Chapter 3-Prison Break
Naruto walked into Konoha with Tsunade, Shizune, and Anko right beside him with a bandaged trailing Jiraiya a few feet away in crutches. Why was Jiraiya even in crutches? Simple. Anko told Tsunade and Shizune about Naruto suspecting Jiraiya was ordered to seal away the blonde's new found power before sending him back to Konoha afterwards so the Third Hokage could have his memories altered if not erased. It was one of the reasons Naruto wished Anko to join him in the mission, as to keep a pair of eyes on the Toad Sannin should he even try, and make an attempt at doing such sealing.
That in mind, Tsunade had questioned Jiraiya about it with her former teammate not even giving a straight answer, which resulted in a punch to the face, and demanding a straight answer. In all honesty, the Slug Princess was tired of all the cloak, and dagger kind of way this was being handled behind her back. After a few more attempts at getting one, Naruto intervene saying that Jiraiya was already answering by not even giving a straight answer, and that the Slug Princess's suspicions of the Toad Sannin's secret mission was in fact confirmed.
This event soon led to Tsunade breaking most of the bones in the pervert's body while only healing about half of them so they could get back to the Leaf at a marginal pace.
"The village seems to have taken a mean black eye," said Tsunade seeing some of the damaged homes had been repaired at a satisfactory rate though you could see how the damage was done.
"That it did. Had my Father and Mother still been alive they would never have let that happen," said Naruto walking towards the Hokage Tower, ignoring the looks from the people around him, and how they were surprised to see him alive.
"This place has gotten soft since my time away. I'm looking forward to giving this place a sharp kick in the ass," said Tsunade before the group made it to the Hokage's Tower and she kicked down the door to the Hokage's Office.
"Tsunade? Why did you kick down my door? Where is Jiraiya?" said the Sandaime, only to have his second question answered when Jiraiya came hobbling in, and saw the man shake his head no at the Hokage that his secret mission failed.
"You seem a bit surprised sensei. Surprised Jiraiya succeeded in finding me before he had a chance to send my Godson, whoI was told had been dead for over a decade back here to be nothing short of being blind, deaf, and dumb!" said Tsunade seeing the Hokage go pale in fear at seeing the secret mission given to Jiraiya within the one to find her being discovered.
"It wasn't hard to figure out old man. Why else send me on this mission with the promise of having my status as a mercenary approved? Jiraiya is a Seal Master. Everyone knows that and you knew the man could bring her back without me. Why send just me? Why not send Anko, an ANBU team, or any other with Jiraiya in terms of backup? Simple. You wanted Jiraiya to lock away my powers, send me back, and then have someone in the Yamanaka Clan do their thing inside my mind. It was so seeable it was pathetic," said Naruto seeing the Sandaime scowling slightly at him for the insult.
"It was for your own good Naruto. Everything I have done has been for your own good and you have to accept that!" said the Sandaime before Naruto assaulted him with killer intent.
"Don't call me by my real name. You are unworthy of speaking it. As for this 'being for my own good', I think you better rethink those words because the majority of the people in this room know its BULL, and to even use that excuse just proves how senile you've become!" said Naruto seeing the Hokage was less then pleased by his defiance.
"That's enough Naruto. I don't care what you think in regards to the name you go by since I will never accept you 'Codename' or your mercenary status," said the Sandaime seeing Naruto's eye narrow further.
"That was the stipulation for the mission old man. I bring her back, I become a merc, and everyone walks away happy. Are you telling me, I was never meant to come back here with Tsunade, and complete the mission?" said Naruto seeing the Sandaime not backing down on account of his pride being struck by a boy old enough to be his Grandson.
Something Naruto wanted since pride could be labeled a weakness and the Sandaime was loaded with pride in his years of accomplishments.
"I'm telling you it doesn't matter what the stipulations were in regards to this mission you went on with Jiraiya, as you will never be anything, but what I say you are so long as I'm Hokage, and you will not disobey me Naruto. When this meeting is over, you will have all your new skills, powers, and abilities you've acquired in the last Month to be sealed away while your mind is altered or most likely wiped of all that you've accomplished," said the Sandaime angrily before he was blasted by an even greater wave of killer intent, but this time it wasn't from Naruto, and turned to the source of only one other person capable of producing such levels.
Senju Tsunade in full protective Godmother mode.
"That happens sensei and I swear on my Grandfather and Granduncle's grave I will burn this village to the ground with you along with it buried with all the arrogant bigots in this place!" said Tsunade right up to the Hokage's desk and slammed her fist into leaving a heavy imprint of her hand there.
"T-Tsunade-hime be reasonable! The boy could be the Child of Prophecy I told sensei about. For the safety of the village, he must be contained, and controlled," said Jiraiya, who was punched out of the room by Tsunade, and she returned to glaring at the old man before her.
"I've heard enough about my Godson's life to last me three lifetimes worth of nightmares knowing any such abuse he suffered could have been stopped by my hands if I had been here. Over a decade of abuse because I listened to the lies told to me by you and that Kami damned pervert! No more! You're unfit to be Hokage my oh so called sensei. I am taking over here as the new Hokage and if you choose to fight me on this I'll tell the Fire Daimyo everything that has happened to Naruto in such a way the man will order your death personally!" said Tsunade looking right into the eyes of the Sandaime and dared him to challenge her.
The Sandaime looked at Tsunade, then at Naruto seeing his one blue eye glaring at him, and knew that while the female Sannin maybe bluffing...the boy was not. The boy had nothing to lose and everything to gain with Tsunade being the same since neither had any love much less loyalty for the village. The truth had broken the false trust the Sandaime had spent years instilling into Naruto through lies knowing that should the blonde be the Child of Prophecy, it would allow the Leaf to survive, and influence a powerful force to fight for them.
