Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, all rights belong to Kishimoto.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – jutsu/demon talk

Arc One: A Warrior's Path

Chapter Two


Naruto was currently sitting on the brown leather couch at his new home. He glanced at the photo in his hands, a picture of his parents, with a sad expression. Yes, Naruto finally was able to live in his parents' home. It wasn't extravagant by any means, but it did get the job done. Two bathrooms, a kitchen, family room, library, a training dojo in the basement and two bedrooms. One of which was painted a bright orange; a crib was in one corner with a chest nearby filled with stuffed animals and toys. It was this that led to Naruto starting at his parent's photo.

Kushina and Minato were holding her pregnant stomach, both with massive grins on their faces.

Naruto sniffled, wiped away a stray tear, got up and placed the photo back on the wall before going to the master bedroom. As he started towards the room, he couldn't help but feel happy yet angry at the village's reaction to his heritage.


Flashback

Naruto and Hiruzen just got done at Harumasa's Emporium and as they left, the old samurai reminded Naruto of his homework and his lesson for tomorrow. Naruto thanked him and left the store, but instead of going to his apartment the Sandaime led Naruto to the Hokage Tower. It was here the Uzumaki knew it was time to see how the village would react. A reassuring hand was placed on his shoulder which made Naruto look up to see Hiruzen's smiling face. Although it eased what emotions flew around inside, the nervousness was still there.

"I know you must be nervous Naruto, but you must stay strong to show these villagers what you truly are; a samurai in training and the next heir to the Uzumaki clan." The Sandaime said.

Naruto sighed and simply nodded. With a twitch of a finger, an ANBU was called to gather the villagers and five minutes later, the same one came back to tell that they were ready. With a deep breath, Naruto took a step out on the balcony, the Hokage to his right, and looked down on those that gave him what he dubbed 'The Stink Eye.' He also saw those that refused to sell him food, clothing, and needed equipment to further his shinobi career; not that it mattered now. It was then the whispers began.

"What is that thing doing with the Hokage?"

"Has the Hokage finally saw fit to end that vile creature?"

"What is that thing wearing…it doesn't deserve those clothes after what it did."

These whispers didn't go unnoticed by Hiruzen, but what about Naruto?

With a glance at his surrogate grandson, the Sandaime was surprised to see Naruto in a calm state, though he noted his clenched fists which made him sigh internally with sadness.

"He's trying so hard to remember Harumasa's teachings as well as what he read in that Samurai book…."

After breaking from his thoughts, the Hokage turned his attention to the villagers below and held up a hand which quieted the crowd.

It was then Naruto's heritage was revealed; the fallout of such information varied. Many villagers denied it outright, some wanted to commit seppuku for their sins, others were glad they treated the boy with respect, and there were the select few that were neutral on the subject. Hiruzen motioned for Naruto to say something, but instead he gave the crowd a cold stare and pointed to himself before he motioned to the crowd again.

The message was clear; this is the real me, and the consequences of your actions. One villager picked up a stone, something which the Hokage caught and signed for his ANBU to stand down. Hiruzen was curious to see what Naruto would say.

Sure enough, the stone was chucked directly at Naruto's head who expertly caught it. Naruto took the rock and bounced it between his hands as he thought of what to say. On one hand, he could retaliate, but what would Harumasa say. On the other, he could simply let the villager be to see how everyone would react. The decision didn't take long, all the while he stared at the person who threw the stone.

"I would chuck this back at you, but as a samurai in training I must follow Bushido. Like my Master told me the day I met him, you are all people who lost their way and are empty cups waiting to be filled."

Naruto dropped the rock, swiftly turned around, and headed back indoors, the Hokage followed soon after. For the villagers, most were now in a state of confusion as they had no idea how to make it up to the Uzumaki heir.


Flashback End

Naruto chuckled silently as he remembered the multiple people that were following him and the Sandaime to his parent's home with some trying to give him gifts and flowers. Naruto never accepted these offerings and politely told them that their actions from now on would determine if he would forgive them or not. Little did Naruto know was that Fukui was watching the whole ordeal. An act which brought a happy tear to the elder man's eye. As Naruto climbed into bed and closed his eyes, he could only think about his training from now on and the path he chose.


