Hello friends! I'm going to try something very different when compared to Hunter's Moon, and I want to see the general opinion on this story before I continue on with my current work.
While I will always consider HM to be my "magnum opus", I hope that I can branch out into an Anime storyline, a "Story told" writing style, as well as Saturday-morning-cartoons.
This story is in a similar vine as stories like: Naruto Genesis of the Nindo which you should definitely check out when you get the chance.
If the story continues, then I will hopefully be able to bring it all the way to the end of Naruto's journey… if my hands don't pop off at the wrists due to Carpal Tunnel.
As always, feel free to leave comments, reviews, and pm's if you so desire.
(Words = emphasize the word)
("Words"= future events
("Words" = Thinking)
(Words: = Places and times)
(Words = New Titles/names and written words/Jutsu)
( (Words) = small notes)
(*Words* = sounds)
(- = a line break)
Happy Birthday
The Hidden Leaf Village:
Present Time:
It was a beautiful day in the Hidden Leaf Village, and despite being in the lull of a full-blown world-war, many ninja had decided to relax on all sides… an unofficial and temporary cease-fire.
Several powerful ninja were about to be introduced to the future… a future with battles so horrible, that many hardened warriors would weep, and are handled with a grim satisfaction considered most disturbing… while a relatively happy ending does occur in this future, it is not without the help of many great heroes, and not without the sacrifice of many more… even from those who shouldn't be asked, out of respect for them and their triumphs.
"Ughhh… I'm so sore!" A young teen with short black hair, coal-black eyes, orange combat-goggles, blue ninja-sandals, and a blue track-suit with a orange-stripped blue jacket exclaimed, while a young girl of his age pressed glowing hands into the deep-tissue of his back muscles. This was Obito Uchiha, a young Chunin who had not yet activated his clan's bloodline-ability, but was respected for his indomitable work-ethic and sheer will.
"Maybe, you shouldn't push yourself so hard? Even sensei told you to take it easy… he usually encourages you to train even harder than the last time… but.. not now… especially not after what happened a week ago." The young girl who was performing physical-therapy on her friend, was Rin Inuzuka with short brown hair, soft doe-eyes, and purple clan-markings on her cheeks, which were stretched due to a worried frown.
Originally named Rin Nohara, she was brought into her mother's side of the family after the deaths of her parents at a very young age… ironically, her mother's family had red face markings as well… her parents had a "type" it would seem. She was known as a rising star in the medical world, and was unknowingly being considered as a second student under Tsunade Senju, who was one of the Three Legendary Sannin, and known for being a miracle-worker in the medical field.
"She's right moron… you did throw yourself in the way of an A-rank lightning attack to save Rin… soooo… I guess it evens-out." Was the lazy "reprimanding" of Kakashi Hatake, the third member of the team, and already being considered for Jounin promotion despite his youth.
While appearing bored with anything and everything, he was actually quite vigilant… if a bit overconfident. Spiky silver hair, black eyes, and a handsome face covered by a mask… the fan girls hunted the poor boy relentlessly… and Obito by extension… who usually brings that up whenever he gets into an argument with his silver-haired friend.
They, along with others, would have a chance to see the future in all it's splendor… and all it's horror… a future that they would help build… or break.
Same Time:
Two young couples sat in the comfortable silence of a "homely" noodle-shop, eating peacefully with their close companions.
The first couple, who were eating with much more speed and vigor then their friends, were almost polar opposites in appearance.
The man had spiked blond hair that hardly reached his chin, along with a balanced frame like a Greek statue, and covered himself in pockets and scrolls. This was Minato Namikaze, and came from a very small but skilled family of ninja… along with being a genius, he was also quite bad-ass as his students and girlfriend so often reminded him.
The woman was of shorter but a more athletic frame, with hair so red that it made all other shades of the color seem like complete shit, and tresses so long that they easily touched the back of her calves, purple eyes that only barely hinted her true level mischievousness, and wore only a black ANBU under-suit and only visibly carrying a katana strapped to her back… as well as having very… uhh… gifted "assets" being shown off by her skintight suit… that she pranked her boyfriend with constantly. This was Kushina Uzumaki.
The other man was the embodiment of "tall, dark, and handsome", with pale skin, moderately-long black hair, as well as being built with more bulk in musculature. This was Fugaku Uchiha. While his outward appearance was cold, or even mildly-upset, anybody that knew him on a personal level simply called it his "Resting-Bitch-Face", to which he would give out a mumbled growl that all members of his family seem to be masters of… even Obito, who was considered the most carefree of his clan could have his moments of quiet surliness and gruff, single-word responses.
The other woman was as beautiful as the redhead, but of a different style. She had a flexible and cat-like figure, flawless porcelain skin, long and silky black hair, alluring black eyes, and the general outfit of an off duty ANBU. This was Mikoto Uchiha, and she was the fiancé to Fugaku, and was known for her mastery of both the legendary Sharingan, as well as stealth/sword combat.
They would unknowingly create two of the world's greatest heroes… one as silent as the night itself while being a leader… and one with a burning vengeance.
Same Time:
"I'm really glad that you decided to spend your recovery time with me, rather than in the hospital Hiashi." A beautiful woman with long blue hair, a swimmer's build, eyes that lacked any pupils but gave off the sense of superior vision to all and also had a lavender tint to them. This was Hitomi Hyuga, fiancé to the future clan-head.
She was sitting in the park with her lover, atop a blanket with her legs tucked under herself, giving off a soft but glowing smile.
"Nonsense my love, even this war couldn't keep me from you for long, and now that I'll be here for at least a few weeks… I'm quite content to enjoy it." A man with long brown hair tied into a ponytail, stark-white eyes, and a broad shouldered frame said softly to her. This was Hiashi Hyuga, the next in line to be clan-head.
"And the elders?" She questioned.
