Dark Abyss: Akatsuki/Naruto Fanfic

5: Saving Naru-Chan

Chapter 5

After days of hard travel, the gates of Konoha soon came into view as the small group of travelers made their way up the rocky road. Moriko smiled in awe at the village; it was so much better and bigger than hers and people were everywhere, all of which looked friendly. Each person had a smile on their face, and there was a certain feeling in the air that made Konoha peaceful. No wonder everyone talked about Konaha back home, it was like a paradise compared to the Yuma Village. "We're here Mori-chan, we finally made it," stated Mizuki, with a surfeit amount of happiness lingering in his voice. 

He could finally start training and get stronger so that he could save Miyako from the clutches of the Akatsuki. It may be a while but he would find her and never let her go. He decided that he would confess his undying love for her and ask her to be his; he just hoped she would not turn him down.

"What's your name and what's your business here in Konoha?" asked a man sitting in the guard gate. He sat back lazily in a wooden chair, biting on a pen. By the looks of it, he just had woken up from a nap judging from the shadows under his eyes and the grey pillow on the ground. 

"Tanaka Akashi, I'm returning home with my new students Toshiro Mizuki, and Yukimura Moriko. I'm sure the Hokage is expecting me," the old man said as he looked down at the younger boy with disdain. How could Izumo forget his father's bestfriend? Has it really been that long since I left? Tanaka thought to himself. 

Izumo's eyes widened, "Tanaka-sama! Y-Yes go right i-in!" he exclaimed. "The Hokage is waiting for you in his office. Would you like me to take you to him?" Izumo asked eagerly. 

"No thanks boy, I remember where to go, I'm not that old yet." Mizuki rolled his eyes. "Come on let's go." 

 *-*-*-*-*.

The Hokage sat in his chair staring at his door, waiting for his long time friend to walk through. He had gotten a letter a week ago stating that his friend would be arriving soon with two new students who were training to become ninja. The Hokage was not surprised at his friend's actions though; this would be the third time he had brought children to the village to learn. However, what did surprise him what who he was bring with him---a Yukimura.

It was said that the Yukimuras were wiped out fifty years ago by a huge fire that burned the entire village and everyone in it, but apparently some survived the tragic event, seeing as one would soon be right in front of his face within a matter of moments. 

It was not before long his guests arrived at his door. "Come in," he called out. Tanaka walked in first followed by Mizuki then Moriko soon after. They all lined up in front of the Hokage's desk bowing as they said their greetings. Well all except for Moriko, she stood behind Mizuki, slightly scared of the older man.

As he talked to Takashi-sensei, Moriko took Mizuki's hand trying to calm herself. If she wanted to be a ninja, she would need to get over her fear of people. Back home she rarely went anywhere, but the one time she did she was kidnapped. It was only for a few hours though because her older sister torn the village apart. The men responsible were then exiled from the village after, of course, Miyako taught them a thing or two. 

"Tanaka-san it is nice to see you after such a long time and I see you brought friends." The Hokage stood from his chair and walked around his desk, stopping in front of Mizuki. The Hokage held out his hand, to which Mizuki took, shaking slightly.  Moriko stared all the old man through the old exchange. For some old reason Moriko felt as if he chould trust him already. "And who is this little one?" Moriko looked around, wondering if he had spoken to her.

"This shy one is Moriko Hokage-sama," Mizuki spoke out as he slightly pushed Moriko forward with a gentle hand.  "Say hello sweetie, it will be okay, he's a nice man who will help us," he reassured in a soft whisper. The girl looked up through her bangs meeting the soft eyes of the old man. He instantly reminder her of her Ojii-san, which brought a small smile to her face.