naruto ch 06

 

                                                                                                Chapter 06

 

 

Three days, three days to finish the bridge and another two days to return to the Leaf. In that time he had gotten to know Haku quite well, he had even sparred several times with him to test his abilities and figured he was close to being Jonin level; even Sasuke had joined in the sparring and nightly conversations.

Sakura walked besides her Sensei throwing the occasional glare behind her at the strange boy, remembering how she had made a fool of herself screaming at Naruto and how he was perverting her Sasuke-kun by taking a girl into the Furo where they held their nightly conversations. The other thing that was pissing her off was the new training techniques Naruto had shared with Sasuke and both of their refusals to show them to her. Telling her they were a clan secret and a gift from one clan to the other as part of their new understanding. The dressing down she got from Kakashi-sensei when she threw a fit still hurt.

Slowing down as they approached the gate, Naruto glanced sideways at Haku proudly wearing the symbol of his village, a symbol that had not been seen in this village since his mother arrived. Smiling as he saw him straighten up the rank symbol on his collar, he actually felt excited to be reaching the gates of Konoha; soon they would be home and would be free.

Kakashi halted outside the gate and nodded at the gate guards, “Team seven and one diplomat we met on the way home reporting. I’ll volunteer to escort him to the Hokage’s office personally.”

“Welcome back team seven,” Hiroto smiled at the returning Genin team before looking at the visitor. Not recognizing the symbol Hiroto sent a questioning look towards Kakashi.

“All will be explained later I’m sure,” Kakashi smiled, “Though I can tell you he wears the symbol of an ally long thought to be lost.”

Nodding, Hiroto waved them in, he could find out what was going on later after his shift was over.

The walk to the Hokage tower was quiet, Haku spent part of the time glancing around taking in the sights. Noticing the glares of hatred being shot Naruto’s way he started to wonder if there would be another of the assassination attempts he heard about here and now. Luckily for the group no one tried anything, more than likely to intimidated by the two Jonin and the other two Genin.

Sasuke was paying more attention to his surroundings now and frowned as he noticed the hatred being sent Naruto’s way, he was beginning to think Naruto had understated the problem by a large margin. “Hey Naruto, with what you told me the other day and all…I was wondering where have you been staying since that morning?”

Well that is very cryptic and unhelpful Kakashi thought as he started to climb the steps of the Hokage tower.

“Mostly I camped in different spots in the woods, I would go to sleep for four hours then wake up and move camp before going back to bed,” Naruto shrugged as they approached the doors to the Hokage’s office.

Sasuke screeched to a halt and looked at the unconcerned back of the person who was starting to be a good friend in shock, he slept in the woods. He just could not imagine it, and only sleeping for four hours at a time before breaking camp and moving only to have to set up camp so he could finish sleeping. No wonder he held so many people in contempt, this village caused him to live the life of a missing-non. Quickly catching up he sauntered into the office on the tail end of Kakashi saying, “Teams Seven reporting back, mission accomplished with success.”

Sarutobi looked up from behind the mounds of paperwork he used to hide the fact he was not as busy as everyone thought he was, most of it was issues or requests that would never get approved. But if asked by some simpering toady he could point to the stack and shuffle the paper around to show how far down in the stack there request was. A pretty cool defense he thought. “Ah…Team Seven, welcome back.”

Eyes glued to Naruto as he spoke the Third sighed as he watched him pull of the Leaf Hitate and pull the I.D. card out of his pocket and put it on his desk.

“I’m holding you to your word Hokage,” Naruto had no expression on his face as he placed the two items on the desk.

Kakashi stiffened as he heard the coldness in Naruto’s voice, the same coldness he used when he interrogated, then what amounted to executing the two demon brothers. This was not going to go well he thought as he quickly covered Sakura’s mouth to keep her quiet.

Looking on the Fourths son sadly the Third sat back, had it become so intolerable…all of his plans to keep the boy safe and happy turned out exactly opposite of his intentions, “I gave you my word and I intend to keep it.” Looking over to the wall with the pictures of the former Hokage’s on it he shook his head, ‘Minato I failed you, and I failed your son’.

Curious Sasuke moved to the side so he could see both the Hokage and Naruto’s faces, “Naruto, you almost act as if Hokage-sama did not keep his word to you.”

Standing up stiffly anger radiated in waves with a small amount of killing intent for good measure Naruto looked up at the ceiling before got himself under control, “That is exactly what he did.” Waving his hand as the others started to protest and the Third jumped in his chair, “He gave his word to my father to take me to my parent’s estate before my ninth birthday. The only thing that has saved this god forsaken village was me stumbling across my parent’s house when I was six.”

Pieces started to fall into place finally in the puzzle that was Naruto, the Third sighed as he set his pipe down on his desk, “You have to understand Naruto, I had hoped the villagers would come to accept you and the burden you carry. But as time went on and the hatred and attempts on your life escalated I feared what would happen if I did as Minato asked me to do. The fallout and ramifications were terrible in my mind.”

Stepping back from the desk Naruto almost lost control of his temper, wrapping his Shinobi persona around him he glared steely at the Hokage, “You did not trust in my father did you, you did not truly trust he knew what he was doing. If you did you would have not almost caused this village’s destruction by breaking your word.” Stepping forward and slamming his hand down on the desk causing the Anbu guards to appear, “The god forsaken seal he used was and is a three part seal and he died after emplacing the first part. HE TRUSTED YOU TO FOLLOW HIS WISHES SO THE SECOND SEAL COULD BE PLACED BEFORE IT COULD ESCAPE.” Huffing as his temper frayed Naruto stepped away from the desk ignoring everyone in the room by walking to the window and controlling his breathing to lessen his temper.

Sarutobi clutched his chest in pain as Naruto’s words filtered into his mind, fear it was fear clutching his heart not a heart attack he noted with a small part of his mind as he sat there. “Is it…Is it…” he could not get the words out.

“Don’t worry old man,” Naruto sighed as he felt Haku move closer to lend him his strength, turning to face the Hokage once more. “It is a very good thing my father lived his motto, if not I would not have known to apply the second part of the seal on my ninth birthday, or how.” Moving away from the window Naruto noticed how tense everyone was in the room, especially the Anbu, facing Sasuke who was shocked and confused he shook his head after rubbing his face tiredly. “It is because he decided to break his word back then to take the easy way out of possible problems later that I will never trust the Hokage ever again.”

Seeing the worry was still on the Thirds face Naruto pulled a small scroll along with the tape that he had placed in his pocket this morning when they got up and tossed them to the desk, “I can see you are not going to take my word for it, maybe you’ll take my father’s word over my own. And if you need further proof watch the tape, you can hear it from his own lips.”

Unrolling the scroll Sarutobi quickly scanned the paper, reading what was written with tears in his eyes.

“I don’t understand what are we…you talking about…What seal,” Sakura finally found her voice as she looked up at Kakashi, “Kakashi-sensei?”

“You’re taught in class that when the Kyuubi attacked twelve years ago, that the Yondaime killed the demon,” Naruto glared at her, only answering because Haku needed to know. “The truth of the matter is that no one has ever been able to kill a demon before, not to mention the Kyuubi was the most powerful of all the demons.”

Moving so he was speaking to Haku directly Naruto ignored the gasps from the older Shinobi in the room as the Thirds law as being broken by the only one able to do so without repercussions; “Word reached Konoha months before the Kyuubi actually arrived that it was coming intent on wiping the village. My parents were both geniuses when it came to combining different fields, and together they came up with a way to completely destroy one of the demons, but it would come at a high cost…my father’s life.” Stiffening as his mind went back to the day he watched the tape he looked wistful for a moment before continuing, “My father thought this village was worth the sacrifice, worthy enough that they would follow his requests, plus he knew my mother would be able to raise me with love and show me how to apply the two other seals when it was time. The second seal removes the Kyuubi’s chakra forever and merges it with the jailers over the course of almost four years. Then the third seal is designed to destroy the last remnants of the Kyuubi, thus completely destroying the Kyuubi forever.”

“But your mother died in child birth, surely Minato would have shared this with someone, so we knew how important it was,” the Third pleaded, not liking the way the conversation was heading.

Broken laughter rang throughout the room, laughter choked back by sobs, “Another lie. I was four days old when my father finished the preparations for the seal and went off to battle the Kyuubi and to activate the first seal set. I have video of my parent’s playing with me and showing their love to each other as they told me of their dreams for my future, before…my mother was healthy without signs of any birth trauma when my father left to initiate the plan.”

“But that means…” Kakashi looked around frantically eyes narrowed at the Anbu standing around the office.

“My mother was murdered,” Naruto looked over his shoulder, before tilting his head and making a small sign that Haku and Sasuke picked up on. Prepare for battle, he then looked deep into the body language of those in the room.

Calculating the options Kakashi barked out as he slowly pulled a Kunai out, “All Anbu are to immediately show us their right shoulders or die.”

‘Root’ Sarutobi glanced around as he calculated which of his guards in the room could be compromised, reaching into a drawer for his favorite weapon as he calculated which could be the traitor.

Naruto noticed all the Anbu make motions to pull their shirts down but one, twisting his leg so the heel of his shoe was in line with the Anbu’s leg he curled his big toe activating the spring launcher, smirking in satisfaction when he heard the sound of a body hitting the floor he laughed at the shocked expression of everyone in the room, “What you think I am defenseless….PBBHHHTTTT.”

Dragging the unconscious Anbu to the wall and propping him up on it Naruto quickly sliced the right sleeve off of the man’s arm. Growling at seeing the Root symbol tattooed there he stepped back frowning, “Well since I have questions that need answering, Haku gets some field training…”

Kakashi rushed over in the blink of an eye, and had the traitor on his shoulder and behind the Third before Naruto could pull his kit out of his pocket. Seeing the looks of disbelief on everyone’s faces he snorted, “I’ve seen what happens when Naruto has questions he wants answers to.” Wincing he then grimaced, “it’s messy.”

Remembering back to the Anbu found in the Academy Bathroom Sarutobi nodded, “Kakashi take him to Ibiki with my regards.” Blinking as Kakashi jumped out of the window he glanced sideways at the growling Naruto. “I will get to the bottom of this Naruto…I promise you this.”

Relaxing his stance Naruto shook his head, “Danzou as the head of Root ordered my mother’s death, if you don’t plan to turn him over to me for questioning I expect him to be turned over to me after you finished with him.” Looking out the window he tried to come up with a way to rebuild the trust between the two of them and for the life of him, he could not think of one, not yet.

Sarutobi scowled as he looked at the door leading to the council chambers, he knew most of the council was waiting for him and he was more than surprised when Naruto motioned for the Whirlpool Jonin to follow him as he walked towards the door. He wouldn’t would he?

