Chapter 14
Sitting on top of the rooftop on their home the two siblings mainly the boy allowed himself a victorious grin on his face due to his mission being a success. Despite him nearly being consumed by black flames at one point his intended quest was fulfilled, but now he was thinking how his...conditions to the agreement were coming to a pass as well...despite him thinking how'd he react to seeing them again.
"Niichan...Niichan!" the girl shouted frustratingly
"Huh, oh sorry Sis. What's up?" the boy replied
"I was trying to ask you how do you plan on pulling this off. You're having to transport 30+ people using that weird jutsu you came up with, and half of them are people from here to watch you to make sure you keep your promise. I don't like those people Niichan, can't it just be the two of us like it's always been?" the girl asked sincerely as her brother sighed patiently
"Sis...this is bigger than the two of us. I'm not saying I'm glad to bring those watchdogs with us, but I'll...deal with them once the jutsu is complete. The other reason is because this is not only our chance to escape, but people I care about as well." the boy said sadly
"I thought you only cared for me Niichan, well me and that girl your mom told you to watch." the girl muttered under her breath which didn't go unnoticed by her brother
"Sis." the boy chided
"I know, I know. It's just that I've wanted things to go back to normal ever since we started training. Things were so much fun back then Niichan, we used to be family." the girl said dishearteningly
"We still are family Sis." the boy said trying to cheer her up
"Niichan, you know what I mean." the girl replied
"I told you things were going to be different." the boy said non-apologetically much to his sister's frustration
"I know!" she snapped
"I just miss my nights with you, I miss my meals with you, I miss the things we used to do. Sure, I've gotten stronger, and I even managed to get a handle on basic medical ninjutsu to the point it's easy as breathing. But I'd take it all back if things could just go to the day before...the day I...you know." the girl said slowly slightly shivering at the memory
"I know Sis, please don't remind me of that." the boy said with a sad look in his eyes
"Sorry, but ever since that day you acted weird. Sure, for the next few weeks you showered me in attention, constantly gave me meals that I wanted, and you kept holding onto me every night tight as if you were afraid I'd leave you. Then you set up those barriers, our training got tougher not that I minded at the time, forbade me from seeing Sakura-sensei even though I barely saw her as it was, and just...you seemed paranoid of something." the girl said worried
"I was worried that something or someone might come after you." the boy corrected annoyingly before calming himself
"Sis...for the past 6 years I've taken care of you it was you that helped me get through the day. Your crying, your whining, your pleas, your laughter, your sorrow, your anger, your pranks, your smile, all of it and much, much more made it worth living to see you with me. When I saw you...I was reminded of the pain that comes from losing someone I loved. I desperately wanted it to be dream when I knew it was real. I was this close to flat out heading into the village in a fit of rage doing whatever damage I could before I died. Then...things happened to change all that." the boy said quietly
"Niichan." the girl said softly looking at her pained brother
"Sis, I told you time, and time again that I love you. I love you with all my heart, and are a sister to me in all but blood. When you came back it was a dream come true, and it proved to me that I needed to protect you better. I sincerely wish that you could've met me under better circumstances, but I have never regretted one moment that I have shared with you. I know I haven't been myself lately, but it's just me acting the way I should have a long time ago." the boy said strongly
"But I loved the way you were Niichan. I still love you now, but you're scaring me a bit. All this planning, these lies, the people you keep talking about, it's just not you Niichan. I just don't want to lose you Niichan." the girl said even more worried now
"And I don't want to lose you either. Look, no matter what happens I'll still be here to protect you as your Niichan despite how painful it might be." the boy said with an eye smile patting her head
"And I'll be there to heal you Niichan, but please don't get yourself hurt too badly. Your arm is still burnt from that fucking-OW!" the girl winced as her brother bonked on the head
"Language young lady. I won't tolerate that kind of talk from my baby sister. Even if he is what you were about say." the boy lectured sternly
"Sorry Niichan, but can you please not call me that? It's embarrassing." the girl whined as she rubbed her head
"Oh, would you prefer my little cutey patooty instead? You used to like that name before, what happened to my little cutey patooty?" the boy said in a baby like voice pinching his sister's cheeks
"Niichan!" the girl whined as her brother laughed at his sister's expense
"Oh that's right, you grew up. As you'll continue to do in life." the boy said gently removing his hands from his sister's cheeks now moving his arm around his sister pulling them close to each other
"Niichan?"
"You're not the helpless little girl I found in the streets crying for your parents. You're growing everyday before my eyes into a strong beautiful woman, and I couldn't be more proud of you." the boy said proudly as a wide grin formed on his sister's face
"Granted you're still as child as am I, but you...somewhat act maturer than other's your age." the boy joked cynically causing his sister to drop her grin
"Hey." the girl pouted
"I only speak the truth, and speaking of the truth...things have only just begun Sis." the boy said seriously
"Will we still be together Niichan?" the girl asked looking in her brother's eyes
"Always." the boy answered honestly
"Then I don't care, so long as I'm with you." the girl said as she rested her head on her brother's chest with a smile
"If things play out the right way then we'll always be together...forever." the boy thought to himself as he looked at ruined village as another riot was taking place.
"More importantly, we'll be away from this hellhole, and leave Konohagakure along with this world to rot in hell."
"So, Jiyu Senpu huh? My, what an interesting past you seem to have. It seems there's more to us than a shared name, even though mine is just a fake. The rest of these people may not have noticed, but you specifically left clues as to who you really are. And once I find out the truth, maybe it'll explain a few things about how similar you are to me…and why you also bear the power of the Kyuubi." Shintaro thought to himself as he walked into his room
"But figuring your past out will have to wait, because I have a meeting to attend, and I have to find everyone so that we can all properly introduce ourselves to The Third Hokage." Shintaro said as he put the books he acquired in the library on his bed for a later read.
Deciding he should fix his wardrobe a bit Shintaro decided to scrounge around the closet in which he threw all his clothes in.
After finding the clothes he wanted Shintaro decided to wear when he first met Naruto yesterday minus the bad, and he still had his sword strapped to his back.
"Ah, can't fault the classics." Shintaro said admiring his wardrobe
"Now then, Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Shintaro said as four clones poofed into existence
"Ok, I want you two to find all the guys, tell them about the meeting today, and tell them that it's mandatory. You two go find all the girls, and do the same thing. I'm…going to find Hiromi." The original Shintaro said to the clones
"Right!" the clones yelled as they disappeared from the room
"Ok, time for the hard part." Shintaro said sighing to himself as he left the room
As Shintaro left his room he went to Ayano's room where he knew his sister had taken refuge for the time being after his…episode. Dreading what his sister would think of him Shintaro hesitantly knocked on the door to the room. Hearing no answer Shintaro knocked again still not receiving an answer from anyone inside.
"Is no one in there?"
"I'm coming in." Shintaro said as he entered Ayano's room
Walking inside Shintaro could tell that a girl had lived in here from the way the room looked.
"Wow, everything in here is neat, put in place, the bed is made properly, there's underwear on the floor, the showers on, Ayano-chan's bag is on the floor neatly-wait what?
Shintaro then proceeded to noticed once he was completely out his mindset that the shower was indeed on guessing that this one worked and his didn't, there was also no doubt that the underwear Shintaro was looking at was…Misaka's? He was confused, but he could tell from the shopping spree Ayano went on with Misaka a few months back when everyone practically glared at Shintaro to go with her. Ayano protested, but Guren convinced Ayano to bring Shintaro along with Guren to check things out. Needless to say Shintaro was the pack mule of said shopping spree that broke his back for the day.
"W-Wait, where's Hiromi? She should be he-wait…what is that?" Shintaro thought to himself as his eye caught something that had him turn pale.
Said something was a certain sword that belonged to a certain girl leaning against the wall near the door to the bathroom. Frozen in fear and confusion Shintaro did his best to quietly leave the room in search of wherever his sister was at this time until he heard a voice calling him.
"Is someone there?" a female voice asked from the shower
"Shit-Shit-Shit-Shit-Shit! I think that was Misaka-chan! If she finds out I'm here she'll kill me! Gotta think, gotta think! Wait, I got it!"
