Chapter 12
If you want to live, you've got to keep on keeping on.
Hiruzen left the hospital and sent one of his subordinates to retrieve the body of the genin who had attacked Naruto, then went to talk to Minato.
Hokage's office
Hiruzen knocked on the door and walked in smoothly without any sudden movements.
Х... Hello Minato!
М... The third? I was told you'd be back later!
Х... There have been some changes!
М... Hmm, I see! Any news from the front?
Х.. Yes! The rebels have been crushed, just like Shikaku said, our opposition couldn't withstand the long siege and in disagreement they even killed each other!
Minato sighed quietly, but one question plagued him.
М... You're not just here to tell us about the suppression of the rebellion, are you?
Hiruzen began to state his thoughts from afar.
Х... How's your family?
Minato was surprised at the question, but didn't think much of it.
М... All right! My wife is home and Miroku is growing up to be a real beauty.
Х... Hmm, goody goody. But what about the third member of the family?
Minato frowned at that question, but decided to play dumb further.
М.. Who are you talking about?
Х... Minato, don't play dumb, I'm not a little boy to trick you, you know exactly who I mean.
М... Third, we've discussed this many times.
Hiruzen shivered at that word.
Х... Minato I'm not asking about who he is to you. I'm asking about why I didn't find Naruto at the orphanage. And why did the whole village find out who the jinchuriki was?
Minato broke away from the reports at that word and looked up at the old man.
М... Third, one of Danzo's subordinates told all the residents that the jinchuriki was walking among them. A council was called and it was decided that the jinchuriki should live away from the others. And where we sent the jinchuriki, no one is allowed to go near it! We're sticking to the same plans as before. Jinchuriki should not be indebted to anyone but the village itself.
Hiruzen sighed heavily at this point.
Х... All right be it!
Minato was even surprised at this treatment, but decided to go back to his reports.
М... I'm glad you understand, anything else?
Х... No, that's all I wanted to know.
Hiruzen justified his speculation that no one was watching Naruto and even the fact that he had been kidnapped had not gone unnoticed by anyone. Then we need to finish the rest of our business.
Konoha Hospital.
Naruto woke up early in the morning and pondered on what he should do. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice Shisui walking in.
Ш... Naru, hey, how are you feeling?
Н... That's better.
Shisui held out a bag of clothes to him.
Ш... Here you go, are you sure you want to go?
Н... Yes!
Ш... All right, I'll wait outside.
Naruto only nodded at that, but Shisui walked out the door. By the time Naruto walked out the door, they had already followed to the exit. Walking past the streets then Naruto turned to his friend.
Н... Shisui!
Ш... Hmm?
Н... Maybe we'll go our separate ways and meet at the cemetery.
Shisui was surprised at such a straying of his younger comrade...
Ш... What's wrong?
Н... I just don't want you to be looked at the same way I am.
Shichui looked around me, and indeed all the inhabitants were looking angrily in their direction.
Ш... Don't worry, I don't get those looks.
They walked on in silence, Shisui marveled at the fact that Naruto tried to think of others even in this state.
Arriving at the destination, everything was already set up there. There were few people at the funeral, reflecting the few friends May had in his life. Hiruzen read his speech.
Х... So today we are gathered to honor the bravest girl in our village. Maya despite all the adversity that surrounded her life, always tried to be pure of heart. She was like a daughter to me, her kindness, courage and bravery always made the rest of our men go forward into battle. In the fire temple and even beyond, her hands have pulled all the people who stand here from the other side of the world! I'm very proud to fight beside her. I want her memory to be an inspiration to all who defend our village.
After that no one was left speechless, everyone came up to her grave and left flowers. Naruto was the last one to leave the flower and he was left looking at her picture. Hiruzen walked over to him, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Х... Naru, I regret not being able to bring her back to you, and I don't think I can ever forgive myself for that.
Н... Grandpa, don't blame yourself. She was born a warrior like the rest of us. And there is nothing more honorable for a warrior than to die in battle. She went into the pure world to find peace among her family and friends.