"She's offering you a way out old man. Take it. Take it or she will kill you. You sense it, can't you? You will die at her hands. Slowly. Painfully. Dishonorably. Nothing more then what you so rightfully deserve given the reasons behind such a desire to end your life, but this move against you to be your successor is as sentimental as she's going to get, and it would be foolish to squander this single act of mercy," said Naruto seeing the Sandaime's eyes widen at that and then narrow dangerously.
"We clearly have a different point of view on the matter when it comes to being merciful to others," said the Sandaime seeing Tsunade lean closer so she was inches from the old Kage's face.
"Last chance sensei. Speak now or forever hold your peace before I spread your guts all over this room," said Tsunade seeing the Sandaime not budging for a few minutes before he closed his eyes, and sighed in defeat knowing the woman along with the boy had him by the balls.
"Fine! Take the title, but know that the Councils will never support any kind of decision that benefits the boy, and neither will the village in general. They will always hate him and there is nothing you can do to change that!" said the Sandaime glaring at Tsunade though she was not backing down.
Unlike the Sandaime, the female Senju had a good reason to be angry while the old Kage was angry out of spite, and just being selfish.
"Tough shit sensei. Get the Hell out of that chair now! You have stained the honor of the title Hokage for that last time," said Tsunade before yanking the hat right off the Third's head and putting it on her own.
"The hat suits you Hokage-sama," said Naruto bowing to the new Hokage with respect and saw her giving him a victory sign with a smile.
"Yeah. It does. Now onto business," said Tsunade grinning a devious grin that spelled doom for those that wronged her family.
(Hokage Tower-Meeting Room-Days Later)
"Why are we here? This meeting is not needed," said Homura, as he was waiting for the Sandaime to arrive, and hated waiting.
"The Hokage requested this meeting Homura-san. One does not refuse such a request by the Hokage for an important meeting," said Tsume, as she along with the rest of the Clan Heads were curious to the nature of this meeting, and for what exactly was needed of them.
"And yet here we wait," said Danzo knowing this was taking him away from his business with Root and anytime running it wasted on meetings like this was time needed to gain control of things he wanted.
"For good reason Danzo," said Tsunade spinning the Hokage's chair around for everyone to see her wearing the Hokage hat and robes over the usual attire she wore.
"What is the meaning of this? The mission the Sandaime sent Jiraiya and the demon brat on was for you to return to the village to heal the injured from the invasion. Not sit in the Hokage's chair in the Sandaime's place!" said Koharu before seeing Naruto appear from the shadows behind Tsunade wearing a trench coat with the kanji for FOX written on the back.
"Things have changed in the past few days while at the hospital. Sarutobi-sensei is no longer capable of running the Leaf as the Hokage of the village. Being the best medical professional in all the Elemental Countries, I have decreed him unfit for duty on account of his old age, and senile state of mind. With what mental state he had left, my oh so very humble sensei made me Hokage in his place, and to rule over Konoha as I see fit," said Tsunade, which was a lie of course for the most part, but it was official in terms of the passing the title in naming a successor, and she in turn personally threw the old man into a special hospital room before pumping him full of drugs needed to keep her old sensei down for the count while still breathing for years to come.
Tsunade had decided Sarutobi Hiruzen would live, but for his crimes against her Godson, she placed him in a prison of his own mind, and made sure the man's life reflected that. Tsunade used her own knowledge of Genjutsu when directed on the mind from the years of experience to put the now retired for a second time Hokage into a nightmarish Hell where Naruto's life filled with pain would become the old man's.
All until the day he died.
"Then your first order of business is to punish the demon brat for his crimes against the Uchiha!" said a Civilian Councilman before he was silenced further by Tsunade's glare.
"Call my Godson that again and you'll be obliterated on the spot. As for Nar-excuse me Gray Fox's actions regarding the Uchiha, I'm afraid such a thing is not possible, as the boy is no longer a member of our Shinobi forces here in Konoha, and has been officially made a mercenary for hire," said Tsunade hearing the Councils protesting, slamming their fists, and wanting the boy's blood for his actions against the Uchiha.
"On what grounds?" said Koharu seeing Tsunade raise an eyebrow at her.
"What grounds? Let's see, I believe it was stipulated in the mission by my predecessor that, and I quote: 'Should one Uzumaki Naruto A.K.A. Gray Fox return with Jiraiya with Senju Tsunade, he will be granted his right to become a mercenary, and take on missions that benefit him'. End quote," said Tsunade throwing down the mission scroll with the terms stated clear as day on them.
"Tsunade-sama is correct. Gray Fox has earned the right to be a mercenary," said Shibi seeing no reason to deny the blonde what he wanted.
"It doesn't matter. The boy was a Genin at the time of the invasion and committed the act of treason against the Leaf by taking Uchiha Sasuke's arm off at the elbow. He must be punished for this act," said Danzo seeing the Shinobi Council grinning.
"Fine! I'll punish him in my own way. Bad Gray Fox!" said Tsunade tapping lightly on the shoulder with Naruto mockingly holding his arm as if in pain.
"Oh no the pain! The pain! I am truly sorry Hokage-sama. I won't do it ever again. Have mercy!" said Naruto mockingly moving about behind her as if in pain from the touch.
"Okay. Punishment served," said Tsunade while smiling a cheeky smile at Danzo, who was not amused, and neither was the rest of the Councils.
"That doesn't count!" said Koharu seeing Tsunade raise an eyebrow.
"Actually, it does under the laws of this village stating any punishment to a Shinobi will ultimately be decided by the Hokage, and since I've punished him we'll end this matter as being closed," said Tsunade smiling at their angry face and knew she hit them where it hurt the most in this matter.
"Then we demand to know how the boy became so strong and demand that he teach it to Uchiha-sama!" said Homura, as he glared at the boy in question, who ignored him on account of being glared at by far stronger people, and did little to make Naruto feel like he should submit.
