Chapter 4: Pervy-sage, Miscommunication and a love-sick puppy
~ Naruto's new House (Training Ground) ~
Naruto did the same thing he always did when he incurred a problem.
Shadow Clones.
For the last four weeks he had followed the steps his dad had laid out, the first step, pop the water balloons by spinning your chakra.
To not hint at anything when buying the materials to learn this jutsu, he hinted towards it being another prank. He did not need a Jonin who was aware of the training he was doing running his mouth.
This had taken it's time as for the first two day no matter what he would do it wouldn't pop, it turned into a disc. It was only after an epiphany caused by a cat knocking the balloon back and forth like a ball of yarn that he learned that he has to spin his chakra in multiple directions.
That had been an annoying lesson as, as soon as the clones attempted to spin their chakra in multiple directions the balloon would pop instantly.
The second phase had been hard. To pop a rubber ball with pressure caused by your chakra, although, this time you have no water you use as a base medium. He had to consciously regulate the power he put into the ball. It took him two weeks to complete this, even then it took a certain level of concentration.
The final step had come easier than the last, but it was by no means easy. He would blow up the spare water balloons, he had to contain the rotating and spinning power generated within the balloon.
A week into the training of the final step he learned that he could contain it easier if it was larger, so he set about increasing the size of the Rasengan, as it had more power and he had chakra to throw about, it came easier.
At the beginning of his training he was aiming to create a Rasengan the size of his fists, by the end of his training he was able to create a Rasengan the size of his head.
He knew his chakra nature was wind so he decided he would complete his dad's jutsu, no matter how long it took.
He created his hordes of clones again, this time it was in three groups.
One would refine his wind chakra as much as possible they would cut leaves one handed, then from a distance, then multiple leaves at a time, he would make it so it would be second nature to use wind chakra just like regular chakra.
The second group would try and implement the wind chakra after forming the Rasengan and use its' shape as the base.
The third group would try a different way to form the Rasengan with wind chakra, they would use the change of change of chakra nature instantly, then with the wind chakra they would shape it into the Rasengan.
No matter what they did, Naruto knew it would take a lot of time to finish his father's jutsu.
Outside of his personal training he hadn't changed, he still slept in class, but he would always pay attention to Iruka's lectures, that was purely out of the respect for his brother figure.
While he had sets of his clones practicing the Rasengan in his small, private training ground he had sets of his clones in the forest of death learning the katas for his father's Taijutsu style, while he was unsure of how it would compare to his signature 'Hebi Bunshin Taiatari' but it couldn't hurt to be more adept in other Taijutsu styles.
This style was known as the 'Hummingbird' style, it was not akin to the 'Goken' which relied on external damage from the users strength but instead it aimed to lead the opponent into a compromising position and then using the users speed to capitalise by landing a debilitating blow.
The recommended training for this encouraged weights so while his clones would practice the style, making it muscle memory he complete the physical component, he began wearing weights, he would complete the style's training with them on as well as laps around the forest of death.
He had been told that his Godfather was to be in the village today, he was currently walking to the Hokage tower, as he was making his way to the tower he passed some hot springs, he could hear, the light lapping of water against the edges of the springs, the light fizzle of the steam and giggling… wait, giggling? While his time with his two sensei had given him a healthy appreciation for the female body, he was by no means a pervert.
Well… casual glances didn't mean anything right?
He did have a problem of not peeping specifically, but an invasion of privacy irked him. He prided himself on minding his own business and not meddling in that of others.
As Naruto closed in on the noise which translated to clear perversion, he saw a large man with waist length, spiky white hair, a green kimono and red haori, he was perched in a tree, crouched atop the highest branch with a notebook which he was furiously scribbling in.
Naruto decided that he would have a little fun, this fun included picking a pebble the size of an eye and throwing it as fast as possible, the pebble hit the man in the calf off-setting his balanced as he toppled backwards out of the tree landed in an unflattering mess.
"Oi! Who did that?" He called out before locking eyes with Naruto "You, it was you wasn't it?"
"Did what?" Our favourite jinchuuriki replied, feigning ignorance.
"You little brat! Do you even know who I am?" Naruto was a bit on edge, it was obvious the old geezer was preparing something.
"Should I? by the looks of it you're just a filthy old perv!" Naruto said indignantly, he was still a child. "Okay, I'll humour you, who are you?"
The old man shook his head despondently before flicking it back and summoning a large orange toad with dark green markings, standing stop its he cried "I am glad you asked, I am the hermit of Mt Myoboku, the wise and immortal spirit, that's right it is I, the Toad Mountain Sage"
"Oh my god" Naruto's head was buried in his hands "Why did it have to be you?"
Jiraiya was confused, he knew who Naruto was, what he didn't know was that Naruto new of his parentage and his role as his godfather.
Jiraiya's confused stare was met with a blank one. "How did my dad learn anything from you?" The question almost made Jiraiya fall over in shock. For the safety of his reputation he quickly regained his composure, with a cool look he queried the boy and feigned ignorance "Oh, and who would your father be kid?"
"Don't play stupid with me Pervy-sage!" Jiraiya knew that the kid was aware of who is parents were, so he acknowledged that path as walked so he held the boy up on another point.
"Don't you call me that you brat, have you no respect for your elders!"
By now the two's faces were inches away the friction between their stares was so strong one could imagine lightning between them.
"No, I'll respect someone with dignity, not some old geezer who checks out naked girls!"
