Naruto’s Brother Chapter 6 - The A Rank

It was August 20th. Sasuke’s birthday went by and he turned 10 in July. We had a small party for him. Ino, Sakura and eventually Hinata joined their friend group. Sasuke had a talk with Sakura and Ino and they had backed off.

I had noticed Ino’s feelings for Sasuke had lessened heavily as she spent more time with the group. Her feelings seemed to have come from his mysteriousness and prowess at shinobi stuff.

The group had become close friends and with Ino’s feelings disappearing Sakura and her became best friends again. Hinata had also become friends with them. Hinata had gotten out of her shell quite a bit but she was still incredibly nervous and shy around Naruto.

It was practically an open secret between them that HInata likes Naruto, everyone except him knew. They all seemed to have decided to keep it from him and let him figure it out himself.

The group started training together a lot, they had asked me to join on multiple occasions but I was busy with training and missions to be able to join. Me and Gekko had done a lot of C Ranks. A few had turned out to be B Ranks when we encountered a few more Jonin level fighters.

That Bandit group Hiruzen spoke about had been getting more and more active which is why me and Gekko were currently on our way to the mission room. It was rare but we had been called there for an emergency mission.

I had trained a lot, I had been able to figure out Chakra Sensing. I wasn’t as good as Minato but I had a feeling I'd be able to get there eventually.

I had figured out you had to sort of pulse your chakra outwards around you. I could do it subconsciously now and with relative ease. I had noticed as I got a feel for it I started to sense chakra passively around me.

It was inconsistent but sometimes when I was focusing greatly I felt it. It was getting easier as I sensed chakra more and more. It would take some time but I had a feeling I would get to Minato’s level eventually. Hopefully anyway.

I hadn’t learned much new stuff except for advancing in Fuinjutsu. Kurama still wouldn’t let me train with Version 1. He said I wasn’t ready yet. I had perfected most of the Jutsu I had. I could use them all with one hand sign.

I had practised a lot in Taijutsu and Kenjtusu which had helped my physical abilities immensely. I had also done dedicated physical training every single day. I did less when on a mission but I still trained my body letting clones take over watch duty.

I also trained shadow clones. The mental aspect. I could now train with just over 50 easily. I could fight with almost 200.

I never did because it was overkill but I could.

Gekko and I arrived at the mission to find the Hokage and a few other Genin teams as well as quite a few Jonin and Chunin. About 10 Jonin and 15 Chunin.

I raised an eyebrow as the Hokage turned to us and nodded. He then started speaking.

“We have asked all of you here concerning an urgent A-Rank mission. We do not have enough Jonin in the village. Most are out on missions. The Bandit forces that have been growing in strength have become a threat to the village’s operations. We have found their base and some Anbu forces have been crippling their operations.

We have decided to launch an attack tomorrow night. You all will go and link up with some Anbu forces and you will attack and destroy their main base. This is an A-Rank mission and you will likely be fighting multiple Jonins each.

These scrolls have your orders” he said as some Chunin passed out some scrolls.

“The Genin Teams will be acting as support as the Chunin and Jonin act as our main attacking force. The Anbu already stationed there will assassinate key figures when the attack begins. They will also give you all of the information they have on the bandits' defences” Hiruzen said.

“You will set off immediately, your scrolls have the location you will meet the Anbu” he said as he nodded to everyone then left.

We soon set off, Gekko and I easily outpaced the other Genin teams since I could move a lot faster than those Genin. We didn’t bother using Shunshin since Gekko needed to keep his reserves full.

I didn’t know how to use the Chakra Transfer Technique so I couldn’t refill his reserves once we arrived. The sun was already setting so we would be travelling through the night. It was doubtful we’d get any rest. Something I had gotten used to awhile ago.

Naruto Uzumaki’s POV

I ducked under the punch before I dashed forward and dropped down sweeping my leg around as I knocked Sasuke’s legs out from under him, he slammed into the ground hard with a grunt of pain.

We were in the Uchiha Compound. There was a training ground here that any Uchiha could use. Sasuke had allowed us to use it as our group training spot.

I was currently sparring with Sasuke but he was clearly distracted. I held out a hand and helped Sasuke to his feet.

“What’s up with you?” I asked as he let out a sigh, we stepped off the arena as Sakura and Ino stepped on.

We moved off to the side, Sasuke leading me away from the group.

“You haven’t noticed?” he questioned “Kami” he said as if that explained it.

“What about him?” I asked as I crossed my arms giving him a serious look.

“He is growing distant, he isn’t spending time with us anymore. The only time he has spent more than an hour with us was on my birthday” Sasuke said with a deep sigh.

“So he’s just busy with missions and training, you know his goal it should be obvious he’ll train as much as he needs to” I said as I looked at him.

“I know but I can’t help but compare this to Itachi. He did the same thing before that night. I am not saying he’ll do something like that but I’m worried about him” Sasuke said as he frowned and crossed his arms.

“Talk to him” I said as Sasuke looked up at me with surprise on his face “it isn’t that easy” Sasuke said.

“Yes it is, you know what Kami’s like, he’s straight forward. He’ll tell you what he’s thinking even if it's hurtful. He means well but even I know he can be rude at times. He’d hate it if you bottled up these feelings when it could be fixed with a simple talk” I said, waving off Sasuke’s worry.

“I’ll come with you when you talk to him and you’ll see he’s fine” I said as Sasuke sighed in defeat. “Fine, I'll talk to him when he gets back,” Sasuke said and I nodded. We went back to the group. We stood next to Hinata as we watched Ino and Sakura’s spar.

