Author's notes:
Wave arc is finally done. The chunin exam arc starts from the next episode. It is Naruto's development arc. It laids foundation for Naruto's raise to power.
CHAPTER 18
Kakashi didn't expect Itachi to appear out of thin air. To say he was shocked was an understatement. He became 'fighting alert' the next second and tried to pull Naruto to him before he was pulled towards Itachi. But it was in vain because Naruto didn't protest and did nothing.
Naruto sensed Itachi the minute he appeared on Wave. He wanted to wait for him to come to him. When he appeared near the grave he thought that Itachi would wait for Kakashi to leave before approaching him. This was sudden but not unexpected of Itachi. And the fox inside him never let down the guard around sharinghan which kept him aware of Itachi's actions. He just didn't react. That was all.
"Itachi. Let Naruto go", Kakashi warned.
"Kakashi, didn't you say that you will protect him? Try to save him from me", Itachi said and pulled Naruto away from Kakashi further.
"Don't be rash Itachi", Kakashi said revealing his sharinghan. He was also confused as to why Naruto was standing there without any reaction. Naruto was certainly capable of evading Itachi.
"You can't win a fight against me with sharinghan, Kakashi. You are weak", Itachi stated the truth.
"I know. But that is not the only thing I can do. I trained you remember Itachi kouhai(junior)?", Kakashi replied.
"But I think you need some training now. Want me to train you, senpai (senior)?", Itachi asked sardonically.
Itachi started to move and Kakashi was about to use his sharinghan. Naruto decided to act too. He raised an earth wall between them and separated them.
"That's enough. Don't be rash Kakashi. Stop provoking him Itachi. You stand on the right Itachi and you, on left Kakashi", Naruto ordered irritated.
"Naruto, what are you saying? He is dangerous", Kakashi didn't know why Naruto wasn't guarding against Itachi.
"Itachi is dangerous alright, just not for me", Naruto said and walked towards Itachi.
"Don't go near him Naruto", Kakashi warned confused by Naruto's words.
"Why do you want to stop him? You can't protect him anyways", Itachi provoked.
"Stop being a jackass", Naruto said and glared at Itachi.
"Why are you showing yourself Itachi? Did you see Sasuke? He opened his sharinghan", Naruto said resigned.
"I know. I saw when it happened", Itachi answered.
'Itachi was near the bridge', Kakashi realized.
"I am sorry you had to put up with him", Itachi said.
"He is not that hard to deal with" Naruto said.
"No he is. I know what happened on the bridge. I know how he opened the sharinghan. I am sorry for what he did", Itachi said.
"Don't talk about Sasuke, Itachi. He is a good kid, unlike you. Naruto, I know you had some relationship with Itachi before but you can't talk to him like he did nothing.", Kakashi said.
"Sasuke isn't better than Itachi. He will never be", Naruto said seriously. Kakashi knew Naruto was upset about Haku but Naruto couldn't possibly support Itachi, could he?
"Sasuke may not express himself but he decided to jump in front of you to save you today, Naruto. He can't be like you, Itachi. Are you sorry that your brother didn't let his teammate die?", Kakashi questioned.
"That sharinghan is a waste on you, Kakashi. You have never seen things that mattered. Did you see Sasuke trying to save Naruto? When was Naruto in danger with that Haku boy for him to save? Don't think you know Naruto's real strength. He had killed ninjas as strong as you", Itachi spilled the right things and Kakashi was apprehensive about Naruto and Sasuke. Kakashi was surprised to know that Naruto was holding back his strength against him.
'Naruto didn't want me to feel bad by me not being able to teach anything to him. So he pretended that he needed help to oversee his training. Heck, If Itachi can spring up like this, he could have trained Naruto whenever he wants. And what about Sasuke? Didn't he really try to save Naruto? Then why did he jump in front of him?', Kakashi thought.
"Let it go Itachi", Naruto didn't want to bring up those things.
"No. Explain what I didn't see", Kakashi asked for explanation.
