Author's Note: This may be the only Author's Note that I will post for this story. I know that I've done them many times before for my other stories to help explain certain things, but this will not be the case anymore. To sum this up quickly, I'd like to say a few more things. If you have any questions, just send a private message instead of posting a review. Also, as time went by, I realized that I myself came to hate having everything explained to me, took some fun out of the reading and honestly, the author doesn't have to explain everything to the reader.

Since the author doesn't necessarily have to explain everything to the readers, I'm going to let it be known now that I will have instances where you might find something odd or poorly worked out. That is intentional, and meant to be saved for a later date. Part of a story is being along for the journey; like I said before, takes some fun out of it. Besides, who wants to be spoon fed anymore?

Some of you (or those who have this or me on Alert) may have read this story before. You have, this has been revised to how I feel it should be now after looking back at it. Since this story was originally published a few years ago it might be good to catch up on what has been changed. I also changed the Rating of the story to reflect how I personally feel about stories in general. They shouldn't be restricted by the guidelines of a certain Rating.

Also on one last note, I am busy with other writing projects as well as school, so don't expect regular updates from me. They will be posted when I get around to them. Well enough with my ramblings, lets get on with the story!

Disclaimer: Naruto is the sole property of Masashi Kishimoto. I'm just adding a twist to it.

Prologue

Silently walking up the a small basket where light breathing can be heard within the darkness of the office, an old man who wore the traditional outfit of his profession, a monk, but his clothing was raggedy and old. Looking over the small sleeping bundle within the basket, the old man glanced out the window of the most important room within the tower. Coming in from the outside, the sounds of the dead and dying, along with the lamentations of the living for those who passed on. He stared out the window, and saw flames out in the night.

The old monk knows of what has happened but only a few hours ago. The demon Kyuubi no Kitsune attacked this once peaceful village that ninja's inhabit. Not even feeling a bit of remorse for the people of this village, the monk turned away from the window and looked back at the child in the basket. 'So young, so frail, yet given an unbearable burden, a burden to house a demon for the rest of his short life,' the monk thought as he stared at the young blonde child with sadness hidden behind his eyes. 'I might as well perform the Kami Kakushi on this child, to just give him a bit of hope away from this village full of fools…' His line of thought was interrupted when the door to the office opened and light poured in, revealing him before the child.

"Who are you and what are you doing here," the Sandaime Hokage said, with an edge to his voice. He was wearing his battle attire, for the battle has just ended a few hours ago, he was still trying to help get things in some form of order.

Glancing over his shoulder, the monk saw the Sandaime out of the corner of his eyes. "I'm here for the child," the monk said as he turned around, his conical straw hat lowered over his eyes. At his side was a staff with five rings at the top.

"I will not let you take him," the Sandaime said as he dropped into a fighting stance. But it was only until he noticed the long nose of the monk that his eyes widened in shock. "You… you are…"

"So human, you finally know what I am," the monk said as his presence seemed to become larger and more powerful. "Then you will know that it would do you no good to have my wrath unleashed just after what happened a mere few hours ago."

Dropping his hands in defeat, the Sandaime studied the monk for a few moments until saying, "Then if you going to take him, then raise him if you will, I am too old to be doing such things as it is, and no one else will be willing to take care of that child."

"What do I have to gain from this deal of yours," the monk asked, as his presence seemed to diminish greatly. That caught the Sandaime off guard, seeing this, the monk continued. "I see, so nothing at all… why not; I've always had a soft spot for orphans anyway."

Sighing in relief, the Sandaime then asked, "Then can you please raise him within Konoha, I know it will be tough, but for the sake of his father, who loved this village so much and gave his life…"

"To rid the demon of Konoha," the monk finished. "Yes, I know all about it." After a few moments of silence the monk spoke up once again. "Since we will be staying here, I would like to make some living arrangements."

Pleased to know that the monk is willing to stay in Konoha, despite knowing of how annoyed the monk will be with some of the various clans within Konoha. "We can discuss this after everything else has settled down," the Sandaime stated with a smile, which turned into a frown after seeing the monk displeased with that. "Is something wrong?"

"We'll be taking the small humble temple that is near the so-called 'Forest of Death' of this village," the monk said with a matter of fact tone.

