treavellergirl – I know right! I totally agree with you. I tried to portray him like that because I know for sure that in reality, no matter how small he is, he would have acted like that. It just feels so Naruto-ish. :p
Thomas Drovin – I'm happy to hear that the two previous chapter were written great, I was really unsure about it but you eased my mind. Thanks a lot! Enjoy this chapter! ;D
Himeno Kazehito – Thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked it.
polki – Heh. It's a mix between Naruto cuteness and Orochimaru evilness. XD
FriendsOfRosesIrises – It's because we like to drive the readers crazy, well at least I do. ;D
Eklipt – Oooh, thank you very much for the compliment! You really made my day yesterday! And I'm glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy another chapter of 'So not happening!'.
So not happening!
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By Angelbloodlover
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~ If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.
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Pearl S. Buck
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Chapter 6: Hokage Meeting!
"Naruto-kun, wake up…" I murmured gently, not daring to shake the small boy who had fell asleep on my lap. He was really an adorable and amazing boy. I was sure his father and mother would be proud to have a son like him, I know I would be. Sniffing quietly, I noticed that he smelled like happiness and sunshine. Wow, shit becomes weirder and weirder…
"Naruto-kun." My back and neck were feeling so stiff but thankfully a little use of healing chakra made the stiffness disappear. Sleeping like this for an entire night was a bad bad idea…
"Ngh… a bit more kaa-chan.." Naruto mumbled softly, lips in a content smile as he snuggled closer to the warmth radiating from my body.
I froze when my ears picked up those words…
Kaa-chan.
He thinks I'm his mother…
I could feel my heart twist and turn in an ugly shade of purple as my body began to feel cold and numb. A depressing aura engulfed me and I didn't have the heart to wake him up. Why did all of this happen to him? It wasn't fair that he had to suffer like that. Naruto was literally starving from attention, anyone could misuse him, like Danzo. I clenched my fists, grinding my teeth at the thought of Danzo twisting his pure, innocent mind. It was a good thing I knew how the story would go.
I hoped with all my heart that my presence would change Naruto's perspective a bit, making him more cautious of the dangers that lay ahead of him, especially what he would have to endure. Still, he would have done a great job without me, that's how amazing he is.
A soft smile appeared on my face as I stroked his short bangs, my eyes drinking in every detail of his peaceful face. I felt so special and that because of a small boy with a bubble and warm personality…
Looking at the panoramic view from atop the mountain, knocked the very breath out of me. The village was starting to wake up; market vendors setting their stuff up, shops opening, civilians waking up from their slumbers and preparing for work, students getting up for school. Sunshine was peeking through the horizon, illuminating the forest around Konoha, giving it a special orange-red glow that made me stare in awe.
Yes, I had watched the anime and saw the village but it never was this gorgeous, this breathtakingly beautiful. Seeing it on TV and seeing in reality were two different things.
I sighed again, looked up the at the cloudless sky and started thinking my plan thoroughly since I had another headache in the form of a mission where I had to retrieve Shisui and Itachi's blood. Who asks for blood samples for Kami's sake?! I'm obviously not going to answer that rhetorical question as all of you already know the answer.
On to the plan; First I had to stop the kidnapping of Hyuuga Hinata, bind the Kumo-nin before Hiashi appears and show the Hyuuga head clan my so-called Sharingan with some kind of Genjutsu. When that takes place, the Hyuuga's, especially Hyuuga Hiashi, will focus their absolute attention on the Uchiha's, which in return will confuse the hell out of the Uchiha clan because they don't know who this anonymous Uchiha savior would be. They'll start researching this strange matter, with the Hyuuga's cooperation because no matter the distaste between the two ancient clans, this unexpected turn of events will bring them together. It will force them to work together. (If saving the Hyuuga heiress wouldn't bring them closer than I wouldn't know what would work…) Slowly on, the other clans will get interested too about the fact that an Uchiha saved a Hyuuga, especially if this little Hyuuga was the Hyuuga heiress. With this the Uchiha's prestige, honor and popularity will rise even more among the ninja and civilians, even in the eyes of the Hokage and the Council, which will slowly on crush the seeds of rebellion and instead a full cooperation from all the clans of Konoha will sprout. Next to that, I had to find a way to contact the Hokage about Orochimaru. Now the question was how to do this?
My eyes moved unconsciously to Naruto and another idea popped in my head. Naruto had a connection with Hiruzen, I could use this to my advantage. No one would question Naruto if he wanted to show his first real friend to his grandfather figure. I smirked smugly, feeling proud of myself.
