Author's Notes: Hey guys! I was a little hesitant in posting this new chapter. I've never let a review(flame) have such a negative effect on me, but one of them pissed me off immensely! It was really bad, I argued with the guy and said some choice words. I understand he was angry, but he had no right to dump his past readings on my fic, especially so rudely. I won't go into it. I'm done there. That's all I'm gonna say on that.
Anywho... Are you confused? Are you bewildered? Did you find Kushina odd throughout the entire last chapter? Are you angry at Naruto's situation? How about Mito? What about the masked man? He kidnapped Kushina, and all of a sudden she's back? If it's yes to any of these, then yippie! That means I'm doing my job right.
I know how the story goes, but you still have to be patient and piece the puzzle together.
...although some of you have already started making weird claims.
PS: I fixed errors in the last page. Sorry for the mess.
So.. HERE IS THE UPDATE! WHOOOHHOOO!
"I like pie." Actual words.
'I hate pink.' Thoughts.
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Chapter 2: Getting To Know You.
The sun rose slowly in Konoha. It painted the village in a different array of colours, creating a beautiful scenery for any villager to marvel.
Workers started filing out of their homes, eager to continue their own endeavours and earn profit. Some looked on, already familiar with the imagery the rays created. To them, it was just another day.
Kushina tossed and turned in her bed. The rays were touching her form from the window, but she tried to avoid them.
When it became fruitless, she groaned and set up.
She got out of bed, making her way to her new dresser, fitted with a large mirror and dozens of accessories.
She paused, realising she needed to take a shower first.
She went into her private bathroom. She did her morning routines: showering, brushing her teeth, and using the loo.
She got out of her bathroom. She looked at the new dresser again and approached it.
She sat on a chair next to the dresser; she looked at her mirror, sighing at what she was seeing.
"Oh God, my hair,"
She took a brush that was on the surface and proceeded to brush her locks.
She looked around, analysing how different her room looked from two days ago.
It looked brand new now, with a light shade of purple on the walls.
She sniffed, and was satisfied to smell clean air, instead of the pungent aroma of drying paint.
She had been surprised when she had come home with Mito and hundreds of workers, from furnishers, to painters, were happily walking away from it, proud of their heartfelt efforts in conditioning the Namikaze Estate.
Each had bowed to her as she passed. She knew that she was respected in Konoha, but the display of loyalty solidified the extent of what her respect and gratitude achieved.
The gates, among other things, looked pristine and refined. Everything was carved and decorated with the outmost care.
Her home looked like royalty.
She was satisfied with their efforts, but offered no thanks. She didn't know where each of them lived anyway, and she wasn't going to go looking for them.
She put the brush down, looking at her hair again - much better.
She stood up and went to her closet. She took out a bottle of lotion and lathered her body. Once she was done, she took out a white kimono. It was decorated with fine red lines by the sleeves and bottom. It was designed to enclose her chest area and retain her modesty. A red sash would complete the set.
These were the clothes given to her by the council, a sign of her loyalty to them.
She mentally scoffed; if they only knew.
As soon as she was done putting her clothes on, she left her room and made her way down a few stairs.
"Mito?" She called.
"...Yes, Kaa-chan?" The voice echoed.
Okay, if Kushina guessed right then her daughter was still changing.
"Are you ready to go yet?"
"I'm almost done. I'm just getting this sash thingy on."
"Do you want me to come help you?"
"N-No! It's okay."
"What's the matter, embarrassed by your Kaa-chan babying you?"
"... N-No?"
Kushina stifled a laugh, "You're not a good liar, sweetie. Come down when you're done. I'll make breakfast."
"W-Wait, I can help!"
Kushina rolled her eyes. "You don't have to help with every single thing. I'm your Kaa-chan; let me do my job."
"Okay, okay."
Kushina nodded to herself and went into the kitchen.
Breakfast had been quick to make. They were really running out of time, so to her shame, Kushina made ramen.
Well, she guessed made wouldn't be the right word for instant ramen.
"Okay, Kaa-chan, I'm ready!" Mito exclaimed, rushing down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Kushina looked at her daughter and laughed.
Mito pouted. "What's so funny?!"
Kushina struggled to stop. "I really should have helped you with that."
Mito looked a mess. The sash was tied incorrectly and her kimono was too loose. She looked like she had just woken up.
The little girl folded her arms. "It was my first time, Kaa-chan!"
Kushina smiled softly. "I know, and I'm proud that you tried."
Mito smiled. "Thank you, Kaa-chan."
Kushina went to her daughter. She fixed her kimono and expertly tied together her sash. After she was done, she rubbed her Mito's head affectionately. "I love you."
"I love you too."
"It's you and me against the world, little one. Are you sure you can handle it?"
"As long as I have you, Kaa-chan, I know I can."
"That's what I like to hear. Let's eat breakfast."
They sat at their dining table. Mito looked in awe at all the cutlery.
"That's a lot of spoons," Mito said.
"Yeah, I'll need to teach you proper etiquette soon. So I put them out for tonight."
"Etiquette?" Mito asked.
Kushina smiled at her. "I'll tell you about it tonight."
"Okay," Mito said, then she noticed the food. She levelled a look at her mom.
Kushina smiled sheepishly. "We need to hurry, sweetie. Today's the today."
"Okay, but next time, Kaa-chan, please let me help you with the food."
"No problem. Now, let's eat up."
They ate breakfast together in comfortable silence.