"Can't teach him. Part of my bloodline and therefore fall under Clan Secrets," said Naruto knowing that would be the official story.
"You will teach him how your Taijutsu style and the way you wielded that sword!" said Koharu seeing the boy shake his head no.
"Out of the question. They are part of my clan's style on my Mother's side," lied Naruto seeing the Councils gritting their teeth in anger.
"Besides, Gray Fox is a mercenary now, and doesn't answer to you. He only answers to me, as I was able to get him signed to fat contract for several years of service, and will only answer to me. In the event I am removed from my position via coup, assassination, retirement, or any kind of ousting in general then he can be freed of all responsibilities to working for the Leaf while living his life how he sees fit," said Tsunade showing them a copy of the contract with the Hokage's Seal on it with her signature.
"Then we order you to punish the boy further then that simple poke of yours," said Danzo seeing Tsunade looking at him with narrowed eyes.
"And who or what gives you the authority to order me around. The Sandaime may have let you do that, if only to ease his guilt over where my Godson is concerned, but let me make one thing crystal clear so this is understood right here, and now for everyone in this room. I am the Hokage. I cannot and will not be ordered by anyone in this room to do something I disagree with. This is not a democracy. It is a dictatorship and I am the ruler of it whether you bakas like it or not. If you don't? Resign! I can find plenty of people capable of replacing you and don't think I can't," said Tsunade seeing the members of the Civilian Council trembling in fear.
"What about the Uchiha? His arm needs to be put back into place and soon!" said Koharu seeing Tsunade scowl at her.
"I already did the surgery. Had my medic program been implemented years ago like I had requested, then your precious Uchiha would have been healed already, and the sudden need to have me back here would not be required at all. Not that it matters right now. The boy is going to need intense physical therapy to make the arm work again properly and even then forming hand signs for Jutsus much less one in particular in his arsenal will be exceedingly difficult. In fact, he should have never learned that kind of Jutsu in the first place by his so called sensei, and I intend to deal with the man accordingly in my own way," said Tsunade knowing she and Hatake were going to have a nice long chat about this.
"Hokage-sama, what of my daughter? I've been tied up in clan business recently that I can't spend anytime visiting her," said Hiashi, as he was dealing with a flurry of activity within his clan, and dealing with his twin brother's son regarding the truth behind that day so many years ago.
"She's doing fine now Hiashi. Though I don't need to express to you on just how upset I am at her cousin's actions. Had I not come back to heal her injuries, they could have been damaging to her in the distant future, and maybe even death if too much strain from due to her Shinobi training," said Tsunade seeing Hiashi nod.
"I am dealing with that at home as we speak Hokage-sama," said Hiashi with the female Hokage looking at him for a second before readdressing everyone else.
"This meeting is now officially over. Everyone here except Shizune and Gray Fox are to allowed to leave before I throw you out," said Tsunade seeing everyone leave with only her assistant and Naruto staying behind.
"Not a bad first day as Hokage," said Naruto grinning at Tsunade, who smirked back, and so did Shizune.
"I think I laid down the law pretty well," said Tsunade confidently.
"Just make sure you constantly enforce it," said Naruto seeing Tsunade nod in agreement.
"I have no problem doing that," said Tsunade grinning at him.
"I've noticed. If you have no assignments for me Godmother, I'll take my leave, and take care of some things at the Namikaze Estates," said Naruto before leaving the room.
"You're playing a dangerous game here Tsunade-hime," said Jiraiya, who was now fully healed, and was concerned by how things were now changing.
"Like you and sensei did with Naruto? The only reason I don't destroy you permanently is because of your skills and spy network. Sensei may have let you go about doing whatever you wanted while ignoring your Godson, but I won't tolerate it, and make sure you pay up to your mistakes regarding Minato's son," said Tsunade knowing Jiraiya wasn't going to like that.
"And what exactly did you have in mind?" said Jiraiya cautiously.
"Give Naruto the Toad Summoning Contract," said Tsunade simply.
"No! Out of the question Tsunade. With Kyuubi's chakra added to the mix of his own, Naruto could easily summon Gamabunta, and the Toad Boss has never been happy ever since Minato died," said Jiraiya seeing Tsunade's eyes narrow at him.
"Perhaps Gamabunta won't be so grumpy upon learning Minato's son is alive! Did you even think of that? Of course you did, but then again, you always did use ever muscle in your body except the one that counted, and we both know its not the one down there I'm referring to," said Tsunade seeing Jiraiya grimace.
"Damn it Tsunade! The boy could undo everything about the way things are done in the Elemental Countries. That's a lot of upheaval. A lot of pain. A lot of death," said Jiraiya hoping to appeal to the doctor in Tsunade.
"Maybe you're right about the upheaval Naruto will cause, but right now the world is in a painful state of the same old routine, and I for one am sick of it. You will teach Naruto how to summon Toads or I will summon one of my slugs to tell the Toads the truth about Minato's son and how you kept it from Gamabunta," said Tsunade seeing Jiraiya go pale knowing the resulting aftermath of that situation.
Gamabunta would remove Jiraiya from summoning Toads and perform an emergency summons to give Naruto that honor personally.
"All right! Fine! I just hope you know what you're doing Tsunade," said Jiraiya before leaving from the very window he was on.
(Hokage Tower-Interrogation Holding Cells-With the Sound Four)
They sat there detained, each in a small prison cell barely large enough to hold a bed, a less then sanitary looking toilet was connected to the wall several feet from where they each sleep, and all four of them wanted out. Each one of them different, but had served a single purpose in following one person, and loyally without question.
They were the Sound Four.
"How do we get out of here? Anyone have an idea?" said Kidomaru since the walls were not thick enough to keep out their voices.
A tactic used by the Leaf to eavesdrop on information prisoners give to each other when bored and need something to do.
