I realize that the car scene in the last chapter may have been confusing; when I referenced it a few chapters before, I didn't use the word "car" outright. It's not like a modern car, it's more comparable to something you'd see in the late 19th century: a simple carriage with a motor in front (that has to be hand-cranked to even start). It's a very primitive motor vehicle.
Besides, we've already seen a motorcycle in this fic :P
Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter 9: Nutshell
Summary: Naruto struggles to uncover the lost remnants of his past.
Namikaze River Bridge
The genin awaited their sensei at the rendezvous point, still tired from the events of their last mission. Visibly so, as they still had bags under their eyes, and they looked paler than before.
Sakura, in her dizziness, grabbed Naruto by the hand and dragged him to the bench, where she proceeded to sit him down.
With her arms on his shoulders, she ordered, "Stay here. Don't move.".
She then sat down next to him, stretching and yawning.
Then, she pulled a hairpin out of her bag and tied her hair in a bun.
After that, she swiveled over and laid her head down on Naruto's lap.
It's better than nothing...
Sakura commanded, "Wake me up when Sensei gets here. And don't let me fall!".
Before Naruto could respond, she'd already dozed off.
The boy blushed.
I just wish she'd ask before pulling something like this...
.
.
.
An Hour Later
Naruto's thighs had gone numb.
It was fun for a while, but now it just hurts!
Not knowing whether Sakura was teetering on the risk of falling, he'd held onto her arm with his hand, ready to pull her up if needed.
Naruto looked around in frustration and managed to spot Kakashi approaching the bridge.
The man walked slowly, with his nose stuck in his erotic book.
Naruto noted the author of Kakashi's smut.
Jiraiya?... Could it really be him? I must've glossed over the fact that he's a writer when Sakura was looking over my shoulder. And I guess it says a lot about him if he's not ashamed of having his name on that filth.
Naruto's inspective spell was broken when Sasuke spoke.
The boy greeted, "Good afternoon, Sensei...".
Kakashi closed his book and placed it in his pocket, replying, "It's not quite that late yet, Sasuke.".
All attention diverted to Naruto when he interjected, "It wouldn't make a difference to you if it was, though.".
Kakashi responded, "You've got me there, Naruto. But it wouldn't make a difference who came here at what time; we have the entirety of the next week off.".
Naruto and Sasuke pouted.
Kakashi continued, "So... Go on home, now. Come back next Monday. And, Naruto... I fear that I may be rubbing off on you the wrong way.".
Naruto, confused, looked around.
When his eyes met the scene beneath him, he froze.
I... I'm touching Sakura's chest?!
He slowly rolled his eyes towards the girl's face.
Sakura was wide awake. Her brow was furrowed, and her fury was visible.
Naruto stammered, "I swear, it was an accident!".
.
.
.
Naruto's Apartment
A larruped and lightly-bruised Naruto sat at the computer in the living room, scratching his head as to how he could find Jiraiya.
I kinda rushed through it last time, but he's a writer, so maybe...
He began typing.
jiraiya sex book
The suggested searches read:
Jiraiya sex book 1
Jiraiya sex book 2
Jiraiya sex book 3
Jiraiya sex book 4
Jiraiya sex book 5
Jiraiya sex book 6 (Upcoming Novel)
Naruto sighed.
This is one sick, sick man...
He entered the search term and analyzed the results.
He clicked on a link that led him to the publisher's website, and was met with an image of a man with long white hair, followed by a short biography of Jiraiya.
Author's Introduction:
Yo, I'm Jiraiya, I'm a Toad Sage, Ladies' God, Sex Extraordinare ~ The Whole Package, really!
I was born somewhere between yesterday and the dawn of man, I'm 6 feet 8 inches tall (for the ladies, 5 feet 7 if you're a man!), and I weigh 180 pounds (it's muscle, I swear!)
I spend my days taming the shrewdest of women, and then writing about the experience afterwards - - it's where I get the ideas for my books!
If you'd like to meet me, just fill out the form below, and I'll get to you when I have time.
Unless you're a hot chick. In which case, I'll get to you in two shakes of a lamb's tail.
Remember, first come, first serve!
Yep, that's him, sick bastard... And what's this about meeting him?
Naruto scrolled down and spotted a box, which read:
Book a Meeting!
