It was beginning to grow colder Naruto noted as he bit into a persimmon, savoring the sweet taste that was only now becoming familiar to him. It was the day before he was due to leave and he had already finished packing. He was laying on Iruka's couch having attended the last few lessons in person. The man and one of his clones were quietly grading papers on the table beside him.
His mind was still consumed by the most recent kidnapping attempt. He could not wrap his head around what those men had wanted to do to him. A large part of him did not want to comprehend. When he told Iruka the man had immediately hugged all his clones and shed a tear at Naruto's unconscious wince. They had switched over to the trap escape curriculum and had done nothing but. Iruka declaring that Naruto would learn to perform the rope escape in his sleep. He honestly felt bad for the amount of times he nearly broke down as he was tied up. Wincing at the presence of older men, but in the week and a half since that day he had grown used to and safe around Iruka again. He honestly could do the rope escape in his sleep now. It was so warm… was Naruto's last thought as the persimmon fell out of his hands and the older man got up and draped his throw blanket over the boy.
The man did not regret his decision looking down at the blonde boy who had begun to relax in his presence once more. He was ready to admit he had grown attached to the boy but these last few months (Really 7 including all the clones. Including the 4th that joined late.). Basically having his whole attention, minus his main body of course, on the boy brought home just how attached he had become. He would die for this child and it scared him. After he was paid for this mission he was going to move into better accommodations and he was going to invite Naruto to live with him. It was never safe for the boy to be on his own and the most recent kidnapping had driven that home. No child (And Naruto was a child headband or no in Iruka's eyes.) should have to go through that. And more than once? Naruto had let that slip which nearly gave him a heart attack. Many behaviors and absences were beginning to make a cruel amount of sense.
He massaged Naruto's scalp as the boy began to drool a little.
Iruka had been 9 going on 10 when the fox had attacked killing both his parents. The third had taken an interest in him as a family friend, he was told. The man had comforted and guided him. Iruka had become a Shinobi not long after. First joining and exceling in the barrier corps but discovering a love of reading and distaste for field work, he took up teaching. He had met many wonderful students since he started nearly 5 years ago after his first contract renewal. He was due to finish his first 5 years as a teacher at the end of this academic year and would receive his first permanent academy bonus. This was normally the point many academy teachers considered retiring. They would have had 1 or 2 classes by this point plus the completion bonus, their pension would be comparable to a Special Jonin.
Enough to start a modest family…
Hmphh. Let the boy sleep for now.
He went back to finish grading his papers sipping on some Hojicha.
At around six he woke the groggy boy up. Patting his head as Naruto yawned.
"Come on Naruto lets go get some Ramen. My treat."
This instantly woke up and brightened the boys smile.
He absentmindedly patted the boys drool with a kerchief causing the boy to whine.
He wrapped the scarf back around the boy and presented him with a little going away present to help keep him warm. An orange vest to help him keep warm on the journey to the Capital. And discretely reinforced with thicker mesh armor.
Naruto's eyes sparkled at the color as he glomped the man. Iruka only smiled.
They make their way down to the Ramen shop Iruka attempting to shield the child from the stares.
Some even seemed a little relieved that Naruto's most recent prank was so benign. The tension that
had been building had burst. Some only seemed to direct more hatred and suspicion the boys way. But to Naruto he was happy it was for something he had actually done. He had been booked by one of the few remaining Uchiha police officers and brought in to be interrogated. But he denied everything and after an investigation they could not present any evidence and his alibi was rock solid with not even a whiff of the boys chakra signature being present. He had been cavorting with the Nara and Akamichi heir's too, they attested to his presence and all clones had been accounted for with one being spotted buying chips. Not a trace of Naruto's chakra was left so no techniques were performed by the boy. That same day he was released due to lack of evidence.
There was something odd to the boy though. A lot of people were wearing black, a sign of mourning. The tinkle of temple chimes periodically rang through the village. There was something about today, some major event. But what?
It was only when they entered the screen of Ichiraku Ramen that Naruto knew.
"Surprise!"
A few streamers were tossed around and a small banner was hung.
"Happy Birthday Naruto!"
Sensei, Yamato, Aia, Shikamaru, Choji, and even Kenta, Hiro and Kita were present. Though Sensei was giving Kenta an odd look. Exasperated as if she could not believe something. Maybe they knew each other? All old people seemed to know each other to Naruto. Then it hit him.
"Ehhh!"
It was October 10th! Not safe! Not safe! He usually hid in his apartment on his birthday. The Kyubbi festival was next week with the day itself reserved for mourning and honoring those who died in the attack.
But Iruka sat him down at the rather full stall. Either not noticing his panic or trying to shock him out of it. Already a big steaming bowl was in front of him.
"We have a wonderful treat in store for you tonight. A medley of different Ramens we've been brainstorming. Tell us how you like them!"
Teuchi jovially said.
"These are our mania noodles. Extra special attention was made to make the perfect noodle."
NEW RAMEN!?
In an instant he forgot all about the matter as he tucked in.
"So chewy! "
He said between mouthfuls.
"I love it."
As he was demolishing the bowl he began to relax and mingle with all the people who came. All the people he cared about.
Choji and Yamato were talking animatedly about food devouring their own bowls. It had Naruto squinting seeing double as Yamato could be mistaken for Choji's older brother, only the blonde hair and slightly softer features were different. Shikamaru and Kita were having an animated discussion on table games over plates of Roulette Gyoza (One on each plate was filled with Wasabi paste or Peppers). While Hiro and Aia were catching up since they had not seen each other since graduation. Beside himself Kumiko Sensei was nursing a Highball and Kenta had a beer. Iruka sensei had just ordered Sake and a few bar snacks. He just basked in the comfort of everyone's presence.
He set the bowl down. Patting his stomach only for another to be plopped down in front of him by Ayame.
"Floral Ramen, my invention. Give it a try."
The smell was only a little floral masked by the salt broth as it was. But as soon as he took his first bite…
"Woah so strong!"
