Three Heiresses walked through a part if the village away from the Clan district. This by itself would hardly be noteworthy except all three were headed toward the apartment building of the Kyuubi container. That, people paid attention to but none of the three young ladies returned the attention. Hinata, Hanabi, and Ino were headed towards Naruto's rooftop garden, one he'd been cultivating since he started at the Shinobi Academy. His team got a mission of unspecified length and several of his plants were at a delicate stage. He then handed her a seal tag and said it would grant her access to the garden and his apartment, both protected by security seals.
Hinata agreed but knew very little about gardening, even with his detailed directions so she enlisted her teammate. She was somewhat surprised the Yamanaka joined in so readily until she figured it would be a chance to snoop, a little, and collect some gossip. She may have been getting better, or at least more subtle but Ino was Ino. She didn't expect the thing that drove the mind jutsu specialist wild was the presence of high quality volcanic ash, apparently a luxury prized by every horticulturist worth her salt. Hinata suspected it was from his Lava jutsu but she'd never share that little tidbit, not even after he saw fit to reveal it.
It'd be difficult to explain she was observing him for a S-rank traitor because of a deal she'd made when she was four. Besides, it was one of her fondest memories, seeing the presumed impossible and then his reaction, how he lit up so bright he rivaled the very sun. How it was made all the more impressive by how many times he failed to manage it and besides for moments of doubt, he kept going. It was inspiring, enough to allow her not to falter in her own pursuits. If anyone knew, they'd call her a traitor and likely a coward but she didn't care. It was her life and she wouldn't live it how others thought she should.
But that didn't mean she'd forgo all responsibilities. She wanted to make sure her little sister wouldn't be a slave to the outdated clan doctrine of the Hyuuga; that she wouldn't devote herself to the "Hyuuga Way" simply because it was expected. No, Hanabi wouldn't be arrogant and elitist like much of her clan, even many of the branch members looked down on non-Hyuuga residents. They claim it is the traditions of the clan that kept it strong but the clan has flourished under the protection of Konoha. There was a reason while it was significant clan, it was the Senju and the Uchiha that changed the path of shinobi. But the Hyuuga would never admit it, never tell the truth of their history. Their "way" was the same as every other clan during the Warring Era, procreate a lot and hope for the best. Rigid traditions would be exploited and get you killed.
If nothing else, she'd be thankful to Orochimaru for providing her alternative histories; alternatives to a lot of things. Even if she were ordered to throw the fight against Neji it didn't matter, she was secure in her strength and her purpose. She'd only have to lend that strength to Hanabi so she wouldn't be swallowed up in hagiographies and lies or seduced into the cult of the Gentle Fist. If she were lucky, it'd be the lasting legacy of her rebellion and like a true shinobi, no one would ever truly know she'd been the architect.
The three girls jumped to the roof, with Hinata helping Hanabi, and entered the garden. For a restricted space, the vegetation present was breathtaking, various colors strewn throughout. It was peaceful but gave off a feel of being nearly untamed, bordering on chaotic. It fit with the Spiraling Maelstrom that created it. The trio got to work, watering, pruning or even harvesting what needed to be. A crop of heirloom tomatoes, deep purple in color and quite plump, were especially ready.
"I bet Sasuke-kun would really like these, tomatoes are his favorite food." Ino chirped and Hinata responded noncommittally, not wanting to encourage talk of the Uchiha. "So…" and here it came, the fishing expedition.
"There aren't a lot of people that know much about Naruto and I didn't think he was close to any of the rookies outside of Shikamaru and Shino, so why'd he pick you to tend to his secret garden?"
"As I've said before, Ino, he was low on options and knew I liked flower pressing. He figured I could manage it, I knew better and that's why I asked you."
"But he at least trusted you somewhat, you need a seal to even get in here."
"I suppose he does."
"How'd you manage it?"
"We talked, Ino. The story is the same, after our joint exercise we had dinner and just talked."
"Must have been some talk, I've tried talking to Sasuke-kun for years and it's gone nowhere. One night and you're getting keys to the apartment. Maybe I should take lessons." Ino stated with a shit eating grin.
"What's so significant about getting keys, nee-sama?"
"Ino is suggesting Naruto likes me in a romantic sense."
"Does he?"
"No, imouto, he doesn't. Ino just has an overactive imagination."
"That's good, besides Neji-niisan hates him."
"Don't allow Neji's feelings to dictate too much to you, Hanabi-chan. He hates the rain when he gets wet so him hating someone isn't that remarkable."
"Hai."
In the Shimmering Leaf, one of Konoha's nicest hotels, sat Ichiro Kurosawa. A once handsome, young man chestnut hair and a slim physique. His face was boyish, his eyes a forest green. He was 5'8'', not incredibly tall but not short either. He'd used his looks and his position as leader of Ishval to charm many women over his thirty years of life but that was in the past. Since that demon came to Ishval. The people called him the crimson tiger but Ichiro knew, the boy wasn't a beast but something worst.
He stared into the bathroom mirror, looking at himself cursing how he'd lost it all. His chocolate brown kimono and matching sash, both made of the finest silks of his home. He once prided himself on giving off the impression he was an aristocrat, a noble of one of the major lands. A sophisticate and cunning tactician. Few of his sources of pride remained intact, however, and he couldn't help but curse his fall.
At first, he'd been happy his plan to lure Kushimaru and Raiga into attacking the Leaf ninja had worked. Those two were too busy chasing down the squad, made all the more difficult as the resistance forces were acting in concert with the Konoha ninja. All of his enemies were distracted and thinning themselves out, what could be better?