"Sasuke didn't intentionally jump in front of Naruto. His body moved by reflex. Not to save him, but to upstage him. He wanted to be the one who defeated the hunter-nin. He didn't want to be saved by Naruto. As you think, he didn't jump because he thought his teammates must be saved. He wanted to face the hunter-nin. He wanted to the one who beat him. My brother wanted to be the one who saved the day subconciously. He has both superiority and inferiority complex and he doesn't know it. He compares himself with others and hates if someone is stronger than him. He always did. He was fixated on me and he is fixated on Naruto. Put someone else stronger than him, he would want to fight and beat them too. He won't react well if he loses and will refuse to take the loss. He will fix them as his enemies. He will not stop until he proved his superiority over them. There is no friendly loss to him. To him, it won't make sense for an Uchiha to lose. That is why he believes he is the only one who can beat me. In his mind, no can be stronger than him in his generation. If there is, he will hate them. It is more than jealousy. On the bridge today, it was an involuntary action on his part to jump because he deeply beleives that he is the strong one on the team who could handle the enemy ninjas. He didn't beleive Naruto could be stronger than him. He wanted to prove he is stronger than the hunter-nin. Than Naruto.", Itachi explained. 'If only Sasuke knows Naruto is strong enough to give me some grief on a fight.'
"Naruto, is it true?", Kakashi asked.
"What do you think sensei?", Naruto countered indifferently.
"He didn't push me in front of him to face danger for him. Be happy about that. He could have done worse considering how he grew up. Take the win Itachi", Naruto said listlessly and Itachi flinched visibly.
"I am sorry Naruto", Itachi said and Kakashi sensed an inside story he wasn't privy to.
"You always misjudge people Kakashi. You didn't know me and you don't know your own students", Itachi criticized.
"Why are you here Itachi? If you are done watching your brother, leave", Naruto said done with them.
"I am not here for him. I am here for you, Naruto", Itachi answered.
"What do you want him for?", Kakashi asked cautiously.
"So Konoha didn't tell you about Naruto's murder plan huh?", Itachi asked.
"What plan?", Kakashi was beyond confused and Naruto knew Itachi had his own way to do things and he decided not to intervene until both of them tear into each other.
"Tell me Kakashi, what would you do if Naruto lose control and kyubi takes over him? Will you kill him? Tell me what will you do? Will you be able to kill Naruto to save the village?", Itachi asked and Kakashi flinched every time killing Naruto was mentioned.
"He won't lose control", Kakashi's argument sounded weak to his own ears. Itachi's question brought back his earlier fears.
"He did today", Itachi said.
Naruto didn't want to see Kakashi embarrassed and decided to speak.
"No, I didn't. I can control it and by any chance I lose control, I would prefer you or Kakashi kill me. If you guys don't, I will die as a monster and it would confirm that Konoha's lackey's assumptions are right. The next jinjuriki of Konoha will be rotting underground in ROOT's cell as a precautious measure throughout the life. So, it is better that I am eliminated before it happens for everyone's present and future, if I lose control. Atleast, the kid that succeeds me as jinjuriki won't have to suffer", Naruto said.
"Naruto, stop talking about your death like weather report. Itachi, what do you mean my Naruto's murder plan? Who is trying to kill him?", Kakashi stopped Naruto and brought back the conversation to the real topic.
"You mean apart from Konoha?", Itachi was enjoying torturing Kakashi.
"Stop provoking him Itachi. You are being childish", Naruto chided.
"The jinjurikis are being hunted and Naruto is one", Itachi said and paused.
"Konoha knows? Hokage knows?", Kakashi asked instantly remembering Naruto's clones talking about Sandaime's plans for him.
"Hokage does. Danzo might have known. Council doesn't", Itachi confirmed.
"Naruto, you know this? You know about the hokage?", Kakashi wanted Naruto to confirm. Though he guessed Naruto got his information from Itachi, he wanted to hear from Naruto. It somehow made the news authentic to Kakashi.
"Yes", Naruto answered.
