Disclaimer: I don't own anything


Spirit Detectives Unite

Koenma had just finished a debriefing on the three criminals who stole the items, Hiei, Kurama, and Gouki, when an irate Botan barged into his office.

"Koenma sir! You've got to pull them back! Yusuke's too inexperienced, and Naruto is no where near his former capabilities. They'll both get ripped to pieces!" she yelled.

"I understand the odds are against them. I also would have preferred to start them on something smaller, but I don't have any other options." answered Koenma.

"Fine, but at least give them some time to train!" pleaded Botan.

"How much could Naruto regain and Yusuke learn in less than week?" he replied flippantly.

"A week? They couldn't possibly cause that much damage in a week, could they?" stammered a stunned Botan.

"The crooks aren't the problem," moaned Koenma. "In a week my father returns from vacation."

"King Yama...is coming back?" stuttered Botan.

"Yes, and if we haven't recovered those artifacts..well you know how my father is. Fire and Brimstone...the whole world will feel his wrath! That's why Yusuke and Naruto must succeed even at the cost of their lives. If it was only one of them I'd be more worried, but Yusuke has incredible potential and Naruto is a skilled and resourceful as they come."

"I understand Koenma, I'll return to the living world and aid them as much as I can." stated a determined Botan.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X

As predicted by his father when Naruto returned to his body, he wasn't near the level in ability he obtained prior to his death. He still had a lot of chakra, but without the fox there he no longer had an endless supply to pull. His control had also gone to shit once again. Despite the handicap he jumped headlong into his first case after loading up with some weapons from the Spirit World armory. Using some shadow clones and the demon locator Botan gave him, he tracked the location of the trio of thieves to a forest just outside the city. Despite the stormy weather, the group had found an area that was completely dry. He hid himself amongst the trees, trying to gain some information on the three demons in the clearing.

"Oh, yes! This is perfect!" exclaimed Hiei as he jumped around the clearing slashing the shadow sword. After slashing one of the trees a small winged demon emerged from its trunk. It flew a short distance before dropping to the ground and turning into dead wood.

"If this sword can make demons from trees just think of what it will make from humans!" proclaimed Hiei. "I say we go to the next big city and carve out a thousand of them! We could raise an entire demon army!"

"I like the way you think Hiei. If we teach them to eat souls, I even know how we'll feed them all, the orb of baas!" he pulled the artifact out of his pocket and started laughing.

"Yes, and then once the moon is full we can use Kurama's weapon to take complete control." added Hiei. At this statement Kurama emerged from the shadows.

"Sorry, I must withdraw from this alliance." the redhead stated.

"WHAT!" exclaimed Hiei and Gouki in shock.

"Surely you're not backing out once we've gotten this far!" yelled Hiei.

"Yes, I am." replied Kurama calmly.

"All your years in the Human world have made you soft! You're nothing but a coward!" ranted Hiei.

"Who cares if he leaves. He just has no right to the loot. Give us the mirror and get outta here." ordered Gouki.

"I can't. I have a great need that requires its ability." replied Kurama.

"Alright..then I'll take it by force!" Gouki charged Kurama only to be interrupted by Yusuke.

"Excuse me neighbors!" declared the green clad spirit detective. Naruto nearly doubled over in laughter in his hiding spot. If this was the guy he's going to be working with, he envisioned them getting along great.

"Huh?" blurted the trio as they turned to face Yusuke entering the clearing holding up a branch.

"Couldn't help but notice there's no rain falling here. Maybe the next time you go stealing some magic toys, you should hide somewhere less obvious. Just a tip." he stated nonchalantly.

"Who are you and how do you know about the artifacts." demanded Hiei.

"Give us your name!" commanded Gouki.

"Hope you'd ask. Hello boys!" exclaimed Yusuku as he tossed the branch aside in dramatic fashion. "The name's Yusuke and I'm a spirit detective."

'Well since our cover is blown, I guess I'll join the party as well. Time for a green beast special!' thought Naruto.