"I have just gotten back after weeks of slaughtering almost thirty shinobi from different villages… I just need to glare at them hard enough, and they skitter away like ants."
"Hiashi! You naughty boy!" She reprimanded him, but there was no seriousness to it, just a sly grin upon beautiful lips.
"My dear, I would sell my soul just to make you smile." He spoke earnestly.
"All you have to do, is come home to me, and grow old with me… can you do that?"
"I swear,on my family." Resolute face, that rarely smiled… smiled only for her… peered back.
"Well, that's enough melodrama for one day… what say you to joining up on our friend's double-date, and turning it into a triple?" She enquired while standing, moving to help him from his sitting position, grabbing a crutch along the way for him to use.
"Why, that sounds like a wondrous idea indeed."
These two would unknowingly create three great heroes… one that guards others…with a demeanor as cold as ice.
Same Time:
Somewhere In Neutral-Fire Country:
"-and so the scotsman looks down at his wang and says: "I don't know what ya' been doin' laddie… but apparently it was worth first prize!" Haahahahah!" A man of great height, great broadness of shoulder, long white hair, and red markings down his face gave out deep-voiced and disarming laughter, that had the whole bar follow-suit due to the hilarious joke. This was Jiraiya of the Sannin along with a beautiful woman next to him.
The woman had blond hair in dual-pigtails, golden eyes, a diamond mark on her forehead, and… just… dude… the… biggest… boobs… The biggest that can naturally exist on a woman without losing their firmness anyway. This was Tsunade Senju, second last to the Senju-clan, and despite her beautiful features, was short-tempered, drank more than twenty men, and swore so hard that even the surliest of sailors would break-down and cry right where they stood… aside from that, a pretty nice lady.
Despite her claims to not actually having any attraction to her oldest friend, many of their close friends, and even their former sensei, believed that it was only a matter of time before they decided to stop dancing around each other, and finally go at it like wild beasts.
They would eventually teach great heroes… and guide them through strife.
Unknown Location:
Outside of Time And Space:
"Is this… really going to happen?" A hooded figure questioned, while looking at it's companions uncertainly.
Eighteen other hooded figures stood in a half-circle… ready for something completely ridiculous.
"Well… it's not like they could legitimately make it any worse than it would become… we can change our present, their future, and the Joe's past… it's a possibility that we literally can't pass-up." Another hooded figure answered, seeming more confident than the previous one to speak.
"Well, let's bring them into the fold." The hood that was center-most in the half-circle, the leader, said calmly… the others winced at such casual flippancy… their leader had lost much, and this was a "last-ditch-effort" so to speak… even the gods themselves were unhappy with the current state of affairs, which allowed for all this to be possible.
A portal opened and they all slowly walked through, and found themselves in what appeared to be a high-end/kitchen/dining room/living room with a large white couch, plush beanbag-chairs, and a large television on the wall.
A second portal opened in the air and-
"Aaahhh- Ooof!(x3)" Three young kids fell to the soft carpet floor, Obito on the bottom.
"Sorry Obito.(x2)" The other two apologized.
"It's kay' just get off my injured back please-
"Aaahhh- Ooof!(x4)" Four adults landed atop the children, and squished the poor boy deeper into the floor while he let out a pitiful wheeze/squeal.
"Umm… where are we?"
"Ms. Kushina!?"
"Rin!? Oh hello sweetie, its been waaaay too long since we've last seen each other, we really shoul-"
"Uh, Ms. Kushina?"
"Yes?"
"You're kinda'… crushing Obito."
"Oh crap! I'm so sorry Obito!"
"It's okay, jus-"
"Aaahhh!(x2)
"Oh god, not agai-"
"Ooof!(x2)"
*Thunk!* A wooden crutch to the top of the skull is quite painful… or so I've heard.
"Arrggh! Fucking-fuck-pissing-shitnuggets!" Yep… it is.
"Oops, sorry Obito."
"It's fine, ju-
"Aahhh!(x2)"
"Nonononon-"
"Ooof!(x2)"
…
…
…
…
"God…*Sniffle*… why do hate me so much?"
"Uumm… hello?" One of the hoods greeted… unprepared to see this many famous individuals crushing each other.
Weapons were drawn, and jutsu were prepared, as they all turned and began selecting targets.
"Um… I think your friend needs medical attention." Pointing at a prostrate Obito.
"How do we know that you can be trusted?" Minato inquired.
"Umm… huh… guess we never stopped to think about them not trusting us."
"We're from the future, and in that future lots of people that you and we know are dead or worse." One of the taller hoods quickly supplied.
"Oh really? Like who?" Kushina asked, expecting them to stumble in their ridiculous lie.
"The Third Hokage, several of your friends and family each, 60% of Hidden Sand is destroyed, half of the Uchiha clan… do you want me to continue?" Was the completely deadpan reply.
"So why are you here, and more importantly why are we here?" Jiraiya demanded.
"Because you have the capacity to change the future for the better… we were born "halfway into the garbage-chute", so we had no real chance of fixing anything." Another hood, with the silky voice of a young woman replied.
"Then let me rephrase my question: "What's with all of this?" He asked, while gesturing to the surrounding room.
"To make your trials more comfortable." The leader answered
"Trials?" They all questioned.
"Yes, trials of the heart and mind. You must come to terms with what was, what is, and what will be… you must also resolve yourselves to change things, and have the strength to ensure change happens… but we can't help you any more than what you see around you."
"Why?" Kakashi questioned.
"Time-laws and displacement." Minato stated suddenly, while his companions looked at him curiously.
"We can go back to our time because it's in the past, and "already" happened while retaining the knowledge we gain here, but when you go back and leave us to do this like you're planning… there's a chance that none of you will ever exist… and even if you did, your entire history would be changed and you would remember nothing previous to it." The rest of the ninja looked to the hoods with significant respect… to sacrifice everything with no guarantee of a better outcome… was simply a level of brave that you only hear about once in a lifetime.
