Naruto / Kushina’s POV (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Naruto supposed he must be more stressed than he had realized. He rarely slept in, simply being too energetic for such. Furthermore, he loved the old leather couch in his living room. Apparently, it was one of the few things his father ever splurged on, but he never slept in it. He also rarely slept outside his beloved pajamas Kushina had given him on one of his birthdays, yet he collapsed on the couch in his dirty clothes after training. He supposed his mother sensed his mood because she merely let him be. Naruto felt terrible but was honestly too tired to think about it much. He had whatever training Kakashi had for him, a jutsu to invent, exams to ace, and villagers to win over. His plate wasn't complete; it was buried.

  With this affecting the blonde, he lazily rose from the couch with a stretch. He was thankful as he smelled eggs being cooked in the kitchen. His mother had never missed a meal and was proud of it. He silently padded down the hall of his home. First, he passed his mother's room, formerly an office of his father's; she had made it her own upon his death. This led Naruto to pass the old bedroom his mother and father shared. Now sealed, only his mother entered once a month to clean it. He passed his own room, currently in the constant disarray he had left it in. Finally, he arrived in his own bathroom; he sighed as he pulled out a toothbrush, and his mind whirled with the look on the villager's faces as they admonished him. He looked up at the mirror blearily as he began brushing his teeth. He froze as his gaze focused on the visage of the mirror. He saw himself, same face, same hair, same whiskers, staring back at him. But it lacked the toothbrush in his mouth. Instead, the poor copy smiled back cruelly. As quickly as the vision appeared, it faded. Naruto continued brushing his teeth, focusing his mind on training as opposed to recently figuring he must be out of it. He finished brushing his teeth, and he washed his face and body. Then, he toweled off and walked into his room to change. He threw off his tattered clothing and replaced it with a more subtle outfit. It lacked his regular orange and black jacket. Instead, he wore a dark blue hoodie raised over his blonde locks. As well as a black pair of thick utility pants littered with pockets. It was an outfit he rarely wore but felt it might be best for the present climate. Less noticeable than his regular get-up.

  Another subconscious sigh escaped the blonde as he walked into the dining room. He saw that his mother had already set breakfast for the two and was slowly eating it. He sat as well with a quiet thank you. The two silently dug into the meal prepared by Kushina. Naruto wanted to say something to break the tension, but his tired mind offered no adequate method. Luckily, his mother seemed more daring than he.

  "Sweetie… I'm sorry for yesterday. It hasn't been easy raising you on my own. Even less so when I have to play both roles. I just lose it when people act like that towards my baby… you're all I got." Kushina explained sadly. "Of course, I'm not forgetting Kakashi or Mikoto, ya know? They are family too…"

  Kushina was interrupted by a small chuckle from the blonde. Naruto's mother often rambled when nervous or uncomfortable. The only time one would dare call the fiery woman meek. While it was not his trademark ecstatic laughing, it made Kushina smile. Naruto shook his head with a small smile at her. "Mom, I get it… I don't blame you. It even makes me happy to know you have my back in this. But I don't want things to stay this way." Naruto explained tiredly as he ate with the enthusiasm of a five-year-old with a plate full of broccoli.

  "That's why I tried to stop them…" Kushina started.

  "I don't want things to be that way either." Naruto countered before she could finish. "I know they're being unfair… it hurts me and pisses me off… It makes you want to protect me…"

  Kushina frowned at the look of troubled contemplation on the blonde's face.

  "But I want to prove them wrong. And I want to do it the right way. If I keep working and don't lash out, they'll see they're wrong about me. After all, I will be the Hokage one day; I need to earn their love and trust." Naruto said with a slight smirk as he rinsed his plate and left it in the sink to soak. He was ready to get on with his day and face the troubles it may bring.

  X-X

  Kushina’s POV

  Kushina was stunned by her son yet again. He had nearly spoken the words his father had told her years ago.

  "I may not have a reputation yet, but I will be Hokage soon. First, I'll earn their trust, then their love. I have to do things the right way, Kushina."

  Her bout of sudden nostalgia was broken by a silent gasp from Naruto. She turned to see what had bothered him to such a degree. Only to match his gasp with her own as she saw what waited in front of their home. The building in front of them was a rather popular grocery store. Somewhere, she and Naruto had been shopping for years. Popular due to the large billboard on the front facing the street showing they're often very competitive prices. Instead of showing any such deal, it was blank except for a message painted roughly on it. It read something that made Kushina growl in fury.

  NARUTO UZUMAKI IS A DEMON

  KUSHINA UZUMAKI IS A DEMON

  INO YAMANAKA IS A DEMON WHORE

  Kushina could feel her rage build as she prepared to tear down the board with her bare hands. Not only did they insult her and some other young lady, but they had the gall to insult her child as well! Before she could launch off, though, she felt her son's gaze land on her. She flinched as she remembered yesterday. And with a considerable effort, she relaxed herself. Naruto offered a fragile smile at this as he marched on. Kushina was frozen as she watched her son leave their home. Various people whispered as he walked by. Some even physically distance themselves from him. Yet he casually walked; it looked as if nothing bothered him. But as his mother, she had seen the pain in his eyes. He was being hurt, and she couldn't help him. Yet, while she had nearly flown off the handle again, Naruto had taken it maturely and ignored it. Naruto was growing up fast… he was already starting to act like Minato…

  She had to tell him. She marched off as she sent off their messenger hawk to reach Jiraiya. She would have to wait till tonight to talk to Naruto, so she may as well hear some advice… God, she was going to Jiraiya for advice.

  Maybe she would ask Mikoto, too. The woman always seemed so calm. She raced off to meet with one of the few remaining loyal Uchiha. Kushina knew Jiraiya would have no issue finding her once her message was received. He would offer her advice on how to approach it.

  She would not continue hiding the truth from her son.

