Chapter 3
One week after the Kyuubi attack
The week that followed after the attack was very disturbing saying the least. Apparently, someone had released the news of Naruto being the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, and Minato knew who he had to blame. The civilians were demanding the head of the young child until Minato had shut them up by creating a law. And according to that law, they were forbidden to take any action and speak about the Kyuubi incident.
The construction had been going very smoothly, the Uchiha had started rebuilding their clan compound near the Senju compound. Fugaku was very grateful and happy about the situation. He was thankful that the Senju had stood up for them and defended them. When he had revealed this information to his clan elders they were stunned, they agreed immediately. They knew that it will not only give them more power but return their lost reputation as well. But Fugaku knew that Minato had done this to save the village. Minato knew that the world feared the Sharingan.
Fugaku had to praise Minato's intelligence and a wise political move. He was a fine leader who has the power to defeat his enemy without kunai. Fugaku knew that Danzo wanted Sharingan and he'd do everything to obtain one. But much to his surprise his leader had also known. By moving the Uchiha outside of the village and allowed them to do what they wanted to do was a very bad move and it would have allowed Danzo to slip spies in the clan.
In their last meeting as clan heads, Minato had told Fugaku about the real reason behind his move.
Flashback
"I know you're still surprised about my suggestion Fugaku, but I'll not force you into this. Konoha needs every ninja at this time. We don't know when we'll be attacked by other nations. Now is the good opportunity for them to invade our country."
Fugaku nodded, "You are right. Now the leaf village is weak and is recovering from the attack, it would be a best opportunity to attack the village."
"Yes, and that is why I'm going to take every mission from our clients. We have to show the world that we are not weak and still have the man power to defend our country and raise our economy."
Fugaku nodded again. They have lost ninjas but they will not be going to lose the missions that will be coming in the village but if they do it will show other villages that they lack manpower. It will show the world that they are not strong enough.
"Fugaku about my suggestion, what have you decided?"
"Well, I discussed with my clan elders and they agreed. Those old fools love power more than anything. They knew that the Uchiha are losing the reputation inside the village so they decided to take what is being given to them. Something is better than nothing."
"So, this is yes then?"
"Yes, Mikoto was very happy about the decision we had taken."
"Yes well, it is getting late. I think we should discuss other things tomorrow."
"Minato, about Danzo..."
"You don't have to worry about him Fugaku. We can't just throw him outside of the village just like that. That man has his root as a backup. I don't want to start a civil war in the village. The time will come but not now, and then I'll give him and his root a chance to surrender or die. I need some evidence against him."
Fugaku nodded and both left the Hokage office together. They talked for a while about their family.
"Itachi is becoming a splendid shinobi. He is a genius. I'm very proud of him."
"Yes, you should be he is your son after all. But Fugaku you are proud of him because of his ninja skills, but what about his social skills. I'm just saying be careful and keep an eye on his behaviour in the future. Advise him to spend some of his time with others too, like with his mother and little brother. We don't want another Orochimaru."
Fugaku nodded, a concerned looked appeared on his face." I'll do it. I'll advise him."
Minato wakes up early in the morning and took a shower and breakfast. He went to his bedroom where he knew Kushina would be to say goodbye to her. He saw her staring at their son who was sleeping, wrapped in a red baby blanket.
"Minato-kun, why are you still here?" Kushina questioned.
"I just wanted to see my son before going to my office."
"What about me? Aren't you going to say goodbye to me? It seems your love for me has vanished and now you love Nawaki more than me now. That's fine (sniff-sniff). I understand..."
Minato stood there gaping at his wife. Seeing her tears in the eyes...'she is really crying oh man!'
"Kushi-chan, don't cry. You are important to me you know that. I love you more than ever. But I love our son too, you know."
When Minato saw Kushina crying even harder, he knew that had said something wrong.
"Oh, Kushi-chan please don't cry...look I'll make it up to you by taking you to Ichiraku ramen stand tonight. Okay."
In an instant, he found himself being embraced by his wife.
"You are such a good husband you know that." Minato deadpanned.
"Yeah well..." he looked at his son, who looked just like him. Blonde hair, blue eyes and three whiskers marks on each cheek.
"I'll come home early tonight. Goodbye. If you want to go to Mikoto's place, then feel free to go ok."
"Okay, and don't work too hard."
"CURSE YOU SENJU, huh-huh-huh." In a dimly lit underground basement, a figure could be seen sitting on a bed with his right-side bandages.
"Obito, if you'd have been stronger and more skilled then you'd have been able to take to yellow flash down."
"Shut it Kuro Zetsu (Black Zetsu). I now know how much I've to improve. I'll not be a weakling. I'll train and become just like Madara not only in name but in power as well." Obito's fist clenched, a determined expression appeared on his face.
'I'll burn Konoha with everything and everyone in it. I'll avenge your death Rin.'
