Strength From Within (A Naruto Neglect Book)

17

(A/N)
I've gone through and edited the first 10 chapters from the beginning when the book was started. They were written over a year ago so I figured I'd make them more consistent with the rest of the book. The chapters that are edited have -Edited- at the top. If you want to go back and read those edited chapters again it might make things make more sense, as many have being lengthened too.

x-X-x

"So, what do you say?" Kakashi asked, giving Naruto an eye smile, waiting for an answer.

"As long as it's after this week, I'd love too!" he said with a smile. While really he was reluctant to go, some help with chakra chains would be useful. He hadn't been able to find information on it in the library as it was things that were clan related and so were at the Namikaze-Uzumaki estate.

Besides, it would be suspicious for him to decline, and Kakashi was smart. If he had said no, then the copy ninja would have said something about it, because naturally Daidai should want to have a family related to his bloodline. He should want people that could help him with his skills, he should want friends especially when Kakashi had been told he didn't have many. He would stand out too much if he declined the offer, and that wasn't something he needed.

What excuses would he have if he said no? He couldn't say he didn't like meeting new people, because there was no doubt Kakashi would try to convince him to be more social since he would need to learn to have a good relationship with his comrades in he future. He couldn't say the Hokage had treated him badly in the past, because he hadn't done much physically to him as Daidai, and that didn't mean his children would do bad things too. If he didn't even know the children, how could he say they weren't his type of people or something about them that he didn't like? He didn't need to be suspected of hating the Hokage or his family, because if he showed any ill will towards them he could easily be taken into custody. He could have been sent there from a young age to get close to and kill the Hokage, Motoshi and Katsuko when they wouldn't suspect anything. People could and would come up with crazy stories like that just because they wanted to, and if they interrogated him to find out if it was true all his secrets would likely be revealed.

He had met Inoichi Yamanaka on a few occasions, and the man was not one to back down easily. If he was forced out of Naruto's mind by the Kyuubi they would try to find out why the manifestation of the tailed beast was in his mind through alternative, more painful ways, and things could all crumble down and fail.

And on top of all of that, deep down he really did want a chance at family. He didn't have a relationship with his siblings when he was younger, but maybe he could now. He didn't hate his siblings, if he was being honest with himself. They had been influenced by their parents to hate Uzumaki Naruto, and now he was different, he was Ichigo Daidai, Uzumaki Daidai. Now they didn't know who he really was, he had potential to have family. That being said, they could end up being as stuck up as their Hyuuga teammate Neji, he hadn't really talked to them so he didn't know what they were like. So he would have to see if they would give him a chance or not, because he was just about getting tired of trying to have a family with people who would only push him aside and give him the cold shoulder.

No matter what reasons he came up with now, there was no way he could get out of it. As soon as Kakashi asked that question, he was backed against the wall now, and though he was grateful for the training from the man knew he had to be smart about the way he went on from here.

At hearing his answer Kakashi nodded and eye smiled once more. "That's wonderful, Daidai. I'll ask them about it later of course, after you've finished your exam. And of course I'll make sure with Tsunade before I even begin to ask, but I'm sure that you will be. I'll meet you at noon tomorrow, and I promise I won't be late. I'm sure you've heard of the rumours, but as a sensei I've gotten better at being on time and I feel it's only right to show that same respect to you as you're my student."

Daidai smiled widely and nodded, thanking him and bidding him goodby before he returned home. He released the two clones he'd left at home to read more on poisons, trapping and other things during the day, before going to eat dinner with Shizune, and bathe after a long day. Following that he went to bed, while another two clones continued to work as he slept (spending time in his mindscape during that time. He was preparing with Kurama for the next week before the test as well, and they both knew that he would be able to do a good job when it came to that as well.

"I know you'll pass, kit, you're strong. You have come a long way from the boy who unlocked his chakra on his own, and even that was impressive. You should be proud of yourself, Shizune, Tsunade and the Nara certainly are. I am too, Naruto.

Especially today, you made a lot of smart choices. Though there was plenty of room to improve, you did well and were able to prove yourself. And you didn't decline, it was the right thing to do. I know we've discussed what would happen in those sorts of situations, but it was awfully sudden, you were exhausted and Kakashi found out you're an Uzumaki too. It's hard to keep cool like that but you did well, my little fox."

Naruto laughed and smiled, moving to hug Kurama as much as he could with his small body. "Well, what did you tell me when we first met? Foxes are mischievous. Though, in this case I believe deceptive is a better word," he said happily pulling away and laughing a bit more. He wasn't cold to everyone, with the people he considered family he was often happy and liked to laugh and smile, and truly do those things.

Kurama nodded, looking away when he felt the hug. He was still a bit less inclined to affection. While of course he liked the hug, he had feelings too, he didn't like admitting that he enjoyed the attention from the boy. He spent so long alone as all of his containers treated him like a monster that needed to be treated like he was worthless. He felt important to someone, and while of course he would outlive the boy he would eternally be glad he met him.

"That is very true, my kit, I've taught you well," he told him with a foxy grin. "Now let's get to work. There's a lot I need to tell you now that you're going to be an anbu very soon."