A/N: Hey everyone! The flashback in this chapter is set during the Iwa-Konoha war. Approximately three years before the Kyuubi attacked. My timeline of events goes like this. (Try to keep up). Iwa War starts. A year later, the trio join ANBU (age 13). A year after that, Kakashi joins ANBU, with the events of Kakashi's Gaiden happening prior to that. The war ends within Kakashi's first year in ANBU, and Namikaze Minato is named Yondaime. Two years after that, the Kyuubi attacks, and the Rookie Nine are born.
If any of that made sense to you, you did well.
Enjoy this chapter. I shall now be doing flashbacks (to the war – because some of you wanted action, so now you have action) and time skips, because I have four years to cover people, until they graduate!
Also, this chapter explains about the hidden countries. Some of you were saying how the three of them should go and see their graves etc. But the idea didn't really grow on me. I find the idea that the hidden countries exist in some hidden continent in the Pacific to be over done, and besides, I am going with the idea that reincarnation takes many, many, years.
Review
Summary: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley died at the age of eighteen. Six years later, they meet at a Ninja Academy, and they trio is reborn as first class ninja for Konohagakure no Sato. However, darkness is on the horizon as enemies approach. Enter: ANBU. NarutoHP
Rebirth of Ninja
Chapter IV: The Abilities of War
By The Morrigu
'Shine forever beacon of light
Blaze in the air
Vanquishing night
Sing forever
Proud and strong
Anthem of life
Conquering song
Though tides of fate
Onward run
The song of hope
Once begun
Will ever more
Remain.'
- 'Wonder' by Laura Michelle Kelly
(Lord of the Rings London Production)
Flashback
Hidemi walked the halls of ANBU headquarters, wearing her black cloak, the purple vest beneath barely visible. Her cat-mask was secured over her face, as she watched in an almost detached way as people ran around, swords in their hands, as they prepared to head out to the front lines. She distantly registered that she must look rather odd, walking calmly through the unorganised chaos of the headquarters, as teams brought injured in, and teams left, not knowing if they were to return.
She walked towards a side room, rarely used these days in war. Normally, Captain Usa would come with the Lietenants when inducting a new team member, but due to the Captain's attention being elsewhere, Hidemi had to do so and induct the rookie.
Their other team mate was currently getting his arm fixed after having a dangerous run in with Iwa-nin. Hidemi stepped through the door, spotting a silver haired boy, for lack of a better word. One whose black vest seemed to swallow him whole, and whose dog-mask barely fit on his face. Hidemi had already read his file, given to her by the boy's sensei, Namikaze Minato.
Hidemi allowed a small, sad smile to creep up on her face. It wasn't her place to call him a boy. The twelve year old was only two years her junior. At her entrance, the boy had stood up, facing her with his chin raised.
'Good, he had spirit.'
"Rookie Inu." She said, stepping further into the room, closing the door behind her. She inserted chakra into a seal near the door, bathing the room in a war for secrecy. It was why she had chosen that particular room to meet him in. She had employed seals all around it, for secret meetings. "I am your leader, Lieutenant Neko."
Inu nodded his head, and Hidemi was struck momentarily by how it was as though an adult was stuck in a child's body. He was the same age as most ninja graduated the Academy!
"I have read your file." Murmured Hidemi, unearthing a file from underneath her cloak. "It can be said that files such as these speak the bare minimum when it concerns ninja. However, what did speak volumes for you, was Namikaze-san's concern over you. I am to understand that you have been his student since you graduated the Academy? For five years?"
Inu nodded his head, and Hidemi frowned beneath her mask. It was a preconceived notion that ANBU were 'cloak and dagger'. But the fact remained that they were not emotionless killers, and looking at the boy across from him, Hidemi could see that he might have problems processing that. He had joined ANBU for a reason, and he might be disappointed to discover that a requirement was the complete trust in your team mates, who ANBU members had to trust with everything, except their identity. That was the choice of any member of ANBU, whether to inform their team mates of who they were.
"Inu-san." Stated Hidemi, gesturing for the rookie to sit down, to which the order was complied straight away. "Your reasoning for joining ANBU was unknown to your sensei, and it was never stated in the application process. I would like to hear it from you."
