"It's annoyingly boring today." Doffy thought out loud. A month has passed since he had recreated and trained with his strings. He made vast progress in his training though it seemed that his Overheat and Five Chromatic Strings are gone. But he was not worried, he knew it was only matter of time before he find something to help him use his missing string-themed techniques.
Making his way across the streets, he saw someone who looked like having a free time right now.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked through the village, taking advantage of the early morning light to warm up his blood. He looked around the village, thankful of the recovery of the villagers from the dreaded night of the Kyuubi attack seven years ago. 'Time flies so fast.' Hiruzen thought, a content smile on his face. 'Speaking of the attack...' his smile turned into a soft frown as he thought about Naruto. He knew of the boys' circumstances. It was sad, but he coudn't pity the boy when he saw him building his life. He would always wear a smile that was too wide, bordering unnerving, when he saw him walked exaggeratedly around the village even when most of the villagers leered at, or throw stuff at him.
'He has a strong will and resolve. It may no be the same as the Will of Fire but his will to live to pass the obstacles, is really entertaining and admirable.' Hiruzen thought, happy for Naruto's life despite the circumstances.
"Old man, we know that your wrinkly skin will never go away even if you walk in the morning everyday you know. I bet you're from two-block long walk you just went. Here, lemme aid ya back home! Heh heh heh!" Doffy quipped, chuckling all the while.
'Speak of the devil...' Hiruzen thought amused, but also annoyed at the greeting.
Hiruzen sent light chop at his head. "Hoh, so you think I am just a weak old man? I can still beat here to Iwagakure any day of the week boy." He countered.
"Hehehe. Alright alright, old man you win." Naruto replied, rubbing the top of his head, chuckling. "So where're you up to now ol' man?"
"Ah, I'm just walking around the village, relishing the morning sun, maybe a stroll in the forest. Will you join me in my stroll, Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen asked. Naruto just replied with a shrug and a nod and started pacing with the old man in silence. They reached the edge of the forests, taking a clearer path towards inside.
Hiruzen, while taking in the sights, thought about his first conversation with Naruto. He remembered the anger in Naruto's eyes when he broached the topic of his family, expecting some loud curses and yells. Though he heard a few of curses, he didn't expected for the boy to talk about his circumstances calmly. Naruto spoke words that Hiruzen should have been hearing in an older, more experienced ninja, or a civilian at the very least.
Naruto asked him to keep this a secret to his family, Hiruzen remembered, that if he confront them, it would only lead to more pointless argument. Hiruzen was both happy and disappointed. Happy for the boy(no, young man) that atleast he has some knowledge in life, a vital requirement to survive in the Shinobi world, and disappointment, though not on Naruto, but for the boy's parents forcing him to mature earlier than he should have been.
"Oi, old man. You there?" Naruto asked, forcing Hiruzen out of his thoughts.
"Hm? What is it?" Hiruzen asked.
"It's about the fox right? Why I'm in this predicament, right?" Naruto asked seriously. Hiruzen widened his eyes slightly, surprised at the sudden question. He was silent for a moment before answering.
"Yes... it is because of the Kyuubi. I understand the need to train with the Yin and Yang chakra sealed inside your sister and brother respectively, because it could harm someone if they unknowingly used said chakra. But that didn't justify the circumstances around you." Hiruzen paused for a moment. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothin'. Just confirming something." Naruto replied.
"Naruto, you know that I'm here to help, right?" Hiruzen asked. He knew that the first time he asked Naruto the same question, he lashed out at him as he thought that he was pitying him.
"Maybe I'll take your offer some other time." Naruto replied. After an hour of wandering around, they parted ways with Naruto throwing a last quip a last quip on his age, chuckling as he duck under a punch to his head.
Hiruzen stayed for a moment watching Naruto's form disappear around a corner before deciding to head home.
A second later, an ANBU appeared to Hiruzen's side walking alongside him.
"Some conversation you got there, Sandaime-sama. Is that the kid you're talking about?" Shisui Uchiha, or Bird, asked the former Hokage.
"Yes Shisui, he is. He has something inside him. And no, I'm not talking about the fox but something else. He possessess a unique presence and charisma that seemed to pull you close to him. I do not know what that is, but I'm sure it would make a huge impact in his life along the way." Hiruzen replied with tone of wonder and curiosity. A few minutes later he reached his home and dismissing his ANBU guard for the day.
