Capítulo 21: road of no return part 1
It didn't take too long for them to go after him too ...
Boruto had heard that Kakashi-sensei was arrested days ago. And of course a dozen secret members of Raíz, among the many who fell under suspicion. The investigation appeared to be hitting hard, and that Uncle Sai was among those "arresting" guaranteed that the treason charges would have no evidence or grounds to bring serious trials to an end. Would Boruto be left out of the arrests? It seemed unlikely to him even overriding Shikamaru's active suspicions previously. Although he had some hope of not tarnishing his reputation in front of the people even more.
However, one noon that Boruto was returning from training in the woods, he came face to face with 4 ANBU special hunters, waiting for him at the door of his apartment. Sai and Shikamaru were leading that group. And Boruto realized how everyone who was waiting for him had a strange tension in their bodies. As it happens before a very dangerous mission.
"Boruto-kun ..." Sai said, smiling falsely, "we have come to take you into custody."
There was an awkward silence, and as no one moved or gestured anything, Shikamaru decided to clarify:
-They are orders from the seventh Hokage.
Bolt did nothing. The wind was gentle, and the sun was bright. Not too many people were crossing that side street in the village. He had had a good morning. He woke up early like other days, and was trying to get back to strenuous exercise routines. He had become strong, and that among the obvious advantages, had the defect of keeping him with a lot of accumulated physical energy as he did not dedicate himself to training daily. Therefore, even when the ANBU approached and placed the shackles on both wrists, Bolt understood that everyone who had come to "arrest" him; they were counting on certain objections to the slightest movement that the young man had.
He didn't resist, it wasn't even in his mind to do so.
Boruto Uzumaki walked escorted by that team, and his mind was bubbling in the middle of not very positive ideas. He was very hurt by the situation. Kakashi-sensei hadn't told him about the plan to deactivate the Root, he just gave him a simple mission that when the time came, Boruto would have to fulfill. The Root organization according to Kakashi-sensei, "had reached the overall goal expected from the moment of its conception." It was everything he told her about his decision. But whatever the plan was, it was clear that Uncle Sai was the one carrying it out. For that reason he was seen to be part of the jailers, instead of occupying a cell like the rest of the suspected members of Raíz.
-You have to keep calm Bolt-kun… .- Sai told him as they walked through the streets towards the interrogation barracks- These movements are just routine.
The ANBU Team working on the task surrounded Shikamaru, Sai and Bolt waiting for any kind of reaction from the boy. His job was to be vigilant, the rumors that this boy had killed none other than Sasuke Uchiha, made him worthy of respect. They couldn't be neglected, after all he was the son of the seventh Hokage.
But the journey was smooth and uneventful. The shackles on Bolt's wrists were not necessary. The boy didn't seem to have the active fighting spirit of him. Rather, it seemed that he did not care in the least where or with what intentions they were taking him. It wasn't trust, it wasn't arrogance either. It was just surrendered and pure depression. He looked disappointed, or perhaps defeated.
20 minutes later, Boruto entered a cell where he would await his own questioning. The shackles were removed and inhibiting seals were attached to his body to prevent him from attempting to escape. The room was also special. Sealed and reinforced. But against the physical strength of Shinobi like Uzumaki, it might not be enough. Hence, they had to reinforce security with seals on the detainee. Shikamaru didn't ask Bolt questions, nor did he seem suspicious or intrigued. Although he didn't mind the blonde too much, it was clear that Ino Yamanaka had effectively brainwashed him.
"I'm going to your father's office ..." Shikamaru said neutrally, "do you have a message for him?"
Then Bolt looked up and smiled wryly and replied:
-Tell my father that if he ever needs me ... .- he paused to further clarify the concept of him-I'm here, and I continue to command him despite everything.
Then he went to a corner of the room, and dropped to a sitting position on the floor. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He didn't seem to have more to say, nor did he feel like doing so. He looked depressed and disappointed. Perhaps his father was not expected to give orders to arrest him again. He not since he was acquitted of the Kiba Inuzuka affair. That was Shikamaru Nara's thought, as he left with Sai and the ANBU to make the next arrest on the list.
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For Naruto the moment he was living was not easy ...