At first they hated this training. They hated getting messy and hurt but as soon as Sasuke started talking to them about the training we were doing they realised Sasuke liked training a lot so they began throwing themselves into it.

I didn’t really care, I just wanted to train. I heard the Hyuuga were masters at Taijutsu so I had been trying to get Hinata to spar with me for practice. I was definitely the best at Ninjutsu, but I still hadn’t convinced Jiji to let me learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

But we had made a deal, when I graduated he would teach me it or let Kami teach me it or get my Jonin Sensei to teach me it.

I was excited to graduate but Kami was right. I would hate studying almost every night just to be able to graduate early. The theory stuff is boring and I hate it. He had to study every night and he used shadow clones.

Granted I wouldn’t have to read the entire library like he did but still. Studying sucks.

Kami Uzumaki’s POV

It took about 9 hours for us to get to the location the scroll had described.

We arrived just after the 10 Jonin’s had. I recognised a few. Kakashi and Might Guy were two of them. They were the only named characters I recognised.

It took a few more hours until the other Genin Teams arrived. Night was soon approaching.

The Anbu briefed us all about the layout of the hideout. It was a cave system that went deep underground. We couldn’t just collapse the cave system since they had hostages and prisoners from the villages close by.

We would have to storm the place and kill every enemy inside. The Genin Teams were also tasked with evacuating the hostages and prisoners.

A few hours later in the dead of the night, the attack started. All of us were positioned around the cave entrance. There were three guards stationed outside. All were hidden around the area, they had no idea we were here.

The Jonin would kill these three and then assault the cave. They would push in as deep as they could. The Chunin backed them up.

Us Genin teams would wait back for a bit; two teams were tasked with guarding the entrance after the others entered.

There were three Genin teams, mine included that would enter. I had three clones made who would assist the two teams that would guard the entrance.

The Three of us would follow the main attacking force inside, dealing with any stragglers and rescuing civilians.

The attack soon started. The JOnin killed the three guards before they ran into the dark cave entrance.

The two Genin guard teams dropped down and took up their positions as the other two positioned themselves just inside the entrance.

Me and Gekko stayed up in the trees watching the dark around us carefully. I sent pulses of chakra every now and then to check for anyone.

I sent my three clones out into the woods in different directions. They would patrol and scout and then report back to the two Genin teams.

Soon we were entering the cave. We dashed in. It took about 2 minutes of running before we saw the first bit of light. We ran down a tunnel before we came to an area that was a bit more open.

It looked like a staging ground for the guards. There were some beds at the walls as well as some chests filled with spare weaponry. There were about 5 bodies littered across the ground. We quickly checked each one, making sure they were dead before we continued on.

We continued forward carefully and with caution. Keeping our eyes peeled, Gekko and I were in front leading as we went deeper. We came across a few more places like the first room.

The main base was deep underground. It was a large cave system that went in many different directions. We were unsure as to their proper numbers since it was hard for the Anbu to sneak around without being seen since they had no distraction.

We were in the base proper. The cave split off in two directions. We decided to split up. Gekko and I went right and the other two teams went left with three clones that I made. So I‘d be able to get information from that side.

We ran ahead as we came to a large room. It seemed to be some sort of communal area. There were tables and chairs all around and off to the side in a room that had been dug out looking to be a kitchen.

There were a lot of dead here. About 35 if I had to guess at a glance. I made 5 clones and all of 7 of us went around, systematically checking all of the dead and making sure they were actually dead.

We found no survivors and no hidden enemies so we continued on. Three more of these rooms or similar ones before we found signs of recent battle.

We came to a junction where we found the first dead Konoha Shinobi, two Chunin. We again checked all the bodies making sure everyone was dead. They were.

We were surprised at the numbers, there were about 60 dead bandits just here. This cave was massive. There were two ways to go here so I made 6 clones and sent them down the tunnel that had the least amount of dead enemies in it.

Gekko and I went down the tunnel where more of the bandits seemed to have come from. We moved forward with caution as we kept our gaze peeled for any dangers. Soonw e encountered someone.

A young man dressed like a Konoha Chunin ran our way, frantic. He was covered in blood and looked joyous as he saw us “the frontline needs help, they have way more Jonin than we thought, the group that went down there are being overrun, please help” he said as he immediately started running back where he came from.

Gekko gave me a glance and I nodded. He was suspicious but we would go. I made 10 clones. They immediately split two groups. Those would run back and try to get to the group that went the other way at the first junction to notify them and the group that I sent clones to follow.

The other five stayed here, guarding this place.

Gekko and I followed the Chunin. We made sure to keep the Chunin ahead of us and in our sight. I constantly sent pulses of chakra outwards. I was slightly ahead of Gekko who wasn’t a sensor. He was watching me for any signs to stop.

We kept going until we came to a large chamber. The Chunin and so did we, we stopped at the entrance to the large open space.

Inside was what would be called carnage. Konoha Jonin and CHunin were littered across the floor. I counted 4 Jonin and about 5 Chunin. Gekko and I were immediately on guard, we didn;t enter the chamber but the Chunin did.

“NO!” he shouted in despair as our eyes landed on a group of 4 Jonin. There was a tunnel at the other end of the chamber that obviously led deeper.

The Chunin was unable to say anything more as a sword cut his head from his shoulders, a 5th ninja had dropped from the roof and killed.

“How stupid do you have to be?” the 5th one said with a laugh. He then turned to the tunnel the Chunin came from as his eyes landed on us, a smirk crossed his face “hey boys!” he shouted to the other 4 ninja.

