Naruto's POV (Mindscape - ?)
Naruto Uzumaki was never someone to be described as lazy or relaxed. He often pursued his goals somehow or goofed off as if his life depended on it. Yet Naruto had to admit recent days had seemed to lean to the former. Naruto had spent literal months focusing on his growth. The first mission of Team Seven and the Mizuki incident had enforced the importance of such into him relatively early in his career.
He had been dedicated and tireless, Naruto spent most days training, planning, or mediating—anything he could to work towards his goal. Naruto had never known why, but he never felt relaxed if he was working towards something. He could enjoy some time to kick back, but Naruto felt it had to be earned. Besides, Naruto had never heard of a Hokage who had shunned hard work.
Naruto had never heard of Hokage, who failed either… Gaara had… defeated him… Naruto felt a small sliver of doubt worm its way into his head. Perhaps it was excusable to most, but the Blonde had always strived to keep his word, to rise to the occasion, to stand confidently, and to use his determination to force his way forward. But that hadn't worked…
Naruto pondered over the fight for a moment, remembering the clash, the pain, the mistakes, what worked and what didn't. Despite the shame Naruto felt, he also felt pride. He had known Gaara would be an opponent unlike any before, and he had been right. Yet Naruto had not shied away and had stood toe to toe with him. Naruto had faced a stronger foe head on and nearly won…
But the gap between their powers simply had seemed too large, he had been aware of it, but the extent had been shocking. Naruto had known somehow that Gaara was powerful, perhaps even more so than himself. But he had been sure his growth would've been enough. After that final month, Naruto felt incredible; it formed into an easy confidence. Naruto had simply been able to envision himself powering through and besting Gaara. Jiraiya had warned him against such, in fact…
Jiraiya had predicted this; the man had warned Naruto that defeat was likely without using his own beast. Offered to aim him in learning such, but Naruto, even now, would've refused. Naruto was more than a damn jinchuriki! He had come so far! He didn't need some beast to do it for him… or… did he…?
'NO!'
Naruto screamed mentally. Failure was nothing new to him, but he had always achieved despite it. Facing it time and time again had numbed the blonde to it. The pain was great, but he knew it was only momentarily. He found a way that others would've never found, simply by being too stubborn to surrender. It had failed him here, yet Naruto was certain it would be different next time. In fact, he knew it was; Naruto would make sure of it. The only way forward was to continue. So even if he faced Gaara or even someone somehow more fearsome.
"It seems to This One you may be too concerned moping to talk to This One. Should This One wait till later? You human break down often…" The booming voice of the Kyuubi sounded. Naruto opened his eyes and realized once again he was in the sewer system, now facing the Kyuubi. Water still dripped from the filthy and moss covered walls of the sewers. It gathered into a puddle that filled the bottom of it. The cage was the only thing dry and pristine. The large bars completely seemed incapable of housing such an absurdly large creature. Yet it did not attempt to test the bars. Likely knowing better than anyone how pointless it would be. It was just as terrifying as last time, yet it seemed... a tad bit different somehow. As if it was more bored than infuriated to see its host. "You choose defeat, boy. Do not regret it."
Naruto felt his anger surge as he kipped up to his feet and stomped toward the cage; even in his rage, he had the sense to stop short. Knowing to draw too close to the beast would be a risky venture. But Naruto glared right into the giant pupil of the Kyuubi. The beast was stooped low, the left side of its face pressed against the bars to gaze upon Naruto easily. It was massive, thick, wild orange fur, only broken by its large canines and red eye. The eye alone was significantly larger than him.
"Maybe I did." Naruto said frostily. "I had to. If I had used you to defeat him, it wouldn't have been a victory, it would've been admission of his point. A pointless loss."
"Ah, This One knows what this is." The Kyuubi droned on with an amused smile. "The foolish pride of you humans. That foolish sand human believes himself something more than he is, and you think that you would be anything without This One."
"It doesn't matter what or who I am now." Naruto retorted with speed. His rage and determination filled him, seeming to melt away the shame and regret. "I won't be so in the future! I'll keep growing and become the best of the best. I'll even make you acknowledge me! I don't care how many times I fail. I always get back up; and never shy away from the task!"
"As if it means anything." The Kyuubi roared as it openly mocked Naruto. "It is no great task to be too prideful and too foolish to know when to quit. This One is unimpressed, to think This One's vessel is beneath the weakest of its brethren."
"Bullshit." Naruto spoke simply.
