Naruto’s POV (Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)

  Naruto stared at the bound Tayuya as she was carried off by the Leaf Anbu, likely to be questioned or interrogated based on her behavior. The woman had claimed to be on their side, having intended to flee her master. He knew nothing of her or why she had chosen to surrender to him. Or he hadn't before the woman had mouthed to him as she was taken away by "Cousin." Naruto was aware most Uzumaki were redheads but was unsure if he should trust her word. It would explain why she placed her faith in him, the Leaf by proxy, of course. His mother had explained after the Uzumaki's homeland and main force was destroyed during the Third Great Shinobi War, they had spread throughout the elemental nations. Hiding from those who sought to kill them and seeking new homes. So he supposed it could be accurate, but how would he know? He would have to ask his mother once he arrived back in the Leaf.

  For now, he watched as Kakashi and Gai drunkenly climbed down the roof. Both apparently forgot they could walk down sheer surfaces using chakra control. It was amusing in a pathetic way. Before suddenly, Kakashi seemed to gain control of his body again. Easily sliding down the wall. Gai, enraged by his apparent "coolness," attempted the same. Unfortunately, he had not yet suddenly gained sobriety like his rival. Instead, he fell face first with a crash. Kakashi and Naruto flinched at the impact.

  "Is he gonna be alright?" Naruto asked with pity. "It's supposed to be bad for you to land on your head like that, ya know?"

  "He's the most thick-headed man I've ever met. I'm confident he's fine." Kakashi replied, still slightly slurring.

  "Ha, my rivaw Iva surpassed you at last!" Gai brokenly said.

  "Just fine, see?" Kakashi said merrily as he led the blonde away from the broken man. "Now, you should get some rest. I don't need you getting into any more trouble. Ne? Also, be ready by eight in the morning to head back to the Leaf."

  "Huh, why?" Naruto asked, confused.

  "I have special training for the three of you this month. It needs to be done there." Kakashi replied vaguely.

  "Ok…" Naruto replied, slightly annoyed but knowing better than to push the odd man once he had made up his mind. "Goodnight then?"

  "Unless you need me to tuck you in." Kakashi taunted.

  Naruto merely glared at him as he stomped back to the shared cabin for all of the Leaf Genin males. Most of whom were asleep. The large room was fitted with a roaring fireplace that seemed to have no fuel except a seal that appeared to smoke beneath it. And a litany of bunk beds on both sides. Naruto silently crept through the large room full of some of his only friends. Not wanting to disturb their rest. Painfully, his bunk was at the end of the room. As such, he had to slowly tip-toe over. He silently climbed into his bunk. Noticing he happened to be bunked next to Shikamaru, he slipped into the bed under the cover. He sighed in relief as he relaxed fully into the bed. It wasn't incredible, but it was undeniably comfortable after a hard day. His eyelids closed off the moonlight, welcoming the warmth provided by his bed. It would be a comfortable sleep for the days to come as he yawned for a final time, his eyelids closing. He felt the need to open his eyes, but as he opened them, he saw a face upside down looking at him. It was only the practice of not disturbing his mother's sleep that stopped him from screaming in terror.

  "You're rather loud even when trying to be stealthy. A trait of a poor ninja. Dickless." Sai said sweetly to the blonde.

  Naruto blinked once, twice, three times to ensure he was seeing this correctly. Checked his ears to make sure he heard correctly. Lastly, he looked around the room. Ensuring he might not have been talking to anyone else. Once this was all decided, he sighed a sigh of a weary elder before attempting to launch himself at the strange man Shikamaru had told him of. He had warned him he was odd and often unintentionally rude, but he was downright trying to make him pissed!

  "I'll kill you, creepy bastard!" Naruto screamed whispered. "Why the hell can't I move?"

  "Shadow Possession -successful. Sorry, I was keeping an eye on him. He tends to make a poor first impression, and with you, I figured it might lead to a brawl."

  Naruto glared at both. "You're lucky I'm tired. In the exams, I'll kick both your asses."

  "Till then." Shikamaru sighed as he released his jutsu. "Sai, please be silent. I want to discuss something with Naruto without him trying to kill you."

  "Sure thing, Pineapple."

  "Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered with a frown. "Naruto… after what happened… I'm sorry it… must be a lot."

  "Ya… I knew there was always a chance people would find out. I was kinda hoping by the time it did, I'd be such a great shinobi they wouldn't even mind. Guess people will like me less." Naruto replied with a slight frown.

  "Naruto… I hate to say this, but I've been asking Sai and Tenten a bit about jinchuriki."

  "We're quite knowledgeable Dickless." Sai added with a friendly smile.

  "Can't decide if you creep me out or piss me off. Maybe both?" Naruto growled.

  "Both of you shut up," Shikamaru replied with a frown. "Well, from what we heard, jinchuriki has a terrible rep. Often treated like something less than human. And the Leaf well… the Kyuubi attack wasn't that long ago. I'm fearful there may be significant pushback."

  "So what?" Naruto replied with a roll of his eyes. "I've never been a popular guy anyway."

  "This is different, they're going to be incredibly upset," Shikamaru explained.

