Yo...
Luckily I got a day off from my college, thereby gaining some free time to write this chapter. I'm also working on the next chapter of Sharingan Devil...hopefully it will be up before 5th august.
Thank you for answering the question which I had asked in the previous chapter...
Nothing more to say...
Enjoy the chapter...
Chapter 79
A New Friend
Kakashi Hatake had seen many things in his life. He had been through two great world wars, lost both of his teammates along with many of his other comrades. He had seen things in the ninja world which no human being was supposed to see
And yet...
He was just surprised on watching a person aimlessly walking through the streets of Konoha. He was wearing a dark blue colored T-shirt and black pants, his feet were covered by sandals. There was a large sword strapped on his back, his left eye was hidden behind his headband while his face was covered by a dark black colored face mask.
So, this was Naruto Namikaze.
His new subordinate and a young Jounin under his command. The boy was so similar to Kakashi's old self that it was shocking, it was looking at himself through a live mirror.
Kakashi observed as Naruto wandered through the streets of Konoha, many people gave him respectful bows and greetings and as if he was a machine he just gave a small nod to the people. Darkness and regret could be clearly see in the boy's eyes and just looking from the way he walked showed Kakashi that just like him, Naruto was ashamed of himself.
It had been a week since he had returned to Konoha, and from the little time when Kakashi had seen him...Naruto was definitely not able to adjust to a life within the village. A life of peace...
Just like him, the boy was stuck in the past. And as if history was repeating in front of Kakashi's eyes, he saw the boy stopping in front of a small book stall on the street.
Even from a distance, Kakashi's veteran eyes could easily observe the book which Naruto purchased...
"How a Shinobi should die"
The boy's fingers trembled for a moment dropping the book on the ground, and as if he had seen someone he looked around but could not find the person he was looking for and disappointedly picked up the book before walking away.
Kakashi didn't know why but something inside of him compelled him to follow the boy. It was getting dark in the village as the sun was slowly setting in the sky, but Naruto didn't care about the lack of light as he continued reading the book and surprisingly he was walking perfectly on the road without bumping into anyone.
But then again he was a Blackops commander, and had sharp instincts that were more than enough to avoid clashing with civilians and young ninja.
After 20 minutes of trailing the boy, Kakashi was not surprised when he saw Naruto entering a special cemetery that was recently prepared on Minato's orders.
"Blacklight"
That was the only word written on the title of the place, a secret location where only current or former Blacklight could enter. He could see the small seal at the entrance accepting Naruto's chakra allowing the boy to pass through the invisible barrier.
Everyone in the village knew that the graves in that cemetery had no bodies, as every dead Blacklight's body was cremated away to hide their secrets. But the place was more than enough for people like Naruto to visit their fallen comrades.
It was not as if a ninja could not hear or see what a person was doing inside the cemetery, the place was open but didn't allow anyone entry except for Blacklight soldiers.
Minato had asked him to look after Naruto, and the first step was knowing what was going through the boy's heart. So, despite knowing that he was invading the boy's privacy he had no choice but to spread his chakra to his ears.
He was one of the best trackers of Konoha and had attuned his senses to see, smell, hear things from a far away distance. A feat only achieved by a handful ninja of Konoha...
Kakashi saw Naruto standing in front of two graves that were placed beside each other, the boy's shoulders were slumped as he laid some flowers on the graves.
"Kotetsu, Armin...it seems like there will be peace in the village. Father is going to change the village along with the ninja world...
...there won't be any more sacrifices like you guys"
Kakashi felt something inside his heart on hearing Naruto's words, the boy was in a lot of pain and needed someone who could understand him while guiding him on a right path.
And that was all Kakashi needed to know as he stopped the flow of chakra before leaving the area...
While Naruto simply stayed for hours in the cemetery...
(Next Day)
Naruto hesitantly stared at the door of a small office, after waiting for another few seconds and taking a deep breath he knocked on the door indicating his arrival, although he knew the person must have already sensed him when he entered the building.
"Come in"
On hearing the approval, Naruto slowly opened the door of the office and walked inside. He was currently wearing a light blue colored shirt beneath his dark green Jounin flak jacket along with dark black pants. His face was covered by a dark black face mask, he was also wearing his forehead protector on a simple blue band tilted to his left side to cover his strange new eye. While also wearing short metal plated gloves in his hands.
