Chapter 6
Fuinjutsu was truly an interesting and puzzling art. It never ceases to amaze Naruto that it was the only art that could stuff a mountain size beast into something so tiny, yet still make room within the subconscious of that person for the beast to take full appearance and still communicate as if it was truly alive. Being sealed was really a prison of the worst. There was no hope of light, and you were never free to move about. All there was to do was just to lie about in your cell and continue plotting about methods of getting out, even though you knew it was impossible to simply break out.
Naruto placed his right hand on his gut. The Kyuubi was in there and its life was his life. To survive, it depended on him to continue on living. If he dies, it also dies. Temporarily though, but it was death nevertheless. Their fates were locked together until his body could no longer carry the Bijuu. Until then, the beast would be passed on to someone.
Naruto didn't think far ahead on that matter. His thoughts only stopped there.
He'd told Temari that they had to make do with the reality that had pressed upon their lives. He'd told her so because he believed it was the only way to make the best of out the situation. Ignoring it wasn't going to do. He couldn't continue ignoring that the Kyuubi was inside of him. It was there, and whether he liked it or not, they had to learn to live with the situation and get along for their own survival.
''Don't space out like that, Naruto,'' Kushina said, hitting Naruto on his right shoulder.
Naruto looked at his mother, thankful she didn't call him by any inappropriate name in front of the two Sand siblings: Gaara and Temari. The four were walking along the streets of Sunagakure, heading towards a good secluded place to have a nice talk and get to know each other. At least that is what his mother said.
''You don't have to hit so hard, mother,'' Naruto said, in a slight grumble. ''I was thinking important stuff anyway,'' he added.
''It doesn't matter,'' Kushina said strongly. ''You have lots of time to think about other matters. For now, it is just the four of us and we need to use time wisely, we don't have much time here, remember?''
Naruto sighed, and nodded. ''Yes mother,'' he said.
They certainly didn't have much time here in this village. They had to embark on their training trip soon enough. They were just passing by Sunagakure and after his mother fixes up Gaara's seal, they would only have a few days and then leave. The Third Hokage probably anticipated that the Yondaime Kazekage would ask something like this of his mother, probably why he had them come here in the first place.
They could have just left Konoha for their time away without making any stops. It wasn't like Konoha would change over night and Naruto knew the cunning old man was not naive enough to believe something like that would happen in his sleep.
Friendship had to be made and bonds had to be strengthened. At least that was the side story of things. It was for the better future, a happy tomorrow. That was what his mother wanted and Naruto was going to do his best, to make her happy and himself happy. A part of him did hope for a better tomorrow after all. So, he wasn't just doing this for his mother, but for his own sanity as well.
Everyone held some hope about the future. People hoped for the best, regardless of hopeless their situations were. His was not hopeless. There were ways to make the best of the situation, Uzumaki Naruto just didn't put much effort into it, yet he understood that if he doesn't, nothing would change.
If he grows up being a bitter child, who wears the Anbu mask in his sleep, would that make his mother happy? She would worry, perhaps even go back to those miserable nights.
Naruto would never forgive himself if he makes his mother experience such pain. He would curse his very existence until the day his body decides it can no longer contain his soul.
With that in mind, Naruto looked at his precious mother with a smile.
''What were you thinking about?'' Kushina asked, having seen the blond hold his stomach, where the seal that held the Kyuubi was located. It was unlike her son to think deep about his prisoner. He didn't talk much about the Bijuu.
''Bijuus and how incredible fuinjutsu is,'' Naruto said quietly. ''He is like that because of his Bijuu and the things that have happened to him, right?'' Naruto asked, looking at the redhead walking by his mother's right side, held by her hand.
That sight made him twitch, but he tried not to show it. Still, the recurring theme was there: he didn't like sharing his mother.
Kushina nodded. ''Shikaku has always been known for madness,'' she said. ''Given the kind of seal that was used, it is given that he will go mad. He hasn't lost it yet, but if nothing can be done about the seal he will go bad.''
''Can you help him?'' Temari asked, a hopeful look on her face.
Once again, Kushina nodded, but with a smile. ''Of course I can,'' she said strongly. ''We Uzumaki see this as no problem. As executing the Great Fire ball jutsu is only natural for the Uchiha, it is also natural for us to seal Bijuus and know more about seals.''
Ah, the Uzumaki pride. Naruto loved his mother when she spoke so proudly of their clan. Why hadn't she even go as far as to praise herself a bit more? She was amazing with the things she could do with Fuinjutsu, and people praised his damn father as a fuinjutsu genius.
All glory for the precious Yondaime Hokage and nothing for his mother.
Naruto didn't understand what the fuss was all about when it came to that man. Yes, sure she was smart. The fact that he understood the work of Uzumaki was proof of that. But was there anything original he did? The Hiraishin was the work of the Nidaime Hokage. As far as Naruto could tell, the man was only able to invent the Rasengan.
Naruto shook his head realizing he was going too far with his thoughts and would miss the conversation at hand.
Temari smiled, before speaking. ''Our father hasn't been really kind to him since he failed to meet his expectations,'' she said with a sad smile. ''I feel bad being unable to do anything.''
Kushina smiled warmly, ah, sibling bonds, she thought happily. She didn't say a word, but looked at Naruto, telling him to say something because it wasn't her place but his. Temari was his fiancée after all.
Naruto wondered if his mother had a manipulative streak behind that warm smile of hers. If he was the one to say something comforting, it would only improve his relationship with the blonde haired girl.
Inwardly he was amused. People thought she was stupid. It was them who were stupid. Kushina wasn't stupid. But her attitude could fool anyone.
Naruto looked at Temari, flipping the pages within his mind, wondering how he would go about this one.
''There has been nothing you can do really,'' Naruto said quietly. ''There are times we really want to change something with all our hearts, but can't do anything. That is the reality of life. Perhaps to say the cruelty of life suits it better.''
''So because you're not powerful enough you have just have to watch and let things go wrong?''
Naruto shook his head slightly. ''When you can't do anything yourself, you have to look up to those who can do something,'' he said. ''I have learned that there are things I can't change and it isn't power alone that changes all things. When you can't do anything, you have to trust someone and depend on them to change things for you.''
