A/n: Hey guys, I know its been a long time, and I know its weird to be posting this late in summer, but I can assure you that you'll be seeing a lot more post from me. Now that I have my inspiration back, but until further noticed the only other story not on hiatus will be the half witch, which should get a new chapter on Friday if I'm lucky. Without further adue, the story!

It was a dark night in the village of Konohagakure, in more ways than one. The moon's light dulled upon the once proud village, as if a sign of divine disapproval at the actions of its inhabitants tonight. 5 years ago, Konoha was the first and strongest ninja village to exist, its power unmatched from a combination of its well known and talented clans, and the leadership of their fourth hokage, the yellow flash minato namikaze. Unfortunately, everything changed the night everyone in konoha knew with hatred, the attack of the 9 tailed fox, the Kyuubi No Kitsune.

Through means few people still alive were aware of, the kyuubi was released from its host before attacking anything and everything within the village. Hundreds upon hundred of lives were lost, and in order to stop the menace plaguing his village, the fourth hokage sacrificed his life to seal the kyuubi into its new host, a newborn child. The fourth's last wish was for the child to be treated as a hero, something that his predecessor, the third hokage, tried to accomplish. However, it was all in vain.

For the villagers were at this time, chasing the new host of the nine tailed fox, a young boy by the name of Naruto Uzumaki. Fear was clear on the young child's face as he ran forward, not once looking back towards his chasers. What reason was the boy chased you ask? It was the day of the nine tailed fox's defeat. A night full of sake, celebration and fun for the civilians.

It was however, the bane of the young child's existence, as every time this time came around, waited a beating or attack directed towards him. This day however, was especially violent, as the villagers chased him with pitchforks and two by fours, even some of the ninja had joined the fight. They had cornered the poor boy into a corner, evil grins covering their faces as they prepared to end him. "Time to finish what the 4th hokage started, demon!" And with that the leader swung his two-by-four towards the child's head while they all waited for the sound of the blow.

It never came.

As everyone looked up, they saw a man in his early 20s with his hand stopping the plank. The faint moonlight gave his raven black hair a soft glow to it, his attire a black trench coat along with shinobi style shorts. The most interesting feature of him though, were his eyes. They were a cool gray, almost similar to an uchiha's.

To a civilian, who saw only the fact his eyes were half lidded, as if tired or bored. The shinobi however, saw eyes filled with rage and aggression, putting them on guard. "So. Who here sees what I see.." He'd ask through a soft yawn, staring at the mob with well hidden hate.

"A group trying to enact justice on this demon before you rudely interrupted!" Shouted the villager who was stopped by his block. He'd turn to the young child, who flinched at his gaze before he turned back. "I don't see a demon anywhere.. Only a brat.." He'd state bluntly, his answer angering most of the crowd.

Before anyone could respond however, the odd gray eyed man twisted the attacker's wrist suddenly, breaking it. As the civilian tried to cry out however, the man slammed his knee into the civilians stomach, knocking the wind out of him. As if that wasn't enough, the man slammed the civilians head into the nearest brick wall before letting his head fall into the puddle below, letting him drown as the civilians blood spilt into the water. They all looked towards the man in horror, even the ninja of the group were hesitant to react before running towards him.

The first ninja grabbing his kunai from his pouch before charging at the mysterious man's stomach with the blade. The man would only smirk before redirecting the blade into the wall, while the ninja tried to remove the kunai from the wall, the man grabbed his chin and temple before jerking the ninja's head to the side, snapping his neck. Suddenly, as the next ninja tried to charged him from behind, the man would only suck his teeth before a short sword appeared in his hands. The man then turned around with the short sword in his hands as the ninja stopped suddenly, a thin line of red appearing on his neck before he hit the ground, blood spilling from his neck. Seeing his comrades dead on the ground, the third ninja roared before going through hand seals.

"KATON: FIREBALL JUTSU!" He'd yell as he would launch a fireball towards the man, catching him by surprise. "Ohchristnuggets!" He'd yelp in surprise before grabbing the young boy before jumping up to the roof. He'd look down to see the shaking boy in his arms before smiling, tilting Naruto's head to face him.

"Easy now kid.. Just stay calm and stay here.." He'd state before jumping down, the ninja waiting before lodging his kunai into the man's shoulder. The man would grunt before glaring at the ninja, who suddenly lost his courage, a quiet hissing sound was heard a dark spot formed on the ninja's pants. "Not bad... My turn though!" The man said, forming a fist in his free hand before punching the ninja in the gut, the fist breaking through the ninja's stomach before exiting his back, his eyes widening his shock before they became dull and lifeless.

The remaining members of the mob had either ran or remained frozen, unable to comprehend what just happened. "Whelp.. Better start running" Stated the man with a sick grin. With that the mob dispersed as he jumped back to Naruto, patting his head gently. "Oi kid, you alright..?" He'd ask as Naruto looked up to see him, the anger gone from his eyes, replaced by kindness as he gave the child a small smile.

"Y-yea... But what's your name?" The man's smile only grew as he looked to Naruto. "Names Zash... Zash Tsukuru, and you?" Naruto returned the smile. "Names Naruto Uzumaki, The future hokage! Dattebayo!"

Zash only chuckled at the child's catchphrase before his grin dropped, fully aware of the blades to his neck. "What do you want" He'd state blankly, not even bothering to turn to face them. Naruto looked to see who held blades to his neck. The men wore sleeveless flak jackets, along with arm guards, and black pants. Yet the most notable feature, was their porcelain animal mask, one of a cat and the other of a crow.

"You are coming with us for the murder of a civilian and 3 chunin level ninja." Naruto got ready to defend his savior before Zash stopped him smiling. "It'll be alright Naruto, really" He'd state before getting up, dropping his weapon before offering his hands out. And with that, the ninja grabbed his hands before disappearing off.

A/n: I'd like to thank my beta, Reno of the Troik, for proof-reading this chapter, you've been a big help, and I feel that chapter would be trash without you. Tune in next time where Zash has to face the council, will things work out in his favor? Find out next time.

Also: Should Zash be paired with..

Anko

Kurenai

Hana

Yuugao

A special surprise.

Answers will be counted both in the review and on the poll. I appreciate all of your comments on how to make the story better and the praise you all give me, though I really don't deserve