"Talking out loud"
"Thoughts"
"Naruto talking with Kyuubi"
"Kyuubi"
It has been weeks; 2 weeks…a far too long time since Naruto left and too long a time that most stopped their frantic search. Tsunade had sent word that Naruto was missing to all five nations and hidden villages, each contributing a part in their search. Forests were combed and rumors were verified and placed were checked to find one Uzumaki Naruto. 2 weeks ago, the day after Naruto left, team 7 went to Naruto's apartment to apologize for their ignorance when they noticed a big difference.
"Maybe we came to the wrong place…" Sakura muttered her eyes wide. Kakashi Sasuke and Sai inspected the surrounding looking for something off in the area but it was silent, the silent and plain neighborhood they had gotten used to seeing when coming for Naruto was nowhere in sight instead what laid before their eyes was the worst part of town one could ever see. The neighborhood was dark and empty but they felt a few people hiding in some alleys, house so old that had long since broken down leaving bare parts of the wall were scattered around the area.
Keeping their guards up they headed to the place they thought they knew so well but gasps escaped at what met their field of vision. The beautifully white walls of the apartment they went into yesterday was worn and torn, holes were present and some part of the walls were crumbling, graffiti covered everything and the words written cut thorns into their side. Broken pieces of glass, rotting trash, blunted kunai and dried rust colored splatters were scattered around the area. They rushed into the apartment, Sakura wincing where the floorboard creaked and bent under their weight.
They finally arrived at the door they knew was the home of their team mate but they doubted themselves as everything they knew changed at what they were seeing. The wooden door that they knew to be a plain and sturdy was instead a damaged one. Cracks were present and some was charred in some places almost as if someone tried to get it caught on fire. Kakashi stepped forward and knocked on the door, quickly stepping back when the door collapsed.
"Are those seals?"
The members of Team 7 stared at the remains of the door to where Sai pointed, and there they saw small seals drawn on the side and back of the door, multiple small locks reinforced with seals were weakly clinging to the remains, Kakashi squatting down to get a better look to examine the seals.
"Reinforcement and strengthening seals, they seem to have been recently removed causing the door to collapse…"
"Wait! Where's Naruto?" Sakura exclaimed
The teams tensed and dashed inside the apartment, Kakashi and Sasuke activated their sharingan while Sakura and Sai pulled out their weapons. The apartment was completely silent and eerie making them uncomfortable as a foreboding feeling settled deeper into their guts. Searching for the blonde in the apartment, they saw that not one piece of clothing or any sign of living inside. The closets were empty, the fridge bare, and the bathroom had not one single necessity needed for bathing. Floor boards creaked, come had holes and were partially covered, ripped furniture, cracked window, stain marks were on the wall and water marks on the ceiling caused when rain water entered through a hole in the roof. Everything was old and worn out, the whole apartment empty of life as if no one had lived there for a long time.
Their findings only increased the horror they were feeling, not wanting to believe what they were seeing, but what dug the pain deeper was the frame on the floor. The photo that looked like it was the only thing taken care of in the apartment that was broken, cutting through the one person they were afraid to lose.
"W…what's going on? This isn't Naruto's apartment! We've been here countless times and it wasn't like this!" Sakura screamed falling on her knees tears already welling in her eyes.
"…Kai! There's no sign of a Gengutsu." Sai stated looking around for anything to help them figure out what the hell was going one.
"…There are traces of a power chakra all over the place…signs of a recently dispelled genjutsu-"
"That's not true! We would've known Kakashi! There is not a single genjutsu the sharingan can't detect! We would've known!"
"Sasuke…this is the first time we have activated the sharingan in this area…we wouldn't have known. This is Naruto's home, we didn't expect anything. We never had our guards up here."
"Urusai! He would've told me! And even if he didn't, I would've known! I would never let something like this happen!"
"Sasuke-kun…"
"Tch! I'm gonna go look for him!"
"No. We need to report this to the Hokage. Ikuzo!"
In haste, the team scouted all of Konoha looking for a familiar blonde walking down the streets or eating at Ichiraku's while they made their way through Konoha but they found nothing. Team seven burst into the Hokage office and saw a troubled Tsunade comforting a crying Iruka.