"No. Not surprising given our chakra is temporarily sealed away in these shackles," said Sakon calmly.
"What about you Jirobo? Can't you use that strength of yours to smash one of these walls down?" said Ukon next to his brother.
"No. The walls are strong enough to repel my level of strength," said Jirobo having hit the wall and it made a loud noise just without the dent.
"Keep it down fat ass. Some of us are trying to sleep!" said Tayuya at being denied sleep through their talking of escape.
"What's wrong Tayuya-chan? Trying to have naughty dreams about that blonde again?" said Sakon laughing with the others knowing the redheaded girl of the group had been heard having such dreams after Tayuya witnessed some of the blonde's skills fighting Orochimaru before she lost complete consciousness.
"Shut the fuck up! It wasn't like that. I dreamt he was beating the crap out of me," said Tayuya blushing red with embarrassment and their laughter increased.
"Oh it was one of those naughty dreams. I didn't take you for a sub Tayuya-chan," said Kidomaru making the others laugh harder and Tayuya angrier.
"Shut up you cock sucking pig fucker!" said Tayuya punching the wall and kept hearing the others laughing at her.
The laughter at the girl's expense was soon cut short when a powerful explosion on the wall farthest from each of them shook the area around them to reveal Kabuto, Kimimaro, and an assault squad of Sound Shinobi. With ease, he freed them of their shackles, and motioned them to follow.
"Orochimaru-sama maybe gone, but that doesn't mean your duty to him is gone, as I am in charge, and you will now be taking orders from me," said Kabuto seeing the Sound Four nod though he missed Tayuya looking back at the Leaf when they began to flee.
She didn't know why, but the thought of working for Orochimaru's second-in-command wasn't exactly make her hear jump for joy, and there was always a chance they would get caught. Not just by the Jounin or the ANBU, but by the blonde brat responsible for their Master's death, and Tayuya didn't want to fight a guy like that on account of so many different stories being told that didn't really make sense to her. The kid was a demon. The demon had broken free. Was possessing its vessel while tearing apart people all over the village.
It didn't make sense to her.
(Hokage's Office)
"There's been a break in at the Interrogation Cells! All four of Orochimaru's bodyguards have escaped!" said a Chuunin running into the Hokage's Office.
"Dispatch any Shinobi we can to catch them. I want two of them alive at the very least," said Tsunade before turning to Naruto, who also happened to be in the office discussing some ideas for the changes made to the Academy while replacing the instructors there with the exception of Iruka.
"I suppose you want my help with this, right? Okay! Time to earn my fee," said Naruto, as he was heading out via the window since heading out through the door would only make the Sound Four get farther away.
"Naruto, please be careful on all counts. I don't know who was sent to free Orochimaru's bodyguards, but they are clearly being led by someone strong, and I don't need to remind you of the possibility of foes within the village too," said Tsunade, as she knew like her Godson did that there were still a large number of people, who hated Naruto, and among the Shinobi in the majority would gladly use this mission to get what they want.
"I'll keep an eye out for them," said Naruto giving a mock salute and then leaped through the window.
"Send Neko's and her team out to support him," said Tsunade, as she saw Shizune nod, and left to get the team dispatched.
(Outside of Konoha-Sometime Later)
"We have to hurry. By now, Leaf forces have been sent out to capture, or kill us should we prove to be too much trouble," said Kabuto, as he had no intention of staying in the Leaf's territory anymore then he had to, and fight its forces.
It would only bring more into Rice Country and Kabuto didn't want to give Leaf Shinobi an excuse to enter the country to hunt for Sound bases.
"How much further?" said Kidomaru, as he leaped through the trees behind Kabuto, and was a bit surprised to see Kimimaro out in the field given the albino's condition.
"Not too far. Within the next few hours, we will be free of the Leaf, and all its Shinobi," said Kabuto smirking at outsmarting Konoha's forces.
Of course, the smirk was soon removed from his face when a barrage of kunai struck from the trees killing some of the Sound Shinobi, and hit Jirobo in his right arm. Crying out in pain, Jirobo along with everyone else now looked around to see just who had the guts to strike out so suddenly, and formed a defensive formation around Kabuto when they went for solid ground.
"You should have suppressed your chakra. It would have made it more difficult to find you," said Naruto through the shadows of the forest while looking at the Sound Shinobi.
'Its him!' thought Tayuya knowing without her flute she was screwed.
"So Konoha demon vessel has come to hunt us down like the pet he is to them. I find it interesting you would have a fox in you, yet the way you obediently go to fetch us at the command of the Hokage, and makes me think you're more of a pet dog on a leash," said Kabuto earning a few snickers from the group.
"And what were you to Orochimaru? His 'best friend'? His 'confidant'? Maybe you were something more, which if discovered would be frowned upon, and your position of power in being his second-in-command was tainted...further! I mean, I have no problem with you being his butt buddy, but I'm sure if the public knew just what you had to do in order to be in such a position of power while in Sound would destroy any kind of recruitment drive needed to restore its ranks after the failed invasion," said Naruto laughing at the sight of green face from those around Kabuto and the angry snarl that came to the man's face.
"How dare you! I will not let some abomination of the Leaf like you talk that way to me!" said Kabuto narrowing his eyes at the forest while trying to find Naruto.
"You think that I care about what you call me? I've heard it all before. Monster. Demon. Kyuubi brat. I've heard 'Kill the fox!', 'Burn him!' 'Skin him!', and while that last part never happened I have had quite a few close calls. So don't think you can intimidate or anger me in order to throw my game off. Still, it would be wrong not to offer you this one chance to surrender, and come quietly. However, if you still prefer that I drag you back to the Leaf kicking, screaming, and without a few limbs with the risk of slowly bleeding to death...then I will gladly accommodate you," said Naruto prior to leaping quickly from his spot at the tree at lightning fast speed and sliced Kidomaru in half with his HF sword before disappearing from sight by jumping back into the trees.