Naruto had one last job to do before they could leave; he needed to remove the map to the locations to the reverse summoning evacuation points. Motioning for Haku to follow he strode to the council chamber and threw open the door, staring at the seated individuals he scowled before ignoring their cries of outrage. Counting his steps as he walked into the room Naruto stared at the wall counting leaf symbols before stopping at the ninth one before stepping two steps to the side.

Shibi Aburame started to get nervous as the blond demon container started to count his steps as he looked at the wall ignoring all of them, suddenly his mouth went dry as he realized what he was doing, and if he was doing what he thought he was it could only mean, “NO…Naruto, please do not punish all of the village for the actions of a portion.”

Cutting his finger with a Kunai before he ran it across the blank spot on the wall while channeling chakra Naruto was rewarded with his prize, a large scroll popped out of the hidden seal. Catching it he faced the person who reminded him of Shino, he looked down at the scroll in his hands ignoring the rest of the people in the room.

“Your father would not have wanted you to punish those that still honor him, his battle comrades, those that worked side by side with your parents to prepare a safe place to fall back to if the village was overrun,” Shibi pleaded as he moved around the small desk he was sitting at. “I know most of your life you have been shown nothing but contempt and hatred…BUT THERE ARE STILL GOOD PEOPLE HERE.”

Mind racing over his father’s journal Naruto placed the Aburame clan leader, he was one of the few his father trusted to help rebuild Whirlpool and scribe parts of the transport seal. “I need to ensure my safety and my duty as clan leader leaves me little choice. Most of the villager’s have proven time and again they cannot be trusted.” Seeing the man looked beaten Naruto opened the scroll to glance inside it. It was a copy of the directions to build the transport seals not the locations to where they were placed. Nodding his head he quickly burned it with a katon Jutsu.

“Anbu arrest that thing,” one of the female council members screamed out after watching Naruto burn the scroll, “how dare you burn up something important to Konoha.”

“Anbu stop,” Sarutobi moved to his chair and sat down. “Naruto was retrieving something his father left here for him. As it was his, he is allowed to do with it what he wishes.”

“Really…Hokage, are you trying to convince us this no name mongrel’s father was important enough to be allowed access to the council chambers,” The large Female sneered.

“Be quiet bitch,” Shibi growled out as he pulled a Kunai and his Kekaichu bugs swarmed from his body preparing to attack. “You will not dishonor the son of the Yondaime in my presence again.”

Silence reined over the chamber the shocking news filtered through their brains, whispers grew as eyes compared the picture of the Fourth with the young blond standing in front of them.

Hiashi stood as he examined Naruto with care, activating his bloodline limit, the Byakugan eyes, he examined Naruto’s chakra pathways looking for any trace of the Kyuubi’s chakra. Falling back into his chair in shock he did not find a single trace of the red chakra, and he knew it should be there, he had seen it when the boy had been in the hospital and he had been called in by the Sandaime to make sure the seal had not been broken. “HOW…How is this possible? The Kyuubi is not…”

Silence once again as those in the council chamber suffered another shock.

Naruto smirked playfully, “What, it’s not like my father was not the master of Fuuinjutso, seal master second to none, for nothing. He created a triple layer seal to kill the Kyuubi for all time. In two months give or take it will be over for good the Kyuubi will be no more.”

Gleeful shouts could be heard amongst the civilian side of the council, “This is perfect. We will be the most powerful of all the hidden villages once it gets out the Namikaze heir is alive and one of our Shinobi.”

“UZUMAKI…” Naruto shouted in anger, “I am The Uzumaki of clan Uzumaki. As such I will be leaving now that I have accomplished my goals and I am no longer trapped as a Shinobi of the Leaf.” Growling out eyes flashing dangerously, “I am NO ONES PAWN.”

Turning his back on the village council Naruto saw the amused smirk on Sasuke’s face, and snorted, that face alone calmed him down enough to shrug, it’s not like he was planning on staying anyway. Spotting Shoji and his Samurai guards Naruto smiled, a true one, not one of the ones he used as part of his public persona’s, nodding once he turned back to face the council of Konoha and it’s Hokage. Seeing the dejected and broken look on the Aburame’s face Naruto stepped forward taking attention away from the door so Shoji could slip in, “I have read through my father’s journals many times over the years and your name was mentioned many times Aburame Shibi. I’m not totally heartless, not yet, no thanks to the villager’s attempts, I have read with interest more times that I can count about the question he asked way back then. I tried to put myself in your place and I always wondered what your answer would be, I’m positive if you had given an answer father would have recorded it.”

Shibi looked up with a smile as the memory came back to him, those were dangerous times, and yet those were some of the best times in his life. He had never given Minato an answer because the war ended so there was no need.

Seeing the smile of memory Naruto nodded, “Sasuke is the only one from Leaf with a pass past my borders, so far only he knows the way past the dangers to arrive to Whirlpool safely,” Glancing at the Hokage, Naruto bowed his head slightly. “My father and his comrades and the last of my clan built new defenses that will assure that Whirlpool will not fall to invaders like last time.” It was time to leave, “Aburame Shibi, would you honor me by walking with me to the gate?”

Nodding his head with a pleased smile Shibi so unlike one of the stoic Aburame’s quickly followed, slowing down as he caught sight of the Fire lords son share a knowing look with Naruto before he walked out.

Holding up his hand to silence the questions being yelled the Third was getting a headache, “Please one at a time.”

“How can you let Yondaime’s legacy walk away, he’s a Shinobi of the Leaf, he can’t just leave the village.”

‘Naruto, I was wrong in a way, yet right in thinking the fallout would get nasty’, Sarutobi sighed as he tilted his head to frown at the speaker, “Naruto is NOT a Shinobi of the Leaf, he resigned from our service and village as the law allows after the completion of at least one C-Rank mission, the mission they returned from in Wave actually turned into an A-Rank mission.”

“We can change the law, so he has no choice but to come back.”

‘I’m sure that will go over well,” Tsume snorted in derision, the Inuzuka representative to the council chuckled, “we can overturn his father’s law and bring him back. I’m sure his respect for the way this village has honored his father’s requests and actions will go up after that.”

“Naruto has legally been removed from our rolls of active Shinobi and nothing anyone can do will change that,” The Third growled out, “Besides with the agreement between Kashina and Minato, Naruto is and was supposed to be the heir to the Uzumaki clan. To try to do something about him leaving would cause a war we are not able to fight.”

Scoffing could be heard from the back of the chamber, “Surely you don’t think that country is any danger to US, surely Hokage your age is not showing.”

Narrowing his eyes in anger the Third made a small motion to his Anbu guards, “As you are more than aware from all your attempts to gain entrance to Whirlpool to get to their secrets, if you do not know the proper way in you die…how many teams have you sent over the years on a suicide mission Danzou-san?”

The Anbu moved as one and quickly captured Danzou, Kunai to the throat and most of his Tenketsu points closed off, disrupting his ability to use his chakra they dragged him to the center of the chamber.

“You will be handed over to Ibiki to find out how far your treason has spread, you will also answer for ordering the killing Uzumaki Kashina, wife of Namikaze Minato,” the Third flicked a finger, “Take him away from here. Tell Ibiki I want a preliminary report by sunset.”

“Hai, Hokage-sama,” the Anbu in the dog mask bowed before disappearing in a twirl of leaves as Kakashi walked in.

“Hokage-sama with all due respects we cannot afford to let the last Namikaze heir leave the village, for his safety if nothing else, when Iwa learns the son of the yellow flash is unprotected they will send team after team after him.”

Shoji heard enough, he would be damned if he let this gaggle of self serving idiots try to lock up his friend, stepping out into the light he shouted, “ENOUGH. I have heard enough,” taking more satisfaction out of scarring the council than he probably should he glared at them. “I am very unhappy with this council and most of the villagers of Konoha, and if I am unhappy my father is furious.”

Letting his eyes roam around the assembled council Shoji spotted several die hard Danzou supports near the corner, they were glaring at him hatefully, “Hokage-sama, neither my father or I could prove that the kidnapping attempt that my best friend saved me from was ordered by Danzou, but we have learned enough to make us think he was behind it. If it was not for a curious eight year old who stopped to see what was going on before jumping in and rescuing me the kidnapping would have succeeded. This same eight year then took me through an amazing maze of tunnels and over rooftops, before escorting me to the home of his parent’s. A home I understand you have never been able to find after six years of searching.” Chuckling as he saw the wistful smile cross the Hokage’s face he leaned forward, “I can assure you it has given him years worth of enjoyment and laughter.”

“You know,” the Third got a contemplative look on his face, “I never considered he would find Minato’s estate.” Chuckling in amusement, “not that it would have mattered, the sealing techniques Minato placed his estate under to protect it needed someone of his blood to enter.”

Nodding Shoji laughed, “Yes it was very amusing when we were younger to race through the streets and through the special Genjutsu around the walls of his estate and watch everyone hunting for us in a state of panic.”

Filling his pipe with tobacco and lighting it Sarutobi smiled, “I am glad Naruto found a true friend in you Shoji-dono. It lightens an old man’s heart to know Naruto had a friend and found some happiness in what he had to put up with.”

“Yes…Which is why my father has given the order to not interfere in Naruto-dono’s life any longer, he wished to make it clear he is not willing to go to war with a neighboring country that he has no clue of their true strength. The last time Naruto took me to visit Whirlpool, the hidden village was easily twice the size of Konoha.”

The sound of the Third dropping his pipe to the floor, all thoughts of relaxing forgotten as he looked at the fire lords son before shouting, “WHAT???”

 

Shibi followed Naruto and the Whirlpool Jonin towards the east side of the village in silence, instead thinking about possible destinations and getting lost in memories of the past. Stopping suddenly at a place he had been by many times before he wondered when the gate had been put into the wall.

Giggling quietly at the confused look on the stoic face of the Aburame clan leader, he felt joy in being able to flap the unflappable logical clan leader. “Shibi-san, after I used the transport seals to move my parent’s home to a place I think you are familiar with, the Genjutsu that hid the property failed.” Looking up at the bug user with a grin Naruto dropped his mask, “I want you to use the grounds now, there are a lot of neat bugs in there.” Giggling as he let the other two in through the gate he pointed to a small seal on the wall, “Spread some of your blood on the seal and you and those you allow to do the same can enter the grounds.”

Now that they were behind the walls and assured privacy Naruto looked at the man, studying him for flaws and deceit, not finding any he let out the breath he was unconsciously holding, “I know you know about the transport seals my father came up with. I also know you know about rebuilding the hidden village amongst the Whirlpools, and how my parent’s planned to use the transport seals they created in the hidden escape tunnels if the worst happened and Konoha fell.”