FLASHBACK
"Tsunade-sama!"
Team seven burst into the office and found a crying Iruka on a chair being comforted by a trouble Tsunade. Iruka's face contorted in a pain filled expression and launched himself at his lover.
"What wrong? What happened?" Kakashi asked quickly wrapping his arms around his distressed lover. Iruka buried himself into his chest and only continued to sob heavily muttering musuko.
"He came in here crying a minute and collapsed. I haven't been able to ask him what happened." Tsunade answered and Kakashi guided Iruka on the sofa and sat beside him keeping his arms securely around his waist.
"Iruka-sensei, what wrong?" Sakura asked worriedly. Iruka was known as a kind teacher, a father, brother and friend to anyone and everyone he was one of the kindest person you'll ever get to meet but he was strong, he rarely cried especially in front of other, to see him bawling his heart out like this was a blow to them.
"He…Naruto! He's gone! He left the village!" Iruka spoke in between sobs before reaching into his pocket to retrieve a crumpled paper. "I..I dropped his b-ag and heard something s-nap, I opened the bag to check and saw the plastic fox mask I bought him before…and…and then I saw a letter sticking out if it…It…the letter…"
More tears gushed out and Kakashi tightened his hold trying to calm his lover while Tsunade gently pried the crushed paper out of his hand before reading it. Tsunade's eyes widened and she cupped her mouth in disbelief before falling backwards. Shizune snapped forward assisting her and placed her on her chair where she dropped completely. Sasuke picked up the fallen letter from her hand and began to read his eyes widening at every word that registered into his mind.
To those who cares,
By the time you read this letter I have already left Konoha and am probably far away by now. I left of my own free will and I don't want you to find me. I know your probably wondering why I left and I think it's only right to give you my reasons. I left Konoha because I couldn't act anymore. I grew tired in pretending to be someone I'm not, my life has been nothing but a lie. I want to live a life of my own, a life where I can be me.
I guess you don't really know what I'm talking about. You never even realized that the Naruto you see every day is a mask…a façade I made to save my sanity. By this time you probably have seen my apartment. The genjutsu Kyuubi helped me place would have faded…that's how blind you've been.I lived there for 16 years…and not one of you cared to notice other than old man Hokage. I only placed the genjutsu up after our lesson on it in the academy. In that place, I was beaten near to death and left to pick up the broken pieces of myself every time, but you never knew that. At first I hid it to avoid troubling you…but as time passed, I realized I hid it so well, too well. With the loud and idiotic cheering and optimistic yelling, you never knew.
I was so happy thinking that I finally had people who would love me and see me for who I am... But I was wrong. All you ever saw was Naruto Uzumaki, the knuckleheaded ninja, vessel of Kyuubi no Kitsune…and not the real me…never the real me. But still...I was happy…and I wanted to thank and tell you that I appreciated the things you guys did for me. You guys gave me memories that I'll cherish forever. But thank you for loving me, even if it was just for a while… I guess not everyone can love a monster like me forever. Eventually you'll realize that befriending someone like me is bothersome and I know that some of you realized it already and I hope you guys are happy now that I'm gone.
For those who really cared about me, I'll really miss you. While for those who hurt me, I really don't think I would ever forgive you. It really pains me, so I hope you're happy. I'm saying this now cause I don't know when I'll be back…if I'll ever be. But still thanks for all the things that happened. Sayonara…
Naruto Uzumaki
Sasuke gripped the crumpled paper, his long bangs casting a shadow over his eyes as the paper fell from his shaking. Sai for the first time didn't smile and Sakura cried with Iruka. Kakashi tried to comfort Iruka while Sai did the same to Sakura.
"Kuso! Damn it! Kuso! Kuso! Kuso!..."
"Sasuke-kun, it's not your fault-"
"It might as well be! I've been so blind! I didn't even see the state of his house and I left him there!"
"We all were! Now calm down! Breaking the wall won't bring him back."
