Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the immediate aftermath of the Mizuki Incident, with Miu returning home and Naruto resuming his training after it was interrupted, along with learning some more secrets he wasn't told. So without further ado.
I own nothing
Once she got home, Miu was eager to fall into her bed after the long night she's had. Not even caring to take another shower to clean herself up from the fight against the Chūnin and Mizuki.
But the moment the Senju entered her home, she knew her night wasn't over yet when she saw her mother looking at her with a very unamused expression. The sight made Miu sigh tiredly, already knowing what's coming and wanted to get it over with.
"Can we just skip to the part where you start scolding me? I'm tired and want to go to bed." Miu said, with Tsunade smiling humorlessly at her.
"Oh good, because I'm pretty tired myself. You know, a long day at the hospital, being informed the Scroll of Seals was stolen then learning my daughter snuck out in the middle of a crisis, looking for a suspected thief!" Said Tsunade, her voice getting louder with each word until she was shouting, looking at Miu furiously.
"What were you even thinking, sneaking out in the middle of the night?! Not only was it reckless with the Scroll of Seals having been stolen, but you also went after the main suspect! You were lucky you weren't found by one of the teams sent out. What do you think would've happened if they didn't see it was you and attacked?!" Tsunade demanded, not believing her daughter would do something that reckless.
"I was thinking of making sure Naruto wasn't hurt or worse for a crime he didn't commit!" Retorted Miu, feeling her annoyance rising.
"Of course, it always goes back to him! And what exactly would you have done if he was the thief?!" Said Tsunade, angry that once again Miu ignored her common sense and jumped to defend the Uzumaki.
"He wasn't the thief! I know that it might be hard for anyone to accept that he didn't do anything wrong, but I know what Naruto's like! And he wouldn't have stolen the Scroll of Seals!" Miu said, hating how she's trying to make Naruto out to be the bad guy.
"You don't know him as well as you think you do!" Tsunade said, knowing what Naruto's really like, and he's nothing but trouble that she doesn't want anywhere near Miu.
"I know more about him than you do, since I'm the only one who knew he was innocent and helped him catch the real thief! Did anyone even apologize for accusing him of stealing the scroll?! Did anyone thank him for helping get it back?!" Miu demanded though she already knew the answer.
When the Anbu arrived to bring them and the scroll back to her father's office, they congratulated her on stopping Mizuki, thanking her for retrieving the Scroll of Seals. Only to completely ignore Naruto's presence nor even acknowledge his own hand in keeping the scroll safe. Even her father only said they did well, along with scolding her for sneaking out. But he didn't try apologizing or say anything to Naruto beyond that.
"Even if he didn't steal the scroll, he still attacked four Chūnin! Two of which are in critical condition, one of them is lucky her skull is still intact from the damage done to it, along with a fractured jaw and most of her teeth knocked out! And the other will be lucky if he'll be able to use just one of his arms, the other one needed to be removed due to the extensive damage, not to mention now being blinded! The brat should be lucky he's not being charged with assaulting and crippling Konoha Ninja!" Said Tsunade, ignoring her questions, instead focusing on what Naruto actually did.
Even if he didn't steal the Scroll of Seals, he's still responsible for the damage done to the Chūnin. With Suzume having been practically catatonic after regaining consciousness with her germaphobia acting up when she saw the state she was in, only being able to scream or cry, forcing them to sedate her. While Iwana, it'll be a miracle if he wakes up any time soon.
Honestly, it's shocking Bekkō and Yajirobee got off lightly with only a few fractured bones.
"I'm the one who injured Suzume and I helped Naruto fight the others, so I'm also responsible for what happened to Iwana! And what exactly was Naruto supposed to do?! Let them just attack him, treat him like a criminal while the real one got away?!" Miu demanded, knowing the Chūnin wouldn't have left Naruto any other option but to fight back.
"Oh I don't know, maybe try explaining he was innocent! But no, instead he attacked them, then threatened to kill them!" Tsunade retorted, not believing she's actually defending his actions.
"Yeah, because people are so eager to believe anything Naruto says! That's why they attacked the moment they found him rather than simply trying to take him in! No they attacked first and didn't care about asking questions!" Said Miu, making Tsunade scowl.
"Because he was suspected of stealing the Scroll of Seals and he's dangerous, they couldn't take the risk of being caught unaware! But he still made no attempt to prove his innocence, he was more than happy to attack and brutalize four Konoha Ninja!" Tsunade said, only for Miu to scoff at her excuses.
"You're just making up bullshit excuses now! You're so eager to defend those four, but you're also forgetting they were still willing to attack Naruto even after I showed up, attacking me too because obviously I was being controlled! As whom would ever willingly take Naruto's side?! No, it just means they're being controlled if they're defending him!" Miu shouted, feeling her annoyance becoming anger at how her mother kept making more excuses to have Naruto be blamed for something.
With Tsunade scowling at her daughter, before she suddenly relaxed and gained a neutral expression, making Miu look at her suspiciously. Knowing her mother was never one to just back down from an argument or admit she's wrong.
"Fine…fine. If you want to keep taking that brats side so much, then you should know just who he really is." Said Tsunade, with the younger Senju raising a brow.
"Is this supposed to be a joke?" Questioned Miu, wondering what that's supposed to mean.
