Chapter 9: Goodbye's & Hello's
Naruto came home that day a bit confused with the people he met. First there was this Sasuke who seemed to be sad and negative about everything. "Well atleast he has most of the girl's attentions", Naruto proceeded to prepare the needed documents for tomorrow.
'Yes but that doesn't mean anything to him.', Kyuubi commented as Naruto moved about his room. Observing as his ward meticulously organized clothes.
"Then there's this girl who is not nice but is ok at the same time", Naruto went to his closet to choose more clothes to bring in his future dorm room.
'You betcha, I think she likes you though.', Kyuubi teased Naruto as the boy rummage through his orange wardrobe.
"Kyuu, you very well know I can't fall in love,", Naruto went about his work in a clockwork military movements. Kyuubi knows he does this when he is upset or doesn't want to talk about something.
'But you'll meet alot more people like her. Sooner or later they'll notice you.', Kyuubi wanted to reason out with Naruto that it is perfectly fine but once his ward switches this mode on everything else passes through his other ear as if he alone. He does this even to Kyuubi which makes it even more aggravating to the latter.
"Yes, they'll notice 'Naruto'. Not 'me'", that was his reason. Always the same ending no matter how their argument started. Sometimes, Kyuubi wants to manifest outside of Naruto's body and give him a good beating just to vent out his frustration sometimes.
'What about the boy?', this time though, Kyuubi won't easily let go of the topic. Specially when Naruto had a little moment with that boy. It was just very brief and barely noticeable but Naruto forgot all about his facade and responded naturally.
"He's just a nice kid trying maybe to uhm... help?", there it was again. His train of thoughts was lost. To say the very least, he seemed in a state of confusion. Naruto shook his head to get rid of the boy's phantom image in his thoughts.
'What was his name again? Kida? Kira?', Kyuubi actually knows the name but intentionally wants to make Naruto remember it for him. So to speak, he knew his ward doesn't want to or rather tries not to.
"Kiba...", Naruto said it almost as a whisper. After which he resumes with what he was doing and said nothing else. Kyuubi was already satisfied and would leave it at that. Somehow he knew he won this time. The question is, what was with the Kiba anyway? and Kyuubi suspects that it was not by chance they've met. It smells fishy but if it helps Naruto he would take the risk.
Later that evening he told Tsunade that he passed the exam, even though he didn't know the results yet he was confident enough since the questions were easy breezy. He asked where Jiraiya was and wondered why the old pervert didn't leave any message.
"Baa, he might be in some bar. You know him, he easily gets drunk around chicken winged ladies.", Tsunade easily lied through as if it was actually real. She exactly knew where the old pervert was but would not tell Naruto the truth if she can help it. This was another story best explained when Naruto is already safe.
Kyuubi sensed the lie and kept his mouth shut for his ward's sake. He knew that there must be something very important that Tsunade had to actually lie again. 'Let's just eat already. Beside you need to tell her about the dorms', Kyuubi tried to distract Naruto with that fact and succeeded without sounding suspicious.
"Oh yeah, by the way ba-chan I need you to sign some papers as well for school.", Naruto said so as he shoved mouthful of his butter roasted chicken and was actually regretting about going to dorm since he's going to miss his ba-chan's cooking.
"I have news for you as well, since you're going to school and would be staying in dorms, I'll be going back to work as well.", she said this with such satisfaction and knew about the idiot's groan coming.
"Geez please don't tell me it's going to be a nearby hospital to my school", Kyuubi was mentally cackling like an idiot. 'Well played, well played'.
'Shut up Kyuu, I thought she said there was no catch in this.', Naruto pouted like a child whose icecream fell on the ground. Slowly melting under the sun's unmerciful glare.
"Yup and guest what it's just walking distance to Konoha University. Isn't fun?", Tsunade couldn't keep the sarcasm from lacing those words. They did agree he would be able to live on his own this time but that doesn't mean he's free from supervision. Not on her watch though.
"I suppose there's no other choice is there?", Naruto looked as if he was waving his surrender flag. Not much to do but to concede. It was better than having her as their school nurse. Not that there's nothing wrong with it. It's just, well. Awkward to have your granny best out others in their 20's.