"Obito the Tsuchikage and the Raikage are plotting something against Konoha. Now the hidden leaf village is weak, it is a very good chance to invade Konoha and conquer it."
"It doesn't matter what they do. They can go to hell for all I care. Zetsu were you able to find any recruits for the Akatsuki."
"We have found one. He is a rogue ninja from Takigakure, Kakuzu."
"Go and fetch him while I recover from injuries."
Root headquarters.
There was nothing to look at in the dimly lit underground base. Anbu with their blank masks could be seen hidden in the shadows waiting for their leader to give them orders. Those men and women were emotionless. Tools to be used for the good of Konoha, it was a necessary step to defend the great tree that was Konoha. The root ninjas were capable of doing anything without question.
Their motto, kill or be killed. No option for failures. Just winners that mattered in the root, the winners that will be capable of doing the dirty work for Konoha from shadows, to make sure to kill hidden enemies before they could threaten Konoha's safety, all in all, they were trained to live in the dark and die in the dark.
But it was all an image. An image, good scenery to show the people of Konoha that they meant no harm to Konoha, but that was not true. It was an image that was created by the leader of the root, Danzo Shimura. Danzo was furious when Tobirama Senju-Nidamie Hokage had chosen Hiruzen Sarutobi as the third Hokage. He wanted to become the Hokage but he was not chosen. Danzo found himself staring at his friends back, he knew that if he wanted to gain some power in the village he had to do something and he did. He created the foundation. A group of ninjas which will work for Konoha from shadows, Danzo became its leader. He trained many ninjas and established an influence in the village. An army under his command, he became powerful but power hungry as well.
He took an interest in the Sharingan and its unknown powers. He wanted that one. He knew his old friend Kagami Uchiha had said that he would leave the Sharingan in his son's hands before dying. He died and gave his Sharingan to his son if the information that had given to him was correct.
He could have just ordered his tools to bring Shisui Uchiha to him and demanded him to give him that Sharingan. But the environment had turned against him. Fugaku had been keeping an eye on everyone inside his compound. It would be difficult even now. He has to manipulate Sushi into joining the foundation. Then he will take his father's Sharingan from him.
Naruto Uzumaki, the pseudo-Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, Sharingan will help him to control the power of the Kyuubi. He will be a great tool that can be used for his plans. As much as he wanted to take the Hokage's son, Nawaki Senju, the true Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi under his command he can't. The Hokage wouldn't allow anything bad happen to his family. And he doesn't want to rile the Hokage.
"Bring me the medical file of Uzumaki Naruto."
"Hai Danzo-sama."
He will get the Sharingan and a Jinchuuriki under his thumb. With time and patience, everything will be his even the Hokage position...
Minato was sitting in his office doing paperwork. A small smile could be seen on his face. Remembering Kushina and his son brought warmth in his heart. He laughed slightly when he remembered that incident that happened in the morning. He shook his head.
"What are you smiling about, kid?"
Minato looked behind seeing Jiraiya standing in the office hands folded on his chest leaning against the wall.
"Jiraiya-sensei, you came early than I expected you to be." He turned his attention to the paperwork again.
"Well, I knew that you are relying on me for information around the elemental nations. So, I came earlier...tell me Minato why were you smiling about? Is it something to do with fan girls hmm?" The mode of the Sannin turned perverted.
"Shut it Jiraiya-sensei. Tell me everything."
"Sigh...well news reach fast. Everyone knows about the Kyuubi attack. But they don't know who the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi is."
"I can sense 'but' here."
"But they know about Nawaki. Him being your child and all, Minato your son's life is in danger." Minato grimaced.
"You don't have to worry about that Jiraiya-sensei. I already have anbu watching Nawaki and Kushina. And Kushina is a capable shinobi herself. She can take care of herself and Nawaki." Minato assured himself.
Minato and Jiraiya talked and discussed village matters for a while. The atmosphere changed when the door of the office opened and Danzo walked into the room.
He stood there for a while staring at Jiraiya before taking a seat in front of Minato.
"Danzo! What a surprise, what are you here for?" The Hokage's eyes narrowed. The Sannin behind him tensed, as if he was facing an enemy.
"It seems that the Kyuubi incident is a breaking news in the Elemental Nations. I'm sure you Jiraiya has told you everything about it. We have lost many ninjas in the attack, Hokage-sama. Konoha is need of ninjas and resources. We lost many ninjas in the third shinobi world war as well. But we are recovering. Our village is need of a weapon. A weapon that will defend this land with his life..."
The more Danzo spoke the more Minato become irritated. But he kept his expression calm and listened to the old war hawk's every word.
"What is your point?"
"As you already know my root shinobi are more than capable of defending and doing work for Konoha from the shadows. It is necessary to sacrifice some leaves to defend the great tree...all I'm saying is to let me raise Uzumaki Naruto. I'll turn him into a man who will defend Konoha with his life."
