Operation Kill Everything Redux

by Charlywood

Indefinitely shelved until further notice...

2. Just Wait On It

O.K.E
[Operation Kill Everything]

Chapter Two: Just Wait On It

. . .

Naruto slowly came to, his vision a blur as he opened his eyes for the first time in days. He glanced around to find himself in a room that he was unfamiliar with and since it lacked the smell of sanitizer and bleach; he immediately knew he wasn't in Konoha General. He could hear someone nearby as his vision continued to clear.

He glanced across the room and noticed a mulatto skinned man who was humming in rhythm to himself. He could see long, charcoal hued hair going down his back and ending at his shoulder blades. He wore a fitting, long-sleeve, black shirt with 'twenty-five' designed on the back, camouflage shinobi pants that held a row of scrolls part way down either side of his legs for quick access, tan shoes rather than sandals, and he could barely make out the silver links of a chain around his neck that glinted softly in the daylight. Naruto also noticed that the man appeared to be packing, but the items were being set onto blank scrolls before being absorbed by a soft, white light, then disappearing from sight.

"Wh-." Naruto attempted to speak as he sat up in bed, but his dry throat caused him to break into a coughing fit. The man's attention was drawn when the young jinchuriki started coughing, then dry heaving. The young man rolled up his scrolls as he turned and smiled sympathetically, he went to the table where a pitcher and glass sat, and began filling the empty glass with water. He moved to sit on the edge of the bed as he handed off the glass of water to the blonde boy.

"No worries, friend. It's just some water and it isn't poisoned, though given your circumstances I doubt it'd be very easy to kill you like that." Naruto took a sip of the cool clear liquid, as if testing it before he proceeded to gulp down the entirety of the H2O. Some of it spilled and dribbled past his lips and down his chin, finding his thirst sated and the dryness of his throat gone.

"What Circumstances?" Naruto inquired in a husky, raspy tone after catching his breath.

The man tilted his head as he smiled in what seemed to be mischievousness and Naruto noted that he had white, pupil-less eyes with incomplete, maze-like, black patterns in the sclera. Sandaime had taught him that eyes were the windows to the soul once, but he couldn't find any signs of hidden contempt or disgust in them.

"Judging by those scrolls I found on you, the news is new to you as well. Sorry, I sort of snooped. What I mean is your being a jinchuriki for the nine-tails...bijuu containers aren't ordinary people after all and they inherit special attributes from them. An immunity to poison would be one." The man had informed.

"Oh..." Naruto trailed, remembering the scrolls, and only nodded since he was far from scared. Konoha had all but ran that feeling out of him and he just couldn't find a reason to care. "Yeah, well...you probably hate me as well then." He said overlooking the other matters he should probably be more concerned with in the presence of this stranger.

"Not at all, you help keep this world safe with your very existence. You're a hero. I'm not so close minded as Konoha or the rest of the world where your status is concerned. I'm honored to be talking to you, man." He grinned casually.

Naruto blinked and looked at the man as if he had grown a second head. "Why?" He asked after the room descended into silence. This caused the strange man to laugh heartily, something that confused Naruto greatly.

"Guess I should explain, huh? But I mean, why not? I know it might be hard to trust after everything you've been through, but you can't honestly believe that the entire world would hate you because you're a jinchuriki. I'm one of those folks who doesn't have a problem with it. Answer your question?"

Naruto nodded. He did have those he loved that loved him, or at least he thought he did. However, he realized that perhaps holding this guy to the same standards as Konoha was a bit unfair.

The room filled with silence again as Naruto looked over to the open window. He remembered what he'd read in the scroll, then being attacked. He remembered that part vividly. Where he'd wondered away from the village was blurry. He'd only heard a voice in the back of his mind, guiding him; a voice he now knew to belong to the Kyuubi.

As if reading his mind, the stranger spoke up. "I found you passed out at the edge of the forest near the town's entrance, you were in pretty rough shape when I found you, but your wounds healed fine after a day."

Naruto nodded. "That's how it goes. How long have I been out …where am I?" He questioned with his voice still hoarse.

"Today is day four and you're in 'Kōun no Toshi', a sleepy town southeast of Konoha. But, never mind that shit. You're fine now and that is all that matters."

"City of Good Luck…are you serious?" Naruto nearly gaped.

The young man laughed. "I know, right? That's the name of this place, though. It ain't even on a map, it's so small. But hey, some good luck that I found you when I did; there's all sorts of weird folk and assholes in this world. That said; there are a few things that need to be figured out."

Naruto kept a careful eye on him as he took the glass from him and began to refill it with another round of cool water. He set the pitcher down again and handed Naruto the glass again and he began to drink the liquid while he continued.

"I'm speaking about the cons of being a jinchuriki. I hate to put it this way, but you're seen as Konoha's property. They'll most likely want you back in the village, at all costs. Jinchuriki are treated like a militaristic symbol. Not to mention the unknown people that would want to use you in their schemes just for being a jinchuriki." The man scoffed.

