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.
"Even in the depths of hell blooms a beautiful flower of friendship leaving behind its petals as mementos, bobbing back and forth on the waves may it one day bloom once more the Okama way." - Mr. 2 Bon Clay
"It's not a sense of justice. Protecting my friends, and finding my own path is how I live life. If you measured good and evil deeds by current laws, I would be responsible for many crimes. The same way you like to hone your skills and live your own lives, for me too it's simply prolonging something I enjoy doing. That's why I only fight those that pique my interest; it's not justice at all. And if it means being able to protect a friend or becoming stronger, I don't and will not play fair. I'm a dishonest, cheating human being who hates losing." - Unknown
Hinata was standing by the gate with a few other people; Naruto's team, Mikoto, and even the Hokage. After the Suna team arrived with Kazekage along, Sarutobi couldn't help, but ask the team to back the Konoha group up. Not only did they accept, but even Sakin went along for the mission. Seeing figures appearing from the distance, Hinata saw Naruto floating on the gold dust cloud. As the group neared the gate, Mikoto could see her beaten up son slumped over Kakashi's shoulder. Tears welled up in her eyes, but brushed them away quickly. Hinata looked down as Naruto's passed out body stopped in front of her. "Mission accomplished," Sakin stated to his fellow Kage. "Almost everyone made it out without serious injury. Naruto and Sasuke are to the two who sustained the most, but they should be okay after a nights rest." Hinata looked down at Naruto who opened his eyes suddenly startling the Hyuga. Looking at her, Naruto saw what he was after. Reaching up, Naruto grabbed his pendant that was on Hinata's neck.
"Told you I would be back for it," Naruto grinned and to the surprise of all, Naruto attempted to get off his floating seat. Despite, everyone telling him he should rest, Naruto stood on his own legs, but just this act caused him pain. Still smiling at the blushing Hyuga,Naruto attempted to remove the pendant, but collapsed back on his floating bed. Worried for the Uzumaki everyone rushed forward, but only saw a smile on the passed out boy. A sudden mumble came out of Sasuke as he stirred. Looking forward, Sasuke saw he was back in Konoha; then his eyes fell on the smiling Naruto. Rage boiled in Sasuke's eyes as struggled to get free. Kakashi held fast, but a nod from Mikoto told him to release her son. Letting Sasuke free, the Uchiha stood on two shaking legs as he approached Naruto. All the while everyone was getting ready to protect the defenseless boy. Raising his hand, Sasuke suddenly found himself staring at his own mom.
"Stop," Mikoto ordered with pure authority in her voice. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and tried to get past his mom, but was promptly shoved back to the ground. No one saw this once peaceful Uchiha woman with this much anger in her eyes before. "I said stop!"
"Why should I listen to you, just like you no one in this village cares about what-," the slap came out of no where and left a red handprint on Sasuke's face. Looking back at Mikoto, everyone saw tears of rage and sadness leaking from eyes. It hurt her to smack her son, but she was so angry with him acting the way he was.
"You think that no one else cares what happened to us," Mikoto mouthed trying to keep from telling Sasuke the truth, the same truth that Itachi beg her not to tell Sasuke. "Why do you think Itachi is in the bingo book as an S-rank nin? Everyone is trying to find and bring him to justice for his crimes, but you acting like a child and thinking you can beat him alone is stupid!" Mikoto's glare never left her son's eyes, even Sasuke found this disturbing. Turning to Sarutobi, Mikoto said the one thing that caused everyone to look at the Uchiha in shock. "I want that accursed mark sealed or remove immediately and Sasuke removed from the all shinobi activity. I also want him placed under careful observation, until such a time, that you and I believe he is ready to come back, but if he shows any sign of going back to this; he is done with being a ninja." Sasuke was about to argue, but his mother turned on him faster then he could blink. "And don't you say one word about this being unfair, Sasuke! You hurt innocent people who only wanted to make sure you didn't get corrupted further by Orochimaru or worse. So you are to shut your mouth and listen to everything Sarutobi says or so help me I will punish you!" Sasuke shut his mouth, but his eyes were still burning with anger.
