AN: This is the next chapter that I have done. I am sorry to disappoint those of you who like this story as I haven't updated it.
Chapter 2: On the Road, Happy 6th Birthday!
Small Village – 3 day's later
After going all out the first night, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Shizune had slowed down sensing no pursuit. They had all feared someone might have seen them and come after them and the precious child they carried.
"Ok Tsunade, I'm going to leave Naruto to you and Shizune." Jiraiya spared a glance at the baby that was currently being held by Shizune. "When would you like me to return to start his training?"
Tsunade had dreaded this question. She wanted to answer never but knew that wasn't apart of the deal they had made. "No sooner than his 5th birthday. Till then he will live like most children. We will start his schooling at that age too."
Jiraiya turned to Shizune, "Do you think you will be ready to start him in his basic academy schooling by that point?"
Shizune nodded. "I can start his basic academy instruction whenever. However, any younger than 5 and he might have a trouble with some of the stuff. Starting so young though also means we can go a little slower to allow more time in other area's besides the basics."
Tsunade was already planning out what medical ninjutsu's she would teach her new son. Sure, the old man and perv probably wanted him to learn all kinds of fighting jutsu's, but if she had her say he would also know some medical.
"Good, then I will go back to my room and go to bed. I will need to head out early tomorrow." As Jiraiya stood up he walked up to Shizune. Naruto was being quiet but wasn't asleep. He was just sitting there looking around. "I'll say good-bye to him then."
With that Jiraiya left and Shizune and Tsunade were alone.
"Excuse me Tsunade-san, but my I ask you something rather frank?" asked Shizune. She was a little nervous about her question, but had to know.
Tsunade turned around and began preparing Naruto's crib. "Shizune, you know that you can ask me almost anything. You don't need permission." 'It must be a serious question for her to ask for permission.'
Shizune let out a small sigh... "Why?" Tsunade stopped and turned towards her apprentice. "Why did you take him? I thought that you hated that village and almost everyone in it? I know he is Kushina's son, but still... You've never wanted anything that would remind you of that village hanging around except that necklace. Also, you've never been all that fond of children." Shizune looked at her master to see if she was upset. Instead she looked... sad. Almost like she was lost in some old thought.
"Shizune, he is special to me." Tsunade spoke in barely a whisper. "His parent's were the only people left in that village that I was willing to return to see. I wouldn't even return to see Sarutobi-sensei..." Tsunade's head hung slightly. While she might not show it, she cared for and respected the old man. Sure, he had messed up, but who hadn't.
Looking back up she continued, "Naruto is my last tie to the people I called friend from that village. Minato-kun and Kushina-chan were my friends. I cared for them very much. When I all but lost Kushina-chan during birth it tore me up. I also looked upon her as I would a surrogate daughter. I wish I could have had a daughter just like her. Minato-kun... I wasn't as close to him... But I knew that he made Kushina-chan happy and thats all that mattered..."
She walked over to Shizune and took Naruto from her. Looking into his eye's, she could see Minato's smiling face. The fool... Why did all the good people insist on dying for that stupid village... She walked back over to the small crib in the room and placed Naruto gently into it.
Shizune looked over at her master feeling pity for her... 'She must feel terrible... Not only did Minato-san die but she was unable to save Kushina-san either.'
Tsunade turned back to Shizune. "I also don't trust that village... At least not the elders and council members. I know they would have hurt poor Naruto. Sure, Sarutobi would have been able to stop them from killing him, but there are other ways to hurt someone. Emotionally and mentally he would have been a wreck. The old man couldn't have don't anything to stop that." She proceeded to walk over to the bed and lay down and close her eye's. "This way at least Kushina's son will know love..."
Unknown Village – 6 years later
Tsunade let out a long sigh... "Why must he always be like this for his birthday party?"
Naruto was running around the hotel room expectantly. He loved his birthday. It had really been a week since his real birthday but they never celebrated then. He didn't know why except that the one person he always loved to see would be there one week after. This was the one time a year that Naruto would get to see his Ojii-san.
"When do you think he'll be here??" Naruto wasn't known for his patience. He knew how to be patient when necessary, but this wasn't one of those times. This was his birthday after all! "Come on... I want to see him..."
The door to the room started to open. Naruto started to bounce even more. Surely this was his Ojii-san. It just had to be... "Oh... Shizune-nee-san, its just you..." Naruto seemed to calm slightly and look a little down trodden.
Shizune put on a mock hurt face. "Is that any way to greet your Nee-san... Especially since I brought a surprise for you."
Naruto looked up and out from the behind the door came two people. "Ojii-san!" Naruto ran over to the old man. He grunted just a bit from the impact of the young Naruto. That was ok though, he loved Naruto.