"No, it's not a joke. You weren't supposed to know this, given your age. But now that you're a Genin and since we still can't rule out the possibility you'll awaken Mokuton in the future. It's only fair that you-" Tsunade said only for Miu to cut her off, now really getting angry.
"Are you that desperate to turn me against Naruto, you'd tell me about the Kyūbi?!" Miu demanded, enraged her mother would really go that far, while Tsunade looked at her in shock.
"How do you-" Questioned Tsunade, wondering how she knew about the fox.
"Because, Kaa-sama, despite what you and Tou-sama like to think, I'm not some helpless little girl who needs her hand held for everything! I figured out Naruto had the Kyūbi sealed in him because no one in this village actually tries hiding it! The way adults look at him in fear or hatred, telling kids to avoid him, stores throwing him out and always acting like he's the second coming of Madara Uchiha! It's a miracle no one else has figured it out, either!" Yelled Miu, glaring angrily at Tsunade, that she'd try using such information to turn her against Naruto.
"Then you know how dangerous he is! Look at what he did to the Chūnin without the fox's power! What happens next time he gets angry and he uses the Kyūbi's Chakra?! Do you think he'll care about you wanting to be friends or will he just see something to kill?!" Tsunade demanded, not expecting Miu to know about the Kyūbi, even more so that even with the knowledge she still tried getting close to the whiskered ravenette.
"If you or Tou-sama cared about that, then he should've done more to help Naruto and you wouldn't keep trying to make me stay away from him! Maybe if he wasn't alone anymore there wouldn't be a risk of him losing control! Maybe if he wasn't treated like an outsider or a monster, he wouldn't be so angry all the time! But no one here cares to help him! No but me and I'm not letting you, Tou-sama or anyone else stop me!" Miu screamed before she stormed past her mother going upstairs, no longer interested in arguing further.
"Miu! We're doing what's best for you to keep you safe!" Said Tsunade, only for Miu to glare at her.
"No! You want to control me and decide who I can or can't be around! But I'm a Ninja now, legally making me an adult! So I'm the only one who gets to decide what's best for me anymore! If you don't like it, then I'll find somewhere else to stay!" Said Miu, causing Tsunade to immediately fall silent, not wanting to risk her daughter actually going through with the threat to move out.
"Yeah…that's what I thought. And the next time you try using information that you think I don't know, to turn me against Naruto, I will leave and never come back here." Miu threatened before going up to her room, wanting to try to relax and get some sleep.
Feeling physically and mentally exhausted after the night she's had.
*With Naruto*
Meanwhile, rather than return to his apartment, Naruto instead headed back to the Forest of Death, wanting to continue his training after having it be interrupted by the Chūnin. Though also needing to find a new spot given his previous one was discovered.
Once he found a good spot, Naruto unsealed his father's scroll on the Rasengan to continue reading the instructions on it. Moving past the part detailing the steps and onto what else he needed to do to learn the Jutsu.
Now that we've gone over the three steps to learning the Rasengan, it's time for the most important part, Chakra Control.
The Rasengan is considered the pinnacle of Shape Transformation, which is an advanced form of Chakra Control that involves controlling the form, movement, and potency of one's Chakra, determining the size, range, and purpose of a Technique. With the Rasengan taking Shape Transformation to the highest possible level, being pure Chakra that's rotating and compressed into a sphere.
As I mentioned in the third step, Chakra Control is required to really master the Rasengan since it takes principles from both the Surface Walking and Water Walking Exercises, You'll want to have mastered both of those before starting on the Rasengan. I also recommend the Leaf Concentration Practice, with how it's able to help someone hone their concentration and keep their minds from getting distracted.
'Good thing I've learned and mastered all three of those exercises.' Thought Naruto, pleased that he's already learned and mastered those Chakra Control Exercises, being able to perform them subconsciously.
Though, the whiskered ravenette did get annoyed when he read the next part of the instructions.
And don't take this the wrong way, but I specified the Leaf Contraction Practice, because if you're anything like your mother then you probably skipped that lesson during the Academy. Probably having brushed Chakra Control off as something unimportant, like Kushina did.
'If I missed a lesson it's because those teachers are bias!' Naruto thought, feeling annoyed his father would think he'd skip a lesson when it'd be the teachers that'd make him miss one.
Only to frown when he looked at the kanji, noticing how it wasn't as neat and precise as the rest, before Naruto's eyes widened in realization and actually started chuckling.
Being able to perfectly imagine what must've happened as he pictured his father writing everything down before his mother came into the room, looking over his shoulder to see what he's writing. With her then getting annoyed at his remark of her skipping classes before then smacking him over the head for it.
'I'm sure he must've been really rattled after that.' Thought Naruto while laughing, knowing his father also had a reputation as a Fūinjutsu Master, which also meant skill in calligraphy, allowing him to continue writing eligibly even after being hit.
But clearly his mother hit hard enough that even he couldn't keep writing completely straight, afterwards.
Though as Naruto's laughter died down, he slowly frowned at the action. Having not even been aware that he had started laughing.
'When…when was the last time I even laughed?' Naruto mentally wondered, unable to recall the last time he laughed like that.
Sure he laughed during the brief time he pulled pranks but even that had been at the expense of his target or targets, after getting the chance to humiliate those that ignored and hated him. In fact…the Uzumaki was even more confused by the feeling that came with the laughter.
