Hello again. Sorry for not uploading, I hadn't been reading much for the past few months and didn't realize how burnt out I was. Then I spent a week without youtube and video games. Boy did that help. Anyways, here's the next chapter. I didn't think it was going to be very long but... I wanted it to not but complete garbage. For future reference, please leave a review on whether you like longer chapters like this or shorter chapters. Say around 3-5 words a piece.
I alternate between "Kurama" and "Kurama" in the story. The bold is the fox, the normal font is Naruto. Now, withoutfurther delay, please enjoy chapter 3 of "The Sakusa Circus"!
I don't own Naruto. However, I am the creator of this fanfic! I'm not sure what exactly that leaves me with though.
[_}^*!\/!*^{_]
Kurama was enjoying the morning streets of Konoha on his walk to the Hyuga compound for his trial. He had started packing up the circus the night before and decided to go for a walk before his trial. Planning on finishing the packing later.
With a light breeze blowing through and the sakura trees blooming, nature was practically begging him to go outside. Kurama took a slow inhale of the sweet smelling flowers as he passed by. 'What a beautiful day. Maybe I can take Hinata on a date after the trial'.
'Don't get arrogant kit. You're already an outsider, after beating Neji the elders will probably like you even less. Not to mention you smell like animals half the time…'.
'Hey, it's not that bad!'
'Sure kit. Sure. Ask your vixen about it next time. She may have been hiding it, but she definitely wanted you to take a shower. Little does she know a shower doesn't do much. You need a deep cleaning.
'You said half the time, that must mean I'm able to get the stink off somewhat easily'.
'You only don't stink only when put on cologne idiot'.
Kurama grumbled in annoyance, the beautiful morning now a bit less enjoyable. He was broken out of his mood when a boy around Hanabi's age started waving him down. "Hey! Hey Mr. Kurama! Wait! Mr. Kurama!".
Kurama turned to face the boy, throwing on a fake performance smile, "Hello! Kurama Sakusa, how may I be of service?" Kurama asked, hoping this wasn't another fan asking for an autograph.
"Yes! I want you to be my sensei!" the boy exclaimed to the world.
Kurama was surprised by this request, he had never thought about passing on the circus to somebody else, but that was for another time. "I'm sorry, but the circus isn't looking for any more performers".
"What? Not even one?!"
"Nope!"
"Well how about a helper? I know you can always use one of those. Plus I've been training to be a shinobi so I'm really strong and fast!"
'Dammit, I don't have an excuse'.
'Well how about you hire him then! What harm could it do?'
'Did you forget what happened 4 years ago?'
'Nope. Especially the part where it was 4 years ago. Besides you have me this time. Whoever attacked stands no chance this time… That and you're trying to marry that vixen of yours so if you were really afraid of that you would've never gone out with Hinata'. Kurama then prepared for a nap.
'Fine!'. Kurama sighed in defeat and looked at the boy. "Alright kid, you've convinced me. What's your name?".
"Konohamaru Sarutobi. When can I start, boss?"!" he said cheerfully.
"Boss huh?... I like that. How does later today work for you? I have something to take care of this morning and someone I'm meeting up with this evening but I should be free from 12-4"
"Perfect! Is it okay if I bring one of my friends too? They want to learn too!"
Kurama sighed, "Fine. But only one! And keep it on the down low. I don't want all of Konoha at my door wanting to learn circus tricks!".
"You got it boss! Oh, good luck with the trial!" Konohamaru said as he started to run off.
Kurama's eyes widened, "Wait, how do you know about that?!".
"Hanabi told me," Konohamaru said with a mischievous smile before truly running off into the streets of Konoha.
Kurama pinched his nose and sighed. "Alright, well that's not the worst that could happen". Looking at a street clock Kurama saw that it was only 5 minutes before he had to be at the trial. "That's the worst that could happen. Where'd all my time go?!"
'*yawn*Well you do have a terrible sense *yawn*of time. Probably spent too much time walking'. Kurama then curled up once again to continue sleeping.
'Y'know one of these days I'm going to leave the circus and get a watch. Then what will you tease me about?'
'Always being late. You knew you only had 5 minutes and just spent 3 of them arguing with me!' Kurama finished, trying to put an end to the conversation so he could sleep.
'When are you not sleeping?!'. Kurama was met with another yawn from his furry inhabitant.
Kurama let out a mental roar of frustration before finally making his way to the Hyuga compound going all out in order to be on time.
(_]}{[_)
Neji and Kurama were to fight at the Hyuga jounin training ground. The most durable and used the least training ground. While the Hyuga had several active jounin, many were too busy with missions to use it, and the Elders prevented most branch members from becoming Jounin, keeping them at a more manageable skill level. The Hyuga's had already been waiting for 30 minutes when Kurama's time to arrive had come.
One minute passed…. Then two... Then five… Then ten. Hinata had used her doujutsu before Kurama was even supposed to arrive to make sure he was coming. She had been silently panicking the entire morning, doubts filling her mind. She was very reassured by what she saw.
As it neared ten minutes Neji grew impatient and activated his Byakugan, seeking Kurama out. Neji suddenly whipped his head to the Elders, "We are not amused with your games Sakusa-san. Just know it was only our respect for others' privacy that prevented us from taking notice of your presence".
A sigh could be heard from the ceiling above the elders, "Well does certainly explain a lot. And here I thought I was being so sneaky". Neji gave Kurama a hard and irritated glare as he watched Kurama silently land behind the Hyuga Elders. "My apologies for making you wait so long," Kurama said, "I simply wanted to have some fun before the trial. I made tea". Kurama then seemed to bring a teapot and cups out of nowhere, steam coming from the spout.
The Hyugas were left confused and irritated. Those at the dinner nights prior were not irritated however, but… amused. In a moment of defiance Hinata said, "I think I will take some". The Elders and Neji gave her a hard stare as she accepted the cup from Kurama.
Taking a sip she asked, "white tea?".
"Did I make it right?" Kurama asked.
"It's delicious," Hinata complimented.
Kurama turned to the rest, "Anyone else?".
Hitomi and Hanabi raised their hands. Kurama gladly provided them with a drink. When offered, Hiashi declined, "I prefer green, thank you".