Silence permeated the room, and then Inu's voice spoke up, and Hidemi's expression turned sad when she heard his voice. It was so young.
"I have chosen to join ANBU because I think that I can help better in this war as an ANBU, rather than being a member of a genin squad." Stated Inu.
Hidemi frowned, and spoke.
"What of when the war ends, what would you do then?"
"Complete my missions in a way that ANBU would be proud of."
"Namikaze-san expressed to me his worries over you." Began Hidemi. "He stated that you chose to become a ninja for the sole reason of creating a name for yourself, in what he believes, as a way of separating your identity from that of your father. The war has been going on for two years, so I ask you. Do you believe that your reasoning to continue being a ninja has changed, Kakashi-san?"
The ANBU had no reaction to the use of his true name, and took a few seconds to formulate his answer.
"I wish to prove to those who have sacrificed themselves for me, that it was worth it." The voice was barely above a whisper, and Hidemi nodded her head, satisfied with the answer.
"Welcome to ANBU, Hatake Kakashi."
End Flashback
Haru watched in amusement as both Sasuke and Naruto stared one another out, unknown to the silent watcher hidden in the shadows of the tree. He had convinced Sasuke, that morning, to bring Naruto home with him after the Academy. Hino had gone to pick them up, and returned with the two of them staring one another out. That was twenty minutes ago, and Haru had been watching them, amused. Hino had jumped up next to him on the tree, curled up, asleep, in the dying sunlight that filtered through the leaves. Eventually, Haru figured that he should intervene, as they were boring him, and jumped down, startling the two of them.
"As amusing as the two of you are, I asked for Naruto to be here for a reason." Said Haru, while watching the eight year olds step apart from one another. "The Hokage has asked me to train you. Both of you."
Naruto stared at him, while Sasuke looked bored. He already knew this.
"However, there are some…promises that need to be fulfilled." Haru focused his gaze on the two of them. "The first is that you, Naruto, shall either be pulled from the academy, or you can fail the next three exams."
"What..why?" yelled Naruto angrily, while stomping his feet into the ground.
"The way you are right now, is I am sorry to say, that of a dead last. By training you, you shall increase your standing and pass. However, one of the reasons I am training you is so that you and Sasuke learn to work together."
"What?" It was Sasuke this time, staring at Haru in shock, appalled at such an idea.
"Yes, that is right." Here, Haru rolled his eyes. "Teamwork, between the two of you. My plan is for the two of you to end up on the same genin team. The problem is that you, Naruto, are three years ahead of Sasuke." Stated Haru.
"I could always skip a few years?" said Sasuke hopefully, hoping to become a ninja quicker.
"Nice try." Shot Haru. "The easiest alternative, and the one which makes most sense at the present moment of time, as it allows you, Naruto, to catch up, is for you to flunk the next few years. Even barely scraping a pass in the graduating exam when the time comes."
"Why? I want to be Hokage! I can't fail!" shouted Naruto.
"The rookie of the year, and the dead last are always places together." Stated Haru. "Sasuke is a shoe in for rookie of the year, while you are the dead last. Therefore, you will get placed on the same team, in theory."
"Why do you want us on the same team?" murmured Sasuke, frowning.
"Because the thing which will plague Naruto, is also something which plagues you Sasuke. It makes it a lot easier by placing the two of you together."
"What do you mean by that!" demanded Naruto.
"You shall find out in due time. The fact remains that it will be easier on all parties if the two of you are on the same team when you are genin. Not just that, but you are suited to be on the same team. A rivalry of sorts exists between the two of you. You are both also adept at vastly different fields, which contrary to popular opinion is key to forming a good team."
"What is he adept at?" questioned Sasuke, with a raised eyebrow.
"His stamina is greater than anyone in this village." Said Haru simply, causing Sasuke's eyes to widen, and for Naruto to look confused. "He also has an unbelievably large amount of chakra, and can heal from wounds far quicker than expected. This makes him a close combat ninjutsu type straight away, as close combat ninjustsu can often cause a heavy drain on chakra, and damage to the person."