Konoha was buzzing with excitement. Lamps of disparate colours embellished the streets. Stands of foods and games were slowly being lined up.
Today was a day of rejoice, and the villagers were planning on it. This day would be dedicated to their new Hokage and they would celebrate immodaretly.
Preparations were under way. People advertised the inauguration gleefully, highlighting the wonderful day's events; water balloon fighting, knocking objects for prizes, and much more. Some obviously knew that they would get drunk with all the festivities.
Before any of the fun could commence, they needed the new Hokage to be crowned first. So they all gathered at the Hokage Tower.
Sarutobi, Koharu and Homura were situated at the top. They had everything prepared. Sarutobi held his hat in his hands, awaiting to hand his former title to Minato's wife.
He reflected back on the conversation he had with Kushina. He was shocked with her attitude concerning her son. She refused to even acknowledge she had one, and that was so confusing to the third Hokage.
For one, Kushina had always been fiercely protective to the things she held dear to her. She had no life when she came to Konoha, losing her family, being a Jinchuuriki, and surrounded by strangers. But once Minato came along, her life changed for the better and she came to love him and this place.
She always proclaimed how family was important. She told Sarutobi specifically that if she ever had children, then she would do anything to make sure that they were safe.
So what happened? What was with the cold attitude? Was he the only one that found her behaviour odd? Were these people really that blind?
And Naruto, the poor boy. Sarutobi knew the child had it hard. He was no fool. He was well aware of how the village treated Naruto. But so far, at least, it was okay. The child was adopted by a nice woman. Sarutobi could sigh in relief at that.
He looked on, troubled. Although Naruto was safe for now, he really needed to be aware of who his mother was, but that was the problem.
"Are you sad about losing your position, Sarutobi?" Homura questioned, misunderstanding the man's distress.
"No, I am glad that I can pass on the title of Hokage..."
"But?" Koharu inquired, raising an eyebrow at Sarutobi's pause.
"Are we really sure about this? Kushina is capable, of course, but is this really the right decision?"
"It is the right decision," Koharu put in, narrowing her eyes at him. "It was a unanimous vote, with yours among ours."
Sarutobi grimaced.
"Relax, Sarutobi," Homura said gently. "I cannot think of a better leader than the wife of our late Hokage."
Sarutobi didn't reply. It seemed that he was on his own. They had made up their minds a long time ago.
"There she comes," Homura announced.
All elders looked down, noticing the crowd clearing a path for two figures.
Kushina walked at her leisure. She stared straight ahead, giving nobody else a glance. She watched as the crowd cleared a path for her. Well, she was sure they would; she would soon be their new Hokage.
Mito walked next to her, holding her hand throughout the journey.
Everyone was silent as they watched them pass. They would cheer, but not now.
Hidden behind a wall, Naruto watched the scene curiously.
It was that woman again.
She was what the crowd was fussing over? She was going to be their new Hokage? Was that why she came to Konoha? Who was she?
Naruto didn't understood what unknown force drew him towards the woman. It was a feeling of familiarity, but he was certain that he had never seen the woman before.
What was so interesting about her? What made him so keen to look at her? She wasn't special. She was just like all of them, a liar, someone who he could never trust. To him, she was just like any other villager.
His stare turned cold.
When Kushina made it to the top of the Tower, she was greeted with the former Konoha squad.
"Welcome, Kushina," Homura bowed.
Kushina nodded to them all.
They began the process. It had been rehearsed prior to D-day. And now, everything was running smoothly.
Koharu spoke to Konoha. She made a point to highlight the past Hokage of the village. She spoke of their bravery, their knowledge, their dedication and most importantly, their will of fire.
She praised their past efforts in shaping Konoha to what it currently was. She pointed out the history of the first Hokage, and then moved on to the next - until she came to Minato.
Sad faces greeted her words. The fourth Hokage met an early demise. He didn't live on to prosper all the fruits of his labour, and a happy life was stolen from him. It was a heavy loss for Konoha.
Then, she focused on Sarutobi again. It was brief.
She turned to Kushina, giving her a nod of content, and then turned back to the village.
She started talking about the Uzumaki woman, highlighting key points for Konoha to know: her past as a refugee, her marriage to Minato, her duties to the village, and her sacrifice in the Kyuubi attack. All her efforts earned shouts of praise from the village.
Kushina's eyes flashed in fury, but it was too fast for anyone to notice, and it was gone.
Homura put his hands up in the air to silence the noisy village.
They stilled, waiting.
He turned his gaze to Kushina.
"It is time."
Kushina nodded and approached Sarutobi.
The man held an even stare, but she could see the confusion in it. She could see the inner turmoil playing out in the man's visage.
Whatever was wrong with him was not her problem.
"Hello, Kushina," Sarutobi greeted.
"Sarutobi," Kushina acknowledged.
"Before I bestow to you this hat, I need you to recite the oath with Koharu."
Kushina nodded, turning her attention to said woman.
Koharu smiled while saying: "Repeat after me... 'I, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze'"
"I, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze..."
They continued the oath like before.
The villagers watched in rapt interest as the inauguration drew to a close.
"…'As your Hokage.'"
"As your Hokage."
Koharu allowed a tired grin and turned to Sarutobi.
Sarutobi's mouth thinned, but he approached Kushina nonetheless.
"By the power bestowed on me -" he placed the hat above the redhead's head -"I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, name you, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze, my successor."
He placed the hat on Kushina.
The crowd erupted into frenzy, screaming and shouting in happiness.
