บท 70: Chapter 24: Sorrowful Revelation
Chapter 24: Sorrowful Revelation
Tsunade rubbed her head as she awaited the arrival of Neji and the rest of Naruto's friends. Stamping another paper thus granting it her approval she put it to a side before continuing to work. She tried to not let her mind drift to Naruto since every time she began to think about the jinchuuriki, she was overcome with worry.
Jiraiya was standing against one of the walls having abandoned his seat. The past hour had been spent in silence as he was thinking of the situation while the Godaime was working. He opened his eyes as he heard someone approaching the office of the Hokage.
Tsunade looked up from her desk at the entrance to her office as the door slowly opened. The two figures entered the room making their way closer to the desk. The Godaime raised an eyebrow at the unexpected arrival, "Can I help?"
Temari took a seat in the chair across the desk of the Godaime whereas Gaara continued towards the window of the office, stopping in front of it, before answering, "There was nowhere else to go…"
The Godaime looked puzzled for a moment since Konoha was a very large village. Temari answered to clarify, "We thought it would be best to come here since…well there's not really much else to do and we are your guests after all."
Jiraiya smirked at the lacklustre explanation as he folded his arms and tilted his head backwards to rest against the wall, "It doesn't matter…you should probably be here for this as well."
Temari voiced her interest while Gaara resumed staring out of the window, "Be here for what?"
They could hear voices becoming louder as Tsunade knew that they had arrived. She turned to the sand-nin, "You'll know soon enough."
Kurenai entered through the doors followed by Hinata. Shino walked in soon after as quiet and calm as usual. The Aburame walked towards the rest of his team mates standing next to Hinata while Kurenai stood behind them.
"Does that guy ever shut up? He's giving me a damn headache!" Kiba walked into the office with an annoyed expression on his visage and a whimpering Akamaru by his side. The last member of Team 8 and his companion walked towards their former sensei.
Neji entered followed by a screaming Lee, "Answer me my rival! Is this a ploy by you to prevent me from propelling myself up the heavenly ladder of youth?"
The Hyuuga was clearly in agony but only the most experienced of eyes could pick up his demeanour behind that stoic expression. He now regretted breaking up the green spandex clad chuunin's training session. The weapon specialist of Team Gai followed her team mates shaking her head at the display while their enigmatic mentor had tears in his eyes, "Such competition! This will only serve to rocket them to greatness! This passion, it fortifies me!" Gai had a fire burning in his eyes as he stood behind his former three students.
Chouji entered silently, only the sound of his mouth crunching the chips ruthlessly alerting everyone of his presence. Ino trailed behind her large team mate, "I wonder what this is about."
The Yamanaka stood next to the Akimichi as Shikamaru joined them at their side. He was unusually quiet and hadn't complained once about being interrupted from his cloud watching. Asuma walked in behind the three chuunin lighting a fresh cigarette and taking a drag, "We'll know soon enough."
Tsunade looked at the 3 teams in front of her. Kiba was holding his head while Lee continued on with his animated rant much to the irritation of the rest of the occupants. She shook her head, "Ahem!"
Gai and Lee turned to the bearer of the voice instantly standing at attention; they spoke simultaneously, "Hai, Hokage-sama!"
Gaara turned his head glaring at the newly arrived shinobi, his action caught the consideration of the shinobi as they recognised the Kazekage and his older sister were also present. As much as Gaara had loosened up, the younger generation of shinobi still disliked to displease him since it wasn't a very good idea.
Tsunade sighed as everyone settled down and Gaara turned back to looking out of the window, "Were you informed of why I have called you here?"
The 3 teams of shinobi shook their heads as Asuma blew out some smoke from his mouth, "We were only told to come here since it was important."
Tsunade nodded glancing at the Hyuuga prodigy, "All of you are present to be informed of one of Konoha's secrets." The rookie 9 and Team Gai listened intently, "Your former senseis are here to confirm for me whether you are fit to hear this news."
