The heat weaved through the air with an unfamiliar humidity. But the shades of the trees provided much relieve. Even as hanged upside down on a tree branch—his legs hooked tightly to avoid any fall—Naruto felt calmness and a cool breeze washing over him. He did so, while maintaining a steady circulation of chakra through his body.
On his right hand, he held a book, reading about the intricate history of the shinobi world. The world was large, not just shinobi but also samurai. The latter were fascinating people who had rules and order. Shinobi on the other hand, the only rule that existed was power and the word of winners. Losers didn't even write history, but winners did so and chose to phrase in a way that always pointed them as righteous beings. Who would even guess that Konoha conspired to start wars for its benefit? On the surface, the Hidden Leaf looked almighty peaceful, especially since it was led by a pacifist.
Then again, you don't survive three Shinobi Wars and remain the same. Unless, of course, you were the Sandaime Tsuchikage.
"Zetsu…" Naruto didn't even glance up after sensing the appearance of the being.
"You're awfully relaxed for someone who wants to start trouble."
"I have never started trouble my entire life."
"Making yourself a Rain shinobi is not starting trouble? You know, this is only going to give pressure to Nagato, and might expose some secrets if things happen the way they probably will at Konoha."
Naruto sometimes didn't understand Zetsu. But he'd never trust this being. He'd very much trust Madara, even though the man only had the intention of using him. The will of Madara? Such a ridiculous idea.
"I'm sure Nagato will not be pleased," Naruto replied with a smile. "But for the moment, nobody knows anything about Pain. So, we're safe."
"But the moment we take action, they'll immediately heard to the Rain if they know he is there."
"We can easily get rid of them that way," Naruto shrugged. He closed the book before burning it with a small Katon Jutsu. He didn't change his position but closed his eyes. "Did you come here to lecture me?"
"I came to talk to you about Orochimaru and his plans."
While he had the urge to glance up at Zetsu, Naruto resisted it. He didn't want to show any interest in the information being provided. He'd come to notice, Zetsu would often tell him things that he didn't ask. It was obvious, he was telling him for a purpose. He knew he would take action. Naruto amused himself thinking that perhaps he really didn't control his actions and danced on the palm of someone's hand.
How he longed for the day he could he free.
"I know about the invasion."
"I know you do…" Zetsu replied casually. "But before that… you must know… Konoha's leadership convened after you left the village and it was decided that the Sandaime's actions were wrong. You shouldn't be permitted to leave the village after the Finals. You are with the Rain—a small nation."
Naruto laughed. "Well, that is to be expected… the Sandaime is simply too kind but the people around him are not. He really has no control over the main actions of the village," his laughter a mere memory now, a stern mask now graced his face. "A spineless Kage… my father would be disappointed… no, Tobirama would be disappointed…"
"Are you still going to go?"
"Of course. There will be an invasion and I want to murder Kabuto. He dared to violate my mother. That is blasphemy…" Naruto said barely hidden contempt.
"And Orochimaru? The Akatsuki still needs the ring he took."
"You enjoy manipulating people with information, don't you?" Naruto asked with a smile on his lips.
"I merely give you Intel. You decide what you want to do with it."
"You just don't give me any Intel. You give me Intel about certain things you choose. When you want to see something happen, you'll tell me knowing I'll do something," Naruto grinned. "I'm not complaining… I'll indulge you… its fun for me… this world wont be around forever, may as well enjoy it while it lasts… even if it is dancing on someone's palm. At least I lived and thrived, huh?"
"You really are an amusing child."
"I try my best… who is going to try to capture me?"
"I don't know."
"I'm curious to see how that would go ahead when they would have to be dealing with an invasion…" he paused, imagining Jiraiya and Kakashi blocking his path while the Sandaime adopted an apologetic expression in the sidelines. "Well, if I end up getting captured, it would be simple for Madara to get me out."
"That indifference of yours will ruin things. There are bigger plans in motion. You don't want to end up ruining them. You're a precious Jinchuriki and for Konoha it might become the case of 'if we can't have you' nobody can."
"I imagine Danzo would the first to take action," Naruto sighed. "What about the invasion?"
"Madara says you mustn't interfere in anything but you must still get the ring from Orochimaru."
"I would still interfere either way." Naruto replied. "But I could make things worse by manipulating Gaara… If he does go on a rampage, there will be much destruction. I'm certain Nagato would appreciate seeing Konoha suffer."
"Don't do that. You will attract danger. They will know the Sharingan was involved."
"That can be blamed on Itachi."
"The Leadership knows he is not a bad guy."
"You're not offering solutions."
"I'm not here for that."
Naruto flipped around and sat on the tree branch. Zetsu was just on his left side but he didn't glance at him—his eyes stared at the ground.
"You said you came to talk about Orochimaru, but you've just given me instructions… is there something I am missing?"
"Orochimaru killed the Kazekage. And we would like to ensure that nothing happens to Suna's Jinchuriki. If he were to die, it would delay things substantially," Zetsu said in a serious tone.
