Chains of the Broken

by KyuubiGoku

How long can you strike an animal before it strikes back? How long can you remain blissful of the hate inside its heart? What must you feel when your actions come back to haunt you? What happens when you break the one who was to protect you? You will find out. You are not safe. No one is safe. By their decisions, he is free. He is out and his mother, is not happy.

2. Chapter 2

KG: (Sigh) (Sigh) (Sigh) Okay I got away. Whew, damn that was sick. How long before these damn lights come back on? Well whatever.

KG: I do admit that I had descripted Naruto smiling too much, but it seemed appropriate at the time. In any case, some asked if this was canon Tsubaki or an OC Tsubaki. No this is canon Tsubaki. Not much was explained about her except for that filler in the Naruto anime and manga, plus the idea that she was the one to keep Naruto in check was something else to work with. Well whatever. Another asked there is going to be someone to help Naruto like canon Naruto did with Gaara. I am debating that. Cause this story is about a broken Naruto so it wouldn't do well if he was 'fixed' so soon. Well whatever.

Music of the Week: One for the Money by Escape the Fate.

Quote: "Inside every sane person there's a madman struggling to get out," said the shopkeeper. "That's what I've always thought. No one goes mad quicker than a totally sane person." by Terry Pratchett.

---

Iruka Umino loved teaching. It was a type of thing that warmed his heart greatly. Knowing that he had a hand in developing the next generation of Konoha shinobi and kunoichi was something that blessed his soul. It made him happy. For some reason Iruka always felt that he was doing his parents justice by teaching children. He was hoping they never had to get through the struggles that he had to get through growing up. Truly there was no greater job than this. It was bliss. "Would you brats SHUT UP?!" Iruka shouted making all the children wince at his tone before he pinched the bridge of his nose. Okay so maybe it wasn't bliss, but it sure was something to do anyway.

Taking a long look around his classroom, Iruka then slowly nodded before continuing on with the lesson. "Now then, who can tell me name of the man who established Konoha's Chunin Exams?" Iruka asked with a somewhat tired sigh. He looked around the room for a few seconds before a hand went up into the air.

"Sakura?" he asked. Holding her hand up was a young, pink-haired girl. Her emerald-crested eyes blinked brightly before she replied. "Tobirama Senju, Iruka-sensei. He's the one who founded Konoha's Chunin exams," she responded expertly. Iruka slowly smiled with a nod of his head at the young girl's brightness. While not exactly the most adept at other things like Taijutsu, the girl still showed a somewhat exceptional ability in information-gathering and other things of that nature. She definitely had the potential to be a part of the Cryptanalysis Team if she put her mind to it.

"Very good Sakura-san. Now then, onto the next question. Which person was...," Iruka suddenly stopped when the door quickly opened. All the students quieted down instantly as did Iruka. Everyone took notice as they watched a female jonin walk into the classroom and right behind her was a young blond. He was about everyone else's age take a year from some of them. His eyes seemed to be pointed at the ground like he was watching his feet move. He suddenly snickered to himself. His grin seemed creepy to everyone else. The fact that it seemed to unnaturally stretch across his face painfully was also somewhat obvious. For some reason it made all the students nervous.

"Huh? What's wrong boy? Don't like the new kid?" a young boy with a dog seated a top his head asked. The young white-haired dog whimpered as he watched the blond moved. He could feel the danger that this boy presented himself and others around him. The dog was very wary. Meanwhile, no one took their eyes off the duo as Tsubaki came up to Iruka.

"Greetings, my name is Tsubaki. As of today by orders of Hokage-sama, Uzumaki Naruto will be taking the academy courses," Tsubaki quickly said to the chunin academy instructor. Iruka looked down at the one Naruto Uzumaki. He could feel his anxiety rising. How long had it been since he had last seen the blond out in the streets? Iruka didn't know how to feel when Naruto disappeared. He was never in the academy for obvious reason and all of a sudden he was here now? It made no sense. Add to the fact that Iruka felt something off about him was also an added factor. After all this was the pariah of Konoha. The jinchuuriki of its very own demon fox, Kyuubi no Yoko. The same beast that ravaged its lands ten years ago. The same beast that...killed his parents. Iruka took a deep breath to steady himself.

"Hai I received the message from Hokage-sama this morning," Iruka said and Tsubaki slowly nodded. The former Anbu captain wanted all of this done without any problems. Naruto had taken his medication and if it was working as it should then he should have a majority of his chakra locked away just in time for the academy to be over. Tsubaki took a look back and noticed the light grin on Naruto's face. He seemed to be staring at the floor, but Tsubaki could see the somewhat tired look in his broken eyes. It was indeed working or at least she hoped.

"Good, then this shouldn't be a problem," Tsubaki said before turning to the classroom, specifically those to the left near windows. "You all, move over into the next aisle!" Tsubaki ordered. Iruka widened his eyes as did the students. They all looked at each other for a moment before one girl snorted.

"Aw why? This is my favorite seat! He doesn't need an entire aisle of seats!" she called back. Tsubaki gave a small sigh from her lips. She was not used to dealing with children, but she had to make Naruto as isolated as possible. From what she learned, he couldn't be around crowds and stay calm for long so by giving him his own separate aisle Tsubaki hoped that this would minimize his stress which seemed to have a hand in provoking his unstable mindset. "Because I am a jonin and what I say goes girl. Now all of you get up from your seats now!" Tsubaki ordered more fiercely. Quickly all the students to the left got to their feet and moved to the other aisles without a word.

Seeing everyone comply, Tsubaki breathed a sigh of relief. They might not know it, but she was actually trying to save their lives here. "Good," she said with a nod before turning around to face Naruto. "Alright Naruto-kun, remember our promise?" Tsubaki asked. Naruto looked from the ground to Tsubaki's eyes.

"Hai, I will remember to behave. I promise!" Naruto said happily, completely not creeping anyone out. Tsubaki didn't seem convinced, but nodded nonetheless. "Okay Naruto-kun, I'll be back before you know it. Be safe," Tsubaki said before walking out of the door. Silently she created a clone giving it specific orders to watch Naruto from outside the Academy window while she reported to the Hokage. The clone nodded while Tsubaki walked out the entrance and then shot off atop the roofs of the buildings.

Meanwhile, inside the classroom. Everyone glared towards the newcomer of their classroom. Some seemed confused while others seemed more worried. Iruka found this silence unnerving as he watched Naruto slowly lick his lips. "Umm so Naruto-san, care to tell us anything about yourself?" Iruka asked. Naruto turned to academy chunin before smiling widely, painfully so.

"Ne sensei, guess what a spider's favorite meal is?" Naruto asked suddenly startling his new teacher. Iruka raised an eyebrow. The class did so as well, however the one who did so the most happened to be a young boy in a trench coat with black glasses that covered his face. "Umm Naruto what does that have to do with anything about yourself?" Iruka asked. The Tsubaki clone which found itself outside the window near the academy narrowed its eyes. Things were escalating already? No, there was no proof yet. It hadn't gotten to that point yet. She just had to wait.

"Come on Sensei guess," Naruto replied happily. Inside his mind, Kushina snickered to herself somewhat sleepily. Now that Tsubaki had heeded her warning she knew what to expect of this medication, but that didn't mean she wasn't tired. "Hmm I'm floating on top of water, sewer water. Will I drown if I fall asleep?" Kushina wondered to herself. The redhead Uzumaki mother suddenly jumped up to her feet. She knew what she was going to do.

"Naruto, we don't have time for this. Just tell us about..," Iruka stopped and quickly everyone shivered as Naruto's smile took a downward turn if only slightly. "Guess sensei!" Naruto replied quickly and angrily, his voice somewhat disturbed. The Tsubaki clone frowned indefinitely from its place in the trees. Iruka jumped back in surprise of the blonde's tone. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he just slowly nodded.

"I...I don't know know Naruto. What is a spider's favorite meal?" Iruka asked while Naruto's frown quickly flew upwards. He suddenly started to snicker as he placed his arms around his stomach and laughed softly and mostly to himself.

"A fly who has been caught in the web and his limbs broken off!" Naruto exclaimed before he fell back in laughter of his own joke. Some of the students gulped to themselves while others looked pale. One boy, a rather big-boned one, actually decided not to each his chips anymore out of disgust.

"I...I see. Very interesting Naruto. Now please take your seat," Iruka replied wanting to hurry this along. After a few more moments, Naruto's laughter subsided before he nodded dreamily. Taking small, deliberate steps, his feet echoed through the small stairs as students stared at him like he was the strangest thing they had ever met. Naruto snickered to himself before he sat in a far off corner in the left aisle. The one Tsubaki told him to sit at. He could feel everyone staring at him. Underneath his desk, his nails clawed at his pants legs actually tearing them into small holes. The Tsubaki clone watched this happen before taking small notes to give to the original.