Years ago, work seemed to be the best side of him, while family was the hardest part to handle. His marital problems with Hinata, and his eldest son's rebellion were difficult issues to bear. However, Naruto really enjoyed being with his family circle. When everyone had dinner and even when Sasuke and Sakura together Sarada joined those happy weekends. Everything seemed clear and clean. Being the Hokage, targeting the meetings of leaders between countries to seek a less warlike and more cooperative ninja system. He had strong friendships, and the willingness of the new leaders to change. There were enemies of course, dissidents from other countries and feudalists for example. But more and more progress was being made in world peace, despite certain random events that sometimes arose. However, Naruto received from his advisers and closest friends like Gaara, the suspicions that certain elements of the "allied" villages did not really want the final peace as much as the Hokage believed to interpret.
Suddenly, everything began to change for the Hokage….
Hidden deals in Konoha, where apparently many overlooked Naruto's leadership. The death of Kiba Inuzuka, who wasn't exactly an innocent Shinobi, but you couldn't applaud his killer for it either. Shikamaru's suspicions about the return of a sinister group such as the ancient Root. In addition, learning that his two sons had a type of secret Doujutsu that gave a leap in quality to the now mythical Byakugan.
The world that seemed so clear to Naruto began to spin like in the jaws of a raging whirlpool.
Bolt in danger of death, also Himawari because of the Hyuuga. Hanabi first being a nuisance in the council of clans, and currently a hot little whore who spent her time harassing him on the nights of the Uzumaki room. Boruto surprising him, doing what Naruto never thought could happen in life. Seducing and fucking Sakura Haruno. Pleasing her, dominating her, subjugating her, or simply taking advantage of her. Did it really matter? Naruto still couldn't believe his son had achieved so much.
Seduce and conquer Sakura Haruno. And time later, fight and defeat Sasuke Uchiha.
It was as if the ambitions and dreams of the youth in Naruto Uzumaki had been blood-stained to his son Boruto. As if time rotates on an axis, but each time wearing out more and more due to the repetitive passage of circumstances. Sasuke had been killed, and although Naruto's hand was the final executor, it was clear that everything was driven by a plan from young Boruto.
With his son, perhaps one of the beings that Naruto loved the most in life, he had a series of contradictory feelings. Questions of the heart that made the father doubt, of the near future in his son. He loved him is true, and he always thought of his safety. He still hoped that Bolt would choose Sarada Uchiha to share his life with. Because Naruto understood that that girl had suffered a lot from the burden of her surname and she would only be fully protected from her if she managed to link to the Hokage's family. Naruto wanted his son to be sincere and loyal. He couldn't see how he actually behaved. He couldn't see it turned into a version more like Sasuke's black story. That linked to the irate, capricious and transparent child; but essentially good that he was in childhood. It was as if Boruto Uzumaki, he had managed to combine the worst of the attitudes in Naruto and Sasuke in youth. That made him unstable and dangerous.
Was it wrong not to have personally trained him since he was a child?
The reason for not having trained his children was clear in the Hokage's heart. Naruto hadn't wanted to train his children on his own. In fact, he didn't want them to be a ninja. He spent all of his time, and much of the bond with his beloved children to try to achieve peace in the world that would remove all danger to his family. He couldn't forget his cruel personal past. Where both his father and his mother died the same day he was born, without even being able to meet them in person.
Was it really wrong not to have trained his children?
He had no more time to mourn or reflect. He had to take some kind of action on what was revealed about the underground organization. Men and women were detained, raids and searches throughout the village. Some definition had to happen. Naruto couldn't risk presenting himself in front of the other Kage, with the burden of being a leader with authority questioned. A Hokage who didn't even have the power to control espionage in his village.
That could never come from an ambassador for peace.
The Clan Council meeting was about to begin. Some leaders arrived, all friends and companions in the days of the Gennin. Also the oldest ninjas who still kept their heads in their families. People who trusted his Hokage, but who saw no treason in dealing with secret affairs between families on a more hidden and personal basis. It was an ancient custom, all the Hokage had known how to respect it, and Naruto had to learn to do it as well. Changing it would perhaps be, for next generations in the middle of the period of peace. Or at least that was the thinking of people like Tsume Inuzuka for example.
