Conspiracies
Naruto woke up in strange room. He looked around and saw nothing familiar. It was a large bedroom decorated in shades of gray and white. He sat up and saw he still wore his shirt and pants. Standing he went to a set of doors and opened them. "The Hyuga garden…I'm at Hinata's house!"
It came back to him then. He and Takeshi had talked for hours and probably would be still if Mama T hadn't made them all go home. She had personally escorted Takeshi to the quarters she had arranged for him. Dad had gone home and he'd walked Hinata home but was dead on his feet. He vaguely remembered Lord Hiashi telling him to spend the night.
"Guess I did, I hope I didn't fall asleep while talking to him!" Naruto grimaced then shrugged and yawn. "Dang, I'm still sleepy." Leaving the doors open, Naruto went back to the bed. He stretched out with his hands behind his head. "Must be because I'm not used to calling on the fox's chakra yet and because me and Takeshi talked so much." Another yawn. "His life was better than mine in many ways but he still had to go through some stuff. People like us; I guess we were just meant to know pain." As he stared up at the beams in the ceiling, Naruto remembered Takeshi's story.
"The phoenix became my partner when I was two." Takeshi picked up his sword and one finger traced the carving in the sheath as he spoke. "I was born in the Land of Lightning – not in a hidden village but just a small town near the Village Hidden in the Clouds. There are lots of mountains and way up in the peaks, many different species of birds. My mother and I would often watch the skies trying to name them all." He smiled at the memory. "Anyway my mother was just that a wife and mother and my father was a physician. We lived just outside of town, my father liked his privacy because of…his experiments." Takeshi's tone told them that he hated the things his father had done.
"You don't have to tell us anymore Takeshi." Naruto said quietly.
Takeshi looked up at Naruto and saw compassion. It eased his pain somewhat. "I want you to know Naruto. I feel…connected to you somehow."
Naruto nodded. "Me too. Okay, go on."
Golden eyes blinked and Takeshi continued his story. "My mother didn't know what kind of experiments my father was up to, he hid what he was doing because it was against the laws of nature and science. At one time my father wanted to be a ninja, he even trained for a few years but he washed-out. Father couldn't do ninjutsu or genjutsu so…what is it?" Naruto was blinking and had a small smile on his face.
"I know a guy who can't do that stuff either but he's one of the best ninjas around. Bushy Brow's a damn good ninja!" Naruto said with pride.
"A ninja that can only use taijutsu? I thought that was impossible." Takeshi leaned forward and looked to Lady Tsunade who just nodded her head.
"You saw him – bowl hair cut, green jumpsuit and orange legwarmers. Lee's as hardworking as anybody I know. You should fight him but don't be upset when he kicks your ass!" Naruto crossed his arm and looked very confident.
Takeshi was still taking this in, a ninja with no genjutsu or ninjutsu but everyone was nodding and agreeing with Naruto. "I would very much like to meet this Lee. Your village is so different from the Cloud Village – if a ninja wasn't strong in all areas then he wasn't a ninja. My father was such a man. My mother said he was bitter about his lack of chakra and believes that was why he became so obsessed with attaining it." Takeshi's expression turned somber once more.
"Most of this we learned after his death. Father experimented on animals and we think the dying and even some…corpses. He was trying to find out where chakra came from, how to access it and how to get it for himself. If it meant stealing it from the dead, then that's what he would do. This all started long before I was born of course but he was close I think there at the end after he found the phoenix." Takeshi looked up at Naruto. "The phoenix is a force of nature. She's a guardian of sorts and to tamper with her would upset the balance in the world."
"She? The phoenix is a she?" Hinata asked wonderingly.
"Oh yes." Takeshi smiled. "Her voice is lyrical and her singing takes you to another world. I feel as if some part of paradise resides within me."
"Hmph that must be nice. How come I got a loud-mouthed fox? Always yelling or threatening me!" Naruto looked so disgruntled that Takeshi had to laugh but everyone else was staring at him.
"You can talk to the fox?!" Iruka asked loudly.
Naruto turned around in shock. He'd forgotten they were there and wished he'd kept his mouth shut. "Uh yeah. We've talked."
"Naruto you've never mentioned this before! Why not?" Tsunade frowned not understanding why he wouldn't tell them.
He shrugged. "Why would I?" Naruto shook his head. "It's in me and like I said, he doesn't have much good to say. Why would I tell you when it has nothing to do with you?" He truly didn't see why they needed to know. Then he looked at Hinata. "Don't be upset Hinata. I didn't tell you because well its mine! So I can talk to him – big deal!" All of them were looking betrayed in some way and he was starting to feel guilty.
"It's different having another consciousness within you isn't it?" Takeshi asked quietly. "There's a mind inside your mind. You're not one being but two. You're not alone inside your own body and yet because you are this way – you truly are alone in the world." Takeshi's eyes were locked onto Naruto's. The understanding was so complete that everyone else was on the outside looking in.
"I've got a friend, like me - us. Gaara. We never sat down and talked like this but he understood too. I never tried to explain it before because no one else can know what it's like but you know. You know." Naruto raised one leg and rested his arm on it. "You and the phoenix get along but the fox and I don't so there's always going to be something different about us but at the same time – you know more about me than anyone. Do you guys get it? "He looked over his shoulder at his parents.
Iruka looked down at his linked hands. "I think I do but I would still like to know what's going on with you Naruto."
"No Dad, Naruto's right. We can't know everything." Hinata spoke up. "I admit, I would like to know these things but only if you want to tell me Naruto." She looked from Takeshi to Naruto. "The two of you and Gaara are different and we haven't let you forget it so I understand you wanting to keep some things to yourselves. Would you like me to leave Naruto?"
She was beautiful. There was no accusation or hurt in her eyes. Hinata wanted only for them to feel accepted. If they wanted to keep some secrets about things only they could know then so be it. Hinata trusted in them no matter what.
"Will you marry me?" Naruto asked suddenly.
"What? Naruto you already asked me that!" Hinata laughed embarrassed.
"So? When you look at me like that…all I want is forever with you!" He reached for her hand and kissed it.
"Do you a sister by any chance?" Takeshi asked with a grin.
"I do but she's much too young for you!" Hinata laughed when he snapped his fingers at that. "And yes Naruto. Does this mean I can stay?"
"Always sweetheart, always. I'll try to do better with telling you stuff." Naruto promised but Hinata just shook her head. It truly didn't matter to her. He looked back at his parents.
Tsunade and Iruka looked at each other. "I want to know everything but I don't need to know. I trust you Naruto." Iruka said then looked to Tsunade.
"…If the fox knows something important – you'll tell us won't you? I can't do my job unless I know as much as possible." Tsunade told him speaking as the Hokage. As his mother she differed to Iruka and would trust him.
"I'll never endanger this village Mama." Naruto promised and let go of his tension when she smiled at him.
"Of course. Takeshi, please continue we won't interrupt anymore." Tsunade realized they'd stopped him several times now.
"No it's alright. I actually don't mind. This is a first for me, having so many people interested in my life. I see now why you stay Naruto." Takeshi looked a little envious. "Umm where was I? Oh yes, thank you." He said more to himself than them for he was thanking the phoenix. "She is listening…and the reason why I remember so much from that time." Takeshi explained then contiued his story. "We believe that one day while collecting herbs high up in the mountains that father must have stumbled upon the phoenix's nest."