Kakashi's mind went into overdrive. 'Then why the hell Naruto doesn't have more protection? Why the hell he wasn't being trained to protect himself from danger? Why in the hell would hokage accept to ignore Naruto's training? How could he could protect Naruto like that? How could Konoha protect Naruto by ignoring him? Unless….they don't want to protect him at all. Oh Kami, they are ready to sacrifice Naruto for Konoha's safety', Kakashi hadn't worked out all the details but he knew Konoha had a plan for Naruto that would definitely put his life in danger. All the things Naruto said on that morning on the rooftop made sense now.
"Who is hunting Naruto?", Kakashi asked picking up his emotions. His rage was building.
"Akatsuki", Itachi asked.
"The organization you are in", Kakashi's tone was derisive.
"Tone it down Kakashi. Itachi will not harm me", Naruto stated.
"How can you be so sure Naruto? He killed his own clan", Kakashi argued.
"You better remember that and if I want, I can take Naruto away before your eyes", Itachi warned.
"Shut it Itachi. Kakashi, Itachi isn't evil. He has his reasons. You don't know what happened. You weren't there at that time. Itachi is not a bad person", Naruto tried to calm down Kakashi.
"He was never there when it mattered. He loves to run away from his troubles. Why are you trying to convince him Naruto? Kakashi is a coward", Itachi said with disdain.
"I am all that but I don't know what would push not a bad person to kill his own family", Kakashi replied to Naruto and Itachi.
"I never said I am a good person", Itachi smirked.
"Enough, both of you", Naruto shouted and set up a privacy ward.
"He killed them to protect me Kakashi", Naruto said.
"What are you talking about Naruto?", Kakashi asked.
"No Naruto. I didn't do it because of you. You have nothing to do with my sins", Itachi refused to put any blame on Naruto.
"Oh shut up Itachi. Yes Kakashi. He killed them because of me. Because his clan kidnapped me and wanted to control kyubi to start rebellion against Konoha. Itachi and Shuishi rescued me. They didn't inform anyone so I could still stay free from Danzo imprisoning me in the name of protection but they knew it was only a matter of time before the clan tried kidnapping me again. They chose another way and went to hokage and elders to inform them of their own clan actvities except my kidnapping. One thing led to another and before you know it, Shuishi was made to commit suicide and Itachi was ordered to kill his own clan to save Konoha. It was wrong of him to kill his clan. I wish he found a better solution. But, he was just 12 at that time. It is not the reason to justify the murders but it was definitely a contributing factor. Moreover, he didn't have any friends or comrades to help him. He was put in an impossible position and he did what he thought was right. He was the one who lost everything that day, not you, not me, not Konoha, heck not even Sasuke. Itachi lost that day so Konoha could win", Naruto said and let out a long breath.
Kakashi was floored by the truth.
"I am sorry Itachi. I really am. I am sorry I wasn't there to get you away from council's hands. I am sorry you had to go through that decision alone. I am sorry I ran. I am sorry I was a coward and took the first chance to get away from Konoha. I am sorry Naruto. The massacre wasn't because of you. Danzo would have find another way. Naruto, I am sorry that I took the chance to get away from watching over you when you were little leaving Itachi in ANBU alone", Kakashi apologized. He finally understood why Itachi was personally angry at him.
"It is ok senpai. I could have wrote to you. I could have sent a message to reach out you for advice. I didn't. I just didn't want a civil war and Uchiha's reputation to be ruined. It is not your fault. To me you are the invincible ANBU captain and I wanted to blame someone. I blamed you unconsciously for not helping me. I was being childish as Naruto said", Itachi apologized back.
"If you are guys are about to hug, I would like you to remind it is a bad idea. Itachi, you are not even a physical clone, just a phantom, like a ghost, possessing someone's body", Naruto dead-panned and Kakashi was confused. "He is projecting his chakra and thoughts on someone's body using genjutsu. He is actually somewhere far away, probably few countries away. This is the safest wat to contact to evade Akatsuki leader's eyes.", he explained further.