Sarutobi knew that all Sasuke cared about was revenge against his brother; so going to the academy to learn how to work in a team would help, but what worried him was his obsession with power. The boy would clearly do anything to obtain it, but also being a parent Sarutobi knew what it was like with a son that didn't listen. Thinking about it for a second, Sarutobi looked at Sasuke with the glare of a grandfather disappointed at his own grandchild. "I will consider this, but only depending on the amount of damage done to our shinobi," Sarutobi stated staring down at the young Uchiha. "Your fate is in their hands." With that Sarutobi turned with the small group following after him. Mikoto stared down at her son, ashamed of his actions, but looked up when Kakashi placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine," Mikoto stated as ANBU appeared around Sasuke to take him to a holding cell to await his sentencing. "But I don't know if Sasuke will ever return back to the sweet boy I once knew."
"What he needs right now is his mother's guiding hand and just maybe; he will return to normal," Kakashi gave the woman his old eye smile, but stopped when Mikoto gave him a light kiss on the check.
"Thank you." Kakashi watched as the Uchiha woman followed after the ANBU.
XXX
Naruto looked around at the forest and recognized it as one his brother's hideouts. "Naruto," Naruto turned around in surprise and saw Kinkaku and Ginkaku staring at him, with proud smiles. "What are you doing alone out there; you should be over here for dinner." Ginkaku stated. About to move, Naruto was blinded by a flash of light. Once it was over, Naruto's eyes watered as he saw Kinkaku and Ginkaku dead in front of him. Looking up, Naruto saw Yugito hovering over their bodies with a second figure hiding in the shadows. Rage boiled in Naruto as Kurama's chakra covered him, but then he heard a voice calling him.
"It's a dream, Naruto!"
Waking up, Naruto realized that he had gripped the bed so tightly that his hand had literal dug into the mattress and metal. Confused, Naruto saw red glow around his hand and realized he had tapped into Kurama's chakra through his anger. Looking around, Naruto saw Hinata and her family looking at him, even Jiraiya was scared by what he saw. "Are you okay," Jiraya asked, concerned for Naruto.
"I'm fine," Naruto proclaimed staring at the various instruments on his chest.
"You were saying don't kill them in your sleep," Hinata stuttered slightly, but Naruto just gritted his teeth.
"It was just a dream," Naruto stated calmly as if nothing was wrong, but Jiraiya wasn't fooled.
"I talked to your team," Jiraiya announced getting Naruto's attention. "They said ever since you learned of your brothers deaths you've been having violent dreams, which usually end up with something destroyed. Is there something-."
"I said I'm fine," Naruto yelled out causing his heart rate monitor to beep faster. "It was just a stupid dream that means nothing!" Reaching up, Naruto pulled off the instruments before getting out of bed. No one tried to stop the boy as he gathered his clothing and left. From the hallway, the group could hear the doctors complaining about Naruto leaving, but the boy ignored them. Hinata looked downhearted at Naruto's action.
"its okay, Hinata," Hitomi soothed as she stroked her daughter's hair. "Naruto is still hurting from his brother's deaths."
"But why won't he admit it," Hinata questioned. Hitomi looked at her husband, but found that he wasn't there. Staring at Jiraiya, Hitomi saw him nod his head. Realizing that Hiashi went after Naruto, Hitomi let out a sigh.
"Your father is going to try and talk to Naruto," Hitomi admitted to Hinata, who only nodded solemnly.
XXX
All he wanted was to be left alone, but Naruto couldn't get away from a certain Hyuga following after him. Stopping in the middle of a forest, Hiashi finally appeared in front of him. "Keeping it bottled up inside is not a good way to cope with their deaths," Hiashi sincerely stated, but this just caused Naruto to grunt in annoyance. "You need to talk about it."
"For what possible reason," Naruto screamed. "You are a Konoha shinobi who hate my brothers so why should I bother telling you how I feel about them being dead!"
This time someone else spoke up besides Hiashi. "Because what happened in the past is done and over with," Sarutobi stated coming out from behind the trees. "They did try and kill Tobirama when he was out Hokage, but that isn't what is important; how they died is." Naruto's eyes widened at this, but looked out of his corner of his eyes to see Kakashi, Mikoto, Jiraiya, almost everyone who cared about Naruto or wasn't injured. "They died protecting you from their killers. They fought instead of hiding. They redeemed themselves by fighting for someone else instead of just themselves." Naruto's eyes seemed to deem slightly as he looked at the ground.
