Author's Note: First off I would like to apologize for taking like an entire month to update. Moving back home from China was really hectic!!! Oh, and I do not own Naruto. Just a quick note, no big deal this follows the same format as many other Naruto fanfics. Now,without further ado, here is the next chapter of Naruto: The Rise of a Titan. I hope you enjoy it.
"blah" – talking
'blah' – thinking
"blah" – Miya talking through mental link or Summon Boss
'blah' – summon boss thinking
(note: When Naruto is within his mindscape Miya speaks normally!)
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Last Chapter: Jiraiya returned from the border between Fire country and Lightning with important news, the Raikage wished to initiate peace talks with Konoha. Also, Naruto finally awoke from his coma to reveal his adventures with his "Miya-neechan." Finally, Naruto met several new people that he may one day grow to call his truly precious people, including three ANBU, two Sannin, the black-haired apprentice of the Slug Sannin, and a certain young lavender-eyed girl.
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Hokage's Office
"Alright, where do we start?" Sarutobi said softly under his breath as he contemplated the best training regimen for his favorite blonde child. 'Teaching Naruto Ninjutsu beyond simple chakra manipulation would be irresponsible at such a young age, as would weapons training of any kind… I suppose basic strength and stamina training would be best to start out with. Then of course there's Naruto's mental development to consider,' thought the "Professor" as the prospect of a strong but dumb Naruto made him shudder. "I wonder if Naruto even knows how to read," he contemplated, "I assume he was never taught at the orphanage."
Sarutobi leaned forward in his chair until he could reach the intercom on his desk. Pressing down the button he asked, "Would you please have Ayame Ichiraku brought to my office at her earliest possible convenience?"
"Yes Hokage-sama I will send a runner right away" was the young Chuunin secretary's reply.
'Ok, other than working on Naruto's mental faculties, for the time being I guess I will focus on Taijutsu and physical conditioning. After several more minutes of hammering out a satisfactory schedule the aging Hokage was interrupted by a knock on his office door.
"Come in."
"Hokage-sama? I was told that you wished to speak with me" stated a confused and slightly worried ten year old brunette girl. Of course her unease was not without merit considering that she now stood before the strongest ninja in the entire village.
Sarutobi, aware of her nervousness, gave the young girl a warm smile before speaking. "Ah Ayame, thank you for coming to see me this morning. Before I begin I would like to apologize to you and your father for calling you anyway from the ramen shop on such short notice."
"Oh, it is no problem. Tou-san said that it is a great honor to visit the Hokage" replied Ayame with a small smile.
"Well Ayame-chan, I have a question and I think that you may be the only one who can answer it for me. Would you be willing to help out an old man like me?"
"I-I'll try Hokage-sama."
"You know Naruto-kun pretty well don't you?"
"Oh, yes sir, he comes to our ramen shop all the time."
"Do you by any chance know whether or not Naruto can read?"
"Oh," Ayame was somewhat caught off guard by the question. "I don't… I don't think he knows how to read very much Hokage-sama. Every once in a while he will ask me what a different word means, usually when he wants to try a different variety of ramen from his typical five bowls of miso-pork."
"I see. Well, I have another question for you" stated the Hokage as he withdrew a small manila folder from a desk drawer. "I have examined your grades from last school year and I was very impressed. Would you be interested in earning some extra money teaching Naruto to read?"
"Yo-you want me to teach Naruto-kun how to read?" the girl asked in surprise.
"Yes, I believe you would be the perfect teacher for Naruto. He already likes you, he trusts you, and furthermore you have a special weapon that will ensure that he pays attention and works his hardest."
"Sp-special weapon?"
"Of course, if he starts acting up or won't pay attention you can simply tell him he can't have any more ramen, and you can use ramen to reward his progress."
"Hokage-sama, I would be glad to help Naruto-kun, but I am not sure if I can. Tou-san always needs my help at the shop. He might not…"
"That is understandable" he conceded, "I tell you what, if Teuchi-san will agree to it I will pay you the equivalent of ten large bowls of ramen for every hour you tutor Naruto plus the price of however much he ends up eating."
The Hokage laughed silently at the shocked expression that graced Ayame's features. "Alright Ayame, I believe we are done. You may return to your shop but make sure that you speak with your father about my proposition."
