Life as a fox
Chapter 9 *2012 EDITION*
NSW
The entire room was packed. People were pushed and shoved into such tight places, it was like a can of sardines. Everyone wanted to be there, who wouldn't? The last of the Uchiha and the previous Hokage accused of treason , theft, bribery, premeditated murder...the list went on - almost endless where the crimes against the sovereignty.
The judge residing over the trial was the crown judge himself, the top judge in all of Konoha, he went by the name of Toytami Satoyo. He was a middle-aged man and looked as if he had spent too long in the libraries and catacombs of Konoha; his eyes rimmed by glasses and his skin a dry sullen pallor. His hair was slick and pulled back in a top knot (for his calling before being a judge was once a samurai) but he had given up his swords and now wielded a gavel with the same accuracy and pride.
The jury sat patiently, waiting for the trial to proceed, Tsunade (the plaintiff) was given her lawyer - who happened to be Yamato. (Okay I know the lawyer is not supposed to be involved with you in any way, but, shes the Hokage, she knows everyone) and Sasuke and Danzo had Danzo representing them.
Both parties could call upon only three witnesses. The bailiff then stood and the court went silent. "Trial number 650-A3, Lady Tsunade 5th Hokage vs Lord Danzo Hokage-tempore and Uchiha Sasuke." The court was so silent you would have heard a pin drop - if one was dropped.
Thankfully, one was not, and the silence instead was broken by Satoyo clearing his throat. "Is there an opening statement for either of the parties?" he asked. Tsunade raised her hand. Satoyo nodded to her, she rose and then said: "I wish to say that if my leading skills are truly inadequate enough that some of you find fault enough in them to take my life, I apologize and will gladly step down if that is what you wish".
There was a stir in the room, as hushed whispers rose in the air like the cascades of a thousand chirping crickets. One quick knock of the judge's gavel and the court fell into a hush once more. Then Danzo rose to speak. "I have served many years in Konoha, only looking out for the best of Tsunade's welfare. I have never once thought of any ill will to her - or her heir for the Hokage position, whoever that may be, and if there is some manner of trivial evidence that contradicts what I have said, then let the court realize the possibility that the evidence is falsely presented".
There was another murmur through the court, the judge sighed and hit his gavel once more, he then said: "Very well, both statements have been recorded. The jury would now like to call their first witness to the stand...Uchiha Sasuke., Sasuke stood slowly, leaning on one crutch. He also had a bandage over his left cheek, they noted, as he limped to the bailiff - who presented him the Law of Konoha.
He then said: "Put your right hand on the Sacred scroll of Kami. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you Kami?" Sasuke nodded and said: "Yes." The bailiff opened the door and let Sasuke in the small place next to the Judge.
Yamato got up, addressing the jury and everyone in the room. "I hold in my hand this bag containing a sake bottle that was tampered with and poisoned; then placed in an area where the Lady Tsunade would find it.
We have sent tests to be done on the contents of the bottle, and they have came back positive to a hybrid plant that we have confiscated within the confines of one of your so-called 'offices'" he then took a breath. "We have reason to believe, that Uchiha Sasuke was the culprit behind the poisoning of this bottle and five others."He turned to Sasuke then. "We also have evidence that states you entered Lady Tsunade's office, and left the poisoned drinks behind - what do you say?"
Sasuke paused momentarily. "I have only entered Lady Tsunade's office to receive news of my missions." Yamato said nothing for a bit, taking the time to stare Sasuke down."Really? Because when a person enters Lady Tsunade's office, there is a secretary who specializes in writing down a person's name and exact time they enter and leave the office, and on Thursday the 12 of September, it is stated that you entered her office at 3:23 P.M, then at 3:26 P.M both Tsunade and Shizune had left, but you did not. In fact you didn't leave until 3:36 P.M... Tell me Sasuke...why were you in her office for an extra ten minutes? To me that seems the perfect amount of time to plant a sake stash and poison it".
The jury members looked closer at Sasuke, a few eyes caught each other, thinking the exact same thing. Sasuke sat up straighter "Okay yes, I stayed in her office, but only because she never dismissed me. I stayed thinking on whether I should wait for her or not, then I decided to leave." Some of the Jury members nodded to that as well, thinking it was a very reasonable excuse.
