Return to The Past : Naruto Fic

14

Chapter 13 – Interlude I

"How can the son of our greatest nemesis be so honourable and merciful?" Kurotsuchi thought as she walked down the streets of I was, lost in thought. "I wonder what Namikaze was really like off the battlefield? It seems that the Kiroi Senkō wasn't a monster as the history books teaches us. If he was, then Uzumaki-san wouldn't have been as he is!"

As Kurotsuchi was walking about lost in thought, she didn't realize that someone was right in front of her until she bumped into the person and fell on her butt. Looking up, she saw that she had bumped into Roshi, which was a surprising thing. Roshi and Han don't come into Iwa unless summoned or to give reports.

"Keep alert of your surroundings young Kurotsuchi. It will save your life in the future!" Roshi said as he pulled the girl to her feet before turning around and walking towards the Council Building.

"Wait, Roshi-jiji! Can I ask you something?" Roshi raised an eyebrow but nodded for the girl to continue, "Do you know what Namikaze Minato was truly like? And don't give me the crap that history teaches us!"

Roshi's eyes seemed to pierce through the girl before softening as the red haired man said with a grin, "Why the sudden interest? Or is this about trying to understand young Uzumaki? Does the princess of Iwa have a crush? I am sure your grandfather will be pleased to learn of it!"

Kurotsuchi's face adoped an impressive shade of red as the girl spluttered out, "It's nothing like that! I was just wondering how the son of the blasted Namikaze is so different than expected! How can he be so kind and honourable, when his father brutally massacred everyone in sight, even those who were retreating!"

Rohshi looked surprised but nodded to himself before saying, "Namikaze was one man I respected, just like I now respect his son. You know that I don't respect many people, especially enemies, but Namikaze was different. History teaches you that Namikaze massacred the retreating and injured soldiers as well. That's propaganda. Namikaze didn't harm those who were incapacitated or retreating. The only reason we had such high casualties was because of our commanders arrogance. The commander ordered us to fight to the last breath, and that's what many did. Understand so far?"

Kurotsuchi nodded causing Roshi to continue, "Everyone expected him to tire from the onslaught, unfortunately the Hiraishin didn't affect the physical stamina, being a teleportation technique. Namikaze had great mental fortitude to be able to do what he did. After taking down the platoon, Namikaze affered the injured a chance to flee. Many would have taken it, if the foolish Takamura didn't order that any who retreated would be marked Nukenin. You should know that until now, Takamura didn't take the field himself."

"So that's why..." Kurotsuchi stared but Roshi glared the girl into silence.

"The injured nin rose to fight against Namikaze, knowing full well that they were ants trying to bring down a mountain. While Namikaze pleaded them to lay down their arms, none did as to them it was better to be martyrs than Nukenin. While his men fought, Takamura fled back to Iwa. As Takamura's father was on the council, he got off with a minor slap on the wrist while Namikaze was regarded a demon with no remorse."

Kurotsuchi looked shocked at the revelation but before she could speak, Roshi said, "Uzumaki is very much like his father. Merciful, honourable and lethal, maybe more so than this father. In fact, I know that his more lethal than his father. Namikaze only had Hiraishin, Rasengan and his own shurikenjutsu. Uzumaki on the other hand has access to Senjutsu, the Kyūbi, those sealless ninjutsu, impressive taijutsu and finally battle fūinjutsu. To put it lightly, Uzumaki only played with us. If he was serious, I really don't want to know how dangerous he would be. Don't forget his political power from his being a Daimyō. I am glad that Kitsuchi didn't make the mistake Takamura did. I don't think there would have been any body left of us. Now run along Kurotsuchi. I have a council meeting to attend to."