Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Ranma ½. I do have a few of my own characters in here though, so I would appreciate it if you asked before using them.
Notes
This was originally done for NanoWrimo in 2007. With this story I made the word count!
Characters form Ranma ½ and Naruto may be out of character
While in the Neko-ken, characters roll their rs (I am not going to spell it that way, since it is to hard to write/read that way)
"Hi" Speaking
'Hi' Thinking
The characters are going to be OOC. I have a reason for this.
The Lone Reviewer – You just pointed out my weakness. This is my first fanfic and I have been having a hard time fleshing out the background, as well as parts of the story. I have it in my head, but…. It's hard to get onto paper. (or in this case, the computer) Thanks for the constructive criticism.
Asgeras – I'm not as young as you think, I am 25. As for the problems with my story… I know I need some pre readers, however my friends don't know as much about Ranma as I do, so they could only help with part of my story. I am very glad you are still enjoying it though. Maybe I will get better, with more experience, and a little help. You and "The Lone Reviewer" are only trying to help me, and I appreciate that.
Cloud1239999 – Thanks, though I wish I could describe it better.
Oberon – If you don't like my story, don't read it. I admit I am having a hard time writing his speech pattern and explaining a few things, but I am trying. This is my first fic, so give me some credit for at least trying.
I already have at least most of this typed, since I did it for National Novel Writing Month, but I am still editing it. I will post it as I get more edited. Also, to explain more of the background, like how Ranma got control of the neko-ken, I think I will post that separately after I figure out how to do so better than I have this one.
Painful Pasts and New Beginnings
By: Shlandria
Chapter 13
In the morning, Ryu got up early, as was his routine. However, instead of getting ready, getting his workout in and checking the territory (not necessarily in that order), he made a few changes.
First he got cleaned up, dressed and ready for the day. Then he went to Naruto's room to wake him up, since the door was closed, he decided to be polite and knock first. When Naruto didn't answer, he opened the door, walked over to the bed and threw the covers off of Naruto saying "If you don't get up now otouto, you may regret it. This is your only warning."
When he still got no response he said "Alright otouto, you're asking for it, time to wake up." And with that he picked Naruto up, carried him into the bathroom, placed him in the shower and turned on the cold water. That defiantly got Naruto up quick. "Ah! That's COLD!" he screamed. "I warned you otouto, when you don't get up; this is what you'll get." Ryu said with laughter in his voice.
"Now, I want you to get up and dressed. I suggest you wear something old that you can train in. Then I want you to wander around the lair again and get a feel for it, you don't need to worry about getting lost, just stay inside and I'll find you. I'm going to do a quick check of the territory and will be back in a few minutes, and don't think I won't know if you disobey me otouto." Ryu said in a voice that brooked no argument, leaving Naruto to his own devices for a few minutes.
After Ryu had checked his territory, he went back to the lair to find Naruto and see what his otouto knew, so he could come up with a training schedule for him. When he got inside, he found his otouto in another dead end, and was not surprised. "Lost again chibi kit?" He said chuckling. "It's not funny aniki!" Naruto replied upset. "Come on chibi kit, follow me outside, I want to test your skills and possibly train you some." Ryu said walking away, knowing his little brother would follow.
Once outside, Ryu lead his little brother to a nearby clearing. On their way there he quizzed the boy on the history of Konohagakure no Sato, as well as the aspects of the life of a ninja, and the surrounding villages and countries. Once at the clearing, Ryu had his little brother do some warm ups.
Seeing that Naruto couldn't even warm up properly, he wondered just what the boy did know. He got Naruto's attention and then showed him how to properly warm up. Then he had his little brother spar with him to test Naruto's taijutsu skills. He then produced some practice weapons and tested Naruto's knowledge on them as well as his accuracy. After that, he tested Naruto on his ninjutsu, having him perform every jutsu he knew.
To say he wasn't happy would be an understatement. Sadly he had a lot to teach his otouto. Once he was done testing Naruto, Ryu ran him through some exercises and then took him back to the lair. 'I'll need to talk to otouto's teacher Iruka and see what all has been taught so far at the academy. That way I know how the chibi kit stands. I have a feeling though, that he should know more than this.' Ryu thought to himself.
Once they were back inside the lair, Ryu led Naruto back to his room. "I want you to get cleaned up and dressed otouto. Breakfast should be ready by the time you're done. Right after breakfast we need to leave or you'll be late for class. I'll drop you off again and pick you back up once classes are over." Ryu said as he gave Naruto directions to the kitchen, and left.
Once Naruto was done getting ready, he tried to follow his big brother's directions, he really did. But somehow, he still got lost. "Dang it! Where am I?" he said frustrated. Luckily for him, he wasn't that far from the kitchen and Ryu had heard him and had come to help him out. "Lost otouto? Did you follow my directions?" Ryu said in amusement. "Yes and yes, well, I thought I did, but I ended up here instead of the kitchen." Naruto replied. "It looks like you only took a wrong turn otouto, you're very near the kitchen, come on, breakfast is ready." Ryu said leading Naruto into the kitchen.
