Hello folks! Back again with another new chapter! Well, let's begin!
Fan of Fanfics21: Yeah, Minato is Naruto's dad still.
Orihime-San: In regards to Naruto seeing the light…well, I already have the entire story planned out from beginning to end, and let's just say that before he even is close to the light, there are going to be some dark turns for our little shop keeper! In fact, in the end, I'm not even sure he does see the light, I guess it all depends on what your definition of "seeing the light" is!
Penc0405: Yeah, Minato is still Naruto's father. As for what Naruto is, that will be explained a little bit more in this chapter, not completely though. I guess I should put it as "You'll know what he is, but not what he's done" if that makes any sense.
deathsilver: I'm pretty sure less, but I also think that they feel the effects harder if they don't get their blood. Course, I'm not entirely certain, either.
mk14ebr: Well, some of Naruto's past will be explained this chapter. His motives won't be explained entirely though until nearly the very end. Trust me, though, no one will be able to guess what his plans are for the world tree.
Ignisha: Yeah, he's coming! Eventually, of course. He could be on the other side of the planet walking to Mahora right now for all I know! But he won't be making his appearance for a little while, but when he does, I'm gonna have so much fun with this!
Vandenbz: While I don't really want to give out any clues, rest assured that I do have plans for Naruto's involvement in both arcs!
Nailuj: I completely agree with you on Naruto—he's not completely evil, but he's sure as hell not good either. He is going to get a lot darker on the way down, though. And what do you mean I stop my stories? I just…take very long breaks! Okay, I stop them, but I'll come back to them all! Eventually… As for fighting in the tournament, I already have that entirely planned out, but as for limiters…well…let's just say, not so much.
Orchamus: Well, some of what the back story for Naruto and Minato will be revealed this chapter, while the other pieces of it will be saved for future reveals!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Negima!
"…He's not coming home tonight, is he?" Naruto sighed, glancing at the empty seat at the table across from him. Once again, his father Minato had to work late. It was no surprise really, seeing as his dad was such an influential person in the magical community. Why shouldn't he be? After all…
"He's a hero…" Naruto mumbled in disgust. That's all he ever heard about—how his father was such a great man. If he was so great, why was it that he couldn't even make time for his son on his tenth birthday?
Naruto shook his head, picking up his plate and walking over to the sink, "I know his work's important, but it would be nice to have someone here…"
As far as Naruto knew, his only family was Minato. His mother, Kushina, was gone. He had seen no pictures of her, no stories of her—he was lucky just to know her name. Whenever he had asked his father about it, it would always be the same. Minato would freeze, stiffen, and change the subject. Sighing, he glanced over the small apartment he and his father lived in. The kitchen was small, with the bare necessities of a fridge, sink, and stove with just enough room left in to fit a table. It was ironic that such a hero as his father chose to live in this dump, but Minato had made a point about just being a normal family…and had failed at that goal so far.
"Strongest vampire in history…" Naruto mumbled, placing his dish in the sink and returning to his seat at the table. Yes, his father Minato was a vampire, a powerful and highly respected one at that. No one dare opposed him—he was practically the voice of the people, which was why the government always consulted him before making an action.
"I'm back, Naruto!" Minato called as he walked into the kitchen, "I haven't missed too much, right?"
Naruto shook his head, "Absolutely nothing…"
"I know that tone…" Minato frowned, "What's wrong?"
"…Why won't my abilities develop?" Naruto frowned, looking to the floor, "Everyone always says how powerful your abilities as a vampire are, but mine haven't even shown up."
Minato grinned and ruffled Naruto's hair, "Hey, don't get so down! You're powers will come soon and then you'll be able to be a hero like your old man!"
Naruto gave a light smile, "I guess…"
"Hey, smile bigger!" Minato laughed, "If you don't cheer up, I won't teach you that new jutsu I told you about."
"That's right!" Naruto grinned, "You promised you'd teach me the Rasengan tomorrow!"
Minato nodded, "I did, so be sure to be ready first thing in the morning! It's gonna take a lot of focus, and you won't be able to do that if you're half-asleep!"