  "If they feel so upset, they can take it up with me," Naruto said with a full-on scowl.

  "Despite your dumb pride, I want you to know you can count on me, and by extension, my annoying teammates." Shikamaru paused as Sai waved as if just being introduced. "Show him it, Sai." Sai quickly dropped from the bed head first, landing on his hands with incredible grace and skill. He pushed up from this impressively and landed on his feet.

  "This," Sai started as he pulled a seal from a nearby pouch of his. "Is a basic chakra flare seal. Commonly used for long-distance subtle communication. If you flare this at any time, our own corresponding seals will flare as well."

  "Using this, you can summon us for help if you need it." Shikamaru finished. "It may seem ridiculous bu-"

  "Fine, fine, fine," Naruto said, confused. "Why would I need it though? Sure, the beast might be inside me, but it isn't me. Why would people blame me?"

  "Just take it, being your friend can be such a drag," Shikamaru said. At this quiet declaration, he rolled over to sleep. It was made clear he was done discussing it. Sai quickly leaped back into his bed; somehow, he barely made a sound even when landing.

  Naruto stared at the roof of his bottom bunk in silent consideration. While he felt Shikamaru was overreacting, he had always trusted the slothful genius and figured it didn't hurt to be prepared. Though he must admit his words made him feel nervous to go home, Surely his people could see the true him?

  Naruto’s POV (Traversing - Hidden Leaf Village Main Gate)

  With a smaller group and less important personnel, the travel back to the Leaf was done with relative ease. The group traveled in loose formation towards the Leaf at the speed most Genin were comfortable with. Naruto appreciated the time to reflect on recent events a bit more. He had been subtly hiding from his friends at the front of the pack, his stamina levels to absurd degrees. But he wasn't surprised when Neji and Ino appeared; both looked somewhat frustrated.

  "Blondie! Where the hell have you been? We haven't had a chance to talk about recent events!" Ino ranted, jumping in front of the blonde and traversing backward to face him. She had come a long way since the beginning. Now, they easily rival Neji and Naruto.

  "You're right about that, but that's how shinobi break their necks," Neji remarked, joining them at Naruto's side. He was a genius and had grown shockingly quickly in the three months. "You really should've sought us out."

  "You knew?" Naruto asked.

  "I had an idea. You were powerful, but no one should be able to tank my gentle fist, let alone somehow last against an S-rank missing ninja while he casually smacked Ino and me down."

  "I…" Naruto paused with an oddly pensive face. "I would've told you both in time."

  "I am not one to judge someone else branded at birth without their consent." Neji reasoned darkly. "It certainly was shocking, but it changes nothing. You single-handedly shouldered my wrath and showed me not to simply accept what life has given me. I will not shame myself by forgetting who offered to aid my clan."

  "Thanks, man," Naruto said, simply beaming at the Hyuga.

  "Listen, I really love to see you two get along; it's adorable. But why the hell have you been avoiding us after the second exam?" Ino said sweetly. Naruto wasn't fooled by her kind demeanor. She was intelligent; her study of psychology had made her a lie detector of sorts. Well, only with him; apparently, he was full of "tells."

  "Umm, I haven't been avoiding you two?" Naruto asked somewhat honestly, slightly confused about why she was upset.

  "I'll kill you, blondie," Ino promised darkly.

  "You left the party unannounced last night, leading Gai and Kakashi to go searching," Neji announced. "Then didn't return until late into the night. I attempted to stay up to talk to you but fell asleep."

  "My bad guys, seriously. Had a run-in with the sand creep again. Then we were attacked by two weirdos. Except for the lady weirdo who surrendered to us, she claimed to work for that damn Snake Bastard." Naruto explained.

  "Interesting; I heard Sasuke and Yuno Uchiha were attacked as well," Neji added, pondering the recent events.

  "Four Leaf shinobi targeted by Orochimaru once again?" Ino complained. "We have enough problems without some murderous creep trying to kill us."

  "Hmph, if I see him, I'll kill him for almost killing the Third Hokage." Naruto declared. "That old man needs to hold on till I can take his hat."

  "Naruto, you must speak more elegantly when talking about the hokage, ya know?" Neji mocked the blonde with a smirk.

  "I'm just honest, ya know?... Hey! That's my line! Don't be a damn copier loser!" Naruto yelled.

  "Honestly strange…" Ino grumbled.

  "HEY!" Their group was interrupted as the leader of the group of returning shinobi waved his hand, signaling their arrival at the Gate of the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

  The group shifted into a tight formation. Two Anbu and the Jounin sensei were students who were either returning to train or mourning their failure. The Genin were at the back, watched by several Anbu hidden in the forest. A home defense core of Anbu had been formed, and the members' identities were hidden even more than most Anbu cores. They worked outside the walls, considered the first line of defense against any pursuer. The mysterious squad is being dubbed the "Phoenix Core."

  As they walked in, the civilians cheered at their arrival. Such was tradition for exams held outside the safety of the walls, the odd custom being used as some measure of celebration for the survivors. 'Not that they would celebrate with me,' Naruto thought darkly to himself.

