CHAPTER 27
Kakashi and Naruto was living adjacent to each other and team zero relocated inside Hatake compound. Team zero worked hard and made the out-house their office. There was an interrogation room which was very different from the one in T&I. Anko objected saying it wasn't threatening enough but Captain Ryu replied that the threat wasn't the room but them. Genma couldn't agree more. They also had a library. There was a meeting room, office, entertainment room, training ground, showers, kitchen, cells to hold people temporarily, and a co-living mansion that has rooms for everyone.
The highlight though was their captain's hideout. There was a tree between border of the Hatake compound and the training ground near Senju compound. Their captain made the tree his hideout. The tree looked like it was specially made for the captain. Tall, strong and have a space in the middle to accommodate a person and if the tree had a heart, it was where it would be. The captain looked like the heart of the tree. Everyone was amazed at the co-incidence.
But, Kakashi found it weird and asked Naruto. He replied that the tree was hidden by Senju-Uzumaki seal barrier and that he broke it since he liked the tree. On the other side of the tree which was hidden from everyone's view, was a house where Naruto lived which was inside Senju compound. Kakashi lived at the house on the other side of the tree which was inside Hatake compound.
Kakashi wasn't aware what good it did to Naruto to become neighbors, but it was good for Kakashi. Naruto cooked very well and Kakashi was happy to eat it. That was how it started. One day, Kakashi was getting ready for the dinner and Naruto knocked on his door.
"Kashi, tell me you know how to cook", Naruto said as soon as Kakashi opened the door.
"Yes. I do"
"I mean except fish and eggplant and burnt omelet"
"Mmm"
"I can smell what you can cook with my heightened senses. I have only seen you cook four or five items again and again. You eat takeout most of the times and honestly, I am tired of you repeatedly eating the same things"
"I like those things"
"No one like the same things on repeat"
"You eat ramen everyday, at least once, sometimes three times"
"I also eat other things"
"Maa, maa, is there any point to this?", Kakashi asked slighted at the fact that Naruto found one of his weaknesses.
"Here, eat this", Naruto said and gave him a food carrier.
Kakashi was surprised that Naruto knew how to cook.
"You can cook?"
"Why don't you taste it and tell me?", Naruto challenged.
"Come inside. Do you want to eat together?", Kakashi asked realizing that he didn't invite Naruto inside.
"Another time. I am visiting Iruka sensei. If you like the food, you can tell me whenever I am in home. I can make some for you", Naruto bid goodbye with a smile and a welcome note.
"Thanks Naruto. Be careful", Kakashi said and went to taste the food.
Kakashi opened the container and the aroma already took over him. Needless to say, the food was as tasty as the aroma and Kakashi liked it. But Kakashi still didn't ask for more food but Naruto fed him anyways.
After the fourth time, Kakashi bought the groceries and went over to Naruto's house where he was stopped by a Senju-Uzumaki barrier. Naruto detected the intrusion and went to receive Kakashi. He showed him a particular with a seal and asked him to input chakra. After that he drew some seals quickly and told Kakashi he could come without a hassle next time and he wouldn't be stopped as his barrier will automatically detect Kakashi and let him in. It was the same one in his previous apartment. It looked like Naruto was waiting for Kakashi to show up so he could give access to Kakashi.
Naruto welcomed Kakashi to his house. It was different to see Naruto inside this new home. He was standing there with a white t-shirt, khaki pants and without a disguise. Just Naruto.
"You look relaxed", Kakashi commented.
"Hmm. Thanks?!", Naruto said.
Kakashi gave him a light smile and gave the bag of groceries to Naruto.
"Since you are cooking, I decided I should help. So, I brought the groceries too", Kakashi said offering the shopping bag.
"That's nice", Naruto said feeling a little nervous since this was the first time Kakashi or anyone for that matter was seeing him in a place where he was not constantly looking out for his back.
"Take a seat Kashi", Naruto said and offered tea which Kakashi politely refused.
"How are you feeling here?", Kakashi asked sitting on the sofa while Naruto started washing the vegetables.
"Different. Weird even. Peaceful and everything is on the same place where I kept when I return home", Naruto said and Kakashi nodded.
"We don't want our things to start running around when we aren't there", Kakashi attempted humor and Naruto agreed on the statement, going along with it.
"Kashi, you are in mood for soup or stir fry?", Naruto asked.
"Stir fry", Kakashi said and asked. "Your food is good Naruto. Where did you learn?"