"No problem," Kurama said, making the teapot vanish as mysteriously as it appeared and bringing a new one with green tea. After pouring Hiashi some tea he gestured once more to the Hyuga Clan. Hizashi wanted some, but decided it would be best if he didn't taking Kurama's offer in front of his son.
Neji's patience had reached its limit, "Kurama Sakusa!" he shouted in an outburst. He continued in a much more reasonable tone, "I believe you intended to spar me this morning".
"Oh! Yes! If everyone is done with tea, I believe we can commence".
As Kurama was walking to his half of the training arena Hiashi and Hizashi's father, Jakkasu, the head of the elders spoke, "You may have impressive tricks boy, but you will find yourself humbled by the abilities of the Hyuga".
"Impressive? I never thought I'd hear such a compliment from an Elder. I thank you for thinking so highly of my tricks," Kurama said with a broad smile. The Elders sneered in response, not pleased with Kurama turning their threat into a compliment.
"Are you done yet?" Neji asked angrily.
After taking a look around him Kurama responded, "I suppose so. I'll give you the first move".
"You will regret that freek," Neji mumbled as he activated his Byakugan again and took his taijutsu stance. He then turned into a blur as he started his attack, rapidly blocking Kurama's chakra points before sending Kurama across the arena with a hard kick to the face.
The echoing "thud" that followed Kurama's crash sent shivers down Hinata's spine. She refused to activate her Byakugan in fear of what she might find.
"Owwww. Man, you sure know how to throw a kick, Neji," Kurama said, rubbing his jaw, as he casually got up from the ground, seemingly affected besides the sore jaw.
All of the Hyuga were surprised, some in fear, others in amazement. Kurama cracked his neck before saying, "my turn". Neji took a defensive stance, but it wouldn't be of much help. Kurama disappeared in a burst of speed, appearing before Neji and now launching him across the arena with a punch to the gut. Neji coughed up phlegm as he was sent into a post on the opposite end.
When Neji rose again, he looked more wild, a few strands in front of his face and a desperate look in his eyes. He took his stance once more and moved in for an attack, launching air attacks as he approached. Kurama either dodged or destroyed the air attacks with his cane.
This continued for several minutes, Kurama throwing a few strikes but landing them everytime, sending Neji multiple yards. Neji would shout short war cries every time he'd get up and attack once again. Neji was now bleeding in several areas, Kurama only sporting one or two small ones that Neji had managed to land.
Eventually he had enough and Neji started a sixty-four trigrams, increasing his speed and ferocity as Kurama either dodged or blocked his attacks this time. Neji continued striking, determined to strike Kurama. Noting Kurama's unprotected feet, Neji swept Kurama's legs quickly and used the time Kurama was in the air to launch his attack, 'You can't move in the air!'.
Kurama's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. His cockiness and lack of battle experience cost him. While Neji's first attack was manageable with Neji trying to conserve chakra, in this second attack Neji held nothing back, willing the chakra points to weld close. Neji also would hit certain pressure points and nerves to increase the amount of pain Kurama would experience, pushing his body to the absolute limits to fit all of this within seconds. Neji finished it all with an elbow to the stomach.
The Hyuga Elders were very pleased with what they saw, they had never seen Neji perform so well. Neji's family however held looks of concern, for Kurama's physical state and Neji's mental state.
Neji then did something that seemed to gain the attention of even time itself. He cried. The Hyugas watched as the first tear fell. It's splash on the ground being followed by many more.
The Hyugas just sat there, either unsure of what to do or knowing this was something Neji needed some space with.
"Neji Hyuga, I believe one of us is unfit for battle. And I don't think it's me," Kurama said cautiously as he slowly rose into a crouching position.
Neji took a few breaths to steady himself. "My attack did nothing huh? It seems that I have lost this battle anyways Sakusa-san," Neji responded disheartedly.
"I wouldn't say that, the only reason I can keep upright right now is thanks to my cane, my whole right side is numb. Plus, I'm in an incredible amount of pain right now," Kurama countered.
"It seems that even you have your limitations with how much your tricks can do".
"Tricks can only bring me so far, the rest is up to me, and you exploited that. However, it seems that you have something to sort out within yourself. May I end this battle?"
Neji made a small nod, allowing Kurama to strike the back of his neck and pass fell to the mat floor, and the battle had come to an end.
The Elders were furious at Neji and his giving in to defeat. They were even more upset when Kurama turned to them and said, "I believe I have won, esteemed Hyuga Elders. I take it that I have gained the approval to court Miss Hinata Hyuga?". Kurama asked the question politely, but there was a dangerous threat under his words. A threat that did not go unnoticed by the Hyuga.
Jakkasu gave Kurama a hard and disapproving glare. "Your victory today means nothing. We do not approve".
"Then it is fortunate for Sakusa-san that you do not make the decision. He has proven himself to be more than a capable combatant. Even you can not disregard the raw speed and power the boy has," Hiashi said, giving his father a rebellious look, one that wasn't seen often, but with the elders already having their undies in a twist Hiashi decided to reclaim his power.
Jakkasu's glare shifted to his son, his Kyaugan active and killer intent leaking, "You dare defy the elders?".
Hiashi activated his own dojutsu and matched his father's intent, "Do you forget your role in the clan father? It seems I had forgotten. I am the head of this clan. You are an elder, an advisor. You do not make the decisions on this clan. I do," Hiashi said with a finality in his voice that taunted his father to challenge him.
Silence fell over the clan as the two clan leaders were held in a dangerous staring contest. Jakkasu was the first to break, deciding to take his leave. The rest of the elders followed. Those who stayed behind were staring at Hiashi with awe. Never had anyone challenged the elders so directly. Hitomi had been slowly chipping away at it but not even she had done so in such a straightforward manner.
Hiashi turned back to Kurama, "You have the approval of the Hyuga Clan to court my daughter Hinata".
"Oh! I uh.. Thank you sir!" Kurama fumbled, giving Hiashi a deep bow.
"Do not misunderstand me Kurama Sakusa. I did not challenge my father for you. I did it to regain my power and for Hinata. The second you hurt my daughter, I will not hesitate to take action," Hiashi finished, looking at Kurama with activated Byakugan. "No amount of potential power and influence will save you".
Kurama shuddered as Hiashi glared into his soul.
'Hehehe, I like this one," Kurama chuckled.
Kurama ignored his furry partner's two cents on the matter. "I understand sir!" Kurama answered with another deep bow.
