AN :
I make a bit of 'summary' after years of not updating-
Funnily enough when I dig out my google drive, there's like 62 pages of this fanfic unposted- so we're good for two more chap even!
Chapter 24: Disquietude
His life changed quite drastically since he was that six years old pariah, who didn't know his proper place in his own village. Starting from the mysterious notes and tampered seal left behind by an unknown seal master, who could have killed Naruto by accident. Naruto never knew what that old man was aiming for, but Naruto survived the ordeal somehow.
The tampered seal leaked part of memories and chakra of his parents left within the seal to his coils, and he started dreaming of a family that never came true. His young mind was truly a wonder to accept the fate his parents subjected him to when he was less than a day old, stuck for life with their killer and faced this cruel world without them.
Naruto didn't throw a tantrum from the revelation that life didn't get better just because you know 'why' it sucked, because he couldn't do anything about the past. The villagers weren't going to change their mind about him no matter how many times he made graffiti and dumped glitter all over them. Even the prisoner in his seal 'pitied' Naruto for that, because at least Uzumaki Mito and his mother knew what they were getting into.
It wasn't so bad, he was freed from ignorance that he was ever at fault they hated him. It was liberating to know it was their problem, not his. So Naruto did everything he could to better his life and forget changing their mind. So he studied sealing arts, improved his grades as well as he could and graduated early just so he didn't have to get stuck in Shinobi Academy for another five years.
Just in time too because not long after Naruto graduated, the law was passed to ensure all genin candidates were no younger than twelve. Aside from Sandaime's desire to pass this law for a long time during peace period, the law could only be approved after Konoha made it beyond the minimum line of human resource recovery the council had set. They lost too many people during the third Shinobi war and Kyuubi attack, and Naruto just happened to be the last early graduate.
Or rather, the council minus Sandaime himself wanted Naruto to be out of the academy as soon as possible and in the active Shinobi's roster. Regardless of their plan for him, Naruto agreed it was for the best, because unlike him the academy works for most kids and they should make the best of the time they have as shinobi in training. There was no good time to be had by Naruto in the academy, he had no friends and nobody was on his 'side' to further his learning there. One could say rather than graduating, Naruto was 'getting out' from the academy. He still spends an inordinate amount of time in his daily training since then to catch up with his neglected education.
He made friends with Itachi and Shisui, or rather they approached and convinced him to keep them around. He was unsure how it happened, as the Uchihas avoided him like the plague for obvious reasons. It said a lot about Sandaime's faith in them to let them befriend him, and likely also thinking they would make great insurance in case Kurama acted out. Regardless of Sandaime's reasoning, it was Naruto's choice to return their friendship. He wouldn't trade them for anything else, he would hold onto them with his all.
Sandaime for once was lenient about 'past' connection to his parents and had him enrolled as part of Sealing Division, the organization founded by Uzumaki Mito after Konoha's founding. Naruto was not aware of the political intrigue Sandaime was up to when he was assigned to Aizen, his first proper Fuuinjutsu teacher. Even living in the same building and same division, it was the same modus operandi.
He was placed where they could protect him, without coming close. There were two factions in Sealing Division, the traditionalist led by Shiomitsu clan and Uzushio natives who followed Uzumaki Mito to Konoha, and a new generation from Konoha native led by Naruto's teacher. It was a logical arrangement, forcing the dissent to cease and hoped with the prospect of Naruto becoming the next legitimate leader of sealing division, he could unite the division.
Of course, nothing could be easy and his teacher turned out to be a traitor like the Shiomitsus had suspected him to be all along. While Naruto escaped his teacher's betrayal with his life, he lost his ANBU guards. Itachi and Shisui were also injured and Naruto was faced by his weakness once again. He didn't even know the details of clean up the tower had to went through in the aftermath of Aizen's betrayal, but the traditionalist took over the tower once more and what remained of Aizen's followers were pushed out.
Sandaime was not very happy about that, but the head of Shiomitsu clan, Hakurei was adamant to purge the influence of Aizen from the tower. Now, the tower was seen as an anti-Konoha monolith occupied by Uzumaki Mito's old vassals in the eyes of Sandaime and the council.
Naruto was too distraught to notice and was more concerned about his new shiny rank and other new responsibilities. He immersed himself into research and missions, distancing himself even further from the village. It wasn't like people around him influence him to do that, but they were not discouraging this behavior either. He also went to make connection with the Daimyou of Fire Country, or to be exact the shadow ruler himself. It was not reallt what he intended at the time, but Naruto wasn't going to look at a gift horse in the mouth. His status as his Namikaze Muramasa's grandson afforded him the chance and he passed Tokugawa Ieyasu's stupid test to earn it. You just couldn't make too many connections, plan b to z and not just plan a.
For all the newfound maturity he had as fresh Chuunin, Naruto didn't understand the repercussion of his actions or the possessiveness of his village for him.
First, it was Danzo… the leader of ROOT send his subordinates to abduct Naruto in the middle of his mission. The councilman kept it no secret he disagreed with how Naruto was raised. Other village, especially Kumo was quite meticulous in raising their Jinchuuriki as perfect weapon for the village than a simple deterrent the Shodai meant it to be. The same could not be said about Naruto, was raised 'free-range' and even went as far as making a team with potential threats like Uchiha children. Worst of all, there was Naruto's growing indifference toward the villagers and just like that he became a flight risk that had to be corrected in the eyes of Danzo.
Apparently it didn't occur to Danzo that Naruto wasn't going to betray Konoha, he just didn't want to subject himself to scorn by becoming a walking eyesore. Naruto of course thought Danzo was just dissatisfied with him for not being raised as a proper weapon and nothing more. Just like how Naruto couldn't understand Danzo's paranoia, the same went for the war hawk.
