Behind the Masks
Title: Behind the Masks 05
Genre: Friendship/ Romance
Pairing: ItachiXNaruto, ItaNaru
Summary:
A "what if" story... What if the Uchiha massacre wasn't the only secret Itachi Uchiha wanted to take to the grave? What is the story hidden behind the cannon story? What if he miscalculated? Will the ending change? Will he let it change? Everything may fall apart with just one endearment... "Saiai" (beloved).
Chapter 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Behind the Masks
Chapter 5
(As the winds pick up)
Pain
A feeling hard to describe other than the simple word his mind seems to be screaming over and over again.
It hurts.
Every single fiber within his body hurts and he could be perfectly sure that if he opens his eyes his world would spin and it'll hurt more. Being hurt he had gotten used to but being sticky and feeling dirty he would never accept as normal. The most irritating thing as well is that the stickiness is from him and other than that it's staining his clothes. The more sticky he gets the more irritatingly weak he feels and even with his eyes closed he still manages to feel dizzy.
It's annoying.
What's more is that a nagging clenching something is always present in him that makes him feel as if his heart would constrict any moment, well that is to consider that it isn't clenching yet, which it is. He could simply hope it'll stop. 'Unlikely.'
Maybe it was because he was so used to it that he can manage to still think amidst everything. He is perfectly aware of where he is and that it is already evening and that he is late, which of course is a bad thing. Then again going home dripping with slashed, burned, dirtied and sticky clothes would be worst considering his family is most likely getting ready for dinner. Also his brother might get permanently scarred if he sees him in this state. It would also be too much of a bother lying to his Mom about it as well. He can never lie good enough for her. Another thing to add to his annoyance is that his father would see him in such a state. Then all his effort of hiding it would be fruitless.
"Ugh."
He'd be grumbling more if only his hate for whiners didn't stop him. No, whining means giving up to the pain. Giving up means loosing and loosing well it'll irritate him more and so, he had never whined.
All in all, he was a complete mess and is in a horrible mood that he'll slice anyone who'd touch him and so…
"AH!"
But then again, why further drench himself with other peoples sticky blood? It wasn't as if his own isn't irritating enough. And so, ignoring the spinning world and his dizziness he held on tight to the wrist of the person brave enough to near him while he kept the kunai in his hands steady at the others throat.
He leveled the person with a gaze completely trying to not let the other notice how unfocused his sight truly was all the while ignoring the apparent age the one before him is. After all he had seen, he will never underestimate a child no matter how young, how blond and blue-eyed and seemingly clueless they are. And with how the child is looking at him at the moment he would never.
"Erm, your hurt." said the child. He frowned. 'Well ain't that obvious'.
Assessing the child carefully he noted with confusion the utter worry present in the child eyes. There is fear but it was too 'little' that he just had to doubt the truthfulness of it all but then the child spoke. It was quivering and a bit squeaky which somehow he could understand. He can't possibly expect a three year old child to have a low voice now could he?
"Please, let go."
However that was not the reason why he obliged…
"You're bloody... my clothes."
If it reached him as whining he wouldn't have let go but the child's fear simply became more apparent and somehow he just knew the child isn't afraid of the blood itself, nor is it his bloody self, no there is something else.
Once he let go he was not surprised to see the child have ran. What surprised was that the child returned and that it would seem he had removed and soaked his too big shirt and he could just imagine what the child is actually planning.
He narrowed his eyes as the child neared him. By no means would he let anyone touch him like this. Even his mother would have a hard time to convince him if she ever that is, sees him in such a state.
"There is no need. Go home."
The child's answer must have been what made him lower his guard, even just a little.
"No one cares."
The child's words were hardly relevant to his demand for the child to leave but it somehow fits... It made him analyze the child in front of him… bright blond hair with bright blue eyes, seemingly three years old, scrawny and annoying. His eyes narrowed at the scars on the child's cheeks and vaguely wondered if those were really scars or simply birthmarks.
Then the child took his attention on the most annoying way…
"Don't stare! It's creepy!" yelled the child suddenly while glaring with all his might. Of course it was not effective. He is an Uchiha. Besides, the kid's eyes were too wide for glaring and too blue and bright for malice and other than that he pouts at the same time.
It would seem that the child has an interesting vocabulary and that the child's wariness of him is almost completely gone, well that is to consider if he was ever wary at all. It made him wonder of all the times they could have met this might have been one of the worst instances and so he wondered…
"Why?" he asked 'Why aren't you scared?'
"Huh?" was the reply and then the child smiled, "Onichan, you're staring while you're covered in blood, of course it's creepy!"
He 'tsked' as he averted his eyes he concluded that the child is crazy only to snap up again as a cool cloth pressed itself on his forehead. He stared wide eyed at the child as he met his gaze.
"You need help!" the child insisted.
He blinked with surprise as memories long passed came rushing back… this time of a different annoying blond with hazel eyes tilting his forehead saying almost the same thing with an annoying smile on her lips.
"Let me help."
It must have been the lack of blood or the aches cause he finally relented to the insistent child. He could only blame fatigue and the stickiness when he let the child wipe away the blood… could only blame the discomfort as he helped the child tear his already worn out shirt so as to use a make-shift bandage, and could only blame his need to not go home yet as he remained there watching the lake and moon with the child by his side.
He need not ask how the child knew how to dress wounds. He need not inquire why he is still out. He no longer wish to know why fear is not present on the others eyes…
Wide blue eyes that should have shone with innocence and naivety bordering idiocy have looked unto his own with an understanding gaze filled with suppressed pain. Their passed and only conversation still echoing in his mind…
…
"Ne Onichan, do you know me?"
"No."
"Oh. Then onichan, have you seen me before?"
He turned his eyes back at the child beside him…
"Yes."
The child cringed. "Then Onichan, why…-"
'Same question?'
"I don't care."
"Heh?... ah… oh." was the child's dumb reply before he started laughing. Hearing the bordering hysterical laughter he looked back at the child with something aching to incredulity written all over his face then the child wheezed in between laughter, "You…are definitely… WEIRD, Onichan!"
He stared for a while and then he began to shake his head as the one who branded him weird turned from maniacally laughing to near tears depression.
"Neh tell me Onichan, why do people hate me? I don't understand…" the child's voice was mild that it seemed it was asked through plain curiosity. He stayed silent for a while before he retaliated…
"Is that why you're sitting with me and not home sleeping? You're an orphan are you not?"
"Yes… the people there don't like me they want me hurt or… dead."
Ignoring the pained voice he commented, "You've got a morbid and interesting vocabulary for your age."
The child laughed. "Well you're weird! Besides I'm just saying what they said!"
"…"
"They call me a monster… I don't know why."
'I think I have a clue as to why.'
"So that's why you wish to not be stained by blood…" 'they'd think he attacked someone… how foolish.'
"…"
Staring at his hands he sighed…
"People… fear what they don't understand and they often hate what they fear. They don't want to see what they hate. If they cannot get rid of it they hurt it because they don't understand and because they hate it since they fear it."
The child simply buried his face on his bent knees muffling his reply, "What you said… What were you saying?" He turned to the child who's both chuckling and sobbing. Then the child asked, "Is that why you're also here?"