Iruka could see the tension in the room heightening before he coughed bringing everyone back to his attention. "Well okay, we'll take an introduction from Naruto-san later. In the meantime, let's continue on with class," Iruka stated and most of the students slowly nodded. Some watched Naruto for a little bit before turning back to the lesson. Naruto laid his head on his desk all the while snickering to himself for some unknown reason.

-Hokage Mansion-

"Are you sure that's what happened Tsubaki?" Hiruzen asked dangerously while Tsubaki hardened her eyes and folded her arms. "Hokage-sama, I am pretty sure that I wouldn't botch the truth of someone restraining me with my own sword between my eyes," Tsubaki countered. Sarutobi could see the honesty on her face. Only a day and now Sarutobi was starting to question his decision regarding letting Naruto out. Maybe this was a mistake after all. After all Tsubaki was one of Konoha's Anbu captains. Her strength was excellent and so was her sensory perception, for someone...anyone to sneak up on her and restrain her merely by brute force was to be a force reckoned with.

"And what did the person say? Did they give a name or anything?" Hiruzen asked, but only sighed in dismay when Tsubaki shook her head. It was such a pain to recall the event if only because it was so dark that she didn't even see much of anything, but those eyes. Those broken eyes she couldn't forget. They were just so similar to Naruto's that there had to be some connection.

"I only know that she says 'Kaa-chan will protect her baby'. Hokage-sama I don't know who this person is, but they're a danger to Konoha. They are just as unstable as Naruto from what I could gather only, they are living out there somewhere. Perhaps these killings have been done by this person. They feel it's their duty to protect Naruto-kun," Tsubaki replied. Hiruzen took a breath of tobacco smoke from his pipe before exhaling. He rubbed his elderly beard before slowly nodding. It couldn't be who he thought it could be. She was dead. He had seen it. No one could escape the Shiki Fūjin technique. No, it couldn't be.

"That would make sense, but I don't think that's the case, at least not the complete one. Thank you Tsubaki, with this information we can take more active measures. Have the Anbu at the apartment keep a close eye on anyone within twenty yards of the complex. You will be the person that they most likely come after, but keep to yourself and keep Naruto safe above all," Sarutobi said. Tsubaki quickly nodded before she began to walk out of the room. With a bow she utilized the technique, Shunshin, and vacated from the Hokage's office. Hiruzen watched her go via the rooftops before sighing.

"Why does everything unpredictable gravitate towards Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen thought to himself before shaking his head. He would have to look into it later. Right now he couldn't afford to fall behind on his paperwork than he already was doing. Sarutobi couldn't help, but lightly bang his head to the desk is slight boredom.

-With Tsubaki-

Tsubaki quickly landed on a tree branch outside the Academy room where Naruto was. She motioned for her clone to join her. They weren't spotted. "What has happened?" Tsubaki asked looking at Naruto closely. She could see him shivering as if he was cold for some reason. Raising an eyebrow, she looked around, but she saw no one near him. What was the problem? He couldn't be experiencing what he felt back in the streets yesterday could he? No Tsubaki doubted this was it.

"Not much happened. The students merely looked at him for an unnatural amount of time. However one took an...active approach," the clone said prompting Tsubaki to quickly stand up and glare towards her clone's direction. The clone slowly nodded her head. "Not in the way you believe. It was the Aburame heir, Shibi Aburame's son. He...sent an insect to try and scout Naruto. Probably trying to get a feel for Naruto as most Aburame were known to do with someone they meet for a first time," the clone said before she stopped. Tsubaki frowned at the silence before urging the clone to continue.

"Naruto-kun...somehow pinned the insect to the table and he tore each of its limbs off one by one before finally crushing it in his fingers. Due to the layout of the building I couldn't see what he was looking at when his head turned, but judging from his position and our look into the Academy classroom beforehand, I can assume he was looking at the Aburame who likewise didn't have the most...understanding expression on his face," the clone replied. Tsubaki sighed with a nod. She truly didn't want anyone needlessly provoking the blond nor trying to get him curious to anyone else. She just wanted him to sit there and behave. Maybe that was asking for a little too much, but he seemed to be sitting there peacefully. Well somewhat.

-With Naruto-

Naruto snickered happily in his seat. His feet kicked up and down repeatedly. However it wasn't a loud snickering as his new teacher or his fellow students hadn't called him out on it. "Marco!" Naruto suddenly heard his mother call out. "Polo," The blond replied mentally. He could hear the splashing around of water of some kind and could only fathom what his mother was doing in her alone time. Kushina sunk into the murky depths of the sewer water trying to find something, anything to do. Never mind that this guy teaching was more boring than vegetable ramen, but also the fact that no one seemed to be paying as much attention to him as they did her son. Even now Kushina could feel the stares on her son and, by extension, herself. Kushina shivered inside the water with a small smile. So much blood and yet it was just out of her reach. It was like the ultimate tease!

Suddenly, Kushina and Naruto snapped out of their stupors just in time to hear Iruka announce the end of his lecture and tell the students to wait for their next teacher before he left. From the outside, how Tsubaki wish that he had stayed. As soon as he left, students crowded around Naruto's person, some not very happily. "Who do you think you are asshole?! To think I had to move from my seat just so you could get an entire aisle to yourself? How is that fair? You from some type of clan or something?" one of the elder boys sneered angrily. Tsubaki slowly narrowed her eyes at the scene.

Inwardly, Kushina grinned widely to herself. Naruto did the same. The question soon got lost in a sea of other questions and accusations to the blonde's person. Naruto could feel all the malice directed at him. Granted it wasn't as much malice as an adult's, but what unstable person could tell the difference? "Huh? You gonna speak blondie or just sit there and look like a pathetic loser?!" another asked. Naruto shivered in his seat. A bead of sweat dripped from his face.

Tsubaki dismissed her clone quickly before lowly crouching. She'd be ready to intercept at a moment's notice and then bring Naruto back to the apartment where he could calm down. She hoped that he would. "Okay so added provocation to Naruto-kun will cause the medication's effects to lessen if his current state is given a mind," Tsubaki thought to herself.

However luck seemed to be with the students as another teacher came through the door. "Alright I'm sure we're all...interested in our new student, but back to your seats. Now we'll begin where we left off," came another male and the students sighed before returning to their seats, but not before taking one last look at Naruto. The blond and his mother slowed their thrill of the events before they took notice of an even greater amount of hatred aimed at them. They looked up and Kushina proceeded to grab her sides and roll back in pained laughter. He hated them. He hated their very existence. Even the teacher himself hated their very being. Naruto chuckled darkly to himself.

"Spider, spider, on the wall, do not be afraid. For the debt the fly has made will be paid," Naruto thought to himself. Tsubaki noticed the teacher's reaction as well. No doubt this was going to have to be something to watch out for. So it seems that even the teachers would not let go of their hatred. Good thing Tsubaki took that into account when she based this off the receptionist's view of Naruto when they first arrived.

The day went on and on, Tsubaki would make a few regulated checkups with Naruto, ask him how he was feeling which he would normal reply with a bad joke much to his broken humor or comment about how good all of the students smelled, especially the pink-haired one that he had observed. He had asked Tsubaki if her hair was made out of pink bubblegum and if it was then could he eat it. Tsubaki told him not to which he merely pouted. As the day passed, Tsubaki brought Naruto his lunch which happened to be some vegetables and miso ramen on the side. One of the stipulations was that Naruto and his 'Kaa-chan' got ramen. Now Tsubaki didn't know how he would react to one bowl of ramen so she got two just in case. She quickly left Naruto if, but for a single moment to check up something back at home. She contemplated taking Naruto with her, but didn't see a reason to so she just settled on the usual clone before leaving.

The clone watched Naruto smile while he used his chopsticks to eat his food. "Blech, this tastes awful dattebane!" Kushina replied while Naruto hummed to himself while kicking his feet around happily. "Hai the raspberry filling inside people is SO much better Kaa-chan. Too bad we can't have any dango. The special kind with red filling is good. It's the best food in the world after ramen. At least you claim it is," Naruto responded. Kushina smiled before resuming her fun with her handstands.

"Oh sochi you're so sweet. I'm sure you'd find your Kaa-chan the biggest walking dango around Konoha if you could. You make me so happy" Kushina replied. Naruto soaked in the warmth of his mother's words before moving onto his ramen. He slurped up the noodles quietly while listening to his mother's ecstatic praise of the Ramen god and his blessings which only served to make Naruto laugh even more.

