Ascension of the Kitsune by Wandering Maverick

Chapter 2: A 'Friend' Emerges

October 25th

Dear Sarutobi-san,

As requested I've sent this letter to let you know my clan and I have reached our destination in Whirlpool Country safely. There were a few 'problems' along the way but nothing we could not handle. The lord seems impressed with our strength and very happy with our Kekkei Genkai and as a result he has already hired us for his protection. Also our clan has integrated into the shinobi ranks of this country, and have been out on a few high-ranked missions already. Other then that I have nothing left to report to you. I hope your health is is keeping you strong, I also hope that the demon is keeping himself quiet as to not attract attention. Even though we are not apart of the village anymore I don't want the village's reputation to be tarnished by the demon that used to be my sochi. Be safe and stay well Hokage-sama.

Uzumaki Clan Head,

Uzumaki Kushina

Naruto was literally shocked stiff from what he just read, the scroll fell out of his hands without the pressure of his fingers gripping it and made a 'thud' on the wooden floor when it landed.

"Wha...whats going on? I don't understand...I SAW them die! Even my Kaa-san didn't live! But this...this scroll...was dated fifteen days AFTER they died. Either its a lie, or..." Naruto thought before it dawned on him, after picking up the scroll and rereading the last sentence. "...its not a lie...they all left me here. They didn't want me anymore and left me in this village...even my own Kaa-san thinks I'm some kind of...demon and wanted nothing more to do with me!" He concluded his thoughts before he fell to his knees and broke down crying from learning the harsh truth.

Sarutobi reentered his room with a smile and a plate of snacks and tea...only to witness what he hadn't expected. Or at least not come to witness for another decade, the secret floor board open with its contents spilled across the floor and the owner of them crying after obviously reading their contends.

"NARUTO!"

Quick as a flash Sarutobi was at the boy's side patting his head in a comforting gesture, hoping the boy hadn't read too much...but fate wasn't on his side it seemed.

"O...ojii-san...w...why did my Kaa-san leave me? I'm not a d...demon am I?" He questioned between his cries, his voice sounding desperate and guilty.

No sooner had he spoke did the old Hokage snatch the boy up in a hug, and repeatedly tell him that was a lie. After some time Naruto stopped crying but stayed in his 'grand father's' arms.

"What happened that day Ojii-san? I saw my whole family killed, and yet I just learned from this scroll not only is my entire clan still alive. But my own Kaa-san seems happier and healthier...without me."

With a heavy sigh, he explained to Naruto in detail of his back-up plan with a certain ANBU in case the boy had tried to follow the family that day four years ago. Naruto after absorbing the tale at first looked at the Hokage with utter hatred and betrayal. But soon realized that he was actually happier thinking his family was dead then learning the truth of his own abandonment, and hugged the old man once again in appreciation for trying to protect him...even if it was lying to his face everyday. They stayed like that for nearly an hour before Sarutobi realized Naruto had actually fallen asleep.

He looked at the boy with a sad smile. "He must have worn himself to the point of exhaustion...but I can't blame him. He learned so much that he wasn't suppose to yet...I hope this won't change things for him too much." He whispered, never realizing just how this one event would change the Naruto he knew forever.

Mindscape,

Naruto awoke to the sound of water dripping, he looked around completely scared from the lack of familiarity of where he was. One minute he was in the Hokage's office and the next he is in a place that reminded him of a semi-flooding sewer. Finally getting to his feet, he noticed pipes running along the 'ceiling', and decided to follow them hoping they'd lead to a way out. After a few minutes of the twists and turns while walking along the path that seemed to go on forever, he reached a rather large open room. What was curious though was that about a few dozen yards away was a set of golden gates, and in the center of it above where the keyhole appeared was a piece of paper with the word 'SEAL' written across it. Astounded by the sheer size of the gates Naruto absentmindedly trudged towards them...never realizing the danger just beyond those shining bars.