A bitter smile made its way to his lips as he said, "Father got over exited with a fire jutsu… he was training me."
"Oh… how about the cuts?"
"Ah… let me rephrase, he got over exited."
"…why…?"
"You see, people also hate what they envy or what they couldn't have. They praise talent and abilities and yet when they see more than they wish to see they fear it and so they hate it, it's just this time they also wish to control it."
"…huh?… Onichan, were you praising yourself…?"
Converting his amusement unto a scoff he said, "I was simply stating facts."
The child laughed. "At least you know why they don't like you." was the child's mumbled reply. He could have sworn the child was moping. He would have normally hated it but he simply stared.
"Would it make you feel better if you do?" was his amused reply.
"…NO… Onichan, can I see you again?" the child's sudden change of topic almost caught him of guard.
"Who knows?"
"Oh. Ne Onichan, if I tell you my name would you tell me yours?"
"Maybe."
To his amusement the child suddenly sprang to his feet quickly wiping away any traces of tears. After a while he was greeted by shining blue eyes accompanied by a brilliant smile.
"Onichan, thank you for talking to me, I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
As he reached up to shake the offered hand he understood why. When first they set eyes on each other they were both looking for the same thing. Something they were accustomed to seeing, something they both did not expect not to see. It is a fate they somehow both share, 'to be feared'. The irony… to find a companion due to such a similarity. Looking back at those expectant eyes he just knew… things would be interesting.
"Hn. Im…"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
" Itachi!"
Kisame is annoyed.
"Are you not done yet? You know how Leader-sama gets when we're late and I can't possibly give such a pathetic excuse as you being slow! He'll just say, 'Did you help secure your location?' sort of thing!" Yes, Kisame knows he's whining and yes even he is annoyed with himself but… but STILL!
"Well have you done anything, Kisame?" was the monotonous reply, and oh the multitude of things the damn Uchiha does to irritate him… and so he 'tsked' while he sulked on top of a rock. Of course he knows he doesn't have the right to argue. It is after all Itachi's job to find and secure the location and yes, he doesn't help. 'Not that I can't, I just refuse to.' being his only self defense.
However such trivial things are not the cause of his great annoyance. No. It was because Itachi did 'something' again. The damn brat caught him by surprise, again! 'Why can't Itachi react like normal people should?'
Yup. His annoyance was not caused by anything trivial.
….
"In all technicalities Itachi, I don't see any reason for you to leave. Come on… in every way I look at things, other than you being a missing nin you brat have no where else to got to. Homeless. Nowhere to go back to."
His smirk widened.
"No one to go back to."
…
Yes, he was perfectly aware that to say such a thing was cruel and it was a bit uncalled for but hey- it was the truth! The brat did say long before that he left no bonds. He cut it himself. Well, looking at it now he did fail to break one… his bond with his brother. But who cares? For all he know Itachi may have an ulterior motive for not killing his raving brother. Besides he shouldn't care in the least anyway, that loose bond of Itachi's is Itachi's problem if the kid ever attacks Kisame he'll kill him and by how Itachi treats his brother he'll probably meditate the entire time. After all he does like to act like he didn't care.
The damn brat!
Now, back to their previous conversation…
Yup. His annoyance was due to that certain little talk. No. It is not due to the question. He actually found it interesting but the damn brat just had to react that way.
…
"In all technicalities Itachi, I don't see any reason for you to leave. Come on… in every way I look at things, other than you being a missing nin you brat have no where else to got to. Homeless. Nowhere to go back to."
His smirk widened.
"No one to go back to."
"Ah."
His smirk turned unto a frown and it was not due to the monotonous, single syllabled, single worded, and extremely aggravating reply. No. It was all because the freakin Uchiha is freakin…
…smiling at him…
"I guess you're right, Kisame-san."
The damnable brat looked 'amused' and creepily so! It was frightening! And to make matters worst the brats smile turned to a smirk! For all the years he had been with the Uchiha the kid has not even grimaced! Maybe he'd frown a bit and maybe show a tiny itsy bit of annoyance but actually look the least bit amused?NO!
And to make matters worst… the smirk was most probably because…
…Kisame was gaping…
…gaping like a blue goldfish…
…
As Kisame watched Itachi perch himself on the rock near- by obviously finished with his task…
His suspicion was confirmed…
…
Itachi turned his back at the still gaping Kisame his smirk gradually vanishing as the porcelain mask of an apathetic mass murderer reestablished itself…
Even though the shock was still there…
The disbelief still not fading…
The incredulity still plastered on his face…
Kisame heard Itachi's low voice loud and clear… the sound the same as that time long past… with all the emotion that was there before and maybe more. Except this time he can at least determine one…
"How comforting. Thank you for answering, Kisame-san."
…
Relieved.
Itachi…
…sounded and looked…
Relieved.
.
.
.
WHY?
.
Yup. With that…
Kisame's suspicion has truly been confirmed.
Itachi…
…calling his name…
…is never gonna amount to anything good…
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Akatsuki"
Naruto cringed at the word. He would never forget his first encounter with those bastards. He would never forgive them for what he lost because of that as well. If only they have not targeted him… If only the one actually after him wasn't that man and his fish for a companion… then… then Sasuke could still be in Konoha. And now… Gaara.
"Naruto…"
He started when Sakura's voice reached him. He's making them worry again but he just can't calm down… He finally acknowledged her calls by turning to look back at her. They were currently running just outside of the Fire Countries borders in a desperate attempt to reach Sunagakure as fast as they possibly could.
" I understand why you're this worried and it's not just because Gaara is your friend. I know that Akatsuki had also been after you and I know that it is for the same reason that they kidnapped the Kazekage as well."
"Ah… Sakura-chan, have you been snooping around Tsunade-baachans notes or something?" he smiled a bit at her mischievous smirk before looking grim again. Turning back his sight forward he said, "Me and Gaara have monsters inside us. I have the Nine-tailed demon while Gaara have the One-tailed demon… I know and understand of how his life had been. Heck- I'd probably ended up like that as well if it weren't for Iruka-sensei and then Jiji and of course you guys…" he trailed of as he said those words as a memory of a dream flashed unto his mind and a child's voice echoed around him.
"They call me a monster… I don't know why."
He must have stopped since next thing he knew Sakura was already beside him with a hand on his shoulder looking all worried and things… he tried to smile but failed and so he simply gave her a reassuring nod before running ahead again. As expected of course Sakura would never be satisfied with a half- hearted nod but before she could pester him Kakashi spoke up and as ever his theory was dead on.
"Remembered something, Naruto? A dream maybe?" he looked back at his sensei with an amused smile that he just can't fully feel.
"I have always wondered…" he said not exactly answering the question. " Why everyone seemed to dislike me and why most of them hate me and that even some of them want to kill me…" he paused a bit trying to remember his dream then he sighed.
