Chapter 1 : Act of Kindness
Suddenly eyes snapped open, Naruto woke up in a deep sweat, realizing he's laying on top of the Fourth's head on the Hokage Monument, he takes in the cool winter breeze that ruffles his hair. It was another nightmare, oddly enough every-time he tries to remember the dream he draw a blank, unfortunately that doesn't stop it from haunting him everyday.
Solitude
He kept his eyes on the heavens, he's always been alone and he's reminded of that every where he looks. Even the heavens wasn't safe because a flock of birds flew across the sky. Reaching his hand to the sky he blinked out the tears in his eyes. Naruto slightly narrowed his eyes and balled his fist, he promised himself that he wouldn't cry anymore. He can't live life if he continues to cry like a child. Ironic coming from a five year old.
All his short life he's endured the worst, things that could break any man. His endurance showed just how strong he was, mentally. But there is a breaking point that all people have. He was close to his breaking point, a point of impasse. His mind was nothing but a crumbling skyscraper.
As his inner darkness grows he tries to mask it for his survival but fate has something else in mind. Negative and positive had joined and become one, each lost of their path. Limit a border that he had never thought that he would ever reach at his young age. However, here he was, his limit reached. His mind could not function to its level best, the best way to program it so it could compute better was rebooting. Perhaps if he reboots, he could see what the world offered him.
Overtime he realized that certainly he could not continue on the path that he had been taking after it had nearly cost him his sanity. Only a fool would continue on such path.
Shaking off those thoughts he was getting hungry so he got up, stretched and started heading down towards the village square. The village is called Konohakagure, the village hidden in the leaves. The village was beautiful in an old, quaint way. Traditional shops and wide streets were filled with different vendors and shoppers. Civilians wore traditional long robes that were patterned with colorful and naturalistic designs.
The upper class wore rich silk robes while the laborers and lower-class dressed in a more simplistic manner. The village was surrounded by vast greenery and thick woods. It had large mountainous monuments that held the faces of previous village leaders. The soldiers of the village were called shinobi. They were soldiers that protected the village.
The people in the streets appeared happy and content. Naruto stayed a distance from the adults when he walked through the village. He knew the adults were dangerous and unpredictable.
As the young boy was walking, a red ball was kicked towards him.
The little girl smiled at him and chuckled joyfully, "Heyy throw it back!"
Naruto smiled weakly as he picked up the ball but that soon went away when her father glared at him. The little girl frowned sadly and looked up "What's wrong daddy?"
"Look it's that monster that betrayed the village" the mother muttered
The father nodded and looked down to his daughter "Honey, don't play with him. He is bad news you don't know what he'll do. Something like him is unworthy of your friendship."
Unworthy.. that word resonated in his head, he did everything right but still it wasn't enough. His only sin was being born into this world.
Everyone stared at him, it was always that look.. he hated that look. He dropped the ball and walked away. As he continued a smell attracted him to a stand, he stared at all the adults eating and enjoying their ramen meals. His stomach growled but he knows he doesn't have no money , feeling he was about to cry again he ran away.
Mikoto and her son Sasuke was walking home but stop because they saw the young blonde hair boy running by.
"What a weird kid" Sasuke said. Mikoto was going to respond until she overheard a conversation
"Did you hear the rumors that the Fourth died because of that demon."
"We should make him disappear already."
"yeah..." one man snarled
Mikoto became angry but kept her cool she looked down towards her son and slightly frowned. "We shouldn't judge based off someone's troubles, just be grateful that you're not going through the same.. go ahead and head home I need to grab something."
The little boy proceeded with the information in mind and continued her walk home confused. Not noticing a white snake slithering away.
⁂
Naruto felt a rare smile spread on his lips. His facial muscles twitched under the unfamiliar sensation of smiling as he stood on top the thick tree branch. It was a rigorous and exhaustive climb and it took him three three hours to climb it but he finally did. The stars in the sky gave a beautiful glow.
Naruto relaxed on the bark, his arms crossed over his chest, a rare sense of serenity spread through him and he closed his eyes, cherishing the quiet space and gratifying sense of achievement. He enjoyed the cool breeze against his hair and released a content sigh.
The boy froze as he heard a crack of a branch further down and he opened his eyes immediately. He narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the stranger who stood a few feet away, standing on the ground and gazing up at him curiously.
She was tall and pale.
Naruto moved quickly, running down the length of the tree and falling into a defensive crouch as he reached the ground. He stood cautiously and eyed the stranger, trying to gauge the level of danger he was in.
The stranger was an middle aged woman.
The women had dark waist legend hair, a couple of strands fell over her pale and gentle features. She was attractive. Her eyes were a dark black colour and they were framed with thick long lashes. Her posture was laid back and carefree. She was dressed entirely in black; her dark eyes were curious and amused.
"I have been wondering who was trespassing into our woods and hunting on our grounds. I didn't expect a handsome little boy." The stranger spoke, her lips lifting into a faint smile.
Naruto bristled silently at the compliment, his brows furrowing in confusion. Trespassing?
The woman arched an eyebrow, picking up on his confusion.
"You didn't know? This is private property but that's alright, you're not really causing any harm." She said with slight amusement at the boy confused look.
Naruto's eyes widened. Private property?
He felt his stomach drop. He knew that many clans were extremely territorial and rigid. The boy took a wary step back from the woman, his gaze searching possible exits desperately. He did not like being in close proximity with a stranger in the woods - alone.
Naruto took another step back, his eyes sliding to his bag which was closer to the stranger. He would leave it behind. His safety meant more than a few books, cup noodles and a rusted kunai.
"Please don't fret, I'm not going to do anything." The woman spoke, raising her hands placatingly, her expression still gentle.
Naruto's eyes slightly narrowed.
The woman crouched down and Naruto paused. He watched her warily. She grabbed his bag and tossed it to him. Naruto caught the bag and stared at the women in confusion. The stranger took a few steps forwards and knelt down a few meters away from him.
"Say, how old are you?"
"Five." Naruto rasped quietly.
