Gratitude

Pakura P.O.V.

I still remember the day I died. It was when I was attacked by a man named Hiruko. I was on a C-rank mission outside the village when he ambushed me. He chained me up to some kind of cross for use in some jutsu, and last was the last sight I remember. I was in darkness for what seemed like seconds when I felt something pulling me. I awoke to see myself surrounded by ninja from every nation. I suddenly felt a huge pain in my head, and the next thing I knew I was striking them down with my Shakuton. Then they managed to bind me with some kind of fuinjutsu. Not long afterwards, I felt warmth flowing through my body and opened my eyes to see a blonde-haired man looking at me with eyes as blue as the ocean and he had a gentle smile on his face. "Fourth Hokage..." I wondered out loud. His smile then got a little bigger. "Sorry, but you've got me confused with my old man." he replied. "What did you do to me?" I asked. He just smiled and said, "I gave you back your life. Be more careful with it this time." He then turned around and started walking. "Wait! Tell me your name!" I shouted. He paused, and turned towards me with the biggest grin on his face. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm going to be the next Hokage! DATTEBAYO!" he then continued walking. 'Naruto Uzumaki... I will repay you for this gift, somehow...'

Haku P.O.V.(Yeah, I'm making Haku a girl in this one. Got a problem with that? ^_^*)

The last thing I remember was shielding Zabuza from Kakashi's Lightning Blade, and then everything went dark. I then awoke to see myself along with Zabuza and the rest of the former generation of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist facing off against ninja from every hidden village across the nations with Kakashi leading them. Zabuza then asked why we were here, and Kakashi went on to explain what had happened in the years since we died, including what happened to Naruto. I remember the first time I saw him, lying asleep in the forest when I was gathering herbs for Zabuza. His sunny-blonde hair, whisker marks, and the peaceful look on his face. I regret lying to him about my gender, but it was funny seeing his expression when I told him I was a boy. I still remember him shouting "No way!"

Later when he showed that strange red chakra after he thought I killed his teammate I wondered what he really was. When my mask broke and he saw my face, shock was plainly evident on his face. I told him to kill me since I was no longer useful to Zabuza, but when I saw Zabuza about to be struck down, I used my Hyoton to get in front of him while Naruto screamed at me not to do it. I suddenly felt a searing pain in my head and a dark presence entered my mind. Then they attacked with an onslaught of kunai, shuriken, and more. We just regenerated, however, and went on the offensive. Many fell to my Hyoton and the swords of the seven swordsmen. Eventually we were defeated and paralyzed by a fuinjutsu. Later on, I felt a warm sensation spread through my body and awoke to see Naruto standing over me. " Naruto..." I whispered in disbelief. "Hey, miss Haku. It's been awhile since we last saw each other, hasn't it?" he said. " Miss...wait, you knew..." He grinned. "Yep, I knew from the first time we met. I was just playing along with you back then." I blushed. "S-sorry about lying to you." " Don't worry about it. If there's one thing I love it's a good prank." He then started to walk away. "Wait, Naruto! What did you do to me?" "I gave you your life back as thanks for what you did for me all those years ago." As he walked away, I felt a burning feeling in my heart. 'Naruto... I owe you more than you could ever believe...'

Ameyuri P.O.V. (Actually a women, look it up…)

I lost my life fighting against Yagura. When I awoke, I was with the other members of my generation of the swordsmen of the mist in front of ninja from all nations. And thus the slaughter began when Mangetsu Hozuki unsealed our weapons. Eventually we were all subdued and sealed away. Not too long after, I opened my eyes to see a sunny-blonde haired man standing above me. "You have your life back, so don't waste it…" he said, and started to walk away. "Wait…" I asked. "Who are you?" He turned his head towards me with a smile. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, don't wear it out." And with that he sped away. 'Naruto Uzumaki… I shall pay you pack for this true gift…'

Fu P.O.V.