After breakfast, Ryu lead Naruto to the main entrance of the lair and they left from there. Ryu lead Naruto through the forest quizzing him on what he had been told the night before.
"Ok chibi kit; let's see what you remember from last night. How many bedrooms did you find including ours?" He started. "Um, there are nine bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms right?" Naruto replied. "Correct. How many bathrooms?" Ryu continued. "Um, nine rooms with bathrooms, that's nine, but I found two more, so that makes eleven!" Naruto said happily. "Very good otouto. Now, what other rooms did you find?" Ryu continued. "I found a living room, an office, a dojo and a den. I also found locked doors and lots of dead ends and a few different ways outside." Naruto said grinning at his aniki.
"Very good chibi kit! What about the floors?" Ryu questioned his little brother. "The floors that look like they are covered in grass and leaves and are actually covered by a special plant made just for that purpose. It's a hybrid of other plants, and there are real fur rugs on some of the other floors." Naruto replied.
"Right, what else do you remember me telling you?" Ryu said. "Um, the doors that are locked, are locked because only certain Pride members are allowed in those rooms, and the bedrooms are off limits if they are taken, unless I have permission. There are also piles of fur in some of the rooms that can be used as furniture. There are also other hybrid plants that can only be found in and around the lair, because of your niisan. And all of those entrances and exits, twists and turns and dead ends are for our safety." Naruto answered grinning, because he knew he got his answer right.
"Very good otouto, I'm very proud of you. Now remember, I don't want you telling anyone about the lair unless you have my permission. I'm going to pick you up from the academy later, so stay there; also, here's a lunch for you." Ryu said handing Naruto a packed lunch as they enter the village. It only took a few minutes more to get to the academy, where Ryu left Naruto who was actually early for once.
After he left his little brother at the academy, Ryu went to the Hokage tower to see his jiji. Upon entering the building he ran into an old friend who happened to be waiting to see the Hokage. He barely recognized her, and it was only because of her scent that he knew who she was. "Kaori!" He said happily, grinning from ear to ear as he walked up to her. "Ranma aniki?" she asked not sure if the boy walking up to her was who she thought it was. It had been a long time, since she had seen him after all. Though, he was the only one she knew that would great her like that.
"Who else, imoutosan? I haven't seen you for a long time, though I'm glad I ran into you. But you need to call my Ryu now." Ryu said happily "Ryu huh? I guess that means you changed your name, so is it still Satome or did your last name change too aniki?" Kaori asked. "Yep! I changed that too, my name is now Ryu Mouko." Ryu replied happily. "Ok then, we need to get together and catch up, by the way, what are you doing here anyway Ryu?" She asked him. "I came to see jiji, I take it, that's why you're standing here waiting?" He replied. "Of course." She replied. "Cool, wait here and I'll see if I can free jiji from the meeting he's in; it has got to be boring anyway." Ryu said with a grin causing Kaori to giggle right before he went into the office.
Ignoring the protests from the council and various other important people in the office, and deftly dodging the guards who were trying to do their jobs and stop him, in vain of course, Ryu walked right up to the Hokage's desk and grinned, mischief twinkling in his eyes.
"Hi jiji!" He said while dodging the guards. "Hello Ryu, how are you today?" The Hokage replied trying not to laugh at the boy's antics before turning to address the guards. "It's alright, Ryu here is harmless." The Hokage said hoping to avoid too much embarrassment for the guards, knowing Ryu could not be caught so easily.
Most of the council and a few others already knew that the meeting was over the moment Ryu entered the office. Though there were complaints coming from those who didn't. Though they soon realized that no amount of complaining or arguing would change things or get the boy to leave, and it looked like the Hokage wasn't inclined to kick the boy out.
"I'm teaching otouto about his seisokuchi (habitat; home), but he's having a hard time jiji, do you have any ideas? Oh, and imoutosan is outside of your office, can I bring her in now?" Ryu said ignoring everyone else, figuring they would get the hint and leave soon enough, besides, he had come to get his jiji's help anyway.
"I'm sorry everyone, but it looks like this meeting is going to be cut short." The Hokage told the council members and other important people attending the meeting. "Yes, you can bring her in Ryu." He told the boy, watching as everyone left his office except Ryu.
Once Ryu saw everyone leave the office, he stuck his head out the door to get his imoutosan, only to see her talking to someone else. "I'll be right back in with imoutosan jiji." He said walking out the door and straight to where Kaori was, and promptly gave her a hug, trying to embarrass her.
"Kaori, who is this young man?" The stranger asked in a stern voice. It was obvious to Ryu he was a Hyuuga, and a main branch member at that. Simply by the way he spoke and acted. Ryu just gave him an amused look and nuzzled his imouto's cheek.