Yamato nodded as if agreeing with them. "Yes, yes that is all just and noble waiting for her for so long, but how can you explain your fingerprints on almost every square inch of her office?" Sasuke sighed, "Well I said I waited, I didn't say I waited patiently. I was curious to all that was in her office, so I decided to look around more closely. I put everything back, and didn't try to open things I knew were not meant for me".
Yamato went back to the desk and picked up a photo. "This here is a photograph, of Tsunade's private safe in her office." he said, holding it for everyone to see. Then he showed it to each jury member, and then the judge. "As you can see it was hidden underneath a large rug, and barely noticeable...unless someone is really looking for it. Upon the very edge, we found a partial fingerprint of Uchiha Sasuke. So tell me Sasuke, explain that." he said throwing the photo in front of Sasuke. Danzo rose saying "Objection your honor" but Satoyo hit his gavel. "Objection overruled, please be seated."
Sasuke said nothing for bit then said: "Okay I admit I found the safe, but I never opened it! I just touched it to see if it was real." Yamato then said "How did you find the safe?" Sasuke sighed. "I thought I heard someone coming when I was behind the desk, I then ran but…. I tripped on the rug. it folded over enough for me to see it." Sasuke said quickly.
Yamato took the Photograph, "a very likely story, yet I didn't say which edge the fingerprint was on, the fingerprint was found on the inside edge of the safe, but I believe we have heard enough, you may be seated." Sasuke rose and limped back over to Danzo and sat, Danzo glared at Yamato. Yamato just went back over and sat down next to Lady Tsunade.
Danzo then rose. "I would like to call upon the first witness.." A murmur arose in the room, no one could see anyone sitting behind Lady Tsunade and Yamato, then grew in volume when they saw a white dog limping up to the main stand. The judge knocked his gavel a few times to silence the court. The bailiff looked down, then to the judge.
He was silent for a moment then he said: "Sir, is. . . this even legal?" The judge looked thoughtful for a moment then he responded. "The law does not say whether the witness has to be human or not." The bailiff nodded then looked back down. "Um, state your name." He jumped a little when Naruto said calmly "Fluffy." The jury was in a flurry of whispers and so was everyone else. The bailiff cleared his throat "Fluffy, place your right. . . paw, on the scroll, and repeat after me." the bailiff leaned down a bit so Naruto could reach. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you Kami?" Naruto nodded saying "I do."
Danzo rose then, he walked over to Naruto "Tell me, Fluffy, you must admit this entire predicament is quite odd." Naruto shook his head "I do not think so, what makes you say that?" Danzo continued. "Well, it's not every day you see a talking dog, I mean, that is what you are...correct?" Naruto shook his head "No, I am not a talking dog." Tsunade sat straighter in her seat, she shoot a warning glance at him. "I am a talking wolf, with a little fox mixed in." he then grinned.
Danzo looked at the court then addressed him "...and where did you come from?" Naruto sighed. "Well,. . . when a mommy and daddy love each other very much..." Danzo held his hand up. "No not that, I mean where did you live before you came here, and why did you come to Konoha in the first place?" Naruto sighed again. "I used to live with a very nice old man, he taught me much, he raised me and took care of me when the world had turned its back on me, then,... he died, killed by strange people I did not know. I wandered lost, and hungry, then I came upon a great,...fight, between many humans, and other unnatural things I do not wish to name."
Naruto paused to look around the room, everyone was listening to his story, completely enthralled with it, "I hid, for I was afraid, I could not understand why humans would do this to each other, why they hate others of their own kind so much." he paused and continued. "Then I found Hinata, she was different - kind, sweet, generous. I could see much of the nice old man in her, she has a good heart, she cares for things, she protects them and keeps them safe. I didn't want her to meet the same end that the old man did." He took a breath and met her eyes in the crowd "So i pledged myself to stay by her side and protect her,. . . her and everyone I see that has a good heart, and one of those people is your pack leader, Tsunade - she is my leader as well, so I have to protect her. That is why I am here, Danzo."
Danzo nodded, "Very well, but tell me - why do you think that Uchiha Sasuke is the one that is trying to hurt your 'pack leader?'" Danzo said in mocking quotations. Naruto looked at Sasuke "Because, my instinct tells me he is dangerous. He is like a snake poised and deadly, yet he is also like a timid mouse as well. I am guessing then he is nothing but a rat: dangerous when cornered, but too much of a coward to stand and fight."