'I felt…warm for a moment. Am I getting sick? Or…is that's what being happy is supposed to feel like…feeling joy?' Thought Naruto, blinking in confusion at the foreign feeling.
He really wasn't sure if he had ever felt those emotions, before. Being used to feeling anger, hatred, rage, pain and sadness, the latter two not so much recently. But Naruto really couldn't recall a moment where an emotion made him feel warm, like just now.
'It feels weird, but…not in a bad way…I think.' Naruto thought while looking down at himself, before he shook his head of those thoughts as he went back to reading the scroll.
There's also another exercise that would help you, though it's also a really advanced and potentially dangerous one. It's called the Kunai Balancing Exercise, where you learn to balance the tip of a kunai on your finger, keeping it perfectly in place and balanced with just your Chakra holding it. Which makes it a good one to learn when learning the Rasengan, with how its helps refine one's ability to channel and focus their Chakra in their hand.
The exercise is usually learned when you become a Jōnin or join the Anbu Black Ops since having perfect Chakra Control is necessary on the missions they take, so they can conserve their and use only the least amount of it for Techniques. But it's also a popular exercise among Medical-Nin and those that practice Kugutsu given how beneficial it is in learning the Mystic Palms and Chakra Scalpel, as well as the ability to form Chakra Strings.
I put some blunted kunai in the main scroll, that way there shouldn't be any worry of hurting yourself while learning Kunai Balancing.
Feeling intrigued and interested in learning an advanced Chakra Control Exercise, Naruto looked back to his father's scroll, checking the Storage Seals to see which one had the blunted kunai. Soon finding one labelled Training and unsealed the contents. Only to be surprised when more items than he expected appeared in a cloud of smoke.
Finding not just blunted kunai, but also blunted shuriken and senbon as well, along with two boxes one filled with balloons and the other with rubber balls.
'I guess these are the supplies he sealed for learning the Rasengan.' Naruto thought while looking at the balloons and balls, glad he won't have to worry about getting them himself.
Before looking at the blunted weapons, wondering why his father included shuriken and senbon before looking back at the scroll to see if it had answers.
I also included some blunted shuriken and senbon as well for you to use once you master Kunai Balancing. Since with the different shapes and weight, you'll be able to further improve on Kunai Balancing, needing to adjust your Chakra distribution to keep them steady and upright.
It'll be difficult, but I'm sure you'll be able to get the hang of the exercises, then move on to learning and mastering the Rasengan.
Finding that was the end of the scroll, Naruto turned his attention to the blunted weapons before creating fifteen Shadow Clones, tossing them the weapons.
"All of you get to work on mastering Kunai Balancing, once you can keep the kunai balanced move on to the shuriken and senbon. After you've gotten all three done, keep working on it until you're able to perfectly balance a kunai, shuriken and senbon on one finger each on both hands." Naruto ordered with the clones nodding as they got to work.
As his clones began working on Kunai Balancing the real Naruto turned his attention to his mother's scroll, which had the kanji for "Crimson" on it and like his fathers it was sealed shut with no visible way to open it. Biting his thumb, Naruto spread his blood over it allowing him to open it. Finding several Storage Seals inside it, like his fathers, all labeled as money, Ninjutsu, Fūinjutsu, Kenjutsu, along with ones labeled History and Memories. The whiskered ravenette being curious of what the Memories one could be, channeling some Chakra into it unsealing the contents. Only for his eyes to widen when out of it came two items.
The first was a large photo album, with their being a picture on the front of who knew were his parents, his father having the same bright blonde hair he once had and the same blue eyes. While his mother he could see he had the same round face as her, with her having long bright red hair and violet eyes. Both of them were smiling, his father had his arms wrapped around his mother's very apparent pregnant belly with her resting her hands over the bump.
And the second item was a scarf, a teal scarf with cyan stripes and thread tassels on both ends. The Uzumaki shakily ran his hand over it, feeling how warm and soft it was. Seeing how it must've been handmade with the amount of care and work put into it.
While on top of them was another scroll which he opened finding another letter, this time from his mother.
Hi sweetie, this is your Kaa-san and…oh Kami I really hope you aren't actually reading this since it means I'm not there and…I really don't want that be the case. But I also can't ignore the possibility it could happen, being a Ninja is dangerous enough and being a Jinchūriki is even more so. Something I hope you'll never have to experience. If I am dead, then hopefully Minato is at least still around and if not…I don't even want to think about it, though if that's the case then at least I know you'll be taken care of.
Anyway, if you are reading this then you've been given the scrolls with mine and Minato's belongings, all of which are now yours. With this letter being put with some very special items, the album I put together for you, filled with pictures of me and Minato since we became Ninja all the way up to before you were born. There are also pictures of those important to us, though I'm sure you'll know what they look like, especially Mikoto.
And the scarf…it's my gift to you, to make sure you'll always be warm and loved, that you'll always have me with you. I began making it the moment I learned I was pregnant; it took me months to make sure it was perfect for you. And you don't need to worry of it getting damaged or dirty, once I finished it I put seals that would keep it safe and clean, so you'll be able to wear it wherever you want. I hope I'll get to see you wearing it.
That's…that's all really, for this letter anyway, you'll find more letters in the other seals for you. If you want to know more about me and Minato then check the History seal, I included everything about us along with all the information I have on Uzushiogakure to make sure you know everything I did about the Uzumaki Clan, our history, Techniques and lore. Everything you'll need to make sure you know everything about our clan. As well as some other information I want you to know, which I'm sure certain people would want to keep hidden.
