Kyuu: and here is the rewrite of the fanfic The Hidden Village of Dragons, Lords of Dragons and Foxes.
He could not believe it. His country was now allied with Kiri and Kumo all for one purpose and one purpose only.
The complete destruction of a small but powerful village named Uzugakure.
It was only a matter of time, he mulled as him and his fellow chunnin and jounin ran towards the rendezvous. That small island nation was easily one of Konoha's biggest supporters and one of the most powerful. They didn't have numbers, like his did. They didn't have as many techniques as Kiri. And Kumo simply wanted a foot hold there for sea warfare. What made them feared was their mastery of fuinjutsu, kenjutsu and summoning jutsu. They could actively use seals in combat and could break even the mentally strongest of men. Samurai was inter-mixed to their normal shinobi forces and also taught many of the shinobi sword styles and techniques. Each member wielded a blade of some kind, be it a katana, nodachi, or cleaver.
But the summoning contracts that they possessed…..
Rumors and legends were thrown around about various creatures that Uzu no Kuni held. But they were rarely seen. However, many veterans from the Second Shinobi War could vouch for some of the creatures seen.
Greed, fear, and envy rode with the shinobi of all three nations driving a force of almost 10,000 men and women to wipe out a single country.
Deidara mused more as he ran, his eyes scanning for traps. The biggest strength that the island had was that there was a single bridge connecting it to the main land, allowing trafficking of goods by both land and sea due to their ports. His job was simple. He could loot, pillage, whatever he wanted, and then his orders to blow the bridge up completely.
That would be one big bang.
Three Days later
He could already see the first wave pouring into the stubborn ANBU that they had. This was the third day of the siege that the triad of nations had begun with the island burning due to war ships that had left already. Deidara had to give it to the ANBU; they were strong. Out of the original 9,000 shinobi sent to attack the island, only one third remained. For every foot that the three nations gained, they lost 25 men. The ANBU had taken losses as well. Out of the 300 ANBU, there was 75 remaining. And he had his eye on a particularly crafty one. Ryu, he had named, was above average for Uzu's ANBU. But his guard was down. That one move would cost Deidara his eye and a lot of shinobi their lives.
He sent a small clay swallow into the sky. Flying high above the battlefield, it pin-pointed its target with relative ease. Tipping into a steep dive, it plunged towards the ground and began to maneuver through the mass of shinobi charging the last foothold the ANBU had before the city. Bobbing and weaving through the mass of limbs, it came upon its intended prey.
Only to explode in the face of an ANBU that Kawarimi'ed with the target.
Deidara watched on as Ryu screamed. Apparently the now dead man had some significance to the slightly younger ANBU. Time seemingly froze as there was a pulse of energy, paralyzing all of the attackers. A white aura enveloped Ryu, growing stronger and stronger. Another pulse was felt, as the energy became cold.
No. It had become electric.
No, it became….
The only work of art that Deidara would admit after several casks of Kusa's hardest booze that the energy was simply….
Beautiful.
There was a loud roar as the energy condensed and shaped. Frost grew hungrily at anything it could touch that was not producing enough heat. As the layer of pre-winter passed him, he felt a shock as it continued on. Looking down, he saw electric currents leaping and zigzagging through the ice. One leapt and caught his finger, where he was surprised to feel a sudden chill, as if he had stuck his finger in arctic water. Electricity so cold, it froze anything it touched. Then the energy form exploded.
All he could feel was pain in his left eye and numbness throughout his body.
All he could taste was the iron in his blood as it dribbled down his cheek into his wide open mouth.
All he could smell was the smell of winter fresh frost as it brushed by his hand.
All he could hear were cries of pain, cries of hurt, and pleas for mercy.
But what would remain forever etched into his mind was what he saw.
Twin electric yellow, frigid eyes that danced with electricity that all but screamed one thing to him.
Vengeance was upon them, for they had awakened the sleeping beast.
Unknown time and location
He faded in and out of conscience, gaining only snippets of conversation.
"This one's alive!"
"Is he all that's left?"
"I think so. The whirlpools are acting up and no one can cross. It'll take decades to rebuild that bridge."
"Wah…." He croaked.
"He's awake!"
"Wah…..tah…"
"Huh? What are you saying?"
"Wah….ter…."
"He's asking for water!"
A cup was placed to his lips. The life-giving liquid soothed his parched throat as he greedily sucked it down. As soon as the cup emptied, his crystal blue eyes cracked open to look at the rescuers. He spotted a headband, sporting a combination of a spiral and a leaf. He almost passed out with relief. Konoha shinobi. He began to tear up as he was approached by a red haired woman with violet eyes. His eyes widened. Another Uzumaki and one he personally knew to boot. He was not alone.
