Author's notes:
Just to clear it:
"BOLD" – kyubi talking from inside Naruto's mind.
'Normal'- Naruto replying mentally to kyubi.
"Normal"- Normal talk and when Naruto talking out loud to kyubi from outside or inside his mind.
'Italic'- Everyone's thoughts and some stressed points.
CHAPTER 20
The hokage left and Naruto let out the breath he was holding. He put the hands on his face facing the ceiling. Naruto was barely holding his strong face. He wanted to let the tears caused by the painful memories to flow out, under his sheets, hidden from the world like any normal human would.
"You leave too Kakashi", Naruto said but Kakashi didn't make a move.
Naruto turned to look at him, "Kakashi?". Kakashi was standing still his eyes downtrodden.
"Oi, Kakashi, Kakashi. Kakashi Hatake, can you hear me?", Naruto went to him.
Kakashi looked like he was lost somewhere far away and Naruto didn't want to startle him. He cautiously tried to bring his hand to touch Kakashi's shoulders to wake him up.
Suddenly, Kakashi caught his wrist in his own hand and pulled Naruto towards him. The next minute, he hugged him and Naruto was a statue. Naruto was perfectly fine when he hugged Kakashi before but he didn't know what to do when Kakashi hugged him.
There was moisture on his shoulder that suspiciously felt like tears. Naruto pretended he didn't notice but it became increasingly hard because Kakashi started murmuring something and got tensed all over again. Naruto tried to make sense of those muffled words.
"47 times. You died 47 times. I let you die. I let another one of my precious people die", Kakashi repeated it over and over.
"I am alive. I am here. I don't die, not permanently", Naruto said and Kakashi tightened the hug.
"But you died. You wouldn't be here if not for the fox", Kakashi said hoarsely and tightened the hug again. Naruto felt suffocated. It was how a child who didn't have a good feeling associated with touch reacted until it get used to it.
Naruto awkwardly patted Kakashi's back, "There, there". Kakashi started breathing heavily and something resembled a choke came out of his throat.
"Brat, he is hyperventilating. He would have a panic attack at this rate. Calm him down. Emotionally crippled humans, phew", kyubi instructed. It felt like a babysitter.
'Oh. Thanks', Naruto replied and turned to see where to make him sit.
"Oh, Screw it", Naruto said and shunshinned with Kakashi to an old but neatly arranged apartment.
He pulled Kakashi to the sofa who was still hugging him because the shunshin was unexpected and it took less than two seconds. Naruto pulled the hitaite and closed the sharinghan eye of Kakashi which was still open from earlier confrontation.
"Kashi, take deep breaths. I am here, alive and healthy. I won't be die anymore because I am not weak. I won't let them. You won't let them. I mean who dares to lay a hand on 'sharinghan no Kakashi's' student. You will stop them right?", Naruto spoke trying to make Kakashi listen to his voice. It worked because Kakashi disentangled himself from Naruto and spoke firmly.
"You are damn right, I will. They will have to pay for what they did. I will start with the ones who toppled your house. Don't try to stop me".
"I am not going to. Here. Drink some water", Naruto said handing over a water bottle.
"Thanks", Kakashi drank the water and evened his breath.
"Where is this place? Wait, it looks like your apartment building", Kakashi looked at Naruto questioningly.
"Same building but different house. The empty apartment below mine. I stopped cleaning the house sometime, after they made mess but it was too dirty to live. So I shifted here after the people here left the building once I moved in. It doesn't have hot water or electricity but it is clean and safe. You didn't expect me to live in that mess all the time, did you?", Naruto explained.
"Good idea", Kakashi agreed.
"I am going to rest. You can leave", Naruto pointed to the window.
He went to the clean bedroom and fell on the bed after removing his shoes. He covered himself with the blanket from head to toe and closed his eyes. The tears started sliding down silently. There was no sound and the dampness in the pillow was the only proof that he cried.
After long time, he didn't uncover his face from under the blanket and spoke abruptly, "How long are you going to stand there?"
Kakashi left through the window after Naruto politely asked him to get out. He knew that Naruto asked him to leave and he knew Naruto was affected by the memories and needed some alone time. But he couldn't bring himself to leave. He stood guard outside the window. It was too soon and he wanted to listen to Naruto's heartbeat a little longer. He wanted to make sure the only connection he had to a life outside being a shinobi, had a heart that was still beating.
Kakashi jumped into the house and came to see Naruto but he was still staying under his covers.
"I know you need some alone time now. I will leave now", Kakashi said.
Naruto almost let him go but something in Kakashi's tone made him realise that the other man was scared. 'Sacred to leave me alone. Scared that my heart would stop anytime if he left'.
"Kakashi, I would prefer not to be alone with my memories. Can you accompany me for some time?"
"Sure", Kakashi pretended he didn't know that Naruto was doing this for his sake. He decided to be selfish like he always did with Naruto. It was always what Kakashi wanted with Naruto. He always wanted to leave him. But this time, Kakashi wanted to be selfish and stay. He desperately needed Naruto to say yes.
"There is a chair outside. Bring it. You can use the bed as footrest. Make some tea yourself if you want. Get comfortable", Naruto said with his eyes closed under the blanket.
Kakashi did as he was told and sat on the chair with his foot resting on the Naruto's study table instead. It had lot of books and Kakashi took one and started flipping it drinking the tea.
No one talked for some time and Naruto was still hiding his face.
"So, you are the original", Kakashi said.
"Yeah. I lied about being a clone to him", Naruto said.
"I will get the next mission outside Konoha soon. Let's get rid of that seal completely. I will watch over the kyubi removing it", Kakashi proposed.
"Hmm", Naruto made a sound to indicate that he was listening.