I remember the way I was caught and killed. I was on a mission for Hidden Waterfall when a pair of men in black cloaks with red clouds appeared. "Hello, Nanabi..." said the man wearing a Waterfall headband with a slash going through it. "Enough with the greetings, Kakuzu. Let's get to grabbing this brat." said the man with a large tri-bladed scythe on his back. "Hidan, please get ahold of yourself. We aren't going to get her without a fight, so please shut up." "You shut up. You know that this goes against the commandments of Jashin to not kill our opponents. There's an actual commandment that prohibits partial killing. So will you please just come along quietly, Nanabi." I opted to attack instead, and was soundly beaten into the ground by them. They then took me to their base and began extracting Chomei from me with some kind of fuinjutsu. The pain from it went on for what seemed like eternity until I at last succumbed to the darkness. I awoke to see myself along with five others standing in front of a man wearing a strange mask. "You are now my Six Paths, and you've been given the Rinnegan and Sharingan." he said. 'Now you will follow me to battle." As he said that, I felt a burning sensation in my head and was taken over. We then followed him to what felt like tailed beast chakra. When we arrived, I saw a Kumo-nin with what looked like horn marks on his left cheek, the kanji for steel on his shoulder, and a strange sword on his back, while the other was a Konoha-nin (don't feel like describing his nine tails mode so look it up) with blonde hair, three whisker marks on each cheek, and the deepest blue eyes I'd ever seen. I remember seeing them somewhere before, and then it hit me. This was the same man heralded as the hero of Hidden Waterfall, Naruto Uzumaki. the man who beat Suien and protected the Hero water. I remember meeting him before he headed back to Konoha. He was a loud yet calm person with an incredibly sunny disposition. As he left, Chomei me said that he was just like me. I'd hoped to meet him again someday, but never got the chance "Yo, Naruto, ya best be quick cause ya see, they be the other Jinchuriki!" the Kumo-nin said. " I know Bee, but I'm more worried about their eyes." Konoha-nin said. "I've come for the Kyuubi and Hachibi, so surrender to me." the man in the mask said. "Not going to happen, Madara... or can I really call you that?" "What do you mean by that?" " I know that the real Madara was just summoned, so you can't really be him, can you?" "It doesn't matter, for your Bijuu will still be mine. Now, let's get down to business." "Bring it!" And with that we attacked. It was a long and tiring battle, but in the end the man in the mask was beaten by Naruto and we were sealed shortly afterwards. I thought that I could finally rest in peace, but I suddenly felt warmth spreading through me and opened my eyes to see Naruto standing over me. 'How are you feeling?" he asked, concern in his voice. "I'm fine." I replied. "What about the others?" He smiled. "They're all fine." "What did you do to us?" I asked. He just smiled and said "I've given them their lives back. It's the least I can do for Jinchuriki like me." I was shocked. he really was one of us. "Thank you, Naruto." "Anytime, Fu." He started to walk away. " Hey, how did you know my name?" He turned to look at me and I saw a big smile on his face. "You were the girl that ran up to me and hugged me before I went back to Hidden Leaf from Hidden Waterfall." With that he just turned back and kept walking. 'Naruto... I owe you a great debt for this.'

Yugito P.O.V.

The last thing I remember was being beaten by two members of Akatsuki, one who used a tri-bladed scythe, and the other who had four masked creatures with him. I awoke to see myself and five others facing a man wearing a mask and Akatsuki robes. He went on to tell how we were his 'Six Paths' and that he had given all of us the Rinnegan and the Sharingan. The next thing I felt was a huge pain in my head and I was overpowered by darkness. We then followed him to a huge source of Bijuu chakra. When we got there, I saw Bee along with what looked like a Konoha-nin. After Bee did some of his enka-rapping the man in the mask now demanded that they surrender the Hachibi and the Kyuubi. I was slightly shocked at seeing the Kyuubi container with full control of the beast within. After they refused, we attacked. It was a long and drawn out battle, but in the end we were beaten and sealed. I thought that I was finally returning to my final peace, but suddenly I felt warmth coursing through me. I opened my eyes to see the Kyuubi container standing over me with a concerned look on his face. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "Fine, but what did you do to me?" He just smiled and said "I have given you life once again. Be sure not to lose it too soon." And with that, he started to walk away. "Could you please tell me your name?" I asked, albeit a little hesitantly. He turned to me and smiled. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the next Hokage. What's your name?" "Yugito Nii." I replied, blushing. With a smile still on his face, he turned and kept walking. 'Naruto Uzumaki... I will repay you for this kindness...'

