Shikamaru had begged Naruto not to go through with it, he offered him help, he said a lot of things.
"Kurama doesn't want to go now. He said he will wait I'm not going to die" he said softly trying to calm him
"You promise?" He asked eyes burning into Naruto warning him to not even try and lie to him. Naruto nodded not even able to hide his sadness about it
"Why do you look so upset about it?" Shikamaru asked his hand cupping Naruto's cheek his eyes looking pained which then made Naruto feel guilty.
"Because it was my way to go to people who wanted me. Loved me and I want to. I want to see them, talk to them. I mean, I don't know if I will but... its hope" he shrugged and Shikamaru's mouth turned down
"I want you, I love you" he said pressing against his cheek with more presssure "and I'm not the only one. If you would ju-"
"I know" Naruto interrupted his hands coming to the hand over his cheek. He did know, he knew people loved him, it was him that was the problem. He wouldn't let himself accept it or embrace it. Even Gaara who had given him a home, who was going against a nation he had worked hard to make peace with. His throat felt tight as he thought of his parents, what they've done for him, how they put so much effort into keeping him alive and this was how he repayed them "but it's hard to let it in" he whispered he was selfish. He had made it obvious he cared for them, took deliberate steps to make sure they knew he'd protect them... but was ready to leave them behind, to reject their feelings toward him completely. No matter the type of love for him they had.
"I ca-" his voice broke, he bowed his head his hair falling to cover his face and Naruto couldn't stop his hand from reaching up to push it behind his ear, his fingers lightly taking the earring with his chakra. Shikamaru cleared his throat "I would never have helped you if I knew, and I hate you went through those feelings alone"
"I wasn't alone" Naruto shrugged and Shikamaru's frowned up at him "he was really there for me, helping me learn jutsu, keeping me alive. I mean I was sure it was for him but now..." he trailed off
Don't let it go to your head, brat Kurama huffed and Naruto almost smiled. Yeah, he has cared for a long time.
"I wish you would have given me a chance" Shikamaru whispered leaning his head forward into the crook of Naruto's neck "to be there for you, to help change their minds. For us to grow up together... for me to make you happy"
Naruto's throat seized as his eyes stung with unshed tears. Because that image would haunt him for the rest of his days. He saw that life in his mind, him and Shikamaru against the village, Shikamaru introducing him to his friends and maybe making some more... them realising together how they felt, going on dates. They'd likely be together now if he had been brave enough to stay.
"This wasn't what I planned to talk about" he sighed suddenly feeling heavy.
"I know. But I'm glad you're finally talking to me, properly" His hand turned under Naruto's and weaved their fingers together "and I want to make sure you aren't going to do anything stupid"
"I'm not" he answered honestly "thanks to Kurama I'm here to stay, and I don't even have the key anyway" he shrugged "and I have a maniac heading this way to try and steal him and hurt the village you love, a crazy old man threatening you" Naruto shrugged as his voice became stronger more sure as he focused on the problems in hand and not his heart trying to beat out of his chest "and I refuse to let that happen"
"What old man?" Shikamaru asked and Naruto felt him frown against his neck, he let go of the earring and wrapped his arm around him. Like that's all he had to do to keep him safe.
"That's what I wanted to talk about. This old man, Danzo"
"The Root leader" Shikamaru nodded
"He's the one that wants me locked up, or to take Kurama and seal him I someone 'trustworthy'" Naruto rolled his eyes "when I went to walk away last night he not so subtly threatened you and Kakashi. I made a clear threat back but..." he trailed off
"I'll be careful" Shikamaru promised
"Very careful" Naruto emphasised "there's something off with him. Seriously! And he has something hidden under those bandages. If you can, just stear clear of him completely"
Memories from the clone filtered in and Naruto tensed his mouth falling open
"What?" Shikamaru asked sitting up and looking at him worried.