Naruto generally didn't have a problem with that, but he wasn't about to voice his thoughts. After all, he was certain Zetsu didn't trust him. But then again, even Madara watched him like a hawk. How bad were things that he wasn't trusted? Such a bothersome situation.
"It's surprising he has killed the Kazekage but that simply means Suna is there for the taking. Without Rasa, and that Jonin, the Sand has no one else. Ah, to be weak… it is truly pitiful," Naruto expressed in a sad tone.
"You're not plotting to take over the Sand, are you?"
"Nothing wrong with that. Their invasion will fail. I get to kill Orochimaru, and I can make that Jonin Kazekage. Konoha will be angry after this. Warmongers like Danzo will be pushing for an invasion of the Sand and Sound as payback…" He stared into the empty spaced ahead and then spoke in a cold tone. "But the Sandaime is a pacifist… he'd rather resign as Hokage than go to war. I cannot understand people like him… can you keep an eye on Danzo? I'd like to know what he plans. In case the Sandaime refuses to go to war, he won't just lie down. He'll try something. At which case, I'll decide whether I permit it or step on his throat."
"Your most important task is ensuring the Jinchuriki is not killed. Orochimaru comes secondary, but those are tasks you're fully capable of accomplishing."
"Not when Konoha will have me marked…"
"If you don't think you can handle that, then don't partake in the Chunin exams."
"You're being ridiculous," Naruto said as he jumped to the ground. "I expect to be informed about Danzo's plans. The Exams, I'll partake… the Jinchuriki? Will see… but Orochimaru I must kill…"
"There will be consequences if you fail your primary duties."
Naruto looked back at Zetsu and then laughed. "Sure…" he took a couple of steps away from the tree and then stopped. "Madara did not send you, did he? Even this little threat is not his idea… is it?"
"You're working to complete Madara's dream and I am his will. I am go guide you all to the fruition of the plan. He doesn't need to send me to do anything."
Konohagakure
The weather was pleasant outside, the sky partly cloudy. There was no certainty that it would end up raining. Hiruzen thought that by fall, there would be no cloud. Perhaps by the time the night took over for its shift, even the stars would be lighting up the empty above.
The Sandaime Hokage walked away from the window, and slouched behind his desk. He lifted his head, and tossed his eyes toward his right where Jiraiya sat on the couch, reading intelligence reports. At least unlike when the Kyubi attacked, the Sannin would be within the village to protect it.
How Hiruzen wished all his students were present. But another fled, to retire from shinobi matters and another was threatening it. Perhaps it was a reflection on just how of a mishit his reign has been.
"Are you not angry about the change of things?" Hiruzen asked in a quiet tone, his face reflecting sadness.
Jiraiya didn't immediately reply but when he did reply, he did not face his sensei. "They are not wrong. Even you agreed because they are not wrong. We just lacked the courage to do anything because of our guilt." His voice was flat, not a hint of emotion.
A serious Jiraiya was a rare thing.
But circumstances didn't motivate for any grins and sly faces. They were being forced to take action because of Naruto. If Minato was faced with the same situation, he would do the same. But of course, if Minato was around, none of this would be happening. Be it a friend, family, a parent or even a child, if they threatened the Hidden Leaf, action had to be taken.
Naruto had not exactly threatened Konoha, but the fact that he had joined another village, and was a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi made things difficult. That alone was a threat.
"Those two have always been like that. Even without Danzo, they advocate for the hard decisions. At some point, maybe to fool myself, I thought it was because of Danzo. But without him, their advise is the same…" Hiruzen said. But it was not just Koharu and Homura who sought to change his position. The Anbu commander supported the decision.
"They've survived wars. And their views are hardened…" the complete opposite of Hiruzen. Those two were realistic and draconian in nature. "But it is a big job. Naruto is a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. We cannot do it while he is still here."
"Yes. It would threaten the safety of the village. And we cannot fail."
Jiraiya smiled. "If we fail, there is the thought of vengeance." But Naruto was just one shinobi. Even if he was the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi, he was still just a child.
"Then we must do well to succeed. I'd always thought to ask myself what Minato would think. But it is not really about Minato, is it? We failed Naruto, but just because we failed doesn't mean we allow things to go out of hand."
"Yes… who do we give the mission?"
"Both you and Kakashi will be tasked with it. Anbu will observe and tail him. We can only act once he has gone out of the village…" Hiruzen said. "You'll need to be there to seal off his access to the Kyubi's power."
"What happens after we have apprehended him?"
"Try to change him."
"If he does not?"
"I don't want to think about that. I don't think even if it comes to pass, I would be able to take a decision…" Hiruzen said in a bitter tone. "Whoever will be my successor will take the decision."
"You want others to clean up on things you have created?" Jiraiya stared at Hiruzen with a piercing look.
"If Naruto cannot be changed… we still can't let him go back to the Rain. Danzo says Hanzo is already dead. The village has new leaders. We don't know who and their power. If he cannot be changed, it is simply whether we keep him locked down forever," the Sandaime closed this eyes. "Or, we take the Kyubi from him and seal it to another Jinchuriki."
"Neither option is pleasant."
"Yes…" Hiruzen admitted. "This is why I hope there can still be a way out of this without any fight."