The teenagers looked on intrigued as the Godaime addressed the standing jounin team leaders, "Do you believe your students are ready to hear about the incident from 16 years ago?"
Kurenai spoke in a serious demeanour as she realised what incident the Godaime was referring to, "Why is there a need to tell them of this now?"
Jiraiya entered the conversation, "The situation demands it…they have a right to know and decide."
Naruto's companions keenly listened to the conversation knowing that it was very important. Shikamaru began to track through his mind in order to understand what they could be referring to as Asuma spoke, "My team is ready." Gai and Kurenai looked at the jounin, "If they don't understand even now…then I have failed as a teacher."
Gai raised his fist after hearing the Sarutobi's words, "Yosh! I believe in my team!"
Team 10 and Team Gai looked at their leaders as they gave them approval eagerly anticipating what they could be talking about. Tsunade turned to Kurenai, "Well?"
Kurenai smirked, "Hai."
Temari remained silent as she realised that she would be hearing of one of Konoha's secrets. She wondered what the Godaime could be talking about as she looked at her brother who seemed impassive of what was occurring.
Jiraiya looked at the busty blonde nodding before she began to speak, "What you are going to hear must not be repeated by any of you to fellow friends or shinobi coming up in the ranks." The group nodded, "You are being told because you are connected to whom this largely concerns."
Ino spoke as she realised the absence of certain people, "Um, Hokage-sama? What about Team 7?"
Tsunade ran a hand through her golden hair, "They already know of this." The group of shinobi looked slightly taken aback, "What I'm going to tell you is to do with a member of their team."
The group of shinobi waited anxiously as to who it may be while their previous team leaders observed them. Shikamaru kept a lazy demeanour but instantly began to contemplate whether this correlated with the strange behaviour of Sasuke and Naruto. The Godaime resumed, "16 years ago, this village suffered its greatest catastrophe when the Kyuubi attacked."
Chouji stopped the crisp in his hand inches from his mouth, "Kyuubi?"
Tsunade nodded, "In the academy you were all taught that he was killed."
Neji began to piece together the small pieces of information, "But he wasn't was he?"
The Godaime leaned back in her comfortable chair, "The Kyuubi is immortal. The Yondaime was incapable of defeating it so he did the best thing he could think of…he chose a newborn to become the container of the greatest of the tailed beasts…"
Neji's eyes widened as everything fell into place, he looked at the Hokage, "…he chose…Naruto."
The rest of the group stared at the Hyuuga prodigy as he spoke shocked by his words. Shikamaru closed his eyes finally understanding the mysteriousness of Naruto but this still didn't answer why he was behaving strangely. Temari looked at her brother knowing what he and the blonde genin had in common. Her respect for Naruto increased as she realised what he must have had to endure but still managed to stay as bright as he was.
Tsunade stared at the stunned faces of the shinobi in front of her, "For 16 years he has protected us by keeping the Kyuubi imprisoned..." The group looked at the Hokage as she continued in a more emotional voice, "For 16 years he was scorned by this village over something which he had no control over…for 16 years he fought this burden alone…" The tears became visible in the eyes of the blonde, "For 16 years he fought for acceptance…" Her voice became a whisper as the tears fell down her soft cheeks, "For 16 years…and now he has to pay a price that he shouldn't have to."
Gaara's ears twitched as he heard the last words the older woman spoke. He learnt that Naruto had the Kyuubi inside of him the day he had arrived in Konoha but he didn't understand the last part of what the Hokage had just said.
Chouji stared at the crisp in his hand as he learnt of Naruto's past. He had been picked on as a child and knew how hard it was not being appreciated. However, he soon became friends with Shikamaru and that pain slowly disappeared as their bond grew. His eyes dropped as he began to think of how hard it must have been for the jinchuuriki.
Shino's face was covered by the hood of his jacket and his sunglasses. His relationship with Naruto hadn't been deep but he considered the genin a friend and knew that such pain shouldn't have to be experienced by anyone. He pushed up his glasses hiding his eyes as best as he could.