Naruto clicked on the box, and a new page opened up, whose form he promptly filled.
If I wanna meet him quick, I should pose as a hot chick.
.
The finished, embellished form read:
Name: Miu Furinji
Meeting Location: South Bench, Kenichi Park Pagoda, Hidden Leaf Village, Land of Fire
Email: hottestbabekun619 @ mail . org
FORM ENDS HERE. CONTINUE FILLING ONLY IF YOU ARE A HOT CHICK.
Measurements (Hot Chicks ONLY): 32, 28, 34
Natural Hair Color: Blonde
Favorite Activities: Being naked, swimming naked, naked gymnastics, naked chores.
Age: 18 Years Old
Naruto sighed.
Sorry to use your old email, Anko, you're probably feeling the chills wherever you are right now. Jeez, I don't even remember what the guy's like, and he's already making me sick.
He submitted the form.
The next page read:
Your meeting with the Sex God Jiraiya has been auto-scheduled for eleven o'clock A.M. on November 1st. Check your email for any updates.
Naruto groaned.
That's months from now! I can't wait that long! Damn it...
Just then, the computer spoke:
You've got mail!
Naruto opened the email, and read it.
From: sexsage6969
Subject: Meet and Greet
Dear Ms. Furinji,
It is I, your favorite author, Jiraiya. For evidence, I have attached a photo of myself typing this email; as such, I am requesting that you send a picture of yourself as well (with cleavage, please, to ensure its authenticity).
With kind regards, Jiraiya.
The attached image was an airy-looking Jiraiya standing in front of the email, with his thumb up.
Naruto chuckled.
Easier than I expected! Now, for the image...
Naruto cracked his knuckles, and began his reply. To start off, he decided to add the image.
Let's see if...
He opened the file manager in his computer. He scanned the photos, and found a raunchy-looking picture of Anko, in her underwear, bent over, with her rear facing the camera.
I'm really sorry, Anko. Then again, you're the one who took the picture and left it there...
He attached the image, and began typing his reply.
Dear Jiraiya,
As you know, this is Miu. I'm looking forward to our meeting - - should I wear the same amount of clothes as the image, or less? I can't wait to meet you!
xoxo, Miu Furinji
P.S. Please pardon my hair, I've dyed it to spite my brow. :)
Naruto sent the email.
I sure hope it's slutty enough...
In another few seconds, Naruto received another reply.
Dear Miu,
My hot mama, let's meet ASAP! I know you were auto-scheduled for November, but I can squeeze you in for tomorrow with no issue! Same meeting place, same time! Email me if there is any problem, otherwise radio silence is fine.
In submission to your seductiveness, Jiraiya
P.S. Wear as little clothes as is possible!
Naruto sighed in relief.
Well, I've secured a meeting... But I feel so dirty!
He shut down the computer.
Might as well go and scout the place...
.
.
.
Kenichi Park, a Few Minutes Later
Naruto made his way to the south bench he'd decreed as the rendezvous.
It was true south, located at the southernmost part of the park. It was on a less-beaten path, and rested under a small pagoda providing ample shade. The shrubbery and surrounding trees provided extra privacy, even in such an open public space.
This really is the perfect spot, good. I'll have that pervy sage dead to rights!
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A few Minutes Later, Middle of the Village
On his walk back home, Naruto noticed a familiar head of pink hair coming his way.
His first instinct, past events withstanding, was to hide. Alas, he was in the middle of the block, and had nowhere to go.
Thus, he decided to face his fear.
He skipped forward, waving and calling out, "Hey, Sakura, nice seein' you here!".
Sakura, who had been humming to herself, suddenly stopped.
She curiously looked up and saw the boy approaching. In turn, she cracked her knuckles and frowned.
Naruto screeched to a halt and begged, "Don't beat me up any more, I'm still bruised from this morning!".
Sakura stopped and inquired, "Wait, don't you have a fast-healing kekkei genkai?".
Naruto stepped back, and replied, "Oh, uh, yeah... But sometimes it just doesn't work for some reason.".
Come to think of it, why is it that you haven't healed me yet, bastard fox?
Sakura responded, "Oh... Maybe it's a nutrition problem?".
Naruto questioned, "Nutrition? What do you mean?".