"Holy shit!" said Tayuya, as she saw Kidomaru fall down crying in pain while his life was now dwindling down to nothing, and would soon meet his end.
"Don't just stand there you idiots! Go get him!" said Kabuto pointing to the area where Naruto had leapt and the Sound Shinobi he came with now pursued the mercenary.
Only for the sound of a metallic blade being heard tearing through flesh, the screams of the victims of the weapon used, and the limbs that fell from the trees while raining blood. Sakon, being too scared to fight Naruto, tried to flee to the borders of Rice Country, but the blonde had thrown his HF sword at the man, and pierced his heart.
Killing him along with his brother Ukon in the process.
"Surrender or die," said Naruto again from the shadows of the forest.
"Come down here and fight us!" said Kimimaro before he coughed violently and blood fell onto his hand being coughed into.
"Why should I give up my advantage?" said Naruto seeing Tayuya backing away from the group of Sound Shinobi, but unlike Sakon, the redhead was inching towards the direction of the Leaf.
"It would appear this girl doesn't want to be killed by you," said Ocelot inside Naruto's head and the boy nodded.
"Use it to your advantage. Its clear the others aren't redeemable. You'll have to kill them with the exception of the redhead," said Frank knowing it will be the only way Tayuya was going to get back to the Leaf alive.
"Then we'll make you," said Jirobo moving to grab the HF sword and chop every tree in this damn forest in half.
Only for a pair of chakra strings to shoot out from above, wrap around the hilt, and bring it back to the hands of its Master.
"You should know better then to go for my sword. It's a rare one of a kind made weapon. For shame on you," said Naruto in an almost mocking voice, as he wiped off the blood, and quietly moved to another position in the trees.
"Don't you dare mock me! I don't care if I'm injured. I'll kill you!" said Jirobo before smashing a tree down, then another, and then another while draining what little energy he had left due to his injuries.
'What a mindless thing he is,' thought Naruto seeing Jirobo acting like a crazed animal in lashing out at everything around him.
Even Kimimaro and Kabuto.
The big guy was going to strike out against Tayuya, but the redhead had enough of him, and the association with the Sound in general. So used what Taijutsu skills she possessed to dodge the large man's attacks, and launched a spin kick to his face with all the strength she could put into it with the blow behind it sending him back a few feet with bruise on his face.
"Calm the fuck down and stay the Hell away from me you fat ass!" said Tayuya, but only this time, Jirobo didn't do what she yelled, and tried again to hurt her.
And succeeded by hitting her with his good arm and sent her into a tree knocking the poor girl out.
"I've wanted to do that for awhile now," said Jirobo feeling pretty good right now and had surprisingly calm down.
Before a certain HF sword pierced the man's back and went through his chest with blood shooting out like a fountain.
"Die fool," said Naruto in a whispered voice filled with a cold hatred to it before pulling out the blade with one quick yank with the man's blood covering him.
"Now its your turn," said Kimimaro creating bony ice pick shaped weapon and tried to stab Naruto with it.
Key word being tried.
Naruto was dodging the strikes aimed at body while trying to slice Kimimaro to pieces in return with the albino leaping away from the swordsman before bringing out a bo staff made from both his arms stretched out horizontally. Soon the two warriors were fighting each other in a strange, almost artistic display of two warriors battling it out with the winner earning the privilege of survival, and to fight another day.
"You will pay for killing Orochimaru-sama!" said Kimimaro trying to bring his weapon down upon Naruto's head, but the blonde dodged it at the last second landed a solid slash diagonally upon the albino's back, and stained it red with blood from the wound.
"The man had no honor. Much like his sensei. All who follow him will die by my sword," said Naruto knowing his HF sword had sliced through Kimimaro's spine, and was now paralyzed from the waist down.
"No. I...cannot die this...this way. Orochimaru-sama's revenge it...it must be...completed," said Kimimaro, as he tried to get up, but his body was too weak, and given how it was weak already...it did not have the strength to get off the ground.
"And now there is just one snake left," said Naruto before a hand went through his back, out of his chest, and gasped at the pain.
"Its always the last snake that gets you boy. Not the first, not the second, or any other before the last. Just the last," said Kabuto grinning at his victory at being patient and killing the brat.
Before Naruto went "poof" right in front of him.
"I love Shadow Clones," said Naruto from behind Kabuto after slicing through the man's head.
'How? How did he get behind me like that?' " thought Kabuto for the last time in his life with his eyes now looking up at Naruto from his position before death took him.
'A kill truly worthy of recognition from late Momochi Zabuza,' thought Naruto knowing how the late Missing Nin had been a Master of the silent kill and this was one worthy of praise.
Putting his sword away, Naruto turned to the unconscious red head slumped against a tree with her back imprinted on it, and scooped the girl up into his arms bridal style moments before Neko's ANBU team arrived. They were surprised to see all, but one of the Sound Four had been killed, and the team that sprung the group free was dead too.
"What happened?" said Neko seeing blood still dropping from the trees down to where the body parts of Sound Shinobi team had been.
"I killed them all. Well, except this one. I gave them a chance to surrender and only the redhead took it. She got hit by the big guy over there for her troubles. I have a feeling she'll tell Ibiki and Anko anything they want to know from here on out," said Naruto seeing the group of ANBU nod before they escorted Naruto back to the village knowing a Chuunin and Jounin cleanup crew would come along to handle this mess.
(Konoha Hospital-Several Days Later)
Naruto smiled at seeing Hinata finally being released from the hospital after Tsunade had fixed her injuries and was now cleared for Shinobi duty once more. The girl wore her usual attire with the large jacket worn to cover up the hidden beauty Naruto knew she possessed yet hid out of reasons of shyness. Not that Naruto would blame her, as every single male pervert around their age would be staring at her now, and then later when physical maturity kicked in.
