Dynasty of Tomorrow
Chapter 5: Mumbled promises
Soma trudged out of the jonnin shower rooms finally clean of body. Not his soul though, which was stained red from all the people he had to kill through the last several months. He knew this was all a necessary evil, though pragmatic I'm his decision he still didn't enjoy ending someone's life.
Well, it wasn't like he'd be in anbu forever.
Soma was steadily heading home ensuring his anbu gear had been stowed away to be cleaned later on. His mind had been racing with thoughts of how much had occurred over the last few months.
Itachi had mellowed and took to seeking out his common counterpart as Soma had been placed on his Anbu team several times now. His previous missions had been long. While Soma 'stumbled' upon more damning proof of Danzo's treason.
The more the evidence grew the angrier the Third became. Finally when word came about his plans and how it was a slow-going process to wipe out the Uchiha clan was when the old warmonger was finally arrested. He and only several of the Uchiha clan elders were taken. The arrested elders were trying to turn their clan to treason and the clan being much more deep-rooted and invested in the village this lifetime turned them in.
A few in the civilian council were caught in the scandal as well and it tarnished the civilian councils' reputation so much that the Shinobi council refused to converse with them. There was a clear separation between Shinobi and Civilians now.
Fugaku himself had gone to the Hokage and apologized profusely for the incident his own clan had taken part in. The plan has never even had a chance to rise up from the dust as it were. It was brought before Fugaku and his entire loyal police force investigated and turned over evidence to the Hokage immediately.
Then root was uncovered and it had been a long going process of how to deal with what they had found. There were hundreds of Shinobi. Those that had gone m.i.a. those thought to have died. Clan children that had been kidnapped on their first missions or of the village only to be found in the bowels of the hidden village. The Uzumaki clan took in some, Soma ensuring that Sai was one of those taken in.
Though until they could address the damage caused to him and those taken in by the Uzumaki clan they were under strict watch until Inoichi gave him the go-ahead to allow them freedom.
Soma had poured all his effort to take down Danzo and did so quite early on. He ensured the Uchiha would be far more loyal this lifetime around and was grateful for his peculator friendship with Fugaku.
The Uzumaki having a connection to the clan early on had indeed been the deciding force in keeping the main branch of the Uchiha from splintering off into treason.
After the incident, Kakashi stepped down as Anbu Captain and become a very perverted jonnin sensei. He began his fun bells challenges and has yet to have any students pass his exam.
The void Kakashi had left behind in anbu was taken over by Itachi and a reluctant Soma on occasion.
Soma truly preferred working alone when in anbu. He hated others praising him or being in awe of him killing people through untraceable methods.
He didn't want to be influencing this but this was the life of anbu. It was why so many either quit and went back to society with their scars barred open or buried themselves so deep into the hole they lost themselves.
The only light at the end of the tunnel was Naruto's smiling face. The boy had grown in leaps and bounds now that he had the proper guidance.
It rubbed Soma the wrong way that with proper tending to, he could have been where his charge was now. Healthy, happy, and safe. Even despite his healthier lifestyle, it would seem his body was going to be at the same growth rate as his previous life. That despite coming to the past somehow kept his growth stunted he was sure if he still had his Shikamaru, his friend would have been able to explain why he remained in the same small body he was cursed with originally. Though the changed redhead assumed that he would just grow and age back into the body he had before the regression in age. Not all things could be changed and in his first few years back he did have to starve himself many a night trapped by himself as a toddler on an island. Or on their travels when they had to decide who would get the bigger portion of food due to their limited funds. Those options too could have done some damage to his 'new' body. He would think it over with Kurama when the beast would next summon him.
Naruto was growing rapidly though so it would at least show some more differences between the two. Naruto was much taller than he had been at age four, and despite Soma wasn't really that short only in his early years before Jiraiya, it truly showed what could have been for him and that was surreal.
He would never allow Naruto to live the life he had and for that to come to pass he had to be candid. He was as truthful about his life as he could be so Naruto understood there were worse ways to live. So that Naruto could see the harshness of the world cocooned in Soma's safety net. The little boy didn't really understand but was happy that Soma always answered his questions. Even if they made Soma sad and Naruto feel bad. The blonde knew Soma wanted him to know and understand to protect him, so even if it hurt his guardian he would still ask, though the blonde would try to space them out. He was young but understood it wasn't fun to be sad.
It made this Naruto more thoughtful. The boy's secret had been spread this lifetime around as well. It had been easy to deal with as Soma and the Uzumaki clan were respected. They were a prominent clan that had their own community within their clan grounds and villagers were already too deeply mixed with their clan economics to piss any of the Uzumaki clan off. They knew if you offended any in the clan it would always get back to the clan head who ensured the offense would be repaid. Though that didn't stop the villagers from being hateful toward an innocent Naruto when they thought they could get away with it.
The only time the scrutiny was felt was when Naruto was out in the village itself. The scorn many showed the toddler was minimized if someone stared too long one of the clansmen would be there as a sudden wall to the opposer. The threat of angering any in the Uzumaki clan made the villagers leave the child alone and the most they did was ignore the boy or scowl at him. Each member from old to young protected their unofficial heir and respected Naruto and their leader Soma entirely.
Slowly but surely their clan had obtained a foothold in the village itself, exotic clothes, food, medicines, and once unobtainable seals were being sold making their clan thrive economically. Soma still relied on his two trusted elders to ensure the clan was being handled correctly. Though it was only Nagato and Azumi were the only ones he considered his council but they always helped him and stepped in for him when needed.
Soma was happy to be home and moved about the clan land weary but happy to be greeting his people as he walked through the grounds.
The clan was settled and a section of his people led by Nagato were being taught the more complex sealing arts. The only ones that an Uzumaki by blood could master. It was almost mandatory that the clan members learn as their seals were the clan's largest profit.
The redhead trotted post the group waving off Nagato who made a move to stand. The redhead marched towards food first and foremost.
