The smoldering crater that was once the Village Hidden in the leaves began to tremble, a massive robed monstrosity rising from the center. Though great in size, none could even see the being as its gaping mouth opened wide, hundreds of spiritual streams shooting forth from the maw of the afterlife. As the streams of chakra and pure life force slipped into the fallen bodies of the villagers and shinobi who had lost their lives to the devastating attack by Akatsuki, it was obvious that a miracle was playing before the eyes of Konohagakure's citizens as friends and loved ones rose from the hereafter.
Hatake Kakashi woke from his deathly state to the confusion of those close-by. "What…on Earth just happened?" he asked to no one in particular, holding his head through the grogginess swimming through his mind.
"Allow me to try and explain…" came the familiar voice of Katsuya, Lady Tsunade's summoned slug. Kakashi's head turned to see the large mollusk slithering up to him. "Naruto has triumphed. Pain was defeated." Kakashi smiled through the bulk of his mask, and looked up at the sun-lit sky. "You actually did it…"
Not far away from the village, Naruto was amidst an exchange with Konan, who until moments ago was a sworn member of the criminal group that had decimated Konoha. Two corpses covered in paper behind her, she handed the boy a bouquet of origami flowers. "I'm leaving Akatsuki. Yahiko…Nagato…they were everything to me. And since Nagato chose to put his faith in you, I will as well." As the boy accepted the offering from the blue haired woman with a cool smile, she bowed lightly. "We of Amagakure, the Village Hidden in the Rain, will chase our dreams along with you, Uzumaki Naruto. Good luck."
The woman and corpses were engulfed in a swarm of papers, suddenly vanishing before the boy's eyes. He could only assume they were headed home, where he himself should be right now.
Nauto was slowly making his way through the forest back to the village, many things were running through his mind. The one at the forefront of his mind was how he would end the cycle of hatred once and for all. As he walks through the forest he is about to collapse, suddenly someone appears in front of the blond and braces him on his back. "Good job Naruto" Kakashi smiles proudly to his student. "Kakashi-sensei!" the surprised blond exclaimed. As they make their way back to the village together they then emerge from the forest and are greeted by a surprising sight!
The entire village was standing in the clearing and they were all cheering for Naruto! Narutos eyes grew wide as he took in the sight he always hoped for. Everyone cheering for him was making him so happy, as his eyes scanned the crowd he catches sight of a certain blue haired kunoichi. Its as if the entire world around him ceased to exist as their eyes met, and nothing else mattered more than to just be able to stare into those clear eyes for as long as he could. Which surprised him almost more than his reaction to the village cheering for him.
Isn't that Hinata? Things seem so different now, so unlike before. Am I just thinking this way because of what happened?
X-X-Start Flashback-X-X
Naruto was currently fighting with the orange haired man who's entire body was riddled with piercings in the shape of black rods. The fight had been going on for awhile in the crater, Pain had just finished stabbing the elder toad Lord Fukasaku and effectively killing him.
"There. Now that bothersome genjutsu is no longer an issue" Pain looks towards an angry Naruto as he calmly raises an arm towards him.
"Universal Pull"
As his body begins to shake he is suddenly and forcibly pulled towards Pain. Unable to do anything against the jutsu he feels Pains hand upon his very own throat!
"ugh" is all Naruto is able to say as Pain thrusts his very body into the ground, then he hears rather than feels the black chakra rod being thrust into his hands, pinning him to the earth and unable to even move.
"Time to tame you...nine-tails." Pain is crouched in front of Naruto his his hand on top the the chakra rod he just impaled Narutos hand with.
"What are you?! Why?!" he screamed at Pain. "Why are you doing this?!"
"Why...?" Pain asks, "How do I define why...Sometimes the why is only apparent later on. But under these circumstances I'll try to give you a why..."
"My goal...is to fulfill the dream even our late Master Jiraiya was unable to achieve..." he looks down upon Naruto, "Its to create peace and bring about justice. And in order to achieve this goal of mine...at this point...it requires what both you and the eight-tails jinchūriki of Kumogakure, Killer Bee...die. But unlike you be may be more troublesome to take down since he has total control over his bijū" Pain brings out six more chakra rods.
Huh? So the eight-tails jinchūriki is still out there? And he's able to CONTROL the eight-tails? How is that even possible? Wait..no this isn't the time to think of such things. I have trouble enough with this situation.
Narutos train of thought is abruptly cut short as the six rods are impaled into his body. "It's time we were on our way, my precious jinchūriki."
Pain raises his hand towards Naruto preparing to haul him off. As a figure appears just behind him. He glances back and jumps out of the way just in time to avoid an attack from one normally shy but at this time a very courageous young kunoichi known as Hinata.
"I won't let you harm Naruto-kun" Hinata exclaims to Pain.
"Why'd you come here?!" Naruto looks up at the courageous figure standing in front of him, protecting him of all people. " Run you can't win. He's not the sort of opponent you can hope to beat!"
"I'm...just being selfish..." she quietly says not looking away from the enemy standing before her.
"What are you talking about?! Why expose yourself like this?!" yells Naruto but not harshly cause he truly doesn't want her to get hurt, especially for him.