/*Imagine Akatsuki using sand ninjas's body to stop team Kakashi when they went to save Gara*/
"Smartass", Itachi fake glared at Naruto. It was hard to see because he had a permanent stoic face and fixed glare.
"Take a lesson from me, both of you. Don't try to do things alone. Make bonds", Itachi advised.
"We will", Naruto agreed. "Have not you been here for a whole day? Won't they be doubtful? Are you not running out of chakra?", Naruto asked.
"They think I have come to watch my younger brother. I am leaving now. I know about you Naruto. You will definitely try to hide that you are being hunted from Kakashi senpai and try to do this by yourself. I wanted to pretend to kidnap you to warn Kakashi senpai of danger but you spoiled it", Itachi said.
"I understand Itachi. I will train myself to face any danger", Kakashi said.
"Come here Naruto", Itachi invited Naruto closer. "Look into my eyes", Itachi said and Kakashi tensed. He understood Itachi won't do any harm but Kakashi's mind warned that it was never a good idea to look into sharinghan eyes.
"Tsukuyomi", Itachi said.
Five seconds later, Naruto shouted, "Bastard" and was kneeled over on the ground.
"What did you do?", Kakashi asked.
"He will tell you later senpai. I don't have much chakra", Itachi answered.
"Naruto, let senpai knock you out. Your body was already on strain", Itachi said.
"Then why the hell would you do that when I am jaded you jerk?", Naruto asked.
"Because, you will need a special reason for bed rest to tell your teammates if I do that later", Itachi said and asked Kakashi to knock him out.
"Say bye first. You won't be here when I wake up", Naruto said gritting his teeth.
"Hai. Here, I will give this scroll to Kakashi senpai. You get it later.", Itachi said and Kakashi detected fondness in his tone.
"About the job you gave to that fraidy-cat goon, I think I can do a better job. But Naruto, are you sure?", Itachi asked.
"Yes", Naruto was firm.
"What name do you want?"
"Choose one that suits in long run", Naruto grunted.
"I will"
"Add others on the list too", Naruto said in afterthought.
"Got it", Itachi consented and poked Naruto's forehead with index and middle finger as goodbye.
"Bye you big emo", Naruto said and Kakashi knocked him out.
"I am worried about him senpai. He was betrayed by everyone except that ramen shop people. Even I and Shuishi abandoned him. Don't let him suffer alone anymore senpai", Itachi said looking at Naruto.
"I will. I will take care of Sasuke too", Kakashi said.
"Council won't bother Sasuke. The elders are scared of me. It is Sasuke I am scared of approaching the council. I might have made a mistake about telling him to take revenge on me. He is full of anger now", Itachi said.
"You did that to protect him", Kakashi said.
"You know, before he fell unconscious on the bridge, when he thought he was going to die, he told Naruto to avenge him and take revenge for his clan. He asked Naruto to kill me. His hatred was strong enough that he was not ready to give up his revenge even beyond death", Itachi was sad.
"He is young and we have time to change him. Naruto won't give up on him", Kakashi said.
"Naruto doesn't give up on anybody", Itachi said.
"He gave up on his other teammate today", Kakashi said.
"Gave up on her liking him and treating him as normal. Not giving up enough to not care. He didn't give up on Konoha and he didn't give up on that girl. I gave up on my clan. Orochimaru gave up on Konoha. This is different", Itachi said.
"I am wrong", Kakashi understood the difference.
"I understand Naruto pulled you to his side", Itachi said.
"Yeah. I am surprised that I am betting for a better future on a 12 year old"
"Don't be surprised. I believed he will be a better hokage when he was 7", Itachi said and Kakashi chuckled.
"Don't you want to tell the truth about the massacre to Sasuke?", Kakashi asked.