'I can't to see what impact you'd bring in the village, Naruto.'
*LINE BREAK*
Mito and his younger brother sat at around the kitchen table waiting for their mother to finish cooking their lunch. He looked to his brother, Menma, clearly impatient waiting for the ramen served. They just finished another training session earlier and Mito knew that, even with the age of seven, both she and Menma are qualified to enter the Ninja Academy. She knew that they are stronger than most of the other kids in they're age. But their parents thought that they still needed more control of the fox' chakra.
Looking at his younger brother, she could see the results of their training in his build. Both got to harness to use two tails worth of Kyuubi's chakra. They also both possess the Chakra Chains their mother also possessed. He knew Menma was slightly stronger than her, though she got the edge on Menma in terms of Sensory abilities, and she's got the finesse and wit, but she was not satisfied with just that. She wants to like her mother. Appearance-wise, they're practically the same. From the color of her hair and eyes, to the color of the skin. Menma on the other hand, got the hair of his father, and the eyes and skin color from their mother. They were both slightly taller than the kids their age, but she just added it in the results of their training.
'Speaking of height...' Mito thought. His elder brother was still taller than both her and Menma. 'Maybe he's also training. It doesn't matter. He's still a weakling.' Though she knew that it's not entirely his fault that he was too weak, Mito didn't bother giving some help.
"Lunch is done!" Kushina called. Of course Menma replied automatically.
'Ramen-addict idiot.' Mito thought, rolling his eyes. Though she wouldn't deny that she loved ramen, she woudn't love it in the same intensity like his younger brother and mother.
As the three of them started eating, she sensed a presence on the front door. 'Naruto...' Mito thought distastefully. "Tch."
"Hmm? What's wrong Mito-nee? Don't tell me that you didn't like Mom's ramen!?" He exclaimed, dramatically. Kushina looked at her, eyes widened in panic and mouth gaping.
Mito rolled his eyes before replying, "Nah, I just sensed Naruto came in. And as usual he went straight to his room."
"Che, that loser. What about him?" Menma replied, annoyed.
"Just got surprised by the amount of his chakra, not like us but still something." Mito admitted reluctantly. "Guess he's somewhere."
"Hmph, doesn't change the fact that he's a weakling." His brother replied dismissively. "That's why he's pranking the village to get some attention from Mom and Dad."
"Kids, don't pay attention to him. He's just an attention seeker. If he wants to be acknowledged, he better man up and straighten himself and stop his troublesome streak. It's only brought us shame." Kushina replied, agreeing with his youngest son.
Mito just rolled her eyes but didn't answered and just continued eating. She knew that Naruto didn't really terrorizing the villagers but Menma. At first Menma recieved some scolding everytime he got caught as the perpetrator on some pranks, it changed, after the shouting that involved Naruto and her mother happened, Mito and Menma took their mother's side after that event, Menma got the bright idea of accusing Naruto everytime he pranks the villagers.
Of course, their parents completely bought it. Mito considered correcting that, but seeing Naruto not fighting back or refuting the claims, just answering with a nod of acknowledgement and retreating back to his room, she saw it as a weakness and didn't bother defending him.
*LINE BREAK*
Doffy returned home after spending the rest of the day in the newly-discovered training ground 44. He had heard it before, he didn't put some thought about at first whe it was called 'Forest of Death'. But when he saw the wildlife that was occupying, he was surprised at first and thought that it was appropriately named, ' a bit dramatic nickname for a training ground though...' Doffy thought, amused.
Doffy approached the door and sensed that they we're all in the living room. He went on his way to his room, not bothering announcing his presence, though he knew Mito knew that he arrived, she was a sensor after all. He went straight to his room even though he knew Mito was watching him and entered his room.
His conversation earlier with the old man Sandaime still tickling at his mind. 'Something's missing. Old man Sandaime said that the fox was divided and sealed into Mito and Menma.' Doffy thought, a deep frown etched on his face. 'I have a feeling back then that the Fox's chakra was inside the brats. But why? Why did those insignificant idiots kept calling me a demon or a fox-brat?!' Doffy ranted in his mind. He tried to remember what happened back the time of the sealing. Closing his eyes and concentrated, trying to remember all he saw, heard or felt back then. The only notable thing he remembered was the burning sensation he felt in his stomach.
