Disclaimer: I am just a fan. I do not own Naruto.
Chapter 10:Home Sweet Home Naruto's Return, Seeing Is Believing
Naruto lied in bed staring at the ceiling, all his attempts at sleep failures. His mind was a cacophony of endless thoughts. Whys and what ifs barraged him one after the other. Finally quieted by a memory three and a half months past.
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Naruto was standing on a wide board perched a foot off the ground; it rested on top of a triangular stone block. He was squatting in a wide horse stance, his butt tucked and his back erect. A medium size clay pot rested atop his head as he struggled to maintain his balance while supporting a long pole extending three feet past his shoulders from end to end with one full bucket of water dangling at both ends of the pole. Naruto unable to remain quite finally broke the silence.
"Master, how long must I do this?"
"As long as it takes." Yoshikawa replied provoking further questioning from Naruto.
"What does that mean?!"
"It means you stop when you have learned not to be so thick headed. Instead of thinking about where you are; why don't you focus on where you want to be in all aspects of your being, and not just on the obvious.
"Huh?"
"Haguru you exasperate me to no end; what is it that you lack and what is it that I promised to instill upon you whether you like it or not."
"Focus and clarity of mind, right?" stuttered Naruto unconfidently after a moments thought.
"If you know the answer why do you persist on complaining about everything that you do? I know you find these particular exercises tedious and boring. I also know that even though you never complain about it, you hate the fact that I answer most your questions with another question or make you quest for the answer you seek, but why is it that I do this Haguru? Think! If even for just this moment, use your mind and intuit the reasons for my severe and obscure nature. You will have the answer to your first question when you can."
"Fine, but can you at least explain to me what you mean about all aspects of being."
"Haguru, obviously your physical being is stuck on that platform balancing these buckets which you do not enjoy, but where the body has its limits the mind …."
"The mind has only that which you burden it with. I know Master." Naruto said as he finished his Masters sentence.
"Do you really?" was all Yoshikawa said as he turned and walked away.
Pausing to look back Yoshikawa tells Naruto "Your training for the day ends at sunset, which leaves you three and a half more hours to discover your answer." and continued on his way.
"Master, at least tell me why I m not allowed to use Kage Bunshin." Naruto yelled after his master.
"Because some roads a man must travel alone and in solitude without the benefit of help of any kind." Yoshikawa said before he disappeared into the cavern entrance.
Naruto would spend his next three and a half hours in total misery.
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It was not until these last few days that Naruto had understood what his Master meant. Since his meeting in the Hokage's office, night had fallen and the stars had awoken. Naruto knew that although he was beyond fatigued he would not be able to rest unless he took active measures so he decided to rediscover some of his old haunts. Ichiraku's ramen shop was closing when he arrived.
"Sorry, we are closed." Ayame said as she continued her normal closing rituals.
"That's okay; I just came for the nostalgia."
"Naruto, is that you?"
Naruto had grown accustomed to the name given to him by his Master and hesitated in his response. His reply came in the form of a head nod. He was going to need some time to reintegrate his identity with his birth name Uzamaki, Naruto.
"Well, I guess we can make an exception for our greatest customer, until you left that is." She said cheerily. "So, where did you disappear to?" she continued, making conversation as she brought out the supplies she needed.
"Training."
"Ah, I see, well, welcome back! What would you like; it is on the house, right Pops?"
Naruto was so tired he failed to realize that he had not eaten all day and decided to take Ayame up on her offer. Naruto ordered a bowl of Shio ramen. Ayame remembering the old Naruto's appetite brought out three bowls instead. Naruto sat quietly as he ate; the memories of his past joining him in the silence. The warm broth coupled with the flavor combination of the vegetables mixed with chicken brought tears to his eyes. In an attempt to escape notice, Naruto put his head down into the final bowl and inhaled the ramen and broth like a high powered vacuum then quickly turned to take his leave. He thanked Ayame and her father for the meal as he slipped back into the night wiping away the tears.
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Iruka had heard of Naruto's return from the Hokage herself. His first reaction was to find his former pupil whom he had promised the Third to watch over, but after the Hokage had explained all that Naruto had undergone including his suffering from amnesia these last six months he agreed with the Hokage that it was best to give him some time to readjust. The night had found Iruka unable to sleep his mind was constantly in a state of concern for his former student. He knew that he would be unable to rest until he saw that Naruto was fine with his own two eyes so he decided a walk would help to clear his mind. He took a path that would lead him past Naruto's apartment and inwardly hoped for a glimpse of his former student but did not expect one. After hearing all the burdens Naruto had bore, Iruka was certain that Naruto would be asleep, if not for the next week at least for two days minimum. Distracted by his thoughts, Iruka bumped into a young man as he rounded a corner.
"Forgive me; I should have paid attention to where I was walking." Iruka said as he bowed apologetically.
"It is okay, there was no harm done; really."