"Hey, is someone in here!" Shintaro shouted as he quickly went back to the entrance
"S-S-Shintaro-kun!?" Ayano squealed in embarrassment from the shower as well
"N-Niichan!?" Hiromi as well squealed
"H-Hiromi? A-A-Ayano-chan!" Shintaro stuttered at the thought of the three girls taking a bath together
"Damn it! The hell do you want you perverted baka! I swear if you're peeking through the door not even Hiromi or Ayano will save your sorry ass!" Misaka yelled through the door with Shintaro feeling her killer intent through the door
"Ha, I knew this was a good idea! They'll probably think I just came in, and in turn I get to keep my life." Shintaro thought to himself with pride but still felt fear from Misaka's killer intent
"I-I thought the personal showers didn't work." Shintaro said
"T-That's what we thought to, b-but we tried this one out of curiosity and it actually works." Ayano said
"So, since I didn't get to take a proper bath because of you I asked Ayano if I could use her shower. Then Hiromi wanted one too so here we-wait why am I explaining myself to you? Leave the damn room now or I swear when I'm done there'll be hell to pay!" Misaka yelled through the door
"I-I was just going to let you guys know that we have an appointment with the Hokage in a while, and that we all have to attend. It's mandatory, and it'll play a key role in our lives here in Konoha so it's really important. I'm leaving now, but please hurry up." Shintaro said politely
"Damn it Shintaro! Can't I wash my damn body for more than 5 minutes!?" Misaka shouted
"M-Misaka-san, if Shintaro-kun says it's important then we have to go." Ayano said politely
"O-Onee-san is right Misaka-chan, Niichan doesn't do things like this without a reason. W-We'll get ready Niichan!" Hiromi said as the water was turned off
"H-Hey, I was using th-oh forget it. We'll get ready in a minute so leave already will ya?" Misaka groaned
"I'll make it up to you Misaka-chan! I'll…oh, I know. I'll pay for an all expense trip to a hot springs tomorrow." Shintaro pleaded
"Wait, what am I thinking? I'm nearly going broke tonight, I don't need this!"
"H-Hey Misaka-chan actually-"
"A Hot Spring!? This is great, now I can properly perfect my body to Shusuke-kun's liking. You got a deal Shintaro, now get out!" Misaka shouted as Shintaro jumped back before shutting the door cursing his dumb mouth
"Well, that was terrifying, but I made it out of there with my life intact…and my skin still on my body." Shintaro said paling at the thought of whatever Misaka might do to him
"Still, at least-ugh, now? Of all the times for that man to appear." Shintaro grunted in annoyance as one one of his clones poofed out of existence to notify him of something
"Better make sure he doesn't come near here, Kami knows what kind of perverted ways he follows." Shintaro as he got up until he realized something
"Oh, gotta let the girls know about him. Just in case he randomly opens this door with them still changing, can't have that." Shintaro said as he turned around mindlessly opening the door
There were times when Shintaro acted upon instinct for the welfare of the group, often making carefully thought out ideas in the heat of battle, strategizing their next move, sometimes he'd act without thinking even with the best of intentions, but now Shintaro was acting without thought since he let his guard down. Shintaro, the boy who thought most things through very thoroughly, was now opening a door that he subconsciously knew had three girls coming out of the shower changing their clothes.
"Hey girls, I just wanted to let you know about a…" those were the last words Shintaro spoke before he realized what he had just done.
The girls, who were in the middle of changing noticed as well at what Shintaro had done. Ayano was embarrassed beyond belief, Hiromi more so as was the proof of her passing out on the floor, and Misaka was…not taking it well.
"Aw, shit."
"What…in the hell…do you think…you're doing?" a very pissed off soaked Misaka said with extreme anger clenching her fists as she turned around with an evil glare of death looking through Shintaro's soul.
The aura that surrounded her was equal to that of a demon, it didn't help that her hair was rising like Kushina's did when she was angry, and it would be nice if she didn't reach for her sword.
"I'd told you what would happen if I caught you peeping." Misaka said quietly with her killer intent rising with every word raising her sword with both her hands
Thing is, this action occurred when Misaka was in the middle of undoing her towel. So, when Misaka took her first steps, or stomps, of destruction towards Shintaro her towel became loose with every move.
Frozen in fear, Shintaro could only stand as his saw Misaka raise her arms to deliver that final blow.
"Well, it was a nice life." Shintaro thought to himself as he cried anime tears
"W-W-Wait, M-Misaka-san! P-Please, Shintaro-kun didn't mean it. I-I m-mean he w-was about to t-tell us something. So m-maybe…"
"Don't bother Ayano. I told him what would happen, and like I said not even you can stop me. I'm sorry, but this idiotic perverted lowlife scum of a baka is going to die…now." Misaka said in a deadly tone as she prepared her family sword for her signature final strike. Little did she know that action was what finally undid her towel leaving her forbidden secrets showing in front of Shintaro's eyes
"This is it, at least I'm dying by the hands of a beautiful naked women." Shintaro thought still crying anime tears
"Oh no, Misaka-san is going to hurt Shintaro-kun…again. Well, this time it's life threatening to him…again. Well, this is just a misunderstanding…again. Well, Misaka-san really means it this time at least. I-I gotta do something, for Shintaro-kun's sake! But what?"Ayano desperately thought to herself, but still extremely embarrassed about her current situation
"Now…DIE!" Misaka said as her arms swung her sheathed sword in a massive swing downward to punish Shintaro for his mistake
"Goodbye world." Shintaro thought to himself as his body still remained motionless from fear accepting his fate and observing the wardrobe or lack thereof malfunction since her towel began dropping
"I-I have to do something!" Ayano thought to herself as her body moved on her own leaping at Misaka
As everything happened in slow motion confusion was among everyone mind's as Shintaro woke up to see what had happened to them, but with a pain in both his head and his…lower area?
"Ugh, my head, and...my balls? Why the hell would-Wait, am I dead? Must be, considering everything around me is so soft. Well, might as well open my eyes to see what's what."
"Don't Shintaro, whatever you do don't open your eyes." Uncle Ku said in a warning tone
"Uncle, you're here too? I guess that makes sense-wait, why don't you want me to open my eyes? And why does everything feel so soft…except my back and head which are killing me right n-wait, if I'm dead how do I feel pain? And if I'm not dead then what…oh no." Shintaro thought to himself as he slowly opened his to find…darkness?
"The hell? Why can't I see anything? Let me see if I can move my arm around to move whatever is on top of me." Shintaro thought to himself as he tried to move his left arm to no avail
"Weird, now that I'm out of my dead mindset I feel something kind of heavy on me, two something's actually and-wait…is one of them moving?" Shintaro thought nervously as he desperately removed whatever it was on top of him with his right arm hearing a thud hit the ground
"What was that? Never mind, I need to see what's going on …oh hell." Shintaro thought to himself as he looked at what he removed off of him.
As Shintaro managed to adjust his eyes from the light he managed to completely see and process what had fallen onto him…or rather who had fallen onto him as he looked on the floor to see Misaka unconscious body face against the floor with a bump on her head from something hitting it with her sword lying next to her. When he tried to get up he noticed that while Misaka was unconscious, Ayano was fully awake holding onto her towel in a deathlike vice grip though on the verge of fainting from how embarrassed she was at the moment reaching new shades of red with steam coming out of her ears with her voice failing her as Ayano was also not wearing her mask right now.
Shintaro meanwhile thought for a minute if he was trapped in an awesome as hell genjutsu or if he was really in heaven right now. Here he was surrounded by two naked girls fresh out of the shower with nothing but towels covering barely their body's, though undeveloped he still had an active imagination of the future, one of which his lifelong crush the other a girl he was still internally debating he liked or not still thought she was pretty beyond belief. However, just to be sure Shintaro decided to test both theories with one swift motion of quickly grabbing a kunai slicing his left palm not wincing from the pain a bit, but solidifying the fact that he was indeed in reality.
Quickly healing his wound Shintaro's body began to move on its own, but was glad for it this time. Trying to make words to no avail Ayano found it impossible to make a solid sentence much less one word.
"S..S...Shin-"
In a flash Shintaro's body picked up Misaka's body and sword jumped in Ayano's room dropped her on the bed grabbed Ayano from behind receiving a tiny 'eep!' from Ayano, pulling her far enough from the door, and closed it from the outside all while completely emotionless holding his breath in the entire time.
It took a while, but the gears in his head finally turned all the way processing all the information from the last 145 seconds gaining shaky legs, a flustered face, a nosebleed that wouldn't stop for nothing.
"I…just saw…Misaka-chan and Ayano-chan…almost-no completely naked save for a towel…this is gonna make dinner with Ayano-chan impossible now. I just pray to Kami that no one else saw…"
"Well well, getting familiar with ladies at this age are we?"
