Hello! Short chapter this time around. Enjoy the read.

Chapter Six

The same two shinobi that Silver had left behind were sitting in the guardhouse. Leaning on his elbows the bandana shinobi stared out into space. "Hey Kotetsu," the shinobi said, "Why are we always the ones on guard duty? All we do all day is sit here and stare off into space."

"That's the exact reason Izumo," said Kotestu as he twirled a kunai in his hands. "It's an easy job with good pay. Of course, we're the first line of defense for the village, but seriously, it's been a long time since the village has been attacked. The worst we'll get today is probably an upset merchant."

With a sigh Izumo sat up. "True. Have you heard of the massacre?" That stopped the swirling of the kunai.

With an odd look, the bandaged shinobi said, "What massacre?" Before any more information could be given the clopping of hooves was heard. Both shinobi leaned out to see a familiar Clydesdale heading their way. Immediately their eyes locked on the creature flying right beside the wagon. It took them only a second to realize that the flying bug girl was the merchant's daughter.

Driving the wagon up to the guardhouse, the merchant smiled at the guards. Anko laid across the wagon while Hoshi the fox curled up in a ball beside her. Naruto sat upon the wagon while he happily chatted with his flying friend. "Good morning gentleman," said the merchant, tipping his hat. "Do I need to sign in or something?"

The shinobi split their attention between the merchant and the flying vertette. "No," said Kotestu, "the Hokage told us to send you and Anko straight to him once you arrive."

Nodding, Silver said, "Hey Anko, the academy is just starting?"

"It should be," said the snake mistress as she sat up.

"Naruto, Fu," exclaimed the merchant. This got the children's attention. "You two are to head to the academy. Request any work that you may have missed."

"Really?" whined Fu. "We just got back." Naruto nodded in agreement.

"No buts little miss," said Silver. "If I have to I'll have Hoshi escort the both of you there."

Fu looked to the earth as she said, "Fine. Let's go Whiskers."

"See ya later," Naruto shouted before hopping off the wagon. At a leisurely pace the two headed into the village. Villagers glared at Naruto as usual while staring at the flying Fu uncertainly.

"Think it was wise to keep the genjustu off?" asked Anko as she watched the children leave.

"Wise or not," said Silver with a shrug, "it's too late now to change it." With a whip of his reins, the merchant added, "To the Hokage we go."

Sitting behind his desk, the Hokage was waiting for them and upon seeing Silver any trace of kindness disappeared. "Good afternoon," said the old man. Anko and Silver bowed in return. "I take it that Naruto and Fu are back in the village."

"Yes sir," said Anko, "both have been returned with no harm."

"I would not allow either of them to be harmed," the merchant bluntly stated.

"You were taking them to a bandit camp when you could have dropped them off at that village," Anko countered.

Rolling his eyes, the merchant said, "They were fine. Fu and Naruto were able to defend themselves." Upon seeing the stunned expression on the Hokage's face Silver said, "Both children are alright. No, I didn't have to go after the bandits, but they burned a village and I saw an opportunity to profit." Smiling, he added, "The bandit's loot plus inventory was big enough that I could return the villagers' money and still get a good pay day."

Staring right into Silver's eyes, the Hokage laced his hands together. "Silver," said the Hokage, "you will not take Naruto outside this village again without my orders."

"No can do," said the merchant. This earned him a stern expression from the Hokage while Anko stared at him in shock. Stepping forward, Silver slammed the palms of his hands into the desk. Vibrated stacks of papers threaten to topple over. "Not until you tell me why," said the merchant. Getting nothing more than unreadable eyes, the merchant chuckled. "I took Naruto away with the tempting of thought of making it permanent. The only reason I didn't is because the child wishes to be Hokage of this town."

Huffing in annoyance, the merchant stood up and walked around the desk. He stared out the window and down on the village. "These people are good people," stated Silver, "but they treat Naruto like he's some…" His hand twirled in the air as if trying to summon the words.

"Inhuman," Anko offered.

"He isn't human," said Silver with a shake of his head, "but he's still a person. I get a feeling that all the adults in this village know something that I don't." Glancing over his shoulder, Silver said, "And it's important enough for you to send a team of shinobi after me. I know rouge ninja can be dangerous, but Naruto is still in school. So tell me. What's so special about Naruto?"

Silence fell heavily onto the room. The Hokage stare straight ahead while Anko glanced between the two men, a deep frown upon her lips. "If I were to tell you," said the Hokage, "than you must swear upon your life not to tell anybody else the secret."

Twirling around, a smile appeared on the merchant's face as he clapped his hands. "Splendid," said Silver, "and as insurance of me keeping it a secret I'll give you one of mine." The Hokage's eyes narrowed. This merchant was proving more troublesome by the moment.