Hiruzen was moved by the five year old's words, but he was still pained that he hadn't come to his aid in time. Naruto stepped back to the pedestal of heroes and scrawled May's name on the stone. Hiruzen walked over to it and started looking at the names of his family and everyone else who was on that stone.
October 12 was a day of mourning for Naruto. Shisui called Naruto to his house after the funeral. Naruto lay on the futon that the owner of this house had laid out for him and contemplated what to do next. The next day Hiruzen came to them and they sat in a circle.
Х... So, Naruto, you were right when you said things would never be the same. You do realize what a jinchuriki is, don't you?
Н.. Yes, they are carriers of tailed beasts. The first Hokage Hashirama Senju issued to the rest of the villages as a sign of peace and balance of power.
Hiruzen marveled at the jinchuriki's refreshment.
Х... Naru, I see you didn't waste any time in the library, but let's not talk about that. As you said, the tailed beasts that have been sealed into their hosts are like a bargaining chip in maintaining the balance of power. But this is how this power can play against them and so many try to control their bearers. After October 10, it was decided that no one should influence you, and in case of a threat to the village, you stood up for its defense, not for specific people.
Naruto pondered his words, and built a logical chain in his head.
Н... Grandpa, but that's absurd! What's the point of defending a village if it doesn't have people I care about? After all, man is a social creature and he will be drawn more to people than to beams and paved roads. I'm not a toy to be manipulated, I've already decided to go my own way.
Hiruzen was very pleased with the kid's logical thinking, but still decided to ask his goals.
Х... Naru, I was against that decision too, but the opinions of the majority were weightier than mine. Let me ask you what you're up to.
Naruto started defiantly.
Н... Grandpa, like I said, I'm gonna change the world. But first, I want to show everyone who sees me as benefiting from the Kyuubi that I'm stronger without the Kyuubi. I'll make sure everyone recognizes me. And when that happens, I'll become Hokage and change the village and the world behind it.
Hiruzen with Shisui was surprised at such an exclamation from a child, but decided to ask.
Х... Naru, how do you want to change the village?
Н... Grandpa I know many and even lived among those who were left without relatives, I don't like that they are singled out and let as cannon fodder for battles. Because of such appeals, the village becomes arrogant and does not value the lives of others. The current will of fire that is preached in all the books and it says that this will makes all the defenders of this village sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. I completely disagree with this.
Х... Why is that?
Н... Because the will of fire gives us the will to go forward no matter what and to protect our family at the cost of our lives. The first hokage founded Konoha so that everyone would live in peace and harmony, treating each other as family. But what do we have now? Clanless clans are ready to cut each other's throats for a piece of land and their ambitions. I refuse to defend people like this! Those who don't value the choices of others, don't value their comrades, don't value those who live on the same earth with them.
Shisui listened to this rant and realized that the boy was actually right. After all, the village is really fighting among themselves, but you can't change people's minds that easily.
Ш.. Naruto, how are you going to change the people's opinion of you?
Naruto looked at him with a serious look.
Н... Shisui, do you know who the White Fang of Konoha is?
Shisui didn't understand what the kid was getting at but decided to answer.
Ш... The White Fang of Konoha was the greatest shinobi in Konoha's history, even the three legendary sanin were losing their color beside him, but failed in his mission to save his comrades. Because of such a failure, he has earned only condemnation not only from the villagers but also from those he saved!
Н... That's what it says in the book, now a question for you Grandpa, how many comrades has the White Fang of Konoha saved?
Hiruzen thought roughly understood the gist of this conversation. He didn't voice the figure and just said meaningfully.
Х... A lot!
Н... Hmmm, what do you say to the fact that, thanks to a failed mission, World War III was won by Konoha and not other villages!
This definition stumped them and just decided to find out what he meant.
Х... What do you mean?
Н... It's very simple! During the third war, Konoha had to send children who hadn't graduated from the academy to war. Which meant that Konoha had a shortage of experienced shinobi. Imagine what would happen if those people White Fang saved weren't there! He sacrificed his name so that Konoha could win the war.
