Chapter Two : Whispers of the Past
Uzushio had fallen.
Kuro knew that he should be more worried about his injuries, consider looking forward medical aid or maybe even attempt to staunch the bleeding himself but he couldn't bring himself to look beyond the broken arches, the scattered, shattered houses, the bloodstained streets and the bodies.
'Oh God, the bodies they're everywhere!' He thought somberly.
As a shinobi in training from the moment he had begun to walk, an unfortunate side effect of the genius moniker he had been bestowed with, he thought that he had seen enough gore to harden his heart, but he had not been prepared to see the looks of pain and sorrow permanently etched on faces he had laughed and lived with, looks that would follow them to the beyond without the funeral rites he knew no one else could perform. The once magnificent village was silent as a grave, even the animals seemed to have fled the battlefield that began to bleed crimson. The flags hung limply off broken poles and there were corpses lying vigil at every corner.
He had been stabbed in the back before the battle began and he could feel the blood slowly oozing past the stitches he must have pulled in his rush to return. He could barely feel the pain over the one in his chest that brought tears to his eyes. His shoulder burned as he felt the weight of his people's eyes on the one who was the last to hold their legacy, the last to survive their culture, the last to hear Uzushio's lament.
He refused to look back at the spread-eagled form of the greatest warrior of Whirlpool, the one who had help lead the village into a golden age of contentment, knowledge and peace. Kuro refused to look back at the man he had known as Leader, as Defender, as Teacher, as Father, as... Dead.
Nevertheless as he roamed the streets, he forced himself to look at the bodies of friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers, remembering the ones he could. He knew he shouldn't torment himself, God knows Tsuna had bemoaned his self-sacrificing streak a hundred times, but he couldn't help but feel that it was his duty to remember the dead, especially because no one else would.
Because Uzushio had fallen, and he was still alive.
Making no attempt to wipe the tears that left clear tracks across his grimy, bloody face, he painstakingly began to clear a portion of what used to be granny Miyuki weapons store, keeping the aforementioned weapons as far away as he dared, not willing to consider using them but pragmatic enough to know that he would have to eventually and he couldn't afford to arm an enemy.
He couldn't help the painful spasm that burned his chest when he found the owner, still holding the naginata she must have fought with. The blood staining her snow white hair had turned it fiery crimson once more. Her expression in death was much the same as it had been in life, fierce with an undercurrent of pain. Shinobi, even retired ones carried wounds too deep to clean.
He may have been a shinobi but he had never prescribed to the infantile notion of abandoning all emotions. Where lies the loyalty if you have nothing to care for? Where lies the strength if you have no one to protect? Where lies the reason to fight if you have no reason to return? Nevertheless, as he slowly carved mourning and containment seals into the ground around the cleared area, he couldn't help but wish that he cared less. Surely it wouldn't hurt so much if he didn't.
He began to pile bodies onto the makeshift pyre, pausing only to close their eyes and remove the weapons that were embedded in their corpses, sometimes whispering words of farewell as familiar faces made their way into his arms for the last time.
It was nearing nightfall when he finally managed to move the four hundred and ninety third friend into the pyre and he had began to feel the exhaustion of rhe battle and the pain of his wounds begin to catch up to him.
He only had the one body left to go, the one he could hardly bear to look at through the tears of grief and guilt that blinded him but he forced himself to lift Uzumaki Azashiro body a casket. With trembling hands he closed the blank eyes that looked emptily at the heavens that had wronged him and forced himself to step away. He placed a kiss on the cold metal of the hitai-ate that bore the familiar spiral before whispering in the steadiest voice he could manage,
"Thank you for your service, Uzumaki Azashiro, the true Uzukage. Even though nobody believed you, Uzushio and her residents... resident are grateful for your leadership and your ability to uphold her spirit, her guidance and her light. You were a credit to the title you bore and we wish your spirit a voyage free of storms to the next world." He finished and closed it off.
Turning around and with even quieter voice , "Goodbye, everyone. I will protect her legacy for you."
He moved out of the contained area and made the handsigns with trembling fingers before calling out softly into the dawning dark, "Fire Style : Fire Ball Jutsu"
He pushed his chakra out, manipulating it into the form of a Phoenix that screeched mournfully as it set the first corpse ablaze. A symbol of rebirth, of fiery passion and endless courage to change but also a symbol of healing and life because where would death be found, if not in life?
Kuro himself bowed as deep as he could and said in a voice that was so shaky, it was a miracle the words were understood, "Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Don't worry Lord Azashiro I'll give you a proper burial. It's the least I can do for you, everyone thought you was a monster, a bloodthirsty beast and now look. Everyone, and everything we cherished is dead. I'll... I'll avenge us, they all pay for their transgressions." He finished through gritted teeth and tears streaming down his face.
The farewell echoed through the silent streets, as Uzushio herself mourned her fallen defenders. The flames towered higher than they had, ever before, stark against the dark black sky and Kuro couldn't help but think that the colour was fitting for the fiery race it entombed that day and the proud nation that now belonged to the annals of history.
His words danced with the spirals of smoke that hung heavy over the battlefield as he sat, tears saying far more than he could and eventually running dry, guilt coursing through his veins as he warned himself on their funeral pyre and mourned the death of his past. He was caked in the blood of the hundreds of dead and could barely move his right shoulder, where the storage seal had been inked.
