Chapter 2
Tsunade sat at the bar, trying to digest all of what Naruto had told her, desperately trying to make sense of it. "Heh, the name makes sense now" she thought. In 24 hours, she had been asked to return home, to lead and protect a village that is seemingly quite different than what she left. Tsunade was the opposite of naive`, leaving through war will do that but even in her (justifiable) bitterness she never thought Konoha would fall so far. And to think, being visited by a certain snake wasn't the most alarming event of the day. Clearly, she needed to talk to Jiraiya and get a better picture of the village and a certain blonde haired, blue eyed genin. Just as she finished her thought, the Toad Sage himself sat beside her.
"So, how much of that did you hear?" Tsunade asks, never taking her eyes off her drink.
"All of it. I followed him here, it isn't safe for the kid to be left unattended."
"The way the kid tells it, it rarely has been." stated Tsunade.
Jiraiya sighs, as if a lifetime of poor choices are coming to ahead, "Mistakes were made. Sensei believed in the village and their ability to recognize what Naruto truly was. I wanted an out and being the Spy Master gave me the perfect excuse. The kid suffered and while difficult I want to make it up to him and his parents but apparently I haven't even met the real Naruto yet."
"Too bad, he seems like a sweet kid. I'm sure you'd like him." replied Tsunade.
"Way to twist the knife, hime, glad your shinobi skills haven't dulled" Jiraiya offered in a near grunt.
"So, what happened at the Chunin Finals. Of course I just met him, but Naruto didn't strike me as particularly blood thirsty. Was it the fox's influence?"
"I don't know, I was prepping for the invasion and after that, sensei and I were getting things ready for his retirement. I just know that Naruto killed Sasuke and that essentially ruined the invasion as planned".
"Wait, what? How could that have possible affected the invasion?"
"The Uchiha was a target of Orochimaru, he wanted the kid for his Sharingan. When Naruto killed Sasuke, not only did he ruin long term plans but the snake became enraged and darted to Naruto in an attempt to kill the kid.
Initially the invasion was going to be Suna and Oto but once Suna saw their Kazekage being impersonated the senior jonin put two and two together and turned on the Sound ninja.
Also, because he never got to fight, the Suna jinchuuriki did not have the chance to unleash his bijuu which we deduced was a major part of the plan." Jiraiya explained
"I've yet to be given a reason to return to that village, if even their protectors are grossly mistreated. I'll see you tomorrow morning Jiraiya, if for no other reason than to help Naruto. He clearly could use someone to talk to about the Chunin finals." And with that both Sannin returned to the inn
"Ok, that makes some sense, I guess. Why does Naruto believe killing the Uchiha is unforgivable?" Tsunade asks.
"That's a much longer conversation, but the quick version is that the civilians treated the Uchiha like a tragic Prince that was suffering beyond anyone's understanding. Being a pariah already and I'm assuming Naruto feels like a marked man" Jiraiya said.
Tsunade frowns, briefly, which doesn't go unnoticed by Jiraiya.
"Well, is there anything else you can tell me about Naruto? Talking with Naruto leads me to believe you don't know your new apprentice very well"
"Low blow, Tsunade. And yes, it appears my initial impression of and to Naruto left something to be desired. Sensei suspected that the kid was being sabotaged and he wanted me to see if there was some potential there and keep an eye on the seal" Jiraiya offered.
"What do you mean, sensei suspected sabotage? He's the Hokage, how difficult would it have been to find out?"
"He is the Hokage but he's also bus.."
"Bullshit. He's too busy to stop a child from being actively hurt, setup to die in the field and you think an excess of paperwork makes this ok? No wonder he doesn't trust you or sensei. No wonder he wants to leave." Tsunade said, solemnly.
"I know… Sensei just told me the kid was the most forgiving person he's ever known. I thought I could start a relationship with him and eventually tell him the truth and hope he'd understand while helping him improve how the village see's him. I knew he hid his hurt but clearly I don't know how much of his true personality he hides. It's getting late and I'm both too tired and too sober to solve this. I need to talk to Naruto tomorrow morning and I'm assuming you'll want to so why not call it a night? We can discuss returning then as well."
In the distance he hears what sounds like someone finishing breakfast for the day. With a mischievous grin and all the stealth of a prankster king he makes his way to the kitchen. Seeing his targeted blissfully unaware of his presence he makes his final approach; upon reaching her he snakes his hands around her waist and kiss her gently on the cheek.
"Good morning Mrs. Uzumaki."
"Good morning Mr. Uzumaki" she says with a grin.
"I didn't hear the kids this morning, where'd they get off too?"