"I will try to find Tsunade. I want her to give you a complete heath check-up", Kakashi was ashamed that he took advantage of kyubi's chakra. He didn't think Naruto stabbing him with a kunai was a big deal because kyubi healed him faster. He couldn't understood how he missed the 'pain part' between getting wounded and healed.
Kakashi debated to himself, 'Wounds healing faster doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. Strong people are all misunderstood. Everyone only see their come back and no one notice how they came back. How much pain they overcome to bounce back? No one thinks about that. Their fast recovery doesn't mean that they are not hurt but it means they have high pain tolerance. So is it right to say that they can handle, they will be alright and keep pushing them and expect them to bounce back faster? It is not. It is a major abuse too. Not many people see that and the 'strong people', who are the victims doesn't even realise it. They get used to it in time and thinks it is what makes them strong and they would be weak if they complain. It doesn't. It is not a complaint and it is speaking up for themselves. It takes lot of courage to say that you people hurt me and I am strong because I take it but because I keep going despite it. It takes even more courage to say that you hurt me, I am wounded and I am not going to take your shit any longer because if I am strong enough to take your bull shit, I am strong enough to stop you and give you some shit while at it. Naruto did both of those things today and proved he is stronger than all of us but he made it clear he isn't going to allow anyone to bully him any longer with strength or affection'.
Kakashi was glad that Naruto was standing up for himself.
"It was a brave thing to talk about the past and stand up for yourself Naruto. You didn't get manipulated by his sentiments and stood your ground. It requires lot of courage than fighting and you did well. I am glad you can seek justice for yourself", Kakashi said after some time.
Naruto uncovered the blankets and showed his face but everything under his neck was still covered under the blanket. He turned to one side so he could talk to Kakashi without getting up.
"How can I stand up for others if I can't stand up for myself?", Naruto gave a wry smile.
"You should be happy", Kakashi said searching his face.
"I should be"
"But you are not", kakashi noted.
"Yeah"
"Why?"
"What did I gain by this confrontation Kashi? I only lost things", Naruto said.
"Lost?"
"As much as he ignored me, he did care for me. I love him like a grandfather despite all this but I hurt him", Naruto said thinking about the hokage.
"Oh Naruto. Don't think like that. He knows you care for him. Otherwise you would have destroyed Konoha as you said. He understands that", Kakashi consoled him.
"You know, I tried so hard to hate him but I can't. Imagine what would have happened if he didn't take the hat and Danzo became the hokage. I would not have even known what emotions are. That old geezer jiji could have agreed with the council and tried to abuse me like them. His wife died on kyubi's attack too. He could have hated me but he didn't. There was anger on his part but never hatred. He could have done much worse Kakashi. You know he was the first one other than you who spoke to me kindly. He came to me with big hat and smoke pipe one day when I was sitting alone looking at the children playing together. He talked to me and I didn't feel alone anymore. I wanted to be a hokage because of him. He told me the whole village is hokage's family and he would be loved by all and everyone listened to that Kakashi. I wanted that Kakashi. I wanted to become hokage so that no one could say no for playing with me", Naruto said and closed his eyes.
Kakashi smiled at that. He could imagine chibi Naruto in hokage robe and hat ordering ninjas to play with him and Kakashi would be standing behind him to protect him. Probably would have happened if his sensei was alive. He prematurely stopped that thought.
"But I told him that I hate him today. I told to his face he was a disappointment. I might have been harsher to make him tell the truth but I was truly angry at him, Kashi. I wanted him to know my pain and wanted to hurt him emotionally a little. I feel horrible Kakashi. I hate myself. I hurt someone I care about to prove a point. He was put in an impossible position all these years and instead of helping him, I hurt him for my selfish reasons. What good comes for that? I am a bad person", Naruto said with tears sliding down from behind his closed eyes.
Kakashi couldn't help but want once again to open Naruto's mind and wanted to check how it worked. That old man planned to sacrifice Naruto, ultimately if other things didn't work and Naruto was telling that he understand that he was in an impossible position. Naruto was crying over a person who planned to kill him. He was hating himself because he hurt that old man. Kakashi once again cursed his sensei and himself for letting Naruto live a life where the only attention he got was from an old man who wanted to use him for the village. The bar for 'people who shows kindness' in Naruto's life was too low. Kakashi decided to rectify it and treat Naruto better in future. It might be too late because Naruto already know what he was going to say. But he was going to make sure Naruto understand it by actions.
"Look here Naruto. He being nice doesn't justify his faults. Being a hokage is a difficult position. That's why not anyone can become a hokage. If you become one, you have to act fair. His feelings for his friend shouldn't cloud his eyes in making decisions. I understand you consider him as a grandfather. But what you did was right. You asked me what you gained. You gained closure. You can finally stop pretending in front of one of the people you care. You can look at his eyes now without that slight suffocation from the anger that he is deceiving you", Kakashi said and Naruto opened his eyes to look at Kakashi's face, to see whether he was lying.
"If you ask me, he gained more from this confrontation than you. He replaced the hyperactive genin with a smart ninja at ANBU level. He also finally got the opportunity to come clean. He can look at your eyes now without guilt, at least not new ones. You gave him an opportunity to apologize for his actions. Now, he would be able to face your parents without much guilt. You gave him the opportunity to right his wrongs. You made him realize that his friend is more dangerous than he estimated. You made him see that his village needs order and he should re-establish his authority as hokage. And you made him realize the future of Konoha is in good hands. He realized despite all the anger, you love Konoha and will make this village once again a village with fair, courageous and compassionate people not corrupted by power. You made him see that because you have all the rightful anger and the power to seek revenge but you didn't. You want to reform than take revenge. I know all that because that was how I felt after you confronted me. I felt free from some of my past and avoided future regrets", Kakashi explained resolutely.
"Moreover, you gave him a surrogate grandson", Kakashi added.