"You ins"
"I'm not stupid, Kurama. You helped me there; we both know it. There was some sort of reason; before that, you had hated me, and now you have assisted me. You wouldn't do that if you despised me. For whatever reason you seemed content enough to give me a fighting chance. Don't get it confused, I don't care if you think I'm a failure or resent me. I intend to keep living my life, ya know? But it would be a lie to say I wouldn't prefer it if we could be allies, Kurama. We're stuck together; it doesn't have to be like this." Naruto attempted to reason. Before he could utter another word, the form the Kurama writhed as massive claws slammed into the bars, causing a boom and the awful screech of meeting being scratched. Though the bars held firm, Kurama continued to scream rage. Even pain as the bars reacted by arcing electricity into the Beast. Though it hardly seemed more than inconvenienced by such.
"You dare utter the name of Kurama? The Nine-Tailed Fox, the Kyuubi, ravager of the Leaf, and strongest of the Tailed Beast!" Kurama continued to rage as if Naruto had committed the gravest of offenses.
"It's just a n-"
"It is more than you could ever hope to comprehend, human!" Kurama snapped back. It was still rage-filled, but the now icy fury, instead of the theatrical fury, stunned Naruto. "It was given to K- This One by the only human ever worth the chakra they were gifted. This One will not have you dare besmirch it by uttering it with your pri"
"I'm sorry." Naruto interrupted the beast softly. His body half bowed as he faced the Kyuubi. Naruto felt shame return at him for so carelessly treating the beast. He had been upset after his defeat and had ignored the Kyuubi helping him. Naruto knew the beast had no need to do so and even stood to potentially gain something should Gaara continue. "I- I didn't know it would upset you. If I'm honest, I lashed out due to the stress of this moment. Always been a bit impulsive, ya know? Honestly, I was so excited when I heard your name…. It was nice to feel like I understood you better. But I won't say it if it offends you…"
"As if a pathetic human could ever!"
"GOD DAMNIT, BE REASONABLE, YOU DAMN FOX! I SURE AS HELL DON'T LIKE YOU EITHER! NEWSFLASH, THIS MAKES MY LIFE SUCK, TOO! MAYBE IF YOU COULD BE DECENT TO ME FOR TWO SECONDS, WE COULD HAVE A BETTER SITUATION FOR BOTH US!" Naruto roared in anger, his fury overriding his fear. Kyuubi so coldly rejecting his attempt to patch things up and insulting him was growing tiresome. Hell, he was fed up with the damn fox treating him as a lesser. Naruto did not need to deal with more arrogant assholes today. The Kyuubi seemed shocked by Naruto's defiance. Before it regained its control, sighing heavily as it regarded the Blonde.
"This One must be the superior being This One is and accept your ignorance." The Kyuubi spoke, seeming oddly flat and emotionless now. "Do not dare speak my name again, and do not mistake my aid as anything more than charity. It was done on a whim, unlikely to happen again, and besides, you were close to getting us killed."
"Us?"
"Enough. This One tires of this conversation. Try not to disappoint This One again, as hard as it may be for a human like yourself…"
"You motherfuck-"
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Naruto's POV (Medical Ward of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto blinked as he realized he was somewhere else now. His eyes seemed open, yet Naruto could see nothing. The tense energy and violent emotions that seemed to surround Ku—the Kyuubi—were gone.
'THAT MOTHERFUCKER HUNG UP ON ME!'
Naruto tried reaching out to the beast with his mind but either could not or did not know how to do so properly. For nothing answered in his mind. Making the Blonde feel a bit ridiculous.
"His face is wincing!" A familiar female voice called out. Ino was here?
"My baby! Call for the medics!" Another female called. Naruto felt a small amount of humiliation but was happy to hear his mother was there.
"I doubt that will be necessary, Kushina-san." Kakashi's cool and airy response was with a small amount of amusement present.
"Indeed, the fool is likely having a nightmare. He has always been spineless." The smooth and snide voice of Neji closed off the group.
His whole team was here! He had survived! Why couldn't he see?! Naruto blinked before he realized he could feel a cloth on his face. He attempted to raise his left hand to touch it, only to discover it was being held by some weight. His right as well!
Suddenly, the room became much too bright! Naruto winced as light filled his vision; oddly, it seemed much more bright than Naruto had remembered!
"It's okay, son." Kushina let him know with a smile as she happily squeezed his right hand. "You were injured badly. If not for the Kyuubi and the aid of Lady Tsunade, you likely would've been out for days, if not weeks. You gotta be safer, ya know?" His mother explained with tears in her eyes. Naruto felt ashamed at having worried her, but he was saved by another shouting voice.
"You absolute ass! You just have to risk your life whenever Neji or I turn around! And for what, some stupid macho pride?!" Ino roared. Naruto glanced worriedly to his left, seeing a tear-stained Ino's face, who glared at him. Naruto, so alarmed by such, failed to notice his teammate's hand wrapped firmly around his left hand.
Naruto knew it would be wiser to stay silent, but he felt the need to defend himself.
