Ch 1 - Veiled mystery

Hey peeps. This is a Naruto x Tayuya story, with a smart, ninjutsu focused Naruto. Evil Sasuke and on OC of my own making, who you will personally meet in this chapter will be the main conflicts, plus AU. All of my other stories are going on hold for a little bit. Plus BlazetheForrestBirdAuthor has officially given his account over to me so if you want to see some of my non-Naruto related stories or crossovers head over there in a little bit, idk what my first anime story I write about should be, let me know in the comments. There is also a secret second pairing, if you guess it I'll give you a shout out. Until then I'll see you later so um…Kimimaro! You do the disclaimer for me.

Kimimaro: Why me?

Because you're one of my favorite characters, and you're not gonna get much screen time except maybe a flashback and a few mentions from Tayuya.

Kimimaro: Fine. Author-sama doesn't own any person, place, or event from Naruto-san's world, all rights go straight to Kishimoto.

Thanks tough guy.

Legend:

"Speaking"

'Thinking'

"Demon speaking"

'Demon thinking'

"VERY PISSED OF PERSON OR VERY LOUD PERSON OR BOTH"

"Just give up on Sasuke, He's a lost cause. He chose to go back to Orochimaru of his own free will. No matter what you do nothing will change him. He's an avenger, he won't stop his mission for anything."

*Growl* "You may not care about Sasuke, but he's my friend!"

"Can you seriously consider him your friend! Look what he did to you! HE WAS TWO INCHES AWAY FROM PEIRCING YOUR HEART AND KILLING YOU! Being a ninja isn't just about knowing flashy ninjutsu or epic taijutsu. It's about growing up and being able to make the right choice despite what you're heart is telling you. Chasing after Sasuke is foolish. This world isn't for fools."

"I understand."
"Hm..?"

"I understand that if what you say is true than I'll stay a fool my entire life! Sasuke's my friend, my teammate! I won't give up on him. Because that' s my ninja way."

"…."

"….."

"You know Naruto, you remind me of myself a very long time ago. So much that it's astonishing. Especially because I said those exact same words about Orochimaru to Sarutobi-sensei when he defected."

"W-what?"

"Let me tell you a story Naruto. When we were put on a team together I was a lot like you. A fool, a jokester, I never took anything seriously but I worked hard for what I believed in. Never good at anything initially, but after hours of none stop training I would get the hang of it. But Orochimaru? He was a genius he could learn anything in a matter of minutes. We fought like cat and dog all the time. Much like you and Sasuke."
"How is this relevant Pervy Sage?"

"Hold on I'm getting there. Then Orochimaru defected, and Sarutobi-sensei and I chased after him. But We failed, we couldn't bring ourselves to capture and put down our former comrade and student. His hatred for the Leaf, and for Sarutobi drove to do things that no human should be able to do. And we didn't stop him. Years later that nearly bit us in the ass. He almost destroyed the Leaf village. But if we had been smarter and stronger and gave up on him that time hundreds of lives could've been saved. And Sarutobi wouldn't've had to give u his life to save the village from that maniac!"

"Pervy Sage…"

"Naruto, Sasuke Uchiha almost killed you at the Valley of the End. And he left you there to die. He didn't care if you lived or not. The bond you and him shared, he severed it."
"So what? I still believe in our bond. Are you saying that I should just forget about him, and everything's he's done?!"

"No Naruto you shouldn't. I'm not asking you to completely forget about Sasuke. But I want you to think-"

"There's nothing to think about! Sasuke's my friend, and I won't give up on him.!"

"Let me finish Naruto. During the Sasuke retrieval mission almost all of your friends were seriously injured. And out of the entire group only the red haired girl survived. In your chase of Sasuke your friends our going to get hurt. Think if it's worth risking their lives for Sasuke."
"They don't have to follow me Jiraiya."

"But they will Naruto. They're Leaf Shinobi they'll follow you because the Leaf never let's their comrades walk alone."
"That's why I'm going after Sasuke! He's my comrade."

"You're still saying that? Naruto you're just as stubborn as the fourth hokage you know that? Sasuke's turned traitor to the village. He's turned his back on you, he's turned his back on team seven. He's turned his back on the village. All for his conquest of power. Bringing him back to the village won't change that. It will only make him worse. He has to come back of his own free will."

"But.."

"No buts Naruto, even if you somehow bring Sasuke back, do you honestly think he would stay. That he'll see you reasoning. That he'll just suddenly forget that his entire clan was murdered by his own older brother!? Sasuke's an avenger who only does things so that he can progress is own goals. He's not going to change and turn over a new leaf. The old Sasuke is dead and if you have any respect for him than you'll work hard to show that this new Sasuke is worse and a villain."
"But Pervy Sage…"
"In a week or two after you've gotten out of the hospital we're going on a training trip, for three years. Take until we leave to rest up, prepare, think and say good bye to you're friends."
With that Jiraiya, atop his summoned frog, leaped away, leaving Naruto staring off into the distance with a conflicted heart. He had questions, and no one had the answers. 'Wait a minute, did he say that the red haired chick was still alive?'