"Remember my part time work? The owner lady taught me. She was a great cook", Naruto replied.
"What work were you doing there?", Kakashi asked and Naruto stopped cutting the vegetables. "You don't have to tell if you don't want to"
"But you will find it anyway. I know you are famous for drilling answers from your friends if you want one", Naruto started the chopping again.
"I am famous for many things and it is true that I am a smooth talker but I do know where to draw the line", Kakashi said with a shrug.
"And you are drawing it now?", Naruto asked finishing the chopping.
"If you want to", Kakashi offered.
"It is not a secret. I worked as many things there. Started serving food and many things after gaining experience. It was a tavern, a roadhouse, serving ninjas and civilians, locals and travelers all around. There was a lot to do and I was one of their longest serving employees till I resigned", Naruto said while Kakashi found the dishes to eat from.
"How long did you work there?", Kakashi asked not commenting anything to Naruto said.
"Since I was five", Naruto said cooking.
"Mmm, It wasn't a safe place for children or teenagers", Kakashi said calmly.
'It wasn't safe anywhere for me' was what Naruto wanted to say but he said, "The owner and the other workers were kind. They helped me with work and taught me so many life skills like cooking, sewing, first aid, gardening, about money, accounting, how to deal with people, patience, standing up for oneself, safety, boundaries, personal relationships, friendship, bonds among other things. They are my first glimpse into what family is and what being a human is about. It also served as a window to what real life is and how unfair it is. Even though it bummed me out, it made me realize I am not the only one suffering and the universe is not out to get just me. It is shit to most people. I also learnt people's quirks doesn't define their character, their thoughts do", Naruto said with a clear voice not at all regretting working there.
"It couldn't have been good all the time", Kakashi said standing near the kitchen sink with hands in his pants pockets.
"Nothing is good all the time. But I had good people with me all the time to support me. Then and now. That's all it matters", Naruto said turning his head to Kakashi with a smile.
"That is all it matters", Kakashi agreed with a genuine smile too.
"We can eat in ten minutes", Naruto said tasting the food.
The dinner was quite peaceful. They talked about light topics discussing what Naruto was doing on his personal time and what Kakashi was doing for himself.
Apparently, Kakashi was working on the sharinghan and few jutsus with Genma and Anko and Naruto was working on seals.
After dinner, Kakashi helped Naruto to wash the dishes while Naruto prepared some tea. They had tea on the roof of Naruto's house enjoying starlight and moonlight.
"How is Sasuke's training coming along?", Naruto asked Kakashi.
"I want to believe he is mellowing out but I won't guarantee that he wouldn't choose revenge over friendship", Kakashi replied knowing what Naruto was asking about.
"Sakura?"
"She finally made a tent all by herself without our help", Kakashi said and Naruto laughed at that.
"I was thinking to ask you to have a mixed practice with Kuranei sensei team to show Sakura a strong female ninja, considering, she is a female sensei and there is also Hinata, but it is not a good idea", Naruto said.
"Why not?"
"Sakura would feel more inferior of her skills. Think about it, only thing Sakura is proud of now is chakra control, but it is nowhere near a Hyuaga's control of chakra. And, Hinata is also good at taijutsu because she was trained by her clan since she was young. Sakura would feel bad that she was a civilian born ninja. Kiba and I are a loud affair and Sasuke wouldn't be able to put up with us. Not to mention, the kikaichus of Shino. Sasuke would definitely insult him and Shino may be silent but he isn't a push over. As if it is not enough, Kurenai sensei doesn't like me", Naruto said and Kakashi couldn't agree more.
"Kuranei would come around. You missed one thing", Kakashi said.
"What?!"
"Hinata has a crush on you", Kakashi said with a teasing tone.
"Thanks for reminding. I have to talk to her and tell her not to follow around me, or my clone, anymore. She has to know it is not happening. The soon it is, the better", Naruto said in a serious tone and Kakashi was taken aback.
"Naruto, why? You do know that she is a Hyuga princess right? And she seems to genuinely like you. I know you are too young to think about these kind of things but you don't have to turn her down now. I know it is your choice but why don't you be patient?", Kakashi advised.
"Because, I can't choose her even if I am of age. Why give her false hope?"
"You aren't giving her false hope. You don't even talk to her",
"Still, knowing someone is pursuing you and not stopping them when you will never feel the same about them is same as giving false hope, especially if their intentions are pure. That is the only thing why I don't call her a stalker", Naruto explained.
