The Dishonored Raven, the Fox that Never Was, & the Man that Wept
By Pyro Yuki
~~Author's Note:
We finally get into the action a little more, But Doomsday is coming for Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke.
(Thank you, by the way, for waiting for the action. I wanted Naruto to spend a few years with just worrying about normal kid-stuff. Bullies, parents, family secrets, and endearing relationships) Please review~
Character Changes: (age might be different to the story, but whatever)
Naruto Uzumaki- age: 12, blond hair and blue eyes just like Minato, aka- the Fourth. He was raised by his mom, Kushina, instead of living a life alone as the Nine-Tailed fox kid. He has no chakra nor the Nine Tails inside him. He still grew up as a loner from the other kida because they believe he's some Traitor's son.
Kushina Uzumaki- age: 36, red hair and blue-purple eyes. Raised Naruto for 12 years but never revealed to him the truth about his father until he was 7 years old. Still keeps in touch with her old jonin friends.
Hinata Hyuga- age: 12, blue-black hair and pearl white eyes. Raised as the heir of the Hyuga Clan and always tries to show that she is worthy to be next in line. She has confidence and grace in her Taijutsu. Sister to Sasuke and Hanabi. Has a bit of a deeper bond with Sasuke than Hanabi though. Best friends with Naruto.
Hanabi Hyuga- 2 years old, brown hair and white pearl eyes.
Sasuke Hyuga- age: 12, black spikey hair that spikes in the back. Long bangs draping his face and black eyes. Original name: Sasuke Uchiha. Raised as a Hyuga with Hinata as her brother. He's had to deal with both the hatred of the Leaf and the distrust of the other Hyuga Clan members. But he's still proud to be a Hyuga. Protective of Hinata and Hanabi. Best friends with Naruto.
Ino Yamanaka- age: 12, blond haired girl with small pupil-less sky blue eyes. Her hair was short and layered like so that it curled with her face. Bossy, mean, bratty, and cunning. Her Clan has good relations with Choji's and Shikamaru's. Always willing to make Naruto look bad in front of Sasuke and Hinata.
Shikamaru Nara- age: 12, dark brown haired boy. His head was shaved so that he only has half an inch of hair on his head. Black narrowed eyes. Dresses in punk clothing. Black and with chains on his pants. Sharp as a tack like his original self, but instead of saying 'it's troublesome' or 'what a drag', he says 'what a pain in the ass.'
Choji Akimichi- age: 12, same character really. Still gets enraged when someone calls him fat. But maybe a bit more willing to use his fists. Loyalty to Shikamaru is a bit different. He follows him more like a right-hand man.
Kiba Inuzuka- age: 12, instead of brown spiky hair, he has black spiky-mane like hair. Just picture his old coat fur as his real hair instead of hiding it. More punk and wild-like than his other personality. He has a kind of TOP-DOG attitude. Still has Akamaru close to him. Respects only Hinata.
Shino Aburame- age: 12, same outfit and hair style. Even still has his calm, collected, and solitary person. But still intimidating. He does have something new about him too. He has black piercing all up both his ears…for now. He is also strangely devoted to Hinata and her wishes. He doesn't give much of an explanation. As for his 'bug powers' he can only control up to five bugs at a time.
Sakura Haruno- age: 12. Her long bright pink hair is always braided down her back and she wears fake glasses. She often wears clothes like a red sweater and brown pants. She is very timid and doesn't really speak unless spoken to. She is still as smart as her other self, but has no confidence. She grew up alone because Obito had her parents killed for small crimes. But she still loves Sasuke and stalks him differently now. (Like Hinata did for Naruto) She also works for pay at the hospital as their errand girl.
This is all for now~
Enjoy! ~~~~~~~
… Tends to mean a tiny time skip
Italics are thoughts or a flashback. "." Are words.
(Comments from me)
All original characters and story belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 3: Heroes Comeback
Years passed as Naruto, Hinata, and Sasuke grew closer as friends. Just as Hinata had predicted, Naruto and Sasuke were so alike, they were rivals. Sasuke and Hinata had even taught Naruto some Taijutsu skills, though it was in secret. Ino and Kiba were still a pain, but they all were soon getting ready for their finals and when they would graduate. They had no clue that dark clouds were ahead.