"What the fuck are you looking at, you blonde shithead?"

Naruto stared at the red head in front of him for a second before walking in slowly and closing the door behind him, not giving the chunin standing guard at her door a second thought.

The room he was in was almost identical to his hospital room, white walls, pictures of the Kage, sink on the side, and bathroom across the room. The only difference from his room were the many seals on the floor meant to seal ones chakra. Laying in the only bed in the room sat her, the only surviving member of the sound five, Orochimaru's personal guard. And the only person around who could possible give him the answers he was looking for.

"Hey, dumbass! I'm talking to you!"
Naruto blinked as he came back into focus and away from his thoughts. "Oh right I was here for a reason."
"What are you here to get revenge because the Uchiha brat got away?"

Again Naruto blinked, only this time in surprise."What? No, why would I take my anger out on you?"

"Because shit for brains, I helped capture him, and helped him get away."

"You were only doing that because it was your mission right?"

Now it was the girls turn to blink in surprise and then narrow her eyes. "Yeah it was. But why do you care?"

"What was it like?"
Caught by surprise by the unexpected question the redhead looked at Naruto for a second or two. "What was what like? damn it blonde if you want something out of me than just fucking ask!"

Naruto smiled and replied "Well a name would be a good start." She narrowed her eyes dangerously at the statement. 'What the hell does this idiot want? And why is he pretending to be nice?' She growled before barking out "Look stop pretending to be nice. I'm not saying jack shit about Orochimaru so don't bother asking.' She saw confusion enter the blond boy's eyes.

"What are you talking about? I wanted to know about you."

Again she growled. "And I told you to stop pretending to be nice! You know what, get the fuck out of here. I'm done talking."

"But.."

"No, fuck you! I'm done." With that she turned her head and didn't bother turning it around until she heard the door close. 'Dumb fucking blonde, almost as annoying as the blonde slut who helped that Nara kid beat me in the forest.'

"I thought I told your dumbass I'm not going to talk to you. Or are you to stupid to understand?"

Naruto smiled before holding up two bags. "Good thing I'm not here to talk."

She narrowed her eyes. "Then why the hell are you standing in this hospital room?"

Naruto offered the girl the bags he was holding, but she didn't take them. Naruto sighed before placing one bag on the floor and pulling a bento out of the other one. "I don't know what kind of food you do or don't like. So I just got Anko-chan's favorite, Dango. I know you haven't eaten in a couple days." He placed the bento box at the edge of her bed. The redhead only gave Naruto the middle finger as she said "You honestly think I'm that stupid? You won't be able to poison me that easily!"

Naruto only sighed as he picked up the box an ate a dango ball in front of her. "Look it's not poisoned. If you'll look out your window you can even see the shop I bought these at." She carefully took the box from Naruto before also carefully taking a bite. Once she thought the food was safe to eat she started wolfing it down with a gleam in her eyes. Soon she had the entire box finished, but before she could even say anything her stomach mad it known that it wasn't full, much to her embarrassment. Naruto chuckled before handing her another box. "lucky I bought two huh?"

He didn't get an answer as she was already attacking the box with a vigor like that of the Akamitchi. Once she had finished she looked up at Naruto before looking down and sighing. "My names Tayuya. No last name, got no family, never did. That's all you're getting out of me. So don't think we're friends because of this" Naruto smiled brightly at Tayuya, before picking up the other bag. "My names Naruto Uzumaki. Here, I know hate the hospital gowns, thought you'd hate them to so I had some of my female friends pick out some clothes for you and some other things to take a shower with."

Tayuya looked through the bag before looking back at Naruto. "Why are you doing this? Why are you being nice to me? I helped destroy your village, hell I helped Orochi-teme kill your hokage!" She saw Naruto tense up at the mention of the third hokage. 'Did his eyes just flash red for a second? I swear they just fuckin did!' He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath while he did so. "Again that was your mission wasn't it? I can't fault you for following your orders. Besides I heard what you did for that woman. You stopped your fellow sound nin from raping her. "
Tayuya blushed slightly before looking away. "Hey I'm a woman too. I fucking hate rapists . Besides those assholes deserved worse than what I did to them." Naruto smiled softly as he looked down. "It doesn't change the facts. You helped a Leaf citizen."

"Ok and how does that help me?" A serious look got into Naruto's eyes as he said "You wont be straight up killed. And once I have a word with Tsunade-Baachan you won't get tortured to death."