Takeshi turned to one side and stretched out his long legs. "She was nearing the end of her thousand year life cycle so she was too weak to resist him. Father brought her back to his lab. She won't…she won't tell me what he did to her but it's the only time she feels intense anger so I think it was pretty bad." He paused for a moment. "One day, Father had an emergency and he hurried off to town. Mother and I were out playing when we heard a weak cry. It was so sad and forlorn that neither of us could resist it and we began hunting for the source of the cry. By chance, Father had forgotten to lock his lab. Mother went in."
Hinata moved closer to Naruto. There was such an ominous aura around Takeshi. She couldn't help but feel his pain and fear his next words.
"She screamed. I was still a baby but that scream frightened me to death. I tried to go to her but she closed the door and wouldn't let me in. I pounded on the door and a few minutes later she came out carrying something wrapped up in blanket. Mother took my hand and we started running. I tried to ask what was wrong but it was all I could do to keep up. We were headed up into the mountains. Mother wanted to get the phoenix somewhere safe and away from Father but we were not fast enough. The emergency wasn't that bad and he returned home to see us running into the woods and the door to his lab ajar." Takeshi threw back his head to steam the tears he was surprised to find he still had after all these years. "Pulling me along and holding the Phoenix, Mother didn't get very far. But Father was going to make sure we didn't. He'd made something in his lab. Chemicals, highly combustible."
"Oh no Takeshi!" Hinata covered her mouth in horror.
"He threw a vial at us and it exploded. …Me and the phoenix were thrown one way, my mother another. Her flesh was burning but she yelled through her tears for me to take the phoenix and run. I was crying too and didn't want to leave her but she just kept screaming at me so I tried to do as she asked but the phoenix was too heavy. Even dying as she was, I could barely lift her." The tears slowly ran down his face.
"It happened then. She instantly combusted. Fire surrounded me too and I thought I was going to burn like my mother but I didn't. I actually stopped screaming and watched the phoenix burn so hot – it was reduced to ashes at my feet. I felt warm and saw flames all over my body but I wasn't burning. I heard my mother scream and looked up to see her trying to keep my father away from me. The flames had…had spread from her to him. They were both on fire and I just stood there watching until… A presence formed in my mind. That's the only way I know how to describe it. A thought to clap my hands came to me and I did it. Wind flowed from my tiny hands so strong that not only did it put out the fire but knocked both my parents to the ground."
Hinata was next to Naruto her face in his chest as she listened to Takeshi's horrible past. She was crying for his pain. Naruto had reached out and gripped Takeshi's calf holding on to him, letting him know he wasn't alone.
"I ran to my mother…so many burns on her face and arms… Again a thought said to cry and let the tears touch her. Phoenix tears can heal wounds. I was already crying so all I had to do was lean over her but just as I did – my father snatched me up!" Hate entered Takeshi's voice. It hurt to hear just as much as the sorrow.
"He was laughing. Laughing…the laughter of someone who had lost his mind. Father squeezed me hard and lifted me high into the air. You see, I was still burning with the phoenix's fire. Father knew that somehow the phoenix was now inside me. Maybe it was what he had intended from the beginning but for himself. All he could think and say as he held me was 'wait until I get you back to the lab!'" Takeshi's eyes met Naruto's. "I was to be his next lab experiment."
"Bastard!" Naruto said softly and Takeshi just nodded.
"Well of course, I didn't understand. I just screamed for my mother and tried to get to her but the phoenix understood. She'd already endured my father's ghastly treatment and wasn't going to go through it again. Before, she had put out the fire that had burned him but now she created a new fire that began where my father held me. It traveled up his arms, over his head and down the rest of his body. The fire was so hot – the flames were white. Father dropped me and I watched in horror as he burned until there was nothing left." A painful silence.
"…Your mother?" Iruka asked softly. His hands were fists as he thought of how a man could do such a horrible thing to his own family.
"My tears were gone. The shock of seeing my father die like that…" Takeshi shook his head. "But mother wasn't dead. I ran and ran until I got to my grandparents – my mother's parents home. Somehow they understood something terrible had happened and followed me back up the mountain." Takeshi wiped away his tears. "She lived for another two years but she rarely left her bed. After that I was raised by my grandparents until they died when I was fourteen and my grandfather at sixteen. I've been on my own, well with the phoenix ever since."
There was a clock on the wall and ticked loudly in the room. Iruka looked down at the floor while Tsunade covered her eyes. Hinata wet Naruto's shirt with her tears. Only Takeshi and Naruto continued to look at each other.
"I'm sorry." Naruto spoke quietly with great understanding.
"Thanks. I haven't cried in a long time but I feel better somehow. It helped sharing it with someone who really cares and who's not afraid." Takeshi touched Naruto's hand on his leg and they were able to smile at each other.
Naruto cupped Hinata's head and held her as she cried. "As horrible as all that was – your mother and grandparents loved you, didn't they? You were loved?" He looked intently at Takeshi.
Takeshi blinked his bird's eyes and tilted his head curiously. "Yes, they loved me. I was blessed in my mother and then later by grandparents especially when they found out about the phoenix. I always felt treasured by them. You…were not?"
"Hell no! No, real love only came recently. I had a few people to care about me as I grew up but the love," Naruto looked around at his parents. "Came much more slowly. It's hard – love. When you didn't know it your whole life then to get it suddenly, I think I'm still getting used to it." He shrugged sort of guiltily.
He leaned forward. "Your parents didn't love you? Was it because of the fox?" Takeshi looked at Naruto's stomach.
"I didn't have parents. I was an orphan. Hell, even I didn't know about the fox until I was twelve! That's when it finally made sense why people avoided me and treated me like I was a disease or something." Naruto's voice grew rough.
"I don't understand. You didn't know the fox was inside you?" He looked from Naruto to the Hokage. "How can this be?"
"I was a baby – a newborn when the fox was sealed in me. I told you, he's my prisoner. The seal…well it was done damn well and I never knew it was inside me but…a lot of the villagers and all the shinobi knew. They knew and I didn't. I was left to wonder why nobody ever talked to me or looked at me or smiled at me." Naruto didn't look at Hinata but he felt her arms tighten about him as she offered comfort.
Takeshi was amazed. "No parents so you were raised in an orphanage?"
Now Naruto paused. "You know I guess I never really thought about it but no. No orphanage. I…raised myself." He blinked as he tried to remember the past.
"But you just said you were a newborn when you got the fox. What about the man who sealed the fox within you? Maybe he cared for you. You couldn't have taken care of yourself Naruto. You don't remember anyone holding you or feeding you?"
"The Fourth Hokage. Sealing the fox killed him. I suppose he would have but he died." He frowned and started to feel hurt and anger but it wasn't directed at the Hokage. There were vague impressions that there might have been someone but he shivered and felt a little sick thinking about it and wasn't sure why. "No. There wasn't anyone. Just me. Maybe I did do it all on my own…the fox could have…" Naruto let go of Hinata and stared down at the floor. His hands wrapped around his middle.
"Naruto," Hinata gently touched his arm but she didn't think he was aware of it. "Somebody had to teach you how to dress yourself." She looked back at Tsunade and Iruka. "Right?"
Iruka had to answer because Tsunade wasn't around at that time. "I'm sure he had guardians to look after him. The fox…would have been noticed and Naruto…ki-killed. What's your earliest memory Naruto?" Iruka asked quickly putting that thought behind him. How come this has never come up before? Even I don't know what happened to him before he started school!
