A/N: This chapter is a lot of Talking...and a lot of interpretation on my part...so i hope you like it...
By the way...i forgot to mention...the reason i posted
two chapters at the same time was because i actually finished this one
before chapter 12...the Tsunade thing caused me some issues...
Also...Because of a certain reviewer...i decided to add a scene i hadn't intended on adding untill after the time skip...So i would like to dedicate said scene to Kasai Jigoku.
I hope you enjoy it...
Chapter 13: Four Days to Freedom and the Choice!
---Day 1---
---Konaha---
Rin sighed as he waited by the door of the council room, 'Guard duty is the reason that Kakashi left ANBU in the first place…maybe I should've followed suit…'
Naruto, Shizune, Tsunade, and Jiraiya walk into the council's meeting room. Their they meet with the council…or in Rin's opinion, the old people who have nothing better to do than find ways to have Naruto executed.
They stood in front of the council, who grinned at the sight of Tsunade…
Not all of them were bad, thought the medic nin.
She knew that Inuzuka Tsume, Yamanaka Inoichi, Nara Shikaku, and Akimichi Choza favored the boy…they were close friends to the fourth Hokage and would never disrespect his son in such a pathetic way.
Aburame Shibi was difficult to read…but she figured that he didn't hate the boy, based on the fact that he never talked badly about him.
Hyuuga Hiashi probably had the rarest opinion, among the older generation, that one could ever find in Konaha concerning Naruto. He didn't give a damn. He didn't think of the boy as a hero, based on the fact that Naruto didn't choose his predicament. He didn't think of the boy as the demon, based on the fact that Hiashi trusted the Fourth Hokage's expertise when it came down to sealing… He just didn't care…whether the boy just dropped dead or was acknowledged like a hero…What did piss him off were the constant discussions on said boy…times when they should be discussing things about the village, not a boy.
Koharu and Homura, both teammates of the third hokage, held disdain for the boy, and weren't afraid to show it…
There were eight other elders, all of whom Rin never bothered to learn anything about, who all shared the same feelings of Koharu and Homura.
And the last member of this happy go lucky troupe was…none other than Kazama Ryuu Yukina, ONLY child of the Fourth Hokage and ONLY Grandchild of the Lord of Fire country, earning her a place in the council…though she probably won't officially join the council until after she retired as a ninja.
Koharu, smiling, walked up to Tsunade and bowed. "Tsunade-hime-"
"When is the promotion ceremony for Chunins…"
Koharu gritted her teeth and glared at the 'demon'… "Keep quiet boy…" she spat.
Tsunade resisted the urge to pound this woman into the ground, "It was actually MY question…I thought I would promote the newly appointed chunins right away…to…strengthen Konaha's ranks as quickly as possibly…"
Koharu turned to the woman, "Very good idea Tsunade-hime…"
Kyuubi scoffed inwardly, 'Kiss ass…'
"…We planned it out to take place in three days…tomorrow you will be your coronation…I know we're rushing things…but like you said for the best of Konaha…" Koharu stated.
"And you can have that second day to yourself…to do whatever you would like…" finished Homura.
Tsunade nodded.
Koharu sighed, "I'm so glad you came…after Jiraiya declined out original offer to become the next Hokage we were devastated…but when he offered you as a replacement we were thrilled…" She paused to glare at the Kitsune, "…I just wish that you…had better company…"
Tsunade was about ready to blow…
Naruto laughed to himself, resisting the urge to flick him off, "I could say the same for myself right now…" he laughed as he turned around and walked to the door…
The elders, the ones who hated the boy, glared daggers at him…
Jiraiya tried to cool down the situation as he laughed, "The brat was actually quite useful…" he said as he got in Naruto's way and started patting his head "…big surprise their…"
Naruto growled on the inside as Jiraiya patted his head, "The big surprise here is that you would turn down the great opportunity to become the village's hokage…"
Jiraiya just stared at the boy before replying, 'What are you getting at…' "Well…I think my expertise would be better served on the outside…"
"You mean you want to continue to publish those perverted books of yours," muttered Naruto, though he said it loud enough for everyone to hear.
Jiraiya's eye twitched as some of the council members started snickering…
"But you don't even realize the opportunity you missed out on…" Naruto began with an evil smile and look in his eyes, both of which easily caught Jiraiya's attention… Naruto shrugged, "…I just thought if some idiot…" Naruto paused to look at both Homura and Koharu, but quickly looked back at Jiraiya, "Ever gave YOU the opportunity to become the next Hokage…I figured you'd use your new power in some perverted way…" Seeing the confusion etched on Jiraiya's face, Naruto decided to elaborate, "I was just thinking you would make some kind of Law, stating a PERMANENT and MANDATORY female dress code…you know…something along the lines of TIGHT…LEATHER…LINGERIE…I mean can you imagine all the kunoichi in Konaha walking around in nothing but that…"
When Naruto finished Jiraiya's eyes widened as a perverted look was placed on his face, drool leaking from his mouth…All the men in the council room, excluding Hiashi and Shibi, had the same perverted look…Hiashi and Shibi were trying hard to hide their blush…
Rin's, Shizune's, and Yukina's faces were covered in a large blush…
Tsume and, surprisingly, Tsunade were starting to snicker at the depression that Jiraiya would soon be in…
Koharu was however not amused in the least…
Jiraiya finally snapped out of his reverie, "On second thought…"
Koharu cut him off, "NO…she's Hokage", pointing to Tsunade, "You two", pointing to Jiraiya and Naruto, "Get out!" pointing to the door.