Their eyes landed on me and Gekko and we tensed in readiness “Kami run” Gekko said as he stepped forward and brandished his katana.

I scoffed as I stepped up next to him “like hell i’ll leave you here” I said with an annoyed voice as I held my Chokuto horizontally in front of my body in a reverse grip.

“You idiot! You have a Brother to go home to” he said with an annoyed voice. I chuckled “and you have a girlfriend although I’ve never met her so I’m starting to think you’re lying Sensei” I said as a grin crossed my face.

“Fine then moron, guess we’re going to die together” Gekko said as a rare smirk crossed his face.

“I doubt it, I’ve been holding back on you sensei. Kurama! I think it’s time for Version 1 don’t you?” I said the last part to the open air with a grin.

The 5 ninja had seemed content to watch us taking some sick enjoyment out of our supposed last words.

“Fine Brat! Take control of my chakra, you’re ready for it” his deep voice rumbled in my head as a menacing grin spread across my face.

Red Chakra seeped out of my pores covering my body as it bubbled like a boiling liquid. The transparent red bubbling cloak spread across my body. The shroud sprouted two large ears made of boiling red chakra. A tail of red chakra slowly grew from my back.

My eyes turned blazing red, my teeth sharpened, the whisker marks on my cheeks became more pronounced and my nails sharpened into small claws.

I hunched over slightly as I held my chokuto, I made a clone hand seal with my left hand as I made a clone with none of Kurama’s chakra that placed a Wind Friction Shatter on Gekko.

Gekko looked shocked, I could tell he hadn’t ever guessed I’d use Kurama’s chakra “we’re going to have a talk about this after” Gekko said as he stepped beside me.

“Sure Sensei” I gave him a grin as the Jonin seemed to have been knocked out of their surprise as they heard us speak. The clone behind us dispersed.

The ninja all looked different but I couldn’t care less about distinguishing them, they were going to die anyway./

The five ninja split off. Two of them shot towards Gekko and three went at me. I smirked, they seemed to deem me a bigger threat, they were right.

The Initial state made me strong but the power I felt coursing through my body as Kurama fed me more chakra than he had ever done before.

I practically shot forward as I collided with number one, my sword slashed outwards, One barely dodged it, I followed the attack with a kick that slammed into his stomach. One was sent stumbling back as I ducked under an attack from number two.

My tail blocked a punch from number three before slapping him across the face, the chakra burned his face. I dived at Two slamming a punch into his cheek as I slashed my sword across his stomach.

My dive sent my body slamming into Two, the red chakra burned him heavily. My left hand grabbed his throat as I slammed him into the floor and dragged him across it before throwing him away.

I smirked as I made a hand seal with my left hand, i had trained some of my jutsu to use with one hand. I breathed in deep as I sent a Kurama empowered Jutsu as the man I had just thrown.

“Wind Release: Great Breakthrough” a ball of wind tinged with red slammed into the man sending him flying across the chamber and into the wall. I had gotten distracted, I grunted in pain as I felt something stab into my back. One and Three were back.

My tail had blocked Three’s attack but One’s got through, he stabbed his sword into my back. I turned and knocked him away before he could pull his sword out. I left it in, it was uncomfortable but it would stop me from bleeding.

I shot forwards at Three, my sword slash missed his throat as he dodged. I continued slashing at him, he was forced on the defensive. I made a hand a seal as two clones popped into existence behind and engaged One.

The power rush had distracted me, I wasn't using my full arsenal. I would correct that mistake. I slashed at Three, he dodged and jumped back to gain some distance as he went through hand signs.

I smirked and made a one sign with my left hand before I swept it upwards, an updraft of cycling winds shot upwards from beneath Three’s feat. He was forced to abandon his Jutsu as he jumped away dodging the attack. I created a clone as I charged at him.

The clone made one hand sign. I had gotten all of my Jutsu down to one hand sign but I couldn;’t do all of them with one hand yet. I could do three of them with one hand.

A spear of whirling wind formed before it shot towards Three. I kicked him towards the trajectory of the spear before jumping away.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

The Spear slammed into him as it pierced through his stomach. He somehow survived the hit so I finished him off by slashing my Chokuto across his throat.

I sent my clone to help the now one clone against number One. I then used shunshin to appear beside number four who was about to attack Gekko. Gekko was going to block but he had no need to as my tail wrapped around the man's wrist burning the flesh.

I pulled him towards me as I slammed a fist against his cheek to daze him so I could then shove my sword deep into his gut. I dragged the sword out of his gut, slashing the sword across the insides of his stomach as I threw him away with my tail.

Gekko easily finished of Number five. As I looked over I saw one of my clones finish off number one. I imagine they were able to do that because I still had his sword in my back. I walked cover to Four who was still alive if barely.

I finished him off and then walked to Gekko as the Version 1 cloak receded. I reached around and pulled the sword from my back. I focused a bit of Kurama’s chakra and had him burn the wound to cauterise it.

I nodded as I tossed the sword aside “that was surprisingly easy” I said as I looked at Gekko, checking him over for injuries.

“They weren’t proper Jonin. They had the chakra to be one but didn’t have the Jutsu or experience. Probably Tokubetsu level but weaker than me” Gekko explained and I nodded.

“You know about the Nine Tails?” Gekko asked as he looked at me. I nodded as I grinned at me.

“It was quite easy to find out. Drunk people really like to mouth off on October 10th” I said as I smiled at Gekko.

