Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

What Do You See?	By : Snowway32 Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2093 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters there in. No money is made from this

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
I want to thank you guys for reading up until now. I find that this story is emotional for me to write as well; it's not only you guys who are suffering under the emotional pressure. This chapter is going to be one hell of a tearjerker. Also a fare warning; this scene does contain rape; although not in very explicit detail. Sorry if it upsets you guys more.

I'm so happy with the reviews I got and I'm so glad that I managed to attract a person who doesn't like slash stories; thanks for showing your support. I really appreciate it. Now onto the next chapter...

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Jiraiya's traditional house was quiet that morning and Naruto shivered; something about it didn't seem right. As if ghosts were hovering around him and wanted to steal away all his secrets. He was led back towards the tea room by a maid and Naruto frowned; he had no idea Jiraiya was that rich but then again Jiraiya was an accomplished writer as well as a high ranking shinobi. Dressed in a simple black informal kimono, Naruto entered the room behind the shoji doors; he could see Jiraiya sitting there in a light blue yukata as he reclined against many soft pillows. A long traditional pipe; much like Gamabunta's, balanced between his two fingers easily. The smoke was curling lazily from the lit pipe and the smell of tobacco made Naruto's mind a bit hazy. The tension in the air was already thick with many unspoken questions.

"Naruto; come sit." A tanned hand waved in the direction of the pillows in front of Jiraiya-sensei's crossed legs. Naruto couldn't deny that request especially if those pillows of different colours and styles looked so inviting. Something in the air made Naruto wary and he tentatively walked forward; legs folding beneath him easily. His comfort didn't last long before strong arms pulled Naruto backwards and into a strong chest. He flinched; a small sound of fear spilling from his lips. He didn't like to be touched; especially if he couldn't see the person and knew they wouldn't hurt him.

"Hush Naruto; I'm not going to hurt you. Relax." Naruto was having difficulty relaxing as images of violent memories sprang to the surface; he shuddered but allowed the small thread of calm being woven by Jiraiya-sensei to tie him down and keep him grounded. An arm rested against his shoulder whilst the hand which held Jiraiya's traditional pipe rested on top of his head. Naruto held very still; he knew if he moved that the ash of the tobacco would fall on him. Fear curled in his stomach and he whimpered; why was Jiraiya doing that? It was as if he was held there as a prisoner. Had he done something wrong? He shuddered in fear; suddenly he didn't want to be here at all.

"Jiraiya-sensei? W-what?" The hand on his shoulder gently messaged the tense muscles there.

"Shhh Naruto. Don't talk; not yet." Jiraiya whispered and Naruto would be a fool if he hadn't notice the conflicting emotions that were disguised in that deep baritone. It reminded of the night before when they had finally arrived after the track through the forest to the private estate; he was nestled and half asleep on Jiraiya's back as they had flitted through the trees. He had been taken to a room where a futon had already been laid out for him; Naruto was so tired that as he was placed on the soft material he turned on his stomach. He didn't even wonder why the room had already been prepared or how Jiraiya knew that he was coming.

'Sleep well Naruto; we'll talk tomorrow after breakfast.' Naruto had picked up on an array of different emotions in that single moment but he was so tired he could barely distinguish between them; so he only nodded and closed his eyes. Immediately falling into a deep slumber. It was now that Naruto noticed the same emotions tinge the atmosphere around him and Jiraiya; something told him he wasn't going to like this talk. He bit his lip; knowing that this was going to hurt. No matter the many comforts his father whispered in his mind; it wasn't helping. He knew he had done something wrong and now finally it had been discovered.

After a long silence Naruto felt Jiraiya shift against him; legs locking against his as he was brought flush against a strong chest. He was starting to panic; he felt constricted and cornered. His breath increased as his heart leapt in his chest. That was exactly what he was; a cornered, wounded animal. The arms around his shoulder shifted as it slipped beneath his arm and curled around his waist; fingers splayed over his seal. The other hand now rested on Naruto's shoulder; the long pipe in his line of sight. He could see the bright orange of the tobacco leaves and the smell made him relax against his will. It was comforting; it reminded him of summer nights spent in front of the fire with Jiraiya-sensei.