"How would you know you will not feel anything for her in the future?", Kakashi asked.
"No one would like to date someone who was watching you all the time when you had a rough life but never lent you a hand. When that person who was watching and not helping feel bad for you, it was rather humiliating than touching. I don't mind someone I like looking at me when I am in a vulnerable state but this is rather different. She knew, she saw but she never told anyone or get help for the fear of her clan. I understand. I like her like all other rookies but I don't think I can love her. It is one thing if I don't know she was watching me getting hurt by others, but it is another thing, to be looked at ang ignored by someone you saved, when you are in a position to be saved, especially by eyes which can see through the monstrous chakra", Naruto said and closed his eyes remembering the Byakugan eyes.
Kakashi put a hand on Naruto's back and rubbed it.
"Makes you accept you are a monster and that's why the person you saved won't even save you. She knew but she didn't help or rather say a word of comfort. How can you date someone who was looking at your suffering but neither reacted nor understood it. I am not angry or sad at her. I don't blame her. She is better than most rookies but I can't be involved with her because she would not understand what it is to be like me or the intensity of it", Naruto said.
"I understand. If that is what you feel, then that is what you should do", Kakashi said patting his back.
"I also thought about Bushy brows sensei team. Neji and Sasuke will clash and it will become an argument about which clan is better. We are avoiding that at all costs. Not a good idea to put Ino and Sakura together and Sasuke will insult Choji for his size and Shika for his laziness", Naruto continued.
"They will", Kakashi could see that happening.
"And all of them made me realise that the Sandaime isn't allowed to make another team formation in future. Someone else should, like a Nara or Inoichi", Naruto said criticizing the team formation.
"You are the only one I know who can get away with calling the hokage incapable forming a genin team", Kakashi said laughing.
"Think about it. Except team seven, all other rookie teams aren't growing, Kashi. Really, Asuma-san's team practice is very similar to family event. Ino-cho-shika always hang out together and I understand why the team was formed but it could be done after they became chunins. Now is the time for genins to experiment and work with different people and get an idea about what kind of ninja they want to be. Some are suited for intelligence gathering, some for suited for tracking and some might surprise us by becoming other things. Clan jutsus can be learned at any time. Asuma-san's team is the laziest"
"Kurenai sensei's team has a good teamwork and the members with most potential who has options to become many things. That was a tracking team given to a genjutsu mistress. If the team members couldn't be changed, at least, hokage should have interchanged senseis. Asuma-san would have taught them how to track since Hinata already can see through genjutsu and Shino has chakra control. For the laziest team, Kuranei sensei would have made them better at chakra control which in turn helped their ninjutsu. Instead, Kurenai sensei has been acting as a mother figure for her team and coddling them too much and Asuma sensei is making the lazy team, lazier. But generally speaking, Kurenai sensei's team made the little to no progress after becoming genins. The chunin exams are months away and they should be at least, prepared to be alive", Naruto narrated his findings.
"What about our team?", Kakashi asked.
"The team with worst teamwork", Naruto answered in a single line and Kakashi looked at him with a composed expression.
"For a sensei who values teamwork the most, the team is opposite. Not taking the revenge part into consideration, if given a chance between securing his team and choosing to pursue enemies, Sasuke would pursue the enemies. He is so confident in his abilities: to him everybody is redundant and he would be better off if other teammates are not involved in the fight."
Naruto continued, "Sakura has no respect for anyone other than Sasuke. Not for me, not for you or any other ninjas in the village. She has no interest in getting to know her other teammate, no interest in knowing the basic information about her sensei and she is an emotional wreck. Contrary to her team including their sensei, she thinks she has emotional intelligence but the fact is that she is just emotional. It forbids her from seeing good things in her comrades, not just me, including other Konoha teams, and it also forbids her from seeing the bad and harsh realities to the ninja world. She is constantly putting herself and her teammates in danger".
"And last but not least, me. Even after becoming strong, I refuse to let go of all the trauma and past things. I am not willing to trust any of my teammates, including my sensei, which keeps me constantly on my toes with my team all the team and I still don't feel like I am a part of the team. But, in terms of capabilities, even as chibi self, team seven has the most attack power and the most improved team than when it started as genins", Naruto spoke each word clearly and Kakashi didn't interrupt him.
"Your sensei should be your go to person for everything and your genin team should have been your home", Kakashi said swallowing the apology part that was ready to come out.