Finally, the elder counselors arrived. Naruto hardly ever saw them around the Hokage tower, as they were little interested in being involved in politics, unlike how Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were years ago. But still, it was nice for Naruto to see her again. Since among the elder councilors, there was Tsunade Senju.
-Sit next to me Oba-chan ... -she said smiling the blonde and the woman returned the gesture- I need you to listen and give me advice. This matter is a big problem for me.
-It takes courage and wisdom to ask for advice from your position –the woman answered calmly- it seems that I am not wrong in trusting, that one day you will be Hokage. You have become wise.
The leaders took their seats. Also Hanabi and other members of the entourage. She was completely normal in public. She did not look submissive or elusive. A very different attitude when she visited the Uzumaki house in the last few months. But it was not time to think about that matter. The Hokage had to attend to first things first, then it would be time to see what would happen to that child that was growing in the womb of his sister-in-law. Then Naruto began to describe the information he had from the interrogation division, and gave the floor to Shikamaru of the Nara clan to report on what was discovered in the Cryptology squad.
-Our best decryptor Shiho Kazahara, has analyzed the 214 folders found in the residence of the main suspect of leading the hidden organization in Konoha.
Everyone knew that Hatake Kakashi had been charged for it, so there was no need to name him. Even the leaders were secretly searching within their own families if the old Root's ancient connections were still active. Nobody wanted to be faced with the seventh Hokage. No one wanted to be discredited by the horrendous reputation of the group that Danzou Shimura knew how to lead.
-On the outside of each previously closed file you can read 200 proper names, 10 names of important random territories. And 4 about places that do not appear on known maps. Those mentioned 4 folders are in front of you, -Shikamaru pointed out as everyone looked at a table in the center with the documents, plus a fifth with the Hokage's name on its cover. This gentlemen, is clear indicative of espionage.
Naruto spoke up interrupting the report. Some things they had heard in the previous one and he wanted clarification out loud so that all the other leaders would know as well.
-I understand that each folder had a seal that protected its contents Shikamaru. –He pointed neutrally- could the Cryptology Shinobi figure out how to open it? What happened to the remaining information folders?
-Unfortunately, the seal that protected each file folder is not known to our experts. But I must clarify that it was not an impediment to open each folder and review its content.
-A seal that does not need to be violated? - Chouji consulted confused - And what use is said seal if the file can be opened freely?
"I'm afraid it's more complicated than that," Shikamaru added calmly.
"So what did Nara-san find inside those files?" –It interrupted curious Tsume- I find it quite difficult to think of Kakashi as a traitor. It was Hokage and his demeanor both before and after was faultless. What information did the files have about the whole story of Raíz?
"Nothing ... absolutely nothing," Shikamaru replied.
-Like what…. "nothing"? –Asked Ino that up to now she had felt uneasy about her own personal situation- Nothing about Root? Or nothing at all?
"When I say we didn't find anything," Shikamaru clarified somewhat uncomfortably, "I mean more than 200 files with pure blank papers." Nothing inside the folders, sheets and sheets in clean. No marks, no traces of writing. The only thing we could detect in them is unmistakable signs of chakra.
Naruto stood up. From within, tremendous frustration arose that he could not contain for more effort and experience that he had on his back. He said what everyone was thinking at the time. He said it in a loud voice laden with frustration:
-LIKE NOTHING? HOW CAN 214 BLANK FOLDERS BE? WHAT ABOUT THE NAMES OUTSIDE THE COVER? DID THEY ALSO DISAPPEAR BY ART OF MAGIC? WHY SEAL FOLDERS FULL OF BLANK PAPER?
Shikamaru didn't seem particularly shocked by the claim. He watched with his typical bored expression, and opening a small notebook in his hands, he scanned from page to page as if he were searching for the key detail of a dissertation. After thinking and reading in silence for a few seconds, he looked up and replied calmly:
-After opening some folders and finding nothing, the Cryptology corps began to take the matter of the seal seriously. Although its function did not appear to be to block access to the interior, it was evident that opening such files activated it. Shiho does not know of a seal that acts in this way, but he has a theory that the true security of that seal is to erase the information inside as long as it is opened recklessly.