Shrugging his shoulders Naruto gazed out over the wall to the villagers going about their business on the other side, “Maybe knowing for a fact that the Kyuubi is dead and truly gone and who my father was will change some people…maybe not. But I’m not a monster either, you are now the keeper of the Konoha seals,” pulling a scroll out of his Kunai pouch he handed it over. “The list and location of all the evacuation seals around the village, along with the locations they will dump the people at.” Grinning as he thought about the first time he had used one of the transport seals and how it did that very thing, dumped him on his ass on the other end because he was moving.

“I see you know about that too,” Naruto noticed the chuckling from Shibi. “Your son Shino is trustworthy to know the secrets on that scroll, chose the others in your clan wisely. And if the worst happens I will leave you the option…both options my parents let you know about.” Waving as he took Haku’s hand and led him towards the forest and the transport seal hidden there Naruto’s called over his shoulder, “If it was up to me, I think I would have answered my father’s question with a yes. After all it is a very good idea not to keep all your eggs in one basket in case something falls on it.”

Trained eyes roaming the grounds cataloging the insect life automatically, Shibi smiled as he watched the couple walk away, Naruto had made a good choice in girlfriends it seems, she was a very beautiful young lady.

Appearing in a stone room with a flash Haku looked around and smiled as he squeezed Naruto’s hand before dropping it, he was surprised to see him take out a small knife and make a shallow cut along his index finger and run it across the wall in front of him with a glowing hand of molded chakra. What was more surprising was that the stone melted away allowing them out of the small room, glancing around Haku was drawn to the circular wall of windows overlooking the busy town.

Naruto moved next to Haku, putting his arm around his shoulders, “Welcome to our new home Haku. Tomorrow we can go down and walk around the village so you can get your bearings. Besides which,” Naruto grinned, “we have to go to the bank and deposit all that illegal money and make sure the rest of it was transferred properly.”

Gazing out at the peaceful village Haku smiled, he was home.

 

 

 

naruto ch 05

 

                                                                                                Chapter 05

 

 

Naruto slid into the hot water of the Furo and let the hot water relax his muscles. Several minutes later he heard a knock at the door and wanted to scream in frustration, instead he called out,  “What do you want?”

Confused as hell Sasuke stared at the closed door to the room where the soaking tub was located and swallowed hard, “Naruto…Can I talk to you? I mean really talk to you; I’m not here to argue with you or to throw a tantrum for not getting my way.”

Chuckling Naruto was not only surprised but amazed at the change in the teen, “Sure if you don’t mind maybe getting damp, I don’t plan on leaving until I am really wrinkled.”

Softly chuckling Sasuke slid the door open and entered before sitting on his heels near the edge of the in ground tub, closing the door behind him he glanced at the blonds eyes and did not find the usual contempt in them, only resigned sadness. Bowing his head slightly he smiled, “Thank you.” Looking away he blushed, “now that I’m here I don’t know what to say. I had this whole speech planned out and had several questions and hoped to ask for your help, now my tongue does not want to cooperate.” Chuckling he looked at the ceiling, “ironic isn’t it?”

Joining the chuckles Naruto lifted his hand above the water, “Ask you first question as you strip and join me for a relaxing soak.”

Slightly embarrassed Sasuke nodded his head as he moved to the bench and started to strip and fold his clothes; once he was naked he picked up the wooden bucket near the Furo and rinsed himself thoroughly before entering. Once he was sitting across from Naruto he looked at him, “Do you know how I can get stronger?”

Nodding his head slowly he looked deep into Sasuke‘s eyes, “I know several different ways. The real question is, are you still one the path of being an avenger?”

“No…And yes,” Sasuke did not blink as he answered truthfully, “I never gave it a lot of thought when Itachi told me I had to get stronger, and that I did not hate enough to be strong.” Holding up a hand he chuckled sadly, “I never really thought things through to realize he was playing me, setting me down the path he wanted me to go.”

Smiling happily Naruto nodded once, “And what would you give to have this power, to know how to get this power without ever activating the second level of your Sharingan? To have my help in altering your bloodline so you could have this power without ever stepping on the path to the second level…Mangekyou, what would you give?”

“Anything…Everything,” Sasuke leaned forward, eager to hear the answer.

“Before I give you your answer let me ask several things, and share with you a little history not many people know about my clan” Naruto kept the grin at the eager nod sent his way. “There is a reason why I am the last of my clan. Four generations ago the leader of the clan set aside the clan laws allowing individuals to marry for the first time, up until then it was only allowed to take lovers, at least three for the purpose of having children.”

Chuckling at the bug eyes Sasuke was sporting, Naruto watched him blush, “It is surprising how easily a clan can go from several hundred members to one in four generations. Tell me Sasuke, you said you wanted to rebuild your clan, what have you done so far about it?”

Leaning back, Sasuke could have thought of a million things to have asked of him and for him to answer, but this was not something he ever would have thought of, “N…no…nothing yet,” he blushed all the way to the water line, “I thought I had plenty of time to do that after I got strong and defeated Itachi. But now…”

“But now you know why he left you alive and you are wondering what to do,” Naruto finished for him. “I found out when I was six who my parents were. By the age of seven I understood my duties as the last of my clan, and that it was my duty, the duty above all others to make sure my clan and bloodlines did not die out.”

“That is why you don’t want to be a Shinobi anymore, or the Hokage,” Sasuke looked at Naruto in a new light.

“Part of it,” Naruto smiled as he stretched sore muscles under the water. “The other is if I am to take my place as leader of my clan I can’t stay in the village. I have to go to my mother’s country and take up my duties,” Running through a long list of hand seals Naruto called out as he hit his hand on the wood deck, “Silencing barrier Jutsu.” Seals ran across the top of the wood and across the walls. “Now that Kakashi can no longer eavesdrop we can continue.”

Seeing the shock as Sasuke quickly looked around before turning back to him to stare in awe, Naruto picked up where he left off. “I would love to stay a Shinobi, and even though I have to put the duties of my clan first for now, it does not mean I will stop training or becoming stronger. I need that to keep my clan safe as it re-grows to its former strength.” Pausing as he got back on track, “Now I was letting you know I knew five years ago that I had a duty to my clan I had to fulfill. One of the things I decided was to bring back the old laws, meaning I will have many lovers. I plan of at least four women that will be the mother of my children. I also plan to blood bond at least one maybe two appropriate people into my clan, their bloodline will strengthen my children.”

Chuckling at the shocked look on Sasuke’s face he snorted, “Don’t worry Sasuke; I’m not considering having you inducted into my clan as part of the agreement to tell you how to get stronger.”

“I was worried for a minute, not that I would go back on my word, “Sasuke let out a whistle of relief before grinning.

“I am telling you all of this so you have an idea of how much planning goes into resurrecting a clan near extinction,” Naruto leaned his head back and closed his eyes. “I still have at least half a year before I am well into puberty and can father children, which gives me plenty of time to find at least one if not two candidates that have the qualities I am looking for. Not the least being at least Chunin level Shinobi, they need to be able to protect my children by my side. Or if the worst would happen they would need to be strong enough to raise my children until they were old enough to take my place as leader of the clan.”

Thinking about it Sasuke nodded slowly, “Makes sense. More so than…” shuddering as he thought about it, “Fan-girls.”

Nodding his head Naruto smiled, “Sucks to be you,” calming down from his laughter, “it is going to be a problem for you, and it could be a way out of the fan-girl scene if you take a page out of my clans book and choose three or four people to be the mothers of your children. You would have to choose them carefully so they would strengthen you bloodline gifts, but it might calm them down if you tell them you will not be marrying anyone, instead you are re-introducing an ancient law of your clan.”

Grinning evilly Sasuke chuckled, “The village council will bend over backwards to make sure that happens. They would do all the work for me if I brought it up.”

Nodding in agreement Naruto stared at Sasuke for a minute as the dark haired teen spun several fantasies in his mind, “I hate to burst your bubble, or in this case your fantasy land. But could you trust the choices the council comes up with to be loyal to you and your clan?”

“You have a point,” Sasuke sighed, “You have given me a lot to think about.” Staring at Naruto for several moments, “you mentioned something about being able to alter my Kekkei Genkai, my bloodline limit. Is this one of your bloodline gifts?”

Pausing to try to phrase it right so he would not let out to much, Naruto opened his eyes so Sasuke could see the truth in his words, “It was one of my mother’s skills, not her bloodline limit per say. She left me literally rooms full of notes of techniques along with instruction on how to do this. She knew I would have to rebuild my clan and wanted me to be prepared to succeed. It will take me several months to redesign your bloodline so that the second level is not possible, along with increasing the abilities of the first level.”

Leaning forward so he was inches away from Sasuke's face his expression was serious, “Itachi set you to the path of an avenger so he could eventually steal your eyes and complete the third level. And until you reach the second level he will never allow you to fight him. He needs you to activate the second level. Until then you have time to gain in strength and surpass him, he will always be at a disadvantage as he needs you alive until you activate the Mangekyou. That is his weakness, and that is what will give you time to not only restart your clan but get strong enough to eliminate him.” Leaning back and closing his eyes Naruto cracked his neck, “The only question is, will you have the patience to wait another three years before even planning on going after him?”

Opening his mouth to agree Sasuke closed it and sat back and thought about it, really thought about it. While thinking on the blond’s words he watched him climb out of the Furo and sit on his heels as he soaped up and washed thoroughly before using some of the water to rinse off with before getting back in the tub. Once Naruto was back in he took a moment to follow Naruto’s actions before looking over at him, he was watching him clean up while waiting for an answer, “I think I can do it. Knowing why Itachi was pushing me so hard to become an avenger, the best thing for me to do would be to take my time, if I do that he will become frustrated and he will make mistakes I can take advantage of.”

Nodding Naruto smiled as Sasuke climbed down into the Furo and sat down, “Very true, anything to piss him off is a good thing.”

Laughing Sasuke nodded in agreement, “So what do I have to do to gain your help?”

Now that Sasuke was relaxed and truly thinking through things instead of reacting, Naruto nodded, it was time to make the offer, “First you will need to start training in the chakra building techniques which includes weight training for stamina.” Seeing the nod he continued, “Second, it will take me several months to complete the redesign of your bloodline. You will need to keep it a secret I have the ability to do this,” getting a nod in agreement, “no later than two months from the day I leave the village to go to my home you will show up and I will do the procedure. You will be expected to stay at least three months as I start your intensive training, it will help if you have the first of the mothers of your children with you so you can conceive your first heir during your stay. Finally the third thing, after the birth of your heir you will come back with how ever many of the mothers of the next generation of your clan so you can spend your nights doing your duty, and you will stay until you have mastered what you need to, too kill Itachi. When that day comes we will plan the trap to bring him to you and I’ll have my people keep anyone from interfering so you can remove the stain of honor to your clan.”