In time, Tsubaki returned and she watched the rest of the classes resume. Time seemed to pass by for her slowly as she watched Naruto's reactions however as the last class period came, Tsubaki could only find herself cursing. "Alright class, we will now begin the subject of...Taijutsu," came the voice of another instructor, one with white-hair. Tsubaki knew him instantly. Back when she was a chunin this was her lover, now eternally her former lover, Mizuki. If Tsubaki were honest she held no feelings about leaving the white-haired chunin. He always seemed off to her and Tsubaki's instincts were always sharp which she led herself to believe. Which is why she also noted the glare towards Naruto's person that he was plotting something.

"Great. Hand to hand combat. What should I do now? The medication's almost wearing off and Naruto-kun's getting back to his old self. He's starting to laugh loudly, drawing attention to himself, and he's staring at the damn students like they're all going to attack him and he's going to defend himself, violently. Shit, no matter what I can't let them hit him. If they do...I don't know what his state of mind will be after this," Tsubaki thought to herself as she watched the students move around.

"Now I suggest we all do some light sparring. You have all been quick to learn the academy's style of taijutsu so why not put theory to application? Hmmm how about we all give the new kid a test to see what he can do? Now remember everyone, he hasn't learned the academy style so go easy on him," Mizuki called out. Kushina could practically hear the disgust in his tone which only served to make her blood rise to the challenge. She wondered how this man's blood tasted. Would it take like a raspberry-filled dango? Kushina hoped so. "Kaa-chan will protect her son. From all the bad people. Kaa-chan will make sure her son is loved and protected. She will squash the bad insects in her way, dattebane," Kushina thought to herself.

Tsubaki watched Naruto appear at the mat staring directly at Mizuki. "Gomen Chunin-sensei, but I promised Handler-oneechan that I wouldn't fight with anyone. Naruto promised. He promised, that he did, dattebayo," Naruto responded. Mizuki raised an eyebrow and so did Tsubaki. When she had asked for him to not fight, she had felt it to be in the confines of non-official fights such as behind-the-school encounters or street fights of that sort. However it pleased the ex-anbu that her handlee was handling himself accordingly.

However Mizuki wasn't so understanding. "Now Naruto-kun, I know you're scared this being your first time and all, but don't think of this as a fight, but rather as a light spar between friends," Mizuki said plastering the fake smile on his face. Tsubaki narrowed her eyes. Unlike this morning where his eyes were low and focused, now they had a rather high and dilated look. Naruto's eyes couldn't seem to stay still as if he were looking at everything around him for the first time. Everyone seemed to be looking at him in earnest especially the dark, cold, stern glare of a raven-haired young man with black eyes dressed in a dark blue shirt and white pants.

"Friends? I have never had friends Chunin-sensei. Well I have one friend. My Kaa-chan!" Naruto stated happily. Kushina gave a wide smile across her face. However let it be known that what Tsubaki thought about children was true. They were rude, disrespectful, and very much...inconsiderate. "Heh listen to that guy. What a momma's boy! Does she tuck you in at night and read you bed time stories?" one boy mocked. Soon an ensuing laughter came. Slowly Kushina's smile left her face before being replaced with a deep frown. This laughter, it was malicious. It reminded her of the laughter of that much noise. There was too much noise!

Kushina's red hair shadowed her eyes. The hair that was said to be so beautiful when she was alive sprawled out across the wet floor as Kushina shivered. They were making fun of her son. They were hurting her son with their words. Kushina snickered as her hands clenched. "Dango. Sweet red jam-filled dango. Oh sochi, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. I will now. Kill them honey. Kill them for the delicious filling inside!" Kushina cackled.

Suddenly before anyone could blink, Naruto appeared in front of the boy and grabbed his head. The boy shivered as Naruto painful smile stretched across his face before the two looked into each other's eyes. The rest of the children widened their eyes to the speed the blond used before they heard Naruto chuckling slightly. "Kaa-chan says that you smell good. She says you smell just like...dango with red jam inside," Naruto replied swiftly. The boy widened his eyes as he was forced to staring into the maddening eyes of Uzumaki Naruto.

"Who is this guy? He's insane!" came the thoughts of the young dog owner while the other children were quickly having the same thoughts. A good most of the clan heirs kept their distance merely observing the entire ordeal.

Meanwhile Mizuki frowned at what Naruto had said. He stared at Naruto firmly making Naruto's grin go even wider. "So would anyone like to challenge the new kid?" Mizuki asked with a bright smile. The academy teacher had no way of knowing why the Kyuubi jinchuuriki was attending the academy after appearing right out of the blue, but he had no problem in trying to see how he could use the blond to his advantage. As Mizuki waited, he suddenly heard whispering as Tsubaki watched Naruto clench and unclench his hands. Cursing, Tsubaki shook her head, she'd deal with the reprimands later.

None of the kids seemed to want to get up before she made herself known. "Chunin Mizuki," All of the children stopped and turned around. Mizuki looked up before he found a familiar sight that forced him to remember a lot of unwanted thoughts. He watched as Tsubaki dropped to the ground with a light glare. "Ah Tsubaki-san, how have you been? I haven't seen you in a long time. What have you been up to?" Mizuki asked and Tsubaki could clearly sense the malice behind his words, but she didn't let them bother her very much.

"That is not your concern right now Mizuki. I am here to pick up Naruto-kun and take him home," Tsubaki said quickly moving her way through the crowds of children. She could tell that Naruto was getting excited, too excited to continue to be around the class. It was time to take him home, and continue with their day. Tsubaki would handle his training from now on well anything having to deal with sparring anyway. The academy would never have its class using ninjutsu against each other so that was probably fine. "Take him home? But this is the last class. Plus this is Naruto-san's first day. I'm sure he wouldn't want to miss his first lesson," Mizuki replied as he watched Tsubaki gently touch Naruto's shoulders.

"Naruto-kun, it's okay. There is dango with red jam back at the apartment. We can go get some," Tsubaki replied. Naruto's hands shivered over the frightened academy student's face. The large grin on his face and the wide eyes never left his stare as the two looked at each other. Everyone watched Naruto lick the lower portion of his lips.

"The world crumbles down. Flies swirl around the dead corpse. The demon claws at the throat. White masks. The white masks. So many white masks. Surrounding him. They surrounded him. No escape! He had no escape!" Naruto cackled tightening his grip over the student's face. Kushina cackled into as her nails clawed at the walls of the mindscape. Tsubaki growled before she found her mind racing. Tsubaki quickly slapped her hands together. With a flare of her chakra she quickly touched the top of Naruto's head releasing a sensual burst of chakra forcefully through his body causing a temporary body shutdown. Tsubaki watched Naruto fall backwards before he landed safely into her arms. The frightened academy student shivered as the tears fell down his face while Tsubaki picked up Naruto into her arms. She turned to look at the students.

"If your parents could see you all right now then they would be sorely disappointed. You'd all better shape up. This kind of disrespect towards your fellow classmates will not be tolerable once you're shinobi. Remember that," Tsubaki said before she quickly utilized the Shunshin and vanished from the area in a puff of smoke. The kids watched her disappear with wide eyes. Mizuki blinked before a deafening silence came over the class.

"Umm yes, well anyway. Since Naruto-san isn't feeling well then we will move on. Shino Aburame vs Kiba Inuzuka. Ino Yamanaka vs Hinata Hyuga. Sakura Haruno vs Ami. Sasuke Uchiha vs Shikamaru Nara, and lastly Chouji Akimichi vs Sora," Mizuki continued to read off his list of students as one by one the children began to stand to their feet and walk to separate mats to begin their sparring. However Mizuki couldn't take his eyes off the lone boy who was still crying and shivering from his place on the ground. No doubt he had been through enough already.

-Apartment Complex-

Tsubaki landed to the rooftop with a small smile. She looked down at the sleeping blond in her arms. She doubted what she did would work multiple times without Naruto knowing it. She only got him by surprise that time. With a sigh, she jumped to their door and fished out the keys. She then opened the door. She followed up on that by putting Naruto in his bed. She pulled the covers over his body and proceeded to lean back into a chair. Here she was, an Anbu, and yet already exhausted from merely watching her handlee for one day. "Hokage-sama, is this really a good idea?" Tsubaki thought to herself. Shaking her head, she turned to leave and gently closed the door.

After some time, the sun slowly started to set over the horizon leaving the village in the evening setting. It was during this time that Naruto slowly opened his eyes and took into account his room. The large grin returned to his face. "Ne, what happened to the early bird who got the worm?" Naruto asked suddenly asked. He quickly heard a separate, but tired laughter. Kushina slowly leaned up as she rubbed her eyelids. "I don't know sweetie. What happened to the early bird who got the worm?" Kushina asked smiling as she looked at her reflection in the murky sewer water.