"It isn't my sensei's fault. I just have lot of secrets and I am stretched thin being busy with many things. I can feel that I am running out of time and the shadows are slowly creeping in. When I look into those shadows and see where it comes from, it makes me realise why it would be hard for the world to care about the concerns of someone like me. It makes it hard for me to believe that anyone would genuinely care for me if it is not thrust upon them as duty. Heck, it makes it hard for me to like- that is a big word. It makes it hard for me to live with myself. But I have to, I don't have a choice, do I?" Naruto voiced out his thoughts not expecting a reply.
"I don't know all the shadows creeping up on you. From what I know, you are doing one heck of a job managing it. I don't understand all your demons Naruto. I don't think I ever will. But I do know about not able to live with oneself. And it pains me to know that you are going through that at this point in your life even though I have no idea why you would hate yourself", Kakashi said and stopped for a breath.
"It would be hard not to if that is what you get all the time", Naruto whispered.
"I know a handful of people who doesn't hate you", Kakashi said.
"Except they don't know all of me. Wait till they know", Naruto said.
"I can bet, even then, there will be few people who won't hate you. Your team zero won't", Kakashi said.
"It is not just about hatred Kashi. You know what I mean. Right now, in this whole wide world, except kyubi, you know me more than others. Even at this minute as while you are trying to convince myself to love me, If I can't bring myself to trust that you truly care about me, who knows me the most, I can't trust others will. As I said, it has nothing to do with you. It is about me. Whenever I think, you are here for me, I can't help but think, you are here because you are asked to, or you wouldn't be here if I am not your captain or you want team seven to work or because of your dead sensei. Not to be rude, but I also think, you would choose this village over me. I mean, I would choose this village over me and I would want you protect others. It is just that I am picturing yourself walking away from me constantly. I seriously have nightmares about that ever since I removed that hellish seal", Naruto said.
What Naruto didn't say was. 'Even if my parents chose this village over me, how I can believe you or anyone else will choose me, ever?'
Kakashi couldn't answer those because he knew he walked away from Naruto's life for a longer time than he was there. He couldn't expect Naruto to trust him just with few words. And he was also doing poor job and that's one of the reasons why Naruto and Kakashi moved closer. Kakashi thought, after Wave mission, he would be focusing on Naruto as much as he did with Sasuke but things changed. Sasuke opened his sharinghan which warranted his special attention. Naruto was busy too but even when he came for the team training, Kakashi couldn't do much.
Kakashi also thought that after he joined team zero, he would have more time with Naruto but his schedule with team seven's sensei aka, Sasuke's sensei clashed, so he took very few missions alongside jonin missions. Usually, it was others who worked with Naruto and Kakashi could visibly see how the squad got closer with Naruto each day. He would be lying if he said he wasn't jealous.
Even during tutoring sessions with chibi Naruto, Guy, Anko and Genma was telling how awesome Naruto was but Kakashi wasn't there to see it. It wasn't like Kakashi couldn't teach anything to Naruto and that's what made Kakashi angry with himself. Kakashi was known to have copied thousand jutsus and who would be better to learn all those jutsus from Kakashi other than a ninja with all five affinities and reserves as much as Nidaime did. It was just, Kakashi didn't find time for it.
'I don't have time for Naruto or worse I didn't find time for Naruto', the realization knocked the breath out of Kakashi.
'Sure, I talk to him like this at times but I didn't talk where it mattered. When Naruto comes to team seven, I expect him to act as a student but was I acting like a sensei when he was a student? All I do is ignore him since he is strong and expect him to have good team bond. But even when I was stronger than my teammates, I still needed Minato sensei. I still need him at my age. So, Naruto needs me too. Naruto didn't have a chance to be a genin and I didn't give him that either. No wonder Naruto doesn't feel like he is part of the team. At least, when I ignored him when we first started, I had a reason. But this is because of my negligence towards Naruto's feelings and not doing right by him. What is wrong with me? Obito and Rin would have done a better job', Kakashi thought.
Both of them were immersed in their own thoughts. The silence was deafening. Naruto chose to work on his trauma and Kakashi wasn't making any promises this time. He thought to act on the promises he made earlier to Naruto than making new ones.
Kakashi moved closer to Naruto and draped a hand over his shoulders.
"Was removing that seal giving you a hard time?", Kakashi asked.
"Not completely the fault of the seal but every memory I have repressed came to the surface", Naruto said slightly leaning on Kakashi.