"Ready to take on the world?" said Naruto dressed in black pants, steel toed boots, and t-shirt with silver gray fox on the back with lightning flashing around it.
"Yes," said Hinata knowing Naruto was joking when he asked that question and really meant was she ready to get back to training.
"Great! I know a spot where we can train to give those muscles of yours a nice workout after being in that hospital bed for so long," said Naruto seeing the girl blush at the idea of training with her crush.
'This girl reminds me so much of Eva with her shyness. Even the determination this girl showed when she fought her cousin is just like Eva's too,' thought Big Boss watching silently to see how things went with the two.
"I heard you're a mercenary now," said Hinata while surprising herself in not stuttering when around him.
"I see word travels fast. Not surprising really. Did you also hear about my heritage being revealed too?" said Naruto smirking at the girl knowing she did and the people were not happy about the news.
Tsunade had gotten a lot of protest from the Councils, trying to deny he was the child of the Yondaime, and Uzumaki Kushina while questioning the legitimacy of the marriage. Tsunade had produced all the needed documentation, as well as well as DNA test using what was on file, and compared it to Naruto's showing that he was indeed the son of the two great Leaf Shinobi.
In all honesty, Tsunade herself was against the idea Naruto proposed in revealing his heritage to the Leaf due to Iwa still being bitter over what his Father did, and yet Naruto didn't seem to care. Naruto told her that he would tell the Tsuchikage about how the Leaf went against his Father's dying wish and treated him like garbage to make the Kage feel better to square away such ideas of revenge. What better way for Iwa to have its revenge, then knowing the Leaf did what they would desire in terms of payment for them, and call things even with the two villages?
Tsunade had to agree with that logic. Besides, it was clear from what she could squeeze out of Jiraiya about Akatsuki that Iwa's own two demon vessels were targets, and Naruto didn't want his kin to suffer anymore.
He wanted them united together with him. With a purpose far greater then protecting the very villages that hated them. The only exception among the villages was Kumo, but even then it was no doubt due to the Raikage actually caring about his younger brother, and to a slightly lesser extent Nii Yugito.
In short, Naruto was proposing an outfit designed to served the Elemental Countries as a whole, but not favor any of them, and only help the side they felt was right. Tsunade had been worried how the villages would react to that kind of idea, but Naruto had told her at this point in life, if change was not done, then the world would destroy itself, and no one would win in the end should that occur.
So Naruto was given a secret mission, when outside of the Leaf on missions, to find his other demon vessel kin, and ask them to join his new group called FOXHOUND. To carve out a place for themselves within the Elemental Countries, which would be named Outer Heaven in honor of Big Boss, and live up to its name sake. It was to be a place of sanctuary for people just like Naruto, his kin, and any others out there within the deep recesses of the Elemental Countries suffering from the abusive exploitations caused by the arrogant bigots in power.
Even now, Naruto could get quite a few people here in the Leaf to join, and they'd do so willingly to get away from here.
"Yes. I imagine you've gotten quite a few girls seeking to date you," said Hinata though there was a hint of depression in her voice, which Naruto picked up on, and he smirked at her.
"A few. Not many really. Besides, I don't like girls in that way if they just want me for my status when at one point, they would sooner spit on me because they thought I was a mere piece of trash, and had nothing to offer them," said Naruto, as he saw Hinata stand up straighter now at his words, and a smile with eyes filled with hope appearing on her face.
"I agree. One should not do such things simply for status," said Hinata before they had reached the training ground Naruto had brought them too.
"A girl after my own heart. But enough about me. Let's focus on you and getting those lazy muscles of yours back into shape. I'll even make a deal with you. If you can land one successful hit on my body, I'll take you out on a date, and we can get to know each other better," said Naruto getting into CQC and a severely blushing Hinata getting into Gentle Fist.
'That's what I call motivation!' thought Hinata, as she would earn that date, and show him she was not like those other girls.
(Hokage's Office)
"Sit Kakashi," said Tsunade sternly seeing the Jounin do so and saw he was curious as to being summoned by her.
"Hokage-sama, why was I summoned? I need to be with Sasuke to help with his therapy, and recovery," said Kakashi seeing the Hokage narrow her eyes at him slightly.
"Yes. Sasuke. We'll get to the Uchiha later, but first I want to talk to you about certain things that have come to my attention, and have been ignored by the Sandaime during his time in this office," said Tsunade seeing the Jounin's eyebrow rise up.
"What things Hokage-sama?" said Kakashi seeing the woman produce a list of things on them and handed it to the Jounin.
"Read it Kakashi and then tell me if what's on that paper is indeed accurate in terms of what you've been doing as team 7's sensei," said Tsunade knowing they were, as the other Jounin senseis had basically heard the man confess to a few of them, and didn't seem to care.
Now Kakashi was nervous.
"Well...yes, but you have to understand Hokage-sama that everything I did was given the full approval of the Sandaime, and even the Councils on some of these too," said Kakashi seeing Tsunade was getting angrier with every second he talked.
"Even though some things listed on that sheet show the betrayal of the Yondaime's dying wish, his teaching to you, and basically the overall principles of the Leaf that the village was founded on?" said Tsunade seeing Kakashi sweating now.
"Well you have to admit, given the time I had with them, Sasuke seemed to be a much better candidate for being a Shinobi then Naruto, and Sabaku no Gaara isn't someone to be trifled with," said Kakashi seeing Tsunade slam her palm down on the desk and had caused the surface of it to crack in a spider web formation.
"So is a Prodigy from the Hyuuga Clan you dumb baka! Naruto needed just as much training as Sasuke did. Maybe even more considering his education at the Academy was deliberately sabotaged! Not to mention the final report you filed about Wave Country doesn't add up to Gray Fox's accounts on the matter," said Tsunade, as she asked for Naruto to give her a detailed description of the events of Wave, and compared it to the report Kakashi had filed.