"But that is so soon, I won't be able to get the proper papers nor will it be ready for the two of you," the Sandaime stammered out in shock alone. He knows of the temple which the monk speaks of, but it's a run downed building which is as of now, close to collapsing if a harsh storm comes by. It might not be even there now after the shockwaves of the attack from the demon. "It might not be even there anymore."

"Oh, it's there all right, and it will be ready for the two of us very soon as well," the monk said with a mischievous grin. "Now, we must make our leave!" And before the Sandaime could have done anything, the monk vanished with the basket. No signs of them leaving at all could be found, which seemed almost like a dream, but the Sandaime knew better.

"These years to come are going to be interesting, eh Minato," the Sandaime said as he looked up at the pictures of the Hokage's who have passed on into the Next World. But his eyes rested on the young blonde man whose blue eyes seemed to pierce the very soul itself.

High above the village in the sky, the monk looked down at the sleeping bundle within his arms, he sighed, "How do I get myself into these sorts of situations again?" Looking over at the temple that is to their home for the next couple of years. "It will be interesting with taking care of a human child, especially you Naruto."

Chapter One

The sun, as bright as it is, it was blinding him as he was being shook into wakefulness. He mumbled a few words before opening his drowsy black yet hawk-like eyes at the young boy who was shaking him. "I'm up I'm up," the old monk said as he sat up on his futon. "What do you want Naruto?"

"Grandpa, you promised that you would take me to the park today," the young three year said with a pout. Yes, it's been three long years since that day in which the old monk adopted Naruto, and he has of yet to really regret ever making the decision. That he was enjoying being the grandfather to this young human child.

Staring down at Naruto before looking out of the window, the old monk noticed that it was early morning by the height of the sun. Smiling warmly down at Naruto as he picked up the young child and placed him in his lap, the old monk replied, "That I did Naruto that I did. But if you want to go out and play, you better get out of your pajamas and into your clothes." Setting Naruto off of him and getting up as well, the old monk continued. "We'll leave once we've finished breakfast."

Naruto happily nodded and bounded off to his room within the temple, which wasn't too far away from the monks own room. Sliding the door closed, Naruto soon went to his dresser and pulled out his white haori and his black hakama which fits him just right despite his small size. Sure some of the kids think he dresses strangely, but once they see his Grandpa, they soon understand somewhat if their parents don't take them away from the young blonde.

He was about to leave through the sliding doorway when he suddenly remembered something. "Where are my tabi," the young Naruto thought, not wanting to really hurt his feet for not having them. This search took about five long minutes for the young child before he found them lying haphazardly underneath his futon. Soon after throwing them on, Naruto ran down the hallways and into the kitchen where he soon sat down at the table, and before him was a warm bowl of ramen. "Itadakimasu!" He then started to devoir the all of the contents within the bowl.

The old monk chuckled as he watches Naruto eat the bowl of ramen with ferocity that rivals that of his own. He sighed a bit, ramen cheap and easy to make for the young boy, but he needs to eat other things, but those are out of the question right now due to the lack of funds. Soon, he found himself enjoying his own bowl. Once they were finished, the monk took both bowls and placed them in the sink for him to wash later, because right now he has a promise to keep, and if there was one thing about the monk, it was that he always keeps his promises.

Naruto happily ran about once they were outside the temple, the young child has so much energy that it seems so unreal, for the walk was from their humble temple is about a ten minute walk before they reach the park. Even though Naruto was in good mood, the monk was not, for today there would be a lack of attendance at the park, which he doesn't mind, but Naruto would be disappointed yet spared the harsh treatment he has been receiving. He can rarely ever afford to let Naruto out of his sights for a moment in the case that someone might do something terrible.

In the first year of taking care of Naruto, a vengeful Shinobi from the village snuck into the temple and threatened Naruto's young life. The infant was spared from death only thanks to the old monks instincts and knowledge of the grounds at all times. And there were the times in which he took the infant into the village for some shopping or to meet with the Hokage, and each time they would receive disgusted looks. Naruto may not know why they get the looks that they receive, but he will soon come to understand that one day, once the monk feels that the young boy is ready for such information.

Soon reaching the park, the monk wasn't surprised to notice that Naruto was a bit disappointed. "I guess that everyone is at the parade today Naruto," the monk stated as he looked down at Naruto.

"Parade," the young boy asked. He didn't hear about a parade at all, but what is that noise coming from the main street.

"The parade is honoring the end of a terrible event," the monk explained to the young child, choosing what words to use for his small mind.

