Naruto showed up to school early for once. Iruka approached with a smile "Hello, good morning! Are you ready to learn?"
"I sure am Iruka and I made new friends and they're going to be here today! Believe it!" Naruto declared proudly.
"That-" Iruka started.
"You made a friend?! HA!" Ino sneered.
"That's enough Ino!" Iruka said but her and the other children were still laughing.
"They're probably tricking you," Sakura said mildly.
Naruto gritted his teeth but his heart hurt at the possibility. "You're wrong!" he declared hoping desperately he was right.
"Good morning!" Eito cheered from a distance as he and five of his younger children approached "It's good to see you Naruto!" to the gaggle of children he said "Go on,"
The pack of young Mabuchi brock away and surrounded Naruto, showering him with greetings and hugs.
Eito smiled at his hoard of friendly children. He turned his attention to Iruka and extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Eito Mabuch, I'm the guardian of my siblings,"
Iruka took the offered hand and gave a friendly handshake. "It's good to meet you. I'm Iruka. Please may I have a word with you?"
They walked a distance from the school but the kids were still in sight.
"Your siblings are very friendly to Naruto. How long have you known him? Has he given you any trouble?" Iruka asked.
Eito's brows rose at this line of questioning "We moved here very recently, he spent hours with my kids yesterday, we feed him ramen and snacks. I'm sure he'll tell you everything after school," he chuckled "he's very talkative, he only been good. Is he prone to causing trouble?"
Iruka smiled dryly as he scratched his chain "He pulls pranks sometimes. Well, it's good for Naruto to make new friends. I'd like to talk to you after class tonight, if possible"
Eito nodded smiling pleasantly "Of course, but I must be off now. Take care Iruka," He was sure to wave to his children and Naruto who waved with the most gusto.
...
Iruka stood at the teacher's podium and instructed the new students to stand by him. The Mabuchi children arranged themself by age as was common in their family. When one lives with so many people organization is critical.
Iruka smiled at the new collection of five "please, introduce yourselves and tell us about yourself,"
"I'm Kairi, I'm eleven, I play many instruments. My favorites are banjo, chelo, and clarinet. I love singing best of all and train hard to get better, be the best I can!"
"I'm Suzu Mabuchi I'm nine years old, I play sitar, banjo, and fiddle in my family's band, I enjoy reading and performing with my family. I hope we can get along,"
"My name is Mizuko Mabuchi, I play flute and clarinet. I love playing with my family and painting with watercolors."
"Hello!" waved "I'm Asami, I play drums, Erhu, and piano. I sing, dance, and love to swim! I'm seven years old-"
"What happened to your parents?"!" shouted a boy in the back.
"That's not appropriate! Apologize!" Iruka demand.
"Father got the disease and mom killed herself to follow him. Big brother says they rot as they burn. I don't know what that means," said the youngest her voice chilly and sad.
The classroom was icy cold, many mouths fell open.
"You're so awkward Ri" said Asami dryly.
"I don't mean to be," the girl said a tear ran down her face "My name is Rikka. I pw-play harp" she mumbled a dried the tear.
Iruka cleared his throat "please take your seats"
...
The Mabuchi children studied well and during the midday break they hung out with Naruto. Suzu offered to help him train. Iruka watched Naruto play and train with the new children and his heart swelled with love and happiness. He was concerned with that troubling comment, he mentally added it to the list of things to talk to Eito about.
...
After school, Iruka held back Naruto and the Mabuchi children back. "I see everyone here has been getting along very well. I'm so happy to see my students making friends with one another. Naruto, I want you and your new friends to stay here as I talk to Eito and I'll come to get you soon,"
"No problem Iruka sensei!" said Naruto.
"I need you to understand that you stay in the classroom and not wander off," Iruka said firmly giving all his attention to Naruto.
Naruto scowled "I get it!"
Iruka went to the entrance of the school as he waited for Eito. He didn't have to wait for long.
