AN: Hey all, this is a story challenge I took up months ago but just now am getting around to it. This is the Marine challenge from BloodRedSword23; if you want details go to his profile. Before I start I need to point out that I did get permission to do said challenge and have enjoyed figuring out a way to make this work; if this story takes off I will be rotating between three stories so updates might be slow. I have posted the first three chapters to give you all a feel of what the story will be like; as always leave a review or PM. Thanks readers and enjoy!
A note before I start is that the early chapters will have WWII battle scenes which will be described to give the feeling of war and that some historical figures names have been changed to ensure privacy reasons.
Also, I dedicate this story to the men and women who bravely fought in WWII and any war for that matter. Whether they are veterans or deceased, I salute you for ensuring our freedom. God bless America!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
ITALICS – Thinking
BOLD – jutsu/demon talk
Prologue
The roar of a beast is heard in the distance which breaks windows all around Konoha and reverberates around the village striking fear into the populace. Multiple Shinobi have attempted to stop the beast but have been unsuccessful and found themselves crushed underneath its massive paws. A blanket of fire shoots out of its mouth incinerating a good part of Konoha and various defenders; just when all hope was lost a cry of a jutsu rings out.
"Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique!"
A massive toad with two massive katana on its back drops from the sky and crushes the beast underneath its weight making it roar out in agony.
"IT'S THE YONDAIME! HE'S FINALLY HERE TO STOP THE KYUUBI!" The villagers cheer out
Minato and Kushina, whom is holding Naruto, runs up beside Sarutobi and Jiraiya; all look at each other and nod in respect.
"Good to see you here Minato." Sarutobi exclaims
"Yes, and may I ask why you have your son Naruto with you?" Jiraiya questions looking on as the Kyuubi struggles underneath the toad's weight
Kushina sighs "With some convincing, I have agreed to let Minato seal Kyuubi within Naruto."
Sarutobi's eyes widen and realizes what Minato is about to do "Minato, please tell me you're not doing THAT jutsu."
Minato nods "I must do this for Konoha." He sighs thinking back just moments ago in the hospital
Flashback – Hospital
Kushina is holding Naruto and stroking the small tuft of blonde hair on his head; Naruto gurgles making her and Minato smile. As the married couple was getting acquainted with their son a massive roar emanates around Konoha then an ANBU comes rushing into the room.
"Hokage-sama, it's the Kyuubi I don't know how it arrived but it's destroying everything in sight!"
Minato sighs "Calm yourself ANBU-san, has any attempt worked at stopping it?"
The ANBU shakes his head "None sir, it seems like Konoha will fall today if something is not done."
Minato thinks for a moment then looks at his son with deep regret; he knows what must be done. "Kushina-hime, I know what must be done, I must use our son to seal Kyuubi away."
Kushina's eyes go wide "WHAT! No, I will not subject our boy to carry such a burden!"
"But Kushina, think of the village, you heard the ANBU; without us doing something Konoha will fall today."
"What are you planning Minato?" Kushina questions
"I will use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to take the soul out of Kyuubi and split it into two parts; the consequence of doing so is that I parish from this world." Minato starts to cry "Once I go ahead with this promise me you will look after Naruto."
Kushina starts to tear up "Why, why sacrifice yourself; I need you Minato, Naruto needs you."
The ANBU interrupts "Sir, we haven't much time…you must decide now!"
Minato looks at Kushina and she looks at Minato "What do you say my hime?"
Kushina sighs "I don't approve but still, your right. I don't wish Konoha to fall this day and will look over Naruto. She kisses Minato and both leave with the ANBU to confront the Kyuubi
Flashback End
Back with the Kyuubi who just now got upright from being underneath the toad roars out and speaks for the first time "I WILL DESTROY YOU MORTALS!"
"Minato, your child needs you; let me do the sealing as I am old and only waiting for death." Sarutobi states with and choked sob
Jiraiya looks between Sarutobi and Minato wondering what to do but is halted as the Kyuubi starts to rampage toward the village again; Kushina reacts by using her chakra chains to halt the beast in its tracks.
Kushina grunts as she attempts to hold Kyuubi at bay "ANY DAY NOW!"
Minato was about to go up to do the sealing when he is hit in the back of the neck via Jiraiya knocking him out; he catches the child and hands him over to Sarutobi.
"WHAT THE HELL JIRAIYA!"
Said man looks at Minato sadly then at Kushina with a glare of hope "Naruto needs a family so that he is raised around happiness. I know how other jinchuriki are hated and don't want that same burden on my godson."
Sarutobi starts going through hand signs to seal off the Kyuubi while Kushina speaks up, her head down in shame and effort of trying to hold Kyuubi back "I…I don't know what to say."
"Just promise me to look after Naruto and remember Sarutobi's sacrifice here today." Kushina nods at Jiraiya
"Dead Demon Consuming Seal!" Sarutobi yells out making the shadowy figure of the Shinigami appear behind him
"Speak mortal so that I may grant your bidding!"