He knew he ought to ice it at the very least but he couldn't bring himself to look at the reason he ahd shirked his duty as defender and protector of his village. It seemed heavier, even though he knew it was just his imagination propagating the weight on his shoulder.
Sitting there, choking on the ashes of his friends, he dared not allow himself to indulge in the self pity that he knew he would never deserve.
The fires burnt through the night and he kept silent vigil over the dying flames, unable to close his eyes without opening his mind to the nightmares that bled true into wakefulness. His rage burned brightly just as this flame on his family bodies.
Present Day
Naruto sat up, panting heavily, he soon frowned to himself in confusion, his mind feeling muddled and heavy. That dream.. it felt so real.
"I'm okay," he whispered to himself, clutching his chest. "Just a dream..."
Still trembling, he decided he couldn't stay inside any longer. He needed air, needed to remind himself of the world outside the nightmare. He slipped out of bed and made his way to the bridge just outside the village.
The cool night air helped calm his racing thoughts. He walked slowly, each step grounding him back in reality.
"I'm okay," he said again softly, feeling the solid earth beneath him. As he sat there, the tranquility of the night began to soothe his troubled mind, reassuring him that the horrors of his dream could not reach him here.
The full moon was shining brightly across the ocean side, and he sat down his mind a mixture of thoughts. His mind has been racing ever since that day. That horrible time with the snake has left him with more darkness than light.
That experience taught him the flesh is weak and if not strong enough you'll die, and seeing his comrade die further solidified that notion. The weak don't get to decide their fate but what still confused him is what Sasuke did for him.
Thinking about the Uchiha caused him to writhe in pain. Gripping his wrist, he became alarmed at the black lines omitting from his right arm in alarm. His eye widened as he stared down at his hand in horror.
A glowing diamond like shape with a circle in the middle etched in the palm of his hand. It resembled an eye.
"This again?" He whispered in a low tone, blinking in bewilderment at the raw power omitting from him. This power felt familiar.
This isn't the first time he's felt this sensation, when fighting Haku on the bridge he felt this ominous power sprang into life when he thought Sasuke died. Seeing him sprawled on the ground, lifeless caused this strong feeling of dread encompassed his body. He was so sure that Sasuke died so it was to his shock when he ended up alive, it was impossible he lived, he felt his heart stop. So how? Who or what revived him.
The fact he almost died for him still bothered Naruto. He nearly gave up everything , his goals, his revenge.. his dreams. Sacrifice, why would he do that for him? Was it because he's a comrade? Did he consider him a friend? Naruto balled fist, confused on the many things going through his mind. His thoughts was interrupted when he a felt a familiar presence behind him.
Naruto sighed to himself with a small chuckle before he looked behind him, "Wow, you waited all this time to show yourself Kakashi? Late like usual."
Naruto saw the hint of surprise in the elder man's visible eye but it quickly disappeared into a cool and calculated look that he had come to know from his elder.
"Well, I am injured Naruto. It took me a bit to get out of bed," Kakashi countered with an eye smile.
"Right, I just thought we'll talk when we got back home," Naruto said as he stood up to stare at the silver-haired scarecrow.
"I did plan that but I happened to feel an enormous amount of chakra and decided to check it out. I must say, you really live up to your title as unpredictable," Kakashi said with a good-natured chuckle but this only made Naruto get on his guard.
Kakashi's voice and eyes seemed carefree but his body language looked tense, as if any certain movement would cause Kakashi to snap like a coil and Naruto understood why his sensei was like this.
"Are you okay?" Kakashi approached him then stood before the grave. A momentary silence had passed before being broken a few seconds after.
"I honestly don't know... I feel different." The boy replied softly. "The last time I knew who I was, I was with Hinata before I got kidnapped and died.. Ever since then everything has been confusing. It feels like something is slowly taking over."
Hearing that caused the silver haired Joūnin to narrow his eyes slightly. He needed to make sure the Third Hokage was aware of this lack of understanding of oneself. Hopefully it has nothing to do with that seal.
He examined Naruto's weird seal that seemed to glow ominously on his right hand, the black mark continuously grew since the day Orochimaru kidnapped him despite the curse sealing he applied to him.
If he can put a number to it about 10% of his armed is covered but what will happen at 100 percent? It's a worrisome thought to think of.
"Sensei.."
He was knocked out his reverie when he heard Naruto speak.
"Was my life really worth his dream? I just don't understand, Sasuke isn't my friend yet he risked everything for me; but why did it even come to that? Why is the world like this? Is it really my destiny to be a tool to the village like Zabuza said? Everything in my head feels so messed up." Naruto asked solemnly
"I know deep in his core the one thing Sasuke values is bonds, he's just to in darkness to see the light. Sometimes this world can get ugly Naruto, it's just somethings you have to accept and endure as a Shinobi but if you want things to change…" He smiled genuinely at his charge. "Then I'm counting on you to change the world for the better Naruto."
Naruto dawned a small frown and balled his fist in frustration "This world isn't ugly Sensei, I think it's the actions of people that makes everything so dark." He stated, walking away.
Kakashi became a bit worried at the statement, for it had a double meaning.
⁂
The trip back home was quick and easy but Naruto was not feeling his usual cheerful and confident spirit today though. He and his teammates of Team 7 just got back from their mission to the Wave Country. A mission that was supposed to be a normal C-rank that quickly escalated into a deadly A or S-rank mission. The main purpose of the mission was to safely escort a bridge builder, by the name of Tazuna, back to the Wave country. They didn't count on that a corrupt business man, called Gato, wanted the bridge builder dead and hired powerful rogue ninja from Kirigakure no Sato, otherwise known as the Village Hidden in the Mist, to kill him.
