Prologue

Authors Note:

I do not own Naruto/Boruto.

This idea has been floating around in my head for a while, and after reading The New Dawn, I was so excited to see many of these concepts play out. Still, I wanted to attempt my own take on something similar, albeit with alterations. This story will diverge significantly from canon to be more original. While I broadly hope to stay true to the characters, I want to ideate how they would experience this different, at times grimmer world.

As stated before, this will be heavily AU to take the characters to interesting new places and to build a fascinating world. I have no issue with anyone who retreads canon with some differences; I simply want to do more with this. I'm unsure if or when I might include the Otsutsuki.

This will be my first attempt at writing publicly. I'm thick-skinned, so please review it and let me know what you like or don't. I'm going in blind.

Update: I forgot to thank Reddit user H20WRKS for giving the first half of the prologue a test read


"Why are you here?"

Sasuke glowered at him, which was hardly surprising. He knew this would be his reception when he asked for a meeting, particularly on a night they might otherwise spend with family. On those occasions they would meet, it would take place at one of his many underground facilities or at a neutral and secluded area. He couldn't fault them for the caution, what with his sordid past. Though, that was exactly why it must be here. Nowhere else would do.

"Sasuke, ease up. Though I admit, I am tense about hosting you here. Please, tell us what brings you to Konoha, Orochimaru."

His manners have improved, but he's just as blunt as ever.

"An old friend can't visit? I'm hurt-"

Sasuke leveled his gaze at the serpent-like man

"Just tell us whatever you came to say."

Naruto turned his head slightly to give his old friend a meaningful look before refocusing on Orochimaru.

Orochimaru sighed before shifting his gaze back to Naruto, careful to appear firm but not poised to strike. These two had indeed grown, but these primitive negotiation tactics were ill-advised against one as experienced as he.

"As I dutifully informed Yamato, I created a second son five years ago. The boy, Mitsuki, is exceptionally gifted in the shinobi arts, but I fear for his long-term development under my care."

Which was surprisingly true. Just as he had grown to care for Log, in his way truly, he cared for Mitsuki. And while he was reluctant to let the boy go, he was first and foremost a scientist. Mitsuki was his subject. To advance the study, he must give the boy room to grow.

Orochimaru continued, "The boy is lonely. He knows few apart from those in the lab with me. I wish to allow him to come into his own, and I believe Konoha is the perfect place."

Naruto shifted in his seat, releasing the dread he felt for the request, which confusion replaced.

"Why would you pick Konoha for your son? Are you not worried he'll be in danger from the enemies you've made here? Our relationship with you has been working, but moving back in is off the table for you, too many still hold a grudge with you."

"Where else would be safe for my child?" Now, to sell it. "The village doesn't need to know Mitsuki is my child. I still have considerable assets held by the office of the Hokage, correct? I would like these to be used to support him. A small apartment should suffice for his-"

"Absolutely not!" Orochimaru leans back slightly, jolted by the Nanadaime's sudden shift in tone.

Naruto leans forward, casting a shadow over his desk. Sasuke shifts his gaze back onto Orochimaru.

"If what you tell me is true, why would I allow an already lonely and unsocialized five-year-old to live alone, training as a shinobi? That's just asking for trouble. Forget my advisors, Sasuke would have my head."

Orochimaru needed to regain momentum here quickly.

"Then surely we can come to a compromise? A caretaker, perhaps Karin, could be brought to ensure his home life remains stable."

Sasuke brought his arm up to smooth out a part of his cloak, dark attire shuffling,

"Unlikely." He paused for a moment, looking outside to the cityscape.

Konoha had grown significantly since the end of the fourth great shinobi war a decade ago. Merchants and experienced craftsmen had flocked to the city, which the two legendary ninjas protected. The skyline was a vibrant sea of soft electric blues and burning yellow lights, and the streets were alive with a muted but energized nightlife. Few would dare get in too much trouble in a ninja village.

"Bringing in one person closely associated with you is difficult. The outcries after bringing in Kabuto Yakushi are proof enough."

Orochimaru had no defense for this. Of course, he expected the Hokage to be resistant to his plight, but Sasuke's inclusion in the meeting and the absence of his usual Nara advisor showed their regard for him.

Perhaps this was a mistake. If even Naruto is this weary of me, then the greater population might pose too significant a threat to Mitsuki's safety.

Orochimaru's mind wrapped around the thought for a split second before quickly resolving against it.

No… Mitsuki needs this opportunity. The boy must not follow my path; the cycle must be broken.

