Protector's Obsession
Summary: After saving Naruto at a young age, Mikoto Uchiha raises him in secret and becomes his protector. As Naruto grows older, Mikoto's obsession with him deepens, leading her to hurt anyone who threatens their relationship. Naruto is hers and her alone, and Mikoto plans to make him hers forever.
Arthur's note: After reading a banned story, I found myself inspired to create my own version. While some chapters may share similarities with the original, the rest of my story will diverge significantly. Even those chapters that are similar will be reimagined in my own unique way. For instance, in my version, Naruto will be on a team, and Mikoto won't be the only character with an obsession with him. Additionally, the Uchiha Clan won't be the only clan to experience a massacre, and both clans won't be fully wiped out. Instead, there will be some survivors – perhaps only half, or even less. I hope my fresh take on the story will provide readers with a unique and exciting experience.
Chapter One: The Spark
Mikoto hummed lightly as she headed back home after having gone shopping for the night's dinner, as she always did. The sky was a beautiful shade of pink and orange as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow on the trees and buildings around her. The air was cool and crisp, with a light breeze that caused the leaves on the trees to rustle gently.
As she walked, Mikoto gazed up at the sky, taking in the sight of fluffy white clouds that were tinged with gold and pink. The surrounding trees were tall and majestic, with thick trunks and branches that reached high into the sky. Their leaves were a vibrant shade of green, and as the wind blew, they rustled softly, creating a soothing sound that filled the air.
The surrounding buildings were a mix of old and new, with some towering high into the sky while others were small and quaint. There were shops with brightly lit signs that advertised their wares, restaurants with outdoor seating, and apartments with balconies that overlooked the street. Mikoto couldn't help but marvel at the architectural diversity of her village, and how each building seemed to have its own unique character and charm.
To her surprise, the night was eerily quiet. Typically, a blur of blue and orange would streak through the shopping district, leaving in its wake a trail of chaos and confusion. Naruto was known for his mischievous antics, often splashing paint on stores or unsuspecting bystanders, and getting chased by Shinobi for one reason or another. But tonight, there was none of that.
As she walked home, Mikoto's attention was drawn to a glint of light coming from a nearby tree. She approached it, curious, and saw something hanging from one of the branches. As she got closer, she realized it was a necklace, and below it, a shirt hung limply. Her eyes followed the fabric up to see Uzumaki Naruto, hanging from the tree with a rope tied tightly around his neck. He dangled there like a lifeless puppet, his face twisted in terror, as if he had attempted suicide. The sight sent chills down Mikoto's spine, and she knew she had to act fast to save him.
She walked over to him, her obsidian eyes narrowing as she pulled one of the few kunai she kept hidden within the folds of her slate gray kimono out and expertly threw it at the rope. The blade struck true, slicing through the taut fibers, and the boy plummeted down. With a swift motion, she caught him with one arm, her groceries still secure in the other.
'Who hangs a child in the middle of a normally populated street in broad daylight?' she thought, correcting herself, knowing all too well the villagers' cruel and unjust outlook toward the blond boy.
Gently, she knelt down on the dusty road and removed the coarse rope from around his neck, checking to see if he was breathing and if his heart was still beating. They weren't. His lips were turning blue and his skin was deathly pale.
'I took basic first aid and CPR as part of my kunoichi training, but how long has he been up there?' she thought as she started CPR on the boy.
'Come on, don't make this difficult,' she silently urged as she bent over and breathed air into his lungs, pinching his nose closed before pressing down firmly but carefully on his chest and repeating the process.
After a few more tries, Naruto gasped and started breathing again, and she released a sigh of relief as she watched his chest rise and fall steadily.
'I already have to listen to Kushina complain about abandoning her son in her death; I don't think I want to have to listen to her scold me in the afterlife about him dying as well,' she mused, considering her best friend's probable reaction.
If anyone had questioned her about saving the boy, they'd likely consider her strange or even monstrous for not caring about her best friend's son, or if he had died. Probably not Konoha, though; they seemed more intent on killing the boy than caring whether he lived or died.
The fact was, she had never been able to feel emotions the way normal people did. It was impossible for her to be sad or… anything about what happened to Naruto… or if it had been her children, for that matter. It had always been that way, from the day she was born.
Not only that, but it wasn't as bad as it sounded, though. She knew she was broken in some fundamental way, but she didn't care. It was normal for her. It was easy for her to blend in, to pretend around other people, to pretend to be normal, but inside, she felt nothing.
She glanced at the now-breathing, sleeping boy and sighed. 'Can't take him to the hospital; I've heard the rumors that they just kick him out without proper treatment because of what he contains… I guess I can take him to a safe house since I don't know where he lives,' she thought as she gently picked him up, slinging him over her shoulder before picking up her groceries and heading to a nearby safe house her clan used for emergencies.