Kakashi could feel the tension on Naruto's body. For the person who starved for a warm touch all his life, Naruto didn't know what to do when he was offered one. He was more tensed than ever. Kakashi decided to do something that always worked. He combed his hair through Naruto's hair. Naruto slowly relaxed after couple of minutes.
"Kashi"
"Mmm"
"I miss Shisui"
"He is worthy of being missed"
"Yeah", Naruto said and closed his eyes trying not to let the tears spill.
"But it is not an excuse to go on a mission after mission and driving yourself through the mud. I know closing your eyes seems scary but you should at least try. Otherwise, it will never get easier", Kakashi talked from experience.
"You know Naruto, when you are scared that I walked away from you, why don't you come and take a look at my house. We live closer so you can see that I am still here. You don't feel at home in team seven today, maybe ever but I do know that you will find your place in this world someday. And the place you hold will be the place you belong and no can take that away from you ever and that place will have no one other than you. It is going to happen and I will there to tell 'I told you so'. I can tell that much now", Kakashi said and Naruto smiled.
"I will look forward to it", Naruto smiled at him.
"Promise me, no more other missions for two weeks except team seven. We are doing a spar every evening so I can beat you to sleep every day", Kakashi proposed.
"Beat me at what old man?", Naruto snickered and Kakashi tapped him on his head.
"Don't underestimate the experience", Kakashi warned.
"I am not. I just think I am as good as Guy sensei in taijutsu with my improved and integrated Senju-Uzumaki style combined with few ancient styles", Naruto said.
"Oh, talk to me about it", Kakashi said and both of them talked for a long time until Naruto felt tired. He was scared to close his eyes and looked at Kakashi. Kakashi nodded and draped his hands over Naruto's shoulders once again which was removed at some point during their conversation. Kakashi continued to talk until Naruto drifted off and took him to the bed. But he didn't leave. He wanted to be here if Naruto had nightmares. He went to the little library Naruto set up on his home which he was granted to use from Naruto.
Kakashi was about to take a book on taijutsu but Naruto's training journal got his eye. He wanted to know what Naruto was working on and so he could offer help as a sensei was supposed to be. When Kakashi opened the journal dated this past month, he became serious.
The question on the page was, 'What am I good at? What do I have that others don't? What will set me apart and prove that the jutsu used was Naruto's? What is a jutsu that cannot be copied? What is that something only I can do?'.
Suddenly, all the frustration from Anko, Guy and Genma made sense. They were always frustrated that Naruto never get the credit for the things he do. Everyone always thought it was Sasuke but it was Naruto who was key to complete most missions of team seven.
'I thought it didn't bother Naruto to work from shadows since he said that's what Shisui's definition of ninja was. But I am wrong, again. It was Shisui's definition not Naruto's definition. What is Naruto's definition? Honestly, I don't know the answer. I can answer Sasuke's: power. I can answer Sakura's: Sasuke. What is Naruto's? Hokage? Peace? Freedom? People? I don't know. According to Naruto, I know the most things about him but he more I know about him, I understand I know him less. He has many layers and I have even peeled a single one. And, I am catatonically failing as a sensei to him. I am doing almost a good work at Sasuke and Sakura. It is only possible because Naruto is getting the short end of it', Kakashi was thinking about many things and turned to the next page.
It was written in big and bold letters : WIND
Naruto's answer was Wind.
'If you think, it makes sense he would pick that. There is only three people who has that affinity in Konoha. Asuma is good but he will not stand a chance against Naruto's huge chakra reserve. Danzo. It is better not to talk about him but one thing though, he has nothing on Naruto if Naruto brings out his potential', Kakashi can confirm that
Kakashi went through all the drawings and found himself misguided.
'Naruto isn't trying to set himself apart from Sasuke. That's not right. He isn't just trying to set apart himself from Sasuke. He was trying to set himself apart from his father too. He is trying to create an identity for himself that doesn't say he is what he is because he is Yondaime' son or a jinjuriki or a dead-last. He wants to do that by creating a jutsu. A jutsu that will tell his own name. A jutsu only he can perform. A jutsu that cannot be copied from him by anyone like Jiraya-sama and I did with sensei's Rasengan. A jutsu made by him, for him and can be used only by him. No sharinghan no sanin and no hokage could replicate. Not even if his dead father returned from his grave. A jutsu that undeniably proves his identity even if someone wants to impersonate one of his many masks.'
Kakashi looked towards Naruto's bedroom and silently told himself.