"Naruto-kun, you need to get up!"
"…Huh?" Naruto sat up in his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he looked to Sayo, who was floating over his bed, "What time is it?"
"Time for you to wake up!"
Naruto groaned, sitting up and glaring at Konoe, "Great…just what I need first thing in the morning…look, whoever got murdered, it wasn't me."
"Ohoho…Not a very convincing argument, Naruto-san," Konoe laughed, "I'm just here to ask a few quick questions and then I will be on my way."
Naruto frowned, "What's to stop me from kicking you out now?"
"The fact that while I can't remove your store from Mahora, I can bill an awful hefty rent for the land," Konoe smiled.
"…Sadistic, old…" Naruto muttered, "Fine, get on with it."
"You see, lately we have been getting word of our students getting attacked on Sakura Lane by a vampire," Konoe spoke, "I don't suppose you would have anything to do with this?"
Naruto shrugged, smirking, "Well, I probably shouldn't answer that. I tend to be involved with a lot of things that I don't know I'm involved in."
"Naruto…" Konoe frowned.
"Alright, calm down," Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair, "No, I didn't attack any of your students. If you want an alibi, talk to Sayo. She can vouch that I was here all night, blissfully asleep until I was awoken this morning by the intrusion of an annoying and unwelcome guest."
Konoe looked to the ghost, who nodded in return, before sighing, "I suppose it was Evangeline-san, then. I'll have to have a word with her in the near future…anyway, I've taken enough of your time."
"You have," Naruto said, pulling the covers of his bed over his head, "Now goodbye."
"Naruto! You still need to get up!" Sayo declared, trying in vain to grab the bed sheets.
Konoe left the room chuckling at the pair, while Naruto, finding that he wasn't getting back to sleep anytime soon, moved out of bed and over to his desk, "What time is it, Sayo-chan?"
"It's almost noon! Hurry up and get changed, Naruto-kun!" Sayo declared.
"In front of you, Sayo? I never knew you were so perverted," Naruto teased.
Sayo blushed, "I-I-I d-didn't mean that!"
Naruto laughed as the girl bolted out of the room, blushing a strong neon-red. Walking over to his desk, he picked up the Aegis that hung on the chair and slipped it on, moving to the door, down the two flights of stairs and to the front door, "I'm heading out for a little, Sayo-chan, so I need you to watch the store for me."
"Got it, Naruto-kun!" Sayo called, floating behind the counter.
Naruto opened the door…
"…WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?"
"Asuna-san, I think your phone is ringing," Negi commented as he looked to the girl. The entire class was outside, lazing under the shade of a sakura tree in a "Topping-the-School-Celebration" that Fuuka and Fumika had suggested. The sun was shining down in the clear, blue sky as a gentle breeze blew over the lush grass of the field they sat in, setting a picture-perfect scene.
"I know…" Asuna groaned, "It's Naruto. He's been calling me all day, telling me to get to work and that there was some big emergency going on."
"E-Emergency?"
The entire class looked to Ako as the girl stood rigid, a startled look on her face.
"Y-Yeah, but it's probably nothing, Izumi-san," Asuna replied, "Naruto always does things like this to get me to come into work."
"Y-You don't understand!" Ako exclaimed, "Last night, I went to Naruto-san's store to deliver something when he got a death threat!"
"A death threat-aru?"
"Someone's trying to kill Naruto?"
"He said it was only a joke, but…" Ako frowned, "There's no way that letter was a joke. It was too serious…"
"…You seem to care about Naruto-san an awful lot, Ako-chan," Misa looked to Ako with a knowing smirk, who blushed.
"I-It's not like that!" Ako yelled.
Sakurako smiled, "She's turning into Iincho!"
"I am not!"
While the entire class seemed to forget about the previous topic of discussion and moved on to tease Ako, Negi and Asuna exchanged worried looks. While Naruto was obviously resilient, they still had no idea what kind of past he had or what enemies he may have made, leaving them with no way to judge how serious the death threat was.
"Should we go and check on him?" Negi asked.