Kushina walked to the front of the Hokage Tower's roof and addressed the people of Konoha. "Thank you for your acceptance. I swear to you all, I will strive to maintain and strengthen Konoha, so future generations can take pride in this village! Our will of fire will remain strong for as long as I stand!"
The crowd cheered again, louder, and more vocally than before.
Koharu stood next to Kushina and addressed the mob. "I give you all, Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze, fifth Hogake of Konohagakure!"
.
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The celebrations started in the afternoon. Carnival games were on display and everyone was involved.
The streets were filled with dancing civilians. Even shinobi that would usually be on duty, allowed themselves time to unwind and join the mass.
Some civilians drank saki to their heart's content, some already walking sluggishly, suffering from the after effects of too much alcohol.
Music was played all around the village, some good, others horrible, but people couldn't care less.
It soon turned dark in Konoha, but people continued to revel, undeterred by time.
The streetlights illuminated the entire village, providing vibrant colours.
Kushina sat on a special table, which was made exclusively for members of the council.
She watched kids run around gleefully; she watched couples playing the many games on offer; she watched hammered civilians pass out a few feet from her. She watched all these things, dispassionately.
"It is not to your liking, Hokage-sama?" Inoichi asked from his seat.
"Hmm? No, I have a lot on my mind - that's all."
"Well, you don't need to *hick* worry about anything now. Celebrate..."
Kushina looked to the person that spoke, Shikaku.
He had a blush on his face, and it seemed like he was having trouble concentrating with the way he swayed back and forth in his seat. He was drunk.
Kushina mentally shook her head. What a world.
"Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze."
Kushina looked to who called her. It was man, one eye covered in bandages and using a cane to support his frame. He looked shady, dodgy. He walked to the council table, undaunted.
Kushina felt a tug in her mind, warning not to do anything rash. She frowned at him.
"Please return to your civilian celebration. This table is strictly for council members only."
The man froze mid-stride. He looked at her, bewildered.
"... I am a council member."
Kushina frowned further, she had not been expecting that. She didn't notice him in the last meeting.
"Now, Kushina, don't tell me you don't remember me, Danzo."
"... Of course I remember you."
Danzo stared at her for a long time, analysing her body language. Something wasn't right with her, he could tell, but continued the farce, plastering a grin that didn't suit his face.
"That's good to know. Please excuse me while I take my seat on the other side."
Kushina nodded, but she didn't say anything else. In fact, if Danzo had looked more closely, he would have seen her apprehension to speak further.
Kushina looked around, and mentally sighed in relief when she noticed nobody was paying attention to her. That had been too close for comfort.
"Kaa-chan?"
Kushina looked to her side. Mito was in a seat directly next to her. Normally, it would not be allowed, but she was Hokage now, and things were different.
"Yes, Mito-chan?"
"Where is Sarutobi-jiji?"
"He said he needed to rest. He's at his home."
"Oh... I hope he's okay."
Kushina rolled her eyes. "You worry too much, little one."
"I can't help it!" Mito protested.
Kushina shook her head. "You're just too ni-"
"Get away from here, demon!"
Kushina's head whipped to the voice. It was a man. He had in his one hand an empty saki bottle. He was looming over a child. At least, that's what Kushina could tell.
She squinted her eyes to focus, and they widened.
The boy's head was bowed, blonde hair covering his eyes. His dry lips were partially parted. He just stood still.
"You think you can dig in my bins and get away with it?!" The drunken man slurred.
Naruto didn't move. He knew if he did, the man could give chase. In doing so, the man could discover where he lived. No, he couldn't move. He couldn't let them take away his necessities. He needed to wait.
"Did you not hear me, you piece of shit?!" The man demanded.
Naruto's heart was beating erratically. This was for the best. He had dealt with drunkards before. It was best to do nothing, to wait for the opportune moment.
He felt like kicking himself from getting caught, but he had been curious about the celebration.
A moment ago, he had been sleeping in his box, then he heard music.
He woke to lights and laughter. He was surprised that people were taking this whole Hokage thing so seriously. It seemed like they were a lot of things going on, and he had been inquisitive to know more.
At first, he snuck where he could, trying to see what activities were held. He saw many things, but one stood out.
Toys, the vendors were literally giving them to every child in the village. He saw stand owners calling kids over and handing them dolls, balls, action figures, masks and paddles.
He always wanted a ball, and those masks looked so beautiful and enticing. He never felt them before; he never knew their texture, how smooth they were, the secrets behind putting them on. His seven-year-old mind couldn't help itself. He wanted a mask, terribly.
So he snuck around some more, hiding in places he was sure people wouldn't catch him, until he saw his prize in plain view.
There were masks thrown away. They were in bins, but were pretty close to the festival. He tried to dissuade himself from going further; his survival instincts kept screaming at him to run away, hide in his home and wait for another day, but...
He just couldn't help himself.
He dashed to the bins, both in desperation and trepidation. He had to take a mask and then run. That was the plan, but he had gotten caught in his haste.
"I'm talking to you, demon!" The man bellowed, raising his bottle in the air.
Naruto closed his eyes. He hated this. He hated how powerless he felt against all of them. He hated how he still thought of her, the woman that took his heart and tore it apart without mercy. He hated how these moments made him want to run to her, to beg her to take him back, to tell her that he'll be good as long she loved him.
He stood there, waiting for the strike to his head. He could already taste the blood and his body shook.
The man brought his arm down, aiming squarely for the child's cranium. His movements were swift and his intentions were clear. He wanted to hurt the child as much as he could.