“We’ll have to report this to the Hokage when we get back” he said and I nodded in understanding. It was gonna happen eventually.

“Let’s wait here for your clones to bring some reinforcements” I nodded as I made some more clones and sent them to the tunnel entrance we haven’t gone through to guard it.

“You injured? I can cauterise the wound with the Nine Tails Chakra” I said as I gestured to my back wound.

Gekko shook his head “no I am fine” I nodded as we stood in waiting, I watched where my clones were stationed as Gekko watched the other tunnel.

It didn’t take long for two Jonin to appear, Might Guy and Kakashi Hatake. They walked up and we reported what happened to them. I noticed Kakshi gave me a look but I pretended not to notice.

I knew I looked similar to Kushina, he would’ve had more reaction to Naruto who looked a lot like Minato.

“The other tunnels had been secured, the other Jonin are on their way here” I said as a clone dispersed.

“I sent Shadow Clones down the left side at the first junction. The team that went that way have finished off all of their tunnels and are headed in the direction to this position. They have found some civilians.

The junction just before the tunnel that led here, the right way you went down so you already met those clones, they have led the civilians you found out of the cave” I explained to Kakashi and Guy.

They nodded. We then waited for more Jonin to show up before we moved down the tunnel that we hadn’t explored yet. We ran for a while but eventually we came to another entrance that led to the surface.

There were a bunch of dead bandits and some civilians who were fine. Anbu stood guarding them. As soon as we turned up they disappeared into the surroundings as they let my group take over the civilians.

We would be leading them back to a nearby village that had some ninja from the reserve core who would take care of the people we rescued once we escorted them there.

We made our way around to the other entrance and met up with the NInja and prisoners who were already there. They had taken a few bandits prisoner. Turns out those ninja me and Gekko had killed had bounties on them so I stored the five bodies into five separate scrolls.

They were dead so it wasn’t an issue to store them into a scroll. I couldn’t yet put biological things into stasis within a scroll. I couldn’t figure out how to do it and I doubted I would be able to before Shisui’s eye would start to deteriorate.

I had to implant it this year or I’d be fucked. I would need to leave the village soon. I needed to convince Hiruzen to give me a holiday or something.

I didn’t want anyone to know about the eye besides the people that needed to like the surgeon who will implant it for example.

Some chunin put the dead bodies of their comrades in sealing scrolls as well before we started on our way to the village after we handed out some food and water as well as spare clothes to the people. There were about 30 people we had to escort.

It took about 2 days before we arrived at the village. As the reserve ninja started to help the people, we were told we could leave. Gekko and I got a room at an Inn in the village then got changed into some spare outfits as we then went to sleep.

The next morning we left and made our way back to the village. We held nothing back and managed to get there before the sun set.

Gekko forced me to go to the Hokage’s office as soon as we got back. We were allowed in immediately since Gekko said it was urgent.

Hiruzen thought it was about the mission but Gekko dissuaded his worries as he reported that the mission went well. He said the Jonin would report it fully when they returned and that this was about something different.

“Then what is so Urgent?” Hiruzen asked curiously.

“This is about Kami,” Gekko said before turning to me as if asking if I wanted to tell him or not .

I sighed as Hiruzen looked at me “I know I'm the Nine Tails Jinchuriki or one of them at least. I have been training in secret to use its power for the entirety of this year” I said as I smiled at Hiruzen.

He simply nodded as he stared at me “you are in control?” he asked as he gave me a piercing look.

I nodded “yes I can promise you that I am fine. I understand how to use it and that using it too much may damage the seal on my stomach” I said.

I sent a thought directed at Kurama ‘should I tell him about your Yang Half weakening the seal? I have your cooperation but Naruto won’t for a while’.

Kurama was quiet for about a minute, Hiruzen stared at me seemingly wanting me to elaborate, I just held up a finger “wait a minute please” I said to the Hokage as I waited for a reply from Kurama.

“Yes, as much as I hate to do so, you should for your brother’s safety. There is no telling if things will work out the same way since you’ll be changing things so heavily. I hate to say so but you should tell the Hokage your brother may be in danger” Kurama said to me and I nodded as I turned my attention to Hiruzen.

“The Fox?” Hiruzen questioned and I nodded.

“I can’t really explain why but we are cooperating with each other. I made a deal with him after he gave me some information. I promised to keep it between us and I intend to never break a promise in my life" I lied to Hiruzen as I stared at him.

“The Nine Tails told me he was the Yin Half and that the Yang Half who is inside Naruto is unlikely to cooperate with Naruto like the Yin half is with me. Yang Nine Tails has been slowly weakening Naruto’s Seal.

It won’t be dangerous to him if Naruto doesn’t use the Kyuubi’s power. If he does use it then he’ll be in danger the more he uses it. I am worried about him. If there is anyone that understands how the seal on our stomachs works then you need to get them to look at Naruto’s seal” I explained as I looked at Hiruzen.

He glanced at my stomach but I shook my head, understanding where his mind was going “no, my seal must be left alone,” I said seriously.

“I am not saying this because I’m being manipulated. The Kyuubi can’t manipulate me. I can’t say how I know that but I do “ I said.

“Bold Statement” I heard Kurama’s voice ring out in my head.

“Oh be quiet, you know you can’t” I said to Kurama, speaking out loud with a smirk.

“Hah! You may have future knowledge but that doesn’t make you smarter than me!” he said as he scoffed at me.

I raised an eyebrow “I may not be smarter than you but I guarantee I could kick your arse up and down the Land of Fire. I can come in there and show you if you’d like” I said with a smirk as the fox laughed.

