Next chap is here, try to enjoy. And if you donÆt, let me know why.
Laying Down the Law
________________________________________________________________
Sandaime looked down at the child in his arms with worry in his eyes and a sad smile on his face.
ôUzumaki Naruto, hero of Konoha. And now you are doomed to a life of hatred and loneliness.ö
Sarutobi sighed as he settled back into the chair in his office, his mind wandering to the events that occurred earlier today as he looked through the window to the clouds above illuminated by the afternoon sun.
_________________________________________________________________
It was dawn of a new day, the beginning of the ceremony to honour the dead and departed shinobi who had given their lives to save their village against the demon.
A podium had been erected and it was upon this that the re-instated Sandaime stood to address the crowd, the entirety of Konoha gathered before him, a small bundle held in his arms.
ôPeople of Konoha, today we mourn the loss of our friends and family who made the most noble of sacrifices to protect this village, giving their lives to preserve that of those who remain behind. Today we shall honour their sacrifice, and in years to come with a festival to celebrate the life that they sought to preserve, that they know we do not take their gift for granted, but accept it with all our hearts.ö
Looking towards his student Jiraiya he continued on strongly, the power and authority in his figure letting all know why this man was considered a power in the shinobi nations.
ôSome of you may be wondering why it is I, and not the Yondaime who addresses you here today.ö
Looking out across the crowd several nods could be seen as the villagers waited in silence for the Hokage to continue speaking.
ôLast night the Yondaime sacrificed his life in order to seal away the demon that attacked inside this child. It was his last wish that this boy, Uzumaki Naruto, be treated as the true hero of Konoha, for his entire life holding the burden of containing the No Life King!ö
with this the Sandaime raised up the bundle in his arms, revealing a child not even one day old, a full head of messily spiked blond hair on his head, shot through with streaks of black, innocent sky blue eyes open wide, hands grasping the air as he gargled happily at the world around him.
The crowd was silent for several moments before a voice erupted from near the middle of the mass of bodies.
ôThe demon is reborn! Kill the demon, before it grows strong enough to destroy us all!ö
ôItÆs just changed shapes to trick us into letting it into our village! I saw it turn into a beast with three heads, and a flock of bats! Kill the demon while itÆs still weak from battle!ö
these cries were soon joined by others as more and more people allowed their rage and sorrow over the loss of loved ones to turn into hatred, now that they had a tangible target before them. Others, caught up in the moment, would later feel shame at their actions but maintain their position from fear of becoming a pariah.
ôENOUGH!ö
JiraiyaÆs bellowed command cut through the cacophony of sound like a sharp blade.
ôMy student gave his life to preserve yours, and this is how you repay his dying wish? Che, I am ashamed of you. Sarutobi-sensei, IÆm leaving before I do something rash. Take care of the gaki.ö
With that Jiraiya, the last of the legendary Sannin left Konoha in a puff of smoke, not to return for many years.
Sarutobi sighed, the weight of his years seeming to settle in around his shoulders before his eyes hardened, the ninja known as the Professor addressing the crowd authoritatively.
ôSince the YondaimeÆs last wish will not be honoured, I hereby declare that speaking of the fate of Dracula, the demon sealed within Naruto Uzumaki, to those who do not already know is forbidden. It is also forbidden to inform a child less than five years of age now or born from this day forward. The only exceptions to this law is the Hokage and Uzumaki Naruto himself and it is forbidden to tell Uzumaki Naruto of the demon sealed within him. In addition, speaking of this law is also forbidden. The punishment for breaking any part of this law is death, with lesser sentences handed out at the sole discretion of the Hokage.ö
The crowd was somewhat shocked by this announcement as the wise and kind leader of Konohagakure no Sato turned and disappeared into the Hokage tower, taking the now sleeping infant with him.
_________________________________________________________________
æStrange, you are such a quite child. Even the noise and killing intent of the villagers did not cause you distress. You will make a great shinobi one day, just like your father.Æ
Whilst the villagers might not like the law, and it would not stop them from hating Naruto, perhaps it would give him the chance to be recognised for himself by the younger generation.