"So, let me get this straight...you want me to give Uzumaki Naruto to you so that you can turn him into a puppet whose strings would be in your hands. A brainless tool to destroy me and those who possess the will of fire..."
Minato's blue eyes had turned cold. He stared into the war hawk's single eye without even flinching. The eye that was without any emotion, without any warmth, just coldness could be seen into it.
"Minato..."
"It's Hokage-sama to you. I'm your leader and you better show me some respect." Minato replied coldly.
"Yes...Hokage-sama. As I was saying if you give me Uzumaki boy then I'll train him but he will only respond to you. He will only answer to you. I'm doing this for Konoha. Not for myself."
Minato's anger died down. He can't give him that boy, no way in hell.
Danzo, on the other hand, looked pleased. It seems his mere words had stirred something into Minato but...
"I know how much you love Konoha and all but I cannot allow you to take him or any other child for that matter. I cannot allow a child to turn into a weapon without his permission. So, no..."
"As you wish Hokage-sama..." Danzo stood up from his seat and left.
"What he is up to? Minato, you have to keep a close eye on him."
"Don't worry about him. Danzo can't do anything for now. He loves Konoha in his own way. He will go to any lengths for the safety of Konoha. But if I ever find out that he has done something unforgivable to the people of Konoha then I'll deal with him."
Danzo was sitting in his office in root headquarters ready to read a file of medical record on Naruto Uzumaki. He knew that the boy was an orphan founded by Jiraiya. That means they don't have any record of his parentage. Neither Hiruzen nor Minato had tried to find anything about his parents. But Danzo was different from them. He can't ignore the signs that the boy had shown. He had seen the boy personally. Red hair, a large amount of chakra even at the age of one, strong enough to hold the kyuubi's malicious chakra, those signs screaming something, something about his parentage and where he had come from.
Danzo was a man to look into those places for information where no one would expect him too. His shrewdness had given him power. Knowing about your target before striking was his rule. If you want to manipulate someone then find something to use against them, to change their mentality with mere words. Naruto Uzumaki was in front of him in the form of a file. He would find out about his parents and when he will be around five or six years old, he would tell him about his parents and who they were. In this way, Naruto will consider him as someone to look up to for guidance. And it'd be easy to manipulate him.
But there will be a problem he would face by doing this. Meeting Naruto will not be easy. Minato will make sure of that. Maybe instead of forcing him to join root, he would give him help from the shadows. He would make him a true shinobi by giving tools and everything he needs from the shadows, without showing himself. And when the time will be right Danzo will tell him about himself and in this way Naruto will become his agent in the Konoha forces.
Yes, that plan would work if he'd play this game right. After all, playing with people's lives was the only thing he took pleasure from.
Coming out of his thoughts, Danzo opened the file and started to read it.
Name-Uzumaki Naruto.
Parents-Unknown.
Age-1 year 1 week.
And other things like blood group...etc. He closed the file and rubbed his temple. How to know the unknown?
'If I'm guessing right, then Naruto had been found by Jiraiya the day when Minato and Kushina's child had died. At the same day, could it be...?'
"Fuu, do you know where Naruto Uzumaki is?"
"Yes, Danzo-sama."
"Good, then go and bring me his blood sample, I need it. And remember without alerting anyone."
"Hai Danzo-sama, it will be done."
Fuu after disappearing from the root headquarters appeared in the dark alley near the orphanage. The light from the moon was illuminating the orphanage building. The streets were empty, hollow. The wind was howling and trees were dancing in the dark night.
After making sure that no one was around, Fuu disappeared. He looked around to make sure no one was awake before opening the door to the room where Uzumaki Naruto was. There were many children from age one to five years old sleeping on the floor that was covered with a mattress. He looked but was unable to find his target.
He checked almost all of the rooms but there was no sign of Uzumaki Naruto. He then heard a voice of a child crying. It was coming at the end of the room. He went there and opened the door of the room. He saw a child, his target lying on the cold floor with an empty feeder at his side. Fuu went there and examined the feeder. There was no trace of milk in it. The child was crying because of hunger.
He jumped and attached himself with the ceiling when a woman who was in charge of the orphanage came; a frown could be seen on her face.
"What do you want now you little piece of shit. You, demon..." She then looked around worriedly and then slapped the poor child on his cheek. The child stopped crying. His watery eyes staring at the woman, the woman then filled the feeder with half water and half milk before tossing it into the child's mouth forcefully. The child immediately grabbed the bottle with his small hands and started drinking.
The woman left after closing the door. Fuu then placed the silencing seal on the door before taking a syringe from his pouch. He slowly and gently took a blood sample before healing the child. When the child had stopped crying, Fuu took off the silencing seal and disappeared.
Early in the morning, Fuu went to Danzo's office to give him the sample.