Our training this year had brought us a bit closer, We bantered everyone now and then and I had forgotten exactly where I was.

Hiruzen and Gekko were looking at me with confusion, I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head as I smiled at them “sorry i got distracted by him. I find it hard to focus when he talks to me” I said as I got an idea for some more training.

“You are speaking with the Kyuubi like that?” Gekko questioned and I nodded.

“He has gotten a bit soft since I've been speaking to him. Granted when I first went into my subconscious to speak with him, he hated my guts and refused to speak with me. I managed to wear him down though” I said with a smirk lying through my teeth.

Hiruzen nodded slowly as he looked at me before he let out a sigh “yes I know someone that can have a look at Naruto’s seal. I’ll ask them when they can and I’ll get back to you” Hiruzen said with a nod.

“I’ll believe you for now Kami. Gekko, I ask that you keep a careful eye on him” Hiruzen said as Gekko nodded in understanding.

“You two may go now,” Hiruzen said.

“Actually I need to ask you something, may I?” I asked as I Gekko left.

Hiruzen nodded and gestured for me to go on.

“I haven’t had much chance to rest. My entire life I’ve either been doing missions, training or taking care of Naruto as well as Sasuke. I haven’t had much of a break. I simply want a break from everything. A few weeks, I want to leave the village for at least a week. I want to travel around the land of fire and see some sights whilst I rest.

I will do everything I can to hide my identity. I just want to have some time to myself, alone, away from the village and everything in it” I said with a deep sigh.

I acted like I was scared he would say no, for once the confident demeanour I usually showed dropped as I looked at the ground at my feet. I was attempting to make him feel sympathy for me.

I was manipulating him but I justified it by telling myself with Shisui’s Mangekyo I’d be able to save Hiruzen’s life. I needed to justify it since I liked this version of Hiruzen a lot.

The one from the anime could’ve done a lot more to help Naruto and he didn’t but this one has done a lot to help me and my brother.

I wasn’t going to let him die and my best bet for achieving that is Shisui’s Mangekyo although I’ll have to use it sparingly since I have no idea how long it’d take to be able to use the ability again.

Hiruzen “and you wish to go alone?” He asked as he looked at me seemingly surprised at my sudden change in attitude. He hadn’t ever seen me like this and I imagine it caught him more off guard than he’d show.

I slowly nodded “yes I would sir Hokage” I said with respect in my voice.

“Kami I’ve known you your entire life. I doubt there is anyone that knows you better, even Naruto. I know you rarely tend to show your true emotions, I assume it’s because of the way you grew up.

I also know that you are very smart and I know that you know I’m very smart. Do you not try to manipulate me, Kami. I don’t enjoy it. This is one of the few times you have tried something like this.

Your reasons for this break are yours to know, but if this is to do with the Kyuubi and it puts you in danger then I need you to tell me” he said in a firm voice that left no room to negotiate.

I let out a sigh, the tension dropping out of my body as I looked up at him “sorry. And no this has nothing to do with the Kyuubi. I suppose I can tell you this much, you deserve it. The Kyuubi has asked me to kill an enemy of his. One he can’t defeat on his own, he’s asked me to assist him. That’s what I promised” I said as I looked Hiruzen in his eyes.

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes “is there a time limit?” He asked and I shook my head.

There was but I had plenty of time or at least I hoped I did.

“It’s obvious you feel the need to keep things from me and I’ll be honest it does hurt a bit but I understand that you must keep them for a reason” Hiruzen said.

I was unsure as to why but something about what he said pissed me off. It was obvious Hiruzen realised I was annoyed since he looked at me questioningly.

“You know I’d love to be able to trust you completely, I would like that… To have someone I can be transparent with that isn’t locked inside my body” I said with a sigh as I shoved my hands in my pockets.

“But I can’t be completely transparent with you when you aren’t doing the same. It’s obvious you have some secrets you can't tell me, you're the Hokage after all. But my parents? I doubt that would reveal something insane, it’s not like I’d act differently and I wouldn’t tell Naruto until I believed he was old enough to know, same as I plan to do with Kyuubi” I said with a sigh and a shrug.

Hiruzen sighed at that as he nodded slowly in understanding “you may not think that Kami but you’d be wrong, keeping your parents secret protects you and Naruto, they made a lot of enemies” he said as he looked at me.

“You act like I’d go running around shouting out who they are, I wouldn’t. Naruto may do which is why I wouldn’t tell him. The most important thing to me is his safety, I’ll ensure it no matter the cost” I said firmly as I crossed my arms.

“I know you wouldn’t but I can’t help but be a bit paranoid about it, you don’t know the strength of the enemies they made” Hiruzen said and I shrugged.

“May I go? I am tired from the mission and would like to sleep” I said as I fell back into a professional manner.

He nodded as he gestured for me to leave. I nodded as I turned to the door and walked to the door before stopping, I slowly turned my head slightly so I could glance at Hiruzen with one eye. Anger filled me for some reason and I couldn’t stop myself from speaking no matter how much I wanted to.

“I don’t care how strong those villagers think they are, if they dare to harm a hair on Naruto’s head then they will feel the wrath of a Jinchuriki” anger flared in my eyes and for the first time in my life I showed anger.

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow as he looked at me, he had never seen me angry before, I rarely showed anger since I believed it to be a weakness and an ugly emotion. The anger was fueled by the fact I knew Akatsuki would be after us and that annoyed me.

He continued to stare at me. A minute passed and I let out a sigh followed by a small chuckle “anger doesn’t suit me very well does it?” I asked with a small laugh, attempting to ease the tension in the room.