"'People fear what they don't understand and they often hate what they fear. They don't want to see what they hate. If they cannot get rid of it they hurt it because they don't understand and because they hate it since they fear it.'" Looking back at Sakura's confused expression he added,
"Yes Sakura-chan, that did not come from me. It was him that said it… It suits quite well, neh? Actually there is another one but he used it to describe his own predicament…
'People also hate what they envy or what they couldn't have. They praise talent and abilities and yet when they see more than they wish to see they fear it and so they hate it, it's just this time they also wish to control it.'" he looked back at Kakashi with pleading eyes.
Having read the unasked question Kakashi smiled gently, "No Naruto-kun. Konoha may have dozens and dozens of demons but I am quite sure that you are the only one with a sealed demon in Konoha. I know that it is nowhere near comforting but-"
"It is, Kakashi-sensei. It is…" he assured.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at his student… the little 'quoting of dream dialogues' of Naruto's was a bit unnerving. Naruto's dream friend is quite an intellectual by the way he speaks thus narrowing the number of possibilities. Quickening his pace he caught up with the blond thus running just beside him. He gazed at his somewhat surprised student before he spoke.
"Naruto... the way you speak… Are you beginning to consider him as someone more than just a character in a nice dream?"
The emotion that played upon the teens face was answer enough but the most prominent was anguish. His expression softened as he turned away yet his attention to the distressed teen never wavered.
"I…I guess…" Narutos near desperate expression wasn't something he wanted to see and to hear of it was almost unbearable.
"I guess… I'm beginning to wish that he's real." It was a soft whisper as if he's still asserting the statement to himself. "And yet I'm trying so hard to deny it… even though I- I want it to be true… that someone accepted me and was there for me. That someone actually accepted my friendship even though he was aware that everyone hates me… that someone… was just there…It's stupid. Really… I feel so…"
"It's not."
He blinked. Turning to see a slightly smiling Temari he attempted to speak only to be cut off.
"I don't know anything about this guy on your dreams Naruto but-"
"Hey! That sounds wrong!" she smirked at the irked expression of the blond but continued on either way,
"It's not stupid. Having people around you who are just there consciously or not caring for you is something most of us take for granted cause we had them while you…" she paused while a flash of guilt crossed her eyes then she added, "… as well as Gaara had been deprived of even that." She looked down sadly before continuing, her determination apparent from her words, "A probability that you have indeed had that even though he is no longer with you in the present is still comforting."
Naruto stopped then- still looking as if he was despairing over something. He faced her with guilt written all over his face.
"I feel selfish." he suddenly said. It caught everyone off guard he agitated a bit more before continuing
"Isn't it selfish? Here I am despairing over the probability that I might have forgotten someone special while Gaara who had suffered more, who had been alone longer than I have, who… who forced himself to believe that killing people makes himself feel even a little bit alive… the very life that he could be loosing while we are having this useless talk about someone that could very well just be a dream! How am I-"
"SHUT IT!" she suddenly screamed.
…and so he did…
He looked dumbfounded at her before turning away embarrassed, the back of his hand covering the lower portion of his face. Temari was glowering at him holding her fan with one hand while the other was placed on her hips. She looked scary.
Seeing his face she sighed.
"Naruto don't be stupid. And don't you dare argue else I'll hit you."
…Naruto promptly closed his mouth… Sakura having landed just beside him placed a hand on his shoulder her face grim. "Naruto, there are a lot of selfish people around, me being one of them, and no- Don't even argue with me on that." She added when he was about to protest. "Of all the selfish people I could think of you will not even cross my mind. None of us had ever considered you selfish…"
"Especially Gaara." Temari suddenly added. "Naruto, if that friend of yours on those dreams is indeed real wouldn't that make him the reason why you managed to skip the psychopathic stage Gaara had? Wouldn't he be the one to have had saved you from the loneliness of being alone?"
"I guess…"
She finally smiled. "I think Gaara would understand… you see you troublesome blond, to Gaara you're that sort of friend. You saved him before Naruto. You made him see that he can find happiness… that if he opens up enough, if he works hard enough people would accept him… that he could ascertain his life without showering himself in blood. You gave him a goal. He has already reached the point where people respect him. The council may have assigned him his title as a new leash but his people… his shinobi no longer sees it as such. They see him as their Kazekage and…I thank you for that."
Naruto stared… putting aside the way Temari mentioned Gaara's killing spree before as if it was some sort of rebellious stage as well as the showering in blood thing… he managed to smile. After taking a deep breath he grinned up at them.
"I can worry more about this later, ne?"
Taking note of the smile, Kakashi nodded. Personal problems are bothersome on missions it's just that to Naruto personal attachments actually help. However this time his problem being not completely related to the mission at hand is under the bothersome category but then again… a bothered Naruto is an impulsive and fool hardly Naruto. Not exactly what the mission at hand requires. Seeing the blond get his bearing back determination shinning on his eyes he smirked.
"How about we not let the Kazekage wait any longer?" his tone was bored but his eye told a different story…
"Hai!"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Oh this is bad…"
"…I always hated to admit this but yes… this is bad."
"Damn."
"…yeah…"
"How about calling Shizune then?
"No need, if I'm correct…"
.
.
.
"Tsunade-sama horrible news!" entered a brunette as she held a pig in her arms while clutching the morning paper…
"Whow… that was fast!" shouted a white haired man while he hiccupped a bit while Tsunade could be heard muttering a "Yup. Just in time." Under her breath as she furrowed her brows at the table.
Shizune looked taken a back a bit before her eyes landed on the numerous Sake bottles on the table. "…SAKE? Tsunade- sama so early in the morning and are those…"
"yeah…"
Shizune neared the table and studied the pile…
"No…"
"Afraid so…" said Jiraiya as he lounged on his chair as a frown marred his usually perverted face.
"So it's that bad… how many times?"
"Just three. We only wanted to make sure." replied the Hokage before she sighed. "I assume your news had something to do with the morning paper?"
"Sadly… yes."
"So how was it?"
"The highest they had ever offered."
"Shit."
Tsunade suddenly stood up her hazel eyes hardening. "Those guys… they are to return now, right?"
"Hai, Tsunade-sama!"
"As soon as they arrive… send them in."
Shizune simply nodded at them before hurrying off.
…
Shizune entered a while later the others just behind her but even before they could say anything-
"Stop! No- don't speak! You too, shut it!" they were interrupted by the Hokaage. She pinched the bridge of her nose for a while before continuing. "I have a serious headache and your… enthusiasm might render me capable of cracking your skulls."
Jiraiya gave them an apologetic smile before turning serious again. "We have a situation that needs to be addressed at once."
"What happened, Jiraiya-sama?" was the anxious inquiry.
The white haired Sannin sighed…
.
.
.
"Tsunade… defeated me at poker."
"…"
"…hwa?"
"She defeated me at poker… thrice."
"…"
"She also won a raffle…"
"…"
"It was the Jackpot price."
"...Oh no…"
With a vein pulsing on her forehead, Tsunade tried to rein in her temper. Taking a deep… very deep breath she finally spoke.
"That is why Team Gai is here. You are to act as reinforcement to Team Kakashi. Shizune would fill you up on the information regarding the mission."
Her demeanor completely changed from a drunken gambler to the most powerful ninja of Konoha- the Godaime Hokage.
"You are to assist in the rescue of the Godaime Kazekage… from Akatsuki."
