The Rogue Fox

The Time Before The War (Part 1)

Naruto sat at his desk digging through a pile of papers on it. They piled up so high he couldn't see over them. Thanks to the newly made alliance with the other Nations he paper work had quadrupled in size. How long had he been signing papers for?

"I think it's time for a break." A voice came from the other side of Naruto's paper work.

"Who is that?" Naruto asked trying to push all the papers out of the way. "I can't see you."

"It's Nagato." The voice replied. "I'm here to talk to you about Hal."

"Hal?" Naruto asked seriously. "Is he alright? What's wrong? I want you to tell me everything."

"Calm down," Nagato said. "He's fine as far as I know, but he misses you. You hardly see him or Hinata now that I think about."

"I know," Naruto sighed. "Ever sense the Alliance was made I've been piled with work. I guess I can take a break and see how Monday classes are going at the academy."

"It's Thursday." Nagato replied. 

"Thursday!" Naruto yelled. "I thought it was Sunday night last night. You mean I've been work for like four days?!"

"Hinata asked me to come get you for that very reason." Nagato said. "I'll finish up here you go get a shower, some sleep, and then take a week off."

"Two days only." Naruto said. "I can't be slacking off."

"Your not," Nagato replied. "And you need to be ready when the enemy makes their move. I can't have you falling asleep during a battle."

"Fine," Naruto said trying to get up but it was no use. He had been sitting for so long his body wouldn't listen to him. "Damn I can't even move."

Naruto created a shadow clone to help himself up. He thanked Nagato and began limping away using his clone to help him get use to walking again. As Naruto finally got some feeling back in his legs he dispelled the clone and began walking normally.

"Naruto?" Someone called.

Naruto looked to see who called his name and smiled as Hal came running up to him. It felt like forever sense they had talked to one another.

"Hal," Naruto said. "Sorry I haven't been around lately."

"I understand your busy," Hal said. "I'm just glade you haven't forgotten me."

"I would never forget you little brother." Naruto said. "I'm heading home to shower and take a well needed nap. How about tonight me, you, and Hinata have dinner together, sound good?"

"Sounds great," Hal said. "Oh, and I have a question."

"Ask away," Naruto said. "I may just have an answer."

"Will everyone serve in this coming war?" Hal asked sending fear through Naruto's whole body. "My teachers say I should graduate sooner then others my age."

"You and anyone who isn't a Chunin will not serve in the war." Naruto said beginning to walk home again.

"Why?" Hal asked. "I can fight and I'm very skilled."

"You will not be going to war that's the end of it." Naruto said.

"Who says you get to make that choice?" Hal asked anger rising in his voice. "Just because you a Kage now-"

"As Kage I say no one under chunin will fight in this war," Naruto said. "And as your brother I say the same damn thing. I may die out there but I'll be damned if I let you die too."

"So your treating me different because I'm your little brother." Hal said.

"Yes Hal," Naruto said getting angry. "I'm sorry I want to protect you."

"I don't need protected anymore!" Hal yelled. "I'm not the same weak kid you found being attacked by a bunch of drunk idiots."

"Your right but your still a kid." Naruto said. "It's my duty to protect you as an Adult, Kage, and your older Brother."

"What does it matter if I live and others die?" Hal asked raising his voice.

"Because your the only one I trust with looking after Hinata!" Naruto yelled.

Silence fell between the two brothers. Hal was shocked by what Naruto had said. He trust him with Hinata's safety.

"Your strong," Naruto said his voice becoming calmer. "In a few years you may be even stronger then me. So if I die I need to die know Hinata is in good hand. This isn't a mission I'm giving you, I'm asking you to take care of Hinata for me."

"You know I would," Hal said. "But, you and I won't die. We'll come back alive together. You can take care of Hinata yourself and we can be a family."

"I also think we will both live," Naruto said. "But I must prepare for the worst. Promise me you'll stay in the village and watch over Hinata."

"But-"

"Promise me."

"Fine," Hal said giving in. "I promise."

"Thank you." Naruto said with a sigh. "I'll see you at dinner, and Hal. Everything I do, even if it pisses you off now is for your safety and for the safety of the future."

"I know Naruto," Hal said. "But remember it's your future too."

"I will." Naruto said. "Now I've going home to get a shower. See you later!"

With that Naruto ran off home where Hinata was waiting. After saying hello and kissing her for a good two minutes Naruto went to get a shower. He let the water drip down his neck and down his back. Letting the water wash away all the worries he had about the coming future. After drying off and putting some sleep close own Naruto laid down to sleep before he was to have dinner with Hal and Hinata. After laying down Hinata came to join him. With in a few minutes he was peacefully asleep.