It was like he was prancing through a flowery meadow on a spring day. He blushed as he basked in the flowers. But whoo! It was a little overpowering.
When he finished Teuchi gave him some ginger to chew on to reset his pallet.
He joined the conversation with Hiro as they were discussing the trip the next day. Aia playfully hitting Hiro on the shoulder and calling him a pussy. And Hiro blushed!
"Awa Awa! Aia-chan you like them! Awa Awa!"
He blushed even harder.
"Shut it brat!"
Even Aia was a little incensed and her visage promised pain. Naruto backed off a little rubbing the back of his neck. But he excitedly added his two cents about the journey the next morning.
Soon enough, more Ramen was laid down. Clam Ramen, Mushroom Ramen, Fruit Juice Ramen…
Yeah not everything was a hit.
Kumiko Sensei gifted him a voucher to the commissary armory for any basic weapon he wanted promising to teach him the basics if she knew. But he would have to find a teacher for any exotic weapons.
Iruka gave him a scroll with more vests.
Kenta gave him a white book with a Heno Heno Moheji on the front. It was custom book with his own notes on trapping and tracking. He glomped the man for that. Making the man awkwardly chuckle.
Hiro gave him a bag of mixed candy from a store he was not allowed in. Forbidden fruit is the most sweet…
Choji gave him a coupon for free Barbecue at his favorite place. He nudged him letting him know the place was friendly. Shikamaru gifted him a travel Shogi set and made him promise to practice so they could play together.
"I will! Believe it!"
Aia gave him her favorite blend of tea from jungle country. It was earthy with a savory sweet taste.
Kita gave him a noogie and snuck a voucher for free cooking lessons in his vest pocket as her parents apparently ran a school/cafe.
"And the finale. Ramen that might as well be considered contraband."
Iruka frowned narrowing his eyes at the Ramen chef. Kumiko rolled her eyes and Kenta eye smiled. Which somehow did not reach his mouth which remained in its characteristic smirk… Like a mask.
"From the distant land of earth, peppercorns that will make your mouth tingle and water and Hawthorne slices its Iwa style Ramen."
The steaming bowl in front of him had Naruto already sold.
Iruka rolled his eyes after pouting.
"Szechuan peppercorns were taken off the embargo list two years ago Teuchi. I would hardly call that contraband."
The man frowned.
"Ruin a man's fun why don't you."
Iruka raised his hands in placation.
Naruto tried the miso based broth.
"Delicious!"
It added a smoky flavor to the Miso that left his tongue all tingly. The hawthorne slices added a tang that complimented it quite well.
Eventually people started leaving Naruto thanking them profusely for coming and for the gifts. Just as Iruka was about to walk him home one last guest popped in and ordered tea.
Teuchi stopped what he was doing to serve the man.
Jiji…
"Happy Birthday Naruto."
The old man gently intoned.
"Sorry I missed it. I had to officiate several memorials today."
Iruka nodded somberly. His own parents had theirs this morning.
Naruto still had complex feelings about the man and was a little resentful that the man had missed the main event. But he was still happy the man had come at all.
The man sipped his tea.
"Its late Naruto, I know you have a big day tomorrow. Here you go."
He handed him a wrapped small book.
Naruto carefully opened the wrapping paper folding it for later to be mindful of his etiquette training.
"Tales of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi?"
Naruto asked.
"It is a rather rare book written by a student of mine. Out of print for some time. I think you will enjoy it very much."
Naruto had skimmed the first few pages and was shocked to see his own name.
"Thank you Jiji."
He hugged the man as he finally began to head home with Iruka behind him.
When they get to his home loaded down with gifts. Iruka smiles at Naruto and decides to go for broke.
"Naruto…"
The gravity with which he said this got the boys full attention.
"I wanted to ask you something and I want you to know you can say no if you don't want it Naruto."
The anticipation was killing him.
"I had been meaning to do this for sometime, but I had not had the means before now. Naruto when we finish your lessons would you like to come live with me?"
Whatever Naruto had been expecting, that had not been it.
He fainted.
"Sage Damnit."
Iruka brought out his handy kiddy smelling salts. They came in handy when you were teaching small children to beat the crap out of one another.
After scrunching his face Naruto sprung up, shocked.
"Are you serious?!"
Naruto demanded. Expressing hopefulness and angry incredulousness in equal measure.
Iruka smiles sadly and walks in to sit on the boys worn but recently cleaned couch.
"I know what it's like to be alone Naruto. I was only a little younger than you are now when my parents died in the 9 tails attack."
That shocked Naruto who never knew that about his teacher. He also felt a little guilty for reasons he did not know and wondered if the man blamed him like the others who called him Demon and hurt him. Another part was angry and lashed out before he could leash his temper.
"So?! What does that have to do with me?! I have always been alone. At least you remember your parents. I know nothing of mine."
Naruto defensively retorted before he could think. Immediately regretting it even if a part of him still meant it.
"You don't have to be alone anymore Naruto…"
Iruka said gently meaning every word.
"We can be there for each other. Trust each other-"
Naruto interrupted. But a small spark of hope had been lit inside him. But Kumiko Sensei had taught him well…
"Emotions can be just as deadly a weapon as any kunai. Take advantage of them to get what you want and need."
Her voice echoed in his head.
His gaze was shrewd. This was a chance for answers and a means to test if he really could trust the man.
"Trust each other? How can we trust each other when you and the whole village was keeping such a huge secret from me?"
He breathed out that last part. Causing Iruka to panic before he mastered himself. Who told him about the fox! Oh god this would get him killed!? Another part of himself was sad at the further loss of the boys already shredded innocence. Maybe if he found out who told the boy Sarutobi wont execute him? He internally shook his head. Focus!
He had to confirm.
"What secret Naruto?"
But the boy barreled on.
"How can I trust that you won't go straight to the old man?! Believe it."
His verbal tic kicked in.
Breathe in. Breathe out. Be honest with the child.