"What am I then?"
"Taijutsu, Ninjutsu. Your not a genjutsu or anything else, you don't have the right mindset. You are interested in seals, but not enough to become a Master like Demi. Your ninjutsu skills will most likely be high, as all of our clans were, but I imagine you to focus a lot on taijutsu. Your body was built for speed, I can tell that even before you are anywhere near maturing."
A thoughtful look crossed Sasuke's face, before Naruto spoke up.
"Erm…what's chakra?"
The weeks that followed were rather repetitive in a way. Haru (and Hidemi when she returned from her recovery) had the two boys completing a series of exercises, which improved their fitness, increased their stamina and their speed. Naruto was told that he must not show any skills he learnt here at the Academy, as it could cause him to graduate early. The boy was not pleased, but got over it in time.
The two made a steady improvement, Sasuke with his stamina and amount of chakra, and Naruto with his speed. The two trained three times a week, with either Haru or Hidemi. Rai was still out on a mission, but was expected back some time soon.
It was one afternoon, one where there was no training going on, that Hidemi could be found lay on the roof of the house, enjoying the piece and quiet of their home. The twenty-five almost twenty six year old rarely got peace like this anymore, not with Naruto coming to their house three times a week. The only time she really got peace was when she was in her office, but even then she was bogged down with reading reports, sorting out the missions, replacing weaponry and other such things.
She lay there, opening a packet of herbal cigarettes, a thought passing through her mind as she thought about he past, memories which were hers, but at the same time weren't. Memories of Hermione Granger, memories that occurred such a long time ago.
When the three of them had discovered their rebirth, or whatever it could be called, they had been shocked at first. Until they decided to research just where they were. The ideas of alternate dimensions and the likes didn't hold much to them, and the further they dug into the past, the more they realised they didn't want to know.
Not long into the twenty-first century, the Earth became unwelcoming. It began to revolt against the populace, causing natural disasters and the likes. Until eventually, the Ultimate Cataclysm occurred. The majority of the damage was done to the West, which ironically were places seen to be harming the Earth the most. The tectonic plates shifted and moved, creating new continents in a matter of years, after a series of earthquake, after earthquake. All that remained behind, to populate these new continents were the populace of the East. These cultures populated the continent, and over time, it became what it was today, a culture whose dependency on technology was long since forgotten, although no one knew why, as the reasons had been lost. In its place were ninja, who could cause more destruction than any old army could hope for.
Chakra was the ability, which came to people over time, a mixture between magic running thin through everyone's blood, and the power of the Earth, which gifted the people with great spiritual power. The mixture of the two, as well as the power of the body, created chakra. Chakra reacted badly, almost like technology, with pure magic. The two forces were complete polar opposites of one another, and the trio had these two forces residing in their bodies. The only way to calm them was with the invention of Hidemi's herbal cigarettes, which worked perfectly.
The years between their death, and their rebirth were innumerable. All they could understand was that over time, everything had changed. They were the last of their kind, there were no more wizards left in the world, no where for them to find out what happened to their friends, family. Nothing. They were the last.
If they had been seventeen year old wizards, they might have been upset by that fact. But at the time they found all of this information out, they were eighteen year old ANBU Commanders, and such information didn't cause them to fear it. If anything, it was a surprise, but other than that it didn't faze the three. A testament, surely, to how much they changed over the years.
"Demi."
The woman looked up to see Rai appear on the roof next to him. His face was pale, and his eyes blood shot, but other than that, he looked alright.
"Anything happen?" asked Hidemi, as she sat herself up in a more comfortable position.
"A rookie got caught in a trap, we had to hack his arm off."
"Nasty." Hidemi scrunched her face up. "I have a seal in my room as a way of healing such a wound. Do you want me to get it?"
"No. He is in hospital. It was too serious for him not to be taken. Just his screams were a bit unsettling."
Hidemi nodded her head. Hearing her long time friend, one who was usually the life of conversations, so sad and morose, it wasn't a pleasant thing. Hidemi stepped forwards, and wrapped the red head in a hug. The man was almost a whole foot taller than her, but she didn't care. She had never cared what others thought about her, and she wasn't about to start now.