There was silence so that those present could comprehend the situation.
Н... Shisui you now still think that white fang is the person that others are talking about.
Shisui swallowed realizing about not noticing such things.
Ш... No, I don't think so.
Н... The same thing is thought of me, people around me base their assumptions on it and try to follow it. I want to shatter those assumptions and show you how I can be. Of course I could hate them back and even take revenge on them for what they did to me. But it's a very easy path, and that doesn't work for me. As Maya Chan said, life is a good teacher and it will teach those who made wrong choices. If I retaliate, I make it easier for those who should get what they deserve.
This entire tirade was heard with his mouth open, pondering these words.
Х... But what are you going to do about it?
Н... Hmm, if you think about it, everyone hates me now, they think I'm a monster, which means they have some kind of unity. I want to protect them and then when they see me trying to protect them, they'll realize how wrong they were. That's how I want to open their eyes. I realize it will be their hypocrisy but if there are bad qualities in people then there must be good ones. Self-examination, guilt, realizing their mistakes is the lesson I want them to learn from life.
Hiruzen and Shisui were out. Such reflection, far beyond the scope of the average child.
Ш... Naru, that's all right. But what are you going to do at this point.
Н... I realized that strength is valued in this world, which means I need to get stronger. I'm a future ninja, and ninjas are supposed to be stealthy. When the time comes, they'll realize the power I have, but not now. If I start showing my techniques now, they'll be afraid and write it off as being possessed by the mind of a fox. And they won't even see that you're the one who taught me these techniques. I must hide, fool around, but in no way show them what they must see in the future. It's the hard way, which is what works for me.
The adults breathed a sigh of relief, they liked the boy's plan. It's true, if anyone finds out about Naruto's development, they might get rid of him.
Х.. Well, we'll leave it at that. That apartment I gave you is near the center of the village. You're really gonna have to go into hiding. Stay out of the residents' faces when you walk into that apartment.
Н... I hear you, Grandpa! If you want to hide something, hide it in plain sight.
Many will think that I still live on the outskirts and few will go there, and I myself will live among them.
Х... Well done!
Hiruzen rubbed Naruto's head, and Shisui just sat there still reeling from the shock that one could think along these lines as well.
Н... Grandpa, can I ask you a question?
Х... Of course!
Н... I've read all the chronicles about White Fang, but I can't find his name anywhere.
Х... Hmmm Hatake Sakumo!
Н... What! Hatake Kakashi's sibling?
Х... No, Hatake Sakumo is Kakashi's father.
Н... Ah, now I see why he killed himself.
Х... And why is that?
Naruto lowered his eyes at that.
Н.. If Maya Chan were alive, I couldn't let her suffer the same fate as me! White Fang killed himself so that his shame would not fall on his son's shoulders.
Hiruzen gulped at this enlightenment.
Х... What a monstrous world we live in.
Ш... That's right.
Н... Grandpa, I got a favor to ask of you!
Х... Which one?
... Can you get me a job?
Hiruzen choked on the smoke at that.
Х... Why would you want to work? I can talk to the clerk's office about kicking that bastard out and you'll get the same money.
Н... Grandpa, I don't want to be indebted to Konoha for this pittance.
Hiruzen took a deep breath at that.
Х... What do you want to do?
Н... At the forge! It's a very lucrative job. Especially since I've seen the prices of the guns. No, I'd rather make them myself at cost. I have already read a lot of books about blacksmithing crafts.
Hiruzen was okay with the idea, after all, if someone poked Naruto about being taken care of and given money, that would be a problem.
Х... Naru, in a week's time, come to the outskirts of the village on the south side. That's where the forge is. Its owner is an old acquaintance of mine and he was just looking for a helper. But I'll warn you right away, he's not all at home.
Naruto gulped at this point.
Х.. Okay, you gotta move, Shisui will help you move.