Kaori wasn't sure just how to react at the moment since her uncle, who was the head of the clan was looking more and more upset at her aniki's actions, and her aniki who was ignoring her uncle and greeting her like he always had in the past. It didn't help that Ryu seemed to find her uncle's reaction amusing either.
Hiashi Hyuuga was not pleased. He had been in an important meeting with the Hokage when it had been rudly interrupted. Not only had some strange boy interrupted the meeting, he had just waltzed into the Hokage's office like he owned the place, somehow dodged theANBU guards and then had the audacity to call the Hokage jiji! It didn't help matters any that the Hokage himself let the boy get away with it and cut the meeting short for the boy.
Since he couldn't and wouldn't go against the Hokage, he had had to leave; at least he had managed to do so with more dignity than most of the others. Though he didn't know how the boy had dodged the ANBU, he did not see anything special about the boy. He had decided to get his niece and go back to the Hyuuga compound. He knew she had wished to speak to the Hokage, but that could wait.
He had just finished telling her this when the boy who had interrupted the meeting had walked up to her and hugged her. Not only that, but she had let him do so. No, he was defiantly not happy at the moment, however perhaps he could at the very least find out who the boy was. With that in mind he decided to question his niece. "Kaori, who is this young man?" He stated sternly, letting her know of his displeasure.
Before Kaori could get her bearings, Ryu decided to answer for her. The man might be a Hyuuga, and a main branch member, heck; he could be the head of the house and probably was. However that did not give him the right to speak to his imouto like that. He looked at the man and gave a low growl, just audible enough for the man to know that it came from him. He then walked towards the Hyuuga and looked him right in the eye, knowing his slit pupils would unnerve the man.
"I suggest you watch how you speak to my imoutosan from now on." He growled out, giving the man a slightly feral look. "As for who I am, I am Mouko Ryu. Who are you?" He said to the man.
Hiashi Hyuuga wasn't the head of his house for no reason, though he had noticed the boys silted pupils and the way he had spoken, the head of the Hyuuga clan would not be intimidated so easily. "I am Hyuuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuuga clan and Kaori'suncle, and I will speak to her how I see fit." He said to the boy being as intimidating as he could, he would not back down to this boy.
Ryu gave a low angry growl at this and those nearby that knew him, backed off and watched. They knew that Ryu would not back down for anyone except maybe the Hokage. They also knew Hyuuga Hiashi would not back down either, which meant that things could get very interesting.
Ryu for his part just growled at the Hyuuga and bared his fangs giving him a slightly feral look. "Do not push your luck Hyuuga, now my imoutosan and I have a meeting with Hokage jiji Sama." He said then gave the man a slight smirk showing Hiashi the boy believed he had won that round. He then grabbed Kaori and gently pushed her into the office following her, completely ignoring the head Hyuuga.
Hiashi was livid, how dare that boy treat him like that! However, he wasn't about to embarrass himself and barge into the Hokage's office, no he would get answers from Kaori when she got home. He walked away with as much dignity he could muster, and everyone went back to what they had been doing before. Those who were hoping for a fight were a bit disappointed, but knew it would happen sooner or later, hopefully they could watch when it did. On his way home, the head Hyuuga ordered one of the branch members to wait on Kaori and to take her straight to him when she was done with the Hokage. The branch member, seeing he was upset, wasn't stupid enough to disobey.
Once in the office, Ryu closed the doors and grinned. "I thought you might be bored jiji, so I decided you needed to be rescued. I rescued Kaori imoutosan from her uptight uncle too." He said pleased, looking like the cat that ate the canary. "You know, I should probably go explain to uncle Hiashi." Kaori said. "Na, don't worry about it imouto he's probably gone now anyway." Ryu replied
"So is there any other reason you wanted to see me Ryu, besides 'rescuing me from boredom' that is?" The Hokage replied chuckling. "Yep, I wanted to get some advice from you jiji. Maybe Kaori imoutosan can help too." He replied. "Ah yes, you said you are having trouble teaching your otouto about his seisokuchi." The Hokage said, remembering what Ryu had said when he had interrupted the meeting.
"Your otouto, I didn't know you had an otouto, or did you adopt him?" Kaori asked needing more information. "I adopted him, and you can meet him later. Any ideas? He keeps getting lost in the lair, even with directions. I gave him detailed directions this morning and he still got lost. I know I shouldn't expect him to learn everything right away, but he needs to know as soon as possible. That's the only way to guarantee his safety." Ryu said worriedly. "I'm not sure Ryu aniki, I would have to meet him first. Why are you so worried though, it's not like anyone goes near the lair." Kaori said.
"It is because of who he is imoutosan. The villagers don't like him and I'm afraid they'll hurt him or worse. I've been with him constantly when we're in the village except when he's at the academy, but I won't always be able to watch him so closely. I need him to be able to find my territory, and the lair. I also need him to be able to know his way around the lair so if someone happens to follow him, he'll still be safe." Ryu replied, worry evident in his eyes.
