..::..
Hello there, I bet you're wondering … is this guy for real – he's writing another story? I know it seems like it but since the original plan I had for Uzu's Musketeer is on hold, and since I spent way too much time away from the Internet, I've caught up with my many Manga and Manhwa books that I've neglected since starting to devote my spare time to writing Fan Fiction.
Here's what I intend to do: I'm re-writing Uzu's Musketeer, but instead of its own story, it'll be a part of a Fan Fiction that I can post random ideas or chapters in to. If any are familiar with DZ2 then, it'll be similar to their 'Den of Delights' idea.
So, Uzu's Musketeer gets a rewrite and I get an outlet for the many single chapter ideas or random, stray story ideas that I may not be able to shake off – a win-win no?
So here's the first idea that I've had that I wasn't entirely sure of at first, but then the idea simmered and eventually I actually pondered the idea. It's an idea sprung from a Manhwa called 'Immortal Regis', and I love the story, a wee bit dark in some areas but I recommend it. ^_^
So on to the story. If it gains enough support, I may re-post them as individual stories but … it might be easier to have them all in one location.
..::..
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR IMMORTAL REGIS.
..::..
KONOHA'S UNDEAD KING - CHAPTER ONE.
..::..
"Ramen" – Speech
'Ramen' – Thoughts
"Ramen" – Biiju/Summon Speech
'Ramen' – Biiju/Summon Thoughts
"Ramen" – God/Deity Speech
'Ramen' – God/Deity Thoughts
..::..
Naruto didn't know why he was heading towards the unfinished bridge, that he and his teammates had decided to continue to protect, but there was something there that called to him. Naruto had always felt the most at peace when surrounded by air, but ever since arriving at Wave and smelling the salt of the ocean, a sense of complete peace engulfed him – like a warm embrace that welcomed him home.
It was if his blood was connected to the ocean in some way.
Naruto was brought from his thoughts by the sounds of hard labour, and he knew he'd arrived at the bridge. Looking over at the workers, he felt a sudden shiver go down his spine. He followed the feeling and came face to face, eye to eye with a peculiarly dressed girl. The first and probably the strangest thing about the girl were completely ignored by the blonde haired youth, as they continued to stare deeply into each other's eyes. His royal blue eyes bored into her ominous red coloured eyes. Her hair colour was a pale white colour and her strangely decorative dress suited her otherwise delicate appearance – gothic, Naruto remembered after seeing a few styles whilst in his Oiroke no Jutsu (Sexy Technique) form. [AN1 – Reference at bottom]
The girl was about his age; maybe a year or two older, and her beauty even surpassed that of his long time crush and teammate, Sakura Haruno. As they continued to gaze into the other's eyes, the first thing that his mind picked up had finally caught up with him and his eyes widened in surprise – she was slightly see through!
Normally Naruto would've screamed to the world and exclaimed his findings loudly, but for once he felt no need to do so. He didn't know why, whether it was something about the girl, or even where they were, but something was tickling the back of Naruto's mind. Why did this girl and the location seem so familiar – as far as he knew, Naruto had never even been to Wave before … had he?
The girl finally blinked and like a spell that had just been lifted, Naruto finally blinked as well. He blushed brightly as she smiled cutely at him, she opened her mouth to say something but it was distorted by the ambience of the men working around them. A crestfallen look replaced her small smile and a tear slid down her cheek as she faded.
Naruto actually cried out at the sight, and it drew the attention of the bridge builder Tazuna. He looked at Naruto, and then to the blank space that he was staring at and then back again. He walked off muttering about stupid, crazy blondes.
Naruto frowned at the man, sure he wasn't a genius like Sasuke, or more appropriately, like his brother Itachi but he wasn't stupid – he was far from it in fact. The truth was that it just took him a lot of effort to concentrate; it was as if there was something stopping him from thinking straight. Then there was his undernourished body, Naruto knew that he should eat more meats and vegetables but the hidden beauty of ramen, was that he could taste if he was being poisoned or not. It had actually happened once, before he discovered Ichiraku's Ramen Stand.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he decided to leave. Though his mind was plagued with thoughts of that beautiful girl – he was so deep in thought that he literally bumped into his pink-haired teammate Sakura Haruno.
