Chapter 29: Shock
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Shock is all that Moran's fells, from both his ruler and Naruto.
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Start date, January 23
Naruto opened his eyes and watched the back of Moran, as the man set a tray of food on the empty chair. He quickly closed his eyes as the man turned to look at him. The man let out a tired sigh and moved the books to the floor. He cleared off the table and moved the tray to the table. He looked back to the boy, watching him sleep away. He frowned, worried about the boy. He knew how the boy was in a way, wasting away and it was not good for the boy's mental health. He would voice of sending the boy home, but did not want to risk the lord's anger. He knew the story he planed would work, for Konoha to believe what happen, even the boy will too, after all that has happen to him.
Lou in charge of a crew, disregarded orders and sailed to Fire and went himself to spy on Konoha. He found the boy interesting and an easy target to kidnap. They, as in Fang, did not know what happen till the man returned with the boy. Moran believed telling what happen in truth, of what happen to the boy once he arrived in Fang and up Lou's abilities, some. The man frowned, knowing he will need to add more to the fib, making it more trusting. His frowned deepened, knowing the lord will not hear of this, since he has a source of Konoha, a possible advancement in the arts of healing from the boy's ability, and even a type of Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limits), if it was one, and even an unknown Dojutsu, only known inside the boy's home. He even thought it could be a bloodline trait.
He looked to the boy, glancing to the boy's hand laying over the edge of the bed. He narrowed his eyes, seeing the claws were smaller. He furled his eyebrows as he sat down. He had been involved with the boy when this all started. He even comes to see the boy when he can. He would think he did show some kind of kindness in the beginning, yet anger came as the boy made his first break for it. The boy opens up when he is around; just glancing at him, while just laying stock still, with everyone else.
He winced, wondering recapturing the boy and the fight they had on the train caused the changes in the boy, even before Lou got hold of him. Granted, many are afraid of him and he knew the lord was as well. He served the old lord till his death and he was twenty at the time. He already made a kind of name for himself, under the old ruler. Now he was two decades older. He smirked, since it did not show. He was still feared, even from ones younger then him. He enjoys seeing people cower or pale from the sight of him. He loved it when his name was whispered. People would shudder and looked to see if he was around, before resuming their talks of him. He frowned slightly, since that was calming down as the years went by. He flinched, remembering the threats he threw at the boy. He kept from flinching again, remembering the origami birds and their broken wings. He perceived that as the boy's sprit being broken, his mask dropping.
He lowered his head in thought, crossing a leg over a knee. He wondered what the boy's life was, before being kidnapped. How did he became an orphan, how he was he brought up, who showed him love, why he was hated by the populace. He wondered if something his family did. Thoughts came to him of the boy's father deflecting, an unplanned pregnancy by rape or unmarried parents, going against clan standards, internal war of the family, or even his parents dieing of unknown reasons. He could go on with the possibilities, which he knew he would get a headache from. He looked to the boy, hearing a whine from the boy, as he sat up and looked around. The man stayed still, watching the frown on the boy's face. The boy got up and walk slowly to him, rubbing an eye. The man's eyes widen as the boy stopped next to him and lay against the man's chest. He glanced down at the boy's head, shocked. He moved his arm, but stopped, afraid the boy would bolt. He closed his eyes for a moment, to gather his nerves. He looped his arm behind the boy, hooking his arm behind the boy's thighs. He paused slightly, before lifting the boy up and let him set in his lap. He watched the boy cross his arms and push against him, getting comfortable. He looked to the boy's right hand, seeing the nails were normal, in a way. He wrapped an arm behind the boy's back, not wanting him to fall, or if he unset the boy.
He looked down at the boy, wondering where this will lead to. He hope for his unvoiced questions to be answered, but knew not to press now. This was a step forward and he did want to have to climb the stairs again to get the boy to trust him. He frowned, since no other attempts were made to get the boy back, except from the Moon ninja in the city, which they left a few days ago. He smiled, felling the even breaths of the boy. He glanced to his feet, seeing his toenails return to normal as well. He frowned again, new questions forming in his mind. One was asking himself if the boy truly put up a front when he was captured, not wanting to show how afraid he was. He remembered the boy flinching in his sleep, when he first touched him. He reached up and pulled the boy's hair back, seeing it was to the middle of his back. He smiled at the limp spikes of hair, on the top of the boy's head. He caught the sigh he was about to release, seeing the knots in the boy's hair.
He looked up as the door was slowly opened, the healer Roam walking in. The man stopped, blinking in surprise. Moran gave him a smile and mouthed be quiet to the other The healer walked in, shutting the door softly. He sat down on the chair, looking between the boy and the man. Moran chuckled, but stopped himself, not wanting to wake the boy. The healer smirked, as Moran pointed at the boy's hands. The man raised an eyebrow, looking back at the man. Moran shook his head no. He hoped his luck ran true, as he risked speaking.