The woman face took an expression he thought he'll never see towards him, concern. "And you're hunting fish here, why?
"It's…" He hesitated. "... safer."
The woman's eyes widened.
Naruto shrunk further into himself.
He spent his days away from the orphanage, streets and alleys, away from the businesses and shops because he found peace and safety in the woods. He spent more time in the woods than he did in his own room. The woods were his safe haven. There was the occasional fox and stag but animals were very transparent in their intentions and he never felt endangered around them.
The real monsters were always parading around under human flesh. In his short life, humans always turned out to be the monsters hiding under a veneer of civility. He had seen them revert back to feral beasts when their comforts were taken or jeopardized, killing one another like animals.
"What?" The women echoed in shock.
Naruto clung tightly to his backpack. The only way out of the woods was past the stranger. Behind him was the streaming river and he did not fancy a dive in the dangerous waters. His body tensed as the women gazed at him with a troubled expression. He was stuck. Naruto grit his teeth and he stiffened as the shinobi moved.
The stranger stood up quickly. She appeared in front of him in a flash. Naruto froze and raised his arms upwards. The surprising fast women reached forward and rested a soft and delicate hand on his head, pulling him in a searing hug. Naruto's eyes widened in confusion at the touch, his body freezing in alarm.
"What are you doing?" He blurted.
The stranger ignored the boy reached into her basket and drew out a small box. She held it out to the boy with a small smile.
"It's not much but it's all I grabbed on the way home." She said lovingly.
Naruto stared at him in confusion. The woman settled the box down by his feet and stepped back, putting space between them.
"You can keep coming here. I'm the wife of the clan's patriarch, Uchiha Mikoto. We own this area and I don't mind." She said with an easy smile before she turned around and shunshined away.
Naruto gazed at the empty spot in stunned silence. He blinked in confusion, his eyes widening as he recognized the insignia emblazoned on the woman's back.
The Uchiha Crest.
That was an Uchiha clan member.
Naruto eyed the box warily and hurriedly took shelter behind a large boulder. He threw a pebble towards the small box, crouching down quickly, his hands covering his ears. When nothing happened and no explosion followed, he made his way back warily, his small feet trotting on the forest ground. He sat down and wedged the box open, blinking at the sight of the round, colorful rice cakes.
Naruto blinked at the sight and closed the box. Why? The Uchiha were not friendly folk.
The woman was kind .
Why?
Naruto sighed, shaking his head at the idle thoughts. He picked up the box of ricecakes off the ground and made his way out of the woods silently towards the orphanage.
Night soon fell and the boy sat in his room. He leaned against the wall adjacent to his small bed, a hand-held mirror in his hand. He gazed at the face he hated peering back at him. He had unkempt blonde hair that fell into blue eyes. Naruto lifted his hand and pulled gently at the skin on his cheeks. He had strange whisker-like patterns on his cheeks. Slowly his eyes narrowed and threw the mirror away in frustration.
"Monster" He whispered darkly, repeating the same thing the villagers spewed. A clear case of self hatred.
He tucked his thin legs to his chest and gazed out the window. It was night time and he peered at the waning moon from his window despondently. His stomach rumbled and he sighed, laying on the floor. His eyes drifted towards the cracked ceiling. He began to count the cracks silently.
His eyelids grew heavy and he drifted off to sleep.
Unknown
In a hidden corner of the world, beneath layers of earth and rock, a secret underground laboratory hummed with life.
The air was thick with a damp, sterile odor, a scent that hinted at something unnatural, something inhumane. In the depths of a desolate and overgrown forest, beneath layers of earth and hidden from prying eyes, the secret laboratory lay concealed, its existence known to only a select few.
As Danzo approached the facility, it emerged as an inconspicuous mound of dirt and stones, camouflaging the horrors within. But for those who dared to descend into the darkness, they would discover a place where the boundary between science and madness had eroded.
The entrance, a heavy steel door marked only by a single, flickering overhead light, swung open with a faint, eerie creak. Beyond it, a labyrinthine network of narrow, sterile white corridors stretched out in all directions, lit by the eerie, sterile glow of fluorescent lights that buzzed faintly overhead. The cold, unfeeling walls were adorned with countless monitors, each displaying intricate graphs and data, but no sign of life.
The constant hum of machinery reverberated through the hollow chambers, an unceasing reminder of the horrors that unfolded within these lifeless walls. Strange and archaic equipment dotted the laboratories, their functions known only to those who walked these haunting corridors.
In some chambers, glass containers held preserved specimens, their grotesque forms suspended in transparent liquid, a macabre museum of biological aberrations. Some appeared to be experiments gone horribly wrong, twisted parodies of life. In others, rows of ominous-looking machines loomed, their purpose shrouded in mystery, while others seemed to be cruel instruments of torture.
The flickering light lent an eerie, otherworldly quality to the underground complex. Shadows danced on the walls, appearing like grotesque specters, adding to the pervasive sense of dread that clung to the very air. It was a place where secrets and nightmares intertwined, a place where humanity itself had been distorted and perverted in the name of forbidden knowledge.
The silence, broken only by the occasional clatter of metal or distant footsteps, felt oppressive, as if the laboratory itself were holding its breath, waiting for the next twisted experiment to unfold. This was a place where the line between genius and madness had blurred, where the quest for power and knowledge had led to the creation of abominations that should never have seen the light of day.
Orochimaru with a clipboard in hand, writing details about the last failed experiment. Black goo splattered all over the wall.
Shimura Danzo narrowed his eyes at the man before him, Orochimaru of the snake Sannin. The snake was watching him as it made its way towards him, possibly plotting something devious. He could never figure what went on in the head of the snake. He might be in a comfortable position, but the snake is dangerous - he knew that.
''Why the long face, Danzo?'' Orochimaru asked with a wide grin.
''You still have not brought me my perfect weapon,'' Danzo stated. He had contacted Orochimaru so that the snake Sannin could make him a weapon since he couldn't get his hands on the Bijuu container. He needed a weapon, a strong one.