"What exactly did he say?" said Kakashi trying to keep his voice even.
"Enough that I know that a good chunk of your report is garbage. 'Sasuke shows amazing potential in protecting the bridge builder, as he was able to plan out a strategy to free me from the Water Prison Jutsu Momochi Zabuza had place me in, and showed the potential behind his birthright.' Those were your exact words in the report. From what Gray Fox told me, it was he, and not the Uchiha responsible for setting you free," said Tsunade, as she glared heavily at Kakashi, and saw what little of his face go pale for a second before returning back to normal.
"Surely you don't believe a once Genin level Shinobi over a Jounin like myself?" said Kakashi hoping the woman would reconsider believing the blonde's recounting of such events.
"Do you think I am a fool Kakashi? I should hope not. You see, I sent a message to the client Tazuna, asking for his version of things, and he told me how reckless you were on the mission. He told me how you got caught in the Water Prison Jutsu, how Zabuza was going to complete his mission, and how Gray Fox fought back in the end with the blonde gaki coming up with the plan to set you free. I asked him for every single detail Kakashi, and I know for a fact what is in your report is fake!" said Tsunade seeing the man trying to think of some way to get around this.
"The client is lying! He's only saying these things because Naruto apparently saved his family from Gato's thugs," said Kakashi only for the angry look on Tsunade's face to become almost demonic.
"They named a bridge after him you baka! Not only did Tazuna send me a word for word description of what happened with him while traveling with your team, as well as what of the fighting he saw on the bridge, but the man's daughter, and Grandson both expressed their sincerest wishes to Gray Fox for saving them from Gato's men along with inspiring them to rise up against the late businessman. Hell, it was because of Naruto that Zabuza used the last bit of his life to kill Gato, and avenge the boy Haku! Not Uchiha Sasuke!" said Tsunade seeing Kakashi was trembling slightly under her words.
"I'm standing by my report on the mission and so do the Councils. I will not change it for anyone!" said Kakashi at last seeing Tsunade's eyes narrowing dangerously.
"If that is your current standing, then I will have to seek a proper punishment for you, and the Uchiha for his actions that my predecessor left unchallenged. A punishment, which I think will involve you being banned from teaching Sasuke for a whole year, and banning any kind of involvement in the Chuunin Exams for the next three years," said Tsunade seeing Kakashi looking at her in horror.
"B-But y-you can't! I was assured by the Sandaime and the Councils that Sasuke would be allowed to advance in the ranks up to Chuunin after the Exams," said Kakashi seeing Tsunade now a heartbeat away from punching him down every floor below him down to the tower's foundation.
"That deal is nullified. I don't care what the Sandaime or the Councils promised. The boy is clearly unstable on account of his needless desire for revenge against Itachi and the fact the entire village spoils him like he was the Yondaime's son. Ironic that the man's actual child was neglected by you Hatake given your own connection to the Yondaime," said Tsunade seeing Kakashi narrow his eye in anger at the mentioning of Naruto.
"With all do respect Hokage-sama, I hardly believe that boy is worthy of being called the Yondaime's son, and while were on the subject I am still waiting to hear any word on his punishment for nearly crippling Sasuke during the start of the allied invasion against us," said Kakashi with the memory of Sasuke getting his arm at the elbow getting cut off.
"Gray Fox is not going to be punished for his actions Kakashi. Besides, even if I wanted to, the mercenary contract written up gives him full pardon of all actions against the Leaf, and I will not have you making things difficult because of your deep hate filled grudge against the Kyuubi inside of him," said Tsunade seeing Kakashi's fists slightly tighten at the news.
"That boy is Kyuubi. I don't care if his genetics say otherwise. That thing lost the right to be sensei's son the moment Kyuubi was sealed of him and everyone in Konoha knows it," said Kakashi standing up, only for his body to go flying out of building thanks to the punch Tsunade had hit him with, and soon crashed into a rundown building that soon collapsed on itself due to the impact.
(Namikaze Estates-Personal Training Ground)
Naruto had made over a hundred Shadow Clones of himself, which he soon divided up into different group, and had them training while he himself was looking over a scroll on the Rasengan. His Father had first designed it to one day be combined with the elements themselves, which upon fully being completed would be a devastating S-rank Jutsu, and make anyone facing such power to cower in fear.
"Hey gaki! Can I sit with you?" said Jiraiya giving the boy his most charming smile.
The blonde could of sworn it made some flowers die.
"Depends. Are you actually going to spend your time here being useful? Or are you here merely to waste my time?" said Naruto not looking at Jiraiya and just kept looking at the scroll to understand the Jutsu better.
"Of course! I was doing some soul searching and it occurred to me that you should also learn how to summon Toads like your old man did. Being the holder of said contract for them, I can have you sign it, and then summon them for battle," said Jiraiya seeing the blue eye Naruto was showing looking at him now.
Wait! Wasn't the eye patch on his other eye just yesterday?
"Something you should have done from the start my so called Godfather," said Naruto seeing Jiraiya frown.
"I had orders from the Sandaime. Sometimes we have to do what is asked of us, even if it means going against what we want, and don't want to do," said Jiraiya seeing Naruto just scoff at him.
"Is that the best excuse you could come up with? That you were following orders? We both know that's a lie Jiraiya. You say you care about me, but at the same time you had no problem with the secret orders to seal away my power when we left to find Tsunade, and no doubt would have tried had Anko-san not been there to keep an eye on you. Do not think for one second, I am going to be fooled by your so called 'hand of friendship', and just forgive you for your lack of positive involvement in my life," said Naruto, as he saw Jiraiya frown further at his words, and it was clear the Sannin didn't take too kindly to them.