  More subtlety is a way to mourn those who would never return. Even Naruto had heard there was always death during the Chunin Exams. This one had not been different. They cheered despite that, happy to see so few missing. The cheering continued even for the Genin….. Until Naruto, Ino, and Neji crossed through the gates. Their gaze landed on him, studying and memorizing each and every eye-catching detail painfully in their mind. The recollection and news of the nine tails seemed to echo within them, reminding them of who he was, eyes dilating and fixating upon his form. He felt like some object at the museum getting stared at by the people. Slowly, the gazes became hostile, silent threats, narrowed eyes, snarls, and recognition. They were all there. Still, he continued pretending not to notice them, almost feeling responsible for everything because of their gazes. There was a howl, and some people just fainted upon remembering that night, realizing a breathing proof of that nightmare walked among them.

  Naruto kept his walk steady. He raised his guard and did his best to ignore the tension. Soon, the silence was broken, some glasses breaking, some people falling down. They spoke in whispers like speaking some secret in the ears, some worse than others, seeping honeyed voices, poison subtly dripping from their words. Naruto felt his stomach tie in knots as the common folk of his home let their voices be heard.

  "Demon." One whispered.

  "Kyuubi was alive all this time… Lord Fourth lied?" Another asked, seemingly disturbed.

  "The tailed filth survived! We sh-" There was an audible struggle as those most sensible silenced the man. Not out of morality, no, they wished to avoid being associated with such.

  "This damn trash!" Another screamed. Seemingly, the first yell had set up something akin to a chain reaction.

  "Kill it!" shards of glass were launched towards him, missing its mark by a million.

  "I agree, but we can't take the risk… my wife was killed by it." Another whimpered.

  A mob was forming a very…angry mob. People lost rationality, overcome by feelings and a combined thought spreading across the people, surging across the area. The discussions grew louder and louder, and the tension in the air became more and more unbearable.

  Naruto flinched at the open discussion of him. Quickly, it became frenzied screams. Most of them cried out in anger or anguish at his presence. Ino subtly grabbed his hand, offering her support. Neji stepped closer as well, openly frowning at the unfolding events. But Naruto barely noticed. He had always known his secret was one to be kept but never imagined this level of hate would be water from the broken dam. He barely heard the whistling in the air, turning to see a beer bottle thrown at him. So shocked was he that it nearly hit him in the face before Ino kicked it away. Just like with the screams once someone else did it, it was like an invitation had been given. Trash, shoes, knives, tools, and an assortment of random objects were thrown. Naruto was stunned by this level of hate. What did he do to deserve all of this? But Ino, Neji, Kakashi, and various other shinobi interfered. Deflecting the debris. Anbu appeared, wrangling the more rowdy villagers. But Naruto could only tremble as he realized many shinobi around him had not moved to defend him. He may not have known them, but his comrades would've let the crowd pummel him…

  Before any more pandemonium could start, a large puff of smoke exploded next to Naruto, coating the area around him in smoke. Suddenly, Naruto saw his mother, who stood amongst the smoke. Ino and Neji were perplexed by her arrival.

  "Naruto, with me, it's time to talk… things are changing, sweety," Kushina said with a smile, almost reassuring him then and there. "Thank you two so much." Kushina offered to Ino and Neji, who nodded hesitantly, still shocked by the hate directed at their teammate. With that, Kushina grabbed Naruto, pulling him close and puffing away with another body flicker.

  "I… why would they do this to him," Ino asked miserably, looking at Neji.

  "People always judge people for things they can't help. I know that better than anyone." Neji answered with a fierce scowl. "We need to help him somehow."

  "Simply be there and respect his process." Kakashi chimed in, walking up to the two. He was covered in trash, showing he had been active in defense of Naruto. "He's gonna go through things; it will likely affect him greatly. We can only offer to be there and respect his boundaries." Kakashi said, his voice somber. "They never recognize the greats, do they, Obito?" He asked sadly to himself.

  He didn't notice Ino and Neji locking eyes and nodding.

  Kushina’s POV (Nearby Alleyway - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Kushina should've known this day would come. As hard as they tried to hide the truth, it had merely been a matter of time before it came to the surface. She had discovered it while she was out shopping once. Several whispered about him. Rumors flying, even though they didn't expect she was one as well yet. Merely being the mother of one seemed to be worthy of ostracizing. Oh, it was subtle at first. People left restaurants on her arrival. Some crossed the street to avoid her path. The quiet whispering that surrounded her. But in truth, she cared little. All she had needed at one time had been Minato. Now, all she needed was to take care of their child. She knew she would have to be diligent in guiding Naruto through this. It was unfortunate that he had experienced it so openly and violently. She would ensure any repeat attempt was met with the response it warranted.

  Naruto was obviously overwhelmed, as he was unusually silent. He merely sighed and sat back on the ground in the alley, holding his head in his hands. "What the hell…" he remarked to himself.

  "Naruto, I gotta be honest with you, son. That's gonna be normal for a while… I'm… I'm sorry, son." Kushina said morosely.

  "But why?" Naruto asked simply.