But then he was given a mission to capture a suspected traitor, Naruto should have an idea by then the Hokage and the council was hinting at something with this mission. Naruto never knew he had anything to prove to them and Konoha. He never really figured it out because that masked Uchiha interrupted the mission and attacked them. He almost died, his body broken and he survived because Kurama's regeneration was impossibly good. He still scared his friends so thoroughly they didn't want to let him out of their sight.
Even now, Naruto couldn't go anywhere without their crow perched somewhere nearby. To be fair, he had a teleporter after him. That masked man could have plucked him out of the village and they couldn't stop him. Naruto supposed all he could do was develop his own space-time technique and never be alone. He was willing to forgo his privacy for greater good, and continued being the good shinobi of Konoha.
But then… one visit to Uchiha's compound and he set people off, it wasn't even his first visit of the week.
The Sandaime didn't even have the decency to face him, and just sent order for him to stay still in the tower. It was… a house arrest. It seemed his visit to Uchiha compound made some people to be on edge, so Sandaime asked him to refrain going there. At least no one forbid him from meeting his teammates yet. However he couldn't stop his worsening anxiety at current situation, the investigation on detected intruder didn't yield any result either. Then again if it was that stray Uchiha it was no wonder, against that time-space mangekyou any security measure they had now was rendered powerless.
His confinement didn't go unnoticed by his people, and they became very aware of unwanted eyes on them. The surveillance on the Uchiha was now also extended to people in the tower.
He had heard the whispers, the talk since he became part of the sealing division but they used to talk in secret and now they were pretty open about it whenever they thought he was not in hearing range.
They were considering returning to Uzushio and rebuilding the fallen hidden village. They were also talking about offering the Uchiha to come with them, since they were not wanted and appreciated in Konoha they would do this village a favor with getting off of their lawn. It wasn't like Konoha needed them…
The Sealing Division's main duty was maintaining seals in Konoha, a job that's not easily replaced but Konoha had some seal masters with no attachment to them like Jiraiya. Konoha one way or another could figure it out, and the Barrier team would be glad to see the back of them.
Uchiha had most of their duty taken by ANBU, leaving them with menial work like breaking up bar fights. A job all Uchiha told them was a thankless one, and made the civilians scorn them. Both group also had been pushed to outskirt of Konoha so if they were gone, it was not like they would be missed, right?
"Naruto-sama wouldn't be happy to leave Konoha." Mikumo said with a frown.
Houshou scoffed, "Naruto-sama thinks he owes Konoha something, it's the other way around! Konoha owes him… don't you see how horribly they treat our young master? He can't even walk in Konoha's street in peace!" Heated glares and malicious whispers followed him like a second shadow. "Forget respect! They didn't even see him as a human being!"
Kagari shook his head, waving his hand as if diminishing the idea. "Our young master is Kyuubi no Jinchuuriki, it's not like Konoha will let him go. Konoha will put up a fight to keep him."
"If he is important, they should have treated him better!" Tokusa, his aide growled. "As happy as I am to go back to our homeland, there is no point if we make Naruto-sama upset or we force him to go along with our wish."
Matsu, a female seal master with auburn hair shook her head before adjusting her glasses. "Actually Konoha never ever made use of Kyuubi no Jinchuuriki in battle, I mean Kushina-sama and Naruto-sama are sent to mission but not to anything that specifically requires their power as jinchuuriki."
A scowling Yuzuriha marched towards the group of seal master from her workshop, followed by Iwafune who looked exasperated. "All of you back to work! What if Naruto-sama hear you?!"
He heard them already, too late Yuzuriha…
"He has a lot on his mind lately, don't talk about crazy things like going back to Uzushio!" The female Shiomitsu growled.
Iwafune nodded, "You guys are dreamers, it must be nice being young and let your imagination run wild. Save your imagination to design your seal and look at reality." He told them, "Uzushiogakure is a ruin now, not a Utopia we dreamed of! Think about the danger of traveling in large group. How defenseless we are when rebuilding… not to mention the political disaster Hakurei-sama and Naruto-sama have to deal with if this foolish plan to go through."
Yuzuriha nodded enthusiastically, not expecting Iwafune to back her up, "As much as I hate to admit it we're stuck in Konoha, and our young master is doing his best to make it better! So DON'T talk about taking him to somewhere that doesn't exist, you imbeciles!"
Houshou raised his hand pleadingly. "Chill Yuzu-jouchan… chill~ we're stressed out lately so we started talking about silly things."
"These silly talks better not reach our master's ear, Houshou." The kunoichi finished with a hiss.
His people were growing discontent and there was nothing he could do about it.
Naruto's Workshop
Calloused hand glided across paper as he finished writing new curriculum for their new batch of student. That marked the last paperwork for today, and he could go back to his research on anti-bloodline theft seal. It was still on theoretical development but it was progressing much better than his teleportation seal.
Naruto sighed, "Why am I stuck with seal that already have successful examples?" He wondered to himself. "But I'd rather not replicating Hiraishin…" Sure he had his pride as seal master, but he was not that inflexible or arrogant to avoid it completely. In the first place, his father used the Niidaime's original seal and made his own that worked in the same way but with different formula.
Shisui also asked why he didn't follow in his father's footsteps. Thinking up a new formula for a jutsu that already exists with a solid mechanism, would be much-much easier. He had two reasons but he only disclosed one to Shisui. Not that he wanted to hide the second one, but for his father's sake he'd rather no one but him knew 'why' Kiiroi no Senkou recreated Hiraishin.
As for the other reason… after he saw that Masked Man's time-space ninjutsu that was superior than Hiraishin, there was no way he would fall back to Niidaime's masterpiece.
Naruto gritted his teeth, "Father is father… that's why he can win with Hiraishin." But Naruto who was no Yellow FLash would just lose against that bastard with Hiraishin. While his father's prized time-space seal was versatile, it relied heavily on marker seals and there were dozens of ways to dispose of it. That stray Uchiha already up against Hiraishin once, there's no way he won't exploit the seal's weakness when given the chance. Naruto would set himself up for failure if he naively took this path.
