10 Chapter 10

The next day found Team Kurenai in the Sandaime's office. The ceremony was brief and all were informed that Shikamaru and Shino would become Chunin, making Team Kurenai the first team to promote to Chunin during their first exam since the Sannin. Both boys accepted the vests and new promotion. Both Kurenai and Naruto were happy that the entire team was allowed to succeed together. Hiruzen gave them their moment of merriment before he continued.

"While this is good news, this also signifies a change. While you are allowed to stay together as a team and I'd suggest you do, Naruto will officially be entering into an apprenticeship." Hiruzen said and saw the surprise on all of their faces. "I'm sure Naruto informed you of who attacked him, yes?" Seeing them all nod, he continues, "We have received a great deal of information about this organization and where they are located. This is an A class secret, I'm only telling you because of your connection to Naruto. In six months time we will be invading Ame with the intention of ending the Akatsuki threat. That is why Naruto will be entering into an apprenticeship."

"Hokage-sama, if he is a target, shouldn't he be left out of the invasion?" Kurenai asked, clearly worried about her student.

"If Naruto were some low level Chunin, yes. But he isn't and his combat prowess will be needed. As he is now I'd allow him to go but after our ramp up I'm more than confident he'll be prepared. I've already spoken with your fathers and they have agreed to increase your training as well. You will still take missions but they'll be primarily combat oriented so you have field experience to go with your new skills. This won't be easy nor will it be pleasant but striking the Akatsuki down while we have the element of surprise is the best choice available." Seeing the boys nod in understanding, he continued. "Naruto, your training with Orochimaru begins in a week. She's requested you not take missions and solely focus on her training during that time. She'll collect you from your apartment on the day you start. You will have your nights free so don't lose connection with your team. If you have no questions, you are all dismissed."

The team departed, the newly promoted chunin heading off to their training grounds but Kurenai had somewhere else to go. She could no longer ignore Anko's words as paranoia, she knew Naruto and the Sandaime had a strained relationship but she assumed if Orochimaru did intend him harm, the Hokage could protect him. But he assigned her student to the viper herself. Even as a jounin, there are things she is not aware of and things the Hokage clearly had no intention of telling her. That only made her concern grow more. It didn't help she'd briefly ran into the Sannin while visiting Naruto. Kurenai was a Jounin, a new Jounin but one all the same and even she was slightly cowed by the passive presence of Orochimaru. The woman excluded supreme confidence, as if she always had things in hand and you were always just a toy for her to play with. It was unnerving and Naruto was going to be subjected to that for at least six months. If she could barely stand to be near an alleged ally how would she be able to protect Naruto from the people targeting him? As she currently was, she couldn't. She need to better herself, just as her students would be doing. She needed to expand her skillset, sure up any weaknesses and get creative with what she was good at. She had a lot of work to do but knew there was a generalist, someone who was quite good at everything without being outwardly fantastic at any one thing in particular. She arrived at her destination promptly, knocking on the door more frantically than she intended. Soon, the door was opened and she was greeted by the resident.

"Asuma, I need your help."

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He walks with a confident stride and stern visage. It doesn't not reflect his true feelings but as a Hyuuga it is what is expected of him. Expectations, perceptions matter. He wish his eldest daughter would understand that. He wishes a lot about her, mostly that she didn't hate him and her clan. He can see it, anyone who would bother to pay attention to Hinata could but most do not take the time. He does. He knows this is his fault, the coldness and lack of affection he subjected her to soon after her mother passed and she was almost kidnapped it didn't break her but she grew quiet and distant. She tolerates him, Hanabi and everyone else and if it didn't end up with a Cage Bird Seal she'd likely just leave the clan to be free of them. Yes, the byakugan sees all and he sees her desire to be rid of them, her clan is little more than weights she cannot cast off. He does not know how to reach her, her eyes burn with absolute hatred for him and any attempt to mend what is broken between them is rebuffed. He was weak. A weak man that hid behind tradition and a facade to mask his overwhelming grief.