She looked him in the eyes as his own glistened. "What happened?"
"Three armies, Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri. We held the bridge as long as we could, but they had war ships." Tears slipped down his face as sobs began to wrack his body. "Everyone's gone. We're all that's left, Kushi-chan. Everything, everyone…gone."
She began crying as well. "No…"
An explosion ripped through the mournful mood as a shinobi ran by. "Platoon of Kumo nin! You two ru-URK!" A stray kunai pierced his temple. Before Kushina could react, the injured man had grabbed his mask and twin tantos and was flying at the platoon.
The Kumo nin froze as they witnessed the ANBU bearing down on them roaring a battle cry, "FOR UZU NO KUNI!"
Kushina got to the front lines to witness a massacre. He was everywhere. Ducking, slashing decapitating, cleaving, kicking, punching, every move was determined to do one of two things.
Kill or maim horribly.
Other Konoha shinobi fought as well, flinging kunai and shuriken at unaware opponents, but the vast majority of the blood and gore was caused by the sole ANBU. As the attack dwindled, he was seen standing in the center, new wounds and scars crisscrossing his body. Thunder rolled and lightning cracked as a storm broke overhead. Kushina stepped carefully through the various bodies and organs that littered the edge of the camp. Reaching the ANBU, who was now gazing up at the pouring storm, she drew him into a hug, whispering, "It's ok, Kaito-kun, just let it all out."
He clutched her vest as he began bawling. His legs giving out, they sank into the ground, two sole survivors of a now ruined nation.
Two years later
Kaito stood in front of the cradle, watching the baby sleep peacefully. A powerful seal encircled the newborn's belly button, holding a creature of immense power. A sole tear rolled down his face. Hiruzen was making the announcement of what had happened to the Kyuubi and of the Fourth's last wishes.
But nothing went as planned.
"DIE DEMON!" One of Konoha's ANBU attempted to stab the slumbering child with a kunai.
There was the sound of a katana being unsheathed and the ANBU froze. Then came the tone of a blade being sheathed, a single pause, and a clink. The shinobi exploded into pieces as the child woke up. Due to his being woken up from his nap, the baby began to cry. As gently as he could, he lifted the baby up from the crib and began a chakra exercise that would calm the baby as well as let the child feel a sense of security. His chakra rose and fell in small pulses as if playing music, calming the baby after a few notes. 5 minutes passed as the newborn fell back asleep and was gently tucked back into his cradle. The door opened as the Sandaime entered. Not even glancing at the bits and pieces of the ANBU on the floor, the elder man inquired, "What will you do?"
"Sadly, I must leave the boy for now." Kaito murmured loud enough for the other man to hear.
"Do you hate him as well?" Sarutobi accused.
"No." this caused the Hokage to recoil in surprise. "The reason is not him. It's me." The Uzu-nin turned to look out the window as a small white creature crawled out of his cloak and jumped over to the top of the cradle and watched the child with light green eyes. Sensing the movement, the baby Naruto looked up and cooed softly as he made grabbing motions towards the little animal. "The power I unleashed at the siege of Uzu is powerful. Eventually, I will be forced to reveal myself to the world to protect him. I want to make sure that I am strong enough for this power."
"I thought you had gained a lot of control over that."
"No. It's too powerful. At times, I wonder why I was chosen. This power should not exist, or at least that is my opinion. The elders of my summons seem to think otherwise."
"How long?"
"Hard to say. " He turned and watched as the little creature dangled it's tail in front of the baby, only to get pulled into the cradle with a surprised 'Squeak!' "That power cost 400 enemy shinobi and my other comrades' lives. While I would rather not use it, if left untrained the cost would be even higher."
"I…see." Hiruzen paused. "The populace did not take the news well."
Kaito nodded towards the remains of the ANBU. "I know. I will care for him for a week, but after that, I must depart."
"Very well. Now, I must get back to my paperwork. Good night, Kaito-kun, Naruto-kun." The professor turned and opened the door.
"Hiruzen, when I am gone, take care of him. I will be back, but he will have a rough life if the populace reacted the way that they did."
"My hands will be tied, but I will do what I can." With that, the elder Hokage left.
'Kurama, where Hiruzen cannot help Naruto, help him, please.' Kaito thought as he placed his hand on the newborn's head.
10 years later
"Get back here brat!"