The safe house was a small, inconspicuous brick building hidden within Konoha, with a simple yet sturdy wooden door. Its walls were made of aged, sun-bleached bricks, and ivy had started to creep up the outer surface. Inside, the cozy living room had plush scarlet couches and armchairs surrounding an oak coffee table.
Adjacent to it was a modest kitchen with wooden cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. An unassuming dining room contained a round table made of mahogany wood and four chairs. There were also a couple of basic bedrooms, each furnished with a bed, dresser, and nightstand.
Mikoto sighed quietly as she cleaned up the safe house, which was dusty, dirty, and likely had not seen a soul in years. Yet, it served its purpose. Naruto was lying in a bed, still unconscious but resting now and possibly not suffering any lasting damage from having been hung for who knows how long. She made a mental note to check on him periodically through the night to ensure his condition didn't worsen.
Fortunately, the safe house had fallen into such disuse that no one in the clan remembered it, and if they did, they would never consider checking it for her when Fugaku eventually sent out a few clansmen to find her since she wasn't going home anytime soon. Her step sons and husband would have to live without her for now. Since she went through with her decision to save the boy, she'd need a credible excuse for the man.
She spent the next couple of hours cleaning the place up, making it remotely livable, and checking on Naruto every ten minutes as well. The last thing she required was to find him dead after saving him.
After cleaning the safe house, Mikoto stood in the kitchen, stirred a pot filled with a colorful array of vegetables, including crisp carrots, vibrant bell peppers, and tender broccoli, all mingling with succulent diced chicken. The aroma of the savory mixture filled the house, making her mouth water in anticipation. The satisfying sizzle of the ingredients cooking together was a comforting background noise to her thoughts.
She realized she was getting hungry, and if Naruto woke up, he would be too. She couldn't let him leave tonight, especially if he was still recovering from his ordeal. Furthermore, she didn't want her alibi wandering off into the night and causing more trouble. After all, Naruto was notoriously hard to catch, with his impressive stamina and lightning-fast reflexes, often outrunning even the ANBU.
With a determined sigh, Mikoto decided to check on Naruto once more. She turned off the stove and carefully placed a lid on the pot, preserving the delicious aroma for later. She wouldn't let anything distract her from her mission to keep Naruto safe and sound.
Mikoto cautiously pushed the door open and peered inside, only to hear Naruto sobbing. As she stepped into the room, she saw the blond boy curled up in the bed she had prepared for him, tears streaming down his face.
The room was small and plain, with off-white walls and a worn wooden floor. A single window, covered by a thin curtain, let in a soft, diffused light that illuminated the room in a gentle glow. The bed was a simple frame with a plain white sheet, and a small nightstand beside it held a glass of water and a box of tissues. In the corner of the room stood a plain wooden chair, its surface smoothed by years of use.
Mikoto approached Naruto and gently placed a comforting hand on his back. "Shh, it's alright, Naruto. Don't cry," she murmured, using the same soothing tone she employed when consoling her step son, Sasuke. Normally, it works like a charm.
But this time, Naruto's response caught her off guard. "N-no... it isn't. I'm... s-still alive," he hiccuped, his words punctuated by sobs. Mikoto felt her heart lurch at the raw pain in his voice. Had he really been contemplating suicide?
For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Naruto had always been so full of life and energy, it was hard to imagine him ever feeling so hopeless. But as she took in his tear-streaked face and trembling form, she realized that he was just as broken as she was.
Pushing aside her pain, Mikoto focused on the task at hand. "What do you mean, Naruto? Being alive is a good thing. You shouldn't be crying about it," she said gently, hoping to snap him out of his despair, if only for a little while.
"Every morning I wish my mother had drowned me when I was born," Naruto replied, his voice muffled by his arm as he covered his eyes. Mikoto listened quietly, her heart aching for the boy. The room was quiet except for the sound of his ragged breathing and occasional sniffles.
"Then I make my way through the village, heading to the forest with the giant animals, the only place in this hell where a demon like me feels at home," he added, his sobs fading as he continued to speak.
"Sometimes people yell 'Monster! Animal! Demon' and then someone screams 'kill yourself' and it takes me a moment to realize the voice is mine," Naruto continued, his voice growing hoarse with emotion.
Mikoto's frown deepened as she listened, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over her.
"By then I've made it to the forest, and I've got a rope around my neck before I think about it. I hang from it and I pray to whatever being there is that I will die, but then I wake up… usually in my bed, I lay there and I cry… I cry because I'm alive for another day." Naruto's words hung heavily in the air, and Mikoto's heart felt like it was breaking.
She felt something else too, something she couldn't quite put into words. It was a strong, almost overwhelming feeling that seemed to originate from Naruto. As she stared at him, she felt a longing, a yearning, a craving. He was the cause, and she was addicted to the way he made her feel. She didn't care about anything else anymore.
Mikoto rubbed his head gently, somehow it stopped him from crying. Then she surprised him by hugging him tightly. The room was small and plain, with off-white walls and a worn wooden floor. But at that moment, it felt like the whole world had disappeared, and there was only her and Naruto.