Thanks to the efforts of Kakashi and his team, the rogue ninja along with Gato and his thugs were defeated and peace and prosperity were restored to the Wave country. In recognition of Naruto's bravery, kindness, and determination; Tazuna proclaimed that the bridge, he and his village were working on, would be named the Great Naruto Bridge. Naruto was beyond happy and honored. He actually achieved recognition and respect from a whole country.
His happiness, while was immeasurable, was short lived however. During the trip home he barely spoke to his teammates and sensei. Not that it mattered much since Sasuke was busy being, well Sasuke and his other teammate and ex crush Sakura Haruno was only focused on making sure Sasuke was alright and none of his injuries from the battle on the bridge were acting up.
Not to mention his sensei was busy stuffing his nose in that book he keeps constantly reading. Naruto meanwhile just couldn't stop thinking about Haku.
Naruto couldn't forget Haku's depressing life story. How his father had killed his mother and how he had to kill his father just to survive before he fully accepted his new life as Zabuza's servant and living weapon.
A role that he served to the point where he killed hundreds of people and even attempted to sacrificed his own life all for his master. Zabuza's words on how shinobi were mere tools and weapons to be used by their villages struck Naruto to the core. It made him think if that was what his own village thought of him. Not only as a monster but as a tool to be used and disposed of when he's fulfilled his usefulness. He couldn't stand the idea at all.
Despite the melancholy thoughts on the rogue ninja and the idea of being a weapon there was another incident at the bridge that haunted him even more so. It was when his teammate Sasuke Uchiha had seemingly died on the bridge. Naruto couldn't forget the pain he felt when he thought Sasuke had died protecting him from Haku's attack. It was then he realized that while the Uchiha was a prideful, arrogant, bastard, he still meant a great deal to him as a teammate and friend. The pain Naruto felt though was nothing compared to the other emotion that plagued his mind at the time;
Rage.
Naruto didn't remember much from what happened but he remembers that the power and hate was maddening. He now knew why the villagers were so afraid of him. But there was something else though. Something that Naruto just couldn't explain that had happened at that moment.
All he remembered was that it felt like he was shrouded by dark energy. Whatever it was it felt dark, powerful, and also very cold. This strange power didn't feel like chakra at all because it felt like it wasn't only a part of him but also a part of everyone and everything around him too.
He only had brief moment to grasp it his mind. This energy had gave him different sides of reality; everything became one. The world at that moment was black and white, the white was bright and warm and the black was dark and cold. In that brief vision, he recalled that he was pulled into the dark half and it was there that he felt his rage and pain, from Sasuke's supposed death, more focused and in turn it made him feel even stronger.
The last thing he remembered of this power was when he felt it explode out of him and shatter all of Haku's ice mirrors. After that everything was a blur until he broke Haku's mask and revealed his identity as the boy he met in the forest while training at Tazuna's house.
When they finally arrived at their village Naruto had a strong need for companionship and comfort. Unfortunately he wouldn't get either since his sensei had to report to the Hokage on their mission, and Sasuke had no interest in anything except training by himself to strengthen his newly obtained Sharingan eyes. He didn't even have the energy to ask Sakura so he just walked away quietly.
He looked at around the streets with a bored look on his face. They looked as lively as always. Deep inside in that liveliness was deep hatred that disgusted him. Of course, the people of this village did not phase him at all. In his darkest moments he felt disgusted just by looking at them. He shoved those thoughts in the back of his head when he was interrupted rudely.
Someone hit him. He had sensed the person coming towards him, but he had not thought the man would actually bump into him. The hit was enough to send him tumbling backwards. But of course, he could have manuvaured that. However, people were not expecting a 13 year old to actually do something like that. And so he hit the ground on his back before looking at the man.
''Watch where you going scum,'' the man ground out with as much as venom as he could muster. Naruto raised a ghost brow, the man had been the one to hit and and actually moved towards him, hitting him on purpose.
For a second he was tempted to curse the man and give him a chilling glare. But he settled for scratching the back of his head, while smiling nervously. ''Sorry, mister.'' he said apologetically.
''You better be,'' the man said, walking away.
Naruto almost looked amused when the man said that. He knew that behind the growl was barely hidden fear. He could swear that the man might have breathed a sigh of relief when he walked away from him. They seemed to like seeing him crawling beneath them. They were a bit sadistic sometimes. But it was okay, he did not care.
He looked around to see that almost everyone was ignoring him. But he did notice that someone gave a discreet apologetic smile. He nodded at the man and dusted himself as he stood. It was nothing new. He knew that not everyone in the village loathed him. He may be a social outcast but, there were some people who were at least kind. But they showed their kindness discreetly.
Sighing, Naruto really felt alone so made his way towards Icharaku. His family.
He went around this time because he knew he would have the place to himself. By this time people did not usually come to the ramen stand. He liked it because he could eat peacefully without driving away some of Teuchi's customers. He knew that some people would not stomach eating next to him. Yes, he was that disgusting thing that made their stomachs reject their meals.
''Naruto my boy,'' Teuchi said as he watched the blond take a seat. ''How are you?''
''Good,'' Naruto replied smiling, ''and you?''