Tayuya growled as she threw a shampoo bottle in the bag at Naruto's head, hitting him with deadly accuracy. "Why the hell are you being so nice to me! I tried killing your teammate all so that the raven hair needle dick could get away." At this she saw a sad look get into Naruto's eyes. "Because I need to know why people follow Orochimaru." Tayuya's eyes narrowed. "I already said I'm not saying jack shit about him. Besides even if I wanted to I can't." Subconsciously Tayuya rubbed the back of her neck as she looked away.

"Ah so the curse mark acts as a emergency security huh." Tayuya's head snapped forward in rage. "How the hell do you know that!?" Naruto shook his head as he took a step back."Because a friend of mine, Anko, she was Orochimaru's pupil before he defected. She was the prototype for the curse seal. She does the same thing you just did. She's going to come by in a little bit to talk to you."
"Why the fuck would I want to talk to some bitch? Just because she has a curse mark to? HA no way in hell."
"Well she is the head of the interrogations and torture department, but I convinced her to just have a nice chat with you."

That's when something inside Tayuya clicked as she remembered something Orochimaru had told her when she first became his bodyguard. "Hold on a fucking minute. How the hell am I still alive? The moment it was reported to Orochimaru that I was defeated and not killed the curse mark should've killed me!"

Naruto chuckled as he scratched the back o his head. "My mentor is Jiraiya of the Sannin. He's a seal master. While not fully able to get rid of the seal, he can place another seal on top of the curse mark. The seal pretty much restricts the curse mark and makes it null and void until the bearer chooses to use it. That's the kicker, the seal will hold so long as you choose not to activate the curse mark."
Tayuya looked blankly at Naruto before saying "Ok shit for brains now say that again but this time slower and in easier words." Naruto sighed and opened his mouth to speak when a monotonous voice cut him off. "The Evil Sealing Method makes your curse mark useless until you try and use it. In which case if you try to use it any command that Orochimaru tried sending to the curse mark will activate. So if what you said is true, then if you try using your curse mark again you'll more than likely die." Both Naruto and Tayuya's head snapped to the door way were a Silver haired man was standing.

"Who the fuck are you?"

"Kakashi-sensei!"

Both being said at the same time, they looked at each other before looking back at Kakashi. "Good evening Naruto, and hello to you Ma'am. My name is Kakashi Hatake. Anyways I heard you were up Naruto and decided to come by and say hi." He then gave Naruto the peace sign before giving his signature eye smile. He then looked at Tayuya and said "You young lady are in a very precarious and unique position."

Tayuya growled and said "I'll show you whose a lady you scarecrow motherfucker!" Kakashi chuckled and said "While normally when the Leaf captures an enemy ninja who attacked the village, they get interrogated if they hold any useful information, then get either killed or thrown in jail for pretty much the rest of their lives." Tayuya paled slightly at that remark, and Naruto saw a hint of fear enter her eyes before they steeled over. "Yeah I figured as much."

"But…"

Tayuya's eyes narrowed yet again as she heard this. "But what fucker?"

"But it was noted by several citizens and even fellow shinobi that you did more than just save one woman from being raped." Naruto looked at Kakashi and then looked at Tayuya confused. "Wait what? What all did you do Tayuya?" Tayuya growled. "The ninja from sound village, the men, they're pigs all of them. The only descant ones were considered too weak."

"Ah so your name is Tayuya. Well, Tayuya, saving over twenty woman from being raped, and over fourty children ages ten to fourteen from being molested, that has put you in a unique position." For once a slight light of hope entered Tayuya's eye, before it quickly vanished and a snarl made its way to her face. "So what, I talk and give you all the information I have, and I get to leave the village with my chakra sealed away? Fuck that shit, you may as well kill me right here and now if that's the case."

Kakashi shook his head, " You're wrong about that. If you cooperate with us, than you may live a normal life here in Konoha. Whether you'll keep your chakra or not is something Lady Tsunade will decide. Of course considering Lady Tsunade hates rapists and pedophiles more than anything else in the world, she may even offer you a place within our ninja ranks. But that's a bridge to burn later. Right now just think about it. Naruto if your able to move than come with me. I want to do a little bit of light training, and teach you something that I should've taught you a while ago. Tayuya a friend of mine is coming by to talk to you."

Same day an hour later training ground seven

"All right Naruto, what I want you to do is channel your chakra into this piece of paper." Naruto grabbed the offered piece of paper but looked at Kakashi and then around the empty training area. "Kakashi-sensei, what about Sakura? Shouldn't she be learning what her elemental affinity is too?" Kakashi's eyes widened slightly at Naruto's display of knowledge. "Ah you know what we're doing. Good. And to answer your question Sakura has asked to be taught under Lady Tsunade to be a medical ninja." Naruto's eyes widened as he imagined Sakura smashing boulders and the ground to pieces with her bare fists. Kakashi cleared his throat before continuing to speak.