"I had to Ino." Naruto replied simply. "For myself and Gaara, someone needed to make him see the ot-"
"Why not his dad, sister, or even creepy brother?! Why is it that every time you meet someone who's self-destructive, you drag yourself through hell to help them! I watched as my two teammates tore each other apart! Watched as you did the unthinkable and fought an S-rank ninja to save us! And now I watched some serial killer beat you within an inch of your life! Do you have any clue how that makes me feel? How useless and awful it leaves us? How about you consider your mom, or Neji, or Kakashi sensei, hell even me?!" Ino ranted, glaring into Naruto's face. Unknowingly mere inches away from the now fearful Blonde.
"Yo!" Kakashi sounded off happily, facing the group. Naruto felt joy at Kakashi attempting to break the tension, though based on the way Kakashi wilted once Ino glared at him, it was clear he would be no help.
Naruto's eyes darted to his mother. She was in protective mode; surely she would stop Ino! But to his horror and dismay, Kushina merely smiled humorously as she shook her head. Maybe Ne-, no. Naruto didn't bother to look at Neji; he always enjoyed their arguments and likely would agree.
He had been left to suffer by his loved ones! How cruel!
"Answer me, Naruto Uzumaki!" Ino ordered as she grabbed Naruto's face and made him face her sharp eyes. Naruto went to speak, but Ino roughly pressed her fingers against his face, silencing him. "You keep fighting for your beliefs, and that's fine. I get it and love that about you. It's your life, and I won't order you around; it's not my place. But I'll be damned if you keep tearing yourself apart for stupid reasons! At least let Neji and I help! I can't keep watching you treat yourself like this…" Ino finished, exhausted. She stood up and glanced around the room. She bowed to the others and faced Kushina with a grim smile. "I'm sorry to have dressed down your son like that, please recognize-"
"No worries," Kushina answered with a warm smile. "I thank you, in fact. Naruto needs someone other than me to tell him off. I'm glad you care about my son, ya know?" Ino nodded at this and left the room without so much as another glance at Naruto. Naruto attempted to rise, but Kushina lightly shoved him back down into the bed. "Give her a little time. She's frustrated and scared. She'll come around once her anger leaves her."
Naruto dumbly nodded before he glanced at his mother. "Did you think it was stupid?"
Kushina sighed, anger flashing in her eyes for a second before she managed to reign it in. "Franky yes I do son, I don't understand why it was necessary. Especially when Kakashi would've saved you should you have merely asked."
"It wasn't an option; I was there to win and failed. But I never even considered running away," Naruto answered readily.
"I would feel the same, but surely you recognize it was for nothing, right?" Kushina said lightly. "I'm not sure anyone could get through to him… and it's not because you're not good enough, but… some people are too far gone, son."
"Screw that!" Naruto responded immediately. "That attitude is what created him in the first place. He is one of the few people who understand what I'm going through, but he has no support. I can't just walk away from someone who so obviously needs help, not when I can understand their pain. I don't know why he calls me brother, but he's not wrong…"
"Of course he is." Neji chimed in confidently. "I won't pretend I don't understand your reason for fighting. I, too, would've likely done the same; however, risking my life attempting to get through to him would be wasteful. Gaara was an enemy of you with the intent to do you harm. You were better off attempting to do the same. Though I respect your wishes and admire your performance and determination."
"Don't encourage him!" Kushina snapped at the Hyuga. Kakashi seemed frozen at the tension, unsure how to interfere.
"I am not." Neji disagreed. "However, he is a man who made a choice. It does not matter how we feel about such, nor that it was foolish. Naruto had the choice and made it. Make no mistake. If I had realized just how astray the match would go, I would've interfered. But I will not shame him for acting in the way he believes was right." Kushina glared at the Hyuga openly.
"Maybe we should focus on the news we should deliver…" Kakashi objected with a nervous chuckle. "We know where we all stand and will have time to discuss it. But for now, we should focus on more important matters."
"Huh? How long was I out?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Nearly a full day." Kushina answered, calming slightly. "That final shock nearly killed you… your skin was burned all over. Even your eyes were damaged. You looked…" Kushina's voice broke slightly; the image was too much for her. But she recovered quickly, "Luckily, the Kyuubi kept you alive and, with the aid of Tsunade, was able to fully heal you. Thank Kami for that woman… Jiraiya also collected Riptide."
"Wait, who won the exams then?!" Naruto asked, shocked.
"Technically, no one!" Kakashi answered with joy. "The Kage had called the match over and even attempted to interfere. However, it seems the power of the Tailed Beast is something to behold."
"It was impressive Gaara somehow held back so many powerful shinobi. You say that is due to the Tailed Beast?"
"Undoubtedly." Kushina chimed back in. "While that feat is impressive, even infeasible for humans, the full power of a tailed beast is incredibly unique. They are rarely outclassed when it comes to power. Even multiple Kage would struggle to overcome that."