"I believed and still do believe you have the potential to destroy the way of the Shinobi if the prophecy is in fact true. That means the way of life for every village, which includes Konoha, and I wasn't about to see the Leaf destroyed. The Sandaime believed you had to be contained, controlled, and I agreed that to ensure the prophecy didn't destroy the Leaf that certain measures had to be taken," said Jiraiya seeing the boy narrow his eye at him.
"By measures, you mean having the villagers beat me, stab me, sell me rotten food at huge prices, and try to make me submissive to their whims along with the Hokage's false sense of protection in order to stay loyal. You'll have to forgive me if I don't thank you for those measures being implemented for my own good," said Naruto sarcastically, as he saw Jiraiya was getting angrier, and it was making the blonde's day most enjoyable.
"You still don't get it. I would have thought the Son of the Yondaime would understand what was done to him was for the good of the village?" said Jiraiya before seeing Naruto stop in his reading of the scroll in front of him, slowly closed it, and turned a cold blue eye right at the Sannin with a surge of killer intent behind it.
"What I understand is you went against my Father's dying wish with your plan. What I understand is you along with the Sandaime tried to control me using the little scheme concocted while I was barely a day old. What I understand is you chose to lie to the one person that would have raised me in this village with love and deprived her of 12 years worth of being a Mother if only by surrogacy. My question to you Jiraiya-san, why should I spare you any kind of mercy, or even show forgiveness when you yourself do not wish to show those you hurt any in return?" said Naruto seeing Jiraiya looking away though whether it was from guilt or anger over his words the blonde could pinpoint.
"It comes with the job of being a Shinobi kid. I hurt Tsunade. I know that. Would I do it again in a heartbeat to keep the village safe? Absolutely! The wellbeing of the village comes first and if it means I have to betray my own teammate for the bigger picture in the survival of the Leaf then so be it," said Jiraiya seeing Naruto shake his head before the blonde laughed.
"That's funny. You sounded just Orochimaru right then and there," said Naruto seeing Jiraiya eyes blazing with anger.
"Don't you dare compare that man to me!" said Jiraiya standing up now and glaring at Naruto with anger no longer hiding behind his eyes.
"Why? You two so similar when comes manipulation and betrayal. Orochimaru fled because he betrayed the Leaf and the Sandaime. You betrayed my Father, Tsunade, and myself. You both use people. Aren't afraid of betraying those around you for the 'bigger picture' as you called it. Should I continue? Please do tell me because I can," said Naruto with Jiraiya going red in the face before the Sannin left to prevent a battle from possibly occurring.
"He hates being wrong," said Big Boss while inside Naruto's head.
'That and the pervert knows he's wrong deep down inside. The problem is Jiraiya simply won't admit it to himself because then the flood of guilt comes and his pride won't let that happen,' thought Naruto while going back to understanding the Rasengan.
(Hokage Tower-2 Weeks Later)
"You requested me for a mission?" said Naruto seeing the Hokage nod and ordered the client be sent in.
"This is Asama Sandayu, who is the Manager of the famous actress Fujikaze Yukie, and need you along with Genin teams 8 & 9 to protect her from harm while she shoots her newest movie while they head to Snow Country," said Tsunade seeing Naruto nod and accepted the mission given.
"When can I be expected to leave?" said Naruto knowing there was a matter of preparing for this mission.
"Tomorrow morning. You will travel to a ship at the eastern port of Fire Country for a ship that is being used for the movie when they are filming at sea. The others Genin teams have already been informed earlier and are getting ready right now," said Tsunade seeing Naruto nod and left without another word.
"I'll have to help you train for the snow based environment within your mindscape after you are done packing and then later when sleeping," said Frank with Ocelot nodding in agreement since they were no stranger to extremely cold places that could test even the most battle hardened soldier.
'Looking forward to it,' thought Naruto smirking at the challenge presented towards him and headed home to prepare.
"Oh Foxy-kun!" said Anko tackling him from behind and snuggling against his cheek with a grin on her face.
"Hello Anko-chan. How is everything?" said Naruto while ignoring her use of that name for him.
"Very good! That red haired girl Tayuya sang like a canary, giving us different locations, names of people she knows have were helping Orochimaru, and has been basically been giving us all the dirt we need to bury what my late bastard of a sensei created," said Anko while keeping out the little fact she along with Ibiki got a big bonus when presenting this info to the Hokage.
"And let me guess...you want to cash in that date I promised," said Naruto seeing her grin that ever happy grin like the dango shop was giving away free dango.
"Yep!" said Anko simply.
"As much as I would like to Anko-chan, you caught me at a bad time, and I have to get ready for a mission tomorrow morning. Perhaps when I get back?" said Naruto seeing the woman pout, as she clearly wanted that date, and checking his one eye to see if he was lying before nodding.
"The day you get back and not a minute later," said Anko before poking his chest, which she felt a lot of muscle, and blushed at the feel of it.
"Agreed. After I make an official report to the Hokage of course," said Naruto seeing Anko give him a playful frown.
"Fine! Just remember to bring a lot of cash because you're paying for it," said Anko with a devious smile on her face.
"Within reason. You pig out in an attempt to bleed me dry and we split the check," said Naruto seeing the Special Jounin snap her fingers before kissing him on the cheek.
"I like you Foxy-kun. A take no crap kind of guy while making sure the woman doesn't take too much from you. I can't wait for our date when you come back," said Anko before she went skipping along while humming a tune.
'Did any of you have women act crazy around you like that?' thought Naruto to Big Boss, Ocelot, Frank, and to a certain extent Kyuubi.
"Define crazy?/Define crazy?" said Big Boss, Ocelot, Frank, and Kyuubi with Naruto just looking at them with a deadpanned appearance on his face.
'Never mind,' thought Naruto before heading home to prepare for his mission.
(A/N: YAY! Another update! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. As for me, I'm going to rest, and relax. Until next time...PEACE!)