Lee stood with tears brimming in his eyes as he bought up his hand wiping them away. He had always perceived Naruto as a cheerful person who didn't have such inner torments. The departure of Sasuke had affected him just as it had Sakura but he felt his heart go out to him in respect as he realised the many burdens he had to carry.
Ino felt a wave of shame flow through her as she remembered her past and the way she used to treat the genin. During their time in the academy she would always degrade the jinchuuriki and constantly berate him on his actions. She felt the urge to apologise as quickly as she could since she knew of how good of a person he really was. His fight to bring back his best friend for himself and because of the promise he made to Sakura showed the Yamanaka exactly how much passion and respect he carried for his comrades. She wished that she could repay the favour wondering where the jinchuuriki was.
Hinata's emotions were in confusion. She had always related to Naruto since both of them were underdogs and she used his undying courage as inspiration to fuel her own heart. She now realised how insignificant her own struggle was compared to what the Uzumaki went through. Her heart ached as she thought of the pain he must have endured.
Ten-Ten unconsciously gripped a kunai in her hand grasping it as tightly as she could. She never knew anything about the genin's past and had only recently got to know him closely. Her respect and admiration for the blonde increased as she realised how difficult it must have been for him to keep an energetic and encouraging attitude towards his friends after all he had been through.
Shikamaru's hands were in his pockets as he stared at the floor of the office. His friendship with Naruto had been strengthening over the years. After the Akimichi, Naruto was the closest friend he had. He wondered why the genin never asked for help but encouraged others. The selfless act of Naruto made him feel saddened but ultimately angry with himself, believing he should have recognised earlier.
Kiba pondered over his rivalry with the most hyperactive ninja born in Konoha. During their first meetings, the Inuzuka never respected Naruto believing him to be weak. After their fight in the chuunin exams and Naruto's subsequent defeat of Neji, he acknowledged the jinchuuriki's strength. However, his respect for what he had to endure augmented. He looked down at Akamaru who was whimpering. He gave a bittersweet smile before rubbing the big dog's head inwardly angry at the villagers over their treatment of the genin.
Neji clenched his fists as he gritted his teeth. He remembered his words to the jinchuuriki at their match in the chuunin exams 3 years ago.
"You are nothing. Don't lecture me. People are born carrying an unchangeable fate…To carry a seal that can never be removed. A guy like you will never understand what it means."
His heart ached as he realised how wrong his words were that day. A flood of guilt and pain rushed his mind as he realised that Naruto had been fighting against his fate just like him and he continued to this day. His vision obscured as the floor in front of him blurred so he couldn't make out the details.
"You're different from me. You're not a dropout."
Incapable of holding them back any longer the two tears of understanding fell from his eyes.
The different feelings and emotions that spread across all the shinobi varied from their encounters with the genin. However, they all felt one thing in particular and that was the illusion that they were close to the blonde. They now understood how far apart they had been from understanding the true form of their friend. They all felt saddened that they were so alienated from him.
Hinata struggled to find her voice, "N…Naruto-kun is…a h…hero isn't he?"
Kurenai smiled as she heard her student speak, proud that she understood and accepted this. The team leaders looked at their students glad to see that all of them seemed to have a higher opinion of Naruto now that they were told of his burden.
Kiba couldn't contain his anger any longer, "Why?" Everyone looked at him as he spoke, "Why the hell did they treat him like this?"
Jiraiya looked at the dog user before glancing at the Hokage. Tsunade was visibly upset and had marks of tears running down her face which was noticeable by all the shinobi present. He closed his eyes speaking, "I'll explain."
The rookie 9 and Team Gai turned their attention to the frog hermit who was calmly standing, "To fully understand the villagers initial hatred, I'm going to tell you of how Konoha was founded."
The team leaders remained silent as they knew of this while the Kazekage and rest of the group listened, "Originally, the Fire Country had a lot of clans but they were all divided. The most prominent of these clans were the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans. Their quarrels and disputes stopped any unity from forming."