''Yes, yes. You must understand it's a... long but precise process." Orochimaru said keeping his grin. Waving off the man concern
''I am beginning to think you are incapable of making me the perfect weapon,'' Danzo stated keeping his calm nature.
''Kukukukuku,'' Orochimaru laughed finding it amusing. ''You forget that I always deliver Danzo. I created your right hand.''
''Yes, you were able to achieve that. But this task seems to be beyond you. It has been quite of time now since I contacted you.''
''You must understand that creating this perfect weapon is a delicate matter that cannot be rushed. I also have to make sure every possibilities and impossibilities are calculated perfectly,'' Orochimaru stated standing in front of Danzo. ''The matter is much more complex and requires me to do things that your simpleton mind cannot understand.''
Insults - that is what Orochimaru reverted to when someone said something about his capabilities, more especially about his genius.
''How many times have I told you to watch what you say, Orochimaru?''
''Kukukukuku,'' again Orochimaru chuckled. It always amused him when Danzo said things like that. ''There is nothing you can do even if I continue to show you disrespect," The snake Sannin stated a fact.
''I will assure you that there is something that I can do to you.''
''Kukukukuku,'' this time Orochimaru laughed really hard in a very sick way. ''You forget Danzo I know everything about you. I know things that can get you executed by Konoha since you have committed treason many times.''
''Enough of this!'' Danzou said firmly not wanting to continue with the conversation any longer. ''When will I get my weapon?''
''Very soon, very soon, Danzo,'' the snake Sannin said with a grin. ''I have collected all the materials I need for the project. Since the last months, I have been collecting necessary data by conducting a series of tests. And so far the data I have collected is satisfactory. All I need is the perfect vessel and I have someone in mind."
''You have not given me an exact date of when I will get it Orochimaru,'' Danzo stated tapping his fingers on his throne impatiently.
Orochimaru felt sort of disappointed that Danzo had not asked anything about the developments of the project. He sighed, brutes could never understand the delicate scientific principles he had not follow with the project. It was not like magic where he would say the magic words and the weapon would be formed. Everything had to be calculated, measured and weighed at the right value. All formulas had to be rethought and composed again to see if there were mistakes.
Mistakes in a project like this one were not something he wanted. It would prove to be dangerous for anyone should a mistake and miscalculation be made. Everything had to be in the exact order and angled correctly.
''Soon'' he finally said.
''When is soon?,'' Danzo was really becoming impatient. He needed his weapon ready for use at any moment now. He needed it a year ago, but with the weapon not yet ready, he had postpone his plans. He could not wait any longer than he already had.
''Soon, just be patient and I will give you your toy,'' Orochimaru stated annoyingly. He hated being hurried to do his work. He liked taking his time when experimenting on things. It was fun that way.
Now he was calling it a toy?
''Orochimaru, I will give you a month to finish creating the weapon. If you have not yet completed the project then I will concede that even the once in a generation genius is incapable of making some things.''
'How clever Danzo,' Orochimaru thought with a smirk. Danzo was just saying it so to entice him to work even more hard to prove his genius. Well, he was not going to fall for it. He had dealt with Danzo long enough to know how the old war hawk worked.
''Fine,'' Orochimaru said. ''But when it does not end well, don't come running back to me because you are rushing me.''
''Just get it done.''
''And our deal?'' Orochimaru asked. He was thrilled with that he was going to get out of this little deal with Danzo. The price was worth all his efforts.
''I will keep my end of the deal if you keep your end. I'll make sure the Hidden Leaf Village won't peruse any charges against you." Danzo stated calmly. He had what Orochimaru wanted. He knew the snake would do anything to get the project done.
''Just sure that the weapon knows where it's loyalties lie,'' Danzo said with narrowed eyes. He had been saying this each time Orochimaru came to see him. He wanted the snake to remember that the weapon he was creating was for him and him only.
Next Day
Meeting young Naruto in the forest really did a number to Mikoto's mental health. To see her best friend's son like this is heartbreaking. She remembers like it was yesterday, days after Naruto's birth, Mikoto stood in the quiet of her home, cradling the newborn in her arms. The room felt heavy with the absence of Kushina, her dear friend who had given her life to protect the village and her son. Mikoto's heart ached with grief not only for Kushina's loss but also for the burden now thrust upon Naruto—the burden of being an orphan.
As days turned into years, she's watched from a distance Naruto grow from a helpless infant into a low spirited young boy of five. Mikoto couldn't shake the sadness that lingered in her heart whenever she looked at him. She wished even though Naruto is unaware of his tragic past he smiles brightly. His innocence a stark contrast to the weight he unknowingly carried. Meeting him so downtrodden in the forest broke her heart.
Unable to bear seeing Naruto grow up alone any longer, Mikoto mustered the courage to visit the Hokage's office. With determination etched into her features, she approached Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, and pleaded her case. As she approached his office she walked pasted his Anbu bodyguards, Itachi and Kakashi.
"Ah lady Mikoto, how can I help you?" Hiruzen asked coolly.
"Hokage-sama," she began, her voice steady but laced with emotion, "I can't stand by and watch Naruto grow up without a family. Please, let me take him in. Let me give him the love and care he deserves as if he were my own."
Hiruzen regarded Mikoto with a mixture of sympathy and resolve. He understood her pain, having witnessed the toll of war and sacrifice firsthand. Yet, he also bore the weight of responsibility for the safety of the village and its people, including Naruto.
"I understand your desire to care for Naruto, Mikoto," Hiruzen said, his voice gentle yet firm.
"But Hiruzen, Naruto needs a family! A mother that'll love him."
"Naruto's identity must remain a secret. There are forces at play beyond our control, and he is safer under the protection of the village. I will not allow you to adopt him and that is final" He said with finality.
"Am I clear?" She grimaced under the Hokage's stare and nodded.
Mikoto's heart sank as the weight of disappointment settled upon her shoulders once again. She had hoped that Hiruzen would see the sincerity in her offer, but she knew that the Hokage had a duty to uphold, even at the cost of her own wishes.
