A/N hey all, just to say thanks for reading hope you enjoy and PLEASSSSSEEEEEE review thanks for all of you support. There's a poll for which team you wish Naruto to be in on my profile
Hogosha couldn't help but shake his head as he thought of how Naruto talked to Hiashi. He Mia and Kaigo were sat outside of a small restaurant that Naruto had raved about, after calming down from being adopted. This was of course ichiraku ramen even though he was only a ten year old boy admittedly starved. Neither Kaigo, Mia nor Hogosha could get their head around how Naruto could out eat all three of them. While Teuchi, the restraint owner and chef as well as his daughter Ayame could only laugh at the three wide open mouths.
They had all agreed to go to Ichiraku after the Hokage had promised that as soon as Iruka had finished at the Hokage tower he would send him along immediately, he'd promised to let Iruka off a bit early considering it was a Saturday. With that promise, Iruka arrived not long after them, the paperwork for the adoption having taken most of the day as well as agreements between Hogosha and the Hokage concerning Narutos furry friend and his father's legacy. Iruka came around the corner his hand on a kunai holder his other at his side yet tense, Kaigo immediately stood drawing his wazikashi out of its sheath holding it point down at his side, whereas Hogosha merely looked over his shoulder before finishing his Ramen. With a final bite he turned around to find Iruka and Kaigo staring at each other weapons drawn while Mia was watching Naruto who was unaware of the action around him.
Putting his arm across Kaigos hand "so you're Iruka, Naruto here and the Hokage too both speak highly of you, however if you don't put your weapon down and stop charging your chakra up the next time someone speaks of you will be at your eulogy". With only a glance Iruka returned his focus onto Kaigo and Naruto behind him, his eyes showing him working out how quickly he could get Naruto out of here "I can't do that until Naruto is next to me and I am assured of his safety and his wishes over this". Hogosha could not help but have a glimmer of respect for this chunin, who while towered over by him and Kaigo pointing a sword at him would refuse him. However this respect was massively overwhelmed by annoyance that Iruka one didn't realise who he was talking too or two just how vastly over whelmed he was.
Shifting slightly Hogosha left a space next to Naruto on the other side too Mia and Kaigo. "Very well sit down. But however remember next time to realise that even with that brave defiance of yours it would have made no difference to how quickly we could have killed you". Iruka sat down slowly sheathing his Kunai, sweating from the killing intent Hogosha was pushing onto him; he could've sworn that he saw the outline of a great beast faintly behind Hogosha. "so Naruto how come you weren't at school yesterday, I went to your house to check but you weren't their either last night" "oh there's no need to worry Iruka-nii, I was staying Kaigo and Mia's since they have adopted me" turning around Iruka gave a small but tense nod to Kaigo who returned it with one of his own, Iruka then standing turned around and bowed towards Mia "it's a pleasure to meet you", Mia inclining her head " I wish I could say the same , considering what just happened". Returning to his seat Iruka signalled for a bowl of ramen and a cup of sake "while I do apologise for drawing a weapon, I would do the same again for Naruto, I have seen too much happen to him to stand and watch" "you don't need to worry Iruka-nii, they've all been really nice especially Mia" smiling Iruka swirled the sake in the cup " I'm glad Naruto, I really am Naruto I too know what it is like to be an orphan and wish for a family. The Hokage has told me you know the risks that will come with this, that's what I really needed to check with him. However I want you to go to your apartment now and gather everything you want, I get the feeling you're going to be moving very soon"
As Naruto got up Mia jumped up "hold up Naruto I'll come and help you back, Kami knows that you're place is probably a tip anyway." As Naruto and Mia walked off down the street Iruka turned to face the seated Hogosha and the still standing Kaigo, whilst Ayame and Teuchi worked at the far end of the restaurant. "Now then Hogosha-sama, Kaigo-san shall we talk. I know that both of you are aware of Naruto's burden, what do you intend to do about it? I feel that I should warn you, that while I know that Naruto is going to be a shinobi and therefore he will suffer much, however, should any harm befall him simply because of who he is, I will exact vengeance." With that last sentence both Kaigo and Hogosha tensed, "NO-ONE I REPEAT NO-ONE IN MY CLAN SEE'S HIM AS SUCH" whispered Hogosha his breath sharp he calmed himself. "In regards to the beast itself, if he can access its chakra we will try to help him control it, but beyond that we do not intend to rely on it, considering Narutos already impressive healing factor thanks to the beast. Though before I go I will ask you one question, you say you would bring vengeance you alone would only present a challenge for a single clan guard how would you achieve vengeance" as he got up Iruka face Hogosha "simply put I would not be alone there are others who owe Naruto a debt indirect or not, and others who simply wish to protect him. I think we can all agree that for Narutos sake that this conversation never happened. I will say this though if you do protect and train him I will be both an ally and in debt to you, Good day oh and Naruto has school on Monday it's a taijutsu day so expect a few cuts and bruises" Hogosha simply nodded "Naruto will be one of us, no different to another, we will care for him" smiling he tilted his head slightly to one side "thanks for the reminder I'll try and run some basic taijutsu with him."