"Alright then, but this is an S-Rank secret. If you tell any of the younger generation or anyone outside this village, you'll be put to death."

"Yes, yes," said the merchant with a dismissing wave of the hand. "Stop stalling and start talking."

Chuckling, the Hokage said, "Aren't you so hasty. Alright than. Do you know of the Nine Tails Fox?"

"Only that it's some creature that attacked this village seven years ago," said Silver.

Sighing, the Hokage looked to Anko. With a nod, Anko said, "There's more to the story than that. The Nine Tails Fox is a Tailed Beast or Biju. A titanic creature constructed from pure chakra." The merchant raised an eyebrow in surprise. Ignoring it, Anko said, "The Nine Tails is said to be the strongest Biju. Without warning it attacked our village. Officially, the story is that the Fourth Hokage gave up his life to kill the Tailed Beast."

"Wait a moment," said Silver with a frown. "The Fox was made from pure charka. Charka is just another form of energy. How do you kill energy?"

"You can't," said the Hokage. "It can only be transferred or sealed away. To seal away a Biju one has to use a human."

"Sealing a Biju into a person," said Silver.

"This happened seven years ago on October tenth," stated the Hokage. "Naruto was born on that same day." It didn't take long for Silver to connect the dots. "That day many of our fellow shinobi and villagers died. When people look at Naruto all they see is the Fox that destroyed our village."

Once again silence fell around them. Anko looked to the merchant and waited for a reaction. At first he just started into space. His body trembled. A smile spread across his face as he chuckled. The chuckling quickly evolved into roaring laughter. Tears rolled down his cheeks while a hand clutched his stomach. Everyone in the room stared at the merchant as he laughed for a good minute.

Catching his breath, the merchant said, "Well that certainly clears up a few things. Bloody fools are a bunch of simpletons to think Naruto is the Nine Tails, but at least I can understand where they are coming from. So Naruto is a jinchūriki like Fu."

"What!" exclaimed the Third as he stood up.

"I said I would tell you a secret," said Silver with wide smile, "and Fu is a jinchūriki. Though when I heard the name for the first time I had no idea what it meant."

"Let me guess," said Anko, "she contains the lucky Seven Tails Chōmei." Receiving questioning stares, the snake mistress said, "When Tailed Beasts enter a host the host's physical appearance will change. It's believed when the Tailed Beast charka meets the host cells a mutation takes place. Each transformation depends on the Tailed Beast."

To the Hokage, Anko said, "Silver managed to keep Fu's special feature hidden by using a genjutsu seal. I only recently learned of this during my mission."

Nodding, the Hokage said, "So the Waterfall Village had its jinchūriki stolen by a merchant."

With an indifferent shrug, Silver stated, "In all fairness I had a little help from people who wanted her gone in the first place."

"Well," said the Hokage as he walked over to the window, "this is certainly fortunate for our village."

"So I haven't caused an international incident?" asked the merchant.

"When the Takigakure find out they will make a fuss," said the Hokage, "but due to lack of man power and influence there is little they can do. My biggest worry at the moment is how the villagers will react."

"Well," said Silver, "is there anything else you would like to know?"

"Not particularly," said the Hokage, "though I should inform both of you of tragic news. While you were away the Uchiha clan was slaughtered."

The merchant shrugged as Anko's eyes widened with shock. "How?" said Anko, her voice betraying her disbelief. "The Uchiha clan were some of our most powerful shinobi."

Sighing, the Hokage reached into his robe and pulled out his pipe. As he stuck it into his mouth, he said, "Late one night a group of unidentified enemies attacked the compound. Within a matter of minutes they nearly wiped out the clan. Only four survivors made it out alive." Looking to Silver, the Hokage said, "Thanks to you one Uchiha avoided death by accompanying Anko. Itachi was found in a comatose state with multiple injuries while his younger brother is currently under Abnu watch. The fourth Uchiha, believe it or not, managed to sleep her way through the attack in a tree."

"An entire clan slaughtered by shinobi who slipped through their security undetected?" said Silver with a frown. "Shouldn't security in the village be higher?"

"As we speak teams of shinobi are tracking the enemy down. We need answers." From a pocket the Hokage took out a small smashed metal ball. "This was found at the compound within several Uchiha."

Without warning Silver snatched the ball away. After a quick examination he gave a nod. "It's a bullet," noted the merchant, "for a firearm." From inside his jacket Silver pulled out a pistol. Tossing the ball into the air, he aimed the gun at the metal and fired. The hammer smashed downward and a cloud of smoke followed a bang. Anko and the Hokage ducked while several Anbu from out of nowhere surrounded the merchant, short swords aimed at vital spots.