"DYNAMIC ENTRY!" Everyone in the clearing looked up at the yell that seemed to echo from everywhere. An orange and black blur entered the area and nailed Gouki with a kick to the face that knocked him on his ass.

Naruto landed and struck a pose, "Naruto Uzumaki, also a spirit detective."

"Spirit detectives?" questioned a confused and slightly dazed Gouki.

"Looks like Koenma came through after all." commented an amused Yusuke.

"Yeah and what a case he lined up! A midget, a pretty boy, and the reject love child between an ogre and an ape. You guys should start up a traveling circus!" mocked Naruto.

"These punks are just a couple of Koenma's lackeys. Must have been the only humans he could find. The one in green barely has any spirit energy and the one in the black and orange jumpsuit is nothing more than a low level thug." stated Hiei in a condescending manner.

"Midget sure does have a mouth on him." retorted Naruto.

Kurama merely turned and started walking out of the clearing. "Sorry, I don't have time to be arrested."

"Stop Kurama! You can't just walk out on us!" demanded Hiei as he jumped to follow him. Naruto quickly sent the two shadow clone he had hiding in the trees in pursuit.

"I guess that leaves the ugly one." Naruto stated

"Yeah how rude of them to leave, right when we were all just getting to know each other. So much for manners." joked Yusuke.

Gouki stood up and started laughing. "Don't worry kid. I'm much more polite than those two. I'll gladly turn myself in if I can't rip off your heads first."

"Sounds like a good deal, just don't pull my hair." remarked Yusuke.

"Yeah, and easy on threads. I just paid for these." added Naruto.

"You guys are a riot. Hold on just a second, I need a little pre-battle snack." stated Gouki as he pulled out the orb.

"Bastard!" growled Naruto as saw three souls floating around in the glowing orb.

"I love this little orb, never have to cook anymore. People don't realize how hard it is to eat human souls." Gouki paused as he chuckled and pulled a soul from the orb, "You've got to cook the human so he taste's good, but not enough to kill him. This thing takes all the guess work out of it! Pulls em from the body still alive, so all you get is good clean soul."

"Is that the little kid I found earlier?" questioned a shocked Yusuke dreading his answer.

"They're the best!" laughed Gouki as he swallowed the soul.

"Monster! Spit him out!" yelled Yusuke as he charged and kicked Gouki in the gut causing him to spit out the soul. He followed with a punch to the face that downed the giant and caused him to drop the orb which Naruto picked up.

"That's a knockout." stated Yusuke looking at the soul of the little boy as it flew back to its body.

"Looks, like this was easier than they thought." commented Naruto as he released the other two souls trapped in the orb.

"Yeah no sweat. Two more to go!" declared Yusuke.

"For humans you guys are pretty decent, managed to knock me down twice." The duo turned to face, Gouki who was back on his feat, seemingly unharmed.

"What hell? How are you not still on the ground? I hit you to hard for you to be up!" declared Yusuke.

Gouki laughed before growling and becoming engulfed in red energy as he transformed in his full demon form. He quickly slashed Yusuke with his claws knocking him backwards on his ass. Before Gouki could move again Naruto jumped in. He tossed the orb to Yusuke for safe keeping before forming four shadow clones to surround Gouki. They all chucked shuriken at the beast only for them to deflect off his hard skin harmlessly.

"My skin is a solid as rock, your puny toys won't work on me!" roared Gouki as he picked up a tree and swung it around dispersing all the clones and nailing Naruto in the side, sending him skidding in front of Yusuke.

"That bastard is strong." grumbled Naruto as he staggered to his feet.

"You got anything besides those clones and weapons?" asked Yusuke.

"Nothing useful. You?" responded Naruto.

"Oh yeah that spirit gun thing." Yusuke tried to gather energy in his finger when he remembered Koenma telling him it could only be used once a day. "Dammit! Mr. Iwamoto screws me over once again. I can only use that attack once a day. I'm out of ammo."

"Well, then we'll have to improvise." replied Naruto.