Hiashi rose and then took his leave, Hitomi following, giving Kurama an approving nod before leaving the viewing area. A maid had come to speak with Hanabi.
Hizashi rose and approached his son. Kurama turned to Hinata asking, "I have some more things to take care of today, are you free this evening?".
"Unfortunately I am not, Kurama-kun. I have duties to take care of today. Will tomorrow work for you?"
"I await it with great anticipation," Kurama said, one of his blinding smiles filling his face.
"Excuse me Kurama-san! As adorable as you and my sister are, I have been informed you made a promise to a certain Sarutobi this morning that you would teach him and I some tricks," Hanabi interrupted, quickly growing impatient with the two lovebirds.
Kurama sighed as Hinata raised an eyebrow in confusion. "I guess Konohamaru wasted no time informing you". Seeing Hinata's confused look he gave a short explanation that satisfied the Hyuga heiress. "Alright then, shall we walk or travel in style?" Kurama asked Hanabi.
"In style of course!" the girl answered. Kurama gestured for her to join him. Once she did, he wrapped an arm around her and tipped an imaginary hat to Hinata before being swallowed by another fox of fire rising out of the ground, disappearing as it closed its mouth around them.
(^*!*^)
Konohamaru was patiently waiting for Kurama and Hanabi to arrive in front of the circus tent. After taking a peek in he saw that there was significantly less in the tent. He must've started packing'.
When he turned around he was met with a sudden burst of flames in front of him revealing Hanabi and Kurama. The surprise sent Konohamaru flying 10 feet in the air with a short eek with it.
"Sorry about that, I didn't think you'd be here yet. Did I scare you?" Kurama asked knowingly.
"What? Scared? Never".
"Uh huh… Well anyways, how are you feeling Hanabi?" Kurama continued.
The Hyuga was steadying herself on her knees. After a few steadying breaths she gave them a thumbs up. "I thought you meant like an elephant or something!" Hanabi accused.
"Sorry, the first few times are a bit rough but I promise you it gets better after a while," Kurama said sympathetically, recalling his first time he was part of that technique. 'Good thing she did better than me. Vomit is the last thing I want to deal with'. Turning back to the tent, Kurama lead the two inside of the circus tent.
The two genin took note of how no one else was in the tent with them. "Where are the other performers?" Hanabi asked.
"Around town," Kurama said, gesturing vaguely to Konoha. "I've already found another circus for them to work with so they should be leaving in a few days".
"Why haven't we seen any of them, boss? I know Konoha is big but it's not that big. I haven't seen any of the people from the show once outside of the show," Konohamaru pointed out.
"You honestly expect them to just walk around looking like themselves? Some of them are unrecognizable without their makeup and costumes. The others disguise themselves," Kurama responded.
"Okay, but why are none of them here? You're the only person that I've seen outside of the show," Hanabi added.
"They don't usually come back to the tent unless there's a show. While it may be a place of wonder, it's not very comfortable," Kurama responded, handing both Hanabi and Konohamaru a box to carry. "Now, I need this group of boxes on those scrolls, I took care of a lot of the packing last night so this shouldn't take long".
"And then can you teach us some tricks?" Konohamaru pleaded.
"Yes! Yes. I'll show you some of the more basic tricks or practices for tricks, but I warn you it's going to take a while before you get a hang of it".
When Konohamaru and Hanabi left that evening they had moved all the boxes in record time and, thanks to their shinobi training, they had been able to make incredible progress in sleight of hand and concealment. Multiple times Konohamaru had tried using a henge jutsu to make it look like he had succeeded early but Hanabi would always rat him out.
Both of Kurama's students however were very happy with their results. Kurama himself found himself having enjoyed teaching them.
'Maybe it's time to think of retirement,' Kurama suggested.
'It's only been a year! I think I have a little more time before I need to hang up the hat!'
'Maybe, but if you plan on marrying Hinata know that you'll have to choose between her and the circus. Seeing her only every other month is not a marriage, and as a clan heiress she doesn't have your freedom of travel'
Kurama pondered the words of the fox, 'I guess I could become a shinobi. Or maybe I can be a stay at home dad and welcome Hinata home when she returns from her missions'
'You wouldn't last a day'
…
'Yeah, I wouldn't last a day. I don't know! Any ideas furball?'
'No, but I was surprised to her stay at home dad so soon. Already thinking about children huh kit?'
Kurama turned a few shades redder, 'I… you!... I do want…. *sigh*... Yes I want kids, but that's for many years in the future. I'm only 16 dammit!'
'*chuckle* don't worry kit, with all the technology today you and your vixen will be able to have plenty of fun before thinking about start your own little skulk'
Kurama's face was now starting to glow a little, 'Shut up you dumb fox!'. He then went to distract himself with some more work before going to bed for the night.
][_}*^*{_][
The next day, Kurama and Hinata went on their first date as an official couple. They were having a lovely conversation as they walked through the streets of Konoha when a thundering grumble interrupted.
"I think I may be hungry," Kurama said.
Hinata rolled her eyes, "Did you have any where in mind?".
"How about ramen? You had said we'd go for our second date but it never ended up happening".
"Hey, I had gotten a coupon for sushi from Ino! I wasn't going to let that go to waste," Hinata replied.
"I'm only teasing. That sushi was good, but I'm very curious about that ramen shop you mentioned, y'know," Kurama said.
"Fair enough, be prepared to have your taste buds blown," Hinata warned.
"Bring it on!"
(=)(=)(=)(=)
Naruto took a deep whiff of the bowl of ramen in front of him, his eyes glistening with hunger and slightly drooling at the mouth. "You haven't even tasted it yet," Hinata said with a giggle, finding Kurama's lack of composure cute, in a childish sort of way.
"It just looks so good," Kurama replied before putting a spoonful of ramen in his mouth and having his eye nearly explode.
"And?" Hinata asked with a smirk.
"This… is the greatest thing… I have ever eaten… in my life". Kurama started shovelling the ramen into his mouth, slurping the broth with a satisfying sigh of completion. Hinata had only had her second spoonful.
"Damn right it is! What rock have you been living under?" Ayame shouted from the kitchen.
"Clearly the wrong one! I should've visited Konoha sooner!" Kurama responded.