-You say that the seal eliminates the information inside if it is not opened correctly?
"Indeed ..." Shikamaru said to Tsunade's query, and then he could tell that the woman had thought of something about the matter from her gesture. "Does Tsunade-sama know the type of seal?"
They all looked at the fifth Hokage. She seemed stunned at the thought of him. It was evident that she was trying to rescue the point in question from memory.
"I'm not completely sure ..." the woman announced slowly, "but I think I remember that my ex-teammate Orochimaru wore a stamp design that had that effect." At the time Sarutobi-sensei asked him to deliver the secret to Konoha, a seal that would protect key information, erasing it in the process, would be invaluable for message missions. It is the perfect, inviolable encryption. But Orochimaru in those times, he deserted the village. I thought I would never see that stamp again in my life.
-It is a complicated design indeed…. -Said another of the elder councilors who belonged to the Sarutobi clan, while reviewing some examples of the seal drawn in the reports that each member of the board had in their hands- How many combined trigrams? Eight nine? A lot of work must have taken him to whoever created it. Was the Sannin Orochimaru an expert of this magnitude? As I recall, only one clan was so capable with these techniques. The ancient clan of the whirlpool.
Everyone knew that he was referring to the Uzumaki. The rumor that involved Danzou, Orochimaru and the ancient root, with the events that led to the destruction of that allied village, was also known. Much blood had flowed from the secrecy of the Uzumaki seals, and the ability of their users to contain creatures composed of chakra. There was no better example than the current Hokage to describe that.
- The information cannot be recovered? –Ino consulted anticipating the mental questions of several- Or does the seal permanently erase the information?
-We have no specifications in this regard, -added Shikamaru- we do not know the internal composition of the seal and it is obvious that at this point we are without a way out. I can reason that it is possible to retrieve the information. The seal on the cover is black, when its origin was red. I have the theory that just as it absorbed the ink from the interior, it can return it if the required back seal is applied to it. Still, if my idea is the correct version, we have no way of knowing the correct combination, without knowing how the original encryption is implemented.
-What did you get from the interrogations? Naruto asked annoyed- What did Kakashi say?
"He has stated that he has never entered that room in his house," Shikamaru pointed out laconically, "he doesn't know how the folders got there." Think that they could be from the previous owner. Or maybe someone may have left them there to blame him for something. And since no file has its name written on it, we basically have nothing against it.
-What do you mean by that? Chouji consulted without being able to follow the line too much.
-That although we can presume that there is a group of clandestinely organized ninjas behind the back of the Hokage. –Shikamaru pointed out, checking his notebook again- We have no physical evidence that links anyone performing any mission, both inside and outside of Konoha. There is no complaint from other villages, claims from the feudal or regular army of the cities about illegal activities. If Root has been reactivated, it has not used neither its old contacts, nor the old barracks and warehouses where it used to operate. We have nothing that clearly indicates a meeting of two or more Shinobi, in complicity in carrying out illegal actions.
-What about the names on the folders? –Said Naruto obfuscated- Does that mean nothing? Can't we have some record of some missions where they were together? Didn't they get anything out of the interrogations?
Ibiki Morino has used the information we have about Raíz's alleged movements. But no arrested ninja seems to know what we're talking about. Furthermore, they do not talk to each other nor do they seem to be affected by what happens to another. The Yamanaka have dispatched their best Psyche penetrators. But there is no resistance from those questioned.
-Endurance? –Tsunade indicated and then looked at Ino that he must know much more about the subject.
-Usually we have to penetrate the mind, forcing it. –Ino argued slightly- a good indication of guilt would be that those who are subjected to these jutsu, try to resist. That raises certain mental barriers and it takes time to break them. But it would give us the clue of some shady business going on. In general, the mind tends to protect the most valuable secrets.
-None of that has happened ... -Shikamaru pointed out- the Shinobi Yamanaka were highly recommended by the leader of their clan present here. Their record is impeccable, they never fail a job. And they have reviewed without finding anything. All they got out of the scrutinized minds is the common knowledge of the old Root. But there is no new activity since Danzou's death at the hands of Uchiha Sasuke. When the old group began to disband.