Latter walked out quickly laughing his head off…
The Former was trying hard to keep his eyes from welling up, 'Why…why…WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT!'
---Konaha Road---
Naruto was walking towards Ichiraku, wanting to visit the old man, and get some ramen, after not being in Konaha for a while.
He continued walking when he heard something that made his blood boil.
"Hayashi Shuushuku!"
Naruto felt something tug on the back of his jacket collar, as he was lifted into the air. "There has to be an easier way for the two of us to talk…and will you stop doing that?"
"This way is easier…and no…" Yamato replied as he slung Naruto over his shoulder and walked off.
---Training Field---
Yamato and Naruto sat together on the grass.
"So…What do you want?" muttered Naruto, annoyed at being denied going to Ichiraku once again…
Yamato sighed as he placed his chin in his hands. "You'll have to excuse me Naruto…But you are the only one in Konaha who can learn these jutsu…so you'll have to excuse me if I want to pass along some techniques to you…"
Naruto shrugged, "Don't get me wrong…I'm grateful, your one of the only people who even gives me the time of day…" Naruto muttered that last part to himself. In a sickingly sweet voice Naruto spoke again, "Look on the bright side…you still have my dear sister to teach…"
Yamato shrugged, "Already tried…she can't do Mokuton", Yamato replied. Naruto looked at him oddly, so Yamato continued, "After…a…short discovery, the council ordered me to teach Yukina how to perform Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kotan. It ended in failure. She can't perform Mokuton…I'm not sure why though. Perhaps it has something to do with Kyuubi's presence in your body…but that's not important." Yamato tossed the Kitsune two scrolls.
Naruto looked at them. The first said, "Moku Bunshin no Jutsu (Wood Clone Technique)". The second said, "Mokuton: Moku Jōheki (Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall)".
Yamato spoke, "Moku Bunshin no Jutsu, is very similar to a Kinjutsu, Kage Bunshin no Jutsu. But they are each unique in their own ways. Kage Bunshin splits the user's chakra between the user and the clones evenly, creating solid clones. These clones however are easily destroyed. Moku Bunshin, is a little more complicated, but has never been considered a Kinjutsu, since not many people can actually do it, so it's considered a Hijutsu instead. First off the Moku Bunshin, is formed from your body directly. Roots made out of chakra start to emerge from your body, moving towards your side…and the roots twist themselves into the Bunshin. It sounds like a complicated and long process but it actually will take a beginner about five seconds to complete the clone. I can create one in about half a second, still a little long in the ninja world, but the results are usually worth it." Yamato waited a few seconds to let this information sink in.
"So…how is it worth it?"
Yamato continued, "Ok…first off to start this technique off you'll need to ante up chakra to create the clone, about the same amount as Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kotan. Afterwards you'll need to transfer, during the creation of the clone, all the chakra that you wish the clone to have. You do this because your clone can use the same techniques that you do, so you give them chakra to perform jutsu. Now…unlike Kage Bunshins who can only take one hit before they poof out of existence…Moku Bunshins can take a few hits, on the other hand they can also use the chakra you have given them to regenerate themselves. This proves to be a very useful technique…but keep in mind the huge chakra usage this requires. Also keep in mind that if your clone catches on fire, don't bother trying to regenerate it…just cut your losses."
Naruto nodded.
"Now the other technique, Mokuton: Moku Jōheki, will create a half dome of wood to protect the user against enemy attacks, once again like all wood technique…fire seems to be a problem against it." Yamato finished.
Naruto nodded and got up, "Thank you for all your help Yamato…" He paused for a moment and had a foxy smile on his face, "I think I'll try out that Moku Bunshin right away…sounds like a fun jutsu…"
Yamato nodded, "It is…you can do a hell of a lot without getting off your own couch…hell it makes being a sensei easier…" Laughed Yamato.
Naruto stared at him curiously before growling, "You aren't the real Yamato…"
'Yamato' laughed, "Took you long enough to figure it out…"
Naruto sighed and left the training field.
---Day 2---
---Naruto's apartment---
Naruto was sitting on his roof. From a distance he could see that most of the village was gathered at Tsunade's coronation, at the Hokage tower. He mused with the idea of going to the tower, but thought it wiser to just watch the whole event from a top his apartment…though the view wasn't exactly perfect.
The day they returned to Konaha, Tsunade had easily revived Kakashi and Sasuke from their mental comas…Everything seemed to be happening so fast…it kind of made his head spin…though at the same time he was happy, 'Only two more days…'
---Hokage's Office---
Tsunade was looking some of the medical files…it was only a few hours after she had been coroneted, and she was already bored.
Shizune stood right next to her, "Tsunade-shishou, if you're bored...why don't you try meeting with Yukina-hime?"
"She's going to be busy for a while...but I've made sure that she has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do next week...so I'll speak with her then...we can have a nice long chat..."
Shizune nodded.
Tsunade continued to look through the files as one caught her eye… "Hmmm…this kid's case is pretty serious…if he doesn't get help soon…he'll have to quit his ninja career…"
Shizune looked questioningly at her sensei, "Who is it?"
"Some kid named, Rock Lee…set up an appointment with him…I'd like to speak to him…"
Shizune nodded as she left Tsunade's office.
---Somewhere in Konaha---
After stopping at his house, to drop off his traveling bag, Naruto was on the road traveling to the Ichiraku Ramen Stand.