Danzo held up his hand. "Now, now, be easy. So your telling me, and the jury that your reason for suspicion on Uchiha Sasuke is, your...instinct?" Naruto shrugged, then nodded. "In a way." Danzo smirked, "Please elaborate."
Naruto closed his eyes and continued. "Well, it was back at that large battle, when I was searching for a place to hide, that I came across him, him and some other human, about his height. Only his pelt was bright yellow, instead of black, and his eyes were like the sky or the water." Danzo's smile faded. The jurymen and everyone moved closer to listen, then one of them piped up. "Please continue Fluffy." Naruto glanced over at Sasuke, He was pale as a ghost.
Naruto took a deep breath. "I...I watched them, they were different from the others, instead of fighting they sat and talked. I heard very little, for the wind carried it away, but by the posture of the yellow-pelted one, it was as if he was begging your Sasuke for something. It continued on for a bit, and then..." Naruto cut off, he calmed his breathing, 'Come on, hold it together.' he said to himself. He found Hinata's eyes, they held the strength he needed to say the next bit. "They fought then, I don't know why, but they did,.the yellow-pelted one didn't seem to want to attack, but he,..." Naruto said pointing to Sasuke. "...he, did."
Naruto looked around the room, everyone's eyes bored into him, some eyes already were looking at Sasuke with a malice, and distrust. A bead of sweat fell of Danzo's face. "It only took a few more moments, and then with a flash, Sasuke pulled out something long, and shiny, it gleamed like a fang in the sun. Then, faster then I could ever imagine, he attacked the yellow-pelt."
"The yellow-pelt did not react in time, and then I saw the entire shiny thing was in his chest, so far you could no longer see the shine. The yellow-pelt, stood for a moment longer, then he sunk to the ground. They stared at each other for a bit then...the great fox came, It roared in anger. I had never seen such a fox, it must have been the god of my mother's race; I don't know where it came from, but I just know it was powerful." Everyone in the room nodded, a few whispered harshly to each other.
Naruto paused then said: "Yet still the yellow-pelt lived on. I went closer - since the god fox was gone, and still he spoke, how he would never forgive Sasuke. The yellow-pelt sighed, then...well, as we wolves put it, his spirit went into the everlasting hunt in the sky." Then there was a large commotion, as what it looked like Kakashi was being held back by Guy and Iruka.
Kakashi swore and cursed and kept on trying to weave a jutsu, but Guy and Iruka dragged him out of the courtroom. the judge kept on pounding his gavel trying to get some order. Finally, he he sighed and weaved his hands in a pattern and created that which was every judge's trump card to uncontrollable misbehavior in the court. A large hammer smashed to the ground causing people to jump a few inches from their seats.
He then stood and screamed: "I WILL HAVE ORDER IN THIS COURT, OR ELSE I WILL SEND EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU TO JAIL FOR OBSTRUCTION OF PEACE!" Everyone was silent as he climbed back down, fixed his robe, then turned to Naruto. "Very well, Fluffy. So you say you witnessed this man murder someone in, how you say, cold blood. The 'yellow-pelt', did nothing to antagonize the fight?" Naruto nodded "Yes, he was very docile the entire time, as if he was trying to accomplish some greater task that was worth more then his life."
The judge nodded. "So naturally you have to keep watch over your 'pack', now that you knew he was untrustworthy. The attack on the yellow-pelt...well, by the way, it's not a pelt: it's hair, we also call yellow 'blonde'...and I do believe that this blonde's name was Naruto." Naruto nodded, "Yes...this...Naruto human, Hinata sometimes mentions him." The judge nodded again. "Yes anyway, back to my point. Danzo you may be seated, I will further the investigation." Danzo went and sat down, hateful eyes watched his every step.
The Judge turned to Naruto. "The attack on this Naruto took place during war - which law stipulates is justified because during that time, Uchiha Sasuke was considered an enemy. However, if he has attacked someone in Konoha now that he is reinstated as a Ninja,...then that is a different case altogether." He looked at Naruto, who nodded, then spoke. "Yes, he has attacked someone, I also have witnessed it."
