It has been three days since the incident on the bridge, three days since Zabuza and his Hyoton wielding servant tried to kidnap Naruto, tree days since Naruto had brutally slaughtered an army of thugs…three days since Naruto had entered a coma, and still had not woken up.
The team had taken turns standing by his bedside as Tazuna finished the bridge. Kakashi took the mornings, Sasuke the afternoon, and Sakura took night shift. Sometimes even Tsunami would take care of the blond, waiting for him to wake up…even Inari pitched in.
The villagers had often come by the house, hoping to thank Naruto, who was now being referred to as the Hero of Nami no Kuni. A few brought gifts and even asked Kakashi if Naruto would be interested in marrying some of their daughters.
Currently, Kakashi was trying to keep an extremely persistent woman out of the house, "For the last time lady, Naruto is not awake, and needs his rest."
The woman, who was incredibly beautiful frowned, "Oh please, the hero of wave defeated Gato in less than a minute, how could somebody that powerful need rest?" she grinned, "Besides, why would he want to rest when I am offering him this body?" she slides her hands across her form, accentuating her impressive bust and curves.
Kakashi frowned outwardly…but inwardly was cursing Naruto for attracting such a sexy woman, "For Kami's sake lady, he is only 12, and you are in your twenties."
The woman frowned and crossed her arms underneath her breasts, "Correct me if I am wrong, but since he is a shinobi, isn't he considered an adult?"
Kakashi sighed as he massaged his temples, "Yes, that is correct."
The woman hen placed her hands on her hips, "So, whether I am ten or so years older than him or not, since he is technically an adult, it is not an issue."
Kakashi opened his mouth to try and get her to leave…
"Kakashi-sensei!" but he turned around as Sakura came bolting out of the house, "It's Naruto, he is awake!" Kakashi was about to head into the house, when the women plowed past him and up the stairs. He growled in annoyance as he and akura walked up the stairs.
The woman had managed to get to Naruto's room and was now trying several advances on him, "So Naruto-kun…how about later you and me go to my house and have some fun, after all, you still haven't been properly rewarded for saving us, and I doubt Tsunami will be able to please you…not like I could." she shrugged her shoulders, allowing her dress to fall a bit.
Naruto was blushing, all the while edging away from the woman.
Kakashi and Sakura walked in to see the woman stripping down, "HEY!" but the woman stopped and turned towards the two, "He just woke up, give him some space damn it." Kakashi was seriously getting aggravated with this woman…sure, several women were offering their hands in marriage to Naruto, or offering their daughters…but at least the girls were around his age range, maybe two or three years older, not in their late twenties!
The woman frowned and stood up, "Fine…" she walked towards the door, but not before turning towards Naruto and waving, "Talk to you later Naruto-kun…" she said with a sultry grin as she headed downstairs.
Naruto sighed as he looked at Kakashi, "So, when do we leave?"
Kakashi sighed and pulled out his book, "Well, now that you are awake, we can leave in a couple hours. So start packing…" Kakashi left the room as Naruto and Sakura began to pack their stuff.
Nobody noticed the shadowed figure who watched the entire exchange…
Couple Hours Later
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi stood at the front of the bridge as Tazuna got ready to clip the red ribbon across the bridge. They had been asked to stay long enough to see the naming of the bridge. Out of courtesy, the chose to stay.
Tazuna cleared his throat, "I am happy to announce that this bridge, which without the help of these fine shinobi, would not have been built. So, in honor of their bravery, courage, and sacrifice, I hereby open this bridge…in honor of our greatest hero, the Great Naruto Bridge!"
He cut the rope as a plaque was unveiled, showing the name of the bridge. Cheers erupted from the crowd, while girls were screaming in joy and making cat calls towards Naruto.
Naruto smiled softly as they turned and left towards Konoha…
Meanwhile, in the trees, a shinobi with a slashed forehead protector shunshined away after it finished watching the proceedings.
Three Days Later
Team 7 arrived back in Konoha and dlivered their report to the Sandaime…who was none too pleased with what happened. Not only did the client lie, but somebody had been after Naruto.
The list of those who would want Naruto captured alive was pretty short, but large enough that it would be too costing of village resources to send somebody to find the culprits.