-
Clone P.O.V
Honestly she should close her windows, he thought as he concealed himself in the shadows and looked through the window only being able to see the back of Tsuanad's chair.
"A new update from Itachi?" She asked
Itachi? From Itachi? Why would they be getting updates from him.
"Yes" Kakashi said and the clone moved down to look further in to see Kakashi had taken his jackets off revealing a seal on his arm. Activating it he pulled out a scroll and began reading it.
"He is warning us that now Jiyraiya is dead they will come for Naruto soon. They don't know who yet but they believe he is here. If Itachi isn't dealt with by Sasuke before then they will likely send him"
Tsunade huffed
"Is Sasuke ready?" She asked her voice heavy with grief
"Not yet"
"Do we think Naruto would help if they attacked? He seems strong"
The clone grinned at that.
"I'm not certain but... I feel like he wouldn't let something important to the people he cares about be destroyed because of him"
He wasn't wrong and the clone wasn't going acknowledge that feeling of happiness and pride that someone saw him so well "it bothers me Sasuke has been deceived this long. He should know the whole story"
"We don't have the full story" Tsunade said
"We have had our suspicions for a long time. And now because of Naruto I believe we are right"
"Naruto?" Tsunade asked
"He had a run in with Danzo, and he said that his chakra was broken, similar to mine but not. Then he made a comment about how it was convenient Itachi killed the clan when he did. I am almost certain Danzo forced Itachi into doing it. And I have a hunch his covered eye is a Sharingan"
"Why would you think that?" She asked
"He began covering it a week before the massacre right? Shisui died right around that time... his eyes were missing"
"You think he stole them?" she asked her tone disbelieving
"Pehaps that's the difference Naruto can sense. Mine was given, what if when they're stolen that leave a mark on the way the chakra connects and accepts the foreign one?"
The clone nodded and thought that was a good point. But also... if they were right, as he suspected from the 'Uchiha clan' slip up from Danzo, it would make it believable he would do it. Especially if he had convinced himself the Uchiha had caused the attack on the village almost seventeen years ago. Rage burned in his chest at the thought someone had made Itachi do it, and just how would they have managed to do it? He didn't know Shisui, but he did know it likely wasn't easy to steal an Uchiha's eyes. They said Sasuke was deceived. So they knew Itachi had his reasons that weren't what Sasuke was told. That much was clear.
"Lord Third had asked you to loan Itachi, remember? He then loaned him to Danzo not long before it happened. He wanted eyes in the foundation after what happened with Yamato and Me, and with the tension between the village and the Uchiha"
"They tried to take your Sharingan" she stated
The clone didn't miss the meaning. Danzo failed to get Kakashi's, going after Shisui wasn't as unbelievable as one would think. Tension between the village and Uchiha? Probably made by Danzo himself, the clone thought. "If Itachi comes Sakura would be the best defence" Tsunade said gravely
"Are you sure?" He asked "being impervious to gen jutsu won't be enough, her Tai Jutsu is going to have to be good enough to stand against Guy and Lee. Itachi is no joke and he will not hold back"
"Then we get her training with Lee everyday. Guy too if it helps" Tsunade said
"I'll talk to Naruto. See if he has any plans"
"You trust him?" She asked
"With my life" Kakashi said without hesitation
"He abandoned you for ten years" she pointed out
"He didn't abandon us. He ran away because we failed him. But he still came back and I know he saved us at the chunin exams. And he is here now trying to find the one who killed Jiyraiya"
The hokage nodded
"I agree" she said "I can't place it but I find myself trusting him"
"So we prepare Sasuke, Sakura too" Kakashi nodded "and hope Naruto is prepared as best he can be"
"It's all we can do. I'll start getting plans ready and ninja in place. If Itachi isn't coming we still have no clue what to expect from this Pain besides what Lord Fukusaku told us" Tsunade said. The clone agreed and it's job was done. It disappeared.