"Keiko-onee-chan, why are you smiling like a creep?" An innocent voice piped up.
I sweat dropped at that, "Err… a creep?"
He nodded in utter seriousness, which made my lips tilt upwards. "Cute."
He pouted, his lips puckering out, which made him even more adorable that he was, "Am not!"
"Yes, you are."
Naruto blushed furiously, glaring at me playfully but I could see the way his eyes shimmered in happiness at a compliment, something he wasn't used to from other people. My growling stomach decided to intervene the adorable moment. Now that I think about it. When did I even ate? How did Naruto even eat? Was he even kicked out the orphanage at this point?
Naruto's stomach growled loudly and somehow I had the feeling that he didn't have food for a couple of days, and with food I mean real, edible food and not garbage leftovers which he had to steal from angry civilians. We looked at each other and Naruto burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling with happiness. I couldn't help but smile softly at the scene. His presence was soothing, it was almost addicting. No wonder Zabuza liked the kid, I mean who wouldn't?
"Now Naruto, I'll show you a little trick but you can't tell anyone, alright?"
He bopped his head up and down, "I promise I won't tell anyone, Keiko-onee-chan!"
I aimed my pinkie at him, tilting my lips upwards, "Pinkie promise?"
He looked strangely at the pinkie but then a foxy grin appeared on his face and he wrapped his pinkie around mine, solidifying our promise.
"Alright." I closed my eyes and searched with my chakra for any close chakra signatures. It wouldn't do any good if people saw me using chakra. When I didn't find anyone nearby, I crossed my index and middle finger on both of my hands and concentrated on splitting my chakra in two.
Poof.
I chuckled softly at Naruto's awed face as he prodded the clone in an expression of wonder, "Keiko-onee-chan, your clone looks like you and feels like you! Hey second Keiko-onee-chan, are you real?"
"All in flesh, baby."
Naruto tilted his head to the side, confused about that statement, "Baby? I'm not a baby…"
I sighed softly, earning both their attention, "Naruto-kun, it means figuratively speaking."
The confused look in his eyes increased even more.
"Never mind about that…" He shrugged it off and I moved my attention back on my clone, "You know what to do."
The clone nodded and henge'd into a normal-looking civilian. "Hai."
I smiled softly, "I'll except you in less than five minutes." With a wave of my hand I dismissed it, Naruto's awed eyes still following my clone's every step. It was good that I had trained with my clones in team work, strategy, stealth and many more aspects.
At that moment his stomach announced once again to the world that he was hungry, his cheeks turning into a cute shade of pink.
Embarrassment. That was what he was feeling now. And much hunger.
"It seems you're very hungry, Naruto-kun." I teased softly, my black eyes shimmering brightly, "If the sound of your stomach isn't anything to go by."
His cheeks were flaming even more and I chuckled , which he saw and puffed out his cheeks. "You're so cute."
He tried glaring at me but failed miserably when his lips twitched upwards. Whether he liked it or not, he loved compliments, especially genuine ones and attention, a lot of attention. "Get up, sunshine."
Naruto got up with a childish giggle when I tickled him gently, followed by me, and we both stretched out arms, hearing our bones pop. I really enjoyed the warmth that radiated from him. My clone chose that moment to appear with bread, juice boxes and two apples. "Breakfast has arrived." My clone returned handing me the food and dispersed into smoke, evaporating into nothingness.
"Sugoi ne…"
I crossed my legs gracefully and dropped on the ground, patting the spot beside me, which Naruto took with pleasure. He tried his best to sit down as gracefully as I did before, his tongue sticking out his lips, and the sight made me smile softly. He was so adorable! How could people see a demon in this harmless, lovable boy? I handed him his part, which he took with gratitude, flashing me another one of his wide grins.
"Arigatou, onee-chan." He spoke shyly.
I ruffled his hair, earning a "Hey!" from Naruto and a cute pout. "No need to thank me, Naruto-kun, that's what friends are for."
"Friends…" He let the word roll from his tongue, like it was alien to him.
I nodded, "Best friends." I accentuated even more, enjoying his wide smile and started eating my delicious food in a peaceful silence.
Naruto snuck a peek at me through his long blonde lashes but when I glanced back at him he quickly looked away. I still could see a genuine smile appearing on his lips but decided to leave him be. When we were finished I turned my head towards Naruto, a small frown on my face.
