitted in a bitter tone.
Naruto cackled. "Don't worry, I don't swing that way," he said. "I'm worried about you fleeing to join him."
"I'm not that desperate!" Seeing his smile, Sakura realized he was teasing her. She balled her fingers and considered giving him a bloody nose—just like old times, but she held herself. "At least you still have your sense of humour."
Naruto thought his emotions were conflicted. It was true throughout the years, he'd been head over heels for Sakura, and an almost obsessive level. She'd always been his 'Sakura-chan.' She of course, never looked at him lovingly or with the same smile she had when she thought or spoke to Sasuke.
Competition in love was bad. No, unrequited love was treason. When did I learn such a word? Naruto thought with a bitter smile. But it was what it was. And he had to move on with his life or the void in him would only expand.
"Let's have dinner when I come back."
The request came out of nowhere it caught Sakura off-guard. Her instinct reaction was to tell Naruto to go take a hike but she shut her mouth, and bit her lower lip. It was only then that she confronted the fact that Naruto no longer looked at her with stars in his eyes. Honestly, it would make her proud more than anything if he still thought of her the same way—even if she would eventually turn him down. Naruto was a hero in Konoha. There was currently nobody as famous as him in the Leaf.
To have someone like him sending her love letters would be like heaven. But she was no longer being called 'Sakura-chan.' And the request had friendliness in it than anything any romantic click in it.
For some reason, she felt angry about it.
"I'd love that. We haven't had time to really sit and talk since everything." She said with a small smile, masking her bitter thoughts. "Say, Naruto…" she paused, gathering her thoughts. The village gates came into view. Sasuke had knocked her out on this spot on that fateful day. How she wished for the day he stepped into the gates of the Hidden Leaf and returned home, to be with her.
"Hmm?" Naruto only made the sound to jolt Sakura from her deep thoughts.
Sakura shook her head. "Never mind," she said. She wanted to ask him why didn't seem happy since he was closer to his dream. She'd scoffed at his proclamation. But here he was, making a fool out of them all. "Be safe out there," she said in a warn tone.
"Ain't I always?"
"You're one of the most reckless people I know. You always head in first!"
Naruto just smiled, and waved his right hand. "If I see Sasuke, I'll tell him Sakura is waiting for him."
Land of the Toads
Misty Clouds gathered above the lands of the Toads. The natural air didn't stink of blood and corpses. The birds chirped happily without any fear. Though, Naruto had often found himself staring at them as a predator stalked his prey. The food the Toads ate was honestly disgusting—at least to human standards.
The atmosphere was always soothing. There was just no worry here. And as Naruto stood atop of a large boulder, overlooking the many statues of those immortalized in an attempt to learn Senjutsu, he breathed in the natural air in a state of tranquility. After a couple of moments, he jumped down, landing gracefully on the ground and then slowly walked toward a small waterfall.
Gamakichi had gone to speak with Fukasaku. While waiting, Naruto sat on the edges of a waterfall, legs folded with his head resting in the palm of his right hand.
Nagato's jutsu was truly Godly. Even the Toad Sage was revived from the dead. He smiled when the elder showed up, stopping in front of him.
"Fukasaku-sama," he greeted with respect, his pose never changing.
Fukasaku didn't immediately respond. Gamakichi had told him something was different about Naruto. Even now, he could feel the blond's chakra had a bit of edge in it. His eyes were not filled with the same innocence as before. He'd looked normal the last time Fukasaku saw him.
"Naruto-chan," Fukasaku stared at Naruto. "Is something wrong?"
Naruto put on an amused expression. "Everyone is asking me this question. But truly, I've never felt better about my life… at the same time—" he trailed off, shutting his eyes for a second before a bitter expression settled. "Why didn't you tell me fame was not as I thought?"
Fukasaku was taken aback by the question. Precisely because it was not the kind of question he expected from Naruto. "What do you mean by that?"
"I expected something different. I suppose that is how things work. It is a disappointment really. I thought the loneliness in my heart would be filled. But no, everything appears superficial," he shook his head. "Anyway, that is not why I called for you."
"I suspected there is an important reason."
"I want the key to be able to control the Kyubi's chakra."
Fukasaku went deathly silent, remembering that Naruto almost killed Jiraiya the last time out. They couldn't risk that. If something happened to Naruto, the Kyubi would be free and it would threaten the shinobi world.
His immediate reaction would be to say no. But things were different, weren't they?
"You do remember that happened?"
Naruto's expression became grim. "Yes. But that happened because of wrong thinking. I never faced all negative thoughts and feelings. Anything that was negative, I shoved at the back of my head. There was already enough misery, I didn't need anymore. And so, I refused to indulge any of it. The Kyubi claims to be hatred incarnate. In fact, it's chakra is filled with enough hatred to make anyone lose it. It isn't that I'm unable to handle the power. The more chakra, the more hatred I must face. Tell me Fukasaku-sama, how can I handle the Kyubi's hatred, I can't even confront my own hatred?"
Fukasaku breathed in, wondering just what had been happening to Naruto over the past months. He was soon to reach his seventeenth birthday. He was growing. The reason there wasn't any hatred in him was because he buried it deep within him. It made sense, but it was still dangerous.
"You had it rough." The elder Sage said. "As you sit here… have you dealt with all the negative emotions within you?"
"Yes. The negative emotions toward Konoha… and everyone who was unkind to me," he said in a bitter tone. "I have stared into the depths of abyss. I have accepted it. I have accepted that Konoha was unkind to me. I have accepted that there were days I felt infuriated by it. I'm not even trying to hide just how lonely and miserable I am. Perhaps this glory feels so hollow because nothing about me has changed. Only what has changed is how people view me. But my circumstances have mot changed; I'm still Naruto, without parents, without relatives, betrayed by a friend, grieving offer the loss of a teacher…"
It was no use trying to pretend all was well. Calm as the waters were, they could become violent storms that uproots even the deeply buried trees.