"It's research, do you not understand the needs for the quality my craft requires"
"There's no quality in your smut!" Naruto threw his hands up in disgust "Me and you Pervy-sage, can we please just go somewhere and speak?"
"I think that would be good, we have much to discuss" Naruto was initially shocked by the change of tone his godfather exhibited, but it should have been expected, he is one of the Legendary Sanin.
"We should go to my house, it's my mum's old one"
"Take the lead!"
And with the unspoken agreement the odd pair made they made their way back to Naruto's house. The silence was not awkward but there was tension, the people who looked upon the pair were stunned, what was the Jiraiya doing with the delinquent. Jiraiya noticed the whispers that followed the two, he also noticed that Naruto's posture and walking appeared as if he did not hear but just like before his face and eyes held endless sadness.
When Naruto noticed the gaze of the old and immediately chirped up "Sorry about the long walk, were almost there!" he said whilst shooting a foxy grin and scratching the back of his head. Jiraiya's cold exterior held multiple thoughts 'It's a shame you didn't grow up the way we all wanted, what you must have gone through, all alone. That's gonna change'.
They arrived at Naruto's house, going through the gate and then entering the house. Afterwards we find the both of them seated in living room.
"What is it you wish to discuss?" Jiraiya believed that the least he could do was begin the conversation.
"My parents, high points, low points everything in between." Naruto stated plainly.
"That's doable, your father in which you clearly take after him in looks, he was a genius with high hopes. He did not come from a large family or clan, he graduated from the academy at the age of ten, this was during a war so early graduates were common. He was obsessed with creating and perfecting jutsu, he never created too many as he wanted a mastery of the ones he had. He found his specialty in hand sealless jutsu, name his two prized jutsu-"
"- The Rasengan and Flying Raijin-"
"Correct, I assume you've looked over his notes?"
"I have, the Rasengan took me just short of a month and the Flying Raijin took three years. Although for the Flying Raijin I didn't have notes just the seal itself"
"You say that like you can perform them" Jiraiya did not want to teach another genius, there was no challenge. Definitely not one that had already learned such high level jutsu.
"I can, keep those eyes peeled pervy-sage"
Jiraiya was about to retort the name when Naruto pulled out one of his dad's kunai, but there was something different about it, what was it? Naruto picked up on the confusion and decided to answer the unsaid question.
"The seal is different, evident through the different kanji, mine state, 'Strength in Numbers', this is for two reasons, my mastery of the shadow clones jutsu" he emphasised this by seallessly creating three shadow clones and then having them 'poof' out of existence "And for working with others!"
Jiraiya wasn't believing him, so what, he can write on a kunai? Big deal. Naruto flicked his wrist and the kunai embedded itself in the floor next to the toad sage, the next second Naruto was practically on top of Jiraiya. But the kicker was the Rasengan that he had formed and was inches from the man's face.
Jiraiya couldn't believe it.
"Now about my mother"
Getting over his shock he shook his head "Ahh… yes. Your mother, from what I've been told you take after her in your attitude. She was very headstrong, blunt and oh my was she strong, she rivalled my teammate Tsunade. She came from the Village Hidden in the Whirlpools; she was viewed as an outsider for her first few years here but was eventually recognised as a ninja of the Hidden Leaf. She was bullied for her bright red Uzumaki hair, she was known briefly as 'tomato' but after beating the bullies into dust she earned the village-wide moniker 'The Red Hot-blooded Habanero', safe to say no one bullied her after that. After the war she settled down with your father, she fell into more of a housewife role, likely preparing for you"
Jiraiya let out a heavy sigh "There is no doubt that they loved you, when they told me that you were coming and that they were naming you after the main character from my book and that I was going to be a godfather. There was no doubt in my mind of what they were feeling, pure love, they might not be here anymore, but their love is with you wherever you go. There is more of their love in that seal than there is fox, never forget that"
Naruto was inwardly beaming, in his head the chibi him was going ballistic, on the outside was a pure smile of content, that made Jiraiya feel better.
"Well now that we've got the mushy stuff out of the way. YOU!" Naruto said while pointing his index finger at the Toad Sage. "Will help me with my training, believe it!"
"Huh?"
"I know of your spy work, but this is the least you can do for not seeing me at least once" The tone might have been that of a demanding child but Jiraiya relented, he was happy that he had been accepted.
"If you already have those two jutsu, what are you training in?"
"Taijutsu and… Completing the Rasengan"
~ A Year Later ~
Naruto was entering the gates of the academy for the final year. He knew technically he could have already graduated but everyone expressed the importance of graduating with everyone your age as they are easier to get along with as well as you get as much childhood as possible. Naruto walked towards the class; he was one of the tallest in the class behind only Shino Aburame.
Thinking of the Aburame heir, he, Naruto, and Shikamaru had had a discussion in which Naruto learnt that those two were highly perceptive. It was at one of the clan meetings, this time at the Hyuga Compound were Naruto had overheard the two's suspicion.
~ Flashback (Six Months Ago, Hyuga Compound) ~
"Have you been able to discern anything from your father?"
"No, he just keeps skirting around the topic, this has been such a drag" Shikamaru was really intrigued by the enigma that was Naruto, so intrigued that it was beginning to annoy him, he could be cloud watching but instead he's here scoping out the truth of his friend.
Naruto being the Uzumaki that he is perfectly suppressed his chakra and walked up behind the pair. He had caught a bit of their conversation and decided to join.
