Sea of Rebirth ch 3: Departure
The door of the Hokage's office loomed over Naruto, even though this was normally a safe haven for him. He looked at the oak divide and sighed. Seeing this Iruka placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a warm grin. "You ready?" Naruto sighed and nodded, then reached out his hand to knock on the door.
"Come in" they heard the Hokage beckon.
The two entered the office to see Kakashi, Takeo and the Hokage looking over a massive amount of files. The three men were all surprised when they saw the blond hired boy but each gained a different emotion soon after
The Hokage saw Iuka's hand on the boy and smiled, Happy that at least some in this village can see past his tenant to who Naruto truly is. Kakashi just shrugged and returned to reading his book, but anyone who knew him could see that he was relieved that his student was ok. Then there is Takeo who…
"There you are you little pervert!"
Got really upset with his nephew.
"Takeo!" the Hokage shouted "We just got him back we don't need you chasing him off again."
Takeo turned to the Hokage who gave him a stern look that made the seasoned ninja feel like he was a genin again. While thy had there staring contest Naruto just scoffed "don't know why you are mad at me it's your fault that a 13-year-old Ge-nin was able to beat you three times in one day."
Takeo forgot his fear of the Hokage and turned to the blond teen. "Look kid I have been traveling the country pretending I was dead for 12 years, 12 DAMN YEARS, without one night with the pleasure of a woman and then-"
" UZUMAKI TAKEO AND UZUMAKI NARUTO" Both of the Uzumakis flinched and turned to see a very angry Hokage staring at them. "SIT…DOWN…NOW!"
Needless to say the both complied and sneered at the chuckling pervert in the corner.
"Do you want to be next Kakashi?" The old man turned to the silver haired Jo-nin. "It would be a shame if a certain series was banned from the bookstores here now wouldn't it?" Kakashi slightly paled and quickly sat down.
"Well," Iruka interjected, "I guess I will be taking my leave now," and turned to the door.
"Hold up Iruka." The Hokage called out stopping him in his tracks. "This concerns you as well." Iruka turned and gave a qualities look to the Hokage who continued "Takeo… if you would be so kind as to explain… But this time try and be a bit more adult about it."
Takeo gave the Kage a sour look but sighed and stood up to face Naruto and Iruka. "Well… I guess I should start with a proper introduction. My name is Uzumaki Takeo. I am the last remaining survivor of the former whirlpool village. I have been traveling around for many years now for reasons I can't disclose now."
"The whirlpool village was destroyed during the last great ninja war. It is also the birthplace of your mother Naruto." Suddenly this became very important to Naruto "My late sister and father, the last Umikage, believed in close cooperation between the villages, particularly ours and Konoha. Course Kushina probably just wanted more of an excuse to spend time with Minato…that's your parents' names Naruto."
"Ya I got that. I'm not that dumb." Naruto scoffed.
"Ya sure…Anyway, I came to this village for two reasons. The first was to find out what happened to my last living relative…that's you Naruto…and second was to ask for the leafs help in resurrecting the village hidden in the whirlpools."
Both Naruto and Iruka where silent at this news, both trying to digest what they just heard, it was Iruka who finally broke the silence. "Umm Ok then why did you need to talk to me?"
"It's simple Iruka." The Hokage answered "we need somebody to teach the genins the basics."
Iuka's eyes widened "M-M-Me…"
Takeo sighed "Look Iruka there is something else about the village you two should know. The whirlpool village already has many villagers living there and even a few ninjas there. Unfortunately many there are runaways from other villages that were either destroyed or for some reason they were unable to live there anymore."
"You mean there are missing nin there." Iruka blurted
"Yes." Takeo shrugged "we have ninjas living there that are technically missing nins. You see we set up the village as a haven for those who needed a new start. But don't worry we only allow those who are good at heart to join the village. Like someone running from the prosecution of there village would be welcomed with open arms. While someone who did something evil and was banished from there village would be turned away or killed on the spot."
"I still don't see why you choose me." Iruka uttered completely confused
"Its simple Iruka" Kakashi said picking up a file "you were the only teacher to see Naruto as a person and not as a monster the entire time he was in the academy. Also from your records it seems that you have been offered the Jo-nin test multiple times but each time you refused due to 'personal complications'" Kakashi closed the file
"Iruka I am extremely grateful for all you have done for Naruto here. But now that he is out of the academy there is no need for you to stay on to protect him anymore." The Hokage informed the Chu-nin "So here is the offer to you. You will be sent on a mission to help teach the new whirlpool academy students for the next year then after that you will take over as a Jo-nin instructor to one of the teams till the next chunin exams here in 2 years. After that you will return to the village a full fledge Jo-nin."
Iruka was stunned all of this was a lot to take in all at once. Sure he had recently thought of finally moving on from teaching at the academe. I could use the extra money and maybe it will give some free time to actually get a girlfriend for once.
