For the Love of His Son

Disclaimer: Not mine. Bummer.
Summary: Lord Sasuke Uchiha believes that he has lost something precious to him and struggles to convince himself everyday that it didn‘t exist. What will he do when a blond hair peasant arrives at his doorstep claiming he has something the Uchiha “misplaced.” (SasuNaru)

Author’s Note, pt 2: Today my little darlings, I must talk about the love/hate relationship I have with Hinata. Personally, I think she is adorable and if I even for a moment considered Naruto anywhere but under, oh, I meant WITH, Sasuke, he would so be chasing that stuttering sweetheart. That said, it’s important that you understand that this is my first story (in case anyone missed that… it also explains any lameness that is bound to pop up). So, as a result, this is the first time I have written Hinata and her stuttering is driving me insane. (She talks a lot this chapter.) So, I refuse to keep doubling up on the beginning letters and then having to assure my word processor that I haven’t lost my mind and yes, god yes, that is what I meant. So, your choices are as follows. One: Imagine the damn stuttering. Two: Imagine that Hinata is comfortable enough around Sasuke that it just goes away. Three: Hate me forever and run cackling into the night.
Whatever floats your boat. Thanks guys!


For the Love of His Son
Chapter 4


Sasuke entered his study and motioned for Hinata to sit down on one of the chairs in front of his desk. He walked quietly over to the window with his hands still securely in his pockets. The weather was dreary outside, what with summer sputtering to an end. Sasuke leaned his forehead against the cool glass pane and wondered how so much had changed in such a short period of time.


“M-my Lord?”


Sasuke turned his head, surprised to notice that he had forgotten Hinata was with him. He shook his head. Really, these ‘episodes’ of Un-Uchiha-ness were getting out of hand. Damn dobe. Damn Sakura. Damn Itachi. Damn…


“Sasuke, are you sure you are al-alright?” Hinata had stood up, without him noticing AGAIN, and was now shaking his shoulder gently. He nodded at her and watched as she sat back down.


“Hinata, tell me what happens after a baby is born. I know that in order for the child to ground himself, he needs to receive chakra from one or both of his parents. But what would happen if they weren’t available?” Sasuke asked, beginning a conversation that he hoped would answer a lot of his questions.


“Well, s-simply put, the baby would die. B-but, it’s interesting that you would ask this because I had wanted to talk to you about something that I noticed d-different about Chibi.”


Sasuke raised a dark eyebrow, his eloquent way of asking her to continue, but after hearing Naruto’s story, he had a feeling that he knew what her concern was.


“The d-day that you asked me to look over the baby to determine if he was yours, I did see your chakra, just as I said, but what I didn’t see was much of Sakura’s. Normally, when my cousin or myself look at a newborn, we can see both parents chakra’s equally, until the baby matures and beings to develop and produce their own. Your chakra is a purple color and I should have seen Sakura’s pink. And, in a w-way, I did. But it was a minute amount… enough to say she was involved in the making of the child, but not nearly enough to be… normal.”


Hinata shook her head and smiled sheepishly up at Sasuke. She wished she had a better explanation to give Sasuke. He had been through so much and now, he had his baby back, but something was going on with the little chibi and she had no idea what, how or even when, having not been there for the baby boy’s birth.


Sasuke nodded, “So, when you look at Ryuu,” Hinata looked up with startled, white eyes. When had the baby been given a name? “you only see my chakra and trace amounts of Sakura’s?”


“Actually no, and this is where it gets even more confusing. Ryuu has a third chakra. A blue so light that it is almost white. When I look at Ryuu, I see your chakra and the unknown chakra blending together to help Ryuu create his own, the way that a mother’s and father’s should. If it were possible,” Hinata smiled apologetically at Sasuke, feeling foolish for wasting his time with this harebrained notion, “It’s almost as if… I would say that the two are working together to push Sakura’s remnants of chakra out of Ryuu‘s small chakra system altogether.” Hinata closed her eyes, seeing the chakra signature of the small boy in her minds eyes. Her eyes snapped open at a chuckle from Sasuke. When did Sasuke start chuckling? She looked at him expectantly and not without a little trepidation.


“After the birth of my son, Sakura refused to give the infant her chakra. It turned out to be her final act of ‘motherly love’ since she died soon afterwards. Naruto, not knowing that it wouldn’t work or maybe not caring, gave Ryuu his own chakra. He then…” Sasuke’s eye widen when Hinata stood up to interrupt him. That was new.


