Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or gain or will gain any profit from using the franchise's chars, they belong to Masashi Kishimoto.
Italics - Thoughts
Italics underline – second personalities talking/thinking
Bold Italics - Demons/monsters talking
Bold Italics underline – demon/monsters thinking
Bold - Demon influenced/curse-sealed person talking
Glossary:
Jinchuuriki - "Power of human sacrifice" - It is a manner in which the containers of the tailed beasts have been called by the ninja world.
Nuke-nin - Missing ninja
Taijutsu - Martial arts style/hand to hand style
Teme - Bastard
Ninjutsu – name for the offensive ninja techniques
Genjutsu – name for illusionary ninja techniques
Yomi - The Japanese word for hell or underworld
Iwagakure - Hidden Rock
Boufuudoki - Nature Wrath
Tsukiyomi - God of the Moon - A unique Mangekyo Sharingan genjutsu that creates a mirror dimension inside the victim's mind that is colored in black and red; the sharingan user can control all actions in this mirror dimension of his creation for a time equivalent to 72 hours whereas in real life only mere seconds will pass.
Amaterasu - Goddess of the Sun - the ultimate physical technique of the Mangekyo Sharingan. It summons a controllable inferno of black chakra that is said to burn seven days and seven nights and is supposedly able to consume all matter.
(Several days later, Konohagakure no Sato)
Sakura was dead on her feet, despite her better efforts of sleeping early enough in order to wake up on time to be escorted to what was unbeknown to her, Danzou's Roots headquarters. She had failed miserably at the task at hand and the reminders of her failure were visible and painful. She had already been lashed three times yesterday and two times this very day for every minute she delayed Danzou's breakfast.
The long, red lacerations on her back stung and burned every time she moved, the mesh armor she wore irritating it painfully. The young kunoichi's chest welled with resentment and hatred, that old bastard would pay for every insult and blow he struck with interest when the time came, but now was not the time to get distracted; she had to keep her ears and eyes peeled for her psychotic taijutsu sensei.
She had yet to train with Anko ever since the first sessions two days ago; the same session that nearly killed the young Haruno and forced Ino to practically drag the red haired teen home when the godsend of a blonde had found her on the streets. The snake mistress was mercurial, her mood swings were as predictable as the weather and Sakura would have to watch herself around the volatile kunoichi, less she die.
The skin around Sakura's fingers was still raw and tingly from the previous hardening training. The ointments and metabolic pills indeed as promised made her body replace the damaged skin and muscle cells faster but the side effects were incredibly uncomfortable and painful. Thus, Sakura chose to take the initiative today by wrapping bandages around her fingers and fingertips.
Sakura discovered that she needed to consume insane amounts of calories and proteins to keep body energized and when she failed to do so she would get very ill and weak. The crux of the problem was that her stomach simply wasn't large enough to contain the required amount of food so Sakura was constantly plagued with intense fits of vomiting which forced her eat even more to replace lost energy whenever she was away from Danzou's complex.
Worst than the gastronomic difficulties were the hormonal disorders the pills caused. The toxins and chemicals were created in order to change the normal regulation of hormones and enzymes in her body. These shifts in her blood chemistry caused her entire body to react violently as she underwent extreme mood swings, alternating waves of heat and cold and fits of either extreme insomnia or in contrast heavy sleeping that could not be broken by conventional means.
Yesterday she met her second sensei, a mysterious ANBU wearing a Wolf mask that instructed her to call her by her mask's namesake. The woman had started instructing her on the finer parts of the human anatomy. The immensely complex theoretical material suited the red haired kunoichi perfectly.
With her photographic memory and sharp mind she was able to grasp the basics and concepts quite easily, impressing even her stoic sensei with how efficient she was. The masked woman had declared after a grueling seven hours of explanation and memorization that she hadn't initially planned on teaching Sakura the more inane anatomic details required for advanced poison and medicine brewing but would seriously consider it if she kept on learning at that pace.
The Haruno could now both recognize and name every bone in the human skeleton as well as point out the location of each of the human body's vital organs and main arteries. She felt pride in herself that she managed to do some good after the last week where she kept on feeling like she was a failure without any hope for redemption.
Such feelings of inferiority had haunted her since her childhood. Her mother was a widow, having lost her husband to a rare blood disease when Sakura was only two years old. The medical bills had weighed heavily on her mother when her father was still alive and left her with a mountain of debt that shadowed her for the larger part of Sakura's childhood.
While her mother was happy and loving in general the woman was snappy, impatient and hot tempered as well as she drove herself to the ground, working impossible hours in order to give Sakura anything she desired.
Only recently had the senior pink-haired woman managed to get back on her two feet with her seaming business and the extra payment Sakura received for the A-rank mission to the Land of the Wave. While Sakura felt it was like blood money with Sasuke's death she wouldn't let it go to waste and removed the burden from her mother's shoulders and made her extremely proud and happy.
Despite initial misgivings with sending Sakura to be a ninja, her daughter was not built to be a seamstress and thus she allowed the now red haired kunoichi to join the ninja academy, though she also expected her daughter to do her chores whenever she was home and would raise hellfire if she slacked off.
Sakura yearned to destroy her anonymity, she wanted to be more than a clan-less nobody as most of her peers had viewed her during her childhood and academy days. That had most likely been one of the driving forces behind her initial infatuation with Uchiha Sasuke.
She admitted she was superficial and shallow as the other girl in the academy, until she spied on and got to know more about the mysterious Uchiha Sasuke. She felt an immense empathy and connection with him when he lost his family. She wanted to heal him as she and her mother had healed one another.
The petty shades of pedigree and blood-line limits had muddled and blurred by the more altruistic and noble sentiments, even though its naïve romanticism was perhaps impossible in the jaded ninja world, it didn't stop the former civilian girl from hoping and trying to win Sasuke's affections.
It was also one of the reasons Sakura could never give up Sasuke to Ino, a pampered girl whom never knew hardship and sorrow with both of her parents being alive and sheltering her for most of her early life from the ugliness of life.
Then that day had come and her dreams, ambitions and desires had been stolen from her by an circumstance and a crimson eyed monster that feigned innocence. Everyone of her graduation genin class whom she met besides Ino seemed to eye her in scorn and openly ignore her with cold indifference. Somehow she could've sworn she'd have seen the gleam of dismissal and open fury in their eyes somewhere before put couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Sakura looked at her right hand; "With this hand…" she vowed she would reap everything she desired. The red haired teen examining her palm that soon closed into a fist for a few seconds before she was surprised to see her limb suddenly move and smack into her face with bruising force, the blow sending her falling backwards on her butt.
"Your awareness of your surroundings is pathetic, ass-wipe" Anko's brown eyes flickered with exasperation as she eyed her student in disgust. Anko's lips twisted into a sneer as Sakura clutched her hands over her left eye, the pain signaling she'd most likely sport a black eye. "Let us see…just how deep the scars go…even if I loathe taking a leaf out of your book, Orochimaru-teme; I must analyze this girl to the core…" The snake mistress thought, knowing what had to be done.
Anko shifted and seemed to swerve with impossible grace as she seemed to glide across the floor before stopping before Sakura and grabbing her by the shirt, pulling the girl to face level. The snake mistress' dark pupils seemed to slit before Sakura's eyes, though it was most likely a trick of the light; eliciting a gasp of surprise and fear from the girl. "The serpent is an efficient predator, Sakura. It embodies the qualities of patience, grace, cunning and deadliness…" the snake summoner hissed in a deceptively smooth tone.
"If you do not embrace the way of the serpent, you will never master this taijutsu style. Do you understand? Stop living in your head and start feeling your surroundings. Those who embrace the way of the serpent devour all obstacles and swallow all their enemies; isn't that what you want?" The boisterous ninja murmured in an almost seductive manner.
Her sensei's head tilted sideways and her soft breaths caressed Sakura's lips, causing the girl to shudder momentarily as her sensei's luscious lips brushed against her own, sending a rush of a drugging sugary flavor through her tongue. The foreign taste and sensations caused the pink haired Kunoichi to start and blush furiously before Anko nipped her ear playfully.