"Memories? My apartment. It was all mine. I could do anything I wanted there, I felt free. There were toys and books. I remember playing for hours. I could go outside too – I think I got lost a couple of times. I couldn't remember the way back but I only spent a few days outside before I found my way back again. I think after the third or fourth time, I used my toys to leave a trail until I learned where I lived. Of course sometimes people moved or stole them." He voice was monotone as he told them of these events. It was like this was the first time he'd ever thought about his early memories. But then he smiled. "Soon after that I met Teuchi – he was the first person to smile at me. Yeah! He taught me how to eat ramen!" Naruto looked up at them with a smile happy to have something good to share with them.
"How old were you Naruto?" Tsunade asked in a shaky voice.
"Huh? Well I was still pretty little and I hadn't started school yet. Three maybe four." Naruto leaned back on his elbows. "He scared me at first – he was so tall and then he picked me up. Man that scared me, I thought he was going to hurt me but he just sat me down and fed me until I couldn't eat anymore. I was so…happy and we laughed…" Naruto remembered that time fondly. "I gotta go see him tomorrow; I've been so stupid not going to see him." He sat up again and noticed finally how quiet everyone was. "It was a long time ago guys! Forget it!" Naruto didn't want them feeling sorry for him.
"Naruto I was four when my mother died. I can't imagine living on my own at that age. Everything's too big for children! Bathing, going to the bathroom - cooking! You couldn't have possibly have done these things by yourself – even with the fox!" Takeshi all but yelled. "Your village would allow this to happen to a young child?!" He looked from Naruto to the only two adults who could answer him.
Iruka shook his head in shame. "We'd been attacked and almost destroyed…Naruto may have been but a baby but people blamed him never the less. The only reason he lived was because the Hokage forbade anyone from hurting him. Naruto was allowed to live but…no one cared." Iruka got on the floor next to his son. "I'm sorry, so damn sorry!"
"Dad..." Naruto hugged his father. "You were a kid and you'd just lost your parents. There's nothing for you to be sorry for." He looked at Hinata's face wet with his tears and his mother as she turned away to hide her own tears. "Okay, time for a new topic. Happy stuff now, okay? Takeshi, you and I, we've got things to do – plans to make. You'll stay awhile right? I've got to introduce you to all my friends and I'll take you to Ichiraku's for ramen!" Naruto thought a moment. "You ever seen a Princess Gale movie? Yeah? We'll she's a friend of mine! I'll show you pictures later! Come on guys the bad stuff is over! Right? Right?!" Naruto jumped to his feet.
"Mama Tsunade!" Naruto pulled her to her feet and lifted her up surprising her. "No more tears!"
"Put me down idiot!" She hugged him tight when he did and then had to laugh when he complained she was smothering him. Tsunade held him close. "How about we continue this tomorrow? It's really late and we've all had a long day."
Naruto hoped they hadn't all brooded over what he'd said last night. All he'd wanted was for one of them to have known love. Neither he nor Gaara had had that. Takeshi had been loved and though now he and Gaara knew love it was nice to know that one of them had somebody to care and love them right from the beginning.
He turned over on his side still a little worn out and it was late too. He and Takeshi were supposed to get together this morning but obviously, he'd slept in. "Guess I should get up and go apologize." A huge yawn escaped him but Naruto forced himself up. He looked for and found a bathroom just outside his room. As he showered, Naruto wondered if Hinata was up yet.
She was. She'd only managed a few hours of sleep before bad dreams took away any chance of rest. Hinata kept picturing Naruto as a neglected baby. Part of the night, she'd slipped inside the guest bedroom to watch Naruto sleep but as soon as the sun was up, she'd left a note for her Father and rushed to Lady Tsunade's office.
There were only a few people about, not even Shizune was there yet. Hinata knocked on the door. "Lady Tsunade?"
Iruka opened the door with a small smile. "Coffee?" He asked and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. "How's Naruto?"
Hinata looked up at him as saw the circles beneath his eyes then to the Hokage who also looked a little worse for wear. "Sleeping. Obviously he's put his past behind him. Unlike us." She said taking the coffee Iruka handed her then pulling her feet up into the chair she looked at the files before Tsunade.
"Yes I guess he has." Tsunade said pulling her hair loose and running her hands through it. "I had to search for these. They were locked away – Hokage's Eyes Only." She said placing a hand over them. "Sarutobi-sensei kept a diary of what happened to him." Looking from Hinata to Iruka Tsunade spoke. "It's not pretty. …Are you sure you want to know?"
Last night as Takeshi and Naruto were saying goodnight, Iruka and Hinata had asked about Naruto's beginnings and Tsuande had told them she'd find out. Official files on Naruto had started when he'd begun school but nothing before. In a room connected to her office were many files and scrolls that only she was privy to. It was there that she'd found a locked safe full of nothing but files on Naruto.
When both of them nodded, Tsunade began. "You were right Iruka. After the attack by the Nine-Tailed Fox, things were hectic especially for the Hokage. Sarutobi-sensei had to take charge again since the Fourth had died." She looked down at one file. "It says he handed over Naruto to the hospital and told them to watch over him, look for signs the seal was intact and to care for the baby. After that, he more or less…forgot about Naruto."
Iruka sat up. "He forgot? But he was the one to tell me to look after Naruto." He frowned hard down at the files on Tsunade's desk.
"Yes, he wrote about that too, years later. He forgot because he believed Naruto was being taken care of. There was never a report or warning that anything was going wrong with Naruto or the seal so he let himself believe that everything was fine." Her hand was shaky as she took a sip of her coffee. "Attacks from rival villages, burying the dead, missions and rebuilding the village took precedence over one small infant. It wasn't until Naruto was almost three that Sarutobi-sensei even had the time to think about Naruto. He'd gotten his weekly report when it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't seen the baby since the attack."
Tears streamed down her face unchecked. "He had trouble finding Naruto. He expected to find him in the Nursery or the Children's ward but he wasn't there. He finally found Naruto in the prison wing of the hospital. Naruto was locked up in a padded cell with invisible chakra suppressing seals on the walls." Her hand tangled in her loose hair. "He was practically comatose and so small it was hard to believe he wasn't one or younger."
"No! No!" Hinata sat up so quickly her coffee went in every direction. Some of it ended up on the papers telling them of the hell Naruto had been through. She was breathing hard remembering him too talking loudly and laughing too hard in school. Was that why? Because he was denied that?! Had he been making up for all the years of…silence? "What did they…do to him?"
Iruka surged to his feet and began to pace. His throat was nearly swollen shut with pain. It was hard know that a man he so respected had allow these…things to happen to one of their own. To a boy he now called his son.
It took Tsunade several moments to wipe away her tears and blow her nose. Without looking she passed some tissues to Hinata and waited until the girl had calmed some of her tears before beginning again.
"They didn't drug him…well not for long. Even then the fox protected him. Sarutobi-sensei was furious. He told them to care for him but knowing what was in Naruto – what they believed him to be, the two nins assigned to Naruto treated him like an animal or worse. They were frightened of Naruto and hated the fact that they had to watch him. Since no one ever checked on him," Tsunade beat the desk with her fist several times. "The bastards did as they pleased!"
"Are they still here? Those…nins, do they still live here?" Iruka asked his voice so cold and deadly that both women looked up in surprise. His face was a stone mask; his whole body seemed to be made of rock. It was as if a statute had suddenly learned how to move. Iruka may have been stone but his anger was red hot.
"No or I would have killed them myself last night." Tsunade said wearily. She had checked as soon as she'd found their names but the Third had relieved them of their positions and assigned them to the Anbu. Almost immediately after joining, the nins were sent on a S-ranked mission with the Anbu. The mission had gone wrong and all but the nins returned. That was the official report.