“It’s not possible. He couldn’t have. The baby would have rejected the foreign chakra. Babies accept their biological parent’s chakra because they have trace amounts from both running through their chakra systems from conception. These trace amounts are what need to be grounded immediately after birth when they receive chakra from their parents. Furthermore, Kiba told me that Naruto’s chakra is red, the chakra running through Ryuu is not.” Hinata clasped her hands together. This boy, Naruto, couldn’t possibly do what Sasuke had said. Will alone does not make the impossible, possible.


“Hinata, let’s say for a moment that it could be done. No, wait, it IS done. Now let’s determine how it was done and what it will mean for my son. The first thing that you need to know is that Naruto has two chakras, yet another mysteriously impossible trait our young guest has. I can only assume, having never ‘seen’ it, that his first, personal chakra, is the light blue one now running through Ryuu. Leaving the second, red one to be what was seen in the courtyard when Naruto appeared.” Sasuke sat down across from Hinata, placed his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his hands. He look at Hinata, his face devoid of emotion.


Hinata stared back at him. Just as she was starting to feel rather uncomfortable, she realized that Sasuke was waiting for her to contribute to the discussion.


“Oh, well, I suppose the first thing to consider is what we know about the two different chakra’s that Naruto carries. Perhaps they have something to do with Ryuu accepting the chakra. I mean, it’s impossible to have two different chakra systems and it’s impossible for a baby to accept the chakra of someone other than their biological parents. It can’t be a coincidence.” Hinata looked up to see Sasuke smirk. Well, she thought, that doesn’t bode well, does it.


“Well, then we have nothing, since I know next to nothing about the two chakras. I know Naruto willing uses it for its power and that it heals him independent of that will and that it is powerful enough to be visible to the naked eye. When I stood next to him in the court yard, it was lifting pebbles off the ground and no one saw him make any hand signs or say anything that would result in such an awesome display of power. The feeling I got while standing there was controlled chaos. Like all that power was being held back, almost like Kiba and his mutt locked in a small room, spinning around and around, but unable to get past the simple wooden door. In this case, the door being a seventeen year old dobe.”

Hinata smiled a bit at the image of Kiba and leaned back in her chair. “I haven’t been around Naruto. What can you tell me about his personal chakra? Obviously you haven’t seen it, but surely you have felt something from him.”


Sasuke closed his eyes and considered the question. What had he felt around Naruto? Until about 20 minutes ago, he’d felt nothing but gratitude for the boy (sorta)… and then the young boy was revealed to be a young man and things had gotten complicated. Ugh, stupid un-Uchiha-ness episodes. The question was what he felt from Naruto’s ‘chakra’, not from his hand touching Sasuke’s or his sky blue eyes piecing his coal black or the tender smile that Naruto bestowed upon his son or how he would spend quality time later figuring out how to get Naruto to smile that smile at… DAMMIT!


“Naruto’s personal chakra is bright, innocent and warm. It is powerful to be sure and although I can’t see it, now that it has returned to normal levels, it seems like he keeps it right below the surface, like a glow. Once again,” Sasuke nearly ground out in annoyance, “I’ve never really experienced anything like it. Yes, when I’m around you, I can sense your chakra, but somehow it doesn’t feel like you are putting it out there. When I’m around Naruto it feels like it is trying to come out of his body and wrap itself around me.” And if Sasuke was truthful with himself, he’d admit that he understood why his son wanted to be around Naruto, to be with him made Sasuke feel needed, warm and above all else loved for being exactly who he was, best and worst traits included. “You’d have to ask the others if they felt the same.” Sasuke finished with a weary sigh. When was the last time he’d talk this much, and about something that could almost be interrupted as him discussing his feelings.


Hinata held back a small smile. Seeing Sasuke like this was priceless. It had been such a long time since any of them had seen anything but cold detachment on the young lord’s face. Since his family had been killed, Sasuke took on all the responsibility of keeping his castle and nearby village together. At the moment of totally desolation and weakness, Sasuke stood up and pulled everyone along with him. Keeping food growing, trade running and families together with a single minded strength unique to Uchihas, but specifically to the youngest son, Sasuke. The price he paid was great though. He was alone and soon after betrayed yet again by his brother and Sasuke‘s own wife. Sasuke had become his people’s strength, but at the cost of his own innocence and childhood. To see him struggling almost childishly with his feelings or cuddling his precious baby boy, one that he had given up willingly for the sake of all, was nothing short of a miracle to all of Sasuke’s friends.


Hinata’s thoughts were interrupted as Sasuke cleared his throat. She looked up to find him running his hands through his midnight locks.


“So, what we know is that we don’t know much. Naruto is the walking definition of ‘impossible’. Ryuu is alive through ‘impossible’ means but, up until this point, beyond his entire existence being ‘impossible’, he seems perfectly normal, if not a little too attached to his ‘impossible’ mother.”