"What are you two talking about?" The Aburame raised an eyebrow as even his insects did not pick up on the chakra, this would be seen as a considerable reaction from and Aburame, he knew that Naruto had inhuman levels of Chakra, currently only matched by Jiraiya out of all the Hidden Leaf ninja, Hiruzen had declined with age and his stores were beginning to shrink.
While Shino was going through his thoughts, Shikamaru was sweating bullets, his normal composure was gone. As neither appeared to be answering he continued.
"You wouldn't be talking about me, would you?" Shino's brow furrowed, Shikamaru now had lost all composure, Naruto just sighed.
"What would you two like to know?"
"Why are you allowed to be here?" Shikamaru jumped at the opportunity to finally fill this gap in knowledge, Shino gave a stiff nod in agreement.
"In that case we will need to go somewhere in private, follow me" His tone left no room for argument.
The three slowly ambled over to a corner hidden from view, once they were out of sight, he stabbed a kunai into the floor, gripped their shoulders and flashed to his house. Shino, ever the stoic, kept his reaction to a minimum, Shikamaru's reaction was to empty his lunch all over Naruto's living room floor.
"God dammit Shikamaru! Now I need to clean again!"
"You could have warned us before doing that!" Shikamaru retorted
"May I inquire as to what that was?"
"This" Naruto said while walking over to his table and picking up the Flying Raijin kunai "Is my dad's most famous technique, 'The Flying Raijin'" Shikamaru was still confused, he had not been motivated enough to look into the history of prominent figures of the hidden Village.
Shino had finally put all of the pieces together. "So, you are the son of the Fourth Hokage"
"Got it in one Shino"
Shikamaru finally understood, you wouldn't of guessed it though, his expression did not change "So this is why they invite you to the meetings, how long have you known?"
"That's what I guessed to and about seven months"
Shikamaru was to content with finally having answer to truly to take in the knowledge he was just given. Naruto then gave the pair a pointed look. "You will tell no one of this, don't even let your parents know that you know"
"Why can't we talk to our parents about this"
"Shikamaru, Naruto is right"
"Thank you Shino" Naruto then turned to the Nara heir "The walls have ears" That statement had Shikamaru on edge, he didn't think that people would use that information against him.
"I would love to tell you more, but people will get suspicious if we were to suddenly disappear" The two gave acknowledging nods before once again being gripped at the shoulders and flashing back to the hidden corner. They walked over to join the others, and Ino voiced her thoughts "Where were you three?"
"Shino was simply showing me and lazy bones over there a rare species of beetle"
"You three really are odd aren't you"
~ Flashback end ~
~ Academy ~
Naruto had set himself a goal for this year at the academy, he was going to return to a healthier sleep pattern, his food was already healthy as Anko-sensei had drilled into him the importance of nutrition. He was definitely not short, just above average for his age, he had a firm wiry build.
He was wearing his striped, black pants and unzipped jacked with a mesh top on underneath, he was not shy in showing off his physique. His change had given the females an eyeful, some questioned why he used to wear the orange jumpsuit when he was 'ripped' as a few of them mentally squealed.
This year he would focus on study, after learning of his father's identity and knowledge that was likely necessary to be a good leader. He would live on a regular cycle while his clones would train all day, he would complete physical exercises before and after the academy.
Naruto had learned patience and humility, whenever they had the taijutsu competitions he would resort to the academy Taijutsu style, he would actually increase his weights before taking part in the spar, so it was more believable.
The constant chants about how Sasuke would wipe the floor with every other boy, Sasuke did not care about this, when he won he would simply make the peace sign and go over and stand by himself, the same came with projectile training, he would always aim for between five to seven out of ten and cheer when he got seven.
People dismissed this as luck as there was no consistency, he would be scolded by Iruka for being loud. Everyone passed him off as fairly useless but just good enough to pass. Shikamaru and Shino had asked about his purposeful holding back and he had explained just like he did to Iruka that one of a ninja's greatest weapons was deception, they accepted it whilst still being confused.
Naruto approached the room, this year he would be different he wouldn't show his prowess in Tai and Ninjutsu, he had no skill in Genjutsu so there was no need to fake anything there. He would focus on his studies. He would wear weights the entire time, two months of the weight training he wore thirty kilograms on each wrist with and fifty on his ankles.
The blond jinchuuriki made his way to the front door of the Academy, on top, the rose red door was an equally red sign with the symbol for 'Shinobi' emblazoned on it and above that was the insignia for the Hidden Leaf, a spiral with a tail to the top right and a triangular head to the bottom left.
Opening the door, he got a good look at the corridors he was so familiar with, the lime green walls, the wood planked floor. Walking down the halls, he noticed the hordes of first- and second-year students, being significantly taller than them it almost felt like water was flowing past his legs the way they ran past. He remembered when he was in their position, where they were would have been just before his mediocre life changed for the better.
Making his way to room '205', the room that would he his home room for his final year, sliding the door open he was met with three people already in the room, the Uchiha, Hyuga and Aburame heirs, moving to the seat in the back row between Hinata and Shino, he sat himself down, unsealed his books and writing equipment and waited.
Whilst waiting he gave a nod of greeting towards Shino which was returned. Switching his gaze to the meek Hyuga he looked over with a sad smile, he had figured out the feelings she had for him. He developed an understanding, if she was like this when she graduated, he would have to break the news to her.
He couldn't be with someone who wouldn't stand up for themselves. He could be there for them when they fall, but he would not be there the entire time and they weren't strong without him and relied on him for strength they would never know how to stand for themselves.