'Other things are acceptable but I definitely told him I don't want to be his grandson', Naruto thought and asked. "Grandson?"
"Yeah. You might not have been one until now, but starting from today, he would treat as you one and nothing is stopping you from being one", Kakashi said. He knew the third hokage was more affected by bonds than power which caused Konoha's elders took a lot of advantage of that weakness. He had to applaud Naruto though, because he used the same card on the hokage. Don't mistake, whatever Naruto said was true but the theatrics and the order in which he said and the strength and Damiyo power he backed it with, just increased his guilt more. He showed his strength, shocked him with knowledge, blackmailed him with back up and made him talk about his parents which guilt tripped the hokage, then showed his smartness and ended with a truth that the hokage. It was organized and full of truth. Kakashi had to give this round to Naruto.
Naruto was starting to calm down. "I will talk to him after he calmed down in few days".
"I know you will", Kakashi said. That was like his student. Never giving up on anybody.
"I didn't realise there will be a day when I will be grateful for the kyubi inside you", Kakashi said.
Naruto smiled. "If not for him, I", Naruto stopped. Both realised that sentence could end either way. If not for the kyubi, Naruto wouldn't be attacked. If not for the kyubi, Naruto wouldn't have survived the attacks.
"It is at least useful for something", Kakashi said.
"I am more useful than that Kakashi brat", kyubi snarled.
"He isn't as bad as you think", Naruto told to Kakashi.
"Naruto, I know it heals you but it is only doing that because it wants to live too. Don't be deceived by it"
"First of all, it is a he, not it. Second, he isn't evil Kakashi", Naruto sat straight getting ready for a difficult conversation.
"It killed people. It killed your father and mother", Kakashi was emotionless.
"He wanted to kill me. My father and mother interrupted him", Naruto attempted dark humour.
"How is it any better? Stop joking", Kakashi put down his leg and got ready for a serious conversation. Kyubi was a sore topic Kakashi because it killed his sensei and Kushina-san.
"He didn't want to do any of that. He was being manipulated", Naruto said.
"Who told you that? Can it communicate with you? Did it tell you that? It is lying Naruto. It can manipulate and influence your decisions. Don't listen to it. Is the seal lose? Shall I call for Jiraya?", Kakashi totally lost his cool and that was rare. He got angry, he raised his voice at times, he got strict, he even cried but he was completely unhinged at the situation now.
"Cool down Kakashi. Let me explain"
"Please do", Kakashi really wanted to know. He knew Naruto was smart. Naruto wouldn't do anything to get kyubi's power. But he needed Naruto to understand that kyubi was evil.
"If I tell the name of the person who manipulated him, probably you will understand instantly", Naruto said.
'Kyubi, I am going to explain some things to Kakashi. If you don't want him to know something about you, stop me at any time', Naruto informed kyubi internally.
Kyubi didn't say anything but kyubi was satisfied that Naruto asked for his opinion.
"Naruto, are you talking to it now?", Kakashi asked as Naruto went silent and eyes unfocused.
"Yes and it is a he"
"Ok he. Just tell me"
"Madara", Naruto said and Kakashi stood up too fast and Naruto was afraid he would get a head rush.
"Just sit down and listen fully", Naruto said and Kakashi gave him the undivided attention
"A man in black cloak and single eye holed orange swirl mask with sharinghan eye called himself Madara appeared when my mom was weak after childbirth. He tried to kill me but my father saved me. He went after mom and extracted kyubi. The escaped kyubi wanted to run away from Konoha, being free after a long time. The kyubi moved away from Konoha and that was why the damage was only on one side of the Konoha and other side was untouched. The masked man who claimed to be Madara, manipulated the kyubi to attack Konoha. All the civilian who died were because of that and all the ninjas who tried to stop and subdue the kyubi were killed. When the kyubi saw that my father was going to seal me, he wanted to kill the only thing capable of keeping him in prison, aka the infant me. He went for it but my parents intervened. He got sealed and lost his other half of the soul. He is a victim too", Naruto said in a monotone voice.
"Naruto, but how can you be sure?", Kakashi needed something substantial.
"I saw it happen"
"You saw it happen?"
"I made him, the kyubi, to show my parents because I wanted to know if they truly loved me. He showed me the last moments of their life. He showed me how they sacrificed themselves to save me", Naruto said.
"Are you sure he didn't want to just torture you by showing you that?", Kakashi asked and Naruto chuckled.
"You brat sensei will pay for that comment. I have noted down", kyubi vowed.
"No sensei. I was..", Naruto said and exhaled. "I was in a very bad place at that time and he showed it to me to prove that they loved me to death"
"Oh", Kakashi couldn't believe it.
"I confirmed with my father when I met him. He corroborated the story and the mask man"
"So, it is really Madara?", Kakashi tensed. This world wasn't ready for Madara's comeback.
"Nope. He is too young to be Madara. He must be Madara's pupil or his follower and he is very powerful. Itachi confirmed a man with that identity is in Akatsuki and his name is Tobi. That man helped Itachi with the Uchiha massacre. He was the one who killed S-class nins in Konoha's police force and all the clan children for Itachi. Itachi said that man met with Danzo. Itachi agreed to his proposal in exchange and joined Akatsuki. But he mainly wanted to keep him from getting me and destroying Konoha. That massacre night too, he waited and made sure that the orange men left and ensured I am safe before saying goodbye", Naruto said.
Kakashi was grateful to Itachi. "That man seems very powerful from what from you told and he have been after you for long time, even before you became a jinjuriki".
"I am very popular from birth", Naruto said and Kakashi smiled.
"Now I understand why you asked me and my friend to train. I will let you know when you can meet Genma. I will also ask Guy to spar with you in separate regularly. Fight him with full strength", Kakashi said.