Sasuke closed his eyes. Part of him just wanted to stop thinking about the whole thing. They should all just accept and appreciate that it had happened and move on. The other part, the Uchiha part, refused to walk away from such a baffling situation. Somehow, Sasuke knew that Ryuu, Naruto and Sasuke were headed forward on a path that they had no control over and the more information they had, the better off they, and everyone around them, would be.


“Hinata, thank you for talking with me. Please keep thinking about explanations, perhaps talk to others that have been around Naruto, and keep me informed on what you find. Talking to Neji and visiting Naruto yourself is also a good idea.” Sasuke stood up from his seat. “I’m going to go talk with Naruto again. Right now, if he is awake. I told him that I wouldn’t ask anymore questions today, but I’ll try to pick up some more from him concerning his two chakras. I would also like to question him more about what his thinking and motive were when he shared his chakra with a stranger’s son.”


Hinata nodded and then stood as well. As she reached the door she turned back to Sasuke, “Have you used your gifts on him?”


“No. Until he woke up it wasn’t necessary and I haven’t had a chance yet. When I do, I’ll tell you what I find.” Hinata nodded and left the room.


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Sasuke slowly headed to Naruto’s room. Reaching the door, he stopped. He had hoped that talking to Hinata would help him understand the situation better. Now, if anything, he just had more questions, more confusion and more damn out of the “Uchiha box” experiences.


He rested his forehead against the door, closed his eyes and listened to the rhythmic sound of his own breathing. Naruto was an enigma. If he understood the situation correctly, what little he could, Naruto had unwittingly made himself Ryuu’s “mother”, a feat that was totally unique by all standards. And to think that not an hour ago Sasuke had laid with his arms around a sleeping Naruto thinking that exact same thought! A thought that sent him running out of the room, panic gripping his heart, not because the situation upset or disgusted him, but because it filled him with a feeling of completeness that left him near bursting.


Lifting his head up, Sasuke took a deep breath and moved to open the door. He could do this. Against all odds, Naruto had delivered his son to him and helped to erase the “stain” left by his biological mother. Sasuke remember the cruel words that Sakura had spat out at him at the beginning of all this and couldn’t help the smirk that crossed his face at the irony in that. He knew that he would need to work together with Naruto to understand the situation with Ryuu and Sasuke hoped that Naruto would learn to trust him enough to explain the unanswered questions that circled blond as well.


Upon opening the door it turned out all the mental preparations were wasted. The bed was empty. Naruto and Ryuu were gone.


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Once again Naruto woke to the soft cooing of the littlest Uchiha beside him. Absently tickling under the boy’s chin, Naruto looked around with disappointment to find Sasuke gone.


“Well, little dragon, what do you think of your new name? I think it suits you.” He smiled down at the baby.


Naruto had never felt this way before. He wondered if this was what it would feel like to have a child of his own. He had never allowed himself to imagine that one day he might have a child or family for that matter. Until a month ago, Naruto had seen his future and it started and ended at the whim of Orochimaru.


The only touch Naruto had ever received was from his cold hands, until Itachi had arrived, that is. There had been no improvement. Most of the time, the touches were meant to cause pain and they did to the point of it being a sick art form. But sometimes the touches were something else, Naruto supposed they were meant to be gentle, those touches felt between people who care for each other. But these touches were pure agony for Naruto. They made his stomach flip, vomit race up his throat and his soul feel like it was being torn slowly from his body.


Naruto knew what he was, what he held within him. Orochimaru had told him again and again that he was dirty and that no one would have him, love him, need or be needed by him except for Orochimaru himself. With these thoughts in mind, Naruto refused to think of the future, there was none for him.


But now he was staring down at the future; a future that looked back at him with trust, hope and above all, love. Those midnight black eyes had given Naruto a reason and the courage to leave Orochimaru‘s clutches. Naruto knew that he had saved the young boy’s life that day, but he considered them even, debt paid.


And then there was the boy’s father. He had let Sasuke touch him, put his arms around him and Naruto knew that while he had been sleeping Sasuke had been a calming presence, like a lighthouse on the horizon. Where were the feelings of panic, disgust at himself and fear, the soul consuming fear, that normally accompanied touch? Yet Sasuke’s touch made him feel nothing but warmth and safety. He had even willingly gone back for more, just to embrace the blissful feeling again. And looking into Sasuke’s eyes, older versions of the ones that changed his life, well, between the father and son, Naruto wasn’t sure if he would ever be able to breathe correctly again. And his heart, oh god, his heart… Naruto shook his head, now wasn’t the time for whatever ‘this’ was, plus, breathing and normal, steady heart beats seemed mighty important. He’d have to work on that.