"Before you go to learn under Jiraiya-sama, It is my duty as your sensei to teach you the basics of elemental ninjutsu. So if you'll just channel a little bit of chakra into that piece of chakra paper we can begin." Naruto closed his eyes, concentrating adding a little bit of chakra to the paper. To his surprise three things happened. First half of the paper wrinkled up, the other half crumpled up and turned into dust. Following that immediately afterwards the paper cut up into hundreds of tiny pieces, falling gently to the ground. Kakashi smiled.

"Well Naruto it appears you have a very powerful wind element, as well as equally powerful earth and lightning elements. Just having three is very rare, and quite honestly I expected the fox to have given you the fire element. But oh well. It's a good thing you know the shadow clone jutsu because learning to control three different elemental natures would take a normal person years to master."

"What do you mean it's a good thing I know the Shadow clone jutsu?'

Kakashi gave an eye smile. "Make a hundred clones and you'll find out."

xxxXXxxXXxxx

Same time Tayuya's room

"And just who the fuck are you supposed to be?"

"My name is Anko Mitarashi."

"Aren't you Orochi-teme's former student or something?"
"Ah I see Naruto-kun has already told you. He seems to have taken an interest in you."

A small blush crept onto Tayuya's face as she thought about the blonde. "Ok and why should I care about the blond shit stain?"

"Because he's a good judge of character. Besides He doesn't take to anyone fast, but you're an exception."

Again Tayuya felt a small blush come on her face. "Ok and? What does he have a crush on me or something?" Anko laughed loudly, "He just might if you give him enough attention. But that's not why I'm here."
"What you here to get information about Orochimaru? Because I ain't saying jack shit about the bastard!"

Anko smiled sadly. "I know all to well how persuasive he can be and is. I was his student after all." Anko then turned around lowering her trench coat just enough so Tayuya could see her curse mark. "Me and nine other people were the test subjects for this damned thing. I was the only survivor, I set the one out of ten survival rate. But when Orochimaru saw that I wasn't the tool he wanted he abandoned me. You got caught and if it wasn't for Jiraiya-sama you would be dead. Hell you've probably got a bounty on your head in the hidden sound village right now. "
Tayuya growled out her response "So what? The moment I lost to that Nara fucker I became useless to the Hidden Sound!" Anko smirked "So are you willing to die for your village, or your former master?" The second of hesitation before Tayuya nodded was all that Anko needed to know. "We've had spies in the Hidden Sound pretty much sense it announced it self as a village. Woman aren't treated the best there. Hell you must have struggled really hard to get to your position. One of Orochimaru's top body guards Third strongest if what you told Shikamaru is to be believed."
Tayuya looked away as she huffed. "Yeah the only ones stronger than me was Sakon, Ukon and Kimimaro. And to your point about The Hidden Sound, I doubt that. They all probably think I'm dead." Anko shook her head. "You know as well as I, Orochimaru doesn't risk loose ends. He'll send some here to make sure that the bodies of the Sound elite five are burned to ashes. "

Before Tayuya could utter a word Anko continued."Must have been pretty lonely. Being in the sound I mean. At the top and not being seen as an equal amongst your peers. Hell I bet most people thought you were a slut. That would explain why you're so vulgar, and the way you dressed like a guy too" She would've continued but Tayuya cut her off, rage full on in her voice "What the hell would you know about it bitch! I had to be tough to survive. I just happen to be tougher than the rest!"

"What would I know about being lonely? Everything and 'the blonde shit stain?' He knows even more than me about being lonely! I was Orochimaru's apprentice when he defected. When the public learned about all of the monstrosities that man did, I was their scapegoat. I'm ostracized daily even now for being his student. If you decide to stay here I have no doubt the villagers will both hear of your heroism during the invasion, and yet they'll somehow find out about you being involved with Orochimaru."

"What they hell do you mean bout Naruto? How could someone so cheerful be lonely?" Anko raised an eyebrow and chuckled, much to Tayuya's ire. "You're more worried about Naruto being lonely than your only hope for a home hating you?" At this point Tayuya blushed full on and struggled, and failed, to hide it. "What?! No fuckin way am I going to be allowed to stay here, so why worry about it? Any ways answer my question bitch!" "Anko looked away for a second. "It's not my story to tell Tayuya. Even if I wanted to , Lord Third made it a law forbidding everyone from talking about it. But just know that Naruto's been hated by almost the entire village for the entirety of his life, for event's out of his control." With that Anko left the room and left a conflicted kunoichi as well.