The shinobi world wasn't that confusing. It was clear as black and white. People just confused it because they were people.
"Of course, there is still much I want to deal with. But my eyes have never seen better." At this, Naruto smiled.
"It is still unsafe." Fukasaku understood but Naruto's very life would be at risk.
"Konoha has a Mokuton user. When they were teaching me how to manipulate wind chakra, they had those safeguards to ensure if I lost control, the chakra could be suppressed." Naruto laughed at the thought of getting frustrated enough to even get the chakra of the Kyubi leaking out. It truly just signified just how much bitterness he held deep within him.
A thought came to him; he was a genius at mastering Jutsu. Jiraiya never managed to master Sage Jutsu, but he did it. Fukasaku said his power could surpass that of his sensei because he'd mastered the art perfectly. Was there ever a jutsu he failed to even master?
Still, his jutsu arsenal was quite laughable. His first jutsu was Kage Bunshin. Then the Rasengan, and the Rasenshuriken. That was all. That was his Jutsu arsenal. Just three Jutsu. How had he managed to fraud his way into this? Still, the Rasenshuriken was his beloved creation. There was nothing like it.
"I'm currently heading to the Wave Country. You can think about it in the meantime. But I would appreciate it if you gave me the key. Of course, you're the guardians."
Fire Country
Lies came out easily. But perhaps because Naruto has been living a lie all his life. He'd claimed happiness, but what was happiness? How was he happy when his apartment was cold and lonely. Who even came to visit him on rainy days?
But, even in this misery, Naruto thought he could conquer the shackles of hell and ride the waves of bliss.
As he willed, Naruto appeared within the large gates that housed the Kyubi. As gigantic as a mountain, the Bijuu rested on its paws. Seeing him, it let out a menacing growl, its huge eyeballs staring at him contempt.
"You should know better… I have been exposed to hatred all my life… glaring at me so hatefully, isn't going to change anything," Naruto said with a small smile. He stopped inches from the gates and then sat on the water, his back facing the locks.
"Dare turn your back on me?"
"It isn't like you can do anything." Naruto shrugged. "I have some questions for you."
Kurama fell quiet. He was still bitter that when he'd been close to freeing himself, Minato had strengthened the seal.
"When that Madara appeared, you were very angry. Why?"
"I'm not going to answer that."
"You're very unkind."
Kurama laughed—his voice echoed with menace. What did Naruto expect of him? It was quite laughable that he would utter such words. Perhaps he'd hit his head. It was a pity, he was no longer the idiot he once was. And that meant his escape from this damned seal would be next to impossible. He just had to pounce when the blond attempts to take his chakra.
"I thought with facing your demons, you wouldn't be as naïve." He said with contempt.
"It is going to take some doing," Naruto replied quietly, not taking offense in the Kyubi's words. "But it would really mean a lot if you were willing to tell me why you hated that Uchiha." Was he even Uchiha or just another man who implanted the Sharingan on him? Perhaps he could give the body to Tsunade for her to study it.
"Will you let me out if I tell you?"
"That is out of the question."
"Then I see no reason."
Naruto stood up and turned to face the Bijuu. It's eyes were shut, as if trying to dismiss him. But they were within him, the Bijuu had no right to expel him from this place.
"I was informed you were within my mother and the First Hokage's wife. This means to me, you're living history. But I am more interested in knowledge about my mother. You were sealed within her for a long time. You must know her more than anyone else alive. I want that information out of you."
Kurama opened his eyes and allowed a toothy grin to settle in. "I'm still not going to tell you anything."
"You just want me to suffer, don't you?"
"Without question."
Naruto still smiled sadly. "I understand." He said those words. "You've been trapped within me for years. Shackled because of your power. More than anyone, I understand your nature. Humans rule over this world, and we decide who has independence or who doesn't it. Your previous hosts never used your power, but I will. I admit, your power makes things possible for me. And I will continue to use you like everyone you hate. But it is okay to hate me.
"Still, I'm going to be learning how to control your power. The seal will be broken. From what Jiraiya said, I'll have to separate you from your chakra. But I consider such a method extreme. I would prefer if you gave me your chakra willingly, as you have been when my life was in danger. There were times I forcefully draw out the chakra and times I asked for it. I see no reason to stop this arrangement." He touched the steel bars. "I need this removed because it limits how much chakra you can give me."
"The second you do that, I'm taking over your body."
Naruto smiled. "I have no doubt you'll go that far. I don't even have that necklace anymore," he then chuckled bitterly. "It was rather sinister of the old hag to give me that necklace without even telling me it was basically a seal, wasn't it?"
"Who would trust a fool?"
"Another fool." Naruto answered. "We shall talk, Kyubi."
The Wave Country
It was evening when Naruto arrived at the coast of the Fire Country. The sun had already disappeared, with only its shadow reddening the sky.
The Great Naruto Bridge; Naruto stared at it fondly. It was built on the sweat of a dying country. The hopes of a nation on its knees. That mission could've resulted in their deaths, because they'd lacked training. It was nonetheless, a moment that defined him—and Team 7. At least, to a certain extent.
It was named in his honour. A foreign nation was the first to recognize his humility while those at home still vilified him. It was such symbols that made it worth living and gave him the desire to move on. This was the biggest honour. Yet to change people's perception of him was still his biggest challenge.