“Ryuu, I’m feeling much better! What do you say we discover our new home.” Naruto stood up and took a moment to realize that he was dressed only in a much too large nightshirt. “Huh, well, this won’t do. Can’t make a good impression when I look like a 12 year old waif. I’m Naruto Uzumaki… demon carrier and defender of baby dragons!”


Finishing his declaration with both arms straight up in the air, Naruto smiled brightly at the gurgling chibi and looked around for different clothes. He located a dark blue, long sleeved shirt and tan pants in a chest at the side of the room. Of course, they were too big for him, not a new occurrence, but that wasn’t going to stop him from leaving the room. He rolled the sleeves and pant legs to a more manageable length and cheered aloud when he located a leather belt.


“And we’ve off.” Naruto lifted Ryuu over his head, rubbing his nose against the baby’s soft tummy. “Hopefully the first place we find will be the kitchen. I think we could both use something to eat. I don’t know how they’ve been treating you, but I haven’t eaten in a week.”


And with that, Naruto and Ryuu stepped into the hall.


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As luck would have it, or an extremely keen sense of smell motivated by tremendous hunger, Naruto and his small companion found the kitchen right off. Walking in, Naruto noticed several workers in the kitchen. Closest to him he saw a long blonde haired woman talking with a tall, robust sandy haired man. The way that the other workers came to the duo for instructions lead Naruto to believe that they must be in charge of the kitchen.


Walking up, Naruto politely interrupted, “Excuse me?”


Two sets of eyes turned to take the newcomer in. Naruto felt uncomfortable as they inspected him up and down. The tall man even had a slight smirk on his face. Apparently his attire was amusing. As if Naruto had been offered a plethora of choices. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes and make a scathing comment on the rudeness he was being subjected to. His thought process was cut short by the blonde woman.


“Oh! Chibi-kun, you’re up! That would make you Naruto. It’s good to see you up. How are you feeling? Everyone has been wondering about you, you know. A small boy shows up, hands off the missing Uchiha heir and passes out. Tongues have been moving non-stop for a week and…”


“Ino, please.” The tall man interrupted. “He doesn’t need a living example of those “tongues”. Hi, my name is Chouji. This chatty thing is Ino. I bet you’re starving.”


Naruto had been processing many things throughout this short exchange. Apparently the name Chibi had stuck, dammit he was NOT a boy and was this man offering him food because Naruto was in the market for a new best friend.


“Huh, well actually, yes, Ryuu and I are very hungry. I was hoping maybe you could help me out with that. Oh, and yes, I’m Naruto.” Naruto nervously rubbed the back of his neck and then offered out his hand. Chouji shook it and smiled.


“Can I help you? If anyone in this castle can help you, it’s me. Head chef, it comes with many benefits. I have a stew heating on the stove, will that work for you? And Ino can get… well, you called him something besides Chibi, we didn’t know he had a name yet.” Chouji looked curiously at Naruto, who had nodded his assent to the stew, and turned to prepare a bowl.


“Oh, we, I mean Lord Sasuke just named him after I woke up this morning. His name is Ryuu.” The baby in Naruto’s arms gave a wet coo at his name while swinging his little arms. Ino laughed and returned the cooing noises.


“Good name. Here, have a seat. Hand the little guy to Ino and tuck in. Let me know what you think. People around here are so used to it, it will be nice to get a fresh perceptive.”


Naruto did just that. Naruto knew that he hadn’t eaten in some time and because of that anything would taste good, but Chouji’s stew was heaven. And Naruto told him so after the first bowl and the second and the third. With each bowl, Naruto’s smile got bigger and Chouji couldn’t have been happier.


“So, Chouji, that was great. I mean, really, really great. And I would know, I really like food. Hey, do you ever make ramen?” Naruto pushed the empty bowl away and placed his elbows on the table in front of him. Ino was quietly rocking Ryuu in the chair next to him after the baby had eaten his full as well.


“No, I don’t think I have. I’m ashamed to say I don’t even know what it is.” Chouji said while picking up Naruto’s bowl.


“No! We need to fix that! Ramen is, well, it is perfect! I’ve only had it a couple of times, but after I did, I could have died happy, right then and there. I know! How about I teach you how to make it. That way, I can help you out in the kitchen and in return you can make me ramen? Do we have a deal? I’m a mean dish washer. You won’t be disappointed.” Chouji looked at Naruto and smiled. Naruto was looking up at him with a blinding smile, sky blue eyes sparkling with excitement. How could he possibly say no and Chouji found he hadn’t wanted to anyway.


“We have a deal! Of course, part of being in the kitchen means you’ve signed on to be taster. It’s a tough job, what with all the different dishes that we’ll need tested…” Chouji raised an eyebrow.