Iruka helped the boy to stand and realized that it was no ordinary boy, but Uzumaki, Naruto. Iruka was stunned by his appearance. Iruka's first thought was that this was either an imposter or Naruto had suffered from more than just amnesia. There was no way that the loud mouth, snot nosed, hyperactive prankster known as Uzumaki, Naruto would ever be able to command the calm demeanor before him, at least not until his deathbed. Naruto finished dusting his close off when he finally noticed the man who knocked him down; the tears he had finished wiping away at Ichiraku's threaten to return. "What is going on? Why can I not maintain control of my emotions? For the first time I am glad Master Yoshikawa is not here to see me or tears would be the least of my problems." Naruto thought as he quickly turned away and composed himself before turning to face Iruka.
"Iruka-sensei! How are you?" Naruto said adopting a pleasant tone.
"Naruto, I thought you would be in bed resting after all you have been through."
"I was, but I couldn't sleep so I decided a little exercise might help tire me out."
"Mind if I join you?"
"No, not at all."
"The Hokage informed me of your misadventures, this must all seem like a dream to you. I just want you to know that if you need to talk I am here." Iruka said in a quiet tone.
Naruto sensing the return of an emotional overload focused on clearing his thoughts of everything except for the acknowledgement of his breath. He did this until he was certain that he had a firm control of his emotions before saying "Thank you Iruka-sensei. The sentiment is deeply appreciated."
Iruka was once again floored. He could not help but marvel over the boy before him. "He has to be an imposter" was all he thought as they walked along.
They spent the next fifteen minutes walking in comfortable silence both of them afraid of ruining the moment would just nod to the other before retiring for the night. Iruka left Naruto at the door to his apartment and walked home wondering what else had changed? Naruto would spend the next day and a half in a deep coma like sleep awakening around early afternoon starving. He hurried through his morning routine, afterward he located a pen and paper made a short list of necessities and left in search of nourishment. He plotted his path for Ichiraku ramen because it was the only shop he remembered and because he truly enjoyed their ramen. Naruto reached Ichiraku greeted Ayame and her old man and ordered a bowl of Shio ramen with chicken and vegetables.
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Hokage tower, out on the balcony Tsunade, Shizune, and Sakura discuss the information she was given by Sasori before he passed away.
"Before he died Sasori confided in me about a secret meeting at Heaven and Earth bridge between him and a mole he placed inside of Orochimaru's village, it takes place in two weeks aqnd three days at high noon."
"Do you think the information is credible?" Tsunade asked Sakura.
"I do. He had no reason to lie because he didn't have to share the information with me in the first place."
"True, but it could just as well be a trap." Shizune said playing devils advocate.
"I don't think so, but I have considered that possibility and I still believe it is worth the risk, especially, if it leads us to the location of Orochimaru's hideout and Sasuke." Sakura rebutted.
"I too believe it is worth the risk. Unfortunately Kakashi your team leader will be in no position to help, which leaves you two men short." Tsunade said pointing out the obvious issues purposely.
"Tsunade-sama, surely you can find us a suitable replacement, and I always thought that once Naruto had returned that he would be…." Shizune spoke up before Sakura could finish.
"I don't think it would be wise to allow Naruto to do any mission after all he has been through and especially since he is being targeted by Akatsuki."
"Everything that Naruto has been through was so that he would be prepared for a moment like this you can't just deny him that opportunity especially after all he has been through." Sakura said heatedly
"Maybe so but…" Shizune started before an annoyed Tsunade decided to end the bickering.
"Enough! Unfortunately for the two of you it is not your decision. That decision belongs to Naruto."
"But Tsunade-sama I really believe…"
"I said ENOUGH Shizune! Your objections have been noted, but I happen to agree with Sakura. Naruto should, if he chooses, accompany them."
"Alright" Sakura screamed excitedly.
"I wouldn't celebrate just yet, I haven't finished stating my conditions." Tsunade interrupted. "First, Naruto must choose to go, and second he must prove to me that he is capable; if he can, then, and only then will I allow him to accompany you on your mission. Shizune, you will attend this test it will put your mind at ease and hopefully instill a little faith. Now go, I would like to be alone." Tsunade said dismissingly.
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Naruto sat eating his ramen in silence wondering if Sakura would accompany him while he accomplished his list; he could use some outside perspective while purchasing some new clothes.
It had been awhile since team ten had gathered for lunch and Chouji winning a coin toss chose to eat ramen. Shikamaru entered Ichiraku's and noticed a familiar looking teenage boy with unruly blond hair and whisker like scars on his face. He was wearing a white buttoned mandarin collared shirt, dark brown pant, and dark brown moccasin style shoes. Shikamaru took the first seat across from him. "Except for his sense of dress that boy looks just like Naruto, but I haven't heard any reports of his return. I guess there is only one way to find out." Shikamaru thought as the rest of team ten filed in taking seats and conversing.
"Welcome back Naruto." Shikamaru said casually.