"Hello, Iruka!" Eito called out. When at a reasonable distance he said "I realized at some point, that you and I went to school together, although not in the same class"
Iruka bowked, jaw nearly on the ground.
Eito chuckled "I'm slightly older than you. I was asked by my sensei to help-"
"Kunai practice! Yes, I remember now!" he checked "you were a good teacher. Have you considered it?"
Eito shook his head with good nature and a grin "I run the family business and occasionally the family band performs. I'm sure the kids told you about it. We are quite proud of our band,"
Iruka nodded "Yes, I'm impressed some play multiple instruments,"
It was Eito's turn to nod "We are trained at birth and music is such a joy we take on as much as we can. This is normal for a child raised in music"
"What do you play?" Iruka asked.
"Piano, harpsichord, organ, accordion, viola, and lead vocalists"
Iruka laughed "Yes, I remember now, you were always humming and singing. As nice as this has been, I have concerns to talk about,"
Eito stiffened waiting for the bad news to drop.
"Mizuko said very troubling things. She said your father contracted a disease and died, and your mother killed herself in grief. She also said it's your opinion they are rotting and burning in hell. Or at least unknown to her, she was implying hell,"
A dark smile formed on Eito face, the sharp angles of his face became more severe, and very toothy grin. "She was never meant to hear that. She probably overheard me telling a friend last year. My parents are dead and I prefer it that way. They were irresponsible breeders, they both were very aware of the disease that is dormant in all my family and had so many children anyways. I'm not the oldest child of their's just the longest-lived one. They were also abusive monsters. I don't want to go into it. But I assure you, they are not missed or thought of fondly,"
Iruka hung his head "I'm sorry for all that you have suffered,"
Eito shrugged smoothly "They can't hurt us anymore,"
Iruka cleared his throat and straightened up "Your siblings-" he paused thinking if he should say 'your children' but carried on "They seem to have made fast friends with Naruto. I have a request regarding him"
...
In the classroom
The Mabuchi children and Naruto sat in a circle on top of the tables. They talked about what they learned, what they liked, weekend plans, and Naruto got to asking where they're from.
"We used to live here, I don't remember it very well since it was long ago. Brother, Souta, and Tamashini went to this school and so brother wanted us to come here too"
"Cool! Are they Chunin or Jonin?" he asked.
"Tam-Tam is training to be a med-nin and that's what I wanna do too!" shared Suzu.
"Med-nin?" Naruto asked with a tilt of his head.
"A medical ninja. On very dangerous missions med-nins heal their group. On really dangerous missions, it is likely someone will get hurt, so they are a must. I want to keep people alive. I want to help medical information grow. Tam-Tam says I should do research, but I'll try missions first. Maybe I can be a med field leader" said Mizuko.
"I had no idea! Wow! Do you train at a hospital? How do you train for medicine and ninja, and music? So busy!" Naruto
Mizuko giggled "It is a lot of work. I don't train as a med yet, but it will be at a hospital eventually. Tam taught me, us basic stuff. Like bandages, herbal medicine, and Eito taught us how to measure medicine. In this family, we are taught music as early as possible. I don't care how much time it takes, I want to chase all my dreams!"
Naruto grinned ever wider "That's so cool! I wanna be Hokage, the best ninja ever!"
"Hokage or not I know you'll be a great ninja," Asami said kindly, not wanting to challenge him too much.
"How old are you Naruto, and when's your birthday?" Rikka asked.
"My birthday is tomorrow, I'll be eight," he said.
Kairi thought it strange for such a young kid to seem so disinterested in their own birthday; she assumed it was because he's an orphan and no family to throw a party. "I'll ask brother if you can play with us," she said.
"Maybe cake and a party!" said Suzu.
Kairi inwardly cringed not wanting to get Naruto's hopes up, but it was too late now.
...
The classroom door slide open Iruka and Eito entered.
"Eito!" the Mabuchi children cried and ran to hug him. Naruto trailed behind at a distance.
The Mabuchi children clamored as one about their day, Naruto's birthday, and birthday plans.
Eito chuckled and waved his hands placatingly "One at a time, please!"