ôI hold high expectations of you Naruto. Become a ninja your Otoo-san would be proud of, legacy of the Yondaime, Uzumaki Naruto.ö
The baby just gurgled happily in response as the old man laughed and tickled him under the chin.
__________________________________________________________________
Five years later.
It was the day of the Festival of Life, celebrating the defeat of the demon Dracula. The festival itself lasted an entire week, three days before and three days after the festival being taken in celebration.
The streets were filled decorations, off duty ninja performing various minor techniques to amuse children and other civilians and add to the carnival atmosphere. Stalls were set all around, filled with games of chance or skill, some that even shinobi found challenging.
Naruto loved this time of year, because it meant he could spend an entire day with his Ojii-san, as well as get a present for his birthday, and even cake! Even if he didnÆt have enough money to go to any of the game stalls or food vendors, and the villagers were meaner to him than normal, they were always mean and Naruto enjoyed the energy of the week long festival, the carnival atmosphere lifting his spirits too much for him to be unhappy. So he ran and jumped and played as any child should, enjoying every moment with a fox like grin splitting his face, flashing his perfect white teeth and fangs to anyone who looked his way.
Ichiraku Teuchi laughed as the young Naruto ran past his ramen stand, towel wrapped like a cloak around his neck and flour covering him from head to toe as he fled from an irate baker waving a bread roll in the air like a weapon, Naruto laughing and apologising even as he ran for his life.
æThat kid, even with the way people treat him he still enjoys life.Æ
Feeling a light tugging on his pants leg, Teuchi looked down to see his daughter Ayame looking up at him with big doe eyes full of innocence.
ôDaddy, who was that boy? Can I go play with him? Can I? Please?ö
Teuchi smiled at his six year old daughter as he bent down and picked her up hoisting her up over his head to sit on his shoulders, making Ayame squeal in delight.
ôHis name is Uzumaki Naruto. You might be able to play with him later, right now we have to go meet Okaa-san at Oba-sanÆs house.ö
ôOk. Giddy up Otoo-san!ö
With that the both now laughing father and daughter set of to meet the rest of their family.
_________________________________________________________________
ôWell Naruto, you certainly managed to make a mess of yourself, though it seems you had fun.ö
A puff of flour erupting from the nose of the still grinning Naruto as he sneezed lightly caused the mock stern expression on SarutobiÆs face to disappear instantly, replaced with a wide grin as he chuckled around his pipe at the cute image.
ôHai, Ojii-san! It was the best!ö
The young boy then regaled the attentive old man with an energetic retelling of his adventures, ars waving as he jumped about to re-enact the events excitedly, Sarutobi adding comment, chuckling or acting in mock anger or disapproval at appropriate points in the story, adding to the warm family atmosphere in the HokageÆs office.
Once things had settled down and Sarutobi had cleaned off his grandson in the bathroom adjacent to his office, out came the party hats and cake. Once the cake was done they sat together quietly, Sandaime smoking his pipe with Naruto in his lap licking the remains of his birthday cake from his face and fingers as they both looked at the festival below, sounds of merrymaking drifting through the partially open window.
ôNaruto, do you remember your cooking lessons?ö
With the Hokage position demanding so much time as soon as Naruto turned four Sandaime had asked his wife, who helped care for the boy at their home, to teach him how to fend for himself where food was concerned, in case one or both of them had other things to attend to.
ôHai, Ojii-san. Obaa-san is a really good teacher! She sayÆs IÆm nearly as good as you!ö
Sarutobi smiled. Whilst he could survive in the kitchen and make a meal that would taste ok, he was by no means a good cook. Still, if Naruto kept at it he would be in a few years, if his rapid learning curve was anything to go by. It amazed the Sandaime how the boy could struggle with a concept, twisting and turning it in his mind sometimes for months until he seemingly instantaneously mastered it, his mind coming up with dozens of variations and improvements on the idea that would never occur to most as though they were obvious. Sarutobi had decided that it was because his mind worked in a different way to others, so that when he was taught something the normal way he didnÆt understand it until he his mind twisted it and he retaught himself in his own unique way.