Except, the demon apparently took the words of the resistance fighters to heart as they, likely, filled his head with tales of their oppression. How they worked for very little and much of the richest were hoarded by their once leader. As if they could understand the responsibilities of leadership. It required much so it deserved equal reward. They all had enough, no one starved. Why wasn't enough satisfactory? Because they were selfish and spiteful. He wasn't soft-hearted like his father, he wasn't going to just give all of his rightful wealth away.
Their selfishness unleashed that thing on him, the boy and one other were smuggled out of Ishval but they found time to plant a trap in his office. It was only the worn floorboards of his second story office that saved his life from the inferno that consumed it. But it wasn't unscathed, he suffered burns over 3/4th of his body. The left side of his face was now disfigured and he needed the help of a cane to walk. That was why it took them so long to arrive in Konoha, he required the aid of a carriage to transport him and his samurai. A loyal fool that took the codes of Iron Country far too seriously; but he'd be useful. Before he left, Ichiro wanted Uzumaki Naruto dead. No punishment the old Hokage could levy would deter the man, he'd already lost his position.
He remembers the old man intimidating him with such ease, as if all before those aged eyes were mere ants for him to crush or spare at his whim. How he said the payments Konoha had been receiving for the last year wasn't enough to forgive what he'd done and how a team of administrators from the Fire Country's Daimyo would be here soon to help with the transfer of power. He'd be one of many voices in a land he was meant to rule. It was insulting. No, it was beyond that. It was profane. Ichiro hated the Hokage, he hated the missing nin but more than anything, he hated the Uzumaki. If he'd only died Ichiro wouldn't have lost everything but his revenge.
Sarutobi Asuma sat in a training field trying to get lightning to arc in his hand. It'd been about a month since he got a note delivered from a short tempered panther that wasn't inclined to give his name. That he delivered said note in the middle of the night, in Asuma's bedroom with nothing having been disturbed meant the former Guardian Ninja didn't sleep well. The note, from Naruto, stated if he wanted to learn the super sonic chakra flow he'd have to, at the very least, compete the first nature transformation exercise for lightning. Progress had been minimal.
When one is used to using their chakra in specific ways, using them in different ways is akin to trying to write with your non-dominant hand except you have that feeling of wrongness throughout your entire body. Asuma had just managed to give himself several chakra burns.
"Ah, damnit!" he near shouted but the beautiful Genjutsu Mistress only giggled in response. She'd been back for two weeks, as her boys were sent on an additional mission to the Land of Tea. She'd seen Asuma struggle and could sympathize. Getting used to using elemental jutsu was incredibly difficult for her but she pushed through and gotten both of her elements, earth and fire, back under control. It made both Jounin respect the Sandaime for managing to learn and master every element. They were simply left in awe of Naruto, having beat the Sandaime's record by a decade.
"If I didn't know any better I'd sear the kid was trolling me. Just complete the first exercise of the competing chakra nature, that's the easy part he wrote."
"From how he explained it to me, the next step really is some order of magnitude more difficult. He speculated it might be the effects of Yin chakra, that we can limit ourselves by our beliefs and those beliefs get engraved in our bodies. If, on some level, you don't think this is possible then it won't be."
"Ugh, he sounds like how dad was when I was a kid. It's not easy accepting your father is both the God of Shinobi who could kick your ass on his worst day and also a geek."
"Speaking as someone that is heavily involved in the mental arts, I'll try not to take offense." Kurenai huffed, playfully.
"Ah, you know I wasn't talking about you. Genjutsu is cool, hell I'm sure the brat can do some interesting things. It's hearing the thought process behind it that's geeky. Didn't he write something on the battle implications of the shunshin?"
Kurenai laughed, "yes, he did. We all thought he was being a little… much when he gave us a copy."
"See, just like Dad." Asuma said and then frowned as he tried, once again, to generate lightning.
"How are you and your father?"
"Outside of work we haven't spoken. I just can't deal with him."
It was Kurenai's turn to frown as she sat up and looked Asuma in the eyes. "I won't try to justify what he did but it was decades ago and given what's on the horizon you may not have much time to resolve your issues."
Asuma bit down on his unlit cigarette, a silent concession to her argument. "I can't disagree with that. I also can't deal with him. He used to tell all of us about how we had to sacrifice time with him for the village, how it pained him to be away from us. My mom always defended him, to the point she sometimes strained her relationship with us. And for what? So he can do the most cliched thing a person in his position could do?
So much of my life has revolved around choices Hiruzen Sarutobi made, I just had to deal with it. I came to terms with some of it, ignoring he didn't have to stay Hokage as long as he did. But this? To betray my mom when she was his champion, when she was likely missing him just as much as we were? And look at the results? All so he could feel like a big man?"
"Then say that. I'm not saying forgive him, only don't leave things unsaid. I don't want you to regret it and have to carry it. If nothing else, at least you can avoid that."
"I can't make any promises. But let's change the topic, when are your brats due back?"
"Sometime today." Kurenai said, sullenly.
"What's wrong?"
"Sandaime-sama is going to finally inform Naruto of his responsibilities as a Jinchuuriki during Wartime."
"Shit."
"Yea. Also, the leader of Ishval, that mission that went so wrong for Naruto while he was a reservist is still in the village and I'm afraid Naruto may cut him down on sight."
"That would not be good for his profile."
"It wouldn't. Hopefully, after he meets with Sandaime-sama he'll just return to Orochimaru's and avoid any trouble." Kurenai said, having zero faith in her luck.
