Chapter 8

''Ah,'' Naruto stretched himself up, standing at the back of his house, enjoying the light sunrays of the morning. It had been a long time since he had woken up like this in the morning. Over the past, he'd been waking up on a schedule, for training purposes. There was even a cup of tea on his right hand.

''Someone is enjoying the morning,'' Kakashi said, sitting at a branch on the tree behind the house. ''Your mother still sleeping?''

''Possibly,'' Naruto said with a shrug, as if he didn't care about it. But Kakashi couldn't be fooled. ''What brings you here at a time like this? As far as I remember, you're not a morning person when you're not in duty.''

Kakashi put on a look, ''what? Can't I miss my little friend enough to visit him this morning to show him that I really do miss him?''

Naruto gave the Sharingan user a look of his own. He wasn't going to be fooled by the man. He knew Kakashi well enough. The man may be care about him, but it wasn't enough that he would wake up so early just to see him. He might have just returned yesterday, and didn't see the man, but there had to be something that made the man come here at this time.

Kakashi sighed. ''Sometimes you're no fun,'' he said quietly. ''I just returned to the village from a mission. When I heard that you'd returned, I came here and waited for you.''

''That is something that I'm willing to believe,'' Naruto said. He paused to take a sip of his tea before looking up at the Sharingan user once again. ''It has been a few months. How has your return to Anbu been... is it killing you, yet?''

Since the Sandaime had the man return to Anbu the man buried himself with Anbu work and it was surprising how he was still able to continue after so long. Naruto had heard stories about the man forgoing all things in life just to focus on his work as an Anbu: friends and the like had stopped mattering. Well, that was the past. Kakashi had changed, but was still working the sweat out of his body in his role as an Anbu operative.

No many were suited for the job. Itachi fit in well because of his usual stoic mask and personality. The man wasn't shy to do dirty work in order to get the job done for Konoha. The man in front of him was fine Anbu as well. But he was still a different person from the Uchiha.

''Not yet, but soon enough especially with the Sandaime refusing to allow me to retire once again,'' Kakashi said tiredly. ''But by the end of this year, I will have retired my mask for good and become a Jonin once again and do normal missions.''

''Living in the light, huh?'' Naruto said. Personally, he had no desire for any of that. The only light he wished to live in was the light of his mother. Nothing else mattered aside from her.

Still, with how things were and how he was seeing things, he was going to be forced into the journey of a Konoha shinobi. To think that he would end up serving those monkeys... Despicable. Naruto was looking for a better reason that wouldn't make him feel dirty about doing anything for Konoha has its shinobi. Well, it was the license to living here. If he did not pay that price, he could never be free in here and his mother would pay for that choice.

Well, there he had it. The perfect excuse.

''Yea,'' Kakashi said with a nod. ''Perhaps I will become your sensei when you become Genin,' the man said with an eye smile.

Naruto cocked his head to the side, appearing to think for a moment. ''That may happen. Knowing the Sandaime. I wouldn't bet against it,'' he nodded to himself. ''Yes, that will happen. Well, I hope you become a good sensei, Kakashi. I would be disappointed if your tardiness got in the way of what is important.''

Kakashi ignored that for a moment, and looked at Naruto curiously. ''How are you so sure that the Sandaime will push me into becoming your sensei?''

Naruto gave Kakashi a look that clearly questioned if the man was being rhetoric. The answer was clear as daylight. There was nothing hidden there. Even a dumb person could figure this out.

When Kakashi just stared, Naruto sighed. ''The Sandaime is somewhat predictable. I can say that I know who my teammates will be when I'm forced to wear the headband. Of course you'd be the obvious choice to lead that team, to have that familiar face and strengthen the existing bonds.''

Kakashi shook his head. ''This is the first time that I hear someone say the Sandaime is predictable. He is nothing but that to me... He is called the professor.''

''It's simple really. Jiraiya is like him, but wouldn't do anything extreme. The old man doesn't have such fears. People may think he is just an old man, but what the things he cooks up in his mind would surprise many. It doesn't surprise me because I expect him to come up with his plots,'' Naruto explained lightly.

Once again, Kakashi shook his head. The relationship between Naruto and the Sandaime was really a complex one. He couldn't really understand how the two even got along. They obviously did care for one another, but what they did to each other was just something else.

''You might end up joining Anbu,'' Kakashi said to the blond. ''I just heard it from the Anbu HQ. It seems that the Sandaime has been planning this for some time.''

Naruto sat down, looking thoughtful. It wasn't because he was shocked or surprised – he had seen this coming a mile away. Itachi had once thrown this to his face some time ago and he'd rejected it. But now it seemed that he was going to be forced to join. Well, that was what he had been thinking anyway.

''Anbu, huh?'' Naruto said, looking up for a moment. ''I'm about to become a secret. Everything I do from now on will be kept as an S-rank secret as well as my true abilities. Oh well, If this is the price I must pay for mother to be treated well in this village and for us to enjoy the safety of this village, I will offer my strength.''

There was nothing that showed he disliked the idea. Just the usual blank expression on his face. It was the same expression he showed when someone was using his mother against him.

''We might work together before I retire,'' Kakashi said with an eye smile. ''Tell me, Naruto, why do you think of this as a price you must pay?''

''Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't join the Anbu or even serve Konoha. But the Sandaime Hokage will not live forever and I'm afraid If I don't 'bend' now, things will be difficult if another succeeds him. Jiraiya has also used some emotional blackmail to get me to see that if I become an excellent shinobi of Konoha, mother will be eventually treated well in the village,'' Naruto explained.

Kakashi tilted his head to the side: Naruto didn't seem pissed off that Jiraiya had blackmailed him. ''Doesn't it bother you they use your mother against you to get you to do certain things?''

Naruto stared at Kakashi for a moment. ''Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't,'' the blond said with a shrug. ''Mother always comes first. I will accept anything if it will make her happy and doesn't endanger her life. It would be unforgivable if she was being put in danger.''

So he was just tolerating it because in the end, it worked better for his mother, Kakashi thought. ''I will talk to you some other time... Need rest,'' the Anbu said. Something seemed to click on his mind. ''Oh, the Sandaime wishes to speak with you...''