"You want to play some shogi?" asked Hidemi, when she let go of him.
"How about some good, old fashioned chess?" murmured Rai, and Hidemi offered him a bright smile, and the two of them vanished from the roof.
October 10th was not a pleasant day for anyone. To the village, it reminded them of the day when their greatest hero died, to protect them all. To the ninja, it was the day to remember that not even the greatest of demons could beat them. To one Uzumaki Naruto, it was a day to be feared. Which is odd, considering it is his birthday. All he knew, was that ever since he was younger, the villagers seemed more spiteful on this day than any other. At times, the drunken rabble would come after him at night, only to be stopped by ninja whose identities were hidden by the darkness.
Naruto walked slowly towards where Haru-sensei lived, along with the teme. His feet dragged, as the nine year-old's thoughts whirled around the day ahead, and he felt sweat drip down his back in fear. Whatever the villagers had planned for him, he knew that it wouldn't be good.
"Baka." Hissed Sasuke, trying to get his attention, frowning at the boy, who jerked slightly, looking at him slightly startled.
Naruto growled slightly, before noticing that they had arrived at the house. The two children walked up to the home, removing their shoes as they entered the house.
"Sasuke, Naruto." Called Hidemi, as they entered the house. The two walked towards the living area, where Hidemi was frowning at a board with a set of pieces, all of which were foreign to the two academy students.
"What are you doing, Demi-chan?" called Naruto as he perched next to her, looking from her to the board and back again.
"Rai is home?" questioned Sasuke, as that was the only ninja out of the trio who could out-strategise Hidemi.
"Hai, he is in his room. Hino is there as well." Stated Hidemi, referring to the dog, which had picked the two boys up from school.
"Given up yet, Demi?" asked Rai, as he casually appeared at the door, a wide grin on his face, showing off the canines he had. His red hair was stuck up in odd directions, giving him a relaxed look.
"Never." She hissed, her eyes narrowing.
Rai rolled his eyes dramatically, before turning to the two.
"Haru has left the village to run some errands, he should be back later on tonight." Stated Rai. "I shall be coaching you two today. So, midgets, follow me."
Sasuke clenched his fist, but followed the ninja all the same. Naruto felt the stirrings of fear in his stomach. Haru wasn't here, and it was his birthday. Who would protect him now? Something was going to happen… his chest tightened, and his blood ran cold.
"Naruto, something wrong?" asked Hidemi, lifting her brown eyes from the board, to connect with his blue ones.
"Iie, it is nothing." Murmured Naruto, turning to leave the room.
"Happy birthday, Naruto-kun." Stated Hidemi, causing Naruto to pause in the doorway. "You have nothing to fear on this day Naruto, and you never should have had anything to fear on this day either." Warm arms circled his waist, and Hidemi crouched down behind him, and engulfed him in a hug. "Do not let it consume you, Naruto. Others are here for you, even Sasuke, so loathed you are to admit it."
"Hai, arigato."
Naruto ran off to join the other two, leaving a thoughtful Hidemi behind.
Haru ran back to the village, a package stored in his arms. His body was tense and alert, as any ninja's would be when travelling alone. The chances of him running into enemy ninja were high, and instincts honed through experience wouldn't change anytime soon. His feet were powered by chakra, as he leapt from branch to branch, his movements barely disturbing the surroundings, as he sped back to the village at speeds almost unmatched by most ninja.
Whatever lifetime had lived in, he had always been enamoured with the ability to move quickly. To have the wind rushing through his hair, to have his surroundings mash together in a whirl, as he blurred through it. Whether it be by broom, or his own two feet, he had always embraced the swiftness he had been gifted with since birth.
As a child, it was used as a tool to escape bullies. As a wizard, a way in which to enjoy a spot, to be the best. As a saviour, the way in which to beat your enemies. As an Uchiha, to astound the clan and to receive their praise. As a ninja, to complete his missions. As an ANBU, to survive. It had become a rarity over time to use the skills he was gifted with in both lives for fun, rather than for a purpose.
So at every chance he got, he took chance to enjoy himself. Especially in such times that he could be killed at any moment.