With a heavy heart, Mikoto nodded in resignation. She knew that Hiruzen had Naruto's best interests at heart, but that didn't ease the ache of longing to provide a loving home for the boy she had grown to care for deeply. Sadness quickly turned to anger.
Before she left the Hokage's office she slightly turned her head, "The moment he goes ballistic, the very second he decides to cut this village down, it will be your fault because you let him get like that." She whispered venomously, red Sharringan eyes spinning ominously.
Hiruzen sighed tiredly, "Because you have good intentions I'll ignore that threat. Please leave my office lady Uchiha" He said firmly, his pipe now on the table as he stared at the Uchiha matriarch, who only gave him a mock bow before leaving.
Mikoto made a silent vow to be a in Naruto's life. Even if it costs her everything she holds dear.
⁂
Later that night, walking down a corridor you see two of the most promising young Shinobi walking towards their lockers to retire for the night. Itachi , the Uchiha protégé, looked at his Taicho with much trepidation. He frowned and asked a question that's been bothering him for a while.
"Kakashi-sempai, I just don't understand it.. My mother is the kindest woman I've known, a retired Jonin, and is from a prestigious clan. Wouldn't she be a perfect candidate for Naruto's adoption "
Walking ahead of him, the silver head masked Jonin; Kakashi impassively looked at Itachi for a moment and kept looking ahead
"This situation can't be avoided unfortunately, when the Nine Tails Attack incident occurred the higher ups suspected the Uchiha Clan was behind it."
Itachi eyes widen in surprise at the notion.
Flashback Start
Kakashi appeared into the Hokage Office, Hiruzen was the standing Hokage until Minato dealt with everything. He kneeled before his leader.
"Sir, The Nine Tails has suddenly appeared in the village!"
Hiruzen already in war armor , with a serious visage "I'm already aware of that dog, go evacuate as many people as you can. Make sure the younger generation do not get involved in the fight. You all are the future of the village. If you all fall the village future would be bleak "
Kakashi nodded but before he disappeared Danzo burst in the office. "Wait, Hiruzen.. You should have ordered the Uchiha Clan Police Force to guard the civilians."
Flabbergasted Hiruzen looked at Danzo with wide eyes "You fool, We can use the Visual prowess of the Uchiha to potentially suppress the Nine Tails! They -" he was cut off
"They can also manipulate the Nine Tails! If they take control of the Nine Tails and use it to their advantage the village, the Land of Fire itself would be finished and under the Uchiha banner" Danzo stated firmly
Hiruzen was going to protest until
ROOOOAAAARRRRRR , with a thunderous roar many buildings collapse under its rage.
The whole building shook and Hiruzen looked outside to see the Nine Tails causing havoc. He looked at Danzo not caring about this petty squabble.
"Fine.. do as you wish. Order the Anbu and the security units. Gaurd the village youth as well."
"Understood"
Nodding they all disappeared
October 11th, Day After Nine Tails Attack
Kakashi was walking through the streets of Konoha. The damage could have been worse given what happened but still, after last night it was safe to say that things wouldn't be normal for a while.
The loss everyone sustained left them all in a state of sadness. There hadn't been word yet on how many have been lost but there were many that got hospitalized. A lot of the survivors can no longer be shinobi as the injuries were too grave.
What troubled Kakashi the most was that his sensei hadn't been seen after he teleported the Nine Tails away. No one knew anything. All anyone knew was that the Fox was defeated. Kakashi wasn't dumb and if he hadn't heard anything then, that had to mean that Minato died.
"Well I guess.. I'm alone again.."
Kakashi looked up to the hokage monument and from his single visible eye, a tear shed as he felt he knew that again he lost someone close to him.
Flashback End
Kakashi sighed, knowing that this conversation shed light on a darker aspect of the village's history. "In short, some believed that members of the Uchiha clan has the ability to control the Nine-Tails," he explained, his tone heavy with regret.
"This led to fear and distrust among the villagers, including the village elders and Hokage."
Itachi's expression shifted from surprise to understanding, his gaze dropping to the ground as he processed the information. He knew all too well the burden of suspicion that weighed upon his clan, the whispers and sideways glances that followed them wherever they went.
"I see," Itachi murmured softly, his voice tinged with sadness. "It may be unfair, but I understand why the village feels that way about us. It was a traumatic experience for everyone."
Kakashi nodded in silent agreement, his own memories of prejudice and mistrust resurfacing. "Yes, Itachi," he replied, his voice tinged with empathy. "It's a difficult reality we live in, but we must strive to overcome it and prove our worth through our actions. We must endure, that's the essence of being a ninja of the Leaf."
As Itachi absorbed Kakashi's words, a resolve flickered in his eyes. He may have been young, but he understood the importance of compassion and empathy in a world plagued by fear and suspicion. With newfound determination, he vowed to work towards a future where trust and understanding prevailed, even in the face of adversity.
⁂
The moon was shining throughout the night sky. Itachi in his civilian clothes is seen heading home, on the outside his face was stoic and unbothered but inwardly his mind was racing. It was never been a possibility to him that his clan can possibly be behind the Nine Tails Attack. Yes, understands the arrogance of his Clan has no bounds but to attack the Great Tree? Ridiculous. As he approached his house he seen his father standing in front of the door with his arms crossed and eyes closed, seems like he was waiting. Did he know he was coming? He stopped and stared at his father, expectingly.
"I heard you were nominated to make Anbu captain." Fugaku said breaking the silence.
He was caught off guard because he was just told of this news. He wonder if his father is spying on him. Shaking his head of that thought. He nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Yes." Itachi said simply
"I'm pleased." Fugaku said with no emotion
"It is difficult to tell." Itachi admitted. "I think you would rather I spend more time handling clan matters than working for the village."
"Well, I wouldn't complain. Me and your mother miss you, you are our son after all…" He replied. "But I suppose that won't fit into your path. How long you intend to be Anbu?"
"For as long as the village needs me."
Fugaku scoffs "I'm sure the Sandaime Hokage will be more than pleased."