Н... All right, Grandpa!
Everyone left the house and went in different directions. Hiruzen still couldn't believe that Naruto could make logical chains, but when he remembered that Naruto often played sega games, everything fell into place.
Naruto put on his henge and they walked to the side of their now former home. Shisui was surprised that Naruto was able to figure out the techniques without anyone's help. Approaching the house the brunet came to be horrified by the charred appearance of the house. After gathering all their belongings they left for the center. Arriving at the designated apartment Naruto whistled taking off his henge.
Н... Shisui, it looks like I'm gonna have to do a general cleanup.
Ш... We have to! I'll help you!
They took Naruto's old clothes to rags and began to clean up around the apartment. This apartment turned out to be a bit of a spacious old apartment. The kitchen and bedroom were separated into separate rooms. The sleeping room had a bed, closet, desk, and two nightstands. After cleaning up, Naruto put his things in the closet and sat down on the couch.
Н.. Shisui?
Ш... Hmm?
Н... When you're free of missions can you train me?
Ш... No problem.
After they moved in, they went to the stall to celebrate Naruto's housewarming party.
Shisui was given a month's vacation for helping to quell the rebellion and now he could spend more time on himself and his friends. The next day he went to Naruto's place for training. Arriving at range number 14 they began warming up, light sparring, and meditation.
Н... Shisui can you teach me how to walk on the wall and water? I couldn't find the information I was looking for at the library.
Ш... No problem.
He began to walk freely in the tree and even stood under a branch. Meanwhile, Naruto was checking the chakro wave of the Uchiha's chakra movement.
Н... Oh I see, you don't just channel chakra into your legs, but all over your body to stay on a surface like this, do you?
Ш... That's right! Did you just check with your chakravolta?
Н... Well yeah, that's how I learned the substitution technique when I scanned an academy student's training.
Ш... Okay, now it's your turn.
Naruto created a few clones and they started running up the tree together. And Shisui stood in the tree to check his student's process. By evening, Naruto having dispelled the clones began to walk freely around the tree.
Ш... I think that's enough, tomorrow we'll continue training and I'll teach you how to walk on water.
Н... Got a sempai!
Shisui even liked this kind of treatment, and after giving him a pat on the head, he walked him home and went to his clan. The next day they met again and after warm-ups and testing old skills, they started walking on water. Naruto realized that the principle was the same only the non-periphery needed to be repelled by the water. A week later, as Hiruzen had promised, they went to the outskirts of the village where the smithy was, and it was explained to him that the smithy had to be built away from the village because of the smoke. The building itself was a one-story blue-colored stone structure. When they entered the building, they saw a stunted old man with a bald spot on his head, a goatee and a crazy look in his eyes.
Х... Meet Naru, this is your boss, Yoshida Harashiro. You can call him Yoshi.
Naruto looked around at this old man and exclaimed.
Н... Hi, Grandpa Yoshi!
And the one called began to measure the child's height with his circular.
Й... All right! You know my name! Hiruzen, am I sure I won't have a problem if someone comes? His age and height are too small!
Х... Yoshie, calm down, only a madman would enter your forge. Here Naruto pouted his lips and exclaimed.
Н... Grandpa Three, I'm not crazy, I'm just not a standard thinker!
Й... Hahaha and I like it already, I'll take it!
The blacksmith, after this phrase, galloped away with a maddening knot.
Н... Grandpa Three, when you said he's not doing well at home, is that what you meant?
Х... Don't be afraid of Naru, he won't hurt you, he's an old friend of mine.
Naruto gulped and headed down the stairs where the blacksmith was waiting for him, while Hiruzen went about his business.
Й... So blondie will only help me for now, sweep the room, clean the equipment from time to time, keep an eye on the burner temperature. And when you've had experience, you'll start checking for weapons. By the way, Hiruzen told me you're going to become a ninja! We're a level up, we have a practice range with dummies and targets. The size of this room is small of course, I mostly test new weapons there, but I think it will be enough for you.