The next day

"Hey Tayuya-san, I brought you some more dango like yesterday." Naruto came in smiling holding two bags again. " Tayuya didn't bother looking at Naruto or saying anything she just took the bag of dango bento boxes. Naruto chuckled, "Still with the silent treatment huh? Well I have a deal for you." This got Tayuya's attention as she turned to face Naruto. He held up a long slender box, roughly the size of Tayuya's forearm. "In here is flute. I figured you got bored staring at walls and cussing out everyone who came around." As he finished his sentence he saw a hungry like gleam enter Tayuya's eyes. "Ah, I see that got your attention. But in return you ask me questions and I ask you questions. Interested?"

Tayuya was conflicted, she felt a part of her die when she had learned her flute was destroyed. Playing the flute had always been her stress reliever, her out when she needed to get away from the world. But Orochimaru and the hidden sound village… She shakily extended her hand to take the box and with equal amount of shakes she opened the box only to widen her eyes and gasp at the contents of the box bringing a slender hand to her mouth. Inside was a pure silver flute with golden trims around the buttons of the flute as well as a gold trim around where the mouth blew air into. (AN: I played the trumpet and melaphone[or marching French horn] So if the parts of the flutes mentioned here have a proper name I'm sorry) On the flute itself was the word's Aka Oni no Konoha (Red Demon of Konoha) engraved in an ornate style.

"This must've cost a fortune! You really must have shit for brains to be buying shit like this for me." As she said this, awe was in her voice and her eyes never left the flute. Then Her eyes narrowed as she found something engraved on the bottom of the flute. "What the hell is T. U? You haven't stolen this from some rich snob have you dumbass?" Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Um…well you see…it turns out that the Uzumaki clan used to be a very important clan and ally to the hidden Leaf village. And as the last surviving member as well as the rightful heir to the Uzumaki clan I'm allowed to um what was it again? Pardon right, Pardon! I'm allowed to pardon people and put them under the protection of the Uzumaki clan. "
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Naruto blushed and looked down as he said "I kind of pardoned you. According to the book I was reading you're now my responsibility, and sense you said you didn't have a family you kind of took my ..family..name…T. U Stands for Tayuya Uzumaki…." Naruto closed his eyes and flinched slightly as he waited for the verbal tongue lashing he knew was going to come. Instead of a verbal abuse he felt Tayuya get close to him, and he flinched more as he imagined the kind of physical abuse she would put him through. And instead of that he felt soft hands grab the collar of his shirt and lift him of the ground and slam him against the wall, as she yelled "AND WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU DO THAT YOU BLOND DUMBASS? WHY ARE YOU BEING SO NICE TO ME!? I'VE DONE NOTHING BUT MAKE LIFE HELL FOR YOU AND YOUR VILLAGE! WHY DO YOU THINK I'M WORTH ALL THIS EFFORT? WHY DON'T YOU MOCK ME OR, OR MAKE PERVERTED COMMENTS ABOUT ME OR TRY TO BRING ME DOWN AND SAY I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH! WHY, WHY, WHY?" With each "why" she slammed Naruto against the wall, harder than the previous time.

Naruto only responded with a sad smile as he looked off into the distance. "Because your eyes are like how mine use to be." That got Tayuya to stop as she stared, small tears forming at the edge of her eyes. "Full of loneliness, and distrust for every one around, hidden under a mask, so that no one can see the pain underneath. I've lived that way my entire life. Most of the villagers hate me, and over price me for almost everything I try to buy. I got the flute because the owner learned I was the one who stopped Garra and wanted to thank me." With every word Tayuya's eyes got ever wider. 'This kid, whose been nothing but kind has been hated by everyone? Wait He beat the Suna jinchuuriki!?' Then Naruto continued speaking, "Your eyes remind of Garra's. Nothing but pain, whereas he went insane, you just receded into yourself. I was almost there myself you know? So close to closing off my heart to the entire world. Nothing but a cold machine."

"W-what stopped you?"

*Sad smile* "Someone acknowledged me and my existence. Said I wasn't the demon every one thought I was. Who saw me as the scared, scarred, and lonely kid I really was. Since then more and more people have been seeing me. But I'm not done yet. I won't stop until I become Hokage and everyone acknowledges me and respects me. Because I fight to protect what I love. I never quit, I never give up and I never go back on my word. Because that's my nindo my Ninja way!"

"…"

"…"

"What's your first question?" Naruto quietly lead Tayuya back to her bed, as he thought, noticing the lack of resistance from the normally abrasive redhead who was tightly clutching the flute in her hands. 'This blond kid who hasn't even known me for more than a couple of days has already stuck his neck out to protect me. Why? Because we have similar circumstances? HA! Bullshit! He wants something from me. But I'll play along for now.'