Itachi felt something was off and activated his Sharringan, he then slightly got on guard when he realized something. "You're a shadow clone."
Fugaku opens his eyes and stared at his eldest son , "Meet me at the Naka Shrine, we need to talk Itachi." He then disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Itachi soon arrived into a cavern well known to all Uchiha.
Fugaku stared at the Naka Shrine tablet with his eyes activated.
"Within the clan, only those who possesses the Sharingan can read the stone tablet... and even then, they can only read part of it. But if you possess the Mangekyo Sharingan, you should be able to read even further." Fugaku said eyes slowly spinning but Itachi couldn't see the change since currently his father wasn't facing him.
Itachi is aware of the level above the Sharingan, Shisui is the only one currently to achieve such a feat.
"Would you like me to bring Shisui here to decipher it for you?"
"That's not necessary..." He said while slowly turning around and faced his son
Itachi became slightly fearful "Mangekyo!? You have them to, Father?"
"It was during the Third Great Ninja War... My comrade gave up his life to save me. And along with his tears of blood, the Mangekyo was born." Fugaku said looking back at the tablet.
"The Uchiha's way to salvation is carved into this stone. But even with my new light, the end can't be deciphered. It seems we still have a way to go.. a new evolution." He continued
Itachi stood quite, still perplexed at his father cryptic message.
Fugaku broke the silence, "However even if it's part the way, once you read it, you will understand Itachi that the current situation forced upon the Uchiha Clan right now is wrong. Soon the clan will take action." He said firmly
Itachi became nervous these are dangerous, treasonous words. He narrowed his eyes and spoke out "Even so, but to overcome it through drastic measures will be-
Fugaku cut him off still facing the stone "The higher ups of the Village fear us. This is why they persecute us... out of fear towards our Sharingan."
Itachi nodded remembering the conversation earlier "That's right, they fear we will control the Nine Tails with the power of the Sharingan. It is understandable fear to have."
Fugaku shook his head in the negative "That power only belonged to one man... the legend himself, Madara Uchiha. Since then, no one has done something like that. It's not even known if anyone can. But the higher ups cling to the ghosts of the past and keep us at a distance out of fear. If they fear us... there is nothing left to do but for us to control them."
Itachi inwardly seethe towards his father for this betrayal but stayed calm outwardly, controlling his emotions. "Will you use force to become Hokage?"
"No but soon I may have to. It's because the clan wishes it. I've held it off for now but unfortunately I can't stop them. But I want to avoid the use of brute force. That is why I keep my Mangekyo Sharingan a secret..."
"But why" Itachi asked
"I have the compatibility of controlling the Nine Tails with my eyes but if the clan learns of this, they will desire revolt even more... If that happens someone truly powerful will rise above all to raise flames in the Hidden Leaf" he said slowly turning to face his soon looking into his eyes. "See for yourself.. The distant future."
Fugaku eyes spun ominously
Suddenly the world spun, Itachi knows this must be one of his father's abilities because it felt like time itself was being manipulated. Suddenly he appeared in a war zone.
Everything was burning. There were flames everywhere, trees were in sunders, thunders echoed and the smell of burned flesh filled the air as Itachi and his father observed the surroundings. It didn't take much time for Itachi to find out where he stood. The young teen looked in horror towards the remains of a nearby mountain. On the ground was half the body of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha.
"This is the fate of the village if the Uchiha are successful in their conquest." Fugaku said stoically.
Itachi eyes widened in disbelief at the state of the first born hidden village in the elemental nations. His home. The strongest of great five nations was nothing more than burning ruins, not a single building stood. As they made their way through the wreckage he approached the middle of the village, he saw a massive hole and in the middle of the huge crater stood a man right in the center of it.
In the middle of the crater was two people.
A man with long black hair, waist length, spiky hair with bangs that framed his face and partially covered his right eye. This person was calmly standing above someone, smiling as he enjoyed the destruction around him. This raven haired person was firmly gripping his sword which was driven straight through the heart of the other person, lying on the ground, in a pool of his own blood.
This person was a tall man with waist-length, spiky white hair, with two shoulder-length bangs that framed both sides of his face. He also had red lines that ran down from his eyes and wore a horned forehead protector with the kanji for 'Oil'.
By his shoulder were two dead toads as well, toads that Itachi knew too well, "Jiraiya and his legendary summons... Fukasaku and Shima. Impossible." His father just nodded numbly, sharing his son's disbelief.
Itachi could barely breathe from the killing intent that permeated throughout the ruins , as he stared at strongest people of his home, he couldn't help but think "How could this happen?" Itachi wondered out loud, suddenly Sharingan eyes sharply looked directly towards their direction. Specifically at his father, who stared back with no emotion.
Itachi eyes widened and took a step back in slight fear, wondering how could this man transcend time to notice their presence? The raven haired man seemed to hear his words.
"You seem surprised" the man said in a deep voice as he raised his head and two red maelstrom pattern eyes with a ominous feeling flared to life. Itachi flinched when he saw the his eyes, eyes that radiated hate and malice in waves. Even the man's chakra seemed to darken everything around him.
"Those eyes feel so familiar, yet I never seen them before. You appear to be an Uchiha but I never seen you before. You're a complete stranger and yet our eyes are connected somehow for you to not only sense but see me. So that leaves me with one question... Who are you?" Fugaku demanded as the man scoffed at his Clan Head.
"You don't recognize me? Well that doesn't matter, I am simply what you made me…" the man said ominously
"Interesting" Fugaku muttered as he tried to come with the right words.
The man eyes glowed with power, the man slowly began to levitated above the village, his palms spread wide open, his chakra skyrocketed to ungodly levels.
A black and red Susanoo sprung into life, it gathered massive amounts of nature chakra and formed a lightning bow and arrow. It was as if he controlled lighting itself.
"Disappear.."
Everything went white, it was over. Itachi in a deep sweat was panting and bending over. He felt as if he looked into the eye of the Death itself.