I really hope this letter won't be needed, but if it is…there are so many things I want to say to you but I don't want to write down every single thing, it would take too long. So instead, I'll say the one thing I want you to know more than anything. It's something special I've only said to one other person.
Naruto, I love you.
Naruto couldn't help but recoil at the last words, gripping the scroll tightly but still being careful not to damage it. Not wanting to risk losing some of the last words his mother left him…words given to him by someone…that actually loved him. Before he grabbed the scarf and wrapped it around his neck, gripping the front of it tightly in fear even if his mother did put seals on it, he was still fearful he might somehow lose it or it could be damaged. With Naruto then focusing on the photo album, opening it up to see the first pictures were of his parents when they were Genin. Along with a picture of his father on his team, with his teammates and sensei, Jiraiya of the Sannin.
There were also several pictures of his mother with a black-haired girl, making Naruto curious of who she was. Before narrowing his eyes when in some of the pictures, he saw the Uchiha Clan symbol on the girl's clothes or in the background.
'Wait…is that Mikoto Uchiha?' Naruto thought, not expecting the Mikoto that his mother mentioned was actually Mikoto Uchiha, surprising him that they were friends and best friends at that, from how close they were.
This also made Naruto curious of how his mother seemed to think that he would know Mikoto before he scowled at remembering what happened to her.
'Just something else the Hokage didn't tell me.' Thought Naruto, not doubting the Hokage would've done something to keep the Uchiha Matriarch from interacting with him.
'Is she still alive?' Naruto wondered, not knowing everything that happened when the Uchiha Clan was wiped out, but he knew Mikoto and her children were among those that managed to escape.
Making him wonder if she's still alive along with her children, having a few memories of Satsuki at the Academy before everything that happened.
'Maybe…' Naruto thought, thinking if they were still alive it'd be nice to actually meet them, to see if Mikoto could tell him more about his mother.
Even more so if she'd be able to help him learn more about his Sharingan, if either of his parents were descended from the Uchiha Clan.
Looking back at the album, Naruto saw more pictures of his mother and Mikoto with another girl that he could tell was a Hyūga from her eyes. Seeing she looked like Hinata and Hanabi, guessing she was their mother. Frowning slightly at seeing his mother had another friend he never met, though he at least knew that Hitomi Hyūga, the Hyūga Clan Matriarch, died not long after giving birth to her daughters.
'Though I doubt even if she was alive I'd be able to meet her.' Thought Naruto, knowing the Hokage probably would've stopped her, that is if she wasn't stopped by her clan.
The rest of the pictures showed his parents as they got older, when they were promoted to Chūnin and Jōnin. Along with pictures of his father's Genin Team, his mother also being present in several of the pictures. While the team photo had their names written underneath it.
'Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara.' Naruto thought, knowing who Kakashi was, glad to know the names of all his father's students, while wondering what they had been like.
Before Naruto frowned when he saw another picture of his mother with a young girl with long purple hair, each of them smiling and holding wooden bokkens. Finding a name along with the picture, curious of who it was.
'Yūgao Uzuki? Was she Kaa-sans student?' Wondered Naruto, curious of who Yūgao was
Flipping through the album, smiling slightly at some of the pictures, the whiskered ravenette froze when he got the near end. Finding another picture of his mother and Mikoto, the latter holding a baby who he guessed was Satsuki and the former looking to be in the later stages of her pregnancy. Both of them were smiling happily, but what had Naruto's attention was what was written beneath the picture.
Proud Godmothers
'God…mother? Mikoto…is my…godmother? That…MOTHERFUCKER!' Thought Naruto while shaking in rage at the knowledge, fighting the urge to go and choke the life out of the Yondaime.
Seeing that he not only took away his chance to know one of his mother's friends, but also his godmother as well. Even if he didn't have any actual proof Dan prevented Mikoto from raising him, Naruto knew that was the case. Likely because of the Kyūbi, they didn't want the Uchiha having control over Konoha's "weapon".
'And I just keep finding new reasons to kill him!' Naruto thought while closing the album and sealing it away, knowing he needed to calm down before he did anything rash.
Looking at his mother's scroll, Naruto scowled as he looked at the History seal, remembering what else her letter said, about Uzushiogakure and the Uzumaki Clan.
'I come from a clan that apparently had their own village. Sure, why not! It's just another secret he didn't tell me!' Thought Naruto, seeing even after telling him about the Kyūbi and his parents, the Hokage still didn't tell him the full truth.
Looking at the History Storage Seal, Naruto unsealed the contents finding multiple scrolls coming out of it. Grabbing the one on top, finding another letter from his mother.
Hey Naruto! I'm…well honestly I hope I can tell you all this in person, but I'm excited either way to tell you about the Uzumaki Clan and Uzushiogakure, which I also hope I get to show you it one day. Even if it's in ruins, I still want you to see where I came from, where we come from. I even wanted to take Minato but…with the war going on and the memories…it was still too painful and there was never any time. Though with you, I hope we can try to make new, happy memories by going to see it.
I'll keep things basic in the letter, the scrolls you'll find with it will go into more detail.