"I'm here because I want to be." says Hinata as she activates her Byakugan. "...I used to be such a crybaby, always giving up even before starting anything...I took the wrong path so many times...but you...you helped me find my way and take the right path, Naruto...I always chased after you...wanting to catch up...wanting to talk together with you forever...I want to be at your side, always..."
"You changed me Naruto...Your smiling face saved me and that's why I'm not afraid to die if it means I can protect you." Hinata takes a deep breath and assumed a gentle fist stance "That's because...I Love You!"
Naruto's face and expression changed to one of surprise and confusion "Say what?" The Hyuga girl yells with fierce determination as she charges forward.
"Twin Lion Fists!" Chakra forms around both her arms in the shape of twin lion heads. As she races towards the one who has caused such misery to everyone in the village, and the one who dared to bring harm to the one person she loves more than anything.
Pain casually raises just one hand up and aims towards Hinata. "Almighty Push!"
The force of his attack violently forces Hinata backwards into the ground and causeing her to make a small crater between her and Naruto. Hinata quickly begins to lose consciousness. Pain then walks towards her as another black chakra rod slides out from his sleeve. Pain stops just in front of her and lifts the shimmering black rod.
Pain looks up towards Naruto to ensure that he's still watching. "NO!" Naruto screams.
Everything goes quiet...the only sound that can be heard is that of the metal rod embedding itself into soft flesh and the clang as it strikes the rock behind the body.
X-X-End Flashback-X-X
Hmm...maybe I'm just over thinking things but I have to say I do see her in a different light now. I know I should say something to her. I guess
He snaps back into reality as the villagers charge into him and asking his so many questions he can't keep track of what they're saying. "What was the enemy like?" "Are you hurt?" "How did you beat him?" "Who was that out there with you during the fight?" Suddenly a familiar fist connects with his head in its usual spot.
"How dare you take such risks, you idiot!" He starts to fall forward as Sakura grabs him and pulls him in close for an unfamiliar hug. Sakura then quietly says "Thank you Naruto...thank you for protecting us all!"
Narutos eyes scan the crowd for those same eyes he saw just moments before, he finally sees her standing not too far away and she's smiling at him! Sakura notices him staring in another direction and looks back.
Who's he staring at? Sakura wonders as she looks around as her eyes fall upon a blushing blue haired kunoichi standing just a few rows back. Huh? Isn't that Hinata? And why's he starting to blush? Oh...I see now. Sakura grins as she starts to realize what's going through his mind. So he's finally noticed her feelings then? Well it about damn time...that idiot.
Sakura releases Naruto to the excited and quite ecstatic villagers who resumed to heap on their gratitude and praise to their newest hero. She started to walk into the crowd and quietly whispered to Hinata as she passes her, "So what happened between you and that knucklehead to make him look that way at you? However it seems he's finally noticed your feelings. Good job I trust your going to tell me what happened later on right?" Sakura winks at Hinata. "Umm...ok." Hinata meekly replies as her cheeks turn a light shade of pink.
Noticing that Naruto seemed wore out, Kakashi walks forward and places a hand upon Narutos shoulder and states to the happy villagers "Sorry everyone but our hero should get some rest. I hope you all understand." The villages looked a little sad that they couldn't keep thanking their hero but understood that he was exhausted. They nod as they back away giving Naruto some space.
"Thanks Kakashi-sensei. I could really use the rest." He barely manages to finish his sentence before he collapses. Kakashi motions to Might Guy to assist him in bringing Naruto to the hospital to get him checked out and treated.
"Well Kakashi, it seems that Naruto truly is in within the Springtime of Youth!" He flashes Kakashi with one of his usual 'nice guy' thumbs up with his sparkling grin.
Later on in the day at the Hospital...or what's currently being considered as the hospital...
Naruto is sleeping soundly in his very own tent as a couple guests walk in. Namely Hinata, Kakashi and Sai since the nurse aka Sakura was being very adamant about having a 'limited' number of guests in to see him.
"Is...Is Naruto-kun ok?" Hinata asked since she was indeed worried about him. Sakura smiles at her "Ya he should be fine after some rest. You should know how fast this blockhead heals." She looses her smile as she looks seriously at Hinata. "But you know...you should probably get some rest as well Hinata. You know you haven't quite finished healing after what happened to you out there during the battle."
Completely oblivious to whats going on around him Naruto continues to sleep soundly as he's about to engage in his own conversation with a very furry and furious kitsune.
"Wake up you little brat" The Nine-Tails roared from his cage. "HEY I'M TALKING TO YOU!" He crashes his arm into the bars to get Narutos attention.
"Huh? What is it you want you damned fox?" Naruto replies with quite a bit of agitation in his voice. "Don't think I forgot about you taking over my body during the fight with Nagato!"
"Heh, I don't really care if your pissed about that. In fact...I took great pleasure in the hatred that was coming off you in waves after that little girl spoke those pathetic words to you in the midst of combat...then got herself offed in an instant." The Nine-Tails chuckled happily to himself for a bit.