"It's supposed to be some great accomplishment of modern warfare, despite them knowing that Bijuu have no business being sealed inside a human." Naruto blinked as the man seemed to get a bit emotional.

"The human body is too fragile and responsibly wielding the powers is a lifetime practice. You'll be able to use its demonic chakra in sync with your own someday, but when is up to your personal growth. If you've read any of the scrolls then you know what I mean."

Naruto cast a wary gaze on the strange man, "maybe, but how do you know all of that stuff?" He couldn't help but inquire.

"Well, let's just say I like to read about things in my free time. I learned a lot from my parents as well. My father loved history and my mother was into theory and science. She was real interested in how Bloodline Limits were developed."

Naruto bowed his head as he looked down. "Well, I won't go back to Konoha. I hate the truth of all this. I can't control any of this, never asked for it, and I'm supposed to be used to the villages advantage. They hate me, hurt me, and drive me away." Tears began developing in his eyes.

The man moved closer and placed the glass on the table. Then he placed his hand to Naruto's shoulder in a show of support for the blonde kid as they held eye contact. "I know gaki...Konoha should be kissing your feet in my opinion. Chalk it up to the vicious cycle." He removed his hand from Naruto's shoulder. "You may never be capable of living in peace; there will likely always be some sort of threat to your life's path."

Naruto remained silent as he pondered all the things that happened to him in his short life while tears gently flowed from his eyes and down his cheeks. He had gotten to briefly meet his mother and he hated that it had been so little time, but he was grateful for the few minutes he had with her. He knew he had been loved and that was really all he'd wanted, he got to feel what being loved was like and he knew she had truly loved him before she was killed.

The closest thing he had to a friend now seemed to be the Kyuubi. He could hear her telling him to try to calm down and that he should trust this man, because he held strength, and could possibly help him learn to protect himself.

The young man paused and began to feel guilty since he probably shouldn't be so blunt to this young and likely damaged boy. He'd been lied to his entire life, and he deserved some truth to balance out the bullshit.

He was going to give some perspective to this lonely child, if it was the last thing he did. Naruto couldn't very well be made to figure it out all on his own. Otherwise, the deception could continue until the boy didn't know which way was up or down. By then it would be too late to explain the truth and he may very well turn his rage and frustration on the world.

"Are you sure that's the route you want to take?" Naruto opened his mouth to answer, but he continued to speak over him. "You know that Konoha will likely begin sending search teams out for you. You're not a missing-nin since you were never a ninja, but they may treat you like one."

He began thinking deeply on the matter at hand. "A jinchuriki, such as you, should know how to protect yourself. If you're going to be out in the open world, you'll need to know how to fight at a high level to protect yourself."

Naruto began looking closely at the light skinned male and the young man did the same when the blonde grinned like a fox. Naruto's eyes became slits and with his round cheeks and whisker marks, he very nearly looked like one, elongated canines and all.

"Are you a ninja?!" Naruto asked, suddenly excitedly, and nearly jumped out the bed until the man stopped him by placing his hand on his shoulder. He handed the boy the glass of water as he started coughing up a fit from his overexertion again.

"I don't really have ties to ninja...I'm more like a ronin or mercenary, I freelance. I know the ninja arts, but I'm not affiliated with any ninja villages. I can receive missions from any of them and take missions that a village might not want to have their own ninja doing or aren't interested in. Bounty hunting also pays better, no village cut, so it's all profit."

Naruto's eyes grew large and eager. "Can I…I mean…would you-?!"

"You want me to teach you the arts, don't you?" He asked before Naruto could finish his anxious question. The blonde nodded furiously, leaning forward as his eyes turned pleading.

"I guess I could find you some books and scrolls since most of my ability is specialized, but those scrolls your parents left you will probably be all you need. Since you'll be a beginner, we won't have to worry about it too much." The young man said calmly, giving it more thought.

Naruto frowned. "Hey, I'm not a complete beginner! I invented my own jutsu last year." The blonde bragged with a proud grin on his face.

Sin was instantly interested. "Invented a jutsu? I'll believe it when I see it." He said while waving the kid's statement off.

"Then believe it!" Naruto lifted his hands to form the proper hand seals. "I call this…Sexy no Jutsu!" A puffing cloud later and the ten year old blonde was replaced by a teenage blonde girl…that Sin immediately noticed was naked.

The man's eyebrows nearly rose up to his forehead, the surprise obvious. Sin narrowed his eyes to analyze what he thought was a henge, but it was no ordinary henge. Those who were able; could see through a henge, and it wasn't difficult for most shinobi. However, Naruto's true form wasn't revealed; for all anyone would know, there was a blonde girl sitting naked in his motel bed. A genuine henge that actually made him into a she. "…Incredible," Sin muttered.