Silence stretched through the tea room and the only break in sound was the birds singing outside and the rustle of dry autumn leaves. Naruto was having trouble calming his panic; he just knew that Jiraiya had seen more than he should have. Bringing his hand to his lips; Naruto bit at the flesh between his thumb and forefinger just to distract himself from his rising panic. It was getting too much; he was feeling dizzy. A strong hand pulled his hand away from his teeth and Naruto wanted to protests but he stilled as a soft coo invaded his hearing.

"Naruto; I won't lei to you. I saw you yesterday; I saw what you did and it breaks my heart knowing that I hadn't picked up on the signs before. You're hurting badly aren't you?" Naruto felt his heart freezing; Jiraiya knew? Oh God; Jiraiya knew...

A strangled sob escaped parted lips; so much for a calming effect he thought to himself bitterly. Not even Minato could calm his raging panic. He wanted to run; to escape the strong arms keeping him in place and holding him against his will. He thrashed desperately; no one was supposed to know! No one was supposed to find out! Nails scratched at the appendages that held him prisoner and he wanted to scream but it got lodged in his throat; the sound that escaped him was somewhere between a hitched breath and a panicked keen. He had to get away; he couldn't face this. Not yet; not with the raw pain that still flitted through his body.

"Please, please, please. Don't. Please." Those pleading words immediately brought forth the darkest of his memories; a night in the rain with several shinobi who had decided to take their revenge against the demon he had contained. At eight he had no idea what was happening to him; he had no idea what the simple word 'rape' meant. He didn't understand and yet even today; several years later he still felt the disgust and shameful memories of that night. It was reason he feared touch, it was the reason he had nightmares, hell it was the reason he ever started cutting in the first place...

Tears came unbidden; he wanted to purge the blood that was so tainted. In that single moment Naruto really wanted to die...

"Hey, hey kid. Calm down. Just what happened to you?" It was the genuine concern that poured over him that made Naruto still in his frantic movements. Broken sobs filled the air around them and Naruto for the first time allowed himself to cry his heart out since the day he had visited his father's grave.

"Hush Naruto; it'll be alright. I'm here now. You're safe; you're safe." Small words; such small and insignificant words and yet it was all he had wanted to hear his entire life. He hiccupped a few times; tears now finally slowing but they didn't stop. He didn't think they would. Not until Naruto had cried enough to fill a river of tears. His breaths were coming in pants and his heart was clenching painfully but it was Jiraiya's calm direction of his breathing that helped him calm down completely. Naruto felt numb to the world and his emotions; he leaned back into Jiraiya-sensei's touch. Taking the small comfort he knew was there for himself; it was offered after all. Shivers would periodically wrack through his body but it was pale in comparison to the panic that had raged within him mere moments ago; consuming and drowning him completely in utter fear.

~

"Are you okay now?" Naruto gave a meek nod; it was nor an ascent to the question nor was it a denial. He heard Jiraiya's heavy sigh as his constraints were released slightly. Naruto was surprised when he found that long pipe in his line of site; it was an offering. Naruto turned his head aside to stare at Jiraiya incredulously; was he really doing what Naruto thought he was doing?

"Oh come on; don't tell me you haven't been curious?" Jiraiya said with a small laugh and Naruto frowned; of course he had been curious the first time he had ever seen a traditional pipe. Naruto narrowed his eyes; just what was going on? He heard Jiraiya's chuckle over his father's indigent shouts of:

'Don't even think about it Naruto! I will kill Jiraiya with my own hands!' Naruto couldn't help it; he laughed. He could hear the pout in Minato's voice and it sounded so out of place in the seriousness of the situation.

"Naruto?" Jiraiya's voice sounded amused and Naruto suppressed a few giggles; even through the broken tension he could still feel the heavy undertone of much darker emotions. The pipe was offered again and Naruto merely shook his head; he wouldn't risk his father's wrath.

"Jiraiya-sensei; you know that Tou-chan will rip you apart if you offer me a smoke."

"You're right; he probably would." Jiraiya's voice was so serious that Naruto closed his eyes; a stray finger wiping away at his last few tears. He steeled himself for what he knew was about to come. He didn't realize it but his body had unconsciously stiffened in anticipation of the pain and rejection he knew was coming.