"Look, Naruto," Kakashi started. "I tried to hide how I felt about everyone I cared about dying around me, but eventual I told people how I felt and it felt amazing. I knew that no matter what my comrades, my friends, and my family was not coming back, but just knowing that someone else knew how I felt was a great feeling."
"We all came to show we care, Naruto," Haku spoke up with a kind smile on her face.
"Yeah, so spill the beans dumbass," Suigetsu rudely stated, but got a chuckle out of Naruto.
"Come with me, Naruto," Sarutobi stated making a gesture for the young Uzumaki to follow him. Walking with the old man, Naruto saw everyone else following after them. After getting into a clearing in the forest, Naruto noticed that there was a giant stone in the middle with a thin trail of sunlight hitting it. Walking towards it, Naruto saw words etched into the giant tear-drop shaped stone.
"This stone was made in honor of two men, Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Known for all the bad they have done, this stone is to honor the good they did. Raising and protecting their brother, Naruto Uzumaki. The two eventual died in combat to allow Naruto and Suigetsu time to escape. Let this stone stand to honor their sacrifice to protect their family."
Naruto said nothing. Instead, Naruto pulled out his brother's pendants. Pouring wind chakra into them, Naruto dug them into the rock right under each of their specific owners. After making sure no one could steal them without destroying the rock, Naruto turned to the group. "I had it made and brought here," Sarutobi stated with sadness in his voice. "Jiraiya told me you were still suffering from their deaths, so I had it made without your knowledge and brought here."
"We do care, Naruto," Mikoto called out without any shame. "We are Konoha shinobi, but if one of us is in pain, we all suffer the same."
"Just stop hiding your pain, Naruto," Hinata smiled at the boy, who finally let a smile spread across his face, but instead of talking, he simply fell back. Jiraiya quickly grabbed the boy in the blink of an eye and realized he had fallen asleep. Smiling down at the boy, Jiraiya laid the boy with his back against the rock. Everyone noticed that Naruto was asleep, but Suigetsu spoke up in worry.
"What about his nightmares," Suigetsu asked with a shudder remembering seeing Naruto's first nightmare.
"I think they are done and over with," Jiraiya stated with confidence in his voice. "He will sleep more soundly for now." Picking Naruto up, Jiraiya began to head back to the village as the sun reflected off the metal pendants and shined a little on Naruto.
Noticing this, Sarutobi chuckled. "It's like his brother's are comforting him beyond the grave," Sarutobi announced to Mikoto. "Now we need to discuss your son, Mikoto. I have decided to place him in a special class that will observe his every move and action. Also his teachers are going to be, Ibiki and Anko. They have both been told that he is not to be taught anything about Jutsu, but to focus solely on teamwork. They will give me reports on his progress and if he doesn't improve, I will terminate his ninja status and keep him restrained in this village. Does this sound fair to you?"
"Yes, I just want to see my old smiling son again," Mikoto said. "Even if he ends up being a civilian, I just want him back."
"I understand, but let me warn you," Sarutobi's voice got serious at this point. "He will try and vent his anger out on you, but you cannot give in, stand firm and if he gets to out of hand, Kakashi will be close by." Mikoto nodded her head, but kept her face out of view. "I am happy that you found someone to share your pain though." Mikoto looked up and saw Sarutobi smiling at her. "Have a good day, Mikoto." Walking away, Mikoto could only smile at the old man.
XXX
Waking up, Naruto found himself in the Hyuga manor instead of the hospital. "We thought you would like waking up to some friendly faces, instead of an empty house," Hitomi announced while pouring Naruto a small cup of tea. "Your team had to go on a mission, but will be back very soon." Taking the cup, Naruto thanked her and took a sip. For a few minutes the two just sat in silence. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," Naruto said, before taking another sip of tea.
"Why did you keep it hidden from everyone," Hitomi asked, but before Naruto could interrupt, she continued. "I know you said that we wouldn't care about your brothers' deaths, but there as to be more."
"My brothers taught me many things," Naruto started with a small smile. "One of the things was, never show pain. Your opponent will pick up on that weakness and use it against you. I guess I took it a little too far." Hitomi nodded, but then took a wide grin.