'Sensei didn't tell about the masked guy to the third at that day because he didn't want anyone to misunderstand Uchihas but the worst happened anyway' Kakashi sighed. "Naruto, does the hokage know about that man? Did Itachi tell him?"
"Not as far as I know. He told me to make a decision on whether to tell the hokage. I will decide on it later. Itachi didn't want to raise suspicions because that man is already guarding against Itachi. They all do because Itachi has a link to the outside world, his younger brother Sasuke.", Naruto answered.
"And you. Two links not one", Kakashi added.
"Not true"
"I disagree. He cares about you quite a lot"
"Kashi, let me tell you clearly. He will fight for me to death. He will also want me to fight to death for his brother. He will ask me to save his brother, whatever it takes. He will not blame me if I didn't but he will feel disappointed. No one tells me to save others at my expense but it is what expected of me, from him, from my father and from everyone else. It is what expected of a jinjuriki, a human sacrifice. I know what I am and I have no unreal expectations from anybody", Naruto said and Kakashi didn't know how to answer that. Maybe Naruto didn't need an answer because he thought his opinion on that matter was the answer for his life.
"Ok. Kakashi, I have lot of preparations to do. I will come for all the C-rank and above missions. I might want you to cover for me for D-rank missions and training sessions. I will send clones. Not all the time, only when I am busy. I will try to make it in person but I can't promise 100% attendance", Naruto said.
"Ok. But same rules as Wave. You must send me a message if you can't make it. Must come for team missions in person once a week, flexible according to your missions but not more than ten days in a row. Or else, I will come after you to bring you by force. You should eat and rest properly. I will drop by once in a while". Kakashi said.
"Ok", Naruto agreed.
"I don't think you will have much time though. Chunin exams are coming in three months. The council will make team 7 participate", Kakashi informed.
"Team 7 won't participate", Naruto said.
"Are you going to default? But even if you don't come in the last minute, they will ask some other genin to take your place and send team 7. They will want to advertise that Konoha has sharinghan", Kakashi said.
"Don't worry. No team of Konoha will participate", Naruto said lazily.
Kakashi looked at him suspiciously, "What did you do now?"
"I may or may not have incited Iwakagure (shortened to Iwa) to conduct the next round of chunin exams. Konoha wouldn't send their shinobis, especially the prized Uchiha, to the enemy nation, Iwa. So, the council will have to wait for the chunin exams until after the upcoming one which will take another six months. We have nine months to properly prepare our team and other Konoha teams", Naruto said.
"How did you manage to incite Iwa?", Kakashi asked. Iwa ninjas were dead set on destroying Konoha.
"Do you know there was a meeting held to decide Konoha should conduct the chunin exams?"
"Yeah"
"After that, their damiyo and kage may or may not accidently heard some clients on their village discussing how Iwa was not up par with Konoha. The clients unknowingly discussed Konoha was going to conduct chunin exams twice in a row and Iwa cannot even conduct one and that they should probably ask Konoha for help because it was capable to manage other village ninjas unlike Iwa. Then there was a chaos and Iwa made some moves uninfluenced by anyone. They managed to get permission to conduct next set of chunin exams and Konoha will conduct one after this term", Naruto said with a cheeky grin.
Kakashi eye almost protruded out of his skull like he was given an autograph from his favourite heroine. "May or may not?"
"I have friends", Naruto shrugged.
"Why did you do that?"
"Because Danzo showed unusual interest in the chunin exams and it is too early for Sasuke. Screw participating for experience, he will overestimate and kill himself during the selection process and if he managed to be alive, they will make him chunin irrespective of his performance. He would overestimate and kill himself on the missions after that", Naruto scowled.
"True", Kakashi agreed. "I am curious, did you truly kick your father?"
"Yup. He said he believe in me and I went rowdy on him", Naruto said proudly. 'My father would have folded me if he was alive and I did that in real life. Though I caught him off guard, he let me later. He probably thought he deserved all that beatings for condemning me to this life'.
"It is not a bad thing to say", Kakashi laughed and said.
"He was being narcissistic"
"Narcissistic how?", Kakashi was confused.
"He said he believe in me. But why? How can he? He doesn't even know me when he made me a jinjuriki. He was dead immediately after that. He only knew me for one hour. But he believes in me to handle all this because I am his son? That doesn't mean he is confident about me, a boy named Naruto but he is confident that his bloodline, his son, his legacy, will be capable. It could be anybody. He believes more in his bloodline than me because he doesn't know me as a person. He doesn't believe me because of my character. I could have ended up like Orochimaru for all I care. How did he believe in me? You see, your sensei is narcissistic, so I taught him a lesson", Naruto pouted.
"Probably he thought that that was every son needed to hear from their father. Some sort of approval thing", Kakashi offered.
'Is that what kakashi wants to hear from his father? I hope he gets that', Naruto thought to himself.
"I didn't need his approval Kakashi. I needed him alive", Naruto expressed what he thought at the time when he met his father.
'It is a father issue', Kakashi realized but Naruto was right though. His sensei was right too. Kakashi didn't keep his life till now not knowing when to shut up at right time. This was one such time and he was a wise person.
"You said to the hokage about his care being the second biggest joke you heard. What is the first?", Kakashi asked and Naruto became bleak.
Kakashi realised he touched a wrong nerve.
"You don't have to tell me if you don't want", Kakashi said.
"Later", Naruto said and Kakashi hmmed.
"Kashi"
"Yeah?
"Thank you"
"My pleasure. But Naruto, fire damiyo?"
"His wife has Uzumaki as cousins. My ancestors know about Fire Damiyo. Fire Damiyo is indecisive and has money weakness. He will be easily swayed by his wife. I sent an expensive box filled with jewels and a secret method to breed cat. She already has good impression of me with Tora and knows my name, 'Naruto'. So, I know she will speak for me to the Damiyo. Also, he has good impression of my father, it was more than diplomacy, close to friendship", Naruto revealed his plan. Kakashi was impressed by Naruto's thorough planning. He started his plan from the day he became genin.