“Anyway I need to sleep, i’ll see you soon Hiruzen” I said as I gave him a smile and then left shoving my hands in my pockets as I walked.

I put my cloak’s hood up over my head and walked through the streets, my head down as I was overcome with guilt “I shouldn’t have snapped like that” I mumbled to myself in self-deprecation.

“Oh Please, that man doesn’t care. Honestly it may make him think better of you. Your words sounded like the ones a kid would say. It would remind him he was still dealing with a kid no matter how mature you usually sound” Kurama said.

“Yes but if he thinks I’m not mature enough, he won’t let me leave the village. I know a regular shinobi would be allowed a vacation like this but I’m a Jinchuriki and a Hokage’s son. I am in a lot of danger just from that and I’m not even sure if Hiruzen knows about the Akatsuki yet” I mumbled with a sigh.

“If they come for you then I don't see the issue with killing a few of them a bit earlier than intended,” Kurama said with a low growl.

“You act like we could kill even the weakest Akatsuki member. I’m strong yea but I’m only around mid chunin, maybe high chunin in strength. That doesn’t include your power of course” I said with a shrug.

We continued talking as I walked home. Soon I arrived and walked in, locking the door behind me. Sasuke and Naruto seemed to already be asleep. I moved to my room and undressed before I had a quick bath.

Once I was washed I wrapped a towel around my body and left the bathroom. I found Sasuke and Naruto waiting at my door. “Hey guys,” I said with a smile as I walked into my room.

I was already dried, I just needed to get dressed. I kept the towel around me as I slipped on some underwear before putting on some trousers. I threw the towel into my washing basket as I stretched out my sore body.

I very rarely got sore but being stabbed in the back hurt like hell, the wound was already almost healed though thanks to Kurama.

“Can we speak to you Kami? About something serious” Sasuke asked and I looked at him with a grin as I pulled on a shirt.

“Girl troubles again?” I asked with a smirk as I wiggled my eyebrows.

He sighed in annoyance “no” he said. I narrowed my eyes slightly, Sasuke usually smirked when I joked. Naruto usually laughed whenever I made fun of Sasuke yet he was just looking at the ground awkwardly.

I put on some socks as I gestured for them to go to the kitchen. We all walked in and sat at the table.

“What’s up then?” I asked as I leaned back on the chair and put my hands on the back of my head. I was a lot more relaxed now after my talk with Hiruzen thanks to the bath.

“What’s wrong Kami?” Sasuke asked as he looked at me with… worry. “You’ve been spending less and less time with us, ever since you got us to be friends with Shika and Choji, you’ve been getting distant and barely spending time with us outside of greetings and birthdays” Sasuke said, he seemed to be letting out a lot of built up feelings.

I simply laid back, hands on the back of my head and let him finish. I was unable to speak when he stopped since Naruto chimed in.

“See Sasuke he’s fine, there are no problems, let’s just go to sleep” Naruto said, seeming incredibly uncomfortable, he proceeded to get up and went to walk away.

“Sit down Naruto” I said, the first words I said were firm “but- '' I cut him off as I gestured with my eyes at where he was sitting before “sit” I said.

Naruto sighed as he sat back down, he looked uncomfortable as I looked at him expectantly with a raised eyebrow.

“Well out with it” I said as gestured for him to speak. Naruto was hesitant but he seemed to snap after a few seconds of thought, he jumped up with sudden anger on his face as he pointed at me accusingly, his chair scraped across the floor as he got up.

“Why are you ignoring us! Ever since you graduated, you’ve been spending less and less time with us and it’s pissing me off! I want to train with my brother, I want him to teach me cool Jutsu and spar with him so where the fuck is he! He should be helping me get stronger, supporting me but instead he’s off doing whatever the fuck you’re doing” he shouted in anger.

Sasuke seemed taken aback like he hadn’t expected Naruto to just start screaming at me. I simply took it in stride. I had been shouted at like this before, I had siblings and I wasn’t a good brother to them.

Naruto saturated pacing back and forth “You barely stayed for Sasuke’s birthday party! His BIRTHDAY party! You said you were too tired to stay any longer, what are you even going to come to mine?!” he shouted as he slammed his hands onto the table, breathing heavily as he glared at me.

He seemed to have stopped instead, he panted and glared at me. I finally sat up straight and leaned forward onto the table, crossing my arms on it as I looked back at Sasuke, asking if he had anything more to say.

It was not a good thing for me to realise but I felt a lot more at home with Naruto shouting at me. I was a shitty sibling and my sisters tended to scream at me in anger, I was used to it at this point.

I had to change, I know I was doing this to protect them but I said back before the academy, back before I even met Gekko. I said I'd do my best to make the best of this life. I wanted to have siblings who never felt the need to shout at me in anger.

I wanted to be better, I had to raise these two. I was the only one they had and I was failing them, I fucking sucked.

Naruto’s anger seemed to dissipate as he saw a tear form in my eye and drip down my cheek “Kami I-” he went to apologise but I stopped him.

“No I deserve it, I’m sorry to both of you. I got caught up in training. I knew what I was doing, I find it hard to be vulnerable with others so I tend to distance myself. Why do you think you two are the only proper friends I’ve made? I made excuses to distance myself from even you two, I justified it to myself” I said with a sigh as I wiped my eyes.

“How?” Sasuke asked. He was asking how I justified it. “I’ve told you my goal is to be the next God of Shinobi but that is just a step I had to take to achieve my goal, my dream. Whatever you want to call it” I explained.