"...me...shit."
"Man, the youth these days are moving fast, I'd better keep up if this is my competition. Gotta admit though, that little scene was the perfect inspiration for a book I'm writing, thanks kid." the old voice of a man said as he put away a pen and notebook in his pocket.
"And he recorded everything...awesome."
Leaning against a wall was an old man who was smiling proudly of. Trying to feign ignorance Shintaro acted as if he didn't know the man, but was still embarrassed out of his mind.
"W-W-Who a-are y-you?" Shintaro stuttered holding his nose to prevent the bleeding getting worse feigning ignorance as to who this man was
"Who am I you ask?" the man asked with a cocky grin getting into a ridiculous pose
"I am known far and wide by many, feared by all Shinobi who know my name, loved by women from all around the world. I am the Toad Sage from Mount Myoboku. One of the three Legendary Sannin. Student of the Sandaime. Teacher to the Yondaime. I...AM…JIRAIYA!" Jiraiya said loudly shaking his head in a comical fashion while dancing ridiculously throughout his…description of himself.
Thankfully though this took Shintaro's mind of…previous events that distracted him from what he set out to do, but not without a little bit of fun first to ease himself.
"Aren't you the guy who writes all those Icha Icha Paradise novels?" Shintaro asked seemingly ignoring all that Jiraiya said as his face faulted in front of the youth.
"Really? After all I just said that is what you know me by?" Jiraiya asked dumbfounded
"Well, it's the first thing that comes to mind anyways. Though I am waiting to see what happens to Ryu and Saki in the next volume. Such a good story with well-developed characters, good setting, and even some comedy in it." Shintaro said with minor eagerness
"A kid like you shouldn't being my sort of books. There are certain…subject matters that aren't appropriate for your age. Though I do appreciate someone who recognizes the work I put into my novels."
"Oh, like the fact it's filled with nothing but smut you old pervert?" Kushina said appearing behind Jiraiya out of nowhere startling him
"H-Hey, Kushina long time no see right?" Jiraiya said nervously backing up from Kushina
"Yeah, been a long time ain't it? Figures, the second I find you you're already corrupting the youth of this world." Kushina said glaring at Jiraiya
"I-I'm doing nothing of the sort, I'm only discussing that someone finally realize I put effort into my books. I'm so proud of the youth these days recognizing art when they see it." Jiraiya said weeping anime tears
"Oh please, who in their right mind doesn't read your perverted books mainly for the smut inside?" Kushina said unconvinced
"Anyways, I'm more surprised at your lack of reaction to me being oh I don't know alive?" Kushina said now annoyed
"I went to the old man first, and he filled me in on everything that happened recently. Even about him." Jiraiya said with a sober face looking at Shintaro
"So, you know who I am?" Shintaro asked
"That, and all you've done in the past 24 hours, or that the old man knows about at least." Jiraiya said looking at Shintaro then turning to Kushina
"Not to brag but yeah, I'm pretty great. So, mind if I get an autograph?" Shintaro said taking a book out of his back pocket while Jiraiya gleamed in joy before Kushina stopped Jiraiya
"Don't bother Shintaro, you're too young to be reading those kind of books anyways." Kushina lectured
"They're not that bad." Shintaro said defending Jiraiya confusing Kushina
"Huh?"
"True, Jiraiya-sensei's novels have…adult material within them, but I mainly skim through them to see where it stops so I can continue reading. Now, while I had to do that multiple times it's worth doing so to continue the plot, and keeping my mind innocent…for the time being. Anyways, it's not like I'm using them to gain an advantage in seducing women, I'm reading them for fun."
"Reading's a hobby of mine, plus it helps me when I jot down stuff in my journal, and when you're down in the dumps nothing like a good read to lighten the mood a bit. Though I wonder, maybe I can use those books to get a better understanding of women, Kami knows I need it." Shintaro said turning his head slightly behind him
"Don't Shintaro, if anything those are an understanding of how not to treat women, but at least you have the sense to skip those perverted parts even though you shouldn't be reading those books in the first place." Kushina said glaring at Jiraiya that said "This is all your fault" on her face while Shintaro merely shrugged
"Besides, there are other things in Jiraiya-sensie's books besides his…explicit material. There's the interesting plot line between Ryu and Saki, their chemistry alone is worth reading, but it's nice to read someone else's life when yours sucks ass." Shintaro said
"Ha! I knew it, there is someone out there who recognizes my hard work. And to boot he's calling me "Sensei" something I'm rarely called anymore. I'm really starting to love this kid." Jiraiya said happily while Kushina looked dumbfounded at Shintaro
"Which reminds me." Shintaro said as he put the first book before taking out another book from his back pocket
"I need to keep reading this or I'm gonna keep forgetting about it." Shintaro said as he opened a book that was familiar to both Jiraiya and Kushina
"Is that…"
"It's called The Tale of a Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. Found it in an old bookshop a few weeks ago gathering dust, I thought it'd be a waste to let it stay there. So I bought it, and started to read it whenever I had free time though I seem to be having less of that lately. Don't know who the author is, but I gotta say it had me hooked on the first few chapters." Shintaro said showing the book to the two adults.
"I don't know what it is, but something just drew me to this book." Shintaro said looking at the book
"I never thought I'd see that book again." Kushina said
"You're telling me, I thought most bookstores stopped selling it after it didn't do so well." Jiraiya said in disbelief
"You two know this book?" Shintaro asked confused
"Do I." they said in unison
"That was the first book I ever wrote, it didn't do so well in sales so I decided to change my writing material." Jiraiya explained
"It's the only good book you ever wrote you old pervert. But yeah, it was also the book where Minato, and I decided to name Naruto by."
"Oh?"
"I tried to persuade them, but they wouldn't change their minds even when I said I just chose the name when eating some ramen. Although, given Kushina's appetite for the meal I suppose it's better than naming him Menma." Jiraiya said looking at Kushina
"So wait, you named Naruto after the ramen topping, and not maelstrom? So much for dignity." Shintaro said cynically
"Well I still think it's a good name, and I'm not changing my mind about it." Kushina defended
"Whatever, so tell me, what's the author of one of my favorite series doing here in the first place? Not that I mind I'm just wondering." Shintaro asked Jiraiya who seemed to get a bit serious
"I'm here because a certain seal of mine has been removed from the Forest of Death. It was supposed to contain a threat to the village we weren't able to destroy…at least not without risking the lives of everyone in the village." Jiraiya said solemnly
"I came to investigate the seal to get a lead of who would do this and why in their right mind would they do it in the first place. Although, that seal was probably on its last legs given how long ago I put it together, and since it was on the spot I can't say it was my best work." Jiraiya groaning wishing he did a better job
"I can tell you." Shintaro said getting Jiraiya's attention while Kushina kind of looked worried for Shintaro
"Say what kid?"