'Don't worry Naruto. The world will see you for you one day, not a jinjuriki, not yondaime's son, not a monster. Only an incredible ninja with a wonderful heart capable of greatness. A person who is brave and kind and deserves all the love in the world. Until then, I am going to try. I am not perfect but I am going to try even if it kills me because you don't deserve to suffer alone', Kakashi said.
Kakashi memorized the drawings with his sharinghan and put back the journal. He decided to come up with something to help Naruto with that jutsu even if wind wasn't his own affinity.
Kakashi took the taijutsu book and found that Naruto woke up.
"Must be a nightmare"
Kakashi entered Naruto's bedroom to give him some water.
Naruto had tears in his eyes panting heavily.
"Maa, Naruto, it is just a dream"
"Kashi, you are here. I remember Kashi. I remember", Naruto said trying to reach Kakashi but he was stuck in his blankets. So, Kakashi went for him and held his flailing hands.
"It is him Kashi. It is with Danzo. Danzo have it", Naruto said while Kakashi held Naruto's shoulders.
"Maa, first take a deep breath and drink this water", Kakashi said handing Naruto water and rubbing his back.
Naruto drank the water almost choking if not for Kakashi.
"Ok. Ok. What does Danzo have?"
"Shisui's sharinghan"
"What?!", Kakashi shouted in the calm night and composed himself the next second. He set up the privacy seal which was redundant inside Senju compound. It was air-tight.
"I knew Shisui had the single eye on the cliff. I arrived after Itachi did on the cliff and I thought Shisui gave his eyes to Itachi. After he died, I followed Shisui's blood trail to know who killed him when Itachi wouldn't answer. No wonder I was attacked and sent to the hospital. I started feeling the effects of seal affecting me so much that I asked kyubi to repress some of my memories", Naruto said.
"Wait Naruto. The blood may prove Danzo attacked Shisui but it doesn't prove he has Shisui's sharinghan", Kakashi explained logically.
"That's because I didn't tell you why I formed squad zero", Naruto said looking at his lap.
"Can you tell me now?", Kakashi asked. "But first, look at me. None of that is your fault. So, look at me while you explain. Will you?", Kakashi calmed him.
"Danzo has all the powerful sharinghans of Uchiha clan implanted on him. I have known that ever since Uchiha massacre", Naruto said looking at Kakashi.
Kakashi was dumbfounded. Something this big happened and no one in Konoha knew except a child who was barely noticed by people.
"Are you sure Naruto? If you know earlier, then why are you surprised about Shisui's now?"
"Because, none of the other sharinghans matter. Shisui's alone was enough to defeat all of them. Shisui could summon Susanoo with a single sharinghan. I don't know how to break a Susanoo. I know but I would rather wait as I don't want Akatsuki to know about my powers", Naruto explained.
"Naruto, this is serious. Explain to me, from the top", Kakashi readied himself.
"Danzo colluded with Uchihas to overthrow Sandaime. But Danzo and the orange masked man colluded and killed the Uchihas. Danzo then collected the sharinghans and implanted them on his arms. You know I am a sensor right? When I sensed some of the Uchiha's chakra after they were dead, I suspected something and followed its movement. After some time, when Danzo came for the council meeting, I found out and kyubi confirmed that it was sharinghan behind his bandages", Naruto briefed.
Kakashi was furious. A whole clan was killed because of the greed of one man. And their bodies were desecrated.
"Itachi knows it?", Kakashi asked.
"Itachi must have known about Shisui's. Danzo already had a sharinghan on his bandaged eye which he stole from some other Uchiha. Shisui was still strong but I think he didn't want to fight a council elder when Danzo attacked. It would turn the tide against the Uchihas and start a civil war that he was trying to avoid. He plucked his other eye and handed it to Itachi. I arrived when he plucked it sensing Shisui's chakra flickering wildly. Then Shisui and Itachi called me and asked me to close my eyes. They performed a seal and then I felt Shisui's chakra. After that he said his last words to us and fell off the cliff on to the river so that his body would not be found", Naruto said and Kakashi put a hand on Naruto's hair.
"Danzo must have feared that I would suspect so he must have sealed Shisui's eye so no one could detect his chakra. We must be glad that, as Shisui planned, his death woke up Mangekyo sharinghan in Itachi whose Susanoo was stronger than Shisui's. Danzo was scared of Itachi's sharinghan so much, even with all the sharinghans, he decided to keep quiet and never touch the hokage seat as long as Itachi lived. Itachi is the reason why Danzo doesn't attack Sandaime directly. Itachi is the reason why Sasuke is alive. Itachi is the reason why Konoha is standing now without a civil war. Nothing justifies what he did but what he did is why most of us are alive in Konoha now", Naruto said sadly.