P.O.V Naruto
He knew it. He knew something was wrong with that man and now he was certain he had a hand in what happened to the Uchiha. Shikamaru tapped his thumb to Naruto's cheek causing him to blink and focus back on the man he was on.
"Sorry" He shook his head "I just got some information" he sagged against the Nara feeling drained.
"You had an active clone?" He asked surprised
"Kakashi and Tsunade clearly had some sort of signal. Given what is going on I don't like being in the dark" he said sitting up to look at Shikamaru again
"That's funny, I'm sure that's where you try to keep everyone else" he muttered and Naruto tried not to take that personally. He was upset still, and Naruto couldn't blame him. If Shikamaru had said he wanted to die he knew he'd be heartbroken too. He sighed "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for"
"It's okay" Naruto smiled sadly "but now you know everything. I have no reason to keep you at arms length" he pointed out and Shikamaru held his hand so tight Naruto could feel the strain on his knuckles
"You'll talk to me" he realised "about yourself?"
"Yes" he nodded and felt a strong arm come round his waist and pull him closer. He wished he could be here forever, he wished he could give himself to Shikamaru completely. But they still had things to do. And now Naruto has a mission of his own, to find out the truth about Itachi. And thanks to the man under him... he had become the best he knew at infiltration
"Shikamaru, I still have to go" he said carefully "my training isn't complete and I want to be ready if you summon me"
"I know..." he looked scared his hold tightening even more.
"You don't have to worry, I will come back"
"It's just the thought of you leaving to keep looking for a way is-" he cut off as Naruto's eyes turned red, his teeth elongated into fangs as his whiskers some how became more wild... Naruto was in the mindscape looking out at Shikamaru's terror. About to drag the idiot Kurama back in stopped as he spoke.
"I won't let him" he said "Jiyraiya had the key, and now he is gone. You have nothing to worry about"
Shikamaru nodded
"How can you do this then?" He asked
"We weakened the seal a great deal. I can come out if needed" he shrugged and then Naruto was up front and blinking up at Shikamaru.
"I'm sorry" he apologised "That's never happened before" he sighed "I have to go. But I swear to you" he pulled his hand free and brought both to his face "I'm coming back" he looked at him eyes hard and hoping that Shikamaru could see the truth in his words.
"Okay" he nodded and looked only a little more at ease
"I have time, before I have to go, what would you like to know?" He asked and Shikamaru smiled ever so slightly.
By time they left to go back to the village Naruto had answered all the questions Shikamaru had asked, the good, the bad, and the dark. He'd braided some small braids into his hair and it seemed to have soothed him. When he seemed more relaxed the sun was almost setting. Shikamaru put his hair up braids and all. Walking through the village Shikamaru kept hold of his hand, it worked as a focus point for Naruto. Keeping him in the present and out of his own head. To keep him from worrying about each movement from the people passing.
"Oi! Shikamaru!" A woman's voice called and they both turned to see his blonde teammate- Ino. Shikamaru groaned and lead them over. She looked over Naruto and smiled her blue eyes lighting up.
"Well hello handsome" she smiled "nice to see you again"
Was she flirting? He couldn't think of a thing to say so he only nodded to her.
"What's going on with your hair?" She asked and he lifted his hands to his head.
"Well, no point in hiding it for now" he shrugged forgetting he hadn't dyed it since going back to Myoboku. The roots were showing two inches of his bright blonde hair, the red not quite looking deliberately there.
"Will you let the blonde grow back?" Shikamaru asked and Naruto felt the butterflies in his stomach as he remembered Shikamaru watching him and saying he missed the blonde. He lifted his hand to his fringe
"Maybe" he shrugged nervously. Is this what it feels like to let someone like you? He was didn't consider himself shy but the look he was getting made him want to hide his face
"I like the blonde" Shikamaru said his voice deepening as he reached up for Naruto's hair. His face felt hot and Ino giggled which told Naruto he was blushing. He lowered his head and tried to calm himself.