"Naruto-san, you've been really quiet." Shino observed as the trio ate breakfast before starting their final push into Konoha. It wouldn't take long to arrive to the village as they'd kept an impressive pace before stopping the night before. As they ate, the Aburame and Nara noticed their teammate seemed lost in thought. It wasn't unusual but the periods of silence often resulted in something novel so Shino was curious what could be formulating in the redhead's mind.
"Oh, sorry," he said, scratching the back of his head, "I was just thinking, when that Aoi bastard activated the Raijin no Ken, if he'd been in a dust cloud of coal he'd have blown himself up. I was wondering if I could create a jutsu to do so. Just think, a trap jutsu against raiton users from the element that is weakest against it." The other two boys perked up at the thought.
"If he had, we'd have lost a treasure of the village," Shikamaru started, pointing to the lightning sword clipped to Naruto's waist and then followed up with, "What would be the complications?" Shikamaru asked.
"Very few doton are performed by strictly internal manipulation. The chakra is generally directed toward the ground. But a dust cloud would be released from the mouth, I'd imagine. To try to do it from the ground would just seem too uncontrollable." Naruto started, "another issue is getting the correct rock type and then into dust."
"Sounds troublesome."
"Potentially, I won't know until I start the process. Sometimes the manipulation is easier than you think it'll be. If it works, I likely won't keep it a clan technique, given our status with Kumo and the abundance of doton users."
"That would certainly endear you to many of the forces." Shino observed.
"For some reason, I doubt it." Naruto replied then started breaking down camp. His squadmates only frowned slightly in acknowledgement of his words, not liking that their upbeat teammate didn't have much faith in his comrades.
Three medics and a mad scientist sit around Orochimaru's rectangular kitchen table. After Naruto's query about the Poison Mist Jutsu Orochimaru thought it wise to enlist the help of Tsunade and Shizune. They'd likely take a different approach than either she or Kabuto would. It didn't take long for Tsunade to conclude the original jutsu was a necrotoxin, meant to cause rapid and expansive cellular death. The challenge was to adapt that to other types. It seemed all were energized by this new puzzle.
Orochimaru had managed to create a myotoxin, one mimicking some of her summons. She could even control if it simply paralyzed or was eventually fatal. Tsunade and Shizune were able to create a neurotoxin variant. The meeting was to decide where else to take their project and who they'd teach, if any, these new techniques. While all the women were enthused with their progress, Kabuto quietly fumed that the inspiration for this was Naruto, someone he was convinced was in need of promote removal. He hated how his mistress wouldn't even consider using live subjects to test her new jutsu. She claimed it was not worth the risk as they were still being watched but he suspected it was because her newest student wouldn't approve. As if his opinion mattered in the slightest.
"Kabuto-kun, would you like the join us?"
"Sorry, Orochimaru-sama." The former spy said, adjusting his glasses as he did, which did not go unnoticed.
"As I was saying, these aren't like elemental ninjutsu. Having a high degree of scientific knowledge is necessary to properly form the jutsu. That really only leaves Iryo-nin to learn them."
"Anko would have sufficient knowledge, she deals with poisons and I trained her well in the sciences."
"Anko-san may be ideal. Unfortunately, from what Tsunade-sama and I have witnessed, we have a lot of medics but virtually no combat medics in the regular forces. I'd hesitate teaching a non-combatant these and I can't estimate how long it'd take them to get back up to par." Shizune stated before taking a sip of teach from the floral patterned cup.
"Agreed." Tsunade said, annoyed. "We've got a new crop, from Chunin to Genin but they are still learning the basics so B-rank jutsu that could harm them if not performed correctly, I just can't see it. What about you?" She asked the Snake Sannin.
"Mine roughly mimic the venom of my summons so having a close bond with the snakes would make it easier. I'll pass on a scroll to Anko as I doubt she'd welcome my presence. But as for your versions, Karin would be able to manage it. She's no Genin, I assure you of that."
"I'll consider it, it'd be nice to share something with my cousin clan. So, what's next?"
"Shape manipulation." Orochimaru said and then laughed when all three medics hung their heads. It's a truism but medics are complete and total crap at advanced shape manipulation. "I'll get Naruto-kun to contribute if neither of you mind."
"Great, he'll have a six headed poison bird flying around in no time." Kabuto muttered absentmindedly. Causing Orochimaru to put eyes on him, Tsunade quirked her brow and Shizune frowned in response.
"Sounds like someone is jealous of your new student. What's wrong, brat, Sensei not giving you enough personal attention." Tsunade teased. Kabuto would normally glare at someone that mocked him but he liked having his head attached to his body so he decided to play along.
"I'll admit, it is difficult not to feel inadequate around Naruto-kun. To be so gifted at such an age."
"Kukuku, fret not, Kabuto-kun. Your talents may lie elsewhere but they are considerable." The foursome finished their meeting and the Slug Sannin departed with her student. While she had placated him then, Orochimaru had no intention of doing so now that they were alone.
"We clearly need to talk, Kabuto-kun."
"About what, Orochimaru-sama?" The question earned him the Kusanagi to his throat.
"Have you grown so arrogant as to think you can play dumb with me, boy?" The White Snake asked, pressing the blade just hard enough it wouldn't draw blood. Kabuto did a small shake of his head and she withdrew her sword. "Now, what is your problem?" The medic knew he couldn't say what he really wanted to, that the red haired Uzumaki was dulling her blade. That he was a bad influence on her, changing her in small but noticeable ways and he hated it. That he missed twisting lower life forms as they laid, helpless, on a cold steel table. Then an idea struck him.
"I feel restless, Orochimaru-sama. When I was a double agent there was at least the risk of that, as well as being able to do our work. But now, I'm a genin. The Sandaime isn't going to promote me in retaliation for being a spy, the only thing that saves me is your pardon. I need something to do, I'm going stir crazy. I'm sorry."