''I am good,'' Teuchi responded. ''How was the mission?''
''Eh, not too bad. Honestly, I was told not to talk about it until I spoke to the old man'' Naruto said with a nonchalant shrug. It wasn't that the mission was boring for him. But in order to become a true shinobi he couldn't burden civilians with his grieve. He just had to endure for a while.
Teuchi sighed and looked worried. ''You should at least be talk about it with a professional, Naruto. I can tell when you're not yourself." the old man said, knowing Naruto's destructive tendencies to hold in his emotions behind a veil of happiness. He had tried to get the boy to open up more but nothing had worked so far.
Again, Naruto smiled brightly. ''Well, don't worry old man I'll be just fine. I'm the future Hokage after all!'' he held a thumbs up as he said those words.
Shaking his head, "I will get the usual order while you kids talk." Teuchi said walking away, towards the kitchen to get Naruto his food. He already knew what the boy would eat, so there was no need to ask him what he wanted to eat.
After about a hour, Naruto slurped the last bit of broth from his bowl, a contented sigh escaping his lips as he set it down on the counter. Ichiraku Ramen had always been his haven, a place where he could escape the judgmental glares and whispered insults of the villagers. Here, with the savory aroma of ramen wafting through the air, he felt a sense of belonging.
"Another bowl, Naruto?" Ayame asked with a warm smile, her hands already reaching for the ladle.
Naruto grinned widely. "You know me too well, Ayame!"
As Ayame began preparing another serving, Naruto's gaze softened. He watched her work, as Teuchi, hummed a cheerful tune as he chopped vegetables nearby.
"Hey, Ayame," Naruto began hesitantly, "I just wanted to say... thank you. To you and old man Teuchi."
Ayame paused, looking up at him with curiosity. "For what, Naruto?"
"For everything," Naruto replied, his voice earnest.
"You guys have always been here for me, even when no one else was. You've fed me when I didn't have any money, gave me a place to belong when I felt like I didn't have one."
Ayame's expression softened, and she set down the ladle, leaning on the counter to be closer to him. "Naruto, you don't have to thank us. You're like family to us. We've watched you grow up, seen you overcome so much."
Naruto's eyes glistened with emotion. "You and the old man... you believe in me when no one else does. When I was just the lonely kid everyone hated, you treated me like a normal person. It meant more than you'll ever know."
Teuchi, having overheard their conversation, walked over and placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Naruto, you are family. We've always seen the good in you, even when others couldn't. Your heart is as big as this village, and we knew you will grow into someone incredible."
Naruto looked between the two of them, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Whenever things gets tough, I knew I can come here. I knew you'll be here for me. It's like... like you are my light in the darkest times."
Ayame reached out and gently squeezed his hand. "And we'll always be here for you, Naruto. No matter what."
Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and security envelop him. "I promise I'll make you proud. I'll become Hokage, and I'll make sure everyone knows how important you both are to me."
Teuchi chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "We already are proud of you, Naruto. You've come so far, and we know you'll achieve your dreams."
As Naruto started on his second bowl of ramen, he felt a renewed sense of determination. He wasn't alone. He had a family here at Ichiraku Ramen, a place where he was always welcome, always loved. And with that knowledge, he knew he could face anything the world threw at him.
The three of them shared a moment of quiet camaraderie, the bond between them strengthened by years of unwavering support and kindness. In that small ramen shop, Naruto felt truly at home.
No sooner than when they both left the counter did Naruto once again begin to feel haunted by the memories of what happened on his mission. That power, he felt on the bridge, once more filling him with both curiosity and fear.
Naruto began to shiver as he thought more and more about that strange and yet frightening power. That is until someone's hand was placed gently on his shoulder. He looked up expecting Ayame to be comforting him again; instead he found that the hand belonged to an old man who was wearing some slightly fancy looking robes, had red hair, and had a small reassuring smile on his face.
"Pardon me my dear boy, is this seat taken?" The middle aged man motioned to the seat right next to Naruto at the counter.
Naruto was taken aback. No one aside from Iruka sensei has ever wanted to next to him at the ramen stand. At first he thought the old man was up to something but one look at his smile again quickly diminished any one of those thoughts.
"Sure, help yourself."
Suddenly the atmosphere changed, completely.
''I-I am going to see if father needs help,'' Ayame said, before she hastily left the blond alone.
The red haired man then sat down next to him and rested his arms slightly over the counter. Naruto took a closer look at the man, but couldn't recognize him. True, he didn't know every single person in the village but something about this man made it feel like he wasn't from around here. It felt even more evidenced by his clothes. The young genin has never seen anyone in the village wear robes like that. They weren't incredibly fancy, but they definitely looked out of place.
"To answer your unasked question dear boy, no I am not from this village. I'm visiting from my own home."
Naruto was caught a bit off guard from the man's statement and then immediately asked the first question that came to his mind.
"Eh. Can you read my thoughts or something old man?"
Naruto has never heard of anyone outside of the Yamanaka clan capable of reading thoughts. Every time he's asked Ino about her clan she's always told him to buzz off and that it was none of his business. The man looked at him and simply smiled.
"No, it's easy to see when you are confused, Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto definitely wasn't prepared for that. How did this old man know who he was? No one outside the village knows him except for the people in the Wave country.
It then dawned on him that this man might be an assassin who worked for Gato or was a business partner of his. Now he's here for revenge for his and his team's actions on the bridge! He immediately leaped from his stool and got into a fighting stance. Waiting for the old man to make his move. To his surprise the old man just looked at him again with that friendly smile.