The court was a hush. "He attempted to attack Tsunade, while she slept." Naruto looked to the judge to see if he could continue, the judge nodded. "Well, I was out on the prowl one night, not too long ago actually, wandering the streets looking for something good to eat in the metal bins you humans have...when I smelled Sasuke. I wanted to see what he was doing because my instinct told me something bad was going to happen, so I followed him. He crept into Tsunade's den, I watched from a window to see what he was doing, for I am not a human and I maybe could have been over reacting and this is a natural occurrence."
Naruto looked around once more "He then was holding a pillow above her, I could easily read from his posture and knew from his scent what he was up to. I howled, hoping to scare him and wake Tsunade, which did both. Then, in fear that Sasuke might find me, I ran back home." The judge nodded. "Tsunade, can you verify this account?" She nodded. "Do you have evidence of this account"?
Yamato rose and approached the bench, "Yes, my Honor. Here is a strand of hair that Tsunade found in a window that looked to be pried open. We matched Sasuke's DNA to it." The judge looked to the jury, the head jury member nodded, then the judge rose. "The jury will now retire to vote on the verdict. We ask that you remain seated and calm throughout the proceedings, whatever they may be."
The judge then rose, and let Naruto out; who limped over to Tsunade's side. He looked at her, and she at him. "You did good." she whispered and Naruto glanced over at Sasuke. "I hope you're right." After an hour of waiting the jury filed out, and the judge took his place. "We find Uchiha Sasuke, guilty of all crimes."
Then he paused and said: "Now circumstance says that the punishment is death, but, due to the fact you are the last Uchiha, there is another option. You would be placed in maximum security prison for three years, as long as you do the following. One: declare intent of the possibility of rehabilitation, and two: marry the females the Council has picked for you, and show you are able to pass on the Uchiha bloodline."
There was a heavy silence in the room, as Sasuke looked at Danzo then the judge. "I will take the other option, I only did what Danzo said because he said he would kill me. Danzo planned everything, not me. Like he said - I'm not smart enough to think things all the way through, I act too much on emotion." Naruto had to admit Sasuke had an excellent point, Sasuke would never had thought of any of those plots, and Sasuke actually did speak the truth, Danzo did say, in a way, he would kill Sasuke if he didn't join his side.
Still, the fact of the matter was that Sasuke was once again being treated special. Once again Naruto felt slightly betrayed by the village he loved, they would always favor him of course, he was the last Uchiha - the only one who could breed the Sharingan, the most powerful blood-trait in Konoha.
The judge turned to address Danzo. "Danzo: to you, on the other hand, we will show no mercy. Many fingers in past trials have always hinted towards you. You are guilty of all crimes put before you, and you will be given the death sentence. May the Gods have mercy on your soul." Then he swung his gavel down, where it actually splintered in two from the force.
Danzo was in shock. However, before the jailers could step in to take him into custody, Danzo lunged at Sasuke. "YOU LITTLE RAT! I GIVE YOU MY PROTECTION AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?!" Danzo slapped Sasuke across the face. The guard came in, but Danzo surprised everyone. He was able to grab one of the blades they held, and he wrestled with them before overpowering them in his rage.
He turned around and then, spotting Naruto, his eyes went wild as he leaped desperately towards him. Naruto tried to jump away but his bandage got caught on a chair. Naruto was able to dodge the first swing, but the second one was coming down fast...too fast. Tsunade was leaping for her chair and Yamato was flying through the seal marks, but it was not either of them who saved his life.
Maybe Sauske was just getting back at the blow Danzo had given him, maybe he was just acting on impulse, but the fact of the matter was Sasuke barrel-rolled into Danzo. They grappled on the floor, Sasuke in his weakend state was overpowered, Naruto broke lose of the chair. Here was his chance once more, he could attack and kill Sasuke, or save Sasuke and get Danzo. He glanced quickly up and the words sprang out from the emblem on the wall 'Justice overcomes all.'
Naruto gritted his teeth, and lept, he smacked into Danzo - knocking the blade out of his hand. However, Naruto overshot him, and both he and Danzo were sent flying from the force. Naruto collided out of control against the judge's podium, and, as he hit his back, the wood splintered. Naruto saw fuzziness for a bit but during those few moments he once again, found those pools of obsidian - Sasuke's eyes. For the first time, they were not filled with malice, or hate, or stoic ego, but they instead stared back with thanks, and an emotion he could not describe somewhere between sadness, and guilt.