"Lesson one! Constant Vigilance!" Anko snarled suddenly, screaming in her ear and grabbing Sakura by the hem of her shirt as she slammed two fingers behind the girl's shoulder, causing her upper right body to erupt in spasms of blinding pain. "The snake is always ready, there are no allies, there is no neutrality there is only foe and prey," Anko cooed as Sakura choked on a pained scream by biting her lips to the point of bleeding.
Anko then proceeded to grab her by the neck. The snake Jounin abruptly stood up while swerving her body sideways; releasing Sakura once her body turned ninety degrees with impressive force. "Fuck that crazy bitch! She's going down!" Inner-Sakura declared and the original agreed once they recovered from coughing and choking for air.
Sakura had had enough of Anko's antics. The two psyches were in agreement, it was time to strike back and with that notion blazing in the red haired teen's eyes she exploded into motion, charging at her tormentor.
Anko's lips twitched faintly before spreading into a feral grin "Lesson two: Patience" The violet haired kunoichi purred and swerved her body once more, Sakura's sidekick sailing harmlessly inches off course. Anko slapped her cheek with the back of her hand, the clapping sound resonating in the empty area and the stinging sensation shattering all calm and resolve Sakura barely managed to retain as an almost bestial snarl escaped bleeding lips.
The follow up reverse spin kick whistled harmlessly upon missing and as Anko took a step backwards she whipped her hand with lightning speed, grabbing a bunch of Sakura's red hair and pulling it out with an agonizing yank. Anko smirked as Sakura grabbed her head, gasping in pain as tears threatened to fall from her tightly shut eyes. The girl sniffed and licked her lower lip before she shoved her hand into her weapon's pouch.
She threw her hand forth, unleashing a hail of shuriken at the snake summoner. Her hated sensei simply shifted her body a bit, every ninja star missing its target except one that she captured between her fingers lazily. Anko's hand flicked in response in a blurred motion, sending the ninja star back to sender and leaving a long, bleeding laceration across Sakura's wounded cheek.
Sakura's teeth grit to the point of pain as pained tears fell from her eyes before she lunged forward, chopping and punching time after time in vain as Anko shifted and danced around her with mesmerizing grace.
Anko tauntingly circled around every one of Sakura's wild blows and repaying her with small, aggravating blows that were more humiliating than painful until her student fell to her knees, panting, sweating and barely able to move.
"The serpent never strikes blindly, its most delicate organ is its head, should it miss even once, it shall perish. Quite a pathetic effort on your part by the way, Sakura-chan. Your taijutsu is so transparent even a ten year old could see through you…" Anko drawled out with a yawn.
The black-clad kunoichi rose to her feet on guts alone and charged; attacking once more. The snake mistress lazily dodged an additional three punches Sakura threw and a spin kick, dancing around the young kunoichi for a while longer before sending a palm strike to her nose, an audible cracking sound preceding Sakura's snapping head motion and stumble.
Sakura groaned and painfully reset her nose, sobs accompanying the tears in her eyes as desperation plagued her. She screamed in frustration and drew one of her ninjato, the blade gleaming in the torchlight as her green eyes flickered with madness and teeming murderous intent.
"Ku Ku Ku" Anko laughed and her eyes shifted from amused to toneless indifference "Lesson three and Lesson four are intertwined, Sakura-chan. Cunning and deadliness" The snake mistress lectured in a bland tone as her eyes locked with Sakura's and something violent and horrible invaded Sakura's mind.
Sakura's body locked down as a violating presence in her mind left her paralyzed, Visions of death, agony and despair flooding her mind as the blade clattered to the floor. Sakura's hands shook wildly as Anko's voice suddenly whispered in her ear, having moved so fast the red haired teen didn't notice it.
"The serpent dances around its prey, swatting and tiring it patiently until its leaves an opening and then it strikes once, and kills…" Anko hissed in an almost serpentine manner and grinned evilly nearly causing her student to lost control of her bodily functions.
Anko quelled down her nausea and self loathing at replicating the same harsh torture Orochimaru had inflicted upon her so many years ago, consoling herself with the knowledge that this was necessary evil and the goal would justify the means in the end.
The flimsy clad looking Jounin spun Sakura around and pushed her against the nearest wall, pinning her with her right arm, her haunting brown eyes searing through the young kunoichi's soul "Who is your primary enemy?" Anko asked her in a hissing whisper.
Sakura sputtered like a fish, the fear making it hard to think, hard to breathe and her mind spun around erratically, scattered thoughts jumbling around before Anko pressed her harder against the wall, her hissing demand bone-chilling "Answer me!"
"N-Naru…" Sakura choked out barely and watched in trepidation mingled with fascination as Anko's smirk shifted to a thin frown as she leaned closer, her suffocating presence unbearable to the extent it forced Sakura to shut her eyes.
"Why do you hate him? What did the enemy do?" Anko murmured so softly her voice was like an echo of a dream reverberating through the hollow panic that the purple haired kunoichi painted in the canvas of her mind.
Sakura's tears fell against her will, her voice breaking as desperation guided her tongue "He killed Sasuke-Kun! He took him away from me?!" Her eyes opened wide, the moistness of the twin pools of madness not erasing the finality and conviction of her words.
"Really?" Anko and her lips twisted into a predatory grin "I've got you now…now to shatter your delusions and make you see the truth…" The special Jounin leaned closer and brought her face an inch from Sakura's the spasms and panicked pants growing heavier and more frantic with every inch "Did you see him kill Sasuke?"
Sakura's eyes widened "She's just another agent of the monster…don't listen to her!" Her alter-ego hissed in a venomous tone and clawed through the veil of panic desperately, trying to regain control but Anko would not be denied "N-No…" her voice croaked "Can it be…have I been in the wrong all along…?"
"You know Sasuke died fighting a superior ninja, fulfilling his duty to his village and team, yet you still blame the Uzumaki…why?" Anko squeezed her shoulders lightly, applying more spiritual pressure that would've sent Sakura to her knees had Anko's weight not been suspending her slightly above it.
"She's right…Naruto is innocent. It was I that was too weak to help…" Sakura began to realize but then remembered the coldness of Sasuke's skin and stillness of his death and the pain and guilt washed over her anew "No, I won't let her trick us! This is what that monster wants, he has people to lie and vouch for him so he can continue his sins. All he wants is to spread discord and confuse us all, just like Danzou warned us…" The alter-ego took control of the situation, usurping control violently, pushing aside the main psyche before speaking in a lower, far more dangerous manner.
"Even if he didn't kill him per say, it should've been him to die! He was the one that always failed and get us into trouble! He was the one that didn't deserve to live! Everyone else in the village thinks the same as I do, it isn't fair! Sasuke was mine, I was supposed to heal him and become his wife one day and now he's gone!" Anko's eyes widened a fraction as she stepped back abruptly, she had seen enough to comprehend the depth of the situation.
"Such obsessive paranoia towards the Uchiha and in depth, irrational hatred..." Anko thought and then her eyes widened with a realization that was completely unrelated when she saw her reflection in Sakura's headband, the look in her own eyes was familiar and was a long since due wake up call.
She had seen that look of pity and reserved acceptance many times before. It was the look her fellow Jounin had every time she started talking about her ambitions to kill her former sensei. It was the look the Third reflected every time she botched a mission due to haste and recklessness borne from her thirst for vengeance.
She turned to gaze at Sakura, the image of the pink haired genin clutching her nose and crying shifting to skinny, twelve year clutching her neck and crying "No…I'm not quite like this…am I? Nah, I've got more control and dignity, don't I? Besides Uzumaki is being blamed unjustly while Orochimaru, nobody can deny his actions now can they? Fuck this, this is too confusing to think over right now. I need to share this with Ibiki over Sake and Dango…he won't pretty things and tell me the truth..." The Special Jounin concluded and knew she would reflect over the manner on a later date but for now she needed to think about what to do with the crimson haired genin.
With Sakura's dual personality disorder and violent paranoid obsession with Naruto, she would have to consult with Ibiki when she met up with him or if he couldn't help the psychiatrist Hibachi-san for some advice.