"Ne, Naruto-kun, where do you live so I can take you back to them? Your parents must be worried about you." I swear I was feeling like a jack-ass the moment his face fell down and tears started shimmering in his eyes, which he tried to force away, to no avail, his tiny knuckles white and clenched. He turned his back to me and I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Naruto-k-" "They ar-re d-dead. I'm a-an orphan-a-an." He stuttered and there was so much sadness, pain, regret, hurt and anger in those words, it made my heart clench in pain.
I put my hands on his shoulder, ignored the way his shoulders tensed, and pulled him into a motherly hug. "I'm sorry for asking, Naruto-kun… I was just worried about you. A child your age isn't supposed to wander around and sleep in the open sky."
He sniffed quietly into my flat chest, relaxing into my hug and wrapped his tiny arms around my waist. I felt so guilty and asshole-ish but it was needed. "Do you have-" "Keiko-onee-chan, do you have parents?" He interrupted me quietly, looking me in the eyes.
"No, they are all dead."
He gasped, eyes wide in shock and more tears streaming down. "Y-you're an orphan-an like m-me…"
I nodded, a sad smile on my lips.
"I'll be your family then." My eyes widened at the seriousness of those words. Did Naruto even understand the implications of those words? "I'm already your best friend. I'll become a part of your family so you can become Uzumaki Keiko, just like me." The way he said it, the way his red, puffy eyes shone with such a determination, it made me literally speechless.
"I-I…"
When nothing else came out of my mouth, Naruto's eagerness dropped slightly until he looked down, hurt apparent in his ocean-blue eyes. "I'd love to." His head snapped up to me, eyes as wide as saucers and next thing I knew, I was straddled by a three-year old boy (Don't think perverted, don't think perverted, don-Ack!) who was laughing in happiness, tears streaming down. "I'll be your brother who protects you from evil, onee-chan!"
My soft giggles joined his loud laughter and we stayed like that for a while, staring into each other's eyes, not needing any words to voice our thoughts, our eyes did the job. "Uzumaki Keiko, it does have a nice ring to it, don't you think, otouto?"
One day and I already got a brother.
He froze, eyes going wide before it settled back to normal. "Hai, Keiko-onee-chan!"
He stood back up and helped me up. I didn't need it but the gesture was too cute to refuse. "So, Naruto-kun, do you have someone who I can take you to?"
His face scrunched up his nose as if thinking and then, "Ojii-san!"
"Then let's go to him."
He saluted, "Hai!" and started marching towards the Hokage Tower. I glared at whoever dared to glare at little Naruto, taking his hand and pushing him closer to me, which shocked them to no end. And little Naruto?
He didn't even notice the many venomous glares and hash whispers, too busy with recounting things about the Hokage.
"You'll like ojii-san! He is the nicest man in the entire village!" And probably the only one.
"I bet he is."
He nodded continuously, "He is! He is also the boss from this village! Everyone obeys his orders!"
People glared even more at his loud voice but he paid them no attention, his eyes were focused on the path and on me, all the way to the Hokages Tower.
To be honest, I expected to be nervous but thankfully Naruto's presence calmed me down. I had to stay calm and explain him everything truthfully. He wouldn't let go of this information any soon. But to be on the safe side, I made a henge'd clone in the Tower – an old woman waiting at the receptionist with a book in her hands – to swap bodies with for when the meeting was deemed a failure.
Hopefully that won't happen…
I sighed softly, following Naruto inside the Tower and I made myself look as small and innocent as possible. People didn't even glance at them. How odd?
Naruto moved through the many shinobi and kunoichi's alike until he stopped right in front of a desk, where a women, probably Hiruzen's secretary, was reading a magazine. How …unprofessional. She ought to be fired.
The woman noticed us and with narrowing eyes, he allowed us to go inside. I could see how much she wanted to refuse Naruto entry but somehow she let them in. What's up with that? Did the Hokage ordered it? Or was someone following Naruto…? The words made my eyes widen a bit. No, wait, Naruto was assigned a Hokage the moment he was kicked out the orphanage. Or I hoped it would be that case or the outcome won't be pretty…
I didn't even know I had tuned out Naruto until he poked my ribs, tapping his feet in impatience, "Onee-chan, were you even listening?"
Dear Kami, how adorable could someone be?
"Hmm.. yeah, you were talking about your ojii-san and how strong he was."