Н... Wow, that's awesome, thanks Grandpa Yoshi.
Й... Not for nothing, payment once a month, for now to begin with I will pay seven thousand re and then we'll see! Work starts at 8 and ends at 3. I have a strict number of weapons made here per day. Now, for now, clean this place up and don't forget to keep an eye on the fire.
Н... All right. (chuckles)
Naruto liked this forge, and especially the fact that it had a training ground, which meant he didn't have to go far after work. Naruto started sweeping in the forge and then watched the fire. Yoshida proved to be a very resourceful man in terms of weapons, but these weapons were only suitable for ordinary warriors, not ninja. After work, he went up to the floor above and walked through the door into the range. The range did have a few targets and dummies. Naruto decided to train shuriken throwing and taijutsu. After a few days, he even called to practice on the forge's range. He too found himself enjoying the range, Yoshida even arranged for them to have mobile targets.
That was the way Naruto's days went by. In the morning he would run to the forge to work and afterward he would train at the range. Shisui couldn't get used to Yoshida's gaze and laughter, but he didn't pay much attention to it. From time to time Naruto played segi with Yoshida and even noticed that the latter made unpredictable and even crazy moves. Shisui himself, after his vacation, would go on missions given to him by Hiruzen. Even though Hiruzen was an elder, he also gave tasks to others to relieve the workload for the fourth. He of course also hid from Minato that he gave him the job. But he wasn't interested in the jinchuriki's life at all, from the word go.
It's been over eight months. Naruto during this time learned from the third other water techniques like, water bullets, water flow. But all these techniques were exhaled through his mouth as he lacked the control for other uses. The size of the water itself increased in volume, and the number of clones reached up to ten. One time, Hiruzen decided to enter the forge's training ground to check on his progress. Naruto was already adept at changing the trajectories of shuriken by calculating the movements of the air and the weight of the weapon itself. Seeing that Naruto was good with shuriken, Hiruzen decided to teach shadow cloning shuriken. Naruto channeled chakra into the shuriken and did the same thing he did with the regular clones. The numbers were still small but it was still a good result for him. Naruto himself did not shine in public, and if he went out to people, then only under the henge, and that if you need to buy something. Yoshida had already let Naruto test the weapons for strength, with an even center of gravity. This forge mainly made only the most sought after weapons such as kunai, shuriken, and fishing lines. Yoshida made these guns for stock so the stores wouldn't have to wait.
In Hiruzen's house, Shisui and the owner of that house himself were sitting at the playing board.
Х... Shisui, I want to check something.
Ш... Check what, exactly?
Х... I want to see how long it will take for our village to be alarmed if the jinchuriki disappears from the village.
Ш... You think the village doesn't care if Naruto leaves the village?
Х... Yes, if my beliefs are correct, I can send Naruto on a mission with you and he can gain experience.
Ш... Naruto on a mission? Isn't it dangerous for him?
Х... I also want Naruto to see the people of the other villages. After all, all he sees are the disgruntled grimaces of the residents.
Shisui didn't like the idea but still he had to agree with some points.
Ш... What mission do you want to give us?
Х... Escort mission!
Ш... Well, how can he leave the village? I mean, he works in a blacksmith shop.
Х... Don't worry about that! Yoshida was planning a vacation himself. He's like a free bird in our village, he can shut down his production, or he can start it up again.
Ш... I wish I had a life like that.
Shisui stretched out dreamily.
Х... When you become an old grouch like him, you can hobble around like that Hahaha.
They laughed and continued playing.
The next day, Shisui explained to Naruto about the mission. Naruto was of course inflamed at the possibility, but still had to go out under the henge and with a fake pass. Not far from the gate they were waiting for their customer. He was Ayashiro Enga, an ambassador from the River Country. He was a tall brunet with a thick beard and a fancy hat on his head and dressed in traditional gray clothing. Naruto had already taken off his henge and even dressed in his blue t-shirt, orange hooded vest and green pants.
Э... What? I'm only gonna be accompanied by one ninja?
