Heritage

The news of Itachi Uchiha's pardon and reinstatement spread through the village like a wild fire. The news was so big that it eclipsed the fact the the Elder council had been relieved of duty and thrown out of the tower with extreme prejudice. Since his pardon, Itachi had disappeared behind the walls of the Uchiha compound. Many speculated on his exact doings but there was no way of being sure.

Naruto found himself sitting at Sasuke's grave, hundreds of things going through his head. Itachi had killed his entire clan, his family to preserve the peace of the village. Then he had pleaded with the Third to keep Sasuke safe, had made Sasuke hate him so he would grow strong. He sat with his knees drawn to his chest and his chin on his knees.

'What would you do?' he silently asked Sasuke, he had had so many idea's the last day: Kill Itachi anyway, hit him, Thank him, demand to know why. He had no idea where to start.

"Naruto," came a familiar voice from behind him. He turned to see his two mentors standing side by side.

Kakashi-sensei, Jiraiya-sensei," he said.

"Naruto we need to talk," said Jiraiya, his usual jovial tone was absent.

"Some where you're comfortable, this won't be an easy topic," finished Kakashi.

"Here is fine," replied Naruto and stood up. With confusion clearly etched on his face he walked towards the two elder ninja. Even though eighty five percent of his face covered, Naruto could see the uneasiness on Kakashi's face, an emotion that never appeared on the copy ninja's face.

"Naruto it's time you knew the truth," said Jiraiya cryptically.

"The truth about what?" he demanded quickly growing tired to their beating around the bush.

"About your parents," said Jiraiya.

"My parents?" asked Naruto.

"Yes," Kakashi drew a deep breath before continuing. "Naruto, you're the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, you're the son of the Fourth Hokage." In a sudden rush the air raced from Naruto's lungs causing him to become lightheaded. He dropped to his knees catching himself on his hands as he fought to catch his escaped breath. Minutes passed before he finally composed himself, rocking back onto his knees, he refused to look Kakashi in the eye.

"Why wasn't I ever told?" he asked in his normal icy monotone voice "for fourteen years I held onto a hope that at least one of them were still alive somewhere out there. I woke up every morning thinking maybe this would be the day they came back. Yet you knew, all this time you knew." In a burst of movement Naruto leaped to his feet and threw a kick at Kakashi. Kakashi had been expecting some kind of out burst and avoided the kick and stepped back. Naruto continued his emotion driven onslaught, swinging wildly yelling accusations at his teacher.

"You could have spared me so much suffering," he yelled "Why?!" Kakashi continued to avoid blow after blow, never countering or blocking Naruto, in his current state the young chunin's normally crisp blows were wild and little threat.

Finally Naruto fell into Kakashi, the energy his rage gave him spent. Kakashi caught the boy and lowered him to his knees were he collapsed into tears. He sobbed for several minutes as Kakashi and Jiraiya both knelt next to him, comforting hands on his shoulders. Eventually Naruto composed himself enough to talk. Kakashi and Jiraiya told him the epic tale of Minato and Kushina, everything from their academy days to that fateful night that they died.

"Minato sealed the Yang chakra if the nine-tails inside of you because he believed that you and you alone would one day come to master it," explained Jiraiya "You father died knowing in his heart you would become a powerful and influential Shinobi."

"But why wasn't I ever told?" Naruto asked again.

"During the war Minato made several powerful and deadly enemies," explained Kakashi "if it ever came to light that he had a son, that son would be in mortal danger, the Third Hokage sealed the records to keep you safe." Naruto looked at his two mentors trying to take everything in, it was so hard to believe he not only had parents but his father had been the legendary Yellow Flash. Jiraiya reached into one of the pocket of his red vest a produced a scroll which he held out to Naruto.

"Here," he said. Naruto took it and unrolled it confusion returning to his features. "That is the deed to your father's estate, he was very well off and owned a large house in the eastern edge of the village. When you're ready, you can go check it out. Naruto you have a great legacy to live up to, something you are very capable of doing. Within the next month, if you are willing, you and I will be leaving the village for a very extended period of time to continue your training." Naruto was quite for a while Kakashi and Jiraiya shared a glance before looking back at the boy.

"How extended?" he asked.

"Three years at least," answered Jiraiya "You don't have to answer now but I need to know at the end of the week." Naruto nodded in answer. Kakashi and Jiraiya sensed that the conversation was over and, after giving him one last squeeze on the shoulder, left the grave. Naruto sat on the ground looking down at the piece of paper in his hands. He had a father and a mother, though they were dead he had a place that he had belonged, though he wasn't sure why that fact that he knew who his parents were calmed him and and put him at peace.

A bright ray of sunshine broke through the trees falling right on his face, peace over whelmed him and a full smile broke across his face.

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Hours later Naruto walked into the apartment he shared with Sakura finding the pink haired ninja enjoying a nap on the couch. Moving quietly he crept to her side and got down on his knees. Gently he shook her awake. As always his breath hitched in his throat as her beautiful emerald eyes fluttered open.

"Hi," she gently whispered.

"Hey," he replied.