Naruto frowned deeply when Sin's eyes started to roam and he immediately turned back. "Ahem," Sin snapped to attention and composed himself, quickly wiping away the small trail of blood that leaked from his nose. "Perv," Naruto muttered.

"My bad…that's just…I've never seen a jutsu like that before, a genuine henge. It's unconventional, but that could be pretty useful."

"I told you I wasn't a complete beginner!" Naruto bragged.

"Ok ok, I believe you. Just know that the stipulation for traveling with and learning from me is that you listen to me. You will either address me as sensei or master. You'll learn it all…not only the jutsu, but practical exercises and theory, as well as history. If you accept, it's all or nothing. Training day will be everyday, do you understand?"

Naruto felt his heart race after the man finished with his speech. He shivered and folded his arms onto himself. "Yes!" Naruto shouted, nearly jumping out of the bed as he did. "Yes, I'll do it. I'll do anything to become a-!" Naruto stopped, deciding to reword his sentence. If ninja were anything like those in Konoha, he felt he could do without.

"I'll do what it takes, to be like you. I don't care about being Hokage anymore, but I do want to be stronger than. If that's what it takes, I'll learn it all. So, um...what's your name?" Naruto inquired, finally remembering he hadn't gotten this man's name despite him knowing his.

He couldn't help but smile at the blonde's enthusiasm. This could be interesting, dangerous and life threatening, but interesting. Naruto could be that one thing…person, he had been looking for to give his life some sort of real meaning.

He went on to answer his question. "You may very well have to do anything. I hope you understand the situation once we begin, so don't make me regret my decision. My name is Sin...Sin Kurokami." Sin smirked. "And Naruto, I think we'll get along just fine."

"Great, Sin-shishou. So, what's next?" Sin was sure he was about ready to bound out of the hotel like a chicken with its head cut off just from the prospect of learning the ninja arts. That was good, because he was going to make the kid hate him. Gentle, though very firm, just like he'd been taught; besides, the boy was a jinchuriki…he could handle whatever was thrown his way and likely, ten times more.

"Relax, gaki; one step at a time. I was actually hoping that you would be interested. When I found out who you were, I put this together while you slept. Konoha should get a kick out of this surprise." Naruto looked at Sin oddly as he pulled out a scroll from the side pocket of his pant leg. "I want you to read this; then sign it in your name. I want your Hokage to realize this is authentic." Sin said as he unraveled a small scroll.

Naruto angled his head curiously as he received it from his newly minted sensei. "What is it, Sin-shishou?"

Sin offered Naruto a fond smile. Gaki's calling me master already. Feels kinda good, having that title…I'll have to live up to it. "Just read it, gaki…see if you approve."

Naruto smiled, only because it was the first time he had an option, one besides what flavor ramen to eat. He took the small scroll and did as told. After a moment of his eyes scanning up and down, he started to smirk, and it slowly turned into a full blown smile by the time he finished reading it. "This is great!" He exclaimed, always up for a prank or two when he had the chance.

"I'm glad you agree." Sin smirked as he handed off a knife pen to the young Naruto. "Prick your finger with the tip of the pen and put your print on the seal there at the bottom. This will help in verifying the authenticity."

While Sin explained, Naruto nodded, and followed his instructions. As he watched the blonde sign the scroll, Sin had a funny thought. Maybe I should have had him sign his father's alias instead. Mindfuck the Hokage by letting him know that Naruto knew his heritage.

Naruto left a bloody thumbprint on the seal and rolled it up before handing it back to Sin. Naruto was surprised to notice the cut on his thumb healed over while Sin did the same thing, leaving his signature and a bloody print beneath Naruto's own.

+ Konoha +

Two days later, an elephant masked ANBU entered the Hokage's office as he sorted through his paper work. He would study a document here and there, decide if he would sign it, or come back to it later while making his mind up for whatever was proposed as he signed off the documents he felt good about.

He'd considered sorting quickly through his paper work before, but his meticulous nature wouldn't let him. He liked to discriminate each proposal with a critical eye before making a decision. No matter how small, civilian or ninja related; he believed any potential proposal could make or break Konoha, and he used this mentality when addressing documents he received.

Sarutobi looked up from the document he was currently assigning his signature and seal to, noticing the ANBU's sudden and anxious entrance. He sighed; his Kage senses were tingling, telling him it was anything, but good.

"Yes Elephant-san…where's the fire?"

The ANBU quickly knelt before his leader while holding out the scroll with his hands flat, palms up. "Pardon my intrusion, Hokage-sama. This came by bird messenger addressed to the village, and when it was examined, I was told to quickly bring it to you."

"That's very good then," Sarutobi said as he stood up and moved calmly around his desk to receive the scroll, and began to unravel the parchment. He turned his back to the ANBU awaiting further instruction as he went to stand before his window that framed the Hokage Monument in the background in artistic fashion.