'The only logical conclusion would be... that a part of the fox was sealed inside me. Obviously not the chakra, but what? The body?' He kept his eyes closed trying to find out other possible thing that was sealed inside him, though nothing else came to mind. 'It's the only reason I got. Those idiots kept calling me fox-brat, so I guess I'll settle on that for now. Tch, this is increasingly irritating!'
Doffy got fed up and opened his eyes, though he didn't see his room, but a sewer-like system. He looked around and saw a number of giant pipes. All of it looked and felt the same, except one. He walked through the only unique-looking pipe. After a minute of wandering, his eyes saw an oversized prison bars, extending high above to the darkness. Seeing the large prison reinforced his conclusion earlier, he stopped a few meters away, grinning and waiting. He didn't have to wait long as a large claw burst from the prison bars, stopping a couple of feet away from his grinning visage. The claw retreated back inside and then a deep, gruff, voice echoed inside.
"So, my jailor decides to grace me with his presence? What do you want?"
"So, you are the Kyuubi huh?" Doffy said with a tone of curiosity. "I heard lots of stories about you, y'know, but I didn't he big bad demon to be a huge ball of fluffy fur, heh heh heh." He finished, chuckling at his joke. The fox thrashed inside the cage angrily, willing to burn Doffy with his glare, though he kept laughing.
"I should kill you right now! But this damn seal...! Argh, I don't have time with this. So I'll question you again, what do you want?" Kyuubi asked, patience already near at zero. Doffy stopped chuckling and answered, the grin still plastered in his face.
"Nothing, I'm just curious about you, and I thought to myself, 'why not ask the fox itself.', so here I am, just wanna have a little chat like old pals fufufufufufu..." Doffy said, amusement rolling off of him. But it brought an opposite reaction from the fox as it roared at Doffy sending him out of his mindscape.
The fox took a deep, calming breathe. He thought about his jailor. He didn't know what to think about him. He felt the hate the brat possessess, enough to drown the world, surpassing his. But he knew he was genuinely interested to have a chat with him, wanting to fill his curiosity 'though his smile and laughter's very annoying and it's irritating my ears...' Kyuubi felt the need to nap, feeling a migraine coming.
Downstairs, the other occupants of the Namikaze household was startled badly as Naruto suddenly erupted in a fit of laughter.
"What the hell is that brat doing now?!" Kushina asked, clearly irate as the laughter ceased.
"I don't wanna know." The twins answered simultaneously. Minato just nodded. 'My heart stopped a moment there...'
*LINE BREAK*
October 10, months passed since his first visit to the fox, 8-year old Doffy, deep in thought, as he walked toward TG-44. His proficiency with his strings now is superb. He felt like he's in his past life having a devil fruit, though without some of his more advanced techniques. He also gained a couple and a half inches in his height, now definitely a noticeable difference with the kids his age.
Doffy also changed his clothing. He wore black, button up, long sleeved shirt, a yellow pants that reached only to his shins, designed with red tiger stripes horizontally, black pointed shoes, and an orange-tinted glasses.
He got it as an early birthday present from the Old Man Hiruzen and Shisui, a new addition to his very small circle of friends/acquaintances.
He met Shisui from one of his visits to the Sarutobi compound. A funny guy, Doffy thought, a welcome change from the constant negative reactions from his 'family' and from the villagers. He's quite a talkative guy compared to his clan members. He is also a great sparring partner(Doffy always want a sparring partner. He was very satisfied with his hard work.), but also annoying from the constant barrage of questions about his strings. Shisui, besides the old man, knew about his strings and his other unique techniques(Rokushiki).
The Old Man confessed that the two of them were watching him through the glass ball(A/N: forgot waht it's called) a couple of times. Doffy was mildly upset about the spying, but he trusts the old man, and he knew that he was also a great judge of character so he put decided to trust the ANBU. He only asked that they keep it a secret, ranting about people will start bothering him if they knew his rare abilities.
Fifteen minutes passed and he reached his destination. Doffy decided to train most of the day instead of being cooped up at the Namikaze mansion. He knew today's his 8th birthday, but he also knew that they will only cater the twins.
Leaping across the fence, he darted forwards, intent to play with the inhabitants.