"Hai, Hoakage-sama!"
"Yosh team! The red dawn will not mar the shinning brilliance of our youth!"
"Hai! Gai-sensei, we will persevere! They will-" BAM- a paperweight hit the wall.
.
.
.
"SHUT IT and just leave!"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Tsunade-sama…"
"Gai? What are you still doing here?"
"Don't worry Tsunade-sama we'll be leaving for Suna in less than ten minutes I just had to wonder why you have sent Naruto-kun on the mission. Surely there is something behind that. If worst comes to worst in this mission Akatsuki may obtain two jinchuuriki's with one practically going over to them…"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him wondering why everyone just HAD to ask her that! Sensing the storm Gai suddenly backed up a bit with a nevous smile on his face.
"Of course I'm not trying to be rude, Tsunade-sama… I was simply-"
"Oi. Stop with blabbering." She sighed. "That is indeed true Gai but as I have said to those who have asked, Naruto is best suited for the job but yes it is also quite true that if worst comes to worst he may as well also be captured and then we'd have to deal with a double rescue mission."
Seeing Gai's gaping mouth and rounder (if possible) eyes she pinched the bridge of her nose. "However." That caught Gai's attention. "However that would be the case if worst truly comes to worst."
"What do you mean, Tsunade-sama?"
She grinned. "Let's just say a stupid act, courtesy of my very own stupid team mate has revealed advantages hidden to us before. If our calculations are correct, the Gaki is/ would be relatively safe."
Gai sighed in defeat. "You really wouldn't be disclosing that event now would you Tsunade-sama?"
The smile turned to a devious smirk.
His head fell to a nod before sighing again, when he raised his chin again he was all 'twinkling' again that she face faulted. "All right then, Hokage-sama. I'll be taking my leave, I can't let my youthful team waiting any longer now could I?" with that he sprinted out of the office.
…
"He sure is… 'youthful'."
Tsunade's head hit the table at the comment as she muttered under her breath, "Shut up Jiraiya."
"Ne you old pervert" she called as she glimpsed up at him from the table, "Do you think if the Gaki didn't wander off just after you sealed his chakra… could things turn out differently?"
Jiraiya sighed. They have had this conversation before… he always gave the same answer but she always ask again. Truthfully… he can't blame her.
"NO. It might be delayed a couple of months even years but the end would always be the same."
"Ah…"
…XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
"Ne old pervert, you said you'd teach me something today, remember?"
The white- haired Sannin cringed at the voice. Sighing he turned his gaze on the growing ball of sunshine and energy by his side. "Yes. Yes. I haven't forgotten brat. Now listen to me and do try to pay attention."
He bit down a smirk as the child's eyes widened as it glistened with excitement. 'Still an easily pleased brat' He thought to himself.
"Naruto… you are now aware of your two chakra sources, correct?" the child nodded. "However I doubt that you are aware that I can as well as any decent ninja sense your presence from over kilometers away!" Ignoring the indignant, "HEY!" he continued, "…and so I will teach you how to mask your chakra. You must be able to hide it from your enemies effectively or if not even lessen its feel. Your own is already quite big just imagine your tenant's."
"Another thing Naruto, there is a difference between having the chakra at your disposal for whatever technique you fancy from the chakra you can't tap into more so use. You may have suffered chakra depletion before but that doesn't mean that you no longer have ample supplies within you. Understand?"
"…uh… yes?... Oh for goodness sake! How do you expect me to understand? Explain it more clearly Ero-sennin!"
Groaning he rolled his eyes. "Kyuubi is inside you, right?"
"Yes."
"However, you do not understand that the demon fox is made-up of pure potent chakra. Now, he can't lend you ALL of it, understand?"
"Yes… I think."
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at the grinning blond before muttering, 'I would have to deal with I think… urgh'
"Now, with what I'm gonna teach you I would want you to keep your chakra within your body. You see, if ever I could see your chakra as much as I could feel it, it would be all around you, scattered, overwhelming... all the synonymous term people could think of. I want you to keep that inside as much as you could possibly do. And yes, even the Kyuubi's chakra."
"Uhm… how am I supposed to do that? I mean I lived with that chakra loose like that since forever. That was normal. The way is feels is normal… how am I gonna know how it should be like?" Jiraiya nearly smiled. The kid is FINALLY becoming a bit more mature about things.
"Yes… I knew you would say that. That's why I'm going to make you experience it." He smirked at the confused expression on the brat face. "What do you mean you old pervert? How about explaining it a bit more?"
"I mean just what I said. You will know how it feels. I'll seal your chakra for a while."
"… you must be kidding…"
"No I'm not. Technically It'll be like what Orochimaru did to you but of course it won't be poorly done."
"…really… you must be kidding… I mean- I… It won't be sealed for a long time right? It could be easily removed right?"
"Of course brat! Trust me this is me were talking about. However do remember that because of that you'll be vulnerable and so I expect you to just stay by my side. I'll be taking necessary precautions. I would be putting up a 1 mile in diameter border where anyone with chakra above a normal citizen could be sensed right away. Now, remove your top so we can get started."
The boy didn't move. Blue eyes narrowed before the child growled at the raised brow. "Fine."
"Just remember the purpose of all this trouble, Naruto. Take note of how it feels like, okay?"
"Hai, hai… just get on with it."
…
A blond was running along the forest with a huge grin on his face. If anyone could have seen him they'd think he was an ordinary kid, 14 years of age who could be a foreigner. His blue eyes were lit with mischief. He had just ran for it after Jiraiya took up the barrier. He justifies his actions as a test of whether the sealing is really effective. Jiraiya did say that the Kyuubi's chakra was huge. Maybe he'd still be able to feel it.
That… is a lie.
He just wanted to play. Somewhat wanted to experience playing hide and seek with a 'father' and then experience getting scolded for making them worry about stupid things. Being an ordinary kid with no demon chakra hovering over him is an added bonus. It was a silly whim… a whim he just had to make happen.
With his haste on escaping while the old man was concentrating on the barrier he only managed to snatch up his jumpsuit completely disregarding the shirt. 'Oh well.'
And then he saw a glimpse of it.
He stopped.
He was quite sure it was not Jiraiya or even a ninja. Ninja's have a different feel to them a sense of power even if their chakra was hidden they always feel different. Kakashi had always had a habit of sneaking up on people… so he knows. A while back without his chakra the full blow of Jiraiya's presence hit him while the old man was preparing for the technique. Thus finding out just how the villagers manage to always know if he was around.
However that was not the reason why he froze.
He felt as if he knows that person…
And so he followed all the while taking note of how distracted the other looked… how he at times staggered… how the figure seems to shake beneath his plain black cloak…
He started to worry.
Just then the person stopped and then straightened up.
"What is it you want?"
Naruto came closer. That voice… this presence… and if he comes close enough he knows, the others scent would also be the same.
"It's been a while." The blond said.
It's the man he met all those months ago… It's the man from the lake… the one who left him the cloak…
The one who called him-
"How have you been, saia?"
…
The man turned in surprise his face unreadable.
With narrowed eyes and a horribly fake happy voice Naruto continued
"I loved the cloak, Tachi-onichan!"