Clap!
Naruto heard the sound. He winced, expecting to feel pain at any moment, but he felt nothing. He waited and continued to feel no pain.
He slowly opened his eyes. He looked up, eyes widening in disbelief.
The redheaded woman was standing over him, one hand latching to his attacker's wrist. She held him in place, looking at him emotionlessly.
"What do you think you're doing?" she questioned tersely.
The man blinked a few times and sputtered. "K-Kushina-sama, please let me deal with this demon!"
Kushina levelled a glare at the man, which shut him up.
"Walk away," she said warningly.
The man stared at her in surprise, but nodded in respect and started walking elsewhere.
Kushina looked around her. She was surprised to notice that no one seemed to care about the scene. In fact, they acted ignorant of it. The only people that had their attention on her were the council and her daughter.
She looked at the council members. Some stared guiltily, others glared at the blonde boy. She really didn't know what to make of it all.
She turned to the boy. He was still rooted to the spot. She noticed that he was shaking. It was evidently fear that took over him.
"Child," she addressed monotonically, "are you alright?"
Naruto didn't say a thing. It had gotten worse. This new Hokage was involved now. She couldn't be trusted. She wanted to hurt him.
He shook his head furiously, realising that he had to get out of this place.
He turned around and broke into a sprint, running as fast as his legs could carry.
Kushina stared in shock as the blonde ran away from her. Her arm had been raised to reach him, but froze in the air.
She watched on as the party continued, staring in disarray.
.
.
Kushina and her daughter had decided to excuse themselves from the celebration. Hordes of people cheered at her yet again as she left them to their own devices.
She knew they wouldn't stop the party just because she left, but she had lost her appetite for it all.
They were back in the Namikaze Estate. She was currently tucking Mito into bed.
"Kaa-chan?"
"Yes, little one?"
"Why did that man try to hurt that boy? Did he do something bad?"
Kushina looked at her daughter. The little girl was cluttered and worried. Kushina could understand. She felt the same way, to some extent.
"I'm not sure, Mito-chan, but I'll get to the bottom of it, okay?"
Mito still looked distressed. "That big man was a meanie, wasn't he?"
"Yeah, it sure seemed that way."
Mito's frown deepened. "That's not fair. I hope that boy is okay."
"..."
Kushina didn't reply. She had seen that child before, digging through rubbish bins. She was familiar with what that situation implied.
The child was homeless.
"Get some sleep, sweetie. We'll talk in the morning."
Mito yawned, "Okay, Kaa-chan."
Kushina turned off the lights and left the girl's room.
She went into her own, going straight to bed and covering herself with a blanket. The weather had suddenly grown colder. She had felt the temperature drop when she was walking with Mito to their home.
Her mind strayed to the boy again. If she had to be honest with herself, she couldn't stop thinking about him. There was something to the blonde. She couldn't tell what it was, but every single time she saw him, it felt like she was under a spell.
He fascinated her; he plagued her mind constantly. Kushina couldn't fathom the reason to these emotions.
When she had seen that man raise his bottle to strike the blonde, she wanted nothing more than to rip out the drunkards arms. Admittedly, she wanted to beat the man.
But why? Why did she feel like that? It wasn't as if she gave anyone in this village her time of day. But the boy, what was it about him?
She took a breath, calming her troubled mind. Now wasn't the time to think such thoughts. She needed sleep. She would deal with everything the next day.
Mito tossed and turned in her bed. She soon sighed in frustration and tore the blankets from her body, before swiftly putting them on her again.
It was so cold!
How could weather change so fast? This place wasn't what she was used to.
She could still hear the soft melody of music in the distance. The village was still into their celebrations, and it didn't seem like the weather affected them at all.
She thought about many things: her life, her experiences, and her journey with her Kaa-chan.
The blonde.
The boy. She had stared on in horror as the horrible man screamed at the boy, calling him terrible names. She had seen ground-ups to some terrible things before, but she could not stop becoming immensely upset with that particular man.
The boy didn't deserve that. He didn't even look like he was doing anything wrong. That thought made her even more upset.
She wanted to help him, but she had been afraid to move, afraid of doing something wrong, but luckily, her Kaa-chan acted out.
She had seen homeless children before, and the boy fit the bill. She couldn't help her eyes from saddening. It was these moments that she hated luxury.
She always felt guilty for having a better lifestyle, so she never asked for accessories, she never nagged her mother about stuff she wanted. She never acted spoiled. It would be like rubbing salt into fresh wounds if she did that.
She stared at her ceiling, her arms and legs outstretched, lost in thought. So much had happened, and so many things were still left unchecked.
She lay still, hearing something. It sounded like rustling, with an occasional clink and clank. She had a room that was closest to the gate. Her mother slept a room away.
She honed her senses, trying to figure out if there were intruders in the house, but finally comprehended that the sound was coming from outside her home.
Was someone out there just by their house? Was it villagers still celebrating?
She got out of bed and went to her window. She peaked through, what she saw surprised her greatly.
It was dark, but she could see a figure by the front gate, more specifically, at the rubbish bins that she and her Kaa-chan used.
She squint her eyes. She didn't know what was going on, but when she saw a glimpse of yellow hair, she gasped.
It was the boy!
She watched on, the darkness making things timorously difficult to see. What was he doing? She knew he was homeless, but what could he possibly need that they threw away?
She saw him shivering, and she finally understood. The weather, it was affecting him too.
Judging by what the boy was wearing, Mito could only guess how freezing he must have been.