"Shinigami-sama, I wish to offer my soul so that you can seal the Kyuubi into the boy on the pedestal beside me; I will take the Yin while the boy takes the Yang." Sarutobi states
"It shall be done." The Shinigami takes his hand and punctures Sarutobi and Kyuubi's stomachs then pulling an ethereal substance out of each; their soul
"I WILL NOT BE SEALED!" The Kyuubi roars out and was about to puncture Sarutobi and Naruto with his claw but Jiraiya acts fast
"Summoning Jutsu!" Gamabunta appears before everyone
"Of all the times you summon me Jiraiya it had to be this!"
"Now's not the time Bunta…hold the Kyuubi while Sarutobi finishes sealing it." Jiraiya states standing on said toads head
Bunta scoffs and jumps in the way of the claw holding it back with his strength; the Kyuubi acts by taking his other paw and using a claw to swipe at the face of Bunta leaving a deep gash but luckily not damaging the eye. Bunta yells in agony but keeps his hold as Sarutobi finishes the sealing and applies the seals meant to ensure that the Kyuubi never escapes but still would leak chakra into Naruto's system ever so slowly. The Shinagami soon disappears and Sarutobi falls to the ground with a smile on his face even as he takes his last breaths and perishes from this world.
Kushina pants heavily as the chakra chains took a lot out of her but her resolve strengthens as she hears Naruto crying; Minato at this point woke up.
"Ugh, what hit me and…" He sees Sarutobi's lifeless body "Dammit! I was supposed to do the sealing not you!"
Kushina puts a hand on Minato's shoulder "He ensured for us to both live on and have a happy family while keeping a strong Hokage in office."
Minato and Jiraiya nod sadly with tears coming out of their eyes which soon widen as Naruto suddenly levitates in the air and is surrounded by a white light then vanishes without a trace.
"MY BABY! NARUTO!"
Kushina gets on her knees and sobs uncontrollably while both Minato and Jiraiya attempt to comfort her though they were just as shocked; it would be a long while before Naruto is seen in the elemental nations again.
United States – New York City, Brooklyn, 1923
It is a stormy night in New York and everyone is settled into their homes either sleeping or trying to find shelter from the storm. For one such individual, their night would get interesting and will soon raise a child that was to be considered a hero in two worlds. At the Angel Guardian Home (1), what sounds like a knock on the door is heard making the two older people inside, dressed in nun clothing, caring for the orphans to get up from what they were doing and decide to check it out. They open up the door and look around then down to find a small child wrapped in a blanket with whisker marks on his cheeks crying at the door soaking wet from the rain.
"Sister Frances, I see God has given us another cute child to take care of."
"It seems so Sister Catherine, but I wonder how he got here?"
"Hurry, we must dry the child off and give him rest; God knows he needs it." Frances states making them hurry inside to give the child the care he needs
As they go and open the blanket to dry him off they notice a weird pattern on the stomach "Catherine, any idea what this is? No matter how hard I try it won't come off?"
Catherine shakes her head "Not a clue but we should not matter about trivial things; what shall we name him?"
Frances thinks for a bit "I think I will name him after my husband whom passed two years ago. His name will be James Daniels."
Catherine smiles "A wonderful name and may I ask about what to do with him when he gets older? We usually put children up for adoption at age twelve."
"I will adopt him as I feel a connection to this boy and feel that God sent him here for a reason."
"Never doubt the Lord's work I suppose, I cannot wait to see what James grows up to be." Catherine smiles "It is getting late, shall we retire for the night?"
Frances nods "Yes, and we will both keep James by our side, helping him along the way."
Time-skip: Six Years Later
Over the course of the years, James became fast friends with those at the orphanage and always managed to give Frances and Catherine a headache when he let the other orphans play hide and seek. It was not the other orphans that gave the two Sisters a hard time; no it was James and his stealth abilities as once he found a place to hide nobody could seem to find him until hours later when he managed to suddenly reappear again. Yes, he got scolded and put in a time out chair but James found that his innate ability to hide that well fascinated him and baffled everyone else in the orphanage. It was also at this time when Frances and Catherine bared witness to something remarkable.
James was happily running around the orphanage with the other kids when one accidently tripped and pushed him down the stairs; the kids look on in horror as their best friend fell down the flight of stairs and crashed in a heap at the bottom with some of his limbs not in the right angle. Catherine and Frances rushed over to see what the commotion was about and gasped in sight at the seemingly lifeless form of James.
"JAMES!" the Sisters chorus and rush over to his body as did some of the orphans; it was then that all bared witness to a miracle at work
Pops and cracks are heard as bones reset themselves and the cuts on his body sizzled and healed themselves; within five minutes James stands up with a fox like grin on his face.
"Ugh, did anyone get the number on that trolley?"
Some of the orphans giggle while Frances and Catherine engulf James in a hug both thinking the same thing "This can only be God's work at hand; what a special child we have been raising."