"Why wait until now?
"I needed some accomplishment. I had done somethings before but nothing on Konoha's roster. I took this Wave mission to show off. I needed the Damiyo to know I am strong. I needed him to understand that I am capable of taking what I want but I still gave up my rights for the welfare of the entire fire nation. If I come off as a naïve genin, they would pity me not respect me"
"But he knows about Itachi?"
"My idea. When he left, I told them to have a back-up from the council. He can't always use his strength to threaten them. My father asked me to go to fire Damiyo if things got worse in Konoha for help. I remembered it and told Itachi. Itachi asked the hokage to explain it to the Damiyo and the hokage sent the decree. And Konoha gave up the chase after him very soon. Do you really think if not, Damiyo wouldn't order the hokage to go by himself and bring back the nin who killed an entire clan, especially one of the founding clans of Konoha?", Naruto explained.
"That explains lot of things. I was also one of the people who was sent after him. But I was called back soon because Konoha needed the sharinghan to guard the village at the critical time", Kakashi added.
"Don't think he called off the chase because Itachi was strong. He may be strong but he was a teenager with no support except an organization who was yet to trust him. And no matter how strong you are, you will be chased with a vengeance if you kill a clan. The damiyo will get involved because it affects the resources of the village. It will lead to lot of complications and unrest. That's why Orochimaru kidnapped and killed people in group rather than a clan. But Itachi is stronger than Orochimaru", Naruto shrugged.
"He is", Kakashi agreed.
"Nice t-shirt by the way", Kakashi smirked at Naruto's t-shirt with a fox.
Naruto laughed.
"He talks to a lot?", Kakashi asked
"Itachi?"
"Kyubi"
"He sleeps a lot. Always grumpy. He still wants to escape. Still wants to take over me if I lose control. He killed my parents. He killed a lot of people. He wanted to kill me. I think he stills want to at times. He hates Konoha enough to keep the one person Konoha hates, alive", Naruto said and Kakashi was confused.
"I thought you like him"
"I do because despite all these, he is reliable. He is the one I can count on to be consistent. He doesn't lie. You guys only think he saves my life. But he treats minor injuries too. He doesn't let me suffer. A kunai to hand won't kill me and him but he still heals me. He watches over me and lends me chakra. He broke the seal that wanted to imprison me and him even though my father imprisoned him in me. He keeps me alive and take a jab at me when I am down to remind me that I cannot be sad over puny humans instead be sad over a powerful demon like him. He has a big ego and he constantly reminds me that his host cannot be weak in body and mind or I don't deserve to be his host. He asks me to eat healthy so I won't end up like a rat that he hates."
"He asks me not to be naïve because it would be an insult to him who is cunning and intelligent like a fox that he is. Whenever I fool others he reminds me how easy it is to fool powerful people because they are careless and to see underneath the underneath. He reminds me I will die soon like my father or get imprisoned like him if I am careless or over confident. He doesn't talk a lot may be once or twice in a week. Some weeks, he doesn't talk at all. But he always listen to what I am saying. Even though he can shut out me, he listens to my words and thoughts, so that when he talks, he knows exactly what to say. And when he talks, he always insults me by saying to be better than those bitter and greedy people who is angry, revenge seeking and power hungry"
"When I want to get close to him, he disrespects me by saying that trust comes from actions and asks me to prove myself to be trustworthy and reminds me that's what trust is and shuts me out. He pulled pranks on me to ensure that he can't be trusted too. Moreover, he is always there. He may be jailed but he didn't need to contact me and shut me out until I can be of use to him. But he chose to be there. He took pity on a child who was a victim just like him. I am imprisoning him and he is angry with me for that but he hates the one who made him like this and not me. He is my back up and my partner. He made mistakes just like you and me, but he isn't evil, not like a man who set him upon a village", Naruto explained.
Kyubi was dumbfounded and flustered by a human except his creator for the first time in his 1000 years of age.
Kakashi sat there surprised to know that kyubi cared about Naruto for whatever reasons. Maybe it was like Naruto said. Kyubi saw Naruto as a victim of Konoha just like himself.
Then Kakashi and Naruto discussed how much Genma and Guy should know of Naruto's strength and where to practice. Naruto also discussed with Kakashi what type of missions and training remaining team should do in the next nine months. Kakashi told Naruto that he wanted him to be careful when he was doing something alone, away. Naruto told Kakashi that he understood and he revealed that he had been out of Konoha before. Kakashi learned the details and shared with Naruto some pointers and he even gave him some names to contact in time of need if he was in that area. Naruto noted it down.
Naruto's clone arrived at that time with a large envelope. Naruto asked him to get it.
"Open it Kashi", Naruto said.
Kakashi tried to open it but he couldn't.
"I forgot. Use blood. I didn't want anyone to open it except you", Naruto said.
"How did you my blood sample to make the analogue to detect my blood?"
"You get injured a lot but this one was exactly from the time you saved me when I was in academy", Naruto said and Kakashi made 'you win' eye. He wasn't surprised by Naruto's plans that easily anymore.
Kakashi used the blood and opened the envelope. He took a look at the scrolls and gave an unbelievable look at Naruto.
"Where did you get this? Did Itachi give you?"
"Nah. I borrowed them from someone else"
"Borrowed? These are Uchiha clan scrolls about sharinghan training"
"Take it. These are not Itachi's. Itachi family ones are reserved for Sasuke. These are from Shuishi. After he died, I took them. These are his personal notes and his father's. Shuishi was the strongest Uchiha of his generation. You have to train your sharinghan to awaken the Mangekyo sharinghan if we want to have a chance to stand against Akatsuki. It will take years but Itachi said that he could help with that. For that to work, you already have three tomoe but you were not aware that it is called Mangekyo sharinghan. And you haven't yet reached a stage to achieve its full potential because you only use it for chidori and few things. I know it drains chakra but with the chakra storage seals I gave, you have back-up now. I know you are not an Uchiha but you are no less than them Kashi. Take it"
"Mangekyo sharinghan?"