"Where were you?" she asked still not sitting up, instead choosing to lay down and stare into that beautiful cobalt eye of his.

"I was with Kakashi and Jiraiya," he said sitting down cross legged on the floor.

"What did they want?" she asked.

"I'll tell you later, will you come some where with me?" he asked in return.

"Where?" she asked.

"I'll tell you when we get there," he said. Sakura sat up slightly annoyed with her boyfriend. That was until she saw the uncertainty in his eye. He was nervous about something and wanted her to accept something.

"Ok," she said and stood up. Naruto took by the hand and led her from the apartment.

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They found the Namikaze estate on the far eastern part of the village, sitting in the shadow of the Hokage mountain. Naruto pushed the ancient gate open and led the way inside. The grounds were beautiful, a lush green yard with a curving pathway leading up to a large two story house. Two smaller guest houses sat on either said of the yard.

"Naruto," Sakura said softly getting the boy's attention. "What is this place?" Naruto took her hand in response.

"Come on," he said and headed for the main house. When they reached the front door Naruto tested the knob and, finding it unlocked, pushed the door open. Inside they found a large granite tiled floor with a elegant stair case on their right that lead upstairs where they could see a balcony and a couple of doors. Leaving the upstairs for later, they continued to explore the ground level. They found a sitting room furnished with some of most beautiful furniture they had ever seen. Also on the ground floor was a fully equipped kitchen and a lovely dinning room. The last room in the back of the house was a type of dojo. Pondering this the two moved upstairs where they found the master bedroom, three other bed rooms and two bathrooms. While Sakura admired the master bedroom Naruto wondered to the last door they had to check at the end of the hall. Inside Naruto found a study. A large oak desk faced the door and book cases lined the walls. The book cases were full of many books and scrolls many of them looking like they were hand written. Naruto wondered to the other side of the desk where he found something brought a tear to his eye. It was a picture of a smiling Minato hugging a pregnant, smiling Kushina from behind. It was a picture of his parents.

Sakura wondered into the room and saw his tears. She moved around the desk and looked at the picture herself.

"That's the Fourth Hokage," she said "But who's the woman?"

"Her name is Kushina," he said not looking away from the picture. "Kushina Uzumaki. She's my mother." Sakura gasped.

"Your mother so does that mean...?" she trailed off not quite sure how to ask the question.

"Yes, the Fourth Hokage was my father," he said "This place is his old house, Sakura this is our new home."

"What? No Naruto I can't stay here with you," she said "I've imposed on you enough, I'll just stay in the apartment." Naruto shook his head.

"No you won't," he said "That place is broken and run down. You can stay with me." Sakura couldn't find the right words to express her gratitude but instead wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a searing kiss.

"Sakura there's something we need to talk about," he said after she had let him breath.

"What is it?" she asked not lift her head from his chest.

"Jiraiya wants to take me out of the village to train for awhile," he said. This time Sakura did lift her head from his chest.

"How long is awhile?" she asked.

"He says at least three years," replied Naruto. Sakura let go of him and walked across the room.

"And what exactly am I supposed to do?" she asked, not in anger, but fear. "Just sit in the village and wait? Wondering when, if your coming back?" Naruto walked across the room and tried to take her in his arms but she pulled away.

"Sakura, what's bothering you?" he asked.

"Kisame," she said "He's not going to stop Naruto, we fought him off once but who's to say the second you step out of the village he won't try again."

"Everything is going to be alright, ok?" he said. She turned to look at him, the tears in her eyes gave them a shining glimmer to them.

"Can you promise me that? Promise you'll come home," she said. Naruto took her shaking form in his arms and held her tight to him.

"I'll always come back to you Sakura," he said as she began to sob into his tee shirt. They held each other for minutes until Sakura stopped crying. After she stopped cry Naruto held her at arms length.

"Hey why don't you pick out a room," he suggested. She gave him a grateful smile and left the room, Naruto watched her go as she left, things were going to be very different.

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The following day the documents of Naruto's heritage were officially unsealed by the Hokage and made public knowledge. There was an immediate uproar as once again the civilians of the village proved just how fickle they could be. Naruto found himself seeking refuge at Sasuke's grave when he heard movement behind him. He leaped to his feet ready to run when he saw who was standing behind him. It was Itachi Uchiha wearing a black tee shirt, his necklace and a pair of black pants.

"Itachi," he said not dropping his guard. The Uchiha seemingly ignored him and stepped past him. He knelt at his brother's grave and close his eyes. Naruto could see the young man's lips moving but couldn't make out any of the words. Itachi stayed still for several minutes before standing up.

"You are Naruto Uzumaki?" he asked.

"Well technically," he replied "But I had to take my father's name to claim my inheritance and his estate it's Namikaze now.

"Yes I know," replied Itachi "I knew your parent's. Your mother and mine were good friends and I can honestly say I miss them."

"You knew them?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, your mother often spent afternoons with my mother drinking tea and your Father visited with her from time to time."

"What were they like?" asked Naruto eager to learn what he could.

"So full of life," replied Itachi "You mother was never without a smile and your father, fierce and passionate and also never without a smile." Naruto wore a half smile as he thought of what his life might be like had his parents lived that night.

