Chapter 2: Friend
Am I going crazy?
"See, told you I can find him dattebayo!"
She smells like sunshine and ramen, and not the masculine type.
"Wow Naruko-chan, we couldn't find him at all."
I don't think it's sexy jutsu, Naruto hasn't even entered the academy yet.
"You just got lucky."
Someone please tell me that Naruto is just pranking me. I've only met the protagonist for fuck's sake, canon can't screw me over this early.
Bright blue orbs were dangerously close to my face, waking me back to reality as I backed away awkwardly, "Woah, you spooked me."
"You okay?" She blinked, cutely tilting her head in confusion, "You were staring at the air weirdly for a while."
"He's new here." One of my new male friends in a purple shirt smirked mischievously, "Don't be too surprised about who you're talking to Ken."
"That's right, Ken-kun hasn't met you before."
"Oh, in that case." The blonde cleared her throat, beaming confidently while fist pumping, "My name is Namikaze Naruko and I'm gonna be the first female Hokage ever dattebayo!"
"... Nice to meet you Naruko, I'm Takamiya Ken. I'm sure you'll make become a great Hokage one day."
"Really!?" She grabbed my hands, shaking them wildly up and down, "You're the first person to say I can become one. You're a really nice guy, let's be friends."
"What? No way, all the Hokage's are super cool guys with super cool jutsus. You're a million light years away from becoming one."
"Light years are measured as distance, not time."
"Wha- I mean, I knew that."
"No you don't stupid, you boys are so dumb dattebayo."
"You don't know about it either!"
Naruko and the guys began bickering about small topics like children, oh wait... never mind. Gender aside, the blonde still seems like the same number one hyperactive knucklehead shinobi of the Leaf. It'll take time for me to get used to the name 'Namikaze Naruko' instead of 'Uzumaki Naruto'. Speaking of Namikaze, I searched for mom to discover that a certain blonde and redhead pair were with her, and she wasn't happy.
Trotting over to her, I caught the attention of the adults. The animosity in my mom's expression quickly vanished, replaced by gentleness, "Ken, are you having fun?"
"Yes, I made lots of new friends today."
"Of course." Her gaze wondered over to Naruko for a split second, "Friends..."
"Ara, you must be Ken-kun." The redhead smiled giddily, squatting down to get a better look at me, "I am Kushina-obasan, I'm sure your mother has told you a lot about me."
"Actually... no. This is the first time I heard you know each other."
Kushina was a saddened for moment, Minato stepped in and flashed his charismatic Hakage smile, "I am sure you know me but let me introduce myself, my name is Namikaze Minato, the fourth and current Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Your parents and we were classmates together back in our academy days."
I bowed politely, "It's very nice to meet you."
"Such good manners. I am glad to make your acquaintance as well Ken-kun."
Holy shit! My parents know the living legends. If mom wasn't so uncomfortable right now, I would've been geeking out meeting face to face with Minato and Kushina.
The Yellow Flash, born with spiky blonde hair and blue eyes who took down over a thousand shinobis during the Third War by himself with the Hiraishin. The only person I know so far who's ever earned a Double-S Rank in the Bingo books with a 'Flee on Sight' warning. The way he talks and acts screams out nobility and gentleness for the sake of his people and friends.
And then there is one of the last surviving Uzumaki Clan members, renowned and feared for their incredible fuinjutsu to the point several nations worked together to wipe them out. Namikaze Uzumaki Kushina, wielder of the Adamantine Chains capable of even keeping Kurama in check with such dense and potent chakra. Not to mention her lifeforce is also strong enough to survive a Tailed Beast extraction, and that's not including her hot blooded temper.
Wished they had more screen time, would've been awesome to see them fight... Oh dang, I'm geeking out right now aren't I?
Naruko trotted to her parents, apparently done arguing with the boys. Now that she's standing next to Kushina, her facial features are more similar to her mother's despite the blonde hair and blue eyes. That, and the long flowing hair instead of the short spiky counterpart also helped.
