Chapter 2 The Funeral and the Goal
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Konoha (four days later after Naruto's death)
Sakura was walking the streets of the village wearing her funeral clothes she was heading to the graveyard today was the day that Naruto's funeral was going to be held, and so far she was feeling worst day after day so far she has cry in the past four days without stopping. She has barely have gotten any sleep in those four days she was still trying to get over the fact that Naruto was really gone still hoping that this was a horrible nightmare, everywhere she go she could see his face smiling at her or giving her his fox grin it only brought her to tears even more. That's why she chose to avenge him by killing the one who took him away from her from everyone the bastard Uchiha who left the village for power to fulfill his own revenge on his brother; she growl in anger just thinking about him the only thing she had for him was pure hatred. She was going to avenge her blond teammate no matter what after all she had the Hokage supporting her goal to avenge him remembering what she told her three days ago.
(Flashback to the Hokage's office three days ago)
"Please Tsunade-sama train me as your apprentice"
Tsunade was surprise to hear this she look into her jade eyes and she saw a powerful spark shinning in them it was pure determination, the determination to become strong she gave a small smile before looking back at her with a serious expression.
"Why do you want me to train you what about the jounins I'm sure I can find you a perfect jounin to train you?"
The pink hair genin shook her head" no I don't want a jounin to train me I only want you Tsunade-sama"
She raised an eyebrow at her comment" really and why me?"
"Because I want to be a strong medic ninja and you're the strongest medic ninja in the village I want to be train by the best of the best"
She smile in her mind still keeping her composure and her serious expression" Sakura I'm flatter but I'm the Hokage and as you can see I'm always busy because I have to deal with the devil works doing paperwork not to mention that I have to prepare the preparations for Naruto's funeral I am sorry Sakura but I can't"
Sakura flinch hearing the name of the blond but she gaze at her again with determination burning in her eyes" please Tsunade-sama I want to become the strongest medic ninja in the village I want to protect Konoha and my friends I don't want to lose another dear friend, I also must achieve my life goal"
Tsunade was taken when she heard the last part" and what is that life goal might be Sakura?"
This time Tsunade saw determination mix with hatred in her jade eyes she gave her an even serious look than before" I want to avenge Naruto I want to kill Uchiha Sasuke"
The Hokage's eyes widened and she couldn't believe what she was hearing this she was the last person to think she will say something like this, just recently she love Sasuke until she found out about Naruto's death for once she thought that it wasn't a simple fan girl crush that she really real loved him. But it looks like all that love she had for him turn into hate it seems that the death of the blond jinchuuriki open her eyes to reality that the Uchiha was not the kind of person she thought he was, she felt sorry for her she must be feeling betrayed and heartbroken but most of all pissed at him for killing her blond teammate and joining up with a bastard like Orochimaru. She sighed somehow she knew why she wanted to have revenge against the Uchiha it was very obvious, she face her again while remaining her serious expression.
"Sakura you think that Naruto's death was your fault?"
"Yes Tsunade-sama" she quickly answered.
"Why?"
"Because I was so selfish and stupid that I actually beg him to bring that bastard back to the village when it wasn't worthy to even go after him in the first place, I finally realize that he never care for our team he only wanted power and nothing else it's my fault Naruto was killed by him" she said while holding her tears.
Tsunade sighed while rubbing her temples" Sakura it wasn't your fault this is Naruto we were talking about even if you didn't beg him to bring him back he would have still go after him no matter what you said to him, because that was the kind of person he was a caring person who will do anything for his friends even if that friend was a power hungry bastard that wants nothing but revenge" tears were forming at the corner of her eyes again.
"You don't understand Tsunade-sama I….."
Tsunade cut her off" that's enough I am terribly sorry Sakura but I will have to decline your offer I am not going to train you if the only thing you have in life is revenge I don't want you to follow in Sasuke's footsteps the life of an avenger is a worst life than a ninja in the end you have nothing but pain and sorrow leading to death now please go I have paperwork to do"
Sakura stood quiet for a moment she wasn't going to take no for an answer she was going to get raining from the Hokage one way or the other" Tsunade-sama?"
"What you're still here I told you to go already I have crap work to do" she said without looking her only focusing on the large pile paperwork on her desk.
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
She sighed feeling a headache coming on" yes what is it?"
"What do you think of Jiraiya-sama?"
She looked at her while raising her left eyebrow" huh what do you mean?"
"You and Jiraiya-sama used to be in the same genin team with Orochimaru right?"
"Yes that is correct" she said not knowing what she was trying to prove.
"Tell me if Orochimaru kills Jiraiya-sama would you avenge him by killing him?" she said in a serious tone.
Tsunade felt anger rising in her as she glare at the pink hair genin" are you trying to black mail me so I can have you as my apprentice let me warn you blackmailing the Hokage is a serious crime I can have you arrested or worst"
"No Tsunade-sama with all due respect that's not what I'm doing I just want you to put yourself in my shoes for a moment if you really care for Jiraiya-sama and consider him a great friend right?"
The female Hokage stood quiet before nodding her head" yes I do he's a great friend"
"Then if Orochimaru kills him would you have revenge by killing him?"