Naruto raised his fist upward.
Н... Hey, I'm actually here, too!
Э... You? You're a kid, aren't you?
Н... So what?
Э... Shit! I paid all this money and I'm only accompanied by one ninja and his lackey.
Naruto's kunai flew at his head, when it was only one centimeter away from his head the kunai stopped and Naruto pulled back the fishing line attached to the kunai. Enga's heart nearly flew out of her chest.
Н... Shisui is the jonin of the village hidden in the foliage and he has performed higher missions.
And Shisui whispered in Naruto's ear.
Ш... Naru, stop scaring our client.
Н... If he whines about it all the way through, you'll finish him off yourself.
Naruto whispered back, but then the customer himself woke up.
Э... I'm sorry, you just don't look strong.
Н... Ninjas are supposed to be stealthy.
Э... You're wearing a provocative color, who's to say you're a ninja?
Н... No one has to know I'm a ninja.
Ш... All right, let's move out. It's gonna take us a week to get there.
They moved toward the river country. The customer turned out to be capricious and sassy, making jokes about ninjas, children and even women. Even though there was a child among them. Shisui and Naruto were already trying to finish off this insolent man. There were only two attacks and that was from simple bandits in small numbers and when there was only a day left from the way to the land of rivers, the way was blocked by twelve bandits.
Shisui went on the attack while Naruto and his clones stayed behind to defend the client while throwing shadow shuriken and water techniques. That's when Enga realized they were being protected by powerful ninjas. The brigands were left tied up, there was no point in killing them.
When they entered one of the villages in the river country, they were greeted by their head Tadoroshi.
Т... Thank you young ones for bringing our ambassador safely to us.
Э... They've done a good job, they've saved my life three times already.
This is where Naruto boiled up.
Н... Eight! The other five, I tried to kill you myself for your jokes.
Shisui also decided to be frank.
Ш... One hundred and fifty! Three of them were my attempts.
The head looked at his ambassador with a stern look and then returned the cordiality to his guests.
Т... Dear guests let us put you up in hot springs hotels.
The guests simply nodded and followed their guide. As they walked around, they noticed that it was quite a nice village, certainly five times smaller than Konoha, but still beautiful. We decided to go into the springs first. Swimming in the hot water Naruto was delighted, and Shisui thought to himself how little it took to make this kid happy, but when he remembered his life he stammered. After all, Naruto had never been to a hot spring before. After steaming some more they went to their room. The next morning, the head of this village summoned him.
Т... Shisui san won't beat around the bush, but we need help!
Shisui was surprised at this turn of events but didn't interrupt.
Т... Our village is attacked by bandits from time to time, we don't understand why our village has surrendered to them. We don't have any riches except rice and herbs, but I ask you to deal with them. Don't worry, I'll pay you extra for your assignment.
Ш... Tadoroshi san, isn't the village hidden in the river supposed to help you?
Т... The Hidden River suffered huge losses during the war and they can't just send their people here for a bunch of brigands. They've been here before, but it didn't work.
Ш... Hmm. Okay, well, let's see what we can do, shall we?
Т... Thank you!
Shisui and Naruto decided to observe and ask the villagers about the problem with the bandits. It turned out that they were not stealing anything, but just sniffing around. We approached the oldest of the inhabitants and found out that the robbers are looking for a man named Igo and say that he was in their gang, a tall brunette and a scar on his neck in the form of an arrow. When the old man addressed this information to the head, the ambassador, for some reason, considered this information to be silly marasmus and fantasy. Shisui and Naruto were interested in this fact, and then it hit the blond.
Н.. Shisui, I remembered something.
Ш... What?
Н... Remember four days ago when we fell asleep in the clearing and that guy Enga was snoring.
Shisui grumbled at having to plug his ears and sleep in a tree.
Ш... Hmmm, you'll forget that... But also what's next.
Н... When he snored I couldn't sleep either, so I decided to hit him with my pillow. But when a light breeze blew his beard mussed up and a bizarre wedge could be seen on his peck, could it be a scar?
