CHAPTER 4
TITLE: Choosing Your Battles
Steady droplets dripped down from great stalactites on the ceiling. The dull gloom of the deep crevasse allowing for only the mildest shade of brightness to illuminate her surroundings.
Nezumi wished with all her strength that the light would disappear.
For her sight to be taken from her, maybe then she could pretend that the blood wasnt actually there.
She shut her eyes tightly, trying desperately to pretend. She'd done it as a child, it should be easy for her now. She tried to pretend, to ignore the ugly scent of copper that saturated the mostly empty space. The dried blood caking in layers, tightening on her skin.
But to pretend, it was just another lie wasn't it. A blanket of imagination that disguised the truth just as completely as any other henge.
In ROOT, lying was an art. A treasured, and priceless skill worth cultivating into something, different.
She was done lying to herself. She opened her eyes, and saw the red blossoming from her chest. The stagnant waterfall of crimson liquid stemming from a single stab wound to the chest. Her mind supplying the unwelcome and unnecessary information that the angle of the puncture indicated it was self inflicted.
Not that it mattered. Rei was dead becasue of her.
Blood was such an extremely important element. So essential for life, viewed as pure and vital. But it was just as corruptible as anything else in this world. With time, even mountains are subject to it's power.
So too did the blood cake up on her ANBU armor, the smell of death and decay drawing in the lowest of creatures. She could feel them with her chakra, the wiggling, squirming vermin that came for her. For them.
She could feel their chakra, dull flickering lights in the periphery of her sixth sense. She could feel them approach, longing for the sustenance they might find in the death of her friend.
Several times she broke from her silent stillness to strike out with her sword. Feeling the wild, uncrontrollable anger to kill and destroy all that would touch them.
All in vain, but necessary somehow. Inescapable.
She was still now, just as she had been for the last two days. Deathly still, bent backwards in an eternally limp sprawl. Held gingerly by bloodied and calloused hands as Nezumi held her in her arms.
Staring blankly at her pristine face, only marred by the smudge of a line of blood trailing from her mouth, and the streak of a single tear coming from her left eye.
Nezumi stared on, knowing that there was more she was supposed to do, perhaps to report in, to bury her... something.
Her thoughts came and went, as fleeting as leaves in the wind.
Her body begged her for reprieve, for rest, food, water.
All indulgences that Rei would never enjoy again.
The very thought of her friends demise was almost enough to make her shatter into peices. The despair she felt like licking flames just out of reach of the unlit bonfire of her heart. Now cold, not with ice, but nothingness. Stillness, a lack of anything at all.
Then she heard footsteps. Two, to be exact. One with a familiar limp, who used a cane to compensate. The other similarly slow, but not feeble as she first suspected.
Her mind tried to discern the identity of them, but her weakened state didn't allow it. The trail of thought fizzling out as soon as it appeared. So she stayed still, her eyes fixed on her.
She hoped that that two weren't coming for her, wishing not to be disturbed. Content to stay here, and die her with her.
But unfortunately, the footsteps grew louder and louder, one of them stopped, and the other continued, eventually stopping at the opening of the large chamber.
"Hmph, disappointing."
And it all came rushing back.
Her latest mission, a success as always. Her and her teammate being given the green light for the final exam.
The single scroll at the dead drop in a deep cave just past the ROOT training grounds.
Rei, with her ninjato in her hands, the point at her chest. A smile on her face.
A single order.
"L-Live."
Then silence.
Nezumi's head snapped upwards to face Danzo, his one eye scrutinizing her, a disappointed glower on his face, "And here I thought to show our guest what ROOT is truly capable of. Although It only makes sense that the weaker, lesser of you would perish. ROOT has no place for weak—"
Nezumi didn't think, she acted. Leaping forwards towards the bastard with the cane.
Four solid shadows blurred towards her, but they were only mere obstacles.
Two came at her with kunai, and a quick shadow clone allowed her to absorb one blow, and dodge the other.
She vaulted past the clone, jumping up with enough force to send her into the air, a head above them both.
She drew and struck with her blade in one fluid movement, her blade facing backwards. Chakra coalesced from her at a rapid pace, the excess energy empowering her limbs, allowing her enough speed and force to strike twice in the blink of an eye. Two dull thwack's impacting the back of their heads, sending them both into the far wall with enough force to render them both unconscious .
Their chakra signature faded, replaced by two more as they came for her. One trying to tackle her at the waist, the other with a ninjato of his own.
She used her chakra to shunshin past the first, gritting her teeth as she flipped in the air to deliver a vicious kick to his back.
The ROOT shinobi grunted with pain as he flew toward the ground, ignoring him in favor of Danzo. She turned away from the root shinobi, as she rocketed towards her target, her blade poised to run him through.
Danzo didn't move an inch, either from arrogance, or surety in his own survival she didn't know. His only visible eye narrowed, trained on her.
She screamed in agony, grief and rage, thrusting out with all she was worth.
There was a rush of movement too fast for her to track, and at the same instant, her blade was stopped as cold as if she'd thrust it into sold rock.
The Sandaime Hokage stood in her way, one arm outstretched to hold her sword with one hand. A single palm enclosed around the her sword, his gaze just a cool and hard as any blade.
Nezumi felt as the cold shock overrode every other emotion coursing through her. "H-Hokage-sama!"
She felt her arms weaken, her grip faltering until her arms fell limply at her sides, the sword still held firm in the Hokage's grip. She knelt, half out of respect, and half out of exhaustion. The two days of silent reverence spent here vastly decreasing her energy.
"I-I apologize Sandaime-sama. I meant no—"
"Rise." He said, his gravely voice sounding impossibly tired.
She nearly flinched at the sound of his voice, but complied, rising shakily, standing at attention with all the strength she could muster.
"Pure folly..."
Nezumi's nostrils flared behind her blank mask, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Danzo either didn't notice, or didn't care, not even taking a second to look at her, looking instead to the Hokage, "I can arrange to have her taken care of. Only say the word. ANBU, let alone ROOT has no time for—"
"Leave us." He said, his tone the same as before.
The leader of ROOT hesitated, shooting the other man with only an impotent, almost petulant glare before leaving. Walking back the way they both came, disappearing into the darkness of the cave after only a few short steps.
He turned back to the Hokage, flinching again at his stare. Finding it harsh, yet terribly difficult to look away from.
