Indomitable Will
Hello everyone. Here's the second chapter of Indomitable Will. I know it's been quite a while since the first chapter; I just got caught up with work.
Before we start, I'm glad the first chapter turned out okay. Thanks for the positive comments and constructive criticisms. I have taken that into account while writing this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: One Piece, Naruto, and its fantastic characters belong to the greats Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto. I don't own any original concepts/ideas/themes in these two legendary series.
Narration
"Normal speech"
Normal thought
"Flashback"
"Tailed beast speech"
Tailed beast thought
Chapter two – Meeting a forgotten past
"You know, you remind me a lot of her—boisterous, fearless, and prideful. She, too, was shunned for no fault of hers. Yet, she was filled with so much love despite her great curse. What about you, Naruto? Are you capable of the same?"
Naruto woke up drenched in sweat. He could feel his heart furiously pumping and the sound of his heartbeat on his feet. A blistering headache was sapping his energy. Conflicting memories clouded his mind, making it hard to determine what reality was. Having no knowledge relating to a 'genjutsu', Naruto pinched himself hard. He was so lost in this process that he did not notice the sound of the door opening and someone entering the room.
"Are you alright, Naruto?! Is there any pain? Why are you pinching yourself?"
Startled, Naruto slowly looked up to see his Jiji, Sarutobi Hiruzen, looking at him with great worry. He was accompanied by a weird-looking guy wearing a dog mask.
"Hey, Jiji. I just had a sudden headache when I woke up. It's not too bad. Where am I? What happened?
Hiruzen didn't want to do this to Naruto right now, just after he woke up after suffering a great ordeal. However, he realised that he had to go through with this – Naruto was put in great danger, and he would have to take all measures to protect him in the future. Steeling his heart, Hiruzen continued to talk.
"There's no need to worry, Naruto. You're in the Konoha hospital right now, and you're safe. You've been sleeping for a few hours. Honestly, we didn't expect you to wake up this soon. I want to let you rest more and properly recover, but unfortunately, I'll have to ask you some questions. Do you remember what happened to you, Naruto?"
"I…I…Yeah, I guess. I remember going to the festival and then those damn white-eyed ninjas. They chased me for no reason, Jiji. I ran, but I got caught. They told me many things that didn't make sense, Jiji."
"I know you have many questions, Naruto, and I promise you that when the time comes, I will answer them. However, right now, the reason why I'm disturbing you from your much-needed rest is about what happened after you were kidnapped. The three ninjas who did this to you have been severely punished. THEY WILL REGRET EVER TRYING TO HURT YOU."
Hiruzen's tone sent shivers down the spines of Naruto and the ninja with the dog mask. Naruto wanted to protest; he wanted to ask his questions right away, but when he looked into Hiruzen's eyes, he no longer found the drive to do so. Despite his young age and lack of experience and awareness, Naruto could see the deep sadness, regret and great anger Hiruzen's eyes held. This fueled his speculations and doubts, and he wanted answers, answers he knew he would not get any time soon.
"I know you don't want to recall these memories ever in your life, but we need to know. The information you provide will be crucial."
"Okay, Jiji. I'll tell you what I remember."
"I went to the festival despite your warning. I'm sorry for not listening to you, but I just wanted to see it out of curiosity. The food there smelled delicious. While roaming around, those three bastards saw me and caught me. They then took me outside the village to some building. There, they..."
Hiruzen could see Naruto struggling with his trauma. The horrible things those three Hyugas did to him were not easily forgotten. He wanted to alleviate his pain; tell him it's okay not to tell anything anymore. However, he knew he had to push Naruto at this moment.
"I can't imagine how you would have felt, Naruto. No child should go through with what you went through today. I don't want to make you recall that again, but..."
"It's okay, Jiji. I'm fine. I won't allow those bastards to break me. I'll continue."
"They tortured me. They hit me, and I couldn't move my arms. Then they disabled my legs. I shouted for help, but no one could hear me. They finally disabled my voice; I could no longer speak. I felt my mind going blank and my body going numb."
"And then I woke up in a strange place. It was this dark tunnel with very little light. It was filled with water. I thought it was some sewage, so I started walking around, trying to find the exit. However, I couldn't move too fast. It was as if I was walking endlessly. Then, I heard a sound, a growling kind of sound."