"I know who broke the seal in the Forest of Death as well as the fate of Joōbachi." Shintaro said plainly as he read his book
"Shintaro do you really think that's a good idea?" Kushina said sort of worried for Shintaro
"Well, he deserves to know does he not? Plus, it'll make his investigation that much shorter." Shintaro said looking up from his book
"Why would a kid like you know what happened to Joōbachi much less who let her out?" Jiraiya asked skeptically while Kushina just sighed
"What?" Jiraiya asked confused
"There's no point in investigating on who did it because it was me." Shintaro said closing his book looking at Jiraiya in a serious matter to tell he wasn't lying who still had his doubts
"Kushina, there's no way this kid…"
"I'm afraid so Jiraiya, Shintaro was the one who released the seal on Joōbachi." Kushina said tiredly
"And took the full force of your big ass trap, I swear I'm gonna be sore for days after that explosion to the face." Shintaro said rubbing his arm that was broken not too long ago
"You mean to tell me that this kid who barely is about to reach puberty in a few years broke into the Forest of Death, survived, located my seal, broke it down, took the full force of my back up trap to the face, survived that, met with Joōbachi who for some reason didn't kill him on the spot, and somehow convinced her to not attack the village the second she was free?" Jiraiya said
"Well geez, when you put it like that it makes me sound like a badass." Shintaro said sarcastically
"You mean you actually…"
"Yup, I Shintaro Senpū infiltrated the Forest of Death, and did all what you said this morning in a matter of hours if that as well as other things. Yup, there isn't a thing on earth that I fear doing to accomplish my goals. I fear no man on this earth for I am a experienced warrior with battle experience few my age have witnessed, I am the leader of my group for I know what I need to do in order to survive. There are few things in this world that I fear if at all, and not one of them is in this villa-" though Shintaro didn't get to finish his description of himself for a hand broke through the door holding him by the neck with him struggling to breath no avail
"Oh yeah?" a female voice said darkly that froze Shintaro in fear
"M-M-M-Misaka-c-chan?" he gagged
"That's right." Misaka said in a sweet tone that didn't match her face
"So you're telling me that you're not scared of me at all!?" Misaka said throwing Shintaro with her arm against the wall upside down as he fell on his head
"So tell me you perverted baka, what makes you think I'm not worth fearing? Because last time I checked I still owed you a mauling after what you did less than 5 minutes ago." Misaka said as the door fell from its hinges revealing her to be fully clothed now grinning menacingly like a demon while a very dark aura surrounded her as she cracked her knuckles, it didn't help that her hair was flying all over the place like Kushina did when she was furious
"N-Now, Now M-Misaka-chan l-let m-me explain myself. I-I was j-just going t-to w-warn you about s-something." Shintaro stuttered in fear as he sweat bullets leaning his back against the wall with nowhere to go as Misaka stepped closer to Shintaro
"I don't care. You peeped on me even when I warned you what would happen. Now you're gonna pay." Misaka said as she got close enough lift Shintaro by his shirt one handed pulling back her free arm for a punch to end his life
"Now, where were we? Oh yeah, NOW DIE!" Misaka said as her arm cocked and ready was suddenly stopped by Jiraiya
"Now hold on there missy. I saw what happened here to the poor boy, and it's like he said he was just going to tell you something. What that was I have no idea, but there's no need to kill him over it." Jiraiya said defending said poor boy who nodded thankfullly
"I wonder if he'd do this if he knew that I was going to warn them about him." Shintaro thought to himself
"T-Then you saw me naked too!" Misaka said pointing an accusatory finger at Jiraiya while it was his turn to be frozen in fear
"What was that Jiraiya? You've stooped so low as to peep on children now?" Kushina said dangerously putting a powerful grip on Jiraiya's shoulder
"N-No Kushina, she still had a tower on, and besides she's too young for my tastes-OW!"
"Oh, so you're saying if she was a couple of years older you'd still peep on her you old pervert?" Kushina said increasing her grip causing him to lose his grip on Misaka
"W-Wait, t-that's not what I meant!" Jiraiya said sweating bullets now like Shintaro was
"Like hell it doesn't!" Kushina said angrily
"W-Wait! Misaka-san, Obaa-chan!" Ayano said stumbling out of her room fully clothed as well this time tripping over her feet
"P-Please leave Shintaro-kun alone. H-He didn't do anything wrong." Ayano pleaded standing in front of Shintaro defending him
"Thank you Ayano-chan!"Shintaro thought to himself in glee
"Out of the way Ayano, the perverted baka is gonna get what's coming to him." Misaka said glaring at Shintaro
"M-Misaka-san please, for me? I-I'll promise that S-Shintaro-kun won't get into another situation like this again." Ayano said bargaining with Misaka with her famous puppy dog eyes that brought everyone down to their knees
Misaka stared at Ayano still pleading defending Shintaro with those damn eyes of her, it took a lot of her strength and feminine pride to do so, but Misaka very reluctantly pulled back her punch growling in irritation.
"Fine, but just this once." Misaka grumbled before grabbing Shintaro by the collar throwing back against the wall again inches away from his face
"I swear if I find you peeping at me again…not even Ayano's eyes will save you. You got it?" Misaka said very dangerously glaring through Shintaro's soul who was to afraid to answer only nodding his head in response
"Good. Now come on, we have that dumbass meeting of yours to go to don't we?" Misaka grumbled as she released her grip on Shintaro as she went back inside Ayano's room to grab her sword strapping it to her back as she walked out of the hallway reminding Shintaro of what he set out to do
"Misaka-chan's right. We do have a meeting to we all need to attend to. But before I go…" Shintaro said looking at Ayano-chan grabbing her hand while on his knees
"Thank you so much Ayano-chan! You really saved my skin there, I thought I was gonna die!" Shintaro dramatically said grateful looking up at Ayano weeping anime tears
"Y-You're welcome Shintaro-kun, but please, knock next time." Ayano said sweat dropping
"Oh, I will. And I'm sorry for what I did earlier." Shintaro apologized while getting up rubbing the back of his head while Ayano blushed at the memory
"S-Shintaro-kun almost saw me…naked! B-But he didn't see anything so that's good I think. Although, if it was Shintaro-kun I wouldn't have mind…much. After all, it's like Shintaro-kun said, even though we may not look like it we're about in our late teens so something like…" Ayano thought to herself turning red at the thought.
"Uh, Ayano-chan?" Shintaro said snapping Ayano out of her thoughts embarrassed beyond belief
"I-It's nothing Shintaro-kun! J-Just thinking about a few things that's all." Ayano said red faced
"Ok?"
"N-Now, let's go Shintaro-kun. I-I already changed Hiromi-chan so all we need is to get her, and leave even though she's still asleep." Ayano said looking at her room
"Though, I suppose she still needs to wake up from before." Ayano said looking at the young passed out girl
"Yeah, hey Ms. Uzumaki?" Shintaro said to the woman beating on Jiraiya
"Yes, Shintaro?" Kushina answered plainly taking a break from breaking Jiraiya's face
"We should really get going. Don't want to be late to prove to everyone at the council that the Red Hot Habenero is back do we?"
"And that she is extremely pissed about how they treated her son? No, I suppose not." Kushina said decievingly calm though her appearance suggested otherwise
"Let's get going then. I'll grab Hiromi then we'll leave, and you get Naruto. Today is a day those fools at the council will remember for days." Shintaro said as he went into Ayano's room
"Indeed it is." Kushina said dangerously with a smile while Ayano began fearing for those Kushina will inflict her wrath upon.
10:23
At the Hokage Tower, the council room.
The council room was a rather large room in the Hokage Tower looking like a courtroom only where the judge sits is highly elevated with a wide arrangement of seats to his side, and below. There were only two obvious doors in the entire room, one very wide one for the Hokage, the Clan Heads, and the council members. The second door was for those that were there to see to the council, and was heavily observed by Jonin and Anbu alike hidden everywhere.
Right now everyone in Shintaro's group was there while the council watched them from above where they were seated. Shintaro stood in the middle with the original group on his left and the one's he picked up along the way on his right, but Akihiko and Rei were at Shintaro's side.
All of the kids there were intimidated to a degree for their own reasons save for Shintaro. Naruto was there as well, who was receiving dirty looks from the civilian council members, close to Shintaro though without his mother because Shintaro convinced Kushina to reveal herself as a…surprise to those that didn't know with Jiraiya, Shizune with Tonton and Tsunade with her so that she'd calm down a bit. The room was quite for a while until Hiruzen decided to break the silence.
"So, would you like to state what purpose you have for this meeting to everyone Shintaro?" the old Hokage said prompting him to speak
"Gladly Hokage-sama. Ahem, hello everyone my name is Shintaro Senpū, and I have matters to discuss with everyone here of the utmost importance." Shintaro said already receiving various looks from everyone from his name alone.
"Senpū? As in Jiyū Senpū?" a council member asked in surprise
"Yup, Jiyū Senpū, leader of The Fallen during the Third Great Ninja War A.K.A who went up against your 4th Hokage, Minato Namikaze, a number of times as well as other powerhouses of that time to defend neutral lands that wanted out of your wars or those caught up in collateral in said wars."
"Oh, and on a side note he's my dad as well." Shintaro said surprising everyone at that last statement including everyone in his group giving him major surprised looks as if he was crazy.
Though those thoughts were put aside when Shintaro looked at the original group a certain way quickly understanding what he meant.