  "It's something that has always been. The Tailed Beast were powerful immortal creatures. Usually able to smash mountains in their wake. Eventually, the First Hokage had formed the idea of harnessing it. He was uniquely able to suppress them using his famed Wood Style. He captured them and, in collaboration with our founder… Ashira Uzumaki created jinchuriki." Kushina explained.

  "Why did he even need them?" Naruto asked.

  "Before him, there had been decades of bloodshed between clans throughout the lands. Hashirama was the next in line for the Senju, a powerful clan known as one of the strongest. Their position led them into battle often. He grew remorseful over the bloodshed, as did his fellow friend and bitter rival Madara Uchiha. The two clans formed together and used their united influence to unite the clans of the old elemental nations. This group eventually formed the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Soon, the new powerful village gained support from the Lord of the Land of Fire. This new powerful organization inspired those who wished to be free of their influence to form their villages throughout the lands. Leading to the current configuration of the Five Great Hidden Villages." Kushina continued. "But even with this new peace, the villages were quick to scrap amongst one another. Hashirama, while happy with his home, still ached for peace. As such, he quickly gathered the Nine-Tailed Beasts and found willing sacrifices to contain the jinchuriki. Each village, now holding a beast, had a powerful asset to use carefully. He figured with them it would encourage peace."

  "He failed," Naruto said sourly.

  "He did indeed… the beasts before that were considered monsters from another realm with no sane minds. There isn't another being like them in the entire world. Often causing chaos wherever they went. As such, the people learned to hate them, and shockingly enough, they couldn't accept such powerful creatures could be sealed into a human. They considered them puppets of the beast and treated them as such. To this day, it continues; it's… a lot to deal with, I know. But we gotta keep our heads up and avoid them. Doesn't matter what people think." Kushina finished with an uneasy smile.

  Stolen story; please report.

  "But… I want to make more friends. Maybe a family one day…" Naruto countered uneasily.

  "You still can!" Kushina assured.

  "Is that why I don't get to know how my father is?" Naruto asked coldly.

  "Naruto…" Kushina whispered.

  "I'm sorry… I didn't mean it like that… I just don't know what to think right now." Naruto said as he stood and marched out into the alley, wanting some time to think things through. As he did, Kushina ran forward to ensure he was safe. Her fears were established further once she heard screams of terror. She ran into the street and saw a small crowd around Naruto. Kushina forcibly shoved her way through the crowd to get to her son. Gasping, she saw a man race forward towards him.

  Naruto, so distracted by the upset public, was caught off guard as a random Chunin punched him in the back of the head. The sneak attack knocked him off his feet. Naruto raised himself angrily. Ticked off by the sneak attack, he lurched forward, attempting to punch the man. He froze, though, as screams of terror sounded off at his response. He looked around, confused. He had been attacked. Why were they fearful of him?

  The Chunin had no such problem and raced forward with a kunai intent to attack Naruto further. Understanding dawned on him. He didn't retaliate as scraps of food and rocks were thrown at him while an enraged mother beat the Chunin to a pulp. People did call him thickheaded or not rational enough to solve problems, but he knew retaliating was not a solution. Liberty. One word that once seemed so disposable was not available to him now. He had to grow up. He could not be brash. He had to resolve this situation; he understood that. He could not rush it. He had to somehow show them the difference. He could not claim to understand the pain of loss they faced that day, the fear or the battle that undertook them.

  The strings of fate tightened its grip.

  The fourth hokage passed a responsibility to him in the twilight of his life. He could not understand that pain, but as a human, he could empathize with the village. He could understand why they were upset. He understood it was not purely a curse he had been given but a duty.

  It was slowly draining him, taking something out of himself.

  His mother crashed into the crowd, circling around him, finally getting through the crowd crouched protectively around him …..with a red cloak gathering around her, looking furiously at the crowd after seeing the injuries his blank form had sustained while she was trying to break through them as they backed off seeing the foreign chakra enveloping her. The warnings by Fuu, threats, and offers by Gaara were that the situation was getting worse, and he was at the center of it all.

  He was not whole anymore; the atmosphere was suffocating. He couldn't accept to be like that.

  He understood what Gaara meant when he saw his mom. They were predators. He hugged his mom before she pounced on them, crying silently, "Please ...stop. You don't have to do this." The chakra receded, and they were transported into a secluded place. She fell down on her knees, but he caught her frame, still hugging her in the process.

  One broke down, or maybe two; one was still too young to fully understand what had happened to him.

  "You can't do this every time something like this happens. I'm big enough to handle myself, ya know!" he said with a smile, and she understood the meaning. She would back down for now, but she was unsure she could let it go permanently.

  Foxes are experts at hiding; he was good at it from birth, and he understood that now.

  "I'm sorry, son, you know I can be a bit bullheaded, ya know?" Kushina said, rubbing the back of her head similar to the way Naruto often did.

  He supposed he understood it better than most. But as his clone walked off with his mother, Naruto stalked off resolutely, deciding to spend some time considering things

  .

  Things had just taken a turn for the worse.