  Dez’s POV (Nearby Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

  "Precisely, why am I here, Dez?" Shizune asked with a sigh as they watched various police members remove the hateful message from the board. The store owner seemed oddly okay with it being there, but the men insisted they remove anything that openly insulted loyal shinobi. Truthfully, this usually would be left to grunts, but Dez knew this was likely not a one-off situation. Tsunade had informed him via letter of the events of the second exam. Warning that there would likely be a substantial amount of unrest and tension. As former mafia members, they knew this would mean an uprising of crime. After all, there would surely be more than a few who felt slighted by not only the lie of the Third but also the knowledge that the "Kyuubi" was among them. With this in mind, Dez intended to get to the bottom and see if there was any cause for concern.

  "Sorry, dame-" Dez started.

  "I'll poison you," Shizune promised darkly.

  "Mam," Dez smoothly corrected as he seemed to fidget. While Shizune wasn't the force of nature that was his Boss, he knew she was a deadly woman in her own right. He would act wisely for now. He was itching for a smoke but knew Lady Shizune would disapprove of such. "But with the unfortunate events… dammit," Dez growled to himself. "I need someone to help me with investigating and maybe muscle if shit goes flying," Dez said. The pause he took was noticeable when thinking of Nekomaru's death. But Shizune kindly did not acknowledge it. They both knew how hard it could be to get over the death of the fallen.

  "I… see. Of course, just tell me how I can help." Shizune said softly.

  "I may need your help soon," Dez said before he signaled to one of the men, brushing the billboard with a glowing brush. The man dropped down with a bow towards Dez. "Go ahead, bastard," Dez barked.

  "Sir, whoever did this wasn't a shinobi, or at least… not a very good one. We found a ladder disposed of nearby. We did get a sample of the paint and are attempting to identify it. We are also looking into where the ladder was purchased, but it will likely take time, sir." The man explained.

  "Damn, it takes a couple of days for the boys in evidence to look into this," Dez complained. "It may escalate in the time that'll take."

  "No need for such a long wait; I can tell you the chemical breakdown of the paint." Shizune offered with a small smile. "It's not too dissimilar from doing it with poison after all. Should allow us to narrow down the number of stores and the number of customers who had purchased it."

  "That would surely narrow down the list of potential suspects. Thanks, Lady Shizune; you are amazing." Dez said excitedly as he pulled out a smoke to celebrate, frowning when Shizune slapped it out of his hand.

  "That will get you to an early grave." Shizune admonished just as her master would've. Lady Tsunade said she liked Naruto, and I can see you could use some aid. Of course, I'll help you; I'm technically a member of the Leaf Police Force as well. Shizune offered.

  Dez merely nodded as he grabbed a sample of the paint used for them to examine at the lab at the station. He sent two men to look into where the ladder was sent, and he nodded for another man he had told to interview the neighbors. He likely had some information for him now.

  "Sir, unfortunately, none of the neighbors claimed to see anything of note. Furthermore, a solid number of them refused to even speak to us. We believe it's due to not wanting to assist the victims." The man explained nervously as his partner feigned a sigh.

  "Personally, I don't see why we are so concerned with a demon brat. If he gets hurt or leaves, all the better for the rest of us, " he stated plainly. Shizune gasped at this while Dez merely frowned.

  "Go home," Dez stated, clearly infuriated that one of his men was involved in this thinking.

  "Sir?" the hateful one asked, as his partner seemed to step back to suggest he was not supporting him.

  "I said go home. I need reasonable people for this assignment. Not biased bastards." Dez said firmly. His team around him froze as they watched the angry man stomp off. Silence reigned for a bit before three more men left. Leaving Dez's Police Force's active units cut in half.

  "Dammit," Dez responded honestly. He felt the Boss had given him a hell of a task.

  Naruto / ???’s POV (Leaf Streets - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Naruto did his best to walk calmly and firmly to the meeting place Kakashi had set for him. Apparently, because the three of them could end up battling each other, he had formed a special month-long training package for them. Each would be separate, and Kakashi assured them they would receive equal attention. Naruto didn't mind and even wanted to be excited about it. But the stares were making that seem impossible.

  He could hear barely whispered insults as he walked past, the shuffling of those who seemingly didn't even want to be on the same side of the road as him, and he could feel them stare whenever he turned away. Some of them were so bold as to stare at him openly. Naruto had never been one to allow people to walk all over him, but he didn't want to make things worse. He never wanted to experience such open hate again, and if he had his way, he would never again.

  So, despite his rising anger from the treatment, he soldiered on peacefully, determined to not rise to their hate. Perhaps this focused state of mind distracted him enough to make him oblivious, for he crashed into a shoulder and fell to the ground. He looked up to see a group of three shinobi facing him. One was an Akamichi, easy to tell due to him being in their standard armor. The large and seemingly sweaty bald man sneered at Naruto from the back of the group, and a skinny, tall woman laughed as well. She looked incredibly fragile and sickly. Messyhair pulled into a ponytail, and her smile seemed more malicious than kind. The leader of the group appearedwas an exceptionally handsome man. He had long, flowing dark hair and deep blue eyes. His looks were slightly marred by an ugly, deep red scar covering half his face. He must've been the one Naruto bumped.

  "Hello there, demon. Remember me?" the apparent leader of the group said. My name is unimportant, but you can call me master, " he said with a cruel smile as his two lackeys cackled behind him.

  Naruto growled as he rose and attempted to stomp past the trio. But stopped as The Leader suddenly pulled a kunai and held it in the path of where Naruto aimed to walk. "Listen, I'm not in the mood. You hate me, I get it; just give me time-"

  "How about YOU give ME all your money." The Leader countered.

  "No, screw off," Naruto replied, simply pushing the kunai out of the way. And marching past the three.

  "Seems we'll have to show the demon the pecking order now. HUMANS FIRST!" He screamed as his two lackeys raced forward. Naruto turned with a sigh as he ducked a slow punch from the Akamichi and tripped the woman as she drew close. The Akamichi threw another wild punch, allowing the blonde to grab his arm. And slam him onto the woman. Both groaned in pain as Naruto stared at The Leader. "Y-you are a demon." The Leader said, somewhat shocked. "You won't get away with this."

  "You tried to rob me. I don't see what I'm getting away with." Naruto tried to explain calmly.

  "You've killed too many to suddenly play innocent!" The Leader screamed.