"Hokage-sama I gratefully-
"Hey old man what's the meaning of calling me in on my day off?" a loud voice called out after bursting through the room.
"Umm Anko-san" Kakashi sighed "before we get to you can we please finish our talk with Iruka. You kind of interrupted him."
Anko just shrugged "Fine. Where is the egg-head?"
Everyone in the room just pointed down and Anko could see the scarred chunin lying face-down under her feet. Knocked out from a head collision by the door that Anko opened. "Don't worry I'll wake him up." Anko said and bent down and brought her head closer and closer to the Iuka's. But just before reaching his lips Iruka's eyes opened in shock. Iruka quickly jumped up and ran to the other end off the office. "What are you doing?" he shuddered.
"It's called CPR egg-head. What did were you worried you would have to kiss the dreaded snake woman Anko?" she said in a seductive tone.
"No it's not that" Iruka pleaded
"Ow so I'm not good enough is that it pineapple-head"
Iruka's was sweating bullets now "No its not that it's just that I...and you...and we were..." Anko was doing all she could not to burst out laughing. Instead, she smiled in a way which had to be placed somewhere in between of seductively, hungry and creepy.
Thankfully for him the Hokage did a very loud cough to gain there attention "Ow sorry Hokage-sama like I was saying I would be honored to partake in this venture." Then he turned to Anko "I am sorry for any misconceptions, please forgive me." Once he finished with Anko he turned back to the Hokage "If there is not anything else Hokage-sama I believe I have some packing to do."
Iruka turned to leave when he felt an arm around his shoulder he turned to see the purple-haired woman standing very close to him "you know…" she whispered in his ear, "we can always finish this later," Then gave his cheek a quick peck and a small squeeze to his butt. Iruka showed a blush that rivaled the young Hyuga. He quickly looked down to his wrist "Ow my look at the time I need to get over to the academy. Sorry got to run." He bolted out of the office so fast Lee would have been jealous.
When he left Anko lost all control and burst out laughing "Wow, now that I needed." Everyone else just sweat dropped, it was the Hokage who finally got her attention "Anko." He called out in a stern voice which caused Anko to snap straight up. "If you are done messing around… will you please wait outside for the rest of those who have been summoned?"
"But why do I have to wait?" Anko whined.
"Because it's a long story and I don't want to have to retell it a hundred times today." Takeo answered her. Making Anko finally realize he was there. She put on a pouting look and leaned in to the man "Awww cant you please tell me now" she cooed Takeo looked into her eyes and she started to circle her finger around his chest where she noticed he had something round hidden under his shirt. That was when his hand grabbed hers and a pained longing look entered his eyes. "No, now go wait like your Hokage told you to." He pointed at the door and Anko quickly took her exit.
"What was that all about" Naruto asked tired of being out of the loop.
"Nothing" Takeo said putting his hand on the center of his chest clutching something that his shirt kept hidden. Naruto guessed it was something painful for him to remember just by the look in his eyes. "Let's just move on. Naruto do you have a answer." He said looking at him "I just want you to know that if you go then not only will nobody know about the demon but even if they did nobody would judge you there. Also after 2 years you can either choose to stay there or come back to this village." He gave Naruto a quick smirk "But I think UmiKage sounds better than Hokage."
Naruto gave a questioning look "Umikage?"
Sarutobi chuckled "There weren't always five Kages. One time there was a sixth, the leader of the village hidden in the whirlpools, The Umikage."
Naruto looked down. This is so sudden, he thought, I mean leave the village I've only done that once in my whole life and that did not end well. He looked at Kakashi who gave an encouraging nod. But this is all I wanted really a fresh start. And he said nobody would know about the fox. I could go and never have to be treated like a monster again. But what about my…friends. He let out a sigh My so called friends who didn't give a damn about me at all.
He suddenly looked Takeo straight in the eyes "I accept"
"Hey what's going on here." a boy with red marks on his face wined. "We have been waiting here for almost an hour now."
The office of the Hokage was filled to the brim. All the rookie nine genin were there along with Team Gai. They all had been told to come here by there team leaders.
"Trust me Kiba you will want to stick around here." Shino said in a calm voice.
Kiba looked at him and raised an eyebrow "you know something don't you." Shino stayed silent "Come on Shino spill it." Kiba growled but the bug ninja just adjusted his glasses and stood there.
It was then that the shy Hinata noticed something. She walked up to Sakura and asked "umm Sakura-san where is Naruto-kun?"
"Huh" Sakura said just noticing the young Hyuuga "You say something Hinata?"
"Umm I was wondering if you knew where Naruto-kun was." She asked again with a slight stutter she always got when talking about her crush
Sakura looked around and saw Hinata was right. The group was missing one hyperactive blond ninja "Sorry Hinata I don't know where he is. Maybe he just stopped to eat some ramen like usual" Sakura said to Hinata then turned to the brooding Uchiha "What do you think Sasuke-kun" needless to say she got no response from him.