'Good point', Kyuubi agreed and wondered why would Jiraiya look at other flat chested girls if he has this watermelon freak. 'I heard that Kyuu. You better be thankfull she can't hear you or you'll be very sorry', Naruto warned Kyuubi as the fox clearly was saying things casually.
'Naah she'd keel over if she did heard me', laughing all the harder. Naruto just pouted even more. What would he give to actually see Kyuubi being throttled by Tsunade. That'll be awesome to remember.
"Come on, I won't actually interfere but you can be sure I'm there to watch you.", Tsunade kept on teasing her grandson. It'll be a long while before she can do this. Granted if Naruto would be coming home every semestral break but doubted so. It will be his time to explore and as such would relish it.
"Yeah then people would either mistake you for my older sister or just plain crazy genetics", ever since he question as to why Tsunade look ever so young and asked what her secret was. She just kept saying its pure genetics and he simply wont understand how fortunate she was.
"Hey atleast I'm not going senile yet!", Tsunade took her plate to the sink and began washing it along with the afternoon dishes that was piled. She felt sad that after tonight she won't be seeing Naruto for a while.
"I know. I'm going to miss your nagging ba-chan", Naruto proceeded in hugging her from behind. Wrapping his arms around her waist into a big bear hug. He can't help but sob as this was a huge step for him and they actually agreed to it.
"Sssh, it'll be fine you'll see," turning and facing her crying grandson she let a single tear fall from her eyes as she looked straight into his eyes magnified by tears that freely flowed from his scarred cheeks. So blue and deep. His hair looked very much like that of Minatos. While his attitude clearly came from his mother, Kushina.
Her tears, as much as she was trying to hold back, fell again and again on Naruto's cheeks. "No matter how far or how long you will be away, we love you Naru. And know that we are always here," pointing towards his heart, "you will always find us there and if you need to see us just close your eyes," holding him near her bosoms like the first night he came back after that fateful event, "and listen your heart. We are with you, always".
"Ok?", Tsunade asked Naruto as she smiled down on him. Wiping away tear stains from his cheeks. Naruto couldn't audibly say yes, instead bowed his head and cried some more. Tsunade chuckled and held him close and hugged him tightly. "Now you better go and prepare your luggage for tomorrow we should be there first thing in the morning." she said as she ushered him to go already.
"Hmm Hn.." Naruto agreed and went to proceed doing so. Knowing Tsunade she would bawl and cry.
Rightly so, after making sure that Naruto is already upstairs she collapsed and tears flowed like a river from her eyes. Wishing she could turn back time and spend all the possible time with Naruto. Wishing Jiraiya would be safe from his mission. Wishing Minato and Kushina was still alive and would be arguing with her on quality time with Naruto. Bowing her head she smiled. Although it was painful she knew this day would come. She should be proud of what Naruto has become. A strong and independent boy capable of handling his own troubles.
Rising to finish up the dishes, she knew that the least she could do for Naruto is to be strong as well and be there when he needs her. Right now what her grandson needs is their unwavering trust in him. She will see it through that he will indeed succeed in all his endeavours. Finally wishing that she would still be there to catch off some of light when the day comes.
Entering his room he felt drained and tired. He fell flat on his back and staired at the ceiling.
'After today I would be on my own tomorrow.', Naruto thought. Of course he knew Kyuubi would be there to mock him but instead received a different reply.
'WE would be on our own tomorrow. Then again isn't this what you wanted?', Kyuubi inquired his ward. 'Well yes and no. I mean its scary but fun at the same time, do you get me?', Naruto couldn't put it into words properly how he wanted it to be.
'Excited you mean. Butterflies on your stomach kind of thing.', Kyuubi helpfully replied. 'Yeah. Something like that.', Naruto proceeded into changing into his pajamas. Then lied down on his bed. This will be the last night that he will be having to sleep on it.
'It'll be fun, though I wish we can meet that emo boy again so we can show him whose the boss eh?', Kyuubi was expecting a reply but realized that Naruto already fell asleep just as soon he hit bed. 'Rest now Kit. We have a big day ahead of us.' with it, Kyuubi retired to Naruto's deep recesses and awaited the break of dawn.
Naruto woke up slowly. His mind registered the soft covers that lie on him. Then he felt the heaviness of sleep on his limbs. Next was the coldness of early morning. Then the crisp freshness of the breeze that entered through the half open window he forgot to close last night. He heard movements in the kitchen, knowing Tsunade wouldn't let him go without packing him some snacks to get him by through the day.