''What happens when there is no one you can't trust, someone you can depend on?''
''Then call it the end of life,'' Naruto said. ''But, as long as it isn't the end, there will always be someone. You may find it difficult to find that person, but you'll eventually find someone to lean on. My mother is here now, I am here as well. We will always be there for you. Now and in the future. She will help your brother, you can depend on her. And perhaps someday in the future, you can depend on me as well.''
Yes, he was striving for the mind and power to protect what he held dear. Right now, he couldn't do much without dying, but in the near future, he would grow strong enough to handle things for his mother for those he cared for. He would not fail at it.
Seeing the smile on Temari's face, Kushina flashed Naruto a grin. Giving him an invisible thumps up. ''Smile a bit will you? To maximise the effects of your words.''
''The moment has passed,'' Naruto said with a shrug.
''What did I say Naruto? Do you want me to repeat myself?''
''No, mother'' Naruto said before smiling.
Gaara looked at the pair. He found them curious, and he envied them. Having a mother, walking like this, talking like that. He had certainly wished to walk with a mother being held like this. He had seen other children being held as well, and he had longed for it. He was held now, and it felt warm. It made him happy even though his expression wouldn't show it.
This is what it felt like to have a mother. Earlier, it had felt weird when she picked him up, but it was a good weird. It had brought a fuzzy feeling in his heart and he had liked it. Yet, his mouth couldn't open up to say anything. He was content with just walking like this, listening to the three talk.
It was a new experience, and Subaku no Gaara liked this experience.
So when Kushina let him go, he felt disappointed. He just stood there, staring into the empty space ahead. Wondering if she'd just been playing with him, giving him a taste of this good feeling and then stripping it away from him before he could enjoy it.
Now that would be cruel.
''Come on, Gaara,'' Kushina called the dazed redhead. They'd reached their destination – a quiet playing ground. Hugging his teddy bear with his other hand, Gaara slowly made his way towards the Uzumaki. ''What's wrong?'' She asked as she sat down beside Naruto and Temari.
Gaara slowly shook his head, but offered no words in response. Perhaps he wasn't used to this kind of attention. Normally people ran away from him, and others looked at him with murderous eyes, but this was a warm feeling. Something a part of him told him that he really needed to have in his life.
''He doesn't talk much, huh?'' Naruto asked, looking straight at the redhead. Had he been Sasuke, he would've smacked the boy already. But Gaara was a different kind of person, there was no harm.
Temari shook her head in response. ''It can't be helped,'' she said. ''No one speaks to him. Our father doesn't even look at him on a good day, and though we care, he hardly responds to our attempts to start conversation. After breakfast, he just gets up and leave the house.''
''Not that you have any good conversation starter,'' Naruto said earning a look from his mother. ''Its obvious that things are awkward between them. They are siblings yet so far apart. They live in the same house, yet in different worlds. Do you have anything you can say to him when it is just the two of you?''
Temari nodded, ''I just find it difficult, and in end, I don't say anything,'' she said quietly. ''But I do care and wish to change things.''
''Well, he is right here and can hear you perfectly. Speak to him,'' Naruto offered, taking out his Fuinjutsu book to get some reading done. He certainly had a lot of ground to cover up. There were a lot of things he didn't know about the art, and as an Uzumaki, he had to be an expert in it.
Temari blinked twice. All this time she'd been talking so comfortably and she hadn't actually registered the fact that Gaara was with them. She'd felt so free to speak as if he wasn't here, but now that she'd been brought back to reality, she didn't know what to say. She just smiled nervously, and looked at Gaara, who gave her a blank stare as if to dare her to say something.
''The first step is always the most difficult, but once you take it, everything becomes easy. You must muster up the courage to speak and things will fall to line,'' Naruto said as Kushina watched on. ''He knows you're his older sister, given everything, you can understand the expression.''
''Do two do know that Ga-chan can hear you?'' Kushina asked, ruffling up Gaara's hear as he was sitting closer to her. ''Naru-chan is a mean person, isn't he, Ga-chan?''
For the first time since the four set out of the Kazekage residence, Gaara spoke his first words. ''Ga-chan?'' He said, looking at Kushina with a strange expression on his face.
Kushina smiled warmly. ''It is your new nick name from me, don't you like it?'' She asked intently. There was some kind of an air around her that said it didn't matter if he liked it or not. She would continue to call him as she liked.
Gaara shook his head and looked down. He again hugged his stuffed animal, before speaking in a whisper. ''Nobody has calls me like that,'' he said.
Kushina's smile turned into a grin. ''If you like, I can call you many more sweet names. I have lots for Naru-chan. I can tell you some of them later on,'' she added in a whisper.
''Just the one is fine,'' Gaara said quietly.
It was one of those difficult moments for Naruto. He honestly didn't like it when someone was getting all warmly with his mother. He certainly would've been glaring at Gaara by now if it was a year ago. Still, Gaara was a Jinchuriki, just like him. He could let this slide. But, Kushina was his mother and his mother alone. He was just going to allow to have his moment, besides, if he did anything stupid, his mother wouldn't be happy with him.
Gaara was a sad person. She wanted to save him from the path he was falling into. Surely, if there was nothing done, he was indeed going into a much darker path, coupled with more pain and loneliness. But this time, there was a chance to even start his childhood. He could still live a normal life by the time they do leave this village. It was with that reasoning, that Naruto felt it was something he shouldn't envy.
Yet, the feeling in his heart didn't go away.
''Don't tell me that you're jealous,'' Kushina said to Naruto, seeing his silence.
''Not at all,'' Naruto said quietly. ''I was just thinking about how sweet it is that you're doing something like this. You took out us here because you felt they needed this, right?''
''You're diverting from the subject,'' Kushina accused her son, but nodded nonetheless. ''What do you sat we do to have some fun then?''
''Its okay if you spend time with them,'' Naruto said, staring into his book. ''I need to sort out of a few things. I'll join you shortly.''
Kushina sighed, but didn't question her dear son. ''Come on you two. Lets go do something fun and leave Mr. broody all alone.''