Soma grabbed something light an assortment of fruit and sat in the commons kitchen he had for his clan. He would never allow any in his clan to go a day hungry and those that could not earn a living in the village were made to do small chores in the clan complex. They were given rooms, food, and even pay.
Though having looked over their finances before having gone on his mission he would need to talk to Azumi about adding a clan dormitory to their lands. Soma had not known there were this many Uzumaki clan members hidden out across the nations. There were not many but it was more than he had anticipated.
They were all screened before being allowed in his home and many were looked over by him or Nagato it had been a long process to establish themselves. Soma would not risk the village and any spies found were handed over to T.I.
Now it was much easier for them to find real Uzumaki. A book with a seal only those in their clan were allowed to open was always used. Their intentions were always the thing that Soma and Nagato screened newcomers intensely upon.
Though that was at his beginning, now he was more focused on other things. The Hyuga clan was asking after Soma and the meeting between the two clans was set up right before the Kumo Kage was to arrive for the scheduled meeting. Though that snowballed once Fugaku and Shikaku caught wind of the fated meeting between the two clan heads.
It was the only reason his missions in Anbu had been placed onto other shoulders. This was something that Soma could not be left out of especially since it had developed into such a clan issue.
The other Kage who had sent the would-be kidnappers was at a disadvantage and would be forced to apologize for the insult to not just the village but the Uzumaki and Hyuga clans. As they had been attempting to kidnap both their clan children and would have probably gone for others had Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan not intervened without causing death.
Soma was glad nothing escalated as in his past that led to some rather rash decisions.
The Hyuga clan wished to converge with the Uzumaki as a united front. After the torture and interrogation unit got through the 'diplomats' their true plans came to light. They knew the plan would fail and that one of the men would possibly die in this mission but counted on the fact that a Hyuga or Uchiha would end up needing to be one to compensate with their lives and by extension their eyes. Those had been their main targets for you the clans Kekkei Genkai. Or any of the other clan's secrets that would be hidden with the dead body.
That plan was foiled because of the Uzumaki intervention as they had been gearing up to grasp the Uchiha child and return for the others. Now every clan leader felt nothing but gratitude towards the clan.
The Hyuga were especially insistent since the Uzumaki clan ended up being the ones to save their clan politically and saved their heiress all in one go.
Though it trickled down and Shikaku point blank told him all the clan heads were going to back them up during the meeting. To really reiterate that if you mess with one of the leaf shinobi clans you messed with them all.
It was already difficult because the Hyuga clan felt they owed Soma and wished him to make a request of the clan. Though all the other clan heads felt he had taken care of them. By his people intervening all their heirs were saved from the potential of kidnapping. Their clan secrets were protected and none had to die for the cause. So, now each clan wished to return the favor.
To borrow a phrase, it was all so troublesome.
Soma was exhausted but the now thirteen-year-old had been an Anbu captain for several months now. He was used to sleepless nights and ever since the war in his previous life, he knew he would function even under a lack of sleep. Finishing his food he settled back suddenly exhausted.
Soma sighed hearing the pattering of feet and groaned hearing Karin yelling.
"Naruto, get back here you little brat!" Soma looked to the entrance of the inner hall and saw a blonde soapy and naked Naruto running away.
"No!" The blonde shouted back determined to keep ahead. Soma watched a sodden and soapy Karin chasing after the boy.
"You need to finish your bath! Don't make me tell Soma you aren't listening" Their voices traveled and Soma quirked a red brow when he tracked more footsteps pattering down the outside hall now. He could see from the wide open engawa Naruto bolting down the halls.
He ran fast for a four-year-old.
"No!" Karin was chasing after the boy nearly growling with his little yells of denial.
"Don't you want to be presentable for Soma sama!" Soma could hear chuckling from the nearby class Nagato was conducting. Soma saw Nagato stand craning his neck tracking the duo running about the compound.
"SOMA IS A BIG POOPY HEAD!" Soma snorted hearing his charge smack talk him as best as a four-year-old could. Nagato's heartfelt laughter was a comfort.
"Naruto, take that back!" Karin and Naruto's voices echoed down the halls but Soma was sure Karin would catch the child sooner or later. Lately, Naruto had become upset with Soma for always being gone on missions instead of playing with him. He understood the boy's frustration and every time Soma returned home he would pout until right before Soma would have to leave again.
Then he would be clinging to his guardian telling him no. It was difficult but Soma had agreed to a certain amount of missions before he stepped away from Anbu to help focus on Naruto's training. The Hokage would still force him on overnight missions if he deemed them important enough but he would be sticking mostly close to home. Though until then he had others taking care of Naruto's early training and education development while he was away on missions. The blonde Uzumaki was doing well with his basics under the guidance of Iruka and Shisui who had each fallen in love with the blonde boy.
Soma had been nervous at first about Iruka and Naruto meeting as they did not bond over the same circumstances but Soma saw for himself how Naruto easily broke down any anger or hate the older boy had for him. Naruto truly could make anyone an ally.
Nagato approached Soma and immediately hugged the smaller redhead who only grouched for a second but hugged back. "Glad you returned alive." He quirked a brow at Soma's attire. The teenage leader had his hair half up and down, glimmering beads and sparkling gems woven into long strands of glimmering red hair. He was even dressed in a long multi-layered charcoal grey kimono with the Uzumaki swirl impressed into the fabric's outer layer.
"Are you trying to get a bigger fan club than Itachi?" Nagato snickered and Soma rolled his eyes up at him confused.
"I'm trying to avoid those rabid creatures thanks." Soma did not like his rise in popularity as many of those women only sought him out because he was the head of a clan. Status and power did not equate to love and loyalty.
Soma and Nagato heard a triumphant battle cry and figured Karin caught Naruto.
"He's really missed you, you've been gone for two months. Barely had a chance to see him between then and your previous month-long mission." Nagato waved to the secondary instructor to continue the lesson without him and kept to Soma's side who seemed to droop hearing his words.