There was a minute of silence. Naruto was frustrated, confused, and cheated. There was no physical or mental proof of Root's existence. Not even Shikamaru had his own theory about his existence. He was just analyzing what he currently had, and it wasn't much. It was really nothing. Just a lot of masterfully protected files, which didn't teach anything. But Shikamaru was efficient at his job, and he always had a card up his sleeve.
-For now we have nothing ... -he said without doubts- but we still have a chance. Turns out we haven't opened all the folders. When we understood how the seal worked, we left the most important ones closed for prevention. We think we could still find a way to get that information.
-How would you do it? –Tsunade consulted interested- that seal according to her memory was inviolable. It cannot be broken by force. Only open up for those who know how to do it.
-The ANBU led by Sai, has put many suspects under arrest. –Shikamaru continued- but maybe not everyone is an active part of that organization. We have concentrated our suspicions on the most important ones. But maybe some of them can help us.
-For example, who? -Asked some leader
-Uzumaki Boruto ...- Shikamaru added- he is arrested and suspected of being part of this. But a good way to check it would be to put it under the choice of helping or hindering everything. We have 4 folders with his name unopened. Plus the one with the Hokage's name. If I'm right, he may know the way to open them. The names may refer to that. Or at least check face to face if he is hiding something.
The idea won over everyone's mind, and after a few minutes of debate where Naruto was silent, they were convinced that they should bring the young Uzumaki before them. If he was helping by opening the files, they might consider being compassionate. It was necessary to know what was inside them. In a few weeks there was a new meeting of the Kage, this time in the country of the wind. And Naruto couldn't go to that encounter fearing that some of his ninjas would act behind his back to ruin the peace. They had to do something. They couldn't sit idly by.
Ino meanwhile, was trying to pretend to be calm. But he began to worry about this new idea. He had received a message days ago, with his code and code name to work in the root. After that, the mission to designate the 5 family members indicated for that task. There was no other indication for her, but it seemed obvious to her that those ninjas also belonged to the root on another level. So the mind scans would come to nothing. And now they were going for the part of the archives? Was it all part of the plan? Shikamaru seemed to have gotten this last idea out of the moment. Would Bolt be prepared for it?
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Sarada Uchiha felt trapped ...
She was beginning to feel nervous, heated, out of her mind. Days passed and her ruined opportunity to assassinate Ino Yamanaka frustrated her more and more. The matter was even more serious when her mother returned the morning after the attack to report with relief that the explosion at the hospital had not killed anyone. No casualties, no casualties to regret. Sarada tried by all means not to appear interested, but in a way she would have been suspicious if she had not been the least bit.
-And what happened to the night shift Ka-san? –The young woman would have asked in the middle of breakfast with her mother that morning- as she is telling me, the offices on the third floor exploded.
"Ino was the only one in the place," the hairy one announced, "but don't worry dear, your aunt is fine." She came out of the blast unscathed. It was a real fortune.
Sarada couldn't understand it. How had that damn woman managed to escape the trap ?! As she recalled, she left her unconscious and at the epicenter of what would be multiple explosions. She had even left explosive papers under her, if she moved or woke up from her for any reason, she would activate the booby trap from within. She would have to be dead!
Her mother did not stop speaking with clear relief from the situation. And Sarada inside her kept killing her "aunt" with the thought of her, also trying to reason the ways that led her to escape unscathed from her. Meanwhile, Sakura got the long-awaited response from her in a mere casual conversation:
"Luckily Ino had a guardian angel ..." Sakura sighed happy and innocent of the situation. "Your Boruto arrived in time to get her out of there. It was a true miracle.
That explained everything. Although it seems incredible, that night Boruto had planned to meet his lover. He went to the hospital night shift to make love to her, like so many other times surely. Sarada hadn't thought of that. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe ...
-Sarada I notice you worried… -said her mother, staring at her and taking her hand- What's wrong, darling?
The unthinkable happened. Ino knew perfectly well who had ambushed him. Sarada after hitting his head, she was aware that her aunt had seen her clearly before losing consciousness. She even clearly told him "this is for messing with my Bolt". And she left it to die there. Sarada expected to be arrested at any moment, but none of that had happened.