  Naruto’s POV (Forest of Death - Hidden Leaf Village)

  He panted as he continued to run. Eyes darted from side to side, panting heavily as he ran on his top speed. He had run until he encountered a vast fenced-off forest. Typically, he was fearful of places like this, but he was in no mood to be disturbed and figured, at worst, he could deal with some animals. With this declaration in mind, he raced through the forest.

  Naruto quickly discovered it was no ordinary forest. Even in his disturbed state, he considered turning back as he dodged a lunge from a comically large ant. Kicking over a large plant that attempted to wrap him up in vines. He landed on the water with a panicked gaze and jumped as a large fish attempted to swallow him whole.

  "GOD DAMMIT I'M JUST TRYING TO THINK!" Naruto roared into the forest. With a growl, he landed on a tree and drew his blade. "Piss Off! Uzumaki Style: Seafoam Slices!" He sliced through the air, sending small bundles of chakra blades through it. Cutting through the large ant. The vines of the plant. And the large fish who had attempted one last dive to eat him. He watched as they fell before body flickering away to leave the corpses to whatever would eat them. He assumed the plant based on its odd hiss and the rustling of more approaching vines.

  He arrived at a small clearing. He landed into it, shrugging off his jacket and leaving him in his orange shirt, which he often wore beneath. The back was marked with the kanji Uzumaki in red. He sighed as he raced forward and struck with his fist. "SHIT!" He roared as his fist lodged into the tree, the entire thing shaking as he hit it. He growled as he ripped it out, causing the tree to collapse. He fell to the ground.

  "It's just not fair!" Naruto roared.

  "Life rarely is kid." A deep voice countered.

  Naruto sighed heavily in disbelief. "I don't have the energy for any more fighting. If you're just here to beat, get it over with; just know I won't let myself die here." Naruto said coldly.

  "Jeez, a real sad sap." The voice countered. "Can you at least turn and face me while we talk?"

  "I'm not in the damn mood to talk. So screw off." Naruto declared. His patience now thinned as the odd man pushed him further.

  "Well, you said I could hit you." The voice countered before Naruto felt a body-shaking blow hit him, sending him skidding across the clearing. "Kind of pathetic, but I can sadly relate."

  Naruto raised with a growl, facing a long, white-haired, tall, old man. Unknowing faced off against Jiraiya of the Sannin. His body flickered forward in an attempt to blitz him and punch him. But the man merely caught his punch and hauled him upwards. "Thought you were too tired to fight? By the way, while the body flicker allows you to move much faster than even Jounin, it is limited by your ability to react. So it won't allow you to blatantly land a blow on someone as great as me." He slammed him into the ground with one hand. "Let's not fight, kid. Talk to me."

  To his credit, Naruto was relatively unharmed, showing off his durability. He casually asked, "Why should I?"

  "Seems you could use it. Looking pretty torn up and pathetic right now." Jiraiya replied with a smile.

  Naruto growled but soldiered through the insult. Knowing responding would only make him look childish. "Maybe I do. How would you know anything useful? You are Leaf, right?"

  "Well, you have nothing to lose, right? And, of course," Jiraiya countered as he sat on the ground across from the blonde. He flashed his headband at the blonde, who noticed it was marked with "oil," though he was unsure how he knew the man was no threat. Naruto rearranged himself to sit across from the man.

  "Fair enough. You're a bastard, ya know?" Naruto replied, annoyed.

  "It takes one to know one. Now go ahead and tell me your tale, " Jiraiya said merrily.

  Naruto pondered leaving, but the man seemed the type to follow. Naruto could somehow tell he did not follow social norms. "I've known I was a jinchuriki for a long time. I can feel Kyuubi all the time. A dark presence at the back of my mind. Powerful darkness somewhere deep inside my body. I knew it made me different and made it hard to befriend people. After all, it's hard to make friends when you can't trust them. I'd always worry once the few friends I had found out, I'd be left alone. But I managed to find people who accepted it. Hell, I even found others like me. I almost felt okay about what I am. Then that weird Ikam bastard exposed it to everyone. He seems to want to kill my mom and me simply for being Uzumaki. When the weird bastard is one himself! Some of them stood with me even with the knowledge in mind. Yet others who didn't care about me before suddenly seemed alerted by me. The samurai showed detestation towards me, and the villagers were more similar. For choices I never would've made, I've become a pariah. Worse yet, my mom's going into full defensive mode. She just plans to kick their ass and don't get me wrong, I love her for it. But I'd like to one day earn their trust and respect. Figure if I become Hokage, and that'll do it. Can't do that if they hate me… but it might be too late. Oh, not to mention my mom, who's willing to bleed for me and won't tell me who my father is. Or why I became a jinchuriki when she was already one. Instead, she'll only tell me if I pass the exams. How is it fucking fair? Oh, and a group of S-rank shinobi is interested in capturing me." Naruto asked angrily.

  "That is quite a bit for a guy to have on your mind. Would you like the advice sequentially, and if so, how blunt do you want me to be?" Jiraiya replied casually.

  "That means… in a logical order or something?" Naruto wondered out loud. "And I prefer blunt things… I guess. No need to sugarcoat it at the end of the day."