"It's not like I enjoy being away from you guys. I'm trying to take up a lot now so I can focus on Naruto throughout his schooling and training." Nagato looked at his fearless leader and could see the dark bags under his eyes. The pinched brow on his face made it so you could see the projected stress and worry.
He was stretched so thin and worked hard to ensure their footing and status in the village were settled. Soma Uzumaki was truly a prodigy bringing their clan from the ground up and making plans on adopting a child when he himself was but a child.
Taking on the heavy burden of ensuring his clan would have a place to call home and proving the Uzumaki would not layover and die. All the while trying to balance his career and raising the future clan heir. Uzumaki Soma was always under immense stress and Nagato worried for their leader.
"It won't be forever." Soma spoke his voice soft before his eyes cleared up and he trudged down the hall to Karin and a pouty Naruto who was freshly washed and dressed. Nagato watched Soma pick up the blonde who was dressed similarly to his guardian. Naruto's blonde hair reached his small shoulders and Nagato was always stunned at how similar the pair looked.
They looked like brothers, even with different hair coloring. They truly looked like family and Nagato wondered if maybe Soma was closely related to either of Naruto's birth parents. He had never asked and many people in the village kept their inquires to themselves. Both boys were orphans, and Soma himself said he grew up not knowing his parents, only knowing they had died trying to keep him safe.
Naruto from what rumors and whispered mutterings in the village had a similar beginning though he had the added complexity of being a jinchuriki. It didn't matter how they were related the only thing that mattered was they had found one another.
Soma trudged off carrying the blonde that was clinging to him despite his ire.
Yeah. It really didn't matter if they were closely related or not. They needed each other.
Nagato sighed before heading back to his class.
T.D.O.T
Soma frowned his eyes surveyed the group of tense adults watching their children play. The Uzumaki leader watched the young faces filled with the excitement of children at play. It was simply adorable.
Shikamaru was softly snoring asleep in the far corner of the room out of the way of trampling feet. He looked so small Soma had to resist teasing him.
Choji was quietly munching on treats his father kept pushing his way. Chubby cheeks stuffed and eagerly watching the others run about in glee.
Ino with her large eyes and cubby cheeks had her hair in small pigtails and was clinging to an upset Sasuke.
Sasuke was wearing his signature hairstyle though it vaguely looked more wild when valiantly trying to escape Ino's pouty clutches by climbing to his unhelpful brothers shaking shoulders.
Itachi's laughter was making it hard for Sasuke to get a good grip. It softened something within Soma to see Itachi so relaxed.
Shisui was snickering bent to Itachi's side taunting and poking at Sasuke during his desperate escape.
Kiba and Shino were both ogling over Shino's kikuchu flying about in patterns. Kiba's little nose was twitching trying to discern the scent of the bugs.
Shino's wild tuff of hair was the only thing other than his round cheeks Soma could see hidden under his oversized jacket and behind his small glasses.
Hinata with her large eyes and dressed like a princess was shyly hiding behind Neji who at all of three in a half feet played as a baby bodyguard for the heiress.
In the middle, Naruto stood and eagerly grabbed everyone's attention for a game that even the Nara boy was corraled into playing.
All the clan heads had gathered on Nara ground for a 'playdate' but it was really an unofficial Shinobi council meeting.
They all planned on being at the meeting with the Kumo Kage but there was a glaring issue.
If they were at the meeting their children would be vulnerable or they could miss the opportunity to show up united.
Soma watched Naruto show his friends his version of flare and find trying to hold back his giggles when he got to be the one watching his friends stumble around blindfolded looking for his burst of chakra.
So far Shikamaru, Kiba, and Sasuke had found him the easiest. Hinata was close and Neji was keeping an eye on the children with Shisui's and Itachi's help.
Soma grimaced knowing that his offer would put his clan at the most risk but knew his land would be the only one protected entirely. He was really hoping that his fellow Shinobi would appreciate the offered action.
"They can stay with my clan that night." Fugaku was the first to turn toward the teenager who watched their children run about.
"You can give them each a guardian and I will tell my people that there is a mandatory in-house lockdown. That way none of them can be threatened to let someone onto clan land." Soma looked to everyone who seemed contemplative.
"Your people would blindly do as you say?" This came from Tsume, Kiba's mother.
Soma smiled almost in derision. "My people would fall on a sword if I asked them. The Uzumaki clan is loyal and follows a different structure than most clans." Tsume flushed realizing she had stepped on the teenage clan head's toes. Asking about one's clan structure was still a bit of a taboo to do.
Shikaku felt no need to be embarrassed this was a new clan. One that they knew nothing of and if he was leaving his heir with them he needed to know why they would do as Soma bid.
"Why would they do such a thing?" Fugaku asked before Shikaku could though.
"I am their king." Soma smiled but it was more painted than anything. The clan heads at the table eyed him warily.
"King?" Shibi asked and Soma signed rubbing his eyes.
"Whirlpool country is ruled by bloodline. By hierarchy, if you will. You know who is of the royal line based on their eyes and hair." Soma snorted glad he had gone through his people's left-behind history books.
"You never thought it was peculiar to see a child in charge of several adults older than them." Soma snorted and Hiashi coughed to hide his own laugh.
"To think my country was one of your closest allies." Soma looked more amused than insulted. "Blue eyes like the oceans, gems or sea skies and hair that glitters like the worldly riches or flames of war. Even if we tried to hide all that every Uzumaki would know we come from the royal line with just one glance." Soma huffed and grimaced. "Heck even Naruto has hair that shines like molten gold." Soma snickered when the other leaders glanced at the Uzumaki heir with the glimmering locks and compared them to the shimmering ruby red flames of his guardian. It was as of they both had hair that shifted in color and eyes that glimmered.
"It's like being born to the main branch of a royal family but my people are more willing to never go against the royal line. Our word is their law, no matter how much I tell them they are free to do as they please." Soma shook his head exasperated.
Fugaku hummed in response and Shikaku looked contemplative. "Even if you were leading them to damnation they would follow your word blindly." Soma looked to Shikaku who spoke and it was his turn to think.
