Categories > Anime/Manga > Naruto > Innocence From Ashes
Chapter 20
0 reviewsNaruto is reunited with the rest of the Rookie 9, and with Ichiraku's, and is given his due homage once more.
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Innocence From Ashes
Chapter 20
Naruto stepped off the wrap around porch that girdled the main Uchiha house, and then padded barefoot down the flagstones of the walk to the road that wound through the district. He went first, followed by Sasuke and Kyuubi, and then Sakura, Iruka and Tsunade.
On the porch, he met Lee, dancing about anxiously. Sakura had left for her mission to Sound almost two weeks ago. When she’d returned, she was changed, and he’d been horrified to hear the report of her brief lapse into madness. But there’d been no time for him to hold her, touch her, comfort her, and reassure himself that his Cherry Blossom was alright. Things had been utterly chaotic since she’d returned. But she was here now, and the unease he’d sensed running so deep within her, had been healed.
He was grateful.
And obviously, it was because of this blue eyed, blonde haired demi god. Lee didn’t know how to approach him anymore. He wasn’t ‘just Naruto’ anymore. He was… The demon lord. The future Hokage.
And Naruto paused, and smiled into his eyes, those cerulean ones twinkling as brightly and mischievously as ever before. Then he cuffed the taijutsu master on the shoulder, making Lee stagger back slightly.
And a blazing smile to rival any of Naruto’s burst from his face.
“Yosh! The power of Youth overcomes all!” And he wept, sunbursts and ocean waves splashing around him.
Naruto laughed, feeling a lot of the awkwardness he was experiencing flow away. At least Lee was still unchanged towards him.
On the stones leading to the lane, he met up with Neji and Shikamaru. The latter was leaning up against the garden wall, and staring up at the clouds.
But Naruto was undeceived. He could see the quick and anxious glances the shadow user kept flicking his way. And Naruto knew it was simply to be sure he was still there, not that he would suddenly burst into some blood lusting rampage.
Neji, of course, simply nodded, the briefest of smiles lurking in his eyes. “Welcome home, Naruto-sama,” he said softly.
The two men clasped wrists firmly. A greeting of friends. And Naruto felt even more at ease.
Upon walking down the meandering lane to the gates, where the Uchiha fan had been removed and replaced with a wrought iron Uzumaki spiral, the Konohamaru corps were lurking. Instead of sneak attacking Naruto as he would have in the past, Konohamaru simply stood up straighter, bit his lip, and watched his leader, his precious person approach.
“Konohamaru,” Naruto said softly, holding out his arms. “I’m home, ne?”
And then Konohamaru leapt into his arms so hard they staggered back a step.
“Naruto-niisan!” The younger boy’s choked voice was muffled against Naruto’s now taller chest.
They gripped each other tightly for several long and silent minutes, until Naruto winked at Moegi and Udon over the other boy’s head. And then all three of them were hugging Naruto, crying and laughing and promising loyalty.
And when Naruto walked under the great gates, he threw up his hand, and the metal scree’d and twisted, and what had been just a spiral had turned into the symbol now emblazoned on the backs of both Naruto’s and Sasuke’s shirts.
Naruto simply smirked equal to any Uchiha at the surprised murmurs that greeted this little display of skill and power. One that Sasuke returned with equal amusement. And Kyuubi’s head and tails were held a little higher.
Take that, mortals!
The slow walk to the center of town swelled as people joined the group. Chouji and Ino. Kakashi, Asuma, and Gai. Kurenai and Shino. Ten Ten, Kiba and Akamaru. All his friends and precious people. They all wanted to touch him, reassure themselves this was real, he was really here. And he stopped for each one of them, and gave them the reassurances they craved.
Truth be told, though Naruto appeared to handle it all with almost regal aplomb, he was trembling inside. He’d so sought recognition from this place, these people, and they were giving to him in spades. And the memory of remeeting most of them in the grove after his resurrection, he knew it was all for him. Just for Naruto. It was a recognition they’d given him then, a silent swearing of loyalty offered even before he’d ever displayed his new and fearsome powers.
Naruto was close to crying in triumph, in gratitude, in blessing.
And then, he quickened his steps; from habit, from realization of exactly where he was, from the savory scent of raaaaaamen!
Right there, right around the corner, and ta da! There it was… His temple…
Ichiraku’s!
And a smiling Hinata and Gaara waited for him there, holding back the paper flaps, revealing Teuchi and Ayama, smiling fit to kill, kettles and kettles of steaming, piping hot, and utterly delicious ramen. Waiting for him.