"The worm ate his intestines and killed him from the inside at night!" Naruto proclaimed. "Hehehehahaha!" Kushina laughed as she rolled her clothes along the wet floor while Naruto kicked his feet into his sheets. The two continued in their merriment for some time before they heard Naruto's door open revealing Tsubaki.

"I see you're awake Naruto-kun. That's good. I'm sorry I had to do what I did to you," Tsubaki said while Naruto's laughter calmed down significantly to slow and steady giggles. "Gomen Handler-chan, I didn't behave," Naruto stated the soft smile showing a twitch in his face. Tsubaki approached cautiously before sitting on side of Naruto's bed.

"Very well, since you're honest then I will let it slide this time Naruto-kun, especially since this was your first day and they provoked you unnecessarily. However I want you to promise than you will not do this ever again. Remember that you agreed to Hokage-sama's conditions that you and...'Kaa-chan' would behave, understand?" Tsubaki asked. Naruto grinned widely and nodded his head quickly. Tsubaki nodded with a sigh before getting up.

"I have instructed your teachers to not disturb you for a little while. I do not think you should go back there so soon after today. Now Naruto-kun, I made dango for you, me and Kaa-chan," Tsubaki said and she watched Naruto's face turn to her. Kushina licked her lips before she jumped into the air shouting 'Dango' over and over again. She even decided to do some backflips to celebrate.

"However Naruto-kun, I want you to know that we will have to train. I don't think I can trust the academy students to intentionally hold back against you. Naruto, no matter what happens with us tomorrow, you must remember that I will never intentionally hurt you. Do you understand?" Tsubaki asked. Naruto and Kushina suddenly stopped laughing and smiling. Their eyes seemed to harden and a certain thrill made their blood jump.

"You won't hurt me. Kaa-chan has never let anyone hurt me in four years. Ever since Kaa-chan came I haven't been hit or beaten. Kaa-chan protects me, dattebayo," Naruto claimed and Tsubaki narrowed her eyes. Could that have meant that whoever was protecting Naruto had been doing it for four years? Killing any civilian who did harm to him no matter how small? Tsubaki shuddered at the notion.

"I understand that Naruto. Very well, let's see if Kaa-chan can help us tomorrow. I'll show you stances and then will judge your reaction time. If Kaa-chan is able to protect you then we'll figure something out for that too," Tsubaki said with a disarming smile. Whether Naruto took it or not she didn't know, but she really hoped it was the former.

"I have dinner ready so come with me once you're ready," Tsubaki stated. Naruto watched her leave, his eyes taking in her form like a big target were painted on her backside. "Kaa-chan will protect you sochi. She swears it dattebane," Kushina quickly proclaimed. Naruto nodded brightly with before jumping to his feet and walking out of his room to go eat.

-Next Morning-

In the fields, out near training ground 19, Tsubaki and Naruto sat on the tall grass. Both had woken up early in the morning to get started. Tsubaki did the quick routine of washing and dressing Naruto before fixing his breakfast. The two then headed out, but not before Tsubaki set things up beforehand. Tsubaki had notified both the Hokage and a few anbu about what she and Naruto would be doing. Sarutobi came a bit of reluctant consent before hearing Tsubaki's plan. Around the forested area were at least five or six other anbu besides Tsubaki. In the event that Naruto lost himself and somehow, albeit it highly unlikely, killed Tsubaki then the remaining anbu would sedate him and place him back in Konoha's Mental Facility until further notice. However unknown to Tsubaki, Naruto could also sense the Anbu. Tsubaki was confused by the maddening grin on his face, but she chalked that up to something else.

"Now Naruto-kun before we begin, what can you tell me about chakra? If you know what it is at all?" Tsubaki asked slowly. Oh oh! I know! Chakra is that thing Kaa-chan sucks out of people's bodies who attack me before they fall to the ground!" Naruto stated happily and somewhat innocently. The anbu surrounding the two raised their eyebrows in surprise, but Tsubaki didn't give anyone the single to do anything so no one moved.

"Does this person has the ability to steal chakra? I'll have to look into this," Tsubaki thought to herself before finally registering Naruto's answer. She responded by shaking her head negating Naruto's answer. Naruto pouted before Tsubaki straightened herself. "Naruto-kun, chakra a person's life force. It is the molding of physical energy, which is present in your body, with your spiritual energy from your mind. Follow me?" Tsubaki asked. Naruto tilted his head to the side.

"Chakra, chakra everywhere. Chakra, chakra, must be bear. Mix of one, mix of two. Drink it down or you get the flu!" Kushina sang to herself as she rocked her body back and forth lightly snickering to herself from her own joke. "Naruto-kun, do you know why I didn't have you take your medication today?" Tsubaki asked.

"I wouldn't be tired and got to play right?" Naruto asked happily. Tsubaki slowly nodded before standing to her feet. "That is correct. We will get to 'play' for a long time," Tsubaki said and Naruto nodded giddily. Naruto hopped to his feet in turn waiting for her to play with him.

"Hmmm a simple punch should be enough to get started. If he's got good street instincts like I think he does then he should be able to dodge this relatively easily," TSubaki thought to herself. She quickly nodded before swiftly throwing out a punch in Naruto's direction. The wind suddenly picked up blowing blades of grass and leaves through the air. The Anbu stiffened if only slightly. Tsubaki widened her eyes.

Right between her fist and Naruto's face was a single white chain. Kushina frowned from her position on the waters. Tsubaki watched the smile on Naruto's face slowly turn dark and twisted, almost maniacal in a sense. "What is this feeling? Is he...draining my chakra?" Tsubaki thought to herself before retracting her fist. She felt the pull quickly fade away. "I will protect...Kaa-chan," Naruto replied heatedly. How he managed to unleash this amount of bloodlust all while the grin stayed on his face was Tsubaki's main concern. Tsubaki took notice of the way his hand started to move forward. She also watched the chain dance around his body protectively. Tsubaki could feel his intent. He was going to try to kill her for what she had done. The Anbu seemed ready to move, but Tsubaki held up her hand.

"Hmmm impressive Naruto-kun!" Tsubaki responded happily. Naruto's hand suddenly twitched to a pause before he looked at the smile on her face. Tsubaki had to erase her intent, Naruto seemed to instinctually respond to a person's intent. She quickly erased it with praise. Kushina rose an eyebrow before both heard Tsubaki clapping. Just keep clapping, lower the intent until he felt calm and safe.

Tsubaki watched carefully until she noticed visible signs that Naruto's body had relaxed and taken itself out of some natural defensive stance. Naruto withdrew his hand and the chain quickly disappeared once again however Tsubaki didn't drop her guard. "It seems that subconsciously you already have some idea of chakra and how it works," Tsubaki stated. Naruto blinked a few times and Tsubaki noted the lightness that his eyes seemed to exude.

"Okay, we've got him calm down now. As I suspected, he's been treated so poorly that he's somehow able to react to the intent within a person if it means to do him harm, but how should I train him then if he takes every move like it's going to kill him?" Tsubaki thought to herself before she took notice of Naruto's wide grin. The chain suddenly appeared. Tsubaki frowned. "Ne, let's play some more Anbu-chan! Let's play some more!" Naruto chuckled as the chain instantly reappeared and launched itself at her person. Tsubaki quickly jumped back as the chain bashed itself into the ground creating a loud thud.

"Naruto-kun!" Tsubaki called out. The anbu in the trees stiffened as Naruto laughed. Inside the mindscape, Kushina grinned widely while her fingers clenched painfully into her skin.

"More! More! Play more Anbu-san! Play with sochi more dattebane! Play with us more!" Kushina repeated over and over as she watched the events going on outside. She watched Tsubaki flip through the air in a valiant effort to get away from the person she was supposed to be handling.

Tsubaki quickly drew out a kunai to combat the chains. The sounds of metal hitting metal became apparent throughout the training ground. Sparks fell along the ground. "Such force. How is he manipulating his chakra like this?" Tsubaki thought to herself. Quickly swirling her body, she pushed the chain's momentum upward allowing her the freedom to move away. Naruto cackled as he clutched the sides of his head. "Ne Anbu-chan, can our Anbu-niichans and nee-chans join us? We can all have fun with Kaa-chan!" Naruto said and Tsubaki quickly took notice of the chain flaring itself. Almost instantly it was coated in lightning causing it to cackle. Naruto moved his hand wildly manipulating the chain with Kushina's help as the metal bashed against the ground sending short burst of Raiton chakra through the ground.

Tsubaki took a deep breath before she shuddered in realization. "He believes this to be a game. Okay, I can capitalize on that," Tsubaki thought to herself. Tsubaki soon snapped herself out of her stupor just enough to dodge a second chain. The handler widened her eyes at the mere speed that the chains exuded. She'd have to act fast. Tsubaki looked up and noticed Naruto was still on his spot before holding up his hand.