"Calm down my dear boy. I am no friend of Gato. In fact he and I never have even met. I do not associate myself with cruel, greedy business men like him. The reason I've heard of you is because you are famous Naruto."
The genin slowly relaxed his stance with a dumbfounded look on his face.
'I'm famous? I'm actually famous? How is that possible?'
Naruto couldn't believe it. How was he famous? The young shinobi hasn't done anything spectacular or amazing like the Kages. He would've found it hard to believe, yet for some strange reason he trusted that the old man wasn't lying to him.
"Word of your brave and heroic actions in the Wave country reached my home not too long ago. I've traveled all this way to meet with you Naruto and I can honestly say that you definitely live up to your reputation as the great, kind, and powerful warrior that you are."
Once again Naruto was caught completely off guard. It's true that he helped Tazuna and his village a great deal, but he didn't think it was that great that word of his aide would spread that fast. In fact he didn't think many people would find out about it at all. Just a few travelers who would use the bridge and wonder where the villagers got the name for it from. The shocked genin then dropped his battle stance completely and just sat back down on his stool. Taking in the fact that he was already becoming famous.
"You seem surprised my boy. You shouldn't be. It's rare for a 13 year old young genin such as yourself to defeat a highly trained assassin and on top of that convinces his master to forsake his evil ways and to redeem himself."
Naruto looked at the old man with wide eyes. Normally after hearing something like that, he would be bouncing off the walls with joy. Stroking his own ego about how he will definitely become Hokage after a feat like that. Instead sorrow engulfed his face again and he just looked back down at the counter. Folding his arms up and resting his chin against his hands.
"What seems to be the matter my boy?" The old man reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder again. Naruto looked up at him and tried masking his depression.
"Oh, it's nothing mister. I just can't wait to eat my ramen!"
Naruto licked his lips and flexed his fingers constantly. Trying to make it look like he was impatient to get his meal. The old man merely smiled again and took his hand off Naruto's shoulder.
"It seems you are also very skilled in the art of deception too dear boy. However, when you've lived long and traveled as far and wide as I have, you learn to sense when someone is showing you their true feelings and when they are not."
Naruto couldn't believe it. Only old man Teuchi has ever seen through his fake smiles. Before he could think further on the subject though, Teuchi came back with a big steamy bowl of his famous ramen in his hands and placed it in front of Naruto.
"There you are Naruto. One big bowl of beef ramen!"
The ramen chef was about to turn away when he noticed the old man sitting next to the genin.
"Oh, I didn't see you there! Would like anything to eat or drink sir?"
The old man smiled at the chef and gave his order.
"Yes, I believe I will have what my new friend here is having and also some green tea please."
"Sure, coming right up!" The ramen chef then proceeded back into his kitchen to prepare the new order. Naruto meanwhile was so busy looking at the old man next to him that he completely forgot about the big bowl of ramen in front of him which is a rare occurrence indeed!
"You... really want to be my friend mister?"
The old man looked at him again. That same smile still gracing his face.
"Of course my dear boy! You seem like a nice young man to me. Not to mention that from what I have heard of you is that you are pleasant, talented, and loyal to a fault. Why wouldn't anyone want to be your friend when you have such admirable qualities?"
Naruto would have to ask Kakashi-sensei later to help train him to keep his guard up better because once again, for what seemed like the millionth time, the strange old man next to him seemed to catch him with it down again! He's never been complemented like that before. Not even by either Iruka sensei or Old Man Third!
However, a look of fear began to creep its way onto Naruto's face. If the old man found out that the reason all the adults hated him was because of the Kyuubi, then not only would he lose a chance to gain a new friend but he would also have another adult that hated him for that demon fox inside him.
'NO! I refuse to let that stupid fox ruin this for me! I need to come up with something fast!'
Naruto then thought up the perfect cover story to give to the old man.
"Well a lot of the villagers and kids my age here hate me because they think I'm an annoying loser who does nothing but pull pranks and doesn't take his studying seriously."
Naruto scratched his cheek nervously. Hoping the old man would buy his story. Luckily for him it would seem he did bought it but not the way he expected.
"Well, I don't think that at all my boy. Quite the opposite in fact. I think you're a shinobi that has extraordinary potential. The only negative quality I can think for you right now is that your allowing that delicious looking ramen of yours to go cold!"
Naruto's eyes went as wide as dinner plates and yelled as he realized that the old man was right. He's been neglecting his absolute favorite meal! He immediately broke his chopsticks and started to scarf down his ramen. Throwing his table manners right out the window, but his new friend didn't seem to mind.
While he was eating he thought about what the old man said. That he had extraordinary potential. This new friend of his was really starting to soar high up there in his list of favorite and most precious people. Just right below his teammates.
"In fact it's more than likely because of your potential that your fellow shinobi and the villagers treat you so horribly Naruto. They may not like you because they don't trust you, and they don't trust you because they fear you. Fear for the power inside you."
Naruto stopped mid-eating and just looked at the old man. Eyes wide and full of fear.
Before Naruto could confirm his worst fears the old man patted Naruto on top of the head.
"It is only natural Naruto. People often fear what they don't understand. No matter how much they try to deny it. It is in their nature. Now tell me my boy what seems to be troubling you so deeply?"