But for now, she would let the kid think about the four paths of the serpent and left wordlessly, murmuring about meeting up with Sakura soon "Think about the four paths of the serpent, Sakura. One more thing, take in mind that the snake's primary goal is to choose its prey and enemies carefully in order to ensure its survival."
Naruto was lying down on the old, ragged couch in his living room, several empty cups of tea and two empty bowls beside him. One used to contain some curried rice with slabs of meat and the other some cold noodle salad. The dirty plate left on the table used to contain twelve Sushi rolls and the whole mean was completed by a bowl of fruit and vegetables that Kakashi had instructed him to eat, though he had only eaten a quarter of it due to how much he disliked said food products.
He was smoothing his hands over his family scroll over and over again as if he was reaching out to his ancestors and family across time and space. It comforted him to have something that was his and his alone. He had been very careful to keep the scroll a secret until he could examine its contents fully and find somewhere safe to keep it, until then it was on his person at all times.
The Uzumaki heir carefully nipped his thumb, drawing blood before swabbing his bleeding appendage over the blood seal, watching the protective seals flicker warningly before unfurling the scroll, examining the small, neat and orderly text in its very beginning with slight fascination.
It was hand written carefully and thoughtfully by how neat and tidy the writing was but the ink didn't look like it was ancient. Its coloring and vibrancy was rather similar to those of some of the scrolls Iruka-sensei had shown Naruto from his academy years. He started reading the first passage, patiently absorbing word by word.
"Dear Naruto, my name is Uzumaki Kushina and I am your mother. Allow me to apologize from the bottom of my heart because if you are reading these words than my darkest fears have come true and I have passed away, failing to be there to raise you myself…" Naruto's eyes widened considerably as the importance of the scroll suddenly upgraded itself and he felt his heartbeat racing as his hands trembled against the scroll.
"Please do not blame Kakashi for keeping this scroll a secret from you for so many years. He was unaware of its true importance or the connection between us. He was only instructed to hand it to the one bearing our surname you when he or she would be sufficiently protected and ready to know the truth…" Naruto swallowed and shut his eyes, the compacted bitterness and anger in his chest growing fiercer as he had trusted his sensei and the old man; to know they kept such a secret for so long shook the foundations of his trust in them.
"If you are anything like me, I know you aren't listening to your mother and are very upset at them. Well young man, listen to your mother! Kakashi didn't have a choice since I forced him to take a blood oath to me to keep this scroll hidden from you until the time was right. Also neither he nor old man Sarutobi knows the truth of my condition..."
The blonde's face twisted in confusion, multiple new questions sprouting in his mind for every single question his mother's words answered as he kept on reading carefully.
"When I was told I was pregnant with you I was also informed that my uterus walls are too thin and that if I ever gave birth to a child my chances of survival were minimal at best and non-existent at worst. But every time I feel you growing within me I dare not even consider it a possibility to take your life to spare my own; you are not to blame for my misfortune so I refuse to give up on you, my little Naruto. No Doctor, no Kage, not even Kami-sama can make me give up on you! I'll take my chances and place my bets on you, my son!" Naruto felt himself smile, his mother's fiery spirit was obviously something he had inherited with abundance.
"It is hard to keep this horrible knowledge a secret from everyone I know, even your father whom regrettably I cannot reveal to you in writing due to his many enemies in case this scroll is intercepted. The only person I have confided in was the man whom is like a father to your own father and perverted uncle to me - Jiraiya of the Sannin. One day, when he feels the time is right, he will tell you the whole truth. So please trust your mother and be patient with Kakashi and Jiraiya, all will turn out for the best in the end…" Kushina revealed in her memoirs to her son.
"Know that this scroll is only a small glimpse to the true library of our clan. It contains only some of our clan history, basic and intermediate taijutsu stances, low level techniques and some secret nature manipulation techniques are written down in this scroll. My diaries, all our family traditions, our unique ninjutsu, taijutsu secrets and elemental and chakra manipulation knowledge are written down in the original scrolls and books that I have deposited with Jiraiya." Kushina's words revealed yet another secret held in the hands of the mysterious toad hermit.
"One heirloom that you can collect from Sarutobi whenever you feel ready is the Uzumaki family blade, boufuudoki and a scroll explaining its history and uses. Tell him Kushina wants him to fulfill his promise to her." She commanded her son and Naruto nodded briefly.
"I wish I were there to hold you, to help you myself but I'm afraid fate does not always smile upon us and you must always adapt to the way life turns out. Jiraiya will take care of you when the time comes, I am sorry I cannot do more for you, Naruto. Know that I'm always with you, protecting you even with my body is gone, even though my spirit has passed over, that I left you with some memento beside my blood in your veins. Keep your head high, your mother loves you and is proud of you. Live life to the fullest and have no regrets, my beloved son…" Naruto's throat tightened and tears gathered in his eyes, he couldn't keep it inside him any longer.
A sob escaped him and the tears fell - his mother had lied to everyone, had given her life, her future and happiness to give him life it was an impossible knowledge to bear. The crushing guilt in his chest exploded and the shards of agony tore through his consciousness. He broke down and cried for the mother he never knew, for the woman that loved him so much she would not save herself for his sake.
It was a profound feeling of joy mingled with misery that's bittersweet flavor suffocated him. "Mother…all this time, I thought you didn't love me, didn't want me and left me alone but you gave everything for me...I don't deserve it, it isn't fair!"
He hugged the scroll to his body, desperately wishing he could hug its author swallowed down his misery and sniffed, wiping his eyes with his sleeve before carefully reading more into his only link to his mother, noticing the personal notes were gone and from that point the scroll was strictly professional so he waited for a few moments until he calmed down enough before continuing the read.
"Our family hails from the country known as the whirlpool country. It was known as a very dreary and poor country, with cold and stormy weather that made it very inhospitable to most people. It used to sit on the very eastern banks of what is today the 'Thunderstorm planes' on the eastern part of the Earth country. It was the Iwagakure and their Tsuchikage, Kagome Hodaka that destroyed our country and annexed it under their banner during the second ninja war. We were but one of a dozen nomadic clans that were purified by them for refusing their authority. Out of a family of two hundred I am the sole known survivor of the massacre that took place all those years ago." Kushina's words revealed those whom had destroyed his family, his country and Naruto marked the information down for future reference.
"Our family history reveals that we have been nomads since our clan was born when our ancestor Shizuchi Uzumaki supposedly bore the children of the mythical rain dragon, Zennyo Ryuo. It is said that while in human form the dragon wandered the lands and was enamored by Shizuchi and their tryst gave birth to our family line. This is the explanation behind the fact that every Uzumaki since the sage of six paths gave birth to Ninjutsu has channeled at least two of the three storm elements: Water, Wind and Lightning and you will be no exception." Naruto wondered if he would grow to use another of his family inherent elements besides the wind as he kept on reading.
"We Uzumaki have never been bloodthirsty or violent and for centuries we have only used our power to defend our family and friends, trading techniques and knowledge with our peers for money, supplies and other techniques. This neutrality proved to be the downfall of our clan." The former last Uzumaki began weaving the tale of the fall of his family and the destruction of the whirlpool country.
"Our elders believed that as long as we remained neutral and amongst our own, we would be safe and not considered a threat. Senju Hashirama offered your great grandfather Uzumaki Saito to join his alliance but he was refused by a stubborn old man still living in the past. My father Uzumaki Renji was the first Uzumaki to ever petition that we join one of the five for protection but my family would not yield to change. Our motto was: 'Embrace the past, ensure the present, and protect the future'. We lived in the past and present and never gave thought to the future until it was taken away from us by Iwagakure."
Naruto pondered over his family's ancient motto with a frown, ignoring the world and concentrating only themselves and their family was peaceful, yet delusional with how the ninja world worked; it was impossible to implement neutrality in the violence of the shadow world.