''At this time?'' Naruto asked. He had plenty of time. It wasn't like he was suddenly going to disappear from the village.

Well, that couldn't be so much of a bad idea. If he disappeared from the Elemental Nations, they could start anew. There were other nations outside the Elemental Nations that did not know things that occurred around the blood shinobi world. They could be safe from all things concerning shinobi and those who would wish to have the beast sealed in him wouldn't know where to find him. It was a thought Naruto put at the back of his head before focusing on Kakashi once again.

Kakashi just shrugged. ''He didn't say,'' he said. ''Greet your mother for me,'' having said that, the Anbu disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Naruto looked up into the sky: he frowned. He didn't know what this day was going to bring. Things didn't always end up the way he wanted for them while he was inside this village hidden in monkeys. The blond shook his head. He really had to stop looking at things like that. The villagers were vermin, but if he kept it like this, he would certainly stop valuing all life forms. It would be okay if it was just Konoha. The vermin meant nothing to him.

He had to prepare for a meeting with the Sandaime though. It would clear up some things for him and he would see how he was about to go with his from now on. With that in mind, Naruto turned towards the house.

As he went back into the house, he came across his sleepy mother - who was yawning tiredly. ''Good morning Naruto,'' Kushina said, now rubbing her eyes to look clearly at her son.

''Mother,'' Naruto smiled. ''Mornings are still not your favorites, huh?''

''Yea,'' Kushina said. ''But I was also worried. Didn't get much sleep last night.''

''Should we sit?'' Naruto asked, wanting to help his mother if he could. ''I'm feeling rather energetic and I have to meet up with the old man. It would be best we clear out all worries before we engage the day.''

Naruto led his mother towards the kitchen and helped her take a seat. He went on to prepare tea and once ready, he brought it back to her and then sat down across her beside the kitchen table.

''We're back in Konoha. This village that has been a pain to both of us. Your father sacrificed everything for this village. He isn't part of our lives because he chose to sacrifice himself. Some call it noble to die for something you cherish,'' Kushina paused for a moment, looking at Naruto sadly. ''You'd follow the same path, wouldn't you? Die for your mother...''

Naruto gave a firm nod. ''If it means protecting you, yes,'' Naruto said as firmly as his nod was.

''That saddens me, son,'' Kushina said in a low tone.

Parents were supposed to be the ones to die for their children. They were supposed to be the ones to put their children's lives above all things – not the other way around. How could she correct this? Naruto was her precious son, her precious love. She wanted him to live his life as any child would. She realized some things he wouldn't do, but there were changes and he could be steered into the right and happy path.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. He didn't say anything - just looked at his mother questionably.

''If you die, who will I be left with? Who will protect me? I have lost my family, Minato... You're the only one I have now... If you die, what will be left of me?''

The answer was an unpleasant beast that stared at Naruto with a cold breath. Naruto almost felt disgusted with himself that he would choose to die for his mother. It was the same for him. His mother was his only family. He couldn't lose her. He had been looking at this from one angle. The truth was that they couldn't afford to lose each other. Especially his beloved mother. What would become of her if she lost him too?

A broken woman.

Naruto felt tormented that his actions could lead to such a reality. He remembered the days he used to console her when she was crying. Who would console her if he died? Who would be there for her. Stupid him. It was unacceptable for his beloved mother to be forced to go through the pain of losing him.

It was even worse when the good devil whispered into the back of his head that she would be even so tormented as she would blame herself for his death. She was the mother. Her job was to love and protect him. She had said that to him before. He remembered those words she'd said firmly.

''It was us against the world back in those days,'' Kushina continued, still in a low tone. ''I'm your mother, Naruto. I carried you in my belly for months. You cannot die before me. I want both of us to grow old, in this village. I want us to relive these moments in the future. I don't want you to sacrifice your life. I want you to value it as your value mine. Your life is precious to me, and I want to protect it will all my strength, will you help me do that, Naruto?''

Could he? Yes, it was possible. He could do it. He could protect both his and his mother's life. He wasn't alone in protecting his life after all. He had the Kyuubi within him. If he died, the Bijuu would die as well. It was possible.

''Yes, mother. My life will have a meaning from now on. It will be precious as you're precious as well,'' he fell short of saying that her life would still be much more precious than his.

Kushina smiled slightly. It was a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. ''Do you know what a relationship is Naruto?''

Naruto put on a thoughtful look on his face. He'd never gone as far as to put that into thought. Relationships were things that he didn't think about. The only relationship that mattered was that of him and his mother. There was no need to understand it; he just had to do what was right by his mother.

''It's not a relationship when one party only does the loving, its slavery. A relationship is formed by two or more. All parties must give out something, they must make an effort, and they must all sacrifice if there is the need. It's not a relationship if only one party sacrifices.

I am your mother, and you are my son: we have that relationship. I must love you and you must love me as well for all that to work out. We must understand each other in order for us to live a long and happy life. We must all do our part in the relationship... Do you understand where I am going with this, Naruto?''

''I understand,'' Naruto said before falling silent. ''Mother...''

''Yes?''

''I cannot stand the thought of seeing you miserable. I can't. But it makes me truly happy when you smile. It pleases me when I see you laughing with Mikoto. I want my mother to be happy. If you were to stop smiling, I would investigate the cause, and I would fix it... Is this the same for you?''

Kushina nodded. ''I know you want me happy. This is why I have a friend, why I still believe in that things will change. I have hope and it is the hope that you will enjoy your life eventually, but what is the point of me hoping, if you have lost hope and put no effort?''

It was just as she was saying. Both had their parts to play. If both hoped, things would change. It was conflicting. But Naruto wanted to do something that would bring joy not just to his mother, but to him.

Naruto gave his mother a sad smile. ''I have not been sincere, mother,'' he said quietly. ''Hope is one thing you have taught me never to lose, but I don't know if I have been sincere in trying. The reasons have been that I have to try, for your sake. But that isn't what you wish for me, isn't it?''

