Third Person POV ~
Naruto was still blushing furiously. He placed his hand on his chest where his heart was, it was beating so fast Naruto thought it would Kaboom! any minute. He had no idea why his body was reacting this way. Perhaps because he was half naked almost the entire time Kakashi was here? But this wasn't the first time he walked in front of Kakashi without a shirt on. Then why?
It was so frustrating to think about all this so he decided he would think about it later. Much later. He took deep breaths to calm himself.
Composing himself in a minute and making himself look presentable, he shunshin near the Hokage tower and jumped, landing on the window sill.
He saw his favorite elders. One was firmly sitting on her Hokage seat with a serious gaze scribbling on one of the papers piled at her desk and the other was lazily leaning on a wall with arms crossed over his chest.
He greeted them from the window itself. "Yo! Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama." he nodded respectfully and enjoyed the wide eyed reaction he received from Jiraiya.
Yeah yeah Naruto and respect.. Of course he'll receive such reaction. Sigh.
"Who are you and what did you do to my gaki!?" Jiraiya snarled playfully.
Tsunade and Naruto chuckled.
"How have you been? Did you actually work for once or did you waste all your time on 'research'?" Naruto asked with mock innocence.
Jiraiya boinked on Naruto's head when he landed in front of the duo, "And I thought you finally learnt to respect elders!"
"Ouch!" Naruto murmured rubbing his head.
"Okay you two, time for business. Naruto if I'm not wrong you have mission in the morning and Jiraiya you've just come back and in couple days are going off again and Naruto won't be back before that so we need to talk. Take a seat." Tsunade ordered authoritively.
Both taking a seat respectfully before their Kage, all three turned into their business mode.
Tsunade and Jiraiya both activated silence and privacy seals of their own this time as Tsunade had indicated to Jiraiya about it before Naruto came. The ANBU were already out and no ROOT Shinobi was present so the meeting began.
"Naruto, proceed." Tsunade ordered.
With a nod Naruto started speaking, "I have become friends with my biju. I met my parents in my mindscape, apparently Tou-chan left some of his and Kaa-chan's chakra in the seal so if something wrong were to happen, they could help. Well I didn't need it that way so we just talked.. They love me, ttebayo? Said they are proud of me." Naruto wiped a tear that rolled down his cheeks. Tsunade and Jiraiya's eyes softened hearing that.
Naruto continued, "So since me and Kurama, the Kyuubi that is, have started working together, my senses have become stronger than before. That's, I guess is all about me. Now onto what we need to talk about Jiraiya-sama, I informed and presented Tsunade a proof that Ne organization is still active and it has been, behind the back of the Sandaime Hokage who ordered to abandon it and to the present Hokage who was kept in dark. They have a seal placed on their tongues to prevent them from speaking out any details of Danzo if one of them were to get caught. The second matter is, you will change the seals all around the Hokage office, I am not sure if they are tampered or not but one cannot just wait for something to happen when it's about Danzo. Make sure you make it in such a way that in case it were to be tampered, either you or Tsunade or both are alerted. Thirdly, I have something in mind for the organization but I will talk about that after you answer a few questions of mine." He explained professionally.
Jiraiya nodded seriously, "Is your seal okay? Want me to check? Just in case."
"No it's fine, don't worry about that." Naruto answered.
"Did you raise any suspicion to Danzo about you knowing all of this?" Jiraiya questioned.
"No, I managed to knock the Shinobi out, Tsunade-sama put him in a genjutsu that showed him that myself and her were having a casual conversation and I helped to make sure he could not detect." Naruto answered.
"I see. How come you could get that information out of him?" Jiraiya questioned intrigued.
"I checked his memories. It's not like the Yamanaka's clan jutsu, it's different because being a jinchuriki I have a subconscious and conscious body active differently. Keeping that in mind and with Kurama's help I could slow down the time in my subconscious, I created a seal that could invade a mind. In real world it only took me 2 seconds while in there it had been over an hour. It is still new and needs more work and also takes a lot of toll on my body, I suffer from fatigue mentally and physically. Well, I could not gather much information, just the hideout and that, he was the one assigned to keep an eye on Tsunade and report everything to Danzo. I could not get information about the seal placed on them though. Still I have a plan to work on it."
Both Jiraiya and Tsunade were highly impressed of their favorite gaki.
Tsunade nodded still in thought, Naruto after a pause continued, "Jiraiya-sama, I need to know a few things so that I can start proceeding any of my plans accordingly."
Jiraiya and Tsunade both rose an eyebrow at that.
"What plans?" Tsunade asked.
"Ah. Well, I will tell you after I get information or else whatever I wish to say can wait or may eventually go vain." Naruto replied vaguely.
'The boy is really smart. Of course he has something in mind. And I have never once doubted his ability so why not?' were the thoughts of the two present Sannin.
"I see. Ask him then Naruto." Tsunade said.
"What is the update on Akatsuki?"