"Do you know why I wanted this sample for Fuu?" Danzo without listening to Fuu's answer continued while staring at the sample of blood in his hand.
"Uzumaki Naruto holds the kyuubi's malicious chakra. Red hair, a high amount of chakra reserves, his parents would have been shinobi. We know that he was founded by Jiraiya in this village. With this sample, I'll be able to know the identity of his parents. At the same time go and give this file to Fumio Yakushi. Tell him if the Hokage or other ask for Uzumaki Naruto's file then give them this. His parent's names are faked in this file.
Now take this sample into our laboratory and give me the results as soon as possible."
"Hai Danzo-sama."
Kumogakure
"It's been a while Tsuchikage-dono." A, the Yondaime Raikage was sitting in his office with his alley, the third Tsuchikage. A was a man with dark skin and large muscular build; blonde hair combed back, a small moustache and goatee. He has a black tattoo of Fuma shuriken on his shoulders. He was wearing a white haori without a shirt underneath. He also has golden vambraces on his wrists.
"It surely has Raikage-dono." A very short man with a triangular beard and a moustache that has angular corners, a big red nose and thick white eyebrows, the top of his head was bald although he has long white hair on his lower half head. He was wearing a green yellow coat with red collars. Underneath he was wearing a flat Iwagakure jacket and mesh armor.
"So, what do you think about my proposal?"
"After the Kyuubi attack, Konoha has weakened. But they are recovering very quickly under the rule of that damn yellow flash."
"But we have largest armies at our disposal Onoki-dono." A said.
"Yes, we have but yellow flash can wipe armies in mere minutes. We need someone fast enough to defeat him." The old man frowned in thought.
"You have me. I'm the only one who can defeat him in speed." A replied smugly, proud of his speed and strength.
"I understand what you're saying A-dono. But time is not right. We need to become stronger if we want to bring Konoha down. They have bloodlines the likes of sharing and Byakugan. I'm not afraid of them, I'm cautious." Onoki dismissed A's strength.
'Bloodlines huh...' A thought, his village doesn't have many bloodlines like Kiri or Konoha. They had tried to obtain the doujutsu form the leaf but failed.
"We'll strike Konoha at the right time. Until then we have to wait. I'm sure you understand. Do what you have to do but keep me and my shinobi out of your schemes." Onoki said harshly.
The meeting between the lightning shadow and earth shadow lasted for more than two hours. In which they discussed their new plans and such. Exchanging goods and weapons as well as combined training sessions will help them to strengthen the ties between their villages.
Unknown to them, Zetsu could be seen watching the meeting with a grin on his face.
Danzo never thought that he would feel shock and surprise after mastering how to control his emotions. The emotions were the shinobi's weakness. They could be taken down if they feel emotional towards something. He had never thought something like this would happen right under his nose in Konoha. Uzumaki Naruto was dead to his parents, who had done this. What were their motives behind this scheme? Who have the guts to do such thing? It seems that outside of Konoha, there were people who could infiltrate Konoha without alerting anyone and do what they wanted to do. And Uzumaki Naruto was an evidence of such thing.
Staring at the result of the blood sample that had been taken from Uzumaki Naruto was a result of his shock. He knew in Konoha, there was no one to do such thing against the heir of the Senju clan. No one knew about the relationship between Minato and Kushina at that time. Then who had done this? More questions and mysteries...
But now he knew the parentage of Uzumaki Naruto. Now he knew why he has red hair and a lot of chakra reserves. Why his body has accepted the kyuubi's malicious chakra.
Because Uzumaki Naruto was a Senju, the child of Minato and Kushina and brother of Nawaki Senju. Danzo felt giddy only thinking about the possibilities of obtaining the Mokuton in a weapon like Uzumaki Naruto. But his giddiness all vanished when he remembered the Hokage's words about that child.
It seems Minato had protected his child not even knowing about it. It's a good thing that Minato only knew about Naruto's false parentage.
What to do now? The only thing he could do now was wait and he see what the child would do in the future.
Four years later
Naruto: five years old.
It had been four years since the Kyuubi had attacked the village. The village that had been saved by the Sandaime Hokage now stood tall and proud again. The construction of the new buildings had been taken care off. Orphans in the orphanage could be seen waiting for someone to adopt them and took them from there. Some were lucky but some were not.
Uzumaki Naruto was walking around the village wandering. His violet eyes staring at his feet, he could feel glares filled with hate and venom directed towards him. He was wearing a white shirt and green pants. A red scarf covering his neck and ears, steam could be seen coming out of his mouth. Because of the weather around him, winter was one of the worst weather for him. Without food and without clothes, it was very hard to survive in this snowy weather.
At least he has his own apartment. It wasn't much but almost a month ago, when the Yondaime Hokage had been informed of the mistreatment towards him by the orphanage woman he was furious and angry. For the first-time, he had seen the Yondaime Hokage. He was very kind to him and had asked him if can live on his own. Naruto had immediately said yes. Not even knowing that how difficult it'd be for him to live on his own.