Neji listened absorbedly as he heard of his clans past, "Eventually, the Fire Country was attacked and all the clans had to fight off the invaders…but due to their own personal disputes they were insufficient in fending off the attackers." He looked at the younger generation, "What made the invaders so dangerous was that they carried a weapon like none other that had been witnessed before…a jinchuuriki."
Shikamaru remained silent analysing what he was hearing while Ino spoke, "Is that why they hate Naruto, because this jinchuuriki did so much damage?"
Jiraiya shook his head, "I'll get to that. A lot of the clans suffered casualties and many were giving up hope since they couldn't find a way to stop the power of the tailed beast within the young boy."
Kiba voiced his surprise, "Young boy?"
Jiraiya nodded, "He was only 12. An emotionless weapon they had bred to destroy and kill. This was where the Shodaime played a vital factor. He had a strong friendship with the leader of the Uchiha clan and convinced him to join forces with the Hyuuga. After much debate, an alliance was formed…and the other clans such as the Aburame joined as well after seeing the example displayed. Everyone united to fight the attackers off their birth land. Nonetheless the power of the jinchuuriki was not something to be toyed with…after a tiring battle the Shodaime managed to suppress the power of the beast within the young boy giving his best friend the chance to stop him."
The shinobis listened in awe learning of the history of their village, "After the jinchuuriki had been captured…the clans methodically pushed back the invaders and succeeded in defending their country."
Shikamaru finally spoke, "What about the jinchuuriki?"
The legendary sannin crossed his feet, "The Shodaime believed that he was innocent and that because of the way he was brought up in life…he didn't know. He decided to take him in as his own…but a lot disagreed with his decision including his best friend. He refused to listen to their pleas to kill the boy but their problem was quickly overshadowed when they heard that there may be another possible attack." He sighed, "The Shodaime believed that in order for them to stand a chance they would have to remain united…and because of possible future threats…the best way was to form their own village. Leading them to through the Fire Country they settled on this location to bring forth the establishment of Konoha. In a large part the effort was behind three men solely, the Shodaime, Nidaime and the leader of the Uchiha clan for putting aside his differences to bring peace."
Chouji rubbed his head trying to understand everything, "But that was a good thing right?"
Jiraiya stared at Tsunade briefly, recognising the sorrow in her eyes as he retold the story of her grandfather, "It was a good thing. The attack never came and the village began to prosper. The jinchuuriki the Shodaime took in began to liven up. The young boy began to live and slowly over the course of a few years, he gained the trust and respect of the people of Konoha. They believed that he was just like any other boy who had been starved of a family and consideration. Though there were those who accepted him, the leader of the Uchiha clan was still strongly against his presence and thought that he would betray us."
Ten-Ten folded her arms acknowledging the history of Konoha, "Something went wrong didn't it?"
Jiraiya cleared his throat resuming, "Hai, he went missing…as soon as the Shodaime was informed he stepped down for his younger brother, the Nidaime to take over. He left Konoha to search for the jinchuuriki who had become like a son to him. The people of the village waited for his return…and then one day…two figures approached the village gates."
An unnatural feeling fell over the shinobi as Jiraiya spoke, "It was the leader of the Uchiha clan…along with the corpse of the Shodaime."
Neji's eyes widened as he began to slowly realise what might have happened, "…he was killed."
Jiraiya looked at Tsunade who had fresh tears on her face, "Yeah...there was a battle between the Shodaime and the boy he took in as his own son…and he lost. The Shodaime's best friend was quick to avenge his death by killing the jinchuuriki. The battle scarred the land where the three main reasons for the establishment of Konoha came to a head. In commemoration of the Shodaime and his tragic loss, two statues were carved of him and the avenger of his death…thus the battle torn land became known as the Valley Of The End…the place where the leaf legends fought, bled and in the case of two of them…died. The revelation of the events caused a ripple of destruction throughout Konoha and that was where the Sandaime became important. With the death of the Nidaime, he stepped up to the mantle…" He smiled, "The old man regenerated Konoha and brought hope to the people…if it hadn't been for him, Konoha wouldn't be here today. The events of that day affected him a great deal also…he not only lost his mentor but he lost him at the hands of his most trusted friend."