"I for one cannot stand aside when others are suffering. There is no greater pain than seeing your precious people suffer or the helpless be exploited by the strong. I am the first Uzumaki to join a hidden village, having been taken in by Konoha when my father sent me away. He committed high treason by giving me all our family treasures and spiriting me away to Konoha. I used to hate him for leaving me alone, for throwing me away but I now realize he had sent me here to live and retain our family blood flowing since all the others perished. During my years here I have forsaken the ancient creed of our family for I find it incomplete and deluded. Remember Naruto even the most furious maelstrom cannot conquer the earth as a whole. There is strength in numbers and living with no regrets is impossible if one does not have a sense of identity, belonging and bonds with both family and country as one. Clan and Family cannot supersede one's duty and love to his kin and country. The two must blend into one – for the country is the tool to protect the family – Alone we are nothing, together we are legion, the will of fire is something I embraced full heartedly and so should you, my son…"
Kushina's words echoed from the past and Naruto saw the reason of his mother's words as she depicted the tragic last stand of the Uzumaki, a hopeless battle that ended with their complete annihilation.
"Remember my son, as the legendary First Hokage once said after defeating Uchiha Madara: While Dreams and ambitions are the driving force behind change and evolution they must always be supported by reality and pragmatism; less they become dangerous delusions that bear only chaos and death…" Naruto smiled faintly and was about to read further when his clock rang audibly and sighed softly.
"Time to get to training…I'll be back later mom…" Naruto promised as the very first rays of light filtered through his window. He rolled the scroll and kissed it faintly, shutting his eyes before rushing on to get dressed for another day of training.
He had a mission to run with team eight today. After the unique experience with team ten and Ino he wondered how different it would be to work with Hinata, Shino and Kiba for a change. He wondered just how Kurenai-sensei differed from Asuma-sensei. The blonde leapt out of his window and made his way to Ichiraku for his breakfast, scurrying off so he wouldn't make a bad first impression by pulling a Kakashi on team eight.
(Meanwhile, Somewhere in the former waterfall country)
Uchiha Itachi walked silently through the woods, his black, red cloud decorated cloak billowing in the soft autumn breeze. The Uchiha heir stopped his stride when he felt the approach of his quarry. His brown eyes flicked upwards toward the branches above him as he fell to a kneeling position "Madara-sama," he uttered softly, bowing his head submissively.
Itachi had parted from his partner Kisame under the claim of needing time to purchase a new blade and supplies. The shark-ninja didn't mind too much, he told the genius to rendezvous with him in the Bird country in a week while he tracked down Kakuzu to acquire his well-earned money for winning their mutual bet on the possibility of extreme circumstances breaking Itachi's notorious indifference.
The leaves rustled and the shadowed figure of a man blurred into existence. The ancient Uchiha was clad completely in black, starting with a pair of hakama pants and finished by a loose black over shirt covered by light body armor. The ageless Uchiha was leaning against a tree with his arms crossed as the light winds caressed his long coal black hair, his face concealed by a smooth ivory mask with spiraling red lines painted upon it.
A single eye-hole revealed a narrowed, fully matured Sharingan eye "Itachi…" the smooth voice of the ancient one intoned icily "Why have you come here? I told you not to approach me while Pein is actively monitoring your activities." The younger Uchiha rose to his feet, turning his gaze to his covert accomplice in the Uchiha Massacre "Sasuke is dead."
Madara seemed unfazed by the news but it was hard to tell when one was masked and had decades of time to sharpened his skill at hiding emotion and thought "I see…that is unfortunate but irrelevant to our current plans. Why have you come here?" The elder asked once more, a timbre of demand creeping into his toneless voice as he knew Itachi was stalling.
"Pein's suspicion of my motives has grown." Itachi informed Madara "Fulfilling your request to derail his efforts to stop the alliance between Rain and Stone has drawn his attention. I warned you that acting as if I am bloodthirsty and enraged would garner unwanted questions." "Though with Sasuke dead It would have been nearly impossible to keep the emotions pent up for long. Had I not unleashed my frustration on that day I might've ruined everything…so for now I have no choice but to thank you for helping me maintain my place in the axis of both your and Pein's conflicting plans..."
"What has he done?" The one-eyed Uchiha inquired quietly as he leaped off the branch, landing soundlessly on the grassy ground before he proceeded to circle around the last heir of his own blood. His mind raced to calculate all the new factors revealed before him, his hand moving to idly toy with the hilt of the katana strapped on his right hip.
"He has changed my designated tailed beast from the Nine-tailed fox to the five-tailed wolf. I also suspect that Zetsu has been ordered to shadow me though I don't sense his presence here…" the cloaked Uchiha Informed Madara.
"Do not worry over Zetsu, I will take care of him if he were to ever surface in your vicinity. As for you, do not arouse Pein's suspicion again, do anything he commands you to the letter, I have my ways of contacting you undetected should the need arise." Madara commanded as he moved to lean against another tree. "Pein is not a foe I wish to make at the current time. Even after a decade of observation and calculations some of his abilities elude me and I would rather have his resurrection abilities as a failsafe than have to deal with the damage he can create."
Itachi nodded in acquiesce but did not move to leave, adding another bit of information he found imperative "Kabuto, Sasori's spy in Orochimaru's midst has reported unexplained, erratic behavior on the snake's behalf. He suspects he will move upon hidden leaf to acquire Sasuke's eyes very soon. What are your orders? Shall I engage and exterminate the snake?"
Madara waved his hand dismissively "Orochimaru is nothing to be concerned over, Itachi. For all the snake sannin's cunning he is quite predictable. Do not concern yourself over his little schemes, when the time comes and his usefulness to our cause expires, you will get your chance to kill him."
Itachi's eyes narrowed faintly, "Orochimaru, it seems you get to live another day. But your time is rapidly coming to an end. I will see to that…" Itachi thought grimly as he made a single hand seal and vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving the ancient Uchiha alone.
Even after all this time his body was unable to adjust to the mutation that had spawned his immortality, the same double-edged gift the demon-fox had unwillingly bestowed upon him on that fateful day of their mutual defeat at the First Hokage's hand decades ago.
The only way to grasp his destiny and continue retaining his immortal form was subjugating that accursed fox under his will once more as he did in the past. However the Uchiha wasn't strong enough anymore, nobody was except that accursed Hashirama and apparently that cock-sure brat Namikaze Minato that sealed it away into a human vessel.
To think that someone so young had managed to suppress and manipulate the destructive chakra of the Kyuubi single handedly without a bloodline or assistance was nothing less than mind boggling. Madara now knew his choice back then had been the correct choice. He had learned the hard way thirteen years ago that he could not accomplish the feat alone and so he had guided Pain's hand and assisted him covertly in creating the Akatsuki organization.
He had thrown the die back then, changing the ninja world forever in his wake, he chose the proper tool and eliminated the real threat to his ambitions.
(13 years ago - Flashback begin)
It was late; the skies suffocated by a blanket of angry storm clouds. The early winter nights were crisp and clean all around the continent, everywhere but this putrid cesspool of bog-like decay known as the crimson marsh. It was here that harsh winds always billowed furiously through the empty dead lands, the intense humidity preventing all life from growing.
This bog was also the site of the battle where Hanzou the Salamander single-handedly slaughtered an invading force from Hidden Leaf. He would later take the initiative and single-handedly erase one of the Leaf's attack forces, killing ten Jounin and sparing only three ninja that he christened as the legendary three.
However, this country held another bloody secret; it was the hibernation grounds for the most powerful of the tailed beasts, the nine-tailed demon-fox. A thunderstorm was brewing, crackles of lightning danced in the distance, flashes of white illuminating the form of Uchiha Madara as he stood upon the hill top, the harsh weather angrily swiping at his dark black cloak.
The ancient ninja was clad in completely black clothing. His mythical body armor was long since gone, destroyed by the fury of Senju Hashirama in the valley of the end. In its stead the Uchiha elder wore loose fitting Hakama pants and reinforced leather body armor over an ebony muscle shirt.
Twin sharingan eyes glared into the darkness, locking on something standing several dozen feet ahead of him. His head was tilted upwards as his eyes caught glimpse of his prey, though it was not difficult as the monstrous Bijuu stood at an intimidating height and cast dark shadows across the land.
