Naruto: Journal of Hope

After the second half of the Chunin Exams Naruto is passed over by Kakashi to train Sasuke. Angry, he storms out and runs far away to an almost forgotten place. There he stumbles across a journal, written by his mother and holding the secrets of his lineage. Inspired by the love, hope and dreams of his parents, he decides to become the Ninja his parents believed he could be.

Chapter I: The Journal of Kushina Uzumaki

The Konoha General Hospital was busy as Naruto waited outside the reception area to visit his teammate, Sasuke Uchiha. It had only been a few hours after the second part of the Chunin Exams when it was announced that there would be a month till the third part of the exam would begin. It was to allow the genin of the exam to prepare themselves for their upcoming battle, to hone their skills and master their techniques.

It also allowed the Village of the Hidden Leaf to prepare for the arriving dignitaries that would be in attendance for the exam. Both to evaluate the skills of the shinobi of the respected village and as a form of entertainment. Naruto was ecstatic that he managed to make it past the preliminaries and make it into the finals. But at the same time, he was also impatient to fight his opponent, mostly because he had a promise to keep.

See, during the preliminaries, he witnessed the match between his former classmate – Hinata Hyūga – and her cousin from the same clan – Neji Hyūga. During the match he had watched as Neji continuously mocked her for her shy and meek nature, making her feel inadequate and hopeless, wanting her to give up. It was only after he shouted encouraging words to her that he watched her valiantly fight against her cousin.

But in the end, the difference in skill was apparent and she was ultimately defeated, even though she still tried to get back up. If it wasn't for the proctor's intervention Neji would have killed her.

Something had sparked in Naruto as he watched her stand up, despite everything that happened to her. And it made him angry when that Neji guy kept admonishing her for losing, proclaiming that it was fate that she was meant to lose. So, he made a promise that he would defeat him, and prove to him there is no such thing as Destiny. But even he knew that his current skill set was not enough, he had to get stronger.

Especially after they fought that weird snake guy in the forest who did something to him that messed up his chakra.

So, he was pleasantly surprised to find his sensei, Kakashi Hatake, and asked to help him get stronger so that he could avenge Hinata…However…

"What do you mean you won't train me?!" Naruto yelled loudly in the reception area as the silver-haired one-eyed man stared lazily at him.

"Keep your voice down, Naruto. We're in a hospital after all." The Jonin told his student, who flinched a little at the glare from the receptionist and he uttered an apology. "And as I was saying, I'm sorry it's not that I won't it's that I can't train you right now. I need to focus on Sasuke."

"Why? Sasuke's plenty strong as it is, I need help now! I'm fighting against Hinata's cousin in a month and I need to get stronger! You have to train me Kakashi-Sensei!"

"I'm aware of that, but right now Sasuke needs my attention more. Besides, I already found you a tutor to help you prepare." He pointed over to a man wearing dark round sunglasses and a bandana over his head.

"…Seriously, This guy!? The Closet pervert?! I could beat him with my Sexy Jutsu!" he pointed at the man who flinched.

"Closet pervert?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the man.

"T-That is so rude! I am not a closet Pervert!" he yelled at the boy.

Even though Ebisu started to see Naruto as more than the Nine-Tail's container, thanks to his positive influence on Konohamaru, he still found it annoying that the boy would constantly point him out as a 'Closet Pervert'.

"Kakashi-sensei, why are you putting me up with him!? I need you to train me! You're supposed to be my Sensei, aren't you supposed to be training all of us!?" Kakashi nodded.

"That's true, but at the moment Naruto of the three of you, you are the worst with Basic skills." He didn't realize how much that hurt Naruto, but the blond didn't let it show. "Ebisu is someone I trust that can help you polish up your basics. It would take a month to help you catch up to the others, and with who Sasuke will be fighting in the next round, I need to prepare him instead." He tried to explain as Naruto hung his head while hearing his teacher give off a lame excuse.

"So, you're just playing favorites, teach Sasuke all the cool Jutsu's while leaving me in the dust!"

"Naruto, it's not about favoritism right now. Certain…conditions demand my attention, and most of them revolve around Sasuke. I'm not leaving you in the dust, but right now Sasuke needs my help. I hope you can understand that." Naruto didn't fully understand what was going on, but his young mind didn't register it, as he glared up at the man before scoffing.

"Whatever, go train Sasuke again, see if I care! But if you're not going to help me, then I'll do it on my own!" he yelled before storming out faster than he could catch him.

Kakashi sighed as he watched his student ran away. "Is he going to be alright?" Ebisu asked as Kakashi looked at him.

"He'll be fine. He's young and emotional, he'll understand in time…" he looked down a little as he thought about his Sensei and how he wondered what he would do right now. Especially when it concerned his son. "I'll make it up to him later, right now you should probably go find him." The Jonin nodded before disappearing in a poof of smoke.

Far away, Naruto kept running as he avoided anyone in his way. The villagers with their glares, the shopkeepers that gave him looks of disdain, and even some of the Ninja's that passed him by. He didn't care about any of that right now. Right now, he just wanted to get away from everything and get his head straight. Strangely however as he ran, he failed to notice himself getting further from the main village.

Further, then he had ever gone before.

He finally stopped as he caught his breath. The forest was silent as he gripped the side of a tree, his blue eyes that usually shone with brightness were dulled slightly as he continued to stare at the ground. Slowly his fist began to clench, and his teeth mashed together.

"Damn it!" he yelled before slamming his hand into the tree. "It's always the same thing! Sasuke this and Sasuke that! Sasuke is so much better than you! Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke! I'm so sick and tired of hearing the same old crap!" he yelled as gripped his hair.

"If he's so much better than me, then why does he need all the help!? What about me!? Why do I have to get traded off to someone else!" he yelled as he stomped around the clearing, failing to notice the ground starting to indent.