"Yes, yes my old man has interfered more than once with your village's wars, and other trivial matters, but I'm not here to talk about that. What I'm here for is to discuss living arrangements for my allies and friends alike." Shintaro said moving his eyes left and right
"Wait for your turn at the end. Don't want them stirring up a ruckus do we?" Shintaro whispered to Akihiko and Rei who nodded
"But how rude of us, we haven't even properly introduced ourselves. How bout it guys? From left to right." Shintaro said receiving nods from everyone in his group
"He he he, very well then. The name's Misaka Mikodono, the prettiest swords-woman in all the lands." Misaka said with a grin
"Hn. Shusuke Kopīkyatto, don't make me repeat myself." Shusuke grumbled
"Heh, I'm Katsumi Ōkami no chi, and these are my best friends Tomoko, and Tomoki." Katsumi said as her pups barked happily
"Sup, 'Munch' I'm Hideki 'Munch' Kyojin 'Munch' nice to meet 'Munch' ya." Hideki said while eating a bag of chips
"I'm Momiji Bōenkyō." Momiji said with a bow
"My name is Shou Bōenkyō." Shou said also with a bow
"It's a pleasure to meet you all." the twins said in unison without realizing it
"Yosh! My name is Ling-Huan Tī! But please, feel free to call me Ling!"
"And my youthful companion with me is Ranmaru." Ling said excitedly as Ranmaru giggled
"Shinji Konchū." Shinji stated in an emotionless tone
"Ugh, what a pain in the ass. Name's Sadao Taidana." Sadao said lazily
"I'm Hiromi U-never mind! Senpū! It's Senpū!" Hiromi said laughing nervously
"Hello, my name is Ayano Kokoro. Please to meet your acquaintance." Ayano said politely with a bow
"The name is Haku Yuki of the Yuki clan... oh, and I'm a boy." Haku grumbled as everyone in the council room turned their heads save for Hiashi and Shibi at the fact this girl was actually a boy
"Heh, the name is Guren Kesshō of the Kesshō clan, and the pleasure is all yours." Guren said cockily in a mock bow
"I'm Fu! Just Fu since the whole no parents thing." Fu said
"Suigetsu Hozuki of the Hozuki clan, and brother to Mangetsu Hozuki."
"Hi, I'm Jugo Norowareta, nice to meet you." Jugo said with a gentle smile
"Kimimaro Kaguya of the Kaguya clan. Last one as far as I know, or care." Kimimaro said stoically
"Honoka Uzumaki of the Uzumaki clan. Be sure to remember that you heathens." Honoka said dangerously glaring the council who looked at Honoka weirdly as if she was making up her heritage
"Uzumaki clan?" the civilian council members thought to themselves
"Nechan...I-I'm Karin Uzumaki, also of the Uzumaki clan." Karin said shyly
"Genyumaru Yama of the Yama clan, and don't you forget it." Genyumaru said also with a cocky grin that matched Guren's
"Tch, Akihiko Tora." Akihiko said rolling his eyes
"Regashī, the daughter of Joōbachi." Rei said with a sneer causing everyone to be in an uproar
"J-Joobachi? S-She's the daughter of that freak!?" a cowardly council member said causing a Rei to clench her fist in anger as if she was about to attack the man before Shintaro put a hand on her shoulder
"Now now, there's no need for name calling is there? Besides I would've thought a member of the council would be more dignified than this. Surely he hasn't turn into a sniveling, wet nosed, coward of a maggot that's scared of a little girl, or am I wrong?" Shintaro said calmly giving the man an eye smile causing most of the children to snicker and even a few of the clan heads a small smile or chuckle here or there except for Fugaku, who merely let a small grin on his lips, Shibi who raised an eyebrow at the remark, and Hiashi who merely frowned at the remark Shintaro used.
"Why you little brat I'm gonna..."
"That's enough!" Hiruzen commanded in his Hokage voice causing the snickering to a stop and the council member to take his seat
"Shintaro, care to explain who these other two are? Their name's did not appear on the list you've given me." Hiruzen said wanting an explanation
"Oh them, I picked them up on an errand in the Forest of Death. Akihiko here is actually a former cat-no wait Tiger summons from Batorubarē, using a forbidden jutsu that made him human as he is now." Shintaro said in air quotes at the mention of Aki's preferred summoning name
"Batorubarē? Isn't that place where the cat summons were derived from originally?" Fugaku asked
"Tch! Please, don't bother mentioning those pathetic fur balls who lick themselves all day. We drove them out once they decided to work for the Uchiha clan, a true member from Batorubarē doesn't belong to a clan to use at their discretion. We thrive on the blood of our enemies, and crush their bones beneath us into dust. Not serve a single clan for their purposes." Akihiko said
"I ran into him, asked if he wanted to join, said yes, and here he is. Regashī like she said is the daughter of Joobachi who at the moment is not in the village recovering her strength somewhere undisturbed. I made a deal with her that if she doesn't attack Konoha I'll take responsibility for her. So there, no need to panic about an invasion from her anytime soon." Shintaro said calmly
"I see." Hiruzen said uncomfortably
"But the fact you made a deal with a threat to Konoha warrants suspicion to say the least." Danzo said
"So, I guess your getting senile in your age aren't you?" Shintaro droned
"If you heard me at all I said I made a deal with her to, not I'll say it again "not" attack Konoha." Shintaro said annoyed
"You also said "recovering her strength somewhere undisturbed" or was I wrong about at?" Danzo argued
"Yes, and that somewhere is somewhere far, far away from the village. Actually, if you really want to feel safe I put her in another dimension entirely to boot. So there, feel better now old man?"
"Not entirely, I'd feel better if she was dead as well as her...daughter." Danzo said looking at Rei who was glaring daggers at him.
"Well, then you're never going to feel better. Oh well, too bad for you." Shintaro said as if he didn't care
"So, ignoring the scarred half mummy with trust issues I wanted to talk about other things other than placing blame on me from my own business." Shintaro said cynically
"Like what Shintaro?" Hiruzen said holding a smile while Danzo grunted at the boy
"Well first off I want to get the issue of whether or not they're joining Konoha or not out of the way." Shintaro said looking to the original group to this left
"I could care less of what they choose at this point I'll just have to adapt, but it's the others I'm more worried about save for my sister. So, you guys make a choice yet?" Shintaro asked looking at the original group
"We're doing this now?" Misaka asked confused
"Hell of time to make a choice." Katsumi said
"Last time I checked you guys made your choice last night didn't you?" Shintaro said in a somewhat hostile tone causing some of them to flinch
"Told you guys we should've waited for them." Sadao sighed
"Agreed, you all wanted to make haste decisions all because Shusuke told you he knew Shintaro-san's point of view. When you all know that Shusuke, and Shintaro-san don't get along in the slightest." Shinji said in a monotone voice
"This is what happens when you involve your emotions." Shinji droned
"The hell we were supposed to do? Not all of us are heartless drones like you are you damn bug freak." Katsumi said in an hostile manner
"And not all of us obey Shintaro's whim like some lapdog." Shusuke said receiving nothing from Shinji but a small dirty look from Ayano
"Unlike you who's arrogance is in almost every decision you make Shintaro takes the time to think about what to do next. Most of the time you only focus on training getting yourself stronger while Shintaro focuses on making sure you're able to train in the first place." Shinji said as Shusuke glared at him
"It may be a pain in the ass to admit, but it's like Shinji said. You wouldn't be able to train in the first place were it not for Shintaro's planning to keep us all safe. Also, unlike you he takes time to actually act like a leader when you acted like a dictator last night acting as if you were giving us a choice when in reality you just wanted us to act in your favor." Sadao said as Shusuke moved his glare to Sadao
"Hey, Shusuke-kun was just trying to help that's all!" Misaka said defending Shusuke
"And that's why your nickname if Fangirl." Momiji muttered
"Agreed, I suppose I should've seen through it at the beginning." Shou said
"So, internal debates aside what do you guys want to do?" Shintaro asked
"Agenda or not I still think it's a good idea for us to join Konoha." Shou said
"I guess, but does that mean we tell them everything?" Hideki asked as he grabbed another bag of chips
"Dumbass of course not! Maybe the Hokage, but he's a special case." Katsumi said in annoyance
"Agreed, and besides it's not like the Hokage can do anything about our situation." Shinji said
"Oh? What makes you so certain of that?" Hiruzen said butting in the conversation
"Forgive me Hokage-sama, but the one who is after us is not one to be taken lightly." Shinji said
"To put it in terms you'd understand so you'll stop doubting us. The man after us is basically the equivalent to Orochimaru to Konoha...only he's just as ambitious even more dangerous as well, and I'm not just saying that because I'm scared of him. He has experimented on humans way before Orochimaru had even thought of the idea, actually he's been doing it so long he's actually following his family legacy of doing so." Shintaro said seriously causing the room to grow an eerie silence
"It's because of him that we have...I have lost many of those close to me. Many have suffered under his damn ambitions to master all jutsu in the world or ever created. The reason we don't think you're capable of trusting is this, this man-no this monster is capable of almost anything your nightmares are capable of producing only worse. It doesn't help that he has had contacts in every Hidden Village we've come across so yeah, there you go our reason for not trusting you." Shintaro said as Akihiko and Rei looked at Shintaro seeing him legitimately intimidated for the first time
"So, that is why you have trust issues, and I suppose that is why you all have hidden your faces." Hiruzen said understanding the boy
"Can't be too careful." Shintaro said
"Yes, when it comes to the safety of your comrades you never can be." Hiruzen agreed
"So, until I know that you're not infiltrated like the others I can certainly say that I'm not joining anytime soon."