Way past embarrassed, Sasuke nodded his head, “I agree. Two things though?” waiting until he had Naruto’s attention he smirked, “How the hell am I going to find you if you leave?”

“Besides my best friend Shoji, you will be one of the few I tell where my home is,” Naruto sighed, “Though it won’t take the council long to figure it out, but you will have one of the few unlimited passes through my borders.”

Smirking at the thought of what type of power that would give him over the council, Sasuke asked his second question, “Are you willing to give me access to the scrolls you removed from the vault?”

“I don’t have them right now, I sent them along with my parent’s home back to where I’ll be living,” Naruto got out of the tub and looked at his skin, “Yep well and truly wrinkled.” Laughing as he moved over to the towels and started to dry himself he spotted Sasuke following him, “To answer your question, not only will I let you read them, I’ll have copies made so you can add them to your own clan library. After all part of your training will be to take advantage of the weakness of your bloodline, once you can do that it will give you an edge over Itachi.”

Dropping his towel Sasuke stared at Naruto as if he had two heads, “How the hell did you move your parent’s house?”

“My dad was a genius when it came to Fuuinjutso, seal masters never came close to achieving his level of expertise,” Naruto boasted proudly. “He created a sealing set that could do a reverse summon, unlike the summoning scrolls they use in the Chunin exams. He layered his house and the immediate grounds with sending seals. I activated them the morning of the Genin exams, thus moving my house to its new location. The scrolls are inside the blood vault, it was all a part of my parent’s preparations. My father lived by the adage prepare for the worst…Expect it to get worse yet.”

Sasuke frowned as he rolled that over in his mind, it sounded so familiar, “I’ve heard that somewhere before. Though I can’t remember, all I remember is it was someone famous.”

Nodding, Naruto traced his finger down the wall looking for the release seal, “My father was famous, too bad most of the village disrespected his wishes and marred his memory with hatred and greed.”

Curious about that statement Sasuke tilted his head, “Who was your father?”

It was going to come out soon enough Naruto thought, so might as well, “Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage.”

The clattering of Sasuke dropping his Kunai pouch while the contents spilled across the floor was deafening, “Your father was the Yondaime? And they treat you like they have been?”

Nodding his head sadly Naruto shrugged, It really doesn’t matter in the long run, it’s not like the village council will recognize I’m his son. And with my duties to the Uzumaki clan, that my father agreed his first born would be heir to, it’s not that important. My parents moved most everything of value to the location of my new home anyway.” Finding the seal he was looking for he molded some chakra into his finger and dropped the silencing barrier, “we’ll talk later.”

Watching the seals disappear Sasuke nodded and slid the door to the side and noticed the steely glare directed their way by Kakashi-sensei.

“I Suppose there was a reason for that seal to be used?” Kakashi glared at Naruto who did not back down.

Nodding his head slowly Naruto firmly brought his working persona out, “Yes…you have been given as much information as I planned to let you know. Everything from now on is something you, the Hokage, nor the corrupt council needs to know.” Stopping when Kakashi jumped up and blocked his way Naruto glared at him.

“How powerful are you Naruto? Truly now,” Kakashi asked as he readied himself for battle if needed.

Appearing behind Kakashi faster than the man could blink Naruto touched a Senbon to the back of the man’s neck causing him to shiver, “Don’t test me Kakashi.” Putting the Senbon back in the hem of his shirt he smiled, “I reached the level of elite Anbu on my tenth birthday.” Ignoring the man Naruto walked towards the steps, he had a mission to complete now that it was getting dark. By morning Gato would be penniless. Soon after he would be dead, then he could go home.

“Respectfully Kakashi-sensei, what you did not hear was and is between to clan leaders, and not really important to the mission,” Sasuke added his own glare towards his sensei before walking past him.

 

Crossing another roof Naruto finally found the offices of Gato shipping company, landing near the skylight he watched the comings and goings of those in the warehouse before he was satisfied he knew where the main offices where. Pulling a Kunai out of his pouch Naruto slit the sealing stuff holding the glass in place and carefully slid it to tone side. Glancing at the putting like substance he wanted to giggle as he could not come up with anything better to call it than sealing stuff. Using his chakra to walk across the ceiling upside down Naruto waited until the coast was clear before walking down the wall to the roof of the office section, peaking into the window he smiled seeing Gato was not in before sliding open the window and jumping into the office quietly.

Placing two his perimeter seal across the front of the door he moved over to the desk and got to work digging through the filing cabinets.

Four hours later and several stacks and bank books spread out on top of the desk Naruto slipped a stay-a-wake pill into his mouth and crunched down on it. Feeling the rush of energy as the concentrated caffeine concoction hit his blood stream he got back to work.

Several hours later Naruto had finished bankrupting Gato, everything needing transferred had been done, and as soon as the banks opened the accounts would be emptied. Not to mention the several hundred million Ryo and assorted bulky valuables he had found in the hidden safe now safely tucked away in one of his sealing scrolls. Rolling up the other sealing scrolls with the deeds to the companies and properties he had signed over to the townsfolk and merchants Naruto removed and rolled up his defensive scrolls before placing his trap in Gato’s chair. Once the man sat down he would be poisoned and dead soon after.

Hearing the sound of Gato approaching Naruto quickly jumped to the ceiling as he unrolled a concealment cloak to cover with and waited silently for the man to come in and die.

 

Gato opened the door and glared at his underlings, “Take two of the thugs with you and bring me the daughter of the bridge builder. I need insurance in case those damnable ninja freaks fail.” Slamming the door shut when his men took off he grumbled, “Damned ninja, they better win the battle today.” His laughter turned to cackling, “Not like I’m going to pay them for their service. Once they take out the bridge builder I will have won and my men can take out the ninja.” Sitting down in his plush chair he winced as he felt something prick his ass before freezing. Panicking as he was unable to move he almost had a heart attack as he noticed the ceiling move before one of those ninja he had been cursing dropped from the ceiling.

Nodding in satisfaction at the panicked look, Naruto went to the window and glanced out and saw the two men that Gato had ordered to kidnap Tazuna’s daughter. A quick flick of the wrist and both men were face down on the cement with Shuriken embedded in their head, quite dead. Turning to face the evil monster behind the desk, it was almost fascinating to see the poison do its work, closing his eyes and looking down at his feet he knew it was almost over, soon he could forget about all the people he killed during this mission and he could relax and do something that had to do with life instead of death.

When the man’s breathing had stopped Naruto looked up, his work was almost done. Grabbing several plastic bags with one hand he placed them on the desk before whipping his arm holding the Kunai through the corpse’s neck. Not wanting to be sick he used the bags to capture the head before putting it in a burlap sack and rushing out the window.

Rushing across the rooftops he turned towards the bridge, intending to get there before the fight started, and if not at least before anyone was seriously hurt.

Scowling as he heard metal clashing against metal Naruto put on a burst of speed and jumped down between the two factions fighting, “ENOUGH…THERE WILL BE NO MORE FIGHTING HERE!!!”

Surprised Kakashi backed off several steps, eyes not leaving his opponent, “Glad you could join us Naruto,” voice dripping with scorn, “Mind telling me why you’re late?”

Naruto nodded his head as he threw the contents of the bag between the two fighting Shinobi, “Finishing my mission.” Turning his back on the two stunned men staring at the head, he walked towards the others, “Without a client Zabuza’s mission is over. Without any way to exact payment because I bankrupted the creep first he has no reason to fight.”

Stepping between the opening in the mirrors Naruto saw Sasuke slumped on his knees, several Senbon sticking out of his pressure points, looking up at the masked figure of Haku he sighed as the young man froze and bowed to him, “The fight is over.”

Stepping out of his mirror Haku pulled his mask off and smiled sadly, “I’m afraid Naruto-sama that my orders have not changed. I have been ordered to remove your comrades as a threat, so Zabuza can kill the bridge builder.”

Nodding once as he looked out of the mirror towards the two curious Ninja that were listening in, “Then you will have to choose.” Stepping towards the young man he smiled as he raised his voice, “Haku…I pledge my blood…my life…my line to yours. You shall be as my own,” twisting his head at the Senbon falling from lifeless fingers from the shock his words brought he held out his hand and cut it with his kunai. “My blood to your blood Haku…”

Shocked, Haku froze, he wanted this so badly, but he was Zabuza’s tool…wasn’t he. Letting the mirrors melt he looked over his shoulder at Zabuza for direction.

“Answer him Haku…” Zabuza yelled as he put away his sword and stepped around Kakashi. “The Daimyo himself is offering you more than being a retainer. He is offering you everything, don’t mess this up…TAKE IT.”

Nodding Haku slipped his shaking hand into his Kimono’s sleeve and pulled a Kunai out and slit his hand before grasping Naruto’s bloody hand, “My life to your life, my blood to your blood…my body is yours my lord.” Dropping his head he smiled, “Family…more than I could ever dream off.” Remembering how Naruto told him he was beautiful he blushed, maybe just maybe he would get what he desired.

Leaning forward and kissing Haku on the forehead as he lifted the teen’s chin he smiled as he let him go, “If you would remove the Senbon from my future apprentice.” Naruto’s eyes danced in laughter at Kakashi’s expression as he walked over to the two.

Sakura rushed over to Sasuke’s side, very confused, “How…Why…What’s up with Naruto and why is he being called Daimyo, he is not related to the Daimyo of Fire Country.” Glancing at Kakashi she whined, “Sensei, Naruto is only a Genin like us right? He can’t have an apprentice can he?”

Staring at Naruto who once again surprised him Kakashi sighed as he shook his head. Glancing at Naruto he asked once simple question, “Why?” seeing the raised eyebrow he pointed towards the severed head.

Shrugging Naruto was coming close to a decision on another matter, “Because the best way to achieve our mission with the least amount of bloodshed was to remove the threat. To remove the threat all we had to do was kill one man. Without Gato there is no threat, with no threat I can finally resign and go home to take up my duty.”

Nodding his understanding Tazuna was pale as he gazed at the severed head, “But what will keep his people from taking over where he left off?”

“Take over what?” Naruto smiled as he took out a scroll, “Before his demise he found out that he was a penny less pauper, all his businesses have been deeded over to more deserving folks, and the gains he had made from less than legal activities disappeared.” Shrugging as he came to a decision he gazed up at Zabuza, “there is nothing to rebuild from, so there is nothing to fight for or a reason to stay around.”