"Don't be that way, Naruto-kun. I know it's late... maybe too late, but how would you like if I took care of you? Loved you and all of that?" She held him at arm's length, looking into his tear-filled eyes. He seemed surprised, but after a moment he nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Mikoto felt a sense of relief wash over her. She wouldn't let him go, not after the feelings he invoked in her. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to do whatever it took to help Naruto feel loved and accepted.
Mikoto gently rubbed Naruto's head, soothing him and stopping his tears. She then surprised him by pulling him into a tight hug and speaking softly, "Don't be upset, Naruto-kun. I know it may be late, but would you let me take care of you? Let me love you and support you?" She was confident that he would agree, but if he didn't, she would work even harder to keep him close. She couldn't bear to let him go after the strong feelings he had stirred in her.
Naruto recognized Mikoto as Sasuke's mother, although they had never really interacted before. He knew who she was, or at least had a vague idea, having seen Sasuke with her often. He was smart enough to connect the dots, but he didn't understand why she was hugging him so tightly.
"But... you're Sasuke's mom," he said, feeling confused and unsure of what was happening.
Mikoto shook her head, her eyes filled with concern as she hugged him once more. She was afraid that he might jump out of the bed and leave, which was the last thing she wanted.
"I am his stepmother, not his mom, but that doesn't matter right now," she said, her voice gentle yet firm. "What matters is that you promise me that you'll stay with me and won't hurt yourself again, ever. Do that, and I'll make sure you're happy."
As she spoke, Mikoto's mind raced with worry. She knew that Naruto was in a vulnerable state and needed someone to care for him. She added mentally, 'Please... I... I can't just let you leave otherwise.'
She knew that if she allowed Naruto to leave, she would likely never see him alive again. The thought of losing him was unbearable. She would rather kill him herself than let that happen.
Naruto was taken aback by Mikoto's sudden display of affection. He had never experienced anything like this before.
No one had ever hugged him or begged him for anything. He felt confused and unsure of what to do, but he couldn't deny that he was grateful for the attention.
He mentally shrugged, thinking that he had nothing to lose if he did what she wanted. After all, his life was unable to get any worse.
"Uh... alright, I um... promise, Sasuke's stepmom. I won't do it again," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mikoto pulled back from him, and he could see the concern etched on her face. "My name is Mikoto, Naruto-kun. You can call me whatever you want, though," she said, her voice soft and gentle. Her words sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort in her presence.
Before he could say anything else, Mikoto surprised him by kissing him gently on the cheek. He felt her soft lips against his skin, and a warmth spread through him. He was taken aback by the suddenness of the act, but he didn't pull away. Not only that, but he could feel her warmth and tenderness, and it made him feel a sense of longing that he had never felt before.
As she pulled back, Naruto could see that Mikoto had passed out. She was still holding on to him, a smile on her face. "Mi...koto-san?" he questioned, his voice filled with confusion and concern. He wasn't sure what had just happened or why she had kissed him.
He moved his head around and got a closer look at her face. Furthermore, he could see that she had fallen asleep, her eyes closed and her breathing steady. Not only that, he still didn't know what to make of her or any of this, but he decided to go to sleep as well.
He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of Mikoto's body against his. Furthermore, he could feel her warmth and her love, and it made him feel safe and protected. Not only that, he could smell her perfume and feel the softness of her skin against his. He didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, he was content to sleep in the arms of someone who cared.
Stirring restlessly, Mikoto blinked her eyes open, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Her groggy mind struggled to process her location, and then a rush of memories from the previous night flooded her consciousness. She sat upright, her heart pounding in sudden alarm. The meager shelter around her was utterly empty, save for a few essential utilities. It was a makeshift, bare-bones safe house — just a shack, really. 'Where is Naruto?' she thought, her eyes darting around the room searching for any sign of him.
She pushed down her rising anxiety and got up from the hard, narrow bed. After an unsuccessful search for a note or any hint of his whereabouts, she decided to step outside. Opening the creaky wooden door, she emerged into the great outdoors, her eyes immediately drawn to a small figure hunched over a crackling fire. It was Naruto, a mere ten feet away from the shack, engrossed in his task.
The morning air was crisp, carrying a hint of the impending autumn. The sky was a clear azure, dotted with a few scattered clouds lazily drifting by. A gentle breeze rustled through the surrounding trees, their leaves a vibrant mix of greens, yellows, and oranges, hinting at the changing season. The verdant forest around them buzzed with life, the chirping of birds and quiet whispers of the wind through the foliage creating a serene symphony.
The overpowering aroma of roasting meat wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. Mikoto noticed the remains of an animal nearby — a skin, expertly stripped off and laid neatly to the side. The boy knew how to skin an animal, a skill impressive for an six-year-old. Although the work wasn't perfect, it was competent enough for the hide to be dried and sold at a reasonable price.