As the rest of the class filed in, he welcomed all those he knew, whether that was a simple nod or a hello. The last two people to enter the class were both clad in Chunnin vests, one he recognised instantly, Iruka! If he was his sensei for the year this would go great! The other person put him on edge, he had shoulder length, white hair, they locked eyes immediately one had a calculative look while the other had a look of deviousness that was quickly replaced by a false warmth.
"Pipe down you brats" Iruka called out using his Head Expansion Jutsu, the other students in the class were freaked out, they froze in position, all staring fearfully at the Chunnin. Knowing that he had their attention he continued "As some of you know I'm Iruka Umino, you will refer to me as Iruka-sensei. He" Iruka said while pointing at the other Chunnin "Is Mizuki Suganama, he will be my assistant, you will refer to him as Mizuki-sensei. Are we clear?" receiving nods he kept speaking "Do you have any questions?" this time only getting silence he finished "Good, then let's start your final year in the academy!"
Iruka glanced at Naruto, he had his writing brush, ink and book ready. 'Looks like he's going to take this seriously'.
~ The Academy Six Hours Later ~
Naruto dragged himself out of the classroom, he knew this year was going to be long, but that was still painful. The savouring grace for it all was that it had begun, the first day had come and gone.
Naruto had training with Anko today and he had to talk to her, he had to confirm the basis of their relationship, whether it was as a sensei or something closer. Running to an alleyway he flashed back to his house, dropping of his academy utensils he began dashing to the Forest of Death.
Coming to the usual clearing he created his sets of clones for the Taijutsu style. He had also created clones that would create a perimeter, they would dispel themselves when Anko appeared to allow for the real Naruto to know her location. This time they saw her peeking over a branch high up, he dispelled himself allowing the real Naruto to be aware of her position.
'Ah, so that's where she is' He quickly substituted with a clone that was out view and proceeded to make his way behind her. Spending close to two minutes tracking around her he spotted the ever-present tan trench coat.
Throwing his kunai and flashing towards it before the noise of it impacting the tree could occur softly sticking himself to the trunk of the tree with his chakra he scurried up behind his sensei. As got closer he attempted to be as quiet as possible. Being two feet behind the figure he reached out and snatched at the shoulder.
Only to be met with mud.
He felt stupid. Before the self-loathing could continue the real Anko had body flickered behind him pressing her sizeable bust against his back with a kunai to his jugular.
"You might be faster than me, but you will never be able to sneak up on me, let alone catch me" she began with a victorious smirk.
"No matter what I do I ending up being the butt of your sadistic pleasures" Naruto replied with an internal frown. "But" Anko recognised the tone, she stepped in front of him and motioned for him to continue. "I would like to talk to you about our relationship"
Anko's heartrate instantly spiked, her eyes slightly widening. Just as she had taught the young blond, she schooled her features. "Why is that?"
"Because I feel that we are closer than just sensei and student" Anko was internally freaking out, her heartrate increased further. 'This can't be happening' the thought chorused in her mind. She was so giddy.
Naruto was slightly sheepish; he didn't know how to propose this to someone who didn't have much knowledge of the workings of a family.
"I feel that we are closer, you're like family and I love you, you're the big sister I never had!"
Just like that, Anko's world came crashing down around her. She hadn't felt this way since returning to the village. She was so stupid why would he ever think of her that way? Tears were welling up around her eyes. Before she let Naruto, she through her mask she body flickered away leaving a confused and worried Naruto their alone amongst his hordes of clones.
~ Edge of Training Ground '44' ~
We find Anko hurtling to the edge of the forest. She couldn't take it. After reaching gate '19' she kept sprinting to her apartment. This was when she collided with her fellow purple headed kunoichi.
"Anko! Watch where you're going!"
"Fuck off! Leave me alone" Yugao was startled, she had not seen Anko this way since returning from her 'training trip'. Something serious had to of happened. Yes, she did have scheduled training with Naruto, but him above anyone would understand her situation, the value of friendship was not lost on him.
Breaking out of her stupor she got up and began chasing the snake mistress. Yugao had been chasing Anko for what felt like forever. They both eventually settled on a familiar setting, the Hokage monument. Anko was amongst the trees performing her most destructive jutsu to try and mangle the landscape.
She was berating herself for being so stupid.
Amongst all the noise a whisper brought herself out of her thoughts.
"I understand why Naruto comes here to think"
"That's great! That's exactly what I want to think about now!"
"If that isn't what you want to talk about, then what is?"
"Nothing! Leave me alone!" The reaction to that reminded Anko why her friend was an ANBU captain. A firm kick to the gut often did that.
"Look at yourself! The snake mistress! Falling apart, have you no self-respect?" Yugao, just like with the Hokage was not going to watch a friend lose themselves to pity. Reigning in her emotions she gave a sympathetic look.
"What happened?"
The response was lost in the wind, it was said that quietly.
"What was that?"
"It's Naruto" Yugao was confused, she couldn't believe that he had done something to hurt her especially after Anko told him about her previous relationship with Orochimaru. Although he could be quite dense at times.
"He said he loves me" Yugao had talked to Anko after the meeting with the Hokage, Anko had confessed the way she felt about Naruto, this initially confused her. How could a twenty-two-year-old feel that way about a ten-year-old? But after their training lessons she learnt that Naruto had become wiser than someone older than the Hokage and with that he was more compassionate than anyone she had ever met.
She knew why Anko felt that way. But if he felt that way to what could the problem be? It didn't seem that the Hokage had any intentions to prohibit it.
"If that's the case why are you like this?"