"But no, it's always the same! The village loves Sasuke, while I get the rough end of the stick!" the ground sunk a little more. "I know he lost his family, and I'm sorry for him, but I never even knew mine! I don't even know if they loved me, or even cared about me!" the ground released a small crack.

"I mean what kind of parents give up their own child to seal away the stupid Nine-Tails!?" he continued not to notice the ground sinking as he just vented at the world. "Are they even still alive!? Are they dead, or did they just abandon me once that stupid fox was sealed!?" he yelled as he felt something wet build in the corner of his eyes.

"I just - I just want someone who wants to help me! I want someone who cares about me and not pawns me off like a cheap rug!" the ground started to collapse as he yelled to the world.

"I just want to know if I even matter!?"

A loud crack finally caught his attention as he noticed the ground beneath his feet cracked open and he started to fall. "Oh shi-!" he yelled as he fell through the hole and landed on the ground below him. Bits and pieces of dirt and wood fell around him as he groaned. "Ow…" he slowly sat back up, "What happened?" he looked up to the hole. "Did I just fall through the ground?"

Daylight shining through the hole as all around him was shrouded in darkness. "Did I fall into a pit? What kind of idiot puts a pit in the middle of the forest?" he stood up as he brushed the dirt and wood off his orange jumpsuit. He stopped when he looked and noticed the wooden floorboards beneath his feet.

"Although, this doesn't look like a regular pit…where am I?" he looked around as his eyes began to adjust in the Darkness. "What the heck is this place-cough-cough-oh man it's dusty in here!" he coughed as he waved the dust and spider webs away.

He fumbled his way through the dark trying to find a light switch, only for the lights to bust. "Dang it…wait I think I have a lighter here" he smirked as he fished around for the lighter, he 'borrowed' from the smoking store owner that refused to serve him. "Stupid old man." He smirked as he lit the lighter.

The small lighter illuminated a portion of the strange place, as he noticed that the place looked like a room, with a bed, a tri-pronged Kunai hanging off a string, a closet, and what looked like a large amount of sealed up boxes.

"This…it looks like a home, but who has a home underground?" he walked around trying to find a way out. "Though it might be a storage area…oh man this means I stumbled onto one of those Anbu things haven't? Geez, I gotta get out of here before the old man gives me another ear full." He spotted what looked like a door as he smiled.

"There! Now to get out of here before those Anbu-!" he started walking before he accidentally knocked over one of the boxes.

"Oh, man! I'm going to be in so…much…" he trailed off as he noticed a small leather-bound book on the ground. Though it wasn't the book itself that caused him to pause, it was the name written on the cover, especially the last name.

Kushina Uzumaki

"Uzu…maki? But…but that's my last name?" he bent down as he picked up the small journal. The leather feeling old and worn, but at the same time, he felt something else towards it. "Were…were there other Uzumaki's? …Why didn't the old man tell me?" he held the journal in his hand as he morally fought with himself.

"I-It's…It's not mine, I should probably put it away." He placed it down and started to walk to the exit. But his curiosity stayed his feet as he looked back to the small journal as the light landed on the name. "…Still…I guess one little peek won't hurt? After all, if there was another Uzumaki, maybe it can tell me about my parents." He walked back over as he picked up the journal.

He walked over to the chair and found a candle as he lit it and sat down. Opening the pages of the old worn-out Journal and began to read.

February 15th – Diary of Kushina Uzumaki

Dear Diary. Mama and Papa said that I have to move from Uzushiogakure to Konohagakure next week. They said it has something to do with Mito-Obasama and that my Chakra was special. They didn't say what it was, only that it was important. I don't want to leave my home, but with the War going on, Mama and Papa believe I will be safer in Konoha.

And to be truthful, I would like to find some more daily peace than having to worry about the War reaching Uzushiogakure. Who knows, maybe I can be a kunoichi in the Hidden Leaf? Wouldn't that be something? I have to go; mama is calling me. I will return later.

Naruto read the words as confusion was evident on his face. "Uzushiogakure? I never heard of such a place. Was there a whole clan of Uzumaki's? What happened to it, and why didn't the old man tell me about it?" he continued reading as the date became longer.

February 25th – Diary of Kushina Uzumaki

Today was my first day in Konoha and I enrolled at the Ninja Academy. I was so nervous today that I shouted that I would become the first female Hokage. A lot of the other kids made fun of me because of that. Then they made fun of my red hair, and my round face, calling me 'Tomato'. I didn't like that, but for now, I'll just ignore them.

There is this one kid in the class that I don't understand. He stood up and said that he would become Hokage too, he's a little weird and looks kind of like a wimp. I think his name was Minato or something, I didn't catch it. Hopefully, I don't have to worry about him making fun of me. Tomorrow I'm going to meet with Mito-Obasama, wonder why? I'm sure it's nothing to worry about…

"Minato, huh, where have I heard that name before? There's a bit of gap in this one…" Naruto noted as he continued reading.

March 3rd – Diary of Kushina Uzumaki

…Hey, sorry for the absents but, I found out what it is I'm here for. I'm still trying to get my head around it, but it turns out that I am…to become the next Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox-

Naruto nearly dropped the journal in shock. "W-What!? T-The Nine-Tails! But…But I have the Nine-Tails!" he looked down at his stomach as he felt where the seal would be. "B-But that doesn't make any sense! The Nine-Tails didn't attack the village until the day I was born! Why was it already here!? What else does this say?!" he asked wanting to know answers to his ever-going questions.

It turns out that Mito-Obasama is getting too old to be the Nine-Tail's Jinchūriki, so they must pass it on to me because we share similar Chakra…I've heard stories about the Nine-Tails. It's supposed to be this horrifying monster that kills people and destroys anything in its path. And I'm supposed to keep it inside of me? I'll be honest, I'm scared…

He noticed spots that looked like dried up tear stains as it was apparent that this Kushina cried while writing it. He instantly felt sympathetic towards her, as he could understand what she went through. But then he continued and found something.