"Who is he, that the villagers wouldn't like him and would want to hurt him?" Kaori asked, already fearing that she knew the answer. "His name is Naruto." Ryu said, knowing she would know who he was talking about. "The Uzumaki boy? Why am I not surprised you took him in?" she said with a sigh. She had nothing against the boy even though she knew why he was hated. He was just a kid after all. "He's not Naruto Uzumaki now, he's Naruto Mouko now." Ryu replied grinning. "When you said adopted, you really meant it. Well I have nothing against him, when can I welcome him into the Pride aniki?" Kaori said with a smile.
"I want him to meet the whole Pride at the same time. Jiji told me about niisan, but not the others. Do you know where they are? I've only been back a couple of days and I haven't had time to try and track them down." Ryu asked them both.
"I believe Ryo, and Kyo are still living with their clans, but I'm not sure about Ran, I haven't seen him, heard from him or heard about him since that night eight years ago." Kaori replied a bit sad. "Jiji what's she talking about." Ryu demanded.
"She's talking about the Uchiha massacre Ryu. Eight years ago Itachi Uchiha went on a killing spree and killed off most of the Uchiha clan. Neither of you have to worry however, Kyo is fine. Though only he and Sauske, Itachi's little brother survived that night." The Hokage replied. "And Itachi?" Ryu asked angrily. "He's now an S class missing Nin." The Hokage replied.
"I see, and where is Kyo jiji?" Ryu asked, worry for his Pride and anger at Itachi in his voice. "He's currently staying in an apartment in the village. Not many know he's here, since he doesn't want draw Itachi's attention here and possibly endanger Sauske." The Hokage replied.
"Great! He can come and live in the Lair again f he wants, so can everyone else! Guess I'll have to go talk to them then. Maybe they can help with Naruto otouto too!" Ryu said happily. "Thank you jiji! I guess I should go track them down while otouto is still in class. I'm having dinner tonight at the lair, you two are coming, right?" He said heading towards the door. "I'll defiantly be there, even if I have to sneak out!" Kaori said grinning. "Of course I will be there Ryu." The Hokage said "Ok, I'll see you later then; I'm going to track the others down now, see ya!" Ryu said leaving the office.
Once he left the office he headed to the Inuzuka clan home to find Ryo. Once he got there, he knocked on the door, knowing better than to walk inside without permission. Inuzuka Tsume was the one who answered the door. "Hello, how may I help you?" she said.
"Hi Tsume kaasan!" Ryu said grinning at the woman whom had become a second mother to him. It took her a moment, but she only remembered one person ever calling her that. "Ranma is that really you?" she asked. "Yep, except I changed my name, so it's now Ryu Mouko." He replied.
"Well, come on in and let me get a good look at you. It's been how many years now?" She said letting him inside. "Quite a few, Tsume kaasan." He replied. "And you've grown quite a bit as well. I'm glad you came to visit, you should've at least sent word you know." She said admonishing him. "I know, I guess I forgot, sorry Tsume kaasan." He said apologetically. "It's alright, I suppose you're here to see Ryo." She said. "Yep! Is he here?" Ryu asked hopefully. "Yes he is, he's out in the back yard training with Garou." She replied leading him through the house and to the backyard. "Ryo, Garou, you two have a visitor." She called once they got to the back yard.
They both stopped training to see who came to visit them and saw Ryu. They wouldn't have recognized them, except for his scent. "Ranma aniki! It's been too long!" Ryo said grinning with Garou barking his agreement. "I know and I'm sorry, Ryo otouto, Garou." Ryu replied. "I should tell you that, I've changed my name recently to Ryu Mouko." He informed them.
"So what are you doing back in the village anyway? Is it just to visit or are you staying?" Ryo asked. "I'm staying, at least for the foreseeable future." Ryu replied. "That's great! I take it you want Garou and I to move back into the lair then." Ryo said. "Yep, I'd like the whole Pride to start living in the lair again. I know jiji can't, but the rest of you can." Ryu said happily.
"I see no problem with that, though Kiba might be a bit upset that you won't be here at his beck and call." Tsume said chuckling. "He needs to stand on his own two feet anyway kaasan. Sure I'll move back in, when do you want me there?" Ryo asked. "Move your stuff in whenever you want, but I want you to be there for dinner tonight. I want the Pride to greet its newest member." Ryu replied. "You and Kuromaru are invited to dinner too Tsume kaasan." Ryu told Tsume. "Why thank you Ryu." She replied.
Well, I'm off to find the rest of the Pride. I already talked to Kaori imoutosan, and jiji. I'll see you tonight. Have fun training." Ryu said leaving. Once he left the Inuzuka home, he headed to the Aburame home. A few minutes of roof hopping and tree hopping, since they lived on the outskirts of the village, and he arrived at the home of the bug users.