"Depending on what it is Naruto, you cant. I will not betray my village for anyone. But I promise you Naruto as long as you're not going to hurt anyone or the village I give you my promise. No. My solemn oath I will keep whatever you have to tell me secret."
A part of Naruto he did not understand told him Iruka was telling the truth. Somewhere deep in his belly where it felt uncomfortably hot.
Another part was afraid, if he made the wrong decision here that might be it on him finding out about his family.
He brought out the fabric swatches as Iruka gazed on incomprehensibly.
What?
"Why didn't anyone tell me about my family?"
This floored Iruka. He was not expecting this at all. He was largely relieved he would not have to violate an S-rank secret today.
"What family Naruto?"
It irked Naruto that the same pit in his belly from before told him the man was confused and telling the truth.
Damn it!
"The Uzumaki clan! They were supposed to be this big deal and allies of the village. I can't find any info on them at all. I was lucky to even find this!"
He gestured to the fabric.
"This Tailor lady lets it slip that this is fabric from my clan. She says she learned about it in school. Did I just skip out on those lessons? Are they in the content you still have to teach me?"
Naruto was jabbering a million miles a minute.
Iruka was confused. Uzumaki? He vaguely remembered learning about them when he was 8 before the attack. A short blurb on how they used to be allies. Bankrolled the village or something. He could not remember well. It was Konoha's greatest shame they were wiped out.
He thought over the curriculum. Woah. No even that was gone now. Weird!
"No Naruto, you did not miss any lessons. And it's not in what I still need to teach you. I remember learning about them as a child so I can tell you what I know which is not much."
Some answers at least Naruto thought hungrily.
"I know they were close allies of the Senju, related I think somewhere in the old days. They were right there when the Senju made peace with the Uchiha. They lived on an island far to the east. They were known for prodigious amounts of chakra and vitality. They specialized in sealing techniques and I think that's why they were destroyed. I don't remember fully I was 8. The only other thing I know is that Mito Senju was once Mito Uzumaki."
Each word was like a balm to Naruto's soul. But it only served to make his hunger that much more desperate.
"Please Iruka Sensei do you know what they looked like? What was their food like? Anything? I will do anything. Believe it!"
He groveled.
Iruka shocked him out of it by placing his hands on his shoulders.
"You don't need to do anything Naruto. Not for me, not for anyone. Do you understand? Everyone deserves to know their family."
Naruto's eyes glistened.
"That being said the only thing I can remember is their blood red hair. But I can see what I can dig up."
Naruto choked.
"You mean it?"
The man kneeled beside the boy putting them at eye level.
"Always. So I will ask again. Would you like to live with me Naruto when our lessons are done?"
Naruto hugged the man grateful for everything the man had done for him.
"Of course I would Sensei!"
Iruka hugs him back and kisses the top of his head. Shocking Naruto who had never felt anything like it before. The foreign sensation sending tingles every which way.
"Get some rest Naruto, you have a big day tomorrow and you need all your strength. I will see you off tomorrow morning. Good night."
Iruka left for the evening having a lot on his mind.
Naruto placed a hand over the part of his head Iruka had kissed and shivered with goose bumps and a feeling he could not describe. But he knew it was good. This was his best birthday ever.
Next scene:
He triple checked he had everything packed. Traditional outfits? (He was particularly embarrassed about the included Fundoshi) Check. Kumiko sensei's chakra resistant kunai? Check. Emergency Ramen supply? Check. On he went until he confirmed that yes he had everything as he lovingly zipped up Iruka's gift to him over his outfit and put on his fall shinobi boots. Putting on his gloves and wrapping his orange scarf around himself he smiled in the mirror. He watered Uki-kun one last time and locked up his home. Iruka was waiting for him and smiled at him.
"Good Morning Naruto."
Naruto smiled brightly in return. The afterglow from last nights feelings was still strong.
"Good Morning Iruka sensei!"
The man started fussing asking Naruto if he packed everything. Causing Naruto to whine half-heartedly.
Then they set off.
Making their way through the still sleepy village. In the dawn hours Iruka shared a rice ball with him and gave him a couple for the road and they chatted about nothing as Iruka shared the latest gossip about Naruto's former classmates. Kiba had apparently taken over Naruto's role as the class clown and dead last and Iruka relayed his hijinks causing Naruto to laugh. Naruto also shared some of the details about his 'teammates' in the Ambassador Program, Kenta always read this weird book and giggled when Tanaka sensei was not looking. But he always got questions correct no matter how little attention he paid. Hiro was apparently a prankster as well and they had a good rival/frenemy dynamic causing Iruka to laugh. Kita took awhile to warm up to him and was very abrasive. But then again when he got a little riled up so was Naruto. He admitted that even though he understood things a lot better now, a lot was still beyond him. He needed things explained a couple times before he got it. Surprisingly she was the one who took the time to explain things to him. She took great pride in her advancements and she explained that being able to explain things to Naruto proved her superiority further.
Iruka left a hand on top of Naruto's head as they neared the village gates.
Kenta simply wanted to leave violence and bloodshed behind himself, he had said with a look and feel that was genuine to Naruto. There was a flavor of dishonesty in the facts of what he said, he could feel in that pit of his stomach. But the sentiment itself was the truth. A man could have and keep his secrets he supposed.
Hiro was only in the ninja program because his family had always been shinobi and he had no career prospects otherwise. He had confided in Naruto that the Ambassador program was his ticket out of a dead end. He would be able to travel and see the world without being a contract killer.
Kita was in a weird place. She claimed she was just browsing different programs to see what she wanted to specialize in and this was her third training program she had attended. The first being the kenjutsu corps. The second being an apprenticeship with one of the villages trapping specialists. That really piqued Naruto's interest, she promised to introduce him to her former sensei later.
Tanaka sensei was an older Jonin that had joined the Ambassador corps some 11 years previous and he had served ever since in Wind, Water, and Waterfall country. He had been teaching for three cycles now and was nearing retirement he had said.