And now, a bridge that was supposed to have freed this nation was now being used to chain it. Gato had monopolized trade routes. The bridge made new things possible and now, a bunch of no good shinobi had decided to hold it hostage, charging taxes those who wished to pass through the bridge. It was extortion of the highest order and just went to show just how cruel and greedy some shinobi were.
Ordinarily, Naruto would have just gone about his business, fighting the men in the bridge. He just had to announce himself as a shinobi of Konoha for them to attack him. But such recklessness, though may have defined him, would only lead to severe consequences. What if those not in the bridge caught wind of his actions and decided to hold civilians hostage?
The right way was sneaking into the country and establish the facts before doing anything.
Naruto realized, Tsunade took a huge leap of faith to trust him with this kind of mission. He naturally wouldn't have been trusted with such a job because of his recklessness and lack of thinking capacity. This was a test and a test he had to pass well.
He transformed into a black haired woman. But before he could do anything, he stopped himself, thinking—what could a woman he doing by herself here? They would find him suspicious. He changed his transformation.
There were a few people at the bridge. Three shinobi stood guard, watching over anyone who went past them.
"Halt!" One of the rogue shinobi stopped him. His voice loud, and rude. Drops of saliva nearly planted on his face as the man spoke.
"State your name and business!" Another demanded while the other held out his right hand.
Naruto figured they really didn't care. As long as he didn't look like a shinobi to them, they would let him through—as long as he paid his fee.
He removed his beloved gama-chan and took out a few bills and handed them over to the man before answering. "Daiki… a traveller…" he said. "I just want to get some supplies."
"Then we expect you to be gone by afternoon tomorrow."
"Of course."
"Enjoy all that the Wave as to offer." The Third guard said to him with a toothy grin, motioning for him to move along.
Naruto didn't linger about. He walked past them with a smile and stopped in the middle of the bridge. One or two people brushed by him as they crossed the bridge. In this very same place, he'd lost himself in anger when Sasuke's had body had 'moved on its own' to protect him from Haku. The latter had ended up dying here, giving his life for his master. How Naruto wished that kind soul had lived to see another day.
Nobody really wanted to talk about what was happening but the situation didn't seem to be as depressing as before. Everything else was running normal. In fact, the street were so lively and normal Naruto thought there might not be a problem after all.
There were five men in total at the bridge. They all looked normal. Naruto thought it wouldn't be anything troubling. He'd learned, even a Genin was an overpowered human in the eyes of civilians. After he was done gathering information, Naruto remembered the way to Tazuna's house.
Darkness had already descended upon the country by the time Naruto arrived at the house. A single knock and he reminisced the little moments he argued with Inari. The time the towns people had gathered their tools to fight the oppressor.
Tsunami opened the door. The woman looked as pretty as before. Mature, with the tenderness he couldn't find in Konan, nor in Shizune. She blinked at him and then smiled warmly as she extended her greetings.
It was only then that it clicked on Naruto that he was still under a transformation jutsu. He quickly dispelled it. In the poof of smoke, Tsunami took a step back in panic.
"Sorry about that," Naruto said with a wide grin.
It didn't take long for Tsunami to recognize him. The second she did, she had cut the distance between them, wrapping him in a warm hug. It was a little tight. Naruto hesitated for a moment but gave in.
"Naruto!" She exclaimed. "It is so good to see you again. Father told me about your achievements in Konoha," she said happily but still didn't let go of him.
"He is going to suffocate," Tazuna said, standing behind the two.
Tsunami quickly let go of him. Naruto regretted that she did so. Because, the warmth she'd been giving him was suddenly ripped away. "Ah… sorry," Tsunami said with a soft giggle, a flush across her cheeks.
"It is fine," Naruto replied with warmth.
"I'm happy that they sent you," Tazuna said, shaking Naruto's hand. "You came alone?"
"Yes."
Tazuna nodded, not the least worried about Naruto. From what he heard while he was helping Konoha rebuild, the blond had become an outstanding shinobi.
He led Naruto to the kitchen table, where he sat along Tsunami.
"It is good to see you both of you in good health," Naruto said to father and daughter with a smile.
"Likewise… though, I could have wished in better circumstances."
Naruto laughed. "I should surprise you one day," he said. He glanced around for a second. "Inari?"
Tsunami sighed deeply. "Land of Iron. He is training to become a samurai. He is going to take over his grandfather but he said he also wants to be strong enough to protect his family," she said in a sad tone.
A mother missing her beloved son. How Naruto envied this. "I'll come one day when things are better," he said. "I thought I would find things a little bad."
Tazuna shook his head. "Everything is normal. They are not abusing people or randomly just killing." He smiled. "Since they are residing with the Feudal Lord, we naturally thought it was his order. Everything was normal, without questions."
Even lowly criminals could be smart. They must have studied the history of this nation and realized the people here would die trying than to simply lay back. The best option was to create an illusion that it was all in the orders of the Feudal Lord and as long as they didn't act like criminals, no one would complain and even Konoha wouldn't even think anything was amiss.
It was simply genius. A suspicious person would think they are holding the Feudal Lord hostage—but one would be persuaded otherwise as they didn't attack civilians and only bothered people at the bridge.
"How did the message come then?"
"Someone from the Feudal Lord's mansion gave the message. And he didn't want to make the people panic."
Naruto nodded his head. "How many are there in the mansion?"
"Four or five, I think."
He was looking at about ten enemies. When was the right time to move? Could he do so in the morning or at night while everyone was sleeping? During day, there would be a lot of movements. But at night, people would be sleeping in the mansion, and even the boss would be sleeping.
He frowned deeply at the thought of an assassination mission.
"There could be more. Do some work at night?"
"They man the bridge day and night."