The Professor could see how that would make it difficult for him to learn many techniques, since the more details given to Naruto, the less able his inventive and versatile mindset would be able to adapt it to his usage. For instance, if he were told the correct technique for sneaking around; how to hold his body, how to set his feet, how to breath and walk, he would be unable to do it, constantly making mistakes. But tell him he needs to make as little noise as he can, remain unseen, and not move more than necessary, very general instructions that still give a goal to accomplish, and he suddenly was as sneaky as a mouse. Not quite ninja standard yet, but not far off with his rate of improvement either.
Sarutobi had developed this idea, and proven it, whilst training the boy in ninja skills by playing hide and seek and other childrenÆs games.
ôThat is good. Naruto, there is something I have to tell you.ö
Naruto looked up questioningly from his spot on SarutobiÆs lap, his face and hands now thoroughly cleaned of any remaining cake or frosting.
ôNaruto, the Council have decided that I have been neglecting my duties, because I have been taking care of you. And since they think you are now able to take care of yourself, they have decided to place you in your own apartment.ö
Sarutobi would have countermanded the ridiculous suggestion, but to do so could cause a rise of factions within the Council set against him that would destabilise Konoha from within, potentially leaving them vulnerable to other shinobi powers. That was something that the Sandaime simply could not allow.
Seeing Naruto becoming a little depressed at what the young boy could only think was his abandonment by his family, Sandaime continued in a lighter and happier tone.
ôBut I will still check up on you from time to time, so you better make sure you take care of yourself, and donÆt forget to eat your vegetables or I will have to send Obaa-san to reprimand you.ö
Naruto nodded furiously as the thought of being reprimanded by Obaa-san ran through his mind. ItÆs not that she was cruel, she never beat him or even raised her voice. It was the look on her face of disappointment and shame that made her reprimands so fearful. Naruto hated that look and would do anything to keep it off his Obaa-sanÆs face.
The earnest look on NarutoÆs face as he nodded made the old man smile again. Taking a puff from his pipe, he was beginning to think that it was impossible for him to stop smiling for long when the boy was around.
ôNow, itÆs time to open your presents.ö
Naruto jumped from Sarutobi's lap, gleefully bouncing over to where several packages wrapped in colourful paper rested on the couch against the left wall of the HokageÆs office.
Quickly tearing them both open Naruto blinked twice, a look of shock on his face.
ôWow! A kunai and shuriken set, cool! With holsters and everything! Ninja wire, a rope kit, a scroll on how to tie knots and escape techniques! So cool! This is the best birthday ever!ö
It should come as no surprise that he failed to see his new sets of clothes, some several sizes too large for him, was no where near as excited. Even if they were specially reinforced ninja wear, including a pair of sandals, black net shirt, short and long sleeved, a red ninja vest, black pants and shirt long and short sleeved, a bandana, new underwear and fingerless gloves with a metal guard on the back. All in various sizes with a second set the same but with grey camouflage colouring.
ôIÆm glad you like them Naruto.ö
Looking at the back of his hands, Naruto asked the Sandaime a question he had not been expecting.
ôOjii-san, what are these marks on the back of my hand? And how come theyÆre on the back of these gloves too?ö
ôWell Naruto, they are a symbol of who and what you are. Something that no-one else has. That you should be proud of.ö
Naruto nodded in understanding.
ôNow then, one last thing. Since you are old enough to take care of yourself you have been enrolled in the ninja academy, three years earlier than normal.ö
NarutoÆs grin lit up the entire room.
ôYeah! IÆm gonna be the best ninja ever!ö
_________________________________________________________________
Two chapters in two days, not something I normally do, but I am trying to discipline myself so I can be more productive.