"What wrong with his apartment?" Tsunade asked feeling confused. The brat never let her in his apartment; instead he always came to hers for dinner when she ordered it because the brat was so skinny. Team 7 was silent until finally, Sakura broke under her shishou's stare and recounted everything tears once again flowing from her eyes.
A heavy silence fell on the group. The pain of reality slapping them right in the face as the gravity of everything settled in them. Iruka cried, not believing that he didn't allowed Naruto, his son to live in a place like that. Tsunade cursed swiping everything off her table in anger, Shizune stood in the corner shocked to the bone, while Kakashi, Sai and Sasuke stared into space.
"I'm leaving…" Sasuke announced finally breaking the silence.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to bring him back. And like him, I won't give up. I'll drag him back if I have too like he did me."
"And where are you going to look for him? He could be anywhere by now." Sai asked
"Everywhere if I have to and I won't stop."
"He doesn't even want to come back!" Sakura exclaimed sadly
"Neither did I! But he brought me back and it's time to return the favor! Damn the Uchiha name! I'll beg if I have to if it would bring him back!"
"Gather everyone…" Tsunade stood up and stared at them with eyes filled with desperations and determination. "Call all available teams, we will send a search for Naruto Uzumaki…a member of the village hidden in the leave!"
"HAI!"
END OF FLASHBACK
Tsunade sighed and stared at the sun setting on the horizon before catching another dispatched search team making their way to the gate. Tsunade heard a knock on the door and gave the person her permission to enter.
Shizune entered the door and sighed as she stared at the table…not a single piece of paper work! For the last 3 weeks Tsunade had actually done every single paper work that needed to be signed for the whole month so now, the Hokage's table was empty a lone sake bottle stood on top, untouched.
"Tsunade-sama…the council…"Shizune began and sighed as her Hokage ignored her.
"I know…" Tsunade muttered sadly
"Tsunade-sama…" Shizune murmured. "We have one more week, if we can't find Naruto by then…all searches by order of the council will cease…"
"If you don't have any news regarding Naruto then leave me alone…" Tsunade said not facing her assistant. Shizune sighed and walked out the door. Tsunade sighed and stared up at the blue sky that reminded her of like-grandson Naruto.
"It has been 3weeks! That's way too long!" Tsunade thought before plopping carelessly on her chair. "Naruto…where are you?" A single tear slid down the Godaime's cheek, before dripping to the ground.
Naruto walked calmly taking in the scenery of the forest and the animals when he suddenly tensed and jumped high, hiding behind the branched of a tree, lowering his chakra, Naruto hid unmoving and waiting. He was used to hiding for the past few weeks as he came across ninjas of every nation looking for him. A moment later rustling sounded from his side and his heart clenched when he saw the person emerged.
"Sasuke!"
Sasuke turned and saw his team mates running towards him. Naruto saw Sai, Sakura, and Kakashi near Sasuke before speaking.
"Did you see him?" Sai asked and Sasuke shook his head in response.
"No, I didn't but I swear I sensed him somewhere nearby…" Sasuke replied looking around him.
"Let's scout the area before we continue on to the next village." Kakashi ordered
"Did you really sense Naruto around here?" Sakura asked, Sasuke was about to reply when he heard rustles behind him. They all took a defensive stance when they heard a voice. A small fox appeared from the bushes staring at them before taking of.
"Let's go. We have to bring him back to Konoha."
Naruto waited until they were well out of sight and ran not stopping until his feet hurt and not caring on where he was heading. He didn't know how far he ran or how long, all he knew was the pain inside him. All he knew was that he had to go away, far from them who want to bring him back to that place. Naruto stopped when he couldn't take it anymore and dropped to his knees letting out a scream!
"Calm yourself otouto …" Kyuubi whispered gently doing his best to comfort his kit.
"I don't want to go back…"
"And you never have to…"
"It hurts…make it stop Aniki…"
"…I'm here otouto…" Kyuubi whispered gently
"Don't leave me…" Naruto whispered his voice rough and husky from crying.
"I won't… I'll be here…" Kyuubi said
"Always?" Naruto asked drowsily suddenly tired
"Always…" Kyuubi assured and a Naruto fell into a dreamless sleep.