"There is also someone else who wanted to talk with you," Hitomi got up from her seat and walked over to the door. When she opened it up, Naruto didn't need to look at the door to know who it was. Hinata was fidgeting with something in her hands that took Naruto a minute to realized what it was; his pendant.
"You never got the chance to take it back," Hinata walked into the room and gave Naruto his pendant. Taking it gently out of Hinata's hand, Naruto twirled the copper circle around, seeing the kanji for family and trickster almost together.
"Thanks, my memories and this pendant is all I have left of them," Naruto's solemn statement echoed through the room. Looking up, Naruto realized he and Hinata were the only two in the room. Hitomi had left without as so much as a creak. Hinata seemed to realize this too. Laying the pendant down, Naruto sighed. Sitting in the silence, Naruto saw Hinata struggling to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
"Well, I hope you feel better," Hinata turned and was about to leave until Naruto spoke.
"Want to go out and eat something," Naruto statement caught her off guard as she tunred and looked at the boy.
"I guess, I'll go ask my family and see if they-." Hinata was cut off by Naruto.
"No, just you and me," Naruto looked at Hinata with a serious expression.
"You mean like a date," Hinata stuttered out finally, this earned a smile from the Uzumaki.
"Sure," Naruto admitted. Hinata's blush slowly deepened even more as the Hyuga began to stutter on ever word. Hinata could only nod her head as she made her way to the door. Outside the door, Hitomi smirked at her daughter.
"So how did your talk go," Hitomi caught her daughter as a response to her question. "Well, I'm glad it went well."
XXX
Orochimaru couldn't bare the pain as his body began to reject him, but he was refusing to change bodies; not when he could feel his curse mark on Sasuke getting closer. He could've had Kabuto bring Sasuke to him, but the pain was beginning to cloud his judgment. Hiding behind a tree, Orochimaru chuckled as he stepped out; looking down at Sasuke. "Welcome home, my new vessel," Orochimaru was about to activate his jutsu, but suddenly Sasuke turned into a white plant, that Orochimaru recognized immediately. "Zetsu, but if you are here then that means that-." Orchimaru never finished as Tobi appeared in front of him. A swirling vortex slowing began to draw the snake Sannin, leaving behind nothing, but silence.
"Everyone leaves tracks, underground and above it," Tobi stated calmly. "Follow them, its time that we retrieve our spy." Zetsu nodded and slowly began to make their way to Orochimaru's last hideout.
XXX
Tayuya was still confused as she sat in front of Mikoto sipping some tea. Small information was coming back, but nothing that was useful to her. Mikoto sensing her distraught, offered her another sweet roll. "Please don't feel threatened or worried," Mikoto voiced with a soothing tone. "I'm sure everything will work out in the end."
"But what happens when I do remember everything," Tayuya exclaimed with tears forming. "Will I still be aloud to live here or sent somewhere else." Thinking it over, Mikoto reached forward and grabbed Tayuya's hand.
"I promise no one will take you away from my home," Mikoto's eyes held such warmth and promise of keeping her word; that Tayuya couldn't help, but nod. Watching the girl eat, Mikoto made a mental note to ask Sarutobi a huge favor the next time she saw him; on top of the fact she needed to see how her son was doing in his special class. "How about we go shopping?" Tayuya nodded her head and left with the Uchiha woman with a small smile on her face. "Are you planning on coming with us, Kakashi?!" Mikoto shouted at the rooftops and saw the mask wearing Jonin poke his head out.
"Sure, I guess I can go for some food," Kakashi stated, but little did he know he would be carrying the mountain of bags that Tayuya and Mikoto bought before the day was over.
XXX
After leaving the destroyed sound hideout with info leading to the others, Dosu was heading out. Why, to ruin Orochimaru's operations. He was going to free as many people possible and if they wanted to stay and help him, he would allow it. What was it that Dosu really wanted? Well, Oto needed a real leader one that would show them how to use the things that Orochimaru did to them to their own advantages. "Where should I go first," Dosu said to no one specific. Thinking it over, Dosu smiled as he realized the one place that would hurt the snake the most. "Let's go and visit Karin and Jugo." Chuckling, Dosu saw a tree in his way, but throwing his metal arm forward; Dosu drilled a human-sized hole through it. "Now, time to cause a little trouble for my old master."