She nodded" if that was the case then yes but that's not what happened when he left the village they say history repeats itself and it's true, Sakura let me tell you the story of revenge here in Konoha this goes back when the leaf village was founded and built my grandfather the first Hokage became good friends with the founder of the Uchiha clan Uchiha Madara. However he was jealous of the first because he wanted to get the position of the first Hokage so he left the village swearing revenge on the village but not before he faced my grandfather at the valley of the end where they fought and he killed Madara"
Sakura blink" the valley of the end but that was the same…"
"Yes Sakura it was the same place where Naruto and Sasuke fought and ironically they were best friends just like the first and Madara do you know where I'm going with this?"
"I guess so"
"Now another time when Sarutobi sensei was about to retire as Hokage and they were looking who was going to become the fourth Hokage Orochimaru wanted to take the position however, Sarutobi sensei knew that Orochimaru didn't have a good heart and he wasn't right for the position even if he considered him he's favorite student he chose Jiraiya's student Namikaze Minato who became the fourth Hokage. Orochimaru was not happy and in the end he left the village but not before facing Sarutobi sensei because they have found out that he was performing illegal experiments on human beings so he left in hopes to gain power to have revenge on the village"
Sakura nodded" I see what you're trying to tell me about the concept of revenge I know it's wrong but I want revenge because I want to avenge my friend not because I want to destroy the village"
Tsunade sighed again" let me tell you the whole story Sakura I was so much like you when I was your age and Jiraiya was just like Naruto always a loudmouth a knucklehead and a stupid pervert, when we were kids I treated him the same way you treat Naruto Jiraiya was always trying to ask me out but I always rejected him. I thought of him as an idiot who can never do anything right he was not ninja material unlike Orochimaru who was the best at everything yes he was just like Sasuke and before I realize I fell in love with him"
Sakura gave her a very shocking look" Tsunade-sama you were in love with Orochimaru"
(Ewwwww gross) inner Sakura said disgusted.
"I know Sakura I was as blind as you when it came to boys but as the years went by I realize Jiraiya was a great friend and a ninja little by little he became a strong ninja, the point is when Orochimaru left the village I beg for him to bring him back no matter what and he promised me he was going to bring him back I believe him and I was so grateful that I have a friend like him"
Sakura was shock Tsunade was really like her she continued listening to her story with high interest.
"Eventually Jiraiya confronted Orochimaru but no they didn't fought in the valley in the end they fought in a forest located at the border of the fire country, the fight was brutal in the end Orochimaru won and he got away. As for Jiraiya he didn't die but luckily for me I decided to follow him along with the medical team, and that's when I saw him all wounded almost at the brink of death I healed him along with the team if I didn't have show up on time any minute now he would have died"
Sakura saw as tears started falling from her eyes she could still remember that day like it happened yesterday" so you see Sakura I have an idea what is the pain you're feeling right now it hurts to lose a great friend"
"Does that mean that you will take me as your apprentice?" she said in a high anticipated tone.
Tsunade stood quiet before smiling" yes Sakura I will I want to support you in hunting Uchiha Sasuke but please don't take the dark path of revenge remember that you still have friends who care about you"
"I know Tsunade-sama like I told you before I don't want to lose another friend"
"Good then we will begin our training in medical ninjutsu first thing tomorrow you are dismissed"
"Thank you Tsunade-sama I promised you I won't let you down" she then left the office while the Hokage smile.
(I have a feeling Sakura you won't)
(End of flashback)
After that she became her apprentice and she started her training in learning medical ninjutsu she knew how important is to learn healing jutsus she was going to need them if she wanted to become a strong kunoichi. One thing that made her felt terrible after Naruto's death was the reaction of Hinata she couldn't forget the look on her face when she told him the horrible news of the blond ninja.
(Flashback to Konoha hospital four days ago after meeting Tsunade)
Sakura was walking to the streets of the village while thinking since she was going to start learning medical ninjutsu it was important to learn the basics of the human body, what better place to learn about that in books she was heading to the library. That's when she passed the hospital and saw two familiar ninjas leaving the building one was Aburame Shino and the other was the Hyuga heiress from the Hyuga clan Hinata, she saw the looks in their faces and something was really bothering them she thought that they have found out about Naruto. For one day she wanted to forget about the fact that Naruto was dead since his death it was still killing her with guilt and every time she thinks about she starts crying without stopping, she saw that the two genins wet to her and she wish she would have been quick to evade but nevertheless she gave both of them a smile.
"Hey guys"
"Sa…ku..ra…san how are you?" Hinata shutter as always.
"We went to visit everyone that went to retrieve Sasuke we just got back from visiting Neji, Chouji and Kiba but….." Shino said.
"But what?" she said not sounding surprised what he was going to tell her believing Shikamaru must have tell them about Naruto.
"When we went to see them they didn't even wanted to talk to us they didn't said a word to us….Neji look so depressed I am so worry about him I don't know what could be wrong with him" Hinata said concern.