That said, the woman pulled Temari and Gaara away. Naruto frowned slightly as he shook his head. A good thing his mother wasn't worried by his choice. Perhaps she understood his reasoning.
With that in mind, Naruto dived into his mindscape.
The place was just filthy. It wasn't that it smelled. No, the condition was just ridiculous. This was a damn sewer for kami's sake, and you stuff a Bijuu down here. Naruto didn't have any personal hatred towards the Kyuubi. They were both stuck in an unfortunate situation together, and the beast had been manipulated by a filthy Uchiha into attacking Konoha, so the situation couldn't be helped.
It was another of those make do situations.
The drips. So damn annoying. Naruto would have gone insane already if he had been forced to be tortured by that sound 24/7. This did nothing but confirm what he'd first thought. This was truly the worst type of prison one could ever be thrown into.
A thought sneaked into the back of his mind. What if humans could be thrown into a seal like this. How would they live. He would definitely not object if the whole of Konoha was to be sealed in this type of conditions. It would suit them. They were crap after all. What better of a place to find crap than a sewer. Naruto felt those damn hypocrites were much more suited to be in such a place than the Kyuubi.
In his eyes, the Bijuu wasn't the evil one, but those damn humans were the evil.
As he walked through the water, Naruto finally reached the large bars that formed a gate. A creeping darkness laid behind. If it wasn't because Naruto trusted the work of Fuinjutsu, he would've been afraid. The feeling behind those bars was just ominous. If he spent good days being suffocated by that feeling, by the time he walked out of here, he would be mad.
Those blood red eyes slowly opened as the darkness behind the bars seemed to disperse. The Kyuubi appeared, lying on the water, head resting on its paws. It was pathetic to see a Bijuu so feared stuck like this. Naruto almost pitied the Bijuu.
Almost.
The Bijuu didn't say a word, it just stared at him, unblinking. Naruto stared back.
''I can understand why the hypocrites fear you, but I feel that I can never fear you. Perhaps it is because I have been in contact with you since I was still forming within my mother's womb,'' Naruto paused for a moment. ''This does make me some sort of a perfect Jinchuriki for you, don't you think?''
The Kyuubi said nothing.
Naruto continued speaking. ''I don't like humans either,'' he smiled in bitter amusement. ''Yet, I am human, my mother is human as well. Still, humans are truly despicable creatures. My mother is not. Perhaps she is the reason I have this hope that not all humans are bad.''
The beast closed its eyes for a moment before continuing to stare at Naruto for a full moment. ''What do you want, human?''
''My mother says to conquer your hatred, one must love. But I don't think I can do that. I think I can try to get along with your hatred. Why do you even this hatred to begin with. You hate human, why? Reasons make me understand q few things. We both don't like humans, and I'm certain you hate the Uchiha who manipulated you as well,'' Naruto paused for a moment. ''Both of us are victims of an unfortunate incident, but we have been together since I was in my mother's womb. I have the marks to confirm that. We will get along one day, because we don't have a choice but to make the best out of the situation.''
The Kyuubi snorted. ''I have no plans on getting along with you brat. In the end, you're human and all humans will turn the other way eventually...''
Naruto raised his index finger. ''I just told you: humans are despicable and I don't like them. I care not for other things in this world. It can burn to crisp, be dragged into madness and chaos. I wouldn't care as long as I can keep my mother safe and happy.''
The Bjiuu looked amused. ''Your mother wouldn't approve of such words, neither would your father...'' it said. ''But for a first appearance, this is certainly interesting. Now, get out of my space. I wish to rest.''
''No,'' Naruto said as he floated into the empty space. He crossed his feet and 'sat' in air. ''Tell me about that One-tailed Bijuu? You must have sensed it.''
The Kyuubi looked surprised for a moment that Naruto had said no so plainly. He then burst into laughter for a few moments. ''I don't like that crazy Tanuki anyway. What do you want to know?''
A few minutes later, Naruto was pulled out of the mindscape when he felt a tug on his right shoulder. He opened his eyes and looked at the source: Gaara.
''Your mother said to call you...'' the redhead said.
Naruto blinked before shaking his head. He held out his right hand. Gaara stared at it and then stared at his own. A few moments of deliberation, and he finally took Naruto's hand and helped the blond get up.
''So, Gaara, how does it feel like to meet someone who has a stuffed animal inside of them? Some like you?''
''Someone like me?'' Gaara looked at Naruto curiously as if he didn't know the blond was a Jinchuriki. He then shook his head, ''I don't know,'' he answered.
It sounded like an honest response. ''You're like me, so I don't dislike you. I think I will like all Jinchurikis. We're more than humans after all,'' Naruto said with a small smile.
Later That Day
''What are you doing at a place like this on your own, Naruto?'' Kushina asked as she walked towards her son - who was sitting atop of the Kazekage residence on his own. ''I was worried when you suddenly disappeared.''
''Sorry for worrying you mother,'' Naruto said in a quiet tone. ''I've just been having a lot in my mind,'' he added, settling on to stare at the empty space ahead of him.
Things had changed in ways he couldn't have imagined or even dreadfully hoped. For as long as he had known to live, he had been dealt with so many painful memories. But of course, there were those good times that he cherished. Certainly the moments with the Uchihas and his other people were memoroes worth holding onto. The times with his mother couldn't be put into an argument. It came natural that they were memories he held dearest.
As continuously as live kept changing, new things aroused. It depended on the situation you were to determine whether the changes would be good or bad. For Naruto, the circle of life was no sweet ride. It was a painful ride. For as much as he told himself he didn't care for anything other than his mother, more troubles just seemed to pile up on his young life.
Children were playing in the parks, playing games of catch, showering smiles to others while parents watched with content. This was the same in outward appearance in Konoha, yet Naruto had never gave it much of a thought. He'd always looked at the other way or just with indifference. Perhaps it was because he knew those people were damn hypocrites. Children they may be, but they were no different from their parents. They did everything their hateful vermin told them anyway.
Naruto stopped his train of thoughts as his mother sat comfortably on his right hand side. She offered him a smile before speaking. ''The atmosphere here is really lovely, isn't it?''