Sarutobi found it a good thing that he'd placed his pipe down; as otherwise, it might have fallen from his mouth, and spilled ash all over the beautiful carpeting of his office. "Elephant-san…"

"Hai, Hokage-sama…"

"I want you to bring me the person that cleared this document. Second, I need the shinobi council gathered for an emergency meeting…to begin in one hour." The Third commanded as he turned to look over his shoulder. "Go, now!"

"Hai, Hokage-sama!" The ANBU disappeared, leaving in a swirl of leaves.

Sarutobi sighed as he went back to his chair to have a seat, this was one of the few times he found it did nothing to relax his aching bones and sore body. He glimpsed over the unrolled scroll again, if Naruto really is gone with someone…No, I can't give up on the lad...

The Sandaime's thoughts began to motor; there were many variables to consider now. He wanted to think it a hoax, but he knew Naruto's handwriting, and it was undoubtedly his. The bloody thumb print would likely verify that as well.

The 'God of Shinobi' knew that even though he would send some of his best tracking ninja after Naruto's trail, they would likely return empty handed. They would likely have little to no evidence to give them a suggestion as to where Sin Kurokami would lead Naruto. He needed to contact Jiraiya, but that would take time, and it was not on their side.

Sarutobi opened a side drawer in his desk to retrieve a fourth edition Bingo Book…and hurriedly skipped to the 'K-section' while silently hoping that Sin Kurokami had an entry. The man's name was their only lead right now. He breathed a sigh of relief as he found just such an entry. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Kurokami Sin…first name means wisdom. Ranked at C-class upon initial entry…two years ago. An update…seven months ago, put him at B-class.

He wasn't a ninja by trade and that meant no village affiliation, so further information was miniscule. The third discovered that he was only in the book because his entry suggested he liked pissing off shinobi as a hobby and hunting missing-nin to make a living. Freelance's missions for villages sometimes, could be an angle there…

There was a basic description of his appearance and mannerisms. Maze like patterns in the eyes? Close to mid-range fighter, uses Genjutsu to reinforce his Taijutsu ability. Elemental affinity…unknown.

The main reason he was in the book was because a new village, the Village of Hidden Sound, hadn't appreciated him killing some of their ninja for the bounties on their heads. Three in one go, two Chunin, and one Jonin…Also made an attempt on the Nidaime Otokage's life during his head hunting adventure.

The third wasn't sure if he should believe that final entry or think the Otokage weak. B-class ninja did not make attempts on the lives of Kage if they valued their lives. Sarutobi knew it wouldn't be the first time that a false statement was entered to hype a bounty price, something that determined if high skilled bounty hunters became interested or not.

That and their only tentative ally at the time was the Hidden Sand village. He was sure that the Kazekage wouldn't be doing him too many favors considering how Konoha was in its most successful period, while Suna was still suffering after the war. He wasn't confident, but he would send word.

Jiraiya the Toad Sage was still his best bet; there was just no telling how long it would be before he heard from him to send out correspondence, he would just have to wait until a toad came to send a return message.

By then, it may very well be too late, especially if Sin decided to take Naruto into enemy territory. He and Naruto may very well have been underground for all anyone knew.

. . .

A few days in to meeting his newly appointed mentor and Sin was teaching the jinchuriki to think for himself and to never be emotionally influenced. All war is based on deception. That was the first lesson Sin had given to Naruto.

The jinchuriki had confided in Sin that several of the fox hunts successful attacks came from trickery by civilians and ninja. They would feign friendship or no hard feelings and Naruto, being a naïve, young boy that only wanted acceptance; had been easily reeled in. It had pissed Sin off to no end and so he hastened their already hasty traveling.

After making their way out of Kōun no Toshi, Sin and Naruto made good time in arriving to nearby Tanzaku Quarters. Besides from planning to go to the tourist town, Sin hadn't revealed much as to the specific reason why they had traveled there.

Personally, Naruto was anxious to get out of Fire Country all together, but Sin had only seemed concerned with how stressed the jinchuriki was. He would constantly tell his apprentice to relax or stop fidgeting, although he was always walking ahead of him.

"Tanzaku Quarters was just another town until it became a tourist attraction for gamblers traveling to and from Konoha," Sin began, speaking for the first time in a long time. "Since the Leaf refuses to legalize gambling and will not house casinos, the place was put on the map. The castle you saw at the entrance to town is also a popular tourist attraction. However, we're not here for sight-seeing."

The blonde blinked his blue eyes curiously, tearing his gaze away from the many merchant stands, to look up at his mentor, whom he'd come to find out wasn't older than nineteen years. He didn't voice it, but he was surprised his master was so young. He came to appreciate that fact though, as he'd hate to have an unhip, stuck up, know-it-all sensei that was mentally worn and would never teach him anything but pretty words.

Naruto blinked. Where did that come from? Ah, never mind, I want to know what we're doing already! "Then…why are we here?" Naruto inquired.