Ino's curiosity was at its peak, "What was his name…the one the Shodaime took in?"
Jiraiya had a grim face, "He was named for what the Shodaime saw in his heart…Yasuo…Uzumaki Yasuo."
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Naruto calmly waited for the shinobi across him to make a move. The wind began to pick up making the water move slightly.
The leader of the Akatsuki walked towards the river stepping onto it before suddenly disappearing. Naruto grinned jumping up as the criminal tried to sweep out his legs from under him. Turning in midair he brought down his leg towards the criminals head. The orange haired male moved avoiding the attack as he jumped back across the water.
Naruto smiled as he saw him land, "What's wrong? I thought you'd be better than this."
The criminal didn't respond, instead once again speeding at him and throwing a punch at his face. The jinchuuriki ducked under as it flew over him before bringing up his hands to defend against the following knee. Naruto moved to the side placing an elbow in the ribs of the criminal before following up with an uppercut to his chin which sent him a few feet into the air. Jumping up with the orange haired male, he twisted placing a hard kick into his stomach, sending him sprawling across the water.
The leader of the notorious organisation spirited across the cold water before quickly regaining his feet and forming hand seals which Naruto found hard to detect, "Katon Meppou Kisoku!" He let out a huge breath forming multiple balls of fire. Throwing out his hands they rushed at Naruto.
Naruto formed hand seals of his own hastily, "Suiton Jinsoku Sokushahou!" Several balls of water instantly rose from the river before charging at the incoming fire. The opposing attacks connected causing the fire to split into smaller parts and rain down.
Naruto was surprised by the attack as he hadn't seen the particular technique before nor was it written on the scroll Jiraiya had given to him. He flipped to the side as the leader of the Akatsuki flew past him missing with his kick. Landing on his feet, Naruto charged at the criminal while the rain of fire continued. He threw several punches as they were parried or dodged. Putting all his strength into his right hand he threw it at the stomach of the criminal which was subsequently blocked but he didn't hesitate before grabbing hold of the enemy's arm. Holding a tight grip he pulled him forward and head butted him before kneeing him across the face. He followed his onslaught with three well placed punches in his ribs and finally a roundhouse kick to the head.
He smirked as he saw blood escape the mouth of the criminal as he went soaring threw the air. Naruto formed two clones before they ran at the flying criminal. The leader of the Akatsuki turned in mid-air throwing a shuriken at one of the clones causing him to explode and set off the other clone next to him.
Naruto sighed at his failed attempt of connecting with his Bunshin Daibakuha technique. He stared at the orange haired criminal as he spat out blood from his mouth, "I'm guessing you regret sending the other two away now, huh?"
The criminal tilted his head stretching his neck as the blood dripped from his mouth, "No."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at the calm demeanour of his opponent as well as his one word dismissal, "Well, I'll make you regret it."
Speeding across the water, he caused it to rise, before jumping at the head of the criminal and trying to kick him. The leader grinned blocking it with his elbow before holding his leg tightly and swinging him around. Naruto formed hand seals producing another two clones in mid air as they instantly rushed at the orange haired male.
The criminal let go of Naruto causing him to fly through the air towards the humongous waterfall before turning his attention to the attacking clones. He dodged the simultaneous attacks as they continued to throw multiple punches and kicks at him. Moving underneath one of their attacks, he pulled out a wire through his cloak before sending the sharp item through the clone's stomach, destroying it. He quickly jumped out of the way avoiding a punch from the remaining clone before throwing the wire around it's neck and pulling him inwards. The clone was taken by surprise at the display of strength incapable of resisting as he met a hard fist head on, ending its short life.
