Hello all Storm here with another rewrite! This is a rewrite of my old "Black Cat" story with a completely different, and hopefully better, beginning of how Naruko will eventually become Black Cat. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
'There are times when I really regret taking this job.' Thought Minato Namikaze, as he sat within the Hokage's Office, his office, signing paper after paper.
When he had first become Hokage, it had been one of the happiest moments in his life, being named the Yondaime Hokage. That is until he discovered just what it meant to be Hokage.
Constant meetings, settling disputes between clans, and of course the endless amount of paperwork that never seemed to end!
The worst part was that he could no longer go on missions, instead simply handing them out to his subordinates. The feared Yellow Flash, being reduced to what's basically an over glorified secretary.
After a few moments, Minato sighed and decided to take a break, before turning to look out at the village through the window. Looking down at the village, the Hokage could see dozens of people out enjoying the day, friends conversing, Ninja out patrolling, and families spending time together.
Though Minato soon took notice of a family of three, a mother, a father, and their young daughter in between them, holding their hands.
Seeing this, Minato looked down, before turning back to his office with a pained expression.
'How long has it been, sixteen years?' Minato thought sadly, not believing it's already been that long since that night.
The night his and Kushina's daughter was born, and when the Nibi Attack happened.
It had all started when Kushina had told him one day that she was pregnant, which had been one of the greatest moments in their lives, to find out they were going to be parents. Though it also came with risks as well, given all the enemies they made in their lives, along with Kushina being the Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi. With there also being the risk of the Kyūbi escaping, when she gives birth.
Minato had done everything he could to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible. For the duration of Kushina's pregnancy, he had his student, Kakashi, who had just recently joined Anbu, guard Kushina. Both to make sure she was safe and to help Kakashi come out of the darkness he's been descending in, since Rin and Obito's deaths.
When it came time for Kushina to give birth, Minato had recalled both Jiraiya and Tsunade to help. Jiraiya to help keep the seal containing the Kyūbi locked, and Tsunade to make sure Kushina, as well as their child, were perfectly safe. Along with setting up Perimeters and Barrier Seals around the location they'd go to, when the time came.
Minato made sure nothing would go wrong for when Kushina gave birth.
Eventually, Kushina's water had finally broke, and it made the Yondaime worried at seeing his wife in so much pain. As well as terrified, when she started going into all the ways she'd torture him for doing this to her. It was truly horrifying, just how much detail Kushina had put into everything, that Minato even resorted to sleeping with one eye open for two years, out of fear that she'd go through with them.
Thankfully, it all ended soon, with Kushina's screams being replaced with a crying baby, their daughter. They had decided to name her, Naruko, after the main character in Jiraiya's first book, and neither of the new parents could be happier to finally meet her.
Unfortunately, that's when everything took a turn for the worst. As not even a moment later, an Anbu had shown informing them that the Nibi no Bakeneko was attacking Konoha, shocking them all.
At first, they had believed Kumogakure was attacking, given Kumo was in possession of both the Nibi and the Hachibi. But when Minato arrived at the scene, he saw Kumo wasn't in fact attacking, and instead, the Nibi was being controlled by a masked stranger, possessing the Sharingan.
Minato engaged the Masked Man, with some difficulty after learning he had an ability to turn intangible. But he had eventually managed to mark them with his Hiraishin Formula, and break their control over the Nibi. The Masked Man then escaped, but not before swearing he'd return for both the Nibi and the Kyūbi.
He had then gone off to fight the Nibi with Jiraiya and Tsunade, alongside their summons, drawing it away from the village. Knowing he didn't have any other choice, Minato sealed the Nibi away into Naruko. Thankfully it wasn't that difficult to seal the Nibi, with it only requiring the Eight Trigrams Seal.
Afterwards, they had returned to the village, which thankfully hadn't taken much damage due to Jiraiya and Tsunade keeping the Nibi busy, until Minato arrived. Though Minato had decided against revealing Naruko was the Nibi's Jinchūriki, given plenty of people were still killed by the Bijū, instead telling them the Nibi was sealed away in a secure location.
He also avoided mentioning the Masked Man, knowing it'd either cause people to panic, or even start blaming the Uchiha Clan.
Thankfully, things had settled down afterwards, with the Uzumaki/Namikaze family living happily together, for exactly five months.
Not even a year had pass when the Raikage, A, himself came marching into Konoha and demanded the return of the Nibi. Something Minato had immediately refused, given the Nibi was sealed in his daughter and he wasn't going to let anyone from Kumo near his family, especially given they already tried kidnapping Kushina, when they were kids.
Minato didn't tell A this though, instead simply saying the Nibi was locked away where no one could get it and that given the attack, he wasn't inclined to tell anyone where it was. Of course, the Raikage didn't care about this, only demanding that they return Kumo's "property", or else.
For the following three years, things had been tense between Konoha and Kumo, with the Raikage always demanding the return of the Nibi, and Minato always refusing each time they met. Eventually, the Raikage realized they wouldn't get the Nibi back and so demanded they be given something of equal value as compensation. Minato initially agreed to this, wanting to stop things from escalating further than they already have.
That is until he heard several of what they demanded in exchange.
The Byakugan, the Sharingan, the Forbidden Scroll, they had even been brave, or foolish, enough to demand the Hiraishin and the Rasengan. All of these demands were met with refusal, given how ridiculous they were, not to mention impossible without causing further conflicts within Konoha.
Finally after three years, Minato decided enough was enough and sent a message to the Raikage for a final meeting. Minato had brought Jiraiya and Kushina with him, the latter only coming after seeing Minato had several Anbu teams guarding Naruko in their absence.
Once they had arrived at the meeting spot, seeing the Raikage had brought his own guards, including his brother Killer B. During the meeting Minato had made it clear that A could either let this go and accept that the Nibi is gone, or he could continue and face the only person who can surpass him in speed, and someone strong enough to surpass the Kyūbi.
The message had been very clear, either back off or you'll die.
While Minato normally didn't like using his fearsome reputation, he wasn't above using it to prevent a possible war from happening, and he knew someone like A would only respond to such threats.
Thankfully A had, with reluctance, agreed to let the matter end and both groups returned to their villages.
Unfortunately, this is when Minato and Kushina had gotten possibly the worst news they could have gotten.