But Mito-Obasama told me something that made me feel a little better. She said that there is a way to counteract the Nine-Tails Negative Emotions. She said, we must fill ourselves with Love, and be loved in return, so that our burden doesn't become so heavy…I don't understand what she meant, but I know mama and papa love me, is that enough?

Naruto looked down at his stomach and imagined where the seal was. "Fill ourselves with love…and be loved?" he asked himself as he sat alone in the darkroom with the candle his only source of light…

"…Wonder what that's like?" despite his heart he continued reading.

April 4th – Diary of Kushina Uzumaki

…so, today was rather…interesting. Some of the kids at the Academy started to pick on me again, making fun of my hair and calling me 'Tomato Face' repeatedly. Normally I could stand it, but today I finally just…snapped. If they were going to call me Tomato, then I was going to make them regret calling me that. So, I beat them to a pulp! Show them they won't mess with me anymore! …Now because of it, they all run away from me, calling me 'The Red Hot-Blooded Habanero'…

…Well it's better than being called tomato face, right?

Naruto gulped a little as he imagined a girl his age with flowing red hair and beating the crap out of all the other kids that picked on her. "…Man…this girl kind of reminds me of Sakura-chan…that's a little disturbing." He continued to read.

While I was beating them up, I noticed that strange kid from class again, the one that said he wanted to become Hokage too. Minato, I think? I asked him if he was going to try and pick on me too, but he didn't say anything and just turned away…I think he's like everyone, treating me like an outsider.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at this as he wondered who this Minato she was talking about. There weren't that many Blondes in Konoha, other than himself and the Yamanaka clan. So maybe it was someone he knew, but older? He noticed the diary skipped until she was around 12 years old if the date was anything to go by.

July 3rd – Journal of Kushina Uzumaki

Hey, it's been a while since I wrote in this. I didn't mean to, but the last few years have been busy. I graduated from the Academy and now I'm officially a Kunoichi of Konoha…but, that's not why I'm writing. Something bad happened to me a few days ago…

A few days ago, I was kidnapped…by Ninjas from Kumogakure (Village Hidden in the Cloud).

Naruto gasped a little when he read this and wanted to know more. Even though it was obvious that she made it out okay.

They were after my special Chakra and the Nine-Tails that's sealed inside me. I won't deny that I was scared. They broke into my home, tied me up, and dragged me out of the village. I tried to resist but they hurt me if I tried to fight back. There wasn't much I could do, I tried leaving a trail for someone to follow by using my hair. But as we got further and further from the village…I started to lose hope…

But that's when I was saved, by the last person I ever expected. I didn't even see it happen, but he took out all the Kumo Ninja before they could even react. And when he stepped into the light, I realized it was him…Minato…Minato Namikaze.

"Namikaze!? The Minato Namikaze! The Fourth Hokage! She knew the Fourth Hokage when he was a kid! Holy crap!" Naruto exclaimed. It was a little confusing for him. For one, he was finding out about the man that would become the Fourth Hokage and seal the Nine-Tails into him, which should make him dislike the man. But at the same time, he still admired the Hokage, especially the Fourth. After all, he wanted to be one someday.

He told me that he tracked me down using the strands of hair I'd been leaving behind. I almost didn't believe him, because no one from the search team could find them…but he told me that it was one of the first things he noticed about me and thought it was beautiful. I asked him why he decided to help me now and not when I was being picked on…

He told me that he knew I was strong in body and spirit, that he didn't need to interfere in those fights. I asked what made this different, why now especially when I'm an outsider? And you know what he told me? He told me that this war that's raging, it was between two villages and he didn't want to lose me. And as for being an Outsider…he said I lived in the Village, which made me one of them.

…At that moment, Minato looked like an amazing Shinobi in my eyes. I felt like that I would always be safe with him, and that I would want to be by his side…I think…I think I may have a crush on him?

Naruto blushed a little when this Kushina woman announced that she had a crush on the Fourth Hokage. "This is feeling a little personal right now, I should probably stop." He was about to set the book down when he noticed something that was roughly fifteen years later or so.

July 3rd – Journal of Kushina Uzumaki

Hello, it's been a while since I wrote this thing. But I have some amazing news. Minato and I are getting married! After dating for two years Minato finally proposed to me. It was one of the most romantic gestures I had ever seen. He took me to the top of the Hokage Monument, and we sat on top of the Sandaime Hokage's head. We just sat there and watched the whole village, until Minato managed to ask the question.

And of course, I immediately said yes. Uzumaki impatience, I couldn't wait.

"The Yondaime was married? I didn't know that…Uzumaki impatience?" He continued reading, as the candle's light flickered.

I have unfortunately decided to step down from trying to become Hokage. I'm not saying give up cause that's not what Uzumaki's do. As much as I want it to happen, I am still technically a citizen of Uzushiogakure even though it's long since been destroyed and because I wasn't born in Konoha.

But I am a Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf, and I will always be ready to serve her when the time comes.

Naruto smiled a little at this, seeing that even though her dream of being Hokage couldn't come true she still wanted to protect the village hidden in the leaves. And learning a little something more about the Uzumaki clan. Which made him wonder, what would happen if he couldn't reach his dream of becoming Hokage?

Besides, I think Minato might have more of a shot of being Hokage than I ever will. He mastered the sealing techniques of my clan really well and got recognized as a Seal Master, which is impressive, and my clan was famous for our sealing ability. Thought I may have given him some pointers. On top of that, he has just been assigned his first Genin team. I've met them, and they are so cute! I think all have great potential to become amazing Shinobi.

Their names are Rin Nohara, Obito Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake.