"The same with Kiba he was upset but he didn't wanted to say what was bothering him something is really up with him and as for Chouji he was the worst, because Ino brought him a basket full of fruits and he hasn't eaten a single one since he wake up from his operation when in truth he would have eaten the whole basket In less than an hour" Shino said in his casual tone.
(Great why couldn't they tell them now I have to be the one to deliver the bad news I don't want to cry again) inner Sakura whine.
"Sakura what happened where is Sasuke and Naruto?" Shino said in a serious tone instead of his casual tone.
"The people at the hospital didn't told us a word why where is Narutokun?" Hinata said sounding more worry.
Sakura clear her mind she didn't wanted to tell anyone about this she was actually expecting that some jounin like Kakashi or Shikamaru to tell them about Naruto, but now that she was here she didn't have a choice both Shino and HInata were expecting to finally hear about the whereabouts of the two ninjas it was now or never.
"First of all Sasuke got away he left to join Orochimaru he's now a traitor of the village"
Hinata was shock hearing this but Shino was really shock not because Sasuke left to join an S rank criminal like Orochimaru but at the tone Sakura has said it which was cold and full of hatred. Second she has called him Sasuke without using his suffix for him that was enough to make him suspect that something was definitely wrong.
"Sakura-san what about….Na.ruto-kun?" Hinata said with fear in her voice.
Once again she stood quiet she knew this was going to be a devastating blow to the Hyuga heiress, she knew very well of her big crush for Naruto and once she hears the terrible news about him she wasn't going to be the same ever again. She look at her pale eyes pleading to her that she told her where the blond was while silently praying that nothing has happen to him, she couldn't take it anymore she curse in her mind as she started crying again she was always so easy to cry since she was little.
"Hinata….I'm so sorry but……Naruto's gone….he's dead"
As soon as she said those words Hinata's skin turn pale from pure fear as she felt that everything around her has stop like someone has frozen time, she processed the information to her mind until she finally understood what it meant. She felt her tears falling from her face like a rain that will never end, she sob hard while trying not to believe what she just heard Naruto was gone her blond crush since the academy was really dead. She suddenly grabbed Sakura by her shoulders while sobbing uncontrollably and Sakura continues to let her tears fall.
"No……it's not true…….please Sakura-san it's not true…..please tell me it's not true……Naruto-kun is not gone he's not dead…..PLEASE TELL ME IT'S NOT TRUE" by now Shino try to calm her but it was no use she was too devastated to be control.
"I'm sorry Hinata its true its killing me too" she said while more tears fell.
"NO IT CAN'T BE NO NARUTO-KUN" she shouted at the top of her lungs before fainting.
Shino grab her preventing her from falling to the ground he knew this news have destroyed her completely" don't worry Sakura I will take her back to her home"
"Yeah that's all right I just wish there was something I can do for her" she said while drying her tears.
"Right now Hinata needs time alone to let the wound in her heart to heal it will take time but I have a feeling she will overcome this tragedy she may not look like it but she's a very strong person I believe in her and so should you"
Sakura smile at his words" yeah I will thanks Shino"
He then put Hinata's arm around his shoulder and started walking carrying her back to the Hyuga compound.
"Wait Shino"
The Aburame turn his back to look at her without answering back to her waiting to know what she wanted to tell him.
She stare at the ground" about Naruto?"
"Are you asking me how I feel about his death, like any Konoha ninja I will missed him he was a good friend and ally I can see that a lot of people are hurt by his death this isn't how we supposed to be acting I know that Naruto wanted us to be happy instead of grieving over him at least that's what I think he was never the kind of person who wanted others to feel sadness over him but rather to respect him as a human being and a friend"
She shifted her look back to him her jade eyes widened in shock at the words of wisdom from the insect user as she watch him leave carrying the fainted Hinata, she couldn't help but smile at his words somehow she felt so much better and happy. He was right Naruto was the most unselfish person she has ever met always thinking about his friends instead of himself he would ever wanted them to cry over him even if he wasn't here with them anymore, she as she began walking to the library.
(Thank you very much Shino you don't how much you help me with your words)
(End of flashback)
She sighed happily even if she was on her way to Naruto's funeral she was still at Shino's words but when the time comes she will shed her tears for him because it was worthy to cry for a great friend like blond ninja, she was really going to miss him a lot and she never knew she was going to miss him at all she has finally realize how much Naruto's friendship meant to her and she couldn't be any prouder to have a friend like him. She suddenly felt anger towards some of the people of the village they were still treating Naruto bad even after his death, she couldn't forget what happen yesterday after she left from the Hokage tower after doing some medical ninjutsu training with Tsunade she could still feel the anger at that day.
(Flashback to yesterday)
Sakura just left the Hokage tower after doing another day of medical ninjutsu training with the Hokage and she was happy with herself so far she has started to learn a few basic healing jutsus these were definitely the times she was glad that she had excellent chakra control. She took a turn on a corner until she pass a bar and she heard laughter follow by singing and cheering she obviously thought that they it was a normal for adults to behave in a bar, until she heard something from one of the men which they were pretty much drunk.