"Naruto I must ask you something," Said Itachi an uneasiness in his voice "I know Sasuke hated me, I have no delusions that he didn't, but at the end, when he died, you were there?" Naruto nodded.

"Yes, I was," replied Naruto "He died in my arms. He was my closest friend, he was like a brother to me, he even restored my sight." The last statement caught Itachi's attention.

"What do you mean?" he asked. Hesitantly Naruto lifted his headband from his eye. Itachi bent closer to look at it. A smile graced his features.

"So he did it after all," he said more to himself then anything else.

"Did what?" asked Naruto.

"In the secret meeting place of the Uchiha there is a scroll the holds all secrets of the Sharingan, including a forbidden jutsu we can use to transfer our eye's into another," explained Itachi. "but what I don't understand is why you can not deactivate it." Naruto shrugged. "I can look but you need to trust me." Naruto looked at him skeptically but nodded anyway. Itachi closed his eyes before opening them again bringing his own Sharingan to light. Itachi stared at him for a long minute before looking away and deactivating his eyes.

"I see," he murmured. Naruto looked at him curiously.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Naruto, what do you know about genetics, DNA?" asked Itachi.

"Not much," replied Naruto.

"Ok, DNA controls everything about our make up," explained Itachi "From our hair color, to our blood line traits. Sharingan is no different. When Sasuke gave you the Sharingan, he actually transferred part of his Genetic code into you. That is why you are able to use lightning and fire jutsu. Now normally the Nine-tails inside of you would have been able to take the DNA inside of you and adapt it to you own allowing you to use Sharingan in both eyes and be able to deactivate it. However it would appear that Sasuke died before he could finish the transfer. While you have access to all the techniques the Sharingan will give you, you lack the entire strand making it impossible to replicate." Naruto was silent for along time.

"Do you hate me?" he finally asked catching the Uchiha heir off guard.

"What? No," he replied "I am grateful for the bond you and my brother had, it brings me peace to know that in all the hate and grief that must have made up his life there was a small ray of sunshine. Naruto there is something you must know: Like mine Sasuke's eyes have the ability to unlock the Mangekyou Sharingan."

"Mangekyou?" asked Naruto.

"Yes the highest form of Sharingan," Itachi explained "Capable of amazing power, ninjutsu and genjutsu."

"And you wish to teach me this technique?" asked Naruto.

"Yes," replied Itachi, "It will not be easy, and will take many years to perfect but if mastered, it can be a very, very powerful weapon." Naruto was in thought for a long time, did he want that kind of power? He knew in his heart that he did, the power to protect those most precious to him, a certain girl with pink hair came to mind.

"I would like you to train me," he finally replied "but you should know that I plan on leaving the village in the next month to train with Jiraiya-sensei."

"I see," replied Itachi "Then give me some time to get my affairs in order and I will accompany you, if you'll have me." Naruto knew he should have been skeptical but he could help but feel a connection with the Uchiha heir, the fears Sakura had expressed a few days ago came to his mind, with Itachi there Kisame may be hesitant to attack them.

"If it's alright with Jiraiya-sensei, then it's fine with me," replied Naruto. Itachi made no verbal reply but instead simply inclined his head. He had found his place among the shinobi of the leaf.

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Naruto stood just inside the front gates of his village surrounded by his many friends. One by one they said their goodbyes and left until only team seven was left. Kakashi extended his hand which Naruto took in a firm grasp.

"You make us proud Naruto, and do your best," he said "Don't worry about things here, we'll manage." Naruto nodded his head no words were needed to express the gratitude in his heart. As Kakashi turned to leave his hands balled into fists in his pocket, Haru took his place hold a familiar weapon, the Demon wind.

"Here," he said "this belongs to you."

"No," replied Naruto shaking his head, "I gave it to you, keep it and take care." the two teens shook hands and Haru stepped aside. Sakura wrapped Naruto in a tight hug hampering his ability to breath. After what seemed like only a few brief seconds she loosened her grip, tears pouring down her face.

"I love you," she sobbed into his neck. Naruto inhaled her sent, committing everything he could to memory, true to her namesake, she smelt of cherry blossoms with a hint of mint.

"I love you too," he replied "I'll be back before you know it." Reluctantly he released her and stepped to Itachi and Jiraiya's side. Offering her the best smile he could he turned to leave, casting one last look over his shoulder first at his love, and then at the Hokage mountain. His eyes fell on the face of his father, his stone eyes watching the horizon for any threat.

"I make you proud, I swear it. Dad."

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Well that's is that. For those of you who wonder where some of my inspiration comes from, I am a member of the U.S. Coast Guard and often take aspects of that life and put them in my writing. That final scene with Sakura and Naruto is almost a carbon copy of my wife and I the last time I deployed.

The next chapter will finally move into the plot I've developed including a return of Orochimaru, sorry that this one so long and I hope it didn't disappoint. I'll work on being a bit quicker with the up dates in the future and for anyone out there interested I'm still in desperate need of a beta reader.

"Even if the marrow is barren of promises; nothing shall forestall my return."