Naruto's POV (Nearby Snowscape - Land of Iron)
"It started with the death of the Third. It is said he died in an ambush in the village, but, oddly, he was killed, yet his own guard Yagura had not noticed nor been felled himself. It mattered little, however, for no one in our home had the credentials to override his reign. Yagura was next in line, and only then did we see the monster he had become. His hero complex, the reason he was beloved, soon became the very reason people turned on him. Believing himself to be a hero, anyone who stood against him was seen as villainous, his word and law became the new moral standards, and he believed in crushing any such "evil"/ opposition he crossed."
"When it was those we all could agree were guilty, the people approved it. We don't mind some healthy pruning, after all. However, the culprit list seemed to only grow, and the reasons became more and more nonsensical. Soon, it wasn't even limited to his enemies; even those who had the slightest chance of being disloyal were killed." Suigetsu ended.
Naruto was shocked by the news. The whole situation sounded absurd. He had heard the rumors to listen to it from Mist shinobi themselves, which made it clear how real it was.
"I see, but why are you telling me this?" Naruto asked.
"We need all the firepower we can get; we have the unenviable task of besting not only the youngest kage ever but one that is a perfect jinchuriki. You are clearly a skilled shinobi after these exams, one that just so happens to be a jinchuriki of the strongest beast." Mangetsu explained further. "We're offering a dire job, fighting with the Equal rebels against Justice Loyalists. Upon victory, you will be rewarded with fame, riches, and power beyond what you could imagine." Mangetsu offered.
"I don't think I can just agree to do that," Naruto replied, feeling guilty even as he said it. The situation sounded dire, but he couldn't just chime in and help at the drop of a dime. "I cannot validate what you're saying, and I cannot abandon my home to help."
"Another waste of time, older brother; he won't bother to help people outside his circle, the same as anyone else," Suigetsu remarked snidely.
"Hey, I'll talk to the Hokage. He's a reasonable guy and surely will help," Naruto reasoned. "It's not like I don't want to help; I just can't."
"My brother speaks in frustration." Mangetsu reasoned. "While my more rash personality was a farce for the exams, my brother's behavior was no disguise. Truly, we understand your reasoning. However, we have already spoken to the Hokage. He has already deemed the situation one the Leaf will avoid. They are prepared to let the slaughter continue. Are you?"
"My home wouldn't ignore those in need unless they had no choice. You're either attempting to manipulate me or are simply making shit up." Naruto defended. His mother had often described Hiruzen as forgiving and kind to a fault. And didn't like the picture the two were painting; besides, Naruto had no reason to trust them.
"Chojuro of our team meets with Gaara of the Sand to ask the same. We are manipulating you, but it is necessary. As it stands, we are likely to be facing death soon; without aid, Yagura will stomp out the rebellion and, in the process, sentence thousands to death. But his aim doesn't stop there."
"Bastard isn't content with purging opposition in the homeland. Once he secures it, he plans to consolidate his forces, eventually beginning a worldwide conflict. You may think it isn't your problem, but it will be." Suigetsu spat angrily.
"My brother is crass but not incorrect. I witnessed him risk life and limb to aid another man today. One who held nothing less than contempt and foul intentions for you. One that you barely knew." Mangetsu pointed out. "You are not a man willing to stand idly by while people suffer. If you truly feel that way, lend aid to a land full of people desperately needing aid," the man pleaded.
Naruto was silent as he pondered over it. Truthfully, the request was ludicrous; asking him to abandon his home and career to fight in a war he may not survive wasn't even close to a reasonable ask. He loved his home village, and if he acted out against their wishes, Naruto would be forever labeled a traitor. Besides, Hiruzen may not have known the facts or had been suspicious. Naruto was sure Hiruzen would not condone such a thing; indeed, if he raised the matter with the kind man, he would relent and aid somehow.
"I'm sorry, but there's too much unknown possibilities here. I can't validate what you're saying. And such cannot agree to help." Naruto stated firmly. There was a sinking feeling in his gut, but he ignored it. "I will speak to the Hokage, however. If we can validate your claims, I have my word that the Leaf will help."
"Naive bastard," Suigetsu said simply before the body flickering from the clearing.
"Little brother—" Mangetsu said with a sigh. He bowed respectfully to Naruto. "He means well, simply upset to see our home still stands alone. Please consider our words. I respect you can't aid us or trust merely our own words. But I will reach out again with suitable proof. You strike me as a man similar to the woman who runs the Equal Rebellion. If you are, you won't be able to ignore it next time."
"Hey, I-"
"It is okay, Naruto Uzumaki." Mangetsu bowed again. "I don't blame you for ignorance; time will show you we meant well." With his piece said, Mangetsu faded away as well. Leaving the blonde alone in the clearing.
Naruto was locked into a stunned silence. The heavy conversations and topics whirled in his mind as he considered them. Had it been the right choice to refuse? Was the war really as they described? Was Yagura indeed some cruel tyrant? Had the Hokage indeed ignored their pleas? Did Naruto believe his homeland was capable of such a thing? And if they were…
"No need to fear, friend! For Fuu has arrived!" Fuu yelled out as she landed on the slope, shaking the ground from the impact. She looked around owlishly, realizing only Naruto was in the clearing. "Did you already win?" Fuu asked, impressed.
Naruto nearly smiled at his friend's antics, but his mind was much too occupied. "No, it was alright; they just… wanted to talk." He lied slightly; there was no need to involve Fuu as well. It wasn't her problem… or his…
Fuu nodded at the information with a smile. "It's good we were worried. You should've seen how Ino and Samui reacted… well before they started arguing anyway."
"Why don't they like each other? I get first impressions that mean a lot, but they are so at odds. Like some invisible line has been crossed. I figured they'd be friends after the fight." Naruto complained before he sighed dramatically. "Listen, no offense, Fuu, but I need a minute. There's a ton going on right now, and I need some time to process it."
"Hmm, I see," Fuu said, surprised. "Sorry to hear that, Naruto." The cheery woman quickly lifted the short blonde from his feet and hugged him tightly. "If you ever need my help, just let me know! I made many friends in the exams and don't mind protecting them if they need it. Hope we see each other again soon."
Naruto nodded as his happy friend left him alone in the cold, sloped wilderness. He sat in the snow, ignoring the cold that seeped into him. He felt slightly numb and tired. Perhaps he needed a break-
Smoke suddenly filled the clearing as a familiar voice called out.
"Finally, you're alone!" Muri called as the smoke cleared, exposing the small raccoon facing the blonde. "I've Been waiting all day to talk to you. I need to speak with you about a private matter."
'Kami, why can't I catch a break.' Naruto inwardly complained as he nodded. As exhausted as he felt, Naruto would never have stood a chance against Gaara without Muri. The blonde owed him one.
"Okay, so what's going on? I'm kinda busy right now. My friends are all weird; some are missing, and I escaped two other situations." Naruto explained to Muri. "I can't just run off on my own, ya know? I'm a Chunin now."
"You shinobi and your foolish loyalty to your villages." Muri shook his tiny head disapprovingly. "Blind loyalty serves no one. Besides, I believe this problem we need help with will be one you'll be motivated to solve anyway. At least if those missing Leaf shinobi are truly your friends."