Kushina was happy. Truly happy that Naruto was actually willing to admit that to her. Perhaps she should be surprised that he was able to keep that for too long. Nevertheless, this sharing was just a pleasant change.

''I want you to be happy for you,'' Kushina stressed those words. ''If you're truly happy, then I will be happy as well. Every parent wants to see their children grow up happily. This kind of talk might be a little big for you, but I want you to enjoy a relationship I once enjoyed with Minato. You will know the meaning of love then...''

''Forgive me mother. Despite telling Temari otherwise, my happiness hasn't been an agenda. I don't think I have actually tried by all means to be happy. I did just enough, just so you could see I was trying,'' Naruto clenched his fists. His sad smile deepened slightly. ''Forgive me, mother. I have been a hypocrite despite saying I hate it.''

''It's all right, Naruto. You're still young. I don't expect you to get everything right,'' Kushina said softly. ''It is us against the world. But we must not allow these people and the situation we are in to dictate everything for us. We are strong, we are Uzumaki and we have each other. We can be happy even if the world hates us!''

Naruto smiled at his mother. He could feel the passion within her voice and in her eyes. How could he betray that? He had to give it his all. ''We can make it mother. We can and we will.''

Kushina nodded with a large smile. ''You're not doing badly though. You have Ino, Temari and Gaara. The latter two are a bit far away though...'' she paused for a moment to think. ''Weren't you friends with Shikaku's son? Ino isn't enough and she is a girl...''

One friend wasn't enough. To truly enjoy his life, he would have to have more than one friend. Kushina was still sure that it was possible for Naruto to make friends. It was still not too late for things to take a new turn. Kushina was given encouragement because of the changes in her son's life.

''I was just familiar with him. He was okay,'' Naruto said, and then looked at his mother confusedly. ''Mother, you pushed me towards Ino... and now she can't even leave my back... What do you mean she is a girl? I'm aware of that.''

Kushina shook her head. Although Naruto's treatment of women could make him good with them, he still failed in that kind of environment. Mikoto was right, she really had nothing to worry about with her son becoming like Jiraiya. On another matter, that statement from her son clearly told her that Naruto saw boys and girls in the same line. He didn't see the latter as the opposite sex. That was something to worry about.

''It's nothing,'' Kushina said with a wave of her right hand. Naruto didn't seem satisfied, but he didn't question his mother. ''What I'm trying to say is that you're not lost. You have friends and you have changed a little. I just wish your treatment of Sasuke would improve though...''

Naruto's sigh wasn't the kind of response Kushina was looking forward to, but his words made up for it. ''Not now, but it will eventually. The past four years have taught me that nothing can remain the same. I'm changing in a way I never thought possible. But I will not ease up on him if continues to act like a spoiled brat.''

''I can live with that,'' Kushina with a clap of her hands. ''But it would make both Mikoto and I happy if you two got along. You're her hero, you don't want to disappoint her do you?''

Naruto's raised eye brow said it all.

Kushina just laughed and put on an innocent look on her face. ''Hey, you let other people do it, why not your own beloved mother?''

''I merely tolerate it because it works better for me,'' Naruto said with a shrug. ''With the Sandaime Hokage, it's a game. I like playing it with him because I know he cares and if I do it to him, he won't complain.''

The Sandaime was in Kushina's mind, the other person Naruto truly cared for. If there was space for someone inside his heart, it wasn't for Ino or Temari, but for that old man. Kushina really hoped that nothing bad happens to him because she was certain - that although Naruto would never admit it - he would be broken if that happens.

''What will you be doing from now on?''

''It will depend on the old man,'' Naruto said quietly. ''I don't have much control here,'' the bitter tone was a clear indication that he didn't like that thought. ''But I'm sure with the Sandaime, it will be something acceptable. I refuse to go back to the Academy though.''

''Wouldn't expect you to return,'' Kushina said with a nod. ''Why don't you go shower while I fix us breakfast? I have things to do with Mikoto before noon. While you play your bonding game with the old man, I will be with her.''

Naruto nodded, ''Lunch at Icharuku?''

Kushina grinned. ''Naturally.''

Hokage Office

The Sandaime Hokage smiled when Naruto impassively walked into his office: he'd been expecting the boy to show up. He had surely missed seeing the boy on a regular basis these past four years. He was really happy that he would be able to see the boy regularly once again. Naruto was Konoha's hero, even though the villagers may try to deny that. He was also Minato's son and the boy he'd grown to love as his own family. The feeling was surely not misplaced on some random kid who didn't know anything.

''I have been waiting for you,'' the Third said, pushing aside his paperwork. It could wait. His meeting with Naruto was far more important at this time. ''Would you like to play a game of Shogi? I believe you know the rules and have played it with Nara Shikamaru.''

Naruto looked at the Third Hokage curiously – the curiosity was only reflected on his eyes. He seemed to ponder about it for a short while before nodding. ''Why not?''

He disliked losing, but there was no shame in losing to a genius in the form of a Nara. The Sandaime Hokage was also not someone he could beat straight on. So defeat was guaranteed. When he played with Shikamaru, he could win a game depending on how he played it. But the Sandaime was a different matter. The man wasn't just called the professor for nothing.

The Sandaime Hokage stood up from his chair and spoke. ''Follow me,'' he said quietly.

Naruto obliged without saying anything. He just followed the Third into the room that was next door. It was an empty room, with a small podium. Naruto realized it must be the room the Sandaime holds some meetings with a few people, or the one used when he was assigning missions. The old man wasn't always in the office.

Within the room there were two cushions put facing a Shogi board. As the Sandaime sat down, motioning for Naruto to do the same, he spoke. ''I had this prepared earlier.''

Naruto simply nodded and looked down at the pieces at this disposal. ''It is rather good for keeping the mind sharp and building up strategy,'' the blond said as the game begun.

Hiruzen nodded. ''The mind needs to be kept sharp at all times. It isn't always power that saves us from trouble at times, but it is our ability to think. A sharp mind puts an edge even to a weak man.''

''You possessed both,'' Naruto said, moving a piece.