Sin smiled. He was still getting used to the title. For some reason, Naruto chose to call him master rather than sensei. The young teacher stopped walking, stopping outside of the traffic of people, before a storefront. "I suppose I can tell you now. We're here to get you some of the appropriate attire and gear. If you're going to be a ninja, you need to dress like one, so I'm buying you supplies."

"What, really?" Naruto's eyes were the size of saucers as Sin nodded in a positively. "Wow! Thank you, I've never been given anything before. You won't regret teaching me!" The blonde said quickly as he jumped and hugged the young male.

Sin was taken back at first, but grinned, and ruffled Naruto's hair a little. When he thought about it, his response was normal. Normal, considering the type of behavior he received in Konoha. "It's no problem at all, Naruto. You've already made me glad to have you. Now, let's get you some clothes and supplies before we hit the road for real. We'll be doing a lot of traveling."

The two walked inside an all-purpose martial arts store called 'the Traphouse'. Naruto was awestruck by all the merchandise displayed on shelves and hanging on walls. Shuriken were hung by ninja wire from the ceiling to imitate a hoard of the throwing weapon coming down upon those who entered. Many would make the mistake of passing them off as decoration, but he knew better. They were a real theft deterrent.

Half of the shop obviously catered to tourists and ninja enthusiasts who didn't know better. There were a lot of weapons that were strictly for design and would never be effective in any form of real combat. They were meant to appeal to the eye of someone who wished to brag that they had been to Tanzaku Quarters. The place garnered tourists simply for being a Konoha territory. There were also clothes of styles that no real shinobi would be caught dead in…

…and Sin noticed Naruto was excitedly going for one of the atrocities. He had his sights set on a hideous orange and navy blue jumpsuit.

Sin moved quickly before he could take it from the hangar, grabbing the boy's wrist firmly. Naruto jumped from being caught off guard and looked up to see his new master casting firm eyes upon him. "No, Naruto. These are not the clothes of a ninja." Sin noticed that Naruto had looked at him fearfully when he grabbed his arm, he noted.

"Hai, shishou…I just really like orange and it looked comfortable…" Naruto muttered, feeling embarrassed, and like he had let Sin down.

Before Sin could respond, the two were joined by another. "Welcome to the Traphouse! I'm Saeko Busujima, the owner, is there anything I could help you with?" Asked a woman with dark-violet hair pass her backside and sharp bangs over the middle of her forehead. She was light-skinned, with a slender though muscular frame, and tall for a female. She wore a small, black tank top with a zipper set up the middle for design that accentuated her bust. A long, green skirt with a slit up the right side showed off the long leg up to her hip.

"Saeko, fucking, Busujima, good to see ya again." Sin grinned wide as he moved back into the aisle and motioned Naruto to follow as he walked toward the other end of the store, the part of the store that catered specifically to ninja.

"Sin Kurokami! I didn't recognize you with the long hair at first, you look…well." Naruto noted that Saeko and Sin were ecstatic to see each other. Since he'd never gotten to interact with the people in his village, Naruto got good at watching, learning, and understanding the interactions between others.

I think they've got history, kit…

Kyuubi-chan?

The one and only.

But I thought you said it would be awhile before you could…you know?

Right…I was just checking in to make sure that man was doing right by you… Naruto noted that his tenant sounded suspicious.

He's buying me some clothes and supplies. What kind of history?

Intimate history? They've probably mated.

Mate…as in..?

Yes, kit. It's just like it sounds.

Oh…ok. That isn't always the case though.

Trying to sound smart, brat? No, not always, but that's my bet. Ask him about it, we'll see who's right and wrong.

Meh…

This was only the second time that the ten year old was getting to speak with his tenant. They hadn't had much time when they first time met, but she had told him what he needed to know to keep him calm, and accepting of his situation. Speaking for the second time was looking like an anatomy lesson if he didn't end it here.

Naruto plugged back in to reality just in time to see Sin and Saeko ending their brief hug. He was slightly curious what their history was though.

"Saeko-chan," Sin began motioning to Naruto. "This is Naruto, my new apprentice. I can handle picking out his clothes, but I need you to gather two pouches full of shuriken and kunai, several packs of explosive tags, a pair of tanto, and two starter swords."

"Hai, nothing better than the great art of swordplay." Saeko was off to the back of the store with a smile, leaving Sin and Naruto to their devices.

"Alright, Naruto. You should know that orange isn't a color worn by shinobi, usually any bright colors are forbidden, but there are exceptions to the rule. So, in exchange for wearing something more practical, I'll find you something with a tasteful amount of orange. Deal?"

Naruto grinned widely and held out his fist. "Deal!" He exclaimed and the two bumped fists to seal their agreement.

Ten minutes later and Saeko had finished gathering the supplies that Sin requested. She now stood next to him as the two gauged Naruto's new look.