Giving a whooping cry of hungry joy, Naruto bolted the last few steps, gave fly by, but no less heartfelt hugs to Gaara and Hinata, before taking his customary seat at the bar.
The couple’s heart dropped to feel that strong and tall and vibrant body pressed so closely yet so briefly against theirs, and blushed to the tips of their toes. Everyone knew now what lay between husband and wife.
Kankuro was no where in evidence, having in fact returned the day before to Suna to report to his Kazekage, Temari.
Ayame gave another caroling greeting, and thumped the biggest bowl of ramen ever seen before the blonde. “Welcome home, Naruto-kun!”
“Itakimasu!” Naruto cried joyously, broke apart his chopsticks, and proceeded to devour the luscious food even before the rest could seat themselves. The bar was soon filled to the limit, and tables and chairs brought out as bowls were passed to everyone in celebration. Tsunade begged off, mention she had to get back to work. And though most of them would have normally cringed at the idea of ramen just past dawn, today was special, and each and every one of them toasted the meal, their guest of honor, and Konoha before digging in with gusto.
Well, everyone save Kyuubi. Ayame had shrunk back, but then darted forward and placed a bowl on the counter between Naruto and Sasuke, where the fox was, and bolted back.
Kyuubi wrinkled his nose, stared around at the convivial atmosphere, gave a furry shrug, and then dove in like his kit. Three gulps later, he reared back, gagging.
“This is vile!” He almost shrieked. “How can you stand to eat this swill!”
Naturally, Teuchi and Ayame took offense to this, and both sniffed in tandem. And just as naturally, they said and did nothing. It was Kyuubi after all.
But the others stopped and watched with round eyes, chopsticks half to mouth in frozen dread.
Naruto, who only paused briefly in his gorge, simply snorted. “You are an uncivilized, uncouth forest creature. Of course you are incapable of appreciating the subtleties that is ramen.” And on the heels of this lofty and cerebral speech, he promptly shoveled more in.
“Uncivilized? Uncouth? Forest creature??” Kyuubi yelped in indignant affront. “Incapable of appreciating subtleties? I’ll show you, you unlicked kit of dubious taste!” And he proceeded to devour the bowl of ramen equal to any gluttonous display Naruto could possibly exhibit. “Just you wait, you brat. How’d you like to be put on a diet of raw meat again!”
At this, both Naruto and Sasuke shuddered in remembrance, and the fox smirked, and kicked his bowl back over the counter before sauntering away to wait for the impromptu feast to end.
The others were still frozen, chopsticks still half way to mouths. A noodle fell off Sakura’s to make a tiny splash in her bowl. Then suddenly they were all laughing. It was a contagious moment, and everyone joined in, even if they weren’t really sure why.
It was almost an hour before everyone was done, and the bowls were piled high on the counter, and Teuchi refused money from anyone.
“On the house today, but tomorrow…”
And everyone laughed again at the sly smile on the old man’s face.
It was a much more relaxed and boisterous group that continued the walk to the Hokage’s tower.
But the atmosphere changed once more, as they rounded the last corner and found themselves in the brick paved courtyard of said tower. All the laughter and jests stopped abruptly.
There, on the steps, stood Tsunade, dressed in formal Hokage robes, Shizune in Jounin attire behind her. And creating a path towards them and the stairs, were two stiffly attentive rows of white masked ANBU. Behind them were ranks of Jounin and Chuunin.
“Uzumaki Naruto,” Tsunade said in her calm yet powerful voice. “Welcome home.”
And to Naruto’s shock, she leant forward slightly, head slightly bowed, hand at her chest, a greeting from one kage to another.
There was a rustle, and every ninja waiting gave the same stance Kakashi had given, back in the glade; hand to chest, heads bowed, one foot slightly behind the other. And the ANBU snapped their heels together, crossed their fists across their breasts and bowed their heads.
Naruto was stunned, rooted to the spot, until Sakura gave him a gentle push forward. He stumbled forward, turning slowly to stare at all the ninja and elite, giving him royal recognition, and then, completing his turn, found everyone that had been with him on his journey from the compound had all followed suit once more; each and every one of them offering his or her clan allegiance.
As if in a daze, Naruto took several steps forward, until he halted, unable to take the final steps up the stairs.
Sasuke tossed his head, and moved forward to stand beside Naruto.
”Well, dobe, looks like you’ve finally achieved your dream.” And with a small smile, he dropped gracefully to his knee, and offered the Uchiha salute to his leader.
Kyuubi, purring in triumph, wound himself around Naruto’s hips like an affectionate cat, and then sat bolt upright beside him, tails curled around his paws.