"Then there are more than ten enemies." He could leave the ones who were on guard duty to their rest. No, he had to check with them. Convert operations were dangerous. What could he even do? He had no other option here.
First he needed to scout the area before doing anything else. Reckless actions and he would just repeat what happened in the Land of Springs when he found himself trapped in enemy cell.
In the darkness, sitting on the rooftop, Naruto gazed at the stars. A wind blew with the coldness from the sea. He was lying on his back, knees raised. A crow quietly sat on his kneecap. Getting it out of him has been quite the task but it was a power Itachi gave to him. Perhaps he'd known he would eventually die. The man hadn't spoken to him as someone who was insane but he'd sounded perfectly sane and spoke some compelling arguments.
Staring at the eye, Naruto wondered if he would become another Kakashi. This was a power entrusted to him. Itachi had given it to him for the sole purpose of protecting Konoha. But he'd said he'd hoped he never used the eye.
Still, he would have to eventually even implant the Rinnegan. If the Bijuu were not freed, the prospect of war arose. Naruto wanted to sound out the Kage and see what they had in mind. If things were bleak, he would have no other choice but to do something he didn't want to do.
He blinked as memories of his clones started pouring in, one by one.
The guards who'd been on night duty were sleeping in the same house. They'd gone on a drinking spree after working. Enjoying the spoils of their endeavors. He'd been forced to wait this long because of them. The night walkers were just four—standing guard. But only two worked while two dozed off. They were changing shifts.
The Feudal Lord's mansion was double storey. Two men guarded the front and back exits. The Feudal Lord and his wife slept next door to the leader of the pack—he slept in the same room as the Feudal Lord's daughter. A man was always stationary between the two doors. It made it three men in total. But there were three more who were soundlessly sleeping.
Some didn't look like shinobi, so, it would be a simple task for him. But a great test to covert operations.
He created fifteen clones. Five would head to the bridge. Five would handle simultaneous attacks on the sleeping bridge guards. And the other five would assault the mansion with him. But he had to be discreet, otherwise the Feudal Lord's daughter would be in a difficult position.
While heading toward the double story mansion, Naruto gathered natural energy. He lacked the finesse and alertness to be able to do this without the sensory awareness natural energy gave him. Besides, he needed to move much faster.
The house was lit brightly. The guard waiting outside was still and alert. The clones disappeared in a blur, all five landing on the rooftop without a sound. Naruto waited to see if the guard noticed anything. When he didn't, he closed his eyes and disappeared in a blur.
He flashed behind the guard, and immediately wrapped his left arm on his mouth while delivering a quick chop on the back of the head. Two clones dropped from the rooftop. One took the man and another performed a transformation. Naruto jumped onto the rooftop with the clones and studied the guard for a second before he too did a transformation jutsu, appearing like the man. He stripped him if his clothes, to be able to take his scent.
Naruto opened the door and entered. The three other rogue nin where sleeping in the first floor. The clones would handle them. He decided to stealthily walk up the stairs. His senses in high alert, feeling every bit of movement in the house. The guard seemed to have sensed something was up and had started moving toward the stairs.
Naruto stopped walking and held his breath. The man seemed to stop as well before going back. He didn't move for a couple of minutes and the man moved again. He realized, he did this periodically.
Hoping his disguise wouldn't give him away, Naruto just walked up, appearing in the passage. Immediately, the man's eyes were on him, his weapon drawn. If he knew Shunshin, he would have moved quickly to disable the man before he did anything.
"What are you doing up here?" the man demanded in a whisper.
"Just checking. Felt too quiet."
As if it was usually loud, the man grinned. "Yeah… he ain't busy tonight. Lucky bastard…"
Naruto's inexperience took over. He didn't even know what the man was on about and he didn't want to respond. He took a single step forward and then disappeared in a blur.
"Wh—"
Naruto appeared behind the man, repeating the same sequence as outside. The man was knocked out without a sound. Naruto gently laid him on the floor and then tied him up with a chain. He stood up, and closed his eyes, focusing on what was happening elsewhere. The clones appeared to have been done elsewhere but it was not a clean job. It didn't matter nonetheless.
He turned his head toward the wooden door on his right and then slowly walked toward it. He tried peeking through the keyhole but it was just darkness. He could nonetheless hear the faint snores from inside. He placed his hand on the doorknob and slowly twisted it. He breathed in with happiness when it didn't make a sound. Slowly, he tried to push the door open, but it made a click sound.
The leader of the pack was quick. He immediately shot up and hurled a kunai toward the door. The Kunai pierced through the door but didn't graze him.
Naruto frowned deeply and reminded himself he needed more lessons. It still wasn't a bad effort. He gave himself a pat on the back for effort. The others were already disabled, so, it was just him and the leader.
He pushed the door open and stepped in. the lights were already on at this point.
"Who are you?"
The man was huge—his body towering over the young woman in his arms. She was naked, but Naruto didn't notice it at that point. The man was holding a kunai on her threat. it seemed to have cut her as there was some blood on the throat.
"Nobody."
"Make a move and I slit her throat."
Naruto nodded and raised both hands in the air. "I thought my transformation was perfect."
"Appearances but not presence."
Naruto nodded his head. "What now?"
What to do? Could he move fast enough before that kunai entered the woman's throat? What to do? Naruto racked his brain for a couple of seconds.
"Walk ov—"
Naruto came to a decision. He needed a monetary distraction. Since it no longer mattered if he did this quietly, he could afford to do this. While the man was talking, his chakra exploded. He released a little more than expected. The door was slammed shut by the sheer force of the chakra. It slammed into both people in front of him, knocking them off balance.