"Tou-chan, kaa-chan, why are you talking to Ken?"
Mom stepped over protectively, putting me behind her and away from Naruko. The blonde flinched, noticing that look in mom's eyes. I gently tugged her skirt, deciding to defuse the situation before it could get out of hand, "Kaa-chan, I'm getting tired from playing. Can we go home now?"
"... Alright, let's go." A crowd was forming around us because of the Hokage's family's presence, they're quite happy to have the chance to see and meet their benevolent leader. After all, to the village, the blonde and redhead are famous heroes who played major roles in stopping the Kyubi incident . Causing a scene here would be troublesome.
Minato and Kushina were disappointed yet stayed silent, letting us go. Naruko was more puzzled, hiding behind her parents' legs. As we left, I turned around to see them smiling at us. I smiled back and waved in response, turning their fake smiles into more genuine happy ones, especially Naruko.
On our way back, mom didn't utter a word. They were probably friends at some point until something happened like dad dying because of Kurama in Naruko's gut, guess their relationship is never the same since then.
Mom asked when we're about to reach our destination, "What do you think of... Naruko?"
"Her? I only met her today, she's loud and hyperactive, but she seems nice."
"Do you want to be friends with her?"
"I don't think there's a reason not to."
"What if-... It's nothing."
Squeezing her hand firmer, "If there really is a reason not to, I just have to keep hanging out and get to know her. If she's mean, I don't want a friend like that. If she's nice, then we can get along and play."
"... Ufufu, that's right. You need to really understand them before you can decide." We entered the living room, "Dinner will be ready soon, you can go do what you want in the mean time."
Nodding, I went up the stairs and to my room. My room isn't really anything special, a plain room with a bed, table, chair, and a bookshelf filled with literature and other learning materials. After ensuring that no one was spying me, as much as a four-year-old could, I opened my drawer and removed the false base which revealed a secret compartment. Notes regarding canon, important and/or powerful figures, as well as ideas on stopping these, are here.
Don't know English is a real language in this world though considering that I haven't seen so much as an alphabet, I'll assume no. First things first, the Uchiha coup d'état. Since Minato is alive and was able to explain that a different Uchiha not from the Leaf caused the Kyubi incident, it should prevent the discrimination. The fact that the Konoha Police Force is still going strong and the Uchiha Clan isn't isolated, I'd say we're safe for now. And if the coup still goes, I'll need to stop Danzo somehow from attacking Shisui so he can use the Kotoamatsukami on the clan.
Should I give out information from the future for the sake of innocent people, I need to be prepared to be interrogated by a Yamanaka or worse, get brainwashed into Danzo's Root ANBU. Unfortunately, I still don't know a way to get around those problems. Meh I got time anyway. Worst come to the worst, I'll just have to go to Minato for protection, get his Hiraishin seal placed onto me if necessary.
Next up, Obito mind controlling the Third Mizukage in the Land of Water... Yeah, can't do much about that from here. It's probably still known as the Blood Mist Village at the current moment. Moving on, the Hyuuga kidnapping incident, little Hinata almost got kidnaped by a Kumo shinobi on the day of a peace treaty but he got killed my her dad before it could happen. Neji's father took the blame to save his twin brother's life but Neji then grew up with hate and got chained by so-called fate. Guess I'll just pass the info as anonymously as possible... yeah, good luck with that in a shinobi village.
Is that everything before canon starts? With all the new anime and real life work, I forgot some stuff about Naruto. I'll need to make do with what I got.
Sighing, I put away the notes, canon already deviated unpredictably already the moment the protagonist came out without a little junior at the lower half. I grabbed a leaf and continued training, mastering the leaf sticking on my forehead for at least 10 minutes. I've been experimenting with different methods to access chakra, ranging from meditation to screaming like DBZ characters. And I found out that Demon Slayer Breathing works best for me.