He was so caught up in his regular routine of pissing off the glaring villagers, that it left him unaware of the person spying on him.
The blonde heiress quietly watched her brother as he continued to walk by the angry villagers with a happy smile.
Truthfully the girl had mix feelings about her brother. On one side, after reading her father's letter, her grandparent's words, and the opinions of some of the council members, she felt pity and sorrow for her brother. On the other side, the years of loathing the creature inside of him, as well as the…less tactful members of the council, still had her detest the very sight of him.
"If you still feel hatred towards your brother, try looking at him in an empathetic point of view…" were the last words of her grandfather before he was forced to depart.
Although both he and her grandmother promised to come back, wanting to speak with their newly found grandson; unfortunately being the Lord of Fire Country, meant that one couldn't sit around for a month at a time. So they departed, with the promise of returning.
Yukina snuck from one alleyway to another, careful to avoid the villagers who would most likely blow her cover, cheering for the 'only' child of the Fourth.
Yukina paused when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She turned to see a familiar silver-haired mask ninja. "You…are Kakashi-san, right?" She smiled at him, "You were a student of my father…"
Kakashi nodded lazily, "Yes…listen Yukina if you are following Naruto to try and kill him…then forget it…"
Yukina frowned, "But he-"
Kakashi cut her off, "-He did NOT kill my sensei…he was sacrificed by a man who I at one time considered a father…to a village that I have long lost respect for…" Kakashi sighed, "He's a boy who's gone through more trauma than any child should ever go…and I won't let you worsen it…"
"You're trying to protect him." Yukina muttered in a flat voice.
Kakashi snickered slightly, "Yes…but not from you…it's already been proven, that even with all your advance training, that Naruto can beat you, though mostly from the fact of your lack of experience and him taking you by surprise with his mokuton. No…the real threat are the ninja's that will go after Naruto if and when he beats you…I can't protect him from everyone…It's apparent that not even your father's memory could do that", Kakashi finished, muttering the last part mostly to himself before walking out of the alley.
Yukina could only stare at Kakashi's retreating back, her pride hurt slightly.
She watched as Kakashi called Naruto over to him. The two conversed about something for a moment before walking off in a different direction than the one Naruto was originally going.
---Training Field---
Kakashi and Naruto were both sitting in their team's normal meeting spot, the same spot where the team took their genin exam. Kakashi sat on a rock, whilst Naruto sat against the middle post.
"So…we're here…what did you want to talk about…" Naruto said nonchalantly.
Kakashi sighed, as he held his chin in both hands, "I wanted to…try to talk you out of leaving-" Kakashi started but was cut off…
"If you were in my position…would you stay?" Naruto ask, surprisingly calm.
Kakashi sighed again, "If I were in your position…I would probably have gone on a killing spree by now…", Kakashi chuckled.
Naruto chuckled at Kakashi's statement as well, "Don't think I haven't thought about it…"
"Damn…you are both such demons…talking about killing people…"
Naruto growled inwardly, 'Shut up you stupid bastard…'
Kakashi sighed, "Well…then…I'm still your sensei…and I have one final lesson for you…"
Naruto looked at him curiously, "What?"
"You have untapped potential Naruto and I don't just mean the fox, I mean YOU, without the help of the demon inside of you…since you're leaving I at least want to set you on the right path…" Kakashi stopped for a moment to make sure Naruto was paying attention…he was, so the jounin continued, "Do you remember Sasuke's abilities during the chunin exams?"
Naruto nodded, "Yea, besides the obvious boost in speed and strength…he was able to control fire."
Kakashi nodded, "He used chakra to do so…but not just ordinary chakra…he CHANGED the very NATURE of his chakra to one of fire. It's a special training one does…its complicated…" Kakashi sighed. "Every ninja has the innate potential to control an element. These elements are Fire as demonstrated by Sasuke, Water as demonstrated by Haku, Lightning as demonstrated by myself, Wind as demonstrated by Yukina, and Earth as demonstrated by Yamato…"
At this Naruto raised an eyebrow, ignoring the mention of Yukina's name, "Yamato is Earth? I would've thought Earth and Wood would have been classified differently…"
Kakashi nodded, "They are…but at the same time they are not…let me continue. All ninja have this…if trained properly; one grows an affinity to that element; which, like advanced chakra control training, helps one control jutsu of these elements a lot better. Most Jounin, usually have about three affinities; it helps them vary in ability. Now…like I said earlier Fire, Water, Lightning, Wind, and Earth are the elements…these are the only PURE elements…" Seeing Naruto's confusion, Kakashi continued, "These are the elements that occur naturally and independently. All others are formed by a combination of elements…For example…Ice is formed by freezing water. So if someone were to cool down water, with say cold air…Ice would be created."
Naruto looked at Kakashi with a confused expression, "So…Haku uses wind to cool down water?"
"Sort of…See for a Ice Jutsu to be used…one must not only be able to use both wind and water jutsu…they must have the potential to have an affinity with those elements; but that's not all…if that were the case their would be hundreds of ice using ninjas…to create an ice jutsu one must literally combine the two natures together to create the new element…but one can't just learn to combine two elements…"
"…They must be born with the ability…a blood limit…" Naruto finished for Kakashi. Kakashi nodded, so Naruto asked, "So…Earth is one of the elements needed to make Wood?"