The vulpine beast was a living cancer, the whole area around its paws charred and dead under the taint of his presence and life force. Its chakra coalesced unnaturally, bathing the night in dark, unholy crimson light. "So, we meet again, Uchiha Madara." The sinister voice was a mixture of amusement and fury, its vehemence accented by the beast's unbelievable venomous blood lust. A shock wave tore through the surrounding area as fiery chakra ignited around the Kyuubi as its twin crimson orbs started pulsing with its power.
The elder Uchiha was not impressed by the display; he didn't even bat an eyelash as he crossed his arms and smirked at the demon in front of him. "It has been a while, demon. Now we can do this the hard way, or my way – either way you will obey me!"
The demonic entity paused for a long second before it threw its head back. Its body trembled as a deafening, demeaning laughter sent tremors across the landscape. The marsh waters evaporated and the ground started shaking violently as the demon's power exploded violently around it. Incredulity and outrage coated the kitsune's next words: "Pathetic monkey, you dare fashion yourself MY master?"
The Uchiha sighed in exasperation and the normal sharingan mutated into Madara's unique form of Mangekyo sharingan, the ultimate eye spinning rapidly as power compacted within him. Its unique dark power contested the demon's chakra, his right eye shutting to concentrate his chakra into his left Mangekyo Sharingan. "Tsukiyomi"
The world cracked all around the Kyuubi, fragile silence reigning momentarily before reality shattered into fragments of black and red, distorting into the pseudo reality of Madara's creation. The Uchiha confidently walked forward, clicking his tongue condescendingly while shaking his head. "Pathetic creature, your power is nothing in the face of these eyes," Madara stated confidently as he reached out, preparing to wrest control of the tailed beast's – a feat that required he touch the beast's ethereal personification.
Before he could grasp the mental projection of the tendrils of youki the world of his creation rippled like water. Madara was confused and quite a bit uncertain before the world started bubbling like steaming liquid. The heat was so intense Madara flinched and dropped to his knees as the world started shaking so violently he lost his footing.
"Insolent insect, did you honestly think you could defeat ME, the strongest of the Bijuu with the same tactics you used back then?" the fox's dismissive tone elicited an emotion the Uchiha had almost forgotten after decades of recluse, the suffocating taste of paralyzing terror.
"I've been waiting for you to come after me for a long time, Uchiha Madara" The demon revealed in a sickly sweet tone as reality morphed once more under the fox's whim. Crimson and Black substance shifted and tore apart in front of Madara in order to accommodate a pair of massive crimson eyes that seared through the Uchiha's soul, baring it naked before the fox's piercing gaze.
"How…" Madara gasped, barely able to breathe, his entire body rippling with pain.
"Am I able to usurp control of your genjutsu?" The fox supplied.
The Uchiha shut his eyes, trying to break the genjutsu to no avail. "Why…"
"Isn't my little Sharingan working this time?" the fox supplied helpfully once more and laughed; taunting the helpless ninja gleefully. The Uchiha scion tried to offset the illusion yet again only to discover that his chakra was no longer the fuel behind the genjutsu. It was now the tainted power of the Kyuubi that mutated, controlled and maintained its stability.
"Allow me to enlighten you on some historical fact you humans have blissfully forgotten with the passage of time" the tailed beast taunted chidingly. "I am the one that taught your pathetic species how to cast genjutsu in the first place. Also, the illusions of the Kitsune are far greater than the pathetic, watered downed abilities I bestowed upon your kind - you lost this battle before it even began…" the crimson eyed juggernaut stated victoriously.
"I must confess that you surprised and defeated me back then when you wrested control of my youki with your accursed bloodline. I had no idea of the unfortunate ramifications I caused when I created the sharingan in the first place," the demon-fox whispered and limbs of chakra formed around the eyes, tantalizing the ancient Uchiha slowly as they were just out of his reach – so close, and yet so far.
"I will not be cowed and controlled by the likes of you, demon. All I need is a small distraction and you'll be mine!" Madara thought and shut his left eye, opening his right eye widely and unleashing his compacted chakra. He would outwit the insolent demon if was the last thing he did, by leaning upon his most powerful physical technique "Amaterasu!"
All hell was unleashed as an inferno of black tentacles erupted from the Uchiha's eye, spreading all around him. The illusion world flickered and exploded violently, the smirk on the Uchiha's lips wide and triumphant for only a precious moment as reality returned into focus and color and he watched the black fire slam into the snout of the great vulpine monster.
His victory was short lived as his relief was promptly exchanged with the most horrible pain the Uchiha had ever experienced. This happened when the Kyuubi roared angrily, absorbing the blow before it manipulated the unholy flames itself control of the tongue of flame and sent it back into Madara's sharingan eye. When the fire returned to its source the Uchiha only had a moment to be confused before his right eye exploded in fiery flash of black and red flame. The Uchiha sank to his knees, panting wildly while clutching his right eye and covering his severely burnt face.
The master ninja screamed in agony and anguish as blood spilled through his fingertips. The elder ninja's hands shook for a while before the pain faded into nothingness and he realized in horror that the nerve endings had most likely been burned into nothingness and there was no hope of replacing his lost eye.
His left eye looked upward and gazed at the victorious Kyuubi that grinned at him in a way only a fox could. "Pathetic little sack of flesh, did I not just tell you that I am the engineer behind your pathetic bloodline? When I mutated the Byakugan of Hyuuga Meiko I did not only strip her offspring of the gifts of Kongouhane the sky dragon but inserted my youki into your very being and I became the source of all your powers and impervious to them all, The chakra entity boasted.
It knelt down to spear the Uchiha with the full brunt of its killer intent which apparently caused even the immortal Uchiha some respiratory failure. "Ironic, even though that other fleshling infused you with my power accidentally when he subdued me, making you ageless in the process, you still remain a pathetic insect to me. Revel in your arrogance and stupidity when you burn in the lowest depths of Yomi…" "The fox boasted arrogantly and licked its teeth hungrily. The Strongest creature on the planet opened its massive maws; preparing to devour the pathetic human that had wasted its precious time.
Madara glared at the approaching calamity with his remaining sharingan eye as smirk reached his lips. The right side of his face was burned beyond horribly, but there was no pain though he knew he had lost quite a bit of blood. But healing would come later, once he had procured his weapon once more. The Uchiha patriarch had the arrogant creature just where he wanted it, belittling him.
"You arrogant creature, you think you've actually beaten me?" The elder Uchiha moved in the last possible instant and leaped upwards, landing on the Fox's snout as it drove its mouth into the earth. "You may be immortal and the strongest of the Bijuu, Kyuubi. But I am Uchiha Madara, and your youki in my genetic code is that I need make you obey me!"
The massive Kitsune's growled in impotent rage as the fallen founder of Konohagakura slammed his palm against it and subjugated the creature to its well. The creature fought furiously against the Uchiha's mental and chakra-based attempt to usurp it, but it failed; as it did all those years ago. "No! I will not. How can this be? I WILL NOT BE CONTROLLED AGAIN!" The chakra entity protested in fury mingled with despair moments before the hypnosis and mind control sank int.
The wounded and now one-eyed elder panted harshly. His victory was a costly one; he had lost his right Mangekyo eye and would never again be able to access Amaterasu or his ultimate technique. But if all went well his objective would be met and then he could begin manipulating his way back into power. Eventually he would find a way to repair the damage wrought upon him; after all thanks to the Kyuubi he had all the time in the world. "At last it's time. At last I will remove the blight of Konohagakure off this planet and have my revenge against both the Senju clan and my ungrateful descendents"
(Current day - Flashback end)
His revenge had failed due to the surprising ingenuity and cunning of Konoha's Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato. He sorrowfully regretted sparing the whelp's life when the young kage had attacked him. He had arrogantly mocked him and preferred to watch his futile attempts. But alas he managed to postpone his plans was a sore spot for the ancient Uchiha as it reminded him of old mistakes.
Uchiha Kaito, Madara's father had once warned him that the Uchiha's prime priority should be assassinating or recruiting the young Senju brothers. Madara and his younger brother, Izuna had scoffed at the idea at the time and claimed gaining power was more important. In the end the two Senju brothers grew stronger than them and won the war for dominance; Madara would not make the same mistake twice.