Both Hiruzen and the dog-masked ninja could feel something change in the room. Naruto's statement made Hiruzen's eyes fill with guilt. He knew exactly what Naruto was referring to. He was hoping Naruto would not find out this way; he was hoping to make Naruto ready before revealing the truth; he was hoping Jiraiya would be the one to tell him. But all that hope was in vain; Naruto knew the truth. The only question is - does he know the whole truth? Hiruzen steeled his heart and mind to ensure he didn't falter.
"I followed that sound, thinking it would lead me to the exit. There, I saw it. I saw a huge fox."
Hiruzen resigned himself; Naruto knew the truth.
"I am the nine-tailed fox, aren't I? It all makes sense now; this is why the villagers..."
"NO! You are not the fox, Naruto. You are its jail. You're keeping the village safe by simply existing. You are a hero, as intended by the..."
"I'M NO HERO TO THIS VILLAGE. I'M THEIR VILLAIN, THE GUY WHO DESTROYED THEIR LIVES. THEY SEEK JOY IN MY PAIN; THEY CELEBRATE MY PAIN; they wish for my death..."
The room was filled with silence. Hiruzen could not deny Naruto's outburst; he couldn't bring himself to console Naruto. After all, everything Naruto shouted out was true.
"Before the fox, I could not stand. It felt as if I was swirled around in pure malice. After that, I collapsed and fell unconscious, waking up only now. That's all I remember, Jiji."
Hiruzen looked at the tired expression present on Naruto's face. It was clear to him that Naruto no longer wanted to speak; it was best to leave him alone.
"Thank you for being patient and telling us what happened Naruto. Please rest now. I'll try to persuade the medical staff to give you a lot of ramen, so you better get well soon!"
Hiruzen saw Naruto give a smile, albeit a weak one. He and the dog-masked ninja exited the room. They left the hospital and started walking down a lonely road. Hiruzen dismissed all his ANBU agents surrounding him. Now, only he and the dog-masked ninja were present in the near vicinity.
"Kakashi, I have activated a silencing seal; it is time we discuss what you saw exactly. From your observations, I'm sure you understood that Naruto did not tell the whole story. Either he's suppressing his memories to avoid severe psychological trauma, or he does not trust me enough to tell me what exactly happened. Both these outcomes indicate that I have severely failed him and, in extension, I have severely failed the Yondaime. I made a promise to him, and I intend to keep it at all costs. Report your entire mission right from when you entered Naruto's home."
"Hai, Hokage-sama. Right after I summoned my ninkens, a huge sound came outside the village. As Naruto's house was close to the village exit, I could hear it clearly. I'm sure the people with houses near the exit would have heard it."
"Yes, I heard that, too. On a normal day, this would have caused a lot of panic. However, as the festival was yesterday, the sound didn't create much of a shock to the people who assumed it was from the firecrackers. That was truly a good stroke of fate, albeit its twisted nature."
"Hai. Because of the festival, I could quickly leave the village as well. With Pakkun's help, I could reach the place relatively quickly. However, what I found there was extremely confusing. Those three Hyugas were completely knocked out; they were severely injured with multiple broken bones and ribcages. However, I could not find Naruto anywhere.
"What does that mean, Kakashi? Didn't you say Pakkun tracked his location there?
"That's right, Hokage-sama. Pakkun found the building using Naruto's scent. But somehow, his scent disappeared at that place, and Pakkun could no longer track him. Naruto couldn't have caused the injuries those Hyugas sustained. But my ninkens could not trace any other scent. I don't know how those three were knocked out and how Naruto was not there; it's as if he disappeared out of thin air."
Hiruzen could not believe what he was hearing. But looking at Kakashi's face, he knew the man was serious. Despite being known worldwide as the professor, Hiruzen was stumped for the first time in many years.
"There was one thing of concern, Hokage-sama. I checked the surrounding areas for hidden seals and found a silencing seal. It was of great quality, and those seals are not supposed to be easily available. They may have acquired it due to being a Hyuga, but this warrants investigation."
"Those seals are provided only for special tracking and assassination missions. It cannot be taken without proper permission. I'll order the ANBU to bring the records later. Did you find anything else there?"
"No, apart from the seal, I could not find anything. I searched the area for other buildings and clues but found no trace of Naruto. Pakkun and I split to look into nearby areas for any signs of Naruto, to no avail."