"Shhh. Relax Naruto; I just want to talk. I'm not going to hurt you." Naruto finally gave in; there was no way he was going out of here without talking and Naruto knew it well. It was a good thing that Jiraiya was so patient with him and waited until he knew Naruto was ready; Naruto was grateful for that.

'Dad? What should I tell him?' Naruto heard a small sigh as he felt Minato's presence expand in his mind; it was an equivalent of a hug from ghostly arms. Naruto shivered slightly but took it all in stride.

'Everything. Kami knows you both need it. Tell him everything Naruto.' Naruto nodded as he leaned back into Jiraiya's touch. He would tell everything yet he was a bit hesitant to trust right away. Would Jiraiya disappear again? Would he leave him here with the hatred he felt curling around his stomach and clenching his heart in a constant reminder of his status as less than human.

"What do you want to talk about Jiraiya-sensei?" Naruto asked; his voice sounded small even to his own ears. Yet it was Minato's encouragement that kept Naruto from clamming up completely. If he had it his way Naruto would not be talking at all; he would be running away and hiding atop his father's head on Hokage Mountain before trying to jump off cliff face and plummet to his death. He sure as hell knew what was coming and he wasn't ready to face it.

"Naruto; I won't lei to you. I saw what you did last night." Naruto merely slumped; he had no energy to fight anymore. Not right now. He nodded his head as he listened to what Jiraiya had to say.

"I'm not judging you Naruto; I just want to help. I know this is difficult and I know you are hurting." Naruto nodded; indicating that he was still listening.

"I had a student who was exactly like you; he did the same thing and I also had to sit him down to..."

"I know; Jiraiya-sensei." Naruto knew that Jiraiya was talking about Minato; hell Minato was providing a running commentary as well. His words seemed to stun Jiraiya completely and Naruto wanted to curse; now he was going to have to tell Jiraiya everything.

"How?" The word was filled with confusion and slight fear? What was going on. Naruto took a breath and wiggled himself out of Jiraiya's grip as he turned around so that he could look his sensei in the eye. Blue eyes locked with black; there was no need to face away from each other with such a revealing conversation. Naruto was after all getting ready to lay bare his vulnerability and fears and not to mention all his insecurities. Jiraiya at least deserved the truth of what ran in his veins and what really happened on the night of the 10th of October.

"I'll show you everything Jiraiya-sensei. Just please don't hate me." Naruto begged as he brought chakra to the surface. It was going to be a mixture between his and his father's stories as he knew it was impossible to separate memories from two entwined souls...

"This is a little trick Fugaku taught Tou-chan when they were still lovers." Naruto said; his hands flashing through a few hand seals in a completely different combination. Two fingers laying on Jiraiya's forehead as he allowed a stream of chakra to connect their minds for a short while.

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'Naruto! What have I told you about using my jutsu without my consent?' Jiraiya frowned when he heard that gentle voice; that sounded just like Minato's voice. How was that possible? Jiraiya felt his heart constrict as he followed the flash of yellow moving in front of him; it was definitely Naruto and the place he was now was likened to the labyrinth of a complicated sewer system. The water curling around his feet was strangely warm; almost as it was the unshed tears that Naruto held back but why would it be so much? Jiraiya would have easily have gotten lost if it was not for Naruto's beckoning hand and sure movements. Somehow he knew he was in Naruto's mind but it was more than that; it was the subconscious where he knew Kyuubi was sealed. Why would Naruto lead him there? And how the hell had Naruto known such a high level technique?

'Naruto? What're you doing?' Jiraiya's voice was uncertain. The emotions he felt swirling around him was definitely not his own. Jiraiya froze when he came to an open room; the area was large and a cage was hidden in the shadows. From the little snores he heard; he could tell that Kyuubi was asleep but what made him freeze was the figure that was sitting on the single, luxurious chair. Golden carvings of leaves and red velvet cushions. Blonde hair - longer that Naruto's - obscured blue eyes from his view and the face was hidden in the shadows but Jiraiya knew who he was looking at.