"What makes you think that we're infiltrated?" Danzo asked
"Nothing...yet. We've been to nearly all the 5 Great Nations villages save for Suna, but we were closer here and every time we felt at ease it turns out one of his spies was hiding inside without the village knowing. It was with our last visit with Iwa that I figured it out how. I grabbed and interrogated the spy who didn't know himself was a spy until a very well hidden seal in his mindscape that was broken as we felt more comfortable with our stay. There were times it was a civilian spy when others as it turns out were on the jonin council as well." Shintaro said as the eyes of everyone at the council grew wide at this
"This happened in all the Great Nations you visited?" Hiruzen asked concerned
"Yes, in Kumo, Kiri, and Iwa at some point had hidden spies that they themselves didn't know that existed until they popped out. I can neither confirm nor deny that Konoha is any different as well as Suna which is why we've avoided the big villages for a while until now taking a gambit with you." Shintaro explained
"This is disturbing news to say the least." Hiruzen contemplated
"How do we know this to be true? What evidence you have? This could be a ploy to have distrust among us." Homura said while Shintaro sighed
"I don't know what's worse, the fact that you're this paranoid or the fact that I thought you'd be this paranoid, and prepared myself for this." Shintaro said as he took out a scroll
"What is that?" Hiruzen asked
"Evidence." Shintaro said as he revealed the scrolls contents which were...people, two men and one woman that looked like they were kept blindfolded in terrible condition.
"W-What?" a woman asked nervously
"Where am I? I want to be let go immediately!" a rugged man commanded
"A-Are we free to go?" a nervous man said with cracked lips
"Calm down you big babies. You're still alive so suck it up." Shintaro said as everyone there was confused as hell
"Shintaro-kun...did we always have those people with us?" Ayano asked scared to know the answer
"Are those people?" Naruto asked
"Oh right, I didn't tell you guys about them." Shintaro said nonchalantly
"Tell us about what? The fact that you've been carrying live people without us knowing about it or that you've treated them like crap?" Momiji asked angrily
"Have they always been with us?" Fu asked confused
"Shintaro, you're kind of messed up." Suigetsu said disturbingly
"I really don't want you mad at me." Genyumaru mumbled to himself
"Well, why don't you guys introduce yourselves?" Shintaro said
"T-Then we can go?" a woman asked nervously
"Well, that depends on your cooperation. Now please, introduce yourselves, where you're from, and you're old jobs as well."
"M-My name is Junko, I'm from the Land of Water of Kirigakure, and I am or was I guess a member of the Kiri civilian council." the woman said in fear
"I'm Ichiro, a jounin of the Kumogakure, now let me g-ow!" the kumo nin said in annoyance
"Calm down will ya? You're almost through this." Shintaro said annoyed as he jabbed the back of the head
"I-I-I'm Ken, of the Iwa civilian council. C-Can I get s-some water please?" Ken asked with a dry throat
"Here." Shintaro said as he took a water pouch pouring it into Ken's mouth
"T-Thank you."
"Now, will you explain what got you into this mess?"
"Tch, why should I explain myself to-argh!" Ichiro yelled painfully as Shintaro dislocated his shoulder causing the younger children to cringe
"W-What was that?" Ken asked nervously
"Why did that man just scream?" Junko asked nervously as well
"He didn't cooperate." Shintaro simply said
"Now, why are you in my care?" Shintaro asked again agitated
"I-I was r-reporting to Lord Kagaku about some children when I w-was knocked out. Then I was interrogated immensely by you about everything I knew about him then I woke up here...wherever here is." Ken said
"Y-You're an informant of Lord Kagaku as well? I was doing the same thing when the same thing happened to me. S-So where are we?" Junko asked
"Does it matter? This brat has us hostage! That fool of a Raikage let this kid escape Kumo thanks to a childish prank. Lord Kagaku would never such a thing happen." Ichiro grunted
"Thank you for your cooperation." Shintaro said as he quickly knocked them all out
"So, believe me now?" Shintaro asked the council who were debating on what to do at the moment taking this matter seriously
"This is indeed a troubling matter." Hiruzen said as he snapped two fingers as multiple Anbu came present
"Take these three into Torture and Interrogation. Shintaro, you don't mind do you?"
"Not at all, I was going to...deal with them at a later date." Shintaro said in an eeirely calm voice
"N-Niichan, what were you going to do?" Hiromi asked fearfully
"Send them where they belong." Shintaro said stoically
"I really don't want to get Shintaro mad at me." Everyone in the group thought as they all, save for Karin, Naruto, and Hiromi, knew where Shintaro intended to send them.
"So, you guys make a decision yet?" Shintaro asked as he got nervous looks from everyone there
"I guess this would happen." Shintaro said sighing
"Hokage-sama, will you give my friends time to make a decision on their own tomorrow. They seem to have a case of nerves at the moment." Shintaro said
"That is fine, is that all then?"
"No, one other matter I wish to discuss regards to Naruto here." Shintaro said pushing him gently in view
"Yes, what about the demon brat?" a council member said as he felt an intense killer intent that had brought memories to the Clan heads, and fear to the children
"I wouldn't say that if I were you." Shintaro said in sing song voice
"Shintaro, I would appreciate if you didn't do that in front of them." Hiruzen said tiredly
"Oh, that's not me." Shintaro said
"Then who-"
"ME!" Kushina said dangerously as she kicked Jiraiya out of the way appearing in front of the man who insulted her son
"Now, now Kushina, no need to lose it." Jiraiya said getting up
"Shut up Jiraiya." Tsunade said also pissed off
"Who the hell are you calling a demon brat you damn coward!" Kushina said as she grabbed the man by the collar
"W-W-Who the hell are you?" the man asked fearing for his life
"The name's Kushina Uzumaki! The former Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, the Red Hot Habenero, wife to the 4th Hokage, and I'm also the mother of that child!" Kushina yelled as if she was about to punch him to death cracking her knuckles in preparation
"K-Kushina!" The original Ino-Shika-Cho trio said in unison
"Is that really her?" Tsume of the Inuzuka clan asked in disbelief
"That woman is still alive?" Fugaku asked quietly in surprise
"Don't you dare forget about me!" Tsunade said in annoyance
"Lady Tsunade please calm down." Shizune pleaded
"Lady Tsunade!" the original Ino-Shika-Cho shouted in surprise
"The hell is going on?" Tsume asked confused
"The Slug Sannin is alive?" Fugaku asked in surprise
"Like hell I will Shizune, that bastard called my godchild a demon brat! If Kushina doesn't kill him I will. The same goes for everyone else in this room." Tsunade said threateningly looking at everyone
"Don't worry Tsunade, after I'm through with him there'll be nothing left." Kushina said glaring at the man
"Kushina." Hiruzen said getting her attention
"Please don't kill the man, stupid as he is he will be punished for saying something like that in front of you. I also don't think you're son needs to witness your...methods of handling problems." Shintaro said Naruto looked in awe of his mother
"Woah! Mom you're so cool right now." Naruto said in wonder
"She's anything, but cool at this point." Shintaro thought to himself
"Crap, listen pal you better thank your lucky ass my son is here because if he wasn't...it wouldn't be pretty." Kushina whispered in a deadly tone throwing the man back in his seat
"Thank you honey, that's so sweet of you, ya know." Kushina said in a sweet motherly tone as she jumped back to her son to hug him.
"You're the best son a mother could ask for." Kushina said rubbing her face against his.
"Thanks mom." Naruto said hugging her back
"Wait a minute, I thought the Hokage told us you and Tsunade-sama were dead. What the hell is going on here?" Tsume asked in confusion demanding an answer
"Yes, Hiruzen. Why don't you explain what hell you were thinking?" Kushina asked as Hiruzen sighed.