"He loves me like a sister" the end of the sentence barely came out as she broke down into sobs. The sympathetic look returned to Yugao's face, she could only imagine the pain that felt like, to be that close, tantalisingly close and yet so far. It must feel like you are being reminded of what could have been.
"I see, what will you do now?"
"I don't know, having him think of me like that while I feel the way I do, I don't think I could handle it. The villagers are one thing, but that would just be too much"
Yugao completely understood, everyone had their breaking point and Anko's was Naruto, his opinion weighed heavily. She did feel slightly betrayed, her, Hana and Kurenai had been an incredibly tight-knit friendship group for years and they came second place to a boy. That reminded her of Hayate, with her feelings towards her fellow swordsman and the way her friend clearly cared for the whiskered blond she brushed the feeling off.
She knew why Anko felt that way.
"I'll go let him know that training won't be happening. Though, I want the big bad snake mistress of the hidden leaf, the queen of sadism to let the Hokage know of your decision. Got it?" Anko couldn't help but smile at her friend's attempt to cheer her up.
It would be hard, but when had life been easy?
~ Back in Training Ground '44' ~
Naruto was freaking out.
He was berating himself for trying to push Anko into that kind of relationship, the girl was an orphan like him, but she had been led to believe that her sensei could act as a father figure. In fact, he did act like that, Orochimaru led along the poor young, impressionable Anko. Then he just discarded her, like a broken toy, that thought broke past his self-loathing as a hatred for the other snake summoner.
That man would pay for what he did to Anko.
That thought quickly passed as he began thinking of his sensei, he thought he was being nice by offering her a chance at family, blood related or not. The way she acted let Naruto know that there definitely would not be any training.
He rarely got time off from training so a break would be appreciated. Not to say that he didn't enjoy it, but relaxation is important if one does not want to burnout.
He was not bothered by the lack of training as his thoughts were occupied by his sensei. He was, scared, confused, anxious and perturbed, but most of all he was just worried, worried that he had done something wrong, worried that Anko didn't trust him enough, worried that he'd ruined their relationship.
Yugao had sent a shadow clone to let Naruto now about the training, it was now approaching the clearing. The clone noticed the blond sitting by himself, she guessed that Anko must have left in same state that she found her in.
"Naruto" The boy looked up, the now mask wearing only cringed at the helpless glance he gave "There will be no training today"
"Thought as much"
"Also, I would like to ask that you keep your distance from Anko-chan, at least for the near future. You will see the Hokage in a week's time, until then you will only be able to train by yourself"
Naruto frowned.
"Unfortunately, I will no longer train you as well, I have recently been given a higher priority role and will have less free time" She couldn't outwardly say that she had become an ANBU captain as that was classified knowledge.
"I see, thank you for telling me. You can go know." That stung. The tone of self-directed hatred stung Yugao, she wanted to tell him that everything would be fine, that he didn't do anything wrong, but protocol dictated and regulated how she acted so she kept the emotions behind the mask.
Naruto flashed back to his away before Neko could respond. She only stood there, she felt guilty, the timing for this news was horrid, it must have felt like the world was ganging up on him. She couldn't have been more right. Yugao let out a long sigh before dispelling.
~ A Week Later ~
The last week had been pathetic, Naruto promised himself and a few others that this year he would get his act together in the Academy.
The second day, second and he had already failed. In truth he had locked himself away, not in his house but out of the village. He followed a faint version of a signal that he often received, these, as explained by the Hokage were Minato's markers, they would feel faint as the chakra signatures were similar.
This particular marker was half a day's walk from the village, it was exactly what he needed. The Hokage Monument especially his father's head had always been where he went when he needed to think, but the problem was it wasn't truly getting away.
He had come across a destroyed cottage, a pile of rubble. The seal he found was a mangled kunai with the seal barely visible.
The best thing he could chose to do at that point in time was to rebuild this cottage, that would be the perfect way to forget. He used no clones, there would be no rushing of this. He needed to get this done himself, his clones may have qualified for this, but he would never have the experience of rebuilding it, he would have the memories, not the experience.
He would go out and hunt for rabbits and boar. He wouldn't use any jutsu or techniques, nothing that reminded him of being a ninja and in turn Anko.
It felt a little weird, he wasn't some old hermit or some traveller, but he had enjoyed his time rebuilding the cottage. He could understand why his dad had this little house, a getaway even on occasion a safehouse.
He was told that he was to meet the Hokage today, but he just couldn't, he wasn't ready yet, he didn't know when he would be ready, but he didn't care about that right now.
~ Village Hidden in the Leaves ~
Hiruzen was freaking out he had no idea where Naruto had gone. One week ago, he just vanished, nothing, no word to anyone.
A lot of other people had also noticed the vacancy left by the blond. Shikamaru and Shino had been overheard by Ino who lived up to her reputation as 'the gossip queen'. Later that day everyone knew that Naruto was gone, there was no way he was in the village no one could find him.
Yugao was perplexed, she was the only close friend of Anko so when the news hit, she herself was worried. When she had to explain this to Hana and Kurenai she played it off as acting as the 'Jinchuuriki's hidden bodyguard when he was younger and began to take a liking to him', thankfully the two accepted it.
What confused her and the other two was the usually aloof and sadistic Anko had begun to live up to her name as an 'Ice-queen'. She had become cold towards everyone outside of her friends, even they were on the receiving end of her newly found temper a few times.
Her 'play toys' at the T&I department, the people she could torture were no longer really interrogated, they were just beaten. Once Ibiki learned of Anko's temperament and her use of the prisoners as an outlet he brought the information to the Hokage.