Breaking from her reverie, Mikoto approached the boy, who was oblivious to her presence. She wrapped her arms around him from behind in a gentle hug, causing him to tense up. However, upon seeing her over his shoulder, he relaxed, his face breaking into an unsure smile. "Uh... hello, Mikoto-san," he stammered, clearly caught off guard by her affection.
His reaction pierced her heart, serving as a harsh reminder of his usual interactions, which were often characterized by pranks or passionate declarations of becoming Hokage. She could see traces of Kushina in him, a shared stubbornness that was both endearing and heartbreaking to witness.
"Naruto-kun, don't be formal. I won't bite you," she reassured him, dropping her arms and moving to sit next to him by the fire. There was a playful tone to her voice as she added, "Much," before dissolving into soft giggles. Naruto looked at her, a clear sign of fear flashing across his eyes. "So... what are you doing?" she asked, gesturing towards the sizzling meat over the fire.
"Cooking some animals I found for breakfast... decided to wake you up when they were done," Naruto replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze was fixed on the fire, a clear sign of his discomfort. Mikoto understood his unease. The villagers' treatment of him ranged from disregard to outright hostility, and she vowed to end this cycle of torment.
As she ruffled his messy blond hair, she smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, Naruto-kun. Since you seem quite skilled at this, could I ask what you do with the animal's skin?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I kind of just buried it," Naruto admitted, an embarrassed shrug accompanying his words. He had never found any use for the skins, and he confessed that eating it was a mistake he wouldn't repeat.
Mikoto nodded, understanding his dilemma. It was unlikely that anyone had taught him how to use the skins effectively or how to sell them. She contemplated whether the villagers would buy from him and concluded that a visiting merchant might be a potential customer, provided the skins were well-preserved.
"Why don't I show you how to dry it properly?" Mikoto suggested, hoping to impart a new skill. "If you can dry the skins and gather enough, you could make some money by selling them to a merchant visiting Konoha." This was not a standard Shinobi skill, but it was practical and could be beneficial for Naruto.
"Sure, I guess," replied Naruto, his bright blue eyes filled with interest. "But after breakfast?" he added, glancing at the cooking meat. Mikoto agreed, knowing that it was best to consume the meat while it was fresh.
Following their meal, Mikoto started gathering the necessary materials for drying skins, ensuring to collect extras to account for any potential mistakes. Over the next few hours, she patiently guided Naruto through the process. Underneath the canopy of the vibrant forest, with the cool morning air gradually warming as the sun rose higher in the sky, Mikoto shared her knowledge with the eager young boy, hoping to equip him with a new skill that could make his challenging life a little easier.
Naruto walked down the bustling streets of Konoha, Mikoto by his side, his small arms cradling the dried furs. The marketplace was a flurry of activity – merchants haggling, children running around, Shinobi returning from missions. The sound of lively chatter and occasional laughter filled the air, mixed with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and grilled meat from nearby food stalls.
There was a particular spot in the marketplace frequented by a gathering of regulars, a place known for its variety of goods and reasonable prices. Among them was a merchant who dealt in various commodities, including animal furs. He was a tall man, with a broad chest and a belly that suggested a good life. His eyes were a sharp gray, always twinkling with a shrewdness that came from years of trade. Balding slightly at the top, he had a bushy beard that was a mix of black and gray, matching his eyebrows. He wore a traditional kimono, a little worn around the edges but clean.
As Mikoto and Naruto approached, the man noticed them and walked over to greet them. Naruto instinctively hid behind Mikoto, accustomed to the usual scorn or indifference he received from most adults.
"Mikoto-sama, a pleasure to see you this morning. May I ask what brings you here in person?" The merchant asked, his attention entirely focused on the Uchiha Matriarch, ignoring the blond-haired boy peeking out from behind her.
Mikoto responded with a gentle smile, well versed in the art of handling such interactions. She was no stranger to the hollow flattery that came with her status, having lived her life in the public eye as an Uchiha. But she had also learned to turn these situations to her advantage, even though she usually refrained from using this skill.
She gestured toward Naruto, nudging him to step forward. "My little spiral and I had a bit of a learning exercise this morning," she explained, "I wanted to get an expert's opinion on these furs and, if possible, sell them as well."
The merchant's eyes finally moved to Naruto, observing him with a brief flash of surprise before his gaze settled on the furs. "I can look at them," he said, extending his large hand to take one from Naruto. He carefully inspected the fur, running his fingers over it to feel the texture, sniffing it for freshness, and examining it closely, his experienced eyes seeking any sign of quality or flaw. The marketplace buzzed around them, but at that moment, everything hinged on the merchant's assessment.
The merchant, a seasoned expert in his trade, scrutinized the furs meticulously, his experienced fingers tracing the grain of the fur, feeling for thickness and uniformity. His sharp gray eyes were narrowed in concentration, moving over the fur with a hawk-like intensity. He raised the fur to his nose, taking a deep sniff, assessing the freshness and the quality of preservation. The fur was raw and natural, devoid of any artificial scent, a sign of good handling.