Tsunade and Jiraiya stilled, Jiraiya looked at him seriously, contemplating whether or not reveal the information, he sighed 'might as well', taking a deep breath Jiraiya spoke, "We have 2 more years according to the new intel. What information I have is not certain if we have 2 whole years or not but it is certain that at least will be more than a year. There is still not any information about their hideouts or whereabouts. Just the info we already had. They perform their jobs in a team of two."
Nodding Naruto asked one more question, "Any update on Orochimaru or Sasuke?"
Jiraiya sighing shook his head negative, "The jutsu is supposed to happen in 13 upmost but with a little stretch 14 months the maximum. I have found 2 abandoned labs that certainly belonged to Orochimaru at one point of time. Other than that nothing."
Naruto massaged his temple with two fingers, his thumb supporting his jaw which reminded the two sennin of Minato, he used to do the same when he was in deep thought.
Naruto spoke again sighing effectively bringing the other two occupants of office out of their thoughtful reverie, "I see. What one of the plans I have is, I wish to collect more information about Danzo and proofs against him. Yes, I have seen memories of a member but we don't have any solid proof. The organization I think, should be given a choice whether they wish to stay ANBU or ROOT. ANBU however is under the Hokage's command but RoOT will be under yours Jiraiya-sama. They could be great asset for your spy network and hopefully they might get a life as human beings instead of being emotionless tools."
Taken aback the mentioned duo sat in silence thinking over the idea.
'Smart was a subtle way to describe him. This boy... He will achieve great things.' The Sennin duo mused proudly.
"How do you plan to collect information about Danzo? Have you made plans already?" Tsunade asked.
"Hmm... Rough ones, yes. I am aware Jiraiya-sama can't stay for long and of course this mission will take time so what I suggest is I along with a team that I choose, do it. I am really good in stealth. I have always been since I was a kid. And the team that I have in mind is sharp, I am certain they wouldn't fail either of us. Of course I know you wouldn't assign me such an important mission just because I say so but we cannot trust anyone else for now. This shall stay discreet. The members I choose will be informed directly from me and when I have briefed them, we can have a meeting. Tsunade-sama, trust me you will be happy with the choices I have in mind and as for me, you can assign me stealth and information gathering missions beforehand this particular one to check if I am capable of what I claimed." Naruto explained.
The two remaining loyal members of Denketsu Sennin sat in silence, the idea was perceptive. Naruto was good with finding loyal people and if he couldn't find them he will make them loyal to him unconsciously. The question was who the members will be?
"Have you decided a time limit?"
"No. We need to take this slow for now. I discovered the ROOT member not too long ago and we need to feign obliviousness and play our parts as of coincidences. This information gathering will be a long process, after that it is easy. You as the Hokage can punish him the way you seem worthy or, I don't like the idea of killing but there are exceptions at times, you can order an assassination mission."
"I think the plan is good Tsunade hime. Of course after he has his ends covered and his selected team is ready we can check for any plot holes if there are any."
"I agree."
Naruto hummed in approval. His body was still tense, there was still something unsaid. Jiraiya and Tsunade noticed, they glanced at each other.
"What else is there on your mind Naruto? I know you are thinking about something that you aren't saying." Tsunade said.
"Well, I want to travel out of the Land of Fire. Now that we have some time before Sasuke, Orochimaru or Akatsuki make a move I was planning to travel. Alone. I will send you letters about my whereabouts time to time so if you wish you can assign me missions outside the village but I have personal agendas I wish to take care of ttebayo." Naruto answered, ready to convince his grandparents figures someway or the other.
Said pair stared at the golden boy critically.
Tsunade frowned and broke the tense silence, "How long?"
"I.. Not much ..I guess tteba." Naruto replied softly.
"Is something wrong here Naruto? Why sudden urge to leave?" Jiraiya asked his godson worried.
Said godson shook his head, "No, Ero-sennin everything is fine. I think I.. Just.. I don't know how to explain. I want some time to myself outside this place. You both know how I have been treated in the village since I was born" 'Well at least half of it.' Naruto added in his mind, "and now suddenly they stare at me, they always have I know but somehow it's different now. I haven't done anything to gain their approval yet they view me with different eyes, many are still dark but it's a different emotion I can't comprehend. I don't know how or why. I just know it's different. I need to get out of this place and think about a few things. I feel a little cooped up here. Please I will be safe I promise dattebayo." he finished with a pleading-puppy-out-of-food-and-needs-your-love look.
Tsunade nodded grimly, "I'll think about it and answer you when you return from your mission. Also, Naruto we're sorry for not telling you about your parents."
"It's alright, 'Nade. Mou 'Raiya don't look so sad would ya? It's alright you two Dattebayo." Naruto spoke evenly smiling brightly.
Jiraiya ruffled Naruto's hair fondly and Tsunade smiled back.