"No, they retracted like a cat's." he said, loud enough for the man to hear
The man gave a slow nod. He looked to the boy's face, seeing him as a cat with whisker like marks and eyes that slit. Moran shook his head, knowing of what the man thought.
"I say fox. He shows cleverness as one. I guess we can judge his emotions by his eyes and when he has his claws out."
Rome sat up.
"Scared by his nails, anger or scared with slit eyes and to the extreme with both and his eyes are red."
The man gave a shudder, actually afraid of those eyes. Moran snorted. He leveled his gaze on the man.
"Why are you here?" he asked
The man pointed to the boy.
"A bath."
The man smirked.
"Do you want me to deal with him?" he asked
The healer let out a sigh and nodded.
"Yes. The lord has another room for him. It is closer to his private library."
Moran frowned, but nodded. He looked to the tray of food, knowing it was cold by now. He glanced to the boy and to the man.
"If you can, send some fresh food for the boy."
"Try asking what is his favorite food is. You can take him to the greenhouse when you have time, but I believe he will tire easily. He still needs time to recover."
Moran nodded and watched the healer leave. He stood up, holding the boy. He walked out, a frown on his face.
-captured-
Jiraiya looked down from the tree he was in. He watched the group of Moon ninjas walk by. He narrowed his eyes, seeing they were looking for someone, him, he believed. He smirked, listening to what they said. One asked if they were to capture him and take him back to the capital. The one he guessed was their leader, told him no, but report if they happen to see him and leave him alone. The third said he, Jiraiya, had the ability to destroy a small city and he was one of the Legendary Three. Jiraiya let out a sigh. He watched them walked off, ready to defend themselves, if he happened to appear before them. He smirked to himself, felling like he wanted to do that. Just walk up to them and walked away. He shook his head and took off.
He was almost out of Moon territory. His eyes narrowed in thought, trying to come up with a plan to take back Naruto. He would pick demanding to see the lord and get up in the man's face, demanding the return of his grandson. He would not care of the destruction that he will cause. He would even summon Gamabunta, knowing the frog boss will not help himself as well. He rolled his eyes at himself, finding some flaws in the plan. One, the grandson part, not something he wants out. Two, Tsunade would kill him, for causing a type of war with a nation that could be stronger then theirs. Three, he would think Tsunade would sulk for not being able to release her anger on the cause of this mess, which will come double for him.
His second plan was a bit simple and more logical. He would first use the jutsu that will cause his hair to grow out, and then make his way south of the city. He then would appear on the road three days before. He would arrive, finding out where he could appeal to have an audience with the Lord of Fang, stating who he was, and what his reason for the visit. He knew that will put some fear in many. Once he can talk to the lord, he will seek restitution on the trouble they caused and for any injures caused to his student, while in their care. He frowned, knowing they will probably deny they have the boy, but he smirked. Under a three mile radius, his frogs will be able to find the boy, no matter if the boy's chakra was blocked, or, he hoped it was not it, dead. He let out a sigh, quite defeated already. He had another plan that was a threat. It was telling the lord if he did not hand the boy over, it was risking the Hokage herself coming to talk to him. He shuddered, knowing that was not going to be pretty. He slipped on a patch of ice on a branch, cussing. He easily recovered his footing and moved on, at a quicker pace.
-captured-
Kakashi lead Sasuke by the collar of his shirt to the small fountain in front of their hotel. In a quick motion, Sasuke found himself thrown in the shallow water. He spat out water, glaring at his sensei. Kakashi had most of his weight placed on his left foot and arms were crossed. His eye was filled with anger, causing the avenger to look away, clenching his fists.
"That ought to cool you down."
He glanced back, seeing all the younger ninjas standing there, shock on some faces. He let out a sigh, trying to calm his own anger.
"Lets all calm down. I know this has been vexing. I know each of you have your different worries for Naruto, which you should have shown, then hiding it behind a mask, like he does. I think I have a way to cool you down and where you won't be able to snap at the little things. Each of you, are adding fuel to each others tantrums."
The group watched the man pull a scroll from out of his jounin vest. He bit his thumb, making Sakura frown. With a flick of his wrist, he opened the scroll, spreading his blood down the length of it and easily closed it with another flick of his wrist. The group watched him run through the hand seals for the summoning technique. He slammed down his hand, the scroll under it. In a large billow of smoke, there stood all eight of his Ninken. He replaced the scroll and moved to Sasuke. In a quick motion, the boy was in his boxers, making the girls blush, including the group of female cadets that was watching. Sasuke looked livid, glaring at his sensei. Kakashi gave them a smile, his eye crinkled with mirth.