He looked lost and lonely remembering the two people who offered him any sort of comfort abandon him one after another in the name of village. If it didn't explain why Naruto was afraid Kakashi would abandon him, Kakashi would be a fool.
Kakashi rubbed Naruto's head and smiled at him with a single eye.
"I know Naruto. I feel bad for Itachi too. That's why no matter what others say, we are here for him".
"Yes"
"Now, tell me. Does hokage knows about sharinghan matter too?", Kakashi asked.
"No. He isn't even aware that Danzo's ROOT and Uchiha's colluded or the orange man helped Itachi to murder Uchihas", Naruto answered truthfully.
Kakashi was relieved.
"Did you tell the hokage this is why you wanted to form squad zero?", Kakashi asked.
"He knows nothing. I only told him about the ROOT recently", Naruto answered.
"What is a Susanoo?", Kakashi asked since Uchiha secrets weren't a public matter.
"Do you remember how Madara captured kyubi? He then covered kyubi with Susanoo and fought Shodaime. I have information about that from Shisui too. After you obtained mature mangekyo, I was going to give you that. It is better to see for yourself than explaining. I only saw it twice or thrice in its full glory. Wait", Naruto said and took something from the storage seals on his body. It was another envelope addressed to Kakashi.
Kakashi got it but decided to open it later.
"Do you want to tell hokage now that Danzo became more dangerous?", Kakashi asked.
"We should. Now that Danzo knew I have removed the seals and captain zero was stopping new recruits for ROOT, he must have suspected that third was onto him when in reality, Sandaime didn't know anything. I am afraid that Danzo would want to try Sandaime's life again before Sandaime decides to take action against him. Kashi, hokage jiji is in danger. We have to warn him. I can use the only way I know to stop a Susanoo. He has other powers and he could give me some trouble. It doesn't matter. I will find a way to power up even if Akatsuki become aware of my powers. If we don't do something it would be late", Naruto said losing his cool.
"Wait. What other powers?", Kakashi asked suspiciously. He was wondering what power could rival sharinghan.
"With Orochimaru's help, he implanted himself with Shodaime's cells. I am not sure but he may have Wood release", Naruto said and Kakashi's eyes widened.
"This is bad. No, this is a disaster", Kakashi said.
"Don't worry. I can handle him", Naruto dismissed Kakashi's outrage.
"Naruto, you can't"
"Actually, I can", Naruto said looking pointedly at Kakashi.
"You can?", Kakashi wanted to confirm. He was starting to suspect that Naruto has some more powers which he wasn't aware of.
"He could give me some trouble but I would win", Naruto reaffirmed.
"How sure are you?", Kakashi asked.
"Brat, before you answer think about what you haven't told your new neighbor and then answer", kyubi warned.
"I guess kyubi is talking to you", Kakashi said.
"Yup. With his help I am 95% sure I can come out without much and if kyubi helps 99% sure. But"
"But"
"I need squad zero help to eliminate his army.. But I need you to back me up. I can defeat him but I need you to help me to make it out of there and Danzo also knows my weakness, Shisui and Itachi. You are the only one who can keep me focused and pull me out of it. Kyubi would be busy not to react to sharinghan and help me fight. So, it is up to you", Naruto said.
"What is the earliest we can move?", Kakashi asked.
"Two weeks", Naruto said.
"Why two weeks?", Kakashi asked.
"I want to know what would happen to the children he has under his wing if he died. I want to know if he should be captured alive", Naruto said and Kakashi looked at him in puzzle.
"He had seals placed on them. I don't exactly know what it does. I have been on the tail of his ROOT members so I can capture one and study the seal. I want to know if he died, the children would die too. That's why I was driving myself through mud ever since I remembered what I repressed. But they didn't send anyone out", Naruto explained.
"Just how much evil did he unleash? And he did all that right under our noses!", Kakashi can't remember the last time he hated someone other than himself like this.