"My first question for you is why did you follow Orochimaru? What makes him so charismatic?" Tayuya shook her head. "It's not about charisma you idiot. The man has a way with words yes, but a toddler has more charisma in their pinky finger than he'll ever have in his entire life. It's about feeling indebted to him. Every member of Orochimaru's elite guard feels like they owe him an incredible debt that they'll never be able to pay off. For me, it was giving me a home. I grew up in a small town in Rice country, on the streets. Everyday was a fight for survival. Till Orochimaru finds me and takes me away. Since then I was trained to fight, had clean clothes and fresh food to eat." As she was saying this a far off look got into her eyes, but she didn't fail to notice the disappointed look that got into Naruto's eyes. "Look blonde, if you're wondering about Raven dick, it's a lot simpler than you think." At this Naruto's head perked up. "He's going to Orochimaru simply for power, he wants power for whatever reason, and he thinks only Orochimaru can give it to him. Granted that's partly due to the curse seal. It is very corrupting, just like Orochi-teme intended it to be. It starts eating away at the users willpower until all they can think about is whatever Orochimaru wants them to think."
Naruto hung his head in disappointment. "Thank you Tayuya, I guess it's your turn to ask a question now." Tayuya actually took a minute to think about what she would ask. Which Naruto felt was a very rare occurrence indeed. "Ok, Shithead why didn't the guards come in when I started slamming you into the wall." Naruto chuckled as he pulled out his frog wallet, which was conspicuously empty at the moment. "Oh I kind of bribed them before hand." Before he could say anything else Tayuya interrupted him. "So what am I exactly when it comes to being under your protection and how does it work?" Naruto brought his finger to his chin as he thought. "Basically you're my charge, I am directly responsible for whatever you do. As clan heir I can take one charge without question no matter who it is. If you get in trouble I get punished before you do, but if you commit a felony like murder or something like that we both get in trouble."

"Don't you have to get permission from your Hokage or some shit like that?"

"Well that falls under you being my first charge I get a freebie basically. And if I leave the village for any reason other than an A or S rank mission and you're not at least a chunin level ninja then you have to come with me." Tayuya blinked her eyes as a realization hit her "So I'm not going to have my chakra sealed off?" Naruto shook his head. "Well that's up to Tsunade-Baachan. Normally as a fugitive ninja, you would have your chakra sealed. Considering you stop numerous atrocities from being committed, you may be able to plead your case. But for that to happen you're going to have to pledge yourself as a Leaf ninja I think."

Tayuya grinned, "Well it's a good thing my previous village thinks I'm dead or wants me dead, doesn't?" Naruto's eyes become dinner plates as he took in her words. "Wait you're ok with this?" Tayuya's grin never left her face as a gleam entered her eyes. "Of course I don't like this. It's either except your proposal or dance with the devil over the possibility of going to jail or being executed. At least being your charge allows me to still fuck with people." Naruto sighed as he pinched his nose. "Fine then I'll take it. But there may come a time while you're traveling with me where you have to turn against Orochimaru. Actually that's almost a given." Without missing a beat Tayuya replied "yeah, yeah, yeah whatever, If it comes down to it I have no problems trying to kill the snake fuck!" Naruto looked at Tayuya warily. "What's with the sudden change of attitude?"

"Nothing shit head, don't worry about it. So when am I meeting Tsunade so I can be officially made your charge?" Naruto scratched his cheek for a second before replying. "Well I haven't set it up. I guess I'll just have to get Kakashi or someone get her to stop by for a visit. Anyways I've got to go do my training so I'll see you tomorrow." With that Naruto ran out the door as Tayuya sat on her bed looking at the flute and smiling a small smile. "Now where's the best place I can place this?" She mused loudly to herself

The next day saw a rough day for all the medic nin that day. Every patient was either crying loudly, in the case of children, or belligerent in the case of drunk fools that had gotten themselves hurt. Chronically ill patients were especially feeling their pain on this day and even the people in the streets bustling about their day felt short tempered. Kids were unusually snobbish, and even the older generation were more irate than usual. Snapping at the smallest of things. And for one Naruto Uzumaki ,sitting in his hospital bed, he felt himself getting lost in his thoughts. Each thought laced with a small spec of despair.

Despair for the failed promise he made to Sakura. Despair for the challenging promise he made to himself. Despair for his best friend. 'Or is he really my best friend? I know Sasuke's got a lot of hate in his heart because of what Itachi did. But still he almost killed me, and according to Jiraiya, he didn't care. If Tayuya is to be believed, then he isn't going to come back easily. But what can I do? He mopped the floor with me, even when I was using the fox's power! What do I do? What do I do!?'