Naruko was missing!
After hearing this, the two had rushed home and began searching everywhere for Naruko, in the hopes that this was just another one of the child's pranks. Only to come up empty handed and expanded the search to the entire village, only to find the little girl nowhere. Minato then sent out dozens of teams to track down where Naruko was, and who had kidnapped her.
At first Minato and Kushina had believed Kumo was responsible, either having discovered Naruko was the Nibi's Jinchūriki, or simply out of spite. Only to discover Kumo had nothing to do with it, given Jiraiya had snuck into Kumogakure to see if Naruko was in fact there, only to find nothing.
That had been thirteen years ago, with all the following years being met with no sign of Naruko, anywhere. They didn't give up on trying to find her though, with Minato constantly sending teams out to find her and Kushina going out on her own searches, while out on missions. Both refusing to give up trying to find their daughter, and refusing to believe she might be dead.
It was the fact that the Nibi hasn't reformed, been spotted anywhere, or sealed in a new host that gave them hope that Naruko was still alive.
Minato was then pulled from his thoughts, when an Anbu wearing a Neko masked appeared in his office.
"What is it Neko?" Minato asked.
"Hokage-sama it's urgent, a stranger has just entered the village." Neko said, with Minato raising a brow and feeling a little annoyed that she considered this urgent.
"And why exactly did you feel the need to inform me of this?" Questioned Minato, given unless it was a powerful enemy or an S-Rank Missing-Nin, it didn't seem he was needed.
"The strange claims to be Naruko Uzumaki." Neko revealed.
This made Minato's eyes widen in shock, before he shot out of his chair.
"Show me now." Minato ordered, wanting to now meet this stranger, and see if they were in fact his daughter.
If not, and this was just some joke, there'd be hell to pay.
*Later*
Minato stood outside an interrogation room, with Kushina and Jiraiya beside him. Looking through the one-way glass, they saw the girl who was claiming to be Naruko. Given the girl could possibly be a threat or imposter, she had been taken to the Konoha Intelligence Division to see what she knew.
Thankfully, if this was in fact Naruko, she hasn't been tortured yet and was simply asked the basic questions that all prisoners are asked.
The girl was sixteen-years-old, the age Naruko would be right now. Though where Naruko had the same blonde hair and blue eyes as Minato, this girl had long silver-white hair, green cat-like eyes with narrow pupils, and pale skin. The one thing that the girl and Naruko had in common were the three whisker marks on their cheeks, which Naruko had been born with.
Her attire consisted of black Ninja sandals that went partway up her legs, black pants with blue flame patterns, and a long sleeved black and blue blouse.
Aside from the questions, several tests had also been performed on the girl to see if she was in fact Naruko. The blood tests all came back as matching Minato and Kushina's, she also had the Eight Trigrams Seal on her abdomen, with Inoichi Yamanaka confirming that she did have the Nibi sealed inside her, with the Bakeneko expelling him from her mind, before he could see her memories.
She also seemed to have a talent for Fūinjutsu, as given all her possessions that had been confiscated were Storage Scrolls, sealed shut by Blood Seals. Along with Security Seals that if anyone tried tampering with them, they'd self-destruct.
All this pointed to girl actually being Naruko, but Jiraiya was skeptical of the girl's claim.
"She could just be a convincing imposter, as there are ways to fake a blood test. Besides, anyone with enough knowledge in Fūinjutsu could have freed the Nibi, and sealed it into a new host." Said Jiraiya, not believing this was actually Naruko.
"Maybe." Minato muttered, stuck between skepticism and hope.
"It's her. It's Naruko." Stated Kushina, absolutely sure this was her daughter.
"Don't get your hopes up Kushina, for all we know, this could just be a ploy by an enemy village, or even Orochimaru." Said Jiraiya, only to reel back when Kushina glared at him with red eyes.
"That's my daughter who I have searching for, for thirteen years. Do you honestly think I'd let myself be tricked by a fake?" Kushina retorted, before going over to enter the interrogation room and speak with the girl, herself.
Entering the room, Kushina inhaled sharply, when the girl looked up at her and saw a younger version of herself.
'She looks just like me.' Kushina thought sadly at having missed so much of her life.
"Hello." Kushina said softly as she sat down across from her.
"H-hi." Said the girl, shyly.
"Do you know who I am?" Asked Kushina, with the girl nodding.
"Yes. You're Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Death, the Yondaime Hokage's wife. You're also my…" The girl said, before stopping herself and looking down, with Kushina reached over and put her hand on hers.
"I'm your Kaa-chan, Naruko." Said Kushina, smiling at her daughter, while Naruko looked at her in surprise.
"You, you believe me?" Naruko asked.
"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" Asked Kushina.
"It's just, everyone else I met didn't really believe me, when I said who I was, a few even got angry. But I guess it's understandable given, ya know." Naruko said, while motioning to her hair and eyes, with Kushina nodding as just her physical appearance would cause doubt in Naruko's claim.
"Well, I know my own daughter, even if you have different hair and eyes. I still remember you as the adorable little girl who always loved hearing stories. Your favorite was how I met your father, right?" Kushina asked smiling, Naruko returning the smile, though hers was laced with sadness.
"Actually my favorite is when you told me the time laxatives in the entire Hyuga Clans food to "help get the sticks out of their collective asses". It's also what made me start pulling pranks, with my first one wanting to do better than yours, so I put super glue and pink dye in their shampoo." Naruko corrected, with Kushina laughing lightly with tears in her eyes.
"Yeah, that was the proudest I've ever been, even better when they found out about the itching powder in their clothes." Kushina said, now knowing without a doubt that this was really her daughter, wanting to just be sure and see if she knew something only, she and Naruko would know.
"Naruko, I'm sorry, I just-" Kushina started, wanting to apologize for tricking her.
"It's fine Kaa-chan, you just had to be sure. I understand, you wanted proof." Said Naruko, smiling sadly that she had to prove who she was to her own mother.
"You shouldn't have to prove anything." Said Kushina, getting up and hugging her daughter tightly, feeling a weight being lifted off her, now that she could finally hold her little girl in her arms again.
Naruko hesitantly returned the hug, before smiling contently at the warmth she felt from the embrace.
"As much as I'd love to stay like this, Naruko. I have to ask, what happened?" Kushina asked, wanting to know what happened to her daughter, years ago.