The passing of the days did not change the situation. Sarada felt very nervous the morning after the attack, and then she increased her anxiety day by day. Why had Ino Yamanaka not said anything about the identity of her attacker? Was it because she was Sakura's daughter? Or maybe because she felt guilty that she was fucking the fiancé of the young daughter of her best friend? For whatever reasons, Sarada could not digest that Ino besides saving herself from her attack, she decided to "spare her life". It was like an insult, like an offense. It was like "I don't need to give you away to be safe from you"
Then, faced with the concern of a mother who did not understand the fury of her daughter, Sarada would lock herself in her room for whole hours. Isolating himself, even from her mother, all to prepare for her next and final blow. Little by little the ideas of assassinating Bolt's lover in the shadows, were mutating into a dangerous new concept. Kill her at any cost, kill her in full view. Just kill her, even if she was eternally condemned to hellfire.
Knocks on the door of his room….
Sarada was sharpening some kunai while she planned where and when to nail them to her sworn enemy, and her knocks on her door took her out of concentration. The voice that emerged behind her was not expected. It wasn't about her mother, suggesting between sobs that she eat something. Nor was it about Konohamaru-sensei, who at Sakura's request had tried to take her out to train and get some fresh air. That voice behind the door, it was sweet and shy in a way. The girl who in a way was both complicit and "rival" in matters that worried Sarada about her future with Bolt.
It was about Himawari Uzumaki, the youngest daughter of the seventh Hokage.
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-Do you recognize these Boruto stamps?
The question was direct, and there was no getting around it. She could tell she didn't know them, but surely her father was registering it with that damn "golden" sixth sense. The slightest variation of the chakra would give it away. However, Boruto Uzumaki's physical posture and gestures were not rebellious. He looked listless. The young Shinobi took a couple of steps forward, grasping his wrists where the shackles had previously been. They released him at the entrance door to the council room. He hadn't given the slightest sign of wanting to escape anywhere.
-Yes… -said the young man, surprising the majority- I know this seal and I also know how to open it.
Shikamaru and Naruto were the most surprised. Even though Ino was in equal measure, he was actually trying to remember exactly how he breathed. Therefore his beautiful face did not denote equal impact to others.
-Do you claim that you are the creator of these stamps? - Some leader consulted before the general silence.
-Not at all… -the blond replied and Naruto didn't notice any change in his chakra -but they forced me to study about seals, and I know this one. Although he did not have the luxurious details of the last two trigrams, still…. -He finished calmly- it was a design of the Uzumaki clan.
-Cryptology has said that this seal cannot be opened by anyone, apart from its creator –added Shikamaru Nara seriously- How can you open it if you claim not to be the one who made it in the first place?
-Very simple ... -he defined approaching the folders exposed in a central table- because I am a descendant of the Uzumaki clan. And stamp designs with our brand, modified by others or not, are vulnerable to our blood.
-And what do you want in exchange for opening the seals right now? –Tsunade asked negotiating the question- we can offer you…
"I don't want anything advisory ..." the young man interrupted, "I'll do it right now." Without conditions.
He took a couple of steps forward, biting a thumb forcing it to bleed to spill a single drop on each seal. He then performed a sequence of stamps at full speed that few could follow and finally rested his hand on each folder one after the other. The markings glowed red, then blue, and finally disappeared. Some still expected a negative reaction, but Boruto did nothing but step back and place his hands behind. He seemed ready to go back to his prison safely.
-Is that all Hokage-sama? –Asked the young man with total passivity and coldness. Making it appear that only the leader was present at the scene.
They all looked at each other without understanding. The chakra in Naruto's son flowed at low and steady levels. He hadn't lied, he hadn't tried to react, nor had he escaped. Many in that meeting were aware that had Boruto Uzumaki wished to defeat practically everyone in that compound. With only one, with the Hokage himself, he would have had real trouble fighting.
-Take him away… ..- Tsunade pointed out before Naruto's null answer that he did not know how to avoid the obvious -after evaluating the information it will be decided if we continue with the trials.