"So he was a perfect jinchuriki?" Neji asked. "I thought such was rare, especially for a mere Genin."
"It is indeed, from what I heard from rumors milling. It is apparently an ability unique to the One Tails. They are apparently calling it the "Perfect Defense." Gaara will become quite infamous…"
"He won't be the only one," Neji added. "The audience, half anyway, clapped not for the psycho but for you, Naruto."
"Unfortunately, not the Leaf civilians, but plenty of the others!" Kushina agreed happily. "My baby is a fantastic shinobi!"
"You've also been scarred." Neji taunting with a friendly smile. Before it softened slightly. "You may wish to examine it yourself. I know all too well how marks like those can make you feel…"
Naruto gasped as he raised the blanket. He was wearing no shirt, but attention was directed to his torso. Two lines snaked throughout his abdomen and abs, wrapping around his side. Each stood out on his tan skin, with a tinge of blue and purple throughout. Naruto prodded them, pleased to see they did not ache. But he was otherwise unaffected; he didn't run around without a shirt anyway.
"You did well to survive that final attack from Gaara. Or were lucky anyway." Kakashi nodded. "The technique was simple but powerful. Luckily, the Kage are discussing how to deal with him as we speak."
"Damn straight! Hope that bastard gets what's coming to him!" Kushina roared in approval. "He's likely to fry! The samurai are infamous for their unforgiving nature.
The group all flinched, however, when Naruto suddenly stood. Luckily, he was somewhat dressed under the blanket, briefs covering his modesty as he stretched and seemed utterly focused.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
"How to deal with him?" Naruto asked seriously as he glanced at Kakashi. The idea of Gaara being cordoned off and treated like a monster frustrated the Blonde. His efforts would be for nothing if they killed him!
"Yes. After you passed out, the samurai and assorted shinobi subdued Gaara. It was easily done with him being exhausted. Shortly after, the Kage assembled to discuss how to proceed. The two issues being addressed are the results and promotions from the exam, as well as the fate of Gaara."
"The fate of him? Why would he be punished just for beating me?" Naruto asked.
"Attempted Unauthorized Murder, Endangerment to the Public, Disregarding the orders of a Kage, times at least two by the way, and being a damn creep." Kushina listed angrily. Obviously, his mother will not forgive Gaara soon.
"If the rumors are to be believed, such is going incredibly poorly." Neji chimed in. "The Sand accepts the blame but refuses to accept any punishment geared towards Gaara. The Leaf and Iron are determined to make Gaara pay Hokage-san due to his attempt to slaughter you. Though the samurai seem just as upset as he, they do not take treachery lightly on their grounds."
"What's the punishment?" Naruto asked nervously.
"That is the complication; I can count the previous cases with international influence on one hand. The Sand insists it is an internal matter, and they will appropriately reprimand him, offering compensation but not the perpetrator himself. The Leaf would be agreeable to such but seemed particularly offended by an ally nearly costing them such a resource," Kakashi started. He nodded at Naruto to show he meant no offense and continued. "The Iron insists the perpetrator must be punished to settle the matter. They are severe when punishing perceived slights. It is why all Five Great Villages tread lightly around them." Kakashi explained. "They've been arguing nearly the entire time you've been unconscious."
"But surely they won't execute him?" Naruto laughed.
"I wouldn't be so sure, son…" Kushina warned. "As useful as Kage finds jinchuriki, I'm not sure Rasa can risk a no here. To do so could potentially stir up the Fourth Great Ninja War…" Naruto heard such and made up his mind. As he stomped toward a close he grabbed his pants, shirt, and jacket hastily dressing himself.
"Naruto?"
"Son?"
"Naruto?"
The three sounded off in unison.
"I gotta go," Naruto informed them as he prepared to set off.
Neji merely nodded, standing by the side of the blonde.
"I will go with you, injured as you are it would unwise to go alone."
"Normally, I don't mind your can-do attitude Naruto." Kakashi said softly as he walked toward the two. "But this is a no-go; you've done enough for Gaara, and this wouldn't be forgiven if you were to intrude. Hell, the samurai would likely kill you before you reached them."
Kushina ignored this, shoving past Kakashi and facing Naruto. "Son, are you sure about this? He isn't worth it."
"Maybe, but I just feel like I need to. Someone needs to do it for him." Naruto answered plainly. "He needs a friend…"
"And if they say no?" Kushina asked sharply.
Naruto hesitated, unsure what to say.
"I'll help you, son, but don't act out if we fail." Kushina told Naruto, who nodded grimly, glad for the aid.
"Kushina!" Kakashi yelled, shocked.
"I agree that it's stupid, Kakashi. But I also recognize that look in my son's eye. No matter what we say or do, he intends to stop that meeting from going poorly for Gaara. If I can't stop him, I'll help my son. Besides, we Uzumaki are a stubborn bunch, ya know?"
