The scars you can't see, are the hardest to heal.- Astrid Alonda.
Naruko stretched her arms as she yawned. "I can't wait to get back to the village! I'm going to the hot spring and no one is going to stop me," she sighed.
Sasuke looked away as his face flamed. Naruko in a hot spring. Without clothes. He knew she had a nice body from being squished by it more times than he count. Naruko surrounded by steam as she lounges in the water. Naruko in the spring without clothes, surrounded by water as is slowly drips from her-. Stop! No more!
Kakashi noticed Sasuke's embarrassment and laughed lightly to himself. So the Uchiha could be a pervert. He couldn't wait to tease him about this.
Sai was just quiet. He didn't react to Naruko's plans, which made Kakashi sigh. He had so much work ahead of him. Maybe he could get master Jiraiya to help turn the boy into a pervert. Yes, that would be great. There was no way, that that could fail.
Naruko looked off to the side and frowned.
"Something wrong Naruko?" Sai asked, noticing her movement.
"Yeah. Someone's been following us since we left the Fire Daimyo's castle."
Everyone froze. Kakashi was shock, because he couldn't feel anyone following them at all.
Naruko turned to the trees and said, "Come on out. You've been tailing us for hours!"
A girl, slowly came out from behind a tree. She had bright red hair and equally red eyes. In those eyes, Naruko saw a familiar look, of terror. The girl was obviously younger than them, and she was too thin.
"Why have you been following us?" Naruko asked in a demanding tone.
The girl flinched and mumbled something. Naruko heard it just fine, but wanted her to repeat it.
"Your chakra is warm."
Naruko gave the redhead a close look. Her shoulder length hair was spiky towards the bottom. She was shaking and she refused to make eye contact.
"What's your name?" Naruko asked, wanting to see if what she was thinking was on the mark.
"Karin….Uzumaki."
Every head whipped to Naruko who was nodding. "I thought so. You match the description I was given about Uzumaki's." She then looked at Kakashi, "Can we stop here for the evening? I'd like to make sure this is real."
Kakashi sighed, but nodded. "Boys, make camp."
Naruko held out a hand to Karin, who stepped forward gingerly and took it.
"Come, tell me what happened."
Karin followed Naruko through the trees and sat when told to.
"My parents, survived the destruction of Uzushiogakure and sought refuge in Kusagakure. In a small village named Hoin. I was born ten years after their settlement in the village. All my life, I could see the blue light inside people, and I finally asked my mother about it when I was five. She told me…...that the blue light was chakra and that I was a chakra sensor. She and my father were also sensors…...so they taught me how to expand my range, and to differentiate between chakras." Karin explained.
She frowned as she explained her past to Naruko, "One day…...a bandit broke into our home, and killed my parents while I was out playing in the fields nearby. I came home to a blood covered house. The villagers…...didn't care, and insisted that I not get in their way. Later the same evening, I could feel a large group of chakra signatures coming and I tried to warn the Headman, but he called me a liar and hit me. So….I ran away, and watched as a large group of thieves burned the village to the ground. I then noticed that the bruise the Headman gave me, was gone, so I cut myself and watched as it healed instantly. So…..for the past four years, I've been going from place to place, using my healing chakra to help people in exchange for food and somewhere to stay. I keep away from the evil chakra and I try to follow the nice ones. And then, a couple of weeks ago, when I was in Kirigakure, I felt your chakra flare. It was warm and inviting and it made me feel safe and happy. So, I tried to find you, by following your chakra. You stopped in a big town and then went to Konohagakure. So, I waited around the village hoping you'd come back out."
Naruko watched as the girl fidgeted. She had looked so sad at the beginning, but seemed more comfortable towards the end, when she spoke of Naruko's chakra.
"You're chakra is so bright and cheerful. Even with the scary orange chakra beneath it, that is dark and depressing, it doesn't fade. It's warm and comforting. I can tell by your eyes that you haven't had the best life, but even with that, your chakra is pure and kind. You've somehow managed to stay good, even though you've been through so much. And I…..I was hoping to follow you without you knowing, because for the first time, in a long time, I felt safe."
"Karin, you aren't a ninja, right?"
The girl shook her head. "I want to be a ninja though."
"I can do something with my chakra, that will allow me to see some of your memories in order to verify what you have said. May I?"
Karin started shaking even more, but nodded anyway. Naruko scooted to her side, and placed both hands on either side of her face. Naruko's chakra covered her hands as Karin closed her eyes. Naruko did the same and she waited.
The memories, were brutal. The blood dripping from every inch of her small home. The bodies of her parents, in pieces all over the place. The pain of the headman as he hit her. The fear of seeing the men burning the village. The traveling from place to place and the strange way of healing people. By letting them bite her arms, they could suck of her chakra and it would heal even the deadliest of wounds. The feeling of recognition and the searching for the strange chakra that made her feel safe. Naruko saw all of this, and believed what Karin had said. That was too much for a ten nine year old to go through.
She backed away slowly. "You're legit. Let's go back to camp."
Karin stood slowly, "Who are you?"
Naruko gave the girl a wink, "I'm Naruko Uzumaki."