"I don't know the exact details; I just remember something covering my face, before falling unconscious. When I came to, I was strapped down to a table with a pale man that looked like a snake hovering over me." Naruko answered.
"Orochimaru." Kushina muttered darkly, while swearing to skin the bastard the next time she sees him.
"Yeah him. After that, I only remember pain and screaming, a lot of screaming. I lost track of how many times they cut me open, injecting things into me, seeing how far they could push my healing factor. There were times I just begged them to kill me, but that just made the sick bastards laugh, before simply torturing me for the hell of it. Whenever they weren't cutting me open, I was locked in a cell with no light, left with my own thoughts and not even knowing how long I was locked in there, whether it was minutes, hours, or even days." Naruko explained, shaking as she recounted her imprisonment.
All while Kushina's anger grew with each word, her eyes a burning red color with slit pupils as she swore that she wouldn't just kill Orochimaru. She would slaughter every single bastard working with that snake, before slowly torturing him and everyone else that dared hurt her baby. And Kushina swears, she'll make sure they stay alive for days, before cutting out their hearts.
"I don't even know what they were trying to do, but whatever it was, I was eventually able to do, this." Naruko said, just as Kushina's chair suddenly broke underneath her, surprising the woman as she stopped herself from fall onto her butt.
"What was that?" Kushina asked, confused as to why the chair broke, out of nowhere.
"I can manipulate Back Luck. When I first got it, I couldn't really control it and it just caused bad luck to happen to those around me. Eventually, I learned to control it and focus it to certain people or objects, I can even project it around me and the surrounding area, like a field. But it only works if it's possible for bad luck to happen, like a chair suddenly breaking. Sorry by the way." Naruko said, as Kushina was surprised at learning her daughter at such an ability, to actually manipulate a person's luck.
"When did you escape? And how did you escape?" Kushina asked, with Naruko shrugging.
"Three, four months ago. It was after I overheard Orochimaru talking with some Ninja wearing headbands with clouds on them. He planned to give me to them in exchange for several Ninjutsu Scrolls, including one called Black Lightning. When I learned this, I made my escape by using my Bad Luck, while also stealing what the snake would have gotten in exchange for me. After that, I mostly just spent my time running and hiding, not wanting to risk being captured again. I got by, by stealing food and money when I needed to. It was after I met a team that was searching for me, that I came here." Said Naruko.
"But, why didn't you just come home?! Why did you wait this long?!" Kushina asked, upset and hurt that Naruko waited this long to come home.
"Fear. I was afraid you wouldn't believe who I was, that you wouldn't want me, even if you did believe me, that you'd reject me. I didn't even think you'd be trying to find me, since Orochimaru certainly enjoyed reminding me that no one was coming to save me." Naruko muttered, while looking down solemnly.
'I swear, when I get my hands on that snake-faced fucker, I'm going to sending him screaming to the deepest pits of HELL!' Kushina thought, before she held her daughter close.
"We never stopped trying to find you, and we'll always love you Naru-chan, don't ever doubt that. I'm just sorry we couldn't find you sooner, but I promise, I won't lose you again." Said Kushina, while kissing the top of her head.
She finally had her daughter back, she won't ever lose her again, and anyone who tries taking her, won't live to regret it.
Meanwhile, outside the chamber, Minato was scowling while clenching his fists so hard that blood began to slip through them, as he heard what his daughter had gone through at the hands of the snake. He had intended to investigate and confront Orochimaru, when he heard reports of him performing illegal experiments. But the disputes that they were having with Kumo had kept him from doing so, and now his child paid the price.
'But no more...' He mentally swore, as soon as he made sure his daughter was alright and protected enough, he would go out and make sure that damn bastard would never threaten his family, ever again!
All while Jiraiya looked at Naruko in pity, given how sadistic and cruel his former teammate had become. Especially after his time under Danzō's command, back when he was in the Foundation. Only to shaking his head of those thoughts, not long after. Believing that this was just some kind of elaborate sob story to play on Minato and Kushina's emotions, so she can infiltrate Konoha. Especially now that he knew that she had ties to Orochimaru.
*Later – Senju Compound*
After getting Naruko released and returning her possessions, Minato allowed her to keep the Jutsu Scrolls she stole from Orochimaru, when they took her back to their home in the Senju Compound.
Though while Kushina and Minato had wanted nothing more than to be with their daughter, they still had responsibilities and duties to take care of. But they told Naruko when they get back, they'll do anything she wants to do before leaving.
Currently Naruko was sitting on the couch in the living room, looking around the home, her home. Having been told that her sister, Shio, will be back from the Academy.
Having learn that Shio was born, a couple years after she was kidnapped, due to her parents had taken comfort with each other, after failing some failed searches in finding her. With them having been extra precautious and secretive, when Kushina was pregnant to Shio, since they didn't want to take any chances, after losing Naruko.
'This is going to take some getting used to.' Naruko thought, given for most of her life, her home was either a tiny cell, or wherever she managed to rest, after escaping
"I still say this was a bad idea, Naruko. We were better off on our own." Said a voice in Naruko's head.
'I know Matatabi, but is it wrong to have hoped that there is someone who genuinely cared about me, besides you of course.' Naruko thought.
"Personally, yes. You know how I feel about hope, it breeds eternal misery." Replied Matatabi to its host.
Naruko had been in contact with the Nibi, or Matatabi as she learned the Bijū's name was, for years; ever since she had first been kidnapped. It was the reason Naruko didn't give up on the chance of taking back her freedom, why she didn't go insane, whenever she was locked in the darkness. If there's someone Naruko trusted unconditionally, it was Matatabi.
Matatabi was also the reason Naruko was able to escape, having trained Naruko in her mindscape with the skills her previous Jinchūriki possessed, having seen in their lives. And it was those skills, along with her ability to manipulate Bad Luck, that allowed Naruko to finally escape Orochimaru, three years ago.
Yes Naruko had actually been free for three years, rather than just a few months, like she told her mother. The reason Naruko lied, was because she had trust issues, even with her own family, along with being afraid of being hurt again.
So instead Naruko stayed on her own, with Matatabi as her only companion. Naruko did also steal, but not just to survive, but because she enjoyed it, the thrill it gave her. And for a time Naruko was happy, she had her freedom back, she got to do what she loved, and no one to tell her what to do.