Hours passed, Doffy went back home and prepare for the party that will start in two hours. Taking his time, he looked around the village, looking at the several foreign merchants and checking their products. He was searching for a coat that he always wore back then. Disappointingly, he didn't find something remotely close to his favored pink coat and decided to head home.
After ten minutes of walking, he reached the compound and saw that there are already lots of visitors from various clans like the Sarutobi, Uchiha, Akimichi, Nara, Yamanaka, and the Hyuuga. There's also a few civilian families and kids invited.
He didn't paid attention to them and just went to his room to clean up. 45 minutes later, he came down wearing, this time, a white long sleeve shirt, black pants and the same pointed, black shoes.
He saw Shisui and Hiruzen in one corner with the addition of Itachi Ichiha, renowned prodigy of the Uchiha clan, and decided to pass some time with them.
"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence? Happy birthday, Naruto!" Greeted Shisui. Naruto grinned and nodded his reply. Hiruzen and Itachi also greeted the Naruto.
As the celebration started, they moved away from the living room and went towards the dining table, still having a clear view to the living room, where talked about mundane things, arguing about the most efficient way to eliminate all VIPs currently in attendance.
In the middle of their talks, Minato called and attracted all of the attention.
"Good evening to all of you, and thank you for coming, celebrating with my children's birthday. Now, I have some announcements." Minato said, standing in front of the visitors with Kushina and Jiraiya at both of his sides.
"I know this is something I'll definitely enjoy." Naruto said with his usual wide grin. He leaned forward, propping his elbows and holding his hands together in front of his smile-wearing lips.
"You're really optimistic, Naruto." Shisui said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. Naruto just chuckled at his reply as Minato continued.
"Me, Kushina and Jiraiya-sensei have decided the to Mito and Menma signing the Toad contract." Minato announced as the guests clapped at the twins, both clearly vibrating with excitement at signing and having another lead against their supposedly weak elder brother, though the Aburame family clearly didn't have the same enthusiasm as the other guests.
"Wait, wait kids. Don't freak out now. I have one more announcement that surely you both will enjoy with." Minato said teasingly. "I'm declaring Menma as the next heir to the Namikaze clan and Mito, of course will the heiress of the Uzumaki clan! Congratulations Menma, Mito!" Finished Minato, looking unbothered of the consequences of his last announcement.
"Happy birthday! I love you both!" Kushina cried, hugging both the twins.
No one noticed Naruto silently leaving the compound after the announcement except Hiruzen, Shisui and Itachi, all wearing frowns of shock and disappointment.
"Naruto..." Hiruzen whispered, then looked at Shisui, nodding sharply at his usual ANBU guard.
Shisui, understanding what the former Kage meant, also left the compound chasing after Naruto. His chase led him to the Forest of Death, stopping at the sight of a destroyed fence before locking on to his chakra signature.
He jogged after Naruto, though he coudn't see him, he knew he was just up ahead of him, when suddenly he was hit with an unfamiliar aura, or energy that slightly disoriented him. Oversized insects fell from the trees, definitely unconscious, and the other predators also knocked out as he continued his way where he saw Naruto standing in the middle of a clearing, looking at the gloomy sky. All wildlife around him was knocked out.
"Naruto..."
"I told you, Shisui." Naruto said, chuckling silently. "I told you that I will really enjoy it! And guess what?! They did it, they really did it! Just as I expected! Hahahahaha!" Shisui shivered at the sound of his hysterical laughter. He calmed down a moment later, his smile dimming before returning full force, accompanied by the veins bulging on his forehead.
"Who the hell are they to just throw me away like some expandable tool?!" Naruto shouted before taking a deep breathe and forcing himself to calm down. Don't worry about me Shisui, they made their decision. You know me Shisui, I'm not someone who breaks down from some words. They took my clan title, I'll just aim higher."
"Heh, you really are something, Naruto." Shisui said. He was really amazed how strong the will Naruto possessed. They decided to head back but Shisui remembered something. "Hey Naruto, the hell happened here? All these animals are knocked out." He asked.
"Huh? Oh that, well that's..." Naruto paused. Shisui leaned slightly, clearly intrigued. "...that's a secret heheheheh." Shisui facefaulted. He quickly got back up, annoyed beyond belief.
"The hell kind of answer is that?! You making fun of me? You wanna fight?!" Shisui yelled.