  Naruto growled but stomped off. Knowing for now, he could not win the man over. Now, he would likely have to avoid the man. He should've given the man the money. He hadn't had much on him, and now he had stoked the fire of their hate.

  He felt he would be seeing that man again real soon.

  ???’s POV

  The Leader growled as his two friends slowly crawled to their feet. He turned and viciously punched the Akimichi and woman cruelly in their stomachs. Both dropped to the ground and sputtered pathetically.

  "Damn, you two! This was supposed to establish to that Demon who the boss is, and you let him casually beat you?!"

  "I didn't see you jumping in." The Akamichi complained that the large Akamichi was Genin, who had served ten years. The man was much too lazy to go much further in his career. As such, he simply did simple and easy missions. Preferred to live life without risk. "Besides, that monster was faster than you-'' the Akimichi couldn't finish with The Leader kicking him in the face cruelly.

  "Never praise the beast!" The Chunin admonished, laying into the large man. The surrounding civilians bristled as several called for help. He witnessed the other Genin he had gained attempt to help the injured man. He growled before allowing her to escape as the Anbu arrived with a body flicker.

  They arrived in a large building where several civilians were loudly arguing. He growled as he allowed the woman to drag off the Akimichi. He would likely need to be convinced not to talk. But they had enough sway to get this done. Besides, there were plenty who did not like the beast. He could be easily replaced.

  The building rang with activity. Several teens worked diligently, removing destroyed evidence from their little art left for the home of demons to wake up to. A group of shinobi sat at a table laughing at a picture of the graffiti. More civilians argued, seemingly about how to deal with the beast's return and its apparent support by the Hokage.

  He stalked past them all up into an office. He bowed to the leaders of their recently formed group. Organizing them into a force to repel the beast without the Hokage's consent.

  Three members of the civilian council.

  There were plenty who hated the beast, after all.

  Ino’s POV (Akimichi Compound - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Ino marched forward toward the home of the Akimichi with a grim frown. She had been the heiress of her clan by default. But truthfully, she never thought much of it; she would one day have to run the clan, but she didn't care much for it at the moment. She had been ecstatic upon her idea of appealing to her clan. Finally, the role she had never wanted could be helpful. But she had been denied outright by her father. Luckily, the man offered her an out. If she managed to convince the heads of their brother clans. The combined support of Akimichi and Nara would allow the Yamanaka to support Naruto without fear of political ramifications.

  It had been an easy choice from there. Choza was a kind and thoughtful man, one who had always seemed to like her. She figured he would be much easier to convince than the enigmatic and intelligent Shikaku. As such, she marched forward toward their clan. Inoichi had warned them ahead of time of her arrival. While he had not told them why she was coming, they knew she was here to ask a favor.

  The Akimichi district was different from the others. Meanwhile, the Yamanaka and Nara districts were a series of homes. Or the Uchiha and Hyuga, who owned a plot of land where they built their homes separately from most of them. The Akimichi lived within an extensive series of houses and restaurants. Some of the best cooks in the Leaf Village lived and worked here. Sponsored by the Akimichi, who offered protection and patronage galore in exchange for them eating at a heavily discounted price. This led to it being a destination spot for civilians and shinobi alike. The compound was in a large semi-circle with a large building in the center. The bottom serves as a BBQ restaurant named the Lovely Yakiniku, run by both Choza and his wife Nemul. Nemul was a woman outside the clan who was famous for her cooking skills and love of feeding people. Inoichi had described the meeting of the two as… enjoyable. According to Choza, he fell in love with her due to her fiery beauty and sublime cooking. Nemul said she fell in love with the man for his warm heart and lively deposition. Ino didn't understand it, but she enjoyed them both, so she never questioned it.

  She walked into the restaurant and was allowed in by two large Akimichis guarding the door. Choza, the big softy he was, never allowed his wife to work without a few shinobi watching over things. So they worked as bouncers at the restaurant. It definitely clashed with the otherwise friendly atmosphere, but Ino supposed that was the way of the Akimichi. She gazed upon the various booths filled with various happy patrons. Each table had a grill and multiple plates filled with food to be grilled and their famous Sweet Dipping sauce. She walked past these to the customer service desk located in the back. Nemul worked diligently, talking on a phone, and she scribbled into a notebook. The woman almost single-handedly ran this place. Something Ino could respect, considering her odd shift at the flower shop.

  Ino approached her, seeing the woman's gaze locked onto her. Nemul had intense gray eyes. Her bronze skin seemed almost faultless even as she worked. Her hair was a shade of gray deeper than her eyes, pulled into a bun secured by a chopstick. She nodded at Ino to let her know she had seen her and quickly ended the phone call with a shout to the other caller. Finished her note and slammed it shut before she marched forward towards Ino. She faced her directly face to face, seeming to scan Ino with an eerie focus.

  "Ino! You look even better than last time!" Nemul cooed. She suddenly picked Ino up and spun her through the air with ease. Nemul may have been a civilian, but she had always been an oddly bold, strong, and beautiful woman. Ino almost looked up to her, she supposed.

  "I'm not as good as you. I'm sorry, Nemul, but I'm here for something important." Ino said patiently, then hugged the woman back. Nemul's smile shrank for a second before she seemed to shriek with joy.

  "Oh My God! You're like a little politician; I can't stand it!" Nemul said, letting Ino go with glee. She was an intense woman in every sense. She never was half-measured in anything. Ino supposed it took a strong woman to be with a shinobi. "Follow me, Cutie. I'll lead you to my Hubby for your talk."

  Nemul said as she opened a door leading to a staircase to her right. The two women climbed the stairs and emerged at the rest of the Head Akimichi Home entrance. They traversed the homely place, going down a hallway that led to a set of double doors. "Hot stuff! Cutie is here!"

  "Thanks, dear! Let her in! I'm expecting her. Also, do you need any help? We got a team of academy students for a D-rank." Choza's merry voice called through the doors. Nemul sighed as she opened the large doors with ease. She and Ino entered to see Choza sipping a beer and signing several documents. He sat behind a large oak desk covered in paperwork.

  Ino supposed one day, she would be in a similar position.