"CHEERS finally the demon brat is dead"
"CHEERS"
"Yeah Konoha is finally free from that filthy demon brat now we can finally live in peace without any fear"
"Come on people let's sing along together about the demon brat finally being dead"
"Yeah you guys don't know how happy I am that he's finally dead"
"You're telling me I was always praying to Kami so he can finally killed him"
"In the end he heard all of our prayers and killed him"
"I will drink to that"
"Yeah let's make a toast to the death of the demon brat"
"CHEERS"
Sakura was hearing everything from outside of the bar with pure hatred reflected in her jade eyes she knew who they were talking about, she remember when she was little she heard some of the villagers calling Naruto a demon even if she didn't know why would they call him that. She knew that the villagers were always looking at him with so much hatred and even then she didn't know why he was consider the number one prankster in the village, but still that doesn't give them enough reason to hate him so much like they want him dead. She couldn't take it anymore these people were celebrating for the death of her teammate and there was no chance in hell she was going to let this go without giving them some punishment, she enter the bar and saw the table where the crazy villagers were having their celebration she glare at them with so much hate.
One of the drunks notice her" yeah what you want kid?"
"Why are you people celebrating about?" she said in a cold tone.
"Sorry kid we can't tell you no scram" one of them said while giving the gesture with his hand telling her to go.
"I'm just a little curious to know I can keep a secret" she said in the same tone.
"Fine were celebrating a glorious event in Konoha's history the demon brat is finally dead it's truly a happy day for the village indeed"
She tightened her fist so much that they look like they were ready to bleed while glaring at the drunks with a killer intent how dare they celebrate the death of her teammate like it was a joyful holiday, she wasn't going to take this anymore they were going to pay for being happy at the death of Naruto.
(CHA these bastards are going to get an ass beating) inner Sakura said in pure rage.
She charge at them catching them completely off guard since they were very drunk and started punching them and kicking them with all her strength beating the living crap out of them.
"WHAT THE HELL YOU BRAT"
"YOU BITCH STOP IT"
"SOMEBODY HELP"
The other people started panicking at the scene seeing a young genin attacking a couple of defenseless villagers some of the people of the bar were about to interfere, that is until they saw Sakura fight they immediately back off she was really pissed and they value their lives they didn't wanted to become the next victim in the pink hair genins punishment list. The fight was cut short when one of the AMBU ninjas wearing a cat mask who was patrolling the area stop the fight and took her out of the bar vanishing in a cloud of smoke.
At the Hokage's office Tsunade was still doing her paperwork and she was not happy this part of the job of being Hokage was the one that she hated the most, she could feel a headache coming it always happen whenever she does this work luckily she was already prepare as she had her glass of sake and a couple of aspirins. Suddenly a cloud of smoke appear revealing the AMBU ninja holding Sakura who was now at the brink of tears, Tsunade was shock the only reason for an AMBU to be holding her was that she was being a threat to the village but that was impossible she gaze at her new apprentice with shock.
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked the AMBU.
"Pardon me Hokage-sama but I found her beating up a couple of local villagers in a bar they were drunk"
The blond Hokage was more shock at her apprentice behavior she look at her with so much shock and disappointment" is this true Sakura did you really attack a couple of Konoha citizens it is against the law for a Konoha ninja to attack a civilian and that also applies to genins in your case the result of your act leads to house arrest for three weeks not to mention I can strip you off your rank as an ninja of Konoha forever what were you thinking?"
Sakura didn't answer by now she was crying, while Tsunade sighed she gaze at the AMBU" thank you Tenzou you may go"
"Yes Hokage-sama" he bows before vanishing in a cloud of smoke.
She gaze back at the crying Sakura" well are you going to tell me why you attack those citizens and stop crying already"
"I have a very good reason to attack them" she said while drying her tears.
"And what would that be?"
"They were celebrating for Naruto's death they were actually happy that he was gone they were cheering, drinking and singing I couldn't believe what I was seeing why…why would they be so happy that he's gone, and not just them but the whole village too I have seen it the way they have always look at him with so much hatred like they would kill him why…Naruto hasn't done nothing wrong. I know that he was a prankster, annoying and a loudmouth but that doesn't give them a reason to hate him so much I just don't know why" she started sobbing again.
Tsunade stood quiet of course Sakura didn't know the reason why almost the entire village hated the blond ninja, she was happy for moment thinking how loyal and deep her friendship was to the diseased Naruto it proves that she really cared for him. She hated the fact that a lot of people were happy that he was dead that right now while she was thinking they were celebrating and cheering that he was gone, she consider all of those people for being ignorant for not knowing Naruto for what he was which was truly a remarkable ninja nit the demon fox Kyubi. She saw Sakura finally drying her tears realizing how much she has suffer with his departure in the afterlife it was worst that she was blaming herself for his death, she was now taking a new path by avenging him for her sake and his.
"Tsunade-sama do you know why the village hate Naruto so much?"
Tsunade eyes widened even if she was now allowed to tell her the truth about Naruto she has plans to tell everyone about it tomorrow at his funeral, the only thing she could do was to wait one more day to tell her but for now it was better to just tell her a simple white lie.
"No Sakura I don't know why the villagers never like Naruto for his pranks you know he has gotten in so much trouble in the past so don't worry about it"
"I'm sure that can't be it I mean why would they call him demon?"