“Then what is your goal?” Naruto asked.

I looked at them, determination in my eyes as I spoke “to protect you two” I said simply “the best way for me to do that is to be the strongest this world has ever seen. Once I stand at the top then I know no one can challenge me which means I can protect you no matter what” I said as a small smile came to my face.

I had no idea what caused this but my love for the character of Naruto only grew as I grew older beside him and cared for him like a son. I attached myself to him. I was traumatised after my death and I hated feeling like that so I shoved those feelings down deep in order to take care of Naruto.

It was hard to take care of another human being whilst having your own issues and knowing of the horrible future that is to come. I could die at any minute and the only thing that scared me about that is that Naruto would be in danger.

I had already faced death once and I had survived in the end, it didn’t scare me. I had attached my life to Naruto and now to Sasuke. My trauma had broken me and I rebuilt myself around Naruto and his safety.

That mindset had transferred to Sasuke when he had entered my life as well.

On the outside I was a confident, funny, talented shinobi. I was sure of myself and knew what I wanted to accomplish. On the inside I was a broken shell of a man. One who had no idea what to do and one who clung to one goal in the hopes it would fix him.

In my old life I had always prided myself of being self aware. I knew everything that was wrong with me, I just didn’t care enough to fix those things.

Right now that self awareness only causes me grief. I knew all of this was bad for my long term health and I knew it would end bad if I didn’t do something but I had no idea how to help myself.

For the first time in this life, the mask and armour I always wore shattered to pieces. I broke down then and there. For the first time the memories of my death came surging forward, I collapsed off my chair as tears surged forth, pouring out of my eyes as I curled up into a fetal position.

I started crying as I hugged myself. Naruto and Sasuke seemed to be completely caught off guard, it didn’t take them long to rush over attempting to comfort me. It didn’t help as memories of the bullet tearing through my skull and brain filled my mind.

I couldn’t stop them, I was having a panic attack and soon I passed out from the overwhelming memories.

Naruto’s POV

Sasuke and I stared down at the unconscious Kami, his breathing seemed to have become less panicked as he slowly rolled to his back, asleep.

“That was a panic attack” Sasuke said as he rubbed his head in confusion “why did he have one?” he asked, confused.

I would never say I was a smart or perceptive person. I could be quite dense a lot of the time. But in this instance I knew what was wrong with Kami.

“I don’t think about it much because he’s always seemed to be so confident and unshakeable but he’s had to deal with the same hate I’ve faced my entire life and on top of that he had to raise me. He took it upon himself to make sure I had someone to rely on, he has basically been my father for my entire life” I said in realisation as I let out a sigh.

“He’s had so much to deal with in his life, did I ever tell you about the night we were attacked?” I asked as I sat down beside Kami’s head, I placed a hand on his head and smiled down at him as the memories came back.

“No you haven’t” Sasuke said softly as he sat down beside me..

“We were attacked by a shinobi on our birthday, we were 5 years old at that time. We went out to have some fun at a park to celebrate our birthday. We ended up staying out too late and hadn’t realised how much time had passed.

We tried to be sneaky as we made our way home, we were always hated and constantly received glares but on the 10th of October, people drank and they got violent with us.

As we moved through an alleyway we encountered a ninja, he called us demons. Luckily the man was drunk, really drunk. Kami shoved me into a nearby pile of garbage. It was night and kept me covered.

I tried to get up but he kicked me back in, I watched as the man beat Kami senseless. Kami made sure the man only ever saw him, I was terrified as I watched the man beat Kami bloody.

After the man left, Kami was a mess, he had broken bones and a bloody face. The first thing he asked was if I was okay even as he lay there a bloody mess. That was why Jiji gave us Anbu bodyguards because of that night. The SHinobi was punished badly for what he did

Jiji was really mad. Kami protected me that night. We never made that mistake again and I made sure to always listen to him. Kami had said a few hours before we left the park that we should leave but I begged him to stay.

I was the reason we stayed behind, we were only supposed to stay another thirty minutes after I begged him but we got distracted and then that happened. It was easily the worst night of my life” I hadn’t realised my eyes had become teary as I recalled the night.

Sasuke sat beside me and put a hand on my shoulder trying to comfort me “guess us three are just broken aren’t we?” Sasuke said with a small smile and I laughed a bit at the joke.

“We’re perfect for each other” I said with a chuckle adding to the joke.

“I guess I should share as well,” Sasuke said with a sigh.

I gave him my full attention as I looked down at Kami.

“The night of the massacre was easily the worst night of my life. I’m sure you can guess what happened. The worst part was when he came to our house. He killed our parents in front of me.

That was the night I awakened my Sharingan. I wanted to kill him but he told me I was weak, he used his evolved sharingan to torture me but that wasn’t even the worst part.

When he was going to leave he told me I had to get stronger. He told me I should stay with Kami, that he was my path to strength. That I could avenge my clan if I stuck with Kami. The worst part was when Itachi was leaving. It was dark so I doubted he thought I could see.

He looked back at me with tears in his eyes, sadness filling them. He regretted his actions, it was obvious he didn’t want to do what he did. I’m going to find him and force the answers out of him” Sasuke said with a determined look at the window. It showed the dark starry night sky.

I reached up and placed a hand on his shoulder, he looked over at me seeing my smile “and we’ll help” I said as I gave him a reassuring smile.

We were brought out of the moment when a knock sounded out on the door. I ran over and opened it, Jiji was standing on the other side of the door.