"Kukuku, I can relate. I detest when things stagnate. I'll see if I can arrange a mission for you, something nice and bloody. How's that sound?"
"Like just what I need, Orochimaru-sama."
"I'll set it up but don't you have a shift at the hospital?"
"Yes, I do. I'll leave now." Kabuto stated and vacated the manor.
Orochimaru wasted no time summon a snake, a puff adder that was brown with specks of black. Orochimaru looked down the small snake and relayed her orders, "Go to Guren-chan, tell her I believe Kabuto may be planning to betray me. Tell her to make the necessary preparations and wait for confirmation." The snake dispelled itself and she continued to sit at her table, now deep in thought.
Kabuto would be recognized as her second in command by most but truthfully, she's never trusted the spy. He worked for someone attempting to kill her and his greatest skill is his duplicity. But he believed he was her most trusted, most relied on subordinate. Kabuto likely believes he knows more about her plans and her network than anyone else. He knows a tiny fraction and she had kept track of how much he knew so if he ever turned on her, all of his information could be rendered moot as she burned those segments. Only Kimimaro and Guren had her full faith as far as subordinates went and both had the good sense to never be jealous of Naruto. He was different and meant for more.
Kabuto had seemingly forgotten this or just disliked it enough to consider rebelling. It was a shame, he was a talented medic and researcher. He hadn't maximized his potential but if he were committed to betraying her then Kabuto would meet a slow and painful end. His ability to self-heal would only prolong his suffering. Her only true concern was that Kabuto wouldn't target herself but Naruto. She'd simply watch and wait as this might just be adolescent petulance.
A samurai, trained in Iron Country by the famed Ito "Iron Wolf" Watanabe, sat just inside the check in gate of Konoha. He'd do this periodically, waiting for his target and it seemed his steadfastness and patience had finally paid off. Three pre-teens, were at the gate and he could finally complete the task given to him by his new lord.
One of the boys had horrible posture for an alleged warrior and looked incredibly lazy. Another, covered up in a large jacket with his eyes guarded by darkened glasses just seemed to want to fade into the background. But it was the last one, the short one in a flak jacket similar to the lazy boy, except he had a sword strapped to his back. Red hair down to his shoulders and three whisker marks on each cheek. This was the alleged fearsome warrior that had caused such damage?
It was somewhat hard to believe but as a trained samurai he knew ninja could do some truly incredible things. Nothing a true samurai had to worry about, like many of the initiants of Iron Country, he believed shinobi could not stand up to them in direct combat but only win through disreputable and honorless methods. That's why he planned to challenge the boy directly. A part of him distressed at killing one so young, the boy had chosen his path and must walk it to its very end.
He put his hand on the hilt of his sword, preparing to walk toward the so called tiger but the boy disappeared in a blur, leaving only his teammates to come through the gate. He approached the two boys, his back straight, his gait smooth but purposeful. He would always display his pride as a swordsman, a warrior and would use it to intimidate the two youngsters.
"Excuse me, may I have a word?" he asked, his face emotionless.
"Regarding what?" the covered up boy asked.
"That boy that just departed, was he Uzumaki Naruto?"
Without missing a beat, the lazy boy asked, "Troublesome, why do you want to know?"
"We have a private matter to settle and it cannot be delayed." he said, grip tightening on his sword. The boys made a face, he assumed they were debate whether or not to tell him.
"Konoha shinobi don't give information about their comrades to strangers. If you want to meet Uzumaki Naruto you should go to the Hokage so he can set it up." The lazy boy said.
"I may not be able to get a meeting with your leader and this is time sensitive. If that was Naruto-san, you'd do well to tell me now so I can be on my way."
"Forgive me, but that sounded like a threat. Are you threatening us, Samurai-san?" the other boy, he'd almost forgot was there, asked. Now, he was receiving the attention of others and realized it was in his interest not to press things further.
"If you know Naruto-san, please have him meet me at the Shimmering Leaf, it would be appreciated." and the swordsman walked away.
"He never did give us a name." Shino observed.
"Troublesome, we better report this." Shikamaru said before a weasel masked ANBU appeared before them.
"It is already known, Nara-san. You may go about your day." He said dryly and shunshin'd away.
"Troublesome."
"Shino, that's my line."
Naruto entered the Hokage's office with an impassive face, the one he always adopted when dealing with the Old Man. He was surprised to see his advisors and Tsunade in attendance. It, he reasoned, explained why he was requested to report directly to the Hokage alone. He stepped forward and greeted the Hokage formally. The man didn't visibly react but it still hurt that his bond with Naruto was gone. However they had more important matters and it'd be another indictment on his foolishness.
"Thank you for getting here so promptly, Naruto-kun. As you can surmise, I didn't call you hear for a debriefing on a standard C-rank. Instead, I am here to inform you of some important information." Naruto kept his impassive facade but internally wondered what could be so important to him specifically. The Hokage, after taking a moment, continued, "As you know, soon we will be in a state of war, officially. When that happens, you as a jinchuuriki will no longer be in the traditional chain of command. All Hidden Villages do this, we just don't let it be known who our jinchuuriki are. In fact, until it is declared the war has ended you'd be under the direct command of the sitting Hokage."
"Your status, Naruto, would be equal to the Jounin and ANBU commanders," Homura added. "During the Third Shinobi War, your mother was not on the battlefield for long, instead she was in charge of domestic security. Her fuinjutsu knowledge and talent with barriers made her ideal for keeping Konoha safe from any parties trying to attack us directly."
"Most of the shinobi forces that knew her were too afraid to contradict her and none questioned her status when Hiruzen gave the order." Koharu stated.