Naruto nodded, ''It is,'' he said. ''It's very different from Konoha. The people here are truly happy and have no lurking darkness as they have in Konoha. Perhaps we just don't see it because we are hopeful for something different.''
''It's nice to hear you say you're hopeful about something,'' Kushina said with a warm smile. ''Hope keeps you running towards the light at the end of the tunnel, and without it, you just give up on everything.''
''That is what I have come to realize,'' Naruto said in quiet tone. ''This village has a different impact on me. It makes me reaffirm my hope on a better tomorrow. You always say that we have to hope for a happy future. I've always wondered why? I mean I had you, what more did I want?''
''There are so many times we feel that we only need one person in our lives, but the truth is we can't function in society without other people. You need friends, companions, comrades, all the like to be able to fully live your life. Without those, you'll always lack something.''
''It's unusual for you to speak so calmly, mother,'' Naruto noted with a smile.
''Anything for you, Naruto,'' Kushina said, putting on her left hand on Naruto's head before ruffling his hair a bit. ''Anything for you,'' she repeated.
''Ino calls me her friend, her knight, I'm not sure actually understand it all. Perhaps I just don't want to because I want my world to revolve around you only. I told Temari to hope or to try to take actions that will lead to a better tomorrow. I life full of joy - a life that she desires for her siblings.
I say stuff like that to other people. You say stuff like that to me. Do you know something that struck me, mother? Saying things like that makes me a hypocrite. I don't follow that rule. I don't like humans, yet I like you. I have little hope in them, and I don't really give it my all to try to make my life better. Isn't that you wish for me to smile as other kids?
As I was watching others today, I saw how happy it made the parents. I want to make you happy like that, mother. And I don't want to be a hypocrite. I want to try harder to change like you want me to. I know that will make you happier, and as much as I try to deny it, it will make me happy as well.''
Smiling warmly, Kushina thought through everything Naruto said before asking, ''So what is the problem, dear?''
''I don't know how. Gaara is like me. We are the same. He is special as I am, so he is someone I can eventually call a friend. But I don't know how to make friends, I don't how to handle it.''
Kushina put on her right hand on Naruto's left shoulder and pulled him closer to her. ''Just do what you did with Shikamaru. I know you're not exactly friends, but that is how friendship starts Naruto. Be yourself, and don't pretend to be something you're not. I know we won't have those moments as other families do, but we can make the most of our bond by trying to improve.''
Naruto nodded slightly. ''Its warm when you hold me close.''
Kushina laughed slightly, ''Well, I'm your mother,'' she said. ''I'm supposed to be warm. We have missed moments, like this, huh?''
''Yes. There has just been too much recently. But when we do leave this village, we should have more time,'' Naruto said. ''Neither of us are too interested in what happens around the Elemental Nations, so it will just be freedom and ignorance.''
''We'll enjoy it. Perhaps we'll truly enjoy our lives without the weight and eyes of Konoha looking over our shoulders,'' Kushina said in thought. ''Are you really going to be okay with Jiraiya being with us?''
Naruto nodded. ''I hold no ill feelings towards him,'' Naruto said.
''It makes me wonder, why...''
Naruto appeared to think about it for a few moments before responding. ''My reasoning has been that I can't fault him because he is not really my family. If he was someone attached to me by blood, then I would've been mad. But Jiraiya's greatest attachment was father.
Perhaps another reason is my view of humans. We are bad people. Our nature sickens me, and when a human does something outrageous, I do not find it to be a surprise. It is what you expect from humans,'' Naruto said. 'perhaps it isn't humans that I dislike, but their actions...' he added in thought.
''That is a very unhealthy way of viewing things,'' Kushina said in a strong tone. ''Have a more positive outlook of things, will you? Being cynical won't make you happy. It will only make you miserable.''
''Perhaps,'' Naruto said, pausing to gather his words. ''I spoke with Kyuubi today.''
Kushina did not tense, she just held Naruto a bit firm, smiling sadly. ''How did it go?''
''As you can imagine, but I think we got along pretty,'' Naruto said.
Kushina wasn't surprised. ''Well both of you have a somewhat similar outlook on humans. Kyuubi hates humans more than anything. Well, Uchiha come first. Despite being one, and your mother being one, you're not a fan of humans either. They've done nothing but tormented you - the majority anway. It is the same with the Bijuu, humans have done nothing but hunt down its kind and see them as nothing more than weapons.''
''For a being that has hundreds of years and is actually intelligent, I'd harbour the same feelings if I was in its position,'' Naruto said. ''How was your relationship?''
''We didn't have any. I just felt that he needed to be sealed because he was too dangerous,'' Kushina said. ''Ultimately, that wasn't my decision or idea. It was the Shodai Hokage who said those words before Mito sealed it within herself, and and they were passed down to me.''
''Too dangerous to be left alone?'' Naruto said in wonder. ''Because we're humans, we think we have the right to decide on everything that crawls upon this land. Bijuus are beings of intellect, and because of their power, we just see them as nothing more than mass beings of chakra that we have to control.''
''That is the General thought, but not people like us,'' Kushina said smiling.
''The Kyuubi has been denied its freedom, and although I do not see it as a weapon, I cannot free it, unless something I value perishes. I'm selfish as well. The first thought is my own wellbeing,'' Naruto said smiling sadly. ''Why does it not surprise you? My talk with the Kyuubi...''
''The situation is like with Temari. Both of you are tied together, and you told her that since they were tied together, they had to work around the issue and learn to live with it. There was time to grow into it. Fighting it won't do, but accpeting it would make you better,'' Kushina paused for a moment. ''I figured you'd say the same thing to the Kyuubi since you hate being a hypocrite.''
''I try to be a better human, mother,'' Naruto said. ''Do you really think that we can live normally, mother?''
Kushina nodded firmly. ''Yes, we can. We just have to give it a try. You can never be certain about anything unless you try. Have some hope, haven't I always told you?''
''You have,'' Naruto said. ''The Sand family reminds me of the Uchiha. We really had a good relationship with them. They were humans who got along with us and were people we liked.''