So, the Uzumaki Clan have been around for as long as the Senju and Uchiha Clans, with the Uzumaki and Senju sharing distant blood relations, keeping them close with members of both clans even marrying each other. One of the last recorded marriages between the Senju Clan and Uzumaki Clan was the one between Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki. After Konoha was founded, the Uzumaki swirl was even placed on the back of Konoha's flak jackets to solidify the friendship between Uzushiogakure and Konohagakure.
It was the Uzumaki Clan that provided Fūinjutsu to Konoha when it was needed, eventually the Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple was built outside out Konoha. I'll include directions to it since if I'm dead then I doubt anyone's been taking care of the temple or maintaining the seals keeping intruders out.
I mean this with the utmost seriousness Naruto, make sure you get the masks inside and keep them sealed away, they might look like ordinary masks but each of them have dangerous abilities. No one can get their hands on them and they need to be kept safe.
Anyway…the Uzumaki Clan also had our own unique traits and abilities. We were known for our bright red hair, possessing incredibly strong life-force and Chakra, along with our skill in Fūinjutsu that few could match. Though…that's something dangerous, since our skill in Fūinjutsu was both respected and feared given everything Fūinjutsu was known to be capable of, it made some people wonder what else it could do.
That…eventually lead to many deeming Uzushio too powerful to continue existing and…several villages banded together, Iwagakure, Kirigakure, Sunagakure and many smaller nations. All of them working together to attack and destroy the Uzumaki Clan. And for the most part they succeeded, only a handful were left that were scattered to the winds.
Naruto couldn't help but grit his teeth at what he read, learning what had happened to his clan. How they had been attacked and wiped out, just like the Uchiha Clan had been. Reduced to a handful of members that were scattered to the wind before he kept reading seeing there's still more.
I was…lucky I suppose to not be in Uzushio at the time of the attack, having already been taken to Konoha. Because…I had been born with a special Chakra that made me the perfect choice to become the next Jinchūriki of the Kyūbi no Yōko, after Granny Mito.
I wasn't initially told the reason why I had to go to Konoha, but when I did learn I was terrified and nervous, not knowing if I would be strong enough to contain the Kyūbi. But Granny Mito helped me along the way, comforting me before the sealing, helping to prepare me.
And she told me something very important, something I held onto and helped me learn to overcome the fox's influence and attempts to control me. And…if I'm dead then there's the chance you became the Kyūbi's Jinchūriki, something I never wanted for you. But if that's the case, then I want you to know this too.
Granny Mito told me that in order for us to overcome the Kyūbi's hatred; to have the strength needed to resist its influence the vessel needs to be filled with love. At first I didn't know what she meant, wondering how love could help against the strongest Bijū.
Until I realized what she meant, thanks to Minato.
When I first saw him, I honestly thought he was pretty flaky and girly nor did I think he was anything special. Until an incident after we became Genin.
I still don't even know how, but Kumo learned I was the Kyūbi's new Jinchūriki and of my special Chakra before sending some Ninja to infiltrate the village to kidnap me. And they nearly did if I hadn't been plucking out strands of my hair, leaving a trail for anyone to follow. Though when we got close to the border I was afraid and ready to give up of being saved until your father arrived and took out the Ninja.
He found my trail and followed it, telling me he loved my hair, something I originally hated due to being bullied for its color. But since then I loved it, it became my red thread of fate bringing us together.
It was after that I understood what Granny Mito told me, that love was needed to overcome the Kyūbi's hatred, to keep us strong even at our lowest points. And no matter what Minato stayed by my side, he even worked to create the Rasengan just so I would have something to use against other Jinchūriki.
That's what I want for you Naruto, if me and Minato are gone, I want you to find those that love and care for you, that will help keep you strong and keep the Kyūbi sealed away. I hope you will, that you'll find those who you can consider precious, to grow strong to keep them safe.
The whiskered ravenette frowned as he finished the letter, feeling anger at Kumo for their attempt to kidnap his mother. But also unable to help but scoff at the idea of combating the Kyūbi's hatred by filling himself with love.
'Hard to be filled with something I've never had.' Naruto thought bitterly, knowing the only thing people in this village would love about him is if he was gone or dead.
"I DO CARE! I'VE ALWAYS CARED ABOUT YOU!"
"When I first saw you in the Academy, you were the only one that didn't trip over yourself trying to get my attention! And I liked it, that for once there was someone who didn't care who I was! Someone I wanted to befriend! Then I wanted to show you that there was someone that cared about you, that you weren't alone anymore! That's all I ever wanted! Because I admired you, that you didn't let what anyone thought change who you are! That you acted however you wanted, not caring what the rest of the village thought of you! I only ever defended you, stood up for you, be nice to you no matter how you treated me because I was hoping eventually you'd see that's the only thing I ever wanted! I never saw you as some charity case, only someone I wanted to befriend!"
Naruto froze when he could practically hear Miu's words echoing in his head, which was soon joined by all the times she smiled at him and encouraged him. All the times she tried talking to him, wanting to spend time with him, defending him. Even how he remembered the feeling of not wanting her to give up on him, despite all the times he's expressed utter contempt for her.
He wasn't sure where this suddenly came from, like his mind and heart were telling him he was wrong, that someone did care about him this entire time.
'And how long will that last once I make my move to destroy Konoha and the Hidden Village System?' Naruto mentally, reminded himself of his ambitions.