"Oh, they're with their aunt for the day."
"So, we're all alone. I'll have to thank Hanabi later but as for now, what should we do with this bit of free time?" Naruto asks, grin widening.
"Why, I don't know but I am open to suggest…" before she could finish Naruto starts to kiss her neck.
"Why is it every time we get sometime away from the kids your impulse is to make another one?" Hinata asks, a smile matching his own.
"You wouldn't understand."
"Oh, is this a guy thing?"
"No, not at all. I think I have a particular weakness for moon eyed, indigo haired beauties. Apparently there's no cure, lifelong ailment the doctors told me."
"Since when does the great Naruto Uzumaki go to doctors? Something about this doesn't add up."
"That should let you know how serious I am, Hina-chan. The consensus was that while no cure I should likely indulge the impulse as often as possible to prevent any negative consequences."
Hinata, turning toward Naruto, "oh, really? Well, if it's doctor's orders,"
"Several doctors", Naruto interrupted.
"Right, if several doctors have prescribed this then I'd be remiss if I didn't aid in your treatment. All you have to do is wake up."
"What?"
Hinata's smooth angelic voice was replaced by a gruff bastard's that doesn't know not to interrupt dreams about his Hinata-chan, apparently. There will be retribution, Naruto thought before surrendering to consciousness.
"I said wake up, Naruto. You're too young to need this much sleep." stated Jiraiya, as he shook the young genin.
Looking beyond irritated, Naruto gaze meets Jiraiya's, "you know, the fact that I have sunk a kunai in your head speaks poorly for the both of us. I don't think anyone should be allowed to insult the great Jiraiya like that. So, how about you create a shadow clone and kick your own ass so you learn some respect for a great shinobi and I'll be here sleeping when you get back. My lack of training will be punishment enough."
Naruto's diatribe was met with snickering from two unfamiliar voices, causing him to immediately sit up but relaxing when he see's it's Tsunade and Shizune.
Letting out a small yawn, Naruto greets the two and then turns to Jiraiya, with a barely hid scowl, "Why did you wake me up so early, Pervy Sage?" Turning to Tsunade, "did you agree to come back to the village, Tsunade-san?"
"No, Naruto, I'm still very much against returning to Konoha to be the Hokage. Jiraiya and I just wanted to talk to you about some of the things you said last night, particularly regarding what happened during the exam."
"Oh" Naruto said, mildly surprised, "I figured Jiraiya would have filled you in after I left. I assumed he was listening to our discussion. Am I right?"
"How did you know I was there, Naruto? Not even seasoned sensors can pick up my cloaking jutsu" Jiraiya stated in disbelief.
"I didn't say I knew you were there I said I assumed. I made no attempt to hide my leaving last night nor did I make it difficult to find me so I figured you'd want to know where I was going and what Tsunade-san and I discussed. That's not really a Nara level deduction."
"Ok, kid, fair enough but this is something we need to resolve. Why did you hide how you really were? Why did you hide how smart you are and what else are you hiding?"
"I met you outside of a onsen, peeping on women. During our first training session you stated what you'd mostly be focusing on is summoning and me utilizing the fox's chakra. Against my objections, I might add. If you weren't giving me the bare minimum in instruction you were mocking me for my lack of progress. In any of that what would make me want to reveal myself
to you? And on that note, what are you hiding from me?" Naruto says no longer bothering to hide his scowl.
"What do you mean, what am I hiding?"
"Why did you agree to train me?"
"I told you gaki, I see talent in you," Jiraiya answered.
"Bullshit! Bullshit, you saw talent in me. Once again, you were more concerned with the fox chakra than improving my abilities. Add to that, the only talent I've ever demonstrated was for infiltration and trap making. That'd make Anko Mitarashi an ideal sensei, not you who has been a front line fighter most of your career."
"You forget I'm the village's spy master"
"I don't, I just don't forget I'm a war deterrent and they'd never give me that long a leash for fear something would happen or I'd escape. So, Jiraiya, why did you agree to train me?"
Jiraiya was now at a loss for words. Should he reveal his ties to Naruto now or wait? With a heavy sigh, Jiraiya sticks with his story, "Naruto, listen, I truly believe you have talent. Even outside of the bijuu chakra I think you can be a great shinobi. I'm sorry our time before the finals wasn't what you wanted but that chakra is too potent a trump card to not develop."
Naruto eyes become glacial as he asks, "what good is a trump card if it's your only card? What good is utilizing the fox's chakra if all my other skills are shit? Unless your concern is training a weapon and not a shinobi!?" But before Jiraiya could respond, Naruto's facial expression adopts an appearance Jiraiya is more familiar with.