He got up and showered. Using his regular shower gel, he scrubbed himself up and was assaulted with the citrus smell. Naruto could've finished on time but opted to relish the warm water cascading down his body. From his bathroom Naruto could already smell the breakfast waiting for him downstairs. He did a final rinse and went out of the shower to dry himself. Looking at the mirror he was met with his reflection. A lean fit muscle. No more baby fats were to be seen on his body since it was long since gone when Jiraiya started giving him routine exercises every morning back then. Which makes him remember where that old pervert is now.
'Probably in some girl's apartment', Kyuubi interjected in his thoughts. Of course Naruto is used to Kyuubi popping out of nowhere but back to the days when it was just new to him he used to suddenly go rigid and wide eyed, having those mini-heart attacks. Specially with the comments and suggestions that Kyuubi blurts out he can't help but wonder if others could actually hear them talking. As time goes by it came naturally to him and bothered him no more.
'Could be but he knows his limits. I wanted to see him before we go on our own though.', Naruto said as he put on his "lucky" shirt. The design was a bit punk rock with black mixing with the orange and yellow chromatic. It was cool to say the least so long as it has orange on it.
'He'll come by and say hello, you'll see.', Kyuubi reassured his ward. Though he knew there might be something up since the last time they had dinner all together. Everything that he knew about Jiraiya. The facial expressions, the controlled movement. Calculating eyes and even the words spoken fell out of place. It seemed different that moment he came back after that call. That call must connected to Naruto since the only times the old pervert get this serious is when the boy gets involved.
'I hope so.' Naruto's thoughts were floating every where. Kyuubi understands this as a sense of euphoria. Nervousness and excitement. While others experience these things through drugs and other medications. His ward finds joy in new experiences. In doing things that is completely alien and new to him.
Going down the stairs he was met by a pair of jet black eyes, short hair and traditional kimono. A bit plump and petite, she exuded a sense of authority and danger.
But to Naruto he was used to this, so instead of how normal people greeted each other, he ran and gave Shizune a big hug, almost lifting her up.
"Wow where you've been? Last I heard you were somewhere in the China studying herbal medicine", Naruto excitedly chattered away to his Auntie who's been constantly away studying medicine around the world.
"Yes well before that, what do you say to this?", holding up a pendant that was exquisitely beautiful. Three crystals hang on a silver thread that deceivingly looks weak. "The thread is made from nano-technology, based from how spiders weave their threads".
"Oooh, that's so cool!", Naruto, though presented with the necklace he didn't touch it nor did he grabbed and donned it unlike other kids when given the same situation.
"Here let me try it on you,", sensing Naruto's amazement and respect for such, she went behind him and clasped the necklace on him. "there, it looks perfect!". Clapping excitedly.
"Where did you get this Aunt Shizune?", afraid he might break it he delicately touched and marveled all the more at the small crystal.
"In our ancestral house," Tsunade said as she gazed upon her grandson. Immediately she saw the resemblance of his father and mother reflecting on him. Her heart fluttered at how ironic it seems that she would be reminded like this on the day Naruto would leave for college. "it was a tradition to give as a parting good luck charm."
Sitting across Naruto, "I asked Shizune, since she's already passing by our Ancestral house, to acquire it from the guardians there. I do hope they didn't give you any trouble though".
"Oh those old vultures, if i hadn't told them you personally sent me to retrieve it you'll never hear the end of it. It was a good thing I saved the letter you sent me." Shizune pouted as she was reminded of the trials and rituals she had to go to just to get this relic and had to actually have it cleaned off and get its thread replaced with something more reliable.
"Thank you Aunt Shizune" Naruto gave her one of his rare genuine smiles to make her know he greatly appreciates her efforts. Kyuubi suggested something about old women being childish and needing to see a shrink.
"Well let's go and eat. You don't want others to get all the best rooms and schedules now do you?" Shizune suggested as she went to the dining room first, with Naruto following her. Tsunade stared into space where Naruto was sitting before and had to double check her emotions. She can't cry now, not again. It must be all smiles despite the pain threatening to break through her chest again just like last night.