The ANBU guards imprisoned him again as soon as they entered the place, and a couple of minutes later they had left the compound. It would be very distressing hours for Lord Hokage. The clan council was accessing more incredible information than they could ever hope for. The keywords in the 4 folders that were opened unleashed a revolution. "Granite", "Golden Sand", "Bloody Fog" and "Black Lightning". Until that moment, Naruto Uzumaki feared that his leadership would be called into question by Root's existence. But that situation turned into the least concern, when verifying that the entire alliance was intervened. The problem of espionage was not Konoha finally, but everyone. And both the leader, as well as the most important heads of the village of the leaf, understood it perfectly.
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Over the course of the next 30 days, world politics took quite a sharp turn. The Hokage of the leaf delivered in a private meeting to the peers of the leadership of him the reports on the organizations in each village. Wrapped in his golden chakra, Naruto obtained the plain truth from his colleagues. They weren't going to be able to hide a lie, even if they wanted to. The Kage had the meeting in secret, at the request of Naruto, and the truth was that both councilors and ninjas in all ranks of each village, were involved in the betrayal.
Of the leaders, only Sand Gaara knew of the existence of the group commanded by his brother Kankuro, and he justified himself by claiming that he knew about the espionage that the other villages carried out. He then extended a promise to deactivate "golden sand" as soon as the others stopped spying. There were shouts, reproaches and warnings of war. But finally the Kage understood that their true enemies were not in that room. The rivals of his leadership were none other than the ex-Kage or ninjas from his own village. And they acted as expected of them. Mass arrests, wholesale dismissals and the veiled threat to their respective feudalists against funding anyone who would oppose the current Kage of each village.
Paradoxically, Naruto achieved with this revelation what he had longed for for years with his constant meetings, the signing of peace guaranteed by his colleagues in command of the 5 countries. Now the leaders had the support of their colleagues, and thus they would be able to impose their authority on their own and strangers. It was in no one's interest to go to war with the foreigner, when other secret organizations might re-emerge in his village to undermine his leadership.
Naruto incredibly, had achieved the long-sought peace since forever.
Within Konoha, Sai and Shikamaru put their time and talents to use for opposite ends. Although they were supposed to look for the evidence to initiate the espionage trials, Sai and the members of Raíz distributed in the certain departments, were in charge of eliminating evidence during the process. It was subtle work, because what little there was was in the files found at Kakashi's house. But any other loose ends in mission reports or old job files were quickly made up to create apparent normality.
By the time Naruto returned victorious from meeting his colleagues Kage, there was practically nothing left that could help lock up or execute already captured members of Root. Within days, only Kakashi and Boruto had any reason to remain in custody. And as soon as Naruto returned, finding that scenario without evidence, he decided to close the matter in his own way. He spoke personally with his former master Kakashi, alone and with no one listening to what they said. And days later, the silverhead pleaded guilty to keeping classified information in his possession, being a retired ninja. The sanction would force him to 5 years of house arrest and that seemed more like a blessing, considering that he hardly ever left his mansion in the first place.
Boruto was released without charge or sanction. There was no physical proof of his connection to Root's espionage. He had only contributed the knowledge of him in seals, granted by Kakashi. And he had not resisted to open the seals that no one could. Managing to deliver the valuable information that led all politics towards peace. The boy had not spoken or smiled again. Those days in prison he was enduring in silence. He had a lot to think about, and his work was done. Kakashi-sensei's last mission had been to open the seals of the folders that were presented at the council meeting. Bolt obeyed, even though he didn't know what they contained or if he would land that information for him in jail for life. Still he complied with his master's request, and was fired from his job as Root's agent. He did not agree to hand over to the organization to which he belonged, but he also would not question the leader if he considered that to be the right thing to do.
His father had returned, with the news of the established peace and agreements shared with all the leaders including the Samurai. The decade of espionage had ended, the processes and trials in each village would result in countless people suspended, imprisoned and even executed. The feudalists would have to accept the new reality of the elemental countries.
Boruto Uzumaki, only returned to the Hokage's office for a reason after the entire incident. He entered with a document and handed it over to Moegui who took note of some of the procedures that the Hokage carried out. This document was nothing more than a formal transfer request. Boruto could be part of an embassy in any of the allied villages. As soon as Moegui consulted the reason for this strange request for a ninja of his category, the young man answered more for her father than for her:
- Some time ago, my father promised that as long as he did not have me next to him, he could choose any function or job to do. –Naruto wanted to say something, but the young man continued impassive- then he chose to leave Konoha to be an ambassador. I have nothing else to do here.
