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A Darker World	By : bob665 Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2232 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Disclaimer I do not own Naruto, and I do not make any money from these writings.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Jiraiya had allowed time to slip away from him yesterday and he regretted that. However, he had accomplished all he had hoped for and more. Now he would just need to persuade the rest of the rebels to his modified plan. The plan had been coalescing in the back of his head since he had talked to Naruto on the boat, and now he just needed their expertise.
What he did regret about yesterday was not finding the time to see Naruto or Konohamaru. He was trying to be a consistent person in their life and he thought that meant at least nominally making time for them. He had never wanted kids, at least not since learning of the death of the three orphans he spent so much time with. Then these two had made him want to care again. It was no longer the fact that one of them was the grandson of his sensei and the son of his student. They were just Naruto and Konohamaru.
Pausing at their door, he knocked, having learned his lesson multiple times in the past. The door cracked open and Naruto smiled at him, "Morning."
"Can I come in?"
Naruto answered by letting the door swing open wide and stepping back into the room. There were several pillows scattered over the room and only one of the beds looked like it had been slept in. "Pillow fight?" Jiraiya questioned?
"Yep," Konohamaru chirped, sitting cross-legged on the still made bed.
Jiraiya frowned at the younger boy, "Where did you get those clothes?"
"Haku bought them for us." Naruto said shrugging. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Jiraiya remembered being told that Haku would keep the boys entertained, but he had not thought him to be generous.
"You said you were going to take the House down, when are you going to do it?"
Jiraiya looked at the blonde, surprised. He had said that when they had first met, but Naruto had not brought it up since. Now he had brought it up again, just as he was going to ask him about it. "Actually, I was hoping you could sort of help me with that." He held up a book in his hand and explained. "This is called a Recognition Book. Ninja villages develop these because there are times when we have to deal with high officials and other considerably wealthy individuals. Sometimes it's to guard them and other times it is to assassinate them. Basically, it has a photo of them and relevant information, such as their rank or location, stuff like that. After what you told me, Naruto, I was curious if there might be any…" He trailed off not exactly sure how to refer to them.
"Clients," Naruto supplied.
"Yeah."
The boy frowned. "How would that shut the House down?"
Jiraiya sat on the bed and gestured for him to come closer. The Mist was agreeing to back their venture, but only if they succeeded. He didn't want to give them any additional details just in case they reconsidered. "Konoha is holding something called the Chunin Exam this year. It's an event which allows villages to show off their various ninja. A good showing means lots of business. Some people also use this as an opportunity to have secret meetings with people they ordinarily wouldn't meet with. Government officials and wealthy individuals attend." He hesitated, but he was probably the only one squeamish about this. "The House is very expensive. Some of these people might be so inclined to go there before or after the exam."
"So?" Naruto said.
The boy could be subtle but couldn't read subtlety, Jiraiya thought. "The rebels will shut down the House before this event, which will cause Konoha to lose face. The House is under their protection and everyone knows it. If we destroy it-"
"You're going to kill our friend?," Naruto shouted.
"No," Jiraiya snapped. "We'll take all your friends and keep them safe like we did with you, Hinata and Hanabi. All the kids there will be safe. We may burn the building down or something like that."
"Cool," Konohamaru said.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Well, if we destroy the House, which, as I said, is under their protection, it will make them look bad. About the only way they can recover from this if they catch the people responsible. That means they'll have to send people after us, which will leave Danzo, their leader, a little less protected." It was basically his plan in a nutshell with a few details left out.
"So, what do you want us to do?" Naruto questioned.
He raised the book again. "I want you to go through this and tell me if you recognize anyone. It'll help me persuade the others."
"So see if we recognize anyone," Naruto said, taking the large book out of his hands and feeling its weight.
"Pretty much," Jiraiya said.
He watched as the blonde sat on the edge of the bed, Konohamaru coming to sit next to him. For twenty minutes they flipped through the book, occasionally spotting a familiar face. By Jiraiya's count, there were two fairly powerful gangsters, seven different government officials from various countries and at least one powerful industrialist. There was also about a dozen people who, while themselves didn't hold a powerful position, were very closely linked to someone who did. Sons and even daughters had frequented the House. The most prominent one was the first son of the Grass daimyo. Konohamaru called him The Octopus because of his tendency to grope anyone who walked by. That comment made Jiraiya punter a political assassination.
The knock at the door pulled him out of his cathartic thoughts. He gestured for the boys to continue looking through the book while he went to open the door. He had been expecting a messenger, perhaps from Zabuza, but not his shadow. "Haku?"
The teen bowed politely, "Master Jiraiya, I did not know you would be here. My apologies if I interrupted something."
Jiraiya smiled, noticing the two packages the boy carried in his arms. "No, or at least nothing that can't wait a few minutes. May I inquire what you have there?"
"Well, I hoped Naruto and Konohamaru informed you of our impromptu shopping trip the other day. These are some additional gifts. From the village, of course," the boy's smile didn't fool him.
"Of course," Jiraiya said, stepping aside to let him in.
"Haku," Naruto said a bit too loudly when he saw who it was.