'Tou-chan? Jiraiya-sensei wants to know how I know so much about you and I didn't know how to tell him so I wanted to show him instead.' Jiraiya watched the interplay between father and son. How Naruto walked forward; head bowed in apology and Minato's gentle smile as he merely beckoned his child forward. Naruto settled between parted legs; the image they made was stunning. Jiraiya felt his heart clench painfully in his chest; Naruto was leaning into the fingers that were carding through his blonde locks and the serene smile told Jiraiya that he was happy right where he was.

'What am I going to do you with you my child?' Was Minato's exasperated words but Jiraiya could still hear the fondness in those words. The love between these two souls were so potent that it was easily seen. Jiraiya became aware of two blue eyes stares directed at him.

'I guess it's up to me to explain things Naruto?' Naruto turned eyes away in shame.

'No; show him.'

'Naruto there is a reason I hate to see those memories; let alone share them with someone else. I know you will be reliving them again.'

'You are emotionally fragile and viewing them now will break you; plus my memories are not going to help either. Are you sure you want to show him everything?' Minato's voice was uncertain but he could already feel Naruto's resolve twining around him. There was no way he could deny such a request and if he refused Minato knew that Naruto would do it anyway and could end up hurting himself more.

'Very well.' Minato shifted in his seat and closed his eyes; taking a deep breath he faced his sensei for the first time in thirteen years.

'Hey Jiraiya-sensei! I'm sorry he's been causing so much trouble but you know the apple does not fall from the tree ne?' Minato said with a big smile even if he could feel tears prickle behind his eyes; what Naruto had just asked him to do was going to hurt all three of them and yet he knew it was necessary.

'Minato what the hell is going on? Is that really you?'

'Yes it is Jiraiya-sensei. Everything will be explained I promise.' Jiraiya frowned he had no idea what was going on. He watched confused as Minato laid a hand on Naruto's forehead; he could see the stream of chakra spilling between the two Namikaze's and it was a sight to behold. Their chakra resonating off of one another; it was almost as if they were of the same soul. He just now idea how real that theory was.

'Ready?' Naruto nodded and at the simple click of a finger and a flashed hand seal later Jiraiya's world would change forever.

'The art of Memory Observation!'

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The place he found himself was rife with heavy winds and the smell of blood was potent. He was alone at the top of Hokage Mountain and yet he knew this was not his memory; no this belonged to someone entirely different. In his line of sight he could see the Kyuubi trudging through the village and his body moved on its own; no Minato's body. He realized that he was experiencing everything Minato had. His hands flashed through a series of seals; he knew what he was going to do.

Pain ripped through him as a scream was ripped from his lungs; he had just instigated the Dead Demon Contract. A final wish whispered to the world and the village.

"Have a little faith in our son Kushina." Loving words that would break all ties with regret. A tiny body nestled in his arms lovingly. Tears of the infant not stopping and the small wails would easily break any heart with sympathy and compassion. Yet; Minato was restless. He knew what he was going to do and he knew the pain this would cause his son but he had to do something.

"I'll seal our remaining chakra in our son so that we can meet him again one day." There was no time for arguments. There was no time; the seal had to be flawless. A large claw launched through flesh; a rasping breath as the tug of war between two powerful chakras began.

"Seal." Incredible pain and yet the small ray of hope; blue eyes shimmering in freshly made tears and whiskers marks was the compassion and love that grounded his resolve.

A prayer was sent up to the deities that would listen and grant him his final wish; to share his son's life and be there to teach him things. The ceremonial pedestal already summoned as he laid Naruto on the soft material. His heart clenching; he didn't want to do this. Pain rippled through his body; a final wish to be twined together with this little soul forever.

"Minato!" Something had gone wrong; horribly wrong. He knew his body had died but he was floating in a warm light.

'Your wish was heard and granted; human. Self sacrifice is the payment.' The world faded to black as his soul was merged with Naruto's and his memories and experiences were bound to the tiny body.

~

When Minato had finally realized what had happened he knew something had gone wrong; the Kyuubi was sealed yes that was what mattered but he was completely bound to Naruto's soul. His son's chakra was already merging with his and together it created a powerful bond that could never be severed. Only Minato knew his memories and half his soul was still lingering in the dark depths of the tiny infants mind; he had to protect Naruto from experiencing pain at such an early age. He had to move quickly. He would give Naruto a choice; sealing the rest of himself behind a seal forbidden from Konoha and any shinobi villages for more than a hundred years. A large door was created further into Naruto's mindscape; heavy oak doors with Charon; the fairy master of the underworld.