Kakashi nodded, "If you think about it…it makes perfect sense. Plants require four ingredients to grow. The first is sunlight…they give nutrients to the plants, but it can be replaced by chakra. The second and third are the two necessary elements, Earth and Water. The last is the seed itself; this is created using the 'Nature Manipulation' to change your chakra into something that can literally create life. This is the true Nature of Mokuton. This is the ability you inherited from the First Hokage…"
Naruto eyes widened slightly, "The First Hokage…"
Kakashi chuckled, "Yes…you seem to have a long list of famous ancestors." Seeing Naruto glare at him, made the jounin continue. "Your…father…was a grandchild of the First…It's surprising that this fact has been unknown for so long… but it was actually Jiraiya who found this out, though I'm sure your father probably knew…But we're getting off topic…Mokuton, Wood Release; Hyoton, Ice Release; are both combinations that require a blood limit to use. The only known combination that doesn't require a blood limit is made by combining Earth and Wind…Sand as demonstrated by your good friend Gaara…" Kakashi chuckled.
Naruto's eye twitched, "What the hell makes you think the two of us are friends?"
Kakashi chuckled again, his visible eye forming an upside down crescent moon, "You two are to much alike to not be considered friends. Anyway…Just about every Sand nin in Sungakure can use Sand jutsu to some extent, but it seems Gaara will be the only true master of this art; but I'm getting off topic again. Listen…the whole point of this lesson is to make you aware of your abilities and potential. You already discovered how to add the Wood element to your chakra…and you know how to use the other type of chakra manipulation…Form Manipulation. Now you must combine the two together."
Naruto sighed, "I'm having a hard time following you Kakashi, I can already combine the two."
Kakashi shook his head. "No…you haven't…what you've done is created a seed using Nature Manipulation. Afterwards you use ORDINARY chakra to make it grow in size changing the form of the seedling into one of a plant, and in many cases you change the direction the plant grows, this is Form Manipulation. You use the two chakra's separately…and until you use them together, EFFECTIVELY, you will never reach your full potential." Kakashi finished with a sigh and then continued, "I made a mistake teaching Sasuke Nature Manipulation during the chunin exam…he was able to grasp the basic concept of the art…he even started to combine the two to create his first original jutsu, Ryuusei Sumasshu. It is something that few ninja have ever done in such a short amount of time, but he has yet to grasp the concept fully…he hasn't even scratched the surface…which is why this jutsu seems to backfire on him every time he uses it in a fight."
Naruto nodded, remembering Sasuke's fights vs Gaara and Neji. "So…how do I grasp this art?"
Kakashi shook his head, "Combining these two forms of manipulation is something that every ninja needs to discover on their own…I can only point you in the right direction." Kakashi said as he pulled out two scrolls. "Learning to use Water and Earth based jutsu is the first step. These scrolls are full of Genin level Earth and Water jutsu…"
Naruto's eyebrow rose, "Genin?"
Kakashi chuckled, "Yep…if you want me to get you higher ones…you'll have to come visit…"
Naruto's eye twitched as he got up to take the scrolls from Kakashi.
Kakashi sighed, "You know…half of me can't help but think that I'm damning Konaha to hell by doing this…the other half thinks that I'm ensuring the future of Konaha by continuing your training…" Kakashi finished with a small chuckle.
Naruto laughed, "Sensei I'm insulted…you actually think I would attack the village that nurtured me in my short life."
Kakashi, seemingly unaffected by the conversation the two were having, continued to smile, "Like I said…if I were you…I would've gone 'Orochimaru' a long time ago…"
Naruto shrugged but continued to smile, "Well you are not me…and I am not you…Vengeance doesn't suit me…after I leave, I won't even give these morons a single thought, such an action is to far beneath me…" Naruto said as he turned.
"Beneath you? How many of these 'morons' have you attacked with that 'bracelet' of yours?"
Naruto shrugged, "I would say high forties…low fifties", muttered the blonde.
"Huh?"
Naruto grinned, "That's different though…they attacked me first…after I leave…I won't have to deal with these idiots anymore…"
Kakashi sighed, "I'm glad to hear that…because if it comes down to it, even if I did say I would do the same in your position; I will fight you, If I need to…"
Naruto laughed, "I hope the next time we fight…I'll be good enough to give you a run for your money…but the next time we fight it won't be as enemies…Like I said, I have no intention of destroying this hell hole, let everyone who lives here rot for all I care…" Naruto paused to look at Kakashi and grinned sheepishly, "Present company excluded of course…" With that Naruto turned and left.
Kakashi sighed, 'If you were still alive…how would you deal with him…sensei?'
"You know..." Kakashi turned to the new voice, Rin, "If Sensei were still alive...would things be different?"
Kakashi sighed... "I honestly don't know Rin..."
---Day 3---
---Team 21's training field---
Naruto was just lounging around, opting to try and keep out of anything major for the rest of the day. He was currently just practicing his Rasengan. Unfortunately certain forces had other plans…
Naruto looked to his right to see Shizune come out of the forest…
"Hello Naruto." she greeted with a smile…
Naruto nodded, "Shizune-chan…", Naruto responded.
Shizune came over and sat down next to Naruto, who was still lying down, noting the spiraling ball in his hand
"Is there anything you wanted?", asked Naruto, "Shouldn't you be helping Tsunade get accustomed to her job?"