Once there he knocked, hoping that Kyo was there, and he was in luck, as that's exactly who answered the door. "Hello?" Kyo said only to get knocked down by Ryu, who was currently purring with his cat ears and tail out nuzzling his friend. "Ooff, Hello Ranma, mind letting me up now?" Kyo said mirth in his voice. Once Ryu got off of him, Kyo scrached his ears a bit in greeting before inviting Ryu inside.
"Welcome Ranma, may I ask why you have graced me with your presence?" Kyo asked as he resumed scratching the other boy's cat ears. "The only response he got was louder purring from said boy. Since he wasn't going to get an answer immediately, he sent one of his bugs through the house, letting his father Shibi know they had a guest, seeing as his mother was gone at the moment.
Shibi Aburame was only a few rooms away, when he got the message of a guest from one of Kyo's bugs. When he entered the living room, where Kyo had lead Ryu Shibi saw his son scratching the ears of someone who seemed to be part cat. Since there was only one person he knew of that fit that particular description, he walked in and greeted the boy himself. "Hello Ranma, it's nice to see you after so long." Shibi said giving the boy a quick scratch.
After Kyo's father Shibi greeted him, Ryu moved away from the scratching so he could talk to them. "Hello youfu (adoptive father), Kyo otouto." Ryu said smiling. "I changed my name, call me Ryu now." Ryu told them. "Ok Ryu and what's your last name now?" Shibi asked knowing the boy had left that part out. "Mouko." Ryu said grinning. "That suits you aniki." Kyo said.
I'm glad you came back to the village, are you staying?" Shibi asked. "Yep, at least for the foreseeable future." Ryu replied. "You're here to take Kyo home then." Shibi said getting to the point. "Yep, that and to invite you and youbo (adoptive mother) to dinner tonight." Ryu replied.
"What's the occasion? I doubt you'd throw yourself a welcome back party." Shibi said. "Nope it's to introduce the Pride to its newest member." Ryu stated "Will I see you there?" he asked. "I'll have to talk to the rest of the family; however I don't see why you wouldn't." Shibi replied. I will get my stuff and take it to the lair, who else have you talked to?" Kyo asked. "Kaori imoutosan, Ryo otouto, and jiji. I am going to talk to Ran otouto once I leave here." Ryu replied. "I will see you later then Ryu aniki." Kyo said leaving to get his stuff. "Perhaps we will as well Ryu." Shibi said letting Ryu out.
Sadly Ryu forgot to get directions to Ran's apartment, so he headed back to the Hokage's office to ask his jiji. Luckily though, his jiji had realized this and had written them down and sent them via, Hatake Kakashi since the Jounin had nothing else to do. Unfortunately, he had no idea who this Ryu was, nor where he was. "I guess this is what I get for saying I'm bored in front of the Hokage." He thought to himself, sighing.
He had a description however and was glad when he saw someone fitting that description traveling across the roof tops heading towards the Hokage tower. He headed towards the boy taking a path that would intercept him and was surprised when after a couple of minutes the boy suddenly stopped and changed directions, heading straight for him.
Ryu noticed someone following him, trying to intercept him and wanted to know why. He didn't sense any ill intent from the other Nin, so he just changed course and headed straight for the man. Once they were close enough, they both stopped and Ryu began questioning the other Nin.
"Hello, who are you and why were you following me?" Ryu asked cocking his head to the side in curiosity. "I am Hatake Kakashi, are you Ryu Mouko?" The Jounin asked vaguely wondering why the boy was acting like he was. "Yes I am, why?" Ryu asked curiously, his head tilting to the other side.
"This is for you, Hokage Sama asked me to deliver it." Kakashi replied handing the paper to the boy who immediately opened it. "Thanks! I was just going to go see Hokage jiji about this." Ryu said. "See ya around!" Ryu said taking off in a different direction.
"I wonder who or what he really is, those eyes of his are strange and the way he acted is reminiscent of an animal. Apparently he sees Hokage Sama as family as well, hmm. Perhaps he is related to the Inuzuka clan?" Kakashi thought to himself as he headed back to tell the Hokage he had delivered what he had been asked to.
Ryu in the mean time was following his jiji's directions to Ran's apartment. It didn't take him long to get there, which was good, because he still needed to get his otouto from academy in a bit.
Luckily for him Ran was there and answered the door quickly. Before Ran could say anything however, Ryu spoke up. "Hello otouto, I am back! I've changed my name recently, it's Ryu Mouko, now let me in because we need to talk." Ryu said pushing his was past Ran, who just grumbled about rude aniki's and closed the door following Ryu into his living room.
