Stability
Since then, Naruto's life got a lot better as the Konoha group steer well away from him. They may look disgusted by Ryoma's men smothering the demon boy, teaching him things he shouldn't be learning. Too bad for them Naruto is watched 24 hours a day, if not by Ryoma's group it's the prison guards. Unlike Konoha, in here it's them that's being singled out.
Thanks to that incident, they were now known as child abusers. It's a shame that inside the prison that there are more than a half of the prisoners came from abused families. Most people may not be aware, most criminals only turn to crime because they don't have a stable home they could feel safe in. It's just unfortunate for the Konoha group, as the abusers now became the abused.
If they so much as send a glare in the kid's way, they would get another beating their way. The guards were no help as they only came to their aid to take them to the infirmary. Even they weren't very nice about it after knowing who they are. This brought back memories as the same event is now reversely put on them.
Back in Konoha some of them had paid shinobis to look the other way so they can teach the demon a lesson. However, in here the prison guards don't need to get paid. Most of them had children of their own, hence it's no surprise they see their own children in our young hero. For this reason, the Konoha group receive rough treatments every now and then. They can scream for unfairness or report for ill-treatment but they were all ignored or extreme cases silenced for their efforts.
"What had we done to you, why do we get such treatment?"
"You know what you did, child abusers had no rights." one of the guard responded steely.
"That demon?! That's no child. You were being deceived, it's all a trick."
"Shut up before I make you."
"No, I will scream, I will protest until someone listen. Someone had to do som..."
He was silenced and rewarded at the same time with a stick to his gut.
"Listen well, we've had enough of you already."
"This is our prison, we make the rules. Another crap coming out of you, you will be talking to this."
The guard show him his baton letting him know what he will be talking to.
Having tasted the first blow, he knew the guards wasn't joking and willing to inflict forcefully pain if he has to. Seeing the inaction from the standby guards, he also realize he's not getting any help from them. Especially when the said guards are also glaring at him. If he had to guess, they too were itching to use their baton on him.
Even an idiot knew when is smart time to back down. As much as they loath it, they still have a duty to at least take him to the infirmary.
"You better f***ing remember our discussion and keep your distance from the kid."
On their faces, they show contempt and disgust.
Unfortunately, the idiot hadn't learned his lesson as he proceeds to complain to the doctor.
"Doc, you see this. I want to report the guard for abuse. Surely you can get the warden to heard us out."
Sadly, the medical practitioner continues his treatment professionally. Seeing this, the Konoha inmate knew what this meant.
"Not you too, can't you see the brat is dangerous."
Finally, the head doctor decides to speak.
"I suggest you keep your fantasies to yourself. You will find that in here people had better common sense than to abuse helpless children."
He's speechless, he couldn't believe what hearing.
'What's wrong with these people?'
In Konoha they had supporters despite the Hokage's opposition. However, in here they were the minority as they found everyone against everything they consider as normal.
'The kid is a demon, people should understand, right?'
'This is like Konoha all over again, like the Hokage they blindly follow their stupid righteous delusions.'
'Demon kinds should be treated the way they deserve or else they rise against the humans.'
'This must be the demon's doing, he must had already got to them.'
Despite what ever conclusion he came to, he and those from Konoha will find there's very little they could do it.
This time, it's not just the guards going out of their way to protect him, the inmates too kept a close eye on them. Unlike the Anbus in Konoha, these people were openly showing contempt and glaring at them, daring them to do something stupid. Of course, some were just that stupid thinking they were untouchable. They assume the guards will do their job. Unfortunately, they were used as examples thus letting the rest understand they were being serious.
The message was obviously clear as these people were ruthless. They may not be ninjas but they are effective as brawlers and know how to effect maximum pain to get the message across. As result, those from Konoha sent to infirmary had dislocated body parts, black eyes and cut lips for their foolishness.
Extreme cases had their hair ripped out, they claim they him by the hair while not letting go when the fist struck. So far nothing is broken but if those Konoha group don't get the message, it will end very bad for them. They can scream and complain but there will be no sympathy from neither the guards nor the medical community.
Thanks to that, the Konoha people learned to stay well away from the kid. Demon or no demon, he's not worth giving their live over it. Especially with a horde of his minions protecting him. Perhaps they are truly in hell and this is the demon's domain.
As for our little hero, with the Konoha element out of his hair, he became more lively as he interacts with the fellow inmates. Like Ryoma had promised, they were like a family he never had. Since they are no longer strangers with a mean face, Naruto gets to know them. Everyday was like story day as he listen to some of their life stories. Sometimes they even teach him something new.
Sadly, the inmate will soon find out how neglected he was.