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Hiruzen looked at the girl that was trying to hide behind Naruko. He just couldn't believe that Naruko had found another Uzumaki. Or that she was a sensor. Sensory type ninja were very rare to come across. And to teach someone who wasn't a sensor, sensory techniques, took too long. Especially when a ninja's life is so short.
"So, you wish to have her join your newly revived clan?" he asked.
Naruko nodded, "Yep. If I come across more Uzumaki, I'm just going bring them back. The more people I find, the less chance I have to be put on the C.R.A.."
The Hokage snorted. What a way to go around a law. "I'll send her to Inoichi just incase. Meanwhile, you can give me a full description of her abilities and we'll go from there."
He leaned back in his chair, "I take it, you want the Namikaze mansion?"
Naruko nodded, "Yep. It'll serve as the home for the Uzumaki clan. It would be best if we just combined the two, because being the Uzumaki clan heir and the Namikaze family heir will be, forgive me for this, a drag. Just joining the two, is good enough. But I'm keeping both names."
With a sigh, the Sandaime nodded. Oh the paperwork that lay ahead of him!
"You okay Jiji?"
"Well, the public announcement of your heritage, was an interesting, situation. My advisors, Homura and Koharu, really laid it on thick about the village disgracing the Yondaime. They explained that you are now the head of Gato Company and Holdings, as well as the fact that you convinced Tsunade to return and now, we have a treaty with Nami no Kuni because of you. Your plan may move faster than previously thought. I'm curious about your time with the Daimyo. How was it?"
Naruko gave him a thumbs up, "He approved of my idea. He is also putting a good word in for me with the other Daimyo. He mentioned that the Wind Daimyo was having trouble finding someone who could construct a bridge that was torn down between Hi no Kuni and Kaze no Kuni. So, I suggested Tazuna and he said he'd pass on the message. The fact that a Namikaze had faith in this man's abilities, must mean that he's good apparently. What did the Namikaze do to gain such respect?"
"They were known for being good at everything. With intelligent minds, they were some of the best ninja too. Too small to be a clan though, but that didn't stop them from branching out and becoming famous. I warn you, your father had many enemies. Taking on his name, will put you in danger."
Naruko shrugged, "If they want to start an international incident, then go ahead. By law, if I am attacked unjustly, I have the power as a clan head, to kill anyone who attempts to harm me in a hostile way. A spar or a fight in the Chunin Exams, won't warrant death though."
"I'll call Inoichi and have him give Karin a mental examination. Then, you'll take her to the hospital and Tsunade will give her a medical examination. Her papers for citizenship will be drawn up by tomorrow and you can take her home. This is the key to the Namikaze Mansion. It isn't too far from here. It's the house with the Genjutsu over it. The one you always wanted to explore, but weren't allowed to."
Naruko's eyes sparkled. That was where she was going to live? The Kami must've really felt bad about her predicament as a Jinchuuriki and decided to pay her back. This was great!
"Now, if you'll wait a moment."
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Sasuke removed his shoes as he entered his home. He moved to the kitchen, where he knew his mother was cooking. She bustled about, humming a merry tune.
"Sasuke! You're home! Your father told me all about your girlfriend's recent jump in status! They announced her lineage while you were on your mission!" she said as she embraced him.
"Lineage?"
"Naruko is the daughter of the Yondaime. Some of us were able to put two and two together. Your father and I were good friends with Minato and Kushina, and we knew she was their child. That is why we didn't view her as the others in the village did. We knew the truth. She only found out a few days ago though."
Sasuke was shocked and horrified, "So, her own father sealed the Kyuubi in her?"
Mikoto frowned, "Did she tell you about that? You weren't home to hear it being publicly announced."
"Naruko told Sai and I when we were in Tanzaku Town, because the two guys who interfered in our mission were after Jinchuuriki."
Mikoto smiled, "The fact that she told you, means that she trusts you, and that's a start. I know that you really like her Sasuke. Just keep being yourself. She's had a very rough past and will have a difficult time understanding love, when she herself was never shown any."
Sasuke didn't even blush. He had admitted his feeling to a Sannin. He was no longer embarrassed about it.
Mikoto turned back to the food. "You should also know, that she is now the Uzumaki clan head."
Sasuke shook his head. How was she going to handle all of these things being thrown at her? Well, she'd have him beside her, and he'd help in any way he could.
"Sasuke."
He turned to see Itachi, standing there with a smirk. "Come ototo, let's talk."
Sasuke nodded and followed him from the room. They entered the garden, where Itachi then led him to the pond.
"So, the love of your life is the head of the Uzumaki clan and the head of the Namikaze family. She's also the richest person in the world. You know how to pick them Sasuke."
He glared at his brother, "I was in love Nauko waybefore any of this happened!"
Itachi gave a laugh, "You finally admit it. Good. Now, how do we make her fall for you?"
"Itachi, that is going to take forever. Mother said that I just need to be myself and everything would be fine," Sasuke sighed.