He watched as his aniki sprawled out to the couch, the only seating at the moment, so he leaned against the wall. "Hello aniki and welcome to my apartment, now is there a reason you came or did you just decide to be rude today?" Ran asked slightly upset he had to stand. Ryu just snorted and said "You can sit you know. You always did give good scratches." While letting his cat ears and tail out.
"Hn, fine then, but you had better answer my questions." Ran replied walking over to the couch and sitting down lightly scratching his aniki's cat ears.
"I want you to move back into the lair Ran otouto. I've already talked to the others and they are moving back into the lair as well." Ryu stated through his purrs. "I doubt Kaori's uncle will just let her move out aniki, she is a branch member and you know how the main house feels about them. You know what can happen to her aniki." Ran said a bit upset.
"I'll speak to her uncle personally, don't worry Ran otouto." Ryu replied. "Very well, I'll move back into the lair, when do you want me there aniki?" Ran said. "Today if you can, I'm having everyone over for dinner." Ryu replied. "What's the occasion aniki?" Ran asked. "We have a new Pride member, and I want everyone to meet him and get to know him." Ryu replied
"I see, I'll get my stuff and move back immediately then." Ran said. "Can you meet me at the edge of the forest when you're done then?" Ryu asked him. "Sure aniki, I'll see you later then." Ran replied. "See you later otouto." Ryu said leaving. It seemed he still had some time before the academy let out and he had to pick up Naruto, so he figured he would go see his jiji again and then go talk to Kaori's uncle.
When he got to the Hokage tower, he walked straight to his jiji's office and asked the secretary what the Hokage was doing. When he was told that the Hokage was giving out minor missions, Ryu walked right in, knowing he would probably create a fuss and not caring in the least.
Hatake Kakashi was in the Hokage's office looking for something to do, again. When the doors suddenly opened and in walked the boy he had met earlier. He was a bit surprised when no one stopped the boy and even more surprised when said boy walked right up to the Hokage's desk and sat down upon it.
"Hi jiji, I'm back. I just finished talking to the others and they'll be moving back. Also everyone will be coming over for dinner, so you had better not miss it." Ryu said with a grin. "That is good to hear Ryu, and you know I would never miss one of your get togethers." The Hokage replied. "Good, or else I'd be forced to come and get you." Ryu said grinning happily. Ryu then turned to Hatake Kakashi to greet him. "Hello Hatake san, I am sorry if I interrupted anything, but I needed to see jiji. I'll be gone in a second though." Ryu told Kakashi. Ryu then turned back to the Hokage before he could reply.
"I need a favor jiji." Ryu said to the Hokage. "What do you need Ryu?" Sarutobi asked, Ryu rarely asked for a favor, and then never without reason. "I am going to Kaori imouto's uncle, I want her to move back as well, however I doubt that he'll let her, even with my arguments and I am afraid we might just end up fighting. I'd like your help." Ryu explained. "I'll see what can be done Ryu, however it will have to wait until tomorrow." The Hokage told Ryu. "Ok, that's fine jiji; I'll see you tonight then, good bye Hatake san. Ryu said leaving and heading towards the Hyuuga compound.
Hatake Kakashi could only stand there speechless, and confused. The Hokage just chuckled and said "Don't mind Ryu, Kakashi, he has a tendency to act a bit strange." "I understand Hokage sama." Kakashi replied, still a bit dazed.
It didn't take long for Ryu to get to his imouto's home, the Hyuuga compound. Getting there was not the problem however; it was getting in and then talking to the head of the main house that was the hard part. The place was tightly guarded by branch members. If he had been so inclined, he could have snuck in without too much of a problem, however he needed to convince his imouto's uncle to let her move out. That meant he would have to be polite and show he had manners.
Once he was close enough to the Hyuuga compound, he slowed down to a walk, so he didn't put the guards on alert. It only took a couple of minutes to get within the sight of the guards, who watched him as he approached, and it only took another couple of minutes to reach the gates. Once he had, one of the guards called out to him. "Halt, state your name and business here." He said to Ryu. "My name is Ryu Mouko and I am here to see Hiashi, the head of the Hyuuga clan." Ryu said with a small but polite bow. "Do you have an appointment?" The guard asked Ryu. "No, however what I have to speak to him about is very important." Ryu replied politely. "Wait here and I will see if he is available." The other guard said, and then took off through the compound to find the head of the clan. "What a pain, I hate being polite to people who are so uptight" He thought.
While Ryu had been out and about, visiting the rest of the Pride, Kaori had taken care of her business with the Hokage and then found a fellow branch member waiting for her. He had told her he had been ordered to escort her home and that the clan head wished to speak with her. She knew why of course; however she didn't know what exactly she would tell him. She had made a promise to keep certain things secret and she was hoping she would be able to.