"Kakashi?! Does she mean Kakashi-Sensei! I didn't know he was trained by the Fourth Hokage! Oh man, that means he must know all the Fourth Hokage's secret ninjutsu! …Which he's probably just going to teach them all to Sasuke…" he grumbled before blinking. "Wait, Sensei had a team? Why haven't we met them?" He asked but continued to read.

Rin is so cute! If I ever have a daughter, I'd want her to be just like Rin! She's got a good head on her shoulders, so I know she'll keep the other two in line. And Kakashi, he is so talented, he made Jonin at such a young age. But acts a little too serious and I think he could afford to be a little laxer...

Naruto gave a disbelieving look as he constantly thought about all the times Kakashi turned up late with a lame excuse.

And finally, Obito…well there is a lot he needs to fix up. He acts like a little half-pint most of the time. He trips over most of the time, can't throw a shuriken and his Jutsu set-up needs more work…but honestly, he's my favourite. His bright and cheerful personality and his outgoing attitude deepen the team and those around him. If Minato and I ever had a child…I'd want him to be just like him. A child that values friendships, and has a cheerful spirit with a Will that can't be broken…

I just hope this war ends soon... and I hope one day, that my children can learn from them.

Naruto didn't know why, but something about Kushina's words resonated with him. It was strange, it was like she was describing the type of person he was. But why, who was this Kushina Uzumaki, and why did reading this Journal make him feel so sad, but also happy? He continued to read wanting to know more.

…Hey, it's been a while. Something terrible happened…two of Minato's students were killed in action. First was Obito. Who sacrificed himself to save Kakashi from falling debris at Kannabi Bridge…then, Rin died shortly after, she…she had been kidnapped by Kirigakure. According to the report, she had been forced to become the three tails Jinchūriki and they planned to activate her once she was back in the village.

She knew this and sacrificed herself to prevent it from happening…

Kakashi hasn't been the same since. He lost both members of his teammates, in so short a period, I can't tell how miserable he must be. and I can tell that Minato is taking it just has hard…it reminded me of when I learned that Uzushiogakure had been destroyed. All those deaths, all those sacrifices, over a meaningless war…I just hope that we learn from this and never forget the men and women who sacrificed themselves for Konoha and all ways remember their devotion to the Will of Fire…

Naruto held his head down when he finished reading the last sentence. Now he understood why Kakashi sensei never talked about his old team. Losing both of them, in so short a time, he doubted he would ever want to talk about it. But it also made him more determined to honour the sacrifices of those that gave their lives for the village. Kakashi's lesson still resonating in his head.

"… 'Those that break the rules are trash. But those that abandon their comrades are worse than trash'…I guess I still have a lot to learn about being a ninja, huh?" he asked himself as he started revaluating his own goal.

The reason he wanted to become Hokage was so that he could get people to notice him more, so they would stop giving him those glares he felt upon him. But was that good enough? Was that really why he wanted or even should become Hokage? After reading this Journal and finding out about the people that sacrificed their lives for the village, he wondered if that made him even worthy of trying to become Hokage.

His mind briefly flashed to his teammates and their mission to the Wave Country and even to Hinata's fight.

He looked to his hand that made the vow. Remembering that strengthened his resolve, but also readjusted it. Now, he felt that he wasn't going to become Hokage just to earn recognition. He was going to earn it to protect the ones he cared about and the village that he cared about. He would do it in honour of those that gave their lives for the village.

He continued reading as he smiled at the next words.

December 10th – Journal of Kushina Uzumaki

It finally happened, Minato has been named the Yondaime Hokage, his dream and mine finally coming true. He looked so happy, so proud standing before the village as he vowed to protect it with all he had…he finally achieved his dream. And I fulfilled my new one, to become the wife of the Hokage, you know, so I can keep Minato from doing something stupid.

Naruto chuckled a little at this.

But that's not even the best news…recently I was feeling a little under the weather. I thought it was just the flu, but the sickness just kept going every morning. So, I went to the doctor's and she confirmed something wonderful…

…I'm pregnant with Minato's child...

Naruto noticed another set of dried tear marks. But from what he read; they weren't tears of sadness but joy. But it raised a question...

"The Fourth Hokage and this Kushina lady…were going to have a child? But what happened to it? You'd think something like this would've been public knowledge? What happened to the child?" he continued reading while having a strange feeling in his chest.

April 3rd – Journal of Kushina Uzumaki

Due to being pregnant, I've decided to take an official leave from active duty. I keep up my Ninja skills, so don't worry about Old Kushina getting rusty. But we had a visitor today, Minato's old master Jiraya Sensei, or as I liked to call him the Pervy Sage. I swear how Minato wasn't corrupted by his perverted influence I will never know? He wanted to come by and visit his former pupil and get an opinion on a book he was writing.

Which wasn't one of those perverted Ich-Icha novel trash he usually writes…

"Those Books Kakashi-sensei reads?" Naruto thought, thinking about the orange book before returning to the journal.

He honestly believes that it wasn't any good, but Minato and I liked it. It was a story about a ninja that never gives up, and never backed down. That was the kind of person we want our son to be. Turns out we're having a baby boy. A little baby boy that will carry on our hopes and dreams. And now thanks to Jiraya, who we've decided to make his godfather, we've got the perfect name for our son…

Naruto

He dropped the book in shock as bolted from the chair, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief as he stared at the page and his own name written inside. His hand shaking and his breath labored as he shook his head.

"…No…no, no, no, no! That can't be right! It can't be true! I-I can't…" his mind refused to believe the fact.

He was the son of the Fourth Hokage. He was the son of the same man that sealed the Nine-Tailed fox inside him, the same man that had inadvertently caused him a life of isolation and loneliness with very little to care for him…and he was the man's son. And this woman, this Kushina Uzumaki of a lost Uzumaki clan was his mother.