Jiraiya stood back and watched as the three boys briefly interacted with each other. It was nice, even normal he thought. It seemed, despite their circumstances, they did have a way of making friends. Then, Haku was talking to him. "Sorry?"
"I said," Haku started again, "wouldn't you like to see them wear the jackets?"
"Sure," he smiled sheepishly and hoped they weren't too eye-catching.
He sat on the made bed with Konohamaru on one side and Haku on the other as Naruto went into the bathroom to open his package. A moment later, Naruto emerged wearing something similar to Haku's clothes in style, but light green with light blue trimming slightly darker than his eye color. It was nice, but when he spun around to show his back, he showed four characters stitched with white thread.
"Dauntless?"
"I could have been a bit presumptuous, but from what I've seen that describes him quite well," Haku said.
"What's dauntless mean?" Konohamaru asked.
"It means he has fortitude and resolution in difficult circumstances, or if you prefer, he has guts," Haku explained.
Jiraiya watched Naruto's cheeks turn red as a thoughtful expression crossed Konohamaru's face before nodding, "Yeah, that's Naruto."
Jiraiya didn't know what to say to that and it seemed neither did Naruto as he took Konohamaru's place on the bed. The boy went into the bathroom and there was a moment of silence before he shouted, "I'm not wearing it!"
Somehow, Jiraiya had never managed to feel shame until these two boys had entered his life. For the second time since meeting them, he felt his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He was about to open his mouth to say something, but Haku put a hand on his arm stopping him.
"Konohamaru, I assure you it's not girl's clothing. I'm also sure Naruto would like to see you in it at least once. You don't have to wear it ever again."
"Yeah," Naruto seconded. "Just one time. No one will make fun of you."
There was a moment of silence before the door opened. Konohamaru emerged face downcast, but wearing a bright yellow jacket. The sleeves flared out at the bottom, covering his hands. He did a quick spin, showing a seagull embroidered on the back.
"That's definitely not girl's clothing," Jiraiya observed.
"You look great Konohamaru," Naruto said, walking over to get a better look. The boy submitted to his older friend's inspection. "It really does look good on you."
"A bit big," Konohamaru said, tugging at the sleeves.
"They're supposed to be that way," Haku told him. "There's enough room for your hands to do everything they need to in a battle, but they also hide whatever hand seals you're making."
That finally brought a smile to the younger boy's face. "Thank you."
"Yeah, thank you," Naruto added.
Haku smiled serenely. "It was my pleasure."
"Your village has really been generous to us," Jiraiya added, looking at the older teen.
"Well, we have a mutual goal," Haku said before gesturing subtly to the door. "I must be going."
"I'll walk you to the stairs," Jiraiya said, wondering what the other would want to talk to him about.
The boys took a minute to say goodbye to each other and Haku seemed as if he wasn't in a rush. However, once the door closed behind them, his demeanor changed to ice cold. "You are aware that those two were both sexually active with each other?"
He was surprised by the directness of the statement. He also wasn't sure how to answer. "What concern is it of yours?"
"Are you okay with it?"
He could feel his strong clinch. What he should be doing and what he had been doing for two separate things. "I don't like it, but I don't want to step in either."
Haku's expression softened. "Good. I was afraid you were going to try something foolish. They like each other and Naruto is fiercely protective of Konohamaru. I don't think he let the boy out of his sight yesterday for more than a moment. It may not be the healthiest thing for them, but given their circumstances I think it helps them. Naruto needs someone to protect and Konohamaru needs protection."
Jiraiya wasn't sure about that, but he nodded. "Why did you ask if you weren't sure I knew?"
"Because you would've found out if you didn't already and I may not have been there to deliver the slap upside the head you would need." Haku's smile took most of the hostility out of his words. "It's abnormal to be sure, but we ninjas don't exactly live in a normal world. For example, I killed my father. Most would judge me harshly for that even though it was in self-defense. I think someone would judge them more harshly, but that doesn't mean their interference would be right."
"Yeah," Jiraiya wasn't really agreeing, but he saw no point in disagreeing. "Is that all you wanted to tell me?"
"No, I do have an official message to deliver."Haku paused, taking a deep breath and said, "Please take her with you."
"Pardon?"
"Tsunade, she has taken up residence where you disembarked. She doesn't do much other than get drunk, gamble and occasionally practice medicine to pay off some debts. At first, we tolerated her presence partly to test our security measures. As she has been labeled a missing-nin, we were sure Danzo would send someone after her. She's been here for more than two years, and as far as we can tell, not one attempt. Either Danzo doesn't care or he doesn't want to cause an incident. Either way, she's outworn her welcome here and I'm sure you rebels could use her skills."
Jiraiya had almost stopped listening to the boy in shock. Since siding with the rebels his information network had been shifted over to other concerns. He had not thought of Tsunade in a very long time. He had known better than to try to convince her to join the rebels simply because she was too lost in her own pain. Still, with her so close, he had to do something. "I will do what I can."
Haku smiled, "I wish you the best of luck."