The girl suggested, "It's entirely possible that your bloodline limit is affected by your eating habits; when you last ate, how much you ate, what you ate... I mean, you're not exactly known for having a diet that's healthy or filling, so... Maybe that's the problem.".
"I-- well, I guess that makes sense.".
"Besides, we've just come back from a really rough mission, and we're all exhausted, so maybe your state of mind has an effect on it, too.".
Naruto blushed.
She doesn't know exactly what it is that she's talking about, but she may be right...
Sakura added, "By the way, I'm so-- ahem -- I'm s-- just-- I'm... Sorry. I really am.".
"... What?".
"I'm sorry.".
"What for?".
"Beating you up earlier. It was an overreaction. I know you're not the kind of guy who gropes girls, and I shouldn't have treated you like that. I'm sorry.".
Naruto's cheeks flushed even deeper as he looked away.
He told her, "Thanks, I really appreciate it. I, uh, I forgive you.".
All of a sudden, a man bumped into Naruto, scolding, "Watch yer ass!", passing him by.
Seeing the scene, Sakura grabbed Naruto by the arm and said, "Come on, let's go to the café for a meal, it's more private anyways.".
.
Café
Naruto and Sakura sat in a booth in the middle of the room on the top floor of a café/restaurant, giving them space to speak without interaction or interruption with other people.
Sakura insisted, "Let me make it up to you - - there's got to be something that I can do...".
The boy looked back up at her and requested, "I think some advice would be really handy right about now.".
"Advice? What for?".
"There's someone I gotta meet tomorrow, someone I haven't seen in a long time, and I want some answers from him about the time I've spent with him.".
"So... Just ask some questions.".
The volume of Naruto's voice lowered as he replied, "That's where the problem lies; I know the general idea of what I need to ask, but you know how adults are. He'll dance around the little details and play with my head.".
"And you can't come up with the smaller details because...?".
"I... I don't have any memories from before a few years ago. My earliest memory is waking up in a hospital bed four years back...".
The girl gulped.
She spoke, "W--well, how come? Actually, don't answer that if you're uncomfortable, I don't mean to pry.".
Naruto offhandedly rubbed his arm as he continued, "I just wanna know more about who I really am.".
Sakura reluctantly inched closer to Naruto and put a hand on his shoulder, and said, "Look, I just want you to know that the person you are right now is who you really are. Finding out about your past won't change that.".
Naruto cleared his throat. "I know that, but I'm just afraid that compared to who I am now, the person who I was might be...".
"... Different?".
"Better.".
"What do you mean 'better'? You're twelve years old!".
"I know! But I'm like, really immature and stuff right now. What if I was more mature before? Less of an idiot?".
"Naruto, you're selling yourself short. I mean, you are pretty immature, but you've got some good qualities, and I have a hunch that you're a bit more mature than you think, even if just a little.".
"I'm just scared, okay? I haven't been this frightened since...".
"Since when?".
"Never mind.".
Sakura's face turned downtrodden.
I guess he means his earliest memory. It must've been scary to realize he didn't know who we was, or where he came from...
Hoping to lift the somber mood, she changed the subject.
"Anyway,", she stated, "let's make a plan for your meeting tomorrow.".
Naruto straightened himself up. "Yeah, yeah, let's do that!".
He turned towards the girl and leaned in closer, asking, "Any advice?...", with eager eyes.
Sakura suggested, "Well, if you think he's going to dance around the truth... You should dance around it first.".
"What?".
"I mean, pretend that you know some of the finer details, based on what you know about this guy. Make him think you already remember some stuff, and as he responds, you can pick up context clues and keep him talking, so you can build on the things he says and squeeze the truth out of him.".
"Sounds hard.".
"Nothing good comes easy, Naruto. Besides, if you really don't have any other ideas, it can't hurt to try mine out.".
"Alright, I think I can do that... Thanks for the advice, Sakura, it's made a world of difference!".
Sakura smiled and replied, "It's my pleasure; now let's just finish our drinks and leave.".
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Kenichi Park, Before Noon the Next Day
Naruto hid on the ceiling of the pagoda, using his chakra to stick onto it.
He watched and waited as empty air passed through, with the occasional leaf being blown by it.
People passed by the structure every now and then, but no-one was entering, and certainly not a buff man with long white hair.
Nonetheless, Naruto continued to keep his eyes keenly open.