Moving over so he was standing looking up at the mist ninja Naruto nodded, “Momochi Zabuza, there is a great injustice happing in the land of the mist, particularly in the village hidden by the mist.”

Nodding as he grinned, Zabuza looked at Kakashi, “I think I like him.”

Hiding his laughter Naruto smiled, “Inside this scroll is more than enough money to do what you planned to do. During your journey if you come across those being persecuted from having something extra send them my way with a note.” After Zabuza took the scroll with a shaking hand he pulled something out of his pocket and held it out, “The only choice you have to make is if you free your country and village as a missing-nin or wearing this.”

Kakashi’s breath being drawn in actually whistled as he looked at the black Hitate with an orange spiral in the center.

Taking the Hitate with a shaking hand Zabuza grinned as he looked at Haku who had moved to Naruto’s side, letting his eyes rest on the symbol he knew what he had to do. Hesitantly he handed it back and shook his head, “I want that with my whole being, with every fiber that I am, I so want that.”

Naruto tilted his head to the side as he took the symbol of his village and country back.

“I will come back and take that back from you after I have earned it,” Zabuza snapped to attention. “After I have freed my birth country I will return and stand in front of you proudly. And once I have proved myself to you I shall kneel so you may place that symbol on my head.” Bowing his head he stepped back before looking at Haku with a smile. “Remember Haku, you are no one’s tool. I forgot that for a while, but once I can stand before Naruto with pride in myself once more…make me proud of you. Protect what you now have with everything you have.” Stepping forward he hugged haku tightly before stepping back. With a final nod and a glance around the bridge he walked back towards the village, he had a country to free.

 

 

 

naruto ch 04

 

                                                                                                Chapter 04

 

 

Tazuna spent a restless night going over the things he had seen and heard the previous day, that blond boy was…well if he was honest with himself he scared him silly. Getting up slowly he quickly rolled up his bedroll and secured it to his pack as he glanced around the camp, not seeing the blond he was caught between curiosity and dread. Curiosity won out and he went searching out the boy, finding him on his knees near the stream not far off in the woods.

Sensing the bridge builder leave camp Kakashi opened his eyes and quickly followed.

Wiping the tears from his eyes Naruto glanced back over his shoulder towards their client, he had felt him moving towards him so took the time to build the mask back up. Washing his face again to get rid of the tear tracks he placed his Shinobi mask firmly in place, “You are up early Tazuna, is there something you need?”

Startled at seeing the tears coming from the emotionless killer from yesterday Tazuna made several connections others would not, “You wear your mask well young one. Do you ever let it down?”

Sitting back on his hunches Naruto considered several things before sighing, “Until my plans were demolished un-expectantly I had my family’s compound to let my mask fall. Plus I do have one true friend I can be myself around, that’s why I want to leave the village and go back to my mother’s home. I am so tired of wearing masks all the time,” looking up at the morning sun as he felt Kakashi close in on them, “I think if I had to keep up the masks much longer I would go insane, I would lose that precious part of myself…my humanity.”

“Then why did you become a Shinobi to begin with?” Tazuna was confused as he studied the young man in front of him.

“I joined the ninja academy before I found out about my heritage, my family. After that it was too late.” Seeing the confusion on his face he smiled sadly, “you see I was considered a clan less orphan, which meant once I started down the path of a Shinobi there was no leaving it unless I flunked out three times. I almost had my freedom when a mindless drone of the village council threatened me with conscription to a secret training center if I failed again.” Snorting in derision he glanced up at the tree Kakashi was hiding himself in and shrugged, it’s not that he minded the Jonin hearing the information, “It’s not like the first two times I had to try to fail. The villagers made sure I could not even let near the academy to take the test until it was too late. They left me enough time to get there to have failed two of the four sections of the test before letting me through.”

“This time though I was escorted in earlier than normal and told I had no choice in passing.” Naruto sat down and looked at the old man who was trying to make sense of his choices, “After I became a Genin I had two chances to leave without being hunted down as a missing-nin which could have hurt my chances of staying friends with the only person who gave a damn about me. I could fail the secret test they give to all new Genin or I could resign after successfully completing my first C-Class mission.”

Chuckling sadly he glanced back up at the tree again, “How was I supposed to know that by sabotaging my chances in the test I was actually doing what the test was designed to prove, loyalty to ones teammates to the point of giving up oneself so they and the mission could continue.” Naruto looked into the water lost in thought, “I wrote immediately to my friend Shoji as soon as I was forced to pass the test so he knew what was going on. And the stubborn fool I am I refused to consider his plea to take the easy way out and escape while I could.” Looking up at Tazuna with determination, “how could I give up my first and only best friend without at least trying the other two chances first? As cold and harsh this mask I wear while on duty is I didn’t want it to become part of my true life if I ended up losing my friend,” mumbling under his breath he felt like crying again, “how could I take the chance of war breaking out when I took up leadership of my clan when I got to my mother’s home and have to learn to hate my friend.”

Kakashi was stunned, no he was past stunned. He knew Naruto knew he was here, and yet he still allowed him to hear what was said. That alone set him on edge, he wondered if after the mission was over if he would find himself having a fatal accident on the way home. After all Naruto showed that he could be truly ruthless to his enemies or those that attacked him. Slipping quietly from the trees he made his way back to the camp to make sure the other two did not wake up and confront the blond.

 

Naruto smiled as he looked across the large body of water as a small boat made its way towards them; it was a silent ride across the mist filled ocean before the large span of the stone bride appeared before them. Staring up at the huge bridge Naruto sadly came to the conclusion he would need to take Gato out if Wave country was to be truly free, so one of the things he was going to do was make sure he left the man a pauper before he died, the legitimate businesses he would sign over to Wave, those that were illegal he would see to their destruction and seize the money from them to help fill the vaults of his mother’s country and village, it would be needed sooner or later as people learned they were back.

Opening his senses Naruto frowned as he felt several people watching from the woods, they were very good at hiding and more than likely were Shinobi. Taking the lead after Tazuna thanked the owner of the boat he walked along with his body on automatic as he kept track of the two who were following him.

When they stopped for a break, with Tazuna telling them they were about half an hour from his home Naruto felt more than saw movement behind a bush at threw one of his Kunai towards the person. Only to let a send one flying almost as quick when he sensed the man use the replacement technique to get out of the way. Smirking as Sakura yelled and screamed when she saw a rabbit hop out of the bushes, he had nicked the man in the arm. “BE QUIET,” Naruto raised his voice without yelling at the same time Kakashi yelled out to duck.

“Momochi Zabuza, Demon of the mist,” Kakashi motioned for his team to stay back out of the way, “listed in the bingo books as an A-Class missing-nin. So what do you want?”

Glaring at the blond who was smirking Zabuza wrapped the blooding cut on his arm, “Who the hell are you Blondie and what’s up with cutting me?”

Chuckling Naruto moved off to one side so the client was not in the line of fire, “It’s my clan’s way of warning trespassers to back off. It’s the one and only warning clan Uzumaki gives before battle.”

Spiking his killing intent towards the blond Zabuza stepped back eyes widening when it was returned, then increased fourfold, “Who the hell are you?” shaking his head as he noticed the killing intent had put a strain of the black haired brat along with the shaking of the pink haired girl, “Give me the bridge builder and no one needs to get hurt.”

Ignoring the bantering going on between Kakashi and the mist ninja Naruto felt the presence of the other Chakra signature closing in. slipping one of his clone seal Kunai and throwing it near where the person was he smirked as he fed some chakra into the seal and felt the shadow clone take form.

 

Poofing into existence the clone of Naruto moved swiftly through the trees so he was behind the ninja dressed like a hunter nin from the village hidden in the mist, “Very strange of you to stand here watching instead of joining in.”

Haku froze, he never felt the person who sneaked up on him approach which meant he was levels higher than he was, “I was separated from my team, I will watch and act if an opening arises, if not I shall follow until me team meets up with me.” Safe answer he thought, I just hope he buys it.

“Hnn,” Naruto’s clone smirked as he stepped out so he could be seen and enjoyed the look of shock that showed in the body posture of the masked Nin, “A believable answer…” he grinned wider at the sudden relaxation in eth others body, “If I believed it that is.”

Haku stiffened with those words as she watched the copy of the blond examine the water prison that Zabuza captured the Jonin with. He once again froze when the blond spoke.

“As long as you are content to stay right here you are not an enemy combatant, if you move I will be forced to remove you as a threat,” clone Naruto smirked before shaking his head at something the bandaged ninja said to his original, “He should not have said that. Nope he went way too far by threatening to wipe out Tazuna’s family, if anything would set me off into a murderous rage that would be it.”

Haku watched in shock as the blond attacked Zabuza, in fact he was the first person he had ever seen to take him out of a fight with one hit. Zabuza stood panting on the surface of the lake with one arm hanging limply to the side, the arm looked like it had been almost ripped off the way it was hanging.

“You know,” clone Naruto turned his head as he read the masked ninja’s body language, they were preparing to move to help out…or would it be to take that opening. “We read the bingo book and several reports about your friend down there,” yep he thought, they definitely are partners not hunter, prey. “On the one hand I can agree with his goal of overthrowing the Mizukage, the bloodline extermination is getting out of hand. In fact I find that whole extermination thing annoying; to kill off people that have gifts because of fear and prejudice will come around and bite them in the ass in time. The very people that would make their village and country strong are the very people that they are searching out to kill.”

‘I have to help Zabuza-sama’, Haku thought frantically as he glanced at the blond next to him he tried to frantically think about a way to get away, even if it meant his life. But HOW, nothing he could think of would leave him alive and rescue his precious person.

“Interesting,” Naruto’s clone moved away, “It seems I am leaving the fight, so I guess if you wish to help your comrade you may.” With a pop the clone dispelled itself leaving Haku stunned for half a heartbeat.

Moving quickly he threw the Senbon needles in his hand towards Zabuza and nodded as they flew true, knocking him down and into a near death state. Jumping to the ground he bowed her head, “I thank you. Since my team has yet to arrive I would not have been able to take Momochi Zabuza down by myself. On behalf of the Village hidden in the Mist you have my gratitude.” Bowing his head slightly he disappeared with the body of his comrade in a twirl of leaves.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the spot a moment before the body of his opponent laid, studying the image in his mind he came to the only conclusion he could, Zabuza was still alive. Glancing towards the blond enigma he wondered why Naruto let him off easy, why he had not killed him like he expected. Motioning for his team to move out he stepped over near Naruto and kept this voice low so the others could not hear him, “Why did you let him go? I know you could have easily killed him.”