Root Base

Danzo sat at his desk and looked at the files in front of him as he contemplated his choices; either destroy the files or acquiesce Hiruzen's request. However, in doing this the War Hawk thought about how it was possible for his Root to be found out. Only one thing came to mind.

A mole.

"But how… I checked and triple checked everything I've done?"

Danzo grunted angrily and shoved the papers off his desk. As they fluttered to the floor, something caught his eye and he quickly snatched it before it hit the ground. What he saw made him crumple the paper up in disgust.

"DAMN YOU HIRUZEN!"

On the now crumpled paper was a seal and, from what Danzo could tell, it was for recording purposes. His choice was made, he knew he couldn't hide. A slam on the floor with his cane made one of his trusted agent's, Sai, come in and kneel.

"You called Danzo-sama?" The agent emotionlessly said.

Danzo gathered the needed files, sealed them in a scroll and placed it on his desk.

"Take these to Hiruzen and tell him that I will cooperate fully."

Sai nodded, grabbed the files and did as told. Danzo sighed heavily and rubbed his temples at how everything crashed down around him. It was then a possibility came to mind which put a massive grin on his face. Oh yes, the war hawk may have been cornered but he was far from done.

"You poor deluded fool Hiruzen, I may cooperate fully but will you see the storm I am about to create? The great tree cannot survive without its roots."

Danzo chuckled then tapped his cane on the ground which made more agents come in.

"Initiate Operation Fox Hunt."

"At once Danzo-sama." The emotionless drones said, and went off to do their task; all the while Danzo had an evil smile on his face.

"Yes, the great tree cannot live without its roots…I will make sure of it."


Sarutobi Estate

Hiruzen was enjoying his green tea as he sat on the couch in his family room. A smile was adorned on his face as he glanced at the piece of paper next to him; a seal was on it. In fact, it was the same one in Danzo's office. Although the seal at the base was now destroyed, it didn't matter to Hiruzen as his spy would fill in the rest. It wasn't long until there was a knock at the front door.

"Come in!"

The door opened with Sai entering shortly after with a scroll in his hands. Once in front of the Hokage, he bowed in respect though his voice did not stay emotionless. It actually turned into a normal, calm tone.

"Danzo is displeased, and I fear for my safety Hokage-sama. Perhaps I can be placed in your care?"

Hiruzen took the scroll and told Sai to rise where he patted the boy on the shoulders then told him to sit.

"You may." Sai took a seat with a true smile as the Sandaime motioned to the tea kettle on the table in front of him. "Would you care for some tea as we chat about your former master?"

"Please…and thank you, Hokage-sama, for giving me a second chance after my failed mission in the Land of Iron."

"Anytime Sai."

As he handed the boy the tea, he asked a question that he's been wanting to ask for the past year.

"I know the mission happened when you were only seven years old but can you tell me just what went on that day?"

Sai sighed and sipped his tea and grimaced at the bad memories. "This might take a while Hokage-sama."

"No worries, I have all night." Hiruzen said with a smile, and with that Sai began his tale.


Following Morning

Naruto was at the training field with his blindfold back on and, like before, he dodged the stones that were thrown at him. Although far from mastering the technique, Harumasa was pleased with his student's progress. An hour later, Fukui told Naruto to rest which prompted Naruto to take off his blindfold and to sit in the shade under a nearby tree.

"You have done a wonderful job thus far, my student, but now comes a great test; patience. Fukui instructed, his right pointer finger in the air. "Remember, a moment of patience can prevent a great disaster and a moment of impatience can ruin a whole life."

Naruto scratched his head in thought which made his master shake his head in mirth.

"You may not understand my wise words this day, child, but when the day comes when I cannot be by your side, my teachings will make all the sense in the world."

Naruto nodded with a smile and watched as Harumasa got in the Seiza position. Once in the same position, Naruto listened to his master's instructions.

"Now that you are in position, I want you to get in a meditative position like so."

Fukui placed his hands together, one hand over-top of each other with the thumbs touching one another, and placed them on his lap. It took Naruto a couple tries but he managed to get it.

"Now, close your eyes, take deep breaths, and empty your mind of all things while ignoring the sounds around you."

Naruto did as told while his master watched on, wondering how long his student would sit still. The silence did not last as a couple minutes later, the complaining started.

"Master, this is boring; what is this supposed to do anyway…other than bore me to -" Naruto's head rocked back as a rock hit him in the forehead. "OW!"