So… in conclusion Naruto had to follow a completely new time-space seal method. Preferably, a time-space technique that allows as much liberty as the Masked Man's. "Using a pocket dimension as passage to another location." Compared to Hiraishin, it was superior in flexibility but it was also slower. Itachi and Shisui also agreed with his analysis, most likely there was a 'lag' in between teleportation that wasn't present in Hiraishin.
"Hm… I have the theoretical mechanism down but not how it could work for me." It was nothing new, in sealing arts there were a lot of theoretical possibilities including bringing the dead back to live. "I am not going to be a second rate sealmaster who thinks theoretical possibility means realistic practicality." And got killed when testing said theory.
Kurama snidely reminded him that he almost died testing a half baked seal to escape. That was different, desperate measures to survive did not account for precise calculation and caution.
What differs first rate and second rate seal masters was not experience or accomplishment, but their approach to accomplish completion of their seal. He had seen Hakurei throwing tantrums at idiots who couldn't break through third dan level, saying their research was revolutionary at least but it was all conjectural before it met the cruel mistresses called reality and practicality.
"I have compiled a lot of materials including from Uchiha even…" The doujutsu clan was getting generous lately, though it was just Fugaku secretly leaking clan secrets for him. "Well… it's for the sake of finding the identity of that stray Uchiha."
A trip to Uchiha's library was proven almost futile, as Fugaku secretly let him know that there was no record about Mangekyo that works as time-space jutsu.
Tsukiyomi, Moon God's world of illusion.
Amaterasu, Sun Goddess's eternal flame.
And last… Susanoo, the avatar of storm god.
There were two more modeled after the married Gods Izanami and Izanagi, but while the record was vague it cost the Uchiha their eye permanently and couldn't be used freely like the masked Uchiha did
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Enter!" Naruto barked, recognizing the Hakurei's chakra from the other side of the door.
Hakurei opened the door, a stack of paper on his hand. "This is from Fugaku, it seems they have narrowed the list down as much as they could."
Naruto brightened up at that, "Thank you, Hakurei!" He took the papers and started reading.
Originally there were around twenty or so family in Uchiha clan, and after tracing their line along with Mangekyou's technique known to be passed down in each line they found five lines with unknown manifestation. They narrowed down their suspects to twenty three missing Uchiha for the last sixty years but…
He bit his lower lip, "You have sent this to Hokage-sama?" Last time they had narrowed it down to fifty, twenty three were still too many suspects! Hm? Uchiha Obito was on the list... Naruto couldn't help but feel sorry to see this name here, but they had to be fair. Even if the guy was his parent's favorite.
'I am really a disappointment to my parents.' He didn't grow up to be a cheerful boy who helped old ladies on the street. Heck, he hardly takes a walk in Konoha's street nowadays and he got in trouble with elderly in Konoha council. He used to be a happy go lucky brat though, at least superficially. Not that he would ever think to be that fake happy child again.
Hakurei nodded, "I did... Hokage-sama is pleased but there's no way Danzou is convinced to leave Uchiha clan alone with only so much intel." If anything, that paranoid bastard would think the Uchiha was trying to divert attention..
"Meanwhile I am confined in the tower." Naruto was so angry his eyes flashed redness of Kurama's chakra.
Hakurei did his best to placated Naruto, who freaked out as soon as the order was given. "Naruto-sama… calm down, I understand you're worried but losing your calm in this situation is very dangerous." Hakurei advised.
The younger seal master nodded, "I am sorry…"
Looking at his young master, Hakurei could tell Naruto was under great stress. His azure eyes had a hint of gray as if losing its luster, his face was also paler than usual. It was as if the ground under his feet was breaking apart and he struggled to keep standing. It was not a stretch to say Naruto-sama was not just anxious, he was veering to panic.
Could it be?
"Naruto-sama, did you overhear the idiots in the tower talking about returning to Uzu?"
Their young master tensed, truly he was so good at hiding his emotion but around familiar people like Hakurei, he was like an open book. "I…"
Hakurei sighed, "You don't have to listen-"
"How could I not?" Naruto-sama turned to face him, the boy before him looked frightened.
A boy? How long since the last time he thought of his master as a 'boy' and not his lord? "Naruto-sama? The idea of returning to a fallen village is foolish."
"I know that." His voice shook, "I know you… you guys can't go home to Uzushiogakure." It was no more. "However it didn't change the reality that my people don't want to stay in Konoha! Deep down they want to leave, and what right do I have to force them to live here? What then? Would I have to choose between you, Shiomitsu, everyone in Sealing Tower, Uchiha clan… and the rest of Konoha?"
Their master was shaking now, "Young master, we won't let that happen!"
"I know you won't, but…" Their master clenched his fists, "The day I have to make a choice will come, it will… as long as we remain as we are."
As they were… not truly part of Konoha's great tree, just a stem that was forcefully grafted and unable to flourish. At this rate… they would be cut off of Konoha.
Naruto's Landscape
Breathing in and out, floating on the water listlessly as he pleased was his privilege. His mindscape was a flooded sewer, and he had all the time in the world enjoying this tranquility.
"This is difficult… I don't feel like moving anymore, I wish I could just flip some table or something. Why did my luck suck so much? If there was a higher being up there, please give me a break. I am nine, seriously… Can this stuff wait until my age is two digits at least? Why am I always stuck in this kind of situation? Seriously… My track record is terrible, becoming jinchuuriki in the first few hours of my life, a pariah, an heir that got stuck in a family conflict with my own village… and don't forget I have a mad man that could appear out of thin air anytime going after my life…"
"..."
"Why can't my life be simple? Nope, too much to hope that much! Can't I have one less trouble in my life? Like… not having a dimension jumper after my life while I am tackling our political problem?"
THAT'S IT!