A few steps later, without looking at the man Naruto let his face take on a tired expression for a moment, “He was not alone, and my clone had an interesting conversation with his companion. I agree with his original goal of freeing his country and village of the bloodline purges. He is only doing this job for the money to gain allies to overthrow the Mizukage, plus I sent a message with his comrade, I wonder if he will understand it.”

Kakashi fell behind slightly as Naruto continued in the even pace thinking about what Naruto said, “I wonder what you told him and learned by that conversation Naruto,” he mumbled as he looked back at the lake.

 

 

Several days later, Naruto stared up at the rising morning sun and smiled truly, he had evaded Sasuke and Sakura with the excuse he needed to train on some of his family Jutsu’s, in reality he needed to get away from everyone and let his mask down before he blew up and hurt them. Laying back on the crushed wildflowers he giggled as the morning breeze blew through the area causing the tall flowers to weave in the wind tickling his noise. Sensing someone approaching he turned his head as a very pretty looking person walked into the clearing with a basket of herbs.

“You’ll get sick lying there all day you know,” Haku approached the blond with a smile on his face, trying to be open and hiding behind his civilian persona.

Chuckling Naruto turned his head sideways, “But it’s not often I can truly be me and let my mask down. Sighing Naruto looked up at the clouds as he placed the person’s chakra, this was the false hunter-nin from several days ago. “What are you doing up and about so early?”

Setting his basket down Haku set down slightly, “I’ve been collecting herbs so I can make medicine.”

I wonder how far along Zabuza is with his recovery Naruto mused, “An admirable skill,” smiling at the beauty near him he had to know, “if you were given a chance to be different, to be true to yourself. Not what someone else wants you to be or needs you to be would you take it?”

Shocked Haku leaned back, “What…What do you mean? Why are you asking me this?”

Closing his eyes Naruto sighed, “Simple really, I have started to shed the masks I have worn most of my life. The brash loud and boisterous prankster the village knew; the person who no matter how many times they tried to crush me jumped back up and smiled as if nothing could bother him.” Turning his head to the side and letting a tear trail down his face, then there is the emotionless cold killing machine of my Shinobi persona. That is the one that hurts the most, the one that I am forced to wear so I can complete my mission and go home safely, and the one that allows me to take lives easily without hesitation. Then there is the true me, the one who longs for friends and family. The one who only has one true friend that I might have to give up if my mission does not succeed.” Staring into the confused expression Naruto’s heart reached out, “If I go home with this mission a failure I will not be able to resign as a Shinobi of the Leaf, which means I will have to leave anyway and be listed as a missing-nin.”

Sitting up he pulled his knees up and wrapped his arms around them as he looked up at the sky, “I am the last of the Uzumaki clan. When this mission is over with for good or bad I will make my way to my mother’s country to take up the leadership of my clan. A leadership which will put me in the place of the lord of the country, and if I am listed as a missing-nin from Konoha it will mean that war will be declared between our two countries, and my best friend will be my enemy, I will have to kill him as I crush the land of Fire if they attack.” Tears streaming down his face Naruto stared at Haku, “if that day comes I fear my Shinobi mask will no longer be a mask and the true me will die, I’ll never see laughter or sunshine in the same way.”

Chuckling sadly Naruto wiped his face with his sleeve, “You know I don’t know why I’m sharing this with you. This is my burden to bare, but I’ve gone too far so I have to ask. If you were given the choice to be true to yourself no matter the cost would you take it?”

Haku sat down not minding his kimono was getting wet in the morning dew, the emotion behind that simple question; the pain he was feeling was so similar. Opening his mouth several times before really thinking about it, “I…I think if I was given the opportunity I would take it. To do otherwise would be to dishonor your mother.”

 

Herbs forgotten for now Haku sat back as the hours flew by as they got to know one another, looking up at the sun high overhead he was startled.

“It’s time for you to go then,” Naruto smiled sadly, he enjoyed himself immensely. It was almost like being around Shoji and letting his masks crumble away. If the mission failed he would offer his friend a chance to come with him and maybe just maybe Konoha would leave him alone. Standing up as the other stood and brushed off their Kimono he smiled, “You truly are beautiful you know.”

Blushing Haku looked over his shoulder as he started to walk away, “I’m a boy, not a girl, thank you though.”

“I knew that Haku, and it is still true,” Naruto chuckled as he stretched and looked at the sky. Walking towards the house Kakashi and his students were based out of he pulled his cold Shinobi persona back out and put it on.

Walking into the kitchen Naruto felt a headache coming on.

Seeing Naruto walk into the house Sasuke glared at him as he moved away from the table and blocked the way, “I want my family’s scrolls back. They don’t belong to you; you have no right to have them or to have even read them.”

Kakashi’s chin hit his chest, if this kept up, even with all the attempts to keep them apart he might end up another team member short.

“NO…” Naruto crossed his arms as the Uchiha glared at him. “I no longer have them, and you have to realize something. Those scrolls were never part of your family to begin with. The keeper collected all those scrolls in the hopes of the village having a defense against hostile Shinobi attacking the village. All those scrolls were written by people that were never in your clan to start with.”

“Then they can’t be worth anything,” Sasuke smirked.

“Really?” Naruto glared before sighing at the idiot, he seemed to be doing that a lot lately, “clan Uchiha,” Naruto started to recite from memory, “Bloodline limit is the Sharingan, an ability centered in the eyes.  It allows the person the ability to see and copy Chakra flows and hand signs, placing them in permanent memory. Thus how the nickname copy cat eyes was coined. It also has the ability to slow down what they see so it is like time has slowed down giving them an edge in hand to hand combat.” Scowling at the stunned dark haired teen, “The Sharingan has three levels, level one, once awakened and matured is recognized by the eyes turning from black to red with three black Tomeo around the pupil.”

Enjoying Sasuke’s shock Naruto drove the point home, “The second level is the Mangekyou Sharingan, and this level is achieved when the person kills their best friend. By spilling the blood of their best friend and watching their life fade away the second level is unlocked. This level allows the person to have access to Ameterasu, the black flames. It also allows the user to what amount to mind fucking an opponent.” Glaring harshly at the young Uchiha, “It has one very serious drawback, if used too much it will lead to permanent blindness and the loss of their bloodline abilities.”

Moving forward Naruto caused Sasuke to back up and stumble over the edge of the table, looking down at his sprawled form he shook his head, “The only chance of overcoming the disadvantages of the second level is to achieve the third level, the Eternal Mangekyou. To achieve this level which will allow the person to have the full power of the clan bloodline the person has to kill his sibling and remove his eyes so he can replace his own eyes with his siblings as the sibling dies.”

Kakashi was shocked; even he did not know this. Looking at the survival of Sasuke during the Uchiha massacre it made sense now.

“NO,” Sasuke whispered as he crawled back in horror.

“Yes,” Naruto stared intently at the crawling teen. “The problem is when your brother does go after you, for him to achieve eternal Mangekyou, you have to have achieved at least the second level of Mangekyou yourself or you worthless to him.”

“So this is why Itachi has driven Sasuke down the path of the avenger,” Kakashi scowled in thought.

“Yes,” Naruto sighed as he sat down and looked at Sasuke staring at him in horror, “So you can see why over the years I have held you in contempt. He is driving you on the path he needs you to follow, so he can follow in his mentor’s footstep.”

“Madera,” Kakashi whispered, “his body was never found…but that would mean he is…”

“One of the side effects of reaching level three of the Sharingan is almost stopping the aging process,” Naruto put his head and the table and closed his eyes, “Do you need me to now list all the ways to fight a Sharingan user, the ways to overcome the advantage the Sharingan gives someone?”

“N…N…No,” Sasuke stopped moving backwards when his head touched the wall; there was no where left to go.

Looking up over the top of the table Naruto was tired, “You told us back when we first met and were supposed to learn to be a team that your dream was to restore your clan and kill a man. But if you keep on the path you are on, you will be the end of your clan.” Standing up Naruto started for the steps to the bedrooms he wanted a hot bath, “If that would happen, Sasuke…If that happens he wins.”

Kakashi wanted to applaud the blond as he left Sasuke truly stunned and truly thinking things over in his mind for once. On the other hand the knowledge Naruto held about the clans and bloodlines was frightening.

 

Haku stared out the window of the hidden hideout, he had spent the past hour relaying the conversation he had that morning with the young Uzumaki lord.

“Leaf Shinobi are more than stupid, they are truly fools” Zabuza stared at Haku as if he could read the answer to his unspoken question in the boy’s body language alone. “Haku look at me.”

Once the teen turned around and lifted his chin to show his shameful thoughts he was stunned beyond belief when his mentor told him, “If I was given the offer you were I would not have hesitated. I would have embraced it.” Seeing the shock he smiled, “Haku you might not have realized what he was offering you, but I do. If he ever offers again do not hesitate. Promise me if this is offered again do not hesitate to accept, it would be the answer to both our dreams.”

“Hai…” Haku smiled softly as he tried to figure out why Zabuza would think this was the answer to both their dreams. Opening his mouth to ask he was interrupted as Zabuza moved to the window to look out over the swamp.

“To think, the fools of Leaf have no idea they have the Daimyo of whirlpool country under their very noses and they don’t even know it.” Chuckling Zabuza left the room.

 

 

 

 

naruto ch 03

Chapter 03

 

 

Naruto sighed as he entered training ground seven munching on a field ration bar, he was on edge, barely keeping control of his temper from having to eat the field rations instead of the wonderful meals his parents had prepared for him. He had been saving those meals for special occasions and had planned to make a feast of all his mother’s favorite foods for a successful escape and start to a new life, but certain interfering old coots messed up his plans.

“NARUTO WHAT ARE YOU DOING…KAKASHI-SENSEI TOLD US NOT TO EAT,” Sakura was furious as she noticed dead last walk into the clearing eating a ration bar several hours late. Narrowing her eyes in anger, Naruto had been not only cold and vengeful during the introductions he had been downright rude on top of it. Winding up her arm to punch his lights out she screamed, “SHUT IT BAKA!!”

Casually reaching up and capturing her hand, Naruto inwardly smirked at Sasake’s surprised expression before letting out a lot of the past few days’ worth of frustration as he squeezed her wrist painfully. Satisfied with her wince of pain he pulled her towards him and growled out, “NO MORE, I will not allow you to attack me anymore. This is you last and only warning, if you attack me you best make sure I am truly dead or I will find you and slit your throat, most likely while you are sleeping.” Releasing her wrist Naruto glared hatefully at the bitch before finishing his breakfast; if you could call it that he looked at the end of the bar in disgust.