Iruka had nodded along the whole time and seemed to have a conspiring smile when Naruto talked about Kenta. They seemed to know each other…
In any case they came upon the gate and Naruto was among the last to arrive. Only three from the program were still missing including Kenta.
Speak of the devil here the man came now.
Tanaka sensei looked decidedly unimpressed with his own duffel bag over his shoulder.
"Well… at least you were not as late as you usually are…"
Tanaka sensei said. Confusing the other three. Kenta was never late to the program?
"Mah, Mah, I only got a little lost on the road of life."
Kenta eye smiled even as the rest of his face remained blank as usual.
Tanaka sensei only rolled his eyes.
"Alright since we are all here we will set off. Follow me and keep pace. With luck we should reach Hi no Shuto by nightfall. If you need to relieve yourself at any point signal me and we can slow down enough you can catch up. Remember this is a marathon not a race."
They all nodded enthusiastically as he signed them out with the two gate guards. Then they were off.
Next scene:
Naruto was bored. He flipped and landed through the trees with the skill of an acrobat and was attempting to stick the kunai. At first he had tried the same way as with leaves which had its own circulatory system. But that always failed.
They had been running nonstop for more than an hour. Naruto had not run so much since hell week at the academy the year before. The three day run weeded out those wholly unsuitable to be shinobi. He was not even winded by one hour of full tilt running.
He humped from a branch and flipped in the air just to entertain himself as he tailed Tetsuo Sensei. Kenta was likewise unwinded. Hiro seemed focused but alright however Kitagawa was subtly panting. Losing focus he pondered the forest he had never seen before with the monument out of sight. If not for Tetsuo sensei he would be hopelessly lost.
He finally started practicing with his black kunai once more. He had made little progress. It repelled all chakra no matter how much he channeled. The key to Waterfall walking had been to create a platform under your feet with chakra. It took advantage of something Aia called Laminar flow. Whatever that meant. However that was obviously not the solution here, he decided.
"Sometimes you have to think smaller Naruto."
Kumiko sensei had told him when he begged to be taught cool jutsu like Aia.
Smaller…
Wait…
He closed his eyes mid jump, very dangerous in an unfamiliar forest but he needed all the focus he could get. He focused on his chakra core feeling the barely controlled maelstrom he had only recently begun to tame. He channeled the smallest amount of chakra he was physically capable of at this point straining the tenketsu in his hand. He created a string of chakra that was more like a large yarn and felt along the surface of the metal. He jolted as he felt something.
That was weird. Normally he was only vaguely aware of the connections his chakra made to objects.
He opened his eyes in time to dodge a stray branch.
He tried it again and realized he could feel the metal, the individual hammer strike, the imperfections and impurities, the tiny cracks…
But it was not a sensation of touch. Could eyes feel?
He directed the string to a crack invisible to the naked eye and he pushed. It was like trying to force his finger through a too small hole. So he strained to make his chakra smaller. His tenketsu actually hurt now. He was able to make it a little smaller bit by bit. But not enough to force it through. He tried a different tactic and tried to change and lower his power output normally huge and overwhelming. This reduced the pain in his tenketsu but made his core feel… fuller? But this finally did it reducing the size of the string just enough he was able to get through. He created more strings finding more cracks until finally he let go of the Kunai physically.
It stuck fast to his hand!
"Yattaa!"
Naruto bellowed whooping.
"Naruto look out!"
Hiro called out as Naruto realized too late he was heading face first into a tree unable to stop as he screamed and blacked out as he created a Naruto shaped indentation in the tree.
Next Scene:
He awoke in a dark tunnel.
The expected pain of crashing into a tree at full tilt was not there. He sat up and looked around. It was like he was in Konoha's dingy sewer system. He had frequently used it in his previous prank escapades, but…
It was in disrepair. Pipes along the wall were fractured and only recently did it look like any repairs were being performed. He could see a few decent patch jobs the welds fresh. He could see no trace of the waypoint markers and sewer grates that were normally present.
How on earth did he get here? His pockets and Kunai pouches were also empty meaning he had been robbed. At least Gama-chan was still with him empty as it was. He felt along the grimy wall in the dim light. But his hand came away clean.
Weird.
It took him awhile to realize there was a red glow down one hallway. A pale blue down another. The red seemed sketchy to Naruto so he went the other direction hoping to see daylight. After a time the blue glow became stronger. Until he reached a circular Atrium with a basin that seemed almost bottomless. Massive pipes were sucking up the glowing blue liquid greedily. Taking it back the way Naruto had come. A smaller red pipe trickled a constant flow of red liquid that diluted into the basin. A paltry amount but it seemed incredibly thick and viscous.
There were many branching hallways that Naruto could see. He picked the one next to him. Following it he recoiled from the whiplash as he found himself in in the hallway of an unfamiliar home. None of the doors worked and the photos on the wall were blurry. Only the door at the end of the hallway finally opened to a bedroom. It had a bed with a woman lying on it insensate to the world. Naruto somehow knew nothing he did would wake her. She was wearing a simple domestic outfit with an apron. She was only a little older than Iruka he would guess. Her hair was a deep red he could get lost in. She was the most beautiful thing Naruto had ever seen.
He ran his hands through her hair and rested his hand on her cheek as she leaned into it. Not knowing what possessed him to do so.
"Who are you?"
He asked softly. She seemed important. Incredibly so like he should know her. Like she was the answer to all his questions. But he could feel she was incredibly weak and that if he somehow woke her she would soon expire.
"I will find a way to fix you. Then you can tell me who you are. Believe it."
He pulled the sheets over her as he saw her smiling sadly in her sleep.
He left and closed the door behind memorizing his steps until he ended back in the atrium. Perhaps the red glow held the key to a way out? If he got to the surface he could get the woman help.
So he went back the way e came as the red glow intensified. Until at last he stood before a massive gate. The massive pipe was attached to the gate. Well at least now he knew where it was going.
Two great red eyes appeared from the dark.
"You are too young, the seal too strong. I will not deal with you. Begone."
A deep dark thundering voice echoed from the darkness scaring the hell out of Naruto.