"… Yes." Is the simple and simultaneous response from the hoods.
The front-most of them walks up to Minato with slow steps, like every one is his last free step… and they are in a way.
He pulls a large leather-bound book from the depths of his messenger's-bag, and hands it to the blond man.
The book was simply black and with a finely crafted binding… but it was the title, subtexts, and cover-image that interested the Leaf ninja the most.
In the top-center of the large book, a hollow shield of gold held the depiction of a fierce bird-of-prey within its confines.
Below the shield, in white text, with large-block font, was simply:
=G.I. Joe=
With a small star over the "J", along with stripes of red, white, and blue to the left and right of the words.
Beneath those simple blocky words, sat the inscription:
"A New Breed of Warriors."
At the very bottom of the book, lay a glittering-golden subtext:
"All gave some, some gave all. YO JOE!"
"Da hell is a G.I. Joe? Some kinda' stomach illness?" Obito inquired while having to stand on his toes just to see the book in his tall sensei's hands.
"It… is something that your "ninja-system" is currently unfamiliar with… heroes." One of the hoods attempted to explain.
"That doesn't make any sense. Two of the Sannin are standing right here… two of the biggest heroes in the Leaf." Rin pointed out.
"To you, yes they are heroes… but what about anyone else? No, these pages and the images on that television, will reveal to you heroes that feel no allegiance to any one person, no nationalism, no fear, and no selfish desires… "the enemies of evil" you could say."
"Who are they… where did they come from?" Kakashi questioned with more curiosity than anyone had ever heard.
"Cloud, Stone, Leaf, Sand, Mist, Snow, Iron, and other places… they are all of these things and not at the same time… they prefer to be viewed as people first, and from a specific village second. It's just who they are."
"I- I just want to thank you all for doing this… giving us a chance to make the future a better place… at such a sacrifice to yourselves." Kushina said, surprising the hoods with her honesty.
"We should be thanking you, you guys have to do all the work… we just have to fade away." One of the hoods replied with the voice of a younger man.
"What do we call you… so- so we can remember you?" Obito asked.
"We're just… Ordinary Joes." They all spoke as one, and the ninja couldn't help but smile at the name chosen by their new friends.
"It's time for us to go, thank you… and goodbye." The leader abruptly said, while waving his hand to the nearby empty wall, where a portal appeared.
…
…
…
"So… who wants to read first?" Kakashi asked while being completely deadpan.
"Um… guess I'll go first." Obito volunteered.
Each person began to take seats, Obito was unfortunately forced to lay across his belly due to Rin still healing his back, the Uchihas and Hyugas shared one of the smaller couches, Tsunade and Jiraiya took places in two recliners that were very close together… no one made mention of that fact but all noticed it, and "team-Minato + Kushina" took the largest couch while waiting for Obito to be able enough to sit on the couch with them.
The book was placed in front of him, and Rin sat her "blossoming-bottom" nervously on Obito's young, muscular, rear-end… she pretended not to notice the looks the adults were sending her way… or the whispers between the Uchiha and Hyuga about her "Healing her gallant protector." or something… it was completely below her to respond to either way.
"Eherm!" Obito cleared his throat before he began reading.
The Village Hidden In The Leaves:
October 10th:
Night:
"Well gee… isn't that descriptive." Kakashi grouched… everyone immediately shushed him.
The Hidden Leaf Village was considered the second most powerful settlement in the known world, surpassed only by the nation of Whirlpool, which was more or less it's ancestor.
During the Third Shinobi World War, the Hidden Cloud, Rock, and Mist villages had attempted to destroy the ancient country… it didn't end well for any of them.
They could barely even get past the hostile waters, the rocks that seemingly had a mind of their own, and the sea-faring ninja and samurai… don't even get me started on the dragons.
They had lost half of their numbers just trying to get into the island country, and when they finally managed such a thing, they were beset on all sides by vicious and ingenious booby-traps… it didn't help that the local children would taunt them with their ability to walk about unhindered.
They came into conflict with the ninja and samurai of the local villages, and were immediately out-gunned, and out-classed.
The local ninja used sealing arts that made the combined force's best efforts look drunken doodles, with the same level of effectiveness, and the samurai used weapons and armor that held no equal.
By the time that the ninja of the Leaf had arrived, most of the enemy were humanely imprisoned, or honorably killed, and with individuals like Minato Namikaze: aka: The Yellow Flash, or Kushina Uzumaki: aka: The Bloody-Red Princess, the fight was almost completely in their favor.
"Well, it's good to know that we'll win at least." Obito stated with a small grin on his face.
Originally, the night was quiet, and was very peaceful up to the point where the legendary demon known as The Nine Tailed Fox suddenly appeared and began rampaging.
Even though peace had reigned for some time now, the ninja were quick to respond, and the civilians were evacuated as far from the village as possible.
"Woahwoahwoah-wait… what!?" Kushina exclaimed, everyone else in varying forms of shock and disbelief.
*Whoosh!*
*Bwatoom!*
A lone child was running through smoke, trying to find her family, when a nearby house exploded due to a fire jutsu bouncing harmlessly off of the demon fox's thick orange-hide.
"Oh god… please… don't let anything bad happen to the kid." Tsunade pleaded with the book, hoping innocence could be spared.
*Whoosh!*
Before the girl could be caught in the explosion, she was swept into a pair of large arms and found herself almost a block away.
"Oh thank god!" Everyone in the room mumbled graciously.
When she looked up, she saw the face of a man that looked like it belonged on a stone statue rather than a person. His hair was short and a chestnut-brown, but he stood at a massive six-feet and six-inches, and being the broadest of shoulder in the village, seconded only by Lord Jiraiya himself.
