Konohagakure: Six years after the Nine-Tails (Kyuubi) attack
Even after the attack that claimed hundreds of lives, people had to continue with their lives despite the pain of losing their daughters and sons, spouses, or friends. The worst part is always the orphans: defenseless kids left to their fate in a cruel world, plagued by conflicts every few decades. Everyone remembers that night, despite their differences, they share something in common: the fear that monster caused, leading to the death of the Fourth Hokage.
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The dawn rays fell on Naruto's face; he's still trying to hide under his blanket and unable to avoid it, could only resign himself and get up to start another day. "Not even the sun left me alone and came to bother me," he grumbled impatiently as he prepared to take off his pajamas and put on the blue shirt and gray pants Jiji given to him.
Leaving his bed a mess, he approached the refrigerator and took a carton of milk. He had been drinking from the same batch he bought for several weeks, the only problem is that in recent days, after drinking a little, his stomach hurt and he spent the next 40 minutes in the bathroom. Unaware of what was happening, Naruto continued his routine, eating instant ramen for breakfast before throwing the wrapper onto the trash pile forming in his kitchen.
Knowing that he would soon join the school to meet other kids, he wanted to minimize his presence as much as possible among the villagers, going through less crowded areas and walking quickly, because regardless of his wishes, it was rumored that he was the fox demon, gaining undeserved hatred.
Arriving at the outskirts where the river flowed, Naruto slowly stopped and approached the shore. Learning a lesson this time, he took off his shoes and shirt while grabbing one of the many sticks he had prepared earlier. It wasn't the first time he had gone fishing, but there were few occasions he returned home with something to eat.
"I want to try something new, ramen is delicious, but I have few portions left," he murmured softly as he put his feet into the calm stream. Months of trying had taught him that he should be silent and avoid moving if he wanted to catch something.
Minutes passed and he hadn't caught a single fish. Trying to maintain patience, his knuckles turning white from clenching his grip tighter and tighter. Getting fed up with the situation, he threw the stick at one of the fish that remained close but wouldn't be caught.
Startled for a moment, the fish returned to its position, as if mocking his poor fishing attempt. "Stupid fish, I'd rather go home instead of wasting my time with you," he cursed as he walked away with his face wrinkled in frustration.
Passing through the neighborhoods where there aren't usually many people, Naruto felt a little better. If it wasn't a fish making fun of him, it was other people, even though he didn't understand why they hated him, he couldn't do more, being just an orphan.
"I wonder where's everyone, other days when I pass by here the shops are still open," he thought aloud as he approached the places where other kids used to play. He couldn't play with them, but he liked to watch, thinking of learning in case he would have friends to play with another day.
With nothing else to do, he decided to take a walk around the village, taking advantage of the absence of people. There were places he rarely could approach before people drove him away with curses or by throwing trash.
Aside from a few shops and food stalls, there was nothing new; every few streets the pattern of similar houses repeated. "Who built these boring houses? When I grow up, I'll make mine have a ramen eating room and several colors," Naruto thought resentfully as he complained. After a few minutes, he approached a square.
Getting closer and closer, voices began to swarm and the figures of parents with their children became more frequent. Even though he was still far from the entrance, the street was packed without leaving any space.
Hiding behind one of the walls, he peeked a little to see what they were doing. Unable to tell what it was, he looked in various directions until he found one of the notices pasted to a post.
–-Citizen registration and Craft Classes—
"These are other kids who will also go to school, but Jiji hasn't called me to come yet." These were Naruto's thoughts as he struggled to remember what he had been told on the last visit. Years of malnutrition had made him shorter than other kids and tired him out faster.
Unable to remember how long he would have to wait to go to school, he quickly returned home to eat something. He had spent several hours wandering around without getting anything, and it was time to go back before the streets filled with people leaving work at midday.
Without saying a word and slamming the door shut, he went to grab another of the ramen packets he had left; they were only enough for a few days until he ran out of food.
"Uhhh, I have to ask Jiji for help next time he comes. There are still a few days until Sunday, when he come I'll ask him when I can go to school." Eating quickly and speaking between sips, Naruto stayed at home every afternoon, sleeping until it was time to shower and prepare dinner.