Time seemed to have come to a standstill as Naruto anticipated his visitor.
An intense focus took over the boy as his heart began to beat faster.
This is it, this is really it... I'm gonna find out who I am!
Finally, after what had felt like eons of waiting, the white-haired man entered the pagoda.
As he leaned over the railing, he sighed.
He beckoned to whomever may be listening, "There's no Miu, is there? I admit, I got my hopes up, but I knew deep down that it was too good to be true...".
As such, Naruto released his chakra, sending himself down to the floor of the pagoda.
He rose and spoke as Jiraiya turned around, replying, "Nope, it's just me, damned pervy sage.".
The man was in shock.
Could it really be? Does Naruto remember?
He asked, "First of all, what the Hell is going on here?"
Naruto told him, "I catfished you!".
Jiraiya remarked, "And you were a little too good at it...".
Naruto squinted. "What're you hintin' at?".
"What, me, hinting? Oh, no, I'm not hinting at anything...".
"...".
Jiraiya lowly added, "Besides the notion that you're a little fag.".
"OH COME ON!".
Naruto gritted his teeth.
No, damn it - - I gotta take control of the situation!
He growled, "You listen to me, you bastard! I've got questions, and you've got answers!".
Jiraiya shrugged. "What makes you think I'll answer them?".
"Don't you give a damn about me? You left me to die, old man!".
"What? What do you mean?".
"I mean...".
Pretend to know more than what I already know, alright...
He continued, "You left me with that bitch, Fuuka!".
Jiraiya's eyes grew wide with terror. "Fuuka?", he asked. "Naruto, if you remember, you have to tell me where she went!".
Naruto crossed his arms and refused. "First, I want you to tell me what I wanna know!".
Jiraiya scolded, "Come on, Naruto, just answer the question!".
Naruto still refused. "Answer mine first!".
Jiraiya groaned, "Oh, fine! What do you want to know?".
Naruto sighed.
Good question. I should've asked myself that earlier...
He looked up at Jiraiya and inquired, "Who were my parents?".
Jiraiya frowned. "You made me come all the way here, just to ask me that again? Cut the bullshit, Kid. Tell me what you really want.".
Naruto's heart began to race.
'Again'? Does that mean he's already told me? Or that he doesn't wanna tell me? Shit, might as well take a chance...
He took a deep breath before speaking again. "The only bullshitter here is you. Give it to me straight - - who were my parents? How come I've never known the sort of love that a mother and father give?".
"That's exactly what you said last time, and I'm gonna tell you now exactly what I told you then: no one important.".
Hatred began to fill Naruto's eyes.
Just need to keep bluffing, I'll get him to tell me!
"If they're not important, you can tell me! I know you knew them!".
"Damn it, that totally worked when you were younger.".
"When I was seven. I'm no Einstein, but I'm smart enough to put two and two together.".
Jiraiya relented, "Alright, fine... I'll tell you. They were...".
"...".
"Old friends of mine.".
"What were their names?".
"Your father was named... Arashi Kazama. And your mother was... Kaoru Kaguya. There, happy now?".
Naruto pouted.
Something about this seems fishy. But something tells me I'm not gonna get anything out of him. Okay, new goal: find out whether or not this rat bastard's any use to me.
Before he could say anything, however, Jiraiya spoke up.
He asked, "Now, what do you know about Fuuka? Where did she go? Do you know her new identity?".
Naruto smugly crossed his arms. "I... Have no idea.".
"What?".
"I have no idea. I just wanted you to tell me about my parents, so...".
The man shook his head in disappointment. "You've changed, Kid. You'd never have pulled this kinda thing four years ago.".
Naruto retorted, "I'd never abandon my friends' kid either, so you don't get to prop yourself up as an authority on morality!".
Jiraiya swore under his breath. "You know what, Kid, I've wasted too much of my time here. I think it's best if we go our separate ways for now.".
.
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Team 7 Training Grounds
Near the Namikaze Bridge rendezvous point was a small field dedicated to training material for Team 7.
Dumbbells, monkey bars, bags of balls, nets, and other assorted sports equipment were all set for Team Seven's private use.
Although, as Team 7 were on vacation, the lost was supposed to be empty.