It huffed and it puffed and it blew Naruto away before he could even muster the indignation to demand what it was.
Next Scene:
Naruto startled awake on Kenta's back having no idea when and where he was.
"Wha- What?"
Kenta chuckled.
"You gave us quite a scare back there you know? Tanaka sensei almost turned us right around back to the village."
Naruto blushed embarrassed.
"Ah well…"
Kenta continued.
"And I was sure to get a picture of the you sized imprint in the tree. Blackmail material you understand."
What?
"What!?"
Naruto cried fully awake now but he slumped back on the mans back as he suddenly felt very dizzy.
Kenta chuckled.
"Ahh good to see you are not concussed just messing with you."
Naruto breathed a sigh of relief Kumiko sensei and Aia would never let him live it down.
"Or am I?"
His breathe caught.
Naruto simply laid against the man's shoulder coming back to himself as he thought somberly of his weird dream. Was it even a dream?
"Kenta?"
Naruto asked quietly after a time. A twitch from the man the only indication he heard.
"Have you ever had weird dreams?"
The other man eye smiled.
"Mah Mah, more often than I would like. Why? Did you have one?"
Naruto went for broke.
"I woke up in what looked like the Konoha sewers. But… not. I followed a blue glow and found myself in a weird room with a blue pool. It had hallways going everywhere. I went down one."
The older man was definitely attentive Naruto could tell. And… Apprehensive? The part of his belly could tell.
"Did you find anything?"
The man prompted.
"Just a woman with red hair she…"
Naruto was jolted as Kenta almost missed a step. Turmoil, loss, want, sadness, apprehension. The whirlwind went through Naruto's belly.
"You know."
Naruto said. He was not asking.
"But you wont tell me anything will you? It was real wasn't it?"
Naruto guessed.
The man was silent for a time.
"Naruto…"
He began.
"Look inside yourself for the answers. Always look underneath the underneath."
Then he was silent no matter how Naruto prodded him. A feeling of Melancholy settling over him, his stomach could feel.
Next Scene:
Naruto was put down as they briefly stopped for lunch. Eating his packed rice balls he saw Kita slump against a tree after wolfing down a bento and begin meditating. Hiro broke out some cards and he and Kenta took turns playing two games with him before they had to get back on the road. He was much more mindful of the trees this time as he stuck black kunai in both hands. Strangely he was able to "see" his surroundings now. It was like a sense that was not a sense. Everything had its own flavor. Kenta was like static electricity. Hiro and Kita were like burgeoning flames while Tanaka sensei was like flowing water. He only got a headache and lost the sense when he tried to sense himself. The feeling went away when he stopped sticking the black kunai so maybe it had something to do with chakra control? Once he mastered this exercise would he feel this all the time?
As the day wore on they all spoke of nothing and everything and Naruto tried to get a peek at Kenta's mystery book but he was thwarted expertly each time.
Near dusk they came across a road that was paved with asphalt. Due to the expense and difficulty it caused in performing earth techniques only a few roads in Konoha were paved. He marveled at the expense at such a long road. Following the path they came across a sight Naruto would treasure for the rest of his days. A city as far as the eye could see in a valley bathed in the golden light of twilight. Traditional and modern architecture mixed and blended with buildings many times the size of the Hokage building being commonplace in a dazzling array of colors. And towards the back was a massive palace overlooking everything. He did not know how but he felt more life in front of him than he had ever felt before closing his eyes and focusing on sticking the black Kunai the city lit up in his minds eye. Mostly the red of sparks of fire but filled with all other colors like the choicest opal he had only dared glance at in the window of a jewelry store. He coveted such a thing. Not because he desired wealth but for its beauty and the joy of making it. This outshined even that as he opened his eyes and gaped. Then with the turn of the wind he gagged as the smell of such a massive city hit him. The sweat and grime and sewage and filth overpowered everything.
Kenta and Tanaka sensei chuckled as Hiro began to join him and Kitagawa wrinkled her nose in distaste.
"You get used to it."
Tanaka sensei remarked.
"Have any of you ever seen anything like this before?"
Kenta remarked beyond his usually reserved manner of speaking.
"No."
Naruto said breathlessly.
"Then lets not waste any time.
They ran to the gate where a line of traders in carts and travelers on foot and even the odd machine, an automobile (a very expensive commodity) he was told, was present. They skipped the line and Tanaka sensei presented a very important looking scroll and signed them in. He gawked and lost focus immediately due to how new and overwhelming everything was. To the point Hiro actually took his hand when he did not notice and guided him after Tanaka sensei. They walked through the outer districts that was lined with hawkers and stalls and eateries and brothels a plenty. Some of the worst and best smells assaulted his senses. Poverty and relative wealth were on full display here.
They passed into the next district, which was in significantly better shape with organized shops and inns and onsens. This area looked the most like Konoha.
Glancing to his left he nearly choked and stopped if not for Hiro dragging him along. In the window of an antique store was a familiar white spiral. He memorized the shop name repeating it in his mind over and over again until he was certain he would not forget it. They passed onto the next district as Naruto looked longingly back. Focusing forward he was amazed passing over a river at the temple district. Towering pagodas and strong looking Torri were present everywhere as the first sign of nobility began to make itself known. No more hawkers could be seen as upper class teashops and fine establishments interspersed with the temples.
Finally they passed into the district closest to the Daimyos palace this was where the truly wealthy dwelled. The clothing worn here made Naruto feel even poorer than he already was.
Sumptuous inns and Geisha entertainers abounded. Jade carvers and jewelers, wealthy merchants and exotic fruits. Massive estates dotted the landscape as they were brought in to an inn that Naruto was certain a nights stay was worth more than his life. They removed there shoes before entering as Naruto gaped at the silk tapestries and gold finery. The Zen garden in the lobby with an artificial waterfall was an absurd expense to him so he simply drank it all in as he waited for Tanaka sensei to check them in. When the man returned he gave them instructions.
