Chapter 23

"Sora, I acknowledge you wish to eat my food, bit the answer is no."

Sora, the fox, stared Naruto down. After several moments, Naruto took a piece of beef from his meal and handed it Sora, who yipped in excitement.

I'm so weak to stare downs. The room is so quiet today. Due to that mission influx a few days ago, ANBU had to be sent out. Now it's minimal ANBU guard in Leaf. Of course, we also have more jonin than normal, since the genin exams are fixing to pop up. There's not much to do. Maybe I should take a mission.

Naruto quickly finished his food, before leaving Sora, and heading out.

It's amazing how much an Inuzuka can train an animal in a week. Leopard said he could potty train any animal in three days. He pulled it off in two with Sora. Now it actually uses a toilet when it needs to go about its business.

Naruto arrived at the Fire Shadow tower, and went through the ANBU doggy door to get in.

Of course, there sat the Third Fire Shadow, with a regal air about him, reading smut. In the background, ANBU did his paperwork.

"Hey gramps, are there any good missions," Naruto asked, "I want to get one before the daily rush for C and B ranks comes through."

Hiruzen looked up from his literature, before saying, "I already chose a mission for you. C-rank. You will be an acting squad leader for a genin team."

Please don't be Ashi's team. Please don't be Ashi's team. Please don't be...

"Your squad is Team Gai. You can meet them tomorrow at eight in training ground four."

Why couldn't it be Ashi's team. Why couldn't it be Ashi's team. I've seen Gai's team. Gai has created a mini-clone of himself. Then there is the prick of a Hyuuga. Then the girl. Not much to mention there.

Naruto opened his mission scroll and after a minute of reading, closed the scroll and saluted the ANBU on his way out. He of course left through the ANBU doggy door.

What to do? What do chunin do? Is this why Crow said I needed a hobby? Crow wasn't very useful when I asked him what I should choose as a hobby. Fox is to lazy. Cat...probably could help. Except she's on a long term mission right now. Boar was her teammate. Monkey is to stupid. Kakashi reads smut as a hobby. I'll receive no help from him. Bear...no.

Ashi is still here. Maybe she could help. I don't know is she has a hobby. She seems to work at one of the Inuzuka businesses on her off time. Does that count as a hobby? I think its required by her clan though. It would be a pain to find her. As far as I know, she works at all the businesses and kennels relating to animals. Maybe I could ask someone. Who should I ask? I probably shouldn't bother. It's not like they would know where she is, and that's if they know her.

I'm already at the Inuzuka compound. Weird, hadn't realized I even left. I don't know her signature well enough to sense her. What to do?

"May I help you," a voice asked?

Should I yes or no. I should probably accept their help. It will make my search go faster. But I don't want to take up his time. He's waiting for an answer. Should I say yes or no. It's such a hard decision. What to do? What to do?

The man was fixing to say something when Naruto managed to pull out an answer, "Yes sir, I am looking for Ashi, Ashi Inuzuka," Naruto said quickly.

The man, an Inuzuka by the red triangles on his cheeks, stared for a moment before saying, "She should be working at kennel two today. Why do you ask?"

Naruto, this time more slowly, answered, "I just got off of heavy mission work, and I am trying to figure out what to do. I was hoping she could give me some suggestions."

"You mean a hobby," the man asked. Naruto nodded, to which the man chuckled, and then asked, "Wouldn't it be better to ask a friend that's a guy?"

"They are all either unsavory, or are on long term missions right now," Naruto replied.

The man raised an eyebrow before asking, "How many friends do you have?"

Naruto stoop in contemplation for several moments before answering, "Nine."

The man whistled, muttering "That few," before saying, "My name is Kegawa. You are?"

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki."

The man nodded before asking suspiciously, "And how did you meet Ashi? I know you aren't on her team, and you weren't in her graduating class either."

Why is he asking such questions? For what reason does he question me as he does?

"I met her when I was picking up a fox that had been injured by the villagers," Naruto answered plainly.

"Ah, your that kid. I remember Ashi talking about the injured fox. You've come back several times now asking questions about raising it," to which Naruto nodded.

"Follow me, I'll show you the way to Kennel two," he commanded.

Why is he so commanding right now? I didn't do something wrong did I? Did I break some social code? I don't think so. Although I know the way, he would likely become more unhappy if I were to try to avoid him and go on my own.

As the pair walked, Kegawa asked, "So what do you think of Ashi?"

What is the purpose of this question?

"She is a nice person. Although she can be scary and confusing at times," Naruto answered truthfully.

The man chuckled before replying, "Kid, you will learn that all women can and will be scary. There is no way around it. Also, don't bother trying to understand women. You will fail."

Well, from the two women I know, that is true. Also from the complaints I hear from fellow ANBU would support that. Fox is always moaning about how troublesome his girlfriend is.

"How do you think she looks," Kegawa then asked.

What is that suppose to mean?

