My Contract to You

  “Second Lord Hokage…”

  Tobirama looked over at the people approaching him. 

  “What happened here?”

  Tobirama blinked, not knowing how to reply -- how could he reply?  He had no idea what was going on, either.  All he knew was that someone had brought him and his brother back from the dead in an attempt to kill Sarutobi, and now he was being ordered to serve some Uzumaki brat.

  “I don't know.” Tobirama said softly.  “I…  I should’ve been sealed away with my brother, but…” The Senju held up the scroll that the Shinigami had given him. “…I’m being punished.  I’ve been made a slave.”

  There were mutters, but suddenly, everyone’s attention turned to Sarutobi. 

  “Third Lord!” Someone screamed, running to the Hokage’s body. 

  Tobirama turned to look at his once-subordinate, and he felt himself overcome by grief.  Why was this happening to him?  What had he done to deserve this?

  “The Uchiha must have planned this,” Tobirama muttered to himself as soon as he was alone again.  “That fucking Madara.  I’ll kill him again, myself, I swear…”

  --LINEBREAK--  

  When Naruto returned to the village, he was confused as to why everyone kept giving him looks that were stranger than usual.  What did he do this time…?

  It wasn’t until Kakashi came and got Naruto did he realise that something was very wrong.  He was informed of the Third Hokage’s death, but when Kakashi announced that he had good news straight that, Naruto was utterly confused -- what could honestly be good news after someone as important and loved as a Hokage dies?

  “You’re going to be the master of Konoha’s Nidaime.” Kakashi announced lazily, staring at his book.

  “W-what…?” Naruto was confused.  The Nidaime was long dead, and even if he wasn’t, why would someone like Naruto be his master?

  “The Nidaime.” Kakashi repeated, turning the page.  “He’s your new servant.  Literally.”

  “T-the N-nidaime!?  S-s-servant!?  Kaka-sensei, this is not funny!  The old man just died!  How could you joke at a time like this!”

  “So you’re Uzumaki Naruto, huh…?”

  An unfamiliar voice spoke from behind Naruto.

  “A bit short, aren’t you?”

  Naruto turned, coming face-to-face with a tall man with white hair and a jacket that reminded Naruto greatly of Kiba’s.

  “…Who are you!” Naruto cried out in distress.  “What is going on?!”

  “Senju Tobirama,” the man introduced himself quietly.  “You may know me as the Nidaime.”

  Naruto’s eyes filled with tears and he turned to glare at Kakashi.

  “The old man just died and already you’re playing sick jokes on me!  The Second Hokage died a long time ago!  He can’t be here; it’s just not possible!”

  “Hot-headed, aren’t you?” Tobirama said quietly.  “I understand how you must feel.  Saru was my student.  I have more right to be upset than you, but even so, I am able to keep a level head.  Why can’t you?”

  “What is going on?!” Naruto snapped. 

  “To be honest, Naruto, I don't even know, myself.” Tobirama explained.  “I was brought back, along with my brother, the Shodai, but…”

  Tobirama shrugged and pulled the scroll out of his pocket, handing it to Naruto.

  Naruto took the scroll, opening it and scanning the contents quickly.  He looked up at the Senju once he had the scroll. 

  “..You’re really the Nidaime…?” Naruto asked, awe in his voice.  It seemed that his anger and sadness was already forgotten.

  Tobirama nodded.  “Of course.  What would I gain from lying?”

  Naruto shrugged and folded the scroll, placing it into his pocket and sniffing back tears.  He ran to the Second Hokage and hugged him tightly.

  “You really are him…” Naruto muttered, staring up at Tobirama with admiration on his face.  “…Wow…”

  Tobirama looked uncomfortable at the contact but he didn't do anything other than stand there awkwardly, inching away every now and then.

  “Uhh, Naruto?” Kakashi said softly, sensing Tobirama’s discomfort.  Naruto turned to look at his sensei.  “I don't think the Nidaime likes being hugged.”

  Tobirama shook his head.  “It’s fine…  I’m just not used to being hugged by people other than my brother.”

  “Sorry…” Naruto mumbled, releasing Tobirama and taking a few steps back.  “…”

  “What’s bothering you, Naruto?” Kakashi asked, slight concern in his voice.  “You’re never this quiet.”

  Naruto shook his head.  “I-it’s… just…  I don't understand… why the Shinigami chose me to be Tobirama-sama’s master…”

  “We don't understand a lot of things about the situation,” Tobi said softly.  “I guess all we can do is just go along with what we do know.”

  Naruto nodded, looking back at Tobirama before grinning widely.  “If… if I’m your master now, then… you’ll train me to become as strong as you, right?”

  Tobirama smirked.  “Is that an order, master?” He teased gently.

  Naruto shook his head, smiling.  “Nope!  It’s a promise!  You will train me, Hokage-sama!”

  “Tobirama,” Tobirama smiled softly.  “Or even Tobi will suffice, Naruto-kun.”

  “This is so cool!” Naruto cheered, all traces of doubt and unhappiness gone.  “I can’t wait to show you to all my friends!  They’re gonna be so jealous!”

  Tobirama frowned.  “Show me to your friends?  What am I?  Some kind of possession?”

  Naruto chuckled and shook his head.  “S-sorry, Tobi!  I didn't mean it to sound like that!”

  Tobirama sighed before smiling weakly again.  “Well, I guess I have no choice but to do whatever you wish, right?”

  “Uh-huh!”

  Tobirama chuckled.  Well, this was going to be… interesting.

  A/N I know this chapter is short, too, but I’m trying to get it going before I pump out longer chapters.  I suppose this is kinda like the second part of a prologue, the first part being the first chapter, obviously.