They all jumped as the cup in his hand broke. Iruka looked at it in surprise then quietly picked up the pieces and with Hinata's help cleaned up the coffee. Feeling tired, Iruka took his seat again and stared at Tsunade, he wanted to know everything.
"Sarutobi-sensei took Naruto home within. It says here he was scared that the Naruto would never snap out of it. Apparently they had feed and changed Naruto but that was all. Rice porridge and water twice a day. When he…when he need a bath –," Her voice broke. "They hosed him down. They hosed down my baby…" Just the image of a tiny Naruto screaming as a punishing force of water attacked his delicate skin shredded her emotions.
"He wasn't held or talked to or taught anything. All Naruto knew was a white padded room, evil sons-of-bitches and silence. In a twenty-four hour period, he spent twenty or more of that time…alone."
Hinata shook her head in denial. It wasn't possible to be so cruel to a little baby especially not her Naruto! She gripped the arms of the chair wondering how much more she could stand to listen to.
"If…if the Third took him home, how come Naruto doesn't remember that?" Iruka asked quietly.
"Naruto did become aware of different surroundings but he was too scared to move. He just huddled in a corner, blue eyes wide but uncomprehending. A new nurse was hired to feed and dress Naruto but I guess she wasn't much better because Naruto never warmed up to her. Apparently she too was a bit strict, using too much force to teach Naruto how to dress himself and other things children learn long before they are three years old. The Hokage found her beating Naruto for not understanding her." Tsunade was giving facts now trying not to break down.
"And where is she?" Hinata asked. Silently begging that the woman was still alive so that she could kill her.
"Unfortunately she died a few years ago falling down a flight of stairs. The bitch is also out of our reach." Tsunade sighed regretfully. "Sarutobi-sensei was at a loss of what to do with Naruto when the council interfered." Thinking of those two, Tsunade pushed up from her desk. They said they had the best interests of the village in mind whenever they advised her but she wondered who's interests they were really thinking of. "They thought the Hokage shouldn't have anything to do with…such a child. If he showed signs of becoming a demon then no one would trust a Hokage who allowed such a child to live in his home without thinking of the welfare of the village."
"Dammit! What about Naruto's welfare? He'd done nothing wrong except be born!" Iruka again jumped up.
"They didn't care. They just wanted Sarutobi-sensei to get rid of him. In their opinion, he should have never removed Naruto from the hospital." Tsunade thought it best not to mention that the council knew exactly how Naruto had been treated and encouraged the nins to keep up the good work. She would deal with them in her own time, in her own way later.
She looked out at the village as it came to life. It was her home. She'd run away from it all those years ago after Nawaki and Dan had left her behind with only tears of bitterness but because of Naruto, she'd returned. His huge heart and commitment to this village and his friends had shamed her and impressed her. But how Naruto? After everything that's been done to you, how can you love this place so much? Tsunade was truly baffled.
"So the Hokage couldn't keep him and Naruto didn't go back to the hospital right? Surely he didn't send him back?" Hinata wanted to know.
"He gave Naruto a place to live. The apartment that Naruto lives in now became his refuge. Sarutobi-sensei filled it with toys and books and scrolls, the things Naruto had never had. Almost one wall was windows, so Naruto would always be able to see out and the sun could always shine on him. Every day someone from the Anbu would slip in with food for Naruto. At first he never left – I guess he just thought it was a nicer prison." Tsunade let out a shuddering breath. "He was right Iruka – Naruto was always watched. This is why he can feel eyes on him that he can't see. Afraid of leaving a child so young alone, Sarutobi-sensei had him under constant watch at first."
"At first?" He turned to look at Tsunade.
"Naruto changed. Alone, free to play and be himself, Naruto began to grow mentally if not physically. He figured out to how to get food, that the bed was for sleeping even how to wash himself." Tsunade could just imagine his determined little face as he figured things out. She smiled slightly at Hinata and Iruka. "And he had good neighbors. Neighbors who knew nothing about him."
Hinata stood. "That's why he lives there! He's the only ninja in that neighborhood!" She closed her eyes silently thanking all those people for helping to take care of Naruto.
Tsunade nodded. "But because some of the young mothers were looking out for Naruto, his surveillance was cut back. It was during those times when Naruto finally left the apartment to go exploring and couldn't find his way home." She leaned into Iruka when he joined her at the window. "He was missing for three days once. But he wasn't really. People saw him, a tiny baby walking through town and nobody helped him. He slept, God knows where but the Anbu finally found him in the woods huddled under a bush. Naruto was so quiet and still, they feared he was dead." When Hinata joined them, Tsunade pulled her close to her side.
"That little baby was exhausted, dehydrated and cold to the touch but okay. Sarutobi sat with Naruto an entire day watching him sleep. The other times he went missing, the Anbu carefully and without Naruto noticing, guided him home again. He was right though." She shook her head at the cruelty of humans. "Naruto tried leaving a trail but older kids and sometimes full grown adults would take his toys or move them so he couldn't find his way home again."
"The Third Hokage gave out many reprimands and punishments to villagers and shinobi alike during those years before Naruto started the academy. Still there were those who were kind to him and taught him things, helped him with his letters and reading. I think Teuchi helped him with math so that Naruto would know how much his ramen cost!" They were all able to smile at that.
"And then he came to me?" Iruka asked and at her nod sighed. He knew he hadn't been a terrible teacher to Naruto. He'd gotten the same treatment as the rest of the students but this explains why it was always so hard for Naruto to understand things that the other students had no problems with. "I was too hard on him. If only I'd known…"
"If only we'd all known." Hinata said sadly. "But that might have made things worse for him. We just don't know." She looked at Naruto's parents. "He doesn't remember any of this – he's blocked it out…and I don't think he needs to know." Lavender eyes looked at them questioningly.
"I agree. When he was trying to remember, he looked sick. He's lived it once and managed to put it behind him. I don't see any need to add these memories to all the other bad ones he does remember." Iruka tensed and released his shoulders because they were so stiff.
"It was hard enough telling you two. I could never tell Naruto this." Tsunade said. "Don't worry Hinata, he'll never find out – not even when he becomes Hokage. I'll burn these so there's no trace of it."
Outside people were hurrying to work and children off to school. Beyond the office door were the sounds of ninja going about their jobs and greeting each other. Despite the depression the three people felt for a child who'd had not one ounce of love growing up, life went on.
"I don't know how I'm going to face him. He was still sleeping when I left but he's probably up now. I hope Father was able to keep him there and entertained. I didn't leave much of a note." Hinata lay against Tsunade not wanting to move. Having a mother now after all this time was wonderful. It must be twice as wonderful for Naruto.
"Hiashi is a resourceful man, I'm sure he's taking good care of Naruto. Besides if Hanabi is around, Naruto will stay just for her. That boy seems to have a thing for lavender-eyed girls." Tsunade smiled at her then smoothed the girl's long dark hair. "Take some time before going home. Let yourself…deal with all this information so Naruto doesn't see it." She let go of Hinata and gave Iruka a long hug.
"Why don't you take the morning off and treat yourself to a day at the spa?" Iruka suggested. They weren't married and neither of them had a blood tie to Naruto but as his mother and father, they found comfort being there for each other.
"You know, I think I'll do just that! I've been up all night and those files…" Tsunade didn't look at her desk but at Hinata. "Come with me?"