  My chefs could use some help. Send them my way, and I'll put them to work. Just don't send me slackers," Nemul complained.

  "Sorry to say it, dear, but please be more gentle with the students. The academy sent a complaint last time saying the students were intimidated." Choza said in a slightly hesitant voice.

  "Why do they always say that? Who could be scared by someone as beautiful as I?" Nemul growled.

  "I have no idea, dear. I'll talk to them," Choza said in a resigned tone that showed who was truly the boss.

  Now that Ino thought about it, their wives whipped all three Ino-Shika-Cho heads. Weird.

  Nemul offered a peck for Choza and a warm nod towards Ino before marching back down the steps. An oppressive aura followed the woman, showing she was in business mode.

  "I'm Sorry about my wife," Choza chuckled happily. "She's a bit of a firecracker, I guess."

  "No worries, sir," Ino replied warmly.

  "It is business, then," Choza replied, becoming more focused. Well, I must warn you, Ino, I can't be as kind in business even with our relationship with our clan. I may be your best uncle, but I can't compromise on anything that may be negative for my clan." He explained grimly.

  "I'm here to ask your thoughts regarding my teammate, Naruto Uzumaki. There was recently an event that exposed a secret of his," Ino explained. Normally, she was not one for this. While personable, she was never one for formal settings. Nor was she used to dealing with politics. Ino merely focused and thought about every word. While she wasn't sure exactly how she felt about the blonde, he was unquestionably someone important to her. She wouldn't stand idly by while he suffered.

  "I see…" Choza said reluctantly. It was clear to Ino that he had heard the news. And while he didn't show any aggressive body language, he was uncomfortable with the subject. Ino would have to tread lightly if she was to convince the man. It was clear he had intended to stay out of things. "I have heard that he is actually a jinchuriki. Honestly, I respect it; the boy carries a burden I wouldn't wish on many. Plus, my Choji speaks well of him… Why do you ask?"

  "If you've heard the news, I'm sure you know the state of things with this new information. They tried to assault him as soon as he arrived. Another tried to hurt him. Even in the Land of Iron, he was discriminated against." Ino informed.

  "Heartbreaking," Choza commented earnestly. "I have to say, though, what is the point of this topic? Why are you attempting to make me empathize with him?" Ino flinched at him so quickly, detecting and calling to light her attempt at persuasion. "No worries, your father does it by accident as well. Shikaku occasionally, too. I'm not offended."

  "Sorry. I was hoping you would support the Yamanaka if we offered aid to my teammate," Ino said bluntly, knowing any more subtle attempts of convincing would be useful.

  "I see…" Choza said quietly as he took a large sip of beer. "Let me start by saying I feel for Naruto Uzumaki. He saved my Choji, who carried quite a burden, and even Shikaku seemed to like him. That being said, siding with him won't be seen as standing up for those who are being discriminated against."

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  "It' 'll be seen as us collecting power. But that is why I intend to convince Shikaku as well." Ino explained.

  "It would help if there were any benefits," Choza added. "As it is, you're asking us to risk a lot for little."

  "I'm asking you to do the right thing and help someone you said just a moment ago helped you," Ino said sharply. She managed to hold in her temper, but she was tired of everyone seeming to think so cynically.

  "You are right, mam," Choza said patiently, not flinching at her show of emotions. "But we have more to consider than that. I have to make a decision that serves my family. I cannot risk them for this. Though…" Choza rose from his desk and marched away, turning his back to Ino. This allowed her to see the clan symbol of the Akimichi proudly posted on his back. "I do owe him a favor for helping my son, however. So… if you can convince Shikaku, the Akimichi will stand with you."

  Ino nearly gasped at the decision. While it was doubtlessly kinder than she deserved, it was also a big ask. Shikaku was one she was saving for last because she couldn't imagine her getting through to him, even with Shikaku liking the blonde.

  "Advice before you attempt such Ino," Choza said, facing her. "If you want even a shot to convince Shikaku, you must make it a deal instead of asking. Hell, even a favor may work if your argument is solid."

  Ino rose and also bowed to the man, both as thanks and a show of respect. Truthfully, she was despondent. She had expected Choza to be easier to convince. How the hell could she help Naruto? "Thank you, sir."

  She silently walked out. A little more stressed than before she left. For now, she had to focus on training. Kakashi had set a meeting spot for her training. It could help her blow off steam.

  Neji’s POV (Hyuga District - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Neji and Hinata marched through the halls of the Hyuga's to Hanabi's area. Hinata and Hanabi, as potential heiresses of the Hyuga, had their section of the Hyuga compound, which had personal baths, kitchens, and courtyards for them, with the Hyuga being the most prominent clan after the disgraceful fall of the Uchiha clan. They had become immensely wealthy. They were the ones who valued social hierarchy, and it was welcomed and displayed often. As such, they had to sign in to the area. (A protocol was put in place after the failed kidnapping of Hinata. Which led to the death of his father. Being sent off to the Cloud to face execution.) Being let in by some of the strongest the Hyuga had to offer. As they did so, they entered Hanabi's kitchen and were told where she was residing.

  Walking in, they witnessed a stressed-looking branch member carefully cooking a meal for Hanabi. The woman in question was sipping on a cup of tea, daintily reading poetry. Such endeavors were encouraged for the young woman. Being determined to have traits that a worthy clan head would hold. As such, both often engaged in the activity despite not liking it.

  "Ah, Neji and my dearest sister. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Hanabi said, smiling at them as if they were dear old friends. "Please have a seat. Hamumu, you may leave. It seems I have a business to attend to. Return around dinner time and be prepared to make me a feast." The older man immediately left the room with a polite affirmation of Hanabi's order.

  The older Hyuga knew what game she was playing, but she needed her cooperation, so both played along, sitting silently as Hanabi sipped at her tea slowly. She seemed to enjoy the tension, or more likely, she was intelligent enough to know this situation was one in which she held some level of power.

  "While it's lovely to meet with my beloved family, I must once again ask why?" Hanabi said sweetly.

  "We wish to discuss a deal with you, sister." Hinata started. "We'd like your support with a request from Hiashi."