But there are had still been part of Naruko that longed for someone to love her, to care about her, besides Matatabi. She hadn't lied when she said she ran into one of the teams searching for her, and it surprised Naruko that her parents were trying to find her, even after all this time. It also gave her hope that maybe she could finally have a real home, with people that loved her.
Though Matatabi had been against it, believing they were better off on their own. While it was one of the friendlier Bijū, compared to its siblings, Matatabi still despised humans for everything they've done to it and its family. With Naruko, and its previous Jinchūriki, Yugito, being the only exception. It had relented though, when it saw how desperate Naruko was at wanting to finally have a true home, and not constantly being on the run anymore, and Matatabi couldn't fault her for that.
So, it agreed to go along with Naruko's desire of going to Konoha and meeting her parents.
'Well, so far they've been welcoming.' Naruko thought, as she laid down onto the couch to get more comfortable.
"Perhaps, but I saw how that perverted toad, Jiraiya, looked at you. He thinks you're lying about who you are, or maybe that you're one of that snakes minions. Be careful around him, Naruko." Matatabi warned, with Naruko sighing and nodding.
She'd seen the way Jiraiya watched her suspiciously, and figured he'd be keeping an eye on her. Naruko expected this, some people not believing who she was, or that she's a spy. But she learned to not care what others thought of her, and besides, her parents believed her and that's enough for her, right now.
Besides, another bonus is that if she becomes a Ninja, she'll be able to take missions and still be able to steal stuff. Naruko just hoped she didn't make a mistake coming back to Konoha, she's already been hurt enough and has a hard enough time trusting people, as it is.
Matatabi sighed quietly as it heard Naruko's thoughts, before lying down. It still believes this was mistake, and knows that something will eventually happen that'll destroy Naruko's hope of a better life. And when it does happen, Matatabi will be there for her.
No matter what, it won't abandon its friend.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Naruko's parents are still alive and rather than the Kyūbi she has become the Jinchūriki of the Nibi instead, with Obito having kidnapped Yugito instead after seeing the increased security around Kushina. This has lead to a less damaging attack, due to Jiraiya and Tsunade's presence, along with Minato not needing to use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. However while no one died here, Kumo is angry at losing one of their Bijū and wants it back or something of equal value. And while this is happening Naruko has been kidnapped by Orochimaru and experimented for ten years, granting Naruko the ability to manipulate Bad Luck and receiving training from Matatabi. Naruko is able to escape finally, along with stealing some useful scrolls from the Snake Sannin, before going on her own for three years until she eventually returns to Konoha, desiring to have a real home and people who care about her. With her family gladly welcoming her home, with the reveal of Naruko having a new little sister, but also being met with suspicions of those who doubt her claim of being Naruko. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! It's been a while since this was updated but I'm back with a new chapter. And here we'll be seeing Naruko meeting her new little sister and bonding with her family again, but also seeing how it won't last very long. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Not long after dropping Naruko off, at the Senju Compound, Minato went back to the Hokage's office. While Kushina went to the nearest training ground, to work out some aggression, and anger, after hearing what her daughter went through.
Entering his office, Minato was surprised to see Jiraiya standing there, waiting for him.
"Jiraiya, you're here, good. I was just about to call for you." Minato said, while sitting behind his desk, and looking at his teacher.
He had planned to summon Jiraiya, and send him out to find Orochimaru, whether it was that snake's actual location, or a trail they could follow. Minato didn't care which, as long as they found Orochimaru, so he could personally drag that traitorous snake back to Konoha, before letting Kushina do whatever she wanted to him.
And then he'll hang Orochimaru's dead body, by the gates, as a warning to anyone else, that would threaten his family. Normally, Minato wouldn't do such an action, but after hearing what Naruko went through, he felt it was time for their enemies to see what happens, to those that earn his anger.
"Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about." Jiraiya said, with a rare serious expression, making Minato look at him, with a raised brow.
"Okay, but can you make it quick, I need you to start working on finding Orochimaru." Said Minato, wanting to find the snake as soon, as possible.
"It's about Naruko." Jiraiya stated, with the Yondaime now looking at him, with narrowed eyes.
"What about her?" Minato questioned, as Jiraiya sighed, before sitting down across from his student.
"Look kid, I know the past couple years have been rough, not knowing where she was, if she was alright, if she was even alive. But don't you think, it's just a little…convenient that she's suddenly shown up now, just a year before Shio graduates from the Academy, along with the other Clan Heirs." Said Jiraiya, with Minato now giving the Sannin a warning look.
"Be careful what you say next, Jiraiya. I'm already angry, and what you're implying isn't helping." Said Minato.
"I'm just saying, I know Orochimaru, and nobody just escapes him. The only reason someone escapes that snake, is if they no longer have a use for him, or they work for him, and are a spy." Said Jiraiya, before flinching, when Minato was now openly glaring at him.
"You honestly think Naruko is working for Orochimaru? The same man who kidnapped her, then tortured and experimented on her, for thirteen years? You really think she'd willingly follow that snake, after what he put her through?!" Minato demanded, with Jiraiya putting his hands up, in surrender.
"Maybe not willingly, but Orochimaru always was good at twisting a person's mind, and we both know there are ways of forcing someone to do what you want, whether with Fūinjutsu or Ninjutsu. There's also the chance that, that might not even be Naruko, but another of his subordinates, made to look like a convincing doppelganger." Said Jiraiya.
"And what about the Nibi, it's still inside her. Or how about the blood test, that confirmed she's Naruko." Minato retorted.
"Which, could easily have been extracted, and placed into another host. As for the blood test, Orochimaru is a master of genetics and genetic engineering, so it's possible that he altered that girl's DNA to match Naruko's." Said Jiraiya, knowing his former teammate would do everything he could, to make a convincing lookalike.
"Kid, just give me a chance to prove it. You said you wanted me to find Orochimaru, let me do that, and find proof that this is just another one, of his tricks. Say I'm right, can you really take that chance by letting your emotions blind you, and endanger your family and the village." Jiraiya said.
"And if you're wrong? If it is really Naruko?" Said Minato.
"Then I'll gladly admit my mistake and apologize." Jiraiya answered.
Minato glared at his sensei, for a few more minutes, before sitting back.