Shisui looked at him with a skeptical look.
Ш... Naru, we've already taken this man to his destination, give him at least a day's rest.
Naruto realized where this conversation was going so he decided to explain himself.
Н... You're thinking of the wrong guy. I mean the perp. The old man said Igo had a scar on his neck in the shape of an arrow.
Shisui compared this information in his head and gave out.
Ш... Well, there's something to that, but we need to make sure this information is correct.
Naruto immediately cheered up at the fun to come.
Н.. Sempai, are we gonna break into his house and interrogate him? Can we torture? We'll hit then ask.
Shisui sighed at the fact that Naruto was sometimes more childish than his peers.
Ш... No!
Н... What? Why not?
Ш... Not breaking and entering, but sneaking in at night. Not to interrogate him, just to look at his beard, and most importantly, you're going in there alone.
Naruto was startled that he was going to have to do the hard work.
Н... What? Why am I the only one? And why you can't interrogate him.
Ш... Because you've seen roughly where that wedge is on his beard, you're small and you're going to climb through the window, we're not going to interrogate and torture him. He's not the last man in this village and we're actually visiting. In fact, give me all your weapons so you don't accidentally stab the ambassador in his sleep.
Naruto had to agree with this judgment and even gave up his weapons.
Ш... Naru I said all the weapons!
After a stern look, Naruto had to retrieve shurikens from hidden places in his clothes. In the evening, Naruto climbed over the window and walked on the ceiling to keep the floor from creaking. Reaching the bedroom he saw the snoozing ambassador. Silently lowering himself onto the bed rail, he began to peer at the beard. He made sure of his judgment and put a cactus next to the alarm clock for prevention, it would be fun in the morning. Walking back out the window he went to meet Shisui.
Н... Sempai, I was right and it's a scar! What are we gonna do?
Shisui began to think through all the versions.
Ш... One plan is to find the bandit leader and ask him why he wants the ambassador.
They waited for the next bandit and followed him. After walking five kilometers from the village they saw a cave. The guys did not do anything wise and just went into the cave where they were met by brigands and led to the leader. The ringleader was a tall, pumped-up middle-aged man with long brown hair. The interrogation has begun.
... Who are you and why are you here?
Ш... We are shinobi of the leaf, we would like to ask a few questions about your Igo.
... Do you know him?
Ш... We're guessing.
... If I don't answer, what?
Shisui glared sharingan at that.
Ш... You'd better answer, or if I find out with my eyes, it'll be worse for you.
The bandits and their leader were afraid to see one of the great dojutsu.
Б... Okay, I'm Baru the leader of the Gyakuo gang. Igo used to be in my gang and was my right hand man, and then he disappeared and our collected money disappeared with him.
Ш... Hmm, what do you want to do with him?
Б... Dig up our money and then kill us for treason.
Ш... Hmmm, when did he leave your gang?
Б... Seven years ago, and only showed up two years ago, I was told he was in that village you're protecting.
Ш... So he could have spent that money in the meantime.
Б... It's not just the money now, it's that he betrayed us!
Naruto came out.
Н... Baru san!
Б... What do you want?
Н... But it's the common people who suffer from your raids.
Б... It's their own fault for covering for him.
Н... But they don't know who it is, and they don't even realize he walks among them!
Б... So it's still there?
Н... Yes, and we can even help you find him, but on one condition.
Б... Hmm, which one?
Н... You will not touch the inhabitants and leave these places!
Shisui hadn't planned for this turn of events but still decided to follow such a plan, he could still slaughter everyone here.
Б... Hmm, I agree.
Н... But before you do, remember something.
Б.. Which is what?
Н... Life is a good teacher and it will teach a cruel lesson to those who choose the wrong path. If you kill someone out of revenge, you just make it easier for those who should have gotten what they deserved.
Б... All right!
After that they agreed to meet at the river near the village and left the cave and on the way they began to discuss the plan.