  "It must be quite the task if you need my help. Even more, if you intend to pressure Father into it by having both candidates for the clan's future support it. What cause would I be supporting if I were to say yes?" Hanabi asked with a slight smirk. Pleased they needed something from her. She is likely already forming ideas on how to spin this in a way that would benefit her.

  "Allow me, Hinata." Neji interrupted, already recognizing that a more confident approach would be necessary. Besides, Hinata mostly did this for him. It only seemed fair he should pitch it. "I'm sure you've heard the recent reveal?"

  "That the Nine Tails survived the attack all those years ago? Of course, it's the talk of the village. But why would such interest you…" Hanabi paused as her smile became downright menacing. "Your degenerate teammate, Naruto Uzumaki, is the vessel for the beast!"

  "Surely you don't share the views of some?" Neji asked plainly.

  "Of course, no Hyuga is expected to know better than the riff-raff of normal people," Hanabi said snidely. "That being said, do you realize what you intend to ask?"

  "H-hai. Neji-onisan and I recognize it's unlikely, but it likely wouldn't be worth the trouble. But we're hoping that, with both of us standing against it, Hiashi will pursue it merely due to our sway." Hinata explained.

  Hanabi laughed at this, not the practiced laugh she and Hinata had been taught but an honest laugh. "Quite the commitment you're asking of me," Hanabi said. "Why should I play into it?"

  "Hinata has recently eclipsed you, no?" Neji asked bluntly.

  "What of it?" Hanabi said suddenly, serious and angry.

  "If you wish to close that gap, I will personally take over your training as I did with Hinata," Neji explained calmly. "This should allow you to catch up and have a higher likelihood of being chosen as the heiress once the time comes."

  Hanabi seemed to consider this offer. She tapped upon the table and was silent for several tense minutes. "The offer is appealing, but I must refuse it now."

  "How may we remedy this, sister?" Hinata patiently asked. Neji nodded to show he was willing to hear her out as well.

  "I will aid you in this, but only if Hinata surrenders her heiress status once our goals are met," Hanabi said, her smug smile returning.

  "I-" Hinata was stopped by Neji's hand, having appeared in front of her face.

  "We refuse without a doubt," Neji said simply, his eyes downcasted. While he did have Naruto as his closest friend, it seemed this endeavor was doomed to fail. He could not allow Hinata to lose her status as heiress. Without her, the side branch may never be free. Even if Naruto did one day become Hokage, he would struggle to enforce anything without someone on the inside. Could he risk his dream for this? Could he risk Hinata's? He led Hinata out of the room angrily. Both ignored the call from Hanabi, telling them the deal would be open if they needed it.

  As Hinata apologized to Neji and denied them with practiced ease, only one thing was going through his mind.

  'I'm sorry, Naruto.'

  Naruto’s POV (Leaf Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Outskirts)

  Naruto felt tired and conflicted as he traversed the village using the rooftops to avoid unsavory situations. He felt shattered but counted on his love of training to give him a much-needed kick. Kakashi had left each of them with a location to meet him to set up their month. He was concerned with how to train the three of them evenly without giving them trouble with knowing each other's kit. Naruto figured he would just leave them with clones, but it was hard to predict their eccentric sensei.

  Though even for Kakashi, having him meet near the natural hot springs was an odd choice… if his pervert of a sensei was peeking instead of training him, he'd kill him.

  He dashed past the springs carefully, avoiding gazing at the springs as he flew by. He leaped into the tree nearby. Skillfully, he flew through the forest, arriving at a lesser-known spring close to the others but more challenging. As he landed, he came to see Kakashi and the older man who helped him in the forest, luxuriating in a small crater filled with water that bubbled with heat. Kakashi still wore his mask, and the older man seemed pouting.

  "Kakashi-sensei? Old Man?" Naruto asked, confused. "Why are we training at a hot spring? What's with the Old Man being here?"

  "OLD MAN? HA! Kid, you have no idea who you're talking to! No old man could be as beloved by the ladies as I!" Jiraiya roared indignantly.

  "No woman wants a giant old man like you." Naruto countered with a scowl. Not indeed in the mood to deal with the man.

  "Little do you know, Brat, little do you know." Jiraiya mumbled as he rose from the springs. Naruto mocked and screamed in disgust at Jiraiya's exposed form. The older man merely raised a finger in response before making a hand sign and becoming clothed.

  "Now boys get along." Kakashi chided while wagging his finger, somehow also clothing absurdly quickly.

  "How the hell are you two doing that?" Naruto asked, confused.

  "Ninja stuff."

  "Ninja stuff."

  Both men rang out at the same time, causing Naruto to sigh.

  "As to answer your other question. Jiraiya here is set to be my replacement for the month." Kakashi explained casually. "I'm here to set you guys up. Gotta be on my way after for Ino and Neji."

  "This old dude is gonna teach me? Sure, he seems to know a thing or two, but I gotta become stronger quickly." Naruto asked doubtfully.

  "Go ahead and do the thing, Master Jiraiya. If you don't get it out of your system, you'll do it later." Kakashi said morosely as Jiraiya broke out into a toothy grin.

  "To answer your question, Brat!" Jiraiya called out with glee while suddenly being covered in smoke. "You ask who I am? Why am I worthy? How did I get so handsome?!"

  "No one asked you, that old bastard!"

  "I am a wise and experienced man, beloved by the ladies, feared by men, and sought after by those who seek enlightenment. I am a humble hermit traveling the land seeking knowledge! One of the famous three! The Toad Sage himself! A proud member of the Sannin and decorated super pervert!" Suddenly, the smoke was dispersed, revealing Jiraiya standing on top of a toad who danced with two fans marked with "Sannin". "Jiraiya!" As he said this, he suddenly posed grandly, music seemingly playing from nowhere.

  "What the f-" Naruto started.

  "Anyway, as he said, he's one of the great Sannins; I'm sure you've heard of them," Kakashi explained, ignoring the still-posing Sannin. "Despite his… unique personality… he is arguably just as or even stronger than Lord Third." He described walking up and tapping Naruto's shoulder. "I have handpicked each of you as a teacher for this month. Jiraiya is yours; if I were you, I'd use this opportunity well." Kakashi then leaned over to Naruto's ear. "Let me know if you need help with the villagers or anything at all." He whispered before offering his trademark two-finger salute to the two before poofing away.