"He stopped Konoha, by that I mean Sandaime, from helping Ushio. He also sold the Uzumaki clan seals and secrets available on Konoha to enemies and caused my clan's destruction after the death of Shodaime's wife. He wanted all the power for himself and stole my clan's secrets on seals. Hence putting seals on everyone he wants to monitor. Unlike Uchiha massacre where other two elders were passive members, they were active members in denying help for Uzumakis. They manipulated Sandaime jiji. That's how all three elders are proficient in seals, which is not a public knowledge either. They are seal masters because they got them as awards for selling out Uzumaki secrets after Ushio's downfall", Naruto said calmly and Kakashi shook his head in more disappointment.
"Is that what you meant in Wave when you said I am better off not knowing Konoha's secrets? I feel disgusted that I have agreed to the council on how to teach my students", Kakashi said mad at himself.
"You didn't know", Naruto said.
"I knew they were slimy, but this? I feel betrayed and I can't help but doubt every mission I went on. How many lies and manipulations they did so that hokage would give certain orders. How many people have I killed on their orders in the name of Konoha who didn't deserve it?", Kakashi said doubting everything he ever did under Sandaime's orders.
Kakashi put his hands on his eyes and facing the floor.
Naruto came close to him and put his hands on Kakashi's shoulders.
"Kashi, there is no justice in ninja world. Everyone is fighting for their village and all the bandits you killed, I am sure you have seen with your own eyes why you did what you did. You don't have to feel bad", Naruto said.
"How can I believe in any hokage's mission anymore?", Kakashi asked.
"He knows about the elders now. He won't listen to them anymore. And squad zero isn't under him. I am the only one who can decide what to do. If you don't want to follow his mission schedule, change 100% to squad zero. Once he gains your trust back, you can work for him", Naruto advised.
"What about other ninjas?"
"The only answer I have for that is hokage won't pull that bullshit anymore. I won't let him but I can't expose these things without causing a revolt within Konoha. We can't have that. I hate myself for saying this but I don't have any other option since there is no other option available to hold Konoha together. I can't let sacrifices of others go to waste. All I can do is, hold on and power through these worse than scums and work for a future where those evil legacy won't exist and children won't go to war", Naruto said. "I won't give up on that. That is what being a ninja s to me"
Kakashi looked at Naruto and gave an agreeing nod.
"We can't change the past. We have been given a shitty present but let's make future better for everyone", Kakashi said and Naruto nodded.
"Naruto, it is not your fault. I don't know why you would blame yourself for this", Kakashi said.
"I know what was/is happening but I did nothing. It is same as what I said about Hinata. I knew, I saw it happen and I let it happen. I am also hiding so many evil things from coming to surface so that pretentious peace exist on the surface. Just now you asked how many missions you went on under their order under manipulation. I asked the same question every day until recently before confronting the hokage. I wondered how many people and how many Konoha's ninjas were killed since I didn't speak up. Haku was the last straw", Naruto said and Kakashi side hugged Naruto.
"You may think you are all powerful but you were/are a kid, Naruto. I also know that you are maintaining the peace Shisui gave his life for. You are honoring Itachi's sacrifices everyday by hiding the Uchiha's betrayal and all you get is others calling your friend a clan murderer. You are keeping the secret to protect your friend's brother, who is also your teammate. If you hate yourself for that, it would be equal to hating them. But I do understand what you were talking about other ninjas. There is only one solution to that", Kakashi said looking at Naruto.
Naruto looked at Kakashi in question.
"Become hokage as Shisui and Itachi wished. Become the hokage who surpassed all other hokages and set a new precedence in Konoha. I don't want another ninja to think about whether their missions are right or wrong. I want them to lie down on the bed thinking they eliminated evil and protected peace. I don't want anyone else to feel like you, me and Itachi does. You are the only one who can do that. You told me your goal is to be happy Naruto and I don't think you would be happy until you righted all the wrongs of previous hokages and lower than scums like the elders. You need power to make all this right. You are going to become the hokage and I am going to back you up", Kakashi was fired up.
"Kashi, I am barely a funtionong person. Are you certain I am the right person for the job? ", Naruto asked unbelieving.
"More conclusive than when your father became the hokage", Kakashi was firm
"Naruto, you have a vision than just letting the village survive. You want to keep the five nations at peace and help other unaffiliated civilians. And importantly you have a clear definition to what Konoha's ninjas are supposed to be", Kakashi affirmed.
"The village may not like it. I will make myself ready to fight the council to become the hokage", Naruto agreed to aim for the hokage's position.
"Don't worry. I will lay down the path for you", Kakashi decided Konoha needed Naruto now more than ever.
If Naruto wasn't capable of saving Konoha, no else could.