"I suppose I should start from the beginning shouldn't I?"
"Yes, you should." Kushina said as Hiruzen sighed again
"Very well then." Hiruzen said tiredly
Flashback 5 years ago today
It was the day after the Kyuubi attack Konoha, and Hiruzen was currently holding a day old Naruto in his arms wondering what the hell he should do right now. He was devastated at the loss of the 4th Hokage, but held hope for Naruto since Kushina was in intensive care at the moment with their top medical ninja save for Tsunade who was also in intensive care. It didn't look good for either of them, but damn it all they still had to try whatever they could.
Just then a medical ninja came in to report on what happened.
"Hokage-sama, we have a status update on Kushina Uzumaki and Tsunade Senju...it's not good." the medical nin said with worry
"Explain."
"Well, from we have gathered Kushina-san has no longer possession of the Kyuubi along with the external injuries she's sustained. In all rights she should be dead, it's a miracle she's lasted this long to be honest, but that doesn't mean she's out of the woods. For the moment we've stabilized her, and has gone into a comatose state without any sign of waking up soon if at all."
"With Tsunade-sama...sir, we're very lucky to have her here. The hospital was overflowing with injured bodies, and near death casualties that have suddenly...recovered with no rhyme or reason. That is until Tsunade-sama's apprentice Shizune explained what had happened. There are still many casualties both shinobi and civilian, though not nearly as bad if Tsunade-sama hadn't intervened. We already have our top medical ninja working on a way to revive her, but with what Shizune told us I pray for a better outcome." the medical ninja said with worry.
"I see, at least they're still alive, and if they are still fighting for their lives then that means we fight just as hard if not harder for them. What about Tsunade's other student?" Hiruzen asked
"You mean..." the medic nin said afraid
"Yes, I do. It's been a while since we've seen her since she went looking for her friend, but we have yet to discern if she's found anything or not." Hiruzen said
"Yes, it's a shame about what happened to her comrades, but the last letter we've received from her says she was going to seek out The Fallen for help." the medical ninja said
"The Fallen? Why would she...actually if there's someone out there other than Jiraiya with a chance of finding him it would be The Fallen. Though, we haven't heard anything from them since the signing of the peace treaties between the lands. They're a hard bunch to find, only revealing themselves before or during times of war in hopes of preventing needless bloodshed of those caught in the crossfire. I'm sure Jiyū would be more than happy to help her, but we need her here at Konoha to care for our own. Send out a small search party for her when we have gathered ourselves. I have a feeling she will return once she catches news of this, but just in case send one anyways."
"Hai, Hokage-sama. Uh, Hokage-sama may I ask whose child that is?" the medical ninja asked out of curiosity
"Oh, Naruto? He's..."
"Actually, we still don't have an idea on who it was who broke into Konoha...or if they had help. For now I suppose I'll keep you a secret." Hiruzen thought to himself looking at Naruto
"He's just a fellow orphan of someone close to me, that's all."
"Oh, I see. I'll be off then Hokage-sama." the medical ninja said
"Yes, keep me updated on Kushina and Tsunade's status." Hiruzen said
"Hai, Hokage-sama." the medical ninja said as he left
"Until I find out who did this, they may come back for the Kyuubi, which means they'll come after you little Naruto. I do pray to Kami that Kushina recovers soon, a child should not have to live without his mother in a time like this." Hiruzen thought to himself as he cradled the sleeping baby
Flash Forward 1 year
It's been a year since the Kyuubi attack, and the memory is still fresh within their mind. Not much information has been gathered on who exactly attacked Konoha, but they did at least gather this much...it was a group effort, and not a solo job. Whether or not there was inside help is still a mystery, but it was clear on multiple witness accounts as well as the Fourth himself that there was at the beginning at least a Sharringan eye on the Kyuubi.
Kushina, and Tsunade have still yet to recover from their comatose states with their lives hanging daily by a thread being watched over constantly by Shizune with occasional visits from the other student of Tsunade who was still in her search for her friend...who she thought to be dead a long time ago.
Once again Naruto was sleeping in Hiruzen's arms as he looked over the village. Since Kushina had yet to recover, and there was still suspicion that they, whoever they were, would come back due to the village's weakened state Hiruzen unfortunately had to declare Naruto as an orphan hopefully temporary. He even had to resort making a new law forbidden anyone of speaking of Naruto's Jinchuuriki's status, at least this way the younger generation would have no way of knowing Naruto's dark secret though he had a dark feeling that they would find a way around that. However, he had at least given him his mother's name in case she ever were to recover, but had explained to the council as a memorial to Kushina in case she did...no he couldn't think like that, he shouldn't think like that not when there was still hope.
He had also the pleasure of announcing that Naruto was the next jinchuuriki for the Kyuubi...it did not go well. With having to deal with everyone wanting him dead, Danzo doing his best to have another weapon in his arsenal, and even the attempts on Naruto's life already Hiruzen felt ashamed for his village. The Yondaime wanted Naruto to be looked at as a hero, when in reality all they saw was a demon in disguise of a child. It was hard to see Naruto live like this, but he had no choice, he wasn't sure who to trust at this point save for Jiraiya, and a few others close to him.
Hiruzen could only hope that things would get better...they would not.
Flash Forward 2 years
3 years, it's been three years since the day the Kyuubi attacked Konoha out of nowhere, and once again Naruto was in his arms only with tears in his eyes. It turns out that that the village did find a way around his law, and it was already having an effect on Naruto. All of the adults seemed to ignore him hoping to forget him as a bad memory while they were telling their children to stay away from them. Naruto had ran in here without thought hoping for sanctuary from everyone in the village that had it against him. Without warning Naruto jumped into Hiruzen's lap crying his eyes out.
"There, there Naruto. Everything'll be ok." Hiruzen said comfortly as he rubbed Naruto's head
Hiruzen felt so bad for Naruto, but it's not like he could do anything about it. Kushina was still in her comatose state as well as Tsunade. Shizune was still occupied with watching them 24/7, Kakashi had buried himself with his Anbu work, Jiraiya was doing everything his capabilities to find The Fallen as well as another group that Orochimaru had gotten himself involved with which meant anything but good. Things just kept getting worse, and he was seriously considering telling the village the truth about Naruto's origin, but then who would take care of him? Kakashi?
He was still a bit young to take care of a child, but he may do it regardless if he finds out Naruto's origin, then again he was badly needed in the Anbu to lead and organize since they have not fully recovered, but were coming close to it. Shizune? No, that was out of the question. She had enough to deal with having to take care of Kushina as well her Sensei even going as so far as to lose her personal life because of it since their condition went up and down like a valley hill. There were times when it seemed that today was the day they're gonna die, thankfully Shizune had been able to keep them stable. It was a real mess Hiruzen was in, but that was part of being Hokage.
Flash Forward 2 years, yesterday
5 years, it's been 5 long years, which would mean Naruto turning 5 today...and it would also mean another attempt on Naruto's life. Nothing had seem to be going right, Jiraiya had made no progress on The Fallen or Orochimaru, though Tsunade's student was currently looking for Jiraiya due to a break through they made with Kushina's condition a few weeks ago. Apparently due to careful observation Kushina had a very, very small amount of the Kyuubi's chakra within her that kept her going somehow so Hiruzen had a theory he wanted to discuss to Jiraiya to see if it was possible. If Kushina needed the Kyuubi's chakra then there may be a chance of reviving her with the Kyuubi chakra inside of Naruto.
However, there were problems with that theory. One, was compromising the seal, and risking the release of the Kyuubi. There was no way in hell he was going to let that happen, not so soon if at all. Two, if it doesn't work and the Kyuubi is released who was going to be the next jinchuuriki? The Uzumaki Clan was wiped out as far as he knew, so that limited his options. He could try an Uchiha, but he feared they lacked the reserves to do so, plus that would give the Uchiha a power they don't need especially how things have played out in the last few years. Three, the Kyuubi chakra in Kushina was dissipating over time, and there was no certainty it would recover itself since it kept Kushina alive so time was an issue. Four, if it doesn't work, and Kushina dies because of it how will Naruto react? How will he deal with the fact that his mother was alive this entire time, and the one chance he had to fix things had failed. Should he even tell Naruto at all? He could not imagine the pain Naruto would feel after that or the guilt thinking it was his fault.