"Hai Hokage-sama" said Ayame with a slight bow in respect to Sarutobi.
Shortly after the young ramen cook vacated his office, Sarutobi sighed as he began to clear his desk before going out for a walk; his next appointment would not arrive for several hours.
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Hokage Tower-waiting room
A young Chuunin secretary rolled her eyes as yet another perverted giggle escaped from behind a little orange book. "Honestly, how can you read that smut?!" she finally yelled as her patience wore dangerously thin.
The only other ninja occupying the room was quiet for a moment before giving her his patented eye smile. "Well actually it is quite easy, I just open the book and start with the very first word and work from there" replied Kakashi.
Before the secretary could say anything else the door to the Hokage's office opened and the aging man greeted the two Shinobi. "Kakashi, I didn't expect you for at least another hour, please come in" Sarutobi noted with unconcealed surprise.
With a small sigh Kakashi rose to his feet as he sheathed his precious porn in a kunai pouch.
After closing the door behind them Sarutobi turned to face Kakashi. "I am happy to announce that your shift of watching over Naruto is over," The Hokage smiled upon hearing the masked ninja's sigh of relief. "Yes, yes I know he can be quite a handful. Even someone of your talent can be tired out by him. How bad was it last night?"
"The noise was unbearable, even from outside the room the boy was so loud I could barely read a page for half the entire night" replied Kakashi with a haunted look in his eyes. "Sir, I can only imagine the trouble Yuugao is in, as we speak Naruto is probably running wild trying to escape his 'prison' as he refers to it. You should probably hurry and relieve her also."
"Before I can make my way to the hospital I need to assign your next mission. As you know Jiraiya has returned from the border. He will be looking after Naruto for the next week or so instead of going back to the border. As a result Gai is currently in command at the front. I would like you to relieve him of command. Presently, we are observing a ceasefire with Kumo, however, I must warn you to stay vigilant Kakashi. If there are any signs of aggression do not hesitate to use lethal force and make sure to send word back to me immediately."
"Yes sir Hokage-sama."
Also Kakashi, I will be sending an entourage to the border on Christmas to meet a peace delegation; I want you to escort them back to make sure nothing happens along the way."
"Of course Hokage-sama, I will leave by noon."
"Kakashi," said the old man with an exasperated look, "it is only 7:45, what could possible occupy that much time?" Seeing the one-eyed ninja subtly move his hand to the pouch holding his little orange book, Sarutobi sighed. "Leave the village before nine o'clock or I will confiscate your libr…"
Smoke filled the Hokage's office as Kakashi vanished from the room fearing the safety of his precious books. Since his meeting was over Sarutobi stood to begin the short trek to Konoha's hospital.
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Naruto's Hospital Room
At eight o'clock sharp Sarutobi stepped up to the young blonde's hospital room expecting to find one of three scenarios, the first being a overly-hyper Naruto bouncing around the room as he awaits freedom from his "prison." The second option is finding a grumpy little boy tied to his bed, or the third possibility is finding that the boy gave Yuugao the slip during the middle of the night. Judging by the lack of noise the Hokage could disgard the first option, and upon looking at the bed it was blatantly obvious that the boy had not been in it for several hours. At first, the Hokage was quite disappointed that one of his ANBU would allow something like this to happen, but soon memories of a certain hyper blonde tiring out even the Hokage forced him to forgive her. Turning to interrogate Yuugao as to the location of the missing boy, he was caught somewhat off guard. What he found almost made the Hokage laugh out loud as a small perverted blush darkened his cheeks slightly.
There, sitting curled up in Yuugao's lap, was the Hokage's missing blonde. It was not the fact that he was asleep in her lap that caused the old closet pervert's initial reaction, it was the fact that while the two slept Naruto had nestled his head firmly in the young purple-haired kunoichi's cleavage, and had subconsciously begun groping her as they slept. The Hokage found that he lacked the control to stop himself as, laughing quietly to himself, Sarutobi pulled out a camera and snapped several quick photos. 'This will definitely teach Yuugao not to sleep while on duty' he thought with a satisfied grin.