This man was Jackson Ducard, a Jonin and close friend to the Fourth Hokage, while being well known for his clan's use of intense physical training, and earth/metal based techniques to decimate their opponents in violent hit-and-run tactics. Though his clan was smaller than the Inuzuka, it still had at least twenty-three able Jonin not counting himself as Clan-head.
"Woah… when did Mr. Ducard get such an awesome beard?" Obito questioned while looking at the television that displayed the man they were reading about.
"It's the future dumb-ass." Kakashi "explained".
"Oh, right… forgot about that." Obito muttered while rubbing the back of his head, everyone else smirking at his embarrassment.
He looked back at the devastation being wrought, and couldn't help the grimace that crept onto his features.
*Whoosh!*
A man appeared at his side with speed most ninja only dreamed of. He had russet-toned hair that almost appeared to be flames if given a quick glance, and a wiry frame that didn't make him any less intimidating. He was Alexander Nelligan, and was renowned for his speed and fire-jutsu prowess, and a newly-made cut caused blood to slowly stream down the side of his head. He looked at the corpse of a shopkeeper and gave out a mumbled prayer, before turning to his friend.
"Ok… I… don't know this guy." Kushina admitted reluctantly.
"He's a new transfer from practically the middle of nowhere… I guess in the future his clan joins the Leaf full-time after his approval." Minato explained.
"The civilian population has been evacuated very quickly and efficiently… my guess is that only 30% are still within two-miles of this place." Jackson's voice was low, deep, and calming… he could always be trusted to keep a cool head.
"Where's Caesar and Ben?" Alexander questioned, voice quick, concise and restraining the aggravation at the entire event.
"With Minato, Kushina, Lord and Lady Sarutobi, and the baby." He responded.
"Baby? What baby?" Mikoto questioned, while looking at Kushina with her naturally perfect sarcasm and acting. "Something you want to tell the rest of us, Kushina darling?"
"Nope!" Kushina blurted out, red-faced.
"Then why is the Kyuubi out-and-about like it's time for a game of "human-smash"? The only reason it would be out is because Kushina let it out, or someone opened the seal." Alexander rebuked.
"I agree, the Kyuubi, might be a bit… excitable… but never cruel enough to attack unarmed-civilians. Someone must have distracted the others, and an accomplice could have loosened the seal enough for the Kyuubi to be pushed out… just look at it's eyes!" Jackson pointed to the large optical organs that would easily be as wide as two people standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
The strange thing is that the eyes weren't their usual blood-red color, but seemed dull… almost vacant.
"Someone or something is effecting it's mind, and our people are bouncing off of it like flies on a glass window… we need to wake it up." Stated Alexander.
"Good idea old friend… but how will we do that?" Jackson queried.
Alexander looked about with blinding speed, before pointing behind Jackson's right shoulder.
"How 'bout that?" He questioned.
Jackson did an about-face, and really shouldn't have been surprised at what his best-friend had suggested… but secretly was.
"That… that will definitely have an impact."
"What? Obito, what is it?" Tsunade questioned impatiently.
"Hold your horses, I gotta' turn the page and with Rin on top of me, maneuvering ain't exactly easy… not that I'm complaining about your expert medical assistance, oh-beautiful-teammate-of-mine." Obito stated with nervousness, due to her having the ability to beat the absolute hell out of him in his current position.
Rin was too busy blushing up a storm that was seen by everyone but Obito, to even think about pinching him in painful spots like usual.
Leaf Village outskirts:
Hidden Cave:
Same time:
Everyone present bit-back a curse, everything had been going so well… then some masked lunatic claiming to be Madara Uchiha from beyond-the-grave had used an unknown Sharingan technique to control the Kyuubi, while holding the wife of the third Hokage hostage, and by extension the newborn heir to the throne of Whirlpool, and the Namikaze clan.
"Oh… holy shit." Was Jiraiya's lame reply, after learning that the two closest people he had to children were going to have a kid of their own… and also stunned at the fact that Madara Uchiha would try to kill his pseudo-grandchild… the stunned feeling was quickly replaced by anger.
Kushina and Minato were jumping up and down in each other's arms, crying tears of joy… inordinately happy to be having a child together. The Uchihas and Hyuga cheered and whistled for their friends.
"Um… shouldn't they be more worried about the wellbeing of their future child?" Rin asked while watching her sensei cry actual tears… this was something she never thought she would see.
"Pffft, Biwako is not a woman to be messed with… under any circumstance." Tsunade and Jiraiya spoke-in-unison, due to having a very close relationship with their sensei's wife… and getting their heads smashed into the ground by her when their sensei couldn't find the time to "train" them.
Just when the masked man was about to officially claim the baby and the nurse as hostages, the old woman smashed the back of her head into his mask, and flipped away with the baby, to the mother's side.
"~Told ya'~." They sang in smug unison.
Well… shit…
He actually forgot that the old woman was almost as legendary as her husband… a husband who was swinging a Bo-staff at his hea-
*Whoom!
*Bam!*
*Smash!*
This… was not going as planned. He was now face down in the nearby forest, after getting smacked through a stone wall.
He looked up to see two men stand before him.
The first stood in very non-ninja attire, with a helm, round-shield and metal armor that denoted his Eastern-Continent heritage. Neighbors to the Hidden Cloud, the eastern peoples usually have the same dark skin, and taller frames… but most of the eastern area is nothing but untamed wasteland now, after a massive empire's final-war with the Juubi thousands of years ago.
The eastern peoples were proud of their warrior heritage, but generally only got involved with other people's conflicts when shameful displays were made on either side of the war. This man's name was Caesar Hale, and was well known for killing people with the simple shield just as much as his sword and knives.
The three teens cheered for their favorite drill-sergeant… he made the Leaf-academy the absolute best in the world because he knew how to inspire you to give 110% on anything he asked.