  "So that's why you helped me?" Naruto asked the man after a momentary pause.

  "Of sorts earnestly; I could just relate to your feeling of being alone and overburdened, I suppose," Jiraiya answered flippantly. "We'll have plenty of time to chit-chat later. I've heard of your wager with your mother. It seems you need to try to win this thing… unlikely… but your trying is rather gutsy… I like it!" He exclaimed. "So what are you up against?"

  Naruto considered the man in front of him warily. He was an oddball, but he had helped him the day before. Besides, Kakashi had left the man in charge of his growth for now. He supposed it only made sense for him to give it a try. "Well, my first opponent is a weapon expert. But there's this guy… who is gunning for me. He's similar to me…"

  "A jinchuriki." Jiraiya finished with a hum. "Certainly quite the task. I don't quite see it, kid. Regardless of which one it is, they are all powerhouses. Unlike yourself, many of them are trained to use their tenants to a much higher and stricter degree. It's said their power can rival a Kage. I can't quite see you beating them, not within a month, certainly."

  "I've had enough of people looking down on me as of late," Naruto growled as he marched forward. "Besides, that's why I'm perfecting this new jutsu. Something that can even put him down."

  "Hmph, never say die, eh? Not only will I turn you into a powerful shinobi worthy of my time, but I'll also help you perfect your jutsu so you can win this thing." Jiraiya announced with a guttural laugh. "In exchange, I get to name your little move once it's ready."

  Having had several good ideas in his head, Naruto pondered this, but he supposed he could use the help. "Deal, oh, and why did we meet here?"

  "So your sensei and I could engage in research," Jiraiya replied with a smile as he reversed and summoned the toad away.

  "What kinda research could a Sage do at a hot spring…" Naruto suddenly frowned and glared at the man as recognition passed through his eyes. "Pervy Sage!"

  "You better not start calling me that Brat! Besides, you'll learn my greatness in time! But for now, I have to check something. I need to know your level, so… Let's spar!" Jiraiya cackled before suddenly socking Naruto in the face. The blonde flew away before he managed to land on his feet. His eyes narrowed as he prepared.

  He needed to work out some stress anyway.

  Ino’s POV (Mikumi’s Dango - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Ino awkwardly walked into a bar she had never been to before. It was dubbed "Mikumo's Dango." It was an older place full of various patrons, most of whom seemed to be of a rougher crowd, some even fighting each other painfully. She watched as a woman suddenly threw a man through one of the many widows, shattering the glass and cracking the wood.

  "You're gonna pay for that ya damn bastards!" A rough, raspy voice called out. Ino assumed it must've been someone who worked at the establishment based on their complaint and walked towards it. She was procosted on her way by various women and men. Some she merely ignored or politely declined, though one man did attempt to grope her even after her refusal. Ino, being quite stressed, had enjoyed kicking him in the throat to silence her. The bar seemed to give her a bit of a berth after this. Respecting her after her self-defense. It allowed her to reach a smaller bar in the back. A large man stood behind the bar. He was quickly seven feet tall and was more expansive than some boulders she had seen. He was bald, and his face seemed locked into an intense scowl. His eyes seemingly permanently squinted and beady. Ino assumed he must be the owner.

  "I assume you're Mikumo?" Ino asked politely, using her sweetest voice.

  "Who the fuck is asking?" Mikumo replied gruffly.

  "Ino Yamanaka, I was told by my sensei to order dango?" Ino asked, somewhat annoyed by his behavior.

  "Ah, so it's you then, girly. Head to the booth at the southwest corner of the building. All I know, now, scram brat." Mikumo was informed, having memorized the info. Ino would usually thank and show respect to someone who helped her like he had. But she felt the man was barely worth her patented sassy glare. As such, she merely marched off towards the booth offered to her. "Damn brats have no manners nowadays."

  Ino arrived at the booth and saw it empty. She sighed but supposed she should've guessed her sensei would be late as usual. She ordered tea and some dango when a server came. She suddenly felt a weight resting across her shoulders when she debated leaving. Her eyes whipped over when she saw a purple-haired lady sitting beside her, with her arm wrapped around her. The lady was giving her a smirk that gave her the chills. She looked around to see if anyone noticed her predicament, only to see Kakashi across from her, somehow having already drained the sake in front of him.

  "How did you-" Ino asked.

  "Ninja stuff," Kakashi replied simply.

  "So this little beauty is gonna be my new plaything, Kakashi?" The lady called.

  "Indeed, my cute little Genin will be in your hands," Kakashi replied casually.

  "Wait, what?"

  "She gets points for looks; after all, Kunoichi gotta look good." Anko lectured as she sipped at her sake. "But she gets extra points for dropping the pervert. Double for getting me sake and dango.

  "Stop eating my dango!"

  "She's shown herself to be quite the kunoichi," Kakashi acknowledged. She needs the most help, though. I figured you might be able to get her into shape."

  "Don't I get a say in this?"

  "Firstly, Blondie- No, sure thing, Cyclops, but you know the deal," Anko said while gesturing at the man. Kakashi calmly handed her a pouch of Ryo to her. "Ah, and here I was thinking of over ways…" Anko teased her, but Kakashi merely gave her a blank stare. Anko merely gut-laughed at that. "You never change Cyclops! Anyway, Blondie, I'd run."

  "What is even happening here!" Ino roared now that she was finally acknowledged.

  "Not important Blondie. What is important is that I will hunt you down and thrash you in… let's say a minute. Well, a minute and ten seconds, you're probably too slow for any longer."

  "You… bitch." Ino growled.

  "Play nice, ladies." Kakashi chided as he teleported away right as the two fiery women began a violent exchange.

  The clash was one-sided and destructive; Anko's cackles and Ino's screams of terror could be heard throughout the village.

  Several villagers and shinobi were paying particular attention. As if waiting in a queue.