"Improvise?" questioned Yusuke.

"Try something completely insane and hope we get lucky!" declared Naruto. This time he formed a dozen shadow clones that all charged Gouki. The demon beast laughed as he merely stood there while all their attacks did no damage. He cracked off a piece of the tree he wielding earlier and wielding it like a club destroying the clones with ease. For such a large creature he was very agile for his size. When a few of the clones remained he charged one of them that had been idle thinking it to be the real one.

"Can't fool me!" roared Gouki as he bashed it over the head only for it to disappear in a puff of smoke.

"I've been fighting you the whole time!" yelled the real Naruto as he got the jump on him and flung some dirt in his eyes.

"AH!" yelled the beast as it thrashed around.

"Now!" signaled Naruto as a clone threw a kunai headed for Gouki's open mouth. However, the demon tilted its head at the last second causing the weapon to deflect of his oversized fangs.

"Dammit! So Close!" exclaimed Yusuke. He dropped the orb and tried to capitalize on the opening by charging in and delivering a kick to Gouki's head only for the demon to grab him and fling him into a tree.

"You Punk!" raged Gouki as he regained his sight, destroying the clone and punching the real Naruto into a tree next to Yusuke.

"Since you got rid of my diner, I'm going to eat your souls instead. Not without some seasoning of pain of course!" roared Gouki.

Naruto groaned in pain, "I've got one more plan, but we only have one shot and I need your help."

"Yeah, let me hear it." responded Yusuke. As Naruto quickly whispered his plan Yusuke posed an immediate objection.

"No way, am I doing that! You do it!" he exclaimed.

"I'm a better distraction. Don't worry if you get close enough you can throw it. You don't have to touch it." reassured Naruto.

"Fine, but this better work." stated Yusuke. Naruto withdrew a kunai before slipping off his equipment pouch and tossing it to Yusuke. The blond fighter stood up and dusted himself before charging Gouki.

"You want some more? Fine with me!" declared Gouki as he met the charge head on. Naruto ducked inside his guard and sliced at his abdomen only to come up short and slice off the button on his pants.

"You missed!" mocked Gouki as he slashed with his claws knocking the blond teen back.

"Did I?" remarked Naruto as he formed two clones. They jumped at Gouki attacking him high. Gouki easily deflected their attacks, but the clones were only a distraction as the real Naruto charged low to the ground and went into a feet first slide as he passed by Gouki. In one motion he pants the demon, underwear and all, causing Gouki stumble over leaving his rear end exposed for all to see.

"SENNIN GOROSHI!" yelled Yusuke charged close to the exposed Gouki and flung a kunai with an activated explosive tag wrapped around it right up his rear end. Yusuke continued running to the edge of the clearing and dove into the forest for cover with Naruto close behind.

"Ah Shit!" roared Gouki in pain, before the tag exploded lighting up the area. When the smoke cleared the charred remains of Gouki's upper torso lied in one half of the clearing with his lower extremities scattered about on the other side.

"Man those tags from spirit world really pack punch!" observed Naruto as Yusuke nodded absentmindedly in agreement.

"Did you boys have to be so messy?" scolded Botan as she entered the clearing.

"It was his idea!" declared Yusuke pointing at Naruto.

"It got the job done right?" defending Naruto giving a shrug and a grin.

The blue haired beauty sighed, "I suppose you're right. Congratulations on recovering the first artifact, however, the other two will be much more difficult. Gouki was the weakest of the three."

"Well, the midget will be tough to beat, but I don't think we have to worry about the redhead." stated Naruto.

"Why do you say that?" asked Yusuke.

"Well, I had some clones hidden the trees that I sent after them when they first left. The midget killed the one I sent after him easily. But the other guy..."

X-A short time earlier-X

After traveling to the edge of the forest Kurama stopped to face his pursuer. Naruto's clone emerged from the shadows, however, instead of attacking like Kurama expected he asked a question.

"So did why you withdraw from your little group?"