Naruto smiled widely and nodded. That was a close one… "He works here." Naruto continued but before he would charge in like a savage man, I stopped him.
"Naruto-kun, it's polite to knock softly on the door before you open it. Try it."
Naruto pouted but obeyed, lifting his tiny knuckles, he knocked softly, looking at me with uncertainty.
I smiled encouragingly at him, "You did a good job." I praised, to which he beamed, another wide grin on his face.
"Come in." Came the loud and clear voice from inside the door.
I almost started hyperventilating but that would be a bad idea. I had to do this. So with a deep breath, I watched Naruto open the door and followed him inside. The moment we were in, I swear I saw Hiruzen's eyes flicker but I wasn't sure what it was. I had to be careful with what I said for now. Naruto was here.
"Ojii-san!" Naruto screamed in happiness, rushing to Hiruzen to hug him. The old man averted his eyes from me to the little ball of sunshine and hugged him back, "What do I owe this nice visit?" His voice sounded nice and grandfatherly.
When Naruto came back to my side, I felt much safer under the Hokages stare. It felt like he was trying to discern all my darkest secrets. Keep it cool, Keiko, there is nothing to worry about. He doesn't know a thin- "Ojii-san, meet Uzumaki Keiko, my best friend and big sister!" Shit! I cursed mentally when the Hokages eyes narrowed dangerously before the hardness left his dark, all-knowing eyes.
"Is that so?" He asked gently, chuckling in amusement.
The question was aimed at me but Naruto answered it for me. "Hai! You can ask her yourself, ojii-san!" Naruto answered, which earned me the attention of both of them. For the first time in my life, I felt the words escape my mouth. Keep it calm. Calm. Don't think. Just let it all out.
With a deep shuddering breath, I bowed politely till my waist, something he didn't miss either, "Hokage-sama, it's an honor to meet you. I've heard many great things about you."
"I'm sure you have." There was a sharp tone in his voice, something that Naruto wouldn't notice. It seemed he was already suspicious of me. Great, just great. This would make things far too difficult. The question is what gave it away..? Wait… I think I already knew the answer on that question. Maybe I should have concentrated on walking like a civilian girl instead like a ninja. Oh for fuck's sake, it was too late to worry about that.
I smiled pleasantly at him, "Naruto was in fact stating the truth, Hokage-sama. I see him as my little brother."
"See, ojii-san, I told you so!" Naruto shouted with, tiny fist pumped in the air.
I chuckled softly, Hiruzen joining me, and reprimanded him. "My, my, Naruto-kun, you need to respect your elders."
"Sorry, onee-chan." Naruto pouted, shuffling his feet shyly to which I ruffled his striking blonde hair, "Don't worry, shrimp."
Offended at that nickname, his pout stayed on his face and he glared at me. I focused my attention back on Hiruzen. "Hokage-sama, I wanted to have a talk with you about…" My eyes flickered to Naruto who was busy with pouting, his nose scrunched up in obvious annoyance.
The said man nodded and asked Naruto to move to the next room to play, which Naruto quickly obeyed to but before he disappeared, he stopped, freezing on the spot, "Keiko-onee-chan," He looked back at me, uncertain and scared, "Will you wait for me?"
Don't disappear on me…
I looked him right in the eye and smiled softly, "Of course, shrimp, I'll be here, don't you worry."
Go. Onee-chan will wait for you.
Reassured, Naruto left the room with amazing speed, not even registering the nickname I had dubbed him with. The moment the door closed, all nice appearances left Hiruzen's face. With narrowed eyes, he spoke harshly, "Let's drop the pleasantries shall we. Who are you? I've never seen you in my village." There was a threat lingering behind those words and it made me shaky. So much raw power. It was a good thing Orochimaru poured sakki daily over me like a waitress would pour tea for a customer.
Shortly said, I was starting to get used to it. But Hiruzen's killing intent sure was different from Orochimaru's. For instant, it felt ancient, controlled, it made you obey him in a different way than Orochimaru's chakra. It didn't make you fear him, it made you respect him. I tensed under his hard, calculating gaze, "What do you want from Naruto?" He added, killing intent rising even more.
