Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"Friendship and loyalty? Yeah, I know about that. My burns show for all to see how loyal I am to my friends. Can you beat that friendship? There isn't a single soul alive who can beat the power of trusted allies, because they're just that, a single soul. True power lies in the bonds you create, in the hearts of those you've shared your good times and the bad. So, even if you do defeat this body, someone even stronger would surface and take my place. That's because I have allies I am honoured to have stand beside me and call me "friend". So bring it! You said you wanted to kill my friends, right? I won't let you, because those bonds are all I have! " - Unknown
"Change is coming to the world. There are some who fear change and will fight it with every fibre of their being. But sometimes, change is what they need the most. Sometimes, change is what sets them free." - Dragon Age "Morrigan"
The room was once again quiet as Jiraiya's name reverberated off the walls; as if like it was heard across the mountains. Kinkaku and Ginkaku took a great amount of time telling Naruto all the strongest ninja they every heard of; Jiraiya was one of them. In one way Naruto was happy to prove his prowess against such a strong ninja, but on the other side of the spectrum; he didn't look forward to the battle. There was one good thing on the horizon that came from Sarutobi. "Jiraiya will be here tomorrow," Sarutobi glanced at the three that was soon to be tested. "That gives you a day to train. Now, we need to discuss where to place you." Almost, immediately Sarutobi's eyes fell on Mikoto. The Uchiha smiled at Sarutobi as she stood up.
"I have plenty of room at the Uchiha compound," Mikoto announced receiving looks of disbelief from two sources. Sasuke stared at his mom as if she grew two heads, but Danzo looked like he was ready to kill. "That is if it's okay with you, Hokage-sama." Sarutobi took a stance as if he was thinking the idea over, but in reality; he already had his answer.
"Agreed," Sarutobi's answer came to no one's surprise, but it still didn't calm Danzo a bit. "Naruto, Haku, and Suigetsu will stay at the Uchiha compound with an ANBU squad posted around the clock." This seemed to settle the other council members as they lend back into their seats, but still gave the boy a weary glance. The entire time Naruto's eyes reflected the same emotion; glee. It was like this entire ordeal was just a joke to him. "With that this meeting is over with." The council all stood up and left, all except for Mikoto, Hiashi, Sarutobi, and Danzo. Sarutobi turned his eyes on his old friend and saw the anger boiling inside of him. "Danzo let's talk in my office." Danzo didn't show no sign he was listening, but left with Sarutobi behind him. With a quick glance around, Naruto leapt into the air with a grin on his face.
"Finally," Naruto yelled much too the confusion of everyone else. "I thought this meeting would never be finished." As Naruto landed on his feet, he turned and faced Kakashi. The two stared at each other, before Naruto held out his hand. "Thanks for the help." Kakashi nodded his head and accepted the hand. When the two finished their handshake Naruto turned towards Mikoto and Hiashi.
"I'll be showing you to the compound," Mikoto announced, but a quick glance towards her son silenced his outburst. "Also Hiashi would like you to attend the dinner we are having at the compound." Naruto blinked his eyes in confusion before turning towards the Hyuga. The man held no emotion on his face, but Naruto could tell that he was anxious to hear the boy's response.
"Sure, I guess."
Hiashi nodded his head before giving a slight bow. "Come Hinata," Hiashi addressed his daughter as he swept out of the room. "We need to prepare for tonight." Hinata nodded before turning towards Naruto.
"See you later."
Naruto nodded, but didn't have a chance to reply back as the door closed. Silence fell through the council room once more. Mikoto gave a cough getting Naruto's attention. "I think it's time to get going," Mikoto advised as she watched Naruto nod. With farewells said, Naruto, Suigetsu, and Haku followed the two Uchiha.
XXX
Sarutobi sat down at his desk and sighed already feeling the headache coming on. The fuming Danzo stood on the opposite side of the desk, but Sarutobi could still feel his anger. "I know why you're angry," Sarutobi started, but stopped when Danzo's grip on his cane tightened.