"Fufufufufufu. Nah, I'll tell you some other time, I just don't felt like explaining it right now. C'mon let's get back, I'm hungry." Naruto replied, his grin back, clearly amused.
"You're really annoying sometimes you know." Shisui said. Pacifying his curiosity for now, they walked back silently to the Namikaze compound.
*LINE BREAK*
Back at the mansion, Mito, Menma and Kushina we're chatting with other mothers and kids around them while Minato, Jiraiya and the other clan patriarchs when Menma remembered something.
"Hm? Where's Naruto anyway?" Menma asked his mother, having forgotten their older sibling from all the excitement.
"Somewhere outside. Felt him moving away right after the announcement was made. Probably moping somewhere because of losing the position of being a clan heir." Mito replied dismissively. She perked up slightly. "He's coming back."
"Hmph. That good-for-nothing brat, everything we gave to him, and he just give us headaches with his shameful antics." Kushina said. "I know that the position of clan heir was always given to the eldest born child, but he's too irresponsible, too weak. He's not like his siblings. Look at these two, they're both genius, swimming through everything whatever Minato, Jiraiya-sensei and I teach these kids! And of course, they got my Chains! I know you two will bring our clans back into glory!" Kushina boasted.
"You got that right, love!" Minato shouted somewhere with the other fathers. The mothers were chuckling softly at Kushina's ranting, amused by her antics. Suddenly the door opened and Naruto entered with Shisui jeading towards where the Sandaime and Itachi when Kushina called to his grinning son.
"Naruto, where have you been?! Why did you left while we're celebrating your siblings birthday?!" Kushina demanded. "Maybe you were moping outside because you're sad losing the title? Well don't be, you know you don't have the potential to lead our clan back to greatness. You'll just drag it down with you leading it. So be thankful that your father and I ensured that our clan will grow strong even if the only thing you bring in this household was disappointment." She told mockingly, tinged by alcohol.
"Who? Me? Sad? Nah, I'm not sad. Who am I to change your decision ? I'm not dictating what you do to your lives anyway. I'm just the blacksheep in your family. And it's not like I'll be with you all when this clan reaches its greatness. In fact, I'll be gone first thing in the morning. Or, if you prefer, I'll be on my way later tonight." Naruto replied.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Minato questioned. "Where are you going?"
He was met with silence, kids and adults watching the interaction between the family. After a moment, Naruto suddenly chuckled, unnerving all the other kids as he laughed with amusement.
Minato was getting annoyed by the second and made to ask again when his son answered, barely containing his laughter. "You know, for the so-called the greatest Hokage and one of the best geniuses of Konoha, you really are an idiot. Fuffuffuffuffu." Naruto chuckled again. "What do you think will happen to the original inheritor of the clan when he was removed from that position?" Naruto asked, clearly amused.
Kushina and Minato stiffened for a moment before fixing their resolve as Kushina replied. "It means they will be removed from clan's registry and banishing from the clan. It also means that we are removing the stain in this household and stop all the shame you brought to us. I say good riddance." She answered expecting an outburst or some tears of sadness, but all she got was another fit of laughter.
"What do you mean?" He asked with a fake-innocence, still wearing his wide grin. "Do you perhaps expect me to cry or beg? Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm feeling quite the opposite. I am very thankful for what you've done as you finally remove the last of the chains shackling me down in this household." Naruto said, then he started chuckling again though it sounded menacing this time. "You've made your stance on your decision. You can't go back now, we have lots witnesses here, after all. I accept your decision completely and I will live tonight. But I have one thing to say to all of you and I want you all to carve this to your minds deep." Naruto paused for a moment, his smile completely disappearing.
He leaned forward to his former family, Minato joining his wife to her side earlier, and suddenly all the people, especially his former family felt like insignificant in the presence of their former son/brother. "Since you made your decision, don't you ever regret your choice." He turned back and made his way to his room, chuckling all the way.
The sound of his laughter echoing through all the ears, especially to Minato and Kushina.
Hiruzen said one last thing to the couple as he reached the couple. "You really don't know what you've lost Minato, Kushina. But as Naruto said, you made your stance in your decisions. But know this, all choices, whether good or bad, has consequences you will have to accept, whether you like it or not." He finished, not bothering to look at them as he went after Naruto.