The last problem with it was if it did work, and Kushina somehow recovered then what was he supposed to do with the seal? It would be severely weakened if they purposefully extracted the Kyuubi chakra out of Naruto that would no doubt hurt him for he knew that extracting chakra out of a tailed beast of a jinchuuriki was not a pleasant experience, that he learned with Mito the first Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi. So many problems with this theory Hiruzen began to wonder if he should even bother, but put those thoughts aside as he heard a knock on his door.
"Enter." Hiruzen said wondering who it could be
When Hiruzen turned to see who it was it turned out to be Naruto probably wanting refuge from the mobs that would no doubt form today. However, there was someone else with Naruto who seemed to be accompanying him. It was a small boy about twice Naruto's age with blue spiky hair, blue eyes, dark grey clothing, and had a bandanna covering the lower part of his face. He had Naruto next to him who he seemed to brought in with him...great it was probably someone else complaining about one of Naruto's pranks. He had no idea who this boy was, but he also didn't know that this boy would forever change the Konoha all in one night.
"So there you have it." Hiruzen said calmly as he explained himself to everyone there who was processing the information save for Naruto who Shintaro gently knocked out before he spoke.
"As you can see I put a lot of thought in my decisions, and even then I still doubted them. I still do, but I did not want to put Konoha, Naruto, or Kushina under any unnecessary risk without Jiraiya's consent on my theory. Which was why I sent someone for you Jiraiya." Hiruzen said looking at his student
"He he he, sorry Sensei, I suppose it doesn't matter at this point, but had I arrived here earlier I would've agreed with you on your theory. Though, like you said there would be risk in extracting chakra from Naruto's seal, and also like you said it isn't a pleasant process to say the least. Even if we did decided to go through with it, we would have to think of a counter seal to rival Minato's Reaper Death Seal, and the only seal that we know of that can do that is..."
"Another Reaper Death Seal." Kushina said finishing Jiraiya's thought
"Hiruzen, I understand what decisions you had to go through, but couldn't you at least notify someone close to me about Naruto? I'm sure Hiroko or Mikoto would've been glad to look after him."
"Then that would've given the Uchiha or the Hyuuga control of the Kyuubi." Hotaru said lecturing Kushina while Danzo spoke next
"If we had given the jinchuuriki to-"
"His name is Naruto!" Kushina said glaring at Danzo
"Given Naruto to any clan they would've probably manipulated him to their own agenda." Danzo said as the Clan Heads refused to take this
"Like hell we would've you damn war hawk!" Tsume yelled in rage
"Yes, it would've been illogical for one clan to take care of Naruto, but if all of the clan heads would've known about Naruto's lineage then there would be no doubt they would've participated in Naruto's welfare." Shibi said in a neutral tone
"Agreed, unlike Danzo and his lapdogs at the Foundation we wouldn't have stooped so low as to use Naruto as a weapon." Hiashi said in a harsh tone
"I don't blame the Hokage for his decision." Shikaku said surprising everyone
"Given all he's told us there was no possible way to locate who had infiltrated Konoha or how they did it in the first place. However, I do find it insulting that you couldn't trust at least one of the clan heads with this information." Shikaku said finishing his thoughts
"Yes, all of the clans in Konoha have sworn allegiance to Konoha. Especially the Uchiha Clan who co-founded this village." Inoichi said
"I agree, we have witness accounts from both civilian and shinobi alike that there was indeed a Sharringan eye controlling the Kyuubi when it attacked 5 years ago at the beginning at least. Even Shisui Uchiha, a member of your own clan saw with his own eyes his kekkei genkai on the Kyuubi, and he's one of the most loyal to the Uchiha clan." Chouza said as Fugaku decided to have his say
"So, the reason for my clan prosecution was all because a member of my own clan said so? When he himself was a child!?" Fugaku said angrily
"Child or not, a member of your own clan should be able to recognize your Sharringan no?" Shibi asked when Fugaku nearly growled in irriation
"They wouldn't be considered Uchiha otherwise." Fugaku said annoyed
"Hey, can I ask a question?" Shintaro asked butting in
"What is it Shintaro?" Hiruzen asked
"If the Uchiha Clan were controlling the Kyuubi 5 years ago then how come they weren't involved in the attack? I mean wouldn't it have been impossible to go against the Kyuubi and the Uchiha Clan at the same time? If control of the Konoha was what they were going for then wouldn't it have made sense to do all that? After all, they did co-found the village, what makes you think they'd do something like that? Also, what if that whole Sharringan eye was really a genjutsu placed on everyone? I mean it'd had to be a pretty damn good one and it may be long shot in the first place, but did anyone think of that when automatically blaming the Uchiha clan?" Shintaro asked in confusion as Fugaku was wondering the same damn thing as everyone else wondered the same thing
"Are you trying to defend the Uchiha clan?" Danzo asked much to Fugaku's anger
"Defend them from what? Innocence? If i'm not mistaken the Uchiha clan had casualties as well right? Who in their right mind would sacrifice members of their own clan much less a clan head who really wants to see his clan flourish? I don't know the guy, but he doesn't seem the type to toss his clansmen aside like garbage even if it means furthering his clan status." Shintaro said
"If it wasn't the Uchiha clan then who do you think could've done this?" Danzo asked hostile trying to turn the conversation against him.
"Well, I guess I have an idea on who'd done it. Well, I suppose it's better than what any of you could've thought of." Shintaro said lazily as everyone was wondering if he was joking or not
"Tell me kid, how would you know anything that happened 5 years ago when you weren't even here?" Jiraiya asked
"Simple, I confirmed what I learned from her." Shintaro said pointing to Kushina as all eyes turned to her
"Huh, me? I didn't say nothing about this to you, and besides I have no clue who did other than a few people in dark cloaks." Kushina said confused
"Well, I guess I should clarify. I learned it from what was inside of you. Specifically, the Kyuubi's chakra." Shintaro clarified as everyone went wide eyed
"Hook." Shintaro thought to himself happily
"Chakra is an amazing thing, it gives us life, the abilities to do things most would see as impossible, but there are a few things that people forget about chakra. or what you can do with chakra. For example, everyone has chakra, but their own chakra is unique to themselves, there may not be a huge difference power wise, but in the life essence it holds. For example, did you know that you can seal your own essence into someone? Even after you're long dead, if the person who you sealed your essence into finds it there's a good possibility the sealer would meet them in their mindscape. Granted it may not be for long, but that depends how much of your chakra you put into the seal for that purpose."
"To make a long boring lecture short, when I revived Kushina I got a few brief looks at it's memory from five years ago." Shintaro said as everyone kept going wide eyed at what Shintaro said
"All of it's memories, it's thoughts, it's emotions...everything from those moments I observed." Shintaro explained as he took a deep breath
"Line." Shintaro thought to himself carefully
"Then do you know who it was then Shintaro?" Hiruzen asked urgently
"I do, but it'll take a mountain of suspended disbelief on your part." Shintaro said as everyone awaited what the hell he was going to say
"From what I observed of the Kyuubi's memories it had little doubts as to who it was. First off, it was indeed an Uchiha who was controlling the Kyuubi 5 years ago." Shintaro said as Fugaku began glaring at him
"However, the Kyuubi had felt this kind of visual prowess before, and it knew it well without mistake. The visual prowess belonging to a powerful Uchiha that before had control of the Kyuubi, and you know who that is Hokage-sama." Shintaro said plainly as Hiruzen desperately tried to think of some other person when he knew who Shintaro was talking about
"Hook." Shintaro thought to himself with confidence
"Shintaro, you don't mean..." Hiruzen said slowly
"The man who was responsible for the attack on Konoha 5 years ago was an Uchiha."
"His name though is Madara...Madara Uchiha." Shintaro said with an absolute serious tone as everyone who knew the name felt a dark pit growing in their stomach.
Seeing everyone's reaction knowing he had them Shintaro grinned underneath his mask.
"And Sinker." Shintaro thought quietly in victory
"Villians really shouldn't blabber about their plans to the Hero. Even when facing off against them in battle there should be no reason to tell them...otherwise they might be used against them." Shintaro thought to himself chuckling a bit
"Step 1: Find and Protect Naruto at all costs. Step 2: Discern who is dead, and who is alive to use to your advantage. Step 3: Find allies you know you can trust. Step 4: Reveal "everything" to those who don't know "anything". Step 5, The Final Step: Take advantage of the confusion, and distrust to your own accord to change everything."
"In order to create a new future, you must first destroy the past. Operation New World may finally begin." Shintaro thought to himself as his grin grew wider.