"B-But it's a party!" Asuna groaned, "This is just another trick of his to get me to come into work! I know it!"
"B-But what if Naruto-san is in danger?" Negi frowned.
"What if he's being attacked as we speak?" Asakura added, popping up next to the two.
"What if he's already dead?" Evangeline, who was once again roped into the party, chimed, a light smile coming onto her face as she envisioned herself killing the blond.
That seemed to get the entire class's attention. All noise suddenly died down, with everyone sharing a look before taking off in a stampede towards Naruto's store. Yes, it was quite the interesting sight for someone walking through Mahora Academy that day…after all, how many times a year do you see an entire female class and their ten-year-old sensei running down the streets screaming about murder?
The class poured into the small shop and, seeing no sign of Naruto, began to search the store for any signs of blood or a struggle. Their blood ran cold, however, when they heard Nodoka's scream. Running to where Nodoka stood by the counter, the class peered over it to find the body of Uzumaki Naruto, sprawled on the ground, unmoving.
"…I-Is…Is he…dead?" Ako mumbled.
"S-Someone should check…" Asakura commented, looking to Asuna. Shakily, Asuna moved out of the crowd of students and approached the body, kneeling down next him and shakily moving her hand towards his wrist to check his pulse.
Immediately, Naruto's eyes snapped open and he grabbed her wrist, "Where were you?"
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Naruto didn't bother to cover his ears as the entire class jumped ten feet in the air and screamed at the top of their lungs in surprise.
"Y-Your alive, Naruto-kun!" Ako let out a relieved sigh.
"Of course I am—why wouldn't I be?" Naruto frowned, "Now can one of you help me with Asuna? She fainted."
Sure enough, Asuna slumped to the floor seconds later, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and the look of surprise frozen on her face.
"I'm here already, aren't I? So stop complaining and tell me what the big emergency is!" Asuna grumbled, glaring down at her boss. The entire class leaned forward, waiting to see what had made the usual calm, level-headed blond so worried. After continuous slaps to the face, a bucket of water finally had woken Asuna and resulted in her nearly strangling Negi, who had thrown the water.
"The problem?" Naruto glared, stomping over to the door, throwing it open, and pointing across the street, "That's the problem!"
Outside, towering over the tiny shop they stood in, was a large building that was flooded with people. Almost immediately, the Cheerleader-Trio had hearts in their eyes as they rushed outside.
"A new store!" Misa exclaimed happily.
"Exactly!" Naruto growled, "They just opened today and they've been stealing my customers all day!"
"You don't have any customers!" Asuna shouted.
Naruto ignored the girl as he continued his rant, "I won't be driven out of business by some flashy convenience store! Asuna, get the maid outfit out! We're fighting back!"
"W-What? I'm not wearing that thing again!"
While this argument went on, the girls began to file out of the store, either to check out the new store or to go back to their own business. It wasn't long until the only people still in the store were Asuna, who was quickly set to work, and Evangeline, who was currently pestering Naruto about her fee.
"Why won't you just tell me?" Evangeline roared, banging her head down on the counter.
Naruto, who had his nose buried into a book, merely reached over and patted her head gently, "Well, it used to be because I never spoil surprises. Now it's just because the reactions you give me are far too amusing to let go."
"I'll kill you," Evangeline muttered angrily, her head still panted against the counter.
"Far be it from me to try to stop you," Naruto folded the corner of the page he was on, setting the book down on the counter and lifting her head to look her in the eye, "Now that that conversation is out of the way, I wanted to ask you a quick question."
"And that would be?" Evangeline scowled, slapping his hands away from her.
"Why, pray tell, did Konoe accuse me of attacking his students this morning?" Naruto frowned, "Normally, I would say you are simply annoying, but if you are going to get me blamed for your crimes, I must say our relationship will be hitting a rocky path soon."
"What relationship? I would be just fine with leaving you alone if you'd tell me what you took from me!" Evangeline growled, "As for your question, why should I answer yours if you won't answer mine?"
"Maybe you should. Maybe you shouldn't—I don't make decisions for you, Eva-chan," Naruto sighed, "So, how is my little Zero-chan? Have you been treating her right?"