He was horrified at the gruesome images of what the future holds. Fire , Death , Destruction, Mayhem...
He fell to his knees in disbelief , tears flowing from face.
"N-No that's.." Itachi couldn't even fathom the carnage and destruction.
Fugaku turned back around and stared at the tablet "Many in the clan resent the Village . When you're pushed into a corner, you'll resort to things like this. There will be much bloodshed on both sides. But son there's a solution to this, a way to avoid this if you are with me.. "
Itachi looked back up in anticipation
"We can take them by surprise and restrain the higher ups. Some fighting will ensue that's inevitable but with your and Shisui help as members of Anbu, a bloodless revolution can happen!"
Itachi eyes widen "A bloodless revolution?!"
"Itachi, you're my son. Please! Together we can save the clan and the Village our forefathers created!" Fugaku pleaded
Itachi became solemn, "I need to think on this.. this is too much to handle. I need time."
Fugaku not daring to look at him still nodded "I'm not surprised.. Disappointing"
With that Itachi disappeared, left alone Fugaku continued to stare at the stone tablet. He stood there alone in the solemn shadows of the Naka Shrine, the weight of impending decisions pressing on his shoulders. The moonlight filtered through the ancient trees, casting an ethereal glow on the Uchiha crest engraved on the shrine.
As he pondered the possibility of a clan coup d'état, the gravity of the situation bore down on him like an unrelenting force. The intricate dance of loyalty and dissent within the Uchiha clan unfolded in his mind, and the burden of leadership seemed almost unbearable.
"The seeds of fate has been planted and soon this world will be swallowed in darkness but..."
His eyes glowed with much power "Soon the curse of the Uchiha will be no more"
Next Week
Sarutobi Hiruzen made his way through the lively streets of the village. It was the first celebratory day marking the beginning of the Leaf's New Year. The sixth anniversary of when the Nine Tails Fox was defeated. He still remembers how the Fox reeked havoc upon the village.
The snow fell ceremoniously over Konoha. The streets were lit up with joyous occasions and people gathered to welcome the festivities. Vendors and clan matriarchs handed out bento and boxes full of treats.
Children stuffed their faces with mochi and ran around with firecrackers, laughing and chasing after their friends. Shinobi and civilians lined up to eat soba noodles and wish each other well. The people gathered to let go of the hardships of the previous year and welcomed the New Year with optimism.
Families dressed in matching kimonos. The woman styled their hair in high knots, their hair adorned with colourful hair ornaments. Families made their way to the shrines to pray for a good and prosperous year.
Uzumaki Naruto was not present in the festivities. The presence of the child soured the good mood of the crowds and the villagers demanded he leave the premises each year. The Sandaime was disheartened by the behaviour of the general populace but he understood their anger and misplaced grief.
Naruto reminded them of their losses. They had to relive their grief and each time they saw him, they were reminded of the lives they lost because of the Kyuubi attack.
The Hokage made his way to the cold orphanage to deliver the good news to the last living Uzumaki. He walked through the doors and made his way up the creaky stairs to the child who was holed up in his barren room, spending his time alone, away from the joyous festivities.
He hadn't visited Naruto in five months. He had been busy with council meetings and war reparations that continued on five years after the war. It didn't help that there had been growing tensions within the Uchiha Clan and the council had unanimously agreed to relocate them to the edge of the village. He also held meetings with Sunakagure, hoping to build a strong and indissoluble alliance that would remain strong.
Rasa - the Yondaime Kazekage - seemed like a very promising Kage and he had high hopes for their upcoming alliance. He was also dealing with the aftermath of the Kumokagure incident. He continued to hold meetings with Kumo delegates to maintain the ceasefire between both villages. The Sandaime had a lot of issues to address, meetings to hold, missions to assign as the Kage of Konohakagure.
He did not have the time to spare for the young boy.
Hiruzen knocked on the door and waited but there was no response. Naruto was a very quiet child, preferring to communicate with the occasional nod and small body gesture. Hiruzen opened the door to the room and gazed around at the room.
It was bare and impersonal. The room had yellow cracked walls and a small unmade bed in the corner. The window was wide open and the boy stood in front of it. His arms were folded over his stomach as he gazed down at the populated and colourful ambiance on the streets.
Naruto wore a mix of dark colours, navy and black. His clothes were rumpled and well-worn. His hair was overgrown and fell to his chin in messy blond waves and oddly enough a white Fox mask in his small hands. He seemed a bit roughed up, which caused him to narrow his eyes, he'll ask his Anbu about the matter later.
Hiruzen stepped into the room, greeting the boy gently. Naruto turned his head and he gave him a nod of acknowledgement, appearing distracted by the busy streets. The Sandaime sighed and relayed the good news. Naruto stiffened at the words and he remained still. Hiruzen frowned and he stepped closer.
The boy turned to him abruptly.
"What did you say?" Naruto whispered.
The Hokage blinked in confusion at the bewilderment on the child's face. He lowered his smoking pipe from his mouth and repeated his words carefully.
"I said that when spring comes, you'll be starting your education in the Shinobi Academy."
Naruto stared at him in silence for a long moment, his gaze disbelieving.
"Really?" He asked, his eyes sparkled in confusion at the news.
The Hokage stared in bewilderment at the small child, not understanding his unprecedented reaction. Konoha's children loved the idea of becoming a shinobi and serving the Leaf. It was the greatest honour there was. To serve and live with the Will of Fire was every child's dream.
"As a ward of the village, you will be enrolled in the Shinobi Academy."
"But why? Everyone hates me." He asked in a low tone. "Do I not get a say in my own life?"
Hiruzen gazed at him sternly. He shook his head in disapproval.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun, it is the law."
The boy's face slightly darkened, clenching his fist before him.
"I'm afraid you cannot choose a civilian life, Naruto-kun. As a ward of the state, the decision does not fall to you. The village has chosen for you to become a shinobi and this cannot be rescinded."
Hiruzen frowned.
Naruto looked like a man awaiting his execution.
