Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Guardian ❯ Down The Rabbit Hole ( Chapter 3 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A/N: So terribly sorry for the lack in updates recently. I got very sick for a week, saw a play, have been busy with school, an anime convention (hells yeah), got re-re-re-re addicted to RO (new server XD) and had a HUGE singing thing. Additionally; KHII came out, and I was probably one of the most avidly obsessive fans waiting for it, so O.o yeah. Sorry again but I’ll be getting back on track, I promise! Incase no one noticed, I have a nasty habit of correcting my chapters as I update the new ones...if anything notworthy changes (doubt it) I’ll be sure to tell you guys...the only thing I really altered so far was changing the year of Konoha’s founding to 1 rather than 0 - thus pushing everything up a year. Nothing important, just a spaz mistake on my behalf. Huge thanks to Zed of Vesper for reminding me. That’s what I get for writing and proofreading at insane hours of the night...

Sakura felt there couldn’t be anything more shocking then what she was now seeing, and judging by her teammates reactions -sans Kakashi- neither could they. Naruto and Kakashi were laughing, bordering on hysterics, really. Her perverse teacher hardly even giggled at anything besides his Icha Icha books. Still, she could imagine how Sasuke and Hinata felt about seeing a spirit, having had the same experience just hours prior. Sakura felt a bit awkward standing there. So they knew each other...?

It was actually Sasuke who ruined the moment, leaving Hinata looking petrified, by clearing his throat in a loud, rude manner.

“Kakashi-sensei. Someone you know?”. Oh, how blunt, Sasuke. It was apparent he didn’t give a damn whether Kakashi knew him or not. Just that he got the answers he so obviously desired. While the jounin died down to a chuckle, Naruto looked at the Uchiha and laughed even harder.

“My Gods!” he gasped. “He’s like a mini you!”

Sasuke, for his part, looked outraged, glaring outright. Though Sakura didn’t know if it was because he was being compared to their pervert teacher or being compared at all.

Naruto stood rigidly to his full height, a few inches above Sasuke -not counting the lofty blonde hair- and imitated in a deep bass voice, “Kakashi-sensei, someone you know?”

Sakura couldn’t resist a giggle. Naruto sounded so similar to the Uchiha it was eerie. Sasuke didn’t appear as amused. He scowled deeply and marched over to the naysayer, raised a fist towards his face and punched. Naruto, however, wasn’t corporeal, and the pugnacious boy fell right through him, the momentum landing him soundly on the ground with a dull thud.

Hinata gasped, Sasuke growled, and Kakashi looked thoughtful.

“While I’m impatient to learn the circumstances behind this, I think it’s best we head back to Konoha and report to Hokage-sama. This turn of events will be of extreme interest for her. Any which way, it appears our mission was a success.” The masked ninja announced. “Naruto, that’s a strange signature you’ve got on that thing.”

Naruto grinned sheepishly. “I guess it is kinda bright...”

Sakura didn’t have any clue to what they were talking about, except that she now held the results of their mission. Sasuke too seemed sulkily puzzled. Hinata was staring at the artifact with rapt attention.

“Kakashi-sensei, why is there a chakra flow in the necklace?”

The copy-nin squinted his eyes at said item. “I can’t see the movement of the chakra nearly as well as you are able to, but you’re right. Care to elaborate, Naruto?”

“Hmm,” the blue-eyed boy said, disinterested. “My chakra was placed in there and sealed off. Most of it anyway...We’re headed to Konoha? I can’t wait to take a look around. It’s this way, right?” And Naruto took off, moving in that way so peculiar to him. Kakashi hurried after him and they walked side by side, speaking in hushed tones. Sasuke rolled his eyes before allowing his Sharinghan to fade out and setting off at a slow pace. Hinata fell into step beside Sakura.

Looking over to the other girl, Sakura shivered. Her Byakugan was still activated, veins around her pale, pupil-less eyes bulging. The Hyuuga kekkai-genkai was far less chakra straining then the Uchiha’s, though Sakura’s preference laid in the latter. Sharinghan was less un-natural looking than Byakugan.

“Sakura-chan,” The raven-haired girl started in an small voice. “Who’s he?”

Sakura couldn’t help but feel a little smug at the awe on the other female’s face. The times when an ordinary girl like her could trump someone from a renowned clan in any way were few and far between.

“He’s my Guardian.” Sakura lilted, brushing petal hair back from her face. She left it at that simple statement.

:x:



Several non-eventful hours has passed before they arrived before the gates of Konoha. Very few words were exchanged, as par the norm for Team Seven. Naruto seemed bothered by this, and Sakura would have tried to quell his nervousness from up-coming matters if it weren’t for her two cell members watching her like hawks. One didn’t seem to approve of these new occurrences, while the other was fascinated.

Nevertheless, they got no curious looks as Kakashi waved to the guards. Receiving a nod from them, he lead their ragtag group through the open gates into the Fire Country’s pride and joy.