  Neji’s POV (Leaf Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Outskirts)

  Neji didn't often curse. Such an outburst was unbefitting of an upper member of the Hyuga clan, and he simply did not see the value of such vulgar displays.

  However, as he spits out the few curses he knew (regurgitated from angry Side Branch members away from the Main, of course), he dodged the seemingly endless waves of kunai.

  He had arrived at the training ground Kakashi had told him to go to. Seeing his sensei still seem as eccentric as ever, and it was late, he decided to meditate as he waited. Yet as soon as he had relaxed, his senses screamed. Allowing to narrowly dive out of the way of a man who flew by attempting to land a sudden drop kick. The man had been relentless since. He was garbed in all-black clothes, including a black mask. Neji had quickly decided to hold him off until Kakashi arrived, seeing the man had chakra reserves similar to his sensei. Yet his teacher seemed determined to take his time. Now, the man had settled for attempting to skewer him with a storm of kunai. Tired of the game, Neji activated his Kaiten, deflecting the massive weapons. Neji stopped spinning merely to stumble back as the man raced towards him simply a few feet away. He smirked, though, as he suddenly lowered his stance.

  "You're in my range!" Neji called as he suddenly surged forward with a smirk. "Two Palms!" He jabbed twice with absurd speed but was shocked as the man casually deflected both. "Four Palms!" Once again, the man smacked away their hands.

  "My turn, " the man replied. Sixteen Palms!" He then raced forward and attacked similarly to Neji, though notably, he used his feet as well. Thirty-two, Sixty-Four Palms!" His attacks were much quicker, and despite Neji's experience with countering Gentle Fist, he closed his tenketsu to a level similar to Hiashi. He was on a whole different level. Neji cried out in pain as he flew back. This man must at least be Jounin-level!

  "I see you two began without me." Kakashi suddenly called, now standing over the downed Neji, who bitterly attempted to reopen his tenketsu. "This will be your sensei for a month. His name is… well, it's not too important for now. He's a former teammate of mine from my Anbu days. His codename is Eagle."

  Neji nodded, accepting events quickly enough. It seemed Kakashi had found him a high-level Hyuga trainer. He could find no fault with the decision.

  "A logical one. It seems Neji-san, and I may get along, Kakashi-senpai." Eagle answered simply. "You're quite skilled, Neji-san." The masked man complimented.

  "Y-yourself as well." Neji panted as he said to the man. The brief exchange had been quick yet painful, "I will do better in our next bout."

  "Alright then, you're always the easiest one, my little black sheep," Kakashi said happily.

  "Was he like this in the old days?" Neji asked Eagle.

  "If he had been, I would've killed him myself," Eagle replied simply.

  Naruto’s POV (Leaf Main Road - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Naruto marched down the road, doing his best to ignore the glares of the populace. He was finding it harder to get used to change from indifference to outright hatred. Sure, it wasn't everyone he saw. But he swore the number grew as time went on. But with a big sigh, he marched on. There was no point in confronting them. It would only vindicate their thoughts.

  So, with a weary sigh, a bit worn out from his latest training session with Jiraiya, Naruto turned into an alley between two stores. When he was younger, he had gotten into pranking heavily. Often having to escape both his raging mother and Chunin after being discovered. It had led to him having an impressive knowledge of the backstreets and alleys of the Leaf. He was looking down, lost in thought. Perhaps that led to him walking into a wall. Wait, there shouldn't be a wall there.

  He looked up to see a trio of familiar faces. It was the three Chunin from before. All of them were smiling at him cruelly.

  "Oh boy! What do my three best friends want from me?" Naruto asked sarcastically.

  "I told you earlier you would regret what you did, " the Chunin, the seeming leader of the three, said.

  "Well, the times now~" The woman sang with glee.

  Naruto growled, now furious, and rolled over to stand. "I'm not looking for trouble. Just let me by."

  "HAHAHA!" The Akimichi laughed at the blonde. Seemingly finding the situation hilarious. "The little beast wants us to let him by."

  "I'm not a," Naruto started.

  "You realize you killed my twin brother!" The woman screeched as she marched forward, looking murderous.

  "HEY!" The Chunin called momentarily, cowing the other two lackeys. "We should let him by. No need for unwanted trouble." He then shoved his friends back against one side of the hall. He then joined them, having created space for Naruto to walk by. Naruto took the opening confidently. Knowing that if they randomly attacked him, he should be able to defend himself. And while they did sneer as he walked past, they allowed him to do so. But right as he walked past, they played their cards. "Course, that's assuming you don't mind if we bother someone else instead. Say maybe… I don't know… a pretty blonde." Naruto's steps halted, his body tensed up and prepared to launch an assault against them. It was okay if it was him, but they would pay to mention Ino.

  "IF YOU TOUCHED HER!" Naruto growled unknowingly as he flared out with the Kyuubi's chakra. It reacted violently to his sudden rage.

  "No need to wild out beast; if you don't like that idea, I have another." The Chunin said, smiley crudely now. "Let us give you just a fraction of the pain you caused us. In exchange, none of my friends will touch her." He offered.

  "You're lying." Naruto accused.

  The Akimichi chuckled mean-spiritedly as the woman slid a photo towards Naruto. Naruto picked up, eyes widening as he saw a picture of Ino from a distance. She was seemingly unaware that she was even being tailed.

  "Plenty of help when we're moving against a demon, funnily enough." The Chunin taunted. "Go ahead, think about it. We both know the choice you'll make."

  Naruto growled but marched back towards them slowly. He couldn't risk Ino over his problems. He had seen how many were at the riot at his arrival. There was no way he could protect her from all of them. He had to take this on his own. "So what are we-" Naruto didn't get to finish when Chunin suddenly kicked him in the face. Naruto stumbled back as the man followed through. The man wasn't nearly as quick as he seemed to think he was. He knew he could counter the kick and likely lay the guy out with a single blow. But he forced himself to stay still. Watching as the man's fist reached out in a wild haymaker. It crashed into his face and floored him. Sending him skidding towards the outside of the alley. Naruto groaned in pain before the Akimichi suddenly walked over him, blocking his escape. Naruto saw several villagers witness him being beaten. But some walked too scared to interfere while others merely smiled at the scene.