It felt revealing, yet floaty and gentle, as if his eyes had to power to suspend her in midair, dissecting her mind and soul.
After a single nod he raised a hand, and two ANBU appeared at his sides. He pointed to Rei, "Bring her. Gently."
Nezumi felt her rage rise up, as intense, yet unbidden as before as she drew a kunai, prompting the two ANBU to draw their swords.
"Do. Not. Touch. Her." She grated past gritted teeth.
There was mostly silence as she glared at them all, feeling out of control of her body, her mind only able to conjure up images of Rei.
Her eyes fell out of focus, and darkness edged in from the corners of her vision. She grunted, trying very hard to ward off her impending unconsciousness, but her eyes came back into focus when she saw movement.
The Hokage began walking towards her, slow and calm, stopping just out of arms reach.
He stared into her eyes, briefly glancing over her shoulder, frowning as he did so.
"She's dead, isn't she." He said, more a statement than a quesiton.
Instantly she could feel the grief that she's pushed away suddenly rose back to the surface. The frog in her throat rose up, and tears welled up, blurring her vision. She wiped them quickly, and nodded to him, and he nodded back slowly. His eyes soft with compassion, "Then she is at peace. No further harm can come to her now."
Nezumi choked out a sob, unable to hold back her grief any longer. Feeling as the truth of his words, sad and cruel as they were, gave Nezumi a sick, but strangely comforting sense of relief.
'Rei...' She held her blank, white mask, feeling her knees shake.
The kunai fell from her hands, clattering loudly to the floor, with her collapsing on her knees immediately after.
She shook with silent sobs as the two ANBU walked past her to retrieve her body. Hiruzen watched her all the while, and she couldn't bring herself to care about any of it. Too consumed by her broken heart to care about anything,
It was almost a full minute until they brought her, laying her down gingerly to the rocky floor.
The Hokage raised an eyebrow, "Self inflicted?"
Nezumi looked up, and took a moment to calm down before she answered. "A test. I... I was supposed to kill her. She, wanted to... Spare me."
The Hokage's mouth twisted in scorn, turning back to the entrance of the cave, whispering a few words in an angry tone too quiet for her to hear.
Nezumi stared at Rei, her chest aching as she took in every detail she could.
Apart from the wound on her chest, she was nearly pristine. Her black hair was cut short, just how she preferred it. Her beautiful blue irises hidden behind her eyelids, forever hidden from her forever.
"Nezumi?"
Her head snapped up to look at him, his eyes kind, but also victorious, almost looking as if he'd solved a particularly difficult puzzle.
He smiled ruefully, his eyes downcast, "You were an ANBU of mine yes?" She nodded.
"...Supposed KIA yes?"
She looked away, feeling guilty. "MIA. Me and her, together." She said softly.
He nodded, his smile dropping, "I'm sorry for your loss."
She nodded to him, not knowing what to say.
The Hokage looked back to Rei, then to her. "What will you do?"
She looked back to him, her eyes widened. She'd assumed that her fate would always be determined by others. That even now, she'd at least be jailed for trying to kill Danzo, or even for her insubordination just now.
She shook her head, "I don't know." She answered honestly, turning back to stare at her friend once more.
Danzo always used to say that there was no room in the world for broken tools. And although she hated the man, she couldn't deny his words.
"Would you like to return to ANBU? Return to serve the village, and your Kage instead of Danzo?"
She didn't look at him as she shook her head, knowing that any chance to turn back, to return to ANBU had long since past.
It wouldn't be too difficult for her ex-comrades to connect the dots on what happened to her, and ANBU had no love for Danzo, or his pets.
She'd be dead on a failed mission, or declared missing within a month.
"I think you should reconsider." The Hokage said, with a lilt of optimism in his tone.
She frowned, but looked up at him, "Why."
The Hokage folded his arms behind him, speaking as imperiously as the strong, bold Hokage she remembered from her childhood, "I am seeking to rebuild the ANBU and ROOT. They will work together from now on. However, I am unfortunately ignorant to many of its problems. I need someone to help me."
Rebuild.
She turned the word over in her head, sorting through all her memories since that fatefully day nearly three years ago.
All the brutalities, the cold and miserable nights spent in the field.
All the 'failures' sorted out, some killed by their teachers, others by Danzo himself, others rendered casualties of their training and constant tests...
She looked back to her friend,, considering it.
'Live.'
She rose again, but only high enough to bow to him, "I will serve, Hokage-sama."
The Hokage nodded to her, "You honor me, and for that I am grateful."
He then turned on one heel, facing the entrance to the cave, beckoning with his left hand, "Please, follow me."
She turned to look at Rei, and walked over to her.
She knelt, grasping her cold fingers with both hands.
She felt one final, warm tear fall down her face. Nezumi slowly stood back up, letting Rei's fingers fall back to her side, making a determined, and conscious effort to turn around.
"Where Hokage-sama?"
The Hokage smiled warmly, "The sun's about to rise."
They made it to the top of the cave system after a few minutes of walking, and some climbing.
Emerging from the darkness of the cave, the glorious yellow and orange bathed them in light as soon as they walked out.
She felt the cool morning air give way to the warm, life-giving rays of the sun.
Nezuzmi leaned back, stretching her arms out to enjoy the sun's embrace.
"Enjoying yourself are we?"
Nezumi flinched, snapping back to attention, "Erm, I apologize Hokage-sama."
The Sandaime's gaze was without reproach, only chuckling slightly before turning back to the sun.
She hesitated, "So, what's next Hokage-sama?"
He waved her off, "There will be plenty of time for that. Today is the dawning of a new age for Konoha. An age of illumination."
He turned to her, his eyes sympathetic, almost pleading, "Enjoy yourself for now. You've more than earned a chance to live."
'Live.'
She nodded, more to herself than his words, turning to look at the glorious morning light wash over the village.
"You'll have to change your code name."
Nezumi turned to the Hokage, tilting her head in confusion.
The Sandiame nodded expectantly, "Your days of ROOT are behind you. And all ANBU require a code name. Go on, what shall it be?"
Nezumi looked back to the sun, the light cresting over the horizon to bath the ocean of trees in orange light.
She saw a flock of birds fly off as one from one tree, onw branching off to fly away from the group. Eventually disappearing amongst the trees.
She smiled, and reached up to grab her mask, sliding it off her face.