She was immediately taken off duty, this only further enraged the purple haired kunoichi. Hiruzen questioned her about the change in demeanour to which he got a polite 'Fuck you!'. Respecting the woman's desire to be left alone he let her go, that did not mean that he did not order Neko to tell him what she knew. Oh, that conversational was swell.
He was too old for this.
He did not have time for two people having relationship problems, he had a village to run and as Naruto had not yet graduated, he could not justify missions to look for him without having to reveal his heritage. Jinchuuriki or not they could do nothing.
In the academy, multiple students were worried. The Nara, Aburame, Akimichi and Hyuga heirs were all worried for their classmate, Iruka was just like those students, he couldn't think straight not knowing whether his younger brother was okay. He had asked the Hokage to be told immediately when they received news on Naruto's where abouts.
The clan heads were mimicking the actions of their heirs, not only was Naruto the son of theirs village's greatest hero but from a militaristic point, the loss of a Jinchuuriki, especially that of the nin-tailed fox, the most powerful tailed beast.
Anko couldn't take it anymore, she was scared and if there was something that she could never be described as it was scared. She thought that she could at least remain amicable with everyone but it seemed that everyone she looked at reminded her of the whiskered blond, this made her happy because she loved, then it made her worry because he was missing, then it made her angry not only because he did not feel the same way as her and that the reason he was missing was because of her.
She knew she loved him, and she hated him for it.
~ A Week Later ~
Naruto was fine. That was what he would like you to believe, outwardly you would have to either know him personally or be very observant to notice a change in behaviour. Inwardly, he was a mess, it wasn't that couldn't put together a cognitive thought, it was that he had so many it's like his mind was moving quicker than his father.
Was he strong? Would he ever be strong enough? Why did he need to go back? The question was instantaneously met with images of those he held close to him. His classmates, the old man, Iruka, Teuchi and Ayame, Neko-sensei and finally Anko.
He could face everyone but her, he knew it was time to go home but that doesn't mean that he could face her. Why would he face her, he didn't deserve to see her, you don't push someone too far in a friendship and come out unscathed. This time the scathe was the relationship in its entirety.
It was a cold morning, he closed the door behind him, locking it with a seal. He began the slow walk back to the village.
~ Later That Day, In the Village ~
The pressure from the council had been mounting, they claimed that his lax care of the boy had given him the idea that he could just run away. Hiruzen had claimed that it was emotional stress and as a civilian they couldn't brand him a missing-nin and therefore couldn't legally go after him, he further assured Naruto's allegiance to the Hidden Leaf.
Hiruzen knew that Naruto had learnt to not care for the whispers or the glances, that was because of those he held close, but what would happen if the one he likely held closest turned her back on him? Would that be the straw that broke the camel's back?
The aged Hokage was brought out of his musings by his assistant.
"Hokage-sama! Naruto-kun's back!" His gaze shot towards the door to see his assistant panting lightly with a broad grin across her features.
He let out a sigh of relief, he was not sure whether Naruto would come back.
"Please, send him up"
"Yessir"
Two minutes later in walked the very familiar figure of his adoptive grandson.
"Naruto-kun! It's good to see you"
"As it is you Hokage-sama" Naruto replied with a soft smile. "You had me worried for a while, I was not sure if you would return" Naruto simply gave a frown.
"I'm disappointed that you would question my loyalty Hokage-sama, especially after my multiple statements of wanting to make my parents proud"
"I'm sorry for that, but it is simply because I worry about you. I was told of what happened" Seeing the frown deepen he was quick was quick to try and not lose the conversation "I do not wish for you to tell me if you're not ready, even if you're never ready I can wait"
"You don't have that long to wait Hokage-sama"
Hiruzen did not mind jokes about his age as he admitted on many occasions that he was too old for the position of Hokage. He was very happy that Naruto had made that joke as he knew it was a sign that he was closer to earning his trust back.
"While that is true, I am being honest, I don't not want to force you into something that you are not comfortable with"
"Thank you, Hokage-sama"
"Now would you be able to tell me what you did while away?"
"Sorry Hokage-sama, I would very much like to tell you but for the point of secrecy of where I was I can't. I will assure you that I did nothing that would be considered detrimental to our village" Naruto believed he knew the reason as to why his father kept that cottage hidden and he would do so for the same reasons
"A shame, but I have faith in you. Can I ask one thing of you?"
"Of course, Hokage-sama"
"Please do not leave without warning again, you have no idea how many people you scared" That confused Naruto, he knew that he had friends, but he didn't think that they would care too much. It gave the boy a fuzzy feeling knowing that people cared about him.
"I was unaware that would be the case Hokage-sama, it will not happen again"
"That's all I ask; you may go Naruto-kun, Jiraiya will be in the village in three days' time, he wishes to speak with you"
And with a bow Naruto Made his way out of the Hokage's office. It was mid-afternoon, the academy must have finished an hour ago so Iruka must still be there, that would be his next stop. He could pay for dinner at Ichiraku's, two birds with one stone.
~ The Academy ~
The scar-faced instructor was distracted, he was supposed to be marking the students papers from the most recent test, but he just couldn't. Every day it just seemed to be more likely that his brother wouldn't come back. When asking the old man about Naruto he had been told about the interactions with the boy and the snake mistress.