"Why do you care?"
"Believe it or not, my conversations with Zero-chan we're always something I used to look forward to. We bonded and she quickly became my little girl," Naruto smiled, "Which would make you the mother."
Evangeline snorted, "You? Bond with someone? Don't make me laugh."
"My, you don't trust me, Eva-chan? I'm hurt," Naruto feigned the look of a kicked puppy before his usual smile returned, "Actually, it's probably wiser that you don't…well, Eva-chan, you're smarter than I thought! But then, I guess you'd have to be…"
"…I hate you."
"I believe that was implied when you said you'd kill me," Naruto's smile didn't falter, "So, will you leave willingly or should I recommend the leash once more to Chacha-chan?"
"Bite me."
"Such language!" Naruto's smile widened as he stepped around the counter, lifting the unmoving body of the girl over his shoulder, "I have to go return a lost pet, Asuna-chan. The keys are by the cash-register, so be sure to lock up when you're done!"
"…"
"Asuna-chan?" Naruto turned to see the girl leaning against a bookshelf, sleeping away, "What a lazy employee I have…sleeping on the job? That will come out of your pay…well, looks like I have two pets to bring back home now."
"Are you ready to call it a day?"
Naruto glared up at the tree—he was sure it was mocking him, 'Is this really…the extent of my power?'
Looking to the sky, he grimaced—the sun was setting. He had been with his father from sun up to sun down for the past two days, trying in vain to master the Rasengan. Looking to the tree his father had managed to blow to splinters earlier, he glared back at his own, which was riddled with swirls carved into the bark by his failed attempts.
"No! I'm not leaving until I get it right!" Naruto declared, carefully forming the chakra in his hand once more. It wasn't until a shaky and unstable blue orb rested on his palm that he rushed forward, slamming it into the tree.
Minato let out a sigh as he saw his son fail the technique again. Naruto slumped against the tree, sweat pouring down his face as his eyes began to close. With the last bit of energy he had, he turned in the direction of his father to watch him walk towards him before his eyes shut completely.
'Why…can't I be like you…?'
"What took so long, Naruto-kun?" Sayo smiled as Naruto walked back into the shop. It had been two hours when the small boy had left the shop, Asuna and Evangeline over both his shoulders. Sayo frowned slightly when she noticed Naruto's normally bright eyes were dim.
"Just reminiscing, Sayo-chan," Naruto waved the ghost off, before pausing at the foot of the steps, "…Hey, Sayo-chan, can I ask you a question?"
Sayo's head perked up at this, "What is it, Naruto-kun?"
"If a mother dies during childbirth, is the child a murderer?"
"I don't think so. Why would you ask that, Naruto-kun?" Sayo frowned, concern evident in her eyes as the boy continued up the stairs.
"I was just wondering your opinion," Naruto called lazily, "Good night, Sayo-chan."
"…Night, Naruto-kun," Sayo sighed as the blond finally disappeared up the stairs.
"…So you're just leaving, is that it?"
"…I didn't expect you to find me so quickly."
Naruto glared at his father, holding up the crumbled paper in his hands, "Mind telling me what this damn thing is about?"
"I told you in that note, right? I'm leaving," Minato sighed, turning to face his son.
"You're just abandoning me here?" Naruto growled. The normal sounds of the forest at night died out as the two blonds scanned each other's faces, looking for any hint of emotion. It only served to anger Naruto even more when he found none on the older man's face.
"…By sunrise, the public will think I'm dead. My will has been written and everything is prepared now," Minato explained, "I don't have time to waste here anymore."
"…You think that makes any difference to me?" Naruto shouted, "Why are you running away?"
"…It's going to be better for everyone if I'm not around anymore," Minato sighed, "Trust me on this, Naruto. I know what I—"
"No! You don't know what you're doing!" Naruto roared, tears brimming in his eyes, "You…the council…everyone thinks they're right! Now you're going to just leave me behind like this? How can that be right? How can it be right that I'm the only thing you want to ignore?"