Naruto smirked, “Huh. Trying out all of your delicious food while being guaranteed ramen and hopefully more stew… I guess I’ll have to tough it out.” Naruto’s chuckle was cut off by a new voice.


“So, the troublesome one is awake.”


Naruto turned to see a man stroll into the kitchen with dark brown hair tied high up on the back of his head. His expression was one of extreme, nearly debilitating boredom. Naruto recognized him immediately as one of the guards at the gate when he had arrived. Naruto’s body instantly tensed, this man had seen who, what, he really was. His breath caught as he waited for the inevitable reaction.


“Shikamaru! This is Naruto. He and Ryuu, yeah, he finally has a name, just came down for lunch. Pull up a chair.” Chouji then turned to Naruto. “Hey, this is Shikamaru, my best friend. I heard you met. Finally got Shika to react to something. Impressive!”


“Huh… I react to things, I just don’t over react.” Shikamaru took the stool next to Ino. Naruto noticed the smile she shot at the dark haired man, as well as the tender look Shikamaru sent her as he sat down.


“Naruto, Shikamaru is also my husband. And I can tell you that your little scene in the courtyard is the most he’s reacted outside of the bedroom in, well, years.” Ino laughed at Shikamaru’s snort.


“Oh, I see.” Naruto gave a weak smile. Why wasn’t he asking anything, saying anything, accusing him of anything. Naruto nervously rubbed his sweaty palms against his pants.


Shikamaru turned his bored gaze to Naruto, noticing the boy’s sudden silence and his nervous fidgeting. So troublesome.


“Hey, you are who you are. I don’t know and until Sasuke’s asks me to, I don’t care. Too much trouble.” With that, he shrugged his shoulders and turned to the bowl Chouji placed in front of him.


Naruto stared, mouth hanging open. Here he was sitting with three people, one of whom had actually seen his ‘uniqueness’ and they were still talking to him, treating him as an equal. Naruto didn’t know how to react, so he smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.


“So Naruto, now that you’re up, what are your plans?” Chouji asked, pulling up a stool for himself.


“Oh, I thought Ryuu and I would look around. Maybe get to know the place a little. I’ve never been away from Lord Oro… where I came from.” Naruto blushed, looking down at the floor. God, this was so hard. This was the first time ever that people were looking at ‘Naruto’ and he didn’t want to give them cause to hate him.


“You should go out with Shikamaru. Meet the other knights. They should be training about now, right Shika? You can leave Ryuu with me. I’ll take care of him.” Ino suggested, shifting the now sleeping baby in her arms.


Naruto stared at the baby, “I don’t know. Would Sa- Lord Sasuke be comfortable with that? I’m not really sure… I’m not sure that ‘I’ should have him. I might have forgotten to mention…” Naruto trailed off. He distinctly heard Shikamaru mutter “Troublesome”.


Ino laughed, “Naruto, first off, you may have been sleeping, but little Ryuu spent more time with you than anyone else this last week. Anytime he was restless, cranky or tired we all took him back to his ‘nest’. He would immediately calm down.” Naruto’s eyes widened. That was… odd. He knew he felt a bond with the boy, but he figured it was because they had been together for he baby’s first three weeks. Was it true little Ryuu was that attached. Was that normal?

“And secondly” Ino continued, “Shika and I have twin boys. As a result, Sasuke knows he can trust me with his son. Go, look around. Ryuu will be in your room when you’re done.” Ino gave him an encouraging smile.


Naruto beamed a smile back, “Thanks Ino. I would love to see the training. Oh,” Naruto turned to Shikamaru, “Is this okay with you? Mind if I tag along?”


“Troublesome.” Shikamaru pushed off his stool and after brushing his hand against Ino’s back, began walking out of the kitchen, hands lazily in his pockets.


Naruto looked at Chouji and Ino, they both had smiles, so Naruto assumed that was Shikamaru-nese for ‘yes’. Naruto planted a quick kiss on Ryuu’s head and ran to catch up.


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Sasuke walked at a fast pace down the hall. No, it was not a panicked run. Uchiha’s don’t do ‘panicked runs’, dammit.


Uchiha’s do however, have active imaginations. Scenario’s from Naruto stealing his child away to Itachi snatching both Naruto and his child swam through his mind. What kind of father was he that he had left his child with a stranger that he knew absolutely nothing about. Sasuke shook his head, no, Naruto would never do anything to hurt the boy. He just knew it. The end. But, what kind of parent and lord was he that he hadn’t left a guard to protect Naruto and his son when he knew that Itachi and Orochimaru were out there.


And so Sasuke continued his ‘concerned’ fast pace down the hall.


Turning the corner he found himself in the kitchen. He looked around quickly, spotting Ino and Chouji. He walked swiftly over to them, catching the end of their conversation.


