Summary: Word has gotten out about a Sound invasion approaching. Can Naruto protect those he cares about? What does he do?

Note: This is my first entry but I wanted to do this cause it's been in my head for quite a while. Please give feedback. Thanks. First Fic go easy on me, okay?

Side Note: Try listening to Devils Cry off the Devil May Cry CD. That's where I came up with the battle scene. (1) Start music when you see this. (2) Heavy pickup before lyrics start.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the original characters. I wish I did though… I also do not own Devil May Cry 3 or its soundtrack. I have it but I don't own it. Lyrics from Thanks guys!

"Talking"

"Thinking"

"Kyuubi talking"

"Kyuubi thinking" (Duh!)

A Taste of Darkness

They were ready. All preparations were set up for the oncoming attack. Shinobi were lined up around the gate but were far enough so not to get hurt if the Sound blew the gate open.

The Hokage, Tsunade was standing up front with Jaraiya for when their old team mate Orochimaru appeared. Behind them stood a group of the Rookie Twelve. Prepared to back up the Hokage and go headfirst into the battle.

There was only one problem. Uzumaki Naruto was nowhere to be found. Several of the Rookie Twelve were shifting from foot to foot in his absence. Only the usual stoic members never fidgeted, but you could always see their eyebrows twitch every now and then.

No one would say anything but they all relied on Naruto for much of their motivation and courage. He never knew when to stop and showed determination all the time which pushed those around him to try their hardest as well and then some!

Those present were very apprehensive without his presence. They were beginning to wonder if maybe something happened. The Sound weren't the only problem. The Akatsuki were on the move, but only Jaraiya and Tsunade knew of this. Still they had to wonder where he was, but couldn't do more than that. They were needed here to defend Konoha no matter what. They could only hope he was okay…If only they knew…

Naruto stood tall, but inside, he was nervous as hell. There was no way he would be able to do this without having nightmares later. But he made up his mind and promised himself that he would do it. So here he is…screwed because he just had to promise himself not to run away.

In the distance he could see the army of Sound Nins marching straight for him. He was standing about thirty meters from the gate the army was said to attack. He prepared himself for what he was about to do and started the seals for a barrier jutsu Kyuubi taught him.

The barrier would stay invisible until someone came into contact with it. Luckily it wouldn't close around the army until they were fully in the barrier so they couldn't run past him. They would have to kill him first and Kyuubi was far from letting that happen.

They were finally in range and Naruto wondered where Orochimaru was for he was nowhere to be seen. Hopefully they did not plan to attack from two different directions. The barrier closed without anyone noticing but they stopped when they reached Naruto. They sneered at him and glared, which made Naruto quite uncomfortable. He still had to try though…

(1) "Do not step any further. I ask that you return and leave before many lives are wasted." That just provoked them to laugh and make fun of him. One Nin stepped forward.

"You should shut your mouth kid. There's no way you're gonna stop us. Tell you what, just cause you have the guts to face us all alone, we'll let you get one shot at us. But I doubt that you will get much, heh, your still a gennin!"

"Very well then" "Fools…" Naruto closed his eyes and made the Goat seal to focus Kyuubi's chakra. (2) The air became tense and dirt and small pebbles started to rise off the floor as more power poured out.

Steal the soul for a second chance

But you will never become a man

Suddenly red chakra started pouring out of him and surrounded him in a protective case.

I just wonder what makes me stronger
In a life that craves the hunger

Fade away in a quest for life

Slowly he opened his eyes to reveal Kyuubi's eyes.

Until the end, don't judge me nice