"Imbecile! Just because I am stuck with you, it doesn't mean you can just complain and whine at me all you want!" Kurama roared at him, blowing him in the opposite direction further. "You got those Uchiha cousins for that!"
He pedaled back to Kurama's bar and snorted, "Why can't you be a listening ear for once? You have a pair of big ones." Giving Kurama's long ears a pointed look.
"The size of my ears is irrelevant to my willingness to put up with your whining, Naruto." Kurama growled. "So your life sucks, old news… as far as I remember since we got stuck together life is never sunshine and rainbows like your old self believe."
Naruto rolled his eyes, "Well… I don't know if I have a dimension hopper after my life before."
Kurama lowered his gigantic head, red eyes narrowed at his host. "Well… I have to say that Uchiha has means to pluck you off of this miserable village anytime."
"Thanks for the reminder why I am panicking in the first place." Fear for his life aside, that man was dangerous for the village and Uchiha clan too.
"So, why didn't he?"
Kurama's simple inquiry snapped Naruto out of his thoughts, "Huh? Why…didn't he kill me or do whatever to me for the last nine years?" He asked himself, sitting up on the watery surface. "Compared to my mother who is a strong and trained jinchuuriki, and under my father's protection, I should be an easier target…"
Yet, there was no attempt at all. Perhaps that guy was injured from his battle with Yondaime and just recently recovered from it? No, while his father beat that Uchiha he couldn't remember if the Yondaime inflicted any injury that could cripple the man to that extent. So why didn't he try anything yet? Even the last confrontation seemed to be something the man had done on a whim. This unknown Uchiha was certainly in good enough shape to beat them up.
Not to mention…
"Ne, Kurama… I am not the best person to judge one's sanity but my gut says that man when confronting us is different from when he faced my father."
Kurama growled, "Different how?"
"Even if he attacked us on a whim, he seems to be less unhinged than nine years ago."
Kurama stared at him in disbelief, "I can't believe you just told me the guy who tried to kill you looks saner after nine years. I am sure as hell once an Uchiha has gone off the deep end there's no turning back." He had personal experience with Indra and Madara. "I don't know about Madara, but Indra… he took a hike after Father declared he liked Ashura's answer better and came back to start that stupid family feud." And obviously he never come to his senses. "It was weird."
"Uhm… weird how? he was the firstborn who thought it was his birthright to be the Sage's heir."
Kurama rolled his eyes, "Naruto, my father preach peace and harmony and practice it for his entire life. Having a mother who went insane with power will do that to you.
Naruto cupped his chin, "I am not so sure myself, but… his questionable sanity aside I can't imagine he let me live for the hell of it." He patted his chest, "Even though I'm like this I'm still an Uzumaki jinchuuriki, isn't leaving me alive to get stronger is an extremely idiotic move?" Or at least counter-productive to whatever scheme that Uchiha cooked up?
"...You completely waived off that monkey hokage's protection could be what discourages Uchiha from taking action…"
Naruto glanced to the side, "I am grateful Hokage-sama has protected me with sincerest effort, but I am not deluding myself to think it means a thing to that stray Uchiha." He gave an exaggerated shrug to Kurama. "If that guy wanted me dead I would be long dead." He was a very self-aware person.
Kurama nodded sagely, while he hated weakness he was glad to see Naruto's change from naive six years old to the worthy human who knew his place. Getting killed for naivety was too much, even for him. "You're frustratingly weak indeed…"
Naruto scoffed, "I am well aware of that, but it would be also shameless of me to think I can take on a kage level shinobi who could fight toe to toe with my father at nine, don't you think?" So far how he survived against stronger enemies was relying on his teammates, unpredictable tactics, and lots of luck. Wait- his luck sucked in the first place.
Then he added, "Anyway, there must be a reason why he didn't make any move on me yet." He cupped his chin, "Ne, Kurama… if someone waits patiently from taking what he wants that's right within his reach… can't you think of any reason?"
"...You're asking me?"
"Indeed I am."
Kurama growled, "Hell if I know… I have heard of this animal who sleeps and eats in periodic fashion, waiting of its prey to repopulate. Or there's this youkai who wait for a calf to grow before eating it."
Naruto rolled his eyes, 'Intelligent or not, at his core… Kurama is still a beast. His only explanation to this oddity is I am the same as pig being fattened up.' He sighed, "I seriously doubt that… if he want to unseal you from me, the vessel (me) doesn't really matter."
"...Why does it matter so much for you?" Kurama asked.
Naruto's expression looked aghast. "OF COURSE IT MATTERS! I live in bliss of ignorance all this time, without knowing how easily I could lose it in a blink of an eye if a mad man's wills it!"
It dawned on the fox shaped bijuu why his vessel was so shaken about the dimension hopper Uchiha. It was not so much because his life was in danger, it was never the threat of his life Naruto feared. It was 'ignorance' of his own life. He had lived for six years with no idea why he was treated as a pariah, suffering in ignorance and delusion.
For himself, what Naruto feared the most was being ignorant again. 'Heh… his fear is understandable. If anything this tells me Naruto gained something his naive six years old self hadn't.'
Pride…
"I will not allow it." Naruto hissed, "I won't let myself to be toyed on anyone's whim ever again! Kurama… never again!"
While Kurama didn't detest pride- far from it -he wondered if Naruto caught Uchiha's germ or something. Then again, Uchi-germ or not Kurama would rather Naruto was like this than that naive kid who would give anything for a shred of attention. This Naruto, who had a healthy amount of pride, was more favorable in his opinion.
"KURAMA!" Naruto called for his attention. "Where should I start now?"
Kurama blinked at him and answered automatically in a daze, "Survival is the most important, so… that time-space technique?"
"There are too many things I have to prepare to achieve something on the level of that Uchiha's technique, I am just not rea-" He stopped on his track before looking back at Kurama, "I see…"
Kurama blinked,"What?"