"Hello Naruto-kun." Looking down at the child now clamped to his waist he gave a large smile. "My how much you have grown since I was last able to see you."
Naruto smiled right back at the old man. "Yep, I've grown a full 2 inches in the last year!" Naruto's smile faded some... "Why can't you come see me more often Ojii-san? I really miss you!"
Sarutobi looked at the young Naruto and gave a small smile of comfort. He really wanted to visit more often but couldn't. First, he couldn't risk the council becoming suspicious and second he couldn't leave the duties of Hokage for long. "Naruto, I wish that I could come visit you more often too. Back in Konoha though I have a very important job. I am sure you have already learned some about it from your Nee-san."
Naruto frowned. "Then let me come see you! I promise I wouldn't get in the way!" Naruto knew what his Ojii-san was. He had started his schooling last year just a few days after his birthday. His Nee-san knew a lot of things and Naruto like to learn. 'Someday I'll visit you Ojii-san and finally get to see my home.'
Sarutobi was about to answer when he was interrupted by the second person that had come thru the door. "Hey, don't I get some kind of greetings too? You practically plow down the old man and ignore me!"
Naruto turned to the other man. He was old, but not as old as his Ojii-san. "Hello Ero-sennin." Naruto smiled a very large, very foxy grin. He knew Jiraiya hated him calling him that and normally would refrain from it. But it was his birthday party, he had a right to bug people and have fun!
Jiraiya though just looked a little peeved and his eye brow started to twitch... 'I swear kid... One day I will get you to never call me that again...' Jiraiya then started to smile at Naruto. "Come on kid, haven't I asked you to not call me that. Couldn't you call me 'Uncle' Jiraiya instead?"
Naruto seemed to think about this. Of course, this was all just a show. They did this the last two years on his birthday. Ever since his Kaa-san had told him to call Jiraiya that and he had seen Jiraiya's expression. He loved being able to bug the old man once in awhile. Smiling, Naruto replied, "Nah... I don't think that would be fun."
Sighing, Jiraiya gave up. "Tsunade, someday I'll get you back for telling him to call me that."
Tsunade just smiled at him. "And someday maybe you'll stop writing those perverted books you call 'Masterpieces'."
xxxxx
After Naruto had fallen asleep, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Sarutobi had left and moved to Jiraiya's room down the hall for greater privacy. No need to chance Naruto walking in on them talking. This was the only time all three of them were together during the year and it was time to play catch-up.
Tsunade took a small sip of her sake. She rarely drank anymore and when she did it usually wasn't that much. "Naruto is doing well." Tsunade took another sip. "Although I wish we could stop moving around so that he could make some friends his age." She paused a moment then finished, "Actually, he doesn't have any real friends. All he has is his family."
Sarutobi nodded. He had hoped eventually that Tsunade would be able to settle down for a few years and maybe Naruto would meet some kids his age and have friends. The clan heads though made sure that couldn't happen. Especially Hiashi. Ever since his wife had died he seemed obsessed with finding Naruto. It seemed like Hiashi was almost desperate to find him. It didn't help matters that the Inuzuka's had started helping whenever they could afford to send a tracker.
A couple of months ago she had spotted a Hyuuga and Inuzuka Tracker in the same village they were in. Tsunade and Shizune left immediately. Luck proved to be on their side that day as it started raining shortly after they left. Though Naruto complained about the rain, Tsunade's and Shizune's only concern was getting away from the Inuzuka tracker.
Sarutobi took a long, deep breath and let it slowly out. "I wish there was something more I could do for you but my hands are tied." Sarutobi was tired and old. In recent years especially he had started feeling his age. "I cannot, without cause, ban the clans from sending some of their own out to search for Naruto. The clan heads would become outraged and the civilian council members would become suspicious, especially Danzou."
Everyone quieted down at that.
"Eventually someone is going to find him." Jiraiya decided to break the silence. "My sources tell me that Hiashi has reports of a young blond haired kid running around with you Tsunade. So far he only seems suspicious and is for the most part buying the rumor that Naruto is either your kid or close family."
Tsunade looked down at the small sake cup in her hand. 'Why is that man so determined to find Naruto? Why can't he just leave well enough alone?'
Sarutobi decided it was time to change the subject. Most of what was being said now had been said already at one time or another. "Jiraiya, are you planning on starting Naruto's training soon?"
"Yeah, I'll start soon. I'll be leaving again tomorrow to tie up some lose ends before coming to hang around with the kid." Jiraiya turned towards Tsunade with a suddenly very serious look. "And I hope that Naruto will know how to show his teacher proper respect."