"We haven't decided what your overall status would be but I am leaning towards Chunin commander. You should start studying strategy and tactics in case. You should also keep in mind, there will be pushback but you'll have to find a way to navigate it." Hiruzen finished and the Uzumaki lost his face, feeling overwhelmed but more so angry.
"If only I'd been a Chunin for longer than five minutes. How do you expect the largest section of the shinobi forces to listen to a twelve year old that just got promoted?" Naruto asked, seethingly.
"I know this isn't ideal Naruto-kun, but it is what must be done. We'll be firming up our plans for the invasion and relaying it all to you soon. Now, if there isn't anything pressing you need to share you are dismissed."
Naruto unhooked something from his back and turned toward Tsunade, who'd been quiet this entire time as her voice was already horse with rage. "I retrieved the Raijin no Ken, here you go Oba-chan," Naruto said, throwing the hilt to the Slug Sannin and departing before any questions could be asked. He also missed the fond smile Tsunade, Koharu, and Homura had of the lost Senju treasure and reminder of their family and sensei respectively. It was short lived.
"He's not ready for this." Tsunade said, rasply.
"He has no choice but to be."
"People are guaranteed to die, you're going to put the responsibility on him with no previous command experience?"
"Once again, this is what is needed, Tsunade. Whatever scheme we go with, Kurenai won't be there. I can't run the risk of someone intentionally putting him in harm's way. And this will show the others that he isn't some monster but truly one of them. Conversely, Naruto will see he isn't as detested as he thinks he is. I know it's my fault I've allowed that impression to continue but he'll see. Some are hesitant because he is so capable with minimal training from us and Orochimaru's interest but I believe he'll sit in this chair one day. The path starts now."
"Your machinations of late have left a lot to be desired but on this, I agree. Naruto thinks only a handful of people see him for who he is, some more simply tolerate him. That belief cannot continue. He needs to see that his comrades are not bigots or potential enemies. That he can depend on them and they will acknowledge his value. There aren't many ways to do that, this invasion offers an opportunity." Koharu supplied, surprising all in attendance.
"Then why not start preparing him sooner?" Tsunade asked.
"He needed to increase his combat effectiveness to that of a respectable Jounin. From the reports I've seen, he's reached that level and that's without the Kyuubi chakra."
"So, what, you think he's an S-class ninja?" Tsunade asked sarcastically.
"No, don't be foolish. But I do believe, with adequate information and time to plan he can kill one."
The Iron Country trained samurai cursed missing his target. He returned to his lord, only to be admonished for not considering the boy was going to report to the Hokage. It made sense so he left the hotel immediately, his destination the Hokage Tower. He never made it, having seen the Uzumaki out and about. Deciding to do a little research, as the residents had been incredibly tight lipped about anything retarding the boy. The samurai assumed it was because he wasn't a resident and as such they didn't trust him.
He stalked the Uzumaki, watching the boy purchase various fruits from a stand. The interaction was stilted between the operator and the ninja, both appearing to tolerate each other and no more. He then watched as the boy entered a convenience store and exited with bottles of water, storing them in a scroll, along with the fruit before darting off. It was difficult to keep up without alerting the younger male but the samurai managed it. He followed the Uzumaki onto a field, a likely training area that was inhabited by a copy of the redhead and three children.
The children, two boys and a girl, were shins deep in a small pond going through hand to hand forms while the copy of the Uzumaki looked on. The one he'd followed handed the other the scroll and then disappeared in a puff of smoke. The samurai hide behind a tree and watched the kids train, and complain about the exercise.
"Boss, why do we have to do this?" Konohamaru asked.
"It'll increase your speed and has none of the drawbacks of weights or resistance seals. This is how I trained when I was your age and I certainly didn't have anyone around to make me a freaking pond, ya ingrates."
"That was cool but my sandals are wet and it feels weird." Moegi chimed it.
"No one told you to wear your sandals." Naruto shot back.
"But I didn't want muddy feet!"
"I made the bottom stone!"
That was meet with a round of oh's from the academy students. Soon the children switched to weapons training before the Uzumaki called the training session to a close and gave them the fruit and water. The samurai watched as the, alleged, demon chatted and joked with the kids before sending them on their way. The Uzumaki then whistled a tune before speaking,
"You can come out now." That shocked the samurai, he thought he'd gone undetected but it was clear he was wrong. He walked purposefully, his navy blue kosode and matching hakama swaying in the wind. His katana strapped to his side, held in place by a white obi. The sword itself, very basic with a black cord wrapping, a standard tsuba and a black scabbard. He stopped just three meters shy of his target. Perfect distance for a speedy blade draw. One cut, one kill and it'd all be over.
"I am here on behalf of my lord, Kurosawa Ichiro-sama," he started and saw a flash of rage appear in the boy's eyes, the blue seeming colder now.
"He's alive? And he sent you here all the way from Ishval, told you to infiltrate a shinobi village with the goal of assassinating one of its ninja?" He asked in disbelief.
"No, I accompanied my lord here, I infiltrated nothing."
"Where is he?"
The samurai was taken aback by the clipped, demanding tone. "At the Shimmering Leaf, room 334. Not that it matters, I was ordered to cut you down and I will. Prepare yourself." Before he could even get in his stance, the samurai was violently toppled, being shoved into the ground and having a wave of chakra flood his system. He could turn his head to see a masked individual holding the Uzumaki back, single handedly. The Uzumaki, having had his blade drawn and in a perfect position to stab him in the neck, had he not been saved. The Uzumaki was pushed back and made no attempt to attack again.