"He was captured by those two," Danzo spoke with an uneasy voice, as if he was trying to hold his anger back. This didn't go unmissed by Sarutobi. Even though he was good at it, Sarutobi could still read what the man was feeling. Even after all these years, Danzo could never forgive Kinkaku and Ginkaku. "How could you trust him like that?" The sentence was both a question and an order for an explanation.
"Because, that is what Minato would've done if he was here now." This answer did little to soothe the old hawk. Sarutobi knew nothing he would say or do would make a difference. "Besides we finally got Naruto back in Konoha-."
"And what does that matter," Danzo's raised voice startled Sarutobi as Danzo glared at him. There was only a few times when Danzo yelled, but this didn't seem like one of those times. "He could be hiding a secret mission to harm Konoha or steal our secrets. I mean how can you be so blind, Sarutobi!" Sarutobi stood out of his chair so quickly, the chair slammed against the wall. The two stood in a deadlock as a battle of wills began.
"I will not be questioned on this matter," Sarutobi's leveled voice made it clear that Danzo was to choose his next words carefully. "I know perfectly well what I'm doing." Danzo gritted his teeth, but tilted his head slightly in a small bow before leaving the room. The old Hokage dropped his head as he heard Danzo's cane tapping sound disappeared. "Danzo, why are you so willing to hide yourself from everyone?" The questioned was answered by the echo of silence.
XXX
As the five individuals entered the compound, Naruto was surprised by the size. He expected it to be big, but this could almost fit a small town. Mikoto smirked at the look on Naruto's face. "Welcome, to my and Sasuke's home," The boy simply gave Naruto a sideways glare, but Naruto simply ignored it. "You'll be staying in the building next to my house." Mikoto gestured towards her home, then to the building next to it. It was almost the same size, but the roof was more flat then hers.
"This is a nice home you have," Haku commented receiving a grin from the Uchiha woman.
"Thank you."
A sudden movement from atop the nearest building caught Naruto's attention. Looking towards the location he was an ANBU in a brown cloak wearing a bird mask. This didn't come as a surprise to the young Naruto. No matter how well they hid, their emotions would give them away. The others followed Naruto's gaze and caught a glimpse of the ANBU, before he vanished. "Looks like we have guests," Naruto stated. The group continued on until, they reached Mikoto and Sasuke's home. Haku headed into their building along with Suigetsu. Naruto couldn't blame them. It's been a tiring day, but before Naruto could retire with them Mikoto told him to wait. At this point Sasuke disappeared behind the building, but not before giving Naruto one last stare down.
"Here it is," Mikoto's voice brought Naruto's attention back to her. She emerged from the house with a framed picture. The picture had two people, one of them was Mikoto the other one was a red haired woman. The two women were smiling into the camera with their arms around each others necks. Upon a closer glance Naruto noticed the swollen bellies. "That was taken when Kushina found out she was pregnant." Naruto looked up and saw that Mikoto had a distant look in her eyes.
"She was my mom," Naruto stated and chuckled at Mikoto's shocked expression. "There are two reasons I came to this. One, this would serve no other point, then to tell me who my mom was. The second reason is because my brothers met my parents once." If Mikoto wasn't shocked before she was down right stupefied now. "They never really told me when they met them, but apparently I'm the son of Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze." The moment the words left Naruto's mouth, he saw the impact this caused on Mikoto. He gently passed the picture back to the Uchiha woman, but not before staring at Kushina's face one last time. "Strange, I don't look a thing like her."
"Yes, you have Minato's looks," Mikoto stated finally coming out of her stupor. "But from what I saw in the council room, you have her attitude." This caused a chuckle to come from the young blond. The two decided to end this meeting and leave, but not before Mikoto told Naruto to have Haku and Suigetsu ready at dark. Naruto responded telling the woman he would, before disappearing into the building. Just as Mikoto turned she heard a faint thud sound. Curiosity peaked; Mikoto followed the sound until she saw the source. Sasuke was punching a log repeatedly. This wasn't what worried her through. Sasuke was always training, but this time he didn't even seem to notice his fists were bleeding. "Sasuke!" This stopped Sasuke just long enough for him to stare at his mom, but he soon returned to his task. Swinging his arm back, Sasuke went for one more punch, but was stopped when his mom grabbed his wrist. "What are you doing?"