Tsunade chuckled slightly. She knew what Jiraiya was talking about: he hated being called Ero-sennin. What he didn't know though was how much Naruto actually looked up to him. The fact was Naruto looked up to how strong Jiraiya was. He also admired him because he had learned in history that the Yondaime was trained by him, and Naruto adored the Yondaime.
Flashback
"...And this is the Yondaime Hokage. His nickname is 'The Yellow Flash'. He is also considered by some to be the greatest Hokage that Konohagakure has ever seen." Shizune finished holding up a small picture of the Yondaime Hokage in his traditional white coat with read flames.
"Why is that Nee-san?" Naruto looked at the picture of the man. 'He looks nice. I would like to meet him someday.'
"What do you mean Naruto-kun?"
Naruto was a little frustrated. She knew what he meant. Since she had started teaching him though she had been requiring him to finish all his statements. "Why is he, the Yondaime Hokage, call the greatest Hokage ever? And, can I meet him some day? After all, Ojii-san is the Sandaime, surly he could get me in to see him, right?"
Shizune looked at her little Naruto-kun for a moment before answering. "Well, let me answer the second question first. No, I'm afraid even Sandaime-san could not get you an audience with him." Naruto started to look a little depressed. "Now, to answer your first question, he was considered the greatest because of who he was. He was not only possibly the most powerful, but also very wise, kind, and caring of his people. It was because of all this that he gave his life to protect the village and save it from destruction."
"What? You can't kill a Hokage. Not especially one that's considered the strongest of them all! I don't want Ojii-san to die!" Naruto was getting worried. After all, if you could kill the Yondaime couldn't someone kill his Sandaime?
"Naruto-kun, he died saving Konoha from a demon, the Kyuubi no Kitsune." Shizune tried to calm Naruto down some more by putting her hand on his shoulder. "Listen, it took a demon to kill the mighty Yondaime Hokage, ok Naruto?" She could tell he was still upset. Making sure Tsunade was out range to hear her, she continued. "Naruto-kun... Minato-san, the Yondaime, died to protect those that he cared about. You see, every Hokage, including Sarutobi-san, would gladly give their life to protect the village. That's what becoming Hokage means. Not only are you the leader of the village and strongest Shinobi, but you are also its protector."
Naruto looked at his nee-san. He was still worried, but the idea of what it really meant to be Hokage was starting to sink in. "Nee-san?"
Shizune looked into Naruto's eyes. While there was still a hint of fear in them, there was something else too. Something that she remembered seeing in the eyes of his father. Strength. "Yes Naruto-kun?"
Naruto's eyes seemed to suddenly blaze alive as he suddenly stood up. "If that is what it means to be Hokage, then I want to be Hokage too. After all, once we move back to Konoha my family will be there. And you are my precious people. I want to protect you and everyone else just like Ojii-san does and the Yondaime did."
'Minato-san, if you could see your son, you would be proud of him.' Shizune just marveled at the sight before her. It was like looking at a younger Yondaime, well, expect for the whisker marks. "Naruto, lets just keep this between you and me. I don't think your Kaa-san would be to happy to hear her only son wanted to be something as dangerous as the Hokage." Shizune hoped he wouldn't say anything. It would be hard enough for Tsunade to go back, but to hear Naruto wanted to be the Hokage? That could possibly kill her.
Naruto was confused. Why would Tsunade-kaa-san not like him becoming the Hokage? He could see how serious his Nee-san was being though so it must be important. "Ok Nee-san."
What neither one of them saw or heard was Tsunade who was just outside the hotel room door. She had heard everything and was starting to cry. 'Oh Kami, why do you hate me? Why must everyone that I care for want to die for that village?'
End Flashback
"You know Naruto wants to be just like his father." Both men turned to her with questioning looks on their faces. "During history he learned about the Hokages and all about the Yondaime. That was about 6 months ago now. I almost broke down when I heard Shizune explain why he had died and his reason. Then my little Naruto tells her that he wants to be Hokage too now. Neither of them heard or saw me but it hurt deep down inside to know he wanted to kill himself like that."
Hearing the last part Sarutobi spoke up. "Being Hokage or wanting to be Hokage is not the same as having a death wish." Tsunade look like she was about to say something when he stopped her. "Look at me Tsunade. I have yet to die and I have been Hokage longer than any other. Might I die someday as Hokage to protect my village? Possibly, or I might just die from old age with friends and loved ones nearby. If it is the latter death, then I know I died after protecting them as long as I could. Should I fall in battle though, then I die knowing I did all I could to protect those I care for and hold precious."
Tsunade looked at her old sensei. "That is nothing but foolishness. You were just lucky old man. Every other Hokage has died fighting. And all those close to me that ever dreamed of protecting that..."
