Reborn!

10: And...He's Back!

"May I ask why you have come to our humble abode, Uzumaki-san?" Han spoke up, addressing the unknown person.

The hooded person did not reply and instead surveyed the perimeter approvingly. When the hooded person finally turned to face the two jinchūriki, they were surprised to see that the person's face was shrouded in shadow although they were facing the light. They easily concluded that it was just a simple work of fūinjutsu that would not be a problem for an Uzumaki seal master.

"I came in search of Han and Roshi of Iwagakure, the jinchūriki of the Gobi, Kokuō, and Yonbi, Son Goku, respectively. I believe that you are them?" the hooded person spoke, revealing that it was a male - though neither knew that the deep baritone they heard was due to a voice changer or that the cloak had seals that made the person under the hood seem taller while maintaining a rather slim figure that was impossible to tell whether was male or female due to the cut of the fabric.

"Indeed," Han and Roshi chorused hesitantly, not knowing what to expect from the male Uzumaki.

The hooded man nodded, throwing off the hood. His figure seemed to shrink as the seals deactivated, showing his actual appearance. It was a blond child who appeared to be around the age of nine. The two jinchūriki gaped at the boy, surprised that someone who was looked to be only nine was capable of even utilising fūinjutsu which was said to be the most difficult shinobi art. They were also confused since those of Uzumaki heritage had red hair, while this boy who they had assumed was an Uzumaki was blond.

"Greetings, Han-san, Roshi-san. My name is Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto and I am the jinchūriki of Kurama, the Kyūbi no Kitsune. I am here to make an offer to the two of you," Naruto said cheerfully, causing the other two jinchūriki's jaws to fall to the ground.

"The legendary Kīroi Senkō had a son?!" Roshi barely made out.

"But that would mean that he is the son of the Akai no Shi, one of the greatest kunoichi of all time!" Han managed to screech as Roshi's words snapped him out of his reverie.

"Bingo," Naruto said, smirking at the two men before him.

The two went silent, pondering over what the boy might be here for while retaining their bearings.

"How are you here? You are very far from your home village, Konohagakure, and could not possibly have made it here on your own. Where is your escort? One with heritage such as yours would be treated like royalty in your village despite your jinchūriki status," Han asked seriously.

"My heritage was kept secret. Why else would the Iwagakure spies not catch wind of it?" Naruto replied evenly, "Besides, have you not heard of the infamous Fox Hunt? It occurs on the evening of every Kyūbi Festival."

"The Fox Hunt? The spies mentioned it, saying that it was an event for the young and old, shinobi and civilian. The children's event happens before the adult's one. The activity itself is shrouded in mystery, though. There were rumours that they hunted down a demon fox, but..." Roshi started, before taking off as realisation dawned on him.

"I am the demon fox that they hunt. The jinchūriki of the Kitsune himself, the jailor that prevents the village from going into ruin at the hands of his prisoner," Naruto replied with an overly cheerful tone, sounding more bitter towards the end.

"Why does the Hokage allow it?" Han asked in horror, paling considerably at the very thought of what the participants of the "Fox Hunt" might have done to the boy.

"The answer is simple. He does not know it exists. The civilian side of the council along with the Elder Council which consists of the Hokage's advisors have hidden the details of the activity from all but those who participate. That is also why your spies know so little about it," Naruto replied simply.