'I'll always protect you Naruto. Always.' It was a spoken promise that would never be broken.

~
Jiraiya watched the world through Naruto's eyes; the hated glares and the pain. Confusion and fear the main emotions that flitted across his skin. Before it faded completely. He turned his eyes to stare at Minato now standing next to him. He could feel the world shift again as he was a part of Naruto's mindscape again; Minato turned towards him with teary blue eyes. The desolate and wet room and Naruto was gone; only Minato remained and even then he looked emotionally drained.

'This next part is going to be hell to watch Jiraiya-sensei; you can't do anything. You can only watch.' Minato took a breath.

'It was what I felt the first time I had to live through this; utterly helpless to do anything. Me and Naruto had yet to be merged enough to be able to communicate with one another and I was forced to watch as he was torn apart by the villages hatred. I could not offer a single touch of comfort...' Minato said with saddened eyes.

'Forgive me if I shed a few tears through this but I have never felt more helpless in my whole life. Not forgetting the hatred that built for this village as I watched powerless to comfort my own son. Even you could not escape my hatred during those years where Naruto grew up at the Konoha Orphanage. He should have been given to you. Even Sandiame ignored my wish probably because he felt it would 'build character.' I'm just about ready to kill him...'

'Minato? Calm down and show me please. I need to know to be able to help Naruto.' Minato gave a sigh ad he stepped forward; his hand resting on Jiraiya's forehead as Jiraiya once again fell into a memory but this time it was different. He was merely observing; his ghostly form not able to do anything...

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"Hey monster! What are you still doing here?" Hate filled eyes and harsh words; a 4 year old Naruto wiped at the tears that fell from his eyes. The words were not so bad but when hands started grabbing him and pulling his hair he could no longer stop the tears from falling. He knew there was something wrong with him; like how he could smell better and his ears easily picked up things that other's could never hear.

"'m sowwy." Little Naruto sobbed as he ran away from the scary adults that had cornered him at one of the children playgrounds. The people at the orphanage all hated him and he was often left to his own devices so Naruto had learned the streets of Konoha like the back of his four year old little hand. Crystal blue eyes were never seen without the shimmer of tears; his abused body would run from attackers in an attempt of self preservation. His arms and legs were littered with bruises, scrapes and cuts but it would always be gone by the next morning.

"Uzumaki! What have I said about leaving the orphanage without my permission. Hokage-sama will be upset. Remember we only keep you here out of a favour for Sarutobi-sama." Oh Naruto knew; he was reminded of that every night that he was put to bed with a split lip or several new bruises. Every night when he cried himself to sleep in the small room that belonged only to him. No other child was allowed to live with him; he was a monster after all.

Naruto curled up to himself against the wall in a corner; he didn't want to sleep in the bed. What if monster came out and killed him during the night? Emptiness and a slow hatred built within his tiny body and something burned within him; an answer to his hatred but it was so brief before it faded. He would have to smile tomorrow so the pre-school teachers that looked after him didn't know about the pain he lived through.

~

"I hate you! Don't come here." Seven year old shoulders slumped; he was used to it by now. Being turned away; not once in his life given a single loving embrace or a touch that did not cause him pain. The only person that looked at him with eyes filled with pity and love was the Jiji-Hokage.

Smoke curled from a pipe and Naruto frowned as he was lead into the Hokage office with a strange man standing next to him. He was tall and had his hair in a spiky ponytail at the back of his head. He looked scary and Naruto immediately flinched away violently from the touch on his shoulder; he skittered under the Hokage desk. The closest enclosed space that would provide him some semblance of security. Arms gripping his knees to his chest as he tried to forget the memories that flashed through him. All that hate directed at him.

"Naruto?" Jiji-Hokage had managed to coax him out from under his desk after a while. The man was like a grandfather to Naruto that he didn't get to see very often but it was the only person that would show him love and gave him sweets and treats when he didn't think his assistant was watching.

"Naruto. This is Nara Shikaku and he has brought some terrible things to my attention." Naruto frowned; what had he done wrong now? He bit his lip; blonde hair obscuring his blue eyes from the wizened gaze of Jiji.