"Oh I'd love to but we're supposed to take Takeshi to Ichiraku's today." Hinata looked really disappointed not to get a girls day with Tsunade. "I wanted to spend some time with Naruto before that. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize! I'll have Shizune schedule us a day together alright? We should spend more time together since now I'll have a daughter and a son." She framed Hinata's face and kissed her forehead.
"Okay." Hinata blushed and giggled at herself. "Can I, may I call you Mama Tsunade? When we're alone like this of course!" Hinata's blush deepened and she peeped at the Hokage through her eyelashes.
Her answer was a smothering hug but Hinata didn't mind. Because of Naruto, she would have a mother.
Iruka smiled at them. For all of them, things were getting better. The horrible times were gone and there were still hard times to come but for the most part he believed they would be happy. They just loved each other too much for there not to be happiness. "Hey, let's make it legal." He said suddenly. When Tsuande and Hinata looked at him with frowns, "Let's adopt him for real – put it on paper and everything then when you guys get married, we'll truly be a family!" Excitement flowed through him.
Hazel eyes blinked and some of the lines on her face disappeared. "Yes! We should! And - and the line of succession will automatically put Naruto in the position to be Hokage! Iruka!" She jumped him and gave him a more than friendly kiss.
Iruka laughed when she let go and turned to Hinata who looked thoughtful. "You don't think he'll want to?" Some of his happiness dimmed.
"Will his name change? I was looking forward to being an Uzumaki." Her question was honest but her eyes were bright. Hinata loved the idea.
"He and you can still be Uzumakis but we'll finally and truly be a family!" Iruka laughed and gather her close.
"Good, then how about we celebrate? He hasn't has his Chunin party yet." Hinata said thinking it was long overdue.
"And we haven't celebrated your engagement either." Tsunade crossed her arms, thinking. "We could combine it all – Chunin, engagement and an adoption party!" She looked from one to the other ready to start making plans.
"Whoa, let's not get carried away! We should talk to Naruto first and see what he says." Iruka cautioned. They needed to be sure this was what he wanted.
"But we can still plan the party. We talked about it before you went on your trip remember?" Hinata nudged Iruka's memory.
"Yeah but the adoption part, we need to be sure of that first. Sometime today or tomorrow we should broach the subject with him." He looked back at Tsunade. "He is very independent. We just learned how independent he's had to be."
Tsunade was nodding. "Okay, okay we'll talk about that with first but we already have plans for the party. We should go ahead with that part."
"We need a new place to have it though. While ninjas may have been harsh as he was growing up, many now seem to want to make up for their bad behavior. If they find out we're giving Naruto a party – many will more than likely want to come." Hinata said leaning back against the Hokage's desk. "Actually that may worry Naruto a bit. He doesn't believe most people wish him well. This is a never-ending seesaw!" Hinata raised her hands in frustration.
"It is but this party is going to happen. We'll just let Naruto believe it's a small get-together of all his friends and family. Let's surprise him. That crazy blond isn't the only one who can shock people." Tsunade said craftily.
Iruka and Hinata looked at each then shrugged their shoulders and laughed. It would be nice to surprise Naruto for a change and he shouldn't be upset since it was mostly for him and he'd have all the people he loved around him.
Naruto waved goodbye to Hanabi as she ran off to school. He was surprised Hinata wasn't home yet and wandered back into the kitchen where Neji was still drinking tea.
"It's a good thing Hanabi loves her sister or Hinata would have some competition." Neji chuckled. Dressed as he was, Naruto looked like a member of the family. The only difference was his blue eyes and blond hair. White pants and a long white ninja shirt replaced Naruto's black attire.
Naruto paused in the act of pouring himself some tea. "Nah, she just likes me that's all. All kids like some attention." He sat and sipped the fragrant tea. It had to be Hinata's creation – not only did it taste good but it smelled good, just like her creams.
"That may be so but that little girl is hung up on you!" Neji's smile was huge as Naruto blinked at him.
"Oh leave me alone! You don't want me to start teasing you about Tenten do you?" Naruto wagged a finger at him.
"Tenten? Is she coming by for a visit?" Hiashi asked as he returned to the kitchen. He'd had to leave to take care of something. "Hanabi get off to school okay?" Looking down at the boys he felt a sense of happiness that had been long missing in his home.
"Naruto saw her off. I think she's going to have a really good day." Neji caught the sugar cube Naruto threw at him laughing.
Hiashi raised an eyebrow and knew he'd missed something. "So you all have the day off right? What will you be doing today?" He sat between them comfortably.
"Well I'm meeting Hinata at Ichiraku's later." Naruto said quietly. "This will be my first time seeing him since…you know." He looked down into his cup.
"He's really important to you isn't he?" Hiashi asked.
"Yeah, he's always been there for me since I first met him. Teuchi's like family but I've been scared to face him, of disappointing him by what I did." Naruto covered his mouth for a second then looked up when he felt a hand on his head.
"He'll forgive you. If he shares even a fraction of your affection for him, I'm sure he'll forgive you." He patted Naruto's head and smiled. "And you Neji? Would you like to train some today or do you have a date too?" Hiashi laughed as Neji blushed. This side of his nephew was…cute.
"We umm were going meet up later." Neji adjusted his headband. "But we could do some training before I leave." He said quickly.
"Hey, did I miss the family dinner? You know where Tenten comes by and we see how good a couple they are?" His grin was nothing but mischievous. "Gotta make sure she's the girl for you! Have you said the L word yet?"
Deep laughter, "Oh I wouldn't do that to you Naruto! Hanabi and I discussed it and she definitely wanted you here for that!" Hiashi turned to Neji who's right eye was starting to twitch. "Let's do that soon, say Sunday?"
"You talked about me and Tenten with Hanabi?" His voice squeaked.
"Of course, my little one is quite curious about love all of a sudden. She's approved of Naruto one hundred percent but she wants to be sure of Tenten so we have to invite her over. It's her plan to ask a few questions, discuss it with her sister and soon to be brother before you and Tenten get too serious." Hiashi couldn't stop his smile but he tilted his head curiously at Neji. "Something wrong?"
"UNCLE! YOU CAN'T LET HER DO THAT!!" Neji placed his hands on the table and pushed to his feet.
"Why not? It seems I'm not the only guy Hanabi's fallen for!" Naruto held his stomach as he watched Neji twitch.
While Naruto laughed his head off, Hiashi caught a glimpse of Hinata as she stole into the yard then stealthily jump up to her bedroom without coming in and saying hello. He didn't let on that his daughter was home but continued teasing Neji and even got him to promise to bring Tenten to dinner on Sunday, her parents too.
"I can't wait!" Naruto grinned.
"Oh shut up!" Neji said bemused at how his uncle had arranged things. "I'm going to go work out. Why don't you join me Naruto? I could use something to hit!" He glared at his friend.
"Not on your life! I was going to wait for Hinata but her errands must be taking longer than she thought." Naruto stood then jumped out of Neji's way as he playfully attacked him. "I think I'm going head home and get changed." He looked up at Hiashi. "…Father - Hiashi, can you tell Hinata to just meet me at Ichiraku's?" Naruto looked a little flustered.
"Is it that hard to call me father?" Hiashi wasn't offended but amused.
"Kinda." Naruto said sheepishly. "I really like hanging out with you but it seems weird to call you anything besides Lord Hiashi. You got that," he waved his hands about. "That regal air about you. You all do!" Naruto said and wondered how he would ever truly fit in.