"What's that you are doing, Nagi-san?"
"I am reading, squirt! I have a few others you can borrow if you want."
Seeing a few others on the table, he open one only to be puzzled.
"What? No pictures?"
"Nah, kid. It's no manga. Can't you read them?!"
Seeing the blond looking embarrassed, they realized something was wrong. Usually, by his age he should at least know enough words.
"No one taught me, usually I just look at the pictures."
Luckily, another inmate decides to cut into the ackwardness by salvaging the situation with an offer.
"Hey, kid how about we teach you how to read."
"Don't worry about it, Nasaki over there didn't even know how to read even now."
"Fu** You, Sai."
"Oh, yeah. I had never seen you picking up a book, not even a magazine."
Despite trying to hide their usual foul language, they found out its impossible, hence from time to time they would go back to their old ways.
Sadly, it wasn't just reading and writing the boy lacked. He didn't even know games children his age play. 'What the hell did those Konoha scum do, forbid their kids from going near him as well?'
Sadly, that's also the case as parents tell their children to stay away from him.
Such close minded people, seeing Naruto as normal as any other child the inmates were again abhorred by the village's antics. At least in here with them, he's better treated than he's in his home village. Had the Konoha group heard those comment they would had protested, claiming they were demon worshipers which will lead to another beating. Lucky for them, these inmates didn't speak it out-loud or had any Konoha idiots nearby.
So day by day, they help fix what the village did to their little sunshine. Naruto is like a mascot in their dull prison life, his innocence is a ray of sunshine as they were forced to be his mentors thus setting an example. It's like someone suddenly becoming a father or having a nephew around.
One day, a group is showing him a new trick - how to pickpockets. It's the closest thing relating to ninjas as Naruto begged them to train him in something ninja. Since it's a civilian prison, there's no ninja here to train him. Not wanting to disappoint the kid, one's showing him a pickpocket skill.
"You see, you just have to dip you fingers in and fish." he smile as Naruto repeat the trick.
"Did you feel that?!"
"Hmmm, a little just don't force it."
"Try it on the guard this time, he's an easy mark."
Like any child that just learned a new trick, he went to test his new technique. He sneak in behind the bored guard and successfully fish out his wallet without him noticing. Everyone cheer silently for him as they had a good laugh. However, to their surprise Naruto choose to return it.
"Taka-san, you need to be more alert." he said it as he toss him his wallet.
Taka turn to souce catching the wallet then looking at the group. He knew immediately what happened.
"Hey! Stop teaching the kid those things."
"Taka-san, please don't be mad. The brothers were just showing me how to be a ninja."
Ninja or no ninja, the others knew the kid was never one of them (criminals).
"Naruto, my boy. The guard was right, we really shouldn't be teaching you these things."
Then Naruto look down thinking they don't consider him one of them.
"You should realize most of us are criminals, we steal and we take. That's why we are here."
"However, you are different. We want you to live the life we couldn't."
"Does that mean I am not family?!"
It sadden them, because they were all the kid had.
"Don't worry kid, you are already 'AND' always family."
Little by little, his brothers spend time with him. Some teach him useful things he never experienced in his home village.
"Hey brother what are you doing?" he watched with his curious eyes as two of his brother play a game of shogi.
"It's a game called shogi, wanna learn?"
Having spent time with the kid, most of them found out he's more neglected than your average orphan. The kid's not just malnourished, he's behind in a lot of common things he should had known. So some taught him how to read, others show him how to do other daily activities.
In a way, they were more of a family to him than anyone he had in Konoha. While it's a prison, the inmates were a friend, family and teacher to him. Even the guards every once in a while brought him gifts and also his favourite Ramen.
On his birthday, they got him an all-you-can-eat Ramen as the prison chef learned and made him his favorite Ramen recipe. As long as people can see past his demon Jinchuriki status, Naruto can easily get pass their defense.
Most of the inmates felt guilty seeing a child among them hence they tries to act nice around him. It does not mean that it changes whom they are as they have occasion scuffles among themselves. One time there's an incident where one beats another bloody only to stop upon seeing the curious kid.
"What are you doing brothers?" Naruto askes with a full face of innocence.
The two locking each other in a arm hold suddenly relax their holds to turn to the kid.
"Nothing kid, eh we were just engaging in a bit of mannly interactions. It's something we adults do."
"Hey, I am not a kid. Let me join in your activities."
The two couldn't help but sweatdrop.
"Yeah, right. Sure, squirt." as one pat his hand over his messy blond hair.
The other inmate were expecting a fight between the two only to groan in disappointment but they all got a few laughs out of the scene. There's only one that was not so happy, he was immediately backhanded to the ground for spitting against the kid.