"If I reveal it to Sasuke, it would be hard to control his emotions. He would go asking for answers to the elders. The council would even kill him if he talked too much. He would hate the village. He would go after the elders. Danzo would definitely kill him if he attacked. Or Sasuke would just give up on Konoha and become a missing-nin. I don't want that life for my brother senpai. And to begin with, it was my clan's mistake that started all this. I don't want him to pay for it. Now, he would be sad at beginning but once his revenge streak is gone, he will have a happy life. But if the truth comes out, the village will ostracize him and curse him for being an Uchiha. I have seen closely what that would entail, by watching over Naruto. You can't begin to imagine Naruto's misery if you don't see it with your own eyes. Words can't describe it senpai", Itachi said.
"I am getting a glimpse nowadays and I see what you mean", Kakashi said.
"Protect Naruto well senpai. You just have to take care of him. He will take care of everything else", Itachi said.
"You trust him so much."
"I have known him longer than you do. You have no idea what he had done so far", Itachi said and Kakashi felt a little uncomfortable at that. Not knowing Naruto when he should be the one to rightfully know his sensei's son, hurt at different levels than he imagined.
"The council has asked me to focus on Sasuke", Kakashi said.
"Don't let them accelerate his growth like they did to us. I have left enough scrolls for him for jutsus. Show him how to use sharinghan sensei. Otherwise, ignore the council and focus on Naruto. He was self-taught. He doesn't have clan jutsus."
"He found his father's scrolls", Kakashi said.
"He lied if he said that he had his father's books. Don't let him know I said that. I am just saying it so you would keep an eye on his health", Itachi said.
"What do you mean? If he didn't get it from sensei then how did he?" Kakashi didn't get to finish the sentence.
"I have a guess. It is something painful. Just watch him. If he trusts us enough, he will tell us", Itachi said.
"Check in on Naruto more and make sure he rests and eats well. He never complains. He let go of lot of betrayals. I think it is mostly because he understood early that no one would stand up for him. That's why he never confronted the hokage. He was taken advantage of that understanding. I have taken advantage of that too. He says that he trusts us but he wouldn't complain to us because subconsciously knows that we will not do anything and just ask him to hang on until he becomes stronger so he could be acknowledge one day. He doesn't even know what trusting someone entails. Teach him what real trust looks like senpai. If you ever manage to truly gain his trust, make sure you hold on to that. That trust is more precious than the village in my book. I also don't think he would be able to bear the betrayal, especially coming from you", Itachi added.
Kakashi had a feeling that Itachi cared more for Naruto than his younger brother. He also memorized everything Itachi said word by word and decided to take care of Naruto's trust issues.
"You know, he wanted be an awesome ninja just like you, his Inu, was", Itachi remembered.
"He did?", Kakashi was surprised.
"Yes. He used to draw stick picture of a ninja with silver hair carrying a blonde kid on his back", Itachi said. "Don't tell him I said that. He would scold my ears off next time if you did".
"That would be a scene to watch", Kakashi eye smiled.
"You care for him a lot", Kakashi commented.
"Someone should", Itachi said and Kakashi winced internally.
"Sasuke has servants cooking and cleaning for him, council indirectly ensuring his safety, me protecting him from council, village's respect, clan money and ninja resources but Naruto doesn't have any of those. Sasuke just has to reach out his hand to see the light but Naruto has to crawl out of hell, overcoming numerous demons pulling his leg back in. I care about my brother and I am worried about Naruto. He always protects Sasuke despite Sasuke's behaviour. He caused Naruto lot of grief", Itachi briefed his reasons.
"Sasuke will understand Naruto soon. Naruto's wounds will be healed", Kakashi assured him.
"I will not be so sure. I don't think Naruto will trust him fully, ever", Itachi's tone was ominous. "Anyway, Naruto's safety is the issue now".
Kakashi noted down Itachi's mysterious words for later enquiry and stated, "That is not a problem anymore. I got Naruto inside Konoha and you got his back outside".
"No senpai. My colleagues are starting to get busy. I will not have another chance like this. Next time you see me, we will be enemies. My partner shark bites. Remember to be careful if we meet", Itachi said.
"Noted"
"Time is up. I am leaving. Take care of Naruto for me", Itachi said and vanished.
'He is more worried about Naruto than Sasuke. I have to keep an eye on him. Special attention from an Uchiha is not a good thing. Uchihas don't do emotions well, not that I am any better', Kakashi commented to himself and carried Naruto to the house.