Upon opening his eyes, Naruto flinched at the stern look Fukui was sending his way.

"Remember what I said about patience?" Naruto nodded but the samurai knew otherwise. "You may nod yes but your thoughts say otherwise. Patience is the key to knowing thyself my student, it will teach you to think clearly much like you did when your heritage was revealed."

Naruto stuttered in shock, "Y-you saw that!"

Fukui nodded and smiled, "Hai, and I couldn't be more proud. I saw your struggle. You wanted to enact your revenge but Bushido does not list revenge as one of its principles does it?"

"No, Master Harumasa." Naruto said quietly with his head down.

The old Samurai saw the gears turn in his students head, "And do you know why that is, why revenge is frowned upon?"

Naruto's head suddenly shot up as he remembered Harumasa's early sage like saying, "Revenge isn't patient and will ruin lives."

The samurai clapped his hands and had the biggest grin on his face. "Very good my student, very good! Now that you understand, get back to meditating."

With a smile, Naruto did as told though Harumasa knew it would be a while before Naruto mastered his inner self and defeated the darkness within. As the retired samurai watched his student, he felt a presence disappear from the area which was watching from the start.

"So, someone is after my student…hmm, I will play their game for now. After all, patience is a virtue."


Hokage Office

It was a long night for the Sandaime Hokage as he was told what that mission to Iron Country entailed. In short, Danzo wanted to oust Mifune and sent Sai on a suicide mission. Luckily for Sai, the snowy and cold climate of Iron Country got to him before he could strike. Ironically enough, it was Mifune who found Sai passed out near the main village and covered in snow. Once hegot Sai back to health, Mifune asked where he was from. Thanks to Sai's near death state, the seal on his tongue vanished which helped when Sai revealed everything to the leader of the samurai. One letter to Hiruzen later and Sai was pardoned of all crimes then sent back home; discreetly of course. It was then Sai's view on life changed; he vowed to end Danzo's evil ways.

Currently, Hiruzen was going over the multiple files Danzo had given him. As he looked, he came to the realization that his old rival professionally hid his tracks. Almost all the files given were useless minus a few which begged further study, but none had shown Danzo to be guilty of treasonous activities. It grated on the Sandaime's nerves as he knew that the old war hawk had to be planning something. Before he could continue, a knock on his door interrupted him from his thoughts. However, as Hiruzen stood, a knock on the window was heard as well.

His students had arrived.

After opening the window to let Jiraiya in, Hiruzen opened the door to allow Tsunade, Shizune and her pig Tonton to enter. Both Sennin were happy to see their Sensei was in good health.

"Jiraiya, Tsunade, Shizune…and Toton." Hiruzen started with a smile. "Thank you for coming, but before we get to any discussion…ANBU would you please fetch Naruto Uzumaki and Harumasa-dono."

A shunshin was heard to signify the ANBU left, and not even two minutes later, the two the Hokage mentioned were in front of them.

"Hey Ji-ji!"

Fukui smacked the back of Naruto's head and began to scold him.

"Manners and proper etiquette is yet another lesson you have to learn." Naruto scowled as his master turned and bowed to the two Sennin. "Ah, Jiraiya, Tsunade, an honor to meet you. My name is Fukui Harumasa, retired samurai from Iron Country. The little shrimp you see beside me is my student, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto went to speak out but got slapped upside the head again which made Jiraiya and Tsunade chuckle. Naruto, not being happy about being the center of attention, crossed his arms and mumbled under his breath about how it wasn't funny. The laughing soon stopped as Jiraiya realized what path Naruto took.

"Sensei, I thought Naruto was in the academy to become a ninja not a samurai?!

Hiruzen pulled out his pipe, lit it, and puffed a few times which let the smell of tobacco permeate the office.

"This village and I failed, Jiraiya. Not only did the hate get to the boy, but I have become lax in my elder years; something which I am starting to rectify." Although Tsunade wanted to speak, Hiruzen put up a hand which halted what she was about to say. "Though I could partly blame you, the godparents which were supposed to look after him, I won't do such an act since I failed to enforce that part of Minato's will. And before you ask, yes he knows of his heritage as does this village."

Curiously, Jiraiya and Tsunade looked over to Naruto and flinched at the cold look in his eyes.

Eyes which flashed red as he clenched his fists, "I had godparents all this time!"