Naruto cupped his chin, "I don't like this theory… but IF! IF! We disregard that Uchiha's attack during my birth…" Just assume he was crazy, or just being whimsical. "And his half-hearted approach to capture me…" He listed on, "Could it be whatever he wants you for is something he is not ready yet?"
"Huh?"
"When he confronted us, he didn't seem to be that interested in catching me." Naruto got stuck in that dimension, but from what he heard from his teammates that stray Uchiha's main objective was messing with their mind. "We're 'something' he can take anytime but not usable yet…"
Kurama paused at that before nodding, "That makes sense… but that guy is still around for…"
Naruto gritted his teeth, "Uchiha clan… because even though the clan is in conflict with Konoha now, they're still part of Konoha. Whoever he is…" The blond closed his eyes in thought. "As a proud Uchiha he must fear his own clan members above all else, Sharingan… no- Mangekyou Sharingan from what we see so far is an unpredictable evolution."
Nine years ago Danzo had foolishly ordered the Uchiha clan to stay back out of paranoia, whatever reason he had to do such a thing… He took away the chance for Sharingan to help deal with Kurama's rampage. Now Naruto had protection from the Uchiha clan, at least the main family had good relations with him and KMPF members sympathized with his people. So it was not much of a stretch to think that stray Uchiha wanted to get rid of them.
He didn't even have to work hard, just look at how much discord his effortless infiltration caused. By now, that masked Uchiha was trying to kill his clan with a borrowed knife. And said knife was Konoha or rather Danzou and Konoha elders.
Naruto howled, "THAT DAMNED MADARA-KNOCKOFF!"
Kurama couldn't help but think the irony was exquisite. He had long wished the cursed clan's extinction, and fake or not this Madara was, for his own survival and his vessels', Kurama had to wish otherwise. He was sure not even his father, Sage of Six Paths would ever predict this kind of situation.
The next day
He couldn't get out but it was not impossible to sneak in his teammates and their clan head to the Tower, there was a lot of secret passage and due to their barrier the tower was free of ROOT's watch.
HIs teammates and allies quickly realize how dire the situation when he didn't even bother with courtesy and his stormy expression.
"Naruto-kun." Fugaku called him. "What's wrong."
His grim expression didn't cease as he explained their real situation, "The good news I figured out his motive, the bad news…" the target of that stray Uchiha and desired result of the malicious plot.
Three pairs of sharingan eyes flared in anger, even Itachi looked like he was about to spit fire. "That's… why, he randomly appears in their compound for the last few weeks and alarming barrier division?" Hakurei summarized with a pale face.
Naruto nodded, a mocking smile on his lips. "He is extremely rotten, the reason he tested Itachi and Shisui is most likely to gauge the highest threat the Uchiha clan could impose on him at the moment."
Fugaku turned to him, his anger abated as he looked concerned at Naruto. "What about you?"
"Me?" Naruto chuckled softly, placing a hand on his chest. "I am not so important to him now, as jinchuuriki I suppose he just needs me to stay alive until I'm ripe for picking." Because if he died it would be extremely troublesome since Kurama would reform in the wild, and the ensuing chaos was not worth mentioning.
Naruto said that as if he was insignificant, but it was clear to Fugaku that to this stray getting rid of them also meant taking away protection of Sharingan from Minato's son. "Can't we bring this up to Hokage-sama? Whatever suspicion he has towards us should be halted for Naruto-kun's sake!" Perhaps to him and his son and nephew Naruto was someone they wanted to protect for personal reason but to Konoha he was the cornerstone of power balance in the Elemental continent!
The blond shook his head, "Don't bother Fugaku-jiisan, it's all conjecture that makes sense to us as targets of this villain. To Hokage-sama… or at least to his advisors especially Danzou, we're just going to sound like diverting their attention."
"Yeah." Shisui agreed with a grim face, "We're the target but whatever we say will make it sound like we're playing victim."
"Not to mention the existence of this masked man is only confirmed by us." Itachi pointed out, "Could we consent to mind-walking of Yamanaka's clan so at least they will believe this man truly exist?"
Fugaku shook his head, unsurprised his young son was unaware of one tiny detail for once. "As a sharingan user to an extent we can resist Yamanaka's technique and plant false memories, so it should be Naruto-kun but…" He gave the jinchuuriki a searching glance.
Mirthless laughter escaped his lips, "Which Yamanaka would be idiotic enough to try that even under orders?" And risked coming in contact with Kurama? "Our Hokage won't order them to risk such thing either."
It was deeply rooted in Konoha that Kurama was an incarnate of malice, so there was nothing he could say in Kurama's defense. He couldn't even say anything for himself as mere vessel so how could he vouch for the biiju?
Fugaku clenched his fist, his knuckles turned white in frustration. "I haven't even settled the matter inside my own clan! Now, we're targeted by this villain and Danzou… we're not even prepared to defend ourselves."
"Otou-san…" Itachi glanced at his father worriedly, and that was when Fugaku's eyes were drawn to young boys in the room.
They were so young, and Naruto was only nine years old and yet… he couldn't do anything without them. Why this old man who should be nurturing these boys couldn't do anything for them? He hated himself for being weak, more than Konoha who cornered them to this point of no return or ruthless Danzou or the chief culprit Uchiha Madara.
At the time like this… he wished he could be the sacrifice to Shinigami years ago and Minato lives, Minato would have protected their children unlike him who was too weak. Even so…. As their elder, and chief of Uchiha clan-
"Itachi, Shisui… get out." He spoke coldly.
The two younger Uchiha became spechless, "Erm… why?" Shisui dared himself to ask.
"Your clan head is speaking to another clan head, you youngsters should get out." Fugaku said firmly. "Now, don't make me repeat myself."
Shisui hesitated as obviously Fugaku wanted to speak to Naruto and Hakurei, leaving them out. Itachi stood up and bowed, "As you wish." Before he dragged Shisui out of the room.