Amegakure
Within the chakra infused rain drops, Konan hovered in the air like an angel, her wings covering her from getting wet. She addressed shinobi in this form. For this reason, she was the angel.
"You're not going back to Konoha for the Finals of the exams."
Ajisai was silent for a couple of moments before nodding. Naruto had already hinted on this to her.
"I understand."
"But you must continue your training. Naruto said you're lacking," Konan said. Most of the shinobi in this village were lacking. You knew the difference between a Great Nation and small nations by comparing their Jonin shinobi.
Ajisai didn't think that Naruto could be the benchmark for anything. The blond was powerful and very dangerous. But she understood, the Genin of other villages were much stronger and capable. She had to improve.
"I will do so."
"Do you think you can get along with him in the future?" Konan didn't know why she asked such a needless question. For Ajisai, if she was ordered, she would do so without complaining.
"Yes."
"You will be working with him frequently than before. He will come back here to take you for some training," Konan said. "For now, continue to strengthen yourself for when difficult mission are to be assigned to you."
Ajisai watched as Konan disappeared into the sky. Once the woman was gone, she let loose of a long breath she'd been holding in.
She learned a leaned a lot by going to Konoha. And she would not fail to improve for the sake of her Angel. Training with Naruto? It was going to be brutal. He was an unpleasant person who seemed to take joy in hurting other people.
With Konan
When Konan arrived at the tower, Nagato was sitting at his usual place, watching the streets rain with a faraway expression. She was beginning to think this was the behavior Naruto learned. She has seen that he liked to stand in the rain and be soaked for no good reason.
She stood at a safe distance, folded her hands across her chest. Sometimes, she worried for his wellbeing. But it was good that he had regained some of his mobility and no longer bound to a mechanical walker. They had to thank Naruto for this. There was a reason of course and Naruto had secretly admitted Madara was not pleased with it. But then again, they'd always known they were being used.
"The organization has never been as strong as this," Konan said to Nagato. "We really should be moving ahead with gathering the Bijuu."
"Patience, Konan," Nagato said. "We must be careful how we tread. While the shinobi world is predictable, there are some things we must consider. We're going to sponsor terror, this village must be ready to handle this much."
"What of Madara?"
"We do nothing, for now. We have our jobs and we will do it well," Nagato replied. "For the sake of Yahiko's dream, we cannot allow ourselves to be fooled by anything. The Three-Tails tails has disappeared. Its Jinchuriki died… it will take some years for it to revive. Once it does, we will move with haste that we don't give the Great Nations a chance to combine their strength and fight against us."
"You think they would band together?"
"A common enemy makes friends…" Nagato replied in a casual tone, his eyes never wandering away from the streets. "The problem is that we may face an attack. If people come here, they'll know."
"This is why we cannot allow anyone who comes here to leave with their lives…"
"Even if it is someone from the Great Nations," Nagato added. "Because of Naruto, they probably suspect Hanzo is already dead and will be making enquiries. If someone comes here, they'll know about the Akatsuki cloak, and that means when we take action, they will come here."
Konan nodded. It meant there would be no change in policy. Information would be strictly controlled. No one has seen Nagato in this village, no one even in the Akatsuki aside from Naruto and Madara. They were still safe in this regard.
"Why does Naruto want to become a shinobi here?"
"He said he had no friends and wanted to try to live a normal live… it also seems he has taken a liking to Ajisai…" Nagato replied with a slight shake of his head. "Well, we can always be grateful for what he has done for us. A child, but he does seem to know a lot more than us and seems to be with other intentions."
"I don't think it fits to call him a child" Konan said. "But he is a lot more trustworthy than Madara."
Unknown Location
"I heard you gave my brother quite the beating," Itachi said to Naruto. The blond was walking toward him—he was sitting under a tree, taking refuge under the shade.
He'd said for Naruto to put Sasuke in a corner, he didn't think the blond would do it so brutally. Did he disapprove? It was nothing more than physical pain. Sasuke had already gone through worse. In order to grow strong enough to kill him, his younger brother needed to face such challenges. Without them, their battle would be one-sided and there would be no redemption.
"You kept up-to-date on such matters?" Naruto replied with curiosity. He sat on the other side of the tree, leaning against the tree's trunk. "I'd have thought you'd wait for my report."
"I was curious."
"So it would seem," Naruto smiled. "But I must admit, I went a little overboard. I was just pissed off by his attitude. His arrogance was laughable. I couldn't fathom how someone so weak could be your brother… it defied all odds… nothing of what I expected of someone called your brother."
The disappointment in Naruto's voice was clear to Itachi. But he didn't give his thoughts on why Naruto felt so disappointed.
"They are not receiving enough training."
"Their teachers are just useless Jonin. I expected better from Kakashi… and Sasuke should have better motivation…" Naruto shook his head. "Well, when surrounded by mediocrity, average seems to be excellent."
"Isn't that by your standards?"
"You ought to have seen what I saw…" Naruto replied in a flat tone. "Konoha is going to be in trouble in the future if they do not improve. It will lose its status as the most powerful. But then again, reigns must come to an end… of course, it wouldn't really please you…" he added in a knowing tone.
