Chapter 5: Truth
On their way back into Konoha, the Hokage observes the three young genin traveling with the group. All of them seemed lost in their own thoughts with regards to recent events. He felt sorry for the three who was burdened with the village's dark secret at such a young age but was gratified to see that his own former students had paired up with a genin to somehow get them through it with Jiraiya going to Naruto, Orochimaru to Sasuke and Tsunade to Sakura.
If anyone could help them, The Sanin can.
(With Naruto and Jiraiya)
"A penny for your thoughts kid." Jiraiya rumbled to Naruto, studying the boy who was his former student's son.
"Just thinking about stuff Ero-Sanin." Naruto replied, though his voice lacked it's usual cheer.
"You're never gonna stop calling me that, aren't 'ya?" Jiraiya grumbles. The first time the Toad Sanin had encountered a grown up Naruto was on one of his 'research' trips which involved peeking into the women's onsen. Of course, the Gaki had to ruin everthing by screaming PERVERT as loud as he could and letting the females in the onsen know that there was someone watching them. It didn't help Jiraiya that almost all of the females in the onsen were shinobis too and for the rest of the day, had to literally run for his life as the mob of towel clad kunoichis chased him throughout the village with kunais, shurikens, chairs and anything else that wasn't nailed down.
Of course, true to fashion, Jiraiya STILL managed to get some much needed inspiration from the scantily clad females chasing him and even 'thanked' Naruto back then for it as payback, causing the terrified blonde to run away screaming bloody murder as a small number seperated itself from the main group chasing after Jiraiya to exclusively go after him, mistaking the jinchuuriki as an accomplice.
But while it was true that he never really actively watched over Naruto due to his responsibilities which kept him out of the village most of the time, he did however took every opportunity he got to see the blonde and make sure he was well cared for. He owed that much to Minato. "Wanna talk about it? It sometimes helps to get things off your chest." Jiraiya told the blonde.
Naruto looks at the Sanin and sighs. "Ero Sanin, all my life a lot of people in the village thought I was some sort of monster. They always liked to insult and hurt me and I never knew why."
Naruto hung his head even lower as he continued. "But now I find out that I really AM a monster. A monster which contains another monster who was responsible for a lot of suffering in Konoha and the only reason why some people are being nice to me is because they're actually afraid of me." Naruto then chuckles mirthlessly. "Man, I can't seem to catch a break in my life. This is all the Yondaime's fault. Why'd he have to pick me to be the container anyways? Does he hate me or something?"
Jiraiya's heart went out for the blonde. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't reveal the blonde's own legacy till he felt he was truly ready. He did, however, felt it was his responsibility to clear up some misconception about Minato.
"Now don't say that squirt. I'll have you know that the Yondaime was a former student of mine and I'll be damned before I let you badmouth him." Jiraiya said, giving the blonde a disapproving look and silencing him. "Sigh. Look kid, I knew the Yondaime and he would NEVER do things like this without a reason. Now I can't tell you why he chose you to be the container but I can tell you that he didn't like the idea and would've resorted to other means if the situations wasn't so desperate. These are the hard choices that a Hokage has to make and you know that, right?"
Naruto was silent for a while as he pondered the Sanin's words before nodding. "I guess you're right. The truth is I was so intent on looking for somebody to blame for all my pain and suffering. I didn't stop to think of how I got to my situation."
"That's right." Jiraiya said. "If there's anyone to blame, it's those ignorant fools in the village and in the council who doesn't realize how much of a burden you carry because of Kyubi."
"So what happens now Ero Sanin?" Naruto asks, glancing at his friends. "Now that Sasuke and Sakura knows about my little secret, I doubt they'd want to hang around with me anymore."
"Don't be stupid." Jiraiya scoffed. "If they really thought any less of you because of that thing inside your body, then they never really were your friends in the first place. Besides..." Jiraiya looks at Sasuke and Sakura who was with his own friends. "...People nowadays are more open-minded then you think."