But now he realized without money and empty stomach that how much difficult it was to live on your own. Of course he received allowance every month from the Hokage. He can't wait to become a genin. Because he would be able to earn more money by doing missions for the village.
When he had started living on his own, he noticed the first thing about the behaviour of people around him. In simple words, they hated him. He doesn't know why. The shop's keepers would just ignore him, never giving him food or they would just rob him. That's why he doesn't have money now. He can't go to Hokage and ask him to give him more money.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't even know where he was going until he bumped into someone.
"Watch where you are going, kid,"
"S-sorry sir I..."
"You," the tone of the man changed. Naruto looked up and saw a fat man wearing civilian clothes staring at him hatefully.
"How dare you. Did you bump into me? Do you know who I'm? Demon?"
Naruto just sat there on the snowy floor.
"I-I'm sorry sir..."
SLAP
Pain, it was the first thing he registered. He then massaged his left cheek where the man had slapped him. Naruto looked around looking at the civilians who were looking at him with unreadable expressions. He stood up and ran, not knowing where he was going he just ran. Tears falling from his violet eyes, his red hair covered in snow, but he didn't care. He just wanted to cry, wanted to let go all the emotions that he had buried in his heart.
It's not fair, he knew that. Why the treat him so differently. Why they hate him so much? It's not the first time he was attacked and bullied by the civilians.
But then he stopped and turned around, wiping his tears away he looked at the villagers with determination.
"One day, one day I'll become strong far stronger than anyone else. Then you'll bow to me and respect me." Naruto yelled, loud enough to be heard by anyone present around him.
"Yeah whatever monster, we'll see when you will earn our respect." Some random villager mocked. Naruto looked around and saw everyone laughing at him. He clenched his fist and went away not even looking back.
Exploring the village and finding new places was one of the hobbies he had started doing to kill his time. Sometimes he'd go to shinobi training grounds and would watch shinobi training and sparring. That was one of the things he liked to do. Watching them kicking and throwing jutsu and breathing fire and water dragons would amaze him to no end. He climbed a nearby tree and then leaped from one tree to another.
Not even being aware of a root agent following him. It was their duty to follow him where ever he goes and then reports back to Danzo. The man had never done anything to Naruto. But he was waiting for a right moment to play his next move. He knew that it's time to give Naruto something that would help him to become a shinobi.
Naruto was looking around trying to find something to eat when he saw a rabbit in the training ground not far away from him, he stopped and jumped down, landing softly on the ground. He took kunai from his pocket and held it in his right hand in a reverse grip. He waited for the rabbit to come towards him. A chance for him to get some food today. The rabbit came at him running and Naruto waited and waited without moving or making any sound. When the rabbit was near him Naruto jumped forward and grabbed the rabbit with his bare hands. The rabbit squealed, struggle and tried to escape but to no avail.
Not too far away Fuu who had sent the rabbit towards Naruto watched how he struggled with himself to kill the rabbit. It was a test. A test to see how Naruto would do in this situation, Fuu could see emotions in Naruto eyes. He was staring at the rabbit. Thinking whether to let it go or kill it and fill his stomach, Naruto's hands were trembling slightly.
Fuu looked satisfied when he saw the determination in Naruto's eyes and he saw Naruto pinned the rabbit on the ground with his left hand and with his right hand he slashed the rabbit's neck with kunai. The rabbit struggled and squealed but Naruto didn't let it go until it was motionless. Then Naruto noticed blood, red liquid on his hands, on his shirt and pants. The white snow turned red. Naruto sat there staring at the rabbit without blinking. His mind repeating one thing all over again,
'I killed it, I killed it.'
The cold wind blew and took Naruto out of his thoughts. His teeth vibrating because of cold, he looked around rubbing his eyes. It doesn't matter if it was a rabbit. He had killed something. But it's not a time or place to cry or scream. He stood up and took a deep breath and with shaky hands, he picked the rabbit from the ground. He looked around; he needed water to wash. He could hear the sound of water flowing nearby so he followed that sound and then he found himself staring at the sign board.
"Training ground 44. Forest of death...what the..."
He looked around finding no one around. Without much thought, he climbed the fence and entered into the training ground. He walked around the forest and eventually found the river flowing with water.
Naruto took his shirt and pants off and wash them. After that, he washed all the blood that was on his body. He then put the wet clothes again not even bothered with the cold. Naruto then collected dry tree branches and leaves. He took two stones and rubbed together furiously for a while. A spark of fire was enough to light the pile of leaves. Naruto immediately put the dry tree branches into the pile of leaves and sigh in relief when tree branches caught on fire.
Half an hour later Naruto was sitting there barbecuing his hunt. He had already eaten some but he thought why not barbecue it and store it for the next day.