"Rensa no Mai( Chain Dance)," Naruto uttered and Tsubaki watched the first and second chain intertwine together. The chakra flared brightly making Tsubaki close her eyes. Naruto grinned widely at this motion of the next game before shooting his hand forward. The chain obeyed and made its way for Tsubaki's form.

Tsubaki shivered. There was no intent. She could feel no intent from him to completely harm her. Had he really gone so far that he couldn't even release an appropriate intent for the given situation. "No, it's a game. He still sees this as a game. It's a long shot, but it might work," Tsubaki said to herself. She quickly cleared her throat and steeled herself.

"Ara, you got me Naruto-kun! You win!" Tsubaki said and she slowly opened her eyes. She smiled and nodded. "I thought so," Tsubaki told herself mentally with a small smile. She saw the chains just inches from her face as Naruto dropped his hands. Naruto's grin widened before the chains slumped to the ground. She watched Naruto's eyes settle. Kushina's eyes did the same. With a swift hand, Tsubaki dispelled the Anbu in the trees making them drop their weapons.

Quickly, yet cautiously, Tsubaki made her way for Naruto. Soon the two stood just a few feet from each other. Naruto's body shook lightly as if it were trying to get warm in cold weather. The former female anbu also watched as Naruto fell backwards landing into the grass. With an exhale of breath Tsubaki sat next to him.

So far as Tsubaki was concerned, a key to Naruto's reactions was a means of coherent and incoherent stimulation. As far as Tsubaki had followed, Naruto reacted to various stimuli in some part of his brain. Tsubaki remembered reading a report a few years ago by one of the head medics of the facility stating that a normal person, or normal person's brain was able to think, separate, and rationalize certain stimuli and make it respond to a given situation. If a situation was bitter and angry, then the stimulation response was anger. If it was dark, depressing or lonely, then the stimulation was sadness and vice versa for all emotions, but for a mentally unstable person, their mind being so incapable of understanding or contemplating the deeds so horribly done to them that it warped their brain into what it was now, the stimulation response also got warped as well. The mind literally made them think the same stimulation to any given circumstance. But the thing about it was this, it was impossible to predict an insane person's stimulation response. As Tsubaki could see, Naruto liked to smile and laugh to the point where it was creepy and worrying for Tsubaki, but then there was also Naruto's stimulation response to incoming danger. Inwardly he seemed to perceive a person's intent, how this was Tsubaki didn't know. She'd have to spend a lot more time with him. She knew she would be doing just that.

Tsubaki discreetly dispelled the Anbu hoping to make sure that they reported their findings to the Hokage leaving the two alone for the rest of the day. Tsubaki continued to show Naruto a standard taijutsu form. Tsubaki couldn't believe she had to relate everything she did to a game. She watched Naruto copy her as best she could while not trying to impose any sort of ill will against him. No doubt he would pick it up immediately if she did. Kushina watched the scene on a side of the wall she was standing on. "Stick to a wall, stick to wall, be sure not to drop or your head will break from the fall. Hahahaha," Kushina joked. Naruto heard her joke, but didn't respond merely giving a merry chuckle to her words.

"Alright Naruto-kun, it's time for your medication," Tsubaki said. She looked over, but Naruto didn't seem to register her words. "Ne, Anbu-neechan...guess what the demon said to the monster," Naruto said with a somewhat straight face or at least as straight as he could make it. Tsubaki frowned, but as she had found it was best not to keep Naruto waiting and just indulge him.

"I don't know Naruto-kun, what did the demon say to the monster?" Tsubaki asked and Naruto stared at her for a moment. "The demon said 'hey you look like me.' He soon found he was talking to a mirror!" Naruto answered. Tsubaki raised an eyebrow at his words before releasing a sigh when she found him double over in laughter. Tsubaki looked at Naruto worriedly. Suddenly catching herself, Tsubaki shook her head.

"I see. Now will you take your medicine Naruto?" Tsubaki asked. However she didn't get a response as Naruto continued laughing. At that same time, Kushina spoke.

"Ne sochi, what is a banana's favorite exercise?" Kushina suddenly asked. Naruto grinned widely. "I don't know Kaa-chan, what is a banana's favorite exercise?" Naruto asked outwardly. This was official to set Tsubaki on edge. The jonin jumped to her feet and glared heatedly around the forest. Was it possible that they were being watched? Whoever this person was, it shows that had some way of contacting Naruto somehow. Suffice to say this, but Tsubaki was troubled.

"A banana's split dattebane!" Kushina exclaimed giddily. She splashed in the sewer water while Naruto snickered. Tsubaki sighed. "Naruto-kun if you do not take your medication then you and Kaa-chan will not get ramen," Tsubaki said. Naruto's eyes seemed to widen before his gaze fell on her. Tsubaki watched his fists ball dangerously and she could even feel his chakra at her. Tsubaki couldn't help, but feel unnerved at the smile that never left his face.

"Hai Anbu-neechan," Naruto said strainingly. Tsubaki held out the pill and Naruto swallowed it. In no time, Tsubaki watched Naruto's eyelids lower tiredly along with a normal smile for a change. Naruto calmly stood to his feet before Tsubaki directed him out of the training fields. Training him was going to prove difficult. Oh it was possible, but very difficult.

-Hokage Mansion-

"Hokage-sama, I have to express my concerns about allowing Uzumaki Naruto to roam among the academy students," spoke an Anbu. In front of Hiruzen Sarutobi was the squad that Tsubaki had sent to him from before to report everything that they had seen. Right next to Hiruzen were his two teammates, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. The two advisors and two council members for Konoha's Council and the Sandaime Hokage. The two narrowed their eyes before turning towards the Sandaime.

"Hiruzen, you never informed us that you allowed Uzumaki Naruto to go free. How would it benefit the village at all if he's loose?" came the voice of the elderly Koharu. Hiruzen narrowed his eyes from where he was sitting.

"It benefits the village because as much as most of us don't realize it, we need Naruto-kun. Everyone in this room knows why. For us to utilize Naruto-kun then we need him to be strong. He's Konoha's protection, whether we all agree or not," Hiruzen. Inwardly the old man cringed. He couldn't believe he was talking like this about his adopted grandson like he was a piece of property. It left a terrible pill to swallow in Sarutobi's throat. "Your point holds value Hiruzen, but Uzumaki Naruto is hardly at the level of mental accountability where he can think of himself as Konoha's protection. We don't even know what he thinks about. The last person who tried committed suicide the second they were released from Naruto's mind," Homura said making Sarutobi grimace.

"You don't have to remind me of that. Need I remind any of you why this is even our current reality?!" Sarutobi asked heatedly. The Anbu winced as did the two elderly council members. No one said anything as they looked down in shame. Truth be told, neither Koharu nor Homura held a grudge against Naruto, especially not when they felt he had such an important role to the village, if not one of the most important roles. However no one could forget the shame they felt that time.

"You do not need to remind us Hiruzen," Koharu responded rather softly. Homura quickly nodded, but didn't look Sarutobi in the eye. The elderly Sandaime Hokage pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. "Besides I have one of our Anbu Blacks Ops most capable shinobi guarding him, Kizuna-san," Sarutobi said. Quickly Koharu and Homura looked towards their village leader in utter surprise.

"Kizuna? Hokage-sama, I am willing to admit that you are right in that we need Naruto-kun, but are you sure that this is a good idea? Kizuna-san has always been...should I say, tense, with attention to things like this," Koharu said and Hiruzen could tell what she was talking about. Kizuna wasn't exactly the nicest person in the Anbu, a lot considered her downright stiff and incapable of caring about anyone, but herself. Kizuna was very cut-throat.

"And who would you have me use? Do you know anyone in the Anbu who could deal with Naruto-kun like Kizuna-san?" Sarutobi asked. The two elderly looked to be very in thought. There were about three former anbu that could have done it. Sadly one of those three was dead, the other went rogue, the last one...couldn't take the pressure anymore and quit. It was disheartening, but Kizuna was the only one who could do it.

"Well anyway Hokage-sama, Kizuna-san also wonders about...Uzumaki Naruto taking the taijutsu classes. She pulled him out before things got out of hand yesterday and would like your orders regarding Uzumaki Naruto's placement in...sparring with his fellow students," another of the Anbu replied. Koharu and Homura frowned before turning towards the Sandaime. Hiruzen looked to be in grave thought. No matter how much he felt Konoha needed Naruto in this trying time, he couldn't subject the next generation to the blonde's ways. The village would have Naruto's head or Naruto would have their heads either or and Sarutobi didn't want either. Well as far as Sarutobi remembered, ever since that incident six years ago, Naruto hadn't received a single injury to his person. None via ninjutsu, genjutsu or taijutsu some even by experienced shinobi though those shinobi were easily caught and detained.