Genre: Friendship/ Romance
Pairing: ItachiXNaruto, ItaNaru
Summary:
A "what if" story... What if the Uchiha massacre wasn't the only secret Itachi Uchiha wanted to take to the grave? What is the story hidden behind the cannon story? What if he miscalculated? Will the ending change? Will he let it change? Everything may fall apart with just one endearment... "Saiai" (beloved).
Chapter 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Behind the Masks
Chapter 5
(As the winds pick up)
Pain
A feeling hard to describe other than the simple word his mind seems to be screaming over and over again.
It hurts.
Every single fiber within his body hurts and he could be perfectly sure that if he opens his eyes his world would spin and it'll hurt more. Being hurt he had gotten used to but being sticky and feeling dirty he would never accept as normal. The most irritating thing as well is that the stickiness is from him and other than that it's staining his clothes. The more sticky he gets the more irritatingly weak he feels and even with his eyes closed he still manages to feel dizzy.
It's annoying.
What's more is that a nagging clenching something is always present in him that makes him feel as if his heart would constrict any moment, well that is to consider that it isn't clenching yet, which it is. He could simply hope it'll stop. 'Unlikely.'
Maybe it was because he was so used to it that he can manage to still think amidst everything. He is perfectly aware of where he is and that it is already evening and that he is late, which of course is a bad thing. Then again going home dripping with slashed, burned, dirtied and sticky clothes would be worst considering his family is most likely getting ready for dinner. Also his brother might get permanently scarred if he sees him in this state. It would also be too much of a bother lying to his Mom about it as well. He can never lie good enough for her. Another thing to add to his annoyance is that his father would see him in such a state. Then all his effort of hiding it would be fruitless.
"Ugh."
He'd be grumbling more if only his hate for whiners didn't stop him. No, whining means giving up to the pain. Giving up means loosing and loosing well it'll irritate him more and so, he had never whined.
All in all, he was a complete mess and is in a horrible mood that he'll slice anyone who'd touch him and so…
"AH!"
But then again, why further drench himself with other peoples sticky blood? It wasn't as if his own isn't irritating enough. And so, ignoring the spinning world and his dizziness he held on tight to the wrist of the person brave enough to near him while he kept the kunai in his hands steady at the others throat.
He leveled the person with a gaze completely trying to not let the other notice how unfocused his sight truly was all the while ignoring the apparent age the one before him is. After all he had seen, he will never underestimate a child no matter how young, how blond and blue-eyed and seemingly clueless they are. And with how the child is looking at him at the moment he would never.
"Erm, your hurt." said the child. He frowned. 'Well ain't that obvious'.
Assessing the child carefully he noted with confusion the utter worry present in the child eyes. There is fear but it was too 'little' that he just had to doubt the truthfulness of it all but then the child spoke. It was quivering and a bit squeaky which somehow he could understand. He can't possibly expect a three year old child to have a low voice now could he?
"Please, let go."
However that was not the reason why he obliged…
"You're bloody... my clothes."
If it reached him as whining he wouldn't have let go but the child's fear simply became more apparent and somehow he just knew the child isn't afraid of the blood itself, nor is it his bloody self, no there is something else.
Once he let go he was not surprised to see the child have ran. What surprised was that the child returned and that it would seem he had removed and soaked his too big shirt and he could just imagine what the child is actually planning.
He narrowed his eyes as the child neared him. By no means would he let anyone touch him like this. Even his mother would have a hard time to convince him if she ever that is, sees him in such a state.
"There is no need. Go home."
The child's answer must have been what made him lower his guard, even just a little.
"No one cares."
The child's words were hardly relevant to his demand for the child to leave but it somehow fits... It made him analyze the child in front of him… bright blond hair with bright blue eyes, seemingly three years old, scrawny and annoying. His eyes narrowed at the scars on the child's cheeks and vaguely wondered if those were really scars or simply birthmarks.
Then the child took his attention on the most annoying way…
"Don't stare! It's creepy!" yelled the child suddenly while glaring with all his might. Of course it was not effective. He is an Uchiha. Besides, the kid's eyes were too wide for glaring and too blue and bright for malice and other than that he pouts at the same time.
It would seem that the child has an interesting vocabulary and that the child's wariness of him is almost completely gone, well that is to consider if he was ever wary at all. It made him wonder of all the times they could have met this might have been one of the worst instances and so he wondered…
"Why?" he asked 'Why aren't you scared?'
"Huh?" was the reply and then the child smiled, "Onichan, you're staring while you're covered in blood, of course it's creepy!"
He 'tsked' as he averted his eyes he concluded that the child is crazy only to snap up again as a cool cloth pressed itself on his forehead. He stared wide eyed at the child as he met his gaze.
"You need help!" the child insisted.
He blinked with surprise as memories long passed came rushing back… this time of a different annoying blond with hazel eyes tilting his forehead saying almost the same thing with an annoying smile on her lips.
"Let me help."
It must have been the lack of blood or the aches cause he finally relented to the insistent child. He could only blame fatigue and the stickiness when he let the child wipe away the blood… could only blame the discomfort as he helped the child tear his already worn out shirt so as to use a make-shift bandage, and could only blame his need to not go home yet as he remained there watching the lake and moon with the child by his side.
He need not ask how the child knew how to dress wounds. He need not inquire why he is still out. He no longer wish to know why fear is not present on the others eyes…
Wide blue eyes that should have shone with innocence and naivety bordering idiocy have looked unto his own with an understanding gaze filled with suppressed pain. Their passed and only conversation still echoing in his mind…
…
"Ne Onichan, do you know me?"
"No."
"Oh. Then onichan, have you seen me before?"
He turned his eyes back at the child beside him…
"Yes."
The child cringed. "Then Onichan, why…-"
'Same question?'
"I don't care."
"Heh?... ah… oh." was the child's dumb reply before he started laughing. Hearing the bordering hysterical laughter he looked back at the child with something aching to incredulity written all over his face then the child wheezed in between laughter, "You…are definitely… WEIRD, Onichan!"
He stared for a while and then he began to shake his head as the one who branded him weird turned from maniacally laughing to near tears depression.
"Neh tell me Onichan, why do people hate me? I don't understand…" the child's voice was mild that it seemed it was asked through plain curiosity. He stayed silent for a while before he retaliated…
"Is that why you're sitting with me and not home sleeping? You're an orphan are you not?"
"Yes… the people there don't like me they want me hurt or… dead."
Ignoring the pained voice he commented, "You've got a morbid and interesting vocabulary for your age."
The child laughed. "Well you're weird! Besides I'm just saying what they said!"
"…"
"They call me a monster… I don't know why."
'I think I have a clue as to why.'
"So that's why you wish to not be stained by blood…" 'they'd think he attacked someone… how foolish.'
"…"
Staring at his hands he sighed…
"People… fear what they don't understand and they often hate what they fear. They don't want to see what they hate. If they cannot get rid of it they hurt it because they don't understand and because they hate it since they fear it."
The child simply buried his face on his bent knees muffling his reply, "What you said… What were you saying?" He turned to the child who's both chuckling and sobbing. Then the child asked, "Is that why you're also here?"