The second man had a tan complexion, a long traveling duster-coat, and a black cowboy hat that denoted his Deep-West heritage, where law was lacking severely. They didn't really associate much with Hidden Stone or Hidden Sand, but people who lived on the western-frontier either grew-up to be strong and wise… or they grew-up dead. The man carried many knives on his person, but the largest one strapped to his hip, might as well have been a tanto… a bowie-knife, as it was called.
This man's name was Ben Shion, whose clan was called the: "Cat-version of Inuzuka." and was personally known for breaking people with brutal but effective martial arts, and deadly throwing-aim from the hip.
"Well, it's good to see Benjamin alive-and-well, even if it's in the future." Hitomi said, with her patented kind-smile on her face.
"At least this means he makes it back from his newest mission." Hiashi said, glad that his friend survived the intense combat that Ben's squad was designed for.
"Well, this is embarrassing… allow me to reintroduce myself, I am-"
*Whoosh!*
*Thunk!*
Ben had let a kunai loose towards his enemy, but was impressed when it simply passed through him, and stabbed into the tree behind him.
"Holy… shit… hey uncle Fugaku, did you know that the sharingan could do that?" Obito questioned.
"No… no I didn't… and watch your language in the presence of a lady Obito." He said while gesturing to the girl healing his nephew's back.
"Sure thing, old-man."
"Why you little-"
"If that's how you want to be... fine." The masked man whispered venomously from behind the two men.
*Whap!*
*Kertching!*
Both men attacked the masked loon, but all three ended in a stalemate. Ben clashing his forearm against the enemy's, while Caesar nearly cut through the assailant's kunai.
"Why don't you two just sit this fight out, because it is a far more personal matter than you should be concern-"
"Tiger Style: Scorching Paw Jutsu!"
Ben's hands were suddenly engulfed in flames, and he began quick, methodical swipes at the man, like a cat with a toy.
"That-"
*Swoosh!*
"-isn't going-"
*Swoosh!*
"-to-"
*Swoosh!*
"-work-
*Swoosh!*
"-very well." Just as the man distractedly watched another burning hand phase through him, he was knocked to the ground with a mighty: *Clang!* of a shield hitting him in the back of the head.
Cursing his easily distracted nature, he looked up from the dirt, and glanced over at the Kyuubi's progress… and his mouth fell open in shock at what he was seeing, along with both mouths of his enemies.
Back with Jackson and Alexander:
"You're sure about this… right?" Alexander questioned uncertainly.
"I'm just acting as an insurance policy, to make absolutely certain that the Kyuubi snaps out of this… it's going to hurt… but it will work." Jackson replied calmly, while standing on the roof of a moderately sized apartment building.
"All right then… good luck buddy." Alexander zipped down the stairs all the way to the basement.
*Schrriiing!*
In a flash of movement that would leave most ANBU dizzy, he dragged his swords deeply through the surrounding walls. Taking a few steps back into the center of the room.
He began to control his breathing, in and out. As his breathing regulated, chakra began to flow visibly around him.
In and out.
In and out.
His eyes snapped open… and he was ready.
"Fire Style: Sun Pillar Jutsu!"
This was a technique that required years of practice and experience, as well as very large chakra reserves. Normally, this was only used as a protective barricade… but in the hands of a master who had a crazy plan… "up-up-and-away".
"Um… call me stupid but, what the hell is he trying to do?" Rin questioned.
"Rin, you're one of the smartest people I know, and you would find out if you just let me-gahh-finish!" Obito started of complimentary, but growled out the end of the sentence when Rin brushed too firmly against a still-healing burn.
"Eeep! Sorry, sorry, sorry!"
The building had been unanchored due to Alexander's swords, and was now lifting into the air at a perfect 45-degree angle like a rocket propelled firework… made of stone… and filled with forty moderately sized apartments… you get the point.
Everyone was slack jawed at the idea of using a building as a projectile… and the view they saw on the television didn't disappoint.
Many ninja were in the process of being absolutely slaughtered by the greatest of the tailed beasts… but no one retreated.
"Stand further apart! Use the rubble as cover to stay out of its sight range, it only attacks moving things that it can see! Play dead if you have to!" Kakashi Hatake was one of the youngest Jonin to ever be promoted in Leaf-history, and was also a student of the Fourth Hokage. His silver hair was even more disorganized and tousled than usual, and his flak-jacket had been burnt almost completely to ash.
"First-off, nice job squirt! Secondly, if that means what I think it means… then-" Jiraiya was suddenly interrupted.
"Woo! Minato you get to be Hokage… that means I get to be the First Lady! I wonder who you ran against? Also Kakashi, you look very handsome, even when covered in blood and soot." Kushina stated, while smiling a blinding grin.
"Th-thank you Lady Kushina." Kakashi mumbled, never really used to her motherly praise… nobody wanted to mention that his headband covered his entire left eye.
Beside him, stood many friends of his generation, most being Chunin, and each a legend in the making.
To his left, stood a teenager with a scruffy five o'clock shadow, along with dark hair and the regal features of a Sarutobi, this was Asuma, the eldest child to the Third Hokage, and a talented wind user. Many considered him to be a gentleman cursed with the appearance of a rapscallion.., or perhaps the other way around.
To Kakashi's right stood… uh… well… he had eyebrows as thick as a man's fingers, as well as a bowl cut that was immaculate in form and precision.
Wearing a… um… a… I'm not lying here… a green-spandex tracksuit, Kakashi's "ultimate rival of youth" was none other than Might Guy… he might look ridiculous… and be ridiculous… but he could kick ass seven days a week like very few could.
"There is something seriously wrong with that kid." Jiraiya stated flatly while shaking his head at the boys sheer absurdity.
"Oh come on sensei, he's a good kid and could definitely kick some ass… maybe even teach an old-toad like you some new tricks." Minato teased
"Uh… Kakashi?" The red-eyed student of Kushina Uzumaki, Kurenai Yuhi, questioned while looking behind the front-lines. Kakashi didn't hear her and began to yell out orders to more ninja that seemed to be getting distracted… despite being in a pitched battle with the greatest of all demon lords.