"I doubt that but if it's something to ease you all they won't betray their home they will die to protect it and its people. We don't want to lose another home." Soma was surprised to see Shikaku look a little embarrassed by his line of questioning. His people would die for the village and their leader but once they promised themselves to the village of the leaf they would not be swayed to betray it, even if Soma asked it of them. Though most other things were up for grabs for the leader.
"I will have my son and wife trusted to your clan then." Shikaku settled back to relax and watch the children play.
Choza laughed and shot Soma a wink. "I'll have my wife and son bring along dinner as thanks for watching their backs while we handle business."
"I too shall have my wife and youngest son with your people. I will have Shisui watch them as extra help as Itachi and I shall attend the meeting." Fugaku spoke and Soma gave a nod in assent.
"Shino and my adopted son Torune will stay with your people." Shibi spoke monotone and almost seemed relieved.
"I'll have Kiba and Hana go as well." Tsume didn't know the Uzumaki well but she had known a previous Uzumaki. The teenage boy before her shared so many similarities that her gut told her he was trustworthy.
"I will have Ino attend as well but my wife would, unfortunately, refuse so if you can let Karin keep her from being too upset at being alone for the night." Inoichi spoke looking apologetic and Soma understood. He remembered Ino's mother hated Naruto...well feared what he contained but it was still something he didn't want Naruto to have to deal with at such a young age. She would get over it when the children join the academy Soma could deal with her distance for now.
"Hinata and Neji will go as my wife is too ill to be moved about."Hiashi spoke drinking his chilling tea. He had already asked Soma previously to keep the two most vulnerable of their family in his home.
"Maa maa I don't have any extra family for you to be concerned with. I'd be happy for you to show me around your clan grounds for our own sleepover though." Kakashi smirked and Soma sighed realizing his sensei had arrived late...as usual. Ever since he quit being captain in the Anbu ranks the perverted scarecrow had taken an interest in him. If Soma were honest it was around the time Soma had gone undercover as an entertainer.
The perverted man seemed to get a kick out of his put-off reactions.
Soma gave a single nod and would ask Shikaku if he could personally touch up the security seals surrounding the Nara clan land. He felt uncomfortable not knowing if someone was just out of range of his sensory abilities listening in. Though he was quietly grateful as Kakashi's leering and perverse flirtations were nicely distracting from his anxiety. "Don't even think about it Hatake." The redhead glowered at his former sensei.
"I came to discuss my previous offer with you Uzumaki. I have been awaiting your answer very patiently. Now have you had time to think over my previous proposal." Fugaku's gaze was firm and looking at the suddenly avoidant Uzumaki.
Shibi flushed lightly and Shikaku was holding back a throaty chuckle. The other clan heads looked between them confused but Fugaku had been very patient and had yet to see any progress.
Soma's blush made Kakashi snap his book closed. "Oh, something had been occurring right under your dear sensei's nose."
Soma glared at Kakashi while Fugaku eyed the redhead. "I have had other pressing matters besides focusing on such things." Soma didn't like feeling cornered and Fugaku seemed to have figured that.
Judging from the smug smirk he had sent Soma's way, he was sure the man enjoyed causing some drama. The Uchiha was just bored and fucking with Soma because it was his strange way of friendship.
"Damn Uchihas." Soma grumbled and set Shikaku off laughing at Soma's expense. Kakashi eyed Soma and winked making the uncomfortable teen stand to collect his charge.
"If that is all we will be going." He wasn't running... cautiously retreating, definitely not running.
T.D.O.T
"That's trespassing and that's illegal." Soma spoke eyeing Kakashi who was leisurely reading his porn book while sprawled on the redhead's bed.
Soma did not have the energy for this. He had only just put Naruto to bed and would not risk the boy being awoken. He didn't remember having this much energy as a kid.
"Maa maa unimportant details Soma chan." Kakashi spoke in response not looking away from his book.
"I'm a boy Kakashi senpai. I thought you were a genius."A vicious smirk line his lips. "Unless you forgot, you know they say when you get old the first thing to go is your mind." Soma's smile was anything but friendly almost a snarl.
"You're just so pretty like a girl it seems wrong to lump you in with the boys." Soma huffed glowering at the lounging man.
"What was so important that you felt the need to break into my house." Soma began changing from his Kimono and Kakashi snapped his book closed and eyed Soma.
"I was wondering how secure the children will be in your clan home. I was able to break in others would be as well." Kakashi watched pale skin for a glimpse before a plain green kimono was wrapped around the figure. He was focusing so much on that glimpse of skin that he almost missed the derisive snort coming from the redhead.
"You are keyed into my security seals. You were one of the Anbu that watched me and my clan when we were first brought into the village. I'm not foolish enough to think you trusted us at all. Especially when we first arrived and took Naruto under our care. My seals show me auras trying to cross and I am able to accept or deny entry." Deft fingers easily wrapped a simple white obi around a slim waist.
"You knew we were watching you all along?" Kakashi looked skeptical but was avoiding the question he really wanted to ask. Soma hated the roundabout way he went when finding information.
"Obviously, my senses have always been enhanced. You have known about that don't act stupid. Now stop eye fucking me and tell me why you're really here." Soma turned to glare at his sensei in this lifetime and the last and wondered what his motives could be.
Kakashi frowned always unsure how to proceed with someone like Soma. The boy truly had no hidden parts to his personality. Soma only longed for rehabilitation and rebuilding of his clan. No Desires for power or wealth, no inklings of perverted nature. Nothing. He still functioned and was stable.
No vices. No disparaging personality quirks. Nothing really dragged him down despite his questionable past.
Orphaned in a village where your only options were to become a male geisha or a traveling Shinobi desperately trying to piece together your once fallen clan.
He was almost too noble, too perfect that it made Kakashi hesitant to trust him. "Why do you care so much?" That was all it was. What possible motive could drive a capable leader like Soma to come here of all places and just settle down? Even so, why did he try so hard to ensure the ties of all clans were something that would be peaceful? What exactly drove this kid to these lengths when they were all strangers to him?