"B-But if I'm their son, then why…" he narrowed his gaze as he thought of only one person that could've possibly known the truth. The one person he asked multiple times about his parents and only ever received vague answers….

The Third Hokage

Snatching the book up, and snuffing the candle out, he marched his way out from the bunker. His heart still hammering in his chest as he went to confront the man that had lied to him for years.

Hokage Manor – Office of the Hokage

Sarutobi sighed as he continued to file off the reports for the Chunin exam. Paperwork, the true mortal enemy of the Hokage title. He could never understand how his predecessor and successor, the Second and The Fourth Hokage, figured out how to deal with the dreaded enemy.

He also had to deal with the council, his former teammate now advisors, and keep an eye on Danzo's little schemes that he was no doubt working on.

Not to mention the troubling report that Orochimaru may have returned to seek revenge on the village. If not for the report that the last Uchiha had received the curse mark was any indication of his return. The fact that these reports coincide with the Chunin Exam was concerning. Which was why he had just assigned Hayate Gekkō to observe one of the examinees that may have a link to Orochimaru, Kabuto Yakushi. Hopefully, he could uncover something and prevent whatever Orochimaru was planning.

He sighed as he set his pen down and looked over to the photographs of the previous Hokages. His gaze resting on the final image as he stared at his successor that was taken from them too soon. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage.

While his reign was short, he had proven to be more than capable of the job, especially when he sacrificed himself to save the village during the Nine-Tails attack. An event that was still a mystery. They had everything in place to prevent the Nine-Tails from escaping, yet the reports indicated that somehow information was leaked, and someone had interrupted the proceedings, releasing the Nine-tails from its previous host.

But why? If they had the beast, why not escape with it? Why release it? To Destroy Konoha? A lot of it was a mystery, one he hoped Jiraiya would find out as he gathered information.

As he thought about Minato his mind also drifted to Kushina and the child that they had left behind. Their sacrifice had saved Naruto's life, and the village's. But robbed him of the parents that would've loved him. He knew he should tell him about his parents, but his father and mother had many enemies. If they had learned the Fourth Hokage, A.k.a. the Yellow Flash, had a son and there was a true blood son of the Uzumaki Clan still alive, they would do anything to get revenge on them by going through their only child.

He was only thankful that Naruto was born with his father's hair, instead of the trademark red that identified all Uzumaki's. He had made a promise to keep him safe.

Even if it meant keeping the truth from him.

"Old man!" his attention was returned to reality as the door was busted open and said boy came barging in while struggling to escape the grasp of the two chunin stationed to guard him. "We need to talk old man!"

"We told you, you can't come in here! Lord Third is very busy right now!" one of the Chunin barked as Naruto barked back.

"And I told you I don't give a damn! I need to talk to the old man right now! Get your hands off me! Hey! Don't grab there!" Naruto yelled.

Sarutobi sighed as he rubbed his ageing forehead. 'The boy is too much like his mother than his father.' He thought as he returned to his paperwork. "What is it Naruto? Normally I wouldn't mind the distraction, but I'm a little busy planning the second half of the Chunin Exams. Whatever it is you have to talk to me about can wait until after the-"

"It's about my mother, Kushina Uzumaki!"

His heart dropped into his stomach when he heard that name as he looked back up to the boy, who was glaring at him with a look of betrayal and anger while clutching a small leather-bound book in his hand.

"Where did you?" he stopped when the Chunin holding Naruto gave him confused looks as they switched between the young Uzumaki and the ageing Hokage. The old man sighed as he gestured them to leave. "That'll be all, I'll take it from here." He told them as the Chunin's looked confused but obliged all the same. The door closed softly behind him as the blue-eyed boy marched up to his desk and glared at the man.

A moment of silence passed between them, as one waited for the other to speak. Until Naruto held up the Journal and pointed to it.

"Is what's written here true! Is my father the Fourth Hokage?" Sarutobi knew he couldn't lie, not after he now knew the name of his mother. Which no doubt would cause him to ask questions and connect a few dots with the other villagers.

Finally, the old man sighed as he laced his fingers together. "…Yes…"

Naruto clenched his teeth as he growled in anger. "So, you knew! You knew who my parents were this whole time and didn't even bother to tell me! For years I've asked, nay begged you, to tell me who they were and all you ever said was 'it wouldn't matter!" he slammed his hands on the desk as he glared into the man he trusted.

"Well guess what, it did matter! Why didn't you tell me the Fourth Hokage was my father!? Why didn't you tell me I wasn't the only one to have the Nine-Tails sealed inside of me!? Why didn't you tell me about my God Damn parents!? And why the hell did my father seal the Nine-Tails inside of me!? What else have you been lying to me about!?" Sarutobi didn't respond, merely listened to the young man venting in front of him.

He sighed before addressing the child. "Naruto, it's not as simple as you think."

"It is simple! It was so goddamn simple! Who.Were. My. Parents! A simple question you could've answered just as many times that I asked you!"

"Naruto, you have to understand that your parents had many enemies. Your mother's entire homeland was destroyed by a combined effort from three other nations. If they had found out that you were their son, they would've done anything to get revenge, even though both of them are dead. Yes, I lied to you about not knowing your parents. But it was for your own good, to keep you safe from those that would harm you." He pointed at the boy.

"Not to mention you tend to blurt out things that should be secret. You could've accidentally revealed your lineage and painted a target upon you and the village."

"But I'm not a little kid anymore! I can handle the truth! I haven't even told my own teammates about the Nine-tails sealed inside of me!" he argued back.