"Ayame, this is Kurama," Hinata explained when Ayame came out of the kItchen. "The boy I was telling you about," she continued in a lower tone.
Ayame made an "O" with her lips as she exited the kitchen. Leaning towards Hinata she whispered, "he really is cute. If you don't keep him can I take him?".
"What? No!" Hinata whispered. Ayame laughed as she walked over to stand in front of Kurama.
"So where are you from handsome?" she asked flirtatiously.
Kurama finished wiping his face with a napkin before responding, "Well I've been all over the place, miss. Sand, Earth, Lighting, Waves, Fire, and… most of the lands in between".
"Ahh, that explains why I've never seen you before," Ayame commented, washing a plate while talking. "So you're the one who's stolen my little Hinata's heart huh?". Hinata went crimson red and buried her face in her hands. "She wouldn't stop talking about how amazing you were. Then again, I don't think Ino would've let her keep any details".
Kurama laughed, "Oh have I now?". Hinata started lightly hitting Kurama's arm. "Well it's a good thing you've stolen mine too then, huh?". Kurama's confidence was quickly draining and now it was Kurama's turn to be embarrassed, his face tainting red and starting to sweat a little. He turned to stare at the bottom of the ramen bowl.
"Um.. can I have the bill?" Kurama said in a squeaky voice. Ayame giggled as she figured out the cost and told an embarrassed Kurama who quickly paid and led Hinata outside the shop.
The two awkwardly walked beside each other around Konoha for a while. "Did you mean that?" Hinata asked after a few minutes.
After a few seconds of silence Kurama responded, "Every word". He was still too embarrassed to look at Hinata. He was calmed when she took his hand in his own, brushing her shoulder against his. "Did you?" he asked.
Hinata stepped in front of Kurama, hugging him closely, "every word".
+(*)=_=(*)+
Tsunade happily sighed after taking a long swig of sake. It was days like these that she especially indulged in sake. She knew the responsibility of Hokage was going to be tiresome, but the kidnappings occurring almost every other month was not what she signed up for.
After Hiruzen died, Orochimaru had become more bold. Stealing children from all backgrounds from the village. After a few clan children had been stolen the clans had upped security, making any kidnappings from one of the clans at least much limited to only once a year usually.
One good thing came from it though. Once the clan kidnappings had started the Hyuga had upped their defense and allowed them to catch a team of hidden cloud ninja who had tried kidnapping Hinata without any repercussions.
Tsunade's peace was broken when a knocking came from the door. She reluctantly put away her sake, "AAAHHHH! Fine… Come in!" she called.
Neji cautiously opened the door to the Hokage's office. "Hokage-sama? You summoned me?".
"Yes, yes. I have an A-rank mission for you to lead. Our spies believe they've found one of Orochimaru's hideouts. According to our intel Orochimaru is not there, but his kidnappers should be there along with any recent kidnappings if it does prove to be one of his hideouts. I trust you to select your squadmates. Report back to me when you have selected your squad by tomorrow at noon. More information is on this scroll".
When the kidnappings first started, it was only rumored that it was Orochimaru who was behind them. Nothing concrete had been found to make the relation until one night they caught the perpetrators in the act. While the chunins who found them were unable to get a clear look at the perpetrators they did find torn pieces of clothing. After analyzing the clothing, the results showed the members of the Sound Four.
At a later attempt, it had been Guy who had caught them in the act. He had tried to recapture the child, or at least one of the kidnappers, but he had to limit himself from unlocking higher gates so he wouldn't damage the village by accident. This limitation prevented him from being capable of dealing with their 2nd stage curse marks when having to face all of them together in their retreat.
The increased patrols and guards helped limit the kidnappings to every other month, and domestic crime dropped considerably but nothing they did stopped the kidnappings.
Neji bowed as he took the scroll, "Thank you Tsunade-sama". Once Neji closed the door Tsunade broke open the bottle of sake again. She knew she should be more attentive and excited that they might be able to rescue some of the kidnapped children but if she was going to be honest, she wasn't very optimistic about the mission. It wasn't the first time they'd heard about a potential hideout, and she doubted it'd be the last.
It was then that the biggest pain in the ass to ever exist walked in, cane and all. "You shouldn't let a young shinobi take on the task of scoping out a potential hideout for Orochimaru. This should be a task for the ANBU".
"If I gave the slightest shit about what you thought, Danzo, I might listen, but since I know you don't give a rat's ass about the boy and would somehow gain from me sending ANBU, I'm even more motivated to go forth with the mission".
"You're letting your emotions cloud your judgement. You know that boy is linked to the most recent kidnapping and you thought it'd be nice to give the boy a chance at revenge," Danzo replied.
"This is not a revenge mission! If this information proves to be true then I'm hoping that the boy will find a sense of justice. Besides, he's an incredibly reliable jounin just as qualified as the ANBU to take on this task".
"You overestimate the ability of your ninja!" Danzo warned.
"And I have already given you too much power. It started with basic exercises for our shinobi, then influence in the academy. You have already taken more than your fill and I will not be giving you anymore!"
"And look at my results! We are producing stronger shinobi and are slowly rising up from Hiruzen's weakness!"
"Don't!... Disrespect my sensei. He is more of a shinobi than you could ever dream of. Now get out of my sight! Before I force you out," Tsunade warned ominously. Danzo sighed through his nose and took his leave as the Hokage asked. He did not wish to make a scene with her. Not yet.
(_^~~^_)
Neji was ecstatic about this mission, so much so that he started heading over to Tenten's. Then he remembered that she was already on a mission. 'I guess I just have to surprise her!' a smile forming on Neji's face. He changed direction and started formulating a team, trying to find a balance within the shinobi he knew would be available. 'I need stealth, but also need those who can handle a fight. I can handle scoping out the base once we arrive at the town that the intel was recovered from'. When he finished debating over everyone, Neji had come up with a squad he believed would fit most of those requirements.
'The only thing left is battle power. They all have stealth capabilities and are powerful, but if we come across someone like Sasuke with the curse mark, I fear we may not be able to handle them'. Neji spent the next few minutes racking his brain for someone who would potentially have the power to deal with someone like Sasuke. Only Lee and Guy came to mind but both of them were far too loud to do a stealth mission with. Neji shuddered at the memories of his first stealth mission as a genin and chaotic it had become when Lee and Guy should up to the Gangster's house dressed as geishas.