With every growing second, despair, grief and anger filled Naruto's heart. Despair for the hopelessness he felt. Grief for having failed his friends who had risked so much just for him to fail. And Anger because he tried his hardest and in the end it still hadn't been enough. Naruto brought his fist into the wall beside him, hard, as he growled out his frustrations! "Damn it all! I need to get stronger. Or else Sasuke will always be better than me. And if I'm to weak to beat him, then why would he ever listen to me?! Kami damn it!" Than a deep thought struck Naruto. "Wait. What am I going to do after I bring Sasuke back? I guess worry about remaking the Uzumaki clan. But that mean' s I got to learn all about Konoha laws and stuff if I'm to be a competent clan head and Hokage. Wait! Can I even be Hokage and clan head at the same time? Urgh! Why did I ever neglect all of those lectures from Iruka-sensei's classes." After that thought even more anger flooded Naruto as he realized just how stupid he was. "I really thought I could become Hokage like this? Ha! What a joke. I'm so stupid!" Naruto's rage grew to such a state he was subconsciously leaking miniscule amounts of the Kyuubi's chakra into the air around him.

that was until he heard it. A soft, somber tone filling the air. It was low at first but grew louder after a couple of seconds. He then realized what it was. Music. More specifically a flute. It was playing a soft melody. One that told of sadness and sorrow, but at the same time held a slight tone of… happiness maybe? Or maybe hope? Naruto couldn't tell. But the moment such wonderful music fell upon his ears, all of the pain in Naruto's heart seemed to melt away. All the madness laying claim to his mind vanished, and he felt strong again.

Looking out the window he tried to find where the source of the music was coming from. Only to find that everyone hustling in the streets had stopped and was staring at the hospital. From young and old, everyone seemed to be hypnotized by the sound. Naruto then focused his hearing past the music, to the sounds coming from the hospital. To his surprise yet again even the dying, sick, and injured had stopped groaning to listen to such a sweet melody. Then Naruto realized where it was coming from, the roof! Hoping out his window he walked up the wall slowly listening to the melody, enjoying the rise and fall of the music.

When he got to the top he gasped at the site before him. Sitting on the center of the roof was Tayuya, legs crossed, eyes closed, as her fingers danced over the buttons of the flute. And around her were birds of all species: Ravens, Sparrows, Pigeons, Mockingbirds, even a pair of Eagles were sitting off to the side, heads cocked and eyes watching her intently. Naruto himself found he couldn't bear to do anything but sit down and watch Tayuya as well. Her every move graceful as she swayed her body slightly to match the beat of her song. A small breeze of air came bye catching her hair with it, giving Tayuya a very beautiful look. Naruto blushed.

'Beautiful? Where the hell did that come from?' Naruto didn't question himself for very long as he was lost in the music again, this time it was a different melody, focusing more on higher notes with subtle changes in octaves. This carried on for what felt to Naruto like an eternity. When Tayuya finished one melody she would switch to a different one, never once opening her eyes as she did so. Then she shifted and Naruto felt a change of some sort go through Tayuya. Her back got a little straighter and her shoulder's just a tad bit more broad. Taking in a deep breath she started playing, and when she did, Naruto was completely blown away.

It was a very gentle song she was playing. Not to loud, not to soft. It didn't remind Naruto of any sort of melody. 'It's a lullaby! She's actually playing a lullaby. And it's a very nice one at that.'

With her eyes closed, Tayuya stood up, where Naruto noticed she was actually in the clothes Sakura and Ino picked out for her. A white blouse with red leggings and a dull grey zip up jacket that wasn't actually zipped up. She didn't go anywhere, or do anything spectacular. She just played standing up. Then when her lullaby seemed to be reaching the middle of itself, she started swaying back and forth and stepping in small circles. And Naruto felt his heart skip a beat for a split second. Her every movement was graceful, and she didn't once step on any bird, which actually didn't move or do anything else but sit and watch her.

Then she finished her song, and opened her eyes, where she had positioned herself to be looking off at the distance of the sunrise. Tayuya smiled at herself as she looked at the flute in her hands. "I really have to thank Naruto for getting me this. It even play's the old hags songs. The flute Orochimaru gave me only let me play when I was controlling my doki, or using some genjutsu. This though, this is a real instrument. Something I can't just use to block some stupid Nara's kunai or even bring into a fight. Something I'm really going to have to take care of. Ha, I'm surprised those chunin let me go out here with the only thing needed was this chakra cuff seal on my leg." Turning around she saw the empty rooftop and sighed, "A new life huh? Under the Uzumaki clan name. This should be interesting."

Later that night

Tayuya's eyes snapped open as she sat up in bed grabbing the nearest item she could to use as a weapon, which happened to be her flute. Looking around she scanned her room, getting up quietly. Silently stepping off of her bed she sneaked her way to the door, and out her ear against it. She heard the soft sound of breathing coming from her guards. Walking over to her window she looked out at the street below. Nothing except the late night drunks and night patrol were out and about doing anything. 'Nothing. Guess it was just paranoia.'