Being the only one who could actually see him, Sakura made a point of walking astride of Naruto, smiling gently at the ecstatic look on his face.

“It may not seem like that big of a deal,” he said thickly. “But I was always very connected to this village. To be back is...wonderful.”

Sakura hummed in agreement, adding, “I can imagine.”, though she knew she couldn’t quit understand his feelings and didn’t know a thing of his past. Now that she dwelled on it, Sakura realized that she knew nothing of her ‘silent’-to almost all others anyway- protector. Still, she found the way he was staring at things with such open adoration endearing.

As Kakashi continued his beeline for the Hokage Tower, subordinates following dutifully, Naruto suddenly reached out and pointed at a small nearby restaurant. While it wasn’t necessarily Sakura’s favorite, it was fairly popular and made good food.

“‘Ichiraku’?” he asked. “Like Ichiraku Ramen?”

Sakura looked perplexed. “Not to my knowledge...I’m not sure though.” Naruto nodded and they keep moving, taking the entire landscape in. Soon, the Tower loomed into view, followed by the Monument.

For Sakura this was a sight as normal as seeing clouds in the sky, but Naruto stopped in his step to gawk at the stone faces as though it was his first time setting eyes upon them. Sakura watched as the rest of their group moved ahead.

“Naruto?”

No answer.

“Uh...” She didn’t know if she should try yelling at him. It was a pretty crowded area and she wanted to hold back being labeled crazy for as long as possible.

“I knew them.” the white-clad boy said, almost indifferently. Surely he couldn’t mean the Hokages, could he?

“Who?” She prodded, feeling foolish.

Naruto didn’t answer directly, simply gestured at the carved cliff.

“I didn’t know the First, and only met the Second a handful of times, but the Third and Fourth were like...family to me. Who’s the other?”

Sakura stared for a second. Naruto actually knew the past figureheads?

“Godaime.” She felt herself answer distantly. “Tsunade.”

Her Guardian’s reaction was loud and immediate.

“What?!” He cried. You don’t mean the Tsunade, do you?!”

Sakura blinked. Though Tsunade wasn’t an overly common name, with the crowning of the new Hokage there were plenty of people bearing that name, though they were young girls, for the most part. Naruto seemed to take notice of her confusion.

“What is she like?”

Sakura bit her lip in thought. “She is most known for her strength and medical ninjutsu, though it’s been rumored she enjoys her sake more then most...”

“It is her! C’mon! We’ve got to talk with her!” He took off at a brisk jog ahead of her, stopping and looking back impatiently when he noticed she wasn’t moving. She shook herself of her stupor and walked after him, moving a bit faster when he raised a poised eyebrow.

“So you know her?” Sakura asked, her curiosity getting the better of her once more.

“Heh! Damn straight I do! She’s Hokage now...I’d never had thunk it.”

They soon arrived at the main gate to the imposing building, grand arches reaching over the ‘Fire’ symbol so often seen throughout the country. Sakura stopped to clear her way with the ANBU, but the specter just continued through the rough wood of the doors, fading from existence. Sakura carefully hid her surprise from the guards, but couldn’t manage the same for a shiver. She doubted she would ever get used to that. The elite ninja nodded at her before she could open her mouth, allowing Sakura entrance.

Naruto was waiting on the other side for her, looking around with boyish glee. Sakura was a bit more dubious. Very few occupations in Konoha would be considered overly paperwork jobs, but most of the jobs that were, were centered around this building. There was a very stiff atmosphere about the cold marble floor and pillars. The receptionist behind the desk was glaring at her from behind harsh glasses, as though Sakura came into the room with the sole intent of creating a ruckus. Turning toward the large indoor staircase, Sakura followed Naruto, who seemed to know his way around well.

She wanted to question him but it was fairly crowded in this spot. Crowded enough, at least, for her to look completely loony talking to nothing.

They were almost at the debriefing room as they turned from the main stairwell to move down the small hallways when Sakura noticed they weren’t headed towards the room all ninjas detested, where old men would ask boring questions about a recent mission and require you to fill out packets of papers and various forms, which would be reviewed by an assistant. If they found something suspicious or interesting, it would be passed to the Hokage, where she could call the shinobi in question in for further information. Except, of course, for ‘A’ and above ranked missions, where you were to report to the Hokage directly anyway. Sakura sighed deeply and cast a lazy emerald eye around her. It was empty in this dark hall they were passing through, the cool air playing serenely across her face.

“Naruto, we should head to the Hokage’s room, not debriefing.” She whispered. The blonde looked back and winked roguishly.

“I figured as much.”

“Well, where are we going then?” Sakura asked. They weren’t anywhere near Tsunade’s office.

“You’ll see!” He sang cheekily, slowing down to lope beside her. A few more twists and turns in the maze of corridors and she found herself facing...a wall. A plain wall opposite an unimposing wooden door.