Narrowing my eyes, I answered, "I want nothing from him. I like that boy in contrary to your people…" I clenched my fists, continuing, "Hokage-sama," My voice became icily, "Yesterday, Naruto-kun slept in the open air and for obvious reasons I stayed with him. The whole night. I believe he was kicked out the orphanage but I'm not sure about this fact." I sighed softly, rubbing my temple. "I apologize for my hostile behavior but seeing that kind of cruelty happen in front of your eyes makes you rather aggressive." I locked my eyes with his all-knowing black beads. "My name is Uzumaki Kendo, I'm not a real Uzumaki but Naruto graced me with that family name since I am an orphan too. And who am I to refuse such an adorable child whose only wish is to have a family?"
Hiruzen's eyes flickered from pure rage for a bit but then a chilly coldness appeared in his irises, observing my every move. When he opened his mouth, his voice was as harsh as a knife, "I'll be investigating this matter about Naruto myself. Now, tell me, who are you and where do you come from? You intelligence is abnormal for your age, Uzumaki Keiko."
I took a deep breath, mustering all my intelligence, knowledge, courage to make this happen. I had to do this right. I had one chance.
"Hokage-sama, if you kindly would use a sound-proof jutsu to keep what I'm about to tell you a secret. Only you and I should know about this, of course adding Jiraiya-sama into the plot would be advisable on both of our sides but that will be up to you." I didn't waver my eyes away from him, not even when he was searching, trying to find any suspicious behavior.
"How important is this secret you're talking about?" Disbelief was shining in his hawk eyes.
I clenched my tiny knuckles, digging my nails deeper and deeper and gritted out, anger cloaking me, "S-rank, even going upwards towards SS-rank, Hokage-sama." Of course, the Akatsuki added into it.
For five long torturous minutes, he didn't move, searching my eyes for anything hidden. And then he opened his mouth, "ANBU leave us." I could feel the flickers of chakra, uncertain about leaving their Hokage alone but eventually they left and seals were made for the sound proof jutsu with utmost perfection.
"Speak."
I nodded, gratitude flashing in my eyes, "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
He inclined his head but there was a message hidden in those eyes of his, Don't mess with me.
"The information concerns none other than your ex-student, one of the Sannin, more precisely," Hiruzen's eyes widened considerably at the mention of one of his students, probably having an inkling about which student it would be about. "Orochimaru." I hissed venomously, keeping my head cool. I could do this. I could do this.
Inhale.
Exhale.
"Hokage-sama," I whispered coldly, keeping my eyes focused on his, "Orochimaru is near the village at the moment."
Hiruzen's was keeping his emotions in check because I couldn't trace a single emotion in his eyes. He eyed me with distrust, disbelief still evident in his eyes, "How did you acquire such valuable information?"
I couldn't hold back the dark chuckle that escaped my lips. I bet the sight made Hiruzen start wondering how bad my brains had been damaged. If only he knew…
"Because, I'm Orochimaru's student, his favourite Keiko-chan." I spat out as if saying those words hurt my tongue, incinerating it.
"How can I trust your words?"
I flexed my fingers and moved my index finger to my lips, "Well… you can't but if you do believe me you'll be granted with even more valuable information, SS-rank worthy information, ones that your best subordinates wouldn't even be able to obtain." Thinking further, I added, "Hmm… well Jiraiya has a slight chance of precisely seven per cent but that would take a lot of time and time isn't something in your schedule, ne, Hokage-sama?" I tilted my head to the side, hearing the clock tick by.
Tick. Tock.
Hiruzen leaned his elbows on his desk, resting his chin on his hands. "You do know I can force that information out of you." He threatened rather darkly, eyes boring into mines.
"You could but I wouldn't advise you to do so." My eyes went back to the room where Naruto was staying. "You'd lose very important information, one that you'll never be able to obtain because I will escape."
The silence that followed was painful and the tension was as thick as the mist from Kiri, impenetrable and suffocating because Hiruzen must have known that I wasn't kidding about the escape plan. He'd seen my intelligence and didn't underestimate me. A very smart choice on his behalf.
"What's it in for you?" He asked, hidden curiosity behind those words.
I couldn't help the wide smile that appeared on my face, hurting my cheeks, "Revenge." I chuckled again, feeling very giddy at the prospect of a dead snake. "Besides having an ally in the form of a village does have its advantages."
"If you got your revenge what would you do?"
I smiled gently, mind going towards a certain blonde kid, "I'd wish to live in this village."
I blinked my eyes when Hiruzen chuckled warmly, twinkling with a secret that he'd just discover. Did he see something in my eyes? "Hokage-sama, if it would ease your mind, I would even sign some kind of contract to prove my loyalty to you."
"That won't be necessary." For now, wasn't voiced out but I knew he was thinking about it.