As Iruka left Kaigo could glare at his back as he walked away "Hogosha-sama, how can we let him walk away after threatening our clan" Hogosha turning to follow the direction which Naruto and Mia had left in, Kaigo falling into step. "It's quite simple Kaigo, he believed us to mean harm to Naruto and that somehow we had fooled the Hokage. You see now he would have gladly fought and probably died for Naruto, he deeply feels he owes Naruto. As he said, as long as we treat Naruto fairly he will be an ally for us. Like you and Mia he cares for Naruto and wishes to see him go far and achieve his dreams" nodding Kaigo looked quizzically at Hogosha "do you not care for Naruto?" slowing his pace Hogosha turned to face Kaigo " that is an interesting question. Do I care for Naruto? I have only just met him, I trusted you and your judgement that's partly why I agreed to the adoption, but to whether I care for Naruto that remains solely on him and how he grows and faces his challenges"
Turning a corner they saw the red light district lie before them dug into the far side of the Hokage Mountain away from the famed face. Jumping onto the rooftops Hogosha and Kaigo jumped towards Naruto's chakra signal, given the fact that he was only just learning to use chakra for those who knew it and were looking for him it was a beacon.
As they neared the Block in which Naruto's apartment was housed. They could see the sun setting, illuminating the faces on the mountain with a smooth orange, as if looking to the future. Arriving at the apartment they could sense three chakra sources within, Naruto, Mia and one other, nearing the door they could hear raised voices. "Stay back, protect me Mia, she's going to set them on me" with that Hogosha kicked the door, his Odachi drawn ready to strike, Kaigo right behind him stood watching his sword drawn ready to intercept any blow. The seen they burst into find was not what they expected, what they found was Naruto hugging Mia's leg, who herself appeared rather perplexed. The third person was revealed to be a kunoichi, dressed mostly in mesh, with the only over covering being a very low skirt, a tight vest and an open, tan trench coat. Sheathing his Odachi all Hogosha could do was sigh "Anko." At the mention of her name she turned around her thumb dripping with blood "oh hey there, Hogosha-sa, Kaigo, I was only playing hide and seek with Naruto" from behind Mia's leg came the shout of "with snakes, constrictors are not how you play hide and seek especially with the amount of blades you carry" with a thud Anko threw a kunai behind Naruto's hiding place, whilst a small green snake sliding over her outstretched arm " they're not that bad gaki I only use the smaller constrictors, none of poisonous ones like, Salki here and I'm good enough not to hit anything major"
With a grunt Hogosha dropped himself into a seat, Kaigo not far behind going to Mia's side. "Ok, in all seriousness why are you here Anko?" sitting on the window sill Anko let her snake slither out the window "I saw the Gaki packing with Mia here and came to see where he was going, he's came to be a sort of mascot slash cuddly teddy bear with those whiskers to me and some of the girls here. Mia was telling me he was getting adopted when he walked back into the kitchen and hid behind Mia, you've got to leave her at some point Gaki, and you know the rest"
Noticing the boxes around the House Kaigo could only surmise that Anko had helped clear out as well. "Okay Naruto I think you can let go of Mia's leg, Anko won't hurt you now we're here" "I promise nothing" Anko then noticed a dark shadow over her, seeing Mai's hand resting on a frying pan on the cooker " cancel that Gaki I promise not to hurt you… today, no future promises." Scuttling out from behind Mia's leg everyone's attention was drawn to how unhealthily thin he was not to mention his small and in some places thread bare clothes.