“Here we are.” Naruto declared. Sakura looked at him. Was he insane?

“Naruto, what are you talking about? All I see is a wall...”

Her Guardian nodded happily, lifting a hand as though to press it against the wall, but stopped. Instead he quickly grasped her slender wrist in a gentle grip.

Sakura’s first instinct was to pull away. She’d been too preoccupied earlier to notice, but he was very cold. Biting to the touch. She stayed herself and looked to his eyes, not able to quite meet them.

“It’s a chakra lock.” he explained calmly. “I can’t open it anymore, but if I lend you a bit of chakra, you should be able to.”

His fingers glowed blue, spreading a glow over her skin, still bitter cold. He lifted her hand and placed it, palm down, on a stone. The wall faltered slightly, and swung inwards, leaving a flabbergasted Sakura standing opposite the Hokage’s desk, cell-members strewn about the room. But Sakura was sure they hadn’t been anywhere near the door to this room...

Naruto led her in by her arm and released her. Sakura resisted the urge to clutch her arm and merely held it to her chest. The place where he had touched her was numb and tinged slightly blue.

The wall-turned-door slammed shut behind her and she jumped. She looked up to find Tsunade watching her intently, fingers steepled before her tanned face thoughtfully.
“I’m sure that what I’m about to be told will also include an explination to how you have the knowledge and access to that door.”

Sakura nodded and removed the necklace from one of her many pockets, letting it sparkle alluringly in the dim light cast by the windows. Tsunade grasped the desk with both hands, leaning forward eagerly.

Naruto let out a sudden bark of laughter and Sakura spared him a glance. She hadn’t brought it up earlier out of respect, but she had failed to mention the most notorious of rumors following their Hokage around; the words ‘well endowed’ showing up quite frequently.

The young leader grinned suddenly, eyes alight. “You found it! The auras more strong then even I had imagined, but it seems overall intact. I’d declare this mission a success here and now, but I don’t think we’re quite finished. So tell me, what’s this ‘problem’ you’ve encountered?”

The blonde boy seemed a bit indignant at being called a problem, distracting Sakura with an adorable noise of protest. Steeling herself, she continued. “First Hokage-sama, I’d like to ask why this mission was so important, if I may.”

Tsunade frowned, punctuated by the crease upon her brow. For a moment, Sakura felt that she might have crossed some unspoken line, but after releasing a deep breath the woman dispelled her fears.

“I suppose I can tell you want part of the story is mine to tell. The best way I can begin this through Arashi, more commonly known as the Yondaime. In his time, the late Yondaime tutored five pupils.”

There was now a stillness in the room, accented by a deep silence. Hinata and Sasuke seemed to be listening well enough in their unique manners. Kakashi was leaning against the back of his chair, face towards the ceiling and expressive eye closed. Naruto had a similar look about him, blue orbs watching the floor remorsefully, an unreadable expression passing through him. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but Sakura could’ve sworn that the room dropped a few degrees as his fists clenched.

“My old team-mates and myself are the most well known...the ‘Densetsu no Sannin’. The other two he taught never got the appreciation they deserved, nor the education they started. One of them is in this room. Hatake Kakashi.”

Sakura abruptly turned to examine him, but the stoic ninja looked exactly as he had before.

“We hold memorial every year in this town, at the end of our Spring Festivals to honor and remember those who died in the tragic Kyuubi attack. As you should know, Kyuubi was the fearsome nine-tailed fox demon who sought to destroy Konoha fifteen years ago. It was during the last battle that Yondaime died. What most people don’t know, is that it was of his own choice.

“He had created a sealing jutsu, for he was-and still is-considered one of the most incredible genius ninja to ever walk this planet. The technique was quite spectacular, except that the user would die, and there needed to be a....sacrifice of sorts to seal the enemy inside. There had been one person who jumped at the opportunity to aid in the Shiki Fujin...Yondaime’s other -and most prized- student, though he isn’t remembered much today.

“His legacy...his son. Uzumaki Naruto.

“After that night, when the sealing had been finished, there were three losses from the jutsu, for Yondaime perished, as he had predicted. And so too did Kyuubi, but the unplanned happened as well...

“Naruto’s body couldn’t be found. And he was never seen again.”
Pos t Note: I know it’s shorter then my norm...and I suppose I could’ve gone a bit more, but I really enjoyed this spot to end. Meh. The good thing is that because I ended this way, I truthfully have what could be considered the second installment for this chapter planned, virtually verbatim, in my head already. So......pwnt. Once more I apologize for the supremo lapse in updating. It was terrible of me. Oh, and for those waiting for Requiem’s latest chapter...I sorta have something good typed out...but I’m afraid it’s too short for a chapter, just about five pages or so....I’ll figure it out quickly though, no worries. Please review, because they are joygastic.
-hanyoupup
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