Then it dawned on him, 'But how would I get him to join me? I doubt he'd do it because we're good friends and while it may be morally right, I can't just ask him to risk his life for the village's problems. Though if someone else were to come along… Hinata does fit all the requirements, and with him around she'd never actually be in any danger… I think this could work. I just need the Hokage's approval. Although I think he'll be able to handle that part'. Neji was feeling better than he had in a long while, starting to run to the house of his first squadmate.
The first person he recruited was Sakura. He didn't know the state those kids would be in so he needed someone with advanced medical knowledge, and she could deliver a punch that even the most powerful shinobi would be sent flying from.
The second was Kakashi. The older jounin had a plethora of knowledge and experience that Neji thought would be incredibly vital to the mission. Thankfully, Kakashi didn't seem to be in the middle of anything important, just a book club meeting for Icha Icha Paradise.
The third and fourth members of his team he expected to find together, and together he found them. Neji found the two enjoying a nice stroll, hand in hand. Neji found himself taking a little joy in interrupting the moment. While Neji did regret losing his temper during the trial, he still did not like Kurama's relationship with Hinata.
"Hinata-sama. Sakusa-san. I have a request to make to both of you".
"What is it now, Neji?" Kurama asked, making no effort to hide his annoyance. Hinata sheepishly smiled and gestured for Neji to continue.
Taking a moment to give Kurama an analysing look, Neji continued "The Hokage has tasked me with leading a mission to investigate a potential hideout of Orochimaru. The man who's behind the multiple kidnappings in Konoha. I'm assembling a team and am seeking both of you to join".
"Wait a second. I'm not a shinobi," Kurama reminded.
"I'm well aware of that Kurama Sakusa, however your battle skill will be quite helpful and the fact that you have stealth capabilities makes you much more ideal than my other options," Neji explained.
"Were the other options Lee and Guy?" Hinata asked. Neji nodded his head. Hinata then turned to Kurama, "please come with us! Lee and Guy are nice but they can be a bit… overwhelming. And they're not exactly the quietest people in the world".
'You have my sensei to thank for that' Neji thought, memories of team Guy rushing over him. Specifically the embarrassing ones. He gave a small shiver.
Kurama raised an eyebrow at the two of them, "Why would these two be so bad for the mission?".
"It's a stealth mission, but I also require someone who can handle higher level shinobi. They only meet one of those requirements," Neji explained.
"And what makes you think I'll be joining you on your stealth mission?" Kurama asked.
Neji felt a twinge of guilt using his cousin as leverage, "because Hinata will also be on this mission, and while she may be a skilled shinobi, I can not guarantee her safety".
Kurama tried looking for any doubt or lies in Neji's eyes but found nothing. Hinata wanted to speak out and reprimand Neji for using her to get to Kurama, but as a shinobi of Konoha, she couldn't say no to a mission unless already on one or with the approval of the Hokage. Nothing she could say would change the situation.
A foxy smile started forming on Kurama's face, "As dirty as this tactic is Neji, I find myself a bit excited to join you on this mission. When and where do we meet?".
"Tomorrow at noon at the Hokage's office," answered Neji.
"The Hokage? Isn't that the leader of the village? Do I need to dress up?" Kurama asked. He had met with other village leaders but never with a leader of one of the five great shinobi villages before.
Hinata was about to answer when Neji beat her to it, "Yes. Something very extravagant for your first impression. She's a tough woman so don't hold anything back," Neji said, restraining a smirk. He started walking away before he lost composure.
Kurama narrowed his eyes as he watched Neji walk away. Hinata was shaking her head in disapproval. "Do you think I should dress up?" Kurama asked her. Hinata knew it'd be mean to lie to him, but she was really curious about what would happen if she let Neji have his fun.
"Yes," she said, a mischievous smile forming on her lips against her will.
Kurama saw this smile, but decided to humor the two Hyugas. "Alright then. Extravagant huh? I think I have just the thing"...
^_}][{_^
Neji's team was waiting for the final member to arrive in the Hokage's office. Neji stood silently in the corner as Kakashi read and the two girls talked with each other. Tsunade was starting to get impatient. "Where is this final member of your team?! And why the hell will you not tell me who it is?!" she demanded.
"The final member of my team isn't exactly a shinobi of the leaf Hokage-sama. However, he is very skilled and I have little doubt in his faith".
Tsunade was about to continue when the room was filled with orange smoke. "What the hell is this?!".
"The final member, Hokage-sama," Neji answered with a smirk.
When the smoke vanished, Kurama was left there wearing something that could only be described as horrific.(Search up "Shrek dressed up". Wig and makeup too). Kurama had a composed look on his face, his lips slightly pursed. A composure that the others in the room could not keep. Everyone but Tsuande was laughing, Tsuande was too busy trying to figure out what in the name of Kami she was looking at.
"What*laugh* is*laugh* that?!" Sakura asked through fits of laughter.
"I was told to dress extravagantly. I believe I have done so," Kurama replied in a posh voice, only adding fuel to the laughter that surrounded him.
Tsunade was on the verge of slamming her head into her desk, "This is even worse than Guy's fashion sense, and I thought that was impossible!... Get out of that… abomination!" Tsunade demanded. Kurama let a mischievous smile slip as he lightly tossed his cane into the air and spun around, catching it and placing it in front of him to lean on, now wearing his usual orange vest and tie, a top hat resting on his head.
Kakashi's eye widened as if he had seen a ghost for a second before he realized it wasn't his sensei. A few seconds later, Kakashi's eye widened again as he realized who this was.
"Much better…", 'There's not enough sake in the world to make me forget that'. "Now, who are you exactly?" Tsunade asked.
"Kurama Sakusa, your Hokageness. Ringleader and owner of the Sakusa Circus and entertainer extraordinaire! I was recruited by Neji here earlier this afternoon to join him in his mission".
"And do you have any battle experience or skills?" Tsunaed asked skeptically.
"Umm… I do but I'm not sure to what level," Kurama then turned to Neji, "What rank are you Neji? I think you said you were a genin right? I believe I'm a chunin then," Kurama taunted, wanting to get back at Neji for using such a dirty tactic to get him here in the first place.
Everyone but Hinata was surprised by this news, unsure if Kurama was lying or not. Neji's reluctant answer of, "He's jonin rank" only solidified their amazement.