"It was you I sensed spying on our meeting the entire time. I do not have such grandiose aspirations like Hiei. I desire the artifact for a onetime personal use. Then I will return it." stated Kurama.

"You seem like a decent guy. Why did you join up with those fools?" asked Naruto.

"The only reason I joined was because I have great need of the forlorn hope mirror. It is a matter of life and death." answered Kurama.

"Can you guarantee that whatever you plan to do won't cause harm to innocent people?" asked Naruto.

"Yes, then I will turn myself in and deal with whatever punishment deemed necessary." responded Kurama.

"Alright you've got your time. If the boss gets a whiff that you are lying or you don't turn yourself in after the full moon, he'll end you." stated the clone before he vanished in a puff of smoke.

"A replication technique, interesting fellow." commented Kurama before he disappeared from the area.

X-The present-X

"No matter how trustworthy he may seem, he could still be lying to you." advised Botan. Naruto shrugged, he'd given his word and he was going to stick by it.

"I'd like to meet him for myself, but I trust Naruto. From what I've seen he's a pretty good judge of character." stated Yusuke.

"How would you know you've only met him today! You're just being lazy!" yelled Botan.

"He executed a demon who ate the souls of children by shoving a bomb up his ass. If that's not fair and balanced judgment then I don't know what is." replied Yusuke.

X-X-X-X-X-X

It had been a day since they defeated Gouki. Yusuke and Botan were in his room arguing about what to do about Kurama. Earlier that day, he encountered the redhead who oddly enough asked for a meeting with him.

"I'm going to meet with him like he asked." said Yusuke.

"It could be a trap! Haven't you forgotten his friend who nearly ripped you two limb from limb!" countered Botan.

"Speaking of two, where is my partner in crime?" questioned Yusuke.

"Around!" spoke a voice from above his head.

They both looked up to find Naruto standing on the sealing.

"Don't do that!" screamed Botan as she threw a book at him. He hopped down from the ceiling and dusted himself off.

'My control has slightly improved, but it's still far worse than where I'd previously reached.' thought Naruto. "You don't need to worry so much Botan. Yusuke you probably noticed it when you saw him, he seemed really sad for some reason. I'll go too and if everything isn't on the up and up, I'll distract him while you blast him with that spirit gun thing."

"See nothing to worry about." added Yusuke.

"Fine, while you two do that I'll go and see what I can dig up on the forlorn hope mirror." replied Botan.

Their little meeting was the interrupted by Yusuke's mother.

"Yusuke, I've made us some dinner!" she cheerily interjected causing Yusuke to face vault. "Oh you have another new friend besides Botan!"

"Naruto Uzumaki Mam! Making sure this little punk keeps his paws of my girl here!" Naruto suddenly hugged Botan from behind, she blushed before smacking him into the wall.

"Stop clowning around!" yelled Botan.

"Mom! What are you doing! Next time at least knock! We were having a private conversation." yelled an irritated Yusuke.

She yanked him by shirt pleasant tone abandoned, "What kind of conversation could you being having that can't involve your mother!"

"Well, he's real shy when it comes to that girlfriend of his..." started Naruto with a cheesy grin. Yusuke looked at him in horror.

"Yes, he wanted some dating advice for going out with Keiko!" added Botan.

Yusuke gave the duo a murderous glare as they escaped while his mother launched a long rant about how excited she was about him finally taking the girl seriously.

X-X-X-X-X-X

Naruto was surprised that Kurama had them meet him at a hospital. Once he took them inside however, everything became much more clear. He introduced them to his deathly ill mother before taking them to the roof and explaining his origins as demon who planted his soul in a unborn child to save his own life. After originally planning to leave the human world after regaining his strength, he changed his mind after growing to love his mother and not wanting to hurt her. He blamed himself for her illness because he was such a difficult child to handle, always feeling she was inferior. After his heartfelt confession, the doctors came and told him that his mother had taken a turn for the worse. Kurama decided he couldn't wait any longer to use the mirror.