Seriousness etched in my face, I continued, "For obvious reasons you can't tell anyone about the things I'll tell you, only Jiraiya-sama. It's a matter of life and dead, Hokage-sama. They would suspect me immediately in case news would spread and then I will be killed."
"I'll respect your choice and don't worry, Jiraiya will be notified after our little chat."
"All I can tell you about me is my name, Uzumaki Keiko, I was an orphan ever since I could remember. When I was three years old Orochimaru got interested in me and took me as his disciple and trained me ever since. The reason he is doing this is because he needs the ultimate vessel, that's what I think, I'm not sure about it."
Hiruzen's eyes widened at that, "Vessel?"
"Hai…" I whispered softly, "His quest for immortality turned him into a despicable creature. The jutsu is called Fushi Tensei and it allows the user to transfer his soul to someone else's body, using this periodically will grant the user immortality. However there is a flaw to this jutsu, after three years the body will reject the soul and will be forced to find a new host but if you trained a talented child from childhood it would become a body that you could use for a full lifetime. The body won't reject the soul because the mind of that child would mentally become unstable and wouldn't be able to think rationally. The only thing the child-turned-adult will do is obey, that is all that the child had learned ever since she could walk so in the end the body won't reject the soul because she knows who it is and she won't struggle. Eventually her mind will dissipate and be trapped forever…" I trailed off, biting my lips nervously at the thought of it. "I have brought more information concerning Orochimaru." I took off a bracelet and dropped it on the ground, watching with satisfaction as it transformed into another one of my look-alike's holding a scroll. I didn't miss Hiruzen's tense shoulders. Did he really think I would start throwing jutsu's at him? Was he out of his mind, I'd be killed by him in a mere second. He wasn't dubbed as the Shinobi no Kami for something trivial, he was a God among the ninja's and everyone respected him.
When the clone handed me the scroll it evaporated into smoke, dissipating. I bit my thumb and a stack of scrolls appeared. "This scroll," I opened the scroll, showing him that there was no harm to it, closed it and threw it to him, which he caught expertly, "Is everything I know about Orochimaru's plans and hideouts."
Hiruzen started reading the scroll, eyes scanning every single content of it with amazing speed. "Hokage-sama?" I asked softly, not daring to interrupt his train of thoughts.
He stopped reading and blinked his eyes, "Yes?"
Somehow the tension seemed to evaporate slowly, he still didn't trust me enough to let his guard down but this was good, this was a nice start. I threw him another scroll, which he caught without putting any effort in it. "This scroll contains information about the Fushi Tensei and the improved Edo Tensei." Hiruzen stiffened when he heard the latter jutsu. I didn't blame him since this jutsu was created by his sensei and was perfected by his student. Poor man, from the moment he was born till now he kept getting problems after problems.
"How did you obtain these S-rank jutsu's?" He was baffled and majorly surprised as to how a child, merely six years old, got information from an S-rank shinobi who didn't trust anyone.
I smirked in triumph, "He sees me as his perfect vessel-in-training and therefore I have access to his entire jutsu collection, which is in a giant room next to his master bedroom where his entire plans, experiments and hideouts are hidden. A little spying and a lot of efforts gave me the chance to collect all these useful information."
He nodded, still baffled about my skills.
"There is more, information that could save Konoha's life one day." My eyes narrowed in slits, taking the thickest scroll from the stack, "There is a group of S-rank shinobi's who have some dangerous ideals about changing the world into a world without lies. They want to achieve this by collecting all the Tailed Beasts and use the immense chakra to acquire their goal. If you're curious as to how I obtained information about it, it's because Orochimaru recently joined the Akatsuki. I'm sure Jiraiya must have picked up something about it."
"What? Tailed Beasts?!" Hiruzen said loudly, eyes wide as he got up and slammed his hands on the desk with much more power than was necessary.
I held the scroll up for him to see, "First of all, Hokage-sama, I want your promise that you will not do anything under any circumstances until you discuss it with me. Second, I want to become an undercover agent, I want to become a kunoichi because I love this village and I don't want to see it destroyed. And third, you can't tell anyone about our meetings, only Jiraiya, no one else."
He slowly sat back in his comfy chair, eyes never leaving my petite frame until a soft smile appeared on his face, "I can see the Will of Fire burning in your eyes and yet you've never been in Konoha before."