She turned to the Hokage, "Tori. Call me Tori."
Ichiraku's was far beyond food. It was an experience.
It was an irrefutable fact that Ichiraku's was the best ramen shop in Konoha, and probably the world. From the broth, the fresh ingredients, to the noodles, everything was perfect. He completely sure that he could eat the stuff for the rest of his life and want for nothing.
The famous stand was empty except for him, Rei, Teuchi and Ayame. The wooden upholstery and cloth fabric draped behind him gave him a warm, nostalgic feeling that made him feel like he was home.
Naruto could see Teuchi's daughter chopping vegetables behind the old man, the sweet girl giving him a grin as Naruto enjoyed his ramen with a wide grin and a full mouth.
He slurped up the remains of his sixth bowl safe in the knowledge that Rei insisted they both eat before they talk. Although he guessed that his teacher didn't expect for him to eat his way through seven bowls before she had even gotten halfway through her first and only bowl.
Naruto gulped down the rest of his broth as it if he was drinking cool fresh water after weeks in the desert. He sighed contentedly when he was finished, glancing to his left to see Rei's absolutely forlorn expression.
He frowned in confusion, ""What's wrong Sensei?"
Rei stared at him for a second longer, then shook her head, huffing quietly to herself in disbelief at what her eyes were showing her, "Nothing. Just mourning my empty wallet."
Naruto laughed, "Well, its not your fault. Blame the old man for making such good ramen!"
Teuchi chuckled heartily, his deep comforting voice bringing Naruto yet another sense of comfort, "Thank you for the compliment Naruto, but you really shouldn't try to eat your teacher out of house and home! Especially if you want her to take you again." The old man laughed again, this time winking at the monetarily challenged chunin.
Rei laughed at the gesture, and nodded to the older man. The old man nodded back, while Naruto eyed the two suspiciously. But the bus stomach was eager to remind him that his craving for the glorious broth and noodle mixture wasn't satisfied just yet
Naruto raised his hand, leaning forward over the counter, "Hey old man! One more bowl of miso ramen please!"
The old man's smiled widened, "Right away!" Then the man turned around to work Naruto's eighth bowl of miso ramen, a jovial expression on his face.
The older kunoichi turned to her student, "So Naruto, how has your training with Tori been going?"
Naruto stiffened, and instantly felt a little bit exposed. It was pretty easy to forget that the woman treating him to ramen was his teacher. But that one question did an excellent job reminding him.
Naruto looked away, picking a spot on the ground to stare at instead of her. Even with all the training he got, and all the hard work he did, he knew that if the clone jutsu was on the test, he'd fail in a heartbeat.
Him and the Kyuubi must've spent ages trying to work in the fox's special chakra, but nothing so far had worked. Unless he felt like blowing his classroom to kingdom come, nothing the fox could offer him was going to help.
The excitement and joy in the meal had all but vanished, so Naruto merely answered as diplomatically as he was able.
"Fine." He said quietly.
Rei nodded absently, humming in assent at his one word answer. She stared at Naruto as they once again lapsed into silence, this one more out of awkwardness than as a result of the food in front of him.
Naruto tried to distract himself, stirring the empty air in his ramen bowl with the chopsticks left there.
Naruto looked up briefly, locking eyes with the older chunin and smiled awkwardly at him before he turned his eyes back to the bowl where he jus fiddled with his chopsticks in silence.
Rei sighed, "You know Naruto, I really want to thank you for your hard work recently."
Naruto's eyes flitted up to look at her for a split second before darting back down. After waiting to see if Naruto had anything to say Rei continued, "You've been working really hard these past few weeks, more so than most other genin your age. I just want you to know how much I appreciate your work ethic. It really paves the way for a successful shinobi career as long as you keep it up."
Naruto didn't stop playing with his chopsticks twirling them in the bowl absentmindedly as he muttered a response Rei had to strain to hear, "Yeah, a lot of good it did me..."
Rei sighed, and eventually let the matter drop, both of them listening to Teuchi work on Naruto's next bowl of ramen,
Naruto stared at the bowl, trying not to let the anxiety overwhelm him. The truth was he absolutely hated awkward silences, but what else was there to talk about? Naruto knew how this worked by now, after all he tried the exact same exam two times already, all with the same result. The only difference this time, being that this one was the one he was supposed to pass all along. The other two were opportunities to pass early, but this one was the real deal.
The truth was that Rei and Tori tried to help him, and neither of them were enough...
Naruto had tried nearly every day since Tori had shown him how to stick to walls, and every time had just as much success as the last.
Which was to say, none.
"Hey Naruto..."
Naruto was jerked from his despondent thoughts and turned to face Rei. Her face was concerned and a little afraid, and looking into her dark brown eyes, he noticed that sh e definitely had something on the tip of her tongue,"... I didn't know Iruka well, and I was busy doing missions before I was assigned to be the replacement chunin instructor..."
Naruto winced slightly at the mention of Iruka, but after a pause he nodded, after all he knew this already. Rei was hand chosen by the Hokage to be their replacement teacher. Something about unique credentials and skills or something. And Naruto originally tried to prank her when she first arrived.
Naruto shivered at the memory, and Naruto found himself to be glad that she turned out to be as forgiving as she was.
"...But from what I hear you were renowned for your little pranks, but you stopped doing them a short while after I became your teacher. I'm aware that I talked to you about the disruptions they caused, but I doubt that my asking you to stop was the complete reason. So why?"
Naruto looked away as he thought about how he could answer this. He looked deep inside himself, feeling for the fox, when he noticed the lack of activity.
'Damn Fox, of course you're sleeping at a time like this...'
Since the fox was asleep, he was on his own. So he decided to be honest with the chunin, thinking that there wasn't anything particularly dangerous about what he was about to say, "I wanted to prove that those guys don't matter, I wanted to be better than every single one of them. To be the greatest ninja that ever lived, and eventually... become Hokage."
Rei nodded, "That seems like a noble goal, what made you stop?"
Naruto's eyes became distant, his mouth set in a hard line as the ramen taste in his mouth had suddenly went sour.
'Psst. Noble.' He thought, mildly disgusted.
"It just seemed, stupid after a while. I guess after all that time trying to convince everyone the Hokage were nothing special, I just started to realize how true it was."
Rei narrowed her eyes, "Did this happen, gradually?" She asked slowly.