Naruto busy eating his ramen stopped and turned to face his greeter as team ten ceased their conversation and stared in silent disbelief.
"Yo, Shikamaru right" Naruto's greeting confirming Shikamaru's suspicion awoke team ten from their moment of shock, and they all moved to greet and question him. Asuma stood quietly in the backdrop and thought "perhaps it is time to pay a visit to the Hokage." He made a quick excuse before parting ways with his team and left them enough yen to have lunch.
"So what happened to the orange jump suit? It is hard to believe that you are the real Naruto and not some type of imposter. The Naruto I remember was so loud and had a hideous fashion sense." Ino ranted.
"Yeah, well things change."
"You can say that again."
"So Naruto when did you get in" Shikamaru quickly chimed in saving Naruto from Ino the Interrogator.
"It's been about a day and a half."
After searching his home and the surrounding areas, Sakura finally located Naruto surrounded by team ten and team eight who where passing by and became curious when they heard Ino's excited tone. All are amazed by his appearance; quiet and thoughtful, it was something that they never would have believed possible although all Ino's questioning had revealed that Naruto still had some fire left in him as well.
"I….am…uh …..I mean….uh, we….are happy….you …uh, well…." Hinata said struggling to form a sentence. The scene was enough to spark Naruto's memories of his encounters with Hinata, and it seemed to him that although some things change others were a constant bringing a smile to his face. Hinata seeing his smile fainted.
"Some things never change." Kiba said as he caught Hinata before she could hit the ground.
"I guess not. I wonder why she is always fainting." Naruto asked innocently.
"Your clothes may have changed Naruto, but it would appear as if you are still as clueless as ever. Maybe you still are the same old Naruto after all." Ino said playfully chiding him for his ignorance leaving Naruto even more puzzled.
Sakura greeted her peers and used the lull in conversation to pull Naruto to the side so she could speak with him in private. Bidding Naruto and Sakura farewell team ten and eight paid their bills and departed Ichiraku to begin their day.
"Sakura-san I was wondering if you could accompany me on my errands. I really could use some outside perspective on some of the things I have to purchase" Naruto asked.
"Sure, but first I have something to ask you and then depending on your answer the Hokage will want to see you." Sakura explained to him about the meeting with Sasori's spy and Tsunade's decision and ultimatums on his becoming apart of the team tasked with capturing the spy and gathering information.
"How long until the mission and how much time would I have to prepare for this test?"
"The meeting is to take place in three weeks at Heaven and Earth Bridge, it will take us about a weeks travel to reach there, and we have already lost four days in total since acquiring the information. My best guess, barring any unforeseen circumstance, is that Tsunade-sama will want your answer and test to take place within the week."
After not receiving an immediate response from Naruto, Sakura felt a little worried about having fought so hard for him to accompany them on this mission. The old Naruto would have already been at Tsunade-sama's door telling her to bring it on, but this new Naruto appeared to her a little apprehensive at wanting to save the very person he struggled for. Maybe the blow that caused him to have amnesia did more damage then she had recently thought; perhaps, Shizune was right to worry. Maybe it was to early for Naruto to be undertaking any missions, and she was wrong for having forced the issue of Naruto's involvement in this mission.
"On second thought Naruto, just forget we had this talk. It is obvious with all that has happened to you that you are still recovering."
"Sakura you don't need to worry about me. I will be fine for this mission."
"Are you sure Naruto?"
"If I wasn't I wouldn't say so, this is about getting Sasuke back. I know my calm demeanor isn't quite the reaction you expected, but not everything about me has changed Sakura. Even my amnesia couldn't take away the feelings I have for you guys. Tell Tsunade–sama I will meet at any time and place designated in five days. I guess my To Do list will have to wait for a later date. I have to go prepare myself for the test. Janna" Naruto said as he left to his apartment to retrieve the scrolls bequeathed to him by his master. Hopefully, he would be able to master a few new techniques before test time.
Seeing the unwavering determination in Naruto's demeanor and hearing the certainty in his voice comforted Sakura and boosted her confidence that she had made the right decision in asking for him to join in the mission.
"NARUTO WHERE ARE YOU GOING" Sakura yelled after him.
"Some where I can train myself without interruptions."
Sakura returned to the Hokage's tower to tell Tsunade Naruto's decision, and saw Jiraiya was waiting to hear his decision as well.
"Where you able to locate him" Tsunade asked.
"Yes Hokage-sama. I explained your ultimatums and that you would want to see him depending on his answer."
"And I take it he turned you down, seeing as he is not here with you."
"No, he agreed to join in the mission and then he took off saying that he would meet at a place and time of your choosing in five days time." Sakura said bracing herself for her master's fury.
"WHAT! Where did he say he was going?!"
"I don't know. I couldn't catch him. All he said is that he was going to a place where he could train for the test without interruptions."
"Don't worry, I'll find him and keep an eye on him." Jiraiya said as he leapt through the window.