"Can we go to the parade?"

Looking down at the young child, whose eyes were pleading and using the dreaded puppy dog look, which the monk detests most about taking care of Naruto, the old monk relented by taking Naruto's small yet smooth hands into his old rough hands. As they walked down to Main Street, the monk's staff was ringing.

Upon reaching the parade, the monk lifted Naruto up onto his shoulders, but doing this, he had to let his hat hang off the back of his neck and let the sun shine down upon his head. "Can you see," he asked as he glanced up at the three year old on his shoulders. He smiled as the young blonde giggled and was got caught up in the spell of the parade. One that captures the attention and hearts of most beings. The monk of course was glad for the spell for it allowed them to enjoy this event without much trouble. But his keen eyes noticed something; the air around the parade seemed a bit off, so searching the crowds, he thought, 'Where are the Hyuuga's?' He of course can see the members of the various clans within the village, but there's no way at all he can not miss a Hyuuga, for they are the most arrogant clan within the village, with the Uchiha Clan not far behind in second most arrogant clan within the village.

"Who's he," young Naruto said as he tapped his grandfather's bald head and pointed at a man who was walking down the street and waving to the crowd.

"Someone from another village," the monk simply explained. He then turned to the side and tapped someone on the shoulder. "Excuse, do you know why the Hyuuga aren't here today?"

The person merely shrugged and said, "I'm not entirely too sure, but from what I've heard, it's that they are back at their compound because today because the heiress it turning three today."

"Ah, thank you very much, I will have to give my blessings to her then," the monk said, but in truth, he was rather reluctant about going to the Hyuuga compound. He rather detests, and others of his kin share a same trait, arrogant humans, especially ninja's and samurai.

"No problem master," the person said with a nod of the head.

'A rather respectful young man,' the monk thought as he studied the young man who just helped him. His silver hair was odd, and his lazy demeanor was odd as well, but his headband and masked face easily told the old monk who he was due to his various talks with the Hokage. 'So this is the young Kakashi, rather impressive for a young man indeed.' He was about to continue watching the parade with Naruto, when two ANBU appeared behind him. They appeared so suddenly that the monk had his staff in the face of one as he nonchalantly kept Naruto up on his shoulders. Even the young Kakashi seemed shocked at this. "What do you two want," the monk asked, not taking his eyes off of the parade. Naruto who noticed what was going on, was used to this sort of thing happening.

"We bare a message from Hokage-sama for you," the taller one of the two said which had the monk turn around and faces them. "He would like to speak with you in his office right now Master Karasu."

The monk, Karasu, sighed, before nodding. The two ANBU then disappeared in a plume of smoke, and both Karasu and Naruto vanished as well instantly. Completely taken by surprise of what transgressed, Kakashi was visibly, despite his masked appearance, surprised.

Moments later, the four appeared within the office of the Hokage within the Tower of Fire. The Hokage stood by the windows of the office, looking down at the parade in his ceremonial Kage robes. Glancing back at the four, Sarutobi nodded to the two ANBU, which took the message that they were dismissed and vanished as they did before in the streets. Turning around with a smile on his face at the sight of Karasu and Naruto, Sarutobi greeted them, "Welcome and thank you for coming Karasu-sama. I see that you brought little Naruto with you as well."

Giggling from on top of his grandfather, Naruto nodded, he liked this old man as well for he was very kind to him. "That I did, but what is so important this time around that you needed to send two of your ANBU to fetch both me and my grandson," Karasu asked as he took Naruto off of his shoulders and set him on the ground. The young child pouted for a moment before running off to another part of the office to find something to amuse himself.

The Sandaime Hokage sighed, clearly a bit troubled, "It involves the Hyuuga, surely by now that you know of the status within the clan?" Karasu nodded. "Well, today is young Hinata's third birthday, but today is also going to be terrible for they are going to…"

"Place one of those disgusting seals that you humans have created to keep control over others of your kind," Karasu finished, thoroughly rethinking about going to give his blessings. "Yes, I've heard of this, its not new overall since those of my kin have heard of this long ago."

Nodding, Sarutobi continued, "Then you understand why I would like you to come with me to the compound now."

Nodding as well, the monk replied, "That I do understand, but I will only be there to assist you and nothing else, but I will also have to…"

"Bring Naruto with you," Sarutobi finished with a grin, and Karasu nodded as he glanced down at the young blonde who was currently pulling the sleeve of his grandfather's haori. "Then do it, he might have fun there?"