Sasuke’s eyes widened in wonder and worry as he watched the Dobe deal with the screaming fan-girl as if he was swatting a fly. ‘Just how powerful are you Naruto?’ he thought as he tried to come to terms with this new Naruto.

Appearing in a puff of smoke Kakashi grinned at his team, noticing the tense atmosphere he narrowed his eyes as he watched the blond pop the last of a ration bar in his mouth, “I thought I told you not to eat anything so you don’t puke Naruto.”

“Whatever,” Naruto waved a hand lazily without looking at him.

Frowning in annoyance Kakashi took in the team dynamics with a trained eye. Noticing the pink haired girl, Sakura wincing and rubbing her wrist and the constant alert side glances from the Uchiha towards the third member of his team he had to wonder what happened, at this rate someone was going to die if things did not get any better. “Yo…”

Eyes widening slightly when he didn’t even get acknowledged Kakashi held up the two bells by their strings. “You have two hours to each take one of the bells from me. If you don’t come at me with the intent of killing me you will fail. If after two hours you don’t get a bell you will fail. If you fail you will be sent back to the Academy for another year.”

“B…But Sensei,” Sakura mumbled as she looked at the two bells, “there are only two bells and three of us.”

Nodding his head as he watched Naruto’s face, “Which means one of you is going to fail and end up back at the Academy.” Seeing the gleeful smirk on the blonds face Kakashi stiffened, it seems Hokage-sama was right, Naruto planned to fail. “GO…”

Narrowing his eyes in anger as he watched Naruto refuse to move as his other teammates jumped back into the trees, “NARUTO…Just why are you sitting there like that?” You really do want to fail don’t you Naruto, Kakashi frowned.

“Heh,” Naruto rubbed the back of his neck and grinned, “That’s okay Kakashi Sensei you can give the other two the bells. I don’t mind going back to the academy so they can be Shinobi of the Leaf.”

Groaning as he let the bells slip from his fingers Kakashi felt like slapping his face, Sandaime was right, Naruto wanted to fail. The real question was why, maybe he could get something out of the blond, “So you are willing to live up to the name of dead last. You’re willing to fail without even trying…your parents would be ashamed of you.” Got you Kakashi smirked as he felt the killing intent roll of the blond.

“So you think my parents would be ashamed of me Baka-Sensei,” Naruto growled out before as he controlled his temper, after all he did not want to fight the Jonin, he wanted to fail the test. “Shows how much you truly knew my parents then…Idiot.” Standing up and brushing the dirt off of his hideous jumpsuit Naruto glanced at the three training posts and smirked when he saw they were in a triangle pattern. Ignoring the Jonin he made his way to the posts, pulling three small scrolls out of his pouch as he went. A quick glance over his shoulder to see if he was being followed Naruto grinned as he stuck the scrolls to the posts before activating the sealing technique inscribed on them. Sitting down he took out the letter he had received late last night from Shugo, he didn’t have a chance to read it yet but since he had nothing to do for a couple of hours he could take the time to read it and form a reply.

Kakashi was floored; he had never been totally ignored like he had just been. It was if Naruto did not consider him significant in anyway shape or form. Sensing movement he ducked under several shuriken seems Sasuke was getting impatient. Might as well not keep him waiting any longer, with that thought he leapt towards the tree’s with most of his mind trying to figure out what was up with Naruto.

 

An hour and forty five minutes later Kakashi finally had enough, walking towards the posts with the unconscious Sakura in his arms he reached out towards one of the posts only to pull back his hand as a purple glow appeared boxing Naruto in. Eyebrow rising as he put his burden down on the ground before reaching towards the posts again, this time he did not stop at the warning glow, only to jump back as a burst of lightening jumped between the posts and brushed past his hand.

Naruto looked up from sealing his response to his friend, smiling at the shocked look on the Jonin’s face. Securing his writing supplies in his pouch he sat back to enjoy the show.

Kakashi frowned as he looked at the grinning blond Genin, lifting the corner of his Hitate revealing the Sharingan.  Seeing small pulses fly back and forth between the seals he reached down and pulled a Shuriken out of his pouch and let it fly towards the post, only to be surprised to see a flash as one of the small dots on the seal activated and another bolt of lightning was released hitting his Shuriken. Examining the half melted Shuriken he raised both eyebrows in wonder as he hid his eye by pulling the corner of his Hitate back down, “Naruto…What in the world is this?”

Grinning Naruto stood up and stretched as Sasuke came stumbling out of the forest, not wanting to get into a long explanation while the stuck up bastard was around he shrugged as he deactivated the defense and started to roll of the scrolls. “Just a simple intruder alarm, nothing special.”

Kakashi stared at the blond for several moments as Sasuke stumbled to the group and fell down next to Sakura who was just waking up. “Pitiful…the bunch of you were abysmal in your performance.” Glancing at the young pink haired girl, “Sakura not only fell into one of the simplest Genjutsu that could be used before passing out, she came across her trapped teammate and once again became useless instead of freeing her trapped teammate she fainted. If this was a mission she would have ended up dead, twice.”

Glaring at the cringing young Shinobi he turned his attention to the brooding wonder, “Let’s not mention the overconfidence of mister I come from a powerful clan so I have to do everything by myself.” Gazing up at the sky as he sighed, Kakashi wanted this over with, he had information the Hokage really needed to know about. “If it was not for the fact that Naruto selflessly told me in the beginning to give both of you the bells, thus failing the test himself so the two of you would pass I would fail all three of you and send you back to the Academy. As it is all three of you pass…Meet me at the Hokage tower at eight tomorrow morning for your first mission.”

Before he had a chance to puff out in a cloud of smoke Kakashi he was shocked when he felt wind whip past his head and heard a thunk coming from the post behind him. Ignoring the blond walking away cussing up a storm he looked over his shoulder to see a Kunai embedded all the way to the ring in the post.

 

 

Two weeks later team seven approached the Hokage tower to get another D-Rank mission when Naruto blew up causing his teammates to step back in fear, “ENOUGH…I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!” slamming his hands down on the table he glared at the old man, the Third Hokage of village hidden in the leaf. “NO MORE, I am tired of stupid D-Rank missions. I want a C-Rank or we’re leaving.”

Iruka was stunned then livid, “How dare you…Naruto…” taking a deep breath he calmed down, “D-Rank missions are the life blood of young Genin teams, designed to promote teamwork in the safety of the village walls until your Jonin Sensei  feels your ready.” Looking at Naruto who had not stopped staring directly into the Thirds eyes he decided to make a dig, ‘Surely you didn’t sleep through that lecture too!”

Eyes ensnared with Naruto’s Sarutobi sighed as he sat back in his chair, tilting his head so his hat hid his face, “Very well Naruto.” Reaching over into the stack of scrolls he pulled one out and handed it over, “Your mission is to escort Tazuna the bridge builder back to his home in wave so he can finish off the bridge he is building. After you return we shall talk and if you are honest with me I shall allow what you wish to happen without a fight.”

“Hokage-sama,” Iruka jumped to his feet to protest, “You…You can’t mean to let them bypass…”

Waving the man silent Sandaime Hokage slumped in his chair in defeat, he had failed Minato and now there was nothing left to do but hope in time Naruto would one day want to come back and learn of his family, “You have your mission, I will see you in two weeks.”

Once they were gone Iruka rounded on the Hokage, “It’s not my place to question your judgment…but what just happened?”

Sighing as his eyes followed the foursome as they went towards the customer lounge, “Naruto for some odd reason was planning on failing the Genin exam for the third time. Something has happened to make him want to leave the place of his birth as soon as possible and when that Root Anbu threatened him he showed his true strength for the first time.” Shuddering at the image of the headless torso with a large hole in the chest he turned to face the flabbergasted teacher, “And I would rather let him leave without a fight than have him decide that he truly hates all of us and fights his way out of the village.” Mumbling as he took his viewing globe out of the desk drawer and focused it on team seven he mumbled out, “I had hoped his yearning for knowing his family would override the villagers hatred, but it seems I was wrong.”

Knowing the last was not really meant for him Iruka sit back and tried to piece together er more pieces of the puzzle, at least this time the pieces were the right shape.

 

 

Sasuke walked next to Sakura in front of their client Tazuna, Naruto was taking the point with Kakashi-sensei bringing up the rear. He was lost in thought trying to figure out the enigma that was Naruto, so far he had decided that he was not who or what he seemed to be. In fact he was almost positive if he went up against the dead last he would be the one that would lose. Pitting Naruto against Itachi in his mind he was positive even his older brother would lose, that thought more than any at this point rankled him. The anger he was feeling over that admission left him glaring at the blonds back as they walked along the path. So much so he did not notice Naruto stare at the puddle along the side of the path before walking past it.

Several steps later he turned in surprise when he heard metal moving against metal from behind him, turning around in time he was in time to see the chain that had captured their Sensei rip him to shreds before he heard the two yell out in unison, “That’s one.”

Unfreezing Sasuke threw his Kunai intercepting the chain and lodging it into one of the tree’s behind the charging duo. Reaching for another Kunai he got ready to defend himself when all of a sudden both Shinobi went face first into the dirt with Naruto standing calmly behind them holding something small and thin in his hand.

Appearing in a puff of smoke Kakashi sighed, he should have expected Naruto to jump in head first, the problem was he did not do as expected, but the results were the same he had no idea who their target was. Sighing as he pulled some wire out of his pouch so he could tie the two up his mind finally finished reviewing the fight and he realized Naruto move almost like his old Sensei. Hesitating for a moment as that thought sunk in he dragged the two over to one of the trees and tied them securely, the question now was how to find out what he needed to know and if it involved their mission. Gaze locked with the nervous bridge builder he had an inkling that the two demon brothers were not after him or one of his team, they must have been after the bridge builder. Moving away from the two to go confront Tazuna he missed Naruto kneeling down next to the two and pulling a small rolled up pouch from his pocket.

 

Naruto was annoyed; those two were at least Chunin level and he needed answers. Spotting one of the attacks coming around he smirked as he pulled out one of the drugged Senbon needles and tilted the head of the other one, needle hovering above the nerve junction in the one ninja’s neck. Once the Shinobi opened his eyes fully and focused on Naruto he shoved the Senbon into the nerve junction, letting the drug do its work suppressing the missing-nin’s chakra. “Well that went as smoothly as the first time I did it, I must have the skill down to an adequate level. Now you are going to tell me who your target was and who hired you.”