Naruto moved quickly, lunging toward the boss. He was in front of the man in a blink. His left hand grabbed on the wrist of the arm holding the kunai against the Feudal Lord's daughter, applying pressure on it. There was a snap sound as he broke the bone. The man cried in pain but Naruto ignored the cry and jabbed him on the upper right side of his torso. The brutal blow caused him to let go, while involuntarily chocking on his saliva.
The young woman fell on her knees, and Naruto used the opportunity to take another step forward. He delivered a brutal knee on the family jewels. The man's eyes went wide, before he fell on his knees. Naruto took a step behind him, and then delivered a chop on the back.
Once the man hit the floor in a thud, Naruto released a long breath.
Naruto's eyes turned over to the young woman and then realized her nakedness. For a second, he stared at her body. Those small round things on her chest. The line running down on her stomach until her pubic hair. It was only then he realized what he was doing and flushed before looking away.
So, that was the nudity of a woman. The kind of thing Jiraiya risked a beating to see. Naruto could understand. Despite the situation, something within him heated.
"Please put something on," Naruto said, while going down on his knees. He retrieved another chain and bound the man's hands and legs.
After this, he avoided the young woman and then tried to leave the room while deactivating Sage Mode.
Sensing something amiss, Naruto stopped at the door and turned around.
The young woman had a kunai on her hands. With a crazed smile, she plunged it on the man's back. Naruto panicked, putting on a fearful expression before he rushed toward her, but she took two more deep stabs. The second one was on the back of the neck.
Blood sprayed all over the room as the man awoke, cursing and swearing. Naruto ignored the man and grabbed the woman, taking the kunai from her.
"Let me kill him! Leave me!" She shouted angrily. The pain and despair in her voice touched the bottom of his heart. He could feel her anger; the poison that was running deep within her veins threatening to swallow her hole.
Naruto decided it was best to knock her out as she was obviously overwhelmed. He halted on such an act. When did he think this way? He had to give her warmth and comfort. He held her firmly in his embrace. "It's fine. He can't hurt you anymore. You're free," he whispered in a soothing tone.
It took a while for her to quiet down. Her parents were already at the door. Her curses turned into sobs. She wept, wetting his shirt. But he didn't mind. Her body was trembling, causing his to tremble as well. Naruto tried not think about it and just stared at the dead man before them. She kept crying for a little while longer before finally passing out. Her parents hadn't moved from the door. Her mother was the one who joined in on the crying. While the father held onto her.
It was just sad. A miserable time for the family.
Naruto stood still. Some of the blood was on his face. His hands were also bloodied after taking the kunai from her. He was standing in a puddle of blood. This was death. The end of life and dreams. Dead man didn't tell tales. Only those alive did.
He closed his eyes, and just thanked the stars things didn't get worse.
Still, the shinobi world was truly a filthy place. Lack power and this was what happened. He wasn't naïve not to think what that man had done to the Feudal Lord's daughter. Perhaps that answered why she went through extreme lengths.
Naruto hoped, his heart would never permit him to act on impulse in such a manner. For the cycle of hatred would never end if one became lost in vengeance.
The mother had already disappeared with her daughter. The Lord had a cold expression on his face. There was something hidden within that coldness—regret. Guilt?
"I've handled the others as well. They are all sleeping, for now."
"Did they say anything?"
Naruto shook his head. He wanted to ask if that was the right question to ask at this point, but he kept his mouth shut. "I was more interesting in shutting them off than attacking."
"Bring them here, all of them. I'll deal with them."
"Of course."
The Following Morning
"Naruto?"
Tsunami was shaking him on the shoulder, while he sat on her front stoop, lost in thought. He'd come out to be a witness when the sun rose, but he never watched anything as he took a hike on a journey across the shinobi world within his mind.
"Are you okay?" She asked him with concern.
Her motherly tone, warmth reached him with a gentle nudge on his heart. He smiled at her. "Just lost in thought."
"I can see that…" she said with a stare.
Naruto heaved a heavy sigh. And then faced the sky. There was still no hint of a cloud. Rain would not be falling the days to come. "I'm not going to stay for long. I'm actually rushing over to Kumogakure for a diplomatic mission."
"Oh." Tsunami mouthed. Sadness washed across her face. "I'd thought you'd stay maybe until tomorrow. I wanted to learn more about what has been happening since you left. Oh well, you have duties," she said. "Come on… let us have breakfast. Father will be back shortly."
Tazuna had gone to the Feudal Lord's mansion. The Lord had been eternally thankful for the rescue while filled with grief that his daughter had already suffered. Naruto told the man to hire competent shinobi to look after his family if he didn't want bad things to happen again. They'd been banking on reputation—that they were allies of Konoha to save them from Rogue shinobi.
The breakfast was peaceful. He filled in Tsunami with a couple of details about his activities and she told him about how the country has moved from its former poverty to now enjoy riches.
Tazuna returned with a worn out look. Probably struggled having to have gone to the people to explain the situation.
"If he'd told people, his daughter wouldn't have suffered as much," Naruto had said when Tazuna mentioned about the daughter's state of mind.
"He'd have put her in risk and all people in the mansion."
"Is it though? Was he not just protecting his own life?" Naruto decided to stop with the matter, thinking he would just get worked out over it. "What is going to happen to them?"
They were shinobi, half hearted attempts to lock them away wouldn't do any justice. It was moments such as this that made Naruto realize just how limited he was. He didn't know any Earth Jutsu. If he did, he could have created a temporary prison for them. If he knew Fuinjutsu, he would have sealed off their chakra.
"They were executed."
Naruto blinked with surprise. He'd been thinking about imprisoning them while the country just executed them. Did killing them like this solve anything? Would it make them feel any better?