"This is where we will be staying for our time here. You may be a shinobi of Konoha but here you are simply a citizen of the land of fire. Behave yourselves. Naruto and Hiro you will share a room. Kitagawa you will bunk on your own. Kenta and I will sleep together."
Naruto had a shit eating grin on his face as he gave his sensei a foxy grin and Hiro broke down into giggles as Kita blushed. Kenta waved his hand embarrassed.
"Maa Maa, phrasing Tanaka sensei you have virgin ears before you."
The mans eyes widened shocked exaggeratedly as he profusely apologized to the other man.
He regained composure.
"In any case the welcome feast is tonight you will have 2 hours to bathe and get some rest. Tonight is full formal so leave your weapons…"
No one missed the subtle wink from the man.
"…and leave your headband. The daimyo have assigned servants to help you prepare so get some rest while you can. As I taught you these feasts can take quite some time and remember only some of the food is edible no matter how appetizing it might seem. I will collect you all when the time comes. Dismissed."
Servants came and guided them towards their room. Which was more like an apartment, just as luxurious as the rest of the facility. The servant guided them both towards the back with their own private garden and onsen. He and Hiro gave each other an excited look as they both grinned and quickly stripped to wash for the bath mindful of etiquette. They washed each other's backs and settled into the citrusy cedar bath. Something this nice would have cost more than Naruto could have bared to spend. The cold tub sent shocks and tingles through his body when he entered after a soak in the hot bath. This was an unheard of luxury for him and he would take full advantage of it.
After only a few minutes though. He started fidgeting. It was really nice and beautiful but… The novelty was wearing off fast. He tried to relax. The sounds of the cities nightlife a distant thing. For a time he was able to lazily floating along. Then he sat up and stared the relaxing Hiro right in the eyes. And splashed the other boy.
Neither moved or said a word. Hiro shocked by the younger boys audacity. Then…
He splashed right back and they simply stared.
Then the dam broke and Naruto let out a war cry and the battle was on. Each splashing the other and Naruto weaponizing the water make technique as a makeshift squirt-gun. This fun continued until someone began banging on their fence likely from another room. At which point they sheepishly stopped grinning. Leaving the water when their fingers began pruning.
They began to prepare. Naruto needing help putting on the traditional attire fundoshi and all. Hiro teased him about his bashfulness and incredibly fancy and expensive looking attire. Small tasseled white spiral on the back of his neck. Compared to Hiro's rather simple green outfit he was awkwardly fiddling with his Hakama feeling swamped in the pleated pants. Then the servants came in and tidied up their appearance and did up their hair in the style traditional for boys much to Naruto and Hiro's mutual embarrassment. By the time they were finished they had 30 minutes and they were served a simple meal of rice, fish and pickled vegetables. As the servants left they both helped each other hide weapons in the spots no one would think to check. They were trained to do so after all. Tanaka sensei soon knocked on their door and Naruto quickly went to the bathroom one last time. Hiding a clone or two in the rafters. He had to check out that shop. He had to know.
Kitagawa had her hair done up with a beautiful flowery dress in the lobby, her makeup immaculate. Though she had a sour look on her face at how elaborate Naruto's outfit was. Naruto was simply comforted to be in the presence of a piece of the family he scarcely knew anything about. Kenta was taking his sweet time however. And just when Tanaka sensei was about to lose his temper and barge back into their rooms Kenta appeared from nothing.
"Yo."
He came in with his hand raised nonchalantly.
"Your lateness will be the death of you one day Ka—"
Kenta shook his head stopping the older man who mastered himself and only grumbled.
A rather regal looking attendant met them and one other group from the program Naruto had scarcely interacted with that had the older Jonin followed the attendant where they were led into the gate of the palace with the other 2 groups. They were patted down by suspicious looking Samurai.
Then they witnessed dignitaries of all kinds and levels of wealth. Priests, nobles, courtesans.
They all entered a large gathering hall around a stage. Naruto did not miss the odd looks sent his way eyeing his supposed clan symbol. They were separated then. Each person had their own assigned seat according to their level of importance. He could only guess how that was decided.
Tanaka sensei was seated somewhere in the middle before a series of trays they were taught about. This was about gift giving and showing off wealth though both drinking and entertainment were first. He could see Hiro was seated somewhere in the back, Kita was seated closer to the court women off to the side of the stage. Still seated among the dignitaries but the message was received much to her anger he could see. Kenta he was surprised to see seated a small stone throw away from the daimyo being regaled by an already tipsy court scribe. He himself was led to his own seat much to his embarrassment also very close to the daimyo but among the previously invisible children. A rather well dressed boy around his age looked noticeably constipated and relieved to see he was not the only child there. Those around him seemed to be his hangers on their garb much simpler to varying degrees.
Off to the side here and there he could see the shinobi guardians who did not bother to hide their presence. Well at least to those with a modicum of shinobi training.
He was seated next to the young princeling. His belly let him know the boy was apprehensive and curious.
Before he even got the chance to introduce himself the Daimyo stood and clapped once. All conversation ceased. You could hear a pin drop.
Servants appeared almost from nowhere. Placing saucers on tables and filling with a generous helping of Sake in silence. Even their own tables among those nominally too young for alcohol they were placed and filled. This was not his first time drinking. He had once tried several whole bottles at once when he was going through his more depressive episodes. The burn was unpleasant and the taste nasty. He had begun to feel the happy feelings the man who sold him the liquor promised but it lasted all of 5 seconds before vanishing. Drinking more did nothing. He had wondered for a time if it just gave adults the excuse to pretend they were drunk and act like they were kids. But Jiji had told him his healing simply rendered it ineffective. Then arrested the man.
He took the cup aping the adults in the room. The Daimyo took his gulp and that gave everyone permission to go ahead themselves. Naruto downed the extremely expensive liquor and tried to savor the burn he really did. But it was still just as nasty as the cheap stuff he had been given before. He could see the princeling wince at the burn and try not to gag. Huh. Must be his first time.
The spell was broken and the hall burst back into life as cups were periodically filled and traditional dancers performed on the stage. This gave Naruto the opportunity to introduce himself to the princeling.