Naruto was running full tilt towards the Hokage tower. The reason? How about the massive mob armed with various pointy things behind him? Along with the ANBU trying to catch him for the mob?
Good reason to run, ne?
Moving on, he turned around a corner only to run straight into a body in a worn grey cloak. "Sorry!"
"Hold on, young one." A strong hand grasped his shoulder as he tried to run. "What is your name?"
"Naruto!" he cried. "Now let me go before they catch up!"
"Who are they?"
"THERE HE IS!"
Turning, both males watched the mob and ANBU turn the corner. "Ah, you mean them." The man nodded. "Should have seen it coming. Hang around and you'll get to a cool jutsu."
"Huh?"
"Fuuton: Fus Ro DAH!" The shinobi spoke then shouted. A pure shockwave erupted out of his mouth and quickly expanded to encompass the entire street. Mob, meet shockwave of wind. Shock wave, meet mob.
It was amazing in the eyes of Naruto. The entire mob was thrown backwards into the far street, landing on top of each other in a pile of limbs.
"That. was. AWESOME!" Naruto exclaimed. "Teach me how to do that!"
The man chuckled. "Unfortunately, you aren't skilled enough to learn that jutsu, but…" the sound of a stomach rumbling. "If you would be willing to join me for a bowl or two of ramen…"
Instantly, he was being pulled in the direction of Ichiraku's. The man mentally chuckled. 'Just like his mother.'
They just missed a man with a nearby cart shouting, "My cabbages!"
Hokage Tower
Hiruzen sighed as he stretched his hand to prevent it from oncoming cramps from writing for so long. Turning to take a small break and to gaze out the window behind him, he sighed as he remembered when Minato had the hat. Kaito would stop by and drop off some tobacco from where ever he went. He still needed to get through that brand he brought from Ne no Kuni. Kaito said that they made the strongest tobacco there, but he would only get him the weaker stuff.
...
Damn brat. The elder Sarutobi wanted the good stuff!
He heard the swoosh of a shunshin behind him. Sighing and schooling his face, he turned to meet the ANBU that had arrived. "What is it?"
"Lord Hokage, a mob was recently seen chasing Naruto again."
Hiruzen massaged the bridge of his nose. "Alright, let's go stop them."
"There's more."
Hiruzen froze.
"Naruto ran into a man in a well-used cloak. The man stopped him, and after a few words, preformed a jutsu that sent out a literal shock wave towards the mob. No one was killed, but some did get a nasty concussion from the landing and others got bruising from hitting various objects. And a random man is complaining about all of them destroying his cabbages." The ANBU reported.
"Did you," the Sandaime puffed some of his pipe. "happen to hear the name of the jutsu?"
"Umm, I believe it was 'Fuuton: Fus Ro Dah'?" the ANBU answered hesitantly. "I never heard it but some of the ANBU in the mob did hear it."
"Drop them all off with Ibiki and Anko. If you need me, I'll be going to Ichiraku's."
"My lord, may I inquire as to why?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "The summoner of the Dov has returned. The Uzumaki will rise again." Moving quietly, he exited the office after sealing it to keep out intruders due to the highly classified materials there. Nodding to his secretary (Fifth one he had after the first four tried to keep Naruto from seeing him) and indicating that he was leaving, he took his time going down the stairs mulling over past events.
If Kaito really was back, Naruto was about to get many of his answers and a chance at a semi normal life. Uzumakis were not normal people at all. Not to mention their pranks were used like missions; and had weird but effective training habits; and were just out there in general terms of sanity at times. But knowing Kaito, Naruto no longer needed an ANBU escort unless he was out.
Stepping out into the street, he made his way down the road, people moving out of his way as he strolled towards the little ramen stand. He mentally shook his head at the people bowing their heads to him. All of them made him feel like a really old man, but only Naruto seemed to have the guts to call him Jiji. Wait, what was Kaito's nickname for him? Wuth-Jul or something? He would have to ask the man about it.
Arriving at the ramen stand, he was greeted with the sight of twin towers of ramen bowls, though one was taller than the other. Both boy and ex-ANBU were going at a break-neck pace with Kaito in the lead. Sarutobi shook his head.
"Always making a fuss, eh Kaito-kun?"
The man didn't even turn back. "Hmmhmmhmhmmmhmhm!"
"I'm sorry; I don't understand the Ramen-in-the-mouth language."
The man swallowed the remainder of his bowl, causing Naruto to stop and stare at him, before turning and saying jovially, "Wuth-jul! The paperwork hasn't killed you yet?"
"And you still won't tell me the secret to stopping it?"