XXX
Naruto sighed as he waited outside the Hyuga manor as the moon slowly appeared. Hearing the approach of footsteps, Naruto turned and saw Hinata standing outside in a kimono. She stood there awaiting Naruto's response, but the boy simple gave her a big smile. Standing up, Naruto motioned for them to depart. Nodding her head, Hinata followed after. "So why did you decide to ask me out," Hinata asked while staring at the blonde.
"Because I never got a chance to say thank you for saving my life during the invasion," Naruto smiled down at her and noticed the slight disappointment in her eyes. "Also, you are the prettiest girl I've seen." The blush was as red as fire. Walking around the empty streets, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "The quiet was always a reward for my little family. We didn't get very often and when we did; we loved every second of it."
"You were on the run a lot," Hinata's question caused laughter to come from Naruto.
"Yeah, but those were memories I'll never forget," Naruto's eyes seemed to grow distant as he began to remember his time of running with Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Naruto took Hinata towards the nearby forest that had Kinkaku and Ginkaku's grave memorial, but stayed away from that particular area. Hinata was about to ask the Uzumaki where they were going, but stopped when she heard water splashing. Getting out of the trees, Hinata saw the cause; a beautiful stream. It wasn't too big, but it wasn't small. What got Hinata the most was the fact that it seemed to glow in the moonlight.
"How did you find this place," Hinata asked, but Naruto just scratched his head in embarrassment.
"Actually after you left, your mom came back," Naruto admitted. "She overheard us and told me a great place to take you. So, I came here before waiting for our date." Hinata didn't seem to mind that Naruto had help with finding the stream. Looking around, Hinata found a blanket next to the stream with a little basket in the middle. Taking her over to the basket, Naruto helped the girl sit down, before taking a seat himself.
"So, did she help with this too," Hinata teased. Naruto just raised one eyebrow to the Hyuga. "That a yes or a no."
"I'm not completely helpless," Naruto defended as he pulled out some food. Inside the basket, Hinata found that there were some sweet rolls, ramen, and other things that she enjoyed to eat. Pulling out a bowl of ramen, Naruto passed it to her. "I got the ramen from Ichiraku's before it closed." Hinata chuckled at that. Ichiraku's was Naruto's favorite place to eat when he got free time; which wasn't that often. As Hinata took some bites of the ramen, she noticed that Naruto was just staring at the stream.
"Are you hunger," Hinata's question stirred Naruto. Reaching into the basket, Naruto took a bite from a sweet roll. Hinata continued to eat, until she asked the question Naruto was waiting for. "During the bridge and the invasion you promised-."
"To tell you about that chakra I was using," Naruto finished. As Hinata nodded, Naruto sighed as he though about how he could explain Kurama to Hinata.
"Take her hand," Kurama suggested. "I could pull her mind in and you can show her."
"Oh, that's great just show her the giant fox that nearly destroyed Konoha," Naruto announced with sarcasm in his voice. Snorting, Kurama just stared at his host.
"Well, if have any better idea, I'm more then happy to hear it." Naruto didn't say anything.
Turning to Hinata, Naruto held out his hand. "I want you to meet a good friend," Naruto stated confusing the girl. "He doesn't live out here, but here." Pointing to his stomach where his seal was located only confused Hinata even more. "I promised everything will be explained, but you have to trust me." Thinking about it, Hinata nodded, before grasping the Uzumaki's hand. She resisted the tug on her mind, but Naruto just smiled and assured her it was okay. As she was pulled forward, Hinata found herself in a giant room that looked like it belonged to a sewer. Looking around, she found Naruto standing next to a small fox curled at his feet, but they were both standing behind a cage.
"Oh, how cute," Hinata gushed at the small creature, but it just turned an uninterested eye to her. It was there Hinata noticed the kanji for seal on the cage door. Stepping out, Naruto motioned for Hinata to come closer. "Why is the fox behind a cage?"