Deciding that he should wake the two, the Hokage deliberately closed the door a little louder than absolutely necessary. Naruto, content with his position just zoned out the noise and continued sleeping. Yuugao on the other hand started to rouse. After waking completely the young ANBU registers the unfamiliar pressure on her chest as well as the arousal she was experiencing because of two tiny hands. Needless to say Yuugao quickly turned red enough to make a crayon jealous. "Ho…Hokage-sama, I-I-I c-an expl-ain" she stuttered as she removed the tiny hands from their akward position.
Lifting an eyebrow Sarutobi briefly studied the kunoichi. "I can understand you falling asleep considering that Naruto probably has enough energy to wear Gai out, but really Yuugao you should know by now that you do not mix business with pleasure" the Hokage stated with a simi-stern voice. "I understand that you are now fourteen years old and are at that time of your life were you begin to wonder about members of the opposite sex but this will not do." The Hokage silently congratulated himself on embarrassing the kunoichi more than either thought was possible.
Now scarcely able to speak because of her embarrassment Yuugao tried to explain. "Sandaime-sama, it is not like that at all. I-I-I mean… he slept for about an hour before he decided he'd had enough and started going completely berserk!! Literally every five minutes I had to stop him from escaping through the window. Finally I was able to calm him down. He promised that if I would teach him something about being a ninja that he would be a good hospital patient and not try to run."
The Hokage lifted an eyebrow. "You taught a three year old a ninja technique."
"Well, I decided that it couldn't really hurt anything. He was just so adamant about it, he must have told me at least ten times last night that he will one day become Hokage just like you" she replied. "Since I did not want him to learn anything that would involve weapons or might injure him I settled on teaching him to mold chakra."
Yuugao's response interested Sarutobi greatly. The statement had stirred a memory buried deep within the recesses of his mind. "Hmm, was he successful in molding his chakra?"
"It took him several hours but yes he eventually did manage to properly mold his chakra. That is what finally wore him out and allowed him to fall asleep. Unfortunately, before I knew it he was sound asleep on my lap and would wrap his arms around me to prevent me from leaving him." Before continuing she paused as though to determine where or not to mention something else. Finally she nodded and returned her gaze to the Hokage. "His chakra was strange though, Hokage-sama."
"In what way was Naruto-kun's chakra 'strange'?" he asked with a mild sense of dread for the possible responses.
Sir, his chakra was so potent … so palpable, I have only felt something so strong come from Jounin or fellow ANBU," Yuugao explained, "It made the air in the room heavy."
"So, the village has a three year old that can mold chakra? Well, I don't believe it to be cause for concern; most likely it is a minor side effect of Naruto's 'tenant.' At this rate he may indeed become Hokage some day." said Sarutobi as he gently lifted Naruto from Yuugao's outstretched arms. "You are dismissed Neko, you did a fine job of looking after Naruto. Make sure to get some rest."
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
As he was walking out the door the old man adopted a sly grin. "Oh, and Neko?" after she acknowledges him he continued, "The pictures I took of you and Naruto will serve as a perfect reminder that it is inappropriate to fall asleep on duty, though I haven't decided where they should be posted yet. What do you think, ANBU headquarters, or the Jounin lounge?"
"Hokage-sama, please I beg you, don't let anyone see those pictures. It will never happen again; I don't know what came over me."
"See that it doesn't, but this is your only warning."
As soon as the door was closed behind him, Sarutobi gently shook Naruto to wake him. "Naruto I have a surprise for you." Almost instantly Naruto was awake and as hyper as ever.
"A surprise, what is it? What is it? Tell me pleeeeease!"
The child's attitude brought a smile to the aged Hokage's face. "Well if I tell you it won't be much of a surprise now will it?" Naruto shook his head. "I will tell you in a little bit. Since you can't just walk around in a hospital gown forever, we need to go pick up some of your clothes from the orphanage first." Sarutobi instantly saw pure terror fill the child's eyes as the memories of his most recent beating flashed through his mind. The Hokage was about to comfort Naruto when the boy seemed to completely zone out, which concerned the Hokage greatly.
'Miya- neechan, are you there? I need you!' screamed the young blonde as the world around him dissolved into his mindscape.
"What is it Naruto-kun? Are you ok?" asked his startled tenant as she rushed to his side.