Shizune nodded, "She's fine…she's actually performing surgery today…she wanted to get further acquainted with the Konaha staff…so she asked me to run an errand for her."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, "Surgery already? She doesn't waste anytime…"
Shizune laughed, "It's a nice change…she usually just lounges around and drinks Saki, or wastes all our funds on gambling."
Naruto laughed, "So? What did she want?"
Shizune reached into her pocket and pulled out a book, she offered it to Naruto, who took it, "She just wanted me to give you that…"
Naruto looked at the book, "Genetics?"
Shizune nodded, "Yes. The science is still relatively new…but Tsunade figured you could use it in your Mokuton. She remembered Jiraiya-san saying that you could manipulate your Mokuton by using some 'red chakra'", Shizune feigned ignorance.
Naruto nodded.
"So Tsunade figured that you alter the plants DNA…and that's what changes the plants into those…monstrous things…"
"Hmmm…old lady is actually pretty smart…that makes perfect sense. Sense you barely have any control, or concept of the art, you're just pumping the plant with my chakra. If you attain the knowledge to control this…you could come up with a variety of different Jutsu…"
Naruto nodded, "Thanks Shizune-chan…" Naruto smiled at the young woman.
Shizune waved it off, "It was actually Tsunade-shishou that came up with the idea…so you should thank her."
Naruto nodded, "I will…but thanks anyways…"
Shizune smiled as she got up "By the way...that's a really powerful technique you got their...the Fourth was a master at creating jutsu...that's for sure..."
Naruto's eyes widened as lost control of the ball, causing it to explode right next to him, sending him flying.
Shizune gasped as she ran to Naruto, "Are you alright?"
Naruto ignored her question, "Who did you say created that technique?"
Shizune looked at him blankly, "The Fourth Hokage...it's a jutsu called the Rasengan..."
Naruto's face twisted into one of pure anger, "ERO-SENNIN!" He screamed as he burst out of the clearing, leaving a confused Shizune behind.
---Day 4---
---Ichiraku Ramen Stand---
Naruto sat down in his normal stool, for once reaching his destination without getting interrupted. Naruto had felt a little better about the incident yesterday... "It only took the combination of Rasengan and Konohagakure Hiden: Taijutsu no Ōgi: Sennen Goroshi (Hidden Leaf Secret: Taijutsu Supreme Technique: Thousand Years of Death) on Jiraiya to calm the boy down. What was even better was the fact that the man had landed in the woman's hot springs, giving the woman a living punching bag. Strangely he hasn't seen the pervert recently.
Naruto sighed and was about to order when…
"One bowl of Beef Ramen for Naruto…and one for me as well…"
Naruto genuinely smiled, "You know me all to well Iruka-sensei."
Iruka smiled at the boy as the two started talking.
Ten minutes, and 34 bowls of Ramen later. Naruto and Iruka exited Ichiraku. "Naruto…come with me to the academy…I have something I've been meaning to give you."
Naruto looked at Iruka curiously before nodding and following the man to the ninja academy.
---Academy---
Iruka quickly went to his desk and fished something out of a drawer.
Naruto waited patiently for whatever it was that Iruka wanted to give him.
Iruka walked up to Naruto, holding his hands behind his back, "The Hokage told me about his deal with you during the chunin exams…and to be honest with you…I was hoping that you would fail…" Iruka said laughing sheepishly.
Naruto felt a pang of anger welling up inside of him but decided to hold it down, knowing Iruka meant no harm.
"Anyway…I know there is no way for me to convince you to stay…so I'm not going to bother…instead I'm going to ask you to please come visit…" Iruka finished. Naruto sighed and nodded, not really promising anything. "I also wanted to give you this…" Iruka pulled from his back a Hitai-ate. Not just any Hitai-ate. This one didn't have the sign of the leaf on it…this one had a tree etched on it instead and lastly the cloth was a blood red color. "Unfortunately red was the only color I could find at the time…well actually their was another…but I didn't think pink would suit you. The leaf suits you well…but I think this tree would suit you better, like your own personal symbol as a wanderer…just like the symbol on Jiraiya's Hitai-ate stands for 'Oil'…you've probably heard the stories…"
Naruto nodded as he took the Hitai-ate…
As he gazed adoringly at the forehead protector, Naruto couldn't help but feel a stinging sensation in his eyes…Naruto reach up to feel…water…
'Am I crying?' asked the confused fox…he hadn't cried in years…
Naruto clenched his eyes shut and threw himself at the older ninja. "IRUKA-SENSEI…"
This act caught Iruka by surprise, "HEY! Careful…hehe…"
This act caught Iruka by surprise for the fact that he didn't think Naruto still had kindness left in him. Iruka assumed that the villag ehad already robbed him of that, along with his innocence.
Iruka and Naruto just stood their for a while…
"God, I knew you were gay…if you guys are going to do stuff, I'm leaving."
Naruto blushed as he detached himself from the man he considered an older brother. 'Shut the hell up!'
Iruka sighed, "You better get going…ototo"
Naruto's eyes widened slightly at the name…but he just nodded and left…
---Hokage Tower---
Naruto walked into the Hokage's office. In there were Tsunade, Koharu, Homura, Kakashi, Asuma, and Shikamaru.
He walked up to stand right beside Shikamaru. Kakashi and Asuma stood behind him. "So you made it to Shikamaru…"
Shikamaru sighed, "Yes…and now we got to go through this troublesome ordeal…"
Naruto sweatdropped at the comment and turned back to Tsunade. Tsunade came up to stand in front of the two genin. "Turn to you senseis…"
Naruto and Shikamaru turned to Kakashi and Asuma respectively. They were each holding a chunin vest, which the two boys took.
