The Mysterious Box

(This chapter was very hard to write, for several reasons. Also, at 2,404 words, it's the longest chapter I have wrote to date. No, I'm not counting this note in that. I don't care if somebody reads this & thinks 2,400 words isn't a lot, I just hope the story is enjoyed.)

It was the next morning, & the box found in Naruto's room was sitting on Tsunade's desk. Kakashi, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Ino, Hinata, Neji, Rock Lee & Sakura where all there but none of them knew why. In addition, none of them knew why they were waiting, but the Hokage refused to say a word. They all had an eerie feeling about that box though, & it wasn't just the oddly shaped frog that was part of the box's latch, or the seals on it, or the carvings; it was the presense it gave off. A box making a person feel anything was strange enough, but the sense of dread, pain & uncertainty was a lot for even the most veteran shinobi.

The door opened & all the waiting ninjas turned to see Jiraiya walk in, his smile fading quickly as his eyes fall upon the box. "It's about time you showed up Jiraiya, I sent for you almost a hour ago.", Tsunade states in an perturbed tone. He steps forward, eyes locked on the box while his hands rest on it, a look of despair on his face. Tsunade notices this almost instantly, realizing that he knows what this box means & that it isn't good. "What...", Jirayia clears his throat as he starts, taking a few breaths to compose himself before continuing, "What happened to Naruto?", he inquires. Tsunade looks at her former teammate, another realization coming to her: Jirayia doesn't know what happened to Naruto.

"Naruto left the village against orders, to help find Gaara. He got into a fight with 1 of the Akatsuki & when he returned he was in critical condition.", Tsunade answers solemnly. Jirayia clutches the box in his hand, asking, "So, is he dead?". Tsunade shakes her head slowly & continues, "No, Tsachi did something to Naruto. He is alive, but...", the 2 Sannin look at each other as Tsunade tries to find the words. She sees the anger boiling in Jirayia, whether it is from frustration or grief or even both, she isn't sure but she can see it all the same. "Naruto isn't Naruto anymore. He changed, in nearly everyway possible. That's the best way I can possibly describe it Jirayia.".

A strange mix of relief & confusion washed over Jirayia, who let go of the box & turned to walk out. Tsunade calls out, "Can you answer a question for me, before you go check on him?". The Toad Hermit turns around & nods quietly, the others watching the 2 converse. "What is this thing? I know you know something.", she inquires as she points at the box. He smiles as his eyes fall back onto the box, answering, "Minato made it, before he died. He used to keep things in it, notes or scrolls, whatever it was. When he passed away I held onto it, but I think Kushina destroyed what he kept inside. I, I gave it to Naruto, maybe about a year ago.". Tsunade turned the box toward her & fumbled through its contents before pulling out an envelope labeled "Pervy Sage".

As Jirayia turned away again, envelope clutched in his hand, Tsunade says, "Remember Jirayia, he's your student.", & the man Naruto calls Pervy Sage responds, "He's more than that, he's my godson.". They all watch as Jirayia leaves, some surprised, but all of them worried about what he'll do next. Tsunade clears her throat to get the others attentions, & after they all turn back to look at the Hokage she motions them to step forward. Tsunade hands each of them an envelope, & dismisses them before taking 1 more out, 1 for her.

Letter to "Granny Tsunade"

Hey, I know I never did this but it wouldn't be right if I never did it. I need to thank you, for believing in me & putting up with me. It always meant a lot to me, even if I didn't always show it. Go easy on Shizune, she really cares about ya. Oh, & please take it easy with the gambling. Finally, even with all the crap I gave you, you meant a lot to me. I looked up to you, more than I'd probably ever admit to your face. Look after Pervy Sage, just look after the village. You mean a lot to all of them. Goodbye Lady Hokage, from Naruto Uzumaki.

As they all exited the Hokage's Residence, they opened their envelopes, some cautiously & others in curiousity.

Letter to "Bushy Brow"

Heya, I always gave you a lot of crap for looking weird, & I'm sorry for that. It's true, but I didn't have to be such a big jerk about it. I know how you feel about Sakura, you never really kept it a secret, but that isn't important. I want you to look after her, & if she accepts you or whoever, they need to be what she deserves. She's tough, but at the same time she can be really...what's the word? Gentle, I guess. She'll need somebody who's always there for her, through the good times & the bad. You won't be the only person I ask to look after her, but I want Sakura to have the best life possible. Please Lee, do that for me. I obviously can't anymore. Thanks for being a good friend, & don't ever let anybody change you Lee. Goodbye, from Naruto Uzumaki.

P.S. Could you hang 1 of those cool jumpsuits wherever my body is, or something. Thanks!

Letter to Ino

Ino, stop worrying about trying to look prettier. Even though you can be kind of a bitch, you're a good looking bitch. Oh, & you should work on not being so much of a bitch, that'd help a lot too. Don't argue so much with Sakura either, both of you deny it, but you're best friends! Just, look out for her Ino. Thanks & goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki.

Letter to Shikamaru

Shikamaru, you're one of my best friends. You have it in you to be a great ninja, maybe even a Hokage someday. I know you'll never admit it, & I'm not sure who knows, but I know you're scared of failing Shikamaru. There are times when you're so determined to succeed, you have it in your mind that failure isn't an option. Other times, no matter how hard you try to hide it, I can see it. I can see fear, but you have nothing to be afraid of Shikamaru. Stand out, put yourself out there, make the damn effort to do things that scare you or make you uncomfortable! If you want to succeed, you can push yourself to, believe it. Good luck Shikamaru, from Naruto Uzumaki.