The criminal smirked as he saw Naruto regain his footing and begin to charge at him. Forming a set of hand seals, he shouted, "Katon Kazanbai Moui!" Ash flowed off the criminal raising a large wall and concealing him behind it.
Naruto stopped in his approach as he saw the large wall of ash which was sizzling. His eyes widened as it erupted into flames and charged at him like a frenzied animal. As quickly as he could, he performed hand seals of his own, "Doton Doryu Joheki!" The sound of rumbling ensued as he used a large amount of chakra. The water parted as a large mass of earth rose from the depths of the river intercepting the attack. Naruto sighed as he saw that it was large enough to cover the approaching flames but his mouth fell open when he saw the tremendous wall in front of his burst into multiple directions hitting the water with splashes. He let go of the chakra which was holding him to the surface of the river falling into the cold water below as the flames rushed past him overhead.
Naruto held his breath as he stared the flames above the water. He could feel the river heat up from their power. His concentration was broken as he felt someone rushing towards him. Naruto produced a clone which took the attack for him before turning to meet the crimson eyes of his opponent. Their speed only reduced a tiny amount due to the amount of force they were applying. Naruto blocked the combination with his hands before dropping in the water and attempting to kick the criminal in his stomach. The leader of Akatsuki saw the attack coming hence turning upside down in the water and coming face to face with Naruto. Not wasting any time he spun kicking the jinchuuriki in the head. He didn't let the genin descend too much as he took a hold of his hair and began repeatedly punching him.
Naruto gasped as he let his mouth open and struggled for breath. Knowing he couldn't continue taking the onslaught, he formed another of his volatile clones which came in between him and the criminal. The subsequent explosion sent them both in opposing directions as they went spinning through the water. Naruto tried his hardest to regain control before rushing to the surface of the water. As his head revealed itself from the cold liquid, he gasped to breathe before exiting and standing on top.
He didn't have time to waste as a boulder flew past him and onto the land behind him. He looked at the leader who was grinning. 'It's time to end this.' He placed his hands in their signature position, "Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" The thousand clones rushed at the enemy.
The orange haired criminal pulled out two kunai before beginning to slash his way through the huge mass of clones but they eventually trapped him holding his arms and legs as well his back stopping him from moving completely. He stared in front of him as the real Naruto ran at him with a sphere of chakra in his hand.
Naruto rammed the huge ball of devastation into the stomach of the smirking criminal, "Oodama Rasengan!" The force of the attack destroyed all his clones and sent the leader of the notorious organisation flying back onto the land and into the wall of the valley. The wall of earth crumbled slightly causing lots of rock to fall to the ground at the impact.
Naruto stared at the huge cloud of dust before walking towards the land. He coughed as he made his way over to where the rocks were. He could see a figure buried in the rock, the upper body and one arm visible. He stood in front of the carnage he had caused waiting to get a clear view. The dust slowly cleared revealing the body as it sent a wave of shock through the jinchuuriki's body. He stared unbelievingly at what lay in the rubble, "What the hell?"
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The rookie 9 froze as they heard him say the name of the jinchuuriki. Shino looked at the legendary sannin, "He was Naruto's ancestor."
Jiraiya nodded, "The Sandaime and him were best of friends…he was hurt a lot more deeply than others but the strength he showed was a great example to the people and they took inspiration from it. As time went by, his heart also recovered until the Kyuubi attacked…and another jinchuuriki was created. The descendant of the first jinchuuriki in Konoha was chosen to bear the burden of the Kyuubi…to the old man, he saw this as an opportunity to change the perception of the people…he wanted to make sure Naruto was raised well in honour to Yasuo. To do this, he introduced a law forbidding anyone to speak of the Kyuubi so he could grow up like any other child. In addition, he changed the academy teachings so the history of Konoha wouldn't be taught and the label jinchuuriki would become just that…a label."