After taking them the two turned around, after receiving a gesture from their senseis.
Tsunade cleared her throat, "As the Hokage of Konaha…I hereby promote both of you two chunin…congratulations…your both dismissed…"
Naruto cocked an eyebrow as he saw Tsunade walk back to her desk, to sit with Koharu and Homura. He also noticed Kakashi and Asuma were leaving. "That's it?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Yea…what do you want…a freaking medal?"
Naruto stared at her curiously, "I've been waiting for this for quite a while…and your telling me that THAT IS IT!"
Tsunade shrugged, "Pretty much…"
Naruto felt like slapping somebody as he turned and left, Shikamaru close behind him…
---Naruto's House---
Naruto was about to exit his apartment when he felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around him. He turned back to see Tsunade behind him, "I just wanted to wish you luck Naruto..."
The blonded nodded, "Same goes to you...old lady..."
Tsunade's eye twitched slightly, "Which reminds me, come back to visit...if you don't next time I see you I'll beat the hell out of you..."
Naruto laughed as he realized that she wasn't kidding...He merely nodded as he pulled himself from her grip and left...
---Uchiha Household---
Sasuke could only stare at the four figures as they left his clan house… 'More power…can this man really give it to me?'
---Hayate clan house---
Naruto stood in front of the Hayate clan house, all though the whole of the Hayate were still months away from arriving to Konaha. The soul reason he was here was to keep a promise he made to Rei. He came here directly after leaving his vest at his home, he packed it with the rest of his stuff that he was taking.
Naruto entered easily enough, the guards being ordered to let him through, and not knowing about his connection to Kyuubi.
Naruto walked in and found himself in a training field. There he saw his Silver-haired friend, meditating.
Naruto walked up to her, "Hey…"
Rei opened her eyes to look at Naruto and smile, "Hi…", she stood up. "Glad you showed up…"
Naruto nodded, "Just wanted to say-"
Rei stopped him though, "Don't say goodbye…it's a tradition of sorts in my clan…when a friend or family member leaves, we spar instead of saying goodbye…" She said as she unsheathed her Wakizashi.
Naruto nodded as he grabbed a bamboo flower he had hidden in his jacket. It took only a moment for it to change into a long 'wood like' sword.
Naruto and Rei faced off for what seemed like hours to them.
Rei had a calm aura, which was completely emotionless.
Naruto's aura was anything but calm, however Naruto had learned to mask it a long time ago with a simple smile.
Rei was the first to make a move. She jumped from her position at the blonde ninja.
Naruto brought his sword up to block Rei's attack, the bamboo sword could cut anything…however it was hard enough to resist being cut by most attacks.
Naruto pushed off from Rei, sending her backwards, and went to stab her with the only sharp part of his sword, the point.
Rei, easily regaining her balance, quickly smacked Naruto's stab harmlessly to her right and countered with a stab of her own.
Naruto quickly jumped backwards, to avoid being impaled by the girl. Afterwards he jumped forward, aiming a horizontal strike with his 'long sword'.
Rei easily parried his attack.
Naruto quickly tried a vertical slash this time.
This time however Rei grabbed the sheath of her sword with her left hand to block Naruto attack and quickly pointed the point of her sword against Naruto's neck.
Naruto sighed, "You win again…"
Rei laughed at the boy, "You better get used to this position…pretty soon I'll have the ability to do this to you with Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu."
Naruto smirked, "Yea…we'll see about that…"
Rei sighed as she walked away from the boy.
Naruto followed her…
"I can't believe after all this time you are leaving…it's rather sad…"
Naruto shrugged looking slightly down heartened. "I'm sorry…but I can't stay here anymore…"
Rei nodded. "At least come visit…"
Naruto nodded, "You're the first to ask…"
Rei looked at him in surprise, "No one else has asked you to come back?"
Naruto shrugged, "Well they have…but they've chosen methods involving blackmail and threats to bring me back…"
Rei giggled at the statement…
Naruto sighed, "I should be going now…" When he saw Rei nod…he turned on his heel and walked away.
He paused momentarily when he arms wrap around him. "I'll see you later…Naruto-nisan."
Naruto smiled, "I'll see you later…Rei-nechan…"
With that…Naruto left…a single tear running down both their eyes…
---In the forest---
Naruto sighed, he had attempted to search for Sasuke and Sakura…but couldn't find either anywhere… 'I should've just said goodbye after he got out of the hospital.'
Naruto thought about just leaving for the tenth time that day…but it felt wrong to do so without saying goodbye…
"Your going to soft…"
"Shut up…" Naruto spoke out loud…
He continued walking, hoping to find Sasuke in one of the training fields, 'For someone obsessed with revenge and power…he doesn't seem to give a damn about training…' Naruto already attempted to look for him at his home…but that didn't work out. He tried Sakura's house…but in between the items being thrown at him…he received the answer that Sakura wasn't home. He mused with the idea of tracking down Ino, having seen her earlier, and giving her an item that smelled like Sasuke in hopes of tracking down the Uchiha…but opted against it knowing that she was celebrating with Shikamaru.
Naruto walked into the next training field, it was one with a lake on it…
His eye's widened when he saw someone in the lake. She wore a pink kimono. She had chocolate eyes and black hair. She was merely lying down in the lake. "Hello Haku…"
The girl cracked open an eye to see Naruto. "Hello Naruto-kun…what brings you here."