"This is right, Naruto," Minato frowned, "I've known this day was going to come for a while now…ever since…ever since she—"
"Ever since mom died?" Naruto frowned, "How did she die? You've never told me anything but her name!"
"…Your mother wasn't a vampire, she was human," Minato sighed, "A child of a vampire…they take a lot more energy to carry. More energy than a human has. When the time came for Kushina to give birth, she just didn't…she didn't have the strength to pull through the ordeal. She and I both knew what would happen, but—"
"…It's my fault, isn't it?"
"…"
"Damn it…" Naruto growled, "Is that why you ignore me? Because it's my fault she's gone?"
"…Naruto…" Minato frowned, "I'm leaving tonight. It's too late to change that."
"…I'm right, aren't I?" Naruto spoke, an uneasy calmness in his voice, "You think you can do whatever you want…you think you can just deny I'm even here…I'm sick of it. Go ahead and try to run away! I'll be the one to drag you back!"
Minato's frown deepened as he saw Naruto take the stance he taught him in training before falling into his own, "Alright, Naruto…if you really want to stop me, show me. Show me the strength of your resolve!"
"Naruto-kun, Konoe-sama is here!" Sayo chimed, rousing the boy from his sleep. Naruto sat up and scratched his head, his tired eyes glancing across his room to the annoyingly happy face of Konoemon Konoe. Seeing the familiar smile on his face, Naruto immediately sat back down in his bed and pulled the covers over his head.
"Déjà vu is not a good feeling to wake up to, Konoe," Naruto growled out, "Whatever it is, you don't have enough money to make me agree to it."
"What if I paid you triple what I paid you last time, with a bonus upon completing the mission?" Konoe smiled.
Naruto groaned as he sat up, "What is it this time?"
"I believe I brought to your attention yesterday that Evangeline-san was attacking students," Konoe spoke, "Previously, Evangeline-san was the guardian of this school, however, given recent events, I find it safe to say that she will not be protecting the school for a period of time now. As such, we are currently left without a guardian."
"So you want me to fill the role until this whole business with Eva-chan's blown over, huh?" Naruto smirked, "You do realize that this means I'll have to be granted access to enter the academy while students are there?"
"An…unfortunate circumstance, but we really have no way around it until Evangeline returns to her duties," Konoe sighed, "You've worked with us in the past and are the only other magical being with so much free time. Naturally, if there was another option, we'd have taken it, but—"
"I'll do it."
"We don't have a choice and—did you just say you'd do it?" Konoe stared at Naruto incredulously before his eyes narrowed in suspicion, "And you'll agree to your payment?"
"This, my dear Konoe, is simply an opportunity that is much too fun to pass up," Naruto smiled.
"Any reason why you're on the roof instead of in class?"
Evangeline scowled as Naruto came into her vision, "If you must know, it's because I'm sure that idiot boy would have a conniption if he saw me today."
"I see…there's something about that boy that feels familiar, but I can't put my finger on it…" Naruto smiled, sitting down next to Evangeline, much to her annoyance. She had skipped class with the purpose of resting up—last night's fight with Negi had cost her a lot of the little magical energy she had left. Of course, her peace was ruined (as it usually was nowadays), by the blond enigma that was Naruto.
"Who said you could join me?" Evangeline snapped.
"I can go anywhere I want, Eva-chan, now that I'm the school's new guardian," Naruto grinned, "I could even sit right next to you in class if I wanted."
"What? Since when were you the guardian?" Evangeline bolted up, glaring at Naruto.
"Since Konoe offered me the position this morning. He's afraid that you won't be a good little girl now that you've been attacking students," Naruto said evenly, "…I've been thinking, Eva-chan. You still want to know what I took from you?"
"Y-You'll tell me?" Evangeline turned to face the blond, surprise and shock evident on her face.
Naruto smiled and nodded, motioning with his finger for Evangeline to lean in closer. The girl, too lost in her thoughts to consider doing anything else, did so as Naruto brought his mouth to her ear to whisper.
"It was…" Naruto whispered, "Your first kiss."