"So, his darkness has awakened…perhaps it's time I step up his teaching so that he is prepared in the future." Fukui thought.

Shizune, who held Tonton, looked at Tsunade in shock as she was never told about this.

"Tsunade," She asked with a shaky breath. "Why did you abandon Minato and Kushina's child?"

Tsunade looked at Naruto and couldn't help but become saddened at the thought she could've given Naruto a better life.

"I was distraught, OK! First I lose Dan and Nawaki then two figures I looked up to." The painful memories made the Slug Sage tear up. "I just couldn't bear it anymore and left though it seems I got caught up in my depression and failed to realize that both Minato and Kushina's souls rested within their child." Tears were now flowing out as she went to Naruto and bent to his level. "Can you ever forgive me, Naruto?"

Inside, Naruto was torn. The amount of emotions which flowed out of his godmother showed that she still cared and wanted to make amends, but at the same time Naruto's anger conflicted and denied this outright. Luckily, Harumasa diffused the situation before it could get any worse.

"Give Naruto some time Tsunade, he is still having an inner conflict with himself after yesterday's events. The same goes for you Jiraiya." Fukui looked at his student and patted him on the shoulder. "Go on and meditate back at our training ground, I will be there shortly."

Naruto bowed and headed to the door, but before he left he gave one last glance at his godparents. Shaking his head with sadness, Naruto opened the door and silently closed it behind him. He didn't even care to hear Jiraiya try to console a distraught Tsunade.

Eyes closed and puffing on his pipe to concentrate on the task at hand, Hiruzen began to think about what could be done to start making Konoha strong again. A couple minutes passed before the God of Shinobi opened his eyes and looked at Tsunade, Shizune, and Tonton.

"You will now run the medical program as the way it is run now leaves much to be desired." He then looked at Jiraiya. "You will base your spy network here in Konoha from now on. Both of you will stay in the village unless important missions come about. Do I make myself clear?"

The Sannin nodded, their heads filled with ways of trying to get Naruto to forgive them. Although neither spoke, Hiruzen understood the simple gesture and dismissed them; however, Fukui decided to give some parting words.

"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand. Think about my words Jiraya, Tsunade…good day."

Harumasa bowed to the Sennin and the Hokage before going back to Naruto's lesson for the day.

Speaking of which, as Naruto walked to the training ground, a voice in the back of his head spoke up.

"Take ahold of your anger, use it, destroy those around you…LET ME FREE!"

Naruto shook his head and looked around as he thought he heard someone. In seeing that nobody else heard a thing, Naruto shrugged and kept on walking towards his destination. All the while, a beast with nine tails grinned evilly in his cage as did a black silhouette who was in one of the dark recesses of Naruto's mind. The shadow figure's eyes glowed red and then it began to chuckle evilly knowing that he was finally awake.


Time Skip

Almost a full year has passed since Naruto started his samurai training. His training with his senses, which took two months per exercise, was complete. After successfully meditating while dodging stones, Naruto was given earplugs and told to use those with the blindfold. Although it was difficult as he couldn't rely on sound, Naruto soon learned to use his sense of touch with some Ki sensing in order to dodge the stones. The process continued as nose plugs were added and, instead of dodging rocks, he had to successfully capture an animal. In this case it was Tora, the Daimyo's wife cat. As much as Naruto hated that cat, he enjoyed the money he got from doing so. This money, however, he did not keep as he already had plenty thanks to his parents. It was donated to the orphanage and for repairs to the Red Light District in Konoha. From this, the villagers began to see Naruto for who he truly was which made both Naruto and Fukui proud.

The final part of the senses training was the most difficult as Naruto had to meditate and nullify any feelings whilst dodging stones. Naruto quickly recognized that this leg of the training was to build endurance and the pain threshold for when the time came for his first samurai fight. As this part of the training came to a close, Naruto was introduced to Aikido, the samurai style of Taijutsu.

It was then he realized how brutal his master could be.

By the end of each training session, Naruto was admitted to the hospital for broken bones and internal injuries. Tsunade tried to scold Harumasa about being too harsh, but that quickly backfired as the samurai used sage like advice to tell the Slug Sage why he was doing so.