"Fine, you can try and find this alleged proof, that it's not the real Naruko, but I want you to prioritize finding Orochimaru, over theories and guesses." Minato said, with Jiraiya nodding and stood up.
"I'll go get ready, and head out." Said Jiraiya, planning to start, by searching the few bases he's found, and seeing what his spies had learn.
Nodding, Minato watched as Jiraiya walked to the door, before speaking.
"Oh, and one more anything. When you see that it is Naruko, you also have to apologize to her as well, and tell Kushina about your so-called suspicions, while not fighting back, or trying to run from whatever punishment, she gives you. And that's an order, from your Hokage." Said Minato, refusing to let Jiraiya get away with these suspicions, against his daughter.
This made Jiraiya pale in fear, knowing if that happened, Kushina really would beat him to death.
Immediately, the Sannin ran out the door, now more determined to prove he was right, not only his students sake, but his own, as well.
*Later-Academy*
Shio Uzumaki sighed in boredom, as she listened to Iruka-sensei go on and on, with another history lecture. Looking at the clock, the girl was thankful, that it was almost time for the Academy to end. Meaning, she'd be able to go home, and train.
'But I'll also have to see Kaa-chan and Tou-san.' Shio thought, while mentally sighing.
Don't get her wrong, she loved her parents, but they could also be overbearing, at times. Always coddling her, and keeping her from doing anything, they thought was dangerous. Along with constantly having a team of trusted Anbu follow her, everywhere she went.
Though, Shio was aware of why her parents acted this way, with what happened to her older sister, Naruko.
Shio knew about her sister, with her parents having told her about Naruko, after she finally got tired of them always sheltering her and wanted to know why. And she had been shocked to learn she had an older sister, one who apparently went missing three years, before Shio was born. With her parents having spent years, trying to find her.
This made Shio less annoyed, and more understanding since they just didn't want to lose another child. Not only that, but Shio had also desired to help find her sister, after becoming a Ninja.
Shio would also be lying, if she said she didn't like the idea of having a big a sister, to spend time with, and train together.
Though, while she now understood why her parents always coddled her, it sometimes still got on her nerves. Especially now, given she'll be a Ninja soon, and eventually, will go on missions, outside the village.
Suddenly, Shio was pulled from her thoughts, when the bell rang, showing that class was over, and they could finally leave.
Not wasting another second, Shio ran out the classroom, and out the Academy, where she saw her mother waiting for her.
"Shio-chan!" Kushina said, while smiling at her daughter, which Shio returned as she ran up, and hugged her mother, only to look up at her in confusion, when she saw her mother look worried, and nervous.
"Kaa-chan, what's wrong?" Shio asked, feeling that something was wrong.
"Nothing Shio, but there is something, I have to tell you." Kushina said, while pulling Shio off to the side, with the girl getting even more confused, at what was going on.
"What is it?" Said Shio.
"Shio, you remember, when your Tou-san and I, told you about your sister, Naruko?" Kushina asked.
"Yeah, that she went missing, and you've been trying to find her. Why, did you learn something?" Asked Shio, curious of the chance that she might be able to meet her big sister, soon.
"Yes we did. In fact it's even better, she's back, Naruko's back." Kushina revealed smiling, while Shio's eyes widened at hearing this.
"She's back?" Shio asked.
"Yes, earlier this day, we saw her and it's definitely Naruko. She's at home right now." Replied Kushina.
"Then let's go see her!" Said Shio, while smiling in excitement at the chance to meet her sister, only for Kushina to stop her.
"Shio wait! Before you can meet her, you need to know Naruko didn't just go missing, she was kidnapped by some terrible people. She was a prisoner, and tortured and experimented on, so she's not exactly good at trusting people, right now. I'm telling you this now, so you don't expect her to be open from the beginning. It'll take time for her to open up to us, alright." Said Kushina, knowing with everything Naruko has experienced and been through, they were lucky she even took the chance to come to Konoha and meet them, but it'll take time before she's able to feel safe around them.
Shio looked at her mother with wide eyes, while paling slightly to hear what happened to her sister.
"O-okay Kaa-chan." Shio said, disappointed that she won't get to spend as much as she'd like with her sister, but she was thankful to get the chance to finally meet her.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll both get along." Assured Kushina, while internally hoping she was right, and that her daughters were able to bond with each other.
Nodding at her mother's words, the two Uzumaki left the Academy and made their way back to the Senju Compound.
Once they had arrived at the compound and walked in, Shio saw Naruko sitting on the couch, before standing up when the door opened and she saw the two.
"Naruko, I'd like you to meet your sister Shio. Shio, this is Naruko." Kushina said, while looking between her daughters to see how they'd react to meeting each other.
Naruko looked at her sister, still a little surprised to learn she had a little sister.
Shio had long bright red hair tied into a ponytail, fair skin, bright blue eyes, and whisker marks, just like Naruko's own. Her attire consisted of dark red Kunoichi sandals, black formfitting shorts, a black tank top, and a dark blue jacket that stopped at the top of her ribs, while having the red Uzumaki swirl on the right sleeve.
"Hello Shio, it's nice to meet you." Naruko said with a small smile, which Shio returned.
"I-it's nice to meet you…Nee-chan." Said Shio.
"So…you're enrolled in the Academy to become a Ninja?" Naruko asked, not sure what else to say.
"Yeah! I want to be the strongest there is, stronger than Kaa-chan and Tou-san!" Replied Shio, with Naruko's lips twitching up at her enthusiasm.
"Well, if you want, I could show you a few things I've learned myself." Naruko offered, given she's learned several Jutsu from Matatabi, along with the ones she stole from Orochimaru.
"Really?!" Shio asked, excited at the idea of training with her sister.
Naruko nodded, only to be surprised when Shio threw herself at her and wrapped her arms around Naruko's waist. Instinctively, Naruko tensed at the sudden physical contact, before relaxing slightly and telling herself she wasn't being attacked.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Shio repeated while hugging her sister, too excited and happy at the idea of them training together to remember what her mother said.
Hesitantly, Naruko returned the hug while smiling at her little sister.
Meanwhile, Kushina watched the scene with a tearful smile, happy and relieved to see her daughters getting along.
*Later*
Naruko, Shio, and Minato sat at the table, while Kushina was in the kitchen, making her special homemade ramen. Something she only did for very special occasions.