There was a pregnant silence before Fugaku broke it, bending his waist as he sat so Naruto and Hakurei who were sitting across him could only see the crown of his head and his broad back. "My deepest apologies for all the trouble my clansmen have caused over the years! And also for my negligence as a clan head, if only I was more vigilant… we wouldn't be reduced to this state."
Naruto was shocked, to see an Uchiha and their clan head no less lowering his head was an unbelievable sight. Then again with a son and nephew like Itachi and Shisui, it was not much of a stretch that deep down Fugaku followed Uchiha tradition as a must rather than something ingrained in him. "Uchiha-sama." They were speaking as clan head to another now, so this much formality was appropriate. "There's nothing to apologize for, what's happening now is not something that happened because we're ignorant. We've been targeted by power beyond ours, and now we have to think of a way to survive them."
Fugaku raised his head, a determined look etched in his expression. "Thank you for your kind words, but in this situation let's not bother with such courtesy." He inhaled deeply. "Allow me to ask a few questions. "Frankly, from Uzumaki-sama's explanation… The order of elimination would be the Uchiha clan first, the Tower and then you. Is that right?"
Uchiha Clan's plan to rebel had already reached the upper-echelon of Konoha, no matter how they minced it there would be a move to eliminate them, who had been isolated from the village. The Tower was struggling to keep their power, and after the fall of the Uchiha clan there would be discontent with those who were not integrated to Konoha. It was not much of a stretch of imagination, sooner or later accusations would crop up for their case. It didn't help that they housed Naruto, his presence alone was enough to sow suspicion. Especially now he was getting more distant to Hokage and Konoha after entering the tower.
Once these two groups of people were eliminated… he would be very vulnerable in Konoha.
"It's all in conjecture." Naruto waved his hand, "I very much wish it's just my wild imagination playing tricks on me."
They also thought the isolation and discrimination was just their imagination at first, but look at their state now. "It's the worst possibility but I'd rather we're overly paranoid and prepared rather than dawdling."
Hakurai and Naruto stilled, they didn't miss how Fugaku's voice dropped below zero as he emphasized the word 'prepared' just now. "Uchiha-sama?" Hakurei probed. "What are you planning to do?" From his experience with Shisui's father, when an Uchiha was dead set on something with a glint of madness like this was a premonition of catastrophe.
Fugaku smirked, a touch of sadness on the corner of his lips. "You, Itachi and Shisui are all genius…. The best in your generation, but for you to overlook this alternative I had in mind says a lot about your inexperience-" There was no mocking in his voice as he corrected himself, "No… rather than greenness, you're all too gentle and kind." He had steeled his heart for years to force his son and nephew forward for the sake of their clan, so they could survive. In the end, he just made them suffer.
"Uchiha-sama." Naruto was getting alarmed by Fugaku's borderline meek attitude.
The Uchiha let the concerned voice wash over him, "You brought up the bloodline seal before me, how soon can you complete it?"
The younger shinobi felt like he shouldn't answer this, but with honor of his clan on the line and mutual trust between them he should. "The seal is still at a theoretical level, but existing Kago no Tori works with Byakugan… I need assistance from a medic familiar with sharingan's anatomy to tailor it specifically for your doujutsu."
"You haven't tested it yet?"
Naruto swallowed nervously, "I… did- on Shisui's and Itachi's clone."
"Hooou…" Fugaku cupped his chin, "It didn't dispel their clone?"
Naruto shook his head, "Not right away." He tapped his temple. "While Byakugan and Sharingan differ, in essence all doujutsu works by feeding special chakra that is unique to said clan to optical nerves. This special chakra comes from different source than one we have on the center of our body, so this seal works with simultaneously locking down this chakra source then-"
"If just that with transplant, our doujutsu would still work so then-" Fugaku prompted him.
Naruto swallowed, "I was curious myself why transplanted doujutsu works even though it's inferior to original, so I assume there's filter in the optic nerve itself that refine even foreign chakra to make the doujutsu works, so- in order to completely seal the doujutsu… this seal have to disable the nerve from transmitting chakra."
Fugaku's lips quirked up, no wonder this boy was their son. He said it was all still on paper, and yes it was true but with this solution regardless of how Sharingan works… "An eye that couldn't be enhanced with chakra will cease to be doujutsu." Fugaku concluded in a pleased voice. "So, how to trigger this seal? Do we have to die first or can we activate it manually?"
He felt a chill down his spine because a proud owner of doujutsu shouldn't be this ecstatic at the prospect of ruining their eyes. By right, his seal won't rob them off of their sight but it still seal their bloodline. "I don't recommend… manual activation, because this seal works on delicate nerves… Activating it out of free will means overloading the chakra path in your eyes. Last clone of Shisui attempting it blew up like an exploding clone…" He didn't know what would happen to real humans, but he'd rather not.
"But it's possible right?" Fugaku's tone was mild. "That sounds like a cheap price to pay to not leave your body behind rather than get mutilated for your eyes."
Hakurei looked back and forth between Naruto and Fugaku. "You're making my young master uncomfortable, tell me you're not planning something foolish Uchiha-sama…"
"Perhaps, my apologies… you and my son are truly alike." He chuckled softly, "Yondaime-sama was the same until war forced his hands, and I don't want that for any of you." Fugaku's eyes hardened and declared, "Now that I don't have to worry about bloodline thief that would endanger you… this matter… could you let us take responsibility?"
Naruto rose from his seat, storm like expression colored his face. "What are you saying?!"
"I am telling you to cut us off, this clan of traitors." He replied coldly.
The jinchuuriki trembled in anger and shock, "Uchiha-sama, have you lost your mind?! If any of you Uchiha with deep resentment to Konoha wants to go through with your plan, by all means I will cut you down myself!" Naruto pointed at Fugaku, his index finger trembling with barely suppressed rage. "However, don't forget your action will implicate your children! Your son, Sasuke, is completely ignorant that his clan is taking a path of no return!"