"Naruto-baka, watch where you're going," Sakura shouted, as she raised her fist to hit him over the head. She stopped however, as for once in her time knowing Naruto, she actually looked at the blonde – something was different and it looked wrong on his usually bright face.
"H-Hey Naruto, a-are you feeling okay?" she stuttered.
There was genuine concern in her voice and Naruto blinked back to reality once more – he realised that his crush was speaking to him, but for some reason the image of that girl flashed into his mind. For some strange, inexplicable reason … he felt no romantic attachments to Sakura anymore.
What was happening to him?
"I-I don't know, I …" Naruto began, before blinking once more and levelling a truly confused look at his teammate. "I don't know Sakura-cha … Sakura-san."
The quiet correction in his last statement, coupled with his tone had Sakura recoiling in shock. Naruto wasn't shouting, he wasn't annoying her by being overly familiar with her and he sounded genuinely confused – not his usual annoying confused, but he seemed so … lost. Something about this Naruto pulled at her heartstrings.
"Look Naruto," Sakura began. Why was she doing this? "Um … do, do you want to talk about whatever's b-bothering you?"
Her response was not what she was expecting. For the first time since knowing him, Naruto was silent for a few minutes before he sighed softly and nodded mutely to her question. He glanced at her and she gasped – was his forehead underneath his Hitai-ate glowing? Sakura blinked and the glow was gone … just what was going on?
"I-I'm so confused Sakura-san," Naruto whispered. He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "I-I've never been here before, my home is Konoha, but since arriving here … I'm confused. My mind and body are struggling with each other – my mind tells me to embrace this feeling of peace, but my body struggles to find a connection. Here in Wave, my mind feels so clear and focussed, but something is holding the rest of me back."
Naruto didn't know it, but as he revealed his feelings to Sakura, his body was slowly releasing more and more chakra. A pressure soon formed and Naruto suddenly gripped his head as unfathomable amounts of pain shot through him. Sakura gasped as Naruto gripped his head screaming in pain, a figure suddenly appeared next to her and ripped off Naruto's head band.
The figure growled in a feral manner before quickly running through hand signs. Sakura bore witness to Naruto's bare forehead covered in angry red looking writing, and before she could cry out, the figure shouted out a "Kai!"
The stranger shouted in frustration and called to Naruto – for him to focus.
"Sakura!" a voice shouted.
She turned to see a horrified looking Ino Yamanaka, a fully alert Shikamaru Nara and a dazed looking Chouji Akimichi. Then that meant that the stranger was – their sensei: Asuma Sarutobi.
"Damn it Naruto, focus! Listen to my voice kid and focus!" Asuma shouted in what she thought sounded like a desperate tone.
The strange red writing flared and Naruto screamed in pure agony. The pain in his voice attracted the attention of the bridge workers, which had finished for the day and Sasuke – who'd been protecting Tazuna for the day. Kakashi appeared moments later and barked at the Gennin to get back. Naruto grunted and a look of pained concentration took over his features, seconds later the red writing faded, and with it came an unexpected change.
Naruto's features were changing.
It was like someone had poured dye over his features, as his hair became as black as night with a single, bright blood red streak going down his fringe, and his tan faded into creamy pale skin. His very bone structure looked like it was melting away as his chubby cheeked appearance melted into soft but angular lines. Everybody from Konoha, but mostly Sasuke immediately noticed – they were Uchiha Clan features! Like someone had just punched him in the stomach, Naruto gasped in an attempt to refill his lungs with precious air. Doing so, however let them look into Naruto's now two toned eyes – one that beautiful royal blue, and the other a pure amethyst purple colour.
Naruto groaned in pain and a chuckle was heard, Naruto immediately stirred and faced the voice.
"Asuma-nii, is that you?" Naruto's now quieter but deeper voice spoke.
"Easy kid, you just had Heritage and Suppression Seals removed, you need to rest," Asuma replied.
"H-Heritage Seals … but they're not legal," muttered Ino in a quiet tone, though everyone heard her.
The other Gennin began muttering conspiringly to each other, all except Sasuke. He remained still, staring at Naruto … another Uchiha but how – no, it had to be a mere coincidence that he looked like an Uchiha. Those thoughts weren't sticking for long though as Naruto moaned about his head and eyes hurting – Sasuke had to check, eyes hurting was a sign of the Sharingan awakening, unsealing or no.