…In the lower levels of the Leaf…
"Konan, how is he doing?" A man with purple ringed eyes and bright orange hair asked. The blue haired female turned. There was just enough light underground to make out each other's familiar figure.
"I still have to force-feed him. He doesn't even have the will to eat what we give him. It's a chore, Pain." She drawled.
"Hm…blame Obito for that. 12 years of mental torture crumbles away even the strongest man." He told her in his usual metaphors.
"When is Obito going to start looking for the tailed beasts like he promised? That's the whole reason we're following him after all." She reminded her comrade.
"Soon…very soon. Then we won't have to keep up with taking care of him. Have a little more patience, Konan. Despite the world's chakra flow turning off, the other Nations have been keeping their Jinchuriki underground like their lives depended on it. Searching for them is taking time."
"So Obito says, but he and Zetsu are the only ones that leave the Leaf to find out. I could have had my paper clones scattered out over the world and found at least another Jinchuriki by now." The beauty told him, voice growing stern.
Pain didn't answer. Two more figures appeared close by. The size difference was obvious to the two Akatsuki. They turned to greet the new comers.
"No need to get your coat in a twist, Konan. Obito is finally making his move." A voice that sounded like a chainsaw came from the taller figure.
"What do you know, Kisame?" Konan asked the man.
"Obito-san is going to make a new rule. It will give us more time to go out and search for the Jinchuriki," the figure right next to the tall man answered, black eyes hardly seen through the darkness.
"What is this new rule, Itachi?"
…
"Wooo! Graduated!" Naruto shouted out, not caring who he was annoying as he burst out of the Academy classroom auditorium where they held the ceremony. They came out wearing black coats and black grad hats.
"You were 10th last, Naruto. Loser," Sasuke sneered with an arrogant grin, coming out behind him.
"Bite me, Sasuke! At least I wasn't last!" Naruto growled. Only years of friendship could make him able to say that. "You were third under Sakura!" He grinned.
Sasuke looked furious for a moment, but then pouted. "Whatever. It's still better than you."
"And Hinata got top grades! I guess that whole week of studying paid off. Though she nearly killed me when I visited." Naruto glanced over his shoulder as Hinata came from behind.
"I told you not to bother me. Even my Father told you," Hinata blushed.
Naruto smiled and shrugged.
"Well I have some books I still need to return. Ja ne!" Sasuke waved and dashed off, leaving Hinata and Naruto alone. The heat in Naruto's face began to rise like it always did when they were alone.
Hinata looked at the papers in her hand though and didn't notice.
"Sasuke and I will be having our chakra ceremony in three days' time, Naruto. Then we'll be full Hyuga Clan members." She adjusted a lock of her hair in her nervousness. Things like that weren't really discussed between the three. It was like a taboo that hung in the back of their minds.
"I-I know, but that's okay. I'll probably work with my mom for a little while before looking for a decent paying job." Naruto's voice dropped as it got more serious. He hoped his smile was real enough to convince her. It wasn't. Hinata stepped in front of him and cupped her hands around his. There was a look of determination in her eyes while Naruto's were startled and embarrassed.
"Naruto, you are a great friend to me. I want us to continue being friends even after the ceremony. I don't care what Father says against it. There's no reason for us not to be friends. Sasuke thinks the same," She told him.
Naruto tried to recover quickly enough to respond. "H…Hinata."
"OOOOOOooooooohhhhh?! Is Hinata confessing her love?! I knew it!" Ino's voice came from around the corner. The two turned to see Ino and their other classmates come around the corner. Only Choji and Sakura looked embarrassed to be there.
Both of them turned scarlet in the face and Hinata dropped his hands like they were suddenly gave her an electric shock.
"N-no way! That's not what I was…!" In Hinata's rush to compose herself, she stuttered a little.
Naruto frowned to hide his embarrassment. "Shove off, Ino! Don't you have a book to study? I heard you didn't do so well."