"Or as much fun as they will allow with us there," Karasu stated, as he mildly glared at the Hokage. "You may have placed that law in effect, but it has still isolated my grandson from others of his age."

Seeming to age before Naruto's eyes, the Sandaime sighed. Though Naruto clearly knew nothing of what was being said, but he wanted to sit on his grandfather's shoulders again. "I know, I've noticed what happens when you are out trying to have a good time and when he tries to make some friends. But Hinata is also friendless as well due to her upbringing, so they might be able to have some fun together. Besides, Hiashi isn't like the rest of the clan."

"I've heard," Karasu muttered, still not liking the idea of going there. "But he was also a friend of your Yondaime Hokage, so it should be pleasant at least."

"Good, then we are ready to go," Sarutobi stated as he lead the monk and Naruto, who was once again sitting on his shoulders, out of the tower.

It took the trio about a half hour before reaching the Hyuuga Clan Compound. Karasu knew that it was the compound due to the fact that its walls were white and the guards were immense, signifying the importance of what is transpiring within the walls. Upon being seen by the guards, the guards bowed out of respect for the Hokage, but glared at the 'Demon' and his 'master'. Truly dirty terms that Karasu has come to learn of what he is known as within the village, 'To associate me with demons would they,' Karasu thought as he returned the glare ten-fold back at the guards. "We cannot let you enter," the head guard at the entrance said, his white eyes revealed his lineage.

"It's all right, they are with me," Sarutobi explained as he patted the guard on the shoulder. They all seemed to reluctantly let them both in, but being close to the Hokage of this village has its perks of course.

As the gates slowly opened, they all noticed that all eyes were on them, all of those piercing white eyes of the Hyuuga were on them. The majority of the owners of the eyes were well practiced within their family's art. 'A dangerous hostile air of course,' Karasu thought with a grin. "Hokage-sama, what did we do to deserve the honor of you blessing us with your presence this day," a one of the obvious branch members of the clan asked as he walked up to the trio upon getting a look from one of the older members of the clan.

Smiling kindly, Sarutobi stated, "I am here to see the proceedings of what is about to be performed this day, and to see if I can stop this foolishness within the clan."

"We understand why you are here Hokage-sama, but why are they here," an older member of the clan, whose aged masculine voice stated.

"I am merely here for two reasons," Karasu stated as he set Naruto once again on the ground from his shoulders. "First off, I was going to come by to wish the heiress a happy birthday after hearing about it by the parade thanks to that young lad Kakashi. But upon being called upon by Sarutobi-san, he asked me to merely assist him if a need for me has arisen."

"Fine, but why is it here," one of the younger men of the clan asked as he glared at Naruto.

Seeing this, Karasu glared at the young man, and if glares could kill, the man would have been dead right on the spot, "My grandson is here with me today since I have no one who is willing to watch him for any length of time. And under the suggestion of Sarutobi-san, I brought him with me."

"And what an excellent suggestion that was," Hiashi said as he walked up to greet the guests. "I welcome the three of you to our humble home. We would feel honored if you let your grandson play with the other children; they rarely get out as it is to play with others of their own age." After he said this, Hiashi sent an almost unnoticeable glare at all who dared to question him. "Allow me to introduce my daughter Hinata…" He then gestured to his side, where a small young girl in a pink kimono was hiding behind Hiashi. "…who is turning three on this very day. And who may this young man be?" He finished this while smiling kindly at Naruto.

'This man is nice,' Naruto thought as he came out from behind his grandfather. He was there because of all the mean people who were glaring at him. "This young lad is my grandson, Naruto, whom I'm guessing that most of your family already knows of," Karasu said as he casually glanced around at the gathering, noticing that most of people who he looked at turned their heads away. "Why don't you say hello to the nice girl Naruto?"

"Hello," the young blonde exclaimed with a wave and a huge grin.

"Hello," the young heiress shyly said.

"Oh a shy one isn't she," Karasu said as he smiled at the interaction between the two children.

"And your grandson has a set of lungs," Hiashi returned with a smirk.

"That was nothing; you should hear him in the morning when he's trying to wake me up for one reason or another."

"I'll take your word for it," Hiashi replied as he held a hand out towards Karasu who grasped it and shook hands with the Head of the Clan.