“…like him. I know we just met him, but what’s there not to like. He’s funny, cute and just look at how he is around Ryuu. So his chakra is strange. Kiba’s strange and no one has done anything about that.” Ino said, shrugging her shoulders.


“Yeah, he’s going to fit in just fine.” Chouji finished, looking up he saw Sasuke. “Hey, boss. Looking for someone?”


Ino turned around. Sasuke gave an audible sigh of relief seeing the sleeping infant in her arms. One found, one to go, he thought.


“Yes, I take it that Naruto was here.” Sasuke gathered the boy into his arms and after nuzzling his hair, felt his earlier “concern” ease up.


“Sure was. He’s a riot. Said he and little Ryuu were hungry. Like the name, by the way.” Chouji smiled, like all of his friends, seeing the normally stoic young lord express such tenderness was a relief after everything Sasuke had been through.


“Hungry. I should have thought of that. Where is he now?” Sasuke said, looking around in case he had missed him in his panic… ah, concern.


“Oh, Shikamaru came in and then took him out to watch the training. He left Ryuu here with me, after a little persuasion. He’s quite protective isn’t he. Like a mama bear.” Both Ino and Chouji laughed. Neither heard Sasuke mutter, “If you only knew.”


“I need to find him. Ino, will you take Ryuu upstairs. We’ll be there soon.” Sasuke handed the baby back to her.


“Of course.” Ino replied, but Sasuke was already headed out the door.


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Shikamaru wasn’t much of a talker. Naruto had stopped asking questions awhile ago and just walked beside him taking in his surroundings. It was peaceful that way and Shikamaru even started to smile a bit as he looked at the blond boy, expressions flying across his face faster than Shikamaru could be bothered to interpret them. Instead, Shikamaru spent his time thinking. It is what he did best.


Yes, he’d seen how the boy reacted when he had recognized Shikamaru in the kitchen. He also knew from talking to Kiba and Neji that the boy was carrying two chakras. It seemed the boy understood that and was scared of people knowing. This made the lazy genius conclude that the second chakra wasn’t natural, this wasn’t some weird fluke of nature. He boy knew about the red chakra and had also experienced bad reactions when others found out about it. Shikamaru let out a sigh. If others reacted badly, then this second chakra was probably something they should be concerned about. How troublesome.


Coming to the side doors Shikamaru pushed them open, sun streamed in catching Naruto’s shaggy blond locks and they both stepped outside onto the knights’ training grounds.


Naruto’s eyes widen as he took in the sight before him. What looked to be around fifty knights were training on different sections of the dirt worn field in front of him. The sounds of swords clashing and men yelling, laughing and working filled his ears. Some of the knights were dueling using nothing but their swords and brute strength. Others were using chakra, creating different techniques to immobilize their opponents. And still others, and Naruto found these the most interesting to watch, were using both. Swords and men charged with chakra raced toward each other in a beautiful and dangerous dance that mesmerized Naruto.


“Shikamaru, I didn’t realize this was bring-your-kid-to-training day.” Naruto looked up to see where the voice was coming from. Ah, the other guard from the gate. Oh joy.


“Hey, Kiba,” Shikamaru said lazily, face lifted toward the clouds, “This is Naruto. He finally woke up. He wanted to look around, so Ino suggested I bring him along.”


Kiba laughed. By now most of the training yard had ceased their activities in favor of watching Shikamaru, Kiba and Naruto. “So, not only are you on babysitting duty, but you’re on babysitting duty after leaving your balls with Ino. That’s a little sad.” Snickers could be heard throughout the yard.


Naruto looked between the two men and then his jaw nearly hit the ground when Shikamaru just shrugged. Naruto knew Shikamaru had issues with overreacting, but he wasn’t reacting at all. Surely that comment merited “some” form of reaction. If anything, the tall man just looked more bored. This guard, Kiba, had called him a kid, Naruto’s face turned red, and then what he said about Ino. Naruto felt his body tense, he stepped forward and…


“Well, Shika, I think you should introduce the rest of us. I know I for one am dying to meet our young friend.” Naruto stopped to look at the silver haired man who had spoken. He was slightly older than most of the men in the yard and wore a blue mask over his face with his left eye covered by his headband.


“So troublesome. Everyone this is Naruto. We all remember when he came. If you have any questions, don’t ask me.” Shikamaru had said all this with his hands still in his pockets and his head toward the clouds. He looked down finally and addressed Naruto. “Follow along…” Shikamaru pointed to the silver haired man, “This is Hatake Kakashi. He’s Sasuke’s right hand man. Next to him is Iruka. Careful or he’ll mother hen you to death.” This caused a glare to replace the smile Iruka had sent at Naruto. “Then there’s Shino.” Naruto saw a shorter man wearing a coat with the highest collar he had ever seen. “The happy guy in green is Rock Lee” Naruto couldn’t help but smile at the black haired boy. He was practically bouncing out of his skin in excitement about… something. “And finally there’s Kiba and his best friend Akamaru. We think his mouth may not be connected to his brain.” Naruto took in the shaggy brunette and the gigantic white dog and failed to stop the chuckle that escaped.


