NARUTO:
FALLEN LEAVES
CHAPTER TWO
FAMILY BUSINESS
AN: I do not own Naruto.
"I can't believe they're really here" Uchiha Sakura said in silence. "I almost thought we would never see them again".
Sasuke moved to his wife and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"This is almost too good to be true, Naruto-kun and Hinata-chan are back-"
"That's where you're wrong" Konohamaru interrupted Tenten with a hint of sadness in his voice. "He's not here to stay. The way he put it, he's just passing through."
Everyone was silent after what Konohamaru said.
They all eventually found out why Naruto had left and so they understood even though they secretly hoped he would return.
"Some wounds never heal..." Kakashi said.
"So that was the son of the Yondaime." Rin said. "I never got a look at his face, but the hair is the same…"
"What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall, for the conversation between Naruto and his grandparents." Ino said.
"Intense won't even come close to describing that moment-" Shikamaru was interrupted by an enormous killing intent.
It was unlike anything they had felt before. The faces of the younger generation of Konoha Shinobi mirrored fear and shock but on the faces of the older generation there was another look… one of recognition.
"Kyubi" Kakashi said…
--
Naruto was standing upon the carving of the Yondaime. He then crouched down and placed a hand on the stone.
Naruto whispered something that Jiraiya couldn't hear.
Naruto then slowly stood up and as one he and Hinata turned to face them.
Jiraiya expected anger to show on his face but the bright blue eyes sparkled with laughter.
"Ohayo, Bachaan, Jiisan" Naruto said.
"Ohayo" Hinata said with a respectful bow.
He didn't know what he was expecting but this was definitely not it. He had expected shouting and swearing from Naruto, not a respectful greeting.
He also sensed the dismay in Tsunade but she quickly recovered.
"Ohayo, Naruto-kun, Ohayo Hinata-chan" Tsunade greeted in return.
"Ohayo" Jiraiya greeted.
Then Naruto brought his hands together in front of his abdomen. His hands glowed crimson and he then touched them to his abdomen.
A blind red light burst forth from Naruto.
The enormous killing intent that washed over him and Tsunade nearly brought them to their knees. Such a blatant display of the power he held in check was a clear message to Jiraiya and the people of Konoha.
When the power finally died down Jiraiya was able to see Naruto again. Hinata stood calmly at his side and he seemed perfectly normal.
"What was that for Naruto?" Tsunade asked.
"He felt like letting off a little steam." He calmly replied.
"Are you used to indulging him in such a way?" She asked.
"You'd be surprised at what I indulge him…." Naruto said quietly.
"How are our great grandchildren?" Tsunade asked.
"They are well, thank you" Hinata replied. A gentle breeze blew and the cloaks they were wearing fluttered slightly. Jiraiya glimpsed the swell of Hinata's stomach.
"I am still surprised that you have not stepped down yet. A Rokudaime Hokage is needed to help Konoha weather the Storm that is coming" Naruto said.
"I am holding that position until you decide to return for good Naruto." Tsunade replied.
"Unfortunately that will not be possible Tsunade-sama." Hinata replied
Jiraiya saw Naruto reach into his coat and he pulled out a Hitaite. Naruto bent his head and tied the Hitaite. When he looked up Jiraiya was able to see the symbol on it.
It was a Spiral.
"You've been busy' Jiraiya finally commented.
"You have no idea" Naruto chuckled. "The Whirlpool Country has risen from the Waves and the Village Hidden within the Vortex will wash over the world"
"Spare me the theatrics" Jiraiya said in a bored tone. He wanted to get a rise out of Naruto but he was disappointed when Naruto did nothing.
"A Sixth Hokage is needed Tsunade-same. You will not be strong enough to face the war that is coming. Please step aside. Do not die in battle like your predecessors." Hinata surprised Jiraiya with her frank speech.
"Who would I leave the Village to except to my own flesh and blood?" Tsunade asked her voice cracking slightly.
Over the years Jiraiya since their reunion Jiraiya had slowly realized that he knew Tsunade less and less. She still seemed like the woman he comforted on that night long ago when their son Minato was conceived. At this moment he allowed himself to see her clearly. She was tired. There was no doubt about that.
"Consider this my gift to you baachan." Naruto channelled chakra to his hand and it glowed red. When he approached Tsunade her Genjutsu was dispelled and she looked like her true self. Naruto reached out with his glowing hand and touched her forehead. The red chakra flowed over Tsunade and to his astonishment life returned to her features. The ravages of time and a hard life as a Shinobi were removed by Naruto's simple touch. "Take it and leave this place. Live the last years of your life in relative peace"
The gifts of the toads had already lengthened his life span and so he was not in need of Naruto's gift but he nonetheless knew that it was grudgingly extended to him as well.
"The storm that you mentioned, will you be the one to bring it to this world?"
"My plans are already in motion and my brethren support me. Akatsuki still remains a thorn in all of our sides and Kabuchimaru has started to move again. The time has come for me and him to complete that Jutsu"
"You mean to end the world..."
"Yes to end the world and bring true understanding. The losses have been heavy as you yourself can attest but I think we are finally at the end..."
"The end of all things." Hinata added.
"Well I have always wanted to travel the rest of the world" Jiraiya mused to himself. "How about it Tsunade? We take a boat, travel Over the Great Sea. One it will be one last great adventure for the Gallant Jiraiya and his Slug Princess."
"You insufferable old fool" she insulted. "Can't you see I am contemplating a major decision?"
"Everything that has a beginning has an end..." Hinata said cryptically.
"I've always liked endings" Naruto said to her.
"Why is that?"
"They always meant that we could start over" Naruto replied to his wife.
AN2: After that I still don't own Naruto. Sucks but that's life.