  'Do I truly deserve all of this? Do they truly hate me for something I can't control? How do I win over people who care so little for me?'

  As his mind raced, the Akimichi cruelly stomped on his chest, driving the air from his lungs. "Little bastard can't take some pain, huh?" The large man taunted as he stomped down on Naruto's chest more. With each stomp, Naruto felt the air pushed from his lungs. Soon, the man lifted the blonde, tossing him towards the others. Before he could hit the ground, the lanky woman kicked him into the wall hard. Before she stabbed him in the leg with a kunai, twisting it with a sadistic smile, causing Naruto to drop to the ground, holding his leg in pain. "You don't deserve to live, trash!" She called vehemently as she kneed his head into the wall. Naruto saw stars at the impact and collapsed. He didn't feel the pain, though.

  'Maybe I don't. After all, Kyuubi did hurt a lot of people. NO! I'm not it; just withstand it! I'll prove them wrong!'

  Naruto was choked out of his thoughts. The Chunin picked him up by the throat and strangled him. "It's a wonder your mother didn't kill you. Father must've been wiser since he wasn't around. Don't worry though, trash like you always dies alone." He said to him.

  "F-f-fuck you," Naruto said defiantly.

  The Chunin shook his head at this and slammed him into the ground, nearly knocking Naruto unconscious. This was stopped by the three now swarming the blonde and stomping him everywhere. The blonde could only guard himself, having to suffer the cruel and prolonged beating. As it happened, they taunted him for his lack of a father. Told him his mother was a whore. Ino was a whore. Neji was nothing more than a Hyuga slave. Whatever they could to hurt him, even as his ribs cracked and his skin bruised from the prolonged beating. Right as Naruto was going to pass out, he heard a familiar voice.

  "Smoke Style: Giant Vice Grip!" Dez called out, appearing at the entryway of the alley, looking a little tired. "Been following youse since that little stunt this morning! Prepare to pay for violating the peace!" Dez roared as he exhaled a large cloud of smoke. This formed into a massive hand that surged forward, wrapping each Chunin in it and leaving Naruto untouched. The hand gripped them, and Dez smirked as he raised his arm. "I've always heard crime pays." He taunted as he slammed his arm towards a wall. The fist copied the motion harmlessly, dissipating against the wall but hitting the three in a bundle into the wall, knocking them unconscious. A woman Naruto hadn't met before raced forward to the blonde. She quickly laid him out in a safe and comfortable position before she gingerly hovered her glowing hand around his body. Naruto wanted to ask who she was or what she was doing, but he felt nearly dead and could not speak for now.

  "How is he dame?" Dez asked, lighting a smoke as he tied up the defeated Chunin.

  "He's hurt badly. Fracture ribs, abrasions, bruises, a missing tooth, and almost certainly a concussion. It's a miracle he's alive yet alone conscious." Shizune listed worriedly, ignoring the dame's comment for now.

  "They did a hell of a number on the guy. Good kid, can't see why they can't see that." Dez said sadly, eyeing the blonde.

  "People rarely make wise choices; luckily, I can heal him. He'll be dead tired, though." Shizune said as she quickly healed the blonde. Being the disciple of Tsunade had its perks. While not as powerful as her master, she was nearly equal to her master, medically speaking. Naruto soon rose, tired and defeated looking.

  "Alright, you have a choice here," Dez informed, notebook and pen in hand. We can have them jailed for a while as long as you press charges, as well as have a restraining order."

  Naruto considered allowing this to happen, thinking that they could ensure the safety of his friends and family. But if they failed…

  "No, I started it. They were defending themselves." Naruto informed them plainly. Dez stared back, disbelieving of this.

  "Naruto, you would have wiped the floor with these three, " Dez said, having heard of his exploits before.

  "Guess not," Naruto said simply. Before he marched out of the alley. Taking to the roofs and taking off.

  "He's lying," Dez said simply.

  "No doubt, but can we do anything about it?" Shizune asked.

  "For now, I can throw them into the night for fighting. Another depends on whether I can convince the shop owner they vandalized to press charges," Dez explained.

  "Will he?" Shizune asked.

  "No," Dez said with a frown. Tsunade had entrusted the police force to him. But how could he maintain peace in this climate?

  Narrator (Uzumaki Residence - Hidden Leaf Village)

  Naruto arrived home to be treated to dinner by Kushina, who allowed the blonde to discuss his day. Once Naruto was suitably relaxed and Kushina suitably prepared, she sat her son in the Living Room to discuss the secret. She started by describing how proud she was of her son, how he had shown great character as of late, and how sorry she was for hiding the secret in the first place.

  She told him the true identity of his father, Minato Namikaze, the fourth Hokage of Konoha, and a bit about the man: his incredible intelligence, patience, analytical mind, and unrelenting drive toward his goal. It turned out that his dream of Naruto had been the same. Both had aimed for Hokage. She told him of the love Minato had for Naruto, how proud he had been to be a father, and how he died…

  But that is a tale for another day…

  In Old, Konoha transpired a story to be told

  Where a boy met a legend of the old

  A ghost meant the end of a blue sky

  A place where tails of nine heads for the color of his eye

  A beast who brought destruction upon any land he sought

  Storm walls blocked the sky- the boy was sincerely distraught

  The screams were lost in the howling wind's churn

  The whirlwind created only takes but gives naught in return

  For the garden he called home,

  He fought desperately as the red moonlight ebbed and the other stopped the beast's flow.

  A boy's tears trembled through the skies

  Reaching another for the story transpired

  Stirring him on as the attacks flowed

  He threw himself against the ghost in revolt

  Victorious were we who fought against the dark skies,

  But the price this time was not meant to be free,

  The boy met his doom,

  The great tower fell none too soon

  Konoha began anew past dawn

  The old taking the crown

  He wove a wreath on his son's stomach, from past petals to the future bud

  The beast crossed beyond dreams and flesh and turned into blood

  Even in death, he shined his love through his eager gaze

  For nothing more than to ease the pain

  Amidst the one who sought to rebuild what they had lost

  Everyone forgot the one who had paid the cost.