Itachi ignored this from Naruto. He'd always been cautious around the blond, choosing his words carefully, and never spelling out his intentions clearly. He could always blame it on a misunderstanding if things went south. He'd never even consider manipulating Naruto using Shisui's eye. Once he used that ability, it would take some years for it to be used again. Not to mention, Naruto knew about it.
He'd always considered that Madara sent Naruto to him just to spy on him. The man didn't trust him one bit.
"Tell me, Naruto, do you intend to follow through Madara's plans?"
"You don't know about Madara's plans. Nor do other members of the Akatsuki… are you fishing?" Naruto asked in a quiet tone, never revealing any emotion.
"Yes." Itachi admitted it.
Naruto responded by chuckling in a hollow tone. "You finally went on and said it. I've been curious over how long you'd keep it in. You've always hinted on thoughts of treachery. The language was always colorful of course, but I ignored it for amusement… You were always cautious that if I reacted negatively, it would spell trouble for you," he then smiled. "Asking me to check on Sasuke was a test?"
"Somewhat," Itachi conceded. "You seem to do as you please without care of whatever the plan is. I know we're tasked with gathering the Bijuu. And there is some plan for that, but I am curious about your thoughts."
"Itachi, you've always been unreadable. You never give away anything. Your state of mind is seen by your words. You're well spoken. I sometimes wonder if the things you say are really said by the same man who put his blade through his mother's throat…" Naruto said in a cold tone. "Tell me, can you read me?"
Could he? Naruto changed masks depending on circumstances. But there was something true about him that was constant—violence. A young boy, but he didn't think twice about killing. He didn't seem to care about the shinobi world nor about the Akatsuki's goal.
But he seemed to be constantly looking for something.
"No… you put different emotions on your face… you act like a normal person, but I sometimes don't think you are."
"Normal, huh? What is normal in a bloody world were children can kill their parents?" Naruto asked in a thoughtful tone. "I genuinely question such things. But anyway, I don't really lie a lot. Most of the time, I am telling the truth, and my masks are certainly a true reflection of my emotions. There is nothing that confuses people than the truth…" he paused, gathering his thoughts. "You should be careful about the questions you ask, some ears are able to listen to everything."
"But not yours."
Naruto shrugged. "Some things are better left unsaid. Besides, aren't we allowed to have opinions? As long as they don't reach those who rather eliminate us, it is fine." He then grinned. "I'll tell you a little secret. We know you plan to die by your brother's hand. But the moment you die, Sasuke will become a member of the Akatsuki and will be turned against Konoha."
It wasn't like Itachi didn't already suspect something like this would happen. It was most certainly predictable and as Sasuke was at the moment, he could easily be painted with any color by anyone who so chose.
"But you have a reason for telling me this."
"Well, you have two options really; kill Madara, or brainwash your brother."
That Naruto would even suggest that baffled Itachi. He was certain the blond wasn't just baiting him. He said it in the same tone as he usually used.
There was of course, a Third option—and that was just to tell the truth. The fact that Naruto didn't mention it probably meant he didn't know about his mission and that was better. If the blond knew, he'd likely tell Sasuke at some point, just to see how he would react.
"After all, it is not a question that you do love your brother. He is the only one who survived the massacre…" Naruto added in Itachi's silence. "Ah, that does remind me… I did manage to stop Orochimaru from branding him. He'll try again in the future. At this rate, if Sasuke doesn't become strong enough, he'll likely want to leave Konoha to become even stronger."
"But he can only leave to join Orochimaru."
"Unless, Orochimaru is dead…" Naruto added with a smile. "I've been urged to kill Orochimaru, but now I'm beginning to think maybe not. What is demanded from him is the ring."
"Madara really has no control over you. You do as you please…"
Naruto shook his head. "Over the little things. He permits this… but over the grand scheme of things, if I were to stray, I would find myself dead."
"I see… you take advantage of the situation because you know he won't be killed."
"It would be naïve to think like that, Itachi. I am just a host. If I were to become uncontrollable, the Kyubi in me could simply be turned over to another host, thus ending my life. It is kind of a hopeless situation, but I am prepared to die for the greater good. Nothing is good in this world…" Naruto replied in a sad tone.
"Weren't you just saying I had two options? If If I take the first, you're free…"
Naruto laughed. "I don't recall adding anything to it. That is only a logical way of looking at things on account of your love for your brother and desire he does not join the Akatsuki. The question becomes; are you loyal the Akatsuki or your brother."
"Neither option shows loyalty to the Akatsuki."
"Ah, it would seem so…" Naruto blinked, feigning surprise. "Orochimaru plans to invade Konoha with Suna… it is going to be fireworks. I imagine the One-Tail will be wrecking havoc within the Leaf."
"It would be dangerous if that were to happen. Konoha would be stupid not to kill him and allow him to leave if that were to happen. The likes of Danzo would be more than willing to kill him in case Konoha decides to go to war with Suna. Without the Jinchuriki manipulating Sand, it becomes easy for the Leaf to take over Suna."