Instead, it was filled with children, supervised by a few adults, playing around in the field. Some played soccer, others played basketball, others football, baseball, dodgeball. Other kids practiced their gymnastic ability, whereas others simply played tag.
The only lone child was the one who had invited them - - Naruto - - who voluntarily stayed at the edge of the field, sparring with a training dummy.
Stupid adults. I know I'm just a kid, but who are they to be so stingy about my life? I have a right to know who I am! It isn't their information to keep away from me! Damn them! Damn them for toying with me, for keeping secrets from me, for stifling me - - damn them!
As Naruto's last punch landed on the dummy, he heard a cracking sound.
Then, the pain followed.
Sharp, burning pain that oozed down his knuckles, which were bleeding down to the back of his hand by now.
He normally would have pulled back immediately, but every attempt to do so, even the slightest bit, caused a colder pain to run through his hand.
He began to tremble.
What the Hell? Isn't this kinda stuff supposed to heal quick?
Frantically, he shook his hand, eliciting more cracking noises as he felt the pain suddenly disappear.
That's... Weird. If only there was someone who could help me with this...
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Three Days Later
For the last three days, Naruto's routine had remained the exact same. He'd wake up, perform his ablutions, have breakfast, surf the web, have lunch, walk to the orphanage, hang out with the orphans at the training grounds, go back home, shower, have dinner, and watch T.V. for a few hours before getting up to go to sleep.
Although he was having fun, he couldn't help but admit to himself that something was missing. Regardless of how he filled the day with his activities, it still felt empty.
As he watched a lecture on some meaningless topic, he realized something.
I've barely seen Anko since we came back. Where is she?
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Hm? I'm not expecting visitors.
He pushed out his chair and hopped off, walking towards the door.
Wait... I'm only in my undies.
He turned around and walked past the kitchen, when his stomach growled.
And I'm hungry?... Fine.
He walked into the kitchen, and noticed that the microwave had a cup of ramen in it.
Must've forgotten to take it for breakfast...
He grabbed the ramen and placed it on the counter, ready to get dressed.
However, just then, he heard knocking on the door.
This prompted him to make a beeline for the door again.
Wait a minute, no pants and no ramen! Come on, man!
He walked back to his room to put on his pants, and back out to the door, ramen in his hand.
He opened the door to find Sasuke, with a timid Sakura behind him.
Sasuke questioned, "Dude, why are you shirtless?".
Naruto pouted. "I was hungry.".
Sasuke shook his head and replied, "Whatever. We just came by to tell you something...".
Naruto's brow raised.
He nonchalantly asked, "What's up? And what'd you do to her?".
Sasuke answered, "There's chunin exams coming up. Each of us can advance to the next rank of shinobi, and we figured you'd like to know about it, too.".
Naruto shrugged. "I'm in.".
Sasuke looked back at Sakura and said, "Happy now? Naruto's agreed, so you'll sign up too, right?".
Sakura forced her lips to turn upwards and stammered, "Y--yeah, sure...".
I'm so dead!
Naruto invited, "Why don't you guys come in for a while? It's almost lunchtime, I can make some tea, maybe a hero sandwich or something'.".
Sakura's smile became genuine, as her expression slowly softened.
She responded, "Yeah, sure. I'd like that.".
Sasuke, on the other hand, scoffed. Although, his mockery dwindled as he considered the notion further.
Ultimately, he smirked and spoke, "Sure, I'll have lunch here. But only if you put a shirt on.".
The blonde joked, "So all I have to do to get you to shove off is nothing at all? Sounds like a good deal to me...".
The genin laughed as they entered Naruto's apartment.
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After Lunch
Naruto, now fully-clothed, washed the dishes from the finished lunch, and then his hands.
He walked back to the dining room, and was met with an offer from Sakura.
The girl suggested, "Hey, Naruto, let's take a day to hang out, just the three of us; it's a good team-building exercise!".
Naruto was taken aback.
He responded, "Uh, sure we can do that. I've just got something to take care of first...".
Sakura replied, "No problem, we'll come with!".
Naruto twitched.
Great...
.
.
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Team Seven's Training Grounds
The genin of Team 7 watched as the orphans played around the field.
They took in the scene, relishing in the orphans' happiness and carefree playing, a great comfort in their lives.
Sakura nudged Naruto and, in iteration to what he had provided, whispered, "You know, I think this might be the person you really are...".
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