Chapter Five - Explaining Mysef

The Hokage thought for a moment, before responding to my question. "What happens after death? Under normal circumstances, when a person dies, their soul goes to the Pure Land. I don't know what happens there though."

I take a few deep, calming breaths before continuing. "Well… That didn't happen to me when I died. When I died, I was reborn again." The Hokage's eyes widen as I speak. "In my… past life, there were books that detailed a series of events that I now find myself living through. I loved the characters in those books, and I couldn't live with myself if I allowed any of them to go through hardships and trauma that I could have prevented."

I wait in silence for what feels like an eternity. The Hokage is just sitting there with his eyes closed, not saying a word.

He doesn't believe me. Of course he wouldn't. Who would? I sound like a child making up an excuse to get out of trouble.

I start staring down dejectedly again before the Hokage softly speaks. "What would have happened if you didn't warn the Hyuga of that intruder?"

Without raising my head. "Assuming events played out the way they did in the books. Hinata would have been kidnapped in an attempt for Kumo to get the Byakugan. Before they even leave the compound, they would have been discovered and Hiashi would directly kill the Kumo ninja. As a result, Kumo would demand Hiashi's body as compensation, threatening war if he wasn't turned over. Because the village is still weak due to the Nine-Tails attack, you would be forced to comply. Hizashi went instead of Hiashi, causing Neji to also be traumatized by the events of the night, eventually leading to him hating the main family."

After a while, the Hokage reaches over and ruffles my hair. "I believe you."

Staring wide-eyed at the Hokage, I blurt out. "What? Why? It just sounds like something I made up to get out of trouble!"

Chuckling he responds. "Even if it does sound far-fetched, there are jutsu capable of reviving someone, no matter how long they've been dead. Someone being born again isn't much of a stretch from that. Despite what you may think, your story is more believable than not.

You act more mature than some adults and have no issues speaking at a level no child your age usually can speak at.

The events playing out how you described without your intervention is also a believable outcome.

I also know that you were born in Konoha, I spoke with the ninja that found you when you were born.

Then to top it all off, you have displayed the absolute best of what the Will of Fire is supposed to be. I wouldn't be a good Hokage if I allowed anything to happen to one of my most loyal citizens would I? Especially someone that I'm sure will become one of Konoha's strongest protectors."

When I don't respond, the Hokage stood and waved me over. "Come with me to my office, we still have more to discuss."

He then starts to walk out of the room after gesturing for the ANBU to lower the barrier. He makes it halfway down the hall to the stairs before I come to my senses and run after him. The walk back to Hokage tower is quiet but quick. It's strange walking through the village with everyone stopping to greet or bow to the legend next to me.

I trip and almost fall on my face as we pass the secretary and the Hokage asks. "Can you have Naruto brought to my office please? Thank you."

The Hokage smirks at me as he sits himself behind his desk. "I take it you recognize Naruto then?"

I climb into a rather large seat by the desk and respond. "Yea… He's the main character of the story. He's the person in this world I know the most about."

He pauses at that. "I know I shouldn't ask about the future, lest things take a darker turn, but I need to know. Do my actions help him to have a better life?"

"If you mean keeping the fact that he's the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails from him as an S class secret, then no. People will hate him and discriminate against him for his entire childhood. They see him as the beast itself, instead of its jailer… It takes a long time, and lots of effort on his part, before they come to realize how much they're wrong…" I trail off, not sure how much more I should say.

"I-I see. I had hoped that the people would see him as the hero of the village, but I can see how it turns out that way." For the first time, the Hokage looks weary. Aged even further by the many awful things that he must have seen and done over his life as the God of Shinobi.

This doesn't last long as the door opens, and the sound of a small child running is heard, followed by an exclamation. "Grandpa!"

A child, around my age, with bright blonde hair, blue eyes, and whisker marks on both sides of his face, runs around the desks and launches himself at the Hokage, who laughs in response.

'I can't say Naruto's actions are unexpected.' I smile to myself at that thought.

After a while of Naruto excitedly babbling to the Hokage, getting smiles and nods in response, Naruto finally glances over and notices me.

"Grandpa, grandpa, who's that?" he yells, before jumping off of the Hokage's lap and running in front of me and jumping up and down. "Hey, hey, hey, I'm Naruto Uzumaki! What's your name?"

Smiling down at him I respond. "I'm Ayo. Nice to meet you Naruto!"

He beams up at me and asks. "Grandpa, can Ayo come with us to eat?"

Chuckling the Hokage responds. "As long as he agrees, I see no reason he can't."

Naruto turns back to me. "I would love to come eat with you."

The Hokage stands and says. "Well Naruto, why don't you wait outside in the lobby? I have a few more things I need to talk to Ayo about, and we'll join you. Ok?"

Naruto cheers. "Ok! As long as we can get ramen!" Then runs off into the lobby.

Chuckling, I speak. "I see he's already got a ramen addiction… I guess that's to be expected. What else did you want to talk about Lord Hokage?"

Walking over he says. "Currently, Naruto is being raised by off duty ANBU. This will have to change soon. I can't send him to the orphanage due to his circumstances. I was originally intending to give him an apartment in a ninja only complex, and have ANBU watching him."

Looking down at me he continues. "But now, I have a better idea. Will you live with him and help to keep him safe and cared for?"

I hold eye contact for what feels like eternity before finally nodding. "Of course. He needs someone to keep him away from all the hatred and abuse he's going to have to experience."

Smiling, the Hokage responds. "Thank you Ayo. This means a lot to me. I'm sure Naruto will also be excited. We'll have more time to talk about your situation soon. But for now, I've promised a young child some ramen. Shall we?"