"Umm… Ka-Kakashi!?"
"*Sigh* Alright Kurenai, give it to me straight… what is going wrong now?" The only response he receives is a finger being pointed over his shoulder.
He wasn't mentally prepared for what he was seeing.
"Oh… holy shit."
"Earth Style: Mountain's Hammer Jutsu!" Jackson bellowed, while riding a flying apartment building which had just started it's descent. The brick, concrete, and other minerals on the top two floors began to meld and coalesce into a large sledgehammer… and was on a direct path towards the Kyuubi's cranium.
(Start: Naruto OST: Strong and Strike)
"Damn, this story's got it's own soundtrack too? This is pretty good stuff to train to!" Tsunade exclaimed while every enjoyed the powerful rhythm.
"We need to restrain it! Everyone, use whatever jutsus you can!" Kakashi ordered.
"Earth Style: Dark Swamp Jutsu!(x2)" A large pool of murky tar and mud formed around it's back-paws, almost twenty-feet deep due to two Jonin combining their attacks.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!(x6)" Five Chunin and a Jonin had managed to create a large water dragon that began constricting two of it's very large tails.
"Earth Style: Steel Snake Jutsu!(x18)" The steel and iron in the local sewer-system, along with the surrounding rubble took places around the ankles and knees of the beast, while anchoring themselves into the ground.
"Shadow Style: Dark leash Jutsu!(x5)" The beast's head-thrashing was stopped thanks to the quick thinking of the Nara-Clan's patented jutsu style… but the beast wouldn't be held for long.
"Hey! Over here you overgrown, mangy, poor-excuse-for-a-canine!" One of the Inuzuka ninja shouted, noticing that it's attention was firmly on the building, and needed to be redirected.
Guy quickly caught on: "Over here you un-youthful monster. Why don't you try to take on "The Leaf's Magnificent Green Beast"!"
Everyone snorted at that.
"Guy just doesn't have a mean bone in his whole body… would be "un-youthful" if he did I guess." Kakashi said while rolling his eyes.
"Umm… not what he said but… still… come and get it!" Bellowed Asuma lamely.
" 'Come and get it!'? That's the best you've got?" Kurenai questioned, always butting heads with the young man over the smallest of things.
(End: Strong and Strike)
"Hey, we're just doing this so that it gets hit by the building… and… dose it even understand us? Even so, it still wouldn't matter, 'cus we're distracting something that makes mountains explode just by walking."
"When you say it like that, it sounds like you're quitting before it even get's started." She was now almost nose-to-nose with him, aggression clear in her beautiful red eyes.
"By the gods woman! Would get off my back for longer than five seconds before immediately jumping back on and screaming "giddyup bitch!" directly into my ear-hole!?" Asuma's notoriously long and Zen-like fuse had finally ended… and nobody could blame him, since he had first met this girl in the academy they've been at each other's throats… it didn't help that he was bruised and burned more than most of the people still alive, due to being a stubborn Sarutobi.
"Uhh… guys… I don't think we should be letting them do this right now… you're all with me on this right… right?" Yugao Uzuki, a talented swordswoman (swordsgirl?) of their generation questioned, while looking at her two friends completely disregard personal space in place of anger.
"I agree, this is no time for such senseless aggression." Hitomi said firmly, while giving a perfect "mom-face".
"Nah… this has been at the boiling point for years… also we want to see what happens.(x3)" The three teens stated in perfect synchronous, surprising the adults.
"Meh… this has been building up for years… I say that there ain't no better time than now." Her friend, Anko Mitarashi declared without a care in the world despite leaning on a melted-and-still-burning metal mailbox.
"Anko!?" The teens shouted in surprise, due to her… revealing choice of attire.
When her sensei had defected due to being a mad-scientist and sociopathic murder, she was left behind… and with a curse-seal on her collarbone, she became a pariah of the village… until she was more-or-less adopted by Kushina Uzumaki, and trained in ancient and deadly Uzumaki secret-techniques along with Kurenai and Yugao.
"What!?" Everyone but the aforementioned psycho's two teammates yelled in surprise.
"Well I guess my suspicions were unfortunately correct, huh Tsunade?" Jiraiya questioned sadly.
"Yes… I guess we'll have to deal with this when we get back."
"You know… sensei might not believe us."
"At first… but he knows Orochimaru too well not to notice the signs."
"What's you're problem with me!?" Kurenai demanded.
"My problem is that you're an "award-winning ice-queen" with a stick shoved so far up your rear, that it's poking out from the top of your head, and acts like a power-generator for sad, lonely, workaholics! What's your problem with me!?" Asuma replied
"My problem is that you're a lazy, hairy, misogynist, that you never take anything seriously even when lives depend on you, and that you're nothing like your father!"
Everyone winced at the admittedly scathing insults.
"Well maybe, I hate being compared to my father because it's been done for almost every moment of my life, I don't take things too seriously because I'm not going to live that long anyway, and I don't want to end-up dieing because I was too wound-up over nothing!"
"Well maybe, I don't like seeing my comrades die because they couldn't be serious for two seconds, and end up dying needlessly in an unmarked battlefield in the middle of nowhere, and die a man-whore to boot!"
"I side with Asuma on this." Obito said.
"I side with Kurenai on this argument." Rin stated, almost challenging Obito.
"I think they're both pretty stupid… but… probably the only two people I agree with most… at the same time." Kakashi "mediated"
"Well maybe, I recognize that I'm gonna die old and alone anyway, and don't have the cold-heartedness to turn a woman away when she offers… why do you care anyway!?" Asuma questioned.
"A valid question." Kushina said, curious of the answer from her student.
"Because maybe I wanted to be the only girl you'd ever do that with!"
Everyone except for Jiraiya were completely shocked, the young teens most of all.