Standing up out of his chair Hogosha stretched before heading to the door "I'm heading back to the compound, Kami knows I've got enough paper work Anko come with me, we can walk and talk." With that they both stepped over the shattered door and left. "So you two what's left to box and pack? We've only got a few boxes here" Naruto ran into his room shouting something about his essentials. Mia turning to Kaigo "there's not much else really that can be moved, the clothes he has are too small and he doesn't much that he doesn't keep with him only few shuriken and some of his school equipment, I believe the essentials that he mentioned are his pranking tools" sighing he sat down, hearing scrambling he turned to see Naruto at the door a rucksack on his back, looking quizzically at him "is that all pranking materials Naruto?" returning the look Naruto " only a bit of it, it's mostly what I use to hunt. In here I've got a sleeping bag, a skinning knife and a spool of wire. It's cool what people will trade for fur, it's not like I'm going to eat so I thought to see if I could get food for it." Her eyes wide with shock Mia bending in front of him she could only ask "how long have you been doing that for Naruto?" "Oh, not that long only about a year. I haven't traded that much anyway I only recently got the skinning knife after the man I traded with gave it to me on a discount as I always sell him whatever I can find, and he gave me food." Jumping up he ran to the door "so can we go yet?" Kaigo picking up one box and Mia the other, they all headed out leaving a note on the side apologising for the door, leaving a check to compensate for it.
1 HOUR LATER AT THE HOKOSHU-SHA KAGE COMPOUND
The three arrived to hear noise arising from the central building where more and more people seemed to be headed. "Okay, Naruto we're going to drop everything off and then we're going to get you changed, there should be some clothes there for you then we can head off for dinner, stick with me and Mia we'll show you about the main hall and show who's who"
Naruto left his room, dressed in a black kimono with thin orange stripes curling along his arms to the end of his wrists, as if his veins contained fire, and a single Uzumaki swirl in orange on the back of his neck, Naruto smiled as his finger traced the seam of the swirl, knowing that it represented his name, just as Jiji told me it is a symbol of my name, I just wish I knew more than the name Uzumaki. Leaving the room, Kaigo smirked knowing that the kimono truly suited Naruto. Mia clapped her hands, her eyes gleaming "that really suits you Naruto, now come then let's introduce you to the family".
Walking between Kaigo and Mia, Naruto tensed as they neared the hall and he heard the voices of his family, what if they hate me like everyone else, I don't want to have to run again to be alone anymore. As they turned the corner Naruto gasped as he saw the hall stretch on, with tables stretching down the sides to one raised table at the far end. Naruto could only stare in wonder and slight fright at the men women and children who line the hall, some in kimonos some in more casual things and others in full armour their helmets resting on the table, he couldn't help but notice that everyone who was armed was wearing the same bracers as Kaigo the ones with the claws in them, as well as many individual weapons ranging from short swords to spears that thickened in the centres some longer than others. As he was led nearer to the far table he noticed that what he first thought to be patterns on the wall was actually skulls and skeletons of both beasts and animals. As they were seated near the raised table, Kaigo explained that the raised table was reserved for Hogosha only, his bodyguards, advisors and any honoured guests. Looking up Naruto noticed that at Hogosha's elbow was a helmet similar to the others, with its sleek image and flattened head, Naruto also saw the numerous claw marks on it each comprised of three marks, one in the right eyebrow another on the left cheek as well as a set of deep gouges on the top of the helm, as if struck from above, there was also signs of acid scarring around the left jaw bone of the helm.
As they sat Kaigo saw Naruto staring around at the walls, he explained that each of those skeleton was either of a beast from a great hunt, or of an enemy of the clan who had fought well and earned the right to be remembered in glory as each of these were, their names and achievements written beneath their resting places. As they ate Kaigo explained to Naruto what would happen and what he would have to do.
Suddenly a great slam rang through the Hall, as Hogosha stood, "today my brothers and sisters is a day for celebration, we have a new member in our pack, a youngling who carries our spirit within us. Stand with me Naruto Uzumaki Hokoshu-sha." Naruto stood and walked towards Hogosha, kneeling before him he stared Hogosha in the eye "Naruto do you swear to join us, to uphold the laws of the clan and the hunt? Do you swear to fight next to your brother and sister regardless of who they are, to abandon none of our family? Do you promise all of this knowing what will happen to you if you do?" staring into Hogosha's eyes Naruto withdrew a Knife drawing a thin cut in his cheek and palm of his left hand "I swear on my blood and my honour to uphold the laws, to protect my brothers and sisters and I promise to protect all my friends who I care for." Smiling at Naruto's own addition to the promise "then rise Naruto Uzumaki Hokoshu-sha, before all of our clan you are adopted as one of our own." Rising Naruto bowed to Hogosha, then to the roaring hall who celebrated his honour. With that Naruto returned to his seat, Kaigo hit on the back "well done boy now you're one of us, now and forever." He turned to a tap of a shoulder before a Hug from Mia engulfed him, her eyes shining with happiness.