(With Sasuke and Orochimaru)
Observing the last surviving member of the Uchiha out of the corner of his eye, Orochimaru briefly wondered how Sasuke and Sakura found out about the incident with the Forbidden Scroll and even managed to follow them here. But then again, he decided that it didn't really matter since both genins were quite resourceful plus the fact that their friend was involved in it was probably enough motivation for them. Now all that was left for him to do was answer any question he might have to the best of his ability.
For his part, Sasuke was thinking back to the time he heard of the burglary earlier that night. He had been on his way back to his apartment after shopping for groceries when he overheard a couple of ANBUS conversing on the rooftops discussing the theft of the Forbidden Scroll by a short, blonde haired perpetrator wearing a bright orange suit and googles.
Sasuke only knew one idiot who matches that description. Naruto.
From there, it had been a simple matter for him to follow the ANBUS as well as the Sandaime Hokage and the Sanin.
But now, he wanted answers. And the Snake Sanin would be the one to provide it.
"Orochimaru Sama..." Sasuke spoke up at last.
"Yes Sasuke Kun. What is it?" The Snake Sanin asks pleasantly.
"I'm still having difficulty believing that Naruto really is the container for Kyubi No Kitsune. Is what Mizuki all said really true?" The dark haired boy said.
"I'm sorry you and Sakura had to hear that and as much as it pains me to say so, yes I can assure you that all of it is true." Orochimaru said sadly.
"That doesn't make sense." Sasuke stated. "The Yondaime didn't have to seal the thing into a little baby. He could've just killed it and saved us from all the grief."
"Things were complicated back then." Orochimaru explained, reminscing to the time when Kyubi went on it's rampage. "He could've EVENTUALLY killed it, yes. But at what cost? We had already lost so much so would we be willing to sacrifice more? No. The Yondaime decided that trying to kill it was NOT the most efficient solution to the problem and in the end, the survival of the entire village far outweighed the lives needed to seal away Kyubi. His own and the future of Naruto. But people seemed to have forgotten the sacrifice the Yondaime made for the sake of the village and instead of treating Naruto with the proper respect, they choose to spite him." Orochimaru said angrily.
Sasuke had known Orochimaru for years now but this was the first time he actually saw the Snake Sanin get upset like this. Sasuke knew that Naruto was on relatively good terms with a lot of clans but he wasn't aware that the protective sphere extended to even the Legendary Sanin.
As if reading his mind, Orochimaru turns to Sasuke with a chuckle. "I supposed you're wondering why i feel so strongly about this aren't you?" Sasuke nods at this, prompting Orochimaru to continue. "While it's true that I'm considerably adept at keeping my emotions in check because it's a necessary aspect of my responsibilities, I can't count the number of times I've seen Naruto bloodied and beaten and that's enough to make even the most cold blooded snake see red."
Orochimaru gives Sasuke a meaningful look as he continues. "You already know that Naruto has had a difficult life, correct?" Sasuke nods at this. "But what you didn't know is the extent the danger to Naruto's life was. It was there ever since he was born even before he had Kyubi sealed within him though I can't tell you the whole details. I am pleased that he was able to find friends like you who cares so much about him but now that you know what's inside him, will you still be there for him?"
Sasuke contemplated on this question as they travelled along in silence.
(With Sakura and Tsunade)
"Naruto..."
Sakura's small voice catches the Slug Sanin's attention. Looking over at her young charge, Tsunade could see the somewhat stricken expression on the young Haruno's face. An indication of the conflicting feelings she must have raging inside of her. Not that she blames her for it. Tonight's events must've really shook her.
"Tell me Sakura, how did you and Sasuke find out about this incident?" Tsunade asks kindly.