She turned around, and as she did a hand grabbed her by the throat and pushed her up and against the wall. Tayuya gasped as she felt the pressure around her throat, She couldn't tell who her assailant was. All she could see was tan skin from the arm holding her, the rest of the body was hidden by the shadows. "It's been awhile ain't it, firecracker?" Tayuya's eyes widened as she heard his voice and recognized it immediately, a small stone of fear settling in her stomach. "What the fuck? You should be dead! Kimimaro killed you!" The man chuckled and it was at that point in time she saw the dead bodies of her guards slumped against the wall.

"Yeah well Lord Orochimaru had other plans for me. But because we are former colleagues I'll do you a favor. You tell me how they've blocked your connection to the curse seal, and what you've told the Leaf about Lord Orochimaru. Do that and I'll give you a quick death." Tayuya glanced ay the doorway again and the man laughed deeply. "Don't think about running away. We both know I'm faster. Go ahead and call for help I have silencing seals placed outside your door. "

Tayuya growled and grabbed the mans arm. Using it as leverage she kicked him in the chest, making him take a few steps back as Tayuya fell to the floor. "Fuck you Kagimaru. You may be stronger but we both know I don't go down without a fucking fight!" The now identified Kagimaru got up and laughed again. "I was hoping you would say that firecracker. Because I've learned a couple new interrogation techniques from Kabuto and I've been dying to try them out." With that he blurred out of sight and reappeared behind Tayuya, aiming a chopping blow straight for her neck.

Tayuya ducked under it, and grabbed his arm. With an amazing display of strength she threw Kagimaru against the far wall and reached for her flute. "Fine lets see how you like this!" Blowing on it a staggering kind of sound filled the air as Tayuya started playing. 'Demonic flute: Phantom sound chains!' She thought in her mind. Kagimaru simply looked around before grinning and walking slowly towards Tayuya. 'What the fuck? Why isn't my genjutsu working?' Then her eyes widened as she remembered. 'Shit! My chakra's sealed and he knows it!'

"I always did like it when you played the flute. Speaking of, you sounded wonderful this evening. I don't think I would've been able to find you if I hadn't heard you playing."

*Growl* "Shut the fuck up you bastard!" Tayuya started taking a few steps back as Kagimaru started getting closer, cracking his knuckles. "You've gotten a little bit stronger since we lat saw each other, I'll give you that." Tayuya rushed forward, punching Kagimaru in the chest twice before going into a deadly palm uppercut. Kagimaru's head snapped up , before he grinned and brought it back down on Tayuya's, hard. *CRACK* the force of the blow was so hard, Tayuya was sent flying onto her back stunned and dazed. Kagimaru picked Tayuya up and put her back onto the bed, grabbing some leather straps from a seal on his arm and tying Tayuya to her hospital bed. When Tayuya regained her focus, Kagimaru was busy setting out an array of very sharp, and uniquely shaped knives. Picking one up and inspecting the sharpness of it he mused loudly. "With this trick Kabuto showed me I've had the toughest of men screaming within ten minutes." Turning to face Tayuya a dark look came on his face, "I wonder how, long you will last." Then he started stepping towards her, as fear settled into Tayuya's eyes.

Cliff hanger no jutsu!

Kimimaro: Is this really necessary?

AH! Oh shit you're still here. Why?

Kimimaro: It's boring in hell, and watching Tayuya's new life unfold is interesting.

Oh, well ok I guess? Usually after I have some one do the disclaimer they just disappear. Though having you around should be interesting.
Kimimaro: Was it really necessary to leave off on a cliffhanger?

Yes it was, because if I had continued then the next chapter would've been short, and I can't have that.

Kimimaro: Why did Tayuya have a change of heart all of a sudden. That's not like her at all.

I am glad you brought that up. Naruto changed Obito, the guy who swore his entire life to kill the Leaf, in pretty much a matter of maybe thirty minutes? Not including all the fighting that was going on, with his Talk/Plot no jutsu, so I figured Naruto could do the same over a few days. Also though this chapter was split by day, it showed the parts of the day I wanted it too, trust me Tayuya and Naruto, or more specifically Naruto spent a lot more tome together than what I wrote down.

Kimimaro: And will we be seeing what wasn't written in this chapter?

Oh most definitely, and Kagimaru guy's, and gals, Kimimaro's predecessor. What do you think?

Kimimaro: I was sure I killed him when I took over as the leader of the sound five.
Well apparently Orochimaru had other plans. Anyways as always guys, rest and review and tell me what you thought.