"I'll think about it" he murmured but he knew full well he was going to try and strip the dye out as soon as he could. He wanted to see how it made Shikamaru to see him with his natural hair.
"I was talking about Shikamaru" Ino chuckled flicking one of the small braids on his head. Then both of them were looking a little embarrassed. "I was closing up and going to meet Choji and Sakura for food, why don't you two come?" Ino asked and Naruto realised that they were in front of a flower shop.
"You work here?" He asked hoping to change the subject. and realised that seemed oddly fitting for her
"It's my Mum's shop. So I work when I'm not on missions" she locked the door and smiled at them "so, you coming?" She asked putting her hands together in front of her with a soft clap
"I actually need to be going" Naruto said he had one more thing to do before going back to Myoboku and he'd need to leave immediately after. He looked to Shikamaru
"We can say-"
"I'll meet you there. Usual place?" Shikamaru interrupted and Ino nodded
"Then let's talk before you go" Shikamaru said as he began pulling him away
"Uh bye! It was nice to see you again" he waved to Ino who only smiled knowingly and waved.
"Where are we going?" Naruto asked but Shikamaru pulled them between two shops and pinned Naruto to the wall. He didn't give Naruto a chance to catch up before he pulled him in and hugged him tightly, this seemed really out of character but Naruto figured he was probably a little nervous about letting him go. So he lifted his hands and pressed them onto his back. His head was raised slightly from Shikamaru's height
"I promise. I'm going to come back" he said softly "you don't have to worry"
"I'll try" his voice sounded strangled loosening his hold he leant back to look at him. Naruto prepared himself this time, he couldn't afford to get lost in his want for Shikamaru again. Not yet. He pushed himself up on his toes and locked his lips with Shikamaru's as he pulled him closer. It wasn't like before, Naruto felt the fear Shikamaru had, he felt the sadness that he was saying goodbye again. Neither wanted to part, Naruto pulled away first taking a deep breath
"It's not goodbye" he whispered flattening his feet, Shikamaru only bent down keeping their heads touching "I'll see you soon and when Pain is dealt with... we can figure this out" his hands travelled round from his back to his chest "if..." he trailed off because he didn't really know for sure. Shikamaru could just be swept up in the emotionality of it all, he said he loved him but did that mean he wanted an actual relationship? Was Naruto even capable of such a thing?
"I definetely want to talk about it" Shikamaru nodded "properly so you understand and believe me" he kissed him quickly and stepped back. Naruto grinned at him and felt like his heart was fluttering with the happiness that caused.
"I'll train hard so to return quickly" he promised and teleported to his parents house. Once there he fell to the floor and stared at the wall unblinking. He'd kissed Shikamaru, he had spent half the day being as close to completely unguarded and told him more things about himself than he had ever done in his entire life. He walked through the village with ease all because he held his hand... could he really stay here when everything is all said and done? When the Akastsuki are gone, and Itachi is saved. This place had so many horrible memories, and it hurt to be here. But in this house, with Kakashi, at the Nara compound...with Shikamaru he felt less burdened to he here. But was that enough to hold back Sixteen years worth of unresolved trauma from this place? He wasn't sure and it scared him to hope, it scared him he had unwittingly let his emotions get the better of him and he had now given both of them hope.
Didn't you want to find Root? Kurama asked pulling him from his spiralling thoughts. He sat up and nodded.
His clone sat on the Hokage monument watching the village. It was dark and shadows of ninja making there way over the village could be seen. He was in the shadows. Danzo wouldn't give up after one threat he was sure of it. He just had to wait and follow him back to Root or get him to admit the truth. It took three hours before he approached from behind
"I think we got off on the wrong foot" he said in a placating tone and the clone scoffed
"You think!"
"You have to understand, my job is to protect the village" he said the clone didn't look at him, and he just shrugged
"Nothing too special about it. Not sure what the appeal is to make you have to kill children"
Danzo straightened up behind the clone his weaker demeanour he had on show vanishing
"I don't understand what you mean" his voice was calm and didn't so much as waver
"Just because he was a ninja doesn't mean he wasn't a child" he shrugged still not looking at him "What's so special about this place that drives you to such atrocities?" He asked standing up.