  "Mostly, and alrighty then." Jiraiya started while pulling out a pipe and lighting it in a way similar to the Third Hokage. "Don't tell the old Kage I smoke, would you? Wouldn't due for him to know he rubbed off on me." He inhaled smoothly before exhaling with a sigh.

  "I can't say I can fully relate to your burden being a jinchuriki. I've met some throughout the years, and many were miserable. Powerful without a doubt, but usually miserable. But I've lived a long life full of failures, so I can relate to self-resentment. I've found it does little to worry too much about winning people over." Jiraiya continued.

  "So I should just accept being hated? How can I achieve my dream like that? The Hokage is beloved by everyone." Naruto countered.

  "No, of course not, but you realize the Hokage becomes the Hokage because they are beloved. You don't earn it after the fact." Jiraiya chided. "Instead, you should aim to be the best man you can be. Once you've grown enough, you'll find achieving your dreams to be a natural thing."

  "So how do I become a better man then?" Naruto asked with a raised brow.

  "Not for me to decide. People have to decide who they are for themselves. It's only right to do so." Jiraiya replied with ease.

  "Cop out the answer," Naruto said sourly.

  "Seems so I know. But you must experience the world for yourself. Form values off of what you've learned to treasure, form morality off of what you've learned to be wrong. And if you plan to lead the village, what will you lead it? Will you conquer the world?" Jiraiya questioned.

  "What? No, just maintain peace!" Naruto protested.

  "What about growth?" Jiraiya continued questioning.

  "Growth? You mean like economically?"

  "Well, that's one aspect. Large villages like that are expected to grow at a rate that coincides with population growth. As well as social growth. As I said, becoming knowledgeable, wise, and tempered, a man people simply cannot deny, is worthy of praise. Luckily, you have a few in your corner more than some are given. You'll have to shoulder it; I assure you if you move with guts, you'll make it through."

  Naruto was silent at this. Seeing some logic in his words, but not feeling it fully yet. He still had more problems.

  "Now, about the groups following you, I know two guys hunting Ikam. He'll be lucky to survive if they catch them. Nothing escapes their eyes." Jiraiya responded merrily. Thinking of a particular Uchiha duo. "As for those other guys, I know a few guys keeping an eye on them. It's easy to be overwhelmed, but remember, you can deal with these things with time. Break them down, form a plan, and enjoy the little things in the meantime. Life is rarely fair, but we have no choice but to live it. We should strive to improve it for ourselves and those we care about."

  "What about other people?" Naruto posed earnestly.

  "Well, we can only do so much," Jiraiya said nervously. "But I support attempting anyway. See, I hope to find peace one day. Once I find it, I'll try to give it to someone else."

  "That sounds nice; what led you to pursue that?" Naruto asked, somewhat interested.

  "A story I was told and a prophecy, one I intend to uphold." Jiraiya counters simply. Naruto rolled his eyes at the odd man.

  What are some details? I also don't believe in prophecy, or fate, or whatever. We can always change the way things are." Naruto asked sarcastically.

  "Ah, I do as well. I simply use it as a frame to achieve my dream. If it is true, it would be nice.

  Naruto was silent, pondering the conversation, unable to think of a response. He looked up to see the strange man gone. He wondered where he had gone or why he had even offered him the advice.

  Jiraiya watched on sadly as Naruto seemed to silently contemplate things. From what Kushina had told him, he was a spunky boy with a heart of gold and a strong will. He could see it even in this stressed state. Not many would have a conversation like that while so emotionally exhausted. He would have the chance to aid him further soon enough. It was quickly time to earn his title of Godfather.

  Ino’s POV (Yamanaka Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

  "Daddy, it was terrible. They were trying to hurt him just because he's a jinchuriki!" Ino complained. "I was shocked, too, but he's been a nice guy. How could they treat him like that?" Ino had quickly stormed home and cornered her father in the store room of their flower shop. Her mother had heard her side and offered her support. It may aid her in her bid to gain her father's aid.

  "It's complicated, dear. I don't mind him, but I feel tension around him." Inochi explained with a nervous smile. He raised his hands in surrender upon Ino's eyes, whipping him in accusation. "Now, sweety, I don't mean it like that. Merely Kyuubi has caused a lot of pain over the years. Civilians don't understand how a human can contain it without it somehow taking over. They don't think of it logically and cannot accept the perceived "threat" he may be. On the other hand, Shinobi was likely involved in the Kyuubi attack or lost someone in the process. Especially as trained killers, they tend to be more upfront about a threat. They get a group like that together and start to whip themselves into a frenzy. Slowly growing more outlandish as people outdo each other to rally more support. It's not pretty, baby, but it's how it is." Inochi offered.

  "Can't we offer our support as a clan?" Ino asked incredulously.

  "I understand why you ask, dear. But as much as I would love to help him, we can't afford to." Inochi said sadly.

  "I can't afford to!" Ino screamed back at the man. She didn't mean to be so angry, but she was desperate to help her friend. He didn't deserve the treatment he was receiving!