"You're not in trouble Naruto. I can see you are not sleeping; is something bothering you at night?" Naruto gave a meek nod. He didn't know why but something told him he should trust this man. Even though he looked scary with scars on his face Naruto had yet to see a cold glare or hate filled stare aimed his way. He looked up tentatively into dark brown eyes and smiled shyly back as the shinobi flashed him a kind smile.

"Naruto will you tell me what it is that is bothering you?" Naruto shook his head; he was not allowed to talk about that. The beating would only get worse. He wanted to cower in fear again only a strong hand was laid against his shoulder.

"Naruto I saw what those people at the orphanage do to you." He knew? Naruto reeled back in fear; they were going to kill him now. A scream ripping from tiny lips; his body immediately curling in on himself.

"I believe that answers your question Hokage-sama. I'm taking him home with me; I cannot bare to watch as Minato's son gets treated like a punching bag for the villagers unjustified hatred."

"Naruto will you go with Shikaku?" Naruto nodded almost eagerly; maybe anything would be better than the hate he felt every day directed towards him from people he had done nothing too...

~

Life for the young Uzumaki had changed since that day; somewhat better as he lived with the Nara family. Only he didn't talk much and he flinched violently whenever someone tried to touch him. Only a month after being put with Shikaku it was his birthday; he was finally turning eight.

"Naruto! Come; we're going out to enjoy the Kyuubi No Kitsune Festival! Are you ready?" A small head bobbed; shy blue eyes hidden beneath blond bangs. Small fingers tugging at the orange obi around his traditional kimono. He didn't like the way it sat on his body; it made him feel uncomfortable. He had never before been allowed to go to the big festival but now he was happy; for once he was going to be able to see all the sweet stands, toys and mouth watering stalls that served all kinds of food.

When Shikaku had asked Naruto what he wanted for his birthday; Naruto had said he wanted to go and enjoy the festival. Now that he was being led by the hand by Shikaku on one side and Shikamaru on the other side. Naruto was a bit skittish around Shikamaru as he was afraid of children his own age; they were always bullying him because he was small. Naruto eagerly nibbled at the sweet dango; licking his lips.

"Naruto; we'll be back now. Wait for us here ne?" Shikaku said softly and Naruto nodded; sitting on the bench. Blue eyes observing the world; shinobi of all walks of life were all there. He could make out a silver haired man, his hair was defying gravity and he had a mask over the lower part of his face. Naruto frowned; he felt as if he should know this man so instead of dismissing his thoughts. Naruto raised his hand in greeting as a grey eye locked with his. He smiled shyly as the man raised a hand in greeting; his eye curving in an arc in a friendly smile.

"Monster; why are you here?" Naruto's happy moment was shattered by that threatening voice. Frightened blue eyes locked with hate filled green. He could see three hitai-ates glowing in the moonlight and he got up in a rush. Body twisting as he ran; he knew that stare. Knew what it meant for him. He shuddered, he would never be able to outrun them and sure enough Naruto was soon cornered. The alleyway was dark and the tall wall before him stopped him from leaving; he was a cornered animal. He opened his mouth to scream only to find a gag forced between his teeth and several hands that held him still. The smell from the gag was potent and tinged with something that left his head spinning and made his body weak.

"Now, now little Kitsune. We can't have you escaping can we." There were three of them; tall, imposing and Naruto knew that this time something really bad was going to happen. Tears spilled out of his eyes in a continuous stream; he didn't want to be here. Dirty hands was all over his body; hurting in an entirely different way. His kimono was pushed up and Naruto really did scream. He didn't like this. Something told him that this was terribly wrong. He cried out to his new guardian but he knew no one was going to be able hear him.

"Someone has to teach where you belong; demon." Naruto's head snapped back; he shuddered violently. Dirty, filthy hands touched him where no one should ever touch and Naruto sobbed into the gag. He had no idea what was happening but it didn't feel right; he knew this was not supposed to happen.

~

His tears turned to blood; his screams to quiet sobs of desperation. What happened next left him crying to anyone that would ever listen; there was so much pain and so much shame. He did not know how long it lasted; did not know how long he cried out until he tasted blood. He retreated to somewhere in his mind where warmth radiated from a large door.