Laying Down the Law
________________________________________________________________
Sandaime looked down at the child in his arms with worry in his eyes and a sad smile on his face.
ôUzumaki Naruto, hero of Konoha. And now you are doomed to a life of hatred and loneliness.ö
Sarutobi sighed as he settled back into the chair in his office, his mind wandering to the events that occurred earlier today as he looked through the window to the clouds above illuminated by the afternoon sun.
_________________________________________________________________
It was dawn of a new day, the beginning of the ceremony to honour the dead and departed shinobi who had given their lives to save their village against the demon.
A podium had been erected and it was upon this that the re-instated Sandaime stood to address the crowd, the entirety of Konoha gathered before him, a small bundle held in his arms.
ôPeople of Konoha, today we mourn the loss of our friends and family who made the most noble of sacrifices to protect this village, giving their lives to preserve that of those who remain behind. Today we shall honour their sacrifice, and in years to come with a festival to celebrate the life that they sought to preserve, that they know we do not take their gift for granted, but accept it with all our hearts.ö
Looking towards his student Jiraiya he continued on strongly, the power and authority in his figure letting all know why this man was considered a power in the shinobi nations.
ôSome of you may be wondering why it is I, and not the Yondaime who addresses you here today.ö
Looking out across the crowd several nods could be seen as the villagers waited in silence for the Hokage to continue speaking.
ôLast night the Yondaime sacrificed his life in order to seal away the demon that attacked inside this child. It was his last wish that this boy, Uzumaki Naruto, be treated as the true hero of Konoha, for his entire life holding the burden of containing the No Life King!ö
with this the Sandaime raised up the bundle in his arms, revealing a child not even one day old, a full head of messily spiked blond hair on his head, shot through with streaks of black, innocent sky blue eyes open wide, hands grasping the air as he gargled happily at the world around him.
The crowd was silent for several moments before a voice erupted from near the middle of the mass of bodies.
ôThe demon is reborn! Kill the demon, before it grows strong enough to destroy us all!ö
ôItÆs just changed shapes to trick us into letting it into our village! I saw it turn into a beast with three heads, and a flock of bats! Kill the demon while itÆs still weak from battle!ö
these cries were soon joined by others as more and more people allowed their rage and sorrow over the loss of loved ones to turn into hatred, now that they had a tangible target before them. Others, caught up in the moment, would later feel shame at their actions but maintain their position from fear of becoming a pariah.
ôENOUGH!ö
JiraiyaÆs bellowed command cut through the cacophony of sound like a sharp blade.
ôMy student gave his life to preserve yours, and this is how you repay his dying wish? Che, I am ashamed of you. Sarutobi-sensei, IÆm leaving before I do something rash. Take care of the gaki.ö
With that Jiraiya, the last of the legendary Sannin left Konoha in a puff of smoke, not to return for many years.
Sarutobi sighed, the weight of his years seeming to settle in around his shoulders before his eyes hardened, the ninja known as the Professor addressing the crowd authoritatively.
ôSince the YondaimeÆs last wish will not be honoured, I hereby declare that speaking of the fate of Dracula, the demon sealed within Naruto Uzumaki, to those who do not already know is forbidden. It is also forbidden to inform a child less than five years of age now or born from this day forward. The only exceptions to this law is the Hokage and Uzumaki Naruto himself and it is forbidden to tell Uzumaki Naruto of the demon sealed within him. In addition, speaking of this law is also forbidden. The punishment for breaking any part of this law is death, with lesser sentences handed out at the sole discretion of the Hokage.ö
The crowd was somewhat shocked by this announcement as the wise and kind leader of Konohagakure no Sato turned and disappeared into the Hokage tower, taking the now sleeping infant with him.
_________________________________________________________________
æStrange, you are such a quite child. Even the noise and killing intent of the villagers did not cause you distress. You will make a great shinobi one day, just like your father.Æ
Whilst the villagers might not like the law, and it would not stop them from hating Naruto, perhaps it would give him the chance to be recognised for himself by the younger generation.