"It is truly an honor to meet one as such as you Hiashi-san," Karasu said as he suddenly released the Hyuuga's hand. "But I do believe that we all should get down to business and let the children have their fun. It is a party of course, isn't it?"

"It should be but its not unfortunately," the head apologized as he lead both the Hokage and the monk into the house. Leaving with one last look at his grandson, Karasu left seeing his grandson playing with the young heiress, Hinata, and another boy who wore a black kimono. The three of them were laughing and running around the yard while kicking a ball around, playing like little ones should. It brought a small smile to Karasu's face, which didn't go unnoticed by the Hokage.

Even though the older members of the clan who were watching the children were frowning in a disapproving way, but one man who looked just like Hiashi was frowning with sadness. Whatever it was, Karasu couldn't tell, but his guess was that it had to do with the young boy who was laughing and playing with both Hinata and Naruto.

The meeting went into the night, and it wasn't going very well overall for both Hiashi and the Hokage. They were trying to get the performance of the cursed seal of the clan to be banished from the clan forever, but the elders' steadfast stubbornness is what kept the performance of the seal used. Apparently from what Karasu was able to understand, this was merely a gift for Hiashi's twin brother, Hizashi, to keep his own son, Neji from receiving the seal. The old monk threw in his two cents here and there in an attempt to counter the gain an upper hand in the discussion, but it was all for naught for the elders were apparently used to these kinds of discussions. 'Turning one's own flesh and blood into a slave,' Karasu bitterly thought as he stepped out of the dinning room in which the discussion took place. "What a foolish practice," the old monk muttered.

"That it is my friend," Sarutobi stated as he placed a hand on Karasu's shoulder. "But one day this practice will end, and it will end forever. I've been battling this practice with the Hyuuga's since day one of my reign as Hokage before my successor took over, and once I've returned to my seat as Hokage."

Karasu could only shake his head in disappointment, "I'm rather shocked that this clan hasn't changed it ways sooner, but I'm also afraid that both me and my grandson have worn out our welcome for this night."

"And so have I, but I'm the Kage of this village so I have more liberties then that of yourself unfortunately," the Hokage said as they stepped out into the courtyard with Hiashi in tow. "Well I must be off; I have paperwork to attend to."

"Good bye my good friend," Karasu said as he shook hands with Sarutobi. The Hokage then left through the gates and disappeared into the shadows of the night. "Hmm… we really did lose track of time didn't we Hiashi-san?"

"That we did Karasu-sama," Hiashi stated as he stood out in the night sky with the monk. "So where do you and Naruto live?"

Glancing over at the one Hyuuga who the monk respects, and then up at the sky, he said, "We live in a small temple on the outskirts of the training field that is called the Forest of Death." Hearing a gasp of surprise, Karasu mildly looked at Hiashi. "Is there a problem with that?"

Trying to compose himself, Hiashi soon stated, "Well it is a dangerous area of course, and to raise a child…"

"Like Naruto there is a good course of action," Karasu finished, interrupting Hiashi. "You of course know of his 'condition' and you probably know more then likely what the foolish people of this village think of him as." The Hyuuga clan head nodded. "Just think of him living within the village in a day to day situation. It would be terrible for one so young and inexperienced in the world to go through." Seeing that Hiashi nodded again, Karasu continued. "That and a nice simple temple is all that we need. He likes being around all the creatures that are around our home, and he gets along well with them." Noticing that Hiashi's eyes were wide as dinner plates, the monk decided to elaborate further. "Of course I am there to supervise and to make sure that nothing terrible happens to him."

"But since it is late and very dark out now, a time of the day which even you should agree with that it isn't safe for your grandson to be out at," Hiashi stated, which sounded to Karasu that he was up to something. "Why don't you spend the night?"

A bit startled at the offer, Karasu was about to refuse, but he relented, "We shall, but we will be staying for the night and breakfast before we head out for our home."

"All right," Hiashi stated as he guided the monk through the house. They soon came upon a room in which three young children were sprawled out around the floor. "They seemed to have much fun this day!"

"Indeed they did my brother," a voice from the shadows of the room said. It was soon revealed to be Hizashi, Hiashi's twin brother.

"Would you like to tell us of it?"

"They played like children, nothing else," the younger twin said with a shrug of the shoulders. "But they seemed to have become friends."