The masked man buried his knee into the samurai, causing the man to grunt in discomfort. "What you did is not only illegal but very foolish, Samurai-san. Please don't think I saved you as where you're going will be much worse than the swift death you were about to receive."
"How?"
"He placed you under an illusion before you ever said a word to him."
"When I whistled. Courtesy of a fellow clansperson."
"Though it wouldn't have fooled a shinobi, Naruto-kun. It needs more work."
"Everybody's a critic. Well, what do we do now?"
"You dispel and let the original know Ichiro-san is being guarded so you won't be able to reach him."
"We'll see." the shadow clone said before dissolving into a cloud of smoke.
"I wasn't even facing the real one?" The ANBU agent didn't respond, only tying up the swordsman and preparing him for transport to T&I.
The real Naruto received the information but it almost didn't register, as he was awash in painful feelings and memories. Kyo taking the brunt of the explosion on the bridge, being dead before he hit the water. Rikku, buried to her neck, her face a vision of pain and sorrow as Raiga gloated over her corpse. Her death hurting all the more because it was Naruto's suggestion they split up for the day. Yagami barely having enough strength to drag them onto the small ship, often delirious before he made it to Tsunade and Shizune. The last he remembered of the man was a brief smile and a thanks, he slipped away while Naruto was black outed.
There was virtually no one Naruto hated. He'd been able to come to terms with his ostracization thanks to Bagheera and while he disliked the villagers, he didn't hate them and left himself open to change if they did. He hated the Old Man but that stemmed from his great sense of disappointment, betrayal, and the still nagging desire to be truly acknowledged by the one he once considered family. But Kurosawa Ichiro was a monster. He had enough and wanted more because having more than all those around him made him feel superior.
He was a beast in fancy clothes. A cruel, vain, stupid fuckup that got dozens of people killed. Naruto knew it was a high percentage of luck that allowed him to survive Ishval and it'd taken him months to deal with the guilt of being the only one to return. One source of solace having been the, assumed, death of the bastard that started it all but he wasn't dead. And for all Naruto knew, he went on to become even worse.
That thought made him push himself even harder as he ran across the rooftops in blinding speed. He didn't stop until he was a few buildings away from the hotel. It'd do him no good to just charge in, especially if the man was guarded. He stopped, taking calming breaths, his emotions were all over the place and that'd leave him open to a mistake. He'd beaten or held off superior opponents because they were sloppy and overconfident. He could never let that be him.
He looked around and couldn't pin where the protection detail may be, at least on the exterior of the building. A use of shadow clones and henges could possibly get him close but if only if he got in undetected. Tiring of the internal debate, Naruto selected his plan and was about to make his way to the hotel lobby until he felt the disturbance of an incoming shunshin and then a hand on his shoulder.
The person that stopped him had a bandana hitai-ate, a jounin vest and a senbon in his mouth. Genma Shiranui, one of the members of his father's protection detail. One trusted enough to learn a modified version of the Hiraishin. Naruto met the Special Jounin's eyes, awaiting for him to speak first. Genma, however, was slightly taken aback. He'd seen those eyes before. After Obito, after Rin. The look of determination, and the promise of a reckoning. Genma hoped the kid didn't have his mother's temper and could be reasoned with.
"Kid, I know why you're here and I understand but I can't allow you to do this. Just turn around and go about your day."
"Why is he even here? He got three of our ninja killed, he should be in a cell, not a suite."
"That is above my paygrade, I just know Sandaime-sama ordered me to protect him until instructed otherwise."
"Of fucking course." Naruto said, clenching his fist. That Old Man was running one of his games again instead of just nipping the problem in the bud.
"Give the Sandaime a break, trust me, there is more going on than we know but that guy has not been living in luxury laughing at our losses. Naruto didn't respond. Questionable leadership accounted for, the Old Man does care about most of his forces, Naruto couldn't deny that fact with a straight face.
"We ok here?" Another Jounin asked from behind.
"We're fine, Raido; right, Naruto?"
"Yea, we're fantastic."
"Good, good." Raido said in response.
"What about the package?" asked Genma.
"In his room, acting antsy."
What Raido didn't know was that Ichiro was overflowing with participation and when he heard his security detail start shifting he figured the first part of his plan had commenced. He only needed to get ready so he could confront the monster that ruined his life. He was finishing getting dressed, having managed to put a heavy vest over his kimono. It caused him great pain but it'd be worth it.
Ichiro left his room, his guards too focused on the outside threat to pay attention to him. His steps were slow, he forgoing his cane, for his showdown. He wouldn't demonstrate one ounce of weakness. He'd restore his pride and have his revenge. The thoughts of his victory dulled the pain he was feeling. Moments later he made it to the door at the lobby and took a deep breath before grasping a remote trigger connected to his vest, pressing down on a red button.
"UZUMAKI!" He yelled. "I KNOW YOU'RE HERE UZUMAKI! COME MEET ME, COWARD!" He was immediately surrounded by an ANBU team. "THIS VEST HAS ENOUGH EXPLOSIVES TO LEVEL SEVERAL BUILDINGS. IF YOU TOUCH ME I'LL RELEASE THE TRIGGER! WHERE IS UZUMAKI?" Naruto, Genma and Raido shunshin'd in front of the man, about 3 and a half meters back. Ichiro cackled in glee when he saw the red haired boy standing before him. All foot traffic in the vicinity of the man's shrieks stopped, seeing a heavily disfigured person shouting for that boy.