Naruto's rags were long gone. He had now had on red shinobi sandals and khaki shinobi pants. He had his shuriken and kunai pouch taped around either of his legs. He also had on a black, padded shirt that fit his upper body comfortably, behind a black protective vest made of Kevlar; a material nearly exclusive to the Land of Marsh. True to his word, Sin had found something the boy could wear with orange in it. Naruto had on a cloak that was cast in autumn camouflage. It had his favorite color among a few other autumn hues that would help him blend into certain environments.

"If your skills match your clothes, then you'll be unstoppable, Naruto! Not to mention that's a really cute look for you." Saeko gushed, Naruto was just too cute for words in her mind; though a little scrawny.

"Oh, don't worry. The kid will have plenty skill, he's got a few special people that will see to it." Sin added in reference to his parents' scrolls and his tenant.

Naruto beamed under the praise as he adjusted the cloak over his form. He liked it a lot and would likely stick with the design for a long time. Never had he dreamed of an orange camouflage before, so he was completely ecstatic. "This is perfect, shishou."

"I'm glad you say that, you'll need to be comfortable. I'm going to grab a few more supplies and then we're out of here."

"Hai!" Naruto couldn't stop smiling as he turned to regard his reflection in the mirror. He felt like a complete bad ass in his new attire and it didn't take long for him to begin dreaming about the day that all of Konoha would regret passing up on him.

After making sure he had everything, Sin was paying Saeko for the services of her store. "Thanks for the discount Saeko-chan, I appreciate it." He said while sealing the supplies into a few more scrolls.

"No problem," Saeko smiled, a small blush appearing, "you helped me learn to channel my blood lust after all."

Sin just laughed. "By helping you become a bounty hunter and serial killer of the criminally insane?" He raised a skeptical eyebrow. "It's not like you didn't have the skills, all I did was help you center your focus. You don't have to be thanking me for that, it was three years ago."

Saeko shook her head humorously. "You never did take to thanks or compliments," she sighed. "So, an apprentice…what's his story?"

Sin paused and looked down to keep counting out the ryo to pay the violet haired woman with, then a second time, and a third time. "What story? Why does there have to be a story?"

It didn't take Saeko long to come up with an answer. "Because you always answer a question with a question when you want to avoid it. The fact that you've counted the money three times now. Add to that, you continuously told me, when we used to hunt heads together, that you would never take on teaching because it got the master killed; focusing on the apprentice leaves little time for the teacher to keep his own skills sharp. Then there's the kid himself; he looks like a half starved, love deprived, orphan."

Damn you, Saeko, why can't you leave well enough alone sometimes? Sin looked over his shoulder to Naruto, noticing the boy was still in front of the mirror, and looking like he was day dreaming. He sighed. "That's because he is a half starved, love deprived, orphan. He ran away from his village for reasons I can't tell you…I found him about a week ago now."

"What, why? You don't trust me?" Saeko tried batting her lashes while leaning against the check-out counter in a move to give him a view down her tank top.

Sin was tempted, but before his eyes could roam, he lifted his chin, and looked up at the shuriken hanging from the ceiling as he placed down the ryo to pay her. "Nope, Saeko, I'm not gonna fall into that trap. You ain't gonna get me like that, not on this one."

Saeko frowned and scoffed petulantly, revealing what her motivation had been. Despite that, she remained leaning against the counter casually. "It must be serious…"

"It's more about responsibility, so don't think I don't trust you. It would be irresponsible for me to tell you, because it really isn't my secret to tell. I'm still earning the kid's trust, even if he does call me shishou; that's just because I agreed to teach him. Right now, our relationship is one of obligation, not one of give and take…like a friendship." He smiled apologetically.

"Wow, so that's how it is?" Saeko said thoughtfully as she glanced passed Sin to Naruto, who by now, was posing and posturing in the mirror. "If he's as damaged as your making him sound…"

"Don't worry about the kid's health. He has had a hard life, but I'm going to get him healthy, and see him through his recovery as best I can. Tragedy builds character after all," Sin tried putting a positive spin on it.

"So, that's why you took him on as an apprentice?"

Sin nodded. "I just couldn't make him go back to Konohagakure after seeing him like that."

Saeko frowned, that didn't sound right. "He's from Konoha? I thought that place was supposed to be heaven on earth…"

"Yeah and they also have the second most missing-nin behind the Bloody Mist. Where there's smoke, there's fire." Sin sighed. "I best get going before the kid gets restless, he's pretty eager to learn."

"Where will you go?" Saeko had taken the money from the counter and began to pocket it with the rest of the day's takes.

Sin grinned and turned his head. "You know I can't tell you that."

"Yeah, yeah. Deniability, I got it." Saeko waved him off.

"Well, I'll tell you we'll be in town until about noon tomorrow. Maybe I'll stop by and give my farewell, no telling when we'll get to meet again. I'll see you later."

Saeko waved him away. "Ja…take care, Naruto!" She called and gave a wave to get the boy's attention.