A bitter smile made its way to his lips as he said, "Father got over exited with a fire jutsu… he was training me."
"Oh… how about the cuts?"
"Ah… let me rephrase, he got over exited."
"…why…?"
"You see, people also hate what they envy or what they couldn't have. They praise talent and abilities and yet when they see more than they wish to see they fear it and so they hate it, it's just this time they also wish to control it."
"…huh?… Onichan, were you praising yourself…?"
Converting his amusement unto a scoff he said, "I was simply stating facts."
The child laughed. "At least you know why they don't like you." was the child's mumbled reply. He could have sworn the child was moping. He would have normally hated it but he simply stared.
"Would it make you feel better if you do?" was his amused reply.
"…NO… Onichan, can I see you again?" the child's sudden change of topic almost caught him of guard.
"Who knows?"
"Oh. Ne Onichan, if I tell you my name would you tell me yours?"
"Maybe."
To his amusement the child suddenly sprang to his feet quickly wiping away any traces of tears. After a while he was greeted by shining blue eyes accompanied by a brilliant smile.
"Onichan, thank you for talking to me, I'm Uzumaki Naruto!"
As he reached up to shake the offered hand he understood why. When first they set eyes on each other they were both looking for the same thing. Something they were accustomed to seeing, something they both did not expect not to see. It is a fate they somehow both share, 'to be feared'. The irony… to find a companion due to such a similarity. Looking back at those expectant eyes he just knew… things would be interesting.
"Hn. Im…"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
" Itachi!"
Kisame is annoyed.
"Are you not done yet? You know how Leader-sama gets when we're late and I can't possibly give such a pathetic excuse as you being slow! He'll just say, 'Did you help secure your location?' sort of thing!" Yes, Kisame knows he's whining and yes even he is annoyed with himself but… but STILL!
"Well have you done anything, Kisame?" was the monotonous reply, and oh the multitude of things the damn Uchiha does to irritate him… and so he 'tsked' while he sulked on top of a rock. Of course he knows he doesn't have the right to argue. It is after all Itachi's job to find and secure the location and yes, he doesn't help. 'Not that I can't, I just refuse to.' being his only self defense.
However such trivial things are not the cause of his great annoyance. No. It was because Itachi did 'something' again. The damn brat caught him by surprise, again! 'Why can't Itachi react like normal people should?'
Yup. His annoyance was not caused by anything trivial.
….
"In all technicalities Itachi, I don't see any reason for you to leave. Come on… in every way I look at things, other than you being a missing nin you brat have no where else to got to. Homeless. Nowhere to go back to."
His smirk widened.
"No one to go back to."
…
Yes, he was perfectly aware that to say such a thing was cruel and it was a bit uncalled for but hey- it was the truth! The brat did say long before that he left no bonds. He cut it himself. Well, looking at it now he did fail to break one… his bond with his brother. But who cares? For all he know Itachi may have an ulterior motive for not killing his raving brother. Besides he shouldn't care in the least anyway, that loose bond of Itachi's is Itachi's problem if the kid ever attacks Kisame he'll kill him and by how Itachi treats his brother he'll probably meditate the entire time. After all he does like to act like he didn't care.
The damn brat!
Now, back to their previous conversation…
Yup. His annoyance was due to that certain little talk. No. It is not due to the question. He actually found it interesting but the damn brat just had to react that way.
…
"In all technicalities Itachi, I don't see any reason for you to leave. Come on… in every way I look at things, other than you being a missing nin you brat have no where else to got to. Homeless. Nowhere to go back to."
His smirk widened.
"No one to go back to."
"Ah."
His smirk turned unto a frown and it was not due to the monotonous, single syllabled, single worded, and extremely aggravating reply. No. It was all because the freakin Uchiha is freakin…
…smiling at him…
"I guess you're right, Kisame-san."
The damnable brat looked 'amused' and creepily so! It was frightening! And to make matters worst the brats smile turned to a smirk! For all the years he had been with the Uchiha the kid has not even grimaced! Maybe he'd frown a bit and maybe show a tiny itsy bit of annoyance but actually look the least bit amused?NO!
And to make matters worst… the smirk was most probably because…
…Kisame was gaping…
…gaping like a blue goldfish…
…
As Kisame watched Itachi perch himself on the rock near- by obviously finished with his task…
His suspicion was confirmed…
…
Itachi turned his back at the still gaping Kisame his smirk gradually vanishing as the porcelain mask of an apathetic mass murderer reestablished itself…
Even though the shock was still there…
The disbelief still not fading…
The incredulity still plastered on his face…
Kisame heard Itachi's low voice loud and clear… the sound the same as that time long past… with all the emotion that was there before and maybe more. Except this time he can at least determine one…
"How comforting. Thank you for answering, Kisame-san."
…
Relieved.
Itachi…
…sounded and looked…
Relieved.
.
.
.
WHY?
.
Yup. With that…
Kisame's suspicion has truly been confirmed.
Itachi…
…calling his name…
…is never gonna amount to anything good…
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Akatsuki"
Naruto cringed at the word. He would never forget his first encounter with those bastards. He would never forgive them for what he lost because of that as well. If only they have not targeted him… If only the one actually after him wasn't that man and his fish for a companion… then… then Sasuke could still be in Konoha. And now… Gaara.
"Naruto…"
He started when Sakura's voice reached him. He's making them worry again but he just can't calm down… He finally acknowledged her calls by turning to look back at her. They were currently running just outside of the Fire Countries borders in a desperate attempt to reach Sunagakure as fast as they possibly could.
" I understand why you're this worried and it's not just because Gaara is your friend. I know that Akatsuki had also been after you and I know that it is for the same reason that they kidnapped the Kazekage as well."
"Ah… Sakura-chan, have you been snooping around Tsunade-baachans notes or something?" he smiled a bit at her mischievous smirk before looking grim again. Turning back his sight forward he said, "Me and Gaara have monsters inside us. I have the Nine-tailed demon while Gaara have the One-tailed demon… I know and understand of how his life had been. Heck- I'd probably ended up like that as well if it weren't for Iruka-sensei and then Jiji and of course you guys…" he trailed of as he said those words as a memory of a dream flashed unto his mind and a child's voice echoed around him.
"They call me a monster… I don't know why."
He must have stopped since next thing he knew Sakura was already beside him with a hand on his shoulder looking all worried and things… he tried to smile but failed and so he simply gave her a reassuring nod before running ahead again. As expected of course Sakura would never be satisfied with a half- hearted nod but before she could pester him Kakashi spoke up and as ever his theory was dead on.
"Remembered something, Naruto? A dream maybe?" he looked back at his sensei with an amused smile that he just can't fully feel.
"I have always wondered…" he said not exactly answering the question. " Why everyone seemed to dislike me and why most of them hate me and that even some of them want to kill me…" he paused a bit trying to remember his dream then he sighed.
"'People fear what they don't understand and they often hate what they fear. They don't want to see what they hate. If they cannot get rid of it they hurt it because they don't understand and because they hate it since they fear it.'" Looking back at Sakura's confused expression he added,
"Yes Sakura-chan, that did not come from me. It was him that said it… It suits quite well, neh? Actually there is another one but he used it to describe his own predicament…
'People also hate what they envy or what they couldn't have. They praise talent and abilities and yet when they see more than they wish to see they fear it and so they hate it, it's just this time they also wish to control it.'" he looked back at Kakashi with pleading eyes.