"You can't use it properly for now. First train it to the stage, at least to use low level kotamatsukami. It was the genjutsu Shuishi wanted to use on Uchiha clan to defeat the rebellion without violence. But his death spoiled that plan. He wrote down everything about that technique here. This will help if Sasuke ever crosses a line and side with council. We can subdue him without hurting him and make him realize the council is corrupted. It won't make him change his mind but it can trap him for a small amount of time. It will be enough for us to take control of the situation without causing any danger to Sasuke or before he causes any danger to innocents", Naruto said. If only Naruto knew earlier, sigh.
"Thanks for giving this to me Naruto. I know how much Shuishi means to you", Kakashi said sincerely.
"You guys are not as different as you think, you know? He was also a person filled with guilt and regrets, fighting and killing people while hating it despite being the best at it. He detested the violence and wanted peace, just like you", Naruto said with a smile.
'He did better in protecting you than me' Kakashi thought. "I will take that as honor being compared to him", Kakashi said.
"But there is a big difference between you two. He gave up and passed the torch to Itachi. But you still preserve", Naruto gave a pointed smile at Kakashi.
"I have my reasons"
'Believe it or not, I know very well Kakashi. I am alive for the same reasons you are. Because we can't die', Naruto thought.
"So am I. Anyway, now you have everything you need. Thank kami, I can give it easily now that you know the real me", Naruto said.
"What if we never made up? How did you plan to give it to me?"
"I had lot of ideas. But I was mostly leaning towards organizing a birthday party for you with team 7 and hide this inside Sasuke's gift. You will think Uchiha scrolls are from him and it would make sense", Naruto said and Kakashi was thankful that he avoided that party. 'Knowing Naruto he would definitely embarrass me with birthday song and cake. God, he would invite Guy too. Guy would go on and on about youthful birthdays and teamwork. Crisis averted'.
"What if I asked about the gift later to Sasuke?", Kakashi asked.
"Both of you are exactly not 'heart-to heart talk' material. You will probably say to him that gift was very thoughtful of you Sasuke. He wouldn't even think and say 'hn' and both of you will walk way like you touched fire after that awkward encounter. If it goes beyond that, I will intervene because I will be watching. You guys are so easy to read", Naruto smirked and Kakashi felt insulted. But it was true though. The conversation would have exactly gone the way Naruto had described.
"Well, you are the Konoha's no.1 unexpected knucklehead ninja. We will be boring compared to that", Kakashi sulked and Naruto laughed out loud.
They goofed around a little long and Kakashi left to talk with Genma. Naruto took some rest.
"Kyubi, What is the gift you want to give me?", Naruto asked.
"It is outside Konoha. You sleep today. We will go tomorrow", kyubi advised.
"I am alright. I don't think I can sleep with everything happened today. How far is it from here?"
"Not too far. We can go and come back within night",
"Why do you suddenly want to give me a gift?"
"You did well with the monkey summoner jiji of yours"
"We have been to together for long now. I know you, these thing don't deserve your gift. Tell me the real reason"
"I don't want you to lose to that sharinghan"
"Oh, Sasuke awakened sharinghan and you don't want me to lose to him", Naruto smirked.
"Yes brat, what of it? Did you forget what happened last time? Did you forget why we became civil to each other or how did you meet your father? It all happened because you trusted that weak Uchiha boy. Now that he has opened sharinghan, you have to be more careful. I know you had other plans outside Konoha. If you want it to go smoothly, what I am going to give you will help you. "
"Ok kyubi. Thank you"
"You know that senbon brat was in your father's protection squad?"
"Genma? I know. I read his mission reports. How do you know this? Were you not with my mother all the time? You show me some of his skills and powers which I understand because mom was there when he practiced. So you showed the memories and I learnt lot of things by making my own inference. But how do you know his ANBU details?"
"I am a sensor brat. I know all the chakra signatures that came near your mom. How do you think you have sensor skills comparable to Tobirama? And don't underestimate your mom. Your father was scared of her"
"Oh. Is that why you hate Sakura? Colored hair, loud voice, I had a crush on her like a week, checks lot of boxes."
"I will kill you brat. Did you forget she was involved in that issue? Don't forget she colluded with that cursed Uchiha brat? If not for them, would have decided to do that? Would you have really gave up?", kyubi scolded and wanted to knock Naruto on his head.
"I know. I just don't want to remember", Naruto sighed.
"Naruto, I know you should forget all that if your team has to work. But both sides should try for that. The victim is ready to forget but if the other's don't you will end up a victim again. Don't be naïve. You have to be cautious. You can't trust them unless they prove they can be trusted.", kyubi suddenly remembered Naruto's words about his advices.
"But they don't remember"
"Then they don't have a chance at redemption. You should wait a lot more than the normal amount to trust them. Don't be a fool. If you still don't get it, let me remind you. This time if same thing or something happened, you won't be the only one affected. Lot of people will and the first one will be the dog summoner Kakashi", kyubi said and Naruto abruptly woke up from his delusions.
"Understood. Kyubi, I have a request. Don't tell Kakashi about that issue. That was the lowest point in my life. It is embarrassing for me. I also don't think he will deal with this well"
"I won't if you promise not to trust them"
"Ok. I won't trust them blindly until they earn my trust. I won't throw away my life. I promise", Naruto promised.