He could have, should have ended the separation between branches. He could have freed his brother but he wanted to be a perfect leader of the Hyuuga, to do what is expected of him. To appear strong but to bow before the forces of habit. It was a paradox. In many ways, Hinata is stronger than him. She actively bristles against tradition and chooses to fight it regardless of her detractors. He should have encouraged it more instead of favoring Hanabi but it was easier with Hanabi. Hanabi's eyes didn't look through him, deeming him unworthy. They didn't silently ask why he was alive when clearly the superior parent and brother both died, leaving this empty shell of a man. Just like he saw Hinata, Hinata saw him and wordlessly let him know she found him wanting at best, his continued existence offensive at worst. She was lost to him as she had no desire to reconcile and no amount of apologizing, which he's never done, could fix it. He'd convinced himself of that so this doctrine of tolerance would continue. A permafrost between parent and child and all because he'd rather look strong than be strong.

But it wasn't his daughter that brought him here but his nephew, the one person he may have wronged even more than Hinata. The boy had lost himself since the Chunin Finals, Not even removing the seal that damned him has been enough to lift his spirits. When he thought himself a slave and had little, Neji had his talent and the regard it earned him. But now? Now, he believes it is all gone and has begun to spin tales of Hinata setting this up. She doesn't deny it, only throwing his belief of fate in his face. He can answer back but it only increases his rage and depression. An invasion is coming, the Sandaime informed all Jounin of this and told them they need to be increasing their training and the training of anyone under their command. Hiashi believed if Neji could participate in this invasion, if he could distinguish himself he'd earn back what he'd lost. But he'd need to fix his arm to do so. He could go to Suna but previous experience has shown their prosthetics and the Gentle Fist don't mix. Instead he opted to come here, to make a deal with the Devil herself.

He was surprised when he arrived at the Manor to be greeted by the Uzumaki. The boy managed to use the proper honorific when greeting him but Hiashi could tell it felt like ash in his mouth. While nothing but potential now, they boy would be powerful one day and that may be a relationship he needs to repair. Just another example of when being a joyless hardass has done more harm than good. The Uzumaki escorted Hiashi to an office and excused himself. Orochimaru arrived moments later, looking incredibly pleased with herself.

"What can I do for you today, Hiashi?"

"My nephew, he needs a replacement for his missing arm and I'm hoping you can help."

"Kukuku, I'm sure I can help Neji-kun with his little problem."

"And what will it cost me? Money is no object."

"Money I have, besides why wouldn't help such a promising shinobi? He is a comrade, afterall. No, no money need be exchanged; however, your gratitude would be invaluable."

"And if I were to be asked to act on this gratitude in the future then it would only be fair?" Hiashi asked but knew he'd walked into her trap. Her pocket was not where he wanted to be, not where his clan needed to be but he would do so for his nephew and handle the consequences later.

"So, we have an accord?" she asked, smile never leaving her face.

"We do."

"Good, I will meet him at the hospital in a week's time. I should have something by then but have his measurements sent to me as soon as possible."

"It will be done. Thank you for your time and your efforts."

"Of course, I love to help."

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Naruto stood on the private training grounds panting. He was surrounded by upturned earth, some of it scorched, others with deep grooves carved into it and more still soaking wet. He'd just completed his assessment, demonstrating his skills in nin, gen, and taijutsu and he'd shown most of what he could do. She shrugged it all of as if it were laughably easy. It isn't that he thinks he's on the level of a Sannin but still would like to make his opponent put forth a little effort and not just smile at him as if he were a baby taking his first steps. But as it were, he was tapped out. He'd essentially shown her everything, though there were a few surprises tucked away. Naruto could feel exhaustion oncoming, he probably should already have passed out but bullheaded determination had managed to stave it off. He couldn't tell how she felt about his demonstration, keeping the same neutral expression the entire time and at this point he couldn't care, he needed a nap. Naruto hit the ground with a thud, causing Orochimaru to laugh.