After the initial meeting between the sisters and breaking the ice, Naruko and Shio began getting to know each other. Though Naruko only revealed the basics, such as her likes and dislikes, since she had to learn to keep information about herself, close to her chest. Never knowing when it could be used against her.
Shio though told Naruko everything about herself, along with all the time she's spent at the Academy and ranting about the classmates she doesn't like or flat out hate. Something that especially amused Naruko, was learning her sister was a prankster like their mother and how she once was. Even more so, to hear some of the pranks she's pulled.
It wasn't long until Minato came home, with Kushina getting started on dinner, wanting to make it absolutely perfect for Naruko.
Looking at her father and sister, Naruko saw that Shio was practically shaking in her chair, while looking at the kitchen. It made Naruko wonder how good her mother's cooking was, due to her not having many memories of eating it.
Eventually, Kushina came out with a large steaming pot of ramen and gave everyone a bowl. Shio and Minato happily began eating, both loving Kushina's cooking, but the Uzumaki woman soon noticed Naruko hadn't made an attempt to start. In fact, she was looking at her ramen warily, as if expecting it to suddenly attack her.
"Naruko, is everything alright?" Kushina asked, worried something was wrong, before mentally cursing herself for not asking Naruko if she wanted anything specific, but just assumed she'd like ramen just as much as them.
The question made Minato and Shio stop and look at Naruko, who flinched at the attention suddenly being on her.
"N-no, nothing's wrong." Naruko said while looking down.
"Do you not like ramen? I could make something else, if you want, anything at all." Said Kushina, with Naruko shaking her head.
"No, no! It's fine, ramens fine. It's just…" Naruko said while crossing her arms in front of herself.
"Just what?" Minato asked, worried at how she seemed to be trying to sink into herself.
"Back when I was held captive…I wasn't given much, if any, food. Only ever getting enough to keep me alive, and that was the bare minimum. And even those few times, it was laced with drugs that'd leave me paralyzed or knock me unconscious, making it easier for them to take me for their experiments. Sometimes, they'd even just poison it and watch me suffer, or maybe to see what could and couldn't kill me. So, I'm just…not used to being given food that hasn't been drugged." Naruko revealed while looking down, since she hated looking weak and talking about what happened.
Hearing this made Minato and Kushina clench their fists tightly, shaking with rage at hearing even more pain that was inflicted on their daughter by Orochimaru and his psychotic followers. And even more determined to find that snake and kill him, slowly and painfully.
Shio was horrified to hear just part of what her sister went through, before getting up and hugging her sister, which Naruko tentatively returned.
Just then Kushina had a horrifying thought of what else could have happened to Naruko, while she was held captive.
"Naruko, did they ever…were you…" Said Kushina, trying to ask her question, but couldn't bring herself to believe that that happened to her daughter, just thinking about it made her want to throw up.
Minato also went still at realizing what Kushina meant, and mentally pleaded that Naruko didn't go through that.
"I'm sure they wanted to, but Orochimaru didn't want of his "prized subjects" to be spoiled or be mentally damaged, more than I already was anyway." Said Naruko, knowing what they meant, if she had been raped.
Thankfully, she hadn't been, but she could see how some of the snakes followers looked at her and knew they would have, if not for Orochimaru wanting her intact. But it was still a fear that kept her up at night, even with Matatabi's reassurance that it would prevent such a thing from happening.
"That's…that's good." Kushina muttered, feeling beyond relieved that her daughter didn't have to experience that kind of pain, with Minato sharing the sentiment, but it didn't lessen their anger at what happened to their daughter.
"But yeah, there's nothing wrong with the food." Said Naruko, wanting to steer the conversation away from such a depressing topic, along with talking about her past.
"Okay, but if there's anything else you'd prefer, I'd be more than happy to make it." Kushina offered, with Naruko nodding before grabbing her chopsticks and took a small bite of the ramen.
"It's really great." Said Naruko, smiling, with her parents and sister smiling as well, before all four continued eating.
*Timeskip-Five Weeks*
Jiraiya burst through the door and glared at his former teammate, sitting on a throne.
"I finally found you, Orochimaru." Jiraiya said, having spent the past five weeks searching through every one of the Snake Sannin's bases he could find, until he finally managed to get a solid lead on Orochimaru's whereabouts.
"Yes, congratulations Jiraiya you found me…because I let you find me." Said Orochimaru, with Jiraiya narrowing his eyes.
"What're you talking about?! I've been on your trail for weeks now, going through all your bases and I've finally found you!" Jiraiya retorted, only for Orochimaru to chuckle darkly.
"Kukukuku, is that what you think? How pitiful and to think you're a spymaster. Please, you couldn't find the ocean if you were standing right beside it." Orochimaru taunted before standing up from his throne.
"Let me tell you what's really happened Jiraiya, all those bases you found, they've been abandoned for months, even years. All of them containing nothing, but useless items or things that no longer interest me. As for being "on my trail", I've known you've been trying to find me this entire time. So I lead you here, just so you can see how you've failed, just as you always have." Said Orochimaru, with Jiraiya clenching his fists and glaring angrily at his former friend.
"What're you talking about?! How could you know that?!" Jiraiya demanded.
"Do you honestly think you're the only one who has spies? I have dozens under my employ, everywhere you could imagine and all of them reporting to me. Even in Konoha." Orochimaru said smirking, while Jiraiya's eyes widened hearing this, before narrowing them.
"Well in a few minutes, those spies won't matter once I take you down!" Said Jiraiya ready to deal with Orochimaru once and for all.
"Yes, I'd love nothing more than to knock you around for old time's sake. But you see Jiraiya, I'm already gone." Orochimaru stated before he dissolved into a puddle of mud, showing that it was nothing but an Earth Style: Shadow Clone.
'NO! Damn it!' Jiraiya cursed at seeing that once again, Orochimaru had gotten away.
Knowing this was a dead end, Jiraiya turned to leave the base and head back to Konoha. The only good thing that came of this, was that Jiraiya now knew he was right about Naruko, she was working for Orochimaru.
Though if the Toad Sage took the time to think about it, he'd realize that as well as he knew Orochimaru, his former teammate knew him just as well. And knew exactly what to say to make Jiraiya act exactly the way he wanted.