"So is that good?" Kurama asked.
Tsunade narrowed his eyes at him, "I trust Neji to tell the truth so yes, that is good. However! While Neji has vouched for your faith, I am not as confident in you".
"Understandable, however may I request to be privy to what this mission is exactly?"
Tsunade gave a hard glare at Neji, who returned her stare, telling her that it would be okay to tell Kurama.
"This is a stealth mission to locate and destroy a hideout of Orochimaru's. A large enemy of Konoha. He has been kidnapping children from the village for the past decade. Our scouts believe to have found one of his bases and that this base would have any recently kidnapped children," Tsunade explained to the Shinobi in front of her.
"Are these only the reported kidnappings we're talking about?" Kurama asked, a hit of edge in his voice.
"What are you implying Sakusa?" Tsunade asked dangerously.
"I am suggesting that while the children with families have been reported missing and are being searched for, what about the children without anyone. There are numerous children in Konoha that have no one to miss them. What about those children?"
"And how would you know about these children? For someone who supposedly has only been here for a little more than a week that seems like a bold statement," Tsunade countered.
'Shit, that is a bit too bold'. "Forgive me, Miss Hokage. You see, before I joined the circus, I lived in a village myself, not very different from this one, where I would be chased, attacked, vandalized, and stolen from for reasons I never knew and only one person ever helped me, but they were quickly told to remain silent and the brief moment of safety they gave me was followed by another beating. Then when I was six I suddenly left with the circus and no one went looking for me. Not a single person cared whether I was dead or alive," Kurama paused, "Sorry if I sound a bit bold but I know that in a village such as this there are children who also have no place to call home or have never felt the love of their parents. I am not interested in helping your village in the slightest if I am to be completely honest at the moment. I will help in the effort to retrieve these children and I will protect those who are dear to me, that I will assure you". Tsunade and Kurama were now holding a tense staring contest. Kurama leaning on his cane and Tsunade keeping her hands folded before her.
The others in the room silently waited for the war between the two forces to come to a conclusion.
After a few tense minutes, Tsunade looked down, admitting defeat in that battle. She had searched for deceit and lies in his eyes but only found furious truth After clearing her throat, she continued with a different area of concern, "while that may be the case Mr. Sakusa, you have no way to prove that's true and not just well done acting. I will summon Inoichi to quickly investigate these loyalties you claim to have and if what you say checks out, then you may go on this mission".
Ignoring the heavy tension still in the room, Kurama threw on a smile and bowed. "I happy to hear that Ms. Hokage". The room fell into an awkward silence, only broken when Tsunade used the call button on her desk to tell Shizune to get Inoichi.
Kakashi was entering his own silent hellscape once again. Another person close to him that he failed. First his father, then Obito, then Rin, then his Sensei and his wife, and now he's failed his sensei's son, the closest person he has to being family. 'I abandoned my friends, I abandoned my family, I abandoned my sensei. I truly am worse than trash'. A silent and unnoticed tear escaped Kakashi's covered eye, something that had not happened since the Kyuubi attack.
Kurama felt the suffocating regret and guilt in Kakashi and he wondered what the cause of it could be, 'Who did you abandon, Kakashi the Copy Ninja?'.
(*^_][_*^)
When Inoichi arrived he immediately took notice of the heavy silence in the room. Not wanting to get himself caught up in whatever drama had occurred, Inoichi looked straight and made his way to the Hokage. "You summoned me, Hokage-sama?".
"Yes. I would like you to inspect 's loyalties to miss Hyuga here and his thoughts about the kidnapped children".
Inoichi was confused about being asked to inspect someone's love for another but with how tense the room was he decided it was better not to question it. "As you wish Hokage-sama," Inoichi finished with a bow before turning to Kurama.
"Please take a seat. I'm going to enter your subconscious and determine your true intentions concerning the matters given by the Hokage," Inoichi explained.
Kurama narrowed his eyes at the blond man before doing as he was asked. Every second that passed made Inoichi more reluctant to do what he was asked. When Kurama was ready Inoichi placed his hand on the younger blond's forehead and entered his subconscious.
Inoichi found himself in a sewer of some sort. There was some sort of water on the ground but he didn't feel his feet becoming wet. Looking around, Inoichi saw what seemed to be an endless hallway of doors one way and the other way leading to a large chamber.
'I think it's best I don't snoop around' Inoichi reminded himself. He then crouched down and placed his hand on the ground, pulling up a filing cabinet. Opening the first drawer he was met with a ocean of folders, the drawer didn't seem to ever end as Inoichi kept pulling it further and further open. Eventually Inoichi stopped and walked back to the cabinet, placing a hand on the folders. If this had been the real world it would've taken years for Inoichi to go through all of the folders to find what he was looking for, but in the mind he was able to make the folders that he needed glow for him as he searched through mountains of information within seconds.
Inoichi pulled away from the cabinet with a fold in each hand. Putting one folder under his arm, Inoichi opened the file about the kidnapped children. The folder was empty, but when Inoichi placed his hand in the middle he was filled with Kurama's emotions and saw some of the stronger memories tied to it. Inoichi nearly dropped the folder after looking through the file. He had started to sweat, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself.
"This is Naruto Uzumaki?! How?". 'Or maybe the question I should be asking is… why?'.
Inoichi hoped the file on Hinata would help balance out all the traumatizing events Inoichi just witnessed. To his delight, it did. It started with a memory from when Naruto was 6, in that memory Naruto had seen Hinata as an angel. Inoichi's brief happiness was replaced with guilt when he was reminded how no one defended Naruto. Following the memory, Inoichi was flooded with intoxicating happiness, a happiness he too had felt when he first fell in love with his wife, and every moment that made him fall deep into that love after.
Inoichi was left with conflicted emotions after leaving the file. After that was done, Inoichi returned the files and did a quick search for Orochimaru or any other enemies of Konoha. He was relieved to find nothing but a name for Orochimaru, he was intrigued however about the boy's relationships with other villages. 'Who can't this boy befriend?'.
Inoichi also found himself with a completely black folder. 'Those who he considers an enemy'. When he looked through it Inoichi was brought to what looked like a traveling circus. An older man was leading Naruto, who was now 12, to a pile of crates, more specifically a large basket on the ground.
"What's going on Jiji? Why's everyone acting so weird?" Naruto asked.