Naruto crossed his arms and lay his head on his arms, staring into empty space, "Something... Happened, that made me realize that, the Hokage were just a bunch of... Regular, people. I know that everyone thinks they're heroes or something, but... I don't know."
Rei frowned a bit, probably a bit upset and likely disagreeing with his assessment of the leaders of the village, "When you say 'Hokage', do you mean them as a collective or..."
Naruto went silent, while Rei just nodded, taking his silence as his answer. She turned in her seat to face him, causing him to look up from his bowl, "You know, they say to never meet your heroes, since they'll just disappoint you."
Naruto didn't turn to face her, only looking at her with a sideways glance, then turning back to look at nothing once more.
Teuchi turned around and removed the empty bowl, and placed the refilled bowl of broth and noodles in front of the blonde academy student, but Naruto didn't move to eat from it.
"What is your goal now Naruto?"
Naruto looked up to his teacher, finding the answer was considerably easier to answer than he thought, "To make sure that really, really strong. Strong enough to protect myself."
Naruto's teacher quirked her head to the side, looking confused and a little suspicious.
"Protect yourself from what?" She asked slowly.
Naruto froze, feeling as if he said too much, 'Damn it, you stupid fox, your supposed to tell me when I'm about to say something dumb.'
Naruto turned away, and chose to fill his mouth with ramen in lieu of answering her.
Rei stayed silent, her dark eyes boring into him and she maintained her stare, "Naruto if there's someone who wants to hurt you, you have to tell me."
Naruto's expression darkened he felt a wave of anger course through him, '"Why do you care?" Naruto grumbled.
"I can take care of myself." Naruto didn't dare turn back to look at her, and decided just to focus on eating the food in front of him, and try to leave as quickly as he could.
Naruto heard Rei straighten in her chair, but held his gaze forward.
"Naruto..." She said quietly.
'Don't look...' He tried to tell himself.
'Just—'
"Naruto, please look at me." Naruto heard the authority in her voice and slowly obeyed, she was standing now, with unshed tears in her eyes as her gaze bore into Naruto.
"I do care Naruto, whether you want me to not not, I do."
Rei let the words hang in the air, let the raw truth in her words linger in his head. After a few more seconds, Naruto had enough, and turned back to face his bowl of broth and noodles.
Rei continued to watch him, "Why do you feel such a need to protect yourself Naruto?"
Naruto didn't move, but this time he responded, his voice barely above a whisper, "Why shouldn't I?"
The words, 'No one else will' went unsaid, but not unheard. As Rei just stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around him. Naruto nearly recoiled at the touch, slightly afraid for a split second that she might hurt him, but he banished the thought from his mind when he felt her warmth surround him. She clutched him tightly, almost as if daring him to try to wriggle away from her embrace.
He felt his own eyes well up with tears at the gesture, and he tries to think back to the last time someone had done that.
About a second into her embrace she whispered something that Naruto knew he wouldn't soon forget, "I would. I promise you I would."
Rei let him go and held him by the shoulders as she looked deep into his eyes. "I would protect you. And anyone, any Konoha shinobi that even has to think about it is a disgrace to our village."
Naruto was silent, staring slightly open mouthed at her declaration. Wondering distantly if she knew how treasonous her words really were.
Eventually, he smiled, rubbing the moisture out of his eyes before whispering back, "Thanks..."
Rei smiled widely, the smile almost reaching her ears, "You're welcome Naruto."
Naruto turned to his side and slurped up the rest of the ramen in one huge gulp. Laying the bowl down and giving a satisfied sigh.
"By the way Sensei..." Naruto laughed, holding out his hands as it to receive something.
"...Could I please wear your headband, just for a second."
Rei took a second to react, but eventually just smiled, wagging her index finger in the air, "Ah ah ah... These are for licensed shinobi. You'll get yours when you graduate."
Naruto's smile fell a bit, as he remembered his test, thinking that it was a bit cruel that he knew what he had to do to pass, even though such a feat was out of his reach.
Rei seemed to sense his thoughts from the look on his face becasue she brought her finger to his chin and lifted his head back up from where it had dropped, forcing him to look her in the eyes once more.
"None of that." She commanded, "You are going to graduate if it's the last thing I do. And that' s a promise."
Rei retracted her finger, pointing it at her own forehead and stood tall as she spoke, "I give my word that you'll have this headband by the end of the day tomorrow."
And as Naruto looked into her eyes, he really believed her. He wanted to believe her so much it hurt. So he just smiled, "Hai sensei."
Rei smiled, "Good. Now you should head back Naruto, I've already bit into your practice time with Tori. So you should really head home so you can get some proper sleep. Tomorrow should be a pretty big day for you."
Naruto nodded enthusiastically, and turned to run out of the stand, and into the streets of Konoha. He followed the road that led to his apartment, feeling better about his prospects than he had in a long time.
For the first time in a while, he dared to hope.
Rei watched Naruto leave with a smile, happy that with as bleak and depressing the boy's life might've been so far, she was able to provide some happiness now.
With a sigh, she turned back to the counter to face the owner of the ramen shop, "What's the damage Teuchi-san?"
The shop owner shook his head, "A smile on that boy's face was more payment than I was owed. The boy deserves some happiness."
Rei balked at the concession of what must be a huge bill, and looked back at the high stack of bowls in disbelief, "Oh no, he must've eaten up an enormous portion of your stock."
Teuchi shook a hand in front of him, with an expression that made it clear that the man had made up his mind, "No Masako-san, I simply cannot take any of your money. Besides, I happen to know that teachers don't make nearly enough for you to afford constant repeats of this at normal price, and I have a feeling that young Naruto-kun will ask for more visits in the future."
Rei scoffed lightly, finding the predictions very astute, so she conceded defeat, "Okay Teuchi-san, if you insist."
Teuchi just laughed, "Oho, I certainly do. Oh, and did you happen to bring those pots I loaned you back today?"
Rei's eyes widened, "Ah, yes!" She exclaimed, and she reached down to pick up an uneven brown bag of metal sounding objects.
Teuchi walked over to help her, "I have it." The old man lifted the bag with little to no effort, laying it down on his side of the counter.
Rei produced a small bag of ryō and the man pocketed the payment without question, "Thank you again. Same thing next week?"
Rei shook her head, "No, I think you have a good point, so I believe we'll have to scrap the Ichiraku to-go, and just have to make this our regular spot."