Kushina nodded. ''At least Mikoto-chan is still there...''
''Yes, but things will never be the same. I thought I didn't care about them when they disappeared, and now this friendship we're creating with the Kazekage's family is making me realize that I was wrong. I do miss them, and a part of me cared.''
''I miss them too,'' Kushina said. ''But that is a part of our lives that has been ripped away. We did enjoy it while it lasted, huh?''
''We did,'' Naruto smiled in thought. ''My priorities have not changed, but I can create room for hope. You'll always be the first thought mother, no matter what. I promise to try making you proud.''
''That's what I want to hear,'' Kushina said smiling brightly. ''Your father put Konoha first, but I will not. You are my priority. It wouldn't be fair if both your parents put you second in everything.''
Naruto leaned his head on his mother's shoulder and closed his eyes, smiling warmly. ''Let's stay like this mother,'' he said in a whisper.
''Anything for you, Naruto.''
The Following Day
Kushina had worked the wonders of fuinjutsu on Gaara and now the Jinchuriki was sound sleep. It had been a rather risky part in restructuring the seal that held the Bijuu inside of him. His mother had to add a few things on the seal to make it stronger and work differently from the original. It was the seal that was the failure not Gaara. This was why the seal that held Shukaku had to be made anew with the chance of the Bijuu breaking free from its binds.
Kushina had done all preparations, setting more than two barriers just in case something happened. She certainly didn't want to repeat what had happened when she was giving birth to Naruto. You never knew within this Elemental Nations who was planning what with your life. To avoid such a disaster, the Uzumaki took all measures necessary and the sealing went along without a hitch and any complications.
Gaara would be free from Shukaku's torments. He would no longer hear the Bijuu's voice unless he wanted to and that was what was need. That was what Rasa believed would make his son valuable again.
It was interesting the man viewed things based on value. Perhaps it had something to do with his ninjutsu. If Naruto wasn't wrong, the man used gold dust. Well, it was only fitting for someone who used that kind of jutsu.
Yet, it was disappointing that the man put that same price on his family. Family was family and nothing could change it. It didn't matter how pathetic and useless that person was, what was important was the blood flowing within that person and the bond shared.
Perhaps Naruto Hated the kind of thought that made a man sacrifice his life for his other love because it was the same sacrifice that made him what he was. Still, what Rasa did was just wrong.
Naruto could never go that low. Well, his only true family was his mother, and she came above all things.
Naruto had been a little disappointed that even though his mother wanted him to see the sealing, she didn't allow him to witness the ritual. He had to wait until she returned, exhausted from the sealing and was now taking a nap.
If this had been anyone who'd made his mother work this hard, Naruto would surely not like that person.
Of course having so hard, Rasa would owe them. Naruto may not say anything now, but a day would come and the same could be said for Gaara. If he still ends up turning up nasty, he would face his wrath because his mother did what she did to make him better.
The fact that he was a Jinchuriki could be put aside.
''You really care for your mother, huh?'' Temari said, walking into the room Kushina laid with Naruto sitting at her bedside, waiting for her to wake up from her nap.
''Was there any doubt?'' Naruto asked, without turning to face the blonde haired girl – his eyes were firmly fixed on his mother.
Temari shook her head. ''Your attachment towards your mother is just a little surprising. You're unlike those other kids with mother complexes,'' she said before halting just beside her fiancé.
Naruto looked at the blonde with a slight frown. ''Mother what?'' He asked as if he'd never heard of it before. Before Temari could respond, Naruto shook his head slightly. ''There is nothing unnatural with my attachment towards my mother. Perhaps I am more closer to her because she is the only one I have.''
''I'm wounded by that,'' Temari said in a playful manner. In his response, Naruto didn't seem to recognize the playfulness on her tone.
''Why?''
Temari decided to go with it anyway. ''Well, I'm your fiancée, when you say that your mother is the only one you have. What do you makes me feel?''
Naruto stared at her for a few moments before realizing she wasn't being serious.
He smiled slightly though, shaking his head in the process. ''I usually forget that we have an agreement. So you really should form part of my life. I remember saying that we have to learn to live with this or it will never become something right.''
Temari smiled slightly. ''You really do think a lot deeper for someone your age...''
''That what life has brought me and forced me to become,'' Naruto said quietly. ''I live with it and make the best of it. I have been guilty of not trying to enjoy it, nevertheless.'' At least with other people. He did enjoy his life with his mother.
''I don't ever picture you laughing around like the brats. I don't think it even suit you. I see you as you are, so I cannot picture you in the frame,'' Temari said.
''I wouldn't suit me, huh? Well, I guess I have always maintained a somewhat cool and dignified image about myself. I'd really be suitable for a clan heir,'' Naruto added in thought. ''What do you think of the future?''
''I don't know,'' Temari said shaking her head. ''I don't think that far ahead. My mind is too wrapped up on what happens around me currently to think that far. Besides, I'm still just a kid. Future plans are for parents. There is one matter that makes me think though.''
''Our engagement,'' Naruto said.
Temari nodded, ''I wonder if it will ever happen. For so long as I can remember, I was informed that since I was the Kazekage's daughter, I would get married off to someone for political reasons. I think I have come in turns with that as my responsibility.''
''This is more than just politics,'' Naruto said, but didn't enter into detail about it.
Temari nodded. ''There are a lot of things involved. But I'm glad that I at least get to share my fate with someone like you. I hope that even in the years to come, you're still this kind to me and my family.''
''Kind? This is perhaps the first time I have been accused of being kind.''
Temari let loose of a small and quiet laugh. ''Accused?'' she repeated smiling. ''You say some weird things. To say you're kind isn't an accusation. Why do you make it as if it is a bad thing?''
''I don't know,'' Naruto said with a shrug. ''But you can rest assured. I will not become something that will sadden my mother.''
Temari smiled. "I have no doubt about that," she said confidently.
Naruto looked at her for a moment, wondering where she got all that confidence to say something like that.
''Naruto, can I talk to you?'' Rasa suddenly called, leaning against the door frame of the room.
Naruto looked at his mother, thinking. He didn't want to leave her at a time like this. He needed to be by her side. She could wake up needing him.