''And that is what made me go beyond the limits of men and ascend to my title as the God of Shinobi despite not having any special bloodlines. My power came from my mind. Without this,'' the Sandaime said, poking at his head. ''I wouldn't have become what I became.''

''The mind is the warrior, huh?'' Naruto paused, his eyes never leaving the board. ''My mind has always been used effectively. I'm no genius, but I know how to think and move things within my head. Perhaps the fault in me is that I'm somewhat narrow minded.''

''It isn't possibly, that is the reality. Your attitude is flawed,'' the Sandaime stressed as he looked at Naruto for a moment. The blond wasn't attacking him. He was merely just moving the pieces, trying to dare him to make a move. ''Listen carefully, Naruto. The sharpness of your mind can be dulled by our emotions. When emotions run high, the mind loses its urge and you no longer logically and rationally.''

''I'm mostly controlled.''

''Mostly,'' The Sandaime said, ''but when it comes to your mother things changes. You cannot afford to reach a point where you cannot use your mind, Naruto. I'm not saying emotions are bad. They are actually a good thing – They power up our resolves and will. But when you allow them to run wild without control, they mess you up.''

Naruto stared at the board as the Sandaime took his piece. So much for baiting, he thought.

''If you want to bait someone successfully, they must not know they are being baited. And if they do know, you must have removed all options for them and ensure that you're playing in your background,'' the Sandaime Hokage said..

''Lesson over then,'' Naruto said, moving a piece in preparation for a change of tactics.

''Jiraiya tells me you enjoyed yourself outside of Konoha and have improved a lot,'' he paused, to look at Naruto, who was staring back at him. The Sandaime just smiled. ''Was it refreshing?''

Naruto nodded. ''More so than I thought it would,'' he shook his head to correct himself. ''It was unlike anything. I hadn't thought I'd enjoy myself. I was merely thinking of some peace and continue with my training undisturbed.''

''So you gained more than you thought, huh?'' Hiruzen said. ''That is the beauty of life. Nothing is ever as it seems.''

''Aren't you a prime example of it?''

The Sandaime laughed, ''Perhaps,'' he said. ''I'm sure Jiraiya has explained things to you. Given the changes, we must make for a way forward that will be profitable for both parties. With the way things are at this moment, we cannot simply continue as we had been.''

''As expected... But?''

''I have a question,'' Hiruzen said. He stared at Naruto - who didn't look back. ''You're not fond of him, but you go your way to teach him. It is as if you're looking after him. Why do you do it, Naruto?'' The Third just fell short of asking if Itachi had asked him to look after his younger brother.

Naruto looked at the Sandaime for a moment. ''Defense is at its absolute when you remain in one position. But when you move out to attack, you open yourself to attack. It's like giving your heart to someone else - you open up a door for pain,'' having said that, Naruto took one of the Sandaime's piece. As he waited for the Sandaime to make his move, he spoke once again, on a different matter.

''I have often wondered why people do certain things and that leads me to a concept of justice. Yet, I still question what justice truly is: what constitute justice? Who has the power to carry out justice? What Konoha has been doing is injustice, yet I'm not concerned too deep to turn it into justice. There are so many questions: why do people do what they do? Why do they kill? Is it wrong to kill? Is it wrong to kill following your ideals?''

Although Naruto hadn't outright said it, the Sandaime was sure this had to deal with Itachi's actions and how he should react to Konoha's injustice. At the same time, The Sandaime was led to believe that although Naruto saw the injustice, he wasn't an idealist who believed in justice that he would try to correct things.

The fact remained glaring though: Naruto hadn't answered his question.

''Justice is a very complex concept,'' the Sandaime said. He was willing to go that far, not any further as it would deviate from his question. ''People kill for different reasons: both good and bad. Before we can even answer if it is wrong to kill for ones ideals, we must first understand if those ideals are good or bad. One thing is a fact though; death has become part of a shinobi life. My own hands have killed to protect what I love. I regret having to end a life, but I still believe that I have made the right choice to protect what I love.''

''A pawn is a pawn until it is promoted,'' Naruto said quietly. ''A king will always take one step, regardless of the circumstances. Death is death. For good or bad reasons, death is death. It doesn't matter if one was evil or good, but when someone dies, someone is saddened by that death. There is always pain, grief, and hatred after death. Doesn't matter which side.''

The Sandaime Hokage laughed. Naruto had said some serious things and he was truly correct in what he was saying. The boy was truly a rare breed. What amused the Third was that although the blond was saying it, he didn't follow that thought. He was merely stating things his eyes thought.

The Third shook his head: that was what a part of Naruto believed, but his love of his mother couldn't be compared to beliefs, rationality and logic - it exceeded all that.

''If the mother factor wasn't there, you'd become a great leader and someone who could teach this amoral world what is right,'' The Third said in an honest tone. ''But in your current state: when it comes to your mother, nothing else matters.''

''Morals are merely a luxurious 'commodity,''' Naruto said.

''I wonder what Kushina would say if her son became an amoral shinobi...'' the Sandaime said purposefully in thought... His eyes firmly at Naruto. If he was expecting a physical reaction from the blond, he didn't get it.

''It is that part of the game, huh?'' Naruto said his eyes at his bleeding pawns. ''Mother is so kind hearted. She does have her moments, but she is pure in the heart. I wouldn't want to defile her purity in any way... However, I will do what I must. Itachi and I shared a principle...''

That just confirmed it. Even without the blond didn't say it and the Sandaime was sure even if he asked, Naruto would either ignore him or deny everything. The blond hated people who didn't come straight at him, but when they were together, he surely didn't mind the mask games. Well, he wasn't going to complain. It was always interesting and he did learn a few things.

''That is what made the two of you get along just fine...'' the Sandaime said with a smile. Well, this was just perfect. Itachi would become a piece in the puzzle. Yes, the Uchiha would be of use in this little game he was playing with Naruto.

The Sandaime allowed silence to lock over for a few moments as he went on within his mind on how he was going to go about the business of the day. Sarutobi steeled himself. ''You will join Anbu, as an Anbu trainee. I have made all the arrangements. You will not join Kakashi, but will Join a different squad.''