"HEY SHUT UP YOU DAMN FOX! IF YOU RECALL SHE DIDN'T JUST SAVE ME BUT YOU AS WELL!" He angrily screams and points at the monstrosity in front of him.
His eyes grew wide with fury and he brought his head as close to the bars as he could. "How dare you speak to me like that you puny little brat. I will never acknowledge that she as you so put it...'saved' me. I mean I'm the freaking Nine-Tails! The strongest of all the Tailed-Beasts. There's no way a mere human is even capable of protecting me!"
Naruto sighs. Geeze there's no way we will ever be able to work together...I mean how would it even be possible?...Hey wait...Didn't Nagato mention something about another jinchūriki? Someone called...Bee or something? I doubt that the damn fox will know anything but I might as well ask. Although...he is quite pissed at the moment.
"Hey umm...fox?" He meekly looks up at the furious face in front of him with an apologetic expression on his own.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT NOW?!" He roars loudly at the blond before him.
Knowing that he was no choice if he wants to improve their relationship he takes a deep breath and bows before the fox. "I'm sorry about being so disrespectful to you most of the time. It must be hard being stuck here inside of me with no way out. And...thanks for helping me out from time to time...like with healing my wounds."
Obviously the Nine-tails wasn't expecting the human to actually get on his knees and apologize. But it did please him greatly. "So what is it you want? I know you must have some reason to beg my forgiveness." He sits down and grins at Naruto. "So spit it out already...brat. Is this about what that human said before? About the jinchūriki of the Hachibi"
Ugh...he knows somethings up. I guess there's no point in hiding it anymore. "Ya your right. What I wanted to talk to you about is..." He takes a deep breath and prepares for the Kyubi's fury. "...about us trying to work together instead of us always fighting each other."
To his great surprise and relief the Fox didn't yell at him like Naruto expected he would. Instead he sat there with his eyes closed...thinking.
Naruto just stood there silently as he looked up at the giant figure sitting before him as he waited for a response.
"Well it is an idea...however I refuse to be controlled by you. That much will never change no matter how much you bow or beg. I haven't fallen so low as to take orders from a mere human!" The fox looks down at Naruto however...there wasn't as much malice in his eyes like there usually is.
"I understand. And I never expected or wanted you to box and obey me. Your not a dog or a mere beast. Your far more than that." Naruto explained "I just want us to try working together from now on...that's all." Suddenly a thought came to him. Hey wait a sec. I wonder if the kyubi has a name? I mean he has to be called something besides Nine-tails or just Kyubi...I might as well ask...it couldn't hurt...I hope. "Hey what are you called? I mean your actual name. I just realized that I never bothered to ask you before."
The grin was lost from the fox's snout as his eyes grew wide in surprise. "And just why should I bother telling you my name fleshling? Give me a reason as to why I would ever tell you such a thing!" He looks down and a hint of fire is within his eyes.
"Well...I just thought that if we're going to try working together...we should try and get to know each other a little more...and we could maybe try calling each other by name?" Naruto replied somewhat meekly.
Suddenly the only thing that could be heard is a ton of laughter coming from the kyubi. "That's the funniest thing you've ever said. Ha Ha Ha."The laughter suddenly died out as he looked at the boy in front of him with a different expression than before. "How about this...I'll tell you my name..." Naruto lets out a premature cheer interrupting the Kyubi. "SHUT UP! I said I'd tell you yes...but not before you earn my respect now...GET OUT OF HERE AND LEAVE ME BE!"
Cringing Naruto does as asked and leaves the fox to himself.
His eyes open to find Hinatas arms crossed with her head upon them, her hair drifting gently off to one side. A thin stream of drool was escaping from her mouth as she slept partially upon his bed. I know I have to talk with her about what happened...but not yet. Besides...her sleeping face is just too cute! He gazed at her with a smile on his face for a short time before choosing to quickly check on his own injuries...which were non-existant! He mouthed a silent "Thank You" to the fox.
As he's resting he hears someone approaching. He looks towards the tent entrance to see a figure open the flap and poke his head in. Seeing that Naruto's awake he walks in. Choosing to be the one to greet the visiter first Naruto quickly says "Yo kakashi-sensei, whats up?"
"Well Naruto...it seems your as hyperactive as ever." He gives one of his casual eye-smiles as he sits down on the other side of the bed. "By the way...what were you moaning about in your sleep?"
"Oh umm...not much...just having a personal chat with a certain someone." Naruto was rubbing his belly where the seal was located.
"Well alright then, if its personal I won't go into it." Kakashi tries to get comfortable as he looks at Naruto with a serious expression upon his face. "There's a lot of stuff we need to talk about. Especially since you fainted... Its ...about the next hokage..."
Naruto looks at him with a confused look on his face. "Huh? What do you mean? Granny Tsunade is the hokage still right?" A solemn look takes over Kakashi's face. "Well that's the thing Naruto...she's just been dismissed..."
Meanwhile in a hideout well outside the village limits a certain dark haired man with gleaming red eyes prepares to disembark and begin his long trek towards the Village Hidden in the Leaves, with clear and malicious intent.