"My job isn't an easy one and yes there have been unfortunate missions. But this is the jewel of the Land of Fire. We are the example of the Land, we protect not just the village itself but the land of Fire too. Our predecessors built and made this a paradise. Its our job to ensure it stays that way"
"I'm pretty sure Hashirama Senju wouldn't be pleased you had his best friends clan slaughtered for power. Or my Parents for that matter" he snarled and Naruto saw his eye widen. Saw the way his hand reached up to remove the bandages but stopped
"You should be careful with that imagination of yours" he smiled feigning amusement
"So you don't have Shisui Uchiha's eye?" He asked outright and then his demeanour changed again. It was now predatory and he laughed as two ANBU landed only to immediately be trapped by the 'Clones' shadows
"You think you know! Have it figured out"
"No. I have bits and pieces. Wanna fill in the blanks?" He asked putting his hands on his hip
"You're dead anyway" he shrugged looking completely unphased by the situation
"You killed Shisui and stole his eyes"
"No. He killed himself, after I took one he fought and escaped"
Naruto frowned, so his other eye was stolen by someone else?
"You made Itachi kill his clan"
"I gave him options. The village or his clan, that way he could ensure his little brothers safety"
The clone and Naruto simultaneously clenched their hands into fists, nails biting into the flesh. He threatened Sasuke. That wasn't a choice. The next one he wasn't one hundred percent on, but he did seem desperate to get Kurama so he was just throwing it out there
"You were the one who killed my parents"
He shook his head and seemed genuinely sad
"Lord Fourth would have made this village greater than it already is. Your Mother was his everything and if she was gone I knew he would never be the man he was. I had nothing to do with the night you were born"
Naruto believed him.
"You don't do it solely for the village, but for power"
"Sometimes"
"So what now?" He asked the old man
"Like I said, you die" he laughed and a third ANBU appeared behind the clone and a sword came through his heart. Naruto immediately caught Danzo and the new ANBU with shadows and made himself known. Rising out the shadows as the clone puffed away, he took the sword and used the hilt to knock the ANBU out. Using shadow strangle he held them all in place as he walked to Danzo infusing chakra to his fingers reaching for Danzo's covered eye the chakra shredding the bandages as he swiftly plucks they stolen eye from his head. He yelled out in agony unable to move as Naruto glared at him. What else has he done? How many innocent people were suffering because he wanted power. It made him sick and he wanted to drive the sword through his neck and make him fear the death that would come when he decided to pull out the blade that kept him alive. He frowned, because he still felt the distorted chakra. He pulled down the robe covering his left side frowning at the huge metal contraption over his arm. And he felt dread cone over him. Something told him not to let it come off. He dislocated the shoulder and quickly used the sword to cut between the joint and the arm fell to the floor with a heavy thump his screams echoed over the village. Naruto would be lying if he said it didn't make him feel just a little happy.
"What is going on?!" Came a familiar voice and Naruto turned to see Tsunade and Kakashi had appeared and stood to the side their eyes widening at the state of Danzo.
"Danzo!" Tsuanade shouted landing next to him her hands glowing and immediately treating his shoulder to stop the bleeding.
"You can come out now!" He called and Sasuke came from the shadows Naruto had hidden him in. His sharingan active and his fury was rolling off him Naruto could feel it from here.