Currently, I'm focusing on control. My body is still young and developing, any too strenuous activities might permanently stunt my growth so I have to be cautious. Inhaling, feeling the oxygen and heart beat through my veins, and gather the chakra, then exhale to manifest and control the flow. The books say it's not safe to start this early but hey, I need all the help I can get if I want to survive here.
"Good, next up." I stood on my bed, palms on the wall. Nobody said that I can't learn the Tree Walking Technique Spider Man style. If I fall, I'll fall on my nice soft bed, and slowly learn to use only my feet later as I progress.
Mom wrapped the obi around my yukata, fastening it so it won't fall. I'm wearing pale blue yukata with alternate black and while vertical lines, made by none other than my own mom. It was the time of the year again, when everyone celebrates that the Kyuubi incident was resolved peacefully by having a festival. As a matter of fact, today is also Naruto's- I mean, Naruko's birthday.
On mom was a pretty black yukata with a fireworks theme, also made by her of course. Her traditional bunned hair kept in place with a hair stick, her fair skin and gentle features stand out more in a fancy outfit. This is my first time going since I'm considered old enough, having a single parent keeping watch over a little boy isn't easy in a crowded festival no doubt, so now's my chance to try out the food and play the games.
"Remember, always hold my hand and don't stray away from me. Don't talk to strangers, and wait at an empty spot nearby where I can easily find in case you get lost."
"Okay kaa-chan."
Grabbing her hand, we put on our sandals and head out. Just outside our house were people already on their way to the festival, jubilant and wearing their own yukatas/kimonos. Lights gleamed and blinked to set up the upbeat mood everywhere.
The moment I saw the stalls, the lights were so bright it couldn't compare to where we first started. Hawkers calling merrily to try out their food and music echoed everywhere. Vibrant colors decorated the night, delicious scent rumbled my stomach! I energetically pulled my mom to the nearest tastiest-looking food, it was some kind of meat and the juices flowed so smoothly to my taste buds.
"Do you like it Ken?" Mom giggled when she saw the stars in my eyes as I munched like a chipmunk, "What else do you want to see next?"
"Mmm, what's that?"
A particular stall caught my attention, mostly because it's too tall for me to see. Being a short four-year-old has its own drawbacks. Mom followed where I pointed, explaining, "It's a throwing game. You pick up a toy shuriken and try to hit the prize you want."
So the shinobi version of a shooting game, "Is there something you want kaa-chan? I'll get it for you."
"Ara, what a sweet boy. Let's see what prizes they have."
I got into kid mode and acted cute, mom deserved something for always taking care of me. Mom carried me up so I can see what's on the shelves, mostly snacks, toys, and such. Nothing really has mom's attention so she told me that she's happy with whatever I get her. That box of chocolate balls seems fine.
"Hey there little boy, you wanna have a go?" A man in his 40s asked me, a shinobi headband was on him. So a ninja is running this store, "Since a brave kid like you wanna have a shot, I'll give you a chance to have two prizes."
"Really? Thanks oji-san."
"Just to be fair, this isn't something you can easily-"
Tuning out the rest, I grabbed the toy shurikens in my arms, they were rubbery. Never had a chance to practice shurikenjutsu, though if I remember it correctly... I inhaled, loosened my wrist, aimed, exhaled, aaaaanndd threw! The rubber shuriken didn't curve as with normal variants, but it did bump into the box and topple it over.
"!" The shinobi didn't expect that, and certainly neither did my mom.
Grinning cheekily, I extended my hands out, "One box of chocolate please."
"Wow kid, you're pretty good." He gave me my prize and in turn, I gave mom her prize, "So what else do you want?"
My eyes gravitated to the toy kunai and shuriken set, made of rubber like the ones I'm holding except they're brand new. Going through the same moves, I threw as they hit dead center... not. It flew over the toy set.
Both my mom and the shinobi sweat dropped, the first time was totally a lucky shot. Chuckling nervously, I threw two more times until I finally got it. Well, that was an interesting experience.