He took out some curtains. She saw him wrap the fabric around him and was certain he was looking for warmth. But curtains wouldn't do for anyone.
She ran to her closet, she took out the largest blanket she could find.
Now, she had to do this carefully. She didn't want to wake her mother - Kaa-chan would worry too much, so she snuck carefully out of her room, making sure to pass her mother's room silently.
Once she was sure it was safe, she hurried down the stairs, opened her front door, and was immediately assaulted by the biting cold.
She looked at her clothes and realised, to her dismay, she had little to protect herself from the freezing temperatures.
Her body shook violently. She folded her hands around her body and grit her teeth. She looked at the blanket, it would provide her warmth, but no, it wasn't for her.
Her teeth started chattering; she could see her own breath expelling alarmingly from her mouth. She didn't care. Her face was fixed in determination.
She quickly walked to her gate. She analysed the spaces in-between bars. The blanket would fit. If not, then she would force through.
She wouldn't dare open the gate itself. Kaa-chan had warned her to keep it closed until she said otherwise. She would at least heed that warning.
Once she was close enough to the bars, she softly called out, trying to still her shaking form, "E-Excuse m-me."
Naruto's head turned sharply to the voice. He gasped, afraid that he had been caught.
He hadn't planned on going out from his shelter, but the weather had been too cold for even newspapers to protect him.
He walked around in desperation, looking for anything that could provide him warmth.
People were all around. No place was safe for him. He ended up wondering to the Namikaze Estate, but he hadn't known the owners of the place.
The house looked empty. The lights were off and no one seemed to be home. He took the opportunity to look in bins nearby. He needed anything that provided warmth. After that, he would leave this place in peace.
It wasn't as if he was a bad person. Stealing was a necessity that he needed to employ regularly in order to live. He used to feel guilty for it, but then, he felt justified.
Now he was caught, and not just by anyone, but the Hokage's daughter.
This was ten times worse than stealing from any villager. The Hokage was respected by everyone, and if villagers were to find out about his actions, they would no doubt behead him on the spot.
What about the Hokage herself? She would be furious if she found someone nosing about around her house. He hadn't known that it was her house, and that might have cost him his life.
He never took his eyes off of the girl. Even if they were separated by a fence, she might still do something to harm him.
He did notice that she was shaking a lot, no doubt in anger.
He needed to get out of here. He needed-
"H-Here."
His thought process froze. The girl's hands were outstretched, as if offering him what she held - a blanket.
He focused on her more. She looked...cold? Was that why she was shaking? But why would she be cold? She had a blanket in her hands.
Mito felt her legs trembling as well. She grimaced, the cold affecting her badly. If she continued to stay out of the house, she would get sick, and Kaa-chan would be upset.
"P-Please take it," she breathed haggardly, looking nervously to her home and then back. "I-I saw you looking for something to keep yourself warm. I-I got the biggest one I could find."
But Naruto didn't take it. He stared at her, shocked and still fearful. He couldn't do it. She was planning something. He couldn't trust her. Taking that blanket from her could get him killed.
Mito looked at him, confused. She didn't understand why he wasn't taking the blanket from her. He seemed hesitant to approach her. She tried to sooth his unease by trying to smile, but the cold couldn't allow her visage to seem genuine.
"D-Don't be afraid. I-I won't hurt you."
'She is lying to you!' his mind yelled. She could not be trusted. She would hurt him in a heartbeat, he was sure of it.
He stared at her coldly. She will not trick him. Kaa-san tricked him, and broke him. She will not break him like Kaa-san.
He took a step back.
Mito noticed his apprehension immediately. He was ready to run, but she couldn't let him go without knowing he wouldn't be cold. She had been worried about him. She had to help him anyway she could.
"W-Wai-"
It was too late, however; he ran away from her, the darkness providing plenty of cover. He soon disappeared.
Mito looked down. She felt her heart lurch. He ran away from her. She was just trying to help.
She was reminded of the cold again, it bit harshly into her soft skin. She bit her lip, looking at where the boy had run to. She couldn't see him anymore.
She sighed dejectedly, making her way inside in sadness.
Kushina continued to peer from her vantage point. She had watched the entire interaction between her daughter and the boy.
She had seen behaviour like that before.
Distrust, it was a common feeling for those who had experienced betrayal, backstabbing.
The kid must have been through a lot. If she had been in his shoes, she would have accepted Mito's offer. But she wasn't him; she didn't know exactly what he had been through.
But she would find out.
.
.
Naruto groaned when he felt the morning sun penetrate his box home. The night cold was still lingering in his mind. It was the coldest night of sleep he ever had.
He groggily opened his eyes, sleepily making his way out of his make-shift shelter. He looked around.
No one was nearby.
He couldn't help but be jumpy. He had been discovered not once, but twice. It was worse with the second; he had been afraid that he would wake up and find the Hokage demanding why he trespassed on her home, before she killed him, of course.
Yesterday was horrible. The sting of hurt turned into a stab at the thought.
It was the first time he had heard anyone openly call him a demon.
He could feel tears gathering in his eyes, but he could care less. They hated him, they truly hated his guts. He had always known in the back of his mind, but to actually view the animosity for what it was made him feel sick.
He didn't feel like doing anything today. His stomach grumbled, forcing him to flinch. He was hungry again, but he had run out of food, and he didn't feel like going out and looking for more.
He was depressed.
What was the point of living here? He had tried to run away from the village, but ANBU would always stop him, forcing him back to his predicament.