Knowing that will likely put him at odds with Miu with her being the daughter of the Yondaime Hokage and the direct descendant of the man who founded said system in the first place. Not to mention that he is fully planning on killing her parents, Dan for all the secrets he kept from him. And knowing Tsunade, she'll get in his way to protect her husband. Though Naruto now wanted to kill her just as much as he did with Dan, now that he knew she's the granddaughter of Mito Uzumaki. That she had Uzumaki blood yet did nothing to help him just like her husband, Naruto was going to make sure they died knowing they helped doom Konoha.
'I doubt Miu will be so eager to be friends after that.' Thought Naruto, seeing that it'd be best for him to simply maintain his distance and not left himself get attached.
"No…love won't help me overcome the Kyūbi's hatred. The only thing that will help…is to overpower its hatred with my own." Naruto declared, his Sharingan unconsciously activating and glowing ominously.
The Uzumaki then sealed the scrolls away as he got up, wanting to get some physical training done along with training his Sharingan since he had a week until Team Assignments and Naruto intended to have the Rasengan mastered by then.
*Later*
*With Dan*
'I've been here, all night. Kami, I've been here all night.' Dan thought while tiredly rubbing his eyes, seeing the sun beginning to rise out the window.
Despite how much he wished to go back home after the Scroll of Seals was returned, he knew his work wasn't done yet. Having needed to look over several reports with the investigation going on after the fallout of the Mizuki Incident. Needing to make sure there weren't any Iwa Ninja near the village working with him or even any other spies in their midst that have gone unnoticed.
'At this rate I'll be here all day too.' Thought Dan, doubting he'll be getting home any time soon, making him hope Tsunade or Shizune will stop by with breakfast or lunch.
'Maybe I could…take just a…quick…nap…' Dan thought, leaning back in his chair hoping to try get a little sleep and a break from the reports.
"Hokage-Sama, the Council has asked for your presence." Said an Anbu, appearing in front of his desk while kneeling down, making the Yondaime mentally sigh as he opened his eyes and stood up.
"Tell them I'll be there, shortly." Dan said, seeing he wouldn't be getting any sleep.
"Hai, Hokage-sama." The Anbu replied, Shunshining away to inform the Council.
'Now there's this.' Thought Dan, sighing as he exited his office and headed for the Council Chambers, which was also located in the Hokage's Residence.
It wasn't long before he arrived at the room, with it being much smaller than one would expect from the Konoha Council Chambers. Let alone being what one would expect to see from a room where some of the most important decisions in Konoha are made.
The only furniture inside was a square table with two chairs at either end and two couches on either side. With the other members of the Council already being present, Homura and Koharu sitting in the couches across from each other and Danzō sitting in one of the chairs.
"Honorable Elders. Forgive me, but I hope to keep this meeting short, there are still many reports I need to attend to." Dan said, taking his seat across from Danzō.
"Of course, Hokage-sama. We understand how dire the situation is, we were informed of what transpired the night before." Homura said, Koharu nodding in agreement.
"Indeed, the Chūnin Mizuki having nearly stolen the Scroll of Seals with help from another. We wish to hear the full story from you, Hokage-sama." Said Koharu, all of them knowing how close they were to losing such a valuable artifact.
"Yes. It was discovered last night that Chūnin Iruka Umino had infiltrated the Hokage's Residence transformed into Genin Naruto Uzumaki. He and Mizuki conspired to frame Naruto for stealing the Scroll of Seals in order to prevent him from becoming a Ninja. Though Mizuki's true objective had been stealing the scroll for Iwagakure, we found evidence in his home he was really an Iwa spy that infiltrated the village." Dan explained, much to the Elders shock and concern.
"A spy for Iwa? Are you positive?" Koharu asked, now seeing they really were lucky Mizuki's theft failed.
"We are. Numerous reports and correspondence was found hidden in his home, his fiancée Tsubaki was also found killed by an Earth Style Technique. Likely being seen as a loose end that needed to be dealt with." Replied Dan while taking the reports and correspondences they found.
The sight only worrying the Elders further, along with angering Danzō that they had a spy in their midst for so long and they didn't know.
"How could this have happened? Not only were we infiltrated by Iwa, but he had entered into the Academy. He could have easily wiped out an entire generation of Ninja and future Clan Heads in one fell swoop if he so desired, or worse poison their minds with Iwa propaganda and ideology." Danzō said, knowing they could've lost many future Genin and Clan Heirs/Heiresses because of such incompetence as not noticing a spy.
"Indeed, we were lucky Mizuki hadn't thought of such a thing. A loss like that would've been a crippling blow to many clans and Konoha as a whole." Stated Homura, the rest of them nodding in agreement, Dan being the most relieved knowing it would've also meant Miu dying or being brainwashed.
"Not only that, but with how he was able to trick Chūnin Umino into helping him along with this plot, it makes me wonder about the rest of the Academy faculty. How can we be sure Mizuki was the only spy in our ranks? How can we be sure other staff members haven't been compromised?" Koharu asked looking at the others.
"Quite. I believe it would be in everyone's best interest to have the Academy investigated, we cannot take such a risk again." Said Danzō, refusing to risk the chance of there being more spies or compromised staff members.
"Agreed. Though it'll set Team Assignments back a week or two, right now we need to be sure the Academy is being run by trusted Ninja with unquestionable loyalties." Dan said, Homura and Koharu nodded in agreement with the plan.