Realisation dawned upon the group of younger generation as they understood why the villagers had such a hard time accepting Naruto. Kiba, however, was still angry and appalled, "What the hell does that have to do with Naruto? He's different!"
Jiraiya gave a bittersweet smile as he remembered what the Uzumaki was fighting for, "You're right…he is different. And the villagers are slowly realising that. The older generation is beginning to slowly change their attitude of him and the past of Konoha remains just a memory…now you know why he was hated even though he was a hero…the people feared for a repetition of the past. This added to losing the Yondaime only fuelled their anger towards him."
The shinobi remained silent learning of the history of their village. They were equally shocked as they understood the sacrifices made by the legends of Konoha to bring prosperity.
Gaara calmly stared through the window absorbing all the information. His thoughts lingered on the last words of the Godaime before the frog hermit began to speak. He spoke nonchalantly, "What price?"
Everyone directed their eyes at the standing Kazekage as he repeated his question upon not receiving an answer, "What price must Naruto pay?"
Tsunade wiped the tears from her face as Jiraiya found everyone turning to him for an answer. He closed his eyes speaking in a penitent tone, "…death."
Everyone in the room felt themselves fill with surprise except the two legendary sannin. Asuma blew out the smoke from his mouth, "He's being punished? What's going on?"
The chakra surrounding Naruto's coils flashed through the Hyuuga prodigy's mind, "No…" He sighed closing his eyes as his voice became really soft, "…He's dying." Neji could feel his heart tearing up inside as the revelation sunk in."
Hinata's eyes began to water as she let the grief show plainly. She put her head in her hands as Kurenai placed a hand on her shoulder, a look of sympathy on the crimson eyed woman's face.
The rookie 9 and Team Gai didn't believe what they were hearing. All the information was becoming too much to handle as they felt their hearts aching and breaking. Chouji crushed the chip in his hand while Ino let the tears from her eyes flow down her soft skin. Lee's aura changed strongly from that of energy to understanding and grief. Shino glasses concealed his face well however a solitary tear could be seen leaking down his cheek. Ten-Ten instantly stopped playing with the kunai in her hand as she saw all the images of her and Naruto training through her mind. She wouldn't see that smiling and energetic face. Her emotions overwhelmed her as she too began to cry grabbing the arm of Lee who stood unmoving.
Shikamaru's lazy expression changed drastically as his insides were filled with pain. His thoughts went to the genin as he realised what all the strange behaviour entailed. Naruto had known he was dying yet he displayed a cheerful and energetic facade around others. He gritted his teeth trying his hardest not to openly weep as the tears escaped his eyes, 'Why do you have to be so troublesome?'
Temari looked at the floor as the feeling of injustice swept over her. She had just moments ago learnt of the genin's troubles and she realised how unfair his life had treated him. For some reason she felt herself comparing the pain to what it could be like if she lost her younger brother. She turned to see Gaara's unmoving posture, the sorrow showing.
Gaara stared with wide eyes. Looking into his own reflection in the window, he saw something he was exceedingly unfamiliar with. He slowly raised his hand to his cheek touching the fluid substance. Moving his hand away he looked at the watery essence.
"I don't know why but I understand your feelings so much, it actually hurts."
A sharp jolt of unpleasantness struck him within his chest as it felt like it was going to explode. The feeling of isolation crept into his blood and veins as he tingled.
"The pain of being alone…it's completely out of this world isn't it?"
The young Kage took a step back clutching his chest and letting out a frightened gasp. Temari quickly rose out of her seat, "Gaara!"
The hold he had on his chest increased in strength as he tried to stop the crushing agony, "Make it stop…"
Temari clutched her brother as she tried to pry his hand from his chest, the patch of clothing darkening as it became stained with blood. "MAKE IT GO AWAY!"
Jiraiya instantly became alert as he realised the disturbed state of the young Kage. Before anyone could react he appeared next to the shinobi and placed a well directed strike to the back of his neck causing him to drift into unconsciousness.