Taking the time to throw the food wrappers into the trash can and taking a small stool, Naruto approached the kitchen to clean it before going to sleep. He couldn't forget that time he left the kitchen dirty for over a week.
That time as he approached, he saw several fat rats eating the leftovers. Unable to do anything against these animals, he had to run to the Hokage's building to ask Jiji for help. After that, Jiji's took several days to teach him how to store food and clean at least once every two days if he didn't want the same scenario to repeat.
Leaving everything ready and locking up, he went to his room for a nap.
–5 hours later–
With the sun disappearing on the horizon, night rIse, and with it, many people returned to their respective homes or restaurants for the last meal of the day. With no one to get him out to appreciate the night view, Naruto could only stay at home looking for something to eat that wasn't ramen, of course.
Searching through the little he had organized in the afternoon, he spent several minutes until found some packets of chips and next to them a book without a cover, just a white cardboard. He is messy, but Naruto knew when something belonged to him, and he clearly hadn't seen that book in the morning or in the afternoon when he was cleaning.
Not knowing where it came from, he wanted to see its content. It would be better if it were one of the comic books sold in the shops, but the first page shattered his illusion; it only contained a short phrase.
"Record of the Seventh, form a spiral with blood on the next page to read"
"Huh? What's a spiral and why do I have to bleed? You better believe if I find out who's playing a prank on me, they're going to pay!" he said annoyedly, leaving the book in its original position as he prepared to eat dinner.
"If no one comes for it these days, I'll ask Jiji," annoyed but unable to get the book out of his mind, Naruto continued eating large bites. Quickly finishing and reorganizing what he had left scattered, Naruto's day had come to an end.
With no one at home and unable to go out, he could only sit on the balcony and observe the bright streets, thinking about what other people were doing. For as long as he could remember, it had only been him and his empty house. He didn't recall being with his parents or anyone taking care of him.
The only person he was familiar is his kind Jiji, who took time every Sunday to give him money and ask how he was.
"Why don't I remember my parents and why do people treat me like this? No one tells me anything, and they get annoyed if I get close to ask," Naruto murmured softly as he repeated the same questions every night.
He understood what it was to be an orphan, but not why the village hated him when he hadn't done anything. Every day he took the time to think about it while observing the liveliness of the streets, but he still had no answers.
Another night being unable to get the answers he wanted led Naruto to bed. Racking his small brain with questions, but he knew he had to sleep if he wanted to go to the river early the next day. Tomorrow would be another day, and nothing would have changed— not until JIji tell him when he could go to school.
Days passed without any suspense: waking up early and going to the river to fish. Even though he returned home empty-handed each time, he wasn't discouraged, believing that on the next attempt he could succeed.
The only thing that bothered him was that food rations were getting smaller due to the small shacks he took for not being able to fish. It wasn't the first time it happened, but he always counted on Jiji's help once Sunday arrived.
Every night before Sunday, he cleaned the entire house, ensuring he could receive his Jiji properly. Being the only person who visited him, it was the least he could do. Early the next day and with breakfast ready, Naruto remained seated, his gaze fixed on the door, waiting for his Jiji to arrive so he could ask the questions he had been saving.
He didn't have to wait long. After a few minutes, the doorbell rang, and without losing a second, he quickly got up to open it and welcome him. In front of him stood the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Already in his old age, he didn't give the impression of being a ninja and only looked like an idle old man.
"Good morning, Jiji! I've already made breakfast, do you want to eat with me?" Naruto said as he invited him to sit in front of him.
"Good morning, Naruto. Of course I'd like to eat with you," the old man said as he stroked little Naruto's head, who seemed to enjoy it. Laughing, he followed him to the living room to have breakfast with the boy. Passing through the room, the old man seemed pleased to note that Naruto managed to maintain the habit even if no one asked him to. It wasn't an easy task for an orphan who remained alone every day.
Sitting face to face, Naruto seemed happy to share a moment with someone he considered family, even if it was just breakfast. With both giving thanks before eating, the room fell silent, the only sound being that of the chopsticks.
The old man taught him that one should eat in silence and talk after the meal to eat properly, although he didn't understand what one thing had to do with the other, he could only obey him.