Hands in the air, Silver said, "Hey Wolf. You're diligent as ever." Wolf nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Hokage, please tell your man to stand down. If I wanted to kill you I would have tried already."

"That's enough," said the old man as he stood up. The Anbu leapt back into the corners of the room before fading into the shadows.

"Thank you," said Silver as a hand smoothed out the wrinkles in his jacket. "Any way, this here is a percussion cap pistol." Silver offered the gun to the Hokage and he accepted it. Twisting the gun in his hands, the Hokage examined it from all sides. "It's a weapon that can shoot metal projectiles over a short distance. Getting hit by one of these can be fatal and they are useful tools for assassinations. In battle, however, they are less reliable. They can only shoot one bullet at a time and against fast moving targets it can be difficult to land a hit. They also take a good amount of time to reload. There are firearms that shoot further distances, but again they are only good for one shot."

"Impressive," said the Hokage. Anko nodded in agreement.

"The only reason I can think the enemy would use these in battle is if they sealed charka in the metal," stated the merchant. "By storing charka in the metal they can later release it on impact. Depending on the charka element the range of damage can vary."

"Anko," said the Hokage, "can you think of any shinobi nations that use these."

Shaking her head, Anko said, "First time I've seen one."

The Hokage handed the merchant back his gun. Tucking it into his jacket, the merchant said, "Where I come from firearms are rather common. Yet I have no idea how they got over here. I can't be much help."

"It's good to know that these weapons exist," said the Hokage. "Is there anything else to say?" Receiving a couple of no's, the Hokage said, "Then you two may leave."

"Oh," said the merchant, "before I forget I wish to make a request. At times I will leave the village. Can't help myself it's just who I am. If you ever have any missions that need doing I'll be more than happy to do them."

"I'll keep that in mind," said the old man.

Outside of the Hokage's building Anko and Silver stopped. "So Silver," said Anko, "just to make it clear you pull off another bastard move and take Naruto again, I'll do more than draw blood. He's my responsibility. You can't take him as you please."

Smiling sheepishly, the merchant said, "Okay, if for no other reason than to keep body intact. Why don't I make it up to you by going to lunch of your choosing? I'll pay the bill."

"Sure," said Anko with a shrug, "there's a dango shop I like to go to."

"Then it's a date," said Silver as he leaned forward and pecked Anko on the cheek. Before the kunoichi could respond Silver lifted his hat and with a "See ya later," darted off. Blinking, Anko tried to understand what had just happened. A small smile graced her face as she shook her head.

"That man is impossible," she said to herself. Shoving her hands into her pockets, she walked away humming a cheerful tune. One she had heard Silver hum a million times.

Outside of the academy entrance Fu stared up at the sign. Sitting on the swing set, Naruto gently rocked himself. If he paid closed enough attention he could hear the muffled voices of his classmates beyond the wall. Frowning in annoyance, the blond said, "Fu, what are we waiting for? Standing out here isn't going to change the outcome."

Sighing, the vertette said, "I know that." Without thinking about it Fu slowly folded and unfolded her wings as if thinking about flying off. Jumping off the swing, Naruto marched over to Fu. He gripped her by the arm and pulled her forward. "Hey!" exclaimed the vertette as she was dragged inside, "let go of me Whiskers!"

Ignoring her protest, Naruto dragged her to the entrance of their classroom. He let go of the vertette as he gestured to the door. "Here we are," Naruto said with a bright smile. "Now or never."

"Never sounds fine with me," admitted Fu.

Groaning, Naruto said, "What happened to the cool girl I knew?"

"Nothing," exclaimed the vertette as she crossed her arms. "It's just that I have no way of knowing how people will react to me."

"Hinata and that creepy Shino guy won't care. Actually, I think Shino will be happy about your transformation."

Eyes blazing with righteous angry, Fu shouted, "Shino is not creepy! He's just quiet and likes things that other people don't."

Naruto opened his mouth to reply, but the sound of a door sliding shut him up. Both kids looked up to see a startled Iruka staring at them. To be more exact he examined Fu's new features. Coughing into his hand, the teacher regained a calm demeanor. "Naurto, Fu," said Iruka, "stop interrupting the class and join us."

"Yes sensei," said both students. Stepping out of the way, Iruka allowed them to enter the room.

All of the students, expect a sleeping Shikamaru, turned their gazed onto the newcomers. Eyes immediately locked onto Fu and whispers spread like wildfire. Fu could only speculate what they were saying while Naruto had a pretty good idea. Ideas about the vertette's new features ranged from being a prank to some new jutsu to Naruto being somehow involved. In the back of the room Hinata gazed at her friends while a smile graced her face. As always Shino was silent and impossible to read.