"Now if that is all Honorable Elders, then I must be going." Said Dan, moving to stand, only for Danzō to speak again.
"There is also the matter of Mizuki's death. We were also informed it was your own daughter that helped stop him, as well as the Uzumaki boy. Along with the fact that Umino transformed into the boy, being under the belief the whole plot was intended to keep him from becoming a Ninja." Danzō said, putting Dan on edge at where the conversation was going, especially with Miu being mentioned.
"What's there to discuss? Mizuki is dead, the Scroll of Seals is safely locked away. I don't see any reason the matter must be further discusses." Dan said, not wanting to hear about his daughter from any other Elders, especially Danzō.
Knowing what happens to any Ninja the old warhawk shows interest in and Dan will be damned before Miu is turned into an emotionless killer.
"Perhaps. But can we really say that late Chūnin Umino's actions, as inexcusable as they are, don't hold some merit?" Questioned Danzō, looking around at the Council, while knowing better than to mess with the beehive of a topic that was the Hokage's daughter, instead focusing on the Jinchūriki.
"Danzō…does bring up a point. Look at the boys record in the Academy, how many students has he sent to the hospital from simple sparring matches." Koharu said while frowning, aware that perhaps there is some concern at Naruto becoming a Ninja.
"Indeed. Now he's shown to be perfectly willing to maim four Chūnin. One of which will be lucky to even live much longer, much less be able to continue being a Shinobi. As well as how many in the village reacted to the idea of him being a traitor. Who's to say that he won't do worse in the future?" Added Homura, knowing it is a very real concern.
"Exactly. The boy has proven time and again to not be mentally sound, now showing he has no regard for fellow Konoha Ninja. If nothing is done then it may only be a matter of time before he decides to simply begin killing them outright. Hokage-sama, I believe it would be in the villages best interest the boy be turned over to me to be trained within The Foundation, where the risk of him endangering Konoha will be eliminated." Danzō said, intending to use these recent events to finally get control of the Jinchūriki.
"No. While I understand the concerns from Naruto's actions, he won't be placed in The Foundation. But be rest assured that I have already assigned him to an apprenticeship under Orochimaru." Said Dan, believing that having one of the Sannin constantly watching Naruto would ensure he doesn't try going against Konoha.
"Orochimaru? You've placed the Jinchūriki under his command?! He's an even bigger risk than the boy with his experiments and people disappearing!" Danzō said, not liking the idea of the Snake Sannin being the Jinchūriki's sensei.
"Yes, there were rumors of such things. But as you all already know, Orochimaru's been thoroughly investigated, both the locations where he was claimed to conduct experiments as well as the locations where people went missing. We found nothing connecting Orochimaru to any of them. And he's proven to still be a loyal Konoha Ninja, along with being the only person in Konoha that Naruto's shown a degree of trust and respect towards. This way we won't have to worry about Naruto being further antagonized, but on the chance he does try something then I'm confident Orochimaru can subdue him." Dan explained, with his words putting Koharu and Homura at ease, agreeing Orochimaru was the best candidate to train Naruto.
While Danzō grit his teeth at the refusal, knowing better than anyone that Orochimaru wasn't anywhere near as loyal as makes himself appear to be. Given how he was once one of Danzō's subordinates in The Foundation and how he helped make Orochimaru into the man he is now. Though he didn't say anything, that didn't mean he was going to drop the subject nor his plans to get a hold of Naruto.
Whether the Hokage approved or not.
'Though I'm sure I'll get him over to my way of thinking soon, just like with the Uchiha Clan.' Thought Danzō, already knowing the best way to get Dan to do what he wants was by getting Tsunade to agree to whatever he plans.
Having learned how Tsunade convinced Dan to let Minato and Kushina be the ones to sacrifice their lives sealing the Kyūbi into their son rather than have it sealed into Miu. As would be expected being the Hokage's daughter and a direct descendant of Hashirama and Mito. All for the sake of keeping their own family intact.
It had shattered Dan's pride as a Kage that he would so easily discard his own promise to put his life on the line to protect Konoha. To instead put his own family over the village while letting another make the sacrifice which rightfully should've been his to make. Leaving him to agree with anything Tsunade said, believing that everything she said was right no matter what it was, even if it involved bloodshed.
With this having also radicalized Tsunade, herself, amplifying her sense of self-entitlement she gained from the Shodai spoiling her as a child and the village as a whole treating her like royalty. Leaving her willing to do anything it takes to keep her family safe and eliminate any threats after seeing she could manipulate the most powerful person in the village to dance to any tune she wants.
This would have normally lead to Danzō having Dan removed as Hokage, not wanting Konoha being led by such a weak-willed fool. But instead…the warhawk had an epiphany after learning this, realizing he can use Tsunade to sway Dan. To have him become little more than a figurehead to use to eliminate any and all threats to Konoha, whether they be external or internal.
As any threats to Konoha are most definitely threats to Miu herself, even more so with her being the great-granddaughter of the Shodai Hokage.
'And Tsunade already doesn't like the boy. It will only be a matter of time before I have the weapon in my grasp.' Danzō thought, knowing no matter what he'll be the one pulling the strings.
"Now then, if that is all. Then this meeting is over." Dan said, seeing there's nothing left to discuss, with none of the Elders speaking as they all took their leave.
