Iruka's Family

Chapter 5

They had been able to heal Naruto and now the small blond was resting peacefully. Iruka sat near the boys head, he had thought of stroking his hair, but felt that would be rude. The ANBU that had yelled at him was now talking with the Hokage in whispers. Glancing ever so often to glare at Iruka. The ANBU that had healed Naruto was sitting next to Iruka. They began to speak.

"Most people would have left him for dead." Iruka turned his head at this, started to speak, but stopped himself. He then opened his mouth once more.

"He's a child."

"Some would say he's a monster."

"A child shouldn't be treated with that type of brutality."

"Do you see him as a monster?"

"He's a child."

"That's not the question." The ANBU just sat there, waiting for a response. Iruka didn't know what he thought. He wanted to protect Naruto with his life, but he held the 9-tails. He turned his eyes to the sleeping blond and felt overwhelming guilt. Would have he let this happen?

"What do you want me to say?" He finally responded. The ANBU then chuckled. Their posture relaxed and they turned to face the direction the other ANBU was.

"Sorry about him, he's more protective of Naruto than any of the others interested in his protection." The ANBU then faced Iruka, "The name's Raven, the ANBU over there is Dog. We are 2 of the 4 entrusted with protecting Naruto. Or I guess of the 3 senses I doubt that Owl will be allowed to watch him now."

"So you're his bodyguards?"

"No..." The answer almost seemed pained, like they were hiding a darker truth. Iruka looked at the sleeping child and then once again faced Raven.

"So you just watch him?"

"Yes."

"Nothing more?"

"No." Raven spoke these answers like they were rehearsed, like they were the words of another. Iruka almost hugged the ANBU. He couldn't help but feel bad for how Raven almost looked like they wanted to hold Naruto and never let go. Then Iruka thought a thought that he would never have.

"Does Naruto have a guardian, officially?"

"No."

"So he is, legally, an orphan?"

"Yes..?" Ravens head turned slightly in confusion. Iruka then stood up and started to make his way towards the Hokage. The ANBU which Iruka now knew was named Dog, seemed to snarl as he came closer. The Hokage turned to him and smiled softly.

"Naruto is very lucky you came and found him." The Hokage said.

"Not like you really care." Dog uttered underneath their breath. Iruka barely heard it, but felt it was unwise to bring it up.

"I would like to have Naruto stay with me from now on." The 2 were almost stunted by what Iruka stated. They might have well heard that Iruka found out Madara was alive. "His house is in no shape to house him, and I have a spare room in my apartment where he could stay."

"Are you sure you want him there?" The Hokage spat.

"Yes."