The old man grinned at her, and Rei took her leave. Although she was not headed to her own apartment, but rather the Hokage's office. She knew that the Sandaime would have little to no meetings this late, and she decided it would be best to make good on her promise sooner, rather than later.
'You're almost there Naruto. Work hard, study hard. I'll do the rest.'
Naruto's heart bounded along with his fast paced steps as he ran full speed to training ground 14, where he knew Tori-chan was waiting for him. He pounded his boots into the ground at a faster and faster rate as the seconds counted down, knowing that the longer it took him to find her, the shorter their training time would be.
Naruto's eyes darted back and forth, searching for some sign that he was getting close, 'Come on, I gotta hurry!'
Finally, the orange clad academy student reached to empty field, orange light shining from the setting sun reflecting off the trees, grass and bushes. Naruto looked around and saw no one, just a plain field of grass, and the orange glow of the sun cascading around him.
Naruto took a moment to appreciate the pleasant view, feeling a lot better after his talk with Rei-sensei.
Naruto struck a pose, sticking his hands on his hips as he squinted his eyes at the view, "Man, Rei-sensei really knows what to say to make me feel better!"
"Just a shame she couldn't bring herself to tell you the truth..."
Naruto's smile fell at the sound of the fox, and he felt his mind recede into the depths of his subconscious, and when he opened his eyes again, he was in front of those iron bars again.
The Kyuubi frowned at him past the iron clad boundary that separated them. Not smug like Naruto was initially expecting, but more so, just plain frustrated. His mouth pulled back into a clipped frown as he stared off into the distance of his mindscape.
'That human is lying to us.' He growled. Naruto matched the frown, adding a confused squint to his expression, "What do you mean?"
'I mean just as I said. Don't be fooled again. Don't trust that human. You know just as well as I do that the Hokage would do anything to keep you powerless. Her empty promises are simply more lies.'
"...Again." Naruto mouthed the words to himself as he recalled the last time he was tricked into caring about somebody that just wanted to use him. But that didn't make any sense. Naruto was no amateur prankster, and he participated in a handful of scams.
Even though his were more petty and juvenile than they were mean or harmful, he was aware that there had to be some kind of target. An angle, or at least some kind of goal. But being her student afforded her a lot of freedom most others didn't have, and if Rei wanted to pull something, she would've done it already. Then there was also Tori, and a bunch of other ANBU guys sneaking around him all the time.
Naruto shook his head, "That doesn't make any sense."
The Fox scoffed scornfully, "Silence, I can hear your feeble mind working from here."
"Oi!"
"Silence pest! The danger is greater than it was before. You're on your own now. You haven't met with the monkey in years. There may not be a second chance if someone should try to attack us again." The Fox boomed.
The words of protest dies on his tongue, and Naruto fell silent, the full gravity of the situation falling on his shoulders.
After a few seconds of silence, Naruto looked up to realize that he was no longer in his own mind, and had returned to the practice field, the sun no longer shining.
Naruto looked around, after a moment's deliberation decided that if she wasn't already here, Tori probably wasn't coming. The mixed emotions on that fact swirled around in his chest as the combined feelings of relief, worry and confusion settled like a rock in his belly.
Naruto sighed, "Well, mine as well make the best of it."
And with that, Naruto smoothly walked over to the nearest suitable tree, and made a run for the one he judged to be the best one for training.
Hiruzen could tell that Rei was becoming frustrated. They'd been talking for a while now, and glancing at the clock the old Sarutobi could see that on a normal day he'd be home by now.
'But then again, these weren't normal days were they?' Hiruzen thought grimly.
Hiruzen sighed and leaned back in his chair, "I told you Masako-san, I'm afraid that there's nothing I can do."
Rei jaw clenched and she spoke in a clipped, but respectful tone, "The question is not what you can do, just what you won't do."
He could see the girl make a conscious effort to calm herself down, clenching and relaxing her jaw and fingers. He admired her strength, and privately he wished that he could've had that kind of self control at that age.
Rei let out a long sigh before speaking again, "I apologize Hokage-sama but I fail to understand how allowing a substitute jutsu to pass, or merely skipping the jutsu entirely is out of the question."
Hiruzen shook his head, "I believe we have had this conversation before. I am aware that you know Naruto personally, but you must not allow your personal relationships with your students blind you to your responsibilities as—"
"I know very well what my responsibilities are." She interrupted with finality. "I am only looking to the best interest of my student, as well as the village. I know that boy, he is trying his best and something is clearly wrong. It's not his work ethic. He's not lazy or misinformed. He needs help."
Hiruzen's hackles rose at being cut off, but he supposed that his assertions was a tad unfair so he allowed it.
Despite the uproar choosing her as the next lead instructor had caused at first, Rei had done an inspiring job taking over for Iruka, and had made significant improvements as time had passed.
And it was for this reason he couldn't figure out what her angle was with Naruto. He had begrudgingly left the management of him to others after he and the boy had their falling out. And after Rei seemingly found her fit with her new position, he thought that the issue was resolved, at least for the most part.
But the job of the sensei was never truly over, even after his own students were all grown, all accomplished shinobi in their own right.
Hiruzen made a face like he just tasted something bitter, 'At least for most of them.'
Regardless, the issue with Naruto was no unique one. Without talking to him in person it was difficult to confirm, but he remembered a similar interaction with Jiraiya. Only with him it was the substitution jutsu, and the solution was to merely throw kunai until he eventually just dodged. Activating the jutsu instinctually, he cheered in joyous glee at the knowledge that the skill and talent necessary to succeed was already inside him.
In order to climb walls and reach improvements, there must first be walls to climb. There always had to be demands in order for there to be any improvement, no matter the cost.
'And if that cost is for Naruto to eat some humble pie and work smarter, not harder than that is how it must be.'
Hiruzen brought a hand to his beard, stroking the grey hairs slowly.
Rei did have a point though. Naruto was smarter than most gave him credit for, and he certainly displayed a certain ingenuity with some forms of the ninja arts. Specifically the ones necessary for his over-the-top pranks over the years.
So considering that, Naruto should've definitely had at least some progress after all this time, especially after failing two other times. The most recent failure being for the same reason as this one. And even if he were to fail, Naruto would eventually become a shinobi one way or another. To allow Naruto to wallow and flail helplessly on his own, letting a crucial and powerful weapon for the village just rot and rust away would be an inconceivable loss. Let alone the loss of a skilled shinobi, and yet another promise broken.