He looked at his box home. It wouldn't be holding up soon. The cardboard looked like it could fall apart at any moment. Great, he had no other choice but to look for a new one.
His face dropped. He didn't care anymore. If he died from starvation or something else, maybe the next life would be better.
He made his way to his home again, planning on spending the rest of the day in slumber.
"So this is where you live."
Naruto's heart stopped. He could try to convince himself that he was hearing things, but the voice was too close for comfort, and it sounded too real to ignore.
He looked behind him, and saw the fifth Hokage, standing casually a few feet away from him. Her arms were folded together; she stared at him evenly, not giving away her emotions.
Naruto yelped in surprise, scrambling to the dead-end of the back alley. His eyes bulged.
He had been worried that one day this day would come. He didn't plan on alternative action if the moment ever happened. He felt like an animal, trapped, on the brink of being slaughtered.
Kushina analysed the child's behaviour carefully. It was the same as before: fear. His eyes kept darting around, obviously looking for any means of escape.
He looked pitiful.
"I have to admit," Kushina started, staring at every twitch he made, trying to notice any signs that he would bolt, "you're very hard to find. I spent the better half of the morning looking for you."
No, she had been looking for him? She had actually hunted him down. Naruto wanted to cry. He knew it. That girl must have told her of what he did. She must have told her that he had tried to hurt her too - he had seen people making those excuses before. Now, here he was, at the mercy of the village leader he had yet to know.
Oh God, he knew she was going to kill him.
Kushina turned her eyes from him, eyeing the box that she was sure acted as his home.
"My guess is that that's your home?" Kushina observed.
Naruto mirrored her gesture. So she wanted to take that from him. Let her have it; he would find another soon enough.
Kushina looked at him again. She stared at his form, taking note of his filthy clothing.
"... Come with me," Kushina said, walking to the blonde.
Naruto pushed his back against the wall when he noticed Kushina's advancement. He put his hands in the air to shield himself from a beating. He could never hope to fight back. She was Hokage, which meant she was more powerful than he could ever be.
She grabbed one of his arms, hauling Naruto to his feet.
Naruto whimpered in terror, shocked that this was really happening to him. He tried to pull away from the hand holding him, but Kushina squeezed more firmly. Shaky azure irises stared at the Hokage, dreading the worst.
Kushina looked at the child indifferently. He must have thought the worst of her. It was okay, she really wasn't focused on what he thought of her.
She started walking away from the alley, dragging Naruto with her.
Naruto had to tell himself repeatedly not to hurt her. Hurting the village's leader could pose for something worse than death. He couldn't do that to himself; he had been through enough already.
He didn't put up a fight, letting her drag him away from his home. He could only hope that fate would smile on him, just this once.
Kushina dragged the reluctant child through the streets of Konoha. A lot of civilians stared at her, most of them were surprised to see their Hokage holding the demon brat, but she didn't look like she cared, so they didn't bother voice their thoughts.
Naruto bowed his head. He didn't want to look into the malicious eyes of the civilians. He knew they would be smiling at his misfortune. He knew they would be snickering at him as he was dragged to his destination...his punishment.
Kushina stopped walking when she spotted what she had been searching for. She turned towards a new direction and started strutting again.
Naruto followed her, he could do little else. He just wanted to get it over with.
He felt Kushina stop again.
"Sit down, boy."
Naruto looked up. He saw Kushina seated on a chair and still holding his arm. Food assaulted his senses from all around him. He finally noticed where he was.
A restaurant, but not just any restaurant: Ichiraku's.
He had passed the place many days on end, smelling the wonderful aroma of different cuisines and hearing joyous laughter. It was a vicinity he never dreamed of ever stepping a foot in.
But he was here.
"Sit down," Kushina repeated, more impatient.
Naruto gulped and did as told.
Kushina smiled at him. "Good."
"Welcome to Ichiraku's! What can I get ya?"
Kushina looked at the young girl that addressed her. The girl stared back at her then she turned her gaze on the boy. Kushina saw the girl's eyes turn to pity.
So, she wasn't the only sane person around here.
"I'd like miso soup please," she took a glance at Naruto, "bring him ramen."
"You got it, Hokage-sama!"
Their food soon arrived.
"Go ahead and eat it all," Kushina said.
She started tasting her soup. She looked at Naruto and paused.
He was just staring at the food. He looked like he was in a trance.
Poison, poison, poison, poison, the mantra ran through his mind. He looked at the food in absolute horror. So the Hokage wanted to kill him by those means, just like Kaa-san.
At first, Kushina didn't understand why Naruto feared the food. Suddenly, she blinked in surprise, realising her stupidity.
"You think it's poisoned?" she queried.
Naruto didn't say a thing.
That was all the answer she needed. She grabbed the ramen bowl and brought it closer to herself.
Naruto looked at her. He was finding anything the woman did more and more alarming.
"It's not poisoned, child," Kushina gently said. She took her own chopsticks and took a few strands of noodles into her mouth. She ate it delicately, being mindful to make sure that Naruto was watching her. She swallowed it down and opened her mouth for him to see.
"See?" She said, smiling softly. "This food isn't poisoned. I don't think I can be qualified as Hokage if I started killing civilians."
Naruto stared at her. He was shocked that she had taken and tasted the food she had offered to him; he was even more shocked that it wasn't poisoned, she proved it. Even so, he never let his guard down, but his stomach had its disagreement. It grumbled, voicing it's needs for everyone to hear.