"Tsunade, wouldn't you do the same for Naruto? Wouldn't you give your life to protect him?" Jiraiya interrupted. Tsunade's head whipped around to glare at the pervert. "All I'm saying is that you would do the same thing. If you had to, you would give your life to protect Naruto. How is that any different? Sure, they did it for the village, but that's because they felt the way you feel about Naruto for everyone. You've always complained about how they all left you alone. Well, if you died to protect Naruto wouldn't you be leaving him alone?"
Tsunade was almost in tears now. Yes, of course she would protect Naruto with her life... It was then that it hit her. All those people... They were no different than her. Sure, she didn't see the need to protect the whole village, but she now understood what Sarutobi-sensei and Minato-kun had always tried to tell her. She started to weep again.
Sarutobi could tell that Jiraiya had struck a chord with her. 'But will it be the right one to finally bring her out of that shell.' He soon got the answer as she started to weep again. He moved over to his student and put an arm around her for comfort. "Tsunade-chan, it will be ok. If Naruto-kun ever becomes Hokage I know he will not waste his life. He would only die purposely to protect something or someone precious to him."
Jiraiya flinched whenever Sarutobi used -chan at the end of Tsunade's name. He had finally given up long ago because of the beatings. Tsunade though either didn't care or didn't hear him as she gave no response. This was going to be a long, and interesting night.
xxxxx
Down the hall in his room at the hotel Naruto was most assuredly not asleep. He was looking at the gifts he had gotten this year. In front of him was a set of practice kunai, a scroll that talked about basic chakra manipulation, some books, a pair of plain black pants with an orange strip down the side (orange was his favorite color), and the most interesting one of all. A coat with long sleeves that was waist length. What interested him the most though was the coloring. It was white with small orange and red flames on the ends of the sleeves and on the coat bottom. Ojii-san had given it to him. His mom didn't like it at first for some reason but seemed to calm down seeming him so happy. After all, it reminded him of a shorter version of the Yondaime's white over coat in pictures.
'I'll have to wear this tomorrow. It'll look great I'm sure!' Naruto was excited. When he had gotten the practice kunai from Shizune-nee-san he had been unsure what to say. After all, though he wanted to be Hokage he hadn't actually started training yet. That's when she told him they would start weapon practice tomorrow right after lunch and school in the morning. 'Finally, I can become a cool shinobi!'
Putting all his gifts away except the coat he climbed into bed. He decided to use the small coat to cover his upper body that night and sleep with it. It was the best gift he had ever received in his mind.
Unknown Forest – 6 Months Later
"Again Naruto."
Naruto looked over at his sensei. Four months ago Jiraiya had shown back up and gave Naruto a big surprise by offering to train him. He was excited at first but slowly that changed. He couldn't believe how much a slave driver Jiraiya could be. As revenge for all the hard work, Naruto had stopped calling him sensei and referred to him almost exclusively as old perv and Ero-sennin.
"Its not to hard is it Naruto? I mean, it only took you two weeks to master tree climbing and you said this wouldn't take half as long. Tell me, how long have we been out here Naruto doing this?"
Naruto wasn't happy. He had just fallen into the stream again. 'I almost had it that time!' "We've been out here for three weeks Ero-sennin. Maybe if you would offer more advice or help I could get it faster!" Naruto was starting to hate 'camping' with Jiraiya. Didn't his kaa-san tell him he would have it easy and could get to know Jiraiya better with this trip?
Jiraiya, who was sitting cross legged by a tree, smiled at Naruto. "Maybe if you stop calling me that I will consider giving you some help. Otherwise, I think you can figure it out on your own."
Naruto just sighed. Oh well. At least he wasn't getting any wetter. After all, once one was soaked, its hard to be any worse off. "Can't I at least take a break?! I'm tired and hungry." Normally Naruto wouldn't complain, but after spending the morning proving he had mastered tree climbing he had spent the afternoon trying to water walk. Now, not only was he tired from the morning, but he was also wet. To top it all off, the entire past month Naruto hadn't learned a new jutsu! Sure, he only knew one so far, but that was ok, he was with a master now. Instead though all he was doing was 'chakra control exercises'. 'Didn't Kaa-san tell him that they had already taught me to mold chakra? Isn't that enough for now? I want to learn jutsus!'
Jiraiya could see that Naruto was getting more frustrated with every attempt. He could also see him tiring. Little guy should be exhausted by now. "Okay, come back and I'll cook us up some dinner."
Just then Jiraiya noticed that someone was watching them. Trying to get a look at the person without being obvious wasn't that hard. It appeared to just be a kid, perhaps even a young girl. She also seemed intent on watching Naruto. Maybe he could have some fun. "Hey Naruto! Would you mind running over there and getting some berries? I thought I saw some on a bush right behind that tree..."