"Dobe – no … Naruto," Sasuke spoke up, it caused the others to look at the Uchiha in shock. "Channel chakra into your eyes!"
Naruto glared at Sasuke, but was cut off from retorting when Kakashi barked at him to do it as well. Confused, Naruto sighed but obeyed his sensei. He channelled chakra to his eyes and the other Gennin and two Jounin all gaped when a second stage Sharingan looked back at them instead of his new eyes, its two tomoe spinning excitedly as if happy to be revealed. Sasuke fell to his knees in shock.
"T-There's another Uchiha, one that's actually alive!" he exclaimed, an actual tear forming in the corner of his eye.
"What do you mean," Naruto spoke in confusion, though his brain was quickly catching up and he hissed as information that he'd forgotten returned with a vengeance. Training with Asuma and Kurenai, before Asuma left to join the Guardian Core for one more tour – to help train the next generation. Kurenai becoming distant, meeting Dog aka Kakashi when a protection detail on his birthday went south … flashing memories all going in and out of focus, his breathing sped up and he began to hyperventilate. His last memory was of the Village Elder Trio, Homura, Koharu and Danzo before darkness took him.
"Naruto, calm down," Asuma soothed. "You're going to hyperventilate."
Too late, as Naruto saw darkness creep into his vision, their voices becoming distorted and the last thing he saw or heard was of the beautiful girl smiling and saying, "Come for me."
..::..
"Wait!" cried Naruto as he suddenly woke up.
He found his arm outstretched in a grabbing motion, as if to stop he girl from leaving without that smile. He gasped and took several deep breathes, he'd never hyperventilated before and he decided that he didn't like it. Calming his heart and breathing was oddly easy for Naruto, like his mind and body were finally at harmony with each other. He exhaled and ran a tired hand through his long hair – wait … long hair? Snapping his gaze open he cautiously took in his surroundings, his mind effortlessly recalling even the tiniest of details – no matter how small it might be.
'Interesting, I've never felt so in control before,' Naruto marvelled, before a memory struck him. It was when training with Asuma and Kurenai. He was learning the concept of Genjutsu and the revelation to the red eyed young woman, that he could retain information just like his father – wait what? His father … he remembered! His father was the Yondaime Hokage, which meant that his father was Minato Namikaze: The Yellow Flash!"
He instantly searched his memories for information on his mother, and just like with his other memories, they were instantly recalled. His mother was Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Hot Habanero, her other moniker was 'The Red Death', so named for her utter fury on the Kiri Battlefront in the Second Ninja War.
His mind laid out the facts to him as clear as his foggy mind could.
His father was a war orphan, Father a Namikaze and Mother Unknown. Status: Deceased.
His mother was also an orphan, Father a Senju and Mother an Uzumaki. Status: Unknown.
Namikaze Clan – Originally from the Land of Lightning, nomadic in nature – not tied to any village … Clan believed extinct.
Senju Clan – Considered Royalty in Konoha and one of three founding Clans – tied to Konoha … only formal living Clan Member: Tsunade Senju.
Uzumaki Clan – Royal Family of Uzu and the third founding Clan of Konoha – tied to Uzu – Allied to Konoha … Clan exterminated in the First Shinobi War – survivors unknown.
'I guess it's safe to assume that father's mother may have been an Uchiha,' Naruto concluded easily. 'I guess the Sharingan didn't materialise in its entirety, but if he was able to utilize the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique) so freely without drawing tunnel vision, then he may have at least inherited their eye resilience.'
Naruto blinked and then started to panic, how the hell did he know all this? It was like his mind was a damn dossier – argh, another word he didn't know before.
"What … what's happening to me," Naruto whimpered before he took a breath and answered his own question. "These are … m-memories, I … was sealed? Why … I remember an accident, the Elders …"
"The Elders what Naruto?" a voice broke his thoughts.
Without even realising it, Naruto's Sharingan activated and levelled a glare worthy of an Uchiha to the other person. It was Asuma, with Kakashi leaning against the closed door.
"I-I remember the Elders, they sealed me but I don't know why," Naruto recollected.