Everyone watched the Sandaime lean forward. "Is taijutsu his last class?" Hiruzen asked and the Anbu quickly nodded. "Hai Sandaime-sama. Taijutsu is always the last class for the students to take before they go home," the Anbu responded. Hiruzen nodded before sighing. Shaking his head, everyone could see that he didn't wish to discuss this issue any further.

"Well is it wise to have him out what with our mysterious murderer still on the loose? Two days ago marked the fourth time civilians and a few shinobi within Konoha have been killed with the killer still at large," Koharu replied deciding to switch topics for the moment. Hiruzen sighed when he thought about that.

"That is true. Whoever it is, they know Naruto-kun's state of mind and they see it as their duty to protect him. I had hoped that it would narrow things down...if Naruto-kun ever reached out to anyone. There was only two people he reached out to. Teuchi and Ayame of Ichiraku House and that was six years ago. I have had them both checked out, so far they keep to themselves. It's not them," Sarutobi said with a tone of finality. No one seemed to have anything to say on the matter.

"Well okay. What about his team then? I'm sorry, but I don't think I can see him getting along with teammates or a sensei," Homura pointed out. The Anbu, Koharu, and Homura watched Sarutobi nod his head in agreement. "I also believe that to be true for the Chunin exams down the line," Sarutobi responded. The Anbu widened their eyes.

"Hokage-sama, you're not actually thinking of letting Uzumaki Naruto out of the village are you? We don't know how he'll function in an outside environment. He's hardly of the capable mind even here. Hokage-sama he tried to kill his handler all the while claiming it was a game. We are unsure, but somehow Tsubaki-san managed to calm him down, but it's obvious that no one knows when the urge will spike again. From our reports from the Facility we have it on good account that Naruto Uzumaki is prone to...a very violent type of insanity. It happened twice in six years. Somehow, we're unsure, but Naruto Uzumaki came into contact with blood and...it caused him to lash out in his room releasing an unprecedented amount of chakra both times. It took three jonin and one chunin to restrain him. The chunin didn't make it. You know that," The leader of the squad said. Hiruzen nodded.

"That shouldn't be a problem if Tsubaki continues with the prescription that we have written for Naruto-kun. It keeps him calm and somewhat sociable. I know it leaves him drained, but it's better than the alternative. We will just have to make the best of this situation. When you leave, retrieve Taka, and Hebi for me. Also give this scroll to Kizuna-san," Sarutobi said tossing a scroll with a red seal over it. The Anbu squad quickly bowed.

"Hai!" They said before they vanished out of sight leaving the Sandaime and the elders alone in the room. "Things have become much more complicated these times that we have been around," Koharu said with a sigh before standing to her feet. Homura quickly did the same with a nod of his head. Sarutobi merely tipped his Hokage hat before walking away. Koharu and Homura went their separate ways as well.

-With Tsubaki and Naruto-

Tsubaki took a glance towards Naruto. The blond was lightly dragging himself behind her, his features somewhat controlled. No matter what Tsubaki just couldn't get rid of that maddening grin to his face. It was like concrete plastered to his face. Around them, Tsubaki could hear the silent whispers and curses about the blond young man. Tsubaki could feel the intent to harm from some of the civilians, a minority, but it was there nonetheless and if Tsubaki could feel it then she had no doubt that Naruto could feel it as well. She'd rather not have a repeat performance of two days ago back in the streets. "The itsy, bitsy spiders climbed up the water spout. Down came the blood and wiped the spiders out. Out came the moon and drank up all the blood. The itsy, bitsy spiders died on the ground...lifeless. Hehehaha," Naruto softly chuckled to himself. Tsubaki took a deep breath before continuing on. This had to be his way of coping with the things around him.

Inside the minscape, Kushina eased herself into the water. "Then came birds and ate the spiders corpses. The itsy, bitsy spiders are no more dattebane," Kushina finished before slowly regressing her body into the sewer water. As she regressed into the water, it was for a brief second that the red head's eyes violet eyes turned red. Her pupils turned into slits while her hair spiraled out across the sewer water until Kushina's body disappeared for her to do whatever she was going to do.

As the handler-handlee duo walked through the streets, the former suddenly came to a stop to see the academy teacher, Iruka Umino running towards them. "Ah there you are Tsubaki-san!" Iruka said. The jonin in question raised an eyebrow before stopping. Naruto stopped behind her.

"Scarface-san!" Naruto called out. Iruka's eyebrow twitched before glaring towards the student in question. "You!" Iruka said as he stomped his way over to Naruto. Naruto watched the incoming man's form. Tsubaki took notice of Naruto's gesture. A stance ready to kill. Quickly countering, Tsubaki grabbed Iruka's shoulder and pulled him back.

"How might we be of service to you Umino-san?" Tsubaki asked. Iruka seemed confused for a second before taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Umm yes, anyway, I have been sent out to collect Uzumaki Naruto. He's not been in the academy all day and we were worried that he ditched," Iruka stated. Tsubaki looked at the chunin sternly before looking back at Naruto. The blond was swaying his head left and right like it a blade of grass in the wind. Shaking her head, she turned back.

"I see, well don't worry. He has not ditched. After yesterday's taijutsu incident I felt it prudent that he not attend today giving him and the students the time to settle," Tsubaki replied professionally. Iruka blinked before chuckling sheepishly. "Ah, I see. That's right, Mizuki did tell me about that incident. Well I guess you're right. I guess the pressure got to him," Iruka said. Tsubaki managed to raise an eyebrow at his words. He wasn't exactly wrong, but not particularly right either.

"Rest assured, he will be in class tomorrow," Tsubaki replied. Iruka gave a swift nod before he noticed Tsubaki turn around. "Come Naruto-kun," Tsubaki said. Naruto didn't give any indication that her heard her order other than moving his feet in conjunction with her own as the two continued through the streets. Iruka watched them leave before sighing. However as he looked back in their direction, he noticed that Naruto's eyes seemed to be looked on him. Iruka involuntarily shivered at the dark intent behind them. It was like Iruka was staring into the depths of his own consciousness. He stood at the very edge of the cliff known as his sanity, just waiting to fall into the dark abyss below known to only the select few. Iruka wasn't sure, but he thought he saw someone behind the young blond. As Naruto's eyes focused on him with that sickeningly happy smile on his face, he thought he saw a redhead woman hovering over Naruto's body. Chains bursted from the ground and danced around Naruto's form. One chain actually grazed his cheek sensually before the woman bent over his shoulder. Her eyes never broke contact with Iruka's before she placed a small motherly kiss to her son's cheek just before whispering something into his ear. It must have been good because Iruka watched Naruto's grin widen, almost painfully. Naruto's mouth opened.

"Kaa-chan likes you Scarface-san," Iruka thought he heard Naruto say in a warped, almost undefined tone. Quickly Iruka shook his head and rubbed his eyes. He opened them and noticed that Naruto was gone and so was Tsubaki. Iruka was standing in the middle of the streets as civilians began to pass him one after the other. Iruka looked down and he noticed his hands and legs shaking, twitching uncontrollably. A bead of sweat dropped from his face and to the ground. Iruka's legs soon followed as he dropped to his knees almost gasping for breath.

Meanwhile, Tsubaki and Naruto continued to walk through the streets at a somewhat strained pace. Tsubaki couldn't help eye Naruto. He did something. She didn't know what, but she just felt it. The grin on his face was a sign of that. Given that he had taken his medication, that grin shouldn't have returned for a few hours and it was only half past the previous hour.

Shaking her head, Tsubaki opted not to comment. He hadn't done anything so she wouldn't say anything unless it became an issue. Looking to see that they were just a few feet from the apartment complex, Tsubaki turned around. "Alright Naruto-kun. We're here. Now let's...," Tsubaki stopped and narrowed her eyes. She didn't have to look behind herself to know that the Anbu she sent to the Hokage was back to her. Taking a deep breath she sighed.

"I take it that Hokage-sama has replied?" she asked. The Anbu didn't say a word, merely tossing the scroll to her. Tsubaki effortlessly grabbed it before she watched the Anbu disappear. A red sealed scroll. The sign that this wasn't meant to be read outside. "Let's go Naruto-kun," Tsubaki said opening the door. Naruto quickly followed inside. The handler-handlee duo passed the receptionist desk. The landlord-disguised Anbu and Tsubaki gave a knowing glance to each other before Tsubaki was out of sight.