Sasuke jerked his arm away and stared at his mom. "I'm training to beat Itachi," Sasuke's simple statement didn't sit well with Mikoto.
"By destroying your own body," Mikoto yelled out with worry in her voice. Even through she knew why Itachi killed the Uchiha clan, he made Mikoto swear not to tell Sasuke. After, much prying, Itachi finally told her the reason. So Sasuke would still have a reason to get stronger, but this was too much. If Sasuke continued the way he was, he would end up killing himself or worse; his team. "Look Sasuke I-."
"I don't care," Sasuke snapped with so much anger Mikoto was startled. "He just pushed me aside like I was nothing. Then, that Naruto kid steps in and stays right with him." Sasuke clinched his fist until his knuckles were white. "I have to get stronger and avenge the Uchiha clan." With that Sasuke returned to his training. Realizing it was futile to talk to her son in this state. Mikoto silently crept away, but not before giving her son one last look of worry. It wasn't that she didn't want to stop her son. It was fear that if she pushed too hard, he would hate her. So, Mikoto left Sasuke too his training, but resigned herself to talk to him later.
XXX
Itachi stared up at the sky as the sun slowly sank behind the hills. Slowly closing his eyes, Itachi let out a sigh. "Hello," Itachi turned to see a man staring at him through hole in his orange mask. "Madara, how can I help you?" The Uchiha just stared at Itachi, but to his credit, Itachi just stared right back. Itachi knew what was wrong with Madara, but decided to play it off for now.
"You let him go," Madara questioned with a relative calmness. For a second Itachi was surprised. Madara didn't sound anger, in fact, it sounded as if he planned this to happen. The confused look on Itachi made Madara chuckle behind his mask. "I knew you would run and not bring Naruto with you. My main purpose for sending you was to scout out his power." With a skeptical look Madara received from Itachi, the man continued. "We have to capture the Bijuu in order or else the statue will shatter. With that out of the way, what is the young boy's power at." Itachi considered his options, but decided to go with telling the man.
"He has some control over his Bijuu chakra," Itachi answered looking at Madara with an air of coolness. "But he doesn't have full control over it, at least not yet. He utilizes Futon Jutsu and managed to combine Futon Bunshin with the Bunshin Daibakuha, creating an explosion enhanced with wind blades." Madara absorbed this info before turning away from his fellow Uchiha clansman, but not before leaving behind one last thing.
"Be careful around brothers," Madara warned perking Itachi's interest. "They are quiet feisty when it comes to their older brother." With that the man disappeared into a swirling vortex.
XXX
Naruto stood on the rooftop of his "home" as he watched the moon slowly rise. Footsteps caught his attention. As he looked down towards the sound, he saw some familiar faces. Jumping off his perch, Naruto landed in front of the Hyuga family. Hiashi just stared at the goofy boy, but Hitomi chuckled at the boy's antics. "Nice to meet you," Hitomi answered as she gave Naruto a polite bow. With an uneasy movement Naruto copied Hitomi's bow. At that precise moment the door to Mikoto's home opened.
"Hitomi," Mikoto called out with a big smile on her face. The Hyuga woman smiled at her friend as the two hugged. Naruto looked at Hinata with a raised eyebrow of confusion, earning him a slight giggle from the Hyuga. After talking for a few seconds, Mikoto gestured into her home. "Please come in." Naruto took one step and stopped. Mikoto followed the boy's eyes towards his building. Standing inside the doorway was Suigetsu and Haku, but that wasn't what stopped Naruto. It was the fact that Suigetsu was had formal clothing on. The effect was almost instant. Naruto started laughing as Suigetsu growled at him.