Suddenly, Haru paused, his entire body tightly strung, as the pupil within his eyes widened, taking in everything around him. He tilted his head to the side slightly, enough to pick up the sound of a sword moving the slightest bit within its sheath, the slight sound of ninja shoes on branches and leather gloves being clenched. Haru frowned slightly, before jumping into higher branches, his movements soundless. If it were ninja following him, then they would arrive at his previous placement in a matter of seconds.
The branches below moved, as the ninja moved to intercept him. The sudden movement of the trees showed that his followers were not ninja of Konoha. All ninja of Konoha knew how to navigate the forests without stirring it. These were foreign ninja, on Konoha's land. On his land. He saw them land on the ground below, and saw that it was a squad of ANBU. Due to their comfort of being in trees, or rather, high off the ground, Haru theorised that it was Iwa Shinobi. Iwagakure's ninja all had training within forests and trees, to prepare them for war within Hi no Kuni. These ninja were used to being in trees, but not used to trailing someone within them. Thus how Haru noticed them.
"Lieutenant, Uchiha has gone." Hissed one of the ANBU, his eyes trailing around the area.
"He must still be in the area, split up and find him. He must be found and captured at all costs." Hissed the Lieutenant, and the ground split up. Haru was sat on an upper branch, a light frown on his face. They were after Uchiha Haru, not Commander Karasu. This was a strange thing indeed. No doubt this had something to do with the Sharingan, and him going on a regular Chuunin mission to collect a package had allowed for them to chance a capture.
What Iwagakure wanted with the Sharingan though, was a mystery. They had surrendered to Konoha eleven years before, were they trying to start again? Haru shook his head; he wasn't about to find anything out while hiding from them. A small smirk crossed his face. Now was the time to use the skills gifted to him for battle. A rush of exhilaration echoed through his body, as he let the shadows of the trees swallow him up.
"How can one Chuunin escape us?" murmured one of the ANBU, a frown on his face as his brown cloak and white mask hid the ninja's identity.
"Whoever said I was a mere chuunin?" Came a voice right next to the ninja's ear, as cold steel was pressed against his neck. "Iwa is still not up to standard I see."
The cold steel penetrated the ANBU's neck, and the last thought running through the ANBU's head was 'Where did he come from?'
Haru looked down at the form of the dead ANBU, mentally ticking off the two regulars. His senses then sought out where the Lieutenant was, before he flitted between the trees once more. He intended to get some answers from the last one, before he continued back to Konoha. Haru's eyes seemed to glow within the dim slight, as his green eyes flicked from place to place, searching for the last ANBU. He wouldn't let them delay him too much, as he had a birthday celebration to get to. He felt a chakra flare from nearby, and smirked. Looks like the leader found one of the bodies. Haru disappeared, his movements not even a blur, or a flicker. He just vanished.
The Lieutenant stared at the mutilated body, which was before him. One of his subordinates, no doubt his other was much like this. The analytical side of his brain was working through the information that was before him. No chakra was used to do this, it was all on skill, which was a feat in itself. However, from the looks of things, the weapon which was used was extremely unusual. It was thinner than a kunai, longer as well. Straight edge, and the person handling it was an expert in terms of using it. Bodies like these were common during the war with Konoha, but weren't spoken about because the perpetrator of the crimes was unknown. Whereas Namikaze Minato went for big, flashy jutsu, which caused widespread damage and killed many with one hit, whomever committed the covert operations, which killed in total more Iwa ninja than the Yondaime Hokage, was obviously still at large.
A chill ran through the ANBU's spine. He was being watched.
"What do Iwa want with the Sharingan?" Came a voice, cold and quiet, but it still echoed through the trees. The Lieutenant spun around, trying to find the source. "The war ended years ago, and the ties between our villages is on thin ice. Why would Iwa sacrifice such an thin alliance?"
"Reveal yourself."
"I was always here, Lieutanant." Murmured the voice just behind him, and the Lieutenant turned around, and nothing was there. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, as his heart beat wildly. He had never heard of anything like this, as it wasn't genjutsu, as no chakra was being used. This was skill. Ability. It was this that scared him the most.