The two climbed up the stairs before making it to their door. Tsubaki fished out Naruto's keys from her pockets and then proceeded to open the door. Both walked inside. The air-conditioned apartment soothed them both. "Naruto-kun, leave your clothes in your room. I'll give you a bath in a second," Tsubaki replied. Naruto nodded before walking into his room without a word. Seriously, having your chakra drained was an exhausting experience and for Naruto it wasn't fun. He wanted fun! Nonetheless, Naruto promised to behave, that he did. So he would do so.

As Tsubaki watched Naruto leave, she leaned against the counter and unfurled the scroll. Tsubaki's eyes scanned the notes as only a seasoned Anbu captain could before quickly furling it back up. "I see. Well I figured that much. So Hokage-sama has decided to invoke the special priviledge on Naruto-kun. Well that will certainly keep him from killing the students or harming himself in that regard. Still no taijutsu class, well given from what I had seen of him back in the forest then I wonder how he would implement taijutsu anyway. I would even have to wonder if any enemy could get close enough to him to even land a punch on him. From the way his chains moved, despite their seemingly aimless bashing around they were very precise, dare I saw Anbu-captain precise. Naruto-kun could never be in that much danger to have Anbu-like reactions without a proper training guide and years of hard work to be noted. So why is he able to master those chains of his so well? Is it linked to his insane nature?" Tsubaki wondered to herself as she continued to draw up conclusions left and right though with not much proof to found them on.

"Well I'll think on these things another time," Tsubaki said nodding to herself as she prepared her items to begin Naruto's bath. Hopefully without any complications.

Tsubaki watched as Naruto sat calmly while she washed his hair. Honestly if Tsubaki cared to give it a reason, she found this all to be taxing. It was definitely a different experience from the usual S-rank missions she took. All this pressure depended on her. Not that she wasn't used to being in situations where pressure was present, but she felt even more involved in it than now. Right in front of her, smiling and grinning like there wasn't a single problem in the world, was a ticking time bomb and all it would take would be one careless incident by either civilian or shinobi and this bomb would explode devastating all who got in its way. Tsubaki sighed. She really didn't want to be involved with this. Why her? There had to be other Anbu capable enough to handle this task. Why did it have to fall on her?

"Naruto-kun, hold still," Tsubaki said as Naruto squirmed around much to her ire. In any case, unstable or not, he was definitely a handful. Finally with Naruto settling down, Tsubaki took the time to glance at his body. She frowned. Maybe she didn't notice it last time since she figured what he looked like hadn't been such a big deal, but no she wasn't so sure. She could definitely make the outline of muscles around his arms. So he had done something physical of some nature though what, Tsubaki wasn't sure. Pinching her nose in frustration, she didn't think she had time to go over this.

"Naruto-kun, we need to talk about your incident in class yesterday," Tsubaki said. She looked up and noticed Naruto's eyes staring wide at her. "I didn't behave did I? I got into a fight, dattebayo" Naruto exclaimed. Tsubaki gave a dry chuckle. It was hardly a fight, and it would have never been a fight if he was involved. It would merely be a massacre.

"Well no you didn't get into a fight, but it would have surely escalated into one. I saw everything so I know that it wasn't truly your fault. Nonetheless, you must not raise to others provocations," Tsubaki said and she noticed the smile on Naruto's face scrunch into a look of disturbed anger. "They laughed at Kaa-chan! No one laughs at Kaa-chan! Only bad people laugh at my Kaa-chan! I will protect Kaa-chan!" Naruto exclaimed. Tsubaki tightened her grip over his shoulder to steady him. She appeased his anger by nodding. It was only with his mention of the person known as 'Kaa-chan' that she remembered of the person that was out in the village probably watching them, observing them.

"I agree. No one should make fun of your 'Kaa-chan' or whoever," Tsubaki did agree. She actually knew that all those kids, if they had been orphans just like Naruto was then they would crave a parent's attention almost desperately. You never know what you have until its gone. "However, Naruto-kun they don't understand that you find your Kaa-chan special. For kids, parents are supposed to be annoying or irritating. That is why they made fun of you. However Naruto-kun, do you find your Kaa-chan special?" Tsubaki asked. Naruto instantly nodded.

"Hai, Kaa-chan is Kaa-chan. Kaa-chan is the best Kaa-chan in the world," Naruto replied. Kushina's face brightened as she hung from the ceiling of the sewer-like mindscape. "Oh sochi. I love you too. You're the best sochi in the world. Hmm sochi? so chi? soup chicken?" Kushina contemplated to herself. The ex-Anbu captain laughed to herself as her hair flailed around in the air.

Seeing his agreement, Tsubaki nodded. "Then it should not matter to you what others think. Also Naruto-kun I didn't mean for you to take my instructions so literally, but that is my fault for not specifying. When I told you not to fight I meant do not fight outside of the Academy teacher's instructions. But I'm glad that you listened to me. Just try not to get riled up," Tsubaki said. Naruto nodded quickly as Tsubaki finished pouring water over his body then proceeding to dry him with a towel.

"That being said then I supposed it doesn't matter anymore as you won't be taking Taijutsu classes. Instead you, and by extension I, will be attending something else. I wasn't notified of what, but I'm sure we'll find out tomorrow," Tsubaki replied. Naruto merely nodded with that same wide expression on his face as Tsubaki helped him put on some clothes before walking out of the bathroom.

-Nighttime-

Tsubaki finished the dishes of her and Naruto's dinner. Naruto was seated on his couch watching Tv with an amused expression. The same could be said for Kushina as she watched the small screen with various advertisements. Tsubaki sat behind Naruto and read a book. For once, the complex was quiet.

However it wasn't long before that quiet was broken as there came a knock on the door. Naruto, Kushina, and Tsubaki broke their gazes from their respective sources of entertainment. The knock on the door came twice. Tsubaki frowned. She could feel from the chakra signature outside that this person wasn't any of the Anbu residing in the apartment to help her keep watch over Naruto. No, this person was a Chunin. But how did they find this place? Tsubaki never gave out the information of the apartment complex. Hell, she didn't even give out this room number. "Naruto-kun, stay here," Tsubaki whispered. Naruto grinned, but nodded while Tsubaki stood to her feet. She walked over to the door before discreetly taking out a kunai while she placed her hand on the doorknob. Tsubaki slowly opened the door.

"Greetings Tsubaki-san," came the kind voice making Tsubaki narrow her eyes. "What do you want...Mizuki?" Tsubaki asked opening the door only slightly to see the academy teacher and assistant to Iruka Umino in front of her face. The white-haired chunin offered her a somewhat wide smile.

"Well Naruto-san wasn't in today so I just wanted to see how he was doing and give him his homework," Mizuki replied. Tsubaki frowned quickly before folding her arms. "How did you find this apartment?" she asked icily making Mizuki shiver slightly. However he quickly reigned himself in just in time.

"Well all teachers are given the locations of their students Tsubaki. So we can better keep tabs on them or if we need to notify their parents of any concerns," Mizuki replied. As soon as he finished that reply Mizuki found a kunai to his throat. "I will admit that we had history Mizuki, but the only way you could know about this apartment is if Hokage-sama himself told you about it," Tsubaki glared.

"N-No I'm serious Tsubaki. All teachers are given the locations of their students. Iruka, and Suzume-san have this location as well," Mizuki stammered backing away from the sharp look in Tsubaki's eyes. He held his hands up in a non-threatening manner. Tsubaki tightened her grip over her kunai.

"Stay your hand Tsubaki-san. He's telling the truth. I allowed him to pass," Tsubaki turned and took notice of the Anbu-disguised landlord. He gave a small nod to her before Tsubaki withdrew her kunai from Mizuki's throat. "Well this all could have been avoided if you had informed me of this beforehand," Tsubaki replied standing up straight. She then took the books from Mizuki before turning around.

"There. You have done your duty now leave," Tsubaki ordered. Mizuki just chuckled nervously before sighing. "Tsubaki, I know how we...did things wasn't the best and you have every right to be mad at me, but I'm just doing my best to look after Naruto-san," Mizuki said. Tsubaki snorted at his words. She didn't have the time to waste being angry with him. Too many other important things had to be done than dealing with him.

"Mizuki, if there is nothing more that I strongly dislike than anything else then it would be your hypocritical nature. Please don't pretend to me that you seek the best for Naruto. I can see in your eyes the intense hatred that you hold for him. Now I can't detain you for merely expressing your feelings, but if you decide to outwardly express such then I will not hesitate to kill you," Tsubaki said before swiftly closing the door. Mizuki's eyes narrowed at the door before he felt the preence of the Anbu behind him.