Such as unknowingly helping him retrieve his missing test subject.
*Timeskip-One Week*
*Konoha*
"Rasengan!"
Naruko watched as Shio slammed a Rasengan into a tree, only for the attack to explode before it could hit its target.
"Are you alright, Shio?" Naruko asked while walking up to her sister and helping her up.
"Yeah, I just wish I could get this down." Said Ship, frowning since she still hasn't been able to complete the Rasengan, having been able to complete the first two steps, but hasn't been able to complete the third, with the Rasengan exploding every time.
"Well why don't you focus on creating the shell first and once you have that completed, then try adding Chakra to it." Naruko suggested, having been told the steps to master the Rasengan by her father, in case she wanted to learn it.
"Maybe, but it's just so hard!" Shio complained, Naruko smiling at her sisters dramatics.
The weeks following when she first returned to Konoha have been…nice, Naruko supposed.
She was thankful her parents didn't push the issue or ask her about her time being imprisoned, which she never liked talking or thinking about. They also took things slowly with her, which Naruko was also thankful for, as there were times that she had her doubts of coming to Konoha.
But as time passed, Naruko started opening up more and more, spending time with her family. She found it was easier to smile and relax around them, being able to lower her guard when it was just her parents or her sister.
One thing that Naruko was surprised and touched by, was seeing that her old room had been kept exactly the way it was, before she was kidnapped, with all her old stuff as well. Though her mother had then taken her shopping to get it more fitted for her age and style, as compared to when she was three.
That night Naruko had cried herself to sleep, but now out of sadness or pain, instead it was happiness at finally feeling like she was loved and cared about. It was also when she started lowering her guard and opening up as well, believing that she finally found a real home and people that cared about her.
Though the person Naruko had grown closest too was her little sister, Shio. Who Naruko could say she trusted unconditionally, just like Matatabi. Wanting to make sure Shio had a much better life than Naruko herself, and not having to experience the same pain she felt.
"Tell you what, if you manage to complete the Rasengan, I'll teach you one of my personal Jutsu." Naruko said, making Shio look at her with wide eyes.
"You mean it?" Shio asked, with Naruko nodding.
"Yep, but only after you've completed the Rasengan." Said Naruko.
Immediately, Shio shot up with determination in her eyes, now wanting to complete the Rasengan even more, and learn a Jutsu from her sister.
Naruko smiled at Shio's expression, finding it cute to see her look so serious. However Naruko's eyes widened as she sensed something, before quickly picking Shio up and throwing her across the training ground.
"What're you-" Shio said surprised at her sisters actions, only for her eyes to widen when she saw the ground beneath Naruko had turned into mud, with the older Uzumaki sinking in up to her knees.
'What the hell is this?!' Naruko thought, panicking as she struggled to escape the mud, only to find it was very sticky and held her in place.
Before she could use her Chakra to escape, Naruko suddenly felt something placed on her back before her Chakra was sealed off. Now freaking out at being trapped, Naruko looked to see who was responsible, only to see Jiraiya glaring at her.
"Pervy Sage?! What're you doing?!" Shio demanded, angry at Jiraiya showing up and suddenly attacking Naruko.
"Shio, get out of here and go find your parents now." Jiraiya said, not wanting Shio to get hurt in case Naruko tried anything.
"No! Why did you attack Naruko?!" Said Shio, refusing to leave her sister alone.
"Because she's a spy working for Orochimaru." Said Jiraiya, causing the sisters looking at him with wide eyes.
"Wh-what did you say?" Naruko questioned not believing what she just heard, he actually thinks she's working for Orochimaru.
"Yeah, surprised I found out? Don't be, I suspected you were a spy, the moment you showed up, and now I know I was right. Now you'll be coming with me." Said Jiraiya, only for Shio to run in front of him blocking his way to Naruko.
"That's crazy! Why would Naruko work with the guy who hurt her?!" Shio shouted, glaring at Jiraiya for thinking her sister would work for that snake, having been told just who was responsible for kidnapping Naruko, a few weeks ago.
"I don't know, how do we even know that's even Naruko and not just a fake, or even a clone Orochimaru made. Either way, it doesn't matter, she's a spy and will be interrogated to see what her purpose is." Jiraiya said, with Naruko flinching at each accusation before she started breathing heavily at the mention of being interrogated.
"No! I won't let you take her, she's my sister!" Shio yelled, only to suddenly be picked up by a Shadow Clone.
"Sorry kid, but she's already tricked you and I can't let you get in the way." Jiraiya said, knowing Naruko's already been able to trick Shio, and likely Minato and Kushina as well.
Naruko paled as Jiraiya approached her, while she was helpless to stop him or escape, just like before.
'No, no, no, NO! I can't be here!' Naruko thought while frantically trying to escape, not wanting to go back to another cell.
Acting on instinct, Naruko used the Nibi's Chakra, overloading the Suppression Seal on her back and causing it to fail, allowing her to access her own Chakra again.
"Leave her alone!" Shio screamed, before the Shadow Clone was suddenly destroyed.
Before Jiraiya could react, he was wrapped in several golden chains much to his shock as he felt his Chakra be sealed.
"What the?! Chakra Chains?!" Jiraiya said, looking to where they came from, expecting to see Kushina, only to be surprised they were coming from Shio.
Their attention then turned to Naruko as she was covered in blue and black flames from accessing Matatabi's Chakra. With the mud beginning to harden from the intense heat, allowing Naruko to break free and stumble away from Jiraiya and Shio.
"Damn it! Shio, let me go before she escapes!" Jiraiya said, trying to escape the chains, while Naruko began shaking as her mind flashed back to when she escaped Orochimaru, and how his followers tried to capture her again.
'I have to get away!' Naruko thought before vanishing in a swirl of blue and black flames, now being driven by her fear and refusal to be imprisoned again.
"Damn it!" Jiraiya cursed at seeing she's escaped.
"Naruko!" Shio exclaimed, worried at seeing her sisters sudden disappearance.
Not a moment later, Minato and Kushina appeared in the training ground, having sensed the sudden pulse of the Nibi's Chakra and Shio's, from awakening her Chakra Chains.
"What the hell is going on?!" Kushina demanded while taking in the scene of Shio having Chakra Chains, that were currently binding Jiraiya.