In the few times that they saw each other during the past two weeks it had led to a venomous atmosphere consistently breaking out into shouting and fighting. This had in turn led to the involvement of other Jonin and a reprimanding from the Hokage. Anko was currently off duty so she received the task of having to complete three d-rank mission a day for the week and as Iruka was an academy teacher he would be assigned the role of cleaning the Inuzuka kennels after each day for the duration of the week as well.
Safe to say that both avoided each other like the plague.
Iruka heard a knock at the door, he didn't take care he was too engrossed in his own thoughts.
"Iruka-sensei" Nothing.
"Iruka-sensei!" Still nothing.
"Nii-san!" to that Iruka whipped his head around, there was only one person who called him brother.
There he was the whiskered blond, leaning against the door frame in all his glory. He was unable to dodge the flying academy instructor as he was tackled in a hug.
"Naruto! Where have you been? Are you okay? Do you know how worried we all were?" Naruto only let out a muffled chuckle against the chest of his older brother, it was a reassuring thought to know that someone cared.
"I'm fine, I just needed some time away. I'm sorry I worried you"
"Damn right your sorry, do you how much class you missed, how are you gonna make it up to us?"
Ah, that thought had not occurred to him at that moment. But he would make up for it he would be the best student there was.
"Could I start with paying for some dinner, Ichiraku's of course"
"I'd love to, but I can't, I've been given the task of cleaning the Inuzuka kennels for the remainder of this week"
"How come? I never suspected you to get into trouble"
"I'll have you know I was as much a prankster as you when I was younger"
"Oh really, we'll have to test that one day. But before that why are cleaning the kennels?"
"Me and the Mitarashi-san got in-" Iruka was cut short of his rant by the murderous aura that Naruto was emitting. "Iruka I suggest you choose your next words very carefully. Do not blame her for any of this, I risked our relationship and pushed it too far, she was in the right to react that way"
"Bu-"
"No, I will not have you bad mouth her, especially on my behalf. Anko Mitarashi did nothing wrong, if you see her again, apologise" Iruka had no idea Naruto could be that threatening, the pressure of the stare and the rage rolling off of him in waves made Iruka want to empty his stomach all over the floor. In his fear he gave Naruto a tentative nod.
Immediately the pressure dissipated, and Naruto was back to his cheery self. "Now let me help you with the kennels as it was my fault that you got into this mess, then we can go get some Ichiraku's. Sound like a plan?" Once again receiving a nod, this time it contained more confidence, he smiled and led Iruka out of the door.
The pair had left the academy and began the walk towards the Inuzuka compound. Naruto told Iruka about his time away and gaining a place to think that allowed him to have some real privacy.
They arrived to the Inuzuka Compound to see a smirking Hana.
"Good to see you, Oh and you've managed to drag Naruto-san into doing the work for you"
"Ah, Hana-san, I offered to help as it was my fault for him being in this situation. And please no san suffix, were cleaning kennels not doing business" Naruto still couldn't quite look Hana in the face even after all their meetings, he knew he'd turn red.
"Of course, no need to be too formal, but then don't call me san either, Naruto-kun"
That was it Naruto couldn't take it, while walking with the other two his breath his as he stumbled over his own feet. Both Hana and Iruka found this to be amusing. It hadn't taken long to understand the way Naruto would look at her, and she had to admit, he would grow up to be quite a dashing young man and he was already very mature for his age.
She could give it a go, lest she be teased by her friends and oh, would that get a kick out of Kiba. Iruka on the other hand was barely holding in his snickering, the calm collected Naruto Uzumaki was butter in the hands of Hana Inuzuka, he would never let Naruto live this down.
"O-Of course, Hana-chan?"
"See that's a lot better" Naruto let out a sigh of relief, that had been a gamble.
"Now you too have some kennels to be cleaning" Getting an enthusiastic and down-trodden nod, she led them to the kennels. "I'll be in veterinary building, just down that path please come let me know when you're done"
"Will do Hana-chan, we'll see you when we're done" She waved as she went to go complete her duties.
"Well Iruka-sensei, let's get to work!"
Naruto would learn the pain and torture associated with cleaning those wretched kennels.
They had been there for just under an hour cleaning up the mess that the Inuzuka canines had left behind, just what did they do to get it as messy as it was? Naruto had to have a shower; he wasn't particularly dirty, but he had picked up the stench through proximity. Iruka had the lesser luck, he was both filthy and putrid, but going off of the lack of complaints he was used to this.
They were dragging their heels on the way to the veterinary block, it wasn't a particularly tiring task, but both were severely lacking in energy. Naruto's eyes were half-lidded and struggling to stay open and Iruka was an emotionless slate, no one would be able to tell what was going on inside his head.
Turning the corner, they see Hana walk out of what looks like a surgery room, she was now donning surgical scrubs and a face mask. Similar to one lazy Jonin, she gave the broken pair an eye-smile. She knew the horrors of the task she just completed, and it would be good to get a reaction out of the younger boy. Success, in his tired state he still managed to snap his gaze to the floor to avoid eye-contact.
"I presume that because you are here the kennels are clean?"
Iruka gave her a sleepy nod.
"That's great! You can now head off if you want, but before you go. Naruto" The boy this time gave her a fearful stare, had he done something wrong? Iruka was confused as well, what had Naruto done? Seeing the looks she had an internal giggle "Would you like to get dinner sometime?"
Iruka's mouth hit the floor with a resounding thud, had he heard her correctly? Naruto was staring at Hana with dinner plates for eyes, he couldn't believe it either. He didn't think that he would have the confidence to ask her, so for her to ask him was a jackpot. In his head the chibi Narutos was doing laps in head holding banners that said 'Score' and 'Victory'. On the outside though Naruto gave her a set of very quick nods showing his obvious enthusiasm.