As Hiruzen paused, deep in thought, Rei took the chance to plead her case further, "What about the other exception? The one from two years ago."
Hiruzen nodded to himself, 'Ah yes, this subject has been. A long while coming.'
Every ninja jounin or above was aware of Rock Lee, or at the very least Might Guy's protege. Might Guy is the second most powerful Jounin in the leaf, as well as the few shinobi in his roster that he would consider a true taijutsu specialist. If there was any person capable of turning that kind of weakness into a strength, it was certainly one of his most eccentric, yet talented ninja.
Hiruzen shook his head, "That case was unique in the fact that Lee's condition is just that. A condition. He has a disability that has led to his body being incapable of using ninjutsu. This, along with the fact that his skill in taijutsu is so great, it more than makes up for his lack of skill in those other areas."
Rei frowned, "Then who better to be given the opportunity show skill in other areas other than Naruto? You are fully aware of what he carries, that is why I am so surprised that you would not only allow him to be held back, but also give no opportunity to show skills in areas that he may be more skilled in."
The Sandaime narrowed his eyes at the young teacher, "As much as it is likely, I cannot allow Naruto to merely fly above the rules of average students. That kind of privilege would cripple him in the long run, and damage the potential relationships of his future peers. Think of Sasuke, should I allow him certain privileges or exemptions based on pedigree or unconventional skills."
Rei took a deep breath, "This isn't preferential treatment Hokage-Sama. Becasue for all Sasuke's advantages, I can think of one thing that Uchiha Sasuke doesn't have. One massive, thing." She seethed.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, but said nothing, 'Bold of her to skirt around MY law in my presence.'
But in the end, it was a harmless gesture. She didn't technically break the law he put in place, and above all, she was right.
Something was indeed wrong here, it was why he chose to listen to her rather than refuse her outright and send her on her way. He could feel something, like an enemy just right around the corner, kunai posed to strike.
A blind spot that only someone with the right perspective could see.
But this was still a bridge too far, Naruto, beyond his pedigree, was also a Jinchurriki. And making mistakes early on like this could have unforeseen consequences down the road.
Him, above all, would know.
But when he looked into her eyes. He knew that she truly believed what she said, but that she spoke to protect Naruto from him.
From him.
From the enemy.
He focused his mind, narrowing his eyes, 'She's taking this too personally, its clouding her judgment.' He thought, a decision on the precipice of his mind that made him feel like he was about to take a step into the abyss.
But he shoved the feeling aside, and for the sake of his village, and all those he loved, he hardened his heart.
Even after all mistakes, the one mistake he swore to never make again, was to fall victim to the pitfalls of sentiment. At least where he could help it.
Not that he didn't care, he would always care for Naruto, and the village. But for the sake of both, and for the sake of doing the right thing.
Rei went silent, and Hiruzen found himself hoping that she would drop it. This was getting too personal for his taste. Perhaps it already was, but then again, it was Naruto. Was never not going to be personal. There was a time when he would've considered the boy to be like family. Like the grandson he never had.
But those days were gone now. Swept away in the wind like leaves in an autumn breeze. Fitting. For just like in autumn, there were going to be dark days ahead. And preparations needed to be made to withstand the conditions that the darkness was bound to bring.
After a while longer, Rei finally turned to look him in the eyes, and Hiruzen knew that this wasn't the same kunoichi she had assigned. The person he saw in her eyes was of a similar ilk, but now she had a particular look in her eye. A smoldering ember shone through her eyes, like she had just decided something that she wasn't going to take back anytime soon.
It reminded him of his lovely Biwako so much it made his heart ache.
She shook her head, "It won't work. I've spent time with him, do this, and he's bound to do something reckless, or at the very least lash out in some way. Do this, and although his shinobi career won't be over, or started on the wrong foot, it'll be a long time before you will truly have his trust."
But Hiruzen knew the awful truth, and the cold and terrible benefits to their separation were brought into the light for the first time. Naruto wouldn't know that it was Hiruzen's decision, and not Rei's to fail him unless she told him. And doing so would uncover the less than chosen path that Rei treaded upon.
A mutually chosen friendship would appear more as a mission than a relationship. And their closeness, would sharpen the bite of betrayal, poisoning their relationship with the seed of distrust. Hiruzen nearly felt sick at manipulating their lives in such a way, but the Sandiame had erred several times in his handling of the boy, and now he was determined not to screw this up any more than he already had.
Sarutobi knew that although she was trying her best to give Naruto a chance, he knew he was trying to warn her as well. If his was being completely honest with himself, Rei knew Naruto better than he did at this point. And child or not, messing with a jinchurriki was still a dangerous thing.
He'd like to say that he believes that Naruto would never raise his hand against the village, but a more cynical part of Hiruzen told him that he truly had no Idea what Naruto was capable of.
Hiruzen closed his eyes, and flashes of vivid pictures flashed through his mind. Pictures of pure unadulterated horror and chaos. Tails as thick and powerful and mountainous murdering hundreds with a single swing, along with a deep and terrible roar that struck a primal, mortal fear into any who heard it, himself included.
With a shake of his head, the images were gone, and when he opened his eyes, he smiled sadly, staring back into her intense eyes with equal fervor, "I'm sorry Masako-san, but my answer is still no."
The academy teacher seemed prepared to say more, but he raised an open hand to silence her, "My mind is made up Masako-san. I'm sorry."
Rei's gaze flashed with several emotions at once, some of them bordering on treasonous, but ultimately her face shifted to a look that was sadder than he had seen her in a long time.
He sympathized with her, and she did indeed have a few good points. Naruto was indeed special, but his importance meant that in the future, many eyes would be upon him regardless of his performance or success as a ninja. His parentage, as well as his burden made him a target, as well as a minor celebrity in the shinobi community, although his celebrity status was born more of infamy and dislike than it was the other way around.
Hiruzen figured that at the very least, he could wait for Naruto to take the test, and then make his decision, but for good or ill, Naruto would take the test without assistance. So the Sandiame didn't let his stone facade falter, but inside he felt himself crumble when she robotically snapped to attention, and turned to exit without another word.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen could name the absolute worst part about being the leader of such a powerful and prestigious village like Konohagakure, it was this.