Being more impatient, Naruto finished first, so he could only wait for the old man to finish eating too so he could ask him. Waiting impatiently, the old man didn't seem to be in any hurry and chewed each mouthful with extreme care.
He remained like that for a few minutes until he realized that the boy was already annoyed from waiting so long. Setting down his chopsticks and wiping himself with a napkin, the old man addressed Naruto.
"Tell me, Naruto, how has the week been? Is there anything you want to ask me or know?" he asked kindly as he motioned for them to sit next to the small table on the green rug.
"Well... there are several things. A few days ago I saw some kids going to school with their parents, and you told me I would go too. When will it be my turn? Several months have passed already, and if they've already entered that school, then where will I go?" The words burst out of Naruto's mouth like bullets; he had been waiting for a while and just wanted to know the answers.
"You see, Naruto, that was the civilian school. They teach them basic things and different trades to work when they grow up. The school you're going to enter is for ninjas. It's necessary to take a test to know if you have the aptitude, but for you it's not necessary," the old man spoke slowly as he repeatedly tapped the table with his fingers, just to resist the urge to pick up his pipe; he couldn't do it in front of a child.
"But when will it be my turn? And why don't I have to take the test? Wouldn't that be cheating?" complaining and asking at the same time with a pout, Naruto knew that the old man liked to beat around the bush and say things at the last minute.
Stroking his beard, the old man let out a laugh as he continued speaking.
"Haha, don't be so impatient, it's important that you know these things: civilians and ninjas are not people from the same world, even if it's in our village. And answering your last question, it's because I already gave you the test and... I'm the Hokage!" As he spoke presumptuously, the old man puffed out his chest with pride at his title.
"I still don't understand, everyone walks on the same streets and eats the same food. Just tell me when I can go to school, I can't stand the boredom of just being at home," Naruto tilted his head in confusion; everyone seemed the same to his eyes.
"Well, let's not dwell on that. You have to get ready because in two weeks you have to go to school. I won't be able to accompany you, but when you arrive, you'll see me there. Putting that aside, do you have any other questions for me?" The old man also knew it wasn't an easy thing for an orphan child to understand; he wasn't from those renowned clans that receive education from an early age.
"Yes! Finally, it's my turn! I'm sure I'll be able to make friends if we're the same age!" Gloating, Naruto clenched his fists tightly with a smile plastered on his face until he realized that the old man wasn't speaking and was waiting for him.
"Ah, wait a moment."
Getting up from the table and rushing to search in his room, there was the unknown book. Making sure it was the same one, he picked it up and returned to show it to the old man. "Look, Jiji, did you leave this here? A few days ago I found it and tried to read it, but I didn't understand what it referred to," as the child showed him the book, the old man took it. It looked normal at first glance, just a cover over the pages and no type of front page, similar to what people use to store their thoughts.
Trying to remember, nothing came to mind. He hadn't left it either, as he avoided leaving anything that wasn't food in the little boy's house. Finding nothing else, he opened it, but the words he expected to find were nowhere to be found— only blank pages as if no one had touched it. Infusing chakra carefully, he wanted to try if there was something hidden in it that he couldn't see, but it continued to show no reaction.
Giving a confused look to the boy who was waiting with expectations, he could only give up and ask him what he saw in the book or if he was playing a prank.
"Naruto, this book is blank, I can't see anything in it. Are you lying to me? If you want to ask me something, you don't need to do this; I'll try to answer if it's something I know," the old man replied while rubbing the little boy's head. He didn't know what he was up to, but it wouldn't be anything bad if the child grew up under his care.
Taking the book, Naruto wanted to see the first page, and the same phrase as the day he found it was still there.
"Record of the Seventh, form a spiral on the next page to read"
"Jiji, you don't see anything?" Pointing and showing him the book, Naruto was convinced that the old man should be able to see it; he was the Hokage after all. "It says here -Record of the Seventh- and that I must draw a spiral with blood to read it," unaware of how absurd his words sounded, Naruto kept pointing with enthusiasm, trying to sound as serious as possible without noticing that the old man's eyebrows were furrowed in an arch.