"I can answer that for you Naruto," Kakashi replied in a serious tone. The other two looked to him and he took it as permission to speak. "You still looked like your father back then, but you were also an Uchiha. Your features were changing too rapidly to be considered natural, your intellect alone was worthy of a Nara, but the council feared you. There was an accident, your birthday to be precise. A rogue Chunin found you and tried to kill you, we stopped him but he attempted to Seal your 'demon self' away first. He half sealed your entire mind away and the only way to stop you from dying was to seal the rest of it. We were still trying to find out who gave the Chunin the Seal to begin with … I guess we have our answer."
"There's a problem Kakashi-sensei," Naruto replied, also using a serious voice that didn't belong to a child. "I have no demon, the Hokage mentioned that I had the Kyuubi no Kitsune sealed within me … but there is only my chakra inside me."
Kakashi and Asuma gasped, Kakashi pulling off his Hitai-ate to verify, whilst Asuma checked his stomach for a seal.
"H-He's right Kakashi," Asuma gulped before he hissed. "Did my father know of this?"
"I would assume so Asuma-nii," Naruto replied promptly. "He would have access to my father's journals as they were/are both Hokage."
The statement was met with an intake of breath from Kakashi and Asuma almost cried at the affectionate term of endearment. "Y-You really do remember everything don't you?"
Naruto merely nodded sedately before his attention finally returned to his now long hair as it blocked his view of his older brother figure. Asuma chuckled and moved to the window, he opened the curtain to reveal the bright morning sun. It illuminated the room enough for Naruto to glance around, and he spotted a mirror in the corner.
Kakashi left to inform the others that Naruto had awoken, and Asuma retrieved the mirror for him. Taking in his new, slightly girly features was unnerving to the ex-blonde, but his hair was even more unnerving – he was almost a dead ringer for a younger Madara Uchiha.
"I think I need a haircut," Naruto immediately stated. "I don't think looking like Madara Uchiha is a good idea."
"I don't know Naruto … it makes you look dangerous," Asuma chuckled. Naruto's flat glare made the man chuckle harder. "All right then, I'll get Ino."
Naruto made a face before he finally nodded his consent. "Before you go Asuma-nii … why are you here?"
"Huh? Oh that's easy, I'm the back-up that Kakashi requested," Asuma responded. "I'll get Ino."
"Arigatou Asuma-nii," Naruto spoke.
..::..
When Ino came up with Asuma, she wasn't expecting Naruto to be towelling his hair. He looked as though he'd just bathed and his new body made her blush. Nevertheless, she was a professional in the ways of fashion! Or at least that's what she claimed, so when he asked her help for a haircut – she squealed in joy … just what did he get in to?
Despite Naruto's objections, she left the bangs and fringe – simply because of the red streak of hair that sat there. She did cut off a healthy chunk of hair from the back though, its length now only reaching just below his shoulders, instead of his butt. Naruto stopped her from going too far and simply stated that he'd just tie the rest back in a ponytail with ninja wire. Tying it in a high ponytail, much like Ino's own, placated her so she dropped the subject and left – pleased with her work. [AN2]
Sadly, nothing could be done in regards to his clothing, so Naruto decided to discard the orange jacket and opt to wear the black t-shirt and the orange pants. He liked orange, but his recovered mind recognised when he had too much.
Sighing as he walked down the stairs, he came to an unusual sight as he spotted his teammates along with Team 10. Sakura and Ino looked well and truly cowed and the only spot at the table was next to Sasuke. Instead of glaring, Sasuke actually smiled and gestured to the empty spot.
"You should eat cousin," Sasuke commented. "You've been out for four days now, while the changes finished."
Old Naruto would've retorted, but this Naruto merely raised an eyebrow but nodded. He sat next to Sasuke and watched curiously as the boy placed a selection of food in front of him.
"So … cousin?" he asked Sasuke.
"Well, you aren't direct family and it's easier than addressing you as whatever relation we actually are," Sasuke commented.
The exchange was watched intensely by the other people in the room.
"I see," Naruto sighed. "I appreciate the sentiment Sasuke, but the last time we spoke, you hated me. Please let me process everything before trying to act too familiarly with me … okay?"
Sasuke frowned but nodded. "I understand Naruto; I'll wait for your word."
Naruto smiled softly, not realising that the women in the room all blushed and ate the provided meal. Naruto's mind was still running back to that girl though – who was she and why did she want him to 'come for her'?