"Bandits," the old man responded.
"Bandits? I can take them! Let me help, y'know!"
'No,' the older man said with finality. "You have not had enough training. You may have control of your chakra and can throw knives but that will mean nothing to these bandits. When they're gone it will be time for you to learn how to unlock your full power".
"My full power? What are you talking about Jiji?"
"Now is not the time to explain". A black woman and white man were approaching, some light armor on them and crossbows in hand. "Amuro. Komori. It's time". The two adults had sad looks on their faces.
Naruto was starting to get the idea that these "Bandits" were a little more than what Jiji had made them out to be, "Mom. Dad. What's going on? Jiji says it's bandits but I think he's lying"!
The woman gave Naruto a fake smile, "What are you talking about Naruto? Jiji would never lie about something like this". A tear rolled down her cheek as she embraced Naruto into a tight hug. The white man joined the hug. Both of Naruto's parents were trying to convey to him just how much of a gift he was to them.
When they let go, the woman gave Naruto a kiss on the forehead before her husband lifted him up and into the basket. Naruto was starting to resist though, "Something's not right. Who are these bandits?! What's going on!".
"That's not important right now Naruto. Right now you need to hide. The others are already hiding in their spots, you're the last one," the man answered as he placed Naruto in the basket. Naruto was now standing in the basket, the sides reaching to his waist.
"Yes it is important! We've dealt with bandits before and it was never a problem! Why are you, Mom, and Jiji acting like you're going to DIE!". Rivers were now running down Naruto's cheeks as he stared into his father's eyes for answers. His mother and grandfather were now standing beside his father.
His mother's will crumbled when Naruto turned his steel eyes on her. "They're hunters. They're hunters looking for you. They want something you have".
"Well can't I just give it to them?" Naruto asked, "Why do you have to fight them if I just need to give them something and they'll leave? What do they want?!".
"What they want, you can't choose to give, baby. If they get what they want they will do terrible things. Many more people will get hurt. You can't let them have it. You can't let them have you!"
"But… But…Jiji what are they talking about?! You were a ninja! What do I have?!"
Naruto's grandfather was reluctant to tell his adoptive grandson, but he knew that if he didn't Naruto would feel even more guilt later. "A demon. To be more specific, the nine tailed fox. He is what they're after". Naruto's eyes went wide at the shock of the news, and his head started to lower as he started to believe that he was a demon. Naruto's grandfather saw this and made sure that Naruto would not be left with any misconceptions, "YOU, Naruto, are not the demon. YOU are it's jailor, our protector. I knew a day like this would happen when I took you from that village, but I knew that something far worse would happen if I didn't. Make the fox's power your own. Befriend him, even demons have feelings. If you cannot, then learn to control him. Never forget that while he may be powerful HE is the one trapped inside YOU!".
Naruto felt better at those words, but they only provided limited comfort. Taking a look behind him, Phineas Taylor Sakusa saw that the last of his barriers around the caravan had been broken. 'They'll be here any minute'.
"It's time to go," he warned the others.
Naruto's parents gave one last hug to their son, his father giving him an unwavering look, "We are so proud of you, Naruto. Everyday you amazed us and brought unimaginable joy into your mother and I's lives. No matter what you do in the future, we will be with you every step of the way".
Now it was Komori's turn to give her final words to her adopted son. "Your father is absolutely right. We will follow you no matter where you go or what you do, but remember to enjoy life. Do not let revenge consume you. Make friends, laugh, find love, if you want to you can start a family, just don't give up the joys of life trying to bring justice to the past. We'd much rather see you happy than see us avenged".
Phineas turned to Naruto for the final time, "take this," he said while holding out a scroll. "Open it when it's all over. It'll tell you what to do". He explained. Knowing that if he didn't listen his family's sacrifice would be in vain Naruto took it, hoping with every fiber in his being he'd never have to open it.
Naruto looked into his grandfather's eyes one last time. "Thank you for saving me, Jiji," Naruto said, his voice cracking.
Phineas's eyes started tearing up as he parted his grandson with one final message, "What I am about to do is because I love you. Just know that everyone has their one demons. What separates the strong from the weak is the ability to conquer those demons, no matter how big or small they are. Help those who are battling or consumed by their demons. You won't be able to save everyone, there will be those who have been lost completely to their fear, but you can always try. What happens after that, is up to them. Remember this my grandson, and forgive me". Phineas then put his fingers on Naruto's neck, knocking him out. The fox intervened however and made it so while his body was asleep, Naruto's eyes and ears were still awake and working.
Naruto collapsed into the basket. Phineas didn't notice because he was casting the heaviest chakra suppression jutsu he knew over Naruto. In terms of chakra, Naruto completely vanished. Phineas then placed a seal on Naruto, making him look like some blankets. Phineas followed this by placing more blankets and small boxes in the basket before closing it.
Naruto watched from a small hole in the basket as his family walked towards the forest to face the enemy. Naruto tried to move but his body wouldn't respond. All he could do was watch his family as they stood face to face with people who looked like shinobi.
The attackers were dressed in all black, save for a grey protective vest and blank white masks. There were no symbols for any village or group. Aside from their fingertips no skin was shown. They were complete mysteries.
"Where is the boy?" the lead ninja demanded, her voice completely monotone.
"You will not find him here. Tell Danzo that if he wants the boy he'll have to be a bit quicker next time!" Phineas replied.
"If the boy is not here, then tell us where he is," the lead ninja replied.
"We three are the only ones who know. We don't plan on giving that information up," Phineas explained, pounding his cane into the ground to emphasize that they would not waver.
"Any resistance will result in termination. Give us the boy," the ninja said one last time.
The rest of the circus performers started to arrive, each one aligning themselves with one of the masked ninja in front of them. Phineas took one last look at his circus. His friends. His family. He then turned back to the lead ninja, "Welcome to the Sakusa Circus", and the attack began.
The battle commenced and ended within only a minute. Naruto watched as the enemy slaughtered his family. Dodging and deflecting bullets and crossbow bolts with ease. The strong man, Zo, had been able to land a punch on one of them, crushing the ninja with ease into the ground, blond dripping from his fist. The victory was short lived as Zo's neck was then slit by another ninja who had just sliced the horse riding dwarf captain Gaston down the middle along with his horse, Le Fou.