Fury blazed in Ino's eyes as she was told by NARUTO that she was dumb. "At least I GOT a decent grade! What did you get on your math final? 20 out of 100?"
"I got a decent 41! And damn proud of it!" Naruto shot back. (That's not decent, Naruto)
"Just like I thought," Ino scoffed, walking off. Shikamaru walked causally behind her as did Choji behind him.
"But you got a 78 out of 100 on your history, Naruto. That's your highest grade," Hinata told him. He only shrugged.
In all honesty, since he had found out that his father was the Fourth Hokage, he had been pouring himself into the history books each year to know more about him. Of course some other things were going to stick as well. And he wasn't as dumb as he was letting on either. His mother had been studying him hard into the night since then too. She taught him in a way that everything made sense, though even she didn't care for math either. She was even teaching him more about chakra as well. Almost like she was preparing him for something...
"Lady Hinata, there's something I think you should hear." A calm collected voice came from behind their backs. Naruto shivered again as he recognized that voice. Hinata, however, turned and smiled politely.
"Yes Shino-kun?" She was the only one able to talk to him without shivering.
The boy had changed out of his clothes. He hadn't changed his clothing styles much at all, as his collar still covered his mouth and his shades covered over his eyes. But he now had a nose piercing. Must have gotten it for graduation.
Shino Aburame nodded politely back like he always had. "There's been a new rule statement that I think you should know about."
"What is it?" Hinata looked slightly confused. He came as close to her ear as allowed and there was almost silence. He must have been whispering to her because her eyes widened in shock. Something that wasn't common in Hinata Hyuga's face in public.
"Are you serious, Shino-kun? When was this posted up?!" She demanded, looking at him.
"This morning. Just as we were taking our tests. My Father's beetles flew onto my desk during science." He told her, in his same causal voice.
"What's wrong, Hinata?" Naruto asked, getting a little impatient and spooked. Hinata didn't answer but grabbed his hand again and ran out of the school building with him running as well. Naruto noticed that she had forgotten that they were still in their graduation uniforms.
"I have to make sure…" She told him, hoping that Shino was just lying. But Shino never lied to her before. They didn't stop until Hinata stood in front of a wide Notice board. Naruto was gasping a little but looked at the board. His heart nearly stopped.
By the Fifth Hokage~ any Clan member that has graduated the Academy may appeal to the Hokage to join the Leaf Ninja Force. Any non-clan members between the ages of 12 and 16 may appeal if they or their family has no criminal record
Naruto swallowed hard. It was like this new law was somehow directly excluding him. His classmates could take part in the ceremony now, but not him.
Hinata looked furious. "Are you kidding me?! How can he make a Leaf Ninja Force when he's got the Hyuga Clan Force for him?" She felt burning anger in her chest. Was she and her Clan being forgotten and replaced by just about anyone?! She looked at Naruto to see his opinion when she realized what that rule meant.
Anyone but a Traitor's son… Hinata thought to herself. How could she be so selfish?
"Naruto…I-"
"Hey, it's alright. I kinda thought for a second…but I know what I am. It's alright, Hinata-chan."
Hinata stiffened. He only ever called her that when he was faking a smile but was really hurting deep down.
"Come on, let's go back to the Academy and get out of these uniforms." He took her wrist and walked back to the Academy. His face was overshadowed though.
When they reached it, Hinata went into the girls changing room. Naruto already had his clothes under the coat so he just took it off by the shoe lockers.
He was alone in the wide room. Everyone, including Sasuke, had already gone home to present their graduation papers for the whole world to see. His mother was waiting at home for him too.
But as he gave a quick glance around, he pulled out a white envelope out of his pocket and looked at Hinata's shoe locker. He had been working up the courage for weeks when he should have been studying harder. He had been bummed about the new law, but he couldn't let it overshadow what he was determined to do.
As his hands neared Hinata's locker to open it, his hands trembled. He had been kinda embarrassed about what he had written out on the letter to Hinata. And what would she say in return? Had she thought of him ever as more than a friend?
Naruto had admired her skills and determination after they had just started out as friends. There had even been a few close calls for him. He had known for a while now that he had a crush on her. He just never tried to show it.