He sat there on the ground enjoying the warmth the fire was providing him. He was humming a tune to himself when he heard the sound of the dry tree branches snapping. Naruto looked around frightened.
"Who's there? Show yourself." He spoke with as much confidence as he can.
A few seconds later a man came, a shinobi to be precise. He was wearing Konoha headband around his forehead. Auburn hair and amber eyes, he was wearing a short black jacket, shinobi pant, and black gloves.
"I mean you no harm Uzumaki." Naruto looked at the Konoha shinobi with caution. The shinobi had never harmed him in the past. That's why Naruto nodded and sat down turning his eyes on the fire. The shinobi sat down in front of him staring at the fire.
"So, what are you doing here in this dangerous forest Uzumaki?"
"Picnic," Naruto replied sarcastically. He was alone, enjoying his meal when he was interrupted.
"I see... you know I saw everything that happened back in the village."
Naruto head shot up and he stared at the man.
"I knew you were hungry. I was the one who sent that rabbit your way."
Naruto eyes widened. That man in front of him helped him. No one had ever helped him before except Yondaime Hokage.
"And I heard what you said to those villagers. I know you want to become a shinobi. You were born to become shinobi. But tell me the real reason why you want to become shinobi. If you tell me then I'll help you become one."
Naruto eyes widened again. That man will help him. He will become a shinobi. He will become strong. Far stronger than any other shinobi, he looked at the man who was staring at him without any emotion. He was waiting for Naruto to speak. To give him an answer in negative or positive,
"To become stronger, I guess. I've no one in my life. I'm alone. I know I'm only five years old but I know that the villagers will never treat me kindly in my life and if I would remain weak then I'll be crushed under their feet."
"Do you know why the villagers treat you that way?"
Naruto shook his head. It was one of the questions that he had in his head. What he had done to deserve this life.
"I know." Naruto looked up again. The man was staring at the burning fire. He picked more dry woods from nearby and put them in the fire.
"You want to know very desperately why villagers treat you that way. I can tell you but I'll be breaking a law created by the Yondaime Hokage."
"Please tell me." Naruto pleaded. His watery eyes begging the man to tell him, Naruto wanted him to tell him the reason behind the behaviour of the villagers towards him, the mistreatment and abusive behaviour.
"I'm willing to, but on one condition." Fu could tell he would agree to anything just to know why everyone despise him.
'He is still a child, a child with innocence. Just as we predicted. He is easy to manipulate. I can ask him to join root, but Danzo-sama would not approve.'
"Anything, I'll do anything you will ask me to do."
"Well then. Four years ago,"
Fuu then told Naruto everything about the Kyuubi incident. How the Sandaime sacrificed his life and seal the Kyuubi into Nawaki Senju, son of Yondaime Hokage. How Naruto become pseudo jinchuuriki.
Through all the explanation Naruto listened without uttering any word. It was just like a new world had opened in front of his eyes. The fog that was hiding the truth had cleared and he could see clearly as day. He was chosen as a sacrifice to protect Konoha.
"Could you tell me about my parents?" The shinobi shook his head.
"It's not my place to tell...maybe one day you will find out about your parents. But you are an orphan. Now then what are you going to do Uzumaki?"
"Don't know. Am I supposed to cry or hate? I don't think I like what you have told me. But I can't do anything. I was chosen, if wouldn't then maybe there would have been someone else in my shoes now."
"Very good, you can hate them. The villagers are weak; they are civilians who need us to protect them but turn your hate into a weapon to become strong. You have potential. You have kyuubi's chakra sealed into you. Just imagine how much stronger you will become if you find a way to use it in battle." Fu said. The child will try to control the power that was inside of him. It's what Danzo-sama wanted.
Naruto nodded his head. An emotionless mask on his face would have disturbed anyone else. A child like Naruto shouldn't have a mask like this on his face.
"Now then you said earlier that you'd do anything if I tell you why the villagers hate you...the thing I want you to do is training. Train harder and become strong, strong enough to protect Konoha from any type of enemies. This is my request Uzumaki. Will you, do it?"
Naruto nodded his head. "I'll do it shinobi-san."
"You can call me Fu. But remember don't tell this to anyone. Not even Hokage because if you do then you will put my life in danger. You understand?"
Naruto nodded again.
"Now I said I'd help you become a shinobi of this village..." Fu took a scroll and book from his pocket and handed it to Naruto.
"This is a scroll. It contains a set kunai and shuriken as well as a guide on how to master these weapons. And this book is about the history of elemental nations, the history of their shinobi and their specialties etc.
We will meet after every week here. I'll not teach you anything else until you master those weapons. I want you to memorize everything that is written in these books."
Naruto nodded, a smile appeared on his face. He just wanted to rip the scroll apart and look at the weapons but he controlled the urge.
"The last thing I need you to do is meditation. It'll help you to classify your thoughts and make your mind sharper."