She was quiet happy with his display but annoyed as well. Had he been given proper directly when he graduated and allowed to promote when he earned it he'd likely be further ahead and with more experience. If nothing else, it is experience he needs as much of what he "knows" hadn't become instinctive yet so his transitions to some tactics aren't seamless but she had six months to work out the kinks and expand on his skillset. She saw why he favored his sword, his stature made engaging in taijutsu with anyone older, and therefore larger than him, a chore. His skills were certainly befitting his rank and she could tell he dedicated the time to keeping them polished but he wouldn't see a true leap until his body started to mature. She created a clone and had it take Naruto to his room and then called out Naruto's new shadow. Sarutobi-sensei clearly thought he was clever, his little gambit but he needed to be reminded why she was so ahead of him and how any piece he puts into play can be turned or neutralized.

"Itachi-kun aren't you going to come out and say hello?" she said, after said shadow refused to reveal himself. "So very rude. I'm sure you've heard about Danzo. Such a pathetic end to a once proud shinobi. I am curious, after he ordered you to kill your family, why didn't you ever kill him?" Itachi immediately appeared before her.

"I suggest you drop this topic." he said in his usual monotone.

"Or what? Will you attack me? Chance revealing you're still alive. Poor Sasuke-kun, no family, no revenge; he's so very lost. He may need guidance."

"You will stay away from Sasuke."

"I may and I may not and there isn't a lot you can do about it. Kukuku but back to my question, why didn't you kill Danzo? If someone made me decide between to things I cherished, I may make the decision but I would certainly kill the person who made me do so. Did you even consider it?" she asked and saw no response. He was disciplined but still, she had a feeling she was having an effect. "Or are you unable to act without orders? Another genius that can only follow the path laid before them and what is the result? Your brother, broken and alone with no bonds to speak of while you play guard to someone who doesn't need it because another paranoid old man has made demands of you. Kukuku, so tragic, Itachi-kun." She said nothing else as she entered her manor, leaving Itachi with his thoughts. As much as he'd want to deny it, the Sannin had a point. Danzo was a threat, he should have removed him to insure Sasuke would be safe from his schemes and for stopping Shisui from finding an alternate resolution but he hadn't. He only followed orders and while the village avoided a civil war his brother bore the brunt of his choices. It was hard to accept but it was the truth. Without getting justice with his own hands, Sasuke would find it difficult to move on and that was Itachi's fault, no one else's.

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"You know, I enjoy spending time with you. I really do."

"As you should, I'm good company and a beautiful woman."

"I'm twelve but let's go with that. My point is that since I enjoy spending time with you, Shizune and Tonton you don't have to carry me. I'm not going to flee." said Naruto was currently underarm of Tsunade. It was embarrassing, he's a Chunin for crying out loud. After he awoke from his nap, he showered and changed into some civilian clothing, fully prepared to finish his treatise on the battle applications and limitations on the Shunshin no Jutsu, he called it, "The Battle Applications and Limitations on the Shunshin no Jutsu." Until Tsunade stormed and once again abducted him. Shishou just watched and waved, smiling the entire time. He'd pout if it didn't add to Tsunade's amusement and his shame.

"But you need to have an older familial figure embarrass you, it's a rite of passage."

"Oh joy."

"Shush, it isn't that bad."

"The only reason people aren't laughing at me is they think you'll punch them into the sky."

"And I will so you have nothing to complain about, besides we're here." Here was a small bar, apparently he was going to drink his dinner once more. The two settled in, joined by Shizune shortly after their arrival and chatted away between drinks. Naruto could tell something was bothering Tsunade but didn't want to bring down the mood. After a few bottles, she got a faraway look in her eyes and asked Naruto something he had not be expecting.

"Brat, why don't you want to be Hokage anymore? Isn't it against your nindo to give up?"

Naruto paused for a moment, truly surprised by the question. Like so many things in his life, when he'd let go of his dream he just busied himself with training and his work but he can still clearly remember the day he stopped believing it were possible.

"I didn't stop wanting it, I just no longer believed it to be an achievable dream."

"Why?" asked Shizune. He looked sad so it was something he didn't enjoy talking about it but it's better to get these things off your chest.