Jiraiya went back to the room, his thoughts on his old teammate. In the end, the boys identified twenty-two people who visited the House, with any hope, that would be more than enough to persuade the others to attack. Afterwards, they quietly gathered their stuff and departed with no fanfare. The temperature had dropped and both boys wore their gifts, Konohamaru now seemingly happy in his bright yellow jacket. The two boys were at ease with each other as they conducted a long, rambling conversation.
As they approached the inn at which they have stayed at on the way to the hidden village, Jiraiya stopped and waited for the two boys to notice. They both stopped and turned to stare back at him curiously. "Naruto, I need you to make a decision." He paused long enough just for the slight smile to fall from the boy's face. "In a short time, we will be making our move to take back the village. Do you wish to participate as a ninja? If so, there are several things I need to teach you, but due to a lack of time, Konohamaru will not have the time to learn the skills. His body is simply not developed enough. You'll have to leave him behind for a few days, but I promise you, he will be safe."
The blonde matched his gaze for a long time and almost hesitantly suggested, "I know the layout of the House. Would that be helpful?"
Jiraiya nodded, "That's one reason I would like you there. Another is the others know you. It will be easier to move them that way. I need a decision."
The boy was silent for a long moment before he nodded, "I want to be there."
"Good," Jiraiya said walking past the two boys. "We'll start when we get back to Inari's place." He wondered why he had chosen that moment to question Naruto, but during dinner he chopped it up to his subconscious.

Naruto was upset. He hated when Konohamaru gave him the cold shoulder. He actually could remember every time it happened. The first time was when his friend had been six and Naruto wouldn't let him join in a card game. In the end, he had caved and they had lost five hundred points. A little before they had started doing stuff together they had argued about a candy bar, or more accurately, that Konohamaru wanted to trade some of his points in for one while Naruto wanted him to keep them. That had been a little argument that had exploded. The third time was when they had been leading up to doing stuff together.
Each time Naruto had caved in and agreed to do what the boy wanted. It was rare they argued, and when they did it was like stuff over the candy bar which really had been too small to matter. This time, though, it had come on suddenly. From the moment he had answered Jiraiya's question was the moment Konohamaru start to pretend he didn't exist. It was a very quiet dinner made worse by the fact that the inn was empty except for them.
Konohamaru slipped out of his chair quietly and muttered to no one in particular, "I'm going to the room."
Naruto watched the smaller boy go. He quietly slipped into the room just outside the dining area. Konohamaru did not look back once and that hurt. Absentmindedly, he picked up a napkin and began tearing it into small pieces and dropping them on his plate.
There was a long moment of silence before Jiraiya asked hesitantly, "Did something happen between you two?"
The blonde glanced up at the older man who was stiff, clearly uncomfortable. "He doesn't like my decision. Pretending I'm not here is his way of telling me that. Konohamaru knows I always gave in."
Jiraiya took an obscenely long sip from his tea. "So, are you?"
Naruto finished tearing apart the napkin and looked around for something else to play with. "I don't want to."
"So don't." Jiraiya said simply. "Listen, I am not the best person to give advice on relationships but you can't always give in, especially when you really want something."
Naruto felt his lip curl up, but didn't find anything funny. "I wanna help you. I want to shut down the House, but I don't know."
Jiraiya was quiet for a moment, probably trying to make sense of something that even he didn't understand. "If you don't talk, nothing's going to change."
He closed his eyes. "Yeah." He turned his head to stare at the room Konohamaru had disappeared into. It seemed like a very long way away and every step his legs became heavier and heavier. The door was heavy and squeaked in protest. The boy in question had his back to the door. As Naruto approached he could see he was fiddling with that puzzle cube. "How's that coming?"
Konohamaru didn't even look up from his puzzle.
"I'll teach you anything Jiraiya teaches me once he's done."
Silence was the only thing that followed.
Naruto sat down in front of Konohamaru. "What do you want me to do?"
This finally convinced Konohamaru to look up at him. "Don't go. Don't leave me behind."
"I'm not," Naruto protested. "I'm just going to be away for a little. It's not like I'll be gone for a long time." He didn't know if that was true, but it didn't sound like it would take a long time.
"If you go away, you won't come back."Konohamaru said, going back to fiddling with the puzzle.
Naruto let out a sigh, "Come on. It's not like this is the first time we'll go a while without seeing each other. I used to get locked away on those damn honeymoons all the time."
"But I knew where you were! Now you'll be someplace else. You're going to leave me behind and not come back. I know it. I know it!"
Konohamaru try to stand so he could storm away, but Naruto's arm shot out and grabbed his forearm before pulling him into a hug even though the boy squirmed. He just held onto the boy until he stopped and started crying into his shoulder.
"It's all right. I love you. I'll always come back to you."
The boy continued to cry and Naruto didn't know why. Eventually, he exhausted himself and that was how Jiraiya found them. They put Konohamaru to bed together. Jiraiya didn't ask what was going on and Naruto didn't really want to tell him. He slept fitfully that night, but in the morning, Konohamaru seemed to acknowledge he was there. As they set out, the boy clung to his hand like it was his lifeline.
- 19
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A Darker World