Just as the old man finished asking his question. Teuchi came back with another big bowl of ramen and a cup of green tea.
"Here you are! One large bowl of beef ramen and a cup of green tea. Can I get you anything else?"
"No thank you. That's quite enough for me."
The old man slightly bowed and started to take some sips from his tea. After that he broke his chopsticks and began to dig into his own ramen. All the time he was eyeing the boy next to him. Waiting patiently for him to tell of him of his troubles. Naruto was still sitting there staring into his ramen bowl as he thought of whether or not he should tell his new friend. Finally he decided that if the old man was willing to listen to him, then he should oblige. After all he was his new friend and precious person.
"Well, I've been feeling kinda...no really bad for the two rogue ninja I met in the Wave country."
The old man stopped eating and continued listening to the boy's tale.
"They didn't seem all that bad to me. In fact in some weird way I kinda liked them. I just wished they didn't have to live on the run. Haku after having such a miserable and lonely life before meeting Zabuza and then allowing himself to be used as a weapon. Haku may have done bad things for Zabuza, but I could tell he was a good person that just wanted to be acknowledged. I just wish...I just...I just wish that things could've ended differently. I hope they one day have a somewhere they can call a home."
The old man nodded his head showing he understood what the boy was saying. He took another sip of his tea and then placed his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Once again you certainly live up to your reputation as an amazing shinobi, Naruto. Yes, life can be rather cruel to certain individuals. Especially in this... shinobi world."
Naruto nodded his head in agreement. He never thought, before this mission, that the world he lived in could be so cruel and dark. Sure he studied the Three Great Ninja Wars at the academy, which were terrible events, yet he thought since those wars ended life as a shinobi was just all about having adventures and growing stronger for big exciting battles. Now that he's realized how naive he was being, he doesn't feel up to asking the Hokage for big rank missions for awhile. A long while.
"However, there is one thing you need to understand, Naruto. They chose their fate because of their own feelings for each other. Despite what your teachers and elders tell you about how shinobi should clear their minds of emotions during missions, it is one's own feelings that can truly give one the strength to achieve their tasks and goals.
Always remember this my boy, no matter what anyone else tells you, your feelings are what make you so special. Never bury them and you will always have the power to triumph any challenge and to achieve your dreams Naruto."
The old man's speech along with his serene smile seemed to clear all the depressing thoughts that have plagued Naruto's mind for the past few days. He finally felt at peace with his mission. So much so a big genuine smile plastered his face.
"Thanks old man. You've really helped me out big time! I feel so much better!"
Naruto then continued eating his ramen and finished it up all within ten seconds. He licked his lips and proceeded to pat his belly.
"Ahhhhh! Nothing beats Ichiraku ramen! I'm gonna order another!"
The old man chuckled and pushed his own ramen bowl to the genin.
"Well then by all means you can have mine. You have a great taste in food my boy! This is perhaps the tastiest ramen I've ever had! Unfortunately my old age prevents me from finishing it. It would be shame to let it go to waste. So I insist that you take it. A growing boy like you needs it more than I and you deserve it for your heroic actions of late!"
Naruto grinned at the old man.
"Thanks mister! I just love ramen!"
Before Naruto could devour his second bowl, he turned his head once again, "Hey old man what's your name?"
The old man turned to Naruto, his friendly smile still gracing his face. "My name is Kuro. I'll tell you my last name some other time."
"This is my new friend Old Man Kuro, you guys!" Naruto proclaimed loudly.
⁂
Hokage Office
Kakashi stood before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in the dimly lit office. The weight of the recent mission hung heavily in the air, tension palpable. Hiruzen's eyes, usually kind, were now hard as flint as he looked at Kakashi.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen began, his voice steady but with an edge, "Explain to me exactly what happened during the mission to the Land of Waves."
Kakashi took a deep breath, his single visible eye reflecting the burden of his report. "Hokage-sama, the mission began as expected. We were tasked with escorting Tazuna, the bridge builder, back to his village. However, it quickly escalated beyond the scope of a C-rank mission when we encountered the Demon Brothers, and later, Zabuza Momochi."
Hiruzen nodded slowly, motioning for Kakashi to continue.
"Naruto and the rest of the team performed admirably under pressure," Kakashi said, his voice steady. "However, there was an incident. During the final confrontation with Zabuza and Haku, Naruto witnessed Sasuke's death. He lost control."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "Lost control? Elaborate."
Kakashi hesitated, then continued, "Naruto's anger triggered a release of the Nine-Tails' chakra or so I thought initially. It was the seal that he got from Orochimaru, he actually saved all of us. Including the rogue ninjas."
Hiruzen eyes widened in shock when hearing that.
Flashback
"Is this your first time seeing a friend die? This is the way of the shinobi." Haku said as he retreated back into the ice mirror.
"Shut up," Naruto muttered as he held Sasuke's lifeless body. His eyes shadowed by his hair as steam rose from the ground and enveloped his body. Suddenly the smoke was blown away as a giant pillar of chakra enveloped Naruto's body in a blue flame-like aura. Almost as if reality was manipulated itself, Sasuke lifeless body disappeared and reappeared beside him, it was like he was erased from reality and brought back.
Naruto looked up as he proclaimed, "I am going to KILL YOU!"
The diamond shape seal appeared on his right hand glowing ominously as black lines went up his arms and completely covering the right side of his face.