Kakashi sighed but nodded. He walked in front of the group as if walking to his death. They followed him. The group was conflicted about their goal but determined anyway.
"I disagree with this course of action, but as both your sensei and your coolest Uncle." Kakashi said, his light tone of voice returning.
"You're an Uncle?" Kushina asked with a raised brow.
"I will accompany you. Hopefully, a group won't be instantly detained or killed!" Kakashi plowed forward with false cheeriness. Silently continuing on toward their destination. Naruto wasn't proud of putting Kakashi in a position he didn't want, but he was determined to see things through with Gaara.
Though Naruto heard Kakashi mutter to himself mutter a saying to himself.
"In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, true. But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum…"
Naruto was sure Kakashi thought they didn't hear him, and Naruto could tell the others didn't. It was an odd saying, one he agreed with but not one that would be popular with most shinobi. But he liked the quote; it made him respect his sensei even more…
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Kakashi's / Naruto's POV (Entryway of Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Kakashi was a man who was very familiar with failure. He had failed Obito and Rin, Minato, and now even Naruto. Kakashi had pretended to be chosen randomly, but truthfully, Kushina and he had decided to have him referee the finals months ago. A subtle but effective way to ensure Naruto and his other students turned out okay. A bit against the spirit of the rules, but such was the life of a shinobi.
The task seemed simple on paper: watch two people fight, declare a winner, and announce the next fight. It was a simple and incredibly hard-to-mess-up formula. At least on paper, Genin, as skilled and powerful as Chunin or even Jounin, murderous jinchuriki, and destructive young adults, had complicated the job considerably.
Kakashi wouldn't say he regretted it. Doubtless, it had been nice to be right there. Assure his students wouldn't suffer needlessly, or anyone for that matter. It should've been simple for a former Anbu captain.
Yet Kakashi had failed; barrier ninjutsu, while rare and powerful, was not against the exam rules. In a moment, Kakashi decided not to be captured in such a way. Recognizing he was to interfere when required. Though he had tested it, first with kunai, fuijutsu, ninjutsu, the works. But he had not been able to pierce it, as everyone else. Kakashi had been forced to watch Naruto struggle against a force, even if he would've been pressed to overcome it. But unlike the others, Kakashi was meant to be the one to stop it…
Kakashi felt the iron control slip into place, calming his turbulent emotions. One did not become part of Root and the Anbu not to learn self-control, despite the moody and ashamed mindstate he had. Outwardly, he was pouting childishly about not getting his way, causing both Naruto and Neji to smile in ways they thought were subtle.
Kakashi was familiar with failure, and as such, he knew better than most how to keep going. One simply had to move on to the next task. Forget about the failure; it had no bearing on the future.
The fast pace of the group of shinobi led them to the doorway of the Kage Box within mere minutes. The doors were guarded by a milling group of relaxed shinobi and samurai. Kakashi used his infamous nature to nod at the shinobi and even some of the samurai as they drew closer. Subtly assuring them of his position and lack of evil intent. However, the two samurai guarding the doors correctly seemed less enthused to see them attempting to enter.
They stopped as they drew close to not encourage a dramatic response. One samurai marched forward, the other remaining by the large door.
"Stop, shinobi; the Five Kage and General meeting is before you.
"Whatever your business is must wait." He ordered dutifully. He was a bald young man who seemed to radiate pride. Likely a brown noser of sort, time to turn on the old Kakashi ch-
Suddenly, Naruto, exhausted but determined, marched forward. Naruto was obviously in pain, but Kakashi could also tell the Blonde was utterly determined to do this right now. The samurai flinched slightly, obviously slightly startled by Naruto blatantly ignoring his orders. The man attempted to draw his blade, but Naruto clutched a hand around his drawing arm. The man grunted as he tried to rip his arm free and draw his sword. However, Naruto's powerful grip did not waver; instead, Naruto glared at the man.
"Out of my way," Naruto replied gruffly before he shoved the man with one arm, as opposed to the typical result of a shove. Likely leading to a stumble or even fall, the man went flying into the large doors with a violent bang of metal being hit. The doors slightly caved in from the force.
"Naruto!" Kakashi admonished in shock! Was the fool finally going to get them killed? Kakashi was about to launch into action; trying to save this from becoming violent was best! However, a blur raced past him before he could intercept the angry charge of the second samurai.
The second samurai froze in shock. Naruto did as well.
"Naruto, you gotta be persuasive!" Kushina informed as she reared back her fist. "Got the hell outta our way!" Kushina roared. In an instant, she punched the fearful man, the power of which launched the man into the doors, making the heavy iron doors collapse inward. "All in the legs, son!" Kushina cheered as she marched forward. Naruto nodded, seemingly impressed, as he followed.