Soma smiled that wistful and pain-filled smile Kakashi always caught him holding when interacting with the clan children.
"Naruto." That snapped Kakashi's attention. "I was wandering with my people with no true cause, even before that I was wandering through the world wondering if there was any way I could live life alone like this." Soma's expression was heartbroken.
"Do you know how it feels to watch your friends die?" Kakashi froze horrified Soma had lived to see such a thing. The teen was seven when he was brought into the village. "I had to hold my closest friends one after another as we were hunted down and slaughtered...I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it." Soma's fist clenched and Kakashi felt the urge to hug the teen.
"When I met Nagato and Azumi I found something to build." His eyes were glassy but Soma looked at his sensei and knew he could honestly say this. "When I met Naruto I saw myself in him. Alone in a world with a burden, no child should have to carry. I could see his future, one filled with loneliness and hate and I could see him smiling through it all trying to push the pain away just for someone to love him. For someone to be his friend. With Naruto I found life, I found hope again. I found a purpose to live." Soma spoke coming back to the moment and seeing surprise and wonderment in Kakashi's gaze.
"Interesting." With that cryptic reply, Kakashi stood and walked to his former student and leaned close to his face. "Very interesting. Goodnight Soma." Kakashi was gone in a breath of a moment and Soma snorted but prepared for bed. It was going to be a long week.
T.D.O.T
Soma was cursed. He had to have been cursed. He had spent much of his time either on missions or in his clan compound and had avoided crossing his path but there before him stood the green beast of the leaf.
Gai like Kakashi was much like when he first met him. Vibrant and energetic as always. His brilliant smile counteracted Kakashi sensei's cool calm facade.
Kakashi spotted Soma looking at the pair unamused holding the hand of a blonde child the masked Shinobi recognized as Naruto. "Yo." Kakashi waved and seemed amused when Soma directed his charge in the opposite direction.
"My youthful rival is that not one of your talented students walking." Kakashi snorted seeing Soma visibly deflate.
Kakashi knew one thing about Soma the man was graciously kind. Even if Kakashi thought many people didn't deserve it. It was why he really had no protest about Soma being Naruto's guardian.
He had heard it straight from the mouth of the third. Jiraya had kidnapped the Uzumaki king and his people kindly followed. Instead of making it a political affair, which it could have been. They were still Uzushino ninjas at their time of capture.
Kakashi didn't outright trust Soma. He didn't trust anyone, not from the village. Yet, that flame-haired beauty made it difficult to not put trust in him. His character had always been the same from the moment he met the teen.
Taking on responsibilities that Kakashi himself would have run away from. Soma Uzumaki was a one-of-a-kind guy.
Though Kakashi would still mess with him.
"Soma chan!" Kakashi yelled out to the redhead who sighed but turned back their direction with Kakashi's former sensei's child looking curiously between his guardian and the duo.
Kakashi paused looking between Soma and Naruto. They looked...extremely similar, almost too similar.
He could definitely see Kushina in both of them, there was no doubt they all shared her face though Soma and Naruto shared similar eye shapes.
The only difference being the color of Soma's eyes seemed to glow like an electric blue lapis. That's how one could tell he was of the Uzumaki royal line or that's what some of the clan said when Kakashi had gone through trying to confirm Soma's story of authority.
Naruto's eyes seemed to have that bright blue shine but it was lighter almost icy, glittery like an aquamarine.
Though looking at the golden blonde hair so similar to Minato and comparing it to the glimmering silky straight ruby so similar to Kushina Kakashi eased away.
Yeah, they had many similarities but they also had startling differences. Kakashi shook his head brushing away at the thought.
He was being silly he had watched Soma grow up. The kid rarely spoke of his past life but it was similar to many of his rescued clan. His close clan members also spoke of meeting the boy on his travels frighteningly young. Yet full of power and knowledge born of one who suffered to survive.
Kakashi let his suspicions rest. Soma Uzumaki was a loyal leaf shinobi, he would not do anything to ruin what he had with Naruto. The boy being devoted to the village proved that even in their compound the elder Uzumaki spoke kindly of the leaf.
Kakashi eyed Soma who looked different to him. He should know as Kakashi did spend months obsessively training his two students.
Soma looked paler and thinner maybe, Kakashi would address it later on. Right now though he eagerly watched Naruto. It hurt him a bit seeing the little version of two people he admired and loved mixed into one bright happy boy.
Naruto was a freaking ball of sunshine and Kakashi's heart ached to remember the loss they shared. He watched Soma fussing at Naruto who seemed to be looking at Gai with excitement. Kakashi snickered catching the end of Soma's conversation with the boy.
"-Cannot get the Uzumaki symbol on such fabric and I'm sure they won't have such a thing in bright orange." Soma looked exasperated. Kakashi cringed at the horrible thought of Naruto dressing up like Gai and prayed the boy stuck to dressing like his current guardian.
"Hello, student of my revered rival! I am the great green beast of the leaf Gai!" Gai was boisterous and Soma snorted pleased to see the chipper shinobi. Gai was a true man and had sacrificed himself once with Pein and then again against Obito. Soma would ensure he didn't need to sacrifice himself again.
Not in his current or former name at least.
"Hello Gai I am Uzumaki Soma and this is Uzumaki Naruto. We are pleased to meet you." Kakashi's quirked an eyebrow. Soma tipped his head to Gai making the man fluster.
That was something that Kakashi had never seen before and then Soma shifted his gaze towards himself and moved to lift the time boy into his arms.
"Well, my cute little student what brings our princess out from her tower." Soma sighed and Gai blinked in confusion.
"Soma's a boy!" Kakashi froze gaze falling to the angered expression of the blonde in the redhead's arms. He was glaring at Kakashi and Soma was looking at his sensei deadpanned.
"Naru it's fine my sensei is only teasing me." The blonde frowned and looked between Soma and Kakashi a bit before he turned his angry blue gaze back to Kakashi.