'Please make it stop!' Soft cries went unheard until he felt a ghostly touch on his forehead of a kiss of comfort.

'You need to be strong Naruto; I'm going to do something that will make you hate me for the rest of your life. But I cannot sit by and watch this. My beloved child; I just cannot.' Naruto sobbed; the pain was getting to him again. Why did he feel so filthy? So tainted? Was he really a demon that deserved this? Blue eyes streaming with tears of blood watched as a transparent form of a man walked towards the large cage not very far away. He frowned; this place was weird but it also radiated a warmth that made him want to stay there forever.

'Oi! Kyuubi wake up! I'm releasing the seal partially for a minute. Do as much damage as you can.' There was the sound of ripping paper before a warmth unlike anything before washed over him. It was heated; potent, powerful and he could feel blood splatter on his face and coat his hands, mating his blond locks to his sweaty forehead in clumps of the stuff. He didn't know what was going on but somehow his fear was quelled by that strange presence in his mind.

Dazed blue eyes stared at the several shinobi that approached him; he couldn't see his guardian but there was the man with the silver hair again. He frowned; why was he covered in so much blood? And why did he feel so dirty? He looked down; his kimono was ripped and he could see blood leaking down his thighs along with a strange white liquid. What was it and why did he vomit when the smell caught him? Someone had removed his gag; it was the first time he had ever been sick. Little sobs split the air; warm arms wound around his waist and hoisted him against a strong chest. Fingers curled in silver hair; he didn't know why but he knew he could trust this man.

"I've got you Chibi-Minato; I've got you." Naruto was too dazed to correct the man about his name; his injuries were making his body weak and his mind hazy with fear. He clung to the only thing that gave him the smallest of comforts. Blue eyes; hazed in tears caught sight of Shikaku. The older shinobi was walking towards him; a large dolphin toy in his hands. Whilst Shikamaru clung to his father's hand; sharp eyes looking fearful.

"Oh Naruto;" Sure fingers settled on his head. "I should never have left you; I wanted to surprise you with a birthday present. Shikamaru told me you liked Iruka-sensei; so I got you this dolphin for you. I'm so sorry." Naruto merely smiled; his mind overriding his painful experience with the brief flash of happiness he felt.

"Thank you."

-----------------------

Jiraiya was clutching at his heart; the fabric of his hiaori bunching in his hand. He couldn't still the pain that was lancing through him. Sometime during that memory Jiraiya had lost control of his emotions. He turned in the darkened labyrinth to find Minato look at him with tearful eyes. The Namikaze looked just as helpless as Jiraiya felt.

'I-I-I should've been there.' Jiraiya said; heart shattered beyond repair. His godchild had to live that his entire life? A life that was as fucked up as his mind sometimes? Something had to be done.

'Now you know why I didn't want to show you these. I locked them away the moment I had enough power; Naruto had literally no recollection of that night until he managed to break Kyuubi's seal the first time in Wave Country. Do you know how I cried that night; knowing I could do nothing to comfort him? Memories can only be sealed once and when that seal is broken nothing is left to sooth a broken soul and a shattered heart.' Minato's voice was soft but held a tone of sorrow that Jiraiya knew was reflected between the both of them.

'You broke Kyuubi's seal that first time?' Jiraiya asked. Minato nodded.

'If I had known it would weaken the seal I wouldn't have but I could not stand by and watch. I couldn't.' Jiraiya nodded his head sadly.

'I'll need to train to be able to control it.' Minato sighed; his Hokage coat sleeve wiping furiously at his eyes before anger flashed through him.

'In due time Jiraiya-sensei! Please, he needs love now not training. Fuck give the child a break; that's what he has been doing his entire life. Even a prodigy burns out Jiraiya; you should know. I broke that time...'

'He needs comfort and you and Kakashi are the only ones that can provide him the pillar of strength that will keep him grounded. Do what you have to; get Kakashi here as well. I'll be watching and do not doubt me Jiraiya-sensei; you better not make it worse.' With that Jiraiya felt his head spinning; Naruto's mindscape fading around him. He could feel himself falling towards oblivion; his heart in a thousand pieces and his mind reeling with the prospect of providing comfort for someone who had already lived through so much...

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Ja Na

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