Watching a shinobi leave after being given an order, watching them while questioning everything to do with the order, but giving it anyway. Then waiting for the fallout to come for him, for the fingers to point his way and tell him how he made a mistake.
Sometimes it was the opposite, many had praised him as a God of shinobi once, a master of the Shinobi arts and one of the wisest members of the shinobi population. It was possible that many would look to his reign as Hokage, either in fondness, or revulsion.
Soon he would know the answer, but as he stood there watching her leave, he knew the real answer.
Neither would satisfy him. There were far too many failures left to haunt him.
All he could do was hope that this wasn't another one to add to the list.
Rei only barely kept herself from stomping out of the Hokage's office once it was clear that the man had made up his mind. She hadn't found herself this angry in a very long time, and it did a wonderful job reminding her why she disliked the feeling so much. The emotion made her lightheaded, made he contemplate actions that if she were of sound mind would sound completely ridiculous. Only now she didn't know if she had the strength to resist the compulsion to storm back into that room and give him an unfiltered opinion about how she felt about his 'wise decision'.
She really hated this feeling, the lack of control over her emotions was a weakness she had yet to form an effective counter for, but ultimately all she could do now was focus on gaining as much distance from this dreaded tower as soon as possible
Rei was at the door when she felt the presence, a man just beyond the door, barely a foot away. Her hand was halfway to her kunai pouch before she recognized the chakra as Mizuki's. She pushed the door open just a little more forcefully than necessary, causing the chunin to take a large step backwards to avoid the door crashing into him.
When the door opened it revealed Mizuki as she knew it would be, and while she was still angry after his confrontation with the Hokage, her instincts told her that his presence was just a little bit suspicious. She narrowed her a eyes as she inspected his appearance. He seemed normal, he probably headed here from the academy, for a reason she had yet to discover. His overall demeanor was wary, a nervous energy about him though, almost as if he were afraid of her.
Mizuki chuckled nervously at her suspicious glare, "Hi Masako-san, fancy seeing you here as well!"
Rei cursed herself for being so obvious, and schooled her features to appear more cordial and accommodating. She smiled at the chunin, "Hello Mizuki-san, I was just exiting a meeting with the Hokage. What brings you here?"
Mizuki chuckled again, this time a little more cheery than edgy, "I was actually going to request a meeting with the Hokage as well, but I lost track of time on the way, I suppose it would be better to show up in the morning huh?"
Rei gave a short chuckle, "Yes I'm sure it would be. The Sandaime is a busy man after all..." Rei's level of suspicion rose the longer the conversation went on, and the chunin academy teacher found it odd that Mizuki would need to come to the Hokage about anything concerning his own class. She also found it quite convenient how the man only just now realized the lateness of the hour and decided to head home, just as soon as his meeting with the Hokage was over.
The kunoichi took care to make her expression look natural as possible , quirking her head to the side in confusion before asking her question, "Say Mizuki-san, what exactly did you need to see the Hokage for?"
Mizuki froze for a split second, but almost immediately recovered, scratching his head in embarrassment, "Actually, I meant to approach you about that. It's about Naruto."
Rei's eyes widened minutely at the mention of her student, "What about Naruto?" The question came out as more of a command than she meant it to, but Mizuki went on, apparently unfazed by the harshness of her tone.
"You know he's not gonna pass right?" He whispered conspiratorially.
Rei's face didn't move at all, "He will do his best to pass." She said with conviction.
Mizuki frowned, "But he won't ."
Rei didn't say anything, she didn't dare speak that kind of future into existence, and felt a little anger at her coworker having such little faith in his own student.
Mizuki stared at her with eyes she idly likened to a falcon's. Direct and piercing, almost as if seeing something else entirely, "You're smart Masako-san, you're not like most of the other shmucks here, you see things for what they are. See the big picture of what's really going on in the village."
Rei stayed silent, and for a moment, nothing was said between them. Rei stared into his eyes, his gaze almost searching, until at last he broke eye contact, backing up and chuckling again.
"Anyway... Now is probably a bad time, I suppose I'll just have to request an appointment for tomorrow." Mizuki turned on his heel and walked away.
He raised a hand in a wave as he left, shouting a goodbye as he turned the corner, noticeably NOT stopping to schedule an appointment for the next day.
Rei felt herself relax, her anger from a moment before just a memory. She walked forward purposefully, her mind a blur of thoughts and theories.
But of all the things that swam around inside her head, two things stood out as she exited the tower.
One, he was definitely attempting to eavesdrop, but alerting the Hokage directly would seem petty and in bad faith without proof.
And two, she was vaguely aware that she was wrong in her initial assessment of him.
'Definitely, not a falcon...' She thought to herself as she fast walked back to her own apartment.
'His eyes are that of a vulture...'
Mizuki didn't know whether to curse his own sloppiness or the cunning of Iruka's replacement. He had to give it to the girl, she sure was a better ninja that Iruka ever was.
Ironic, normally it was the smart ninja that lived to see another day, now it was that very fact that was going to get her killed.
Rei was too smart, too smart for her own good. If she had any sense, she'd already have a report written up, or if he was really unlucky, she'd schedule another meeting with that foolish, senile excuse for a Hokage.
Mizuki couldn't help but sweat a bit at the thought of that particular scenario. The Sandaime may be foolish at times, but he was no slouch, and could definitely be ruthless when it came down to it. One word from the Sandaime's precious little pet project and he was done for.
The white haired chunin altered his course a bit, 'Time it step up my plan. If I'm reported or tailed, I'm not gonna be able to get within a click of that demon brat without the Hokage hearing about it. If I'm gonna make it past next week, I better prepare my 'insurance'.
Naruto stood in the empty field panting hard, his jacket was long forgotten, and Tori's books were strewn all around the clearing.
Naruto purposefully slowed his breathing, calming his lungs until he could breath with his mouth closed. He brought up his dirty calloused hands, pointing them to the starry night sky as he stretched the sore joints in his arms and fingers before taking in one final breath.
He weaved the hand signs as properly as he could, recalling the exact movements from Tori's books, "Hitsuji, Mi, Tora!" He focused as hard as he could, funneling as little chakra as he was able.
For a second, nothing happened, and Naruto spent that second hoping to whatever gods were out there that he got this one right.