"Hi!"
He said perhaps a little too loudly getting a meaningful look from a nearby samurai seated next to the Daimyo. Bringing it down a notch he continued.
"My names Naruto, Genin of Konoha. What's your name?"
The boy looked at the hand Naruto reached out like a particularly fascinating piece of detritus. The two closest boys Naruto would guess were his immediate retainers and friends looked particularly scandalized and about to speak out when the regal looking brat answered.
"Kirimaru."
The boy answered after a fashion. He did not raise his hand up to Naruto's.
Eventually mindful of the decorum and already feeling Tetsuo sensei's beading eyes on his back he sheepishly retracted his hand. Attempting to salvage the situation he instead chimed in.
"This is some gathering. I have never seen something so opulent. So you attend these gatherings often?"
A fuzzy orange haired boy immediately behind and to the right of the now named purple haired Kirimaru chimed in meanly.
"Naturally someone so low born as yourself would never be allowed to attend something so impor…"
Kirimaru interrupted chiding the boy. Eyeing Naruto's crest curiously.
"That's enough Rantaro."
The other boy sheepishly backed off. Bowing his head.
"Sorry Kiri…"
The other boy sighed, embarrassed and blushing clearly knowing the other boy very well.
"You know your not supposed to call me that in public Rantaro!"
The princeling whined eliciting a giggle from the otherwise disciplined children that were his retinue getting a sharp look from a man from the Daimyo's circle that made the whole group sheepishly begin to behave themselves. But the ice was broken as another boy slightly rotund and well fed chimed in immediately behind and to the left of Kirimaru.
"I cannot wait for the food. Maybe they will make that delicious Katsudon the cook makes sometimes."
The other boy drooled a little getting another whimper and quiet whine from Kirimaru.
"Shinbei!"
Naruto only grinned and quickly took advantage of the ice getting broken to regale the children with sanitized tales of shinobi life. Quickly winning them over with parlor tricks using the sticking technique he learned all of the retinues names.
Kirimaru eventually admitted that this was his first such gathering as the admittedly reduced alcohol from what he could tell began to take its toll on the lightweight children. Naruto quickly found himself becoming fast friends entering the dynamic taking advantage of his ignorance to allow the other boy to feel superior.
It helped he genuinely did not understand a good chunk of what the other boy was talking about. Some concepts were still simply beyond his understanding and needed to be explained two, three, or even more times. Instead he memorized what the other boy said by channeling chakra to his brain. A trick sensei had taught him as a reward for managing leaf sticking and waterfall walking at the same time for a marginal improvement. It only improved memory not understanding, she cautioned. And it should not be used in combat without perfect control or he could accidentally memorize something he shouldn't at best and suffer a stroke at worst. What a stroke was? He did not know and he resolved to ask Iruka about it later but it sounded bad in the meantime.
Also sometimes the other boys slurred their words from the liquor.
After the 9th toast gifts began being given out. Reaching into his coat Naruto produced many gold pressed prized Hyuga Hyacinth given to each of them to reduce the strain of gift giving. The intoxicated Shinbei happily put it in his hair bun much to the slight blush of an older looking rotund man by the Daimyo. The (slightly) more disciplined Kirimaru smiled and accepted the gift proferring a small bag of gold to Naruto containing 9 gold pieces which after crunching the numbers Kumiko sensei beat into his head was nearly double his accumulated Genin Salary and Orphan stipend combined since he became a Genin 3 months previous. The boys marveled at the gift of gold and a precious rare flower. Other smaller gifts such as poetry and various bobbles were passed around.
Then the adults came over to the tipsy children giving gifts to their children. Every boy in the group including Naruto got a sword. Most were obviously finely crafted if unadorned. Kirimaru received a gold lacquered scabbard looking incredibly important he looked down on it in awe. Naruto looked down at the sword he received in awe for a different reason.
On the one hand he could save the coupon sensei gave him for something different maximizing his training opportunity. No. What really drew his attention was the presence of his family crest both on the pommel and Tsuba. This was not crafted recently as the coating of dust in crevices and parts of the scabbard indicated. No this was quite old.
He subtly channeled chakra (for him) into the blade getting an immediate response.
He ignored the meaningful glances from the shinobi guardians and older ninja in their retinues. But to keep them happy ceased channeling chakra.
Chakra metal. Pure chakra metal.
With the blade and delicately lacquered scabbard baring a striking resemblance to the patterns on his clothes. He placed the sword to his side always touching it as if it was now his most valuable possession. And if he was right about it being chakra metal it may very well be clue to his family or not.
He looked around and saw all the boys had similarly received a single scroll. Green with a tan border. The kanji invitation on all of them including the one Naruto received. They all seemed extremely excited about it. Naruto directed his attention to the other scroll and hungrily opened it.
"Dear Naruto, last scion of the Uzumaki. First. Welcome to my palace. I am sure you have already made the acquaintance of my son and his friends. Before you is a gift given to my father by your people as a sign of alliance many years ago. A sign of opulence and perfection. Other than the expense of the materials the only power the blade possesses is its purported indestructability due to your people's sealing prowess. I return it now to you so that it may protect you in lieu of my countries inability to protect your people. While normally faux pas to return such a gift, we failed to return the favor. Please accept this pittance and an invitation to the capital academy at your leisure. Use it well."
The Daimyo's seal was at the bottom.
He had no time to shed tears as the nights entertainment begun and the first course was brought out. Opulent pounded and spiced dried abalone served in its own shell. Inedible and with the consistency of leather. He pretended to eat as he was taught and with sleight of hand stored in the rubberized cloth pouch he had for such things. Various beautiful vegetable dishes you not allowed to eat lest you spoil their beauty. Or had poisonous ingredients…
On his three platters he saw only one dish each he could eat. Rice with ludicrously precious matsutake mushrooms. His plate had 5. Kirimaru had 7. Shinbei and Rantaro each had 4. The other boys all had 3. Matsutake were signs of importance…
He gazed out over the hall and saw most guests only received 1 or two at most. He squinted. Hiro was hidden but he could see Kita only had one and Tanaka sensei had 2. Kenta was hidden on the other side of the Daimyo so he could not be certain. Huh. Were the Uzumaki that important? He was a poor boy who had nothing. What could the man be expecting from him? Maybe he had heard that he was going to be Hokage one day?