Aikido was more of a defensive taijutsu which revolved around throws, but it was deadly as once an enemy was down a killing blow could be struck using a katana. Naruto learned both aspects of Aikido; the receiving end and the attacking end. While receiving blows, Naruto was taught to be calm and flexible in the off-balance positions which the attacker put him in. Naruto was also trained to regain his balance and cover any vulnerabilities while on the receiving end. When the time came to switch to where Naruto attacked Fukui, he was taught to use position and timing to keep the receiver off balance and vulnerable. Although Naruto was far from mastering this technique, as evident by the broken bones he had after every spar, it would prepare him when the time came to learn Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū. With each strike resembling a thrust and/or cut from a katana, Fukui knew that Naruto would quickly start to pick up his Kenjutsu style.

Currently, we find our master and student headed over to the Nara compound for Naruto's next lesson; strategy.

"Master, is a game of Shogi really going to help me? I've been doing what you asked…I know my stuff from the books I read." Naruto questioned with a slight pout.

Fukui shook his head with a smile, "You may read and retain, my student, but until it is put into practice nothing will ever be mastered. You know not of the horrors which comes about when war strikes, how it pains the heart to kill a person dear to you, to kill a fellow samurai which has been by your side for what seemed like an eternity."

Naruto became worried for his master after hearing the sad tone in which he spoke.

"Is that why you are a retired Samurai, master?"

Fukui simply smiled and patted Naruto's head, "It's in the past now but the memories still haunt me to this day."

Naruto decided to not go further after seeing his master's eyes. They were filled with sorrow, pain, and above all, loneliness. Just like the one's he had before taking up the path of the warrior. Fukui looked at Naruto and internally sighed as he saw himself in the boy.

"You don't know how much you remind me of my younger self, Naruto. I was once a carefree child like you, always questioning the unknown until Mifune guided me onto the right path. Like you, I trained hard, studied hard, and then that fateful day came."

Harumasa took a deep breath and wondered how Naruto would react when he took his first kill.

"To kill is to lose your innocence, to kill is only the first step in becoming a true samurai…one that uses death as their advisor. Keep that innocence until you feel ready, my student."

It didn't take long for Naruto and Fukui to arrive at the compound, but as they arrived they were greeted warmly then escorted to Shikaku's home. After the guard knocked on the door, it opened to reveal a smiling Yoshino Nara, Shikaku's wife.

"Ah, Uzumaki-san, Harumasa-san, my husband said we would be expecting you. Please, come in."

Said persons bowed and entered the home but not before taking their sandals off and placing them by the door. As they entered, Yoshino asked if they wanted any tea which both accepted graciously. Naruto looked around the home and smiled then began to wonder if this is how it was like to live with parents. Sensing the distress, Fukui put a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder then motioned to the nearby table. Naruto nodded and followed his master where both sat beside each other in the Seiza position and began to mediate. It was this sight which Shikaku came in on.

"To think Minato's boy would be so calm…how troublesome. Though I cannot help but feel happy for the kid as he finally is gaining the recognition he deserves." The clan head thought proudly then proceed to join the two though he decided against the meditation.

For Yoshino, who just came back with the tea, was shocked at how calm Naruto and his master was. Quickly shaking it off, she set both the cups and saucers on the table in front of them which they thanked her for; meditation not breaking in the slightest. An act which baffled the two Nara's completely.

After a couple minutes, Shikaku cleared his throat which brought the two out of their meditation.

"Harumasa-san, you wished to discuss matters with me?"

Said person took a sip of his tea and smiled, "Yes, I wish for my student to come here after his training every day to learn how to play Shogi with your boy. Not only will this help his strategic skills, but his social skills as well."

As Shikaku looked over at Naruto, who was sipping his tea and staying calm, he couldn't help but wonder where the old Naruto went.

"Troublesome, but I suppose it is for the best." Shikaku stood and motioned for Naruto to follow. "Come Naruto, I will introduce you to my son, Shikamaru."

Naruto looked at Fukui while he set his tea cup down, "May I be excused, Master Harumasa?" Fukui simply nodded. "Thank you Master."

With that, Naruto stood and followed Shikaku while Yoshino looked at the retired Samurai with a quizzical glance.

"How did you get Minato's boy to be so calm? To think, only a year ago he was running around and trying to gain everyone's attention."