Naruto looked away from the mirror to notice Sin walking back his way. He excitedly waved back to the nice, purple haired woman. "Bye, Saeko-chan!" The manner in which he waved his farewell was adorable to said woman as she smiled and waved him off.

"Busy day, Naruto, let's keep it moving." Sin walked by the blonde, causing him to turn and follow quickly behind.

Master and student found themselves seated in a restaurant after placing lunch orders, now the two were sitting in a booth, in the corner…staring silently at one another. Sin sighed and cleared his throat, there was something that had been bothering him since leaving the ninja supply store.

"So, Naruto…" Sin started awkwardly. "You know I'd never hurt you, right? You ain't got anything to fear from me." He frowned as he stared at the table top, thinking about that fearful look in Naruto's eyes from earlier, and it didn't help that he was a rookie where teaching was concerned. It slightly bothered him that he had caused such a reaction.

However, Naruto just smiled and shook his head. "I know, shishou…I trust you and she says I can trust you, but can I ask you something?"

Sin looked up to the blonde silently and gave a nod. "Of course, you don't ever have to ask; I want you to speak your mind and come to me for help."

Naruto bit his lip and looked around the restaurant before reluctantly looking back to his master. "How do you know, Saeko-san?"

Sin blinked. "That's what you wanted to ask?" He sounded skeptical.

Naruto became nervous and changed his mind. "N-no, um…never mind." He said quickly.

"Nah, it's alright. I was just expecting something else, but if that's what you want to know. She and I met about five years ago in Earth Country, I was on my way to the Land of Iron for something or other…I can't really remember right now, but I found her defending herself from Iwa shinobi." Sin sighed. "I don't really fuck with shinobi that aren't missing-nin, but this group had an unhealthy interest in her. If I hadn't stepped in, they'd have had her dead to rights…funny shit, though; she got pissed that I was helping her."

Now, Naruto looked confused. "She got mad because you helped?" Sin laughed and nodded.

"I know, right? After I helped her dispatch them, she even tried to kill me! She passed out from exhaustion with her blade at my throat. I came to later find out that she has some bad blood in her system, something that gives her an unhealthy lust for blood when she fights. Long story short, I helped her focus so that she was less likely to lose herself, and we hunted heads together for a few years before we parted ways. She wasn't too different from you, except that she hated herself, rather than the general public hating her. She thought herself a monster for enjoying using a blade, but eventually, I helped her accept her situation for what it was. Talent, pure and simple…I hadn't seen her for three years until today."

Naruto looked thoughtful as he nodded, it was something to think about, but there was just one more thing. "Is that all?"

Sin cocked his head and looked confused. "What? You asked and I told…" He trailed, "oh…ohh! You thought?" He laughed a little more as he realized what Naruto was asking. "Nah, we were never like that; not that it didn't keep her from teasing the hell out of me from time to time, but no, we never, um…dated."

It was then that the food arrived and Sin was saved from looking foolish. Kids these days, he thought to himself as the two readied to eat.

Naruto seemed thoughtful. "Huh, ok then. You know her chakra feels very nice, I like her." The blonde said in an off handed manner as he thanked the waitress and readied to dig into his ramen, while Sin was only having tea; mint from the smell.

"Saeko's chakra feels…nice?" Naruto nodded. What is that called? A sensor type, but he gave it an emotion. Think, Sin…Right, negative emotions. Sin decided to try something. "What about me, Naruto? What does my chakra feel like?"

Naruto stopped and looked up at Sin mid-slurp, squinting his eyes as he did. "Hmm," he sounded thoughtfully. "Calm," he smiled. "Sin-shishou's chakra feels calm, but right now it feels anxious…I guess." He shrugged and went back to eating without a second thought.

Sin's mind was blown. This kid's a fucking sensor that can also feel emotion via chakra! He mentally laughed. His presence would have saved me a lot of near death experiences while hunting missing-nin, that's for damn sure. Well, now I have a good idea how to begin teaching him. He remained composed and sipped his tea, but he was anxious, and excited. Being a jinchuriki wasn't enough for Sin to consider someone special since it was forced on children, but what he had just been told, certified Naruto as special in his eyes.

+ Konoha +

Back in Konoha, the shinobi council, plus Danzo and elders Homura and Koharu, had been quickly gathered for an update concerning one, jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki.

"I'm sure you're all aware as to why this meeting has been called, so I'll jump right into it. I'd like to know what, if anything, did the tracking teams pick up on the trail of Naruto?" The third inquired.

Tsume Inuzuka and Hiashi Hyuga exchanged glances with one another, before one decided to speak for the both of them. That would be Tsume.

"Hiashi-san and I each sent a team of our best trackers from each of our clans, as a joint effort, to Kōun no Toshi. Naruto's trail ended at the town's border, but using a picture of the Uzumaki, the teams were able to verify that he had been in a cheap motel with a young male of a light brown complexion. The owner was unable to give a name and description, as anytime he tried to, he was struck by a terrible headache." Tsume looked apologetic. "I'm sorry, but that's all we were able to come up with." The Inuzuka matriarch apologized.