Naruto didn't wake up and slept for two days straight. His sleep was filled with lot of nightmares and Kakashi had set up a privacy seal for him. The fox laid awake watching over his host. Sasuke was resting too because of the injuries. He asked Kakashi to teach him how to use sharinghan. Kakashi told him it required more chakra and it wasn't good to practice when he was injured. He asked him to be patient. Sakura, who was taking care of Sasuke faced the consequences of Kakashi's decision. Sasuke was harsher than usual with her.
The bridge clean up took a day and the workers wanted to rest one more day to celebrate Gato's downfall. Kakashi identified the ninjas Naruto beat up, who worked for Gato on the first day and took rest the next day analysing Itachi's words about the hokage and council.
'So, the council sent me away on a long mission with different ANBU team so I wouldn't spoil their plans. They wanted to manipulate Itachi and they knew they couldn't do it if I was his ANBU captain. The mission I was sent to at that time, was supposed to be six months to one year. But it got extended later. If I am right, Danzo killed my other teammates and made me do the mission alone. It made the mission to extend to three years and he achieved what he wanted with Itachi and Naruto. I have been made a fool.'
'Danzo successfully manipulated Itachi and estranged me from Naruto. He re-confirmed my insecurities and demons about having people close to me by killing another set of my teammates. The emotionally crippled me played right into his hand. Danzo also incited the civilians to attack Naruto silently. If Naruto had used kyubi's power in rage, Danzo would have taken him under ROOT's control in the name of Konoha's safety. Thank Kami, Naruto was always in control and didn't retaliate knowingly or unknowingly. But I guess it wasn't easy for him to do that. I have to talk to Naruto about kyubi's power later.'
'Danzo took advantage of me and Itachi and the hokage supported it. Danzo missed the chance with Naruto and that explained why his attacks increased as he grew up. But Naruto managed to escape his hands', Kakashi hypothesized many things.
Kakashi was made painfully aware of some of Naruto's agony by his nightmares in these past two days. Who would burn a child alive? If Kakashi knew who it was, he would make sure there was not even a body to bury. Kakashi was painfully aware that Naruto didn't let down his guard even in sleep a bit but this was different. The constant strain on chakra and body because of Uzumaki war memories, fighting with kyubi's power on the bridge and Itachi's Tsukuyomi totally knocked out Naruto. He lost control and slept fully and so his nightmares made him speak out. Kakashi left his ninkens to keep watch if he was not on the room with Naruto. He didn't want his teammates to sneak in and listen to Naruto's nightmares. Not that they would care enough to check in on him. Kakashi had an illusion that his teammates were warming up to Naruto but this mission showed that Naruto was at the bottom of their priorities. They tolerated Naruto at best because he was useful.
Naruto woke up the third day morning refreshed. He was lazing around in his sleeping bag though. Kakashi was sitting on his sleeping bag checking his ninja kit. It needed restocking.
"Good morning lazy bug", Kakashi greeted.
"Morning", Naruto's voice was muffled by his pillow.
"How are you feeling?", Kakashi asked.
"Haunted", Naruto said and Kakashi chuckled. It was exactly what happened.
"What have you planned for team 7 for the remaining time here sensei?", Naruto asked not taking his head from the pillow.
"Tie any loose ends, guard the bridge and some training on the side", Kakashi replied.
"There are no loose ends", Naruto said.
"You cleared everything?", Kakashi asked.
"Got some documents for you", Naruto threw a storage scroll at Kakashi. "Heads up". It also had some other things that Kakashi needed for his ninja kit.
'Probably he confiscated that from other ninjas' The kiri symbol on one of the kunai let Kakashi know exactly who it belonged to, Zabuza.
'So, Naruto cleared their hideout huh?', Kakashi thought.
"I got one too", Kakashi said and threw the scroll from Itachi.
"What did he do in Tsukuyomi jutsu?", Kakashi asked.