  "You have to try to understand sweetie. Jinchuriki may be hated, but they have always been political tools. If someone were to influence Naruto, they could wield a power that could overpower Kage. As such, there are firm rules against any group making moves towards them. If our clan suddenly offered backing, it would be seen as a power play by our clan. The other clans would likely revolt against us, and we could even face banishment." Inochi explained.

  "So we just let him suffer?!"

  "Of course not, dear; we must convince many clans to support him. Then it will be seen as a group work of sorts. As opposed to use merely aiding him to benefit ourselves." Inoichi explains as he rose and gently moved past his daughter. "It's unlikely, though, and I can't help you do so. The burden will be on you if you truly want to help. Please pick your battles wisely."

  Neji’s POV (Hyuga Main House - Hidden Leaf Village)

  It had been a two-hour-long argument between him and Hiashi. Neji had never been someone to move impulsively, yet after seeing his friend discriminated to such a degree, he felt desperate to aid him. He stormed into Hiashi's office. Suffering a cruel activation of his seal, he had known such was likely and rode out the pain in silence. Once freed of the shameful pain, he launched a request to have the Hyuga support Naruto.

  It had gone as expected, to Neji's dismay. He knew it was unlikely due to the ramifications of supporting a jinchuriki, but he needed to at least try. Yet after the failure, he had found himself pacing. He had never been someone to accept failure. But how could he convince the clan? He was merely a branch member.

  "Neji-neesan? A-are you ok?" Hinata asked nervously, happening to walk into the courtyard he was thinking in. "Should I return later?" She wondered more nervously as Neji's intense gaze locked onto her. He and Hinata had been training together for a while now. The woman had become somewhat confident to an infuriatingly polite degree. She had shown great skill in a gentle fist but wasn't quite at his level, yet to his shock, she seemed to be creating her own style. She even made her own jutsu to fit it into her preferred style. She would be evasive in combat, using subtle movement and jutsu to slowly shut down her opponent. At any moment, capable of ending the fight at a mere touch if she so pleased. Neji was confident in her chances of becoming the next Head now. Hanabi, while still a rival to her, simply couldn't match her outside of pure taijutsu bouts. Her attitude is also slowly becoming more unbecoming of a leader. Though it was doubtless, she wasn't out of the race yet. What she lacked in maturity, she matched it with a shocking level of raw intelligence… Even if he convinced Hinata if Hanabi pushed against it. It would likely be meaningless.

  "Hinata…" Neji asked quietly. "What would it take for Hanabi to support us regarding my teammate?"

  "You're referring to Naruto Uzumaki? You've mentioned great things about him. I-it was heartbreaking to hear how they treated him. But unfortunately, she would likely side with her father. Especially now that I seem to be the more likely candidate." Hinata explained that she fiddled with her fingers as she often did when she was younger. A habit Neji had yet to correct for her.

  "Hinata, you're still developing your own style, right?" Neji asked, tapping his chin.

  "H-hai. Nowadays, in training, we mostly spar or do chakra exercises. It's difficult for you to help me form my Flowing Gentle Fist."

  "Exactly. What if we offered her the training that allowed you to surpass her?" Neji explained.

  "But it wouldn't be as useful as it was for me. We accidentally discovered my own way of fighting. For her, it would merely sharpen what she already has." Hinata said, confused.

  "Precisely, she'll close the gap, but your style will make it meaningless," Neji explained. "It will get her on our side without jeopardizing your reign."

  "It feels underhanded to do so," Hinata said. I suppose if it's to help your friend, though…"

  "Thank you Hinata-sama." Neji bowed.

  "N-N-No! We decided not to bow!" Hinata nervously chastised before bowing as well.

  "Merely showing my appreciation to my future leader," Neji said with a small smile.

  Jiraiya’s POV (Forest of Death - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Jiraiya had intended to leave the boy to his thoughts. A young man should be encouraged to reflect, or so he had been told. He found it hard to understand young people. Ironic since most referred to him as childish, but he struggled to relate to them or understand their thinking. He had expected Naruto to scream, cry, rage, or grieve, but instead, he seemed to meditate while holding a leaf. He had always been interested in his godchild, but seeing him act like his father was odd. Let's start the training early. He was sure Kushina wouldn't mind.

  He crept closer to the blonde. He noticed he was aware of the area around him. But no mere rookie could detect him! He silently walked behind the blonde, preparing to poke him.

  "How did you get so close to me?" Naruto asked, sounding somewhat annoyed. Also, why are you back?"

  "Not bad, brat; still would've died, but at least you would've gotten to scream out! HA!" Jiraiya belly laughed at his own joke.

  "Great… is there something you want?" Naruto posed indignantly.

  "Ungrateful little… patience sage… Mhm," Jiraiya cleared his throat. "I'm here to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The chance to be the student of the Great Sage Jir-"

  "I'm already the star pupil of Kakashi, the copy ninja," Naruto replied blandly. "I wouldn't betray sensei like that."

  "He's merely your Jounin sensei; it's not unusual to have multiple of them. Besides, Kakashi is alright… But can he do this? Rasengan!" Jiraiya roared as he formed a ball of swirling chakra in his hand and raced forward. He slammed the ball through one, two, three trees. He spun to face the blonde as it dissipated in his hand, with a smirk and a raised brow.