He hadn't seen such a gaze on a child's face since the warring periods. He didn't like it. This wasn't what was supposed to happen. But his hands were tied. Being the Kage did not make him omnipotent or indestructible. He too was regulated and he could not make decisions on his own without the council's stamp of approval.
The boy turned away from him and gazed out the window silently, his face obscured from the lingering and watchful gaze of the Hokage. Slightly gripping the white Fox mask in his hand tightly.
"Another thing, Naruto-kun." Hiruzen added slowly, making sure that the child was still listening to him. "You will be moved to an apartment covered by the village. You will also be given monthly stipends to cover your living expenses." The old man pulled an envelope out of his robe pockets and held it out.
The boy turned around and took the envelope silently. The silence stretched on as Naruto gazed at the envelope in his hands with a pensive expression.
"When can I leave?" He asked quietly.
The Sandaime looked around the room. "We can go now. Do you need time to pack?"
Naruto shook his head quickly and approached his bed, bending down and grabbing a small backpack that held all his belongings. The Hokage released a long breath, the sounds of the villagers were loud and boisterous outside, they continued celebrating the Kyuubi festivals with their families and loved ones. Naruto clutched his bag tightly with a hard look in his eyes.
Hiruzen felt old as he gazed at the boy. He had failed the memories of his parents. He had failed Kushina and Minato. He had meant to look after Naruto. There was only so much he could do. He was only one man. He hoped that the academy would be a place where Naruto would open up and make friends.
He would remain optimistic.
The Hokage had once hoped to show him the real Konoha, his Konoha , one where everyone smiled and lived together in warmth and unconditional love. Watching the boy leave the room without a backward glance, his body curled protectively over his bag of belongings, his limbs too thin and body slightly malnourished, he realized that his Konoha was not the same Konoha the old man knew.
⁂
The boy looked around the sparsely furnished apartment with a frown. The apartment was old and was located in the heart of the Red Light District. The Hokage had walked him to the apartment, avoiding the crowds of the festival, and had left him at the door after handing him the key. Naruto looked around at his surroundings, he shook his head in disbelief. Turning around he began walking back to his safe haven, the forest.
The blond child swung his bag over his shoulder and locked his apartment door with a soft click . He made his way down the stairs and walked through the Red Light District. The afternoon sun bared down on the rambunctious streets and made the air heavy and unpleasant.
The streets were filled with the dregs of society. Prostitutes wearing heavy layers of cosmetics lingered outside the brothels hoping to catch patrons for the day. Men adorned in worn-out rags sat on the curbs, their gaze sunken and shriveled bodies eyeing the people who passed by them hungrily. Young teenagers with haggard expressions raced ahead in ripped and thin clothing, their nimble fingers sliding into pedestrian purses and money pouches.
He made his way through the crowded streets, reaching the more affluent areas of Konoha. He made his way to the thick woods at the edge of the village, climbing over high stone boulders and jumping over green shrubs as he delved deeper and deeper into the woods.
Naruto made his way towards the streaming river and set his bag down by the water bank. He walked towards the clearing of trees and rolled his shoulders silently, stretching his body slowly and diligently.
Grabbing a long twig, he wrapped it with some string and tossed a line in the river.
His movement seized as he felt a presence behind him. Naruto whirled around and flexed his fingers, launching rocks from the ground at the intruder. He watched with wide eyes as the familiar figure dodged the attack easily.
The smiling dark haired women gazed at the boy. "Hey little one. Back fishing today?" Mikoto asked with a cheeky grin.
Naruto narrowed his eyes and watched her in apprehension. Mikoto stepped forward slowly, bending down to his level.
"I never thought I'd see a young boy, the same age of my son learn how to hunt and cook. Truly a woman's dream come true." She commented with a smile.
The blonde bristled at the off handed compliment.
Suddenly Naruto withdrew his line. Four fish clattered loudly to the ground and he collected them warily, eyeing the stranger occasionally as he gathered his assortment of food.
"I do think it's neat though. In terms of survival and instinct you're ahead of your generation." She said with a playful smirk. "Did you really learn to hunt all by yourself?"
Naruto nodded slowly, unsurely. Mikoto beamed in response, wide and bright but frowned inwardly. She knows this is no way for a child to live.
"That's impressive!" She reached forward and ruffled his hair, ignoring the tensing of the boy's body.
Mikoto lowered the bag from her shoulder and sat down on the grass, her legs crossed at the ankles. She shuffled through her bag and pulled out a wrapped box. She grinned up at him and patted the spot next to her. Naruto remained standing and eyed the women warily. Still suspicious.
"Do you like dango? I bought too many earlier for my boys but it turns out they're not home yet. With your fish we can have a feast!"
Mikoto opened the box and there were rows of dango dumplings, shining with syrup, pink, green and white in colour. She held out a stick of dango. Naruto remained standing, watching the teen in suspicion. The woman chuckled softly and popped the dango in his mouth, chewing and arching an eyebrow at him.
"Not poisoned, I promise."
Naruto glared at her. "Why?" He spoke.
This was the second time the Uchiha woman offered him food. Her behaviour made no sense at all. What did the clan head wife want from him? He certainly had nothing to offer her. Why was she here?
The women blinked at him in confusion. "Why people eat dango? Hmm...the many mysteries of life I suppose."
Naruto glared at her in irritation. "Why are you here? Sitting here offering me snacks? Why do you want to eat with me?"
Mikoto continued chewing. She tilted his head to the side and eyed him curiously. She hummed under her breath for a moment and then shrugged carelessly.
"Well the woods belong to the Uchiha Clan, although this area is outside our compound parameters, it still belongs to the clan. I was walking home and I noticed a chakra signature and then saw it was you. Also the dango...hmm..." She appeared to be thinking to herself for a moment. She shrugged a second time.
"I don't know. Don't most people like dango?"
"I thought you said it was for your son." Naruto accused with a pointed glare.
Mikoto laughed softly at being caught in such a lame lie, she doesn't want him to know that she was worried about the blonde. "You caught me! No, it's not for Sasuke nor Itachi-kun. He's not due home for another week or so."