Kakashi felt dread but followed as well. Neji echoed such but seemed content to see the chaos through. Kushina usually got away with this sorta thing anyway.
As the four emerged into the room, they faced the Five Kage and their bodyguard, who glared at the interruption. Rasa faced the crowd separately, standing before a bound and chakra sealed off Gaara. The rest of the Kage faced the two, obviously questioning them heavily. The bodyguards moved first, quickly moving to surround them, splitting off into two groups to surround their flanks and limit their movements. However, with a snap of Hiruzen's fingers, Tsunade and Jiraiya headed off both groups. They suddenly move, leading to a standstill.
Onoki seemed the first to gather his thoughts, sighing as he gazed at the group. "First, we have Rasa leading unstable weapons to the friendly exams, and now Hiruzen's foolish men misbehaving as usual," he complained. "In my day, we knew our place."
"Your day has long passed, old man," Yagura smiled. "Though I must admit, were they my own, I would take them to ask myself."
"Though they are not," Rasa interjected. "Besides, at least two have relevance in this case."
"They may be involved." Hiruzen allowed. "But they have no bearing on your crimes."
"To call them crimes is a gross exaggeration." Rasa countered with a scowl. "I mistook my son's behavior and mental soundness. Not attempted some sort of evil crime."
"I disagree most vehemently!" Mifune snapped. "I understand your shinobi work in "shadows" as you put it. But we samurai operate under a complex and honest honor system. To disrespect the rules of a host as a guest is a grave offense, to attempt to spill blood in my land despite my warnings not to is a grave offense, and to hide your son's delicate mental state is plain irresponsible!"
"Then allow me to compensate for the Land of Iron. I would offer favorable trade deals, financial boosts, and perhaps discounted service to amend this "dishonor,"" Rasa offered.
"Do not mock my land's customs, you arrogant fool!" Mifune snapped.
"Now now," Hiruzen chimed in. "We have several guests here. Perhaps we should look into this before continuing where we left off?" He offered calmly. "Once we know why they are here, we can determine if they should. To send them off now would be foolish; hearing them out first is best."
"I do grow weary of listening to you all argue." A agreed. "Let them speak; perhaps they'll offer something new."
Kakashi took it all in with practiced ease. Reading the open body language of the Kage, it seemed obvious where they were. A, Yagura, and Onoki seemed more exasperated and cautious. They likely recognized the situation had intense ramifications and were keeping clear to plot away based on the result.
Hiruzen was easiest for Kakashi to read, him being his own leader. And it was best to say Hiruzen was conflicted. His allyship with Rasa likely put him in a difficult position. Rasa is risking his asset, but the Leaf may be weakened or included if things go pear-shaped. Was it better to side with the Iron against the Sand. Or is it better to support their ally and attempt to make things smooth? Kakashi was glad it was not his choice.
Mifune was incensed in a way Kakashi could not say he had seen before. It was clear the man was aiming for blood. It's not that Kakashi could blame him; he would not mind burying a lightning cutter in Gaara's chest himself.
Kushina nodded to Naruto, showing her support as Kakashi started from them.
"We are here to inquire upon the fate of Gaara of the Sand," Kakashi answered with a bow. Kushina and Neji followed suit, but Naruto seemed locked into a stare with Gaara.
"I wish we could say we have an answer…" Hiruzen admitted.
"We do. This is simplistic in nature, a honor debt demands payment from the guilty party." Mifune called out.
"I have already offered you com-" Rasa began.
"I said guilty party; the debt must be paid by your son." Mifune countered.
"I will not entertain the demands of a hu- of a person like yourself," Gaara answered.
"Having a Genin be punished severely is a little absurd." Kakashi attempted.
"Ah, horeshit!" A roared. "They are soldiers all the same, punish the little shit and be done with it."
"I agree, unloyal dogs must be punished." Yagura concurred with a dark grin. "Even heroes are not above order."
"He may choose to give his own life or face me in a duel. I care little for the option but must insist-" Mifune started but was interrupted by Naruto.
"Why?" the blonde asked simply. The room was shocked by the Genin's speaking out and his odd question. Mifune's head whipped around as he focused on Naruto. The other Kage, including Rasa, followed suit. And soon, all eyes were on Naruto Uzumaki.
'Sometimes I wish he inherited your patience, Sensei…' Kakashi thought worriedly.
Naruto's POV
Naruto felt the weight of the room settles upon him. Kakashi had obviously chosen to head their plea, perhaps using his odd charisma to sway them. But Naruto could not wait for such. He needed to talk to Gaara. He wouldn't stand idly as someone just like him suffered!
However, Naruto would readily admit that his boldness somewhat dropped when he realized that the most important leaders in the world were now focused on him—not merely from a distance but within mere feet. The thing that shocked Naruto the most was the latent chakra even he could sense. As if stuffing so many powerful shinobi into the room affected the very atmosphere. If Naruto had his way, he would day be seated here himself. It was a humbling experience.
