Chapter 2: Fear

Naruto stood inside a small, one-bedroom apartment which was given to him by the Hokage. It was a gift, which remained to be the first of its kind and almost broke Naruto's calm state of mind. The sheer emotion and feelings that came from that one gesture would remain in Naruto for his entire life, along with teaching him how potent and deeply rooted emotion was. Naruto wasn't blind or deaf to the emotions running through the Hokage; the man had many reasons for why he gave the gift but also a subtle desire for payback. It helped Naruto to understand the phrase 'nothing is free'. Yet at this moment, Naruto wielded his clear mind and set himself to the task he knew to be the best response for the time; shopping.

Almost instantly, Naruto was recognised as he walked through the village, which flipped a switch in people's minds and hearts. It was very clear to Naruto now, who's senses were growing each day with more detail being gained. Everyone would go out there a way to glare at him, their feelings would darken and influence whatever they were thinking about. It was strange for Naruto to pinpoint the real source of the hate, spite and rage; fear. Fear was a feeling that he had felt in vast amounts in his first few years of life. Tapping into the hearts of those around, directed him to different colours and flavours of this same feeling. What was most intriguing was how common it was to hide away from fear with anything else; hate being an effortless feeling to use.

What Naruto was very aware of, was how much more he felt emotions after clearing his mind. Naruto was more open and knowledgeable than ever before. Feelings, thoughts, ideas, dreams, goals, personality, habits and more were all included. So, fear was simply another emotion which he had successfully conquered and defeated, which in turn gave him full control over his actions. Trying to shop for essentials in a village filled with people that feared and hated you was a big challenge. The simple response was a pure denial of entry. Others would only sell rotten produce while some would charge several times more than usual. Naruto was clear on what he needed and had fantastic patience to seek out the entire village. He had 3 months' worth of essentials in the apartment. Naruto went out every day for those 3 months and scoured every building, forest and area taking everything.

The primary academy was set to start the following day, after a 3-month summer. Naruto had been enrolled by the Hokage to attend. He had been given a stipend which was a monthly allowance for essentials. The benefit was provided by the assistant desk in the Hokage tower. The assistant refused Naruto every time with a lousy lie of an excuse. Naruto was now eating his very last meal. The summer was at its end and with no money (Apartment fees), no extra clothes nor any food; Naruto was indeed at rock bottom. Fear was felt like a hot blanket, yet no matter what, Naruto continued eating calmly. After finishing, he washed and tidied. He walked to the door, opened it and then strangely spoke.

"I know about the fox. Bring me to the Hokage."

That was all it took, to get the dog masked ANBU whose turn it was to watch over him. For the last 3 months, this man hadn't been around and only now would this have a better chance of working. It did, as the man appeared in a swirl of leaves, placed a hand on his shoulder and vanished with him in a swirl of motion.

The Hokage was currently sat at his desk, reading an adult book which he did to release some tension from the high-stressed job. A vice which helped to curb the death he had inflicted directly and indirectly. An essential requirement of ninja, to stop mental breakdown. He had several moments each month to do this. He also used a special all-seeing orb which allowed him to scope out any area within the entire village. It had every citizen keyed into it and allowed him full access. He would usually use it to see Naruto, who seemed very calm taking many long walks around the village. The boy got around, and he was pleased. Still, something in his gut told him he was missing something. A knawing sensation which only got worse.

The Hokage was abruptly aware of a soon-to-be entering ANBU with Naruto, the boy on his heart. The particular ANBU was a cut above the rest; Kakashi Hatake, the copy-cat and master of 1000 chakra techniques. The leader just knew that his gut was right, and whatever was about to happen wouldn't be right.

Kakashi Hatake liked Naruto. He had a perfect blend of Minato, Kushina and his own uniqueness. He had no influence from the fox and somehow remained completely sane after all the negative attention delivered by the villagers. He could only curse his own fate, for not being there the many times where Naruto needed him. He and Itachi were some of the only ones who gave a damn. Now though, he just knew he missed another problem. This one, however, seemed to have a far sinister underline to it. It was in the boy's entire character. He noticed from the attack several months ago, how calm the boy was. The boy knew he was there, which should have been impossible. He wasn't even shy or nervous, but silently confident.

After using a body-flicker technique to utilise a far higher speed to propel the two straights to the Hokage tower. It was faster than sound and very difficult to master due to the horrible tunnel vision that occurs. As we landed, the boy didn't show any discomfort. Strange but not crucial to Kakashi's opinion. He led the boy through the tower, only using hand signals to alert the ANBU inside. As they entered the Hokage's office, Kakashi saw a huge sigh of relief fill Naruto. The boy was smiling and seemed to reveal the truth; he was still just a child.

Naruto entered the Hokage's office and after affirming what his other senses told him gave a sigh of relief. He was safe, and this man in front of him genuinely wanted the best for him. All the treatment he received from the village could have come from the Hokage, something which he didn't rule out until now. He felt many emotions for doing so but felt that doing so his way was more complete. Naruto walked was gestured to sit down while the ANBU remained standing. The ANBU told the Hokage what Naruto said and then continued quietly.

To say the Hokage was shocked was an understatement but his masked features did its job by keeping a straight face. With a few gestures, everyone but Kakashi, Naruto and the Hokage were in the room. Naruto could detect someone above the ceiling. A position which Naruto pointed to while looking at Kakashi. Somehow the man clocked on to Naruto's gesture immediately and was able to surprise the hidden ANBU and pin him down before he could escape, signal for help or commit suicide. The Hokage again had many feelings going through. Still, most of all remained stoic and summoned two ANBU to take the captured spy away for interrogation and torture. He then gave his full attention to Naruto who had been in his constant tranquil calm state.

"Hokage, I know that I hold the Kyuubi. I know I am the son of the 4th Hokage; Minato Namikaze. I also know that without your immediate help, I will die regardless of starvation in about 3 months. While you and this ANBU treat me well, the villagers do not. I can't enter stores, your own assistants refuse to provide me money, and I don't wish to butcher my bond with you by stealing. You gave me a gift, one that I won't ever forget. If you can help me with this, then ask anything, and I will do it."