''I will refuse to be moved if there is no Anbu watching over my mother while she is outside our house,'' Naruto said.

The Sandaime raised an eye brow. ''Why only out of the house?''

''It is a fortress. This whole village can burn to the ground, but that house will remain standing. No trespassers can go through when the security is activated,'' Naruto explained lightly.

The Sandaime merely nodded. ''Do you understand what you're asking me Naruto?''

''Uzumaki Kushina was the Yondaime's wife and is the mother to the boy who can become a great asset to this village. My efforts will depend on the security placed on my mother as well as my cooperation.''

Sarutobi was silent for a few moments before he finally sighed and nodded. ''I will make arrangements.''

''They should be done by the end of the day,'' Naruto said as if he was giving the old man an order. ''Will we still be able to continue with our training?''

The Third nodded. ''Yes,'' he said.

Naruto smiled. ''Excellent: I look forward to it,'' he said lightly.

Hiruzen nodded. Spending time with Naruto in the training grounds was always a good occasion. ''The Feudal Lord was a great admirer of your father. He now wishes to see the son of the man who was not only a hero to Konoha but to the Fire Nation.''

Naruto looked at the Sandaime with a blank look on his face, his smile all but gone. ''Am I to be used as a political tool?''

''I'd assume he wishes to do so,'' The Sandaime said, seeing no reason to hide anything.

Naruto smiled. ''This can work for me,'' he said more to himself than to the Sandaime. But the old man heard and smiled as well. ''I haven't played diplomatic in a long time. But I'm sure your lessons will become to use.''

''Be careful. He is not the feudal lord by being stupid...''

''Naturally,'' Naruto said. ''Then?''

''I was hoping to use the opportunity to organize a bigger budget for Konoha and some favorable terms,'' the old man said with a smile. ''As long as you impress him, my end should be smooth.''

''It appears that I will become an important person,'' Naruto said in thought. ''I never thought of things this way, but I can make my life and my mother's much simpler. When do we go?''

''I will inform you,'' Hiruzen said. ''Your engagement with Temari will be made public. This will push away potential suitors who have been thrown into your hands, and strengthen your status as an important person. You have the backing of both Konoha and Sunagakure.''

Since the Sandaime spoke the good on his side, Naruto decided to say the good on the Third's side. ''This will only strengthen Konoha and Suna's relationship. If the arrangement had been kept a secret, it could be easily scrapped and 'forgotten', but making it public will mean that it will become difficult for either side to betray the other as the Elemental Nations will be following. Did you propose this so that you can get more witnesses who will support you and threaten Suna in case the Kazekage has second ideas?''

Sarutobi smiled innocently, ''You think too highly of me, Naruto-kun,'' he said.

Naruto shook his head. ''You've just effectively limited the Kazekage's moves and gave him the unwelcomed hand that says your future is in my hands,'' the blond said quietly. ''The game is over: you win.''

''On the board, yes,'' the Sandaime said. ''But we both gained something. I'd say it's a win win for both of us,'' he paused for a moment. ''Lunch at Ichiraku?''

''You're welcome to join. I will be there with mother,'' Naruto said standing up.

''All the better,'' the Sandaime said, standing up as well. He had to return to his office and get some work done. He'd consumed some time being here. But it hadn't been wasted.

''I'll see you then. Perhaps mother can chew you for pushing me towards Anbu...'' the blond said walking away from the Sandaime Hokage.

Hiruzen suppressed the urge to shiver as those words left Naruto's mouth. He comforted himself in the fact that Kushina would understand. Otherwise that woman would definitely chew him to bits as Naruto said.

When he returned to the office, he found his former student sitting at the window frame, with somewhat of a forlorn look on his face. The Sandaime Hokage sighed and went behind his desk. Once he was comfortable on his chair, he spoke to the Sannin.

''Something bothering you, Jiraiya?''

Jiraiya kept quiet for a few moments as if he hadn't heard the Third's voice. The man then looked at his former sensei with his usual look. The faraway look now a memory. ''I'm just thinking about Tsunade, and Orochimaru.''

The Professor leaned back to his chair. How long has it been since he last spoke to those two? Orochimaru was the worst. His beloved foolish student. He had certainly loved and favored the wayward Sannin during their times. And yet he turned to that dark path to become the enemy of Konoha. And he had been too weak to do anything when he was faced with the truth. Well, he was certainly not going to make the same mistake twice.

Tsunade had just left and he had tried once to get her back. But she was stubborn and he allowed her to do as she pleased. Konoha was still faced with challenges, she was nowhere to be seen. It was disappointing. Hashirama would certainly be disappointed to see what had become of his grandchild.

''I see,'' the Third said in a low tone. ''What brought that up?''

''I was just reminiscing the good old days when I was the idiot and Orochimaru was the genius,'' the Sannin said. ''Well he is still a genius. The ship of redemptions has just sailed though. Tsunade continues to roam around without care. If it wasn't because of her strength, she'd be dead already,'' he paused, looking at his sensei curiously. ''Why have you stopped trying to get her back?''

''She chose to leave. Tsunade is not a child. I taught her everything she needed and I told her of my opinion on her attitude. I'm not at that age where I have time to be begging her Jiraiya. I'm looking at the future instead of the past,'' The Sandaime said. ''I really do not have the energy to deal with a woman grown up enough to be a grandmother but still acts like a spoiled little princess...''

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed for a moment before he looked outside the window. ''I won't give up on her, sensei... I will not.''

Sarutobi smiled. ''I know you won't,'' he said. ''You've always looked after her even though she does not reciprocate. It's really sad, isn't it?''

''You don't always get what you desire,'' Jiraiya said with a shrug, but his eyes said the opposite. He still did have hope that things could work out. ''Everything done with Naruto?''

''Yes,'' the Sandaime Hokage said with a smile. ''He will join Anbu as a trainee. I'm surprised though. He didn't as much as put an effort to say no. Previously, he had refused the chance when Itachi gave it to him.''