"It is a genjutsu where he can freely alter flow of time. He informed me some news and enquired how I am going to proceed with the information he gave. It felt like I was in there for weeks. There was a red moon and grey shadows. He fought me for days probably in the name of whooping my ass into shape. He tortured me to make me use kyubi's chakra to defend in repeat mode for few days and checked how much kyubi's chakra I can withstand without going insane. He used genjutsu and tried to lure kyubi out and made me resist it. He was scared that if Sasuke knew I am jinjuriki, he would use it against me if he was in anger to expose me. He taught me how to resist high level genjutsu from sharinghan. He was sure that Sasuke would use it against me in friendly training matches now that he opened the sharinghan. He put that in repeat mode for another few days. It was horrible", Naruto said.
"That sounds unpleasant", Kakashi was glad he wasn't hit with that jutsu. He was also glad Itachi assessed kyubi's power so it won't take over Naruto at will.
"That was an understatement. He always try to torture me in the name of training, that jerk", Naruto said.
"Does he train you often like this?", Kakashi asked.
"This is the second time I saw him in person after he left Konoha and first time for me in Tsukuyomi. People would go insane or die if they fall into this genjutsu. He also needs to spend more chakra. We don't meet often. We used to write each other twice in a year though. When I said training, I mean he used to torture, sorry train me, for escaping skills and stealth skills with Shushi. He set gruesome traps to train a five year old child. Shuishi was the soft one and he is the mean one", Naruto remembered.
"He is quite fond of you", Kakashi said.
"He won't be when I am through with him next time", Naruto sulked and Kakashi chuckled.
"So you weren't going to tell me that you are in danger?", Kakashi asked.
"Hmm, Did you say something?", Naruto asked still hugging the pillow and Kakashi scrunched his single eye.
"I was going to wait until I dealt with the hokage", Naruto said seriously.
"Were you going to confront him?", Kakashi asked.
"I was going to wait but I have changed my mind now. I have learnt that being late is as good as not showing up. When we are done with this mission, I am going to talk to him. I thought I shouldn't rush but I didn't realise that I was dawdling. Next time, I play dumb and don't show my potential, I may lose someone else. I am all for hiding my strength but I should be able to use it without worrying when needed. If I had recognition from hokage, Haku would have been more confident about joining Konoha on my recommendation despite village's disapproval of me. Because hokage holds the most power in the ninja village. If he trusts me, he will back up my decisions directly or indirectly. To trust me, he should know my strength and heart. He already knows about my heart, not my strength. I am stronger than I let on sensei but I need authority to back it up.", Naruto said sitting up.
"So you are going to confront him not to get justice for yourself and the things rightfully belong to you but you want him to acknowledge you so he could trust you with certain decisions", Kakashi summarised.
"Exactly. But that doesn't mean I am not going to make him squirm", Naruto said with a smirk.
"Invite me", Kakashi said.
"Actually when you take us to inform the mission report, tell him he should check in on with me. Invite him to my house. Use my chakra outburst or my sadness over my friend's tragedy as reasons for the visit. We need him alone", Naruto said.
"Interesting"
"Don't be alarmed if I yell at you", Naruto said with a lopsided grin.
"Yell at me?"
"For the effect", Naruto chirped.
"Have fun", Kakashi laughed.
"I want to train alone for the next few days sensei", Naruto requested.
"Go ahead. I am going to show Sasuke basic things about sharinghan, like how to activate and deactivate it at will. Sakura will be on bridge duty. But you have to come home for dinner every day. Sleep properly inside the house. No night adventures. Have tea with me every morning before leaving", Kakashi said his conditions.
"Done, properly? doubtful, done and done. But train Sakura in a simple earth jutsu. I will do bridge duty daily. We need her to know at least one jutsu to defend in time of need. Once she goes back to Konoha and her mom, she would talk about dating again and avoid training", Naruto said.
'Itachi was right. He didn't give up on her. He still cares. I have lot of things to learn about Naruto', Kakashi realised.