After the full report was delivered, Sarutobi dismissed team 7…just as the team was about to leave, Naruto spoke up, "Actually Sandaime-sama, I have to speak with you on a certain matter." the tone in Naruto's voice left no room for argument.
Hiruzen sighed and sent the rest of team 7 off, leaving only him and Naruto in the office.
It was quiet for a few minutes, before Naruto spoke up, "I am sure you know why I stayed behind…" he walked up to the desk and leaned forward, "I may have only been six when we made our deal Sandaime-sama, but I will never forget it." he stood up and walked back, "You broke your word, and intentionally set me up with a mission with that…woman. When you swore you would keep her away from me…"
Hiruzen sighed, "Naruto, please understand that…" Naruto smashed his fist into Hiruzen's desk, sending a few cracks through it.
"Understand what?! That you broke your word to me?! That you set me up to be near that…that…whore?! That you once again have betrayed my trust…ANSWER ME SARUTOBI?!" Naruto spoke with such hatred as he shouted at the one whom looked at him like a grandson.
Hiruzen lowered his head and sat back…having nothing to counter Naruto's statements.
Naruto stood back up before he turned around, "I expect the jutsu's we agreed on be brought to my apartment in a week." and walked out of the office.
Hiruzen placed his face in his palms, letting a few tears fall from his eyes…
Elsewhere
Kushina was sitting back in her chair as the man in front of her delivered his report. His slashed headband glowing in the light, "Is that all Rokusho Aoi?"
The now named Aoi nodded his head, "Yes Kushina-san, that is everything that I was able to gather while viewing Team 7."
Kushina nodded her head, "Very good…" she reached into a side pouch on the chair and pulled out a folder, "Give this to the leader of Amegakure…and he will make sure you are well cared for."
Aoi bowed, revealing the slashed Konoha symbol on his headband, "Thank you very much Kushina-san." he turned and walked out the door, leaving Kushina to think on what Aoi had told her.
'Oh my sochi, you are so much stronger than I ever thought possible. Truly you surpassed every expectation.' she smield as she thought of how Aoi described Naruto's battle with Gato and his thugs, 'Serves the man right for threatening my sochi…it is a shame though that Zabuza did not complete his end of the bargain.'
She scowled as she thought of the woman who dared to try and seduce her Sochi, 'That bitch! If I ever get my hands on her I will kill her! How dare she try to take MY Sochi?!'
She sighed and leaned back in her chair, 'Zabuza failed o capture my sochi, an A-rank Nuke-nin failed to capture him, a genin. Who else could I turn to to capture him?'
"Hello Kushina…" Kushina shot up out of her chair and turned around…only to shiver in fright at who was in front of her…
Orochimaru of the Densetsu no Sannin…
She stepped back and grabbed her Katana, "What do you want Orochimaru?!"
The Snake Sannin chuckled as he walked towards her, "Now, now Kushina, is that any way to treat the man who saved your life when your village was destroyed?"
Kushina sneered in disgust, "You were the one who gave Iwa the information that destroyed my home, and my family. I owe you nothing!"
Orochimaru sighed…and shrugged his shoulders, "Fair enough…but I am not here to talk about the past. I am here to make you a deal."
Kushina narrowed her eyes, "What kind of deal?"
Orochimaru sat down in a chair, "I am willing to give you the one thing you desire more than anything in life…your sochi."
Kushina's eyes widened in shock…how did Orochimaru know?
Orochimaru smirked as he saw the look on Kushina's face, "I would bring him to you alive and well. I only ask for a few things in return…"
Kushina swallowed and looked at the Sannin, "What kind of things?"
Orochimaru smiled darkly as he stood up, "The village has changed quite a bit since I betrayed it, the defense are different, the protocol is revised, even some of the shinobi have been made aware of some of their glaring weakness'. I am sure you know where I am going with this."
Kushina snarled at Orochimaru, "Yo want me to give away village screts to you?! You have got to be out of your…"
"Did I mention…that I would also be willing to bring your son to you…willing to accept you at last?"