''He does realize that this is a good opportunity. For someone who wants to grow, this will be beneficial for him,'' Jiraiya said.

Hiruzen nodded. ''Perhaps,'' he said. ''I have moved things and set up other pieces to move in time. Right now, let us just see how this direction will lead us.''

''You do realize you're manipulating other people...''

''That is one way to look at it,'' he said, then remembered the conversation he had with Naruto. ''That boy contradicts himself. If the darkness within him does not consume him, he will become a good person when he does grow up.''

''You noticed, huh?'' Jiraiya said. The darkness within Naruto wasn't something that gave Jiraiya happy thoughts. Especially knowing that the blond was a Jinchuriki to the Bijuu known to hate humans, and Naruto doesn't like humans very much.

''I've known for a long time, but this is why I do what I must. Being in Anbu will expose him to the harsh reality and instead of bottling up his dark thoughts, he will release them. I believe he will not be tainted, but he will learn to value human life...''

''Let us hope it is so,'' Jiraiya said. ''Orochimaru has fled from the Akatsuki and has created his own village. I don't know the details, but I will look for more. That said, I will be going away for some time to gather more Intel.''

''Don't forget to tell both Kushina and Naruto,'' the Sandaime said. ''Oh, do join us for lunch at Icharaku...'' he added with a smile.

Jiraiya shook his head. ''You're never going to stop capitalizing on every opportunity you're given aren't you?'' This was going to send a message throughout Konoha. The Sandaime, and a Sannin, all back up the Yondaime's son.

The Third Hokage smiled innocently, ''I don't know what you're talking about, Jiraiya-kun,'' he said.

''I'll see you at lunch,'' Jiraiya said and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Once the Sannin was gone, the Sandaime Hokage stared at the work in front of him. ''Now then, it is just me and you old friend...''

But before he could get into it, an Anbu appeared out of nowhere before kneeling before the Sandaime. ''I was informed you wish to speak to me, Sandaime-sama.''

The Third nodded, ''Yes,'' the old man said in a serious tone. ''Take off your mask, Yugao-chan and stand up.''

Yugao did as instructed and took off her mask. She looked at the Sandaime curiously, wondering what the old man wanted from her. It wasn't often that one got to see the Sandaime's serious expression. He might be old, but the look still did the trick.

''I'm about to give you an important task,'' the Third took out a file from one of his drawers and handed it to Yugao. ''Uzumaki Naruto: he will join your team as a Trainee, but will still do all missions with you. His codename shall be Fox. His mask and gear have already been prepared. You will give it to him when you please.''

Yugao looked through the File. It was written Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto. The Yondaime's and Kushina's son no doubt. The purple haired Anbu was very surprised that the Sandaime would give the task to her team. He was a Jinchuriki, and someone valuable to Konoha. Heads would roll if something happened to him.

''If I may, Hokage-sama..?''

The Third nodded with a smile.

''Why me?''

''Kakashi is going to retire, again. He would do it if I'd asked, but I want someone new in Naruto's life. There is no one I trust for this better than you: you have worked with both Kakashi and Itachi. If you got along with those two, you will do well with Naruto,'' the Sandaime explained.

The old man may have been smiling, but Yugao got the feeling that she wasn't being asked, but instructed. She put her mask back on, ''I will not fail, Hokage-sama.''

''That is what I expect,'' the Sandaime said.

Later that Day

Sasuke had a deep scowl on his face as he walked into the Senju compound, heading towards Naruto's house. He really didn't want to be here, but the blond had surely forced his hand, and then his mother had told him to do it. Even though the blond had threatened him, he wouldn't have made it simple. He was confident of his abilities, but the mother of his had instructed him not to make things difficult when he told her of Naruto's offer. Perhaps he shouldn't have told her about it. If she didn't know, she wouldn't have butted in to force him to make this move.

There was no turning back now anyway. He just had to get through this. He didn't have a real problem with the blond that he hated him. No, Sasuke hated that condescending tone and those eyes that looked down on him. He hated the fact that the blond took it to the extreme to humiliate him. Uchiha Sasuke did not accept such things so easily. He had his pride after all. Although he would never admit it to the blond, he had learned something during those days they spent training together.

When Sasuke arrived at the back of Naruto's house, he found the blond sitting in a meditative position, eyes closed with gentle winds shooting around him. The raven haired just stared at the blond for a few moments. He grew impatient when the blond didn't say or do anything to acknowledge his presence.

''I'm here,'' Sasuke said through gritted through.

''I can sense you,'' that was Naruto's simple response. ''I'm disappointed. I was thinking you'd try to be a blockhead and I'd have to smack you around then drag you back here. Oh well, there is another way to make up for that...''

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto. ''I will not become your punching bag. I don't even have to be here if I don't want. If this doesn't benefit me in any way, I will not come back, even if my mother urges me to do so,'' the Uchiha said firmly.

''But of course I'm just messing with you to test how well you control yourself,'' Naruto said, acting as if he hadn't heard what Sasuke said. ''You have no self-control, foolish Sasuke. But do not worry; we will beat that into you. No matter what.''

''Am I here for that?''

Naruto opened his eyes and stared at Sasuke for a few silent moments. ''Why do you want power, Sasuke?''

''Isn't it obvious? I have to kill Itachi!''

Naruto just stared. ''Why?''

Sasuke stared back. He was baffled by that nonchalant question. Why? The answer was obvious. He didn't have to answer it. Anyone would know why he would want that traitorous brother of his dead. He had betrayed their clan and killed many of them. He needed to be punished for that. He couldn't be allowed to get away with what he did.

''Because he murdered our father and many of our clansmen in cold blood!''

''Ho? So you wish to make him pay. You wish revenge for his bloody ways, don't you? You want to kill him with your own hands. He was the beloved brother you looked up to and wanted to surpass,'' Naruto cocked his head to the side. ''Humans... Vengeance is easy to be sought. You hate your brother...''

''Why wouldn't I?''

''You have reasons. I guess you seek power for this,'' Naruto said with a sigh. ''Have you wondered what your beloved mother would think if she found out that there are bloody pictures of her son inside your head. Have you even questioned why Itachi didn't kill your mother?''