The redhead laughed. "Touché, Wuth-jul! Come and join us!"
Teuchi laughed nervously. "Actually, we need to close down."
"Aw, why Teuchi-jiji!" Naruto whined.
"Lack of supplies due to Uzumaki ramen binge." Ayame said from the back.
"And it's about time for us to go as well." Kaito stood. "Same spot, Wuth-jul?"
"Ah, that place. Yes, that will do."
Naruto looked up at Kaito. "Do for what?"
Kaito placed a hand on his shoulder. "Answers to questions that have been asked for a very long time."
Time: 9:00 pm
She was so tired of it all. Hinata Hyuuga looked at a stream near the edge of a field she had found one day. She had snuck out to do it. The pressure of her father, the clan elders, and the main branch's putting down of her confidence was devastating. She winced as her kimono brushed against a rather nasty bruise that Hanabi had left on her back. Everywhere she turned; she was put down and scorned. Her mother….after giving birth to Hanabi, she had slipped into a coma, but not before whispering to her;
"My little sun, be strong, Kos Mul. Someday, I will come back for you. Remember, Onikaan Mindok Pogaan Mulaag. Wisdom knows that strength has many forms." She had chuckled weakly at this. "Not a literal translation, but it works for now. Krif Voth Ahkrin. Fight bravely, my daughter. If they," she spat out 'they' as if it was a bad taste. "had not interfered, you may have had a more loving father, but alas, fate can be cruel. At times, I am glad that everything happened. Lok Dein, my child. I'm very tired. Please, come up here with me."
Hinata had crawled up, and slept with her mother, only to be awakened to find that she had slipped into a coma during the night. Since then, she had laid in the hospital, resting. Hinata felt tears running down her cheeks. 'I'm sorry, Kaa-chan. I don't think that I'm strong enough.' She began to tilt her body with the rocks now laden in it's pockets.
"Jiji! Are we there yet?"
With a slight 'eep', the young girl damn near teleported behind a nearby tree. Peeking out, she was greeted with the sight of Kaito, Sandaime-sama, and….Naruto-kun!
The Sandaime just chuckled. "Yes, Naruto-kun. Our destination is just up ahead."
Kaito seemed to look in her direction and nodded. As they moved past, she felt a slight tug on her kimono. Looking down, she nearly shrieked as she gazed upon a dragon.
Or at least, it looked like a dragon. It was a small blue dragon with a tan underbelly. Twin ruby eyes looked curiously up at the pale lavender eyes. It's right paw tugged on her kimono again, as if trying to tell her to follow it. "D-Do you w-w-want me t-t-to follow you?"
The little dragon nodded. As she began to walk, slower than normal due to the rocks in her kimono, the little creature hopped up on her right shoulder. Moving carefully, she picked her way through the field, staying close to the ground. Soon she came upon a clearing of grass and was greeted with the sight of a lone blue sakura tree. She held back a gasp. Blue sakura trees were extremely rare, and the petals were thought to be medicinal. Another look told her that Kaito, Sandaime, and Naruto were all sitting underneath it.
"Cool! I've never seen one of these before!" Naruto exclaimed.
Kaito chuckled. "Your mother said the same thing when I showed her."
Hinata and Naruto both froze. "W-What?"
Hiruzen sighed. "Naruto-kun, for as long as I can remember, you have asked me if I knew who your parents were and why the villagers hated you as well as if you had any family. I didn't tell you because family should tell family."
"What do you mean?" Naruto sounded tearful. Sarutobi nodded to the man standing beside Naruto.
Kaito knelt and placed a hand on his shoulder. "He means that he wanted me to break the truth to you. I am family to you."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Didn't you….did they?"
"Naruto, both your parents loved you very much. Kushi-chan would not shut up about all of the jutsus she wanted to teach you, all of the pranks you would do, and how cute you were going to be as a baby. I can't tell you about your father right now." Kaito raised a hand to stop Naruto's question. "I will, but I can't right now. Your mother was and is Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Hot-blooded Habanero, and my distant cousin and one of the last survivors of the Siege of Uzu."
"Why didn't you take me in?" Naruto asked tearfully.
"It's not that I didn't, it's…." Kaito ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I felt I wasn't ready. I had entered a new training regime with my summons and the consequences of that power were devastating. I watched over you for a week after the Kyuubi attack. But after that, I left while making sure you would stay long enough for me to come back. The person who helped you….Naruto, the reason you are hated by the populace is….Krosis, it's so easy to say but hard to explain!" Kaito was sitting cross legged now. "Naruto, the fourth didn't kill Kyuubi."