Having read the unasked question Kakashi smiled gently, "No Naruto-kun. Konoha may have dozens and dozens of demons but I am quite sure that you are the only one with a sealed demon in Konoha. I know that it is nowhere near comforting but-"
"It is, Kakashi-sensei. It is…" he assured.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at his student… the little 'quoting of dream dialogues' of Naruto's was a bit unnerving. Naruto's dream friend is quite an intellectual by the way he speaks thus narrowing the number of possibilities. Quickening his pace he caught up with the blond thus running just beside him. He gazed at his somewhat surprised student before he spoke.
"Naruto... the way you speak… Are you beginning to consider him as someone more than just a character in a nice dream?"
The emotion that played upon the teens face was answer enough but the most prominent was anguish. His expression softened as he turned away yet his attention to the distressed teen never wavered.
"I…I guess…" Narutos near desperate expression wasn't something he wanted to see and to hear of it was almost unbearable.
"I guess… I'm beginning to wish that he's real." It was a soft whisper as if he's still asserting the statement to himself. "And yet I'm trying so hard to deny it… even though I- I want it to be true… that someone accepted me and was there for me. That someone actually accepted my friendship even though he was aware that everyone hates me… that someone… was just there…It's stupid. Really… I feel so…"
"It's not."
He blinked. Turning to see a slightly smiling Temari he attempted to speak only to be cut off.
"I don't know anything about this guy on your dreams Naruto but-"
"Hey! That sounds wrong!" she smirked at the irked expression of the blond but continued on either way,
"It's not stupid. Having people around you who are just there consciously or not caring for you is something most of us take for granted cause we had them while you…" she paused while a flash of guilt crossed her eyes then she added, "… as well as Gaara had been deprived of even that." She looked down sadly before continuing, her determination apparent from her words, "A probability that you have indeed had that even though he is no longer with you in the present is still comforting."
Naruto stopped then- still looking as if he was despairing over something. He faced her with guilt written all over his face.
"I feel selfish." he suddenly said. It caught everyone off guard he agitated a bit more before continuing
"Isn't it selfish? Here I am despairing over the probability that I might have forgotten someone special while Gaara who had suffered more, who had been alone longer than I have, who… who forced himself to believe that killing people makes himself feel even a little bit alive… the very life that he could be loosing while we are having this useless talk about someone that could very well just be a dream! How am I-"
"SHUT IT!" she suddenly screamed.
…and so he did…
He looked dumbfounded at her before turning away embarrassed, the back of his hand covering the lower portion of his face. Temari was glowering at him holding her fan with one hand while the other was placed on her hips. She looked scary.
Seeing his face she sighed.
"Naruto don't be stupid. And don't you dare argue else I'll hit you."
…Naruto promptly closed his mouth… Sakura having landed just beside him placed a hand on his shoulder her face grim. "Naruto, there are a lot of selfish people around, me being one of them, and no- Don't even argue with me on that." She added when he was about to protest. "Of all the selfish people I could think of you will not even cross my mind. None of us had ever considered you selfish…"
"Especially Gaara." Temari suddenly added. "Naruto, if that friend of yours on those dreams is indeed real wouldn't that make him the reason why you managed to skip the psychopathic stage Gaara had? Wouldn't he be the one to have had saved you from the loneliness of being alone?"
"I guess…"
She finally smiled. "I think Gaara would understand… you see you troublesome blond, to Gaara you're that sort of friend. You saved him before Naruto. You made him see that he can find happiness… that if he opens up enough, if he works hard enough people would accept him… that he could ascertain his life without showering himself in blood. You gave him a goal. He has already reached the point where people respect him. The council may have assigned him his title as a new leash but his people… his shinobi no longer sees it as such. They see him as their Kazekage and…I thank you for that."
Naruto stared… putting aside the way Temari mentioned Gaara's killing spree before as if it was some sort of rebellious stage as well as the showering in blood thing… he managed to smile. After taking a deep breath he grinned up at them.
"I can worry more about this later, ne?"
Taking note of the smile, Kakashi nodded. Personal problems are bothersome on missions it's just that to Naruto personal attachments actually help. However this time his problem being not completely related to the mission at hand is under the bothersome category but then again… a bothered Naruto is an impulsive and fool hardly Naruto. Not exactly what the mission at hand requires. Seeing the blond get his bearing back determination shinning on his eyes he smirked.
"How about we not let the Kazekage wait any longer?" his tone was bored but his eye told a different story…
"Hai!"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Oh this is bad…"
"…I always hated to admit this but yes… this is bad."
"Damn."
"…yeah…"
"How about calling Shizune then?
"No need, if I'm correct…"
.
.
.
"Tsunade-sama horrible news!" entered a brunette as she held a pig in her arms while clutching the morning paper…
"Whow… that was fast!" shouted a white haired man while he hiccupped a bit while Tsunade could be heard muttering a "Yup. Just in time." Under her breath as she furrowed her brows at the table.
Shizune looked taken a back a bit before her eyes landed on the numerous Sake bottles on the table. "…SAKE? Tsunade- sama so early in the morning and are those…"
"yeah…"
Shizune neared the table and studied the pile…
"No…"
"Afraid so…" said Jiraiya as he lounged on his chair as a frown marred his usually perverted face.
"So it's that bad… how many times?"
"Just three. We only wanted to make sure." replied the Hokage before she sighed. "I assume your news had something to do with the morning paper?"
"Sadly… yes."
"So how was it?"
"The highest they had ever offered."
"Shit."
Tsunade suddenly stood up her hazel eyes hardening. "Those guys… they are to return now, right?"
"Hai, Tsunade-sama!"
"As soon as they arrive… send them in."
Shizune simply nodded at them before hurrying off.
…
Shizune entered a while later the others just behind her but even before they could say anything-
"Stop! No- don't speak! You too, shut it!" they were interrupted by the Hokaage. She pinched the bridge of her nose for a while before continuing. "I have a serious headache and your… enthusiasm might render me capable of cracking your skulls."
Jiraiya gave them an apologetic smile before turning serious again. "We have a situation that needs to be addressed at once."
"What happened, Jiraiya-sama?" was the anxious inquiry.
The white haired Sannin sighed…
.
.
.
"Tsunade… defeated me at poker."
"…"
"…hwa?"
"She defeated me at poker… thrice."
"…"
"She also won a raffle…"
"…"
"It was the Jackpot price."
"...Oh no…"
With a vein pulsing on her forehead, Tsunade tried to rein in her temper. Taking a deep… very deep breath she finally spoke.
"That is why Team Gai is here. You are to act as reinforcement to Team Kakashi. Shizune would fill you up on the information regarding the mission."
Her demeanor completely changed from a drunken gambler to the most powerful ninja of Konoha- the Godaime Hokage.
"You are to assist in the rescue of the Godaime Kazekage… from Akatsuki."
"Hai, Hoakage-sama!"