Naruto sighed. "I was informed I must ensure nothing happens to him…" he said. "And I'd imagined seeing the looks of dread in the faces of Konoha's people… well, it can't he helped, the mission comes first before personal feelings."
Konohagakure
The streets were crowded with citizens of the Fire Nation and those from abroad. The Chunin Exams were always a festive. On the day the finals would begin, Naruto imagined the stadium would be filled with merchants and political powerhouses from other nations. It was a time to showcase the promising young powers of the future.
On the day, Konoha would witness his glory. The village would become deathly silent, he would take joy in seeing their misery. They rejected his very being, called him a demon, the Kyubi brat. He would beat their young ones, their geniuses and show them who was the boss. If he left the stadium with the name of demon, who cared? If it gave them a fright, Naruto would sleep like an infant, sucking his thump.
He was so happy in thoughts that he didn't even mind it when someone crashed into him. But he remained rooted, not even budging. The woman who crashed into fell on her butt but upon noticing him, she glared. He smiled and held out his right hand.
"I apologize for budging into you," he said in an apologetic tone.
She seemed like she wanted to spit on him but held herself. Did his smile unnerve her? He was already aware that word of his lessons to the Konoha Genin had already passed through the streets. Perhaps he could look for the group and mess with them. It would be fun—but for now, he needed to fill his stomach and then look for Sasuke.
"Get your hand out of my way." The woman said with venom in her eyes.
Being playful, Naruto played along. "Ouch," he said, feigning pain. "I need to see a medic nin… This venom might just kill me!" His last words caused others to turn toward him, creating a commotion in the middle of the street.
"Why don't you drop dead then?" Someone said, passing by.
Naruto got a bright idea and then dropped to the ground in a thud. He was unmoving for a couple of seconds before suddenly burst out laughing.
He got up and then stared at the woman, still on her butt. "I wonder how my father would react seeing that his beloved son is being treated in such a manner. So ungrateful… indeed a pity," he shook his head and then walked away.
'You might need to sleep with both your eyes open tonight,' the Kyubi said to Naruto as the blond danced through the streets, humming joyfully.
'You can sense the contempt, huh?'
'It sickens me. But not as much as the fake Madara sickens me.'
Naruto chuckled a bit darkly. 'Maybe I should let you out one day to crush him with your paws,' he then grinned. 'Oh, wait, he might use the same trick again to manipulate you.'
'I'll escape from this seal and crush you.'
'I thought we were over this already.'
'The thought of freedom is intoxicating. Unlike you who seems to enjoy being under someone's control. A tool to the same person who caused your suffering.'
Naruto's smile dropped. It was a bit of a tricky situation to deal with. He didn't know at first, and would have likely followed Madara to the death. After all, what was there to live for? Nobody would miss him if he died. This village he was supposed to belong to felt nothing but contempt for him.
'He doesn't know that I know. And that is what makes things interesting. I'm curious on why he didn't think such a thing wouldn't happen.'
'Like Madara, we are nothing more than mindless masses of chakra who have no intelligence.'
'That has to be it… but disappointing really. Considering, you're history walking,' Naruto replied. 'Of course, you're also telling me things because you don't want to die.'
'So?'
'Oh, nothing. Even though I told Madara about the your other half, I don't think he'll be satisfied. But you never know. He might just be. Still, what do you think about his real identity? I know he is an Uchiha. His chakra though diluted, has traces of the same signature as that of both Sasuke and Itachi.'
'Just how much of a good sensor are you?'
'Not good enough,' Naruto replied before stopping at Icharaku ramen. He greeted the old man with a smile and decided to order a takeout, because he didn't want to cause problems for the few people who were kind to him.
Once he was done, Naruto disappeared from the streets and went into the apartment that had housed him before Madara appeared in front of him.
The place was empty. It seemed nobody lived there and it was just as he remembered. He did well by not coming here last time, he would have murdered someone.
How old was he when he started living alone? A mere infant and he was forced into managing his financial affairs because the orphanage would not have him. He may have been better served undergoing torture with Danzo than being left in this hellhole. What had the Sandaime even been thinking? Wasn't there someone who didn't care who could take him in? It wasn't like the entire village hated him.
Really, coming here boiled his emotions. It stirred the dark thoughts in him he preferred to bury than indulge.
Naruto settled on the small kitchen table. It was dusty, but he did not bother removing it. He sat on the dust and started eating, his expression blank of any emotion.
Hokage Office
The sun had already set, but Hiruzen would still have more hours in the office. With the finals a day away, there work for him became more. But he was used to this. And there was really no one waiting for him at home, aside from Konohamaru. His children were adults, and his wife was dead.
The Third lifted his eyes way from the report he was reading and stared at the Anbu. Kakashi was also in the room, standing beside the Anbu.
"Is he still there?"
"Yes."
"He has done nothing since going there?"
"Yes. Immediately after getting food, he went there and has not left the building."
"And the situation in the street? Why is it that no one intervened?"
"It happened quickly and he left without anything happening."
"Nothing happened?" Hiruzen smiled. Naruto was in front of the villagers and there was a scene that got tongues wagging. Complaints were already on his desk about why the village permitted the blond to be in the village. "You're dismissed."