Hiashi smiled gently then wrapped an arm about Naruto's shoulders. "We are no more regal than you are Naruto. I am serious. You have your fun and curious side to you but at times there is something so commanding about you and respect is given to you without question. It's a good quality for a future Hokage to have." He nodded several times when Naruto looked at him disbelievingly. "I won't let you call me lord but if it feels better, you may call me Hiashi."
"That still seems too informal." Naruto didn't comment on what Lord Hiashi said about him. He wasn't even going to touch that. "I'll try though." He promised.
"Good. Just leave your things and I'll have them cleaned for you. Neji, I have some papers I need to look at then I'll join you alright?" Hiashi hugged Naruto once more.
"Of course Uncle. Come on Naruto, I'll walk out with you." Neji said as he cleared the table.
"Sure. See you later Hiashi. Father. Bye!" Naruto was glad Hiashi laughed but it was going be hard calling him either of those. He just respected Hinata's father so much.
Hiashi watched Naruto leave then went to find out what or who had upset his child.
When Naruto got to his place he found not only Sasuke inside but Koji as well. He paused for a moment then entered and closed the door behind him. "Hey Sasuke. Please tell you didn't stay here all night?"
Sasuke looked Naruto up and down. "New look? And no, I got here a little while ago and this guy showed up. I let him – that okay?" He cut his eyes to the guy who even sitting down was still too damn tall.
Naruto looked at Koji's blank face. "Yeah that's okay." He went to his closet and pulled out more black pants but reached for an orange shirt instead of a cobalt one. Orange since he was going to see Teuchi. Just a little reminder of the good times with the man. "Nah – white is not me. I slept over at Hinata's and Father Hiashi lent me some clothes."
Sasuke chuckled. "Father Hiashi. Damn that sounds weird. Wait – you didn't sleep in her room did you?" Black eyes got wide.
"Don't turn into a pervert. I won't claim you as my brother if you do!" Naruto laughed. "No idiot, I got my own room and yeah – its going take some time getting used to calling him that." Naruto went to the bathroom and looked back at his guests. "Be right back!"
Sasuke got up and went to the fridge. He pulled out some milk and poured two glasses. "You want some?"
"Huh? Please." Koji started. He'd been staring at Naruto's ninja things and trying to figure out who Naruto was. "Thanks." Koji watched as Sasuke went to Naruto's bed and sat Indian style on it and sip his milk. "So you guys aren't…leaving?"
"No. Naruto's okay now thanks to his parents and Hinata." Sasuke looked at Koji. "Why are you here?" His tone was flat. "My…brother has had a lot of shit dumped on him lately – most of it by me. We've finally gotten beyond that and I don't want him upset anymore. I won't let you do it." Sasuke leaned forward holding Koji's eyes so that the guy knew he meant what he said.
"Sasuke." Naruto said softly. He'd opened the bathroom door to hear Sasuke's threat. "You can't blame Koji. He doesn't know – any of it. I never told him of my life here just like I never told you guys of my time with him." Naruto went to the table and got the glass of milk then joined Sasuke on the bed. "He didn't know we were ninjas. I was just a kid on vacation with his dad the teacher. I didn't carry any weapons or use any ninjutsu or any of the stuff we do every day. You know the kids around here who don't join the academy? I got to be like them only better because there were no ninjas around!" Naruto brought one leg up on the bed so Sasuke could see his face.
"You weren't a ninja? But that's the only thing you've ever wanted!" Sasuke exclaimed but then grew quiet. "Did we – I hurt you so badly that you wanted to give up your dreams?" He set the glass of milk on the floor when his hand shook.
"I was hurt but no, I still wanted to be a ninja but just then, for a little while I wanted to forget." A smile appeared on Naruto's face. "I had fun Sasuke. I was so – free! I wasn't trying to do anything other than have fun and help find Dad a girlfriend!"
Sasuke remembered the few things Iruka had told them about Naruto's time away. It had made him a little jealous but mostly he was glad that Naruto had been happy. "I don't know that I could do that – forget about being a ninja." His hand fingered the weapon's pouch tied to his leg.
"Well at the time I needed to." Naruto said. "Being with Koji and his parents and friends…they were exactly what I needed. So you can't kill him okay?" He joked and made Sasuke laugh.
"Okay, he can live. But I still won't let him hurt you. You got that?" Sasuke looked over at Koji who nodded quickly.
"Good." Naruto poured the milk down his throat then got up to put the glass in the sink. "Koji, I'm sorry for lying to you. I don't know if we can be the friends were back then but if you want, we can try again. Of course I don't have much time these days since I'm about to start some new training." Naruto offered Koji with a frown trying to think of when the two of them could hang out.
"Training? For all of us?" Sasuke questioned but before Naruto could answer there was a knock on the door.
"No, well I don't think so." Naruto said then laughed when he opened the door for Takeshi. Just the man, he'd been thinking about. "Hey Takeshi! You found the place okay?" Naruto pulled him inside. "Sorry about this morning, I overslept."
Sasuke stood up. He recognized the man from their last mission but he was confused as to how Naruto had gotten all buddy-buddy with him.
"Yes, your mother pointed it out to me. No problem, I only got up a little while ago myself. Am I interrupting? I could come back…" Takeshi offered when he saw the other boys.
"Uh-huh, you're fine. This is my brother Uchiha Sasuke. And this guy is my friend Kamiya Koji. Guys this is Satome Takeshi." Naruto looked at Takeshi. "Can I tell Sasuke?"
Takeshi looked at teen. He was completely opposite from Naruto but he'd already seen how close the two boys were. It would be hard for Naruto to keep this secret from his brother. "Of course." He watched Sasuke's face.
"Sasuke, he's like me – inside." Naruto's eyes were bright. "And Gaara." Now Sasuke got it. His eyes got big.
Sasuke moved until he was in front of them. "Then it was you!" He reached out and grabbed Takeshi's shirt.
"Whoa! It's okay! Really – let him go Sasuke!" Naruto had to push Sasuke away. "He's here to help me. He's an old friend of Mama T's!"
Sasuke's eyes snapped back to Naruto's. "He knows the Hokage?" At Naruto's nod, he took a breath and calmed his anger. "You met him when?" Sasuke pulled Naruto to his side away from Takeshi which only made the man smile.
"Last night after you guys left. We talked and he's here to help me Sasuke." He tried to convince his brother. "Sorry about this Takeshi – he's gotten very protective lately." Naruto tried to explain Sasuke's reaction.
"No, I think that's admirable of him. It shows that he's a good big brother." Takeshi bowed to Sasuke. "Forgive me. I meant no harm – I was only testing Naruto. I had no idea things would go so wrong."
Sasuke stared for a moment before sighing. "You're a lot of trouble, you know that?" He punched Naruto lightly in the arm.
"I'm trying not to be." Naruto said seriously. "You okay with this? With Takeshi?" His blue eyes took in all of Sasuke's face.
"Don't worry so much. If Lady Tsunade's thinks he's okay then yeah, I'm fine with it. Can I watch sometimes?" He tousled Naruto's hair but directed the question at Takeshi.
"…Not at first. It will take a lot of concentration and I don't want Naruto distracted or worried about hurting anyone while we practice but later, when he has more control, yes." Takeshi held out a hand to Sasuke and they shook on it.
Naruto smiled glad to have that settled then looked back at Koji. "Sorry, ninja stuff. I was going to show Takeshi around then go to the best ramen shop ever for lunch. Want to join us? If you like ramen then you'll love Ichiraku's!"
They all heard a bit of dread mixed in with Naruto's proclamation.