“Behold, mortals, the Demon Lord, Naruto Uzumaki.”
Chapter 20
Naruto stepped off the wrap around porch that girdled the main Uchiha house, and then padded barefoot down the flagstones of the walk to the road that wound through the district. He went first, followed by Sasuke and Kyuubi, and then Sakura, Iruka and Tsunade.
On the porch, he met Lee, dancing about anxiously. Sakura had left for her mission to Sound almost two weeks ago. When she’d returned, she was changed, and he’d been horrified to hear the report of her brief lapse into madness. But there’d been no time for him to hold her, touch her, comfort her, and reassure himself that his Cherry Blossom was alright. Things had been utterly chaotic since she’d returned. But she was here now, and the unease he’d sensed running so deep within her, had been healed.
He was grateful.
And obviously, it was because of this blue eyed, blonde haired demi god. Lee didn’t know how to approach him anymore. He wasn’t ‘just Naruto’ anymore. He was… The demon lord. The future Hokage.
And Naruto paused, and smiled into his eyes, those cerulean ones twinkling as brightly and mischievously as ever before. Then he cuffed the taijutsu master on the shoulder, making Lee stagger back slightly.
And a blazing smile to rival any of Naruto’s burst from his face.
“Yosh! The power of Youth overcomes all!” And he wept, sunbursts and ocean waves splashing around him.
Naruto laughed, feeling a lot of the awkwardness he was experiencing flow away. At least Lee was still unchanged towards him.
On the stones leading to the lane, he met up with Neji and Shikamaru. The latter was leaning up against the garden wall, and staring up at the clouds.
But Naruto was undeceived. He could see the quick and anxious glances the shadow user kept flicking his way. And Naruto knew it was simply to be sure he was still there, not that he would suddenly burst into some blood lusting rampage.
Neji, of course, simply nodded, the briefest of smiles lurking in his eyes. “Welcome home, Naruto-sama,” he said softly.
The two men clasped wrists firmly. A greeting of friends. And Naruto felt even more at ease.
Upon walking down the meandering lane to the gates, where the Uchiha fan had been removed and replaced with a wrought iron Uzumaki spiral, the Konohamaru corps were lurking. Instead of sneak attacking Naruto as he would have in the past, Konohamaru simply stood up straighter, bit his lip, and watched his leader, his precious person approach.
“Konohamaru,” Naruto said softly, holding out his arms. “I’m home, ne?”
And then Konohamaru leapt into his arms so hard they staggered back a step.
“Naruto-niisan!” The younger boy’s choked voice was muffled against Naruto’s now taller chest.
They gripped each other tightly for several long and silent minutes, until Naruto winked at Moegi and Udon over the other boy’s head. And then all three of them were hugging Naruto, crying and laughing and promising loyalty.
And when Naruto walked under the great gates, he threw up his hand, and the metal scree’d and twisted, and what had been just a spiral had turned into the symbol now emblazoned on the backs of both Naruto’s and Sasuke’s shirts.
Naruto simply smirked equal to any Uchiha at the surprised murmurs that greeted this little display of skill and power. One that Sasuke returned with equal amusement. And Kyuubi’s head and tails were held a little higher.
Take that, mortals!
The slow walk to the center of town swelled as people joined the group. Chouji and Ino. Kakashi, Asuma, and Gai. Kurenai and Shino. Ten Ten, Kiba and Akamaru. All his friends and precious people. They all wanted to touch him, reassure themselves this was real, he was really here. And he stopped for each one of them, and gave them the reassurances they craved.
Truth be told, though Naruto appeared to handle it all with almost regal aplomb, he was trembling inside. He’d so sought recognition from this place, these people, and they were giving to him in spades. And the memory of remeeting most of them in the grove after his resurrection, he knew it was all for him. Just for Naruto. It was a recognition they’d given him then, a silent swearing of loyalty offered even before he’d ever displayed his new and fearsome powers.
Naruto was close to crying in triumph, in gratitude, in blessing.
And then, he quickened his steps; from habit, from realization of exactly where he was, from the savory scent of raaaaaamen!
Right there, right around the corner, and ta da! There it was… His temple…
Ichiraku’s!
And a smiling Hinata and Gaara waited for him there, holding back the paper flaps, revealing Teuchi and Ayama, smiling fit to kill, kettles and kettles of steaming, piping hot, and utterly delicious ramen. Waiting for him.
Giving a whooping cry of hungry joy, Naruto bolted the last few steps, gave fly by, but no less heartfelt hugs to Gaara and Hinata, before taking his customary seat at the bar.