The effect was instantaneous. Evangeline's face turned such a lovely shade of tomato red as she jumped back about two feet, her body stiff and her words coming out in a jumbled mess.
"W-What?" Evangeline stuttered, looking to the blond with wide eyes.
"Of course, I'm only joking, Eva-chan. Still, your reaction was quite funny," Naruto laughed, "No, I'm not going to tell you, though."
"…I hate you."
"I know," Naruto smiled, looking to the sky, "…It seems like we have a guest."
Evangeline sighed, "Something did pass through the barrier…there's no helping it. I'll go investigate."
"What's this? Still doing your job?"
"The sooner I get back to it, the sooner you can't bother me in school."
Naruto's smile never left, even as the girl disappeared down the stairs. Standing up and dusting off his clothes, Naruto headed for the door himself, his smile growing ever so wider with each step he took as he saw Kaede and Akira kidnap Negi and run towards the baths.
'Seems like there's something interesting going on in the baths…' Naruto mused, 'I think I'll go have a little fun.'
"Are you done yet?"
"S…Shut up…"
Naruto struggled to glare up at his father. It wasn't hard to see who was clearly winning their fight. While Naruto's body was riddled scrapes, cuts, bruises, and burns, Minato was completely untouched. Wiping the dirt and sweat from his brow with a shaky hand, Naruto spat out a glob of blood.
'This…can't be how it ends…' Naruto thought as he surveyed the land around him. What once was a life-filled forest was turned into a warzone. The trees that weren't on fire were uprooted and overturned, fallen in the multitude of craters and puddles. Naruto realized that he would not win the second he saw the first of the now many infamous three-pronged kunai that littered the ground, but to be unable to even touch his father…
"I…won't accept this…I won't just lie down and be forgotten!" Naruto growled, lurching forward slightly as he straightened himself. Minato remained silent, his cool eyes watching observantly as his son held out his left hand, a familiar blue, swirling orb of energy forming there, 'So…he finally has it down.'
"…I think it's obvious of what the outcome of this match will be, Naruto. Go home," Minato sighed.
"Don't pretend like you care anymore," Naruto's glare intensified as he began to stumble forward, his adrenalin pushing his tired legs in a charge. Minato gave him one last unreadable look before quickly forming his own Rasengan and running to meet Naruto. Neither opponent bothered to shout out the technique's name as they clashed.
Naruto struggled to hold his technique as he was slowly pushed back. His breath hitched as he looked over the clashing jutsu and onto his father's face. Minato refused to meet his stare, focusing instead on the clashing blue swirls…
Naruto always knew his father was strong—he just never knew the extent of that word. Strength. How much did it take for someone to be strong? Was he strong or was he weak? None of that mattered now. It didn't matter if he was strong or not, he just needed to be stronger—stronger than the man across from him. He knew immediately knew that currently, he wasn't the second he saw him disappear. He knew where the man was. Behind Naruto, standing next to his special kunai on the ground, was Minato, a second Rasengan swirling about in his hand.
Naruto knew exactly what hit him as he felt a burning sensation hit his back and was propelled forward onto the dirt until the jutsu finally died down, leaving him in a burnt and crumpled heap a few feet away from Minato. Darkness began to creep into the corners of Naruto's eyes as he watched Minato walked past him, heading out onto the road leading away from the village.
'I see it…I always knew it was there…but I could never tell how big it was…but now I can finally see it clearly…the gap in our power…' Naruto cursed under his breath as the world around him began to grow darker. Looking quickly to his left and ignoring the pained wails of his body calling for him to stop, he plucked another of Minato's special kunai from the ground and, with the last bit of chakra he could summon, tossed the kunai at his father. Minato heard the faint whistle of the kunai and jumped to dodge it…only for the third prong on it to cut the edge of his coat.
'…Heh, got him…' Naruto thought as he closed his eyes, 'I…will fill that gap.'
Naruto…was in paradise. There was no better word to describe it. He sat there, kicking his feet in the water, merely observing as the majority of 3-A, in their bikinis (Naruto was surprised by the boldness of certain students, which was questionable but not problematic in his book), trying to cheer Negi up.