"Yet you just barged into my office, screaming your mother's name." Naruto recoiled a little at that. "While you have managed to keep your Jinchūriki status a secret, that is so you can maintain a normal relationship with your friends. But your linage, your identity, if it got out old grudges would target the village. Maybe even spark another War. I chose to hide your past so that you would be safe. I couldn't risk your safety, or the village's, for the curiosity of a child." He reasoned as Naruto shook with anger until snapped his head up as tears gathered at the corner of his eyes.

"But that's not why I asked you about my parents! I don't care that mum and dad had enemies! I didn't care if they were famous or not! I just wanted to know-!" he paused as he held back his growing tears. "…I just wanted to know something, anything, about them. Something to let me know that they actually loved me and didn't just abandon me as the villagers claim, I just …" his shoulders sagged as he hung his head.

"…I just wanted to know that someone out there wanted me."

Sarutobi looked at the boy as he, for the first time in years, had a look of pure sadness and hopelessness on his otherwise cheerful face. He had thought that by denying him the knowledge of his parents, he was keeping the boy safe. But now he realized that all it had done was bore a hole in the boy's heart. Which made him feel as if he was unloved in this world when his parents loved him before he was even born. Especially as he received scorn and isolation from the villagers.

It was then that realised that he should've told him in secret, at least let him know that they loved him.

'Minato, Kushina…I made a terrible mistake…' Sarutobi got up and walked over to the boy as he embraced him in a hug, slightly startling the lad.

"Naruto…your mother and father, they loved you so much, even before you were born. They loved you with all their hearts, so much that I know they would be so proud of you. All these years I thought I was protecting you for them, but instead, I was protecting myself from guilt. I should've been the one to sacrifice myself that day, at least then you would've had parents that loved you…instead, I denied you what you truly needed in this world…" Naruto felt tears stinging his eyes as he felt warm in the embrace.

"I'm sorry Naruto…I hope one day you can forgive me?" Naruto didn't say anything as he slowly returned the embrace. They remained that way for a few minutes before Naruto separated and wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Can you…can you tell me about my parents now? I promise I won't tell anyone else. I just…I just want to know what they were like." The old man sadly shook his head.

"I…I can't. Not right now, not while some still would want to hurt you, both inside and outside the village." Naruto hung his head. "But I will tell you everything you want to know later in private." Naruto looked up a little as he nodded.

"Okay…can…can I at least know what my mum looked like? I know what dad looks like but…I…" he trailed off as the Old Man nodded and moved to his desk, activating a seal he had hidden. Which produced a scroll that he unfurled and unsealed a small piece of rectangular paper.

"Here…" he said as he handed the paper, as Naruto realised it was a photo.

His eyes slowly widened as he gazed upon the image of a beautiful woman with long bright red hair, violet-coloured eyes, and a warm gentle smile on her face. She appeared to be holding onto her swollen stomach, as no doubt that she was pregnant with him.

He felt small tears forming in his eyes as he now had a face to match the name of his mother.

"Your father took that shortly before you were born. I found it hidden in this room after their…passing…he truly loved both of you…" Sarutobi said as Naruto nodded, desperately trying to hide the tears that were running down his cheeks.

"Can I…can I keep this? I promise I won't show anyone." He asked as the old man nodded.

"Sure, but make sure that no one else sees it. We can't have anyone connecting you two until you're old enough." He advised as Naruto nodded and placed the photo in the journal. Knowing that he would keep it safe.

"Thanks, Old-…Lord Hokage," he said with the only amount of respect he had ever shown the old man. A little shocking to the Third Hokage. "I promise to take care of this. But promise me you'll tell me everything later, okay?" he asked as the old man nodded.

"Deal, now where did you find this?" he asked as he pointed to the journal.

"Oh, um…I sort of fell into this bunker-looking thing out in the woods. I figured it was one of those Anbu sites you told me to stay away from." He explained as Sarutobi nodded.

"Well, you're partially right. But that bunker was one of your fathers. He had some built as a fallout shelter for you and your mother in case something ever happened to Konoha and he needed to get you two to safety. I had all their stuff moved there after their deaths. I'll probably have to get someone to fix it later." Naruto nodded at this. "Now, shouldn't you be training. I assume Kakashi has some training plan set up for you?" he asked as Naruto scoffed at this.

"Not really, he's spending all his time training Sasuke again and set me up with that closet pervert, Ebisu." The old man raised an eyebrow.

'Ebisu? No disrespect but Ebisu is not fully equipped to train someone like Naruto. His chakra reserves are far too massive for someone of his calibre to effectively train. And as for focusing more on Sasuke, I know it's to keep an eye on the Curse mark and help with his Sharingan, but I never would've thought that Kakashi would show favouritism…I'll need to talk with him later.'

"I see…tell you what, I know someone that may be a better fit for you. He was your father's sensei, his name is Jiraya."

"Jiraiya? I just read about him, he was supposed to be my Godfather, right…so where the hell has he been?" he asked with a slightly aggressive tone at the end. Something Sarutobi had to sigh at.

"Yes, well…there is a reason for that, and I know you two will have some serious catching up to do." Naruto nodded.

"But I must warn you, your true heritage must remain a secret. You cannot tell anyone, not even your team. Until I know you can protect yourself." Naruto nodded as he grabbed the book and started to head out the door. He paused when he looked up to the photo of the Fourth Hokage, feeling strange at the revelation that the man that he both idolized and caused his current life was his own father…

Yet for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to hate him.

"Um, old man?" he asked at the door. "Is it all right…if I use that bunker from time to time?" the old man raised an eyebrow.

"What for?" he asked as Naruto rubbed his arm awkwardly.

"Well, it's…I want to look after their stuff, maybe even see if I can learn more about them?" he asked as the man nodded.

"I understand, I would let you settle in their old home, but the property was sold off years ago. I'll have the hole repaired by the end of the day, I'll even give you a spare key to the bunker. You may learn more about them, I'm sure it's what they would want. Until then, head out to the Hot Spring area. If my hunch is right, that is where Jiraya will be." Naruto nodded as he turned away. "And Naruto." He called out before turning to him.