His hands moved deftly, turning the fur over to examine the underside. He looked thoughtful, his bushy eyebrows furrowing as he probed and prodded, checking for any signs of damage or poor skinning. All the while, Naruto watched him anxiously, his blue eyes wide and hopeful. The bustling sounds of the marketplace seemed to fade into the background, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
Finally, the merchant lowered the fur, his face inscrutable. He glanced at Mikoto, then down at Naruto, who was practically holding his breath. There was a brief moment of silence before he finally spoke. "These are quite good, especially for a beginner. Well-preserved, skinned decently. They're not perfect, but they're certainly sellable," he admitted, a grudging respect in his voice.
A wave of relief washed over Naruto, his face lighting up at the praise. Mikoto shot him a proud smile, her eyes sparkling with joy. This was a small victory, but for Naruto, it was a significant achievement, a step forward in learning a new skill and proving his worth.
The merchant named his price, a fair amount considering the quality of the furs. Naruto, still new to the concept of trading, looked to Mikoto for approval. With a nod from her, he handed over the rest of the furs to the merchant, accepting the coins in return.
Mikoto's eyes roamed over Naruto as they stood in the store, her gaze contemplative as she assessed the young boy. "Let's take a thorough look around, Naruto. We're going to find you some uniforms and gear," she said, her voice gentle and encouraging.
Two hours later...
Mikoto's tender smile belied the ache in her heart as she watched Naruto examine the merchandise at Kurou's store. It had taken a considerable amount of reassurance and gentle coaxing to convince him to accept her help, and although he had shown some interest in a few items, his discomfort remained palpable.
As Mikoto watched him, she couldn't help but wonder how deeply Naruto had been affected by his past experiences. The thought of him being fearful even of accepting aid from others filled her with a sense of anger towards Konoha. They had pushed her beloved little spiral to such a desperate edge, making him fear receiving help, especially from her.
Mikoto's frown deepened as darker thoughts crept into her mind. She recognized the rising emotion within her as anger and resolved to seek retribution against those who had hurt Naruto. But for now, she focused on being there for him, helping him heal and grow stronger with each passing day.
Her attention was momentarily diverted as the entrance to the shop creaked open, revealing the usual clerk stepping inside to begin her shift. The woman looked startled to find Kurou, Mikoto, and Naruto in the store.
"Kurou-sama, this is unexpected," the woman began, carefully closing the door behind her. As her eyes fell on Naruto, her expression soured for a brief moment before she composed herself. "Is there any problem...?" Her voice trailed off as she noticed Naruto, and Mikoto could sense her apprehension.
Kurou quickly intervened, "No problem at all. Mikoto-sama and her young companion wanted me to evaluate something and then decided to do some shopping. Just carry on with your usual duties and don't mind us."
The clerk kept her gaze lowered as she resumed her duties, avoiding looking at Naruto. Mikoto felt a flare of anger at the subtle but unmistakable contempt the woman held for the boy. Nevertheless, she kept her composure and focused on Naruto, determined not to let anything ruin this moment for him.
As Mikoto and Kurou continued to observe Naruto exploring the store, the activity was typically mundane, but they found amusement in making a private game of Naruto's reactions. Mikoto had reassured him that it was alright to want something, and he had become noticeably more engaged in examining the merchandise. However, he still appeared hesitant to actually reach for anything.
Mikoto's pleasant mood was shattered by the clerk's bigoted attitude toward Naruto. Her anger towards Konoha for fostering such prejudice was stirred up. Nevertheless, she managed to maintain her composure and focused on helping Naruto overcome his apprehension, determined to be there for him every step of the way.
You're right, my apologies. Here is the description, including the black face mask covering the lower half of his face and black fingerless gloves:
Mikoto's gaze fell upon a pint-sized Shinobi uniform. It featured a black hooded jacket trimmed in burnt orange, with long sleeves to fit Naruto's small frame, and a few pockets to hold the tools of a trainee. The jacket's durable material and loose fit would allow room to grow as well as fluid movement during practice sessions.
Next to the jacket hung matching black pants, also loose-fitting with burnt orange trim and pockets along the thighs for Naruto's hands to easily slip in. A pair of black Shinobi sandals with burnt orange straps sat below, perfect for a young boy starting to run and move like a ninja.
The outfit included a black face mask covering the lower half of Naruto's face and black fingerless gloves for hand signs and grip training. It also had a little belt with pouches to hold "weapons" and "tools" as he trained.
As she pictured little Naruto trying on the uniform, Mikoto smiled. The bold orange accents matched his bright spirit, while the vest, gloves, and tools would make him feel like a real ninja-in-training during their practice lessons together. This would help lay the foundation for when he was ready to become a full-fledged Leaf Shinobi someday.