We went to a few more stalls, organized by shinobi and non-shinobi. Food like cotton candy and games like whack-a-mole though other than that no-more-kyuubi theme, it's a traditional Japanese festival. A couple hours passed by and time for the fireworks is almost approaching.
"Ken, do you want to find a place to rest?"
"My feet are a little sore from-"
"Hey look, it's the Hyuuga and Uchiha families!"
"They're together in the festival!?"
"I want to see them in person!"
My anime senses are tingling and if I'm right... A sudden wave of people bumped, dragging us into the flow as our hands were slipping. Their sudden excitement drove them, not noticing the few people who didn't have the same intention as them.
"Ken!"
"Kaa-chan! I'm right here."
Weaving around the legs to avoid being crushed, I escaped from the horde with a few scratches yet I lost sight of mom. With all the noise and people around, there doesn't seem to be a sound spot to wait either. Great, looks like I'm on my own for now.
Let's a get a better view, need to find a tall tree or something to see if I can find mom, or possible landmarks to know my own location. I walked to find some stairs or something, not willing to go Spider Man in public, only to find someone else.
"Naruko?"
Dressed in an orange kimono with flower motif and untied hair, the blonde was sitting dejectedly on a bench until she heard my voice. She perked up, utterly stupefied to encounter me, "Ken? What are you doing here dattebayo?"
"To enjoy the festival until the crowd split me and my mom. I'm trying to find her. How did you get lost?"
"Wha- I didn't get lost." Naruko moved her arms all around her, eyes darting everywhere, "I was here with my parents and enjoying the festival too. I ran, and ate, and played, and-"
"Went ahead of everyone and then realized you strayed too far ahead and don't know how to get back?"
"No!"
"..."
"...Yes."
Oh yeah, definitely sounds like what Naruto would do. Weird, why can't Minato just use Hirashin to teleport to her? It can't be for some lame reason that he forgot to put a seal on his only daughter? What about the ANBU? Shouldn't they be keeping watch on the Hokage's family? And wouldn't there be a bigger ruckus that the princess of Konoha is missing? Okay, maybe Minato didn't want to ruin the festival-
*growl*
"... Naruko, are you still hungry?"
"That wasn't my stomach dattebayo!" The blonde shouted in denial, red as her mom's hair.
I spoke in sarcasm and amusement, "Sure."
"It's the truth dattebayo!"
Okay, maybe I'm having too much fun teasing a four-year-old girl on her birthday, "Why don't you get some food?"
"... out... food..."
"What was that?"
"They keep saying they're out and have no food to sell to me."
My eye twitched, they could've at least come up with a better excuse than that. Sighing, I watched the depressed Naruko, a pit of uneasiness in my gut. In a festival to celebrate the Kyuubi's defeat, the jinchuuriki housing the very same Kyuubi was prancing over in front of them in Konoha's eyes. Could be worse, they could've actively kicked her out of the festival.
"Naruko, wait here." Before she could ask, I entered stealth mode and appeared as if I was never hanging with her in the first place, blended with the people, bought a box of takoyaki, and returned, "Tada, dig in."
"Wah." She leaned it, nearly drooling at the irresistible smell of the fresh hot octopus balls before coming to her senses, "But, this is yours. I can't take it."
"Don't worry about it, what are friends for."
"Friends...?"
"Yeah, we're friends... aren't we?" Other than our first meeting, we only played twice before mom found out and took me away from the park early, she's still wary around the jinchuuriki, "If you feel bad, we can share. Food taste better with other people right?"
"Um... Okay."
We each took a pick, blew the tako, and ate. The sauce and baked meet melded nicely, creating a tangy flavor. We exclaimed in unison, ""Hmmm, yummy!""
As Naruko got her fill, she was cheering up more and more. I was about to take another bite until I sensed something. Turning around, I scanned the surroundings, only trees and bushes. No one on the branches either. Did I imagine it?
"Wafs fong Hen (What's wrong Ken)?" Naruko asked with her mouth full before swallowing, "Do you need to go to the bathroom dattebayo?"