His mishap had been underestimating the lengths people would go to protect their family and comrades. It had begun with an important gamble he had failed in. In the days since he failed to kill Senju Hashirama only two men of unspeakable potential existed that could pose a threat to his superiority – Nagato and Namikage Minato.
Nagato was the heir of the sage of six paths, the wielder of the fabled and supposedly most powerful eye technique, the Rinnegan. So when Madara heard of him while he was still the Nidaime Mizukage arranged his demise to make sure he didn't become a threat.
But somehow the child had survived and transcended his crippling injuries – using his power to control bodies to overcome his injuries and assumed the identity of Pein by using the body of his best friend. For nearly a decade he was considered unrivaled, having never lost a battle, traveling endlessly along with a single kunoichi and leaving a path of destruction and death in his wake.
Madara decided before his instigated his last meeting with the Kyuubi that he would need one of these potential rivals to become his tool, his weapon as the leader of his Akatsuki in order to commence his master plan and had chosen the supposedly superior ninja; the bloodline bearer who was easier to manipulate due to his 'issues'.
Unfortunately the blonde boy was surprisingly resourceful and an unpredicted outcome had come to pass; the creation the first and only Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. But Madara was a patient man, he had lived long enough to know every setback opened new opportunities and so continued biding his time, eventually his time would come and when it did - nobody would be able to save his treacherous old village.
Madara had subjugated Pein to his will but unlike normal tools, Pain was aware of his powers and capabilities and that made him dangerous. The Rinnegan user was unpredictable and Madara both respected and valued his abilities. But he did not fear them for while Pein had his own agendas that didn't necessarily fit into Madara's plan – he was still, in the end of the day, a cripple controlling his puppets that could be tracked down and killed should he choose to use his companion Konan when the time came.
Therefore, like any tool – his usefulness would one day expire and then his life would as well. Madara held all the cards now, his hand was held close to his chest and once it was revealed nothing would ever be the same.
(Several hours later, Hyuuga clan complex)
Hyuuga Hiashi was in his study within the confines of the Hyuuga mansion, sitting lotus style as he meditated silently. The leader of the venerable clan had finished reviewing the clan finance reports and being debriefed on the unclassified details of the various missions the branch members of the clan undertook for the Hokage and under the banner of ANBU.
"Hiashi-sama" The soft voice of his second degree niece Aiko penetrated the silence of the room. The young woman was kneeling before him, her head bowed. Like all Hyuuga women her skin was a nearly porcelain white. Aiko was his personal guard detail for Hinata whenever his eldest was within the borders of the village. This precaution was one of the many conclusions brought to light in the wake of Hidden Cloud's attempt to steal the Byakugan.
The young woman had the trademark long black hair of all Hyuuga women, the silky smooth chocolate strands spilling gracefully down her back up to hip length. She was clad in a trademark Konoha Chuunin attire, her headband tied around her forehead, concealing the dark green marks of the swastika shaped seal that signified her as part of the branch family.
"Aiko, since you have approached me directly and with no written report I take it that you have important news to report..." the genius of the Jyuuken pointed out knowingly and shifted his position, his silvery eyes opening as he shifted his sitting position upon the tatami mattress. The young woman nodded lightly and inhaled deeply.
"I was shadowing Hinata-sama as per your orders Hiashi-sama. As usual she started the morning by running through all the kata and training exercises of gentle fist and various chakra control exercises. There is none of the hesitation apparent in her public spars whenever she trains in private. However, as you already know I still believe Hinata-sama is more suited towards one of the variation styles of the gentle fist than the traditional stance."
The Hyuuga patriarch simply nodded but supplied no verbal reply. He had already pondered over the situation himself many a time. Hinata's build was better suited for flexibility, speed and constant motion, not the stationary, responsive firmness of the traditional Jyuuken. Additionally her body lacked the strength, reach and eye sharpenness to pinpoint and strike all the individual tenketsu as required for the 'Eight divination signs' style.
"She is not ready to study one of the ancient styles. The responsibility of using one of the ancient arts requires inner strength and character Hinata does not possess. Her psyche is fragile as it is, best not destroy it by lifting her hopes up only to have her break beyond repair…" Hiashi convinced himself before he quirked his slender brow questioningly, These were hardly any new developments as he had heard the same report every morning for the last two months.
Aiko cleared her throat and retained her face in a calm and impassive manner though the next news might enrage clan head greatly "Hinata-sama and her team were accompanied by one Uzumaki Naruto. Apparently he is to be their 'on occasion' teammate until the Chuunin examination tests" Aiko murmured a bit nervously, not sure of Hiashi's personal preferences over the Kyuubi-brat though the elder council had decreed the Hyuuga clan would keep neutrality over the boy until his potential and danger could be properly gauged.
"I am aware of the arrangements around Uzumaki Naruto's training and his joint venture with Hinata's team. It is nothing to be concerned over, is there anything else?" Hiashi brushed off her concern coolly, his cold and expressionless eyes quite eerie in their piercing quality, causing the younger woman to flinch and fidget slightly.
Aiko released a shaky breath and shook her head, she was glad the elder Hyuuga seemed neutral towards the blonde boy, from following Hinata whom stalked the Uzumaki child regularly she had learned quite a bit regarding said genin. He was poorly treated, hated, persecuted by so many it made her heart reach out to him as only a fellow seal-carrier could.
"Actually Hiashi-sama, something positive and unexpected did occur which is the main reason I approached you…"
Several hours earlier
"Damnit Kiba, It's not funny!" Naruto snarled angrily, glaring daggers at the Inuzuka heir while shivering and rubbing his arms to heat his freezing body. The sole Uzumaki was soaking wet and shivering, rivulets of water drizzling down his face and body, his posture stiff as he walked.
Their D-rank for the day had been to help Mrs. Tokugawa with all the errands around her house. Her husband had fallen ill three days earlier with the summer flu and couldn't fish for food, chop wood for fire or help maintain their house as he usually did.
A seemingly simple task at first sight but the truth was that the client forgot to mention the husband had apparently forgotten to maintain the house in the last decade or so as it was in horrendous shape and team eight were left with more work than they bargained for.
Shino and Naruto clone #1 were working on painting and plastering the walls of the house. Naruto and Shino combined their individual strengths to tackle the tricky to reach parts of the wall with maximum efficiency in a joint plan that suited both boys just fine. Naruto's clone would stick to the wall with chakra while Shino's Kikai bugs would levitate the various brushes and canisters of paint whenever they were required. Once said parts of the walls were done Shino and said clone set off to individually paint their designated areas in a pleasant silence.
Hinata set off to help Mrs. Tokugawa in the kitchen. Her all-seeing eyes helped the old woman greatly as both women carefully rearranged and reorganized all the dishes and kitchenware. The old woman had apparently taken a liking to the soft-spoken and kind girl as the Hinata's gentleness as she softly passed on her suggestions elicited smiles and a variety of memories and stories of the Tokugawa's youth.
The old woman and even went so far as passing on some of her personal cooking tips to the Hyuuga heiress when they tackled the spices and sauces. The shrewd old lady also noticed the Hyuuga's glancing looks at the blonde and embarrassed the girl with inquisitive questions about what she was doing in order to get that blonde to notice her affections.
Naruto had tried to offer his assistance but the old lady while not outwardly offensive or hateful as most villagers had quietly refused him. She acted oddly in a way that baffled the young genin; she didn't ignore, insult or abuse him – instead every time she looked at him her eyes turned sad and glossy and she walked out of the room and it hurt the blonde more, he didn't want anyone so sad as the gleam in the old woman's eyes revealed.
Kurenai had taken the blonde aside and shown him a picture of the woman's family and he noticed a picture of a young couple with a young blonde boy that held a passing resemblance to the blonde Jinchuuriki and he understood the reason had nothing to do with the fox and it made him feel just a bit better. Therefore he made it his business to keep his distance so he didn't bring up old pains and scars.
Kurenai was kind to Naruto. She would patiently and softly explain things in an almost sisterly manner that kept the smile on Naruto's face. She didn't have any tips for his elemental training as Asuma-sensei but she did offer him some tips on how to detect and dispel Genjutsu.