Deciding that the best place to look for answers was back at the bridge, he excused himself and got permission to return to the bridge.
..::..
After escorting Team 10 and Tazuna to the bridge, he surprised them by bowing in thanks. He knew that Shikamaru and Chouji would want answers soon, but then a thought stopped him. His so called friends weren't actually his friends, more like acquaintances that were rarely civil. They never invited him to visit or play and the only time they actually spent together was while his former retard-minded-self liked to play pranks. No, he owed them no explanation – they would remain civil until they prove they really were his friends.
A giggle brought him from his thoughts and he glanced at the centre of the bridge. There, balancing on the very edge was the girl that he couldn't stop thinking about. She gestured him to follow her, and she gracefully jumped off the bridge. Startled by the act, Naruto rushed forward and looked over the edge. He sighed as he saw her gently float to the water and point towards a cave nearby – odd, there was no cave there seconds ago.
Naruto debated internally for a few seconds but he then shrugged and he too, jumped off the edge of the bridge, his memories told him that he could do something called 'Water Walking' so he didn't bother with weighing up the pros and cons of simply jumping.
Ino spotted the action and gasped loudly, Asuma narrowing his gaze at the spot Naruto had been in, he was there to help the boy learn Water Walking so he didn't bother worrying about that little problem. He had been worried though, since he saw what Naruto was doing before he jumped.
'It was only a matter of time before a soul reached out to him,' Asuma pondered silently. 'Though there was no mention of one existing this close to the mainland … except for that silly legend of Depore …'
Asuma's eyes widened dramatically, "Shit!"
Creating a Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone), he sent it to find where Kakashi was training his other brats whilst he ran to the edge to look for the former blond but he was gone.
If there was any truth to the Legend then a great power was about to be unleashed upon the world once more. The last known piece of knowledge regarding Depore was of La Noche or the Undead King. He wasn't really undead of course, he was however the greatest Uzumaki Warrior to ever exist. The bodies that fell to La Noche and his legendary sword Depore numbered in the high thousands, even more if he felt the need to be honest. The man was a demon but when the Uzumaki Clan was first founded, long before either of the Uchiha or Senju Clans was formed, he vanished.
There were murmurs of sightings here and there, but the legend soon became a bedtime story to frighten the superstitious. But like all things in the Shinobi world … legends had a way of coming back to bite you in the arse.
..::..
Naruto shivered as he entered the cave. The water was freezing this time of year, how he knew that he didn't know, but he did. He blinked and suddenly came face to face with that beautiful girl once more. She was smiling brightly and almost danced around him in joy, she suddenly defied all logic and grasped his hand firmly. She then pulled him along while skipping into the cave, and for some reason Naruto couldn't be bothered to let go.
The endless path winded on further and further away from the entrance, but Naruto only had his eyes on the happy girl bouncing around him. They journeyed for what Naruto estimated to be several hours before he came upon a tomb. There was no grave stone or crypt though; it was merely a carving that identified the person or persons that spent their last days there.
"La Noche," Naruto whispered, testing the name. A sudden thrumming of energy passed through him and he shivered. "This place is wrong, like it shouldn't exist."
"But we exist here," came the delicate but playful voice of his companion. "You're chakra and energy woke me master, I've long waited for your return."
Naruto was confused at first, but old memories, almost like a distant dream called to him – begging him to remember. He shook his head and looked once more to the girl.
"Depore?" he questioned softly.
She nodded sadly before replying, "You don't completely remember me, do you?"
Naruto shook his head softly, "I'm sorry."
She whimpered and then faded, leaving Naruto feeling horribly guilty. He thought of a way to get back and was surprised when he blinked to find himself back outside the cave. The sounds of battle drew his attention and he cussed before finding a path that he could use to get back to the bridge.
He never saw the sad but determined eyes that followed him.
..::..
It turned out that sending a Shadow Clone to fetch Kakashi was a good move, as shortly after it dispelled, the bridge was under attack by the reason for their requested back-up: Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist.
A hunter-nin stood proudly at his side and Asuma sighed, "Typical Kakashi, understate the situation. That hunter-nin is clearly Jounin level."
"Well, well … Asuma Sarutobi," Zabuza mocked. "I was expecting Kakashi Hatake. I guess he chickened out."
