Chapter 5: Going Under
It was a bleak and cloudy that day when Jiraiya went to the police station. Even darker than the clouds were his undertakings up ahead. This was a gamble he can't afford to lose. Naruto's life is on the line.
"Inspector Jiraiya?", Anko stirred him out of his inner thoughts as his team is awaiting for the plan. "Alright everyone, I know that I haven't been really the boss you look up to in the past years but thank you for staying." Jiraiya revealed the white board full of details of which Orochimaru and Kabuto are involved. "We all know, that Orochimaru has been kidnapping children for experimentation." He then revealed a videotape recovered from one of the lab facilities. Mangled screams of the prisoner can be heard and from what the footage holds. This being that was chained on the wall barely resembles a 'normal' human. That is, having 'two' heads. "The person you are seing is Sakon AND Ukon. They are twins.", the irony of that statement gave shivers to the occupants of the office. Jiraiya played another video. This time it was close to humanity but the screaming can be prooved other wordly. "This here is Tayuya. She was 9 years old then." The officers covered theirs ears because of the high pitch sound that undulated from the female. Then as if sensing the camera, she turned her head towards it and howled mercilessly causing the video to stop abruptly.
"These are but a few of their experiments through out the years. Now one of them has already escaped the confines of justice I simply cannot sit idle till they are forever behind bars.", the inspector said as he paced to the window. Watching the quiet fields of grass that lay moist in the coming storm. "I cannot ask more from you. This will be a dangerous one and I cannot guarantee your lives.", Jiraiya said as he faced his loyal men and women. "Those of you who wish to leave you may do so.", he looked straight into the eyes of his officers and them to his. "Thank you", bowing in gratitude and respect that all of them stayed despite the dangers that await. "Operation Sannin is now in operation.", Anko handed out folders of different people connected with Kabuto and Orochimaru. Either through drugs, transportation or medical supplies. Even through estates and overseas they have it all recorded. These were all kept under the rug so as to keep the information ongoing and see how big this is. "From now on, Inspector Jiraiya is gone from this department,", Anko devised this part so as to best keep Jiraiya from the spotlight. "Code name: Old Hermit", she add with a mischievous chuckle. "Coming from you it doesn't sound so epic," grumbling upon hearing his old nickname during covert operations. "I'll be the main contact point if anything turns up while I'm digging up clues.", he said to his officers. "Or graves.", officer Morino darkly muttered. "Hey! I heard that, don't be so negative.", Jiraiya resisted the urge to whack his interogator upside on the head for such thoughts. "Just stick to your tortures Mori.", Kakashi said as he stood up and left the room yawning. Mumbling about some unfinished business. "Aaa~nd that concludes today's meeting.", Anko decided to end it sooner so that Jiraiya can properly pack his belongings and prepare. "I've talked with Tsunade, she will be going back to her job.", this statement from Jiraiya earned a sharp gasp from Anko. "I-is she already well? I mea-,", fumbling for a seat before she collapses on the floor. "No, not fully but atleast she can keep an eye out for Naruto. Call Shizune back from - where is she exactly?", Jiraiya inquired his vice officer. "She is now in India, God knows whatever concoction she's mastering now.", his vice replied whilst knowing that she'd be rolling her eyes onto the back of her head whenever Shizune's name is spoken. "You need to get over, I mean Asuma is now with Kurenai. Not with you, or with Shizune?", turning around he saw her grumpily walking out of the room and see first hand, her rage coming out in waves. The poor guy on one the cubicles almost peed his pants when she asked something from him. "Wow, she needs to get laid.", he commented to himself. As if sensing this comment, she abruptly turns towards Jiraiya's direction and flipped a finger. "Damn it, now she's psychic?". He chuckled and returned his gaze towards the window. The first drop hit the earth and then another and another. Until the sky turned black and sulky. The air felt damp and wet with the storm's fury. "What bad way to start the day.", said the Old Hermit.
Naruto and Tsunade were going through the list given to them by Iruka. "I'm very confident with these choices. They are best in handling children who were homeschooled or students that are grade-advanced.", Naruto remembered what his teacher said. The colleges are divided into two; private and public. Of course Naruto would be better off if he was in a private school. Tsunade wouldn't have chosen anyless better than that but this time they promised him to have the steering wheel. "Well, where are we going to first Naru?", she was fond of using that nickname even if it annoys the boy. "Well, I already made a research before Iruka-sensei gave us a list.", Naruto said sheepishly. He likes his teacher very much and looks up to him as a father but sometimes Iruka tends to be a motherhen even if not needed be. "Oh~ well, what's the name of the school?", she inquired.
It was a very good thing they hit a stoplight. "Konoha University", the boy answered. If they were moving she would've been sure they'd end up in the hospital. Hearth thumping against her ribcage, she made sure she heard him right. "Konoha U-university you said?", her voice failing because of anxiousness. "Yes.. Bachan? Is something wrong?", Tsunade can't afford to spill the coincedential irony of his parents who studied in the same school. It would break Naruto's heart and discourage him to study under the school's tutelage. "Nothing Naru, everything's fine I just forgot the list for dinner later.", she lied through her teeth. Tsunade never did liked doing things like this, it makes her feel irresponsible. But she would rather have that than have the boy broken. Naruto was unconvinced with what he heard but sure enough that his Bachan would hide nothing from him, he let go of the topic. "What course are you going to take?", she hoped fate would be kind and let not what she fears be the answer to her question. Yet again, the response hit her like a ten-wheeler truck. "Criminology Bachan. I don't really know why but I just feel it.", Naruto reasoned out "Not because Grandpa is in the force too" he added sheepishly. Tsunade just smiled as she remembers the days that Minato spent inside that building. She made a mental note to call Jiraiya after driving Naruto to the school.
She never in her life did a double check on her emotions that day. "Aaah Im sure you have a good reason for choosing that, but I must tell you Naruto. It will be a hard course, specially with your situation," Tsunade manouvered the car on the U-turn slot, "Are you sure with your choice?". There was a long silence as they were travelling. Minutes pass by as Naruto cotemplated his reply. He never had to choose before, it was always given to him. But now, for the first time since 17 years. He can choose.
"Yes, I am."
His fate was sealed.
A/N:
OMG OMG OMG what will happen now? A lot of things are in store for our Naruto in college HA HA! Nxt chap, i'll give you a teaser of kiba [insert squeels of yaoi'ness] Please don't forget to rate/review :D