Kushina fixed him with a knowing look. "You're hungry, so eat."
She gave him the food again and Naruto stared at it. His mouth watered. He needed to eat something. He cursed himself for his weakness, but the overwhelming smell was just too tempting to ignore.
He dug into his meal, using his hands to grab the noodles and shove them into his mouth.
Kushina's eyes widened at the child's mannerism. He didn't even grab the chopsticks offered; he just ate like an animal.
She decided to let it go, allow him the time to indulge himself. He had been through a lot.
Naruto finished his food and burped. His belly never felt so full and his taste buds never felt so satisfied. He looked around.
Every person in the restaurant stared at him in surprise, even the cooks. He thought they were shocked that the demon brat was in such an establishment, but realised that he might have went overboard with how he ate the food.
"Well, you sure have a healthy appetite," Kushina cut through the silence. "Would you like another helping?"
Naruto frown at her.
Upon noticing his confusion, Kushina clarified, "Would you like more?"
Naruto didn't say anything. He didn't know if he should even depend on this woman, but his eyes gave him away.
Kushina saw the look and turned to the waitress. "Give him another bowl please, uhh...?"
"Ayame, Hokage-sama."
"Ayame, please give the child another bowl."
"Yes, ma'am."
The second bowl swiftly came.
"Go on, little one, eat up," Kushina coaxed, continuing to eat her own bowl of miso.
Naruto paused and stared at the food again. He didn't move, never made an attempt to eat it.
Kushina rolled her eyes. The child obviously had major trust issues.
She took the bowl, took a morsel of noodles and ate them. She swallowed and opened her mouth again.
"No poison," she promised.
Naruto happily accepted the meal after that.
Kushina watched him eat in rapt interest. She would need to do a thorough investigation on the child. This whole poison thing was alarming in itself. Sarutobi would be just the right person to start.
She cleared her throat. "I want to make one thing clear."
Naruto turned his gaze to her, but continued eating.
"My daughter, Mito, meant you no harm."
She saw him freeze on the spot and continued: "She's very caring towards people, even if they are strangers. She's far too innocent for her own good. She's a good girl and would never harm anyone."
She looked Naruto in the eye. "She was worried about you."
'Don't listen, it's lies. That's how they get you. They lower your guard and wait until you're defenceless. Then, they hurt you.'
Naruto looked away from the redhead. He ate his food much more slowly than before. His face looked troubled, uncertain.
Kushina understood his reluctance to accept anything she said without definite proof. Trust was difficult to earn sometimes, especially to those who had their trust shoved back at them with betrayal.
"It's alright, you don't have to think too much. I just wanted you to know my daughter's intentions. Please, eat to your heart's content."
Naruto had never eaten so much in his entire life. He couldn't remember the last time he had food of such quality and quantity. By the time he was done, stacks of plates stood tall on the counter.
"If I knew how much you were going to eat, I would have been a little more careful with your quantity... But it's fine." Kushina said.
She took out money from her purse and paid for the food.
She stood up and looked at the boy again. "Come."
Naruto hesitated. She wasn't holding him this time. He could escape. He looked around and noticed that people were ignoring his very existence. He expected to see angry faces, but why weren't they angry?
Because of the Hokage.
He shook his hand. Where did that thought come from? It didn't matter. This was is open-
Kushina grabbed his hand. She saw him planning, it was written all over his face. She didn't need him running away.
"Come on," She ordered, dragging the boy with her.
Naruto was on the streets again, this time he noticed the stairs. Most people stared at him scornfully, others were smiling at him, but it wasn't friendly.
His head dropped. He knew it. The Hokage was planning on killing him. She was just waiting for the right moment.
He walked on numbly, his mind absent to all that was around him. By the time Kushina stopped, he had to hastily stop himself before he bumped into her.
He looked up, expecting an execution ready for him, but that wasn't the case.
He was at the park. Families were currently either lounging around or playing together.
Naruto frowned. What on Earth was going on?
Kushina led the blonde to a bench. She took a sit, and motioned for the boy to do the same.
Naruto did, apprehensive to what the redheaded Hokage was planning. This didn't seem normal. She shouldn't be treating him this way unless there was something in it for her. He didn't know what to think.
Kushina closed her eyes and took in the fresh breeze. The weather was wonderful. There were no clouds in site.
Naruto looked down, feeling awkward and lost with the situation. This woman's actions made no sense. Why was she doing this to him? Was it to mess his already tortured mind? Did she get a kick in seeing him like this?
Kushina opened her eyes and spoke, "Listen, I don't know what you've been through. I can tell that it's a lot and it's none of my business, but I hope you remember that I'm your Hokage."
Naruto just stared at her.
Kushina was nonplussed. "I swore an oath to look after this place and everyone in it; you're part of that everyone."
"..."
"It's okay if you don't trust me. Hell, I'm fine with it, but just know this, just like my daughter, I mean you no harm."
She didn't know why she was saying these things. The villagers didn't have an effect on her like this one boy she was talking. She didn't know what compelled her to act they she was towards him. It was confusing to her. These feelings she was experiencing, they didn't make any sense to her.
She looked at Naruto, and noticed that his eyes were drawn somewhere. She followed his gaze and saw an ice cream cart - it clicked.
"You want ice cream?" Kushina asked, keeping her gaze on the cart.
She stood up, and started walking.
"Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."
Naruto watch her leave him. This was his chance. He could finally make a run for it.