He delusionally asserted in his own head deciding that must be the reason.
He dug into the earthy ludicrously expensive treat. 1 mushroom was worth all of the money he had earned as a Genin. 5?! He would savor this.
He interspersed with the only edible pickled vegetable dish.
Soon that was all gone and the trays were emptied as the next set of dishes were placed.
This would be a long night Naruto decided as he tried not to fiddle during the Noh performance on stage.
Next scene:
The clone waited a good 30 minutes to be certain he was not being watched before jumping from the rafters.
He made his way outside stealthily. Choosing a random passerby to mimic taking his appearance in a smokeless henge. He retraced his steps by the glow of the evening ambience of traditional braziers and electrical street lights. You could feel the history of the place as the new was simply built over and used in tandem with the old. He made his way through the districts marveling at it all. He had never seen so many people before. He found the shop he had noticed before. An antique shop. Most shops had boarded up windows in the evenings with heavy shutters. But not this shop.
In the window he found his prize. His family crest on a banner tucked in a corner. Underneath were a few trinkets and baubles on the table including three scrolls with his family crest.
Potential answers… He already knew he would never be able to afford it but he started scoping the place out anyway. He again memorized where it was and tried to see more in the shop. Things seemed to be organized by clan or event. And he did not recognize most of it.
He already felt bad but he may have to steal it… He had time but still.
He begrudgingly left the darkened shop after a passing guard gave him a suspicious look. He moved on looking to see if he could find any more traces of his vanished family in this gargantuan place.
He began subtly asking around for street stalls and second hand books in the fashion Kumiko sensei taught him. Getting directed towards the poor district. He passed poverty and hungry children. A familiar sight and feeling to Naruto. How could a place so wealthy have so much poverty. His belly panged in sympathy as he gave some coins to the hungry children. They quickly ran off to buy food from the local street stalls.
He channeled more of the precious chakra he was made of to ensure the coin facsimiles lasted a little longer after he dispelled. He needed to make sure the kids were not punished. When he found anything from his clan he would make a clone and dispel to let main Naruto know he would return to the hotel for real money.
At his rate of chakra burn he would last maybe two hours. 1 and half if he made a clone. It would have to be enough time in this massive place.
He passed through the market and found a few trinkets with his clans seal. He channeled chakra to be certain they were not knock offs whenever he found something and made a mental note. Haggling a price ahead of time when he could. He hit the jackpot at a second hand stall in the nightmarket asking after Uzumaki. Finding a cookbook, a scholarly work detailing the clans history, a catalogue of the edible herbs and indigenous fauna of Uzushio by an Uzumaki author and a book on poetry also by an Uzumaki Author. He tallied his mental total. Swiftly made a small clone that immediately dispelled among the stacks of books. He turned to quickly leave to get real money from the hotel but stopped and asked the old man running the stall.
"Do you know anywhere else that might have something on the Uzumaki?"
The old man shook his head.
"Haven't the foggiest. But I would suggest you keep looking you are bound to find something. I am just happy someone is interested in these old tomes."
Naruto nodded and swiftly made his way to the hotel at a breakneck pace dropping the disguise he retrieved the necessary money. And swiftly made his way back to the market. Buying a simple burlap sack. He picked up enameled jewelry boxes (empty of course) nephrite jade combs, empty scrolls and ink supplies and inkwells. Hidden behind a shelf he found the jackpot, an old treatise on sealing. He stole that one as he only enough funds for what he had already haggled. Returning to the book stall he handed over the money and pocketed the books. He had maybe 20 minutes before he ran out of chakra and dispelled.
As he was making his way out of the market he caught sight of a prostitute with startlingly red hair identical to the women he had seen on the bed.
He also saw his clans symbol in her window. He wanted nothing more than to barge in and ask questions but his timer would not allow him.
His nonexistent heart skipped a beat. He put his everything into memorizing where she was and hurried to the hotel dropping his sack by his bag before running out of chakra and dispelling.
Next scene:
Naruto gasped holding his heart with his hands getting a lot of concerned looks from the three boys he had made fast friends with. But he mastered himself hiding his tears and theatrically reacted to the tragic play on stage.
There was still another Uzumaki…
AN: Boy this chapter took awhile. I had to plan it out and look over my notes and research some things. Not much is known about the Uzumaki. A lot of writers write them as swordsmen likely due to the few images we have of them but I think that was just the shinobi warring states period. Everyone seemed to have a sword. The only thing we know for certain is that they were good at fuinjutsu, to the point they could enslave the god of death! And according to Kushina they were savage. I will be elaborating and incorporating that into my interpretation which will be steeped in Japanese and Ainu belief and tradition. The Uzumaki were not treated well and those who survived did not live well either it seems. Nagato's parents… Karin's parents… This Naruto is stumbling upon the broken pieces of his family. There is no grand plan for re-unification. No triumphant rise of a once dead clan. Just the scattered remnants and you will have to see where I go with this. I plan to address the Uzumaki beliefs, techniques and don't worry I will include the mask temple when he finds out about it. But I will try to avoid the cliches. Naruto is no genius, he just has his curiosity and his training. I don't want to give too much away but just know that I have no intention of going down the power fantasy route of a magical super sword. Just the pieces of a broken heart.
Miura sensei said it best in Berserk. "Even if we painstakingly piece together something lost, it doesn't mean things will ever go back to how they were."
I will give one hint if Naruto seems a little ooc. He is younger and received help earlier. Yami never had a chance to fully form. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter will have a new Kumiko pov.
An 2: Also there is an easter egg in this chapters western readers may not be familiar with as it references another anime with ninja.