"But why?"
"Well..." The woman cleared her throat and smiled at him. "Food tastes better when you eat it together."
She continued gazing at him, her expression open and friendly. Naruto's frown deepened at the sweet smell of the dough pastries. The woman chuckled in amusement and held out a stick of dango in a friendly offering.
"Well? Will you stand all day or will you sit?"
Naruto shook his head and hurried away from the shinobi, grabbing his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. She made a small sound of disappointment that was ignored by the boy.
But to the blonde's dismay. Grumble Grumble.
Naruto stomach bubbled out loud. The pair looked at each other then she began laughing. After a few moments Naruto's shell finally cracked and he dawned a small smile.
"Okay maybe I can stay a while to eat." He said begrudgingly handing her a fish to put in a fire pit.
Mikoto smiled beautifully and took the fresh steaming fish off the pit "Thank you young man, this looks good" she bit it and burn her tongue "Oww hot hot hot"
The pair started laughing together.
It was getting dark and the two was looking in the sky "Look at the stars. Really put the vastness of the world in perspective. Yes.. I believe the world is boundless." Mikoto said
Naruto smiled "Really? Wow you sure know a lot." looking at the sky memorized
"Yes the world is big and we must do what we can to protect it and the people we care about"
"Is it that big?" He said in wonder, Mikoto nodded in the positive.
"But why protect a place that hates me. Even my own parents didn't want me..." Naruto said a bit softly. His sadness etched upon his face. Suddenly he was engulfed in a searing hug. Naruto stiffened sharply. He wasn't used to this.
His personal space – intruded. When the she didn't let go, his hands slowly moved and he wrapped them around the woman.
"You're wrong, I don't hate you. No matter how ugly this is our world, it's our job to. Well someone like me can't do it so I'm going have to rely on you to turn this ugly world beautiful." Mikoto said smiling softly
His eyes widened at the proclamation. Warmth. It was a beautiful feeling. He pulled tighter to get more of it. He buried face further in Mikoto's shoulder, enjoying the warmth.
It was at moments like this that something he couldn't explain occurred to his heart. His eyes usually water. But the feeling was good. He didn't always get it. But it was good. He couldn't explain it but he didn't dislike it, even though it nearly brought him to tears.
"Okay you're going to suffocate me…" Mikoto said with a chuckle before pulling away.
Naruto smiled. Yes, he smiled. It was an embarrassed smile. "S-sorry…" he murmured.
Mikoto was happy to see that smile. She cherished it for a moment. There was truly hope. Not all was lost. Yes, there was truly hope. "Listen very carefully, Naruto. You are not going to tell anyone what I am going to tell you, and you will not show anyone what I am about to give you…" she paused. "Do you understand me?"
Naruto didn't have anyone he could tell. He had no friends. He didn't have family. He was alone in this world.
It wasn't by design of an obsession with solitude. He had tried. He has wasted so many hours and days chasing friends. Even if he made them for a couple of minutes, their mothers would come and drag them away. 'Don't play with him, don't talk to him.' They would say. It hurt him. It seriously wounded him.
He nodded while she went through her pockets, and pulled out a paper. "As for your parents..." She began
She took out a picture from her robes. It wasn't framed. She handed it over to Naruto who grasped it with both his hands. He was trembling.
"That Naruto, is a picture of your mother. She was carrying you when it was taken. Like I told you, you're not hated. You are loved."
Mother? Mother? His mother? Her hair was red. It was that crimson colour. Dangerous colour. He was blond. Naruto didn't question it. For the first time in his cold brutal life filled with loneliness and contempt, Naruto had a mother. He had a mother. He wasn't the spawn of a demon. He wasn't call the Fox. He was born of this woman. This beautiful woman.
The picture. He held it against his raging heart. He had a mother. Those words repeated a thousand times inside his head. Until. Until tears rolled over his eyes. He made sure he didn't water the picture. Naruto felt happy. He felt relieved. He felt as if something had closed in his heart.
Mikoto took out a spare shirt from the scroll she brought. Naruto looked at the Uchiha symbol for a moment before nodding his head, accepting the gift. She was determined to bring Naruto happiness. She sat beside the blonde, but didn't say anything. Not until a couple of minutes passed. She didn't want to ruin the moment.
"Her name was Kushina. Kushina Uzumaki."
The same name as his. Uzumaki. Naruto stared at his mother. But he listened to the woman attentively. He didn't want to miss anything.
"Most of the shinobi uniform have this symbol. You can see it even in Konoha's Jonin vests at the back. This is the symbol of the Uzumaki clan. Your clan, Naruto. Your mother's clan. Before you get hopeful, there are no more Uzumaki out there. At least as far as I know. Your ancestral home. The home where your mother came from was destroyed during the Second shinobi world war." She went on to tell Naruto the fame of the Uzumaki clan, its history with the Senju clan.
It wasn't a happy thing since the clan was destroyed and Uzu was nothing more than just ruins. But she believed it would give Naruto a sense of belonging. No matter what people say to him, he would know he came from some where and his mother once belonged to a prestigious clan.
"M-Mikoto… will you take me to Uzu? I want to see it. I want to see it." He said those words with desperation, hope and excitement.
She inwardly frowned. But she didn't let it show to Naruto. Perhaps if he saw it, he would fully believe. It was one thing to be told about something than seeing it yourself.
"I will speak to my husband and see about taking you there… but …" she pressed her index finger on his lips. "Don't tell anyone about it. When we go, it will be just the two of us. No one in this village will know."
Naruto nodded vigorously. He would not tell a soul. She smiled and handed him another scroll.
"Here have this, there's some stuff in there to help you get by, every hero should be big and strong. If you ever need something you can hang out in our forest grounds but you can't tell anyone about it okay."
Naruto eyes sparkled, he grabbed it while nodding. He smiled brightly
Mikoto stood up and smiled once again after that she started walking away.
Naruto, the now six year old, sat there alone staring at the picture of his mother. "This was the best birthday ever." He muttered to himself.