"That's enough Sakura you should go and prepare for the funeral tomorrow, now because you had a pretty good reason to attack those citizens I'm going to let you off the hook this time but make sure you don't do it again understood?"
"Yes Tsunade-sama"
"Good now you're dismissed"
She nodded and bow before leaving the office and Tsunade sighed.
(Don't worry Sakura you will know the truth about Naruto tomorrow I promise)
(End of flashback)
Somehow she could tell that Tsunade was hiding something from her was she keeping a secret about Naruto she has been asking herself for a while now why would the village called him a demon, if perhaps the Hokage was keeping a secret from her then maybe there was a good reason behind it. She sighed there was no use to keep thinking about it and continued walking towards the graveyard that's when she saw Ino also wearing funeral clothes she was also attending Naruto's funeral, she smile at her while the Yamanaka did the same but they didn't said a word to each after all they were about to attend to the funeral of their friend.
Minutes later they arrived at the graveyard site and they were quite surprise to see that it was full of people it looks like every single citizen and ninja of Konoha were present in this ceremony, they saw everyone from the rookie nine including Chouji and Neji because they just were release from the hospital after their operation but they something was wrong about the two genins. Sakura could see the looks of sorrow and depression in their faces Ino told her after finding out that Naruto was dead he started eating less and less, pretty soon he stop eating and both Ino and Shikamaru have to actually give him the food who would've thought something like that would actually happen she knew Chouji was going to miss the blond ninja. Neji was another person who was going to miss the blond even if he didn't show it he had a big respect for him ever since he defeated him at the chunin exams and Naruto made him realize that fate doesn't control people but it was the other way around, he has gain a new level of respect towards him and help him change into a better person.
Besides the rookie nine they chunins and jounin were also present among them were Kakashi, Gai, Kurenai, Asuma, Anko and others more, others were present like the grandson of the third Hokage Sarutobi Konohamaru who was join by his two friends Moegi and Udon. When Konohamaru found out that Naruto was dead he was devastated the same with Moegi and Udon he was crying endlessly day after day Naruto he has considered Naruto his best friend more than a rival, he was also another person who was sharing his dream of becoming Hokage. Another person who was taken Naruto's horribly was the teacher of the ninja academy Umino Iruka who was worst than Konohamaru the poor man has been crying for days without stopping, to him Naruto was like a son and even if the Kyubi was responsible for the death of his parents he has never shown any hatred towards the blond he has seen for who he truly is not for the demon he had inside.
Finally the last people who were present were members of the Konoha council like Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Aburame Shibi , Hyuga Hiashi, and the eldest members Homura and Kotaku who were teammates of the third and the war hawk Danzou. Tsunade arrived with Shizune and look at the large crowd in front of her everyone was finally here, she grin devilish to herself seeing the old farts of the council because she order them to come to the funeral because in truth they have always hated Naruto since his birth this was her way of getting even with them. She face the crowd of citizens and ninjas ready to speak to them it was now or never she was about to finally tell the S rank secret that her teacher the third Hokage made into a law in order for Naruto to have a regular and happy childhood, but she knew that he never had a happy childhood even with the law he was treated like a demon instead of a human child. She look at the gravestone which had Naruto's name and a picture of him doing his famous fox grin, tears were forming in her eyes just by looking at the picture she gaze back at the huge crowd ad clear her throat before speaking.
"Everyone we are gather here to honor a very special ninja a person who we may not admit it but he has change our lives for the better, he has given us hope and believe in what it was worth fighting for which is the safety of our village Konoha. I know very well when I mention the name of Uzumaki Naruto a lot of you will say that he's the loudmouth knucklehead who was always doing pranks always causing trouble and even if he was annoying in reality he was a desperate child who wanted to get our attention and affection he was really suffering very much on the inside, some of you thought he was a nuisance some of you thought he was annoying others thought he wasn't worth of talking to and others just hated him"
The crowd were still silent listening to every word of the Hokage some were already crying like HInata who was next to her younger sister Hanabi and her father Hiashi, ever since she find out about Naruto she hasn't stop crying until she fainted from exhaustion she has taken the death of her blond crush worst than anyone in the village. Tsunade gaze at the crowd who were still listening to her speech and she could see some of the people were starting to change their expressions, almost everyone present were people who hated the blond jinchuuriki but after she began her speech the people started looking different from an angry scowl to a look of confusion it was a good start so far as for the council that was another story they were still looking arrogant and secretly glad that Naruto was finally gone.
She took a deep breath continuing with her speech" But there is a reason why he was treated like this why they turn their backs on him why he was always hated and rejected by so many, and why a lot of people from this village wanted him dead and today they are here present very glad that he's no longer among us" she then started hearing the people murmuring while others were just confused but she saw Sakura looking at her with a shock expression she knew what she was thinking.