"I was hoping to find Sasuke and Sakura nearby…but I just remembered that I wanted to say goodbye to you too…I don't know if you knew this but-"
"Your leaving Konaha…Sakura told me…"
"Oh…"
Haku sighed as she lifted herself up; she was now sitting on the water. "Naruto have you thought about what I've said?"
Naruto looked at her questioningly.
"When I told you where true strength comes from…do you still hold the same opinion you did before? Do you still have no precious people, no one to protect?"
Naruto shrugged, "Everyone I hold dear can defend themselves…those that can't are well on their way…They don't need me here…"
Haku sighed, "You know I got a similar response from Sasuke…though I agree somewhat with your philosophy…I won't follow it…I think you protect the ones you love, whether they can defend themselves or not."
Naruto shrugged.
Haku sighed as she got up, "Naruto…if I were ever in trouble…would you come help me?"
Naruto's eyes widened slightly a the question as he watched the girl come closer to him, seeing the silver moon light reflect in her eyes…
A whirlwind of thoughts ran through Naruto's head as he actually struggled to find the girl an answer… "I-I…" Naruto stopped to take a few deep breaths… "Haku…you are a lot stronger than I am…according to Kakashi…Zabuza claims you to be stronger than both of them…if I tried to help you…I would probably just get in your way…" Naruto shrugged…
Haku sighed…
Naruto did the same as he took his eyes off of her and looked straight at the moon.
After several moments of absolute quiet…Naruto was about to turn and leave when he felt something against his cheek. He looked down just in time to see Haku pull her lips off of his cheek, turn and leave, "Goodbye Naruto-kun…do come back and visit…I would really love to hear about your journey."
Haku walked back to the lake, sat down on top of it and started meditating.
Naruto only placed his hand on his cheek as he stared at the fifteen-year-old girl.
After a moment he turns and leave…deciding to forget about Sasuke and Sakura…
---Naruto's Apartment---
Naruto, his bag on his back, ran. He ran towards the village exit. He took a short cut which would lead him past the his own training field. He passed the three stumps when he finally stopped. He felt something that he hoped never to sense again…wishful thinking.
He turned…and saw…Yukina.
Naruto narrowed his eyes as she came closer… "What the hell do you want?" Naruto spat with all the venom he could muster in his throat…
Yukina winced but kept moving closer, "I just wanted…to talk…"
Naruto scoffed, "I have nothing to say to you." Naruto turned and began to walk away…
Yukina clenched her eyes for a moment before yelling out, "Please ANIKI WAIT!"
Naruto stopped in his tracks, his anger was at it's peak, she actually dared to call him brother after trying to kill him a month ago…afterwards he started laughing, "First demon, the Naruto and now brother…Make up your damn mind…"
Naruto put on his trademark smirk as he walked up to her, "You want to talk…fine here's the story about the boy who was condemned by his father to become the vessel for a demon. This was done to protect a bunch of people who would later do everything in their power to make the boys life a living hell. If that's not enough…this child's mother threw him away for the soul purpose of saving her 'untainted' child." Yukina winced at the ice in Naruto's voice. "And to make things perfect…lets just say this other child comes back one day to accuse her brother of the things that he's been blamed for his ENTIRE LIFE!" The fact that Naruto hadn't stopped smiling during this entire conversation was starting to scare the girl. "One child, loved by all…another child hated for doing absolutely nothing but just being alive…"
Yukina remembered her grandfather's words, "Naruto…I'm so sorry…"
Naruto turned, "I don't need your damn pity…"
"Aniki…"
Naruto quickly turned looking at her with every last ounce of hatred he had, "DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!"
Yukina winced… "Was your…life really that hard…"
Naruto's face once again became a twisted smile; "So much so that I wish the ANBU had never found me…hanging there so many years ago in my apartment…barely alive…"
Yukina's eyes widened.
"Surprised…" Naruto shrugged, "That was the day I died…the son of Kazama Arashi and Ryuu Kizuna…that was the day you truly became an only child. Either way I refuse to acknowledge myself the child of the two people who damned me to this hell, just to save the life of their obvious favored child. But now…I will never have to deal with it anymore…"
Yukina looked at him questioningly…
Naruto pointed to his backpack, "Never heard huh…I'm leaving…and I won't be coming back ever…" Naruto said, lying about the last part.
Yukina's eyes widened, "What? You-"
"Can't? Me and old man Sarutobi made a deal…I get my chunin vest…and I can leave…no questions asked…" And with that the boy turned and walked away.
Yukina ran after him but stopped the second she felt pain in her stomach. As Naruto removed his knee from her stomach, she fell to the ground clutching it.
Naruto felt several spikes of chakra and then one huge spike that he would forever recognize…he decided to end his meeting with the girl. He dropped down to one knee so he was eye level with the girl, "Pay attention because I'm only going to say this once…I HATE YOU…Stay the hell away from me…the only reason I don't kill you now is for the memory of the Third Hokage…I know he would be disappointed if he knew I killed you…that's the only reason I'm holding back against you now…" With one last glare at the girl, Naruto left…
Silent tears fell down the girls face.