Luckily for her, her uncle was busy dealing with the elders when she got back, so she had some time to figure out what exactly she was going to tell him. She knew he would press her; however she wouldn't break her promise to her aniki. She would either have to get permission from Ryu to tell her uncle more, or get him to come and explain things himself. Not long after she had decided on what she would and would not tell her uncle, she was summoned to him. He questioned her about Ryu almost before the doors were closed and kept pressing her for information the whole time, even though she kept telling him she couldn't tell him certain things. Finally, there was a knock on the door just after she said "Uncle, I'm sorry, but I made a promise to Ryu aniki and I refuse to break it. If you want to know more, let me get aniki's permission first or talk to him yourself."
Hiashi was not happy at all. His niece wasn't cooperating. She was withholding information from him about Ryu Mouko. He was quickly loosing patience when someone knocked at the door. He went to see who was interrupting him and why, hoping he could calm down a bit in the time it took to deal with the person at the door. It turned out that the person at the door was one of the branch members on guard duty.
Though she was not supposed to, Kaori was listening in on what the guard and her uncle were saying. "Yes, what is it?" Hiashi said to the guard. "There is a boy outside, he says his name is Ryu Mouko and that he has something important to discuss with you Hiashi sama." The guard said. "Let him in and bring him here." Hiashi replied, thinking that perhaps he could get answers from the boy. Kaori was happy her aniki was here, it meant that she no longer had to dodge her uncle's questions. "It seems you get your wish for me to question the boy myself Kaori, however you will stay here while I talk to him." Hiashi told her. "Yes uncle." She replied.
It didn't take too long for the guard to find the head of the clan, speak to him and return, which impressed Ryu a bit, though he didn't show it. Once the guard got back to the gate, he addressed Ryu. "Hiashi Sama will see you now, please follow me." The guard said, turned around and started walking back the way he had come. Ryu, of course followed him through the house to where Hiashi Hyuuga and his niece Kaori Hyuuga were talking. The guard knocked once and the door opened to show Hiashi, whom had Ryu enter and then sent the guard away. When Ryu entered, he noticed Kaori was there as well.
"Hello Hiashi san, Kaori imoutosan." Ryu greeted politely, with a short bow. "Hello Ryu aniki." Kaori answered. "Hello Mouko san, May I ask what the business you need to discuss with me is." Hiashi asked. "I came here to talk to you about your niece Kaori." Ryu replied. "And what business do you have with her?" Hiashi asked.
"I came to ask you to let her move out of the Hyuuga compound." Ryu said. "And where exactly would she stay, with you I suppose?" Hiashi asked. "Yes, with myself and a few others." Ryu replied. "And why exactly, should I let her move in with someone I know nothing about?" Hiashi pressed.
"What would you like to know Hiashi san? I will warn you now, there are some things I can not tell you, however I will do my best to answer your questions." Ryu replied politely, slightly surprising Kaori, though she knew he could be polite, she had half thought her aniki and her uncle were going to fight. "I would like to know exactly who you are as well as who else it is you wish my niece to live with. I would also like to know where she would be staying." Hiashi stated. "Very well, I will tell you what I can." Ryu replied.
"As for who I am, my name is Ryu Mouko. I am a member of this village and a special Jounin who has been on a long term mission until recently. I am also the head of my small clan, and the leader of a special group of ninja's under the direct orders of the Hokage. That is all I will tell you about myself, until I decide you can be trusted, if I decide you can be.
Those Kaori will be staying with would be myself, my little brother, Kyo Aburame, Ryo Inuzuka and his dog Garou, and one other whom wishes to stay anonymous for the time being. All of whom are residents of this village. And where we will be staying is on the outskirts of the village in the forest. That is all I can tell you Hiashi san." Ryu explained calmly and politely.
"Unless I have more information I will not let my niece move out." Hiashi told Ryu a bit upset he didn't get more information and not believing half of what the boy said. "Then would you at least let her come to dinner tonight? The Hokage will be there, so you don't have to worry." Ryu said, a bit miffed at the head Hyuuga. "No. You may leave now." Hiashi said to Ryu with finality. "Very well Hiashi san. Kaori imoutosan, I will see you later." Ryu said leaving, obviously not happy.
Naruto would be out of academy soon, so Ryu headed there from the Hyuuga compound. He got there a couple of minutes early, so he just leaned against the tree outside and waited. "I guess I'll have to see if jiji will pick up Kaori imoutosan on his way then. Naruto and I will have to see to that before we meet up with Ran." Ryu thought to himself.
As soon as the students were let out, Ryu watched for Naruto and saw him getting into a confrontation with another student, one with a dog. "Great, I don't need him fighting with Ryo otouto's little brother." Ryu thought with a silent sigh and went to break it up. "I don't know what you two are fighting about, but you will cease now." Ryu said to them with a slight growl, knowing that they would both hear it and understand the meaning behind it. The boy's dog even heard it and whimpered at his master.