"It was never Naruto's fault that he was hated so much he was a child that was raised on his own without a mother and a father to take care of him and give him the warmth of parental love" she paused when she saw the elder members of the council giving her a shock look like they knew what she was going to say but she ignore them while the people who knew the truth about Naruto weren't shock at all they knew there was no point in keeping it a secret any longer" What am I about to tell to all of you it's an S rank secret which the third made it into a law protecting Naruto's chance for a better life even if it didn't help much the secret is about the attack on the village thirteen years ago by the nine tails fox demon Kyubi"
Hearing the name of the fox demon a lot of people gasp while others could still remember the terrible carnage and destruction that the mighty demon caused, all the ninjas that die ninjas who had families friends, some of the people were angry hearing the name of the fox demon and they immediately began to think about Naruto ad they hatred towards him since they only saw the demo and not a human child. The younger generation who didn't know about the truth were confuse along with the rookie nine including Sakura, they didn't know what she was talking about after all they got a lesson about the Kyubi's attack on the village back at the academy.
"I'm sure to the young ones and the genins present you were told at the academy that the Kyubi was killed by the fourth Hokage I'm sorry to say this but that is not true that was the law of the third Hokage to never mention the truth of that attack, but not anymore today I will tell you the truth of the attack of the village by the fox demon. The truth is that as strong as the fourth was he couldn't killed the Kyubi so the only thing he could do was to perform a forbidden jutsu sacrificing his life and sealing the demon in a newborn baby, on that day Namikaze Minato our fourth Hokage made a great sacrifice because he sealed the Kyubi inside his newborn and only son…" she trailed off looking at the shock faces of the genins and the children they couldn't believe that the hero of the village had a son" His son and the one who had to carry the burden of the Kyubi sealed inside of him was Uzumaki Naruto"
Tsunade heard the loud gasp of shock from the rookie nine follow by the children including Konohamaru and his friends they couldn't believe that the fourth sealed the fox demon in his own son, everyone was shock among them was Hinata who started crying harder now she finally understood why the village hated him she cry so much that she fainted and her father caught her trying to calm her. But the one person who was more shock than anyone was Sakura who was letting her tears fall again she finally understood it made perfect sense why the people hated him and they all treated him so bad, hearing this she only felt more guilty because she didn't treated him any better and to think he was the son of the greatest Hokage there was. She truly regrets treated him bad all those times she started thinking how much he was suffering with no parents having a demon sealed in you and the village hating you to death the pain and the loneliness was so horrible, she also realized something about the blond why he was always pulling pranks.
(I see now he pull those pranks as his way to get attention and acknowledgement he never thought he was lonely he only focus on being a prankster so he could catch the attention of the village, the same goes when he was at the academy he become the joker of the class to get our attention oh Naruto if I knew I would have treated you better)
"Now I know what you all are thinking why would the fourth Hokage would do such a thing to his own son well because there was no other way he needed a new born to sealed the Kyubi, however he was too kind he couldn't get another child to carry this burden so he used his own flesh and blood to be the one to carry the Kyubi as its container. Please understand his sacrifice Namikaze Minato love this village more than anyone so he chose his own son to bear this horrible burden for us let us respect his sacrifice, also Minato made a last wish before dying he gave to the third Hokage that Naruto should be treated a hero for being the one to carry the Kyubi by having it sealed inside of him he prevents the fox from escaping keeping Konoha safe but we all know that's not what happened"
She continued looking at the crowd and they were still shock especially the children Konohamaru was crying along with Moegi and Udon the rookie nine were shock, but she saw tears in their faces from Rock Lee,Ino, TenTen, Kiba, Neji, Shikamaru and Chouji which was a big surprise to her. She then gaze at his new apprentice Sakura who look devastated at the shocking revelation with her face filled with tears she could tell she was in pain regretting everything she did to him while the feeling more guilty for his death than ever. She took a look at the jounins and some were shock while others still couldn't believe it Kakashi was the only one who wasn't shock since he knew the truth about Naruto's father all along after all the fourth was his teacher, Anko was pissed having learn that Naruto was the son of the fourth and the village treated him like crap made her very upset how much they love the fourth and yet they treated his son worst than garbage.
"I will be speaking for the fourth now I know very well if Minato was still alive and he saw the kind of treatment you all gave to his son Naruto he would have been crushed, betrayed, broken, disappointed and most of all angry, to see the village that he loved so much that he gave his own life to sealed the Kyubi and sealed it in his son to make the ultimate sacrifice for us and with his last wish to treat his son as a hero but instead we hate him reject him attempt to kill him to do that we are betraying and disrespecting the man who gave his life for us the same man we consider him as the hero of the village. Did you all love the fourth Hokage so much did you all saw him as a hero when in truth we turn our back on him and betrayed him by unleashing your anger on his only son by saying that you hate Naruto you're all spitting in the image of the fourth himself"
When Tsunade said those cold and truthful words the crowd was shock in realization they have finally understood the fourth sacrifices, now she was staring at the people who hated Naruto crying over their mistake in betraying the last wish of the fourth and treat his son like a hero she never thought she would see the day to see the whole village crying over Naruto's death and the fourth's sacrifice. She saw something shocking she saw the elder members of the council at least Homura and Kotaru with tears falling from their eyes I guess there was a first time for everything, she always thought they were a bunch coldhearted statues looks like she was wrong the only one who didn't cry was Danzou who was still quiet hearing her speech what else was new. Pretty soon her own tears started falling she was about broke down crying but not yet she needed to finish her speech then she could cry all that she wanted, she gaze at the children and the genins namely the rookie nine who were sheeding their tears for the blond ninja.