I shook my head, smiling sadly, "I wish I was…"
"I do have to say, you got the obvious traits of a Uchiha; pale skin, dark eyes, aristocratic features and dark hair. If it weren't for the fact that I hadn't seen your face in my village then I would've mistaken you for a Uchiha." A warm chuckle left his lips. "Alright, I agree to your conditions, anything else, miss Uzumaki?" He spoke humoured, amused.
I blushed slightly, scratching my left cheek, "No, Hokage-sama." Black onyx eyes locked with black beads, "You're a man of honour and I'm absolutely sure you won't break your promise." And I threw him the information containing the Akatsuki, keeping my eyes locked with his. I knew he was a man of honour but would he keep his promise? I wasn't sure about it but this was my only way to get his trust. "You probably know that I could've given you the information slowly on instead of everything I knew but I had to get your trust and a promise." Wringing my hands nervously, I looked through the large window, "Konoha is such a beautiful village and I wish to live here, to have a place where I can marry and have children, I wish to live peacefully, that's all I'm asking. My dream isn't that unreachable , is it Hokage-sama?"
He stood up and walked towards me, the scroll forgotten on his desk as he kneeled to my height. "You're too intelligent for your own good, a child like you should be in the Academy, learning and making friends, not being trained to become the ultimate vessel…" I tried very hard not to break down again but the way Hiruzen spoke, the way he poured love in his words, made me tear up, "Don't give up on your dream because it will become reality."
He ruffled my hair, earning him a tiny smile from me, which he returned happily. "I will keep my promise, Keiko-chan, don't worry. Let's look at the information concerning this S-rank group." Walking back to his desk, he unrolled the scroll, reading it fervently, eyes wide. After some time, he put the scroll on his desk, rubbing his temples, "This is very dangerous. One S-rank shinobi is already handful, let alone seven of them, which one of them even possess the Rinnegan."
I figured I should keep the fact about Obito a secret, I didn't care much about Nagato, it would even make me more trustable towards Hiruzen and Jiraiya, especially Jiraiya.
"Which is why I handed you all these information."
His nostrils were flaring and he was trying to calm himself down, "What do you suggest we should do in the meantime?"
"Err… are you seriously asking me what to do?"
He chuckled at my expression, nodding, "Yes, I'm, miss Uzumaki."
"Well… I would change a few things about Konoha starting with the Academy, I think Academy students should do the D-rank missions to experience real teamwork, skills, intelligence, tactics, etcetera. Konoha's security should tighten more, especially the paths that were used during the Second and Third Shinobi War. The skills of your shinobi and kunoichi's should be evaluated by re-taking an exam where their skills and weaknesses would be assessed. In that case any weakness they have would be obvious and that way they could improve themselves. You can justify your actions by stating that you want to change Konoha for the better." I licked my dry lips, thinking if there was more to say. "Oh, and you shouldn't show any weakness towards the council or they will take advantage of you, especially Danzo. Be wary of that man, Hokage-sama, he may want the best for Konoha but his way of thinking isn't what Konoha wants. You are the Hokage, the council is created to advice you. In the end, you'll be the one with the highest authority, you get to choose what changes and what not."
"You have pointed out some good ideas, maybe I should make you a member of my council but why are you suspicious of Danzo?" He looked rather impressed, a tiny smile on his face.
I suppressed snorting at the thought of being in the same room as Danzo, like that would happen, "I know about Root and that's all the reason I need for being wary about him."
"A valid argument. Now about your suggestions I'll be discussing them with the council. Anything else, miss Uzumaki?"
I sent him a secretive smile, "I've got one last thing for you but that will be revealed tonight. Be prepared for a big surprise, Hokage-sama."
He raised his eye brows, stuffing dry nicotine into his pipe and lit it up, taking a big whiff of it, "Hmm… I'll wait till tonight if nothing comes then I'll be forced to look for you."
"That's understandable but I don't want any ANBU's following me. That'll mess up my plan."
"What is this plan of yours?" He asked curiously.
I chuckled, feeling like a child, "I won't tell a thing but you'll enjoy it rather well, I promise you that."
He nodded, "You got the benefit of the doubt for this plan of yours. Let's hope it won't be anything bad."
"Hokage-sama, you won't regret your decision on trusting me. I promise you that I will do everything I can to protect Konoha, you have my word and honor."
Hiruzen nodded seriously, looking me in the eyes, I didn't budge and kept my gaze locked with his. He was a respected man who could read your movements, your behavior to look for any signs of lies and deception. He could observe me all he wants and I was certain he wouldn't find any lies since I was telling him nothing but the truth.