Konan P.O.V.

I remember fighting with Madara over Nagato's body, remember the cold feeling of the pipe he shoved through my lung. As I lay there dying, I remember one moment we shared with Master Jiraiya, and surrendered to the darkness. I awoke to see Naruto standing over me, desperation clear in his eyes. "Konan, are you alive?" "N-naruto... WH-what are you d-doing here?" "I felt you're chakra fading, so I used Flying Raijin to get here as fast as I could." "What about Madara?" At this his face turned into a grim smile. "He won't be bothering anyone ever again." With that said he carried me to a hospital and left me in their care. I watched him as he left and thought 'Naruto... I will properly thank you one day...'

Kurotsuchi P.O.V.

I stood in shock as I saw my grandfather lying battered and bloody on the sand due to the resurrected Madara's attack. He was trying to stand so he could rejoin the fight, but couldn't. Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I tried to get him to stay still so his wounds wouldn't get any worse. "I can still fight... let me stand..." he said, coughing out blood. "Please grandpa, stay still until a medic gets here.." "Hey, old-timer. Listen to your granddaughter and stay still. I'll end this in a flash." I looked up to see what looked like the former Fourth Hokage. "Y-Yellow Flash..." I said, trembling. He looked at me and grinned. "Nope," he said. "I'm just his son." He then charged at Madara, and hit him with what looked like a giant blue shuriken. "Wind Style: Rasenshuriken!" Madara had a look of shock on his face for a second, then he smiled. "Good job, kid. Looks like you managed to beat me fair and square. Now I can finally die in peace..." At that, he used what looked like black flames on himself, and burned away completely. The son of the Yellow Flash then landed right next to my grandpa and healed him. "Thank you." I said with tears in my eyes. "No problem." he said with a grin, and turned to leave. "Wait! Could you at least tell me your name?" I called out. He looked back at me with a small smile. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the future Seventh Hokage! DATTEBAYO!" 'Naruto Uzumaki... I will find you again and repay you for saving him...'

Temari P.O.V.

I felt fear when we were fighting the Fourth Raikage, father, Muu, the Second Tsuchikage, and the Second Mizukage. They were just too strong for us. Gaara was able to beat Father, and Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage was fighting his predecessor, which left the other two for us. But between the Raikage's endurance and the Mizukage's genjutsu and summoning we were getting massacred. I prayed that we would receive some serious help, and fast. It looked like my prayer was heard, because the next thing I know Naruto was pounding the Second Tsuchikage with a huge Rasengan. He then turned his attention to the other two. While Onoki and Gaara took on the Mizukage Naruto went head to head with the former Raikage. He hit him directly with the Rasenshuriken but it had no effect. He then consulted the Hachibi for advice on how to beat him. From that he went into his sage mode and used a Rasengan to deflect the Raikage's attack right back at him. He was then promptly sealed as well as the Mizukage. Naruto then turned towards me and asked "Are you all right?" "Y-Yeah. Thanks for the save." He smiled. "Anytime." He started running to the next group under attack. 'Naruto...' I thought. 'I'll pay you back for this when it's all over...'

Hinata P.O.V.

I was only able to watch in shock as the sword can at me before I could block it. I thought that it was the end, but just before it hit it was caught between two hands. I looked and saw that Naruto had saved me. "You alright, Hinata?" I blushed. "Y-Yeah. Thank you." "You're welcome, Princess Hinata." he said with a smile, and I felt my blush grow. As I watched him attack other clones and could only wonder if I'd really heard him call me princess. 'Naruto... I hope you know that I truly love you, and I hope you feel the same..."