"Jounin Naruto Namikaze, reporting for duty"
He was relieved when Kakashi offered a small eye smile, while hinting him to take a seat.
"Thank you, Commander" said Naruto respectfully, as Kakashi just waved his hand.
"I'm not commander yet. Shikaku Nara is still in the process of completing his resignation..." clarified Kakashi, as Naruto agreed.
"I understand. Hokage-sama, said you had a new assignment for me..." suggested Naruto seriously, gaining an affirmative nod from his new leader.
Kakashi was a little impressed with the formality in Naruto's voice, he had seen Itachi in the past. And among the brothers, Naruto was the calmer one it seemed...
"I know it has not been long since you returned from war, but we are in an urgent need of young powerful ninja. This war has costed us hundreds of talented ninja, particularly in Chunin and Jounin ranks. If not for Blacklight and Anbu forces, I fear we would have lost all of them..." explained Kakashi in detail,
"There are many genin in the village, and very few chunin." said Naruto seriously,
"Our genin are strong, but not good enough to be chunin. Some members of the village wanted to promote them regardless, but Hokage-sama didn't want more young children to be sent to their deaths when they were not fit to be chunin. That's where your role comes in..." said Kakashi in further detail, but spotted some uncertainty in Naruto's eyes.
"Captain Kakashi, I will follow my orders but I don't think I can be a good Jounin sensei. You can give me the toughest missions for Jounin, even A to S rank and I will be more than happy to accept that" requested Naruto,
"As I thought, he just wants to throw his life away" thought Kakashi disappointedly,
"Unfortunately, your wish of dying on a battlefield will not be fulfilled, Naruto" said Kakashi authoritatively, as the boy averted his eyes from Kakashi.
"I..."
"Naruto, the village needs you very badly. And if you abandon your comrades for your pain then you are worse than trash..." scolded Kakashi harshly,
And something inside the boy clicked, an emotion that was supposed to be lost was reborn in his eyes making Kakashi smile a little.
"In the ninja world, those who break the rules are trash...but those who abandon their friends are worse than trash. Are you willing to abandon your comrades, Naruto Namikaze?" asked Kakashi sharply,
"No"
"Then get yourself together and play the role which destiny has chosen for you. Besides, do you really want to get beaten by Mikasa and Rangiku?" asked Kakashi smartly, and was very pleased when he gained Naruto's total attention.
"What about them?" asked Naruto quickly, as Kakashi took out two papers.
"Nothing, they have already beaten you by taking up their personal genin teams. They'll be starting their missions by the end of the week...while you," suggested Kakashi, and Naruto's eyebrows twitched on hearing this information.
"Mikasa took a team too?" asked Naruto in surprise,
"Yes, Mikasa Ackerman is the leader of Team 8 consisting of Sasuke Uchiha, Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka. She volunteered for taking a genin team, and Hokage-sama was more than happy to grant her request considering her talents...
While Rangiku Matsumoto is the leader of Team 10 consisting of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, and Yamanaka Ino. In fact, she already met with her team this morning..." explained Kakashi smartly, and was satisfied when he saw a competitive feeling arising in Naruto's eyes.
"Sneaky little bitches..." cursed Naruto silently, making Kakashi chuckle.
"Did you say something?" asked Kakashi jokingly,
"No"
"Well Naruto, it seems you are already a step behind them. While you were busy in your activities, they took the lead. So what are you going to do?" asked Kakashi patiently, as a tired sigh escaped from Naruto's lips.
"Can you at least show me my team?" asked Naruto curiously,
"I have a feeling you'll like this squad..." said Kakashi mysteriously, before placing three short report cards before Naruto.
Sakura Haruno
Hinata Hyuga
Itachi Namikaze
"What?" asked Naruto in shock, just how was this possible?
"This is your genin team, and while I'm aware that siblings or any other family member is not supposed to be on the same team. Hokage-sama has taken this decision due to special circumstances..." explained Kakashi in short, but it didn't seem to satisfy Naruto.