Iruka crouched down to be at eye level with Naruto. "Eito has graciously agreed to host a birthday party for you tonight, and a big ramen dinner tomorrow,"
Naruto cried at once and was wrapped in a tight embrace from Iruka.
Eito approached and also crouched down "My schedule is so busy; I'm sorry the party can't be on your actual birthday, I hope the dinner will make p for it," He said gently.
Naruto cried wrapped his entire body around Eito and cried all the hard. When he could he said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Eito gently peeled Naruto off and rubbed his back "Let's go to the store and pick up things for the party,"
Naruto launched himself into another hug.
Eito chuckled and rose with Naruto in his arms, the boy's arms around his neck. "Let's go. I worked everything out with Souta, she and Tamashini are working on the house. Everyone but Naruto will help, let's go,"
The children ran ahead, Suzu and Rikka called for Naruto to join them.
Eito set him down and ruffled his hair "You can stay with me and Iruka or the kids, but don't go too far,"
Naruto ran off with the other children.
"Stay close!" Eito called out. He turned to Iruka "where's a good store for party things? What kind of gift would he like?"
Iruka smiled "There are a few places. I'll show you," he held the door open.
Eito nodded "Thank you"
The kids were wrestling in the yard of the school.
"Stop getting dirty! Dust off and let's go!" Eito shouted as he approached the gaggle of children "How did this happen in the seconds I left you alone?"
"Sorry," the kids said as they dusted themself off and lined up behind Eito automatically. After a second of hesitation, Naruto lined up behind Rikka.
"This way," Iruka said and lead the way Eito at his side.
When Iruka and the Mabuchifamily enter the man running the shop smiled, waved and greeted "Hello, and welcome!" he scpwled when Naruto walked through the door.
Eito gave Kairi a look that clearly said 'You know what to do'.
Kairi nodded and took Naruto by the hand "Let's go this way!" she cheered and lead the way to the other side of the shop. All the other children followed gleefully cheering.
"She'll keep him busy so we can shop, then report back all the toys he showed the most interest in. Then, if you're willing, I'll give you money and you take the kids to a sweetshop, so Naruto can pick cake and ice cream. While distracted I'll buy the toys he wants. In the meantime we buy decorations for the party," he said quietly to not be overheard.
Iruka nodded "A good plan"
Iruka and Eito selected orange and blue streamers, orange banners that read Happy Birthday, and orange and blue tissue paper when Kairi approached, the other children trailed behind.
"Eito, are you getting cakes?" she asked.
"Cakes?" Iruka asked looking to Eito for an answer.
"With so many people, there are many different tastes to keep in mind. We usually buy several small cakes. Since it's Naruto's birthday his preference matters most" he pulled out his wallet and gave Iruka a large stack. "Would you do me a favor and take the kids and help them pick a few cakes, please?"
Iruka looked at the money with disbelief for just a second but quickly recovered "Of course. Come along, stay together!"
The children, including Naruto, fell into line.
"Hold on, I need to talk to Kai for just a second"
Kairi removed herself from the line, her spot reminded open until she returned.
Eito got information on the toys Naruto seemed the most interested in and where to find them. "Great, thanks now go on" He followed the directions, bought a few more decorations, and went home to set up.
...
Like a parental duck, Iruka led them to a very nice sweetshop. At first, he thought this would be on the cheaper side, but judging by the money Eito clearly intended for a more lavish party. To his relief, the employees showed no hostility when Naruto entered the shop, but he could not be sure they recognized him.
"I want chocolate!" Naruto declared.
"Inside voice," Iruka said.
"Welcome, please look around and I'll be happy to help," said one of the many employees.
"Thank you," Iruka said. He turned his attention to Kairi "What is the most popular flavor or dessert in your family?"