Mikoto's eyes twinkled with anticipation as she handed the uniform to Naruto. His face lit up, the excitement in his eyes mirroring hers.
"Go on, try it on," she urged, gesturing towards the changing room.
Naruto needed no further encouragement, disappearing into the room with the uniform clutched in his eager hands. Mikoto turned her attention to Kurou, discussing the durability of the fabric and its suitability for training.
Suddenly, an indignant voice echoed across the store. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?"
Mikoto pivoted to see the store clerk, her face an angry shade of red, storming over to the changing room.
"You can't simply walk in and take whatever you want!" she yelled, misinterpreting Naruto's excitement for nefarious intent.
Kurou stepped forward, his voice calm and level. "He's not stealing. The boy is merely trying it on."
The clerk seemed unconvinced, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "I know the type. Thinks he can just take things without paying..."
Mikoto felt a surge of protective energy. She stepped up, placing herself between the clerk and the changing room. Her usually soft eyes flickered, and for a moment, the Sharingan came to life. The red and black design, a symbol of the Uchiha clan's power, was unmistakable.
The clerk's words caught in her throat as she stared into Mikoto's eyes. The Sharingan was known throughout the village, and seeing it was enough to make anyone reconsider their actions.
Mikoto softened her gaze, the Sharingan receding. "He's just trying it on," she repeated Kurou's words, her voice firm but gentle.
Naruto emerged from the changing room, wearing the new uniform. Mikoto smiled approvingly at him and said, "You look great, Naruto. The uniform fits you perfectly."
She then handed him a pile of clothes, consisting of black short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, burnt orange shorts and pants, and black and burnt orange shoes. "Try these on as well," she said.
Naruto quickly changed into the new clothes, and Mikoto was pleased to see that they looked just as good on him as the uniform did. She then handed him a pair of black and burnt orange swim shorts, and he quickly changed into those as well.
After Naruto had tried on all the new clothes and swimwear, Mikoto grabbed seven of each item for him to purchase, except for the Shinobi sandals and shoes, of which she only took one pair. She then suggested they take a look at the weapons section of the store, to which Naruto eagerly agreed, and the two headed over to the section that specialized in ninja tools.
Mikoto led Naruto towards a section with holsters and sheaths, explaining that he would need a place to store his weapons. She picked out a black and burnt orange holster for Naruto's kunai and shuriken, as well as a matching holster for a sword he would attach to his back later on.
As they continued browsing, Mikoto picked out a training sword, training sickle and chain, training chakrams, and training hidden daggers for Naruto. She also grabbed some training senbons, kunais, shuriken, and a training staff.
"These tools will help you expand your skills without causing any real damage," Mikoto explained, handing the weapons to Naruto.
Naruto's eyes widened in excitement as he held the weapons in his hands. He had always dreamed of becoming a powerful ninja, and these tools were just what he needed to get started.
Mikoto and Naruto approached the counter to pay for their goods. The clerk cast a contemptuous glance at Naruto.
"Before you judge another, perhaps you should take a good look at yourself, particularly when considering your own attire and comportment," Mikoto retorted, her gaze fixed steadily on the woman.
"This one is definitely on my list," Mikoto mused, silently adding the woman to a mental catalog of individuals who would pay for causing her spiral pain.
After recovering from Mikoto's sharp comments, the clerk announced, "That will be eight thousand dollars."
Kurou, overhearing the amount his employee was trying to charge Naruto, intervened.
"We both know that the total should only be four thousand, not eight. Why are you charging him double?" Kurou asked, his tone stern and questioning.
"Because that creature shouldn't be able to purchase anything, alone to live." The clerk retorted.
"I want you to clock out and leave now. You're let go, and I will be reporting this incident to Lord Third," Kurou demanded, slamming his hand on the counter for emphasis.
"Please, I need this job..." The clerk pleaded.
"I said leave!" Kurou shouted.
The clerk glared at Naruto, promising, "You will pay for this."
"If you wish to harm him, you'll have to go through me," Mikoto interjected, her Sharingan activating in a show of resolve.
With a huff, the clerk slammed the door behind her as she exited.
Mikoto then proceeded to pay for the items.
"Could you add these to the jackets and shirts?" Mikoto asked, scribbling down a few additional instructions.
"Certainly, I can do that. And it will be free of charge, my apologies for the unpleasant interaction," Kurou assured her, his smile returning.
"Thank you, and don't worry about it," Mikoto replied, sealing everything but the shirts and jackets.
"I'll have these ready by tomorrow morning," Kurou promised, collecting the garments.
"Thank you," Mikoto and Naruto chorused, expressing their gratitude before exiting the store.
As they walked out of the store, Naruto couldn't contain his excitement about his new clothes and weapons. He turned to Mikoto with a massive grin on his face and said, "Thank you so much, Mikoto-san. I can't believe you got all of this for me."
Mikoto smiled back at him and replied, "You're welcome, Naruto. I just want to help you become the best Shinobi you can be."