"Don't worry about it, Pervy Sage", Naruto says at a near shout, "with your help I'll be a kickass shinobi at no time. Watch out baa-chan," he says to Tsunade, "because if you do accept the hat I'll be there shortly to take it from you, dattebayo!".
"Naruto, please don't do this." Tsunade says.
"Don't do what? He wants the truth but won't provide any to me. Fine, while you're here I won't but Jiraiya I'm not an idiot. You have precisely two reasons to train me. The fox and a connection to my past. I know Sarutobi knows who my parents are. I suspected you do, as well. What could be so dangerous about telling me? They must have been important. But wait… blonde hair and blue eyes… there was someone famous who had those features. Would explain how he had access to me.." when Naruto says this, Jiraiya stiffens while Tsunade's eyes widen. He continues, "but wait, there is no way I could be his child. No way the village would claim to revere him and yet systematically abuse his legacy and spit on his sacrifice, right? So, that's just a coincidence. But wait… Why would want of the Sannin bother with me? Wait, didn't he train…" Realizing that Naruto has known about, at the very least, his father for some time he looks away in shame.
"I've suspected since I became a genin. Your reaction just confirmed it. I guess Sarutobi's bullshit reason for not telling me is out the window now but don't worry, I'm not going to go spouting it. It wouldn't be good for me to do so but if you wish to continue to treat me like an idiot, Jiraiya, I'll play the part. I don't have the leisure to turn away people willing to teach me, even if they aren't teaching me the things to make me a better ninja but a tool of the village."
"Naruto… I don't know what to say. I'm sorry."
"Ok."
"Huh" is the only thing each of the shocked adults are able to say.
"I said ok. I've had a month to come to terms with this. I'm not saying I necessarily forgive you but actively being mad at you harms myself more than it does you and I don't like walking around angry all the time. Waste of a life, so if you can agree to be real with me I can do the same for you."
"Yea, no problem, Naruto. Maybe later I can tell you about both your parents, if you're up to it,"
"Of course, sensei, but I think we may be being rude to our guests. Tsunade-san, you stated you wished to discuss my chunin finals match, may I ask why?"
Tsunade pauses for a moment then proceeds, "Well… honestly, I don't know. It just seemed to be weighing you down and I know how things like that can change you. It's not good to hold onto it,"
"Oh, makes sense. I don't mind telling you about it, honestly it would be nice to go through it with a pair of objective eyes. But to start, Sasuke and I were assigned to the same genin team. Our relationship was… rocky at best. He saw me as useless and anytime I demonstrated otherwise he became insecure in his own abilities which he proceeded to take out on me. Our Jonin sensei, Kakashi, never saw fit to curb this behavior. I suspect he always wanted to use me and Sasuke's reaction to me to Sasuke's benefit while neglecting my personal development. With that said
"Will all combatants except Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto exit to the waiting area" stated the new proctor.
Sasuke wearing a black one piece with his right arm bandaged was wearing a smirk. What kind of smirk can be debated, most likely didn't know there were variations of smirks because they were blessed to never have to encounter this particular Uchiha. Naruto, wearing black ANBU style pants and a black shirt with a red Uzumaki crest on the back appears unsure, potentially nervous. Attempting to take a moment to calm himself, he is caught unaware when Genma announces, "Hijame!". The Uchiha shoots off like a canon, demonstrating much improved speed since the preliminaries, nearly too fast for Naruto to track. Only his reflexes keeps Naruto from taking a right hook flush on the jaw, managaing to roll with the strike at the last moment, however this is just the opening salvo of the Uchiha's onslaught. The initial right hook is followed by a left straight, that is narrowly dodged, but the action leaves Naruto out of position for the kick to the body which he takes the full force of. Using the momentum of the strike, Naruto rolls and dashes away from Sasuke to create some space, hoping for the moment affords him time to strategize. Seeing a small break in the action, the crowd erupts over the initial exchange.
The pause in the action doesn't last long as Sasuke rushes towards Naruto once again, this time however Naruto is ready. Every strike Sasuke throws awards him a small nick or cut from Naruto's swiftly drawn kunai. Small wounds across his arms may not have concerned the nacent Avenger but the deeper cuts on his right leg, right above the knee, may limit his mobility, at least Naruto hopes. Preparing for another rush Sasuke starts to speak,
"Why so quiet, dobe? Normally, we can't get you to shut up for a moment. You love attention, right? So, why so silent? You can't be worried about losing, that was always assured so what is it? Embarrassment in how bad you're going to lose? You've always been an embarrassment so that can't be it? Come on, Naruto, speak up! Maybe it's because you realize no one gives a damn about you." To this, Naruto flinches, "Yes, that must be it. Hey, can I tell you a secret, dobe? Some of us knew; we knew the academy instructors used to screw with you. I knew and if I did then you have to assume Shikamaru knew as well and yet no one ever did anything on your behalf but mock you. Hell, you think of the Hokage as a grandfather and yet has he ever offered to train you, to help you be a better shinobi in anyway? No? Why would he? It was decided that you would be the dead last and no one bothered to challenge it. Hell, even you gave up and filled the position. No one believes you have talent, no one believes you can succeed. Hell, why would the Hokage put you on a team with people that actively hate you?"