“Did you say something, little guy?” Kiba asked, stepping forward into Naruto’s space.


“Huh, no, I didn’t. But if that was an invitation to, I must say, back the hell off, dog breath.” Naruto stepped forward too. Their chests all but touched. Naruto felt his anger rise as he was forced to look up at Kiba.


“And a little boy like you is going to make me I suppose? You against me? A Uchiha knight? Run off and take a nap. Don’t waste my time.” Kiba turned his back to Naruto and began to walk off.


“Don’t,” Kiba turned around when he heard Naruto speak, “Underestimate. Me.” The words tumbled out like a growl. Kiba saw that Naruto’s eyes had turned to a hard steel blue. What noise there was in the yard stopped completely, eyes riveted to their resident loud mouth and the little powerhouse that had been holed up in the castle for a week.


“So, a spar then. Me and you? Can you even use a sword or control that chakra you seem to enjoying showing off?” Kiba was once again invading Naruto’s space.


“You’re right, I can’t use a sword, but I think you might be surprised with my ‘control’. Oh, and by the way, ass, I’m seventeen.” Naruto heard the gasps for the onlookers, but choose to ignore them. Best to take on only one idiot at the time.


Kiba smirked, confidence oozing from him pores, “Okay then, let’s start wi…”


“Kiba, this isn’t a good idea. He’s just a boy…” Iruka began.


“Ah humm!” Naruto interrupted with a glare.


“Sorry, anyway, he’s inexperienced. We don’t go picking fights with novices.”


Iruka couldn’t say anything else because Naruto had shoved him aside and landed a punch directly onto Kiba’s left cheek. Immediately the rest of the knights formed a circle. Kiba wiped the side of his mouth, tasting blood. He looked up and saw Naruto standing some feet away with a Cheshire grin on his face, stance totally relaxed.


“Are we finally done talking?”


Kiba growled and threw himself at Naruto. What followed was a series of punches, blocks, kicks and grunts. Kiba was bigger and stronger, but Naruto was fast and being shorter in this instance only improved his maneuverability. They circled each other like wild cats (don’t tell Kiba), each observing the other for weaknesses and attacking when they became clear.


Naruto knew going in that he probably wouldn’t win. He wasn’t stupid. Kiba was a trained knight. Naruto was self-taught and had “practiced” his skills when confronted by Orochimaru’s knights. Naruto was just really pissed and it was time everyone understood he wasn’t some weak little boy. Naruto’s style consisted mostly of defense moves with the occasion jab when he could get it in. Since Kiba’s consisted of mostly offense, they were perfect sparring partners. Naruto thought he could learn a lot from Kiba. Well, if the man wasn’t such an ass.


Finally, they both stopped, breathing labored, but not uncomfortable. Up until this point, no chakra had been used. Kiba smirked, once again wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. Naruto wiped the sweat, blood and blond strands from his eyes and smirked right back at him.


“Okay, warm up is over.” Naruto said airily.


Kiba laughed. “I agree. Akamaru, time to play, boy.” The huge white dog Naruto had seen earlier ambled over. He stood next to Kiba and looked directly at Naruto like he was a juicy steak. The knights around the circle began to mumble. Who would have thought the kid would last this long and that Kiba would even need to use Akamaru?


Naruto’s smirk turned into a full blown smile, “Huh, two against one? That’s hardly fair. Let’s even it up, shall we?” And Naruto started making hand signs.


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Sasuke had come around the corner of the courtyard in time to see Naruto shove Iruka aside and attack Kiba. His mind almost didn’t believe what he was seeing. Naruto was attacking one of his knights. This would not end well. And of course, it HAD to be Kiba.


Sasuke ran towards the forming circle of knights and pushed himself between Kakashi and Shikamaru. They both glanced at their lord with bored expressions and then returned their sights to the main attraction.


“So, what’s going on?” Sasuke asked in a tone too sweet to be sincere.


“Huh.” Was Shikamaru’s response.


“Well, it’s like this. Lazy boy brings kid to training. Loud mouth shoots off said mouth. Turns out the kid has a bit of a mouth as well, and a rather concerning issue with his height. Words are said. Iruka attempted to be everyone’s conscience and now we’re seeing our young guest in action. Any questions?” Kakashi narrated with a tone one might use during a funeral.