"Because Hinata, he is the source of that power you kept seeing," Naruto answered. "This is Kurama, but you might no him better by his nickname; Kyubi no Kitsune." It was at this point that Kurama returned to his full size and proceeded to stare down at the girl, but not with hatred, but more for curiosity, then anything else. First thing to hit Hinata was shock, but after a few seconds she regained her composure.
"So that is what father meant by Naruto being a very special person," Hinata announced, while smiling up at the giant fox. "So your real name is Kurama?"
"Yes," Kurama answered, but confused by the reaction. "You don't seem to be afraid of me; why is that?"
"Well, Naruto is a very honest person and he called you a good friend," Hinata stated, but Kurama chuckled.
"And it doesn't hurt that I'm behind this big cage," Kurama teased with a chuckle. Hinata just looked away. "It's okay, I personally don't care whether you like me or not." Laying down Kurama closed his eyes. Naruto sneered at the Bijuu and held up a finger to tell Hinata to hold on for a second. Walking into the cage, Naruto waited until the fox looked at him. "What do you want?" Naruto jumped on Kurama's head and proceeded to jump on him all the while screaming 'be sociable!' into Kurama's ear. "Will you get off of me?!" Kurama yelled back, but just as the fox stated to shake his head to get Naruto off, Naruto latched on and refused to release. "You are a parasite, get off."
Observing from behind the safety of the cage, Hinata could see despite how violent it was getting behind the cage, that the two were having fun. Naruto was smiling from ear to ear and Kurama's eyes seemed to have gotten lighter. Giggling, Hinata got the attention of Kurama and Naruto. Naruto was a attempting to bite Kurama's ear; while the fox was shaking his head like he was trying to dry his head. "You two are both goofballs," Hinata smiled at the two, who just stared at each other. Calling a truce, Naruto jumped off of Kurama, while the big fox just laid his head down. "No wonder you get along so well, you have the same personality."
"Yeah," Naruto agreed, but then adding. "But at least I can be more social then the big fur bag." Feeling a shiver going down his spine, Naruto turned and saw Kurama's eye glowing with malice.
"Run."
Taking Kurama's advice, Naruto sprinted through the cage narrowly missing being grabbed by the fox. Sticking out his tongue, Naruto began to shake his butt in front of Kurama's cage, but the fox just grinned. Looking forward, Naruto saw Hinata standing in front of him. "Now, Hinata we can talk about this," Hinata smiled as she pushed Naruto back into the cage. Before Naruto could run, mouth closed around him. Hinata was shocked, but Kurama just winked at her. Swishing his mouth around, Kurama spat Naruto back on the ground covered in drool and saliva.
"Don't call me fur bag," Kurama pushed the stunned Naruto back out the cage chuckling at his revenge. Naruto just stared at Hinata with a pleading looking in his eyes as he asked his question.
"Why?"
Hinata shrugged. "Because that wasn't fair making fun of him," Hinata chuckled at the confused look Naruto was giving her, but just shook his head.
"Well, I guess we better get out of here," Naruto poked Hinata's head and watch as she faded. Giving a smile to Kurama, Naruto faded away too.
As Naruto's eyes opened, he saw Hinata standing next to the water. Sighing, Naruto walked forward, but before he could say a word; water was dumped on him. Giggling, Hinata dropped the bucket and stared at Naruto. Leaning down to pick up the bucket, Naruto felt Hinata kiss him on the check. "Thank you for telling me," Naruto nodded his head. Noticing the time, Naruto decided it was time to take the Hyuga home. Nothing could've ruined this day; Nothing.
XXX
Banrai's new training was going better then E could've hoped for. The boy was getting better with Nintaijutsu and was starting to get even faster. "You are getting better," E's words caused a smile to spread from the boy. Banrai lifted his arm and created a fist.
"Soon, Naruto will fear wrath of the thunder," Banrai boasted, but E just smiled. All that drive to prove his strength will only make the boy train even harder.
"That's right, now continue and you will soon be ready," Banrai nodded his head as lightning arched all around his body. "You should've just handed what belonged to us over, now we are going to take them from you." E turned and left Banrai to his own devices as he destroyed several more practice dummies.
This I guess was a chapter to prove I haven't forgotten about Dosu, Banrai, or Tayuya. They still have their own parts to play and they will be played. Oh, next stop; time skip, so be ready for it and everything. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed and see ya later.