"That is good," Karasu commented as he watched the sleeping Naruto with an amused expression. For the young blonde was sprawled out on the floor and was snoring contently. "I haven't seen my grandson this happy in a long time."

"Nor have I seen my daughter this happy as well," Hiashi commented on his own daughter, who was soundly sleeping close to Naruto.

"So how did it go," Hizashi asked, changing the subject.

Hiashi sighed, "Not good at all, and Neji will be receiving the seal tomorrow at noon." Hearing this, Hizashi became depressed and sadly looked down at Neji who sleeping right next to him. "Hizashi, I am sorry about this, but we couldn't do anything about it."

Silence reigned for the moment for the two brothers, it was suddenly broken by the cough of Karasu, "That it may be, but the effort is what really counts. The elders of this clan are a tough nut to crack."

"That they are Master," Hizashi said as he gently pushed Neji off of him and got up off the floor. He then bowed at Karasu. "I thank you for your assistance in this even though you are an outsider of both the clan and the village."

"Does living here for only three short years really mean that I'm an outsider of this village," the monk asked, his eyes looking down at the younger twin. "Even though I've been living here with my grandson for those three years together, we will be always be considered outsiders no matter how long our presences are within this village." As he said this, the old monk seemed to have aged a bit, seeming more tired.

Seeing this a better time then anything else, Hiashi picked Hinata up off of the floor. "I might as well show you to your room for this night, Karasu-sama," Hiashi said as he gestured the monk to follow him. Nodding, Karasu picked his grandson up and followed Hiashi. Walking down the hallways, the adults soon come across a door which Hiashi slid open. He entered and laid his daughter on her futon and tucked her in. Upon coming out, Karasu was a bit surprised at seeing that the next room over was where both he and Naruto will spend the night. "This will be your room for the night. I know that it isn't much, but it should fit your needs." Upon sliding the door open, Hiashi was right, for there were two futons in the middle of the floor and a few other objects that Karasu didn't bother looking at right now.

"Thank you for your kindness my friend," Karasu said as he bowed with Naruto in his arms. "I don't know how we can repay you for this."

"You have done more then enough to help us change the ways of our clan this day, and this means more to me more then anything else," Hiashi sadly said which caught the old monk's curiosity. "The elders of my clan see my daughter as a weakling, and have already started to force me to teach her my family's art." Understanding, Karasu nodded, for Hinata seemed to have some form of training in the martial arts. "She isn't living up to the standards that they have set upon her due to her being my heiress. And if my wife becomes pregnant once more and the child is apparently more skilled then Hinata, then they will more then likely place the seal upon her."

Now scowling at this little fact, Karasu returned, "She is only three, just barely in her toddler years and they are already trying to turn her into a kunoichi! I am glad that I've chosen to train Naruto once he is a bit older!"

"What, you haven't even given Naruto any form of training at all yet?"

"Of course not, he is still just only a child, and children are supposed to have fun!"

"I agree with your sentiments exactly Karasu-sama, but the customs of the clan have to come first apparently, like the Seal."

Sighing, Karasu once again bowed, and said his thanks once again to Hiashi before entering the room and closing the sliding door. But through his actions with this, something seemed off to Hiashi as he walked away. 'He doesn't seem to show his age at all,' he thought as he walked further down the hallway towards his room where he met his wife already asleep.

Setting Naruto down on one of the two futons, and tucking him in, Karasu then moved towards the window, where the moon was shining brightly through. He kneeled down by it and pulled out some prayer beads. The old monk began to silently pray.

It was well into the night before a shadowy figure fell upon the compound of the Hyuuga clan, and well after Karasu finished his prayer. The figure soon entered the estate without much hassle, mainly knocking out guards that might have spotted him and hiding the bodies so it wouldn't immediately raise any kind of alarm. Stealthy moving through the hallways of the home, and checking each of the rooms as he progressed, he stumbled upon a room where he found an old monk and a young blonde brat were sleeping in. 'Not what I'm looking for,' the figure said as he dismissed them as not a threat. Moving to the next sliding door, and opening it, the figured grinned, 'Now that's what I'm looking for.' Entering the room, and picking the up the young three-year old daughter of Hyuuga Hiashi, the figure soon left the room and entered the hallway. Swiftly and silently moving towards the exit, he was soon stopped when he heard the jingle of some metal objects.