“Beyond ‘What the fuck?!’ Nope.” Sasuke stood back to watch. By now it was quite obvious that Naruto could hold his own. His technique was crude, but effective. He was giving Kiba a run for his money.


Suddenly they both stopped. Words were said and Sasuke watched with interest as Naruto began a series of hand signs. Sasuke’s eyes widen, along with the eyes of everyone man watching. Sasuke stepped forward.


“NARUTO!”


XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Naruto turned toward the yell of his name, smile matching his bright eyes. This was fun. Upon seeing Sasuke stalking toward him, the smile fell. Sasuke’s face was dark, his black bangs hanging in his eyes. His whole body was tense, like it was coiled to strike. Naruto glanced at the two identical clones next to him, one of them absently petting the huge white dog, before they shrugged and popped away. As Sasuke got closer, Naruto couldn’t stop himself from stepping back and closing his eyes. Fear raced through him. He’d done something wrong and he waited for the strike. His eyes shot open when he felt a heavy arm fall around his shoulders.


“Hey boss, Naruto and I were just playing around. I don’t know if you saw, but this guy is good. Did you need something?” Kiba asked, Naruto couldn’t believe his ears. Kiba, Mr. Imma Ass, was defending him. Complimenting him. Treating him like a fellow knight and friend. He risked a glance at Sasuke. His face was as dark as ever, but his eyes didn’t show any malice.


“Naruto, where did you learn that?” Sasuke bit out.


“Huh… what? Oh, the clones? I was cleaning the study and the scroll was just laying there and it looked pretty easy so I tried it and it worked. Why? Everyone can do it.” Naruto cocked his head to the side, curiosity brightening his blue eyes to shining crystals.


“No, everyone can’t. Those were corporeal clones. Solid! We can all do shadow clones for distraction purposes, but your clones could actually fight couldn’t they.”


“Yes… is that bad?” Naruto felt the fear again. He wasn’t even using Kyuubi’s chakra and somehow he had messed up. He heard the snicker in the back of his mind. Stupid fox.


Kakashi stepped forward, “It’s not bad, okay, maybe it is, really a matter of definition actually… anyway, it’s forbidden.”


“F-forbidden? Why?” Naruto asked. Yeah, he was scarred.


“Oh, it’s not like anything bad will happen to you if you use it, it’s just that most of us don’t have enough chakra to form even a single solid clone, much less two.” Iruka took up the explanation. He couldn’t stand to see the look on the young man’s face.


“Two… right. Tough.” Naruto muttered looking at the ground.


“Dobe… how many clones can you make?” Sasuke heard Naruto’s mutter and saw the look on his face. His stomach flipped. Things were about to get interesting.


“Well, teme, I’m not really sure. Several.” Naruto still didn’t look up.


“Show me.”


Naruto sighed. He moved his hands rapidly and the sound of a thousand pops could be heard. Several of the knights gave undignified shouts. Sasuke looked around. There were Naruto’s… everywhere. All around them, standing on the castle wall, swinging from the trees and sitting on window seals. The Naruto in front of him finally looked up. Sasuke was surprised to see fear in Naruto’s eyes. He was also absently surprised that his nose wasn’t bleeding.


“Hn. A few more than several I would say.”


Naruto gave a nervous laugh and they all disappeared.


“What else can you do, dobe?”


“Normal stuff, I guess. If I saw someone do it, I would practice until I got it right. I can henge, do substitutions, I got the clone thing down… oh and this. This is great. One day some old geezer came to “visit” my lord and he used this awesome technique. If he had been allowed to get nearer to him, I think he might have actually killed Oroc… my lord, but he didn’t, so that was a disappointment. But anyway, the technique was so cool! But, it was really hard. It took me a couple of months to really get it. Wanna see??”


“Dobe…”


“Fine, bastard.”


Naruto held out his hand and slowly they all watched as light blue chakra began to form and swirl above his palm. The swirling got faster and faster as the blue ball slowly grew. Sasuke heard Kakashi’s sharp intake of breath. Somewhere, he heard someone whisper, “Impossible”. That was quickly becoming his least favorite word… ever.


Naruto looked up, that stunning smile on his face once again, “Awesome, huh?”


Thoughts flew through the heads of all those present:

“Rasengan.”
“That’s the Fourth’s technique!”
“He saw it, once, and then just re-created it!”
“In a couple of MONTHS! The power of youth…(sob)”
“It took the Fourth years to master it.”
“Troublesome, I knew it.”


Taking in the look on everyone’s face and the way they were all slowly stepping back, the smile slipped from his face.


“What?”


It was Sasuke that verbalized what they were all thinking in one simple word,


“Fuck.”