  "Ok, that is undoubtedly cool, but I'm busy." Naruto countered as he focused on the leaf in hand, and suddenly, his chakra flared. The leaf was cut from the middle of the leaf. "Dammit, I'm trying to do something specific. I don't have time to learn that move." He then discarded the leaf and grabbed another from the ground. Now, focusing on the leaf again.

  Jiraiya had to stop himself from gritting his teeth. This was oddly familiar to him somehow. "What are you working on that could be more important than my Rasengan?"

  "I want to make my own technique. Besides, I feel I might need it for this guy." Naruto started picturing Gaara unharmed by a technique that could cut a boulder in half and was strong enough to take on Genin. "I need to win these exams."

  "So you're thinking of a wind technique, hmm." Jiraiya let his mind drift when he saw a younger Minato who was also focused on making his own technique. It led to the creation of the Rasengan. It could wait for now. "How about I help you?"

  "What's to say you'll be any help?" Naruto posed, wishing the man would leave.

  "Come on, squirt, think about it; my Rasengan is a pure Chakra Shape Manipulation technique. If you're gonna make your own jutsu, you need someone well versed in Chakra Manipulation." Jiraiya boasted subtly, standing taller, as he talked himself up to his unknowing grandson. "The first question is, what do you intend for this jutsu to do?"

  Using my Wind Element would be a good idea since it lends itself well to strong offensive jutsu. It must be able to bypass a massive amount of defense nearly instantly. And I can't afford for it to miss." Naruto explained as he struggled to slice the leaf again.

  "Wise to use your own element. It always uses less chakra and has more of a punch. Something that can't be missed might be best to be close range then. But to bypass a massive amount of defense?" Jiraiya asked confusedly. "We're talking about Genin here. You're not trying to kill anyone, are you squirt?"

  "No, I used an attack against him. I've seen people cut in half. He tanked it and was unharmed. I need something to set him up," Naruto explained.

  "Set him up? Wouldn't want to smash through his defenses and him before he had time to counter? Setting him up suggests another step."

  "Yes, he seems too good to promise a clean hit. So this first one is gonna be kinda like swordplay. It will smash his defenses and counters, leaving him open to my final hit." Naruto finished grasping his sheathed tanto on his back.

  "Are you sure you have another technique to finish him off?" Jiraiya posed.

  "Yes. I haven't found all the secrets of my blade here, Riptide." Naruto explained as he unsheathed the blade in question. "But I discovered a while ago that Riptide can store chakras inside it. Once full, I can unleash an attack using most of my chakra without actually using my current chakra. Figure it will be the perfect way to finish him off. My Uzumaki Style: Raging Wave hits hard."

  "Ok then, so either cut it or smash through it…" Jiraiya pondered.

  "What if I could crush it?" Naruto asked.

  "What?"

  Kakazu’s POV (Nearby Samurai Camp - Land of Iron)

  He watched emotionlessly as his cords tore into the new corpse, seeking his heart. He was a good replacement water heart. The rookie had gotten lucky and killed his Water Heart and beheaded Hidan for being careless. He was an odd redheaded man with a mohawk. They would've let him go who had run into them, but upon seeing their cloaks, he attacked. Screaming something about avenging his master's honor. Initially, he assumed he meant Orochimaru, but now he was confident it was the mysterious Uzumaki Ikam. Both are enemies of their little collective and will aid them if it hurts them.

  Furthermore, the man wielded axes with absurd cutting ability. His cords could resist chakra-enforced steel, even elemental flow, yet somehow, they cut through them once the man activated his seals. Turning him into a jutsu-proof man with blades that could cut them in half. Certainly impressive in its way, he supposed. He was happy to see he would make some profit from this. But he had not been near enough to kill him nor Hidan. He did hope, though death did stick with his infuriating partner.

  "Damn it, you old bastard, reattach my head!" Hidan roared as he carried his head over. "Do you know how freaky it is to talk without a throat? It makes no sense?!"

  "If I do reattach your idiotic head, will you be silent? Or will I have to shut your lips shut?" Kakazu asked angrily.

  "Fine, but just know one day your ass is going to Jashin."

  "Only if I'm unlucky," Kakazu complained as the threads grabbed the head and quickly sewed it back on. The skin, once fastened together, seemed to simply heal instantly. The threads of Kakazu released themselves from him once they did. Before it suddenly shut Hidan's mouth while lifting him in the air so he couldn't fight back. "Hopefully, that works for a while."

  Hidan was let go once the job was done. The man painfully grunted as he attempted to free his lips from one another.

  "The grunts are just as annoying, but at least it sounds like it hurts." Kakazu marched forward a bit, forming a hand sign as he felt for chakra signatures on the level of the tailed beast. Only to discover the Five had become Three. Those three were relatively powerful and well-guarded as they were all together. As the leader cautioned, Hidan and he would likely have to leave them be. The leader would want to know of this and Ikam's meddling.

  This wasn't going to be good for business.

  Leifazu had no response, his soul long having left his body.

  AN

  Remastered: Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, Peace~!