''It doesn't matter.''

''It does you, fool,'' Naruto cut in strongly. ''You must answer this question: why did Itachi leave your mother and the children alone. Why did he just kill the warriors? When you look at things brightly, you can say he has given your clan a chance to be reformed and to start afresh.''

Naruto was amused with himself. He was preaching? Who was he to preach to other people about their life styles? He would care if Sasuke did things that would hurt Mikoto, but was there really a need to lecture the boy? Was he being a hypocrite? Oh, well, it hardly mattered anyway. He had a job to do and he was willing to pull all strings to get it done successfully.

Sasuke wouldn't be harmed in the end and things would look good for him. No harm done and everyone would be happy. Who could complain?

Sasuke responded with a glare to Naruto's statement.

Naruto wasn't disturbed. Sasuke could prove useful to him. With his time with the Sandaime, he had learned how to mold someone into his little puppet. Itachi had requested that he looked after his little brother, and he would. But at the same time, he would make Sasuke obey him. He wasn't going to spend his time babysitting a spoiled brat without earning himself something in turn.

''You will be training with me, from now on,'' Naruto said, standing up. ''We will train until you defeat Itachi. However, should you do something stupid that will hurt your mother, I will punish you. If you make her cry, I will gouge those eyes and burn them and you will be left with one purpose only: to breed a line of Uchihas.''

Sasuke was having enough of this. ''Don't speak as if you could do anything to me and I would hurt my mother! She is the only family I have left!''

Whether the Uchiha shouted or not, it made no difference to Naruto. He merely got into a stance, and waved for Sasuke to come at him. ''Let us see how far you have improved before we design the proper training program for you.''

Sasuke was glad he had come prepared for anything. He had his weapons with him. He took out two shurikens and sped towards Naruto. As he ran, he threw both shurikens

The shurikens were directed at both Naruto's sides. In response the blond took out a kunai and deflected both successfully. His senses had kept track of Sasuke as he was doing so. The Uchiha made a quick appearance below him and attempted to sweep his feet off the ground.

Naruto jumped back slightly to avoid Sasuke. As he landed down the ground, his kunai disappeared and he stared at Sasuke - who was getting up on his feet. ''You did not just attack head-on. This shows you do use your head during battle. I'll give you credit for that.''

''I don't need to hear that from you,'' Sasuke said with a scoff, going through hand seals. ''Katon: Great Fireball no Jutsu!'' The Uchiha exhaled a large ball of intense flames. The jutsu sped towards Naruto's form intense as it was with every intension to consume him.

Naruto didn't move from his position. He held his hands together, a bit lazily as he did.

''Futon: Wind Breakthrough.''

Naruto released powerful gusts of wind that tore through the ground as they sped towards Sasuke's fireball. The two jutsus collided above the ground, resulting in an explosion filled with flames and gusts of winds. All that just created an intense atmosphere around the training aground.

Sasuke suddenly flashed behind Naruto, just above the ground. He was holding two kunais at hand. He quickly threw the first one at Naruto - who was twisting around to face the Uchiha. The kunai seemly whizzed past Naruto before twisting around.

Naruto realized there was a thin thread tied to the kunai.

Sasuke grinned, looking at the bound Naruto. ''I could release a fire jutsu and burn you now. Would you like that or you want to say you lose?'' There was just arrogance and a highly overconfident tone.

All that was gone when 'Naruto' suddenly burst in a puff of smoke. Then there was a clap of hands from behind Sasuke. Naruto jumped from the tree and looked at Sasuke. ''Although the sound of arrogance in your tone bothers me, you did not fail. This is acceptable and I can live with it.''

Sasuke frowned. Naruto wasn't saying he was good. He was simply being told that his skills were acceptable... Just off the mark. It was bitter pill to swallow. After all the training he did, and all the hours he worked to improve himself, he was still just acceptable? It was infuriating. Sasuke wanted nothing more than to lunge at Naruto and rip him to pieces while throwing curses at that expressionless face that was staring him.

''That's a lot of talk from someone who didn't even attack,'' Sasuke chose to say. ''Can you-'' the Uchiha widened his eyes when Naruto cut the distance between them in the blink of an eye. That had been unexpected. He hadn't expected the blond to be so fast.

''I didn't attack because I chose not to,'' Naruto said quietly. ''But if you want me to attack, I will do so...''

By instinct Sasuke jumped back, having sensed that Naruto was going to attack in that moment. He wasn't saved as the moment he landed on the ground, Naruto had charged at him once again. The blond went head on and sent a high right footed kick towards Sasuke's head. The Uchiha tried to block the kick with his hands, but the power behind the kick was more than he could handle and he was sent the other way.

He quickly recovered though. As he regained his bearings, Naruto appeared in front of him, eyes looking down at him as if he was a fly. It infuriated Sasuke. He hated those eyes. In anger, he swung a right punch straight at Naruto's face. The blond ducked under the punch and threw a right punch of his own towards Sasuke's gut. He'd put enough power to make Sasuke kneel down while clutching his gut after the punch had connected with him.

''I will refrain from any unnecessary damage to you. I don't want to send you home broken. Your mother will be most worried,'' Naruto said turning away from Sasuke.

Once he turned away, Sasuke tried to take advantage of it and lunged at the blond. Naruto responded twisting around with a knee to the gut. He then grabbed Sasuke by his neck.

''Sasuke, there are many things that I dislike and don't care about. I don't have many interests... They could be three or two. Nothing in this world really interests me. Neither do you, but if you become a good boy, you will interest me, and perhaps I may 'like' you,'' Naruto said a bit firmly. ''One more thing: as one who will be training with you, you will obey my every word. I don't care if you like it or not. When I tell you to do something, you will do it... Do you understand me?''

Sasuke responded with a cold glare.

Naruto didn't flinch. He just pushed the Uchiha back. ''Calm yourself and we will begin with Taijutsu...''

Having said that, Naruto walked to a distance and sat down in a meditative position, eyes closed.