"You ready for that?" Sasuke asked quietly. He and Hinata had wondered how long and when Naruto would work up the nerve to go see Teuchi.
Naruto blinked his eyes. "Hell no but I've put it off way too long as it is. Hinata's going to meet us there. So you coming Koji? You'll at least get some great ramen out of it." He moved until he was standing and looking up at him.
"Sure, I'll come. Naruto…I understand there are things I can't know about since I'm not a ninja but I'd like to know more. I'm feeling kinda left out." Koji looked over at Takeshi and Sasuke. "Isn't there some stuff you can tell me?"
Naruto thought about it. While his own life was ripe with obstacles, the general life a ninja could be told without giving away secrets. "Yep, I'll tell you all you ever wanted to know about being a ninja. Let's get going before I change my mind about going to see Teuchi." He slapped his friend on the back and led the way out of the apartment.
Koji was amazed at how much training they had to go through. Many kids started the academy at age five. Physical and weapons training as well as strategy and something they call chakra. And then there were some who even started earlier than that at home with their parents. All he could remember doing at that age was learning the alphabet and coloring! He looked at all of them in a new light. What he and Iruka said makes so much sense now, about being normal! The life of a ninja was more than hard, it was unbelievably difficult yet they talked with such acceptance and excitement.
Now they had reached Ichiraku's ramen. This was totally personal and all about Naruto. He stood for almost fifteen minutes staring at the small restaurant. Sasuke and Takeshi only stood by Naruto offering quiet support. They would be there if Naruto needed them. Koji looked at Takeshi. From what little they'd said, he'd only known Naruto for less than twenty-four hours and yet Naruto treated him like he'd known the man forever. Well he might not be a ninja but he still considered Naruto his friend and didn't plan on letting him down now either.
Naruto breathed in deeply. Teuchi hadn't noticed him yet and Hinata wasn't there. He wanted to wait, put it off a little longer and he wanted to get it over with right now. Turning he saw Sasuke standing between his new friends. He felt a little like a coward for bringing them but he wasn't sure he would have the courage to stay and face this if they weren't there. He sighed and wondered where Hinata was then turned around and froze.
Teuchi was also frozen and staring at him. There was thundering inside his head. Just seconds ago he couldn't breathe but now his breaths were coming faster and there was a fine tremor in his muscles. Naruto gasped when Teuchi broke eye contact to say something to his daughter Ayame. The old man wiped his hands and left the ramen shop. He appeared just outside of the shop, hands on his hips waiting.
"Oh man…" Naruto whispered and walked forward to meet Teuchi.
Hinata had cried in her father's arms. She'd told him everything and had watched the nearly unflappable man she'd always known shed tears for the child Naruto had been and then intense anger that still shocked her, take place of his tears. Her father hadn't said much but she thought that he was as angry with the village as he was himself. Anyone over ten knew what it was like to hurt someone. And a village full of adults had treated a child, a baby so horribly that he couldn't seem to process it any better than she or Naruto's parents had.
Lord Hiashi had told her to make herself presentable and go support Naruto in his meeting with Teuchi. He'd also held her tenderly and apologized for any hurt he'd ever caused her over the years. That one moment had been the most special she'd ever shared with her father.
Hinata had taken a quick shower and used several of her creams to try and hide the fact that she'd been crying most of the morning. When she'd finally left the house, her father and Neji were fighting each other - seriously. Hinata guessed her father was trying to work off some of his anger. She'd have to do something special for Neji later to make up for the pounding her father was giving him.
She'd run like the wind over the rooftops then dropped down to the street as she neared Ichiraku's. "Sasuke! Where's Naruto?" Hinata saw the familiar body of Naruto's brother. Today he was back in his blue shirt and white shorts.
Sasuke turned and held out a hand to her. He circled her shoulder and pointed. "There. They just started talking."
The teen and the older man stood face to face. Naruto spoke softly to his oldest friend and told him exactly what happened the minute he'd left Konoha. He'd always told Teuchi everything and now was no exception. Once he'd begun the words just spilled from his lips.
Hinata watched as Teuchi crossed his arms and frowned at Naruto. Not once did he interrupt him. "He's listening, that's a good sign right?"
"Yeah, I think so. He really cares about Naruto. When they were gone, Teuchi told a few of us about the first time he met Naruto. He just wants him to be happy." Sasuke said.
"…Sasuke, there's some things I have to tell you later about Naruto." Hinata glanced away from Naruto to the man at her side.
"You found out." Takeshi said as he stepped closer. "You found out what he can't remember didn't you? Is it…really bad?" He gripped the hilt of his sword. The little he already knew of Naruto's life had saddened him and thinking that there was more would leave a scar on his heart.
Hinata nodded at Takeshi then briefly explained to Sasuke what they were talking about. "We don't remember much before we're three or four years old anyway but Naruto does remember meeting Teuchi, a good memory. Other things, despicable things happened to him at that time as well and Naruto's blocked them out. Dad and Lady Tsunade thought you'd want to know but if not…" Hinata watched the emotions on Sasuke's face. There was a hint of fear at hearing about the past and compassion for Naruto because at that age, Sasuke was loved.
"Honestly, no I don't want to know. After all he's been through, there's even more pain that he doesn't even remember? Damn." Sasuke closed his eyes. "Later, tell me later."
"Will Naruto be told?" Takeshi asked softly and made a note to ask Lady Tsunade if she would tell him about Naruto's past. It might help him to understand Naruto better while he helps him accomplish his goals and Takeshi thought it would help him personally as well. Because of Naruto's tragic history, he was the man he was today and Takeshi very much admired the teenager.
"No!" Sasuke and Hinata answered together. "Naruto was a baby then. He doesn't remember so there's no need." Hinata said then her head snapped around when a slap echoed in the street.
Naruto was cupping his jaw and staring down at the street. Teuchi was holding his hand against his chest. The look on the man's face was part surprise, part hurt and part anger. They saw Naruto take a step back then turn away but then he stopped. He dropped his hand and raised deep blue eyes to Teuchi. Naruto started talking again.
"Ha! It's about damn time! I never understood how Teuchi could put up with that brat knowing what he is!"
"You know I heard a rumor that he almost died a while back. If only he had!"
Sasuke charged one of the men and held a kunai at his throat. "Do you have a death wish? I'll gladly grant it!" He smiled when the fat man whimpered. His friend who'd also been bad mouthing Naruto was being held by Takeshi in an iron grip. "We're standing right here! Ninjas – friends of Naruto's! How fucking stupid are you?!" The kunai slipped beneath the man's skin causing blood to flow.
A gloved hand gently pulled Sasuke's hand back. "That's enough Sasuke. As much as I wouldn't mind seeing him dead, I can't let you kill him." Kakashi waited and was relieved when Sasuke let the man go on his own. "Of course if you came across him on a dark street and alone…" Kakashi let the threat hang in the air then jerked his head telling the man to get the hell out of there.
Takeshi wrenched the arm of the man he held before finally releasing him and watched as the two out of shape, middle aged men ran off in fright.
"What the hell is going on?" Koji whispered as his eyes went from Naruto to Sasuke to Kakashi and to Hinata. "Why would they say those things?" He moved closer to Hinata who was looking upset.
Everybody's watching! Why is everybody watching? Hinata looked around as all the action on the street had stopped. All eyes were on the quiet conversation between Naruto and Teuchi or on them. Why can't they leave him alone?! Her hands became fists and she started to walk off intending to force the watchers to go away.