Everyone was a little merry by the scene with exception of the guy from Konoha. He didn't dare calling out the demon as the last time got him quite a beating from it. Being so disgust by the people he spat on the ground the demon child walked, but unfortunately others saw it thus sending him to the floor. Since the kid's gone and the last fight stopped, they continue with the new entertainment.
In a prison, there's only a limited things one can do. So for a child, it would be exceptionally boring since he's also the only child. Most of time Naruto would hang out with the fellow prisoners as they tell him why they were put here. It's one of the few past times they have as they tell each other their own story.
Naruto's no different as he tell tales of his pranks in Konoha. Like putting pepper powers on grounds so the Inuzuka's ninja dogs ended up with a sneezing fit. Then there's the Anbu's colorful wardrobe as he dye their uniform without them knowing. It's one of the reasons they like him as everyone had a good laugh because of his tales.
While prison life is no picnic but our little hero gets to learn something new everyday. Eventually he found himself in the prison's art room. Since art isn't popular among the prisoners, the room is almost void of people. Well with the exception of one that is, Naruto recognize him as Kirito-san.
Kirito is a quiet individual as he spends most of his time keeping to himself. It's the reason how Naruto rarely see him or talk to him. So when he found him in the art-room, curiosity got better of him. He's both curious in the room and what Kirito does.
As he scans the fairly large room, he found various paintings littering all over. Considering how young he is, Naruto had never seen a paint before. Picture books and drawings he had seen, but never paintings. So as he go over every canvas he was amazed how they reassemble things and places he recognized.
One is obviously the art-room itself, another is the guard he knew in the West Hall. Then there's the cafeteria. To a child such as himself, it's fascinating. Near the end, he found himself watching the sole occupant himself.
He understood the need for silence, thus how he's watching him sketch without making a sound. He's tempted to ask many questions but held them as he watch Kirito apply layers and layers of colors over it. Slowly and to his amazement, the canvas magically transforms into something he recognized. It's the the prison yard!
As for Kirito, he's aware of his one audience but chose to ignore him. At first he thought the kid would eventually leave. No matter how interesting it may seem, painting to most people is boring. It's the reason why he's often alone and he liked the peace.
However, to his surprise not only did the child not leave, he stayed quiet and watched him work to the very end.
"Naruto, right?!"
A little shocked that he knew his name, but he quickly nodded in response.
"So, what can I do for you?!"
"Kirito-san, did you do all this?"
Naruto is obviously in awe of all the arts around him.
"Of course, do you see anyone other than me here?"
"Besides, there's not much to do around here. So that's when I paint."
"Paint?!" Obviously, it's the first time he heard that word.
He heard of 'drawing' and 'coloring', but 'painting' is new.
"Yes, they are called paintings. Usually made on a carvas."
"Carvas?!" again another new word.
Kirito had heard he was neglected but at the time he didn't think too much into it. Of course, he didn't think the kid would ever step foot into his art-room neither. Yet, here he is and now he seem to understand what they were talking about. He didn't mind showing the kid a few things so he patiently explain or rather introduce him to the world of art.
By the end of the crash course, we can see our exuberant hero going about each painting.
"Kirito-san, these are amazing. I see the art-room, that's the guard from West Hall... and that's the prison yard."
He points at every painting, telling Kirito excitedly what he sees. Perhaps, his enthusiasm is rubbing on him as Kirito too found himself unconsciously smiling.
Slowing the two hit it off.
"Hey, Naruto. How would you like learning how to paint?"
A little surprised, our hero didn't know how to respond.
"You get to paint whatever you want. Of course, if you don't want to, you are still welcome to visit anytime you want."
"Of course, Kirito-san. I mean yes I want to learn."
So since then, Naruto is found in the art-room everyday. However, instead of teaching him Kirito had him start on sketching. Like a simple item like an apple, he had him draw it on paper. Naruto did his best as it wasn't difficult.
It's a hands on approach, which suits our hero perfectly as he's not one for academics. As he's done with the sketch, Kirito then show him how he could transform his drawing by applying shading. A strong contrast help bring the object out as Kirito demonstrates on his own sketch. It's an amazing transformation which Naruto try.
"Not bad, keep trying with various objects until you are satisified."
"Everyone has a different view, hence it's up to the artist and his/her style."
Kirito didn't seem to mind teaching the basics as he too drawing simple things with his student.
As days went by, Kirito couldn't help Naruto seem to have a knack in art.
"Very good, I can see that you are improving."
Art is all about talent because no-one can just study and one day become a famous artist. Even famous artist never got famous until after their death. However, unknown to Naruto, Kirito truly believe he had talent and a invaluable gift.