"I'll kill him!" He growled and Naruto wasn't surprised
"Not yet. We need to let Tsunade prove it" he dropped the sword and put that hand on his shoulder "then you can get him back, if that's what you choose" he looked to Tsunade "something is really wrong with that arm, be careful" she nodded and he looked to Kakashi "I really have to go now, I'll be back soon, and I do have a plan" he blocked off the other ANBU's Airways and held it tightly until they passed out before he nodded and teleported to the marker ten miles out of the village. Only realising when he went to Summon Gamakichi that he still had Shisui's eye. Pulling out a vase he put the eye in and wrapped it in a scroll for some cushioning. What happened to his other eye? He wondered as he summoned Gamakichi to bring him to Myoboku. Time to master this. He had to, he knew he didn't have much time before they came. But hopefully it would be delayed if Itachi came and was told that they knew the truth. And if Sasuke did choose to forgive him as Naruto hoped, that he could come home.
-
Entering the shrine Naruto was faced with Shima and Fukusaku and the old toad and a toaad he had never seen before. Before training started in the morning they had something to discuss and he suddenly felt nervous.
"What is it?" He asked
"As you probably were aware Jiyraiya boy possessed the key to the seal on the fox within you. This is Gerotora, he is the guardian of it and Jiyraiya boy... asked we return it to you" Fukusaku said and Naruto almost collapsed. He thought for sure it was lost for good. Kurama stirred inside him his surprise could be felt
That fool! He yelled inside his cage but Naruto couldn't even respond. He stared at the toad who only scowled at him.
"It is not a good idea to put me so close to the lock" he grumbled and Shima nodded in agreement
"It is not our choice" Fukusaku snapped and looked to Naruto "will you accept it?"
"Yes" he nodded. Did he answer that too quickly? To eager? He wasn't sure but he took a step to the toads "I accept it"
Signing the scroll was nerve-racking and he didnt know why, he didn't get to figure it out before the toad closed the scroll, shrunk and forced his way down Naruto's throat. Coughing and heaving for a good five minutes Naruto thanked the toads and went to bed.
He lay there entering the mindscape and looked up to Kurama. What if he changed his mind now that the key was right here? He had promised Shikamaru... and he didnt want to break it. He didn't want to leave him. Kurama didn't give anything away he just watched Naruto.
"If you're thinking of opening it I wouldn't suggest here. Even if I refuse to leave you my Chakra will burst out initially" he said and Naruto couldn't believe his ears. His freedom was right here, and he really didn't want to go?
"You..."
"I told you, I can wait around a while"
"But we didn't think we'd ever get it. Now we have and you still don't want to be free?" He asked Naruto wasn't sure how a fox could pout but Kurama succeeded before he groaned putting his head under his paws.
"Your half baked life isn't worth my freedom..." he was mumbling and Naruto felt his heart pick up as he registered the words "I'll take a full life instead" he turned around so Naruto was only seeing nine tails moving in agitation. He was serious! He really wasn't going to go! Naruto pouted and sat on the floor he summoned the key to his arm and read it. If he was going to be stubborn surely he could at least get rid of the cage right? Without releasing the seal?
He wasn't sure how long he sat there before he got through it. It was so complicated, and strong he understood why he never had rampaged the way Gaara had. Compared to this seal Gaara's wasn't even a half baked seal. He shuddered at the lack of strength his had. He lifted his shirt and put his hand above the seal. He turned his hand right ninety degrees and the gates opened and dissapeared. Kurama jumped to his feet and looked around and the mindscape suddenly seemed brighter...the water clearer, the sound of the dripping pipes gone. He looked down to Naruto who had thrown his arms up in delight.
"What did you do?" He asked
"Well if you're going to stay mays well get rid of that cage. Gotta be better this way at least" he shrugged letting his arms fall the smile on his face so wide it hurt his cheeks. He may not have fulfilled the promise he made as a boy but he was glad he could at least give Kurama this much. And suddenly he was tired Kurama had lay back down and Naruto walked over to sit down and lean against his front legs.
"Guess it's us against the world for a while huh" Naruto sighed and the last thing he heard before falling asleep was Kurama's throaty chuckle.
Thank you all for the follows and favourites they mean a lot! I just want to say a special thanks to TigrezzTail! Your reviews make me very happy :) so thank you for the support