Ш... Naru it was risky, but I think you have a plan?
Н.. Of course you do, or I wouldn't be so thoughtless as to jump into the conversation.
Ш... So enlighten me.
Н... In general, we need to get Tadoroshi san to write that impostor a letter saying that we need to meet at the river and discuss some important shit that should not be heard by unnecessary ears.
Tadoroshi will be with us and when that ambassador arrives at the appointed time, he will be intercepted by Baru San and told what he thinks of him. Meanwhile, Tadoroshi san overhears their conversation and realizes he's an imposter. Who knows... Maybe this impostor wanted to cheat Tadoroshi san too, but he's a pity.
Shisui was pleased with this plan and put it into action. Naruto Shisui and Tadoroshi watched the retort of these two old acquaintances. Enga and now Igo had fallen for the trap set and was hanging in the net with Baru standing underneath him.
Б... Hi Igo, long time no see, you even grew a beard...
И... Igo? You've got me confused with someone else!
Б... Don't play dumb, asshole, I recognize your voice anywhere!
I even slashed him with my sword as a precaution.
И... All right, all right, Baru! What do you want from me?
Б... What do I want? Just little things, get my money back, let your guts out, and finally rip your lying bastard tongue out!
On the last word, he even started yelling.
И... Baru, stop it, it's useless, I don't have any money, I spent it all on changing my identity and ambassador's seat.
He had already begun to cry at such revelations of his.
Б... You're such a scumbag I accepted you into the gang when you were a slaughtered boy. We worked day and night to get that money, and you stole it like a rat. That's how you paid me, right?
Baru was already panting with anger, but Igo burst into tears.
И... I hate all of you, you all live in that cave all the time, I couldn't live there anymore. When the opportunity presented itself, I just took it.
Б... You bastard.
Drawing his sword he stopped and said.
Б... No, that would be too easy for you.
He cupped the net and said into the bushes.
Б... Come on out, he's ready.
Everyone came out of the bushes and started to approach Igo.
Т... You! So the money the robbers allegedly stole was taken by you? You can't leave now. You could go to jail for many of your crimes.
Igo was getting hysterical about being exposed.
И... No, please don't take me to jail. Everyone knows me there. Kill me, please!
Т... No!
Igo had already reached the point of hysteria and just jumped on Baru's sword. Everyone was shocked by this action. "Oh shit" said Naruto and Shisui in unison. And Baru just pulled out his sword.
Б... Stealing from your own people, you don't get that in prison. That's why he decided to die.
Т... Shisui kun, Naruto kun thank you for identifying the imposter.
The ninjas just nodded and went to pack their things. After packing their things they said goodbye to the head who added money to them for the extra work.
Jumping through the trees towards Konoha at their side I struck up a conversation.
Н... Shisui!
Ш... Hmm?
Н... Why are things so complicated in this world?
Shisui thought about it himself and just answered the first thing that came to mind.
Ш... If it were that simple, it wouldn't be interesting...
They got to Konoha faster this time and Naruto went in through the gate out of habit with the henge. Naruto ran to tell his adventures to Yoshida-san, but Shisui went to Hiruzen's house to carpet him.
Ш... The third mission didn't go as we had hoped.
Х... And how did your mission go?
Ш... The ambassador we were escorting turned out to be someone he's not. He was taking the village's money and spending it in the pubs. But it didn't affect the outcome of the assignment and it ended up being successful.
Х... Well. How did Naruto prove himself?
Ш... I'd say it's fine if he didn't goof off at some points.
Х... Hmmm well...
Ш... Third, no one asked about the missing jinchuriki?
Х... Exactly no... It's been a month since you left and no one's raised an eyebrow.
Ш.. Id.
Х... That's what we need.
Ш... Hmm?
Х... Shisui you and Naruto are going to the land of snow after October. I need you to find someone to look at Naruto's seal. The seal is a little cracked after last time. I need to secure the seal so I don't lose control like last time. One more thing, what you see in snow country should stay there too!
Ш... Bingo!