Naruto met her halfway and almost tackled her as he latched onto her waist. '"Nee-chan, I'm scared! Jiji-san is taking me back to the orphanage to pick up some clothes, but I don't want to go back there! EVER!" Naruto explained with tears forming at the corners of his brilliant blue eyes.
"Naruto-kun you should trust the Hokage. I am sure that he would never do anything to hurt you. He will look after you while at the orphanage and besides I will be right her if anyone tries to hurt you. There is no reason to be scared, ok?" She began to hum a soft and calming melody with Naruto's mindscape that soothed his fears.
"Ok nee-chan, if you say so." said the young boy as though he was not entirely convinced.
Just as Sarutobi was about to send for Tsunade, the boy in front of him broke out of his trance. "Jiji-san are we gonna go or not?"
Naruto's question greatly confused the Hokage. "Umm, Naruto are you not scared of returning to the orphanage?"
The young blonde smiled up at the Hokage. "Well I was, but Miya-neechan told me there was no reason to be scared because you would protect me."
With that the two continued their trip to Naruto's orphanage.
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Once the two arrived at their destination Naruto ran to his room as quickly as possible so he could get changed and leave. Although he believed the Hokage would protect him, Naruto still had no desire to stay within the confines of the orphanage any longer than was absolutely necessary. Sarutobi granted the boy a few moments of privacy to change his clothes before he entered the room. Sitting on Naruto's bed the Hokage begins to formulate how to explain things to the young boy. After about a minute Sarutobi began to speak, "Naruto do you remember the man named Jiraiya that you met last night?"
Sarutobi received a simple nod to answer his question. "Good, well he has agreed to take you camping for the next week or so, would you like that?"
Several emotions passed across Naruto's face before it finally settled on one of disappointment. 'This is the surprise? I thought he would at least take me for some ramen. Ummmmm, ramen is the best! Oh well, maybe I can convince him to take me before he leaves.'
"Naruto, do you not want to go camping out in the woods outside of the walls?"
"Umm, Jiji-san, why would we go camping when there are houses and hotels and my room is right here?" asked the blonde.
Sarutobi smiled, "Well I just thought that you would like to learn how to camp like real ninja do, but if you don't want to, that is okay."
"Wow, camping like a real ninja! I CAN'T WAIT!" yelled an excited Naruto. As Naruto celebrated this new opportunity, the Hokage was quickly sealing away many of Naruto's clothes into a scroll to hand over to Jiraiya later.
"Alright Naruto let's go" said Sarutobi, extending his hand for the young boy to grab a hold of.
"Jiji-san, where are we going now?" asked Naruto hoping it involved brothy and noodly goodness.
"Just follow me; I will explain everything when we get there." Naruto nodded but frowned slightly when he noticed they were moving away from his precious ramen.
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After several minutes of walking, Naruto found himself standing in the middle of a large training field. The surrounding area was designed for training in multiple environments such as deserts, forests, and even a swamp. He was bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement because these areas were typically off limits to civilians due to the risk of being injured by Shinobi as they practiced. "Jiji-san, what are we doing now? Why are we way out here?"
"Well Naruto, we are in this training ground so that we have enough room" stated the Hokage.
"Room… room for what?"
With a twinkle in his sharp eyes Sarutobi answered "For your training to begin." A strong cough of astonishment and a dazed smile were Naruto's only response before passing out, the wizened old man could not have dreamed of a more satisfying response.
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(Author's Note: Okay, so that is the end of Chapter five. I hope you enjoyed it. Although it wasn't really a very long or exciting chapter it was necessary to build the foundations of the story. We should start to see more action very soon. Now I just have two quick notices for everyone, 1st- I know that Ayame's last name is not really Ichiraku in the manga but for this story it is. Ichiraku is simply the name of the restaurant because in Japanese it means "Place of Comfort" which fits perfectly because it is Naruto's one true place of comfort. 2nd- The interaction between Naruto and Yuugao is not a sign of what is to come. I simply added that because it was funny and boys, even very young ones, do in fact have a subconscious obsession with breasts. The two of them will not be hooking up later in the story because yuugao is not a cradle-robber, that would just be weird. OK, well anyways, please review the chapter and tell me how to improve. -- Until next we meet)