-Does it mean that you won't marry Sarada-chan? –Naruto said seriously and somewhat worried about what was happening before his eyes.
-The agreement will end when the time limits are exceeded. Bolt replied without emotion. "Sarada-chan knew perfectly well that I wasn't going to continue with that matter.
-Did you tell him?
"I will ..." said young Uzumaki untimely, "but that is not the Hokage's business, but rather fulfilling the promise he made to me." I could choose where to go, and I choose to leave Konoha. Now it only remains to sign the document and let me go. That's all.
Naruto stood up, he was about to say something, anything to keep his son from him, but he didn't quite know how. He had been wrong, he was aware that both Shikamaru and himself had been very wrong about considering Root as the enemy. Thanks to the group commanded by Kakashi, it was possible to unmask all the foreign organizations that were undermining the peace that Naruto and the rest of the Kage were trying to impose. Now Naruto because of all that was estranged from his children, from both of them. Because Himawari had made his position very clear regarding what happened. Naruto remembered it well, over a month ago:
Flash back:
Since it emerged that Bolt was under arrest, Himawari had not spoken to her father again. At home he avoided it all the time. In the office he did not speak to her, leaving his teammates to take orders for each mission. Himawari wasn't angry, she was completely furious. And Naruto knew exactly the level of rejection he had gotten from her daughter one night he tried to confront her. The young woman had finished dinner without saying a word as usual, and Naruto chased her down the hall to try to fix the situation:
-Hima-chan… ..daughter… ..please I have to explain what… .- he took her by the arm so that she would turn to see him- Hima-chan…
The young woman turned quickly, and on her impulse she struck her father a slap that made the whole house resound. Breathing heavily, Naruto had his face turned to the side with his cheek burning, trying to understand what was happening. Himawari had never done anything like it. She was always a sweet and lovely girl. She was incredibly similar to Hinata in her youth, but when her temper woke up, she definitely had things from her grandmother Kushina from her.
-Daughter ... Why?
-You put Onii-chan in prison! She –she snarled with a red face and little tears of contained frustration- You are a monster! I HATE YOU! She - she turned around to go to her room angrily- Don't ever talk to me again!
The slam of her room ended the horrible talk. Naruto that night could not sleep. In the darkness of the room, while his wife slept next to him, he remembered the face of his daughter; and the gaze of his son in the midst of his arrest. He was definitely wrong with the two people he loved the most on earth. The steps of him as leader and Hokage, were questioned even with the success achieved.
Since he was a boy, he had longed to be the Hokage, and to be recognized. But he also had the dream of not being alone. To have a family and be happy. His wife would never leave him. Hinata would always love him but that was not enough. Both Boruto and Himawari were the most important people in Naruto's life. That peace so dreamed and sought, was only for them. For their lives and the lives of their future children.
Something had to be done to change it. Something had to be done to avoid destroying that worn bond with both children. And to be all together and happy again. Despite all the mistakes of the past. Something must do.
End of flash back
Naruto had the document in his hands, and his son left the office. He remembered his own words months ago, where he told her clearly that he did not want to have him next to him. Where he affirmed with certainty, that he would never teach him the family techniques (which by right belonged to him) because he simply did not trust him. Those words had been completely turned around. Raíz was not a group that had violated the peace accords, but one that, by the necessary means, had preserved them.
-Hokage-sama ... - Moegui interrupted his thought, seeing him stunned- Should I process your son's pass to an embassy? Kazekage-sama has always considered Boruto-kun to be a godson.
Naruto didn't answer him, he just took the legal document and tore it to pieces. Not kiddingly was he going to allow his son to leave his home. Everyone could make mistakes, and Naruto had never considered himself perfect. But few could admit them and try to repair them. It was true that both Kakashi and Boruto had not acted legally. But his actions did not harm the Leaf Village either. Naruto might not agree with the methods of his former master, but the result was in sight. Peace was established throughout the Shinobi world.
And Boruto, good or bad, had contributed his own to achieve the goal.
End of part 1
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