In a nearby tree, sat a certain perverted hermit, "Well…that's about the best we could hope for in a while…"
He turned to glare at the ANBU who had been following Yukina around, making sure they don't attack Naruto…
---In a clearing a few minutes away---
"…the only reason I don't kill you now is for the memory of the Third Hokage…" Kyuubi mocked in the boy's voice… "Bah…the only reason you didn't kill her was because you felt all those ANBU around…"
Naruto shrugged, "So I lied…what do you want…"
Kyuubi laughed in his head…
Naruto continued walking towards the exit, when he heard crying. Easily recognizing the owner of the crying so he opted to follow, since he was already going that direction.
He quickly finds the owner, "Sakura? What's wrong…"
The pink haired girl turns to see Naruto, "It's Sasuke-kun…he's gone…"
Naruto cocked an eyebrow, "What?"
"He left to go to the sound village…he's going to receive training from Orochimaru…"
Naruto's eyes widened, "What?"
"He left…saying he could get more power at Otogakure…"
Naruto growled inwardly, 'Figures…I work the hard way to leave the village fairly…and Sasuke gets to just walk out…'
This time Kyuubi actually sweatdropped at the statement, "Kid…I think your missing the point here…"
Sakura cried into her hands, "What'll happen if the Hunter-nin find him…"
Naruto raised an eyebrow at he prospect…He could almost see Sasuke in front of the council…
Sasuke stood in front of the entire council of Konaha, minus the Hokage. Koharu was the first to speak, "Uchiha Sasuke…you've been charged as a traitor of Konaha…what do you have to say for yourself?"
Sasuke shrugged, "I'm…Uchiha Sasuke…"
Koharu, along with the council gasped, "Oh My god…he IS Uchiha Sasuke!"
Homura went up to the boy to give him a closer look, "Yep…this IS Uchiha Sasuke…"
Koharu rested her hand on her chin, "We'll have to cover this little incident up…"
Homura suddenly snapped his fingers, "I got it…don't we usually blame some kid for a bunch of things he never does…what was his name again?"
Koharu suddenly snapped her fingers as well, "Uzumaki Naruto…so far we have him branded as the Kyuubi, the one who made Orochimaru defect, the cause of the Uchiha massacre, and finally the cause Great Shinobi wars…"
Homura laughed, "Alright…as of now…he's responsible for the defection of Uchiha Sasuke…"
Koharu nodded, "All right then it's settled!"
Naruto stared wide eye into the empty forest, 'Are you in my mind again…'
"Damn…was hoping you wouldn't notice…"
Naruto's eye twitched slightly…
Sakura sighed, "They'll execute him…that's the punishment for traitors…"
Naruto sighed… "Sakura…This village owes the Uchiha far to much to damn their last child-" Naruto paused as he connected Sasuke to his own situation… "I mean…Sasuke is the last owner of the powerful blood line…surely the village wouldn't be so moronic as to damn him-" Naruto once again paused…
"He's screwed…"
"DAMN IT!"
Sakura sighed…as she got up and wrapped her arms around Naruto, "Maybe it'll be alright…Shikamaru and a few others went after him…maybe they'll bring him back safely…"
Naruto sighed as he pulled himself out of Sakura's embrace, knowing that she didn't believe the words that she was speaking, "I have to go…goodbye Sakura…"
Sakura sighed as well, "Goodbye…Naruto…"
With that Naruto left…
---Konaha Gate---
Naruto reached the gate of the village quickly. He pulled out his papers, showing them to the ANBU, who quickly let him through, a little to happy, Naruto noted.
After the gate was opened…Naruto ran through as fast as he could…
---Clearing---
Naruto stopped in a clearing, untying his Konaha Hitai-ate and putting on the one that Iruka gave him…
He sighed as he went over to a nearby tree…and leaned against it…
Naruto growled as he thought about Sasuke's situation... "Damn idiot...what could he be thinking...He's just going to become a tool for Orochimaru..."
Naruto looked in the direction of the Sound village... He growled inwardly, "What the hell am I thinking...I don't owe him anything...and I sure as hell don't owe this village anything..."
"I hate you...you know that right...I hate you...my father...my mother...my sister...my grandparents...and this whole DAMN village!...for all I care you can all BURN IN HELL!" (Naruto)
"I'm free...I can leave and no one can stop me..."
At about this point Kyuubi retreated to the deepest part of Naruto's mind...he would leave the boy alone...
"...So what's stopping me..."
"…do you still hold the same opinion you did before? Do you still have no precious people, no one to protect?" (Haku)
Naruto's eyes widened, "Is Sasuke precious to me..."
"In the ninja world…those who break the rules are scum…but those who abandon their teammates are worse and scum…" (Kakashi)
"Would I be scum for leaving Sasuke behind...but wouldn't him leaving make him scrum as well..."
His mind flashed back to the picture of team 7.
"Are they precious to me..."
Naruto scowled when he thought back to the village he beat him on a daily basis, when he was younger, "What the hell do I owe this village...if I can leave...why shouldn't Sasuke have the same right?"
"They'll execute him…that's the punishment for traitors…" (Sakura)
Naruto sighed.
"...you will receive the right to leave the village, when ever you want…This right can not be revoked, unless you do something like interfere with a mission or something…then the Hokage can revoke the right…" (Sarutobi)
Naruto sighed... "If I got to help Sasuke...the council will force the Hokage to revoke my right to leave...Damn it...What the hell shoud I do..."
A/N: I'm sorry...but every bone in my body told me to end it their...i feell like such an ass...i can see the flames coming... snaps fingers...is instantly replaced with Kiba and Rock Lee...Both of whom scream in horror.
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