Naruto heard a pop, and after the breeze swept the smoke away, it revealed a copy of Naruto. Down to the orange and black hoodie, the orange cargo pants and black sandals and all.
Naruto's heart soared as the clone smiled, giving the original a thumbs up... Before falling face first, popping in a cloud of smoke upon its unceremonious fall to the ground.
Naruto was totally speechless for a moment, before he eventually felt his heart plummet. He trembled for a moment, before exploding with rage, slamming a clenched fist into the dirt, "Godammit!"
Naruto sat there, feeling drained for a minute before composing himself, standing up, just to walk to a nearby tree and lean against its trunk.
Naruto sat with a sigh, staring off at the rapidly darkening sky.
'That was it.' Naruto thought despondently. 'That was my best shot, and the test is tomorrow...'
There just wasn't anything else to it. He was going to fail.
Despite his best efforts, and Tori and Rei's best efforts, nothing had changed.
Naruto could feel the nine-tails begin to stir in his mind, but the beast didn't say anything to disagree with him. Eventually the fox spoke, his voice as deep and gravely as ever, "It is unlikely that the Hokage would allow such a useful weapon for his village be set back on such a technicality. It is likely he will intervene and pass you anyway."
The voice was hopeful, but Naruto could hear the doubt in his voice. Naruto didn't say anything in reply, he didn't need to.
He didn't know the Hokage as well as he used to. A couple of years ago now he might've vouched for the man, but it'd been four years since they last talked, and he'd have to be an idiot to just assume that he was going to pass anyway.
He was in the midst of his pity party when he heard a sound from the bushes, only to see Mizuki appear. Naruto scrambled to his feet, but Mizuki raised a hand to stop him, "Relax Naruto, I just came to talk."
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the man, and rose to his feet regardless. 'Naruto...' The Kyuubi warned.
'I know.' Naruto assured the fox.
Naruto needed little warning, as It was no secret that the teacher always had it out for him. Before, it was as just as much of a mystery as why the village populace hated him so much, but eventually Naruto knew, and then it all made sense.
Naruto felt the hatred trickle in, slowly at first, but when the chunin approached and his cocky smile grew more and more visible. Mizuki seemed to sense the tension because he held his hands up in deference, "Easy, easy. As I said, I just want to talk."
The chunin kept his distance, stopping about fifteen feet away, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Naruto squared his feet, his body anticipating a fight even though the likelihood of his teacher rushing him in the middle of the village with Tori most likely spying on him somewhere rather unlikely.
After a brief silence the chunin chuckled, "I know, I know. It must be confusing why me of all people would approach you about anything." Mizuki began to pace around him, walking around him in a circle going clockwise, "I haven't been totally discrete about the fact that we've never really got along."
Naruto was beyond cautious, and got the feeling that something was seriously wrong, so he kept his face neutral, trying to keep from offending the chunin, "That's one way of putting it."
Mizuki chuckled, "Yeah it is." Mizuki stopped to turn around, still circling him, "I guess if we're being honest, I can't blame you for not really liking me." Mizuki stopped, "And you can't blame me for hating you. What with what happened to Iruka..."
Naruto's blood went cold.
'Bingo.' He watched as Naruto paled, and he saw the blank look that he almost certainly learned from that pain in the ass ANBU, fade from his face.
Mizuki resisted the urge to laugh out loud when he saw the horrified look on his face, especially after knowing full well what he did to Iruka.
His old friend may have been an idiot, and an even bigger idiot for putting any kind of trust in that demon.
But idiot or not, he was his friend. And now he was dead.
Mizuki felt his heart go cold at the thought of Iruka, but he smiled wide when he thought of his perfect plan of revenge, "...Yes, I know. I'd be shocked if most shinobi chunin and above didn't know. Iruka really was loved by his peers."
Watching Naruto go to war with himself, tear himself to pieces over the death of his old teacher was truly a sight to see. But he had to get to his point eventually, "Unfortunately, I don't believe that Rei knows...Yet."
Mizuki took a step closer, and Naruto flinched, hard. Mizuki grinned even wider, the feeling in his soul bordering on glee.
Naruto straightened after a moment, "T-That's... an S-rank secret..." He mumbled feebly.
"The Hokage will—"
"The Hokage will do whatever he wishes." Mizuki interrupted.
He took another step, and then another as he closed in, "And who am I, a lowly chunin to stop him."
He stopped when he was only about five feet away. The chunin towered over Naruto, and Mizuki treasured the look on the academy students face, "...But everyone will know."
Naruto was silent for a long moment, and Mizuki waited patiently to hear the words.
"...What do you want."
And then Mizuki finally laughed.
Naruto stood there for a long time after the chunin had left, thinking, and conversing with his reluctant partner.
After another long moment, Naruto spat in disgust, and turned to walk away from the clearing. He gathered Tori's books and supplies in the black leather satchel they came in, and turned to walk back to his apartment.
As he walked, he let his mind wander, and his vision faded away until he was face to face with the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi was thoughtful, his huge eyes closed as he hummed in thought.
"You are aware this is a trap."
In spite of the presence of the temperamental, dangerous fox, Naruto couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Uh, Duh. You can't out prank a prankster."
The Kyuubi snorted in amusement, "I'm not sure that this quantifies as a 'prank'. It's more akin to an ambush."
Naruto waved a hand in the air, "Same difference. Anyway, yeah, I know what this is..."
The Kyuubi stared at Naruto for a long time before speaking again, his deep voice making Naruto's chest vibrate, "You shouldn't care about if Mizuki tells your instructor or anyone else anything. You are above those feeble humans."
Naruto said nothing, but turned his gaze away from the orange fox and to the shimmering water at his feet.
"I'm gonna do it."
The announcement came and went with hardly any reaction, but eventually the fox smirked in approval, "You are aware that either way this goes, there will be no turning back. There are those in the village that may become your enemies."
Naruto shrugged, still looking down, "I'm not gonna give up on the test. If I pass, we'll just go to the Hokage. But if I fail, we have to take advantage of whatever Mizuki brings us."
The fox nodded, apparently impressed with the foresight from the normally dense Jinchurriki.
Naruto looked up to the fox, its eyes full of hunger and menace. Naruto stared back with a matching smirk of his own, "It's just like you said. There's always a price for power."
A/N- Betas requested. Hope you enjoyed the story so far. This'll be a LONG one lol.