How could he do this to that boy? How about other children in Uchiha clan? They were blameless!
The leader of Uchiha clan just nodded, a satisfied smirk painted on his lips. "Exactly, children have no business with adult matters, don't they?" He rose from his seat, crossing his arms on his back as he walked to the side of the room. "It's just so happen we're heartless enough to dump responsibilities to our generous neighbor."
Hakurei roared, "Fugaku! Cut this nonsense, don't even think about it!"
BAM!
Fugaku rammed his fist on the concrete wall, leaving a fist shaped indent. "This is not the time to be weak-hearted! Naruto-kun might be the leader of Uzumaki clan but you're still his elder, Hakurei! I would be damned if I face your mistress in afterlife if I drag her son and the rest of Sealing Tower with my clan!"
"There's no guarantee sacrificing your clan will save us all, you dimwit!" Hakurei hissed. "Will your clan agree with this idiotic ploy of yours?"
He ignored Hakurei and asked, "Do you trust me? This Uchiha?"
Naruto swallowed, "If I say yes?"
Pool of ink swirled to three tomoes in red. "Just a precaution."
"Fugaku! I warn you!"
The Uchiha grunted, "If my clansmen are foolish enough with our rebellion plan, I'd say so… Why don't we just go through with this foolishness on our own and spare you? At least it means something!" He wouldn't let Danzou had his wish, if they had to die at least he had to give some discontent to that bastard and pave way for their children.
Naruto closed his eyes, and opened his eyes to find himself in his mindscape but further away from Kurama's cage. Fugaku was inside and didn't even let Naruto to speak as he started to lay out his plan in detail, ignoring Hakurei's objection. Fugaku wondered if he had became muddleheaded for the last few years to be so blind of this solution. After all, when Minato ascended to Hokage's throne, he was prepared to be an extension of Minato's hand. He was not apt at playing in the open field of politics, but when it comes to backstabbing and cunning he had a very clear mind. Especially when now he didn't have to fear for his life or his family everything became clear.
Fugaku felt like he was about to lose control of his facial muscle, no, he was already smiling. "This way… you will have a future, you, my sons… nephew. All of you will have a chance!"
Minato, look! Your son's mind is a sewer! Ha ha ha… if you're here you would be mad with grief! But don't worry… I am sure in that future I would never see… he shall thrive!
Naruto's bangs shadowed his upper face, his lips pulled to a thin line. "Uchiha-sama… you're telling us to trample upon you and your clan for that?"
"Yes."
"Do you think we will be happy with that? What can I say to Sasuke-kun then? To Uchiha children?" He could feel his eyes became hot, at the future prospect that many children would have to bury their parents before they came of age.
"You don't have to tell them anything." Fugaku retorted firmly.
Naruto gritted his teeth, "You're condemning most of your clan with this!" Naruto roared, his eyes flashed as he and Fugaku was back to reality.
"Then so be it!" Fugaku declared resolutely, before he grabbed Naruto's shoulders and forced the boy to look at him in the eye.
"Fugaku!" Hakurei hollered.
His eyes were deep pool of ink, not even a trace of red. "Listen to this foolish old man's words for this one time, let me face your parents in afterlife with holding my head high." Looking at fierce stubbornness still burning in Naruto's eyes he sighed. "Fulfill your parent's last wish, you can't stop here for me and my clan."
Naruto staggered backward and Fugaku released him, Hakurei quickly caught him. "Naruto-sama!"
He panted softly, "That's unfair… using them like this."
Fugaku just smiled sadly, "Life is unfair, child…"
Naruto opened his mouth and gave the Uchiha clan head his answer, "…. I …. …"
The Uchiha listened to his answer, dark eyes softening by each words. "I understand- then… I will go back with my son and Shisui."
"No." Naruto's word was not loud but there was unmistakable firmness that leave no place to argue. "I will tell them myself, I will leave the rest to you… Uchiha-sama."
"As you wish." Fugaku opened the door, unsurprised to see Itachi and Shisui stubbornly standing on the doorway. Hakurei was a few steps behind him, and followed him out of the room. "Get inside… and follow order of your superior." He was handing Naruto an authority over his son and nephew. "Whatever he says is absolute now."
Shisui felt chilled to the bone at that command, 'That can't be a good sign, Fugaku-jii can't be up to any good.'
'Otou-san?' Itachi glanced at his father's and Hakurei's retreating back and solemn looking Naruto who was rooted on his seat before following Shisui inside and closed the door of Naruto's office. "Naruto?"
"Our elders have made their decision."
Hokage Tower
By right after checking and reporting to Hokage of his purpose to visit Konoha, Totsuka Tatara could just waltz to the Tower as he pleased. While Naruto didn't have an inkling on what Tatara wanted him for, he was pretty sure he was not asked as a Shinobi of Konoha but Uzumaki Naruto of Uzumaki clan. In short, it was a business between his clan and Tatara's master. Konoha and Hokage had no right to meddle as long as said business was not against Konoha's interest, explicitly at least.
So when he saw Sandaime with a stern expression and Tatara's carefree smile, he knew this was another test. Tatara could speak for himself to be excused, he didn't have to put up with Hokage-sama holding him back. Yet, he obediently let Sandaime keep him in the office. This was certainly looking for trouble, blatantly showing that Naruto was so powerless even his guest was held back in Hokage's office and he had to run to pick said guest himself.
If Naruto was any other clan head, he would be boiling with shame and indignation by now. 'Hokage-sama doesn't seem to be aware of this situation.' Or rather because Naruto was too young, the old kage didn't see him as a clan head at all. Then again in Konoha he was the only Uzumaki, he only had vassal clans and no clansmen to lead. There was never any formal ceremony to acknowledge his status in the first place.
"Naruto-kun, welcome."