"I can see in your eyes that you love Konoha deeply with your entire heart. I will trust you but if you show anything suspicious, I'll be forced to take drastic matters."
"Again understandable." I inclined my head. "I appreciate your precious time, Hokage-sama, thank you."
He looked at the last scroll that was in my hand. "And that last scroll?"
I looked down, rolling the scroll open, "This one is all the information I got concerning the Cursed Seal he created. I think Jiraiya-sama may find this very useful to find a cure for it. I'm sure Mitarashi Anko would be very grateful for it." I walked closer to his desk and put the opened scroll on his desk, enjoying the way his eyes were already scanning the scroll.
Before he could say anything more, the door opened and Naruto barged in, "Ojii-san, I'm bored!"
We both chuckled at his adorable expression. "Naruto-kun, what did I tell you about opening a door?"
"…Knock?" He asked meekly, cheeks flaming red.
I nodded, seeing Hiruzen collect the scrolls neatly and use a special jutsu. To my surprise a small monkey appeared, his summon, which took Naruto's entire attention. I wasn't much surprised at the fact that the monkey could talk but for Naruto... that was an entire different thing.
"Hiruzen-sama, what can I do for you?"
Said old man nodded, "Ahn, Shuki, I want you to keep these scrolls safe until I summon you again."
Before the monkey could talk again, Naruto jumped the monkey, hugging it tightly to his chest, "Monkey! Cute monkey! Ojii-san, can I keep this as a pet?"
Poor Shuki was struggling to get free but Naruto had surprisingly a strong hold and I couldn't help the smile that stayed on my face. "Let go, you stupid child! Oooh-aaah! Let go!"
"No! You're my new pet!" He forcibly caressed Shuki's head, which earned him a sweat drop from Hiruzen and I.
"Naruto-kun, can you release my summon?"
Naruto tripped on the ground and the monkey was freed and jumped away or tried to… He got a hold of Shuki's tail in the last moment. That boy didn't give up.
"Let go of my tail, you devil child! Oooh-aah-ooh!"
"Never!"
Shuki howled in pain and anger, running through the room as he trashed his tail from left to right, sweeping Naruto with him but the obnoxious boy never let go. He was that stubborn. After a while the monkey got tired and dropped on the ground, glaring at the three-year old boy.
I chuckled softly and walked towards Naruto, "Naruto-kun, Hokage-sama needs his summon back."
"But onee-chan…" Shit! Damn you and those big blue eyes and pucker lips. Must resist!
"I'll buy you a monkey doll." I sighed in relief, Hiruzen and Shuki joining me, when Naruto released his tight hold on the tail and clutched my expensive kimono. Shuki quickly scrambled towards Hiruzen, holding his precious tail closely to himself as he eyed Naruto with distrust.
"Yay! Monkey doll! Let's go and buy it, onee-chan!" He pulled me towards the door but I didn't budge.
"Naruto-kun, I don't think the Hokage granted us permission to leave besides, you can't leave without saying goodbye, that's impolite."
Naruto stopped pulling and looked down, shuffling his feet in embarrassment. "Gomen, onee-chan…"
"It's alright," I ruffled his hair, making Naruto pout and slap my hand away. Turning my attention back to Hiruzen, I spoke again, "Hokage-sama, I'll be dropping by tonight. For now, sit back and finish your paperwork." I grinned when his right eye twitched.
He glared at me, "Seeing how intelligent you are, I'm sure you won't have any trouble helping me out."
"Hokage-sama, there is another way were you could finish your paperwork much faster."
His eyes gleamed in excitement at the prospect of less paperwork. "Which is?"
"Four words: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."
His mouth parted open, eyes going wide at that idea, "You're right! My Kami, you're right!" A wide grin was plastered on his face. He looked more alive than I've ever seen him. How come they never knew about this idea, it was so easy, it was downright humiliating not to know about it…
"Alright, I got a lot of work to do. Shoo!"
We didn't need to hear it a second time. We quickly obeyed his command and left the office, bidding him farewell. When we were outside the office, I could hear the quiet cheering from the Hokage and the flickers of chakra. I shook my head in amusement and led Naruto outside towards a child store.
"Monkey doll! Monkey doll!" Naruto chanted in happiness, walking faster and pulling me towards the market square.
All the while keeping the smile of contentment on my face. Life was slowly on getting better.
Now onto my second part of the plan.