The old man smiled and took another sip of his tea. Once the cup was set back in the saucer, Fukui shrugged. "I may be his master but what Naruto has become is of his own volition. Mifune, my master, once said that the art of living does not consist in preserving and clinging to a particular mood of happiness, but in allowing happiness to change its form without being disappointed by the change, for happiness, like a child, must be allowed to grow up."

Yoshino scratched her head as she tried to digest the wise words presented to her, but nothing came up. With a huff, she crossed her arms and headed back to the kitchen to start another pot of tea just in case.

"Stupid samurai and their sage like proverbs." Yoshino muttered which made Fukui shake his head in mirth.

Shikamaru opened his bedroom door after hearing his father's voice on the other side. However, he blinked in surprise at the sight of a calm Naruto. The expression quickly left as Shikaku started to explain what Naruto's master had wanted him to do. Like the typical Nara, Shikamaru chalked the whole thing up as troublesome, but let Naruto in nonetheless. As the bedroom door closed, Shikaku headed back downstairs to give the kids their privacy.


As Shikamaru was setting up the Shogi board, he decided to engage in some small talk.

"I like watching clouds, what's your hobby?"

Naruto thought about the question and quickly realized one thing. "I don't really have one as I basically train most of the time."

Shikamaru stopped and looked at Naruto, and, in a tired voice, stated, "Samurai are so troublesome, but you should really think about getting a hobby."

Naruto nodded in thanks and decided to file that memory so he could ask Fukui later. After a brief period of awkward silence, Naruto changed topics.

"So," Naruto said as he looked at the Shogi board. "How do you play Shogi? I've read about it in the library but never have I tried to play it."

Shikamaru sighed and began to explain how the game worked. Although it took five minutes, the two soon started to play.

The first three games were quick with Shikamaru winning, but the next two, however, made Shikamaru nervous as he almost lost. Although aggravated at not winning, Naruto remembered his master's lesson on patience and decided against quitting. Game after game, Naruto steadily improved to the point where Shikamaru was taking longer when choosing his moves. Amid small talk between games, Naruto and Shikamaru' friendship started to bloom. One which blossomed after three hours had passed and the last game was played.

"Checkmate." Shikamaru said with a grin.

Naruto looked at the board and began to analyze the game. It was here Naruto realized that he didn't cover his right flank, a move which would kill him in actual battle. With a grin of his own, Naruto extended his hand which the Nara shook.

"Great game, I almost had you that time. Perhaps we can try again tomorrow?"

Shikamaru nodded and started to put the game away. "Sure, besides, it's troublesome to find good opponents in the academy."

Naruto stood and bowed in respect. "Thank you, Shikamaru-san."

As the clan heir stood to put the game back on the bookshelf behind him, he looked Naruto in the eyes.

"Just call me Shika from now on." Shikamaru shrugged. "All my troublesome friends do it."

Naruto understood the meaning, and he couldn't be more elated as Shikamaru was his first true friend.


Following Morning

Like every morning, Naruto arrived at his master's shop and was ready for today's training. As he stepped inside the shop, the bell jingling overhead, he saw Fukui come from the back room with a certain smile on his face. Naruto knew that smile well as it promised pain.

"Good news my student, after the Hokage and I discussed how well you were doing he approved you to start some D-rank missions. Today, you are helping a farmer plant his crops."

Naruto looked at his kimono with a worrisome glance. "Shouldn't I change into something else so my kimono won't get dirty?

Fukui gasped in fake shock. "Ah! You are absolutely correct…how silly of me." Harumasa turned and grabbed samurai armor off the shelf that would fit his student, and placed it on the counter. "You will be working with that on all day, and after your mission we will continue your Aikido training. Now go on…daylight's a wasting!"

"Me and my big mouth." Naruto mumbled which made Fukui chuckle.

Once dressed in his armor, which resembled that of Hashirama's, he and Harumasa set off to do today's task. Once there, the farmer greeted them and was about to hand Naruto tools to work but Fukui stopped the client in his tracks.

"My student needs no tools, he will be doing his task by hand."

The farmer was shocked and looked at the Uzumaki heir in worry, "Are you sure sir, he is but a young child?"

"Ah, but he is a child of hard work and a samurai in training." Fukui looked at Naruto with a smile. "Go on Naruto, do your assigned task."

Naruto sighed and decided not to argue, he headed to the nearby field and began to plow the rows by hand. As the arduous task progressed, Naruto's hands cramped, his fingernails broke off and bled, but not once did he flinch in pain or complain. It was a sight which took the old farmer off guard.