"Don't be too hard on him…there are reasons we kept things from you. Some you may understand, and some you may not. But know we did it for your safety." He said as Naruto pondered for a moment.

"…I'm trying to be a Ninja, right? I think my safety is the last thing I need to worry about." He said as the old man sighed.

"…I see…" was all he said as Naruto left the office and allow the old man to sit in his chair and sigh. "Minato…Kushina…please forgive me. I will set this right." That was all he said as he returned to his work.

Konoha Hot Springs

The Konoha Hot Springs were one of the main tourist attractions of the Hidden Village. Built shortly after the construction of Konoha, the hot springs were renowned for their rejuvenating abilities and peaceful atmosphere.

It was here at Naruto was in search of the man that was his father's sensei and his supposed Godfather.

"Man, how the heck am I supposed to find him!?" he groaned out in annoyance. "I don't even know what he looks like! …In retrospect, maybe I should've asked the Old Man for a description." He mused as he stroked his chin. He chuckled a little as he looked down to the Journal hidden in his jumpsuit. "Uzumaki Impatience, huh Mum? Okay, let's think, what did mum say Jiraya was like? Well…she said he was-!" he was cut off as he heard a perverted giggling coming from his right as he looked over to spy a man looking over the hot springs with a perverted look on his face.

The man was tall, had long spiky white hair tied into a ponytail, red markings on his face, and a wart on his nose. He wore a horned forehead protector with the Kanji for Oil, a green short shirt kimono and matching pants, under which was a mesh armour, arm guards, a black belt, traditional Japanese wooden sandals, and a red haori with two yellow circles on each side and carried a large scroll on his back.

"Oh yeah! This is great material! Hehehehehehehehehe!" he giggled as Naruto stared blankly.

'…Ah…that's right…Mum called him Pervy Sage…I can see why.' He then glared as he gripped his fist. 'Mum's journal said that this man is supposed to be my Godfather…Is this what he was doing this whole time? Peeping on girls!' he thought bitterly as he ground his teeth.

He then grinned as he thought up a nasty idea.

"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING PEEKING ON THE WOMAN'S BATH!?" he yelled out loud for all to hear, startling the man and alerting all the women.

Jiraiya snapped his head around in fright, "Hey! Keep it down you brat!" he hissed, only too late as the women took notice

"What! A pervert!" "Kyaa!" "Get that pervert!" they heard as all sorts of bathhouse tools came flying over the wall. Managing to peg the Jiraiya.

"Damn it, brat! Ladies, please it's all a misunderstanding!" he tried to explain as they came rushing at him, belting him with anything they had. After which he was left in a bruised fashion.

"Thank you, so much young man," some of the girls thanked Naruto as he laughed.

"It's no big deal. I was just passing by when I saw him, I'll get rid of him for ya!" he said as they thanked him and walked away. 'He's out cold…might want to take him far from here…' he thought as he then summoned a few clones and dragged him far from the bathhouse. Before dumping some cold water on the man's face.

Jiraiya coughing loudly as he woke up, while Naruto looked down on him with a raised eyebrow.

"…Oi, you dead?" he asked as Jiraiya groaned and got back up.

"Nope…a man of my talent won't go down like this…plus their beating is nothing compared to Tsunade's," he groaned as he got back up while rubbing his jaw. He then turned and spotted Naruto as he hid his recognition. 'So, that's Minato's kid…he almost looks like him.' He thought with brief nostalgia and a twinge of guilt. 'I guess it has been a long time…' he thought.

"So, brat, mind telling me why you just ruined my perfectly good research?" he asked as Naruto raised his eyebrow.

"Research?" he asked, playing along like had no idea who he was. "Looked to me like you were just peeking on women, ya pervert."

"Ha! Far from it, ya brat! For you see I am a writer, not a pervert! And peeping gives me the inspiration I need to write my famous novel!" he proclaimed as he produced a copy of his book.

"Oh, my sensei reads that!" Naruto 'acted' surprised as he tapped his fist to his palm. "I think it's just trash anyway, if you're the guy who writes it, you must not be that famous," he said as Jiraiya physically jumped back hurt.

"Trash!?" he yelled. 'Oh boy, he is so Kushina's brat! Disrespectful to true art!' he thought as he shook himself from his stupor.

"Excuse me, but this is not trash! This is my work of art! My crowning achievement! And I am far from a nobody, you disrespectful little brat! For you see, on top of being a Super-Pervert, I am not just an inspiring writer!" he then started to do a kabuki dance as he got into a pose. "For I am the Holy Sage of Mt. Myoboku - Gama! The Great Toad Sage of the Hidden Leaf Village! Master Jiraiya!" he proclaimed as Naruto stared and then grinned.

"Oh! Yeah, I think I have heard of you! You're supposed to be the man who trained the Fourth Hokage, right!?" he asked with 'Enthusiasm' as the man grinned and nodded.

"Which also means you're supposed to be my Godfather, right? Seeing as both mum and dad got my name from your book, right!" He asked as Jiraiya nodded…

Before his face turned to grim and shook, as he stared at the boy with surprise. "…What did you just-GAH!" he never got to finish as Naruto took the opportunity to punch him in the stomach. Causing the Sage to hunch over in pain.

"That's what you get for abandoning me!" he yelled as the man doubled over. "Is this what you've been doing for the past twelve years of my life! Peeking on bathhouses and writing trashy novels!? If my parents were here, I'm sure they would give you such a thrashing!" he yelled with pure anger as Jiraiya managed to get back up.

"Wait a minute…you know?" he asked as Naruto nodded. "B-But I thought the old man agreed-!"