Another ninja tried to slice Amuro, but Komori stepped in to shield her love. Unfortunately, it only prolonged the inevitable as Amuro was slashed right as he caught his wife's falling body. They died in each other's arms. Naruto's vision was becoming blurry from his tears.
After only 20 seconds, Phineas was the only one remaining. It was his past career as a shinobi that was keeping him alive. He had only managed to kill three of the enemy ninja before one got lucky and cut off his left leg. Phineas was forced to drop to his knees, using a jutsu that sent a burst of air around him that shredded through the five ninja moving in for the kill. The battle took a momentary pause, now with there being only 8 enemy ninja left.
"You will die, Phineas Taylor Sakusa, and we will extract the information we need from your corpse".
Phineas grunted through the pain and threw on a smile, his breathing heavy. "You underestimate me, shinobi. I knew we would never win, and I know that you shinobi are capable of looking at a fresh body's recent memories. The jokes on you though…," Phineas slowly held up a tag with a seal on it.
Naruto realized what his grandfather was going to do and tried with an increased effort to try and wake up his body. At least his mouth so he could yell out to his grandfather to not do it.
"There won't be any bodies for you to use," he said with a smug smile as the tag started glowing. The enemy ninja tried to run but the explosion was too big. Every circus member's body built off another's explosion, closing the distance within an instant and killing everything in its radius.
Naruto and the caravan were untouched, save for some blood that had landed in the area that Phineas had put a barrier around.
It was then that Naruto caused a burst of orange chakra around him, destroying the basket he was hiding in. He ran to the crater that surrounded the caravan, finding nothing but some kunai, swords, and other metals. He slid down the side to the bottom, searching for anything, his tears marking a trail behind him.
He searched desperately through the dirt for something, anything from his family. The first thing he found was a pin from Gaston. Then his parent's wedding rings, he rubbed the dirt off the small jewels on them. The last thing he found was his grandfather's cane, a seal that his grandfather had put on long ago the only reason why it was still in one piece.
Naruto held all the items he found close to his chest and cried himself to sleep.
That's where the memory ended.
Inoichi felt a few tears run down his face, a sensation he could only recall happening in his genin days. Inoichi put the folder away and wiped the tears away, leaving Naruto's subconscious with haste.
{**}{**}{**}{**}{**}{**}
Two hours after the meeting, Neji's squad was packed and ready to leave at the gates of Konoha. The shinobi present were confused about Kurama's attire. He was wearing the exact same outfit as he was in the Hokage's office, but he was completely without any sort of baggage.
"What's everybody looking at?" Kurama asked nervously.
"Where's your baggage?" Sakura asked.
"Oh! That," Kurama then pulled out a tiny scroll out of a metal canister from inside his vest, "all of my belongings are within this scroll here". Kurama proudly presented the scroll that was no bigger than a test tube.
The shinobi were impressed to say the least. To have so much in such a small scroll showed just how incredible of a fuinjutsu user the creator was.
"Yeah, it took a while, but after two years of practice, I finally got the hang of it," Kurama added with a smile. He then looped his arm with Hinata's, "shall we be off?".
Neji rolled his eyes and started leading his squad out of Konoha, taking joy in the fact Kurama and Hinata had to separate when they started running.
(0_+=~=+_0)
Tsunade had just sent a genin team off to catch the infamous Tora mission. She found great joy imagining the suffering of the youngsters.
She was surprised when Inoichi came in, "How can I help you Inoichi?".
"Hokage-sama, I wish to discuss with you something I found when I investigated Mr. Sakusa's subconscious".
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama… are there any Anbu in here?"
"Out!" Tsunade shouted, a small *whoosh* could be heard as the Anbu left. She then got up from her desk and lifted one of the desks at the far end of the room, revealing a small swirl of smoke. "I know you're behind the bookcase! Get your ass out!". Once Tsunade returned the desk she moved the bookshelf next, once again finding a small swirl of smoke.
"Is that not evidence enough, Hokage-sama?" Inoichi asked.
"No. While I know it's Danzo's Anbu, I have no way to prove it. Thankfully, despite their training, I can sense their presence in a room such as this. Now we are completely alone, please continue Inoichi," Tsunade finished as she place a silence and barrier jutsu on the room for extra measure.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. First off, Kurama Sakusa's real name is Naruto Uzumaki". Inoichi paused for a second to let that sink in for Tsunade. Her eyes grew at a steady rate.
"Kurama Sakusa is Naruto Uzumaki?!". Inoichi nodded in confirmation. Tsunade sat back in her car, the implications and possibilities of the hidden leaf's jinchuuriki returning filling her mind.
She had to stop herself though, remembering Inoichi's word choice. "You said 'first off?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama". Inoichi then described the terrible trauma he witnessed Naruto endure in his childhood and then about what he saw in the black folder.
When he finished, Tsunade had a scowl on her face, "That spineless bastard! And we still can't take him to the council or order his imprisonment. We have no concrete way of attaching Danzo to these enemy ninja. We only have his name but P.T. Sakusa could've just said the name. And the shinobi never admitted to working for Danzo… Get me Anko. I'll have her start to investigate. Not that I think she'll be able to find anything, but she's worked miracles before. Maybe Danzo will slip up in his old age. When Kakashi returns I'll have him join her. If they can't find anything on him, maybe they can at least do some work in the kidnappings. It's been a decade and we still haven't been able to catch a single person! They either escape, explode with paper bombs, or seem to have no records whatsoever!".
"Forgive me for being blunt Hokage-sama, but what makes you think this time Anko and Kakashi will be able to find something. This is hardly the first time we've had them investigate the matter," Inoichi pointed out.
"This time will be different because now we have Naruto Uzumaki. With the fox's power he's near unstoppable. I wouldn't stand the slightest of a chance when he's at his full power. With him around we can lead the kidnappers into a trap and finally start making progress in ending these tormenting kidnappings".
"What if Orochimaru sends more?" Inoichi asked.
"That doesn't matter. If we succeed we can finally give the people something that hasn't been seen in the village for years. Hope".
[]{}[]{}[]
I hope you enjoyed. Please leave a review, I enjoy them very much. If you're not much of a reviewer that's okay, as long as you enjoy my work, I'm happy. I won't make a promise for the next update because I don't trust myself to keep to it. Well then, until next time!