The rest of the clan heads didn't look hopeful by the news, but the third simply nodded. He had foreseen these results days ago and as such, was not surprised. "That's quite alright, Tsume. You and Hiashi give your thanks for a job well done, but I had guessed that would be the result."

"So? You know something that we do not, Hokage-sama?" Shikaku Nara inquired. He could tell by the look in their leader's eyes and the tone of his voice, that he had come into information concerning the jinchuriki that none of them were privilege to.

"Right as always, Shikaku-san." Sarutobi answered positively.

"What would that be?" Hiashi inquired, perking up, but still his outwardly stoic self.

"I have identified the person that Naruto is with and he also reached out to us…" the Hokage trailed off as he pulled out his own copy of the Bingo Book, opened to the proper page, and let it be passed around. "This is the man that we're looking for." Everyone sat up a little straighter as this information was revealed.

"Sin…Kurokami..." Shibi Aburame slowly pronounced as he looked at the page. "No picture, just a description."

"This man?" Tsume spoke up skeptically. "He's not even ninja!" She exclaimed.

"Well, not by trade, but he's obviously a practitioner of our arts…Genjutsu and Taijutsu." Choza added.

Hiashi knitted his brows just a bit as he got a look at the page. "The eyes…maze-like patterns on a pure white sclera. We can rule out any clans or families that stigmatize their member's eyes for ritual…the white sclera means this is definitely a dojutsu, just one I've never heard of." The Hyuga clan head added.

The third continued to let the shinobi council brainstorm before revealing the scroll he'd received from the man of the hour. Sarutobi was exceedingly wise, but it was impossible to know everything, and in the rare chance one of his shinobi clan heads knew something that he didn't; he wouldn't distract from their focus. That and he wasn't anxious to reveal the second item in his possession.

During the exchange in conversation, no one noticed how uncharacteristically silent Danzo was being.

Inoichi perked up, having yet to see the Bingo Book entry. "A pattern like a maze in the eyes?" He looked deeply thoughtful, even closing his eyes. "Kurokami…I knew it sounded familiar!" He exclaimed opening his eyes again.

"It's no wonder we haven't heard of him. There's a clan in the Northern Lands, outside of the Elemental Nations…called the Kurokami. My great-grandfather mentioned them amongst others as an example anytime a discussion of Konoha's Dojutsu carrying clans were brought up." He closed his eyes again. "I think it's called…It's called, the…Tenchōgan! The Zenith Eye. I'd have to go back and look in my great-grandfather's records from his travels and experiences, but I'm positive that's it." He looked around again.

Sarutobi nodded approvingly. "That's good, bring me what you have, so we can verify. Do this as soon as possible." This was good, the more they knew about him before hand, the better.

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Inoichi agreed.

"Now, there's just one other thing. A scroll came by bird messenger earlier, I had the Cryptanalysis Department verify this, but it is apparently from Sin Kurokami, and Naruto Uzumaki. It was likely sent while they were still in Kōun no Toshi. In it, Naruto states that he'll never again have anything to do with Konoha and that he knows about his burden…it's likely that Sin Kurokami knows this as well. It has both their signatures and for authenticity, their blood prints are left on it, and it is Naruto's blood on it. However, that isn't the real issue."

"Naruto disavows Konoha, refuses to return, and that isn't the issue? Then what is?" Tsume exclaimed in question.

Sarutobi sighed and applied his chakra to the storage seal at the very bottom of the scroll. Everyone watched as Naruto's shirt jumped out of it, torn, dirty, and splotched in blood from constant wear and the attacks on the jinchuriki.

The third caught the item that contained the Uzumaki swirl and turned it around, everyone paid close attention to what happened to be written on the back.

Konoha,

Karma has not taken lightly to your treatment of young Naruto Uzumaki and neither have I. You've all abused and mistreated an innocent child…Jinchuriki or not, it is unforgivable. You want your jinchuriki back? Just wait on it…

-Sin Kurokami

Everyone was silent, the words up for interpretation. "The Cryptanalysis Department believes it is a threat towards the village and I'm inclined to agree. We do nothing for now, as I don't believe this threat to be immediate, but it is a declaration of war against Konoha. Therefore, I'm naming Sin Kurokami an Enemy of the State, to be brought to Konoha, dead or alive." Sarutobi announced.

No one noticed Danzo smirking to himself at the corner head of the table. This is just too perfect.

. . .

Author's Note: I'm not into spoilers for fan-fictions. Any readers wanting to know more on the Kurokami or the Tenchogan can Google or go to the Naruto-Fanon site. I've seen many clans, jutsu, etc. used from the site in Naruto fan-fics and this is one I was intrigued with. Please R+R, thanks for reading.

-Black Naruto