Naruto scrunched his eyebrows, before asking, "Does ones physical appearance matter," genuinely confused.

Kegawa stopped in his tracks at Naruto's question. Naruto followed his suit, in a more dignified manner. Kegawa stared at Naruto for several moments.

Why is he staring at me? Was what I sad wrong? What was I suppose to say?

Kegawa finally shook his head.

Oh no, what I said must have been bad. What was I suppose to say? I was never trained for this situation.

Kegawa then spoke, "Kid, if a girl ever asks you how she looks, don't say that. They will take it the wrong way and hate you for it."

Why?

"Why would they do that," Naruto asked.

Kegawa stared for several more moments before saying, "Kid, just don't say that. You seem to have the social comprehension of a three year old. Just remember, if a women or girl ever asks how she looks, say something that is a compliment, like they look nice, or pretty, or are beautiful. Trust me."

Ok. Living in ANBU probably didn't help in that regard. He is most likely correct. I'll listen for now.

The two continued walking before they arrived at Kennel two. The two entered the building, where Ashi sat with a grey puppy next to her.

There is Ashi and Ginmaru.

"Hi daddy, hi Naruto," Ashi called out.

This was Ashi's dad. Interesting. Perhaps that was the reason for the unusual questions. Do fathers do that?

"Hi Ashi," Kegawa said, while Naruto replied with, "Greetings Ashi."

"So I see you met my father Naruto," she commented. Naruto simply shrugged. "So what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for advice for something to take my time," he replied.

At a look of confusion from Ashi, Kegawa inserted, "He's looking for a hobby."

Comprehension dawned on Ashi, and she replied, "I can help, though right now I'm on Kennel duty. I'm off," she paused checking the clock on the wall, "In two hours."

Kegawa then interjected, "I'm sure I can keep Naruto busy for two hours."

Ashi adopted a slightly worried when Naruto shrugged his shoulders and said, "Ok."

Ashi slowly nodded, when her father said with a cheerful tone, "That settles it, let go Naruto," as he pulled Naruto out of the building. "Bye Ashi."

"Bye dad, bye Naruto," Ashi said.

"Farewell Ashi," Naruto replied.

Why am I being dragged? I can walk on my own.

Naruto managed to regain his footing, and started following Kegawa. After several minutes, they stopped in front of a restaurant and Kegawa asked, "Say Naruto, are you hungry?"

I'm not that hungry. Though I suppose he means this to be a meeting.

"I'm not that hungry, but I suppose I can eat some," Naruto replied.

"Perfect," Kegawa said, "How does Steak Barbeque sound?"

I like steak.

"It sounds good," Naruto stated.

The pair entered the restaurant and sat down at one of the low tables. The pair ordered their food, and sat in silence until their food arrived. After which, Kegawa spoke, "So Naruto, where have you been for the last five years. Rumor was it that you died."

When I had been attacked that day five years ago.

"As far as I recall, the Third never affirmed or denied that statement," Naruto replied.

"So where have you been?"

In ANBU.

"I was raised the last of these years in secret. The Third thought it would be best that way," Naruto answered.

I begged him for it to be that way. To be hidden from the stares of those surrounding.

"I take it most of your friends are not close to your age," Kegawa stated.

"You would be correct with that thought," Naruto affirmed, "They thought it would be best for me at this point to start interacting with others, especially my age. I have been...resistive to the idea."

Naruto slowly ate his food.

Kegawa seems to be nice. Though I wonder what he is trying to get at though. Maybe know me better? Perhaps trying to see...if I am dangerous. If I am the nine-tails. I hate it when people think like that.

Kegawa took another bite before asking, "What are your plans for the future?'

To become the ANBU commander. That is a strange question. Why would he want to know that? I might as well answer, there is no harm in it.

"I wish to become the ANBU commander," Naruto answered, conviction in his voice.

"Why do you want to do that," Kegawa questioned.

So I can protect the village while hidden behind within masks, so I can protect the village without receiving their stares, without their expectations, without their weight.

"So I can protect the village from the shadows," Naruto answered. Kegawa eyed him suspiciously, but said nothing.

He knows I don't tell the full truth.

The two sat in silence for a while, finishing their food. When they were done, Kegawa spoke, "Naruto, thank-you for having this meal with me." Naruto was fixing to respond, but was cut off, "I will let you go about your business, but know this." Kegawa paused a moment before continuing, "If you hurt my daughter,"

The killer intent, it...is severe. I can't move. He is staring me in the eyes.

"I promise you no matter how strong you are, no matter what you do, no matter how far you run, I will search for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." The man then left, leaving money to pay for the food.

That was...intense. Why does he think I would hurt her?

Naruto then got up, and also left money to pay for his food. As Kegawa had put down enough to pay for Naruto's food as well, the waitress found herself receiving a rather large tip.

It is an hour until Ashi is finished with her shift.

Naruto jumped into a tree and laid back.

Kegawa seemed...very protective of his daughter. He also seemed very powerful in that moment. I dare not ever hurt Ashi. He will kill me if I do.