They had a wonderful time whilst eating breakfast. Shizune distracted Naruto with her adventures across the globe and the wonders she has seen. This made Naruto look like a child enraptured with a story of a mysteriously wonderland of adventures. Tsunade watched as Naruto ooh'ed and aah'ed with Shizune's tales.
Even as they were packing the luggages on the car's trunks that look on Naruto's face. That look of wonder and glee never left off. They travelled by 7:45am and arrived in front of Konoha University at 8:30am. Not a long trip since its still a bit early and they already passed the rush hour.
"Wow is this where you'll be going Naru?" Shizune gaped as she looked around the University. "You sure you'll be ok?", she inquired, looking worried since she knew that he was homeschooled his entire life.
"Yup, I will. Don't worry Aunt Shizune", giving her one of his fake ok smiles. Kyuubi just rolled his eyes at how old people could be worrisome.
"I'm going to miss you Naru~!", Shizune's eyes were tearring up as she hugged him tightly. "Now don't go get yourself into fights you can't win ok?", this time it was Naruto's turn to roll his eyes. Tsunade saw this and gave him a stern look.
"Yes Auntie, I won't promise", keeping his fingers crossed behind his back. Kyuubi laughed at him for doing so.
Shizune gave him a final hug and proceeded inside the car to give Tsunade and Naruto some private time. Inside, she deftly opened her laptop and input a long password that was then verified with facial recognition. Though working, the laptop didn't fully activate yet, she then proceeded to open a program and type another series of letters and numbers. Fully activating the laptop, she opened a folder whose file name was surveillance and activating the GPRS tracker that was installed on the necklace she gave Naruto.
While she was doing this Tsunade and Naruto were already doing there farewells and could see how her superior was tightly holding on her emotions just to keep them from spilling out in front of the kid.
Finally as Naruto turns to leave, Tsunade was still standing there and seemed to be restraining herself from running towards Naruto and bodily taking him home back. She observed as Tsunade watched Naruto's figure go smaller as he proceeded inside the University grounds. Finally inside the institution, Tsunade went inside the car and breathe out a long steady sigh. When she looked at Shizune she was different. The woman's demeanor made a 360 degrees turn. Right now, this very moment, in front of Shizune is a woman no man or woman would ever want to mess with. It's either they die by her hands or by her medical genius. Makes no difference since it'll be hell before its over.
"We shall go into the nearby hospital, it's all been pre-arranged by The Old Hermit and that we will be working there normally.", starting the car she switched gears and went out of the University to go to the nearby hospital named Fire Leaf Memorial Hospital [FLMH].
"I assume that you have gained information on Naruto's case?", Tsunade inquired in her most authorative voice. Which was never used in Naruto's presence though sometimes minor slips were made back to the days Naruto was still young and wild.
"Not much, since we don't have the original serum I cannot replicate its effects nor our engineers could as well," Shizune answered in the same manner but with reverence to the medical genius. "though we've investigated separate cases of various drugs and cultured bacteria, the problem is we cannot put it all together as a viable serum even as a vaccine."
"The important thing is that it is all optimistically good," Tsunade turned and slowed down to the red light blinking on. "we don't know the full extent of the serum yet despite all these years. The technology although we can identify it, we cannot replicate." Tsunade clenched the steering wheel hard.
"We've done what we can, we are missing a vital clue here. We have replicated most of the advantages and disadvantages of the serum the only problem left is the agent needed to bond all of it to make it acceptible inside a host instead of self destructing all together." Shizune explained as she watched pedestrians walking by.
Tsunade's eyes followed a mother and her child cross, both were happily chatting away as they walked on. She stepped on the gas as the traffic light turned green, signalling a go for them.
"We must find out that missing clue, Naruto is safe for the mean time but we may never know the full extent of the serum unless we discover all its effects to him." Tsunade turned again to another street and was met with FLMH's tall building. "Naruto's life is at stake and we cannot make a gamble with it." She said with finality as they stepped out and proceed inside the building.
"Yes, Tsunade Hime", Shizune said as she bowed and acknowledge the task ahead. It will not be easy, as nothing ever was. Specially when your working under the princess.
A/N: well hello again :D this one's a bit long coz of all the conversation. the drama. haha can't help it since its Naruto's first time to be alone in a big world.
All i can say is that he better watch out for what's ahead.
by the way thanks for the reviews its greatly appreciated juz so ya know :)