Jiraiya was furiously scribbling down in his notebook while muttering something about "Icha-Icha spin-off series." or something to that effect.
Everything seemed to stop. Everyone looked on with expressions of disbelieving shock… Anko groaned as she gave a rolled-up wad of money to a grinning young Chunin with a large scar across his nose and a fuma-shuriken strapped to his back… he merely counted his money, while several ninja that seemed to be from his clan chuckled quietly.
"Wait a sec… is that… Iruka!?" Obito questioned, surprised at seeing a slightly older version of the usually introverted boy hanging out with Anko… He guessed she's a good influence on him.
"I'm as surprised as you, a cute guy like him spends all his free-time on missions and training… didn't think he would hang out with someone as outgoing and friendly as Anko… oh well, "opposites-attract" and all that." Rin agreed.
"What makes you think they're dating?" Obito questioned while trying to look at her over his own shoulder.
"Woman's intuition… also that scar makes Iruka even hotter than normal, so I'd say that it starts out as close friendship and… evolved." Rin explained.
"So ya' like scars do ya? Tsunade questioned while not-so-subtly gesturing her eyes at Obito's scar-covered back.
(Start Malukah: Fear not This Night) Start at 0:40)
"Why didn't you ever say that before!?" Asuma questioned angrily.
"Because I thought you'd shoot me down and ridicule me before I could even finish!" She replied.
"…"
"…"
"I've always thought you were the most beautiful… anything… to ever exist, and I've always been jealous of how awesome you are, and how much work you can do, and what a capable person you are! You make me want to better myself, and feel like I could beat my dad any day of the week and twice on Sunday, like I could take on the whole world and all you would need to do is ask!"
"I've always been jealous of how sociable you are, and how easy it is for you to make friends, I've smiled at every single one of your jokes… even the dirty and misogynistic ones, and I think you're the most roguishly-handsome man to ever exist! You make me slow-down and enjoy life to the fullest, and I can never repay you for that!"
"Are we just shouting compliments at each other!?"
"I think so!"
"Should we stop!?"
"I don't know if I can!"
"Me neither!"
"This is simultaneously the cutest, most romantic, and most awkward thing of ever heard or seen." Tsunade stated firmly, a small squeal barely being contained.
The other women had no qualms about squealing, even Kushina joined in… nearly bursting the eardrums of their male companions.
"…"
"…"
"Is it alright if I kiss you right now!?"
"I've been waiting to hear you ask that since we were six!"
"Is that comment made weirder, if I say that I have been wanting to since that same age!?"
A person deep-into the crowd gives out a distant, and barely heard: "Kinda', but you guys should just go for it anyway!"
"Thank you!(x2)"
"Don't mention it!"
"So how do you want to do this!? Keep it P-G or-mehhmm!?" Asuma was cut off when Kurenai came flying at him, he gripped the leg that she raised to his waist, slightly above the knee while leaning himself and her towards the ground like a "dip" in a tango.
*Verrrroow*
*Batoom!*
The building crashed into the fox's head, setting off the explosive-tags that Alexander had placed throughout the building, causing an almost firework-like display to appear in the background behind the two.
More furious scribbling from Jiraiya, and several sighs from the women as they fantasized about their boyfriends doing that with them.
*Click*
A bright flash signaled Anko taking a picture of the moment with a disposable camera that she stole from a broken vending machine.
"Now that's a "Kodak moment" if I ever saw one." She declared, while the Chunin simply nodded his head in silent agreement.
(End: Fear not This Night)
"Everyone be ready!" An ANBU warned as the dust began to settle around the fox.
The beast stood completely stiff… like a statue. Everyone was tensed, waiting for it to strike.
*Grrrrr!*
*Wadoof! Wadoof! Wadoof!*
The fox gave out an annoyed growl that shook the ground like an earthquake, and gave an immediate turn, while completely shattering it's restraints… before bounding off towards the nearby mountain range with thunderous steps.
"Woooo!" A blond Genin yelled out, with both fingers in the air.
"Genin Flair, can you just not make that noise for longer than ten minutes?" His sensei asked irritably.
"Yeah Ric, just shut up!" His teammate, that had an awesome mustache despite being no older than ten demanded.
"Woooo!" Was the response.
"Alright that's it! Come here!"
"Wooo-Gack!"
"Yea! What are you gonna' do when these fourteen-inch pythons come for you brother!?" The second student asked the first, while choking him with his bicep.
"Randy! Get over here and help me stop your teammates from killing each other!" The sensei ordered.
"Oooooh yeeeaaa!"
"Man, those kids are fucking weird." Guy declared, while everyone looked at him incredulously.
Back With the "Happy Birthday" Group:
"Water Style: Water Bullet Jutsu!" Caesar bellowed, firing off several baseball sized globs of water at great speed.
"Lighting Style: Riot Control Tazer!" He then threw one of his knives, now charged with lighting, at the hopefully wet enemy.
*Whoosh!*
"Heh, good effort but you-"
"Rasengan!"
"Oh fuc-"
*Shrrrrsshh!*
*Batwooom!*
Minato had delivered one of his own self-made jutsu to the masked man's back, which sent him spinning into a nearby boulder. Smoke and dust exploded outwards and obscured their vision.
When the smoke finally settled, it was revealed that the masked man's robes were almost completely destroyed, along with being covered in wounds from head to toe.
"Well… I guess sensei was right… I'm not ready yet… consider this moment as an act of god… and pray that the next time we meet, that you all die quickly."
The man's whole body seemed to suck into the hole in his mask, and suddenly vanished from sight, smell, and sound.
"Damn it… Minato… the Kyuubi is still out, and I would never want to risk Kushina's health unnecessarily… you know that even if it became calm again, it would be exposed to people like that masked man." Hiruzen Sarutobi stated in a wizened but reluctant voice.
"I-… I know Hiruzen… Kushina's going to hate me for awhile, and I hope that my son will be able to forgive me for this burden… but... it's the only way."