However, glancing at Gaara, he felt a familiar internal tug as darkness took over his vision. Within an instant, he was bathed with light, and a blink revealed again that he had been transmitted from where he had been. He was in a desert… Gaara!
He whipped around and found the redhead lounging calmly on top of a dune a short distance away. Naruto, familiar with this place from his recent fight with Gaara, willed Riptide into existence with his right hand. The blade, while not truly real, made Naruto feel more comfortable.
"Worry not, brother." Gaara spoke his stare at Naruto's complex and one the Blonde could not decipher. "The time for us to fight has passed. Luckily, this mental connection between jinchuriki cannot be blocked off. Or we would be unable to have this discussion. Furthermore, time passes… oddly here. When maintaining this field, we may talk or battle for hours without much time passing in reality."
"I'm not becoming whatever you're trying to make me," Naruto replied bluntly. "Next time, I'll win and prove to y-"
"There will not be a next time. While you failed to beat me, I did learn something." Gaara interrupted him. "I still do not believe my ideals are wrong. Despite the morality of it, the simple fact is humans, no, people have and will continue to treat us wrong. Perhaps you disagree with my solution but must admit that something must change."
"Ah, so maybe things will get better if we reverse the order? Wouldn't that just lead to further hate between the two? Soon, they would be the underdog, and it would be the same. An endless cycle of pain and hatred is your solution." Naruto asked heatedly.
"Let me finish, brother," Gaara said. Naruto wanted to argue, but the lack of malice in his tone threw him off. He had figured Gaara would've been haughty and determined to continue their battle. "I recognize some of the flaws in my plan, not due to your reasons. People will always discriminate against those who are different. We can be virtuous or the lowest of scum, and they will decide our worth for us regardless. But we are forced to live with them; we very well cannot kill them off. We, too, need them, though differently than they need us. I've had time, my brother, to consider things; while that pa- those people have spent the day bickering like fools, I've spent it learning."
"Get to the damn point already!" Naruto's patience was wearing thin. He had come to save the freak, not argue with him! Now Gaara was monologuing again! Naruto found new depths to his patience as he managed to stop himself from rushing the redhead.
"I need to explain myself well, brother. I see now that power has limits; people and even my brethren will fight to their last breath against a monster. And despite how weak they are and how powerful we are, they would very well wipe us out in an all-out battle. The answer becomes clear then: we do not need a powerful and commanding leader like myself. But a compassionate, bold leader, one that can encourage our kin and opponents alike to stand with us." Gaara ranted. His energy was coming back.
"I don't want any part of this," Naruto replied evenly. "I have my own goals, dreams, and interests."
"I was concerned at first, worried my realization was for naught. After all, even with me beating you within an inch of your life, you never gave in. Until it becomes clear, you will lead us by your choice…" Gaara smiled knowingly.
"Ya, well, we're shinobi from different villages; it doesn't matter, ya know? I doubt they'd let us work together. Besides, we need to work out a plan to get out of the trouble you're in! I got a plan!"
"Then enact it after this, I worry little; my father would rather start a war than lose his weapon… I am not trying to convince you, Naruto Uzumaki. I know you will eventually see what I see. The treatment and discrimination will wear you down, and as you experience more of the world, you will see what I did long ago. Our world is flawed; it was not created that way, brother. No, it was corrupted by these… anyway. I know the time will come when you reach the same conclusion I have reached, where your compassion and drive will leave you needing allies." Gaara explained. Naruto stared back, utterly confused. "That is all I wanted. Farwe-"
"So nothing has changed? All of that was for nothing?" Naruto asked.
Gaara froze and openly considered such. "I would not say so. You may not have bested me in battle, but I will admit I see things… differently. Farwell… brother."
It was as if he blinked and was now back in the room. The assembled people silently waited for his response. Gaara smiled at the Blonde tauntingly, and Naruto's mind settled. Gathering his wits, Naruto began his desperate ploy.
"Why are we punishing Gaara or the Sand?" Naruto asked bluntly. He could see Kakashi, Neji, and Kushina tensed, obviously seeing his angle as a strange one.
"Don't play coy, Naruto." Hiruzen replied with a curious smile. "It is due to Gaara attempting to kill you, as well as disobeying the orders of the Samurai and even some kage in the process."
"These may sound minor to a young man like you." Mifune started. "But we cannot allow such transgression to pass. Such would encourage any fool to act out."
"But he didn't do that, not knowingly anyway." Naruto countered.
"How interesting," Yagura said with a smile. "Us jinchuriki seem to be anything but boring. Care to explain?"
"Why are we even entertaining this?! A mere Genin speaking during the assembly of Kage?!" A roared. "Have we no shame?!"