"Now I ask the academy students and the genins can you really hate Naruto can you really hate him for something that wasn't his fault would you called him a demon would you reject him for being the container of the Kyubi, because when I looked at him I never saw the demon fox but a kind and hardworking person who had a dream of becoming Hokage so he could earn the respect from each and one of you. But to me he earn my respect a long time ago because to me Uzumaki Naruto was the bravest person I have ever met not just for being the one to carry the burden of the Kyubi but for getting back to his feet every time he was beat up by a village mob for each time he had to look at the hateful glares the village gave him, for each time he was ignored for each time when the parents of their children pick them up from the academy and he had to walk to his home on his own and finally for not giving up on his dream no matter how impossible it look"
"Now that's he's gone he will never fulfill that dream to me Uzumaki Naruto was a true ninja and a hero he was the one that saved us from the sand demon Shukaku when the sand and sound village invaded Konoha at the chunin exams he also convince me to return to the village to become the fifth Hokage, even when I didn't wanted to return because of my painful past that's right it's because of him that I am standing here as your Hokage, and also he did whatever he could to bring back a traitor back to the village and he died trying even if that traitor didn't deserve to be brought back" she finish the last part with anger in her voice.
Sakura clench her fist in anger while her face was full of tears when she heard that it was true it was because of that traitor that Naruto died and because of her, but she was going to change that soon she wasn't going to let the blond ninjas sacrifice be in vain no matter what.
Tsunade try to dry her tears but more came" so please whether you hate him or not let's not forget who was Uzumaki Naruto and the sacrifices he had to endure and accomplish for our village even with the hell he had to endure like his father he loved Konoha very much, let's hold a moment of silence and later we pay our respects to him"
Silence fell on the funeral as each ninja and citizen lower their heads and each gave a silent prayer for Naruto the, everyone was still crying the moment of silence felt like an hour of silence but it only lasted a minute. Pretty soon they started putting flowers on his grave the rookie nine were the first to put their flowers while giving a small prayer, after a few hours the people started leaving while giving one final farewell to the son of the fourth Hokage the container of the Kyubi Uzumaki Naruto. Tsunade left the graveyard with Shizune and TonTon both women were crying they were going to miss the blond ninja, Shizune has seen Naruto like a son like Tsunade and she will never forget him for as long she will live.
"Tsunade-sama that was the most heartwarming speech I have ever listen" Shizune said while taking a handkerchief and blew her nose.
"It was all true every word I have I said in that speech I mean it all I will never forget Naruto I will forever remember him as the true hero that he is now come on Shizune all of this talking have made me want to drink sake"
Shizune smile at least she was back to normal now ever since Naruto's death she has stop drinking and gambling at least this was a good start for her to move on, Tsunade smile remembering seeing the faces of the villagers she can tell they have finally lifted their hatred towards Naruto and she couldn't be any happier.
(Naruto I wish you could be here to see this they have finally accepted you)
Soon it started raining and by now everyone have left the graveyard everyone except for Sakura who was still looking at Naruto's gravestone especially his picture of him with his fox grin, she has never feel so guilty in her whole life after the blond has endure so much since he was born to find out he was the son of the hero of the village. She continued letting her tears fall as she was now soaked in the rain Naruto was always treated like a he was a monster when it was never his fault to begin and she was one of the people who treated him badly, she was now more determined to achieve her goal in avenging him by killing the bastard Uchiha. Sometimes she wonders what the hell did she ever saw in Sasuke to like him so much she wish she could have gone back to the past and became friends with Naruto sooner, but she knew that the past is the past and there was nothing she could do to change that. The only thing she had right now was her goal and she was going to make sure to get strong to fight Sasuke and kill him so she could avenge Naruto and let his soul rest in peace.
She gaze at his grave with a weak smile" I know I don't deserve your forgiveness after how I treated you in the past but I know one thing for sure I will kill Sasuke for you I promise you I won't let your sacrifice be in vain because you did it for me to make me happy, I will become strong and avenge you Naruto if it's the last thing I do so help me this is my promise of the life time"
She dry her tears while smiling at his picture (you were a true friend I should have let you in my life but it's too late for that because I chose the emo cold hearted bastard dear Kami I was such a blind fool to like someone like HIM)
(No need to feel sorry now what is done is done so it's time to get strong to hunt down the Uchiha teme) inner Sakura said while raising a fist.
(The rain is getting colder I should probably head back now)
"What you're still here you'll catch a cold"
Sakura look behind her to see an older man with spiky log white hair wearing a red and green outfit and red paint lining on the sides of his black eyes, she has never met him before so she didn't knew who he was.
"Yes who are you?"
The man smile" I guess this is the first time you see me the name Is Jiraiya the great toad mountain sage and one of Konoha's legendary sanin"
Sakura smile knowing who he is" oh yes you're Jiraiya-sama Tsunade-sama told me about you it's an honor to meet you have you come to visit Naruto too?"