"I suggest you run and no taking them down or next run, you will have all of them chasing you."
The dogs stood up, looking at their chosen targets. The young ninjas took off in different directions, as barks rang out. Once the dust settled, Kakashi blinked, seeing Shikamaru standing there, Pakkun hinging by the seat of the boy's pants.
"This is too troublesome. I'm going to find some old men to beat."
The boy walked off, reaching back to lazily swat the dog to let go, but found that troublesome as well. Kakashi let out a sigh and gathered up Sasuke's stuff. He pulled out his book and walked towards the hotel. He stopped, seeing the Konoha jounin looking at him. He gave a shrug.
"He got in a fight and we know that the others were about to boil over. Best we nip it in the butt, before something bad happens."
Kurenai shook her head and let out a sigh.
"I think I am going for a drink."
Everyone agree with her. Kakashi walked off, not joining them. He was worried about the blond. He let out a sigh, making a resolve to start teaching his team, as a team and not pick favorites, yet he believed Jiraiya might take Naruto once this mess was over with. He wandered to his room, setting down at a table. He lowered his book, a frown hidden behind his mask. He set the book down and moved to his futon, hoping a nap will help relieve his headache.
-captured-
Naruto was crating an angry aura around himself, casing kyuubi to chuckle. He turned his head, glaring at the fox, his grandfather for what he told him to do. He looked back in front of him, the aura rising. The aura of anger would have unnerved anyone and anything nearby, but the only being was a many centuries old nine-tailed fox that has seen about everything imaginable. He could guess outcomes of the end of an event, with in the first few moves on the board. He would sulk when something was added or taken away, but always loved to see what would happen. He looked to his grandson, only family he had left. His ears dropped, thinking of the future, one he wanted to avoid and knew it would sadden the boy more. His ears picked up and his mirth came back as Naruto's aura darkened again.
"I hate you." Naruto said
Kyuubi chuckled, his tails sawing behind him, enjoying the pain the boy was going through right now.
"Now, don't be some mean to your grandfather. The trick is working very well. You shocked those men very well. I believe they will be dumbfounded for some time, more if you keep it up."
Naruto turned around and sneered at the fox.
"I am very uncomfortable doing this." he said with a shudder. "Grandfather? Who's own grandfather would threaten to eat his own grandchild, you overgrown ball of fluff."
The kyuubi's eyes narrowed, anger seen on its face. It was nullified by the playful why its tails sway.
"I have you know, many creatures eat their own young in time of need. Like fish."
"I doubt that fur balls like you will eat their young, too much stinginess to digest."
"Oh, the fishcake got me." kyuubi said dramatically
Naruto snorted and turned back around. The fox let out a sigh, watching the boy's hair fly around him.
"It's working. Sooner they think they have your trust and believe they have you close to swaying to their side, they will start to drop their guard. Once that is done, they will wonder what happen."
"Yah, but that will also backfire, wont it." he asked
The fox let out a snort. Naruto let out a sigh, his aura fading. He turned around completely, looking at his grandfather.
"How is this trick working again, where I can hear them?"
The kyuubi grinned, showing off its razor sharp teeth.
"As I had instructed you to do, you pulled your conscious in your mind, this space, as a focal point, meaning that you are here and not awake, in a way. It is like what you did to escape the pain you went through. You, with help from me, keep your sense of smell, touch, and hearing on, or making this place a receiver, like a radio. It is because I have a very fine line of chakra going to your ears, nose, and your nerve center where your senses are processed. It works like the mind link we have. It will help me know what is going on at the moment it happens, then of me searching through your mind, where details can be lost. Yet, it is taxing, a slight strain on you, not harmful."
Naruto was still slightly confused. He shook his head, shuddering as he felt what he believed was a hand brushing over his face. He rubbed his cheek, cussing the person to quit touching him. Kyuubi chuckled. Naruto sagged in defeat. He jumped slightly as the fox allowed him to hear what was going on again. He let out a sigh, frowning as he listened in. He hope they wont figure he been faking sleep or move their conversations from his reach.
-captured-
Moran bowed his head slightly to the lord as the man smiled down on the boy, brushing his hand over the boy's cheeks, wondering what the marks meant. He looked up to the man, pulling his hand back to his side.
"Has there been any changed in his attitude?" the man asked
Moran gave a smile to the man.
"Yes, this morning. It shocked me very much."
A smile came across the lord's face.
"Go lay him down and tell me what happen. Tea looks like what you need. I would think you been pondering." the man said
Moran nodded and the two walked in the room. Moran glanced around, seeing all that was there. He laid the boy on the bed. He covered him up and turned to the man as he sat at the table in the corner of the room. He walked forward, frowning when the man's attention was pouring the tea. He sat down, letting out a sigh.