"Maa Maa Zabuza," the bored voice of Kakashi rang through the silence. "You'll hurt my feelings if you talk like that."
The hunter-nin saw Sasuke and gestured with its head. Zabuza nodded and smiled viciously "Tear the brat apart Haku … maybe I might get some pretty red eyes of my own."
[I'M SKIPPING MOST OF THE FIGHT TO FIT, SORRY PEEPS]
..::..
Naruto arrived to see a large Dome made of Ice surrounding Shikamaru, Chouji and Sasuke, whilst Asuma and Kakashi fought Zabuza and Sakura and Ino protected Tazuna. A quick glance with his Sharingan told him that the trio in the Ice Dome needed his help more, so he rushed forward.
Shooting past Sakura and Ino, he sped through hand signs that he somehow remembered and sucked in a breath.
"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)," Naruto spoke and unleashed his technique upon the Dome. It drew the attention of the Hunter-nin and he instantly created two Shadow Clones. One of the clones got the silent order and it, along with the original Naruto, both utilized the Kawarimi no Jutsu (Body Replacement Technique) and switched with Shikamaru and Chouji. The two looked rather frazzled by the action, but when they realised what had happened it was too late.
"Damn it Naruto," Shikamaru yelled.
"What's wrong Shika?" Ino asked, confusion written on her face.
"That idiot Naruto just Kawarimi'd with us," he growled, gesturing to Chouji and himself.
"What, why would he do that?" she asked. "I don't get it."
"I don't either, but this Naruto isn't the same dead-last idiot that we used to know," Shikamaru huffed out in frustration.
"You know, if you call my creator dead-last then it proves that you know nothing," Naruto's clone suddenly interrupted, causing the girls to jump in fright.
"Shikamaru Nara, IQ of over 200 and the most suitable strategist amongst the current graduates of those currently assembled. Works best in conjunction with Ino Yamanaka and Chouji Akimichi using collaboration techniques unique to your individual Clans," Naruto's clone continued, shocking the others. "Sakura Haruno, excels in knowledge and chakra control, perfectly mouldable into either a Genjutsu Specialist or a Medic-nin … and a perfect addition to any strategist's pieces. Need I say more Shikamaru-san?"
The other Gennin looked in complete shock at the clone of the supposed 'dead-last' of their year. How did he know so much about them?
"You're shocked, surely you didn't believe that I haven't been paying attention?" the Clone continued. "The Seals hindering me are now gone and I am who I am supposed to be, so suck it up and help my creator and your comrades."
"Naruto, you're our friend," Chouji remarked. "You don't need to be rude and tell us to 'suck it up'."
The Clone suddenly looked terrifying to the other Gennin and one bridge builder.
"Are we really friends Chouji-san?" the Clone asked in a hostile but somehow bored tone. "What exactly gave you the impression of such? We have spent no time getting to know each other, or rather; you haven't bothered to spend the time in getting to know me."
"H-How can you say that Naruto?" gasped Chouji, whilst a silent Shikamaru put the dots together.
"Has my creator ever forgotten anyone's birthday, favourite food, colour or even hobbies?" the Clone continued, and at their realisation that Naruto had always remembered they shook their heads. "So that fact established, ask yourselves … what about reversing those questions, what do you exactly know about my creator – me?"
The truth hit them like a Doton Jutsu (Earth Release Technique) to the stomachs – they'd never asked him! They knew nothing about their supposed friend. Their mouths were suddenly very dry, and they were at a loss on how to respond to the clone.
"I thought as much," the Clone simply responded before dispelling.
..::..
"Damn, I have a chatty clone," Naruto muttered mutinously. "Sasuke, I'll draw her attention and you track her movements – try to find her real body."
Sasuke nodded in agreement and Naruto suddenly flooded the dome with clones. They each moved to a mirror, only to be dispelled before they took a step.
"Shit, it's not working," Naruto cursed. "Any suggestions dear cousin? Oh, and congratulations on awakening your Sharingan."
Sasuke blinked at the barb, but a smirk worked its way onto his face – he'd finally unlocked the Sharingan.
"Now that you mention it," Sasuke pondered out loud before he switched to whispering to Naruto. "I noticed that you used a Katon Jutsu (Fire Release Technique) earlier, if you could use another to your left, I'll use one to our right. The steam should create a blanket that we can use to escape."