''Don't worry. I'll look after her. She is my mother in-law after all,'' Temari said smiling. Although it was barely noticeable, Naruto's face twitched when she said that. He didn't really like sharing his mother, it seemed.
It took a full minute and Rasa's patience for Naruto to finally make a reluctant decision of leaving his mother. Without saying a word, he got up from the chair he was sitting on and walked towards the Yondaime Kazekage.
''What is that you wish to speak to me about, Kazekage-sama,'' Naruto said in politely. It sounded like a question, but it was more of a statement from Naruto.
''I'm happy that your relationship with my daughter is steadily improving. I don't have to worry about you not getting along with her as the years progress,'' Rasa said neutrally.
Naruto said nothing. Rasa assumed the blond was waiting for his question to be answered before responding.
''Both the Sandaime Hokage and I made the contract because we had our own reasons. If I were to put it bluntly, I'd say you were not the first thought, but we did it for the sake of our villages,'' Rasa said, though he had an idea that Naruto already knew this. ''Your mother only agreed because she thought of you. Do you know why that is?''
''Mother loves me and desires for me to be happy even as I grow up,'' Naruto only said.
Rasa explained it with a bit of details. ''Your mother saw that the kids your generation were taught to dislike you. Because of that, she feared that you may not have someone that will love you when you do grow up. So she picked Temari who had a brother for a Jinchiriki and could certainly understand you.''
''I'm already aware of this,'' Naruto said. ''What is it that you want? I don't want to sound impolite, but I get itchy when someone tries to go around the bush with me...''
Rasa merely smiled and waved the blond off. ''The decision was made before you got acquainted with the Yamanaka girl.''
Naruto frowned slightly. He wasn't surprised that a man such as Rasa would know about his relationship with Ino. The man was a Kazekage after all and he was contracted to marry the man's daughter. It was given that he would keep an eye on him. But that wasn't what was making him frown.
''Are you threatened that I'll like Ino and end up leaving your daughter? There is that choice after all...'' Naruto said.
Adults. Even as he asked the question, Naruto had little doubt that he was indeed correct in his assumption. It was even shameless for the man to bring such a subject with a straight face.
''I won't deny that, but I can't say I'm exactly threatened. I'm just worried. You seem to be getting along just fine with my daughter though. That gives me hope,'' Rasa said.
Being proven right – even though the man didn't want to fully admit it – made Naruto's frown deepen.
What had that poor girl done? Ino was just someone he got along quite well even if she was a kid from Konoha. Hell, his relationship with her proved that not all was lost, even though he wouldn't admit it to anyone.
If he were to crush things with Temari, it would be a loss to Rasa, and the man was just trying to ensure that it didn't come to that. He wanted things to happen in a way that would benefit him.
Well newsflash Kazekage, nothing went along the way he want them to.
''Kages,'' Naruto said mildly. ''You're all the same. Your villages always come first before your families. You don't use cheap words like care, and the like. You 'value' things. Right now, I'm valuable, and that makes me important to you. Then?''
''If there is ever anything you'll ever require, feel free to ask me. Perhaps I may become connected to you as my children have connected with your mother,'' Rasa said. ''Bottom line is that you can always come to me if there is ever anything you need.''
''I see. I guess I can enjoy the benefits of being deemed valuable by you,'' Naruto said quietly. ''My natural Element is Wind. I will require scrolls that will help me get better at it.''
Rasa raised an eye brow: the blond surely didn't waste time to ask something. Well, that was what made the boy interesting. Still, ''You do know that I can't give you treasured jutsus that belong to the village...''
''That's news to me,'' Naruto said as if it was truly something new to him. ''As far as I remember, I'm engaged to your daughter which makes me your family, and technically, also part of Sunagakure. My mother just put value in Gaara and if my memory isn't fooling me, she is a Fuinjutsu master who can teach your people a few things.
"Of course helping me out means that I will forever be grateful and may perhaps work things out in your favor in the future…" he paused for a moment before adding. "Or perhaps just going to backtrack on what you just said?"
Rasa stared. Perhaps he'd underestimated the blond. The Sandaime had said the boy wasn't stupid, but he hadn't expected this. He'd never really talked with Naruto on this level before, so perhaps he could be forgiven for the mistake.
''And if I say I still can't do that?'' Rasa asked out of curiosity more than anything. He was going to give the blond what he wanted, but he still wanted to hear how the blond would respond.
Naruto merely shrugged indifferently and turned away from him, heading back to his mother.
Somehow that translated to, ''then I'm not as valuable to you as I think I am,'' it also reminded the Yondaime Kazekage that even if he refuses, Naruto wouldn't care too much about it. He would just go back to his mother.
Just to be sure, Rasa called out, "You really wouldn't care if I don't give you the scrolls?"
Naruto nodded. "But I also wouldn't care about what you want. If I work things with Ino, my mother will still be happy…"
Rasa stared as the blond disappeared. What had that old man brought into his house? It was dangerous that someone so young could play this kind of game with him.
The blond understood his position quite well… and wasn't afraid to use it for his own benefit. Then again, should he really complain? He was using the boy as well.
A Day Later
''I'm surprised you're still in the country,'' Naruto said to Itachi. The two were sitting in one of Suna's training grounds, chatting as if the Uchiha wasn't a wanted criminal.
Itachi had put a powerful genjutsu around them that wouldn't be noticed by anyone who didn't have a Doujutsu. Thankfully, Sunagakure had no Doujutsu users, so the two were safe and could talk as much as they wanted, all in the outside, it would appear as if Naruto was alone, reading his beloved Fuinjutsu book, as he normally did at this time of the day. It wouldn't be anything unusual to the Anbu who were always watching him because this wasn't out of his schedule but something he has been doing since coming into this village.
A henge would have worked, but shinobi can read lips and Naruto didn't want anyone asking him who was talking to. This presented the best chance, and it was always amazing to see Itachi's genjutsu at work. As far as he was concerned, the Uchiha had no rival when it came to Genjutsu.
Naruto envied those blessed with these kind of eyes. But it didn't mean that he didn't believe he could reach new heights because he didn't have a doujutsu. He could still make it. He had the Uzumaki blood after all.