"I SEE THAT IDIOT SAMURAI GOT YOU HERE. DID YOU KILL HIM, DEMON?" Ichiro watched as Naruto refused to respond. "ANSWER YOUR BETTERS BOY. DID YOU KILL HIM LIKE YOU TRIED TO KILL ME? LIKE A COWARD? ANSWER ME OR I'LL LET GO OF THIS TRIGGER, I'M NOT PLAYING."
"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Naruto said and all attending shinobi sweatdropped.
"AM I SOME KIND OF JOKE TO YOU, YOU LITTLE MONSTER? AM I? AM I? LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID TO ME? YOU DISFIGURED AND CRIPPLED ME AND ALL FOR THAT TRASH THAT DIDN'T KNOW ITS PLACE."
"You're alive, you should have been thankful for that."
"THANKFUL? YOUR HOKAGE HAS TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME, EVERYTHING MY FAMILY BUILT AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT. YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED LIKE THE REST OF THOSE FODDER NINJA LIKE I PLANNED."
Everyone felt a brief flash of killing intent, it disappearing as fast as it emerged. "Those ninja had more guts, character and worth than if you'd manage to live one hundred lifetimes."
"YOU'RE WRONG. ALL OF YOU ARE ONLY GOOD FOR FOLLOWING THE ORDERS OF YOUR BETTERS. THAT STUPID SAMURAI WAS THE SAME. JUST OBEDIENT DOGS FOR YOUR MASTERS. IF NOT FOR UPPITY NINJA I'D STILL BE WHOLE. THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"
All involved were starting to tire of the man and his rantings. The problem was, while the ANBU knew containment jutsu, they weren't designed to contain explosions; certainly not ones powerful enough to level several buildings. Attempts to severe the hand might cause the pressure to lighten off the button and genjutsu may be negated given the signs of agony that were seen in his body language. It's pretty clear he wants to kill Naruto and there is no way they could allow that to happen. Not only because of his Jinchuuriki status but due to the interests of each of the Sannin and the Sandaime… each of the ANBU in attendance shuttered to think what would happen if the Uzumaki died to a civilian nutjob.
Naruto, too, was aware things were escalating rapidly and something needed to be done. He was fortunate that he'd been preparing for a mad bomber and had develop a few jutsu to deal with explosions. He performed five hand seals, Dragon→Sheep→Monkey→Horse→Snake and thought Water Style: Great Gummy Sphere. The sphere of multi textured liquid rapidly approached Ichiro and engulfed him before he could move, the ANBU had managed to get out of the way. He was shocked to be suspended in a gel like prison and while he could move somewhat he couldn't exit out of the construct.
He stared at the Uzumaki, shocked and irate. He couldn't believe his guaranteed victory was slipping away from him. He took a look at his cage, it had roughly a 6 meter diameter. He was confident it couldn't quell the explosion and he'd likely take some of the villagers with him, even if the Uzumaki got away he'd be blamed for it. Without a second thought he released the button and died at the epicenter of the blast. If he could have somehow seen his attempt he'd have shrieked in displeasure as the gel did contain the blast and the lack of sufficient oxygen for a fire to ignite. The ANBU had taken precautions and created mud walls when they witnessed the man release the trigger and while they budged, they were not breached.
More squads of ANBU showed up with the Sandaime and Tsunade in tow. As the black ops got the villagers under control the Sandaime decided to question the Special Jounin on the scene.
"Genma, Raido, what happened?"
"A five foot loon with a deathwish, sir." Genma snarked but saw it was not received well by the aged Hokage. "Ichiro-san had an alleged massive bomb with a remote trigger, a deadman switch at that, and he threatened to use it here."
"Why?"
"Chunin Uzumaki arrived and our shifting to confront him must have alerted Ichiro. He then made his way out here and, boom."
"Why was Naruto-kun even here? How did he know to come here?"
"The samurai following Ichiro-san. Apparently, he was given orders to attack Uzumaki-san. His attacked was thwarted by an agent on the scene but the Naruto he stopped was a shadow clone. He alerted us that Uzumaki-san was headed straight here, Hokage-sama." replied Cat.
"And you two stopped him from infiltrating the hotel, leaving your charge unprotected?"
"We didn't think we had to protect him from himself, Hokage-sama. That was beyond our mandate." Raido said in Genma and his mutual defense. The Hokage reluctantly accepted the explanation.
"So, you stop Naruto-kun from getting to him. I'm assuming he didn't fight you."
"No Hokage-sama." bouth Special Jounin replied.
"But Ichiro-san emerges from the hotel, an explosive strapped to him. What did he want?"
"Payback on the kid for the impromptu makeover. Guess he didn't feel as pretty as he once did." Genma quipped.
"And how was it resolved? Clearly he triggered the explosive but what contained it? Four mud walls would not a 'massive bomb'."
"The kid had some water jutsu, well it looked like a water jutsu but I'd never seen it before. Suspended Ichiro in it and the man assumed it wouldn't be enough to prevent extensive damage. He was wrong."
The Sandaime took the information in stride, cataloguing all useful tidbits. Truthfully, Ichiro wasn't going to make it back to Ishval anyway. The delay was to cement the transfer of power before he ran into some bad luck on his way back. As such, there was no major loss as far as that goes. No property damage either.
"I'll have to count this as a failure in your missions records, I hope you realize that." The Jounin shrugged, neither minded and Hiruzen couldn't blame them. "Where is Naruto-kun?"
"I-I don't know." Raido answered and Genma shrugged again.
"Don't worry about it, I'll send someone to find him. You're both dismissed." Hiruzen said and both jounin departed without a moment's pause. Hiruzen looked to see his ANBU calming the people down. He even saw Tsunade talking to some of the villagers, something that surprised him. She wasn't all that sociable to most people. He saw her finish up her conversation and return to him. She met her sensei's eyes and picked up on the unasked question.