"Hai." The Anbu was gone without trace.
Hiruzen leaned on his chair and held his hands together, staring at Kakashi. The Jonin had an unreadable expression on his voice. "Did you hear?"
"I only just returned," Kakashi replied.
"Someone bumped into Naruto earlier and there was a scene. It seemed he took quite a kick out of the situation," Hiruzen shook his head. Why Anbu didn't immediately intervene when they were watching him from the moment he appeared in the village was beyond him. Then again, as long as no one was being attacked, there was no need.
But Hiruzen feared the incident just exposed the deep rooted hatred toward the Kyubi and by association, Naruto's very presence.
"Kick out of it?" Kakashi asked with his face showing surprise. The Naruto he saw at the exams was a little serious. But then again, facing off the villagers was an emotional issue that was obviously going to bring back unwanted scars.
"He was seen laughing."
"That's a problem."
"Indeed. And it makes our job difficult."
Willingly, given what happened today, Naruto would not return to Konoha. There was no reason for him to do so. "At any rate, what must be done has to happen," he said. "How are things with Sasuke?"
Kakashi let loose of a deep sigh. "His attitude doesn't seem like it will change. He is going through a lot and the hatred in him doesn't seem like it will still. If Orochimaru tempts him, he will surely depart the village. I have given everything to help him regain his confidence, but his overall mindset remains the same."
Sasuke was dead set on the path of destruction.. he was getting better but the beating he received from Naruto seemed to make things worse. And then there was Orochimaru lurking in the darkness. The future didn't look bright at all.
"What do you recommend as his sensei?"
"He is getting power hungry. And will he heavily influenced by those who tempt him with power. His psychological health is not good at all."
"Have we sat him for an evaluation?"
"Not since he started doing missions."
"We must sit him for one. To be honest, I have considered moving him to either Anbu or Danzo. He needs specialized training to help him gather his emotions. He has no emotional intelligence. Anbu can teach him, but I think Anbu might not cut at this stage of his life. Which only leaves Danzo. I don't like his training methods, but it seems like the only way to get him to control his emotions."
Kakashi would not disagree with this much. But someone would have to supervise or else Danzo would teach Sasuke to hate the Sandaime and then plot to kill him.
The idea itself was rational. There was nothing that Kakashi could do to change Sasuke and he has resigned himself to this fact. Then extreme methods had to be taken, not only for Sasuke but for the village as well.
"He does have a way of getting people under control. If he can train Sasuke better, then perhaps we might not end up losing the Uchiha clan."
Hiruzen was just concerned about Itachi. The Uchiha had asked him to protect his younger brother. Had it not been for Naruto, the Orochimaru would have even dipped his fangs on the boy. He shouldn't have let things become this way. Inaction was always causing him headaches.
"I will speak to Danzo…" Hiruzen said in a defeated tone. "He is going to be happy."
"I'm sure," Kakashi managed an eye smile.
"For the exams, I will have Anbu watch over him in case something happens. We can't afford to drop our guard at this critical moment."
"Has anything been found on Kabuto?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "Nothing, as yet. But we've marked him. We will not let him slip easily next time."
Around 8pm
Sakura stared at the juice in front of her, ignoring the noise that surrounded her within the restaurant. Ino's idea—she had even suggested buying alcohol. Being shinobi meant being old enough for anything. But Sakura still held her morals. She was still a child and knew being a kunoichi didn't not change anything. To her mother, she was just her little girl.
Around her, her fellow academy graduates, minus Team Gai. They were probably busy resting for they had a long day tomorrow. It was laughable that the team of a man who did not use chakra was the strongest of all other teams with renowned shinobi as teachers.
"We are the losers, aren't we?" Sakura whispered to no one but herself.
But she was heard by Ino who sat next to her. On her other side, it was the quiet Hinata. The boys sat on the other side, eating while Kiba grumbled about something.
"Do you have to ruin the mood?" Ino asked with a stare.
It still stung that they all failed the exam and had to watch Team Gai tomorrow. Ino had been certain they would succeed, but everything ended in failure. At least not so brutal for them, but for Sakura's team. It was a pity. At least, the girl had recovered well.
"She is not wrong," Shikamaru admitted quietly. "Had we succeeded, things would have been different. But the showing means we are now being put through more strenuous work…" he sighed.
Good bye to their quiet days were there was no hard training. But Asuma promised them pain and suffering after the exams. He would be forced to put much more effort than before.
"At least we get to become stronger and next time we meet that bastard, we will show him who is boss!" Kiba boasted.
"Don't speak about him, you'll give Sakura nightmares!" Ino shouted at the Inuzuka. "Can we talk about something else? We hardly sit like this these days…"
Nobody said a word, causing Ino to grown with frustration.
"What should we be discussing?"
"Something less depressing."
"I don't think there is a choice…" Chouji spoke, staring at Naruto who was walking toward them. When they saw him, the whole group tensed.
The blond just sat on the side of the girls, the closest being Hinata who's body tensed as soon as he sat beside her.