Itachi smiled lightly, "So? It doesn't matter. Any sort of help works. Now, what sort of things does she like? Use that to your advantage. Her birthday is coming up soon. Get her something she'll like. Something that maybe only you know she likes. It shows that you understand her on a personal level. Get a better nickname for her."
Sasuke scowled at that. He hadn't called her Butch in a month. He
d been calling her Naruko and she hadn't been calling him Ducky as often.
"I can't just start doing something out of character. She'll think something is wrong with me."
Itachi slapped a hand to his forehead, "Come up with a nickname and wait for a situation where it can be used. Tease her about it. You're an Uchiha Sasuke. Take charge!"
The younger Uchiha huffed. "I'll try okay?! She's just so dense that I worry if she'll ever be interested. She told me herself that she finds a lot of men attractive and raffled off my name and then yours and many others right off the bat as examples. But then, she says things like, 'that'll never happen', or 'not likely'. I can't tell if it's because of the fox or something else. But I don't want to pry. She told me about being a Jinchuuriki on her own, and I'd prefer it if she came to me by herself, without my pestering her."
"We're going to help you."
Sasuke looked up in shock, "'We'?"
Itachi nodded as Shisui appeared beside him,"You need a lot of help apparently."
Shisui smirked, "Itachi's right Sasu-chan! And we're going to teach you all we know!"
Sasuke could feel the horror that would soon follow. He could tell that it was going to be painfully embarrassing. Dear Kami, why him?
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Karin rubbed her eyes. She rubbed them again, hoping that what she was seeing was real. She didn't want to be insane. Insane people weren't treated nicely and she was too young to lose it.
Her new guardian and only clansman, Naruko was everywhere! There had to be at least a hundred if not more.
How had she done it though? Was it a jutsu?
"Hey Karin, come here!"
She turned to the Naruko that was waving her hand and walked over.
"You said you want to be a ninja, so how about we go shopping while my Bunshin move everything it the mansion?"
Karin nodded and followed Naruko, wondering where they were going. Konoha was a big village and even though there was a lot of happiness there, she didn't want to get lost, or be stuck on her own. Sure, she could find Naruko's chakra, but being anywhere without the blonde in sight wasn't something she wanted.
Naruko led her through the village, to a store that sold ninja weapons.
Inside, she watched as Naruko was, what looked to be, assaulted by a girl her age or older. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that!"
Karin watched as Naruko patted her friends back, "It's okay TenTen. I'm fine now, and as they say, 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. Thanks for understanding and still caring."
The TenTen girl nodded as she wiped her eyes. "You're my best friend Naruko. Of course I care. Now, who is this?"
Karin blushed when the attention was placed on her. She was introduced to the bun haired girl, who immediately gave her a hug and told her how cute she was.
Karin was fitted for clothes and allowed to pick her preferred weapons. She decided on senbon, because they helped in medical jutsu, and she had always wanted to be medical ninja and help people. She could heal with her chakra anyway. Why not train for it?
Naruko said that she had a friend who was the head of the hospital. If she asked nicely and played the cute card, she may be able to get this friend to teach her. Naruko had gotten the person to teach another friend named Haku, who was also interested in the medical field. Karin could honestly say, that she was excited about her new life.
Naruko was mysterious, but very kind. She wore a mask that covered half her face, but was very open and expressive with her eyes. Karin loved how her chakra seemed to calm when Naruko was close. She did feel safe. Naruko was like the older sister she always wanted. The cool one who was powerful and kind, and treated other with respect.
Karin really liked Naruko. She just hoped that Naruko would think she was weird when she found out.
Someone walked into the store, "There you are."
Karin recognised the cute boy from Naruko's Genin team. His name was Sasuke. She could tell that he liked Naruko, but could also tell that Naruko had no clue. Even though he was cute, Karin wasn't going to try and move in on her sister's man. Even if her sister didn't know the man was hers.
"Hey Sasuke! TenTen and I are getting Karin some ninja tools. She wants to be a medic!" Naruko waved at him, her eyes tilting upward, in an eye smile.
Sasuke looked at Karin, who blushed.
"She needs a hair cut. One side is longer than the other. It looks weird."
Karin couldn't help herself. Her mouth just opened and the words came out. "What the fuck would you know, you duck ass bastard?! At least I don't have the ass of a bird for a hairstyle!"
There was silence following her exclamation. Karin shrunk back in fear. She had done it! She lost control of her mouth again! Now they think she was weird!
Karin waited for the insults. But none came. Instead, the store was filled with laughter. She looked up to see Naruko and TenTen holding onto each other as they laughed. Sasuke looked unimpressed, which only seemed to make the girls laugh harder.
"She's right Sasuke! You're hair naturally does that! You can't make fun of her hair when yours looks like the butt of an animal that goes, 'quack quack'!
Karin watched as the girls made fun of Sasuke. They didn't seem to mind her outburst. They weren't making fun of her.
Naruko patted her head, "I knew you were too shy. There had to be some fire in there somewhere, and that was it!"
Karin grinned widely at Naruko. She was the best person Karin had ever known!
Naruko leaned down and whispered in her ear, "When we're done, we'll go to the hot springs. They're great!"
Karin nodded happily, "Okay, one-chan!"