Sakura snaps out of her stupor at Tsunade's question and faces the Slug Sanin. "It was Sasuke who overheard the ANBU Tsunade Sama. I ran into him as he was following them and told me about the theft of the Forbidden Scroll and how Naruto was somehow involved." She stated then after a moment's hesitation, asks the questions that has been nagging her. "Why did Kyubi attack Konoha in the first place? And if it's THAT evil then won't it be able to infuence Naruto in some way since it's sealed in him?"
Tsunade smiled at Sakura. She was still the bright, inquisitive little girl she knew when her mom was still taking her to the hospital for a checkup and the questions she asked were very good. It was unfortunate that even she couldn't answer the question on why Kyubi attacked. But at the very least she could somewhat alleviate her fears on the other matter.
"No one really knows why Kyubi attacked Konoha, Sakura. That's a question that has been haunting us from the very beginning." Tsunade said. "But I DO know that there's no possible way that the Kyubi could be influencing Naruto. Yondaime Hokage was a master of Fuinjutsu personally trained by all three of us Sanin so if he wanted something sealed, it stays that way and even we would have a hard time undoing it."
"Another reason why I don't think that Kyubi could influence Naruto negatively is because it never was evil in the first place." Tsunade said before asking. "Tell me, have you ever heard of the legend of the tailed beasts?"
Sakura nods at this. "Yes I have read about it in the library where my mother works. The legend was that the tailed beasts were protectors of the land and that each of the great hidden villages had one acting as it's guardian. But I was wondering why the Academy didn't include this in their history lesson."
"I kinda figured they wouldn't since the village was almost decimated by one. But then again, who can blame 'em?" Tsunade grumbles under her breath before continuing aloud. "You're correct Sakura. Each of the larger great villages supposedly has a Bijuu as a guardian. Konoha, of course, has the most powerful of the Bijuu Kyubi No Kitsune. There's also Sunagakure with the Ichibi No Shukaku, Raigakure and the Nibi No Nekomata, Kirigakure and the Gobi No Ookami and so forth. That's the reason why I have my doubts that Kyubi is a malevolent being. Whatever compelled the most powerful of the Bijuus to go berserk and attack Konoha has to be a very dangerous adversary."
Tsunade then looks at Naruto then at Sakura before continuing with a smile. "Besides that, Naruto is one of the kindest souls I have ever had the privelage of meeting. Despite being treated so badly by a lot of villagers, he doesn't really hate them for it and instead, tries to prove himself worthy of their respect. You and Sasuke should know that better then anyone else."
Sakura mulled over Tsunade's words. How many times has she seen Naruto abused by the villagers of Konoha? And yet despite their transgressions, not once has Naruto wished his tormentors any ill will. Even the pranks he pulled held no malice. And how many times has she also witnessed the blonde Jinchuuriki's kind and gentle heart, especially towards orphans like him? He would willingly and literally give up the clothes off his back if it meant that it would comfort the kids. Sakura had a lot to think about, but one thing was for sure. When the time comes for her to make a decision, she will stand by her beliefs no matter what the costs may be.
(At the Hokage Tower)
After dismissing the ANBU party and charging them with the task of taking Iruka to the hospital, Sarutobi takes his place behind his desk and looks at the three genins seated in front of him. Of course, his former students were also asked to stay behind for the debriefing.
"Now Naruto. I want you to tell me exactly how you managed to sneak into the tower and steal the Forbidden Scroll." The Sandaime said to the blonde Jinchuuriki. Naruto complied, stiffly narrating how he used his knowledge of the guard's habits in the tower to elude them and passed through the vents to get inside the chamber where the Forbidden Scroll was located. As Naruto was saying this, the Sandaime couldn't help but feel a little worried about the lax security since a mere Genin was able to infiltrate the tower so easily.
"But then again, this is Naruto we're talking about and he's no ordinary Genin." The Sandaime thought with a small chuckle.
"So... Am I still in trouble Sandaime Jiisan?" Naruto asks quietly.
The Hokage made a show of seriously considering this question before smiling at Naruto. "Since you were not the one who came up with the idea in the first place and even helped us catch the real perpetrator of this crime, I guess we can let this incident slide just this once."