"Chocolate, strawberries, red bean buns everyone likes. Mint, white chocolate, hot or very sour candy, and very dark chocolate are only liked by Eito and Ayaka. It's pretty easy after that,"
"Chocolate, strawberries, red bean buns" Iruka repeated. "That does narrow things down. Thank you,"
After nearly an hour of shopping, the group left the shop. Iruka, Kairi, Suzu carried various cakes, Daifuk, Dango, Manju, Taiyaki and Yokan. Naruto carried his own birthday cake, nearly brought to tears when it was put in his arms. He carried it gently so as not to squish it but he worried he would drop it; he wasn't aware he had slowed down.
"Naruto, keep up!" Mizuko called out.
Naruto took a few hurried steps and tripped.
Mizuko rushed forward to save the cake, Asami grabbed hold of Naruto before he could fall. Mizuko returned the cake "Try to be more careful,"
The rest of the journey was uneventful. They arrived at the massive nation with no other troubles.
"The cakes should go into the fridge," Iruka said.
"I'll show you," Kairi said. She led him to the cellar, "Watch your step!" she called out. She had to quickly transfer the cakebox to one arm, open the cellar door and click the light on. When the light switch clicked and the lights came on she was able to balance the cakebox again. "someone get the fridge!"
Iruka marveled at the size of the basement, it was also well organized- although there were many boxes and things it did not feel like clutter. The fridge in the back was massive, he suspected it would look at home in a kitchen of an upscale restaurant.
Mizuko opened the fridge and put the candy she was holding on the top shelf and got out of the way.
The door that led to the house swung open and there stood a thin tween girl "What did ya get?" she asked and trotted down the stairs and peered into the fridge. "Oh, dango, yay!"
"Not yet A. Naruto, we need your input; come upstairs" Eito said from the top of the stairs.
"Okay!" said Naruto and rushed upstairs. "I'm still not used to how big this place is. Your kitchen is bigger than most of my apartment," he said touching the cold gray/blue granite countertops.
"It's necessary for a family of this size," Eito said casually.
"This way Naruto!" Souta called out from the living room.
Naruto rushed over "I'm coming!"
Iruka and the others were filling into the home.
"What can I do next?" Iruka asked.
"I'll be making snacks. You can help however you want, or do nothing at all," Eito said as he rummaged through the equally large fridge in the kitchen.
...
The kitchen and living room were decorated primarily in orange. Souta had painted a banner to read Happy Birthday Naruto it was orange with yellow letters. The banner was hung above the dinner table and was prominent in the pictures of Naruto blowing out the candles of his chocolate birthday cake. Naruto played party games for the first time in his life. He felt welcome and included in a family for the first time in his life. He had two small breakdowns in happy tears.
The Mabuchi family had an excellent camera that took large, glossy instant pictures. At the end of the party and after dinner that Iruka and Naruto were welcome to, Eito showed them the family photo album. Pictures of the party were added carefully to the protective plastic sheets of the album.
"There, happy memories captured and safe," Eito said as he returned the album to its place on the bookshelf.
Iruka ruffled Naruto's hair. "We should get going Naruto," he said gently.
Naruto almost protested, but he wanted to seem grown up and not argue, and as nice is it was, he knew it wasn't going to last forever. With a glum expression on his young face, Naruto nodded with no argument.
"Remember, your birthday dinner is tomorrow at 6:30 pm. And they'll be more cake," Eito said. He hugged the younger jin and gave him a large bag with his new gifts.
Naruto returned the hug and when they parted he said "See you around, and thanks for the best birthday ever!" his body language was fluid and carefree again, and left the home with a bounce in his steep.
...
The family cleaned the house and put away Naruto's party decorations in a box of their own in the basement. When the part aftereffects had been cleaned and put away, the family's nightly routine started. As part of their routine, Souta and Eito meet on the couch to decompress and talk problems through.
"Eito, I'm still worried about accepting Naruto. I know he doesn't deserve to be mistreated. I know being jinchūriki makes everything harder. But I still fear for the happiness and safety of this family. it's not wrong to put your family first. But I also know, its too late. You've been seen shopping for him, buying him food and he'll tell everyone at the academy and confirmed by his nice teacher. But I'll never forgive you if even one of us has trouble making or keeping friends because of his," Souta had said most of this facing away from him, but she pivoted to look him in the eyes for the last part.