As they laughed and drank Naruto asked question after question about the clan, Kaigo answering as many as he could. One of Naruto's first questions being "when can I get the cool helmets and claws and weapons" to which Kaigo explained that these were awarded as people progressed in life from graduation to promotion, he would be given clan weapons and jujutsu's as he rose as a hunter. One question that did require an explanation from Mia, was to why everyone was calling Hogosha, Hogosha no first names, no nicknames, it was Mia who solemnly explained "do you know what Hogosha means?" to which she received a shake of the head "it means guardian, Hogosha is both a title and name, whoever becomes Hogosha Is clan head however they must give up their identity and their relations, their sole purpose must be to lead the clan, the people who become Hogosha are only recorded after their actual deaths and they are honoured as some of our greatest warriors for making such a sacrifice"
Through all of this Naruto drooled at the sight of all the food, tearing into deer and other food by the plate. As he drained yet another bowl of stew Naruto noticed children of all ages spread across the hall were going back and forth between their families, as he looked around he noticed another child about his age approaching him. Squeezing between Kaigo and Naruto, a scruffy head of brown hair appeared "hey there Kaigo-san" looking inquisitively at Naruto she stared at his cheeks "hey so you're Naruto I'm Chika, so what are those squiggly things are they birth marks or something?" Naruto then realised her from school she was in the year above him. "They're birth marks, I think; they're real though they feel weird and all" looking down from talking to Mia, Kaigo noticed the new arrival "If you want to go off with Chika you can Naruto, enjoy the freedom of being children off you go" looking up face gleaming Naruto looked at Chika who grabbed his hand and led him off to where her parents sat. Looking up Naruto saw her father a tall man dressed in full armour, except for his helmet which sat at his elbow, his long face tapered out in a goatee that stretched to his throat where it contrasted against a scar running the length of his throat. Grabbing his hand Chika led him over "this is tou-san" turning round he saw them both, "so you're Naruto are you, well I look forward to fighting alongside you, I expect great things from you" Naruto stared back surprised at such a welcome "um thanks, I too err look forward to fighting alongside you, I promise you I'll fulfil your expectations dattebyo" kami damn it I thought I'd stop that already. Turning him around Chika pointed him at a nearby woman "and this is my Kaa-san" a woman in a pale blue full length kimono turned around "so this is who you ran off to get is it Chika, welcome to the family Naruto. You'd better head Mia's looking for you" looking over the hall Naruto could see Mai's head searching across the tables for him.
Naruto came up to Mia, who hugging placed him next to her. "okay Naruto, it's time to go it's getting late, come on Kaigo, let's go" as they let the hall Naruto found himself becoming increasingly drowsier, he felt himself being picked up as eyelids dragged shut as if weighted by a thousand men, despite his protests. As he was tucked into his bed he could hear Kaigo's voice coming from outside his room "it's good that Hokage-sama has diverted the money from Jiraiya-sama to us, it's not like we need it but still it will help us just in case" finishing tucking Naruto in Mia turned to her husband, illuminated in the moonlight "enough of all of that, let's just be happy, we're parents" Kaigo only smiled at his wife's exuberance as they headed to their bedroom.
Naruto awoke to hear Nocking at the door, throwing a pair of sandals on along with three quarter length shorts and T-shirt. Going to the door "who's there?" hearing a dry chuckle "good morning Naruto, it's me Hogosha I presume that Kaigo and Mia are still asleep, they always did like to sleep in on a weekend" opening the door Naruto was greeted by Hogosha dressed in similar clothing to Naruto, the Odachi on his back as always. He was surprised to find two fully armed guards behind him. Both wearing full chest plates, leg armour, but only light mesh over the lower parts of the leg, and the entire arm just before the elbow. The one to Hogosha's left carried a spear on his back, with two large shuriken with curved blades attached to his waist, the one on his right carried a bow, with two blades attached to his waist. However what really set them apart whilst the one with the spear had the same helmet as the others Naruto had seen, the others helmet had no eyepieces, Naruto could stare into the man's eyes, Naruto also noticed that the man wore no bracers, unlike any of the other warriors he had seen.