"Fu," said Iruka, "that's an impressive transformation. Why don't you dispel it now?" Facing the teacher, Fu smiled. Her wings sprang open and within seconds she was hovering several feet in the air.

"This isn't a transformation," stated Fu. Without another word she flew higher into the air and stopped upon reaching her desk. Astonished students watched her fly right to her seat, slipping into it with little trouble. Resting her elbows upon the desk, she propped her chin on two hands. "Hey Hinata," she said with a smile, "anything interesting happen while I was away?"

Rushing up the stairs, Naruto plopped himself into his seat. "Don't worry," said Naruto with a wide grin, "it still Fu. She just got a makeover."

In a quiet voice, Hinata said, "M-mind if I t-touch your h-horn?" Fu leaned forward while nodding. Gingerly, Hinata touched the forked horn. Its smooth surface was surprisingly hard. "W-where did you g-guys go?" asked Hinata.

"On a trip with Silver," said Fu as she pulled back.

"Hinata, Fu, Naruto," shouted Iruka, "can you please return your attention to me?"

"Can't I just get a book or scroll on the topic?" asked Fu. "Listening to you is so boring."

An eyebrow twitched as the teacher said, "If you believe that will help you learn than go to the library and check out some material. Until then please keep your focus on the lecture."

"We'll make no promises sensei," said Naruto as he rested his head and arms on the table. To Hinata, he whispered, "We'll talk some more later."

During break the trio gathered around the tree. For whatever reason Shino joined them. While Naruto and Hinata knew the boy, he was more a friend of Fu's than them. Naruto and Fu shared the role of narrators. Each fought to get their part of the story in. Their small audience listened intently.

"So this is what you look like most of the time?" asked Shino.

Looking to the ground, Fu nodded.

"I can't say I mind." Shino continued. "Why? Because you're one of the few people who cared to get to know me and I know that you haven't changed much. "

"I'll a-admit y-you look a b-bit odd," said Hinata, "but it h-hasn't changed who y-you are." To prove her point Hinata leaned forward and gave the vertette a quick hug.

Smiling, Fu said, "Thanks guys." Looking over her shoulder, she spotted more than one person giving her odd looks as if she was an alien. In a way she was, but she wished they would stop staring.

"Hey Shino," said Fu, "Mind if I ask a question?" Shino nodded. "Think you can help me develop a jutsu for using bugs?"

"You can't use mine," Shino stated.

"I know," said Fu as she rolled her eyes, "you already told me that your bugs had to be installed inside you sometime after birth."

"What?" exclaimed Naruto as Hinata's eyes widened.

"Shino has bugs inside his body," Fu said offhandedly. "Hinata can use her byakugan to see them." Doing as recommended, Hinata activated her byakugan. Sure enough there were hundreds of kikaichū bugs within the boy's body. She quickly turned off her byakugan for the sight crept her out. "Any way," said Fu, "can you please help me? Being a bug user you must have knowledge of taming insects."

"It's difficult," said Shino, "and will take time, but if you can find the right species of insect it can be beneficial." After a brief moment of silence, Shino said, "I'll help. Why? Because I'd like to see how this will turn out. The first thing to do is find the right species of insects to use."

"Right," said Fu as she bolted to her feet. "Hinata, Naruto!" Her friends immediately turned their attention on the girl. "We're going on a hunt for bugs."

"But c-class w-will be s-starting soon," said Hinata.

"We already know what Iruka plans on teaching," said Fu with a roll of her eyes. It was a little difficult to tell when her eyes were a solid color. "We'll just head to the library to catch up on what we missed."

"Sounds good to me," said Naruto as he bolted to his feet. Hinata looked to Shino for support.

With an indifferent shrug he stood up and left. "Good luck," the boy called over his shoulder.

"Alright Hinata," shouted Fu. "Think you can use your byakugan to find us bugs."

Bringing her index fingers in front of her face she poked them together. "I'm n-not sure I…"

"Of course you can," said Naruto as he slapped the heiress on the back. Hinata eeped. "If you just try hard enough it's possible." With a slight nod Hinata closed her eyes.

"Byakugan," exclaimed the heiress as her jutsu activated. Opening her eyes, she scanned the area over. "It's f-fuzzy," admitted Hinata, "but I c-can just m-make out t-the insects."

Taking to the air, Fu said, "Then let's hunt them down."

As the trio darted off the rest of their classmates made their way to the classroom. Upon taking attendance Iruka noticed three people missing. "Where's Naruto, Fu, and Hinata?" the teacher asked class. Nobody could answer his question. "You've got to be kidding me," he said as he darted off.

Just a head up the next many chapters will follow canon for a while. I will, however, do my best to rewrite it to keep it interesting. With that said please leave a review.