Haku watched in stunned amazement as the incredible chakra continued to be released from his opponent. He noticed his wounds healing and the senbon needles coming out of his body. 'What is this chakra? It's so dense and powerful that it can take physical form. The power emitting from him is suffocating me. Just who is this boy?!'
Naruto turned to face Haku, but what shocked the masked ninja were the right eye of his opponent. It had changed. No longer their normal deep shade of blue. Instead, his iris and pupil became red and split in two. 'His eye?! What happened to them? Is this some kind of dojutsu bloodline?'
Naruto lunged at the ice mirror Haku was in. 'I need to move!' thought the apprentice of Zabuza as she quickly moved from the mirror only to see in horror as Naruto punched the mirror and shattered it into pieces.
'He shattered my mirror!' Haku thought in shocked amazement. Naruto landed back on the ground as Haku flew out of the mirror with senbon in hand with the intent to end this fight as soon as possible. However, to the masked ninja's shock, Naruto managed to dodge the attack without even looking. It was almost like Naruto knew exactly where Haku was going to attack from.
'He dodged me?! Was that all speed or did he predict my movements?' Haku thought as he tried to move to another mirror, however, he was shocked when Naruto suddenly appeared right in front of him and grabbed his throat and hoisted him up into the air.
Haku gagged as he tried to breathe through the tight vice grip her blonde opponent had him in. 'He caught me?! Is this some kind of precognition?!'
"I have you now," Naruto said in a dark tone.
"Who or what are you?" Haku choked out.
Naruto glares at Haku with his split eye as images flash before his eyes. He sees himself in a feral state fighting Haku with a body covered in a red aura. He then sees Haku gets pierced by Kakashi with his arm covered in lightning. Zabuza fights dozens of armed mercenaries and is impaled multiple times. Finally, Zabuza lies next to a dead Haku as he passes on as well. He also sees Haku past, the abuse, the loneliness. Naruto sees this and growls as he tries to push the images down to focus on his current enemy.
"The almighty" He muttered
A powerful shockwave of chakra rippled across the mirror dome and traveled through the rest of the bridge and alerted everyone else on the bridge.
"What the hell?" Zabuza muttered. "Who the hell is causing this incredible pressure. It's not from Kakashi. Who is doing this?"
'This chakra?!' Kakashi thought. 'What is going on? This is not the Kyuubi's chakra, but when could Naruto release such a potent amount of power?!' he quickly takes out a scroll and smears his blood on it. 'I need to end this soon!'
Meanwhile, Haku is sent flying into the ground completely unconscious. Standing above him was none other than Naruto that looked at the masked ninja with a sympathetic look.
"Just sleep, Haku," Naruto muttered as he turned to see the fog begin to dissipate. His eyes narrowed as he knew what this meant. The boy crotches down as several black chains exploded from his back unconsciously.
The earth cracked under him as he lunged forward and became a blur as he saw his sensei about to pierce Zabuza's chest. Just as Kakashi was about to pierce his opponent, both were shocked to see a familiar blonde ninja catch Kakahi's wrist in a tight grip and Zabuza wrapped in chakra chains.
"What the hell?!" Zabuza exclaimed in shock.
"Naruto what are you doing?" Kakashi demanded
Naruto looked at both jonin shinobi as the two men blinked at the blonde's new eye.. A dojutsu the two wondered, but neither had ever seen or heard of a dojutsu like this.
"This fight is over," Naruto replied.
At this point in time, the fog had lifted for Sakura and Tazuna to be able to see the unusual standoff between Kakashi, Naruto, and Zabuza.
"Naruto, where is Sasuke?" Sakura called out to her partner.
Naruto did not turn to look at his other teammate as he replied, "He's alive. Go to him and make sure he's fine. Do not touch the masked ninja."
Sakura was rather disturbed by her teammate's off-putting behavior but ignored it as she went to see her crush. She grabbed Tazuna as the two rushed to tend to the unconscious Uchiha.
When they were out of hearing range, Zabuza let out an annoyed growl. "Haku was always too soft. Now why spare me, boy?"
"We have another enemy approaching," Naruto replied as he pointed to the other end of the bridge. Suddenly a large group could be seen approaching them from the dim mist that remained. As they approached the group became clear as a large mass of well over a hundred mercenaries with various kinds of weapons in their hands and belts. At the front of the group was a familiar face for Zabuza. His employer Gato.
"Gato? What is the meaning of this?" Zabuza growled.
Gato laughed. "Oh, it's simple. I was never planning to pay you. I hired some missing-ninja to kill Tazuna and then I would kill you two and I get to keep all the money and have all my problems solved."
Zabuza looked enraged as he turned to his opponent. "Kakashi. Looks like your brat is right. We are not enemies anymore."
Kakashi sighed as he nodded as the copy ninja dispelled his ninja hounds and freed Zabuza from their hold. "Looks like it."
"Get ready to kill them, boys. But keep the girls alive. They can serve other purposes. Along with the other woman in the village." Gato said with a lecherous grin with the mercenaries having similar grins.
Zabuza and Kakashi narrowed their eyes in disgust. Before they could say or do anything, their third companion walked forward. "Naruto?" Kakashi asked, but Naruto ignored his sensei. Naruto was silent as his face was obscured by his hair.
Gato laughed at the blonde ninja approaching him. "Oh, what's this? Does a little boy think he can stop us? Zabuza you really have lost your touch." the small man sneered with the other mercenaries joining in.