"The villagers were being mean to you like him though." Kakashi froze and eyed his student who was purposely avoiding his gaze.
"I'm alright with Kakashi teasing me. He's not saying those to hurt my feeling only to get my attention focused on him being an idiot." The blonde was pouting and Gai was watching this all with interest.
"Why were the villagers picking on our youthful shinobi here?" Gai directed the question to Naruto who seemed to still be incensed.
"They keep calling him a demon lover saying he's possessed by the demon boy. They curse at him and sometimes they throw things. They were being really bad. Like worse than me when I don't want to take a bath." Naruto was vibrating with all the anger his little body could handle.
Soma soothed the young boy and with practiced ease, the boy relaxed. Kakashi eyed his student who seemed unfazed by the comments. Kakashi was furious because he knew who the villagers called the demon.
Kakashi had a thought. "Be what did Soma chan say to those bad people." Naruto looked thoughtful.
"I'm not sure but it felt heavy and like the air was all sloshy the people went really pale and ran away. Though Soma was mostly holding me to his chest." The little blonde looked up to his guardian who was smiling saccharine and sweet.
"Your village has many that do not understand the Uzumaki clan is full of proud people." Soma smiled thinly and Kakashi felt a shiver trill down his spine at the site. "They will learn." Kakashi was really glad Soma was on their side. The thought of this powerful shinobi on an enemy's side was enough to make him fearful.
Kakashi himself was Kage level in power but he wondered if Soma was at his level or somehow beyond that. The young clan head was always a curiosity to Kakashi. The truth about his abilities has always been held so close to his young chest. The village knew he was powerful, though none knew to what extent. The boy was strong and he had never done anything to even slightly bring suspicion onto himself or his clan so Kakashi never doubted his loyalty.
Kakashi really had to struggle to remain on the topic at hand and focused back on the conversation happening before him. Soma was allowing Naruto to chat away with Gai about Naruto's current taijutsu training. The young Uzumaki was being made to learn dancing as it was part of the flowing movements their clan used for fighting. Gai had never seen the Uzu clan's fighting style so was eagerly talking with the young blonde about the method. Soma didn't protest so Kakashi and Gai assumed the Clan head was fine with the information being shared.
So Kakashi decided to engage his former student in idle chatter till Gai and Naruto were finished. "So what pulled you two out from your clan grounds? I used to have so much struggle to get you out of your lands on your off days." Kakashi's single gaze followed the animated movements Naruto made explaining his dancing to Gai but his focus was aimed at Soma.
The redhead looked up at Kakashi quizzically and the Silver haired man realized Soma was quite short for one his age. Quite slim for one who worked out as much as Kakashi put him through as well. "I went to officially adopt and appoint Naruto as my clan heir in the village records. We had to go before the Hokage today and get his signature for the legalities to be considered complete."
The information startled Kakashi, he knew Soma would adopt Naruto but to officially name him an heir was unexpected. He would have thought Soma would plan to have children in the future and appoint his actual blood to succeed him. Even the Hyuga who believed in the traditional way of things still chose Hinata the firstborn to the main house to be the heir over her male cousin who was officially third in line.
Soma was peculiar, unorthodox and it warmed Kakashi's heart to know he valued Naruto so much. He looked at Soma, really looked at the redhead whose entire focus was aimed at Naruto's way. There was a devotion there that Kakashi had first assumed was superficial. Kakashi knew he was trying to restore the Uzumaki clan and valued all members of the clan but this...Soma truly devoted himself to Naruto and everything he did was for the boy's betterment and development. Kakashi swallowed feeling his stomach flutter as Soma's expression softened at Naruto's laughter. His heart was pounding at the sight and he came to a sudden realization.
'Oh, shit' Kakashi jolted his single eye focused entirely on the beauty of the Uzumaki who was smiling with patience toward a boy who was near and dear to his heart.
Kakashi realized, at this moment he was in love with Soma. Soma calmed Naruto and in Kakashi's quiet meltdown excused the pair to leave. The Hatake didn't stop watching him until they were out of site.
"Well damn." Kakashi sighed before turning to a confused Gai and the pair set about returning to their forgotten competition.
T.D.O.T.
Soma sighed in relief as he settled down for meditation for the evening. Tomorrow he would be required to face off against A for his foiled attempt at kidnapping. Truly the Rikage was a hot-headed fool in his early years as a Kage. For now, though he needed to check in on Karuma, that fox had held him off for a long time and finally called out to Soma after his extended nap.
Soma landed in the calm land that was his mindscape. No longer did his mindscape look like the holding cell of a criminal. It looked like the lands of his people an island surrounded by swirling whirlpools and bright greenery. Kuruma enjoyed the peaceful and vibrant land the Uzumaki hailed from and Soma ensured he could enjoy it entirely.
The bijuu was awake and his eyes glimmered in eagerness seeing Soma whose appearance now stayed in his changed form. The fox took in every detail as he had been on the verge of blacking out the previous chance he last saw the now teen.
"I always thought you would look more feminine with red hair kit." Soma huffed and ignored the teasing from Kuruma. "Turns out I was right." The large creature bellowed loudly and Soma stared at him with deadpanned expression.
"Laugh it up you overgrown mutt." Soma snickered and the duo shared laughter before the redhead charged forward and couldn't decide between laughing or crying while he hugged the bijuu. A soft purr escaped the nine-tailed entity who curled his tail around Soma.
"You seem better in your heart now." Soma hugged tighter to the fox-like creature that had pushed himself to the brink to ensure Soma's happiness.
"I can't thank you enough fluffy." Soma spoke but his voice was thick from crying and Karuma hummed all too happy to see Soma to even mind his most aggravating pet name.
"How have things gone, I have been asleep longer than anticipated." Karuma eyed Soma who sighed and settled down in front of the looming fox. So Soma explained everything, it felt like it took forever but he knew only a few minutes would have passed him by in the world beyond his mindscape. Karuma didn't interrupt and accepted everything with ease logging it all away to ensure he would be of help to his charge if the information was ever needed.