He knew it would take many years for him to sharpen his chakra control the extent of flooding any individual tenketsu targeted by enemy illusion. Thus he knew whenever genjutsu would be cast his best hope was to unleash his chakra in a mighty heaving pulse or have a teammate disrupt his chakra.
The day would've all went well had Kiba, whom had been designated to go get firewood hadn't dropped the heavy wood on the foot of the original Naruto's that was assisting him. The pain had elicited the blonde to yelp in pain and hop around before slipping into a nearby pile of mud and staining his entire attire in soggy brown sludge.
This caused a loud cacophony of death threats, roaring laughter. frantic barking and pained exclaims that effected the nearby Naruto clones that were working on wind chakra manipulation, splitting the chakra and rubbing it together seemed easy enough, but reforming it once more and holding on to the elemental form before it dispersed proved a bit more tricky.
Said clones lost their concentration and were promptly dispelled as the summoned wind chakra was unleashed and blew the nearby cooking fire right into the original Naruto, igniting his hakama pants. Thus Naruto was forced to leap into a nearby river to douse the flames and clean off the repulsive scent.
The racket had caught the attention of the whole of team eight. Naruto whined inwardly and face faulted outwardly as he caught glimpse of Kurenai lips twitching slightly and Hinata's soft, tinkling giggles at his visage as the way his soggy hair was splayed all over his face join by his slightly snarling face made him look like a drowned rat.
"Do not worry, we find your antics are a refreshing change to the monotony of D-rank missions, Naruto-san" Shino reassured Naruto later on once their task was done and they headed back towards the Hokage tower. His tone serious and the Uzumaki blinked and awkwardly wondered if that was a compliment or jibe against him as he muttered his thanks.
The Hyuuga heiress poked her fingers together "I-I think S-Shino-kun is trying to s-say that we like having you around, Naruto-kun…" Hinata stuttered in placating manner and watched as the blonde's face brightened in realization and a grin spread over his previously preoccupied façade.
Kiba snickered "You're a one-man comedy show, that's for sure" the dog ninja teased with a small laugh which elicited a snarl from his target. Akamaru whined as Naruto's eyes narrowed with some indignation
"You just wait for our next spar, dog-breath – I'll show you who's a comedian!" Naruto promised heatedly and pointed at Kiba challengingly.
Kurenai watched the interaction amusedly and shook her head. "Asuma-kun was right; he does have a way about him of brightening up every situation." The Jounin thought before sighing, her red eyes glancing towards the position of the sun. She calculated what else she wanted to accomplish for the day and decided she wouldn't accomplish much training-wise so she might as well catch Asuma for a quick dinner date.
"Alright team, it's too late to get another mission and it's almost dinner time so why don't you four take the rest of the day off for a change. Team eight, we'll meet tomorrow as usual; Naruto – you'll be joining us on Friday so I'll see you then" The red-eyed woman bade them farwell kindly before walking off.
"Anyone want to join me at Ichiraku's?" the blonde offered with a smile, quirking his brow inquisitively once the Jounin left.
"I thank you for the gracious offer, but I'm afraid my father has requested that I attend to clan business as soon as I am vacated from my Shinobi duties" Shino excused himself politely and pushed his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose and shot Kiba a secret glance. Kiba was about to agree when Shino elbowed him in the gut. The Inuzuka was about to retort angrily when his eyes widened a fraction in realization and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly as the blonde eyed him suspiciously and curiously "M-Ma, I forgot it's my turn to clean the kennels today, sorry Naruto."
Naruto shrugged and turned to Hinata "You game, Hinata?" he asked her quietly, expecting her to make up some excuse as well. The small Hyuuga teen blushed faintly and poked her fingers, nodding meekly. When Naruto's back was turned she shot Shino and Kiba an angry glare that promised murder that only elicited a grin from as Kiba that was busy making kissing motions with his lips and Shino that nodded his head and motioned a thumbs up sign.
Naruto smiled at her once their other two teammates left. Once upon a time he would've grabbed her hand and dragged her at break-neck speeds towards Ichiraku but now that Iruka had taught him some basic etiquette and manners so he knew it was impolite to rush someone towards a destination and especially rude to touch or hold a noble lady's hand uninvited; while Hinata was humble and quiet she still was the princess of the prestigious Hyuuga clan.
"So by Kiba's lame, poorly executed excuse and Shino's convenient answer I take it you wanted to talk to me alone, Hinata?" Naruto pointed out conversationally as they walked down the streets, startling the young Hyuuga girl. Hinata's cheeks flushed as she was caught as deer in the headlights as the young blonde turned his gaze upon her as they walked.
Hinata stuttered and looked slightly panicked as she averted her eyes from the blonde's inquisitive gaze and Naruto's smile turned soft as he turned to look upwards as he took her silence for a negative "I've been a real jerk, haven't I?" he pondered out loud thoughtfully and folded his hands behind his head, sighing.
"N-Naruto-kun?" Hinata's voice whispered questioningly, her eyes a bit wide and confused as Naruto laughed softly in a reassuring manner "I've been thinking a lot about the academy days lately. I've noticed something curious" his voice trailed off as his youthful face twisted into a distant one that gave him an aura of maturity that seemed foreign to Hinata.
Hinata's eyes widened "Does he know?" the young teen thought fearfully and body trembled as breathing became difficult "If he is…is he going to discard me…like everyone else?" she thought, her mind starting to venture to obscure scenarios that plummeted her confidence and previous good mood into the ground.
"Hinata…you've always been kind to me; never berated or insulted me like the others. You even snapped at Kiba when he fought with me. Well, and I...I'm sorry! I've been so insensitive, we've barely even talked and you deserve better than that!" Naruto said in a serious manner and bowed his head in shame and frustration.
Hinata's blush intensified and she felt a bit dizzy, that was certainly not what the young Hyuuga was expecting, she thought he was going to berate her or reject her harshly like everyone else that got to know her well had eventually done. It was the sordid cycle that followed her for her entire life, her family chose Hanabi, Neji blamed her for Hizashi's death and even her father found her pathetic and unsatisfactory as a daughter. "N-Naruto-kun, you don't have to a-apologize," the lavender eyed Hyuuga stuttered barely, her breathing fast and head spinning.
"Yes I do," Naruto stubbornly insisted and pinched the bridge of his nose "Look…I-If you…If you don't mind, maybe we can start over. Alright, I'll go first! Uzumaki Naruto, please to meet you." The blonde offered his hand, grinning widely, his cheeks flushed faintly as he obviously wasn't used to such interactions.
From just the little of Hinata he was exposed to in the last couple of days the Uzumaki could tell she was a kindred spirit. The way she smiled and seemed to reflect gentleness and happiness from her lavender eyes made him calm down and experience a tender happiness and he barely knew anything about her – she intrigued him and if she would have him, he wanted to add another friend to his list.
He and Ino had hit off well after the log incident and she even allowed him to call her 'Ino-Chan' It was nice to have girls treat him decently and not bash him over for every little thing he said as before. Even though Ino was still a busybody and a bit pushy, her heart was in the right place and arguing with her was so much fun since they could talk on and on and argue and differ in opinion pleasantly, he liked her fiery spirit.
Hinata was different, while she wasn't as extroverted and outspoken as Ino she was a gentle person that spoke in place and knew how to encourage and ease his worries with the proper words and a small blushing smile, he liked that about her and wanted to know more about her too.
Hinata realized perhaps Naruto was right, even though she often stalked him and perhaps knew some facets of him that her peers were oblivious to, she didn't know him as a person. They didn't talk, and they barely interacted at all. If Hinata was honest with herself she had crushed on him for so long that perhaps she had lost hope of ever approaching him truly and painted him in colors that simply were not his own personality-wise.
However, this was her chance to learn about Naruto first hand – she would have to be insane to let it slip between her fingers "H-Hyuuga Hinata. It's a pleasure to meet you too, Naruto-kun" She replied softly and shook his hand.