Maybe the Feudal Lord had been quick to dismiss him because of this. Once the man were brought in, in their sleep, the Feudal Lord was quick to tell him he would handle things.
"I see," he said. "The idea of taxing people for the use of the bridge is not a bad idea. Ships are still in use, but you could make more money to help the country hire protection by charging merchants 'toll fees' for using the bridge. Everyone else is free to use it but merchants can be charged. This will make it possible for you to guard it and also ensure of this nation's security."
With Konoha shinobi present, there would be stability and thus peace.
"That is the Feudal Lord to decide."
"You could help him. The bridge is yours, isn't it?"
Cloud Country
Naruto came to an abrupt halt, while hopping through trees. He landed on the ground and turned around, standing still as he sensed chakra signatures on his tail. He'd felt it for a while, but hadn't thought they were following him.
After a couple of minutes of peace, his old friend landed on the branch of a tree, and then settled gracefully on the branch, staring down at him with his Sharingan activated, a knee raised. He looked nothing more than a thug. He wasn't alone—a red haired with him. The other person with Sasuke he recognized—Kabuto.
If Sasuke made the company of the Akatsuki, it wouldn't be surprising he would gang up with Orochimaru's beloved child. But it was treachery that Kabuto would be with the very same Sasuke who killed his beloved master.
"You were right, Kabuto, he has changed," Sasuke said, staring at Naruto with an expressionless mask.
Kabuto jumped to the ground and walked over to the trunk of the tree and leaned against it, hands folded across his chest. He was most interested in observing the blond. "Naruto-kun."
"Kabuto… last time I saw you was when Orochimaru was still alive, handicapped…" Naruto said, thinking about the time he went to retrieve Tsunade with Jiraiya. "No, I last saw you not long ago… an attempt to retrieve my dear friend over there."
He said, he did still consider Sasuke a friend. But maybe because there was just no one else who was willing to take a bullet for him. After all, despite his thoughts for revenge, Sasuke had still decided to risk his life for him. They were just fortunate their opponent was Haku and not some bloody thirsty criminal. If it had not been for Haku's kindness, Sasuke would have been dead.
Kabuto chuckled. "Not the loudmouthed brat you once were. Even though he still wears the same clothes, his expression is sharp," he grinned. "Did Jiraiya dying break you?"
Naruto's eyes sharpened for a second and then he sighed, feeling he almost lost his cool. "Yes," he said. "How did you track me down?"
"We heard you'd left Konoha and Karin over there is a sensory type."
Naruto glanced at Karin; she seemed to flinch for a second. "Another girl with you, Sasuke? You know Sakura is going to kill you."
Sasuke scoffed. "If she has the ability."
Naruto just laughed. He'd never seen Sakura as a burden but Sasuke had, perhaps that was why he really didn't bother with her. But, she had improved over the years. Her medical Ninjutsu abilities were only second to that of Tsunade herself. With more experience, she could go on to surpass her master. That was impressive, given how utterly useless she'd been.
The thought made him turn to Karin once more and then smiled at her warmly. He still didn't say anything to her. His eyes went back to Sasuke.
"How can I help you?"
"Shouldn't you be thinking about capturing me?"
Naruto scoffed. "You're not a child that I must be chasing after you. But I'll admit, you're a fool. An idiot who only thought of revenge and made the mistake of joining the Akatsuki simply because you wanted your revenge. Even with the Mangekyo, you were still fool. A blind fool…" he was speaking in a cold tone. "And I'm the one called an idiot…" he snorted. "Itachi was right. Though, I failed to understand why. But he was right."
Karin thought Naruto was nothing alike what she'd heard about him. One thing was certain, he had more chakra than all of them combined and then some. If there was going to be a battle purely of chakra, they wouldn't win. She didn't even have a good experience with facing a Jinchuriki. Sasuke almost died facing the last one. And now, this one had more chakra than the last one.
"It's offensive that I get to be called an idiot by the biggest idiot."
Naruto shrugged. "Aren't you the little fool who fled from Konoha because you envied my strength? You were pretty comfortable when I was weak, but the second I became strong, your inferiority complex—"
"There is no need talking about the past." Sasuke cut him off.
Naruto just shrugged. "What do you want?"
"What the hell happened to Madara?"
"I don't know." Naruto shrugged.
There was no obligation to tell Sasuke anything unless he knew what the Uchiha wanted. While it didn't look like it, if there was a possibility of battle, he would decide to flee the area to continue his duty than engage in battle. Tsunade wouldn't be pleased. The second Sasuke had attempted to capture Kumo's Jinchuriki, he was finally branded a rogue shinobi. His sins weren't that massive nonetheless.
"Here is my hypothesis," Kabuto took over, pushing up his glasses on the bridge of his nose as he spoke. "When he learned that Nagato was dead… that Madara went to Amegakure to retrieve the Rinnegan. From my research, it I impossible for continue whatever the Akatsuki wanted to accomplish without the Rinnegan. That is, control of the statue that holds the Bijuu. He must have gone to Ame around the time you were there. You and Konan must have killed him."
Naruto's eyes shot toward Kabuto. How he envied someone people's abilities to connect the dots. He'd always been an idiot who couldn't possibly conceive such a thought process. Hell, he'd probably reject the idea as ridiculous.
Maybe Sasuke's envy and frustrations had grown leaps and bounds because he as a genius couldn't really shrug off an idiot who couldn't even add one and one to get two. It had to be inconceivable that an idiot whose only Jutsu was the Kage Bunshin kept up with him. But or course, that still spoke to the inferiority complex within his old friend.