Soma finished his tale while the fox sat in contemplative silence. The redhead ran his fingers through the fur idly enjoying that he still had his partner, though a thought struck him.
"How are you still inside me when Naruto has you sealed inside him?" Karuma cocked his head and snorted.
"How are you here when the younger version of you runs about this compound like a banshee." Karuma gave an impassive face and Soma huffed crossing his arms and pouting.
"You don't have to be an ass about it." Soma though really wondered and eyes Karuma.
"I was originally split before being placed inside you originally Soma." The great entity huffed and settled down eyeing the redhead. "I felt the Yin return to Naruto and the yang resided here, luckily your own chakra could have grown and developed to my corrosive chakra long ago. You will not be poisoned by me but it makes me a different bijuu than the one placed inside our kit." Soma nodded accepting the logic as it was all they really had to go on really.
Karuma yawned and Soma snorted. It figured the lazy fox would already want to rest again. Karuma shooed his host away letting him know he had a guest on the outside. Soma was soon back into focus looking around the clan garden and then moving away from the hand that had reached out to grasp his shoulder.
"Itachi what do you think you are doing trespassing on my clan's grounds?" Soma turned his head to glower at said teen who looked embarrassed but determined. It was an odd combination on his normally unresponsive face. A rather pretty flush colored his cheeks and Soma was reminded of Fugaku's words from so long ago. How Itachi had developed a crush on him and Soma sighed before turning fully to the teen.
"Sasuke wanted to get breakfast with Naruto before everyone came over, remember? Besides, I tried calling out to you but you know how you get when you meditate." Soma blinked and thumped his own head for making an ass out of himself. He ignored the snickering coming from his internal fuzzball.
Soma stood pulled his long hair that had been flowing free into a messy bun and dusted off his sleeping kimono. Itachi watched him and that was every bit of confusing as when Kakashi had done the same several nights back. Soma spotted a quiet Sasuke who was peeking at the redhead from behind his older brother's legs.
Sasuke was always curious about his friend's guardian. Soma was really pretty he thought at first he was Naruto's mother. The blonde had corrected him and the two got into a fight for the insult. One in which Sasuke apologized because he had not had all the facts and said something that obviously was a sore spot for Naruto. Sasuke didn't understand it but he accepted it.
Soma crouched down and smiled brightly Sasuke flushed at how pretty the older boy looked and eyed his older brother who looked so lost when he looked at Soma. The redhead's eyes seemed to shine and that made Sasuke stare in awe. To the small Uchiha, Soma was all glittery and pretty not like any other person he had ever seen in the village. Though Naruto was similar, all glittery and Sasuke assumed it had something to do with them both being Uzumaki. His clan all looked similar but Naruto's clan was all made of different glimmering colors and shades. It was interesting to see each one.
Though both Naruto and Soma were the most unique and pretty of them all.
"Hi, Sasuke kun, would you like to help me wake Naruto so we can head out." Sasuke nodded stepping forward a bit before reaching up to the red-haired man silently asking to be picked up. Sasuke knew one thing was for sure, Naruto loved Soma's hugs and so Sasuke determined he would get as many of those as he could...He would never tell Naruto he was right about Soma's hugs though. Soma chuckled cooing to the boy before reaching out and plucking him into his gentle hold.
The young Uchiha snuggled into the arms settling himself comfortably. Sasuke hugged the soft embrace of the pretty red-haired man that carried him eagerly laying his chin on his narrow shoulders. He spotted his brother frozen to his spot looking almost envious of Sasuke who immediately stuck his tongue out teasing his older brother.
Itachi pouted and snapped to attention following after them. Sasuke was going to tease his big brother so much over this.
Itachi watched Soma constantly, as children it was due to the Uchiha wanting to learn from his much more powerful counterpart. As a comrade, it was to ensure he had his back and vice versa. Currently, it has to do with how nice the view of Soma walking ahead of him was.
Itachi really needed to stop hanging out with Shisui or Kakashi. Both of them liked to point out Soma's amazing genetics far too often when they drink. It distracted him when around his friend now. As he could do nothing but wholeheartedly agree with each assessment.
Itachi hung back while Soma and Sasuke stepped down the twisted halls to Naruto's room. A startled gasp drew his attention and he recognized Yahiko who awkwardly waved his way.
Orange spikey hair was the only reason Itachi could remember this member of the ame trio. His pale smooth skin and dark brown gaze were mostly commonplace. It was still odd that he along with several others claimed Uzumaki. Such a concept never happened in his clan, but Soma claimed the Yahiko fellow and the young violet-haired woman named Konan.
They were all Uzumaki adopted or blood-related but Itachi so very rarely had a chance to interact with any of them individually. Nagato the thin blood haired man was more recognized as he was always at Soma's side.
The pair had a tight bond and Itachi knew Soma valued his original group dearly. Itachi knew these people were precious to his longtime friend.
"Hello, I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I'm Itachi Uchiha." Said Uchiha craned his neck in greeting and Yahiko bored slightly awkwardly holding writing supplies.
"Hello, Uchiha san. I'm Yahiko Uzumaki."The nervous boy's eyes docked down the corridor and back to Itachi's.
"Soma has my brother and they are waking Naruto up." Yahiko seemed to relax slightly and fidgeted a moment. Seeming like he wanted to ask something.
It seemed he finally made the decision within himself to ask. "Let Shisui know I won our best and now he powers me a favor." Itachi was surprised but nodded watching a smile break out on the older man's face before the orange-haired shinobi trudged off to continue his errands.
Itachi knew his cousin was spending a lot of time with the Uzumaki clan but he had not known he had made a friend. It eased something inside the Uchiha as he had not been as connected to his cousin in several weeks. He really had been neglecting his social relationships and would probably need to take time to catch up with his cousin.
Soma returned with both boys excitedly clinging to him chattering away to one another.
Itachi gulped looking at his longtime friend looking so pretty in a soft pale blue kimono with his hair still in that messy bun. He could feel his mouth go dry when Soma smiled brightly at him.