Naruto couldn't believe that someone cared so much about him. He had never had someone believe in him like Mikoto did, and it filled him with a sense of hope and determination. "Thank you, Mikoto-san," he said, feeling grateful and touched.
Mikoto ruffled his hair affectionately and said, "You're welcome, Naruto. Just remember to always work hard and never give up on your dreams."
Naruto nodded eagerly, feeling more motivated than ever to become a great Shinobi. With Mikoto's support and encouragement, he knew that he could achieve anything he set his mind to.
Mikoto and Naruto had barely covered any distance when two imposing figures abruptly halted their progress. The two men were unmistakably Uchiha: their raven hair, the trademark of the clan, cascading down to their shoulders, their eyes a deep onyx black that held the promise of the Sharingan - the clan's coveted ocular jutsu.
Their stern expressions and haughty postures radiated an aura of authority. 'This is earlier than I had hoped,' Mikoto thought, her heart sinking, fully aware that her clan, along with her husband, were hot on their trail.
A tinge of exasperation colored her thoughts, these presumptuous individuals were trespassing on her treasured moments with Naruto. 'This predicament is reminiscent of my rebellious youth,' she mused, the bitter taste of her restricted freedom lingering on her tongue.
"Is there something you need?" Mikoto asked, her voice steady despite the rising tension. As Naruto clung to her hand and retreated behind her, she could feel the tremors of his tiny frame against her back.
Her brow knitted together in a slight frown as she held the gaze of the two clansmen.
"Fugaku-sama has been on the edge since your unannounced departure last night, Mikoto-sama. The entire clan has been mobilized to look for you, and he's even considered asking the Hokage for assistance if you were to be found missing from the village." the bigger of the two men with scars cross his face declared, his voice heavy with concern.
His gaze slid over to Naruto, who was partially hidden behind Mikoto, before he continued, "We would appreciate it if you could refrain from —" His words choked in his throat as a thin red line emerged on his cheek, a warning from Mikoto.
"If you dare be complete that sentence, I'll make sure it's the last thing you say," Mikoto shot back, her voice as icy as the winter wind. Her eyes, usually warm and inviting, narrowed into threatening slits at the pair, a kunai subtly nestled in her hand, hidden from the innocent bystanders.
"I'll return when I see fit. Relay that to Fugaku. If he has any objections, tell him I'm ready to divorce him. You do understand the implications, don't you?" she threw the question at them, her lips curling into a devious smile, a clear signal of the potential fallout of a wrong answer.
"Y-you would become the head of the clan?" one of the clansmen stuttered, his mind racing to comprehend the power dynamics and the rules of succession when the primary heir was female.
His understanding was that Mikoto, being Madra's granddaughter, indeed had the power to lead the clan at her discretion, irrespective of whether she was married to the current head.
"Yes," Mikoto confirmed, her smile not faltering.
"Now, shoo... and remember, no disparaging remarks about my little whirlwind, ever," she added, her tone laced with authority.
With a nonchalant wave, she watched them scuttle away before tucking her kunai back in its sheath.
She gently coaxed Naruto out from behind her, bestowing him with a reassuring hug. "It's alright, Naruto-kun. They won't harm you," she soothed him.
"Aren't you supposed to go home?" Naruto asked, his voice tinged with confusion and a hint of sadness at her refusal to return with the clansmen.
His heartfelt heavy, bracing for the inevitable disappointment; joy was an elusive guest in his life. He had found solace in Mikoto's company, but he was uncertain if it would last.
Mikoto crouched down to his level, pressing her forehead against his. Her eyes sparkled with warmth as she flashed him a comforting smile.
"No, Naruto-kun. I plan to spend more time with you, and I have a surprise for you later. I'm sure it'll light up your face." She wasn't completely sure, but it was highly unlikely that he would not appreciate her surprise. Even if he didn't, she was prepared to be patient.
"So, what would you like to do next?" she asked, genuinely interested in his desires, as she had no specific agenda.
"I... I need to head to the academy soon," Naruto responded, his shoulders slumping a little.
"So, shall we head there?" he asked tentatively, unsure if she would be inclined to accompany him all the way.
"Sure," responded the older woman, her face brightening up in anticipation.
'They better not mistreat him,' she thought to herself, as she stood up, ready to lead Naruto towards the academy.
**Uchiha District – One Hour Post-Dawn**
Mikoto Uchiha, the heart of the formidable Uchiha clan, found herself returning to her home after a cherished rendezvous with her dear little whirlwind, Naruto.
The house stood silent and almost barren, much akin to a haunted mansion. Yet, the eerie quietude did little to rob her of her cheerfulness, a rare mood induced by the warmth of Naruto's company.
She was a woman on a mission – a timeline to beat, a myriad of plans to execute before Naruto was released from the shackles of the academy.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the icy voice of her husband, Fugaku, piercing the silence like a dagger. "And just where have you been all night and morning?" he demanded, his usual stern frown etched deeper than ever.