The couple’s heart dropped to feel that strong and tall and vibrant body pressed so closely yet so briefly against theirs, and blushed to the tips of their toes. Everyone knew now what lay between husband and wife.
Kankuro was no where in evidence, having in fact returned the day before to Suna to report to his Kazekage, Temari.
Ayame gave another caroling greeting, and thumped the biggest bowl of ramen ever seen before the blonde. “Welcome home, Naruto-kun!”
“Itakimasu!” Naruto cried joyously, broke apart his chopsticks, and proceeded to devour the luscious food even before the rest could seat themselves. The bar was soon filled to the limit, and tables and chairs brought out as bowls were passed to everyone in celebration. Tsunade begged off, mention she had to get back to work. And though most of them would have normally cringed at the idea of ramen just past dawn, today was special, and each and every one of them toasted the meal, their guest of honor, and Konoha before digging in with gusto.
Well, everyone save Kyuubi. Ayame had shrunk back, but then darted forward and placed a bowl on the counter between Naruto and Sasuke, where the fox was, and bolted back.
Kyuubi wrinkled his nose, stared around at the convivial atmosphere, gave a furry shrug, and then dove in like his kit. Three gulps later, he reared back, gagging.
“This is vile!” He almost shrieked. “How can you stand to eat this swill!”
Naturally, Teuchi and Ayame took offense to this, and both sniffed in tandem. And just as naturally, they said and did nothing. It was Kyuubi after all.
But the others stopped and watched with round eyes, chopsticks half to mouth in frozen dread.
Naruto, who only paused briefly in his gorge, simply snorted. “You are an uncivilized, uncouth forest creature. Of course you are incapable of appreciating the subtleties that is ramen.” And on the heels of this lofty and cerebral speech, he promptly shoveled more in.
“Uncivilized? Uncouth? Forest creature??” Kyuubi yelped in indignant affront. “Incapable of appreciating subtleties? I’ll show you, you unlicked kit of dubious taste!” And he proceeded to devour the bowl of ramen equal to any gluttonous display Naruto could possibly exhibit. “Just you wait, you brat. How’d you like to be put on a diet of raw meat again!”
At this, both Naruto and Sasuke shuddered in remembrance, and the fox smirked, and kicked his bowl back over the counter before sauntering away to wait for the impromptu feast to end.
The others were still frozen, chopsticks still half way to mouths. A noodle fell off Sakura’s to make a tiny splash in her bowl. Then suddenly they were all laughing. It was a contagious moment, and everyone joined in, even if they weren’t really sure why.
It was almost an hour before everyone was done, and the bowls were piled high on the counter, and Teuchi refused money from anyone.
“On the house today, but tomorrow…”
And everyone laughed again at the sly smile on the old man’s face.
It was a much more relaxed and boisterous group that continued the walk to the Hokage’s tower.
But the atmosphere changed once more, as they rounded the last corner and found themselves in the brick paved courtyard of said tower. All the laughter and jests stopped abruptly.
There, on the steps, stood Tsunade, dressed in formal Hokage robes, Shizune in Jounin attire behind her. And creating a path towards them and the stairs, were two stiffly attentive rows of white masked ANBU. Behind them were ranks of Jounin and Chuunin.
“Uzumaki Naruto,” Tsunade said in her calm yet powerful voice. “Welcome home.”
And to Naruto’s shock, she leant forward slightly, head slightly bowed, hand at her chest, a greeting from one kage to another.
There was a rustle, and every ninja waiting gave the same stance Kakashi had given, back in the glade; hand to chest, heads bowed, one foot slightly behind the other. And the ANBU snapped their heels together, crossed their fists across their breasts and bowed their heads.
Naruto was stunned, rooted to the spot, until Sakura gave him a gentle push forward. He stumbled forward, turning slowly to stare at all the ninja and elite, giving him royal recognition, and then, completing his turn, found everyone that had been with him on his journey from the compound had all followed suit once more; each and every one of them offering his or her clan allegiance.
As if in a daze, Naruto took several steps forward, until he halted, unable to take the final steps up the stairs.
Sasuke tossed his head, and moved forward to stand beside Naruto.
”Well, dobe, looks like you’ve finally achieved your dream.” And with a small smile, he dropped gracefully to his knee, and offered the Uchiha salute to his leader.
Kyuubi, purring in triumph, wound himself around Naruto’s hips like an affectionate cat, and then sat bolt upright beside him, tails curled around his paws.
“Behold, mortals, the Demon Lord, Naruto Uzumaki.”
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