Naruto nodded again. He was too engrossed in examining the scroll and book to even listen to Fu.
"Thank you, for everything."
"You don't have to thank me. Now then let's go. I'll drop you to your apartment and remember to keep your training and everything secret." Naruto nodded, he could tell Fuu was serious about keeping their meetings secret part, and besides who would ask him?
They disappeared and reappeared outside of Naruto's apartment.
"Remember Naruto what I said. Work hard. I'll come next week to see your progress." With that said Fuu disappeared.
Naruto entered into his apartment and locked it. His apartment was not much. A bedroom with attached bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen.
He was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling. He was thinking about the meeting and everything that had happened not too long ago.
'Now I know why everyone hates me...'
But why someone like Fuu would tell him and risk his life in the process. Why to even to come to him and help him. Why they have to keep their meetings secret? More information more questions.
His thoughts shifted towards the villagers,
'The fools...' Naruto thought. If they want to hate him then that's fine, he'd hate them too. He knew he can't harm them. He doesn't want to earn their ire more. But he knew in this village he'd be able to find some people who would see his real self. They would trust him and acknowledge him too. Right now, he was nobody. If he wants to make his place in this world and acknowledge by people because of his power, then he has to work hard and master skills to the best of his abilities.
Yes, he will show them one day.
"Yes, I'll show them one day who I really am. A time will come when they will all fear me because of my power. A time will come when they will love me because of who I'm." Naruto clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. Tears fell from his eyes. But there was nothing in his eyes. No anger, no hate.
There were just tears of determinations in his violet eyes.
One week later
Senju compound
Nawaki: Four years old.
Days had turned into weeks and weeks turned into years. And Senju Nawaki grew into a child full of energy. His parents had given him everything that he had wanted. He grew up surrounded by love. Love from his parents, godparents, and friends. Of course, he have friends. Uchiha Sasuke was one of them. They love to play and hang out with other friends. Nawaki was just like his father in appearance but his attitude was different from his parents. He was a happy go lucky child. He loved attention especially his father's because his looked up to his father. His dream was to surpass his predecessors and become Hokage just like father and great grandfather.
Nawaki was a kind child. He wanted to become friends with everyone. He was like a sun, warm and full of energy. Nawaki loved to do pranks but after getting scowled by his parents he stopped.
Gardening was one of his hobbies. He loved playing and going outside with his Kaa-san. He wanted to become a shinobi. He had asked his mother and father to train him but it was rejected because of his age. Well, he knew he will start training when will turn five, after all his parents had promised him. It just a matter of time, until then he has to learn everything about his awesome great grandfather Hashirama Senju and how he build this village.
Nawaki was sitting in his little garden when his mother came.
"Nawaki-Chan, do you want to go to the Uchiha compound?"
"YES, Kaa-chan," Kushina smiled seeing her son so happy and full of energy.
They left the Senju compound after fifteen minutes. The Uchiha had moved into their new compound. It was a second home to Senju's.
"Welcome Kushina-sama." the Uchiha guard greeted with a bow and opened the gate.
"Thank you."
They walked and Kushina nodded her head in greeting to anyone who would stop and bow to her and greet her. The Uchiha truly had changed under the leadership of Minato and Fugaku. They could be seen guarding the civilians with politeness. And in return, the civilians had given them their respect and love.
"Kushina! Finally you are here. I was waiting for you for some time now."
"Sorry, Mikoto." Mikoto just rolled her eyes and hugged her best friend with a smile. She saw Sasuke and Nawaki greeting each other. Mikoto was a fair skin woman with long black hair with bangs hanging on either side of her face and black eyes. She wore a simple purple blouse with a red-plum skirt and a light-yellow apron normally worn over it.
"Kaa-chan, I and Sasuke are going outside. We will be back before sunset."
"Ok honey. But take care of yourself and you too Sasuke-chan." They both nodded and run outside of the compound.
Sasuke and Nawaki were walking in the streets while getting greeted by the villagers. Of course, everyone knew about the Senju heir and the second son of Uchiha clan. Both clans right now are strongest in the village. It doesn't matter if the Senju were very few in number. The Hyuuga have a third position in this village. To be greeted by the villagers that way was a common thing for them.
"So Sasuke have you started learning some cool jutsu."
"Na, my brother said that I'm too young for shinobi training. He said he will teach me a jutsu when I'll turn five."
"Well that's strange; my Kaa-chan also said the same thing...so do you want to go to Shikamaru's place?"
"No, why don't we just go to park, I'm sure we'll be able to find someone."
Nawaki nodded and they both headed towards the park. On their way, they saw a child no more than five years old with red hair wearing a dirty white shirt and green shorts. He was walking with his hands in his pockets with his head held high. The villagers were staring at him with loathing and hatred. He passed Sasuke and Nawaki without even looking at them when a villager came in front of them.