''Konoha shinobi can't look everywhere for me,'' Itachi said quietly. ''And they stopped after a day or two. The work will be left for Hunter-nins. Not that will do any good.''
Being a member of the Akatsuki meant that he wasn't going to be running around the Elemental Nations fearing for Hunter-nins. He would be safe within the Akatsuki and most of all, Uchiha Itachi wasn't someone who could be taken easily. He wasn't just an S-rank shinobi for show.
''I'd assume so,'' Naruto responded in the same tone as Itachi. ''You're not the one to he hunted by Hunter-nins. The Sandaime Hokage is probably keeping the farce just for appearances. He knows you can't be brought down by those. Then again, I'm not particularly sure how strong Hunter-nins are.''
''They are more or less like Anbu, but they know the human body much better. They don't specialize in flashy Jutsu like we do. They mostly use senbons to render their target immobile.''
''So a jutsu battle will only be forced if they can't put out the target. Its possible that they just appear out of nowhere. They are masters of silent 'killing' by the looks of it,'' Naruto frowned slightly. ''I surely wouldn't want to end up being hunted by them. But that sums up your situation, huh?''
Itachi shook his head. ''I certainly have to run from Konoha shinobi, but I don't have to worry much. I'll be keeping most of my times away from the sight,'' the Uchiha said calmly. ''Your situation is very unfortunate. I didn't know my actions would result in such consequences.''
''No one foresaw it. Perhaps some god who just amuses himself in humans suffering saw it, but we didn't. I'd wish for nothing more than your brutal death if my mother had been the Jinchuriki,'' Naruto said.
He'd said so with a straight face, and so calmly. Itachi wasn't surprised. This was how Naruto was. Even if the blond does change, his mother would always have the first thought. She would be above everything else. He'd put Konoha above the Uchiha, and had been willing to rid of the whole clan, but Naruto had stopped that. So he could understand. They could understand each other.
He knew it better than anyone that Naruto loved his mother, and the blond understood his love for Konoha best.
''That is just how unpredictable the shinobi world is,'' Itachi said. ''I came here to tell you that I've actually joined an organization that is made up of S-ranked criminals. Even Orochimaru is a member. There are members that are even stronger than I am.''
''I see,'' that was all Naruto said, despite the news.
Itachi contemplated about telling Naruto about Madara, but he decided against it. He would only do it until he was sure it was safe to do so. Surely, the blond would be more than happy to spend all his energy to training to become strong enough to kill this Madara. But Itachi didn't want to influence Naruto in that manner. Besides, he wasn't sure if that man would know about him telling Naruto about him. For now, it was safe to just tell him about the Akatsuki.
''I fear that they will become a major threat in the near future. I don't know what their goal is, but just know that you might end up facing S-ranked enemies in the near future.''
''I see,'' yet again, Naruto gave that same response to Itachi and it bothered the Uchiha.
Naruto's lack of care about the world around him was truly a problem, yet amazing. In this way, he couldn't care less if there was a war outside of his comfort zone. As long as he could be safe with his mother, the blond was more than willing to act oblivious to the things around him. It had to do with his dislike of humans, but Itachi knew that had to change at some point. Even if he doesn't stop disliking humans, he had to start acting with more care around the world around him.
''Whether you like it or not Naruto, the situation outside your comfort zone does affect you. Where do you think you can hide if this world is forced into another war? You're a Jinchuriki, in times of war, you will be hunted down if you choose to runaway. And do you think they will live your mother out of it? They will use her against you. You don't deny it to anyone that your mother is your 'world' people notice...''
Once again, Naruto frowned. ''It would be despicable humans setting things off,'' the blond merely said.
''I know,'' Itachi said with a slight nod. ''But shinobi matters affect even civilians, especially when things are happening at your own yard. You will understand what I'm talking about when you walk into a village that is being attacked, or when Konoha is attacked. It will be even more troubling because when Konoha is being attacked, they won't allow you to protect your mother, they will force you to fight for Konoha.''
''And if I refuse?''
''You know what will happen,'' Itachi said flatly. ''They will brand you a traitor, and you will be accused of insubordination of the highest level. Refusing to fight when the village is being attacked is no different from treason. You won't just have civilians on your case, shinobi will turn on you, and whether the Sandaime likes it or not. He will be forced to act. What do you think will happen to your mother after then? Will she walk everywhere safely?" Itachi paused for a moment. ''You have to stop acting oblivious to the things around you.''
''Itachi, do you know what will happen if someone like me got all powerful and tried to change the world?''
''You hate humans, so changing it would be reduce the population or just rid of the entire shinobi population,'' Itachi said calmly. ''But I'm not asking you to try to change it. I'm telling to stop acting oblivious.''
When Naruto said nothing in response, Itachi sighed wearily. ''You will understand one day,'' he said to Naruto. ''How is my little brother?''
''A broken little sad thing. Its quite laughable that someone so gullible and weak minded is your brother,'' Naruto said, but he didn't appear amused. ''I guess the tragedy is still weighing up on him. With his mother and the rest of the Uchiha, he should be okay.''
''What about you?''
Naruto was sure Itachi wasn't asking his health but why he didn't include himself in his last statement. ''I'm going to be away from Konoha for at least 3 years. We'll talk when I get back from there. But yes, I will take care of him.''
Itachi smiled slightly. ''Don't be too rough on him,'' he said. ''I'll keep an eye on you so that I can visit you every now and then.''
''I'm going to be with Jiraiya, that won't be easy.''
Itachi nodded. ''We'll use the crows as means of communication.'' and Just like that, The Uchiha disappeared into nothingness along with his Genjutsu and Naruto stood up.
It was about time to return to the Kazekage residence.
Naruto only walked for about a couple of minutes before he came across Subaku no Gaara. As usual, the redhead was holding tight onto his stuffed animal. Naruto didn't question Gaara's attachments to his 'toy'. He had his own attachments and he preferred if people left it alone. And so Uzumaki Naruto wouldn't question someone about it when he wouldn't like it if someone questioned him about it.