"Then we will make a move tonight"
"Sure. I am going to eat ramen"
Naruto went to Teuchi's ramen shop. It was Teuchi, the old man and his daughter Ayame. It was Naruto's favourite shop because they are his favourite people. When the whole Konoha shunned him, the old man and his daughter welcomed him. They fed him and sometimes didn't ask for money. They might not have done much to protect him but they did what they could to their best abilities. That's what Naruto wanted from others. He didn't want others to do the best in the world for him but he wanted them do the best they could do for him. But almost all of them did their worst or nothing at all.
But these people proved to be loyal and they have more Will of Fire in all of Konoha.
"Teuchi jiji, one miso ramen", Naruto called.
"Ah Naruto, you are back"
"How are you Naruto-kun?", Ayame asked and Naruto smiled.
"We went on a C-rank mission to Wave country nee-chan (big sister). I beat up lot of bad guys", Naruto said.
"Are you lying Naruto?", Kiba asked. Team 8 was coming after a D-rank mission. Team 8 consists of Kiba Inuzaka, a dog partner clan (Akamaru), Hinata Hyuga, a doujutsu clan (Byakugan) and Shino Aburame, an insect partner clan (kikaichu) lead by Kurenai Yuhai, Konoha's genjutsu mistress. Kurenai didn't like Naruto. She wasn't immature to hate him but she had a displeasure towards Naruto because she hated kyubi. Her father died in that attack too. Naruto knew her displeasure and didn't care.
"I am not. Ask others and Kakashi sensei dattebayo", Naruto protested.
"Akamaru, you are cute. Why would you take Kiba as your partner?", Naruto asked petting Kiba's ninken dog. It was a white dog. It liked Naruto too but it was scared of what was inside of Naruto.
"Hi Shino, your kikaichus are good?", Naruto asked.
"Yes. Naruto. Thank you", Shino answered politely dressed in jacket and shades. He looked suspicious.
"Hi Hinata. How are you?", Naruto asked with a smile.
"H..ha…hi Naruto-kun", Hinata said with a red face. She was about to faint.
"Are you alright Hinata?", Kurenai asked.
"What are you doing here Kiba? Anyway since you are here, try ramen. This is the best ramen ever, dattebayo", Naruto acted as an ambassador for the ramen shop.
"Yeah, Team 10 and Asuma sensei said the same last month. So we come here once in a while too",
"Oh. That's good"
"Shino. Come and sit here", Naruto said and pointed the seat next to him. Kiba, Kurenai and Hinata went for the booth while Naruto and Shino was seated on the ramen bar.
"Thanks, Naruto"
"How is it being a ninja?", Naruto asked.
"It is as expected"
"Are the kikaichus doing good?", Naruto asked.
"They are good. The queen is dead and replaced", Shino said happily which can only be heard and not seen because of his sense of fashion. Naruto showed any aversion and honestly wanted to know about his insects.
"Oh. Wait. I will give you this. Naruto gave a photo to Shino from his pant pocket. This is a new insect I saw in Wave country" , Naruto told and tasted the soup.
"I missed your ramen too much. This is the best ramen dattebayo", Naruto said slurping the noodles to Teuchi.
"Thank you again Naruto", Shino said and started on his food. Kiba interjected to ask about the mission and Naruto explained it lively.
Shino always liked Naruto. Naruto never saw him different. He always acted as if his insects didn't bother him. But his insects were bothered by Naruto. They always told Naruto had a huge amount of chakra but his chakra was scary. Shino didn't know what it was but he knew it didn't matter because Naruto wasn't a scary person. Though he didn't know why Naruto held back his strength in academy, he knew enough to know that Naruto wasn't boisterous as Kiba said but underplayed his strength and contributions. Shino knew Shikamaru and Choji was aware of that too because all four of them didn't expose themselves much in the academy and they had some sort of understanding over the other's strength.
Once they were done they left leaving Naruto in the shop. Naruto ate a lot more and before he left, he gave a package with lot of different ingredients from Wave country to Ayame.
Meanwhile Kakashi invited Genma. He didn't have to invite Guy because he was shadowing him once he saw Kakashi to catch his rival by surprise. He didn't know Kakashi deliberately crossed the place Guy was in. They went to Forest of Death.
"Dynamic entry", Guy gave his entrance
"Hmm, Kakashi, is it going to rain today? You voluntarily invited us to hang out?", Genma asked.
"Yes Rival, Are you surprised? I am here too", Guy said.
"Maa, I asked you guys here for something serious", Kakashi started.
"Tell me too", Anko gave sudden entry.
"Anko, what are you doing here?", 'Too much excitement', Kakashi sighed.
"It is my forest Kakashi", Anko hissed.
"It is a very youthful to meet all of us here", Guy was excited and Genma was amused. Kakashi set up a privacy seal to avoid other intrusions.
"Maa, listen. I need a help from Genma and Guy. That's why I invite you guys here" Kakashi started again.
"I want to help too"
"Thanks Anko. But it is not required now. I will tell you when it is needed", Kakashi said. He really wanted to send Sakura to Anko but Sakura's mom would not accept it. Anko was little unhinged but she was a good person. Civilians wouldn't understand that concept. But this was good too. Naruto need to train with Anko's snake summons if he was ever to deal with Orochimaru or he met him by accident in one of his lone missions. Anko was the best suited for it because she was Orochimaru's former student.
"I have decided I am helping", Anko sassed.
"Just ask Kakashi. You don't ask for help a lot or at all. I will help if I can", Genma said.
"You know my answer, my youthful rival", Guy said.
"It will anger the council", Kakashi warned.
"Count me double in", Genma agreed happily. He was always one for the chaos.
"Screwing up with those idiots isn't a help. It is a celebration Kakashi", Anko agreed.
"I don't think you will anything harmful rival. I will help you too" Guy agreed.