He looked worried, so I let him in. I knew I had Anbu guarding me so I wasn’t surprised he had come.

“How is he?” Jiji asked as he walked over and crouched down at Kami’s side.

Sasuke answered him “he seems to have calmed down, he’s no longer panicking anyway”.

I moved over after locking the door.

“He is fine” Jiji said after checking him over “let’s get him to bed then i need to talk with you two”.

Jiji picked up Kami and carried him to his room before he tucked him into his bed. He then moved back to the kitchen and we all sat down at the table.

“The Anbu reported that Kami was distressed but not what you were talking about, I’d like for you two to explain if you are comfortable doing so” Jiji said and we glanced at each other.

I shrugged and so Sasuke spoke “he has been distant lately and we were missing him hanging out with us so we confronted him about it. Naruto blew up at Kami obviously having a lot of repressed emotions.

Kami admitted he knew he was distancing himself but said that he had justified it to himself and so he continued to do so. He said we were the only friends he had made because he found it hard to be vulnerable with others so he tended to distance himself instead.

He apologised to us and told us his true goal was to protect us. He wants to stand at the top so he knows that no one can challenge him which would result in him being able to protect us from anything.

He then seemed to go deep in thought and his facial expressions became more troubled as time went on. He soon collapsed to the ground and cried himself to unconsciousness, he looked terrified as he curled up on the floor. It’s the most emotion I’ve ever seen him show” Sasuke said, I nodded in agreement.

Jiji nodded slowly “I may have had a hand in his breakdown” he admitted, “he came to me after his mission and the conversation got a bit tense and heated” Jiji said as he let out a tired sigh.

He took out his pipe and took a deep puff. I gave him a disapproving glare as he smiled sheepishly at me continuing to smoke his pipe.

“Kami asked me to allow him a vacation. He wishes to leave the village so he can explore the land of fire and to rest. He wanted a break. I have a feeling I may regret this but do you two wish to go with him?

I want to make sure he is okay before I allow him to leave. I also want to test his strength first as well. I have a feeling that you two travelling with him will help him relax and so you three can fix your relationship.

I’ll give you each an Anbu Bodyguard to protect you of course” Jiji said.

“Yes! Definitely!” I said in excitement as I grinned at Jiji. He smiled back. I turned to Sasuke and saw him thinking about it, he seemed to give up as I fixed a glare on him that dared him to say anything other than yes.

“Yes that sounds nice” he finally said with a defeated sigh.

I grinned at Sasuke before switching my grin to Jiji “where we going?” I asked him and he shrugged.

“Not sure Kami never said that,” Jiji said. I frowned slightly as I crossed my arms.

“Anyway, I'll have an Anbu watch over Kami for the night. I think it's time you two should go to sleep. I’ll be here in the morning to check on Kami” Jiji said and I nodded.

We escorted him to the door, waving goodbye to him as he left. I locked the door and then we split off and went to our rooms as we went to sleep.

I woke up much earlier than usual, I found it hard to go to sleep since I was worried about Kami. I woke up at around 6am, I got up and dressed as I went to the kitchen. I hadn’t expected it but I saw Kami at the table in the kitchen.

He was sitting there staring at a cup of coffee seemingly deep in thought “Kami” I said, his head snapped up and his tired eyes landed on me, a smile spread across his face.

All of his other smiles and grins seemed fake compared to this one, he got up and walked over to me before he grabbed me and dragged me into a hug. I was caught off guard so I just rested my head on his shoulder and hugged him back.

“I’m sorry Naruto,” he whispered to me. I nodded as I hugged him tighter “I’m sorry too” I said back, I wasn’t sure what I was apologising for but I felt the need to say it.

I felt Kami look up and then felt him gesture. Sasuke soon joined the hug and Kami apologised to him as well.

“Coffee?” Kami asked as we separated, we both nodded and he moved to the kitchen counter as we both sat down at the kitchen.

He made us both a coffee and then sat back down where he was sitting before. I sat next to Kami, on his right and Sasuke sat on his left.

“Jiji told us you wanted to go on a vacation, that you wanted a break. He offered for us to go along with you” I said with a grin. He grimaced slightly, seemingly not liking that turn of events before he shrugged.

“Alright sounds fun” He said seemingly giving up on his train of thought. “What, you don’t like us or something?” I said with a grin as I gave him a fake glare.

He chuckled at that and I had the same realisation. That one chuckle sounded so much more genuine than his other ones. I hadn’t realised because he had always been wearing that mask.

He seemed lighter as well. Like there wasn't a massive weight on his shoulders. He always appeared relaxed and laid back but now he actually was those things.

I smiled at him, happy that he was finally able to relax a bit “are you okay Kami?” Sasuke asked as he looked at Kami with a bit of sadness in his eyes.

Kami nodded “you’d think a breakdown like that would only hurt but that helped a lot. I woke up about an hour or two after you guys put me to bed and had a lot of time to think. I worked through my thoughts and I’ve just decided to enjoy life. I’ll still aim for the top but not just to protect you two, I think it’d give me pretty good bragging rights” Kami said with a laugh as he took a long sip of his coffee.

I smiled at him “I’m glad you’re doing better” I said with a smile.

“So am I kid” Kami said and I glared at him “you’re a kid too” I said with a glare and he just laughed in response.

We fell into conversation about the vacation but soon a knock sounded out from the door. Kami moved over and opened the door “Hiruzen’s here!” he shouted to us as he led Jiji into the kitchen.

Hiruzen Sarutobi’s POV

I followed Kami as he led me into the kitchen where Sasuke and Naruto were gathered.