"I know nothing of what you speak of." He stated.
"I don't believe you." The voice was behind him once more, but accompanied by cold metal, which cut into his skin, causing blood to trickle down his cool skin. "I could turn you into something akin to your comrade. Unless you tell me what I want to know."
The Lieutenant remained silent, and then the individual appeared before the ANBU, his chuunin vest coated with blood in places. The Lieutenant's eyes widened beneath the mask, as he stared at the individual. It was their target: Uchiha Haru, chuunin of Konohagakure. Everything began to slide into place, and the Lieutenant began to run. Behind him, the trees moved as though a breeze was passing through them on this still night. Suddenly, he was nailed to a tree, as a blade hit him in the shoulder, pinning him there.
"You shouldn't have run." Hissed the voice, and the ANBU opened his eyes, having unknowingly closed them. His mask had been removed, and he stared at the vision of paper white skin, with black hair framing a face with almost glowing green eyes. He swallowed, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, and the cold sweat he had broken out in. The ANBU closed his eyes once more, accepting his fate. "Open your eyes."
He obeyed the command, and met the spinning Sharingan's eyes, whose red glow attracted his attention like a moth to a flame. Suddenly, the red gave way into green once more, and the ANBU's throat began to bleed, due to the screams which erupted from his mouth. Screams which echoed throughout the area, and chilled passing genin teams to the bone. Screams of an ANBU at work.
"Your late."
Haru paused in the doorway, as Hidemi stood waiting for him, her hands on her hips. A frown was on her face, but the worry wasn't hidden well.
"I am sorry, I ran into something while I was out."
"You okay though?" murmured Hidemi, as she went to the kitchen counter and began to make him some green tea.
"I am." Stated Haru, his eyes downcast. "How are Naruto and Sasuke?"
"Fine." Replied Hidemi. "Naruto is staying here tonight, we thought it was best if he did so."
Haru nodded his head.
"Rai?"
"Training with Hino. They have nearly finished their jutsu which will allow for Hino to go out into the field more with him."
"Good." Haru smiled, before it faltered once more. Hidemi seemed to sense that something was wrong, and she sat down next to him, settling the tea down.
"What happened?" she whispered, tilting his head up, so she could meet his eyes.
"Do you never wonder if the habits we learnt during the war will ever leave us?"
"Why?" asked Hidemi, taking his hand, and squeezing it gently.
"I ran into some Iwa ANBU. I…couldn't stop myself."
"Iwa ANBU?" murmured Hidemi. "What did they want?"
"Me. Uchiha Haru. The sharingan."
Hidemi frowned, before shaking her head.
"Then whatever you did to them, they deserved. They were on our territory, and were obviously going to attack you. We all did things were wished we didn't during the war. We aren't about to forget them any time soon. But in times like this, they are to aid us. Besides that, I doubt that they would think about going after you for a while."
Haru nodded his head, before speaking once more.
"I also managed to get one of Iwa's Bingo Books, it's an interesting read. I'll make sure that it is on your desk by Monday."
Hidemi nodded her head in assent, and the two drank in silence, until a bang came from Sasuke's room, where Naruto was staying as well. With a start the two ninja got up, and darted to their room. The second they opened the door, they spotted Sasuke being held down by a masked man, and Naruto pinned up against a wall, his face already a picture of bruises. Immediately they acted. The man on Naruto was thrown against the wall before he could blink, and the one pinning Sasuke down was on the floor, pinned down by Hidemi. Haru held the man by the throat against the wall, lifting him a whole foot off the ground.
"What is the meaning of this?" hissed Haru, his eyes almost glowing with anger.
"Demon brat." Spat the man, his mask removed when Haru flung him against the wall.
"Wrong answer." Replied Hidemi from when she sat on the man, senbon in her hand.
Haru kneed the man in the cut, and hit him on the back of his head, knocking him into unconsciousness immediately, while Hidemi pressed a needle into a pressure point, knocking her captive out.
"I'll call ANBU here." stated Hidemi, standing up. "Are you two alright?"