"He may not be a mere Genin for long," Onoki countered, though he did seem unimpressed with the blonde. "Though I will admit this is unorthodox. However, he spared and was gentle with my daughter; I shall hear him out."
A grumbled but likely remembering the Blonde's odd bout with Samui left the matter alone.
Hiruzen sighed dramatically. "I have always made it a point to hear the ideas and concerns of those under my authority."
"It matters little, Hiruzen." Mifune cut off harshly. "I will not have chaos within my land. First, you all bring jinchuriki without notice; they wreak havoc with my exams and now barge in with no respect!"
"I recognize such, but I ask you to forgive and at least hear their plea. It would only be fair considering what we have discussed before…" Hiruzen reasoned.
Mifune flinched at such, was silent momentarily, and then nodded. "The floor is yours, Uzumaki; I assure you. However, I expect a satisfactory answer."
Hiruzen smiled knowingly at Naruto as if the man had caught onto his ploy!
"Well, it's just like I said. Gaara isn't guilty of trying to kill me or disobeying direct orders," Naruto said with a shrug.
"You know, Naruto, that you nearly died several times?" Onoki asked with a smile and a raised brow. Had he caught on as well?
"Actually, the Genin makes a good point; while he's not quite a hero, all jinchuriki can take an absurd amount of damage," Yagura argued toward the Blonde's argument. "While it certainly seems murderous, I can assure you battles with jinchuriki are often violent."
"I suppose..." A agreed hesitantly. "But clearly, we attempted to stop the match; several attempted to break through the barrier. That should've been a clear indicator of our intentions even if you couldn't hear us." The Raikage countered, also seeming to lean against Naruto.
"That is the bigger of the two offenses, Naruto. While an attempted murder would be relatively minor in the heat of battle, intention or not, refusing to obey the orders of multiple Kages is quite the offense indeed," Hiruzen explained. "While punishments could vary, it wouldn't be unheard of for them to ask for the offenders' head."
"That is not an option." Rasa snapped. "I will not have my son taken nor my village weakened over an over-sensitive so-called samurai!"
"It doesn't matter anyway. We couldn't tell what was going on outside the barrier. Hell, I had no clue Kakashi wasn't still in there!" Naruto said with a smile.
"A bald-faced lie." Mifune snapped.
"Not the case…" Gaara spoke out calmly. "I had no way of knowing the match had been called off nor that the barrier was strong enough to keep you all out. It came to me unknowingly during the battle, and I thought it was a more decisive technique. Shikaku activated and kept it going independently of me. Until the combined strike of you all, we had no idea."
"Even then… Gaara froze for a second!" Naruto said with a snap.
"Indeed, I had no idea why but, in the heat of the battle, cared little. Now, you all must have come close to breaching the barrier. For I think that was some sort of recoil," Gaara explained.
"I'm not buying it!" Mifune snapped. "Why erect such a barrier if not to keep interference away!"
"It seems unlikely Naruto Uzumaki would stand up for Gaara unless he was actually innocent." Onoki reasoned. "I struggle to see why else he would support him now after that brutal battle."
"I'm bored of this conversation anyway!" A snapped. "I listened for interest in potential violence, but it seemed more like senseless bluffing. Let the damn man go."
"I also second that. It was an entertaining battle. Besides, Gaara seems to be quite the shinobi. It's a shame to be wasted due to some mere fun. My homeland would've loved such a battle." Yagura agreed.
Hiruzen nodded happily. Seemingly content with the explanation. Though Naruto suspected Hiruzen had caught on, he wasn't being sincere.
Rasa seemed to stare suspiciously at them but relaxed slightly.
Gaara seemed bored.
Mifune hummed at this, obviously annoyed, but recognized the room was now against him.
Rasa sighed loudly, "Come on, old Samurai. The argument is solid, and just to ensure good faith, I will provide you with a healthy amount of resources unique to the Land of Sand. For the next year, you will receive a steady supply of unique resources that are worth a fortune on the market. Drop your grievance, and we may both prosper."
Mifune sighed. "As it were. The Land of Iron shall forgive Gaara with the understanding he is innocent as long as the Sand proves true to their word. I promise this in my own life. Are the four Kage all in agreement to drop the matter of punishment of Gaara or the Sand?"
"Of course," Hiruzen said with a nod.
"I cared little anyway." Yagura shrugged.
"Aye." A agreed.
"Hm." Onoki sounded.
"Then the matter is concluded. I would ask that the shinobi, which is unnecessary for further discussion, leave and take my men to the medical bay, Aye?" Mifune asked.
Kakashi, Kushina, and Neji bowed, and Naruto did a second later.
"Wait!" Naruto questioned. "Did I become Chunin?"
"Why noisy Uzumaki." Mifune said with a fragile smile. "That is what we intend to discuss."