Hinata's and Naruto's eyes widened in shock.
"It's a biju, a living disaster. If he had killed it, it would have regenerated itself by now. Instead, he sealed it into the umbilical cord of a newborn child."
Naruto flinched as if struck by lightning. "Me."
Kaito nodded sadly. "Yes. Wuth-jul, Jiji, told the public that the fourth had defeated the Kyuubi and wanted you to be seen as a hero. Naruto, both your parents died that night. If what had happened didn't…you would've had me in your life from the get-go. You would have had a family. I left, because I didn't want you to become a victim to my power if I went berserk. I left to protect you, and I came back to do the same. If you will let me, I'm sorry for leaving you…."
"It's ok, Oji-san. You're back!" Naruto had tears streaming down his cheeks now. He tackled Kaito, who let out a loud 'oof'. "You're back." He murmured into the cloak.
"I'm not going to leave you, Naru-chan. Not if I can help it."
"Promise?"
"Promise, Naru-itoko. Now," He straightened up and handed Naruto to Hiruzen. "I should invite our fourth guest out." He turned to the grass. "Will you come out please?"
There was an 'eep' from the grass. Slowly, Hinata exited the grass, now holding the little dragon in her arms.
"Ah, Otori found you! He always did like to explore around me."
"You're that girl!"
"Ne?" Kaito looked back at Naruto.
"I saved her from some bullies near the academy, and when she tried to help me, her escort took her away!"
There was a small clatter of rocks. Kaito whipped his head around to see that one of Otori's claws had torn a pocket on the kimono, releasing the weighty objects from their containment. "Otori." The little dragon looked up at it's name. "Rek dey laan oblaane Laas?"
"Geh." The little dragon squeaked.
Kaito grew calm, but unease could be seen in his eyes.. "Little one, what is your name?"
"H-Hinata H-H-Hyuuga." She stuttered.
"Do you know Hitomi Hyuuga?"
Hinata buried her head into the crook of Otori's neck. "Hai, s-s-she i-i-i-is m-m-m-m-y K-K-Kaa-san."
Kaito's eyes grew wide; then narrowed in rage. "TOL BRUNIIK DIV!" Seeing Hinata flinch, he made a 'come here' motion. She treaded the ground softly until he could wrap his arms around her. She let out a small hiss of pain when he brushed a bruise on her back. Softly, he began to let out a warm, soothing feeling as he pulled her close. Unknown to her, he was letting out healing chakra to heal her bruises. "No going to the Hyuuga clan home for now missy. You are staying with me and Naru-chan. I owe your mother that much." He picked her up bridal style as Otori crawled out of her grasp and onto his shoulder as she fell asleep in his arms. "Wuth-jul, you know where to find me."
"Hai. And what should I tell her father?"
"Tell Tol Div that she is in safer hands than his." Kaito looked pissed. "Naru-chan, grab onto my cloak please."
Naruto did so and all three vanished in a shunshin.
Unknown Location
Naruto let go after the trio had landed. He stumbled a bit, but managed to stay upright to gaze about where they were at.
It was a small place. One two story house sat in the middle of the plot, surrounded by what looked like gardens, but the late night light was not enough to see the layout.
Kaito nudged Naruto. "This way, itoko, you and Hinata can explore in the morning." Following the older man, Naruto was lead into the house. Darkness reigned as well as dust as the passed through quiet halls. Sliding open a door, Kaito let out a sigh. "We will fetch your other belongings tomorrow. It has been a long day and you have a lot on your mind. And so does she. Get some rest." Otori flew down and grabbed the blankets, pulling them back enough so that he could slip her under the covers. Otori flapped his wings and pulled the other blankets down enough so that Naruto could clamber in. Pulling the covers up, Kaito ruffled Naruto's hair. His chakra began to rise and fall as music notes began to fill the air (A/N: think of simple lullaby music.).
Naruto felt his eyes close just as Hinata's arms wrapped around his arm as she snuggled up to him.
Kaito smiled at the heartwarming scene. Turning to Otori, he nodded. "You know what to do. Get Kodai and Horus." Otori simply nodded and vanished in a plume of smoke.
Kaito stood facing the sleepy village. 'I have been away for far too long. If it's a war they want, then it is a war they'll get.'
Kyuu: first off, if anyone can read/understand Dragon lore from Skyrim, let me know if I made those sentences correctly. Secondly, There is a slight crossover of two series, one of which is Skyrim, the other…well, you'll know. I can't make any promises on updating my other stories, but I will update when I can.
Read and review!
Ja ne!