"Why are you teaming up with Sasuke?" Naruto asked instead of indulging Kabuto's spot on deduction.
"I am right then. Your cooperation with Konan is not surprising. After his defeat, Nagato chose to die," Kabuto was smiling. "As for why I'm with Sasuke… it is because I am curious… where his journey will lead…"
Naruto had no response to this and faced Sasuke once more. "Unsavoury company, eh?"
"I have learned something that makes me think whether I should destroy Konoha or not." Sasuke suddenly announced, a look of anger flashed through his eyes. The anger wasn't directed at him but toward Konoha.
Despite Sasuke looking so angry that he could explode like a bomb at any moment, Naruto remained calm. Why should he panic? Hadn't he faced worse? The stares and glares? The terrifying experience of meeting Zabuza and being forced to fight him when every fibre of his being shrieked for him to flee. He'd faced the mountain of Nagato. Compared to that man, whatever Sasuke said wasn't very chilling. What worse could Sasuke do to him?
Naruto looked at Sasuke with pity. "You've found something to get angry over? First it was Itachi. Now Konoha, what then after the village? You're truly are pathetic, Sasuke. When will you grow into an adult and stop this foolishness?" Naruto shook his head for a couple of seconds. "I couldn't understand what you brother meant back then. But he saw it coming. What is this secret?"
"This is the second time you've mentioned him."
"He was chasing after me. So I had some contacts with him." Naruto replied with a wave of his right hand. "He'd asked me what I would do if you ever threatened Konoha. I didn't hesitate; I told him I would protect Konoha and stop you without killing you. That is practical, unless I end up dying. Jiraiya-sensei once told me to forget about you. And be smart if I wanted to become a good shinobi. I told him I was fine with being stupid if it meant I wouldn't abandon my friends. I didn't fully comprehend all things then. I was being naïve. A fool. But I was still not wrong. And even now, I still stand with those words."
More than ever, he had to discover what that Sharingan Itachi gave him could do. The sage guess was that it had something to do with controlling Sasuke. He could infer this because of their discussion. Itachi seemed destined in protecting Konoha, and from Sasuke. But he didn't want his brother to die. His parting words also gave a strong hint; he hoped a day never came when he had to use that power.
A bitter smile spread across Naruto's lips, as he placed the palm of his right hand on his chest. "Though I still stand to what I said, I failed to acknowledge that some people you can't change, and you must make a choice at times, because that is what it means to be a shinobi. I didn't understand your brother them, but now I do. It is good to be idealistic, but we must face the reality. Itachi understood that. Thinking about it, he was not the villain people make him out to be."
"You got that from just talking to him?" It was Kabuto who asked.
"I've met different kinds of people in my life," Naruto said to Kabuto before turning to Sasuke. "If you're going to turn on Konoha, I'll have no choice but to stop you."
"Do you even have the power?" Sasuke asked him arrogantly.
Naruto just smiled. "Maybe not. We can't do all things ourselves. You need others… and that is what makes people strong. Regardless, my answer is clear; Attack Konoha and I'll have to stop you. But I sense you're still not clear on the path you must take."
"I've heard you've become a hero of Konoha."
"It's not as glamourous as you might think. My love for Konoha has nothing to do with it. Hated or loved, it doesn't really change anything. Konoha is my home. You have your reasons and I have mine."
"You're not going to ask me why I want to destroy Konoha?"
"You're curious why I still stayed in Konoha despite everything. That is why you're here. I think, you'll tell me why you want to destroy Konoha. But Sasuke, you've always acted based on anger and vengeance. Even now, you want to act on anger and vengeance. You have no plans for the future but continuously look back and back. I suggest you let go of the past and focus on the future."
"Easy for you to say. You know nothing!" Sasuke shouted at him.
"You're still thinking like a child."
"I don't want to hear that from you of all people!"
"Then don't say stupid things. You said you wanted to kill a certain man. You've done that. And shouldn't you now be thinking about reviving your clan?" Naruto asked. "I believe Itachi left you alive for this reason. Of course, the decision is yours. But as someone who once saw you as a brother I never had, this I will say; think about the future, your clan and what you really want rather than the foolishness of vengeance. Otherwise, you'll not live long and you'll live a bitter life, amounting to nothing. I'm heading toward Kumogakure. For your sins, I'll say what I can to make the Raikage see reason than demand your death. And it is my eventual hope that you'll return to Konoha."
Naruto leapt away purposefully before Sasuke could respond. No one was bothered to stop him.
Kabuto was most curious than amused. "He has definitely changed. Compared to you, has changed better…"
Sasuke shot Kabuto a cold look.
"Are we going to go to Konoha?" Karin asked quietly. Relieved more than anything. Not at the thought of going to Konoha but the fact that it didn't end up in a fight.
Sasuke ignored Karin. "He didn't answer the question about Madara. It was the primary concern. But he also didn't deny what you said," he said to Kabuto. "That man is dead then. What happens to the Bijuu?"
"Naruto is most likely going to Konoha because of it and to probably tell the Raikage his brother is still alive." Kabuto then grinned. "I know where the statue is kept. Of course, you can't control it without the Rinnegan, but there are ways one can achieve that."
Konohagakure
It was still daylight when Naruto's report came. It was detailed. Nothing Tsunade had expected. She'd thought she would have to interrogate him on the details when he did return to the village.
It just went to show, he had truly a changed. A complete switch that still left her a dumbfounded but she just had to accept it because it was only for the good. Not just for Konoha but for Naruto himself.
She pushed the report toward Shikaku, who was sitting across her in her office. "A Toad delivered this report about an hour ago."
Shikaku raised an eye brow. Naruto using the Toads to deliver a message? "Are we sure he wasn't always like this?" Shikaku asked.