"Minato, Kushina you have to go quickly! Naruko's escaping!" Jiraiya said.
"And just why would Naruko be escaping?!" Said Kushina, narrowing her eyes, while worried of what happened to her daughter.
"Because she's a spy, working for Orochimaru! I found out while trying to find the snake, she's been working for him the entire time." Revealed Jiraiya.
"Shut up liar!" Shio shouted, while glaring at Jiraiya.
"What did you just say?" Kushina said lowly as her eyes turned red in anger.
"She's a spy, this entire time she's been working for Orochimaru and passing information to him." Said Jiraiya, while gulping as Kushina glared viciously at him.
"And what proof do you have?" Demanded Minato, wanting physical and tangible proof of Naruko being a spy.
This made Jiraiya pause and pale slightly, realizing he didn't have actual proof.
"I uh…don't actually have any…proof…but Orochimaru himself said, he had spies in Konoha! That must mean Naruko is one!" Jiraiya said quickly in his defense, as Kushina began stalking towards him with her hair flying up, resembling nine swinging tails.
"So, you not only encountered Orochimaru, but believe him when he said Naruko was a spy?" Minato questioned.
"Well he didn't say Naruko speci-"
"Oh, so you just assumed he meant Naruko?!" Demanded Minato, not believing Jiraiya actually believed Orochimaru, especially after he accused Minato of letting his emotions cloud his judgement.
Kushina growled darkly, intending to beat Jiraiya within an inch of his life, before going to find Naruko and hopefully calm her down from the panic she's feeling. Though Kushina then stopped when she heard the Kyūbi laughing darkly in her mind.
"How pathetic, the toad has now cost you your daughter." Kyūbi said.
'What are you talking about fox?' Kushina thought, not in the mood for whatever games the Kyūbi was playing.
"Exactly what I said, that was in fact Naruko, the real one. The girl's Chakra is exactly the same as the last time I felt it, along with my sibling inside her. If it was a fake or a clone, I would be able to sense the slightest change in her Chakra or her true emotions. But there wasn't any change and her emotions were genuine, meaning it was the real Naruko. And because of the toad, you've lost her again!" Kyūbi revealed, with Kushina's eyes widening upon hearing this, before glaring at Jiraiya murderously.
Before anyone could react, Kushina tackled Jiraiya and pinned him to a tree, while her own Chakra Chains came out and wrapped around his limbs spreading them out.
"You son of a bitch! My daughter isn't a spy!" Kushina shouted, glaring at him with crimson eyes, with Jiraiya shivering at the angry redhead.
"Yes she is, and she's probably not even the real-AH!" Jiraiya said, only to scream in pain when Kushina slammed his head against the tree.
"She is my daughter! The Kyūbi just told me, it was Naruko!" Said Kushina.
"And you actually believe the fox?" Said Jiraiya, dazed from the hit, only to gasp when Kushina pulled out a kunai and held the tip at his throat.
"Like how you trusted Orochimaru? And right now, yeah, I trust the fox a lot more than you right now. Because of your actions, I've lost my daughter again!" Kushina growled while pressing the kunai hard enough to draw blood.
"Ar-are yo-you g-g-going to-to k-kill m-me?" Jiraiya said as he paled in fear at how Kushina could very well kill him.
Only for his fear to shoot through the roof, when Kushina giggled darkly and moved the kunai from his throat to right between his legs.
"Kill you? Oh no, I won't kill you, but I'm going to take something from you, like you just took something from me. Let's see you get an enjoyment from peeping, after this!" Kushina said while smiling sadistically.
"Wa-wait hang on! Kid, Minato, aren't you going to help?!" Said Jiraiya, looking at his student pleadingly for any assistance.
"Come on Shio let's go see if we can find Naruko, before she can leave." Minato said, guiding Shio out of the training ground, both to hopefully find Naruko and so she didn't see what Kushina was about to do.
Paling further at seeing his student abandon him, Jiraiya gave a high-pitched yelp when Kushina pressed the kunai right into his manhood.
"Me-mercy?" Jiraiya squeaked.
Kushina's response was just a dark smirk before she stabbed the kunai forward.
All around Konoha, everyone immediately froze as a loud, high-pitched, pain-filled scream filled the air. Followed shortly by a demented laughter.
*With Naruko*
Meanwhile, after Naruko had fled the training ground, she had acted on pure instinct in her escape. First collecting her belongings, before stealing the most valuable object she could get her hands on, which just so happened to the Scroll of Seals.
Afterwards, she immediately fled Konoha, and only stopped once she was far enough away, as everything that happened finally sunk in for the girl. When it finally did, Naruko broke down crying against a tree.
"Naruko." Matatabi said worried for its container.
'You were right Matatabi, you were right. I shouldn't have gone to Konoha.' Naruko thought as she cried, while seeing that going to Konoha was a mistake.
She should have known she wouldn't be trusted, not after they knew she was Orochimaru's guinea pig. And that was just Jiraiya, what would have happened when the rest of the village found out. Especially after stealing the Forbidden Scroll.
"I'm sorry it turned out this way." Said Matatabi.
'Don't be, we were better off on our own anyway, and it should have stayed that way. But I was stupid, holding onto some childish dream of having a home, people caring about me. Being able to trust others, it was foolish.' Thought Naruko, while wiping her eyes of her tears.
"I care about you Naruko. No matter what, you'll always have me." Matatabi said.
'Thank you.' Naruko thought before standing up.
Looking at the Forbidden Scroll, Naruko briefly contemplated sending it back with a clone, before immediately dismissing that thought. She'll keep it, both for the knowledge it contained and as a reminder.
A reminder that the only person she can trust, is herself.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Jiraiya being suspicious and untrustworthy of Naruko due to her connection with Orochimaru, something Minato isn't pleased about before sending him out to locate the Snake Sannin. While we then see Shio at the Academy and get a look into her life before the meeting between the sisters, along with then learning more about Naruko's time in captivity. Then we have a timeskip with Jiraiya confronting Orochimaru, only to be manipulated exactly the way Orochimaru wants in order to reclaim Naruko. Leading to the Toad Sage attacking Naruko and trying to take her captive, leading to Naruko relying on her instincts to escape and steal the most valuable thing she could, the Forbidden Scroll, while Jiraiya is thoroughly punished by Kushina. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out