"Apologies for the intrusion," Naruto said with a warm smile.
"How can you can even smile like that after what you did?!" Kiba glared at him heatedly. "You're not really welcome here. Go away!" the genin was on his feet, snarling at Naruto with his tail raised high in a show of defiance.
Sakura on the other hand felt a chill down her spine. She still had nightmares of the incident in the Forest of Death. She felt just sick knowing he was sitting beside her. Had he no shame? Did he come here to terrorize them? After getting over her fear, she shot him a side glare.
Naruto ignored Kiba and faced Shikamaru. "You mind if I join? I just want to chill? Had I not left Konoha, things would have been different. We'd be friends…"
"I doubt it." Ino sneered.
"Why? Because of I'm a Jinchuriki? Or as people in this village call me, a demon?"
"Well, you went your way to prove them right at the exams," Ino shot back.
Naruto didn't take offense, in fact, he laughed, finding it amusing. "You do know that I am the son of the Yondaime Hokage? It wouldn't hurt to be a little nice to me… considering, my father saved this village."
"No way!"
"Yes way," Naruto replied with a grin. He turned to Shikamaru. "What do you think?"
"It would make sense. Jinchuriki, despite how they are treated, are always chosen from someone closer to the village leadership to avoid any treachery. What doesn't make sense is how Konoha allowed the son of Konoha's greatest hero to leave the village," Shikamaru said. He would ask his father. He probably wouldn't get all the answers. Just thinking about it made him decide it was best not to ask but just leave things as they were.
"See… there is something to talk about," Naruto said casually. He then eyed Hinata and greeted her with a warm smile. "Hinata."
"N-naruto-kun…" she replied shyly.
Naruto laughed. "Some things haven't changed much. But it is nice to see you," he said.
"You attacked all other Konoha teams but not their team," Shikamaru said. "You two know each other?"
"You could say that… if not for her clan, she could have been a friend of mine," Naruto replied.
Before anything else could be said, Sakura cut in. "How can the son of the Yondaime turn out like this? I find it hard to believe."
"Because your brain doesn't function right. Thinking about your beloved Sasuke, at the moment?" Naruto smiled. Her glare only made his smile widen. "Don't be like that. Sure, I hurt you, but that it was nothing personal. And should you really question my personality when your teammate is Sasuke?"
"He is not even evil person who goes around hurting others. And don't compare yourself to him! You're just a Jinchuriki!" Sakura furiously said.
Once more again, Naruto didn't seem bothered by her outburst.
This only seemed to infuriate Sakura further. "I've had enough for one day. I'm leaving!" She lost her appetite anyway.
"I'll walk you," Ino said.
"Shino and I will accompany Hinata back home," Kiba announced.
Naruto stood up and allow her to pass. Once they had left, he settled down and asked for permission to dig in. he ignored the stares of other people within the restaurant.
"You're not the least angry."
"You're not leaving."
"As bothersome as it is, it is an opportunity to gather information…"
Naruto laughed. "You're rather honest."
"He probably just thought thinking of another excuse was just bothersome compared to just telling the truth," Chouji added, munching on the food.
"How Nara of you," Naruto replied. "Why should I be angry? It isn't like she was lying. Though, she shouldn't really point fingers, granted, the person she is defending doesn't give a shit about his teammates and only cares about his revenge."
Chouji whistled as the strong language.
"I'm getting the feeling you don't really like Sasuke…"
"I don't hate him… and I don't like him," Naruto replied with a shrug. "I know his brother. It was just disappointing to see he turned out like that… you can't use Itachi for morality… but he is still a powerful shinobi and admittedly, very sane person. You'd not think he is the man who massacred his entire clan."
"I highly doubt that."
"You think I'd lie?"
Shikamaru didn't a answer the question, he just shrugged. "Why did you do what you did at the exam? When you came across us, you were nice, and even to our sensei, even though they didn't like your words."
"You think my words to your sensei were wrong?"
"Hit the target," it was Chouji who replied. "But it was not like we were giving it a try."
"You don't hate me?"
"You didn't hurt our team… and well, Sasuke is Sasuke…" Chouji shrugged.
"Sakura?"
"There might be a little resentment."
"How curious. The streets resent me. Then again, they already resented me. This just added to the sins…" he shook his head. "Sakura will become stronger from this. She won't settle for mediocrity because it might bring her pain in the future. And Sasuke, he was arrogant. I thought to step on his throat… though, I may have just made things worse…"
"Yet you smile."
"Ooops…" Naruto put a hand on his lips.
"You're not a nice person, are you?"
Once more, Naruto laughed but did not address the question. "Who do you think wins the tournament tomorrow?"
"The Sand Siblings are strong. But from… and there is Team Gai… but from what I've heard, you?"
"Not so simple," Naruto adopted a thoughtful look on his face. "There are two opponents worth the fight; Gaara and Lee."
"I thought you'd put Neji over Lee…" Shikamaru said. "What makes you put Lee over Neji? From what I know, he has always defeated Neji each time they've fought."
"It is simple really," Naruto wagged his index finger. "Lee holds back because Neji is a teammate."