ôI hold high expectations of you Naruto. Become a ninja your Otoo-san would be proud of, legacy of the Yondaime, Uzumaki Naruto.ö
The baby just gurgled happily in response as the old man laughed and tickled him under the chin.
__________________________________________________________________
Five years later.
It was the day of the Festival of Life, celebrating the defeat of the demon Dracula. The festival itself lasted an entire week, three days before and three days after the festival being taken in celebration.
The streets were filled decorations, off duty ninja performing various minor techniques to amuse children and other civilians and add to the carnival atmosphere. Stalls were set all around, filled with games of chance or skill, some that even shinobi found challenging.
Naruto loved this time of year, because it meant he could spend an entire day with his Ojii-san, as well as get a present for his birthday, and even cake! Even if he didnÆt have enough money to go to any of the game stalls or food vendors, and the villagers were meaner to him than normal, they were always mean and Naruto enjoyed the energy of the week long festival, the carnival atmosphere lifting his spirits too much for him to be unhappy. So he ran and jumped and played as any child should, enjoying every moment with a fox like grin splitting his face, flashing his perfect white teeth and fangs to anyone who looked his way.
Ichiraku Teuchi laughed as the young Naruto ran past his ramen stand, towel wrapped like a cloak around his neck and flour covering him from head to toe as he fled from an irate baker waving a bread roll in the air like a weapon, Naruto laughing and apologising even as he ran for his life.
æThat kid, even with the way people treat him he still enjoys life.Æ
Feeling a light tugging on his pants leg, Teuchi looked down to see his daughter Ayame looking up at him with big doe eyes full of innocence.
ôDaddy, who was that boy? Can I go play with him? Can I? Please?ö
Teuchi smiled at his six year old daughter as he bent down and picked her up hoisting her up over his head to sit on his shoulders, making Ayame squeal in delight.
ôHis name is Uzumaki Naruto. You might be able to play with him later, right now we have to go meet Okaa-san at Oba-sanÆs house.ö
ôOk. Giddy up Otoo-san!ö
With that the both now laughing father and daughter set of to meet the rest of their family.
_________________________________________________________________
ôWell Naruto, you certainly managed to make a mess of yourself, though it seems you had fun.ö
A puff of flour erupting from the nose of the still grinning Naruto as he sneezed lightly caused the mock stern expression on SarutobiÆs face to disappear instantly, replaced with a wide grin as he chuckled around his pipe at the cute image.
ôHai, Ojii-san! It was the best!ö
The young boy then regaled the attentive old man with an energetic retelling of his adventures, ars waving as he jumped about to re-enact the events excitedly, Sarutobi adding comment, chuckling or acting in mock anger or disapproval at appropriate points in the story, adding to the warm family atmosphere in the HokageÆs office.
Once things had settled down and Sarutobi had cleaned off his grandson in the bathroom adjacent to his office, out came the party hats and cake. Once the cake was done they sat together quietly, Sandaime smoking his pipe with Naruto in his lap licking the remains of his birthday cake from his face and fingers as they both looked at the festival below, sounds of merrymaking drifting through the partially open window.
ôNaruto, do you remember your cooking lessons?ö
With the Hokage position demanding so much time as soon as Naruto turned four Sandaime had asked his wife, who helped care for the boy at their home, to teach him how to fend for himself where food was concerned, in case one or both of them had other things to attend to.
ôHai, Ojii-san. Obaa-san is a really good teacher! She sayÆs IÆm nearly as good as you!ö
Sarutobi smiled. Whilst he could survive in the kitchen and make a meal that would taste ok, he was by no means a good cook. Still, if Naruto kept at it he would be in a few years, if his rapid learning curve was anything to go by. It amazed the Sandaime how the boy could struggle with a concept, twisting and turning it in his mind sometimes for months until he seemingly instantaneously mastered it, his mind coming up with dozens of variations and improvements on the idea that would never occur to most as though they were obvious. Sarutobi had decided that it was because his mind worked in a different way to others, so that when he was taught something the normal way he didnÆt understand it until he his mind twisted it and he retaught himself in his own unique way.