*Later*
*With Naruto*
'Looks like all that other Chakra Control training has paid off.' Naruto thought while smirking as he balanced a kunai, shuriken and senbon on his right index, middle and ring fingers respectively, all three remaining perfectly still even when he started moving his hand.
His clones had dispelled not too long ago transferring their memories and experience back to him, with Naruto being pleased with the progress they made in mastering the exercise. Knowing he'll have it done soon and then can get started on the Rasengan.
'But not today it seems.' Thought Naruto, looking up at the sky to see the sun had begun setting, not even realizing he'd been here the rest of the night and the entire day.
Before he began packing and sealing everything away, now wondering where he'll be sleeping tonight and the foreseeable future. Doubting his apartment was still intact, not after his meltdown then being hunted by the entire village the other night. Naruto wouldn't be surprised if it was ransacked by those that were hunting him, out of spite.
'I suppose the best place would be the last place anyone would think to look for me, which would be…the abandoned Uchiha Compound.' Naruto thought, thinking of the best place for him to stay, specifically the Naka Shrine.
As he doubted the Uchiha Clan was able to take much, if anything, with them with how abrupt the attack was. Nor did hear anything about the Ninja deployed during the initial attack recovering anything from the now abandoned Clan Compound.
'Which means the secrets of the Uchiha Clan are still hidden inside the compound, somewhere. Secrets that will help me unlock the true potential of these eyes.' Naruto thought as he finished sealing everything before making his way to his new residence.
As he doubted the Uchiha Clan was able to take much, if anything, with them when they fled with how abrupt the attack was. Nor did hear anything about the Ninja deployed during the initial attack recovering anything from the now abandoned Clan Compound.
'Which means the secrets of the Uchiha Clan are still hidden inside the compound, somewhere. Secrets that will help me unlock the true potential of these eyes.' Naruto thought as he finished sealing everything before making his way to his new residence.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Miu returning home only to find a less-than-pleased Tsunade waiting for her. With Miu already knowing to expect and wants to get to the part where she's scolded, leading to Tsunade trying to chew her out for her actions, only for Miu to not back down having refused to do nothing when Naruto was innocent and in danger. Much to Tsunade's annoyance at how adamantly she defends him.
Before it reaches the point where Tsunade tries revealing the Kyūbi to Miu in an attempt to turn her against Naruto, only for this to anger Miu that her mother would go that far. As she then goes up to her room, but not before giving Tsunade one last threat that if she keeps trying to turn her against Naruto, she'll lose her daughter for good.
We then go to Naruto having returned to the Forest of Death to continue his training, reading over Minato's scroll on the Rasengan to see what else he needed to do. Learning how he needed good Chakra Control to learn it, with there being several Chakra Control Exercises listed for him to learn, including the Kunai Balancing Exercise which he has his clones work on learning.
With Naruto then looking at his mother's scroll, finding the scarf she made him along with a photo album she put together, as well as her own letter. Where Naruto learns Kushina and Mikoto were once best friends and that Mikoto is his godmother, much to his anger at another secret being kept from him.
We also see Naruto learning about the Uzumaki Clan and Uzushio from Kushina's scroll, how it was destroyed and the reason she'd been brought to Konoha. Though he does scoff at the idea of combating the Kyūbi's hatred with love, something he's been deprived of his entire life.
Only to unwillingly think about Miu and what she said, and all the times she's encouraged and defended him. But reminds himself with his ambition to destroy Konoha and kill her parents, it'll turn Miu against him, believing it'd be best to keep his distance and avoid getting attached. Along with believing the best way to overcome the Kyūbi's hatred, is to overpower it with his own hatred.
Next we see Dan in his office having been there the rest of the night going over reports from the investigations after the Mizuki Incident, before being called on by the Council. With the Elders wanting to know the full story of what happened, being concerned to learn Mizuki had been an "Iwa Spy". Leading to an investigation being launched in the Academy to see if any other spies or compromised staff members were there.
Before Danzō then turns the conversation towards Naruto, believing that his recent actions are grounds to have him placed in The Foundation. Something Dan refuses, instead having Naruto be Orochimaru's apprentice, despite the past rumors of his experiments and his hand in people disappearing, which were proven false after being investigating. While confident Orochimaru will be able to handle Naruto should he try anything.
Though Danzō isn't satisfied hearing this, while knowing what Orochimaru's really like and that he's not as loyal as he portrays himself. As we also learn that after the Kyūbi Attack, letting Minato and Kushina sacrifice themselves instead, Dan's pride as a Kage was shattered believing he failed to uphold his duty as Hokage.
Along with how it radicalized Tsunade herself, that she's now able to get the most powerful man in the village to do whatever she wants if it meant protecting her family. Which in turn allows Danzō to manipulate both of them, to eliminate any threat to Konoha whether external or internal, since any threat to Konoha is a threat to Miu.
Finally we go back to Naruto having made good progress in learning the Kunai Balancing Exercise, knowing he'll be able to start on the Rasengan soon. Before then thinking of where he'll be staying, not doubting his apartment had been left ransacked after his meltdown and those hunting him the other night destroying it even further out of spite.
Though Naruto shows to already have a place in mind, planning to stay at the abandoned Uchiha Compound, specifically the Naka Shrine to find and learn the Uchiha Clans secrets left behind in order to truly master his eyes. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out