The Hokage's expression suddenly turns serious as he continues. "But you DO know the consequences if something like this ever happens again, right?" Naruto nods at this tensely but relaxes as the Sandaime nods and smiles again. "Good. We understand each other then."
Sarutobi then looks at Sasuke and Sakura. "As for you two, I'm sure you know the penalities of eavesdropping on matters of village security. But I'll let it go this time as well because of your admirable concern for your friend. But what you've heard tonight is an SS class secret which you are not to repeat to ANYBODY at the penalty of death. Is that understood?" Both Sakura and Sasuke nods at this.
"Well now that's out of the way, the three of you may leave because there are some things that the adults need to discuss." The Hokage said, nodding at Jiraiya, Tsunade and Orochimaru. "I'm certain you three need to discuss things as well." The Sandaime watches as three Genin shuffles out of his office silently, led by Naruto then followed by Sasuke and Sakura.
"Are you certain it is wise to let the three of them go off on their own, sensei?" Orochimaru finally speaks up. "The trauma from tonight's incident might have future implications."
"Ah leave 'em alone Teme. They need time to figure out what to do next now that the whole ballgame is changed." Jiraiya growls. "We were no better when we were kids."
"Can't say I blame 'em for it though." Tsunade said. "They're still a little too young to know these things and I still think we should've wiped their memories of this incident for the meantime."
"No." The Hokage said firmly. "Its better this way because now that those two know about Naruto's secret, he won't have to bear the burden alone anymore because I don't believe they'll abandon him. This is also the reason why I asked the three of you to stay."
The Hokage's statement got him the full attention of the Legendary Sanin. "There's something I'd like to request of you regarding those three." Sarutobi said with a smile.
(With Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura)
"Naruto, wait!!"
Naruto kept walking without looking back at his friends. Even after his talk with Jiraiya, he was still afraid of facing his them for fear that they would reject him for the demon sealed inside him.
"Stop ignoring us dobe! Talk to us."
He couldn't bear to think that he would be hated by his friends too because of Kyubi.
"DAMMIT, UZUMAKI NARUTO!! STOP RIGHT THERE!!" A hand grabs the collar of his jacket and slams him against the wall where Naruto looks into the angry, emerald eyes of his pink haired friend. "Didn't you hear us calling you? Why the hell were you ignoring us?" She asks angrily.
"What's the point?" Naruto answers almost lifelessly. "Now that you know my secret, you've no reason to stay with me coz if you do, the villagers will just start treating you as badly as they do me. You should start avoiding me while you still can."
There was a moment of silence as Sakura lets go of him with wide, unbelieving eyes before...
"YOU IDIOT!!" Naruto could himself go down via a fist to the face. He looks up and sees the scowling face of Sasuke glaring at him.
"So you're just going to give up everything that we've worked for just for that?! You're an even bigger idiot then I thought you were before!" Sasuke then picks his friend up and growls in his face. "What makes you think that's even an option dobe?"
"B-But I can't." Naruto said weakly. "If you guys stay around me, the villagers..."
"...Don't know jack about you." Sakura cuts in. "But WE do. We know you're not the type of guy to let things like this get to you. After everything we've been through, don't you trust us anymore?"
"That's the thing. I DO trust you guys more then you'll ever know." Naruto said. "I just can't bear seeing people hurt or insult you guys because of me."
"If they do, then it's because of OUR choice and not yours Naruto." Sasuke said, helping his friend up. "You've carried the burden for so many years now, let me and Sakura help you ease the load now."
For the first time since his clan was massacred, Naruto saw a hint of Sasuke's old kind smile appeared on the last Uchiha's face. Looking over at Sakura, he saw the same smile on the pink haired girl's face as well. Naruto couldn't help but tear up at his friends show of support.
"Thanks guys."
Author's Notes: Ok, that was a bit of a sappy ending for this chappie. But hey, I hope you like it anyways. As usual, R&R