His body refused to move. He tried to will it, but it didn't budge. Even when his mind screamed the command, his body had a mind of its own. He couldn't understand why his body wouldn't listen to him, why his senses weren't warning him of usual danger.
"Here," Kushina said, hand outstretched with and ice cream cone. "I didn't know what flavour you wanted, so I kind of went in blind."
Naruto looked at the ice cream, and then the Hokage, and then the cone again.
"Oh, I forgot," Kushina took the cone and licked it, "no poison.
She handed the ice cream to him and took a seat again.
He ate in silence, neither saying anything.
Kushina could tell that the child still didn't trust her, but that was fine with her. It will be handled soon enough.
She stood up. "I have duties to attend to. Don't worry about paying me anything."
She started walking away, then her eyes widened.
She looked back, noticing the boy's attention was still on her. He was very attentive, she had to admit.
"What's your name?"
Naruto eyes grew at the question. Is that the reason she took him around and gave him food, to get a name out of him? His poor seven-year-old mind couldn't get it. His name meant nothing. Why was she so interested in it?
A part of him was nervous in giving the woman anything. Another part of him felt it needed to be done. He felt like he owed her. He didn't like that feeling.
"...Naruto Uzumaki."
Kushina looked to the sky, processing the name. "Well, I have to admit, that's the first time I've ever heard anyone named Naruto. We share the same last name too. Who knows, maybe we're related?"
Naruto gaped at the woman. That was not the reply he was expecting.
Kushina shook her head and smiled. "Perhaps I'm just jumping the gun there. Well, Naruto, I want you to meet me at my home tomorrow. I have news for you," she said, walking away for the second time.
Naruto watched the woman leave, even more bewildered than he had ever been. He looked at his ice cream cone. He was so confused.
She wanted to see him tomorrow? Why was that? Was she planning something?
'She's suckering you, don't fall for it. It will be like Kaa-san if you do.'
Naruto scowled. No, he will not be suckered. He will not be used.
He dropped the ice cream cone on the ground and stood up.
He headed 'home'. He needed to relocate, find a place where no one could possibly discover him.
Kushina arrived at the Namikaze Estate. It was late at night, and she felt exhausted. Hokage paperwork was no joke.
"Hey, Kaa-chan? How was your day?" Mito questioned brightly, sitting in the lounge and watching television.
"It was fine, sweetie. How about you? I hope you're not mad at me for keeping you indoors."
"It's okay, I'm not sure I want to go outside yet..."
"Don't act that way. You need to make friends soon."
Mito pouted, "I don't need friends."
"Sure," Kushina said, rolling her eyes.
"Are we going to cook together now?"
Kushina nodded happily. "Yeah, let's make dinner."
"Yay, I get to help!"
Kushina went into the kitchen, followed by an enthusiastic Mito.
The mother took out vegetables and pieces of chicken. She took out rice balls from the refrigerator.
"No, Kaa-chan!" Mito protested. "Let's make our own rice balls!"
Kushina looked at Mito.
"Sweetie, we-"
Ping! Ping!
"Oh, that's the bell. Someone must be at the gate. Wait a moment, Mito."
Kushina went outside and approached the gate. She was surprised that someone actually came to her house. Who would be here this late?
"Good evening, Hokage-sama. You have mail," a man bowed. Luckily for the mother, he was on the other side of the gate.
Kushina nodded her thanks and took the envelop from the man.
She went back into her home, tearing the envelop open and taking out a letter.
Her eyes looked at the content. She read every detail.
"Mito, do you know where a quill is?"
"It should be by the dining table, Kaa-chan."
"Thanks, sweetie."
Kushina found the quill. She dipped it in ink and wrote on the same letter she had received. She put the letter in a new envelop
She went back outside, noticing the man was still in the process of putting mail in other homes.
"Hey," she called.
The man turned to her. "Hokage-sama?"
"Take this to the export box. Mark it as urgent."
The man nodded, taking the letter. "It will be done, my lady."
"Thank you, goodnight."
She went back into her home.
"Kaa-chan, are we gonna cook or what!" Her daughter whined from the kitchen.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," Kushina grumbled playfully.
She was thinking back to the day's events. She had done a lot of work on her first day as village leader. The council seemed quite satisfied with her efforts. They praised her without a second thought. The village treated her like a queen. To some, this could have been seen as a way of sucking up to the redheaded Uzumaki.
'It is just as you said it would be... Obito-kun.'
.
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Author's Notes: Before you run to conclusions, Kushina and Obito a NOT lovers, they don't even love each other. I felt like clearing that before my reviews are flooded with angry fans.
Another thing I want to make clear is that Kushina doesn't think Naruto is the Kyuubi. Like seriously, guys, I'm kinda hurt that you think so little of my work and are already running to conclusions of a stereotypical neglect fic.
It's kinda stupid if you think about it. Why would Kushina think of her own son like that, when she has been through the same thing! It's illogical.
I have read them all(Naruto neglect fanfiction). I know how they did Kushina's character, as a hateful mother or a heavily neglectful one(my original is an example). I've seen how they've done their plot. In my original, I was trying to create a different story to those, but I've obviously made a few mistakes.
This fic, however, is different. It isn't like the standard Naruto neglect with so many plot holes. No, this fic has been thoroughly thought through.
So, all I'm saying is that don't judge my stuff just because of past experiences with other fics that 'look' similar. This story is different, very different.
Until next time! Thanks for reading.
R&R please. I'm sorry, but THIS TIME I'm not posting more chapters until I get enough reviews, so PLEASE support me!