Refocusing on the meeting at hand, Naruto displayed unusual conflict to Orochimaru. They had never been close, but the man had been a pupil of Jiraiya, and he had observed some of his growth as a young man. The Nanadaime could rarely, if ever, be called pensive.

Naruto gazed upward at Orochimaru as if analyzing a threat, looking for any hint of malice or aggression. He cut through the silence with a slight smirk, unbefitting his face and bridging his fingers in front of his mouth.

"I have an idea that may just work. Hinata and I have a guest house. Mitsuki can live in a room there; that way, for anyone worried, Hinata and I are there to watch over him."

A generous offer, and it certainly covers most concerns. Orochimaru had been banking on the blonde Kage's kind nature, and it seems it's pulled through for him.

Sasuke looks to Naruto, audibly breathing in, then out, assessing the notion briefly before continuing,

"If you're willing to go this far for it, fine. Still, we shouldn't allow Mitsuki or any of our shinobi whom we entrust with this knowledge to share his association with Orochimaru freely. Even with you monitoring him, we can't be too careful."

"Agreed."

Naruto continued

"I'd like for him to move in at least a month before he and Boruto join the academy. That will allow him to settle in before classes start."

"Of course, I'm happy to comply with your orders. I will ensure Mitsuki understands them before he comes to Konoha."

This was a lucky break for Orochimaru. Any other Kage would have never even agreed to meet, let alone take in a ward from him. All he can hope for now is that Mitsuki could find his way.

After ironing out the finer details, Orochimaru is escorted out by an anbu officer, Kuma.

Naruto turns to Sasuke, a gleam in his eye.

"So, while you're around, do you think you'll spend any time with your family? I know Sarada has been asking about you."

Sasuke glared at Naruto before drawling out, "I'm still too busy; this distraction was enough. Kaguya's temples are large and far-flung. Better to get it out of the way now than have some preventable threat come back to bite us later."

"Besides," Sasuke continued, "how much time are you spending here? Those microwave ramen cups tell me you're practically living out of this office, dobe."

Sasuke didn't wait for a dismissal, leaving the Hokage's office and returning to… who knows where? The Nanadaime only sighed, however, understanding the weight of Sasuke's mission. One scrap of information could mean life or death for thousands. It was too big a risk not to investigate.

He's right. It's time to turn in for the night. Hinata will not be happy, as I just gave away part of the guest house. Better smooth this over before the kid arrives!

==_—_==

It's a cold night in the land of Sound. It's always cold, though. Winds swoop down from the sea to the North, bringing cool, humid air. As the winds travel through the hills, and from the East down the mountains, they seem to howl. Stampeding through the fields and forests, all on their ceaseless quest to navigate the land.

A small, pale child waits in this land. A tunnel lies directly behind him, like the maw of a great beast of legend, preparing to swallow the innocent youth. The child's pale face is adorned with two seemingly glowing pale golden eyes, trained on the heavenly body hung above them in the night sky.

Outwardly, his face betrayed no emotion, but inwardly the boy was confused. His parent should have returned by now. For a moment, Mitsuki considered that Orochimaru miscalculated when he might arrive back, but discarded the thought.

My parent does not make mistakes like that.

Soon, he was joined by one of his caretakers, a hulking man with fiery hair and a solemn attitude. Mitsuki supposed Jugo was like fire in some ways, valuable and pleasant when under control but dangerous when not properly cared for.

For a time, neither spoke. Jugo had sat beside Mitsuki on a stone, keeping him company. Not long after, however, a man rounded the final bend on the winding trail to the hideout. Tall, wearing a traditional garb with a purple rope tied about the waist. Golden, serpent-like eyes found their twins while a slight smile appeared on the tall man's face.

Mitsuki bowed deeply towards his parent in greeting

"Jugo, Mitsuki. How have our operations progressed in my absence?"

Orochimaru briefly acknowledged his subordinate and child before continuing into the hideout, Mitsuki falling in behind the two adults, padding along.

"We've little to report. No major progress or setbacks on your current projects."

Orochimaru nodded slightly

"Has Log reported recently? Last we had heard, he believed he was closing on some rogue experiments."

Mitsuki tuned out the conversation as he thought of his older brother. Despite being born only a few short years before him, Log was an 'imperfect clone' as his parent had described. A genetic flaw caused him to reach physical maturity much sooner than intended. Mitsuki vaguely grasped the concept but still didn't truly comprehend it. His father had taught him since his unconventional 'birth,' but this was far beyond him.