Gaara fell into the arms of his sister as his eyes closed slowly. The shinobi looked on understanding how hard it hurt. Jiraiya sighed as he stared at the still form of the Kazekage.
Kiba shook his head not believing what was going on. He was refusing as hard as he could to stop the feeling of sorrow overcoming him as he spoke in a disbelieving and broken voice, "This is bullshit!" Akamaru whimpered, "No way, why wouldn't he tell us?"
The dog gave another sound as it caught the attention of its owner. Kiba stared in incredulity at his animal companion. He remembered the blonde talking to Akamaru.
"Don't worry. I'm going to be fine."
He fell back onto the floor as Akamaru sat down next to him. The Inuzuka punched the ground as he spoke, "Damn liar…he's known all this time."
All the shinobi except Shikamaru looked at him as they heard him speak, not knowing that particular detail. Ino asked the question on the other ninja's minds, "What do you mean he knew all this time?"
Jiraiya spoke inspecting the small wound on Gaara's chest, "He knew that he was dying…all that happiness…all those smiles…it was all a mask for your sake."
Shikamaru ignored his crying comrades, "Where is he?"
Jiraiya sighed standing up, "He's gone after Akatsuki. All his training…it has been for this moment."
Ten-Ten froze as she heard the words training. Her spars with the genin came to mind as she realised why he seemed so desperate. She fell back onto the floor crying as everything about his situation sunk in cruelly.
Gai tried to suppress the tears rolling down his face as he heard the tragic tale. He respected the young man for everything he had been through and hearing he had gone after the enemy made him sniffle as he realised why, "Finally…one has arrived which makes my youth seem so insignificant…his death…this is injustice!"
Neji spoke calmly, "That guy yesterday…their whole organisation, it's after the Kyuubi inside him isn't it?"
Tsunade was the one who answered, "Yeah, that's why he's gone after them…to finish this."
Kiba gritted his teeth, "Alone? He's going to get himself killed!"
Shikamaru's mind clicked as Kiba's words made him realise the answer to the hardest question he had been posed with, "He understands…the King." Confusion spread throughout the room except for the elder ninja's, "To him it doesn't matter if he dies…" He turned to Asuma, "At first I kept thinking in the literal sense but I understand now," He faced his fellow companions, "What's more important than all of us including the Hokage? It's this village…its ideals…our friends and family…he understands that and he's willing to die for it…" He let another tear fall from his face, "He's fighting for everyone here…even those who hated him…because…"
Jiraiya finished his sentence for him as he walked to the window, "…because that is what a Hokage would do." He turned back to the mourning shinobi, "I know this is a lot of me to ask…but don't go after him."
Neji was quick to protest, "Why? He's doing all this for us! It's only right that we help!"
Jiraiya smiled, "…He would be happy that you all understand and show such care…Tsunade will explain why but have faith in me…I'll make sure you meet at least once more."
Feeling the majority of his chakra returned Jiraiya prepared to leave to find the person he wanted to bring with him, "You know…whenever I used to train him…he would never give up," He closed his eyes, "When I asked him why, he told me because the strongest weapon a shinobi has…is the will to believe in himself," He turned to the jinchuuriki's friends before he left, "…believe in him like he has in you."
The frog hermit jumped through the window as the shinobi remained silent. Asuma had a minute smile across his face as he remembered the Sandaime, 'You did it old man…you proved everyone wrong…people might never know…but he's become the greatest shinobi born in this village since the Yondaime himself.' The visage of Naruto flashed through the Sarutobi's mind as he dropped the cigarette from his hand.
Bunshin Daibakuha - Clone Great Explosion
Doton Doryu Joheki - Earth Release Earth Flow Rampant
Katon Kazanbai Moui - Fire Release Volcanic Fury (Original)
Katon Meppou Kisoku - Fire Release Chaos Breath (Original)
Suiton Jinsoku Sokushahou - Water Release Rapid Cannon (Original)
Tajuu Kage Bunshin No Jutsu - Mass Shadow Replication Technique
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