"Leave it Hinata. Naruto's used to this, he'll be okay." Kakashi stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. His eye scanned the villagers and he didn't see any more potential problems. It wasn't coincidence that he'd shown up. Iruka had stopped by his place early that morning needing someone to talk to and told him everything.
Truth was he had known some of it since he'd once been Anbu and he'd been dealing with that guilt ever since Naruto had become his student. Still the rest of it had made him seek out Naruto – wanting to spend some time with the kid and be there for him when he hadn't before.
"Look!" Koji said on a hushed whisper. He'd been listening intently to their conversation. He wanted to know why Naruto would be used to people watching and hating on him. But right now…
"You're an idiot Naruto but you're always welcome at Ichiraku's." Teuchi said as he jerked Naruto close for a hug. The whole street began to applaud and cheer much to the ninjas' surprise.
"R-really?" Hinata blinked.
"I don't get it." Sasuke said turning around in a circle.
Kakashi laughed with relief. "Of course! He's been coming here for years. They know Naruto! He must have made friends with most of the people on this street. That kid." His grin and tone were full of affection.
Naruto held onto to Teuchi until the man groaned and he loosened his hold only to rest his forehead on the man's shoulder. "Thanks. You're the bestest friend ever Teuchi." He said quietly.
Teuchi laughed softly and pounded Naruto's back. It had worried him deeply when Naruto hadn't come by. Something must have hurt the boy badly that he'd avoided coming to get his favorite food. Suicide! It had always been a possibility but Naruto had never given in to it before. That Kabuto! I'd like to deep-fry his ass doing that to my boy! Bu the demon saved him…thank God. My Naruto came home. He hugged him tightly. "You lost some weight, come on let me feed you some ramen! Ayame, look who's back!" Teuchi took Naruto back to the kitchen where Ayame hugged and kissed Naruto making him blush.
"Why are you guys just standing there? Aren't you hungry?!" Teuchi called out to Hinata and the others.
Naruto left the kitchen in time to catch Hinata as she threw herself at him. "I missed you!" He spoke into her neck. "He forgave Hinata." Naruto lifted her off her feet and held her.
"I'm sorry I was late." She kissed his ear as she spoke. "I told you he would! I told you Naruto!" Hinata loved being in his arms, feeling his warmth and strength but at the same time she hoped he was able to receive comfort from her. If she had her way, she'd just hold him all day long.
Naruto eventually lifted his head and his mouth dropped open in surprise. Besides his friends, there was a crowd of people surrounding the shop laughing and talking about him. He'd only just now become aware of them. "What's going on?"
"You're friends missed you Naruto. Go on, say hello!" Kakashi told him and with his hands on his shoulders, directed Naruto towards the other shop owners and customers who'd always been friendly towards Naruto.
"What about those men from before?" Koji asked at his shoulder. "Will they try to hurt Naruto?" This scene was more familiar to Koji because when they were together, Naruto had always made friends easily and people were happy to see him coming.
Kakashi's tone hardened. "They know better! I think I can safely say that there's fewer of those assholes than there used to be. Some will never give up their prejudices against him though." He looked at Koji, meeting his eyes on an even level. "It's up to Naruto and the Hokage just how much he can tell you but he's worthy of your friendship Koji no matter what you may hear. He's a good man on his way to becoming great." Kakashi gripped the teen's arm.
"Yes, he's always been a friend. I liked him when he first just laughed and asked how tall I was. I got teased a lot growing up and some kids wouldn't play me because of my height. I understand how cruel people can be but it's been worse somehow for Naruto right?" He watched as Naruto laughed and blushed as an elderly woman pinched his cheek.
"A lot worse and from children as well as from adults who should have known better. Sounds like Naruto made an impression on you. He tends to do that whether he means to or not." Kakashi smiled. "Just be his friend Koji, you won't regret it and don't worry about him. Naruto's got way more friends than he knows about. We're not going to let anyone hurt him like that again." Kakashi's promise was heard by several people and they nodded silently promising the same.
"Naruto! Your ramen!" Teuchi yelled and laughed as he was pushed forward to his favorite seat. He watched with pride as Naruto dug in. When those blue eyes looked up at him with happy tears, Teuchi just patted his head. "Eat all you want Naruto. Eat until you can't move." He loved to feed people but as far as this boy was concerned not only was he feeding Naruto but loving him too.
She watched them. Hinata sat next to Naruto watching him eat and laughing. Earlier when Hinata had walked slowly by the shop, Ino had snuck out and followed her. The girl had been upset, tears falling from her eyes every few minutes. Ino knew it was a good opportunity to slip into her mind. If her pawn was distracted then she'd never notice another mind inside her own.
Ino's luck held out. Hinata had moved off the street to cry in private and try to calm herself. At the other end of the deserted alley, Ino went to work. "Mind Transfer Jutsu!" She whispered.
At first the sadness and depression had almost taken control of her. Ino had to concentrate really hard to move beyond those feelings. All she wanted to do right now was to see if Hinata was as weak as she believed because if she wasn't her plan would never work.
There were sappy feelings of love for Naruto, admiration for her father and cousin. Hinata worried about not being strong enough to be a true ninja. A lot of stuff she already knew but then Ino found some dirt. Naruto thought he wasn't good enough for Hinata. I can use this! With this I can break Naruto! The glee she'd felt had sparked something in Hinata and she started to pull out of the girl's mind when she'd caught onto another little tidbit that might come in handy.
Ino crossed her arms and turned onto another street. She'd grown tired of watching people fawn over Naruto like he was a long lost son or something. "I have some time to plan exactly what to say to him. I want just the right words that will crush him. Naruto's going to hear hate and disgust instead of love from Hinata. If it doesn't kill him then it will more than likely drive him out of Konoha. Either solution works for me."
Later she was to meet up with the guys and attempt another dinner. They were working to get past the riff Naruto had caused between them. "I've got to tone it down and stop getting mad and leaving when they talk about him but I shouldn't act like I like Naruto or anything or Shikamaru will know I'm up to something. The more I learn about Hinata and Naruto the better." Ino talked to herself as she strolled back to the flower shop.
"Flowers, they'll need flowers and ours are the best!" Ino laughed. "It'll be a big day. A day to celebrate – for me that is. You'll lose it all Naruto, finally!" Ino entered their family business smiling and still plotting. "Mother, I'm back! It's a beautiful day outside."
Naruto had just returned home after dropping off Hinata. It had been a long day but a good one after he'd made up with Teuchi. He'd eaten so much ramen that Sasuke had had to help him up. The group of them had walked the village showing Takeshi and Koji all the sites and great places to go. They'd ended up at the academy where Takeshi had asked Naruto to spar with him.
They had felt each other out – just general stuff but both were excited again about working with the other. They could teach each other so much. Finally the group broke up. He and Hinata slipped off to their spot. It had been a long time since they'd spent time down by the river. The couple had talked, skinny dipped and made out. They had laughed as they jumped back in the river to cool down.
Hinata had kissed him goodnight at the gate to her estate. She knew he was tired and though he loved her family, he need to go home and rest. He and Takeshi were scheduled to meet before sunrise.
Shoes off, Naruto slipped out of his jacket yawning when there was a knock on his door. "Ah, man I'm sleepy." He complained then went to open the door. He blinked in surprised as he saw his parents. "Something up?" All thoughts of sleep vanished.
"No. Hi baby." Tsunade said leaning in to kiss his face. "Iruka and I would like to talk to you about something."
"It's good news or at least we hope you think so." There was a hopeful grin on Iruka's face as he closed the door.
Naruto tilted his head, curious.