Eito bright Souta into a one-armed hug "I understand your anxiety. I think Iruka and a few kind people will be the key to making friends for Naruto and this family. I'm certain Iruka knows Naruto is a jinchūriki, and I'm thinking of telling him"
"No! You can't that would ruin everything! Please, stop being selfish!"
Eito although angry held her closer and tight "I know you're scared-"
Souta ripped herself from him "You can't do that! Iruka might not know, or if he does, that doesn't mean he'll accept you,"
Eito crossed his arms "Why not?"
Souta also crossed her arms "Maybe he was friends with Naruto's parents-"
"If that's true and you seem to be implying he's like a guardian, then why is Naruto so attention-starved?"
"Some kids are needy!" Souta threw her hands in the air.
"Only unloved children are as needy as him. I feel Iruka has only recently came into his life. He-" Eito started.
"Why is he more important than your entire family?!" Souta barked, tears in her eyes.
"Go to your room. You obviously can't handle your temper"
With the shaky breath of nearly crying, Souta said "I will never forgive you if your bond with Naruto causes any problems. Or your instance to revile yourself as a jinchūriki"
Eito grabbed himself a slice of leftover strawberry and cream cake and mulled things over.
...
Iruka and Naruto walked in an unusual silence. Still, Iruka noted Naruto seemed in good spirits but distracted. They arrived at Naruto's in good time, but t was far too soon.
"Goodnight Iruka sensei, and thanks for making today so nice," Naruto said and did nothing to stifle a yawn.
Iruka chuckled "You're very welcome Naruto. Don't forget your birthday dinner tomorrow," he ruffled his hair "brush your teeth and go to bed,"
Naruto laughed "I will!" he unlocked his door and let himself in "thanks again!" he shut the door and locked it again. He carefully unpacked his new things and gave each item a well-thought-out new home. Only then, did he do as he was told, brush his teeth and go to bed.
...
Iruka was on his way home when he encountered the Third Hokage, the old man strolling, pipe in hand. "Good evening Iruka. I was hoping to catch up with you today," the tone was warm the expression had mixed emotions.
"Of course Lord Third. Would you like tea at my house?"
"That sounds wonderful, thank you," said the Hokage.
They walked in silence until Iruka opened his home to his Hokage.
The older man made himself comfortable on the couch. "I'll get straight to the point Iruka," The Hokage said as he put out his pipe. "It's about Naruto,"
Iruka stiffened "He's doing well at school, and he even made friends recently," he tried to be positive.
The old man smiled genuinely for once "That does this old heart good. The reports said the new wealthy family has been seen giving Naruto gifts and affection. I was worried they were trying to...win Naruto's heart for unsavory reasons. To break his heart later or ultimately use his as a tool or weapon."
"Actually, sir Naruto and I just got back from a birthday party for him, from the new family."
The Hokage's face went blank for just a second "Oh?" he inquired.
Iruka nodded "Yes sir, they are a large and loving family. They threw together a party and they'll be a ramen dinner for his actual birthday. The young children of the family are going to the academy and they're his new friends,"
"It seems I need to pay a visit to Naruto and this new family. Tell me more about them,"
Iruka spent hours going over everything he knew about the family and what little he knew of the individuals.
"I'm sorry to take so much of your time. Still, I must ask you to walk Naruto to school and I'll be there for a chat," Lord Hokage said.
"Of course sir, anything for Naruto. I've grown so attached to him in the small amount of time he's been transferred to my class," said Iruka.
"I'd like to observe your class for the day," said the Hokage the idea just came to his mind, but he felt certain it was the right decision.
"Of course sir," Iruka said and bowed.
The Hokage rose, retrieved his pipe, and left after exchanging pleasantries.
...
A very big Thank You to BlackComet19 and Fictionlover87! I'll be making big edits to all chapters, and add chapter four soon! Please, let me know what you think. What you do and don't like!