They continued deeper into the lair, the stone walls worked into a scale-like pattern adorning the walls. As they pass another set of serpent iconography, Mitsuki wonders yet again why his parent would choose such a sparse and yet conversely ornamented environment. Surely, with the wealth of knowledge Orochimaru had, this place and his many other homes could be brimming with researchers, assistants, and students. He knew his parents answer, these vague "enemies" he's made, but anytime he's asked his only answer is some variant of "Another time."

It didn't upset him, though he found little did. He would watch in fascination when his caretakers, particularly Suigetsu and Karin, became animated with annoyance and rage. He wondered if he might be able to stoke these feelings in himself, so much so that he began testing himself.

Once, he had found Suigetsu working at his lab station. Quickly, Mitsuki realized this was the perfect opportunity to perform a test and ran inside, pretending to knock into the Mist shinobi's chair accidentally. Suigetsu let out a rather embarrassing yelp, tumbling to the ground.

"What the hell!" scrambling up to his knees, he noticed Mitsuki standing right before him, golden eyes wide, observing. "Ah, sorry to yell like that kid. You just surprised me!"

Disappointing. As fast as he'd appeared, Mitsuki apologized and took his leave of the room. He hoped he might feel a similar emotion as he'd seen in many of Suigetsu and Karin's arguments but ultimately felt nothing.

Coming out of his thoughts, Mitsuki noticed his parent's gaze lingering on him. Jugo had been dismissed with little fanfare, a short nod from Orochimaru.

"Mitsuki, come with me. We have something of importance to discuss."

Ever obedient, Mitsuki complied. As they neared Orochimaru's private quarters, Mitsuki began to muse about the conversation ahead. Perhaps, his parent had received important information in his meeting, and they'd relocated to another location. Whatever the case, it was interesting that his parent chose to speak with him alone. Maybe the information only concerns him? But why?

Once inside, Mitsuki began studying the room. It was more comfortably furnished than most areas of the cold northern hideout. In the front and center of the room was a tokonoma, prominently featuring an empty weapon stand. Towards the back wall, near where they entered, was a simple, low-to-the-ground table with four zaisu surrounding it. Stone snakes erupted from the walls, vomiting light fixtures gruesomely, bathing the room in a warm yellow glow.

"Mitsuki, take a seat." So he did, taking the furthest zaisu with his back to the wall. His parent moved to replace the weapon on the stand, the legendary blade Kusanagi. Orochimaru then moved back to his side of the room and sat directly before Mitsuki. Taking a short moment to study his son. Mitsuki knew he was only a clone, an experiment, much like his elder brother. However, Orochimaru looked at them differently, as if there was something more he expected from Mitsuki.

"I have met with the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf."

Mitsuki leaned forward slightly. It wasn't often he talked of his business on these frequent trips.

"I wished to inquire about inducting you into Konoha's shinobi academy. The Hokage has graciously agreed to host you personally."

For a moment, Mitsuki processed this like he did all other things, coldly and analytically, but soon felt a strange sensation in his chest. Like a weight was placed upon it, he couldn't quite process it but was put off by his parent's sudden decision to give guardianship of him away.

Was it something I'd done? Did he finally tire of waiting on me to do what he expected?

Orochimaru was given pause by something he witnessed on the boy's face before continuing,

"There are some expectations that must be upheld with this deal. First, I am not to meet you inside the village. Still, I will communicate with you regularly through my summons. Second, you must come to me if you need any non-emergency-related care. Third, you cannot disclose our relation. Those are the three most important rules."

My parent does not seem tired of me; maybe this is just a part of his plans for me?

"Any financial matters you need to handle will be through the office of the Hokage," Orochimaru continued after a brief pause. "Much of your shinobi training will be done through the Konoha academy, but I will occasionally guide you. We will leave for Konoha in two months."

Mitsuki failed to respond, the whole situation was so sudden. Was his parent upset at his progress? Had he always planned for him to leave? Orochimaru was too enigmatic, too blank to truly decipher any emotion he might have held about the situation.

As Mitsuki retreated to his room, a chill crept through his legs and into his torso. The unfamiliar sensation gave his mind panic for the second time in a day. He could not place the emotion, but he thought about leaving his odd little family behind every time it came up. He could only hope the feeling would recede.


That's all for the prologue. I considered writing about Mitsuki's first day in Konoha here, but decided this would work best.

I won't necessarily use Mitsuki as the main POV, but especially early on, he'll have the most ground to cover in development. I see a lot of dissatisfaction with his character in canon, and I wanted to try my hand at making an interesting take on him.