"Nah, I'm fine." Finishing the takoyaki, we got up to find a less congested area, "Come on, we better find our parents."
We held hands to make sure not to get separated. Compared to when we first got lost, there are less people now. Doesn't make the stares around us eaiser to cope. I can already see it on their faces, they're thinking somewhere along the lines of 'that poor boy', 'the fox caught its prey' or 'what is she doing with an innocent child'.
Naruko shrunk herself from the treatment until I firmly squeezed her hand. She looked at me in surprise as I flashed a smile, calming her down somewhat as we continued our adventure. Soon enough, we found the blonde's parents.
Kushina saw us and came charging, hugging her daughter, "Naruko, thank goodness you're okay. You made us worry."
"Sorry kaa-chan but I'm fine. I was with Ken."
The Namikaze matriarch turned to me, "Ken-kun, thank you for looking out for my daughter."
"It's fine. Have you seen kaa-chan? I still can't find her."
"I just notified my shinobi to inform her." Minato grinned gratefully, "She should be here shortly. We owe you greatly for taking care of Naruko."
"Did you make sure to thank Ken-kun, Naruko?"
"Huh? Ah!" The blonde was frantic, hastily bowing to me, "Thank you very much for helping me dattebayo."
"Mou Naruko, I know today is your birthday though there is a limit of how much you can be spoilt."
"It's Naruko's birthday today?" I pretended to be ignorant, can't let them know that I know too much after all.
"Oh yeah." She sheepishly scratched her head, "Guess I forgot to mention dattebayo."
There is still the toy kunai and shuriken set I got in my yukata, surprised that it hasn't fallen out during the chaos. Aw well, it's not like I'll be touching the real ones anyway, "Naruko here, you can have this."
Her eyes widened from surprise, "Really? For me?"
"Yeah." I smiled at her. To the hero who would one day save the shinobi world, as well as my friend, "Happy Birthday Naruko."
She smiled so wide to the point I almost thought it would cover her entire face. Naruko then proceeded to envelop me in a big hug, "Thank you... Ken-kun."
Her parents had very different reactions. Kushina squealed at how cute we were while bouncing on her feet, whereas Minato's expression was stiff and he looked like he's ready to castrate me... Wait a fucking second, did I set a flag?
"Ken!" Mom found me and glomped me this time, "I'm so sorry, I let you out of my sight."
"It's okay mom, Naruko kept me company."
Mom saw the Namikaze family, enraged yet conflicted. Ultimately, she decided to be civil for the festive night, "Thank you."
They were happy to receive the gratitude.
"Kushina!"
"Ah, Mikoto!"
The two mothers met up, joyous to see each other. The Uchiha family rendezvous with the Namikaze family. Were they close in canon? Whatever, I get to see Itachi and Sasuke!
And there they are in their yukatas. Itachi, thought to be the villain but in truth was a hero who shouldered everything for the sake of his home, and even more for his little brother. Seriously, the only person I know who can take that much physical and mental punishment for anyone actually is this genius himself. Huh, he actually looks kind of like those hot Korean guys in real life.
"Naruko, so you didn't get lost after all."
Coming right up is none other than the brood king himself. That long black flowing hair shining from the light showed just how silky smooth it is, with the duck butt style at the back of his head and two long bangs cascading over the sides of his face to his shoulders. Peach colored skin on his sharp yet strict features really accentuate that piercing beauty that can make any guy's knees buckle when he grows up into a beauty. It's none other than-
"Of course I didn't. I'm not that clueless Satsuki you meanie dattebayo."
...
'Are you fucking shitting me?'
At that moment, the fireworks exploded in a brilliant light show. To others, it marks a happy night to remember but to me, it means that my sanity has officially exploded.
AN: And there you have it. I'm thinking of doing a pre-canon arc, don't know how long it will be but I'm just going with the flow. Now I better get back to my assignments, finals are coming soon and I need all the help I can get.
Ja Ne