He lost his chance as footsteps approached him from a few yards away. Naruto quickly smashed the envelope back into his pocket, red as a tomato.
"Hey, you didn't have to stay." Hinata told him, dressed in her school clothes now. She was adjusting her to a low pony-tail.
"Uh…I don't mind." He answered, trying to calm himself down.
Hinata walked a little passed him and opened her shoe locker to change her shoes for the last time.
"…Hey, you're going to present your papers tomorrow in front of the whole Clan, right?" He asked when he forced himself to stop sweating.
"Yeah. It's going to be a formal thing, like always. I'm probably going to get a haircut before it though," She sighed, glancing at her ponytail that stopped a little passed her shoulder.
"Don't," He burst out before he could think.
"Huh?" She looked at him curiously.
"I-I mean, don't cut too much off. It looks better long."
Hinata blinked in surprise at that. Then a faint pink showed on her cheeks. "Really?"
"Yeah," Naruto smiled at her in pure honesty, pulling his bag over his shoulder.
"Let's get going, okay?"
Hinata giggled but nodded, walking out of the school with him. He walked her home, much to one Sasuke Hyuga's annoyance.
…
It was 1:24 AM in the Leaf Village and the faintest outline of the morning sun was on one side of the horizon. All of the Leaf was asleep…except for one red haired Kunoichi. She was moving through the shadows of the streets without a sound, just like she used to on missions. She would stop only to check her surroundings. Not one Hyuga was out tonight though. They were too busy getting ready for Hinata and Sasuke Hyuga's graduation party. However, that wasn't the only danger out at night. She narrowed her eyes as she watched one of Pain's men with bright ginger hair peer around before leaping away. She almost ran into Hidan but the man was too drunk to notice her.
Finally, there was a tree in the shopping district beside a big boulder. It was in the shadow of a dumpling shop but she didn't care. She landed in front of it and quickly wedged her fingers underneath it and pulled up to reveal that it was a fake boulder and there was a staircase underneath.
She darted inside and closed it, while checking behind her as she did. Then she broke a glow-light stick that she always used to carry on missions near caves. It would last for 9 hours.
She walked as quietly as she could down deeper into the dark. She walked for 5 minutes until she came to a door. Light was piercing through the edges around it. She knocked twice and it opened.
The room was wide as was the table in it. The room was lowly lit by a golden light from the lamp in the center of the table. It was clearly meant for secret meetings. Ten shinobi looked right at her, every eye tensed and ready for an intruder. But most soon relaxed.
"Welcome, Kushina. We've been waiting for you." A black haired man that was flipping a silver lighter, addressed her first. He closed it and put it away as the meeting was about to begin. Kushina looked around at the faces. Half of them were the Clan Heads- Nara, Yamanka, Akimichi, Aburame, and Inuzuka.
"Thank you, Asuma. I'm sorry I took so long. I had to make sure I wasn't seen." She nodded to the man, sitting down in the last open seat.
"Getting us to meet like this took longer," A battle scarred man with black hair grumbled. "What has it been? 5 years? 10?"
"Shikaku-san, it's only been 3." Kakashi reminded the older man, who grunted in reply.
"Now it's time to let the flames of our youth blaze once more!" A manly voice called out, only to get shushed by the glares he received.
"Quiet down, Guy! Do you want us to be found out and killed?" A woman snapped.
"…Sorry Anko." Guy mumbled while the purple haired woman crossed her arms.
"Enough of this. We didn't all come together to reminisce about fonder memories." Kakashi reminded everyone about their short time together.
"He's right. In a couple of days, Sasuke and Hinata Hyuga followed by many other young people, will be having their chakra ceremonies. We need to plan the revolution now." Kushina looked each of them in the face, deadly serious.
"It's time we saved the Leaf, break Obito's curse, and protect the Will of Fire."
Chapter End~~
The jonin and Clan Heads are sitting by no longer. It's time they plan their attack. Kakashi, Anko, Asuma, Kurenai, Guy, Kushina, and the other Clan Heads have a hard choice up ahead. One that directly impacts the future for all of them and their children.
Next Chapter: The Plan