"Shouldn't you know? Your son attended the same class as him."
Shikaku smiled. "My son, despite his talents, came second last."
"For the lack of trying."
"Perhaps it was the same for Naruto. His mind was just too focused on other things than thinking." Maybe thinking was too traumatic for him. Shikaku focused on the report in silence and folded the scroll once done studying it. "Everything went well, it seems."
"It didn't… at least on some area."
Shikaku didn't immediately respond. Was Tsunade hoping for Naruto to fail? Naruto had obviously completed a difficult mission that wasn't even suited for his abilities. And given his character, it was just impressive he managed to get it done. If the Godaime was still saying it didn't go as planned, there was something else she hadn't told him.
"Am I missing something?"
"What I'm about to tell you is classified." Tsunade said in a serious tone. "We knew what was happening in the Wave. In fact, it started happening right after Tazuna came to help us rebuild. That Bridge in the Wave is owned by Tazuna. He built it. The Feudal Lord has been getting a little greedy and wanted money from using the Bridge. But he couldn't legitimately do anything as he didn't even help build it—that was Tazuna's work. Those people were able to come in and settle quickly because they had his cooperation. But they were rogue shinobi, they turned on him soon enough to take the money for themselves. The Feudal Lord couldn't say anything in fear of being exposed. He pretended as if all was well to calm the people. We had someone contact him about an offer to rescue him. A message was sent to Tazuna, who then made the mission request."
Shikaku absorbed everything. A greedy Feudal Lord was nothing surprising. And Tazuna was always going to be a challenge to anyone. He held more influence in the country than its Lord. The man had done nothing against Gato but Tazuna had.
"Were you planning on eliminating him?"
"Yes." Tsunade leaned back to her chair. She hated this kind of thing but it came with the job. "Nobody thought that the Wave would grow like this. Even the Water Lord is becoming nervous. Sooner or later, he is going to make contact. It wouldn't be good for us. I was going to send Anbu to eliminate him. And a normal team for the mission request. The team would discover the bodies, and accuse the rogue shinobi of the crime. Since, the rogue shinobi were not going to report the death of the Feudal Lord. If they did, the country would turn on them. We can always say we came too late, and offer condolences. But our presence at that moment would have been the most important thing. We would have had Tazuna act as Feudal Lord knowing his loyalty to Konoha."
"But you ended up sending Naruto."
"The mission required technical and covert skills. None of which Naruto has."
"If Naruto had failed, it wouldn't have really affected his reputation in the country. The Feudal Lord may have ended up dead but it was still not a bad thing. In the unlikely event Naruto pulled through, he would have proved to you that he has grown and can be trusted with difficult missions that require critical thinking. It doesn't matter either way because you know the Feudal Lord's secret and can use the card when necessary."
"If he had failed, it would have been a valuable lesson for him as well. But he succeeded. A good thing for him as a shinobi. I don't want to employ blackmail. If it gets discovered, it tanks our reputation with other nations. There is no telling the Feudal Lord wouldn't sell us out either."
Shikaku realized he was here because the Godaime needed a way out. It remained true that the Wave couldn't fall into the hands of the Water Country. Blackmail was indeed a dangerous card and should only be used when no other means could be employed.
"He doesn't know that we know."
"No." Tsunade shook her head. "And Naruto's mission should have dispelled any suspicions if he had any since we approached him."
The Godaime surely played her cards well. "Well, on a personal level, for Naruto at least, he has shown considerable growth and tactical awareness. I would call this more of a success than anything. Mastering Senjutsu means he has become one of our biggest assets, if not the most valuable. There will be more responsibilities for him and some of which he needs to handle alone."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "It is why I decided to let him go, even if there was a possibility this may happen. But now, we have this problem."
"We don't have to necessarily blackmail him or even force him to do anything. All that is needed is just for him to know we know what happened. We can't let the people know by driving a counterintelligence operation. It will only destabilize the nation. We don't want that. Just letting him be aware that we know but will keep his secret will be enough." Shikaku said.
"Hmm… I suppose that makes sense," Tsunade conceded. "He should also be feeling guilty over what happened to his daughter. Greed is truly dangerous," she said with a slight shake of her head. "You noticed that Naruto didn't kill anyone."
"Yes…"
"He is still the same person at core… but at least the Wave took care of it. A small nation like the Wave doesn't have the power to imprison those people. But I suppose they were executed before they could even say anything."
"I'd wondered why Naruto's report says they were executed deep in the morning while still out cold." Shikaku smiled. "Well, at least we know he will be behaved in the Cloud."
"I wonder about that."
"But why did he do things in this way? The Feudal Lord, I mean? He could have just spoken to Tazuna and hired shinobi to do the tax collection. He didn't have to conspire with Rogue shinobi like this."
"He most likely underestimated his authority. He may have feared if he did it alone, people would turn on him. And decided to use shinobi knowing if there was some resistance, shinobi would handle it. Even if they came to us, he could escape from it. Afterward, he could say, well, this tax thing is not a bad idea but let us do it this way."
End of chapter
The response was just overwhelmingly positive, so I went on to write another chapter. Thank you!
I had a bit of trouble with the last scene. Tsunade wasn't really setting Naruto for failure, it was just a situation where even if he failed, it wouldn't have mattered. Ultimately, she has responsibility toward the village's interests above all things.
Yes, I do tend to just outright ignore Hinata in my stories… even Iruka. But in this story, I'm not going ignore her or Sakura. The Konoha 12 will feature.
No, it's not going to be a NaruHina pairing.
As this chapter highlighted, Naruto's Jutsu arsenal is lacking. I'll try to expand it a little.