During Sasuke's diatribe Naruto fights back the tears. While having considered these points, having it called out in the view of hundreds still stings but for some reason he can't bring himself to react.
"Face it, everything you want, I have or readily discard it. You so crave bonds and honestly have no real ones. And if there is something that you want in your future or someone just know there would always be someone superior, someone more acceptable to make sure you never get it. Quit now, dobe. Don't make me expose you any further, don't assume that which you try to hard to keep secret actually is."
Naruto instantly knows Sasuke is now talking about Hinata but how, they've always been careful… but beyond that this arrogant prick has crossed the line. Before he can even ask, Naruto is covered in bijuu chakra. 'I guess foxes don't like arrogant Uchihas either' and immediately closes the distance between Sasuke and he. Without his sharingan active, Sasuke can't handle the barrage of strikes Naruto unleashes and coupled with the kunai wounds Sasuke knows he has to end this quickly. Using a shunsin, Sasuke stands atop an arena wall. Blazing through hand signs, the arena hears the sounds of birds chirping.
'He's using Kakashi's jutsu, he's planning to kill me…' at seeing the jutsu Naruto steels himself and withdraws a different kunai from his holster. A split second later and Sasuke darts down the wall and immediately heads toward Naruto. 50 feet out Naruto tosses his kunai, appearing to miss Sasuke entirely. Closing the last the distance Sasuke rears his hand back prepared to stab Naruto and just as he is about to touch the blonde, he is greeted with an explosion.
"Wait, how? How did you cause the explosion?" Tsunade asks.
"The kunai I threw, that I used a kawarimi with it." answered Naruto.
"So, he ran past an explosive note and didn't know?" Tsunade questioned.
"No, I've been practicing fuinjutsu and while not advanced I can do an explosive note. I spoke with a local ninja supply store and asked if he there was a way to apply the seal directly on the kunai, something akin to what the Yondaime used. After a few attempts we got it right and that's what I used. Best thing is, the chakra used for the kawarimi was enough to trigger it and the kunai acts as shrapnel. Some of it severed an artery and Sasuke bled out."
"That's pretty smart, kiddo."
"Thanks, Tsunade. Hey, Jiraiya, why are you so quiet?"
"Something about that fight doesn't quite add up." Jiraiya takes a long pause as if narrowing in on his answer, "That kid's diatribe. It feels wrong, almost too honed for a genin."
"What do you mean? It was Sasuke being his normal dickish self." stated Naruto.
Immediately Tsunade shows recognition, "No, I think Jiraiya has a point. Naruto, you likely wouldn't know this but a basic interrogation tactic has three steps. 1. You undermine the subject's view of themselves. Secondly, you undermine their belief in close ties or bonds. Finally, you reveal a secret, something they'd swear you have no way of knowing."
Jiraiya continues, "it gives the illusion of control, that you have no way of hiding anything from said person. It is rarely used in direct combat because people don't stand around talking but something artificial like the Chunin exams, it becomes a more realistic tool. He likely didn't just learn this, someone taught it to him, most likely.."
"Kakashi" they say in unison.
Naruto trying, and failing to control his temper, "He used to be my anbu guard. There's no way Sasuke could know or even care to know anything about me. Kakashi was trying to get him to break me while arming him with an assassination jutsu. That goddamn son of a bitch! This goes past picking favorites, he crossed a line this time, The Yondaime's prized pupil will pay for this, even if I have to go down with him to assure it."
"Gaki, calm down. You just get started on your training for the day, I'll get in touch with sensei and have him question Kakashi." stated Jiraiya trying to reassure his student.
"I highly doubt that'll do much good but ok." Naruto quickly changes and heads out for the day.
"This is the village you want me to return to? Why would I ever do that? Since when do Jonin Instructors sabotage their students with interrogation techniques?"
"I don't know but this is a sign the village needs a change. You could be that change, at least that's what I'm hoping".
And that's all for now. R&R as feedback is always welcomed.