"You should take your own advice sensei. Don't take Itachi's words to heart. Don't focus on training your sharinghan too much and drain your chakra. Focus on other things too", Naruto advised. Naruto wanted Kakashi not to rely on sharinghan as his botton of the box skill. Kakashi was a genius and formidable ninja on a bingo book before the sharinghan. Naruto wanted him to remember that. But he didn't want Kakashi to think that Naruto was saying this because of Haku's incident and Kakashi to blame himself. If only Naruto knew at this time, not telling Kakashi now would bite him back in the ass later.
"Hmm.. did you say something?", Kakashi said opening his orange book making Naruto smile.
"Yosh, I am hungry, dattebayo", Naruto said and got up from the sleeping bag.
Lot of things changed in this mission but at least, both of them gained back their normal rhythm and it was comforting.
After a week, they left with a big goodbye from Wave people on the newly completed bridge.
"Naruto nii-chan, don't forget me", Inari cried.
"Ok. I will visit again. Be strong", Naruto consoled him.
"You should come back. I am sorry I am crying", Inari cried again.
"It is ok to cry when you are happy", Naruto patted his head.
"Take care Tazuna-san. Bye everyone", Naruto waved and turned back.
"Wait, wait, Naruto-sama, wait", someone came running. "What is it kiki-san?", Naruto asked.
"Here, I forged these for you. Take it", kiki-san, the weapon shop-owner gave a package.
"Naruto-sama, here have these snacks for the road", the widowed sisters gave another parcel.
"Naruto-sama, take these herbs", the doctor gave some medicines.
Some started and more people followed. He got food, fish, snack, dresses and other things.
The remaining team 7 stood there abandoned. The difference in the treatment was obvious. It took another 30 minutes for the goodbyes. Sasuke and Sakura were jealous.
"Why do they like only you so much Naruto? We helped too", Sakura asked.
"Did you boast yourself again dobe?", Sasuke asked.
"Nope. I think it was Inari. He likes me too much", Naruto answered and Kakashi smiled silently at the fondness people showed Naruto.
Ten minutes after they started travelling the ninja-way to Konoha, Kakashi came near to Naruto deviating from the formation. Sasuke and Sakura were ahead. It was not a problem because Naruto's clone was scouting ahead.
"What did you do Naruto-sama?", Kakashi asked.
"Don't call me that", Naruto grimaced.
Kakashi smirked. "What did you do for them?"
"What are you talking about sensei?", Naruto was confused.
"They named the bridge after you. So, what did you do?", Kakashi asked again.
"They did? How do you know?"
"Tsunami-chan was talking with Tazuna what to name the bridge yesterday afternoon. I heard the workers and Inari wanted to name it after you. I left my clone to watch them engrave the plaque on the bridge after we left. I wanted to witness the proud moment", Kakashi said. It was the first recognition for Naruto's heart and strength. Kakashi wouldn't miss it.
"Ah, that was embarrassing. Nothing much. I returned all the money Gato squandered from them. I just provided them with plans and ocean routes to ensure the business would sustain without Gato. I just recommended some ideas to reconstruct the town and some people to reorganize the administrative power in Wave country", Naruto shrugged.
"That was incredible Naruto", Kakashi praised. Kakashi didn't know Naruto has those skills.
"No, it is them who is incredible. I just said it in words but they are the ones who do the work", Naruto refused to accept the praise.
"Maa..you are something else", Kakashi was once again floored by Naruto's prudishness. Naruto just changed a country and he thought it wasn't a big deal. Wave didn't need workers because it had lot of them. They needed something else. They needed ideas and guidance for better future. Naruto provided that. He gave them hope and vision. He gave them what they lacked the most and got confused when he was acknowledged for it. Kakashi didn't know what to do with his blonde sunshine. But he knew he was going to experience this same feeling a lot, again, in the future.
Naruto didn't realize but Kakashi knew Naruto was just beginning. He still had lot to give and the world was going to be shaken to the core. He was going to challenge what was normal and going to define new boundaries and set a new precedence.
Naruto started his adventures and Kakashi would not miss to be there for the journey.