…
…
…
Kushina stared at the snake Sannin…not believing what he said, "Y-you're lying…"
Orochimaru smiled darkly as he walked towards her, "Kushina, how do you think I have managed to gain such great power, being able to recruit armies, and no need to worry about being betrayed?" with no answer from Kushina, he continued, "I created a special jutsu that makes those who join my armies loyal to me…I can create the same sea for you if you like…" he traced her face with his finger, "Just imagine it…being able to hold your son, without having him assault you with vile words…being able to feel him embrace you with love, instead of disdain…to have the family you always wanted at last."
Kushina stood there, processing everything Orochimaru had said. It was just too good to be true…but…there was no lie in the Sannin's eyes.
He could really give her back her baby…and more.
But…was it really worth it? To betray the village that had been a second home to her after her own was destroyed?
Orochimaru saw the conflict in her eyes, "You do not have to decide this moment. Think on it…and I shall return for your answer in a week." he stepped back as he began to melt into the ground, "Until then…farewell…Namikaze Kushina."
Kushina fell back onto the sofa, a single question running through her mind, 'What should I do…?'
One Week Later
Naruto sat in his apartment, reading a book, awaiting for the Hokage's ANBU to deliver the scroll containing jutsu.
He knew he had basically insulted the man who viewed him as a grandson, but the old fool should have thought of that before he made the mistake of trying to set him up on a mission with Kushina.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper…it was the very contract that Sarutobi was now paying for breaking…
I Hiruzen Sarutobi, hereby swear on my oath as a Hokage to do whatever is within my power to keep Uzumaki Naruto, as far away from Namikaze Kushina as possible. If I fail to uphold this oath, whether it be by accident, or by my own will, Uzumaki Naruto will receive the following jutsu's from the Konoha library…
Bunshin Bakuhatsuteki no Jutsu (Explosive Clone Jutsu)
Futon: Tei-Oshi (Wind Release: Air Pressure)
Futon: Kaze Kadou (Wind Release: Wind Vortex)
Futon: Shippu Shingai (Wind Release: Hurricane Shock)
Futon: Hitofuki no Shitsunen (Wind Release: Gust of Oblivion)
All of these are Jutsu that have only ever been taught to Hokage's, and are the only Futon and Bunshin jutsu in the entire elemental nations that officially belongs to Konohagakure no Sato. All other jutsu were acquired from the other great nations.
"KNOCK…KNOCK" Naruto was broken from reading the rest of the contract as there was knocking at the door. He stood up and walked towards the door.
As he opened it, there was an ANBU holding out a scroll, "Delivery from Sandaime-sama."
Naruto took the scroll and nodded, "My thanks to the Sandaime." and closed the door. He then unrolled the scroll, 'Now…which jutsu shall I do first?' he scrolled through the jutsu and their description…before he grinned as he made a decision.
'Bunshin Bakuhatsuteki it is…'
Elsewhere
Kushina sat on the sofa, staring at the table in front of her. This week had felt more like an eternity as she thought of Orochimaru's offer. She was being offered a treasure more valuable to her than the greatest gem…more precious than any jutsu, or family secret. In return, she had to betray the very place she thought of as a second home…
"Kushina…" she slowly turned around to see Orochimaru standing before her, "Have you made your decision at last?"
Kushina lowered her head…and nodded, "Yes…I have…" she looked up at Orochimaru as she handed him a folder, "In this folder is every secret I know of Konoha. I don't care what happens to this village, or its inhabitants. Kill them, torture them, use them in your experiments, I don't care…just bring me my baby…please."
Orochimaru took the folder and smiled, "Of course Kushina…" and faded back into the wall.
Kushina looked back at the table…which was covered in every possible picture she could acquire of her sochi. She grabbed the one that showed her holding him in his arms when he was an infant…and the other was him hugging Iruka as he finally graduated.
She could not stand Iruka…he had the one thing she wanted more than anything. Her baby's love, his affection…the love a child would give to a parent…he love that should be hers.
She smiled as she started cutting up the picture of him and Iruka, then cut up a picture of her and Minato when the two of them started dating. She glued the pieces together and smiled.
The creation was a picture of her and Naruto in a loving embrace. She touched the whisker marks in the picture and clutched it closely to her chest.
'Soon my precious babe…soon you and mommy will be together at last