"Kit …Kit wake up...Come on…I know you're tired but we must go."
Naruto sat up and stretched, squinted as the last light of the setting sun met his eyes. He stared transfixed at the wonderful fading sun, but nothing compared to the beauty of the sunset he had watched countless of times on top of the Monument in Konoha. Naruto winced snapping out of his trance at the pain in his chest knowing that he would not see the view in a long time. Naruto walked for a few hours allowing Kyuubi to take the lead not paying much attention to his surroundings barely noticing the break of dawn for a new day before freezing as he felt something pass him, like a cold wind that wrapped around him, numbing all the pain
"Kit, look…"
Naruto abruptly looked up only to get his breath taken away by the sight in front of him. A clear blue sky and lush green grass covered ground. The forest in front of him looked like it came out of a fairy tale. The trees so tall they seems to almost touch the sky, the flower in full bloom and dances with the leaves flying in the gentle spring breeze smelling of sweet honey and lavender. He continues on passing the first line of trees before his eyes widened at the wonder before him. A clear blue lake, so clear the heavens reflected on its surface making it seem like you are on with the land and sky.
Naruto closed his eyes enjoying the fresh breeze and opened his senses taking in everything around him. It was so peaceful here the land thrummed with an energy that acted like a warm blanket over him. He took off his shoes and walked to the edge of the lake, only near enough to feel the water lapping at his feet.
*snap*
Naruto tensed before forcing his body to relax. The wind picked up, someone was coming. Getting some aid from Kyuubi he expanded his senses and felt two people nearing his location. Suddenly one was hiding behind the trees and the other was in the bushes.
"They're fast."
"Come out! I know you're there." Naruto exclaimed softly as to not give the wrong expression to the two. He didn't come here for a fight. He just wanted to find home. He felt the shock coming for the true before he feeling then hesitate before stepping out.
"Who are you? How did you come here?"
"The barrier doesn't allow any filthy ninjas like you to pass through! This is sacred ground!"
"Barrier?…The cold wind that passed through me."
"You shouldn't be here. Leave!
As these words were spoken Naruto turned slowly as not to startle whoever was speaking to him. What Naruto saw baffled him as he saw two tall men, who looked like in their later teens, dressed in nothing but a loose robe over their forms holding what seemed to be a spear made of black wood tipped with a sharp dagger.
The taller one had waist length silver hair with a sing black strip tied back into a low pony tail. Two black ears stood on the top of his head and a silver tail with a black tip swished back and forth behind him, while the shorter one of the two had back length black hair with a single silver strip. He had silver wolf ears protruding from his head twitching in searching for any danger while his black tail lay limp behind him.
"They're…" Naruto thought
"Hanyou's…" Kyuubi continued for him
"And why don't you sound surprised?"
"Because Naruto, they're part of my home, Rikuo and Yukio of the wolf clan."
"I didn't come here to cause trouble."
"Then leave before more of your kind pollute this place."
"Kit. Release me."
Naruto stared at his two other companions before bringing out a kunai causing them to growl and step back. Naruto stared at them in the eye and cut his palms barely flinching as blood flowed out of the wound. Steeping back Naruto did a number of hand signs making the two hanyou's growl and crouch ready to leap at Naruto, but the two backed down when a huge amount of powerful chakra burst forth from Naruto. The sheer power behind it taking a tangible form, glowing red like lava as it continued to pour out circle and surround Naruto until it formed a swirling cocoon around him, the excess chakra continuing to mold into one forming, molding and taking shape.
Rikuo and Yukio growled letting out their own chakra a startling contrast of midnight black and silver but whatever plan they had failed when their chakra was overpowered. Rikuo and Yukio stood shocked, still and unmoving, waiting for what will happen. They both tensed and stared at the red chakra cocoon in front of them as a rough voice, filled with power and intent came from the direction of the molded chakra.
"Rikuo and Yukio…I have returned…"
The two hanyou's stared eye-wide as the chakra formed into a ball before Naruto disappeared, revealing a tall man with crimson eyes as dark as flowing blood staring at them with such intensity.
"Kyuubi-sama…"