However, Gato and the rest of the men were silent as an incredible oppressive force slammed into Gato and his army of men. Kakashi and Zabuza were not affected but could still feel the incredible pressure Naruto was releasing. It was not KI but felt similar to it. Though things got more interesting as Naruto was surrounded by a blue aura of chakra that looked like a flame that was enveloping his body.
Tazuna, Sakura, and a now awake Sasuke had just caught up to Kakashi when they saw the flaming aura envelop Naruto as Gato and his men were pushed to their knees.
"What is going on?" Tazuna asked in complete confusion, but neither Sakura nor Sasuke had any response as they were just as confused at the scene in front of them.
Suddenly Naruto lifted his hands up and formed a familiar seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" In a puff of smoke, around thirty clones filled the bridge.
Zabuza whistled in slight amazement. "I will never get used to seeing a genin use a jonin level jutsu like the shadow clones so easily."
Kakashi chuckled. "You get used to it after a while."
Suddenly an arrow flew in between Naruto and Gato's men. Everyone turned to see the entirety of the wave community with makeshift weapons looking ready to fight.
"Inari. Everyone." an emotional Tazuna choked out.
"A hero shows up at the last second. Right, Naruto?" Inari called out. Naruto did not look back but the thumbs up was all Inari needed to see.
Kakashi sighed. "This will probably drain my chakra, but I should have enough for this." he then placed his hands into a familiar hand sign. "Shadow Clone Jutsu." from the large plume of smoke, nearly fifty Kakashi could be seen. "Shadow Clone Jutsu, Kakashi style."
Zabuza smirked. "Might as well join the party. Water Clone Jutsu." Several clones of Zabuza through several swirls of water.
The mercenaries were looking very scared as they decided they were not being paid enough to go through this. They all threw their weapons to the ground and ran away. Gato fell on his ass as he looked back to his retreating. "Filthy cowards! What good are you if you can't handle a few shinobi and civilians?!" he roared at his retreating army.
"You sure about that?" a familiar sinister voice replied. The business tycoon looked up and promptly pissed his pants as standing before was the demon of the mist.
"Zabuza. I was kidding. It was all a joke." Gato explained as he tried to bargain for his life. "Come on! We can make a new deal and I will triple what I was going to pay you before. Hell, I can make it tens times the amount! What do you say?!"
Zabuza stayed silent as he stared at Gato for several seconds before reaching out his hand. Gato looked elated as he was about to take the hand when it suddenly sprang forward and grabbed his throat in a tight vice grip.
"W-Why?!" Gato choked out. Zabuza grunted as he snapped Gato's neck. "I don't like to be double-crossed." With a final insult, Zabuza threw Gato's corpse over the bridge and into the ocean. That was the end of the business tycoon.
Everyone in the civilian mob cheered loudly. "WE'RE FREE!"
"HOORAY!"
Kakashi sighed as he dispelled his clones. Sakura and Sasuke were walking up to their sensei with exhausted but satisfied smiles. Sakura turned to her blonde teammate. "Isn't this great Naruto?" she asked cheerfully.
However, Naruto stayed silent. Something that was rather odd for the loud blonde and something his team immediately noticed. "Naruto?" Sakura asked again. Suddenly all the clones dispelled and then to the shock of everyone on the bridge, blood erupted out of Naruto's mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.
"ARGHHHHHHHHH!" Naruto bellowed out an agonized scream as he then fainted to the ground.
"NARUTO!" everyone shouted as they rushed towards him.
"What happened to him?" Tazuna asked as Kakashi checks up on his blonde student.
"He's alive. Just suffering from chakra exhaustion. He might have overstrained his body" He said as he placed his headband over his head. Kakashi then noticed Zabuza went to get Haku and he smiled at everyone. "Let's enjoy the victory for now."
Present Day
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. "This is concerning, Kakashi. Naruto's control over this power needs to be addressed immediately. His potential is immense, I mean to precognition on that level but so is the danger."
Kakashi nodded. "I agree, Hokage-sama. That's why I took it upon myself to place an evil containment seal on him. That should stay on until we have full understanding of it. I take full responsibility for what happened. I should have anticipated the possibility of Naruto losing control."
Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly, though the gravity of the situation remained. "Good job but you are not solely to blame, Kakashi. Naruto's struggle is something we must all address. I'll have Jiraiya take him in and keep an eye on him. For his sake and the village's safety."
Kakashi straightened, a renewed determination in his eye. "Understood, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded, the weight of his years showing in his eyes. "Good. We cannot afford to let this happen again. Naruto's path is fraught with challenges, but with the right guidance, he can become a great ninja. For now, I trust you to handle you to keep a close eye on him during the chunin exams, Kakashi."
Kakashi bowed deeply. "Yes, Hokage-sama. I won't let you down."
As Kakashi left the office, Hiruzen stared out the window, his thoughts heavy with the future of the village and the boy who carried such immense power within him. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Naruto's journey had only just begun, and it would take all of their efforts to ensure it led to the right destination.
Elsewhere, in a dark chamber with only a few lights blinking from the walls, a figure clothed in dark robes and a hood, that partially hid his face, cracked a sinister smile on his face.
"I must have patience. Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen. Soon the resurrection of Lord Azashiro will be complete. He shall soon have a new body. One far younger and more powerful!"
The man started to laugh. His evil cackling echoing around his small but frightening technological throne room. After this day the fate of Naruto and the balance of the shinobi world will forever change.