"No-… no, I wouldn't… I would never…" Minato tried to find words, but he began to tear-up, and his fists began clenching and unclenching, while giving the words written on the page a murderous look.
"Oh… oh my god." Tsunade gasped numbly, unsure of the things that she was hearing and seeing.
"Ku- Kushina… you have to know, that I- I wouldn't ever dare to-… to-…"
"Minato… I- I'm so sorry that you had to do that… I forgive you, and… I understand what doing… that… means to you when your family is concerned." Kushina tried to calm her boyfriend, but it seems that her statement only made him sadder and angrier.
"I don't get it, what's going on sensei… just explain it to us, nice and slow… take a deep breath." Obito coaxed the blond ninja.
"The Kyuubi is very powerful, and it is easily found and exposed in our village… while Kushina is a more than capable Jinchuriki, that's because she was already a Genin by the time it was passed-on to her, and she was trained for years in how to control the power… but conceivably the only other person who could actually survive having all that power sealed inside them would be an Uzumaki… m- my- my own son."
The gravity of the situation isn't lost on the others… they know that due to Minato's orphan status, this kind of decision is a taboo for him.
Your child or your home… a difficult decision for a leader to make.
*Whadoosh!*
*Whadoosh!*
In all of it's glory stood the Nine Tailed Fox, and it stared imperiously down onto the small group of ninja.
"You know what must-… what must be done, correct?" Minato yelled up to the large beast.
It's large head nodded slowly.
*Ftsshew!*
In a bright flash of yellow, Minato disappeared and reappeared almost instantly… carrying a bundle tied to his chest.
"Whoa, what the hell was that!?" Fugaku questioned, thoroughly surprised, though to be fair, everyone else present was as well.
"I- I just thought is was a drunken little gag… a joke… guess future-me was willing to try and make it work." Minato muttered, shocked even more than the others.
"Hiruzen, I need your help with this."
"Of course Minato."
For almost thirty minutes, the two Hokage were in the process of making the seal of a Jinchuriki, while the Fox, Ben, and Caesar looked outward for any dangers.
"Kyuubi, now… before I change my mind." Minato commanded.
One long claw reached outwards, before the tip came to rest on the center of the seal, which had been placed on the belly of the still-swaddled baby.
"Sealing Arts: Power of the Human Sacrifice!" Minato bellowed in frustration, rage, self-loathing, and melancholy.
Where a Fox several times larger than the world's biggest mountain once stood… there was nothing… not a trace of the beast… except for the gurgles of an uncomfortable baby boy.
No one says a word… the only sounds in the room are that of a father trying to control his breathing, and of his lover trying whisper calmness into his ear.
Two Hours Later:
General hospital:
"Madam Kushina, I must really insist that you return to your bed… you just gave birth two hours ago!" A teenage woman with brown hair that came down between her shoulders, and purple rectangles down both of her cheeks demanded.
"Rin, don't take this the wrong way as you usually do… but you look great with long hair." Obito told her, while trying to not look at her.
"I agree with the moron on this one, it looks good." Kakashi added… bro code clearly states that all wingmen must emit maximum effort when on the clock, or thou ist not a true bro and must be skewered over a fire.
"Th-thanks Obito."
"Oh come on Rin, I'm an Uzumaki, this sort of stuff is a mild inconvenience at best… besides, I want to see my boy, and I need to be with Minato… doing what he did probably took a lot out of him."
"Madam- Kushin- huff… fine... MOM… I know that you're anxious, but trust me, he's not going anywhere, and the only people that are allowed to even approach the door aside from you and sensei, is myself and Lady Biwako."
"I-uh… I guess that we're a lot closer in the future huh guys?" Kushina asked the three teens… who weren't quite sure how to respond.
"In fact, Kakashi is guarding him right now so-"
*Slam!*
As they are about to turn the corner, the aforementioned boy crashes into the nearby wall in a crumpled heap, with a kunai sticking out of his left shoulder, while having a large bruise forming on his right eye.
"Kakashi!?(x2)" They both screamed in surprise, before looking at the tail-end of a sandal slip into the infant's room.
Kushina was at the door almost in an instant, and saw something that made her heart freeze… Orochimaru, standing there with her baby in his arm.
Orochimaru was no fool… despite her not having any weapons on her person, she required none to kill someone of even his caliber… so his hand formed into universally known hand-sign.
"Happy birthday, little Naruto… bye bye!" He declared with a sick smile on his face.
*Whooshesh!*
Just as Kushina reached him, the Snake Sannin disappeared in a gust of wind and leaves.
For several moments, Kushina sat there completely still… before she began to wail.
It was a wail that let everyone in the hospital, and possibly the whole village know.
A mother had her baby stolen from her, and now she was hurting.
End of Chapter
Everyone looked to the two parents… and are not surprised that tears are streaming down their faces.
Jiraiya stands and guides the two sobbing individuals to a nearby door, which is in fact a hallway with many bedroom doors, where he gently nudges them into the first room and closing the door, as their cries began to increase in intensity, before being cut-off by the sound-proof door.
"I thinks we should all… get some rest." Hitomi declares, while visibly tearing-up… she always told Kushina that she would be a great mom and meant every word… it seems that fate had other plans for her friend.
And as they all split off into groups, they all hoped that this future the hoods had talked about didn't start with that moment, but seemed increasingly likely.
Jiraiya had decided to sleep upon the largest couch, taking a blanket and draping it across himself… completely drained at this point.
"Naruto huh? Na-ru-to… Happy Birthday you poor kid… hopefully this time around it'll be different."
Almost as if it knew that the sage was about to sleep, the lights throughout the room turned off, bathing the room in a calming darkness that coaxed you into pleasant sleep.
This was only the beginning… there would be many more chapters to go… with more triumphs… and failures to witness.
Perhaps this time would be different?