"There is something you're supposed to dish out to the forlorn hope to make it work. Do you know what that something is?" asked Yusuke.

"Yes, life." answered Kurama.

'It figures the cost would be something like that. Looks like we've got no choice but to let him go through with it.' thought Naruto.

Kurama placed the mirror down on the rooftop and knelt in front of it.

"Forlorn hope I ask that you awake from your sleep and hear my plea. Reflect my greatest desire so that you can make it true." chanted Kurama.

Strange light started to emit from the mirror as it glowed and suddenly reflected an image of Kurama's mother.

"The happiness of this woman, is that what you desire?" questioned the mirror.

"It is." replied Kurama.

"Hey! Can't you hold on second, so we can work things out! There must be some other way to do this!" pleaded Yusuke.

Naruto pulled him back, "No, there's no time. Go ahead, if I were in your shoes I'd be doing the same."

Kurama nodded towards them, "Thank you for allowing me to do this."

"To grant this wish you must give your life. Is that what you desire?" asked the mirror.

"If that will save my mother's life then, yes I do." responded Kurama.

"Then your desire shall be fulfilled." stated the mirror.

Another strange light emitted from the mirror before sparks of lighting shot out wrapping around Kurama.

'For you mother!' thought Kurama as the mirror started to pull on his life energy.

"No!" yelled Yusuke breaking away from Naruto and kneeling in front of the mirror, some of the lightning wrapping around him now. "Hey mirror guy! I want you to take my life instead! That way Kurama can live and still get his wish right?"

"This doesn't make sense! It's my wish!" yelled Kurama.

Images of his own mother weeping from his death flashed through Yusuke's mind, "Yeah well it doesn't make any sense for you to give your mother her life back only so she can spend the rest of it mourning the death of her son. I've seen that once before I don't want to see it again."

Suddenly Kurama and Yusuke were knocked back away from the mirror by Naruto.

"By your logic then, I should be the one to go. My mom is already dead. Mirror I'm your man!" yelled Naruto as the energy from the mirror now wrapped around him.

"Your desire shall be fulfilled!" declared the mirror as a bright white light emerged from it, enveloping the entire roof.

X-X-X-X-X-X

"I'm still alive! But what about my mother!" exclaimed Kurama in a panic as he rushed inside the hospital. He soon found from the doctors that she was to make a full recovery.

Botan arrived on the scene to see the two unmoving bodies of Naruto and Yusuke as Kurama rushed in the hospital. Tears started to form in her eyes as she anticipated the worst.

"Naruto! Yusuke! Get up!" screamed Botan.

The Naruto on the ground went up in a puff of smoke, as the real one jumped down next to Yusuke from a higher point on the roof.

"Get up!" yelled Naruto as he kicked him in the side.

Yusuke rolled over regaining consciousness and shifted to a sitting position. "You know that was pretty dumb of me. I was trying to stop the whole sad mom thing, but I would have only made my mom sad by dieing."

"Thanks to your creativity and noble deeds I have granted the wish without taking life." called out the mirror.

"I see you outsmarted the mirror by offering up a clone of yourself. You are probably the only person that could do that." said Yusuke.

"To think I ever doubted you guys! You make quite the team. Two down and one to go!" cheered Botan.

"Yeah right. I'm getting tired of bailing him out of trouble." grumbled Naruto.

"Hey, the great Urameshi is the star of this team!" joked Yusuke.

"Fine! Stay here and do a solo act! This place sucks worse than Cleveland. I'll take my talents to South Beach!" retorted Naruto, before they all doubled over in laughter.

From his office, Koenma groaned as he observed their cheery mood, "I don't see what's so funny. The next one will be ten times harder! Hiei's got the shadow sword and he's no ordinary demon. If we don't get that last artifact back, there's no telling what my father will do! Entire cities will be destroyed, not to mention my precious backside!"


A/N: That does it for this chapter. I'll post the next one pretty quick as well, before shifting to complete a nearly finished chapter for one of my other stories.