The Professor could see how that would make it difficult for him to learn many techniques, since the more details given to Naruto, the less able his inventive and versatile mindset would be able to adapt it to his usage. For instance, if he were told the correct technique for sneaking around; how to hold his body, how to set his feet, how to breath and walk, he would be unable to do it, constantly making mistakes. But tell him he needs to make as little noise as he can, remain unseen, and not move more than necessary, very general instructions that still give a goal to accomplish, and he suddenly was as sneaky as a mouse. Not quite ninja standard yet, but not far off with his rate of improvement either.
Sarutobi had developed this idea, and proven it, whilst training the boy in ninja skills by playing hide and seek and other childrenÆs games.
ôThat is good. Naruto, there is something I have to tell you.ö
Naruto looked up questioningly from his spot on SarutobiÆs lap, his face and hands now thoroughly cleaned of any remaining cake or frosting.
ôNaruto, the Council have decided that I have been neglecting my duties, because I have been taking care of you. And since they think you are now able to take care of yourself, they have decided to place you in your own apartment.ö
Sarutobi would have countermanded the ridiculous suggestion, but to do so could cause a rise of factions within the Council set against him that would destabilise Konoha from within, potentially leaving them vulnerable to other shinobi powers. That was something that the Sandaime simply could not allow.
Seeing Naruto becoming a little depressed at what the young boy could only think was his abandonment by his family, Sandaime continued in a lighter and happier tone.
ôBut I will still check up on you from time to time, so you better make sure you take care of yourself, and donÆt forget to eat your vegetables or I will have to send Obaa-san to reprimand you.ö
Naruto nodded furiously as the thought of being reprimanded by Obaa-san ran through his mind. ItÆs not that she was cruel, she never beat him or even raised her voice. It was the look on her face of disappointment and shame that made her reprimands so fearful. Naruto hated that look and would do anything to keep it off his Obaa-sanÆs face.
The earnest look on NarutoÆs face as he nodded made the old man smile again. Taking a puff from his pipe, he was beginning to think that it was impossible for him to stop smiling for long when the boy was around.
ôNow, itÆs time to open your presents.ö
Naruto jumped from Sarutobi's lap, gleefully bouncing over to where several packages wrapped in colourful paper rested on the couch against the left wall of the HokageÆs office.
Quickly tearing them both open Naruto blinked twice, a look of shock on his face.
ôWow! A kunai and shuriken set, cool! With holsters and everything! Ninja wire, a rope kit, a scroll on how to tie knots and escape techniques! So cool! This is the best birthday ever!ö
It should come as no surprise that he failed to see his new sets of clothes, some several sizes too large for him, was no where near as excited. Even if they were specially reinforced ninja wear, including a pair of sandals, black net shirt, short and long sleeved, a red ninja vest, black pants and shirt long and short sleeved, a bandana, new underwear and fingerless gloves with a metal guard on the back. All in various sizes with a second set the same but with grey camouflage colouring.
ôIÆm glad you like them Naruto.ö
Looking at the back of his hands, Naruto asked the Sandaime a question he had not been expecting.
ôOjii-san, what are these marks on the back of my hand? And how come theyÆre on the back of these gloves too?ö
ôWell Naruto, they are a symbol of who and what you are. Something that no-one else has. That you should be proud of.ö
Naruto nodded in understanding.
ôNow then, one last thing. Since you are old enough to take care of yourself you have been enrolled in the ninja academy, three years earlier than normal.ö
NarutoÆs grin lit up the entire room.
ôYeah! IÆm gonna be the best ninja ever!ö
_________________________________________________________________
Two chapters in two days, not something I normally do, but I am trying to discipline myself so I can be more productive.