"You have finished your job Chunin, now leave. Be advised that you will be watched closely from now on. Konoha can't afford your prejudice to get in the way of its future," The Anbu said from behind his mask. Mizuki's face formed into a snarl before he turned around swiftly only to widen his eyes when the Anbu held his tantō to the teacher's throat. "I thought I gave you an order Chunin Mizuki. Leave now or be dealt with," the Anbu spoke with a sudden spike in chakra to prove his point. Mizuki wisely stayed his hand and walked away. The Anbu kept his eyes over the teacher's form before he disappeared out of view. The Anbu quickly vanished as well.

Meanwhile, Tsubaki sighed as she quickly deposited the scrolls that Mizuki gave her onto the table. She would burn those later. Tsubaki had a feeling that homework and Naruto wouldn't go well together anyway. "Naruto-kun, time for your medication," Tsubaki said and she watched Naruto's smile twitch for a second before he appeared at her side. Tsubaki handed him the pill and Naruto popped it into his mouth. Within minutes, both Naruto and Kushina's eyes dropped slightly in exhaustion. Their glee was suddenly lessened as each took a more serious tone.

Following this, Tsubaki gently led Naruto to his room and helped him with his pajamas. She watched Naruto crawl into bed. She then left his room and went to her own apartment number right next door. She walked inside before sighing as she sat on her bed. Tsubaki unstrapped her sword from her waist. As she went to set it down she flinched. They say that paranoia was for the weak, but Tsubaki knew that it was always for the surviving. Standing back up, Tsubaki took half an hour to set up seals around her apartment at specific points of intersection before finally crawling to sleep. "I can't have a mistake like that again. They caught me unaware that time. I let my guard down just because I was next to a seemingly harmless boy. I'm better than that," Tsubaki thought before she turned out the lights and closed her eyes. No doubt tomorrow would have its own challenges. Ones that Tsubaki knew would just test her patience.

-Next Morning-

Tsubaki laid her head back on a tree branch as she continued to watch Naruto through the window and in the Academy room. The students seemed to be giving him a wider berth this time and with good reason. Though that didn't stop most of them from whispering about him, but as long as none of them did anything outwardly then Tsubaki figured that she had nothing to worry about.

Though as she suspected, Naruto being mentally disturbed was going to have a rough time learning anything theoretical from the Academy. His shattered mind might comprehend a little, but probably only what he deemed as interesting. To think that the future of Konoha depended on this.

As the day went forward and settled into late afternoon, Tsubaki sighed as the class began to give way for instruction into taijutsu. Tsubaki hopped out of her point of observation. "Mizuki," Tsubaki called out garnering the attention of the class. Mizuki looked up and sighed. With a shrug of his shoulders he gave a defenseless smile. "Tsubaki-san, to what do we owe the pleasure once again?" Mizuki asked while Tsubaki folded her arms.

"I'm collecting Naruto-kun. That is all," Tsubaki replied. The children and clan heirs watched as Naruto stood to his feet. "Why doesn't he have to take taijutsu while the rest of us do? How is that fair?!" came the voice of the Inuzuka clan head's son. More than a few kids seemed to agree with him.

"I have no obligation to tell you academy student," Tsubaki replied as Naruto came up to her without question. "I bet he sucks! That's it, right? He just sucks. Though I don't blame him I wouldn't want to fight me either, right Akamaru?" asked the clan heir, Kiba Inuzuka. In response to his question Akamaru barked happily.

"Is that so? Well a little piece of advice academy student. Keep the bravado and your death will be a quick one with no questions asked," Tsubaki replied. Soon the class began to roar in laughter while the Inuzuka male blushed and snarled to himself.

"Troublesome, you really are all talk aren't you Kiba? Why would you want to go and mess with someone like that anyway?" came the voice of the Nara clan head's son. The lazy look in his eyes easily took after his father. "Shut up Shikamaru. I could beat him easily. I bet even he knows it!" Kiba snapped making Shikamaru roll his eyes.

"Are you kidding? The guy laughs to himself constantly in class though no one says anything to him, plus that creepy smile never leaves his face. It's like its glued on there or something. Talk about creepy," came the voice of the Yamanaka clan head's daughter, Ino Yamanaka. The other students silently agreed. However one was watching the blonde's retreating form. His eyes like a hawk tried to pierce into the blonde's body.

"Alright all of you quiet. Naruto-san has his reasons for not being here so we will continue without him. Now then, Kiba-kun since you seem so ready to fight then how about some light sparring with Uchiha Sasuke?" Mizuki asked. Kiba quickly winced before turning to see one Uchiha Sasuke standing to his feet. He quickly placed his hands in his pockets before walking to the mat. Kiba snorted before following. Of course he would have been more enthusiastic about all of this if all the damn girls were cheering for the Uchiha to kick his ass. How he wished he got the new kid for a partner.

Meanwhile back in the Academy, Naruto followed Tsubaki to the letter while Tsubaki looked at the scroll on her hand. "Alright it says I'm to take you to Rm. 10. We both wait there and whoever is doing whatever their doing will be with us soon," Tsubaki replied. Naruto didn't say anything.

"Kushina wants to do something! I'm tired of playing shougi against myself, dattebane. I never lose!" Kushina shouted before sighing as she leaned back to the sewer floor. How she formed a table and game pieces was anyone's guess. Naruto merely followed Tsubaki in delight.

Soon Tsubaki found their room door and opened it. Standard classroom similar to Naruto's old one. Both walked inside. Naruto seated himself while Tsubaki leaned against the wall. As the clock ticked by Tsubaki had the feeling that they were going to be waiting a while. Tsubaki turned an eye and looked at Naruto. She widened her eyes. "Naruto-kun? Naruto, what's the matter?!" Tsubaki asked suddenly taking herself up off the wall. Naruto trembled. His eyes wide with barely contained blood lust. Kushina's hands clawed at the table in front of her. Each nails gave the screeching sound of wood splitting against nails. Kushina craned her neck to the side, the snapping of her neck muscles came. Naruto took his hands to his face and placed them on his temples.

"Keep him alive. Keep him close. We have to do it now! now! We can't afford him to survive. So much blood. The sound of screaming. Come! Come! Come on! So close! So close, dattebayo! T-Too dark, T-Too much noise! Don't stop! Never stop! Hehehehahaha!" Naruto suddenly fell back as he laughed uproariously. Tsubaki narrowed her eyes. She watched Naruto arch back painfully in disturbed laughter.

"Kuso, what is going on here? I made sure he took his medication. Is it wearing off because its the end of the day? No that shouldn't be possible. He should still have at least another two hours before he returns back to his normal self, but he's never done this. This is only similar to the time when he was...overstressed from too many people looking at him back in the streets," Tsubaki thought in realization. She quickly picked Naruto up and into her arms. Naruto shook violently in her grasp, but Tsubaki kept a firm hold over his body.

"So this is what I am to work with? Understandable. Come, I wish not to have my time wasted," Tsubaki quickly turned around and frowned indefinitely. Tsubaki hated herself for being right so many times. Now it was all starting to make sense especially now that this man was here.

"Shimura Danzo," Tsubaki said with a small glare as Naruto's broken laughter echoed in the background of her mind. A day for Tsubaki could never be simple could it?

---

KG: As I had researched, people justify that the mentally unstable have a disorder in their thought processes usually caused by traumatic events which force their minds to expel it as they do anything and everything to, consciously, not think of that time. Thought the brain is too capable of holding on to memories no matter how severe they want to be removed. If there comes a time or situation that reminds the person of the traumatic situation then their attitude will change drastically into seemingly violent tendencies harming themselves and others before they can distract themselves from the experience once again.

KG: I reckon the reason people have issues with writing an insane or unstable Naruto, is because no one is completely sure how an unstable person acts. I try to keep Naruto to a place where his insanity is normal or obvious i.e his smile and it changes violently when the smile either widens to some painful proportions or when it drops down signifying his lashing out at things when no one plays his game.

KG: So some of you made suggestions and I'll admit I thought about some of the girls you suggested, but as I said I doubt a normal girl is capable of fully feeling safe around an unstable boy like Naruto. Anyway, some seemed confused about Kushina's insanity. I will say she's just as broken as Naruto, if not more so in a couple of areas. Perhaps I should have specified. When I said Kushina wasn't 'one of them' I wasn't pointing to her insanity, but to her pairing with Naruto. Now I won't lie I was tempted to go for that, but decided not to. Though who knows, the incest-freak in me might do something stupid.

Naruto: KG, play with me! You can't run forever! I'll find you!

KG: Fuck, rant over. Managed to escape last time. Well whatever. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND...(Shit!)...Ummm send cream soda. Also we advise you to RESPECT THE DAMN CREAM! (Oh no)

Naruto: There you are! More doctor! Let's play more doctor dattebayo!

KG: How about I throw you a scalpel and you leave me in one piece?

Naruto: Oh KG, where is the fun in that?

KG: Fuck me twice.