"Your plan sounds good," Naruto nodded. "Let's go with that – on three?"
They both smirked and on the count of three they both cried out, "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique)."
They both unleashed their techniques at the same time; Sasuke's larger than Naruto's from repetitive practise. Naruto instantly moved and managed to get a clone outside the dome to switch with him but faltered when he heard Sasuke gasp in pain. Turning he spotted Sasuke on the ground, several Senbon made of Ice sticking out of his leg. He could see the Senbon aimed at his clone and the second Senbon aimed for Sasuke's heart, and he knew it was now or never, he exhaled sharply and leapt forward. He took the Senbon aimed at Sasuke to his right shoulder and gave his clone the silent order to switch with Sasuke instead. The clone obeyed its creator's order and did so just in time – leaving Naruto in the Ice Dome without back-up.
"That was very brave and selfless of you Ninja-san," the Hunter-nin spoke. "Is he precious to you?"
"He is family, whether or not he is precious to me is yet to be explored," Naruto replied as he pulled the Senbon out of his shoulder. "But if you think that I'll allow you to harm my teammate and comrade when I have the ability to protect him, then you are gravely mistaken Hunter-nin!"
Haku frowned behind her mask – it was a pity that she had to kill this boy. She suddenly unleashed her technique and silently begged for forgiveness for the life she was about to take.
A sudden pulse rippled through the Mist, its source was Naruto, or rather, from behind Naruto and her Senbon harmlessly dropped to the ground.
Haku gasped as she saw the silhouette of a pretty young girl standing protectively in front of the Uchiha boy before her.
..::..
Depore watched as the Ninja that was so much like her first master took an otherwise killing blow to his shoulder to protect his kin, it sparked memories of fighting with her beloved master, side by side with his own kin. Then she heard his declaration and something in her resonated with the boy … he was her master, only her master could resonate with her like that! But she needed him to say the words of ownership, and she could only do so much without his memories being completely returned to him. Depore was conflicted – what should she do?
The Hunter-nin unleashed a frightening amount of Senbon at her beloved master's reincarnation and she made her choice. She screamed in fury – how dare this Hunter-nin try to kill her master, master was hers and only hers until she approved of another! She jumped in the way and sent a pulse of power outwards, watching with glee as the Senbon harmlessly bounced to the ground.
Standing protectively in from of her master she scowled at the Hunter-nin.
"Mine," she growled. "Master. Is. Mine!"
Another pulse of power followed and Depore suddenly had a strange kind of armour on and a helmet on her head.
The hunter-nin attempted to strike again and Depore twitched in anger – this hunter-nin just didn't know when to quit. She repulsed the Senbon again and hissed, the hunter-nin moved to flee to another mirror and Depore moved to follow but she was stopped by Naruto who had grasped her hand.
..::..
Naruto watched as Depore stopped another attack from reaching him and his mind thumped as memories of time spent with her flashed into his mind and he understood. He was La Noche – or at least the Nidaime La Noche, he was La Noche's reincarnation.
He suddenly grasped her hand firmly, yet gently and prevented her from following the hunter-nin.
"I am not the same master that you remember Depore," Naruto whispered. "Why help me?"
"Why, I like you," she responded simply. "You're very essence is my master, but enticingly different as well. So, I've decided – I won't give my power to anyone else."
"You," She smirked seductively at him and placed her hand on his cheek, getting into his personal space – Naruto found himself blushing like mad.
"You want me?" she purred before she leaned in and kissed Naruto on the lips. "I want you too."
The intimate action caused a tremendous amount of power to surge outwards from where Naruto and Depore were joined and it effortlessly blew away the Mist on the bridge. It revealed a bloody and beaten Zabuza and the rest of the Gennin gaped and blushed at the intimacy being shown in front of them. Asuma and Kakashi glanced nervously at each other … for a sword's soul to be visible to others only proved Asuma's assumption: Depore lived once more. Their musings were cut short by Naruto's simple but historical words.