"However, well into six hours of our search mission, something extremely shocking occurred. Pakkun suddenly reported that he found Naruto's scent again, and we tracked it down to the very building where he was tortured!"
"What?! You're telling me that Naruto was there all along?"
"That's the baffling part, Hokage-sama. While it is theoretically possible for Naruto to be hidden within a barrier and made invisible, there's no explanation for why Pakkun lost track of his scent. I also don't think those three Hyugas were capable of such a complicated fuinjustu."
Both Hiruzen and Kakashi were silent for a while. Hiruzen was in deep thought but could not figure out this mystery. Kakashi's ninkens could not detect anyone else, so if the jutsu was cast, it had to be by the three Hyugas. But then, how were they knocked out? And why did Naruto's scent vanish? Hiruzen knew he could not address this problem right now as they were approaching their destination, so he decided to decipher it later.
"We'll have to stop our discussion here, Kakashi. Was there anything else important that you noticed?"
"No Hokage-sama. After I found Naruto, I immediately returned to the village. I asked some ANBU agents to retrieve the three Hyugas once I returned. That's all I have to report."
"Very well. Good work, Kakashi. You've had a long day, so take some rest. Dismissed."
"Hai."
Kakashi left the area as Hiruzen was entering a building. This building is the headquarters of the Konohagakure Intelligence Division. As Hiruzen entered the building, he was greeted by the head of the Konoha Torture and Interrogation Force, Ibiki Morino. They both started walking towards a particular room.
"How are the three doing, Ibiki? Got any information out of them yet?"
"Unfortunately, nothing yet, Hokage-sama. Anko is having a field day with them, but she is unable to get anything out of them."
"Perhaps she needs more training, eh Ibiki? Although she might turn even more scarier than she already is. You know what, forget about what I just said. I don't want to shudder even more."
"I'm glad you still retain a good sense of humour, Hokage-sama. Naruto's pranks seem to have invigorated you in the last few years. However, they are a real hassle when embarrassing us."
"Ha ha ha. Naruto truly outshines a lot of our ninjas when it comes to escaping. Only Iruka seems to be his match. As an old man nearing his end, it's a great privilege to laugh at the small things our future generation brings us."
"I'm sure you'll stay around with us for a long time. Your presence is essential to keep our village's balance."
"Hmm...a complex issue such as that needs its separate discussion, Ibiki. I'll expect your reports about 'their' actions in a few days. We have been receiving information about some troubling movements with the other villages. The times are slowly becoming more and more turbulent for Konoha."
With him well into his mission, we can hope to be prepared. But why did these three Hyugas bravely attack Naruto? They must know what happens when the Hokage's orders are disobeyed. Even blinded by hatred, they still possessed acute cunningness. What gave them the courage to defy my orders?
"We're here, Hokage-sama. This is the room."
As Hiruzen entered the room, he could see the pain Anko had put them through in the few hours she'd been with them. Despite that, the three seemed determined not to say a word.
"Very well. Anko! Stand back. I'll be questioning these three."
"Hello, Okimoto, Sato and Tashiro. I believe you know who I am."
Hiruzen's dense and extremely sharp chakra poured through the room. His killing intent alone made the three Hyugas bleed profusely. They felt as if the devil had descended from hell just to torture them.
"You three went against my direct orders, orders that can never be derogated. You tortured an innocent child and took pleasure in it. Don't ever expect to be let off easily from this. Okimoto, I understand you led this sick undertaking. Answer all my questions, and I'll consider lightening your punishments a little."
"NOW, why did you kidnap and torture Naruto?"
"Bec...Ause he's a MOnstER."
Hiruzen increased in chakra density and killing intent. The three could barely breathe.
"WHO GAVE YOU THE SILENCING SEAL?"
"It was AaH...AaH..."
Suddenly, Okimoto, Sato and Tashiro started to suffocate. Their mouths were involuntarily closing, and their bodies started heavily shivering. Hiruzen guessed as to what was happening.
"GET AWAY FROM THEM!"
Hiruzen, Ibiki and Anko rushed out of the room and watched the three Hyugas getting sucked into a vortex. Their blood splattered throughout the room. Okimoto, Sato and Tashiro were dead. Ibiki was the first to speak.
"What was that Hokage-sama? I've never seen such a jutsu. Was it a fuinjutsu?