"This isn't funny!"
"I'm sorry man," Naruto finally breathed out, but couldn't keep the tears of laughter out of his eyes. "But you look like some sort of prince in that outfit." Naruto ducked under Suigetsu's fist and took off into Mikoto's house. All the while the others watched as the two disappeared into the house. The next thing they heard was a loud crash. As they ran inside they saw Suigetsu and Naruto rolling across the floor. The two were struggling to gain the upper hand, but stopped when they saw the others staring at them. The two looked back at each other, still having their fists in a ready position. "This is normal." Naruto assured with a nervous smile as he released Suigetsu, but gave him a nudge in his ribs. Suigetsu growled and was about to return the favor, but stopped when he saw Haku glare daggers at him. Naruto was about laugh again, but stopped when he saw Hinata stare at him. She didn't appear angry or upset, but that was the problem. The smile she had on was all the warning Naruto needed to stop.
"Now, that we have that out of the system," Mikoto stated trying to bring order back. "How about we eat?" This seemed to bring people back as they all began to file towards the table. As they entered the kitchen, Sasuke was already sitting at his spot, but had a scowl on his face. This came as no surprise to Naruto, but what did was who the glare was for. Following Sasuke's eyes he saw him staring at his mom. Mikoto just ignored her angry son as she waited for her guests to be seated first. One by one everyone sat and stared at the food. It was a mixture of rich, noodles, and fish. Hiashi didn't seemed to be all that impress, but Hitomi smiled at the food. As everyone sat down at their respective place, Naruto was already digging into his food. Everyone watched in both horror and fascination as the young boy devoured his plate.
"Um, Naruto," Naruto stopped eating looking up at a nervous looking Hinata. "Perhaps you should slow down." Naruto tilted his head and looked at Hiashi who narrowed his eyes at the boy. With a quick glance around, Naruto saw all eyes on him.
"Sorry," Naruto apologized as he leaned back. This did little to lower Hiashi's stare. "I'm just use to living with Kinkaku and Ginkaku." Hitomi looked towards her husband as he retrieved his chopsticks.
"That is precisely why I'm here," Hiashi grabbed some rice and gently brought the food into his mouth. "I want to know about your life with those two." Naruto's happy demeanor collapsed at that moment as the two stared at each other. Hinata looked back and forth between the two, before staring at her mother.
Hitomi smiled at her daughter as she turned towards her husband. "Honey," Hiashi turned his eyes towards Hitomi, but she could already tell it was a lost cause. "Maybe, you shouldn't bother the boy over that matter." Hiashi didn't reply, he just simply returned his eyes towards Naruto. That was when Naruto smiled.
"Sure, I can tell you what it was like," This caught the attention of everyone as they awaited Naruto to continue. "It was something like this." Naruto gestured towards the different families still wearing his smile, but had half-shut eyes. "We were a family, as such, we did everything together. Sure, we got on each others nerves, but we always had the others back. Ginkaku and I would have eating contests to see who could faster. Kinkaku and I would have sparring matches." At this point it the food was left alone as they all listened, but Sasuke soon returned to his food. "That's why I'll never betray them. We are family and through thick and thin, I will see them again." A sudden twitch caught Hiashi's attention. He turned his eyes towards Suigetsu to see the poor boy looking downright hurt. It wasn't physical pain, but instead it was emotional. Suigetsu excused himself from the table and left leaving behind a confused Naruto. As Suigetsu stepped outside, he heard the footsteps of someone following him. Turning around he saw the Hyuga leader staring down at him.
"You're hiding something from Naruto."
Suigetsu cursed under his breath. "I have no idea what you are talking about," Suigetsu continued to stare at the ground, as if it was the most interesting thing there.
"I know when you are lying," Hiashi answered with his Byakugan active. "Whatever it is, it has something to do with Kinkaku and Ginkaku." After waiting for a few seconds, Hiashi gave Suigetsu his answer. "They're dead aren't they?" Suigetsu turned on Hiashi in a flash staring the man down.