"Yes, I want you Depore." He muttered in response, as if speaking any louder would ruin the moment. He gently grasped her shoulders and deepened their kiss, it was now a passionate embrace and as they were locked in place, more power rolled off of the two in staggering quantities. Light surrounded the two and the beauty that was kissing Naruto soon faded and in her place was the most beautiful sword they'd ever seen. [AN3]
Zabuza felt a shiver go down his spine as he gazed upon it and whispered a single name, "Depore."
Anything else they were about to say was interrupted by the tapping of a cane and the arrival of Gato and a literal army of mercenaries, most if not all were bandits – cannon fodder really.
Naruto merely glanced in their direction. He muted most of Gato's long-winded speech, but glared as he offered the Kunoichi up for the one to bring them Zabuza's and the hunter-nin – Haku's heads. The army charged and Asuma and Kakashi faltered, they were really out of shape if they were already tired. Haku as well looked dead on her feet, and Shikamaru froze in his attempt to formulate a plan. Sasuke was still out cold, and the others were frozen in fear.
Naruto frowned and took a single step towards the charging army. Effortlessly wielding Depore, he slashed the air in front of him and watched as a blade of energy left Depore's beautiful blade. It sliced into the bandits with ease – legs, arms and even heads hit the ground with dead thuds. Blood rained down upon the bridge and all the while, Naruto smiled.
He suddenly jumped forward into the battle, easily carving his way through the bandits that stood in between him and Gato – the midget was going to die: no one threatened his comrades. He ducked under a bandit's panicked slash and watched with childlike interest as Depore cleaved his head in two. Without pausing he spun on his heels and watched amusedly as the bandits limbs began being rendered from their bodies. His Sharingan glowed ominously as he continued his mad charge into the bandits – their numbers seemed to continue, no matter how many he carved up into pieces. The picture that it painted however was forever seared into the hearts and minds of those that watched.
They watched as a child with hauntingly scary red eyes, butchered hundreds of bandits on his own with nothing but a rumoured legendary blade.
"Going somewhere Gato?" Naruto questioned, his soft voice belaying the absolute carnage that he'd just unleashed.
"Whatever you want," the midget begged. "I'll give you anything you want – just don't kill me … please."
The man whimpered and pissed his pants as Naruto's glowing Sharingan eyes bore into his. "You already have given me everything Gato … your pathetic life … ended."
With that said, he flicked his wrist and Gato's head was removed from his piss-stained body. What Gato didn't know was that one of the skills that he'd inherited from his past-self was the ability to learn from those that he had slayed with Depore. It couldn't be used for training, but for say, learning the location and combinations to all of Gato's safes, bank accounts and business licenses – child's play.
A flash later and Depore now stood closely to Naruto, back in her human form, only this time she was completely whole. Her skin was even warm to the touch – Naruto blushed at the rogue thought and Depore giggled as she hugged her new/old master's arm possessively to her chest.
"N-Naruto," Kakashi gently spoke. "Are you okay?"
Naruto blinked and looked to Kakashi and then the area surrounding him registered in his mind. Had he done all of this? Naruto immediately ran over to the edge of the bridge and puked his guts out – Depore rubbing his back in a soothing manner.
"I guess that answers your question Kakashi," Asuma laughed awkwardly. "I think that was memory recall – like his body moving on auto-pilot."
"I agree with your conclusion," Zabuza's tired voice cut in. "I guess we're no longer enemies Kakashi, Asuma."
"It appears so," Asuma chuckled.
The sensei's gazes flickered to their still frozen students, and their hearts went out to them – they'd seen everything.
A rain suddenly bore down upon them and with it; it washed away the blood on the bridge … a pity that the Gennin of Teams 7 and 10 would always remember a bridge soaked in blood.
"Let's get them back to your place Tazuna-san." Kakashi prompted softly.
The bridge builder nodded quickly and led the way, a weary Haku following along whilst she helped Zabuza on their way. Haku's eyes never left the back of one Naruto Uzumaki however – and Depore didn't like the look on Haku's blushing face.
..::..
And done! My newest concept story – though I must still point out that this is a side project story. Let me know what you all think. ^_^
AN1 – Easier to go to Google Images and search for Immortal Regis – Depore Human Form.
AN2 – Think of Kenshin's Hairstyle – only shorter at the back and longer fringe/bangs.
AN3 – Follow AN1 and go to Google Images. Search Immortal Regis – Depore Sword.
..::..
PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!
..::..
\^o^/