"Everyone quit down." The Hokage said entering the room followed by the team leaders. He sat down in his chair and looked to everyone "Now I know you want to know why I called you here so please quiet file in so I can tell you."
"Umm Hokage-sama" Hinata called out "N-Naruto-kun hasn't shown up yet. Shouldn't we wait for him?"
"No need Hinata." He told her "Naruto will not be joining us today but his is involved in this discussion" all the genin where shocked. They all wondered what happened to Naruto or if he did something. Hinata was about to speak when the Hokage raised his hand "Nothing bad happened to him so you can calm down."
Everyone went dead silent. The Hokage cleared his throat "Now before we begin I would like for Shino and Lee to step forward" the two boys did "So have you two made a decision"
"Yes I have chosen to accept and use this opportunity to become an even more powerful ninja." Lee said with his fist raised. Gai was crying in the back. Shino just nodded and remained quiet.
"Good then you two are dismissed while I explain what is going on to the others." The Hokage said. The two boys bowed and left the room. Everyone of the remaining genin where very confused
"Um Hokage-sama" Kiba spoke cutting off the silence "but what the heck is going on here?"
"Kiba SIT DOWN" Kurinai ordered and Kiba complied
"Thank you Kurenai" said the Hokage with a nod "Well First off how many of you have ever heard of the village hidden in the whirlpools?" everyone looked at him confused till Sakura raised her hand "Yes" he motion to her
"It was a old ally to the leaf but got destroyed during the last ninja war…there where no survivors of the attack" She explained giving a textbook answer
The Hokage gave a nod "Very good Sakura you are correct except for one thing there was a survivor. One Takeo Uzumaki" suddenly gasps where heard around the room from everyone who knew the blond. "And before you ask yes, He is of the same clan as Naruto. He is in fact Naruto's uncle."
Everyone had different reactions to this. While Tenten and Neji where not rely interested seeing as how they never met Naruto everyone else was. Sasuke was annoyed. Why should the dobe find family when his is all gone except him and his bastard of a brother? Sakura and Kiba where shocked. Both had believed Naruto was just another orphan. While Hinata was so happy for her crush and wanted to know more about his clan
The Hokage cleared his throat to get there attention again "Now Takeo came with me asking for help in reviving the village with he as the leader and I accepted." He explained to many gasp but he held up his hand to silence them. "Now me and Takeo went threw the files of many ninja to see who where good candidates for the rebirth of the once great village and ally to the leaf."
"And now Shino and Lee are going to join a foreign village." Shikamaru interjected
"Exactly" The Hokage answered "They will be going there for about 2 years till the next time the chunin exams are held here in which they will rejoin the village."
"So where is this great Takeo we keep hearing about" Sasuke sneered before getting a fears look from Kakashi.
The Hokage looked him straight in the eyes "He and Naruto should be halfway to the village by now. He wanted to get a head start on Naruto's training"
"And I suppose the dobe will also be part of this 2 year venture" Sasuke said with a smirk glad to be rid of Naruto.
"Yes and No" The Hokage answered a little annoyed at Sasuke's nickname for Naruto "See Naruto is a special case. His mother was from the original whirlpool village while his father was from the leaf. What this means is that once the village is complete Naruto will get to choose which village he wants to star with."
"So you mean Naruto may not be coming back" Sakura asked with mixed emotions.
"Yes there is a good chance that Naruto will not be rejoining are village" The Hokage said thinking though I can't blame him with the way his life has gone
Everyone was silent. Nobody knew what to say. Most had trouble thinking of what this would mean for them…
It was the Hokage who broke the silence" Now I know this is a lot to think about but we still have to deal with the matter of the squads here" He cleared his throat and pulled out a paper "Team Ten"
"HAI" Ino, Shikamaru and Choji snapped to attention
"You three will stay together under Asuma"
"Ok" Ino answered. Damn I wanted to be moved to Sasuke's team
"Fine, changing this up would be a real pain." Shikamaru moaned
"Mhumm" Choji mumbled finishing off another bag of chips
"Good Now the New Team under Gai will be Tenten, Neji, and Kiba" The three genin nodded. None really knowing what to think of the new line-up
"Finally Team Kakashi will be Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata." Sakura and Sasuke both answered with a "Hai" but there was one missing "Where is Hinata?" he asked
The girl was in fact gone. Kurenai sighed "Sorry Hokage-sama, please forgive her. This is a hard time for her. For more reasons than one…" the Hokage nodded understanding what the ruby eyed woman
But where was Hinata?
By now she had just reached the gates of Konoha. The sun was not setting but she didn't care. Only one thought ran threw her mind. I lost him…I may never see him again…
She said nothing and just stood there…as droplets of water fell from her lavender eyes…and fell into the small puddle already formed at her feet.