"Don't tell me you're afraid of him Akamaru." The Inuzuka said to the puppy, who barked an affirmative. "But aniki, he started it." Naruto said trying to get out of trouble, which started the argument back up. "I said enough and I mean it." Ryu growled out dangerously. "Kiba, I believe it is? I will be informing your family about this fight. Naruto, you're coming with me, now." Ryu growled out turning and walking away, Naruto at his heal, not saying anything. "Aniki is scary when he's angry." Naruto thought.
Once they left the academy grounds, they headed towards the Hokage's office. "Naruto, you aren't supposed to get into fights. I'm disappointed you couldn't work things out. I have to see jiji about something, and then we're going to Kiba's house. After that we're going home, however I expect you to make amends with Kiba tomorrow, and I want you two to try and work things out." Ryu said to his little brother.
"But he started it!" Naruto protested. "And you will end it! It takes two to start a fight, but only one to end it." Ryu said with a slight growl. Next time you have a problem with someone, try to work it out first. If that doesn't work, find someone to mediate, like a teacher. Fighting should only be a last resort, even for a ninja. If you can work things out you should do so." Ryu lectured, as they walked to the Hokage's office.
Once they made it to the Hokage's office, Ryu had Naruto stay outside while he spoke to the Hokage, getting his jiji to agree to pick up Kaori on his way to dinner. After that, he and Naruto headed to the Inuzuka's home, only to find no one home. Ryu decided that he could always tell Kiba's mother and big brother later that night anyway, so they headed home.
When they got just inside of the edge of the forest however, they were met by someone else. This person looked a bit intimidating so Naruto subconsciously took a step back so his aniki was between himself and the stranger.
"Ran otouto, I would like you to meet Naruto Mouko. I adopted him into my clan as well as the Pride. Kit, say hello to Ran, he's part of the Pride." Ryu introduced them. "Hello cub, you may call me aniki or niisan if you want." Ran said kneeling down to Naruto's level and giving him a warm smile. "He'll be living in the lair with us from now on kit. He's family." Ryu explained. "Um, hello." Naruto said.
"Ran otouto, please take the kit back to the lair and see if you can help him learn his way around. I'm going to check on the boundaries. Naruto, listen to Ran." Ryu said right before he took off, leaving a nervous Naruto with Ran.
"Don't worry cub, I won't hurt you. Once we get to the lair, I'll fix you a snack ok? I bet you could use one, and I believe you learn better after you've eaten." Ran said to Naruto. "Follow me cub." Ran said walking towards the Pride's territory and from there, their lair. Having no choice really, unless he wanted to be lost in the woods, he followed Ran. His aniki trusted him and called him otouto too, so Naruto figured he must be safe.
"Um Ran Sama, I have a question." Naruto said hesitantly. "Yes, what is it cub?" Ran asked looking at him in mild curiosity. "Why do you keep calling me cub?" Naruto asked. "First please don't call me Ran Sama, we are family, call me either aniki or niisan. As for why I call you cub, it's because you are one. You are still a child and the youngest in the Pride, so I suggest you get used to being called cub." Ran replied. "Oh, um Ran sama, does that mean you want me as your family?" Naruto asked, wondering if there really was someone else that cared for him like his aniki.
Hearing the stress on the word want. Ran realized that this question was very important to the cub, so he stopped walking, turned to face the boy, and knelt down to his level. Looking into Naruto's eyes, he saw a great many things, however, hope and sorrow were the two most prominent. Seeing such sorrow in one so young made him glad his aniki had adopted the boy. It was obvious he needed a good home with those who loved him. "Of course cub, you're my otouto now and always. So don't you forget it." He said pulling the blond boy into a hug and ruffling his hair a bit.
All Naruto could do was cry and hug Ran back. After awhile, he managed to calm down and pulled away to look at the older boy. "You really mean it?" Naruto asked Ran. "Of course cub." Ran replied smiling. At this Naruto grinned from to ear, he not only had a family, he had two brothers! "Um, Ran niisan, I' hungry." Naruto said as his stomach grumbled. "Then let's go home and get you a snack cub." Ran replied with a chuckle. Now Naruto happily followed Ran.
Once they got back to the Lair, Ran led Naruto to the kitchen and fixed him a healthy snack. Much to the disappointment of Naruto, who was hoping for something worthy of inducing a sugar high. He ate it anyway, he was hungry after all.
Ran then took him to the living room and began describing the lair and where the rooms and dead ends were located, as well as the other entrances and exits. In short, he described the lair's floor plan in some detail, and drew it out so Naruto had a visual of what he was learning. The dimensions weren't exactly right, however Naruto didn't need to know those, just relatively where everything was so he wouldn't get lost.
Author's Notes
As you may have figured out, I need pre-readers. If you are interested and know at least a little bit about Ranma1/2 and Naruto, let me know.
I also need help with describing the floor plan of the Lair. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. If not, then in the next chapter, they will be vague. I will also try to do a story for what happened before this one, concerning the backgrounds of everyone, the time lines, exc… Any and all help is appreciated!