Tsunade sighed and took out her sake bottle, she eyed Naruto for a brief second and snorted. She filled three cups of sake, passing one to Jiraiya and one to Naruto while while keeping one herself. "Have a drink." She smirked ordering Naruto. Jiraiya grinned and Naruto shrugged eyeing his favorite elders. "I have such badass family." he muttered before downing the whole cup in one go. The Sennin chuckled. "Ah! This is good. The burning down the throat feels nice."
"I think I have finally found a drinking partner." Tsunade said happily and Jiraiya shook his head.
"Well then Naruto you should rest for the night. I believe you have a mission tomorrow. Stay safe gaki."
Naruto nodded and grinned, "I will, have a good night you two. Ja ttebayo!" with that Naruto shunshin back to his old apartment.
Jiraiya and Tsunade were still seated, nursing their cups with a serious expression gracing their features again.
"What's up with the 'Sama'?"
"A habit he seemed to have developed. He speaks formally in serious situations, almost forgets his verbal tic."
"I see. What do you think about the traveling part?"
"He is more than capable. I don't doubt his survival instinct and after all he has grown so much, it's only fair we do give him some time to collect himself. He has traveled with you, I'm sure he knows what he's asking for." Tsunade answered, a slight smile on her face.
"Do you really think he will be okay? I can see the changes in him but I can't help but worry, after all he's still a kid. He doesn't know much." Jiraiya spoke contemplating.
"You don't know how much he has grown up. What you saw during this meeting of ours, it was an example. A small one at that. He knows when to take things seriously and acts accordingly. He has shown great skills in leadership as well. He is almost an all rounder. He can even perform Medical ninjutsu! He likes to read now and he has mostly come back from his missions unscratched after he started working on himself. I do want to give him a chance." Tsunade replied proudly.
Jiraiya smiled, "I see. Then I trust your judgement Hime."
Tsunade smiled back and just like that Jiraiya's serious aura slipped and his goofy personality took over. He rubbed his palms together as if plotting something evil with a lecherous grin screaming 'pervert' on his face, "Now then, it's time for me to go do some research. Some round and juicy boo-"
Jiraiya could not complete the sentence without an injury, after all he was sitting in front of Tsunade. The moment Jiraiya's face split in half with that perverted grin, she had a vein popping up on her temple, furrowed eyebrows and a fist in the air ready to punch something out of the oblivion. That something being the white haired man himself.
And that is how, kids, Jiraiya-sama flew out of the Hokage tower and landed dashing through several trees and broke a wall near an onsen in a not so graceful fashion.
Collecting and sealing his stuff from his old apartment Naruto teleported back to his home.
He talked to Kurama for a while about his plans just because he wanted to talk to someone and like always he had no one to talk to apart from his fox, at least not living thing to talk to. Apparently he had a few.. things? he could talk to but today he felt lonely so he wanted to talk to someone who could breathe or reply or question or taunt or scold or laugh or react or just be there... His self made Kaka-sensei plushie or plants couldn't do so, so he decided to talk to Kurama. Said companion wasn't surprised to see an excited blonde kit in his humble den, he had felt his kit's distress and he could clearly see through the cheery facade that like always hid the lonely boy.
Kurama half attentively listened while inwardly thinking how the boy had developed such a mask no ningen could ever see through. Kurama knew the boy's personality was cheerful natrurally but one could never see through the too fake to be true big ass smiles, the boy just wanted recognization, help or perhaps someone for support like he had been for others.
Who would even think, a loudmouth idiot was an understanding boy underneath who understood emotions for almost everyone like no other. An entity like Kyuubi no Kitsune, a being full of hate was one of the many that fell for the innocent boy's innocent words and respected him. Who would have thought huh?
Kurama thought, perhaps, his kit did need some fresh air of freedom and no pressure outside the shameless village. But Kurama knew that Naruto did not really have the luxury of that, at least not in near future. He may, even in 'near future' but sadly that won't last long. Sighing inwardly he gave his full attention to Naruto listening his blabbering and occasionally saying something. His kit was innocent and pure, even a being full of hatred like himself could see it, and he wanted to protect his impossibly pure kit anyhow, somehow.
Naruto and Kurama's relationship was now of best friends since the time he had freed the biju from his cage. So, Kurama could come in and out of the seal if he wanted or Naruto needed him to. But Naruto had plans to make his biju size down so he could move freely without creating any problems. Kurama had suggested Naruto to start training with his demon chakra again because there was a huge possibility of him not being chakra poisoned by his malicious chakra ever again and he would need a huge place for that of course. Naruto had replied, he did not need to right now but soon he will. Perhaps when they leave the village. Naruto was working hard on seals of course but they knew no one had done this; letting a biju shrink in size or even have a ningen looking body before and it will definitely take a lot of time.
After chatting and packing his bag Naruto drifted off to sleep. Starting tomorrow, for almost two weeks he was going to work with his ex team. He wasn't nervous, he was quite confident in his abilities and was aware of the way team 7 worked as well. He just hoped everything goes well.
*-*
Hime - Princess