"Nawaki-sama, Sasuke-sama you should stay away from that monster at any cost." Sasuke and Nawaki's eyes widened and they looked at each other. They could hear villagers whispering 'demon, monster' and other such things. They saw how people staring at his back. Then they saw one of the villagers grabbed an egg and threw it at the boy. The boy without even looking back sidestepped from the assault before walking away from there.
They both looked at each other before nodding their heads.
"Kaa-chan, Kaa-chan..." Kushina and Mikoto heard their sons yelling and calling for them.
"Kaa-chan, there is something we want to tell you." Nawaki and Sasuke yelled again.
"Both of you stop yelling and calm down. Sasuke, tell me what happened." Mikoto said.
Sasuke told them what happened and Kushina and Mikoto looked at each other concerned when suddenly Kushina stood up.
"Kushina..."
"I want to see it myself Mikoto."
"Ok. Let's go then. Sasuke, tell us where you saw him."
Sasuke and Nawaki led their mothers to where they were not too long ago. They boy was gone and nowhere in sight. They looked around and started finding him when eventually they find him walking towards one of the training grounds.
Mikoto, Kushina, Sasuke, and Nawaki saw him training with kunai and shuriken. He was aiming kunai and shuriken at the target that was in front of him.
Nine out of ten shurikens and kunai struck dead in the centre while two were outside of the centre.
"He is good. But he still needs the practice to make his aim perfect." Mikoto commented. Impressed by the child's display of skills in kunai and shuriken throwing before standing up from the ground,
"I think we should go now," Mikoto suggested and they left.
"Who is he Kaa-chan?" Nawaki questioned, awed seeing a child around their age with such good skills with kunai and shuriken.
"His name is Naruto Uzumaki. He is an orphan..."
"But why villagers hate him?" Sasuke questioned not taking his eyes from the child.
"It's against the law we can't tell you guys. It's forbidden."
Sasuke and Nawaki both looked confused before shrugging their shoulders.
"Kaa-chan you said his name is Uzumaki Naruto. So, that means he is related to us."
"Oh, no silly, it's just a name. Jiraiya found him alone and took him to the Sandaime Hokage and I was the one who named him." Kushina said, giving a small smile to her son.
"But his hair is red." Nawaki protested.
"Nawaki it doesn't matter if he has red hair or not. There are a lot of civilians outside of this village with red hair."
"I think we should go," Mikoto suggested and they left.
Naruto was in one of the training grounds practicing his aim with kunai and shuriken when Fuu appeared in front of.
"Follow me Naruto we have something to discuss." Naruto nodded and followed Fuu without any question.
"You have improved but it's not enough. You need more practice. Do you know that not too long ago you were being watched by people?" Fuu's question caught him off guard. People watching him while he was training, why someone would watch him training?
"Judging from your facial expressions I can tell that you weren't aware of their presence." Seeing Naruto nod, Fuu continued.
"That is why from now on you will do meditation for two hours daily. You now know how to meditate I presume." Naruto nodded again.
"Through meditation, you can upgrade your senses. You will be able to sense your opponent's chakra and would be able to tell their presence."
"So umm, Fuu could you give me a jutsu to learn."
"No. You still need to improve your aim...come with me I want to show you something." Naruto without question followed Fuu before they disappeared from the training ground.
Naruto appeared in a clearing that was surrounded by trees. There were target boards on trees in a different location. Naruto was about to question Fuu why they are here when he saw a boy with black hair and black eyes around eleven years old standing in the middle of the clearing.
'Uchiha.' Naruto thought. Judging from the insignia on the back of his shirt, the boy had four kunais in each hand. He jumped high in the air and flipped before throwing each kunai at targets. He then threw two kunai in the same way to the target that was behind the boulder. One kunai hit the other one and changed its direction.
All of the kunai hit their respective targets in the centre. Even the target that was behind the boulder, Naruto stood there gaping and amazed. He had never seen something like this before.
"That's amazing." Naruto looked at the back of the boy awed.
"He is the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, Itachi Uchiha elder son of Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha and future clan head... now you see. You said it yourself that you want to become the strongest...then master your skills in shuriken and kunai at that level. And try to surpass it." Naruto nodded his head. Understanding filled his eyes.
"It doesn't matter how much jutsu you have or how much stronger bloodline you have Naruto. All you need is weapons and skills. You can even kill a strongest by a mere shuriken." Fuu grabbed Naruto before disappearing and reappearing in the forest of death.
"Now practice until you are unconscious. I'll come next week again." Fuu took another book from his pouch and a scroll and threw it towards Naruto.
"This book is about chakra. Everything you need to know about chakra and how it interacts with bloodlines. And that scroll contains more kunai and shuriken and guide to funinjutsu. Read it and try to understand it. I'll answer your questions when I'll see you next week. Until then..."
Fuu disappeared leaving Naruto alone.