"Are you serious?" Chouji stopped eating.
"Shinobi have various methods of fighting. Say for example, Kurenai-san… she is basically a Chunin with better Genjutsu skills. But if she caught even the Sandaime in her Genjutsu, she would be able to defeat him. The question is whether she is able to get to that point. Taijutsu is another area… Ninjutsu? Nothing but destruction. Between a purely Ninjutsu user and a taijutsu user, the latter holds the advantage. Freaks like Gai and Lee will always have the advantage. They train their bodies to the extreme. While you're going through hand signs, they are already in front of you. Even if you use them, they have the speed to avoid it. They will eventually outlast you in battle."
"But Lee has not displayed anything extraordinary."
"You'll see tomorrow that he is better than Kurenai. But of course, Kurenai is not his opponent…"
"Because his weakness is Genjutsu…" Shikamaru concluded. "What of Gaara? How would you defeat him?"
"You're bent on getting information from me."
"Well, I may as well gain something for my troubles. Tomorrow, the village will be talking about how I sat and joked with you, despite what you did to fellow Konoha shinobi."
"Hmm…" Naruto adopted a thoughtful look. "I see," he said. "From what I observed… Gaara has probably not trained a day in his life. This is because of his jutsu. Nobody gets to touch him. To fight him? I would simply just fill the stadium with water. That way, his sand is heavy, and he can't use it efficiently."
"I suppose you'd just Genjutsu on Lee, if you could."
"No… I'd fight him head on. Then use Genjutsu. I like to fight strong opponents… besides, wouldn't it be nice to show everyone that even someone called a failure can do amazing things?" he then smiled. "Unless you expose their weakness. But I'm not that cold hearted to crush someone like that. Those who have trained hard must be given their due. Respect is given by facing them head on."
This was a lot more than what Shikamaru thought he could get. It was nothing on the person himself but just the way Naruto viewed things. He was strong, but obviously possessed a strategic mind. He was the sort of opponent you didn't want knowing your weaknesses or else he was just going to expose them for fun.
At the same time, the blond has proved to be knowledgeable. It was no question he was trained well.
The sticking point was that he didn't care about being a Jinchuriki. And that he was the Yondaime's son didn't seem to bother him. At least to the question of why the Hokage's son would leave the village. The answer was really simple—there was just no love between Naruto and the villagers.
"At least now I know I wouldn't want to fight you in the future," Shikamaru replied in a yawn. "We should go Chouji."
"So soon?"
"Yeah… they might start worrying at home…"
The two left without any trouble and once more, Naruto was left alone. Perhaps he went out of his way to cause trouble because he felt lonely. He has no friend, and one to call family. Life was truly miserable. Spending time in Amegakure may be also an attempt to fill the gap in his heart.
If he felt like this, then what about Madara? At least Naruto had other people he could talk to. The man spent his time alone… maybe brooding and thinking about his grand plans and a way to stab Nagato in the back once he'd collected all Bijuu for him.
Him empowering Nagato just made the job a little difficult but who cared?
Still, what could he do now to kill time? He could go and terrorize Sasuke tomorrow in the morning. The night was still young. He closed his eyes, thinking deeply. When nothing came to mind, he abruptly stood up and then walked out of the restaurant.
The air was a bit chilly with the street a little dark. Few people were in the streets. He could sense the Anbu watching him from behind, well hidden that if he wasn't adept to sensing, he would miss them. How he wished his abilities could surpass those of Nagato. But there was still time to learn. There more he kept his eyes closed and relied on chakra to sense things around, the more he sharpened his senses.
Somewhere in Konoha
Deep within the secret chambers of Root bases, Danzo sat along with Koharu and Homura, the two remaining members of the village Council. He felt, things were moving into the right direction, at least for him.
For Konoha however, at this rate, it was a trajectory leading toward their fall. And the blame was solely on Hiruzen's hands. The naïve fool was truly no longer fit to be Hokage. He should have retired long ago. But he still held on. Danzo couldn't tolerate anymore of Hiruzen's teachings infesting the village to core.
"I am glad you were able to convince Hiruzen that the Kyubi had to be brought back to the village." What had the Sandaime even be thinking allowing the power of the beast to escape them? Other villages were with the power and they had nothing, yet Hiruzen was fine with it.
It was truly difficult that to imagine that they were trained by the same man. Tobirama was not this weak minded and naïve.
"He was allowing his guilt to get the better of him. The Kyubi belongs to Konoha, to allow it to leave simply because it is hosted by Minato's child was being naïve," Koharu said in a flat tone.
Homura shook his head with disappointment. "Hiruzen's pacifist ideas are leading the village to doom."
"This is why we must take action. He allowed Orochimaru to leave and now he threatens to attack the village. Hiruzen must take the blame for this. I have already sent a message to the Feudal Lord. We cannot permit his ideals to continue weakening this village!"
The other two agreed with him.
End of chapter
Hello
I was certain I wouldn't be able to continue with the story because I made some errors in the past chapters. I'd even considered deleting it to rewrite it. But I was told by someone not to do so.
Anyway, the story will continue.
The Omnipresent Sage