"Those circumstances being?" asked Naruto straight forwardly,
"You need to ask your father about this. He will explain everything to you..." said Kakashi flatly,
"Okay"
"These files contain more information about all 3 of them. Study them, you will be meeting your team by tomorrow. Naruto, you are free to test if they are suitable as a team, if not you can send them back to genin boot camp that is still ongoing. It's a setup different from the academy..." explained Kakashi
"And if they pass my test?" asked Naruto sharply,
"Then you'll immediately start your training the very next day. We are in urgent need of soldiers, the sooner we get them the better" advised Kakashi
"As you wish" replied Naruto curtly,
"Now, Hokage-sama has requested your presence in his office. I suggest you go there immediately" ordered Kakashi, getting a nod from Naruto.
After a short bow to Kakashi, the boy quickly activated his Mangekyo in one eye and teleported inside a dark portal stunning Kakashi...
"Well, that's surprising..."
(Hokage Tower)
Minato was surprised when his elder son swiftly teleported inside his office and without any faltering gave a quick bow to him. Even Hashirama and Tobirama who were standing nearby were surprised with the speed the boy had presented himself.
"I got here as soon as I can, Hokage-sama" said Naruto respectfully, and Tobirama was pleased on seeing the boy understanding the fact that right now Minato was his leader and not his father.
"Naruto, we need your help with something. Come here" said Minato in a gentle but commanding voice,
When Naruto went beside Minato he saw some information reports on the table, and some other papers in Hashirama and Tobirama's hands.
"For now, I have requested Hashirama-sama and Tou-sama as well as Toka-sama to remain in the village and not leave the jutsu. Our people feel safe on seeing their presence in the village..." said Minato honestly,
"That's a logical choice. But I would still recommend an Anbu squad trailing them, just in case Orochimaru tries to take them back" advised Naruto seriously,
"He got the jump on us once, it won't happen again" said Tobirama promisingly,
"Tobi's right, Naruto. Besides, you'll need those Anbu to protect our borders..." advised Hashirama, but Naruto disagreed.
"I cannot risk the safety of the village. The jutsu I used on you is no longer available to me, if by any chance you are trapped inside the enemy's control...it can do us more damage than this entire war combined. If we don't have the manpower, then one of my blood clones will accompany you always. If things get too hot, he'll teleport you to a safe distance...Hokage-sama, you must think about this carefully" requested Naruto strongly,
For a few moments Minato remained silent, contemplating the offer but in the end gave a conformation nod gaining a relieved smile on Naruto's face.
"Fine, if that is necessary to protect Konoha..." said Tobirama in displeasure, he certainly didn't like the solution.
"Naruto, you were in the Akatsuki for quite sometime. What can you tell us about the organization and about...Madara?" asked Hashirama hesitantly, it was clear that the man was still finding it hard to believe that his once best friend could do such horrible things.
"Apart from Kisame whom my comrades killed, and Kushina whom I rescued there are a few other members of the Akatsuki. You are well aware of Konan, Orochimaru and Madara. Although there are some other members like Hidan, Kakuzu, Deidara, Sasori, Zetsu...but there is one other person who we referred to as Pein, for every member of the Akatsuki he was the leader while Madara operated from the shadows. Apart from me, Kushina, Konan, Zetsu and Pein nobody even knew Madara existed" explained Naruto in detail,
"Do they have any special weapons? Where is their base?" asked Tobirama seriously,
"I don't know about weapons, but there is this one giant statue. It's kind of scary, I think they are planning to store the captured Biju inside it. As for their base, it is in Amegakure..." declared Naruto, and was not surprised when the three legendary Hokages were shocked.
"Ame..." said Hashirama in shock,
"We must attack them and destroy it in one single strike" advised Tobirama aggressively, but Naruto shook his head.
"It's an impenetrable fortress, the moment you step into Ame...Pein will know your presence and before you can even storm their base they'll be gone along with that statue. And even if you can somehow get into Ame, you'll be facing the entire Ame army including civilians who are fiercely loyal to Pein and Konan. They consider them their god and angel respectively..." said Naruto bitterly,
"That is some bad news. And we don't have that many ninja to attack Ame right now. We barely have 10,000 ninja under our command and they are stretched thin across Fire Country...we are barely able to protect Konoha. If we hadn't lost 7000 shinobi in this war, then perhaps we had a chance to attack Ame" said Minato disappointedly,
"They have the two tails, so don't even think about attacking" warned Naruto,
"WHAT!"