Letter to Kakashi-sensei & Iruka-sensei

I thought about writing 2 separate letters. When I did, I realized that you both had the same role in my life even thought ya taught me different things. Plus I was running low on paper, so it was...I can't think of the word. Damn...convienient! You'd think traveling with a "great writer" would make this easier, it doesn't. Iruka-sensei, you taught me that I wasn't alone. That I had friends, that they could be the family I didn't have. Kakashi-sensei, you showed me that the ones I care for made me strong. To put it in your words, "those that betray their friends are worse than scum". Together, the 2 of you, along with Pervy Sage, you made me the ninja I am today. You made me the person I am, or was. That's confusing. Anyway, I wanted to thank you both of all that you did & to beg you not to blame yourselves. I'm sure you did all that you could, & I didn't show it enough but I'm grateful for all that you did. Thanks & goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki.

After Kakashi read the letter, he wiped away a single tear & said to himself, "I suppose Iruka should read this today too.", before heading off to find him.

Letter to Neji

Hey Neji. You said before that my eyes can see better than yours sometimes, I never really understood that but it's not important. What is though it that your eyes see more than most ever could, possibly more than people want to see. Use that to bring your family together, to bring the village together. Use your heart to keep them safe. Goodbye Neji. Naruto Uzumaki.

Letter to "Pervy Sage"

You were 1 of the 3 people who made me the ninja I am now. Beyond what you taught, beyond the perversion & embarrassment, you were like a grandfather to me. Yes, I said grandfather, deal with it. Anyway, even with all that went wrong, you were always there when I needed you. Thank you for everything, Master Jirayia. I'll always be grateful for all you did for me. Your student, Naruto Uzumaki.

P.S. Look after Granny Tsunade, she needs you more than she'll ever admit.

Hinata Hyuga walks alone now, clutching the envelope to her, feeling the weight it has inside it. She can't bring herself to accept what it is, but in the back of her mind it rings out, "This is Naruto's goodbye.".

Letter to Hinata

Hinata, there was always something about you. The way you looked at me, the way you smiled, even just the way you said my name. I never understood what it was, but I knew it was something. You'll always mean something to me Hinata, remember that. There's something inside that will help you with that. Goodbye Hinata, from Naruto Uzumaki.

The letter was short & simple, but it spoke volumes to Hinata. She felt around inside the envelope, & found a necklace. It looked to be made of steel, but hanging from the chain was a pendant with the Hyuga crest set on top of the Uzumaki crest; a Yin-Yang set into a simple spiral with a seal surrounding it. Hinata Hyuga sobbed as she put it on, but she told herself to wear it proudly, & hope that Naruto wasn't gone for good.

Letter to Sasuke

I'm sure you know what this is Sasuke, so I won't give you any crap or hold anything back. You're like my brother, my best friend, & my worst enemy all at the same time. Sometimes you piss me off the way you act like you're so cool, but there have been times when you've shown that you truly care. Maybe even in some way, you think about me the same way I think about you. I hate you, but at the same time I can't help but love you like family. Now, I have a couple of things I need you to do for me. 1st, make sure my body is put with my parents. I know Grandma Tsunade or Pervy Sage would never tell me, but they know. 2nd, look after Sakura for me. Maybe you could even give her a chance, it'd mean a lot to her. Finally, I need you to be the 1 that tells the world. Tell the world I'm sorry for failing, for not becoming the Hokage like I promised. I know that's a lot to ask for, but please, do those things for me. Your brother from another mother, Naruto.

P.S. Yeah, I figured that sounded goofy. Hopefully you laughed. Also, I believe in you Sasuke, no matter what happens. Believe it.

Letter to Sakura

Sakura, through all the crap we've gone through, this is probably 1 of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I have so much to say, but I have no clue where to start. I wish I was better at this sort of thing. I guess though, the best place to begin is telling you how I feel. I love you Sakura Haruno, even when you're trying to kick my ass or telling me I'm stupid. I can't hate you for it, I can't even be mad at you for it. 1 look in those eyes, & either I'm afraid of how angry you are or I'm wanting to hold you & kiss you until we can't breathe. It's probably stupid to think about you like that, & it's definitely never going to be real but I want you to know how I feel about you. Now, I need you to do a few things for me, my final requests:

1. Be with Sasuke when he takes care of my body.

2. Promise to me & yourself that you will train to be the best shinobi you can be.

3. However I was lost, be the one that makes things right.

4. Promise to live a happy life, full of love, wherever you may find it.

5. Work to become the Hokage. You're the best person I know for the job Sakura, believe it.

6. No matter what happens, never forget that I love you with all my heart.

Please Sakura, do those things for me. Love, Naruto Uzumaki.

P.S. I hope you like what I made for you. I'm not great at working with metal, but I learned a bit about it while traveling with Pervy Sage.

As Sakura turns the envelope upside down, an iron chain falls out with a glimmering silver medallion on it. She picks it up & looks at it, emotion swelling inside her, rising in her chest. She gasps in surprise as she looks at it, the Uzumaki crest set underneath the Haruno clan crest. A flower, shurikens on the petals, set in a sealed spiral. She almost wants to throw it as she sobs, but she can't bring herself to do it. As she puts the necklace on, she says quietly, "i'll become a great ninja, not just for myself, but for you naruto.".