NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39: Inheritance
Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 39: Inheritance
"That is all..." Kakashi ended his summary of the mission to the old Hokage.
The only other occupants in his office at the moment were the other members of Team 7, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto.
After a minute of silence, the Hokage spoke again.
"It seems like you all had a very rough first mission outside Konoha. But I am glad that everyone came back alive and well." His eyes moved over the genins.
"You will all be compensated properly for this mission. Even though the client only paid for a C-rank, the village will not mistreat you and will give you all the payment of a B-rank mission."
"Whoa, really?" Sakura looked excited. "I think I can afford those earrings now..." She mumbled under her breath.
"Won't your advisors complain about this?" Kakashi knew how stingy those two old people could be.
The Hokage brushed him off. "Let them complain if they want to. But if they are somewhat smart, they will see that this mission has greatly improved our reputation with the Land of Waves. And now that their bridge is built, their economy should flourish. This means more future missions for our village and more benefits."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Kakashi gave him a quick bow, and the others did the same.
"I'm sure you are all wishing to get some rest, so you are dismissed...however, Naruto...I need you to stay for a moment. There is something else we must discuss," the Hokage said.
Sakura and Sasuke shared a look between them. They obviously wanted to know more but could not possibly question their leader. So they turned around and left the office.
"I assume you also want to speak with me?" Kakashi stayed behind.
The Hokage glanced at him. "Indeed, but this first matter only concerns Naruto. Could you go call Ebisu? I believe he was waiting on the ground floor."
Sensing that the Hokage wanted to talk with Naruto alone, Kakashi gave him a nod and disappeared from the spot.
"Is something wrong?" Naruto wondered if he had made some serious mistake.
But he calmed down a bit when he saw a smile appear on the old man's face. "No, not at all. But...the last time we talked about your parents, there was another matter that we failed to tackle."
"Another matter about my parents?"
"Yes...it's about your inheritance."
"Ah..." He understood now. Since his parents passed away all of a sudden and as far as he was aware, he had no more family in the village. Whatever they left behind must now belong to him.
"Now...neither of your parents were particularly wealthy individuals, but we have saved whatever they left behind. Your mother came from the Uzumaki clan, shortly before it was destroyed, so she only had the few items that came with her.
And your father was the last member of a very small clan that had little left. But they did have a nice house on the other side of the hot springs. Everything they possess is in there."
"And no one has touched the contents inside that house?" Naruto found it hard to believe. Even if they weren't rich, his father had been considered one of the most powerful ninjas in the entire continent. He was sure there were a lot of people who would want to get their hands on any of his secrets.
"Of course, many had wanted to do that..." The Hokage mentioned with a hint of sadness in his voice. "There are a lot of greedy people out there. But, I would never have allowed anyone to lay a finger on Minato's secrets."
"I understand...I guess I should thank you for that." Naruto's opinion of the old Hokage had gone up a notch. It was rare to find people this righteous.
"No need for thanks..." The old man pulled a small scroll from a drawer. "This is the key to unseal the property. It also contains instructions on what you have to do."
Naruto nodded and took the scroll.
"But...I thought you wanted me to keep quiet about my parentage. Won't people be surprised to see me enter the house of the previous Hokage?"
"You think every civilian knew where Minato lived? His house is in a district exclusive to ninjas. And the ones who knew him and his house are very much familiar with your identity. Some of them may give you a strange look, but no one will say anything to you."
"Oh...I see."
"That being said, if you decide to move into that house, I would prefer it if you were discreet about it." He then added.
Someone knocked on the door at that moment.
"That must be your guide." The Hokage looked ahead. "Come in."
Kakashi went back inside. A tall man, wearing dark blue clothes and dark sunglasses, was following right behind.
The man gave Naruto a passing glance before focusing on the Hokage.
"Lord Hokage, I am here as you requested..." He gave a deep bow.
"Ebisu, I assume you remember what I need from you?" The Hokage asked.
Ebisu glanced at Naruto again.
"I do...I will escort Uzumaki to 'his' residence and help him remove the seal." There was some bitterness in his tone.
"It is Naruto's residence now," the old man reminded him.
"Of course." Ebisu bowed once more.
"Go on, Naruto. Ebisu will...oh wait, before I forget." The Hokage handed Naruto another piece of paper.
"This is a short list of shops owned by ninja families. You will have no problem doing your shopping in any of them. I have already spoken with the owners."
Naruto glanced down at the paper he had been given. On top of the shop names, it also had detailed descriptions of the shops, what they sold, and where to find them.
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
The old Hokage gave him a warm smile. "Don't worry about it. It's the least I could do. Now, go on. I need to have a conversation with your teacher."
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