"When the jinchuuriki fell in battle against Jiraiya, you never found her body did you?" asked Naruto in a knowing voice,
"No" said Minato worriedly,
"We only got information that the two tails had been secured. It only meant that Madara must have made his move...even if this news could be false, I suggest concentrating our remaining forces around Konoha. If the village gets wiped out, then it would be quite easy for our enemies to take over Fire Country. Akatsuki will attack very soon..." advised Naruto and the Hokages watched curiously as the boy took a piece of paper.
For the next few moments, they saw Naruto drawing some sketches on the paper before presenting it to Hashirama.
"If the entire Akatsuki attacks us, then our village will get destroyed. You built Konoha from scratch, I'm asking you and your brother to help in creating another settlement in this location..." requested Naruto, surprising the Senju brothers.
"You are asking us to build another village?" asked Tobirama in disbelief,
"In a way, yes. We don't know when an attack will take place, more than that we have no information regarding the strength of that statue or the number of Biju under their command. If there is a tailed beast attack along with the members of the Akatsuki, then I fear Konoha will be history. That's why I want you to start using your powers to build a secret tunnel from this spot that can help in emergency evacuation of civilians" explained Naruto in detail,
Minato looked at the location mentioned in the paper, it was deep inside the forests and was unknown to everyone except for a few selected ninja. Now he understood what his son had been doing for the past week...
"Roaming the village, checking out the river, gathering information about secret spots. You were not only grieving but were creating your next plan...Naruto, you-" thought Minato proudly,
"A small settlement inside this forest must be built with immediate effect. In case of an attack, we can safely evacuate the women, children, old people and young shinobi there. And if there is significant damage to the village, then our people can use this settlement as a shelter while we take care of the enemy and rebuild the village. I have already created small trenches and diverted a small portion of Naka river to this spot and with my Mokuton I have built the walls and water tank of this settlement" explained Naruto hesitantly, as his family members just stared at him.
"You did all of this in just a week?" asked Hashirama in a surprised but happy voice, making Naruto more embarrassed.
"I just want our people to be safe, they have already lost enough in this war. Besides I used your shadow clone jutsu to speed up the process...I have large chakra reserves, so..." said Naruto shyly, bringing a small smirk on Tobirama's face.
"You're right, we can't just let our people be sitting ducks for the enemy forces." said Minato in agreement,
"Tou-san, Madara has the same teleportation ability as me that's why I am concerned. He knows our village barely survived this war, and his next target will be you. Take out the Hokage, and Konoha will fall. As such I would request that you 3 stick together and watch each others backs. Besides, I don't know anything about Pein's abilities and he has these strange ringed purple eyes..." said Naruto but was cut off, when Hashirama grabbed him.
"Madara can teleport? And did you just say ringed purple eyes?" asked Hashirama urgently, and Naruto could see the tension in the Hokage's eyes.
"Yes"
"What is it brother? You seem worried..." commented Tobirama, and even Minato was waiting for an explanation.
"If what Naruto says is right, then this Pein possess the Rinnegan" said Hasirama worriedly,
"The..."
"...Rinnegan?" asked Minato and Tobirama in shock, as both of them realized the danger Konoha was in.
"It was said to be a myth, a power that was only wielded by the Sage of Six Paths. The only reason I know about it, because Madara had told me about it a long time ago. I didn't believe him then, thinking he was just bluffing but if he really has a Rinnegan wielder under his command then we have to implement Naruto's plan from this very moment. Tobirama, at once go to this settlement and start securing the place with seals. Also prepare for water supply to the settlement..." commanded Hashirama urgently,
"I'll send a few of my trusted men to assist you, Tou-sama" suggested Minato, getting a nod from Tobirama
"Maybe we can finally use the Edo Tensei for good. With my unlimited chakra, I can work without getting tired. I'll be heading there now, Minato send your men as quickly as possible" ordered Tobirama quickly, and after getting a nod from his son the Nidame quickly shunshined away.