Fugaku's silhouette was framed in the doorway, his rigid posture radiating an intimidating aura of authority.
With a slight quirk of her eyebrow and a tinge of defiance, Mikoto retorted, "Since when does my whereabouts concern you?" Her reply was long-awaited honesty that hung heavily in the air.
Fugaku's relentless control over her had always been a discordant note in their relationship. She had borne it thus far, mostly to avoid the draining confrontations that would ensue upon her return.
"I'm your husband, it concerns me a great deal where my wife would be and with what she spends her time," Fugaku retorted, his eyes narrowing into slits. "The two who found you told me who you were with and about your threat. Do you think the Elders would allow you to depose me as the Head of the Clan?"
"They wouldn't have a choice," Mikoto replied, her voice steady and confident. She understood the political intricacies of the clan better than any, including the deceptive illusion of power the Elders clung to. As the heiress, she was privy to the inner workings, the delicate balance of power and influence within the Uchiha clan, and the other clans of Konoha. "Now, unless you have something constructive to say, could you please leave? I have preparations for my little whirlwind to attend to."
In a flash of uncontrolled anger, Fugaku's hand made contact with Mikoto's face, leaving her lip bleeding.
"You know what he told us, stay away from the Kyubi Jinchuuriki. Besides, the boy has the Hokage's attention and the clan doesn't need that while we're planning our coup," Fugaku warned, his voice thick with determination.
Mikoto touched her lip tenderly, a smirk playing on her lips. 'Ah, the coup... how could I forget about that foolhardy venture?' she mused, her husband's words triggering the memory.
An ingenious idea started taking shape in her mind, her smirk morphed into a vicious grin, a sight that left Fugaku unnerved – a side of his wife he had never seen.
'He dared to insult Naruto-kun, and with the coup that the Hokage likely knows about... I can make this work. This problem can be solved, and nothing will stand in the way of Naruto and me,' she thought, leaving Fugaku standing, puzzled.
As she made her way out, grabbing some ice for her assaulted lip, she was determined to execute her plans.
Her home had been reduced to a mere dwelling, a place where she was merely existing, not living. A change of attire was needed, but a quick detour to a nearby clothing store would solve that. Her time was precious, and she had a whirlwind to attend to.
Meanwhile, at the academy, Naruto was sitting in his usual spot at the back of the class, fidgeting and glancing around nervously. His teacher, a stern-looking woman with a severe expression, was scolding him in front of the entire class for something he hadn't even done.
"I'm tired of your antics, Naruto," she snapped. "I'm sick of your constant disruptions and your lack of respect for authority. You will stay in the hallway for the rest of the class period."
Naruto's heart sank as he hung his head, feeling the weight of the other students' eyes on him. He knew that he was often a troublemaker, but he also knew that he wasn't responsible for whatever it was that he was being accused of this time.
As the teacher continued to lecture him, Naruto couldn't help but glance around the room. The other kids were all snickering and whispering to each other, clearly enjoying his humiliation. Sasuke, Ino, Sakura, and the others were all laughing at him and calling him names like "loser", "idiot", and "jerk", and Naruto felt a lump form in his throat.
Just then, the door burst open and a woman with wild purple hair strode into the room. She was wearing a black leather outfit and a mischievous grin.
"Well, well, well," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What do we have here? The great Naruto Uzumaki in trouble again? I'm shocked."
The teacher scowled at the woman. She knew exactly who Anko Mitarashi was, and she couldn't stand her any more than she could stand Naruto. "What do you want, Anko?" she asked, her tone icy.
"I have a message from the Hokage," Anko replied, her grin widening. "He needs to speak with you urgently."
The teacher hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded and left the room, leaving Naruto alone with Anko.
Anko sauntered over to Naruto and leaned against the wall next to him. "So, what did you do this time, brat?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Naruto shook his head. "I didn't do anything," he protested.
Anko placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. "I know you didn't," she said with a small smile. "I've been watching you, Naruto. You may be a troublemaker, but you're not a liar."
Naruto looked up at her in surprise, not used to anyone defending him. "What's the message from the Old Man?" he asked.
Anko shrugged. "It's not important," she said. "It's just some administrative stuff. Don't worry about it."
Naruto nodded, feeling relieved that he wasn't in trouble with the Hokage. He was still surprised by Anko's offer of personal training, but he couldn't deny that he was intrigued.
"Why me?" he asked, still in shock.
Anko's expression turned serious. "Because we're the same, Naruto," she said. "People hate us for something we have no control over. But we can't let that stop us from becoming the best ninja we can be."
Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of kinship with this strange woman. "I won't let you down," he promised.
Anko grinned and ruffled his hair again. "I know you won't," she said. "Now go on, I'll see you in a week."
Naruto watched as Anko disappeared down the hallway, feeling a sense of excitement building within him.