"Be quiet," Suigetsu hissed with urgency, but still couldn't keep the sadness out of his voice. "Yes, they did die." With that said the two stood in the silence of the night as the moon cast its shadow over all. "Kinkaku knocked Naruto out, modified his memory, gave him to me, and then Kinkaku and Ginkaku stated behind to fight off whoever was following." Hiashi nodded his head as he looked behind him to see if anyone was there.
"How do you know?"
"What?"
"How do you know they died?"
"Because I felt the chakra spike," Suigetsu explained. "There were four of them. Two of them were Kinkaku and Ginkaku and the others were even bigger." This caused Hiashi's brow to furrow as he tried to count up who could've brought down the Kin and Gin brothers. That was when Suigetsu looked at Hiashi with panic in his eyes. "You can't tell Naruto. If he knew nothing any of us could do would stop him from leaving." Hiashi nodded his head in understanding and watched as Suigetsu walked back into the kitchen. The two were greeted by quiet a scene when they got back. Naruto was standing on the table acting out a scene.
"… and just when he thought I was done," Naruto told his story as he looked at his audience. "I managed to drop a bucket of ice water on him. I swear you could hear his scream a mile away." Hinata, Hitomi, and Mikoto stifled some giggles.
"How did Ginkaku get back at you?"
At this Naruto's expressing turned into fear. "He tried to beat me with his sword," Naruto twitched slightly as if remembering the dreaded day. Hinata and the others stared at the boy in horror, but that soon stopped when Naruto burst out laughing. "In the end though, he forgave me and we had our dinner. We may not have had much, but we had each other." That was when Naruto noticed Suigetsu and smiled at the water boy. "Right, Suigetsu."
Suigetsu took a second to respond as a sad smile appeared on his face. "That's right," Suigetsu answered as he turned towards the group. "All we ever needed was the four of us." Naruto noticed the hurt tone in Suigetsu, but before Naruto could question him, Hiashi spoke up.
"Its time we go," Hiashi spoke, before turning towards the door.
Naruto turned towards Hinata and held out his hand. "Next, time I'll tell you about our hunting trips," Hinata gracelessly accepted Naruto's hand and nodded, before walking out with her mother. Naruto watched as Hinata left, before turning back to Mikoto. "Thank you for the dinner." Naruto gave Mikoto a light bow as he turned towards the door.
"You're welcome," Mikoto stated with glee in her voice. "Good luck tomorrow against Jiraiya." Naruto gave a wave as Suigetsu and Haku followed after.
XXX
Next day
As Naruto stood outside with his team, he took a chance and looked at the bystanders. Everyone from the Hokage to the council members was there to watch the fight. Naruto slowly unbuckled his flak jacket allowing it to blow in the wind. "So where is our opponent," Naruto's answer came in an explosion of smoke. With narrowed eyes, Naruto awaited for the smoke to clear. As it faded Naruto saw the image of a man with long white hair.
"I am the Toad Sage," The voice pierced the silence as the smoke was expelled. "I am-." Jiraiya stopped when he dodged a kunai thrown at him. As he looked at the cause, he saw Naruto slowly approach him as his wind blade formed.
"Sorry," Naruto replied with a smile that suggested many painful things were about to happen. "But I don't like long-winded introductions." Jiraiya smiled at Naruto boldness and stood to his full height.
"Alright then, my name is Jiraiya."
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, Suigetsu Hozuki, and Haku Yuki, now that we have that out of the way," Naruto crouched low as his blade began to release a loud screech. "We fight!" Naruto charged off the ground and headed straight at Jiraiya.
Sorry, for the late chapter schools been a real hammer on me, but I promised you guys and I will deliver. Next chapter the confrontation between Jiraiya and Naruto's team. Oh, I have two things to ask you guys, one what would you like Naruto's team be called and would you like Gaara's dad to be alive.