"I found out by myself! Thanks to this journal I found about my mother!" he yelled as he showed the old leather-bound book. "I also found out that the man who trained my dad was supposed to take care of me in case anything happened to them! Well, guess what!? Something happened to them and I haven't seen hide or hair of you for twelve stinking years!" he yelled as he then charged at the man.

"Woah! Wait a minute!" Jiraiya yelled as Naruto kept throwing fists at him, who avoided them.

"My parents trusted you! Believed in you! And this is how you repay them!? By leaving their only child alone to defend for himself!" he summoned several clones as they attempted to do dogpile the man.

"Just hear me out!" he yelled as he dodged and flipped over the clones, dispelling them with fast movements.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear anything from an oath breaker like you!" he yelled, letting his emotions fully take over him. "Where were you when I was growing up!" he threw punches and kicks as the Sage managed to get a better footing and held off his attacks.

"Where were you when I was alone! Scared and afraid!" Jiraiya didn't say anything as he decided to let him vent. "Where were you when I needed someone to tell me I mattered! To tell me I did my best!" he screamed as the corners of his eyes began to dampen. "Where were you when I needed someone to take care of me! Where were you when I scraped my knee! Came down with the flu or picked on by other kids!" his fist grew slower and weaker as they didn't even hurt the man.

"Where were you, when I need you the most!? Where were you! …" his fists now just thumping on his chest as he slowly broke down. Jiraiya looking down with sadness in his eyes at the child before him.

"…Where were you…to tell me about my parents …"

By now he had been reduced to a crying child as Jiraiya stared at the young child that he was supposed to take care of. The guilt he had held in his heart weighed heavier that day, than all the years he carried it combined. His arms slowly encircled around the boy's shoulders, bringing him into a small but meaningful hug.

"…I'm sorry…I truly am sorry, Naruto…" he softly said as he stroked the boy's blond hair, another reminder of his lost student.

"I know that no words I say right now can excuse me for what I've done. And I have no doubt failed the promise I made to your parents." He said as the boy held his tongue and listened. "But like your parents, I have a duty to the village. To keep an eye out for those that would wish harm upon the home I love. Just as your parents did when the Nine-Tails broke free." He said as he held the boy at arm's length and kneeled to him.

"But I promise you, I will make up for my error and train you to the highest degree. I know it will take a long time before you can ever forgive me, but I'm hoping I can make up for it in time," he promised as Naruto stared at the man with tears in his eyes, before wiping them away on his sleeve.

"…okay…'" he said, softly. "It will take a while before I forgive you, but I should at least give you the benefit of the doubt…that's what my parents would do, right?" he asked as the man nodded. "But…can you promise me one thing…" he asked as Jiraiya blinked.

"Can you…tell me what my dad was like when he was my age?" he asked as the man nodded.

"I will…" he said as they parted. "Now, I suppose I should help you with your training, right?" he asked as Naruto nodded, suddenly remembering his vow to Hinata.

"Right! I need your help! I made it to the semi-finals of the Chunnin Exam, and I need to beat this guy named Neji! It's kind of a long story, but basically, he said some bullshit, and I need to teach him a lesson!" he said as Jiraiya nodded.

"I see, well, if I recall we have a month to get you trained up for the Exam. That's not a lot of time, but I can work with it. Report back here tomorrow and we'll start your training first thing in the morning!" he said as Naruto nodded before he glared.

"…You're not going to turn up late like Kakashi-sensei, are you?" he asked as Jiraiya chuckled.

"No, of course not. Besides, I need to earn back your trust, turning up late would not be a good start, huh?" he asked the boy who nodded. "Now…" he then turned around as a perverted grin spread on his face. "I got some pretty ladies to check out!" he grinned as he started walking away.

"…why does every person I train with always turn out to be a pervert?" he asked himself before he sighed and looked up to the slowly descending sun. "It's getting late anyway, need some good sleep if I want to beat that Neji asshole." He said to himself as he walked away.

A few Hours Later

Naruto finally made his way back to his apartment, as he turned on the lights in the hallway and he stared at the silence of the apartment. The empty feeling the house gave off still resonated as he stared at the place, he called home for the past few years.

But in his mind, he suddenly imagined walking into a loving home. His mother greeted him as he walked in and his father sat at the table reading a newspaper, before greeting and ruffling his head affectionally.

He imagined a different life as they sat around the table and told stories about their day and feasted on his mother's home cooking.

He felt the pain in his chest increase as tears began to build in the corner of his eyes and he slumped to the floor. Soft sobs escaping his lips as the walls he had built up over the years had come crashing down after so long and he let out the pain he held inside.

Life was cruel and unfair. He had learned that from an early age. But today seemed to be both a blessing and a curse. He had found the parents that loved him, and they had both been taken away…

But he felt warm now as he imaged both his parents holding him affectionately as he cried his heart out.

...Life was unfair...

But it's not like he was ever going to give up.

He had vowed to become Hokage, to never back down and never give up. That was his Ninja Way. But he now also wanted to become the Shinobi his parents believed he could be. To be the Ninja that would inherit their wills and become the Orange Hokage, to Honor the Yellow Flash and the Red-Hot Blooded Habenero of the Hidden Leaf.

That was his ninja way!

And Scene, well here is a new Naruto Story, a first for me, in which Naruto learns the truth of his parents. I am aware in the Anime and Manga; Minato's two safe houses were destroyed. But I like to believe he had more than two of them. It makes sense, seeing as he was a smart and tactical man with multiple fallout plans. It also made it more logical for Naruto to find out about his parents. In the past, I never understood why Fanfiction writers always Naruto had finding letters from his parents with them being written during the Nine-Tails Attack. When we now know it was spontaneous and neither of them would've had time to write such things. (Mostly due to them being written before Manga was finished).

Naruto finding his mother's journal I felt was a more…logical step into him finding out the truth.

Chapter II: Expectation