He bowed, and inhaled deeply. "Hokage-sama, thank you for receiving the guest of our clan on my behalf." He spoke eloquently, before he rose and glanced at Tatara, not even sparing the old Kage a glance. "It's urgent I take it?"
Tatara nodded, a smile quirked up his lips. "Yes… Naruto-sama."
Naruto turned his attention back to Sandaime and bowed again, "Please excuse us then, Hokage-sama. In the future there's no need to trouble yourself with our guest, and once again thank you for your time." Before anyone could respond, Naruto swiftly led Tatara out of the room and ignored the banging sound of fist against wood, most likely one of Sandaime's advisors.
"That child behaves like he is a clan head, he is getting too arrogant." Koharu commented to her teammates.
Homura cupped his chin, "Well… according to law he is, the requirement to be clan head is at least Chuunin in rank and born of the closest line to the main line." Naruto was at least Tokubetsu-jounin for his skill in Fuuinjutsu alone, and he was from the main family of Uzumaki clan. The last known clan head from Uzushio was Kushina's grandfather. Kushina's father and older brother died when Uzushio fell.
Koharu sighed, "That child is getting discontent with his position, he is just nine years old this year…" Then again it was undisputed fact by right Uzumaki Naruto should feel that way, he was scion of a prestigious clan and Konoha population treated him as pariah. The boy being civil and still obedient to rules they imposed on him was good enough.
"Not to mention, for someone of his position to distance himself from the village like this and side with…"
"Enough!" Sandaime barked, "Not another word."
Danzou who had been silent for a while harrumphed, "You can't protect that boy forever, Hiruzen."
He was aware more than anyone how precarious Naruto's situation was, but there was no way he could tell the boy to discard the bonds he had with the Tower and Uchiha. It was stifling to realize how much they underestimate Naruto, and if they earned his resentment…
"The boy is getting dangerous day by day, forming relation with Daimyou-sama's younger brother." Homura offered his opinion. "Hiruzen, I know you have a soft spot for the boy but you can't be too lenient."
Sandaime wasn't blind, and while he was unsure of Naruto's intention, it was not a stretch Minato's son wanted political power to give himself all the advantages he could get. "And? What do you want me to say to that boy? We're his superiors but his clan business is not ours to meddle with unless it's connected to Konoha's wellbeing."
"As jinchuuriki, he is ours." Danzou reminded them, his lone eye narrowed at their kage.
Sandaime frowned at Danzou, "Don't even think about it, Danzou… if you dare dehumanize Naruto-kun, the consequence would be grave.'' Just look at their neighbor in Kaze no Kuni, Kazekage could barely control his weaponized son. Naruto as a jinchuuriki served as a mere vessel, never flaunting the power of bijuu like others.
His mental stability and talent as Uzumaki made it a trivial matter. In the first place Konoha, unlike other hidden villages, never relies on their bijuu.
"Ah, yes…" Danzou agreed, his lone eye rolled to the side. "Especially since he is the true leader of Sealing Tower." Hokaru and Homura's lips pulled to a grim line, as it was no secret to them that Hakurei was just warming that seat. "Too dangerous."
Sealing Tower
"I don't see you bother playing submissive subordinate anymore." Tatara commented as he took the offered seat in Naruto's office. "Why?"
Naruto scoffed, "There's no amount of bootlicking can help us now, playing the charade is just troublesome… Beside, it's about time I expressed clearly that I can take care of my own guests." He was not asking for family properties to be returned to him, just liberty to do his job as clan head. "So, has Ieyasu-jiisan sick waiting for me to accomplish anything?"
Totsuka Tatara snorted, "My master is never a patient one, but because he is so generous he bestows this task for you instead." Tatara tossed a scroll, which Naruto caught with ease before unfolding it.
His expression was indifferent as he began to read the secret missive, his right hand spun the scroll to unfurl it further. His frown deepened as he got through all the necessary information. "His highness's generosity is touching, but may I inquire why I get involved in this kind of case?"
"You don't like it?"
Naruto shook his head and said. "If he gives me order, I will do it as long as it's within my capabilities but this type of issue should be handled by insiders. Bringing in someone from outside like me would jeopardize the investigation. Don't Ieyasu-jiisan know this better than me?"
The aide of Ieyasu suddenly burst to laughter, "My master sure do.!" He tossed another scroll.
Naruto juggled the two scrolls, rolling the first one up before setting it down on the table and unfurled the new one. "Inspecting the old Uzumaki seal in the palace? Well… sooner or later the seal would need some maintenance." While the Uzumaki seal was long lasting, it was just common sense to maintain it regularly even if it was just once in a decade. "So- this is my cover mission?" He held up the scroll he had sealed up again, and raised the first one with his left hand. "So, about the other one? Cover mission that explains me wandering around the palace as I please is good and all but it's not enough to go through trouble with this group."
Totsuka Tatara took a sip of tea that had been offered and said. "The first scroll is just heads up for you, Ieyasu-sama is not asking you to investigate."
Naruto quieted down at that, 'The investigation is still ongoing ,what else is there to do?' Unless… Naruto wanted to throw Totsuka off of the tower now, this almost didn't worth all support he could get from Ieyasu.
"We want you to make this problem disappear."
Late update is understatement but I do wish to finish this fanfic, even if I won't follow canon for sure.
Thank you for everyone who keep supporting this story, it's not dead- it's just in coma. I hope you guys don't mind my writing style change- I did keep some of original text I have written years ago though XD so it's a mixed bag.
I find it hilarious there are complaints about politic, I am sorry but this story has long been focusing on politic aside from Naruto's life and friendship. I love it that way, and that's just how it is. It's bizzare when I checked review page, there are some comment that feels 'so' bitter about the direction this story takes. I can't even feel offended- like... why do you so angry over a fanfiction going heavy on politic LOL?
As usual please leave R&R
BTW this story has been posted in full in Ao3, I still visit this site but honestly... this site is becoming a fossil while AO3 Thrive. I'd be more frequent over there than here.