"Well isn't this peachy? I see another person is oblivious to your true nature, Uzumaki" a bitter voice hissed across from them, shattering the serene moment. The green eyed kunoichi gazed at the scene with disgust and pity; the fact that Hinata would be so desperate for companionship that she would delude herself to crush on Naruto was nothing less than pathetic in the Haruno's eyes.
The new attire Naruto wore worried the Haruno, he had an air of dangerous calm and compacted anger within him when he gazed upon her with glacier blue eyes that scared the red haired kunoichi to the core when she remembered they had once burned with crimson.
He didn't seem like the goof ball loser he was when he was on team seven; perhaps he was letting more of his true nature through the masks he wore – that was cause for concern, and she would have to consult with Danzou-sama on what to do.
Naruto's eyes narrowed and his whole posture stiffened "Sakura…" he gazed upon his former teammate with warning in his eyes; he would not tolerate a third attempt at his life. He stepped protectively in front of Hinata and took in Sakura's new look with tentative curiosity and a bit of dread, having almost forgotten about Sakura in the whole rush of new experiences with the other genin team, his mother's scroll and all his lessons.
Hinata's eyes narrowed angrily at her former peer, her body trembling with a different emotion this time. It had been many years since she allowed the burning tongues of anger to surge through her veins unchecked but she would spare nothing in her quest to protect Naruto, Haruno deserved no mercy from the Hyuuga girl.
Veins protruded from porcelain skin as the ancient blood of her ancestors awoken unconsciously and without seals; the world shifting to a silver and white mirror image as chakra coursed through her eyes. "Stay away from Naruto-kun," the Hyuuga coldly commanded the Haruno, surprising both Naruto and Sakura with the icy edge her tone took.
Sakura blinked in surprise as the infamous Hyuuga glare narrowed down at her oppressively, the small and meek girl transformed into a pillar of controlled danger. The soft and kind features Hinata was known for peeled off; the layers of compassion and empathy torn away and replaced a stony, unyielding expression; the mask of a ninja preparing for battle. It made the small Hyuuga seem for the first time intimidating and threatening.
Naruto eyed Hinata in equal surprise, grinning faintly; she just kept on surprising him "If you attack him, you attack the Hyuuga, Haruno." There was no threat, only promise in her words and the implications were quite clear and profound in their meaning. Despite her urge to shake the smaller girl by the shoulders and make her wake up and see her 'crush's' true colors Sakura found herself taking a step back when Hinata took a step forward, averting her gaze from those horrible empty eyes of white hollowness and gritting her teeth.
Sakura raised both hands in a placating manner "Calm down, Hinata-san. I wasn't going to attack Uzumaki" she assured the violet haired kunoichi "Not yet at least…" she then locked a brief, heated glare with Naruto – green clashing with blue – the escalating tension between both former teammates only growing before she gazed at Hinata with some exasperation and helplessness.
"Oh how the mighty have fallen, even the all-seeing eyes have been deceived. I will have to ask that bitch Anko how to deal with the Jyuuken style. It seems I will possibly have to brave the Byakugan as well on my path of saving Konoha," Sakura lamented inwardly and shook her head as she bore Hinata farewell politely and turned to leave, another obstacle having presented itself.
Hinata waited until she left and then released her bloodline limit and the tension and coldness melted from her face. Her body slackened back to its easy and gentle mannerism, now physically calm though inwardly cautious. She didn't trust the crimson haired girl with her wild, violent eyes. It was obvious that something was seriously wrong about her But it didn't matter, Hinata wouldn't let the Haruno hurt Naruto-kun – that was a promise, no a vow.
"That was so cool, Hinata!" Naruto cried out suddenly, tearing her violently from her protective thoughts as he grinned at her brightly "I think Sakura almost fainted when you nailed her with that glare, you rock!" he said excitedly and laughed happily.
"I-I do?" Hinata questioned a bit uncertainly and Naruto bopped his head up and down while motioning with his head towards the other side of the street. Hinata's head spun and her cheeks flushed as all the events of the days left her dizzy and slightly light-headed.
"Come on, we don't want hit the rush hour at Ichiraku's. Since you defended me from psycho-bitch how about you let me treat you, what do you say Hinata-chan?" Naruto offered kindly though somewhat distractedly, looking forward as they walked. An audible thud forced him to pause and turn around, oblivious to the possible effects of his casual usage of such a familar suffix. "Hey! Hinata! Are you alright?!"
Naruto panicked as the Hyuuga heiress seemed to turn into an impossibly red shade, having fallen to her knees in surprise. Her smile was so wide it nearly burst through her cheeks and brightened up her face. Naruto calmed down once she nodded and poked her fingers lightly before overcoming a surge of nervousness as she grabbed his hand gingerly, tugging on it lightly "C-c'mon, Naruto-kun. If you don't hurry Ichiraku-san will run out of Soba noodles…" she surprised the blonde that grinned back with vengeance.
"You know about the secret greatness of soba noodles too! You seriously rock, Hinata-chan! You don't mind if I call you that, right? Ah! I'm sorry, that's was so rude of me, I didn't mean to…" Naruto excitedly prattled on before apologizing for being presumptuous as he backpedaled and figured out what he did wrong.
Hinata giggled happily and smiled at him "It-It's ok; you can call me like that, if you like. Naruto-kun" Hinata replied softy, accepting his apology as she slipped her hand out of his own when they resumed walking, not wanting to rush anything, being friends with Naruto was enough - for now.
Back to current time
Hiashi's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he stood up, turning his back to the younger Hyuuga "I see…I will ponder over these proceedings, thank you Aiko," The clan head said quietly and signaled her with a gesture of his hand that she was dismissed.
"Hinata seems to thrive from the Uzumaki's attention and encouragement. Her romantic aspirations are not surprising and I will have to remind her of her duties as a female clan heir. Though if my theory over Uzumaki's parentage is correct things will become entirely different for you, daughter…" Hiashi thought, as a father he was naturally protective of his own, especially his softer and gentler eldest daughter that had yet to stand on her own two feet and grow strong.
While the elders would cry to the high heavens about the clan's reputation and political implications of their being seen in public Hiashi cared little for such minor altercations. The Hyuuga's standing within the village was solidified by their contribution in the battle field, interrogation and political fields as well as their considerable wealth.
Nothing would change that – especially something as frivolous as a teen crush; more so when it could potentially save his daughter from the shame of being demoted to the branch should her behavior not change.
Hiashi was a cold and introvert person but by no means cruel and spiteful. He was simply acting like he was taught to act ever since he was thrust into the clan head seat at the mere age of nineteen when his father fell ill with arthritis. His childhood had stripped him of any chance of warmth and youthfulness as he was molded into a clan head ever since he could walk by the calm and harsh doctrines that ruled his family for centuries.
The isle of sanity in the icy sea of expectations was his younger twin brother, Hizashi. He too was stolen from Hiashi by Hizashi's own nobility and love for Hiashi himself compacted with the fear of the elder council of enraging Hidden cloud and igniting another skirmish. If only Minato-sama were alive, his mere name would've made those bastards think twice about making demands.
However life was often unkind and unfair, it was the way of the world and people had to adjust to what cards they were dealt. The final nail in his emotional coffin had been the lost of his wife that passed away due to a terminal disease only months after Hanabi was born. It wasn't that Hiashi didn't care for his eldest daughter, he did love Hinata but he showed it the same way he was taught to show it, the Hyuuga way.
Tough love was the way Hyuuga had been raising their children since the clan's forming hundreds of years ago. A parent would either make them or break their offspring; it had worked for so long and the clan had flourished but perhaps Hinata was different, like several others he had lived to see were different. He would follow the proceedings carefully.
Hiashi was not a stubborn man and learn of the new facets and possibilities in approaching his daughter. Amongst the Hyuuga he was always known as a fair man, though cold and intimidating it was known he was always willing to reanalyze his views and actions and listen to all Hyuuga, be they main or branch members "I will let you work your magic for now, Uzumaki Naruto; though perhaps we shall have to set some boundaries of civil and acceptable behavior just in case." Hiashi thought and his protective streak flared once more before he pushed it down, the boy deserved the benefit of the doubt - for now.