"Yosh team! The red dawn will not mar the shinning brilliance of our youth!"
"Hai! Gai-sensei, we will persevere! They will-" BAM- a paperweight hit the wall.
.
.
.
"SHUT IT and just leave!"
.
….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
.
"Tsunade-sama…"
"Gai? What are you still doing here?"
"Don't worry Tsunade-sama we'll be leaving for Suna in less than ten minutes I just had to wonder why you have sent Naruto-kun on the mission. Surely there is something behind that. If worst comes to worst in this mission Akatsuki may obtain two jinchuuriki's with one practically going over to them…"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him wondering why everyone just HAD to ask her that! Sensing the storm Gai suddenly backed up a bit with a nevous smile on his face.
"Of course I'm not trying to be rude, Tsunade-sama… I was simply-"
"Oi. Stop with blabbering." She sighed. "That is indeed true Gai but as I have said to those who have asked, Naruto is best suited for the job but yes it is also quite true that if worst comes to worst he may as well also be captured and then we'd have to deal with a double rescue mission."
Seeing Gai's gaping mouth and rounder (if possible) eyes she pinched the bridge of her nose. "However." That caught Gai's attention. "However that would be the case if worst truly comes to worst."
"What do you mean, Tsunade-sama?"
She grinned. "Let's just say a stupid act, courtesy of my very own stupid team mate has revealed advantages hidden to us before. If our calculations are correct, the Gaki is/ would be relatively safe."
Gai sighed in defeat. "You really wouldn't be disclosing that event now would you Tsunade-sama?"
The smile turned to a devious smirk.
His head fell to a nod before sighing again, when he raised his chin again he was all 'twinkling' again that she face faulted. "All right then, Hokage-sama. I'll be taking my leave, I can't let my youthful team waiting any longer now could I?" with that he sprinted out of the office.
…
"He sure is… 'youthful'."
Tsunade's head hit the table at the comment as she muttered under her breath, "Shut up Jiraiya."
"Ne you old pervert" she called as she glimpsed up at him from the table, "Do you think if the Gaki didn't wander off just after you sealed his chakra… could things turn out differently?"
Jiraiya sighed. They have had this conversation before… he always gave the same answer but she always ask again. Truthfully… he can't blame her.
"NO. It might be delayed a couple of months even years but the end would always be the same."
"Ah…"
…XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXXX….XXX…
"Ne old pervert, you said you'd teach me something today, remember?"
The white- haired Sannin cringed at the voice. Sighing he turned his gaze on the growing ball of sunshine and energy by his side. "Yes. Yes. I haven't forgotten brat. Now listen to me and do try to pay attention."
He bit down a smirk as the child's eyes widened as it glistened with excitement. 'Still an easily pleased brat' He thought to himself.
"Naruto… you are now aware of your two chakra sources, correct?" the child nodded. "However I doubt that you are aware that I can as well as any decent ninja sense your presence from over kilometers away!" Ignoring the indignant, "HEY!" he continued, "…and so I will teach you how to mask your chakra. You must be able to hide it from your enemies effectively or if not even lessen its feel. Your own is already quite big just imagine your tenant's."
"Another thing Naruto, there is a difference between having the chakra at your disposal for whatever technique you fancy from the chakra you can't tap into more so use. You may have suffered chakra depletion before but that doesn't mean that you no longer have ample supplies within you. Understand?"
"…uh… yes?... Oh for goodness sake! How do you expect me to understand? Explain it more clearly Ero-sennin!"
Groaning he rolled his eyes. "Kyuubi is inside you, right?"
"Yes."
"However, you do not understand that the demon fox is made-up of pure potent chakra. Now, he can't lend you ALL of it, understand?"
"Yes… I think."
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at the grinning blond before muttering, 'I would have to deal with I think… urgh'
"Now, with what I'm gonna teach you I would want you to keep your chakra within your body. You see, if ever I could see your chakra as much as I could feel it, it would be all around you, scattered, overwhelming... all the synonymous term people could think of. I want you to keep that inside as much as you could possibly do. And yes, even the Kyuubi's chakra."
"Uhm… how am I supposed to do that? I mean I lived with that chakra loose like that since forever. That was normal. The way is feels is normal… how am I gonna know how it should be like?" Jiraiya nearly smiled. The kid is FINALLY becoming a bit more mature about things.
"Yes… I knew you would say that. That's why I'm going to make you experience it." He smirked at the confused expression on the brat face. "What do you mean you old pervert? How about explaining it a bit more?"
"I mean just what I said. You will know how it feels. I'll seal your chakra for a while."
"… you must be kidding…"
"No I'm not. Technically It'll be like what Orochimaru did to you but of course it won't be poorly done."
"…really… you must be kidding… I mean- I… It won't be sealed for a long time right? It could be easily removed right?"
"Of course brat! Trust me this is me were talking about. However do remember that because of that you'll be vulnerable and so I expect you to just stay by my side. I'll be taking necessary precautions. I would be putting up a 1 mile in diameter border where anyone with chakra above a normal citizen could be sensed right away. Now, remove your top so we can get started."
The boy didn't move. Blue eyes narrowed before the child growled at the raised brow. "Fine."
"Just remember the purpose of all this trouble, Naruto. Take note of how it feels like, okay?"
"Hai, hai… just get on with it."
…
A blond was running along the forest with a huge grin on his face. If anyone could have seen him they'd think he was an ordinary kid, 14 years of age who could be a foreigner. His blue eyes were lit with mischief. He had just ran for it after Jiraiya took up the barrier. He justifies his actions as a test of whether the sealing is really effective. Jiraiya did say that the Kyuubi's chakra was huge. Maybe he'd still be able to feel it.
That… is a lie.
He just wanted to play. Somewhat wanted to experience playing hide and seek with a 'father' and then experience getting scolded for making them worry about stupid things. Being an ordinary kid with no demon chakra hovering over him is an added bonus. It was a silly whim… a whim he just had to make happen.
With his haste on escaping while the old man was concentrating on the barrier he only managed to snatch up his jumpsuit completely disregarding the shirt. 'Oh well.'
And then he saw a glimpse of it.
He stopped.
He was quite sure it was not Jiraiya or even a ninja. Ninja's have a different feel to them a sense of power even if their chakra was hidden they always feel different. Kakashi had always had a habit of sneaking up on people… so he knows. A while back without his chakra the full blow of Jiraiya's presence hit him while the old man was preparing for the technique. Thus finding out just how the villagers manage to always know if he was around.
However that was not the reason why he froze.
He felt as if he knows that person…
And so he followed all the while taking note of how distracted the other looked… how he at times staggered… how the figure seems to shake beneath his plain black cloak…
He started to worry.
Just then the person stopped and then straightened up.
"What is it you want?"
Naruto came closer. That voice… this presence… and if he comes close enough he knows, the others scent would also be the same.
"It's been a while." The blond said.
It's the man he met all those months ago… It's the man from the lake… the one who left him the cloak…
The one who called him-
"How have you been, saia?"
…
The man turned in surprise his face unreadable.
With narrowed eyes and a horribly fake happy voice Naruto continued
"I loved the cloak, Tachi-onichan!"