He disliked hypocrisy after all.
''You look like you're coming straight to me,'' Naruto said, as he stopped in front of his fellow Jinchuriki.
Gaara nodded in response, causing Naruto to sigh.
''I was just returning to the house. Was there something or did someone send you,'' the blond asked quietly.
It really was an annoyance some times. He disliked people who couldn't stand to talk to him straight on. You needed to have the courage to say what you wanted to say or you would just keep holding onto things. Still, he wasn't going to say it to Gaara. The redhead was a likeable special being – a Jinchuriki. In his eyes, a Jinchuriki had more rights than a normal human.
Hell, he could even go as far as to say screw despicable humans and love to the good people.
''Your mother sent me,'' Gaara said in a quiet tone, his eyes down for a moment. He then looked at Naruto carefully, his expression remained blank. But the look of his eyes told Naruto that he was struggling to say something.
Naruto waited patiently for the Jinchuriki to say what he wanted to say. Even though he was pretty mild after his conversation with Itachi, he could still take this.
''D-do you want to go to p-play with me?''
It was almost amusing how Gaara had quickly looked away after saying those words. From his tone, he hoped Naruto would say yes, and was looking away because he was afraid he'd been turned down. That would surely put a sting on his already closed heart.
Naruto frowned. Other children had no problems with asking such questions. He'd observed this so many times when in the park with Ino. Of course he was never there to play but to nap, read and watch over Ino in case she did something to piss off someone. No one had asked him such a question, not that he wanted to be asked.
Because of humans, Jinchurikis had to be like this. Contact with other people was a scary thing, making friends was just foreign. Did all Jinchurikis go through all this crap? Humans. Despicable.
''I'm not much of that type of a kid,'' Naruto said neutrally before managing to smile slightly. ''I don't play. Perhaps I don't even know how to play,'' he added shaking his head.
Gaara looked curious more than anything. He tilted his head to the side and asked, ''why?''
''I've not played with other kids,'' Naruto said calmly. ''Come on, let us go hang out. I'm sure there is something we can talk about. I'm much more curious about your current state of mind with all the changes around you.''
That said, the Jinchurikis turned towards another direction.
A week Later
The farewells were all said and everything went well. Naruto had been rather surprised when Temari hugged him. Ino didn't do that, and the only people who hugged him were his mother and Mikoto. No one else had hugged him before, the feeling of being hugged by his fiancée felt weird. Naruto had just stood there, frozen for a few moments before returning the hug.
Kushina had shed tears in the sight. Naruto was certain the tears had been fake, but she'd been absolutely happy that things had gone that far.
Things with Gaara had been 'formal'. Nothing more than a handshake had been exchanged and Naruto turned his way, leaving for the gates were Jiraiya was waiting for them.
It was that time for their adventure to begin and of everything that happened in his time within the village, this made him much more excited. He could even go as far as to say that the thought of it gave him a rush of blood.
''You've made some friends,'' Jiraiya commented as the two prepared to make way into the journey across the desert.
''So it appears,'' Naruto said with indifference.
Jiraiya frowned. That attitude was only reserved for him... Or so he thought. Naruto didn't speak to other people in that manner. He may say he doesn't hate him, but he surely didn't seem to care. Well, the blond had said he didn't care, so he shouldn't be surprised with the indifference. But they were going to be together for some time, the blond could afford to show some teeth for once.
''Don't be like that Naruto,'' Kushina said warningly. ''You'll ruin all our memories we had in Suna. Don't be hostile.''
Naruto looked at Jiraiya for a moment before looking at the endless road ahead. ''Yes, I made some friends. It was a nice change,'' the blond amended.
There wasn't a change in his tone, but this was a start. Besides, they were going to be together for some time. He was going to be persistent and Naruto would talk to him in a more friendly manner by the end of their journey together. Jiraiya had no doubt about it.
''That is a good and welcomed changed of things,'' Jiraiya said smiling a bit. ''I'm happy that that you were able to connect with other people. I hope the same could be as this in Konoha, but you can't force things.''
Kakashi chose to appear in that moment, making Jiraiya frown, but the Jonin didn't seem to notice it. ''Yoh!''
''What are you doing here, Kakashi?'' Naruto asked, his tone light.
''What? Can't I just come to see out my little friend?''
Naruto just stared, making Kakashi sigh.
''I brought you a letter from the Sandaime. He said if he was fast as your father, he would've come himself, but because he is old, he couldn't make it. Nevertheless, he gave me this,'' Kakashi said handing Naruto a small scroll.
Naruto took the scroll and pocketed it without a word to anyone.
''Aren't you going to open it?'' Kushina asked with a raised brow.
''I will open it in a good time,'' Naruto said. ''I'm guessing you're going to join us. Where are we going first?'' Naruto asked Jiraiya.
''We'll discuss that once we return to the Fire country,'' the Sannin said.
''Figured as much,'' Naruto said. ''How long?''
''A week at most, but I will be visiting you every now and then,'' the Jonin said with a smile. ''Can't afford to spend too much time away from you,'' he added jockingly.
"I'm sure Naruto would miss you too," Kushina said with a smile. "He just won't admit it. You two have grown closer…"
Kakashi gave Kushina his iconic eye smile before looking at Temari. "How did things go with Temari-chan?"
Kushina glared at Kakashi. "I don't like your tone, Kakashi and I hope you're asking if he was able to form a bond with her."
Kakashi nodded with a nervous smile. "That is what I meant," he said.
"Just fine," Naruto answered.
"As expected. As a reward, I will carry you all the way to the Fire border," Kakashi said.
Naruto took a step away from Kakashi, "I can walk on my own," he said.
Kakashi shrugged. "I wasn't giving you a choice."
As Kakashi wrestled with Naruto, Jiraiya frowned. 'This could've been me,' he thought. 'Well, I can still change things,' he nodded firmly.
Yoh! I haven't forgotten this one. I've just been having troubles writing anything at the moment, but when I can, I will update. Anyway, I will see if I can expand the years into a chapter. My mind hasn't been able to compute everything into a chapter, so it might take time for me to write anything. If I can't, I will do a time skip.