"I was just curious what they were saying about the incident."
"Oh, and what did they say?"
"That some mentally disturbed person essentially tried to hold them all hostage but was stopped by Naruto. Some even wondered if that's how they sounded, paranoid and cowardly, for being so scared of a twelve year old."
"That's good."
"That's a biased sample. No one who thought poorly of Naruto was going to say it to me unless they wanted to swallow their teeth."
"Good point, Tsunade-chan. Let's return to my office, paywork awaits."
"Oh joy!." she said sarcastically but followed nonetheless.
As the day turned into the night, the uproar of near bombing had turned into quiet rumor mongering. Those brave souls in attendance with the power of hindsight and liquid courage spoke about their harrowing encounter. Naruto Uzumaki was on the lips of many but the heir of the Uzumaki clan was none the wiser as he sat in his retreat, Mageela sleeping peacefully in his lap. He was left with his thoughts and her soft snores as he stroked her back gently.
A presence made itself known as she entered his rooftop garden but she remained quiet taking a seat next to Naruto. She looked around at his collection of plants, impressed at the diversity and the overall health. It was calming, peaceful in a way not much in their world was and she understood why he'd come here to be alone. The silence was comfortable, the two at ease with each other as if they'd known each other for years. As serene as the silence was, she came here for a point and initiated speaking.
"I heard you had something of a rough day."
"You could say that."
"Want to talk about it?"
"I don't even know where to begin. Oh, I fall outside of the normal command structure during wartime so that's awesome. I may be made Chunin commander as if that's not laughable."
"Why would that be laughable?"
"I've just been promoted, Sensei. Also, I'm that kid. No one is going to want to listen to me and will think I've gotten the position through favoritism or something. Oh, and this little conflict I'd be leading people into only exists because a collection of overpowered psychos want to ripe the Kyuubi from my gut and it is guaranteed some if not many of us will die. And if that wasn't enough, that gutless tyrant had been alive this entire time and could have done god knows what in retaliation for me trying to kill him."
"You got that all out of your system?" Kurenai asked.
"I'm not throwing a temper tantrum, it's all true."
"No, you perceive it as true. Sometimes I forget you're still twelve."
"Only for a few more months." Naruto muttered but Kurenai ignored him.
"I'll concede, you being put in a leadership position given all that has happened isn't ideal and it is something the Sandaime should have considered while holding you back. No one wants war but there have been tensions between the 5 great villages since the end of the last war. But this is partially for your protection. He can't have you assigned to a foolish risk. It isn't pleasant to think about but your value is greater than almost any other single shinobi because you protect us all.
As far as the prejudice of the shinobi corps… it isn't as widespread as you think it is, at least not anymore. There was a time many of us were cautious or afraid. Some have experienced the power of a jinchuuriki, many have felt the power of the Kyuubi so leaving the control and containment to a child was not easy to accept. But eventually the fear passed and shame was left. You hadn't done anything but many avoided you anyway even knowing you provide a vital service and some continued to avoid you out of that shame. Those who didn't could see you were a very sweet boy that was dealt a bad hand. You may never get a collective apology for how we treated or allowed you to be treated but many have long come to see you as your own person and our comrade.
The Akatsuki goals are of their own choosing and they are a threat, to say you're somehow responsible is stupid and you know better so I won't waste anymore time on it. And as for this Ichiro person, I know you hate him. Even with him dead you still likely hate him but you need to let it go."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"Because he made the lives of his people worst for no other reason than it benefitted him. He had the power to change things and he didn't, he just watched them suffer and did nothing. People like that, I hate."
"Must have felt good to strike out at him in Ishval, huh?"
"I guess."
"And today, you foiled his plans and watched as his scheme was his undoing. That was nice, right?"
"Not really." Naruto said, shaking his head.
"Oh? Why do you think that is?"
"Because revenge is empty and doesn't change anything."
"Maybe. I've seen people lose themselves to revenge and I've seen others get it and it helped resolve their issues. If it isn't an obsession a little revenge is fine, I think. But you didn't get revenge."
"So then why did it feel empty?" Naruto asked, looking at the red eyed woman.
"I think you could slay every person like this Ichiro person in the Elemental Nations and it wouldn't matter."
"Why?"
"Because the person you're really angry at, the one you really want to hurt is the Sandaime. You see his worst qualities in people like Ichiro. Those who use their power solely for their benefit and watch their subordinates suffer. Like he did with you. I think there is a part of you so angry at him that if you hadn't suppressed it you'd be blinded with rage and hurt. But people like him, when out of missions, you can stop them. You aren't powerless nor are you subjected to their rule."
"I already know I hate the Old Man."
"Yes, but you always sound divorced from it. You know the emotion is there but you've walled it off. That's not good Naruto. It means you can never really get past everything, you'll only think you have until something taps into that latent hatred."
Naruto chuckles. "Orochimaru-shishou asked me if I could forgive him the night before we left."
"What did you say?"
"That I didn't know, if things had been different then maybe. I guess I was lying."
"No, it just means you're as complex as everyone else. I'll tell you like I told Asuma, you don't need to forgive the Sandaime to resolve things with him but as long as you carry around that hatred and that hurt it'll be an invisible weight on you."
"I'm not sure I know how to resolve things with him. I've gotten all I need from him."
"Really?" Kurenai asked, voice laced with skepticism. "Because I believe if you think really, really hard there is one question at the center of this, one answer you need you don't have." the Genjutsu Mistress finished and then departed, after ruffling Naruto's hair. The Uzumaki would spend the rest of the night in his garden, thinking about his sensei's words and so much else.