"I know Guy will accept what I have to say. Anko might accept for the thrills. But I am worried about you Genma. I want you to think this through without any prejudice and do me this favor", Kakashi warned and Genma was confused.
"It is about my student", Kakashi continued.
"During the recent mission, someone died and he wants to train to become stronger"
"What? Kakashi, on your first C-rank mission with your genin, one of your students died? I am sorry Kakashi", Genma said and Guy and Anko offered their condolences too.
"No. Not my student", Kakashi was thinking why he was even friends with these idiots.
"Then who does your student want to avenge by getting stronger?", Genma was confused.
"The enemy"
"Enemy?"
"Kakashi, are you drunk?", Anko asked.
"Rival, your un-youthful words confuse us. Please talk properly", Guy asked.
"How about you guys shut up and listen to me?", Kakashi said and briefly explained that he met with Zabuza and one of his students became his friend's friend. His student wanted him to join Konoha but he sacrificed his life for Zabuza and in the end Zabuza died honoring his friend. Kakashi's student wanted to learn that friend's skill senbon.
"Oh", all three ohhed.
"But rival, I can't help your student with senbon. Why do you want me to help?", Guy was confused.
"I will help but why did you tell me to think through without prejudice?", Genma asked.
"Why does the council will be against this?", Anko questioned.
"Because, the student is Naruto jinjuriki of nine tails kyubi. Yondaime gave his life to seal the kyubi him. The council hates him and wants me to ignore him to focus on Sasuke", Kakashi broke the pot.
Guy was joyful and readily agreed because he understood why. He also knew Naruto well. He knew Naruto was strong enough to train with Lee and Sasuke couldn't be his taijutsu partner. He was ready to train him and his rival asked for help too.
Anko agreed because she was an outcast just like Naruto was. One was a fox boy and another was a snake woman. He knew the jinjuriki boy and was always amused by his pranks. Naruto always smiled at her when she knew where he was but wouldn't send his snakes to pursue him after the prank when she was ANBU. She liked that genuine smile. Rarely, ever someone smiled at her like that. And she hated the council.
Genma was the silent one for some time. Kakashi didn't show any nervousness and waited any patiently. He replied after a long time.
"When do we start? That kid, is he any good?", Genma asked.
Kakashi was surprised but he just raised his single eyebrow.
"Don't look at me like that Kakashi. I am not an idiot to think that a kid and nine tails is same. And yondaime wanted the village to see that kid as hero. He is. I may not have been in contact with him but I heard about him. He pulled lot of pranks but he it was never harmful. For all the hate this village shows him, he could have turned out evil. But he isn't. I can confirm it from the things you just said too. He sees the good in people and even want to turn enemies into friends. He wanted to help that hunter-nin even after he was dead to honor the friendship as any good friend would. I will be a good shinobi and honor my relationship with yondaime even after he is dead. If you ask me, if what you said is true, yondaime was right to believe in that kid. So yeah, I will help him", Genma expressed his opinion.
Kakashi was glad but also ashamed that he was the only one who didn't see the truth about Naruto early. He only saw his sensei and never saw his sensei's intentions. So he ran away but Naruto brought him back.
"Thanks Genma. I am sorry I doubted you", Kakashi apologized.
"I understand. You want to protect your student", Genma said.
"Yosh, the spring time of friendship is always beautiful. Friend helping friends and sensei protecting students is youthful", Guy started his ramblings.
"Piece of advice, don't say that part about yondaime believing in him. He will kick you", Kakashi smirked.
"Huh? Why? Does he hate yondaime for what he did?", Genma asked.
"He doesn't. He is just angry at him. I was going to use this piece of information to convince you if you refused. But it is not needed. I will say it anyway. He is his son", Kakashi threw a bomb.
"You mean his son?", Genma was shocked and so does other two. Everyone thought about all the incidents that happened and finally came to the same conclusion.
Yondaime sealed the kyubi in his own son.
"Naruto is…Shit,shit shit", Anko was uncharacteristically lost for words.
"How the hell can he use his own son? But it is just like him", Genma was shocked and regretted not helping Naruto sooner.
"Rival, is it true? Our yondaime was the symbol of sacrifice. He was youthful hokage", Guy started crying.
"Yup. So he isn't angry at Yondaime but he might have some issues with his father. So don't bring him up to Naruto and keep this matter secret from everybody", Kakashi warned.
"We aren't fool kakashi", Anko glared at him.
"Does he know about his father?", Genma asked.
"He does. But if you want more details, earn his trust and ask him directly", Kakashi advised.
"Don't be smug. We will know soon who he says his favourite sensei is", Anko challenged.
"I bet it will be me", Genma piped.
"I will definitely win because he already trains with me regularly. I am already his favourite sensei", Guy gave a thumbs up.
Kakashi didn't say anything because he already know he lost this challenge. All three of them wanted to teach Naruto because they knew he was pure kid, someone yondaime trusted and a hard worker. Kakashi knew all that but he decided to ignore Naruto. What right kakashi had to take part in this challenge?
"Remember guys, not a single word about his lineage. I will tell you about the location and time later", Kakashi warned again.
"We know", they reassured.
"You asked if he is any good?", Kakashi stopped them.
"You will know when you meet him. Be ready to be surprised", Kakashi smirked.
"But I already know about him", Guy said.
"No. you don't", Kakashi gave an eye smile.
"Oh stop with the surprises Kakashi. Just tell already", Genma urged.
"He is just lying to rile us up. If that fox brat cannot outrun my summons, he cannot surprise me", Anko flipped her hair.
"Rival, surprises are wonderful and I agree this challenge to be patient to know the surprise from Naruto", Guy was ecstatic.
"Hmm, did you say something?", Kakashi said and opened his orange book smiling under his masks infuriating the two shinobis and one rival exclaiming about hip and cool attitude.