Stepping back Hogosha inclined his head "walk with me will you Naruto, don't worry I'll leave a note." Fearfully Naruto stepped over the doorway closing the door behind him. "Naruto this will probably be the last time we can talk like this, I have a lot of work as Hogosha and little can be out off, so, do you have any questions?" looking a Hogosha surprised, Naruto thought to himself, as they were shadowed by the bodyguards "I do have one question Hogosha-sama why does one of your body guard, have a bow and no bracers or eyepieces." Hogosha looked at Naruto his eyes wide, a low rumble was heard Naruto flinched before realising Hogosha was laughing, "oh Naruto you would ask such a question wouldn't you, I'm afraid I cannot tell you why he is like this, it is one of our clan secrets. But I will tell you this as soon as you graduate, come to my office and I will tell you." Looking around Naruto realised Hogosha had led him to a garden of sorts. The centre of the area filled with gravel, but the area around it dotted with cherry blossom trees. " I come here to relax and meditate, you see that building there it was built by our ancestors to honour both our Gods and the hunt" pointing beyond the garden Naruto saw a small shrine, sparsely decorated yet surrounded by gifts. "Now Naruto when I was talking to Iruka yesterday he mentioned that when you go back you have a taijutsu day, so I decided I would fight you now and see if I know of a style that could suit you" understanding what was going to happen, Naruto bent his knees his arms wide open, palms open facing forward, turning to face Hogosha stood tall his hands fisted at his sides his arms loose.
I'd best limit myself to high Genin strength otherwise I'll completely steam roller Naruto. Charging forwards Hogosha brought a fist around to hit Naruto's head from the side, only to find he wasn't there he had ducked and was preparing to punch his stomach, jumping back one in front of his stomach. He realised that Naruto had hit extremely quickly and considerably hard, considering his age. Crouching Naruto put his fists directly in front of his ears "I'm not that easy to beat, remember Hogosha-sama I beat wolf you had better treat, a little better than that" realising that Naruto already had a medium genin's skill, Hogosha feinted to the left going for his head, this time instead he brought his right knee up intercepting Naruto as he crouched, rolling to one side Naruto grabbed his head with one hand, not giving him a chance to breath Hogosha sent a stream of fists at Naruto the majority of which he dodged and deflected, Naruto responded with a few however they were random and telegraphed, easy to block, however one vicious punch to Naruto's stomach sent him sprawling to the floor.
Kneeling down Hogosha looked Naruto straight in the eyes "you're good Naruto, very good for your age. But your random there's no pattern you just strike out hoping to hit something. Yes that works against animals but against humans it's painfully ineffective. You are about mid-genin at best with this. Tell me where you rank in taijutsu in your class?" looking up from his lying place on the ground Naruto responded "there's only three in our class who can beat me Kiba Inzuaka, Hinata Hyuuga and Sasuke Uchiha, though we only have had Hinata fight me once she fainted straight after, I do beat Kiba sometimes though, but stupid Sasuke beats me each time" smiling from his crouched position Hogosha stood "well you're in luck Naruto I think I know of one or two styles that may help you, I'll send you them this afternoon, practice their kata's when you get them. Now let's get you back its almost lunch and Kaigo and Mia will be waking up about now.
Arriving back at their apartment Naruto found Mia and Kaigo eating an empty seat and food waiting for him with them. Later that Morning Chika had come looking for Naruto she wanted to introduce to all the children in the compound. As afternoon came Naruto came back to find Mia doing paperwork and Kaigo asleep, passing Naruto a sandwich Mia explained "Kaigo when he's up is calm but full of energy and never weary, yet give him half a chance and he's asleep, I swear the only reason the Nara's haven't claimed him as one of theirs is that they'd find it too 'troublesome'"
Sitting at the table Naruto noticed a scroll with his name on and blue ribbon tied around it. Opening the scroll it read. The shadow terror style, this style relies on speed and quick reactions, to use this style to its full effect requires to the user to strike fast and hard, this is not a style of attrition. This style is best used when attacking from the shadows, but this style is still extremely dangerous in the open. Looking further down the scroll Naruto saw the full list of the katas many of which he would only be able to perform when he grew, as his body was not strong enough quick enough or large enough to perform most of the moves beyond the basic katas
Thank you all for your support, in this story. I am glad that so many of you are enjoying it. I would like to ask if any of you who can, would wish to Beta, which would be really helpful. My update timetable is going to be fairly sporadic until about early June when my last exam is. After the first few week of June my update speed will increase. Don't forget there's a poll on my profile. As I said earlier please REVIEW, positive negative, suggestions (you will always be credited) are welcome
Peace and have a nice day