"When you guys treated me, after I returned and gave my debrief… the Old Man, of course, denied me my promotion. But he had this look in his eyes, pleading with me to understand him, to sympathize with him. He held all the power but he acted as if he were the victim of these large forces outside of his control. I hated him in that moment, sincerely I hated him in his entirety. Before that meeting, I still had some trust and held a sliver of affection for the Old Man; if for no other reason than old time' sake. But he killed it. All the times he told me I'd earn acknowledgement if I just worked hard enough and showed the village my worth. He had no intention of allowing me to do that and if he would hold me back what hope did I have of convincing the rest of these small minded assholes?"

"But that Chunin that was with you after Ishval, he came around." Shizune pointed out.

"True, but neechan there are thousands of shinobi in Konoha. How could I ever possibly work with enough of them to change the opinion of me en masse? The numbers simply didn't work out and beside some catastrophic event or a war, which I'd never wish for, I didn't see another path with the Hokage actively working against me. So, I dedicated myself to improving my skills as a shinobi, inside and outside of combat. I had no name, you know? For what I knew, I didn't come from a clan so it's not like I had some prized lineage." Naruto stopped to chuckle at that. "All I had was the willingness to outwork everyone but when you're shown hard work doesn't matter what's left? Become some fiend like Danzo? Always plotting and scheming in the dark? That's not me, instead I decided I'd be the strongest ninja in the village. One no one could ignore, even if I never was named Hokage I'd make the sitting Hokage look like an alsoran in comparison."

Tsunade laughed, it sounded like something Kushina would say and it was good to have a reminder that while often serious, his spirit hadn't been broken.

"Why did you ask?"

"Sensei told me you used to want to be Hokage, I was just curious. You know, I've lost a lot of people to that dream. So many I came to despise the position. Irrational? Probably but I just did. A selfish part of me was relieved when he said you'd given up, I wouldn't have to lose you as well but if being Hokage is what you truly want, you shouldn't let Sensei be the reason you no longer believe it possible. He won't be Hokage forever and of all the people he's considered, none would intentionally hold you back."

"I guess. I just haven't thought about it in awhile."

"Think about it, or don't. Ultimately, it's up to you but don't like that old bastard be the reason you don't try. Don't give him that power."

"I'll consider it."

The mood lightened after that and the trio continued to enjoy the night. Unbeknownst to them, Jiraiya had returned to the village. When Sarutobi-sense informed him Naruto would be apprenticed under Orochimaru he was furious at Hiruzen giving Naruto to Orochimaru for any period of time. He left to collect himself but returned, hoping he could convince his sensei this was a terrible idea. Hiruzen tried to get Jiraiya to accept this, as it was the best option for the time being. No argument could appease the Sannin as he feared what her influence would do to his godson. Jiraiya stormed out of Hiruzen's office in desperate need of a drink. He just so happened to pick the same establishment our trio were occupying. He immediately approached them, happy at the chance to spend time with Tsunade and Naruto, and it was in that order.

"Hey, what are you three doing here?" he asked.

"We were enjoying ourselves, what are you doing here?"

"I just left Sensei's and decided I could use a nightcap. Naruto, I need to warn you-"

"Don't bother. The Sandaime already has, everyone treats her like she's going to eat their children. Maybe she's earned that, maybe not but she's been good to me, minus the stabbing." He said the last part quietly.

"You don't know her like I do, we were on a team together for years. You need to listen to me, Naruto. I only have your best interests in mind."

"That's cool or whatever but I'll be fine. I prefer to judge people for myself and if something feels wrong I'll handle it."

"You can't handle it. This isn't some second rate Kiri swordsman, Naruto. Orochimaru has been at this longer than you've been alive. She could have plans within plots and you'd never know until it was too late. She's twisted, she always has been. Just come on the road with me. I trained your father, I certainly can train you." He ignored Tsunade's scoff and waited for Naruto's reply.

"I don't fight like my father, from what little I know, I'm nothing like him. I just don't think you're the best sensei for me. It really isn't anything personal."

"Not personal? You'd rather be taught by that sick monster than your own godfather and it's not personal?"

"You're my godfather?" Naruto said in genuine surprise and was wondering why his mom hadn't said anything.