Kakashi turned and froze as he watched Naruto jab the Senbon needle into the missing-nin’s neck, shivers traveled up and down his spine as he saw strange exploding tags be pulled out of the pouch along with a coil of wire. “Naruto leave them for our roving patrol to pick up, they’re not going to be going anywhere.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Naruto glanced over his shoulder as he slapped four of his reactive tags equally around the missing-nin’s head before cutting a large hole in his shirt. “They have information we need to complete our mission. And I am going to get it.” Attaching the wires to a small bead with a seal on it Naruto calmly looked over at the angry ninja, “I have yet to try this type of reactive tag. After all the first time I used a set of these showed more than I could possibly hoped for, I spent a long time in creating these from the prototype and am looking forward to tying out this second type of advanced reactive tag.”

Sitting back on his heals as he eyed up his work with a nod of satisfaction, “If I were you I would start talking…Oh before I forget you might want to start repressing your chakra, once I put the reactive tag on your chest and hook you up to your partner that is the only thing that will keep the tags from firing.”

“BASTARD…” the missing-nin yelled out as he tried to fight the wire tying him to the tree before finding he was well and truly caught. Spitting at Naruto he tried to fight some more as he felt the Kunai rip through his shirt exposing his chest. “hurt my brother and I will kill you slowly….when I get out of here I’m going to track you down and kill all of you.” Spitting towards Kakashi he grinned when he saw the fear in the young girl’s eyes, “I’ll enjoy tasting your flesh and delights before splitting your throat pinkie.”

“Actually my parents were married,” looking over his shoulder at the trembling Sakura he ignored her as he slapped the tag onto the prisoners skin before hooking the wire up to it and snapping the other end into the small seal with the rest of the wires. Brushing off his pouch as he rolled it up tightly before slipping it into his thigh pocket Naruto stood up and looked at his handiwork before channeling some Chakra into the seal. “Well it’s up to you now. You can either tell me what I want to know or you can take the chance that you can keep your Chakra suppressed until someone rescues you.”

“Keep in mind though that I am the only one who has ever seen this type of tag before, and the only one that knows how to deactivate the setup I used on the two of you.” Naruto looked at him calmly, Shinobi mask firmly in place, “It really makes no difference to me in the long run, you either cooperate and I tell you more about the tags in the hopes I might tell you how to disarm the system, or you get angry or lose control of your chakra suppression and your brother loses his head and heart. Of course the fact the tag over your heart will take you out three seconds later will not be much comfort,” Naruto shrugged his shoulders, “But in the end you both will end up dead. You going long enough after your brother to know deep down you caused his death, he died by your hand alone.” Stepping back as the nuke-nin started to sweet freely he glanced sideways watching the expression on Tazuna’s face, ‘he knows more than he is telling us’.

Sakura tried to wrap her mind around the Naruto in front of her and the Naruto she had spent the past five years in school with, this one was nothing like the one she knew, “How can you be so cold hearted.” Taking a big breath she glared at him, “What you are doing is WRONG.”

“Wrong?” Naruto cocked his head to the side as he stepped towards her, “I thought you went through the same classes as I did. You know a Shinobi…A ninja is a cold calculating killer.”

“No…”shaking her head Sakura denied it, “No your wrong.”

“Really,” Naruto grinned, “Then you must have missed that part of the class then, maybe because you were daydreaming about things that belong in the bedroom.”

“I…” looking around frantically at Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sensei she slumped in defeat when she saw both were not denying Naruto’s harsh words. “Why? Why are you being like this?”

Naruto looked at her in surprise before glaring at her, like one would a child that spilt milk and denied it was them even with the container in their hands, “Surely you were not as clueless as the rest of the moron’s in class. You do know a Shinobi is supposed to keep secrets, too don an aura totally opposite of what they truly are so your enemy will underestimate or come to the wrong conclusions about you.”

“Is that what we are Naruto? Are we…Has the village become your enemy then,” Kakashi asked saddened by the young blonds war weary attitude.

“Not yet,” Naruto glanced at Kakashi with a neutral expression on his face, “Even though the assassination attempts are down so far this year, only thirty seven so far. I am smart enough to know when it is time to leave before the contempt I feel turns to hate.” Turning to face the prisoners who were struggling as the one tried to also listen in, “the worst part of the whole thing is the assassination attempts have and are being done by the very villagers I as a Shinobi of the leaf is supposed to protect with my life if need be.”

“What are you talking about? What assassination attempts Dobe?” Sasuke scowled as he stared at dead last.

Not bothering to look at him Kakashi snapped out, “Be quiet Sasuke, he is right, well if I was in his place I probably would consider them assassination attempts to. So where do we go from here Naruto?”

“From here?” Naruto looked at their client, “Well, since the only way I can resign being a Shinobi of the leaf is to complete one C-Level mission I think Tazuna owes us an explanation of why two missing-nin tried to kill him, and maybe the name of the person behind the whole thing.”

Ashamed and staring at the ground Tazuna felt like a heel, “His name is Gato, he is the multi-millionaire business man that is slowly turning my country into slaves. Everyone that does not bow down to him ends up dead.” Looking up at Naruto as he had proved he was the one in charge here, “My country is on their last legs, we could only scrape enough money together to pay for a C-Class mission…So I lied so we could get help.” standing up straight he looked into Naruto’s eyes without flinching, “I am prepared to pay for my deceit, as long as the bridge gets completed freeing my country I will gladly pay whatever price you deem necessary for lying to you.”

“I see…” Naruto closed his eyes as he walked towards the group, “Why did you not pay for what you could now and the rest later after your country got back on its feet. I know the Fourth put in place a law allowing it on missions of mercy.”

Stunned, Tazuna took several steps back, “What do you mean? The council informed us that all payment for missions had to be made up front…NO exceptions.”

Rubbing his face Naruto glared at the ground, “You see Kakashi, the council subverts the laws the Hokage put in place. So tell me do you still think I am wrong to leave?”

“Of course you are,” Sakura screamed out as she stepped back suddenly when Naruto snapped his head around to glare at her. “Even if I believed you about the attempts on your life, this is your home and you are worse than trash to abandon your friends and teammates.”

Kakashi winced in pain as he glanced at Naruto who started to walk away, even he knew better than to voice that comment.

“You know nothing about me Sakura. All you know is the mask I showed the world. After all if the village knew what I was truly capable of the pitiful attacks might have been more planned out and stronger. To the point they might have even created a mission for a missing-nin or another village.” Naruto pointed towards their client, “Walk with me and explain everything, we’ve spent enough time standing around.”

“What about them?” Sakura pointed to the tied up ninja, “Are you going to undo your trap?”

About that time one of the demon brothers lost his fight to suppress his chakra and a loud humming followed by a thunder crack filled the clearing.

Smiling in anticipation of scaring Sakura who looked horrified and more than a little green, even Sasuke looked pale, “There is no need now. After all they were the enemy.”

Staring at the grisly remains Kakashi was reminded of the Root Anbu that had a run in with Naruto, snapping his fingers to get the two’s attention and pointing towards the road he started to walk behind Naruto, listening in as their client explained what was going on in Wave Country.

Sasuke was not sure what to make of Naruto. For so long his world was perfect. All he needed to know was that he was the strongest and well on the road to fulfilling his destiny of avenging his clan. Now though as the jealous feelings coursed through him, he had no idea. He had to wonder how many others of his classmates were doing the same as Naruto, hiding their true strengths. He was an Uchiha, so that meant he was the best of the best…right.

Finally an hour later he still was unsettled, “Hey, Naruto…how could a no name orphan like you be so strong?”

Kakashi winced as he slapped his face, could the fool be so stupid as to antagonize someone that had to be Anbu level at least if not higher.

Coming out of his half meditative state that he was using to keep his Shinobi mask firmly in place Naruto shook his head at the idiot, and they called him a Baka. “Point one; I do have a name and clan. If you are so stupid as to not research things then it’s not my place to fill in the gaps so you are not as ignorant. And point two,” he looked over his shoulder blue eyes turning icy. “You allow your arrogance to blind you to the truth around you. Instead of being at the top of the class in strength and power you are near the middle.”

Chuckling Sasuke shook his head, “Dream on Dobe. There is and never has been a Clan in Konoha by the name of Uzumaki. So stop deluding yourself.”

Glancing at Kakashi with a questioning look Naruto shook his head, “He really is an idiot isn’t he.” Stopping so he could face the idiot he snorted, “I don’t believe I sais my clan was ever part of Konoha, now did I.” seeing the slightest bit of confusion in Sasuke's eyes he grinned, “Have you ever spent time in the Shinobi library, back in the history stacks where no one ever goes?”

Confused Sasuke glared with a huff as he crossed his arms, “What does that have to do with anything?”

“If you had like I did when I was younger, you would have found clan history’s of most of the Shinobi clans  of the elemental nations and surrounding countries,” Naruto grinned, “there was even scrolls with histories of how the clans in Konoha found their way here and all about their bloodlines.” Turning away and walking along the path he grinned evilly, this was going to be fun he thought.

“Wait a minute,” Sasuke ran to catch up so he could walk in front of Naruto backwards so he could watch his face, “What do you mean there are scrolls from my family in the Shinobi Library?”

“Was…” Naruto grinned, “I said there were scrolls there covering all the clans of the elemental nations and those that moved to Konoha.” Tapping his chin as if in thought he grinned, “They are not there anymore, I did leave a few general history ones on all the clans including mine. But the real treasure trove was the secret vault that had each of the clans and bloodlines abilities and weaknesses spelled out.”

“WHAT??” Sasuke glared in surprise and anger.

“Don’t worry about it,” Naruto smiled, “I removed all those scrolls to a safer spot year’s ago, after all I did not want any speculation on my family’s bloodline to ever get out.”

Kakashi blinked as he filed that away, Naruto was being very forthcoming, in fact he had learned more in the half day of traveling than he had in six years, “Naruto, as far as I knew your father did not have a bloodline, nor did you mother.”

Grinning as they found a spot to stop for the night, “Well I am willing to tell you about my father’s bloodline, it’s not like I could erase all record of it. My father’s bloodline involved rapid healing; in fact an almost instinctual cellular healing is what his letter said. And after a lot of practice I am able to push my chakra towards the injury to speed up the healing to a fantastic rate.” Setting his bedroll off to one side, between several tree’s along the side of the path, “As far as my mother’s bloodline, well that secret will never get out to those I don’t implicitly trust, it’s too dangerous.”

“What a stupid bloodline,” Sasuke scoffed only to go silent at the glare he received from Naruto and Kakashi, he was hard pressed to decide which intimidated him more.

“Not all bloodlines are flashy and all about battle,” Naruto glared at the idiot boy. “I would rather have the healing ability from my family than those flashy eyes that can copy what they can see. After all if I can heal injuries that would take a normal person out of a fight in minutes and still be able to battle I would be more useful than using my chakra reserves to copy Jutsu or moves and stay injured.”