Naruto then fell asleep.

I won't have to face their stares. Gramps said he would let me stay within the masks.

Naruto followed Hiruzen through several halls. Finally they arrived into an open room. Inside, were two people.

It's Crow! And someone else.

Hiruzen then spoke, "Naruto, you have already met Crow. This other person is Cat. Remove your masks." The two ANBU promptly did so. Hiruzen then continued, "Their real names are Kenshi Kagemori, and Yugao Uzuki. They will be the main two people that will watch over and train you. Although there will be multiple others, you will meet them as they come."

"It is nice to meet you Kenshi, Yugao," Naruto said quickly.

The two chuckled, Kenshi more so than Yugao, and they said, "It is nice to meet you too Naruto."

After several moments, Crow pulled out a mask. "Naruto, your name within ANBU will be Hare. You will live here, and be trained in the ANBU way. You will learn how to live life as a person, as well as a ninja. Welcome to ANBU."

Naruto awoke from his sleep.

It has been fifty minutes. Ashi will soon be done with her shift.

Naruto started walking towards Kennel Two, walking quickly, avoiding peoples gazes. After a several minutes he arrived. He waited several moments before entering.

There are another two presences in there. One is a ninja dog. He does not seem familiar. He must be Ashi's replacement. A blue dog.

Ashi looked up to see Naruto and smiled, then cheerfully said, "One moment Naruto, almost done." Naruto nodded, and stood silently. After several moments of the two Inuzukas conversing, concerning kennel matters, Ashi got up, with Ginmaru following her.

Ashi signaled Naruto to follow, to which he did. "So what do you like to do Naruto," she asked.

"That is the problem isn't it. My previous line of work," he said, "generally kept me busy. I enjoy training, but that is when there is someone to train with, which isn't always the case."

Ashi nodded, before adopting a contemplative look as they walked. "So, do you like...watching birds?" Naruto gave her an incredulous look. "So no, what about cooking?"

"My abilities in cooking...are lacking. I know enough to allow me to survive, nothing more," Naruto replied.

"What about reading," Ashi asked? Naruto vigorously shook his head. Ashi continued her tirade of various hobbies she could think of.

After a while, they arrived in the park, and sat down. Naruto then asked, "What are your hobbies?"

"Mine, well I already said them. The first ones I said actually. I like bird watching and cooking," Ashi answered. Naruto simply nodded.

Is there anything I like doing?

A few young children ran by, playing some form of tag. Naruto got up, and gently pruned a plant whose small branches they broke as the children had ran by. "I got it," Ashi exclaimed, slightly shocking Naruto.

"What," he asked?

"You could do gardening, choose a plant that can survive you being away for a week," she answered.

Well...it doesn't seem so bad. When I think about it, I always did take care of stray plants that I came across in my free time.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders, and said, "It doesn't sound too bad."

"Follow me," she exclaimed, dragging the boy.

I can't exactly follow you if you are dragging me, though I will end up in the same location.

Naruto voiced his thoughts. Ashi promptly dropped Naruto, while blushing, most likely from embarrassment. Ashi proceeded to lead the way.

Where are we going. Perhaps some kind of garden shop?

After some time of walking, the duo arrived at a shop that was in the market district of the Leaf village. The shops title read, 'Hana's Gardening.' Naruto followed Ashi into the building, a bell ringing as they did. Within, sat multiple shelf's with various gardening utensils or seeds for gardens.

Also within, sat a old black haired lady behind the counter. The lady upon seeing Ashi, smiled, and then said, "Hello Ashi, how are you doing today?"

"I am doing good Hana," Ashi replied.

The women smiled, and then looked at Naruto, and asked dubiously, "And who is this?"

The village is starting to remember. Remember me.

Ashi then spoke, her smile never fading, "This is Naruto Uzumaki, a friend of mine. He was going to try gardening, so I brought him here."

The old woman narrowed her eyes upon hearing the name. "How long have you known him," she asked suspiciously.

This time, Ashi caught the tone of the women's voice, and frowned as she answered, "About a month." Hana was staring upon Naruto, hate and distrust in her eyes.

Naruto let out a silent breath.

I hate their states. Why must they treat me as such. Why can't they understand. This is why I don't like being in the village. Their distrust. Their hate. Their eyes.

Ashi, meanwhile had a confused expression. She caught and followed Hana's hateful eyes to Naruto. Naruto meanwhile had a sad look about him. Naruto then walked away. As Naruto did, he heard the whisper from the old lady that was passed to Ashi, "You best not associate yourself with him. He is dangerous."

Naruto's heart fell as he left the building. His shoulders drooped as he walked away. His demeanor dropped as he ran away. His eyes dropped, as he arrived to his sanctuary, the ANBU headquarters.

Sorry for there being no updates over the weekend.

Fallen Warrior2
If you would tell me what made you have such a strong reaction, perhaps I could find ways to make it better.

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