Even he probably couldn't understand it abut there's something about his penmanship or the way he held the tools. Despite there being nothing special about his art, for some reason it stands out better than his own. Since he couldn't understand it he didn't dwell on it.
"Alright, Naruto. Let's move on and work on the brush."
Like how he did with sketching, Naruto once again learn through practice. Unfortunately, painting isn't as straight forward as drawing. It was a smearing effort, a dabble there then here, thus it's difficult to assemble something. The only thing he got right is the color.
That's where Kirito comes in as he show him painting isn't one dimensional, it's not two but multiple. He demonstrated by over painting his work. A smear here, a patch there and slowly the image emerged. Even if you somehow mess up, you can still continue.
"Art is not absolute because there's no end or right way to do it."
"All there is is what your heart sees."
Sadly it's not something that a young mind like Naruto can understand.
'Eh?! No right way? So how do you know what's right?'
'What the Heart sees?'
Like that, he's trying to understand what every sentence meant.
'How does a heart see something?'
'Doesn't Kirito sensei mean eye?'
With his mentor, there's always a deeper meaning. So instead of asking what it was, he tries to figure it out on his own.
Despite that, painting still fascinates him. Kirito too can see that he's improving, this time however he notice something else. It's something he should had seen from the beginning. Despite the glaring difference in experience and skill, his apprentice's art seem to make you feel alive. It's difficult to explain because the art itself isn't physically moving.
However, in everyone of his work you can somehow sense his soul?! It's the best explanation he could give coming from him. Depending on his emotion, you can sometimes tell how he felt when he's painting. When it was brought up, Naruto mistakenly thought his teacher being a psychic. Kirito had to correct him, explaining the difference between psychics and telepathy, but he answered his question that he's none of them.
Then again he couldn't explain how he knew anyway because even he's surprise by the discovery. He doubt Naruto knew what he's doing and both the knowledge and skill came from him. So what set his and Naruto's work apart? One day he decides to find out by having him recreate his own existing work, sometimes called 'forging' but that's normally reserved for copying famous painters' paintings.
Naruto didn't quite do what he asked, 'forging' means copying the original's work down to the finest detail. However, Kirito didn't stop him.
"Ah, Naruto. When I said forging I meant copying down to the very same brush stroke."
"However, every artist had their own style so it's ok."
"Besides, I think I like your version as it's better than mine. So, good job."
Another reason Kirito didn't stop him was he feeling (?) his apprentice's emotions slowly embedding itself into his work. Even he wasn't sure what this phenomenon is and he knew asking his apprentice is pointless, he doubt Naruto knew what he was unconsciously doing. It's like he's breathing life into his painting. The finish piece gave him a floating feeling, a sense of freedom and weightlessness.
It was both puzzling and fascinating, both craftsmanship and knowledge came from him yet the result were astonishing. However, the difference between them would be the expression while they paint. Naruto's expression was easy as he can see his joy. He assume he was thinking himself as the cloud hence why he's getting such feeling through his work.
There's simply no dull moment with his apprentice. The moment he first stepped into the art-room, Kirito knew their life would change. He's sure that every prisoner (excluding the Konoha group) felt the same. Like them, they all think the boy is special in a way.
'Is it odd that they think that?'
The answer is probably no. For Kirito, Naruto is both a mystery and fascination. Aside from that, he's also painting partner and someone helping him advance in his skills. While Naruto isn't experienced like him but fresh mind and ideas are great for improvement.
As for the other prisoners, he brings out their protective instincts. It's good feeling for doing something different and right for a change. Naruto is like their kid little brother or to older individuals, a son they never had. He's special because he had an ability to bring out goodness in people.
To the inmates, they may not be aware but to those neutral like the warden and guards its very apparent. Hence, why they too can see how special he is. These are all hardcore prisoners that do not go well under authority. Had it not been Ryoma, there would had be riots.
Still even Ryoma can only go so far. Naruto is different, he touched every inmate's heart by interacting with them. Sometimes sharing life stories and listening to theirs thus winning them over. The boy wasn't asking for pity but won their respect.
Instead of reining them in forcefully by power and threats, Naruto instead won them over with his charm and reasoning. Take his 'becoming Hokage' speech, the inmate may not like it but couldn't help but respect his decision. They had tried to convince him otherwise but his dedication and drive could not be derailed. Even Ryoma found himself backing into the corner when talking to his bull-headed godson.
He's too innocent for his own good, thinking with determination and time he could eventually change the village's view. Yet at the same time they had to admire his conviction. Due to that attitude, they had strange feeling that he would succeed. Not just as a ninja but actually becoming the Hokage.