"Minato, you need to stay in the village. Secretly gather emergency supplies for our people: weapons, food, clothes, and every other necessary commodity. With the power Akatsuki has, they can do vast damage to the village and our people, and I will not risk Konoha against an attack of a Rinnegan wielder, much less Madara. Our people will get slaughtered like flies..." warned Hashirama,
"I understand, the construction of this settlement will be top priority. With out victory in war, we have already received heavy penalties from the Heavenly Alliance as a payment for their aggression against us. I'll diver a portion of that money and resources to this settlement, it will be a secret project and only my trusted ninja will be assisting you. Hashirama-sama, I request you to immediately start the construction process..." explained Minato in detail,
"Understood, and Naruto I'm glad you are on our side. If not for you, then we would never know so much about the enemy...you have saved our people once again" congratulated Hashirama, but Minato was a little sad when Naruto just gave a small nod.
It seemed Kakashi was right after all...
As soon as Hashirama went out of the office, Minato turned his attention towards his remorseful son.
"Both of us will stay in the village, make things look normal to the people as well as the enemy. Your mother has asked us to come home tonight, we are having a small family dinner celebrating our victory and your return" said Minato happily, and as expected he saw his son protesting.
"Tou-san, I..."
"I know what you are going through. But do this for your mother and little brother, they deserve to spend some time with you after 7 years of separation..." advised Minato, and was pleased when Naruto gave a small nod.
"Hai"
"Kakashi tells me you are finally ready to take on your genin team. I'm happy for you..." said Minato cheerfully, and was not surprised when Naruto had some doubts about his team.
"Tou-san, why did you give me those 3? Considering my attachment to Itachi, the problems with the Hyuga clan, and no connection to Sakura. How can I even lead these genin?" questioned Naruto curiously,
"Not only are these 3 a proper combination, but also good friends. The Hyuga clan was quite pleased when I announced you as Hinata's sensei. The girl is average right now but the Hyuga only trust you Naruto. It is vital for their reintegration into the village..." said Minato flatly,
"Understood, and Sakura?" asked Naruto seriously,
"She is a very talented kunoichi and a good medic, I have a feeling you will be able to make her a strong ninja..." said Minato in short,
"Not to mention, Itachi is quite close to her. And I don't want him to go crazy if something happens to her...despite everything Itachi is half-Uchiha and your brother. Both of them will be safe and happy in your team" thought Minato seriously,
"And Itachi? You know, I am attached to him..." argued Naruto in protest,
"With the Akatsuki out there, I am not sure what move they will make. They probably know my family is my weakness, you and Mikoto are strong. But Itachi is young and rash, you're the only one who can protect him as well as guide him to become a better ninja and a good leader. You have protected your little brother all your life, it's time to be Itachi's mentor. Can you do it, Naruto?" asked Minato kindly,
For a moment Naruto didn't say anything, but Minato was relieved when his son gave a small smile.
"I won't accept them if they fail my test..." warned Naruto, making Minato chuckle.
"I have faith in your judgement. Just don't go all Blacklight on them..." said Minato jokingly, and was quite pleased when Naruto laughed, if only a little.
"No promises. I just need one thing from them...if they have it, then I will gladly accept this team. If not, then I will have to reject them" said Naruto honestly,
"I understand..." said Minato calmly,
"What is my team called? Mikasa is the leader of Team 8, Rangiku is the leader of Team 10...what is mine?" asked Naruto curiously, as Minato smiled.
"Team 7"
Author's Notes: End of chapter.
This arc is particularly slow, I wish I could have shown Naruto's development like the Kakashi Anbu arc in anime. But it would take a lot of chapters, so in my own way I have shown Naruto trying his level best to adjust back to his life.
He is still like Cannon Kakashi, grieving for his fallen best friends. Yet, at the same time he is doing everything in his power to protect Konoha and his family...
Naruto and Kakashi have finally met in person, and you can see how Kakashi is slowly bringing him on the right path. With time, this friendship will grow stronger...
I also showed some other interesting things in this chapter, and there is another important reason behind Naruto getting Team 7. A few reasons have already been explained in this chapter, but there is one more...
Next chapter: Team 7
So, let me know your thoughts about this chapter, expectations from this arc, even suggestions are appreciated.