"Ready?" Soma spoke leaning towards Itachi as Sasuke was making grabby hands towards his brother. Itachi immediately grabbed the boy and forced air into his lungs.
"Yeah, I think so." Itachi gets contemplative as Songs eyed him questionably and he followed him out the door.
This was going to be a long day.
T.D.O.T.
Soma settled down as one of the first people seated in the large conference room. The redhead had his hair tied high and tight in a long shimmering ponytail. He wore a soft smokey grey kimono with his clan seal pressed on the fabric over his heart.
The Hokage was there dressed in his billowing robes and wearing his hat and Shikaku was dressed rather formally as well. A forest green kimono tucked into Black hakama. His own clan insignia was pressed into the fabric's left shoulder.
His gaze drifted to Hiashi wearing a lavender Kimono the clan seal sitting on his obi and his hair pulled back into a loose braid.
Fugaku arrived with Shibi and both were dressed formally. Fugaku in a black kimono top and hakama with the Uchiha emblem on the back of the top.
Soma noticed Itachi follow in behind the three older shinobi dressed exactly as his father but his hair was loosely side-braided and Soma realized it was long. His dark eyes find him and they shared a commiserating look.
Shibi was dressed in a long formal coat in an eggshell white with his clan seal stitched onto the high collar of the coat.
Choza, Inoichi, and Tsume soon arrived as well.
Choza was wearing a wine-red kimono top tucked into a deep brown hakama. his hair was smoothed down. He had his clan seal covering the stomach of his top.
Inoichi was dressed in a livid-colored kimono. It was a strange bluish-grey that was similar to his own eye color. His clan insignia was pressed in the seam lining of his kimono. The man's long blonde hair was loose and that made him look years younger than he did.
Tsume was in a pale cream and blush pink color and her clan seal was embroidered on the leg of her kimono. She too had tamed her hair and her face looked set in both embarrassment and determination.
Kakashi arrived and he was dressed in a deep blue Kimono tucked into charcoal grey hakama. His clan's emblem was stitched into both ends of his kimono sleeves. He still wore his mask but had forgone his headband and just kept the scared eye closed. Soma was stunned to see his usual gravity-defying hair smoothed back with a few stands curling around his covered face.
Soma was always surprised when dealing with political situations. The formalities are always involved in looking the part of a clan head. They were representatives and they better damn well clean up nice before they get down to the threats.
Everyone settled down and took their seats. Fugaku practically pushed Itachi to sit next to Soma on his right so Kakashi settled next to Soma using his student to hold himself up as he was lazily leaving against snickered at Soma seated straight across from the grumbling redhead squished between his two long-time comrades.
The meeting was called to attention and they waited as Raikage was announced. A walked in looking like he swallowed a lemon despite trying to keep a stoic appearance. Soma tried not to snort seeing A.
He was still the towering dark-skinned muscle man with white blonde hair. He took was dressed in his Kage robes with a small entourage following him to take up the other seats.
Soma didn't see killer B but knew the man must have been outside the room as he could practically feel the man pouting from within the conference room. The meeting began and it seemed A was unaware that all the clan heads would unite to ensure they left a message to the opposing village.
A's gaze landed on Soma as he was a curious new variable to the group. The famed Uzumaki clan leader who brought his clan back into existence. That truly was a Shinobi worth his salt though his clan was new to the village. A wondered if he could persuade a coal head as successful as that young teen to switch sides.
The redhead had hair that glimmered and shifted as if it was a flame made of gems. Eyes that seemed to glow and an air about him that demanded respect. That was truly a quality of a great leader.
Soma quirked a delicate brow at the attention and A got distracted by his men being brought into the room. He wouldn't look at them. They had failed their mission and they knew what would await them at home. Shame, scorn and ostracizing. It would not be long before so the captured shinobi broke down from it all and died at their own hands.
Though that was not a problem for now. Now he had to negotiate as much power and control back so the leaf wouldn't send him and his reputation to ruin. Fixing his gaze back to the redhead he wondered how to bother him for a moment.
T.D.O.T.
Soma snorted as the meeting ended and the tall imposing A approached him.
Soma lifted his hand doing the Kage from his approach. "Not interested." It was simple and wasted neither of their time.
A respected that despite feeling incensed at not being able to say his piece. Though he caught sight of the dangerous glint aimed his way from Kakashi and Itachi. They did in the background of the Redhead and A realized the boy was rooted to this village and taking to him would be useless.
With that, he left the room. Pride rubbed wrong and forced into a real complete truce with the village. They took a large hit due to the kidnapping attempt and A had no one to blame but himself.
He sighed and set out grumbling about his lost chance his entire way to their hotel.
Soma for his part was going to get ready for another long-term mission. One he had not told anyone about. One only the Hokage and Dragon approved. He truly could not get tangled in any other political drama. Jiraya would come to collect Soma and they would be gone for several months.
The redhead felt guilty and the only other souls who knew of his departure were Naruto and Nagato. He really couldn't hold back from telling the blonde who immediately became inconsolable but Soma needed to get this trip done. Nagato had understood and promised to watch and protect Naruto with his life in his long absence.
He and Jiraya would be visiting Uzushino's ruins and tracking down lady Tsunade. It made the redhead queasy. He took Tsunades death hard in his past life. The woman died using every ounce of chakra to save him at the beginning of the war against Kaguya.
Everyone always died for him in his past and it left some terrible scars.
With that morbid thought, Soma waved past the proper that had become part of his new life and prosper himself mentally for the maelstrom that would one day greet him in his return.
Sounds passed by Kakashi and Itachi who both perked up at sure of him. "I'll see you guys soon." Soma spoke as he walked by stunning both men who had wanted to catch a moment of his time.
Soma wanted to spend what time he could with Naruto. It would be a while before he would get the opportunity. The Uzumaki leader glanced back to the room of clan leaders before steeling himself and setting off.
It was time to fix what he could.
No. Soma couldn't say goodbye. It was just too difficult.
Thank you for reading