Naruto could not form words, instead he bowed his head. He was not ready to accept the fact that he had been cheated out of life, but for this moment they had saved each other's lives. But Naruto still held a resentment for him. Danzo was placed under arrest finally, and so was Sasuke - both of them were lead out of the courtroom. Tsunade went over to help him, but Naruto right now didn't want any help. He shrugged it off and limped out; he passed Hinata and the others without a word.
He traveled to a place he always went when he needed to cool down or just think, and here he sat looking at the sunset over Konoha. He knew the others had followed him, they stayed at a reserved distance and were silent, but he could tell they were worried about him. Finally he sighed and nodded, "Sometimes, fights are not fair. Neither is war, nor death, because in the end life is not fair."
He then turned to them. "I am neither happy nor, really angry about the outcome of today, If Pervy-sage ever did teach me something it was to accept my failures, as well as my wins with the same calm, grace." He then looked over the sunset. "A hundred years from now we will all be dead, and this trial will just be like us - history, it will not effect the coming of the days or the tides of the sea; it will not alter the change of the seasons.
"Like it or not we humans cannot change nature or earth, we are powerless to those forces. Someday far from now, there will be no more Ninjas, or Samurai. No more Uchiha or Uzumaki, Hyuga or Inuzaka, Instead we will all be dead, gone from this world and only remembered in stories."
Naruto turned to them, a tear in his eye, "But, despite all of this, we still each have lives to live, and no matter what happens in them we must learn to bear through it and keep going...'cause sooner or later you will be able to see, or be part of something beautiful and majestic; and that my friends is the real reason why we are on this earth: so we can become someone or something truely great, and that way we can live on forever; and if you keep thinking like this you will never truely die."
Hinata had a tear in her eye. "N-naruto, that was beautiful." Naruto smirked. "Now, Hinata don't think I suddenly got all poetic, I read something like that in a fortune cookie once..." he grinned. "Well, actually, I did think of it here on the spot, but that would be a really good fortune cookie, don't you think?" He then wagged his tail and turned to look at the sunset. "Now see?! Didn't I say it was a beautiful-?" Naruto was cut off as he disappeared over the side of the cliff, you could hear a frightend howl, Sakura screamed and ran to the edge so did everyone else, dreading the worst.
All of them felt like complete idiots, Naruto sat on a little alcove, grinning up at them. "Hah! You fell for it just like old third did - man the look on your face is classic! Now Sakura don't give me that face! What did I just say? You have to learn to look on the brighter side of life!" Naruto hopped up only to be given the worst noogie he could imagine "Oh! Noo-! Agh! Okay! I give!" Naruto jumped from her arms and rubbed his head with a paw. "Thanks a lot." he muttered.
Naruto then looked once more over Konoha when he spotted a place, he had not been to for a very long time. "Hey,. . . you guys doing anything?" Shikamaru shrugged. "Not really, why?" Naruto gulped. "Because, I want to go somewhere, and I am afraid to go myself" Sakura giggled. "Naruto, where on earth could you possibly be scared to go?" Naruto then calmly said "My grave".
There was a stunned silence, then Hinata spoke. "Are you sure?" Naruto nodded "I have to...I have to face it, my fear. It's something I have to do...but I just don't know if I can do it alone." Sakura nodded. "Yeah, we'll go with you - all of us."
They traveled through the streets, until they came to the main gate for the cemetery. Naruto gulped and stepped on that ground. All around him, he knew, deep down there were bodies buried, the souls in them were lucky; they were able to leave earth and go to heaven, but not him. No, he was cursed.
He paused, a cold sweat breaking out. "No...can't...back out, must keep going." He opened his eyes and shakily kept on walking, to him it was like walking through a boggy swamp, or up a mountain. The weight of fear and emotions that ran through him weighed him down and slowed him; it was only when he looked to see his friends giving him comfort was he able to keep going.
Finally he found the right row, all newly-dug and fresh graves; he knew he would be towards the end as it it was alphabetically aligned, Naruto walked - his mouth dry. He panted for air. His entire body shook with fear, and he whimpered when he could see the end of the line. His was five from the end, only two more graves to pass. Naruto slowed to a halt, only one more away.