'Let's see…Kaede-chan is definitely a ten...Not bad, Sakurako-chan, but polka-dots are a little cliché, still, I'd say a nine…' Naruto smiled lightly to himself, 'Going for the cuteness factor, eh, Makie-chan? A nine.'
"Naruto-san?"
"Ah, hello, Setsuna-chan? How are you?" Naruto turned to face one of the few girls that wasn't currently fawning over Negi, "I'm slightly surprised to see you here—you didn't seem like the type to join in on this sort of thing…you even brought your sword, I see…"
Setsuna coughed, looking slightly embarrassed, "It's hard to avoid being dragged into these situations when you're a part of this class. What are you doing here, Naruto-san?"
"Well, I was having a calm and relaxing walk down one of the halls after speaking to a good friend of mine when I noticed Negi-san was kidnapped," Naruto's smile grew a little, "Naturally, I came to investigate. I must say, the trip was certainly worth my time."
"Kya! There's a mouse!"
"It's an ermine!"
"There's a rat!"
Naruto looked up to see the bathing suits fall off the students and into the water as they scrambled around in a panic mess. Naruto smiled deeper at the sight and as the top of one bathing suit, which he identified as Makie's, floated over past Setsuna and him.
'That girl has a lot of bad luck, doesn't she?' Naruto mused, turning to Setsuna, "Has anyone ever mentioned how your class seems to have a special talent in finding just about every excuse to take their clothes off?"
Setsuna sighed, nodding, "Y-Yes, I've noticed that, too…"
"Hm? Ah, it would seem Asuna-san is here! I've been meaning to speak with her today," Naruto stood up and began to walk over in the direction of the commotion, "We'll have to speak again sometime, Setsuna-chan."
Setsuna watched the boy go with a weak wave, '…What just happened?'
Naruto observed the scene as he silently stepped over to Asuna. The rodent that had been untying bikinis had leapt out at Asuna who, with the help of her amazing reflexes, swatted it away. Seconds afterwards, the buttons of her top popped of, revealing her bra. Asuna marveled at the rodent's speed as it scampered off before turning to face the now naked 3-A who surrounded Negi.
"W-What the Hell are you all doing here naked with Negi?"
"It's a misunderstanding, aru!"
"We're having a party to cheer him up!"
Naruto tapped Asuna on the shoulder to drawl her attention, "Ah, Asuna-chan, I wanted to tell you that the shop will be closed tomorrow, so don't bother coming into work."
"Naruto?" Asuna shouted, "What are you doing here, why is the store closed tomorrow, and where the Hell do you think you're looking at?"
"Well, to answer your questions in order, Asuna-chan," Naruto hadn't taken his eyes of her chest as he answered, "I am here to tell you the store is closed, we're closed because of a personal holiday that will be tomorrow, and I am currently staring at your breasts…also, I must add that light blue doesn't suit you, Asuna-chan. I'd suggest basic black or white."
Asuna didn't hesitate to deliver her infamous and deadly kick to her boss, which sent him flying out the doors of the baths, which hung open for a second before closing. Naruto quickly got himself off the hallway floor, brushing of the blow as well as imaginary dust on his clothes, "I see…so that's "Baka Power". Interesting."
"Dad!" Naruto bolted up right, pushing the covers of the bed he lay in up. Giving the room a quick once-over, Naruto fell back down against his pillow. If the bleach white walls and tile floor were any indication, he was in the hospital. How long had he been out?
'…So that bastard's gone…' Naruto glared at the ceiling, "Good riddance…"
"I see you're awake."
Naruto didn't move as the door slid open, nor did he respond to Sarutobi Hiruzen as he called out to him. The old man walked over to Naruto's bed and took a nearby seat, sighing. Sarutobi looked at Naruto. He had never seen the boy so…lifeless. His eyes, which were usually brimming with light, were now dark and cold. The smile that once adorned his face was gone, replaced by the jagging frown he now wore. The numerous scars and bruises covered by the bandages he wore seemed out of place on the energetic boy he knew.