Samui P.O.V.

I could only watch in shock as I was sucked into the Crimson Gourd just like my brother. I don't know how long I was in their when I suddenly saw a bright light. I shut my eyes and turned away as it got brighter and brighter. When I opened them I saw that I was free along with my brother. Karui and Omoi then proceeded to tackle me into a hug and were crying about how they thought they'd never see me again. I heard someone chuckle right next to me and turned to see Naruto Uzumaki standing there with a grin on his face. "So, are you two alright?" he asked in a kind tone. "Yeah, thanks for the save." "No problem." He then jumped off to fight some clones the were attacking the medical camp. ' Naruto Uzumaki, you're one cool guy...'

Tenten P.O.V.

I'd found this weird fan that summoned any element I thought of. Unfortunately it really sapped my chakra and there were so many clones that I was overpowered. As one went for the killing blow, I closed my eyes to prepare myself. However, it didn't end then. I heard a tearing sound and opened my eyes to see Naruto surrounded by clones that were torn in half. "You ok, Tenten?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. "Yeah, thanks for the help." "No problem." he replied, then he put his hand on my shoulder. "Here's some chakra for you. I hope it helps." I suddenly felt an immense amount of chakra flow through me, and felt instantly refreshed. "Thanks again." "Don't mention it." And with that he was gone. 'Naruto, that's twice I owe you now. I'll return the favor as soon as I can...'

Karui P.O.V.

I could only watch as Samui was sucked into the Crimson Gourd. I charged at Ginkaku, determined to get that gourd and free her. In my haste I didn't notice the lightning bolt shot by Kinkaku towards me. I watched as they got closer and closer all I could think, 'I'm sorry, Samui. Forgive me...' "NOT SO FAST!" a familiar voice shouted. I was grabbed and pulled away right before the lightning hit where I was standing. I looked up to see Naruto holding me bridal style glaring at the Gold and Silver Brothers. "Stay here." he said. "I'll end this in a second." He then disappeared in a flash of light and the next thing I see was Ginkaku and Kinkaku cut in half and sealed while Naruto was holding the Crimson Gourd. "Now to free those sealed within.." His hands were suddenly covered in red chakra before he reached into the gourd and pulled out Samui and her brother. I felt tears form in my eyes before I rushed over and tackled her into a hug. Naruto just laughed at the scene and left. 'Naruto, thank you for this...'

Karin P.O.V.

I remember the feeling from when Sasuke cut through me to get Danzo. the pain was not just physical, but emotional. I thought he cared about me, but I guess you can't trust anyone anymore. He was about to finish me off when he was tackled by a blonde blur. He got up and sneered at my savior. "Hello, Naruto..." "Sasuke, you've gone too far this time. It wanted to keep my promise to Sakura, but I guess that some promises were meant to be broken. You're going to die here and now." With that Naruto leapt at Sasuke, eyes now burning red and slit. The battle that took place will always remain in my memory. The titanic clash between the two tore everything asunder, with Sasuke getting a few good hits including a Chidori to Naruto's right arm. It was all for naught as he took a direct hit for a Rasenshuriken, completely wiping him from existence. Naruto then walked over and picked up. "Come on, let's get you to a hospital." The last thing that ran through my mind was how calm and warm his chakra felt.

'Naruto... I owe you my life...'

Mei P.O.V.

I remember when I first met the Kyuubi container after the Fourth Ninja War. He was an outgoing person whose eyes seemed to see straight to your soul. He had saved everyone, yet asked for nothing in return. He'd even used the Kyuubi's power to bring all those brought back via Summoning Jutsu: Reanimation to life. I noticed how a lot of girls seemed to be looking at him with a twinkle in their eyes and knew of a way that he would be happy and so would the girls, myself included. It would have to be pushed past the Hokage first, and it would probably make the Konoha village council mad. 'Naruto... I will see that you're happy for the rest of your days...'