"Yes, it seems like a smaller-scaled version of the 'Ura Shishō Fūin' (Reversed Four Symbols Sealing). Those three are dead. Someone ensured that no information got out. It's just as I suspected. These three were not acting on their own. They had someone backing them. We'll have to find out who that is."
"Hai Hokage-sama. I'll start an investigation first thing tomorrow."
"Let's leave the building. Have your people clean the place later."
Damn it! We have nothing for it after all that Naruto's been put through. I'm sorry, Naruto, I've failed yet again. I sincerely hope I can gain your trust someday, Naruto. I'm not going to allow you to get hurt again.
A FEW HOURS AGO
"You're not supposed to be here; You're supposed to be dead. Why are you here? You're the reason for all my suffering."
"Why? It's simply because I'm you, and you're me; hatred flowing through our psyche; when the time comes, we will bring armageddon to this wretched world."
"SHUT UP! I AM NOT YOU, AND I WILL NEVER ALLOW YOU OR ANYONE TO CONTROL ME"
"You speak as if it's under your will. Me being inside you was willed by the person you seek to surpass; From the second you were born, your life was decided; You have no say for any aspect in your life; Very soon, I will devour you and your very existence..."
"SHUT UP! STOP THIS! LEAVE ME ALONE!
Naruto opened his eyes in a sudden motion. He tried to get up, but his body wouldn't move an inch; bandages were wrapped around his whole body. Although Naruto couldn't move, he did not feel any pain. Slowly, he tried looking around where he was without moving too much. The room he was in was not well-lit; it had a few candles illuminating a small area, with the rest of the room covered by darkness. Suddenly, Naruto heard some ruffling in the room. Someone was coming.
"Oh, you're awake already?! You have a strong spirit, little boy. I thought you would not wake up for days. How're you feeling?"
Naruto couldn't see the face of whoever was talking; he could only see a silhouette courtesy of the darkness and shadows in the room. The shadows showed a towering figure booming over Naruto completely. Taken aback by this inhuman appearance, Naruto was panic-stricken and tried to get away.
"Get away from me. What the hell are you?"
"That's a little harsh, don't you think? Judging me by my appearance and not treating me like I'm human."
"Oh, I'm sooo sorry about that. Three sickos tortured me, I'm waking up in a strange place, and I see something inhuman and massive, and the first thing that comes to mind is minding my manners."
"I understand your pain, little boy. But I saved you from those people and treated your injuries. Even if you don't thank me, I thought you would not deride and insult me."
Naruto felt silent hearing these words. He realised that those white-eyed ninjas were no longer there with him and that he was acting like a hypocrite; he was doing the same thing that was done to him by the villagers without just cause.
"You're right. I was in a bit of shock and splurted out whatever came into my mind. I shouldn't take out my anger on you or treat you in such a terrible manner. I'm sorry for that. Thank you for saving me from those bastards and treating me."
"I accept your apology, little boy. You're welcome."
Naruto could feel the kindness and the lack of ill will in the towering figure's voice. He could tell that he wasn't in any danger.
"Can you tell me who you are? What's going on? Where am I? How come those three freaks aren't here? Why did you save me?
"Woah woah, slow down, little boy. You're asking too many questions at the same time. Before all that, why don't you tell me your name? I don't want to keep calling you little boy."
Feeling a little better, Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish. After all, he unfairly judged and forgot to introduce himself to his saviour.
"Ha ha, sorry about that. I'm Uzumaki Naruto! You can just call me Naruto."
"Well, little Naruto, I'll try to answer the simple questions. Regarding those three people, they are currently lying unconscious in the building you were kept in. This place is my home, where only I can enter. It is quite far away from the place you were in. After bringing you here, I treated you a bit and dressed you with bandages."
"The other questions you asked are more complicated. I could only save you because I felt something in that building I hadn't sensed in a long time. That's a long story that'll take much time to tell."
As to the question of who I am, I was known as..."
The things Naruto heard during this time shocked him and made him question everything about life. It gave him a great sense of purpose and direction. It will go as far as defining who he will be in the future. That day, Naruto found his ninja way...
BACK IN THE PRESENT
As Hiruzen exited the building, he found a familiar face standing outside, whose presence he did not expect at this time. The usually cheerful man had no joy in his face; he looked as if he was ready for war.
"Where is he, Sarutobi-sensei? Take me to him right now."
"Jiraiya..."
That's it for this time. Any guesses for who the towering figure is?
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think. Sayonara!