"Who is it referring to as the Seventh, and why a spiral? Besides, who the hell gives a child a book with something so ominous? There's no way an unknown person could approach him if he's being protected by a full team every day," the old man murmured as he quickly thought of different candidates who could have done it. "Did you say something, Jiji? Should I do what it says here?" Naruto asked, not hearing the old man's murmurs.
"No, nothing's wrong, Naruto, forget what it says in this book. I'll take it, and don't ask anyone about it again, understood?" the old man said severely. Setting aside his facade, he was still the Hokage of the village and couldn't let an unknown person approach the Jinchuriki.
Being the first time his Jiji spoke to him so seriously, Naruto could only indicate that he understood, even if he couldn't let go of his curiosity, he could do nothing if it was no longer in his hands.
"Well, Naruto, thanks for understanding. I can't tell you more, but I can answer your last question: the spiral is the symbol you have on the shirt I gave you, and all the ninjas in the village use it," with a softer tone, the old man tried to comfort the little boy who looked disheartened from being scolded for something he showed.
"Okay, thanks, Jiji, and I'm sorry if I bothered you with that," sad but trying to avoid causing trouble, Naruto's voice was like a choked whisper.
"It's nothing, just let me take this to investigate, and if I get a result, you'll be the first I tell. By the way, let me help you buy food; I see you're almost out. I'll leave it in the kitchen in the afternoon," with those words, the old man left the house and went directly to the central building.
He had to order a reconnaissance and prevent such leaks from appearing again.
"Goodbye, Jiji, I'll be waiting for you to come again!" Naruto shouted, waving his hand as he saw the old man off. "It didn't go well, I guess I won't see that book if Jiji took it. Alright! Now to wait for school to start!"
Cheering up and eagerly anticipating, Naruto's days passed quickly. With the old man bringing food again, he didn't have to worry for a while, but he still went to the river every morning to try and fish.
–5 Days before school starts–
While he was organizing his room, he noticed a white surface; again, in the same position he found it the first time, there was the book. Opening it agitatedly, the same phrase appeared; it hadn't changed in the slightest.
"Record of the Seventh, form a spiral on the next page to read"
This time, he realized that no one had left it in his house; no one visited him besides his Jiji, and it was he who took it in the first place. With expectation and a little fearful of what he would do next, he closed the windows and moved the blind, taking a knife from the kitchen, he returned to his room with a faint light escaping from the edges.
"A spiral... a spiral... it won't hurt, I'll do it quickly," the little boy breathed rapidly as he slowly brought the edge of the knife to one of his fingers. "Ugh, why does it hurt so much!" the boy complained as a thin cut appeared on his finger, small drops of blood slowly gushed out. "I'd better do it quickly."
Knowing what a spiral was, he quickly placed his hand on the page as he struggled to make a symmetrical trace, only to fail in the attempt. The friction of the paper against his finger caused a slight pain that took him longer than necessary until he could make his own "spiral" It was crooked and badly made, but according to him, it was a spiral, and that was enough.
"And now what? Did I suffer all this just for a prank?" he complained, staring fixedly at the book that showed no visible changes. Minutes passed, and the little boy lost hope, so he went to the sink to wash up and put on a small bandage.
With everything ready, he returned to the room, and there was the book; previously a mess, now the blood was slowly disappearing, following the spiral pattern. Not understanding what was happening, he could only stare foolishly until the last trace of blood disappeared, leaving the page pristine but with other words in its center.
"Identification complete.Hello Naruto"
"Eh?"
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Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
I know that i can start the story where most of the other authors do it, but i want to try and teach Naruto how to live, not living and dying for the village like the canon one do.
Why a spiral? Time ago when i was reading the manga i always thinking about it, why Naruto never show us that he's an Uzumaki? The other 2 members the history show us were useful, like the chains or the "Mind's eye of the Kagura" that Karin uses.
We know that Hiruzen is a terrible Hokage but Naruto didn't know that he always thinks that his "Jiji" is the only person who cares for him.
Yes, the "Seventh" is Naruto from the OG timeline and there's a reason why the book needed blood to recognize the young one.
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Thanks for reading! This is my first book, and I will try to do it well.
Have a nice day.