"Great, pick me up from my house at seven pm. You'll be organising okay?"
Once again receiving the nods she eye-smiled once again before waving to the two before going back into what seemed to be her office. Naruto once she had gone bolted out leaving a disbelieving Iruka with a stupid look on his face.
"What in the seven hells just happened?" and with that question he followed his adoptive brother's cloud of dust out of the Inuzuka Compound.
~ That Afternoon ~
Naruto had spent the better part of four hours planning for this date, he asked Choji's opinion on the best place to eat. Unsurprisingly that had been Yakiniku Q, Choji's favourite barbeque shop, he was told that the second-floor dining was perfect for dates as the cubicles were smaller and more intimate. He had chosen simple clothing, black dress sandals, black jeans, a white t-shirt and blue denim long-sleeve top. He was currently on his way from the Hokage who had recently allowed him an IOU as he could not use any of the funds from his parents wills.
He had booked one of the best cubicles it was quite private, he did not want the date ruined by the whispers and stares, he had gone to the restaurant beforehand to make sure that he would be accepted. That seemed unnecessary as they all treated him with the utmost respect, many even using the 'sama' suffix. He of course, told them to please treat him like every other customer, to which they obliged.
He planned to pick her up at seven, take her to the reservation at seven-thirty, eat until nine, go for a walk until no later than ten-thirty and have her back before eleven.
He had his clothes all setup and ready, this would go perfectly.
~ Inuzuka Compound ~
Hana was stressed, she thought that getting ready for a date would be easy, people do this all the time, why wouldn't it be? But she found herself second-guessing every decision she made, red dress or purple dress? Red dress she finally decided, it would match the clan marks, the dress itself was cut out before the shoulders, pointing towards the neck, finished at the knees with a black waistband. Black sandals, they were the most comfortable and kept her feminine figure.
Tsume Inuzuka was amused, watching her daughter prepare was hilarious as she had no idea what to do. Her daughter had never accepted a date before, so what changed? which male swept her off her feet? She needed to know.
"Hana-chan?"
"Yes mum?" Hana fumbled to the counter to see her mum.
"What are you doing?" What would Hana say? She got lost in thought while her face burned brighter and brighter in anticipation and embarrassment. When she realised that she had not answered her answer barely came out.
"I'm um preparing for a date tomorrow, what? Why are you so interested?"
"Oh, no reason. This has to be the first date that you accepted"
"Funny you say that" This confused Tsume, what else could it be?
"What is it pup? Why is that funny?"
"Weeellll, I might have been the one that asked him out" That confused the Inuzuka patriarch even more. She what broken out of her stupor by her snickering brother.
"Poor Naruto" Tsume raised an eyebrow at this, she wondered about the relationship between her daughter and the young boy. He was clearly fond of her, but she played stupid. "Kiba, why is that?"
"Oh, you know, not being able to look Hana in the face without practically passing out. All his confidence goes out the window when she's involved" Kiba walked off after that statement whilst still laughing at his friends misfortune, his sister, the girl his friend liked, was interested in someone else.
He could not be more wrong.
Tsume after taking in that statement looked at her daughter, she looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Who is it Hana?" That tone was that of a clan head, she was demanding an answer.
"Well, Iruka might have brought someone with him today to clean the kennels, that boy claimed that it was his fault for the incident between Iruka and Anko-chan."
"Oh my god! You didn't ask Hatake out, did you? Someone said that he brought that topic up." That confused Hana, she thought that the answer was obvious, or maybe she was just being paranoid.
"No, of course not. Maybe I need to rephrase that. He was the one they were arguing about, he went missing for two weeks and they were pointing the finger at who to blame" That clicked in Tsume's head, her expression soon matched Hana's. Her daughter had asked out the boy who was infatuated with her. How hilarious, then the final thought occurred in her mind.
"Poor Kiba" to that Hana gave a sheepish chuckle. "Yep, well he'll find out at seven, tomorrow afternoon." Tsume's response was to almost fall over in laughter.
~ The Next Day, lunch time ~
Kurenai, Yugao and Hana were all sitting at their regular coffee shop, Anko was still distancing herself from everyone. Hana was going to tell them about the date planned.
"I have a date tonight" The bombshell had been dropped, this caused Kurenai to nearly choke on her tea. Yugao gave a small chuckle before responding. "It seems the 'Ice-queens' are dissipating. I've got Hayate, Nai-chan has Asuma when he returns from the Guardian twelve" That got a scoff from Kurenai, Yugao noted it before continuing "And you have who? Who managed to get you to accept" she said whilst pinning Hana with an interested look.
"I asked him out actually" This got raised eyebrows, these girls were not known for being forward in date, so the surprise was evident. "What? Is it so hard to believe that I'm interested in someone?" the response were blank stares.
"You and Nai-chan have been the coldest towards the guys, so I find it hard to believe" Kurenai was more interested in finding out who it was.
"Anyways, who was it that swept our young Inuzuka off her feet?"
"…rut… U…aki…"
"Sorry? Didn't catch that" Kurenai was amused at the bashfulness her friend exhibited.
"Naruto Uzumaki"
The silence was deafening, the two other girls were stunned. Kurenai had heard a lot of things of the young boy, recently he just seemed to be like everyone else, if not slightly nicer. Yugao on the other hand was having an internal freak-out.
'Hana and Anko like the same guy, and it's Naruto of all people! This is sooo Fucked!"