The man got serious before nodding he walk getting closer to the grave stone of the blond ninja" I came to give my respects to my student I just needed to see him"
Sakura blink at the realization" wait you were Naruto's teacher?"
"Yes but not for long he's gone forever and I regret not teaching him enough if I have this wouldn't have never happen to him but the biggest regret I feel is never telling him how proud I was of him he was truly a hardworking genius I mean he learn an A rank jutsu like rasengan in just one week when it took Minato three years to master it now that's what I called surpassing his father" he made a slight chuckle.
"So you also trained the fourth Hokage so you train the father and son you must be proud of both of them" she smiled at the toad sanin.
"Yes I was proud of those two more than you know when Minato died I was broken but I was also proud of him because he gave his life to save Konoha and now that Naruto is death I'm disappointed in myself I should have taken more priority in him but now it's too late"
Sakura lower her head she just met another person who's also devastated for Naruto's death maybe he had regrets like her maybe talking to him would make her feel better.
"I feel the same way too I regret so many things I regret not opening more to Naruto after learning about the Kyubi I feel like being his friend I regret not getting to know him better, and I regret making him made that stupid promise to me and now he's death some friend I turn out to be"
"Don't blame yourself Naruto was doing what he thought it was right to help a friend in need that was the kind of person he was he reminds me at myself when I was a kid" he gave a smirk.
Sakura giggle" I know Tsunade-sama told me about you and her and the time when you made her the promise to bring Orochimaru back"
"Oh I see so she told you about that I would do anything for her she's a dear friend to me I just can't believe that she actually like Orochimaru what in the world did she ever saw in him?"
"Yeah I agree tsunade-sama must have the worst taste in men like me"
""I'll say but back then she was young and a fan girl she really has change a lot it's good to think about the good old days"
"Jiraiya-sama there's one thing that I still don't understand about Naruto and the fourth"
"What is it?"
"Well if Naruto was the son of the fourth then why he's called Uzumaki shouldn't he be Namikaze too?"
"Didn't Tsunade tell you about that?"
"She told us everything except for that"
"I see I don't have a problem to tell you Minato had many enemies and it was worst when he became Hokage if his enemies found out that he had a son they would have done whatever it takes to capture him and used as a weapon, so he kept Naruto's birth a secret and gave him the last name Uzumaki from his wife Uzumaki Kushina Naruto's mother she was a strong ninja from whirlpool country"
"Whirlpool country?" she said puzzle never hearing of the place.
"It was a small ninja village but it was destroyed during the second ninja war Kushina left to live with Minato in Konoha and they secretly got marry unfortunately she died giving birth to Naruto"
"I feel so bad for Naruto he died without finding out who was his parents his life was so cruel and unfair I take all the horrible things I did to him"
"Don't feel bad I'm sure that he must be reunited with Minato and Kushina he's finally together with them"
She smile while looking at the village in the distance" well I better get going I'm soaked wet and I really don't want to catch a cold it was a pleasure talking to you Jiraiya-sama"
"The pleasure was all mine" the toad sanin said with a smile.
She then left the graveyard running while Jiraiya look back at Naruto's grave.
(Goodbye Naruto you were a great student like Minato at least things are not so bad with the Kyubi dead Akatsuki won't be getting their hands on his power but I doubt they will give up in whatever scheme they're planning)
Dark cavern (unknown location)
In the depths of a dark cave nine shadowy holographic figures appeared one of them were familiar one had sharingan eyes and the other had a long sword on his back, there was another figure with spiky hair and mysterious eyes.
"Why have you summoned us leader-sama?" a shorter figure said.
"Yeah it's been seven years since we have a meeting" the figure with the long sword who was obviously Hoshigaki Kisame said.
"I have some disappointing news" the figure with the mysterious eyes who was the leader said.
"And what were those be?" an unknown figure said.
"The Kyubi jinchuuriki is dead" the leader said.
"What that's impossible who killed him?" ask a shock Kisame.
"It was Uchiha Sasuke" the leader said.
"You're brother Itachi?" Kisame said looking at the figure with sharingan eyes who was Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi stood quiet while the leader continued talking.
"It seems Sasuke has joined Orochimaru now" the leader said.
"So a traitor has joined up with another traitor how amusing" an unknown figure said in an amused tone.
"Leader-sama what are we going to do now that the Kyubi is dead?' Itachi said.
"Yeah without the Kyubi capturing the other Bijuus is pointless" Kisame said.
"No our plan can still work with only eight" the leader said.
"But the Kyubi was the most powerful Bijuu of them all the plan won't be so effective" the shorter figure said.
"It can still work no matter what even if the Kyubi is dead the plan will still work we will continued working for our goal" the leader said while the others nodded in agreement" that will be all dismissed"
The nine figures vanish from the dark cave.
To be continued
Phew this was a long chapter but I'm back to update this story sooner than I thought anyway the time skip will be soon that's where the plot of the story will develop and how strong Sakura will become, please review until next time farewell. I think I have made Sakura into a cry baby in this story it is Sakura after all she was always so easy to cry.
Next chapter: training with the Hokage the worst training ever