"Yes, and I'm sorry I hadn't been there for you. I won't make excuses but give me a chance to make this right. We can go on the road and I can show you more than the snake ever could." Jiraiya said, his old feelings of jealousy flaring up.

"The Old Man isn't pulling me off my team, I can't continue to take missions with them if I left and he said it's important I do that."

"We can take missions, Naruto."

"But I wouldn't be with my team. I need to stay in sync with my team so I have to stay here. Also, the Old Man already decided and I agreed to it. I don't go back on my word."

"This time you do. You have no idea the amount of danger you are in and I can't fathom why Sarutobi-sensei is allowing this. Granted, he was always too soft on his favorite student, literally letting her get away with murder but this is too far. Just pack your things, we'll leave in the morning."

"He already said he isn't leaving, Jiraiya."

"And that's stupid. I'm not going to let him be used by her. You two seem to forget what she's really like, a heartless traitor that cares for no one because she can't. She's a high functioning sociopath and the evilest bitch to ever grace the elemental nations."

Tsunade didn't know why Jiraiya's words were having an effect on her. She's listened to this insipid rant enough to just ignore it but this time she can't. He needs to be made aware of some things and maybe he'll finally shut up.

"Naruto, you mind if I tell you a story? It isn't long."

"We don't have time for this, Tsunade."

"You intruded on us, Jiraiya and I didn't ask you now shut up." she said with an edge to her voice that didn't go unnoticed.

"Sure." Naruto answered.

"There once was a little girl. She lost her parents early in life and it left a lasting scar. She also didn't think like everyone else, morality and social norms around deviance didn't make sense to her. But she was also a genius, so much in fact she attracted the attention of the Hokage to be on his Genin cell along with the Princess of the village and the town jester. Now, the Hokage was considered a great and powerful man who was also incredibly wise. He came to believe in his own wisdom as well, so when he started favoring the genius with more of his attention than the other teammates he was able to justify it to himself but it was simply that her skills and interests most mirrored his own. The village Princess recognized how unfair this was but, at that time, still had family that could supplement her training. The town jester, however, became angry and resentful. He didn't want to be known as a fool any longer and hated being in the shadow of the genius and the Princess. However as is often the case, when little boys become angry at powerful men the boys lash out at weaker targets instead of challenging the powerful man. The jester started to mock the looks of the genius, anytime he felt insecure he'd levy an insult. What the jester hadn't known was not only was the genius sensitive about her looks but she had a bit of a crush on the jester and wanted him to do well. But after his continued insults she grew to despise the jester and mocked him in kind. The jester would always see himself as the true injured party and the genius's later actions would only solidify that in his mind." Jiraiya's face was frozen in shock at Tsunade's stories, a part of him wishing it wasn't remotely true.

"Oh, but there is more to this tale. The team, was poison. The genius hated the jester, the jester hated the genius and both craved the acknowledgment of the wise and powerful old man. The team would manage to stay together, fight many battles and even a war. They were young then, barely in their twenties when they received the titles that would cement them as the most legendary team of ninja to ever exist. The wise and powerful old man was proud of his students and their growth. Each having prodigious skills in various shinobi arts but he took notice of the genius most of all. She had matured into an exotice beauty and with how much she respected and admired the wise and power old man, he found himself desiring her in the way a power man often desires a woman. They began an affair, one where the wise and powerful old man would pull her toward him and push her away. Eventually, the wise and powerful old man decided he needed to end the affair, the fact he was informed she was with his child can be chalked up to mere coincidence for the gullible among us.

The man, fearing what people would say, requested the genius rid herself of the child, pleaded really as he didn't want to lose his real family. Hurt, though she'd never show it, the genius went to the Princess to do just that. Three months later she was now under the charged of a sick, twisted and bitter cripple. It wouldn't be long before the Princess left, having lost the last of her clan. Without her support and with the hatred she felt for the wise and powerful old man that threw her away, the genius indulged fully in her alternative thinking. She no longer felt the need to hold back. Nothing was wrong, everything was permitted and the sick, twisted and bitter cripple loved and encouraged her fall into madness. The end."