"Shouldn't you be helping your student Harumasa-san?" the farmer asked.

Said person shook his head and motioned to Naruto which signaled to watch and see. Out in the field, Naruto looked at his bloodied hands as he took a small break. The sight of which made him more determined than ever before.

"The work may be hard, but with this blood…I vow that I will never stray from the Warrior's Path. My cup is still empty, I have much more to learn."

"Your master is deceiving you, he hates you, he will betray you when the time comes…use my power, take your revenge…SET ME FREE!"

Naruto shook his head and scrunched his brow in confusion, "What was that voice…never mind that, back to work."

The shadow figure looked at the beast in front of him and chuckled, "You can try to sway your container's mind…Kyuubi, but the time will come where his mind is shattered enough for us to take over."

Kyuubi snarled and smashed his tails about the cage, "I am a beast of untold destruction, I have no sense of patience…I will make my container see the errors of his ways!"

The shadow figure shrugged his shoulders and started back to his place in Naruto's mind.

"And it is because of your impatience that you have been sealed for over 50 years."

The Kyuubi's angered roar is all that could be heard as the figure went back to his domain.

Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow and stood while arching his back which produced a few cracks making Naruto smile. It took five hours, but the massive field was plowed, planted, and watered. The farmer was impressed with his work and congratulated Naruto on a job well done when he came to greet his master. The client was even more impressed when Naruto told him to keep the money and put it towards those in need or the orphanage. As master and student left for the training ground, Fukui sensed a figure disappear, one that has been following his student for almost a year now.


Root Base

Danzo tapped his cane on the floor in slight impatience as he waited for his agent to give the report on Naruto. As of now, the war hawk was slightly worried as Naruto was improving leaps and bounds though he dismissed these as Danzo was never one to trust samurai. To make it worse, Sai suddenly disappeared which made the Root leader wonder if he was the mole all along. The more Danzo thought about it, the more it was a possibility that something happened on the Iron Country mission. Such a mission was omitted from the report Sai gave Hiruzen. A shunshin, however, interrupted him from his thoughts.

"Report!" The war hawk ordered.

The agent kneeled, his emotionless tone echoing off the damp stone walls. "Danzo-sama, Naruto has continued his training but I fear that his master has sensed us all this time."

Danzo raised an eyebrow, "And do you have proof of this?"

"No sir, it's just a hunch."

Danzo narrowed his eyes and turned his back to his agent, "I see the seals removed from your person thanks to Jiraiya has given you some emotion…a disgrace but I cannot do anything to you as Hiruzen watches my every move. Continue your task, our time will come."

"Hai Danzo-sama."

As the agent left, Danzo's worry returned as if Harumasa could detect his agents, what of Naruto?

"Bah…I am simply overthinking. Detected or not, Konoha will be under my thumb soon enough."


Training Ground

Naruto sent a fist towards his master whom caught it effortlessly, Fukui then used his shoulder to lift Naruto and sent him to the ground. Luckily, Naruto twisted in mid-flight and managed to stay upright; both hands were free. Again Naruto attacked but made a feint with his right fist and sent his left towards Harumasa's stomach for a quick jab but it never connected. His master caught the fist with both hands then brought a knee into Naruto's stomach. The armor caved in from the blow but saved him from getting out of breath; it was here that Naruto was put on the defensive. Naruto rolled under a punch and tried to kick out his master's legs but it was for not as Fukui jumped over them. Naruto flipped back to his feet and caught a punch in his hand and attempted to throw his master over his shoulder. Harumasa countered by using his strength to break out of the block in order to grab Naruto's outstretched hand to break it. Naruto saw darkness shortly after hearing his bone snap thanks to Fukui's fist impacting his face which broke his nose.

The old samurai caught Naruto before he could hit the ground and looked at the boy in his arms with a smile. Although it was a quick five minute spar, it showed just how much Naruto had improved.

"Rest easy my student for tomorrow is a brand new day."

With that, Harumasa carried Naruto bridal style to the hospital. He knew it wouldn't be long until Naruto was able to take the long journey to Iron Country, though had a feeling in his stomach; a feeling that a storm was approaching. A storm which would be the catalyst for change, a storm that would change his student forever and turn him into what he was meant to become.


Edited: 5/12/15