James struggles to get free "Sisters…mother, stop please!" He blushes in embarrassment when the orphans that he was playing with came and hugged him as well; it was an interesting day for everyone that day.
Time-skip 8 years later (James/Naruto's age is 14)
James, now five foot six and wearing a white wife-beater and Khaki pants, is currently in a training room going over the stances he learned for boxing; he joined last year after finding a flyer on signing up for a chance to be accepted to fight against others at the Bay Ridge Stadium (2). He remembers going into the office and talking with a man named Earl, a middle aged man with a mustache and a muscular five foot eight frame, who instantly questioned why a 13 year old would want to box but James replied that God told him to join and to give him a chance. Earl resented and said that he would give a month probationary period to see how he did; a month later Earl was impressed to say the least as James came up with his own style within said month.
As he punches the bag with his taped fists Earl comes in to greet him "Hey James, I see you are hard at work, it's been over three hours…you have to be tired by now."
James grunts as he punches the bag again "I have always had ungodly stamina Earl and you know about my weird healing ability; I swear I wasn't born here as I seem so different from other people."
Earl laughs "Is it about those whisker marks of yours or is it that insanely bright blonde hair that screams "kill me."
James growls and feels something build within him then punches the bag which breaks off its chain and flies into the wall which explodes into a mini sandstorm. Both Earl and James blink trying to come to terms what happened.
James puts his hands in the air "What in God's name happened!"
Earl shrugs "Hell if I know, you are paying for the damages right?"
James laughs "Yah I will but I want to try something out; you got a couple left over cement blocks?"
Earl looks at James like he's crazy "Whatever you're doing I want to see this; just give me a moment."
Earl soon returns with three cement blocks and puts them on the floor, stacking one on top of each other.
"Call me crazy Earl but I felt something within me when I got emotional to the point where I think I can break all three of these blocks."
"You're crazy."
James deadpans "Thanks."
He then closes his eyes and concentrates on the feeling and soon finds it and brings it out and directs it in his fist then punches down at the blocks; they all break into pieces, all three of them. Earl and James then just laugh comically like whatever happened didn't happen at all as they both had a hard time believing it.
"Well kid, I think you may just beat everyone that challenges you with that and your other abilities; I don't know where you came from James but you sure are odd."
James shakes his head and grabs a towel from his bag and slings it around his shoulders then goes back into his bag and grabs his wallet pulling out fifty dollars then handing it to Earl.
"That should pay for the damages, tell me when the next fight is and I promise to make you a lot of money."
Earl laughs "Don't doubt it kid; now go on get outta here."
Over the years James became a legend when it came to boxing and he was most known for his one hit KO's against bigger opponents and his seemingly inhuman strength and stamina. Earl was very happy with James as both made a killer and were practically rich; even Catherine and Frances was happy with their adopted son but reminded him not to let his strange powers and all that money go to his head. James took this to heart and donated to charities, gave money to the poor and even helped fix up the orphanage. It was a good life for James and he hoped to continue boxing as he felt that it was second nature but four years later that fateful day came.
Time-Skip: 4 years later (James/Naruto age is 18)
James, now six foot tall with a muscular build and wearing blue jeans and a grey shirt, was sitting on the couch in the orphanage and sighed to himself as this was to be his last year here as he was now the age of an adult. Even Cathrine and Frances plus some of the orphans he grew to love cried that he would soon be leaving. As James was going through the channels on the radio he stopped as he heard that President Roosevelt was about to make a speech so he calls in the orphans and his adopted parents.
"What is it James?" Catherine asks but he points at the Radio
"President Roosevelt is about to make a speech" James says
Soon the President's voice comes on and he gives his spiel:
"Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.(3)"
A feeling comes over James, a feeling of patriotism, a need to fight for his country; he quickly stands and turns to his fellow orphans and his adoptive parents.
"I know what I must do Sisters and Brothers, I must fight for this country so that the tyranny of Japan and that of Hitler will not come to pass."
Catherine chokes back a sob "But James, what about your life? I know you cannot stay here anymore but your only 18 and have so much to look forward too."
Frances hugs James and cries into his shoulder "Please, rethink your actions I don't know what I would do if I lost you."
James hugs her and Catherine; the orphans nearby also join in; after a while it breaks apart.
"I know you don't want me to put my life on the line but in order for America to be free I must fight for her no matter the consequences. I know a bit of how my abilities work so I should be fine; I will write to you whenever I can OK."
Catherine and Frances nod then kiss James on either cheek
"Go then, fight for America, fight for our freedom." Catherine says
"I have faith in you my son, and let God be with you always." Frances replies back
"Thank you sisters, God have always been with me and will protect me on the battlefield."
James says tearfully as he quickly gathers the essential paperwork and runs to the nearest enlisting station; war has begun and a new path for our hero will begin.
1. Built in 1899 and is still running today though the names of the caretakers are fictional.
2. This is also another place in Brooklyn, it was like a fight club in the 1920's and 30's.
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