"What are you doing with the child," an aged and elderly voice said. The figure glanced back, and noticed that it was the monk, and at his side was his shakujo.

"Nothing that concerns you old man," the figure said as he turned around and faced Karasu.

"Pretty cocky for you to be here even though the Konoha and Kumo are no longer at war," Karasu stated as he identified the man before him, who is the representative from Kumogakure no Sato.

Chuckling maliciously, the Shinobi glared at the old man, "So what if it is, and now that you know who I am, I'm going to have to kill you."

Glaring at the younger man before him, Karasu stood his ground with his staff at his side. "Before you kill me, do you mind telling me what you are planning on doing with the young heiress," the monk asked with surprising calm.

"So you wish to know what I'm planning is it," the Shinobi stated as he pulled out a kunai. "Well, I and the higher ups in my village are planning on taking her eyes out Old Man!" If it was at all possible, the glare that the man was already receiving intensified. So twirling the kunai around for a moment to add some form of dramatic effect, the Shinobi soon lunged at the elderly monk.

Time seemed to slow down as the kunai was barely a centimeter away from the old mans face when all of a sudden pain flared up through the shinobi's arm. He let out an agonizing scream of pain which startled most of the residents of the estate. Falling to his knees and dropped the now semi-awake Hinata up, the Shinobi could only stare in horror at the old man who seemed to look down upon as if he was nothing at all. Then the noise of metal falling onto the wooden floorboards drew the shinobi's curiosity. That was when he noticed that the old man had grabbed onto his wrist and snapped it in one smooth motion. "What's going on," a young voice that Karasu knew too well said.

"Naruto, take your friend Hinata and get back into the room," Karasu commanded as he kept his eyes on the intruder. He could hear the soft steps of the Hyuuga's coming closer and closer as to see what was going on.

Seeing how serious his grandfather is being, and seeing this demeanor of his grandfather twice before had the young toddler help his new friend and took her back to there room without much complaints. But Hinata was confused as to what was going on, well, it wasn't like if Naruto was confused as well, but he knew his grandfather better then Hinata.

"This isn't over yet," the Shinobi muttered under his breath, trying to will the pain away and slowly reaching for another kunai. But in doing so, he was given a kick to the gut which sent him flying crashing into the wall at the other end of the hallway. He slumped down to the ground.

"It is, for you are outnumbered and outclassed by the one who said you were going to kill," Karasu said with steel in his voice as he walked up to the Shinobi. Seeing that the Shinobi was getting up and pulling out another kunai with his good hand, Karasu stood in the same place and calmly stared at the Shinobi, expecting to be attacked by the lone ninja. To say that he was surprised by the Shinobi's next action would have been an understatement, but it truly didn't matter to Karasu anyway.

The Shinobi plunged the kunai into his own heart, committing suicide. 'Fool thinks that he will get away scoff free,' Karasu thought as he amusedly watched the now dead Shinobi. 'He forgot that he told me about his plans and even then it will ruin the reputation of Kumo.'

"What is going on here," Hiashi demanded as he came upon the scene with five guards at his side. Looking over at him, Karasu explained as to what happened.

Over the next couple of days, Kumo demanded Hiashi's life despite what the Shinobi revealed to the monk, saying that it's just Konoha propaganda. And even though the body of the Shinobi was presented to them, they claimed that it's a false body. A week after these declarations, Hizashi, the younger twin of Hiashi, gave his life in the place of his own brother and was freed from the curse of the clan. But leaving behind a bitter son who now bears the same curse.

The elders also saw this attempted kidnapping as a weakness of the heiress and thought even worse of her despite her age.

The entire ordeal left Karasu feeling disgusted, and it would take more then a miracle for him to ever stand being in the presence of anyone else of the clan besides Hiashi, his wife, and their lovely daughter Hinata. Despite the fact that he was disgusted with the ordeal, Karasu was happy for Naruto, for now he has a friend to play with and hang out with.

Glancing out into the garden of the temple from the porch where he had a conveniently placed lacquered table, and sipping some tea, Karasu couldn't help but smile as both Hinata and Naruto were running around together in the garden, having fun with being together.

'Such pleasant times,' Karasu thought with a smile as he finished off the rest of his tea, and stood up while slipping on his zouri. Then he went out into the garden with the children, not knowing of the trials and tribulations to come for both of the young ones.