Sasuke was really nothing like his elder. He was truly disappointing. Yes, the boy was smart and his genius may be true, but his arrogance left little to be desired. It would be difficult working with someone like him. But Naruto was going to do it without complains. On the long run, things would benefit him greatly.

''I'm done,'' Sasuke said through gritted teeth.

Naruto opened one eye for a moment before closing it again. ''No you're not. There is tension in your jaw and barely restrained anger in your tone. Once you have removed that, we will begin. If it doesn't happen today, tomorrow is another day.''

''I don't have to sit around for this!'' Sasuke shouted impatiently, and got up, ready to leave. But before he could even take a step forward, a Kunai whizzed past him, cutting a bit of his right ear. It had been directed to hit that spot.

''You will leave when I give the permission,'' Naruto said sternly. ''Learn to be patient. Patience is virtue for a shinobi. You must always know when to reveal your cards, when to attack, when to make your move. Without it, you act in the wrong time and you get trapped.''

But of course none of that applied when it came to his mother.

'Are you enjoying this as much as I am?' The Kyuubi said to Naruto. The tone truly suggested the Bijuu was enjoying the show. 'Even though this Uchiha has yet to awaken that cursed Sharingan, it is still worth the watch to see someone with Uchiha blood in this kind of position.'

'I'm not a sadist,' Naruto responded calmly. 'Your hatred towards the Uchiha is truly something else. Perhaps the job of annihilating them should've been given to you.'

'I would have massacred the entire clan,' The Kyuubi said. 'I cannot forget that you stood in the way. If it hadn't been for you, the clan would be extinct by now. Thinking about it makes me some urges...'

'So?'

The Following Day

Naruto was doing his morning excises when an Anbu popped up out of nowhere. This forced the blond to stop his movements and look at the obviously female Anbu before him. When the Anbu remained silent, Naruto looked up into the sky and a seal less Kage Bunshin appeared in a puff of smoke. It was for his mother to speak to her that he'd been taken away. Obviously, the woman was here for him and since he'd been expecting this to happen, he wasn't surprised.

''I wonder what Itachi would say now,'' Naruto said to himself, but the cat-masked Anbu heard him.

Before the Uchiha became a 'traitor' he had been the one to try to get him to join Anbu. But Naruto had refused. It hadn't been once that he refused. He hadn't wanted to leave his mother's side during that time. But now he understood that she was safe, even when he wasn't around. As long as she remained on this cursed village, Uzumaki Kushina would be safe. As long as an invasion doesn't happen, he could afford to do other things.

''Oh well, it can't be helped,'' Naruto said in a resigned tone.

''Uzumaki Naruto, come with me,'' Neko said in that automatic tone that Anbu used while wearing their masks.

Naruto didn't resist. It was time, he merely thought as he the Anbu took him away. They disappeared out of thin air and appeared somewhere. Naruto could only assume as the Anbu HQ. He didn't even know where the damn building was located within the village. Oh well, he would know soon enough.

Within the place, Neko handed him his gear and told him to put it on. He was showed the male rooms and he went there to change. Black pants, a vest, upper body armor and a kodachi. Looking at himself, Naruto couldn't help but frown: where was he going to hide his weapons wearing a gear like this?

It hit him that Anbu do wear black cloaks to hide their appearance to blend in with the darkness. With that in mind, Naruto returned to Neko, who was waiting patiently for him.

''All Anbu are supposed to have a tattoo to identify them. You may be just a trainee, but you'll be doing all Anbu missions with my team. Dangerous or not. You'll be doing them,'' Neko said. ''That makes you Anbu and as such you will receive your branding.''

The Sandaime had said the blond shouldn't be spared from anything and he would assign them missions that could be dangerous once Naruto had settled. Normally, they had to test if the blond was worthy of being Anbu, but things were different here. One could say the blond was being given special treatment, but She was an Anbu. She didn't ask questions. She merely did as she was told by her superior.

Naruto merely nodded and allowed the woman to take him to be branded. Once that was done, she took him away and they appeared in a place surrounded by trees. Neko disappeared into thin air as a masked man flashed in front of Naruto. The man quickly flashed his right foot towards Naruto's face. When the kick connected, the blond burst into a murder of crows.

The crows cried as they begun to gather a distance back. Naruto appeared, through his mask, he looked up. ''Always be aware of your surroundings, because enemies are like to ambush you. Anbu are always thrown into dangerous missions and in foreign territory. This comes essential for survival and the success of a mission.''

Naruto looked at his front, the Anbu that had attacked had disappeared. ''I'm not a good sensor, but there should be three of you around the trees. I guess I should play along...''

Having said that, the blond completely vanished.

A few minutes later: Naruto was staring at Neko, Tiger, and Panther. These were his teammates and part of the group he was joining: squad Neko, they called themselves and he was the newbie: Fox.

''Introduce yourself,'' Neko said having done all other things and with the others having introduced themselves.

''Fox,'' Naruto merely said in a blank tone. The Sandaime must have surely given them his file. So there was no need to add into that detail. Besides, wearing this mask, he wasn't Uzumaki Naruto, but just Fox.

''Welcome to the team, Fox,'' Neko said. ''Meet us atop of the Hospital at 7pm sharp. We will begin training excises while on patrol duty. In any team, trust amongst team members is essential. We already know each other, but we don't know you. For this team to be successful, you must know and trust us and we must know and trust you.''

Naruto merely nodded. That was unexpected, but he could understand. ''I will take my leave then,'' the blond said before disappearing in small gusts of wind.

"We have received a handful one here," Tiger said. It was impossible to tell if he was disappointed or displeased that they'd received a kid as a new teammate.

"Possibly," Panther agreed. "But at least he is quiet and seems to know his way around a battlefield. We won't have much babysitting to do."

"We will see more when we go out tonight," Neko said. She stared at Panther. "Don't plan anything outrageous."

That concludes chapter 8. The response to number 7 was wonderful; thank you everyone for your reviews.

I thought the scene with Naruto and the Sandaime was rather wonderful and the one with his mother. Anbu a bit shaky. In any case, I hope you enjoyed this one.

The omnipresent Sage