Then he took one step, and another - finally, he was in front of it. He looked to the ground before looking up, his eyes traveled slowly as they finally read the words: 'Uzumaki Naruto, the one who kept a dream alive', Naruto doubled over as if someone had punched him in the gut. He gasped as he started to hyperventilate.
His name would always be etched here, the world would always say he was dead. They would mention him less and less, and all but forget him as they moved on to bigger and better things - no use focusing on the past, right? No! It couldn't be! He didn't want to die! He never wanted to die! Why was he buried while he was still alive?! The inside turmoil was too much.
"No...I didn't want to...die. I am cowardly,... I was...afraid...so very afraid...I was so cold...and numb... I couldn't do a thing,...no matter how much I wanted to live...no matter how much I willed myself to breathe...my heart to beat... my limbs to move...no matter how many times I remembered my dream...I still...died".
He collapsed, and buried his head in his paws. "Why, must they mock me? No matter how much I tell myself that I am lucky for a chance at life, I still must be reminded that I once had a better one, a life with a future. Not just a life filled with people treating me like a pet, and thinking I am just some stupid mutt. I am more the that, I am Uzumaki Naruto. At least...I think I am...Am I? Or ...was I?"
Hinata leaned down, "It doesn't matter what you look like on the outside Naruto, you will always be you no matter what you look like." Naruto looked up to her, "But, what of,. . . my dream?" Hinata sighed. You never know, someday Konoha will look to you for guidance. I mean, we all look to you for that right now. Your leadership skills should spread to others, and everyone will see you in the light we always have."
Naruto glanced at her, then nodded; still shaking but breathing regular. "...and don't worry, we won't treat you like a pet." Naruto nodded. "Well, its okay sometimes - I like being pampered. It's just...I do still think of myself as a human sometimes." Hinata nodded,. "I understand, but you do have to face it. You're like this, so embrace what life gave you and look on the bright side of it." Naruto smirked, "I see I have rubbed off on you, that is good." Hinata grinned. "Well - of course! You saved me from myself. No one will ever be quite like you Naruto!"
Hinata said this loudly and happily, then from out of the blue a stricken voice said: "Did..you just call him Naruto?" They all turned to see Kakashi standing, dumbstruck, so was Guy. No one said a word. Naruto rose, a new fear welled in his chest. Kakashi's eyes looked haunted and confused, like little was keeping him here. He gulped. "You heard correct...Kakashi-sensei."
Naruto only said that, and Kakashi thudded to his knees. "Guy, please tell me I am drunk and hallucinating, because that dog...just said it was Naruto." Guy looked at him. "Kakashi,...you're not drunk." Naruto stepped forward. "I...kept it a secret. I wanted you to deal with it, and I tried to help you when I could, but I had to make sure not to give too much away.
It hurt to see you Kakashi, my teacher, the one who taught me to stay strong and to never be ruled by emotions lest you become...helpless." He paused..."but I had to stick with my revenge. I wanted to protect you all. it was complicated, and hurtful - to all of yo -, lying like that; but I had to for the better of Konoha, I am sorry Kakashi, I know I hurt you the most, but please believe me. I am Naruto. You did not lose me, you still have much in this world."
Kakashi said not a word, then he reached out and laid a soft hand on Naruto's head; then ruffled the hair. Naruto growled and brought his head away. "Would you stop doing that?! You weird perv!" Kakashi then made a noise that turned out to be a laugh, a loud happy one. "It IS you! Only Naruto would have that reaction!" He then quickly brought Naruto into a hug, a tight one in which Naruto could not breathe.
"Naruto I am never letting you go ever again!" Kakashi said "I have lost too many comrades, never do this to me!" Naruto whined "Got it, lesson learned,. . . can't breath,. . . please let me go-!" Kakashi dropped him. "Thank-you, now you know what you could do for me Kakashi?" Naruto asked. "What"? he answered. "You can treat me to some Ramen, its been a while."
Naruto then trotted away, tail wagging. Kakashi was stood watching for a moment, then he shrugged and rubbed his head. "I guess he's the same after all." Then all of them followed him to Icharuka Ramens. Afterwards, Naruto glanced at the moon, then he thought 'So, three more years, eh, Sasuke?.'
There you have it.
NSW