Neither boy answered, Sasuke was staring at Naruto in shock, while Naruto had made his body as small as possible, as he covered his head with his hands. Haru shared a look with Hidemi; she left immediately, flaring her chakra in a particular pattern to gain Rai's attention. Haru stepped forwards, and picked Naruto up with ease, before carrying him over to Sasuke's bed. While he did this, Naruto clung to him like a lifeline, burying his face into Haru's clothes. Sasuke was watching him, an expression a mixture of envy and pity was on his face. Haru opened his other arm to him, and Sasuke hesitantly came to him.
"It's alright you two. Your alright now." Murmured Haru, stroking Naruto's back in a soothing manner. Sasuke had relaxed in his arms slightly, but his eyes were still wide, staring at Haru in confusion.
"W-Why?" murmured Naruto, lifting his head up, his eyes watering slightly, but the startling blue remained the same.
"Hush Naruto." Whispered Haru, frowning slightly. "You will find out soon. I promise."
They remained like that for some time, even while ANBU took the ninja away, and Hidemi pried Naruto off Haru, and put him to sleep on the futon, which was on the floor in Sasuke's room. Sasuke remained with the three, until they went to the living area. Hino had remained with Naruto, who went back to sleep with the dog's warmth encompassing him.
"Why would those people do that?" asked Sasuke, the second they sat down. "Naruto couldn't have done anything to warrant that. Did his family do something wrong?"
Rai frowned and began to speak.
"It is against the law for it to be spoken of. The Sandaime passed a law which prevented anyone from speaking of it to anyone of your generation."
"However, if we were to tell you, it would be seen as unfair. Naruto doesn't know why people act this way with him, and for us to tell you would be unjust. So we will give you clues." Stated Hidemi, steepling her fingers. "Today is Naruto's birthday. He is nine years old. Naruto is an orphan, his mother died birthing him, and his father died in the fight against the Kyuubi no Kitsune. The reason why everyone hates him is tied with his birth, and what happened to him subsequently."
"I suggest you search in the library – which although won't tell you what happened, will help you a lot." Said Haru, and then led Sasuke back to his room. "We will be telling Naruto soon, but if you find out, as I expect you too, please don't treat him any differently. Remember him as the dobe, who didn't know what chakra was. Understand?"
"Hai."
Commander Karasu stood before the monument erected for all fallen ninja. His cloak moved slightly in the wind, as his raven mask covered his face. He knew that he wasn't alone, but he wasn't going to call the other ninja out. The two would remain in companionable silence, mourning the lost of old comrades, some of whom their names would never grace the monument.
"Commander." Came the voice of his companion. Haru turned around, to face Captain Inu, who wore the usual jounin attire, his ANBU mask in his hand. Beneath his mask, Karasu raised an eyebrow. "I was going to give this to Commander Neko on Monday, but I have seen you first." Kakashi bowed over the mask, as he held it out. "I am leaving the forces known as ANBU. The Hokage has agreed to allow me to leave, but I thought I should do this in person."
"Any particular reason?"
"The reason why I joined ANBU, I feel has been completed. My old comrades would have wished for me to live a little." Kakashi's eyes flicked to the ground. The eyes were the only part of his face which was visible due to the mask he wore. "Perhaps take a team of my own, who knows?"
"Hai." Murmured Haru, nodding his head. His green eyes were staring at ex-ANBU across from him, with a calculating look. "Your resignation has been accepted. Good luck in whatever you choose to do, Hatake Kakashi."
Hey everyone! I am very sorry for the long wait. Life tends to get in the way. The long time for update is due to family problems, college commitments etc. These commitments shall continue until at least Early June, as my exams end in Early June. Until then, do not expect an update until after then.
I got my exam results from Janruary at the beginning of March. I got an A in Psychology and Sociology, C in Chemistry and D in Biology. I'm resitting the last two – go me. I have twelve exams this summer, starting on the 12th May, and ending on 4th June. (I have two exams on my birthday – 15th May. Great way to celebrate turning 17 isn't it?)
So there we go – I hope you have all enjoyed this chapter. Please review :) I have planned out the next two chapters from this, and I am starting to see where I am going to go with this story. So enjoy :)
Morrigu-chan x