"…How long have I been here?" Naruto droned out.
"A week today," Sarutobi answered, "When we found you, you were out cold. You nearly died from chakra exhaustion alone, let alone the inner bleeding. What happened?"
"I don't remember. Where's my dad?" Naruto didn't blink as he lied through his teeth, 'As if either of us knows…'
"…You're father, he…" Sarutobi sighed sadly, "He was found dead just a few feet away from you. We believe that the same enemy who attacked you killed him, but we're still investigating the case."
"…I see," Naruto mumbled. He should have acted shocked, he should have pretended to tear up, anything…but he didn't. Naruto couldn't find it in him to care anymore.
"The funeral was held two days ago," Sarutobi explained, "There's still the matter of his will, however. He didn't leave much, but he did leave you something."
"What is it?" Naruto muttered.
"…Well, I think it best if you read the note he left you," Sarutobi reached into his robes and pulled out a letter bearing the Yondaime's seal.
Naruto took the letter, opening it as his eyes quickly darted across the paper.
Naruto observed the small building before he opened it. It was plain, for lack of a better word. The outside of it was mostly brick; the only thing that stood out was the simple door with an empty window on it and a brass doorknob. As Naruto opened the door, he was immediately hit with a rush of warm air. His eyes strained to see into the barely lit room which, as much as he hated to admit it, had a cozy feeling.
It was almost completely empty, but that's what he expected. The only thing I the room was a counter and a staircase behind it. Moving past the counter and walking up the stairs, Naruto found another empty room with another staircase at the end of it. Seeing no point in standing in another empty room, Naruto proceeded to the next set of stairs. Naruto now found himself in a room with two things in it—a large glass container sat in the middle of the floor, empty, and a small crawlspace door sat behind it.
Naruto approached the container, noting that it stood on an intricate magical circle, and ran his hand over the dusty glass. Checking once to make sure there was nothing inside, Naruto moved past it and into the crawlspace door, where he found himself in another empty room, a skylight on the ceiling and another door past it.
'Looks like this place does have windows…two of them,' Naruto frowned as he opened what he hoped to be the last door. He found himself on a small balcony covered by a sheet of glass. In front of him stood a steering wheel, much like one you'd on an old boat. Sighing as he propped himself up on the steering wheel, Naruto reached into his pockets and fished out the letter from his da—Minato.
Dear Naruto,
I'm sorry that I wasn't strong enough to protect you. If you're reading this, then that means that I've failed to stop the enemy I feel will be coming soon. Please do not be sad—it was just meant to be. I have entrusted to you a magical item I picked up on one of my travels. It is very rare—the only one of its type I've ever seen—and it can take you anywhere you want or need to go. I have a feeling that it will be exactly what you need.
—Minato
'Exactly what I need, huh?' Naruto thought, looking out the glass to the cloudy sky as the rain began to pelt the building, 'Alright…let's see if you were telling the truth, bastard. If this thing can take me anywhere…if it really is exactly what I need…then I'm not going to stay in this village. I want to see the world!'
Naruto sighed as he looked to the moon through the skylight over his bed. Standing up and walking to the large map in his room, he ran his hand over it with a blank look on his face, 'That's right…I wanted to see the world…'
Shrugging and walking back over to his bed, Naruto plopped himself down and pulled the covers over his head, 'If I remember correctly…that's when it all went to Hell.'
And that's a wrap! By the way, I wasn't joking during the bath scene when Naruto commented how Setsuna had her sword—it's actually in the manga! Go to chapter 18 in volume 3 and go to page 12, in the third box with the picture of everyone crowding around Negi, next to Ku Fei, Setsuna actually has her sword with her! Don't you think that's a little…much? Anyway, onto the poll!
Current Pairing: Naruto x Eva x Ako x ?
Poll: (It closes after chapter 5, so be sure to vote!)
Yuna: 4
Asuna: 23
Akira: 7
Madoka: 3
Sakurako: 2
Sayo: 29
Asakura: 20
Chizuru: 19
Ku Fei: 9
Chachamaru: 3
Chao: 7