"I just sat down, thinking of all that has happen. I think the boy put up the front of being brave, he is just afraid. Afraid of what will happen next, not for sure if the experience will be good or bad. When I first dealt with him, I had returned from rounds, he was out. I just touched him and he flinched. He is also angry, but it's going away, heading into uncertainly. It could be with all this has happen, he has become afraid, or it has added to it, from a growing problem, before he was taken. He fells caged or even broken, if you go by the origami birds he has done."
The lord nodded, having seen them himself.
"What else you found during your thoughts."
"If what Lou's says is true, the boy being hated by the village, it could have been from different reasons, too many to name. We will only find out when the boy fells like talking. You can tell his emotion by his claws and eyes. Roam-san agrees with me. When I entered this morning, I found the boy's nails had receded slightly, but it could have been a natural thing in his sleep, even felling somewhat calm with his situation. He woke up, giving a whine. I expected him to shut down, after seeing me. I stayed still watching him. He had a frown on his face and just got up. He just walked up and lay against my chest. I risked setting him on my lap and he did not fight. He just pushed against me and fell asleep. I looked to his hands and feet, his nails were back to normal."
The lord's smile grew and looked to the boy.
"I believe he is looking for a pillar to keep himself strong. He sleeps so much, because of the healing sessions. He is not gaining weight, maybe from the stress of what has happen to him in these past months. I believe it will take time, but he should settle down more and open up little by little. I thought of much as well. I will ask you again to oversee him."
Moran nodded, taking a drink of his tea. His headache subsided slightly. He frowned as the man turned back to him.
"What of actual Konoha coming for him or Moon coming again?" Moran asked
The lord gave a knowing shrug.
"They will be dealt with. Not much they can do, when the boy does not want to go back."
Moran gritted his teeth, seeing parts of the lord's plan. He nodded. He looked to the boy as he started to whimper in his sleep. Moran frowned as he watched the boy set up in a flash, looking around. His eyes fell on the lord and Moran flinched, watching the boy's eyes flicker from blue to red, and his nails grew. A low growl, like a warning, came from him, before moving back. He let out a yelp as he found no wall behind him and fell to the ground. Moran got up, but the lord held up his arm, stopping him. The man chuckled as he stood up.
"The boy does not like me. I had to knock him out yesterday, so I could examine something. A cornered animal is not something I would like to mess with. I will leave. If something else happens, tell me."
Moran nodded.
"A cornered fox." the man said
The lord raised an eyebrow. He nodded his head and left the room. Moran watched him go, seeing the hound leaving, for now. He stood up and walked slowly to the bed. He glanced to his left, frowning at the large mirror there. Hidden behind the decorated painting along the edges, were watchers, as the man would put it. He knelt down next to the bed, pulling up the covers. He looked under the bed, finding the boy was back up to the wall, still hidden under the bed. He smiled at the boy, wondering how to get the boy out and calmed down.
"Naruto-kun, the lord is gone. Why don't you come out? You need to get a bath and I have to put the cream Roam-san has been putting on you. Then you have your medicine you need to take and I bet you're hungry. What would you like eat, I will get it for you."
"Well you get it." Naruto asked, in a quiet voice
Moran blinked, but his smile grew.
"Yes, what do you want?"
"I want pork ramen, but…"
The man frowned.
"Go on."
The man watched the boy move out from the bed, but away from him. He sat on his knees and watched the boy stand up and move next to the tall post of the bed, wanting to hide behind it. The man gave him a smile as the boy twisted the end of his shirt, not looking up.
"Go on, what else you want."
The boy looked up, but quickly looked back down. The man raised an eyebrow. He saw the boy's eyes were still slit and his nails were long. He let out a sigh, watching the boy's claws recede. He frowned slightly, watching the boy flinch. He stood up, slowly and sat down on the bed. He kept his gaze on the boy.
"If you don't speak up now, I will just get you vegetable soup." he said with a chuckle
He smiled at the boy as he looked at him, not liking the idea. His eyes were round blue orbs.
"If you don't what that, then what do you want."
The boy looked down.
"I want two bowls of pork, chicken, miso, and beef."
Moran raised an eyebrow at this. He nodded when the boy looked at him.
"You get a bath. I will put the cream on and a light bandage when you get out. I will get someone to get your breakfast."
The boy nodded, but did not look up at him. Moran left the room, shutting the door behind him. He knew the boy moved once he was out. He let out a sigh and watched a ninja move from the viewing room and go off. He let out another sigh as he sat down on a chair, waiting for the person to get back.
End date, January 23
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